Hong Kong: Health chief to visit Shanghai

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau will lead a delegation to Shanghai today for a three-day visit that includes participating in the China Organ Donation Day event, organised by the China Organ Transplantation Development Foundation, slated for June 9.

Prof Lo and the delegates also plan to visit the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission to strengthen healthcare co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai.

As part of the group's agenda, they will tour Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University and Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and visit a community health service centre to meet Hong Kong people living in Shanghai.

Prof Lo will return to Hong Kong on June 11. During his absence, Under Secretary for Health Libby Lee will be Acting Secretary.

This story has been published on: 2023-06-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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
Photo: The Canadian Press Kamila Talendibaeva, wife of Huseyin Celil, a Canadian citizen being held in China.

A leader of the fight to secure freedom for a Canadian human-rights activist detained in China for 17 years is taking the latest diplomatic deep-freeze between Ottawa and Beijing in stride.

Wilf Ruland, a volunteer fieldworker with Amnesty International Canada, says a sustained, long-term campaign aims to keep Huseyin Celil's case in the public eye and in the minds of Canadian and Chinese authorities.

"Throughout the history of this case, there's been geopolitical ups and downs, but we figure our job is just to keep Canadian government officials' attention focused on the case and keep them working on it," Ruland said in an interview.

Celil, originally from China, fled the country in 2001 after being jailed for supporting the religious and political rights of the Uyghur minority.

Celil, his wife Kamila Telendibaeva and their son settled in Canada that year. They had two more boys and Celil became a Canadian in 2005. The following year, the family went to Uzbekistan to visit Telendibaeva's family while she was expecting a fourth child.

According to Amnesty International, the police in China discovered Celil was in Uzbekistan and asked the Uzbek police to arrest him. He was sent to China, where authorities accused him of offences related to his support of Uyghur rights.

"He was not given access to a lawyer, his family or Canadian officials. The Chinese authorities threatened and tortured him and forced him to sign a confession," Amnesty says.

"They refused to recognize Huseyins status as a Canadian citizen, and they did not allow Canadian officials to attend his trial. The trial was not conducted fairly, and he was sentenced to life in prison in China, where he remains today."

The Canadian government has expressed concern about the repression of Uyghurs and other minorities by Chinese authorities on the basis of their religion and ethnicity, under the pretext of countering terrorism and religious extremism.

Until at least late 2016, Celil was being held in Xinjiang Number One Prison in Urumqi, capital of China's Xinjiang region, Ruland said.

His mother and sister, who live in China, would occasionally make a train journey to visit him and then relay word to his wife in Burlington, Ont., Ruland said. But she has not heard anything since late 2016.

In September 2021, Telendibaeva said while she was happy to see high-profile Canadian detainees Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig freed from Chinese jails, she was frustrated that Ottawa could not also liberate her husband.

A recent petition from concerned Canadians, presented to the House of Commons by Conservative MP Garnett Genuis, called on Ottawa to appoint a special envoy to work on securing Celil's release. It also urged the government to seek the assistance of the United States and other allies toward that goal.

In a statement, the government said it continues to be deeply concerned with his detention.

"Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil's case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so," the response said.

"While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case."

Ottawa said it would also continue to seek access to Celil to "verify his well-being."

Accusations of interference by China in Canadian political affairs have further tested already strained relations between the countries, prompting diplomatic expulsions by both sides.

Ruland said diplomatic friction is beyond Amnesty's control, adding that the resolution of Celil's case could even be a bridge to re-establishing a better rapport with China.

Ruland, who recently began a campaign to petition the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa with postcards on behalf of Celil, said public support and attention are crucial.

"It's the lifeblood of Amnesty International's work," he said. "It's the public support that makes all the difference in getting governments to act."
Photo: The Canadian Press

The main suspect in the 2005 disappearance of U.S. student Natalee Holloway was handed over to U.S. custody and departed Peru on a flight to the United States on Thursday, roughly a month after both countries agreed on his extradition.

Joran van der Sloot is wanted in the U.S. on one count each of extortion and wire fraud, the only charges to have ever linked the Dutch citizen to Holloway's disappearance on the Caribbean island of Aruba.

His extradition moved forward after a Peruvian judge on Tuesday affirmed the government's decision to temporarily transfer custody to U.S. authorities.

Van der Sloot has been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman. Authorities over the weekend moved him from a maximum-security prison in the Andes to the detention facility in Lima.

It was not immediately clear when he would make his first court appearance in the U.S.

Holloway, who lived in suburban Birmingham, Alabama, was 18 when she vanished during a trip with classmates to Aruba. She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island.

Van der Sloot was identified as a suspect and detained weeks later, along with two Surinamese brothers.

Holloways body was never found, and no charges were filed in the case. A judge later declared Holloway dead.

The federal charges filed in Alabama against van der Sloot stem from an accusation that he tried to extort the Holloway family in 2010, promising to lead them to her body in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A grand jury indicted him that year on one count each of wire fraud and extortion.
This editorial appears in the June 9, 2023 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

[Print version of this editorial]

EDITORIAL

Schiller Institute Conference:

The World Needs JFKs Vision of Peace!

May 31The Schiller Institute will hold a conference Saturday, June 10, beginning at 10:00 a.m. EDT (4:00 p.m./16:00 CET). Registration is here.

On June 10, 1963, eight months after the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and peering into the abyss of thermonuclear self-destruction, American President John F. Kennedy gave a world-historical speech at American University in Washington. He said:

Total war makes no sense in an age when great powers can maintain large and relatively invulnerable nuclear forces and refuse to surrender without resort to those forces. It makes no sense in an age when the deadly poisons produced by a nuclear exchange would be carried by wind and water and soil and seed to the far corners of the globe and to generations yet unborn.

In a video address Sept. 23, 2022 to an international conference in Moscow marking the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Anatoly Antonov, Russias Ambassador to the United States, said:

Whereas the consequence of the Cuban Missile Crisis was the recognition of the possibility of peaceful co-existence of two great powers, now, over the past decades, Washington has set out to subvert Russia, bring it to its knees, or even betterto dismember it into several separate principalities.

Further, China and other nations Ukraine peace proposals have been rejected by London and Washington. Worse, China/Taiwan is to be the next theater in which world war is to be provoked.

In the last month, mad drone attacks have been launched directly into Russia, including on the Kremlin itself. These attacks are coming, either from an unhinged Zelensky regime, or from NATO special forces masquerading as anti-Putin freedom fighters who are being passively supported by the London-Washington military-intelligence establishment. Whatever their origin, they are criminally insane, and must be stopped.

No nation has the right to bring the world to the brink of annihilation; every citizen of the world has not only the right, but the obligation to act against such madness. This cannot be done through war. As the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his opposition to the Vietnam War put it,

The choice is no longer between violence and non-violence. The choice is between non-violence and non-existence.

Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and chairwoman of the Schiller Institute, wrote an Urgent Appeal by Citizens and Institutions from All Over the World, to the (Next) President of the United States! which says:

Today we are faced with a strategic situation which is much more dangerous than that at the height of the Cuban missile crisis; offensive NATO weapon systems are much closer to the border of Russia than Cuba was to the U.S., the destructive power of the weapons even greater, the warning time before their launch shorter, and the trust between the leaders of the big nuclear powers much below that between Kennedy and Khrushchev. The doomsday clock is set by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists at 90 seconds before midnight, and that may be overly optimistic.

The Schiller Institute therefore calls upon all sane forces either already proposing pathways to immediate peace, or inclined to do so, to convene on the 60th anniversary of the JFK American University Peace Speech on June 10an international assembly of the people of the world to deliberate on what Zepp-LaRouche has called Ten Principles for a New International Security and Development Architecture and what we must each and all do, to bring that about. As JFK said at American University:

Our problems are manmadetherefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Mans reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvableand we believe they can do it again.
Vatican Envoy Makes First Meeting with Ukraines President in Kiev

June 7, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The meeting between Vatican envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might have included more than meets the eye. Zelenskyys office wrote that during the meeting, The Head of State emphasized that the ceasefire and freezing of the conflict would not lead to peace. Zelenskyy himself wrote in Ukrainian and English on Telegram:

I met with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Special Envoy of Pope Francis. We discussed the situation in Ukraine and humanitarian cooperation in the framework of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Only united efforts, diplomatic isolation and pressure on Russia can influence the aggressor and bring a just peace to the Ukrainian land. I call on the Holy See to contribute to the implementation of the Ukrainian peace plan. Ukraine welcomes the readiness of other states and partners to find ways to peace, but since the war is on our territory, the algorithm for achieving peace can be Ukrainian only.

On the other side, the Vatican Press Office released a statement saying

At the conclusion of the mission on the evening of Tuesday, 6 June, a Holy See Press Office statement said The results of these talks, like those with religious representatives as well as the direct experience of the atrocious suffering of the Ukrainian people as a result of the ongoing war, will be brought to the Holy Fathers attention.

The mission, the statement continued, will undoubtedly be useful to assess the next steps to be taken both on a humanitarian level and in the search for paths to a just and lasting peace.

Is the Vatican peace initiative running into a brick wall? It would be wrong to make a hasty conclusion. Cardinal Zuppi, chairman of the Italian Bishops Conference, is an experienced diplomat. He was chief mediator in the negotiations that led to peace in Mozambique in 1992 between the government and the guerrillas. He knows how to deal with thugs. On his mission, he has clearly stated that the objective is to have the two parties talk to each other. To this purpose, what seems to be a humanitarian mission, the issue of Ukrainian children allegedly kidnapped by the Russians, not necessarily accepting Kievs views, might be one way to achieve a result.

According to a TASS source in the Vatican, Zuppi will depart to Moscow after his visit to Kiev within Vaticans peace mission. His schedule has not been officially announced.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR THURSDAY JUNE 8, 2023

International Peace Coalition Must Grow To Stop World War III

June 7, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The release below was posted today by the Schiller Institute, whose founder and leader Helga Zepp-LaRouche is a participant in the process reported. The Schiller Institute is circulating a petition statement, released May 17, on the occasion of this year being the 60th anniversary, June 10, of the famous American University speech by President John F. Kennedy, on what he himself called, the most important topic on Earth: world peace. The petition statement, which as of today has signatures from over 55 countries, is titled, Urgent Appeal by Citizens and Institutions from All Over the World to the (Next) President of the United States! On June 10, the Schiller Institute is hosting an international webinar, The World Needs JFKs Vision of Peace!

International Peace Coalition Must Grow To Stop World War III

June 7If you are interested in working with the International Peace Coalition, please contact questions@schillerinstitute.org

A Zoom meeting with over 25 representatives of peace organizations from about a dozen nations was held on June 2, with the aim of bringing the diverse peace movements around the world together to counter the rapidly escalating threat of a U.S.-NATO full-scale war with Russia and potentially also China. Schiller Institute founder Helga Zepp-LaRouche opened the meeting, noting the extreme danger of the NATO escalation toward war: Defender 23 now ongoing, the largest multinational air operations exercise in NATOs history; the drone attacks on Moscow, and the virulent proposals for dismantling the Russian Federation. She said there were significant peace rallies in the U.S. and Europe in February and in March, but since that time the war escalation has rapidly increased, and the peace movement clearly needs to increase much more. So it is urgent to launch a much more integrated form of organization to unify and expand the worlds peace movements to end the march to war, before it is too late.

The discussion included the urgent need for the diversion of military spending to development, contrasting the cost of a single F-16 (in the tens of millions of dollars each) to the massive need for development financing in most parts of the world.

The challenge of mobilizing large numbers of Americans to become a voice for peace is one priority, and joining with the Global South, which is experiencing a renaissance of the Non-Aligned Movement to finally overcome all forms of colonialism, another. The voice of the majority of the human species must be heard, since the existence of all of us is at stake.

Over 25 world citizens from a dozen nationsFrance, Guyana, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.K. and the U.S.participated in the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, discussing proposals for achieving these goals.

Following are excerpts from some of the participants in the discussion:

Helga Zepp-LaRouche, Schiller Institute founder, Germany:

The large demonstrations in February in Washington, D.C. and in Berlin, Germany, having 50,000 people, and many other local rallies since, do not match the masses in the streets which protested the Pershing II/SS-20 middle-range missile crisis in the 1980s, with hundreds of thousands of people in the street, who were aware that we were close to World War III then. ... I think that we really have to make an effort; and I would wish that this discussion today leads to a new form of organization where we would use this group of people as a kernel to try to unify the peace movement internationally, across five continents.

Donald Ramotar, former President of Guyana:

We have to pull our minds together, and I hope this meeting will help to make a contribution in that way, to break out of this information blockade that most people in developing countries are facing.

Richard H. Black, former Virginia State Senator, U.S.A.:

We are in a great deal of danger, and I think it makes a great deal of sense to bring all those groups together, especially those who dont agree on many things, but where we intersect, where we overlap, this is where we need to act and join forces.

Ray McGovern, co-founder, Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS), and works with Tell the Word, a publishing arm of the ecumenical Church of the Saviour in inner-city Washington:

It doesnt matter if Ray McGovern believes that Putin is right on this, what matters is that Putin thinks this is the case! What we need are whistleblowers, like my former friends in the CIAWhat we need is a mass mobilization to say, Look, stop this Defender 23, it can come to what the Chinese call a no good end. 

Jack Gilroy, Veterans for Peace and Pax Christi, U.S.A.:

There is a huge education needed in the United States to teach the American people, through writings and videos and various pronouncements by people in the existing Peace communities, that people must understand that Americans did provoke Russia to act.

Martin Schotz, author, History Will Not Absolve Us: Orwellian Control, Public Denial, & the Murder of President Kennedy, Massachusetts, U.S.A.:

My work is primarily trying to get President Kennedys American University speech distributed as widely as possible. The reason for that is that Kennedy has outlined in great detail and sophistication, what the Peace process is all about and the various aspects of it. If one looks at U.S. foreign policy of the last 30 years, from my point of view, the U.S. is 180 degrees from that speech. The exact opposite process its been following, and that is a war process.

Chandra Muzaffar, President of International Movement for a Just World, Malaysia:

Number 1, I think that it is extremely important to create a strong Peace movement in the United States of America....

Number 2, I think it is also very important to encourage groups at the grassroots level in different parts of the world. I come from the Global South, and I think it is quite possible to do this, not through Peace groups, since there are not many in the Global South, but there are other types of civil society movements, they should be enthused to act....

And the third, we have to try to get some voices within the corridors of power to act.

Angela McArdle, Chair, Libertarian Party, and Rage Against the War Machine Organizer, U.S.A.:

What I hope is what we do is really laser focus on the anti-war movement. What can we do to advance an agenda of Peace and how can we do it that makes room for as many people as possible? I dont believe that the bloods of monsters of the war machine, like Mitch McConnell or the McCain/Cheney types, will have any interest in what were doing, but I would hope that people who are regular low-information voters on the right and left will see what we are doing, be inspired by it, and want to join with us.

Nick Brana, Chair, Peoples Party, and Rage Against the War Machine Organizer, U.S.A.:

I have a format that I think would be really good for the next meeting, that I think would really help us work [on] this enormous challenge we face, and work backwards from our goal to end the war ... to what are the possible solutions. There have been Peace negotiation proposals by the Vatican, by Brazil, by China. There have been mass demonstrations to stop the war in the U.S., mass demonstrations to stop the war in Germany ... and then we can identify a number of different possible win conditions for us as an international Peace movement, that these are the routes by which the war can be ended. And then work backwards from those.

Alessia Ruggeri, Trade Unionist, Italy:

I remember very well our mobilization with the Schiller Institute to unblock Afghan funds being frozen by the Federal Reserve, funds which were needed to feed starving children. And I share Helgas view: Peace means also economic development, as the BRICS countries are demanding right now. It is very important that all peace movements come under a single cap, a single direction, thanks to this initiative of the Schiller Institute. This way we can be stronger.

Maurizio Abbate, Chairman, Ente Nazionale Attivita Culturali (ENAC), Italy:

Ive heard a lot of reports of large demonstrations: 300,000 people or so in important cities. But this reaches only people who know the problem, who are committed. But the great majority of people who listen to the mainstream media will not understand... So its important to reach the people who do not know and do cultural work... One should start from culture: Schools and universities.

No2NATO Representative, U.K.:

Its clear that the mainstream media narrative across the West is the same. People listen to their television. They are hearing the same narrative day in and day out. We need to try to change that narrative... George Galloway and Chris Williamson send their apologies for not being able to attend the meeting, saying, We do hope to attend any future events that you do. 

Bernie Holland, SGI-UK National Culture Centre, U.K.:

I am very touched by your sincerity regarding these problems. Now this word sincerity is important here in the context of statecraft and diplomacy. Im putting emphasis on this because for many years, we have seen the great lengths that President Putin and Secretary Lavrov have gone to build an entente cordiale with Western partners, only to be met with dissent and deceit.

Ulf Sandmark, President, Schiller Institute Sweden:

What I want to bring up is the Nord Stream issue. Because the Swedish prosecutor is sitting on the proof, taking the material from the bottom of the sea. They are saying that all traces on those materials are from explosives. They are not releasing the proof at all, but they are actually doing a cover up of the crime scene. We in Sweden dont have the power to force the prosecutor to release these things. So we need international pressure.

Johan Nordquist, publisher, Truth Guardian, Sweden

The ignorance is monumental amongst ordinary people. And I think we have to overcome that. One way to do that, which has inspired me, is Scott Ritters effort to counter Russophobia. In Sweden, it is very difficult to speak because of the widespread Russophobia.... One very simple message to reach people who are not aware, or are still in the mainstream media bubbleand that would be to ban nuclear weapons.

Diane Sare, U.S. Senate Candidate, New York, U.S.A.:

I was just thinking about this challenge why arent people in the streets, why dont we have millions of people in the streets? I think there are two reasons. One is that Americans had believed that you change things through the electoral process. But many Americans, from both sides, have lost faith in their electoral system, with good reason. So they are at a loss. The other is a despair.... If things get really bad, and worse, or that people realize they are worse, will this cause them to go out in the streets? I dont think so. I dont think its going to work that way.

Jacques Cheminade, former Presidential candidate, France:

What we have here (in France) at this point is the highest form of social demonstrations, I think probably in the developed sector. These demonstrations are against the pension reform, the counter-reform of the French government. So, as such, if its limited against pensions, it becomes a single issue and it doesnt work. And what we have to do is to transform this social ferment into a mobilization for Peace.

Steve Starr, Professor at the University of Missouri, former Director of the Clinical Laboratory Science

The hallmark of the Biden regime is irrationality. I think we have to find a way to get these people out of power. We cant wait for elections and whether the elections would be rigged or not would be another question. There is a man named Francis Boyle, who wrote up articles of presidential impeachment; and I think it would be worthwhile to get someone to bring those up to the House of Representatives. Because the neo-cons running foreign policy are entirely corrupt and delusional. I think some of them think they can get Russia to back down and I think some think they can win a nuclear war.

In attendance were also:

Maria de los Angeles Huerta, former Mexican Congresswoman

Chris Fogarty, Irish-American leader

Marinella Correggia, Eco-peace activist, journalist, Italy

Christer Lundgren, Sweden Gisela Neira, World Anti-Imperialist Platform, Germany

Juan Carrero, Fundacio SOlivar, Spain

Jose Vega, Activist, Interventionist and Schiller Institute organizer, U.S.A.

Anastasia Battle, Activist, Interventionist and Editor-in-Chief, Leonore Magazine, U.S.A.

Kirk Meighoo, former Senator in Trinidad and Tobago
Photo: The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says children who do not see a Pride flag at their schools should know one is flying for them on Parliament Hill.

Trudeau hoisted the flag that celebrates the LGBTQ community today at an event where he was joined by MPs from all political parties, marking the eighth time he has done so since being elected to power in 2015.

The prime minister echoed other speakers in condemning the sharp rise in laws curtailing the rights of transgender people across the United States, warning that similar sentiments exist in Canada.

Trudeau says when the Liberals first raised the Pride flag in 2016, he thought it would become easier to do so over the years, but has since been reminded that "hatred still has a very loud voice."

He says Canadians have watched as people try to remove books about gender and sexuality in schools, which he says is cruel to children who struggle with questions about their identities or live in homes where such questions are not met with love.

The prime minister says children are often the ones fighting to see a Pride flag raised at their schools, which in some places have been denied.
The war in Ukraine is worsening the climate crisis, a new report says.

A group of researchers will present the report this week at the United Nations climate meeting in Bonn, Switzerland. The scientists report that the first 12 months of the war will lead to increased production of waste gases that heat the planet. They say they expect the increase will amount to about 120 million metric tons of gas emissions, or release. That is equal to a years worth of emissions by the country of Belgium.

Dutch expert Lennard de Klerk is the lead writer of the report, Climate Damage Caused By Russia's War in Ukraine. He led a team of researchers investigating the creation of war-linked emissions. The causes include fuel use for vehicles, forest fires, changes in energy use in Europe and the future rebuilding of buildings and roads.

"We didn't expect the emissions of war would be so significant," said de Klerk by phone from his home in Hungary near the border with Ukraine.

Carbon accounting will be an important subject of discussion at the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai this year. Countries will measure progress against climate goals agreed to in Paris in 2015. De Klerk said it was very important that military emissions were included.

"The aim that we all should have is to get to net zero (carbon emissions) by 2050, including the military, but if you don't know what the military emissions are, it's very difficult to start work on policies to reduce them," de Klerk said.

The European Climate Foundation and the Environmental Policy and Advocacy Initiative in Ukraine paid for the research and report.

Almost half of the estimated increase in emissions since the Ukraine war started in February 2022 is connected to the expected rebuilding and repairing needs. The fighting has destroyed or damaged many roads, factories and other structures and systems.

About 19 percent of the emissions come from military activities like vehicle fuel use, making and firing weapons and building defensive structures.

The total also includes planet-warming gas production linked to the conflict but happening outside Ukraine. That includes gas leaks from the destroyed Nord Stream pipeline, the redirects of international flights and the movement of refugees.

The report said there had been a drop in Ukraine's own economic activity due to the conflict. But it said emissions related to those activities had mainly moved to other countries.

The report also said there was a drop in emissions in Europe linked to lower flows of Russian gas and a drop in electricity usage from higher energy costs. But that decrease had almost all been offset by increases in the use of oil, coal and liquified natural gas.

Carbon accounting expert de Klerk said government reports on military-linked emissions are often unclear and inexact. Emissions created by armies in foreign territory are not counted, and annexed territories are sometimes double-counted, he said.

Other studies have attempted to measure emissions from conflicts.

A project called Costs of War at Brown University in Rhode Island measured emissions from American military activities outside the U.S. between 2001 and 2018. The researchers reported that the U.S. militarys activities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria created 440 million metric tons of emissions.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by Reuters.

_______________________________________

Words in This Story

significant  adj. large enough to be noticed or have an effect

liquefy v. to cause to become liquid

annex  v. to take control of a territory or place
Forest fires continued to burn in several areas of Canada on Thursday affecting the northeastern United States as well.

Thousands of people in Canada have fled their homes. In the U.S., many American cities are under a billowing haze.

Canadas Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair said 3.8 million hectares have already burned. He said that is about 15 times the 10-year average.

Wildfires are common in Canada. However, it is unusual for fires to burn in the eastern part of the country and the west. This has stretched the resources of Canadas firefighters. The government has used military resources to help in the effort. Hundreds of U.S. firefighters also arrived in Canada to help, and more are expected.

On social media, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blamed climate change. "These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality," Trudeau said on Twitter.

Some of the most severe fires are in the eastern province of Quebec. More than 11,000 people had to flee their homes there.

Wildfire season started early in Alberta last month. Large areas have burned in that western province. In the east, Nova Scotia continues to fight forest fires in several areas.

The Pacific province of British Columbia is also facing big wildfires. Temperatures were predicted to reach 33 Celsius on Thursday before thunderstorms and heavy rains arrive on Friday.

Rob Schweitzer is executive director of BC Wildfire Service, a part of the government of British Columbia. Schweitzer said lightning strikes could start more fires in dry forests. He said a lot depends on how much rain comes with the storms.

"When you get 150 or 200 strikes in one day from lightning coming through the province, it's impossible to have enough resources to suppress them all," he said.

Wildfires have eased in Alberta, the center of Canada's oil and gas industry. But more than 3,000 people remain under evacuation orders and heat warnings are in effect in the south of the province.

Smoke-forecasting website BlueSky Canada showed wildfire smoke spreading across much of the country on Thursday. The smoke is expected to worsen in the Canadian cities of Ottawa and Toronto.

In the United States, the cities of Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are expected to have continued poor air quality. The smoke is expected to affect other cities along the East Coast of the United States, including New York City. There, Mayor Eric Adams advised people to stay inside because of the poor air quality.

Im Jill Robbins.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by Reuters.

_______________________________________

Words in This Story

billow  v. to move as an expanding cloud or similar thing in the air

haze  n. dust or smoke that reduces the clarity of the air

routine  n. something that people do regularly or everyday

evacuation  n. the process of moving people out of an area for their safety; moving out of an area to avoid danger
COZAD  In an effort to address the need for more child care options in Cozad, Learning Adventures Child Care Centers is working toward opening a day care in the former North Elementary building.

Lack of Adequate Care

There are currently 30 children, including 12 infants, on waiting lists to access child care in Cozad. Many parents have to travel outside of town to access child care, the Cozad Development Corporation (CDC) stated.

The fact is that cities that do not have adequate child care available lose out on the recruitment of professionals, stated the CDC.

CDC Executive Director Jen McKeone said they were in the midst of their child care needs assessment when Casey Madsen who owns Learning Adventures Child Care Centers in Gothenburg and Lexington reached out.

Madsen has directed childcare centers in the past in Fremont and Omaha and holds a degree in elementary education from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Madsen was aware of the demand in Cozad, having many children from the community on waiting lists for her two day cares.

In 2019, Madsen, aware became interested in opening a second branch in Lexington after learning of the need for child care in the community.

Madsen would go on to work with the Lexington First United Methodist Church to open a center in the basement of the building in 2020.

McKeone says Madsen has a, huge desire, to provide quality child care for children in the area.

Madsen said that the need for child care is large in Cozad as well; she acknowledged they already have a great center in place, but it too has a waiting list.

In a joint effort, the CDC board helped Casey receive a Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services grant to begin converting a space into a licensed child care center.

The original idea was to convert a space downtown into the center, but this proved cost prohibitive due to all the changes that would need to be made, Madsen said.

However, that is when Cozad Community Schools entered the picture.

In March 2022, residents of a Cozad school district voted to approve a $26 million bond issue, which among other goals, would reduce the footprint of the district from five buildings to three.

One that would be closed was the former North Elementary, now the Cozad Early Education Center, located at 420 W. 14th St.

The original plan had been to demolish the building which still holds historic and sentimental value to the 100th Meridian, former Cozad superintendent Angela Simpson said during a 2022 informational meeting.

Now the building will get a new lease on life as the new Learning Adventures child care center location. There will have to be some maintenance using the grant funds to get the space up to code.

McKeone said the, stars aligned, for this to transpire and is a win for Cozad, Madsen and the schools.

Madsen said they plan to start renovating the space during the end of the month and continue throughout the summer and fall. The plan is to open one room by January 2024 and then to open the full building by June.

Madsen said the full building will be licensed for around 90  95 children, but they will be taking around 10 when the first room opens in January and then increasing the number later.

The number of staff will grow with the number of kids under their care, said Madsen.

An Economic Development Issue

McKeone said the need for child care has been a burning topic, recently, but issues surrounding child care reach all the way back when she was on a board in Gothenburg 25 years ago.

There are a myriad of issues, including the lack of child care options for parents, providers are being paid minimum wage but are expected to prepare children for the rigors of public education, so staffing is hard to find.

According to Child Care in State Economic update from 2019, there has been a 20 percent decrease in family child care homes since 2010, resulting in fewer choices, including lower costing options, for families.

One idea is for providers to charge more for their care, but the issue is that most families are already paying an inordinate amount of their income for child care.

Even before the pandemic, the annual cost of child care for families was $12,480 in 2018, over 20 percent of the household income, according to the state report.

The result for families that cannot access regular and reliable child care is absenteeism from work or having to stop working all together to care for their children. McKeone said that is when the lack of child care becomes an economic development issue.

McKeone listed numerous examples of how the lack of child care has impacted businesses in the 100th Meridian. Cozad Community Hospital has had difficulty recruiting people to town, the former Cozad Superintendent had to take her grandson to Gothenburg to access child care and a woman drove over an hour and 15 minutes each day taking children to providers in Cozad and Gothenburg.

McKeone said if a child from Cozad is taken to child care in Lexington, Gothenburg or another community, when they start school, they will more than likely choose to option into that school.

According to a 2022 study by the Nebraska Public Power District on the economic impact of inadequate child care in Dawson County, the cost of the lack of child care to families is $5.2 million, this includes foregoing work, remaining part time, absenteeism and turnover.

This also has an impact on county businesses, according to the same study; the cost to employers is $2.6 million. McKeone said it limits the ability of businesses to attract talent and families to the area and hampers peoples options to enter the workforce.

The CDC held their own survey about child care earlier this year and it found 82 percent of families with child care said it was, extremely or somewhat difficult to find arrangements for their children.

Half of those were happy with the service but the other half said they are not satisfied, saying it was the only service available.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
Photo: The Canadian Press Parliamentarians passed the Liberal government's budget bill today, rolling out new incentives for Canadians and support for Ukraine, while trumping the Conservatives attempt to block it all. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland delivers the federal budget in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The House of Commons passed the Liberal government's budget bill today, which seeks to roll out vast new incentives for clean energy and expanding dental care subsidies  despite a Conservative attempt to hold it up.

The bill passed 177 to 146 with the support of Liberals and New Democrats, while the Tories and Bloc Quebecois voted against it.

The bill includes a new anti-flipping tax for residential properties, a doubling of tradespeople's tools deduction and an enhancement to the Canada workers benefit, a refundable tax credit to help low income workers.

It also codifies sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, and raises tariffs on Russia and Belarus.

The Conservatives attempted earlier this week to delete much of the bill by introducing amendments eliminating 900 of its clauses, saying they want a plan to balance the budget amid projections that show no end to federal deficits in sight.

The Senate must also pass the budget bill before it can become law, and senators have already been devoting hours study to its provisions.
Up to 50 British servicemen have died in an Argentine air attack on two supply ships in the Falklands.

Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram were anchored off Fitzroy in Port Pleasant, near Bluff Cove, when they were bombed in a surprise raid by five Argentine Skyhawks. Sir Galahad burst into flames instantly. The exact number of injured is still unknown.

The ships had almost completed an operation to move support troops of the Fifth infantry brigade from San Carlos to join forces advancing on the capital Port Stanley when the attack occurred.

The decision to make the dangerous journey was taken after the discovery that the settlements of Fitzroy and Bluff Cove had apparently been deserted by Argentine troops.

Moving the soldiers round by sea in landing ships was intended to save a lengthy trek across the bogs and mountains, which would have delayed support reaching other troops.

The attack came before adequate air defences could be installed, and the men on board, many from the Welsh guards, were helpless as Argentine air planes pounded them.

Helicopters which had been moving equipment rushed to rescue survivors, some of whom had jumped overboard to escape the rapidly-spreading flames.

Black smoke poured out as the guards ammunition started to ignite. On the cliff tops, medical staff waited for helicopters to bring the injured to shore.

Many of the injured had suffered burns, as the speed of the attack meant the crew had no time to put on protective masks.

In a week of raids at San Carlos, not a single ship has been sunk. Now, two have been lost in a single attack.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The battle of Bluff Cove, as it came to be known, claimed 48 lives, one fifth of all British fatalities during the Falklands conflict.

A memorial service was held at the Fitzroy settlement on the Falklands for the men who died aboard the two ships, and Sir Galahad was towed out to sea and sunk as a war grave.

The captain of Sir Galahad, Phil Roberts, later gave his account of the day.

He said: It all happened very suddenly. The planes came out of nowhere and they bombed us and the ship was set on fire very rapidly. We had to abandon ship fairly quickly. The scene was horrific.

The Argentines surrendered on 14 June.
An Urban Planning Committee (CPU) member expressed concerns yesterday on the execution of the New Urban Zone A plans, despite government assurances.

The consultation company the government commissioned to study the detailed planning of Zone A made a presentation to, and took questions from, the CPU yesterday.

Despite the companys reiteration on the reliability of its model that proved the capacity of road networks on the zone, Omar Yeung To Lai, a member of the CPU, demanded the government be exceptionally careful in executing the plans.

Noting that he was commissioned to handle some construction projects on Hengqin, he said the original plans were mainly very progressive, such as moving turning traffic underground to avoid obstruction to ground traffic traveling in other directions. Moreover, moving vehicles underground for short distances is also applauded.

However, he then noted that during the execution, there were problems.

For example, the construction of a private premises could not align the buildings underground access with that of public facilities or another building.

It is a simple matter for footpaths but a major challenge for vehicle traffic, he said.

These underground connections went abandoned because neither side is willing to spend extra money to facilitate the connections, he added.

In response, Lai Weng Leong, director of the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU), said the government meets weekly about the execution of the plans.

Similar to Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo do Rosarios comment: try to make as few mistakes as possible, Lai said.

Yeung asked if the planned roads, and those being built in the zone, would be capable of handling all future traffic.

I personally saw that the roads on the zone [currently opened to the public] are rather narrow. Please explain to us if they will be able to handle future traffic with cars entering and leaving both the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the zone, he requested.

In response, Lai confirmed the roads Yeung mentioned would be at least doubled in width.

Currently, construction hoardings are covering parts of these roads. After the conclusion of these constructions, the roads will be one-fold wider, Lai said.

In addition, Mak Tat Io, deputy director of the DSSCU, said the roads the public uses currently on Zone A are not main avenues, adding that the traffic capacity assessments were conducted with higher intensity.

The assessments were conducted based on an assumption that four-lane roads would be built, Mak said. In reality, we will build these main avenues with six lanes.

Yeung also suggested the government reconsider the decision not to extend the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Examples in Hong Kong have shown us that railway connections to a transport hub  such as the airport  have triggered many drivers to abandon driving to the airport, he said, hinting that the railway will help ease road traffic needs on the bridge.

He suggested the long-term efficiency and effectiveness of the railway extension will be able to compensate for the short-term costs of building the extension.

On this matter, neither the consultation company nor the government made any comments.

Yeung and fellow member Vong Kock Kei asked if an LRT passenger would have their destinations within 300 meters after alighting a train, a distance that Yeung finds preferable.

Mak responded that as the three LRT stations will be located along the north-south centerline of the zone, the distance from each station to the closest coastal point will be about 300 meters.

Meanwhile, Vong and member Teng Kai On were concerned with the quality of life in relation to the population density of the zone.

Vong found the projected 4.5-square-meter residential area per head rather small.

Another member, Si Kun Hong, asked if enough spaces had been reserved for community facilities considering the population on Zone A.

Mak responded that if the waterway between the Macau Peninsula and Zone A can be reclaimed, the population density can be lowered from 70,000 to 50,000 per square kilometer.

He said the design of community facilities on Zone A will be better than those in other districts and will attend to the needs of Zone A residents before other residents. However, should surplus exist, they will be able to handle additional demands.

Reiterating previous government guarantees, Transport Bureau (DSAT) representative Lam Chi Kim confirmed that construction of roads linking Zone A and other districts will be expedited to ease current traffic congestion affecting road users.
Fijis leader indicated yesterday his nation is reconsidering its security ties with China at a time that geopolitical tensions in the Pacific are rising.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Fiji was reviewing a contentious police cooperation agreement it signed with China in 2011 that has allowed Chinese police officers to be stationed in Fiji.

At one point during a news conference in Wellington with his New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins, Rabuka appeared to go one step further by referring to Fijis discontinuation of the agreement.

If our systems and our values differ, what cooperation can we get from them? Rabuka said, referring to China.

We need to look at that again before we decide whether we go back to it, or if we continue the way that we have in the past by cooperating with those who have similar democratic values and systems.

Rabuka said Fiji was finalizing a defense agreement with New Zealand, which it expected to complete next week. He said the new agreement would allow Fijis military to build its capacity and skill and be exposed to new technologies.

He said there has been a lot of geopolitical focus on the region, but that Pacific countries only worry about militarization when diplomacy and common neighborly discussions fail.

Fiji expanded its policing agreement with China in 2013 to include some military cooperation, but Rabuka yesterday didnt directly address that arrangement.

China has previously said the security agreements have benefited Fiji and it hopes to continue the collaboration.

Rabuka won a tense election in December over Frank Bainimarama, who had held power in Fiji for 16 years. Rabuka has moved since then to distance himself from some of Bainimaramas policies, including moves to forge closer ties with China.

Meanwhile, Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who oversaw the China policing agreement, now face criminal charges of abusing their power, as does former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who was widely seen as Bainimaramas right-hand man.

China and the U.S. have increased their competition for influence in the Pacific in recent years.

Last month the U.S. signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea, which is strategically located just north of Australia. The U.S. has also opened embassies in Solomon Islands and Tonga, and revived Peace Corps volunteer efforts.

Last year, Solomon Islands signed its own security pact with China, a move that raised alarm throughout the Pacific. NICK PERRY, WELLINGTON, MDT/AP
A real estate deal in Jerusalems Old City, at the epicenter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has sent the historic Armenian community there into a panic as residents search for answers about the feared loss of their homes to a mysterious investor.

The 99-year lease of some 25% of the Old Citys Armenian Quarter has touched sensitive nerves in the Holy Land and sparked a controversy extending far beyond the Old City walls. The fallout has forced the highest authority of the Armenian Orthodox Church to cloister himself in a convent and prompted a disgraced priest who is allegedly behind the deal to flee to a Los Angeles suburb.

If they sell this place, they sell my heart, Garo Nalbandian, an 80-year-old photojournalist, said of the Ottoman-era barracks where he has lived for five decades among a dwindling community of Armenians. Their ancestors came to Jerusalem over 1,500 years ago and then after 1915, when Ottoman Turks killed an estimated 1.5 million Armenians in whats widely regarded as the first genocide of the 20th century.

Alarm over the lease spread in April, following a surprise visit by Israeli land surveyors. Word got around that an Australian-Israeli investor, whose company sign appeared on the site, planned to transform the parking lot and limestone fortress of Armenian apartments and shops into an ultra-luxury hotel.

As anger, confusion and fears of possible evictions mounted, the Armenian patriarchate  the body managing the communitys civil and religious affairs  acknowledged that the church had signed away the patch of land. The Armenian patriarch, Nourhan Manougian, alleged that a now-defrocked priest bore full responsibility for the fraudulent and deceitful deal that the patriarch said took place without his full knowledge.

The admission inflamed passions in the Armenian Quarter, where activists decried the deal as a threat to the communitys longtime presence in Jerusalem. Jordan, with its historic ties to Jerusalems Christian sites, said it feared for the future of the holy city.

Palestinian officials accused Manougian of helping Israel in a decades-long battle between Israel and the Palestinians over a city that both sides claim as their capital. For Palestinians, such struggles over real estate are the centerpiece of the decades-old conflict, emblematic of what they see as a wider Israeli effort to remove them from strategic areas in east Jerusalem.

From a Palestinian point of view, this is treason. From a peace activist point of view, this undermines possible solutions to the conflict, said Dimitri Diliani, president of the National Christian Coalition of the Holy Land.

In a dramatic move, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordans King Abdullah II suspended recognition of Manougian, the patriarch who has served for the past decade in what is normally a lifelong position. That renders him unable to sign contracts, make transactions and make decisions in the Palestinian territories and Jordan.

The priest who coordinated the deal, Baret Yeretsian, was deposed, assaulted by a mob of angry young Armenians and whisked away by Israeli police before seeking refuge in Southern California. Manougian has barricaded himself in the Armenian convent, unwilling or unable to be seen publicly, according to residents.

This quarter is everything to me. Its the only place we have for Armenians to gather in the Holy Land, said 22-year-old community leader Hagop Djernazian. We have to fight for it.

The quarter is home to some 2,000 Armenians with the same status as Palestinians in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem  residents but not citizens, effectively stateless. Israel annexed east Jerusalem, where the Old City is located, after capturing it in 1967, a move not recognized internationally.

For the past month  most recently last Friday  protesters have formed a human chain around the quarter and gathered under Manougians window, shouting traitor and demanding that he come clean about who has leased the land and how.

While the Armenian church has refused to disclose details about the sale, Yeretsian identified the investor as Australian-Israeli businessman Danny Rothman. As the churchs real estate manager, Yeretsian said he was acting at the request of the patriarch.

There is very little information available about Rothman, who also has used the last name Rubinstein, according to a 2016 Cyprus regulatory decision fining him for falsifying his academic background.

His LinkedIn page describes him as chairman of a hotel company called Xana Capital. Records show the firm  formed in the United Arab Emirates  was registered in Israel in July 2021. Weeks later, a dozen Armenian priests raised the first alarm about a property deal being struck without their consent.

A sign recently popped up marking the Armenian parking lot as the property of Xana Capital.

Rothman, who is based in London, declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press. I never get interviewed by the press. Im a private person, he said before hanging up.

The self-exiled priest, Yeretsian, said that Rothman plans to develop a high-end resort in the Armenian Quarter. The project, he added, would be managed by the One&Only hotel company based in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, which established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020. The deal appears to be one of the most high-profile  and controversial  to come out of the business ties that were forged under the U.S-brokered agreements known as the Abraham Accords.

Israels Foreign Ministry declined to comment, citing the political sensitivity. ISABEL DEBRE, JERUSALEM, MDT/AP
A team from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management of the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) has won a first-tier award in a national tourism innovation competition.

Announcing the news in a statement, the MUST highlighted that the Tourism Innovation Competition saw nearly 3,000 contestants from forerunner institutions in the country, such as Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, Fudan University and Nankai University.

The team from MUST is the only first-tier awardee in the metaverse and cultural tourism campaign planning channel. The team had placed above 566 other teams from across the country to compete in the National Finale, where it won against12 other teams.

The MUST team based their project on Wuzhi Mountain  Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, and integrated metaverse with traditional rainforest camping. The tourism experience targeted Generation Z, or university students, as the main target audience.

This winning project of the MUST fully grasps the context of local tourism resources and the technical characteristics of the Metaverse, the university highlighted.

Held in Hainan, the competition complied with President Xi Jinpings direction on the acceleration of construction of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics and world influence. AL
Artificial intelligence poses an existential risk to humanity, a key innovator warned during a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, suggesting an international agency like the International Atomic Energy Agency oversee the ground-breaking technology.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is on a global tour to discuss artificial intelligence.

We face serious risk. We face existential risk, said Altman, 38. The challenge that the world has is how were going to manage those risks and make sure we still get to enjoy those tremendous benefits. No one wants to destroy the world.

OpenAIs ChatGPT, a popular chatbot, has grabbed the worlds attention as it offers essay-like answers to prompts from users. Microsoft has invested some $1 billion in OpenAI.

ChatGPTs success, offering a glimpse into the way that artificial intelligence could change the way that humans work and learn, has sparked concerns as well. Hundreds of industry leaders, including Altman, have signed a letter in May that warns mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.

Altman made a point to reference the IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog, as an example of how the world came together to oversee nuclear power. That agency was created in the years after the U.S. dropping atom bombs on Japan at the end of World War II.

Lets make sure we come together as a globe  and I hope this place can play a real role in this, Altman said. We talk about the IAEA as a model where the world has said OK, very dangerous technology, lets all put some guard rails. And I think we can do both.

I think in this case, its a nuanced message cause its saying its not that dangerous today but it can get dangerous fast. But we can thread that needle.

Lawmakers around the world also are examining artificial intelligence. The 27-nation European Union is pursuing an AI Law that could become the de facto global standard for artificial intelligence. Altman told the U.S. Congress in May that government intervention will be critical to governing the risks that come with AI.

But the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven hereditarily ruled sheikhdoms, offers the flip side of the risks of AI. Speech remains tightly controlled. Rights groups warn the UAE and other states across the Persian Gulf regularly use spying software to monitor activists, journalists and others. Those restrictions affect the flow of accurate information  the same details AI programs like ChatGPT rely on as machine-learning systems to provide their answers for users.

Among speakers opening for Altman at the event at the Abu Dhabi Global Market was Andrew Jackson, the CEO of the Inception Institute of AI, which is described as a company of G42.

G42 is tied to Abu Dhabis powerful national security adviser and deputy ruler Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. G42s CEO is Peng Xiao, who for years ran Pegasus, a subsidiary of DarkMatter, an Emirati security firm under scrutiny for hiring former CIA and NSA staffers, as well as others from Israel. G42 also owns a video and voice calling app that reportedly was a spying tool for the Emirati government.

In his remarks, Jackson described himself as representing the Abu Dhabi and UAE AI ecosystem.

We are a political powerhouse and we will be central to AI regulation globally, he said.

JON GAMBRELL, ABU DHABI, MDT/AP
The decision to scrap the use of coins for street parking meters was debated again at the Legislative Assembly (AL) yesterday.

The topic, previously discussed on several occasions, has returned due to final voting on the legal regime for monetary issuance.

According to Article 8 of the bill, the local currency (Pataca) cannot be refused as a payment means in Macau. Some exceptions exist in specific circumstances related to online transactions and vending machines or automated kiosks.

Several lawmakers rejected the governments inclusion of parking fees from street parking meters in this Number 4 Line 2 of Article 8, stating that there is some incongruence in the law.

Lawmakers Jose Pereira Coutinho and Ron Lam led criticism of the measure, which came into force on May 1, for not having been subjected to a public hearing.

The topic had already been discussed in April with the approval of the new regime for public parking.

After extended arguments between the lawmakers and the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, the article was passed with all votes in favor.

Of greater concern was Article 12.

Article 12 states that the reproduction and imitation of bank bills and coins, even for educational or advertising purposes, is subject to a prior authorization by the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM).

Lawmakers Pereira Coutinho and Lam disagreed with the need for such a bureaucratic norm because there have been no cases where the reproduction of currency for educational or advertising purposes has caused any public harm .

Pereira Coutinho said this measure is contrary to the simplification of procedures and debureaucratization that the government has been rolling out and called on government representatives to explain it.

In response, the chairman of the Board of Directors of the AMCM, Chan Sau San, could not explain the introduction of the norm, later stating it was added to protect the sovereignty of Macau.

Lam also said the public needed a full explanation of this rule and the procedures, otherwise the public might incur severe penalties unnecessarily even where they were not attempting to commit fraud.

Pereira Coutinho and Che Sai Wang voted against Article 12 after first requesting it be voted on separately.

After the final vote approved of the legal regime, in a vote declaration, they said there were several issues with the norm, including the fact that the sectors involved (education and advertising) were never consulted on a matter that will affect them directly.

The norm also adds a bureaucratic procedure to a simple matter that can be dealt with easily and that is already included in Macaus Penal Code about counterfeit money.
Sands China Ltd. commenced its The Macao Showcase at its sister property, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore yesterday, in a bid to showcase Macaus gastronomy, fashion, arts & culture, and wellness.

Running for three days from June 7-9, the event is the first major event organised by Sands China in an overseas market post pandemic.

We hope this event, the first of many, helps increase Macaus profile as an international leisure and MICE destination, thereby attracting more international visitors and extending their length of stay, said Sands China president, Wilfred Wong.

We are especially pleased to use this opportunity to highlight some of Macaus local SMEs, helping them reach a global audience, he added.

The tradeshows design creates a picture-perfect Macau ambiance with landmarks like the Ruins of St. Pauls, Travessa da Paixao, and symbolic visuals including the citys signature cobblestone streets, pedicabs and park benches, according to a statement issued by the gaming operator.

Meanwhile, the anticipated MICE & Luxury Forum will kick off with a wellness breakfast at Heliconia Ballroom today.

A lineup of international thought leaders and MICE specialists will discuss a wide range of trending topics in the industries in five themed sessions. The forum will also be live-streamed to The Londoner Macaos Smart Stage, a hybrid MICE broadcast space, inviting Macaus college students and MICE association members to participate and connect internationally.

Culinary treasures from the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy are also on offer, as well as a bazaar featuring Made-in-Macau wellness products such as kombucha, skincare and healing gemstones is available for guests to experience.

Staff Reporter
The Macau Taxi Driver Mutual Association has said that in the face of rising operating expenses, taxi rents and fuel prices, the industry has been communicating with the Transport Bureau (DSAT) to increase taxi fares, but there is no room for an increase due to the economic downturn during the pandemic. During the TDM Radio phone-in show, group chairman Kuok Leong Son said the industry hopes the issue can be discussed again and that the price range needs to have a social consensus. He said the price of oil and gas has risen in recent years and added that, as the city has been recovering, taxi fares should also be discussed. He called on authorities to issue more taxi licenses.

Related
Janesville police said they made five OWI arrests overnight Wednesday night into Thursday, including a sixth offense and a fifth offense.

At about 12:45 a.m. Thursday, an officer saw a vehicle heading south on Center Avenue that was deviating from its lane and stopped it, Sgt. Rogelio Carrasco said in a statement.

The officer stopped the driver at Center Avenue and Rockport Road and saw behaviors that indicated the driver may be impaired. After standardized field sobriety tests, the driver, David A. Ethridge, 58, of Monroe was arrested for a sixth offense of OWI, deviation from designated lane, no insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and prescription not in a prescribed bottle, Carrasco said.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, an officer saw a vehicle heading north on Center Avenue with expired registration, determined using an automatic license plate reader, Carrasco said in another statement.

The officer stopped the driver at Center Avenue and Rockport Road and saw behaviors that indicated the driver may be impaired. After standardized field sobriety tests, the driver, Dawn M. Lintvedt, 50, of Janesville, was arrested for a fifth offense of OWI, operating after revoked due to alcohol, an ignition interlock device violation, and non-registration of auto, Carrasco said.

Janesville police and the Rock County Sheriffs Office made two other felony OWI arrests earlier this week.

At about 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Rock County Sheriffs Office deputies were told of a vehicle heading west on Highway 81 near South Nelson Road in the town of Avon with two flat tires. The vehicle was reported to be driving all over the road, then stopped in the road, Sgt. Peter Falk said in a statement.

The vehicle then headed west again and struck a mailbox in the 18000 block of Highway 81. A deputy identified the driver as Kimberly Love, 56, of Brodhead, and reported that she showed signs of impairment and was arrested on a tentative charge of a fifth offense of OWI, with three prior OWI convictions in Wisconsin and one in Indiana, Falk said.

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Monday, officers responded to a complaint of an intoxicated driver on a motorcycle in the area of Kellogg Avenue and South Terrace Street, Sgt. Shawn Welte said in a statement.

The driver, William M. Jones, 47, was located at a residence, showed signs of impairment, failed field sobriety tests and was arrested on tentative charges of a fourth offense of OWI, operating after revocation, operating a motorcycle without a class M license, IID violation, and felony bail jumping, Welte said.

Here are the safest  and most deadly  days for drunken-driving fatalities Here are the safestand most deadlydays for drunk-driving fatalities DUI fatalities by season Most dangerous holidays for DUI Most dangerous days of the week for DUI Most dangerous weeks of the year Ways to stay safe on the road during the holidays Consequences of getting a DUI DUIs leave a lasting financial impact An end to drunk driving Methodology
Photo: Brendan Kergin. Vancouver police officers were called to an evening shooting in East Vancouver. The suspect was arrested and is facing multiple charges.

A suspect has been arrested and is facing multiple charges after a violent incident in East Vancouver.

Vancouver police were called to Vernon Drive and East 2nd Avenue after shots were fired just after 7 p.m. on Wednesday (June 7).

A 28-year-old woman was found with a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital. She is expected to survive.

The suspect, a man in his 50s, left the area following the shooting and was located and arrested near Trout Lake just before 10 p.m.

The man remains in custody and the VPD is currently investigating.
Republican leaders in the state Senate and Assembly say measures to provide Milwaukee with much-needed funding could be stripped from an extensive local aid bill if a deal isnt reached with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

In addition, deliberations on Wisconsins two-year budget will be put on hold after this week until the Republican-controlled Legislature and Evers come to an agreement on the bill, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, told reporters Wednesday.

Hours later, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, reiterated Vos stance that, if Evers doesnt agree to a version of the bill approved by both chambers, lawmakers will advance a bill that strips provisions that would allow Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to increase their local sales tax revenue to address pension debt.

Today we made our last, best offer to the Governor, LeMahieu said in a statement. If an agreement is not reached today, the Senate will pursue a shared revenue proposal that does not include an option for Milwaukee to raise additional sales tax revenue.

LeMahieu did not provide details on the new agreement, which comes weeks after he and Vos became divided on the Milwaukee provision in the bill.

The offer we put forth is fair, LeMahieu added. It is a product of months of work and negotiations. The Governor has a chance to save Wisconsins largest city and most populous county from bankruptcy. We hope he takes it.

The hold on budget deliberations, which will begin after the Legislatures finance committee meets Thursday, comes just a few weeks before the states 2023-25 two-year spending plan is slated to take effect. If Evers doesnt sign a budget effective by July 1, the state would continue operating using spending levels set in the previous two-year budget.

Republicans say discussion on Wisconsins two-year spending plan cannot proceed until an agreement is reached on the local aid bill, which boosts state funds to local communities through Wisconsins shared revenue program. The budget committee has yet to take up major spending items including K-12 funding and tax cuts.

We hope to have those negotiations be successful soon so we can continue our work, said Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, who co-chairs the Legislatures budget committee, adding that the committee cant sign off on certain requests without knowing how much money lawmakers approve in the local funding proposal.

At its core, the measure would boost local aid by diverting 20% of the states 5% sales tax to local communities through Wisconsins shared revenue program. If signed into law, future state aid to communities and counties would be directly tied to the state sales tax. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have largely supported those provisions of the bill.

But division has surfaced between GOP leaders over a component in the bill allowing Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to increase their local sales tax revenue. Assembly Republicans passed a version of the bill allowing Milwaukee County to increase its 0.5% sales tax by 0.375 percentage points and Milwaukee to impose a 2% sales tax to fund pension debt, but only if voters approve those increases.

Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, told reporters Wednesday putting the measure before voters would be a death sentence for Milwaukee because it would fail.

Before passing the amended version of the bill in May, Vos declared his chamber was done negotiating on the matter. However, LeMahieu said the following day he wants to strip the public vote measure from the bill and allow the Milwaukee Common Council and Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors to approve the local tax increases  a provision opposed by Vos but supported by Evers and local officials.

LeMahieu said on WISNs UpFront Sunday he didnt have 17 Republican votes in the Senate to make the change.

I am hopeful we will be able to find the answer on shared revenue, trying to stick with the parameters close to where the Assembly passed this bill, not having wholesale radical changes to it, Vos said.

Without an agreement on state funding for local communities in the next few days, Vos said, We will just focus on the balance of the bill, which is repealing the personal property tax and making sure that every community around the state is not held hostage by Milwaukees problem.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson told lawmakers last month mounting pension obligations have put Milwaukee on a path to catastrophic budget cuts that would have to be made by 2025 if funding is not increased.

LeMahieu didnt take questions from reporters after the Senates floor session Wednesday.

Asked to respond to Republicans comments Wednesday, Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback said the governors position on the negotiations hasnt changed since he said Wednesday morning that he hopes to figure out the proposal by the end of this week or very soon.

Wisconsins shared revenue program was created in 1911 and initially provided local municipalities 70% of state income tax collections, while counties and the state received the remaining 20% and 10%, respectively.
Phyllis Marian Field

April 14, 1924 - Oct. 16, 2022

NEW LISBON - Phyllis Marian (Thornton) Field, age 98, passed away peacefully at her home at Crestview Nursing Home on October 16, 2022.

Phyllis was born on April 14, 1924 on the family homestead in Bloomington, WI to parents, Monroe and Mary Thornton. She shared her life on the farm with her three siblings: Neil, Rosemary and John.

She attended a one room school until she was in 8th grade, where she was the only student in her class. She went on to graduate from Bloomington High School in 1942.

Phyllis earned a BS degree in Home Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1946, where she delighted us with her stories of living at the Anderson House on campus.

She married Fred Field on May 22, 1946 after he returned from serving in the Army during World War II.

Phyllis began her teaching career in 1947 at Bloomington High School. She left the classroom after one year in order to begin her family. She and Fred moved to Dodgeville, WI until moving to Mauston in 1951 where she and her husband raised their six children.

Phyllis returned to teaching Home Economics in 1967. She taught at Mauston Middle School until she retired in 1984. She was an outstanding teacher and especially enjoyed working with this age group.

Upon retirement, she and her husband, Fred divided their time between their Wisconsin home and their home at Restful Valley in Mission, TX.

Phyllis was very active in church throughout her life. She was raised going to the Congregational Church, but joined the Methodist Church as an adult in Mauston.

She was elected as the President of the Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) in 1959-60. Her time was spent organizing fund raising events for the new church. Years after retirement, Phyllis joined the Bethany Lutheran Church in 2005.

She sold her home in 2010 and moved to Terrace Heights Apartments where she was able to spend time enjoying her hobbies of reading, sewing, and socializing with her friends at afternoon coffee dates.

Phyllis loved her family and enjoyed sharing pictures and stories of her children and grandchildren's accomplishments and adventures. She was so proud of all of them.

In 2019, Phyllis moved to Crestview Nursing Home in New Lisbon, WI.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband, Fred, parents, Monroe and Mary; brother, Neil Thornton and sister, Rosemary Stare and daughters-in-law: Remy Field and Carol Field.

She is survived by her brother, John Thornton; six children: Mike, Tom (LeeAnn), Debbie (Cary) Elhardt, Steve, Todd (Mary), and Kevin (Judy); 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and

many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Mauston, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Association and the American Diabetes Association.
A federal judge signaled Wednesday that he likely won't stop a northern Wisconsin tribe from blocking roads on its reservation while non-tribal property owners pursue a lawsuit against the band.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is locked in an escalating dispute with the town of Lac Du Flambeau and a group of about 20 non-tribal property owners over road access on the reservation.

According to court documents, the tribe granted the town easements allowing public access to about 1.25 miles of roads on its 86,000-acre reservation in the 1960s. The easements allowed non-tribal people to move onto the reservations and build homes there.

The easements expired about a decade ago but the town and the tribe haven't been able to come to terms on renewing them. The tribe maintains that the title companies representing the property owners want permanent access but the tribe is willing to offer only 25-year leases.

Tribal council members in January finally voted to barricade the roads, permitting the homeowners to use the roads only to get food, prescriptions, propane and other services. The tribe demanded the title companies pay $20 million to remove the barricades and agree to a 25-year easement.

Conley held a hearing Wednesday on the landowners' request for a preliminary injunction barring tribal officials from rebuilding the barricades before he makes a final decision in their case.

Andrew Adams III, an attorney representing the tribal council, told the judge the council voted on May 12 to continue to allow 30-day road access permits at a cost of $22,000 each but the town hasn't paid anything yet. With the clocking ticking, the landowners' attorney, David Peterson, urged Conley to grant the preliminary injunction and ensure the property owners can get to their homes after Tuesday.

The homeowners are really stuck in the middle here (between the tribe and the town,) Peterson said. We are pawns.

He argued that the tribal council didn't have authority to block the roads in January because the roads were listed in the National Tribal Transportation Facilities Inventory. Tribes receive federal dollars to maintain roads listed in the inventory, qualifying the roads as public thoroughfares, Peterson contended.

But Conley pointed out that the tribe removed the roads from the inventory in March. Adams III said the tribe only ever received $88 for the roads. Conley said he didn't see how such a small dollar amount would commit the tribe to granting public access and as of now the roads aren't in the inventory.

Conley said that he believes tribal council members have sovereign immunity and can't be sued. Sovereign immunity is a legal concept that states government entities can't be sued without their consent. Peterson maintained that the concept doesn't protect the council members because they acted beyond the scope of their authority when they blocked the roads since they were listed on the inventory as public avenues.

Conley was skeptical, saying the tribe doesn't have to allow anyone to use their roads. All 12 members of the council voted to close the roads, he added. The landowners might have a beef with the three council members who actually helped erect the barricades but the other nine clearly enjoy sovereign immunity protections since all they did was vote, the judge said.

Conley promised he would issue a written opinion soon denying the injunction. In the meantime, he urged all the parties to negotiate an amicable settlement.

After the hearing adjourned, Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Gollis gathered all the attorneys around and tried to convince them to open negotiations. He said the parties are limited in what they could win in litigation but if they sat down and talked they could approach the problem with maximum creativity. Peterson and Adams agreed.
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.
(CNN)  The thick blanket of smoke over the Northeast and Midwest  funneling south from Canadian wildfires  is chock full of toxic pollutants that are harmful to everyones health.

But unlike man-made pollution, wildfire smoke cant be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, which is charged with protecting human health and the environment.

The EPA and the landmark Clean Air Act treat wildfires as exceptional natural events  that is, events that arent caused by humans and dont happen regularly.

You cant say its illegal for lightning to hit a tree and catch it on fire, said James Boylan, a top air quality official for Georgias Environmental Division, and a member of the EPAs Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. Its hard to regulate something thats naturally occurring like wildfires.

But the human-caused climate crisis is stacking the deck in favor of larger and more frequent wildfires as temperatures rise, and has renewed the debate over regulation.

The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee  a group of physicians, state environmental officials and academics who are tasked with advising the EPA on air quality  has written letters to EPA administrator Michael Regan asking the agency to take a harder look at whether wildfire smoke should be classified as a natural or exceptional event.

A lot of the (committee) members felt that is something EPA ought to reconsider and not exclude, especially with climate change and the more frequent fires, committee member Dr. Mark Frampton, a pulmonary disease specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, told CNN. Its certainly having adverse health effects on people.

Committee chair Lianne Sheppard, a public health professor at the University of Washington, said that while her committees recommendation doesnt weigh in on whether wildfire smoke could or should be regulated, it emphasizes that raging fires are increasingly common.

Treating these as exceptional events, that implies theyre unusual. But theyre getting to be so common that from a protecting public health view that doesnt make sense, Sheppard told CNN.

Other environmental experts called on the agency to stop classifying wildfires as natural events.

These things are clearly, according to some in the scientific community, linked to climate change. Thats linked to humans, said Jonathan Skinner-Thompson, a former EPA attorney and a law professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Experts say the task is extraordinarily tricky, made all the more difficult by the fact that the current smoke choking Northeast cities is coming from wildfires in another country.

There are some things we just cant control, Boylan said. Unfortunately, theres not a whole lot [to do] regulatory-wise besides greenhouse gas reductions. People just have to look after their own health and make smart decisions on days like this.

Its up to individuals to heed air quality warnings and stay inside, not exercise outdoors and use masks to avoid inhaling toxic smoke, Boylan and Frampton said.

What can be done?

If the EPA cant regulate wildfire smoke altogether, experts said it can tweak regulations to make it easier for states and Native American tribes to perform prescribed burns  essentially, fighting fire with fire.

Even though the EPA considers wildfires natural events, prescribed burns are categorized as human-caused, which means there are more regulatory hoops to jump through before initiating a prescribed burn, Skinner-Thompson said.

I get that tension there, but EPA and others have put out studies saying prescribed fire emissions health benefits outweigh the cost, he added.

Experts noted the EPA is issuing rules to address the underlying causes of human caused climate change  pollution from burning oil, gas, and coal.

By regulating greenhouse gases, in theory, that could reduce the number of wildfires, and EPA does have a number of initiatives for reducing greenhouse gases, Boylan said.

But ultimately, both are longterm solutions.

Room for Congress to act

For the EPA to make any significant changes to how it treats wildfire smoke, Congress would likely have to weigh in on the Clean Air Act. That could come with plenty of pitfalls of its own, according to Skinner-Thompson.

In light of the political climate today, I bet both sides would like to amend the Clean Air Act and update it, he said, adding, Theyre going to have very little appetite for consensus changes to the Clean Air Act to address wildfires.

Western lawmakers  who represent the states with the largest wildfire threat  said watching smoke fill Washington, DC, this week was concerning  but also gave them hope that more could be done to prevent and fight fires.

Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, a Democrat, said the smoke enveloping DC could bring more urgency and understanding on wildfires from his East Coast colleagues.

I wouldnt wish it on anybody, but a couple years ago when we had the smoke from the California fires, it made everybody pay attention here in a way that they didnt, Bennet told CNN. I hope well act as a result of this.

We have to recognize that given climate change, were going to have more of these fires, Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah told CNN. The way weve addressed them in the past is going to be insufficient for the future.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Republican voters like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But when it comes to who should get the GOP's 2024 nomination, they prefer former President Donald Trump. Among likely Republican voters, 58% said they would vote for Trump if the nomination came down to Trump and Desantis. Only 30% said they would pick DeSantis .

In the survey by Rasmussen Reports with a six-candidate GOP primary field including former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and DeSantis, Trump got 62% support from Republican voters, compared to 17% for DeSantis and single digits for everyone else.

In a poll released by Marist/ NPR that separated voters by generation, Generation X (born from approximately 1965 to 1980) had the highest level of disapproval for President Joe Biden and were the generation most likely to say they would vote for a Republican candidate. Members of Generation Z (those born after 1996), especially young men, are more conservative than many people assume.

Generation X has now become the most conservative generation, surpassing the baby boomers. Younger voters are turning right.

Sallie Helmer, Ripon
Nov. 5, 1956April 15, 2023

BUFORD, GAIt is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Todd Jeffery Walker, Buford, GA, who was a beloved father, family member and friend. Todd was surrounded by loved ones when he succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest on April 15, 2023, in the comfort of his Buford, GA, home, at the tender age of 66 years old.

Todd is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Zachery and Isadora, Woodstock, GA; granddaughter, Kaia; sisters: Maria Austin of Madison, WI, Brenda (Norm) DahI, Pardeeville, WI; brothers: Troy Walker, LaCrosse, WI, and Tyler (Patti) Walker, Columbus, WI; along with many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his father, Marland; and mother, Dorothy; and step-father, Cecil Hendricks.

Todd was born in Portage, WI, and spent his formative years in and around the small town of Rio, WI. Todd spent his childhood years riding dirt bikes, playing sports, and spending time with his brothers and sisters. Todd graduated in 1974, from Rio High School and earned a two-year degree from Madison Area Technical College. During college Todd worked at his uncle Bill's restaurant "The Top Hat" in Middleton, WI, where his love for the culinary arts grew.

After college, Todd spent his working career in the food industry, advancing into corporate America for various food chain and restaurant groups which eventually relocated him to the Metro Atlanta area in 2003, with his ex-wife of 30 years, Debra (Ripp) Walker, and son.

Todd will be remembered as an outspoken, salt-of-the-earth soul, and a light in any room. Todd brought friends together, loved cooking and dancing the night away, all the while making everyone feel welcome. He loved his Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. Some of his hobbies included rafting, traveling, and snorkeling.

A man that will be missed by many, forgotten by none, and is now resting peacefully in heaven. It's never goodbyejust see you later. Forever and always.

A funeral will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio, WI, on Saturday, June 10,2023, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a burial at Ohio Cemetery. Visitation for the family will be at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Todd's of Life will be held at Cercis Brewing Company in Columbus, WI, following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio.
Professor Frank Thomas Hamill, at age 30, left his home in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, to teach school in Carson City, Nevada. Prior to that, Hamill was the principal of schools in Ligonier.

When Hamill became the principal in Carson City, he purchased a ranch in Idaho, on Shoshone Creek, just north of the Nevada border. For three years, he spent his summer vacations there, some 15 miles south of Rogerson.

A single man for most of his life, Hamill married Jessie Mitchell of Oaks, North Dakota, in 1915. Less than a year later, at the age of 33, Hamill was slain by an 11-year-old waif. He left behind his widow, parents and nine siblings.

Hamills body was found Aug. 17, 1916, outside his ransacked cabin, by C.C. Vance, who had stopped to ask Hamill whether he had seen any stray sheep.

A posse led by Twin Falls County Sheriff Frank Kendall followed tracks of a horse and wagon that zigzagged 120 miles through Twin Falls County from Hamills cabin to the Owsley Ferry on the Snake River  where the unknown suspects tried to cross the river but had no money to pay  then back south, where the trail was lost.

Meanwhile, a woman known only as Mrs. Tolman reported to Probation Officer Virgil Ormsby that two boys in her care were missing. Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Pennywell had left her two sons, Harold Lovelace, 12, and Lynn Lovelace, 11, with Tolman while the couple traveled to Montana to look for work.

Soon, Buhl Marshal J.F. Baymiller telephoned Ormsby to tell him the two missing boys had been seen 4 miles west of Buhl by a former Rogerson resident who knew the Pennywell family. Ormsby asked the marshal to lock the boys in jail until he could get there, the Aug. 24 edition of the Twin Falls Weekly Times wrote.

When Ormsby arrived in Buhl, he found in the boys possession Hamills pocketbook and a half-dozen guns stolen from ranchers along the way.

In a surprise confession, the boys told Ormsby how Lynn shot Hamill in the head when he caught them at his cabin.

The brothers were held in the county jail for several months before their trial. Their mother and stepfather, unaware of the boys situation, heard about their plight on their train ride home from Montana. Their mother later told a reporter that her boys were not bad boys, only mischievous.

During the boys trial, defense attorney W.P. Guthrie played heavily on the sympathy of the jurors.

The boys have no comprehension of what they had done, Guthrie said.

Even the newspapers seemed sympathetic.

They are ragged, forlorn, deserted, homeless lads, and their plight and the awful crime they committed have stirred the community as it probably has never before been stirred, the Times wrote. The pathetic features of a terrible occurrence make crime one of the most unique in the history of the West.

In the end, the jury agreed. After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury found Lynn Lovelace not guilty of murder and Harold Lovelace not guilty of accessory to murder.

The boys were sent to the Idaho Industrial Reform School in St. Anthony, an institution for the commitment of wayward or incorrigible youth, runaways or without proper parental care.
As former and current members of Idahos law enforcement community, we are writing to condemn the actions of fringe anti-government agitator Ammon Bundy, and make clear that he alone is responsible for the escalating rhetoric and potential for conflict at his home in Emmett.

Ammon Bundy has consistently demonstrated a blatant disregard for the rule of law. By refusing to follow the most basic court proceedings by which all law-abiding Americans must adhere to, he mocks our legal system and the dedicated public servants duty-bound to carry out court processes.

Bundy and his followers have harassed, intimidated and defamed police officers, judges, hospital workers and other hard-working people in Idaho who keep us safe. Using the threat of violence to shut down hospitals and obstruct proper police procedures is unacceptable.

Bundy and his followers recklessly break the law and then cry persecution when they are forced to face the consequences of their illegal actions. We live in a great nation, and are fortunate that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are enshrined in our founding documents. With great freedom, however, comes great responsibility.

We call on Ammon Bundy and his followers to cease with the provocation and intimidation. We call on him to participate in the court process that he is compelled to appear in. We cannot know what the outcome of that process will be, but our founders provided Americans with a justice system that gives us a time and a place to make their voices heard in court. Mr. Bundy must appear in court, make his case and cease victimizing other Idahoans in the process.

Idaho Leaders United stands with the vast majority of Idahoans who reject bigotry and political violence. Together, we will defend the great state of Idaho, her future and her legacy for every generation that follows us.

Gary Raney, Ada County Sheriff (retired)

Bill Shawver, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (former director)

Chris Smith, Canyon County Sheriff (retired)

Paul Wilde, Bonneville County Sheriff (retired)

Mike Masterson, Boise Police Chief (retired)

Scott Johnson, Ada County Deputy Sheriff (retired)
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - Twitter, now X. Corp, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk poses prior to his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, May 15, 2023 at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Lawyers seeking to bring a class-action lawsuit against Tesla submitted declarations Monday, June 5, 2023, in Alameda County Superior Court from 240 Black workers who testified to rampant racism and discrimination at the electric car maker's Fremont factory in Northern California. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, Pool, File)

Electric vehicles made by General Motors will be able to use much of Tesla's extensive charging network beginning early next year under an agreement the two companies announced Thursday.

In addition, GM will adopt Tesla's connector, the plug that links an electric vehicle to a charging station.

GM joins Ford in shifting its electric vehicles to work with about 12,000 of Tesla's roughly 17,000 chargers, and both Detroit automakers are pushing to make Tesla's connector the industry standard. GM CEO Mary Barra and her Tesla counterpart, Elon Musk, made the announcement during a Twitter Spaces conversation.

Their discussion comes two weeks after Ford CEO Jim Farley joined Musk to announce that Ford's electric vehicles would gain access to much of Tesla's EV-charging network, the largest in the nation. Farley also said Ford would switch to Tesla's connector rather than go with the connector used by the rest of the industry.

At first, GM and Ford EV owners will need an adapter to hook into the Tesla stations, which have their own connector. But both GM and Ford will switch to Teslas North American Charging Standard connector starting with new EVs produced in 2025.

Tesla has about 17,000 Supercharger stations in the U.S. There are about 54,000 public charging stations in the U.S., according to the Department of Energy, but many charge much more slowly than the Tesla stations.

Like Ford, we see this as an opportunity to expand access to charging, Barra said, adding that GM hopes the rest of the industry will move to the Tesla charging connector, which is different from the CCS connector used on most other EVs.

Musk said that GM and Tesla vehicles would have an even playing field at the charging stations.

We will provide support equally to both, he said. The most important thing is we advance the electric vehicle revolution.

Financial details of the agreement between the two companies were not released Thursday, but GM spokesman Darryll Harrison said GM isn't paying Tesla.

Tesla will get better utilization of their network and all the new charging revenue, which will help them expand the network further, Harrison said. There are other opportunities both companies can take advantage of as a result of the agreement.

It's likely that GM EV owners will have to pay a monthly charge to access Teslas charging network, and current GM owners probably will need to buy the adapter, Harrison said.

Teslas supercharger network is a huge competitive advantage for the company based in Austin, Texas, which sells more EVs than anyone else in the U.S. Chargers often are located near freeways to enable long trips, where most fast-charging plugs are needed, and generally they're more reliable than other networks.

But opening access to EVs from GM and Ford, which rank a distant second and third in U.S. EV sales, will make it easier for those owners to charge while traveling. It also could rankle some Tesla owners who already are jockeying for space at some of the busier Supercharger stations, largely in California.

Barra said joining Teslas network would almost double the number of chargers available to GM electric vehicle owners.

At the end of the day, were looking at whats best for our customers, Barra said. We arent the only company that comes up with good ideas.

Mike Austin, an electric vehicles analyst for Guidehouse Insights, said GM joining the Tesla network is a huge step toward making Tesla's connector the industrywide standard.

It seems like there's a lot of momentum going the way of the North American Charging Standard, for sure, he said.

If other large EV makers such as Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Nissan, also switch connectors, Tesla would get a large amount of revenue from its chargers, Austin said.

Still, Tesla appears to be holding back at least part of its network for use only by Tesla owners, he said. The risk, he said, is that Tesla owners could have to wait for access to a plug.

Tesla owners are used to not having to wait, he said.

The Tesla connector and cord are much lighter and easier to handle than the CCS system used by the rest of the auto industry, Austin said.

Earlier this year, the White House announced that at least 7,500 chargers from Teslas Supercharger and Destination Charger network would be available to non-Tesla electric vehicles by the end of 2024. But the rollout thus far has been slow.
Henry County native Dylan Jones went from earning his GED to graduating with a Ph.D. and working for the EPA.

Jones grew up in the Bassett area near the Patrick County line and though he now lives in the Washington, D.C., area, the majority of his family remains in Henry County. His parents are Jesse and Jennifer Jones, his grandparents are Vickie and Hal West and his great grandparents are Ruth and Leumel Spencer.

He took some twists and turns on the path to working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

When I was really little I wanted to be Steve Irwin, Jones said. He had a love for science and things like National Geographic from a young age but becoming a scientist wasnt something that he considered until he began his college studies, which had a non-traditional beginning.

As a teenager I ended up really getting off track, Jones said. This happened around ninth and tenth grade for Jones and had a major effect on his school work until he was in a car wreck in 2010 that acted as a major wakeup call for him, Jones said.

It kind of put things in perspective for me, Jones said. At that point, he added, his parents became a support system for him to get back on track and register for his GED (General Educational Development) classes.

From there  it was just one step at a time, Jones said. I got my GED  whats the next step.

That next step began at Patrick & Henry Community College where he earned an associate degree in arts and sciences.

I never knew what the next step was going to be, but that was kind of the beginning of where it went from really struggling a lot as a teenager to being motivated to really start to get things together, Jones said.

Every step of the way there was another scientist saw my potential and saw that I really wanted to learn, Jones said. One of those people was his geology and biology instructor at P&HCC, Brett Dooley, who Jones said he considers a friend to this day.

Brett [Dooley] really helped to cultivate my love for science, Jones said. Id say that being in a supportive environment  pretty much solidified from there that I wanted to be a scientist.

He earned a bachelors degree in biology from Roanoke College, a masters degree in biology from Montclair State University and his doctorate in biology from Binghamton University.

Jones is the first scientist in his family, being one of the first to go down the full academic path. He said this added an additional challenge to his educational path because he felt he didnt have the knowledge or background on college that his peers did.

On April 10 he started a position as a biologist at the EPA working in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention within the Environmental Fate and Effects Division. His main job is to work on ecological risk assessments, he said.

This has him looking at how chemicals impact terrestrial and aquatic organisms to mitigate and prevent those impacts, he said. This is really a dream come true for me.

He said he hopes that with this job he is able to make an impact and protect the environment and do something for wildlife and human safety. Which is why Jones wanted to work for the EPA in the first place, he said.

This whole academic journey  Ive learned so much about biology, but  I wanted a career that could help me facilitate action, Jones said. And with the risk assessments he does for real world situations, he said thats exactly what he gets to do.

Now, in a job that he didnt think would ever be an option for him, he said his biggest obstacle in his journey there was overcoming the personal mental barrier of not feeling good enough.

Coming in with my GED I used to be really insecure about that because I thought I would be inadequate or not equal to others, Jones said. But that didnt stop Jones from attaining his goals.

Sometimes you just have to  really just put yourself out there and you can really surprise yourself, Jones said.
Photo: Angela Bergen A bus carrying elementary school students from Westcot Elementary on a field trip to Cultus Lake caught fire in Chilliwack Thursday morning. Fortunately nobody was hurt and students got off the bus before the fire took hold.

A bus carrying elementary school students on a field trip has caught fire on a road in Chilliwack, B.C., spreading to a nearby structure and cutting power to the area before being extinguished.

The City of Chilliwack says no injuries were reported and crews contained the blaze near Cultus Lake on Vedder Mountain Road, about 95 kilometres east of Vancouver, before it could spread to nearby woods.

Local television showed the charred wreckage of the bus, hedges and a nearby shed.

Chilliwack RCMP say they had to close the 4400 block of the road as firefighters battled the flames, telling people to avoid the area until it was put out.

BC Hydro says power went out for nearly 2,500 customers as a result of the fire but was restored a few hours later.

The city says campfire bans in Chilliwack went into effect at noon Thursday.
Its not unusual for a child to pick an American Girl doll whose hair or eyes, skin tone or ethnicity, matches her own.

But its not every day that a little girl who was born without a thumb on each hand, then had surgery to fashion them from other fingers, gets a doll that has been through something similar. And, when a teenager who runs the Joy Doll Hospital recently made that happen for little Arabella Emery, the 2-year-old took the black-haired doll in her arms, then reached for a plastic accessory that came with it.

With the four remaining fingers on her hand, she grasped a tiny brush and lovingly combed the hair of the doll that looks just like her.

That just gave me goosebumps to see her do that, said Mary Beth Gass, a labor and delivery nurse at Stafford Hospital.

Gass, along with 15-year-old doll doctor Leah Barcus, went above and beyond to bring smiles to Arabella and her family: parents Tiffany and Rich and big sister Kaitlyn of King George County.

Gass met the couple when Bella, as shes called, was born in December 2020. The Emerys didnt know about the defect before birth, and as they dealt with the news, they bonded with the nurse.

Theyre such a sweet family, Gass said.

The couple invited her to Bellas first birthday party, something thats never happened to Gass before, and she has worked in labor and delivery since 1985.

Mary Beth has been a wonderful nurse for us and wonderful friend, Tiffany Emery said.

At the party, Gass mentioned her daughter was a temporary worker at an American Girl store, and Emery asked if she knew anyone who could customize a doll. She said shed like one with fingers like her daughters, but she didnt want a cartoon character like Minnie Mouse.

Gass remembered a story in The Free LanceStar about Leah, who restores American Girl dolls that have been damaged and gives them to children who have been through equally rough times.

Gass shared the unusual request with Leah and her mother, Allison, who said they thought it was possible. While Leah, 15, has repaired doll hands chewed off by pets or damaged by wear and tear, shes never made such a drastic change to a new doll, right out of the box.

The teen was quite nervous about the undertaking.

Gass arranged for the Emerys to buy an American Girl doll called Corrine. Her back story, because all these dolls have one, is based on a 10-year-old ChineseAmerican girl, and Gass got it to Leah.

Leah checked online for tips but couldnt find any suggestions for ways to remove or refashion doll fingers. As she went through a list of what might work, she ruled out a lot of possibilities, like 3D printing or using chemicals to cover any hole in the hand the amputation would create.

Safety was our top concern as we knew the doll was going to be played with, Leah said.

In addition to her doll work, Leah keeps busy with home-schooling projects and extracurricular activities. She was in the middle of a three-month production of The Horse and His Boy at the Museum of the Bible in Washington. Fittingly, she played the part of a nurse, and one night greeted Gass, who came to the show.

Because of her schedule, which recently has included gifting repaired dolls to Ukrainian refugees, Leah worked on the customized doll in stages. That gave her time to come up with more strategies.

She considered trying the same surgical move done to Bella. On each hand, surgeons removed the childs index finger, placed it in the thumb position and reshaped it. Her middle finger was fashioned to oppose her new thumb, allowing her to grip. Separate operations were needed on each hand, with the last one in November.

Leah decided that was too extensive an undertaking in her home-based hospital. With damaged doll hands, she practiced removing fingers and finding the spot where the vinyl digits arent hollow because she didnt want to leave a hole in the dolls hand.

She settled on removing the pinkie so the doll would have the same number of fingers as its owner, even if they werent positioned exactly the same. She practiced on several damaged doll hands before she made her real cuts.

With only one chance on a new doll, I had to be careful, steady, ready and focused, she said.

Leah ended up using an Exacto knife, then used sandpaper to shape and remove any sharp edges. In a photo of the surgery, the doll wore a hospital gown and has her eyes covered with cotton balls, held in place by gauze. That was to protect the eyes, which are metal, from any fragments.

Those involved met at Stafford Hospital in April for the presentation of the four-fingered doll to Bella. Tiffany Emery was impressed, both with the work and the person who did it. She didnt know the executive director of the Joy Doll Hospital was only 15.

I was shocked. I thought it was this big group of women who knew dolls in and out, she said. Shes a wonderful young lady, really kind and so super positive.

Gass was amazed at Leahs attention to detail, not only with the customization. The teen also dressed the American Girl doll in an outfit she deemed more appropriate than the original attire.

Most of the dolls Leah refurbishes are given to groups, such as abused children served by the Safe Harbor Advocacy Center in Spotsylvania County. She hadnt worked before on a doll with a particular individual in mind.

It was really special, Leah said. I know when shes older, shell know the doll was made especially for her.

More information about Leahs work is available at her website, joydollhospital.org.
For the first time, First Baptist Church of Marion, in collaboration with Centro Unido Latino Americano, will welcome the mobile service of the Mexican embassy to the city of Marion, North Carolina.

The Mexican embassys mobile unit will be here for five days, from Monday, June 12, through Friday, June 16. Organizers estimate that around 500 people will have access to their services which include but are not limited to consulate IDs, passports and electoral ID cards. These documents are vital to the Mexican population living in the United States because for some its their only form of identification. CULA expresses immense gratitude to local partners like the First Baptist Church of Marion and many other organizations for having the opportunity to bring this kind of service to the community, according to a news release.

It is important to maintain these types of relationships, so the community can have access to other resources that are not knowledgeable to them, said Margarita Ramirez, executive director of CULA. I also want to ensure that the Mexican population has a valid form of ID, such as the Mexican passport that is recognized by all government agencies.

Scott Hagaman, lead pastor at First Baptist Church of Marion said, I want to acknowledge that we have a large Mexican population here in McDowell County that needs these types of services locally. This partnership with CULA helps us ensure that every member of the community has the opportunity to meet their different needs. In all cases, we seek to be good neighbors in Christs name.

Due to the great impact local organizations have had on the community during events like these, Centro Unido will provide a resource fair at the Mexican embassy event with a variety of organizations within and outside of McDowell County, according to the news release.

This event will take place at the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church of Marion (99 N. Main St., Marion), morning through the afternoon. There will be a number provided by CULA to the public where they can make their appointment and receive the proper information for their visit.
The 6+6 joint commission, tasked by the Libyan House of Representatives and Council of State with preparing the electoral laws, announced from the Moroccan seaside city of Bouznika that its members had reached a compromise on the laws governing the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of the year, after two weeks of meetings in Morocco.

The inter-Libyan agreement was reached Tuesday night after two weeks of debates and negotiations between members of the joint commission, tasked with drafting electoral laws of these important polls for peace and stability.

The final agreement on these laws will be debated in the coming days in the presence of the presidents of the Libyan House of Representatives and Council of State, said Jalal Shwehdi, member of the House of Representatives, at the closing session of the 6+6 commission Tuesday night.

The session was attended by Omar Abu Lifa, member of the High Council of State and Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Foreign Minister.

Shwehdi highly praised the role played by Morocco in securing the success of this dialogue and in reaching compromises on the electoral laws, stressing that the commission had not been subjected to any pressure from abroad.

During the closing ceremony, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said the Bouzkina agreement is an important forward step in the process of finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis, noting that members of the joint committee have accomplished their mission.

Morocco is convinced that elections are the only way to solve the Libyan crisis, said Bourita, affirming that the electoral process cannot succeed without the involvement of all Libyans and that the solution will come only from the Libyans.

This Maghreb country deserves greater mobilization, accompaniment and support, because a stable Libya is an added value to the Arab world and to Maghreb integration, said Bourita, adding that the threats hanging over the region require greater efforts to make what was agreed in Bouznika today the launch of a successful electoral process.

In addition, he recalled that Morocco believes that the UN, in the person of its special envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily, plays an essential role in supporting the settlement of the Libyan crisis with a view to achieving the desired objectives.

For his part, Abu Lifa affirmed that the members of the commission had reached a compromise on all the points of divergence relating to the electoral laws, specifying that two laws had been drawn up, the first of which concerned the election of parliament (House of Representatives and Senate), while the second text concerned the election of the Head of State.

All that remains is the official publication of the laws by the House of Representatives as stipulated by Amendment 13 of the Constitutional Declaration to begin the electoral process, he pointed out.

The outstanding points were the subject of a compromise without any foreign interference, he said, explaining that these laws do not prohibit any person from participating in the electoral process and do not provide for any exclusion, just as they offer the opportunity for political parties to play a fundamental role in the electoral process.

Both laws support womens active participation in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and broaden the countrys regional representativeness, since all remote areas and villages are represented in parliament.

Abu Lifa also expressed his gratitude to Morocco for its strong support of the commissions mission, noting that the Kingdoms successful efforts had greatly facilitated the accomplishment of this mission.

Morocco is pursuing its efforts to find a definitive solution to the Libyan crisis in order to guarantee the unity, stability and progress of Libya, by supporting its efforts to organize elections within a comprehensive, inclusive and pragmatic framework.

The 6+6 joint commissions session in Bouznika is a continuation of the series of meetings hosted by the Kingdom, bringing together the various Libyan parties with a view to deepening dialogue on ways and means of resolving the crisis in the country, following an approach that provides the right space for dialogue and constructive consultation.

These meetings had led to important agreements favorable to the settlement process, led by the Skhirat Agreement (2015), the agreement between the speaker of the House of Representatives, Akila Saleh, and the president of the Libyan High State Council, Khalid El Machri in October 2022 on the implementation of the results of the Bouznika process concerning sovereign positions and the unification of executive power.

Morocco considers that the question of legitimacy in Libya can only be resolved through presidential and parliamentary elections, which will enable the Libyan people to choose to whom to entrust the power of political governance in the country.
The National Police (PN) of Cape Verde arrested 17 people and seized several objects in another mega operation to combat crime in 21 neighborhoods in the city of Praia, the institution said Wednesday.

Named Capital Segura, the police operation took place on the night of June 02, in 21 neighborhoods of the countrys capital, culminating with 17 detainees, between 17 and 38 years old.

According to the PN, 12 of the detainees were taken to the police station for identification and five were presented to the Public Prosecutor for alleged practice of theft in the residence, possession of weapons and narcotics.

Also as part of the operation, several objects were learned, including a handmade firearm boca bedjo, a toy gun used in robberies, several white weapons and narcotics such as cannabis and hashish.

Several other products of illicit origin were also seized, including a laptop computer, a gaming machine, a motorcycle, vehicle documents, clothing and other personal property.

The operation took place on the same day that the Cape Verdean Minister of Internal Administration, Paulo Rocha, announced that the PN will conduct special operations of criminal prevention in the island of Sao Vicente, to curb the crime wave of recent weeks.

In recent weeks there have been several cases of crime in Praia and Mindelo, island of Sao Vicente, the two largest cities in the archipelago, in addition to constant assaults on commercial establishments.

On Thursday, the opposition African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) will question the government in parliament about crime in the country.

The interpellation will take place two weeks after the deputy of the parliamentary group of the Movement for Democracy (MpD, in power) Manuel Moura was shot following a robbery in front of his residence in the neighborhood of Terra Branca in Praia.
Four of the five judges of the Constitutional Court (TC) of Sao Tome left office on Tuesday, after the interpretative law approved by the National Assembly, which imposed automatic retirement for magistrates at the age of 62, came into force.

The law approved on Thursday by the parliamentary majority that supports the government imposed that all judicial or prosecutorial magistrates aged 62 must immediately cease active exercise of the magistracy, automatically becoming unavailable, regardless of any formalities.

The law was promulgated the next day by the President of Sao Tome and Principe, Carlos Vila Nova, and published on Monday.

With the entry into force of the new law, the president of the TC, Pascoal Daio, the vice-president, Maria Alice Carvalho, and the judges Amaro Couto and Hilario Garrido ceased their functions, making it impossible for the body to function due to lack of quorum.

However, the law approved by the National Assembly established that the only judge counselor who remains active, Patrick Lopes ensures the effective functioning and representation of the Constitutional Court until the vacancies are filled within 30 days.

The law also determines that the rights to professional and personal use of a car and fuel, as well as a driver and allowances for telephone, water and electricity, as inherent to the effective exercise of the magistrates function, cease automatically with the retirement of the magistrate.

The law was approved with five votes from the parliamentary group of the coalition Independent Citizens Movement-Social Party/National Unity Party (MCI-PS/PUN) and 28 votes from Independent Democratic Action (ADI).

The deputies of the opposition parties voted against the law, respectively 18 from the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD) and two from the Basta movement, and had asked the President of the Republic to veto the law, claiming unconstitutionality.
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:

Some brain afflictions are particularly hard to diagnose and have limited treatment options. Credit:  alexialex, Shutterstock.com

Scientists are refining their understanding of neural networks and sharpening diagnoses.

For two years, Dr. Islem Rekik ran a study to establish what the neural networks in a healthy brain looked like so that dysfunctional ones could become easier to spot.

Rekik and her team took a large amount of data from 3D brain scans such as MRIs and turned these into 2D maps showing brain networks. Each networkknown as a connectome and similar to an electric wiring diagramrevealed the labyrinthian system of neurons connecting the various zones of the brain.

Mapping the way

From these connectomes, the researchers produced brain connectivity templates, which act as neural fingerprints. These show how the brain is structured when all networks are arranged correctly and working as they should (while allowing for the natural variation expected in a given population of healthy individuals).

"A disordered brain will show up as a map with networks that deviate from those seen in the healthy brain template," said Rekik, director of the Brain and Signal Research and Analysis laboratory, or BASIRA, at Istanbul Technical University in Turkey. "By placing such a map over the template, the dysfunction stands out."

Brain disorders are an immense health challengeboth to the one in three Europeans expected to suffer from a neurological or psychiatric disorder and to the care services for victims.

Generally, the sooner these afflictions are diagnosed, the better. Early treatment heightens the chances of slowing or reversing potentially irreversible damage to brain tissue.

But some brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, autism, epilepsy and sleep ailments, are particularly hard to diagnose. And even when these conditions are picked up, treatment options are often limited.

These kinds of diseases are categorized as 'complex', reflecting the lack of a single fault in the structure of the brain or in the way it's wired.

The challenge for scientists is not simply to identify the regions impacted by a complex brain disorder but also to pin down the tangle of neural pathways that are activated when messages are sent between affected regions.

Key connections

By better understanding these key connections, researchers can gain a more complete picture of complex disorders and begin the hunt for treatments to address the underlying network failures.

Rekik and her team produced their brain-network maps and connectivity templates in the NormNets project, which lasted for 24 months through March 2022.

The hope is that, by comparing the fingerprint of a disordered brain with that derived from a healthy brain population, it will be easier to spot faults in the network andin timedirect a patient towards the most appropriate treatment.

The researchers are now refining machine-learning methods to analyze individual brain maps.

Eventually, they plan to make their healthy brain template open source. That means any expert working on diseases of the brain, from geneticists and epigeneticists to neuroscientists and neuropsychologists, will be able to use it freely in studies.

Using their mapping method, the researchers have already identified the top brain networks involved in mild cognitive impairment and certain forms of autism. Though preventative therapies and cures for these conditions are some way off, Rekik is convinced her group's research will pave the way to future treatments.

"The next step will be to design treatments that target not only a region of the brain but the entire connectome," she said. "The template will also be a tool to compare brain scans of individuals from cradle to grave, meaning we can track how the brain changes over time both in healthy individuals and in those who develop neurodegenerative disorders as they age."

Advanced data

Another concern among scientists working on complex brain disorders is for people to receive a fast diagnosis so that personalized care can be delivered without delay.

The EU is backing a separate project to improve the diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes of complex brain disorders.

Called MES-CoBraD and running through March 2024, the initiative aims to develop a platform that can process diverse real-world medical data.

It collects and integrates large amounts of anonymized information from various sources including hospitals, existing research databases, smartwatches and fitness trackers.

This information is then used in the platform to conduct experiments that generate new scientific knowledge and to train computer algorithms supported by artificial intelligence (AI). The algorithms, known as Expert Systems, mimic and expand on the decision-making abilities of human experts.

Dr. Christos Ntanos, research director at the Decision Support Systems Lab at the National Technical University of Athens in Greece, coordinates MES-CoBraD and stresses the promises and limitations of technology such as AI.

"By introducing Expert Systems and artificial intelligence in neurology and in medicine in general, clinicians can multiply the positive impact they have on their patients," said Ntanos. "Though we must be carefulmachines should be used to complement the expertise of medical professionals and help them make sound decisions. They're not substitutes for human judgment and responsibility."

By their very nature, complex brain disorders make a human-led diagnosis hard to come by. Often a disorder will show up with comorbidities, making it difficult to distinguish one affliction from another and clouding the diagnostic process.

"Typically, even if the primary disorder can be diagnosed with relative ease, identifying the comorbid condition can pose a significant challenge," said Ntanos. "By using real-world data and advanced analytics and AI, we strive to improve diagnostic accuracy and identify the most effective treatments for both the primary condition and its comorbidity."

Patient focus

MES-CoBradD plans to offer research institutes across Europe a platform for performing their own analyses and tests.

For instance, scientists from a university hospital can collect data from their own patients, anonymize the information, upload it to the platform and run experiments using the provided tools.

Doctors and their patients are also expected to benefit directly from the platform.

"Eventually, the aim is for clinicians to use the platform's Expert Systems to perform diagnoses on individual patients," said Ntanos.

He himself has been the subject of one of the project's experiments.

"I took part in a sleep study that used data collected in the past and data collected by volunteers like me in the present," Ntanos said. "When you don't sleep very wellas I often don'ta part of you wonders if it's related to stress or something else."

For a week, he kept track of meals and daily activities, answered lots of questions, took memory tests, wore a watch known as an actigraph that monitors rest-activity cycles and then got hooked up with 40 to 50 sensors before falling asleep.

"The good news is that the platform and the neurologist agreed that there's nothing neurologically wrong with me," Ntanos said. "It's just stress."
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

Chilean policies aimed at reining in unhealthy food marketing are succeeding in protecting children from the onslaught of television advertisements (TV ads) for these products, according to new research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

The country's multi-phased regulations, which began in 2016, led to a 73% drop in children's exposure to TV ads for regulated foods and drinks (those that exceed legal thresholds for calories, sugar, salt or saturated fat) by 2019. During this time, the number of ads for unhealthy foods dropped 64% on all TV programs and 77% during children's programming. Researchers also found that 67% fewer unhealthy food ads used child-directed creative content such as cartoons, characters, toys or contests, which are also prohibited under the country's laws.

These and other findings from researchers at the University of Chile, Diego Portales University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill underscore both the potential and need for strict rules around marketing to build healthier eating habits.

The study also highlights the importance of a key policy addition contributing to the regulations' success: The initial Law of Food Labeling and Advertising in 2016 limited child-directed creative content in any marketing and prohibited companies from placing TV ads for regulated products during programs attracting a child audience. In 2018, Chile extended this prohibition to a full "daytime" ban across all TV from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. While researchers saw a decline in advertising for unhealthy foods during earlier phases of the law (in 2017 and early 2018), the significantly greater drop following the full daytime ban is noteworthy.

Key findings

Total TV advertising dropped 64% for unhealthy foods and drinks (i.e., those high in calories, sugar, salt and/or saturated fat) from 2016 (pre-regulation) to 2019, after the full 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. ban began.

TV advertising for unhealthy products during children's programming dropped 77% from 2016 to 2019.

Children viewed 73% fewer TV ads for regulated products in 2019 compared to 2016.

The number of TV ads for unhealthy foods and drinks that used prohibited child-directed content (e.g., cartoon characters, prizes, games) dropped 67% from 2016 to 2019.

For all outcomes, impacts were significantly greater after the full 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daytime advertising ban began in 2018 compared to earlier restrictions during children's programming only (in 2017 and early 2018).

"Focusing on child-directed ad content and child-directed programming to reduce children's exposure to unhealthy food advertising does work to an extent, based on what we've seen in Chile, but children are simply exposed to much more than this," said Francesca Dillman Carpentier, Ph.D., W. Horace Carter Distinguished Professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and the study's first author. "To markedly reduce the amount of unhealthy food promotions children view, we see that it takes a bold move like Chile's 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. ban to be effective. The number of unhealthy food ads on TV, as well as kids' exposure to them, was greatly reduced after Chile added the daytime ban on these ads."

This study's findings underscores a weakness of nearly all governmental restrictions on TV advertising for unhealthy foods worldwide: Most focus on very narrow windows of time or programming, leaving children exposed most of the day and night to targeted ads for unhealthy foods and drinks. This study provides evidence that countries could significantly strengthen existing policies by expanding TV restrictions to complete bans. Countries considering introducing policies to regulate food marketing can also learn from the Chilean experience to protect children more effectively from ad exposure.

Chile enacted marketing controls in 2016 as part of an ambitious, comprehensive policy package aimed at reducing childhood obesity and other health risks by creating a healthier food environment. The Law of Food Labeling and Advertising also mandated "stop sign" warning labels on packages for unhealthy foods and banned their sale or promotion in schools.

This remains one of the most ambitious regulatory frameworks in the world aimed at tackling rising nutrition-related diseases and soaring health care costs, and many policymakers and public health advocates worldwide have been watching to gauge the policy package's effectiveness.

Other studies evaluating the combined effects of Chile's marketing restrictions, warning labels and school ban have yielded similarly promising results:

A study of household grocery purchases found a 24% drop in calories purchased in the first year (during the most lax period of the law's three-phased nutritional criteria) and a 37% reduction in sodium purchased.

Focus groups indicate that parents are being encouraged by their children to avoid buying foods with warning labels.

Students reduced their sugar, saturated fat and sodium intake in schoolsalbeit with some evidence of compensation outside of school settings.

Marketing restrictions also led to the removal of child-directed marketing strategies from nearly 50% of breakfast cereals to just 15% in the first year of the law.

"The Chilean experience has shown us that rigorous food marketing regulations work to reduce kids' exposure to TV food advertising," said co-author Lindsey Smith Taillie, Ph.D., associate professor and associate chair of academics in the Department of Nutrition at UNC-Chapel Hill's Gillings Global School of Public Health.

"Looking to the future, we need to figure out how to monitor and regulate the digital food marketing environment, as kids increasingly shift their attention to smartphones and other online content."

More information: Francesca R. Dillman Carpentier et al, Restricting child-directed ads is effective, but adding a time-based ban is better: evaluating a multi-phase regulation to protect children from unhealthy food marketing on television, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01454-w Journal information: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
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 UN's health agency on Thursday declared an end to a nearly four-month epidemic of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea, saying the disease, a cousin of Ebola, had caused 35 confirmed or suspected deaths.

"The outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Equatorial Guinea ended today with no new cases reported over the past 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment," the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement.

The highly virulent microbe causes severe fever, often accompanied by bleeding and organ failure.

It is part of the so-called filovirus family that includes Ebola hemorrhagic fever, which has caused several deadly epidemics in western and central Africa.

The outbreak, declared on February 13, was the first of its kind in Equatorial Guinea, a small coastal state in central-western Africa.

"A total of 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 deaths were recorded. All the 23 probable cases reported died," the WHO said.

"Four patients recovered from the virus and have been enrolled in a survivors program to receive psychosocial and other post-recovery support," it added.

The statement paid tribute to local health workers and support by partner organizations for the "hard work" in tackling the outbreak, much of which entails tracing and isolating people in contact with patients.

Tanzania outbreak

The epidemic in Equatorial Guinea coincided with an outbreak of Marburg on the other side of the continent, in Tanzania. Six people died in a two-month episode, which was formally declared over on June 2.

The first outbreak of Marburg in Africa was recorded in South Africa in 1975.

Outbreaks or sporadic cases have been also reported in Kenya, Angola, Ghana, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, as well as Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania this year.

The suspected natural source of the virus is the African fruit bat, which carries the pathogen but does not fall sick from it.

Fatality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24 percent to 88 percent in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and case management, according to WHO.

There are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments, but potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies, as well as early candidate vaccines, are being evaluated.

The virus takes its name from the German city of Marburg, where it was first identified in 1967, in a lab where workers had been in contact with infected green monkeys imported from Uganda.

 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:

Graphical abstract. Credit: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2023). DOI: 10.1172/JCI162253

An effective treatment for most stroke victimseven those who, today, are unable to gain access to care within the first few hours. This is the goal of an experimental method that has been tested with great success in an international study headed by the University of Gothenburg.

The work now published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation is a multicenter study in which researchers at the Universities of Gothenburg and Cologne implemented parallel testing of an experimental stroke treatment on mice. The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Czech Academy of Sciences.

By giving mice a molecule, the complement peptide C3a, in nasal drops, the scientists saw them recover motor function faster and better after stroke compared with mice that had received nasal drops with placebo. These results confirm and extend a previous study at the University of Gothenburg and the current study design further strengthens their credibility.

"We see the same positive effects in experiments done in Sweden and in Germany, which makes the results much more robust," says Marcela Pekna, Professor of Neuroimmunology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, who led the study.

No racing against time

One crucial point is that the treatment was not initiated until seven days after the stroke. In a conceivable future, most stroke patients could thus be includedeven those who do not reach hospital in time or who, for other reasons, are not helped by clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolysis) or mechanical clot removal (thrombectomy).

"With this method, there's no need to race against the clock. If the treatment is used in clinical practice, all stroke patients could receive it, even those who arrive at the hospital too late for thrombolysis or thrombectomy. Those who have remaining disability after the clot is removed could improve with this treatment too," Pekna says.

The study demonstrates not only very distinct positive effects, but also identifies the underlying cellular and molecular processes in the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the treatment with C3a peptide increased the formation of new connections among nerve cells in the mouse brains.

Mechanisms clarified

Milos Pekny, Professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, participated in the study. "Our results show," he says, "that the C3a peptide affects the function of astrocytesthat is, cells that control many of the nerve cells' functions in both the healthy and the diseased brainand which signals astrocytes send to nerve cells."

Despite advances in emergency care, the most common form of stroke, ischemic stroke, is still a major cause of long-term disability, including impaired speech and mobility. The researchers emphasize that stroke treatment is not solely a matter of prompt interventions in the first hours after symptom onset.

"There is great potential for substantial improvement even at a later stage. Since the molecule was administered in nasal drops, the treatment could be given at home by relatives or the patients themselves," Pekny says.

Timing is also of importance when it comes to the C3a peptide treatment. If the molecule is given too soon, it might increase the amount of inflammatory cells in the brain. The study also shows that the positive outcomes in experimental animals persist long after the treatment is discontinued.

"The good effect remains," Pekna says, "and that is important. It means that this is real. And we know more about how the C3a peptide works. Our ambition is to develop the method to make it usable in clinical practice, but to get there, and especially to be able to carry out the necessary clinical trials, we need to team up with a partner in the pharmaceutical industry."

More information: Anna Stokowska et al, Complement C3a treatment accelerates recovery after stroke via modulation of astrocyte reactivity and cortical connectivity, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2023). DOI: 10.1172/JCI162253 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation
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:

Facial regions associated with foetal alcohol syndrome on a normal face. Credit: Tinashe Mutsvangwa

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a lifelong condition caused by exposing an unborn baby to alcohol. It's a pattern of mental, physical and behavioral symptoms seen in some people whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Not all prenatal alcohol exposure results in the syndrome; it is the most severe form of a range of effects called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

South Africa has the highest reported rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the world: 111.1 per 1,000 population. The disorders may affect seven million people in the country. The number could be higher because of under-diagnosis.

Fetal alcohol syndrome can't be reversed. But confirmed diagnosis can have benefits. It can lead to early intervention and therapy (physical, occupational, and speech, among others), and a better understanding from parents and teachers. Diagnosis can also ensure that adults are eligible for social services support.

Clinicians use a range of methods to diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome, including assessing abnormal growth and brain function. A key part of the process is looking at the individual's facial features. Typical features are small eye openings, a thin upper lip, and a smooth area between the nose and upper lip.

But visual examination of the facial features can be subjective and often depends on the clinician's experience and expertise. Another challenge arises in low-resource settings when there aren't many doctors specially trained to do this.

A more objective and standard way to detect fetal alcohol syndrome early would therefore be useful.

One method that's being used to aid diagnosis is three-dimensional (3D) surfaces produced by devices that scan the face. The technology is costly and complex. Two-dimensional (2D) images are easier to getit can be done with a digital camera or smartphonebut are not accurate enough for diagnosis.

Our study sought to explore whether it was possible to use normal 2D face images to approximate 3D surfaces of the face. We showed that it was. Our method involved using 3D models that can change their shape based on a variety of real human faces, combined with 3D facial analysis technology.

We argue in our paper that our findings show the technology can improve early detection, intervention and treatment for people affected by fetal alcohol syndrome, particularly in low-resource settings.

We hope to contribute to the global effort to prevent and manage the lifelong consequences of the syndrome and disorders.

How it would work

We constructed a flexible 3D model that can alter its shape based on a variety of real human faces. The changes are guided by statistical patterns learned from a dataset of high-quality 3D scans from 98 individuals. This international open-source dataset was carefully curated to represent different demographic groups.

We didn't have access to image data of individuals affected by fetal alcohol syndrome. We therefore used 2D and 3D images of individuals without this condition to develop and validate our approach. We nevertheless reasoned that our method should work equally well for any scenario where the model and the test subjects are closely matched.

We then set out to develop and validate a machine learning algorithm for predicting 3D faces of unseen subjects, from their 2D face images only, using our 3D model.

This was a pioneering step in our research, where we aimed to create a "smart" tool that could bring flat images to life in three dimensions. The results of the study were encouraging.

Our 3D-from-2D prediction algorithm performed well in three ways:

capturing facial variations

representing unique features

summarizing information of faces from 2D images.

Since we had actual 3D face scans to use for comparison, we were able to calculate the average difference between these scans and the face shapes predicted by our model. This allowed us to measure the error in our fitting, which we found to be in line with other studies.

We particularly focused on specific regions of the face: the eyes, midface, upper lip, and philtrum (the groove between the nose and the top lip). These regions provide crucial information for clinicians when examining the facial markers of fetal alcohol syndrome.

We could accurately predict these facial regions, and concluded from this that our method could form the foundation of an image-based diagnostic tool for fetal alcohol syndrome.

Our study also showed that the quality of our predictions was independent of skin tone. This is a crucial finding. Certain 3D scanning technologies have been known to struggle with accurately capturing darker skin tones. This issue is being addressed. Nevertheless, our findings gave us confidence that there was additional potential for use of our approach in diverse populations.

We did identify some limitations. Access to 3D data of individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome remains a challenge. Future research could focus on reducing reconstruction errors to acceptable clinical standards by collecting and analyzing larger datasets, including data from underrepresented populations.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The largest and most comprehensive cell map of the human lung is published in Nature Medicine on June 8. Revealing the great diversity of cell types in the lung and key differences between health and disease, the Human Lung Cell Atlas will be a valuable resource for lung researchers.

By combining data from nearly 40 studies, researchers created the first integrated single-cell atlas of the lung, revealing rare cell types and highlighting cellular differences between healthy people. In addition, the study found common cell states between lung fibrosis, cancer and COVID-19, offering new ways of understanding lung disease, which could help identify new therapeutic targets.

The study is part of the global Human Cell Atlas (HCA) initiative to map every cell type in the human body, to transform our understanding of health, infection and disease.

Lung research has benefited greatly from recent single-cell studies that show which genes are active in each cell. Despite this, the research has been limited so far by the number of samples and individuals included per study. To better understand healthy lungs and determine what goes wrong in disease, a comprehensive atlas has been needed, however this has been difficult to achieve.

Now, a large team of researchers has successfully combined 49 lung datasets into a single integrated Atlas, using advanced machine learning. By pooling and integrating datasets from every major single-cell RNA-sequencing lung study published to date, the team created the first integrated Human Lung Cell Atlas. This Atlas spans over 2.4 million cells from 486 individuals and gives new insights into lung biology that were not possible before.

Dr. Malte Luecken, a senior author on the paper and Group leader at the Institute of Computational Biology and the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity at Helmholtz Munich, Germany, said, "A comprehensive organ atlas requires many datasets to capture the diversity between both cells and individuals, but combining different datasets is a huge challenge. We developed a bench-marking pipeline to find the optimal method to integrate all datasets into the Atlas, using artificial intelligence, and successfully combined knowledge and data from almost 40 previous lung studies."

Professor Fabian Theis, a senior author on the paper and Director of the Institute of Computational Biology at Helmholtz Munich, said, "We have created a first reference atlas of the human lung, which includes data from more than a hundred healthy people and reveals how the cells from individuals vary with age, sex, and smoking history. The sheer numbers of cells and individuals involved now gives the power to see rare cell types and identify new cell states that have not previously been described."

While the core of the Human Lung Cell Atlas is data from healthy lungs, the team also took datasets from more than 10 different lung diseases and projected these onto the healthy data, to understand disease states.

The team discovered that different lung diseases shared common immune cell states, including the finding that a subset of macrophages (a type of immune cell) shared similar gene activity in lung fibrosis, cancer and COVID-19. The shared states indicate that these cells could play a similar role in scar formation in the lung in all three diseases, and provide pointers for potential therapeutic targets.

Professor Martijn Nawijn, a senior author on the paper and Professor at the University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, said, "This is the first effort to compare healthy and diseased lungs in one study in an integrated way. Our study not only supports the presence of lung fibrosis in COVID-19, it allows us to identify and define a shared cell state between lung fibrosis, COVID-19 and lung cancer patients. Finding these shared disease-associated cells is really exciting, and reveals a totally different way of looking at lung diseases, opening possibilities for novel treatment targets and developing treatment response biomarkers. Our findings also suggest that therapies working for one disease may help alleviate others."

The Lung Atlas Integration project was an international collaborative effort with nearly 100 partners from more than 60 departments, including key researchers from Helmholtz Munich, University Medical Center Groningen and Northwestern University. The team are part of the Human Cell Atlas Lung Biological Network, which has its roots in the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Seed Networks for the Human Cell Atlas, and the European Union funded lung network DiscovAIR. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the single-cell lung communities came together rapidly, forming the HCA Lung Biological Network to help understand COVID-19, which then led to the global effort to integrate all the data.

Lisa Sikkema, the first author on the paper and Ph.D. student at the Institute of Computational Biology at Helmholtz Munich, said, "One of the big problems in creating the integrated lung cell atlas was with cell type annotation. Different research groups used different names for the same cell type, or the same name for different cells, so as a team we worked to standardize them using the data in the atlas. The atlas is a first step towards a consensus annotation of the human lung, which will help bring together the field of lung research."

The first integrated major organ within the Human Cell Atlas initiative, the Human Lung Cell Atlas is publicly available for researchers globally, as a central resource to study the lung in health and disease.

Dr. Alexander Misharin, a senior author on the paper and Associate Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, U.S., said, "The Human Lung Cell Atlas is a huge resource for the scientific and medical community. Openly available to researchers, new disease data can be mapped onto the HLCA, transforming research into lung biology and disease. As the first whole reference atlas of a major organ, the HLCA also represents a milestone towards achieving a full Human Cell Atlas which will transform our understanding of biology and disease and lay the foundation for a new era of health care."

More information: Lisa Sikkema et al., An integrated cell atlas of the lung in health and disease, Nature Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02327-2 , www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02327-2 Journal information: Nature Medicine
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:

Unadjusted prevalence of food insecurity among U.S. born and immigrants by SNAP utilization (Panel A) and income-poverty ratio levels (Panel B) reported by NHIS, after accounting for complex survey design. 95% confidence intervals are represented by vertical bars. Credit: AJPM Focus (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100113

In the United States, immigrants are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, defined as the lack of access to adequate food for an active, healthy life. A new study led by researchers at University of Utah Health reveals that millions of immigrant households have limited or uncertain access to adequate food.

Individuals who are not U.S. citizens are more susceptible to food insecurity regardless of their income, education, and utilization of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The findings suggest that the simple fact of being a non-citizen puts individuals at risk.

The study, reported in AJPM Focus, was led by Nasser Sharareh, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at U of U Health. Sharareh, who left his home in Iran to study in the U.S. in 2014, knows firsthand about food insecurity in immigrant communities and the health problems it can cause.

Based on his team's findings, Sharareh says, "Increasing awareness about safety net programs, specifically federal nutrition assistance programs, and removing the stigma could have a significant impact on reducing food insecurity disparities between non-citizen and U.S.-born individuals."

Overlooked and unassisted

More than 10% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2021, but it hasn't been clear how much worse the problem is for the immigrant population. Considering the fact that more than 45 million immigrants live in the U.S., addressing food insecurity among immigrants is critical to improve public health and reduce food insecurity-associated costs, Sharareh says.

Sharareh and his colleagues, including researchers at U of U Health, the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Arkansas, turned to survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau to better understand how food insecurity impacts the immigrant population. As part of the National Health Interview Survey, respondents were asked whether they had experienced limits to their household's food access related to a lack of money. The team analyzed data from more than 63,000 adults, including people born in the U.S., naturalized U.S. citizens, and non-citizens, who were surveyed in 2019 and 2020.

The researchers determined that there are disparities in food insecurity between non-citizen and U.S.-born individuals even after adjusting for income, education, employment, and health insurance inequalities. In contrast, immigrants who have become naturalized citizens of the U.S. experience food insecurity at rates similar to U.S.-born citizens.

Specifically, among people with an income above 200% of the federal poverty level, they found that non-citizen and naturalized citizen households were 1.88 and 1.66 times more likely to report food insecurity compared to the U.S.-born households. The difference may partially lie in the ability of U.S. citizens to better take advantage of more extensive social support networks. Structural racism and disadvantaged neighborhoods may also contribute to higher food insecurity rates among immigrants, the authors say.

By contrast, the team found no disparities in food insecurity between immigrants and U.S.-born citizens among households where income is very low, earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level. In these situations, people often have to make choices between food, housing, health care, and other expenses, and these experiences may be similar for immigrants and the U.S.-born, Sharareh says.

"Naturalized citizens, despite their U.S. citizenship, are seen less than equal than U.S.-born individuals as mistrust and discrimination against them have been demonstrated in various anti-immigrant policies," the authors note. They add that "future research should evaluate the impact of these factors on food insecurity disparities between immigrants and the U.S.-born."

A way forward

Federal assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help low-income households meet their food needs. Indeed, the researchers found that when people participated in the program, food insecurity disparities between immigrants and U.S.-born citizens were eliminated. But many non-citizens do not access this support. Many are ineligible for the program, and even those who are eligible often do not enroll.

The study authors say a variety of factors may make eligible immigrants reluctant to enroll in SNAP, including fear of deportation or social stigma, concern about how participating in the program may impact the naturalization process, and language barriers. "SNAP is a very important safety net for people in poverty who are having trouble feeding their families, and a lot of non-citizens may be excluded from that," says Fernando Wilson, Ph.D., study author and professor of population health sciences at U of U Health.

The authors estimated that among non-citizens in the U.S. who did not utilize SNAP and were food-insecure, 1.3 million could be eligible for SNAP and/or food pantry enrollment and utilization. "Now that we're documenting a large difference in food insecurity between non-citizens and U.S.-born, what are we going to do about it?" Wilson says. "If SNAP is a straightforward way of addressing and knocking down that difference, that's something we need to discuss and potentially rectify."

More information: Nasser Sharareh et al, Food Insecurity Disparities Among Immigrants in the United States, AJPM Focus (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100113
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

Inflammasomes make up an intricate system of molecular sensors that our bodies use to sound an alarm when an infection occurs. However, the mechanisms behind these sensors, which initiate responses to threats such as invading pathogens, and how they operate has been an area of intrigue for immunologists.

In a new study, University of California San Diego biologists describe a previously unknown way that the immune system detects certain viruses. The inflammasome immune protein known as CARD8, they found, can serve as a trip wire to detect a range of viruses, including SARS-Cov-2, which causes COVID-19.

Adding a twist to their discovery, researchers led by the School of Biological Sciences' Matt Daugherty and colleagues at the University of Washington and UC Berkeley, found that CARD8 functions differently among various species and even varies between individuals in the human population. The findings, which resulted from a series of experiments across human cell lines and an analysis of CARD8 genetic variation in mammalian species, are described in the journal PLOS Biology.

"In a version of CARD8, we found that some humans have lost the ability to sense coronavirus infections based on a single genetic difference but have gained the ability to sense viruses in a different family, the enteroviruseswhich includes rhinovirus (common cold) and poliovirus," said Daugherty, an associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biology. "So that means it's an evolutionary trade off and CARD8 diversity in humans impacts which viruses can be sensed and which ones cannot."

The research team found that the bat version of CARD8 is not able to sense coronaviruses. This could explain how coronaviruses are able to infect bats so easily and become a virus "reservoir."

The findings provide evidence that CARD8 has evolved substantially across different species of mammals and individual humans. According to the authors, "Our findings establish CARD8 as a rapidly evolving, polymorphic, innate immune sensor of positive-sense RNA viruses."

Daugherty said researchers have only found the tip of the iceberg in terms of the way immune sensors sound the alarm about pathogens and infection.

"It's amazing to see this evolutionary balance of one virus to another going from sensing to not sensingit's mind-blowing," said Daugherty.

More studies are needed to thoroughly determine CARD8's role in the severity of COVID-19 infections and long COVID symptoms.

"It is tempting to speculate that diminished CARD8 inflammasome activation may be a contributing factor to variation in COVID-19 disease outcomes, and more generally for other human pathogenic coronavirus and picornavirus infections," the authors note.

The research study's authors include: Brian Tsu, Rimjhim Agarwal, Nandan Gokhale, Jessie Kulsuptrakul, Andrew Ryan, Elizabeth Fay, Lennice Castro, Christopher Beierschmitt, Christina Yap, Elizabeth Turcotte, Sofia Delgado-Rodriguez, Russell Vance, Jennifer Hyde, Ram Savan, Patrick Mitchell and Matthew Daugherty.

More information: Tsu BV, Agarwal R, Gokhale NS, Kulsuptrakul J, Ryan AP, Fay EJ, et al. Host specific sensing of coronaviruses and picornaviruses 1 by the CARD8 inflammasome, PLoS Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002144 , journals.plos.org/plosbiology/  journal.pbio.3002144 Journal information: PLoS Biology
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from universities and conservation groups across the globe have published new insights, based on evidence gathered from across the world, affirming that human health depends on thriving oceans.

"On this World Oceans Day, let us heed this urgent call to safeguard our oceans, recognizing that our health, well-being, and survival are inextricably linked with the health of the world's oceans," said Senior Research Fellow Dr. Aaron Jenkins of the University of Sydney and Edith Cowan University.

The Lancet commentary "Human Health Depends on Thriving Oceans" describes how crucial the world's oceans are.

This includes their role in carbon storage, climate regulation, food provision, and even providing medicinal resources.

The new publication goes a step further, calling for urgent attention to address links between human health and oceans, emphasizing the necessity of a precautionary approach to maintain the ecosystem integrity of our oceans.

"Human Health Depends on Thriving Oceans is a short analysis of the intrinsic links between human health and ocean conservation," Dr. Jenkins said.

"Oceans not only help control climate-related health risks, from severe weather injuries and food security issues to pollution-induced chronic diseases, but also contribute significantly to our enjoyment, recreation, and overall mental well-being."

The authors, representing diverse global institutions including the University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, University of the West Indies, Monash University, the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, and Wildlife Conservation Society, point out that human health risks linked to climate and ocean changes disproportionately affect low-income countries and small island states.

They stress that preserving ocean health equates to safeguarding economies, food security, and the well-being of these vulnerable communities.

Dr. Jenkins and the team of global experts have discussed the significance of the Draft Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, finalized by the UN in March this year.

Also known as the Treaty of the High Seas, this landmark accord aims to manage biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction and seeks to ensure fair access to, and distribution of, health benefits arising from novel discoveries in the high seas.

The authors praise the Draft Agreement's inclusion of Indigenous people and local communities, which promotes active participation in creating strategies for the conservation of marine biodiversity in high seas.

"While the Draft Agreement is a significant step forward, we believe that its success depends on a combination of national, regional, and international action," Dr. Jenkins explained.

"It also requires the involvement of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including health professionals, environmentalists, non-governmental organizations, governments, businesses, Indigenous people, and local communities."

More information: Aaron P Jenkins et al, Human health depends on thriving oceans, The Lancet (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01162-5 Journal information: The Lancet
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Shutterstock

From August 2023, Australian beer, wine, spirits and pre-mixed drinks have to warn of the harms of drinking alcohol while pregnant. But they don't have to mention the other harms of alcohol for the wider population.

Ireland recently signed legislation to introduce tougher alcohol warning labels, to warn about the risks of liver disease and fatal cancers from drinking alcohol. These will be in place from 2026.

Considering the ongoing efforts of the industry to undermine the introduction of effective alcohol labeling worldwide, the Irish example is an important victory for public health.

In Australia, it's time to put consumer health and rights before commercial interests and warn people drinking and buying alcohol of the risks.

Educating consumers about the health risks

Alcohol causes more than 200 diseases, injuries and other health conditions.

There is strong evidence that from the first drink, the risk of various cancers (of the breast, liver, colon, rectum, oropharynx, larynx and esophagus) increases. This is because:

ethanol (pure alcohol) and its toxic by-product acetaldehyde damages cells by binding with DNA, causing cells to replicate incorrectly

alcohol influences hormone levels, which can modify how cells grow and divide

direct tissue damage can occur, increasing the absorption of other cancer-causing substances.

Alcohol use kills more than four Australians a day (the highest rate in the past decade) and results in A$182 million of avoidable costs per day.

Yet only half of Australians know drinking alcohol can cause cancer.

Research shows mandatory health labeling is an important way to increase awareness and should form part of a comprehensive alcohol control strategy.

Countering industry influence

The alcohol industry currently uses alcohol labels and packaging as a marketing and branding tool. Alcohol warning labels help counter these marketing messages.

Alcohol industry interests have so far succeeded in exempting alcoholic drinks from the usual consumer information requirements. Under the international labeling guidelines, all processed foods must have all ingredients listed on the label. But alcohol industry interests have so far succeeded in these rules not being applied to alcoholic beverages.

In Australia, the alcohol content and number of standard drinks must be listed on the product's label. However, there is no requirement, as for other foods and drinks, that ingredients (except for certain allergens such as milk or gluten) and nutritional information (energy, carbohydrates, and so on) be listed.

Aside from warnings to pregnant women to abstain from alcohol, there is no provision for consumer information about the risks of alcohol consumption on alcohol packaging. Yet such warnings are required for other hazardous substances taken into the body, such as tobacco.

How Ireland is leading the charge

Ireland is leading the world with its alcohol labeling. From 2026, drinks containing alcohol will have to inform consumers about the specific risks of liver disease and fatal cancers.

Labels will also have to notify buyers of the alcohol risks to pregnancy, the calorie content of the beverage, and the number of grams of alcohol it contains.

The new labeling move demonstrates the government has prioritized reducing alcohol-related disease and has widespread support. A recent household survey in Ireland found 81.9% of the more than 1,000 participants supported the introduction of health warning labels on alcohol.

Barriers to overcome in Australia

In 2020, in the face of intense pressure from industry groups, the Australian government decided on new labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages, but only to warn about the risks of drinking during pregnancy. From a public health point of view, this was a mediocre compromise.

Australia is currently considering introducing energy content (kilojoule) labeling on alcoholic beverages. This would be a positive step and but it is as far as Australia seems willing to go for now. There are no plans for Australia to follow Ireland's lead.

Some countries seem to be gearing up to use the World Trade Organization's processes to oppose Ireland's new labels.

Australia previously opposed enhanced alcohol warning labels Thailand proposed, at the same time Australia was seeking international support for its tobacco plain packaging laws. This time, Australia should prioritize the public's health over commercial interests and support Ireland's alcohol warning messages in the World Trade Organization.

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

Prospection refers to people's internal mental representations of future events and the pre-experience of these prospective events. It is very important for planning future actions and motivating hedonic behavior. Empirical evidence has suggested that people with schizophrenia may be impaired in their ability to predict, but most of the previous work has used samples with chronic schizophrenia, and whether prospective deficits can be found in first-episode schizophrenia has remained unclear.

Dr. Raymond Chan from the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Dr. Simon Lui of the University of Hong Kong have conducted a study to examine prospection in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

The researchers used a well-validated behavioral paradigm in which participants were presented with pictorial cues of varying valance to invite them to prospect future events, and were asked to self-report the phenomenal features of their prospected events and to provide a narrative. Participants' narratives of prospective events were then coded using a manual. The confounding effects of logical and working memory functions and estimated IQ on prospection ability in schizophrenia patients were also examined using covariate analysis.

Using a sample of 30 first-episode schizophrenia patients and 31 controls, they found that the two groups self-reported similar phenomenal features of the prospected events, in terms of pre-experience, temporal proximity, vividness and emotion.

In addition, the picture valence effect of the cues on the phenomenal features of the prospected events was similar between the two groups. However, the coded narratives suggested that the prospections of schizophrenia patients were less specific and less thought/emotion-rich than those of controls, and the prospection deficits in thought/emotion richness persisted after controlling for schizophrenia-associated logical memory and working memory deficits.

Taken together, this empirical work supports the presence of prospection deficits in first-episode schizophrenia patients. However, in contrast to their previous work in chronic schizophrenia, first-episode schizophrenia patients did not perceive closer temporal distance than controls when prospecting negative events.

This work is one of the few pioneering studies on prospection deficits in first-episode schizophrenia, and paves the way for future application of cognitive strategies such as guided episodic thinking and imagery cognitive bias modification as early interventions to improve functioning in schizophrenia patients.

The results were published in Schizophrenia.

More information: Antoinette C. O. Fung et al, Prospection deficits in patients with first-episode schizophrenia: a cross-sectional comparative study, Schizophrenia (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00365-w
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:

Flow diagram of the randomized controlled trial in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Flowchart presenting the number of participants assessed, enrolled, randomized, lost to follow-up, and analyzed in each child group and senior group. Credit: npj Digital Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00843-6

Chatbots had mixed success in improving COVID-19 vaccine confidence and acceptance among the most hesitant individuals in Asia, according to a new randomized control trial.

In a cohort of over 2,000 guardians of children and seniors who were unvaccinated or had delayed their vaccinations in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore during the first half of 2022, using a vaccine-related chatbot for a week had no overall beneficial impact on improving vaccine confidence. However, a few Thai parents reported a protective effect against a decline in confidence in vaccine effectiveness.

Further, user feedback suggested that there is considerable public interest in the technology, with large majorities of participants in all three countries reporting that they intended to use the chatbots again.

The findings are published in the journal npj Digital Medicine and involve research conducted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in partnership with the Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H). The project was supported by the Vaccine Confidence Fund (VCF).

Leesa Lin, Assistant Professor at LSHTM and Co-Director, as well as Digital and Behavioural Innovations Lead, of the Vaccine Confidence Project, who spearheaded the study, said, "To our understanding, this marks a pioneering application of a randomized control trial in the comparative evaluation of conversational AI services, namely chatbots, across a wide array of countries, platforms, and demographic categories specifically focusing on vaccine acceptance."

"The gathered insights emphasize the crucial need for broadening our comprehension of the manifold aspects of these technologies. This extends from the nature of information they provide to the user experience and user literacy, and the influence these factors exert on the potential results attainable for diverse groups."

Heidi Larson, professor of anthropology, risk and decision science at LSHTM and the Founder and Director of the Vaccine Confidence Project, remarked, "Currently, conversational AI has gained substantial traction, particularly following the launch of ChatGPT late last year. However, the evidence concerning the use of chatbots in the healthcare sector remains rather inconsistent."

"Given the rapid advancement of this technology, it is crucial to bridge this knowledge gap urgently. Doing so would enable us to discern if and how this technology can foster positive health outcomes, enhance public confidence, and mitigate any potential inadvertent negative impacts."

More information: Kristi Yoonsup Lee et al, Effectiveness of chatbots on COVID vaccine confidence and acceptance in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore, npj Digital Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00843-6 Journal information: npj Digital Medicine
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 recently pinpointed the main factors associated with mothers' attendance at prenatal checkups and uncovered its link with low birth weight in Japan. Credit: Professor Mitsue Nagamine

Attending prenatal checkups can help reduce the risk of low weight at birth, find Tokyo Tech and Toyama University scientists in a recent study. Through statistical analyses of a large Japanese cohort, they pinpointed the main factors associated with mothers' attendance at prenatal checkups. These findings highlight key areas for future changes in policies and healthcare systems to start fixing the long-standing problem of low birth weight in Japan.

Previous research has shown that the weight of a baby at birth can significantly affect its health in the short- as well as long-term. Over the last 20 years, researchers have found evidence indicating that low birth weight (LBW) can have consequences on an infant's development, even leading to learning disabilities and behavioral issues.

Notably, Japan has a high incidence of LBW, estimated at 9.2% for all births in 2021, despite being a high-income country with advanced healthcare. The reasons underlying this incidence are not entirely clear. While certain studies have hinted that attending regular prenatal checkups is related to a lower incidence of LBW, the evidence is somewhat inconclusive.

Against this backdrop, Professor Mitsue Nagamine from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), in collaboration with researchers from Toyama University in Japan, has recently conducted a study on the matter. As explained in their paper published in Annals of Epidemiology, the researchers sought to uncover the relationship between LBW and Japanese mothers missing prenatal checkups. Additionally, they analyzed the background factors most closely related to attendance at prenatal checkups.

There is increasing evidence that missing prenatal checkups is associated with a higher risk of infants having low weight at birth, which, in turn, can lead to serious health problems. Credit: Professor Mitsue Nagamine

To gather data for the study, the researchers used a large dataset provided by the Japan Environment and Children's Studya nationwide birth cohort study aimed at finding links between various environmental factors and children's health. After filtering the dataset, the researchers ended up with 91,916 motherinfant pairs for statistical analysis.

One of the main findings of the study was an evident relationship between missing prenatal checkups and a higher risk of LBW. Prof. Nagamine, corresponding author of the study, highlights, "This result indicates the importance of taking measures to encourage attendance of prenatal checkups in Japan, unlike other high-income countries."

A nationwide birth cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children's Study investigates the association between various environmental factors and children's health. Credit: Professor Mitsue Nagame

Another important finding was related to background factors that can be associated with attendance at prenatal checkups. The analyses indicated that single/divorced/widowed marital status, and a negative attitude towards pregnancy are mainly associated with a higher number of missed checkups.

Moreover, having good overall mental and physical health was also related to lower attendance, especially during early pregnancy. The researchers suggested that this could be due to the misconception that having good health meant that checkups could be safely skipped.

In contrast, being employed and having good overall mental and physical health during mid-late pregnancy were related to a higher attendance at prenatal checkups. "These findings can help examine intervention policies for encouraging attendance and providing prenatal care. This includes considering the content and timing of the health information to be provided and determining which pregnant women potentially require a more focused intervention," remarks Prof. Nagamine.

Together, the findings of this study highlight focus areas that need to be considered by Japanese policymakers and healthcare systems to increase the attendance at prenatal checkups. "This work emphasizes the importance of multidimensional support during pregnancy, including the economic, psychological, and social aspects," concludes Prof. Nagamine.

More information: Mitsue Nagamine et al, Relationship between prenatal checkup status and low birth weight: a nationwide birth cohortthe Japan Environment and Children's Study, Annals of Epidemiology (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.04.008 Journal information: Annals of Epidemiology
The Missoula City Council confirmed Mike Colyer to his new post as chief of police on Wednesday.

Councilors voted unanimously during a committee meeting to approve Colyer, whos been serving as the interim chief since former chief Jaeson White announced his retirement in February.

Missoula Mayor Jordan Hess said the city interviewed a few dozen employees at the citys Police Department along with external stakeholders (other Missoula criminal justice system personnel) and council members for input on the hiring process.

We had broad feedback and uniform feedback that Chief Colyer is well suited to serve as our next chief of police and I couldnt agree more, Hess said. Ive enjoyed working with Mike a lot over the last few weeks and months and I think he will serve our community with distinction and with compassion and as a thoughtful member of the police department.

Police chief posts require council confirmation under Montana law. No public comment was made on Colyers confirmation.

Councilors echoed Hess praise for Colyer and lauded that the selection process took comprehensive feedback from the mayor's colleagues.

I am an emphatic yes on this appointment, Ward 1 Councilor Jennifer Savage said. Im really excited we were able to promote from within through a very thorough process.

Born and raised in Missoula, Colyer is a 27-year veteran of the Missoula Police Department. He served as interim chief in 2019 and 2020 before White was hired.

After graduating from high school in Missoula, Colyer attended the University of Montana before attending North Idaho College, where he earned a degree in law enforcement. He worked as a police officer for the Coeur dAlene, Idaho, police department from 1994 to 1996 before returning to Missoula to begin his career with the Missoula Police Department. Colyer was promoted to sergeant in 2001. As a sergeant, he supervised uniformed patrol teams, the traffic unit and the street crimes unit.

In 2011 he was promoted to captain and assigned to the detective division. During that time, he guided the Missoula Police Departments work with the U.S. Department of Justice to reform MPD's response to sexual assault.
A former Hellgate Elementary School teacher accused of possessing sexually explicit material of minors was sentenced last week.

Scott M. Hamilton pleaded guilty in March to one count of felony child sex abuse including possession of materials, court filings show. On Friday, Missoula County District Judge Jason Marks handed him a three-year deferred sentence, meaning Hamilton wont serve any additional jail time but will be supervised by the Montana Department of Corrections parole office during that three-year period.

Hamilton was initially also charged with attempted sexual abuse of children under 16, but that was dismissed when he changed his plea.

Hamilton was arrested in the fall of 2021 after police executed a search warrant at his residence. Charging documents allege Hamilton was in contact with a minor via social media platforms and exchanged sexually explicit images and messages with them.

When the news of Hamiltons arrest broke, officials at Hellgate Elementary School said they didnt know of any misconduct that happened on school property.

According to court filings, the sentence imposed ensures Hamilton will never again be a teacher or have a position of authority over children.

The plea agreement bars Hamilton from having any jobs involving the supervision of children. It also orders him to surrender his teaching license and not renew it. The agreement stipulates Hamilton cant have contact with anyone under 18 years old unless a trained supervisor is present.

Hamilton is a designated Tier 1 sex offender. Tier 1 offenders are the least likely to repeat sexually abusive behavior.

Missoula Deputy County Attorney Ryan Mickelson prosecuted the case and Missoula attorney Peter Lacny defended Hamilton.
When the mayor of Palmerston North, New Zealand, addressed the Missoula City Council on Wednesday morning, he spoke first in the Maori language.

Mayor Grant Smith, who is not Maori himself, acknowledged tribal land and the 12 tribes in Montana. Moments later, all seven members of the visiting Palmerston North delegation, five of whom are not Maori, sang a Maori song to the Missoula council.

Separated by more than 7,700 miles, Missoula and Palmerston North have been sister cities for 40 years. The cities are roughly the same size, they were both founded in the same year (1866). Rivers run through each city  the Clark Fork in Missoula and Manawatu River in Palmerston North, and both places have a university in town  University of Montana and Massey University, respectively.

While Indigenous people in both cities have faced oppression, assimilation and colonization, Wednesday mornings council meeting exposed a key difference. In Palmerston North, the Maori language is normalized, and in New Zealand in general, Maori is recognized as an official language.

Hone Waengarangi Morris, who is Maori and visited Missoula with the delegation, said in New Zealand, its not uncommon for non-Indigenous people to address a crowd in the Maori language. He said people who are not Maori can often open a lecture or discussion in the Indigenous language. The normalization of the Maori language, according to Morris, has been critical to its revitalization  provided that those who speak do so with sincerity and authenticity.

Montana, by comparison, is home to 12 tribal languages, and of those, the Assiniboine, Gros Ventre and Montana Salish are critically endangered, meaning the most fluent speakers are elders and they often speak the language partially or infrequently, according to a Montana Budget and Policy Center report. While non-Natives in Montana may offer land acknowledgments at public events, they typically do so in English, rather than in a tribal language.

U.S. assimilation and termination policies have contributed to widespread language loss in tribal communities. From the 1800s to the 1970s, Native American children were taken from their homes and forced to attend government-funded Christian boarding schools, where they were emotionally, physically and sexually abused. The explicit mission of these schools was cultural genocide, and tribes in the U.S. suffered language and culture loss as a result.

When asked if the Maori language is no longer considered endangered, Morris replied, We are just about there. But he was quick to add that its taken many years to achieve this.

Roly Fitzgerald, another Maori member of the delegation who visited Missoula, said in the 1940s, the Maori people were taken out of their settlements and encouraged to move to metropolitan areas.

You call it checkerboarding, he said. We call it pepper-potting.

While metropolitan areas offered education and employment opportunities, as people left their homelands, the language continued to diminish.

The U.S. employed a similar assimilationist strategy with the General Allotment Act of 1887. Also known as the Dawes Act, the legislation authorized the president to allot portions of reservation land to individual tribal members. Individual allotments were to remain in trust for 25 years, and after that, the land would become fee title, which is taxed. The law also authorized the Interior Secretary to negotiate with tribes to dispossess all excess land remaining after allotments  for the purpose of non-Native settlement. Through the act, the U.S. government ultimately sold more than 90 million acres of tribal land to non-Native citizens  dividing tribal land into a checkerboard, with some allotments reserved for non-Natives and some for Natives.

In the 1940s, '50s and '60s, Maori people were punished for speaking their language in school. Parents stopped teaching Maori to their children, believing that young people needed to speak English to prosper in a white world.

The Maori language was put in a cabinet, Fitzgerald said, adding that because some people resisted the urban drift, rural bush communities were ultimately able to retain the language and played a key role in revitalizing it.

In 1975, Indigenous people in New Zealand led a land march, protesting the loss of Maori rights and land. Thousands of people joined the march, which spanned hundreds of miles.

That really marked the Maori awakening, Morris explained.

In the 1980s, people began teaching children the Maori language, and in 1987, the country passed the Maori Language Act, which declared the Maori language to be an official language of New Zealand.

A linguist, Morris said theres a common adage, It takes one generation to lose a language and three to get it back.

He and Fitzgerald consider themselves members of that third generation, as theyve watched the Maori language strengthen and become more normalized in their lifetime.

Morris research focuses on the Indigenous perspective and philosophy toward land and body, and he said language can provide key examples of this connection.

The Maori word for land, whenua, also means placenta, for example. And the Maori word for breast milk, waiu, also means lake.

Both land and a placenta nourish, support and sustain life, Morris explained. A lake sustains life, just as breast milk does.

Morris visited with members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Blackfeet Nation to understand whether tribes in Montana have similar connections between the body and land.

The journey is just now beginning, he said. Were beginning to create pathways to exchange knowledge.

When his research is complete, Morris hopes his work will strengthen Maori identity.

I want people to realize our ancestors were innovators, explorers, scientists and survivors, he said. They had an intimate understanding of the rhythms of nature. I want people to think of themselves more as Maori than as New Zealanders.

As for Indigenous people in Montana, Morris hopes that Native Americans here can see the progress the Maori people have made in New Zealand and feel inspired.

Indigenous people here can see that there is a way, he said. Its a long struggle, but there is a way.
The Mullan Road Conference returns to Missoula next week for the first time in nine years with a passel of new stories about the people who pioneered transportation across Montana.

The three-day event June 9-11 is made possible by grants from Humanities Montana and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, as well as a media grant from Missoula Community Access Television.

The 624-mile road was constructed under Lt. John Mullans direction in two separate sweeps, first in 1859-60 and then in 1861-62. In both cases Mullan wintered in western Montana, at Cantonment Jordan near DeBorgia and at Cantonment Wright at Milltown.

Topics of the conference this year include settlement patterns along the Mullan Road west of Missoula; two key people in the construction project  wagonmaster John Creighton and artist/interpreter Gustav Sohon; and important perspectives by the Salish and Kalispel people through whose ancestral homelands the road was built.

A Friday evening reception will be held at the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History, also at Fort Missoula. Saturdays speaker program and dinner is set for the Northern Rockies Heritage Centers Heritage Hall at Fort Missoula. A Sunday bus tour will roughly follow the Mullan Road from eastern Mineral County through Missoula and east to Milltown, site of John Mullans winter camp in 1861-'62.

Special features this year include a pair of free pre-conference hikes, both starting at 1 p.m. on Friday. One will explore the presumed site of Mullans 1860 construction camp while building the Big Side-Cut above the Alberton Gorge and Point of Rocks west of Alberton. The other is east of Missoula near Turah, where hikers will walk a portion of Mullans Three-Mile Grade built in the spring of 1862.

Visit bonnermilltownhistory.org and the Mullan Road Conference Facebook page (MullanRoad2023) for details.
Worried about Colstrip Power Plant being able to pass tougher mercury and toxic air emissions standards, NorthWestern Energy is asking its state regulator to lobby the EPA against tighter pollution controls.

NorthWesterns genal counsel, Shannon Heim, approached the Montana Public Service Commission this week about submitting a letter to the EPA within the next two weeks opposing the federal agencys rollout of tougher limits on mercury and hazardous air pollutants known to cause cancer and other serious health problems.

Built in the 1980s, Colstrip lacks the equipment to capture hazardous air pollutants and mercury. Heim told the PSC that adding the necessary pollution controls to comply with tighter federal clean air standards would be expensive, though she didn't offer a price.

The proposed rule the EPA is currently considering, changing the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards or MATS, will have a material detrimental impact on Northwestern and our Colstrip co-owners ability to continue to operate Colstrip absent incredibly expensive modifications, Heim told commissioners. If the required upgrades were made to comply with the proposed rules as they are currently drafted, customers would bear those costs for minimal environmental benefit for the remaining years Colstrip provides critical balancing benefits to Montana.

The other Colstrip owners are Texas-based Talen Energy, Washington utilities Avista Corp and Puget Sound Energy, and Oregon utilities PacifiCorp and Portland General Electric.

Tighter pollution controls on mercury and hazardous air pollutants have been an EPA focus for two decades. Power plants that burn coal or oil have been a primary source. Prior to 2012, power plants accounted for half of the mercury emissions in the United States. Tougher standards trimmed those emissions 90% by 2015 as uneconomical power plants closed rather than comply, EPA data shows.

Included in the wave of power plant closures was the J.E. Corette Power Plant in Billings. Owner Talen Energy said at the time that adding a filtration bag house to collect particulate matter would cost $10 million and wasn't worth it. The now closed, Lewis and Clark Generating Station in Sidney, was upgraded for several million dollars, but owner Montana Dakota Utilities closed the power plant for good in 2021. Economics closed Lewis and Clark.

Mercury Air Toxics Standards were loosened under the President Donald Trump administration, but are being ratcheted down again.

Colstrip cleared the regulatory bar a decade ago without adding emissions controls. Not this time, according to Heim, who called the new rule EPA is working on a radical reduction.

The pollutants other than mercury targeted by the new rule include nickel, arsenic and lead. There are pollutants known to contribute to fatal heart attacks, cancer and developmental delays in children. Nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide would also be cut according to EPA. Over 10 years, starting in 2028, net public health benefits would be $2.4 billion to $3 billion, according to EPA., while power plant owners nationwide would spend a combined $200 million to $300 million on compliance.

The was some support on the commission for drafting the opposition letter.

PSC member Ann Bukacek, a medical doctor, indicated that the commission would likely have to make a decision about the letter this week, given that commissioners wont meet again until June 27, which would be too late.

However, Commissioner James Brown said the regulators staff would have to be consulted and Commissioner Jennifer Fielder said the public would have to have a chance to comment on whether the PSC should officially oppose tighter pollution controls.
While weeks since Montana's 2023 legislative debacle, gubernatorial veto pens still damage. After many hard-right Republican turns in our beloved state's politics, if you're like me, you're wondering about Montana's political future. Nationally, we've had mass shootings daily, a black teenager shot ringing the wrong doorbell, a young woman passenger shot and killed for driving into the wrong driveway, and a Texas cheerleader shot for getting in the wrong car. Young, black, male, gun-violence protesting legislators were censored by the Tennessee legislature, while their white, female colleague wasn't. Lawsuits were decided against Fox News for Big Lies about Dominion Voting Machines, and Donald Trump, convicted of sexual assault. In Missoula, an eighth grader cold-cocked another student, resulting in a skull fracture. Blessedly, trans heroine/hero Zooey Zephyr, endures.

Anyone else pondering Montana's good governance collapse? My theory:

You've heard of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Montana has the Five Carpetbaggers of the Apocalypse; Greg Gianforte (Pennsylvania and New Jersey), Matt Rosendale (Maryland), Jennifer and Paul Fielder (Chelan County, Washington), and Theresa Manzella (Michigan). These extremists have absolutely no idea about Montana good governance history, when statesmen like Mike Mansfield (D) or our trail-blazing pacifist Jeannette Rankin (R), led the state. After the Copper Kings," Montanans eschewed corrupt dark-money cheaters, who bought their positions of power. Yet, these transplant MAGAs absolutely debase Montanans' traditions of neighborliness, openness, and willingness to work together for the common good of their constituents. For generations, Montana public servants often exemplified those traditional attributes, after the crooked bad old days," regardless of policy beliefs, political party, or wealth. Not anymore.

Greg Gianforte, our body-slamming, trophy-hunting governor, vetoed Senate Bill 442, the popular cannabis-funded bill supporting public lands. He's stripped LGBTQ citizens and women of their basic human rights of privacy, bodily autonomy, and representation. He's demeaned educators, school counselors, and librarians, disregarding expertise and training. He's overruled health care professionals, ignoring science regarding vaccines, masks, pregnancy healthcare, and gender dysphoria, while dismissing his own non-binary son. He's angered hunters and anglers, with preferential perks toward well-heeled, entitled, out-of-state buddies. As for climate change, he's an all of the above fossil-fuel policy shill, as are all the carpetbaggers.

Theresa Manzella started politics insulting a manicurist who wouldn't accede to her shrill, entitled behavior regarding a private home manicure, during COVID's beginnings, then called masks face diapers," at a rally against mask mandates, October, 2021. She opposed funding the Chief Earl Old Person Highway Memorial, which is costing Montanans less than the price of two income-tax refunds, each totaling over $6,000, for two of Montana's wealthiest. For the rest of us, our refund amounts to pizza dinner, every six months or so.

Regarding Rosendale, he's the NRA's favorite cheerleader, and a defendant in the NRA v Gifford Agency lawsuit, after allegedly taking almost $400,000 in illegal campaign money, back in 2018.

Finally, the Fielders. Paul is the only supposed wildlife biologist legislator who's clueless regarding apex predators in natural environments. They're critical to all healthy wild ecosystems. He's never met a wolf or grizzly he doesn't want to extirpate. As for Jennifer, Public Service Commissioner, during PSC hearings about NorthWestern Energy's proposed rate-payer hike, she asked Nobel Prize-winning climate scientist Steven Running, What's the IPCC? Running was providing expert-witness testimony, addressing the fact that NWE has no provisions for considering climate change in Montana's energy procurement future. None. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the acknowledged worldwide authority regarding future life on an overheating earth, facts public servants/commissioners should know.

Other theories? Vote 2024.
MUNCIE, Ind.  One Muncie woman was been arrested in connection with another's overdose death.

Danielle Lynn Phillips, 35, was arrested Friday, four days after a 26-year-old woman was found deceased in a home in the 100 block of South Dill Street.

City police investigators said Facebook and text messages  reportedly between Phillips and the overdose victim on May 6 and 7  appeared to refer planned drug transactions.

After she was arrested on unrelated warrants on Friday, Phillips reportedly admitted she was present when the other woman had purchased cocaine from another person on May 6 and 7.

Phillips indicated the woman still owed $30 for the cocaine she had purchased, and said she went to the Dill Street home on May 8 when she was unable to reach the woman, but received no response when she knocked on the door.

More: Appeals court upholds Muncie woman's conviction in fatal overdose

"Danielle admitted that as her payment for her part in the transaction, the cocaine dealer was to give her cocaine," an investigator wrote.

Phillips was preliminarily charged with dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony carrying up to 40 years in prison. She continued to be held in the Delaware County jail on Monday under a $50,000 bond.

At the time of his latest arrest, Phillips already faced a total of seven charges in five cases pending in Delaware Circuit Court 3, including auto theft, escape, intimidation, pointing a firearm and theft.

According to court records, the Muncie woman has been convicted of dealing in a controlled substance, theft and battery resulting in bodily injury.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Fatal overdose leads to Muncie woman's arrest
Editors note: Church notes need to be submitted at least one week in advance of the event for inclusion.

SUNDAY

Special performance

The Burlington Boys Choir, an ensemble of highly trained and talented boys between the ages of 6 and 18 years old, is touring the foothills of North Carolina and will perform a concert at Waldensian Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m. at 109 Main St. E., Valdese. The concert program includes sacred and secular music, both new and traditional, for boys treble and changed voices. The concert is free and open to the public. For further information, call Bill Allred at 266-5067 or the church office at 828-874-2531.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Vacation Bible School

Enon Baptist Church, 2059 Enon Road, will hold vacation Bible school Sunday, June 11, through Wednesday, June 14, from 6-8 p.m.

Vacation Bible School First Baptist Church of Glen Alpine, 205 Church St., will hold vacation Bible school June 25-29 from 6-8 p.m. daily. Supper will be served each evening at 5:30 p.m. The theme will be The Armor of God.

MISCELLANEOUS

Worship services

Gaston Chapel AME Church, 100 Bouchelle St., holds worship services each Sunday at 11 a.m.

Messy Church

Salem United Methodist Church at 1200 Salem Road in Morganton offers Messy Church at 5:45 p.m. every first Monday of the month. Messy Church is an alternative to a traditional church service featuring interactive activities, opportunities for questions and conversation and a free family meal. People of all ages and religious backgrounds are encouraged to come see what Messy Church is all about. The next Messy Church will be June 5.

Trail of Faith to open for season

The Waldensian Trail of Faith, at 401 Church St., NW, in Valdese, will open for the 2023 season March 1. The 11-acre outdoor museum tells the history of the Waldensians back to the time of the Apostles. The property contains 15 buildings and monuments recreated in full scale from the Alps of Italy that portray each phase of their journey. The trail offers a 1.5-hour tour. Guided tours need to be scheduled 2-3 days in advance. Self-guided audio tours are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost for tours is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for students. For more information, contact the trail office at 828-874-1893 or trailofffaith1893@gmail.com, or visit waldensiantrailoffaith.org.

Church offers teleconference services

Israel Chapel AME Church offers morning worship services via teleconference at 8:30 a.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month. To access the services, contact 978-990-5000 and use access code 188479. The church also offers in-person worship the first and third Sundays of the month at 11 a.m. at 2317 Israel Chapel Road in Connelly Springs.

Family History Library open to the public

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 901 Bethel Road, Morganton, will open its Family History Library to the public from 6:30-7:45 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. For information, email Joshua Carswell at enolajosh@yahoo.com.

Church medical clinic

Compassionate Hearts Healthcare Clinic serves patients Mondays from 1-4 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. To be eligible for the free medical services, one must be at least 18 years old, must not receive Medicaid or Medicare, not have insurance and meet federal guidelines of living below 200% of the poverty level. The clinic is at 7449 Oak Ridge Church Road, Connelly Springs. For information on how to qualify for assistance or for volunteer opportunities, call 828-522-1112.

Grief support group GriefShare is a faith-based course offering support to those who have lost a loved one. Walker Road Baptist Church is hosting GriefShare on Sundays at 6 p.m. at 100 Walker Road in Morganton. The program will run through Dec. 18. For information, contact John Riley at 828-514-3173 or jriam@charter.net.

Word of God prayer line

The Rev. Benjamin Douglas Cuthbertson, a local pastor, has created the Word of God prayer line. Call 716-427-1082 and enter the code 812359# to hear him preach and offer a Bible lesson at the following times:

Friday: noon

Saturday: noon and 7 p.m.

Sunday: noon

Monday: noon and 7 p.m.

Tuesday: noon

Wednesday: noon and 7 p.m.

Thursday: noon

Cuthbertson also invites the public to listen to his Word of God program from 9:15-9:30 a.m. Saturdays on WCIS-AM 760.

Emotional Support

The North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry provides a Hope Line for older adults who feel isolated or lonely. Seniors can call 866-578-4673 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday to hear a friendly voice.

Sabbath-Day services

Sabbath-Day worship services St. Lukes Church of Opportunity at 126 Brookside Lane, Morganton, include Sabbath-Day school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. every Saturday. For information, call the church at 828-433-9192.

Options fundraiser

Local author Patricia Looper is donating a portion of sales from her novel The Virgin and the Kings to Options Inc., a domestic violence shelter in Morganton. The Bible-based book explores the life of Abishag, who was chosen to be King Davids concubine in his old age. The story includes incidences of abuse in the protagonists life and how she dealt with them. To purchase the book, email the author at patricia.looper40@gmail.com; include book wanted in the subject line.

Church holds monthly food pantry

Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church at 960 Malcolm Blvd., Connelly Springs, holds its Wrights Food Pantry from 9 a.m. to noon the fourth Saturday of each month. People must live within the districts of Drexel and Valdese elementary, Heritage Middle or Draughn High schools and either participate in the states Food and Nutrition Services Program or fall under a gross income threshold requirement to receive food. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the church is distributing food in a drive-thru setup. People who come for food should clean out the truck or cargo area of their cars so church members can load the food into the cars. Those who are signed up to receive food should bring their cards. The church also offers ongoing financial management classes. For information, contact the church at 828-879-8894 or amumcrc@abernethymemorialumc.org.

The Giving Heart Thrift Shop

The Morganton Seventh-Day Adventist Churchs The Giving Heart Thrift Store is open at 402 E. Main St., Glen Alpine. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The shop sells new and gently used clothes, furniture and small home goods. Proceeds support the churchs Silver Creek Adventist School, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Bible study

Jamie Torres Ministries holds the Real Faith, Real Talk Bible study at 7 p.m. Friday at the Catawba River Baptist Association building on U.S. 70. For information, visit facebook.com/jaimetorresministries.

Church day care

Day care services are available at the following churches:

Morganton First Church of God is enrolling school age children for its four-star before- and after-school program. Student pick up is available at Drexel, Mull and Valdese elementary and Heritage Middle schools.

First Baptist Preschool After-School has full-time openings available for its after school and summer camp programs. For information, contact 828-433-1018 or fbcfivestar@gmail.com.

The Wee School at North Morganton United Methodist Church has openings available for its 2-, 3- and 4-year-old classes. For information, call Sharon Swinson at 828-437-3418 or 828-448-5718.

STANDING EVENTS

Tuesdays

Christian Business Mens Connection of Burke County meets on Tuesdays and is a network opportunity for men in the area. For information, visit cbmc.com or call 828-413-5819.

The Twice Blessed Clothing Closet is open from 2-4 p.m. at Valdese First Baptist Church. Enter by the doors at the back parking area. For information, call 828-874-2266.

Wednesdays

The Fellowship Seekers Christian Ministry meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at A.J.s steakhouse.

Hildebran United Methodist Church, 110 S. Center St., Hildebran, is enrolling students for free GED, adult basic education, and English as second language classes held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. A free meal and childcare are provided. For information or to enroll, call the Rev. Tony Bowman at 828-502-9627.

Thursdays

A nonsectarian Buddhist group meets at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 828-443-1161.
MCDOWELL COUNTY  In August, McDowell County will host not one but two festivals featuring some of the best performers in classic country and bluegrass music.

Award-winning national music festival promoter Evans Media Source has announced the lineup for the second annual festival called the McDowell County Country Music Roundup. It will be held at Camping World of Marion on Friday, Aug. 11, and Saturday, Aug. 12.

During the event, country star Lee Greenwood, best known for his hit God Bless the USA, will take the stage in Marion as part of his farewell tour. T. Graham Brown, Tony Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, Mo Pitney, Leona Williams, Redd Volkaert, Ron Williams and others also will perform, according to a news release.

The night of Friday, Aug. 11, Leona Williams, Redd Volkaert and Ron Williams will perform a special tribute to the late country legend Merle Haggard. Volkaert is considered to be one of the greatest Telecaster guitar players and he has picked that instrument for such greats as Haggard, George Jones and Johnny PayCheck, according to online sources.

More bands will be added to the lineup, according to a flier for the event.

The McDowell County Country Music Roundup will be open from noon to 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 and 12. Camping World Rally Park is at 1885 U.S. 70 W. in Marion.

General admission tickets for Aug. 11 and 12 are $45 per day. Children younger than 12 get in free. Reserved seating per day is $50, while VIP seating is $65, according to the flier.

Then, less than one week later, the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival comes back to Marion.

The bluegrass festival will take place Thursday, Aug. 17; Friday, Aug. 18; and Saturday, Aug. 19, at Camping Worlds Rally Park. Rhonda Vincent, Authentic Unlimited and The Malpass Brothers will headline this event. They will be joined by other artists such as Terry Baucombs Dukes of Drive, Po Rambling Boys, Deeper Shade of Blue, Nothin Fancy, Tim Graves & Farm Hands, Williamson Branch, Retro 78, Bandanah Rhythm, Backline and Ages Past.

Daily ticket prices are $45 for adults in advance and $50 at the gate. A three-day adult ticket is $100 in advance and $105 at the gate. Advance ticket prices end July 18. For children ages 13-16, the cost is $20 per day or $50 for three days with a parent. Children younger than 12 get in free when accompanied by parents.

Sherry Boyd will be the mistress of ceremonies for both festivals.

These festivals draw thousands of people to McDowell County and many of them park their campers and RVs in the rally park. These events will have food vendors selling hamburgers, barbecue, ice cream, funnel cakes and boiled peanuts. There will be jewelry and craft vendors, too.

All of the artists will sell their own CDs and souvenirs and sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.

The shows go on rain or shine under a covered pavilion and tent, with tickets available at the gate.

For more information, visit www.EvansMediaSource.com or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/evansmediasource. Call 386-385-3500 to buy tickets. For information about camping, call Camping World at 877-958-4264.
A judge sentenced a 46-year-old man to 30 years in the Montana State Prison on Wednesday for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl at a house in Butte 10 to 12 years go.

Benjamin Alexander DeWeert said he admitted the assault the day the girls mother confronted him about it on Feb. 14, 2022, and he has been receiving counseling and treatment since then.

His attorney, Jeff Dahood, noted that and asked District Judge Robert Whelan for a five-year suspended sentence, saying it would allow his remorseful client to continue treatment and rehabilitation.

Ann Shea, the lead prosecutor in the case, balked at that, saying the actual assault occurred years ago and the victim has had to live with it ever since. Shea said a five-year suspended sentence was not punishment.

It tells children who are in their young years that they dont matter, Shea said. You dont get to do what the defendant did  and then get slapped on the wrist.

Shea asked for 40 years in the state prison with 10 suspended.

At the end of an hour-long sentencing hearing, Whelan shook his head in seeming disgust for several seconds, then imposed a 60-year term with 30 of those years suspended.

The actual prison time of 30 years is the same, but longer suspended sentences typically means defendants are on paper longer and subject to probation rules and oversight by the Montana Department of Corrections for more years.

As far as Im concerned, you need to be on paper for the rest of your life for what youve done, the judge told DeWeert.

Whelan said he appreciated the fact that DeWeert sought out counseling and treatment after he was confronted, but said he should have done that on the day he assaulted the girl years ago.

Prosecutors initially charged DeWeert with sexual intercourse without consent and an alternative felony charge of sexual assault. In an agreement with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty to the latter.

Because of the ages involved, both crimes carry the same possible penalty of up to life in prison or 100 years.

As part of the plea deal, DeWeert admitted that sometime between 2010 and 2012, he put his hand down the girls pants and felt her private parts. The offense was within the statute of limitations for such a crime in Montana.

The girls mother learned about the alleged incident in February 2022 and told police. They investigated the allegations and prosecutors ultimately filed charges.

The victim told police the assault occurred after DeWeert followed her into the bathroom in a house. He was arrested last July, posted $100,000 bond and had remained free until Wednesdays sentencing hearing.

The victim gave a written victim-impact statement and was in court Wednesday but did not speak. Her mother did, saying DeWeert has taken no accountability for his degradation.

The damage he has inflicted can never be undone, she said.

DeWeert took the stand at Dahoods request and said he knew at some point he would be confronted about what happened. The day that occurred was a day he would never forget, he said.

I cant describe how I felt. It was terrible, he said.

From that day, Dahood said, DeWeert voluntarily agreed to a police interview, admitted what happened years prior and sought counseling and treatment.

Shea got to ask questions of DeWeert, too.

You said that February 14th, 2022 is a day youll never forget, correct? she asked him. Because thats the day you got caught, right? February 14th, 2022 is the day your victim revealed what you had been doing to her  is that correct?

He nodded that it was.

OK, would you agree with me that all the years prior are days she will never forget? Shea asked. Would you agree with me that you took away her childhood, youve destroyed her life?
Fishing outfitter Wade Fellin netted an ailing brown trout on the Beaverhead River below Tash Bridge. That disturbing catch happened roughly one year ago.

My guides and I have seen several of these fish dying of what appears to be fungal infection through the summer the past two years, though that may not be the primary cause, Fellin said. Thats why we need the study.

Fellin, based at the Big Hole Lodge near Wise River, was among more than 30 fishing outfitters and guides in southwest Montana who recently beseeched Gov. Greg Gianforte to take immediate action. They sought an all hands on deck investigation of the causes of dramatic decreases in trout populations in the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby rivers.

Gianforte did not reply to the letter, dated May 30. But Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks apparently did, issuing a press release Tuesday evening outlining plans to research and monitor trout population declines in southwest Montana.

FWP is committed to bringing more resources to bear to protect trout and get to the bottom of population declines in southwest Montana, said Quentin Kujala, chief of conservation policy.

In the short term, FWP is proposing new angling restrictions on the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider the changes during its meeting Thursday morning.

One key concern has a long history: low flows and accompanying increases in water temperature. Trout need cold, clear water.

Conflict often rears about water withdrawals for irrigation by ranchers in the Big Hole Valley and elsewhere in the Jefferson Basin. Those withdrawals, combined with drought, help reduce flows.

Eileen Ryce, fisheries division administrator for FWP, addressed this issue.

Trout populations in many streams in southwest Montana have seen decline in recent years, and research continues to point to perennially low stream flows and high water temperatures as contributing factors, Ryce said.

Though we dont yet know all wed like to about whats happening in some of our most iconic rivers in southwest Montana, we can say that it starts with the amount of water in the river over the course of a year, and how warm that water is.

Fisheries biologists say high temperatures and low flows stress trout, making them more susceptible to disease and complicating recruitment of young fish.

Outfitters who weighed in Wednesday on the FWP news release expressed mixed feelings.

Shaun Jeszenka owns Frontier Anglers in Dillon.

My first thought when I read this press release was ... Is this a reaction to public outcry over rapidly declining trout numbers, or will the FWP actually commit to a comprehensive study that leads to a road to recovery? Jeszenka said.

Im concerned that they dont have the political will to take action should the data show that changes in agricultural use might be necessary to save the fishery on the Big Hole, he said. They dont seem capable of even addressing that it might be a major issue, let alone acting upon it.

Fellin said he needs more specifics.

I see no commitment of resources despite a (press release) headline saying otherwise, he said. This press release has zero details on what, when and how they will address the suspected disease in the river, which seems to have affected fish in visible numbers in June the past two summers.

Jeszenka offered a similar observation.

Im all ears as to what these resources are that they plan to commit, he said. However, I think its likely that well still be pursuing an independent study, with recommendations based on the outcome, to recover our fisheries.

Fellin said time is of the essence.

We need emergency funding immediately to start a study, now, he said.

FWP has determined trout populations have reached historic lows in the Big Hole River and elsewhere in the region.

Potential contributors to the disturbing declines include climate change, increased nutrients, warming water temperatures, irrigation withdrawals, fungus, parasites, a dramatic increase in angling days on the river, and trout stressed by catch-and-release fishing, algal blooms and more.

Kujala referenced the cooperation of irrigators who opt to leave water in the rivers when flows shrink toward trickling rills.

We have great partners around southwest Montana in our agriculture community, he said. Late summer flows in many of our rivers are already dependent on irrigators leaving water in the rivers for the sake of the aquatic habitat.

FWP said it is marshalling resources to assess the impacts of angling on some of the rivers in southwest Montana.

In addition, the department said it will continue regional fish monitoring, including the sampling of dead and dying fish, and will continue monitoring stream flow and water temperature.

Outfitters along the Big Hole River said they are fielding calls from clients and potential clients who have read news coverage about the population declines of brown and rainbow trout.

Eric Thorson, co-owner of the Sunrise Fly Shop in Melrose, recently emphasized that good fishing continues.

Data from three sections of the Big Hole River showed the fewest number of brown and rainbow trout since data were first collected in 1969.

For example, the popular Melrose section  which stretches roughly from Melrose to Brownes Bridge near Glen  is estimated to host fewer than 500 brown and rainbow trout per mile. Melrose peaked at nearly 3,000 fish at the centurys turn and maintained an estimated 2,500 brown and rainbow trout in 2015.

The proposed changes to fishing regulations would specify catch-and-release in some river stretches where taking fish has been previously allowed, and similarly, specify the use of artificial lures only for certain sections of river.

Jeszenka responded.

I dont think that there will be any pushback from the outfitting community on further restrictions from a fishing regulations standpoint, he said. There just isnt a lot more they can do from that standpoint.

Fellin shared his thoughts.

The proposed rule changes are essentially catch-and-release requirements and tackle restrictions with no promise of increased enforcement, he said. How can the current staff of wardens enforce all these rivers, let alone new regulations in time of emergency?

Fellin said the regulations proposed dont address the larger problems.

He favors lures that reduce injury to fish caught and released.

I believe until numbers recover, we need to see a single point, barbless hooks requirement with enforcement, and we need to see full-section closures at 68-degree water temps, regardless of time of day or time of year, to ensure angling is as safe to the remaining fish as possible, Fellin said.

He referenced Hoot Owl restrictions, which typically prohibit fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight.

I believe Hoot Owl rules ought to be revisited statewide as related to flow, temp and dissolved oxygen and I think they could be implemented and lifted more nimbly, he added. If the river only gets down to 64 degrees at night and hits 70 degrees by noon the following day, I dont think were protecting fish from over-stress by angling.

As many have long observed, the rivers support regional economies and households in a variety of ways, supporting agriculture, fishing outfitters, guides and fly shops, restaurants, taverns, lodging businesses and much more.

With livelihoods at stake and celebrated trout streams at risk, the scrutiny of causes and cures will likely demand the sort of visibility associated with the Big Holes legendary salmonfly hatch.
A former Butte man accused of molesting and raping a girl over a two- or three-year period pleaded not guilty Thursday to sexual intercourse without consent.

Prosecutors also charged 59-year-old Gordon Duane Ballensky with felony tampering with evidence for allegedly deleting or destroying videos and/or images from electronic devices that contained evidence.

Ballensky pleaded not guilty to that, too, and District Judge Kurt Krueger set the next hearing for July 27. He sent Ballensky back to jail after Wednesdays arraignment with bond set at $100,000.

Because of the ages involved, Ballensky faces a minimum of four years in prison and up to 100 years if convicted of the sex charge. The tampering charge carries a 10-year maximum.

The girls parents told police about the alleged crimes in November 2019 but prosecutors say it took months during the COVID pandemic to get DNA results and forensic findings from the electronic devices. By the time they received all the evidence in 2020, Ballensky had moved away from Butte and was only recently located and arrested.

According to prosecutors, the girl was 12 when the rapes were reported and she said the assaults had been occurring for two or three years. She said they involved touching at first but included penetration about the time she turned 11.

The girl said the assaults mostly occurred at a residence but also in a truck and camp trailer. She also told police that Ballensky would make her use his cell phone to record videos of her genitals and said he took nude photos of her.

The girl stated that he would tell her to keep it a secret and that if anybody found out he would go to jail and would never talk to her again, prosecutors said in charging documents.

Ballensky told police he never touched the girls genitals and never had sex with her. Records said the only contact he would have with her was a hug.

Prosecutors say the girl was given a medical exam by a nurse practitioner in November 2019 who found some abnormalities of the hymen and rectum that could have been caused by the reported rapes. But the report also said they could have occurred by other means not related to sexual assault.

Police conducted a search of Ballenskys residence in Butte and collected numerous cellphones, a tablet computer and other electronic devices. There was also a security camera system based in a bedroom.

Police said it was passcode protected and when Ballensky unlocked it, We checked the system and found that it had been wiped clean that day and there were no past recordings available.

The electronic devices were later examined, and the majority were clean. One laptop had an extensive amount of pornography on it, including some that appeared to include children, prosecutors said. No charges have been filed in relation to that.
In the weeks heading into summer, Larry Hoffman and Raven Hrysenko are part of a local crew that put up American flags on the iconic headframes on Buttes Hill.

The volunteers do it not only to show their patriotism, but to honor the men who worked the Butte mines and more importantly, the men who died in these mines.

Its near and dear to our hearts, said Hoffman, who brought back the forgotten tradition about seven years ago.

This crew is also responsible for the twinkling Christmas lights that adorn the headframes each year, along with the lighted shamrock and Irish flag on the Original Mine for St. Patricks Day.

Hoffman and Hrysenko also strongly believe in paying it forward. On Wednesday, they learned that not everyone feels the same.

With some time on her hands and the weather cooperating, Hrysenko headed up the Steward Mine stairs to attach the American flag. With Hoffman supervising, she quickly realized that she would not be able to accomplish the task as someone had disconnected the flag cable.

It was a deliberate act, said Hoffman. The elements did not do this.

Hoffman said the cables bulk and solidity meant that wind could not be the reason for the disconnection, and he's upset that someone would go out of their way to do something like this.

According to Hoffman, the Christmas lights were disconnected in February, so the vandalism occurred sometime after that.

Its really frustrating, he said. With a locked gate at the mines entrance and a locked metal guard at the bottom of the stairs, someone really had to work at it.

Hoffmans right, it would not be an easy feat. The headframe stands at 126 feet, but apparently that has not been a deterrent in the past. This is not the first time someone has managed to find their way to the top of the Steward without permission.

On Sept. 21, 2020, a political sign was placed atop the headframe. Montana law prohibits such signs on public property, and the poster was quickly removed by county officials.

The current problem wont be corrected right away. For the next couple of days, the predicted rain and wind will stymie efforts. Hoffman, however, believes theyll be able to get the flag up sooner, not later.

I just wish the rotten SOB hadnt come along and messed with it, he said.
The questions from one young man whose voice blared like an air-raid siren bordered on belligerent. He peppered state fish and wildlife officials with questions about declining trout populations in southwest Montana, but he brayed over the top of them when they attempted to answer.

The setting was a meeting Wednesday night at Butte Brewing, which focused on those troubling declines. The following morning, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission weighed in.

Roughly 60 people attended Wednesday night's meeting. Participants included more representatives per mile from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks than there are trout in one stretch of the Clark Fork River.

FWP staff included the new director, Dustin Temple, fisheries division administrator Eileen Ryce, other administrators and fisheries biologists.

Emotions ran high at times during discussions of historically low trout numbers in the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers and the reality that livelihoods for outfitters, other businesses and ranchers depend on a clear, cold, healthy river.

Outfitter Shaun Jeszenka described the effects of irrigation withdrawals on rivers and alleged that FWP has been reluctant to address those impacts, which he described as the 800-pound gorilla in the room.

Temple stood, faced Jeszenka and said that during Temples long tenure at FWP, no one had ever suppressed talk about irrigation and its impacts on fisheries. Others noted that the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is in charge of irrigation.

The Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana and Montana Trout Unlimited sponsored the meeting. David Brooks, executive director of Montana TU, was an early speaker.

Brooks noted that the fish declines have not happened overnight, and numbers will not be quickly restored. There will be no magic wand, he said.

We really need to be thinking about the big picture of long-term recovery and what that looks like for healthy watersheds, he said.

For now, there seems to be evidence that watersheds are in trouble in southwest Montana.

Outfitter Wade Fellin and others have taken photos of trout bearing lesions.

On Thursday, the members of the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted amended emergency regulations for the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers.

During related discussion, Commissioner Susan Kirby Brooke, whose region includes the rivers under discussion, reported seeing images of what she described as zombie fish.

Commissioner K.C. Walsh said he, too, has viewed really horrendous videos of apparently diseased fish.

Both asked Ryce why FWP hasnt identified the cause or causes.

Ryce said analysis of samples from hundreds of fish to date have yet to detect anything exotic or unusual, whether virus, bacteria or parasite. She said FWP is waiting for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct histopathology exams of tissue samples and is also considering the efficacy of more experimental approaches.

Both on Wednesday night and during Thursday mornings discussion with commissioners, Ryce said fish that are stressed are more vulnerable to disease.

FWP has indicated that low flows and related warm temperatures in the Big Hole, the Beaverhead and Ruby are the likely key factors stressing fish and driving the population declines.

Wednesdays meeting featured a presentation by Tim Cline, Ph.D., an assistant professor of fish ecology at Montana State University, who shared years of data linking streamflows to population decline or growth.

Later, Temple said it isnt accurate to describe the fisheries division or FWP as underfunded. He said the department did well during the most recent legislative session.

On Thursday morning, Fish and Wildlife Commission members pondered, amended and ultimately unanimously passed emergency fishing regulations for the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers.

Biologists had recommended anglers be able to keep five brown trout less than 18 inches for a section of the Beaverhead and had recommended dropping prohibitions against treble or double hooks. The biologists explained that brown trout were comparatively abundant in this section of river, and they wanted to provide an outlet for longstanding fishing traditions in the state.

Commissioners Walsh and Patrick Tabor questioned the wisdom of both those changes, given the goal in the Jefferson Basin was increasing fish numbers. And the proposed changes were ultimately nixed.

On the Ruby River, the new regulations require catch-and-release for rainbow trout downstream from the Ruby Dam and catch-and-release for brown trout from Ruby Dam to Alder Bridge.

For the Big Hole, catch-and-release was set from Dickie Bridge to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. Fishing is limited to artificial lures only, with no treble or double hooks.

The regulations for all three rivers include provisions closing fishing in the fall to protect fish redds from being trampled by anglers.

FWP biologists said they hope to learn more about the effects of increased angling pressure and the effects of catch-and-release fishing.

As Wednesday nights meeting began, Brooks sounded an optimistic note. He said the Blackfoot River was once facing virtual fishery collapse but has recovered and is now one of the states, if not the worlds, most iconic wild native trout fisheries.

He said collaboration will be a key component for the recovery of the Big Hole, the Beaverhead and the Ruby.
On the heels of a long, wet Montana winter, runoff season is mostly done and anglers are itching to hit the river and ready to target some hungry springtime trout.

Flows are robust and above average for this time of year in some areas. The Big Hole River is no exception. Aesthetically, it appears healthy and full of life. The breathtaking landscape of the Big Hole Valley can inspire optimism, especially in an overly-eager fly angler.

But the Big Hole Rivers trout population is still in decline and conditions appear dire as ever. The worst seems yet to come.

Experts around southwest Montana say that, among the many factors at play, we should be looking at disease and bureaucratic failures as to why the Big Hole is in its continued state of peril.

Like any conflict, theres plenty blame to go around. And theres more than just two sides of the story. The 153-mile freestone river is a complex ecosystem and with that, comes complex issues.

This episode features Matt Kiewiet, managing editor of the Montana Standard and Independent Record newspapers, who recently reported on the imperiled Big Hole River.

This podcast is created in partnership across five newsrooms  the Billings Gazette, Helena Independent Record, Missoulian, Montana Standard and Ravalli Republic. You can support this podcast, and our efforts, by becoming a subscriber.
By Shawn Touney | Jun 8, 2023

MURRAY, Ky.  The latest Murray State University Racer Report includes student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments, announcements, upcoming campus events and more for the week of June 5-9.

**

There is still time for prospective students to apply for admission for the 2023-2024 academic year beginning in August

There is still time for prospective students to apply for admission for the 2023-2024 academic year beginning in August. Students can learn more, schedule a campus visit and apply for admission at admissions.murraystate.edu.

Recognized nationally as one of Americas best college values, Murray State has expanded its regional tuition rate to now include a total of 15 states across the country. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Murray State has also enhanced its academic achievement scholarships to emphasize GPA for entering freshmen students in fall 2023.

Murray State offers 148 academic programs within six diverse colleges and schools for undergraduate and graduate students seeking to achieve their personal and professional goals. With personalized class sizes and more than 170 student organizations on campus, Racers discover countless opportunities for a life-changing educational experience.

**

Murray State University is hosting the Regional Training Institute for the American Red Cross June 5-9. More than 100 participants from eight different states visited Murray State for the week for American Red Cross trainings on disaster preparation, response and recovery.

Designed for new and veteran disaster responders, the Regional Training Institute offered extensive training on disaster assessment, sheltering, supervising the disaster volunteer workforce, disaster health services, public affairs, operations management and logistics. These highly skilled and experienced volunteers respond to weather or other disaster events to provide immediate service and care to impacted families across the nation. Volunteers participated in classrooms on campus, lodged in the residential colleges, and practiced driving the Emergency Response Vehicle in Murray State parking lots.

This is the first Regional Training Institute held in over three years and the first that has been hosted in the Western Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross.

We are grateful to partners like Murray State University which is the site for our American Red Cross Disaster Institute taking place this week. With over 100 Red Crossers on campus, this enables us to provide one-on-one training for Red Cross disaster workers and key volunteers, which will help us as we prepare communities and respond to disasters here at home and across the state, said Misty Thomas, Executive Director, Red Cross Western Kentucky Chapter.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the American Red Cross can visit redcross.org/volunteer/become- a-volunteer.html .

**

Sarah Williams, professional academic advisor in the Center for Student Engagement and Success at Murray State University, has received a scholarship through NACADA

Sarah Williams, professional academic advisor in the Center for Student Engagement and Success at Murray State University, has received a scholarship through NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. Williams will receive a complimentary registration for the NACADA Summer Institute, to be held June 25-30 in Madison, Wisconsin.

NACADA promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students.

The Center for Student Engagement and Success within the Division of Student Affairs, and in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, launched a first-year academic advising/dual advising model in April 2023. This model emphasizes that successful advising, defined as a holistic process that connects incoming and current students with information, resources and contacts needed for their ongoing success, is based on three foundational elements. These include a successful transition to college experience, successful college experience (retention) and successful academic experience.

The knowledge Sarah gathers at the NACADA Summer Institute will help us with our new advising initiative, said Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success Peggy Whaley. Sarah is committed to student success and supporting the new first-year academic advising model in her role as a professional advisor.

Williams has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a master's degree in Postsecondary Education Administration, both from Murray State. She enjoys getting to know students and helping them succeed.

The Center for Student Engagement and Success is focused on empowering every student to reach their fullest potential. Staff are committed to the success and retention of all students through guidance, support and cultivation of their personal well-being and academic success. Learn more at murraystate.edu/success.

**

Two Murray State University professors, Dr. Chris Lennon (left), assistant professor of biology and Dr. Kevin Miller (right), professor of chemistry, were recipients of 2023 KCV IMPACT awards.

Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) recently announced the winners of the KCV IMPACT (Innovative Mobile, Public Health and Community-Oriented Technologies) competition. Two Murray State University professors, Dr. Chris Lennon, assistant professor of biology and Dr. Kevin Miller, professor of chemistry, were recipients of 2023 KCV IMPACT awards.

KCV challenges innovators from partner institutions throughout Kentucky to create solutions relevant to the improvement of the social, health or economic condition of Kentucky. The goal of the KCV IMPACT competition is to encourage ideation to meet some of the states largest needs and highlight the value of innovators from across the state of Kentucky.

Lennon was awarded first place and funding of $25,000 for his Chromatography-free Thermostable Protein Purification.

Our development is a novel method for protein purification with academic and industrial applications, said Lennon. Purified proteins are widely used in the biomedical sciences and we have the potential to produce these valuable products at a fraction of the cost of current purification strategies.

Runner-up along with $10,000 in funding was awarded to Miller for his Flexible Electronics and Sensors from Ion-containing Polysaccharides submission.

"Our project involves the conversion of sustainable raw materials such as cellulose into flexible electronic devices, said Miller. KCV support will assist in modifying our current synthetic process for scale-up as well as with improving fabrication.

The work Miller is leading is being conducted in collaboration with Rutgers University-Camden and continues to be supported in part by the National Science Foundation.

For more information on the KCV IMPACT Competition visit kycommercializationventures. com .

**

Presenters included Chris Wooldridge, director of the Murray State University Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development.

Murray State University recently partnered with organizations to hold a conference to discuss challenges, resources and innovations in addressing the housing challenges in the region.

The conference was the first event held by the North Delta Economic Alliance (NDEA). The event planning was executed by Marcie Lawson, director of the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development and was held at Allen Wire manufacturing in the companys meeting rooms complex. Economic developers as well as other industry and community leaders from across five states attended the conference. Presenters from federal funding sources, economic developers and real estate developers brought new and insightful approaches to addressing the shortage of housing.

We were so pleased to see the large turnout from five states to hear presentations as well as network and build relationships. It was a great success, said Chris Wooldridge, director of the Murray State University Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development.

The NDEA is now considering holding future events covering other topics that are relevant to the multi-state region.

The NDEA is an alliance of economic and academic organizations from the five states of Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas. Commonality among the organizations resides in the fact that individuals within each organization are graduates of the Delta Regional authority Delta Leadership Institute. More information about the DRA can be found at dra.gov.
The Career Advancement Center at Muscatine Community College has been busy with its classes this week as local students learn about police procedures and the different jobs and tasks that come with criminal justice careers.

Throughout the week, MCC has been hosting the Muscatine Police Departments Junior Police Academy. This is the third year that the department has offered the program to youths in the area, with this year seeing a class of 17 students. In addition to having students from Muscatine, the 2023 academy class also includes students from Wilton, West Liberty, Durant, Louisa-Muscatine and Columbus high schools and, new as of this year, Clinton.

Sgt. Joe Bryant, who led last years class, is also leading this years.

Its been very good so far, he said. The kids have been very interactive and have co-mingled very well. Theyve adapted really well to stuff, theyre asking a lot of pertinent questions and they seem to really be enjoying everything.

One academy student, Elexiana Oliva, said she would like to major in criminal justice and become a detective one day.

I thought this was a good way to give me a little bit of what I might see and just to learn more about the force, she said.

Another student, Bridget Harkness, said she hoped to one day be a K-9 search-and-rescue officer.

Going to this class helps me get more information and figure out what I have to go through to get into that field," she said.

Both Oliva and Harkness shared that they have enjoyed the program, with Oliva stating that she was looking forward to the academys defensive tactics class and digital simulator session later in the week. Harkness, meanwhile, shared that she had a fun time meeting with the MSORT team earlier in the week and that she was looking forward to meeting the K-9 officers.

I definitely have learned a lot more than I knew. Its given me more information and has persuaded me a little more to become a criminal justice major, Oliva said. So far, its been really good, and Ive had a lot of fun meeting new people and doing new experiences. I think its really nice that they do this just to give kids a little more exposure. Sgt. Bryant and the other officers are really nice and helpful.

Similar to previous years, the week has given students the opportunity to participate in a mock trial, do some physical fitness, learn about the job of a crime scene technician, hear about the MSORT (Muscatine Special Operations Response Team) and even meet some members of the K-9 unit. Meeting the K-9 dogs is always a highlight, Bryant said.

Further adding to the excitement of this years class has been the use of the new CAC building, which will be the home to the colleges recently revamped criminal justice program.

Id like to thank MCC and Eastern Iowa Community College for partnering with us and helping us put this on, Bryant added. We couldnt do it without them.

As it has been in previous years, Bryant emphasized that the main goal of the academy is to bring out leadership within the kids and teach them about how to work within a group, in addition to all the information relating to the criminal justice field. He also hoped to inspire students to pursue criminal justice degrees.

Once they get that degree, it comes back to us and were trying to hire good applicants, so it kind of comes full circle where we help each other out for the best benefit of the students, the employee and the school, Bryant said.

How spending on public safety and policing has changed over the last 40 years How spending on public safety and policing has changed over the last 40 years Spending on public safety in cities in the US has doubled since 1980 Police funding has remained about half of public safety budgets consistently for 40 years Even with ballooning public safety budgets, many cities allocate more money to the police Some cities have reigned in police spending, while others have tightened overall public safety budgets
A Muscatine woman who was convicted in 2018 of second-degree murder in the 1992 beating death of Corey Wieneke has filed for post-conviction relief.

According to court documents, Annette Cahill, 60, was convicted of second-degree murder on Sept. 19, 2019, and was sentenced to the mandatory 50 years in prison. This was a second trial after the jury was deadlocked in the first trial. Cahill must serve 70%, or 35 years, of the sentence before she becomes eligible for parole.

Wieneke was killed on Oct. 13, 1992.

Cahill was arrested after new evidence in what had been a cold case surfaced. In 1992, Cahill, then 29, had been in a relationship with Wieneke, 22, and had an argument about Wieneke seeing another woman the night before his body was discovered.

In 2017, Jessie Becker came forward about a confession she overheard as a child. She said she heard Cahill say, I'm sorry I killed you, Corey," in a darkened room of the house where Cahill was living and Becker, then 9 years old, was sleeping over with friends.

During the trial, a hearing to dismiss was held on Jan. 28, 2019, and a motion for a new trial was made on Nov. 13, 2019. Cahills attorneys argued the verdict was contrary to the weight of the evidence and a new trial was requested based on newly discovered evidence. The defense argued there is an alternate suspect in the murder, Bob Morrison.

The prosecution said there was nothing new about the evidence and it was disclosed to the defense. The defense had said that after the conclusion of the trial someone had left a letter on the defense teams table with an unsigned document claiming that Missy Morrison, who is deceased, had made some kind of statement that Bob Morrison had killed Wieneke.

The application for post-conviction relief, filed by the Iowa State Public Defender, Wrongful Conviction Division, on May 26, argues that Cahill was denied a fair and impartial trial because of violations of state and federal law. Among violations, the application claims evidence impeaching the credibility of law enforcement witnesses was withheld and that several pieces of evidence had been suppressed.

The application accuses former Muscatine County Attorney Alan Ostergren of prosecutorial misconduct. It also cites ineffective assistance of counsel by the counsels failure to investigate a change of venue and failure to investigate alternate suspects.

The application especially stresses the unavailability of several witnesses for the defense to cross-examine.

This Court should overturn this unjust conviction and end the unlawful incarceration of an innocent woman, the document reads.

The Honorable Tamra Roberts, who is presiding, asked that a recast application be filed no later than Aug. 24, stating specific claims for relief. The state will then have 30 days to file a response and a civil trial will be set.

Since the conviction, Cahill has appealed to the Iowa State Court of Appeals and to the Iowa Supreme Court, both of which have upheld the conviction.

The trial has since gained national publicity, having been featured on Dateline NBC and Snapped.
WAPELLO  The Louisa County Board of Supervisors may look at changes to emergency responses following a recent accident at a county recreation area.

The supervisors reviewed the incident during their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday.

According to supervisors Brad Quigley and Shawn Maine, a person was injured during the Louisa County Conservation Boards annual Family Fun Day on Saturday at the Langwood Education Center east of Grandview.

Other officials reported the 46-year-old male was injured while participating on an element of the areas high ropes course. The supervisors indicated they were concerned over the length of time it took to get medical responders to the area.

Im getting more information, but the response time was not what I wanted, Maine said about the incident, explaining he still had to confirm much of what he was learning.

Maine said he had interrupted Louisa County Chief Deputy Brandon Marquardts vacation to quiz him about the response.

Also, the 911 call went to Muscatine, Quigley added

Quigley, who serves on the Louisa County E911 Board, explained the initial call for help had gone out over a landline. He suggested the call should have been directed to the Louisa County Sheriffs Office and not the Muscatine-based system.

Weve got to look into that, Quigley said.

The officials indicated they understood a staffing problem with the Louisa County Ambulance Service unit that is stationed in Grandview led to the response delay.

Although a unit apparently was able to eventually respond, the delay meant a unit from the Wapello Community Ambulance Service also was called out as a standby.

Compounding those issues, an air ambulance that was dispatched was unable to immediately find a suitable landing spot and had to circle for an extended period, which lead to fears the aircraft might run out of fuel.

In the end, Maine said the injured person was transported for treatment and is expected to be fine, but the problems that surfaced during the incident highlighted a need.

I think there is a problem, and we need to learn from this. We need to find out what happened and fix the problem, he said.

Quigley agreed and suggested part of the problem might be the artificial boundaries that split Louisa County into response areas for the countys three ambulance services.

We need to eliminate boundaries and work as a unit, he told Maine and supervisor chair Chris Ball, who said he was just learning of the incident.

Maine agreed a group meeting would help resolve issues related to the Langwood incident. The meeting could also help answer continuing questions over the services finances and an upcoming tax referendum that could provide financial support for the ambulances, if voters agree.

No date for a meeting was set, but Maine indicated he would talk with Marquardt once the deputy sheriff returned from his vacation.

In other action on Tuesday, the supervisors approved a fireworks permit for the Grandview Community Club; and reviewed the office appointments of newly-appointed county auditor Selena Gerst.

Gerst named Katie Walker as her first deputy and Elizabeth Pretz as the second deputy.

The board also passed a resolution approving the merger of the Southeast Iowa LINK and South Center Behavioral Health mental health consortiums. Louisa County Mental Health and Disabilities Director Bobbie Wulf said the merged organization will be called the Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa.

The board also met with County Engineer Adam Shutt for his weekly update of the secondary roads department.
Lisa Brooks grabbed a microphone and shouted so all of downtown Davenport could hear her voice.

"Charge them with murder," she yelled over and over.

The roughly 70 people who joined her Wednesday outside City Hall chanted the same words back to Brooks, who was rescued from the The Davenport one day after its partial collapse on May 28.

Three men died when a large portion of the building slid into a rubble pile. A woman was rescued from the wreckage early on May 29, after one of her legs was amputated.

Brooks and the other protesters assembled at the corner of Harrison and 4th streets 90 minutes before the 5:30 p.m. start of the City Council meeting.

The protesters were loud but peaceful. They held signs and faced Harrison street, calling to passing motorists. A number of those who lined the block said they wanted Davenport Mayor Mike Matson to resign. Others said they wanted to make sure building owner Andrew Wold was "held accountable for the deaths of three people."

'I want my kids to know right from wrong'

Briana Atwater brought a few bottles of water, a big glass of ice and two children to Wednesday's protest.

Her 7-year-old son, Kenji, and 5-year-old daughter, Kalaiyah, held up the palms of their hands, which had been painted red to protest the deaths at the building.

"I want my kids to know right from wrong," Atwater said. "I want them to know that there is corruption in this world, and they have to stand up to it."

Atwater works at The Current hotel and was just getting off her shift on May 28 when she heard the sound of the apartment building falling.

"There was a rumble, and then all the lights flickered," she said. "When I was driving home, I saw it. It was a terrible sight."

Like Atwater, Christina Castaneda brought family to the protest. Her 8-year-old daughter, Mia, and 3-year-old daughter, Luna, were joined by their 21-year-old cousin, Aiyana Cardona.

"The kids had questions and they see the building every day," Castaneda said. "I would like my children to be leaders some day, true leaders. I want to teach them that every person deserves justice."

'People need representation'

Tiffany Goetz had many reasons to be in front of the courthouse earlier in the day as civil rights attorneys Andrew M. Stroth of Action Injury Law Group and Steven A. Hart of Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge held a news conference to announce they were representing Quanishia Peach Berry and Lexus Berry.

Quanisha was the person who had to have a leg removed so she could be pulled from the debris.

Using social media and by being on the scene on May 28 and 29, Goetz estimates that she put up to 40 residents of The Davenport in contact with attorneys from outside Davenport and Scott County.

"Once I saw what was happening, I knew that people were going to need lots of help  including legal help. People need representation," Goetz said.

Goetz didn't want to say which residents she helped, but she's made it a point to spend time in front of City Hall to see if people need anything.

"I feel that the attorneys in and around Quad-Cities will have conflicts of interests," she said. "And, honestly, I just think it is best for people to look at attorneys who do not have local connections or interests."

'I don't have anywhere to go'

Brooks showed up in front of City Hall hours before the start of Wednesday's protests.

For a few moments she screamed at the partially collapsed six-story apartment building where she lived. She was rescued from the building Monday, May 29.

"This should have never happened," Brooks screamed. "This didn't have to happen. If people did their job, if people listened to us, people could have left that building before it fell down."

Brooks talked for a long time about smelling a strong odor of gas in The Davenport in days before its partial collapse. She tried to describe another odor and settled on "an acid smell."

Banks said she lost "everything" because she couldn't return to the building.

"My ID is gone. My Social Security card is gone. Everything I had is gone," she said. "I don't know where to go.

"I don't have anywhere to go."

Brooks said she did not have a place to stay.

"I'm on the streets, for now," she said. "Except for last night."

Brooks was booked into the Scott County Jail at 6:24 p.m. on misdemeanor traffic charges. She was in custody for 16 hours and 32 minutes.

"It was the best night of sleep I've had since that damn building fell down," she said. "It was quiet, and I felt safe."

Photos: Attorneys for amputee, spouse, hold news conference on lawsuit after building collapse in Davenport 060723-qc-nws-presser-32.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-33.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-34.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-21.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-35.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-36.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-26.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-25.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-18.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-15.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-17.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-13.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-41.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-20.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-23.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-39.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-24.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-40.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-31.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-02.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-01.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-22.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-07.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-29.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-19.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-08.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-14.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-16.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-30.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-42.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-10.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-11.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-27.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-09.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-03.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-38.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-37.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-28.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-04.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-05.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-06.jpg 060723-qc-nws-presser-12.jpg
Accountability. Transparency. Resignations. Those were the big three demands from Davenport residents who spoke during public comment at the most recent Davenport City Council meeting.

The public spoke for more than an hour Wednesday night, expressing their feelings on how the council handled the situation at 324 Main St. The building partially collapsed Sunday, May 28, just before 5 p.m., leading to three deaths.

LaCanna Dixon was among the crowd and expressed her disgust for how things unfolded. She told the council she watched national media coverage, where they reported the situation was under control and nobody was inside. When she asked media where they got that information from, they cited the city as the source.

"All of a sudden Miss Lisa (Brooks) hung her head out of that window," she said. "They bleed the same color as all of us here. And you did nothing to help them."

Dixon identified alderperson Judith Lee, 8th Ward, as the only member of the council who stood with advocates at the site of the collapse. The rest, she said, should have followed suit.

"If you can't stand behind the people that voted for you, you need to get out of your seat," she said. "This is my community. I am an activist because I will speak up for my people. All of you signed up for the same thing."

She then raised her right hand and her palm was covered in red paint as a silent symbol that the council had blood on its hands.

Council members are not allowed to respond to public comments during meetings.

Other members of the community outside of Ward 3, where 324 Main St. is located, were present to raise their concern. Among them was Michael Ross, a self-proclaimed community activist who lives in Ward 2.

Ross told the council he toured the building before and said people were living in, "substandard conditions." He said he called neighborhood services about the building last fall.

"I was told that because I was a community activist, that the tenant had to call. Mind you, this tenant just lost her daughter due to COVID and feared retaliation from the landlord," he said.

He also credited Alderperson Lee for being on site in the days following the collapse and called the rest of them "cowards." Ross then singled out his council representative, Ward 2 Alderperson Maria Dickmann, and asked her to resign.

Dickmann chuckled, nodded her head and said, "OK." She has announced previously she is not running for reelection in November.

Other residents took aim at the council as a whole. James Woods, a resident of Ward 8, said the public was told in the days following the collapse that the building was on the verge of collapsing further, even while city workers stood just 25 feet from the building.

Woods went on to say the council had the ability to save lives, and the 911 call placed the day before the collapse proves that.

"They should be able to live in a place where they have the security to know the floor will not fall out from underneath them," he said. "We should never let any citizen in this town go through what the residents of 324 Main had to."

Families respond

At least one resident of the building, Lisa Brooks, was present at the meeting. She was rescued from a fourth-floor window hours after city officials said they did not believe anyone was still unaccounted for.

Wednesday night, Brooks arrived in yellow sneakers, gray-and-plaid pants and a gray T-shirt. She sat in the front row, next to her nephew, Antoine Smith. Brooks said she had been homeless since the collapse.

"What are you going to do for us?" she asked, stressing to the council they had homes and beds to return to. "Ladies and gentlemen, what are you going to do? People have kids and are homeless in the streets."

Family advocacy was a theme Wednesday evening. Six days after the collapse, the body of Branden Colvin Sr. was retrieved from the site. Speaking to the council on his behalf was his cousin, Mike Collier, who stood with two of his aunts.

He told the council he was mad, sad and exhausted. One of his aunts, Rose Wilson, demanded answers from the council.

She asked the council who approved the inspector's signature on the building inspection and who approved the demolition scheduled for one day after the collapse if there was no council meeting and no vote could be taken. Wilson blamed Davenport City Administrator Cori Spiegel.

"The city and community deserve better leadership," she said.

New leadership was another demand made by the group assembled in council chambers. Eric Russell, an activist with the Tree of life Justice League of Chicago, came to express his own outrage and search for facts.

At the beginning of the meeting, Alderperson Derek Cornette said he wanted to put the rumor that the Davenport Police Department was protecting Andrew Wold, the property owner, to rest. Russell said that was beside the point.

"We don't give a damn on rumors about a slumlord being guarded by the police. What we are concerned about is the utter disrespect of the residents who live their life in that building," he said.

Days after the collapse, the city's building inspector, Trishna Pradhan, resigned from her position. Russell said Davenport Mayor Mike Matson should follow suit.

"What happened across the street was not just a tragedy of a collapse, it was criminal," he said. All we are seeking is transparency. Accountability. That accountability starts with this council that failed.

That message was upheld by Alicia Goosens, the owner of Gilly's Corner Tap at Pine and 3rd streets in Davenport. The west-end bar was denied a liquor license in January following a shooting outside the business.

"I just want to know if you're going to hold everyone accountable the way you held me accountable," she said.

Malik Salsberry was born and raised in Davenport and moved back after five years away. He told the council he didn't just have heartbreak on his face but frustration and anger. The response to the collapse showed a "disdain and disinterest" in poor residents and residents of color, he said.

"As your constituent, I would like to ask you all to resign. If you can't handle hard questions from your constituents, maybe you shouldn't be here," he said.

Photos: Davenport City Council Meeting, June 7, 2023 060723-qc-nws-council-26.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-04.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-40.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-01.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-24.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-11.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-05.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-33.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-41.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-06.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-31.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-15.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-17.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-07.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-13.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-18.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-46.jpg 060723-qc-nws-council-14.jpg
NEW YORK  Images of smoke obscuring the New York skyline and the Washington Monument this week have given the world a new picture of the perils of wildfire, far from where blazes regularly turn skies into hazardous haze.

A third day of unhealthy air from Canadian wildfires may have been an unnerving novelty for millions of people on the U.S. East Coast, but it was a reminder of conditions routinely troubling the country's West  and a wake-up call about the future, scientists say.

"This is kind of an astounding event" but likely to become more common amid global warming, said Justin Mankin, a Dartmouth College geography professor and climate scientist. "This is something that we, as the eastern side of the country, need to take quite seriously."

Millions of residents could see that for themselves Thursday. The conditions sent asthma sufferers to hospitals, delayed flights, postponed ballgames and even pushed back a White House Pride Month celebration. The fires sent plumes of fine particulate matter as far away as North Carolina and northern Europe and parked clumps of air rated unhealthy or worse over the heavily populated Eastern Seaboard.

At points this week, air quality in places including New York, the nation's most populous city, nearly hit the top of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's air-pollution scale. Local officials urged people to stay indoors as much as possible and wear face masks when they venture out.

Such conditions are nothing new  indeed, increasingly frequent  on the U.S. West Coast, where residents were buying masks and air filters even before the COVID-19 pandemic and are accustomed to checking air quality daily in summer. Since 2017, California has seen eight of its 10 largest wildfires and six of the most destructive.

The hazardous air has sometimes forced children, older adults and people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to stay indoors for weeks at a time. Officials have opened smoke shelters for people who are homeless or who might not have access to clean indoor air.

"The West has always burned, as has Canada, but what's important now is that we're getting these massive amounts of smoke in a very populated region, so many, many people are getting affected," said Loretta Mickley, the co-leader of Harvard University's Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group.

Fueled by an unusually dry and warm period in spring, the Canadian fire season that is just getting started could well become the worst on record. More than 400 blazes burned Thursday. Over a third are in Quebec, where Public Safety Minister Francois Bonnardel said no rain is expected until next week and temperatures are predicted to rise.

He said there have been no reports of injuries, deaths or home damage so far from the fires, but it remained unclear Thursday when more than 12,000 evacuees from various communities would be able to return. Manon Cyr, mayor of the evacuated town of Chibougamau, said she advised residents to be "Zen and patient. That's the most important."

She noted the real solution will be a good dose of rain.

In neighboring Ontario, a haze hung over Toronto, Canada's most populous city, where many school recess breaks, day care center activities and outdoor recreation programs were canceled or moved inside.

U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday that hundreds of American firefighters and support personnel have been in Canada since May, and he'd offered Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "any additional help Canada needs to rapidly accelerate the effort to put out these fires." The two spoke Wednesday.

Wildfires aren't the only air-quality problems that beset major population centers around the globe.

Chemically, wildfire smoke can be more toxic than typical urban pollution, but with an asterisk: With smog, "the problem is you're in it all the time," says Jonathan Deason, an environmental and energy management professor George Washington University.

In New York City, Health Department spokesperson Pedro Frisneda said emergency rooms saw a "higher than usual" number of asthma-related visits from the blanket of smoke, estimating patients were in the "low hundreds."

The city public school system  the nation's largest  said Friday's classes would be conducted remotely. Motorists even got a break Thursday and Friday from having to move their cars for street cleaning.

In Washington, a big Pride Month celebration on the White House's South Lawn was moved from Thursday to Saturday, and a Washington Nationals-Arizona Diamondbacks game was postponed. Local officials closed public parks and suspended some road work.

Philadelphia ended trash collection ended early, for the sake of sanitation employees. Bridgeport, Connecticut's largest city, opened spaces usually used as hot-weather cooling centers so that residents could escape the unhealthy air.

A Chris Stapleton concert at a Syracuse amphitheater was pushed back, fireworks were canceled at Niagara Falls and racing was canceled at New York's Belmont Park two days before the famed Belmont Stakes. It wasn't yet clear whether the Triple Crown race itself might be affected; Gov. Kathy Hochul said that would depend on the air quality at the track Saturday.

US cities with the dirtiest air U.S. cities with the dirtiest air #45. Joplin, Missouri (tie) #45. Laramie, Wyoming (tie) #45. Payson, Arizona (tie) #45. Portland-South Portland, Maine (tie) #45. Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, California (tie) #45. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, California (tie) #42. Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama (tie) #42. Kalispell, Montana (tie) #42. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (tie) #36. Bishop, California (tie) #36. Boulder, Colorado (tie) #36. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas (tie) #36. Monroe, Michigan (tie) #36. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, California (tie) #36. Stockton-Lodi, California (tie) #32. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan (tie) #32. Gillette, Wyoming (tie) #32. Laredo, Texas (tie) #32. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, California (tie) #29. Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Indiana (tie) #29. Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas (tie) #29. Sierra Vista-Douglas, Arizona (tie) #28. Duluth, Minnesota-Wisconsin #27. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California #22. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (tie) #22. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada (tie) #22. Merced, California (tie) #22. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota-Wisconsin (tie) #22. Ponce, Puerto Rico (tie) #21. Modesto, California #20. Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio #18. Nogales, Arizona (tie) #18. San Diego-Carlsbad, California (tie) #17. El Paso, Texas #13. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Iowa-Illinois (tie) #13. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado (tie) #13. St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois (tie) #13. Yuma, Arizona (tie) #10. Albuquerque, New Mexico (tie) #10. Madera, California (tie) #10. Rapid City, South Dakota (tie) #8. Fresno, California (tie) #8. Tucson, Arizona (tie) #7. El Centro, California #5. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California (tie) #5. Visalia-Porterville, California (tie) #4. Hanford-Corcoran, California #3. Las Cruces, New Mexico #2. Bakersfield, California #1. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona US cities with the dirtiest air #50. Sandpoint, Idaho #49. Deming, New Mexico #48. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota #47. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, California #46. Joplin, Missouri #45. Chico, California #44. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania #43. Salt Lake City, Utah #42. Pahrump, Nevada #41. Spokane-Spokane Valley, Washington #40. Pocatello, Idaho #39. Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio #38. Kalispell, Montana #37. Boise, Idaho #36. Watertown, South Dakota #35. Bishop, California #34. Wichita, Kansas #33. Reno, Nevada #32. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan #31. St. Joseph, Missouri #30. Sierra Vista-Douglas, Arizona #29. St. Louis, Missouri #28. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas #27. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California #26. Stockton-Lodi, California #25. Gillette, Wyoming #24. Kansas City, Missouri #23. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Iowa #22. Cincinnati, Ohio #21. Modesto, California #20. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada #19. Laramie, Wyoming #18. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado #17. Yuma, Arizona #16. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Illinois #15. Rapid City, South Dakota #14. San Diego-Carlsbad, California #13. Madera, California #12. Fresno, California #11. Nogales, Arizona #10. Bakersfield, California #9. Las Cruces, New Mexico #8. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California #7. El Paso, Texas #6. Visalia-Porterville, California #5. Albuquerque, New Mexico #4. El Centro, California #3. Tucson, Arizona #2. Hanford-Corcoran, California #1. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona
The family of an Illinois woman killed in a 2022 parasailing crash in the Florida Keys filed a second lawsuit connected to her death this week. Attorneys say 33-year-old Supraja Alaparthi was killed after she and two children were dragged across the water and slammed into a bridge last June while strapped into a parasail. Her husband, Srinivasrao Alaparthi, told reporters Thursday that his family has taken the last year one day at a time but misses her dearly. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigated the crash last year and found the boat captain cut the line holding Alaparthi and the two boys because the parasail was dragging in high winds from a sudden summer storm.
Iowa will receive more than $1 million from a nationwide settlement with the maker of the opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone, according to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

Iowa joined 40 other states and the District of Columbia in the Wisconsin-led lawsuit against Indivior Inc. The states negotiated a $102.5 million nationwide settlement with the company, according to the Attorney Generals Office.

The lawsuit claims the company engaged in anti-competitive practices by making modest changes to Suboxone to extend patent protection and keep generic versions of the drug off the market. Suboxone is a branded version of buprenorphine and naloxone and is prescribed to help individuals recover from opioid addiction.

The lawsuit claims Indivior monopolized the market and burdened consumers with inflated prices for the medication, due to the lack of competition. The states' complaint also alleges Indivior used false advertising and price adjustments to preserve its drug monopoly in violation of state and federal antitrust laws.

Iowans deserve freedom and choice in the marketplace, Bird said in a statement. This settlement makes clear that any single company who attempts to illegally control the drug market, or any market, will be held accountable.

Under the terms of the deal, Indivior is to notify the states when it makes product modification or changes in corporate control, which the Attorney Generals Office said will help ensure Indivior stops from engaging in future illegal conduct.

Photos: Advocates boost opioid rescue drug access to save lives
DES MOINES  With somewhat unusual timing, Iowa Senate Democrats elected a new leader Wednesday night.

Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa Legislature typically elect their respective leaders shortly after elections every two years.

But on Wednesday night, Senate Democrats met and unanimously elected Dubuque Sen. Pam Jochum as their new leader, in the process ousting previous leader Sen. Zach Wahls, of Coralville.

Senate Democrats on Wednesday night and Thursday morning did not address the reason for the change.

Jochum and Wahls did not immediately return messages seeking comment Thursday morning.

The Iowa Capital Dispatch, Iowa Field Report, and Iowa Starting Line reported Wednesday that many Senate Democrats were upset that Wahls, as caucus leader, recently fired two longtime staffers, Eric Bakker and Debbie Kattenhorn.

A person with knowledge of Senate Democrats deliberations, who requested not to be identified, said the change in leadership stemmed from a dispute over Wahls dismissal of Bakker and Kattenhorn. Their last day in the office was Friday, June 2.

Sen. Molly Donahue, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, however, said the vote was most definitely not about one single issue. Donahue would not elaborate.

This was an internal caucus decision. There were a lot of different reasons for all of it, and it is a great decision for our caucus, she said of the unanimous decision to elect Jochum, which included Wahls.

This was just something that needed to happen at this time, and it will be good for us in the long run, Donahue said. Everybody is still committed to making sure that we gain more seats and that we raise that money. And everyone will be putting in the work that needs to be put in to do so, including Sen. Wahls. Hes just going to be in a different position.

Bakker, who served as a senior legislative aide to the Iowa Senate Democratic Leader since the early 2000s, did not return a message seeking comment Thursday morning. Kattenhorn had worked in the Iowa Senate Democratic Leaders since the mid-2000s, according to a state employee salary book.

Jason Noble, communications director for Iowa Senate Democrats, declined to provide a copy of Wahls email to the caucus last week announcing the terminations and that he was restructuring the leaders office. He said it is an internal message to senators and staff concerning personnel matters that cannot be released.

Wahls, 31, was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018, and in 2020 was elected leader of the minority-party Senate Democrats, who are outnumbered in the chamber by Republican super majority, 34-16.

Wahls first gained prominence in 2011 when he spoke on the Iowa House floor about his two mothers as legislators debated a proposal to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

Jochum, 68, has served in the Iowa Senate since 2009, and prior to that had served in the Iowa House since 1993.

In 2012, Jochum was chosen by fellow senators to serve as president of the Iowa Senate, becoming the second woman in Iowa to hold the position when Democrats last controlled the chamber until 2017. Most recently, she has served as one of four assistant minority leaders.

I am honored to receive the unanimous support of my fellow Democratic Senators during this critical moment for our caucus and the state of Iowa, Jochum said in the statement, in which she thanked Wahls for his vision and leadership. Senate Democrats look forward to offering a better way forward for the people of Iowa  in 2024 and beyond. Were going to defend our incumbent senators, grow our caucus, and win a majority that delivers for middle-class Iowans.

Jochum played a leading role in expanding affordable health insurance coverage to working Iowans and has been a staunch advocate for Iowans with disabilities to protect their health services following the privatization of Iowas Medicaid system. Jochum often discussed her late daughter's severe intellectual disability to highlight frustrations with Iowas Medicaid program.

Pam Jochum is a highly-qualified, highly-dedicated Democrat that will lead our Senate caucus well, Sen. Claire Celsi, a Democrat from West Des Moines, said.

With Jochums election, Iowa Democrats would boast all-female leadership in the Iowa Legislature, assuming House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, is reelected to the position.

Women also currently serve in the No. 2 leadership positions of the Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate, and the Iowa Democratic Party is led by chair Rita Hart, a former state senator from Clinton County.

That is believed to be a first for a major political party in Iowa.

We all are committed to making gains, it doesnt matter male or female, Donahue said. It may be a pivotal moment to have all-women in the lead, but its just the way it happened at this point. Pam was the one that stepped up.  I think its great to have all-women leadership.

Donahue cited Jochums long tenure in the Iowa Legislature working in leadership roles in both the minority and majority.

Shes been an integral part of the success of Democrats, and she is extremely passionate about getting us back to that point, she said.

The next session of the Iowa General Assembly convenes Jan. 8, 2024.

Photos: Gov. Reynolds tours site of The Davenport collapse 060523-qct-nws-collapse-01.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-14.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-07.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-16.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-09.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-10.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-17.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-11.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-13.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-05.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-06.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-04.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-02.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-03.jpg
By PCS

The pursuit of political aspirations must further justice in the country.

President William Ruto said such action should not undermine but expand freedom.

It must also deepen our democracy and security, he noted.

He asked leaders not to weaponise their grievances to injure the vulnerable.

We must reconcile our diverse views and resolve the raging disagreement over the Finance Bill.

He was speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi during the National Prayer Breakfast.

As we participate in this debate, the President explained, let us ask God to make us see the choices that we have to make.

He insisted that the Government was committed to the implementation of affordable housing to tame unemployment and slum proliferation.

We must choose between running our country with tax revenues or living beyond our means in more debt.

He said Kenya was at the threshold of a transformation, a moment that calls for courage.

Our commitment is under test; only bold decisions will make us unlock our potential.

He asked leaders to be united by a vision of a strong, secure and prosperous Kenya.

The President maintained that no leader should afford to pursue an agenda of sabotage in the name of competition.

Although our ideas may differ, we must never wish that this nation fails, or that her people suffer, just to vindicate our politics.

Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Cabinet Secretaries, MPs, among other leaders.

Mr Gachagua said even as the country reconciles with God and man, we must reconcile with the truth.

That is how we will move our country forward.

Mr Mudavadi said the Government will keep on pursuing pro-people policies even with the wave of criticism from the Opposition.

Mr Wetangula called for leaders to be progressive in their approach to issues if Kenya is to overcome extreme poverty.

His sentiments were echoed by Mr Kingi: We must work together to ensure that we uplift the underprivileged in the society.

Guest Speaker Dr Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick, UK House of Lords asked leaders to be responsible for their deeds.

He said citizens look upon them in solving the challenges facing them.
In a groundbreaking ruling, the Environment and Lands Court has awarded Mr. Davis Dzuya, a caretaker who sought adverse possession of land from his estranged employer, a compensation of Sh3 million.

Justice Lucas Naikuni presided over the case and ordered Mr. Salim Anjarwalla, the former employer, to pay the amount as recognition for Mr. Dzuyas dedicated service to the Anjarwalla family over a period of more than thirty years.

While acknowledging that Davis Dzuya was not entitled to the suit land through adverse possession, the judge emphasized that the payment of Sh3 million should be made before Dzuya vacates the property in Shanzu, Mombasa County. Dzuya had served as a caretaker on the land for a period of 32 years.

Justice Naikuni recognized that throughout the three decades of Dzuyas employment with the Anjarwallas, he displayed unwavering dedication and commitment to his role.

The court further ruled that as a result of his loyalty and hard work, Mr Dzuya should not be left destitute or homeless.

Despite dismissing Dzuyas application and issuing an order for his eviction from his employers land within 90 days, the judge ruled that the plaintiff should receive the awarded amount to secure a decent and habitable settlement.

The court recognized the importance of providing Mr. Dzuya with the means to establish a suitable living arrangement, considering his dedicated service over the years.

To avoid the first plaintiff herein and his family becoming destitute and homeless, based on humanitarian consideration on gratia basis and the right to housing and settlement as provided for under Article 43 of the Constitution, I urge the defendant to consider awarding the first plaintiff a sum of Sh3 million, read the ruling.

The awarded amount of Sh3 million, when calculated, equates to an approximate sum of Sh8,000 per month for the duration of Dzuyas occupancy of the disputed land.

In 2019, Dzuya, together with his colleague Mr. Bakari Musa, filed the suit against Mr. Salim, the legal representative of the estate of his late father, Hussein Karimbhai Anjarwalla.

In their application, Dzuya and Musa asserted that Mr. Anjarwallas claim to the 2.2 acres of contested land had been invalidated. They wanted to be registered as the rightful owners of the disputed property and to be issued the title certificates with their names without gazettement.

In their claim for adverse possession, Dzuya argued that he had maintained uninterrupted residence on the disputed parcel for a period exceeding 12 years. This argument formed the basis of his assertion of ownership rights over the land.
The Shanzu Court in Mombasa on Tuesday issued a directive stating that Paul Mckenzie, his wife Rhodah Mumbua, and 16 other individuals will remain in custody for seven more days.

The court granted the extension to allow their legal representatives sufficient time to respond to the prosecutions request for a 60-day extension of their detention period.

The decision aims to ensure that all parties have an adequate opportunity to present their arguments and address the matter appropriately.

The Prosecution and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have requested the extension of detention to facilitate the completion of ongoing investigations, which they have described as complex.

They have cited the ongoing exhumation of further bodies and the ongoing DNA analysis as reasons necessitating the extension.

As of Tuesday, 251 bodies had been exhumed and 95 people rescued alive while starving themselves to death in religious heroism.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Christian cult who stands accused of directing his followers to starve to death has reportedly gone on a hunger strike.

This is in protest of recent remarks made by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki that Pastor Mackenzie will serve a life sentence for his crimes.

Makenzie will not get out of jail. He will age in there. We pray that God gives him more years to see Kenyas security prosper. He will not get out of jail. Makenzi will meet the wrath of God after jail, Kindiki said on Sunday.

Mackenzie and his wife Rhodah Mumbua began their hunger strike on Wednesday. They protested that the State had already decided their fate and they would not receive justice.

We want the CJ to assure us of the independence of the courts in the trial of my client. We do not want the Judiciary to be interfered with. I want justice for my client, Mackenzies lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, told Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda.

Our clients (Makenzi and co-accused) have embarked on a hunger strike due to continued violations of their rights and will not eat and will further boycott court appearances until their grievances have been addressed.

We are seeing a possibility of a miscarriage of justice since the person who spoke is a highly placed individual with immense power, the advocate argued.
Comedian Timothy Kimani Ndegwa, widely known by his stage name Njugush, has made public his intentions to adopt his alias as his legal name.

During an interview with his good pal Phil Karanja, the funnyman explained that the widespread recognition of him as Njugush, rather than Tim, has created challenges in distinguishing between the two identities when he is in public and not in an acting role.

I have thought about changing my name to Njugush actually because it is impossible to use them apart. Going ahead, and I know some people who have already done it for ease. So instead of the alias I just use Njugush and go on with it, he said.

The actor also mentioned that Njugush has allowed him to navigate situations and experiences that would have been more challenging if he had been recognized solely as Tim.

Njugush now is being exploited by Timmo and he doesnt know it yet. He is often used for excuses. When Timmo wants to insult people he uses it, he said.

Njugush also set conditions for the names various people can call him.

Beautiful ladies can call me Timo, boys call me Tim but (best friend)Abel Mutua, it is Kimani, he said.

Kimani has used his stage name since 2013 when he starred as Njuguna on the satirical comedy show, Hapa Kule News. He had a segment dubbed Masaibu ya Njuguna, which was hilarious. You just had to be there!

Njuguna slowly transitioned to Njugush as he simultaneously acted on The Real House Helps of Kawangware.

The name would later gain international acclaim in 2014 when highflying Mexican-Kenyan actress Lupita Nyongo gave him a shout-out.

Lupita had just won an Oscar for 12 Years A Slave when she tweeted that she was enjoying The Real House Helps of Kawangware, and that Njugush should be blessed.

Right there and then, Tim decided to fully adopt Njugush and added Blessed in front of it. You could say Tim and Lupita manifested his blessings as his career has been on an upward trajectory over the last decade.

I kid you not, President William Ruto recently admitted that Njugush earns more than him.

When we started shooting Real House Helps of Kawangware, there is a bigwig who tweeted, blasting us for producing show ya mamboch. Wanafanya show ya mamboch na wanataka kufika level ya Lupita Nyongo. Hawawezi fika by creating such shows. At the time Lupita had won an Oscar, Njugush recounted the story a few years ago.

A few months later, I woke up to congratulatory messages. On checking why, I saw Lupita had tweeted saying she was watching our show. Watching Real House helps of Kawangware. God bless Njugush. At the time I was called Funny Njugush. After Lupitas tweet is when I changed my name to Blessed Njugush. We worked hard on the show till it became the most-watched show on TV.
President William Ruto took a swipe at his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta while recounting the political developments that followed the presidential elections held on August 9, where he emerged the winner.

During his inaugural National Prayer Breakfast, President William Ruto reflected on his past experience as an outsider in the previous government, despite holding the position of Deputy President.

He highlighted the significant shift in circumstances following the elections, affecting former President Uhuru and his preferred candidate, Raila Odinga.

I remember the last prayer breakfast here was around the same. I remember asking for forgiveness from my friend the former president. It is interesting that today we are again discussing the subject of forgiveness and reconciliation, Ruto said.

The President joked that the shift in political situations for Uhuru, Raila, and himself could only happen in Kenya.

It only happens in Kenya that in our last election, the opposition leader became the government candidate and the sitting president of the government became the opposition candidate. As things would be, the opposition candidate who was the then sitting deputy president, won the election, he said.

Adding: The sitting president then handed over power to his deputy and went ahead to become the leader of the opposition party. That only happens in Kenya.

Dr Ruto mentioned that the 2022 General Election marked a significant turning point for Kenya. He asaid that although the contesting parties had differing viewpoints, they were able to find common ground and reach agreements on important issues.

The ethnic configuration that always informed our politics was not there. We had both sides presenting a national face in their formation, Ruto added.

It is not necessary that we will always agree, but it is better to work towards the betterment of our country.
President William Ruto on Wednesday launched the first-ever electro-deposition paint plant at Isuzu East Africa in Nairobi.

The cutting-edge plant, which utilizes the Electro-Deposition (ED) method, is expected to increase Isuzus production from 11,000 vehicles to 18,000 vehicles per year.

With an estimated cost of Sh500 million, the plant will also employ electric current to guarantee thorough coverage of paint on every surface of a vehicle, resulting in exceptionally smooth finishes.

Isuzu EA Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, said the facility would also be used to paint motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles (Tuk Tuk).

In the last 4 years, Isuzu has invested Sh3 billion in facility upgrades consisting of a Dynamic Test Center, Water Leak Test Booth, a new pickup assembly line and the ED plant launched today.

These investments are geared to prepare Isuzu to play a significant role in the African Continental Free Trade Area, she said.

President Ruto commended Isuzu EA for its dedication to advancing the manufacturing sector in the country.

Ruto said Kenya is committed to hosting more automotive players to increase local production of vehicles.

He said the National Automotive Policy has created a conducive environment for firms to set up in Kenya.

The President noted that the policy has tamed instability in the sector, especially regarding tax laws.

Our plan is for more assemblers to set up and operate at full capacity so that we can supply Africa with competitive units, he noted.

Dr Ruto said this will create more jobs, and enhance skills development and reliable mobility.

He maintained that it was time for Kenya to claim its rightful place among Africas leading vehicle manufacturers.

With investments like Isuzus, we can propel Kenya back to its original vision of leading Africas automotive competitiveness, he said.

The President urged investors to advance their investment in Kenya by moving into Tier One component of manufacturing.

He said Kenya intends to fully exploit the immense opportunities presented in the automotive industrys untapped potential.

Deputy Chief of Mission Counsellor in the Embassy of Japan Kitagawa Yasuhisha noted that Isuzus investment will stimulate the transfer of technology, knowledge and expertise.

It also furthers eco-friendly manufacturing at a time when the world is confronting climate change.
Mugiithi musician Dj Fatxo, born Lawrence Njuguna Wagura, is surely a relieved man and he has wasted no time in making use of his new-found freedom.

Weeks after he was cleared of murder charges in the death of interior designer Jeff Mwathi at his house in Kasarani, DJ Fatxo has dropped a new song and its accompanying music video dubbed Ngatho, Kikuyu word meaning gratitude.

Before he premiered the music video on his YouTube channel on Tuesday, DJ Fatxo had teased his social media following to anticipate a movie.

Sasa watu wa cinema mjiandae nakuja kuchemsha hio industry. My debut movie drops tomorrow 10 Am, he said on Monday.

Indeed, the Ngatho music video issa movie based on the musicians recent tribulations. Dj Fatxo plays the role of a condemned man who is dragged through a forest and whipped mercilessly.

The video also captures the juxtaposition of DJ Fatxos persecution and liberation. When he is not getting whipped, the video shows DJ Fatxo clad in a Tux and seemingly sacrificing a goat to thank God for saving him.

The Kikuyu entertainer is also seen walking the same forest he was condemned in, clad in all-white, perhaps symbolizing his innocence. He is backed by dancers, also clad in white, who put up an energetic and jovial choreography, making Ngatho one of the more popular music videos this week.

In less than 24 hours, the video clocked more than 65K views and continues to attract more eyeballs as we speak, or rather, as I type and as you read.

DJ Fatxo accompanied the track with the message: May The Good Lord Bless You as you watch this Masterpiece. One word for you There is a God of Second Chance.

Check it out below.
Brad Raulston will be Yountvilles next town manager, the position responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the town.

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

The Yountville Town Council, which had previously selected Raulston during a hiring process that lasted for several months and took place in closed-session meetings, unanimously voted to approve a contract for Raulston on Tuesday.

Raulston, a former city manager for National City outside San Diego, is set to begin working in the position on June 30, according to the Town. He will receive a base salary of $248,000 a year, according to a Yountville staff report. In the meantime, interim town manager John Ferons will continue to serve in the role  he was appointed to the interim position following the departure of longtime town manager Steve Rogers, who retired in March.

Members of the Town Council on Tuesday talked at the meeting about how they made their choice and how the process went. They also thanked Ferons for serving in the interim role since March.

Councilmember Robin McKee-Cant noted that Yountville had many great applicants for the job, but Raulston stood out owing to how prepared he was and how much understanding he seemed to have about Yountville, among much else.

Mr. Raulston rose to the top because during each of his interviews, he effectively communicated his depth of experience and qualifications, McKee-Cant said. He was dedicated to staff and council development, and he consistently was the most prepared, demonstrating understanding of our town, our residents, our tourism model and even logjams weve come up against in the past few years.

Councilmember Hillery Trippe said she was really looking forward to working with Raulston. She added that she felt he would likely do well with the constituencies in Yountville, including town staff, the council and businesses.

He has some big shoes to fill, but Im pretty confident he will do that, and then bring some of his own experiences and perspectives to Yountville, Trippe said.

Vice Mayor Eric Knight noted that there were 40 applicants for the job, representing a wide variety of people. He called Raulston a standout throughout the process.

Councilmember Pam Reeves thanked town staff for their patience, input and work, noting that they're much of the reason applicants wanted to work in the town manager role.

Mayor Margie Mohler thanked Rogers for all he did during his 15 years as town manager of Yountville. She also thanked Ferons for his work in the lead role, and noted that the hiring process was carried out by a very new Yountville Town Council  including two members who hadnt served in Town Council positions prior to being elected last year.

We have a brand new council, Mohler said. As you can see, they had to learn about budgets, they had to learn about being councilmembers, and one of the first things they had to do was hire a new town manager, something we havent done for 16 years.

Mohler added that she was really looking forward to having Raulston take up the role.

It was difficult, it was fun, it was interesting, it was a learning experience, and we really think weve done a good job for the town of Yountville, Mohler said.

PHOTOS: Best of BottleRock Napa Valley 2023
We have stated many times that we are working towards the normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan in a tripartite format between Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, based on the statements of the leaders of our countries. We consider the complex of tripartite agreements to be a roadmap with no alternative for Russia for the process of reconciliation between two brotherly peoples. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated this during Wednesdays press briefing, when commenting on the question asked with respect to the process of normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

Zakharova noted that the aforesaid work has its own dynamics, formats, and additional tools of the negotiation process.

"We are not trying to speed up anything, we are going with the outlined plan, we are implementing everything we have agreed on. The rapprochement of the approaches of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the development of sustainable balanced solutions, always remain a priority for us. We are ready to assist such approaches, such work in the future," added the Russian MFA spokesperson.
Russian peacekeepers record two ceasefire violations in Shushi, Artsakh

Train movement suspended in Crimea

Turkey, Egypt FMs discuss bilateral relations

3 British tourists missing after diving boat fire

Pope skips Sunday blessing due to health reasons

Azerbaijani authorities plan to resettle Azerbaijanis in occupied Aghdam

We highly value age-old friendship with Belarus

About 700,000 people need drinking water after Kakhovka HPP explosion

Belgorod governor reports multiple attacks over past day

Armenia MFA deeply saddened by Kazakhstan forest fires

Clashes resume in Sudan after 24-hour truce

Shooting outside Houston nightclub

Road accident near Mastara village

Iran IRGC successfully tests new bomber drone

Thousands evacuated in Philippines due to eruption

Minsk, Yerevan to sign twinning agreement

Artsakh MoD: Defense units did not open fire at Azerbaijani positions

Peskov: Now Russia does not have even frail foundation for negotiations with Ukraine

Istanbul factory fire cannot be put down since yesterday

Syrian Kurds to try thousands of IS fighters

Pakistan reports shootout on Afghan border

Scholz, Garibashvili discuss Georgia's EU candidate status

Montenegro holds snap parliamentary elections

Stockholm shooting leaves 15-year-old killed, three wounded

NATO unable to reach consensus on Ukraine accession

UAV falls in Russia's Kaluga region

Canada sanctions former President of Ukraine

Fire breaks out near Istanbul stadium before Champions League final

Armenia Deputy PM to Mustafayev: No such agreement was reached during last meeting

Raisi, Macron have 90 min phone conversation

Trudeau announces Russian plane confiscation, transfer to Ukraine

Death toll from Kazakhstan fire reaches 14

Trudeau announces $375 mil military aid for Kyiv

Bayramov, Hogan discuss normalization of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations

US senators demand sanctions against Baku

Nine killed in attack on Mogadishu hotel

Zelenskyy says counteroffensive is underway

Artsakh President continues meeting various public circles

Turkish Defense Minister interrupts working trip due to Ankara explosion

Russia and Abkhazia to sign agreement on Sukhum international airport restoration

Justin Trudeau pays surprise visit to Kyiv

Armenian President congratulates Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Portugal Day

Homemade bomb explodes in Makhachkala

Azerbaijan Deputy PM: Russia to control Azerbaijan, Armenia transport communications

Artsakh Defence Army: Azerbaijani Armed Forces violate ceasefire using small arms and mortars

Azerbaijan conducts military exercises in occupied territories

Kazakhstan Minister of Emergency Situations loses position over large natural fire

5-month-old girl injured in road accident

Hollande: US elections will determine Ukraine war outcome

Council of Paris unanimously adopts resolution on providing assistance to people of Artsakh

Ankara factory explosion kills five

Armenia Prosecutor General visits the Armenia MoD 2nd Army Corps

Casualties reported after explosion in Ankara factory

Artsakh Defence Army: Azerbaijan MoD spreads disinformation again

Children found in Colombian jungle taken to Bogota

Former Dutch parliament members call for international peacekeeping mission in Artsakh

Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan fires mortar at Kakhakn positions

Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on the vehicle of RA Armed Forces. MoD of Armenia

Dollar loses ground, euro goes up in Armenia

Karabakh economy suffers around $342M loss during ongoing Azerbaijani blockade

Bayramov, Klaar discuss Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization process

Sputnik Armenia: No one questions Armenia's sovereignty, Russia deputy PM says

Deputy FM announces US attempts to push Russia out of Armenia-Azerbaijan peaceful settlement process

Deputy FM says Russia is helping in drafting Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty

Armenia PM: Future of artificial intelligence is exciting, but it is important to consider ethical implications

Armenia 2023-2030 Employment Strategy discussed

Catholicos of All Armenians wishes Pope Francis speedy recovery

Azerbaijan defense minister inspects new military facilities in Karabakhs occupied territories

Putin announces Russian nuclear weapons deployment in Belarus after July 7-8

15 more medical patients transferred from Karabakh to Armenia

Armenia fallen soldiers mother sentenced to 4 years in prison in PM's son abduction case

Turkeys Erdogan to visit Azerbaijan on June 13

Premier: Armenia can become unique electrical energy hub in region

US on verge of default: What risks there are for Armenia financial market?

Pashinyan: Unprecedented economic growth recorded in Armenia economy in 2022

Karabakh president meets with freedom fighters, Afghan War veterans, army reserve officers

Azerbaijan, Iran FMs exchange views on some regional matters

Armenia deputy PM believes postponed talks with Azerbaijan in Washington will be held shortly

Senators introduce resolution that calls on US to take immediate steps to end humanitarian crisis in Karabakh

Putin to meet with Armenias Pashinyan in Russias Sochi

Trump indicted for improper use of classified documents

Lilit Makunts briefs Luis Almagro on security situation in Armenia, its region

Armenia parliament speaker: We believe international partners pressure can prevent Azerbaijans further aggression

Italys Leonardo company to deliver turboprop military transport planes to Azerbaijan

Armenia PM's son abduction case court session being held behind closed doors

Yerevan concludes Khachaturian Days (PHOTOS)

Ombudsperson briefs USAID/Armenia Mission Director on Azerbaijans human rights violations in border settlements

Khachaturian International Competition 2nd round kicks off in Yerevan

VOA: Washington talks postponement could mean that Azerbaijan has no decisions on some key issues, analyst says

Newspaper: What Karabakh president, ex-minister of state discuss?

Karabakh MoD: Azerbaijan fired at tractor doing agricultural work

The European Union of Judges condemns the abuse of disciplinary proceedings against judges in Armenia

CSTO FMs Council next meeting date, place announced

Toivo Klaar: Glad to be back in Azerbaijan

Russia MoD: No new ceasefire violations recorded in Karabakh zone of responsibility of peacekeepers

Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense continues to spread misinformation. Ministry of Defense

Defense Ministry: Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire at Armenian positions near Tretuk

Russia Security Council head: US putting unprecedented pressure on all post-Soviet territory countries

US State Department not specifying dates for Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs next talks in Washington

First President, Russia envoy discuss practically all matters affecting Armenia, Karabakh societies
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia on Wednesday took part in the narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, in Sochi, Russia, the PMs office informs.

The Prime Ministers of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member countries discussed a number of topical issues related to Eurasian integration. In particular, issues related to the operation of the EAEU internal market, and cooperation in various domains were addressed.

The expanded-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will be held on Thursday.
The EU Delegation to UN and OSCE in Vienna issued a statement in response to the address by the minister of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov. The statement reads as follows:

The European Union warmly welcomes Foreign Minister Bayramov to the Permanent Council and thanks him for his address and his personal engagement in this forum.

Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU. We have an interest in continuing and strengthening our good cooperation, particularly on energy, reforms, trade, and investments. Connectivity and energy are key elements of the EUs Economic and Investment Plan, which aims to mobilise substantial public and private investments in Azerbaijan, amounting to up to 2 billion. Azerbaijan plays a key role regarding connectivity, in developing the Middle Corridor linking Europe to Central Asia and beyond and in the diversification of energy sources and transport routes, notably via the Southern Gas Corridor. In July 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy was signed in Baku. Moreover, negotiations for a new comprehensive EU-Azerbaijan agreement are ongoing, and the EU is committed to continuing the negotiations with a view to finalising them soon. We call on Azerbaijan to abide by the principle of good neighbourly relations and to commit itself to act in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU Member States.

The EU is convinced that strengthening the rule of law, human rights and democratic institutions is in the long-term interest of Azerbaijan, to ensure an independent, stable and prosperous country. During the recent meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, Security and Human Rights and Democracy in Brussels on 22-23 May, the EU welcomed Azerbaijans commitment to take steps towards strengthening the judiciary, establishing effective mechanisms to fight corruption, and modernising public administration to make it more transparent in line with EU standards. At the same time, the EU noted that further steps are required to ensure the independence and impartiality of Azerbaijans judicial system and expressed concerns about the continuous persecution of independent voices. The EU also recalled the opinion of the Venice Commission on the 2022 Media Law and their 2023 opinion on the new Law on Political Parties, and voiced concern that these laws could affect the political pluralism and the enjoyment of the right to freedom of association in Azerbaijan. The EU is a key reform partner of Azerbaijan and stands ready to support Azerbaijan in pursuing meaningful reforms.

In line with the EUs principled position against the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances, we welcome Azerbaijan's signing of Protocol 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights last March, which bans the death penalty in all circumstances, and we look forward to its ratification.

Mr. Chair, the EU encourages positive engagement of Azerbaijan with the OSCE in all three dimensions, and a constructive approach and flexibility on the urgent adoption of the necessary decisions to ensure the effective functioning of our Organisation and all its structures, particularly on the Unified Budget and budget-related issues. The OSCE must continue to be able to offer support to all participating States that require it.

The EU warmly welcomes the renewed engagement of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the EU-led peace negotiations in Brussels on 14 May, during which both sides reconfirmed their recognition of each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting in Chisinau on 1 June, with the participation of the leaders of France and Germany, further demonstrated their commitment to the process. We emphasise that negotiations and dialogue are the only way to achieve a just and comprehensive peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Consequently, continuity and concrete outcomes in the dialogue are crucial for the process, and we welcome Baku's participation in the next EU-facilitated meeting on 21 July, where further progress should be made.

We call upon Azerbaijan to develop a positive agenda that safeguards the rights and security of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. The current situation is concerning, and has been causing a negative humanitarian impact, as the ethnic Armenian population has been repeatedly facing disruptions in essential energy and communication services, while the reported frequent ceasefire violations raise serious concern about their well-being. If that is still the case, we urge Baku to take concrete steps to lift constraints on the ethnic Armenian population by ensuring stable energy supplies and allowing maintenance to take place on the electricity grid. Furthermore, we call on all sides to refrain from hostile rhetoric and instead promote a narrative that builds trust and creates an environment conducive to peace negotiations. Further confidence-building measures, particularly regarding the release of prisoners, should also be taken. The EU will continue to offer support for demining activities and we emphasise the importance of cooperation between the sides to determine the mine-affected areas.

In conclusion, Minister Bayramov, let me reiterate the EUs commitment to continue working towards a secure, stable, peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus for the benefit of all people living in the region.
At 10:35pm Wednesday, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire at the Armenian combat positions in the vicinity of Khoznavar village of Armenias Syunik Province.

No were no losses from the Armenian side, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

As of 10am Thursday, the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border is relatively stable.
We continue to believe that direct dialogue is key towards reaching a durable and dignified peace. Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, noted this at Wednesdays Department press briefing.

When asked if the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan might actually achieve something meaningful at their meeting scheduled for next week in Washington, Patel replied, repeating the statement made earlier: "We look forward to hosting another round of talks in Washington as the parties continue to pursue a peaceful future in the South Caucasus region."

On June 12, another meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan is scheduled in Washington. The last time they met was in early Mayand again in the US. These talks will be followed by the meeting of Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev in Brussels on July 21.
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

A company started by the former CEO of Walgreens is suing the pharmacy chain for breach of contract after it pulled the plug on the rollout of smart screen cooler doors at its stores.

Greg Wasson, who co-founded Chicago-based Cooler Screens after leaving Walgreens in 2014, alleges his former employer reneged on a multiyear agreement to install the startups smart doors  coolers with digital video screens displaying the contents  at 2,500 stores.

Advertisement

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges Cooler Screens lost more than $200 million after the program was prematurely halted by Walgreens under new CEO Rosalind Roz Brewer in late 2021  only two years and 700 stores into the rollout.

After visiting stores in which Smart Doors had been installed, Brewer decided that she did not like the way they looked, purportedly comparing the screens to Vegas in a derogatory way, the lawsuit states. Brewer wanted to stop deployment and remove the screens ... from all Walgreens locations.

Advertisement

Launched in 2017, Cooler Screens was co-founded by Wasson, Arsen Avakian and Glen Tullman. Using his connections, Wasson pitched his successor at Walgreens, Stefano Pessina, on the Cooler Screens technology, which uses digital cameras and retail data to show customers whats behind the cooler doors and feed them ads to influence purchases.

The technology is designed to pump up in-store sales while generating advertising revenue for Cooler Screens.

In May 2018, Cooler Screens ran a three-month pilot test at six Walgreens locations, including two Chicago stores  North Michigan Avenue and North State Street. Deemed a success, the test was expanded to 50 stores and in July 2019, Cooler Screens and Walgreens entered into a multiyear agreement to install the technology in 2,500 stores across the U.S.  roughly a fourth of the pharmacy chains retail footprint.

Deerfield-based Walgreens has nearly 9,000 retail locations.

When Brewer, former chief operating officer at Starbucks, succeeded Pessina to become the first African American woman to lead Walgreens in March 2021, the Cooler Screens program was in 55 stores and entering phase two  a rapid expansion mode geared to install the smart doors at 200 stores per month.

Brewer, however, did not share her predecessors enthusiasm for Cooler Screens, according to the lawsuit, and the rollout came to a halt in September 2021 amid concerns raised by Walgreens that the smart doors were not meeting the standards set in the agreement.

The Walgreens CEO v Walgreens CEO lawsuit alleges Brewer and Walgreens worked to undermine the technology, while Walgreens asserts the technology didnt work, citing flickering images, inaccurate inventory displays and electrical issues. Cooler Screens blamed old and outdated refrigerators and freezers at Walgreens for the glitches, and a lack of cooperation for torpedoing its advertising sales.

Despite efforts last year by Cooler Screens, which remediated all 10,300 doors installed at stores across the U.S., Walgreens terminated the agreement in February.

Advertisement

We are disappointed that Cooler Screens is falsely claiming that anything other than their failure to perform was the basis for the termination of our contractual relationship, Walgreens spokesperson Jim Cohn said in a statement Thursday. The claims and allegations in Cooler Screens complaint are baseless and unfounded. Safety, customer experience, and meeting revenue goals are a priority for our company. Cooler Screens failed to meet its contractual obligations, and the decision to terminate the contract was based on our experience with Cooler Screens.

As part of the termination, Walgreens wants Cooler Screens to uninstall its doors. If not, it plans to uninstall the 10,000-plus smart doors on its own, according to the lawsuit.

Cooler Screens has since installed the same technology at other retailers including grocery chain Kroger, which owns Marianos in Chicago. But the company says the smart doors it custom-built for Walgreens, including thousands of unused screens that were never installed, cannot be repurposed for other retailers.

The lawsuit, which alleges four counts of breach of contract, is seeking an injunction to prevent Walgreens from taking any action to uninstall the smart doors before reaching an agreement with Cooler Screens. It is also seeking $200 million in damages.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
Between 2:25am and 2:35am Thursday, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the ceasefireby using small armsin the northern direction of the line of contact with Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The Armenian side has no losses, the Artsakh Defense Army informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

This ceasefire violation was reported to the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh.

As of 10:30am Thursday, the situation on the line of contact is relatively stable.

At the same time, Azerbaijan continues to disseminate disinformation, in an attempt to justify the periodic violations of the ceasefire by its army units.

Accordingly, the statement disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan claiming that on Thursday morning, the Artsakh Defense Army units opened fire at the Azerbaijani positions located in the Azerbaijani-occupied territories of the Shushi region of Artsakh, and, also, tried to carry out fortification work in the Askeran region of Artsakh, which was allegedly disrupted as a result of the measures taken by the Azerbaijani army, is completely untrue.
Speaker of the Republic of Armenia National Assembly (RA NA), Alen Simonyan, was received by the Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) of the United Kingdom (UK), John Whittingdale. At the meeting, the perspectives of active cooperation between the two countries in various domains, including culture, were discussed, the NA informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The Whittingdale, being a member of the UK-Armenia parliamentary friendship group for many years, noted that he is well informed about the situation in Armenia, and about the destruction of the Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh by the Azerbaijanis as a consequence of the 44-day war in 2020. He considered any encroachment against fundamental human rights unacceptablealso considering the continued aggression of the Azerbaijani armed forces against the sovereign territory of Armenia.

At the meeting, a conversation was held on the need to establish lasting peace in the region, and the importance of strengthening democratic values and development.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representatives on Wednesday visited the two Armenian soldiers who were abducted by Azerbaijanis in the territory of Armenia and are being held in Azerbaijan. Zara Amatuni, the Communication and Prevention Program Manager of the ICRC Armenia office, informed Armenian News-NEWS.am about this.

"Private conversations were held with them, and contact with their families was established through letters," Amatuni added.

On May 26, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia officially announced that since 7pm the contact with the Armenias two serviceman, who was supplying food to combat positions, was interrupted. Armenia has petitioned to the Strasbourg Court, with a request to apply an interim measure against Azerbaijan due to the latters abduction of these two soldiers.
The solution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan should be beneficial to both sides. The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, said this during a meeting with the secretaries of the security councils of the member countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), BelTA news agency reported.

The Belarusian president emphasized that conflicts in the CSTO territory, especially armed ones, should be put to an end. And one of them, as stated by Lukashenko, is the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"Patience and attempts to find a solution to the issue so that it would be beneficial for both Armenia and Azerbaijan," said the Belarusian leader.
Turkey's new Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which they discussed matters of mutual interest, the Turkish foreign ministry informed on Thursday.

During the talks, matters related to Sweden's membership bid in NATO, the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia and Azerbaijan and Armenia, Turkey's purchase of F-16 fighter jets from the US and their upgrading, as well as the grain agreement with Ukraine were discussed.

Hakan Fidan was appointed FM in the new Turkish government, which was formed after incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogans victory in the presidential runoff election on May 28.
Armenia will submit objections to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) regarding the launching of criminal prosecutions against the two Armenian servicemen abducted by Azerbaijan. Yeghishe Kirakosyan, the representative of Armenia for international legal affairs, told Armenian News-NEWS.am about this.

He noted that the Armenian side was currently studying the documents submitted by Azerbaijan to the ECtHR regarding these two captured Armenian soldiers.

"The ECtHR has given the Armenian side time until June 16 to present their positions," Kirakosyan added.

As reported earlier, on May 26, contact with two Armenian soldiers supplying food to combat positions was lost. On the next day, their food supply car was found on the inter-positional road, in which was also the weapon of one of these servicemen. On the same day, it became known that they were abducted by Azerbaijanis. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia publicized the names of these soldiers. They are Harutyun Hovagimyan and Karen Ghazaryan.

Armenia has petitioned to the Strasbourg Court, with a request to apply an interim measure against Azerbaijan due to the latters abduction of these two Armenian soldiers.
The next round of the foreign ministers discussions scheduled for next week in Washington is postponed at the request of the Azerbaijani side. This was announced by Ani Badalyan, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia.

The public will be properly informed about the new dates of the meeting, added the Armenian MFA spokesperson.
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Director Celine Song poses for a portrait to promote the film "Past Lives" at the Latinx House during the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, in Park City, Utah. (Taylor Jewell/Invision)

First time in Chicago! Celine Song says, grinning, in between talking about her superb feature film debut as writer-director, Past Lives. Were having coffee downtown, the morning after her film played the Chicago Critics Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre.

Also, first time at the Music Box! That theater is so magical! You can just feel the history. I know Chicago best through The Bear. Do Chicagoans love The Bear? Some do, some dont, I say. The geographical-accuracy police hate it most of all, I tell her. Ah, yes, I get a little like that with New York movies. And I suspect some New Yorkers will feel that way about mine. The train locations arent always correct.

Advertisement

Songs story in Past Lives spans 24 years in the life of Nora (Greta Lee), whose family leaves Seoul, South Korea, for Toronto when the girl was 12 and went by the name Na Young. Twelve years later, at the dawn of Skype, Nora reconnects online with her dear, distant Seoul childhood sweetheart Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), who remains in South Korea.

Past Lives then takes another 12-year leap forward. Nora, now a writer, has married Arthur (John Magaro), also a writer. Now 36, Hae Sung visits New York with no stated reason, though to Nora, as well as Noras husband, the unstated reasons are clear enough, and stir within Nora questions of cultural dislocation and identity. The story came from a similar incident in Songs life five years ago.

Advertisement

[ Past Lives review: A delicate romantic triangle forms the years most gratifying film so far ]

She relocated from Toronto to New York in 2011 for graduate studies at Columbia University. Now 34, Songs playwriting career, she says, has been overtaken by a new love. I have fallen too hard with filmmaking, she says, to go back. Not quite six months into 2023, Past Lives is a lot of peoples favorite film of the year so far  not universally beloved, to be sure, and some who admire it also complain about its lack of friction.

Teo Yoo and Greta Lee in a scene from "Past Lives." (Jon Pack/A24 /AP)

Thats a quality the filmmaker acknowledges, though by another name. The story, she says, is about three people trying to treat each other like adults, with care and maturity. It happens all the time in life. The following has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Like Nora, your main character, you immigrated to Canada when you were 12?

A: Toronto, yeah.

Q: And your parents are both artists 

A: My dad is a screenwriter and film director (Neung-han Song), and my mom is an illustrator and graphic designer. I grew up when she was drawing childrens books. My dad is a really significant filmmaker in Korean cinema; different directors, including Bong Joon-ho(Parasite), talk about his influence on their own work. But for me, my dad is just my dad.

Q: In your play Endlings, theres a passage where one of the pearl divers says to her daughter: If you respect me at all, move away from me. Move to a different city. Different country. Different planet.

A: Thats my play! (laughs) I mean, there are so many different kinds of stories about how people immigrate, and how people feel about it. I can only speak about how Nora in the movie feels about it, and in a separate way how I feel about it. For me, it wasnt something I did against my will. I wanted to immigrate. And Im very happy to be here! And thats also true of Nora. But Im not speaking for everybodys immigrant experience. Everyone has a different way, just as everyone goes through a marriage differently. Or responding to their ex coming back to town differently.

Advertisement

(In Past Lives) Nora doesnt think she has anything to grieve until Hae Sung comes to visit her 24 years after the fact. His visit, its the first time it occurs to Nora that there is part of her she left behind. Through this evolving relationship to Hae Sung, who really only knows her as the little girl she was when they were 12, Nora has a chance to see the girl she left behind clearly. And then shes able to say goodbye to her properly.

In the scenes when the characters are in their early 20s I talked to the actors this way: This is a movie about three goodbyes, two bad ones and one good one. When theyre 12, these people dont know how to articulate what theyre feeling. The second time, at 24, theyre still too young. At 24, were quicker to feel things  quicker to be upset, quicker to feel moved, or sad, quicker to laugh. Its about the pacing of your emotion. Then, when theyre 36, the pace of their feelings changes again. Its tentative, and more thoughtful.

Q: I was so grateful for a movie showing a way to get through some difficult emotional churn, without a lot of contrived drama.

A: We all have our prejudices meeting people. And then people reveal themselves to you. These people are trying to treat each other like adults, with care and maturity.  I know many people who behave that way. And I know people who dont. But the heroic thing is not putting yourself first. Its letting people go through something on their own terms.

Past Lives is currently in limited release and will expand to additional Chicago area theaters later this summer.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

Advertisement

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune
During her visit to Syunik Province of Armenia, US Ambassador Kristina Kvien met with local officials, civil society, and residents who shared their pervasive security concerns, the US Embassy in Yerevan noted on Facebook.

The Ambassador also traveled to Tegh [village] where she observed first-hand the tense situation at the border [with Azerbaijan]. Everyone deserves the safety and security a just and durable peace would bring, the embassy added, and posted some photos from this visit.
The US is exerting unprecedented pressure on all the countries of the post-Soviet territory, with the aim of destroying the constructive relations between the countries of the former USSR, said Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, reports to RIA Novosti.

"Washington is putting unprecedented pressure on all the countries of the post-Soviet territory," Patrushev said on Thursday, in Belarusian Minsk, during the meeting between the secretaries of the security councils of the CSTO member countries, with the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko.

According to the Russian Security Council chief, the main goal of the US is to destroy the constructive relations of the former USSR countries, as well as to obstruct the integration processes within the framework of the CIS, EAEU, and CSTO.

In order to implement their plans, the Anglo-Saxonsare are attemptingthrough blackmail, deception, and threatsto include in their circle the maximum number of countries, whose interests they do not even think to take into account, added Nikolai Patrushev.
The 86th meeting of the Council of Commanders of the Border Troops of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries is underway in Baku.

Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned from the press center of the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia that a delegation from the Border Guard Troops of the NSS is also participating in this meeting in the Azerbaijani capital.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia on Thursday participated in the regular session of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries, in Sochi, Russia. First, the Heads of Government posed for a family photo, then the narrow and expanded format sessions took place.

Prime Minister Pashinyan made a speech in the narrow-format session, in which he specifically stated as follows:

"Dear heads of delegations,

Dear Sergey Nikolayevich,

I am glad to welcome my colleagues at the session of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. First of all, I would like to thank our Russian friends and Mikhail Vladimirovich personally for the traditionally warm welcome and for organizing today's meeting at a high level.

Our meeting today is taking place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Charter of the Commonwealth of Independent States and in this context, I want to emphasize that the Republic of Armenia, since the establishment of the CIS, has consistently advocated the systematic development of mutually beneficial and equal cooperation within our organization in accordance with the goals and principles laid down in the Charter of the CIS, as well as for increasing the efficiency and practical impact of its functioning.

In general, I positively assess the work done within the framework of the Commonwealth this year from the point of view of consolidating efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation. I am also pleased to note that the list of documents included in the agenda of today's meeting covers a wide range of areas of life of our countries, the effective implementation of which is ultimately aimed at the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the welfare and improvement of the quality of life of the citizens of the CIS member states.

The Republic of Armenia considers the Agreement "On Free Trade in Services, Establishment, Operation and Implementation of Investments" a great opportunity to give new momentum to the development of investment activities in the CIS member states and expresses its readiness for the practical application of the provisions of this Agreement.

One of the important issues facing us is the creation of favorable conditions for the activation of industrial cooperative ties and interaction between the economic entities of our countries, with the aim of forming innovative industrial clusters and scientific production zones.

The creation of new knowledge-intensive branches and the modernization of high-tech industrial potential is the main factor for achieving sustainable and innovative economic development, as well as a necessary condition for increasing the competitiveness of our economies. In this context, I would like to mention the importance of adopting the concept of development of industrial cooperation and the complex of measures.

The creation of new knowledge-intensive industries and the modernization of high-tech industrial potential is a key factor in achieving sustainable and innovative economic development, as well as a necessary condition for increasing the competitiveness of our economies. In this context, I would like to note the importance of adopting the Concept and the Set of Measures for the Development of Industrial Cooperation.

Against the background of rapid scientific and technological progress, environmental problems are gradually becoming more acute, and the demand for creating effective mechanisms to reduce risks to the environment is increasing. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is essential to ensure sustainable development and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

In this context, the Armenian side supports the signing of an agreement on cooperation in the field of data exchange for monitoring the radiation situation, aimed at developing optimal approaches to the mechanisms for using nuclear technologies for non-energy purposes, in particular in the fields of science, medicine and agriculture.

Dear colleagues,

In today's reality, the fight against fraud in telecommunications networks is also relevant, and we must take joint measures to protect the privacy and security of data, including the use of modern encryption methods, multi-factor authentication and monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity.

Countering fraud on telecommunication networks requires an integrated approach that brings together telecom operators, law enforcement agencies, the state and users. And the signing of the relevant memorandum will create conditions for the effective functioning and development of the market for international telecommunications services and the prevention of the spread of fraud on telecommunication networks.

Attaching importance to the humanitarian component of cooperation within the CIS, I would like to note that the Government of Armenia always supports projects integrating people with disabilities into various areas of social life, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation and young people.

The Armenian side welcomes the implementation of the program of CIS Spartakiad among children with disabilities, the purpose of which is to involve them in an active lifestyle.

I will particularly mention the implementation of the interstate program "CIS Youth Capital" as an effective tool for the development of young people, supporting their creative potential and providing conditions for active participation in public life. Such initiatives contribute to the formation of a new generation of leaders who are able to face the challenges of our time and contribute to the development of our countries. From this point of view, I would like to confirm the readiness for the [Armenian] city of Kapan to receive this honorary status in 2026.

Summarizing, it is obvious that the opportunities of our Commonwealth as a multi-faceted platform for partnership have not yet been fully realized. I am sure that our joint constructive efforts should be aimed at achieving significant progress in tapping the full potential of cooperation.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to confirm the unchanging constructive attitude of the Armenian side to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas of mutual interest in the framework of achieving the priorities of the Kyrgyz chairmanship in the Commonwealth this year.

Thanks for attention".

Prime Minister Pashinyan, together with his CIS colleagues, also toured the booths of the exhibition entitled "Eurasia: Our home," and got familiarized with the production of companies of the CIS countries in various domains.
The secretary of the Security Council Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, on Thursday delivered an address the regular session of Security Council secretaries of CSTO member countries, Armenian News-NEWS.am learns from the Office of the Security Council of Armenia.

Speaking about the security challenges in Armenias region, the secretary of the Security Council noted that Azerbaijan continues the policy of using force or the threat of force and tries to thwart the implementation of previously reached agreements. In addition, Azerbaijan continues to aggravate the situation not only on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, but also in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor.

Also, Grigoryan noted that the non-recognition of the Azerbaijani military aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia and the attempt to link it with the non-implementation of the delimitation process of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border are unfounded.

The head of the Security Council of Armenia Secretary called on his colleagues to give a clear and targeted assessment of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and to take effective steps so that the 120 thousand Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh are not subjected to ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan.

"In this context, the creation of an international mechanism for ensuring the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh remains a priority for Armenia," the Office of the Security Council of Armenia noted in its statement.
Armenia is making every effort to ensure the necessary conditions and encourage the development of the North-South and East-West logistics key directions. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced this at Thursdays extended session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, in Sochi, Russia.

According to him, logistics is another domain that has a considerable impact on the formation of prices for final consumers and also requires digital solutions.

"One of those solutions has become the use of navigation stamps, which not only enables optimizing logistics, ensuring absolute transparency and uninterrupted operation of transportation, but also simplifies and speeds up the delivery of goods to the recipient," the Armenian PM said.

"Despite the steps taken, we are facing certain difficulties. I would like to emphasize the importance of cooperation between EAEU member states in strengthening logistics chains, development and modernization of transport infrastructure," Pashinyan noted.

"In the context of the issues of the Eurasian transport area, the formation and implementation of priority integration and infrastructure projects, as well as the development of specific mechanisms for funding these projects, including through the use of the potential of such financial institutions as the EDB, Armenia undertakes all efforts toward ensuring the necessary conditions for encouraging the development of North-South, East-West strategic directions," the Armenian premier stated.

"At the same time, the EAEU continues to work actively in the international arena. Signing a free trade agreement with Iran will be a strong incentive for the development of strategic relations," said Nikol Pashinyan.
Ayhan Hajizadeh, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan, commented on the postponement of the meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov, which was to be held next week in Washington D.C.

"The meeting is expected soon. As a rule, there is a practice of announcing the exact dates of the meeting by the coordinating organizing country," Hajizadeh said, Azerbaijani media reported.

Earlier, the Armenian MFA announced that the aforesaid Washington meeting was postponed at the request of the Azerbaijani side.
Cheese and wine put EU, Australia deal in peril

Australian cheese on sale in Melbourne. The naming of the products are putting a trade deal with the EU at risk. File image: Shutterstock

Australia on Thursday threatened to walk away from a blockbuster free trade deal with the European Union unless its producers were allowed to use labels such as "feta" and "prosciutto".



Negotiations started in 2018 covering everything from chemicals to cosmetics, but have repeatedly been bogged down in the final stages over what Australia calls its wine, cheese and cured meats.



Notoriously protective European producers argue that, for example, Roquefort cheese can only come from a specific region in France, and gouda must be made in the Netherlands.



Australia has refused to back down despite the huge economic benefits promised by the agreement, with Agriculture Minister Murray Watt describing the naming rights as an "emotional issue".



"This isn't just an emotional issue for European producers, it's an emotional issue for Australian producers," he told national broadcaster ABC.



"We've had a lot of migration post world war two from Europe to Australia. That has seen our producers bring their own products from their home countries and make them here."



Watt said if Australia "can't get a good deal, we're better off not doing one".



The EU has given Australia a list of more than 400 product names it is seeking to protect, which includes feta cheese, prosciutto di Parma ham, and Irish cream spirits.



It's a typical demand from one of the world's largest trading blocs, and one they are extremely unlikely to relinquish for Australia. It's unclear whether Australia would drop its objections in exchange for greater concessions elsewhere.



Australia hopes the trade deal will lead to a reduction in the hefty tariffs currently slapped on many of its agricultural exports. In exchange, the European Union would be able to reduce its reliance on trading partnerships with countries such as Russia.



Watt said that, despite the impasse, both sides had "agreed to continue talking". (AFP)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Lia Mortensen in rehearsal as Lady Capulet for "Romeo and Juliet" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2019, directed by Barbara Gaines. (joe mazza)

In 1996, a new Chicago theater named Remy Bumppo Theatre Company made its entrance by declaring it intended to cast the citys best actors in the most literate works it could find. In that first show, playing the neurotic Ruth, whose subconscious thoughts fuel Tom Stoppards Night and Day, was Lia Mortensen.

Her presence, and her luminous performance, was a signal that Remy Bumppo had its act together.

Advertisement

Mortensen died Wednesday at Northwestern Hospital from cancer at the age of 57.

She was born on June 15, 1965, and raised in Evanston as the daughter of two prominent academics at Northwestern University. Her late father, Dale T. Mortensen, won a Nobel Prize in economics in 2010. After graduating from Indiana University in 1987, Lia moved back to the Chicago area to act, occasionally on screen but mostly in the Chicago theater. She got her Equity card at age 24 and never looked back, said Si Osborne, her former husband.

Advertisement

Mortensen worked constantly in leading roles in the booming 1990s and 2000s world of nonprofit theater in Chicago. At Northlight Theatre in 2002, she played Sally Talley in Lanford Wilsons Talleys Folly, a character trying to lose enough emotional baggage to fall in love. And in Steve Scotts 2007 Goodman Theatre production of Rabbit Hole, Mortensen gave perhaps the most wrenching performance of her stage career, playing a mother who has lost a young child and must now navigate a new life in unimaginable circumstances.

Daniel Cantor and Lia Mortensen in the 2007 Goodman Theatre production of Rabbit Hole." (Michael Brosilow)

As was typical with Mortensen when playing characters facing trauma, emotions remained veiled at first, only to spill out with an intensity born at least partly of surprise. Mortensen was a zesty, restless actress, ideally cast as an urbane sophisticate but fully capable of the deepest of dives into a characters heart. In 2011, she did extraordinary work in a play called The Big Meal at Chicagos former American Theater Company; it was a title that aptly expressed the bounty of one of her performances.

Her favorite role, said her daughter Jesse Osborne, was that of Grace in J.R. Sullivans production of Brian Friels Faith Healer, a huge hit in the 1990s at both the Turnaround Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

In 2012, Mortensen returned to the play as the original production was remounted 18 years later. By this time, Lia and Si Osborne, two of the three actors in the cast (along with Brad Armacost), were no longer married. Given the subject matter of the play, mostly about the difficulty of maintaining a personal relationship in the context of an artistic career, both Mortensen and Osborne showed exceptional courage. And it was an aptly intense production.

Lia Mortensen in "Company" at Writers Theatre. (Michael Brosilow)

When you were on stage with Lia, Si Osborne said, you danced like Nureyev, you spoke like James Earl Jones, you thought like Einstein and you moved like the wind. Lia made everyone better than they were.

Art really imitated life, said Jesse Osborne, the couples oldest daughter. I saw Faith Healer again and again and I was just stunned that this actress was also my mom. She was just so brilliant.

In 2016, Mortensen, who had not generally done musicals, left her comfort zone entirely to play Joanne in the Writers Theatre production of Stephen Sondheims Company, a role for which she seemed too young. But the director, William Brown, set up Mortensens character as a go-getter who had yet to learn how the wisdom of age should and can overcome unwise temptation. It was a notably empowered and empowering take on an often-problematic character and a reminder of Mortensens comfort with the biggest artistic risks.

My mama does not want people to be sad, Jesse Osborne said. She just wants smiles. Whats the quote my dad likes? Take a good look, for her like will not soon be seen again.

Advertisement

Survivors include Lias mother, Beverly P. Mortensen, her daughters Jesse and Ozzy Osborne and partners Marisol Garcia and Lily Turner. Plans for a memorial service are pending.

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com
Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, filed a petition in the Lahore High Court on Tuesday seeking a blanket cover in all cases registered against her across the country, media reports said. The move came amid the ongoing crack down against the PTI leadership following the May 9 attacks on civil and military installations, a day the army dubbed as "Black Day", Geo News reported. In her petition, the former first lady expressed fear that she could be arrested in any case and sought details of all the disclosed and undisclosed cases registered against her in the country, the report said. Bushra Bibi pleaded with the court to issue an order restraining the police and law enforcers from arresting her in any undisclosed case. She made federal and provincial governments, IGs, FIA and other bodies parties in her petition. Meanwhile, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Rawalpindi, has summoned Bushra Bibi on Wednesday to record her statement as a trustee of the Al-Qadir University Trust in the 190 million pounds National Crime Agency (NCA) UK settlement case. According to sources, Bushra Bibi's statement will be recorded as a witness. NAB, under the new law, is bound to tell a person whether he/she is being summoned as an accused or a witness to record statement, Geo News reported. NAB has already recorded the statements of ministers of the previous government. It also asked for the records of all the donations received from the Al-Qadir University and those who donated to the trust. --IANS san/arm ( 274 Words) 2023-06-06-20:00:04 (IANS)
Md Abul Hossain, inspector at Sylhet's Dakshin Surma Police Station, told Xinhua news agency that all of the deceased were construction workers.

Some workers were also critically injured in the road accident that occurred at around 6 a.m. in the district, some 240 km northeast of capital Dhaka, said the official.

All the injured were rushed to local hospitals and clinics, he said, adding that the cause of the accident is under investigation.

Bangladesh has one of the highest fatality rates for road accidents in the world mainly due to shoddy highways, poorly maintained vehicles, violation of traffic rules by drivers, and lack of monitoring of the traffic department.

As many as 328 people were killed and 565 others injured in 304 road accidents from April 15 to 29, during the Eid al-Fitr festival rush in Bangladesh.

--IANS ksk/

( 183 Words)

2023-06-07-15:36:04 (IANS)
PRNewswire Utrecht [Netherlands]/ New Delhi [India], June 8: Turacoz embraces the transformative impact of generative AI in medical communications by actively participating in relevant events with both newcomers and professionals in the field. Recently, Dr. Namrata Singh, Founder and Director, Turacoz Group, had a successful roundtable discussion on the evolving landscape of medical writing and generative AI at the 55th EMWA Conference in Prague. The roundtable prompted insightful conversations about the evolution of medical writing and the need to upskill the medical writer for using generative AI tools. Following the success of this discussion, EMWA has initiated the "AI Working Group" with an objective to create awareness of the trends and advancements in medical writing specific generative AI tools. Building on the momentum, Turacoz also hosted two consecutive webinars on "Developing Scientific Publications Ethically in the Era of Generative AI (ChatGPT)". These webinars provided participants with opportunities to explore the intersection of generative AI and scientific publications, discover valuable tools, and seek answers to burning questions. Turacoz unfurled the AI and medical writing (AIMW) brain trust initiative, an AI-focused community of like-minded individuals who like to understand and explore the opportunities provided by generative AI in medical writing. This initiative is aimed to gather insights, experiences, challenges faced in using AI and plausible solutions to improve the efficiency of different generative AI tools. The AIMW brain trust initiative has planned several small tangible and measurable practical activities for the next few months. Participation in these activities is voluntarily. Lastly, Turacoz updated its upcoming scientific writing course "CPD-UK Accredited Certificate Course in Scientific Writing: Developing End-to-End Journal Publication Using AI". Interactive sessions on generative AI tools in publication development will help the writers to understand the limitations of different generative AI tools and upskill their knowledge. Turacoz Group is a strategic partner to biopharma companies, medical technology firms, healthcare professionals, and research institutes to escort their product/service development journey. We create Clear, Cohesive, Complete, Concise, and Concrete scientific communication in a target-specific language and format (both print and digital) so that our clients can focus on core research and development to enhance and improve patient care. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 8: The Securities Appellate Tribunal ("SAT") has, on 6 June 2023, quashed SEBI's decision of cancelling Brickwork Ratings's registration as a credit rating agency. On 6 October 2022, the Whole Time Member, SEBI had passed an order cancelling Brickwork Ratings's registration as a credit rating agency due to alleged deficiencies observed by SEBI in the inspection carried out in January 2020. SEBI's order alleged routine operational errors such as lapses in documenting meetings, missing signatures in minutes of meetings, incorrect recording of attendance of committee members, minor delay in recognition of defaults. SEBI had granted a window of 6 months to Brickwork Ratings to wind down its operations. This was the first time in India, that the market regulator had taken such a drastic step of ordering cancellation of a credit rating agency's licence. Following the cancellation order, SEBI also issued a circular dated 13 October 2022, prescribing the process to be followed by credit rating agencies whose registration was cancelled or suspended. Aggrieved by the cancellation order, Brickwork Ratings had immediately filed an appeal before SAT against SEBI's Order. On 14 October 2022, the SAT granted interim relief to Brickwork Ratings staying SEBI's cancellation order, pending final hearing of the Appeal, and had also directed Brickwork Ratings not to take up any new mandates, pending the final decision in the appeal. The Hon'ble SAT has now, in its detailed order of 6 June 2023 permitted Brickwork Ratings to continue to operate as a Credit Rating Agency, unconditionally. SAT has observed that on many counts, Brickwork Ratings's explanations with respect to certain allegations were satisfactory and were not considered by SEBI. The SAT has concluded that the alleged violations found by SEBI are routine operational errors and are of a trivial nature which do not justify cancellation of Brickwork Ratings's licence. Accordingly, while quashing SEBI's decision on cancellation, the SAT has sent the matter back to SEBI for the limited purpose of deciding the quantum of penalty, holding that such penalty would have to be other than an order of cancellation. The SAT has also directed that Brickwork Ratings be given an opportunity of hearing before SEBI decides the quantum of such penalty and to take into consideration as a mitigating factor, the interim order of 14 October 2022 directing Brickwork Ratings not to take up new mandates pending the appeal. Vivek Kulkarni, MD said, "The SAT order has come as a big relief to all of us at Brickwork Ratings. We are committed to working closely with all regulators and look forward to continuing our work with renewed enthusiasm. We thank our employees, customers, and well-wishers for believing in us and standing by us during this crucial time."https://www.brickworkratings.com/ (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
ATK New Delhi [India], June 8: Meme coins have emerged as a fascinating and unconventional phenomenon in the crypto world. These digital tokens, characterized by their association with viral memes, have gained significant attention from investors and the general public alike. In this article, we will explore the role of DogeMiyagi in the rise of meme coins and compare its approach to Apecoin and Pepe. By delving into their strategies, uniqueness, and impact on the crypto industry, we aim to provide an informative analysis for individuals seeking educated insights into these captivating digital assets. DogeMiyagi - Embracing the Power of Camaraderie DogeMiyagi, inspired by the legendary martial arts master Mr. DogeMiyagi, has swiftly captured the attention of crypto enthusiasts. With a strong focus on camaraderie and community spirit, this token offers a unique opportunity for individuals to participate in its growth. DogeMiyagi's distinct approach lies in its viral memes, which have effectively propelled its popularity. Through a presale model, investors have the chance to secure tokens early on, benefiting from the potential rise in value. Furthermore, DogeMiyagi incentivizes its community members by offering a generous 10% commission on referrals, fostering a sense of belonging and reward. Apecoin - Building on the Success of Bored Ape Yacht Club Apecoin, created by Yuga Labs, the same company behind the highly successful Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, has carved a unique niche in the meme coin landscape. Leveraging the popularity of their renowned NFTs, Apecoin has managed to attract a dedicated following. However, unlike DogeMiyagi, Apecoin's approach is centered around the association with the Bored Ape Yacht Club rather than viral memes. This distinction sets it apart from other meme coins, offering investors the opportunity to diversify their digital assets within a specific ecosystem. Pepe Coin - Exploring Memetic Culture and Collectibility Pepe Coin, a notable meme coin, draws its inspiration from the legendary Pepe the Frog meme. With a rich history in internet culture, Pepe holds a significant place in the hearts of meme enthusiasts. Similar to DogeMiyagi, Pepe operates through a presale model, allowing early investors to participate in its growth potential. However, Pepe's approach differs in its focus on nostalgia and the preservation of meme culture. This unique positioning has attracted a dedicated community of meme aficionados, contributing to the coin's growing popularity. As we analyze the rise of meme coins, it becomes evident that DogeMiyagi has captured the imagination of crypto enthusiasts with its innovative approach. The token's association with viral memes and the engaging presale model have generated substantial interest among investors. While Apecoin and Pepe offer their own distinct appeal, their strategies differ in terms of the focal points they emphasize. Ultimately, DogeMiyagi stands out as a dynamic and captivating meme coin, propelled by its comical tone, unique referral system, and plans for future NFT initiatives. DogeMiyagi represents a captivating opportunity for individuals seeking to be part of a thriving community and potential growth. To explore this phenomenon further and join the DogeMiyagi movement, visit our website and discover the indomitable power of camaraderie in the crypto-verse. Website: https://dogemiyagi.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Dogemiyagi_ Telegram: https://t.me/dogemiyagi (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 8: HDFC Life, one of India's largest life insurers, has announced an easy process for claim submission for family members/nominees of the Company's policyholders who lost their lives in the Balasore train tragedy.

For claim submission, the nominee needs to provide only the following documents:

- Proof of death issued by Local Government, Police or Hospital

- Nominee's Identity Proof along with address and Bank details

For prompt support, HDFC Life can be contacted via:

Call centre number: 1860-267-9999, email at service@hdfclife.com or by a visit to any of its branch offices.

Vineet Arora, Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life said, "We at HDFC Life express our heartfelt condolences for the lives lost and sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured. While nothing can replace the loss of an invaluable life, we want to provide a helping hand with the best possible claim support service to the families."

HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited ('HDFC Life' / 'Company') is a joint venture between HDFC Ltd., India's leading housing finance institution and abrdn (Mauritius Holdings) 2006 Limited, a global investment company.

Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has more than 60 products (including individual and group products) and optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs.

HDFC Life continues to benefit from its increased presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touch-points through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 300, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants.

For more information, please visit www.hdfclife.com You may also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

(Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], June 8: Bengaluru based neo-university Newton School has been active in the unconventional outcome-driven tech education space. Since 2019, it has built over 2500+ careers in the industry the futuristic online education platform is upping the notch now. The neo-university recently launched its first on-campus undergraduate program in collaboration with Rishihood University, located in the heart of Delhi NCR's tech ecosystem. The key features of the program include: - India's first Bachelor's Program in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence making students Tech Leaders & Entrepreneurs of the future - Delivered at the sprawling 25-acre campus of Rishihood University in the heart of Delhi's Tech landscape - Macbook Pro to all students to enhance Tech learning - 6-month mandatory Internship with 1000+ large startups and MNCs - Exposure to global learnings and foreign study trips to Silicon Valley, Israel and Singapore - Best of Academia and Industry Mentors from from IIT Delhi, MIT university, Duke University & 500+ industry-leading CXOs and faculties from top-notch companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft and more - Industry oriented curriculum focused on learning everything from fundamentals to advanced level concepts of AI and ML - Admissions through all India NSAT test The one-of-its-kind 4-year residential undergraduate program in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence is another milestone in Newton School's ongoing commitment of bringing a major shift in higher education by providing skill-based learning and has been curated to nurture future tech leaders in the fields of technology through an elite faculty, interactions with software industry leaders, immersive curriculum with focus on global education trips, compulsory paid internships, availability of Macbook assets for students, on a sprawling campus with modern amenities. Speaking about the tie-up with Rishihood University, Siddharth Maheshwari, Co-founder, Newton School said, "We aim to unlock India's massive potential of becoming the tech powerhouse of the world. With a rich tapestry of perspectives, we aim to foster innovation and shape global leaders of tomorrow, who will help redefine the boundaries of technology. The program will be delivered by a pool of academia and industry experts, blending real-world experiences in their teaching. Our collective aim is to pave the way for students to overcome complex challenges posed by real-life situations and nurture them in the best way possible." Sahil Aggarwal, CEO and Co-founder, Rishihood University said, "The synergy between Newton School and Rishihood is at the fusion of the tech & industry expertise of Newton School and the leadership & entrepreneurship expertise of Rishihood. We have made great collaborative efforts in designing a blended curriculum with equal focus on state-of-the-art technology and modern leadership, so that our students and graduates get the best of both worlds and emerge as global tech leaders. Rishihood has always believed in 'learning by doing' and is therefore, by design, experiential. With today's dawning competition in the industry, it has become very important for students to stay industry relevant- so a computer science degree obviously meant that we bring industry expertise to the students." The collaboration brings together the best of academia and industry thereby ensuring the best student learning experience and career outcomes are available to aspiring students. With an impressive track record of placing more than 2500+ students, having 1000+ industry educators and mentors on board, Newton School is perfectly placed to deliver a cutting-edge, globally relevant program. This program embodies the significance of skill-based learning, making it the next step of India's education transformation journey. This is a key step in India's education transformation journey. Newton School was founded to bring in this transformation and encourage students to think and learn innovatively and be able to adapt to the changing world. "Today as we embark on an exciting journey with Rishihood University to launch our first ever on-campus program and the country's first in Artificial Intelligence, we envision bringing a visible change in higher education in India by being a catalyst for bringing immersive, practical learning to our students. We look forward to creating more such opportunities for Indian youth in the near future", Nishant Chandra, Co-founder, Newton School concluded. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
'Wednesday' actor Percy Hynes White has dismissed accusations against him as a "campaign of misinformation". Although his statement was posted to Instagram months after sexual assault claims against him started making the rounds on social media in January, he did not specifically name the exact incidents he was referring to. As per Variety, "Earlier this year, somebody I've never met started a campaign of misinformation about me online. Because of this, my family has been doxxed, and my friends have received death threats," Hynes White wrote in an Instagram story statement on Tuesday. "Underage photos of me were used, and examples of me acting in character were presented as hateful. My friend Jane was falsely portrayed as a victim, and her attempts to set the record straight have been ignored. She gave me permission to include her in this message." He continued: "The rumors are false. I can't accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people's safety. These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims. It's very distressing to know that this misinformation has upset people. I'm really thankful for everyone who's stood by me and helped share the facts. Harassment of my family, friends and coworkers needs to stop please. Thank you for taking the time to read this." On January 18, a Twitter user alleged that Hynes White had assaulted her at a party he hosted in Toronto and that he had allegedly assaulted other women. The user claimed that Hynes White and his friends threw parties and provided alcohol and drugs to underage girls in order to have sex with them. The tweet has since been deleted, reported Variety. "He would pursue, have sex with, abuse and get my friend high who was 13/14 at the time. Last time I knew they had sex she was 16 and he was 20. He assaulted me at one of those parties awhile I was too drunk, and he had cornered and pressured and assaulted multiple of my friends," the Twitter user claimed in the since-deleted tweet. After the initial charge got traction, similar claims started to circulate on Twitter. Many "Wednesday" viewers organised to have Hynes White fired from the programme. In the first season of "Wednesday," Hynes White portrayed Xavier Thorpe. His persona was a student at Nevermore Academy who possessed the power to magically bring his creations to life. He was one of the potential love possibilities for the main character Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) and classmate Bianca Barclay (Joy Sunday). He also appeared in Fox's 'The Gifted' and Canadian shows like 'Pretty Hard Cases', 'Transplant' and 'Murdoch Mysteries'. (ANI)
The US financial capital's air hit the world's worst air pollution level for cities on Tuesday night topping New Delhi, prompting New York Mayor Erid Adams to issue an alert asking people to limit outdoor activities. He said that the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) number hit 218 because of smoke from forest fires in Canada up north. At the time New Delhi's AQI number was in the 190 range. As the city choked on the drifting smoke, iIts skyline turned into various shades of grey and, as the evening sun filtered through, orange, obscuring the tops of some of the high-rise buildings. New York's media and the US government have long taunted India's capital for its air quality but now the US financial capital got a first-hand experience of the environmental problem. The New York Times, for example, has touted headlines like, "What India Looks Like When the Air Turns to Poison" and "Choking on Air in New Delhi". The US Embassy in New Delhi maintains an online dashboard of air quality data for the capital and five other cities. Raging fires in forests of Quebec and other parts of Canada in recent days have flooded the US northeast with smoke setting off health and environmental alarms. According to IQAir, which monitors air quality in real time around the world, the AQI index number was down to 161 for New York at 7.30 p.m. in India and 9 a.m. in New York on Wednesday compared to 191 for New Delhi. Despite the reprieve, Adams said that the conditions "are expected to deteriorate further" on Wednesday afternoon and night. New York still remained the city with the second-most air pollution level. Unlike in New Delhi where the worst air quality problems are man-made, fueled by farmers burning the remnants of the harvests, in the US forest fires - an annular feature of summer and late spring - are responsible. The current wave of forest infernos in Canada has spread over 3.3 million hectares, according to reports, covering also several other provinces. Last year, the US had one of its worst forest fire seasons that engulfed 146,680 and led to the evacuation of many towns. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) --IANS al/vd ( 391 Words) 2023-06-07-20:16:02 (IANS)
The Karnataka High Court has dismissed the plea of a gynaecologist for quashing the FIR against him, registered under the Pocso Act, for allegedly failing to report the incident of a sexual assault on minor to the police. In the judgement delivered on June 2 but made available now, Justice M. Nagaprasanna had maintained that the accused in the case has allegedly terminated the minor victim's pregnancy and failed to report the same to the police and this is a serious dereliction. As the prescribed punishment is merely six months, the petitioner should not be left off the hook, he said. The accused runs a hospital in Chikkamagaluru. The victim and her friends had approached the petitioner and said that she is suffering severe bleeding after taking abortion pills. The accused had performed abortion and was discharged. One month after the incident, a Pocso case was registered and subsequently the doctor was booked by the police for not informing them about the incident. The bench also pulled up the accused for failing to recognise his experience of 35 years and still failing to know that the victim was 12 years and 11 months old when her pregnancy was terminated medically. The bench also raised a concern that non reporting of such cases would result in offenders getting away from the clutches of law, which defeats the very objective of the Pocso Act. --IANS mka/vd ( 245 Words) 2023-06-07-20:34:03 (IANS)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Not only are the winners and losers at the 2023 Tony Awards unknown, so is the shape and content of the show. With the Writers Guild on strike, and most honorees in the theater world sympathetic to their cause, scripted matter is verboten and comic numbers, long a Tony Awards specialty, have been nixed.

Instead, expect more songs from Broadway musicals, self-penned acceptance speeches that dont cross the line into something scripted and maybe some unexpected improvisation. Its live TV, after all.

Advertisement

Lets hope the bosses at the Broadway League and American Theatre Wing are smart enough to deliver some kind of blanket, we-all-support-the-writers endorsement at the start of the broadcast, ideally something witty and moving, thus freeing everyone else from the need to virtue signal in their acceptance speeches. That kind of repetition will do little for the folks watching at home, especially given the complexity of the strike, and will hurt Broadway if only by encouraging bored viewers to look away.

The winners themselves are by no means all locked up. You can expect some surprises and much spreading of the bounty.

Advertisement

BEST PLAY

The best play award is one of the very few sure things: If anything other than Leopoldstadt wins, injustice will be served. No disrespect to its only serious rival, James Ijames excellent Fat Ham, but that is a deconstructive riff on a play whereas Leopoldstadt writer Tom Stoppard dug deep at the end of an astonishing career, probing his own identity and privilege with all the prowess youd expect.

BEST MUSICAL

The best musical Tony Award is more complicated. The 2022-23 season had several decent musicals, though not all of their fine performers received nominations. Thats given an abiding prejudice against populist attractions, the same blind spot that felled Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

But the 2022-23 season did not have a great musical. Thats indicative, I think, of how much the lingering COVID crisis and Broadways ongoing self-examination impacted the ability of very talented creative teams to create truly solid, ideally cast constructions. And, believe me, that is what a lasting Broadway musical needs to be. In show after show, things felt insecure and uncertain. Understandably so.

Two shows clearly have support: Kimberly Akimbo, a lovely if quirky musical that does put one in mind of ones mortality, always a good thing in a musical, and that features a rich and beautiful score from the incomparable Jeanine Tesori. It has my support even if the caper elements of the plot are less interesting and certainly less truthful. But others like Some Like It Hot, which is pretty much the exact opposite of Kimberly in that it is frenetic to a fault, notwithstanding the chops of formidably experienced creators who do their best to wriggle around all kinds of new minefields created by the source material. Thats a show that feels closer to what the so-called road voters, who book big Broadway shows in cities across America, might prefer. Then theres the Hee Haw-like comedy Shucked, which is the funniest of the three but utterly unintegrated when it comes to book and score. Shucked surely wont win the main prize, but Robert Horn can and should win for best book, even as Tesori deserves to win for best score, with all due respect to Tom Kitt of the Broadway version of Almost Famous.

BEST REVIVALS

The slate of musical revivals was far stronger than new shows. For my money, Sweeney Todd was head and shoulders above the competition  the revival directed by Thomas Kail (no nomination, which was ridiculous) was both respectful and revelatory of the original while also offering a fresh splash of aftershave. Best of all, it was present and alive and pulsing with emotional intensity. Parade also has its fans; some see it as a vast improvement over the original production. Not me, although there certainly was a good deal to enjoy there, if thats an appropriate word. And then there is the minimalist Into the Woods, which also has a shot: many people adore this staging, which contained a stunner of a performance from Sara Bareilles as the Bakers Wife, but I prefer my Into the Woods a tad more truthful and less overplayed. Its a taste thing; Sondheims genius allows for many different paths and this one certainly led to joy for many.

There were two superlative revivals of plays on Broadway: one was Lorraine Hansberrys The Sign in Sidney Brusteins Window, a vibrant look at one of the most overlooked masterworks of the 20th century, all the more so because its genius of a playwright was at the end of her life as the show was in previews. Its a beautifully acted revival and directed with remarkable insight by Anne Kauffman. The other was Topdog/Underdog, another feast of acting and the best directing work of Kenny Leons still-flourishing career.

Some will surely vote for Death of a Salesman, which was excellent in all of its present-day sections but much less effective in its flashbacks. This competitive category has the most quality shows of any at the Tony Awards, but may Sidney Brustein get what it deserves. Its deserving director, Kauffman, wont be honored. No nomination.

DIRECTOR

The best director of a play category could also have used a spot for relative newcomer Justin March, although his day will come. March made a solo show, the thriller Prima Facie, feel like a multi-cast production, it rippled with so much tense action. I suspect Patrick Marber will win for Leopoldstadt. I also suspect hed be the first to admit the quality of the play and the cast made his work easier.

Advertisement

LEADING ROLES

There were several great female performances this season. My top three (in no particular order) were Jodie Comer in Prima Facie (who deserves and will likely win the Tony in the play category), Rachel Brosnahan in Sidney Brustein (deserving but not nominated) and Annaleigh Ashford in Sweeney Todd, (deserving a win in the musical category) who was so present and alive as Mrs. Lovett she ignited the whole shebang. No disrespect to Victoria Clark of Kimberly Akimbo and Jessica Chastain of A Dolls House. Women rocked this year.

The best male performance in a play? Sean Hayes in Good Night, Oscar was the actor who combined full-blown psychological integrity and craft with a level of bravura, jaw-dropping showmanship that audiences are right to love on Broadway. No one else had all of that in place, although there surely was rich work from Wendell Pierce in Death of a Salesman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Corey Hawkins in Topdog, and Stephen McKinley Henderson in Between Riverside and Crazy.

Men in musicals is a less obvious category: The favorite, and my favored, is J. Harrison Ghee in Some Like it Hot, although a case could surely be made for the generous ensemble player Josh Groban, who Id say showed us the softer side of Sweeney Todd if that didnt sound like a Target ad.

The 76th annual Tony Awards take place 7 p.m. CT Sunday, hosted by Ariana DeBose and broadcast live from United Palace in New York by CBS and streaming on Paramount+. More information at tonyawards.com

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com

Advertisement

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2023 TONY AWARDS

Best musical:

& Juliet

Kimberly Akimbo

New York, New York

Shucked

Some Like It Hot

Advertisement

Best play:

Aint No Mo

Between Riverside and Crazy

Cost of Living

Fat Ham

Leopoldstadt

Advertisement

Leading actress in a musical:

Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sara Bareilles, Into the Woods

Victoria Clark, Kimberly Akimbo

Lorna Courtney, & Juliet

Micaela Diamond, Parade

Advertisement

Leading actor in a musical:

Christian Borle, Some Like It Hot

J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like It Hot

Josh Groban, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Brian dArcy James, Into the Woods

Ben Platt, Parade

Advertisement

Colton Ryan, New York, New York

Leading actress in a play:

Jessica Chastain, A Dolls House

Jodie Comer, Prima Facie

Jessica Hecht, Summer, 1976

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Advertisement

Leading actor in a play:

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Topdog/Underdog

Corey Hawkins, Topdog/Underdog

Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar

Stephen McKinley Henderson, Between Riverside and Crazy

Wendell Pierce, Death of a Salesman

Advertisement

Best revival of a play:

The Piano Lesson

A Dolls House

The Sign in Sidney Brusteins Window

Topdog/Underdog

Best revival of a musical:

Advertisement

Into the Woods

Lerner and Loewes Camelot

Parade

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best book of a musical:

& Juliet, David West Read

Advertisement

Kimberly Akimbo, David Lindsay-Abaire

New York, New York, David Thompson and Sharon Washington

Shucked, Robert Horn

Some Like It Hot, Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin

Best original score:

Almost Famous

Advertisement

Music: Tom Kitt

Lyrics: Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt

Kimberly Akimbo

Music: Jeanine Tesori

Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire

KPOP

Advertisement

Music and lyrics: Helen Park and Max Vernon

Shucked

Music and lyrics: Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally

Some Like It Hot

Music: Marc Shaiman

Lyrics: Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Advertisement

Featured actor in a play:

Jordan E. Cooper, Aint No Mo

Samuel L. Jackson, The Piano Lesson

Arian Moayed, A Dolls House

Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt

David Zayas, Cost of Living

Advertisement

Featured actress in a play:

Nikki Crawford, Fat Ham

Crystal Lucas-Perry, Aint No Mo

Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brusteins Window

Katy Sullivan, Cost of Living

Kara Young, Cost of Living

Advertisement

Featured actor in a musical:

Kevin Cahoon, Shucked

Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo

Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like It Hot

Jordan Donica, Lerner and Loewes Camelot

Alex Newell, Shucked

Advertisement

Featured actress in a musical:

Julia Lester, Into the Woods

Ruthie Ann Miles, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Bonnie Milligan, Kimberly Akimbo

NaTasha Yvette Williams, Some Like It Hot

Betsy Wolfe, & Juliet

Advertisement

Best direction of a play:

Saheem Ali, Fat Ham

Jo Bonney, Cost of Living

Jamie Lloyd, A Dolls House

Patrick Marber, Leopoldstadt

Stevie Walker-Webb, Aint No Mo

Advertisement

Max Webster, Life of Pi

Best direction of a musical:

Michael Arden, Parade

Lear deBessonet, Into the Woods

Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot

Jack OBrien, Shucked

Advertisement

Jessica Stone, Kimberly Akimbo

Best choreography:

Steven Hoggett, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot

Susan Stroman, New York, New York

Jennifer Weber, & Juliet

Advertisement

Jennifer Weber, KPOP

Scenic design of a play:

Miriam Buether, Prima Facie

Tim Hatley and Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi

Rachel Hauck, Good Night, Oscar

Richard Hudson, Leopoldstadt

Advertisement

Dane Laffrey and Lucy Mackinnon, A Christmas Carol

Scenic design of a musical:

Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York

Mimi Lien, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Michael Yeargan and 59 Productions, Lerner and Loewes Camelot

Scott Pask, Shucked

Advertisement

Scott Pask, Some Like It Hot

Costume design of a play:

Tim Hatley, Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi

Dominique Fawn Hill, Fat Ham

Brigitte Reiffenstuel, Leopoldstadt

Emilio Sosa, Aint No Mo

Advertisement

Emilio Sosa, Good Night, Oscar

Costume design of a musical:

Gregg Barnes, Some Like It Hot

Susan Hilferty, Parade

Jennifer Moeller, Lerner and Loewes Camelot

Clint Ramos and Sophia Choi, KPOP

Advertisement

Paloma Young, & Juliet

Donna Zakowska, New York, New York

Lighting design of a play:

Neil Austin, Leopoldstadt

Natasha Chivers, Prima Facie

Jon Clark, A Dolls House

Advertisement

Bradley King, Fat Ham

Tim Lutkin, Life of Pi

Jen Schriever, Death of a Salesman

Ben Stanton, A Christmas Carol

Lighting design of a musical:

Ken Billington, New York, New York

Advertisement

Lap Chi Chu, Lerner and Loewes Camelot

Heather Gilbert, Parade

Howard Hudson, & Juliet

Natasha Katz, Some Like It Hot

Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sound design of a play:

Advertisement

Jonathan Deans and Taylor Williams, Aint No Mo

Carolyn Downing, Life of Pi

Joshua D. Reid, A Christmas Carol

Ben and Max Ringham, A Dolls House

Ben and Max Ringham, Prima Facie

Sound design of a musical:

Advertisement

Kai Harada, New York, New York

John Shivers, Shucked

Scott Lehrer and Alex Neumann, Into the Woods

Gareth Owen, & Juliet

Nevin Steinberg, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best orchestrations:

Advertisement

Bill Sherman and Dominic Fallacaro, & Juliet

John Clancy, Kimberly Akimbo

Jason Howland, Shucked

Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, Some Like It Hot

Daryl Waters and Sam Davis, New York, New York
Special law and order DG for Uttar Pradesh Prashant Kumar on Wednesday issued an order directing all district superintendents of police to immediately increase security in all district courts after the firing incident inside the Lucknow Civil Court wherein gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was fatally shot after ahead of a hearing. An official statement quoting Kumar said that metal detectors and other equipment will also be installed on the court premises. "The security of the courts in the district and commissionerate should be reviewed. The security arrangements for the accused appearing in the courts should be strengthened. Intelligence and social media cells should also be made active and alert in this regard. In all the districts, strong security arrangements should be ensured in all the court premises by establishing coordination with the District Judge/District Magistrate and the office bearers of the Bar Association," Prashant Kumar said in his order. Gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was fatally shot inside the court premises after being brought in for a hearing. Later, the police confirmed that the gangster succumbed to his injuries. Earlier, speaking on the incident, Kumar told the reporters that the person who opened fire has been arrested on the spot. However, as per an official statement from Chief Minister's Office, a three-member SIT, including Mohit Agarwal, ADG Technical; Joint CP, Lucknow, Nilabja Chaudhary and Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar, has been constituted to investigate the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Lucknow, Rahul Raj said, "Sanjeev Jeeva was shot at today and succumbed to his injuries. Two of our constables also sustained injuries but are out of danger. They are currently under treatment. I've been told that the assailant has been arrested." Meanwhile, lawyers staged a protest outside Lucknow Civil Court in the wake of the firing incident. "A child was also injured in the incident and was admitted to a trauma centre," said Agarwal. "A criminal, identified as Sanjeev Jeeva, was shot today. Two police officials, who were escorting him to the court, also sustained injuries. A child was also injured in the incident and was admitted to a trauma centre," Upendra Kumar Agarwal, joint commissioner of police, Law and Order, Lucknow, said. (ANI)
Several prominent opposition leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee will attend the opposition meeting, to be convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Janata Dal (United) (JDU) National President Lalan Singh informed and said that the meeting which was earlier scheduled to take place on June 12 has now been postponed to June 23. "The opposition meeting will be held on 23rd June, in Patna. All opposition parties have agreed to this... Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Uddhav Thackeray, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, CPI Gen Secy D Raja, Sitaram Yechury and Dipankar Bhattacharya will attend the meet," Singh said while addressing a press conference here on Wednesday. The meeting, which is aimed at laying the groundwork for the coming together of like-minded Opposition parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government at the Centre, was originally scheduled to be held on June 12. However, the meeting was pushed back after several Opposition leaders, including Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, expressed their inability to attend the meeting on June 12, citing prior engagements and preoccupations. After JDU had announced the meeting of Opposition parties on June 12, earlier, DMK chief Stalin said he had sought a postponement of the June 12 meeting, as he would be busy attending an inaugural ceremony on the same date. "I will be attending the inaugural ceremony of Mettur Dam on the same date (as the Opposition meeting). It is an important event. Even the Congress president (Mallikarjun Kharge) will be held up at a different event and won't be able to attend the meeting on that day. So, I have asked for the meeting of Opposition parties to be pushed back. However, the DMK will surely participate in the meeting," Tamil Nadu CM Stalin said. Nitish Kumar has been rooting for Opposition unity since he left the National Democratic Alliance and joined the Grand Alliance to form a new government in August last year. (ANI)
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on Wednesday condemned the installation of the statue of Sri Guru Gobind Singh in a mall in Bihar's Patna, saying that the act is against Sikh principles. "The act of installing a statue of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru (master), in Ambuja Mall at Patna Sahib is against Sikh principles. Idol worshipping has no place in the Sikh religion," Harjinder Singh Dhami said in a statement issued on Wednesday. He further said that the Sikh psyche has been hurt by placing an idol of the tenth Sikh Guru. Condemning the installation of the Guru's statue at Patna Sahib, he said that an inquiry report will be taken in this matter. "No one has the right to hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community while taking action against Sikh principles. This action is to amalgamate Sikh principles and traditions," he added. The SGPC President said that the management committee of Takht Sri Harmandar Ji Patna Sahib should conduct a thorough investigation and send a report to the SGPC so that a response is sought from those who did such an act. A wax statue of Tenth Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj (Tenth Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj) of the Sikh Panth has come to light in the wax museum of a mall located in Lodipur, Patna, the capital of Bihar. MP of Akali Dal Harsimrat Kaur Badal has also expressed his anguish and said that the Great Gurus and Shri Guru Granth Sahib emphasize the formless form of the Supreme Power. https://twitter.com/HarsimratBadal_/status/1666068691799384067 "The great Guru Sahiban and Shri Guru Granth Sahib emphasize the formless nature of Akal Purakh, the Supreme Power. That is why Sikh Maryada forbids idol worship. Therefore, the installation of a statue of Dasmesh Pita Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Ambuja Mall, an Adani-owned company in Patna, is an outrageous violation of Sikh norms," she said in a tweet. She further demanded an apology and action against the guilty. "Those responsible for it owe an apology to the Sikh quom. The government should take swift action against the guilty. I urge all Sikhs to unite to fight the conspiracies against the Khalsa Panth to dilute our religious vision and identity," she said. (ANI)
"Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot dead and a girl of 1.5 years was also injured whose condition is stable and is undergoing treatment. How many people came to kill him is a matter of investigation but the shooter has been caught and he is also seriously injured," Surya Pal Gangwar said.

Notably, gangster Sanjeev Jeeva, a close aide of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, was shot dead by an unknown person inside Lucknow court premises on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Lucknow, Rahul Raj said, "Sanjeev Jeeva was shot at today and succumbed to his injuries. Two of our constables also sustained injuries but are out of danger. They are currently under treatment. I've been told that the assailant has been arrested."

Meanwhile, lawyers staged a protest outside Lucknow Civil Court in the wake of the firing incident.

"A child was also injured in the incident and was admitted to a trauma centre," said Agarwal.

"A criminal, identified as Sanjeev Jeeva, was shot today. Two police officials, who were escorting him to the court, also sustained injuries. A child was also injured in the incident and was admitted to a trauma centre," Upendra Kumar Agarwal, joint commissioner of police, Law and Order, Lucknow, said.

Lucknow District Magistrate, Surya Pal Gangwar informed that the girl, who was injured in the incident, was stable and undergoing treatment.

"Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot dead at Lucknow civil court. The accused was arrested. A girl was also injured in the incident. Her condition is stable and she is receiving treatment. The investigation is underway," said Surya Pal Gangwar.

He was accused of murdering BJP leader Brahm Dutt Dwivedi in 1997. (ANI)
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu chaired the 26th e-Pragati meeting with all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and reviewed the status of several projects, programs and pending issues in Itanagar on Wednesday. The meeting mainly focused on land acquisition for defence purposes and road construction in border areas. While Rural Works Department (RWD) Minister Honchun Ngandam along with the Chief Secretary, representatives of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), PGCIL, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and Defence Estate Officer (DEO), Itanagar and other top state officials were present with the Chief Minister, all deputy commissioners and DEO Tezpur and ITBP representatives joined the review meeting online. The Chief Minister urged deputy commissioners of Kurung Kumey, Anjaw, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Changlang, Upper Siang, West Kameng, Shi Yomi, Upper Subansiri, Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng and Papum Pare to expedite the process of submitting their respective land compensation assessment report so that the user agencies like BRO, Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and NHIDCL can move forward on their parts. He demanded timelines from each deputy commissioner to complete all pending issues. The CM also strongly dissuaded the deputy commissioners (DCs) from entertaining fake land compensation demands. He directed them to take legal action against people who are indulging in construction or any other activity on lands after notification has been issued. "Land compensation requests will be accepted for infrastructure or agricultural fields that existed before notifications. No request for compensation must be entertained for any infrastructure that has come up after notifications have been issued," he said. To resolve all kinds of disputes between two or more parties over land acquisition for the construction of treks or roads must be resolved tactically and peacefully by involving local elected representatives of the area, he advised. Regarding road connectivity for the extension of tourist circuits, Khandu suggested taking up the road and other infrastructure projects under the recently launched Vibrant Village Program (VVP) of the central government to facilitate the flow of tourist-identified areas with tourism potential. "To make the stay of tourists longer in a village or town, awareness should be created amongst tour operators, hoteliers and other stakeholders to offer tourist-friendly activities. Now that we are starting tourism courses in ITIs of the state, locally trained youths must be engaged as tourist guides," he suggested. The Chief Minister also reviewed the status of 13 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) like PMAY (both rural and urban), Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), Amrit Sarovar, Atal Pension Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana(PMJJBY), Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), etc for 100 per cent saturation within the given timelines. He also reviewed the status of 4G towers being erected across the state by BSNL. Expressing concern over the slow pace of progress, he offered BSNL all-out support of the state government in expediting the process. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has issued a restraining order against Dabur, an Indian multinational consumer goods company, prohibiting the circulation of its WhatsApp advertisement featuring Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone for "Dabur Amla Hair Oil." A single-judge bench of Justice Navin Chawla passed the order in response to a lawsuit filed by Marico Limited seeking an ad interim injunction to prevent Dabur from circulating or forwarding its WhatsApp and print advertisements for Amla hair oil. It also claimed that Dabur's advertisement disparaged the reputation and goodwill of its product, "Nihar Natural Shanti Badam Amla Hair Oil," and its registered "Nihar" trademarks. The court stated that Marico failed to establish a prima facie case against the print advertisement but did demonstrate a prima facie case regarding the WhatsApp message/advertisement. Regarding the print advertisement, Marico argued that Dabur's opening statement, "Yaad Rakhna, Sasta Amla, balo ko mehenga padega" (Remember, cheap Amla will cost your hair a lot), was alarming and threatened consumers, suggesting that other inexpensive Amla hair oils were inferior and harmful calling it generic disparagement. While the court declined to injunct the print advertisement, it restrained Dabur and its associates from circulating the WhatsApp message or advertisement for Amla hair oil during the pendency of Marico's lawsuit. Regarding the absence of any explicit reference to Marico in the challenged print advertisement, the court stated that any such reference would require a leap of imagination, which it deemed unwarranted. The court viewed the advertisement as merely suggesting potential negative consequences of using cheaper Amla hair oils in terms of quality and price. Justice Chawla also emphasised that an advertisement should be evaluated from the perspective of an ordinary consumer, who would likely view it as a puffery rather than from the standpoint of a sensitive competitor like Marico. The court concluded that the advertisement merely expressed an opinion that purchasing cheaper Amla hair oil might be harmful to the hair, but it was not defamatory towards all hair oils of lower price compared to Marico's product. Regarding the circulation of the challenged WhatsApp advertisement, the court noted that the ordinary consumer would not have access to both the WhatsApp message/advertisement and the print advertisement simultaneously. The connection between the two could only be made by individuals who received the WhatsApp advertisement alongside the print advertisement. --IANS spr/shb/ ( 401 Words) 2023-06-06-15:42:03 (IANS)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat faced a significant setback on Tuesday as its leader Uday Singh Chauhan, who had contested the elections from the Balasinor constituency in Mahisagar district, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chauhan's move to join the ruling party is seen as a blow to the AAP's prospects in the state. The formal induction took place at the party's state office, Kamalam in Gandhinagar, in the presence of CR Paatil, the state president of the BJP. Chauhan's decision to switch sides comes after several AAP councillors in Surat had also defected to the BJP, weakening the AAP's presence in the region. Welcoming Chauhan to the BJP, CR Paatil presented him with a traditional topi (cap) and a saffron-coloured scarf, symbolising his new association with the party. Supporters of Chauhan, who accompanied him, also joined the BJP, boosting the party's ranks in the area. Prominent leaders, including Gordhan Zadafia, deputy state president of the BJP, were present during the induction. Explaining his reasons for joining the BJP, Chauhan cited the development-oriented politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He emphasised that his alignment with the party's ideology predates his membership and clarified that his departure from the AAP was due to personal reasons. Chauhan pledged his dedication to working towards securing a resounding victory for the Panchmahal Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 elections. Chauhan had contested the 2022 assembly elections from Balasinor on an AAP ticket but faced defeat at the hands of the BJP candidate. Securing the third position, Chauhan received 39,569 votes, accounting for 28.22% of the total votes cast. In October 2022, he parted ways with the Congress and joined the AAP. However, circumstances have now led him to leave the AAP and align with the BJP. The Balasinor constituency encompasses parts of the Mahisagar and Kheda districts. --IANS Janvi/bg ( 328 Words) 2023-06-06-17:02:02 (IANS)
A Madhya Pradesh government official, who was the part of investigation team in a case related to a hijab controversy that broke out at private school in Damoh, was attacked by a group of people on Tuesday, as per a video going viral on social media. As per the video of the incident, the official was sitting inside the vehicle, when two persons came, threw ink on him and shouted slogans: "Jai Sri Ram". The official said he was attacked for investigating the hijab row issue in Ganga Jamuna Higher Secondary School in Damoh. "I know those have threw ink on me. I will lodge a police complaint against them. They are doing all this because of hijab controversy in Ganga Jamuna school," the official was heard as saying. The 'hijab' row has now taken a communal shape as the leaders of the ruling BJP have claimed that a alleged nexus was operating of conversion of Hindu girls. The BJP leaders claimed at least three Hindu girls forcibly converted into Islam, whereas, three female school teachers, during the investigation, have denied the allegation claiming the girl students changed their religion at their own wish. Madhya Pradesh BJP President V. D. Sharma went a step ahead and claimed that it wasn't just a 'love jihad' incident, but a nexus operating by a group of people receiving funds from outside. "Hindu girls were converted into Islam in Ganga Jamuna School of Damoh. Terror funding is also involved in the matter... I am making this statement being responsible and demanding investigation in the matter from terror angle also," Sharma had said on Monday. Notably, the school landed in a controversy on last week when it pasted on its wall a poster congratulating its board exam toppers. Using the pictures of the same poster, various right wing outfits, including the VHP and ABVP, alleged that non-Muslim girl students were forced to wear hijab as seen in their picture. Following which, a team of district education officials inspected the school and suspended the recognition of Ganga Jamuna school claiming the norms were not complied properly. However, it made no mention of the hijab controversy and said that upon inspection, it was established that several facilities meant for students were inadequate or unavailable. --IANS pd/vd ( 393 Words) 2023-06-06-17:12:02 (IANS)
Tanveer Khan, the man accused of raping and blackmailing a Mumbai-based model, is currently on the run and it is alleged that he might have fled abroad. The victim, identified as Manvi Raj who is from the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, registered a case against Tanveer Akhtar, a resident of Ranchi, at the Versova police station in Mumbai. Officials said that the case has been transferred to the Ranchi police in Jharkhand for further investigation as the alleged incident took place in Ranchi. The victim in her complaint said that the owner of a Jharkhand-based modelling institute -- Tanveer -- raped and blackmailed her for a period of one year. She also accused the man of threatening to send her nude photos to her relatives if she narrated her ordeal. She claimed that the accused forced her to marry him and pressured her for religious conversion. The model has provided evidence to the police with details of her Instagram chats with Tanveer, in which the accused had said that he was going abroad. According to the FIR, the victim met Tanveer in 2021 and he had introduced himself as Yash but later it came out that his real name was Tanveer Khan. She alleged that on March 21, 2021, Tanveer secretly clicked her nude photos during a Holi party. Later on July 14, 2021, the accused raped the victim and then warned her not to talk about the incident, else he will upload her photos online, said the complaint. On September 13, 2022, Tanveer sent the victim's photos to her family members, leading her to attempt suicide. Manvi said she later came to Mumbai but the accused kept harassing her. Tanveer, however, said that Manvi cheated him in his business, and when he asked for his money, she is making such allegations. Meanwhile, the police also raided Tanveer's hideouts in Ranchi, but he was absconding. --IANS snc/prw ( 331 Words) 2023-06-06-17:12:03 (IANS)
The West Bengal Migrant Workers Union on Tuesday has demanded a judicial probe on the derailment of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel express train near Bahanaga railway station in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday evening. According to them, those travelling in the unreserved compartment of the train and killed should be identified and their indemnities should be disclosed officially, said the union's state chief and former CPI-M legislator S.M. Sadi. "West Bengal has a large number of migrant workers. As the records of the casualties in the train from West Bengal have been identified, the majority were migrant workers. Our demand is one job for one family member for each of the migrant worker casualties in the train accident," he said. Sadi also said that often the migrant workers from West Bengal die in accidents in other states. "But unfortunately, they do not get the necessary compensation. We do not want the same thing to be repeated in this case as well. Hence, we are also demanding a judicial probe in the matter." He also said that it would have been better if the state government had announced a better compensation package for the families of the casualties. "But whatever it may be, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should ensure that the compensation and job offers do not remain promises and those go to the right people," Sadi added. In fact, immediately after the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel express train derailment Leader of Opposition in Assembly Suvendu Adhikari too attacked the West Bengal government over the migrant workers' issue. "The current number of migrant workers from West Bengal is nine time of what it was in 2011 when the Trinamool Congress regime came to power in West Bengal for the first time. This is because of the disruptive police of the state government that is shying away industrial investment in the state and the resulting employment generation," Adhikari said. --IANS src/vd ( 331 Words) 2023-06-06-17:14:06 (IANS)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Spontaneous embraces were the order of the day during the Welcome Home parade for Vietnam Veterans on June 13, 1986, perhaps the largest in the country for soldiers who fought in Vietnam. (Charles Cherney/Chicago Tribune)

The Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade was one of the largest gatherings in Chicago history, but it has been quickly forgotten by time  just as the men and women who fought in the unpopular war had been, Thomas J. Stack believed.

Stack had been a sergeant who led a combat platoon with the U.S. Armys 9th Infantry Division through Vietnams Mekong Delta region in the late 1960s. He was awarded two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and other honors along the way. But unlike soldiers from previous wars who were praised for their heroics, Stack said he was called a baby killer by an antiwar protester on the day he returned home from the war in 1969.

Advertisement

Sentiment for Vietnam veterans, however, began to change with time. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was unveiled in 1982 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Then in 1985  a decade after the war ended  more than 25,000 Vietnam veterans walked a Route of Heroes in the Its Time parade in New York City before gathering to dedicate a memorial in lower Manhattan. Stack, then a criminal justice instructor at Richard J. Daley College, attended both of the deeply moving ceremonies. The experiences inspired him to plan a full weekend of similar events here.

[ While the whole world watched, Tribune reporter William Mullen observed the Chicago street tussles between protesters and police outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention ]

For more than a year, Stack and a small group of fellow veterans had sweated, cajoled, begged and borrowed the Chicago parade into existence, Pulitzer Prize-winning Tribune reporter William Mullen wrote. It finally happened June 13, 1986, stepping off from Olive Park, which 20 years earlier had been named in honor of U.S. Army Pfc. Milton Lee Olive III, a Chicago native and the first Black officer in the Vietnam War to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. More than 200,000 people came from around the United States to march in the parade  and up to another 500,000 lined up along the route to cheer and thank them.

Advertisement

Mullen almost missed it. He was on deadline for a Chicago Tribune Magazine story when he went to the ground floor of Tribune Tower for a cup of coffee. Two friends grabbed him as he was waiting for the elevator and ushered him outside.

They would not listen to my protests that I had to get upstairs and finish a story  they said I could take 20 minutes off for this, he recalled earlier this week. So I went with them and we did indeed see the beginning of the parade with Gen. William Westmoreland (the commander of U.S. forces in Vietnam from 1964-1968). There was not much to it beyond endless groups of vets coming down the street, but I was simply riveted by it. The guys I came with left after 20 minutes. I could not let myself leave and watched the whole damned thing.

He stood there for five hours.

So I blew the deadline, he said. Mary Knoblauch, editor of the magazine at that time, was mad. A couple of days later, a dozen or more Tribune photographers  most of them Vietnam vets who shot hundreds of pictures of the parade  came to her office and begged her to devote an issue of the magazine to their pictures because the paper had used only three of them in print the day after the parade.

She made no promises but called me in after they left. What IS it about that parade that has stirred all this emotion? she asked me.

[ At peace, at last: After 11 years and an emotional parade, Vietnam vets finally feel welcome ]

I have no idea what I said, as on my feet I am not the most articulate person around, but she said if I would write a story explaining it, then she would devote an issue to their pictures. ...

I more often than not cringe when reading many of my old stories, but that one I am pretty damned proud of. I still tear up when I read it nearly 40 years later.

You can read Mullens full story from Aug. 17, 1986 here.

Advertisement

Want more vintage Chicago?

Become a Tribune subscriber: Its just $12 for a 1-year digital subscription.

Follow us on Instagram: @vintagetribune.

And, catch me Monday mornings on WLS-AMs The Steve Cochran Show for a look at This week in Chicago history.

Thanks for reading!

 Kori Rumore, visual reporter

Chicago history | More newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition

Advertisement

Theres going to be a parade in this town, one everyone agrees is long overdue.

Spontaneous embraces were the order of the day during the Welcome Home parade for Vietnam veterans on June 13, 1986, in Chicago. (Phil Greer/Chicago Tribune)

Though veterans now are balding and turning gray  though theyve gained weight, gotten mortgages and had kids of their own  itll be the first real welcome theyve ever received, Tribune reporter Anne Keegan wrote in February 1986 after the parade was announced.

The funds to produce it, however, were limited.

We need money real bad, said Jeff Harvey, a disabled veteran running the parade office in space donated by Jefferies & Co. We are running out of thread. Weve got a great parade planned. Four times greater than the New York parade. But time is running out on us. Now we need to have some donations start coming in. We need seed money to keep this thing going. Read more here.

Photo gallery: Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade

Spectators pour confetti out of a window of a LaSalle street building during the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home parade on June 13, 1986, in Chicago. (Walter Kale/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago tried to mend its fences with Americas Vietnam veterans this weekend. It opened its heart and cheered them on, shook their hands, embraced them on the streets, showered them with ticker tape, bought them a beer, threw them a party in Grant Park two nights in a row and offered them their city for the weekend. Tribune reporter Anne Keegan wrote on June 15, 1986. See more photos here.

Olive Parks namesake: U.S. Army Pfc. Milton Lee Olive III

Mayor Daley is flanked by Mr. and Mrs. Milton Lee Olive Jr., parents of the medal of honor winner, at ceremonies on June 19, 1966, unveiling the monument to the memory of Private First Class Milton Lee Olive in a park now known as Olive Park. The monument is sculpted in bronze. Editors note: this historic print has some pencil markings on it. (William Vendetta/Chicago Tribune)

Olive Park, on the lakefront at the site of the citys water filtration plant and adjacent to Navy Pier, was the starting point for the parade. Its named for a soft-spoken South Side teen who was killed in Vietnam on Oct. 22, 1965, after throwing his body on a hand grenade to save the lives of four military companions.

Olive, whose nickname was Skipper, posthumously became the first Black officer who served in the Vietnam War to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Read more here.

Advertisement

June 13, 1986: You realize how much these men needed this when you see how many men turned up

Eleven years after the war ended, 200,000 Vietnam veterans finally got a chance to proudly display their colors during the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home parade on June 13, 1986, in Chicago. (Anne Cusack/Chicago Tribune)

Vintage Chicago Tribune Weekly The Vintage Tribune newsletter is a deep dive into the Chicago Tribune's archives featuring photos and stories about the people, places and events that shape the city's past, present and future. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

On the 2.8-mile route, spectators began gathering as early as 8:30 a.m., with many persons tucking themselves into their old military uniforms to show their solidarity with those who would march. Gen. Westmoreland, its grand marshal, strode proudly at the front, flanked by two legless veterans, one in a wheelchair and the other smiling and pulling himself along the asphalt on his padded hands, arms and stumps of legs. Read more here.

June 14, 1986: A dark day turned over to memory of the missing

A man kneels in front of the Vietman veterans moving wall on June 13, 1986, in Chicago. (Jose More / Chicago Tribune)

Our parade was yesterday. ... Today is for the guys who arent here. Hopefully, the next time we have a parade, they will be here, said master of ceremonies Jerry Taft, a WLS-TV meteorologist and veteran, at the POW/MIA memorial in Daley Plaza. Read more here.

June 15, 1986: Weekend in Chicago was full of reckonings with ghosts and nightmares, of reveling with old friends and new

Vietnam veterans comfort each other near a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Grant Park on June 13, 1986, in Chicago. (Anne Cusack/Chicago Tribune)

The weekend began with a ticker-tape parade and ended with thousands quietly gathered in Grant Park to view a half-size black plastic replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. By Sunday night, the replica was dismantled and the vets, many dressed in camouflage fatigues, boarded buses, planes and trains to head home with memories of the welcome Chicago had given them.

It makes you proud to be from Chicago, said Richard Nissley, a former Marine who lived in River Forest. The town did one hell of a job. If you didnt find anybody you served with, and I didnt, you found compadres. Read more here.

Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com.

Advertisement
A businessman was allegedly shot at by the henchmen of Wasseypur's gangster Prince Khan, who operates a gang in Dhanbad, while living in a Gulf country. The victim Sachchidanand Thakur, the owner of 'Thakur Motors' in Barwadda police station area of Dhanbad, was attacked on Monday night. He has been referred to Durgapur for treatment, where his condition is said to be stable. After closing his shop at Naya Bazar, Thakur was going home with his brother on a bike, when the criminals shot him in the back near Rani Bandh Dhaiya. Thakur has three shops in Dhanbad. He had earlier received threatening calls in the name of Prince Khan. In this regard, he had also lodged a complaint at the Bank Mod police station. Shortly after Thakur was shot, Prince Khan's shooter Major issued a pamphlet claiming responsibility. He wrote, "We hit the owner of Thakur Motors, because he was ignoring our calls and was trying to prove that he would survive Major's bullet by filing a case with the police." It has been written in the pamphlet that whoever is getting the call of the Major, he should manage with 'Chote Sarkar' (Prince Khan). Prince Khan has declared himself as 'Chote Sarkar' and is threatening businessmen and contractors for extortion. On June 1, his henchmen bombed two hotels in Dhanbad. Prince Khan's gang has carried out dozens of incidents of firing, murder and extortion in the last two years. On May 3, his henchmen opened fire on Iqbal Khan, son of old gangster Faheem of Wasseypur, and his accomplice Golu. Golu was killed, while Iqbal Khan was seriously injured. In the CID investigation, it has come to the fore that Prince Khan, the most wanted gangster of Wasseypur, has fled abroad. He has taken shelter in some Gulf country and from there he is operating his gang in Dhanbad. Two days ago, the police arrested nine criminals of gangsters Prince Khan and Aman Singh with weapons and sent them to jail. --IANS snc/uk/ ( 347 Words) 2023-06-06-18:00:05 (IANS)
The raids were going on at five locations, including the residence of the IAS officer, in Chennai and Villupuram and Dharpamuri districts.

The officer has been identified as Malarvizhi, who is allegedly involved in a receipt book procurement scam.

Allegedly, Malarvizhi as the District Collector of Dharmapuri had diverted funds from the state's fifth plan commission grants for the procurement of receipt books for 251 village panchayats.

It has been alleged that a total of 1,25,500 receipt books for property tax, professional tax collection and other forms of tax collection were bought with these funds from two private companies at higher rates and without calling tender.

As per the charges, Malarvizhi had conspired with the owners of the two firms and swindled Rs 1.31 crore from the funds.

The Dharmpuri unit of DVAC has registered cases against Malarvizhi, H. Thageer Hussain of Crescent Traders, and Veeriah Palanivelu of Naga Traders under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Malarvizhi is presently the Chairperson of Science City.

--IANS aal/daanish/arm

( 201 Words)

2023-06-06-18:02:04 (IANS)
A cyclonic depression forming in the south-east Arabian Sea is now moving towards the far north and will intensify over the east-central part in the next 12 hours, the IMD said here on Tuesday. The depression is moving at a speed of 11 km/hour since this morning and is in the same region, around 950 km west-southwest of Goa, around 1,100 km southwest of Mumbai, 1,190 km south southwest of Porbandar (Gujarat) and 1,490 kms south of Karachi (Pakistan), said the IMD. This depression is likely to move nearly northwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining southeast areas over the next 12 hours, it added. Earlier on Monday, the IMD had said that the cyclonic formation was developing around Mumbai and its onset course would be decided in the next 48 hours. With the latest status, the chances of the cyclonic storm hitting Mumbai are virtually ruled out. However, the IMD-Mumbai has warned fisherfolk venturing into the deep sea to exercise caution for the next five days when the wind speeds will increase from 40-50 kmph to 115-120-140 kmph from June 6 till June 10. Apprehending the possibility of a major storm with heavy rains lashing the state, the Nationalist Congress Party on Tuesday announced cancellation of its planned Silver Jubilee celebrations in Ahmednagar on June 9. --IANS qn/vd ( 240 Words) 2023-06-06-18:08:04 (IANS)
A man, who supplied arms and ammunition to members of Hashim Baba gang, was arrested and a total of 12 semi-automatic and single shot pistols along with 55 bullets were recovered from his possession, a Delhi Police official on Tuesday. The accused was identified as Imran alias Amjad, 35, a resident of Seelampur area. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell, Alok Kumar said that on June 3, specific input was received that Imran, who supplies illegal arms and ammunition to the members of Hashim Baba gang, would come at Jafrabad Metro Station at around 9 p.m. to supply weapons to one of his associates. "Accordingly, a trap was laid and Imran was apprehended at around 9.15 p.m. from the road near Jafrabad Metro Station. On search, 12 semi-automatic and single shot pistols and 55 live cartridges were recovered from the bag of the accused," he said. On interrogation, it was revealed that Imran used to sell jeans at Gandhi Nagar in the capital but left this business in 2016 to enter the world of crime. "He was first arrested in 2016 when he, along with his associates, had looted money changer Ramesh Kumar of Rs 36 lakh at ITO flyover. During his stay at Tihar Jail, he came in contact with Annu, an arms supplier of Meerut. After getting released from jail, the accused started procuring illegal arms from Annu to supply the same to the members of Hashim Baba gang and other criminals of Delhi-NCR," the DCP said. In 2021, Imran was again arrested at Muradnagar (UP) in a case of arms trafficking. "In Dasna jail, he came in contact with Shakeel and after coming out of jail; he started procuring weapons from Shakeel. The accused has also disclosed that he would purchase one pistol for around Rs 40,000 and sell it for Rs 50,000-55,000." --IANS ssh/vd ( 322 Words) 2023-06-06-18:10:02 (IANS)
Kerala Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu on Tuesday said a probe has been initiated into the suicide of a student at Amal Jyothi College of Engineering located at Kanjirappally in Kottayam district. Sradha Satheesh, a fourth semester student of food technology, was found hanging in her room on June 2. Since then student unrest has been on the rise and on Tuesday it reached a high when the police and angry students had a standoff. Her college and hostel mates have charged the head of her department and the hostel warden for harassing her. They are angry that the college authorities tried to mislead the doctors by not informing them that it may be a case of suicide when she was taken for emergency treatment. Bindhu told the media that a police probe is currently on and also one by her department. "There is no doubt that students' rights have to be respected as in the modern world things are different. We will assure the students that they need not feel jittery that they will be targeted because of the probe that has begun," said Bindhu. Bindhu and State Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan who hails from Kottayam district are arriving at the college on Wednesday to hold discussions with the students and also with the management to defuse the situation. The college management to cool down matters, on Tuesday decided to close the college and the hostel, but the students in the hostel have refused to vacate it. Eventually things now have cooled down, after the huge police force was withdrawn from the campus. --IANS sg/bg ( 278 Words) 2023-06-06-18:16:04 (IANS)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius here on Tuesday, during which the two ministers reviewed the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation activities and explored ways to enhance the collaboration, especially the defence industrial partnership. Singh highlighted the opportunities that have opened up in the defence production sector, including the possibilities for German investments in the two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. A Defence Ministry official said that the Indian defence industry could participate in the supply chains of the German defence industry and add value to the ecosystem, besides contributing to supply chain resilience. As per the ministry, Singh stressed that India and Germany could build a more symbiotic relationship based on shared goals and complementarity of strength like skilled workforce and mutual strengths like skilled workforce and competitive costs from India and technologies and investment from Germany. India and Germany have had a strategic partnership since 2000, which is being strengthened through inter-governmental consultations since 2011 at the level of heads of government. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, including Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, participated in the delegation-level meeting. This was the first visit of a German Defence Minister to India since 2015. The bilateral meeting was preceded by a tri-service guard of honour to the visiting dignitary. Pistorius will also interact with some Indian defence startups at IIT Delhi during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX). The German minister arrived in India on June 5 on a four-day visit. On Wednesday, he will be travelling to Mumbai, where he is scheduled to visit the headquarters of the Western Naval Command and the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. --IANS gcb/daanish/arm ( 308 Words) 2023-06-06-18:30:04 (IANS)
A reign of ultimate terror is going on in West Bengal under the current Trinamool Congress regime, said senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister of Bihar, Sushil Modi. He was speaking to media persons at the residence of deceased BJP leader from Dinhata in Cooch Behar district, Prashanta Roy Basunia, who was shot dead in broad daylight at his residence by unidentified miscreants on June 2. "I will speak to my party leadership on what can be done so that a Central Bureau of Investigation probe can be initiated in the matter," Modi told newspersons after speaking to the parents of the deceased BJP leader. Meanwhile, the deceased's mother, Suchitra Roy Basunia, has filed an FIR naming 12 local Trinamool Congress leaders in the matter. The leader of the opposition in West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has already demanded that chief minister Mamata Banerjee should resign, taking moral responsibilities. On June 2, Prashanta Roy Basunia was at his residence with his mother, some miscreants barged in and started threatening him. After some heated exchange of words, suddenly one of the miscreants took out a pistol and shot the victim from point-blank range. A profusely bleeding Basunia was admitted to a local hospital where he died. Local Trinamool Congress MLA from Dinhata and West Bengal minister in charge of North Bengal development department, Udayan Guha, claimed that since the victim was under police radar for his involvement in anti-social activities, this could be the reason behind his murder. "Possibilities of infighting in BJP playing a role in the murder also cannot be ruled out," he said. --IANS src/uk/ ( 283 Words) 2023-06-06-18:32:03 (IANS)
D'Mello demanded that the BJP government in the state should immediately initiate a judicial inquiry into the allegations.

"The allegations suggest that officials from the Tourism Department have been unlawfully demanding bribes and harassing shack owners. Despite clear instructions from the Tourism Minister to file an FIR and to initiate a judicial inquiry if required, no action has been taken so far," D'Mello said during a press conference.

Holding Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte accountable for failing to initiate a formal investigation, D'Mello asked why an FIR has not been filed in the case.

"The presence of touts is not limited to Calangute alone. Yet, no MLA from the coastal belt has come forward to claim a tout-free region," Khaunte said.

--IANS sbk/daanish/arm

( 165 Words)

2023-06-06-18:36:02 (IANS)
Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam has allotted the matter to a new bench after two successive division benches chose to recuse themselves from hearing the case.

The order for a CBI probe into the municipalities recruitment case was originally passed by a single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay. After the state government approached the Supreme Court challenging the decision, the apex court had referred the matter back to the Calcutta High Court.

Thereafter, the state government approached Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha. However, Justice Sinha upheld the order by Justice Gangopadhyay and directed the central agencies to continue with their probe into the matter.

Thereafter, the state government approached the high court's division bench of Justice Arijit Banerjee and Justice Apurba Sinha Ray, which recused from hearing the matter claiming that it was not part of the subject of hearing of that bench.

The matter was then referred to the division bench of Justice Subrata Talukdar and Justice Supratim Bhattacharya, which also recused from hearing the matter on the same ground.

Finally on Tuesday, the matter was allotted to a new bench.

--IANS src/arm

( 247 Words)

2023-06-06-18:42:03 (IANS)
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday said the BJP-JJP government has destroyed the state's education system. Every educational institution, from schools to universities, is being targeted by the government, he alleged. "Now the results of these policies are visible. The result is that Haryana does not have any university or educational institution in the top 100 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The absence of even a single institute from Haryana in the NIRF Top-100 ranking is extremely unfortunate and the state government is directly responsible for this," said Hooda in a statement. "Since the formation of the BJP government in the state, the ranking of the universities of Haryana has been continuously falling." "This is happening because for the past several years, the government has been tinkering with the already established university system. Along with attacking the autonomy of universities, the government has now refused to give grants to them. This means now all universities will have to bear their own expenses. It is obvious that with this step of the government, there will be a huge increase in the fees of all the universities and colleges," said Hooda. He said that Haryana was number one in every aspect of development before 2014, but the BJP-JJP government has made the state number one on every scale where Haryana should not be. "The present government has made the state the country's top state in terms of unemployment, corruption, price rise, crime, drug abuse and atrocities," the Leader of Opposition added. --IANS vg/uk/ ( 276 Words) 2023-06-06-18:46:02 (IANS)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis poses for a photo with Bette Guzman, of West Des Moines, Iowa, during a campaign event, May 30, 2023, in Clive, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

NEW YORK  After a trio of new announcements this week, the Republican Partys 2024 presidential field is all but set.

A handful of stragglers may jump in later, but as of now there are at least 10 high-profile Republican candidates officially seeking their partys nomination. And with the announcement phase of the primary campaign largely over, several leading Republican contenders will gather in North Carolina this weekend to begin a more aggressive sorting period.

Advertisement

It will be a long road to the GOPs national convention in Milwaukee next summer when Republican delegates across the country gather to finalize their nominee to run against President Joe Biden. Surprises are guaranteed. Fortunes will change. But as of now, every Republican White House hopeful is looking up at former President Donald Trump, who is the undisputed frontrunner in the crowded contest.

Here are some takeaways on where the Republican contest stands:

Advertisement

Its a large field after all

Trump launched his campaign nearly seven months ago in an effort to scare off potential challengers. It didnt work.

As of now, the former president is running in a field that features no fewer than nine high-profile challengers. They include Mike Pence, a former vice president; four current or former governors: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson; Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the United Nations and also a former South Carolina governor; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina; biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; and conservative talk show host Larry Elder, an unsuccessful candidate for California governor.

While big, the 2024 field could have been much bigger. The partys 2016 class featured 17 candidates that filled two debate stages.

Several Republicans who had taken steps to prepare for a run in 2024 ultimately bowed out. They include former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton.

Meanwhile, a handful of higher-profile Republicans are still considering a run, including former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Its Trump and everyone else

Make no mistake: This is Trumps race to lose.

The former president is dominating early primary polls, despite his extraordinary legal troubles, his continued lies about the 2020 election that fueled the Jan. 6 insurrection, and serious concerns among GOP officials about his ability to win the general election. Trump nonetheless maintains a strong grip on a significant portion of the Republican base that has yet to fall in love with an alternative.

DeSantis is Trumps strongest rival on paper, but the Florida governor has yet to outline a clear path to victory. The Florida governor is trying to out-Trump Trump by taking a harder line on immigration, abortion and other policies that tear at the nations divides, while embracing the former presidents combative style and mannerisms.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Trumps team is thrilled about the sheer quantity of candidates in the race, which create a math problem that benefits Trump. It looks like 2016 all over again, when Trump won the New Hampshire primary with only 35% of the vote because the other candidates chopped up the rest of the vote.

Trumps Republican critics warned against this exact scenario over the last year, but for now, they seem incapable of stopping it.

No clear strategy to take down Trump

Math aside, Trumps Republican rivals have yet to figure out a consistent strategy to take him down. Thats not to say they havent begun to try.

Pence told Iowa voters this week that Trump demanded I choose between him and the Constitution, a reference to Trumps oft-repeated  and false  insistence that Pence had the authority to overturn the 2020 election. Pence called Trumps words reckless and said the former president endangered his family.

DeSantis, like others, has dropped many indirect jabs at Trump, focused largely on the former presidents inability to serve more than one term and the GOPs culture of losing under his leadership since 2016. DeSantis team also thinks they have an opportunity to out-flank Trump from the right on conservative priorities like abortion and immigration.

DeSantis shrugged off Trumps large polling advantage when asked this week in Arizona: You dont do a poll a year out and say thats how the election runs out, he said.

Advertisement

Christie may be the most vocal Trump critic in the race, although he hasnt held office in more than five years.

Im going out there to take out Donald Trump, the former New Jersey governor told New Hampshire voters this week. But heres why: I want to win, and I dont want him to win. ... There is one lane to the Republican nomination and hes in front of it.

Expect to see anti-Trump strategies continue to evolve this weekend in North Carolina.

A diverse field

The 2024 Republican field equals the GOPs 2016 class as the most racially diverse in the partys long history.

At least four candidates of color are seeking the presidency this year: Scott and Elder are Black, while Haley and Ramaswamy are of Indian descent. For Haley and Scott in particular, race plays a central role in their pitch to voters, although all four deny the existence of systemic racism and largely oppose federal policies designed to help people based on the color of their skin.

Republican officials are hopeful that the diverse field will help the party continue its modest progress with Black voters and Latinos. Both groups still overwhelmingly support Democrats, but even small cracks in the Democratic coalition could be significant in 2024.

Advertisement

There is just one woman in Republican field. But there is strong diversity in the ages of the candidates: Trump is the oldest at 76, while Ramaswamy is the youngest at 37. DeSantis is just 44, while Haley and Scott are in their 50s. The rest of the candidates are in their 60s and 70s.

Right on policy

With few exceptions, the Republican field has embraced hardline conservative policies on issues like abortion, immigration, gun violence and LGBTQ rights.

All of the candidates oppose abortion rights to some extent, although there are differences in the degree of their opposition and their rhetoric on the procedure. Pence and Scott have openly endorsed national abortion bans, while Trump and DeSantis have avoided taking a firm position on a federal ban so far. That said, DeSantis this spring signed into Florida law a ban on abortions at six weeks of pregnancy, one of the nations most restrictive policies.

The entire Republican field also opposes new limits on gun ownership, including an assault weapons ban. Most blame the nations gun violence epidemic on mental health issues. DeSantis this spring enacted a new law that allows Florida residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit.

The Republican field has also embraced the partys recent focus on the LGBTQ community.

Haley mocked and misgendered transgender women on the campaign trail in recent weeks. Trump and DeSantis have decried gender-affirming surgeries for minors as child abuse. And Scott co-sponsored a Senate bill that would cut funding for elementary or middle schools that change a students pronouns without first obtaining parental consent.

Advertisement

There appears to be some disagreement on Social Security and Medicare, however.

DeSantis, as a member of Congress, voted for a resolution that would have raised the age to qualify for Medicare and Social Security to 70. He seems to have moved away from that position since becoming the Florida governor. But Trump has seized on his rivals past position, while vowing to preserve the popular programs.

Uncertainty looms

The Republican field may be settling, but major surprises in the months ahead are virtually guaranteed.

Trumps legal problems may loom largest. The former president is already facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign to bury allegations that he had extramarital sexual encounters. Federal prosecutors are also currently using grand juries in Washington and Florida as part of their investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents. And prosecutors in Georgia are investigating whether Trump broke the law while trying to overturn his 2020 election loss.

At the same time, DeSantis has only begun to be vetted on the national stage. Opponents in both parties are pouring through his background for any sign of damaging information. Republican colleagues openly question his interpersonal skills. And hes quick to mix it up with the media in unscripted moments on the campaign trail.

Meanwhile, major uncertainty hangs over upcoming presidential debates, which are scheduled to begin in late August. Trump, who holds a big lead in early polls, has raised the possibility of skipping the debates altogether. DeSantis has lashed out at mainstream media outlets that would play a role in hosting the televised events. And its unclear whether lower-tier candidates could meet the relatively modest polling and fundraising thresholds.
The Supreme Court has said that the power of summoning a person as accused during the trial should not be mechanically exercised by a court. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Pankaj Mithal said: "The court holding a trial, if it intends to exercise power conferred by Section 319, CrPC, must not act mechanically merely on the ground that some evidence has come on record implicating the person sought to be summoned." The bench said that court's satisfaction preceding the order thereunder must be more than prima facie as formed at the stage of a charge being framed and short of satisfaction to an extent that the evidence, if unrebutted, would lead to conviction. "What is essential for exercise of the power under Section 319, Cr PC is that the evidence on record must show the involvement of a person in the commission of a crime and that the said person, who has not been arraigned as an accused, should face trial together with the accused already arraigned," it said. The bench said Section 319, CrPC, which envisages a discretionary power, empowers the court holding a trial to proceed against any person not shown or mentioned as an accused if it appears from the evidence that such person has committed a crime for which he ought to be tried together with the accused who is facing trial. "Such power can be exercised by the court qua a person who is not named in the FIR, or named in the FIR but not shown as an accused in the charge-sheet," said the bench. The apex court dismissed a plea by a plea by Jitendra Nath Mishra against the Allahabad High Court's June 1, 2022 order, dismissing his petition to quash a summoning order issued by the special court in a case related to assault and abuse under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The trial court went by the deposition of the woman victim to summon the appellant. The top court said: "We are of the view that any expression of ours while dealing with each and every point urged on behalf of the appellant could result in prejudgment; and thereby hinder a fair trial hence, adopting a cautious approach, we propose to restrict our consideration solely to the question as to whether the evidence adduced by the complainant and his wife in course of recording of their depositions did justify the Special Court to make the order it did." Concluding the order, it said: "The Special Court is encouraged to expedite the trial. But, in the process, it shall proceed uninfluenced by reason of its order under Section 319, CrPC having been upheld by the High Court and this Court. The points raised on behalf of the appellant, recorded above, if raised before it as well as other points, if any, shall be given the consideration the same deserve." --IANS ss/vd ( 506 Words) 2023-06-06-19:10:07 (IANS)
On the sixth anniversary of the Mandsaur police firing in which six farmers were killed, former chief minister and Madhya Pradesh Congress head Kamal Nath said he has 'no hope for justice from the farmers' killers'. Nath mentioned the word 'killer' to the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led BJP government and accused it of saving those who opened fire on protesting farmers. Addressing a gathering of local famers of Mandsaur and party workers on Tuesday, Kamal Nath said six years have passed since six farmers of Mandsaur were killed in police firing but the BJP government did not submit reports in the assembly. "Farmers were protesting for 'samarthan moolya' for their crops, but they were killed by the BJP government. What is more horrible is that not a single report of that incident has been placed in the assembly so far. I have no hope for justice from those who killed farmers," Nath said while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the incident on Tuesday. Nath added that the BJP government wanted to save the culprits. "It is the responsibility of all of us to overthrow such an anti-farmer government. On the anniversary of the farmers' massacre, I pay my humble tribute to all the martyred farmers," he said. Nath held CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan responsible for the distress of farmers in Madhya Pradesh. He claimed that the income of Madhya Pradesh's farmers has plunged to very low levels among all the major states of the country. "The Congress government had promised to waive off farmers' loans, and 27000 farmers have benefitted, but our government was toppled through a conspiracy. Lakhs of farmers have become defaulters. The Shivraj government has also stopped the loan waiver for the farmers," Nath said. On June 6, 2016, six farmers were killed in police firing at Piplia Mandi in Mandsaur district. The farmers were protesting in support of their demands, which included better price for their produce. On the anniversary of the firing last year, the then Congress president Rahul Gandhi had launched his party's campaign for the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls from Mandsaur and announced a "farm loan waiver" within ten days of his party coming to power in the state. In the November 2018 assembly polls, the Congress wrested power from the BJP in Madhya Pradesh after a gap of 15 years. However, after coming to power, the then Home Minister Bala Bachchan had given a clean chit to the MP police. Bala Bachchan had in 2019 informed the House that the police action was valid and they followed standard procedure. They did it in self-defence and to protect private and public property, he said. Meanwhile, the state BJP unit accused the Congress of playing politics over the deaths of farmers. "Congress is doing dirty politics on the deaths of farmers. People of Mandsaur are well aware of the Congress greed for power, which is why they voted for the BJP in 2018 and the Lok Sabha polls in 2019," the BJP MP said. --IANS pd/bg ( 528 Words) 2023-06-06-19:30:06 (IANS)
Following its humiliating defeat in the Karnataka Assembly elections, the BJP is all set to revamp its strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections but the prospect of dropping several sitting MPs has created heartburn. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress, buoyed by the success, is looking to wrest more than 20 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies in the state. Sources in the BJP says that the party is looking forward to credible fresh faces from the party cadres and from government services. Amid strong rumours that most of the sitting MPs may not even be considered for tickets, Bengaluru North MP and former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda has urged the party high command to issue clarification in this regard. A total of 13 MPs have approached Sadananda Gowda and he has raised his voice for them, pulling up the party and leaders for remaining tight-lipped and warning that the development will send the wrong signal to the people of the state. Sadananda Gowda stated on Tuesday that there is an attempt to malign 13 MPs among the total 25 as useless. "A systematic attempt has been made to bring down the morale and fortitude of senior parliamentarians. The state as well as national leaders must intervene and clear the confusion at this stage," he added. "There is still a year's time for Lok Sabha elections. At this juncture, MPs are targeted and maligned. I don't know who is behind this. The rumors are spread that 13 MPs have not carried out any development in their constituencies and some have fallen sick and won't be given tickets," he maintained. Sadananda Gowda maintained that introspection should take place regarding the defeat but there are no souls who would make an attempt to introspect. Sources in BJP maintained that including Sadananda Gowda, Mangala Angadi, MP from Belagavi, who gave a statement that Jagadish Shettar would win in elections against the BJP candidate would not be considered. G.M. Siddeshwara, MP from Davanagere is also likely to miss a Lok Sabha ticket. The party had given tickets to 72 new faces in the Assembly elections. However, former CM Basavaraj Bommai stated that the experiment of giving tickets to new faces has backfired for the party. The party think tank is disturbed with the state Assembly results and till date not able to make a decision on the Leader of the Opposition. --IANS mka/vd ( 414 Words) 2023-06-06-19:34:04 (IANS)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday said it has arrested two then Deputy Commissioners of Customs posted at UB Centre, JNCH, Mumbai (Maharashtra) during the investigation of two separate cases. A CBI official said that they registered two separate cases against Subhash Chandra and Dinesh Fuldiya, both ex Deputy Commissioners of Customs, and private individuals Sudhir Padekar and Ashish Kamdar. The FIR was lodged on the allegations of working as a syndicate to use the passports of various persons who had stayed abroad for more than two years and to use those passports to import various items as items belonging to the passport holders. It had been alleged that both the DCs entered into a conspiracy with others at different times during their posting at UB Centre, and misused the Transfer of Residence provision under the Customs Act. The accused used these passports of persons, who had stayed abroad for more than two years especially in the Gulf countries to import various items including household things, electronic items and others by firstly undervaluing the goods and concealing some other undeclared items along with the declared items. "Further, the public servants were allegedly collecting illegal gratification through the private person from different CHAs and the illegal gratification so collected was routed to different accounts & persons known to the officers both through banking channel and hawala route. The said modus operandi was adopted by the accused for allegedly giving out of charge to the consignments brought by the individuals with the help of Customs Officers and illegal gratification was allegedly paid to the public servants through the private person," said the CBI official. The official said that searches were conducted at seven places including at Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Patna and Samastipur (Bihar), Khargon District (Madhya Pradesh) at the premises of the accused and their accomplices which led to the recovery of various incriminating documents. --IANS atk/bg ( 329 Words) 2023-06-06-19:46:02 (IANS)
According to the police, the victim filed a complaint on June 1, that a person contacted him through a website and sought service from him.

The suspect called the complainant to Cyber Park Sector-39, Gurugram and made him sit in a Swift DZire car, the suspects then introduced themselves as policemen and threatened to send him to jail for committing a cyber crime, police said.

The victim remained in the car, meanwhile another person who introduced himself as a senior police officer, demanded Rs 1 lakh, the victim then transferred Rs 50,000 from his brother's account to the account mentioned by the suspects.

The accused threatened the victim of dire consequences if he revealed the matter to anyone, and asked him to arrange the remaining amount.

Following a complaint, a case was registered at the Sadar Police Station.

During the probe, police nabbed one suspect, who was identified as Sunil Kumar, from Jaipur in Rajasthan on Monday.

"The accused has confessed that he along with his associates was involved in the crime. A Swift DZire car was also recovered from his possession used in the crime," Jaswant Singh, the investigating officer of the case, said.

--IANS str/uk/

( 228 Words)

2023-06-06-20:00:05 (IANS)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to examine a plea by an octogenarian man, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, convicted for selling adulterated milk, nearly four decades ago, seeking suspension of his sentence and bail. A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal agreed to examine a plea by Virendra Singh on Thursday. Singh was represented by advocate Satish Kumar, who sought urgent listing of the plea seeking a direction to suspend the conviction and sentence, citing his 85-year-old client's deteriorating health. The lawyer urged the court to release Singh on bail pending a decision on his petition for suspension of sentence. The petitioner has claimed that he is suffering from various ailments including asthma and also undergoing treatment at the jail hospital in Bulandshahr. Singh was apprehended selling adulterated milk in October 1981 and he was convicted in September 1984 by a trial court. The trial court sentenced him to one year rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 under the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. Singh moved the sessions court against the trial court order, which affirmed the trial court order in July 1987. He moved the Allahabad High Court in July 1987, which delivered a verdict in January 2013, upholding his conviction but reduced the sentence to six months rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 2,000. After being on bail for over three decades, the petitioner surrendered before the trial court in April 2023 and deposited the Rs 2,000 fine. He was arrested and sent to jail. Singh is currently lodged in Bulandshahar district jail. He has sought, as an interim relief quashing of charges levelled against him in August 1984, under section 7/16 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. He claimed that the case against him was lodged after he was allegedly found selling adulterated milk in October 1981. The plea contended that a food inspector checked the milk and obtained samples. Singh moved the apex court seeking a direction to suspend his conviction and sentence against the backdrop of his deteriorating health. --IANS ss/vd ( 367 Words) 2023-06-06-20:02:01 (IANS)
The North East Indigenous Peoples' Forum (NEIPF) has called upon the Union and state governments to step in and protect citizens amid the ethnic violence in Manipur. The NEIPF executive meeting took place at Assam Sahitya Sabha Bhavan in Guwahati on Tuesday. The forum also offered a prayer and hoped for peaceful and harmonious co-existence among all the communities in Manipur. "We urge the Union and state governments to immediately intervene and ensure the safety of all the people in Manipur. We also urge that the vehicles in the region be safeguarded, particularly on the National Highways," the NEIPF said in a statement. The NEIPF asked the government to address the daily needs of the displaced people by providing them with basic amenities, and also appealed to all the communities not to resort to any form of blockades and counter-blockades of roads. The NEIPF also said that the Union government should probe if there is any involvement of foreign nationals in the present crisis. "Appropriate actions should be initiated if foreign nationals are involved in the present crisis in Manipur," the NEIPF said. The forum said that the gradual infiltration of illegal foreign nationals in the region, which has changed the demography of the states, calls for prompt action by the government. "The continuous haul of narcotics and massive destruction of forests in the region is a matter of serious concern. It has to be defined whether narco-terrorism is linked to the mass deforestation of poppy plantations in the northeastern states, including Manipur, to save the indigenous people," the NEIPF said. The forum also asked all the indigenous peoples of the region to be attentive and build a mechanism to regulate the settlements of foreigners since they deny economic progress of the indigenous people. --IANS tdr/daanish/arm ( 308 Words) 2023-06-06-20:14:03 (IANS)
Murmu is on her first state visit since becoming president of the country, to Suriname.

"I am greatly honoured to receive Suriname's highest distinction, "Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star," she said in a tweet through her official Rashtrapati Bhavan handle.

"This recognition holds tremendous significance, not only for me but also for the 1.4 billion people of India whom I represent. I also dedicate this honor to the successive generations of the Indian-Surinamese community, who have played a stellar role in enriching the fraternal ties between our two countries," she further added.

The president went on to add: "Receiving this decoration during the historic commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Indian arrival in Suriname makes it more special. If this honor serves as a beacon of empowerment and encouragement for women in both our countries, then it becomes even more meaningful."

Murmu is on a three-day visit to Suriname, which will conclude on Tuesday.

Several agreements were also signed between the two countries during the president's visit.

The first MoU related to pharmaceuticals, and drug regulators for cooperation in the field of medical product regulation, exchange of good practices and capacity building.

Another MoU related to the pharmaceutical sector was signed.

The recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia by the Suriname side is expected to facilitate the sale of pharma products manufactured by India in Suriname as per Indian pharmacopoeia standards.

A joint work plan in agriculture and allied sectors for the period 2023 to 2027 under an existing MoU was also signed and exchanged.

The buyer's credit which India had extended to Suriname has also been restructured.

--IANS ans/dpb

( 303 Words)

2023-06-06-09:10:03 (IANS)
ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi's Chanakyapuri filed a complaint against a man for allegedly duping Rs 3.65 lakh. The hotel in its complaint said that a guest claimed payment of Rs 6.5 lakh by showing a fake Unique Transaction Reference (UTR) number. The unpaid bill that the guest was supposed to pay amounted to Rs 3,65,965. ITC Maurya, Chanakyapuri manager Anand Bhardwaj has filed an FIR stating that one Pushkar Goel and his family had checked into the hotel on May 28. Goel had booked two rooms and the guest was supposed to pay for all charges on May 31. However, when Goel was asked by the hotel staff to make the payment on the same date, he said that he had already transferred an amount of Rs 6,50,000 through bank transfer. However, after checking it was revealed that no money was transferred from the guest and he had used a fake UTR number to show the details of the transaction to the hotel staff. The ITC Maurya staff subsequently alerted their team and asked Goel for the payment. In the FIR, Bharadwaj mentioned that when they confronted him, he assured them that the payment will be made on June 3. Further, when he was asked for the payment on the same date he evaded the situation, the FIR mentioned. Goel also threatened the staff saying that they are keeping him as hostage instead of him making the full payment for the services. The Hotel Manager further revealed that when he went to his room for the payment, he saw a woman whose name was not registered by the hotel staff. The FIR further stated that Goel was availing all kinds of services including the meals at the coffee shop as well as the minibar. Goel hurled abusive language at the hotel staff and kicked a glass table causing serious damage to it in the conference room when asked to pay, the FIR stated. Goel also threatened to call the police claiming that the hotel staff was threatening him using false allegations. Delhi Police started an investigation. (ANI)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will on Thursday leave for an eight-day visit to US and Cuba even as the Congress and BJP are opposing it citing the "financial crisis" the state is passing through. Vijayan and Vijayan and his entourage's US trip came under a cloud over news that in New York, when Vijayan inaugurates the regional meet of the Loka Kerala Sabha- a diaspora meet, those who wish to have share the dais and dine with him, will have to shell out US $ 50,000 and upwards. Meanwhile, Vice-chairman of Norka (state agency for the diaspora) and a key organiser of the US diaspora meet- P.Sreeramakrishnan who, along with a top bureaucrat who arrived in New York the other day, told the media there that everything is in order and the meeting will be a success. Both the Congress and the BJP have slammed the meeting as it will add to the burden of the cash-strapped Kerala coffers, as the state is meeting the expenses of Vijayan and others who form part of the official delegation. The three-day diaspora event begins in New York from June 9-11 and after that he moves on to Cuba and will be there for a few days and then returns to Kerala. Now all eyes are on the success of the meeting in the wake of a controversy over a Communist leader participating in a meeting where people are being charged. --IANS sg/shb/ ( 254 Words) 2023-06-07-12:30:07 (IANS)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Dionne Mhoon and Terrance Mhoon, center, the mother and stepfather of slain Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston, prepare to release balloons and butterflies at Robert A. Black Elementary Magnet School in Chicago on June 7, 2023, during a birthday celebration for Preston, who was shot and killed as she returned home from work. Preston attended the school as a child and would have turned 25 years old. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

More than 100 loved ones and community members let go of different colored and shaped balloons in the backyard of an elementary school in Calumet Heights to celebrate the heavenly birthday of fallen Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston, who would have been 25 Wednesday.

The celebration took place at Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary School, of which Preston was an alumni. Over the course of the gathering, there was a group prayer, song and a balloon and butterfly release around 6:30 p.m. The breezy air was shuffling around gold star balloons and some 2 and 5 balloons while also creating some difficulty for the just-released butterflies to stay in flight. Prestons family was joined by those in attendance to sing happy birthday. A birthday cake, which had a picture of Preston donning a graduation cap and gown, read Happy Heavenly 25th Birthday Areanah.

Advertisement

Are, we love you, Dionne Mhoon, Prestons mother, said. We miss you, and like mama always says, I got it from here. You know what I mean. I got it from here.

The gathering was also an effort to spread awareness and raise funds for Peace for Preston, a foundation started by Prestons family the day after she died. Shirts and buttons were on sale featuring Prestons name and face. The foundations goal is to raise enough money to ultimately start a community center for youth on the South Side.

Advertisement

[ At funeral for slain Chicago officer Areanah Preston, her mother thanks God for loaning us this angel ]

On May 6, Preston was shot and killed when three assailants jumped out of a sedan and ran toward Preston as she walked from her car to her Avalon Park home after a late-night shift, according to Cook County prosecutors. Video footage cited by prosecutors shows a muzzle flash and Preston falling to the ground.

Four teens arrested two days after the fatal shooting are being held without bond. Prosecutors charged them with murder and several other felonies, including robbery and arson, alleging the group had earlier gone on a violent crime spree. Their next court appearance is scheduled for June 15.

[ 4 teens held without bond in slaying of Chicago off-duty officer ]

Preston was wearing her police uniform when she was attacked. The Chicago Police Department ruled her killing was a line-of-duty death, a decision that will entitle her family to greater financial support.

Violinist Windy Indie performs as family, friends and police officers gather at Robert A. Black Magnet School in Chicago on June 7, 2023, for a birthday celebration for slain Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Family, friends and police officers release butterflies at Robert A. Black Magnet School in Chicago on during a birthday celebration for slain Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

She has been remembered by those who knew her as a hardworking woman, a sweet person and a humble yet sophisticated soul with a bright future.

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 >

Mhoon said Preston was the oldest of her three daughters. Her other daughters are twin girls, Amira and Amiyah Preston, 23. She also is stepmother of three daughters through her marriage to husband of 10 years and partner for 17, Terrance Mhoon, who said the family has lived in Avalon Park nearly 10 years.

Her mother said the support from the community has been awesome and added that she and her family are able to put so much of their time and effort into making the new community center a reality because of the people around them.

Everybody thinks their child is special, Mhoon said. Everybody. Its just amazing, my little child, other people thought she was special. Its overwhelming sometimes, but Im grateful for it. Im thankful for it, and were going full speed ahead in her name.

Preston was close to earning a masters degree in child and family law from Loyola University Chicago and had studied criminal justice and law enforcement administration at Illinois State University as an undergraduate.

Advertisement

The officer, who had been with the department for three years, was assigned to the Calumet District station on the Far South Side. An ISU professor who knew Preston as an undergraduate said she was passionate about making a difference, and doing so boots on the ground in Chicago.

Prestons academic interests and passions reflected that even early on in school, as she participated in various field trips, panels and classes on topics that ranged from restorative justice and trauma in incarcerated populations to diversity in law enforcement and police brutality.

sahmad@chicagotribune.com
The Centre on Wednesday apprised the Delhi High Court that Delhi Education Minister Atishi has been granted political clearance for her upcoming official visit to the United Kingdom (UK). Atishi, on Tuesday moved the high court requesting it to direct the central government to make a decision regarding the necessary clearances for her visit. A single-judge bench of Justice Chandra Dhari Singh recorded the submissions of Ministry of External Affairs. The petition stated, which now stands disposed of, that Atishi, as an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, has been invited by Cambridge University to speak at a conference on 'India at 100: Towards Becoming a Global Leader' on June 15. During the hearing, Centre's counsel also submitted before the court that the matter is now before the department of economic affairs and that Atishi, who has a diplomatic passport, may apply for her visa. However, Atishi can now apply for Visa and she can travel, the counsel said. The petition sought permission to travel abroad from June 14 to 20. Atishi's petition emphasised the importance of the visit for showcasing Delhi's advancements in education, health, and urban development and that the delay in granting clearance for the visit would render its purpose ineffective. The plea argued that restricting Atishi's right to travel abroad based on discretion impinges on her personal freedom and violates the dignity and independence of a constitutional office. It further claimed that the central government has been causing delays by responding with queries and clarifications after the Lieutenant-Governor forwarded the proposal, hindering the visa application process. The plea expressed concern over the limited time remaining for completing all necessary formalities and obtaining visa approval. "In the present matter, the respondents' non-decision on the matter till June 6, has left only eight days for all further formalities and visa approval, serving in effect as an arbitrary non-decision of the proposed visit," the plea stated. The petition asserted that Atishi's visit to primary schools in the UK is vital for incorporating best practices in primary school education in Delhi and exchanging ideas on urban governance and showcasing Delhi's progress in urban design. --IANS spr/shb/ ( 373 Words) 2023-06-07-13:06:03 (IANS)
"The 485 grams of charas is worth Rs 72,750. Other incriminating items worth Rs. 1,25,050 were also seized from the accused," a Crime Branch official said.

The accused has been identified as Ankur Ratan Wadhwan, a resident of Ahmedabad city. He is employed as a photographer and also operates a nursery.

The Commissioner of Police of Ahmedabad City, Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, S.O.G have been actively working to curb the narcotics trade in the city.

A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, including sections 8(c), 20(b), and 29.

Further investigation will be handled by S.U. Thakor, a police officer of the Special Enforcement Cell (POSE).

The Crime Branch said that the operation was led by Inspector U.H. Vasava.

--IANS Janvi/daanish/bg

( 174 Words)

2023-06-07-15:06:02 (IANS)
The EC is the apex decision making body of the university and Mishra was nominated as member by the chancellor on April 6.

LU registrar Sanjay Medhavi said: "Saurabh Mishra was EC member as a chancellor's nominee. We are following the directions of Raj Bhawan. The university has no role in his removal."

Mishra was arrested from his residence in Jankipuram and presented before a Thane court on June 2, in connection with a case of cheating, fraud lodged by Thane-based entrepreneurs on the pretext of allotment of government tender to a tune of several crores, police said.

The FIR was registered at Thane's Rabodi police station on April 6.

Rabodi police inspector Santosh Ghatekar said that the accused had duped one Rajesh Pandey of Rs 13.2 crore.

--IANS amita/ksk/

( 178 Words)

2023-06-07-08:28:01 (IANS)
Arvind Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Delhi minister Atishi and AAP MP Sanjay Singh, met Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow on Wednesday evening to seek his support.

Later talking to reporters, Kejriwal said that if non-BJP parties join hands, they can defeat the controversial ordinance in Rajya Sabha where they have an upper hand in numbers.

"If we can defeat the ordinance, it will send a strong message ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. I have spoken to Akhilesh Yadav and I thank him for extending his party's support to us on this issue," he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the Centre was using Governors to disturb elected non-BJP governments in states. "They are playing with democracy," he added.

Akhilesh Yadav said that the BJP was unnerved by the good work that the Kejriwal government was doing in Delhi and wanted to disturb it. "We will support AAP in Rajya Sabha," he added.

--IANS amita/uk/

( 198 Words)

2023-06-07-17:42:05 (IANS)
Booked in several other criminal cases and was lodged in Lucknow jail, Jeeva, a dreaded shooter of the Mukhtar Ansari gang, received multiple injuries and then succumbed.

The accused assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav of Kerakat in Jaunpur district, was overpowered and handed over to the police. However, he was beaten up so badly by other lawyers that his condition is said to be critical.

A minor girl who was present in the court, has also received a gunshot injury on her back. A police constable was also injured in the attack and has been sent to Lucknow Civil Hospital for treatment.

Initial reports suggest that the shooter arrived in the court dressed as lawyers, and opened fire at Jeeva.

Jeeva was a co-accused in BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai murder, in which Mukhtar Ansari is also an accused. He was also an accused in the murder of BJP MLA Brahma Dutt Dwiwedi.

Jeeva's wife Payal Maheshwari has recently said that she feared her husband would be killed in custody.

Jeeva started his 'career' as a compounder in Muzaffarnagar and then became a member of the underworld after joining the Mukhtar Ansari gang.

He was a close associate of Munna Bajrangi who was shot dead in 2018 in Baghpat jail.

Meanwhile, after the shootout, police faced the ire of lawyers who pelted stones at them.

Additional forces have been rushed to the spot.

--IANS amita/vd

( 288 Words)

2023-06-07-18:24:03 (IANS)
She said it was a matter of pride that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname.

The president said this during an address to the Indian diaspora at a community reception on Tuesday, where her Surinamese counterpart Chandrikapersad Santokhi was also present.

Murmu concluded her first state visit as the President of India to Suriname on June 6.

"My first state visit after assuming office is to Suriname. It is a privilege for me to be part of the celebration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname. It is a matter of pride for us that Indians have reached the highest positions in Suriname. Indians have been contributing significantly to the development of Suriname economically, socially and culturally," she said.

The president added that India develops permanent relations with friendly nations.

She gave the example of India helping friendly nations by providing vaccines and medicines during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The president later departed for Serbia after concluding her visit to Suriname.

She will be in Serbia on a state visit till June 9, at the invitation of Aleksandar VuAiA, the President of Serbia.

--IANS ans/dpb

( 234 Words)

2023-06-07-09:42:07 (IANS)
A day after the police baton-charged and used water cannon to get protesting farmers evicted from the national highway 44 connecting Chandigarh with Delhi, farmers owing allegiance with the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Chaduni) on Wednesday staged a sit-in protest for a second day against the arrest of leaders. The farmers, mainly sunflower growers, have been staging a protest at Shahabad near Kurukshetra in support of the detained leaders, comprising Gurnam Singh Chaduni. Hundreds of farmers on Tuesday blocked the national highway at Shahabad demanding the state government to withdraw its decision to procure sunflower seeds under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. Addressing the farmers at the protest site, Chaduni had said the government should immediately begin the procurement process at the MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal. "At our meetings with government representatives, we had made it clear to them that the growers will not accept anything less than the MSP. We were assured that the sunflower crop will not be procured under the government's Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana," he had told the media at the protest site. Agitated over the government's decision by including the crop under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, sunflower farmers had previously given an ultimatum to the government till this day (June 6) to withdraw the decision and begin procurement on the MSP. The BJP-led state government had decided to stop the procurement of sunflower seed on the MSP and to procure it under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana at the rate of Rs 1,000 per quintal. The farmers have been saying that they are selling the produce at Rs 4,000 per quintal to private buyers against the MSP of Rs 6,400. --IANS vg/ksk/ ( 287 Words) 2023-06-07-11:56:03 (IANS)
Mock polling was held at Kozhikode district collectorate building for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency by the Election Commission on Wednesday, raising speculation on the possibilty of a bypoll. The polling comes after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi whose election is sub-judice, has been disqualified by the Lok Sabha secretariat in the wake of a court directive from Gujarat. A senior Congress leader from Wayanad told the media that "everything appears to be shrouded in mystery of this mock polling". "We got a letter from the Kozhikode district authorities stating that a mock poll will be held on Wednesday and they have to nominate a party leader for it. When I reached there, there was another party leader from the IUML. "The mock poll meeting was inaugurated by the district collector, who also cast the vote. We were told that it was to check all the EVM and VVPAT machines. My impression is that there was something amiss, as the election case of Gandhi is still pending before the court," said the top district level Congress leader who took part in it. Gandhi had won the Wayanad seat with a staggering margin of over four lakh votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha general elections. --IANS sg/dpb ( 215 Words) 2023-06-07-12:00:04 (IANS)
In two separate complaints, students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have alleged physical assault, molestation and attempted kidnapping during incidents that occurred within the campus premises, a top police official said on Wednesday, adding that the accused in the cases was the same. "Two complaints, one regarding physical assault and another regarding molestation, attempt to kidnapping have been received from JNU Students. Cases have been registered. In both the cases, accused and vehicle are same and have been identified. Further investigation is on," said Manoj C, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest). The ABVP students' outfit said that at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, a drunk man in a white Swift attempted to kidnap two girls walking on one of the campus roads. In a statement, the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) said that after immense pressure from the student community, the university's security office has registered a complaint with the Delhi Police regarding the stalking, eve-teasing, harassment and physical attack that has happened in the campus. "One of the students who was attacked has got the MLC done and has formally filled the complaint with the police. We are also demanding that the JNU Vice Chancellor also lodge a complaint with the Delhi Police regarding the issue," it said. "The JNU VC also should file the complaint with the Delhi Police on the incident that has happened. The VC should also address the JNU community on the repeated security failure that has been happening on the campus." --IANS ssh/ksk/ ( 261 Words) 2023-06-07-12:06:03 (IANS)
The accused lived at the victim's house as tenant police said adding that further investigation is underway.

Dallupura is a village on the outskirts of the Trans-Yamuna region of Delhi.

As per the complaint filed by the victim's family, who claimed that the accused allegedly took her objectionable photos and videos, and started threatening her of posting them on social media.

"The accused allegedly blackmailed her, and sexually assaulted her on various occasions in the past," the victim's parents told the police.

"Further probe is underway," officials said. (ANI)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Police tape near the scene of a mass shooting where seven people were shot, one fatally, in the 4800 block of West Iowa Street in Chicago's Austin neighborhood on June 4, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Terrya Adams started the day by visiting a cemetery.

The 25-year-old woman spent Saturday honoring the birthday of a boyfriend killed four years ago in a car crash. But the celebration of his life would mark the end of hers. Shortly after midnight, Adams was killed in a mass shooting at a gathering in Chicagos Austin neighborhood.

Advertisement

Her mother, Pinkie McBride, saw Adams after the young woman returned from her boyfriends grave site. She was set to continue the remembrance with friends at a bowling alley. Her mom gave her some money to play.

And that was the last I saw her, until I went over there to the scene of the crime, McBride said.

Advertisement

Family and friends released balloons and prayed to honor Adams on Monday. They remembered a smile that lights up the room, McBride said.

That wide, warm grin was recalled by Adams employer, Erie Family Health Centers. She worked at the Erie Teen Center leading a team of medical assistants, the medical center said on social media.

Her bright light radiated through her beautiful smile, and her sense of humor cheered up every room, the center said.

Adams had long dreamed of becoming a nurse. She planned to start a nurse training program in August, McBride said. Her smart, honest, loyal daughter had a big future ahead of her, the mother said.

Adams dedicated herself to her caretaking work. She put in six days a week, only taking one day for herself, McBride said. Sometimes, she liked to go bowling with friends. She wasnt any good at it, and that made it all the more fun, McBride said.

Many people loved the young woman who graduated from Al Raby high school with honors only a few years ago, McBride said.

She meant everything to me. I carried her nine months, and everything she was now I had contributed to, she said.

The news shocked the mother when others rushed to wake her up early Sunday. Her daughter had been shot, she learned shortly after 1 a.m. She went to the nearby abandoned lot off Cicero Avenue on the 4800 block of West Iowa Street where the shooting took place.

Advertisement

Chicago police canvass the scene in an alley off the 4800 block of West Iowa Street in the Austin neighborhood on June 4, 2023, after an overnight shooting killed one and wounded six people. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Six other people were also shot. Five people, including a 17-year-old girl, were hospitalized with gunshot wounds in good condition. A 29-year-old man shot in the chest and arm was in critical condition, police said. The Cook County medical examiners office confirmed Monday that Adams had been killed.

Shameka McBride, Adams older sister, had last seen her sister when driving past the gathering. Adams had been dancing and smiling, as she always do.

She would show all of her teeth, she would smile so hard, the sister said.

The older sister grew up sharing advice with Adams, but also found inspiration in Adams drive and work ethic. Adams would call to check in on her family if something was wrong. She was a fashionista who loved to dress well and wear makeup, Shameka McBride said.

Now, the family is forever broken, she said.

Our life just changed. No matter how good in life a person can be, things can change in a matter of seconds, she said.

Advertisement

Adams mother called on new Mayor Brandon Johnson to get guns off Chicagos streets.

Because its a lot of innocent people getting killed, babies and all, she said.

Over the weekend, 46 people were shot and nine killed in across Chicago, according to police.

I hope whoever did this to my baby gets caught. They need to be caught and prosecuted, McBride said.

No suspects are in custody and detectives are investigating the shooting, police said. The gathering had prompted neighbors near the vacant lot to call police, they told the Tribune Sunday. Police did not substantially respond to the many calls they made warning of the growing gathering, the neighbors said. They believed the shooting could have been prevented if officers had interceded and dispersed the crowd.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

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 >
Gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was fatally shot inside the court premises on Wednesday while being brought in for a hearing.

Later, the police confirmed that the gangster succumbed to his injuries.

In the shooting incident, two police constables and a child were also injured.

After the incident, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the firing incident inside the Lucknow Civil Court, the UP Chief Ministers Office (CMO) informed on Wednesday.

"A three-member SIT, including Mohit Agarwal, ADG Technical; Joint CP, Lucknow, Nilabja Chaudhary and Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar, has been constituted to investigate the incident," read an official statement from CMO.

The gangster was accused in the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Brahm Dutt and was being brought to court for a hearing. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held extensive discussions with stakeholders of industries and tourism sectors and said the government is committed to supporting the early implementation of projects and fostering economic development in the state. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of adapting to changing industrial dynamics in the meeting with stakeholders in Solan district on Wednesday. "To promote industrialization, the government is prioritizing the expansion of Kangra Airport, building new heliports, and improving road and rail connectivity in the state to reduce logistics costs. These initiatives will enhance the existing industrial, physical, and social infrastructure in the State," he added. The Chief Minister said that bringing substantial investments into the State is crucial for generating employment opportunities for the youth besides increasing revenue to the State exchequer. CM Sukhu said that the State Government plans to establish a dedicated investment promotion and facilitation bureau to support and facilitate investment on the ground. "The bureau will streamline the process by providing a single platform for potential investors to obtain all necessary clearances within a specified timeframe," he said. He further said that the government is actively working towards expediting stalled investment projects and attracting new investments. "The present State Government was laying special focus on making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State. The government intends to introduce the country's first 'Green Hydrogen Policy' to promote sustainable practices and develop six 'Green Corridors' for Electric Vehicles (EVs) across the state," the CM said. He emphasized the state government's efforts to create a favourable environment for investments in the State by ensuring that investors face no obstacles. Himachal Pradesh is known for its abundant electricity and water supply which provides a conducive environment for investment, the CM said. He said that the government's focus was on strengthening existing industrial areas. He further emphasized the importance of prioritizing the actual implementation of investments rather than getting caught up in paperwork. He said that the incentives are being offered to investors in the proposed Bulk Drug Park and Medical Device Park in the state. The state government is actively developing infrastructure for these mega projects, he added. He further highlighted the State Government's goal of developing Himachal Pradesh as an 'All-season' tourism destination with Kangra district as the 'Tourism Capital' of the State. He invited investors to consider investing in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that the state government plans to establish a land bank soon, simplifying the process for investors to select suitable land. He said that the government is committed to addressing investor concerns and today's discussion further exemplifies the state government's dedication. He said that efforts are underway to expedite the execution of pending investment projects. The Industries Minister thanked the Chief Minister for sparing two days for this discussion from his busy schedule. He said, "Since day one, the present government has been focused on revamping the system." Earlier, Principal Secretary Industries, RD Nazeem welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed the incentives being extended to the entrepreneurs by the State Government. During the meeting, 29 projects were reviewed and the Chief Minister issued necessary instructions to the respective departments. The investors present in the meeting lauded the initiatives of the state government to discuss the issues of the investors as it will pave the way for the smooth functioning of the industries. Chairman HP Tourism Development Corporation, RS Bali, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Sunder Singh Thakur and Ram Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Bharat Khera, Director Industries, Yunus, Special Secretary Industries, Kiran Bhadana, senior officers of various departments and representatives of the companies were also present in the meeting. (ANI)
West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose approved Rajiv Sinha's appointment after the state government proposed his name.

Sinha served as the state's chief secretary from September 2019 to September 2020.

The upcoming panchayat election in Bengal that are due this year will be held under Rajiv Sinha's supervision.

The dates of the West Bengal panchayat elections have not yet been announced. (ANI)
An Air India flight, headed to San Francisco from New Delhi with 216 passengers and 16 crew was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday after a technical issue with one of its engines.

As per the airline, Flight AI173D landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 0007 hours on 08 June 2023 (local time).

"All our passengers are being extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and provided other necessary support," Air India said in a tweet.

In a statement on Thursday morning, the airline said it had mobilised additional on-ground support at the destination to carry out the smooth clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival. (ANI)
A day after gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot day in Lucknow court premises, his wife moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to attend her husband's last rites. The Uttar Pradesh government told the apex court that it has no objection if she attends the funeral. Following the plea, the court posted the matter for hearing on Friday. A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal said it will hear the matter and pass an order on Friday. The counsel of Payal Maheshwari, Jeeva's wife, mentioned the plea for an urgent hearing and sought a day's protection to reach her family and participate in the funeral ceremony, The counsel of the State said that the body of the deceased gangster might be taken to Muzaffarnagar, the family's hometown and added that Payal is also a gangster named in the gangster chart. The bench also asked Payal's advocate to file relevant documents in the case by today itself. The gangster, 48, has been accused in several cases including the murder of former UP minister Brahma Dutt Dwivedi, who was shot dead outside a crowded courtroom in Lucknow on Wednesday. In 2003, he was awarded a life sentence by the High Court for Dwivedi's murder in 1997 and was lodged in Lucknow jail. He was being taken to the SC-ST court to attend a hearing in a 2015 attempt to murder case when a man dressed as a lawyer fired at him. Following the incident, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the firing incident, informed Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers Office (CMO) on Wednesday. "A three-member SIT, including Mohit Agarwal, ADG Technical; Joint CP, Lucknow, Nilabja Chaudhary and Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar, has been constituted to investigate the incident," read an official statement from CMO. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Lucknow, Rahul Raj said, "Sanjeev Jeeva was shot at today and succumbed to his injuries. Two of our constables also sustained injuries but are out of danger. They are currently under treatment. I've been told that the assailant has been arrested." Meanwhile, lawyers staged a protest outside Lucknow Civil Court in the wake of the firing incident. Upendra Kumar Agarwal, Joint Commissioner of Police ( Law and Order), Lucknow said a child was also injured in the incident. "A criminal, identified as Sanjeev Jeeva, was shot today. Two police officials, who were escorting him to the court, also sustained injuries. A child was also injured in the incident and was admitted to a trauma centre," Agarwal said. Lucknow District Magistrate, Surya Pal Gangwar informed that the girl injured in the incident was stable and undergoing treatment. "Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot dead at Lucknow civil court. The accused was arrested. A girl was also injured in the incident. Her condition is stable and she is receiving treatment. The investigation is underway," said Surya Pal Gangwar. (ANI)
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday hit the headlines after he claimed that he did not know about any Bajrang Sena while the Congress party had called it a big achievement that Bajrang Sena workers were joining the party. Singh made the remark while talking to the media persons at Indore press club in the district on Wednesday. When asked about the group of Bajrang Sena workers who joined the Congress party and Home Minister Narottam Mishra claimed that Bajrang Sena did not exist in the country, Singh responded, "Which Bajrang Sena, I do not know which Bajrang Sena he is talking about." Notably, a group of Bajrang Sena workers joined the Congress party in the presence of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief Kamal Nath at the PCC office in the state capital Bhopal on Tuesday (June 6). Meanwhile, Singh also targeted Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and said that when the matter of idols collapsed on the premises of Mahakal Lok arrived, CM Chouhan brought up the matter of hijab row (Ganga Jamna School in Damoh) and tried to divert the issue. He further said, "Like Karnataka, pay CM also works in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka had 40 percent commission government while Madhya Pradesh has 80 percent commission government." The congress leader also said, "We did not expect Jyotiraditya Scindia to go against the party. I am sad that Scindia, the closest of the Nehru-Gandhi family, left. We gave him full respect, he was made a minister twice, but his statements that are coming now are more hurtful." "The possibility of Scindia becoming a challenge in the coming state assembly elections and the possibility of his coming back in the congress party is zero. As long as I am here, there is no chance of Scindia returning to the Congress," Singh said. On June 6, it was the anniversary of Farmers being killed in firing in Mandsaur and Kamal Nath went there yesterday. Firing incident occurred on farmers in 2017, whose report has not yet been tabled by the inquiry committee, Singh claimed. Besides, an old video of Scindia went viral on social media in which he was saying that CM Chouhan's hands are stained with blood. And he (Scindia) went with the same ideology for a small post, the congress leader added. The former CM also attacked prime minister Narendra Modi over the wrestlers' protest and said, "PM Modi tweets on every small thing and gives reaction but why is he silent on this matter?" (ANI)
Soon after receiving the information, fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames.

However, the reason behind the blaze is yet to be ascertained.

Lucknow District Magistrate Suryapal Gangwar said that no loss of life has been reported as the building was under construction.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Thursday said that the state government would withdraw the cases registered in the state for violating Covid-19 protocols during the pandemic. "On the instructions of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, it has been decided to withdraw the normal cases which were registered for not following the protocols of Covid-19 during pandemic in the state," Mishra told reporters here. Meanwhile, reacting to the meeting with former congress district president of Dindori Dhirendra Bihari Shukla, Mishra said, "I have just met the former Dindori district president of Congress and he (Shukla) is very sad about the way Congress has tried his character assassination. He believes that Congress does dirty politics and he told me so during conversation. He has also demanded legal action against such people who do such politics." Besides, talking about the case registered against the Ganga Jamna School management, where purported posters of girls wearing Hijab came to light, Mishra said, "Action has been taken under various sections, including section 295 A, 506 B and Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. Now, statements will be recorded and on the basis of it if more names appear then action will be taken against them too." When asked whether National Investigation Agency (NIA) is involved in the probe, he added that NIA had not contacted them yet regarding Ganga Jamna School, if anyone contacts then the state police would fully cooperate. Responding to Congress to take out Sandesh Yatra, the minister said, "It is a good thing that the yatra should be taken out, but former CM Kamal Nath himself has not participated in the yatras that have been taken out so far." When asked whether Congress is trying to capitalise on the issue of Bajrang Dal in MP like in Karnataka, Mishra added, "Whatever they (Congress) want to do in Madhya Pradesh like in Karnataka, can do. Their election management guru has said, the Congress government is going to be in power. No matter what they (Congress) keep saying, they will be finished in the upcoming state assembly polls." (ANI)
Jeeva was involved with several infamous gangs and carried out several criminal activities for almost three decades and was an active member of Mafia turned politician Mukhtar Ansari and had committed various crimes.

Although he started his journey as a compounder at a dispensary, he soon formed a group with 36 active members named IS-1. His gang was active in most of the areas of Western UP and was involved in murder, loot, extortion, robbery, cheating and kidnapping cases.

Jeeva became an infamous gangster after the murder of Krishna Nand Rai BJP leader Braham Dutt Dwivedi in 1997 for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

According to Uttar Pradesh Police, 24 cases were registered against in various serious IPCs like 302(Murder) 307(attempt to murder), 120B(Criminal conspiracy) and many more in different police stations of Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Gazipur, Farrukhabad, and Hardwar.

He was convicted in one case and was sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2003. He was serving his imprisonment in Lucknow Jail.

UP Police booked Jeeva under the Gangster Act 22 times. His property worth 4 crore was also confiscated under provisions of the Act.

Sanjeev Jeeva's wife Payal also contested the UP Assembly election in 2017 on the ticket of RLD from the Muzaffarnagar Sadar area later on she lost the contest.

On Thursday, Jeeva was shot inside the Lucknow Civil Court on Thursday when he was brought to court for a hearing. The gangster was accused of the murder of BJP leader Brahm Dutt Dwivedi.

According to the police officials, the assailant made his way to the court disguised as a lawyer.

In the shooting incident, two police officials and a child were also injured. (ANI)
A special MP-MLA court on Thursday listed the matter related to the supplementary charge sheet against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler for a hearing on June 30. The CBI filed the charge sheet on May 20 in Rouse Avenue Court. This case is connected with the killing of three Sikhs in the Pul Bangash area on November 1, 1984. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vidhi Anand Gupta took up the matter after receiving the case file. ACMM Gupta said, "The file is received shortly and needs time to go through it. Thereafter an appropriate order will be passed." On the last date of the hearing, the CMM transferred the case to the special MP-MLA court since it is a case involving a former MP. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on May 20 filed a chargesheet against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in a case related to Anti-Sikh riots in 1984 following the assassination of the then Prime Minister of India, on 31 October 1984. Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, then Member of Parliament has been named as accused in the chargesheet. In a statement, CBI mentioned that the agency had registered the instant case in November 2005 on an incident wherein Gurudwara Pul Bangash at Azad Market, Bara Hindu Rao, Delhi was set on fire by a mob and three persons namely Sardar Thakur Singh, Badal Singh and Gurcharan Singh were burnt to death on November 1, 1984, near Gurudwara Pul Bangash. Justice Nanavati Commission of Inquiry was set up in the year 2000 by the Government of India to enquire into the incidents of Anti-Sikh riots of the year 1984 in Delhi. After consideration of the Commission's report, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Government of India) issued directions to CBI to investigate the case against the then Member of Parliament and others. During the CBI investigation, evidence came on record that on November 1, 1984, the said accused allegedly instigated, incited and provoked the mob assembled at Gurudwara Pul Bangash at Azad Market, Delhi which resulted in the burning of Gurudwara Pul Bangash and killing of three Sikh persons by the mob, apart from burning and looting of shops. (ANI)
The United States Army has invested time and money in a hybrid balloon-kite combination device that is designed to be a platform for low-level surveillance in areas where larger blimp-like aerostats or expensive drone aircraft are not feasible to use.

Helikite with aerial camera by Allsopp Helikites Ltd.The Stars and Stripes news service released information and photos of "Helikites," a half-kite, half-blimp aircraft for low-level surveillance. It can readily be deployed by armed forces personnel for military purposes in remote areas where air-borne surveillance cameras would be useful.

This device, which combines the properties of a blimp and a kite, and carries communications and surveillance equipment, is among the pilotless flying equipment currently being tested by the Army base at Fort Benning, Ga., Stars and Stripes reported Monday, May 20, 2012.

According to Wikipedia, the names 'Helikite' and 'Helikites', are Registered Trade Marks relating to a type of kite-style aerostat designed and patented by Sandy Allsopp in England.1

UPI.com in its May 21, 2012 story entitled Army tests blimp-kite hybrid 'Helikites', stated:

Since many of the American military bases in Afghanistan are not large enough to accommodate and maintain the large aerostats that hover over battlefields and enemy lines, sending back photos and other information, "We are looking at small, more tactical aerostats that can be used at those small bases, " said Maj. Peter Moore, product director at the Fort Benning-based Rapid Equipping Force.

The Helikite is among the small aerostats being tested to learn how long launch and recovery operations take, how they perform in windy conditions and how long training programs for operating personnel will take, the newspaper said.

Helikites range in size from a model 6 feet long capable of lifting cameras and communications equipment, to an aircraft 24 feet long that can lift as much as 30,000 pounds of equipment, said Sandy Allsopp, owner of the British firm Allsopp Helikites, which makes the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and Navy, and the British Army.

The Allsopp Helikites have a wide variety of peace time applications as well. The devices can be used for lifting:

Scientific instruments and equipment

Radio antennas and radio relay or jamming equipment

Sensors and weather instruments

Pollution sampling equipment

Aerial photography and video cameras

Acoustic sensing instruments

Thermal imaging and mine detection devices

Remote sensing and radar arrays

Advertising displays.

In short, anything that needs stable aerial positioning can be lofted using the Helikites.

The modern version of the aerostat-kite hybrid has a historical precedent in the work of Canadian born Domina Jalbert, inventor of both the parafoil and the 'kytoon'.

Domina Jalbert, born in Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Quebec, moved with his family to the United States where he received a pilot's license and had a deep interest in kites. Early on, Jalbert had a small advertising business using large kites.

Jalbert worked for the United States Rubber Company which built barrage balloons to help protect the coast line of the United States from attacks by enemy aircraft. Barrage balloons were large tethered aerostats that dangled metal cables that were designed to inflict damage on low-level aircraft that came into collision with the cables.

Since tethered balloons are affected by strong winds which tend to drive them lower in altitude and make them oscillate at the end of their tethers, Jalbert took his knowledge of kites and began to develop a hybrid balloon-kite device which he called a "kytoon".

Using the balloon to form the keel of a kite, Jalbert affixed kite-like wings to the keel. The effect of the wings was to both create lift when a wind was blowing and to stabilize the kytoon so that it would not wildly oscillate across the sky at the end of its tether.

Jalbert's Patent Drawing of the Kytoon from Wikipedia.

Jalbert's patent was filed on April 14, 1945, near the end of World War II. After the war, the kytoon did not receive much attention and it gradually drifted into obscurity. Jalbert went on to design and patent the parafoil in 1964. His contributions to kites and steerable parachutes have made him one of the great kite pioneers.

Allsopp's Helikite is a much improved hybrid aerostat-kite device over that envisioned by Jalbert back in 1945. The Helikite still embodies the concept of lift via the balloon when the air is still. It also uses the properties of the kite when the winds come up: lifting the device against the wind to ensure that the payload is sustained in its elevation and does not dart wildly from side to side on its tether.

In a May 21, 2012 posting on the Wired web site, Katie Drummond wrote an article about the Helikite entitled "Battle-Kites Eyed for Afghan Spy Duty". In the article she stated:

The Helikites, which are already used by the British Army, are also rather wee: The vehicles currently range in size from 6 to 24 feet in length. For comparisons sake, consider that the Air Forces much-contested Blue Devil 2 blimp, which might one day soar the skies above America instead of Afghanistan, measures a whopping 370 feet.

Blimps rely on helium to get them off the ground and keep them airborne. By adding a kite to the mix, the Helikite boasts an enhanced flying ability  one thatd increase its ability to haul cargo, which is likely to include plenty of surveillance gear. A 24-foot Helikite, according to its parent company, Allsopp Helikites, can lug 30,000 pounds of equipment. Thats five times the weight that aerostats of a similar size can lift. All that, and the Helikites can fly as high as 6,000 feet  keeping them safely out of range from gunfire or grenade attacks.

The military is also testing the battle-kites ability to help with communications in far-flung regions. A hovering battle-kite, equipped with communications gear, could offer mobile networks thatd vastly improve the sketchy wireless linkages currently available in remote realms of combat. According to the company, a Helikite elevated to 600 feet should be able to yield 113 square miles of Wi-Fi coverage.

And the Helikites, which cost an estimated $50,000 apiece, also have a key advantage over the other aerostats in the militarys array: Because theyre so small, and benefit from the wind-catching powers of a kite, they require way, way less helium.

Thats good news for the Pentagon, which is already facing potential helium shortages from keeping so many aerostats aloft. In a report issued just last year, the Defense Logistics Agency lamented that industry cannot keep up with the increased [helium] demand required by all those blimps.

Clearly, Allsopp's Helikite is an up-to-date device that should prove to be very useful in both military and peace time applications. Although their is similarity in concept to the historical kytoon developed by Domina Jalbert in the mid-1940's, the Helikite is clearly a superior device that is multi-functional and highly utilitarian.

It is interesting to reflect on the history of the kytoon as we appreciate the advances made with the design of the Helikite.

__________________________

Notes:

1 From the Wikipedia article entitled Helikite.

There is also a video of the Helikite available on the Wired.com site. It is hosted on YouTube.com
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers have recently been trumpeting the great financial shape of Illinois. Balderdash. And they know it. There will almost certainly be state tax increases by 2025.

As a longtime student of Illinois budgets, Ill explain why, what should be done and what likely will be done. It wont be pretty.

Advertisement

The onset of the pandemic in 2020 scared the federal government into throwing money at state and local governments and into peoples pockets, enough to solve our state budget problems  in the short run.

The consequences of the federal largesse were obvious: increases in base spending for education, social services and the like, plus increases in tax revenues generated by the federal gusher. But base revenues stayed the same.

Advertisement

Now, were on the downside of the pandemic spending. Revenues will decline, but spending wont.

The state legislatures own budget forecasting agency predicted in March that by one reasonable scenario, the states operating funds in calendar 2025 will run at a deficit of more than $3 billion annually, with a whopping $18 billion in unpaid bills (from a total budget of around $100 billion).

And this doesnt include the political pressures to spend. Spendthrift Democrats have 2-1 majorities in both houses of the legislature, plus a governor who spent $56.5 million of his own money in 2017 to push for tax hikes, which were soundly rejected by voters.

Further pressures to spend will come from Chicagos new mayor, who is up to his eyeballs in alligators, facing costly crime prevention, migrant influx and other big city problems. The city already has high taxes, so the mayor will come to his friends in the legislature to bail him out.

[ Editorial: Property taxes sure come hard and fast in Cook County ]

The question is when, not if, new taxes will come. Not in 2024, an election year. The obvious window for action is spring 2025, which would provide time for taxpayer anger to abate a bit, in advance of the big 2026 gubernatorial elections.

Lets say Democrats decide they need to raise $3 billion a year to fill that projected deficit. Where to find the money?

Governments tend to tax what we own, earn and buy, and for the privilege of doing business, smoking, drinking, gambling, fishing and hunting, among myriad other activities.

Illinois state and local taxes overall are higher than in most states, yet our tax burden is not really an outlier among the states. Except for our property taxes, which are take-your-breath-away high. (The average residential property tax bill is $5,000 per year.)

Advertisement

The Illinois flat-rate 4.95% personal income tax compares favorably with top tax rates in California and New York, and even with some neighboring states. Yet, as most readers know, Florida, Texas and Tennessee have no income taxes whatsoever.

The Illinois tax on sales imposes a relatively light burden on us overall. Our state has nearly 100 exemptions from the sales tax, from building materials to bull semen, and basically doesnt tax services, as many other states do.

Illinois could raise billions a year by eliminating some sales tax exemptions on goods and by taxing services and pensions. Taxes on services tend to be progressive, that is, fairer, because the use of services increases with income.

Pensions cost our state budget billions of dollars more than could otherwise be the case. First, our state exempts all pension income, which most states tax; this costs Illinois billions of dollars a year in forgiven revenue. State spending for pensions is an additional couple of billion higher than it might otherwise be. This, because we both pay for annual pension outlays to retirees and also to build up our infamously underfunded asset nest egg, which theoretically should be large enough to pay all benefits, but isnt.

But we wont likely tax services and pensions, nor will we abandon the effort, unnecessary in my mind, to build up the pension nest egg  all are too hot to handle politically.

So, I fear Illinois policymakers will revert to the tried, true and simple; that is, raise the income tax rate. This would, unfortunately, encourage further flight of job creators and their wealth from Illinois.

Advertisement

I recommend business and labor (the latter immensely powerful in Illinois) start talking now about how to shape the coming tax increases in ways that might conceivably attract, rather than scare away, job creators and productive citizens.

Because an increase in taxes is coming.

Jim Nowlan is a former president of the Taxpayers Federation of Illinois, a business group. A former University of Illinois professor, Nowlan has been an Illinois legislator and state agency director; he held senior posts with three unindicted Illinois governors.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Borjhar in Guwahati, "The monsoon arrival in Assam and other parts of the North Eastern region is expected from tomorrow (June 9) or the day after tomorrow."

K N Mohan, Scientist-G of Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Borjhar told ANI that, compared to the previous years, this year's monsoon arrival was delayed.

"We are expecting that, the monsoon will arrive in the region in the next 48 hours. By tomorrow onwards the monsoon will knock in some parts of North East India. It will arrive in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura," K N Mohan said.

Monsoon is crucial, especially for kharif crops dependent on rains. India has three cropping seasons -- summer, kharif and rabi. (ANI)
The situation in Manipur remained peaceful and under control as no incident of violence was reported in the last 48 hours in the Northeast state, Kuldiep Singh, advisor (Security) to the Manipur government said on Thursday. To provide relief to the displaced people of Manipur, Singh said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a relief package worth Rs 101.75 crore. The MHA's approval of the relief package for the displaced in Manipur followed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's direction to the state government to send a request to his ministry for such a package. As per Singh, a total of 27 arms, 245 ammunition and 41 bombs in Porompat Police Station under the jurisdiction of Imphal East district of Manipur and one arm and two bombs in Bishnupur district in the state have been recovered during the last 24 hours. "A total of 896 arms and 11,763 ammunition and 200 bombs of different kinds have been recovered to date," said Singh, who was appointed security advisor to the Manipur government at the beginning of May in view of the spiralling violence in Manipur. The retired Indian Police Service officer from the 1986 batch said curfew was relaxed for 12 hours in five valley districts, and 10 hours and 8 hours in neighbouring hill districts. "There is no curfew in six other hill districts. Movement of essential items along NH-37 is ensured. A total of 294 empty vehicles have left Imphal for Jiribam today. A total of 220 loaded vehicles have left Noney and 198 loaded tankers and trucks have left Jiribam today," the former Central Reserve Police Force chief said. Senior officers have visited and camped in vulnerable areas, said Singh, adding "Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable areas." Singh said a combined team of Manipur and central forces have intensified combing operations in many parts of the state. "Ministers and MLAs are visiting different areas of the state, appealing for peace and normalcy by meeting the public at large and CSOs. Security forces are also organising meetings with CSOs, heads of different villages and appealing for peace and normalcy, besides doing their duties of area domination and patrolling." A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's appeal on June 1, a total of 140 weapons were surrendered at different places in Manipur on June 2. The weapons surrendered included SLR 29, Carbine, AK, INSAS Rifle, INSAS LMG, .303 Rifle, 9mm pistol, .32 pistol, M16 rifle, smoke gun and tear gas, a locally made pistol, a stun gun, modified rifle, JVP and grenade launcher. The positive development was noted after the Home Minister's four-day visit to Manipur that ended on June 1. Shah had then warned that strict action would be taken against those found possessing weapons during the combing operation by the police. He had also appealed to the people of Manipur not to pay heed to rumours and maintain peace. On behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government, the Home Minister had also expressed deep condolences to the families of those killed in Manipur violence. Manipur saw violence on May 3 during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The march was organised in protest against the demand for inclusion of the state's Meitei community in the ST category, following an April 19 Manipur High Court directive. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the state is fortunate to have got the opportunity to host the national programme on the occasion of International Yoga Day and preparations are underway for it. CM Chouhan along with Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the ongoing preparations at his residence office for the national level programme to be held in Jabalpur on International Yoga Day, June 21. All the schools, wards, villages and institutions dedicated to yoga in the state will be linked to the Yoga Day programme with cooperation of the Union Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Ramchandra Mission Heartfulness Institute, Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Yoga Commission. People will get a chance to connect with the positivity of Yoga, through this programme being organised on the theme of Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the CM added. On the other hand, Union Minister Sonowal said, "25 crore people will be connected with the programme. Large scale efforts to make Yoga an integral part of human life are going on under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yoga can be given the form of a mass movement by encouraging public participation. In this direction, the work done for the expansion of Yoga in Madhya Pradesh under the leadership of CM Chouhan is commendable." People should practise yoga, for this it is necessary to expand the activities of information, education and communication more and more, Sonowal said. Besides, he gave information about yoga programmes being held at the international level. According to a government release, it was said that the main programme will start at 6 am at the Garrison Ground in Jabalpur. Participation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and MP Governor Mangubhai Patel is proposed in the programme. Recorded message of PM Modi will be broadcasted. CM Chouhan, Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will also attend the program. Yoga programmes will also be held in all tourist and historical places, urban bodies and gram panchayats of the state. Many yoga organisations, including Patanjali Yogpeeth, Art of Living will participate in the programme. Yoga will be practised according to the Yoga Protocol issued by the Central Government, the release added. (ANI)
The panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held on July 8, the State Election Commission said on Thursday. Rajiva Sinha, the state election commissioner, informed further that the elections would be held in a single phase, adding, "The Model Code of Conduct has already come into effect." The state poll panel chief added that candidates can file their nominations starting Friday till June 15. The counting of votes will be held on July 11. Shortly after the panchayat poll date was announced, the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, hit out at the state poll panel claiming that it was working at the behest of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Taking to Twitter, he said, "Murder of Democracy in West Bengal. For the 1st time ever, the Panchayat Elections have been announced unilaterally without holding a single All Party Meeting at the Block levels, District Levels or at the State Level. There hasn't been any discussion on the security arrangements for the single phase Elections. The time duration allotted for filing of nominations starts from tomorrow i.e. 9th June; Friday, with 15th June being the last date. 10th & 11th June being weekend, no official work would be possible." "The intention of the WB State Election Commission is very clear. From the manner of declaration itself, it's clear that they would be acting actively as the Frontal Organisation of the Regional TMC Party. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee & State Election Commissioner Rajiv Sinha would be held responsible for any casualty resulting due to the violence which might erupt during the elections, because of this hasty declaration & lack of application of reasonable diligence & lack of consideration towards proper security arrangements," the BJP MLA added in his tweet. The BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, also raised concerns over the notification of the panchayat poll date, saying that a mere 5-day window for candidates to file nominations shows the state government's intent to "preclude candidates of other political parties" from entering the fray. Malviya tweeted, "At 5:30 pm this evening, West Bengal State Election Commission, on instruction of Mamata Banerjee, has announced Panchayat Poll to be held on 8th Jul. Nominations to start tomorrow, i.e. 9th Jun and last date is 15th Jun (Sunday excluded). Just 5 days for approx 74,000 nominations across the state! The rigging has already begun. The small window for nominations is to preclude candidates of other political parties from filing." "Why is Mamata Banerjee even pretending to hold an election? She can straightaway announce the result," he added. (ANI)
An Imam, Maulana Nizamuddin was arrested in Moradabad on Thursday for allegedly raping a woman after giving her false assurances of love and marriage and then forcibly converting her to Islam. The Moradabad police filed a case against the accused Maulana and sent him to jail. Six others were also accused of helping Maulana. Sandeep Kumar Meena, Superintendent of Police, Rural Moradabad received the complaint from the victim. As reported by the woman, she met the accused Maulana Nizamuddin's son Mohammad Hussain in 2016. Later, Nizamuddin deceived her and told her that he is unmarried and made her believe that he loves her. He forcibly raped her and got her pregnant. "On Jan 16, 2022, the family members of Maulana Nizamuddin came and forcibly raped the victim when she was alone in her house. They even made obscene videos and threatened to behead her. They also told her that if she wants to live with them, she has to tolerate all of this. The victim also alleged that Imam gave her triple talaq and forced her to sign. Later, he threatened to kill her and threw her out of the house," said Rural Moradabad SP. The woman, a resident of the Dilari Police Station area filed a complaint against Imam and six other people. After raping the victim, Imam forcibly converted her by making a fake marriage receipt on Dec 20, 2016, and kept her to himself. While living with Imam, she came to know that he had cheated on many young women in the past and had played with their lives too. "That's how he bluffs women and keeps them with himself for some days and then sends them away," she alleged. (ANI)
Congress on Thursday strongly condemned the glorification of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassins during a parade in Brampton City in Canada and questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, saying it was not a partisan matter but an issue concerning national interest. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here today, Congress general secretary and party MP, Randeep Singh Surjewala condemned the pro-Khalistan parade in Canada and the glorification of Indira Gandhi's assassins. Surjewala said, "Ms Gandhi, as also the then Punjab Chief Minister late Beant Singh and thousands of Congress workers had laid down their lives to defend the unity and integrity of the country." "It was not a partisan issue that the Prime Minister and his government chose to keep quiet," he added. The Congress general secretary asked as to what prevented the Prime Minister from calling his Canadian counterpart and lodging a strong protest against such incidents, which are repeatedly taking place in that country. He said, "These incidents had greater ramifications for the peace in Punjab and the rest of the country." He also asked why the External Affairs Ministry had not so far summoned the Canadian High Commissioner in India to lodge the country's protest. Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman Prime Minister of India from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. She was shot dead by two of her own bodyguards at her official residence on October 31, 1984. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday expressed his concern over reports of a parade float in Canada's Brampton city celebrating the assassination of Indira Gandhi and said there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists and "it is not good for relationships". Answering queries during a press conference on nine years of Modi government, Jaishankar slammed Canada over the incident and said giving space to extremists is not good for the country. "I think there is a bigger issue involved...Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this...I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada," Jaishankar said in response to a query about reports of late PM Indira Gandhi's assassination celebration in the Canada city. Earlier in the day, High Commissioner for Canada in India Cameron MacKay condemned the celebration of the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. MacKay said that he is "appalled" by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the killing of Indira Gandhi. "I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," he said in a tweet. (ANI)
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lucknow Central, Aparna Kaushik, said that the police personnel posted to ensure security in court have been suspended.

"Six police officials have been suspended for negligence, resulting in the murder of gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva. The police officials posted to ensure security inside the court premises have been suspended," said Kaushik.

Jeeva was fatally shot by a man posing as a lawyer inside the Lucknow civil court premises on Wednesday.

"According to the post-mortem report of gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva, there were 16 bullet entry and exit points in the body showing that 8 bullets were fired. Six bullets hit his chest and 2 his hand and he was brought dead to Balrampur Hospital," stated King George's Medical University, Lucknow.

Meanwhile, the accused in the daylight murder of notorious gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva was granted fourteen days' judicial custody on Thursday, police informed.

"Vijay Yadav, the accused in Sanjeev Jeeva's murder was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody," said Special DG Prashant Kumar.

Jeeva was alleged to have been involved with several gangs and carried out several criminal activities for almost three decades.

He is also said to have been a key aide of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. Jeeva emerged as a notorious gangster after the murder of BJP leaders Krishna Nand Rai and leader Braham Dutt Dwivedi and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

In the shooting incident on Wednesday, two police constables and a child also sustained injuries.

After the incident, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the firing incident inside the Lucknow Civil Court, the UP Chief Ministers Office (CMO) informed on Wednesday.

"A three-member SIT, including Mohit Agarwal, ADG Technical; Joint CP, Lucknow, Nilabja Chaudhary and Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar, has been constituted to investigate the incident," read an official statement from CMO. (ANI)
A man travelling to Dubai was arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday after a co-passenger overheard him saying 'bomb' during a telephonic conversation. A woman overheard a male passenger saying to someone on the phone that the, "CISF removed coconut from my bag fearing it could be a bomb but allowed guthkha that was in my bag". A senior official informed that a passenger was travelling to Dubai through a connecting flight from Mumbai via Vistara Airlines flight no UK-941 (Delhi to Mumbai), which was scheduled to depart at 4.55 pm. "The passenger travelling to Dubai for the job was talking to his mother on the phone and the conversation was overheard by a lady co-passenger sitting next to him. He told his mother that CISF not allowed coconut in his bag fearing it could be a bomb but they allowed pan masala that was kept in his bag," said the official. After hearing the word bomb, the lady co-passenger raised an alarm and the flight crew informed CISF. The passenger was deboarded and the woman also deboarded the plane voluntarily. The entire plane was thoroughly checked but nothing was found. The lady's co-passenger refused to board the plane and she booked another ticket for Mumbai. "In the process, the flight was delayed for two hours before it got clearance to take off. The male passenger was handed over to IGI police," the official said. IGI police informed that a case has been registered. (ANI)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Rouse Avenue Court that it has written to immigration authorities requesting to withdraw/close the LOC issued against businessman Dinesh Arora who has become an approver in the Delhi Excise policy case. Thereafter, he withdrew his plea seeking withdrawal of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him when he was an accused in the Delhi Excise policy case. After becoming approver he has sought withdrawal of LOC. Special judge M K Nagpal after noting the submission of CBI and the counsel for the accused dismissed the plea as withdrawn. The CBI informed the court that it had requested the Immigration authorities to withdraw the LOC against him. The investigation agency also placed on record a letter of June 7 written by SP CBI to the Deputy Director, Immigration, Bureau of Immigration, requesting withdrawal/closure of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against the applicant. It was also submitted by the IO present in court today that the same may be withdrawn/closed within two/three days In view of the submissions of the CBI, advocate Rishabh Kumar Thakur, Counsel for Dinesh Arora, sought to withdraw the application. The court allowed the same. The Rouse Avenue court has directed the IO to inform it once the LOC is withdrawn. The Court on June 5, questioned the CBI when a person is no longer an accused how can a Look Out Circular (LOC ) be continued against him. Special judge M K Nagpal while hearing the application pulled up the CBI and asked, "Under which provision LOC can be continued?" "Better you withdraw it, if the court passes an order, it will pass it with stricture," the judge said. The additional public prosecutor (APP) for the CBI submitted that the LOC is continued to ensure the presence of Dinesh Arora. The court asked, "How long you (CBI) will keep the LOC continued?" The court asked the IO of CBI and advocate RK Thakur to furnish the guidelines governing the issuance and withdrawal of LOC. The court was informed by counsel R K Thakur that Dinesh Arora is to travel to the Netherlands on June 15 to join his wife and younger son. His elder son studied there. In November 2022, the Court had allowed Businessman Dinesh Arora, an alleged aide of Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia, to turn approver in the alleged excise policy case. Businessman Dinesh Arora, earlier an accused in the Delhi excise policy case had submitted that "I am ready to make true disclosure voluntarily about the case and wants to be an approver in the case." Earlier, He said, "I am ready to make a voluntary and true disclosure with respect to my role in the commission of the alleged offences. I have also cooperated in the investigation of the case by CBI and have made true statements before the Investigation officer. I have also made a confessional statement before the ACMM regarding facts and events pertaining to the commission of alleged offences." A few days ago, the same court granted anticipatory bail to Dinesh Arora after CBI didn't oppose the bail plea in the case. The Court noted that CBI in its reply against the anticipatory bail plea, stated that the applicant has supported the investigation and disclosed certain facts which are vital for the investigation; hence, the CBI has no objection if the anticipatory bail is granted to the applicant by this court. Court further noted that, though, from the contents of the reply filed by CBI, no immediate apprehensions about the arrest of the applicant, in this case, appear to be made out, but still, keeping in view the fact that the applicant is one of the accused who are named in FIR and further keeping in view the fact that he is stated to have made some statements before the Investigation Officer (IO) which are self-inculpatory in nature. In August 2022, CBI registered a case in the Excise Policy scam and issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against eight private persons named as accused in the Excise Policy case. Among the accused, public servants are Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, the then Excise Commissioner Arva Gopi Krishna, Deputy Commissioner Anand Tiwari and Assistant Commissioner Pankaj Bhatnagar. The others are Manoj Rai, a former employee of Pernod Ricard; Amandeep Dhal, director of Brindco Sales; Sameer Mahendru, managing director of Indospirit Group; Buddy Retail and its director Amit Arora, Dinesh Arora, Mahadev Liquors, its authorised signatory Sunny Marwah and Arjun Pandey. (ANI)
Congress on Thursday rejected the Minimum Support Price (MSP) announced by the Modi government for different Kharif crops. The party said, "Not only was the MSP far less than what the farmers should ideally get, but the government makes very limited purchases even on this meagre MSP." Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here today, Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "The government had promised to fix the MSP of various crops after computing the input costs plus fifty per cent profit." "The MSP announced by the government nowhere reaches that amount," he said. "Even at this low MSP, there is hardly any purchase of the crops. When there is no intention to procure crops on MSP, what is the purpose of announcing it? The MSP under the Modi government had turned into "maximum suffering of the producer (farmer)," he further remarked. He said, "With the actions of the last several years of this government it had been proved that the BJP was made of anti-farmer DNA." Substantiating his charges, Surjewala said, "There was hardly any purchase of crops at the MSP, with official facts and figures. Of the 1302 lakh tons of paddy produced in the year 2022-23, the government had purchased only 651.70 tons which was only fifty per cent." He said, "The position of wheat procurement was much worse. Of the 1068.4 lakh tons of wheat produced last year, the government procured only 187.92 lakh tons, which comes to a meagre 17.59 per cent on the MSP. Similarly, only 0.13 per cent of oilseeds, 0.43 per cent of pulses and 0.26 per cent of Jawar, Bajra, Ragi and Corn were procured at the MSP." Questioning the Prime Minister on his promises to farmers to double their income by the year 2022 and fix the MSP of various crops at the input costs plus fifty per cent profit, he said, "The central government had rejected even the BJP-ruled state governments recommendations for fixing the MSP of various crops." Quoting official data, he said, "According to the fifty per cent input cost plus fifty per cent profit, the MSP of paddy should have been Rs 2867 per quintal against Rs 2183 announced by the government." "The BJP-ruled states like Gujarat, Assam and Maharashtra had recommended Rs 2750, Rs 3132 and Rs 4534 MSP per quintal for paddy and the BJP had rejected these recommendations," he added. Surjewala said, "Similarly there were huge gaps between the input costs and the MSP announced by the government on other crops like Jawar, Bajra, Corn, Moong etc." "Not only had the Modi government cut down massively on the agriculture budget, but had not spent even the left out amount on agriculture. When you don't have to spend it on agriculture, why allocate it," he asked. He also disclosed that against the 4.41 per cent allocated in the 2019-20 budget for agriculture, only 2.57 per cent was allocated in the subsequent budget. Giving figures, he said, "While Rs 34,518 crores were allocated for agriculture in 2019-20, only Rs 23,825 crores were allocated in the following year. The year 2021-22 was worse with a mere allocation of Rs 429 crores only from 34,518 crores in 2019-20." "Time had come for the Prime Minister to answer the questions of 62 crores farmers who were feeling betrayed by him with repeated betrayals," he added. Listing other betrayals by the Modi government with the farmers, he said, "Two crores farmers were dropped from the Kisan Samman Nidhi last year. It must be a unique case in the world where two crore farmers got removed." "What happened to the Rs 1 lakh crore agriculture infrastructure development fund announced by Prime Minister Modi three years ago with much fanfare?" he further questioned. (ANI)
Community member Laurel Sindelar, right, and Chicago police Officer Phoebe Flores, below, help homeowners paint a rainbow on their Jefferson Park garage on Oct. 23, 2022, after it was targeted with anti-LGBTQ messages and other political harassment. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Its June  Pride Month. Last Friday, we left Orchestra Hall after a jubilant concert by the Chicago Symphony and entered into a most joyous Chicago afternoon. Michigan Avenue hosted throngs of people of every stripe. Taylor Swift fans ambled about, in anticipation of a fabulous evening. Families and visitors took in the colorful floral displays and impressive skyline. Peoples sexual orientations were on display too, whether bold or unassuming. The scene was spirited, bright and free. Joyous. We thought, why cant people just be?

Advertisement

Currently, there are close to 500 legislative bills being readied to crush those people who presume to live differently. Its appalling that anyone believes permitting injustice, cruelty and narrow-mindedness will protect their children. Not too long ago, same-sex marriage became legal. It came many years after the Stonewall riots and the AIDS epidemic, but it happened. Humanity appeared to have turned a corner. My children grew up understanding that human beings have a right to love whomever they wish. Gay people I know were finally able to say, This is who I am!

What happened? I feel at times that an alien dust has fallen on us. Why the renewed cruelty? Where will this lead us? It would be easy to stop reading the news and live in ignorant bliss. But for every person who does that, there is one less voice to fight injustice.

Advertisement

I hope and pray that we can respond positively and humanely to end this madness.

 Monica Wiedlin-Torres, Chicago

Current Republicans focus

I appreciated Steve Chapmans recent column regarding the Republican Party and how its views/stances in the Ronald Reagan era are in many instances diametrically opposite to what they are now (Republicans used to be champions of individual freedom. Not anymore., June 1). I am a moderate  I vote and believe in candidates, and while I typically trend toward Democratic candidates, I respect and approve of the Republican Party policies my parents voted for. Government should exist primarily to address infrastructure issues, protect our democracy and national interests abroad, and provide as best possible for the health and welfare of its citizens. Unfortunately, the federal government is too large and our nation too populous and diverse for federal government to be efficient in dictating mores and norms or to provide a comprehensive safety net for all citizens. This sounds like a Republican talking point, does it not?

Unfortunately, current powerful Republicans do not promote this policy-speak because it is not juicy enough to galvanize support in our polarized society. Rather, as Chapman points out, they twist themselves into bizarre culture wars where it is OK for a business to deny services (such as baking a wedding cake) to a gay couple but not OK for a large corporation to advertise to and/or support LGBTQ constituents and causes. Newsflash: At worst, these businesses are looking for revenue in a diverse society  everyones dollar is a dollar, right?  and at best they are exercising the same constitutional rights the Supreme Court held that small business was entitled to exercise.

It is OK for parents to harass and threaten teachers and school boards for doing their jobs, under the guise of parents know what is best for their kids, but its not OK for parents to make health care and/or personal decisions regarding their kids if these decisions happen to differ from these Republicans worldview? (Including what books children read or whether parents take their children to a drag queen lunch hour.)

I do not know if Republicans such as Govs. Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert (I could go on) really believe the things they spew  which would mean they are unkind, dare I say hateful, people, in my opinion  or if they are just playing to a base that keeps them in power. Quite frankly, I am not sure which is worse.

Regardless, I applaud Chapman for pointing out the hypocrisy of the current Republican Party. I do so because I believe in many Republican policy positions and long for the days when the Republican Party could and did act as a check and balance to the Democratic Party on fundamental issues of governance, instead of on issues such as whether To Kill A Mockingbird is appropriate for middle schoolers or promotes critical race theory. (It is, and it does not.)

 Clare Connor, Chicago

Advertisement

Highlighting green features

Sunday real estate articles have been featuring renovated mansions for sale. Descriptions of updating include remarkable lists of luxurious amenities such as wine cellars, granite counters, spas, heated garage floors, etc. All are designed for the comfort and enjoyment of residents in these homes.

I wonder if there are homes being built or renovated in Chicago that include environmental amenities such as solar panels, geothermal heating and LEED certification?

Weve been warned by Pope Francis and others that if there is to be a future for our common-home planet, creative steps must be taken for its care. Perhaps future articles can inform us of these features and offer us hope to all who live on our planet  a mansion in its own right.

 Sister Mary Jane Laffan, Chicago

Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Thursday said that though he does not agree with the killing of Mahatma Gandhi, as per his reading of Nathuram Godse, he was also a patriot. "Godse killed Gandhiji, that is a different topic. But as much as I have known Godse, as much as I have read, he was also a patriot, but we do not agree with the murder of Gandhiji," he clarified. On Rahul Gandhi, Rawat said that Rahul cannot be the upholder of Gandhian principles just by sharing his name. Moreover, he added that Rahul's identity cannot change by wearing the sacred thread. "They are selling the name of Gandhiji," Rawat alleged. Speaking on the disturbance at Kolhapur, Rawar said that there are some forces in the country that try to flare up communal issues. The country and people need to remain united, irrespective of their religion and faith, he stressed. On the wrestler's protest, the former Uttarakhand Chief Minister said that the protest shows the courage of Indian sports. The BJP should stand in support of the wrestlers, he said. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his condolences following the tragic death of a two-and-a-half-year-old toddler who fell into a 300-feet-deep borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district on June 6. Despite rescue efforts, the girl who was successfully rescued was later pronounced dead due to suffocation. "The girl was very young. We had also called the army to save the girl child. We tried a lot. We will take due action against those who leave the borewell open," Madhya Pradesh CM said. A two-and-a-half-year-old girl was playing with her friends when she fell into a 300-ft-deep 'uncovered' borewell in Madhya Pradesh, one of the nearly 27 million borewells in India. Shrishti Kushwaha died and her body was pulled out in a decomposed state on Thursday from a gruelling rescue operation that involved both State and national forces. She had fallen into the 300 feet deep borewell, on Tuesday, located inside a farm while playing in the Mungavali village under Mandi police station limits of Sehore district. Reacting to the incident, Sehore Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Awasthi said, "It is an unfortunate incident and action is being taken as per statutory rules. We have registered an FIR against the farm owner and the one who dug the borewell. We have registered a case under sections 188, 308 and 304." The police's response to the incident of registering a case against the land owner and another person would only fill the FIR register until the cases like these will be addressed carefully, one of the most prominent cases where a child was trapped in the borewell was reported from Kurukshetra in 2006 when a six-year-old Prince fell into an open borewell. Prince was rescued after 50 hours of rescue operation but Shrishti succumbed. This shows that after 17 long years, we have failed to address the need to cover the open borewells in the country. (ANI)
Punjab Police on Thursday said that they are in touch with other agencies to ensure justice for the 700 Indian students, mostly from Punjab, who are facing deportation from Canada after Canadian authorities found the students' "admission offer letters" to educational institutions to be fake. Following a preliminary investigation, two individuals, identified as Brijesh and Rahul, have been arrested for their involvement in the fraudulent process. Aditya, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police in Jalandhar, said. "When Jalandhar Police came to know about the issue. We registered 4 FIRs in March. The main accused are Brijesh and Rahul. Immediate actions were taken and Rahul was taken into custody. We are in touch with other agencies to give justice as soon as possible," ADCP said. Earlier on Tuesday, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldip Singh Dhaliwal sought the intervention of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in the matter. In a letter to Jaishankar, Dhaliwal also sought time to meet him over the issue. Dhaliwal in a letter written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, demanded that students should not be deported and work permits should be provided to them considering their visas. He also requested Home Minister Amit Shah to cooperate with Punjab Government to punish travel agents who cheated the students. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the first Indian PM who will address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time during his upcoming official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. The invitation extended to PM Modi reflects the bipartisan respect and support he enjoys in the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is second only to Benjamin Netanyahu, the PM of Israel, in terms of addressing the Joint Meeting of the US Congress. Netanyahu has achieved this honour thrice. It is noteworthy that a Democratic President Joe Biden is inviting the Indian Prime Minister for a White House state dinner, while a Republic Speaker has asked him to address the joint session of Congress, indicating bipartisan support for augmenting Indo-US ties, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. This honour to PM Modi shows that this type of opportunity is granted only to the closest allies of the United States. Upon his arrival, Modi will receive an official welcome and hold bilateral meetings and delegation level talks. President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden will be hosting a state dinner in his honour. In a singular opportunity granted only to the closest allies of the United States, Modi will be addressing a joint session of the American Congress during his visit to the States, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. The US-India relations have grown exponentially since Narendra Modi came to power almost a decade ago, security and economic links with the US have enhanced conspicuously, alongside deepening security cooperation like counterterrorism around shared interests limiting China's influence in the broader Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, The Biden administration has sought to further broaden the scope of the strategic partnership between the two countries and deepen Indian integration into a shared security architecture after having two decades of deepening strategic linkages. White House press secretary announced that "the President and the First Lady are looking forward to welcoming PM Modi for the official state visit on 22nd June. This will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and close partnership between US-India." State visits at the highest level of protocol are rare in the American system, and PM Modi is just the third state visitor during the Biden Presidency. Historically, Modi will be the third Indian leader ever invited for a state visit to the US, since those of President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in 1963 and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009. During the state dinner hosted by President Obama for PM Singh, the two leaders spoke augustly about a "future that beckons all of us." Modi's state visit will also be one of the longest of any leader to the US. So, in many ways, this visit is a significant signalling of the prominence that the US accords to its relations with India, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. On the agenda are agreements on trade, defence and critical minerals and significant progression of the Indo-US defence partnership, with the signing of a joint production agreement. Ahead of Modi's state visit, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was in India on a two-day visit to explore ways to lay the groundwork for highly anticipated agreements on bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. With bilateral trade reaching a record-breaking USD 191 billion last year, US-India Business Council (USIBC) will also be hosting the INDUS-X conference, scheduled over two days in Washington coinciding with Modi's visit. After decades of intermittently frigid relations, Washington's ties with New Delhi have grown significantly closer over the past twenty years. trade and investment flows have grown alongside shared geostrategic interests and China's growing presence and assertiveness in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region is a concern for both. President Barack Obama declared India a "major defence partner" and the Trump administration's growing concerns about China's regional assertiveness-including along the Sino-Indian border-cemented the US-India security partnership. India was included alongside the United States, Australia, and Japan as a counterweight to Chinese ambitions in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the 'Quad.' New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India. This was followed by the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The pact provides Billions of dollars in American arms purchases that were finalised by the PM Modi government, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. However, it did not accede to Trump's demands to stop purchasing the S-400 and other Russian military equipment. With more robust military cooperation such as the acceleration of joint military exercises, there has also been a revival of the US-India Homeland Security Dialogue, which seeks to strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity, technology, and countering violent extremism. These security-oriented steps with steps have been complemented by initiatives such as the launching of a Clean Energy 2030 partnership, etc. Both leaders oversaw the launch of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (ICET) during the Quad Summit in May 2022, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. The signing of the MoU with General Electric deal will be the biggest deliverable of Prime Minister Modi's State visit to the US. India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has selected 99 F414 GE fighter jet engines to power the Mk II version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for the Indian Air Force. One of the most important results of the ICET was the commencement of negotiations on the General Electric (GE) deal to produce GE-F414 jet engines in India, complete with technology transfer. In February this year, the historic deal between Boeing and Air India for the latter to buy more than 200 planes from the American plane manufacturer was announced. Air India is ordering 220 Boeing aircraft valued at USD 34 billion. The orders include 190 737 Max aircraft, 20 of Boeing's 787s, and 10 of its 777Xs. The purchase also includes customer options for an additional 50 737 MAXs and 20 of its 787s, totalling 290 aeroplanes for a total of USD 45.9 billion at the list price. In a phone call, both leaders discussed the importance of the US-India strategic technology partnership and committed to continue working together and in groups like the Quad to advance economic growth and expand cooperation on their shared priorities, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. GE was engaged by the Biden administration, and a proposal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) officials was arrived at. The agreement is to build GE-F414-INS6 engines that will power Tejas-Mk II Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) being built by HAL. Although the final details of the agreement will only be clear once the MoU is signed, it is likely that the transfer of technology (ToT) and the percentage of locally manufactured components will exceed 60 per cent, possibly reaching 75 per cent. Other deliverables include the go-ahead for New Delhi's plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. The US is already India's largest goods trading partner and the only major country with which India has a goods trade surplus. There is also tremendous excitement in the business community over the launch of the initiative INDUS-X, a platform for start-ups and enterprises from both countries to identify collaborations for high-tech innovations within the ambit of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). Both administrations have shown tremendous excitement for the "defence innovation bridge" of which the GE deal is just one element, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted. This news article is written by Vaishali Basu Sharma. She is an analyst of strategic and economic affairs. She has worked as a consultant with India's National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) for nearly a decade. She is presently associated with the New Delhi-based think tank Policy Perspectives Foundation. (ANI)
Ukrainian forces blew up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in the Kharkov Region on the evening of June 5, with civilians hurt in the sabotage attack, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov said on Wednesday, Russian News Agency TASS reported. "At about 9:00 p.m. Moscow time on June 5, a Ukrainian subversive and reconnaissance group blew up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline near the settlement of Masyutovka in the Kharkov Region. Civilians were injured as a result of this terrorist act," the spokesman said. The injured civilians received medical assistance, the general said. "Currently, the ammonia remnants are being drained through the damaged pipeline sections from Ukrainian territory. There are no casualties among Russian army personnel," Konashenkov said, TASS reported. In the Kupyansk direction, Russian forces destroyed over 50 Ukrainian troops, three armoured combat vehicles, two motor vehicles and a US-made Paladin self-propelled artillery gun in the past 24 hours, the general reported. A day ago, TASS reported several explosions near the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in the Kharkov Region's Kupyansk district, head of the region's military administration, Oleg Sinegubov, said on Tuesday. According to Sinegubov, six blasts were reported near a pumping station in the village of Maksyutovka, TASS reported. "As of now, there is no ammonia in the air. The situation is under control," he wrote on his Telegram channel. On Monday, he reported a loss of pressure at the ammonia pipeline in the Kupyansk district. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky pledged on Tuesday that the pipeline would be restored "if need be." The resumption of the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline's operation is part of the package deal to export Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea. The grain deal was extended for two months on May 18, TASS reported. The Russian foreign ministry said earlier that the part of the deal concerning obligations to Moscow is not being implemented. Moscow insists on granting Russian ships access to foreign ports, settling the situation around cargo insurance, connecting Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT system, and commissioning the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline, TASS reported. After the deal was prolonged, Moscow expressed the hope that its demands would be met and warned that if they weren't, the deal might not be extended again. (ANI)
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United States, discussions between him and President Joe Biden will center around strengthening their commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders will also emphasize their shared determination to enhance the strategic technology partnership, with a specific focus on defense, the White House said on Wednesday. PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US on June 22 following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. "The PM and the President will discuss ways to strengthen our two countries, shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including defence," Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said when asked if the defence would be a major part of the discussion between the two leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the first Indian Prime Minister who will address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time during his upcoming official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. "I don't have anything more to say at this time about the visit. As we get closer, certainly we will have more to share. What I've said is the upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link the Americans and Indians together," she said. "So that certainly will be talked about in clean energy and space, but I'm just not going to get into details on what the particulars will be. And as we get closer to June 22, we certainly have more to share," she added. US and India have a strategic alliance. In their last in-person meeting in Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden took into account areas like crucial and emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. In the meeting, both sides discussed close cooperation in future-oriented sectors such as critical and emerging technologies, advanced computing, and artificial intelligence, an official statement by Prime Minister's office read. The two leaders also exchanged dialogue on topical global and regional developments. Earlier, PM Modi visited the United States on September 23, 2021. In 2022, on the sidelines of the QUAD Leaders Summit, PM Modi and President Biden announced the India-US initiative of critical and emerging technology, known as iCET. Ahead of Modi's state visit, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was in India on a two-day visit to explore ways to lay the groundwork for highly anticipated agreements on bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware, Modern Diplomacy.eu reported. (ANI)
President Joe Biden's top official for the Indo-Pacific region, Kurt Campbell said that the degree of trust and confidence developed between India and the US was not present a decade ago. "I think what is also developed more and more between the United States and India is a degree of trust and confidence that, frankly, was not present a decade ago," Kurt Campbell said. Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States on June 22, he said that he hopes this visit "consecrates" the US. He said that India's relationship is the most important bilateral relationship for the United States on the global stage and that "we effectively make it into a sort of escape velocity." He said that in his own period of engaging with India, one of the most important things that has developed in this process is the degree of trust and confidence that was not present a decade ago. Speaking on the possible outcomes of the visit, Kurt said, "There will be deliverables. There will be discussion about areas where we are united, and areas where we still continue to have concerns." He said that both India and the US are imperfect democracies. "We both have challenges," he added. "And I think our goal will be to seek to build on that. And that certainly seems to be a bipartisan consensus as far as I believe it is," Kurt said while discussing the individual concerns of both nations. He said that the world is recognising the critical role that India is playing on the global stage and it is not just strategic. "Many business groups, and investment groups, are looking at India as part of a strategy to diversify globally with new supply chains, new investment opportunities, and the most impressive diaspora," he said. "I've engaged with Indian Americans in the US who are proud and pleased with going forward, I think the hope will be to open up venues and activities for more investment, for more people, to people," he said in terms of opening more opportunities. "Our universities need to train many more engineers and high-tech people," he added. He said that the general attitude of Indians is to volunteer and go for the opportunity when they see one. "And so we want to open those opportunities up for greater people, to people across the board," he added. He said, "This (PM Modi's visit) potentially could be one of the most important sorts of juncture points with the potential for the United States and India to assume its place, this relationship, is really the critical, dynamic relationship that I think we aspire." Kurt Campbell made these remarks on On June 6 in his discussion with Hudson Institute's distinguished fellow Walter Russell Mead on the United States foreign policy and America's role in the world. (ANI)
Traders Association Benazir Chowk, Skardu and various social and public groups of Baltistan have taken the decision to support Anjuman Imamia for Shitong Nala movement, Pakistan vernacular media Baad-e-Shimal Edit reported. Water, Electricity and Wheat crises have aggravated to an unbearable level in Skardu. People have been raising demands to connect or merge the Shitong Nala with the Sidpara Dam. The movement is led by Allama Syed Baqar Al-Huseini and people are willing to give him full support as life has become impossible for people in Skardu due to no water, Baad-e-Shimal Edit reported. As per the news report, there will be no water possible in Skardu until Shitong Nala is connected to Sidpara Dam. People have been facing problems for even a drop of water and the authorities are in complete negligence, as per the Baad-E-Shimal Edit report. Shitong Nala is not a political issue and no one will be allowed to do politics on a serious issue. Hence, people have taken the decision to give the command into the hands of Anjuman Imamia Chief Agha Baqar Al-Huseini, according to the Baad-e-Shimal Edit report. Residents of Skardu have been making this demand for the past 20 years, as per the Pakistan vernacular media report. However, the issue was not addressed and the crisis has aggravated to the extreme level. Anjuman Imamia has now taken the decision to start Shitong Nala Movement. Meanwhile, the north-zone areas of Gilgit-Baltistan have become a hub for expired, substandard and injurious items due to a rise in black-marketing and involvement of mafias, Pakistan vernacular media Himalya Today reported. Every day, thousands of tonnes of contaminated, expired, and unsafe food and medicine are sold in the region. According to Pakistan vernacular media, whenever this is brought to the administration's attention, a temporary suspension is issued, and the sale resumes after a few days. The fundamental reason for this is that the mafias participating in this illegal trade are more powerful than the government and administration, Himalya Today reported. Massive protests in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan are seen time and again, against black marketing, which has contributed to the miseries of people's lives in the region. As per the Himalya Today report, daily life for the region's residents becomes more difficult, particularly due to the lack of basic facilities and black-marketing of daily food products and corruption by government authorities adds to their woes. (ANI)
The UN chief made the plea in a video message on Monday for an event at the UN headquarters in New York to mark World Environment Day, which falls on June 5, Xinhua news agency reported.

This year's theme was "Solutions to Plastic Pollution".

Every year, over 400 million tons of plastic is produced worldwide, one-third of which is used just once. Every day, the equivalent of over 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic is dumped into oceans, rivers, and lakes, said Guterres.

"The consequences are catastrophic. Microplastics find their way into the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe," he said. "Plastic is made from fossil fuels. The more plastic we produce, the more fossil fuel we burn, and the worse we make the climate crisis."

But, there are solutions, said Guterres.

Last year, the international community began negotiating a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution, which is a promising first step, he said. "A new report by the UN Environment Programme shows that we can reduce plastic pollution by 80 percent by 2040 if we act now to reuse, recycle, reorient, and diversify away from plastics."

Guterres called for concerted action. "We must work as one -- governments, companies, and consumers alike -- to break our addiction to plastics, champion zero waste, and build a truly circular economy. Together, let us shape a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all," he said.

--IANS int/sha

( 269 Words)

2023-06-06-06:28:06 (IANS)
Calling the Illegal Migration Bill "cruel" and "unworkable", London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the UK's Home Secretary Suella Braverman that more than 50,000 people will be at risk of homelessness in the British capital if it becomes a law. In a letter to the Indian-origin Home Secretary, Khan said the bill "would do significant damage to vulnerable people seeking sanctuary and put already-stretched services in London on crisis footing", the Evening Standard reported. Proposals under the Illegal Migration Bill, introduced in Parliament this year, would stop people entering the country in unauthorised boats across the English Channel. In addition, they will be detained and then promptly removed -- either to their home country or to a safe third country. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sought to frame the bill as a move to stop traffickers from taking advantage of prospective immigrants, the Mayor warned that it could "end up handing power to human traffickers, undermine crucial child protections, and leave people in immigration limbo, rather than have their requests for sanctuary heard". "It is clear that the current asylum system is broken and this bill will serve only to deepen the challenge, which could result in 50,000 people over the next three years left in London, unable to access support, work or legitimate avenues to fend for themselves," Khan wrote to Braverman. Of those arriving illegally via small boats, Indians form a sizable chunk with the country recently witnessing a spike in their numbers. The Home Office data showed that 683 Indians arrived in the UK on small boats in 2022, as compared to 67 in 2021. The majority of "irregular arrivals" from India were men in between the ages of 25 and 40, out of a total of 45,755 in 2022, which included Albanian, Afghan, Syrian and Iraqi nationals. According to an assessment by UK-based charity Refugee Council of the consequences of the first three years of implementation of the Illegal Migration Bill, over 190,000 people could be locked up or forced into destitution under the government's new crackdown on desperate people seeking safety and sanctuary. As many as 45,000 children could be locked up in the UK, after having their asylum claims deemed inadmissible, and around 9 billion pounds will be spent over three years on locking up refugees in detention centres and accommodating people who can't be removed to other countries. While provisions in the bill say that people who arrive illegally will be detained for 28 days before they are deported, Braverman had said there will be a few exceptions for children, people who are medically unfit to fly, or those who are at risk. Once deported, the individuals will be banned from returning to the UK or applying for British citizenship in the future. The Refugee Council said there is little to no evidence to suggest this new plan will be an effective deterrent to people crossing the Channel in small boats. While the Opposition Labour has raised doubts about the legality and feasibility of the bill, the Liberal Democrats said the Conservatives have drawn up "another half-baked plan". --IANS mi/ksk/ ( 530 Words) 2023-06-06-13:34:03 (IANS)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

An Aurora man has agreed to a sentence of 15 years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea to predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, officials said.

Jose A. Jimenez, 38, of Margarets Lane, agreed to the plea on May 25 after he was previously scheduled for a jury trial in July, Kane County court records show.

Advertisement

Kane County Judge Alice Tracy accepted the plea, officials from the Kane County States Attorneys Office said in a news release.

Prosecutors said between January and March 2022, Jimenez sexually assaulted a child he knew, who was younger than 12 years old. The child disclosed the abuse to a school social worker, who contacted authorities, officials said.

Advertisement

In addition to the prison term, Jimenez must register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act.

Jimenez must serve at least 85% of the sentence and receives credit for 394 days served in the Kane County jail, according to officials.

mejones@chicagotribune.com
Russia's GDP is projected to grow by 1 per cent this year, accompanied by an anticipated increase in real income for the population, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Tuesday. "Russia fully complies with its budgetary obligations," Siluanov said. "In terms of the economy, we expect growth within 1 per cent, plus or minus," Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying. The real income of the population began to rise at the end of 2022 and this trend is expected to continue this year, according to Siluanov. "Despite all the sanctions, the government's main task is to ensure that people do not feel the impact and are able to maintain a standard of living no lower than it was before all these restrictions. We have been successful in achieving this," the Finance Minister said. The growth in GDP has been facilitated by a well-balanced budget policy, the accumulation of reserves in the National Wealth Fund, proactive industrial strategies, and supportive measures for citizens, he added. --IANS ksk/ ( 179 Words) 2023-06-06-13:46:05 (IANS)
She made this announcement on Monday after witnessing a cultural festival in capital Paramaribo on the occasion of the commemoration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname.

She said that the OCI card can be seen as an important link in their 150 year old relationship with India.

The President urged members of the Indian diaspora to continue to make efforts to maintain their connections with India.

President Murmu said that at a time when Suriname is celebrating the legacy of its ancestors and its links with India, India stands with Suriname in solidarity and reverence.

Murmu further noted that both Suriname and India have made efforts to rebuild their economies and social systems after a long period of colonial rule.

"This experience has created a feeling of solidarity between the two countries," she said.

The first ship -- Lalla Rookh -- carrying 452 Indian labourers, had arrived in Suriname's capital Paramaribo on June 5, 1873.

Most of the labourers hailed from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

--IANS ans/ksk/

( 231 Words)

2023-06-06-14:10:03 (IANS)
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, the White House on Monday dismissed concerns about the health of democracy in India, saying it is vibrant and anybody who happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves. "India is a vibrant democracy. Anybody that, you know, happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves. And certainly, I would expect that the strength and health of democratic institutions will be part of the discussion," John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, said addressing a news conference. "And, look, we never shy away. And you can do that with friends; you're supposed to do that with friends. You never shy away from expressing concerns that we might have with anyone around the world," Kirby said in response to a question on the health of Indian democracy under Prime Minister Modi. He further said that Prime Minister Modi's visit is about advancing "what is now and what we hope will be a deeper, stronger partnership and friendship going forward". When asked about the reason behind the invitation for the state dinner, Kirby said that President Joe Biden wants to meet his Indian counterpart to advance and deepen bilateral partnership and friendship. "There are innumerable reasons why India certainly matters not just bilaterally between the two of our nations, but multilaterally on very many levels. And the President is looking forward very much to having Prime Minister Modi here to talk about all those issues and to advance and deepen that partnership and that friendship," Kirby said. "India is a strong partner on very, very many levels with the United States. You saw that, in Shangri-La, Secretary Austin (Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin) announced some additional defence cooperation now that we're going to pursue with India. Of course, there's an awful lot of economic trade between our two countries. India is a member of the Pacific Quad and a key friend and partner with respect to Indo-Pacific security," Kirby added. Prime Minister Modi's June 22 state visit, the highest level of diplomatic reception, will boost the US and India's "shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific", the White House said earlier. During the visit, the Prime Minister will be hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at a state dinner at the White House, and the US Congress has also invited him to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate. The theme of the address will focus on Modi's vision for India's future and the global challenges faced by the two countries. According to Kevin McCarthy, the US Speaker of the House, Prime Minister Modi's last address to the US Congress "left a lasting impact" and strengthened ties between India and the US. --IANS mi/sha ( 494 Words) 2023-06-06-07:24:02 (IANS)
Former US Vice President Mike Pence has filed the official paperwork to join the 2024 presidential race and is slated to announce his bid on Wednesday to enter an increasingly crowded field for the Republican Party's White House nomination. The 63-year-old, who considers himself "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order", will formally launch his campaign with a video, speech and townhall event in the early voting state of Iowa on Wednesday. Launching his campaign will put Pence face-to-face with former President Donald Trump, reports the BBC. Relations between the two soured after Trump turned on Pence for lacking "courage" after the latter refused to help overturn the 2020 election results. They have largely kept their distance since January 6, 2021, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol and were heard chanting "Hang Mike Pence!". On his part, Trump had said that Pence "very greatly disappointed me" on the day the electoral votes were certified. Calm and soft-spoken, Pence began his career in conservative politics as a talk radio host. He was elected to the House in 2000 and served until 2013. When Pence was the Governor of Indiana from 2013-17, he passed the largest tax cut in the state's history and signed bills to restrict abortion and protect religious freedom. Besides Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is planning to announce his candidacy on Tuesday at a town hall event in New Hampshire, where the first Republican primary election will be held. After his 2016 presidential bid failed, Christie allied himself with Trump, leading the incoming president's transition team and preparing him for debates against incumbent President Joe Biden in 2020. But Christie has become a critic of Trump since the Capitol riot, calling the latter "a TV star, nothing more, nothing less". After months of speculation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis launched his 2024 bid during a live Twitter Spaces event, which was plagued by a technical glitch, delaying his announcement by at least 20 minutes. The other names that that have already announced their bids for the Republican Party nomination are former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former two-term Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, businessman Perry Johnson and conservative radio host Larry Elder. --IANS ksk/ ( 397 Words) 2023-06-06-08:14:03 (IANS)
The office of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the Dnipro river has been contaminated with 150 tonnes of industrial lubricants after the Kakhovka dam breach, the media reported. The Kakhovka dam is one of six dams that sits along the river, which stretches all the way from the very north of the country into the sea in the south, the BBC reported. Satellite images are slowly being uploaded, showing the extent of the damage to the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. This image shows extensive damage to the central part of the dam and to a section of the hydropower plant building on the east bank of the Dnipro River, the BBC reported. Water is running downstream from two breaches. A third breach is also moving water south in the so-called North Crimea Canal. Ukraine has accused Russian forces of blowing up a dam in the Kherson region though Moscow denies this, the BBC reported. A dam at a hydro-electric plant in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Nova Kakhovka was breached overnight and water has been pouring through it ever since. The damage is thought to be severe, with Russian state media reporting the town is submerged under water, the report said. Zelensky has accused Russian troops of blowing up the plant "from inside" while Moscow claims it was a "deliberate act of sabotage" by Kiev. Evacuation efforts are under way as Zelensky says some 80 towns and villages could be affected by the flooding. The dam is a significant resource, supplying water to a host of communities upstream and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, the BBC reported. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, has said a lack of cooling water at Zaporizhzhia could disrupt its emergency diesel generators - though the situation at the plant is said to be under control. The Kremlin has blamed the attack on the dam in Nova Kakhovka on Ukraine, saying it was a "deliberate act of sabotage" by Kiev. Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the dam, in the Moscow-controlled region of Kherson, and the EU Council President Charles Michel has also pointed the finger at Moscow, saying the attack amounts to a "war crime", the BBC reported. But in his daily telephone conference call with journalists, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Moscow was responsible and blamed Kyiv. "It is also linked to the fact that, having begun large-scale offensive operations two days ago, the Ukrainian armed forces are not achieving their aims. Their offensive operations are stalling," the BBC reported. --IANS san/prw ( 443 Words) 2023-06-06-18:16:03 (IANS)
Russia is at the forefront of a global rebellion against US hegemony, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. The US-backed 'rules-based order' is prone to inconsistency whenever any nation attempts to determine its own policies, Lavrov said, addressing troops at a Russian base in Tajikistan, RT reported. Lavrov said that US foreign policy was aimed at destabilising certain parts of the world, so that Washington could "fish in the troubled water" under the guise of fighting terrorism and offering security. This is among the ways Washington coerces others into accepting its orders, he said. Russia is "at the very forefront" of resisting Western pressure, despite the US and its "subjugated" allies targeting Moscow with sanctions and attempting to isolate it, he said, contending that they have failed to separate Russia from the international community. Lavrov also asserted that Russian diplomacy is increasing its global engagement after a period of disarray that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. "Over the last couple of years, we have been returning to Africa (and) Latin America. A determination has accumulated never to accept the 'rules' that Washington is imposing. Its role is diminishing, slowly but surely. An increasing number of nations are disillusioned with it," he contended. --IANS vd ( 217 Words) 2023-06-06-20:10:04 (IANS)
Robert Hanssen, a former FBI special agent who was arrested and charged in 2001 with committing espionage on behalf of Russia and the former Soviet Union, has died in a jail in Colorado state, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has confirmed. The 79-year-old was found dead on Monday at Colorado's USP Florence ADMAX prison where he was being held since July 17, 2002, reports CNN. In an official statement, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said: "On Monday, June 5, 2023, at approximately 6.55 a.m., inmate Robert Hanssen was found unresponsive at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Florence ADMAX in Florence, Colorado. Responding staff immediately initiated life-saving measures. Staff requested emergency medical services (EMS) and life-saving efforts continued. "Mr. Hanssen was subsequently pronounced deceased by EMS personnel." According to the FBI, Hanssen, using the alias 'Ramon Garcia' with his Russian handlers, had provided highly classified national security information to the Russians in exchange for more than $1.4 million in cash, bank funds and diamonds. Hanssen's espionage activities began in 1985. Since he held key counter-intelligence positions, he had authorised access to classified information. He used encrypted communications, "dead drops", and other clandestine methods to provide information to the KGB and its successor intelligence agency, the SVR. The information he delivered compromised numerous human sources, counterintelligence techniques, investigations, dozens of classified US government documents, and technical operations of extraordinary importance and value, says the FBI. The FBI began surveilling Hanssen in 2000 after he was identified from a fingerprint and from a tape recording supplied by a disgruntled Russian intelligence operative. After he was caught in 2001, Hanssen told his US interrogators: "I could have been a devastating spy, I think, but I didn't want to be a devastating spy. I wanted to get a little money and get out of it." He pled guilty to 15 counts of espionage on July 6, 2001. On May 10, 2002, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Apologising for his actions during his sentencing, Hanssen said: "I am shamed by it. Beyond its illegality, I have torn the trust of so many. Worse, I have opened the door for calumny against my totally innocent wife and our children. I hurt them deeply. I have hurt so many deeply." --IANS ksk/ ( 387 Words) 2023-06-06-08:54:03 (IANS)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus National Security Adviser Jody Thomas has said that India is among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada. "When I talk about foreign interference and economic security, I'm now talking about a number of state actors and non-state proxies," Jody Thomas said last week at a conference organised by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. "This includes Russia, Iran and India. That said, the actor that comes up most on these issues, and it's no surprise to anybody, is China," she was quoted as saying in Toronto Star. University of British Columbia professor Vina Nadjibulla told Toronto Star that it was "striking" that Thomas listed India along with the three other countries -- a move that could hit the close India-Canada ties. The NSA's remarks came months after the Liberals highlighted India as part of their Indo-Pacific strategy and as a priority for establishing closer economic and scientific ties. "The relationship we have diplomatically with India is improving rapidly, but I think we would be kidding ourselves if we were not to acknowledge some of the diaspora politics and local issues here in Canada, which will have a significant impact," Nadjibulla said. According to The Star, "federal agencies have indirectly warned in recent years of India exerting improper influence in Canada, but rarely by name". On the contrary, India has raised strong protest with the Canadian government against radical Khalistani elements organising referendums in the North American nations and meddling in India's domestic affairs, particularly the farmers' protests. Despite exhortation from India to act, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has failed to take action against a new wave of Khalistani activism in Canada. This is because Trudeau heads a minority government which is backed by the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by Jagmeet Singh, a Khalistani sympathiser, IANS reported earlier. Singh's NDP has 24 seats in parliament, whose support is critical for the survival of the Trudeau government. Singh has been called out time and again on Twitter for attempting to meddle in Indian affairs, especially after he "raised concerns" over the crackdown in Punjab against Waris Punjab De' chief and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh. According to India Narrative, Singh has long been suspected of attempts to link Khalistani and Kashmiri separatism from his perch in Canada. He is apparently connected with prominent Khalistani and Kashmiri separatist groups based in different countries of Europe, according to media reports. --IANS mi/arm ( 415 Words) 2023-06-06-21:50:02 (IANS)
On a day that the Ukraine war took a turn for the worse, Russia's ally Belarus suffered a stinging defeat in the elections to the Security Council. Slovenia won the seat for East Europe with 153 votes to Belarus' 38 votes on Tuesday at the 193-member General Assembly in what turned into a referendum on Russia as the Minsk government was seen as Moscow's surrogate. The election was held by secret ballot allowing countries to vote freely, unlike in Assembly measures involving Russia - the latest in February when 141 countries voted to require Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, and seven against with 32 abstentions and this time, some of those who abstained voted against Belarus. The other four seats that were assigned to regions were uncontested as the regional groups agreed unanimously on their candidate. South Korea was elected to the Asia Pacific seat and will replace the United Arab Emirates in January. Since the Assembly has to vote on all the seats, South Korea received 180 votes, which showed the limited opposition by North Korea and its allies. Guyana was elected to the Latin America Caribbean seat that Brazil will leave next year. For the two seats up for election for Africa, Algeria was elected to replace Gabon and Sierra Leone to replace Ghana. Earlier on Tuesday, a dam in a Ukraine area held by Russia was destroyed imperilling vast areas of Ukraine and moving up the war's destruction a notch. "One thing is clear: this is another devastating consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters. "We are seeing the effects in the city of Kherson, the town of Nova Kakhovka and 80 other towns and villages along the Dnipro River. Massive flooding.A Large-scale evacuations. Environmental devastation. Destruction of newly planted crops. And added threats to the highly threatened Zaporizhzia nuclear power plant -- Europe's largest nuclear facility," he added. The Security Council is set to take up the dam's destruction at an emergency meeting on Tuesday afternoon. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) --IANS al/vd ( 361 Words) 2023-06-06-22:56:04 (IANS)
As the world experiences the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Canada continues to show leadership in advancing environmental action at home and around the world by bringing diverse partners together to find solutions for a healthy planet. Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency, Harjit S. Sajjan, announced on World Environment Day, which was celebrated on June 5, that Canada will host the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from August 22 to 26. After welcoming the world to Montreal, Quebec, for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in December 2022, a conference marked by historic progress on protecting nature globally and agreeing to biodiversity financing, Canada continues its leadership as the host of the GEF Assembly this summer. The GEF Assembly, which meets every four years, is the global body that coordinates financing for international efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. This meeting will bring together environmental leaders from 185 countries, including government ministers and representatives of international organizations, businesses, academia and civil society, as well as facilitating engagement with and input from Indigenous Peoples, women and young people. The meeting comes at a time of significant diplomatic momentum with the historic Global Biodiversity Framework deal reached at COP15 and the high seas treaty agreed on in New York City in March. This momentum will continue to build at the GEF Assembly, during which a key expected outcome is the launch of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, a critically needed source of funding for the protection of endangered species and their ecosystems. Its establishment could open new avenues for private sector and philanthropic support for nature. The GEF, based in Washington, was selected to manage this new fund at COP15. Canada is a founding member of the GEF, Canada's primary mechanism for helping developing countries address climate change. At COP15, Canada announced it would provide $219 million between 2022 and 2026 to the GEF's eighth replenishment to support developing countries' efforts to address global environmental challenges and meet their commitments under international environmental conventions. Canada also committed $350 million in new and additional funding to support developing countries in conserving biodiversity and to support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. In June 2021, Canada also doubled its climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over five years (2021 to 2026) to support developing countries' transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, nature-positive and inclusive sustainable development. "On the momentous occasion of World Environment Day's 50th anniversary, I am honoured to announce that Canada will be hosting the GEF Assembly in Vancouver,a Indo-Canadian Sajjan said. "Canada believes in the power of collaboration and inclusivity as the only way to build a more resilient future for everyone. Protecting our world's nature, rivers, lakes, oceans and wildlife will ensure a healthy planet and healthy people. We look forward to working with international partners, Indigenous Peoples and youth to find innovative solutions to our shared environmental challenges and provide support to developing countries in their climate adaptation efforts." "We are delighted to be holding the Seventh GEF Assembly in Canada, whose steady leadership in environmental diplomacy has yielded enormous benefits around the world. This gathering of the GEF's member governments and diverse partners gives us a unique chance to build on recent breakthroughs, including long-sought agreements on biodiversity and the high seas, and ensure that the urgent environmental challenges we face are addressed in an inclusive and integrated way," GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodriguez said. "This conference will serve as a platform to unite and inspire global leaders, experts and stakeholders. It provides an important opportunity for Canada to build on the momentum gained at COP15, where a historic agreement was reached to safeguard nature and halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Together, we will explore strategies, share best practices and forge partnerships to tackle the pressing environmental challenges we face and to promote the use of nature-based solutions in support of the poorest and most vulnerable countries impacted by climate change. By harnessing our collective strengths and empowering diverse voices, we can make a profound and lasting impact on our planet," added Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Steven Guilbeault. --IANS vg/ksk/ ( 739 Words) 2023-06-06-09:04:06 (IANS)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Former Crestwood Mayor Louis Presta, center, arrives to the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago with attorneys, Robert Stanley, left, and Thomas Breen for Presta's sentencing in his bribery case April 25, 2022. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

Federal prosecutors want to get their hands on state pension contributions made by disgraced former Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges as part of a wide-ranging investigation into red-light cameras.

A recent filing in the case looks to take $13,570 in contributions made by Presta to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund as part of restitution, that includes a bit more than $72,000 to the Internal Revenue Service, according to sentencing documents.

Advertisement

Under his plea agreement, Presta agreed to restitution of a bit more than $75,700, including paying back the $5,000 bribe, identified as government funds you received during the investigation of this offense, according to a court filing at the time he was sentenced.

At the end of May, Presta still owed $75,300 toward the total restitution total, according to the May 30 filing by prosecutors seeking the pension payments.

Advertisement

Prestas attorney, Burt Odelson, said Thursday that he will contest the governments right to claw back the former mayors pension payments.

We are making the argument that it is exempt from any taking by the government, Odelson said.

Presta is making monthly payments toward the restitution owed, Odelson said, adding Presta and his wife are dipping into savings and Social Security payments.

Hes doing the best he can to make monthly payments, he said.

Under the state pension code public employees convicted of felonies in connection with their public employment forfeit their pensions but are entitled to a refund of contributions made into the fund, according to the May 30 filing by prosecutors in Prestas case.

However, prosecutors want those contributions turned over as part of the total restitution.

The United States, stepping into Prestas shoes, has the right to receive contributions made by Presta, the filing states.

Presta has until July 6 to file a reply, with the government filing its response to that by July 20, according to a court filing.

Advertisement

Presta, a Democrat, was first elected as mayor of Crestwood in 2013. He was reelected to a third term in April 2021, then pleaded guilty that November to taking what he thought was a $5,000 bribe from a red-light camera company executive during an FBI sting.

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 >

Presta pleaded guilty to using a facility in interstate commerce in aid of bribery, official misconduct and tax counts alleging he failed to file an income tax return and also willfully filed a false income tax return.

He was sentenced in April 2022 to a one-year prison term, but was released to his home last September. Two months into his term, lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin to order his release due to what they described as grave health concerns, including heart disease, vertigo, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Presta admitted in a plea agreement with prosecutors that he accepted an envelope with $5,000 in March 2019 from Omar Maani, an executive at red-light camera company SafeSpeed LLC. Maani, who no longer works for the firm, was actually cooperating with the FBI and the entire exchange was caught on an undercover camera.

Presta actually resigned twice as mayor, with the first resignation coming in early October 2021.

At that time, Presta told trustees in a letter that serious health problems made him unfit to continue serving and urged board members to quickly name an interim mayor. However, Presta quickly walked back on that and didnt resign the post until Nov. 16, 2021, the day before pleading guilty to the federal charges.

Advertisement

After the November resignation, Crestwood trustees named Kenneth Klein, elected village trustee the previous April and son-in-law to Presta, as interim mayor. Klein was elected to a full term, running unopposed, in April.

mnolan@tribpub.com
A Lebanese ministerial delegation will visit Syria soon to discuss the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland, a top official said. "Steps are being prepared first to hold a consultative meeting of Lebanese ministers with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati this week, during which an understanding will be reached on everything related to the visit," Minister of the Displaced Issam Charafeddine was quoted as saying by local media. He added that Lebanon is adopting the approach of safe deportation of Syrian refugees, which is slow and voluntary without any forced return, reports Xinhua news agency. He explained that "the safe deportation of displaced Syrians is supposed to start from the camps that contain 350,000 refugees, where a list of the names of the displaced in these camps will be prepared to be presented to the Director of General Security in Lebanon". It will be presented to the Syrian National Security through the Lebanese Ministry of Interior, he added. Lebanese authorities have repeatedly called on the international community to assist the country in returning Syrian refugees to their homeland as it suffers from a dire financial crisis and can no longer host many displaced people on its territories. According to the UN Refugee Agency, Lebanon is currently facing its worst socioeconomic crisis in decades and hosts the highest number of refugees per capita and per square kilometre worldwide. The government estimates 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 13,715 refugees of other nationalities. Ninety per cent of Syrian refugees are living in extreme poverty, with the majority of them settled in the Bekaa region. While prices are skyrocketing due to a severe economic crisis, almost half of the Lebanese and 2/3 of the 1.5 million Syrian refugees are food insecure. Some 90 per cent of Syrians, 73 per cent of Palestinian refugees, and over 50 per cent of Lebanese households currently need assistance. Lebanon has struggled to deal with emergencies like the Beirut port blast, Covid-19, and a cholera outbreak earlier this year. --IANS ksk/ ( 346 Words) 2023-06-06-11:24:03 (IANS)
The Russian forces blew up the plant's engine room in the early hours of Tuesday, causing an uncontrolled decrease in water level in the Kakhovka reservoir, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by Ukrhydroenergo.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Telegram that the destruction of the dam at the Kakhovka plant could cause flooding in 80 settlements in the surrounding areas.

The head of the Kherson regional military administration Oleksandr Prokudin said that about 16,000 people are in the critical zone on the right bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has received reports from the Defense Ministry and other authorities on the situation regarding the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Russia categorically rejects the accusation that it destroyed the facility and the incident was "deliberate sabotage by the Ukrainian side," he told a daily briefing.

The destruction of the power plant may cause serious consequences for tens of thousands of local residents and harm the environment, he stressed, adding that there is currently no threat to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as some experts said.

According to Peskov, one of the reasons for Ukraine to destroy the power plant was to deprive Crimea of water.

Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said Tuesday that his country is not involved in the incident at the hydroelectric power plant.

--IANS int/sha

( 271 Words)

2023-06-07-02:42:01 (IANS)
US President Joe Biden's administration received an intelligence report that Ukraine had a plan for an attack on the Nord Stream pipelines three months before an underwater explosion disabled the natural gas link from Russia to Germany, media reports said. A European intelligence service told the CIA that the Ukrainian military was planning an attack using a small team of divers who reported directly to the commander in chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, the Guardian quoted The Washington Post as saying. The six-person team reported directly to General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the report claimed, so that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy would not know about the operation. It remains disputed who carried out the attacks, which took place in September against the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea between Russia and Germany. Many European governments have suspected Moscow, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed the US and its allies. Ukraine has strenuously denied any link to the attacks. The intelligence, if true, would shed light on one of the murkiest incidents of Russia's 15-month-old war in Ukraine, which has left Ukrainians fighting for their survival against one of the world's largest standing armies. The intelligence report shared with the CIA was drafted in June 2022, The Washington Post said in its report. The paper described a plot similar to one now being considered by German investigators: six men using false identities sailed a small boat into the Baltic Sea and, using diving equipment including helium supplies for especially deep dives, planted explosives that severed the pipeline. But other details differ between the intelligence report and versions of the attack now being considered by German authorities. The information was sourced to an unidentified individual from Ukraine. --IANS san/ksk/ ( 312 Words) 2023-06-07-12:24:03 (IANS)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, has said that it saw "no immediate nuclear safety risk" but is exploring options to get water to keep Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant's reactors cool after a dam in southern Ukraine was damaged. "The water level in the reservoir that is supplying Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been falling throughout the day, but the facility has back-up options available and there is no short-term risk to nuclear safety and security," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said on Tuesday. Grossi, who addressed the IAEA Board of Governors on the evolving situation at Ukraine's damaged Nova Kakhovka dam and its impact on the ZNPP, said that the loss rate had been changing, from around five centimetres per hour in the morning to nine cm/hour later in the afternoon. Between 10 am and 8 pm local time, the reservoir fell by a total of 83 cm to 15.44 metres, according to regular data received by the team of IAEA experts present at the ZNPP. "If and when the level goes below 12.7 metres, the ZNPP will no longer be able to pump water from the reservoir to replenish the reserves at the site. As the full extent of the damage to the dam is not yet known and the water loss rate is fluctuating, it is not possible to predict exactly when this might happen. If the current rate were to continue, however, this level could be reached in the next couple of days," the IAEA chief said. "Even at that low level, the existing water in the ZNPP site's sprinkler and cooling ponds as well as the adjacent channels can still be used for some time to cool the reactors and the spent fuel pools in the reactor buildings, which could otherwise be damaged," he added. According to a statement by the nuclear watchdog, the IAEA team was informed by the plant that it has implemented measures to limit the consumption of water so that water is used only for essential nuclear-safety related activities such as the cooling of the reactors and the spent fuel pools. Director General Grossi noted that Ukraine had carried out stress tests following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, including the scenario of the Nova Kakhovka dam failing. "There is a preparedness for events like this at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, which will help staff to handle this new challenging situation. But, clearly, this is making an already very difficult and unpredictable nuclear safety and security situation even more so," he said. The Director General announced he will lead another IAEA rotation next week where he will assess the situation and address the current and planned measures with the plant management. --IANS sha/ ( 473 Words) 2023-06-07-07:10:02 (IANS)
Russia has unveiled plans to invest 2 trillion rubles ($24 billion) in the development of its Northern Sea Route (NSR) over the next 13 years, and a draft law prepared by the government has already passed the first reading in the State Duma, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced. Speaking at a strategic session on the "Development of the Northern Sea Route", Mishustin emphasized the crucial role of the NSR in enhancing transportation connectivity for the remote territories of the country, reports Xinhua news agency. The strategic session evaluated the progress in implementing the NSR development plan approved in August 2022, which includes the construction of more than 50 icebreakers and ice-class ships, the establishment of ports, terminals, emergency rescue centers, and the deployment of an orbital satellite constellation. To fulfil this comprehensive plan, it is estimated that about 2 trillion rubles will need to be invested over the next 13 years, of which about one-third, or 600 billion rubles, will be allocated from the federal budget, Mishustin specified. The prime minister highlighted that this ambitious undertaking signifies the creation of a new Arctic economy, and cited projects that have already been realized, such as the launch of an ice radar satellite from the Vostochny cosmodrome last week, as part of the modern management system. He also mentioned notable achievements, such as the presence of three nuclear-powered icebreakers, including the world's most powerful icebreaker, the Arktika. Furthermore, the Utrenny marine terminal in the Gulf of Ob is scheduled to host a floating LNG production plant in August. The prime minister stressed the importance of creating a comprehensive infrastructure complex, which encompasses new ports, technical and emergency stations, weather and ice monitoring systems, and a traffic management system spanning the entire Northern Sea Route. As part of this initiative, five meteorological satellites will be launched ahead of schedule this year to provide continuous surveillance and assistance across all Arctic routes, he added. --IANS ksk/ ( 335 Words) 2023-06-07-14:58:02 (IANS)
However, according to the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), France's largest union, the number of protesters on Tuesday exceeded 900,000 nationwide, reports Xinhua news agency.

All the protests were relatively peaceful, although 28 people were arrested in Paris.

The general mobilisation is no longer widely supported by certain sectors.

The national railway company SNCF, and the RATP public transport system in Paris both maintained almost full service on Tuesday.

The only major disruption was in aviation, with the civil aviation authorities asking Paris Orly airport to cancel 30 per cent of Tuesday's flights, and 20 per cent for some other major airports in France.

On April 14, France's Constitutional Council ruled that the legal retirement age would be gradually raised from 62 to 64 by 2030.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne first presented details of the pension reform plan in January.

The reform also introduces a guaranteed minimum pension, and from 2027 onwards at least 43 years of work will be required to be eligible for a full pension.

--IANS ksk/

( 213 Words)

2023-06-07-10:46:03 (IANS)
The eligible voters will elect 50 lawmakers out of 207 candidates to represent them in the new legislative body for a term of four years, Xinhua news agency quoted local media as saying.

Kuwait's parliament, reinstated in March following a Constitutional Court ruling after a previous dissolution, was dissolved by a royal decree in May this year.

Over the years, tensions between Kuwait's cabinet and the parliament have frequently resulted in cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of Parliament.

--IANS ksk/

( 107 Words)

2023-06-07-10:48:05 (IANS)
The exact number of applicants for this year is 12.91 million, an increase of 980,000 from last year, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday citing the Ministry of Education as saying.

The exams will last from two to four days, depending on the candidates' choice of subjects.

China's college admission rate already increased to 94 per cent last year, compared to merely 5 per cent in 1977, when the country resumed the national college entrance exams.

But still, gaokao is widely recognised as the world's toughest college entrance exam, mainly because admission relies primarily on the exam results instead of an overall estimation of a student's academic performance over a period of time.

A high score in the college entrance exam is the only way to get into the country's top universities, and most Chinese students get just one shot at the grueling test.

Authorities have taken it a step further this time by imposing various measures to keep noise down and minimise disruption to the candidate, including prohibiting cars from honking near some exam sites, and suspending operations at nearby restaurants, CNN reported citing the state-run Global Times as saying.

They have also ramped up anti-cheating security, with some cities installing facial recognition technology to detect "surrogate test takers" hired to take the exam for someone else, and reducing signal transmission power near exam sites to block electronic cheating methods.

--IANS ksk/

( 271 Words)

2023-06-07-11:00:04 (IANS)
Cameron MacKay, the High Commissioner for Canada in India, on Thursday, condemned an event that celebrated the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. MacKay said that he is "appalled" by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the killing of Indira Gandhi. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Cameron MacKay stated, "I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities." Canadian envoy's statement comes against an unverified video circulating on social media which showcases a tableau in Canada, showcasing the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In the video, the statue of Indira Gandhi can be seen drenched in blood. Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman Prime Minister of India from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. She was shot dead by two of her own bodyguards at her official residence on October 31, 1984. Earlier in March, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the High Commissioner of Canada after the security breach at the Indian embassy in Ottawa. The statement by the MEA said the Government of India sought an explanation on how such elements were allowed, in the presence of police, to breach the security of India's diplomatic missions and Consulates. "The High Commissioner of Canada was summoned yesterday to convey our strong concern about the actions of separatist and extremist elements against our diplomatic Mission and Consulates in Canada this week," the MEA said in a statement released in March. The Canadian government is expected to take strong steps against such anti-India separatist elements, the Ministry of External Affairs said in the statement. "The Government of Canada was reminded of its obligations under the Vienna Convention and was asked to arrest and prosecute the individuals who have already been identified as being involved in such acts," the statement read further. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on India's domestic politics during his visit to the United States and expressed confidence that BJP will win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "2024 ka result toh wahi hoga, hamein pata hai..", Jaishankar said at a press conference here in response to a query on Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the United States. Jaishankar, who addressed a press conference on Modi government completing nine years, said Rahul Gandhi expects that outside support will work in India and if the narrative against the BJP-led government does not work in India, it is taken abroad. "Rahul Gandhi is habitual of criticising the country and making comments on our politics whenever he goes out of the country. The world is looking at us and what are they seeing? Elections are held, sometimes one party wins and some other times the other party wins. If there is no democracy in the country, such a change should not come. Results for all elections should be the same. 2024 ka result toh wahi hoga, hamein pata hai...," Jaishankar said. "If you see, all this narrative (against the government) has been made in India. If this narrative does not work in India or gets less attention in the country, then this narrative is taken outside. He expects that outside support will work in India. "We have democracy in the country, I will have something, you will have something. You will have some politics while we will have some politics. I have no objection to whatever he does inside the country but I don't think taking national politics out of the country is in the national interest. I don't feel it will increase his credibility," he added. Addressing the Indian diaspora earlier this week during his visit to United States, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that there is an attack on the democratic structure of the country. "Full-scale attack on our institutions, on our judiciary, on our media and it is your responsibility and our responsibility to defend the idea of India," he said. Jaishankar also said India today has an image of economic collaborator not just with the developing south but with the global economy. "The second image of India today is of an economic collaborator. An economic collaborator not just with the developing south, but with the global economy. And you can see that in terms of the FDI flows, in terms of the increased exports, in terms of actually this very important conversation taking place in the world today about trusted collaboration." Jaishankar recalled that during his last visit to the US, the American Semiconductor Association told him that they have at least 40,000 engineers in India on chip design alone. He emphasised that India is making a largest economic impact and added that it is being increasingly recognized. "In my last visit to the US and Foreign Secretary has just come back, he's taken that forward... the American Semiconductor Association told me that to the best of their knowledge, they employ at least 40,000 engineers in India on chip's design alone. And that's just the bit which they know. So, the point I want to make here is, apart from development in terms of South South, there is a larger economic impact we are making and that is today increasingly recognized," Jaishankar said. The minister said that the world, particularly the Global South, perceives India as a "development partner - as a credible, effective development partner with delivery on the ground." (ANI)
Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

Sgt. Carol Allen, left, and Sgt. Jennifer Speiden, Peer Support coordinators for the Cook County sheriffs police, conduct a life skills workshop on cultivating resilience for fifth through eighth graders earlier this month at Cottage Grove Upper Grade Center in Ford Heights. (Susan DeGrane/Daily Southtown)

On an early June Wednesday morning inside a classroom at the Cottage Grove Upper Grade Center in Ford Heights, Cook County Sheriffs Office Sergeants Carol Allen and Jennifer Speiden launched into a presentation about resilience.

Their audience included 21 kids in fifth through eighth grades from Ford Heights and Robbins whose parents had signed them up for the Cook County Sheriffs Office Leadership Academy Camp.

Advertisement

Administered by offices Juvenile Justice & Advocacy Unit, the Leadership Camps goal is to help children learn important life skills and experience positive encounters with police.

One of several workshops in the four-day program, the program on resilience was based on presentations initially designed as peer support for police officers who must handle and emotionally process stressful life-or-death situations.

Advertisement

Allen, a former special education teacher, and Speiden, a mother, both work as Peer Support coordinators. They said they modified their presentation for the young audience.

Speiden tried but failed to activate a big-screen YouTube style video exploring overarching concepts of resilience. Thats when Allen quickly turned the situation into a lesson on how to improvise.

So, what do we do when we cant get the video to start? she said. Do we start crying? Do we panic? Do we say we just cant do this presentation?

No, you calm down and find out how to get over the situation, said a sixth grader whose name tag read Chrisshawn.

The room erupted with laughter. The presenters commended the boy for his suggestion, which sparked enthusiastic responses from other participants.

Its not that you cant feel upset or angry, said Allen, but we must ask ourselves, How are we going to make it to the other side of whatever we are dealing with?

Allen asked the group to describe physical sensations associated with anxiety.

You feel like youre going to pass out, said one participant.

Advertisement

You feel like youre scared, said another.

Allen then polled the room. How did they normally get themselves to calm down?

Count to 10.

Breathe slowly in and out.

Take a walk.

Listen to calming music.

Advertisement

All good suggestions, Allen said. You have a right to your feelings. Its what you do with them that matters.

The discussion also included communication skills, the importance of having a support system of friends and family, and the value of focusing on good things still happening in their lives despite formidable challenges. Participants also were encouraged to take purposeful action to avoid feeling helpless and to distinguish fear from reality by considering evidence and asking questions.

Other segments of the Leadership Camp included a financial literacy presentation offered through Chase Bank, a cybersecurity workshop presented by sheriffs office information technology workers, and a meeting with the departments K9 unit.

Each camp day started with breakfast and included lunch and snacks. On this day, the sheriffs police grilled hot dogs in the schools parking lot. They also played volleyball with the campers.

Building relationships with the community has been key to developing programming for the Leadership Camp program, which started in 2013, said Tisa Morris, director of Community Engagement for the sheriffs office. Its also been important for other outreach efforts.

Officials met with the Ford Heights Village Council members and school district representatives to determine types of activities that would most benefit the community, Morris said, resulting in a catalytic converter labeling event, vegetable distribution, free vaccinations and a job fair in the village.

Advertisement

As far as the Leadership Camp, were trying to give the kids what all kids need  stimulation, new experiences, and were engaging them in a positive way with police officers, Morris said. Were specifically here in Ford Heights because we are the police here.

Ford Heights has long been identified as among the poorest suburbs in the nation. Having lost nearly half its population from 1980 to 2010, the community of 1,718 has suffered from crime, political corruption and decaying infrastructure. With just a few businesses, its tax base has been too small to support a police department since 2008.

For that reason, Cook County Sheriffs Police provide policing for Ford Heights, much as they do for other unincorporated portions of Cook County.

We hadnt planned on this, said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. But it quickly became apparent this was likely to become a long-term relationship.

That relationship has included partnering with Ford Heights Park District and Pirates Little League as well as sports-related charities to establish a community ball field.

Relationship building also has included dispatching Juvenile Justice and Advocacy officers into schools to become acquainted with students and encourage them to bring sign-up forms for the Leadership Camp home to their parents.

Advertisement

We introduce ourselves, let them know who we are, said Cook County Deputy Sheriff Christopher Suggs. At lunch time we talk to the kids. The only way to get them to come with us is to spend time with them, to get them to trust their interactions with us.

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 >

Suggs said the camp makes a difference.

When we come back to the school in the fall, theyre more communicative, he said. Theyre letting us know how theyre doing, how theyre performing in school.

Another Leadership Camp is planned for 30 students from Markham and Harvey in late June with additional presentations on CPR, tumbling and healthy eating.

Later in July, students from both camps will spend five days attending Camp Nabad, which will include field trips to the Chicago Symphony and Cook County Forest Preserves for picnicking and fishing.

You can call what were doing community policing or whatever, Dart said. We wanted to approach this on a more wholistic level, to work within the community and find out their needs first. We just kept putting more and more things in there based on what worked and what resonated more.

Advertisement

When asked what she thought about the Leadership Academy and the resilience training workshop, Brooklyn, a sixth grader from Ford Heights, said, I liked it. It should be recognized by the world. You could learn a lot, and its all something you can pass on to the little ones.

Susan DeGrane is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Taking to Twitter, the official handle of the President of India wrote, "President Droupadi Murmu was warmly welcomed by President @avucic of Serbia in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace with full State honours."

Notably, President Droupadi Murmu attended the official welcoming ceremony at Serbia Palace with counterpart Aleksandar Vucic during her state visit to Serbia today.

After that, both Presidents participated in the call-on ceremony and delegation-level talks.

President Droupadi Murmu reached Belgrade, Serbia, earlier on Wednesday, in the final leg of her two-nation visit to Suriname and Serbia.

The ongoing visit by President Murmu marks the first such visit by an Indian head of state to Serbia. In a special gesture, she was received by the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and accorded a guard of honour at the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade.

From the airport, the President travelled to Gandijeva Street where he paid his respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

She also interacted with the diaspora and friends of India at a Community Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Sanjiv Kohli, in Belgrade on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that India and Serbia are ancient lands. In the modern era, India's relations with Serbia were particularly defined in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement, she noted, adding that India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other's core interests. (ANI)
The Pakistan Coal Suppliers Association and Good Transport Association have announced that they would cease the supply of coal across the country from Balochistan if adequate protection was not provided to them, reported Dawn. President of Balochistan Goods Transport Association Noor Ahmed Kakar, and the General Secretary of Coal Suppliers Association Muhammad Din Sanzarkhail, while speaking at a joint press conference, stated that unidentified armed men punctured the tyres of 42 trucks transporting coal from Harnai and Duki coal fields to Punjab and other areas in the country, the report further added. Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper. At gunpoint, the armed men stopped all 42 trucks in the Charat area on Harnai Road and started shooting. They damaged the trucks and also punctured their tyres. Moreover, the transporters also lamented the fact that they have to pay PKR 230 per tonne to the Frontier Corps to provide protection for the trucks transporting coal to other cities. They said, "The firing incidents took place on June 1 on Harnai road, not far from a security checkpoint," adding that the government had neglected to provide security for the trucks and coal suppliers. They also said that shooting events and even explosions had started to happen often in the Harnai and Duki regions. They would stop coal supply beginning from June 13 if the elements involved in the firing were not held and if appropriate permanent security arrangements were not enforced in the area, Dawn reported. Notably, coal miners in Balochistan are suffering from the dangers of insurgency, terrorism, sectarianism, dangerous working environment, along with decades of state-sponsored negligence, discrimination, violence and brutality. Despite being a mineral-rich province of Pakistan, Balochistan is ignored by the government and the coal miners suffered the most. Miners witnessed workplace accidents while working in the high-risk zone and seeking attention, International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS) reported. The coal miners are subjected to the double-edged sword of cruelty and hazardous working condition causing severe fatalities. According to IFFRAS citing sources, a large number of armed men entered the Mach coal field area and kidnapped six people working at different coal mines. The miners, working at mine no. 172. The coal miners belong to Swat's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This is not the first incident. Earlier, on June 13, four coal miners were abducted at gunpoint from the Habibullah Coal Company including two engineers, in Hanna Urak, Quetta. The sources also said that the kidnapers shifted the employees to an undisclosed location. Militants in the past targeted security forces and abducted coal miners. (ANI)
Apart from underlining the large potential for trade and investment, India and Serbia agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral forums. Addressing a press briefing in Serbia, President Droupadi Murmu said that she and her Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic discussed important aspects of bilateral relationships and global and regional issues of common interest. "We agreed to strengthen our coordination and cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral fora," read the Press Statement of President Droupadi Murmu. Recently, the UN General Assembly president has said the UN Security Council (UNSC) has become "paralysed" and "dysfunctional" in its "present form." The UNSC was last reformed in 1965 when it increased its nonpermanent members from 11 to 15 and increased the necessary votes for the adoption of resolutions from 7 to 9. At the 2005 World Summit, all Heads of States and Governments unanimously pledged themselves to an agenda for early and meaningful reform of the United Nations. India is of the view that the international community needs to make more determined efforts to revitalize the General Assembly to enable it to fulfill its rightful role as the principal deliberative organ of the United Nations. It is India's belief that no reform of the United Nations is complete without the composition of the Security Council changing to reflect the contemporary realities of the twenty-first century. This requires expansion in the membership of the Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. India is a member of the G4 [India, Brazil, Japan and Germany] and the L - 69, the grouping of developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America that have been at the forefront of inter-governmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council since 2009, India has relentlessly pursued this cause. The Indian delegation has affirmed that the process of bringing about UNSC reforms should not be seen as an exercise ad-infinitum and called for concrete outcomes on this subject at the earliest through the initiation of text-based negotiations. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu held delegation-level talks with President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and both Presidents discussed important aspects of the India-Serbia bilateral relationship. "President Droupadi Murmu held delegation-level talks with President @avucicof Serbia. Both the Presidents discussed important aspects of India-Serbia bilateral relationship and global and regional issues of common interest," the official handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted. Calling the relations between India and Serbia during the presser, "unique" since the days of the Non-Alignment Movement, the President said that the relationship between both countries is based on mutual trust, mutual understanding and support for each other on issues of core interest. We remain committed to injecting more ambition into this vital relationship, the President added. During the meeting, President Murmu and Serbian counterpart Vucic agreed to strengthen long-standing bilateral connections, particularly in trade and investment, research and technology (including information and digital technologies), and people-to-people interactions. Furthermore, President Murmu also thanked President Aleksandar Vucic and the people of Serbia for the warm welcome and hospitality. "I am delighted to visit Serbia, my first State Visit to any European country. I thank President Aleksandar Vucic and the people of Serbia for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me and my delegation," she said. On this occasion, I recall the visit of President Vucic to India in 2017, as the then Prime Minister of Serbia. His visit set the tone for further expansion of our bilateral partnership, President Murmu added, according to the official press statement. President Droupadi Murmu reached Belgrade, Serbia, earlier on Wednesday, in the final leg of her two-nation visit to Suriname and Serbia. The ongoing visit by President Murmu marks the first such visit by an Indian head of state to Serbia. In a special gesture, she was received by the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and accorded a guard of honour at the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade. From the airport, the President travelled to Gandijeva Street where he paid his respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. She also interacted with the diaspora and friends of India at a Community Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Sanjiv Kohli, in Belgrade on Wednesday. (ANI)
Russian soldiers shelled Kherson in "targeted strikes" during evacuation operations on Thursday, leaving at least one person dead and 8 others injured, Al Jazeera reported citing Ukraine's Prosecutor General. "The shelling began precisely during the evacuation of citizens whose homes were flooded," the Interior Ministry of Ukraine stated in a statement, according to Al Jazeera. "And it continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable - human lives," it added. Evacuation efforts are underway in Kherson after the Nova Kakhovka dam, the largest reservoir in Ukraine in terms of volume collapsed after an explosion this week. Kherson is located on the Dnipro River, approximately 60 kms (37 miles) downstream of the Kakhovka dam. Russia has already accused Ukrainian forces of shelling rescue personnel in Russian-occupied areas of the Kherson region. More than 1,500 people have been evacuated from flooded areas of the Kherson region in Ukraine after the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, CNN reported. CNN Digital is the world leader in online news and information and seeks to inform, engage and empower the world. By 11.30 am (local time), 1,548 individuals had been evacuated from Ukrainian-controlled flooded parts of the Kherson region, according to the State Emergency Services and National Police of Ukraine. There are worries about an ecological disaster following the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power plant on Tuesday in Ukraine. Residents downstream from the Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in Kherson were told to "do everything you can to save your life", according to the head of Ukraine's Kherson region military administration. The critical Nova Kakhovka dam is the largest reservoir in Ukraine in terms of volume. It's the last of the cascade of six Soviet-era dams on the Dnipro River, a major waterway running through southeastern Ukraine. There are multiple towns and cities downstream, including Kherson, a city of some 300,000 people, before Moscow's invasion of its neighbour, CNN reported. The Ukrainian military intelligence said an explosion occurred at 2.50 am (local time) on Tuesday, when "Russian terrorists carried out an internal explosion of the structures of the Kakhovka hydro-electric power plant." The Russian-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontiev, initially denied the dam had collapsed in an interview with Russian state media RIA Novosti, calling it "nonsense." He later confirmed the destruction of parts of the dam in what he called "a serious terrorist act" but said there was "no need to evacuate." The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected the accusations. In his regular call with journalists, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed the attack was "planned and carried out by order received from Kyiv, from the Kyiv regime," aiming to "deprive Crimea of water". The area around the dam has been one of the most heavily contested since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kherson, which sits on the right bank of the Dnipro River, was liberated by the Ukrainian military in November after eight months of Russian occupation. (ANI)
Indian Hajjis arriving from different states were received by the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan at the Hajj Terminal at Jeddah Airport on Thursday. "Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan, along with @CGIJeddah officials, visited the Haj Terminal at the Jeddah Airport. Ambassador received a number of Indian Hajjis coming from various states," the Indian Embassy in Riyadh tweeted. Yesterday, the envoy visited the Tent City of Mina and reviewed the ongoing preparations. Indian Haj Mission officials accompanied him. "Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan, accompanied by Indian Haj Mission officials, visited the Tent City of Mina and reviewed the ongoing preparations. Is it here, in Mina, that the Pilgrims stay for 5 days during the Core Haj Period and perform all the Haj rituals," tweeted the Embassy of India in Riyadh. India's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Suhel Khan also visited Mecca and took stock of facilities set up for Indian Hajj pilgrims on June 7. The Indian envoy also met with several Indian Hajj pilgrims who arrived from various states and reviewed the bus transportation facility for them. India in Saudi Arabia tweeted, "Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan visited Makkah and met with Indian Hajj pilgrims coming from various states. Ambassador also reviewed the bus transport arrangements for the Indian Hajj pilgrims." The Indian envoy, during his visit, also visited medical centres, branch offices and dispensaries in the city. "Three large medical centers with a total in-patient capacity of 90 beds and more than 15 other dispensaries have been set up in Makkah for the Indian pilgrims," tweeted India in Saudi Arabia. Notably, to ensure quality health support to Indian pilgrims, India's Ministry of Minority Affairs works in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for comprehensive health arrangements for pilgrims planning to visit Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage. Each year, Saudi Arabia hosts around 25 lakh to 30 lakh pilgrims from across the globe to visit Mecca and India sends the third largest contingent of Hajj pilgrims in the world. Such a large number of pilgrims also pose unique public health challenges, and the medical requirements of the pilgrims in Mecca, Medinah, and Jeddah must be well-cared for. While the number of pilgrims had shown a decreasing trend in the last three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year a larger number of Indian pilgrims are expected to visit Mecca. (ANI)
PM Modi also thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for his support during the evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan via Jeddah.

India had launched 'Operation Kaveri' to evacuate its nationals caught up in the Sudan crisis amid intense fighting between the army and a rival paramilitary force. Around 3,000 Indians were stuck in various parts of Sudan, including the capital Khartoum and in distant provinces like Darfur.

The operation involved the deployment of the Indian Navy's INS Sumedha, a stealth offshore patrol vessel, and two Indian Air Force C-130J special operations aircraft in Jeddah.

PM Modi also conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage, read the PMO release.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman fully supported India's ongoing G20 Presidency.

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. The 43 Heads of Delegations, the largest ever in G20, will be participating in the final New Delhi Summit in September next year.

The G20 is an informal grouping of 19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The G20 Presidency rotates annually: according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time.

"The two leaders agreed to remain in touch," added the release. (ANI)
India and New Zealand had their first Round Table Joint Meeting with industry organisations from both nations on Thursday in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by the additional secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, Rajesh Agarwal and the High Commissioner of New Zealand in India, David Pine, the official release of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said. Looking at the current level of bilateral commerce between the two nations, both sides recognised the enormous potential in the India-New Zealand alliance and the need for further economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest. It was a common understanding that there is a need to work beyond any free trade agreement and explore other areas where both can complement each other. The discussions also focused on taking forward the objectives of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC), formed under the Bilateral Trade Agreement of 1986, the official statement said. In a brief statement, the New Zealand High Commissioner emphasized the importance of joint efforts while keeping in mind the principles of mutual benefit, proportionality, enabling trade, and collaboration with private sectors. Some of the areas explored by him included the promotion of a Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system, carbon credit cooperation, economic cooperation through sectoral arrangements and working together on specific issues like the comprehensive proposal made by Zespri and prioritization of requests on non-tariff measures for bilateral gains to the businesses of both the sides. The High Commissioner also informed that India New Zealand Business Council has brought out a report in April 2023 on "India New Zealand -Relationship ready for next phase", reflecting feasible areas of cooperative activities for economic prosperity. He also emphasized increasing the air connectivity links between the two countries. According to the official statement, Rajesh Agarwal mentioned strengthening the existing institutional mechanism for improving bilateral trade and emphasized on creation of a structure for working on cooperation and collaboration issues. This could include establishing a working group at the Joint Secretary level to work on specific identified issues and once the ideas and the corresponding co-operative activities are concretized, the same can be scaled up and finalized during the Joint Trade Committee meeting. He stated that it would require a concerted effort from both sides and should take into account deliberations at G2G, B2B and G2B interactions. Rajesh Agarwal emphasized the need for a proactive operational framework for mutual benefit by creating working groups which would feed to the Joint Trade Committee with concrete ideas and the solution thereof. The Indian industry representative from services sectors like IT and ITeS, logistics and banking sector as well as manufacturing sectors namely food processing, pharmaceuticals, automobile, construction and power made useful interventions on the bilateral issues and the huge potential and ample opportunities available between both the economies which need to be nurtured through such interactions and actions thereof, the official press release stated. The industry and industry associations from the New Zealand side, while calling it a significant moment in the economic relationship between the two countries, emphasized the need to speed up the activities and continue the dialogue in a more structured way like the present one. Both sides were unanimous on the need for having more government-to-industry dialogues for concrete mutual benefits. (ANI)
After meeting a student, who returned from strife-torn Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said it will be beneficial for the students if the exams are conducted in India. Responding to media queries on the Centre's assistance to Indian students, who returned from Kyiv after the war broke out, the EAM said that they were always in touch with the Embassy. "I also met one of the students who returned from Ukraine, and he gave me feedback about how our Embassy supported them during tough times in Ukraine," Jaishankar told ANI. Apart from giving feedback, the student urged to go back and complete his studies, Jaishankar said. "I met a student who returned from Ukraine. He wanted to go back and complete his studies there but the situation in Ukraine is not under control yet. It will be beneficial for the students if the exams are conducted in India. They were always in touch with the Embassy....supported them a lot during difficult times," Jaishankar told reporters on Thursday. He later met the victims of the 1984 riots as well. Speaking to ANI, the EAM said, "We heard the problems of the victims of 1984 riots. Some of them were saying that their electricity bills are very high .... which of course are their day to day problems. So, we assured them that all their problems will be addressed." Earlier, in April this year, Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova conveyed to India during her visit that Indian medical students, who had returned to New Delhi following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will be allowed to take a key examination from India. According to the official release of the Ministry of External Affairs, Emine Dzhaparova held talks with the Indian side on several issues. Regarding the Indian medical students, the Deputy FM mentioned that Ukraine will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile. Thousands of Indian medical students were left stranded, with their future hanging in the balance, after Russia attacked Ukraine at the end of February 2022. Several of them were evacuated from Ukraine to India. (ANI)
Cambridge - Nicholas.T.Ansell/PA

The University of Cambridge is among almost a dozen UK universities accused of helping to develop Irans weapons including suicide drones.

Britain bans the export of military technology to Iran as well as dual use technology which can be used for both civilian and military applications.

The Government has also recently imposed fresh sanctions on Iranians supplying Russia with kamikaze drones being used in Ukraine.

However, an investigation has revealed that researchers in the UK have helped the Iranian regime to develop sophisticated technology that can be used in its drone programme and fighter jets.

In response to the findings, reported by The Jewish Chronicle, MPs have called for ministers to launch an investigation into how the academic research was carried out as the Government said that Britain would not accept collaborations which compromise our national security.

Studies have potential military applications

At least 11 British universities are involved, with staff producing at least 16 studies with potential Iranian military applications.

Key pieces of research have been conducted by academics at the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow, Cranfield University and Northumbria University.

In one project, funded by Tehran, researchers in the UK worked to improve drone engines by boosting their altitude, speed and range. Another British university worked with Iranian researchers to test new controls for jet engines to increase their manoeuvrability and response time in military applications.

Alicia Kearns, chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, said she would be calling for an inquiry into the horrifying collaboration  one that I fear risks breaching sanctions in place around sensitive and dual-use technologies.

It is quite possible these collaborations are assisting in the gender apartheid within Iran, and its hostile interference and violence across the Middle East or even helping to massacre civilians in Ukraine, she added.

David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, also called for an investigation into the deeply troubling findings, calling on the Government to urgently investigate whether or not UK universities and academics have breached UK sanctions on Iran regarding collaboration on military technologies.

Among the key pieces of UK-Iran research uncovered by the investigation was one jointly produced by Ahmad Najjaran Kheirabadi, a researcher at Imperial College London, and scientists from Shahrood University of Technology and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.

The research analysed upgrading the engines used to power drones including HESA Shahed 136, which is currently being used by Russia to attack Ukrainian targets.

The UK-Iran projects were supported by Irans ministry of science, research and technology. Kamran Daneshjoo, a former minister in the department, and Mohammad Nouri the current deputy minister, are both on the UK sanctions list.

Iran has also worked with Cranfield University near Bedford, which has a strategic partnership with the RAF, and specialises in engineering, aerospace and science. Academics there have co-authored papers which acknowledge a military application.

In a joint 2021 study between Cranfield University and the Iranian University of Science and Technology, it examined the military applications of advanced systems known as fuzzy controllers in turbojet engines.

Tehrans Shahid Beheshti University has been on the UK sanctions list since May 2011. However, one paper unearthed by the investigation concerned the development of electronic devices using superconductors and graphene which, the paper said, could be used in next-generation wireless communications and security.

The authors included Samane Kalhor, now a researcher at the University of Glasgow, who received her doctorate from Shahid Beheshti; Majid Ghaantshoar, who is still based at the Iranian institution; and several others from the University of Cambridge.

The calls for an investigation come as the Government is under mounting pressure to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which controls Irans drone and missile arsenal, as a terrorist organisation.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army colonel and chemical weapons expert, said: I can think of no reason that any British universities should do any research with Iranian universities and if they are collaborating on projects with military applications I am nearly speechless.

I assume that government security services and other departments will be fully investigating these claims and acting accordingly if there is substance in these accusations.

Cambridge University did not respond to a request for comment.

Robust approach to collaborations

A spokesman for Cranfield University said: In an increasingly complex global operating environment, Cranfield University takes a thorough and robust approach to international collaborations and the security of our research.

We review our security policies and processes on a continual basis to ensure that research activities fully comply with guidelines and legal obligations.

A Northumbria University spokesman said: In line with our processes to mitigate risks for research projects, we are looking into the information provided to us. To ensure fairness and consistency it will take time to undertake a thorough assessment, so it would be premature to comment further at this stage.

An Imperial spokesman said: All Imperial research is subject to Imperials ethics code and we have robust relationship review policies and due diligence processes in place, with our responsibility to UK national security given the utmost importance.

A Spokesman for Glasgow University told the Jewish Chronicle: Research teams work in collaboration with academics, institutions and organisations from a broad spectrum of global sectors.

All research carried out at the University of Glasgow is underpinned by polices and a code of good practice that ensures it is conducted to the highest standards of academic rigour.

A UK Government spokesman said: We will not accept collaborations which compromise our national security. We have made our systems more robust and expanded the scope of the Academic Technology Approval Scheme to protect UK research from ever-changing global threats, and refuse applications where we have concerns.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Whether your front door opens into a grand, classical entryway (dreams!) or right onto the dark corner of the kitchen (reality), the entryway will be the first place your guests see in your home. It will also be the first spot that greets you after work in the evening. To make the most of even the smallest of entryways, designers generally advise incorporating a functional furniture piece into the mix. We always encourage clients to have at least one piece with storage in an entryway, particularly if its the primary access to the house, explains designer Zoe Feldman of Zoe Feldman Design in Washington, DC. However, there are plenty of ways to think outside the box a bit should your entryway majorly lack square footage. Discover 13 small entryway ideas that will make a great first impression, even if all you have is a blank wall by the door.

Look to the ceiling

Photo: Blane Jonathan Photography

For this immediately eye-catching entryway, black accents take the eye upward. In order to make a dramatic, high-impact first impression, we designed this entryway with an asymmetrical wall and ceiling detail made from flat stock and stained in a deep ebony. The end result is a perfectly balanced, interesting, and welcoming entry into the home, says Morgan Bratcher, lead designer at Design West.

Find a mail sorter

One of the biggest entryway pains has to be the ever-expanding pile of mail youre confronted with, which is why a handy-dandy sorter is such a good idea. Feldman selected a vintage piece from Chairish to provide quick access to keys, gloves, and mail without cluttering the space, she explains. It looks like it was made for that room. The slim legs keep it from feeling too heavy.

Define the space using a rug

Photo: Paige Rumore

Especially if youre dealing with a foyer thats really just the wall of another room, setting down a rug in that area will make it feel like a unified, separate entryway. Why not introduce a one-of-a-kind option into your space by going the vintage route? Designers share tips on how to source a winning piece.

Hang a floating shelf

A floating shelf is perfect for dropping your keys and stacking mail without taking up any floor space at all. Make like designer Jennifer Acito of Ridgewood, New Jerseys Dama&Wood and install a custom piece. Acito purchased hers via Etsy. My family loves having a small catchall by the front door and I love having a good styling moment during the four seasons, she explains.

Say yes to a statement lighting fixture

Photo: Jenifer McNeil Baker

Why settle for bland entryway lighting when you can go big and hang a piece that has some personality? As designer Phillip Thomas once told us, A large light fixture can make a room feel larger and taller. An updated flush mount in a funky shape or modern chandelier also makes a memorableand brightfirst impression.

Pull up a small chair or bench

Even a wee bench pressed up against the wall by the door will suffice. Los Angeles content creator Katie Falbo of Highboy LA thrifted her midcentury-inspired wood bench and originally used it as a plant stand before it made its way to the entryway. We wanted a place to sit down when putting on our shoes, Falbo shares. Its super helpful in getting out the door faster or to use as an additional surface for groceries, packages, etc.

Mount wall hooks

Having a hook for your guests outerwearand, okay, your own sopping-wet raincoatwill make them feel as if youve actually designed the space with their arrival in mind. Just take the time to find the stud before mounting them; you dont want these falling off the wall when you pile on the coats! Hooks are ideal in every entry in my opinion, but an absolute must in a smaller space, says Megan Hopp of Megan Hopp Design in Alexandria, Virginia. The great thing about hooks is that they fill a space with a nice little dose of dimension and as such have visual value, whether or not they are in use.

Paint the door a bold color

Its time to give your interior doors some love. Dont ignore your doors, urges content creator Meg Baker of Baker Blooms. They can make such a huge impact, especially in a small space. Baker, whos based in Cumming, Georgia, painted the interior facing side of her own front door with Glidden Shebang. Using an unexpected color adds interest and draws the eye which can help make a space cozier and more inviting, she says. Green is such an inviting, hopeful color, and I love how it completely transformed this usually boring space into a pretty focal point.

Add a small console table

Photo: Carmel Brantley for Caitlin Kah

Consider placing a petite table or chest in the entry. Bonus points if you have a cute nook to utilize. A stairwell is a perfect place to squeeze in a sweet desk or console so someone can tuck under to write a quick email or a little love note, notes designer Caitlin Kah of Caitlin Kah Interiors in Palm Beach, Florida.

Bring in extra storage

Perhaps the most practical of our small entryway ideas: If you find the floor near your front door cluttered with shoes, bags, and umbrellas, reclaim the space with furniture specifically suited to holding those items. Content creator Medina Grillo of Grillo Designs in England transformed an IKEA Ivar cabinet into an entryway storage solution and jazzed it up with cane webbing and additional baskets below. Adding this Ivar sideboard with baskets has made this narrow entrance feel a lot more functional to us as a family, Grillo shares.

Try a wall covering

If youre like content creator Cassie Bustamante and are unable to fit much furniture in your entryway, why not design the walls to make an impression instead? The walls provide a great opportunity to make a statement while having fun, Bustamante comments. Using a star stencil and some paintSherwin Williams Greenblack, to be exactshe went to town to customize the entryway of her home in Greensboro, North Carolina. Black and white accents are consistent throughout my home, so this little entry sets the tone with a dash of magic while being cohesive with the rest of the house, Bustamante shares. Ive always admired high contrast and appreciate lightness because of darkness. I also love anything to do with the starsI am a sun sign, after all.

Hang a mirror

Photo: Life Created

A mirror by the front door isnt just for checking your outfit on your way out the door. It can also help make the space feel bigger and brighter, which is especially helpful if your entrance is far from natural light. Craft a piece that perfectly suits your style; these six projects are sure to inspire.

Bring in plant friends

Add some life to your entry with a plant or two (or three! or four!). I wanted to include plants in the entryway because I think the plants make our entryway feel cozy, homey, and comforting, says LeeAnne Mullins, the Halifax, Nova Scotia, content creator behind Life With LeeAnne. When people enter our home, I want them to feel as though this is a welcoming place filled with life and good energy. Plus, Mullins says, she never forgets to take care of her green friends now that theyre located in such a central spot. I am typically a bad plant parent, but seeing them by the door every time I come home reminds me to water them! Its a win-win.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

More Great Stories From AD It Yourself
16-year-old drowning victim tried to help child who was struggling in ocean, coroner says

A 16-year-old boy who drowned Tuesday at Huntington Beach State Park was trying to help another child struggling in the ocean, according to the Georgetown County Coroners Office.

TreSean Snow, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was visiting the state park in Murrells Inlet with friends when he noticed another child struggling on a body board, Coroner Chase Ridgeway said in a Facebook post Thursday.

In an attempt to help the other child, Snow was overtaken by the current and subsequently drowned, the coroner said. He was transported to Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Midway Fire Rescue responded to the accident, according to the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office.

Midway Fire Chief Brent McClellan said Wednesday that rescue crews were called at 3:41 p.m. to the park and EMS began efforts to save Snow.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources also responded to the accident, but recovery of the teenager had already been made by the time officers arrived and CPR was being administered, according to Greg Lucas with the SCDNR. Because there wasnt a boat involved, it is not a SCDNR case, Lucas said by text.
[Source]

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price dropped the special circumstances of the murder charges against the two remaining shooters of the shootout that led to the death of Bay Area toddler Jasper Wu.

Key details: While Ivory Bivens, 24, and Trevor Green, 22, will no longer face the possibility of a death sentence or life without parole if convicted, the two men are still facing 265 years to life in prison and 175 years to life in prison, respectively.

Price announced this without explaining the reason behind the case development, according to KTVU.

More from NextShark: SF restaurant owner frustrated after city fines him because of constant graffiti on his business

We will continue to hold these men accountable for these serious charges that will likely land them behind bars for the rest of their lives," Price said in a statement released by her office.

Their charges: Prices predecessor, former District Attorney Nancy O'Malley, charged the two remaining shooters with murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle and possession of a firearm by a felon. They also received enhancements to their charges.

What the dropped enhancement is about: Prosecutors can reportedly pursue the special circumstances enhancement under the California Penal Code Section 190.2 under certain conditions, including the suspect intentionally murdering a witness to a crime.

More from NextShark: Andrew Yangs Presidential Campaign Had a Toxic Bro Culture That Drove Women to Therapy, Report Says

What the defense is saying: Ernie Castillo, Bivens attorney, noted in a statement to The Mercury News that it is evident Price would still pursue the gun and gang enhancements after dropping the special circumstances.

Castillo said they will challenge the legality of the gang enhancements" and, if needed, "take this case to trial and establish Mr. Bivens lack of involvement in this case.

The shooting: Jasper Wu, a 23-month-old toddler, was killed by a stray bullet while he and his family were driving on Interstate 880 in Oakland in November 2021.

More from NextShark: High School Valedictorian Speaks Out On Racism From Students AND Teachers in Speech

Arrested shooters: Three people were arrested following the incident: Bivens, Green and Johnny Jackson Jr., 28.

Jacksons murder charge was dropped in May. He is now only facing one felony charge: possession of a firearm.

More from NextShark: Vietnamese refugee Thu Nguyen makes history as first nonbinary city council member in Massachusetts
Product Shot Image



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Reese Witherspoon has evolved from our favorite girl-next-door in iconic romcoms like Sweet Home Alabama and Legally Blonde to a bonafide businesswoman at the helm of multiple different companies. These include her fashion boutique Draper James, her production company Hello Sunshine, and of course, Reeses Book Club.

Following in the footsteps of book club legends like Oprah, Witherspoon follows a similar format and selects books shes passionate about with her club members on a regular basis. She launched it in 2017 and has successfully become a leading authority in the book club space, selecting titles that empower women.

From thought-provoking memoirs and gripping thrillers to heartfelt coming-of-age tales, the book club's selections encompass a wide range of genres and themes, ensuring there's something for every reader. Many of the chosen books have been adapted into successful films and television series, further amplifying their impact on popular culture. Read on for our top 20 picks of the best of Reese Witherspoons book club books.

'Daisy Jones & The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Reeses Book Club put Daisy Jones & The Six on the map. Witherspoon herself said, I devoured Daisy Jones & The Six in a day, falling head over heels for it. Daisy and the band captured my heart.

The book tells the story of an iconic 1970s rock group, their whirlwind rise to fame, and the consequences that came with it. This hugely popular novel is also now a show on Amazon Prime.

More: The Best Books from Oprahs Book Club

Shop Now 'Daisy Jones & The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid $23.99 amazon.com

'Untamed' by Glennon Doyle

This powerful memoir explores Glennon Doyles journey toward self-discovery. It details her story from living on autopilot to boldly choosing a life worth living. Beyond its impact as a creative and unique memoir, it also serves as an inspiring piece that aims to motivate the audience to follow in the footsteps of Doyle and embrace their own untamed spirit.

Shop Now 'Untamed' by Glennon Doyle $13.52 amazon.com

'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar' by Cheryl Strayed

This tenth-anniversary edition of Cheryl Strayeds highly-rated Tiny Beautiful Things is one of our favorites on the Reeses Book Club books list.

It was born originally from her online column at The Rumpus (and now from her popular Substack newsletter). She gives advice under the pseudonym Dear Sugar and this book is a compilation of the best to bring her wisdom to even more readers.

Shop Now 'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar' by Cheryl Strayed $11.52 amazon.com

'Our Missing Hearts' by Celeste Ng

An Editors Pick in Best Literature & Fiction on Amazon, Our Missing Hearts: A Novel has also won countless awards from publications like The New York Times, People, Time, and more.

Shop Now 'Our Missing Hearts' by Celeste Ng $15.19 amazon.com

'The Christie Affair' by Nina de Gramont

Immerse yourself in the thrilling pages of this gripping mystery novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its an Amazon Editors pick in Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense for a reason: Agatha Christie herself is involved in this book this time as a character, not as the author.

As suspected, a web of deception, secrets, and unexpected twists follow. Its a must-read for fans of suspense.

Shop Now 'The Christie Affair' by Nina de Gramont $11.50 amazon.com

'Anatomy' by Dana Schwartz

"Anatomy of a Love Story" is a poignant tale that explores the complexities of relationships and the human heart. The author takes you on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery, unraveling the intricacies of romantic connections. This emotionally resonant novel will leave you reflecting on the power of love and the vulnerability of the human spirit.

Shop Now 'Anatomy' by Dana Schwartz $10.39 amazon.com

'Lucky' by Marissa Stapley

This captivating novel weaves together the lives of its compelling characters in a tale of destiny and second chances. Set in a charming small town, Lucky explores themes of love, hope, and the power of serendipity. With its heartwarming narrative and characters, its is a delightful read that will lift your spirits.

Shop Now 'Lucky' by Marissa Stapley $12.16 amazon.com

'The Last Thing He Told Me' by Laura Dave

Prepare for a gripping journey in "The Last Thing He Told Me," a suspenseful novel thats also a show on Apple+. Join main character Hannah as she unravels a mysterious disappearance, following a trail of clues that lead to shocking revelations. Packed with twists and turns, this novel is a testament to the author's mastery of suspense.

Shop Now 'The Last Thing He Told Me' by Laura Dave $15.81 amazon.com

'Seven Days in June' by Tia Williams

"Seven Days in June" is a tender romance novel about a single mom and bestselling erotica author named Eva Mercy. The book tells the tale of Eva and her former lover Shane. These two flames reunite after years apart and their lives end up intertwining in unexpected ways.

Shop Now 'Seven Days in June' by Tia Williams $16.99 amazon.com

The Paper Palace: A Novel

Both tender and devastating, "The Paper Palace" is a novel that intertwines family secrets, love affairs, and memories. Set within a picturesque summer retreat, this book follows the protagonist as she grapples with life-altering choices and confronts the ghosts of her past. Its an exploration of love, loyalty, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Shop Now The Paper Palace: A Novel $12.78 amazon.com

'Firekeeper's Daughter' by Angeline Boulley

This coming-of-age tale delves into themes of identity, culture, and the pursuit of justice. Follow the journey of a young Native American as she uncovers a web of dark secrets in her community, confronting both external and internal battles along the way. With its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking narrative, this book sheds light on the complexities of contemporary Indigenous experiences.

Shop Now 'Firekeeper's Daughter' by Angeline Boulley $10.23 amazon.com

'The Sanatorium' by Sarah Pearse

This haunting thriller is set in the depths of the Swiss Alps. It follows Elin Warner as she unravels a sinister mystery surrounding an isolated hotel turned sanatorium, where dark secrets and hidden dangers lurk within its walls. With its atmospheric setting and spine-tingling suspense, this book will keep you guessing.

Shop Now 'The Sanatorium' by Sarah Pearse $14.35 amazon.com

'The Light in Hidden Places' by Sharon Cameron

A gripping true story, "The Light in Hidden Places" is a remarkable historical novel based on the extraordinary life of Stefania Podgorska. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book follows her courageous journey as she risks her own life to save 13 Jewish people from the Nazis. With its powerful portrayal of resilience and humanity, this tale shines a light on the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Shop Now 'The Light in Hidden Places' by Sharon Cameron $11.26 amazon.com

'His Only Wife' by Peace Adzo Medie

"His Only Wife" explores themes of love, tradition, and marriage in contemporary Ghana. It tells the story of Afi, a young woman thrust into an arranged marriage with a wealthy man. She must navigate societal expectations and ultimately discovers her own voice. With its rich cultural backdrop, this book offers a unique perspective on love and independence.

Shop Now 'His Only Wife' by Peace Adzo Medie $15.12 amazon.com

'The Last Story of Mina Lee' by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

This heartfelt novel centers around family and the immigrant experience. Through alternating timelines, this book unravels the interconnected stories of a mother and daughter, revealing the secrets that have shaped their lives. The Last Story of Mina Lee is a captivating tale of love, loss, and the search for belonging.

Shop Now 'The Last Story of Mina Lee' by Nancy Jooyoun Kim $14.72 amazon.com

'You Should See Me in a Crown' by Leah Johnson

A charming Young Adult novel on Reese Witherspoons list, You Should See Me in a Crown" combines romance and the pursuit of dreams. Its about Liz Lighty, an ambitious protagonist who enters a high-stakes competition to win a scholarship and change her life. With its heartwarming storyline and themes of empowerment, this book is a feel-good read.

Shop Now 'You Should See Me in a Crown' by Leah Johnson $10.06 amazon.com

'I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness' by Austin Channing Brown

Another one of Reeses Book Club books we love is Im Still Here. Its a powerful memoir that delves into the realities of racism and identity.

With raw honesty and compelling insights, the author shares her personal experiences as a Black woman in predominantly white spaces, offering a candid critique of systemic injustice alongside a hopeful vision for change. This book is a vital contribution to the ongoing conversation on race and social justice.

Shop Now 'I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness' by Austin Channing Brown $9.33 amazon.com

'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley

This pick takes place during a remote island wedding where secrets, lies, and betrayal abound. As the festivities turn sinister, each guest on The Guest List becomes a suspect. Its clever plot twists and cast of intriguing characters landed it on our top picks of Reese Witherspoons favorite books.

Shop Now 'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley $14.68 amazon.com

'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah

A historical novel that takes place during World War II, The Nightingale follows the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who face unimaginable challenges as they navigate love and loss in war-torn France. Its a testament to the unbreakable bonds of family and the extraordinary power of women, even in dire situations.

Shop Now 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah $9.40 amazon.com

'The House in the Pines' by Ana Reyes

The House in the Pines is every bit as creepy as youd think with a title like that. This chilling novel explores the dark secrets and supernatural occurrences that surround an enigmatic mansion. As the characters discover the mysteries within its walls, a hidden history of tragedy and horror is uncovered.

Shop Now 'The House in the Pines' by Ana Reyes $15.49 amazon.com

You Might Also Like
WASHINGTONFormer Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday distanced himself from his old boss behavior as well as on at least one policy of the Trump-Pence administration during a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa.

Fielding questions from both Iowa voters and CNNs Dana Bash hours after launching his 2024 presidential bid, Pence veered back and forth from calling Donald Trump disqualified from the White House, to saying he shouldnt be indicted, to declining to say if he would pardon Trump if he is indicted.

Pence also tried to set himself apart from both Trump and other hopefuls by emphasizing his conservative positions on abortion, transgender care, Social Security, TikTok and other issues.

Here are the highlights.

Former Vice President Mike Pence high fives a fan as he and former second lady Karen Pence take the stage for his presidential campaign kickoff in Ankeny, Iowa, on June 7, 2023.

Pence hopes no indictment of Trump, mum on pardon

Pence said indicting Trump for his handling of classified records after leaving office would send a terrible message to the wider world from the symbol of justice to other countries.

I hope the DOJ thinks better of it and resolves these issues without an indictment, Pence said. I would just hope that there would be a way for them to move forward without the dramatic and drastic and divisive step of indicting a former president of the United States.

Pence declined to answer when asked whether he would pardon Trump.

I dont want to speak about hypotheticals, Pence said. Im not sure Im going to be elected president of the United States, he added to laughter.

The former vice president was definitive, however, when asked if he shared Trumps stated inclination to pardon those who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6.

I have no interest or no intention of pardoning those that assaulted police officers or vandalized our Capitol, Pence said. They need to be answerable to the law.

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to supporters as he formally announces, on June 7, 2023, his bid of the GOP nomination for president.

Pence will support GOP nominee - because he says it won't be Trump

To participate in the GOP primary debates, Pence has to pledge that he will support the eventual nominee. Hes said he will do that  but hes also said Trump is disqualified from being president for pushing Pence to ignore the Constitution on Jan. 6.

When the president asserted that I had the right to overturn the election, I said today that I felt he was asking me to choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution and I always will, Pence said. I said today: President Trump was wrong then, hes wrong now.

How does he square that?

I don't think my old running mate is going to be the Republican nominee for president and I'm very confident, very confident, that Ill be able to support the Republican nominee, Pence said. And I hope it's me.

'Just wait' Pence says to transgender youths

Defending his position that states should be able to ban those under 18 from receiving gender-affirming care, Pence said states have an obligation to protect peoples health and well being.

Theres a reason why you dont let kids get a tattoo before theyre 18, Pence said. At a minimum, we've got to make sure we protect kids from making decisions that permanently alter their bodies and permanently set their lives on a difficult path.

Despite his belief for parental rights, Pence said his position is the same even if parents support their transgender childs choice.

Asked what he would say to a transgender teenager and their family who feels Pence is targeting them, Pence said he would put his arm around them and say he loves everyone.

But before they had a chemical or surgical procedure, I would say wait, he said. Just wait. Just wait.

Before the town hall, Pence told the Des Moines Register he would support a national ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Pence wants to change Social Security

Pence left open the door to changing the eligibility for Social Security as part of his tough talk on the need to tackle the nations growing debt.

Unlike Trump, who has said Republicans shouldnt touch Social Security and Medicare, Pence argues the popular entitlement programs have to be changed because theyre big drivers of the debt.

Asked if he would raise the retirement age for Social Security, Pence said there could be a change in eligibility and younger Americans could be allowed to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes in a private account.

Unlike Trump, Pence rules out bringing back family separation at border

In another difference with his former boss, Pence said he would not bring back the policy of separating migrant families at the border. Trump recently defended that practice, calling it an effective deterrent and not ruling out doing it again if he returns to the White House.

Pence did embrace other aspects of the last administrations border policy. He called for finishing the border wall, requiring migrants seeking asylum to remain in Mexico until their U.S. immigration court date, and bringing back Title 42, a Trump-era pandemic policy that allowed the federal government to rapidly expel migrants.

Pence wants to ban TikTok

Pence called for getting rid of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media app, calling it incompatible with both the privacy and the security of the United States.

They're collecting your personal information. And everything Tik Tok gets the Chinese Communist government has access to it, he said. It shouldnt just be banned from our government institutions. It should be banned from this country. Period.

Pence said he's always supported exceptions for abortion bans

Pence who arguably has the strongest pro-life credentials in the field, emphasized that his fight for the babies was his motivating reason for making his first bid for office.

He said he wont rest or relent until we restore the sanctity of life to the center of American law in every state in the country.

Asked if a federal abortion ban, which he backs, should include exceptions for rape and incest and the life of the mother, Pence said those are exceptions hes always supported.

Contributing: Bart Jansen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Pence town hall: Former VP talks Trump, Social Security and more
At least 20 teenagers from a church summer camp visiting Surfside Beach, Texas, were injured when an elevated boardwalk collapsed, authorities said.

The Bayou City Fellowship group was at Stahlman Park around 1 p.m. local time when the walkway suddenly gave way. Five teens were airlifted by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, and six were taken by ambulance to local area hospitals, a spokesperson for Brazoria County said in a news release. Nine more people were taken to hospitals by private vehicle.

There were no life-threatening injuries reported, the spokesperson said.

Church group members ranging in age from 14-18 years old were visiting from Cypress, Tomball and Spring Branch, Texas.

Surfside Beach is a small city on the Gulf of Mexico about 60 miles south of downtown Houston, CBS Texas reported.

Trump to be arraigned in Miami in classified documents investigation

Trump has been indicted in classified documents probe, CBS News confirms

Trump says he has been indicted in probe over handling of sensitive government documents
Massive fish pestilence occurs in Maryanske, Dnipropetrovs'k region, as a result of Russians' explosion of Kakhovka HPP

Read also: Drone footage shows ruins of Kakhovka dam, flooded areas two days after Russian attack

Over 28,000 crucian carp weighing more than 850 kilograms were discovered.

Representatives of the State Fisheries Agency visited the village in the Zelenodolsk territorial community, assessing that 28,000 carp had died, Lysak said.

"The experts have never seen anything like this before," emphasized Lysak.

"The coastline has already been cleared of the dead fish and they have been properly disposed of. This is ecocide, and the adversary will be held accountable."

Losses to the fishing industry from fully grown fish alone could reach 95,000 tons, estimated at UAH 4 billion ($108 million), the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine said.

Citizens should not collect or consume any fish that washed ashore due to the risk of botulism, Ukraines Ministry of Health warned. Storing the dead fish is also prohibited.

Read also: Russia destroyed Kakhovka dam in despair, Estonian brigadier general says

Nova Kakhovka dam breach  what is known

During the night of June 6, Russian forces, which have occupied the town of Nova Kakhovka for over a year, blew up the dam, completely or partially flooding downstream cities and towns along the Dnipro River, including the reginal capital of Kherson, Ukrainian authorities say.

The evacuation of citizens in the affected areas on the right (west) bank of the Dnipro River has been ongoing throughout the night. Meanwhile, a humanitarian disaster is underway on the east bank, which is under Russian occupation and suffered a great deal more due to its lower elevation.

Read also: EU sends aid to Ukraine to tackle consequences of Kakhovka dam breach

At an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the evacuation of at-risk areas and the provision of drinking water to towns and villages served by the affected Kakhovka Reservoir.

The Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant is completely destroyed, with no possibility of repair, Ukrainian state hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo said. While the dam was not fully destroyed, it has suffered significant damage, the militarys South Command said.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office has opened an investigation on the incident under the charge of ecocide.

Read also: Average flooding exceeds 5.5 meters, Zelenskyy arrives in Kherson Oblast

President Zelenskyy called Russia's attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades.

Ukraines Defense Intelligence said that the Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant increases the threat of a nuclear disaster.

Read also: Russians retreat up to 15 km from Dnipro River after Kakhovka dam destruction

According to the Interior Ministry, a total of 20 settlements on the west bank of the Dnipro River have been flooded, and more than 1,900 people have been evacuated. In the Korabel district of Kherson city, more than 1,800 buildings are flooded.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Tupacs sister, Sekyiwa Set Shakur, accepted the honor on his behalf.

Tupac Shakur, known best as 2Pac, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The honor comes nearly 27 years after his death.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday, with Shakurs sister, Sekyiwa Set Shakur, accepting the honor on his behalf, according to Entertainment Weekly. Radio personality Big Boy hosted the event, celebrating the departed superstar.

Set addressed the crowd, saying that her brother had dreamed of having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since his days performing at Harlems Apollo Theater at age 13.

Sekyiwa Set Shakur poses with the star during the ceremony honoring Tupac Shakur with a posthumous Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 7, 2023, in Hollywood. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Today, were not just honoring a star in the ground, but were honoring the work and the passion that hes put into making his dreams come true, Set said. His heavenly star will shine a little brighter today. And once again, he has made us all extremely proud.

Film director Allen Hughes was also on hand for the occasion, according to The Los Angeles Times. Hughes collaborated with 2Pac on some of his music videos, including Brendas Got a Baby. He recently directed the 2023 Hulu documentary, Dear Mama, chronicling the parallel lives of 2Pac and his mother, the late Afeni Shakur.

Hughes said hes pleased that 2Pac received a star, even after his death, cause that lives on forever. Rapper YG, producer DJ Quik and comedian-actor Mike Epps also attended the ceremony, the Time reports.

2Pac was celebrated as a talented and polarizing entertainer. He was one of the best rappers of his generation, with hits like I Get Around, California Love, and Keep Ya Head Up. Shakur was also an accomplished actor, starring in films like Juice, Above the Rim and Poetic Justice.

He was killed in 1996 at 25.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post 2Pac receives posthumous star on Hollywood Walk of Fame appeared first on TheGrio.
PARIS  An attacker with a knife stabbed four young children and two adults in a French alpine town Thursday before being arrested, police said.

Police said the children were as young as 3 and that three of the injured  two children and an adult  were in a serious condition. Two other children were "slightly hurt," police said.

President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet that the suspect had carried out "an attack of cowardice" and said those injured were "between life and death."

France Knife Attack in Annecy (AFP - Getty Images)

Lawmakers in the French Parliament interrupted a debate to hold a minutes silence following news of the attack.

A group of school children were on a supervised trip to Lake Annecy in the country's south when the attack happened at 9.45 a.m. local time (3:45 a.m. ET), the French National Police said.

Police said the attack took place in Le Paquier d'Annecy, a park on the north side of the lake, which has a children's play area and spectacular views across the lake and surrounding mountains.

Officials initially gave a higher count of those injured, but later revised the tally down.

A man armed with a knife attacked a group of children aged around three years old as they played in a park near the lake in the town at around 9:45 am local time. (Olivier Chassignole / AFP - Getty Images)

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a tweet that the suspect "was arrested thanks to the very rapid intervention of the police."

Annecy Mayor Francois Astorg called the attack "appalling" and said there would be a news conference later.

The suspect is a 31-year-old of Syrian origin but a motive was unclear, police said.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates soon.

Nancy Ing reported from Paris, and Patrick Smith reported from London.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
These 4 popular California beaches are just a drive from Sacramento. Heres how to get there

One of the perks of living in Northern California is having access to both mountain ranges and miles of sunny coastal beaches. Sacramento is conveniently located about in driving distance of both.

A day trip west from Sacramento can get you coastal access to stunning California beach towns, that each have a unique draw.

Below are four beach towns in driving distance (three hours) from Sacramento you could visit this summer:

Please note travel times may change depending on traffic and delays. Auto-updating Google Maps are embedded below each destination, where you can see real-time traffic expectations.

Stinson Beach in Marin County

Just outside San Francisco i n Marin County youll find Stinson Beach . The white sand coastline makes it a big drawing point for Northern California residents. In the summer months, youll find a snack bar open by the main lifeguard tower. The trip to Stinson can be a day trip, or you can stay at one of the quaint bed and breakfast locations along the coast. If you have time in your itinerary, the Muir Woods National Monument is nearby, where you can admire the redwoods . The beach is open year round and the entrance gates open at 9 a.m. Closing times vary depending on the season. Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours to arrive at Stinson Beach, according to Google Maps. The quickest route requires you to take Interstate 80 West.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California.

Popular for its surf culture, Santa Cruz has plenty of beaches where you can cool down over the summer months. The laid-back town has 29 miles of scenic coastlines and more 14 state parks and beaches, according to Santa Cruz County website. Visiting Santa Cruz can be a quick day trip or can turn into a fun weekend getaway.



Below are some beaches to check out for those looking to enjoy the summer sun, according to Santa Cruz County:

Davenport

Natural Bridges State Beach

Sunset State Beach

Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to arrive to Santa Cruz, according to Google Maps. The quickest route requires you to take Interstate 80 West to Interstate 880 south.





Bodega Bay

The National Audubon Society has called Bodega Head, seen in February 2013, one the nations top birding spots. Nearby Bodega Bay was a key location in the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds.

Tucked away on Californias rocky northern coast, just west of Sonoma, is the quaint beach town of Bodega Bay. The quiet fishing town is popular for its seafood selection, specifically its oysters. Aside from delicious seafood, there are also beaches to explore, hike and take in wildlife.

Below are some beaches to visit, according to the Bodega Bay visitor website:

Salmon Creek

Goat Rock

Portuguese Beach

Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours, according to Google Maps. The quickest route requires you to take Interstate 80 West.

Half Moon Bay

This California coastal town has one of the largest beach areas in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to the Half Moon Bay website. Those who visit will have plenty of beaches to choose from and there are outdoor activities as well if youre looking to make your trip longer.

Below are some beaches to visit, according to Half Moon Bay:

Half Moon Bay Sate Beach

Poplar Beach

Surfers Beach

Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours to get to Half Moon Bay, according to Google Maps. The fastest route requires you to get on Interstate 80 West.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
Flooded cemetery in Jakarta Afriadi Hikmal / NurPhoto via Getty Images

The consequences of climate change are rapidly becoming more prevalent worldwide, impacting millions of people. While the world is attempting to mitigate and curb further climate destruction, some regions are already experiencing the repercussions and adapting to a new normal.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the first countries to consider drastic measures to combat impending climate change. The country's capital, Jakarta, has been sinking with 40% of the capital lying below sea level, per The New York Times. Because of this, the city has faced severe flooding, especially as climate change is causing higher sea levels. "Over the years, Jakarta has grown uncontrollably into a megacity with no environmental support system," Hendricus Andy Simarmata, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia, told National Geographic.

So what does the government have planned? Moving and rebuilding the capital in its entirety. Indonesia wants to establish a new capital city on the island of Borneo called Nusantara. Jakarta Gov. Joko Widodo asserted the new city would be a "green metropolis run on renewable energy," according to the Times. "We want to build a new Indonesia," he said. "This is not physically moving the buildings. We want a new work ethic, new mindset, new green economy."

While ambitious, there are numerous concerns, namely coming from current residents and environmental groups. Millions of people will still be left in the sinking Jakarta, especially those not wealthy enough to relocate. Environmental advocates are also concerned because the proposed location of the new capital is home to lots of wildlife, and new construction would require large-scale deforestation, according to The Associated Press.

California

Thousands of buildings across San Francisco are at a high earthquake risk, including several historic buildings and low-income housing, according to NBC News. Specifically, buildings made out of concrete are most susceptible to damage and collapse from earthquakes. "When they get damaged, they can get damaged to such a degree that they lose their vertical load-bearing capacity and they collapse," explained David Friedman, a retired structural engineer to NBC News. While there isn't a direct link between climate change and earthquakes, factors like drought and oil drilling may increase the likelihood of earthquakes.

In turn, the city has created a list of at-risk buildings and is deliberating the best process for rebuilding and fixing the buildings. "I think there's an overall acknowledgment that we need to do it," said Janan New, the executive director of the San Francisco Apartment Association. She added, however, that San Francisco is "in a very serious economic climate right now where there is not a lot of funding available for this work."

In some cases, fully knocking down the building and starting from scratch is a better option because of how costly it is to renovate buildings. "It's invasive and it's expensive, so you can imagine it would be a sensitive topic for building owners and occupants of the buildings," remarked Megan Stringer, the president of the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California, to NBC News. "You're talking about people potentially needing to be displaced while the retrofits are happening, and that's not something people want to hear."

The Bahamas

In the wake of climate change, the Bahamas have seen disproportionately severe impacts. As an island nation, the country is more susceptible to rising sea levels. "If we don't keep temperatures under 1.5 degrees, islands like the Bahamas might not exist," said Erecia Hepburn, the president of the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute. "We will soon have to become climate refugees."

The Bahama Islands are one of the lowest-polluting countries on the planet yet bear the brunt of climate damage. The country has worked actively to decarbonize its energy system, as well as build storm-resistant infrastructure, according to The New York Times. "The Bahamas have made it a national priority that all of its citizens, regardless of what island they're on, regardless of their income, have access to power," Chris Burgess at the Rocky Mountain Institute told the Times. "They've been absolutely fantastic renewable energy and adaptation champions."

In addition, rising sea temperatures are wreaking havoc on coral reefs, prompting Coral Vita, a company dedicated to reef restoration, to set up there. "The Bahamas are a living climate laboratory where we can test these solutions that can benefit nature and can benefit people, too," said Sam Teicher, the company's co-founder. "We're on the front lines of the climate crisis."

Australia

Certain industries are also being impacted by climate change. For example, Australia's wine industry is being strained as the country's climate becomes drier with more drought and less rainfall. Australia is currently the fifth-largest wine exporter in the world, and its "industry is on the front line," according to the BBC. In addition, this year is expected to bring El Nino, which is likely to cause even warmer, drier weather.

"Climate change is already messing with flavor and quality" of wine, stated the BBC. "All of this means growing certain types of wine grapes in Australia  those suited to cooler climates like sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir  will only get harder." In turn, many have opted to plant different grape varieties more suited to the changing climate. Others have opted to add cooling systems to make the climate suit the plants. "I think there is an opportunity to rebrand and make the industry really exciting  to use climate change as a positive rather than a negative," remarked Ashley Ratcliff, an Australian vineyard owner.

However, growing wine will likely not be the largest worry in a rapidly changing climate. "A three-degree shift of the average increases the frequency of extremely hot days by about tenfold, if not more," said researcher Tom Remenyi to the BBC. "If the whole globe warms more than three degrees, it's highly likely that we will not be worried about growing wine."

You may also like

How the Bible became conservative book bans' unintended target

What is Mike Pence thinking?

CNN CEO Chris Licht steps down after damaging Atlantic profile
Lubbock Police Department

A 41-year-old Lubbock missing persons case has turned into a homicide investigation, and police officials are offering up to $5,000 for any information that will help solve it.

Investigators with the Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit are helping the Texas Rangers investigate the death of Debra Mackey after remains found in Hale County in 1982 were identified in November as hers, according to a Lubbock police news release issued Thursday.

Mackey, who was 20 at the time, was reported missing by family members on Jan. 6, 1982. She was last seen five days before in the 1700 block of Avenue E.

Investigators are asking for help getting a clearer picture on the circumstances around her disappearance, the release states.

On Feb. 16, 1982, a body was discovered in Hale County. However, the remains were unable to be identified, though a medical examination indicated the remains belonged to a Caucasian person.

Three years later, Henry Lee Lucas, a serial killer who gained notoriety for lying about many of the murders he committed, confessed to killing the person who was found in Hale County. Investigators determined that Lucas was lying, and the remains were buried in 1993, the release states.

On Feb. 8, 2015, Texas Rangers exhumed the body, hoping to finally identify it.

However, the identity of the body remained elusive until September of 2021, when representatives with the DoeNetwork, a non-profit group aimed at helping out with missing persons cases, offered to test the remains.

In November, investigators learned that the testing indicated the remains were Mackey's.

Anyone with information on the case can call the Crime Line at 806-741-1000. Information that could lead to the arrest or identification of a suspect may result in a cash reward.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: 41-year-old missing persons case being investigated as homicide
5 men with alleged mob ties arrested for stealing $2 million in jewelry in NYC

[Source]

Local authorities in New York arrested a group of five men with suspected ties to organized crime on Tuesday in connection with two recent jewelry store heists in Manhattan.

Mob ties: The suspects, identified as Frank DiPietro, Vincent Cerchio, Vincent Spagnuolo, Michael Sellick and Samuel Sore, are believed to have ties to the Lucchese and Genovese crime families. The men reportedly made off with an estimated $2 million worth of precious gems in total, according to New York Police Department (NYPD) officials.

First robbery: In the first heist, DiPietro, Cerchio, Spagnuolo and Sellick stole several diamond pieces from Midtown Manhattan jewelry store on Madison Avenue in Midtown in January. The perpetrators entered through a deli entrance in the same building and avoided suspicion by dressing up as construction workers.

DiPietro, known as "Frankie the Fish," reportedly brandished his firearm at an employee and demanded the jewelry. The group got away with a 73-carat necklace, a six-carat ring and a 17-carat pair of earrings.

More from NextShark: Giant Pandas in HK Finally Have Sex After 10 Years Because of Quarantine

Second heist: The group used the same modus operandi during their second robbery on May 20, this time targeting a jewelry store on Elizabeth Street in Chinatown.

After gaining entry, DiPietro and Sellick forcefully acquired the jewelry at gunpoint. Sore served as the getaway car driver, while Spagnuolo, operating a different vehicle, assisted in the escape. To further avoid detection, they used fake license plates on their cars.

The police were alerted and pursued one of the getaway vehicles. The driver abandoned the car on Montgomery Street in the Lower East Side and fled on foot.

More from NextShark: US National Gymnast Morgan Hurd Drops Incredible Speech at 'Stop Asian Hate' Rally

The charges: The five defendants face multiple charges, including conspiracy, robbery and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. Each of them could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.

During the investigation, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig noted the extensive criminal records of DiPietro and Sellick. He also confirmed the individuals' connections to the Lucchese and Genovese crime families.

More from NextShark: Pedophile who 'wrote the Bible on child abuse' deemed to be at low risk of reoffending by Australian judge

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

58-Year-Old Queens man fatally stabbed in Manhattan Chinatown
The true scale of the flooding disaster in southern Ukraine remained unclear Thursday, three days after the country's president accused Russian forces in the region of blowing up a major dam in an act of terror. One Russian-backed official in the region said Thursday that five people had died as water continued to gush through the massive missing portion of the Nova Kakhovka Dam, less than 50 miles upriver from the major city of Kherson.

Russia accused Ukrainian forces of attacking the dam early Tuesday morning, but Ukrainian officials have vehemently rejected that, saying the huge structure was destroyed "from inside" by Russia's occupying forces who controlled the dam, as Ukraine slowly claws back territory more than 15 months after Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion.

Ukraine's counteroffensive appears to be in its opening phases

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kherson region Thursday and inspected damage from the flooding that continued ravaging the area after the gaping hole was torn in the dam. The crucial piece of Ukrainian infrastructure was part of a now-destroyed hydroelectric power plant, but it also held back a massive reservoir used to provide fresh water to hundreds of thousands of people and vital cooling water to Europe's largest nuclear power plant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the flood-hit southern region of Kherson as the evacuation of civilians continues after the collapse of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant's dam, June 8, 2023. / Credit: Ukrainian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty

Ukrainian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency have said the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is stable for now, with sufficient supplies of water on reserve at the sprawling facility to prevent a catastrophe for several months  provided the backup cooling pond at the plant remains intact.

But for thousands of Ukrainian civilians who live in and around the Dnipro river, downstream of the destroyed dam, it was misery upon misery as they were left to wade through a deluge, clutching whatever possessions they could salvage from their homes and, in some cases, using whatever they could find to stay afloat.

Stranded animals gathered on what little high ground they could find. Fresh drinking water was flown in by drones to some desperate residents, who reached up through top-floor windows to grasp the relief.

A cat sits on a piece of furniture floating in the water in Kherson, southern Ukraine, June 8, 2023, after floodwaters engulfed the city following damage sustained at the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam. / Credit: ALEKSEY FILIPPOV/AFP/Getty

Soldiers and volunteers have worked tirelessly since Tuesday to evacuate those trapped by the rising waters, hauling them through windows or out of the murky depths and carrying the frail and elderly to safety.

Even as they escape the floodwater, however, danger is always close. A Russian shell landed nearby as a woman was pulled from the water on Wednesday  a reminder that while it is now a disaster area, it's still a warzone, too.

Local residents move through floodwaters in Kherson on a boat, June 8, 2023, as water levels rose in the city following damage sustained at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam. / Credit: ALEKSEY FILIPPOV/AFP/Getty

Despite Russia's forced retreat from the city of Kherson last year, they still hold a lot of the wider Kherson region, and they haven't stopped dropping bombs on the city.

Residents' anger has boiled over.

"Putin must burn in hell," cursed one woman to a news camera in Kherson. "They couldn't finish us off, now they're trying to drown us."

Ukrainian security forces help unload local residents from a boat during an evacuation from a flooded area in Kherson, June 8, 2023, following the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam. / Credit: ALEKSEY FILIPPOV/AFP/Getty

With concern mounting for Ukrainian civilians trapped by the flooding in nearby areas still occupied by Russian forces, Zelenskyy called Thursday for an urgent international rescue effort.

Meanwhile, despite the catastrophe around Kherson, the fighting still raged elsewhere in Ukraine, with incremental gains being claimed by Kyiv on the long eastern front.

Video released by the government showed troops advancing on Russian positions around the ruined city of Bakhmut, currently held by Kremlin forces and the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting of this conflict.

Supreme Court rules Alabama congressional map likely illegal

Pence says Trump shouldn't be indicted for classified docs, blasts him for Jan. 6

Decision on whether to charge Trump in classified doc probe could come soon, sources say
A 6-year-old boy shot his baby brother twice in Detroit on Wednesday night in the latest incident of children getting access to unattended guns, police said.

The 1-year-old, who is expected to survive, was shot through his cheek and left shoulder while sitting in a baby bouncer, Assistant Chief of Detroit Police Charles Fitzgerald said during a Wednesday news conference. A loaded, semi-automatic weapon had been left in the house. Their mother was down the street and their dad was in the backyard with some other children and an uncle, police said.

"We're here far too often talking about securing your weapons," Fitzgerald said. "There are gun locks, there are gun safes, there are the highest shelves you can find in your house. Put the gun up as high as you possibly can."

In April Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill instituting safe storage requirements for guns. Whitmer called it a long overdue step to keep guns away from children. The law was passed after more than 110 gun incidents in Michigan involving children in the state since 2015.

One January incident in the state involved a 5-year-old boy shooting himself in the hand in Detroit, Fitzgerald said at the time. He was able to get access to the gun with a 3-and-a-half-year-old, a 2-year-old and a newborn in the house. He suffered what Fitzgerald described as a "pretty heavy-duty injury." Fitzgerald expressed frustration at the child being able to access the gun.

"It's senseless gun owners who don't know how to put up their guns when they're not here," he said at the time.

Children have, in several instances, accessed unsecured guns in Michigan since Whitmer signed the storage bill. In May, a 2-year-old boy unintentionally shot and killed himself in a home, CBS Detroit reported. The boy found the gun, which belonged to his mother's boyfriend, on the couch. The boyfriend was charged with involuntary manslaughter.

"I don't understand this," the boyfriend said at the time CBS Detroit reported. "I'm trying to see how they're saying this is my fault. I didn't shoot and kill him."

Experts and advocates say these shootings can be avoided by the simple act of safely storing guns. Nationwide, 26 states have secure storage laws or child-access prevention laws, according to Everytown. Secure storage laws require owners to lock up their firearms while child-access prevention laws only penalize gun owners if a child gains access to a firearm.

Everytown reported that households that locked both firearms and ammunition were associated with a 78% lower risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries and an 85% lower risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens when compared with those that locked neither.

Deaths of children from firearms happen across the nation. Earlier in June, a 3-year-old boy died after he accidentally shot himself in Tennessee, officials said. He found a firearm in a vehicle. In May, a 4-year-old girl accidentally shot and killed another child in Illinois, authorities said. Another 4-year-old girl was critically injured after she accidentally shot herself in the head in Georgia when her father left a loaded gun on the floor of their home, police said. A 4-year-old child also accidentally shot a younger sibling in Texas last month. Two 2-year-old children were shot in Chicago in recent incidents.

"Every year, hundreds of children in the United States gain access to unsecured, loaded guns in closets and nightstand drawers, in backpacks and purses, or just left out in the open," Everytown researchers wrote in a report.

In 2022, Everytown tracked 355 unintentional shootings by children, which resulted in 158 deaths and 212 injuries. Those numbers were down from the year before, when 167 people were killed and another 248 were injured in at least 396 accidental shootings where a child fired the gun, according to the nonprofit.

Four-in-ten U.S. adults say they live in a household with a gun, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in June 2021. Around 4.6 million minors in the U.S. live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm, according to Gifford Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

The national leaders in gun safety policy, ranked by Everytown as California, New York, Hawaii, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois and Maryland, all have secure storage laws or child-access prevention laws for guns.

Michigan's gun storage laws, set to take effect in 2024, require individuals to keep firearms unloaded and locked if they're being stored or left unattended on premises where it's "reasonably known that a minor is or is likely to be present." The bill also lowers the costs of firearm safety devices to make it easier for gun owners to safely store firearms.

The gun storage law requirements state that someone who violates the requirement can be found guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to 93 days or a fine of no more than $500, or both, depending on the severity of the situation.

The punishment is even worse if a minor gains access to a gun that isn't securely stored and then shoots and injures someone. Depending on how serious the injury is, the person who failed to safely store the gun can be found guilty of a felony punishable by up to 15 years behind bars or a fine of up to $10,000 or both.

Police have not yet said if an arrest will be made in connection with the most recent Michigan shooting. Adult family members are cooperating with the police. CBS News has reached out to the police for an update.

"CBS Evening News" headlines for Thursday, June 8, 2023

Biden campaign co-chair discusses growing GOP 2024 field

How long before the smoke clears?
Detroit police are investigating an incident involving a 6-year-old Detroit boy who shot his brother twice Wednesday night.

Detroit police are investigating an incident involving a 6-year-old Detroit boy who shot his brother twice Wednesday night.

A 1-year-old boy is recovering in a Detroit-area hospital after being shot twice by his brother, 6, Wednesday night.

The child was sitting in a baby bouncer when the older boy shot him through his cheek and left shoulder with a loaded, semi-automatic weapon that had been left in the house, according to CBS News.

Assistant Chief of Detroit Police Charles Fitzgerald told reporters that the gun had been left unsecured while the kids mother was down the street and their father was in the backyard with other children and an uncle.

Were here far too often talking about securing your weapons, Fitzgerald said. There are gun locks, there are gun safes, there are the highest shelves you can find in your house. Put the gun up as high as you possibly can.

The victim was taken to a Grosse Pointe hospital before being transferred to another facility. He is listed in stable condition, according to the Detroit News.

The parents have been questioned by police and are cooperating in the investigation. It remains to be seen whether the Wayne County Prosecutors Office will file any charges.

A law recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) will require gun owners to keep guns in a locked storage box or container when it is reasonably known that a minor is or is likely to be present on the premises, according to The Associated Press.

That legislation takes effect in 2024.
6-year-old shoots baby brother in the face while in bouncy chair, Michigan cops say

A 6-year-old shot his baby brother multiple times in their Michigan home, police said.

Here we are again, Charles Fitzgerald, assistant police chief in Detroit, said at a June 7 news conference. Once again another senseless, preventable, horrible incident.

A 1-year-old boy was jumping in a bouncy chair in a home on Tennessee Street when his older brother grabbed a semiautomatic gun, Fitzgerald said.

The baby was shot twice, once in the cheek and once in his shoulder.

Were very very fortunate that child is still with us, Fitzgerald said.

The babys father was in the backyard and his mother was down the street at the time of the incident.

Were here far too often talking about securing weapons, Fitzgerald said. There are gun laws; there are gun safes.

The incident is under investigation and a search warrant was obtained for the home. Fitzgerald said the gun is legally registered.

The individuals involved are voluntarily cooperating, according to police, and no one has yet been charged.

Firearm-related injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

Physical therapist accused of sexually assaulting at least one client, Nevada cops say

Man stalked Taylor Swift and said hed wear a bomb if he cant be with her, cops say

Humongous catfish caught in Pennsylvania nabs angler a state record. See the catch
7-year-old bitten by rattlesnake while visiting state park with family, CA officials say

A 7-year-old boy was bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking with his family in California, officials told news outlets.

On Wednesday, June 7, California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division Air Operations were called to a report of a boy who was possibly bit by a snake, according to a post on Facebook by the department.

The boy was visiting Mount Diablo State Park in Walnut Creek with his family when he was bitten on the Bruce Lee Trail, according to KTVU.

The boys mother carried him back to the parking lot after he felt a bite on his lower leg, according to NBC Bay Area.

He was airlifted to nearby John Muir Medical Center, KRON reported.

Ranger supervisor Cameron Morrison told NBC Bay Area having family there helped keep the boy calm.

Morrison told KGO that hes only heard of one other confirmed snake bite in his 22.5 years working at the park.

The childs condition remains unknown, according to KRON.

During a recent camping trip in North Carolina, a 4-year-old boy was bitten by a copperhead snake while playing outside, McClatchy News reported.

To prevent snake bites, the U.S. Department of Agriculture urges hikers to wear over-the ankle boots, loose-fitting long pants and to not walk around barefoot.

While walking, watch where you step, stick to well-used trails and avoid going through tall grass, the department recommends.

Walnut Creek is about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco.

Camping trip becomes worst nightmare as copperhead bites 4-year-old in NC, mom says

Man tries selling venomous creature on Craigslist  and now must pay a fine, MD cops say

Helicopter rushes to save hiker bitten by rattlesnake, California rescuers say
What do late former US president George H. W. Bush, 60s muse Jane Birkin and rapper Wiz Khalifa all have in common? Despite their vastly differing personal styles and occupations, they have all been spotted in a pair of Gucci horsebit loafers.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the distinctive shoe, recognizable by its metal snaffle flourish, which has become a piece of fashion history  one so renowned that a pair entered the Metropolitan Museum of Arts permanent collection in 1984.

In mid-June, coinciding with the menswear shows at Milan Fashion Week, Gucci will stage an exhibition celebrating the legacy of its signature loafer.

In 1974, George H. W. Bush wore a pair of horsebit loafers to meet then-President Gerald Ford. - David Hume Kennerly/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Since its creation in 1953, the shoe has been worn in the White House (Bush, 1974), on the promenade of Cannes (Birkin, 1969) and even on red carpets (Wiz wore a pair to the Golden Globe Awards in 2016). Other notable wearers include The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola, Sophia Loren, Monegasque royal Charlotte Casiraghi, Madonna (who donned a platform version to receive her MTV VMA award for Best Female Video in 1995), Jodie Foster, Brad Pitt during a scene in 1999s Fight Club and, more recently, actor Zoe Kravitz and model Gigi Hadid.

But how did this simple slip-on become such a coveted fashion item?

A mirror to society

In the late 1890s, Guccio Gucci  the Italian fashion houses founder  began his career as a luggage porter at The Savoy hotel in London. Here, Gucci was able to observe the upper echelons of society up close. It was his window into the lives of the international elite: a priceless snapshot of what they valued and were willing to spend money on. Gucci was struck by the lifestyles and hobbies of the aristocrats, artists and other wealthy guests staying at The Savoy  his own brand would later take on a distinctly equestrian aesthetic.

In 1906, he launched a small leather goods store in Florence, Italy, and soon began making travel trunks and other pieces that went on to define the brands legacy. (The label still sells a faithfully reworked version of its signature bamboo top handle bag, created in 1947.) Gucci died in 1953, just weeks after sons Aldo, Rodolfo and Vasco opened the brands first flagship store in New York. That same year, inspired by his fathers beloved equine motifs, Aldo created the horsebit loafer in the hopes of enticing the same clientele Guccio had encountered at The Savoy.

Jane Birkin wears a pair of Gucci's trademark loafers in Cannes with Serge Gainsbourg in 1970. - Reporters Associes/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Loafers were already a popular footwear choice in the 1950s, though they were typically worn for more casual occasions. Aldo capitalized on the slip-on styles mass appeal, and used the snaffle bit detail to elevate the design. A nod to equestrian lifestyles, it still acts as an aspirational status symbol today.

Through the decades

The success of Guccis horsebit loafers has been far-reaching, and the secret to their ongoing relevance may lie in the shoes versatility.

There are the finance types, who pair the loafers with tailored suits, earning them the nickname deal sleds for their mythologized ability to communicate confidence on Wall Street trading floors. Then there are the subversive cool girls, who knowingly clash the preppy shoe with Hawaiian shirts, gold chains and baggy jeans.

The original shoe has been reimagined numerous times. - Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images

The latters spirit of experimentalism was galvanized by the brands Fall-Winter 2015 collection, which saw then-creative director Alessandro Michele re-introduce the signature item with a few twists. His Princetown style was backless, controversially lined with kangaroo fur (which was quickly replaced with lamb fur) and available in baby pink leather, wool tweed or embroidered cloth. It was a far cry from the original, but while some rallied against the use of fur, others anointed it the buzziest shoe of 2015.

Zoe Kravitz wore a pair of the buzzy "Princetown" loafers to a Halloween party in 2018. - JB Lacroix/GC Images/Getty Images

Seventy years since its creation, the shoe has proved itself a worthy investment and time-honored wardrobe staple thanks to the smorgasbord of famous figures seen wearing them  as well as the countless imitations they have inspired.

The horsebit loafer is Guccis answer to the near-philosophical question: What shoes do I wear? Whether youre an off-duty model wandering the beaches of the South of France or an esteemed rapper strutting the red carpet, one shoe fits all.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A common octopus.

Consider the octopus. With eight arms, elliptical pupils, color- and texture-changing skin, and a scary beak, it is a creature that seems conjured from the most Boschian of realities.

But the cephalopod is quite real. There are around 300 species of octopus, which inhabit saltwater, from tide pools to the abyssal depths of the ocean.

Read more

Research on octopuses in recent years has yielded marvelous insights about the animals habits and, in more speculative findings, their minds. Here are some of the most interesting discoveries about octopus intelligence and behaviorincluding many examples of them being downright rude.

Octopuses are antisocial and punch fish

In research published in 2021, octopuses were observed punching fish during collaborative feeding sessions. In some cases, the punches were to prevent exploitation and ensure collaboration, according to the researchers. In other words, keeping the peace.

But in other situations, it seemed that the octopuses punched the fish for no other reason than to punch them. Octopuses are famously antisocial animals and are solitary even when it comes to their own species.

If you give an octopus a... molly

A blue-ringed octopus doing its warning display.

Thats right. In 2018, a group of researchers gave octopuses MDMA, popularly known as molly or ecstasy. Octopuses are typically asocial creatures, so the scientists wanted to see how a drug that affects serotonin levels (and induces extraversion in people) would impact the octopuses.

As it turned out, the normally solitary octopuses spent time with one another after sitting in an MDMA bath, even going as far as touching each other with their arms in an exploratory (as opposed to confrontational) way. Whether this says more about octopuses or the power of MDMA is perhaps for you to decide, but still! Its cool that octopuses can play nice, sometimes.

They throw shells at each other



Octopuses playing not-so-nice.

Look, the main thing you need to know about octopuses is that they are smart and cranky. Last year, scientists described seeing octopuses gathering silt and shells off the seafloor in Jervis Bay, Australia, and flinging them at their peers.

The researchers believe the throws must serve a social purpose. But to my untrained eye, this looks pretty antisocial.



Octopuses can taste with their arms

A California two-spot octopus (not the spot, below the animal's eye.)



A California two-spot octopus (not the spot, below the animals eye.)

California two-spot octopuses react differently when touching prey (tasty morsels) than when they touch less-appetizing items (ordinary objects like a coffee mug), according to research published in 2020.

Octopus arms have chemotactile receptors, sensory cells that the researchers believe give the animals their impressive touch abilitya touch so sensitive that, in an octopuss nervous system, its interpreted much like taste is to humans.

They have jumping genes, like humans

A common octopus.

A study published last year found that octopuses carry transposons, or jumping genes, that can jump around to different parts of an organisms genome. According to LiveScience, some jumping genes in humankind are associated with learning and memory formation.

Turns out octopuses carry the same kind of jumping gene. By combining these findings with more observations of octopus brain activity, we may improve our understanding of the animals intelligence.

They dream in gifs

A female giant Pacific octopus with her egg strings.

Research published in 2021 tracked octopuses sleep schedules. The scientists found that the animals had sleep states similar to REM states in humans, when we dream.

If the animals are dreaming, though, the researchers dont think they have dreams as complex or lengthy as our own. It should be more like small video clips, or even gifs, one researcher told Gizmodo. As new approaches to studying octopus minds come to bear, we may get a better understanding of how they think.

Octopuses use tools



Coconut-carrying octopus

The eight-armed mollusks are among the few animals known to use tools to further their goals. In the octopuss case, the animals were observed using coconut shells as a shelter.

Octopuses Biohack

A California two spot octopus (Octopus bimaculoides).

In June 2023, researchers announced that at least some species of octopus actually edit their RNA to deal with colder water temperatures. The teams findings, which were published in Cell, posit that California two-spot octopuseswhich cannot generate their own body heattweak their genetics such that theyre able to deal with temperature shifts in their environment.



More to come?

A day octopus sleeping while its brain activity is recorded.

In February 2023, researchers announced that they had managed to record brain activity in freely moving octopuses for the first time. The scientists implanted electrodes and a data logger into day octopuses (Octopus cyanea).

Brain activity patterns recorded in the research have not yet been tied to specific behaviors, but if the practice sticks, it may provide more information about the inner workings of the octopus, and specifically how their brain activity corresponds to their movements.

There are ethical questions here, as is the case whenever devices are inserted into animals that cannot express consent. But inserting devices into the animals for science is arguably better than frying and eating them (and persuasively so, in the opinion of this writer).

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Here are 8 stops to make between Kansas City and St. Louis during your next road trip

Road trips are a hallmark of summertime.

If you are traveling between Kansas City and St. Louis, there are several fun stops to make along the way. Whether you want to enjoy a nice resort or learn more about the states history, there are exciting attractions between Missouris two major cities.

Heres a look at eight stops you should consider making the next time you hit the road.

Harry S Truman National Historic Site

223 North Main St., Independence

On your way out of the city, stop by the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence. Learn about the history and personal life of the 33rd President of the United States. Take a tour of Trumans family home, learn about his time as a soldier in World War I, or take a self-guided walking tour The park is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Battle of Lexington State Historic Site,

1101 Delaware St., Lexington

Just a 45-minute drive east of Independence and youll run into the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. The Civil War landmark still has evidence of bullet holes and cannon shots, according to Missouri State Parks. There is also a visitors center, gardens, a museum and walking trails. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Nicholas-Beazley Aviation Museum

1985 S Odell Ave., Marshall

The Nicholas-Beazley Aviation Museum is stacked with old-school airplane models, a flight simulator and other tours and attractions for the entire family. The museum hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is under an hour and 30 minutes from Kansas City proper.

Shelter Gardens

1817 West Broadway, Columbia

Shelter Gardens in Columbia is a vibrant garden that includes a waterfall, gazebo, sundial and Vietnam Veterans memorial. The garden, which is located behind the Shelter Insurance corporate building, features more than 300 varieties of trees and shrubs and 15,000 flowers and plants. In June and July, the garden hosts free concerts every Sunday evening, according to Visit Columbia, Missouri. The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.

Missouri State Capitol

201 W Capitol Ave., Jefferson City

Make sure to visit Jefferson City to see the Missouri State Capitol. The Capitol building is open year-round and offers free guided tours, which last up to an hour long. During your visit, you may see state lawmakers at work or the famous works by artists like Thomas Hart Benton throughout the halls. Tours can be scheduled by calling the museum at 573-751-2854 or visiting here.

The National Churchill Museum in Missouri commemorates The Sinews of Peace, Winston Churchills address that became famous for its iron curtain metaphor and as the start of the Cold War.

Americas National Churchill Museum

501 Westminster Ave., Fulton

Americas National Churchill Museum is on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton. The museum explores the life and works of Winston Churchill, who served as the prime minister of the United Kingdom twice between 1940 and 1955. The museum is a tribute to Churchills leadership and principles. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is between $6.50 and $12 per person.

Pinckney Bend Distillery

1101 Miller Street, New Haven

The Pinckney Bend Distillery has a 950-square-foot patio, where people can enjoy locally distilled spirits, listen to music or even stroll through downtown New Haven. If you want to try any of their gin or whiskey, try a patio sampler for just $7, just remember to drink responsibly. The patio is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The casino at 3200 North Ameristar Drive will open its doors at 11 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020. CORONAVIRUSKC REOPENKC

Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa

1 Ameristar Boulevard, St. Charles

If youre ready to wind down, visit the Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa is the perfect getaway outside of St. Louis. Whether you want to gamble or visit the 7,000-square-foot spa, there are lots to do at Ameristar. The casino has eight eateries and 130,000 square feet worth of games to check out. The casino is open daily except on Wednesdays from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Nine patients at Seattles Virginia Mason Medical Center have now died after being infected by Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, among 33 total infections.

The bacteria first appeared at the hospitals downtown campus in October of 2022. When KIRO 7 last reported on this in late April, four infected patients had died among 31 total infections.

Klebsiella can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and infections in bloodstreams, wounds and surgical sites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The hospital maintains that it is not sure whether the bacteria itself was what killed the nine patients, citing the complexity of their conditions. Klebsiella pneumoniae can also live in someones system for months without causing symptoms, making it difficult to figure out where and when someone might have been infected.

While the risk of transmission is extremely low for patients, we continue to take proactive steps to avoid additional transmission, Interim Virginia Mason President Sydney Bersante said in a news release. We are continuing to investigate the source of this outbreak jointly with local and state public health partners.

The last confirmed infection was on May 4.
As budget deliberations continue, lawmakers leave the South Carolina Statehouse this week after shepherding 89 bills past the finish line.

The Republican-controlled legislature achieved several pieces of legislation it had prioritized earlier this year, starting with an unwavering goal of passing a version of an abortion ban and a voucher law to allow the use of public dollars in religious and private schools.

Lawmakers also found a solution to their long-standing death row logjam by passing a shield law, keeping details of executions, lethal-injection drug companies and executioners hidden from the public.

Some legislation lie in wait for January 2024. The critical race theory bill, seeks to ban gender diversity education and biased teaching of histories; a bill to allow South Carolina gun owners to carry their guns without a permit and a flailing medical marijuana bill.

Winthrop poll: SC Republicans, Democrats agree on closing 'Charleston loophole'

Here's what's next: Greenville clinic joins lawsuit to block SC six-week abortion ban.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster signs six-week abortion ban into law May 25, 2023.

Here are bills that made it past the finish line:

Abortion debate dominates Statehouse session

Once the S.C. Supreme Court ruled that the 2021 six-week abortion ban, which banned all pregnancies after the detection of cardiac activity, violated privacy rights enshrined in the state constitution, gears started turning.

Republican lawmakers tweaked the language in the erstwhile fetal heartbeat bill, added definitions to legitimize the notion that personhood began at conception and emphasized the state's interest in protecting a fetus.

The abortion debate dominated the legislative calendar this year. Lawmakers met on five separate occasions and debated for weeks, and in the end, Republican lawmakers achieved their goal of changing the current state law that allows abortions up to 22 weeks.

Much like last year, the Senate led a movement to revive the six-week abortion ban and was caught in a standoff with House lawmakers, who were eager to pass a near-total abortion ban that blocked abortion access from the time of conception. Both bills had exceptions for rape, incest and fetal anomaly.

In late April, five female senators  three Republicans, one Democrat and one Independent  joined forces to defeat a near-total abortion ban. Senators Sandy Senn, R-Charleston, Katrina Shealty, R-Lexington, Penry Gustafson, R-Kershaw, Margie Bright Matthews, D-Orangeburg and Mia McLeod, I-Richland took to the podium to explain the complexities of pregnancies.

For subscribers: Becoming Amberlyn: How one transgender woman's fight collided with SC's anti-trans fervor

South Carolina Sen. Sandy Senn, R-Charleston, left, talks to Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Columbia, right, before the Senate begins debating a stricter law on abortion on Tuesday, May, 23, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

They spelled out the many pregnancy complications that arise, and how some provisions of the abortion bans could violate a sexual assault survivor's privacy rights by mandating the involvement of the Sherriff's office in a rape-related pregnancy.

But while the near-total abortion ban failed, the six-week abortion ban prevailed. Eight House Democratic lawmakers led the effort to stall the bill by introducing 1,000 amendments.

During the debate, Rep. Beth Bernstein, D-Richland, who is Jewish, and said the abortion ban violated principles enshrined in Judaism and was not equitable. A National Council of Jewish Women advocacy brief delineated that abortion was not only permitted but was required if a pregnancy put the pregnant individual's life at risk. The brief also said that the current anti-abortion movement favored one religious viewpoint as different religions have varying views on when human life begins.

School voucher bill passes after lawmakers limit debate

Another bill with religious connotations came in the form of the voucher bill.

The bill, which could see a legal challenge, will allow middle-class families to enroll in a private, religious school. Next year, 5,000 students will be given $6,000 each to supplement payments for tuition, school supplies and counseling among others.

Previous attempts to institute a voucher program have failed in the past and one Upstate Republican shot back that the bill violated the separation between church and state.

"I'm against this bill is because we need to be cognizant of what separation of church and state means. How it protects government from the church, but it also protects the church from government," Easley lawmaker Neal Collins, R-Easley, said during the debate. "The moment a private or religious school accepts public money, they are forever at risk of public scrutiny and public norms."

GOP Caucus concerned by tactics: SC Freedom Caucus wants to change policymaking

Bipartisan effort helps pass paid parental leave for teachers, workforce housing

Lawmakers banded together to mandate paid parental leave for teachers, grow workforce housing in growing cities, like Greenville and Spartanburg, and structurally change an overburdened state agency like the Department of Health and Environment Control.

Last year, teachers were not part of the legislation that gave paid parental to state employees. The General Assembly-led Teacher Recruitment and Retention Taskforce said in their June 1 report that paid parental leave was essential to retain teachers.

Another bill, that would allow local governments the ability to use tourism dollars to build affordable housing, passed overwhelmingly. Sen. Ross Turner, R-Greenville, was a key sponsor of the bill.

High-growth, tourism-flush areas like Greenville continue to contend with issues related to affordable housing, which often leave low-income, Black workers priced out of living in the city.

Mayor Knox White (R) and City Councilwoman Dorothy Dowe (D) supported the legislation and said that it would help repair the affordability crisis in the city.

People line up for free DHEC Covid-19 testing site Anderson Civic Center in Anderson, S.C. Thursday, January 6, 2022. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 7 and 8, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from January 9 to January 12, according to the SCDHEC website.

DHEC split into two parts

Lawmakers agreed DHEC is overwhelmed.

Not only did the state agency oversee public health issues, it is also responsible for restaurant inspections, regulating air pollution, along with monitoring clean energy and water bodies.

DHEC is now split into two parts. One-half will oversee public and mental health concerns. The second will now be called the Department of Environmental Services. The law also moves around some of DHEC's responsibilities to other departments. For instance, food safety programs related to assessing lead and dairy contaminations will be administered by the Department of Agriculture. The Land, Water and Conservation Division of the Department of Natural Resources will be clubbed with the Department of Environmental Services.

In addition, a long-sought move to wean hospitals off a bureaucratic requirement to file a certificate of need when they wanted to expand services or infrastructure made its way to McMaster's desk. Lawmakers say this will benefit rural areas that are in need of medical services.

Bryan Stirling director of SCDC, a witness, during the trial regarding the state's death penalty, listens to lawyers questions at Richland County Courthouse, in Columbia, Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

Details of death penalty procedures will be kept confidential

South Carolina has previously been unable to purchase drugs for lethal injections used in executions.

Drug and pharmaceutical companies do not want to be publicly associated with capital punishment. With no way to resume executions using lethal injections, the state was left with archaic alternatives such as electrocution through a century-old electric chair or a firing squad.

But the S.C. Supreme Court ruled both methods were unconstitutional earlier this year.

The last execution in the state took place in 2011. Since then, incarcerated people on death row have remained uncertain about their fate. Lawmakers wanted to remedy the situation by passing a law that would keep the names of the drug companies a secret and would also extend that shield over details of executioners. Information related to capital punishment has always been secretive. However, the new law seals the information, even during legal discovery. Violation of the law could lead to up to three years of imprisonment.

The law raises concerns about accountability and transparency. Information related to taxpayer money spent on lethal injection drugs will remain confidential. The law also makes it hard to ensure any oversight into how the Department of Corrections and the state government is conducting executions and leaves less room for accountability if anything goes wrong.

Devyani Chhetri covers South Carolina politics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at dchhetri@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Abortion bans, school vouchers, shield law. What became law in SC
The Academy Playhouse, home of the Academy of Performing Arts, maintains a stately visage from atop a hill overlooking Orleans Main Street, the route leading to Nauset Beach.

To Ron Petersen, chair of the Orleans Historical Commission, the building is the anchor of a proposed historical district encompassing all of Main Street. So the commission is delighted about what the Academy is doing to restore the building in keeping with standards established by the Secretary of the Interior for preservation of historical buildings.

Working with the Orleans Community Preservation Committee and the town's Historical Commission, the Academys Board of Trustees secured a $250,000 grant for the first phase of an extensive restoration project. The initial phase has involved replacing the old, damaged clapboards on the front and one side of the building, along with removing, re-glazing and refurbishing original windows that were no longer keeping out the cold. Reusing the old, refurbished windows is one way the theater company is maintaining the original look and feel of the venerable old building.

The century-old Academy Playhouse, sitting high on its hill on Main Street in Orleans, is getting a $250,000 renovation. Town officials lauded the work being done in line with historic guidelines.

An application has been filed for money to refurbish the other two sides of the building and replace a damaged fire escape in phases two and three of the project. The work for the additional two phases will total another $250,000, officials said.

More to do in Orleans: Hiking the Orleans/Eastham border: A farm, marshes and fish-eating ospreys

A relic of the towns historic past

The structure first saw life as the town hall back in 1873, but from the time Gordon and Betsy Argo arrived in Orleans in the 1940s, the building was destined for a long life in show business. Timing couldnt have been more perfect; town officials were ready to move their offices, just about the time the Argos were ready to christen the Orleans Arena Theatre.

Workers on ladders and scaffolding remove shingles from the historic Academy Playhouse, home of the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans.

The couple established the theater in 1949, which means that the building on the hill has been used continually as a theater for 74 years. And heres the important thing about the theaters original name: It was the first summer residence arena theater-in-the-round in the United States.

An arena theater, with roots in Greek drama, is the perfect way to bring an audience directly into the action onstage. Its especially effective for staging intimate scenes between just a few characters. From 1950 through 1975, the building housed a theater-in-residence, where student actors and technicians from George Washington University worked and performed, living in a house up the hill. At its peak, the theater had 35 artists in the colony.

The Academy Playhouse, home of the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans, is refurbishing the building's original windows and adding insulation.

Then, in 1975, another theatrical couple, John and Elizabeth Kelly, began using the theater for their Academy of Performing Arts classes, and the building began its life as the Academy Playhouse. The rest, as they say, is history, with the Academy playing host through the years to scores of productions, ranging from classics to original works.

A little TLC as payback

Its been important to retain the historical integrity of the building, said artistic director Judy Hamer. And we cant wait until people in Orleans are able to go by and see it looking so beautiful.

Beginning in 2013, various plans for renovations were floated, with one actually including an addition and an elevator to improve accessibility. That plan proved too costly and was inevitably shelved. Along with replacement of the clapboards and refurbishing of windows, the current approach has included classroom renovation and replacement of seats. As part of the effort, the Board initiated a buy-a-seat program, placing placards with donors names on seats, while also widening aisles between seats.

We havent given up on a goal of making the building more handicapped accessible; theres an ongoing awareness (among theater Board members) that it would be good to make the theater more accessible, Hamer explains. But making the building accessible would be incredibly involved; it would require so much more than putting in an elevator. And, as anyone involved in construction projects knows, construction costs have risen unbelievably.

On the Harwich stage: Review: 'Silver Threads Two' is more Ronstadt with a dash of Eagles on Harwich stage

Theater overhaul helps maintain a sense of continuity

The current three-phased building revitalization, which should be complete by the theaters 50th anniversary year in 2025, Hamer said, is all about maintaining a sense of continuity.

Theres a strong sense of community in Orleans, and no one is willing to just let this old building go. People remember days when their parents or grandparents were involved in the theater, and they want to be sure its still there for their own children.

And Petersen notes, This is a critical component in our long-range plan to make Main Street an historical district. After all, the area was once the economic, governmental, cultural and religious center of the town.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Academy Playhouse repairs maintain historic charm of 150-year-old site
Got Your Back

As the copyright controversy shrouding the use of generative AI tools continues to deepen, Adobe has planted its flag in the sand.

According to Fast Company, Adobe is so confident that copyright law won't be an issue for users of their new generative AI-powered "Firefly" product that they've promised to cover any and all copyright-related legal costs that users might incur as a result of using it.

Well, uh, some of its users, that is. The compensation  which will cover "full indemnification for the content created" according to Adobe VP of digital media Claude Alexandre  will reportedly only apply to users of Adobe's business-focused "Firefly for enterprise" offering.

In short, Adobe is ready to put its money where its mouth is.

Offering legal backing against alleged copyright violation is "a proof point that we stand behind the commercial safety," as Alexandre told Fast Company, "and readiness of these features."

Stocked Up

Firefly, which was recently released in beta form to Photoshop users, can reimagine highlighted sections of a given image by simply typing in a text prompt.

Per the report, Adobe's argument hinges in large part on the claim that their AI has been trained primarily on stock images that they already own, as opposed to the wealth of data and imagery being scraped from across huge swathes of the web by the likes of Stable Diffusion or Midjourney.

And Adobe has been in the stock image game for a while. Their new AI, they say, is really just an extension of that.

"Adobe claims that Firefly has been trained on entirely legal inputs, mostly from their own extensive image libraries," Andres Guadamuz, an intellectual property law researcher at the University of Sussex, told Fast Company. "This is an indication that they have conducted a thorough investigation of their training sources and are happy that they will not get sued."

Commercially Safe

Alexandre also emphasized to Fast Company that Adobe did its homework and found that Firely is "as good or better in terms of field compliance and IP checks."

"We feel very good this is totally and completely commercially safe," Alexandre added, although he did concede that "the risk is never zero, hence why we offer indemnification."

There's some precedent of the creators of AI image generators being accused of having their tools come up with infringing material. Stock image giant Getty, for instance, sued Stable Diffusion maker Stability AI earlier this year, arguing that it scraped millions of its images without a license.

But with the rights to its own extensive catalog of images in hand, Adobe is well-positioned to defend the output of its latest AI image generator  and it's ready to put money behind that conviction.

More on generative AI: Man Sues OpenAI after ChatGPT Claimed He Embezzled Money
The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on a pair of cases involving affirmative action, both involving college admissions  one at Harvard University in Massachusetts and the other at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Affirmative action policies became common in the 1960s and 1970s as college administrators looked to increase racial and gender diversity on their campuses, and challenges to them have taken place ever since. The first major fight came to a head in 1978, when the Supreme Court outlawed racial quotas in college admissions while saying race could still be considered as a factor.

What is the history of affirmative action in the US?

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order mandating that federal contractors take affirmative action to ensure applicants were hired and treated equally regardless of race, creed, color or national origin.

Kennedys measure followed longtime efforts to end segregation and widespread discrimination that had stripped generations of Black people of wealth and opportunities for job advancement, and the practice spread as corporate and other government organizations sought to right decades of lost opportunities  not just for Black people but for women and other minority communities.

Additionally, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act forbids exclusion from federally funded programs or activities on the basis of race, color or national origin while Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

As the struggles and gains of the civil rights movement prompted national reckoning, experts say, colleges and universities began to adopt similar admission and recruitment approaches.

Then, in 1970, an order issued by President Richard Nixon extended adjustable minority hiring goals and timetables to federal contractors to address their "underutilization;" the order was revised the following year to include women.

Is affirmative action legal across the US?

In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke that the schools special admissions program, with slots set aside based on race alone, was unlawful. However, the court said universities could consider race as a factor when choosing among qualified applicants.

In 1979, the court ruled in United Steel Workers of America, AFL-CIO v. Weber that affirmative action efforts attempting to correct long patterns of discrimination were lawful so long as they didnt violate the rights of white workers.

By 1995, the University of California system had voted to halt all affirmative action programs. The next year, state voters narrowly approved Proposition 209, which ended such programs in employment, education and contracting; similar measures followed in Washington and Florida.

Proponents for affirmative action in higher education rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court before oral arguments in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina on Oct. 31, 2022 in Washington, DC.

After a Michigan ban on affirmative action in public college admissions was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2014, seven more states instituted related statutes: Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington.

Last year, the Supreme Court said it would take on the two cases now under discussion that challenge the ability of colleges and universities to consider race as a factor in school admissions. In heated discussions held last October, the courts conservative majority expressed severe doubts about whether such policies were necessary.

How do Americans feel about affirmative action?

Results of a Pew Research Center survey released Thursday indicate half of all U.S. adults say they disapprove of selective colleges and universities factoring applicants racial and ethnic backgrounds into their admission decisions. Only a third (33%) of the nearly 5,100 people surveyed earlier this year said they approved, while roughly one in six (16%) hadnt decided.

Disapproval was even more pronounced along partisan lines, the survey found, with nearly three-quarters (74%) of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents saying they disapprove, compared to just 29% of Democrats. Meanwhile, 54% of Democrats and those leaning Democrat said they approved of the practice, compared to just 14% of Republicans.

Michael Wang, a poster child for the anti-affirmative action movement, often shared his college admissions experience and publicly advocated for a more fair process for other Asian Americans. He now worries that the movement may have gone too far.

The study also found notable differences between racial and ethnic groups, with nearly half (47%) of Black American adults saying they approved of institutions of higher education factoring race and ethnicity into their admissions decisions. Meanwhile, the portions of Latinos who said they either approved or didnt approve of the practice were evenly split at 39%, while 57% of white adults and 52% of Asian adults said they did not approve.

What are the arguments for and against affirmative action?

Supporters of affirmative action say such policies are needed to combat ongoing inequities that have left certain communities historically underrepresented in schools and the workplace. Such policies also contribute to greater diversity, an effect they note is beneficial for all.

Removing such policies, they say, will ultimately decrease diversity in workplace leadership and in the boardroom.

Critics, meanwhile, say that in terms of college admissions, affirmative action programs make it harder for Asian and white students to gain entry by giving preference to Black and Latino applicants.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is affirmative action? Supreme Court will rule to decide its fate
Relatives carry the bodies of slain victims in an ambulance after an explosion at the Nabawi mosque in Faizabad district, Badakhshan province

An explosion inside a mosque in north-east Afghanistan has killed 11 people and injured 30.

Reports say several local Taliban officials were among those killed or wounded.

A local official said the blast happened during a prayer service for the deputy governor of Badakhshan province, who was killed by a car bomb earlier this week.

The Islamic State militant group said it carried out the car bomb attack.

Thursday's explosion happened at 11:00 local time in the provincial capital, Faizabad.

Mourners were attending the funeral of Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, the acting Taliban provincial governor of Badakhshan, who was killed on his way to work on Tuesday. One other person was killed and six wounded in that attack.

Two sources confirmed to the BBC that two local Taliban officials were killed at the mosque. They include the former police commander of northern Baghlan province, Safiullah Samim, according to a statement offering condolences from another police chief.

"The Ministry of Interior of the IEA condemns this brutality of the disgraced enemies," a statement said of the blast.

Eyewitnesses said gunfire could be heard after the explosion.

Footage sent to the BBC shows several casualties arriving at the hospital in the provincial capital by ambulance.
Aggressive cattle attacked joggers as they ran on a trail in Colorado, officials said.

The cows appeared to be protecting their young, Boulder County Parks & Open Space officials said. One of the attacks sent a jogger to a hospital.

This time of year theyre just very protective of their calves, Erin Hartnett, a senior ranger for Boulder County Parks & Open Space who responded to the call, said in a statement.

Cows in the herd first rushed a runner and knocked her down at 8:40 a.m. Saturday, June 3, on the Meadowlark Trail, a department spokesperson told McClatchy News in an email.

The runner told officials she was not trampled or stepped on but said it was very frightening. She declined medical treatment for bruises and scrapes.

Then at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, a herd of cattle attacked another jogger on the trail, officials said. Someone on the trail saw the attack and called 911.

They saw the jogger trying to protect herself on the ground, surrounded by about 15 or 20 cows, most of them mothers with their calves, the Longmont Times-Call reported.

Boulder County Parks & Open Space rangers responded and Mountain View Fire Rescue sent an ambulance. That jogger went to a hospital, though officials didnt know their medical condition.

Becca Fuchs, who wrote on Twitter that she survived one of the attacks, said it felt like a near-death experience.

It was definitely near death for me. If the one that knocked me on my back had just landed with his hooves a few more inches over I dont think I would be here. I hope people take this seriously, Fuchs said. I was just running on the trail.

Did someone else get injured there now since Sat? It was definitely near death for me. if the one that knocked me on my back had just landed with his hooves a few more inches over I don't think I would be here. I hope people take this seriously. I was just running on the trail.  Becca Fuchs, PhD (@becca_rolph) June 6, 2023

The Meadowlark Trail runs through a cattle grazing area. Boulder County officials said they closed the trail while the rancher who leases the field moved the herd to a fenced area away from public trails. They reopened the trail later Tuesday afternoon.

TRAIL CLOSURE UPDATE: The Meadowlark Trail is open. The aggressive cattle have been moved from the area. #boco_trails pic.twitter.com/ZbJgQj2bcJ  BoCo Open Space (@BoulderCountyOS) June 6, 2023

County officials posted signs along the trail telling users to expect grazing cattle, and a large sign at the trails entrance warns that there might be aggressive cattle this time of year. It instructs visitors to move slowly and keep dogs on leash.

A web page for the trail instructs visitors to keep the gates closed due to livestock in the area and says all trail users must stay on trail due to active agriculture in the area.

Beloved cowgirl on TikTok has no memory of stardom after AZ horse accident, family says

Watch wrangler on horseback armed with a lasso nab runaway steer on Michigan highway

Annoyed cows lead cops to fugitive hiding in their pasture, North Carolina town says
Aggressive, drooling profusely moose has disease never seen in its species in Alaska

A moose that was acting aggressively toward people has been diagnosed with rabies, a first for Alaska, according to wildlife officials.

The moose, which was stumbling, drooling profusely, and had bare patches of skin, was found acting oddly in Teller on June 2, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game said in a June 7 news release.

That moose was being aggressive towards people and charging and getting a little bit too close to comfort for them, Alaska Wildlife Biologist Sara Germain told KTUU-TV.

Before the mooses carcass was burned, wildlife officials said they collected samples for testing, which showed rabies virus in the brain.

Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the virus in the moose was infected with was an Arctic Fox rabies variant, officials said. The variant stems from a winter rabies outbreak in Nome/Seward Peninsula and North Slope arctic foxes.

Wildlife officials said this suggests the moose contracted the disease from a fox.

Due to the largely solitary nature of moose, it is very unlikely that any rabies outbreak will occur in the moose population, but isolated cases such as this one occur rarely, officials said.

While rabies in moose is rare, some of the massive animals have been diagnosed with rabies in South Dakota, Minnesota, Canada and Russia, officials said.

The department said as a result of this rabies case that it plans to test all brain samples from wild mammals found dead or euthanized from regions known to have fox rabies, to better track the disease.

The public can help by calling the department if they find a dead animal or see any that with signs of rabies, which includes excessive salivation, abnormal / aggressive behavior, bite marks, officials said.

Though photos and videos can be helpful, its important to avoid contact with a rabid animal or carcass, officials said.

Rabies vaccines for dogs and cats is the best protection against the disease in people, according to officials.

Likewise, preventing pets from interacting with foxes or other wildlife, and not leaving garbage or other attractants accessible to foxes and other wildlife, remain important, the department said.

If someone is bitten by an animal that may have been exposed to rabies, immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention, officials said.

Fox infected with rabies bites 6 people in one night, New York officials say

Rabid bobcat lurking under Jeep attacks 9-year-old, dad says. Tore his shoe off

Three people exposed to rabid bat in Columbia, health officials say
Actor William Shatner, famous for his roles in Star Trek, has become an ambassador for the StoryFile company. (Frazer Harrison)

Staying in touch with a loved one after their death is the promise of several start-ups using the powers artificial intelligence, though not without raising ethical questions.

Ryu Sun-yun sits in front of a microphone and a giant screen, where her husband, who died a few months earlier, appears.

"Sweetheart, it's me," the man on the screen tells her in a video demo. In tears, she answers him and a semblance of conversation begins.

When Lee Byeong-hwal learned he had terminal cancer, the 76-year-old South Korean asked startup DeepBrain AI to create a digital replica using several hours of video.

"We don't create new content" such as sentences that the deceased would have never uttered or at least written and validated during their lifetime, said Joseph Murphy, head of development at DeepBrain AI, about the "Rememory" program.

"I'll call it a niche part of our business. It's not a growth area for us," he cautioned.

The idea is the same for company StoryFile, which uses 92-year-old "Star Trek" actor William Shatner to market its site.

"Our approach is to capture the wonder of an individual, then use the AI tools," said Stephen Smith, boss of StoryFile, which claims several thousand users of its Life service.

Entrepreneur Pratik Desai caused a stir a few months ago when he suggested people save audio or video of "your parents, elders and loved ones," estimating that by "the end of this year" it would be possible to create an autonomous avatar of a deceased person, and that he was working on a project to this end.

The message posted on Twitter set off a storm, to the point where, a few days later, he denied being "a ghoul."

"This is a very personal topic and I sincerely apologize for hurting people," he said.

"It's a very fine ethical area that we're taking with great care," Smith said.

After the death of her best friend in a car accident in 2015, Russian engineer Eugenia Kyuda, who emigrated to California, created a "chatbot" named Roman like her dead friend, which was fed with thousands of text messages he had sent to loved ones.

Two years later Kyuda launched Replika, which offers personalized conversational robots, among the most sophisticated on the market.

But despite the Roman precedent, Replika "is not a platform made to recreate a lost loved one", said a spokeswoman.

- 'Philosophical' -

Somnium Space, based in London, wants to create virtual clones while users are still alive so that they then can exist in a parallel universe after their death.

"It's not for everyone," CEO Artur Sychov conceded in a video posted on YouTube about his product, Live Forever, which he is announcing for the end of the year.

"Do I want to meet my grandfather who's in AI? I don't know. But those who want that will be able to," he added.

Thanks to generative AI, the technology is there to allow avatars of departed loved ones to say things they never said when they were alive.

"I think these are philosophical challenges, not technical challenges," said Murphy of DeepBrainAI.

"I would say that is a line right now that we do not plan on crossing, but who knows what the future holds?" he added.

"I think it can be helpful to interact with an AI version of a person in order to get closure particularly in situations where grief was complicated by abuse or trauma," Candi Cann, a professor at Baylor University who is currently researching this topic in South Korea.

Mari Dias, a professor of medical psychology at Johnson & Wales University, has asked many of her bereaved patients about virtual contact with their loved ones.

"The most common answer is 'I don't trust AI. I'm afraid it's going to say something I'm not going to accept'... I get the impression that they think they don't have control" over what the avatar does.

tu/arp/jh
Surveillance equipment on display at the Security China expo in Beijing (Peter CATTERALL)

AI tech that spots "undesirable" behaviour and long-distance facial recognition software were on show Thursday at a Beijing expo attended by hundreds of companies -- many blacklisted by the United States for their alleged role in repression in China and abroad.

The three-day Security China event bills itself as a showcase of the future of high-tech policing and is backed by Beijing's commerce ministry and law enforcement bodies.

On Thursday the venue was packed with employees from across China's security industry and prospective clients, including some foreign customers, as well as curious members of the public.

China is one of the most surveilled societies on Earth, with countless CCTV cameras scattered across cities and facial recognition technology widely used in both day-to-day law enforcement and political repression.

At one booth operated by AI software company SenseTime, sales representatives showed off smart cameras that can be set to recognise certain "undesirable" behaviours -- including smoking, physical fights, and not wearing a mask.

Other cameras designed for installation at doorways and checkpoints have the ability to identify attempts to impersonate someone to gain access, such as by holding up a picture or wearing a mask resembling another person.

In one demonstration, an eerily-lifelike mannequin was placed in front of the camera -- only for the program to flag that it was not human.

These surveillance systems can also be programmed to watch for fires and alert emergency response personnel.

Hong Kong-listed SenseTime was placed on a US trade blacklist in 2019, accused of being an arm of China's "military-industrial complex" over the use of its technology in mass surveillance in the western region of Xinjiang.

An estimated one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in the region since 2017 under a government campaign that Washington and rights groups have called a genocide.

Another firm, Zohetec, boasted technology with the ability to recognise faces from a distance of 150 metres (490 feet).

Representatives from Tiandy -- a Chinese firm also allegedly linked to repression in Xinjiang -- showed AFP some of the company's "smart city" products.

These included cameras that can obtain details about cars such as licence plate numbers and drivers' faces from a long distance, even at night.

Tiandy's equipment is used for traffic control by authorities in Beijing and nearby Tianjin, where the firm is based, its staff said.

Another smart city function developed by Tiandy involves identifying pedestrians that break road crossing rules. It posts their picture on a display to "embarrass" the individual and discourage them from reoffending.

"This kind of tool can be quite effective," a sales staffer told AFP.

Of the relatively small number of foreign customers attending the expo, most hailed from Russia and the Middle East, they said.

Also at the event was Chinese state-owned surveillance giant Hikvision, which is blacklisted in the United States for allegedly helping Beijing carry out a "campaign of repression".

pfc/oho/axn
In a sign that there's plenty of cash to go around for generative AI startups, Cohere, which is developing an AI model ecosystem for the enterprise, today announced that it raised $270 million as part of its Series C round.

Reuters reported earlier in the year that Cohere was in talks to raise "hundreds of millions" of dollars at a valuation of upward of just over $6 billion. If there's credence to that reporting, Cohere appears to have missed the valuation mark substantially; a source familiar with the matter tells TechCrunch that this tranche values the company at between $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion.

"The new capital will fuel continued development of Coheres AI platform, which is focused on enterprise customers, allowing companies to use their preferred cloud provider to increase data privacy and make implementation simpler," president and COO Martin Kon told TechCrunch via email. "The latest round allows us to invest in compute, grow our team, engage with more of the worlds leading enterprises and further advance our world-leading AI, ultimately empowering companies to build incredible products while keeping their data private and secure."

Aidan Gomez, Ivan Zhang and Nick Frosst (who was one of the first employees at Google's Toronto AI lab) co-founded Cohere in 2019. Before starting Cohere, Gomez co-authored the seminal paper "Attention Is All You Need," which introduced the Transformer, the architecture behind popular large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT-4.

Kon joined in early 2023, jumping from his previous role as CFO at YouTube.

Cohere, which has developed multilingual language models trained on data from native speakers, among other AI, aims to stand out in the ocean of generative AI startups by focusing on enterprise use cases.

Cohere's AI platform is cloud agnostic, able to be deployed inside public clouds (e.g., Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services), a customer's existing cloud, virtual private clouds or on-site. The startup takes a hands-on approach, working with customers to create custom LLMs based on their proprietary data.

"Cohere was founded to create a platform that empowers all enterprises to transform their company and products with world-leading AI thats cloud-agnostic, accessible, customizable and data-secure," Kon said. "Our mission is to allow enterprises worldwide to leverage this transformational technology."

Cohere holds its customer numbers close to its chest. But the startup claims that it works with companies like Jasper and HyperWrite for copywriting generation tasks like creating marketing content, drafting emails and developing product descriptions. Elsewhere, Cohere recently announced a collaboration with LivePerson, the conversational marketing company, to build fine-tuned LLMs to improve explainability. And the startup's partnering with a handful of organizations, including news outlets and Salesforce Ventures, to help break down, analyze and summarize lengthy text using machine learning algorithms.

"Generally, we can share that were experiencing high demand from major enterprises, as both customers and partners," Kon said.

Cohere, which has around 180 employees, has raised a lot of capital -- $445 million -- even by generative AI startup standards. Only OpenAI ($11.3 billion) and Anthropic ($450 million) have raised more, ahead of rivals Inflection AI ($225 million) and Adept ($415 million).

But lest it seem excessive, training AI models tends to be capital-intensive. Anthropic, for one, expects to need to raise billions more to train the next generation of its task-accomplishing AI.

"When it comes to AI, building and training language models requires a lot of capital, but were mindful and intentional about what we actually need and committed to securing funds that will ensure we can continue providing the best possible solution for our customers," Kon said. "Weve been intentional about maintaining a diversity of global investors and not taking one bigger check from one company -- especially a cloud provider -- because that may limit our ability to remain independent, service enterprises directly, remain cloud-agnostic and deploy data-secure solutions on any cloud according to our customers preference."

That comment about cloud provider investments was a likely dig at startups like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have taken on significant backing from Microsoft and Google, respectively. But it's curious coming from Cohere, which not long ago was reportedly in advanced talks with Google about an investment in the range of $200 million.

Regardless of where its future capital comes from, Kon says he sees "search and retrieval" as the next core area of growth for Cohere. Using techniques that give models or chatbots the ability to expand on their knowledge base and search the web for information that's relevant to a query, like OpenAI's experimenting with, Kon believes that Cohere can build significantly more powerful AI systems than it offers today.

"Today, chatbots dont have access to the world. They dont know about what happened 10 minutes ago. They have to memorize everything within themselves, and they only have memory of what they saw during training," Kon said. "With search and retrieval, you can require a model to cite sources, so users dont need to blindly trust a model; everything links out to a site that you can verify and fact check."

Looking further ahead, Cohere plans to build models that can take action and "do work" for customers, like book a flight, schedule a meeting or file an expense report on a person's behalf. In that way, it's chasing after competitors like Adept, Inflection and OpenAI, all of which are building -- albeit using different approaches -- systems to connect AI with third-party apps, services and products.

Despite the competition, Kon asserts that Cohere's in a position of strength.

"Were differentiated as the independent, cloud-agnostic AI platform for enterprises," he said. "We are solely focused on enabling our customers to create proprietary LLM capabilities leveraging their data and creating strategic differentiation and business value."

Inovia Capital led the oversubscribed Series C round with participation from Nvidia, Oracle, Salesforce Ventures, DTCP, Mirae Asset, Schroders Capital, SentinelOne, Thomvest Ventures and Index Ventures.
People take photos and wear face masks on 7 June 2023 in New York, US, because of bad air quality brought in by smoke of Canadian wildfires

The sight of one the most famous skylines on the planet shrouded in an orange hue has made front pages around the world.

But for those living and working in New York City, it was a grim and worrying spectacle they could see for themselves.

"The sky took on an unnatural yellow pallor and it got very dark," building surveyor Anthony Galasso, who was working in the Bronx, told the BBC.

There's a saying in New York that only the tourists look up. But on Wednesday evening even the locals were craning their necks to get a glimpse.

And for many it was a chance to record one of the most photographed cities looking rather different.

For many New Yorkers, it was a surreal experience to witness.

"It smells like someone is doing a barbecue," Nicha Suaittiyanon, a 30-year-old tourist from Thailand, told the AFP news agency.

View of hazy New York city skylines during bad air quality because smoke of Canadian wildfires brought in by wind on 7 June 2023

A woman wearing a face mask takes a photo of hazy New York, US, because of bad air quality brought in by smoke of Canadian wildfires on 7 June 2023

People take photos and wear face masks on 7 June 2023 in New York, US, because of bad air quality brought in by smoke of Canadian wildfires

A man wearing a face mask takes a photo of hazy New York, US, because of bad air quality brought in by smoke of Canadian wildfires on 7 June 2023

Hazy skies seen in New York city, US, due to wildfires in Canada on 7 June 2023

The Chrysler Building is covered in a smoky haze from wildfires in Canada as it blankets Manhattan on 7 June 2023 in New York City, US

Pedestrians wearing face masks walk on a street in New York, US, on 7 June 2023
sunset view in downtown New York

Airbnb filed a lawsuit against the city of New York earlier this month, on June 1. In the lawsuit, the company alleges that the city had effectively banned short-term rentals, limiting the number of individuals who can provide lodging through the platform, Reuters reported. The company asserts in its filing to the Supreme Court of New York that the city council implemented its most stringent and burdensome set of regulations in 2022. The latest regulations essentially act as a de facto ban on short-term rentals in New York.

The lawsuit comes amid a recent increase in the introduction of short-term rental ordinances throughout the United States. Airbnb aims to challenge the stringent regulations and advocate for hosts who depend on short-term rentals for income. City ordinances vary in their requirements. Some require hosts to obtain licenses and pay registration fees while others outright prohibit short-term rentals in certain business districts.

City Ordinances Impact Short-Term Rental Supply

According to Airbnbs filing, a 2021 law caused 29,000 hosts to exit the New York short-term rental market.

AirDNA, a data analytics firm, indicates that the number of short-term rental listings in New York City saw a 27% year-over-year increase in April 2023 but remains 32% lower than in April 2019. AirDNAs chief economist states that the majority of listings in New York City are either private or shared rooms, commercial properties, or listings designed for long-term stays.

Airbnbs filing claims the companys annual net revenue in New York City is projected to reach $85 million in 2022. The Mayors office has acknowledged the lawsuit and has also pledged to investigate the matter.
Voters at a polling station in Alabama in 2020

The US Supreme Court has ruled that an Alabama electoral map violated federal law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.

The 5-4 decision backed a lower court's ruling that the state's Republican-drawn map had diluted the voting power of black Alabamians.

The map, outlining the state's seven districts for the US House of Representatives, was approved in 2021.

The ruling preserves a key element of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Two of the court's six conservative justices, John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh, sided in Thursday's opinion with its three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The ruling means that Alabama will have to redraw its congressional map to include a second majority-black district.

Although the state's voting-age population is about 27% black, the current congressional map has one majority-black district.

The majority-black district is currently the only Democratic one in the state. The other six are represented by Republicans.

When Alabama lawmakers redrew the maps two years ago, civil rights groups accused them of breaching the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices.

Federal judges blocked the map in early 2022, ruling that it violated the Voting Rights Act and gave black voters "less opportunity than other Alabamians to elect candidates".

Alabama Republicans appealed against the lower court's decision.

The Supreme Court allowed the existing congressional map to stand for last year's midterm elections, while it considered the case.

Thursday's ruling surprised some given that the justices have chipped away at the Voting Rights Act in two major rulings over the past decade.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas - the second African American to serve on the court - said the Voting Rights Act should not apply to redistricting.

He was joined by three other conservative justices, Amy Coney Barrett, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland welcomed the majority ruling, saying it upheld the principle that voters should be "free from discrimination based on their race".

Congresswoman Terri Sewell, the lone Alabama Democrat, tweeted that the decision was "amazing" for black voters.on Twitter.
The US Supreme Court ruled that a congressional electoral map drawn in the southern state of Alabama discriminated against Black voters (ALEX WONG)

The US Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that a congressional electoral map drawn in the southern state of Alabama discriminated against Black voters.

The 5-4 decision by the conservative-majority court is a surprise victory for the Voting Rights Act, which was passed by Congress during the civil rights movement in 1965 to prevent racial discrimination against minorities in elections.

The Alabama case concerns a map that was redrawn in 2021 by Alabama's Republican majority legislature to allocate seats in the US House of Representatives.

Under the map, Black voters -- who represent around a quarter of registered voters statewide -- are in a majority in only one of Alabama's seven US House districts.

African Americans in Alabama tend to vote Democratic while white voters in the state mostly support Republicans.

Citizens and rights groups took the Alabama redistricting map to court, accusing legislators of violating the Voting Rights Act which prohibits diluting the Black vote.

Chief Justice John Roberts and another conservative, Brett Kavanaugh, sided with the three liberal justices in upholding a lower court ruling ordering Alabama to redraw the congressional map to include a second district with a large African American population.

Republican officials in Alabama had appealed the lower court ruling to the Supreme Court, where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority, and the nation's highest court heard the case in October.

President Joe Biden welcomed the decision, saying it "confirms the basic principle that voting practices should not discriminate on account of race."

"The right to vote and have that vote counted is sacred and fundamental -- it is the right from which all of our other rights spring," Biden said in a statement.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said the ruling "preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race."

- 'Crucial win' -

Deuel Ross, senior counsel at the Legal Defense Fund, also praised the decision, calling it a "crucial win against the continued onslaught of attacks on voting rights."

"Alabama attempted to rewrite federal law by saying race had no place in redistricting," said Ross, who argued the case before the court.

"But because of the state's sordid and well-documented history of racial discrimination, race must be used to remedy that past and ensure communities of color are not boxed out of the electoral process," he said.

Davin Rosborough, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union's Voting Rights Project, called the ruling a "huge victory for Black Alabamians."

"The Supreme Court rejected the Orwellian idea that it's inappropriate to consider race in determining whether racial discrimination led to the creation of illegal maps," Rosborough said.

The Alabama case is one of several the court heard this term revolving around race.

The justices are set to rule shortly in a case involving the use of race in deciding who gets to attend Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.

Harvard and UNC, like many other US institutions of higher education, use race as a factor in trying to ensure a diverse student body and to make up for a legacy of discrimination against African Americans and Hispanics.

cl/mlm
Tom Drew knows his way around a helicopter or two  hes qualified to fly nine current and former Army airframes. He pinned his pilots wings in 1983 as a warrant officer flying the AH-1 Cobra.

However, for the past three years or so, the two-star general has been on a human resources holiday, first with the services Talent Management Task Force and now as the leader of Human Resources Command. Despite his new assignment, Drew finds himself at the center of one of many controversies currently agitating the services aviators: a debate over pilot service obligations amplified by the revelation that nearly 200 flyers left the Army before their commitments were complete.

Spring 2023 presented further challenges for the Armys aviation community: a spate of deadly accidents and personnel issues grabbed national headlines and ultimately led to a fleet-wide operations halt. In turn, current and former soldiers have found themselves asking: What is going on with Army aviation? Army Times spoke with the services top officers, and other senior officials in the branch, like Drew, who argued that the state of Army aviation is strong despite recent difficulties.

As evidence, they pointed to stable pilot retention and years-long reductions in accident rates, even including the recent crashes.

And beyond recent events, officials say they are excited about the Armys progress on major modernization efforts. The Army recently selected Textrons Bell to build its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft based on its V-280 Valor tiltrotor technology demonstrator. Leaders also said they believe recent safety stand down events will yield information thatll help the service maintain its years-long trend of safer flying.

The Army is now working to adjust doctrine, training and force structure to integrate the tiltrotor aircraft when it hits hangars by the early 2030s.

I see a very bright path for our aviators and those who work on aircraft, declared Gen. James McConville, the services chief of staff and a pilot himself, in a phone interview with Army Times.

A community at a crossroads

Much like the rest of the Army, the aviation branch will evolve in the decade ahead as the service retools and reorganizes to compete with and, if necessary, fight against adversaries like China or Russia.

McConville said the service is at an inflection point and must transform after two decades of counterinsurgency and combating extremism.

The Armys embrace of multi-domain operations as its guiding fighting concept will drive much of the shift  an October 2022 update to the services operations field manual laid the groundwork for how it plans to integrate space and cyber effects into the traditional air, land and sea domains of warfare. That triggered since-released or in-progress updates to nearly 370 other publications.

The Armys helicopter force isnt exempt, explained Maj. Gen. Mac McCurry, who leads the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, Alabama.

Were currently in the process of producing the next iteration of Army aviation operations [doctrine] that is in line with that, he said.

And the demands of the future battlefield will require aviators to step their tactical game up after two decades of combating extremism around the world, even if that mission hasnt entirely disappeared.

The branch is acutely focused on sharpening tactical and technical skills for our young leaders, McCurry said. Revamped or expanded training courses like the Advanced Warfighting Skills course for warrant officers or the Air Cavalry Leaders Course are really getting deep on understanding enemy systems and tactics, he added.

The general said officials are developing a new advanced tactics course intended to create advanced flyers who can mesh flying techniques with aerial small unit tactics and then go back to their units to train those methods with junior pilots. The other services have similar courses already, McCurry added, and the Army needs its own version applicable to how we fight.

But the biggest change looming for the Armys aviators is technology-based. The Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, should Bells tiltrotor live up to expectations, is intended to gradually replace the UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter as the Armys do-it-all workhorse  but with superior range and speed.

McConville said the new long-range aircraft will ease the complex refueling calculations that have bedeviled even some of the recent operations that were runwith our special operators. Prototypes for a next-generation attack helicopter, meant to replace the venerable AH-64 Apache by the early 2030s, are ready for testing as well once delayed next-generation engines are completed for them.

The V-280 Valor performs a flight demonstration in Arlington, Texas, Oct. 28, 2020. (Luke J. Allen/Army)

McCurry, the aviation chief, acknowledged that the new platforms will require changes to doctrine, operations, leadership, personnel, facilities, policy and more. But hes optimistic that the service will find solutions by the time the helicopters hit the force.

Meanwhile, the Army is working with the defense industry to concoct upgrades to existing aircraft. Officials say the familiar Apache, Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopter could all remain aloft into the 2060s.

Classic airframes sometimes have issues, though.

In 2018, the service paused deliveries of new Echo model Apaches from Boeing for a few months because of corrosion problems in the strap pack nut that indirectly held the rotor blades on the helicopter. Maintainers spent thousands of hours replacing the nuts across the fleet.

Then after Army depots took over engine parts ordering for the CH-47 Chinook in 2019, maintainers installed incorrect O-rings, leading to a series of engine fires. The entire fleet was grounded in August 2022 in order to install the correct parts.

But that isnt the only grounding for the Armys helicopters in the past year.

Saving a safety streak

McConville ordered an Army-wide safety stand down for early May after a series of helicopter crashes killed 14 soldiers and ended arguably the safest three-year period in the Armys recent flying history.

Army grounds helicopter fleet for force-wide safety stand down

After more than two years without a fatal accidental helicopter crash, two Tennessee National Guard warrant officers died Feb. 15 when their Black Hawk went down near Huntsville, Alabama.

Then nine Army aviators died March 29 when a pair of Black Hawks collided and crashed during a night training event outside of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Three more were killed April 27 after their Apache attack helicopters collided while redeploying from a training exercise in Alaska, according to a preliminary Army report. One pilot survived.

While mourning the fallen aviators, Army officials told Army Times that fiscal 2023 remains one of the safest years on record in terms of total Class A mishaps, or accidents that lead to the loss of an aircraft or a crewmember.

An official from the Combat Readiness Center, which investigates all such incidents, noted that fiscal 2010 saw 23 Class A aviation mishaps, adding, We have driven these numbers down to where now one or two mishaps is significant.

The chief of staff emphasized the risk inherent to even training flights.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Parachute Team take off in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter ahead of a parachute jump at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 events in Speedway, Indiana on May 27. (Megan Hackett/Army)

Aviation is always at combat, whether an enemy is firing bullets at you or not, because youre always fighting gravity, McConville said.

The safety stand down, McConville said, was intended to reset the Armys flight units and look for ways to prevent any further accidents. It was the first such move since 2015, when Army Forces Command grounded all aircraft in the wake of three deadly crashes that killed eight aviators over a ten-day span.

When the recent pause was ordered, an Army official told Army Times that accompanying mandatory training events would require the participation of installation commanders. The training, which concluded by May 5 for active duty troops and May 31 for the Guard and Reserve, covered multi-ship operations safety, mission planning, risk assessment, maintenance programs, aircrew training and more.

Another key aspect of the stand down, the official said, was inviting junior troops in aviation units to speak up and inform aviation unit leaders on unit-specific actions they can take to improve safety practices.

McCurry, who serves as the commander of Fort Novosel in addition to his role leading the aviation schoolhouse, led his posts stand down event.

Although he noted that the service is still compiling the force-wide findings from the event, he said that the Novosel stand down emphasized the need for regular training meetings within aviation units. McCurry highlighted them as a recurring setting where experienced troops like instructor pilots and maintenance platoon sergeants need to offer bottom-up feedback to leadership in order to refine mission plans.

The stand downs compiled findings were not complete and available for Army Times review ahead of this articles publication deadline.

Whatever it finds, McCurry and other Army officials say they are confident that the services top leaders are prepared to address them appropriately.

Pending personnel pitfall

Even as the service projects confidence over its modernization and safety improvement efforts, a personnel issue is fueling dissatisfaction among mid-career pilots.

Army Times previously reported how the services Human Resources Command, led by Drew, informed more than 600 commissioned officer aviators that their service contracts are up to three years longer than previously thought. The notifications began in mid-April.

In interviews and statements made to members of Congress obtained by Army Times, impacted aviators were confused about branch of choice active duty service obligation contracts that they had accepted in return for becoming pilots. Many believed their additional three years would be served simultaneously with their flight school training obligations. Adding to the chaos, aviation commitments are handled differently than those for any other officer career field.

Officers who entered active duty between 2008 and 2020 were able to commit to the contracts while they were West Point or ROTC cadets pining to become pilots, though it wasnt guaranteed whether the Army would apply the contract when selecting them.

After top graduates from West Point received their first choice career fields, the lower-ranking grads were prioritized and sorted based on their willingness to accept an extra three years in uniform. For highly-competitive fields like aviation, a smaller proportion of ROTC-commissioned lieutenants received their top choice without incurring the extra time.

Although the contracts state that aviators additional three years were to come after the end of their flight school obligation, which is enforced by federal law, briefing materials and messages from Human Resources Command officials distributed to pilots throughout their careers contradicted the contracts language.

Its not clear when the misunderstandings began, but the Army realized the error in the fall of 2022 when pilots who entered active duty in 2015 began submitting resignations when they believed their service obligations to be complete.

Human Resources Command audited resignations from previous year groups and realized that 195 aviation officers had voluntarily departed the Army before their branch of choice obligation should have been complete, according to Drew and briefing materials prepared for members of Congress obtained by Army Times.

At least 190 pilots left the Army years early due to admin error

Four pilots told Army Times that officials instructing them on branch applications told them the three-year branch of choice commitment would run simultaneously with their flight school obligation if it was accepted. Others, in their letter to Congress, claimed that the Army failed to alert them that their branch of choice commitment had been applied and that the service also did not upload the executed contracts to their personnel files.

Drew and McConville both acknowledged that the Army failed to properly communicate the contracts terms with pilots throughout their careers. They also said the Army could have done a better job of contacting impacted pilots.

I did a poor job last fall in communicating this to the Army and to these individuals, which created some of thebuzz that youve seen surrounding the [commitments], said Drew. We didnt really have an accurate accounting [then, but] I think we are very accurate in our audit now.

McConville, the services top officer, said, We should have made sure that there was a clear understanding of the additional service obligation for their branch.

U.S. Army AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade fired 15 Air-to-Ground Missile (AGM) 114R Hellfire II's at Karavia Range Complex, Greece, on May 12. (Capt. Gabrielle Hildebrand/Army)

However, the leaders stopped short of committing to a blanket waiver of all remaining branch of choice obligations, despite the years-long systemic failures in tracking and communicating them.

Im not going to disadvantage some officer who raised their hand to serve in an Army at war [who] got told one thing by us, HRC, for years that, No, its concurrent, dont worry about it, Drew committed. Thats what we communicated to those [officers], and because we did that, I am taking every one of these cases. And if they truly didnt know that, Im approving their [exception to policy], to leave the Army when they thought they could do so.

The chief of staff expressed concern about officers highly ranked in ROTC who didnt know theyd had an additional three years applied, adding that the intent is to honor the agreement we made.

We have to take a look at each individual case, he noted.

Yet when asked by Army Times whether the communication failures warranted service-wide action, McConville demurred and expressed skepticism that the pilots didnt understand that their branch of choice obligation was intended to be served after their flight school obligation rather than simultaneously when signing their contracts as cadets.

Take a step back [and imagine] youre a cadet at West Point or ROTC, and you want to go aviation but you dont qualify based on where you stand in the order of merit list, McConville posited. So you say youll take an additional service obligation to go into that branchif you could take a [branch of choice] and it was concurrent, then why wouldnt everyone do that?

Impacted pilots reached by Army Times said that was their exact thought process: the officials explaining the contracts to them said they would be served concurrently to their flight school commitment, so they believed that signing the branch of choice obligation would only in effect add a few months or a year. For some non-scholarship cadets with shorter commissioning obligations, they believed their branch of choice commitment could potentially have no impact at all.

McConville said he has complete trust and faith in Drew to make the right calls on a case-by-case basis.

And despite  or perhaps in a sense because of  the commitment confusion, Drew said that mid-career pilot retention remains on par with historical levels in contrast to the endemic pilot shortages that afflict the other services.

Ive not seen some significant jump in attrition at those critical [mid-career] ranks, he added. Over his more than 40 years as an Army aviator, the general noted, hes seen the ebbs and flows of manning levels.

Drew cautioned, though, that the Blended Retirement System, which allows personnel to leave the military before retirement and still retain government-matched contributions in their individual retirement accounts, could potentially harm retention over the long haul. And manning the future aviation force will require plenty of experienced pilots.

I currently dont see a problem, said the career aviator. That doesnt mean there arent storm clouds on the horizon.

Despite his worries, Drew described the impending modernization era as an exciting one.

Im way too old to hang around, he chuckled. But if I was a young aviation soldier or pilot  theres a bright future.

Defense News land reporter Jen Judson contributed to this report.
By Belen Carreno, Anthony Boadle and Michel Rose

MADRID/BRASILIA/PARIS (Reuters) - Spain will appeal to President Emmanuel Macron's ambition to make the European Union a "third pole" in world affairs in its bid to secure vital French backing for a stalled EU trade deal with South America, according to three senior government and diplomatic sources.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez believes he has a window of opportunity to revive the Mercosur free trade agreement (FTA) - which has been frozen for four years - during Spain's forthcoming presidency of the EU because of his close relationships with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, government and diplomatic sources said.

Sanchez, who will be campaigning for reelection at home, plans to announce the next steps at a regional summit on July 17-18 as his presidency of the EU begins, according to two diplomatic EU sources and two Spanish government sources.

Macron has championed boosting the EU's "strategic autonomy". He said in April the union of 27 nations could become a "third pole" in world affairs, alongside the United States and China.

Sanchez will attempt to persuade him the Mercosur pact would help the EU to broaden its alliances with other open, democratic nations and to "rebalance" the geopolitical map, according to two senior Spanish government sources and two EU diplomatic sources.

The EU agreed the trade deal in principle in 2019 after two decades of on-off talks with Mercosur  which groups Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. But before it takes effect, blocs are negotiating a so-called "side letter" that pushes for more commitments on climate change and biodiversity.

In economic terms, Europe stands to gain greater access for manufactured goods, notably cars, which face tariffs of 35%. It wants its firms freed to compete for public tenders, and to sell more wine and cheese. Meanwhile, Mercosur aims to boost its exports of farm commodities and minerals to Europe.

Foremost among Macron's concerns is the impact on French farmers, who have bitterly opposed the deal due to the harm that lifting trade barriers on South American beef could do to the domestic cattle industry. Macron has already faced fierce protests in recent months over raising the retirement age.

"The hardest partner to convince is France and, with Macron at such a low point, it will be very difficult to get it done," said Anna Ayuso, a senior analyst at the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (Cidob).

France says is it not against the deal but warned against rushing negotiations. "We obviously need to wrap up. The fact it took 23 years means it can take a couple of extra months too," Olivier Becht, France's trade minister, told Reuters on Wednesday in an interview from Brazil.

France wants the agreement to be aligned with the Paris climate deal, and has insisted on adding the additional document that calls for Mercosur countries to respect EU deforestation rules for commodities and agree to a tax on carbon intensive goods entering the union, which has been met with resistance in Mercosur.

Spain thinks it could bypass resistance by Macron's opponents by splitting the treaty and implementing only the trade section, which does not need ratification by the EU's national parliaments, a senior government source said.

The option has not yet been officially proposed, but it would be an opportunity to fast track the trade agreement. France, however, has already voiced its opposition to the idea.

UKRAINE WAR

Resistance to the pact within the EU more broadly is fading due to a growing desire to diversify the bloc's network of allies in the wake of the Ukraine war, according to several diplomatic and government sources of the countries involved.

Finalizing the trade deal would give Europe more direct access to South America's raw materials from grains to lithium and nickel - minerals needed to make EV batteries - which have grown in strategic importance since Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted global trade flows.

Spain, one of the countries with the closest economic and cultural ties to South America, also wants to reverse a decline in relations between the two regions in an increasingly polarized world, said a Spanish government source directly involved in the talks.

"An agreement with Mercosur goes far beyond access to its raw materials," the source said. "It's also about diversifying allies and friends: the EU needs new friends."

The European Commission (EC) says Latin America has been neglected and wants to establish closer trade and political ties with a region that is aligned in democratic values with the EU, according to two European diplomatic sources.

In recent years, China has vastly expanded its trade footprint in Latin America and mopped up some of the influence Europe enjoyed there by offering investment and cheap loans-for-commodities.

"Ratifying the Mercosur deal would represent a major break-through for the EU in its relations with the so-called Global South," said Miguel Otero, a senior analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute, a think tank in Madrid.

EC President Ursula Von der Leyen will visit Brazil and Argentina in the coming days to hammer out the details of Mercosur negotiations, in preparation for the next round of talks starting on 15 June.

The environmental commitments in the annex are key, but Von der Leyen will also try to secure access for European companies to Latin American countries' procurement processes, as well as to persuade political leaders of the need for a unified condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

LULA A KEY PLAYER

Momentum for the agreement had fizzled out after Brazil's former leader Jair Bolsonaro, who shared former US President Donald Trump's mistrust of free trade deals, took power in 2019. But his successor, Lula da Silva, has a close relationship with Sanchez and has been directly involved in reviving the deal.

"We want to be more influential in this geopolitical shift that is taking place," Lula said on a visit to Spain in April. "If there is an opportunity, it is now. Europe needs allies."

Sanchez's own political future has been plunged into doubt after he called a snap general election for July 23 following a poor performance by his Socialist party in local polls last month.

But Spain's conservative People's Party  favourite for that election  supports the Mercosur deal and two European diplomatic officials and a senior PP source said they do not see much change in policy if Sanchez goes.

There is some resistance to reviving the pact, however, in South America.

Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told the Brazilian senate in May that there were concerns the annex document would open loopholes for applying sanctions and could be used for retaliation by the EU if Brazil failed to meet its environmental protection goal.

Brazil is carrying out an assessment and will then contact the other Mercosur partners to present to Brussels a counter-proposal, Vieira said. In recent days, Lula has firmly rejected the participation of European companies in Brazilian government tenders, and said no deal will be reached unless the EU takes Brazil's position into account.

Argentina's left-leaning government also says the 2019 agreement - negotiated by a previous centre-right administration - is unbalanced because it favours European exports.

It thinks that while the addendum does not help negotiations, it could open discussions to fix other imbalances in the agreement, according to a government source participating in talks.

"Since they want to reopen the negotiated package with the environment, the Brazilian government has a few ideas of its own," a Brazil government spokesman said.

(Reporting by Belen Carreno in Madrid, Anthony Boadle in Brasilia and Michel Rose in Paris; additonal reporting by Maximilian Heath and Lucila Sigal in Buenos Aires, Gus Trompiz in Paris and Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels, Fabian Cambero in Santiago de Chile; Writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
The late fashion icons home in White Plains, New York, is officially on the market and features some glamorous decor.

For the last 18 years of his life, Andre Leon Talley, one of fashions greatest icons, lived in the quaint suburbs of White Plains, New York. Far from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Talley once described the 3,600-square-foot home as his sanctuary from the public eye. Since his untimely passing last year, the former Vogue creative directors home is now on the market for $1.25 million as reported by The New York Times.

Andre Leon Talley sitting in front of his home for a 2021 UGG campaign. (Screenshot: UGG/YouTube)

Sitting on a private road renamed Honorary Andre Leon Talley Way, the central-hall, colonial-style home holds 11 rooms. Like Talleys fashion legacy, the house is a masterpiece with tons of character, said the listing broker Bonnie Stein, an associate broker at Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty in Rye, New York.

Once brimmed with a remarkable collection of fashion and collectibles gathered throughout his lifetime, the extensive decor items auctioned in February included custom sets of Louis Vuitton luggage, a Hermes bicycle, a Truman Capote sofa and more. But one iconic interior design element remains  the leopard print carpet lining the houses floors.

Leopard  he loved that print, so the stairwell and part of the second floor are covered in leopard carpeting, Alexis E. Thomas, a friend and the trustee of his estate, told The New York Times. He was attracted to that print, but I couldnt tell you exactly why.

Beyond the homes unique interior, Talley reportedly invested a considerable amount of time and energy into the landscape. With a lush yard filled with azaleas, hydrangeas, ferns and Japanese maples spread across 1.2 acres of land, Talleys dedication to the outdoors reflected his upbringing in Durham, North Carolina.

When the yard was in full bloom, it was enchanting [] He used it as a southern destination for himself, Thomas explained to the Times. Andre didnt really love city living. He intentionally chose to live outside the city so that he could, in some ways, replicate the environment of the South that he loved so much.

Thomas further explained how much Talley enjoyed sitting on his front porch. From interviews to Zoom meetings to casual conversations with guests, his front porch was a haven between his sanctuary and the world.

Ultimately, whoever buys the legendary home, we can only hope they preserve the history within those 1.2 acres of land.

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talley's home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

A glimpse inside Andre Leon Talleys home

Joe Kravetz at Laurel and Grand

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

The post Andre Leon Talleys legendary sanctuary is for sale appeared first on TheGrio.
Andrew McCarthy on how letting relationship with his son 'fall apart' made them closer

Andrew McCarthy doesn't remember what life was like before becoming a father.

"I have no idea what I used to do all day before I had kids," the actor half jokes during a recent phone interview with TODAY.com. "I really cant recall what I used to do to fill my days."

Of course, theres a legion of Gen X-ers whod be happy to remind him that at least a few of those days were spent making iconic 80s films like Pretty in Pink and St. Elmos Fire. Movies that would forever immortalize McCarthy as a heartthrob along with earning him a lifetime membership in the so-called Brat Pack.

In 2021, McCarthy released a memoir on the experience called Brat: An 80s Story. In it he writes of being tumbled and tossed in the backwash of early success and the 500-mile pilgrimage in Spain he took in the 90s to rediscover himself in the aftermath of it all.

Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer (Everett Collection)

The five-week walk along Camino de Santiago proved to be so life changing that McCarthy set out to do it again 25 years later  this time, with his son Sam, then 19. McCarthy chronicles the experience in his new memoir "Walking with Sam."

"What I wanted was to try and establish an adult-to-adult relationship with my son, because I didnt have one with my dad and I didnt want that to happen with my kids," McCarthy tells TODAY.com.

In attempting to right the wrongs of his past, McCarthy explains that he overcompensated in parenting his son and as a result "pushed (Sam) away to a certain degree."

Andrew McCarthy (Courtesy Andrew McCarthy)

Camino de Santiago was a chance to connect and redefine their relationship. And, as you might expect, the journey wasn't without its share of ups and downs.

"There were times when we did not see eye to eye and I would just let (our relationship) fall apart, probably for the first time in my life, and risk, 'OK, I dont know whats going to happen here with as a result of this fight or this frustration,' and just let him see fully who I am in that," McCarthy says.

That was something I wouldnt necessarily (do in the past), because I risk, Oh, what if they dont like me anymore, my kids, he explains. And I had an extra burden because my relationship ended with my dad so quickly when I left home.

But he says that letting it fall apart when it fell apart forced him and his son to figure out how work through the rough patches.

Andrew McCarthy (Courtesy Andrew McCarthy)

"Because we were on this sort of inexorable quest together, you couldnt bounce too far off the rails, because youre still going to meet in that town. Youre going to have to deal with it at nighttime," he explains.

On the other side of the journey, McCarthy says he and Sam are in a better place. McCarthy has learned to let go of feeling the need to solve his sons problems. In return, he says Sam reaches out just to talk, something McCarthy says wouldnt have happened before their trip to Spain.

McCarthy says the journey also afforded him the ultimate luxury: time with his son.

McCarthy shares Sam, now 21, with ex-wife Carol Schneider, and he has two other children, Willow, 16, and Rowan, 9, with his wife Dolores Rice.

McCarthy says that hes still in the throes of parenting and is applying what hes learned in real time.

"Someone I know said, 'Kids ruin your life in the best way.' And thats my experience."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The fields of stone megaliths in Carnac, northwest France, are a highly protected prehistoric treasure (FRED TANNEAU)

Around 40 standing stones thought to have been erected by prehistoric humans 7,000 years ago have been destroyed near a famed archaeological site in northwest France to make way for a DIY store, an angry local historian has revealed.

The stones in Carnac were between 50-100 centimetres (20-40 inches) high and stood close to the main highly protected areas of one of Europe's largest and most mysterious pre-historic tourist attractions.

"The site has been destroyed," local archaeologist Christian Obeltz told AFP on Wednesday, having revealed the clearance of the land in the Ouest-France newspaper.

He believes 39 standing stones -- known as menhirs -- have been lost, estimating their age to be around 7,000 years based on carbon dating conducted on stones nearby in 2010.

The land was granted a building permit from the local mayor's office in August last year and DIY chain Mr. Bricolage is currently building a new store there.

Mayor Olivier Lepick told AFP that he had "followed the law" and pointed to the "low archaeological value" of objects found during checks before the construction process began.

The land was not situated in a protected area and had been earmarked for commercial use, he added.

Carnac is famed for its vast fields of stone megaliths which stand in long lines close to the Atlantic coast in the windswept Brittany region.

There are around 3,000 of them on the two main protected areas which extend over more than six kilometres (four miles).

The stones are thought to have had a sacred and funereal function, although various theories exist.

The Regional Office of Cultural Affairs (Drac) for Brittany, which is responsible for ensuring the law protecting cultural monuments is respected, played down the importance of the losses.

"Given the uncertain and in any case non-major character of the remains, as revealed by checks, damage to a site of archaeological value has not been established," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

But local archaeologist Obeltz believes local authorities failed to properly investigate.

"There weren't archaeological excavations in order to know if the stones were menhirs or not," he said.

"We're witnessing a series of failings. The state no longer protects our fellow citizens or our heritage. Appalling," far-right leader Marine Le Pen said on Twitter.

When contacted, the Mr. Bricolage group said it "sincerely regretted the situation" but pointed to authorisations for its store granted last year.

vgu-kd/imm/ach
Animal genocide  animals have no chance of survival as 55,000 hectares of forest flooded in Kherson Oblast

About 55 thousand hectares of forests in Kherson region flooded due to the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP

Read also: Russians retreat up to 15 km from Dnipro River after Kakhovka dam destruction

"The consequences are outrageous. Roughly 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres) are flooded, including 47,000 hectares (116,000 acres) in the occupied area," he said.

While plants still have a chance of survival, animals are actually doomed, including deer, wild boars, lizards, snakes, hares, and hedgehogs  they have no chances to survive, Bolokhovets said.

He noted that around 150 tons of machine oil has leaked into the Dnipro River. Its sedimentation on plants will lead to irreversible problems with photosynthesis.

Read also: Some animals from zoo in Nova Kakhovka managed to escape death from flooding

Nova Kakhovka dam breach - the latest news

During the night of June 6, Russian forces, which have occupied the town of Nova Kakhovka for over a year, blew up the dam, completely or partially flooding downstream cities and towns along the Dnipro River.

A humanitarian disaster is underway on the left bank, which is under Russian occupation and suffered a great deal more due to its lower elevation.

Read also: Water levels continue to rise, farmers face double disaster, Kyiv bomb shelters unready

At an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, President Zelenskyy ordered the evacuation of at-risk areas and the provision of drinking water to towns and villages served by the affected Kakhovka Reservoir.

The Kakhovska Hydroelectric Power Station is completely destroyed, with no possibility of its repair, Ukrainian state hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo said. The dam itself wasnt fully destroyed, but suffered significant damage, the Ukrainian militarys South Operational Command said.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office opened an investigation on the incident under the charge of ecocide.

Read also: Drone footage shows ruins of Kakhovka dam, flooded areas two days after Russian attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia's attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades.

Ukraines Defense Intelligence has said that the Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) increases the threat of a nuclear disaster.

Read also: Putin personally ordered the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, Ukrainian intelligence says  interview

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered Zelenskyy to create a commission of Ukraine, Russia, the UN, and the international community's experts, including Turkey, to investigate the Kakhovka HPP explosion.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ian Anselmos insanity defense for his double murder trial in August will be a battle of dueling psychological experts and some tough challenges for his lawyer.

His attorney, Richard E. Hornsby, argues that his client was "unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the alleged offense and did not know what he was doing or, if he knew what he was doing, did not know what he was doing was wrong," in a May 26 motion.

Thats the standard, the very thing he must prove.

All persons are presumed to be sane, according to jury instructions read by trial judges. Because of that, the defendant has the burden of proving the defense of insanity by clear and convincing evidence, the Florida statute reads.

(File)

More: Eustis man who killed pregnant stepmother claims insanity as trial date nears

More: Bond in Eustis killing not unique

Normally, the prosecution has the burden of proof, which must be beyond a reasonable doubt.

The question you must answer is not whether the defendant is insane today, or has ever been insane, but whether instead the defendant was insane at the time the crime allegedly was committed, the jury is instructed.

Hornsby has implied that he has little choice.

The prosecutor is not being very flexible, he told the Daily Commercial, referring to a possible plea deal.

However, he described the evidence as compelling, and said the jury could still come back with a finding of guilt for a lesser offense, like manslaughter.

A person convicted of second-degree murder can be sentenced to life in prison. Anselmo is also charged first-degree murder for killing an unborn child by injury to the mother, a penalty of 30 years.

It is easier to convince jurors of insanity when there is a known history of psychological problems, such as schizophrenia, as opposed to someone snapping, said John Spivey, the executive public defender whose office is not associated with this case. It is unclear if such a history exists for Anselmo.

Another hurdle is the instruction that states: Unrestrained passion or ungovernable temper is not insanity, even though the normal judgment of the person is overcome by passion or temper.

That definition would seem to fit the definition of Floridas second-degree murder law:  the unlawful killing of a human being, when perpetrated by any act imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind regardless of human life, although without any premeditated design to effect the death of any particular individual.

Woe to the defendant who tries to hide evidence, mislead investigators, or take other actions that would show premeditation or rational consciousness of guilt, Spivey said.

Psychology Today reported in 2020 that despite a public perception that insanity is a common defense, it is used in only 1% of all criminal proceedings, and its success rate is only 25% of that 1%. Therefore, less than one in 400 defendants are found not guilty by reason of insanity in this country.

There are some famous cases where defendants were found not guilty by reason of insanity, including John Hinckley Jr., who shot President Ronald Reagan in a 1981 assassination attempt.

Members of Congress were outraged by the finding, so they passed the Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1983, which put the burden of proof of insanity on the defense. Reagan signed the bill into law.

Jurors also tend to be skeptical. Attorneys for Virgil Hyde III tried but failed to convince jurors that he was insane when he shot his wife and the mother of his two children 24 times at their home near Groveland in 2014.

Hyde could be heard in videos watching security footage and whispering to his wife, Bobbi, that he could see neighbors sneaking around their home at night. One psychological expert testified that his paranoia was heightened by delusions that enemies had taken the form of his loved ones.

But after viewing 100 pieces of evidence, it took jurors just two hours to convict him of second-degree murder. The two had been arguing over money and her insistence that he get treatment for drug addiction.

In a horrific 1980 case, however, jurors found that Diane Evers of Leesburg was not guilty by means of insanity when she drowned her three young children in a bathtub and claimed to be the Virgin Mary.

People found not guilty by reason of insanity are sent to a mental institution until they are deemed sane. Evers spent the majority of her life in a mental institution.

A judge later ruled that she could be moved to a kind of halfway house, but even that move was tempered by reality: There were no beds available.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Ian Anselmo's insanity plea for killing pregnant stepmom poses challenge
KHERSON, Ukraine  Exclusive drone footage of the collapsed Ukrainian dam and surrounding villages under Russian occupation shows the ruined structure falling into the flooded river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church  and no sign of life.

An Associated Press team flew a drone over the devastation on Wednesday, a day after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River. The buildings that remain visible above the rushing waters did not show damage typical of a bomb dropped from above, such as scorch marks or shrapnel scars.

Russia accused Ukraine of bombarding the structure, which was under Moscows control, while Ukraine alleged that Russia blew it up from within.

The collapse of the dam in an area that Moscow has controlled for over a year and the emptying of its reservoir has irrevocably changed the landscape downstream, and shifted the dynamic of the 15-month-old war.

In the images captured by the AP, most of the dam was submerged by the rushing water. Two nearby villages under occupation, Dnipryany and Korsunka, were also underwater up to the rooftops of homes and a bright blue church.

The rounded shape of dozens of greenhouses was visible over the waterline. The images were devoid of people, but AP journalists could hear the screaming howls of dogs trapped by the flooding.

The nearby town of Nova Kakhovka, also under occupation, was less touched by the flooding but equally devoid of people and animals. Its Ferris wheel was stopped and water lapped up a main street.

CAPTION CORRECTS LOCATION - Grain storage sits underwater after the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, in Kozatske, in Russian-occupied Ukraine, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo)

Ukraine has warned since last October that the hydroelectric dam was mined by Russian forces, and accused them of touching off an explosion that has turned the downstream areas into a waterlogged wasteland. Russia said Ukraine hit the dam with a missile. Experts have said the structure was in disrepair, which could also have led to its collapse.

There were no signs typical of a missile attack in the few remaining buildings.

The Dnieper River forms part of the front line in the war, and many people had already fled the area because of the fighting. Ukraine holds the western bank, while Russia controls the low-lying eastern side, which is more vulnerable to flooding.

Anna Lodygina, a Nova Kakhovka resident who fled last autumn, said the flooding has paralyzed the occupied town, with markets closed, and limited electricity and mobile reception. The Russian soldiers occupying her family home, just 500 meters (yards) from the river, fled after the dam collapsed and neighbors have told her water now reaches the upper floor of the two-story building.

Friends and neighbors told her the Russians pulled out themselves, but extended no help to residents, so people took matters into their own hands, finding shelter a neighborhood farther from the river.

According to Lodygina, the historic part of the city is submerged. Its state now is unknown, she said.

On the Ukrainian-controlled side, a Red Cross worker fielded calls from people begging for rescue from the other bank but could do little for them.

Our telephone is burning up from calls and our phone number is not well known. Just yesterday we got at least 30 calls from occupied territories, said Mykola Tarenenko, chief of the Kherson Red Cross quick response team. People are asking us to evacuate them because no evacuation was organized.
KHERSON, Ukraine (AP)  Exclusive drone footage of the collapsed Ukrainian dam and surrounding villages under Russian occupation showed the ruined structure falling into the flooded river, hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses, even a church  and no evidence of an attack from above, as Russia alleges.

An Associated Press team flew a drone over the devastation on Wednesday, a day after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River.

The bulk of the dam itself is submerged, but the parts of buildings still visible above the rushing waters had no scorch marks or shrapnel scars typical of a bombardment that Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out.

Ukraine in turn has alleged that Russian forces, who controlled the dam, blew it up from within. The AP images offered a limited snapshot, making it difficult to categorically rule out any scenario. The dam had been weakened by months of Russian neglect and water had been washing over it for weeks.

On Wednesday, the rooftops and streets in the area were devoid of people, but AP journalists could hear the howls of dogs trapped by the flooding.

The collapse of the dam in an area that Russia has controlled for over a year and the emptying of its reservoir has irrevocably changed the landscape downstream, and shifted the dynamic of the 15-month-old war.

In the images captured by the AP, most of the dam was submerged by the rushing water. Two nearby villages under occupation, Dnipryany and Korsunka, were also underwater up to the rooftops of homes and a bright blue church. The rounded shape of dozens of greenhouses was visible over the waterline.

The nearby town of Nova Kakhovka, also under occupation, was less touched by the flooding but equally devoid of people and animals. Its Ferris wheel was stopped and water lapped up a main street.

Ukraine has warned since last October that the hydroelectric dam was mined by Russian forces, and accused them of touching off an explosion that has turned the downstream areas into a waterlogged wasteland. Russia said Ukraine hit the dam with a missile. Experts have said the structure was in disrepair, which could also have led to its collapse.

There were no signs typical of a missile attack in the few remaining buildings.

The Dnieper River forms part of the front line in the war, and many people had already fled the area because of the fighting. Ukraine holds the western bank, while Russia controls the low-lying eastern side, which is more vulnerable to flooding.

Anna Lodygina, a Nova Kakhovka resident who fled last autumn, said the flooding has paralyzed the occupied town, with markets closed, and limited electricity and mobile reception. The Russian soldiers occupying her family home, just 500 meters (yards) from the river, fled after the dam collapsed and neighbors have told her water now reaches the upper floor of the two-story building.

Friends and neighbors told her the Russians pulled out themselves, but extended no help to residents, so people took matters into their own hands, finding shelter in a neighborhood farther from the river.

According to Lodygina, the historic part of the city is submerged. Its state now is unknown, she said.

On the Ukrainian-controlled side, a Red Cross worker fielded calls from people begging for rescue from the other bank but could do little for them.

Our telephone is burning up from calls and our phone number is not well known. Just yesterday we got at least 30 calls from occupied territories, said Mykola Tarenenko, chief of the Kherson Red Cross quick response team. People are asking us to evacuate them because no evacuation was organized.
The Army said Thursday it is extending the suspension of its horses responsible for carrying fallen service members to their final resting sites at Arlington National Cemetery after an initial 45-day break aimed at remedying the horses health proved to be insufficient.

The pause for the ceremonial unit, which began May 1, is now slated to go through June 2024. The modification comes as the Army implements a long-term rehabilitation plan for the animals after the deaths of some of its military working horses prompted a report that highlighted their poor living conditions.

Two horses from the caisson platoon of the 3rd Infantry Regiment  the Old Guard that is known for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier  died early last year, CNN reported. Both horses, Mickey and Tony, died within days of each other after appearing to suffer intestinal issues. The recent deaths of two additional horses in the unit were unrelated to the living conditions described in the inspection, an Army official said, according to CBS.

Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, the commander of the Military District of Washington, told reporters Thursday during a roundtable the pause is meant to give the Army the opportunity to assess the health of the horses and what staffing and facilities are needed to support the equines going forward. Of the 48 horses in the herd, 27 are undergoing care at various rehabilitation facilities, the majority of which are in the caisson unit, he said.

We do regret the impact this extended suspension in caisson operations will have on families laying their loved ones to rest, Ray Alexander, the Arlington National Cemetery superintendent, said during the roundtable. In addition to our commitment to these families, though, we recognize that the life, health and safety of the caisson herd is a top priority.

The suspension in caisson operations will impact a funeral ceremonys method of transportation to the gravesite, Alexander said. Alternative means of carrying remains, such as a hearse or a cemetery vehicle, will be used instead, he added. Other elements of funeral honors will not be impacted.

The cemetery notified around 200 families impacted by the initial 45-day suspension, many of which have proceeded with their service as originally scheduled, Alexander said. On Thursday, cemetery officials began notifying an additional 351 families that will be impacted by the extension between June 15 and September 30, he added.

Officials should know by around February 2024 if the timeline to end the suspension as currently planned in June 2024 needs to be reevaluated, Bredenkamp said, adding they are regularly assessing that timetable.

In addition to examining the health of the horses, including whether any need to be retired, the Army is assessing the equipment the animals regularly use. The service is working to acquire a lighter weight caisson, the wheeled cart the horses draw to carry a casket to a gravesite, that creates less strain on the working animals, Bredenkamp said.

Some horses are still expected to participate in funeral honors between now and June 2024.

Later this month, a riderless horse is expected to trail a hearse in a small number of eligible funerals. In the fall, the Army expects a horse with a rider to lead a hearse at all ceremonies that would be eligible for caisson support, an Army release noted.
Columbia police have charged a man with murder in connection with a fatal shooting that happened on a busy downtown street Tuesday afternoon.

Johnny William Darby III, 29, has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a handgun, possession of a stolen handgun, and possession of a handgun by a person convicted of a violent crime, Columbia police announced in a press release Thursday.

On Tuesday, Darby allegedly shot and killed 47-year-old Leonard Colvin around 4 p.m. as Colvin was standing on the 1400 block of Assembly Street between Taylor and Hampton streets. Colvin died at the scene, police said.

The shooting occurred in broad daylight close to the Oliver Gospel Mission, the U.S. Post Office, St. Peters Catholic Church and the main branch of the Richland Library. The roadway was partly closed to traffic during rush hour as police investigated.

Fatal shooting moments ago at the 1400 block of Assembly St. Male victim. Person detained near the crime scene for questioning. Active scene. Road closures: Hampton & Assembly. #ColumbiaPDSC officers are rerouting traffic. Avoid area is possible. Updates posted here. pic.twitter.com/Iy3clTQZXm  Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) June 6, 2023

Within moments of the shooting, Darby was detained by officers from the Columbia Police Department and the University of South Carolina police nearby on Hampton Street. A gun was found on Darbys person, and he was taken into custody on firearms charges, police said.

After conducting more interviews and reviewing surveillance footage, police charged Darby with Colvins murder on Thursday. He was being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center as of Thursday afternoon.
Arrest warrant issued for 14-year-old after fatal Uniontown shooting

An arrest warrant has been issued for a 14-year-old boy after a fatal shooting in Uniontown on Tuesday.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man killed in Uniontown shooting

According to Pennsylvania State police, Antonyo Owens, 14, is wanted for criminal homicide in connection to the shooting death of Anthony Jones, 38.

Owens is actively being sought by police and is considered armed and dangerous.

According to the criminal complaint, Owens was identified by witnesses and video surveillance.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Pennsylvania State Police, Uniontown City police or 911.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Cuba Gooding Jr. settles with woman who accused him of rape Family seeking answers after man hit by car in Monaca crosswalk, severely injured Soergel Orchards in Wexford cancels Strawberry Festival due to high temps, lack of rain VIDEO: Water main break shoots water into the air along Geyser Road in Robinson Township DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
The Asheville City Board of Education named Maggie Fehrman as the district's new superintendent at its June 8 meeting.

ASHEVILLE - For the second time in a month, Asheville City Board of Education has named a new superintendent. The June 8 announcement introduced those gathered at the special called meeting to Maggie Fehrman, current superintendent with City Schools of Decatur, Georgia.

Before 23 years of service in public education, and experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of schools, assistant superintendent and superintendent, she grew up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania.

Serving as Superintendent in City Schools of Decatur was truly an honor. I was humbled to have the opportunity to work with such talented educators, staff, and leaders, Fehrman said in a June 8 news release from the district. I believe the role of the superintendent is to create an environment where all the work in the district is centered on what is best for students and empowering teachers as professionals so they can be highly effective educators.

Fehrman's first day with the district is July 17.

The Asheville City Board of Education named Maggie Fehrman as the district's new superintendent at its June 8 meeting.

More: Buncombe budget: Students, teachers, parents demand higher pay for ACS, BCS

Related: Asheville City Schools announces Rick Cruz will no longer be next superintendent

The appointment comes after Rick Cruz, briefly named Asheville's new superintendent on May 15, announced on June 6 he would not be assuming the position due to a family medical emergency.

ACS Spokesperson Dillon Huffman said Fehrman was another of the four finalists narrowed from a pool of 49 applicants with the help of the Asheville-based Summit Search Solutions Inc., which the board selected in February at a fixed project fee of $30,000.

The pivot did not carry a financial cost for ACS, he said.

"The four superintendent finalists the Board interviewed were all exceptionally qualified, and the Board is confident in our next superintendent," Huffman said in a June 8 email. "The leading candidate is a former principal and current superintendent, who is a proven servant leader. They bring a strong commitment to both equity and excellence."

In prior years, Asheville City Schools has faced a "revolving door of superintendents," board members have noted. Fehrman will be the district's seventh leader since 2013, not counting Cruz.

More: Asheville City Schools names new superintendent with July start date

More: Superintendent search: Asheville school board selects firm, $30K cost with July 1 goal

'LEAD'

Im a people person. I put people first in everything that I do," Fehrman said in her first address to the board. And in the business of education, our students are the most important people that we have to take care of and serve each and every day.

Fehrman has served as superintendent in Decatur since May 2021.

"Her leadership has propelled the district to remarkable success, ranking first in the state of Georgia for student performance in crucial categories such as 3rd-grade reading, 5th-grade reading, and English language arts," said the release. "Furthermore, the district achieved an outstanding high school graduation rate of 96.73% and secured the top spot in the state for SAT and ACT performance in 2021 and 2022."

City Schools of Decatur is a district with nine schools and had 5,637 students in the 2021-22 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Asheville City Schools had 4,218 students in the same year.

During her tenure in Georgia, she spearheaded the establishment of a "Leadership Academy" to develop a pipeline for aspiring leaders across all staff groups, resulting in a 70% increase in the percentage of leaders of color in the district, said the release.

The Asheville City Board of Education named Maggie Fehrman as the district's new superintendent at its June 8 meeting.

During her about 20 minute introduction to the board, she touched on issues of equity, removing barriers for students, and teacher retention. She even laid out the four phases of her entry plan, with the acronym LEAD: "Listening and learning, Engage, Action Planning and Design."

I couldnt wait to get started, so I already got started, she joked. If you dont create an acronym out of something in education, youre probably not doing it right.

Background on the search

The board vote to elect Fehrman to the position was unanimous.

We are so excited for what she brings to this district, her commitment to our children, her commitment to staff, her long dedication as a public servant in public schools as a teacher, a principal and a superintendent," said Chair George Sieburg. "From the first moment that we met her on paper and then on Zoom, how she spoke so passionately about equity in a school system, and what that means for our children, is why she has risen to the top.

The Asheville City Board of Education named Maggie Fehrman as the district's new superintendent at its June 8 meeting.

Fehrman earned her bachelors degrees in anthropology and secondary education from Clarion University in 2000, and a Master of Education and education specialist degrees from Georgia State University in 2005 and 2007, focusing on educational leadership. In 2013, she went on to earn her doctorate in Educational Policy Studies at Georgia State University with a focus on research, measurements, and statistics.

The process that resulted in Cruz's appointment, and now Fehrman, is the district's first superintendent search since it selected Gene Freeman in 2019. Freeman left two years into his four-year contract, taking with him a $94,000 buyout, about $23,500 more than he would have made in his final 5 1/2 months had he stayed on the job.

Interim Superintendent Jim Causby has served since June after Freeman's early departure.

Causby makes an annual salary of $183,000, and Freeman made $150,000, plus his local supplement.

Huffman said Fehrman's four-year contract is the same as Cruzs, excepting the July 17 start date, with an annual base salary of $215,000, not including any local or state supplements.

The starting salary for a new teacher at ACS is $40,330.

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville City Schools names new superintendent, again
Asians in the U.S. say air quality feels dangerously like home

The orange haze suffocating New York City and other U.S. cities is reminding some Asian residents of conditions in their home countries. They've taken to social media to describe the familiarity of the smell and sight of the smoke, which migrated from Canadian wildfires over the past month.

"Feels dangerously like home," one person tweeted in response to the news that New York City on Tuesday and Wednesday had among the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir.com, a tracking service.

Some Asian cities named in the top 10 for worst air quality were Delhi, India; Lahore, Pakistan; and Jakarta, Indonesia.

Many users also highlighted the disproportionate impact climate events tend to have on Asian countries.

"As someone who relatively-recently lived in Bangalore, Indiawhich has *terrible* air pollution issuesthis looks way worse than anything I experienced there," another person tweeted. "Extremely sad," they added.

Seventy percent of air-pollution-related death occurs in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the United Nations Environment Program. Some of the leading pollutants in the region are nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which are released from industrial emissions and fossil fuel combustion, respectively.

"The air quality feels incredibly familiar to those who are from/live in cities globally where unsafe levels are a daily norm," another person tweeted. "I cant remember a time Ive come back from India and the region without a respiratory/asthma flare-up and a sore throat."

The National Weather Service in New York cautioned residents to limit time outdoors, especially for vulnerable groups like children and older adults.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
People's Daily, Lao media kick off joint interview campaign on BRI cooperation in Vientiane

People's Daily Online) 17:57, June 07, 2023

The launch of a joint interview campaign on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation by People's Daily and Lao media was held in the Lao capital Vientiane on June 6.

This is the first time that state-owned media from China and Laos launched a joint interview campaign on the BRI cooperation.

Participants pose for a group photo at the launch of a joint interview campaign on the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation organized by People's Daily and Lao media in the Lao capital Vientiane, June 6. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Chen)

The launch was attended by Vansay Tavinyan, deputy head of the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and editor-in-chief of Lao Pasaxon Newspaper; Phosy Keomanivong, vice minister of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism; Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists' Association (LJA); representatives from the Chinese embassy in Laos, and relevant organizations; and journalists from the two countries' media including People's Daily, Pasaxon, Vientiane Times, Lao News Agency and Lao National Television.

Tavinyan said that BRI cooperation has brought tremendous development opportunities to many countries in the world, which has not only enhanced cooperation between China and participating countries and boosted peaceful cooperation and the common development of various countries, but also promoted the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Journalists from People's Daily and Lao media conduct a joint interview at the Vientiane South Railway Station. (People's Daily Online/Du Mingming)

Under the framework of the BRI, Laos and China have bolstered infrastructure construction, he added.

Tavinyan noted that the opening of the China-Laos Railway and the Vientiane-Vangvieng section of the China-Laos expressway has converted Laos from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub, which has created huge job opportunities for Lao people and boosted regional economic development.

Pasaxon will, as always, continue to cover the BRI cooperation and its achievements, he said.

After the launch, journalists from People's Daily and Lao media conducted interviews on key projects jointly undertaken by China and Laos, such as the China-Laos Railway and the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone.

Journalists from People's Daily and Lao media conduct a joint interview at the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone. (People's Daily Online/Xu Zheng)

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed BRI. Under the strategic guidance of leaders of China and Laos, the two countries have continuously deepened cooperation and achieved fruitful results in building a China-Laos community with a shared future.

(Web editor: Sheng Chuyi, Liang Jun)
Actor Danny Masterson, left, stands with his then-attorney Thomas Mesereau in 2020. (Lucy Nicholson / Pool Photo)

Two of Danny Masterson's former attorneys were hit with financial sanctions Wednesday, after a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled they improperly shared information about the actor's victims with the Church of Scientology, which has long been accused of harassing and stalking the women.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that famed celebrity defense attorney Thomas Mesereau and his co-counsel, Sharon Applebaum, knowingly violated a court order when they gave discovery materials from the criminal case  including confidential police reports and the addresses of the women Masterson was convicted of raping  to the church and its attorney, Vicki Podberesky.

Mesereau and Applebaum represented Masterson until May 2022, but they were removed from the case before trial. Masterson, a practicing Scientologist, was convicted of two counts of rape last week after his second trial on allegations that he assaulted three fellow church members in the early 2000s.

Prosecutors alleged the victims, all of whom were church members whose families also belonged to Scientology, were discouraged from reporting the rapes to police because of church doctrines. In a separate civil case, the women accused Masterson and church officials of harassing them for years and even poisoning a dog as part of a widespread intimidation campaign.

The church has denied all wrongdoing, and its chief spokeswoman, Karin Pouw, has repeatedly noted that Scientology is not a party to Masterson's case. But the controversial faith has been inseparable from the proceedings, especially after Deputy Dist. Atty. Reinhold Mueller received an e-mail last month from Podberesky that he said contained a "large quantity of the peoples discovery."

Although the message was intended to be a complaint against Mueller and Deputy Dist. Atty. Ariel Anson, prosecutors said Podberesky added a link to 12 documents on church letterhead addressed to Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore. The letters had attachments that amounted to about "570 pages" of the "people's discovery," Mueller said Wednesday.

Olmedo made a log of the materials public when she released her ruling Wednesday afternoon. The documents that fell into the church's hands included text messages and e-mails between the victims and Los Angeles police investigators and police reports on incidents at the victims' homes that included identifying and banking information.

In court Wednesday, Mueller questioned why defense attorneys would ever turn over "these documents to the very people who defense counsel was fully aware had certain tactics these victims were worried about," referring to the alleged harassment.

Edith Matthai, an attorney representing Mesereau, told Olmedo on Wednesday she had not placed a protective order on the materials in question and argued neither lawyer had done anything wrong.

But Olmedo ruled that her directives throughout the trial were tantamount to an order that the defense team should not disseminate discovery to litigants in a parallel civil case. She also said the disclosure violated Marsy's Law protections against the sharing of crime victims' personal information.

No direct evidence was presented showing Mesereau or Applebaum specifically provided documents to Podberesky or the church. But Olmedo noted in her ruling that Mueller had turned over the discovery in question when the two attorneys were on the case in 2021.

"Discovery" can refer to certain information prosecutors are required to turn over to defendants in criminal trials, including materials that could aid in the defendant's case. That information is usually provided for the purpose of aiding in the defense's cause, but in Masterson's case, a chunk of those materials wound up in the hands of Scientology.

Mesereau  who famously successfully defended Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson in criminal cases  and Applebaum declined to comment through their attorneys after court. They will have to pay $950 in fines, according to Olmedo's order. Podberesky told The Times last month that she legally obtained the materials, but declined to say how.

Scientology spokeswoman Pouw reiterated her stance that the church was not a party to the case and said she was "unaware" of Olmedo's order on Wednesday.

"There is not a scintilla of evidence supporting the scandalous allegations that the Church harassed the accusers," she wrote in an e-mail to The Times. "Every single instance of supposed harassment by the Church is FALSE, and has been debunked."

No court or law enforcement agency has made any finding that the harassment allegations were debunked.

In her ruling, Olmedo found it was actually the church that made false and improper accusations against Mueller, Anson and the LAPD detectives on the case during the retrial. In addition, Olmedo ruled Wednesday that, despite the church's repeated protests to being referenced at trial, the church, through Podberesky, "has attempted to involve itself" in the legal proceedings.

Mueller said last month that one LAPD detective, Esther Myape, grew concerned about testifying at trial after Podberesky made a complaint to Moore during an April meeting. The complaint resulted in the opening of an internal affairs investigation against the detective.

Olmedo noted in her ruling that Podberesky made the allegation shortly before Myape was to testify, a move the judge described as "calculating."

Theres an attempt to intimidate the law enforcement officers," Mueller said Wednesday. "Theres an attempt to intimidate the complaining victims in this case."

Mueller revealed last month that Moore had met with Podberesky in April, around the time that Masterson's second trial began. Neither Moore nor the LAPD has offered an explanation as to why the police chief took the meeting during a criminal trial involving the church that resulted from an LAPD investigation.

The department has also failed to comply with public records requests from multiple news organizations to provide a copy of Moore's schedule for the day of the meeting.

Masterson's conviction last week was the end of a decades-long journey for his victims, some of whom waited until 2016 to report their assaults to police out of fear of church reprisals. Each woman described violent outbursts by Masterson and recounted incidents in which they grew weak and unable to fight him off after he served them a drink.

The actor is best known for his role as Steven Hyde on the popular sitcom "That '70s Show." He was charged with rape in 2020, but a jury hung on all counts against him late last year.

Now, he faces 30 years to life in prison at an August sentencing hearing.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Augusta man sentenced to life for fatally stabbing stepdaughter in front of mother

A Richmond County jury found an elderly Augusta man guilty of fatally stabbing his stepdaughter.

George James Wilson, 76, of Augusta, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony in relation to the death of his 37-year-old stepdaughter Kelli Lewis Watkins-Neal on Dec. 11, 2021.

Wilson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus five years for possession of a knife.

The Augusta District Attorney's Office said the case involved domestic abuse, according to a news release.

Wilson, a convicted felon, abused his wife, Darlene Wilson, for nearly two years, according to the release. She suffered years of weekly beatings, leading to a broken arm, a broken leg and a gunshot wound to the knee.

Charges against attorney dropped: Augusta District Attorney drops felony charges against public defender

Post office robbery: U.S. Post Office carrier robbed at mobile home park in Augusta, $50,000 reward offered

Darlene's daughter, Watkins-Neal, recently moved closer to Augusta from North Carolina and Darlene told her daughter she would leave Wilson, according to the release. When Wilson told Darlene to choose between him and her daughter, she told him she wanted a divorce.

As the two women watched television in the living room, Wilson came in acting like he was also watching TV, according to the release. Standing over the victim, Wilson asked his wife, Is this what you want?" He then pulled out a knife and stabbed Watkins-Neal three times, piercing her left lung and a vital area near her heart.

Watkins-Neal died from the injuries, according to the release.

He betrayed her, said ADA Sarah Elizabeth Strickland. As if the years of violence were not enough, he betrayed her even more by murdering her daughter.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta man found guilty of murdering stepdaughter with knife
Aurora Pride is preparing to kick-off Sundays annual Pride Parade in the city with the largest number of registered marchers since the parade began in 2018.

Aurora Pride President Gwyn Ciesla said theyve typically capped marching units and floats at 60 each year, but this year they will have a record number of participants with 70 units set to take part.

The parade, featuring an almost two-mile route, is set to step off at noon on Sunday, starting at East Benton Street and South Broadway in downtown Aurora, traveling northeast to Downer Place, turning left and ending at West Downer Place and North Middle Avenue.

Ciesla believes the increase in participants is due to peoples excitement that the parade is occurring after last years parade permit was touch-and-go for a bit due to issues stemming from not having enough police officers signed up to work overtime or extra-duty shifts to provide security for the event.

In May, Aurora Pride was granted a preliminary injunction by a federal judge in connection to a lawsuit filed by Pride against the city. The lawsuit is against the city and its special events ordinance, arguing it is unconstitutional and violated Prides First Amendment rights.

The preliminary injunction prevents the city from applying certain provisions of the ordinance.

City officials previously said in a statement that they had enough police officers to host the parade on Sunday. Ciesla said city officials previously said they needed 56 officers to staff security for the event, but was unsure if the number had changed since then.

The preliminary injunction makes it something they need to worry about and its off our plate, which is a relief, Ciesla said.

Aurora officials said in a statement last month that well before the judges ruling, the city had been actively working for months to plan the event and as a result, had staffed enough police officers to host Sundays parade.

Just as I said last year during the Pride Flag-Raising Ceremony, our goal is to have an inclusive, safe, energetic and empowering event in Aurora. Weve done it before, and well do it again this year, Mayor Richard Irvin said in the statement.

Last year, Aurora Pride had requested that if police officers wanted to march in the parade, they do so not in full uniform but instead wear a soft uniform, like a polo shirt, identifying them as police officers.

City officials last year said they were unable to get enough Aurora police officers to work overtime or extra-duty shifts to provide adequate security for the parade. The city has said it cant compel off-duty employees to work security at special events.

The city then revoked the special event permit for the group to host the parade last year due to the security staffing issue.

The situation ended up being resolved when the city offered a triple-time financial incentive to its police officers to take overtime to provide security for the parade.

Ciesla said no officers applied to march as attendees in this years parade. In the 2018 and 2019 parades, gay police officers marched, some in uniform, with a banner.

This year, Aurora resident Ashton Bishop will emcee the parade and Keri Traid will serve as the grand marshal. Traid, an Aurora native, has been a headliner performing in the North Halsted/Boystown area of Chicago for the past 10 years.

We thought with everything going on it was important to have someone local and involved in performing because thats been under fire lately, Ciesla said, referencing recent issues concerning drag shows in the Chicago area.

Other events this year include a CommUNITY Market to be held by Indivisible Aurora from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Water Street Mall, next to City Hall downtown. The market will feature a variety of vendors, informational booths, crafts, music and more.

A flag-raising ceremony by the city of Aurora and its LGBTQ Advisory Board will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at One Aurora Plaza, 8 Galena Blvd.

mejones@chicagotribune.com
Australia To Get One New Build Virginia Class Submarine, Two From U.S. Navy

Virginia class SSN Australia AUKUS

The Royal Australian Navys senior commanders have revealed the hard details of Australias trilateral AUKUS nuclear submarine acquisition deal with the United States and the United Kingdom. These details, which emerged under intense questioning during parliamentary defense budget hearings, also have ramifications for the U.S. Navys submarine capacity.

Almost two years after the surprise September 2021 trilateral announcement that the United States and the United Kingdom would team up to assist Australia to acquire and field a next-generation nuclear-powered submarine fleet, major plans for the program have emerged during a Senate Estimates hearing in the Australian capital Canberra on May 30 and 31.

Under intense and sometimes hostile questioning from upper house cross-bencher Senator Jacquie Lambi, the Australian head of the Royal Australian Navys Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force disclosed many of the known unknowns of Australias AUKUS nuclear submarine program.

Sailors heave in on berthing lines as the Collins class submarine HMAS Farncomb comes alongside Diamantina Pier upon its return to Fleet Base West in Western Australia in March 2020. Australian Department of Defense

This included the configurations and timings for the introduction of the first three Virginia class attack submarines, the number of follow-on AUKUS class nuclear attack submarines to be built in a co-development deal with the United Kingdom, and the intended final strength of Australias future nuclear submarine fleet.

Two Virginias would be transferred to us [the Royal Australian Navy] and then we buy one off the production line, the Head of Australias Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead told the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Legislation Committee panel in formal evidence after repeated and specific questioning from Senator Lambi.

The exact allocations of submarines that would be transferred to Australia is still to be determined by Australia and the U.S., Vice Admiral Mead stated in response to questions. But we are looking at those submarines having over 20 years of service life.

The 20 years of service life refers to the expected operational hull life of the submarines after their transfer from the U.S. Navy to the RAN in or around 2032, as revealed in the March 2023 joint statement by U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKygAi0c0TQ

Armed with Vice Admiral Meads disclosure of the 20 years of service life of the first transferred Virginia, the known reactor service life, and the U.S. Navys published Virginia class build and entry into service timeline, Senator Lambi pressed the commander on which Virginia class configuration block Australia was in negotiation with the U.S. Department of Defense for transfer from the U.S. Navy.

Vice Admiral Mead, responded, So were probably looking at Virginia Blocks III or IV. Vice Admiral Meads identification of the Virginia class Block III or Block IV as the production configuration of the two initial SSNs that will be transferred to the Royal Australian Navy appears to reduce the targeted U.S. Navy submarines to one, potentially two, SSN-774 Block III boats (SSN-791 USS Delaware commissioned in April 2020, and less likely SSN-790 USS South Dakota commissioned in February 2019) and all 10 of the Block IV boats, only three of which have entered service since April 2020. Seven more Block IV Virginias are at various stages of production or in U.S. Navy or contractor sea trials ahead of entering service. This is just based on the limited info available at this time and of course is subject to change.

The Block IV Virginia class USS New Jersey seen nearly completed prior to launch. Hill

No details on the third Virginia for the Royal Australian Navy, which will be bought off the production line, were disclosed during the Australian Senate hearings, where both Vice Admiral Mead and his superior Admiral Mark Hammond were vigorously questioned on every publicly known Virginia class flaw without revealing any further details of which exact U.S. Virginia class SSNs Australia is hoping to directly acquire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=996XwWBDEoQ

It wouldnt surprise me if the U.S. Navy dont commit to the names of those vessels for some time to come, Australian Chief of Navy Admiral Hammond told the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Legislation Committee. But I am confident that they are leaning into this partnership and looking forward to working with us to set the Royal Australian Navy up for future success.

The aggressive interrogation of Australias two senior naval figures on May 31 followed on from similar scenes at the same hearing on the day before when Senator David Shoebridge of the anti-nuclear Greens Party subjected Vice Admiral Mead to a sustained barrage of questioning. This eventually revealed that the Australian governments plans for its future submarine fleet vary from the widely reported public perception in both the United States and Australia.

It seems that the concept that the Virginia class SSNs were a temporary nuclear-powered tactical submarine capability being acquired only to bridge a capability gap was not the complete story. This gap existed between the decline of the operational utility of Australias in-service Collins class diesel-electric tactical submarines and a future fleet of eight AUKUS class tactical SSNs to be built locally in South Australia in a joint program with the British is nowhere near the complete story.

The Los Angeles class submarine USS Santa Fe transits in formation on the surface with Royal Australian Navy Collins class submarines HMAS Collins, HMAS Farncomb, HMAS Dechaineux, and HMAS Sheean in the West Australian Exercise Area, in February 2019. Australian Department of Defense

"The government has indicated eight nuclear-powered submarines for Australia," Vice Admiral Read carefully stated in formal evidence to the Senate Estimates hearings. "Based on our modeling and working with our U.S. and U.K. partners we are looking to acquire and deliver an eight-fleet SSN [sic] in the mid-2050s."

When specifically pressed by Senator Shoebridge as to whether he meant eight locally built next-generation AUKUS class nuclear submarines, the Vice Admiral responded, "No, eight nuclear-powered submarines. That includes three of the Virginias."

In a single response, the carefully crafted AUKUS story was effectively complicated. In reality, the Australian governments policy is to raise a total fleet of eight nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines to be operational by the mid-2050s. This fleet will be comprised of both the three transferred and new-build Virginia class attack submarines with the balance of the fleet made up of Australian-built next-generation AUKUS class SSNs.

The Collins class submarine HMAS Rankin conducts helicopter transfers in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, as part of training assessments to ensure the boat is ready to deploy. Australian Department of Defense

Even this projected outcome appears fragile when one considers the public announcement of up to five Virginia class SSNs being sourced from the United States, with options for two additional Virginias of some future block as a fallback capability. This would come in the event of delays to the U.K.-Australian AUKUS class nuclear-powered attack submarine program, which could reduce any future AUKUS SSN build to as few as three hulls in the first tranche.

According to Vice Admiral Mead, any additional AUKUS SSNs  presumably meaning a second tranche of three to five boats to meet the announced eight-submarine build program  is a decision, to be made by a future [Australian] government.

Concept art of the submerged AUKUS class SSN. U.K. Ministry of Defense illustration



The Australian Senate hearings also underlined that far from a program of extended port visits with some maintenance and sustainment elements, the AUKUS-inspired Submarine Rotational Force  Western Australia (with the acronym SURF-West) at the Royal Australian Navys HMAS Stirling Fleet Base West near Perth appears to more closely resemble a substantial U.S. Navy Indian Ocean forward presence. This could include something akin to a forward-deployed attack submarine squadron than just a rotational periodic stopover point amid broader U.S. Navy submarine deployments.

The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Perth berths alongside Fleet Base West in September 2022, following a Regional Presence Deployment in which the ship engaged with a number of regional allies in various exercises and port visits. Australian Department of Defense

Australian investments in extensions to the submarine berthing at Fleet Base Wests Diamantina Pier and plans to build spares storage facilities, maintenance workshops, technical support centers, and additional electrical generation have been approved. And, most tellingly, so has married and single personnel accommodations and the expansion of local schools and medical facilities to support American, British, and additional Australian naval personnel rotating through the base with SURF-West ahead of the 2027 timeline.

From 2027, up to four U.S. Navy and one Royal Navy SSNs will operate out of Fleet Base West, in a major pivot to Indian Ocean operations and a serious reinforcement of Australias deterrence to aggression from the Chinese Navy.

Australian preparations have been in the works for a few years including the specific verification and validation of the U.S. Navys ability to rearm its nuclear-powered attack submarines at Fleet Base West employing Australian facilities and combined U.S. Navy/Royal Australian Navy teams. This was pioneered during the 2022 visit of the Los Angeles class SSN USS Springfield and the U.S. Navys Emery S. Land class submarine tender USS Frank Cable.

Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles submarine USS Springfield (SSN-761), participate in a weapons-handling exercise with a Harpoon inert training shape while the submarine is pierside at Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling on Garden Island off the coast of Perth, Australia, April 28, 2022. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Wendy Arauz

More Australian money has been earmarked for a second nuclear submarine operating base on the nations heavily populated East Coast to support AUKUS SSN operations in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and the strategic Coral Sea and Solomon Seas.

The details emerging from the Australian Senate hearings will no doubt throw fuel onto the political fire that has been sparked since the AUKUS agreement. It is also worth recalling here the 2021 bipartisan intervention of the Democratic U.S. Senator Jack Reed and retired Republican Senator James Inhofe, the then chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who voiced fears that Australias desire for U.S. Virginia class attack submarines, may be turning into a zero-sum game for scarce, highly advanced U.S. SSNs. This is in relation to the already over-tasked U.S. submarine fleet that is in need of more hulls of its own, not to mention the capacity to service them in a timely manner.

Whatever the outcomes, the effort to provide the Royal Australian Navy with its first nuclear-powered submarines is proving to be a complicated and controversial affair. For Australia, however, the end result should be highly significant, with a powerful new ability to control key global shipping routes through the Indian Ocean and elsewhere.

Contact the editor: thomas@thedrive.com
Steve Johnson, center, the brother of Scott Johnson, walks with his wife Rosemarie, left, and daughter Tessa outside the New South Wales Supreme Court in Sydney, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Scott Phillip White, the man who admitted killing American mathematician Scott Johnson by punching him from a cliff top at a gay meeting place in Sydney in 1988 was sentenced to nine years in prison. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

SYDNEY (AP)  An Australian man who admitted killing a gay American by punching him off a cliff top in Sydney in 1988 was sentenced on Thursday to nine years in prison, ending the victim's familys 35-year battle for justice.

Scott Phillip White, 52, had pleaded guilty in the New South Wales state Supreme Court to Los Angeles-born Scott Johnsons manslaughter.

White had pleaded guilty last year to the then-27-year-olds murder  a greater crime  and had been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison. But he changed his mind and had the murder conviction overturned on appeal.

He was pressured into a plea deal after police intercepted a prison phone call between White and a niece in October last year in which he confessed to striking his victim at the cliff top.

Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.

Having already served part of his sentence, White will be eligible for release on parole in 2026.

Not much is known of the death beyond a punch on a cliff, a fall from a cliff and decades of pain and grief that followed, Justice Robert Beech-Jones said during the sentencing on Thursday.

Johnsons Boston-based older brother, Steve Johnson, had fought to get police to launch a criminal investigation since a coroner ruled in 1989 that Scott Johnson had taken his own life.

A second coroners inquiry in 2012 could not explain the death and a third inquiry ruled in 2017 that Scott Johnson had been attacked by an unknown assailant or assailants because he was perceived to be homosexual.

I think our familys got some peace and I would even say closure, Steve Johnson told reporters outside the court after the sentencing with his wife Rosemarie and daughter Tessa.

The killers behind bars and hes admitted to doing it. I feel like Ive done right by Scott, he added.

Steve Johnson, a wealthy entrepreneur, offered a 1 million Australian dollar ($667,000) reward in 2020 for information about his brothers death, matching a reward already offered by police.

Steve Johnson praised Whites courageous former wife Helen for coming forward to testify against her former husband, leading to his arrest in 2020. It is not yet clear whether she will collect the rewards.

That was a break in the case, Steve Johnson said.

Steve Johnson's campaign for his brother helped trigger a state government inquiry into historic police indifference toward gay hate crimes and more than 100 unsolved deaths from the mid-1980s until the early 1990s.

Police Chief Inspector Peter Yeomans congratulated Steve Johnson, whom he considers a good friend, on his campaign.

Steve has fought for nearly 35 years. God, to only have a brother like that, Yeomans said outside the court.

On Dec. 10, 1988, White met Johnson at a pub and the pair went for a walk around North Head, which was known at the time to be a popular area among gay people. White, then 18 years old, punched Johnson in the heat of an argument, causing Johnson to stagger backward naked and fall to his death.

The American was close to receiving his doctorate from the Australian National University, which he has since been awarded posthumously.

Dr. Johnson was an American citizen. ... He had everything to live for, Beech-Jones said. The offender left (him) to die.

White, who now has early onset dementia due to alcohol abuse, was described as a street kid at the time of the killing.

The offender was clearly a damaged albeit physically powerful young man, Beech-Jones said. However, he was not broken as he is now.

The death was originally thought to be a suicide, but police eventually opened an investigation into what they suspected was a gay hate crime in 2012. In her now-overturned judgment on the murder conviction, Justice Helen Wilson found there was not enough evidence to show the attack was motivated by Johnsons sexuality.

Beech-Jones said he could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the death was a gay hate crime.

Answers to numerous other questions about how he died, why he died and what happened ... some of those answers will never be provided, Beech-Jones said.

___

McGuirk reported from Canberra, Australia.
A new book suggests that racial segregation in housing can be undone if Americans come together across racial lines to pressure lawmakers and communities to address the segregation created by federal, state and local officials that has led to vast inequality between white and Black Americans.

Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein, a father-daughter pair, are the authors of Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law. Richard Rothstein is author of The New York Times bestseller and precursor to his latest book The Color of Law on the history of housing segregation in America. Leah Rothstein has decades of experience in housing policy as a consultant to affordable housing developers and governments. Both live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The two told the Tribune that they came together to write Just Action to answer a question that many readers of The Color of Law, including Leah, were left with: What do we do now?

This conversation has been edited for clarity.

Q. For those who havent read The Color of Law, do you mind briefly summing up its main point?

Richard Rothstein: The main point of The Color of Law is that the reason were an apartheid society is because of racially explicit government action at the federal, state and local levels.  Every (policy) was unconstitutional.

Q. What are some of the consequences that come with housing segregation?

Leah Rothstein: Segregation of our communities underlies many of our most serious social problems.  Those who grew up in segregated African American communities, likely low-income communities, have worse health outcomes than those in white communities, even poor white communities. Theres income disparities from growing up in what are called lower opportunity neighborhoods where theres less access to jobs and ... to banks. And then educational disparities. ... (Students have a) lack of access to healthy foods ... parents are working longer hours ... (students) likely have more contact with police; and theres more violence and crime and higher levels of stress.

RR: Those white suburbs that were created on a racial basis by the federal government appreciated in value over the next couple of generations. In the post-World War II period, these suburban homes cost in todays money a little bit more than $100,000 a piece. Any returning war veteran, Black or white, could have afforded those homes. Blacks were prohibited by explicit federal policy from buying them. ... The homes that sold for $100,000 a piece now sell for, depending on the part of the country, $200,000, $300,000, $400,000, $500,000, a million dollars or more. The government-sponsored segregation is responsible for the relative impoverishment of African Americans in concentrated Black neighborhoods.

Q. You both talk about housing segregation mostly in terms of white and Black. I know you talk about why you made this choice in your book and acknowledge that white and Black people are not the only racial groups that live segregated. Do you mind explaining that decision?

RR: My focus, particularly, is on the unconstitutionality of the segregation that we have and the obligation it imposes on us as Americans to do something about it. The policies that I am describing were directed at African Americans. There are other groups that are disadvantaged in various ways, not because of unconstitutional policies, mostly because of economic policy. We have a very unequal society; we have a great need for economic reform. But the other groups arent disadvantaged because of explicit racial policies on the part of the federal government. Now, thats a little bit of an oversimplification. Certainly, there were explicit racial policies on the West Coast against the Chinese and Japanese, (as well as) in places like Texas, Colorado, Arizona and California against Mexican Americans. But at the time these policies were implemented, these groups werent distributed throughout the country. They were in these pockets in the Western United States.

Q. A lot of people say that Chicago is the most segregated city in America or is considered one of the most segregated cities in America. What do you think of this statement?

RR: I dont know if Chicago is the most segregated city in America. I cant begin to tell you the number of places I go to who claim to be more segregated than anybody else in one way or another. ... Chicago may be the most segregated city, or at least one of the more segregated cities, but its more segregated only by a tiny bit. The big story is that every metropolitan area is segregated and segregated in very similar ways.

Q. Can you explain the difference between place-based and mobility strategies for desegregation?

LR: There are two main categories. One is place-based, which is concerned with increasing resources in lower-income, segregated African American communities where the concentration of poverty is the direct result of government-sponsored segregation. A subcategory in the place-based (category) are anti-displacement strategies.  As we increase resources in those communities, we also need to address the displacement that can occur when that happens: rent regulations, just cause eviction ordinances, inclusionary zoning policies to ensure that affordable housing is produced when market rate housing is built in those areas.

The other main category is mobility strategies, and those are concerned with opening up exclusive, primarily white communities to diverse residents. Zoning reform is a big piece of that because those communities are often kept exclusive and all white by ensuring that the only housing that can be built there are single-family homes on large lots that are then kept expensive so anyone without a lot of wealth built up  which African American families are less likely to have  are kept out of those communities. To (address this), we need to allow a diversity of housing types and provide subsidies and down payment assistance and other remedies to address the disparities that exist so African Americans can move into those communities. And then a subset of that category (includes) strategies that protect the integration of those communities as they start to diversify to ensure that they dont just resegregate and all the whites leave.

Q. You mention in the book that Oak Park, Illinois is an example of a community that intentionally desegregated and maintained its integration. Can you talk about this?

LR: In the mid-20th century, Oak Park was all white. People who lived there saw nearby towns where African Americans started moving in, and then they completely flipped to be all Black and all the whites left. And people in Oak Park didnt want to do that.  They decided to intentionally diversify and maintain that diversity without all the whites leaving. ... They organized the residents there to recruit African Americans to live in Oak Park and to educate the whites about living in a diverse community and being welcoming neighbors; they created social opportunities for people to get to know each other personally and socially to create a culture of a shared value of diversity and of integration. They also passed some local policies to assist with this, and one was banning for sale signs, which is something Realtors used to instigate white flight by putting up a bunch of for sale signs (to make it) look like ... everybody was leaving.

They also did other innovative things around diversifying rental units in Oak Park.  They created the Oak Park Housing Center, which refers renters to vacant units based on what the Housing Center knows about that building in that small area like the blocks racial makeup. Itll refer white renters seeking units to areas that are more African American, and African American tenants looking for a unit to areas that are more white. ... It helps to ensure the integration of the rental housing stock. The housing center is still very active. This shared culture and values around being an integrated, welcoming, diverse community still exists. Now, its a more expensive place to live, so their efforts around maintaining diversity have to focus on affordability. ... But its an example of a community that took intentional action to create a desegregated community and it worked.

RR: Today, still 50 years after these programs began, the racial composition of Oak Park almost precisely mirrors that of the Chicago metropolitan area.

Q. How could the rest of the Chicago area lead the way to desegregation in America?

RR: We dont think that without a new, biracial activist movement that it is possible to accomplish any of the things that we talk about. Were not focused on what the city of Chicago can do through the City Council; were focused on what local communities can do  to press for this kind of change, to organize in the way that the Civil Rights Movement organized with direct action in the 1960s to accomplish racial justice. Were not addressing this book to policymakers; were addressing this book to citizens, residents of local communities, the 20 million people who participated in Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020 and then didnt know what to do about it. Our book is trying to show them what they can do about it if they organize with their neighbors in communities to take both the political and direct action thats necessary to force policymakers to make these changes and to create the local political environment where its possible for them to do so.

Q. In the book, you discuss how Black homeowners receive higher assessments of their properties compared to white homeowners, which lead to higher property taxes. You also mention that Black homeowners receive lower appraisals of their homes compared to white homeowners, which lead to diminished returns on home sales. When you spoke with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, you wrote that he didnt give you any solutions for how to right these wrongs for Black homeowners. Can you tell me about your recommendations?

RR: This is typical of most institutions. Theyre all in favor of trying to do things better in the future, but fail to recognize their obligation to remedy the past. Assessor Kaegi acknowledges that the property tax system is discriminatory.  The African American homeowners who have been overtaxed as a result of this are due refunds ... from school districts, fire departments, libraries, all of the agencies that have collected excess taxes from homeowners in Black neighborhoods.  The only way they will call for those refunds is with a popular, biracial movement that becomes aware of this overly excessively discriminatory system.

Q. If theres one thing that you want readers to take away from the book, what would that be?

RR: If you take your responsibilities as Americans seriously, you have to understand that theres an obligation under our constitution to remedy violations of that constitution.  We hope that this book will, at a minimum, take away the excuse that we dont know what to do.

LR: Theres a lot we can do locally in our own communities that will make a real difference in peoples lives and then in the makeup of our own neighborhoods  that will actually benefit everybody.  We just have to get started somewhere.
HENRYETTA  The autopsies of six mass murder victims confirm all were shot in the head and two had injuries consistent with sexual assault.

The autopsy of the convicted rapist blamed for the deaths found he shot himself in the mouth.

Summary reports on all seven autopsies were obtained by The Oklahoman Wednesday.

Authorities have said Jesse McFadden, 39, killed his wife, her three teenage children and two teenage girls who were visiting their rural home for a weekend sleepover. He then killed himself.

Their bodies were found May 1.

Henryetta victimsTop Row- This undated photo provided by Janette Mayo shows from left, Tiffany Guess, Michael Mayo and Rylee Elizabeth Allen (Courtesy Janette Mayo via AP)Bottom Row- Brittany Brewer, left, and Ivy Webster. Photo via GoFundMe Fundraiser.

Both the sleepover guests, Ivy Webster, 14, and Brittany Brewer, 15, had blunt force injuries to their genital areas, pathologists noted in the reports.

The other victims were Holly Guess, 35, and her children, Rylee Elizabeth Allen, 17; Michael James Mayo, 15; and Tiffany Dore Guess, 13.

The wife, identified in the report by her married name, had gunshot head wounds and arm and leg abrasions, a pathologist noted.

Abrasions also were found on her children, the reports show.

An Okmulgee County sheriff's deputy had told Webster's father, mother and a grandmother in May that she had been raped. Also, the chief medical examiner had told The Oklahoman May 4 that some victims may have been sexually assaulted.

More: Exclusive: Before the killings, Jesse McFadden was a rapist and con man, and only got worse

A dog sits in front of the property near Henryetta where seven bodies were found May 1.

The mother, Ashleigh Webster, complained on Facebook Tuesday that Ivy's report had been sent to the media before the family. Her attorney, Cameron Spradling, called the release "yet another example of the utter lack of sensitivity that the State of Oklahoma has evidenced to victims and the families of victims."

McFadden had told his mother April 30 "that he was not going back to prison, and that he had decided to kill himself," a sheriff's investigator reported in a search warrant request.

He had been due in court in Muskogee County May 1 for a jury trial on a 2017 felony case.

He was accused in the case of sexting with a minor from prison with a contraband cellphone in 2016. He also was accused of possessing juvenile pornography.

McFadden

McFadden was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2003 after pleading no contest to raping a 17-year-old girl. He had been released on Oct. 30, 2020.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Two victims of Henryetta mass murder were sexually assaulted: autopsy
A man who died after police officers in North Carolinas capital city repeatedly used stun guns on him died from sudden cardiac arrest related to cocaine intoxication and the police confrontation, according to the states autopsy released on Wednesday.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also labeled the Jan. 17 death of 32-year-old Darryl Tyree Williams a homicide.

The autopsy report listed Williams death as sudden cardiac arrest in the setting of cocaine intoxication, physical exertion, conducted energy weapon use, and physical restraint. A toxicology analysis detected cocaine and a chemical contained in marijuana among others in his blood, the report said.

The State Bureau of Investigation has been looking into the death and the role of Raleigh Police Department officers who said they were trying to arrest Williams for possession of a controlled substance.

Several officers were placed on leave as part of the investigation. Williams family called on officials to fire officers and charge them in his death.

ALSO READ: 9 Investigates: First responder protocol used in Charlotte mans in-custody death

The SBI did not provide an update Wednesday on the investigation. Emails sent to the Williams familys attorney and Raleigh police spokespersons seeking comment were not immediately returned.

Police have said they were trying to arrest Williams after they found a folded dollar bill with white powder in his pocket.

Police said two officers stunned Williams with a Taser a total of three times as they tried to take him into custody. The autopsy said injuries on his back were consistent with stun gun use.

Williams, a Black man, can be heard in body and dashboard camera videos released by police in February protesting that he didnt do anything and warning that he had a heart problem. Medical records showed he had a history of an unspecified irregular heartbeat, Wednesdays report said.

Obesity and hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease also contributed to his death, the report said, adding that Williams also had a known medical history of tobacco, marijuana and cocaine abuse.

VIDEO: 9 Investigates: First responder protocol used in Charlotte mans in-custody death
The extent of flooding in Kherson

A total of 600 sq. km of Kherson Oblast has flooded, with 32% on the right bank and 68% on the left bank of the Dnipro River.

Despite the extreme danger and Russian shelling, the evacuation of the population from the flooded area continues, Prokudin stressed.

In total, 1,999 civilians have left the danger area as of 6 a.m., with 1,495 evacuated from Kherson citys Korabel neighborhood alone.

About 55,000 hectares of forests have been flooded, mainly in the occupied territories, said Ukrainian State Forest Resources Agency head, Yuriy Bolokhovets.

He emphasized that animals are actually doomed there.

Mykolaivs citys water level rose by almost a meter, said local mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych.

The coastline near residential buildings is being fortified in some of the lowest areas, the official added.

Over 850 kg of fish have already died in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast because of the rapid shallowing of the water reservoir caused by the Russian action, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, Serhiy Lysak, reported on Telegram.

Read also: Maxar shows extent of Kakhovka dam disaster  Photo

The intensity of Russian shelling of Kherson Oblast has decreased since the Russian army in southern Ukraine has had to withdraw its units by up to 15 km due to the water spillage, Natalia Humeniuk, South Operational Command spokesperson, said on Ukrainian national television on June 8. She stressed that it was the withdrawal of Russian units that made it difficult for the invaders to work with mortar calculations.

The Russians were unprepared for the consequences of their destruction of the Kakhovka dam, Ukraines General Staff said in a morning update on Facebook early on June 8.

The enemy is already suffering losses in manpower, weapons, and military equipment, Ukraines military says. Injured, killed, and missing have been reported in the 7th airborne assault division and the 22nd army corps of Russias Armed Forces.

Mykolayiv Oblasts Kinburn Spit has been cut off from the mainland by water, the Southern Forestry Office reported on Facebook.

The road connecting the peninsula with the mainland is completely flooded near the village of Heroiske. It is no longer possible to reach the mainland from the Kinburn Spit by land transport, the agency stressed.

Read also: EU sends aid to Ukraine to tackle consequences of Kakhovka dam breach

Amid the tragedy in southern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Kherson Oblast to hold a coordination meeting on dealing with the consequences of the Kakhovka dam explosion.

Many important issues were discussed, he wrote on Telegram.

The operational situation in the region as a result of the disaster, evacuation of the population from potential flood zones, elimination of the emergency caused by the dam explosion, organization of life support for the flooded areas. Also, the prospects for restoring the regions ecosystem and the operational military situation in the man-made disaster area.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota, at the Indigenous Food Lab Market in Minneapolis's Midtown Global Market. (Photo: Darren Thompson for Native News)

MINNEAPOLISAward-winning chef Sean Sherman has added a few more job titles  educator, retailer, nonprofit executive  with his newest venture: Indigenous Food Lab (IFL).

Sherman, co-founder of the James Beard awarded Owamni restaurant, opened the first IFL in Minneapoliss Midtown Global Food Market last week to a curious crowd. Its a multifaceted facility operated by the nonprofit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), which Sherman started to address the economic and health crises affecting Native communities by re-establishing Native foodways.

The IFL is many things: a hot bar featuring Indigenous foods, a research center, a retail market featuring arts, books, games, beauty products, and jewelry products.

Its also an education and training center that serves as the heart of NATIFs work to reintegrate Native foods and Indigenous-focused education into tribal communities across North America, according to its the nonprofits website.

Our market curates a whole bunch of really cool products like food, jewelry, gifts and games while featuring all Indigenous producers all over the nation, Sherman told Native News Online.

The Indigenous Food Lab Market in Minneapolis's Midtown Global Market features a retail shop, Indigenous cuisine kitchen and educational space. (Photo: Darren Thompson)

The Indigenous Food Lab Market in Minneapolis's Midtown Global Market features a retail shop, kitchen and educational space. (Photo: Darren Thompson)

Another highlight is the education studio, where Sherman and others will teach a curriculum that highlights Indigenous culture. Culinary arts, food preservation, language, or crafting are some of the areas of education, Sherman said.

Were recording all of those educational classes and putting them online to create a vault of Indigenous education, he said.

Shermans work has always centered Indigenous food and culture. From Tatanka Truck  Minnesotas first Native food truck  to the award-winning Owamni, Shermans dedication to Indigenous foods has earned him recognition as one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in 2023.

Like Owamnis menu, the Indigenous Food Labs Markets menu does not include European foods such as dairy, white sugar, or wheat. The menu is structured for guests to order build-your-own-tacos with all Indigenous proteins like bison, smoked whitefish, smoked turkey, three sisters (corn, beans and squash), and wild mushrooms. The kitchen makes its teas, salsas and sauces in-house and features ingredients like herbal teas, chaga, cacao, grains, soups and sunflower seed cookies.

Sherman envisions launching additional Indigenous Food Labs in other regions of the country, including Native communities in Alaska and Hawaii. There have already been talks about opening IFLs in Anchorage, Oahu, Rapid City, Sherman said.

We want to get Indigenous food products all over the place, he said. So, this little market has big plans.

In the flagship IFL outlet, local Native vendors featured in the markets retail shop include Ramona Farms, the Ioway Bee Farm, Red Lake Nation, Bidii Baby Foods, Sakari Farms, Dancing Butterfly, Aonehc Aonehc, and Growing Blue Flowers.

One of the goals of the IFL is to build a national supply chain of Indigenous vendors, said Sherman. Creating a growing Indigenous food ecosystem is something Native people have done for generations, Sherman said, adding that strengthening old traditions can help rebuild the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people.

About the Author: "Darren Thompson (Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe) is a staff reporter for Native News Online who is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Thompson has reported on political unrest, tribal sovereignty, and Indigenous issues for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Indian Country Today, Native News Online, Powwows.com and Unicorn Riot. He has contributed to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Voice of America on various Indigenous issues in international conversation. He has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Criminology & Law Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "

Contact: dthompson@nativenewsonline.net
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) made it one of his priorities as speaker to push through anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in March. He also opposed last years historic bill to codify same-sex marriage protections into law. But in a delightful change of tune  and likely with no idea he was doing this  he kicked off Pride Month on Wednesday with a celebration hailing one of the countrys most beloved authors, lesbian Willa Cather.

As one of Americas greatest novelists, Willa Cather is a fitting addition to this gallery of great Americans, McCarthy raved at a statue unveiling ceremony for Cather in the U.S. Capitol. Cather, a Pulitzer Prize winner who died in 1947, was chosen by Nebraska leaders to be the subject of one of its two statues in Washington that represents the state.

Nebraskans are lucky to call Cather one of their own, McCarthy told the audience gathered in Statuary Hall, which included congressional leaders and Nebraskas top elected officials. But ultimately her work belongs here. Because it is American to the core. Her authenticity, emotion, artistry, it spoke of Americans fundamental values.

He probably wasnt referring to Cathers authentic and nearly 40-year relationship with her partner, Edith Lewis. Same-sex couples obviously couldnt get married in the early 1900s, but a decades-long romantic partnership between two women  neither of whom was particularly secretive about it  is about as close to a marriage as it gets.

Here is a young Willa Cather, who sometimes preferred to be called

Here is a young Willa Cather, who sometimes preferred to be called "William."

Melissa Homestead, an English professor and faculty member in womens and gender studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, spent 18 years researching and writing a book specifically about Cathers relationship with Lewis.

She and Lewis lived together openly for nearly forty years, jointly leasing apartments in Greenwich Village and on Park Avenue, Homestead wrote last year on lithub.com, a hub of online literary content. Indeed, one of the main contentions of my book is that their domestic partnership was not a secret. Still, Lewis often was and sometimes still is made over into Cathers secretary (she wasnt) rather than being recognized for what she was: a highly compensated professional woman with a demanding office job who was also Cathers romantic partner and her editor.

McCarthys office did not respond to a request for comment on whether he knew any of this.

His office also did not respond to a request for comment on whether he could appreciate the rich irony of his celebration of Cathers life and contributions to American society in the middle of Pride Month andat a time when conservatives, including McCarthy, are fueling particularly cruel and dangerous attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.

Here is Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) unveiling a statue of lesbian novelist Willa Cather in the U.S. Capitol. Happy Pride Month, sir!

Here is Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) unveiling a statue of lesbian novelist Willa Cather in the U.S. Capitol. Happy Pride Month, sir!

In still more irony, the speakers effusive praise of Cathers depictions of American pioneers in novels like O Pioneers! and My Antonia take on additional meaning when applied to Cather herself and her determination to live an authentic life.

Pioneers have a vision of a better life beyond the immediate world they currently live [in], McCarthy gushed. Pioneers are risk takers, who have the courage to brave the unknown, to reach new goals. Pioneers use independent judgment and come up with new ideas and innovation that often make the world a better place.

The California Republican, however, has long been an obstacle to ensuring any kinds of legal rights and protections for LGBTQ people. He earned a zero out of 100 in the Human Rights Campaigns most recent congressional scorecard on supporting LGBTQ+ equality. And when Congress passed the Respect for Marriage Act  a response to some conservative Supreme Court justices hinting theyd like to revisit federal marriage equality  with a strong bipartisan vote in December, McCarthy was a no.

If the Supreme Court does decide to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 case that guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry, the effect would be particularly devastating for marriage equality in Nebraska. The state has both a constitutional amendment and a statute ban on same-sex marriage still on the books, and those would take effect if Obergefell were struck down.

The Respect for Marriage Act would require Nebraska to still recognize marriages that were legally performed in other states, but it would not require Nebraska to legalize marriage equality there. An estimated 55,000 residents of Nebraska identify as LGBTQ as of 2020, according to the UCLA School of Laws Williams Institute.

Here is Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) hailing Willa Cather, the famed novelist and lesbian who was in a 40-year-relationship with a woman,

Here is Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) hailing Willa Cather, the famed novelist and lesbian who was in a 40-year-relationship with a woman, "as a representation of Nebraskas best. Fischer has consistently voted against LGBTQ rights, including marriage equality protections.

McCarthy wasnt the only anti-LGBTQ Republican at Wednesdays ceremony celebrating Cathers life while glossing over the fact that she was a lesbian in a long-term relationship.

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who also voted against the Respect for Marriage Act and who earned a 5 out of 100 from the Human Rights Campaigns most recent congressional report card, talked about the strong influence that Cathers work has had on her sister-in-law, Nadine, and her paintings.

Nadines art reflects the profound resonance of Cathers writings for those of us who call Nebraska home, Fischer told the group. That resonance, that talent, that imagination that immortalized Cathers indelible novels is what endows her with the significance to be placed here in the U.S. Capitol as a representation of Nebraskas best.

Nebraska Gov. James Pillen (R) read aloud some of Cathers famous quotes with pride.

Where there is great love, there are always miracles, said Pillen, repeating it again. He suggesting the quote is one that Mother Teresa must have taken from Willa Cather.

In related news, the conservative governor a few weeks ago signed a law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth and called such care absolutely Lucifer at its finest.

Related...
Panama City Beach is in the second year of its popular Veteran Hero Banner Program, which allows locals to purchase banners to honor veterans that will be displayed on light poles throughout the city.

PANAMA CITY BEACH  In an effort to "never forget" the sacrifices made by veterans, Panama City Beach is in the second year of its popular Veteran Hero Banner Program.

The program allows people to purchase banners dedicated to family members or friends who have served in the military.

This year's banners, which cost $100, will be hung from light poles within the Front Beach Road Community Redevelopment Area Plan. They were displayed last year along Powell Adams Road.

"The program was extremely popular last year when we launched it," Mayor Mark Sheldon said in an email. "We have seen many communities across the country with similar programs and thought it would be a great fit here, with such a strong military presence with Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard facilities nearby.

"Veterans are the backbone of this country, (and) our freedoms would not exist without them. ... We are happy to see that patriotism is so strong in our community."

Inaugural program: It's a banner day: PCB's Veteran Hero Program a sellout in first month. More to come.

Looking back: 'A healing place': Warrior Beach Retreat kicks off this week in Panama City Beach

According to Debbie Ingram, spokesperson for Panama City Beach, the banners in this year's program went on sale in May. More than 30 have been sold so far, and about 115 still are available. Only 28 banners were available last year.

Ingram said she expects for new banners to be on display before Independence Day. They will be hung along Front Beach Road, South Thomas Drive, Richard Jackson Boulevard and Churchwell Drive  all of which she said are "high profile areas" where they will be seen by many motorists.

"We actually had a few people on the waiting list from last year who were anxious to purchase one for a family member," Ingram wrote in an email. "The program will run until we are sold out, and that could happen in July."

The money paid to purchase the banners is used by the city to cover their costs. They are then returned to buyers after Veterans Day. The banners can be bought to honor both active and past military members, and they do not have to be a local resident.

"We know people end up in Panama City Beach from all over the country," Ingram wrote. "We are happy to honor their veteran friend or family member. Many of the banners purchased are honoring veterans who have passed away.

"It is a great way to posthumously pay homage to them, and then the banner becomes a keepsake for the family."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach selling banners to honor sacrifices of veterans
Gaffney Bakery LLC and Highland Baking Company in Spartanburg are planning to invest a total of $132.4 million and create 355 new jobs.

On Wednesday, Gaffney Bakery LLC announced plans to establish operations at the former Ace Bakery building on a 14.6-acre site at 131 Corporate Drive in Gaffney.

The company's $96 million investment will create more than 260 new jobs, according to a statement from the office of Gov. Henry McMaster.

Gaffney Bakery LLC on Wednesday announced plans to establish operations in the former Ace Baker building at 131 Corporate Drive in Gaffney.

The company plans to make renovations to the 144,800-square-foot facility to assist in the manufacturing of frozen bakery products and be online by mid-2024.

The state Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project. The council also awarded a $2.5 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Cherokee County to help with the costs of building improvements.

Those interested in employment should visit readySC in late 2023 and early 2024 for job postings.

"The Upstate of South Carolina continues to be a great location for food manufacturers to locate based on our skilled workforce, logistical advantages and our location at the center of the growing Southeastern consumer market," John Lummus, president and CEO of Upstate SC Alliance, said in a statement.

Highland Baking to add 95 new jobs

Another baking company near Hearon Circle in Spartanburg recently announced expansion plans.

Highland Baking Company in Spartanburg plans to add a new $36.4 million production line by this fall.

Highland Baking Company at 7001 Asheville Highway announced plans to invest $36.4 million and add 95 new jobs with an expansion expected to be completed by this fall, according to a statement from the company.

In 2012, Highland Baking purchased the former Mrs. Smiths bakery at Hearon Circle for $4 million. In 2019, the company made cold storage and freezer upgrades that will allow the company room for future growth.

Privately owned and operated by the Rosen family, Highland Baking was established in 1984 and is located in Northbrook, Ill. Highland Baking currently has 183 employees.

Highland bakes and freezes the food while it is still fresh. The bakery then ships bread products such as hamburger buns, pan bread, sub rolls, dinner rolls and table breads to restaurant chains nationwide.

The company will upgrade its existing building and infrastructure to support a new full production line, and allow room for a future product line to meet increases in supply demands.

Those interested in joining the Highland Baking Company team should visit the companys website.

Tax credits enable project to proceed

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $100,000 set-aside grant to Spartanburg County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building improvements for Highland Baking.

In addition, the project received $32.5 million in New Market Tax Credits, with Highland Baking providing about $4 million in funding, according to a statement from SDS Capital Group of Los Angeles.

"The $32.5 million tax credit investment will enable Highland Baking Company to expand our production facility and bring high-quality jobs to South Carolina," Stuart Rosen, CEO of Highland Baking, said in a statement. "(Tax credits) were key to helping us close the financing gap to help make the expansion of our operation a reality."

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Bakeries plan to spend $132.4M, add 355 jobs in Gaffney, Spartanburg
Bali Seeks a New Kind of Tourist After Kicking Out 136 Unruly Visitors This Year

Bali Seeks a New Kind of Tourist After Kicking Out 136 Unruly Visitors This Year

(Bloomberg) -- Indonesias paradise island teeming with beaches and lush rice fields wants to refocus its tourism away from guests who tend to misbehave and instead lure talented nomads, retirees and health buffs.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The local government has deported 136 foreigners since the start of the year for various misconduct including indecent exposure, rowdy behavior and rule breaking, according to the Bali immigration office.

Just in the past month, a German tourist crashed a show at an Ubud temple by walking naked on stage, while a Danish woman was detained for exposing her genitals in public. A British man is facing trial after assaulting a police officer after refusing to pay his bill at a bar.

The incidents left Bali Governor I Wayan Koster with a dilemma; to either keep on accepting all tourists or be more discriminating while risking the islands nascent recovery. Then theres another option: reinvent the island into a health hub and research center.

Indonesia is looking to partner with Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic to build a medical center in Sanur, a quiet town on the eastern coast, that will also feature luxury hotels and care facilities for seniors. In Serangan, Bali will develop a research hub to join Tsinghua Universitys Southeast Asia Center, according to the coordinating ministry for economic affairs.

Like neighboring travel destinations, the tourism-reliant island was devastated by the pandemic as many hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops shuttered. While overseas visitors rebounded to 2.16 million last year, from less than 60 in 2021, its still just a third of the more than 6 million who came in 2019.

As foreign guests return, Koster is seeking a new tourism blueprint that will limit the entry of the undesirables and attract the ones that tend to spend more, energize the local economy and behave well.

Tourism remains a mainstay, but it will be in a much different position than before, Koster said in an interview. This push will encourage the transformation of Bali, from mass tourism to quality tourism.

Bali is rolling out the red carpet for potential investors, offering tax breaks as well as easier employment rules and licensing, to deliver 477 trillion rupiah ($32 billion) of foreign-currency earnings through 2052. A recently passed law grants the island more autonomy to let Koster plan out its economic development.

Misbehaving tourists wont find the same welcome. Bali is considering imposing an entry tax and a quota for visitors, while banning them from climbing mountains, touching sacred trees or renting motorbikes.

The island is now requiring licensed tour guides to accompany foreigners that are expected to wear modest clothing and abide by the rules.

Foreigners skilled in digital, health, research and technology sectors could qualify for golden visas that allow them to own assets and fast-track citizenship. Guests with the equivalent of at least 2 billion rupiah in their bank accounts could get a second home visa to stay for up to 10 years.

Many countries have issued golden visas because they provide many benefits by increasing investment. said Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno on Monday. The rules on the long stay visas will be issued soon, he added.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Bank of America reclaimed its position as the top-ranked Fortune 500 company in Charlotte, while Albemarle made its appearance for the first time on the closely-watched list.

The latest Fortune 500 list was released this morning, ranking the nations largest companies by revenue. Its put together each year by business magazine Fortune, with the 2023 list marking the 69th edition.

ALSO READ: Charlotte-based Bank of America to pay federal fine of $225M

Charlotte-based Bank of America Corp., with $115.05 billion in revenue in its last fiscal year, landed at No. 32  up from No. 36 last year. It jumped past Mooresville-based Lowes Cos. Inc., which ranked at No. 39 this year  down from No. 35 in 2022. Thats based off $97.06 billion in revenue for Lowes.

Those were the only Charlotte-area companies to appear in the rankings top 100. See where all of the Carolinas Fortune 500 companies ranked here.

(WATCH BELOW: Bank of America says issue resolved after customers report problems with Zelle transactions)
Biden announces new actions to protect LGBTQ community from attacks on their rights and safety

President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a series of actions designed to protect the rights of the nations LGBTQ community, amid an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ laws being enacted in states across the country.

In an announcement celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month, the Biden-Harris administration reiterated its commitment to protecting and defending the nations LGBTQ community.

The announcement highlighted various actions the administration has taken to ensure the community is protected from the ongoing attacks on its rights and freedoms, as well as steps the White House plans to take to further protect LGBTQ people  particularly transgender youth.

Over a dozen states have enacted anti-LGBTQI+ laws that violate our most basic values and freedoms as Americans, and are cruel and callous to our kids, our neighbors, and those in our community, the White House said in a statement.

The president stands with stands with the LGBTQI+ community and has their backs in the face of these attacks, the statement added.

Among the newly announced actions, the White House said the Department of Homeland Security, with support from the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, would launch an LGBTQI+ Community Safety Partnership in an effort to address a surge in violence against individuals and community spaces.

The partnership will work hand-in-hand with LGBTQ organizations, offering them critical safety resources so they can remain safe spaces for the community.

The initiative will protect healthcare providers serving members of the LGBTQ community, facilitate the reporting of hate crimes, and provide safety training for LGBTQ organizations.

The protection of LGBTQ youth was also highlighted by the president, who vowed to protect LGBTQ youth in foster care, shield kids and families from discrimination, and address LGBTQ youth homelessness with the creation of a new initiative headed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Biden also announced the appointment of a new coordinator to address the growing threat that book bans pose for the civil rights of students  noting that the number of banned books in the country hit an all-time high in 2022, according to data compiled by the American Library Association. The vast majority of them were written by or about members of the LGBTQ community and people of color.

Bidens announcement was applauded by U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., who praised the president for leading the most pro-equality administration in history during a tumultuous time for LGBTQ people in the U.S.

Our community is under threat, both by policies that strip away our rights and by extremists threatening violence, Pocan said. Todays actions will help improve our communitys safety, strengthen protections and support for LGBTQI+ youth, and address the un-American book bans spreading throughout the country.

---------
President Joe Biden has condemned the hysterical threats against LGBT+ communities across the US, following a historic surge in state-level legislation targeting LGBT+ people, particularly trans youth, and a rise in homophobic and transphobic rhetoric and abuse.

His remarks alongside UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on 8 June followed the announcement of a White House strategy to protect LGBT+ rights and safety, including the launch of a LGBTQI+ Community Safety Partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and federal support for affirming mental healthcare and LGBT+ youth in foster care and LGBT+ youth experiencing homelessness.

The Biden administration also is directing the US Department of Education to address the spike in book bans and challenges to library materials that are disproportionately by and about LGBT+ people.

Our fight is far from over, because we have some hysterical and I would argue prejudiced people who are engaged in all of what you see going on around the country, the president said in remarks from the White House.

Its an appeal to fear and its an appeal that is totally, thoroughly unjustified and ugly, he said.

The president also urged Congress to pass the Equality Act, which has languished in the US Senate after its passage, twice, in the US House of Representatives. Im not giving up on this, Mr Biden added.

That landmark legislation would extend discrimination protections to LGBT+ people in federal civil rights law by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity across federally protected public accommodations and facilities, including employment, education and housing.

Its wrong that a person can be married in the morning in the United States and be fired in the afternoon by their employer because theyre gay, Mr Biden said.

Its wrong that the violence and hate crimes targeting LGBTQ people is rising. Its wrong that extreme officials are pushing hateful bills, targeting transgender children, terrifying families, and criminalising doctors, he added. These are our kids. These are our neighbours. Its cruel. Its callous.

The president was set to announce the White House plan for federal LGBT+ protections at a Pride event on Thursday afternoon, but it was postponed due to air pollution from Canadian wildfires blanketing the East Coast.

Over the last several years, Republican state lawmakers have introduced hundreds of state-level bills impacting LGBT+ people, including 220 bills specifically targeting trans and nonbinary Americans and their healthcare, according to the Human Rights Campaigns analysis. More than 75 such bills have been signed into law.

At least 19 states have enacted laws or policies banning affirming healthcare for young trans people against the guidance of health providers and major medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

LGBT+ communities also have reported increased threats of violence, discrimination and harassment, parallel to volatile rhetoric that has consumed right-wing media, social media platforms and debate among Republican elected officials, including in the halls of Congress, where House Republicans have advanced legislation mirroring the anti-LGBT+ bills dominating state capitols.

Youre loved, youre heard, and this administration has your back, Mr Biden said in his remarks, addressing LGBT+ communities. We are not relenting one single second to make sure youre protected.
The graphic novel "Maus" by Art Spiegelman is one of dozens of books that have been banned in US schools (Maro SIRANOSIAN)

US President Joe Biden has named a government coordinator to handle the thorny issue of book bans in schools -- one of a series of initiatives announced Thursday by the White House to support the LGBTQ community during Pride Month.

"Across the country, our nation faces a spike in book bans -- efforts that disproportionately strip books about LGBTQI+ communities, communities of color, and other communities off of library and classroom shelves," the White House said.

"In fact, 2022 saw the highest number of book bans in 20 years."

The new coordinator, under the auspices of the Department of Education's office of civil rights, will be tasked with providing new training for schools on how book bans can create a "hostile" environment for students -- and possibly violate federal laws.

"Book banning erodes our democracy, removes vital resources for student learning, and can contribute to the stigma and isolation that LGBTQI+ people and other communities face," the White House said.

Book bans have moved front and center in the so-called "culture wars" in the United States, reflecting deep societal divisions about race, gender and sexuality.

Some US states, many of them led by conservative governors, have removed scores of books from library shelves, claiming they promote homosexuality or are too shocking.

Classics such as works by Nobel-winning writer Toni Morrison and Art Spiegelman's graphic novel about the Holocaust, "Maus," have been targeted.

Other initiatives announced by the White House on Thursday to coincide with Pride Month will help support homeless members of the LGBTQ community, as well as youths in foster care.

The US government will also put in place new safety training classes for LGBTQ community organizations, including small business and Pride festivals, as well as provide them with regular briefings on threats.

The White House was meant to host an outdoor Pride event on Thursday but was forced to postpone it until Saturday due to the toxic air quality in the US capital, sparked by wildfires in Canada.

aue/sst/md
A major construction workers union endorsed President Bidens reelection campaign Thursday, which is a notable nod for the president from big labor.

The Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) said they would back Biden and Vice President Harris after other labor groups, including the United Auto Workers, have said they will hold back from an endorsement just yet.

Every decision President Biden has made, every policy he has adopted, and every piece of legislation he has pushed for has been done with consideration for and for the betterment of hard-working union laborers and our brothers and sisters in the trades, LIUNA President Brent Booker said in a Thursday statement.

Booker pointed to the bipartisan infrastructure law as an accomplishment of the Biden administration that gave LIUNA members more opportunities to build. Biden visited a LIUNA training center in Deforest, Wis., in February to give remarks on manufacturing, the infrastructure law and job creation under his administration.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

No Administration has demonstrated greater commitment to the men and women who build our nation than the Biden-Harris White House, Booker said in his statement. With Biden at our backs, LIUNA members have more opportunities to build our infrastructure, better wages and benefits, and more secure futures.

LIUNA also endorsed Biden for president in 2020. The union comprises a half-million members in the construction industry, and the endorsement comes after a national poll of members and a unanimous vote to support Biden, according to the group.

The United Auto Workers last month said they would withhold their endorsement over concerns with the White Houses focus on electric vehicles. The group that has historically backed Democrats and endorsed Biden in 2020 said at the time that its support is not going to former President Trump.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Thursday said the Republican efforts to push an FBI document that lawmakers claim outlines a scheme involving himself and a foreign national is nonsense.

Wheres the money? Im joking. Its a bunch of malarkey, he said to a shouted question at the end of a press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House.

A New York Post reporter asked the question in light of Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) telling the outlet Tuesday that the president sold out his country and that the American people should know whats in the document.

Republicans, House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have been demanding a document from the FBI, outlining an unverified and unspecified alleged criminal scheme involving a foreign national and Biden when he was vice president.

Comer was set to start proceedings to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress over the document Thursday, but it was canceled after the FBI allowed members of the panel to review the record.

The FBI briefed Comer and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, Monday about the document. The FBI had originally declined to provide the document to Comer and Grassley, but Comer said last week that Wray offered to let him see it at FBI headquarters.

The White House on Wednesday attacked Comers credibility, saying that he has a repetitive tactic of laundering thin innuendo. It also highlighted in a memo that The Washington Post reported the allegation was not supported by facts, NBC reported that the allegation was not substantiated and CNN reported the FBI and prosecutors couldnt corroborate the claims.

Last week, the White House called Comers efforts to get the FBI to hand over the document a political stunt to get airtime on Fox News.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden offered additional resources to Canada during a phone call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday as historic wildfires rage through the country, pushing smoke into American states as far south as North Carolina.

The president has directed all available federal firefighting assets to be deployed in efforts to suppress the hundreds of fires impacting Canadian and American communities, according to a release from the White House.

As of Wednesday evening, the U.S. has sent more than 600 firefighters and support personnel across the border to assist with the response.

"The two leaders also discussed continued cooperation to prevent wildfires and address the health impacts that such fires have on our communities," the White House said, adding that Biden and Trudeau remain in "close touch" for emerging needs.

NYC MAYOR ADAMS, HEALTH COMMISSIONER WARN NEW YORKERS TO MASK UP AS AIR QUALITY DIPS TO WORST SINCE 1960S

Smoke and flames rise from the Cameron Bluffs wildfire near Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada, on June 6, 2023.

Trudeau confirmed on Twitter Wednesday evening that hundreds of American firefighters "recently arrived" in Canada and more are on the way, adding that he is thankful for the "critical support."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Both leaders took the opportunity to blame the fires on climate change, with Biden including in a tweet that Canada's record wildfires are "intensifying because of the climate crisis."

Trudeau echoed similar sentiments in a longer tweet, writing: "Were seeing more and more of these fires because of climate change. These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality. Well keep working  here at home and with partners around the world  to tackle climate change and address its impacts."

CANADA WARNS OF RECORD 2023 WILDFIRE DESTRUCTION AS TRAVELING SMOKE IMPACTS MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

As of Thursday morning, there are 439 active wildfires in Canada, and 250 of those are considered out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The same data reveals 116 of the 439 wildfires are under control and 73 are being held.

An interactive map from Natural Resources Canada showed parts of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia face the greatest fire risk as of Wednesday.

As of June 8, 2023, there are 439 active wildfires in Canada, and 250 of those are considered out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Smoke from the fires in eastern Canada has drifted south into the United States, prompting unhealthy and hazardous air quality alerts from the mid-Atlantic through the northeast and parts of the Upper Great Lakes, according to AirNow.

As of midnight on Thursday, multiple areas in the northeastern region were facing "hazardous" air quality index levels of over 400, forcing warnings to "avoid all outdoor activity."

NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS KEEP KIDS INDOORS AS AIR QUALITY PLUMMETS REPORTEDLY FROM CANADA WILDFIRES

Most of the cities experiencing the highest alert level were in the Pennsylvania - New Jersey region, with Philadelphia reaching 407 and Trenton reaching 416.

New York City was also experiencing a "hazardous" alert with an air quality index level of 301.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires loom over New York City's Times Square on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

As the smoke is expected to continue impacting the U.S. for days to come, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the following recommendations: wear a N95 respirator mask if the air seems smoky, limit time outdoors by only performing essential activities and reschedule outdoor work tasks.
Biden speaks with Trudeau about Canadian wildfires as air quality issues persist in US

President Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday and offered federal support to respond to wildfires burning in Canada, which have caused widespread air quality issues across the eastern United States.

Biden directed his administration to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets that can rapidly assist in suppressing fires impacting Canadian and American communities, the White House said in a readout of the call.

The U.S. has deployed more than 600 firefighters and support personnel to date, the White House said, as well as other equipment to respond to the fires. Biden and Trudeau discussed how to have continued coordination to prevent wildfires and address the resulting health impacts.

Canada is experiencing what NASA has described as an unusually intense start to its wildfire season that has included fires in the province of Quebec that were caused by lightning.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Aerosol Watch said the fires grew uncontrollably over the weekend and brought code red and code orange air quality to the U.S. states of Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.

As the fires have burned, smoke has blown into the U.S., affecting more than a dozen states. NBC News reported that parts of 18 states were under air quality alerts as of Wednesday.

An Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson told The Hill in an email that the agency estimates that more than 100 million people are being impacted by air quality alerts Wednesday, including as far west as Chicago and as far south as Atlanta.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain on Thursday reiterated their unwavering, indefinite financial support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

I believe well have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes, and I believe that were going to, that support will be real, Biden said during a joint news conference at the White House. Do we think Russia would stop at Kyiv? Do you think thats all there would be happening? I think not, and I think the vast majority of my colleagues, even the critics that think that would not be the case as well.

Despite Bidens assurances, Republican leadership in Congress has set nondefense spending caps for the next two fiscal years, and its unclear whether those budgetary limits will leave enough wiggle room for additional Ukraine aid.

The U.S. has been a key ally for Ukraine throughout the war  which dates back to late February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion  sending tens of billions of dollars in military aid to the country in tandem with European allies. Among the most significant equipment shipped to Kyiv are Patriot air defense systems and Abrams tanks, and Biden last month announced a joint international effort to begin training Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets.



Sunak pointed to Britains NATO contributions above their required benchmark as proof that it intends to keep funding Ukraines military, and he vowed to keep supporting Ukraine even if other European allies dont follow the lead that the U.S. and the U.K. set.

We will be here for as long as it takes, and hopefully that will speed up the calculation in [Russian President Vladimir Putins] mind that he should withdraw his forces and stop what is an illegal and unprovoked act of aggression, Sunak said.

When asked whether it was time that NATO elect its first British secretary general in over 20 years, Biden conceded, Maybe.

They have a candidate who is a very qualified individual, but were going to have a lot of discussion between us, in NATO, to determine what the outcome of that will be, Biden said.

And despite Britains departure from the EU in 2020, Sunak said that the country would continue to be a contributor for years to come in the Ukrainian military effort.

I know some people have wondered what kind of partner Britain would be after we left the EU, Sunak said. Id say judge us by our actions.
President Joe Biden signs the veto of a GOP-led effort to overturn his student debt-relief measures on June 7, 2023. White House/Twitter

President Joe Biden vetoed a GOP-led effort to block his student debt relief.

An unlikely two-thirds majority in the House and Senate is needed to overturn his veto.

The Supreme Court is also due to consider the legality of Biden's plan by the end of June.

President Joe Biden signed a veto on Wednesday, blocking a GOP-led measure to overturn student debt-relief measures that would see recipients have up to $20,000 of debt wiped.

The bill, reintroduced in February, was passed by both the House and the Senate as of last week, with Biden promising to veto it if it crossed his desk.

As well as blocking the debt relief, the bill would halt the pandemic-era student loan payment pause, first implemented by former President Donald Trump, and which would otherwise continue until the fall.

In a video posted to Twitter of Biden signing the veto, he said: "I'm not going to back down on my efforts to help tens of millions of working and middle-class families."

Biden's debt-relief plan, targeted by the bill, would forgive $10,000 in student debt, or up to $20,000 for those who have received a Pell Grant, for borrowers making under $125,000 a year.

The plan is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to cost taxpayers around $400 billion over a 40-year period.

In the video, Biden added: "Some of the same members of Congress who want to cut student aid personally received loans to keep their small business afloat during the pandemic."

He also noted that the same lawmakers had also backed tax cuts for the wealthy.

"But when it comes to hard-working Americans trying to get ahead, dealing with student debt relief, that's where they drew the line," he said.

Lawmakers who accepted pandemic loans include Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, and Kevin Hern.

Conservatives have argued that the debt-relief measure is unfair on people who didn't go to college but still have debts.

"What about the man who skipped college but is paying off the loan on his work truck, or the woman who worked her way through school and is now struggling to pay off her mortgage under Biden's economy?" wrote Sens. Chuck Grassley and Bill Cassidy back in May.

A two-thirds majority in the House and Senate is needed to override Biden's veto, which is unlikely to be reached even with the handful of Democrats who originally helped the bill to cross the line in both houses.

But despite Biden's veto, the debt-relief measure is not home and dry. The Supreme Court has been hearing arguments as to its legality thanks to a pair of conservative-backed lawsuits, and is expected to issue a decision by the end of June.

Read the original article on Business Insider
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Willard Bill L. Meader a decorated flight surgeon who capped a 30-year military career by moving to the Tri-Cities in 1989 to lead the Hanford Environmental Health Foundation has died.

He was 89.

Meader of Richland had a big impact on the community where he chose to retire, according to the Kadlec Regional Medical Center Foundation, where he previously served on the board.

Dr. Meaders impact on the Tri-Cities medical community was profound, and we send our deepest condolences to the Meader family, the foundation said in a statement released by Jim Hall, chief philanthropy officer.

Meader was born in 1933 in La Porte, Indiana, the eldest of five siblings. His father, Paul Meader, was a physician.

Brig. Gen. Willard Bill L. Meader, U.S.A.F.

He earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, in 1959 and went on to serve at Air Force posts throughout the U.S. and world, including the Republic of Vietnam in 1967.

Meader completed his medical internship at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., and was commissioned as a captain in August 1959, according to an extensive military biography on the Air Force website.

He began is his residency at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, and completed it at the Office of the Surgeon, Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

He met and married his wife, Sharon, while serving as a general medical officer at Goose Air Base in Canada in the early 1960s, according to an obituary posted by Einans at Sunset.

The couple were married for 62 years. Survivors include his son, Richard, daughter, Dana, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a sister.

Following a short assignment at SAC, Meader transferred to Tan Son Nhut Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam in November 1967, where he served as commander of the 377th U.S. Air Force Dispensary and 21st Casualty Staging Flight.

He held leadership posts at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, the 20th Tactical Hospital, Royal Air Force Station, Wethersfield, England, and Headquarters 2nd Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

After graduating from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1975, he was assigned as general of biotechnology and deputy surgeon at Headquarters Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.. He held additional posts at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

He was promoted to brigadier general in December 1983.

Meaders military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, and Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.

After leaving the Hanford Environmental Health Foundation, he served as regional vice president of Group Health Northwest. He retired in 1997.

In retirement, he was known for his support of various civic organizations, including the Blue Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America, United Way of Benton Franklin Counties, the Lewis & Clark chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, Richland Rotary and the Kadlec Regional Medical Center Foundation board.

He supported work to recruit physicians to the Tri-Cities and served on the chronic pain committee of the former Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.

Services are pending.
Bills that increase the risk of of election subversion seen in 38 states this year: analysis

Bills that increase the risk of election subversion have been introduced in 38 states during the first few months of 2023, according to a report from three nonpartisan organizations released Thursday.

The report  produced by States United Democracy Center, Protect Democracy and Law Forward  found that 185 such bills had been introduced throughout the U.S. as of early May. Of those bills, 15 were enacted into law.

Texas has seen by far the most bills introduced that would allow state legislatures to politicize, criminalize, or interfere with elections, with 44 pieces of legislation brought forward. However, none have been signed into law.

Arizona stands in a distant second, with 18 such bills, although one was enacted and three were vetoed by the states governor after passing the legislature. No other state had more than 10 such bills this year.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

The number of election subversion bills introduced in 2023 is about on par with the last two years that the organizations have tracked them, according to the report.

As of early April 2022, 229 bills had been introduced across 33 states, while 148 bills had been introduced in 32 states around the same time in 2021.

The report said the wide-ranging group of bills has sought to create unworkable burdens for those administering elections, impose disproportionate penalties around elections, transfer control over election administration and results, and require partisan or unprofessional audits.

Several states have also withdrawn from the Electronic Registration Information Center, which the report described as a particularly concerning trend.

Eight states have withdrawn and two others are considering leaving the organization, which was created by state election officials to help maintain accurate voting rolls and prevent illegal voting, the report noted.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Black bear living in Santa Monica Mountains took at least two nighttime strolls on the beach, officials say

BB-12 was captured and collared in the western Santa Monica Mountains in April. (Santa Monica Mountains National Parks Service)

A black bear living in the Santa Monica Mountains  recently tagged and given the nickname BB-12  apparently likes to relax the same way that a lot of Southern Californians do: with a leisurely stroll on the beach.

BB-12's footprints have been discovered by California State Park lifeguards on beaches in the Malibu area, according to National Park Service officials. The young male bear is believed to have taken at least two separate nighttime strolls, the most recent occurring near Leo Carillo State Beach.

It is highly unusual for bears to wander onto the beach, park officials said.

"We don't see bears around here," said Ana Beatriz Cholo, spokesperson for the National Park Service. "That's just not their area."

But officials said the 3- or 4-year-old bear has been on the move in recent weeks, traveling across the mountains and toward the coast, and has most recently headed north from the Santa Monica Mountains toward Thousand Oaks, making the dangerous trip across the 101 and 118 freeways in late May.

"He hung around for a few weeks and then he started making his way up north," Cholo said.

The bear, estimated to be about 210 pounds when he was first tagged by biologists with the National Park Service on April 23, is the first bear captured and tagged in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Paw prints in the sand and a GPS tracker have confirmed that a black bear that was recently captured in the Santa Monica Mountains recently decided to take a stroll on the beaches near Malibu. (Courtesy of California State Park Lifeguards)

According to the National Park Service, the nearest population of black bears lives in the Santa Susana Mountains north of the 118 freeway and, although there have been previous bear sightings in the Santa Monica Mountains in the past, there is no evidence of a population there since the 1800s.

But officials believe BB-12 has been in the Santa Monica Mountains for almost two years.

Now, Cholo said, BB-12 has even made an appearance in social media apps like Nextdoor, where residents from Newbury Park have reported sightings of the black bear.

Jeff Sikich, biologist with the park service, said BB-12 visited the far western end of Malibu, near Point Mugu Beach, on the night of April 30.

Then on May 6, the bear returned to the coast, this time near Leo Carrillo State Beach.

Since then, the bear appears to be heading north, Sikich said.

On May 30, the GPS tracker that was attached to the bear signaled that he had crossed the 101 freeway sometime between midnight and 2 a.m. on May 30. Officials are not sure exactly where he crossed the freeway, but believe it was somewhere between Borchard Road and Rancho Conejo Boulevard, Sikich said.

The following day, his GPS collar signaled that he crossed State Road 23.

Later that night, BB-12 appeared to continue his trek north, crossing the 118 freeway on May 31 between 10 p.m. and midnight.

Bears in the region have been known to try to cross Southern California's freeways in the past, often with deadly results. In 2014, a black bear was killed trying to cross the 101 freeway.

"It's pretty extraordinary that this bear safely crossed this busy freeway," Cholo said.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
While todays decision is a victorythe ruling does not strengthen legal protections for Black voters  it merely preserves the status quo, said Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The Supreme Court shocked leaders in the Black community after rendering a decision to defend the Voting Rights Act in a gerrymandering case in Alabama.

On Thursday, the court released a surprise opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, which ordered Alabama to redraw its congressional maps to accommodate its Black voters.

FILE  The Supreme Court is seen on April 21, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

I got to be honest. Im quite surprisedweve been prepping for the worse given obvious reasons and trends of this court, Cliff Albright, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, told theGrio.

During his weekly House minority leader press conference, U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters that this ruling appears to be an affirmation that the Voting Rights Act is the law of the land.

It is illegal to engage in race-based gerrymandering. Its clear that the Alabama legislature engaged in race-based gerrymandering, and theyre not the only ones throughout the country who have done that, said Jeffries.

He continued, We can at least draw some comfort from the fact that the 1965 Voting Rights Act remains alive.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland released a statement that read, Todays decision rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections.

[The ruling] preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race, he added.

Last year, the court granted certiorari to hear oral arguments in Allen v. Milligan, which brought a challenge to Alabamas redistricting maps over the claim that it was racially discriminatory.

Oct 7, 2022; Washington, DC, USA; Members of the Supreme Court pose for a group photo at the Supreme Court. Seated from left: Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr., Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. and Associate Justice Elena Kagan Standing behind from left: Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

If the Supreme Court upheld the ruling in Allen v. Milligan, Albright said it would have had devastating consequences on members of the Black community.

We would not have the representation that we deserve, which means wed only have half a voice in Congress, he explained.

As a result, All of our issues would not get the proper level of support. Thats everything from housing to economic justice to voting rights to environmental justice, said Albright.

In the 5-4 majority decision, Justices Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh sided with the courts three liberals, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

Albright told theGrio he was even more surprised that Roberts rejected Alabamas redistricting map because, in the past, he has scrutinized voting rights.

Its a conflict with everything he has ever said about voting rights throughout the course of his career, he said.

Albright continued: [Roberts] has argued that were not guaranteed representation and quotas and all that stuff. On one hand, its incredibly surprising that he would rule this way, but on the other hand, perhaps some of his motivations are to protect the integrity of the court.

In a statement obtained by theGrio, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., said, I know that John Lewis and the Foot Soldiers of the Voting Rights Movement are smiling as they look down on us.

This is a historic victory, not only for Black voters in Alabama but for Democracy itself, said Sewell.

A demonstrator holds a sign at rally with Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., outside the U.S. Capitol to urge the Senate to pass voting rights legislation on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

With this decision, the Supreme Court is saying loudly and clearly that the voices of minority voters matter and that fair representation must be upheld, she added.

However, Albright told theGrio to take this ruling with a grain of salt.

This is still the court that has been reminiscent in a lot of ways of the [Dick] Cheney court, of the Dred Scott days [that], of course, invalidated all of the civil rights laws after reconstruction, he said. We still have to be very vigilant.

In a statement obtained by theGrio, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford, D-Nev., said that the CBC would continue to push for legislation that will address nationwide voter suppression tactics that target Black Americans.

While todays decision is a victorythe ruling does not strengthen legal protections for Black voters  it merely preserves the status quo, the statement read.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Black leaders applaud Supreme Court ruling in voting rights case, but with a grain of salt appeared first on TheGrio.
When Amaza Lee Meredith first dreamed of becoming an architect, there was essentially no one in the field she could look to as a role model. Despite her fathers occupation as a carpenter, her station as a Black woman in turn-of-the-20th-century Virginia put Meredith in a much different position from her dad, who was white. But even with the myriad challenges laid in her path as a child in the Jim Crow South, Meredith still went on to become a pioneer of her profession, laying the foundation for the coastal community of Sag Harbor to blossom into a Black safe haven. Her work in the eastern Long Island area is explored in a new podcast episode from the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundations New Angle Voice, which details both Merediths contributions to the village that came to be known as the Black Hamptons as well as the difficulties she was forced to navigate as a Black queer woman who lived authenticallydespite the fraught times she was born into.

The episode, entitled Amaza Lee Meredith: Love and Home, was released last week as part of a series covering prominent women in architecture over the years, including Julia Morgan and Natalie de Blois. While Meredith is not a household name among architecture buffs, the well-known Sag Harbor is in large part her legacy. Thats why it was so crucial for Cynthia Phifer Kracauer, the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundations executive director, to spotlight the architect and give her due credit decades after her 1984 death.

Photo: Library of Virginia via Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation

Her story, as it continues to unfold with time, is a point of inspiration for those who have been lucky enough to discover it, Kracauer says of the underappreciated architect. The homes and communities that Amaza Lee Meredith helped establish provided a sense of joy and pleasure to those at a time when this wasnt always possible.

For much of the 20th century, there were countless barriers in place preventing Black people in the US from vacationing safely. Segregation and discrimination provided few escapes for African Americans, many of whom were prevented from even reaching beaches by redlining initiatives, such as low underpasses that buses carrying urban Black residents couldnt drive through. Hostile architecture, though insidious, was far more subtle than other difficulties Black people faced in their search for summer recreation; attacks on racial minorities at public pools meant, for many, that attempts to simply go swimming would mean threats to their physical safety. A number of hotels and beaches barred Black people from entry altogether. While so much of the rest of the US met them with derision, the beachfront community of New Yorks Sag Harbor presented an opportunity.

Merediths sister Maude Terry first happened upon Sag Harbor when she rented a cottage nearby and was approached by someone trying to offload a 20-acre piece of land. Scores of prime beachfront property were up for grabs post-WWII, as many of the previous owners were struggling financially, so Meredith and Terry were well-positioned to secure a coveted plot. They envisioned a syndicate in the undeveloped land and spread the word throughout their network: Artists, educators, church groups, and members of Black fraternities and sororities all flocked to the area Terry and Meredith dreamed up as a leisure community.

Photo: Virginia State University Special Collections and Archives via Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation

The episode also offers details about Merediths life and relationship with her partner Edna Colson, who was the first Black woman to receive a PhD at Virginia State. She was working as Merediths teacher when the two first met. They corresponded via letters when Meredith left the south to attend school in New York. Despite legal discrimination against Black and queer partnerships at the time, the two went on to live together as a couple.

Meredith designed several of the cottages in the area of the Azurest subdivision, as the particular Sag Harbor plot came to be known, but her legacy lies less in the physical structures of the villages homes and more in the building of a community where Black people could live freelywithout being sneered at, surveilled, or attacked. Over the course of the 1950s and 60s, Lena Horne, Harry Belafonte, and Langston Hughes were among those who frequented the vacation spot.

Photo: Gordon M. Grant / Alamy Stock Photo

Though Meredith may not be as widely known as her white heterosexual counterparts, Sag Harbors Azurest subdivision stands as a testament to her contributions. In 2019 the community was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Merediths stamp on the coastal enclave she shaped remains: Sag Harbor is still home to Meredith Drive, and it remains a refuge for the scores of African American leisure seekers for whom she paved the way.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
HAMILTON TWP. - A Blackwood man killed here last month was shot while trying to recover goods taken in an armed robbery, authorities say.

Matthew Morales, 28, died in a confrontation with one of the alleged robbers about 40 minutes after a gunpoint holdup in a Mansfield motel room, a court record alleges.

The accused robber, 18-year-old Joshua Davis of Fieldsboro, is charged with Morales murder and weapons offenses, according to the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.

Davis and an accomplice allegedly took about $500 and a pound of marijuana in a holdup around 12:30 a.m. on May 17 at the River Front Motel on Route 130, according to a probable cause statement for the murder charge.

More: Riverton arrest key to SJ charge Accused mass murderer in Cleveland also charged with decade-old slaying in Camden

The statement says Morales and three other people then went to a home on South Broad Street near Pilgrim Way in Hamilton around 1:10 a.m.

Matthew Morales wanted to 'confront' robbers

A woman who drove the group said Morales was only there to confront the alleged robbers, according to the statement.

Morales and another of the cars passengers approached the house on South Broad Street near Pilgrim Way, and Morales tried to enter it, witnesses said.

When a Ford Fusion arrived minutes later, Morales approached the vehicle and its three occupants, the witnesses told police.

The woman who drove Morales to the scene told investigators she heard a tussle, and shortly after a single gunshot.

Another witness said Morales was shot in the head when he tried to rummage through the Fusion.

Both cars then left the scene, but the group from the motel returned to look for Morales, the statement said.

They told Hamilton police they could identify Davis as both the shooter and as one of the masked robbers at the Mansfield motel.

Search finds money and marijuana

A search of the South Broad Street home produced cash, cell phones and a large amount of marijuana, the statement said.

It said clothing found at Davis River Court home had loose sandy soil on it that was consistent with soil at the murder scene.

A doorbell camera at the home showed Davis leaving his residence at 10:30 p.m. on May 17 and returning near 4:30 a.m. the next day.

Davis told police he was in Philadelphia during that time, but provided no specifics.

Surveillance video from the robbery showed a Ford Fusion, believed to be Daviss car, enter the motels parking lot at 12:28 a.m. Two people left the car, entered a motel room, then ran back to the car and fled.

Davis was arrested on the afternoon of the robbery at a fast-food restaurant on Route 73 in Mount Laurel.

Davis also was expected to be charged in connection with the Mansfield robbery the statement said. He is being held in Mercer County Jail.

The charges against Davis are only allegations. He has not been convicted in the case.

A South Broad Street resident also was charged with robbery and weapons offenses in connection with the Mansfield hold-up. He was taken to a juvenile facility.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email him at jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Joshua Davis of Fieldsboro accused of killing Matthew Morales
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to travel to Beijing as soon as next week, two people familiar with the scheduling told POLITICO.

The trip  for which the State Department is still finalizing details  will mark the highest-level visit of a U.S. official to China since that of then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2018.

Blinken is on track to arrive in Beijing following his current trip to the Middle East, one of the two people said. Both were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about sensitive diplomatic travel.

The Secretary of State is in Saudi Arabia this week for multiple meetings, including a gathering of countries battling the Islamic State terrorist group.

Asked for comment about the China plans, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said we dont have any travel to announce for the Secretary. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not confirm Blinkens upcoming China visit. Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said only, China is open to having dialogue with the United States.

Blinken can expect sharp criticism from GOP lawmakers for traveling to China in the wake of reports on Thursday that Beijing is in talks with Cuba to establish a foothold there to spy on the United States. Both the U.S and Cuban governments have denied those allegations.

The Biden administration has been working to renew high-level diplomatic and military communication following a near breakdown over the Chinese spy balloon incident in February. Blinken had originally been scheduled to visit China few days later and postponed because of the rancor over the balloon.

One of the goals of a trip to Beijing earlier this week by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and National Security Council senior director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran was to make sure the lines of communication remain open and to talk about the potential for future visits, higher-level visits, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have publicly rebuffed Biden administration outreach in recent weeks citing everything from U.S. export restrictions on high tech semiconductors, ongoing arms sales to Taiwan and the Biden administrations rallying G-7 member countries last month to work on de-risking and diversifying their economies to rely less on China.

Last month, President Joe Biden predicted a thaw in U.S.-China relations. Within days, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao had flown to the U.S. for meetings with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. But Beijings denial of a request by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet with his counterpart Li Shangfu at the Shangri La Dialogue defense summit in Singapore suggested that bilateral ties remained tenuous.

Nahal Toosi contributed to this report.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reaffirmed the Biden administrations commitment to normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia as he wrapped up his first solo visit to the Kingdom.

At a press conference in Riyadh, the top US diplomat said he discussed the matter of normalization in his meetings, and we will continue to work at it and to advance it in the days, weeks and months ahead.

We fully support Israels integration into the Middle East and from day one, we have been working both to deepen some of the existing agreements, and also expand them to other countries. That includes Saudi Arabia, Blinken said.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, speaking alongside Blinken, noted that its quite clear that we believe that normalization is in the interest of the region, that it would bring significant benefits to all. But without finding a pathway to peace for the Palestinian people, without addressing that challenge, any normalization will have limited benefits.

Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Blinken spoke by phone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about areas of mutual interest, including expanding and deepening Israels integration into the Middle East through normalization with countries in the region, according to a State Department readout.

Blinkens trip to Riyadh and Jeddah, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, comes as the administration works to navigate a complicated and at-times tense relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Last October, the Biden administration reacted furiously to a decision by OPEC+ to slash oil production, with Blinken saying that Saudi Arabia knew that the OPEC+ decision to cut oil production would increase Russian revenues and that the United States is reviewing consequences for that decision.

However, the administration did not react harshly to an announcement from Saudi Arabia just days before Blinkens trip that it would once again slash oil production, nor a call between the Crown Prince and Russian President Vladimir Putin to praise their cooperation on OPEC+ less than a day after Blinken met MBS.

Brian Katulis, the vice president of Policy at the Middle East Institute, noted the difference in tone between the reaction in October and this week, noting that part of that was just this work to try to rebuild trust and confidence on multiple fronts.

I think what you see in this visit is  and what happens with these visits is  theyre often the capstone or the end product of months of diplomatic work behind the scenes, and much of that work between the US and Saudi has been trying to put things on a steadier footing, a more solid foundation, he said.

Former Ambassador James Jeffrey, who is now at the Wilson Center, told CNN that in addition to the trip being an effort to see what the chances are moving forward on diplomatic recognition or otherwise a closer relationship with Israel, it was more of the trying to restore relations that have had a quite bumpy period in the last two and a half years.

Prior to taking office, President Joe Biden harshly criticized Saudi Arabia for its broad human rights abuses, including the Kingdoms role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Saudi government has sharply cracked down on protests and dissidents, has detained Americans, and the Saudi-led war in Yemen killed thousands of civilians.

On Thursday, Blinken said that he discussed human rights in his meetings in Saudi Arabia and stressed that progress on human rights strengthens our relationship. At the same time, Blinken said the US strongly welcomes and supports historic steps to increase womens participation in public life in the workforce, to expand interfaith tolerance, among other reforms in the countrys ambitious modernization agenda.

The top US diplomat also sought to downplay differences between the Kingdom and the US on normalization with the Syrian government, to which the US is sharply opposed.

The top US diplomat claimed that we all want to reach a solution in Syria thats consistent with the key United Nations Security Council resolution 2254, to expand humanitarian access, to ensure that ISIS cant re-emerge, to create conditions to allow refugees to return, to counter Captagon trafficking which is doing so much damage in the region, and to reduce Iranian influence.

What weve heard and what you just heard, again from the Foreign Minister, is the intent of our partners to use direct engagement with the Assad regime to further demand progress in these areas and other areas over the coming months, Blinken said.

Now, I have to admit we are skeptical of Assads willingness to take the necessary steps, but were aligned with our partners here on what those steps are, and on the ultimate objectives, he said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke today during a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs business meeting to consider bipartisan legislation she introduced last month that would establish a Truth and Healing commission on Indian boarding school policies. (Photo: SCIA)

Legislation that would call for Congress to investigate the federal governments Indian boarding school policies, which led to the attempted termination and assimilation of Native Americans from 1819 through the 1960s, passed the Senates Indian Affairs committee with unanimous bipartisan support today.

The bill, called the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States, was introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on May 18, with bipartisan support from 26 mostly Democratic senators. Warren spoke today at the Senate Committee business meeting to consider the legislation, saying it was past time that the voices of survivors and other community members are fully heard.

If passed, the legislation would lead to creation of a commission, appointed by the president, that would make recommendations on actions that the Federal Government can take to adequately hold itself accountable for, and redress and heal, the historical and intergenerational trauma inflicted by the Indian Boarding School Policies, the bill says.

Recommendations would include: protecting unmarked graves, supporting repatriation, and stopping modern-day Indian child removal policies.

This bill would provide the commission with several years to investigate the policies and learn from survivors and their descendants by providing this forum, (and) holding culturally respectful and meaningful hearings, Warren told the committee. Throughout this process, the commission would also develop recommendations for the federal government to acknowledge and heal trauma caused by this (federal boarding school) policy.

Senators stressed the importance of the bill for Indigenous communities to work towards healing.

S. 1723 will help our Native and indigenous communities by creating a Commission to help guide the healing journey, and will do so through acknowledging the lasting impacts of forced assimilation through the Indian Boarding schools and developing recommendations to the federal government that will focus on native voices being heard, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, said at todays hearing. To get to this result, we know that we have to not hide from the past. Generations of Tribal communities need to achieve justice and heal, and the truth must be acknowledged.

Deborah Parker (Tulalips Tribes), CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalitions (NABS), an organization that has advocated for the bill since its original introduction, commended the senators for their work towards passing the bill.

We are grateful to Senator Warren for reintroducing this bill and to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for working with us to make it even stronger, Parker said in a statement. The leadership from Senator Schatz and Senator Murkowski has been crucial in making this historic bill bipartisan.

About the Author: "Jenna Kunze is a staff reporter covering Indian health, the environment and breaking news for Native News Online. She is also the lead reporter on stories related to Indian boarding schools and repatriation. Her bylines have appeared in The Arctic Sounder, High Country News, Indian Country Today, Tribal Business News, Smithsonian Magazine, Elle and Anchorage Daily News. Kunze is based in New York."

Contact: jkunze@indiancountrymedia.com
Boating is more popular than ever in Manatee County, Florida records show. Heres why

The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to waterways in Manatee County and offshore.

In 2022, there were 25,713 registered pleasure boats  everything from canoes to boats more than 100 feet long  in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Thats an increase of 6,159 registered boats from 2019.

Cynthia Belfatto, manager of Twin Dolphin Marina, 1000 First Ave. W., Bradenton, has seen it firsthand.

Were busier than ever, said Belfatto.

It seems that a lot of people were using their boats during the pandemic. We also have a lot of new residents who want to live the dream, Belfatto said.

Boating on the rise in Manatee County

The destruction to homes and marinas in counties south of Bradenton by Hurricane Ian also brought new boaters to Manatee County, she said.

Adam Winsler of Regatta Pointe Marina, 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, has also seen the shift.

We have definitely seen an explosion in business since COVID. A lot of people had the time and money and went out and bought a boat, he said.

The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to Manatee County waterways, according to state data. The Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton is shown in this Bradenton Herald file photo.

Many Manatee County boaters took to local waterways in early 2020 as the pandemic spread across the community.

Much was unknown about COVID-19 then, except that fresh air and space was a good thing.

During the pandemic, mental health became a concern and residents turned increasingly to outdoor activities, everything from neighborhood walks, to park visits and boating.

But on March 26, 2020, former public safety director Jake Saur announced that Manatee County boat ramps would close after staff observed large gatherings near Beer Can Island.

Saur had the authority to close the ramps under the countys local state of emergency resolution.

Two weeks later, the Manatee County Commission voted 4-3 to reopen the ramps, saying that low-income residents had been denied access to the water for fishing and feeding their families.

In addition, boaters with access to private docks had been under no restrictions.

County wants more public boat ramps





With Manatee Countys growing population, including more boaters, officials have discussed the need for more ramps for several years.

Mike Solum, a program manager for Manatee County Government, said Thursday that the county is always looking for potential new ramp locations: areas with water access and room for parking.

We just rebuilt the Coquina Beach ramp and are about to rebuild the Kingfish Boat Ramp, Solum said.

I was at Kingfish on Wednesday and it was packed with a lot of families with school-age children, he said, adding that during COVID, boat sales surged.

The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to Manatee County waterways, according to state data. The Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton is shown in this Bradenton Herald file photo.

Number of recreational boats in Bradenton area

The largest single-year increase in Manatee County pleasure boat registrations was in 2021 when 3,709 were added. Here are the number of pleasure boats registered in Manatee County by year:

2022  25,713





2021  24,117





2020  20,408





2019  19,554

Florida boating safety tips

Asked about the increasing number of boaters, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided a statement:

Florida, with its great year-round weather and plenty of access to fresh and saltwater, is the boating capital of the world. Florida leads the nation with over one million registered vessels across the state and is known as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors.

Public boat ramps in Manatee County were briefly closed on March 26, 2020 at 6 a.m. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They reopened two weeks later following public outcry about the restriction.

Manatee County is a direct reflection of that increase, as they have seen boat registrations climb significantly over the past few years. With the increase of vessels on our waterways however, comes the increase for potential tragedy. Unfortunately, each year FWC officers respond to far too many boating accidents that could have been prevented.

Our officers continue to work with local partner agencies to promote safe boating practices and to ensure that everyone returns safely to the dock. FWC officers are on patrol daily to respond to calls for assistance, routinely inspect safety equipment and arrest impaired operators that pose a threat to other boaters on the water.

The FWC actively reminds all boaters enjoying Floridas waterways to do so safely. Please wear your life jacket and maintain a 360-degree awareness at all times while boating. For more boating safety tips, visit MyFWC.com/boating.

Bradenton Boat Show 2023





The annual three-day Bradenton Boat Show at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

It is billed as a gathering for all things maritime, including boats, accessories, clothing and sea life.

Adult tickets: $6. Children 12 and below: free. Parking is free.

For more information, visit www.BlackLabelMarineGroup.com.
Body found in search for missing mother Madeline Kingsbury as ex-partner who proclaimed innocence is arrested

Madeline Kingsbury, a 26-year-old mother of two children, was last seen on 31 March (Winona Police)

Police in Minnesota investigating the disappearance of missing mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury, 26, have reported finding human remains and arrested the father of her children on suspicion of murder.

Officers said they found the remains on the side of a highway in Mabel using information generated during the Madeline Kingsbury investigation.

They subsequently moving to take Adam Fravel, 29, into custody where he was charged on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to the Winona County Detention Center.

Police said Fravel had been arrested on probable cause in connection to her disappearance.

The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office are working as quickly as possible to positively identify the remains, they added.

Madeline Kingsbury was last seen dropping her children off at day care on 31 March, sparking a major search operation that saw renowed special prosecutor Phil Prokopowicz drawn out of retirement to assist.

Fravel, with whom Kingsbury was engaged in a bitter custody battle, was the last person to see her alive and released a statement proclaiming his innocence as the investigation got underway and he found himself subject to suspicion.

Over the course of the last 12 days my family and I have been subject to a myriad of accusations regarding the disappearance of the mother of my children, Maddi Kingsbury, he said.

During these last 12 days I have cooperated with law enforcement at every turn, including sitting down for multiple interviews with Winona County law enforcement.

I did not have anything to do with Maddi's disappearance. I want the mother of my five-year-old and two-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything.

Fravel said that law enforcement had advised him against attending press conferences or assisting in search efforts due to safety concerns, adding: My non-attendance and silence has been inferred by many as a sign of apathy, or worse. That could not be further from the truth.

I want Maddi home and for her to be able to be with our two children. God Bless the Kingsbury family and please bring her home safely.

A statement of their own released by the Kingsbury family in mid-April recounted the emotional toll the missing womans disappearance had taken on the family, who have taken her two children into their care in her absence.

Nothing in life prepares you for this. The disappearance of our daughter and sister has been a waking nightmare with no respite, they said.

In the days and nights since Madeline disappeared, the immediate family and extended family have, collectively and individually, been experiencing emotions and trials that someone who has never been suddenly thrust into this horrific situation could ever imagine.

Winona Police and Madeline Kingsburys family held a press conference (Winona County Police Department)

The statement continued: Eating is a mechanical act we force ourselves to do in order to keep our strength up so we can continue to advocate and search for Madeline.

Sleep, if it comes, is fitful and fleeting. I have to think that the only thing that could come close to what we experience is the stress of combat, day after awful day.

Initially, we were so overwrought that we couldnt bear to look at each other but couldnt bear to look away.

There were no words we could say to comfort each other and we felt alone and frantic. In the days since the family has circled the wagons and gathered from near and across the world. We will find Madeline. This is our mission and we will not falter.

The family also spoke about the stress of being drawn into the national limelight and thanked the volunteers who had taken part in the search and those who had reached out on social media and appealed for information.

Madelines brother Stephen Kingbsury, who returned from an overseas posting with the US Army to join the search, added his thanks to the search parties for their efforts.

Its hard to imagine how it could ever be reciprocated, he said.

Our gratitude for all involved in our efforts to bring our sister/daughter/mother home will never fade.
A Boise man has filed a $1 million lawsuit against the city of Boise and two police officers over an arrest last summer in a downtown parking lot.

Ty Justin William Werenka, 30 of Boise, filed the lawsuit Monday in the U.S. District of Idaho, the regions federal court. The two named officers are Cpl. Norman Denny Carter and Officer Avery Westendorf, both then with the Boise Police Department.

In June 2022, Werenka was leaving a parking garage on Main Street when he saw police officers responding to a vehicle accident near the garages exit, according to a complaint.

He had a conversation with a garage employee, who asked him to continue on out of the garage, after which Werenka left, parked on a nearby street and returned.

Mr. Werenka is an activist who routinely films police interactions as he wants to ensure an independent record is kept and for the safety of all involved, according to the complaint.

In an interview with the Idaho Statesman, Werenka said he again talked to the garage attendant, who asked him to leave, and was heading for the exit when Carter yelled to ask what he was doing, after which the two approached each other.

Werenka held up his cellphone and began filming, and had a conversation with Carter. The Statesman received body camera footage from the responding officers through a public records request, which showed the interaction.

Werenka exchanged words with the officer, who asked him, Why are you interfering with this investigation?

Werenka responded by saying that he planned to leave, and he continued filming.

Werenka then held up his cellphone camera at the level of his face while he talked further to Carter. The officer slapped Werenkas phone to the ground, saying, Get that out of my face.

The officer then grabbed Werenka  who was stooping down toward his fallen phone  and pushed him up against a nearby wall, according to video footage. Werenka was handcuffed and pushed to a seated position.

Werenkas complaint states that he was thrown into a nearby wall, and violently (taken) ... to the ground.

Werenka was arrested and charged with resisting and obstructing. The misdemeanor charges were dropped last fall, according to previous Statesman reporting, but police kept his phone as evidence for two months after his arrest. In December, he filed a tort claim against Boise.

In Idaho, cities have 90 days to respond to tort claims before lawsuits may be filed.

Boise man taken to jail after filming police files tort claim over false arrest

The lawsuit accuses Boise of arresting Werenka without probable cause; using excessive force; conducting an unreasonable search; violating his free speech rights; assault and battery; failure of one of the officers  Westendorf  to intervene to help Werenka; defamation; infliction of emotional distress; false arrest; malicious prosecution; and municipal liability.

Werenkas complaint said he has suffered physically and emotionally since the incident and arrest.

A city spokesperson, Maria Weeg, declined to comment, which is standard practice for pending litigation.

In his police report, Carter said Werenka did not leave the scene when he was asked to and interfered with Carters ability to conduct his investigation of the vehicle accident, according to previous Statesman reporting. Carter also said he feared for his safety because of Werenkas unusual behavior.

Carter wrote that Werenka tensed his arm after Carter grabbed it, indicating he was resisting arrest. Werenkas complaint denied this and accused the officer of defaming him.

Carter retired from the Police Department in March, according to the departments spokesperson, Haley Williams. Carter could not be reached for comment.

In an interview, Werenka said he frequently has filmed police interactions since the 2020 murder of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by police in Minneapolis. Werenka said he thinks its important to film police interactions for public accountability, and said that sometimes officers neglect to turn on their body cameras, and that he aims to make sure residents have a record of their interactions with police.

When I see a weird situation that doesnt really add up to me and the police are involved, I just think its good to film it for everybodys safety, Werenka said.

Sunlight is the best disinfectant, he added.

He added that the interaction reconfirmed things that he already believed about the department, mentioning the recently concluded independent investigation into Boise police, which found there have been issues with how officers in the department are promoted.

Werenkas father is Black and his mother is white, he said.

Just being a brown person in Idaho and having countless negative experiences with police, Ive been in situations where I wish others had done the same for me, Werenka previously told the Statesman. He said he thought it was laughable for Carter to say he felt threatened by Werenka.

Werenka said he worries Boise has been quick to dismiss situations like this, and said he hopes his lawsuit will bring it to their attention a little bit more.

In February, Police Chief Ron Winegar told KTVB that the video of the incident was concerning and said the department had launched an internal investigation.

On Thursday, Williams, the department spokesperson, said the investigation was finished and appropriate action was taken.
Boise thunderstorms have left behind downed trees, branches, sticks. Who cleans them up?

Two evenings of severe thunderstorms in the last week have left their mark on downtown Boise and surrounding areas, with downed trees and branches littering yards and roadways.

More than 1,500 Idaho Power customers in Boise were affected by power outages on Wednesday, with the National Weather Service reporting several downed trees across the city.

 Severe wind gusts have caused widespread tree damage with many downed trees across roadways in the Boise metro area. Slow down and use caution during the evening commute, and please report any damage. #idwx #orwx pic.twitter.com/TvtHgzytJK  NWS Boise (@NWSBoise) June 7, 2023

A couple of days after a storm, the question many Boise residents might have is: Who exactly cleans up all of the mess?

Boise North End residents woke up to freak spring snowstorm on Monday, May 9, 2022. Neighborhood streets and properties are littered with downed tree branches, like these on West Lemp Street.

A collective effort

The Boise Community Forestry, Ada County Highway District and Idaho Power all pitch into clear debris after a severe storm.

If there is something on your lawn, chances are its your responsibility to pick up. Mike Andrews, forester for Boise Community Foresty, said the best thing you can do is collect any branches, twigs and limbs on your property, and place them at the edge of the road. The forestry group will get them as soon as possible.

Between our agency  us as the city with the forestry division  ACHD, and those private companies, it seems like all of them can handle any size (branch), any brush that comes their way, Andrews told the Statesman.

Andrews team has primarily focused on the North End, he said, running regular routes throughout the area and grabbing or chipping branches left next to the road.

Boise Community Forestry also has a list of licensed tree services on its website, providing private companies that have certified arborists on staff, and have been inspected and approved by the city.

We have given them the ability to work on trees right away if need be, Andrews said, because we feel like they do safe, quality work.

ACHD spokesperson Rachel Bjornstad told the Statesman that anyone who sees downed trees and large limbs on streets should contact the highway district for removal at 387-6100 or online, where you can also attach an image to the form.

The City of Boise is responsible for trees that fall in Boises parks.

Downed power lines and outages

Idaho Power is responsible for cleaning up and removing any fallen limbs that have caused damage to power lines or are resting against power lines. The utility reported at least three separate outages on Monday across the Boise area, one of which affected over 1,000 customers downtown.

Rodriguez said anyone who has an outage or knows of power line damage should contact Idaho Power at 388-2323 or report an outage on its website.

While it cleans up branches and limbs that directly affect its lines, Idaho Power otherwise will leave cleanup to other local services. The company offers a year-round vegetation management program, hiring a line-cleaning contractor to trim trees and bushes that can cause problems.
In a move underscoring its geopolitical ambitions in the Western Hemisphere, China is reportedly going to establish an espionage base in Cuba just 90 miles from Florida, for which the Chinese government would pay billions of dollars to the cash-strapped Caribbean nation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the secret deal citing officials familiar with the classified intelligence, the eavesdropping facility would allow Chinese intelligence agencies to monitor ship traffic and electronic communications throughout the U.S. southeastern region where the Doral-based U.S. Southern Command and other military facilities are located.

China is believed to already have a military presence in Cuba in a listening station in Bejucal, a town south of Havana, where there were reports in 2018 of a new radar surveillance installation. It is unclear if the new deal entails expanding this facility or constructing a new one.

A senior administration official told McClatchy that this report is not accurate but declined to elaborate, noting that the administration does not comment on intelligence matters.

We have had real concerns about Chinas relationship with Cuba, and we have been concerned since day one of the Administration about Chinas activities in our hemisphere and around the world, the official said. We are closely monitoring it and taking steps to counter it. We remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home and in the region.

The CIA and Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment.

The Cuban government also pushed back against the initial WSJ report calling it totally false and unfounded information in a statement made by the Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio.

Regardless of Cubas sovereign rights in defense matters, the official said, Cuba rejects any foreign military presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, including that of numerous United States military bases and troops, especially the military base that illegally occupies a portion of the national territory in the province of Guantanamo.

While China might be already collecting intelligence on the U.S. from its commercial facilities in the region, having a signals-intelligence facility adds to Chinas capabilities, especially in times of war, said Evan Ellis, professor at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, which monitors Chinas relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean.

I think it telegraphs Chinese willingness in the current difficult environment between our two countries to take some of these bolder steps and their sense, with their growing military power and economic power and the perception of the U.S. democratic disarray, that they can take these steps that maybe a decade ago, they would not have risked, Ellis said.

Its not that big of a threshold that theyve crossed, but it is significant, he added.

The news follows intense speculation that Russia, not China, was planning to reopen its Soviet-era espionage base in Lourdes, a town near Havana, which it shut down in 2002. High-ranking Russian national security officials and diplomats have been traveling to the island recently and the two governments appear as close as ever, with Cuban leaders offering public support for Russias invasion of Ukraine.

But when publicly asked about reopening the Lourdes base during his trip to Havana in April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not directly address the question. And despite several economic agreements recently announced by Russian and Cuban authorities, including land-lease deals, the news about a Chinese spy base speaks to the realities on the ground: The island is desperate for cash as its economy continues sinking. Russia had limited resources even before embarking on a war against Ukraine  and China can pay.

On May 20, Cubas Interior Minister, Gen. Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas, met with Chinas Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong.

China stands ready to work with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, especially in law enforcement and security, a Chinese government statement said.

The news about the spy base comes as the Biden administration has been taking steps to improve its strained relationship with China, which is considered the United States primary military and economic rival.

At the same time, State Department officials and members of Congress have been raising concerns about Chinas increased influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. China has become South Americas largest trading partner and has exploited the Biden administrations reluctance to new trade deals and has inked a free trade agreement with Ecuador, while Uruguay and Panama are in line, U.S. Rep Maria Elvira Salazar, a Miami Republican, said during a congressional hearing she chaired on Wednesday.

That is very troublesome, Salazar said, blaming the Biden administration for ignoring the pleas of allies in the region with conservative governments to the benefit of our enemies.

When asked by representative Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, why the United States has seemed to become more passive and allowed China to increase its influence in the Western Hemisphere, the State Departments top diplomat for the region acknowledged the administration needs to act with a sense of urgency.

This is the most challenging moment I have seen in 30 years in our hemisphere, and we have to do everything that we can to help our neighbors and our partners around the region to succeed and resist these strategic competitors from outside, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs Brian Nichols said.

The China deal also complicates U.S. policy towards Cuba.

The administration has lifted some restrictions on flights and remittances, resumed the family reunification program for Cubans and reestablished migration and law enforcement talks with the Cuban government. But it stopped short of easing other embargo restrictions and removing Cuba from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism, which the Cuban government had made a condition to improving relations.

The cozying up to Russia and China indicates the Cuban government has chosen to seek further support from its longtime political and ideological allies rather than pursuing normalization of relations with the U.S. at a time Cuban authorities perceive their grip on power is at risk.

Cuba is facing its worst economic crisis in decades and serious political challenges from a population that has taken to the streets to protest and demand regime change.

Ebrahim Raeisi, the president of Iran, another major U.S. adversary, is set to travel to the island after visiting Venezuela and Nicaragua next week.

The strategy suggests something else: The Cuban military is calling the shots on the island, not the civilian team led by Cubas handpicked president, Miguel Diaz-Canel.

If true, the deal with China shows Cubas desperation. Its the same thing with Russian investors. Cuba is looking for cash where it can get it, Ellis said. Cuba also understands the limits of the Biden administration. With the Republicans in control of the House in Washington, with Biden being more conservative, with a sense of lessons learned that the Obama opening was seen as we gave up too much and receive too little from Cuba, theres an understanding in Cuba that theyre not going to get much more out of Washington.

Latin Americas sharp turn to the left and the consolidation of power by Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela also gives Cuba confidence to do bolder things, Ellis said, while noticing that island has not gone that far as to sign military agreements with Russia or receive Russian weapons.

Florida Republicans in Congress quickly reacted to the report on the China espionage base deal to highlight what they said is an increasing national security threat coming from Cuba.

The threat to America from Cuba isnt just real, it is far worse than this, Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted. But to date, not only does the Biden White House not care, they have people who actually want to appease the regime.

The Cuban regime is auctioning off land to the Russians, hosting the Iranians, and letting the Chinese open a base to spy on the U.S., Salazar tweeted. Just 90 miles from our coast, the dictatorship has opened the door to our greatest enemies!

Later on Thursday, Rubio, who is the Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence and the committees chairman, Mark R. Warner (D-VA), issued a statement urging the Biden administration to take steps to prevent this serious threat to our national security and sovereignty.

We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic, they said.

McClatchy national security and White House correspondent Michael Wilner contributed to this story.
Indigenous Brazilians demonstrate in Brasilia June 7, 2023 against the 1988 time limit for recognizing certain Indigenous lands (Evaristo SA)

Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday postponed a critical trial over Indigenous ancestral land rights as demonstrators protested in the capital.

The case -- which began in 2021 and has been called "the trial of the century" for the country's native peoples -- could remove protected status for some native lands, opening them up to agribusiness and mining.

Hundreds of Indigenous people from all over the country have camped in Brasilia this week in anticipation of the trial, which had been set to begin Wednesday.

The delay came when one of the judges asked for more time to review the case, which asks whether the government should recognize protected Indigenous lands where the current inhabitants were not living when the country's 1988 constitution was adopted.

So far, three of 10 judges have voted on the case -- one in favor of the 1988 cut-off, or against the native peoples, and two with the opposite opinion.

Now, the court has 90 days to set a new date for the vote to proceed.

The matter revolves around the Brazilian constitution's protection of Indigenous lands.

The agribusiness lobby argues those protections should apply only to lands whose inhabitants were present there in 1988, when the constitution was adopted.

Indigenous rights activists argue the constitution mentions no such time limit, and that native inhabitants have often been forced from their ancestral lands.

Members from 20 different ethnic groups, along with the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Sonia Guajajara, were present at the court Wednesday.

The trial's deferral is "emotionally draining" for Brazilian communities waiting for an answer, Daniel Pataxo, a leader of the Pataxo people in northeastern Bahia state said.

"It ends up being a lack of respect for us as human beings," the 38-year-old, who traveled to Brasilia for the trial, told AFP outside the court, where dozens of Indigenous people had gathered.

Elsewhere in Brazil, roadblocks were set up by Indigenous people in at least three different states Wednesday, authorities said.

Last week, the lower chamber of Congress passed a bill in favor of the 1988 time limit, in a blow to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who campaigned on protecting Indigenous rights.

Brazil counts nearly 800 Indigenous territories, though around a third of them have yet to be officially defined, according to the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (FUNA).

Environmentalists say protecting Indigenous reservations is one of the best ways to stop the destruction of the Amazon, a critical resource in the race to curb climate change.

rsr-mel/app/ag/caw/dw
London-based American investor Bill Browder says people call him the number one enemy of Russian President Vladimir Putin and, more recently, an official Friend of Ukraine.

Browder has spent the last 13 years campaigning to freeze Putins assets hidden in the West. Now, hes fighting for them to be transferred to Ukraine.

His motivation is justice for Ukraine and for his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who was killed by Russias kleptocratic regime: prison guards beat him to death in 2009 in an attempt to conceal the large-scale financial crime he had uncovered.

Magnitsky was jailed for exposing law enforcement, judiciary, tax officials, and bankers in, what Browder calls the largest tax refund fraud in Russian history. Magnitsky claimed they helped steal $230 million from the Russian government in Browders Hermitage Fund tax return.

Journalists helped Browder to trace the crime back to Putin by discovering that some of the stolen money ended up in foreign accounts of his old friend, cellist Sergei Roldugin. By now, 16 countries have opened probes into money laundering, which led to the freezing, confiscation, or settlement of around $38 million.

Browders international advocacy campaign pushed 35 governments to adopt laws best known as Magnitsky Acts that introduce visa bans and money freezes for corrupt individuals and human rights abusers. The United States alone sanctioned 687 people under the Magnitsky Act.

Now Browder says he offers his vast expertise to help Ukraine seize Russian assets for itself.

I spent 13 years working with governments and parliaments all over the world to freeze Russian assets connected to human rights abuse. It's not a big stretch to use the same networks in the same relationships to seize the $350 billion of (Russian) Central Bank reserves, Browder told the Kyiv Independent.

That's my big priority. That was my New Year's resolution for 2023.

A fierce critic of Putin, Browder faces 18 years in prison on trumped-up charges of deliberate bankruptcy and tax evasion among others, if ever extradited to Russia. This could have happened twice in 2018. First, he was arrested under an Interpol warrant in Madrid at Russias request. Later that year, Putin asked then-U.S. President Donald Trump to let Russian law enforcement interrogate Browder and other U.S. Kremlin critics. Trump took a few days to think through this offer, which he called incredible, but eventually rejected amid pressure from the Senate.

When asked about his safety, Browder admitted that his fight against Putin is dangerous but added that its incomparable to the dangers Russia poses to Ukrainians. Thus, he keeps on his fight for justice.

Hunt for Russian money

Russias all-out war has had a devastating effect on Ukraines economy and infrastructure. The estimated cost of reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine amounts to $411 billion, according to a March report from the World Bank.

There is unanimity in the West that Russia has to pay these costs. What lacks consensus is how to make this happen.

There are a few options, which are not mutually exclusive. One is to seize Russian oligarch assets to spend them on Ukraines recovery.

So far, countries say they have blocked about $58 billion, peanuts compared to the $1 trillion in stolen money that Browder believes Russian oligarchs and corrupt officials have hidden overseas since Putin came to power.

Retired US General Petraeus: Now its inevitable  we should give the ATACMS The Kyiv Independent interviewed retired U.S. General David Petraeus on the sidelines of a security conference held by the Cipher Brief in Kyiv on May 31. Petraeus is a four-star U.S. general who has commanded two wars. He has headed multinational forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has The Kyiv IndependentOlga Rudenko

Targeting oligarchs is a good strategy, yet legally complex: to seize their assets, there must be proof that they are the proceeds of a crime, and the law must provide for their transfer to Ukraine.

In December 2022, the U.S. amended laws to make it possible to seize Russian assets and hand them to Ukraine. But this only applies to assets confiscated for violating American sanctions.



Its on these grounds that the U.S. transferred the seized assets of Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev to Ukraine for the first time on May 11. The Americans said more cases like this are to come.

The European Union doesnt even have those measures. In May 2022, the European Commission suggested that oligarchs should be punished for circumventing sanctions by having their frozen assets confiscated. The procedural review of this proposal is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the May transfer of Malofeyevs money to Ukraine evoked outrage in the Kremlin, which responded with a threat of a non-standard reaction.

Browder said one shouldnt fear Russian retaliation.

We shouldn't spend any time worrying about Western assets being frozen or seized in Russia, because they'll all be seized, doesn't matter what we do, he said, and, by the way, those companies that are still in Russia shouldn't be in Russia anyways.

There is another option. When the full-scale invasion began, $350 billion of Russias Central Banks reserves abroad were frozen. Browder suggested that handing this money to Ukraine might be easier than trying to claim Russian oligarch money.

My advice to governments is to focus on the Russian Central Bank reserves, which I think is a much easier case to make because these reserves belong to Russia. Russia has committed a crime. The crime is provable, and it is easily provable. And the damage has already been calculated, and we have custody of the assets, he said.

However, there are complications here as well. By law, Russian Central Bank reserves are protected by Russian sovereign immunity.

You have a conflict of law. On the one hand, you have the law of sovereign immunity, which protects their assets. On the other hand, you have the law of sovereignty. Russia has invaded the sovereignty of Ukraine and caused enormous damage by committing an act of aggression, for which they're liable. And so in a court, a court would adjudicate which law should prevail, the law of sovereignty or the law of sovereign immunity, Browder said.

He believes that the laws must be rewritten to say that sovereign immunity, of course, always applies, except if a country is guilty of an act of aggression against a peaceful neighbor, in which case, the damages caused by that crime of aggression, should trump sovereign immunity.

It's not a legal issue, it's a political and moral issue.

What are the consequences of the Kakhovka dams demolition? The destruction of the Kakhovka dam can lead to serious humanitarian, ecological, economic, military, and legal consequences. The demolition was carried out by Russian forces in southern Ukraine in the early hours of June 6. And its among the most dramatic violations of the Geneva Conventions in The Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov

Browder argues that since the West would prefer Russia to cover Ukraines reconstruction costs instead of paying for it themselves, this will convince a lot of lawyers to get creative and figure out a way to solve this problem.

It will eventually come to fruition, Browder said of the confiscation and transfer of Russian Central Bank reserves to Ukraine. It's like the tanks. A year ago, when the war started, no one there said that any tanks would ever be sent to Ukraine. And it (soon) became obvious that they would, he went on, referring to the Wests March delivery of the first modern tanks to Ukraine following months-long debates.

In the case of the Russian Central Bank reserves, it could take around three years to hand this money over to Ukraine, according to Browder.

In the meantime, he says the West should focus on expanding sanctions to make it impossible for Russia to keep financing its war against Ukriane.

Emptying Putins wallets

Oligarchs and oil keep fueling the Russian war against Ukraine despite sanctions. One way to tackle this, Browder suggests, is to amplify the restrictive measures already in place.

Following Russias full-scale invasion, Western nations imposed comprehensive measures, including freezing the assets of Russian banks, cutting them off from SWIFT payments, banning exports of dual-use goods to Russia, and stopping flights to the country, among others.

What lacked success in the eyes of Browder is the Wests attempts to cut Russias income from oil and gas.

The EU cut imports of Russian coal and refined oil and, together with G7, introduced a price cap of $60 for Russian seaborne crude oil. Yet the EU hasnt imposed sanctions on Russian gas since it still heavily relies on its supplies. Meanwhile, the U.S. and U.K. banned all Russian oil and gas imports. Germany stopped the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from launching.

Still, its far from enough, Browder believes.

Both in the West and in the East, Russians continue to sell their oil and gas and collect the money to kill Ukrainians, he said, calling upon the West to make sanctions tougher.

He suggests banning Russian oil carriers from docking in Western ports, fining companies that insure these vessels, and setting up a watchdog agency to make sure that no Russian oil has been illegally moved.

That would have a truly profound effect on Putin's ability to conduct this war. Without the revenue from oil and gas, Russia has no ability to borrow in the financial markets. They have no savings because their central bank reserves have been frozen, Browder said.

This Week in Ukraine Ep. 4  Russias strategy of evil: 80,000 war crimes in Ukraine This Week in Ukraine is a video podcast hosted by the Kyiv Independents reporter Anastasiia Lapatina. Every week, Anastasiia sits down with her newsroom colleagues to discuss Ukraines most pressing issues. Episode #4 is dedicated to Russian war crimes in Ukraine and beyond, the culture of viole The Kyiv IndependentAnastasiia Lapatina

Another effective way of hurting Putins ability to wage war against Ukraine is striking at his weak spot, the oligarchs.

Browder says rich people from Putin's circle of confidants serve him by supporting the Russian economy with their businesses and by backing Putin himself holding money offshore for him. This makes oligarchs a great target for the West to strike at, Browder believes.

Yet, only 50 out of 118 top Russian oligarchs have fallen under sanctions, according to Forbes. Browder says the West must impose restrictions against them all, plus their family members. He also calls for sanctioning enablers, lawyers, and nominal owners, who help oligarchs launder the money.

We should shut those lawyers and accountants and banks down and punish them in a very visible way so that they understand that if they get involved in this in the future, they're going to have a very hard time, Browder said.

Additionally, countries should harmonize their sanctions, which will help close all the loopholes and battle sanctions circumvention.

While the West is working on making sanctions against Russian oligarchs more efficient, the oligarchs respond by trying hard to lift them in courts. Some succeed, like the mother of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Warger Group private army that has been actively participating in Russias war against Ukraine, who won a European Union court appeal against her inclusion in the blocs sanctions in March.

I dont see Russian oligarchs who oppose being on the sanctions list oppose Putin killing Ukrainians, Browder said.

I have no sympathy whatsoever for the oligarchs, who are all sitting there whining about their money being frozen when they're not doing anything to try to stop this murderous invasion. And so I don't think that their arguments hold much water.

According to Browder, the West shouldnt listen to their arguments to avoid repeating its own mistake. Its weak international reaction to the Russian 2008 invasion of Georgia, the 2014 Russian occupation of Crimea and part of the Donbas, and the 2018 poisoning of a Russian political dissident in Britain, led to Putin thinking he could get away with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Browder believes.

The West responded with very, very weak and almost outright appeasement to his crimes. And so when Putin was considering whether to invade Ukraine or not, he saw all sorts of upsides and he didn't see any downsides, Browder said.

Perhaps if we had been more robust, and created a downside for him, he might not have actually taken that decision. For example, if we had been as tough with him on sanctions after the invasion of Crimea, then we may be able to have been in a completely different place.

10 popular misconceptions about Ukrainian history, debunked Editors Note: This is episode 1 of Ukraines True History, a video and story series by the Kyiv Independent. The series is funded by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting within the program Ukraine Forward: Amplifying Analysis. The program is financed by the MATRA Programme of the Embassy o The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima

Authors note:

While its impossible to compensate for the damage Russias war caused Ukrainians, what the West must do is at least help rebuild their homes. Who must pay for it? Those who destroyed them, Russians. The world has to speed up the transfer of the Russian central banks assets to Ukraine and freeze and seize more Russian oligarchs assets for Ukraine. If you want us to watchdog how well these funds serve Ukraine, consider supporting the Kyiv Independent with a monthly or one-time donation.
(Bloomberg Law) -- PwCs ongoing Australian tax leak scandal has spurred a European Union lawmaker to ask EU authorities to investigate whether similar cases could be occurring within the bloc.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a proposed amendment to his own draft resolution on measures to combat tax dodging, Danish center-left European Parliament member Niels Fuglsang said the European Commission and EU countries should work with Australian authorities investigating alleged tax leaks at PwC to assess whether similar cases of conflicts of interest have taken place in the EU.

PwC is under investigation in Australia after partners allegedly breached confidentiality by sharing with their clients sensitive information on planned government tax changes.

Fuglsang is the lead lawmaker on a European Parliament advisory resolution setting out how EU authorities can combat the types of tax avoidance and evasion demonstrated in the Pandora Papers leaks. The European Parliaments economic and monetary affairs committee approved the resolution in March.

The resolution, which is not binding, will be finalized in a June 15 plenary vote.

To contact the reporter on this story: Stephen Gardner in Brussels at correspondents@bloomberglaw.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Vandana Mathur at vmathur@bloombergindustry.com; Rose Walker at rwalker1@bloombergindustry.com

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The city of Burlington and the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance are asking the state to fund a new emergency shelter downtown Burlington and extend the motel voucher program for the most vulnerable unhoused people.

Mayor Miro Weinberger announced the proposals alongside several service provider at a press briefing Monday amidst the recent closure of the program that has housed thousands of Vermonters in hotels and motels since the beginning of the pandemic.

The proposals combined would cost the state around $4 million, money Weinberger hopes the state will be able to provide if the Legislature overrides Gov. Phil Scott's veto of the state budget.

Previous coverage: Hotel voucher program to continue after Gov. Scott lets budget adjustment pass unsigned

City pushes for state funding of another downtown shelter

Currently, the only low-barrier, overnight shelters in the county are the Elmwood Avenue pod shelter and ANEW Place's shelter at the Champlain Inn on Shelburne Road, both in Burlington.

The city is proposing that the state fund the transformation of an under-utilized state office building at 108 Cherry St. into another low-barrier shelter that would be able to house 50 people overnight and serve others during the day with resources, food and case management. Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity operates the Community Resource Center which offers similar daytime services, but already serves 160 people a day.

More on homelessness: Unhoused indefinitely: How an overwhelmed housing system has failed one Burlington woman

"Our concern is that people exiting the motels could cause an overflow of guests at that location," said Sarah Russel, Burlington's special assistant to end homelessness, during the Monday briefing. "Therefore we're proposing a secondary daytime location shelter to open. It will also be open during the weekends and would serve as an additional cooling center during the summer months."

The Agency of Human Services has not approved the use of the building yet, pending safety inspections. The shelter would only exist until late November or early December when the emergency winter weather housing program begins and all unhoused people are able to access motel vouchers.

The cost of the shelter would be just over $2 million.

Service providers call for an extension for the most vulnerable

Vermont's Emergency Housing Program existed in its full form from March 2020 through June 2022 and provided hotel vouchers to people who made up to 185% of the the federal poverty guideline, which is $14,580 a year for a single person in 2023. The program was a response to the economic woes brought on by the pandemic and was funded by federal dollars.

During the past fiscal year, a trickle of federal money has remained to keep some people housed through the Transitional Housing Program, but federal funding finally dried up and the Legislature decided to end the program this spring. At the time of the program's end, about 1,800 Vermonter households were relying on motel vouchers for shelter.

With the community building and bathhouse in place, the pod shelter on Elmwood Avenue finally opened after months of delay.

Aproximately 700 households lost housing due to the program ending June 1, according to a Department for Children and Families webpage, 353 of them in Chittenden County. An additional 70 people with specific circumstances will be forced to leave by July 1. About 475 more households will exhaust their allotted days by July 28. These are some of the most vulnerable people including families with children, seniors, those on disability and people in their third trimester of pregnancy.

The remaining 600 households, people who have become unhoused due to a "catastrophic" events including eviction, domestic violence, death of a spouse or minor child, fire or natural disaster, will be required to exit emergency housing in late September.

Of the households in Chittenden County losing housing in July or September, 165 of them are considered "high need," including 56 families with children, 15 people over 65 years old, 92 people with disabilities, 20 people receiving home health or hospice services, two pregnant people and four households fleeing domestic violence.

The Champlain Inn on Shelburne Road in Burlington, as seen on Oct. 8, 2020. The inn was recently bought by nonprofit ANEW Place, to be converted into a year-round, low-barrier temporary housing facility.

The Chittenden County Homeless Alliance and the City of Burlington are advocating for the 165 households to receive five to eight more months of motel housing as service providers work to place them in permanent homes.

"It's the position of the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance that placement of these people in a congregate setting is damaging, unsuitable and borderline inhumane," said Will Towne, chief operating officer of Spectrum.

The extension would cost between $1.7 million and $2 million, Weinberger said.

The Hilltop Inn in Berlin, Vt. on Feb. 25, 2021. The 80-room inn is one of many lodging properties across the state that is housing individuals and families experiencing homelessness through the state's General Assistance motel voucher program.

Where the money would come from

Legislators bargained to include $12.5 million in the annual budget to phase out the motel program, a compromise between those who wanted the program to continue and those who wanted it to end, according to VT Digger reporting.

But because the governor vetoed the budget bill, that money is now in limbo until the Legislature reconvenes for a the session to address vetoed bills June 20. The Legislature could override the veto with two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate.

The Department for Children and Families issued a request from municipalities and service providers for ideas and projects to help those who were formerly housed in motel rooms find shelter. The department will then decide which ideas and projects to fund if the budget passes and the $12.5 million is made available.

Contact Urban Change Reporter Lilly St. Angelo at lstangelo@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @lilly_st_ang.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Burlington homelessness: City wants to use state offices as shelter
California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed Thursday adding a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which he said will address the country's gun violence crisis.

The amendment would raise the minimum age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21, mandate universal background checks, institute a reasonable waiting period for all gun purchases and bar civilians from purchasing assault weapons, according to a statement from the governor's office.

"This will guarantee states as well the ability to enact common sense gun safety laws, while leaving the Second Amendment intact, and respecting America's gun owning tradition," Newsom said in a video statement. "The 28th Amendment locks in the common sense constitutional protections that Democrats, Republicans, Independents and gun owners overwhelmingly support and ensures NRA-owned politicians can never strip those protections away."

Six in 10 Americans, including four in 10 gun owners, said controlling gun violence is more important than protecting gun rights  the highest percentage in a decade  according to a national poll released last month.

Newsom told Politico and NBC the move was inspired in part by the rollback of gun safety measures by the courts.

The move comes amid speculation that Newsom may run for president, which grew after he won a second term as governor, which ends in 2026, and dropped $10 million on a new political action committee. Newsom has denied planning to run in 2024 or 2028, saying he supports President Joe Biden and wants Vice President Kamala Harris, a fellow Californian, to be president.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed Thursday adding a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Poll: Is stopping gun violence more important than gun rights? Most Americans say yes

Proposal sparks criticism from gun groups

The move has drawn opposition from gun-ownership groups. A spokesperson for The National Rifle Association said in a statement to USA TODAY that the majority of Americans reject Newsom's "California-style gun control.

Newsoms latest publicly stunt once again shows that his unhinged contempt for the right to self-defense has no bounds," the statement said. "California is a beacon for violence because of Newsoms embrace of policies that champion the criminal and penalize the law-abiding."

Erich Pratt, senior vice president of Gun Owners of America said "Newsom's proposals will fail miserably to control crime."

"It's a foreign concept to wealthy anti-gun political elites like Mr. Newsom that the common people have a right to possess arms for self-defense and repelling government tyranny, so it's no surprise to us that he hopes to butcher that right with a new Constitutional amendment," he said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Adding Constitutional amendment 'won't be easy'

Adding a constitutional amendment requires either a two-thirds majority vote by both houses of Congress or a constitutional convention convened by two-thirds of State legislatures, according to Thomas Donnelly, chief content officer at the National Constitution Center. None of the 27 amendments to the Constitution have been proposed by a convention and the last time the Constitution was amended was in 1992, he said.

Three-fourths of the states must ratify the proposed amendment in order for it to become part of the Constitution, Donnelly said. Donnelly declined to speculate on the likelihood of Newsom's success. But he said the process is "meant to be difficult."

"The founders really wanted to limit new amendments to those that can actually secure the broad support of the American people, so for them, they would have said 'an idea that would transcend faction,'" he said. "Today, we would say it's often something that's going to transcend partisan politics."

Mass killing database: Revealing trends, details and anguish of every US event since 2006

Given the impact of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on gun control last year, "something like a Constitutional amendment may seem absolutely necessary," according to Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.

Waldman, author of "The Supermajority: How the Supreme Court Divided the Country," called Newsom's approach, which leaves the Second Amendment intact but allows for "common sense gun laws" that may be palatable to some gun rights supporters, creative and interesting. He said Newsom's amendment "is not likely to happen, but it's important to think about it."

"Constitutional amendments seem completely impossible to do until suddenly they seem doable, and that's how it's worked all throughout our history," Waldman said. "If the Court's doctrine is so misguided and the carnage on the streets is so undeniable, you might get a surprising outcome."

Newsom acknowledged how challenging the process would be, saying "this fight won't be easy, and it certainly won't be fast."

California State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer will introduce a joint resolution to make California the first state to call for a convention, also called an Article V Convention or amendatory convention, according to the governor's statement.

Newsom will then work with "grassroots supporters, elected and civic leaders, and broad and diverse coalitions across the nation" to get similar resolutions passed in the 33 other states required to convene the convention, the statement said.

"California will be the first but that's just the beginning," Newsom said in a statement.

Contributing: The Associated Press; Grace Hauck, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Governor Gavin Newsom proposes 28th Amendment to combat gun violence
A California man who was caught on video pummeling a sheriff's deputy and shooting at her with her own gun in 2019 was found not guilty of attempted murder and other charges by a jury, with the victim saying the decision sets a bad precedent for law enforcement.

Former San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Meagan McCarthy was the closest law enforcement officer when a frantic 911 call came in from a mother, pleading with dispatch for help and for someone to save her from her own son.

McCarthy rushed to the home and saw a man with "clenched fists" who came outside and then made a "bee-line" in her direction as she got out of her patrol vehicle. Behind him was his mother, with a knife in her hand and still on the phone with dispatch.

"The 911 call came out for an unknown problem, which basically means there's something going on, we just dont know," McCarthy told Fox News Digital. "So the woman on the other end says to dispatch, Oh, my God, oh, my God! Get my son out of here. And she kind of goes quiet on the line. That prompts a priority 1 response, which means somebody needs to get there right now."

PENNSYLVANIA MAN ACCUSED OF CHILD MURDERS WORE GPS MONITOR FROM PRIOR SHOOTINGS DURING CRIME, PROSECUTOR SAYS

McCarthy was the first deputy to arrive at the house and the suspect, Ari Young, looked "very angry," she said. Video taken on a neighbor's cellphone shows he started pummeling her in the face. He then beat her to the ground, seized her gun and began firing shots in her direction. Her injuries included a broken thumb and a black eye.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Based on my training and experience, it was easy to infer that something was going on," McCarthy recalled of her initial arrival. "People dont just arm themselves against their son with a knife for no reason, and the fact that she had already made these statements to dispatch was just awful."

The deputy approached Young and attempted to calm the situation and pat him down.

NEW YORK SENIOR CITIZEN CHARGED IN MUGGER'S SHOOTING DEATH HAD WARNED LOCAL NEWSPAPER OF RISING CRIME

The September 2019 attack left McCarthy with a broken thumb and a black eye. She also developed post-traumatic stress disorder that eventually forced her to retire from law enforcement.

"Thirteen seconds into our interaction, he told me, I will headbutt the f--- out of you,'" she recalled. "So I knew his intentions werent going to be of compliance."

Video shows that he punched her repeatedly, the two struggled for a gun, and he fired multiple shots after taking it. McCarthy told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that she had only survived because the gun jammed the first time he pulled the trigger, aiming directly at her face.

Young's defense attorney, however, argued that McCarthy had no lawful reason to do what she was doing, and therefore his client was acting in self-defense.

LOS ANGELES MAN WHO AVOIDED PRISON FOR NEAR-FATAL STABBING NOW CHARGED WITH NEIGHBOR'S MURDER

Raj Malin, the defense lawyer, told Los Angeles' ABC 7 that McCarthy did not have reasonable suspicion to justify patting down his schizophrenic client when she arrived on scene.

"The issue was, was the initial detention of Mr. Young legal?" he told the station. "If it's not, then he's not guilty. ... He could punch her 100 times, and it wouldn't matter."

A California jury found Young not guilty of attempted murder and assaulting a peace officer, instead finding him guilty of the lesser charge of negligent discharge of a firearm, and failed to reach a verdict on several other allegations, including resisting arrest.

CALIFORNIA JUDGE ROBBED OF ROLEX OUTSIDE OAKLAND COURTHOUSE, REPORT CLAIMS

Ari Young is seen holding McCarthy's gun in a still image taken from a neighbor's cellphone video. Multiple shots could be heard before backup arrived.

"His whole thing was, I didnt do my job right. I had no right to detain him. I had no right to search him," McCarthy told Fox News Digital. "But thats exactly what we are trained to do. Thats exactly what peace officer standards in training from the state of California says to do. It just set him off. It was like a trigger for him."

California State Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Riverside, a former federal prosecutor and deputy district attorney in nearby Riverside County, said the case should have had enough evidence to secure a conviction  and that there may have been anti-police bias in the jury.

"[The defense] argued that she didn't have a lawful authority to detain him, and therefore, he's free to defend himself and do whatever he wants to get away from her, including beating her up and shooting at her," Essayli told Fox News Digital. "That's not correct. That's not the law. And I don't think the judge should have allowed that argument to be presented in that manner."

Additional deputies raced to the scene and shot Young after he seized McCarthy's gun and opened fire. He survived his injuries, and was later acquitted of attempted murder.

Following the verdicts, even the county sheriff said in a statement that he is frustrated by the lack of "meaningful consequences" in the case.

"The video speaks for itself, and more importantly it demonstrates the increasing violence the public and our deputies experience," San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Shannon Dicus told Fox News Digital. "I share in the frustration at the lack of accountability for these brazen and violent crimes, crimes perpetrated by a criminal who created a situation where law enforcement help was requested, a criminal who repeatedly and brutally attacked, disarmed, and tried to murder a deputy sheriff."

McCarthy, a mother of two young daughters herself, survived but was forced to retire from the job she loved due to post-traumatic stress.

Another still from the video shows McCarthy and Young on the ground, struggling over her firearm before he seizes it.

"I loved my job," she told Fox News Digital. "I genuinely woke up every day excited to do what I was supposed to do and what I swore to do. And the fact that that was taken from me without me wanting it, makes me upset."

Backup arrived, returned fire and took Young into custody. Although deputies shot him, Young survived the encounter and walked free after his acquittal on the attempted murder charge.

"This started from a 911 call from a distraught mother who was so afraid of her adult son that she had a knife in her hand when the police officer got there," said Betsy Brantner Smith, a retired police sergeant and the spokesperson for the National Police Association. "He couldve easily went and killed his mother, maybe thats what he was trying to do when he fired the weapon. But this isnt just about the officer, either. What about the original caller  the mother?"

McCarthy could have chosen to wait for backup, avoiding the situation for crucial minutes, Brantner Smith said.

"Instead she immediately goes to help this woman at great peril to herself," she said. "She should be commended  not treated as some kind of second-class citizen by the jury."

But McCarthy's treatment sets a sad precedent and could lead other officers to hesitate in moments of crisis in the future  which could be deadly for law enforcement and for the citizens they're trying to protect, she said.

"She not only gets beat up, stripped of her firearm and nearly gets killed  she loses her career," she said. "This is how she pays her mortgage, takes care of her family."

Fox News' Emmett Jones contributed to this report.
Humboldt County Sheriff

In 1998, a long-haul trucker named Wayne Adam Ford walked into the sheriffs office in Humboldt County, California, and confessed to being a serial killer. He had with him a plastic bag containing the breast of one of his victims.

Ford, an ex-Marine, told investigators he had murdered four women, including one whose torso had been found in a stream known as Ryan Slough, north of Eureka, in October 1997.

More remains from that woman were discovered on Clam Beach in January 1998. And after Ford turned himself in, more of her body was found in his encampment.

Ford, who underwent a drastic personality change after a head trauma, was found guilty of killing the women, sentenced to death, and has spent the last 25 years on death row.

Across those years, one mystery has endured: Who was the woman found in Ryan Slough? Although police had her DNA and ran it through databases periodically, they never got the match that would reveal her identity.

But that changed when California justice officials teamed up with the private lab Othram to see if they could use the emerging investigative technique of forensic genealogy to build a family tree for Jane Doe.

That led them to a potential close relative of the victim, who confirmed that a female family member had been missing since the mid-1990s. Her name was Kerry Ann Cummings.

Cummings was mentally ill and had left home to couch-surf in Eugene, Oregon, in 1997, when she was 25. The family lost touch with her, tried to report her missing, and even hired a private detective.

Unfortunately, back then they were told that Kerry was an adult, that she had chosen the lifestyle, and that if she wasnt a threat to herself or others, there was nothing that [law enforcement] could do, her sister Kathie said in a statement released by the sheriff on Wednesday.

As the internet expanded, I took to searching the NamUs website when I was missing her, scanning for mention of her tattoo and searching through the pictures of the Jane Does. She was dearly loved.

The sheriffs office said it is now working with the family to have Cummings remains released to them so she can buried with her relatives.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
For Californians, seeing images of New York City and much of the Northeast covered in a veil of smoke from wildfires in Canada is hitting close to home.

Smoke from wildfires hundreds of miles away has been wafting over the Midwest and East Coast since last month, but things took a turn for the worse on Wednesday because of a push from a storm system off the coast of Canada.

Photos and videos from Wednesday show Midtown Manhattan bathed in a deep hazy orange  an unlikely sight in New York City but an all-too-common one throughout wildfire-plagued California.

Its jarring to see, said Bryn Donovan, an author and editor who muddled through multiple Los Angeles wildfire seasons before relocating to Chicago in 2021, in part because of her husbands respiratory issues.

The couple was most affected by the Skirball fire in 2017 and the Woolsey fire in 2018 (at the same time as the Camp fire, which killed 85 people in Northern California) and the Bobcat fire in 2020.

A firefighter walks near a swimming pool as a Los Angeles home in the Bel-Air neighborhood is in flames from the Skirball fire on Dec. 6, 2017.

A firefighter walks near a swimming pool as a Los Angeles home in the Bel-Air neighborhood is in flames from the Skirball fire on Dec. 6, 2017.

The sun looks like a strange fluorescent red moon, Donovan said. We distracted ourselves with books, though we couldnt read anything grim or dystopian  it had to be lighter and more hopeful.

On social media, some Californians have taken a certain blase, Now you know what its like attitude toward New Yorkers blighted by wildfire smoke. The majority, though, seem saddened to see East Coasters suffer through the same anxiety and unhealthy breathing conditions that have become commonplace in California and the West.

#BREAKING: New footage from the George Washington Bridge (connecting New Jersey and New York City) of the toxic smoke now enveloping the northeast, as dozens of wildfires burn uncontrolled across Canada. #BreakingNewspic.twitter.com/7HjdJwMaEG  Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) June 7, 2023

As someone who lives in the Bay Area and has lived through decades of wildfires in California, theres nothing good about seeing the same ecological disasters affect others, like its just genuinely upsetting! journalist and podcast host Matthew Lawson tweeted Wednesday.

Those months of fires in 2020 were fucking horrible  wouldnt wish that on anyone, he added.

With air quality in New York City worsening across the five boroughs  as of 4 p.m. EDT, the citys Air Quality Index had reached 413, according to the AirNow Index (anything above 100 is categorized as unhealthy to breathe and anything above 300 is hazardous)  we decided to ask Californians to share their advice for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke.

Dont expose yourself more than you have to, even if youre healthy.

Donovan urges East Coasters to take it seriously, even if theyre relatively healthy.

We kept the windows closed, of course, and we stayed inside as much as we could, she said. On the worst days, if we stepped outside, it smelled like we were standing right by a campfire. Donovans husband changed the HVAC air filters almost daily, and they would still get filthy.

He also jerry-rigged additional air filters by attaching air filters to box fans, she said. He was using his inhaler, which he hadnt used for about a decade before we moved to California. On bad days, my husband couldnt take a full breath, and his doctor thought it was just as well if he didnt try.

Though its hard, try your darnedest to stay inside, Donovan said. During one particularly bad fire season, the author thought to herself, I just need to get out of the house, Ill be fine and took a walk.

My eyes burned and my lungs hurt for two days, she said.

Put your old quarantine muscles to work, and limit your pets time outside.

Arik Warren of Los Angeles vividly recalls how frightening it was dealing with the still-new COVID-19 pandemic and about two dozen wildfires in Northern California in August 2020.

The smoke traveled down to San Francisco, where Warren was living in an old building downtown with no central air conditioning.

There was this intense smoke in the city, and I had to keep the windows and doors shut at all times, he said. It was pretty terrifying. I do have a dog and had to go outside to walk him every day, so that was a challenge. Luckily I had my N95 masks, but I was definitely concerned about my dog.

Pet experts told Britains The Independent that the biggest danger posed to dogs and cats  and humans  experiencing wildfire smoke comes from fine particles found in air pollutants, which can lodge in the lungs and cause a variety of health issues, including eye irritation and respiratory problems.

Warren said he tried to stay inside and limit his dogs exposure as much as possible, which he was used to in the quarantine conditions.

Its fortunate we arent in lockdown, but I know its probably pretty scary for those in New York and Canada right now, he said. I would definitely advise everyone to stay inside if they can and wear an N95 mask when they have to go out. I would almost even treat it like a quarantine situation. Stay inside and stream those shows and movies!

Three years ago during quarantine there were wildfires in Northern California that spread smoke to SF. It felt like the apocalypse. Wear a mask and stay inside, New York. pic.twitter.com/9vXysoiFZE   (@kingbeyshive) June 7, 2023

Mask up, and if you have an air purifier, use it.

For fire season around San Francisco, author May-lee Chai has saved N95 respirator masks she pulls out just for smoke days.

Ive found theyre better than KN95 for smoke, she told HuffPost.

I am the caregiver for my elderly, immunocompromised father, and smoke is especially dangerous for the elderly, so I have to be extra cautious.

The author also has three air filtration machines: two small Levoit air purifiers she brings in for backup and a larger Blue Pure 211+ air purifier that she runs 24/7. If you have similar air filtration systems, use them now.

As for stress and anxiety, Chai recommends streaming as many comedies as possible.

Schitts Creek got us through the hellscape of 2020 smoke-plus-pandemic, she said.

Download an air quality app on your phone.

Cindy Grant of Fairfield, California, lives near where the LNU Lightning Complex fire occurred in 2020 and where the Atlas fire burned in 2017. She and her family were packed and ready to evacuate in 2017 as the fire approached their home. She remembers being virtually dependent on her air quality app through the ordeal.

With an app, you can get an idea of how the air is in areas you frequent and if there is an area you should avoid due to the poor air quality, Grant said.

At home, keep your house or apartment windows closed, she said. Smoke seeps into everything you own.

If youre driving, remember to keep your windows closed and hit your air circulation button to circulate on the inside, she added.

If you have to go outside, be sure to wear a mask. Ive found theyre better than KN95 for smoke, San Francisco author May-lee Chai told HuffPost.

If you have to go outside, be sure to wear a mask. Ive found theyre better than KN95 for smoke, San Francisco author May-lee Chai told HuffPost.

Look out for your neighbors and those in need.

Jamison Shea currently lives in Helsinki, Finland, but used to live in San Francisco, where they experienced the terrible air quality that spread through the city during the 2018 Camp fire.

Im originally from Buffalo, New York, and moved to San Francisco after college, so I didnt know about wildfires or the smoke, they said. Its definitely anxiety-inducing to look outside and see red, to not know when the sun and blue skies will come back.

In moments of high stress, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and the people and creatures around you, Shea said.

Do your neighbors have N95 masks? Does anyone need to be invited to gather around the air purifier? they said. Taping over any drafty windows or vents with plastic, like garbage bags, can help, too.

Take care of your mental health.

The smoke can make your thoughts hazy, too, Shea said.

Youre not at peak performance when you arent getting clean air, and thats not your fault, the author said.

The air is full of ash and particles, and theyre collecting in your lungs  its OK if youre tired, they said. Itll be a few days before the smoke clears and even longer for the smell to fade from your furniture and clothes, but wearing a mask, trying to stay at home and taking it easy on yourself is most of the battle.

Mindy Marzec, a Disney and travel blogger who lives in Burbank, California, and deals with poor air quality due to frequent wildfires, also stressed the need to be easy with yourself.

Seeing an orange, hazy sky can really mess with your mind, she said. It does feel like something out of a movie, like the world is ending. I have to lean on my meditation practices during those moments and remind myself that its temporary and the sky will return to its normal blue someday.

Marzec also reminds herself that the majority of people surrounded by smoke and hazy skies can take relief in knowing that their lives and homes arent actually in any immediate danger from the fires themselves.

Its a temporary uncomfortable situation to tell yourself that, but someone out there has it worse than me, she said.

"Seeing an orange, hazy sky can really mess with your mind, said Mindy Marzec, a Disney and travel blogger who lives in Burbank, California.

If you really need to get outside, consult an app and seek fresh air elsewhere.

Tara Hayes lives in the San Joaquin Valley. Anytime theres a fire in the mountains to the east or in the west, the air gets trapped in the valley. Even some of the smoke from the northern part of the state comes her way in Manteca, California, depending on how the wind blows.

Hayes tries to stay inside but fully understands how that can get to you mentally.

You feel trapped. I would constantly look at an air quality app, and if the air quality was safe I would go outside as soon as possible, she said. Once I drove up to Fort Bragg, California, to get fresh air and took the kids with our bikes to be outside getting some exercise. Its about five hours away but was worth the fresh air.

Use the experience as a reason to get prepared for future emergencies.

Living in San Diego, pediatrician Jaime Friedman has experienced several wildfires that have led to closures, evacuations and poor air quality.

Dealing with wildfire smoke reminds you how important it is to be prepared for any natural disaster, the mom of two said.

Keep a box ready to go with water, snacks and room to put important documents. Make a list of things you dont want to forget, like medications, pet food, chargers and other valuables, and keep that list in the evacuation box as well, she said. You might even keep a file with photos of all items you would want your insurance company to be aware of in case they need replacing.

If you have kids, help them understand whats going on and remind them it wont last forever.

During the Atlas fire in 2017, Grant remembers taking a ton of photos with her to document the crazy time they were going through together.

My twins school was closed due to the heavy smoke and caused them to worry, she said. We talked through the stress we were under when we were packing up our belongings. It really makes you think about what is important (photos) and what isnt (clothes, furniture). It also makes you remember life isnt about the stuff you own; its about the people youre with and love.

Related...
Camping trip becomes worst nightmare as copperhead bites 4-year-old in NC, mom says

A camping trip to the North Carolina mountains turned into a familys worst nightmare when a venomous snake bit a 4-year-old boy, his mom told news outlets.

Stacey Pollom told WTVC her young son, Jad, was playing outside a cabin over Memorial Day weekend when she heard him scream.

I knew it was a concerning one, Pollom  who is from Chattanooga, Tennessee  told the outlet.

Pollom said her husband got Jad to safety and took a photo, which helped document the type of snake that had been lurking near patio furniture. The family raced to an emergency room, where Jad started getting treatment for a copperhead bite to his foot, according to WRCB.

The 4-year-old received 10 vials of antivenom treatment before being flown to a Tennessee hospital for additional care, Pollom wrote May 27 in a Facebook post.

Truly, it would be most parents worst nightmare to see your kid in that helicopter and not go with them and also recognizing that theyre going to get there hours before youre going to be able to get to them, Pollom told WTVC.

Eventually, Jad was on the mend, asking for Paw Patrol and his best friend, his mom wrote.

Jad reportedly experienced the harrowing moments as his family visited the Highlands region of North Carolina, roughly 75 miles southwest of Asheville. Copperheads are found throughout the state and are known for having hourglass-shaped crossbands on their bodies.

Copperheads account for probably over 90 percent of venomous snakebites in North Carolina, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wrote on its website. A bite is painful and should be treated as serious.

Copperhead bites are deadly in rare cases, and those who are bitten are urged to wash the affected area and call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. To help avoid bites, experts urge people to be cautious around places that the snakes frequent, The News & Observer reported.

After her familys frightening encounter, Pollom told WRCB her son is unfazed. Though the family loves being outside, the boys mom acknowledged its gonna be a long time before I go camping again.

Pollom didnt immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment on June 8.

Two species found nowhere else on the planet documented in western NC, museum says

Dark, slithering creature seen by boat captain near NC coast stirs debate. What is it?
Jeff Dafler

CANTON  Jeff Dafler will succeed Dennis Saunier as the president and chief executive officer of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Board of Directors announced its selection Thursday. Saunier will retire at the end of this year after 42 years at the chamber.

"Jeff brings extensive experience spanning the public, private and nonprofit sectors to this role and has demonstrated that he has the vision and strategic focus to take the chamber to the next level and deliver on the mission of leading our region in economic growth and community development," board Chairman Ralph Lee said in a prepared statement.

Dafler serves as the chamber vice president of economic development and public policy. He began his career as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State between 1991 and 2000 and held diplomatic posts in Australia, Poland, Italy and Washington, D.C.

Dafler then left a public relations position at NCR Corp. in Dayton to join the Timken Co. in 2005. He served in communication and public policy roles there before starting his own consulting business in 2018.

He joined the chamber in November 2020 and was president of the Downtown Canton Landbank from 2021 to 2022 in addition to his vice president role.

I am grateful for the trust and confidence the chamber board has placed in me to lead this incredible organization as we deepen our commitment to member success, economic growth and community vitality, Dafler said in a prepared statement. Our professional team is second to none, and I look forward to working with them, our volunteer corps, board of directors and members as we collaborate with other leaders across our region to find new and innovative ways to strengthen our communities and accelerate growth.

His first day as chamber president and CEO will be Jan. 1.

Saunier congratulated Dafler on his appointment and said he has "full confidence" in his abilities.

"His expertise and passion for this community have been evident throughout his time here, and I have no doubt that he will lead the Chamber to great success in our many areas, he said in a prepared statement. Jeff's deep understanding of the issues and opportunities that exist from center city through the region is unmatched, and his worldview, extensive business knowledge and organizational experience will undoubtedly propel the chamber to new heights."

Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Chamber hires Jeff Dafler as new president and CEO
Casey White sentenced to life in prison after breaking out of Alabama jail with female corrections officer

Convicted murderer Casey White was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for busting out of jail and going on the run for 11 days with a female corrections officer.

White, 38, escaped from the Lauderdale County Detention Center in Alabama in April 2022 with help from Alabama guard Vicky White, leading US Marshalls on a cross-country manhunt.

When authorities caught up with the convicted felon and the senior jail official in Indiana nearly two weeks later, Vicky White turned the gun on herself.

Casey White was charged with the 17-year veteran officers murder, but pled guilty in exchange for a lesser charge of first-degree escape.

I feel like the most hated man in the world, Casey White told the hearing at the Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, Alabama, according to WHNT.

I loved Vicky and I wouldnt drag her name through the mud for anyone in this courtroom.

Vicky took me out because she said, right was right. Wrong is wrong. First person to show me affection. First person to give me a hug in six years.

Vicky Whites mother had planned to read out a victim impact statement at the hearing, but became too emotional, Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly told the court.

Escaped inmate Casey White arrives at the Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, Ala., after he was arrested in Indiana in 2022. (2021)

He called for Casey White not to be able to earn money from interviews, movies or books relating to the escape.

On the eve of the sentencing, NewsNation reporter Brian Entin told how he had received a phone call from Casey White in which he claimed he had killed a woman and a child while on the run in Indiana.

Police reportedly believe that the convicted felon was lying, and Mr Entin said he couldnt find any evidence of a missing person case that matched the description.

Casey White was initially thought to have kidnapped Vicky White when he escaped from the Lauderdale County jail in April last year.

But surveillance footage from 29 April last year showed the pair, who are not related, leaving in a patrol car which was ditched nearby.

Law enforcement officials later discovered the pair were in a romantic relationship, and shared thousands of phone calls in the months leading up to the jailbreak.

Under Alabama law, murder charges can be laid when a person is killed during the commission of a felony.

Casey White was serving a 75-year sentence for committing an attempted murder during a violent crime spree in 2015 at the time of his escape.

He is due to go on trial this year for capital murder in the 2015 stabbing death of Connie Ridgeway in Rogersville.
Authorities hope a newly released footage of a pickup involved in a road rage shooting and rollover crash will help them crack the case. The back window of the alleged pickup has three stickers that read "Lake & Bay," "SWC Audio" and "wet sounds." The pickup was carrying two people who were seriously injured in a shooting and rollover crash in Golden Gate Estates last week.

Authorities hope a newly released photo of a pickup involved in shooting that led to a rollover crash will help them crack the case.

The back window of the pickup has three stickers that read "Lake & Bay," "SWC Audio" and "wet sounds." The pickup was carrying two people who were seriously injured in a shooting and rollover crash in Golden Gate Estates last week.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office said Thursday afternoon detectives are releasing the photo in the hope it will generate new tips for their investigation. They hope someone will recognize the large distinct window decal and contact law enforcement with information.

According to an incident report from the Collier County Sheriff's Office, around 11 p.m. June 1, deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Immokalee Road and Twin Eagles Boulevard in the Rural Estates.

They saw a pickup had turned over east on Immokalee Road. Authorities began to aid the driver and the passenger.

Both were trapped, leading authorities to cut the seatbelts. They later airlifted both to Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, the report indicates.

Investigators later found both had been shot.

No one had been arrested as of Thursday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriffs Office at (239) 252-9300 or to remain anonymous, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at (800) 780-8477.

Tipsters may also be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 if their tip leads to an arrest.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: CCSO hopes photo of pickup in shooting, rollover crash will crack case
A woman dubbed Central Park Karen who was fired after she called 911 on a Black bird-watcher has lost a legal appeal to be reinstated to her job.

Amy Cooper was dismissed by investment broker Franklin Templeton after cellphone footage of her falsely accusing Christian Cooper of harassment in May 2020 was posted online and went viral.

In a 3-0 decision, a Manhattan appeals court ruled that Ms Cooper, who is white, had failed to prove that she was illegally dismissed due to her race or had been defamed by her former employer, Reuters reported.

The 25 May 2020 incident attracted global headlines after Mr Cooper asked the woman to leash her dog in a popular bird-watching area of Central Park where dogs are required to be leashed.

Ms Cooper refused, and when the situation escalated she called 911 to falsely claim that he was posing a threat to her and her dog.

She told the police dispatch that an African American man was threatening her and her dog.

The incident came on the same day as George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officers, setting off a nationwide racial reckoning over racial intolerance, violence and inequity.

A day later, Ms Cooper was fired from her job as an insurance portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton.

Amy Cooper phoned 911 to complain that an African American man was threatening her and her dog. (Christian Cooper)

She alleged in a lawsuit filed in May 2021 that Franklin Templetons CEO had perpetuated her image as a privileged white female Karen, by making public statements about firing her after conducting an investigation into the incident.

She claimed that Mr Cooper had been an overzealous bird-watcher and the encounter had nothing to do with race. A judge last year rejected her claims.

In July 2020, Ms Cooper was charged with falsely reporting an incident by the Manhattan district attorney. The charge was later dropped after Ms Cooper attended racial bias therapy sessions.

Christian Cooper is hosting a new television show Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper which premiers on National Geographic later this month.
Irene Caudillo has spent the last decade working to tap into the Latino community in Kansas as president and CEO of El Centro, a not-for-profit organization that has operated in Johnson and Wyandotte counties for 46 years. Her focus in that time: expanding the organization with partnerships and getting it more connected to the community.

Now, shes stepping down from that role.

Caudillo said during her time in leadership, her goals at El Centro included maintaining and keeping alive the entrepreneurial spirit of the local Latino community and listening to the needs of her team and community.

When I walked in I saw the opportunity, not just for growth in the organization but what was important was I really had what I thought was some great advice from previous executive directors. It was making sure we continue to listen to our community that we are very open to understanding their needs and not what we think we know, Caudillo said.

Caudillo said highlights of her time at El Centro include growing their budget, staff and partnerships, as well as maintaining a successful business plan throughout the COVID pandemic.

Having to be a leader in a organization where our community needed us the most and trying to figure out how to convince our staff that we werent going to close. We had early child education, we had food programs that were needed,  Caudillo said of her time leading the center through the pandemic.

Carlos Gomez, CEO and Director of The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Collaborative, said Caudillo will be missed. He said shes leaving behind a legacy with the work she has done for the community.

Irene definitely left big shoes to fill, she has left a tremendous impact in so many arenas in health, and education  I can tell you I feel comfortable in her leadership so Im excited for the new director to come because I know Irene has really did the best in all of her team development, Gomez said.

Caudillos last day with the center will be June 30.

Erica Andrade will take over the position starting July 1.
Who is Chelsy Davy? Former girlfriend of Prince Harry discussed in phone hacking trial

The Duke of Sussex has alleged that press intrusion led to his split from ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy, a Zimbabwean businesswoman whom he dated from 2004 to 2011.

During the second day of questioning in his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for alleged phone hacking on Tuesday (6 June), Prince Harry blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for ultimately leading to their breakup.

Our relationship was long distance for the majority of the time we were together, with Chelsy and I often living in different countries, so we relied on communicating by phone a lot, he said in his 55-page witness statement obtained by The Independent.

We, naturally, spoke about all types of personal matters, including all aspects of our relationship and this was often through voicemail, he said. As my girlfriend, I trusted Chelsy with the most private of information and visa versa.

Prince Harry accused MGN of blagging the couples flight details and hotel bookings, as well as intercepting their voicemails after journalists turned up while they holidayed on a small island off Mozambique.

We were never on our own and able to enjoy each others company away from the prying eyes of the tabloids. This put a huge amount of unnecessary stress and strain on our relationship.

He continued: At no point did I have a girlfriend or a relationship with anyone without the tabloids getting involved and ultimately trying to ruin it using whatever unlawful means at their disposal.

But who is Chelsy Davy and when did she date Prince Harry?

Who is Chelsy Davy?

Chelsy Davy, 36, is a businesswoman hailing from Zimbabwe. She was born in the African nation and grew up on her familys game reserve.

She spent her teenage years in England attending boarding school at Cheltenham College, before later moving to Stowe School in Buckinghamshire.

Davy then received a bachelors degree in economics from the University of Cape Town in 2006 and a law degree from the University of Leeds in 2009.

Chelsy with Harry at a service of remembrance in Windsor in 2008 (Getty)

How long did Chelsy Davy and Prince Harry date?

The pair dated on and off for seven years, between 2004 and 2011

Davy met Prince Harry in Cape Town in 2004 during his gap year. After meeting, the pair began dating and she took on a degree in law at the University of Leeds, which allowed her to be closer to Harry.

During the subsequent years, Davy was seen at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where Harry completed 44 weeks of training in 2005.

She was also said to have met the Queen at a society wedding during the time they dated, and she was by Harrys side during the Diana memorial concert in 2007. She was also invited to the then-Prince Charless 60th birthday.

In Prince Harrys tell-all memoir, Spare, released in 2023, the royal wrote that he warmed to Davy because she seemed wholly unconcerned with appearances or royalty.

Unlike so many girls I met, she wasnt visibly fitting herself for a crown the moment she shook my hand. She seemed immune to that common affliction sometimes called throne syndrome, Harry wrote.

Id always wanted to know what it might be like to meet a woman and not have her eyes widen at the mention of my title but instead to widen them myself, using my mind, my heart. With Chelsy, that seemed a real possibility. Not only was she uninterested in my title, she seemed bored by it. Oh, youre a prince? Yawn.

Why did Chelsy Davy and Prince Harry split up?

Speaking to the Times in 2017, Davy said of the press attention she received while with Prince Harry: It was so full-on: crazy and scary and uncomfortable. I found it very difficult when it was bad. I couldnt cope.

She added: I was trying to be a normal kid and it was horrible.

Its reported that William and Kate getting engaged and the media frenzy that surrounded the royal wedding is what drove Davy to end things with Harry for good.

Prince Harry has now blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for their breakup in his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for alleged phone hacking, on 7 June.

Throughout his High Court trial, Prince Harry has made several bombshell claims about the publisher of the Daily Mirror, such as using unlawful information-gathering to leak details about his personal life.

Harry accused MGN of blagging the couples flight details and hotel bookings, as well as intercepting their voicemails after journalists turned up while they holidayed on a small island off Mozambique.

I remember that whenever Chelsy and I went on a trip to Bazaruto, a small island off the coast of Mozambique, to try and get away from all the madness and enjoy some peace and quiet, journalists and photographers from MGN and the other tabloids would literally turn up and book into the hotel before we got there, he claimed. I now believe they had blagged our flight details and hotel bookings and/or intercepted our voicemails.

Following the breakup, Davy has remained close pals with the younger members of the royal family, attending Harrys wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018 and Princess Eugenies wedding to Jack Brooksbank later that year.

Chelsy with Harry and Prince William at the Diana memorial concert in 2007 (Getty)

What is Chelsy Davy doing now?

Following the break up in 2011, Davy went on to be a trainee solicitor for London law firm Allen & Overy. She left her position at the firm in late 2014.

Davy then spent some time studying at the Gemological Institute of America in California, before launching her jewellery brand, AYA, in 2016.

The AYA site says: Raised in Zimbabwe, Chelsy has always had a great affinity for the continent of her birth. Having travelled extensively through Africa, immersing herself in the different cultures of many countries like Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania, she has been deeply inspired by its beauty; both in the land, and in its people.

The brand includes pieces with emeralds from Zambia and rubies from Mozambique, all sourced through ethical mining.

She later branched out the AYA brand into the luxury travel sector too, telling Tatler in 2020: Its an organic progression from the jewellery. Africa is where Im from, where my family is from; its my heritage and Ive always been interested in tourism and conservation.

She then founded Aya Africa, a bespoke luxury travel company that is dubbed to curate experiences of authentic African exploration.

In January 2022, Davy gave birth to her first child  a son named Leo, with her boyfriend of three years hotelier Sam Cutmore-Scott. In May of that same year, the pair wed in a secret ceremony.

A friend of the couple disclosed the news to TheDaily Mails Richard Eden, saying: Very few people knew about the wedding.
CHICAGO  Shedding new light on Chicago Public Schools recent disclosure that the district violated state laws in its use of physical restraint and isolation of students, a letter from the state education superintendent delves further into CPS systemic failures.

The letter, written by state Superintendent Tony Sanders to CPS CEO Pedro Martinez in April, was ISBEs fourth directive ordering CPS to comply with state law. Violations alleged by the state agency range from CPS allowing untrained staff members to restrain students unnecessarily  sometimes for more than hour or through the use of prohibited methods  to the districts failure to notify parents and review and report all incidents to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Another ISBE official had written CPS in November to say that its complete disregard for the health and safety of its students and blatant violation of state law is unconscionable.

An ISBE investigation, sparked by violations made apparent in the districts own reporting of incidents, found issues jeopardizing the health and safety of CPS students and staff that remained ongoing at the time of Sanders April 18 letter.

In a statement Friday, a CPS spokesperson said, We remain committed to continually reviewing and improving our services, working closely with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and all partners, including parents and advocacy groups, to co-design an improved system that not only is in compliance with all State and Federal education requirements, but meets our own high goals for excellence.

Among possible repercussions CPS faces if violations continue, Sanders letter raised the specter of placing the district on probation, for exhibiting deficiencies that present a health hazard or a danger to students and staff.

An ISBE spokesperson said in a statement Friday that probation would be a last resort and that the state board is providing CPS with the support and technical assistance they need to understand and comply with the requirements.

Unreported restraint of students by untrained employees

Among restraint, timeout and isolation incidents CPS reported to ISBE in the 2021-22 school year, 71 instances involving 41 students occurred unnecessarily, according to the April letter.

Although CPS has significantly reduced the use of (restraint, timeout or isolated timeout) when no reported imminent danger exists, we still find that it does still occur, Sanders wrote, adding that many reported incidents continue to involve untrained staff members.

As of March 28, less than half of the 77 schools ISBE had placed on a priority list for training had completed it, with some of those schools continuing to report the use of restraint, despite ISBE having ordered CPS to halt the practice until meeting its training requirements. An additional 16 schools not on ISBEs priority list also continued to report incidents, the letter states.

Unequivocally, the rules require that any staff member who participates in a physical restraint, time out, or isolated time out must complete eight hours of training. CPS continues to violate these rules each month by permitting staff to use these techniques on students without the training the rules require, Sanders wrote.

The April letter also provides an overview, from Feb. 1 to March 8, of missing reports to ISBE and late notifications to parents  attributed in part to CPS lack of a central system to collect incident data and the lack of a daily review of incidents by the districts designated official, Stephanie Jones, chief officer of CPS Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services. (CPS use of restraint, isolation and timeout procedures is not limited to special education students.)

Between Feb. 1 and March 8, CPS reported 35 incidents in ISBEs reporting system. But, in reviewing other documentation, the agency found CPS did not report all incidents that occurred in that timeframe.

In ISBEs review of 24 forms of alternative documentation, the agency found 22 incidents involved the physical restraint of a student  by at least one untrained staff member in more than half of the incidents. The number of incidents involving no trained staff members is redacted in Sanders April letter.

Multiple physical restraint incidents lasted one hour or more, the letter states, and in 10 instances, parents werent notified within the required time frame. State policy requires schools to attempt to notify parents and guardians of incidents on the same day and to provide a written explanation within one day.

Teachers union calls for administrators removal

The Chicago Teachers Union called last week for the removal of Jones as chief of CPS office dedicated to supporting diverse learners, citing deficient staff training in restraint practices, among other lapses.

As of Sanders April letter, Jones was also the districts designated official who is required by state law to be notified of every restraint, isolation and timeout incident by the end of the school day on which it occurred; to receive evaluations of physical restraint lasting more than 15 minutes and timeout incidents surpassing 30 minutes; and to be responsible for maintaining incident records.

Jones told ISBE she delegated the responsibility to a team member who resigned in March, according to Sanders April letter. That person reviewed the incident documentation that they received daily, but told ISBE that certain restraint, isolation and timeout data was kept in a separate system she couldnt access.

CPS does not have a designated official who is informed and maintains (restraint, isolation and timeout) data as required, the letter states. No single CPS official has access to all the systems that house (restraint, isolation and timeout) information. CPS has named Dr. Jones as the designated official, but she does not receive or review this information.

Regarding the unions call for Jones dismissal, a CPS spokesperson said Friday, Significant strategic changes to the department have been in motion for some time and pre-date any public statements calling for personnel decisions, which are separate and distinct from the Districts review and work to improve services.

District leadership does not publicly discuss personnel changes as a matter of professional practice and privacy, the spokesperson added.

Ordered to be transparent, CPS initially dodged

The full list of corrective actions ISBE prescribed CPS is fully redacted in each of the two letters state officials sent the district that were obtained by the Tribune. But the April letter shows one requirement entailed disclosing the districts violations of state law to CPS parents and guardians.

In a May 26 email sent by the district on a Friday evening, CPS outlined its failures and actions that were underway to remedy them. It wasnt the districts first attempt to comply with ISBEs order.

According to Sanders April letter, the district initially confirmed to ISBE in December that it had notified parents of its training violations. But the state agency found CPS had only sent an email promoting a link to a broad plan for improving the district that had multiple errors and omissions so even if parents followed the link, they did not find accurate information, the letter states.

It added that CPS admitted that many parents do not have email addresses so it could not confirm that every parent in the district received the email. ISBE then ordered the district again to notify parents and guardians of its failures.

In its May parental notification email, CPS listed a dozen violations. The district also said it had developed a plan, including training, to bring it in compliance and that it would receive parents concerns regarding restraint, isolation and timeout incidents at a dedicated email address, PRTO@cps.edu, while also providing the emails and CPS responses to ISBE weekly.

Without specifying the officials name, the district also said it had designated a responsible staff member who will be informed of incidents on the day they occur and meet with ISBE weekly to review restraint, isolation and timeout data. CPS wrote that its also developing a centralized database to document incidents and will create another database encompassing the names of staff members whove completed state training requirements.

A spokesperson said Friday, Our top leadership at CPS has been committed and transparent about the need for improved systems, strategies, and services to support our most vulnerable students through our Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS).

The district has added more than 170 special education teachers and more than 600 special education classroom assistants since last school year, the spokesperson added.

ISBEs investigation also discovered the districts use of prone restraint, in which a student is held face down and physical pressure is applied to their body, in a redacted number of incidents this school year.

Prone restraint has been prohibited in all schools in Illinois since the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. These incidents are a clear violation, the letter states.
Chief rabbi of Ukraine came under fire in Kherson

Moshe Reuven Azman, the chief rabbi of Ukraine, came under the attack by the Russian occupiers in the flooded city of Kherson.

Source: Azman on Facebook

Quote: "Im in Kherson, we were swimming for [to evacuate  ed.] people and miraculously survived!"

Details: In the video Azman is trying to tell the viewers about his mission in Kherson to save the victims of the blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), but right at that moment Russians launch an attack on the city.

A shout of "Down!" can heard during the attack, people fall down and then run for their lives.

Background: In the afternoon of 8 June, the Russian occupiers started launching attacks on the city of Kherson. The Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that the occupiers are launching attacks on the coastal territories and the central part of the city.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
A federal investigation into Guatemalan children working in the U.S. in violation of child labor laws has expanded to include meatpacking and produce firms that have allegedly hired underage migrants in at least 11 states, two senior U.S. officials told NBC News.

Investigators from the Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Investigations and the Justice Department, as well as White House officials, are participating in the expanded inquiry, the officials said. The meatpacking and produce companies under scrutiny for possible child labor violations operate across the country in locations from Virginia to Colorado, the sources said.

The investigation is part of a broader push by Biden administration agencies, including the Labor Department, to crack down on child labor violations. The Labor Department has documented a 69% increase in children employed in violation of child labor laws since 2018.

Earlier this year, NBC News reported that according to two U.S. officials familiar with the investigation, DHS and the Justice Department were trying to determine whether a human smuggling scheme brought migrant children to work for multiple companies in the meatpacking sector nationwide. The officials said the companies themselves were not targets of the investigation.

The investigators would not name any of the companies currently under investigation. Penalties could range from civil fines to criminal charges, the officials said, but no charges have been filed.

I think its a huge positive step forward, said Wendy Young, president of Kids in Need of Defense, a legal aid organization for migrant children. Now we need to make sure that the federal government really invests resources to follow through and sustain this effort. But Im heartened by the fact that were now seeing multiple agencies work together and really take this issue seriously, Young said.

Spokespeople for Homeland Security Investigations, the White House and the Labor Department declined to comment. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment.

When a Labor Department investigation found Wisconsin-based Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI) had more than 100 children working across 13 locations in eight states, the company paid $1.5 million in civil penalties. A company spokesperson maintained that any child hired by the company used fake documentation to get the job. We have always taken rigorous steps to comply with the law, including use of the governments E-Verify system for new hires, extensive training for all hiring managers, multiple audits, and use of biometrics, the spokesperson said.

The company said in April that it was launching a $10 million fund to enhance the well-being of children in the communities we serve and help reduce the prevalence of the rising problem of underage workers.

One official told NBC News that there is a sense that the underage migrants have unfairly paid a steeper penalty than the companies.

Previously, some of the parents of child employees at PSSI faced child abuse charges and children were left afraid to talk to investigators out of fear of deportation, according to community advocates and court filings.

Child labor, particularly among Guatemalan teenagers, is on the rise in the U.S. due to worsening economic conditions in the Central American country, increased migration by unaccompanied children in 2021 and 2022, and a U.S. labor shortage. The teenagers often provide falsified paperwork, including stolen identities, to show they are 18 or older and legally authorized to work in the U.S.

More than 260,000 unaccompanied migrant children have been released into the country in the past two years and almost half have been from Guatemala, according to federal figures.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Remember the Chinese spy balloon flying over the United States earlier this year, the one the Biden administration said had been capable of collecting intelligence before the U.S. shot it down off the South Carolina coast?

Now theres a new threat coming from China. Its a lot more blatant and its just 90 miles away  in Cuba.

China is establishing a spy base in Cuba, according to information first reported by the Wall Street Journal. It would be focused on the United States and give Chinese intelligence agencies a way to track electronic communication in the southwestern U.S, though the region covered would include U.S. Southern Command  in Miami-Dade County  and other military facilities.

This China-Cuba cooperation, if true, is an aggressive new step in a growing problem for the United States. While China is considered to be the most consequential threat to the United States as well as its primary economic rival, it is making strong inroads in Latin America. That has been a concern for years. The war in Ukraine has added a new source of tension between the U.S. and China, with the worry that China might provide arms to Russia looming over everything.

China, not Russia

That this secret deal to create an eavesdropping facility is with China, not Russia, runs counter to recent speculation that Russia was planning to reopen its spy base in Lourdes, a town near Havana. That was based in part on reports of Russian officials and diplomats traveling to the island. Cuban leaders also have been supportive of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Amid all of that, the Biden administration has been working to improve its relationship with China, which hit a new low after the spy balloon incident. At the same time, though, there is rising concern among members of Congress and the State Department about Chinas growing foothold in Latin America and the Caribbean. China, as the Miami Herald reported, is the largest trading partner for South America. Free-trade deals between Latin American countries and China are becoming more common. The trend  toward more China deals on Floridas doorstep  is clear.

The choice of Cuba as a partner for China, though, isnt all that surprising. China already may have a listening post in Bejucal, a town south of Havana. And the island is desperate for cash. Russia is straining under the costs of the Ukraine war, but China has cash to spend. It will reportedly pay billions of dollars to Cuba for the ability to set up this spy base.

U.S. must respond

So what can be done to blunt this threat, so close to our coastline? Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs Brian Nichols, the State Departments top diplomat for the region, called this moment the most challenging he has seen in 30 years in the hemisphere. Thats an alarm bell that the has to be heeded.

The Biden administration must act with urgency to help governments in the region succeed so they dont need to turn to China for help. In the end, helping other countries to help themselves is the only real safeguard likely to work. That kind of help can backfire, as we have seen so often in the foreign-policy arena. But simply allowing Chinas bold step to proceed without answering it, strongly, is no option at all.
China has reportedly reached an agreement with Cuban officials to host an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island nation, which is roughly 100 miles from the coast of Florida, in what would be the closest foreign adversary military base to the U.S. mainland.

The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials familiar with the matter, reported Thursday that China has agreed to pay Cuba several billion dollars to build the facility.

If Chinese officials were to operate out of the base, they could pick up on signals communication, meaning China would be able to intercept emails, phone calls and satellite transmissions.

2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley slammed President Biden in response to the report for twiddling his thumbs, worrying about Chinas green energy policies as she said China moves aggressively to counter Washington.

Joe Biden needs to wake up to the real Chinese threats on our doorstep, Haley tweeted.

The U.S. has long had a rocky relationship with Cuba, a communist regime currently led by President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel.

Pro-democracy protests swept the country in the summer of 2021, which the U.S. supported, but the movement did not lead to regime change.

Last year, Biden resumed flights to Cuba and reengaged in some channels with the nation, including on migration.

Republicans, however, are slamming him for not not having taken stronger action against China and Cuba in the past, failing to stop the potential Chinese facility.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) criticized Biden Thursday for failing to strongly support the pro-democracy protests and stand against his enemies.

Americas enemies know Biden is too weak to stand up against them, so they are taking advantage of the hospitality offered by the illegitimate communist regime in Cuba, Scott said in a statement. This move by Communist China presents grave threats to Americas national security that cannot be ignored. Every American should be up in arms about this.

Its not just spying on the government, which is bad enough, its spying on you, seeing your emails and your data.

Its unclear if the U.S. can step in to stop the development of the Chinese facility.

In 1962, after a U.S.-supported invasion of Cuba failed to overthrow the communist Castro regime, the Soviet Union moved to stash nuclear missiles in Cuba.

The U.S. responded by surrounding the island in a naval blockade, leading to the standoff known as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The crisis  the closest the world has come to a nuclear conflict  was only resolved after the Soviet Union scrapped the plan, and the U.S. later removed nuclear missiles near Turkey.

Both China and the U.S. are struggling to manage escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, including a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island that Beijing sees as historically part of the mainland.

The U.S. operates military bases in the Indo-Pacific region that have long angered China, which Beijing could cite to justify the Cuban site.

China has also complained about U.S. reconnaissance flights over the South China Sea, a body of water China claims nearly entirely as its own. A Chinese jet late last month flew by an American spy plane in what the U.S. called an aggressive move.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- China is putting pressure on the European Union behind closed doors to scrap proposed trade restrictions on Chinese companies the bloc says are enabling Russias war machine in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Chinese diplomats have met with their European counterparts in Brussels and Beijing in recent weeks as part of a campaign to persuade officials to drop the blacklist, the people said. The European Commission is considering measures on eight Chinese firms it says are directly supporting Russias military and industrial complex, according to documents seen by Bloomberg News last month.

After the proposals were made public, Chinese diplomats approached their European counterparts in Brussels for meetings, according to one of the people. China has since raised the issue with EU diplomats in Beijing, said one of the people based in the capital, adding that the Chinese side threatened retaliation if the export restrictions went ahead.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said it urged the EU to act prudently, refrain from harming the legitimate interest of Chinese companies and avoid affecting mutual trust and cooperation between China and the EU. China will firmly safeguard the right of Chinese enterprises to conduct normal trade, the ministry said Thursday in response to a request for comment.

The proposed restrictions come as Chinas ties with the EU seemed to be stabilizing, after EU sanctions on Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses derailed a long-awaited investment treaty. Since Xi won a third term in October, the leaders of Germany and France have visited Beijing, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has tried to cool tensions by suggesting nations de-risk rather than decouple from the worlds second-largest economy.

A new exchange of measures between the EU and China could complicate a planned visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Germany later this month, as well as a proposed trip by EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell to China in July that was originally set for April but was canceled because of Covid.

When the possible action was first reported last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Spokesman Wang Wenbin said if the reports you mentioned are true, the EUs actions will seriously undermine China-EU mutual trust and cooperation, and deepen division and confrontation in the world.

China is facing a growing list of sanctions, tariffs and export controls from the US and its allies as geopolitical tensions rise. Beijing has struggled to respond in a way that makes China look tough without scaring off foreign companies, or damaging the nations supply chains.

Any retaliation to the EUs latest measures would likely need to target the bloc at an institutional level, one of the people familiar said.

Chinas ambassador to the EU, Fu Cong, said Beijing still wanted to resolve the issue in a cooperative way, in an interview published last month on Chinas EU embassy website. He urged the bloc to present proof Chinese companies were engaged in activities that circumvented European sanctions on Russia.

If the European side imposes sanctions on Chinese companies without providing us with any solid evidence, he said, then we certainly will retaliate.

(Updates with Chinese response in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
China seeking to spy on the U.S. from a base in Cuba

China is in talks with Cuba to establish a foothold there to spy on the United States, two senior U.S. officials said, a provocative move that already has lawmakers warning about parallels to the Cold War.

The officials, granted anonymity to discuss an extremely sensitive intelligence matter, said that China was in direct conversations with Cuba to set up a base on the island nation just 100 miles from the United States. It would allow Beijing to collect signals intelligence on southeastern portions of America, home to many military facilities and major industries. Evidence of the negotiations came to light in recent weeks, the officials said.

Such a pact between China and Cuba could threaten to derail the Biden administrations efforts to thaw its frosty relations with Beijing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit China in the coming weeks, a trip that was postponed in February after the U.S. shot down a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed North America. Diplomacy with China continues mainly at the economic and trade level, while military-to-military discussions are practically nonexistent.

The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report on the discussions, said Beijing and Havana reached a secret agreement whereby China pays Cuba billions of dollars for a facility. The two officials told POLITICO they couldnt confirm that there was a finalized deal, only that China was in discussions with Cuba about spying on the United States.

On Thursday morning, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby didnt confirm any negotiations between China and Cuba but said the administration was watching Chinas movements in the region closely. After publication, Kirby told POLITICO the reports were not accurate without specifying which details were wrong. He added: We remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home and in the region.

Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the top two members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a Thursday afternoon statement that they were deeply disturbed by the reports. It would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States.

We urge the Biden administration to take steps to prevent this serious threat to our national security and sovereignty, they continued.



Cubas Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said in a statement that the WSJ story was full of totally false and unfounded information and that Cuba rejects the presence of a foreign military throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Cuban Embassy did not respond to a question about any talks with China about a deal to spy on the United States.

The report comes as the U.S. is trying to restore more regular military contacts with Beijing. CIA Director William Burns made a secret trip to China last month to keep the lines of communication between Washington and Beijing open. President Joe Biden dispatched the spy chief in hopes of reviving higher-level conversations between the two powers.

A Defense Department official said the Pentagon was aware of Chinas attempts to invest in infrastructure around the world, including in the Western hemisphere, that may have military purposes and will continue to monitor the efforts.

The CIA declined a request to comment on the talks. The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on the issue, saying in a statement we are not aware of the case.

The revelation already has members of Congress worried about the echoes of Americas last great power rivalry.

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chair of the House Select China Committee, said in a statement the Biden administration should consider retaliatory actions including ending Huawei export licenses, restricting outbound investment in crucial sectors of the PRCand preventing Chinese Communist Party land purchases near military bases.

Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) said Blinken should not travel to China following the revelation and the recent harassment of American ships and aircraft in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Chinese Communist Party is executing the Soviet Unions playbook, said Waltz, a member of the House Intelligence and Armed Services committees.

The Soviet Union operated its largest signals intelligence site in Lourdes, just outside of Havana, a facility that closed after 2001. If its Chinas intent to reopen it, this will be the largest spy base once again, Waltz said. If that's not evidence enough that we're in a new Cold War, I dont know what is.

In 1962, the United States discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba, leading to an infamous crisis that brought the world to the nuclear brink.

Lawmakers from both parties were alarmed at the news on Thursday.

If true, it just goes to show where the Cuban regime is all along. They are an adversary to the United States, and to allow the Chinese to construct a signals intelligence facility in their country is a direct assault upon the United States, said Senate Foreign Relations Chair Bob Menendez (D-N.J.). I hope the administration will think about how they will react if it's true.

Some Republicans said the development was a sign that Bidens efforts to cool tensions with China are failing.

It is a disaster for the Biden administration. It shows that what they're trying, their policies are not working at all, the aggression of China continues, said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). Here they're flying over to China, maybe as we speak, to grovel to Beijing. Meanwhile, Beijing is basically giving us the middle finger.

Hawley said its a sign that Congress has misplaced its priorities by supporting Ukraines fight against Russia.

I'm sure well soon be voting on yet another supplemental aid package to Ukraine. Meanwhile, China is literally in our backyard now, Hawley said. I don't know when people on the Hill will wake up to this, but maybe it'll take the fall of Taiwan, which I'm sure will be next.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) demanded swift congressional action against the grave threats posed by a potential Chinese spy base in Cuba. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) should set dates for security briefings and public hearings in the Senate about those dangers, Scott said in a statement.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate for president in 2024, said the news is staggering.

The real threat is now staring us in the face, not just in the Eastern hemisphere, but now in the West. This is a big deal, he continued, and the alarm bells are blaring.

Chinas only official foreign military base is in Djibouti. But Beijing has worked for years to establish a stronger presence in the Western hemisphere.

In March, Gen. Laura Richardson, head of U.S. Southern Command, told the House Armed Services Committee that China was on a relentless march to replace the United States as the preeminent regional power. The country, for example, has a military-run space station in Argentina.

This is a risk we cant ignore, Richardson said at the hearing.

Nahal Toosi, Phelim Kine and Lara Seligman contributed to this report.
This photo taken on July 4, 2022 shows a workshop of the Volkswagen Anhui MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) plant under construction in east China's Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua]



The Yangtze River Delta of China will promote high-level opening up, promote the joint development of the free trade pilot zones, implement the cooperation and joint construction mechanism of the Yangtze River Delta and the Belt and Road, and promote the construction of a world-class airport cluster.

This information was released Tuesday at a news briefing on the achievements of the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta held in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province.

Located at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Yangtze River Delta region encompasses Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui. As one of China's most economically active, open and innovative regions, the Yangtze River Delta is sharpening its appeal to investors worldwide with multiple advantages, including a complete industrial chain, abundant talent and a sound business environment.

In the first four months of this year, 1,667 foreign-funded enterprises were set up in Shanghai, up 45.7 percent year on year, while the actual use of foreign investment reached 9.55 billion U.S. dollars, up 24.2 percent year on year.

During the same period, the actual use of foreign investment in Anhui Province increased by 39.8 percent year on year, which is higher than the national level.

On May 30, Volkswagen inked an investment agreement with Hefei to build a subsidiary with an investment of around 1 billion euros, which will serve as a research and development (R&D), innovation, and procurement center for new energy vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles.

"Headquartered in Hefei, the company with the project name of 100%TechCo will be the biggest Group facility of its kind anywhere in the world. It will combine vehicles and components R&D teams with purchasing while integrating cutting-edge technologies from local suppliers," said Ralf Brandstaetter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, at the signing ceremony.

According to Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen has about 90,000 employees in China, nearly one-third of whom are in the Yangtze River Delta region.

In addition to the favorable business environment, the Yangtze River Delta has provided comprehensive strengths, including integrated industrial chains, innovation elements and abundant talent resources.

During his visit to Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory last week, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk praised Shanghai Gigafactory for its efficiency and quality.

The company has formed a 4-hour circle of suppliers in the Yangtze River Delta region, with components including batteries, automotive chips and automatic driving systems produced in the Yangtze River Delta. The localization rate of the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory's parts has exceeded 95 percent, according to the company.

By 2025, the Yangtze River Delta will gradually eliminate administrative barriers, significantly reduce institutional transaction costs, and improve the international competitiveness of the business environment to the forefront of the world, according to the three-year action plan for building a world-class business environment in the Yangtze River Delta.

In May, Siemens launched its Yangtze River Delta AI lab in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Zhu Xiaoxun, head of Siemens Corporate Technology China, said the Yangtze River Delta region has unique advantages in resource sharing, talent cultivation and aggregated innovation, and is becoming an important engine for the high-quality development of China's economy.

"We look forward to combining our technical expertise in the field of artificial intelligence with local industrial advantages," said Zhu.
China and Xi are making a backup plan in case Putin dies or gets deposed, analyst says

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. MIKHAIL TERESHCHENKO/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images

Xi Jinping may be "contingency planning" in case Putin is deposed, an analyst told Insider.

He appears to be forming closer ties to Putin's deputy, another analyst wrote.

Rumors of a military coup, as well as concerns about Putin's health, are circulating in Russia.

China's President Xi Jinping and Russia's President Vladimir Putin have sought to portray themselves as adamant allies, engaged in a longstanding partnership to roll back the US' global dominance.

But China's president may not be as convinced as he appears that his "no limits" friendship with Putin will endure, amid rumors that the Russian president is suffering from a serious illness, or may be deposed in a coup.

According to one analyst, Xi is likely already seeking to form closer relations with potential successors to the Russian president.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin meets with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 24, 2023. ALEXANDER ASTAFYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images

Anders Aslund, an economist and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said Xi appears to be cultivating closer ties to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

At the April summit where the Chinese president visited Putin in Moscow, Xi held a rare one-on-one meeting with Mistushin, noted Aslund.

Then, in May, China's Prime Minister Li Qiang invited Mishustin to China, where he "received Mishustin at the Great Hall of the People, once again completely beyond the ordinary bounds of Chinese and Russian protocol."

"Why was Mishustin invited and not Putin? This cannot have gone down well with the Russian leader," he writes.

As evidence of Putin's displeasure, he points to Mishustin's absence from subsequent Russian Security Council meetings, of which the prime minister is a permanent member.

"This old-style Kremlinology is perhaps the best evidence we have that China may be looking beyond Putin and seeking to cultivate alternative relationships in Russia."

Mistushin's is not a name that usually comes up in discussions of potential successors to Putin. A former tax official, he has cultivated a reputation as an effective manager. According to Russian independent media organization Meduza, he has played "no part" in implementing Putin's Ukraine war, and does not discuss it.

In the closed world of Russian and Chinese politics, where reliable information on the thinking of its leaders is rare, analysts have long relied on subtle signals and snippets of information to read the underlying power dynamics.

It's a discipline that became known as "Kremlinology" during the Cold War, and is still very much alive today, with Putin's use of a huge table for meetings with top officials the subject of weeks of speculation last year about his state of mind.

The same methods are applied to the secretive world of politics in Beijing.

Reading between the lines, analysts have previously found signs of underlying tensions in Putin and Xi's relationship, such as Xi's refusal to approve a new gas pipeline from Siberia to China, which they say is a power play Xi is using to underscore Russia's new reliance on China.

Ali Wyne, an analyst with the Eurasia Group in Washington, DC, told Insider that given rumors about Putin's health, and potential challenges to Putin's power, it made sense for China to be engaged in "contingency planning."

"Governments regularly engage in contingency planning; that activity does not necessarily indicate strategic preferences," he said.

"Given ongoing rumors about Putin's health and speculation that a Ukrainian defeat of Russia could undermine his rule, many countriesincluding the United States and Chinaare likely envisioning various post-Putin futures and weighing the implications of each for Russia's domestic politics and foreign policy."

However, he cautioned, it's too early to suggest that Xi would prefer to be dealing with a different president in the Kremlin.

"Whether one considers the number of occasions on which Xi and Putin have met, however, the growing intensity of their shared grievances against US influence, and the priority that both have placed on deepening Sino-Russian relations, it seems premature for now to conclude that China seeks different Russian leadership," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
China's Gao Kao is the mother of all exams. Take a look at the 2 most important days of a Chinese high schooler's life.

Students leave after their first exam during the first day of the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), known as "gaokao", in Nanjing, in China's eastern Jiangsu province on June 7, 2023. STR/AFP via Getty Images

China's Gao Kao kicked off on Wednesday, and is expected to last in most cities until Thursday.

The exams are so important that the police often show up in force to maintain order and escort students.

China's 2023 Gao Kao cohort is its biggest yet, with 12.9 million test-takers.

China's massive Gao Kao tests began Wednesday, with millions of high schoolers participating in the nation's college entrance exams.

For any Chinese student hoping to get into college, this is make-or-break. Imagine the SAT, ACT, and all of your AP tests rolled into two days. That's Gao Kao, or "higher education exam."

The marks from all of a student's exams are combined into a single score that defines what colleges they can get into. If they don't hit a college's standard, there's almost no chance of attending that school.

The pressure can be immense, and the entire country knows it. Families put their lives on hold for two days to make sure every condition is just right for their kid. Cities expect residents to keep it down so the students can concentrate. In some towns, police appear in droves to escort test-takers.

Here's what went down this year during the annual Gao Kao  the biggest two days of every Chinese high schooler's life.

Students are tested on Chinese, mathematics, one foreign language of their choosing, and additional subjects in the sciences or arts, depending on which stream they pick.

Chen Bin/VCG via Getty Images

On the day of the exam, some authorities arrange for traffic police  like the ones here in Qingdao  to escort students who come by the busload.

Traffic police escort students to exam sites in Qingdao. Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Yes, literal busloads.

CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

The 2023 Gao Kao cohort is China's biggest yet, with 12.9 million participants.

STR/AFP via Getty Images

Anxious parents often swarm test venues, like this crowd waiting for their kids to finish the Gao Kao in Nanjing.

CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

This father in Neijiang, Sichuan, is writing his child's name on a well-wishing and blessing board for the Gao Kao.

Tang Mingrun/VCG via Getty Images

Of course, teachers are often present to encourage their students, like this man in Huzhou.

Tan Yunfeng/VCG via Getty Images

The tests are so important that police are often sent to maintain order at exam venues, such as this spot in Hebei.

Traffic policemen maintain order outside an exam venue in Hebei. Chen Xiaodong/VCG via Getty Images

Armed police were stationed outside this exam site in Qingdao.

CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

One student with an ankle injury was even carried to his exam hall by a SWAT officer in Taizhou.

Taizhou Wang Huabin/VCG via Getty Images

Younger students are often asked to cheer on their seniors, like at this ceremony in Xuzhou, where test-takers received paper sunflowers from their schoolmates a day before this year's annual exams.

Hong Xing/VCG via Getty Images

People sometimes volunteer to cheer on students with signs and high-fives, like these adults in Beijing.

WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images

Some cities like Bozhou even organize "volunteer fleets" of cars and police officers to help students with transport.

VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Their job is to make sure students, especially those with accessibility needs, arrive on time.

VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Security can be pretty tight. Some students had to go through metal detector checks even in smaller cities like Lianyungang.

Stringer/Reuters

One school in Tianjin has had security cameras installed since 2017 to prevent any cheating from taking place.

Stringer/Reuters

The exam papers have to be kept secure too. Staff members at this exam center in Beijing are moving the documents in suitcases under the watch of local guards.

Fu Tian/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

And clocks have to be calibrated, down to the last second. Staff at an exam center in Qingdao gathered to do just that.

Tang Zhen/Reuters

The concept of Gao Kao resembles the imperial exams from ancient China, through which anyone could become an official based on their results. This man in Wuhan is dressed up as China's number one scholar  the "zhuangyuan"  giving blessings to students.

Getty Images

Students spend almost every waking hour studying in the 100 days before the Gao Kao.

Tan Yunfeng/VCG via Getty Images

100 days before the Gao Kao, schools often hold pep rallies and countdowns in hopes of helping students maintain momentum in their preparations.

VCG/VCG via Getty Images

These students in Henan are taking an oath to do their best for the Gao Kao during a pep rally in 2018.

REUTERS

And this high school in Dongguan held a performance for seniors in the lead-up to the Gao Kao.

Stringer/Reuters

The Gao Kao's pressures can have a grim effect on society. State research has pointed to worrying rates of teen suicide being tied to stress from China's exam-based education system.

Yang Huafeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

Source: China Daily.

Schools often try to help their students cope with fun activities or gifts, like these lucky dumplings being handed out by teachers in Changsha.

Yang Huafeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

Or they might do yoga, like in this school in Anyue, Sichuan.

Yang Kangzhong/VCG via Getty Images

A rite of passage for most Chinese people, the Gao Kao symbolizes the end of a teen's life in high school. It's the culmination of three years of intense studying, and often the crowning achievement of their schooling lives.

Yang Huafeng/China News Service via Getty Images

If they don't get the score they want, a Chinese student can technically take the Gao Kao again, since the exams aren't age-limited. But they'll have to wait another year, and do it all again come next June.

STR/AFP via Getty Images

Read the original article on Insider
Chris Christie is punching back at Donald Trump after the former president responded to his campaign announcement with a juvenile video edit making fun of Mr Christies weight.

The former New Jersey governor appeared on CNN on Wednesday after launching his campaign with a town hall event at St Anselm College a night earlier in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Its so juvenile. He is such a spoiled baby, Mr Christie said.

This is the second time Mr Christie has made a bid for the White House, the first being in 2016 when he lost to former president Donald Trump.

Though Mr Christie lent his support to Mr Trump in 2016 when he dropped out of the race, he has since changed his opinion of the former president and become a vocal critic.

That was evident on Tuesday, as he denounced his former ally as a corrupt narcissist and vowed to draw blood in his quest for the Republican nomination. He did so several times during the town hall event, notably by tearing into the former presidents family for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift, which he said had followed them through the White House and beyond.

Key Points

Chris Christie files paperwork to launch long-shot 2024 bid

Christie tears into Trumps: The grift from this family is breathtaking

Candidate sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

Christies feud with Kushner family explained

Chris Christie: From Trump-ally to challenger

Trump has never faced attacks like this, at least not from someone who knows how to deliver them

21:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted on Wednesday that Chris Christie brings a fascinating dynamic to the 2024 race.

For all of their attributes, neither DeSantis, Scott, Haley or Pence can go after Trump like this, he added in reference to Mr Christie calling Mr Trump a spoiled baby on CNN.

More importantly, Trump has never faced attacks like this (at least not from someone who knows how to deliver them.) Should make the debates must-see-TV. That is, if Trump isnt too afraid to be on stage with Christie, Mr Mulvaney said.

It sounds like they have evidence that he knew he had classified documents'

20:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie appeared on CNN on Wednesday afternoon, commenting on Donald Trumps possible indictment for his handling of classified documents.

Being under indictment is not good for a political candidate. And the fact is, with this one, well see what the evidence turned out to be. But some of the reporting that Ive read leads you to conclude that they have some very substantial evidence about his state of mind. Thats always one of the difficult things when you prosecute one of these cases, he said.

It sounds like they have evidence that he knew he had classified documents, and that he wasnt permitted to show them to people. That undercuts the argument hes made, that everything was declassified, as soon as he walked out the door because he said so, he added, saying that the classified documents that he had, that we now know he had, were things that shouldve never left the White House.

If he, in fact, knew that he had these documents, was looking at them, utilizing them in some way after he left office, and it looks like maybe even two years after he left office, its a big problem, he said.

Christie, like Clinton, says Trump is Putins puppet'

20:00 , Gustaf Kilander

During his recent CNN appearance, Mr Christie employed similar to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 campaign.

The ex-governor said that Mr Trump has been a puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin from the time he was president.

Chris Christie: Trump has "been a puppet of Putin from the time he was president." pic.twitter.com/8A6MRYdAnB  Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 7, 2023

Ms Clinton, a former first lady, senator, and secretary of state, seemingly got under Mr Trumps skin in 2016 during one of their debates.

Mr Trump slammed Ms Clinton saying that Mr Putin had no respect for her or then-President Barack Obama.

Well, thats because hed rather have a puppet as president of the United States, Ms Clinton said.

No puppet. No puppet, a seemingly rattled Mr Trump responded at the time. Youre the puppet. No, youre the puppet.

Christie says he thought he could make Trump a better president: I was wrong'

19:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Christie: I thought as a long-time friend I could make Trump a better candidate and a better president. I was wrong. pic.twitter.com/2WC2RQ7KC2  Acyn (@Acyn) June 7, 2023

Christie to appear at CNN townhall with Anderson Cooper on 12 June

19:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Inbox: Anderson Cooper is hosting a town hall with Chris Christie on CNN next week pic.twitter.com/w5eoW0YUvi  Max Tani (@maxwelltani) June 6, 2023

Christie says only way to beat Trump is by going straight at him and through him'

18:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Anyone who thinks they can win this thing by going around Trump is a fool. You can only win by going straight at him and through him.



Join us: https://t.co/15ZXLOZjYh pic.twitter.com/eftn5JXcdh  Chris Christie (@GovChristie) June 7, 2023

Ethics expert says Christie must explain how he secured Trump pardon for New Jersey Republican

18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

An ethics expert has said that Chris Christie must explain how he secured a pardon for a fellow New Jersey Republican from Mr Trump during his last day in the White House.

While Mr Christie has claimed that he hasnt spoken to Mr Trump since before the January 6, 2021 insurrection  a name backed by Mr Christie was included on a list of 143 pardons from Mr Trump two weeks later.

Attorney George Gilmore, the chair of the Republican Party in Ocean County, New Jersey was included on the list.

In January 2020, he was indicted on federal tax charges. He rejected all allegations of wrongdoing and his lawyer argued that his purchases of collectables stemmed from a hoarding disorder.

After being sentenced to a year and a day behind bars and three years of supervised release, Mr Gilmore still managed to avoid spending any time in prison with the Trump White House lauding his important civic contributions over his career in New Jersey.

Listed as his supporters were Mr Christie and Trump 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien. He previously worked for Mr Christie in New Jersey.

The president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Noah Bookbinder, told The Guardian that I think its a good thing that Christie is calling out Donald Trump on his role in inciting an insurrection and on his undercutting of democracy. For that to be coming from people who were insiders is powerful.

That said, I think Chris Christie needs to answer for his [having been] someone who was close to Trump when Trumps abuses were very much apparent, really from the beginning, and from before Donald Trump became president, and in carrying through to the end of the presidency, he added.

We dont know when Christie made [or supported the pardon] request [for Gilmore]. It certainly may be that all contacts were before January 6, when Christie at least says that he cut off Trump completely. But we just dont know the answer to that, Mr Bookbinder said.

And I think we should, because to the extent that he is saying he was outraged by Trumps anti-democratic abuses and had nothing to do with them, that would not be consistent with continuing to ask for favours that might seem to go around the normal pardon process. And thats something that I think its appropriate for the public to have answers to, he told the paper.

Christie slams Trump on classified files: Return the documents and stop doing this!'

17:30 , Gustaf Kilander

During his Fox News appearance on Thursday, Mr Christie was asked about the investigation into Mr Trumps handling of classified documents and the documents found at the home and office of President Joe Biden.

As Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade attempted to suggest there was a double standard, Mr Christie pushed back.

Mr Kilmeade said that the one thing that looms over are these court cases, the ridiculous one with Alvin Bragg in New York City and now Trump attorneys have been notified that the former president is a target of a criminal investigation over his handling of those classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

We know William Barr thinks this is a strong case. I also see a huge double standard. You got classified documents all over Joe Bidens house, offices ... garage. Do you believe that what Donald Trump has done, from what you know, is criminal? the host asked, according to Mediaite.

The problem with all of this is that its self-inflicted, Mr Christie said. I dont know that the government even knew that Joe Biden had those documents or not.

But they did know Donald Trump did, he added, saying that they requested that Mr Trump voluntarily hand them over for over a year and a quarter, and got them back in dribs and drabs.

If in fact, youre keeping those things knowingly, even after the government has asked for you to bring them back, the excuses about, oh, they were classified, declassified automatically when I left the office. Well, thats just wrong! I mean, I know that as a legal matter, the ex-governor said.

These are all self-inflicted wounds. Return the documents and stop doing this! he added.

Why do you have to be the centre of negative attention all the time? Why do you have to be angry all the time? he asked in reference to Mr Trump.

Mr Christie said Mr Trump would have to carry the weight of his indictments into a general election if he ends up being the GOP nominee. Why do we want to take that risk?

Im not trying to save the party, Christie

17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie was asked if hes trying to save the GOP during his Fox News appearance on Thursday morning.

If the person at the top gets all the credit when things go well, they must also be accountable for what happens when things go badly. And the fact is that Donald Trump, the candidates he picked in these individual states and endorsed all lost. And lost big races, he said in reference to the GOPs lacklustre performance in recent elections.

Im not trying to save the party, the former governor added. What I want the party to get back to doing is what we do best, which is to win and then implement smart, conservative policies for the entire country.

Christie and his fellow Trump-challengers push message of being tired of losing

16:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie appeared on Fox & Friends on Thursday, slamming the political losses for the GOP under the leadership of Mr Trrump.

I believe the Republican Party has been losing now for nearly seven years. After Donald Trumps win in 2016  which I was a large part of  we havent been able to win anything since then, the former governor said.

Lost the House in 2018, lost the Senate and the White House in 2020, those Georgia senate seats in early 2021, and we horribly underperformed in 2022. Lost governorships, lost a senate seat and barely won the House of Representatives when everyone thought we would be at 240 or 250 seats. So were tired of losing! he added.

Its a similar message put forward by other Republicans in the race, such as Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, who are trying to win over Trump voters without, unlike Mr Christie, criticising Mr Trump too harshly.

But it may be a difficult message to send as many Trump voters believe his lies about the 2020 election being fraudulent and that he didnt really lose.

There is one lane to the Republican nomination and hes in front of it'

16:00 , Steve Peoples, AP

Christie may be the most vocal Trump critic in the race, although he hasnt held office in more than five years.

Im going out there to take out Donald Trump, the former New Jersey governor told New Hampshire voters this week. But heres why: I want to win, and I dont want him to win. ... There is one lane to the Republican nomination and hes in front of it.

Christie calls Trump a spoiled baby after ex-president mocks his weight

15:30 , Gustaf Kilander

On Wednesday night, Mr Christie responded to Mr Trumps mockery regarding his weight.

Breaking news... I have struggled with my weight for 20 years. What I havent struggled with is my character. Ill put that up against Donald Trumps any day. If thats the best hes got, then hes lost his fastball, Mr Christie tweeted.

Further slamming the ex-president, the former New Jersey governor wrote: When a spoiled baby misbehaves, you send them to their room, not the White House. At his advanced age, it is time to give up hope that Trump will ever grow up. We need a leader, not a child.

Mr Christie shared footage of his appearance on CNN where he responded to Mr Trump mocking his weight.

When a spoiled baby misbehaves, you send them to their room, not the White House. At his advanced age, it is time to give up hope that Trump will ever grow up. We need a leader, not a child. pic.twitter.com/IayYMRSujI  Chris Christie (@GovChristie) June 7, 2023

The Republican presidential field is largely set. Here are takeaways on where the contest stands.

15:00 , Steve Peoples, AP

After a trio of new announcements this week, the Republican Partys 2024 presidential field is all but set.

A handful of stragglers may jump in later, but as of now there are at least 10 high-profile Republican candidates officially seeking their partys nomination. And with the announcement phase of the primary campaign largely over, several leading Republican contenders will gather in North Carolina this weekend to begin a more aggressive sorting period.

It will be a long road to the GOPs national convention in Milwaukee next summer when Republican delegates across the country gather to finalize their nominee to run against President Joe Biden. Surprises are guaranteed. Fortunes will change. But as of now, every Republican White House hopeful is looking up at former President Donald Trump, who is the undisputed frontrunner in the crowded contest.

Here are some takeaways on where the Republican contest stands:

The Republican presidential field is largely set. Here are takeaways on where the contest stands.

Christie blasted for past comments about Trump as he campaigns on taking down ex-president

14:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Chris Christie is running for the GOP nomination as the anti-Trump candidate. He may want us all to forget the years of fawning praise he heaped on Trump, but we remember. pic.twitter.com/F5rFXmdLBP  The Mehdi Hasan Show (@MehdiHasanShow) June 7, 2023

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

14:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump fired off a nasty buffet video of Chris Christie after the former governor attacked Ivanka Trump at his 2024 campaign launch.

The former president shared a video created by Twitter users @NautPoso and @drefanzor which was crudely edited to make it appear as if the ex-New Jersey governor was starting his campaign at an all-you-can-buffet holding a plate of food.

Mr Trump shared the video not long after taking another shot at Mr Christies weight.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different!

Mr Christe has faced a litany of jokes about his weight in the last few weeks from outlets such as Newsmax and Fox News. Fox host Greg Gutfeld took part in the mockery, as did network anchor John Roberts who said the former governor could drink a lot the milkshake if he wanted to because of his physical stature.

Read more:

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Christie sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

13:00 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination is now a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: Get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

Read more:

Chris Christie targets his former friend Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

Christie has not held a position for years in a radically changed GOP

12:00 , Eric Garcia

Mr Christie has announced another quixotic White House run. As an elected official who left his office in disgrace and who has not held a position for years in a radically changed GOP, Mr Christie is unlikely to win. But most observers see his run as an attempt to stop Mr Trump from winning again.

Republicans are about as likely to receive his message warning about the perils of another Trump presidency as they would be likely to receive the message from Liz Cheney.

Indeed, many other Republican presidential candidates face the very same problem. As McKay Coppins at The Atlantic has noted, former vice president Mike Pence spent years convincing evangelical Christian voters that they could support Mr Trump despite his character shortcomings. Mr Trumps conduct would be immaterial as long as he enacted an agenda they wanted and he would nominate the right judges, which he did when he picked the Supreme Court jurists who helped overturn Roe v Wade. But now Mr Pence finds himself in a bind because personal decency isnt seen as a reason hed be a better option than Mr Trump.

Christie gave Republicans permission to support Donald Trump

11:00 , Eric Garcia

Mr Christie entered the 2016 Republican primary badly bruised from the George Washington Bridge scandal. He left the contest after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary, but not before infamously performing a kamikaze mission on Sen Marco Rubio (R-FL) in one of the debates that made the one-time conservative phenom seem rehearsed and someone who could not deviate from his prepared lines.

In the following days, Mr Christie endorsed Donald Trump, rarely leaving his side at one point was considered to be a potential running-mate or attorney general in a Trump administration, an idea vetoed by Jared Kushner. Nonetheless, Mr Christies endorsement of the future president lent him credibility and gave Republicans something they needed to cast their ballot for the reality television star who had never held public office before  permission.

Christie in 2011: Now is not my time'

10:00 , Eric Garcia

Mr Christie notably passed on running for the nomination to challenge Mr Obama, saying in 2011, Now is not my time.

At the time, the move seemed prudent. In the weeks before the 2012 election, he led the state during Hurricane Sandy and while images of him hugging Mr Obama angered conservatives in the weeks before voters cast their ballots, it led to him winning re-election in 2013 by overwhelming margins.

Revelations that members of Mr Christies team ordered two of the three lanes on the George Washington Bridge to be closed, which caused a massive traffic jam, cratered the governors numbers.

VOICES: Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

09:00 , Eric Garcia

Running for president is as much about timing as anything else. When Barack Obama ran, Ted Kennedy, the patriarch of the Kennedy clan who had a failed White House run under his belt, notably told the would-be president: You dont choose the time. The time chooses you.

The 2012 presidential race was likely Chris Christies time. In 2009, he won the governorship in staunchly Democratic New Jersey and had become a favorite of conservatives for his willingness to combat teachers unions and other Democratic groups in moments that went viral in the right-wing media ecosystem. It was owning the libs before owning the libs was a thing.

Read more:

Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

Don Jr joins father in mocking Christies weight

08:00 , Gustaf Kilander

New Chris Christie for President logo just dropped  pic.twitter.com/v1hc5d51TP  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 7, 2023

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

California Democrat says out of GOP primary field, he prefers retweeting Chris Christie

07:00 , Gustaf Kilander

I dont always retweet GOP Presidential candidates. But when I do, I prefer retweeting Chris Christie. https://t.co/AZTdhVXYWE  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) June 7, 2023

Chris Christie is in the GOP primary to win it all

06:00 , John Bowden

If there was one takeaway from Tuesday nights event, it was this: Chris Christie is in the GOP primary to win it all, and he plans to do so by setting himself apart from his fellows as a bold, unflinching truthteller  ironically, the same reputation that Donald Trump constructed for himself in 2016.

Whether his newfound courage will be enough to convince his potential voters to break away from the man whom the governor admitted tonight to supporting in two presidential elections? Thats another story.

Trump and Rubio respond to Christie launch

05:00 , John Bowden

Despite his insistence on Truth Social that he was not worried about the entrance of his former ally into the race, Donald Trump clearly had Chris Christie on his mind Tuesday evening as he blasted out commentary from his social media platform.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different! Mr Trump wrote.

So too did Marco Rubio, Christies unfortunate victim in 2016, who lamely insisted in his own tweet that the New Jersey governors onstage humiliation of him had not contributed to his downfall.

Any political reporter/commentator claiming Christie ended my campaign in 2016 is lazy or dumb



NH debate sucked because instead of hitting back when attacked like I wanted to, I listened to advice about pivoting & not punching down on a CC who was at 7% & about to drop  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 6, 2023

Joe Biden never beat anybody outside the state of Delaware in 45 years except for one guy  Donald J Trump

04:00 , John Bowden

For the most part, Mr Christie focused on his real advantages as a candidate: The fiery personality that won him both praise and criticism in New Jersey, and a willingness to spar with his opponents at a surgical level. He laid the blame for Joe Bidens 2020 victory at his opponents feet, calling the now-president a weak politician who had gone up against a hopelessly-damaged candidate.

He wouldnt be in office if it wasnt for Trump. Joe Biden never beat anybody outside the state of Delaware in 45 years except for one guy Donald J. Trump...not once, until he ran up against the guy who the American people knew in their heart was full of it, said the ex-governor.

Christie eager to get into a brawl with his opponents

03:00 , John Bowden

Whether Mr Christies fiery comments will translate into votes for his candidacy, rather than just the destruction of his foes, is not yet evident. But what is evident is the eagerness of Mr Christie to get into a brawl with his opponents, a trait so far only shared by Mr Trump himself.

That similarity was picked up on by one questioner, who identified herself as a clinical psychologist concerned about a nation traumatised by constant anger and divisiveness. Mr Christie responded that his brash nature and willingness to throw punches at his opponents was a strength only because it was supposedly paired with a humility and willingness to admit his own mistakes that made him a good leader.

It was at least the outline of an effective campaign, if one light on actual policy. The governor did touch on a few national issues, such as when he expressed his opposition to federal efforts to ban abortion  unless, he conceded, there was real support in Congress for it  as well as when he touched on the issue of Ukraine, and labeled Republican rivals Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis the Neville Chamberlains of the 2024 race for their supposed willingness to give endless concessions to a dictator.

Christie blasts rivals unwilling to slam Trump

02:00 , John Bowden

Mr Christie made clear during his launch that he has little patience for his other rivals, those like Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott, who have thus far played coy with their thoughts regarding the former president and his legacy.

He even torched Trump family members Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump for receiving a $2bn investment from a Saudi firm into one controlled by Mr Kushner just a short time after they left the White House, deriding it as evidence of a corrupt relationship.

The grift from this family is breathtaking. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House, and months later, it turns out, they get $2bn from the Saudis? said Mr Christie.

That makes us a banana republic, he added.

It was comments like that  plus his effortless deconstruction of calls from his rivals to ignore leaders who dont look forward, and their calls for generational change  that outlined Mr Christies strengths as a politician and in-person campaigner.

Trump is a self-consumed, self-serving, mirror hog, Christie says

01:00 , John Bowden

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

He called the man he twice supported for the White House a self-consumed, self-serving, mirror hog, and said that Americans now had four years worth of a record with which to judge the former president.

Chris Christie calls Trump, "A lonely self-consumed, self-serving, mirror hog." pic.twitter.com/utR0rbbsxA  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) June 7, 2023

Chris Christie targets his divisive former friend Donald Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

Thursday 8 June 2023 00:00 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination just got a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Read more:

Chris Christie targets his former friend Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

VIDEO: Chris Christie launches presidential campaign

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Christie argues 2024 is different from 2016

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:30 , Gustaf Kilander

The whole atmosphere is different, Jake. In 2015 and 2016 ... Donald Trump had no record to speak of. There was no way to really make the case against him.



 2024 presidential candidate Chris Christie (R) theorizes why facing Trump in the primaries will be different this time pic.twitter.com/HjBSATXhRI  The Recount (@therecount) June 7, 2023

Christies chances of winning the GOP nomination are slim

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:00 , John Bowden

Matching Mr Trumps energy both onstage and off has turned into a major challenge for Republicans, including both those who seek to end his dominance of the GOP and those who wish to emulate his style for their own gain.

Though Mr Christie is a veteran of the presidential campaign universe, his chances of winning the GOP nomination are slim. He is currently polling around 1 percent in surveys of the Republican field which include him; the vast majority of voters are currently aligned behind Mr Trump and his second-place challenger, Floridas Ron DeSantis.

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:30 , Graeme Massie

A Fox News host has apologised after making a barbed remark about Chris Christies weight and his ability to down a milkshake.

John Roberts mocked the former New Jersey governor as he discussed his entry into the 2024 presidential race on the right-wing channels show America Reports.

Roberts made the comment as he compared the fight for the Republican nomination to two milkshakes, one being drunk by Donald Trump and the other by the remaining candidates.

The other milkshake, which represents the non-Donald Trump part of the Republican Party, has how many straws in it now? And now were gonna have Chris Christies straw in there, and judging by Chris Christies physical stature, he could drink a lot of the milkshake if he wanted to. But youre not affecting the Donald Trump milkshake, he said.

Read more:

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco'

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:00 , John Bowden

Just as recently as March, the ex-governor was laying out what he believed was necessary to stop Mr Trump from attaining the GOP nomination, something many in the partys donor class are hoping to avoid given the presidents performance in 2020 and the woeful showing by the Republican Party in the 2022 midterms.

You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco [Rubio], because thats the only thing thats gonna defeat Donald Trump, he said at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. And that means you have to be fearless, because he will come back, and right at you.

His comments referred to the infamous moment during a February 2016 Republican debate wherein Mr Christie battled a then-surging Senator Marco Rubio onstage  in a series of brutal takedowns, the governor deconstructed his opponents debating approach and eviscerated it, leaving the crowd jeering as the senator attempted to respond.

It was a moment that quickly cemented itself in political debating history, but ultimately proved next to meaningless given that both men would be utterly overwhelmed in the contest by another man on the stage that night: Donald Trump.

And it remains unclear whether that same mastery of the debate stage demonstrated by Mr Christie will serve him well against Mr Trump. In one famous instance from the 2020 contests, Mr Trump bullied his way through an initial debate with now-President Joe Biden, talking over his opponent and ignoring the rules and moderator.

Christie appeared to be in the running for an administration post in Trumps government

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:00 , John Bowden

At one point, Mr Christie appeared to be in the running for an administration post in Mr Trumps government, rumoured to be a top contender for the positions of attorney general or potentially secretary of state. But the former governor has since become a vocal critic of the former president, who faces criminal charges in New York City and the prospect of additional charges at the federal level and in Georgia.

In the days immediately following January 6, he urged his fellow Republicans to impeach the president for whom he had once considered working, on the grounds of inciting an insurrection  a highly serious charge that ended up going further than even the select committee formed to investigate the attack would later recommend in its referral to the Department of Justice.

Chris Christie files paperwork to launch long-shot 2024 bid

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:00 , John Bowden

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has filed paperwork to launch his 2024 presidential bid.

Mr Christie, who faces long odds in the competition for the GOP nomination, is expected to formally kick off his campaign during a town hall in New Hampshire.

Mr Christie plans to focus on the Granite State, an early primary state that he hopes will help give his campaign momentum. Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, leads the increasingly crowded GOP field. But Mr Christie will look to position himself as a more moderate alternative to Mr Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently launched his own GOP presidential bid.

Read more:

Chris Christie files paperwork to launch long-shot 2024 bid

The grift from this family is breathtaking

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Calling Mr Trump a self-serving mirror hog during his 2024 campaign launch, Mr Christie went on to say that the grift from this family is breathtaking.

Christie hits Jared and Ivanka: the grift from this family is breathtaking pic.twitter.com/LkOriXZgN2  Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) June 7, 2023

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House and months later get $2bn from the Saudis. $2bn from the Saudis, he added. You think its because hes some kind of investing genius? Or do you think its because he was sitting next to the President of the United States for four years doing favours for the Saudis?

The investment fund of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman entered a deal with Mr Kushners Affinity Partners six months after Mr Kushner left the White House, prompting ethics concerns, according to The New York Times.

Thats your money, Mr Christie told the audience in New Hampshire. Thats your money he stole and gave it to his family. You know what that makes us? A banana republic. Thats what it makes us.

Christies feud with Kushner family

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Trumps meme-sharing comes after Mr Christie went after Ms Trump and Mr Kushner.

The Kushner family has been in a decades-long feud with Mr Christie. When he was serving as a US Attorney in New Jersey in 2004, Mr Christie prosecuted Mr Kushners father, Charles Kushner, who ended up pleading guilty to 16 counts of assisting in the filing of false tax returns, one count of retaliating against a cooperating witness and one count of making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.

Mr Trump pardoned Charles Kushner in 2020.

From Trump-ally to challenger

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie became the first establishment Republican to endorse Mr Trump after dropping out of the 2016 primary. He was for a time in charge of Mr Trumps presidential transition and was also considered for roles such as vice president and attorney general, ideas which were vetoed by Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.

After being an ally of the president and supporting him in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, Mr Christie has now become one of his harshest critics. Last year, Mr Trump posted an image of Mr Christie at a buffet with the caption Chris Christie at a Roy Rogers at 11 PM in the evening trying to console himself.

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump fired off a nasty buffet video of Chris Christie after the former governor attacked Ivanka Trump at his 2024 campaign launch.

The former president shared a video created by Twitter users @NautPoso and @drefanzor which was crudely edited to make it appear as if the ex-New Jersey governor was starting his campaign at an all-you-can-buffet holding a plate of food.

Mr Trump shared the video not long after taking another shot at Mr Christies weight.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different!

Mr Christe has faced a litany of jokes about his weight in the last few weeks from outlets such as Newsmax and Fox News. Fox host Greg Gutfeld took part in the mockery, as did network anchor John Roberts who said the former governor could drink a lot the milkshake if he wanted to because of his physical stature.

Read more:

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Christie sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:15 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination just got a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: Get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

Read more:

Chris Christie targets his former friend Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

VOICES: Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:15 , John Bowden

Chris Christie is officially running for president. But out of office for several years, and having suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2016 primary, The Independents Eric Garcia asks: Is his time of relevance over?

Read more:

Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

Christie: Trump would give Ukraine to Russia to end war

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:15 , John Bowden

Mr Christie explained on Tuesday what he said was the true meaning behind Donald Trumps boasting of his supposed ability to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, were the latter to be elected president again.

Speaking to voters, he argued: "Let me tell you how he would. He'd give Ukraine to Russia.

Chris Christie slams Trump for claiming he would settle the war in Ukraine in 24 hours:



"Let me tell you how he would. He'd give Ukraine to Russia...He'd call Zelenskyy and say, 'Hey, guess what? Time to raise the Russian flag up on the poll. We're out of here.'" pic.twitter.com/zwRTKnEfSb  Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) June 7, 2023

Trump lashes out at Chris Christie

Wednesday 7 June 2023 11:15 , Joe Sommerlad

As you might have expected, Donald Trump was hardly likely to let Christies attacks on his grifter family unchallenged.

Heres what he had to say in his latest feverish post to Truth Social:

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different!

Christie wins praise from Democrats for Trump attacks

Wednesday 7 June 2023 10:15 , John Bowden

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had at least a few fans on social media Tuesday evening as he laid into Donald Trump: Democrats.

I dont always retweet GOP Presidential candidates. But when I do, I prefer retweeting Chris Christie, wrote Rep Ted Lieu, a California lawmaker.

I dont always retweet GOP Presidential candidates. But when I do, I prefer retweeting Chris Christie. https://t.co/AZTdhVXYWE  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) June 7, 2023

Medhi Hasan, a left-leaning commentator on MSNBC, added: Christies a hypocrite on Trump but, I wont lie, Im still enjoying this. Not sure his audience is, but I am.

Chris Christie fires back at Marco Rubio after town hall

Wednesday 7 June 2023 08:15 , John Bowden

After Senator Marco Rubio complained on Twitter that journalists were labeling Mr Christie responsible for the downfall of his 2016 campaign, the governor was ready with a response.

We didnt bring it up, but we know exactly what we are doing. Donate at http://chrischristie.com to give me a chance to do this to Trump on the debate stage, wrote the ex-governor.

We didnt bring it up, but we know exactly what we are doing.



Donate at https://t.co/sweh6vUZn3 to give me a chance to do this to Trump on the debate stage. https://t.co/wBZcU0f5Pe  Chris Christie (@GovChristie) June 7, 2023

Christie hits Trump for adding to debt  but so did congressional Republicans

Wednesday 7 June 2023 06:15 , John Bowden

One of Chris Christies attacks aimed at Donald Trump Tuesday evening hinged on the issue of the debt, which jumped under the Trump administration in large part due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a major tax cut passed in 2017.

Chris Christie criticizes Donald Trump's record: "He left with the biggest deficit of any president in American history. He said he was going to eliminate the national debt in 8 years. He added $3 trillion to the national debt in 4 years." pic.twitter.com/993gv3boMe  Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) June 7, 2023

The problem? While Mr Trump certainly was the one who signed that bill into law, it was Republicans in Congress  the same ones who he hopes will be his allies during a 2024 run  who voted for it.

Next big Christie event: A CNN town hall

Wednesday 7 June 2023 04:15 , John Bowden

Chris Christie will return for another town hall event next week  this time moderated by CNN, which has hosted both Donald Trump and Nikki Haley for similar events in recent days.

Inbox: Anderson Cooper is hosting a town hall with Chris Christie on CNN next week pic.twitter.com/w5eoW0YUvi  Max Tani (@maxwelltani) June 6, 2023

Christie rips into Trump family

Wednesday 7 June 2023 03:17 , John Bowden

Speaking about Donald Trumps tenure in the White House, Mr Christies most scathing remark of the night was aimed at the entire Trump family as a whole.

"The grift from this family is breathtaking. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House, and months later, it turns out, they get $2 billion from the Saudis? Mr Christie asked.

That makes us a banana republic, he added.

Christie hits Jared and Ivanka: the grift from this family is breathtaking pic.twitter.com/LkOriXZgN2  Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) June 7, 2023

Christie wraps up first 2024 event

Wednesday 7 June 2023 01:54 , John Bowden

Chris Christies first 2024 presidential campaign event has ended, following a whirlwind two hours of remarks and questions with the former New Jersey governor.

Follow all of The Independents live coverage of the 2024 race here, and be sure to join us again later in the week as the contest heats up with more appearances from GOP candidate including Ron DeSantis.

Christie sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

Wednesday 7 June 2023 01:26 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination just got a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: Get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

Read more:

Chris Christie lashes out at Trump familys breathtaking grift  live

A look back on Chris Christies 2016 campaign

Wednesday 7 June 2023 01:00 , John Bowden

As former governor Chris Christie prepares to launch his 2024 presidential campaign in New Hampshire on Tuesday, many are reminded of his first go at the White House in 2015.

America has been a nation that has always controlled events and yet today events control us. Why? Because leadership matters, Mr Christie wrote in a post on his Facebook wall in 2015 . It matters if we want to restore Americas role in the world, find the political will to take on the entrenched special interests that continually stand in the way of fundamental change, reform entitlement spending at every level of government, and ensure that every child, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education.

Here is a look back at Mr Christies campaign for president from The Independent:

Jeb Bush, Sarah Palin, Donald Trump... and now we have another possible candidate for presidential nominee

Trump lashes out on Truth Social

Wednesday 7 June 2023 00:31 , John Bowden

Donald Trump attacked his newest primary rival as Chris Christies town hall campaign launch unfolded Tuesday evening.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about, he wrote on Truth Social.

Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different! Mr Trump added.

Christie attacks Donald Trump, and those who won't

Wednesday 7 June 2023 00:03 , John Bowden

Calling him a man obsessed with the mirror and unwilling to admit his own mistakes, Mr Christie entered into the conclusion of his remarks on Tuesday with a pointed attack aimed at Donald Trump.

Mr Christie also lashed out at Republicans like Ron DeSantis and his other rivals for the 2024 nomination, who he said were afraid to name their enemy as if he was Voldemort from the Harry Potter franchise.

Beware of the leader in this country who has never made a mistake. Who has never done anything wrong. Who when something goes wrong its someone elses fault, said Mr Christie.

Ex-governor references BridgeGate scandal in remarks

Wednesday 7 June 2023 00:00 , John Bowden

Speaking to voters in New Hampshire, Chris Christie made it clear he was not shying away from questions about the BridgeGate scandal that consumed the final months of his tenure in office.

Explaining that he trusted people whom he should not have, the governor explained: It resulted in me being at one point in my career admitting that I was publicly embarrassed and humiliated by the things that had happened on my watch.

Christie: Obama, Biden and Trump made America smaller

Tuesday 6 June 2023 23:43 , John Bowden

Chris Christie lashed out at the past three presidents of the United States in his campaign launch Monday evening, blaming the men for making the United States smaller and dividing Americans into groups.

Barack Obama, he said, divided America. Donald Trump divided the country even further. And Joe Biden ran on bringing the country together, before according to Mr Christie pitting his party against Republicans and painting the GOP with one brush.

Chris Christie takes the stage at campaign launch event

Tuesday 6 June 2023 23:36 , John Bowden

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has just taken the stage at St Anselm college, where he is launching his 2024 campaign for president with a town hall event.

Watch along here:

Chris Christie polling around 1 per cent

Tuesday 6 June 2023 22:30 , Ariana Baio

National polls have former New Jersey governor and recent GOP candidate Chris Christie polling around one per cent.

A Fox News poll from May showed current frontrunner Donald Trump received 53 per cent of support and Ron DeSantis 20 per cent. Mr Christie had about one per cent along with Larry Elder.

Similarly, a CNN poll from late May showed Mr Christie holding one or less than one per cent.

The polling numbers will likely change after Mr Christie formally announces his campaign, though some are not convinced it will be enough for Mr Christie to earn a place in the White House.

Who is running for president in 2024?

Tuesday 6 June 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

As former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie enters the race for president, heres who else has thrown their hat in the ring.

Andrew Feinberg and Ariana Baio report:

Who is running for president in 2024?
Intense wildfires are blazing across Canada with thousands evacuated and smoke blown as far south as the US state of Georgia, creating hazardous air quality for millions.

Canada is projected to see its largest area on record burned by wildfires this year.

The impact is being felt hundreds of miles away, most keenly in Toronto and New York.

"We are now experiencing a new reality," said Canada's Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.

We look at the role a changing climate has in what is happening.

How did the wildfires in Canada start?

The first local state of emergency was declared in Alberta on 4 May, and hundreds of blazes have since broken out across the country, with more than 400 active fires as of 7 June.

Most of the more than 2,000 fires that Canada has seen this year are thought to have been started by humans.

Some, particularly in Quebec, were sparked by lightning strikes.

Dead trees left to stand and poor forestry management have also previously been blamed for causing a serious fire risk.

Experts say the modern practice of trying to totally suppress fires can stop forests creating natural firebreaks that would historically have reduced wildfire spread.

Are the fires caused by climate change?

Each wildfire cannot automatically be linked directly to climate change. The science is complicated and human factors like how we manage land and forests also contribute.

But scientists say that climate change is making weather conditions like heat and drought that lead to wildfires more likely.

A burnt landscape in Alberta, Canada

Robert Scheller, professor of forestry at North Carolina State University, says: "The climate signal is very strong. We are seeing both a larger area burned, and more severe fires."

Spring in Canada has been much warmer and drier than usual, creating a tinder-dry environment for these vast fires.

In Halifax, in the eastern province of Nova Scotia, temperatures last week reached 33C, around 10 degrees higher than normal for the time of year.

Parts of the country, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, have been in drought since 2020.

"The vegetation in the forests is exceptionally dry," says climate scientist Daniel Swain at UCLA, which has meant that a higher fraction of lightning strikes has resulted in forest fires.

Experts link the high temperatures to record-breaking spring heat seen in other parts of the northern hemisphere, including Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria and Siberia.

Last year scientists concluded that high temperatures exacerbated by climate change made drought in the northern hemisphere more likely.

Wildfires also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, those gases that warm our atmosphere.

Emissions from the Canada wildfires in May reached 54.8 million tonnes, which is more than double the past records for that month since estimates began in 2003, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

How long will the smoke and fires last?

A storm system and swirling low-pressure weather has been pushing hazy, smoggy air into parts of Canada and the US, hundreds of miles away from fires.

Those weather conditions may ease in the next few days, meaning the skies could begin to clear, but for areas closer to the fires, the smoke is likely to continue.

The Canadian government says the risk of wildfires is expected to recede in Quebec and Ontario in July, but the potential is expected to expand next month into the Yukon in north-western Canada.

And the heat and dry weather are projected to last throughout the summer, meaning the risk of fire is unlikely to decrease soon.

With climate change, is it going to get progressively worse every year?

Scientists predict wildfires will become more frequent and intense in future because of the combined effects of land use and climate change.

But Prof Scheller says "there will always be year-to-year variation".

While wildfire frequency varies from region to region, the number of acres burned by these conflagrations has risen notably in recent decades in North America.

That trend is expected to continue for decades as climate change worsens, causing higher temperatures and drier conditions, says Prof Scheller.
A video has been shared multiple times on social media in Nigeria with claims that it shows the reopening of a border post between Nigeria and Benin on the orders of President Bola Tinubu. But this is misleading: the video dates back to 2022 when the border post was ordered reopened by Tinubu  s predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Idiroko Border Is Opened Tinubu Starting Well (sic), reads a TikTok post published on June 6, 2023.

The Idiroko border post is in Ogun state in southwest Nigeria, along the border with Benin.

A screenshot showing the misleading post, taken on June 7, 2023

The post has been shared more than 3,900 times and includes a 21-second clip showing security forces opening what looks like a locked gate, while people cheer them on. Idiroko is inscribed on a wall.

The claim appeared elsewhere on TikTok as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

In the comments, some people praised Tinubu for reopening the border, while others warned the footage was old.

A screenshot showing comments on the misleading post, taken on June 7, 2023

The claim that the clip shows the Idiroko border reopening on Tinubus orders is, in fact, misleading.

2022 border reopening

Using keyword searches, AFP Fact Check found the same footage (archived here) published in April 2022  more than a year before Tinubu was sworn in as president in May 2023.

The clip shows security forces reopening the Idiroko border post on the orders of the federal government, then headed by Buhari (archived here).

Nigerias previous administration announced the partial shutting (archived here) of land borders on August 19, 2019.

According to Buhari, this was necessary to address trans-border security challenges including armed banditry, smuggling and proliferation of weapons (archived here).

Four of the land border posts were reopened in December 2020, while another four  including Idiroko  were reopened (archived here) in April 2022.

Bamidele Makinde, the head of the Nigerian Customs Service in Ogun state, was quoted by local newspapers on June 6, 2023 confirming the Idiroko border post was reopened in 2022 (archived here).

He added, however, that some border posts in Ogun state, like Imeko, Ohumbe, Ijofin and Ijoun, remain shut.
(Bloomberg) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may head into an early election despite a public rift in his 24-year-old coalition, given that putting off the vote would be an even more unpalatable prospect.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A stock market at three-decade highs, an economy expanding faster than expected and a rise in poll numbers could lead to Kishida to call a general election in July or the autumn. This is before he needs to decide in late 2023 how to fund increased spending on defense and boosting the birthrate  which may mean unpopular tax hikes.

But a battle over rights to field candidates in Tokyo constituencies prompted Kishidas junior coalition partner Komeito, which has a powerful political machine to turn out voters, to cut off cooperation with the premiers Liberal Democratic Party in the capital.

While Kishida need not go to the polls until 2025, renewing his mandate would help him keep a grip on his party and win reelection as LDP leader in September 2024, giving him more time to pursue his goals of better pay and a more dynamic economy.

The LDP absolutely hates to go into an election on a platform of increasing the burden on the public, said Katsuyuki Yakushiji, a politics professor at Toyo University. So that means they have to hold it by the autumn.

The prime ministers support rate jumped to its highest in nearly a year after he hosted the Group of Seven summit in his hometown of Hiroshima in late May, stirring speculation he could go to the people. His approval remained largely unchanged at 46.7% in a poll carried out by news network JNN on June 3-4, supporting views that an election is coming.

Kishidas LDP looks to be clearing the decks by pushing bills through parliament ahead of the June 21 end of the session and picking candidates for remaining constituencies.

The LDP and Komeito are all but certain to keep their majority in parliament given the relatively low support rates for the opposition. But the friction could led to a few embarrassing losses and embolden parties trying to push out the LDP, which has ruled almost continuously since its founding in 1955.

They still provide 6 million votes, said Tomoaki Iwai, an emeritus professor of political science at Nihon University in Tokyo, said of Komeito. He added this can mean 10,000-20,000 in a constituency, and bring to bear enormous influence on results.

Komeito, locked in an unlikely coalition since 1999 with the right-leaning LDP, gets a seat in the cabinet and uses its position to aid lower-income groups and try to fend off any drastic changes to the countrys pacifist policies.

The dispute came after Japans biggest shake-up of constituency boundaries, reflecting the population drift from the ruling LDPs rural strongholds to urban areas.

Its much more serious than any other time the LDP and Komeito have had trouble cooperating, said Steven Reed, an emeritus professor at Chuo University and author of books on Komeito and Japans elections.

Japans Kishida Unveils Policy Proposal Ahead of Potential Polls

The party that could benefit the most is the right-leaning Nippon Ishin no Kai, which is strong in Osaka and looking to grab seats in the capital. Ishin aims to replace the left-leaning Constitutional Democratic Party as the largest opposition group.

A poll conducted by the Mainichi newspaper May 20-21 found 47% of respondents said Ishin should be the biggest opposition party. About 17% said they supported the group, compared with 9% for the CDP.

If Ishin becomes a convincing opposition force, something Japan has lacked for a decade, it will seek to push LDP policies in a different direction. Ishin prioritizes cost-cutting and avoiding tax hikes. It also favors changing the pacifist Article 9 of the Constitution.

But some analysts say animosity in the ruling coalition is unlikely to overturn ingrained voting patterns among Komeito supporters.

I dont think these voters will say: We are not allowed to vote for the LDP, said Axel Klein, a social sciences professor at the Institute of East Asia Studies at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Who else would they vote for? I think the consequences of this division wont be as severe for the LDP as it might look at the moment.

Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi has said the alliance is strong, even as a poll showed a majority of LDP supporters think it should be dissolved.

Komeitos presence in the coalition government is extremely important, Yamaguchi told reporters after meeting Kishida at his official residence May 30. I dont at present see any other combination or form of government that could take its place.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Columbus-based W.C. Bradley Co. announced Thursday that it has acquired the global consumer goods company Dansons US LLC.

The acquisition adds to W.C. Bradleys portfolio of outdoor consumer products, according to a news release.

Dansons is a family-owned and operated company that is managed by Dan, Jeff and Jordan Thiessen. Its headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was founded in Canada in 1999.

The companys brands include Pit Boss, Louisiana Grills and the gun safe manufacturer Surelock.

Founded in Columbus in 1885, W.C. Bradley began as a cotton-factoring business. The company is privately owned by the Bradley family and now focuses on grills, smokers and outdoor supplies.

The companys brands include Char-Broil, Oklahoma Joes smokers, SABER grills and Lamplight, which manufactures TIKI Brand products.

The agreement brings together iconic brands, and the companies combined innovation will create value for consumers and stakeholders, the news release said.

We are excited to partner with the Dansons team, said James Hillenbrand, CEO of W.C. Bradley Co. This combination is a natural fit of strong cultures, brands and partners.
A former Cook County judge has been accused in an attorney discipline complaint of taking nearly $250,000 from the bank accounts of a 95-year-old man she was tasked with assisting financially and using the funds for her own purposes, including buying cryptocurrency.

Patricia Martin, who stepped down as presiding judge in the child protection division in 2020, is the subject of a fraud complaint filed May 31 by the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, which handles allegations of lawyer misconduct.

Martin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Tribune.

In November 2020, a doctor who held a power of attorney for a 95-year-old friend recommended the man move to an elder care facility and asked Martin, the niece of the mans former spouse, to help the doctor manage the mans financial affairs, according to the complaint. Martin said yes and agreed to use the mans funds only for his own benefit.

About a month later, the man moved into a suburban senior living facility, the complaint said.

On Dec. 26, 2020, Martin, the complaint alleges, holding herself as his power of attorney, closed out two of the mans bank accounts, withdrawing $115,353.45. A few days later, Martin used the funds to purchase $110,000 in cryptocurrency in her own name and exclusive control, the complaint alleges. She never asked permission from the man or the doctor to do so, according to the document.

Between February 2021 and October 2022, Martin used more of the mans money without authority, to make additional cryptocurrency purchases for her own benefit, as well as towards her own personal purposes, the complaint says.

In July 2022, the senior living facility contacted the doctor to let him know that the mans bills had not been paid in about two months, and his account was more than $41,000 in arrears, according to the complaint. About a week later, the facility terminated the mans residency.

The following month, the doctor discovered the closed bank accounts with zero balances, according to the complaint, and hired an attorney to look into Martins handling of the mans finances.

The attorney corresponded for several weeks with Martin without obtaining answers to his questions.

In all, the complaint alleges, Martin took about $246,203.80 of the mans money for her own use.

A panel investigating the matter found merit to file the complaint accusing Martin of fraud for allegedly misappropriating the money she was supposed to be managing for the man. It also accuses her of lying to the man and the doctor about it and failing to cooperate with the investigation.

The case will then be set for a hearing, which could result in discipline such as suspension or disbarment.
Congressman Maxwell Frost will be in Orlando on Thursday to host a town hall focusing on gun violence prevention.

On Thursday, Frost will host a gun violence prevention town hall alongside local leaders, activists, and constituents.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Frost plans to speak directly to the community about gun violence prevention measures happening at the state, local, and federal levels.

Read: Sheriff says he was glad to arrest woman accused of killing AJ Owens, video was the final straw

The Florida congressman will also hear first-hand from Central Floridians concerned about the issue.

Read: Bags of cocaine wash up on Volusia County beaches 3 times in a week

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The Connecticut State Capitol building is seen in Hartford, Conn., Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Connecticut state legislators in 2023, overwhelmingly voted to protect abortion providers from license threats and give more power to local libraries facing book challenges. All but 13 voted this week for the new $51 billion two-year state budget. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Connecticuts Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed protections for abortion providers and gave more power to libraries facing book challenges  and they did it with Republican support.

All but 13 Republicans voted for the $51 billion two-year state budget and a handful even voted for a major gun control bill thats already being challenged in court.

Bucking the partisan rancor seen in other legislatures this year, Connecticut lawmakers on Wednesday night wrapped up what's been one of the most bipartisan legislative sessions in recent memory. And they're crediting old fashioned relationship-building, a willingness for compromise, a healthy budget surplus and a strict adjournment deadline.

 Oregon hasnt met in a month because the senators have just left the building. Think about that, Democratic House Speaker Matthew Ritter said hours before Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont addressed lawmakers in a traditional midnight speech, lauding them for a job well done and for working collaboratively.

Weve talked about it. Weve tried to create a culture in the House whereby people have to learn to compromise, not only with Republicans, but with each other in their caucus," Ritter said. We have insisted on people sitting down, working it out."

Ritter, who acknowledged the state's strict session deadline also forces the part-time Legislature to compromise, took a moment during the final hours Tuesday night to praise his members for their collegiality and commitment to public service during a time of strife and division in the country. He credited them for not mirroring the antics, the disagreements, the non-American way of governing that has taken over our land and instead working together even when they didn't agree.

We sent a message that there's a way to do it and we're going to do it again next year, Ritter said to loud cheers and applause.

Besides Oregon, where hundreds of bills are languishing amid a partisan stalemate, there have been examples of discord this year across the country. Lawmakers have expelled colleagues in Tennessee, and barred a representative from the Montana House floor.

In contrast, Connecticut Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday were still celebrating the strong bipartisan support for the budget finalized Tuesday, though there were some disagreements about spending levels for social nonprofit service agencies and how much to cut taxes.

This was probably the most amenable session," said Republican Eric Berthel, who has represented the most conservative Senate district since 2017. The top Senate Republican on the budget-writing and education committees, Berthel said he feels comfortable defending his vote to his constituents, even though they might criticize him for voting for a budget Democrats supported too.

However, Berthel acknowledges if Connecticut didn't have a robust surplus things might be different.

Republican Rep. David Rutigliano, who helped craft a bipartisan bill this year that fixes Connecticut's recreational marijuana law, something he and other GOP lawmakers opposed in 2021, said he's learned from the top Republican and Democratic House leaders, who are on friendly terms, that relationship-building is key, especially for a minority Republican.

They tell us if you want to get anything done, you have to have a relationship. You can't do a lot of gotcha stuff. You can't be kind of a jerk and you have to talk, he said. Listen, (Democrats) are in charge, we get it. But it's better when we're in the room. Our ideas aren't all bad."

Despite talk of bipartisanship this session, there have been mostly partisan votes, including on election-related matters and guns.

And not every advocate is thrilled with this year's political compromises, especially when it comes to the state budget. Groups working on behalf of low-income workers contend the plan, which was limited by a spending cap, shortchanges residents still financially struggling from the pandemic.

Nonpartisanship has its merits, but when it comes at the expense of real hardworking people, from our perspective, it becomes problematic, said Pastor Rodney Wade, a member of Recovery for All, a coalition of unions, religious groups and other community organizations. He points out how striking group home workers, many of them racial minorities working multiple jobs, picketed outside the state Capitol during the final days of the legislative session seeking a living wage" but he believes the issue did not get the attention it deserved.

If the goal is simply to have a budget, then I believe the state of Connecticut missed the mark, he said.

The desire for bipartisanship has watered down some initiatives, said Sarah Ganong, state director of the left-leaning Connecticut Working Families Party. For example, a proposal to raise the age limit for Medicaid health insurance for immigrant children lacking legal status from 12 to 26 was reduced to 15.

On the surface, maybe that seems like a sort of a bipartisan compromise, she said. But to a 17-year-old that doesnt have health care right now, thats not actually a middle ground. Thats clearly picking a side.

___

This story has been corrected to show that Sen. Eric Berthel is serving his fourth term, not his ninth.
Global investors are reexamining their business layouts amid the economic tension between the United States and China, and will likely bank on more localized strategies for better investment returns in the coming years, industry experts said.

They made the comments after leading US venture capital firm Sequoia Capital announced plans on Tuesday to have its businesses in China and those in Indian and Southeast Asian markets shouldered by two independent companies.

According to a statement to China Daily provided by the VC firm, which is known for its early backing of many leading Chinese internet companies like Alibaba Group Holding, JD and ByteDance, it will brand its Chinese arm as Hongshan, China's equivalent of Sequoia.

Its brand covering Indian and Southeast Asian businesses will be named Peak XV Partners, while the US and European units will remain Sequoia Capital.

The split will be completed by March 31, 2024, said the statement signed by Roelof Botha, a Sequoia managing partner; Neil Shen, head of China; and Shailendra Singh, chief of Indian and Southeast Asian businesses.

In an interview with Forbes, the three executives cited conflict between the funds' respective startup portfolios and brand confusion as factors while acknowledging but attempting to downplay the frostier geopolitical environment.

Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said: "The globalization of investment has been going on for decades. However, due to changing geopolitical situations, especially between the world's two largest economies, leading global investment firms, including VCs and private equity firms, began to rethink their layout to better mitigate potential risks."

Wang said that it is especially the case as some US politicians vowed to restrict US capital from flowing into China. They aim to leverage political power to suppress the latter's rising prowess in technology and other emerging fields.

For instance, Paul Rosen, a senior US Treasury official, said at a recent hearing that outbound investment review will be narrowed, especially in sectors like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

A global investment firm's senior investor, who declined to be named, said his company reexamined the position of the China market last year and part of its staff was relocated from China to other markets earlier this year.

The investment firm is also in touch with limited partners in markets other than the US, such as those in the Middle East, for more possibilities, he said.

In the first quarter, a total of eight foreign currency funds in China closed their deals, which was only 28.6 percent of the same period last year, according to capital market research firm Zero2IPO Research.

"It has been a trend for global investment firms to localize. For instance, no matter if it is Sequoia or IDG Capital, their trading team, investment and management have been quite localized, and this trend will become more obvious in the future," Wang added.
Students who attend for-profit colleges on average have higher student loan debt than those who attend public institutions. FatCamera via Getty Images

For the majority of students, the college where they enroll is often the one from where they will graduate. But not so for the approximately 1 million students who transfer each year from one school to another. Of these 1 million, about 100,000 students transfer from one of the approximately 2,300 for-profit universities that exist in the U.S. Thats a sizable portion of the approximately 777,000 students who attend for-profit colleges.

As researchers who specialize in higher education, we are especially interested in why students leave for-profit universities. These schools have been criticized for deceptive recruiting practices, being overpriced and failing to adequately prepare graduates for well-paying jobs.

In an effort to better understand the reasons behind the transfers, we interviewed 12 students who transferred from a private for-profit to a public university in the fall of 2021. Below are four main themes that emerged from our conversations.

1. Too expensive

Affordability came up repeatedly among the students we interviewed. A quarter said attending a for-profit initially seemed less expensive than a public university option. However, after they enrolled, the costs went up. They initially received a scholarship from the for-profit but did not realize it was only for the first year and nonrenewable. Their experiences are not unusual. Financial aid offers are often vague about the total costs that students are expected to pay.

Half of those we interviewed also shared that despite receiving some institutional scholarships, they had to take out loans to cover the balance. As they watched their debt grow, particularly in cases in which their initial scholarships expired, they realized transferring to a public university would be cheaper.

Their experiences are consistent with national trends that show college students who attend for-profits are more likely to have student loan debt - with higher balances - than people enrolled at other types of schools. A 2019 study found that 74% of full-time students who attended for-profit colleges had outstanding loans, compared to 21% at community college and 47% at fouryear public schools. On an annual basis, forprofit students borrowed about $8,000, compared to the average community college students debt of approximately $4,700 and fouryear public student average of $7,000.

As of the 2020-2021 academic year, the average net cost of attendance at for-profit institutions was $24,600, while it was $14,700 at public institutions.

2. Lack of majors

About half of those we interviewed transferred in part because their original school did not offer their desired major. Some initially chose the for-profit for reasons like convenient location, easy admission process or perceived affordability. Later they realized none of the majors offered were exactly what they wanted. For others, their interests shifted over time.

For-profit universities mainly offer majors that are vocationally oriented and do not cost much to teach, such as business, engineering-related technologies and health professions. Nonprofit institutions tend to have more diverse offerings.

We found that before deciding to transfer, most students asked their academic advisors to help identify alternative majors. Though this may seem like a good idea, the reality is many for-profit universities, in an effort to keep revenue flowing, often direct their employees to find ways to keep students enrolled.

Indeed, several students told us their advisors recommended staying and switching to a different major rather than exploring options at other schools that may better align with their interests. The advisor for one aspiring lawyer initially suggested the for-profits justice studies major. After taking introductory courses, the student realized justice studies was intended for future law enforcement officers, not lawyers. The advisor then placed her in the universitys government program, which was also not a good fit.

The student independently researched the best majors for future lawyers and determined that political science would be the best preparation. Since the for-profit university did not have a political science program, she transferred to a public university.

Students report that lack of majors and limited course offerings were among the reasons they left for-profit colleges. Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images

3. Inflexible schedules

Unlike students at nonprofit and public universities, students at for-profit universities dont get to pick the classes they take. Students are enrolled in courses each term by their academic advisors without much choice over the courses topical focus, the professor wholl teach it or the day and time that the class is taught.

The predetermined structure of for-profit degree programs appeals to some students, such as those with caretaking responsibilities or inflexible work schedules. However, we found the practice also motivated many to transfer. While they valued advisors input, the students we interviewed wanted more transparency, control and freedom over their schedules, instructors and course topics.

4. Questions of quality

Scholars and policymakers have long called the quality of for-profit colleges into question. However, only two students we interviewed mentioned quality as a reason for transferring. They had concerns that instructors were inexperienced and courses were too easy.

The Biden administration recently proposed new rules, referred to as gainful employment regulations, aimed at ensuring degrees lead to positive employment outcomes for graduates. The rules would revoke the ability of schools to offer students federal financial aid if graduates student loan payments exceed 8% of their income or 20% of their discretionary income. The U.S. Department of Education states that the objective is to ensure quality and accountability in postsecondary education.

Heres what students can do

To avoid the potential pitfalls associated with for-profit colleges, we suggest a few options that students can explore prior to enrollment.

They may want to pay special attention to academic program structure, costs and quality. Seeking information from sources unaffiliated with any specific university is a good strategy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook has good information about majors that lead to different jobs. Schools that do not offer the degrees in majors that lead to a students desired career should be avoided.

The College Scorecard, an online tool provided by the Department of Education, lets people search for schools according to majors offered, location and other criteria. With this information, the scorecard provides earnings and student debt data of recent graduates.

Students should also pay close attention to the fine print of financial aid packages. Especially, students should ask explicitly whether scholarship offers are renewable. If the answer is yes, it pays to clearly understand the criteria required in order to maintain eligibility.

If scholarships are not renewable, students should account for this when estimating the overall cost of attending the school over the expected span of time it takes to earn a degree. Our research shows that for-profit institutions may be less affordable in the long run than they initially appear. Conversely, nonprofit institutions that initially seem more expensive than for-profit institutions may be more affordable over the course of a students degree.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters.

It was written by: Molly Ott, Arizona State University and Thomas Zimmerman, Rutgers University.

Read more:



Thomas Zimmerman is affiliated with New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. His position in the office is not a political appointment, and his viewpoints expressed here are not to be taken to represent the positions of the agency.

Molly Ott does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A Miami federal grand jurys decision could have a pivotal impact on the 2024 presidential election and the political future of former President Trump  further proof that Florida could have another historic effect on who becomes our next president.

And historic is not too strong a descriptor.

Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department announced that it has filed federal criminal charges against the former president, indicting him on charges of illegally storing classified documents taken from the White House at his mansion in Palm Beach. Trump broke the news first on his social-media platform. He is due to appear in federal court in Miami on Tuesday.

The seven counts include violating the Espionage Act, making false statements and a conspiracy to obstruct justice, according to two people familiar with the indictment but not authorized to speak about it publicly.

This is the first time ever that a former U.S. president has faced federal charges, and throws into question what his quest  and that of a growing roster of opponents for the Republican nomination  looks like going forward. And it pits against him the administration of a president who will be his rival, should the former president snag the nomination.

Its an extraordinary occurrence, not unexpected given the number of investigations into Trumps business and political behavior  including his dangerous and undemocratic efforts to stay in office after his defeat in 2020  that have yet to conclude.

Trump lashes out

One thing is certain: Trump will flaunt this latest legal snag for all its worth. And the most loyal of his base will not be moved. The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax, Trump posted on Truth Social.

But he spent more than a year trying to block authorities access to the White House documents who public release could endanger our national security, and especially that of U.S. troops. Last August, the FBI put an end to the endless back-and-forth negotiations and staged a raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach.

The list of items the FBI removed included more than two dozen documents marked CONFIDENTIAL and TOP SECRET. There were also 43 folders marked CLASSIFIED that were empty, raising a critical question of what happened to those secret government documents.

Some hoax.

We commend the hard work of the Miami grand jury  the 23 secret members impaneled on March 9. Their decision to indict might not have been an easy one given the former presidents popularity here.

In 2016, despite losing Florida, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won Miami-Dade over Donald Trump by about 30 percentage points. But Trump cut into that margin by more than 20 points in 2020, when Biden led Trump in Miami-Dade by only about seven percentage. Big swing.

Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal revealed that a federal grand jury was quietly meeting in a Miami federal building to determine if Special Counsel Jack Smith should pursue a criminal case against former President Trump for his alleged mishandling of classified documents at his Palm Beach estate.

A grand jury has been meeting for months in Washington to consider the same possibility. The Justice Department has been tight-lipped as to why twin grand juries were impaneled.

Less certain is how Trumps Republican opponents, especially Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will play this latest indictment. Everyone wants to peel some of off Trumps base of voters for the primary, but theres still some reluctance to attempt a direct blow  although former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, it seems, is coming out swinging. And even measured Mike Pence is coming around  I chose the Constitution and I always will, he declared at his campaign kickoff.

DeSantis reaction?

Just before the former president was indicted in New York over hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, DeSantis tried to have it both ways. He called the indictment politically motivated, the work of Soros-funded prosecutor seeking to weaponize his office against a political enemy. But then the governor deadpanned that, I dont know what goes into paying hush money to a porn star to secure silence over some type of alleged affair.

But now, as a candidate, hes taken the gloves off and is unlikely to be as coy.

Leave it to Trump to rack up a list of disgraceful historic firsts. This is the man who encouraged the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol in 2021. This is the man who put his own vice president in mortal danger. This is the man who in December called for the termination of the U.S. Constitution in order to overturn the 2020 election and restore him to the Oval Office.

Such is his disregard for our democracy. He does not love this country. He loves himself.

In recent days, Trump has taken to his own social media network to repeat claims that he has been mistreated by federal investigators. His main defense: No other president has been treated this way.

Hes right. Then again, no other former president has acted like he has.

Editors note: This editorial has been updated to reflect former President Trumps indictment.
FILE PHOTO: Campaign event of former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Manchester

By Karen Freifeld and Jacqueline Thomsen

(Reuters) - U.S. courthouse activity in Miami suggests that federal prosecutors might bring criminal charges against former President Donald Trump in his home state of Florida rather than in Washington.

Special Counsel Jack Smith has convened grand juries in both places to hear evidence in his investigation into whether the former president mishandled classified information after leaving the White House in January 2021.

Taylor Budowich, a former Trump spokesman, said on Wednesday he had appeared before the Miami grand jury. Media outlets have reported seeing prosecutors working on the investigation at the Florida courthouse.

Legal experts have questioned whether the charges at issue would need to be filed in Florida because the alleged crimes took place in Palm Beach at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.

A spokesman for Smiths office declined to comment. A lawyer for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Federal prosecutors have notified Trump's attorneys that he is a target of the investigation, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Experts say the U.S. Justice Department may opt to bring a case in Florida to avoid a drawn-out legal challenge from Trump's team over the proper venue. Under federal law, defendants have a right to be charged where the activity in question took place.

Smith could indict Trump in Florida and charge others in Washington, especially if they are cooperating and have waived the venue issue.

Bringing the case in Florida would deprive Trump's team of the argument that prosecutors were holding the trial on politically hostile terrain. Florida voted for the Republican Trump in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, while Washington is overwhelmingly Democratic.

But the strength of the evidence may override any concerns about the jury pool, said Michael Bromwich, a former federal prosecutor in Washington.

"Smith and his team are assembling a pretty overwhelming case, so even with a less favorable jury pool they probably have a high level of confidence they can prove it to virtually any jury," he said.

The choice of venue may depend on whether Trump is ultimately charged with obstruction of justice, which would point to a Florida prosecution, or a larger conspiracy that includes taking the documents from the White House, said Washington lawyer William Taylor III.

"If they define the conspiracy more broadly, theres no question they can bring it in D.C," he said.

(Additional reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Writing by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Howard Goller)
CPS educators visit EquipmentShare for information to pass along to their students

Devin Gibson, workforce development coordinator for EquipmentShare leads a group of Columbia Public Schools educators on a tour of the corporate headquarters on June 7, 2023, in Columbia, Mo.

A group of Columbia Public Schools teachers, counselors and principals toured EquipmentShare corporate headquarters and learned details of the company they can share with students.

The field trip was part of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Show-Me Careers Educator Experience. It's the second year the project has been in Columbia.

EquipmentShare is a nationwide equipment rental company based in Columbia. It received tax breaks to expand the Columbia headquarters and construction equipment was at work in the property adjacent to the former furniture store where the company now is located.

Employees Rodney Dixon and Riley Burke gave educators an overview of the company before the tours.

"We have snacks and drinks available all day, every day," Burke said. " A chef prepares breakfast and lunch every day.'

"For free?" asked incoming Battle High School Principal Aly Galbreath.

It's all free, Burke said.

Dixon told the company about the technology used on the equipment that allows them to know who is using it and where.

"It's a holistic suite of software," Dixon said.

The tracking is useful, he said.

"Last year we were able to recover $5 million to $8 million in stolen equipment" using the technology, Dixon said.

Some equipment that made its way past the Mexican border the company could do nothing about, he said.

Devin Gibson led one group of educators on a tour. One stop was a large fitness center with free weights, equipment, racquetball courts and a climbing wall.

The snack bar was a popular stop.

"If there's a snack bar, educators will pick it clean," said Hickman High School Principal Mary Grupe.

The conference rooms were named for space missions, including Opportunity, Mariner, Pathfinder and Odyssey.

"What Jabbok hopes is that one day our equipment will be used in space," Gibson said, referring to company co-founder Jabbok Schlacks

The visit was useful, said Will Beerly, social skills improvement teacher at Oakland Middle School.

He learned about the skills the company is looking for in employees, he said.

Possible internships for students is another interest, he said.

"I also learned a little bit about the culture of these companies," Beerly said.

The educators also have visited Veterans United Home Loans, University of Missouri Health Care and the MU Research Reactor.

Other stops will include American Outdoor Brands Moberly Area Community College, QuesTec Mechanical and Emery Sapp & Sons.

The depth of jobs at some businesses is eye-opening, Beerly said.

"MU Health Care, that place operates like a small city," he said. "There's a lot of jobs, not just those in health care."

The project allows educators to create relevant content for classrooms and also provides opportunities for company employees to visit classrooms during the school year about their areas of expertise, said Brian Crouse, vice president of education programs for the Missouri Chamber.

"The overall goal is to bridge the gap between business and industry and education," Crouse said.

Retaining employees is a goal of the program for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said Chad Massman, vice president of workforce development.

"Our biggest goal is to try to retain students to develop our next workforce," Massman said.

It educates students to start looking at careers and begin getting information about local companies while in school, he said.

The educators reconvened with Dixon and Burke after the tours, learning about apprenticeship and internship opportunities and the company's employee substance abuse recovery program.

The educators expressed an interest in student field trips to EquipmentShare, so the students can experience what they did.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Missouri Chamber brings Show-Me Careers Educator Experience to town
Woman looks at her phone

Crypto companies must offer customers a 24-hour "cooling-off period" in sweeping changes to how the digital assets can be marketed in the UK.

New investors will have to wait a full day before they can complete their transaction.

The government estimates up to one out of every 10 of UK adults now owns some form of crypto.

Bosses of companies that fail to comply could face up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

"Refer a friend" adverts will be banned , while others must be "clear, fair and not misleading".

The rules, set to take effect from 8 October, will apply to crypto assets which are transferable and fungible - including digital currencies such as Bitcoin.

This means purchases of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will not be covered by the new advertising rules, aside from a ban on offering them as an incentive for investing in crypto.

'Robust action'

There have been calls for more regulation in the area.

Last month, a committee of MPs said the characteristics of cryptocurrency "more closely resemble gambling than a financial service". And gambling-helpline charity GamCare told BBC News it had, in the previous two years, heard from more than 300 people struggling with investing in cryptocurrency and other forms of online financial markets.

The Financial Conduct Authority is introducing the changes, after the government legislated to give it authority over how the digital assets are promoted.

The rules will apply to all companies marketing crypto in the UK. And the FCA will "take robust action" against those that break the rules, including taking their websites offline.

'High risk'

Consumers and competition executive director Sheldon Mills said its research showed "many regret making a hasty decision".

"It is up to people to decide whether they buy crypto," he said.

"Our rules give people the time and the right risk warnings to make an informed choice.

"Consumers should still be aware that crypto remains largely unregulated and high risk.

"Those who invest should be prepared to lose all their money."

'Appropriate safeguards'

CryptoUK operations director Su Carpenter said the trade body agreed with "the principle" of the cooling-off period,but questioned the duration.

"We would welcome evidence-based findings on the rationale behind this proposal," she said.

"We want to encourage a competitive and equal environment for the crypto-asset industry to continue to grow and innovate safely, whilst operating within appropriate safeguards and offering education and information to all consumers.

"We will be working with our members to respond to the consultation with recommendations to help ensure this outcome."
A representation of the virtual cryptocurrency Bitcoin is seen in this picture illustration - Edgar Su/Illustration/REUTERS

Interpol has warned of a global human trafficking crisis where victims are lured through fake job adverts before being enslaved in online scam centres in Southeast Asia and forced to commit cyber scams on an industrial scale.

In an Orange Notice issued on Wednesday  signalling a serious and imminent threat to public safety  the crime-busting organisation said tens of thousands of people from Asia, Europe, Africa and South America were being trafficked or defrauded via the scheme.

Just about anyone in the world could fall victim to either the human trafficking or the online scams carried out through these criminal hubs. Much stronger international police cooperation is needed, warned Jurgen Stock, Interpols Secretary General.

In January, the Telegraph published an investigation revealing how British citizens were among thousands of crypto investors across the world who have been conned out of their life savings in elaborate cryptocurrency scams operating from prison-like compounds in Asia.

The gangs convince people, often highly educated and digitally savvy, to invest ever-increasing sums into sophisticated but fake cryptocurrency trading platforms. At first, they believe they are making good returns, before their money suddenly disappears.

Hundreds of millions, possibly billions, of dollars are believed to have been stolen.

Law enforcement is complicated by the transnational nature of the crime, with gangs operating across multiple jurisdictions and often out of remote, lawless enclaves in Cambodia, Laos and particularly Myanmar, where a 2021 coup has made international police cooperation even more challenging.

Earlier this week, a Thai state enterprise that was exporting electricity to neighbouring Myanmar cut off power to two border towns with notorious casino complexes that have allegedly been hosting major organised crime operations.

According to Interpol, crime rings are dramatically expanding their operations, and those they seek to traffick, beyond Asia, drawing educated professionals from around the globe through fake job offers for information technology workers or digital sales executives.

Once imprisoned in compounds, victims are subjected to forced labour, as well as beatings, sexual exploitation, torture, rape and even alleged organ harvesting in some cases, the organisation said.

A second set of victims is then targeted by schemes that include investment fraud, romance scams and frauds linked to cryptocurrency investing and online gambling.

Interpol warned that the model was now being replicated in other regions such as West Africa.

Gangs were exploiting people who lost their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic, Isaac Espinoza, a senior Interpol official, told the Straits Times.

These criminal groups are now targeting people who are actually highly qualified, people who have university degrees, who are trained in IT and who are tech-savvy, he said.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Cuba has agreed to allow China to build a spying facility on the island that could allow the Chinese to eavesdrop on electronic communications across the southeastern US, two sources familiar with the intelligence told CNN.

The US learned about the plan in the last several weeks, the first source said, and it is unclear whether China has already begun building the surveillance facility.

The second source familiar with the intelligence says it suggests that a deal has been struck in principle but there hasnt been any movement on building the facility.

It would not be the first time China has attempted to spy on the US electronic communications, known as signals intelligence. A suspected Chinese spy balloon that transited the US in February was capable of gathering signals intelligence and is believed to have transmitted back to Beijing in near-real time, sources told CNN at the time.

In that case, the US took steps to protect sensitive sites and censor intelligence signals before shooting down the balloon. But it is unclear what the US can do to stop the construction of a Chinese spying facility in Cuba.

This report is not accurate, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in a statement on Thursday afternoon. We have had real concerns about Chinas relationship with Cuba, and we have been concerned since day one of the Administration about Chinas activities in our hemisphere and around the world. We are closely monitoring it and taking steps to counter it. We remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home and in the region.

Kirby initially told the Journal on Thursday morning that he cannot speak to this specific report, but that US officials are well aware ofand have spoken many times tothe Peoples Republic of Chinas efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio denied the reports.

At a press conference in Havana on Thursday, he called them totally untrue and slanders.

Slanders like these have been fabricated frequently by US officials, he said, alleging that the reported spy base was being used to legitimize US sanctions on Cuba.

Fallacies promoted with the malicious intention to justify the unprecedented reinforcement of the economic blockade, destabilization and the aggression against Cuba and deceive public opinion in the United States and around the world, de Cossio added.

Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday avoided directly answering a question about reports on alleged plans to open a spy base in Cuba, saying it was not aware of the situation, while accusing the US of spying itself and of spreading rumors.

The United States should reflect on itself and stop interfering in Cubas internal affairs under the banner of freedom, democracy and human rights, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular briefing.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the new intelligence about the facility.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, a Democrat, and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio, a Republican, released a statement expressing concern about the reports.

We are deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people. The United States must respond to Chinas ongoing and brazen attacks on our nations security. We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic. We urge the Biden administration to take steps to prevent this serious threat to our national security and sovereignty, Rubio and Warner said.

The CIA declined to comment. CNN has reached out to the Chinese and Cuban embassies in Washington, DC.

The first source familiar with the intelligence noted that while an eavesdropping base on Cuba would be concerning, China has already established footholds inside the US  namely, secret police stations that the Biden administration has begun to crack down on.

The US also conducts spying missions near China, using reconnaissance aircraft that routinely engage in electronic eavesdropping. One of those US planes was recently intercepted by a Chinese fighter jet, in what the US described as a dangerous and unprofessional maneuver.

But the revelation about the potential Chinese outpost in Cuba comes as US-China relations have reached a low point, following the spy balloon incident and several aggressive maneuvers by Chinese aircraft and ships against US assets in the South China Sea.

The US has been trying to mend the relationship, and dispatched CIA Director Bill Burns to Beijing last month for talks with Chinese officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also expected to visit China in the coming weeks.

But last week, Chinas defense chief refused a meeting request by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and warned the US to stop operating near Chinese waters and airspace.

The best way to prevent this from happening is that military vessels and aircraft not come close to our waters and airspace, Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu said in Singapore last week, referring to recent close calls between Chinese and US planes and ships. Watch out for your own territorial waters and airspace, then there will not be any problems.

The Biden administration has done little to try to improve relations with Cuba and has only resumed limited bilateral conversations on matters like migration. Following rapprochement efforts under the Obama administration, relations plummeted due to the so-called Havana Syndrome illness that impacted US diplomats posted in the Cuban capital and the Trump administrations decision  during the final days of that administration  to re-list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

CNNs Jennifer Hansler, Patrick Oppmann, Alex Marquardt and Beijing bureau contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Pep Guardiola was back in an old haunt and he wanted a picture to mark the occasion. He roped in an old friend. It was in the Allianz Arena in Munich and he had Manchester Citys CEO Ferran Soriano alongside him. Citys run of nine consecutive victories had actually ended but a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich had clinched a 4-1 aggregate triumph. Even for a man who has achieved as much as Guardiola, it was worth getting a memento.

Guardiola had three seasons with Bayern, reaching the Champions League semi-finals in each. He has spent much of his seven years at City arguing that the aristocracy of European football have an inherent advantage in the Champions League, some kind of institutional memory that clicks in. Citys possible route to glory now is paved with the past: Bayern in the last eight, the 14-time winners Real Madrid in the last four, Inter Milan in the final. Whether Helenio Herrera, Sandro Mazzola and Giacinto Facchetti will prove much of an advantage in Istanbul remains to be seen. Study the last 12 years, after all, and Inter, with a solitary previous quarter-final appearance, are the rank outsiders on Saturday.

But perhaps City have always seen themselves as the outsiders who are desperate to be part of the club: the club of European Cup winners. When Guardiola has said he would rather win the Premier League than the Champions League, or that it is harder to  and he has made both claims over the years  it has scarcely rung true. There are many City supporters who would rather get the better of Manchester United than clubs from Milan, Munich or Madrid, but for manager and hierarchy alike, it has felt like the holy grail.

It has been 15 years since Sheikh Mansours takeover, 12 since the modern City made their Champions League bow. There are two pertinent comparisons among suddenly moneyed clubs: Chelsea who  unlike the City of 2008  were already in Europes elite competition when bought and who, after a similar assortment of agonising near-misses, won the Champions League nine years into a new regime; and Paris Saint-Germain, who reached the final the year before City but have otherwise been the wrong sort of role models. The serial French champions have five last-16 exits in the last seven seasons; since signing Lionel Messi, they have not reached the quarter-finals. Their emphasis on superstars, on buying success, has been thoroughly discredited.

City have taken another approach. Indeed, an examination of its pillars  hiring and supporting a world-class manager, having a defined style of play with a clear commitment to teamwork, astute recruitment over several seasons and an environment where footballers improve  would seem the basis of a Champions League-winning campaign; it was for Liverpool in 2019, after all.

And yet recent years have seen other methods prevail, whether mid-season managerial appointments like Roberto Di Matteo, Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel having an immediate impact or Reals innate Realness, their preternatural sense of purpose that Guardiola feared, and amiable man-managers in Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane taking the trophy back to the Bernabeu. City, in contrast, accumulated years of hard-luck stories, near-misses and missteps under Guardiola, a strange combination of the away-goals rule, VAR, cruel late drama and overthinking, a narrative so established the Catalan references it, costing them.

Man City have endured their share of Champions League pain over recent years (EPA)

For City, 12 years of the Champions League divides into three phases and three reigns. There was the underachievement under Roberto Mancini, with two tough group-stage draws and a disappointing campaign followed by a disastrous one; in 2011-12, the Italian alleged Carlos Tevez refused to come off the bench in Munich, but the real nadir was a winless 2012-13; along with fraying relations with his players and employers, Mancinis wretched record in Europe helped seal his fate.

Manuel Pellegrini started the run of 10 successive appearances in the knockout stages. He twice beat Bayern in the group, twice lost to Barcelona in the last 16, when a flurry of City red cards hinted at defensive struggles amid over-attacking tactics and an inability to cope with the best, and once ended up apologising to the people of Sweden after an intemperate criticism of referee Jonas Eriksson. The first time when City drew Barcelona it was in part because of an embarrassing miscalculation by Pellegrini: leading 3-2 at Bayern in the last group game, he took off Sergio Aguero without realising an extra goal would have seen City top the pool and avoid the favourites. Pellegrini later steered City to the previously uncharted waters of the semi-finals in 2016, only to go out with a whimper to Real; after being outclassed by Barcelona, it felt like a sign that an inferiority complex remained.

But at least Pellegrinis three Champions League exits were to La Ligas duopoly. Guardiolas first five were either to Ligue Un sides (Monaco in 2017 and Lyon three years later) or clubs who finished 25, 27 and 19 points below them in the Premier League in the respective seasons (Liverpool in 2018, Tottenham in 2019 and Chelsea in the 2021 final). Indeed, when comparatively unfancied sides overachieved in the Champions League, there was often a common denominator: they eliminated City en route.

Guardiola has been unable to capture the much-coveted Champions League trophy at City just yet (Getty Images)

The City-itis former manager Joe Royle diagnosed in the 1990s  the sense that anything that could go wrong, would, and often in tragicomic circumstances  felt eradicated in the Premier League, but not the Champions League.

There was the infamously disallowed Raheem Sterling winner against Tottenham  as Fernando Llorentes hip-goal, with the suspicion the ball had brushed his hand, instead proved decisive; it also followed an Aguero penalty miss in the first leg. There were the two-goal leads City had and lost, to Monaco and then to Real last season. There was the Rodrygo double in the Bernabeu last term, with two goals in as many minutes.

There was Liverpools destructive blitz of three goals in 19 minutes at Anfield and Guardiolas self-destructive exit in the second leg, sent off for protesting about a Leroy Sane goal that was chalked off. There were more contentious calls: perhaps Moussa Dembele fouled Aymeric Laporte before he put Lyon 2-1 up. There was Kevin de Bruynes fractured nose and eye socket after Antonio Rudigers bloodcurdling challenge in Porto. There were the misses: Sterling against Lyon and against Chelsea, Jack Grealish against Real.

There was the recurring theme of City getting caught on the counter-attack: by Monaco, then Liverpool, then Spurs. There were the ever-present issues of Guardiolas choices backfiring: Laporte at left-back and Ilkay Gundogan off the right wing at Anfield, De Bruyne on the bench away at Tottenham, no defensive midfielder versus Chelsea and, the worst of the lot, three centre-backs in an overly defensive team who faced Lyon.

That was a one-off game and City have lost a lone two-legged tie in four seasons; even then, they were leading after 180 minutes  if not injury time  against Real. But Lyon can assume an almost disproportionate importance. City are unbeaten in 26 home Champions League games, scoring 85 goals; their last defeat was to Lyon. Otherwise, they have turned their groups into processions, topping the pool in their last six seasons. They have often been prolific: sometimes even in ties that brought their elimination.

The 2021 final loss to Chelsea marked a particular low point (Getty)

Arguably, over Guardiolas seven seasons, they have had only had two remotely emphatic exits: to Lyon and Liverpool. Tales of what might have been have abounded. Yet, as rivals could point out, there is a still greater one.

City were given a two-year Champions League ban by Uefa in February 2020, it was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport five months later because many of their alleged breaches of financial fair play were not established or time-barred; they had been previously sanctioned. The competitions anthem has tended to be booed at the Etihad but an essential allegation  that funding from the clubs owners came disguised in inflated sponsorship deals  forms part of the case in the Premier Leagues 115 charges against them.

It is part of the backdrop. For some, theirs would be a tarnished triumph if they beat Inter. For others, it would be the culmination of an epic quest. There have been cases for arguing that City have been the best team in Europe at various points in recent years. They have never had that official status, however. Guardiola noted recently that, in the last three seasons, City have reached two finals and one semi-final; he could have added that they led for 178 minutes of that semi-final against Real. It is an admirable record, rendering them the most consistent side in continental competition in that time, but it will count for little without the ultimate prize.

Now, for the second time, they are 90 minutes away. Now the survivor from their first Champions League game of the 21st century is not Aguero or David Silva but Edin Dzeko, a 37-year-old opponent on Saturday and a throwback to their past. Compared to their last final, they have gone from false nine  in De Bruyne  to genuine No. 9, in Haaland, from the far west of Europe, in Porto, to the brink of Asia, in Istanbul. It is a curiously fitting venue. When Citys greatest team of the 20th century won the title in 1968, the charismatic, quotable assistant manager Malcolm Allison said they would terrify the cowards of Europe. City duly drew Fenerbahce in the first round of the European Cup, and went out. But perhaps, more than half a century later, Allisons bravado will find a form of justification and, finally, City will be champions of Europe.
On Tuesday evening, two guards at a Missouri prison clicked their flashlights off, the room darkening for a split second, and opened a set of dark blue curtains revealing the execution chamber.

The witnesses leaned forward, staring at Michael Tisius, who was lying on a gurney with a white sheet up to his face. His head was turned to the left, towards his spiritual advisor who was seated next to him.

Years of tribulation had led up to this moment.

Tisius was neglected and abused as a child by his family. When he was 19, he met Roy Vance, who convinced him to help him escape from the Randolph County jail. During the course of the plan, Tisius shot and killed two jailers on June 22, 2000. He was convicted at trial and sentenced to death.

That was followed by appeals, reversals and a resentencing hearing. Behind bars, Tisius invested in his artistic abilities, painting murals at the prison and drawing artwork to benefit a domestic violence shelter. And the community in Randolph County continued remembering the two slain deputies, Jason Acton and Leon Egley, during an annual service for fallen officers.

Michael Tisius drew a self-portrait of how he felt as a child. The image was included in his clemency application to Gov. Mike Parson.

In March, the Missouri Supreme Court issued a warrant of execution, set to go into effect at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6.

A flurry of petitions filed by Tisius legal team raised questions about executing someone who was 19 years old at the time of the crime, an illiterate jurors qualifications and Vances role.

Organizations from around the world urged Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to grant clemency. The courts and the governor ultimately denied the requests.

A Star reporter was one of three journalists who witnessed the execution with permission of the Missouri Department of Corrections. What follows is a chronological account of the states execution of Tisius.

The group is led into the warm June air to wonder what is moral, what is just. Parson said the state was delivering justice. Others saw it differently.

Today marks another sad chapter of Americas perverse fascination with state-sanctioned homicide, Tisius legal team said in a statement.

Michael Tisius stands near a mural he created for the Special Needs Unit at a Missouri prison. He was executed Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Attorneys for Tisius, in seeking to stop his execution, had argued that late adolescents between the ages of 18 and 21 should be spared from the death penalty because their brains are not fully developed. They pointed to the abuse Tisius had suffered and to a juror who could not read or write, a requirement by state law to sit on a jury.

They also said Tisius expressed everlasting remorse for his actions. At least five jurors supported commuting Tisius sentence to life without parole.

Several groups including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the American Bar Association and the European Unions delegation to the U.S. supported a stay of execution. Others spoke out in opposition to the use of the death penalty in general.

Missouri is one of four states that has carried out executions this year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

In his last statement, Tisius wrote:

I am holding tightly to my faith. Its all I have left to take with me. I am sorry it had to come to this in this way. I wish I could have made things right while I was still here. I really did try to become a better man. I really tried hard to give as much as I could to as many as I could. I tried to forgive others as I wish to be forgiven. And I pray that God will forgive those who condemn me. Just as He forgave those who condemned Him. I am sorry. And not because I am at the end. But because I truly am sorry.

Eight loved ones of Acton and Egleys attended the execution. None chose to make a statement.
Paul Mosely, a British man living in China

Paul Mosely is desperate to return to Britain with his wife. After a life mostly spent working in Beijing, China, the 70-year-old yearns for Englands green and pleasant land, but the looming threat of inheritance tax is keeping him away.

He says: We would consider it fair enough to succumb to UK taxes on our pensions and investments, as being a price worth paying, but there is no way my wife, upon her eventual demise, will donate 40pc of her assets to the Government for them to waste.

The Telegraph is campaigning to scrap the divisive 40pc death duty. More than 50 MPs including Liz Truss and Nadhim Zahawi have now called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to abolish it.

Mr Mosely, originally from Essex, first went to China in the 1970s as a PhD engineering student, and like many others in the brain drain of the era, he stayed there as his employer at the time paid his living expenses.

Promotions came thick and fast, and Mr Mosely planted roots. By 2003 he was the general manager of a sustainable mining company based in Beijing.

Mr Mosely married locally in the 1980s, and together he and his wife Xiaomo raised a bilingual family while he invested his earnings without the threat of capital gains tax.

Conscious that any money he left after his death would be taxed at 40pc, Mr Mosely, who is still domiciled in the UK, transferred his money to Xiaomo, now 63.

Ms Mosely has invested the funds, making sure to keep them outside the UK.

Paul Mosely and Xiaomo

China has no inheritance tax laws whatsoever. The only taxes that apply after death are to property: a wealth transfer fee that accounts for roughly 10pc of a propertys value. In addition, beneficiaries who sell an inherited house must pay 20pc tax on the income.

Britains basic allowance for inheritance tax has been frozen at 325,000 since 2009. This, combined with a boom in house prices over the past decade, has dragged a rising number of ordinary families into paying the tax.

Among Tory MPs urging the Prime Minsiter to axe inheritance tax here in Britain is Craig Mackinlay, the Conservative MP for South Thanet.

He says: The Treasurys attachment to inheritance tax is looking increasingly out of step with any internationally comparative tax system.

It is a tax on aspiration, a brake on growth and not consistent with Conservative values.

If social democratic Sweden and Communist China can manage without it then so can we. We should be bold enough to scrap it.

Inheritance tax only applies to taxpayers who are domiciled in the UK  and despite living in Beijing for most of his life, Mr Mosely remains domiciled here.

His estate, divided across property, stocks, and shares, will certainly incur a hefty inheritance tax bill.

We have three properties in Beijing, one in England, and one in Portugal, he says.

Ive put as much of it in my wifes name as possible but my worry is that because I am male and older, I will die before she does.

Mr Mosely says Xiaomo will likely move to Britain if she is widowed. He says: By the time she dies, she could have been living in the UK for 15 years, and then shell be subject to inheritance tax.

In the meantime, Mr Mosely says he is miserable. Beijing has lost its appeal now that he is retired  and he wants to live out the rest of his years in Kent, where he and his wife own a house.

I dont see anything wrong with paying income tax on pensions  thats fair dos. But if inheritance tax is going to keep us away then the UK doesnt even get the other tax.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Amid a drizzle on Monday, more than 20 ambassadors and senior diplomats from 19 countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, along with Chinese officials, planted13 osmanthus trees at the International Ecological Forest for Friendship in southwestern China's Guizhou province to mark World Environment Day.

International diplomats plant osmanthus trees at the International Ecological Forest for Friendship in southwestern China's Guizhou province on June 5, 2023. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]

In recent years, Guizhou has embraced a tree-planting tradition as a testament to its commitment to environmental preservation. Since 2015, Guizhou officials at various levels have continued the practice of planting trees on the first working day after the Spring Festival holiday. Over the course of a decade, from 2012 to 2022, approximately 3.58 million hectares of land were reforested throughout the province.

In its unwavering pursuit of environmental initiatives, Guizhou has turned green into gold.

Growing gains

Huawu village, where the trees were planted, once faced ecological challenges from soil erosion and river pollution caused by net pen aquaculture. However, by increasing forest coverage and adhering to the Yangtze River fishing ban, this village near the source of the Wujiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, has embraced a more resilient eco-environment.

Huawu village in southwestern China's Guizhou province. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]



Tapping into the potential of the area's natural beauty, the village has developed into a tourist destination. Its hospitality sector attracts visitors from both near and far, especially during holidays, leading to economic prosperity for the local community.

During the May Day holiday, the village even issued a notice saying that tourist numbers had exceeded its reception capacity and recommended traveling during non-peak times.

The small village is just one of many examples of how Guizhou has turned green into gold. Data shows that the province's green economy accounted for 46% of its GDP in 2022, 9 percentage points higher than 2017.

The gains extend beyond economic terms to include an enhanced awareness of eco-environment protection.

The villagers said that with a deeper understanding of their close connection to the mountains and rivers, they are duty bound to protect them.

International recognition

Guizhou's pristine eco-environment has become a symbol of pride, winning many compliments from visiting diplomats.

During a five-day visit organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under China International Communications Group and Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, participating diplomats learned about Guizhou's ecological efforts, green economic development, rural revitalization, and more.

"People here live in harmony with nature," said Nomsa Daphne Mlotshwa, minister counselor of the Botswana Embassy in China, adding that from a country that is mostly desert, she envisions bilateral collaborations in combating desertification, an area in which "China is doing extremely well."

Ambassador of Colombia to China Sergio Cabrera lauded Guizhou's visionary approach, describing the efforts as "the way for the future."

Fijian Ambassador to China Manasa R. Tagicakibau gives an interview in southwestern China's Guizhou province on June 6, 2023. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]



Fijian Ambassador to China Manasa R. Tagicakibau expressed his admiration for Guizhou's clean air, water and environment, affirming that he would recommend others visit for these reasons. "Lucid water and lush mountains hold true here in Guizhou," he said.

He added that he could see that in terms of eco-environment collaborations with the international community, China is not only talking the talk but also walking the walk.

Tao Pingsheng, an official from the Guizhou provincial government, said that "through the visit to Guizhou, we would like to convey a message that China is willing to shoulder its due responsibility in environmental protection and share experiences with other countries in this regard."

"We look forward to promoting collaborations in advancing ecological progress and developing the green economy and joining hands with other members of the international community to build a better home on Earth," he added.

The Ambassadors Roundtable Dialogue on Ecological Civilization is held in southwestern China's Guizhou province on June 6, 2023. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]



Together in Guizhou, the international diplomats made a joint statement on ecological civilization on June 5, World Environment Day, calling on all countries and regions to work together. They also exchanged insights on eco-environmental matters with Chinese officials at a roundtable discussion on June 6.

The Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2023 will be held from July 8-9 in the province's capital city, according to a press conference on Monday. The ecology-focused national-level forum has been held for 11 sessions since 2019.

"It's very important to fight for the green environment. Anything we do rewards," Cabrera said.
Dallas church seriously damaged in accidental fire ignited by torch, investigators say

A church in southwest Dallas was seriously damaged by a fire that was ignited by workers using a torch on the roof, , Dallas Fire-Rescue officials said in a news release Wednesday.

When firefighters arrived at Dallas Indian Revival Center Church, at Ivanhoe Lane and Pollard Street, at around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, they saw flames and heavy smoke coming from the roof of the two-story building.

They began an offensive fire attack, but the fire spread to the point where it caused significant damage, including a partial roof collapse, according to the news release.

Efforts moved to a defensive posture and a second alarm was dispatched to help mitigate the situation, the fire department said.

Although the church was not in service, there were some contractors on the roof when the fire was reported, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue officials.

The workers were able to make it down safely.

Crews put out the fire at around 7 p.m.

Investigators determined that the fire was accidental and caused by contractors using a torch to ignite combustibles within the roof, fire officials said.
Dallas police seek publics help identifying suspect in shooting that led to crash

Dallas police are asking for the publics help identifying a suspect wanted in the February shooting of vehicle driven by a person who was not involved in a street fight that led to the gunfire.

At about 2:45 p.m. Feb. 25,, police responded to a shooting in the 3600 block of Sunnyvale Street in south Dallas, according to a Wednesday news release.

Two groups of people met at the scene; one including the owner of a stolen Dodge Ram and the other including the people suspected of stealing the vehicle, according to police investigators.

The suspects were meeting with the other group to sell the stolen truck back to the owner, police said.

A fight broke out between the two groups, and as the suspects left the scene in a dark Jeep Cherokee, a man in the other group fired multiple rounds at the Jeep. The gunfire, however, hit a vehicle being driven by a uninvolved person who was passing by  causing the driver to lose control and crash, according to the news release.

The man was not injured by the gunfire and all the suspects left the scene.

The suspected gunman, as seen in video obtained by police, was wearing a black hoodie, blue shorts, and sandals.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Detective Marc Bird at 214-671-3677 or by email at marc.bird@dallaspolice.gov.
Local residents sail on boats at a flooded street during an evacuation from a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached during a Russian military strike in Kherson

By Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian agriculture's losses from the destruction of the Kakhovka dam could be much higher than previously expected because the disaster inflicted "years" of damage to irrigation, Agriculture Minister Mykola Solsky said on Thursday.

Speaking on national television, Solsky said it was obvious that there would be no water in the region's irrigation systems for "years" and that to repair them, the Kakhovka dam would have to be restored.

"It should be understood that the size of the problem is much bigger," Solsky said.

The agriculture ministry said earlier this week that the dam's destruction would flood tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land in southern Ukraine and could turn at least 500,000 hectares of land left without irrigation into "deserts".

It said the disaster would cut off water supply to 31 irrigation systems in the Ukrainian regions of Dnipro, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia and these systems provided irrigation on 584,000 hectares.

Solksy suggested the problem was more complex. He pointed out that farmers earned a profit from crops grown on irrigated parts of their lands, and then used these earnings to fund the cultivation of other parts that were not irrigated.

"There were up to 1 million hectares of non-irrigated land per 500,000 hectares irrigated. If the income from irrigated land stops, it is obvious and predictable that farmers will not be able to produce and the consequences will be not for 0.5 million hectares but for 1 or 1.5 million," Solsky said.

He called the problem with irrigation a "major issue for agriculture in the region in the long term".

According to the ministry's data, the dam's destruction has left 94% of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74% of those in Zaporizhzhia and 30% of those in Dnipro regions without water.

The ministry said on Thursday the country could lose several million tonnes of crops because of flooding.

"Without a source of water supply, it is impossible to grow vegetables. Grain and oilseeds will be grown using an extensive model with low yields," the ministry said in a statement.

Ukraine is a global major grain and oilseeds grower and exporter.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by William Maclean)
Two of Danny Mastersons former lawyers, Tom Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum, have been sanctioned for sharing confidential discovery material with the Church of Scientology to help aid Masterson in his rape trial.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled Wednesday that the former legal team leaked criminal material related to allegations from Mastersons accusers that claim they were being stalked and harassed, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

Mesereau and Appelbaum reportedly shared the materials with attorney Vicki Podberesky, who represented the church in a lawsuit filed by the women.

Podberesky then used the information to file a complaint in the trial, claiming prosecutors were soliciting false testimony to use against Masterson.

The churchs complaint was demonstrably false, Judge Olmedo wrote in court documents.

Prior to Mastersons rape conviction in May, it was revealed that a lawyer for the Church of Scientology had received criminal discovery material in the civil suit, with information including photos and texts sharing the addresses and license plate numbers of the female accusers.

Judge Olmedo said the action flies in the face of both statutory and caselaw authority and said she made numerous statements during contested discovery hearings repeatedly telling the defense that the criminal discovery process would not be used for discovery in civil cases.

Mesereau, a successful Hollywood defense lawyer, also represented Bill Cosby in his criminal proceedings and helped Michael Jackson win an acquittal in 2005.

Masterson is set to receive sentencing on Aug. 4 and faces 30 years to life in prison.
NASA continues to target the end of 2025 for the first Artemis astronaut moon landing, but SpaceX faces a daunting number of test flights with its Super Heavy rocket and Starship lunar lander between now and then, raising concerns the flight "probably" will slip into 2026, a top NASA manager says.

With the Artemis 3 moon landing mission two-and-a-half years away, SpaceX has launched just one integrated Super Heavy/Starship rocket, and that flight self-destructed before reaching space. The company is gearing up for a second test flight, but it's not yet known when that might occur.

An artist's impression of the SpaceX Starship moon lander variant on the lunar surface. / Credit: NASA

"I get a lot of questions, will you make the (moon landing) date? Well, they need to get flying before we can get any kind of assessment," Jim Free, NASA's chief of exploration systems development, told the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Academies during a meeting Wednesday.

"They have a significant number of launches to go," he said. "And that, of course, gives me concern about the December of 2025 date."

NASA's Artemis program is aimed at returning astronauts to the moon with landings near the lunar south pole where deposits of ice might be present in permanently shadowed craters. Along with possibly using ice to produce air, water and rocket propellants, NASA sees Artemis as a critical testing ground before eventual flights to Mars.

The space agency launched its first Artemis mission last year, sending an unpiloted Orion capsule around the moon and back in the maiden flight of the Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket. The Artemis 2 mission, sending three NASA astronauts and a Canadian flier on a similar around-the-moon shakedown flight, is targeted for late next year.

The Artemis 3 mission, tentatively scheduled for launch in December 2025, will carry astronauts to the lunar surface. They will fly to the moon in an Orion capsule launched by an SLS rocket and dock with SpaceX's Human Landing System, or HLS, a variant of the Starship upper stage launched atop the company's Super Heavy booster.

Two astronauts will board the HLS for the flight down to the surface, leaving two fellow astronauts behind in lunar orbit. After a week or so of exploration, the HLS will carry the moonwalkers back to the Orion where they'll rejoin their crewmates for the trip back to Earth.

SpaceX is under contract to NASA to carry out an unpiloted lunar landing test flight to clear the way for the Artemis 3 mission.

But the Starship lander will burn up much of its propellant reaching low-Earth orbit, and multiple Super Heavy/Starship flights will be needed to re-fill its tanks before the spacecraft can head for the moon.

The Super Heavy/Starship blasted off on its maiden flight on April 20. Multiple problems triggered its self-destruct system four minutes after liftoff. / Credit: SpaceX/CBS News

SpaceX has not revealed how many Starship tanker flights might be needed or details about the robotic refueling process to transfer thousands of gallons of ultra-cold liquids from one vehicle to another in low-Earth orbit.

"SpaceX is on contract to do an uncrewed lander," Free said. "One milestone before that is the ship-to-ship cryogenic propellant transfer. We're delaying our CDR (critical design review) until they complete that. And then they have to just get flying. So when you step back and you look at (it), that's a lot of launches to get those missions done."

The Super Heavy/Starship is more than twice as powerful as NASA's SLS, generating 16 million pounds of thrust at liftoff with 33 company-designed Raptor engines burning methane and liquid oxygen. The Starship upper stage is equipped with six Raptors.

The rocket blasted off for the first time on April 20 but quickly ran into problems. A half dozen of the booster's first-stage engines either did not fire or shut down early. The booster and Starship upper stage failed to separate and the vehicle's self-destruct system was triggered well before reaching the threshold of space.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk told reporters later the issues would be resolved and addressed before a second orbital attempt in the next month or so. But it's not known how many flights of the giant rocket will be needed before the landing demonstration mission and then for Artemis 3.

"We just got a schedule update from them last week," Free said. "My expectation is they're going to deliver. ... But the fact is, if they're not flying on the time they said, it's no good if we have a firm-fixed-price contract other than we're not paying more."

He said the schedule between now and the December 2025 target date for Artemis 3 is "really concerning. So, you can think about that slipping probably into '26."

Former GOP House Speaker John Boehner thinks it's time for his party "to move on" from Donald Trump

Biden and Sunak announce new U.S.-U.K. economic partnership

Main suspect in Natalee Holloway disappearance extradited to U.S.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zach Davies throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Zach Davies earned his first victory in more than a year, Corbin Carroll homered and the NL West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Washington Nationals 6-2 on Wednesday night.

The surprising Diamondbacks have won eight of 10, share the National League lead in victories with Atlanta and hold a two-game advantage over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division.

Davies (1-1) had not earned a win since May 13, 2022, going 24 consecutive starts without one. But the 30-year-old right-hander was largely in control against the struggling Nationals, allowing only three runners to get into scoring position over 6 2/3 innings in his third outing since returning from a strained left oblique,

I hope, obviously, to stay healthy for the rest of the year, Davies said. That's always a No. 1 goal. But I want to feel like I'm contributing, too. I was out for seven or so weeks and you really miss baseball and miss competing, especially on a team like this that's fun to be a part of.

Davies struck out eight while allowing five hits and a walk. He closed his night with back-to-back strikeouts of Riley Adams and CJ Abrams. Austin Adams entered and got Alex Call to ground out and strand a runner at first.

Davies earned his third victory since joining the Diamondbacks before last season  two of them at Washington.

It was a very good outing for him in a lot of different ways, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. He kept the lead and just looked strong throughout. ... I've seen guys get on good runs like that after these types of outings.

The Nationals have lost four in a row and seven of nine to fall to a season-high 11 games under .500.

We have to start getting back to having better at-bats, going up there and extending at-bats and trying to beat the starter, Washington manager Dave Martinez said.

Arizona's first two hitters reached against Patrick Corbin (4-6) before Emmanuel Rivera knocked both in with a double. Rivera came around two batters later on Evan Longoria's RBI double.

Despite getting 11 hits against Corbin, the Diamondbacks couldn't muster anything else against the veteran left-hander. Corbin struck out four in six innings. A two-time All-Star with Arizona, Corbin fell to 0-3 with an 11.42 ERA against his former team since signing with Washington after the 2018 season.

Longoria knocked in another run in the seventh on a double off reliever Carl Edwards Jr. Carroll hit a two-run shot off Jordan Weems in the ninth to cap the first four-hit game of his career. The rookie star was 4 for 5 with his 11th homer, two RBIs and 18th stolen base.

Washington scored twice in the third on Luis Garcia's RBI single and Jeimer Candelario's double-play grounder.

TRAINERS ROOM

Diamondbacks: OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (right groin tightness) was out of the lineup for the third consecutive game, but took early batting practice.

Nationals: Washington recalled RHP Cory Abbott and designated RHP Erasmo Ramirez for assignment. Ramirez was 2-3 with a 6.33 ERA in 23 games and took the loss Tuesday against Arizona. ... RHP Andres Machado cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Rochester. Machado was designated for assignment Tuesday.

FOREIGN DIGNITARY

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak participated in the pregame lineup card exchange as part of the Nationals UK-US friendship celebration. Sunaks two-day trip to Washington also includes a meeting Thursday with President Biden at the White House.

UP NEXT

Diamondbacks: RHP Merrill Kelly (7-3, 2.80 ERA), who is 6-0 with a 2.44 ERA over his last seven starts, gets the nod in the finale of the three-game series.

Nationals: RHP Josiah Gray (4-5, 3.09) allowed three runs in five innings while taking a loss May 5 against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
The debt ceiling deal dealt a blow to housing affordability last week when the agreement reached by Republicans and the White House put millions of student borrowers on notice for the $1.6 trillion they collectively owe.

A pandemic-era pause on student loan payments added wiggle room to the budgets of house-hunters and renters alike while prices on both sides of the housing market soared.

But even during the pause, some student debt holders struggled to make mortgage and rent payments.

Now the additional monthly costs could be especially hard on debtors hoping to save up enough for a down payment on their first home and those who used extra income to foot basic necessities and make rent.

People have used the student debt pause to help pay for their rent and mortgage. Theyve been paying for basic necessities: rent, mortgage, food, health care, said Natalia Abrams, president of the nonprofit Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC).

I can only imagine that this is going to severely harm the housing market and the rental market, she added.

After the deal, the advocacy organization Debt Collective asked its social media followers about the changes they would make when payments resume.

The top responses out of the hundreds the nonprofit received included concerns about paying rent, delaying home purchases, moving back in with parents, and even getting a roommate at age 38.

Student loan repayments were originally set to restart 60 days after the Supreme Court decision on President Bidens student debt relief plan or 60 days after June 30, whichever came first.

However, Biden and McCarthy agreed in the debt ceiling deal that student loan repayments will begin 60 days after June 30  without room for a possible extension.

This stipulation in the debt ceiling agreement crushed the hopes of student borrower advocates, who were pushing for the White House to extend the payment pause once again.

Advocates anger with the deal also stems from the Biden administrations admission that if student loans begin again with no debt relief, many borrowers will default on their payments because they cant afford it.

The possibility of student debt relief still remains to be seen with the decision from the Supreme Court on the issue fast approaching.

Rising mortgage costs are squeezing first-time buyers

Student debt is one of the main barriers preventing younger buyers from purchasing their first home, economists told The Hill. Without equity built through previous purchases, these buyers are at a disadvantage in an already pricey and competitive market.

The monthly mortgage payment for homes listed at the median asking price hit a record high at $2,651 with a 6.79 percent mortgage rate, data from real estate brokerage Redfin shows. This is up 15 percent  nearly $350  from the same time last year.

Separate data shows the average rent across the nation is more than $1,700 per month.

Even if affordability improves later this year, younger buyers might still struggle to compete, said Nadia Evangelou, a senior economist at the National Association of Realtors, in an interview with The Hill.

This is partly due to the way the market is stacked against potential buyers with less savings and previous home equity.

First-time home buyers unfortunately cannot compete with existing homeowners because existing homeowners can use this web of gains for a downpayment and they offer cash offers as well, she said.

More than half of student loan borrowers with defaulted loans reported that the debt stops them from affording a home, according to an SDCC report from May.

While estimates vary, student loan borrowers have on average around $35,000 in student loan debt.

During the pandemic, even when student loan payments were paused, borrowers struggled with affording their rent or mortgage payments.

Between 2020 and 2022, the percentage of borrowers who could not afford rent rose sharply, according to a separate SDCC report. In May 2020, 8 percent of borrowers had trouble affording rent or mortgage payments, while in November 2022, 9 percent of borrowers faced hardship affording rent or their mortgage.

A rocky restart to payments

Student loan borrowers are also expected to have a rocky restart to payments.

Student loan servicers have warned they do not have enough staff to handle the customer service demands that will ensure, even as the Biden administration pledged it will do all it can to ensure a smooth transition back to repayment.

Despite possible housing affordability complications for borrowers, overall harm to the housing market might be mitigated by reaching a deal before the ceiling was breached and the U.S. defaulted on its debt for the first time in history.

Younger buyers are already struggling to save up for a down payment, paying a substantial part of their income to quickly rising rent, Zillow Chief Economist Skylar Olsen told The Hill.

Pausing payments helps bring forward the ability to buy for some, and repayments will certainly make it harder for some younger would-be buyers, but its not likely to have a huge impact on housing demand, she continued.

The benefit of avoiding a debt default outweighs this when it comes to housing affordability.

The real estate company projected that high mortgage rates would move even higher after a default, potentially exceeding 8.4 percent by autumn.

We also would have seen about 700,000 home sales wiped out over the next 18 months if there had been a default, Olsen continued.

But even with the deal, market conditions could remain tight amid high demand while younger buyers face ongoing challenges.

Younger buyers will continue to deal with the realities weve seen play out over the last year: Down payment being the biggest obstacle, followed by high monthly payments, and limited options to choose from, Olsen said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A developer seeking to acquire the 101-acre Baxter International headquarters site, annex it into Deerfield and build a massive industrial business park, has pulled its petition after fierce opposition from residents of Deerfield, Riverwoods and some surrounding towns.

The village of Deerfield announced Wednesday evening that Bridge Industrial had withdrawn its application from consideration. A real estate and zoning lawyer retained by residents opposed to the project was set to make a presentation against the proposal at a Deerfield Plan Commission meeting Thursday, which was canceled.

The decision to withdraw the application jump-started celebrations among a group of residents, including some who live directly across from the Baxter site in the large Thorngate subdivision, which would have shared a single stoplight with the business park.

This is the story of a community banding together in a short amount of time, and making a massive difference, Thorngate resident Caron Blitz said. Its an example demonstrating that even if the odds are against you, you can still make a difference and have a good outcome.

People just stepped up with different areas of expertise, we worked together and made it happen, she said.

The fate of the Baxter headquarters site remains up in the air. Baxter could find another buyer, or it could continue to wait to see if Bridge Industrial intends to pitch the Lake County Board on the idea, whether it would take place on a different or similar scale.

In May, an estimated 600 people attended a Plan Commission meeting where a team of Bridge Industrial representatives presented to the commissioners and took questions, while audience members displayed signs urging action against the developers plans.

An April Plan Commission meeting was postponed because so many people showed up that the space was considered too crowded by officials to conduct a public meeting in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

Residents circulated a petition against the proposal that garnered more than 5,000 signatures, put up signs all around Deerfield and Riverwoods and inundated local political officials, including Deerfield Mayor Dan Shapiro and Plan Commission members, with emails and calls relating to the proposal.

Thorngate resident Lisa Rosen worked furiously for weeks to raise awareness about what was being proposed, how residents could speak, up, show up and sign up to support the opposition effort and let village leaders know what constituents opinions are.

Rosen said that Deerfield, should not be known as the truck capital of the world.

The lesson I want my kids to know is you stand up for what you believe in, Rosen said. When you make a stand, others believe and you come together and you can create great things. And I do believe this is a great win, because it was not the right project for the Baxter land.

Rosen added that she hopes people in the area were paying attention to the way Riverwoods and Deerfield residents rose up against the effort to bring a massive industrial development to their doorsteps, after similar developments in Northbrook, Glenview and Waukegan were pushed through successfully and are now in use.

Highland Park-based real estate and zoning attorney David Meek was prepared to make the opposing argument before the Plan Commission Thursday. He worked with a team of consultants and the oppositional groups findings, Meek explained, drastically contrasted with Bridges assessment of traffic congestion, environmental and air quality impacts, among other things.

Meek said that Bridges presentation categorized two buildings as general warehouses, rather than high-cube warehousing or distribution centers, which create a lot of idling trucks, a concern Bridge officials attempted to downplay before the Plan Commission.

Our environmental air quality report would have talked about the increased emissions, and the worse quality of the emissions to come from idling diesel trucks and how that hadnt been in the developers environmental assessment, he said.

Plans for an indoor recreational facility to be leased by the Deerfield Park District were quietly scrapped ahead of the May meeting, in favor of an outdoor, 155,940-square-foot recreational facility. Neither seemed to play well with residents.

Thorngate Homeowners Association President Barbara Raff called the residents victory, a David and Goliath situation.

 (This) was a coming together of a community, unlike weve seen in a long time, in a very positive way, she said. It brought together Deerfield and Riverwoods residents to fight this.

Raff said residents were very fortunate they had the means to pull all this together, from hiring an attorney to printing signs, and spending countless hours calling and communicating with neighbors and other residents about what could be at stake.

There are many communities where these huge, industrial warehouses and truck depots are being put that dont have the ability to do what we did, she said. I firmly believe that there needs to be legislation now at the state level that guides local municipalities on where these are appropriate, and where they are not.

Earlier this week, Deerfield released more than 2,000 pages of emails between village staff and Bridge representatives after receiving public records requests seeking any communications between the village and Bridge. The corresponding communications show that discussions among village staff and Bridge in November which included feedback about the proposal and the Deerfield Mayor Dan Shapiros changing attitudes toward it, as conveyed to Bridge by village staff.

Some residents believe Bridge representatives used tentative feedback from the village about its proposal to boost negotiations with Baxter.

In a Dec. 7 email thread, Assistant Village Manager Andrew Lichterman wrote to Bridge Chicago Region Partner Jonathan Pozerycki that the, Mayor is coming around to the industrial nature of the site and appreciates all of your responsiveness and cooperation regarding Bridges intentions to acquire the site.

Pozerycki wrote to Lichterman earlier that day that he wanted to circle back with the village so that Bridge could provide information to Baxter that would help us with contract timing.

Attempts to reach representatives from Bridge Industrial and Deerfield Mayor Dan Shapiro were unsuccessful.

Meek said Thursdays hearing would have been a strong opportunity to get important factors involving similar industrial business developments on public record and in front of an everyday audience.

There was a missed opportunity to demonstrate to the Chicago metro area, the municipalities and the development community, that we need to develop a better way of evaluating this kind of business or development, he said.

It has very unique attributes, and we were going to point to how in California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, there has been a regional or statewide coordinated effort to figure out how to plan for these, and how to create regulations and performance standards that would help guide better decision making about where these facilities, Meek continued.

He said that if Bridge takes a proposal to the Lake County Board and its Department of Planning, Building and Development next, the community would fight and be fully engaged with that proposal.

Blitz fired off a warning shot to Bridge Industrial, and other like-minded developers, that area residents would challenge any similar plans they take to other governmental entities.

Dont mess with us! Blitz wrote in an email to the News-Sun. Were smart. Were organized. Were united in preserving the beauty of our community.
Top Pentagon officials on Wednesday warned that the rise in state laws affecting those in the LGBTQ community is potentially damaging to the military.

Speaking at a Pride Month event at the Defense Department (DOD), Space Force Chief Operating Officer Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt pointed to the fact that more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level since January.

That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for service members, their families and the readiness of the force as a whole, Burt said.

And Gil Cisneros, the Pentagons undersecretary for personnel and readiness, said LGBTQ+ and other diverse communities are under attack, just because they are different. Hate for hates sake.

Military personnel must stick together and we must be prepared to confront any such challenge directly, added Cisneros, who is also the departments chief diversity and inclusion officer.

GOP-led state legislatures have passed a spate of new laws this past year targeting the LGBTQ community that restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, prohibit the discussion of gender and sexuality in schools and place bans on drag shows.

Republican lawmakers have also harshly criticized Pentagon leaders for personnel policies that promote diversity and inclusion and seek to weed out extremist ideology. Such efforts, GOP lawmakers have said, distract from military readiness and hurt recruiting and retention efforts.

Amid the rebukes, Pentagon leaders late last month enforced a military-wide ban on drag performances, prohibiting them on all installations. The ban stems from a long-standing DOD policy that has not always been applied, but critics say the Pentagon appears to have acquiesced to GOP pressure to cancel such performances on bases and ships.

And earlier Wednesday, Assistant Air Force Secretary for manpower and reserve affairs Alex Wagner said hes worried about being forced to move families from bases due to their LGBTQ children experiencing bullying and harassment in schools.

The ongoing issue is distracting from their mission, thats detracting from our readiness, Wagner said at the Center for a New American Securitys annual National Security Conference.

If service members are thinking and concerned about the experience their kids are having, theyre not going to be focused on their jobs. Theyre not gonna be focused on their mission, Wagner added.

At the Pentagon pride event Wednesday, Defense officials did not mention the newly enforced drag ban, but they did stress that the rapid expansion of anti-LGBTQ policies across the United States is damaging to service members and the force at large.

Burt pointed to how new state laws could upend the process to place potential candidates for jobs in the Space Force in the right roles.

If a good match for a job does not feel safe being themselves and performing at their highest potential at a given location, or if their family could be denied critical health care due to the laws in that state, she said.

Should that be the case, I am compelled to consider a different candidate and perhaps less-qualified, Burt added.

Those barriers are a threat to our readiness, and they have a direct correlation to the resiliency and well-being of our most important operational advantage: our people.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Delaware has a chance to step toward meaningful police reform. We must take it | Editorial

Participants attend the Delaware General Assembly's House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee hearing at Legislative Hall in Dover, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The committee heard two bills focusing on police reform and transparency.

For years now, since the start of our national conversation on social justice and racial equity, we have opined again and again on the need to speed police reforms in Delaware that will hold officers to greater account and compel our public safety community to greater transparency.

Now, as the General Assembly wends toward the end of its session in Dover, a pair of bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives that command our attention.

Together, the pair of bills, HB 205 and HB 206, would:

Require the establishment of local police accountability boards for most Delaware public-safety agencies.

Require the publication of internal investigations into use-of-force and certain other substantiated allegations.

Create the establishment of uniform standards for police agencies across the state and more.

The legislation, which has support from much of the legislative Black Caucus, was introduced June 2.

Rep. Franklin D. Cooke leads a Delaware House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee hearing at Legislative Hall in Dover on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The committee heard two bills focusing on police reform and transparency.

Reporting on the legislation for Delaware Online and The News Journal, staff writers Meredith Newman and Isabel Hughes noted an irksome truth: Delawares laws currently keep police discipline records secret. As weve said before, that is not acceptable.

The latest: The Delaware police reform bills have bipartisan support. Yet advocates feel left out

Earlier: Delaware tries again to make substantive police reform. Is this time different?

The public should have a right to understand how the officers sworn to protect their safety are disciplined  and why. Delawareans should be able to know if the officers in their police departments lied, used excessive force, tampered with evidence or engaged in sexually abusive conduct.

Importantly, House Bill 205, sponsored by House Majority Whip Melissa Minor-Brown, would create a new system for handling police discipline records in Delaware:

If passed, the legislation would require the creation of a detailed narrative whenever police are investigated in these kinds of situations:

The discharge of a department-issued firearm, even if a person is not struck by bullets

A sustained finding of sexual assault

A sustained finding of dishonesty related to the reporting, investigation or prosecution of a crime; or to the reporting or investigation of misconduct by another law enforcement officer; and

A sustained finding of domestic violence

Narratives would have to be written within 30 days of an investigations completion. They would include, according to the bill, complete description of the facts, steps taken to further an investigation, evidence collected, conclusions reached, the names of officers involved for whom misconduct was substantiated, any discipline assigned in connection with the event, and the employment status of disciplined officers.

In addition, as Newman and Hughes reported, prosecutors must provide defense attorneys with all records  including those in a personnel or disciplinary file  related to sustained findings of misconduct.

Participants attend the Delaware General Assembly's House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee hearing at Legislative Hall in Dover, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The committee heard two bills focusing on police reform and transparency.

HB 206, sponsored by Rep. Kendra Johnson, a Bear Democrat, would reform the state Council on Police Training, which would be renamed as the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission, will continue to oversee allegations of officer misconduct and hold hearings for possible disciplinary action. Now, though, decisions on those disciplinary actions would be public. Thats a good move.

Our view: Delaware police will wear body cameras. Great  but the footage must be public

The bill also tinkers with how and who the Commissions members are and, most importantly, requires Delaware police departments to create accountability boards.

The bills took an important step forward on Wednesday, as they were both voted out of the public safety committee with bipartisan support. Some advocates worried the legislation would not go far enough, while others correctly signaled that the legislation is an important step forward. We agree.

We support both bills and encourage members of the General Assembly to see them through to passage.

Its time to turn the page on Delawares horrendous record on transparency when it comes to police disciplinary records.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware police reform: New bills offer important steps forward
This image provided by the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) shows the first generation stars end up as a special type of supernovae, called pair-instability supernovae (PISN). [NAOC/Handout via Xinhua]

An international research team have discovered the oldest known star in the Galactic halo. Their findings indicate that it was born in the gas cloud left by a first generation star with a mass up to 260 times that of our Sun. This discovery has improved mankind's understanding of the first stars and the evolution of the Milky Way and the universe.

The new study led by Chinese astronomers at the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was published online in Nature on Wednesday.

Zhao Gang, leader of the research project, said that the first stars illuminated the universe during the cosmic dawn and put an end to the cosmic "dark ages" that followed the Big Bang. However, the distribution of their mass is one of the great unsolved mysteries of the cosmos.

Numerical simulations of the formation of the first stars estimate that the mass of the first stars could reach up to several hundred solar masses. Among them, the first stars with masses between 140 and 260 solar masses ended up as a special type of supernovae, called pair-instability supernovae (PISN), which would imprint a unique chemical signature in the atmosphere of the next generation of stars, said Zhao.

However, no direct evidence of such type of supernovae had been previously found.

Based on the survey by the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) in China and the follow up observation by the Subaru telescope in Japan, scientists identified a chemically peculiar star, named LAMOST J1010+2358. Its special chemical characteristics are consistent with the theory of PISN. Scientists confirmed that this star was formed in the gas cloud dominated by the yields of a PISN with 260 solar masses.

"Our discovery is the first clear direct evidence of the existence of a PISN from a very massive first generation star in the early universe," said Xing Qianfan, a key member of the study from NAOC.

"This paper presents what is, to my knowledge, the first definitive association of a Galactic halo star with an abundance pattern originating from a PISN," said Timothy Beers, a professor with University of Notre Dame in the United States.

Wang Xiaofeng, a professor with Tsinghua University, said that the next generation stars carry the elemental imprints formed by the evolution and death of the previous generation stars. "It's like we can trace the characteristics of a child's father by examining the child's DNA."

This discovery proves that the mass of the first generation stars can reach up to several hundred solar masses, and will have a profound impact on the research of the origin of elements, star formation in the early universe, and the chemical evolution of galaxies, said Zhao.

"Understanding the properties of the first generation stars is crucial for us to understand the formation of stars, galaxies and large-scale structure of the universe," said Han Zhanwen, an academician of CAS.

"I think that this discovery, with many findings expected to come in the future, might shed light on the still unknown mechanism of very massive black hole formation in the early universe," said Toshitaka Kajino, a professor with the Beihang University.

Witnessing successful collaborations over the years between China's LAMOST and Japan's Subaru telescope, he said "we expect that many more important discoveries will be made by Asian astronomers, and enrich our understanding on when, how and where the atomic nuclei in the world and ourselves were synthesized and played the key roles in the evolution of the universe."
Delhi: The city where it is dangerous to breathe

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world

Images of the Statue of Liberty in New York - obscured by a thick haze of smoke caused by wildfires in neighbouring Canada - have shocked the United States.

But in the Indian capital Delhi, the iconic India Gate hidden behind a thick haze is a reality every winter.

Smoke from farmers burning crop stubble in neighbouring states mixes with pollutants released by fire crackers that are set off by millions of revellers during the Hindu festival of Diwali.

This produces a thick blanket of smog that covers the city.

The air gets dangerously bad, with pollution reaching levels nearly five times what the World Health Organization considers safe. It is the equivalent of smoking packs of cigarettes a day.

You can feel the pollution on your skin, see it on the horizon - as the skyline turns a sickly grey-yellow - and taste it in your throat.

Residents are implored to stay inside, keep the windows and doors closed and wear masks when stepping out.

It is like a scene from a dystopian novel or an apocalyptic film, except that it is real.

Delhi'ites - as the city's residents are called - start complaining of stuffy noses, burning eyes and pounding heads.

Hospitals begin to fill up with wheezing people with breathing difficulties.

Those who can afford it, rush to buy expensive air purifiers. But these are effective only in closed rooms.

The city and its suburbs, that make up India's national capital region, are home to more than 32 million people, the majority of whom have to get out and about.

The poor who reside in the city's slums and shanties, alongside millions of daily wage workers, roadside vendors and traffic policemen who work outdoors, are condemned to breathe the foul air.

Roadside fires that are started to keep warm as temperatures dip and the nights get colder, also contribute to an increase in the pollution levels.

And as the city routinely tops the list of "world's most polluted capitals", Delhi'ites obsessively check apps that provide a reading of the air quality index.

The levels of PM2.5, the lung-damaging tiny particles in the air that can exacerbate a host of health issues like cancer and cardiac problems, and PM10 - slightly larger particles, but still pretty damaging - are of particular interest.

Levels of PM2.5 below 50 are considered "good" and under 100 "satisfactory".

It is summer now, and there have been occasional days of clear blue skies and bouts of unexpected rainfall.

But the PM2.5 levels in Delhi on Thursday are still hovering around 150 on Safar and other Indian government apps.

On some winter days, they rise to 400 or even breach 500 - the maximum the apps can measure.

The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) levels rise to the severe category during winter

Experts say exposure to such high levels of pollution make people more prone to all kinds of infections - they increase the risk of heart attacks and can damage vital organs like the liver and brain.

A study done by US research group Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (Epic), last year found that air pollution in Delhi can shorten lives by almost a decade.

When things get really unbearable, schools and colleges are shut, construction work is halted and trucks that run on diesel are banned from the city.

Other emergency measure include encouraging people to work from home and curbing the use of private cars.

But critics say these measures are like putting a bandage on a gunshot wound.

So, every year, as the air turns murky, judges of the Indian Supreme Court haul state and federal governments into court, asking them what they intend to do about the problem,

Experts say cleaning up the air requires drastic measures - but they are not a priority for the country's leaders.

BBC News India is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe and watch our documentaries, explainers and features.

Read more India stories from the BBC:
Deputies arrest man accused of breaking into cars in his neighborhood

A Gainesville man accused of breaking into cars in his neighborhood was arrested Monday.

While investigating two cars that had been broken into at the same home on Antioch Lane, deputies identified Joseph Phillip Morone, 26, as a suspect.

They arrested him later that morning at his home on Antioch Campground Road.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to their initial investigation, deputies say Morone broke into three additional vehicles in the neighborhood between June 1 and 5.

According to investigators, Morone took cash and gift cards during the crimes with an estimated total of more than $300.

Morone is charged with a total of five felony counts of entering auto.

He is being held at the Hall County Jail on a $28,500 bond.

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
DeSantis or bust: Who is best to take down Trump in 2024?

Donald Trump faces a wide array of 2024 rivals, with each believing their varying styles and strategies can wrest the Republican Party from the former presidents populist grip.

Most obvious are the pugilists: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who regularly call out Trump's character flaws, ideological inconsistencies and electoral losses.

Conversely, sunny-side conservatives  namely Sen. Tim Scott, of South Carolina and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson  make subtle references to the coarseness he has injected into national politics and try to fly above the circus by jabbing more at President Joe Biden and the Democrats.

Then there are the former aides, including former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence, who back some Trump-era policies while sketching out major differences with their old boss on Russia's war with Ukraine and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

"The American people deserve to know that on that day, President Trump also demanded I choose between him and our Constitution," Pence said during his Wednesday presidential campaign announcement in Iowa.

Former President Donald Trump visits with campaign volunteers at the Grimes Community Complex Park on June 1 in Des Moines, Iowa.

"Now, voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution, and I always will."

Other candidates choose to embrace every inch of the Make America Great Again movement, but assert the former president is past his prime.

"Donald Trump went as far as he was going to go," tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who announced his presidential campaign in late February, told USA TODAY in an interview.

"If we want to take the 'America First' agenda to the next level, it's going to require, yes, an outsider, but a new outsider with fresh legs. And I've got fresh legs."

With the Republican field mostly set, what remains foggy is which of these contenders is best positioned to take down the bombastic former president, who has kept a decisive lead in every major poll.

As the primary pivots to town halls, early state stops and upcoming debate stages, the question remains who, if anyone, can beat Trump?

"To be successful, a non-Trump candidate will need to confront him and speak to the concerns of voters who are drawn to Trump but also be easily distinguishable from him on morals, ethics, behavior and comportment," Republican strategist Liz Mair said.

"A successful non-Trump candidate will have to be able to walk and chew gum and not by taking a few steps, stopping to chew, then taking a few more steps, then stopping to chew."

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence arrive in the Rose Garden to speak on COVID-19 testing at the White House in Washington on Sept. 28, 2020.

But unless there is a significant disruption in the coming weeks, Trump supporters remain boastful that his hold on the GOP remains too strong for a single rival to overthrow him.

"Essentially, everything has to go wrong for Donald Trump and everything has to go right for Ron DeSantis or anybody else," Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who endorsed Trump, said in an interview. "And in politics, that's almost impossible. So it's going to be tough. There's no doubt about it. I'm not saying it's impossible. But it's going to be very difficult."

More challengers, the merrier for Trump

Coupled with Pence and Christie coming into the race, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has declared his candidacy, bringing the number of Trump challengers to nearly a dozen.

Today, Americas facing new challenges, and how we respond will define our future. We need a new leader for our changing economy.



As Governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum has cut red tape, balanced the budget, and passed the largest tax cuts in state history - and now he's ready pic.twitter.com/0HK5WRTft2  Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) June 7, 2023

That's a smaller field than in 2016, but the easy take is that Trump still hoards diehard supporters who remain loyal to him no matter who else joins the race. A January survey by NBC News, for instance, found 33% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters said they supporters of Trump more than the GOP itself.

As more candidates enter, Trump's allies see that as a benefit and have teased how it hurts DeSantis while mocking others.

Mike Pences entrance into the race caps off another bad week for Ron DeSantis faltering campaign," Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Make America Great Again Inc., said in a statement Wednesday. "But the question most GOP voters are asking themselves about Pences candidacy is Why?

Conservative critics of Trump, such as former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, feel the same way. He said the widening field will make it harder for any single challenger to stop him.

"The more people in the race, the more it helps Trump," he said to USA TODAY. "I'm not saying we should anoint someone or have a coronation, but people ought to make the right decision that what's good for the party and good for the country is for us to figure out who's got the best shot to take him out."

But others downplay the size of the primary contest, arguing that unlike in 2016 many of the lesser-known candidates will either drop out before the Iowa caucuses or remain in the margins.

"It's not the number who start," Republican pollster Whit Ayres said. "It's the number who stay in."

Trump 2.0 rivals

President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Canal Point, Fla., on March 29, 2019.

What matters more, GOP analysts say, is whether the non-Trump candidates go after each other, as many did seven years ago, rather than focusing their attacks on Trump himself.

That would be bad for someone like DeSantis, who is widely treated by the Trump campaign, its allies and the press as the main rival.

Mair said Florida's governor is in the best position at the moment to defeat Trump because he has a fanbase, albeit smaller, that is equally diehard to Trump. She added how DeSantis also has a record of accomplishment in an executive role that can contrast with Trump on issues that appeal to conservatives.

"If DeSantis hadn't actually decided to run, Trump would have had a much easier path," Mair said.

Joining DeSantis on this front are candidates such as Ramaswamy, who has tailored his campaign as one that is a continuation of the former president's policies but without the "vengeance and grievance" elements, a campaign spokesperson said.

"I'm speaking directly to the 'America First' base... I'm respecting them because in a certain sense, in a very real sense, I'm one of them," Ramaswamy told USA TODAY.

But the question that plagues the multimillionaire entrepreneur and any others looking to mimic Trump is why would a significant portion of the GOP electorate be sold on a replica when the original is in the race?

Attacks on Trump look to intensify as legal troubles rise

Unlike in 2016, Trump is politically weaker despite carrying a significant portion of the GOP.

Polling in the early states shows Trump hovering in the low-to-mid-40s, which shows primary voters want someone other than him.

DeSantis has decided he will fight back, declaring to reporters in Iowa that: "Im gonna counterpunch and Im gonna fight back on it," when asked about Trump and his allies' attacks.

Many believe the biggest threat to Trump in taking the party's nomination next year remains the former president himself and his multiple legal troubles.

Outside of the unprecedented indictment by a New York grand jury for alleged hush money payments to a former adult film actress, GOP voters and candidates will have to decide how to play it if Trump is indicted again  and again  over three investigations involving efforts to overturn his loss to Biden in Georgia, his handling of classified information and his actions leading up to the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021.

Pence, who defied Trump's demands to help overturn the 2020 contest, opened up those wounds directly during his announcement in Iowa. He declared that his former boss was unfit for the presidency due to the attack on the Capitol.

"I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, he said. And anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again."

Christie, who has telegraphed that he plans to attack Trump mercilessly during the primary, said the former president "undermined our democracy" with his repeated false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election and attempts to overturn his loss.

He undermined our democracy because he was angry we didnt reelect him," Christie said.

Other contenders who remain in the single digits, such as Scott, are spending big in Iowa while touting their vision for the country. The South Carolina senator has the infrastructure and donor support to make a credible run, but he has yet to slam Trump by name.

But during a May town hall even in New Hampshire, many believed Scott was alluding to Trump when he said: "The seeds of greatness, not the seeds of grievance, is our future."

Republican strategists say Trump's legal troubles as a sign of his lack of viability in a general election could eventually play out in other campaigns at various degrees from overt to subtle messaging that will weaken the former president and cast him as the least viable opponent against Biden.

"We are in a sea of uncertainty right now," Ayers, the Republican pollster, said.

But for all the speculation, Trump remains firm that the GOP belongs to him and that whoever looks to win the nomination must go through him as well.

"(The) old Republican Party is gone," Trump said during an April donor conference in Nashville, Tennessee. "And it is never coming back."

Reporters Francesca Chambers and David Jackson contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which Republican candidate can defeat Donald Trump in 2024 election?
DeSantis campaign accused of using fake AI images of Trump hugging Fauci in ad

Gov Ron DeSantis campaign has been accused of using fake, AI-generated images of former President Donald Trump hugging ex-White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci in an attack ad.

Mr DeSantis and Mr Trump have been trading barbs for weeks about their respective Covid responses, with Mr Trumps campaign and surrogates arguing that Mr DeSantis initial lockdown measures in Florida were too harsh and Mr DeSantis campaign arguing that Mr Trump was too acquiescent to medical professionals like Dr Fauci in crafting his administrations response.

Now, in the ad shared by the the DeSantis War Room Twitter account, the Florida governors campaign is accused of crossing an ethical line.

Donald Trump became a household name by FIRING countless people *on television*



But when it came to Fauci... pic.twitter.com/7Lxwf75NQm  DeSantis War Room  (@DeSantisWarRoom) June 5, 2023

The adveritsement begins with clips of Mr Trump firing people on his reality television show before pivoting to clips of Mr Trump telling reporters that he would not or could not fire Dr Fauci, who was seen as the symbol of a public health response to the crisis some Republicans disagreed with.

Towards the end of the ad, the screen shows a split with six images of Mr Trump and Dr Fauci  three of which experts believe were generated by artificial intelligence. AFP first reported the presence of the allegedly fake images.

An ad from the Ron DeSantis campaign that purportedly features fake AI images of former President Donald Trump and former NIAID director Anthony Fauci (Twitter/@DeSantisWarRoom)

The three images experts believe are fake are located in the top left, bottom centre, and bottom right of the screen. All of them feature Mr Trump and Dr Fauci embracing and cannot be found elsewhere on the internet, a sign that they may be AI-generated.

There are other signs as well. The Verge noted that the potentially AI-generated images are glossier and have more blurred textures than the other images and show Mr Trump and Dr Fauci in physically improbable poses. The reproduction of the White House press briefing room in one of the images also looks unrealistic.

Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, told the AFP he believed it is highly likely that the images are fake. The Independent has reached out to the DeSantis campaign for comment.

So far, the DeSantis campaign is not exactly denying those allegations. After The Verges story was published, DeSantis aide Christina Pushaw tweeted an image Mr Trump had put out of Mr DeSantis on a rhinoceros and wrote I think this might be an AI-generated image. Who knows?

I think this might be an AI-generated image. Who knows?  pic.twitter.com/QTeT6CvL8u  Christina Pushaw   (@ChristinaPushaw) June 8, 2023

Mr Trump has indeed used AI several times in recent months, including posting a deep fake mocking Mr DeSantis presidential campaign launch.

No campaign has pushed more misleading deepfakes, false photoshops, and outright fabrications than the Trump campaign, Matt Wolking, a spokesperson for the DeSantis-aligned Never Back Down PAC, told The Verge. It is 100% true that Donald Trump empowered and embraced Fauci  he even gave him a presidential commendation.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) presidential campaign used fake, seemingly AI-produced images of former President Donald Trump hugging former COVID adviser Anthony Fauci in a campaign ad on Thursday  a potentially troubling escalation of the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising.

The ad, which dings Trump for not firing Fauci when he was president, includes fake images showing Trump hugging the medical adviser  which AFP and The Verge noted bore the signs of artificial intelligence-generated images, such as strange blurring and nonsensical text beneath the White House logo.

The inaccurate label REAL LIFE TRUMP  a contrast with REALITY TV TRUMP, according to the ad  appeared above the images.

Screengrabs from an ad campaign for Ron DeSantis featured on the DeSantis War Room Twitter account. The images are likely to have been AI-generated.

Screengrabs from an ad campaign for Ron DeSantis featured on the DeSantis War Room Twitter account. The images are likely to have been AI-generated.

Political consultants are bracing for the impact such fakes will have on this campaign season. The American Association of Political Consultants announced last month that it will use a broad standard to review, condemn, and, if necessary, sanction its members for using deep fake ads produced with generative AI technology.

The groups president-elect, Larry Huynh, told HuffPost, AAPC has taken a strong stand against the use of deepfake videos intended to mislead voters. Such ads are a violation of the AAPC ethics policy and are ineligible for the annual AAPC Pollie Awards.

On Thursday, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), a Trump ally, said on Twitter, Smearing Donald Trump with fake AI images is completely unacceptable.

Were in a new era, the senator added.

This isnt the first use of AI fakes this presidential cycle. The Republican National Committee used AI  with the visible disclaimer Built entirely with AI imagery  in an ad imagining a dystopian Biden second term. And Trump used a generated version of DeSantis voice in a video posted to his Truth Social account, placing the Florida governor in a Twitter Spaces conversation with Dick Cheney and Hitler, among others.

But the new ad, which was shared on the official DeSantis War Room Twitter account, appeared to cross a new frontier: The images, mixed in with other real footage and without a disclaimer, had the potential to mislead viewers.

An unnamed source with knowledge of the political operation claimed to Semafor that the video wasnt an ad, but rather, a social media post.

If the Trump team is upset about this, Id ask them why they have been continuously posting fake images and false talking points to smear the governor, the source added.

An unnamed Trump adviser told the outlet, Fake images from a fake campaign for a fake candidate. This stunt had the please clap energy of Ron DeSanctimonious mentor, Jeb Bush.

Related...
DeSantis' campaign apparently used AI-created fake images showing Trump and Fauci hugging and kissing

Images shared in a DeSantis campaign video, three of which appear to be AI-generated. DeSantis War Room/Twitter

DeSantis' campaign shared images of Trump and Fauci hugging in a Twitter video on June 5.

The photos are shared under the banner "Real Life Trump" in the campaign video.

But media forensics experts told AFP that the images were likely created by artificial intelligence.

A video shared by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign appears to feature AI-generated fake images of former President Donald Trump and former White House chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci hugging and kissing.

The images were featured in a video shared by the DeSantis War Room's Twitter account on Monday, which emphasized the relationship between Trump and Fauci.

The clip included real clips of Trump and Fauci, who helped the US develop its COVID-19 response plan.

But in one clip that featured six images of the pair together, three appear to be AI-generated, media forensics experts told AFP.

DeSantis, DeSantis' campaign, and Trump did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Matt Wolking, of the Never Back Down super PAC backing DeSantis' presidential campaign, said in a statement to Insider: "No campaign has pushed more misleading deepfakes, false photoshops, and outright fabrications than the Trump campaign. It is 100% true that Donald Trump empowered and embraced Fauci  he even gave him a presidential commendation."

DeSantis War Room  (@DeSantisWarRoom) June 5, 2023

"It was sneaky to intermix what appears to be authentic photos with fake photos, but these three images are almost certainly AI-generated," Many Ford, a digital forensics expert and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told AFP.

Three photos in the collage  the top center, top right, and bottom left  are real images and can be found in records from Getty Images, the National Institutes of Health, and Reuters.

The three other photos  top left, bottom center, and bottom right  appear to be AI-generated and all show Fauci and Trump hugging. Two of the fake images show Trump kissing Fauci's face.

Insider could not find the origin of those three pictures. A reverse image search on Google couldn't find the source for any of them.

Farid told AFP that it's "highly likely" the photos are AI-generated.

Begun, the AI wars have

With the introduction of commercially viable AI technology, it was only a matter of time before image generators were used in the political arena.

Attack ads function well as a vehicle for misinformation  they are snappy, aim to appeal to their audiences' base instincts by catching their target in some sort of hypocrisy or contradiction, and historically cherry-pick context.

The DeSantis attack ad seems like a counter-punch to similar tactics employed by Trump's campaign.

At the end of May, Trump uploaded a two-minute clip on his Rumble account parodying DeSantis' Twitter Space debacle.

The video uses AI-voice generation to highlight a bumbling DeSantis speaking to the devil and Adolf Hitler in a chaotic "is this thing on," styled public announcement gone wrong.

Read the original article on Business Insider
DeSantis news  latest: Florida governor most popular with rich Republicans as he defends move to fly migrants to California

Florida governor Ron DeSantis appears to be the preferred Republican candidate among right-leaning millionaires, according to the latest CNBC Millionaire Survey, although his arch-rival and front-runner Donald Trump is seemingly also picking up support among wealthy Americans.

The poll shows that 32 per cent of Republicans with qualifying millionaire status currently support Mr DeSantis, a drop from 54 per cent at the end of 2022, while Mr Trump now has the backing of 28 per cent, up from 17 per cent last year.

Meanwhile, the governor has met with sheriffs in Arizona and defended his states recent decision to fly migrants from the US-Mexico border to Sacramento, California, a move widely derided as a cruel political stunt but which he insisted was above board because the west coast state had essentially invited them with its liberal immigration policies.

I think the border should be closed. I dont think we should have any of this, Mr DeSantis said. But if theres a policy to have an open border, then I think the sanctuary jurisdictions should be the ones that have to bear that.

Key Points

Millionaires support Ron DeSantis but Trump support growing, says poll

California investigating whether DeSantis involved in flying asylum-seekers from Texas to Sacramento

Showtime documentary on DeSantiss Guantanamo Bay career mysteriously dropped

Casey DeSantis labelled Walmart Melania over jacket stunt

DeSantis wraps up first early states tour with attack on Biden

Prosecutors ready to ask for Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The Department of Justice is preparing to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict former president Donald Trump for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice as soon as Thursday, adding further weight to the legal baggage facing Mr Trump as he campaigns for his partys nomination in next years presidential election.

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

The use of Section 793, which does not make reference to classified information, is understood to be a strategic decision by prosecutors that has been made to short-circuit Mr Trumps ability to claim that he used his authority as president to declassify documents he removed from the White House and kept at his Palm Beach, Florida property long after his term expired on 20 January 2021.

Prosecutors seeking Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

Trump reacts with fury at news of possible indictment in classified documents case: Ive done NOTHING wrong

09:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his furious reaction to the news that prosecutors are ready to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict him for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice.

The charges may drop as soon as tomorrow, further complicating Mr Trumps 2024 campaign for the White House.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the No Collusion Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX #1, Impeachment HOAX #2, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS. A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!! Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon.

Read more:

Trump says no one has told me Im being indicted in classified documents case

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Former Vice President Mike Pence said he plans to make the expansion of abortion bans a central plank of his 2024 campaign as he launched his bid for the GOP nomination on Wednesday.

The white-haired conservative Republican spoke in Ankeny, Iowa, on Wednesday as he officially began his quest for the White House. His campaign launch came less than 24 hours after another Republican, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, entered the race as well.

In Iowa, Mr Pence spoke about his longtime opposition to abortion rights and accused his former boss of backing away from the issue in the wake of the political fallout from the Dobbs decision that ended federal protections for abortion rights.

After leading the most pro-life administration in American history, Donald Trump and others in this race are retreating from the cause of the unborn, the former VP said.

The sanctity of life has been our partys calling for half a century  long before Donald Trump was ever a part of it. Now he treats it as an inconvenience, even blaming election losses on overturning Roe v Wade.

Full story by John Bowden here:

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

VOICES: Mike Pence isnt even a contender for 2024. Why are we pretending?

08:00 , Eric Garcia

Former vice president Mike Pence announced his candidacy for president on Wednesday with more attention from the press than it likely will receive from Republican voters.

On Wednesday night, he will appear on CNN for a town hall, and this weekend, he will venture to North Carolina to speak at the state partys convention that will also feature the two top contenders for the GOP nomination, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis and his old boss, former president Donald Trump.

Of course, like any presidential candidate, Mr Pence has been setting himself up for a run, releasing a memoir last year and campaigning for various Republican candidates in the 2022 midterms.

Earlier this year, at the Gridiron Dinner, that formal gathering of the press and politicians that is sequestered from the public eye that Im never cool enough to get an invitation for, he praised the media while lambasting the former president, attempting to once again separate himself from his former political benefactor.

Read more:

Mike Pence isnt even a contender for 2024. Why are we pretending?

Pence calls on DoJ not to indict Trump but stops short of saying hed pardon him if elected in 2024

07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Mike Pence has called on the Justice Department to not prosecute Donald Trump for his handling of classified documents but refused to say he would pardon the former president if he won the White House.

The former vice president told a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, that he viewed the handling of classified material as a very serious matter but told host Dana Bash that federal prosecutors should leave Mr Trump alone.

I would hope not, I really would, he said when asked if the DoJ special counsel Jack Smith should indict Mr Trump over the documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

I think it would be terribly divisive to the country at a time when the American people are hurting. This kind of action by the DoJ would only fuel further division in the country and send a terrible message to the wider world  I hope the DoJ thinks better of it and resolves this in a better way than an indictment, he continued.

Despite that, Mr Pence told the audience that no one is above the law, and also admitted that he himself had no business having some classified documents at his home in Indiana.

Read the full story by Graeme Massie here:

Pence calls on DoJ not to indict Trump but stops short of saying hed pardon him

Grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of ex-president

07:00 , Andrew Feinberg

A source familiar with the matter has said Mr Trumps team was recently informed that he is a target of a Justice Department probe, which began in early 2022 after National Archives and Records Administration officials discovered more than 100 documents bearing classification markings in a set of 15 boxes of Trump administration records retrieved from Mar-a-Lago, the century-old mansion turned private beach club where Mr Trump maintains his primary residence and post-presidential office.

Over the course of the last year, grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of the ex-president, including nearly every employee of Mar-a-Lago, former administration officials who worked in Mr Trumps post-presidential office and for his political operation, and former high-ranking administration officials such as his final White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

Millionaires support Ron DeSantis but Trump support growing, says poll

06:30 , Graeme Massie

The Florida governor is the favourite GOP candidate among millionaires, but support for Donald Trump among the wealthy is growing, according to a new poll.

The CNBC Millionaire Survey shows that 32 per cent of Republicans with that status support the Florida governor, a drop from 54 per cent at the end of 2022.

Mr Trump now has the support of 28 per cent of Republican millionaires, up from 17 per cent last year, says the poll.

GOP conservatives shutter House to protest McCarthy-Biden debt deal, setting up next budget brawl

06:00 , AP

In fallout from the debt ceiling deal, Speaker Kevin McCarthy is suddenly confronting a new threat to his power as angry hard-right conservatives bring the House chamber to a halt, reviving their displeasure over the compromise struck with President Joe Biden and demanding deeper spending cuts ahead.

Barely a dozen Republicans, mainly members of the House Freedom Caucus, shuttered House business for a second day Thursday in protest of McCarthys leadership. Routine votes could not be taken, and a pair of pro-gas stove bills important to GOP activists stalled out. Some lawmakers asked if they could simply go home.

McCarthy brushed off the disruption as healthy political debate, part of his risk taker way of being a leader  not too different, he said, from the 15-vote spectacle it took in January for him to finally convince his colleagues to elect him as speaker. With a paper-thin GOP majority, any few Republicans have outsized sway.

Read more:

GOP conservatives shutter House to protest McCarthy-Biden debt deal, setting up next budget brawl

Grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of ex-president

05:30 , Andrew Feinberg

A source familiar with the matter has said Mr Trumps team was recently informed that he is a target of a Justice Department probe, which began in early 2022 after National Archives and Records Administration officials discovered more than 100 documents bearing classification markings in a set of 15 boxes of Trump administration records retrieved from Mar-a-Lago, the century-old mansion turned private beach club where Mr Trump maintains his primary residence and post-presidential office.

Over the course of the last year, grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of the ex-president, including nearly every employee of Mar-a-Lago, former administration officials who worked in Mr Trumps post-presidential office and for his political operation, and former high-ranking administration officials such as his final White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

Separate grand jury meeting in Florida has also been hearing evidence

05:00 , Andrew Feinberg

It is understood that prosecutors intend to ask grand jurors to vote on the indictment on Thursday, but that vote could be delayed as much as a week until the next meeting of the grand jury to allow for a complete presentation of evidence, or to allow investigators to gather more evidence for presentation of necessary.

A separate grand jury that is meeting in Florida has also been hearing evidence in the documents investigation. That grand jury was empaneled in part to overcome legal issues posed by the fact that some of the crimes allegedly committed by Mr Trump took place in that jurisdiction, not in Washington. Under federal law, prosecutors must bring charges against federal defendants in the jurisdiction where the crimes took place.

Trumps ex-adviser Steve Bannon subpoenaed by Jack Smiths Jan 6 probe, says report

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Donald Trumps former White House adviser Steve Bannon has been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith as part of a grand jury in his investigation into the January 6 insurrection, says a report.

The Washington DC grand jury is separate from the investigation into the former presidents handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home after he left the White House.

The subpoena is for both documents and testimony and was sent out in late May, sources told NBC News.

Bannon was convicted in July 2022 on two charges of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with the congressional January 6 committee.

In October, US District Judge Carl Nichols sentenced Bannon to four months in federal prison, but the sentence was suspended while he appeals his conviction.

Trumps ex-adviser Steve Bannon subpoenaed by Jack Smiths Jan 6 probe, says report

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

04:00 , David Hughes

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

Rishi Sunak has suggested a busy schedule meant he was not seeking a meeting with Donald Trump while in the US.

The Prime Minister will meet President Joe Biden, who defeated Mr Trump in 2019, at the White House on Thursday and has already held talks with senior political figures in Congress.

Mr Trump is widely seen as the frontrunner to secure the Republican nomination to run for president again in 2024, with Ron DeSantis viewed as his main rival.

Mr DeSantis met two members of Mr Sunaks Cabinet  James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch  during a trip to the UK in April, forcing Downing Street to deny any favouritism for the Florida governor over the former president.

Mr Sunak was asked why he was not seeking a meeting with Mr Trump during his visit to Washington.

Read more:

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

Prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Trump

03:00 , Andrew Feinberg

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

The use of Section 793, which does not make reference to classified information, is understood to be a strategic decision by prosecutors that has been made to short-circuit Mr Trumps ability to claim that he used his authority as president to declassify documents he removed from the White House and kept at his Palm Beach, Florida property long after his term expired on 20 January 2021.

That section of US criminal law is written in a way that could encompass Mr Trumps conduct even if he was authorised to possess the information as president because it states that anyone who lawfully having possession of, access to, control over, or being entrusted with any document ...relating to the national defence, and willfully communicates, delivers, transmits or causes to be communicated, delivered, or transmitted or attempts to communicate, deliver, transmit or cause to be communicated, delivered or transmitted the same to any person not entitled to receive it, or willfully retains the same and fails to deliver it on demand to the officer or employee of the United States entitled to receive it can be punished by as many as 10 years in prison.

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

02:30 , Graeme Massie

A Fox News host has apologised after making a barbed remark about Chris Christies weight and his ability to down a milkshake.

John Roberts mocked the former New Jersey governor as he discussed his entry into the 2024 presidential race on the right-wing channels show America Reports.

Roberts made the comment as he compared the fight for the Republican nomination to two milkshakes, one being drunk by Donald Trump and the other by the remaining candidates.

The other milkshake, which represents the non-Donald Trump part of the Republican Party, has how many straws in it now? And now were gonna have Chris Christies straw in there, and judging by Chris Christies physical stature, he could drink a lot of the milkshake if he wanted to. But youre not affecting the Donald Trump milkshake, he said.

Read more:

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

How the botched effort to drag CNN to the right ended with Chris Lichts own stunning downfall

02:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Bevan Hurley writes:

Everybody told Chris Licht not to take the job.

The 51-year-old was axed as CNN chief executive and chairman on Wednesday 7 June after a chaotic 13-month reign at the network.

Under his leadership, the cable channel had seen ratings plummet, attracting fewer viewers than right-wing minnow Newsmax in May, its newsroom was in open rebellion, and staff morale was at rock-bottom.

His departure had been expected, but still marked a stunning downfall for the powerful television executive who prior to CNN had enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of broadcast journalism.

Read more...

Chris Licht out at CNN after botched attempt to drag network right

Actor known for 'Bob's Burgers' character arrested on Capitol riot charges

01:30 , AP

An actor known for his roles on the comedy television shows Bobs Burgers and Mr. Show with Bob and David was arrested Wednesday on charges that he joined a mob of Donald Trump supporters in confronting police officers during the U.S. Capitol riot, court records show.

Jay Johnston was arrested in Los Angeles on charges including civil disorder, a felony. He is expected to make his initial court appearance in California on Wednesday. Online court records dont list an attorney for Johnston.

Video footage captured Johnston pushing against police and helping rioters who attacked officers guarding an entrance to the Capitol in a tunnel on the Lower West Terrace, according to an FBI agents affidavit. Johnston held a stolen police shield over his head and passed it to other rioters during the attack on Jan. 6, 2021, the affidavit says.

Read more:

Actor known for 'Bob's Burgers' character arrested on Capitol riot charges

Barr: Trump secret papers crisis is his own fault for jerking around DOJ

01:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Attorney General Bill Barr has weighed in on Donald Trumps legal problems relating to the trove of classified documents found at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.

Mr Barr told CBS Mornings that the former presidents problems are of his own making and the case against him and any probe of his retention of secret papers would have gone nowhere if he had just returned them.

Read more...

Trump secret papers crisis is his own fault for jerking around DOJ says Bill Barr

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

Thursday 8 June 2023 00:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Vice President Mike Pence plans to make the expansion of abortion bans a centre plank of his 2024 campaign, and made that clear as he launched his bid for the GOP nomination on Wednesday.

John Bowden reports.

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump fired off a nasty buffet video of Chris Christie after the former governor attacked Ivanka Trump at his 2024 campaign launch.

The former president shared a video created by Twitter users @NautPoso and @drefanzor which was crudely edited to make it appear as if the ex-New Jersey governor was starting his campaign at an all-you-can-buffet holding a plate of food.

Read more...

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

.@GovChristie: "Back in 2015 and '16, I played a conventional game...that's not the politics today...It was a mistake, in 2016, not confront Donald Trump early, because I knew that so much of what he said was complete baloney." pic.twitter.com/arVLsjkUme  CSPAN (@cspan) June 7, 2023

How the botched effort to drag CNN to the right ended with Chris Lichts own stunning downfall

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Bevan Hurley writes:

Everybody told Chris Licht not to take the job.

The 51-year-old was axed as CNN chief executive and chairman on Wednesday 7 June after a chaotic 13-month reign at the network.

Under his leadership, the cable channel had seen ratings plummet, attracting fewer viewers than right-wing minnow Newsmax in May, its newsroom was in open rebellion, and staff morale was at rock-bottom.

His departure had been expected, but still marked a stunning downfall for the powerful television executive who prior to CNN had enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of broadcast journalism.

Read more...

Chris Licht out at CNN after botched attempt to drag network right

Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows has testified to grand jury

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps former chief of staff testified before a grand jury in Washington DC, according to multiple media reports, in the surest sign in weeks that the Department of Justices investigation into January 6 has reached the highest levels of the White House.

John Bowden reports.

Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows Mark Meadows has testified to federal grand jury

DeSantis makes first border visit as 2024 candidate

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:50 , Graeme Massie

The Florida governor travelled to Arizona on Wednesday where he was due to hold a roundtable event in Sierra Vista with Cochise County Sheriff Mark Daniels, a vocal critic of Joe Bidens border policy.

The trip came a day after Mr DeSantis took credit for two flights which carried migrants from Texas to California, leaving them at a church in Sacramento.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told NBCs TODAY show on Tuesday that he believes Florida officials broke the law in sending the migrants to the state.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaks during a campaign event, June 2, 2023, in Lexington, S.C. (AP)

DeSantis accused of plagiarising Trump speech

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has accused his GOP presidential primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, of blatantly stealing a line from one of his speeches, despite the fact that the line dates back to former President Ronald Reagan.

Graig Graziosi has the story.

Trump accuses Ron DeSantis of blatantly plagiarising his speech

Trump reacts with fury at news of possible indictment in classified documents case: Ive done NOTHING wrong

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:29 , Gustaf Kilander

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his furious reaction to the news that prosecutors are ready to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict him for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice.

The charges may drop as soon as tomorrow, further complicating Mr Trumps 2024 campaign for the White House.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the No Collusion Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX #1, Impeachment HOAX #2, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS. A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!! Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon.

Read more:

Trump says no one has told me Im being indicted in classified documents case

Millionaires support Ron DeSantis but Trump support growing, says poll

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:14 , Graeme Massie

The Florida governor is the favourite GOP candidate among millionaires, but support for Donald Trump among the wealthy is growing, according to a new poll.

The CNBC Millionaire Survey shows that 32 per cent of Republicans with that status support the Florida governor, a drop from 54 per cent at the end of 2022.

Mr Trump now has the support of 28 per cent of Republican millionaires, up from 17 per cent last year, says the poll.

Election 2024 DeSantis Trump (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Prosecutors ready to ask for Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:53 , Andrew Feinberg

The Department of Justice is preparing to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict former president Donald Trump for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice as soon as Thursday, adding further weight to the legal baggage facing Mr Trump as he campaigns for his partys nomination in next years presidential election.

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

Read more:

Prosecutors seeking Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

Ex-Trump aide appears at Miami court to testify before federal grand jury

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

A former top aide to Donald Trump appeared Wednesday in federal court in Miami for testimony to a grand jury investigating potential classified-document mishandling and obstruction at the ex-presidents Palm Beach property, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Taylor Budowich, who had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency and now runs a pro-Trump super PAC, was to testify before a grand jury that is separate from a panel that has been meeting in Washington for months to consider charges against Trump over the retention of hundreds of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and potential obstruction of the governments efforts to reclaim the records.

The person who confirmed Budowichs appearance spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss secretive grand jury proceedings.

It is not clear why prosecutors are using an additional grand jury beyond the one in Washington or what testimony Budowich was expected to offer, though the existence of the Florida panel could be an indication that prosecutors are considering bringing charges there.

Read more...

Ex-Trump aide appears at Miami court to testify before federal grand jury., AP source says

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:25 , Oliver O'Connell
Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is touting endorsements from Oklahoma Republicans as he prepares to head to the state this weekend.

On Thursday, former Oklahoma Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R), who served as NASA administrator under former President Trump, threw his support behind the Florida governor.

Governor DeSantis and I were classmates in Congress, original members of the Freedom Caucus, and we have worked together on many legislative issues over the years, Bridenstine said in a statement. Governor DeSantis is highly intellectual, always willing to listen, and relentless in fighting for whats right. He has always been strong on defense and a great advocate for Americas space program. He will make a great Commander in Chief.

Bridenstines endorsement follows news that 20 Oklahoma state lawmakers backed DeSantis on Wednesday.

Oklahoma House Majority Leader Jon Echols (R) and state Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R) cited DeSantiss ability to serve two terms in their statements backing the Florida governor. Because of constitutional limits, Trump would be able to serve only one more term as president.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Ron DeSantis has the courageous vision and the fighting power to give Oklahomans representation of our conservative cause for eight years, and I am confident he can deliver the election victory we need, Echols said.

The endorsements come ahead of DeSantiss planned visit to Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday afternoon. On Wednesday, DeSantis made a surprise trip to the southern border in Arizona, marking his first trip to the border as a presidential candidate.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A day after the Charlotte Fire Department revealed code violations at the site of a deadly fire in the SouthPark area, leaders with two local unions are calling for companies to take more responsibility at job sites.

CFD said there were two critical issues at the job site where two construction workers were killed in a fire that happened mid-May. The apartment building site didnt have a proper standpipe to provide water access at every floor, and nobody contacted the fire marshals office once the building rose above 40 feet in height. Both of those issues violated North Carolina state code.

RELATED: SouthPark construction site wasnt up to NC fire code, investigators say

Channel 9s Hannah Goetz spoke to the Charlotte Firefighters Association and the Charlotte Metrolina Labor Council on Thursday. Representatives with both of the unions say the companies need to be held accountable.

When the six-story building burned three weeks ago in SouthPark, Mike Feneis was immediately concerned about his colleagues fighting it and the people trapped inside. Feneis is the secretary of Charlotte Firefighters Local 660, and he says the citys rapid growth comes with concern: if builders and contractors dont keep up with fire codes, first responders and civilian workers are put at risk.

You know, fire codes are there for a reason, and a lot of times a code is developed from a tragedy, Feneis told Goetz. So they need to be followed. And again, how do we penalize them? [Thats a] discussion we need to have.

Feneis said one of the two violations may have led to the blaze quickly spreading. Without a proper standpipe, firefighters couldnt get access to hose connections throughout the entire site.

Without a standpipe, you can see the fire growth was just a lot in a short amount of time, Feneis said. As far as them not talking to the fire department, again, crazy. You know, if they had any questions ... inspectors could have answered it, and maybe this all could have been avoided, or not to the scale that it was.

Feneis says there needs to be a discussion on how to ensure companies comply with state codes.

Thats also a question Ashley Hawkins with the Charlotte Metrolina Labor Council is asking.

They deserve the respect of their codes being followed in our city; for not only the civilians who are working on these job sites but for the firefighters who might have to run into those job sites and save lives, Hawkins said.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

Hawkins wants to see more action taken against companies that violate state codes.

One of the things I would like to see in North Carolina is steeper fines for contractors when workplace fatalities take place due to negligence, Hawkins said.

Goetz reached out to Mill Creek, the general contractor behind the SouthPark construction project, and received a statement on Thursday.

Mill Creek said in its statement: We grieve with everyone affected by this tragic event. We are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the fire, and are cooperating with state and local authorities in their investigation. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cant comment further at this time.

The fire was reportedly caused by a piece of spray foam insulation equipment, according to the fire department, but the deadly fire is still under investigation.

(WATCH: Teens in custody after crash, escaping into grocery store, witnesses say)
Editors note: For this story, we spoke to people living or having family in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. For their safety, they are identified by first name only.

After destroying the Nova Kakhovka dam and stranding thousands of Ukrainians in the catastrophic flood zone, Russians prevented people in occupied territories from fleeing or rescuing others, multiple accounts revealed on June 7.

About 80 settlements and 16,000 people were estimated to be in the critical areas. The lower eastern bank of the Dnipro, occupied by Russia, suffered the worst of the damage.

The town of Hola Prystan was 85% flooded by mid-afternoon and was expected to be completely flooded by the end of the day, with the water reaching 3.5 meters, according to the city's military administration director Svitlana Linnik. There were 6,000 people in the city when the dam was blown up.

Oleshky, a city with a pre-invasion population of 24,000 people, is likely to be completely submerged as well. It's expected to be days before the waters recede, letting people take stock of the damage. Many lost all their belongings, including their legal documents.

Social media is flooded with photos and videos of people sitting on rooftops as the water laps around them, with dwindling supplies and no way to escape. A woman pulling a small, frightened dog out of the murky floodwaters before trying to save what things she could. Occasional boats pass between the roofs and treetops that break through the surface.

The Kyiv Independent spoke with family members of people living under Russian occupation in Oleshky and collected accounts that residents posted on social media from the affected occupied areas.

They spoke of being trapped, either lacking the vehicles or fuel to escape or being blocked from leaving by the Russian occupying forces.

Russian news service TASS at 9:10 a.m. on June 7 claimed that 1,300 people were evacuated. Russia's top collaborator in Kherson Oblast, Volodymyr Saldo, stated that people who endured material losses will get financial aid and that children are being transported to occupied Kherson Oblast and Crimea to "good holiday camps."

But people in the area or their relatives said there was no evacuation to speak of whatsoever.

"Right now, many people are sitting on the roofs in Oleshky," said Oleh  he has an aunt and a nephew with disabilities in the town. He described what they had been doing until their eventual rescue.

"They have neither food nor water. People helped to carry the son upstairs, and they did not take anything with them," he said. "They're sitting there waving some red rag. Boats are passing by, but no one has picked them up yet."

A photograph published by a local Telegram channel shows people escaping the flooding on a rooftop in a Russian-occupied settlement in Kherson Oblast. (Nykolaevskyi Vanek/Telegram)

Serhiy, whose parents are trapped in Oleshky, shared a voice message from one of his acquaintances with the Kyiv Independent. This woman, who did not reveal her name, said the situation in the town is critical, with many children, elderly and disabled people stuck on their roofs for many hours.

She said Russian troops set up checkpoints in the less-flooded areas to "prevent" locals from escaping the disaster area or saving others, and she heard of people drowning.

"They are destroying (us)," she cried.

The water rose in a matter of hours, said Serhiy. Many people are sitting on the upper floors, while some residents are trying to rescue their loved ones.

The victims' attempts to escape by boat or otherwise were thwarted by Russian forces, who wouldn't let anyone leave if they didn't have a Russian passport. Numerous people even reported being fired upon when they tried to escape the flooded areas.

Politico reported that Russian forces blocked people who tried to flee immediately after the dam's destruction, forcing them to wait at home for an official list of evacuees that would be bussed out of the area.

What are the consequences of the Kakhovka dams demolition? The destruction of the Kakhovka dam can lead to serious humanitarian, ecological, economic, military, and legal consequences. The demolition was carried out by Russian forces in southern Ukraine in the early hours of June 6. And its among the most dramatic violations of the Geneva Conventions in The Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov

"The orcs abandoned the city," said Yevhen Rischuk, Oleshky's mayor in exile. "People are sitting on the roofs of houses. There are no boats in the city. The curfew is not canceled. Genocide."

Worse, the Russians allegedly destroyed people's means of escape. Serhiy's parents told him the Russians went through the town and rounded up or destroyed all the boats they could find in the weeks before triggering the explosion that caused Ukraine's most lurid catastrophe in decades.

"They stole the boats before all this... all the landings, they carried out all the boats," said Serhiy, paraphrasing what his parents told him. "It's like they were preparing for this to specially create a situation so that no one could escape."

"We thought they were looting. Now I understand that there was a specific command to remove all means of flotation so that people couldn't save themselves."

Oleh said that his aunt told him a similar story.

"They (the boats) were taken away," he said, quoting her. "People whose houses were locked kept their boats. The ones on the pier were smashed, shot up, or taken away."

The occupation authorities themselves have vanished from Oleshky, Serhiy said. But civilians trying to flee were blocked from doing so.

"Yesterday, people tried to escape, so (the Russians) fired assault rifles in the air and didn't allow anyone to leave," Oleh said.

Only people with Russian passports were being allowed to leave, multiple people confirmed.

Tetiana Akhtemenko, a resident of Antonivka, told Ukrainian TV that her family members spoke of a "very bad situation  the water keeps rising, but they're forbidding evacuation, shooting at people's legs. There were a few attempts to throw grenades" at people if they saw them attempting to escape.

Russians are also blocking volunteers from trying to help people, Ukrainian news site Texty reported, citing a woman whose residents are in the flood zone. The Russian forces have not explained to the locals the reason behind their actions. Even Russian volunteers, who arrived to help people from Crimea, were halted at the Russian checkpoints, according to Ukrainian volunteer Andriy Kniga, whose family members are in the disaster area.

With electrical outages and no mobile connections in affected towns, many people lost track of their trapped family members, many of whom are seniors or have mobility issues.

Telegram chats are filled with hundreds of people begging anyone available to rescue their loved ones, describing their situations as critical. Many of these pleas describe people sitting in attics and on rooftops in the villages of Kardashynka, Solontsy, and others. Volunteers ask people to geotag locations where trapped Ukrainians need evacuation.

One of them says that three families of seven people, with a dog and a parrot, are stuck on the rooftop somewhere in the village of Krynky with little food and drinking water.

"If only somebody could provide them with some supplies," the message on one of the local Telegram chats reads.

Another message says that two women and a retiree who can not move without support are trying to save themselves by hiding on a rooftop of a two-storied building in Hola Prystan. Like many others, they are stuck there with little food and water.

"Please help to evacuate people. The water is coming, and the current is increasing," the message reads.
Turning deserts into forests: How China is helping the world go green

Xinhua) 08:22, June 08, 2023

Volunteers plant trees in the Hunshandake Sandland, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yunping)

BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- China has made sustained efforts to combat desertification over the years, putting the brakes on desert expansion and contributing to global ecological conservation.

During the 2012-2022 period, China's accumulative afforestation area reached 960 million mu (64 million hectares), while 165 million mu of grassland was improved, and more than 12 million mu of wetlands were added or restored, official data showed.

From encouraging public participation to implementing policy measures, the country has taken effective and practical steps to curb desertification, turning barren soil into forests and grasslands.

China designated March 12 as National Tree Planting Day in 1979, and Chinese citizens voluntarily planted approximately 78.1 billion trees between 1982 and 2021 across the vast country, official data shows.

The country's policymakers have also launched various greening projects, targeting areas where deserts have threatened the local ecological environment and narrowed people's living space.

The Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), a large-scale afforestation project, is a good example. Launched in 1978 and scheduled to be completed in 2050, it has already helped safeguard the land inhabited by people in the northwest, north and northeast of China.

Under the program, an approximate total afforestation area of 31.74 million hectares had been designated and conserved by the end of 2020. It has effectively curbed the expansion of desertification and become a "green Great Wall" preventing sandstorms, conserving water and soil, and safeguarding agriculture.

During the 2000-2017 period, China contributed to a quarter of the increase in global green leaf area, and the TSFP was a major contributor. The project has been called a successful example for global ecological governance.

In addition to launching major greening projects, China has moved to improve relevant laws and explore new techniques to bolster its sand control credentials.

Over several decades, the country has enacted laws to prevent and control desertification. Such laws include the world's first to tackle desertification and a ban on natural forest logging, building a green barrier in China's legal system.

Also behind the country's remarkable green achievements are advances in afforestation and sand control technologies. In Minqin, a county between two deserts in the northwestern province of Gansu, greening methods such as drip irrigation and sand barriers have helped increase local forest coverage from 11.52 percent in 2010 to 18.28 percent currently.

"China has become a world leader in sand control technologies," said Liu Hujun, director of the International Cooperation Center of the Gansu Desert Control Research Institute. Since the 1990s, Liu's institute has helped train nearly 1,000 technicians and government officials from 87 countries.

As a responsible stakeholder in the global community, China has actively fulfilled its obligations under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, carried out exchanges and cooperation with Belt and Road countries, and established an international knowledge management center for desertification prevention and control.

Alongside a recent pledge to promote international communication and cooperation to curb desertification, China's policymakers urged efforts to participate in global efforts to control desertification, support sand control in Belt and Road countries, and facilitate policy dialogues and information sharing among different countries.

Moving forward, the world's second-largest economy remains determined to blaze an eco-friendly trail for global green development.

By 2025, China will have a total of 2 million hectares of desertified land sealed off for protection, with more than 6 million hectares of sandy land newly treated and 1.3 million hectares of rocky-desertification land harnessed, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Detroit Gas station clerk allegedly shoots customer in the forehead after kicking him out

A Detroit gas station clerk is facing first-degree murder and felony firearm charges after fatally shooting a customer in the forehead on Monday, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said

The incident took place around 3:05 a.m., in the 4410 block of Vernor Highway. Police say 40-year-old Moad Mohamed Al-Gaham shot the victim, 25-year-old Anthony McNary of Detroit, following a dispute over beef jerky.

McNary allegedly "took a beef jerky product and placed it in his pocket. Al-Gaham rifled through Mr. McNarys pockets, took the item, and placed it back on the shelf," according to a news release. "Shortly thereafter, when Mr. McNary attempted to pay for the item, (Al-Gaham) refused to accept the money and made Mr. McNary leave the store."

Al-Gaham then manually locked the gas station doors and shot McNary in the forehead, through the glass door. McNary was outside the store, while Al-Gaham was inside.

More: New cell phone law in Michigan for distracted driving: Public reaction

More: Track air quality in Michigan with AirNow app, EGLE

Detroit police responded to the scene at approximately 3:14 a.m. and found McNary's body on the ground, officials said. Medics transported McNary to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Here we are less than one month after the locked door incident at a Detroit gas station on West McNichols. This simply cannot continue to happen, Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in the release. In this case, the defendant allegedly had a weapon aimed at Mr. McNarys face while he was in a place of safety on the other side of a locked glass door and pulled the trigger. (Al-Gaham) had time to premeditate his actions and was not in any immediate danger.

Al-Gaham was arraigned Thursday morning in the 36th District Court.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on June 22; the preliminary examination is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on June 29.

Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit gas station clerk accused of fatally shooting customer
The Statue of Liberty is covered in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada. Amr Alfiky/Reuters

What's causing the unprecedented wildfires spreading across Canada is a mix of things.

Lightning strikes likely ignited some of them, but it's unseasonable weather that's helped the spread.

Climate change may increase both lightning strikes and the risk of severe wildfires in the future.

Lightning strikes and unseasonably warm weather are to blame for the fires in Canada, experts said.

Over the last six weeks wildfires have spread across Canada, burning nearly 10 million acres. These active wildfires are burning across central and eastern Canada, focused in Ontario and Quebec, and they have generated a cloud of smoke that has wafted down to the eastern US, polluting the air and disrupting airfare.

Forest fires in Canada are a general occurrence, particularly in the west. But it is "unusual" to see them burn on both coasts at the same time, Michael Norton, an official with Canada's Natural Resources Ministry, told Reuters.

"At this time of the year, fires usually occur only on one side of the country at a time, most often that being in the west," he said.

What started the fires?

The cause of ignition is unknown in Alberta in the west, though human causes, such as cigarette butts or sparks from passing trains, were blamed for fires elsewhere in the country, per CBS News.

That said, the fires in Quebec in the east were likely ignited "within a short window after a big lightning event," said Ellen Whitman, a forest fire research scientist who works for Natural Resources Canada in the Canadian Forest Service, to the Halifax Explainer.

"Generally in Canada, lighting-caused fires are about half of our ignitions, but they make up the majority of area burned because they are ignited in places where there are no people nearby to notice them, so they get detected less quickly," Whitman said.

Dry weather pushed the fires forward

Kent Moore, professor of physics at the University of Toronto told Yahoo News! Canada spring fires in Nova Scotia are usually easier to extinguish, as the soil is still wet.

This year, however, spring has come early, and the soil has remained drier than usual, allowing the fire to keep smoldering deep underground, Moore said.

"Those are much more difficult to put out because you have to dig up the dirt to get to the fire," Moore said. "That's typically what you'd find in the summer fire season when things tend to be drier."

Climate change is likely making the fire fiercer

For Moore, climate change can't take all the blame for the fires on the east coast. It may come down to season variability.

"There's just natural variability," he said. "Some springs are dry and some springs are wet."

That's not to say climate change doesn't have a part to play, however.

"The fires season is also lasting longer now because of climate change. Spring is coming weeks earlier and fall is coming weeks later. More time for the fires and grasslands to burn," Edward Struzik, a fellow at Queen's Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy at Queen's University in Canada told CBS News.

The igniter itself  lightning  is more common due to climate change, Struzik said.

"Most fires in the boreal forest of northern Canada are started by lightning. A one-degree Celsius increase in temperature amounts to about 12% more lightning. So the warmer it gets as the climate heats up, the more triggers there are for fires to burn," said Edward Struzik, per CBS News.

Read the original article on Insider
A Dillard High School student is in custody after allegedly showing another student a gun on the last day of school Thursday morning, according to police.

The 17-year-old boy is said to have shown the weapon shortly before 7:15 a.m. at the high school, located on the 2500 block of Northwest 10th Ave., Fort Lauderdale police said in a media release. Officers responded a little after 9 a.m. to search the school, and discovered that the boy had left.

Less than an hour later, officers located him in the 700 block of Northwest 10th Ave., where they took him into custody. He did not have a gun in his possession at the time, and is cooperating with the investigation, said Detective Ali Adamson, a spokesperson for Fort Lauderdale Police,

Related Articles

Detectives are still trying to figure out if the boy did in fact have a gun on the school campus and if criminal charges apply, Adamson said.

Both Dillard High School and Dillard Elementary School were placed on lockdown during the investigation in the abundance of caution, the release said. By noon Thursday, school operations had returned to normal.

Thursday is the last day of school for the Broward County School District.
Dispute erupts over a section of Kentucky's transgender law that hinges on one word

FILE - Supporters of Senate bill 150, known as the Transgender Health Bill gather in the Rotunda of the Kentucky State Capitol as protesters look on from the balcony on March 29, 2023, in Frankfort, Ky. A new dispute has erupted in June over Kentucky's sweeping transgender law, revolving around one word in a section banning sex education topics  including sexual orientation  from discussion in classrooms. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  A new dispute has erupted over Kentucky's sweeping transgender law, revolving around one word in a section banning sex education topics  including sexual orientation  from discussion in classrooms.

The measure's top Republican sponsor pushed back this week over how the Kentucky Department of Education has interpreted the provisions in offering guidance to school districts statewide.

It's part of a far-reaching measure passed this year to regulate some of the most personal aspects of life for transgender youth in Kentucky  from banning access to gender-affirming health care to restricting the bathrooms they can use at school. The ban on gender-affirming care has drawn a court challenge.

The latest dispute boils down to a single word choice by lawmakers. They used or rather than and in the sex education section  leading to big implications over how it's interpreted.

As a result, districts can choose one of two bans in the section, according to the guidance. Districts can choose between prohibiting all mention of gender identity and sexual orientation across all grades or waiting to discuss human sexuality until sixth grade, education department officials said.

That's not what lawmakers intended, Republican state Sen. Max Wise said Wednesday, calling it an absurd interpretation and a feeble attempt to undermine the measure.

Supporters wanted the law to do both things, he said.

"Obviously, the legislature would not pose these two requirements, which protect children and protect parental rights, as a binary choice for school systems to select to enforce," Wise said in a statement.

Kentucky's Republican-dominated legislature concluded its 2023 session in late March and won't convene again in regular session until early next year.

The education department said its updated guidance, released Monday, was in response to requests from school districts seeking additional guidance and technical assistance related to the law.

As for the new dispute, department spokesperson Toni Konz Tatman said: The Kentucky General Assembly chose to use the conjunction or not and. When it comes to state law, words have meaning and KDE simply read the words adopted by the General Assembly.

In its guidance, the department said that section of the new law presents districts with a choice. If districts choose to enact the K-5 ban on discussing human sexuality, they would be able to offer instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation, it said.

Under this scenario, instruction on curriculum for human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases at the high school level would not be impacted, the guidance said.

Wise said it was clear what lawmakers intended. He pointed to a court ruling stating an interpretation (of a statute) which will lead to an absurd result will be avoided, and when necessary to carry out the obvious intention of the Legislature, disjunctive words can be construed as conjunctive, and vice versa.

The measure's final version passed late in the legislative session. It's part of a national movement, with lawmakers in red states approving extensive measures to restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ people  from bills targeting trans athletes and drag performers to measures limiting gender-affirming care.

Asked to respond to the latest dispute over the Kentucky measure, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear faulted GOP lawmakers for a rushed process in passing it.

We have a phrase  the letter of the law'  for a reason, the governor said Thursday at his weekly news conference. It's what's on paper that they pass. It's a statute that's put in the books. And we have to follow that, and not just what's in somebody's head or what they meant.

Beshear added: My bet is that there is more than just that one mistake in that bill.

The measure was passed over Beshear's veto by the legislature's GOP supermajorities. In his veto message, the governor said the bill allowed too much government interference in personal healthcare issues and rips away the freedom of parents to make medical decisions for their children.

Beshear is seeking reelection to a second term in this year's elections in Kentucky. His Republican opponent, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, is trying to connect Beshear to a gender ideology curriculum that Cameron says is making its way into classrooms, drawing on a national GOP theme.

Cameron has repeatedly criticized the state education commissioner, who runs day-to-day operations in the education department. The commissioner is chosen by the state board of education, whose members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Last month, several families challenged Kentuckys ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The federal lawsuit challenges sections that would ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans youth. The suit didnt take aim at other sections dealing with school bathroom policies, guidance for teachers regarding student pronouns and rules on teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation.
Image: BBC

Doctor Who usually likes to save its returning stars for anniversary events, but with the upcoming trilogy of specials to celebrate its blockbuster 60th already jam-packed, now its up to Doctor Whos 14th season to shoulder a few surprise appearancesand its latest certainly is quite the surprise.

Today the BBC confirmed that Bonnie Langford would reprise her role as Melanie Bush, 80s companion to the Sixth and Seventh Doctors, in the next season of the show alongside Ncuti Gatwas 15th Doctor and Millie Gibson as incoming companion Ruby Sunday.

Read more

I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back. To be part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T Davies is a career highlight, Langford said in a statement. Im so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be included in the new generation is phenomenal.

This is actually not the first time Langford has reprised the role of Mel recentlyshe made a minor cameo appearance in The Power of the Doctor, Jodie Whittakers swan song as the 13th Doctor. But according to returning showrunner Davies, this time Mel will be back in the thick of it alongside the Doctor.

Image: BBC

Open those TARDIS doors wide, because Bonnies back! What an honor, delight, and hoot to welcome back the character of Melanie, after too long away, Davies added in his own statement. And this isnt just a cameo, Bonnie is right in the thick of the action, battling monsters and chaos and cliffhangers, right at the Doctors side, just like the old days.

Its a surprising move, given that while Langford has always been an ardent supporter of Who since her tenure on the series, the character of Mel has long been seen as something of annoyance rather than a particularly engaged character in the eyes of fans. An overly enthusiastic fitness fanatic, Mel is best remembered for primarily one character trait: her ear-splitting shriek when in the presence of anything even remotely dangerous. Reaction to the character was so poor that Mel was rapidly written out after Sylvester McCoys tenure began, hastily packing her off with the space pirate Sabalom Glitz in the same story that introduced Sophie Aldreds Ace, a companion who time has been particularly much kinder too (and likewise last appeared in Whittakers final story last year, albeit in a much bigger supporting role).

Hopefully time and space, metaphorically and quite literally, will lead to Mel getting the kind of justice she never really got in her prior time in the TARDIS in the here and nowand create an all-new legion of fans for the character. Langford will return in the 14th season of Doctor Who, expected to begin airing sometime in 2024 on BBC 1 in the UK and on Disney+ internationally.





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.
What does hazardous air quality mean? How Canada wildfire smoke is impacting DE, PA, NJ

If you've been outside this week, then you've noticed the hazy and smoky atmosphere surrounding the area.

All along the East Coast, residents have been dealing with the smoke from the Canada wildfires that have severally reduced air quality throughout the region.

A person walks dogs as smoke from wildfires in Canada cause hazy conditions in New York City on June 7, 2023. An orange-tinged smog caused by Canada's wildfires shrouded New York on Wednesday, obscuring its famous skyscrapers and causing residents to don face masks, as cities along the US East Coast issued air quality alerts. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: AFP_33HH4NC.jpg

Agencies from multiple states have issued alerts because the air quality is unhealthy, impacting older adults, children and those with conditions such as asthma and heart and lung disease. In some areas, air quality is so poor that it's hazardous to everyone.

These states include:

Weather forecast: How long is the wildfire smoke going to last? See forecast for Delaware, New Jersey & PA

Where is the smoke coming from?: Blame Wednesday's poor air quality on Canadian wildfires

Delaware

The First State's Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Thursday with the anticipation of Code Orange for Friday.

New Jersey

The state Department of Environmental Protection declared an Air Quality Action Day for Thursday before upgrading to the "Unhealthy category" statewide through Friday night.

Pennsylvania

The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Red Air Quality Action Day across Pennsylvania for Thursday. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is contributing to high levels of fine particulate matter in the air, the department said.

Here's a look at what it all means:

What are air quality alerts?

Air quality alerts are indicators the air is unsafe to breathe for certain people. Alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine-particle pollution  known as PM 2.5  which can irritate the lungs.

Pollution is detected by a system of monitors on the ground constantly taking measurements of the amount of chemicals and particles in the air, said Susan Anenberg, professor and department chair of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University.

Air quality continues to range from 'unhealthy' (red) to 'hazardous' (maroon) this morning (via https://t.co/cDxnt4ugEL).



You can find out what the air quality index colors mean, & what actions to take here: https://t.co/41TUgKGpKQ pic.twitter.com/7IrLORMLsK  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 8, 2023

What does hazardous air quality mean?

Here is how to read the categories for the AQI index:

Good : 0 to 50. Air quality is satisfactory and pollutants pose no risk

Moderate : 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups : 101 to 150 Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

Unhealthy : 151 to 200. Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Very Unhealthy : 201 to 300. Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

Hazardous: 301 and higher. Health warning of emergency conditions; everyone is more likely to be affected.

How does the atmosphere affect wildfire smoke?

Atmospheric dynamics can carry wildfire smoke through the air and allow it to travel long distances, said Anenberg, who also directs the GW Climate and Health Institute.

Its strange to think about how a wildfire event thats several hundred miles away can affect the air quality here (but) its not a unique phenomenon, she said.

Due to an area of low pressure hovering offshore and an area of high pressure over Canada, a northerly flow of air was funneling the smoke south into the U.S. from Canada, AccuWeather said.

When will air quality get better?: Smoke from Canadian wildfire to linger in Delaware, PA & NJ

Canadian wildfire smoke map: See where the haze is headed in Delaware, New Jersey and PA

How does air pollution affect human health? Who is at risk?

Fine-particle pollution can affect every organ of the body, Anenberg said.

Studies show particle pollution has been linked to various health problems, according to the EPA, including:

Premature death in people with heart or lung disease

Nonfatal heart attacks

Irregular heartbeat

Aggravated asthma

Decreased lung function

Increased respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing

Is it safe to be outside?

Experts are urging residents that they should try limiting their outdoor exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday provided these tips:

If it looks or smells smoky outside, take it easier to reduce how much smoke you inhale.

Choose a mask that will help protect you from smoke.

Limit time spent outdoors by performing only essential activities and take frequent breaks indoors.

Reschedule outdoor work tasks.

Will wearing a mask help?

Yes, it will. The better the mask, the more it will help, and just like during the pandemic, make sure it's covering your nose and mouth. A mask will make it more bearable, but you still don't want to be outside long in these conditions.

N95 respirator masks provide the best protection from wildfire smoke, according to the EPA. Cloth masks will not protect you from wildfire smoke.

Should I keep my pets indoors?

Pets have lungs and hearts, too. Do your best to limit your pet's time outside. Your dog might not like it but cut the walk short.

Contributing: Elizabeth Weise and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY; Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What does hazardous air quality mean? Impact on Canada wildfire smoke
Does Mike Pence support a federal ban on gender-affirming care for kids? 'You bet,' he says

Republican presidential candidate Mike Pence said Wednesday in Iowa that he would support a national ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

"If there was a move in the Congress to protect children from this radical gender ideology and to ban chemical or surgical transition treatment for kids under the age of 18, you bet I would support it," Pence told the Des Moines Register.

While attempts at federal legislation have been limited, 19 Republican-led states, including Iowa, have passed laws to prohibit transgender people under 18 from accessing transition-related medical care, such as hormone blockers, cross-sex hormones, or gender-affirming surgeries.

The American Medical Association, American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend providing transgender kids with gender-affirming medical care. Medical professionals in Iowa told state lawmakers that these treatments can be life-saving for transgender children.

In an interview after his Ankeny campaign kickoff, Pence said he would a national ban for minors but said adults "have every right to live how they want to live."

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a campaign announcement rally at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC campus on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ankeny.

"But the fact that you have a radical gender ideology that's been afoot even here in Iowa in public schools, I think, has been very harmful to our kids," he said.

Pence has previously criticized a Linn-Mar school district policy that allowed transgender students in seventh grade or beyond to request accommodations, such as using different pronouns, without requiring parental consent.

Republicans in several red states have intensified their focus on LGBTQ-related issues, exploring bans on drag shows, prohibiting discussion of gender identity or sexual orientation in schools, and legislating bathroom access for transgender people.

So far, the battle has been waged primarily in state legislatures, with few attempts at nationwide legislation.

More: Republican presidential candidates diverge on abortion, rally religious support in Iowa

The Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest gay rights organization, issued a "state of emergency" Tuesday over anti-LGBTQ laws passed across the U.S.

"The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived  they are real, tangible and dangerous," HRC President Kelley Robinson said. "In many cases, they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states."

Mike Pence on COVID-19: 'Unconscionable' to mandate vaccines

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has criticized former President Donald Trump, arguing he gave too much authority to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pence, who led Trump's coronavirus task force, told the Des Moines Register he will "always be proud of what the American people accomplished during the worst pandemic in 100 years."

"I marveled at the heroic efforts of healthcare workers, of scientists in laboratories developing medicines and vaccines, and also of businesses that really stepped up and made it possible for our hospitals, healthcare workers, and the American people to have the resources they needed to meet the moment," Pence said.

But he criticized Democratic governors who closed schools "against our advice," and President Joe Biden for requiring military members and federal employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of the mandates expired last month when the national public health emergency ended.

"The decision to take a vaccine ought to be up to every individual and every family," Pence said. "Mandating vaccines would have never happened under our administration."

Mike Pence says he's praying for Trump: 'My faith requires me to forgive'

As he launched his campaign Wednesday, Pence spoke about his actions on Jan. 6  and his refusal to use his ceremonial role in presiding over the electoral count to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 presidential win.

Former Vice President Mike Pence stands while former Second Lady Karen Pence speaks during a campaign announcement rally at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC campus on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ankeny.

Pence said Wednesday he has prayed that Trump would "see that he had been misled about my role" on that day.

"The president continues to hold the view that I had authority that I did not have under the Constitution," Pence told the Register. "And Ill always believe, by Gods grace, we did our duty that day."

Trump criticized Pence for failing to act, and when rioters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, searching for Pence, Trump failed to call them off for hours.

Pence said during his campaign rally Wednesday that Trump's actions should disqualify him from being president again.

I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, he said. And anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again.

Pence told the Register he has prayed for Trump often in the last two years, and he will continue to do so.

"My faith requires me to forgive. I had hoped the president would come around on that issue someday," Pence said. "I still hope he would."

Katie Akin is a politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at kakin@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @katie_akin.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Mike Pence says he would support federal ban on trans care for kids
A Hollywood actor who appeared on Mr. Show, Arrested Development, Bobs Burgers and in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy has been arrested in California and charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Jay Johnston faces charges of felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder as well as several misdemeanor offenses, according to court documents.

The Daily Beast reported in December 2021 that Johnston had been banned from Bobs Burgers, where he voiced the character of Jimmy Pesto Sr.

Jay Johnston in Los Angeles on Sept. 20, 2009. (Noel Vasquez / Getty Images file)

Johnston was one of hundreds of Jan. 6 participants identified by online sleuths who have not yet been arrested. A Long Island funeral home owner was also arrested on Wednesday.

The #FBI is still seeking information on people who took part in the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you know this individual, visit https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD. Refer to photo 247 in your tip. pic.twitter.com/CetMHzU190  FBI (@FBI) March 4, 2021

Court documents say that Johnston entered the upper west tunnel, where some of the most violent attacks of the Jan. 6 attack took place and assisted at least three other rioters by pouring water on the rioters faces. He then used a stolen U.S. Capitol Police shield as rioters battled with police, the documents say.

An attorney representing Johnston contacted the FBIs National Threat Operations Center on March 8, 2021, according to the bureau. Three of Johnstons current or former associates told the FBI that Jan. 6 photos depicted Johnston, and one of the associates provided a message in which Johnston acknowledged being at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

More than 1,000 people have been arrested in connection with the Capitol attack, and hundreds more arrests are in the works.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Last month E Jean Carroll was awarded $5 million after a jury concluded she had been abused by Donald Trump - GETTY IMAGES

Donald Trump has applied to have his sex assault payout slashed on grounds the jury verdict that he had sexually abused E Jean Carroll was a far cry from rape.

Last month the magazine columnist, 79, was awarded $5 million (4 million) after a civil trial jury concluded she had been abused by Mr Trump in a New York luxury department story in 1996.

Now lawyers acting for the former president want the payment cut to $1 million claiming the original figure is grossly excessive for abuse which could have included groping breasts through clothing. They are requesting a retrial on the original charges if the judge does not agree to the reduction.

In a written submission, Mr Trumps legal team said a Manhattan federal court jury last month rejected a rape claim Ms Carroll concluding instead that she had been sexually abused in spring 1996 in the stores dressing room.

Such abuse could have included groping of Plaintiffs breasts through clothing, or similar conduct, which is a far cry from rape, the lawyers wrote.

They said the $2 million granted by the jury on a sexual abuse claim was grossly excessive and another $2.7 million issued for compensatory defamation damages was based upon pure speculation.

The award should consist of no more than $400,000 for sex abuse, no more than $100,000 for defamation and $368,000 or less for the cost of a campaign to repair Ms Carrolls reputation, the lawyers wrote.

Ms Carroll, a former Elle magazine columnist, testified Mr Trump had subjected her to an extremely painful assault in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York City.

Mr Trump, 76, did not attend the trial, but in a video deposition from last October he denied ever encountering Ms Carroll at the store or knowing her. He said he believed she made the claims against him in part to promote a 2019 memoir in which she first publicly made allegations against him.

Roberta Kaplan, Ms Carrolls attorney, said in an emailed statement the unanimous jury had concluded that Mr Trump sexually assaulted Ms Carroll and then defamed her by lying about her with hatred, ill-will, or spite.

This time, Trump will not be able to escape the consequences of his actions, Ms Kaplan said.

Mr Trump may still face a second defamation trial resulting from another lawsuit Ms Carroll filed against him.

That case has been delayed with appeals as the US Justice Department sought to substitute the United States as the defendant in place of Mr Trump.

Government lawyers say Mr Trump cant be held liable for the comments he made as president.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
FILE  Former President Donald Trump speaks with supporters at the Westside Conservative Breakfast, June 1, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. In a written submission Thursday, June 8, 2023, lawyers for Trump say a $5 million jury award for his sexual abuse and defamation of columnist E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room, in 1996, should be slashed to less than $1 million. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

NEW YORK (AP)  The $5 million awarded to a columnist by a jury that concluded she was sexually abused in the 1990s by Donald Trump in a New York luxury department store should be reduced to less than $1 million, the former president's lawyers told a judge Thursday, saying the award was grossly excessive and based on pure speculation.

The lawyers noted in a written submission that a Manhattan federal court jury last month rejected a rape claim made by the writer, E. Jean Carroll, concluding instead that she had been sexually abused in spring 1996 in the store's dressing room.

Such abuse could have included groping of Plaintiff's breasts through clothing, or similar conduct, which is a far cry from rape, the lawyers wrote.

They said the $2 million granted by the jury on a sexual abuse claim was grossly excessive and another $2.7 million issued for compensatory defamation damages was "based upon pure speculation."

The award should consist of no more than $400,000 for sex abuse, no more than $100,000 for defamation and $368,000 or less for the cost of a campaign to repair Carroll's reputation, the lawyers wrote.

If a judge does not grant the suggested reduction in the award, then he should permit a new trial on damages, they said.

Carroll, 79, testified at the trial that she had a flirtatious and friendly chance encounter with Trump at a midtown Manhattan Bergdorf Goodman store until he followed her into a dressing room and became violent.

Trump, 76, did not attend the trial, but lengthy excerpts of a videotaped deposition from last October were played for jurors. In them, he denied ever encountering Carroll at the store or knowing her. He said he believed she made the claims against him in part to promote a 2019 memoir in which she first publicly made allegations against him.

Roberta Kaplan, Carroll's attorney, said in an emailed statement that the arguments by Trump's lawyers were frivolous.

She said the unanimous jury had concluded that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll and then defamed her by lying about her with hatred, ill-will, or spite.

This time, Trump will not be able to escape the consequences of his actions, Kaplan said.

Trump may still face a second defamation trial resulting from another lawsuit Carroll filed against him. That case has been delayed with appeals as the U.S. Justice Department sought to substitute the United States as the defendant in place of Trump. Government lawyers say Trump can't be held liable for the comments he made as president.
TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan activated its defence systems on Thursday after reporting 37 Chinese military aircraft flying into the island's air defence zone, some of which then flew into the western Pacific, in Beijing's latest mass air incursion.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past three years regularly flown its air force into the skies near the island, though not into Taiwan's territorial air space.

Taiwan's defence ministry said that from 5 a.m. (2100 GMT on Wednesday) it had detected 37 Chinese air force planes, including J-11 and J-16 fighters as well as nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, flying into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone, or ADIZ.

The ADIZ is a broader area Taiwan monitors and patrols to give its forces more time to respond to threats.

Some of the Chinese aircraft flew to Taiwan's southeast and crossed into the western Pacific to perform "air surveillance and long distance navigation training", the ministry said in a statement.

Taiwan sent its aircraft and ships to keep watch and activated land-based missile systems, it added, using its standard wording for how it responds to such Chinese activity.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China completed a second phase of joint air patrols with Russia over the Western Pacific on Wednesday, following flights on the previous day over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, prompting concern in Japan over its national security.

Japan's defence ministry said it scrambled a jet fighter on Thursday morning in response to a Chinese information-gathering aircraft Y-9 flying over the Pacific Ocean and east of Taiwan.

Japan also lodged a protest against China for its naval and coast guard vessels entering Japan's territorial waters along the country's southwest archipelago on Thursday, Tokyo's top spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference.

Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan, which manages the unofficial relationship between Washington and Taipei, is visiting Taiwan this week.

On Monday, she told Taiwan media that the United States had an enduring interest in preserving stability in the Taiwan Strait and the United States would continue to arm the island, a source of constant friction in Sino-U.S. ties.

In April, China held war games around Taiwan following a trip to the United States by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Additional reporting by Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo; Editing by Tom Hogue and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Drone Footage Of Collapsed Dam Shows Ruined Structure, Devastation And No Sign Of Life

KHERSON, Ukraine (AP)  Exclusive drone footage of the collapsed Ukrainian dam and surrounding villages under Russian occupation shows the ruined structure falling into the flooded river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church  and no sign of life.

An Associated Press team flew a drone over the devastation on Wednesday, a day after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River. The buildings that remain visible above the rushing waters did not show damage typical of a bomb dropped from above, such as scorch marks or shrapnel scars.

Russia accused Ukraine of bombarding the structure, which was under Moscows control, while Ukraine alleged that Russia blew it up from within.

Houses are seen underwater in the flooded village of Dnipryany.

Houses are seen underwater in the flooded village of Dnipryany.

The collapse of the dam in an area that Moscow has controlled for over a year and the emptying of its reservoir has irrevocably changed the landscape downstream, and shifted the dynamic of the 15-month-old war.

In the images captured by the AP, most of the dam was submerged by the rushing water. Two nearby villages under occupation, Dnipryany and Korsunka, were also underwater up to the rooftops of homes and a bright blue church.

The rounded shape of dozens of greenhouses was visible over the waterline. The images were devoid of people, but AP journalists could hear the screaming howls of dogs trapped by the flooding.

The nearby town of Nova Kakhovka, also under occupation, was less touched by the flooding but equally devoid of people and animals. Its Ferris wheel was stopped and water lapped up a main street.

Ukraine has warned since last October that the hydroelectric dam was mined by Russian forces, and accused them of touching off an explosion that has turned the downstream areas into a waterlogged wasteland. Russia said Ukraine hit the dam with a missile. Experts have said the structure was in disrepair, which could also have led to its collapse.

Grain storage sits underwater after the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, in Kozatske, in Russian-occupied Ukraine on June 7.

Grain storage sits underwater after the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, in Kozatske, in Russian-occupied Ukraine on June 7.

There were no signs typical of a missile attack in the few remaining buildings.

The Dnieper River forms part of the front line in the war, and many people had already fled the area because of the fighting. Ukraine holds the western bank, while Russia controls the low-lying eastern side, which is more vulnerable to flooding.

Anna Lodygina, a Nova Kakhovka resident who fled last autumn, said the flooding has paralyzed the occupied town, with markets closed, and limited electricity and mobile reception. The Russian soldiers occupying her family home, just 500 meters (yards) from the river, fled after the dam collapsed and neighbors have told her water now reaches the upper floor of the two-story building.

Friends and neighbors told her the Russians pulled out themselves, but extended no help to residents, so people took matters into their own hands, finding shelter a neighborhood farther from the river.

According to Lodygina, the historic part of the city is submerged.

Its state now is unknown, she said.

Houses are seen underwater in the flooded village of Dnipryany, in Russian-occupied Ukraine after the collapse of Kakhovka Dam.

Houses are seen underwater in the flooded village of Dnipryany, in Russian-occupied Ukraine after the collapse of Kakhovka Dam.

On the Ukrainian-controlled side, a Red Cross worker fielded calls from people begging for rescue from the other bank but could do little for them.

Our telephone is burning up from calls and our phone number is not well known. Just yesterday we got at least 30 calls from occupied territories, said Mykola Tarenenko, chief of the Kherson Red Cross quick response team.

People are asking us to evacuate them because no evacuation was organized.

Related...
Drone footage shows ruins of Kakhovka dam, flooded areas two days after Russian attack

The consequences of the Russians blowing up the Kakhovskaya HPP in Kherson Oblast, June 8, 2023

Nova Kakhovka dam breach  what is known

During the night of June 6, Russian forces, which have occupied the town of Nova Kakhovka for over a year, blew up the dam, completely or partially flooding downstream cities and towns along the Dnipro River, including the reginal capital of Kherson.

The evacuation of citizens in the affected areas on the west bank of the Dnipro River has been ongoing throughout the night. Meanwhile, a humanitarian disaster is underway on the east bank, which is under Russian occupation and suffered a great deal more due to its lower elevation.

Read also: Some animals from zoo in Nova Kakhovka managed to escape death from flooding

At an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the evacuation of at-risk areas and the provision of drinking water to towns and villages served by the affected Kakhovka Reservoir.

The Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant is completely destroyed, with no possibility of its repair, Ukrainian state hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo said. The dam was not fully destroyed, but suffered significant damage, the Ukrainian militarys South Operational Command said.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office has opened an investigation on the incident under the charge of ecocide.

President Zelenskyy called Russia's attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades.

Ukraines Defense Intelligence has said that the Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant increases the threat of a nuclear disaster.

Read also:

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Nearly three decades ago, a duck hunter stumbled upon the remains of a woman in a California river, according to a sheriffs office.

The remains, found in the Ryan Slough north of Eureka, could not be identified, the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office said in a June 7 news release.

However, a little more than a year later, Wayne Adam Ford stepped in the sheriffs station, admitting to killing several women, including the woman who could not be identified, deputies said.

Ford was convicted in 2006 on four counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, the sheriffs office said.

Even still, the womans identity remained a mystery, deputies said.

But with advances in DNA technology, the woman now has a name: Kerry Ann Cummings.

While we cant take away the pain of loss, we hope that this identification can help bring closure to Kerrys family and the community, Sheriff William Honsal said in the release.

Search for ID

Over the years, the sheriffs office said it tried to identify Fords unknown victim, scouring missing person reports from the West Coast for any leads.

DNA obtained from the remains was put into the states missing persons database, along with the National Unidentified Persons DNA index, deputies said.

No profile matches were ever made, the sheriffs office said.

In 2021, the sheriffs office reached out to Othram Inc., a forensic genealogy company, to see if the womans remains could be identified.

Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with traditional genealogical methods to create family history profiles, according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related.

Once Othram created a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman, scientists found a potential relative, who said a family member, named Kerry, had been missing since the mid-1990s, the sheriffs office said.

Kerry Ann Cummings last spoke with family in 1997, the sheriffs office said.

Familys search for answers

Cummings sister, Kathie Cummings, told investigators her sister, who would have been 25 at the time, last spoke with family in 1997, deputies said.

Kerry was suffering from untreated mental illness and told family that she was couch-surfing in the Eugene, Oregon area, the sheriffs office said.

Though family offered her a place to stay, Cummings refused, deputies said.

After Cummings vanished, her sister said their parents tried to report her missing in Arizona and Oregon, deputies said. Law enforcement, though, never filed a missing persons report for Cummings.

Unfortunately, back then they were told that Kerry was an adult, that she had chosen the lifestyle, and that if she wasnt a threat to herself or others, there was nothing that [law enforcement] could do, Kathie Cummings said, according to the sheriffs office news release.

When she was missing her sister, Kathie Cummings said she would search the NamUs website, scanning for mention of her tattoo and searching through the pictures of the Jane Does.

Then, decades after her sisters disappearance, Kathie Cummings finally got her answer.

Using Kathie Cummings DNA sample, the remains found in 1997 were identified as Kerry Ann Cummings, the sheriffs office said.

Kathie Cummings remembered her sister as an artist, who was beautiful, funny, smart and could make her family laugh, according to the sheriffs office news release.

She was dearly loved, Kathie Cummings told investigators.

Ford is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Eureka, where the body of Kerry Ann Cummings was found, is about 290 miles northwest of Sacramento.

Hiker found charred remains near a creek in 1970, CA cops say. Now theyre identified

Woman vanished in 1984. Hair strand just helped identify her body, California cops say

Teen vanished 40 years ago, California sheriff says. His remains were just identified
Sudanese women and children who fled camp out in makeshift tents, awaiting aid, in Koufroun, Chad, May 10, 2023. (Yagazie Emezi/The New York Times)

NAIROBI, Kenya  The gunmen arrived at dawn on motorcycles, horses and in cars. For hours afterward, they fired into houses, rampaged through shops and razed clinics, witnesses said, in a frenzied attack that upended life in El Geneina, a city in the Darfur region of Sudan.

The violence in mid-May, which killed at least 280 people in two days, came just hours after two military factions that have been battling for control of Sudan signed a commitment to protect civilians and allow the flow of humanitarian aid.

Truce agreements have so far failed to end the brutal fighting that broke out on April 15 between the Sudanese army and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Peace talks in Saudi Arabia were formally suspended June 1.

Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times

The fighting has decimated many areas of the capital, Khartoum. But the war between the military factions has also swept across the country to the long-suffering western region of Darfur  an area already blighted by two decades of genocidal violence.

The gunmen who poured into El Geneina were backed by the paramilitary forces. They were met with fierce resistance from armed fighters, including some of the citys residents, who had received weapons from the army, according to doctors, aid workers and analysts.

Amid the fighting, scores of markets were destroyed, dozens of aid camps burned and health facilities were shuttered. As heavy artillery rained from the sky, militants went door-to-door to find targets and shoot at unarmed civilians. With no food or water amid the 100-degree heat, thousands began fleeing the city  only to be killed by snipers, leaving bodies piled in the streets.

The situation is catastrophic in parts of Darfur, said Toby Harward, the coordinator in Darfur for the United Nations refugee agency who has been receiving the displaced in the neighboring country of Chad. Its people are living in a dystopian nightmare where there is no law and order.

Communications to West Darfur have been cut off for two weeks. But interviews over the last week with two dozen displaced people, humanitarian workers, U.N. officials and analysts revealed that the region is besieged by levels of violence unlike any in recent years. More than 370,000 people have fled Darfur in the past seven weeks, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Many of those displaced are reaching border towns like Adre in Chad, hungry and traumatized, relaying harrowing stories about their escape.

They include Hamza Abubakar, a 30-year-old who fled the village of Misteri in West Darfur after it was attacked at dawn in late May by Arab militants backed by the Rapid Support Forces. As people fled their homes, he said, the militants, who wielded AK-47s and other guns, chased them on horses, camels and in cars. Abubakar had a bullet wound in his left arm and was recuperating at a clinic.

They had no reason to start killing us, Abubakar said in a phone interview. Even though his wife and 1-year-old daughter made it out, he said, his brother and sister had died in the street from their injuries.

Many others could not make the journey, he said.

For years, the government of the former dictator Omar al-Bashir waged a campaign of murder, rape and ethnic cleansing in Darfur that killed as many as 300,000 people since 2003.

The two generals now vying for power in Sudan  Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan of the army and Lt. Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo of the paramilitary forces  were among those who perpetrated those atrocities, which eventually led to an indictment of al-Bashir at the International Criminal Court.

Fighting in the region has also surged in recent years after U.N. peacekeepers departed and mercenaries and rebel fighters flooded through porous borders with neighboring Libya and Chad. African farmers and nomadic Arab herders  at times backed by Dagalos men  also clashed over dwindling resources and land.

In the weeks before the war started, tensions were already rising in Darfur.

In various cities across the region, community leaders, aid workers and observers reported a weapons buildup and increased recruitment campaigns by both the army and the paramilitary forces. Dagalo, whose forces are mainly recruited from Arab tribes, also began enlisting soldiers from African tribes in a bid to curry favor with them and bolster his power in the region.

When the fighting began in Khartoum in April, the rival military forces also began clashing in Darfur, leading to mass killings of civilians, looting of food warehouses and attacks on aid workers.

But community leaders, civil society organizations and some regional political leaders were able to quickly negotiate a truce that halted the fighting in parts of Darfur. A truce in East Darfur has largely held, observers said, even though insecurity persists because of attacks by bandits.

That opened a small window of opportunity that allowed U.N. staff and international humanitarian workers across Darfur to be evacuated in late April by road and by air to Chad and South Sudan.

But shortly after the evacuations, the region descended into chaos yet again.

The two sides began clashing over control of key installations, including the airport and military bases in cities such as El Fasher in North Darfur and Zalingei in Central Darfur. In the city of Nyala in South Darfur, clashes ensued and banks were looted after paramilitary members were unable to collect their salaries because Burhan had frozen their accounts and assets, aid workers and analysts said.

Arab militants backed by the paramilitary forces also mobilized and advanced toward El Geneina, where the army was already arming members of ethnic African tribes to defend themselves.

El Geneina is one of the worst places to be on Earth at this moment, said Fleur Pialoux, a project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in El Geneina, who evacuated the city in late April.

Before the conflict, her team had been racing to combat a wave of malaria and malnutrition in Darfur ahead of the June rainy season.

But as bullets riddled her staffs compound, Pialoux, 30, knew she had to get her workers out. After four days of huddling in a safe room and scouring social media apps for news of a cease-fire, she learned of a brief truce to allow for bodies to be collected from the streets. As she and her staff fled the city, Pialoux recalled speeding past scorched displacement camps, a looted market and razed roads.

The warring parties in Darfur, she said, will stop at nothing until they run out of ammunition or bodies to kill.

With the collapse of the cease-fire talks in Saudi Arabia and the call to arms issued by the governor of Darfur, Mini Arko Minawi, the region could be drawn into more vicious and protracted warfare.

Aid workers are unable to obtain visas to get into Sudan or find safe routes to deliver food by road. The prices of food, water and fuel have skyrocketed, and many people are unable to access cash.

On Monday, the army was accused by the government of the Congo of bombarding a university in Khartoum on Sunday, killing 10 Congolese citizens. A spokesperson for the army did not reply to an immediate request for comment.

In El Geneina, one Sudanese doctor who had been sheltering with a colleague in a medical guesthouse in late April said armed gunmen beat and robbed them before depositing them in the streets.

The roads were filled with the smell of death and gunfire, said the doctor, 30, who asked to be called by his nickname, Yousef, for security concerns. Bodies were decomposing in the streets, covered in bullet wounds.

He and his colleague lived on the run for the next month, he said, dodging gunfire and roving militias on motorbikes to reach a string of temporary shelters: a mosque, an abandoned clinic, a scorched market.

The city was flooded with guns of all types. I have never seen anything like this, said the doctor, who had worked in El Geneina for four years. He said that he witnessed gunmen kill residents indiscriminately, and when armed groups started going door to door in late May, killing residents, he and his colleague fled.

At least a dozen women have been raped in El Geneina, according to Mona Ahmed, a womens rights activist who fled the city last month. Ahmed said the real number of rape victims is most likely higher.

There is no protection for them, no medical or social support, Ahmed, 27, said. Terror thrives in that kind of environment that is cut out from the rest of the world.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
East Ramapo seeks voter OK for budget with 0% tax levy; warns of fiscal squeeze

SPRING VALLEY  East Ramapo voters will be asked June 20 to pass a budget plan that would freeze the tax levy  and lower their property taxes  after the district's original 2023-24 plan, with a 1.99% tax levy increase, failed by 45 votes on May 16.

But even a 0% tax levy increase appeared controversial.

At a June 6 school board meeting, nearly 200 people showed up, many public school parents who said their children's education was being sacrificed because voters refused to fund the public schools. Most walked out halfway through the meeting to protest what they saw as inaction by the board and to demand more intervention by the state Education Department, which currently has monitors installed in the district.

The East Ramapo school board announces the defeat of the 2023-2024 budget during a meeting at district administration building in Spring Valley. This video is from their live stream broadcast.

Several speakers questioned if board members were doing enough to champion the budget plan in their wards.

The district educates 10,500 public school children, with a growing number of kids who are recent immigrants joining the schools. East Ramapo also provides mandated services, such as transportation, for about 35,000 children who attend private schools, mostly yeshivas that serve a growing Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish population.

The school board comprises six men who critics say champion concerns of the private-school community over public-school kids, and three women who have direct connections to the public schools.

After the district's latest budget defeat was announced at a May 16 school board meeting, the room fell silent.

"Unfortunately this is not the result we wanted to hear," board President Shimon Rose said. "We're all very upset."

The second budget proposal, at at $295.6 million, cuts about $3 million in spending, mostly for playground and certain building repairs.

Any tax hike 'a gamble'

A budget passed by voters with a 0% tax levy change is not the same as a state-imposed contingency budget.

Even at a zero, an approved budget allows you to administer your district in a way where your hands are not tied constantly," Superintendent Clarence Ellis said during a May 30 special board meeting.

Voters rejected 3 school budgets: What happens now in East Ramapo, Elmsford, Blind Brook?

East Ramapo: Monitors warn of $44M deficit if voters keep tanking school budgets

East Ramapo: Monitor Mary Fox-Alter leaving district; will serve as Ossining interim super

According to the New York State School Boards Association, a contingency budget plan restricts the following: outside use of school buildings and grounds, unless fully reimbursed; extra building repairs and capital expenses except in emergencies; and new equipment purchases, unless there's a safety or emergency need.

Ellis' comments came in response to Trustee Harry Grossman, who questioned the benefit of paying for a revote, estimated to cost $100,000, on a budget plan that holds the tax levy flat. Grossman said he could support a tax levy increase that still could provide a tax cut to individual homeowners.

After a budget vote fails, state education law allows districts to either go straight to a contingency spending plan or offer the same or altered budget to voters one more time. If the second round fails, a contingency budget is mandatory.

With seven board members in attendance May 30, six voted to put up a new plan; only Grossman voted against.

At the June 6 meeting, members of the public blasted the very idea of the district  with already stretched resources and under the eye of state-appointed monitors  again having to operate under a contingency plan.

East Ramapo public-school parents showed up at the June 6, 2023 school board meeting to protest the failure of the 2023-2023 school budget plan vote.

Ellis called any attempt to raise the tax levy "a gamble" that could force the district into contingency if voters reject another budget plan.

String of budget defeats

East Ramapo has operated under contingency budgets several times in recent years, including this academic year.

The idea of seeking a property tax levy hike this year in the second go-ground was ill advised, Ellis said May 30. We did that last year, he said.

After more than 20% of voters in May 2022 rejected a spending plan with a 3.9% tax levy hike, the district put up a plan that carried a 1.63% tax levy increase. The voters said no again, this time by a 2-to-1 margin.

This isn't the first time the district has put up a 0% budget plan with no tax levy increase. In 2021, just before Ellis arrived, a 0% budget was passed. He said May 30 the move gave him leeway over spending when he took over.

This year's first vote was closer than most. Support for the spending plan was strong in areas where public-school families live; the plan was heavily rejected in most wards where many families use private schools.

The vote was close only in Ward 4, which encompasses the greater Chestnut Ridge area and is represented by Rose, with the tally 257 for the plan and 275 against.

Turnout overall was low  only 3,774 voted.

A deficit looms

The repeated rejection by voters of spending increases has degraded the district's fiscal position, state-appointed monitors for the district have warned. If voters continue to reject even modest property tax increases, a recent letter by the monitors stated, East Ramapo faces up to a $44 million deficit in five years.

Meanwhile, the district has been cutting tens of millions from the budget over the past two years to compensate for the loss of federal COVID pandemic aid that's running out.

President Shimon Rose talks with Board Member Sabrina Charles-Pierre during a meeting of the East Ramapo School Board at the district administration building in Spring Valley May 2, 2023.

The 0% tax levy increase was achieved by cutting $3,074,356 out of the initial spending plan.

Even with a freeze to the tax levy, East Ramapo's budget would increase 15.28% over last year.

Natalie Espinal, interim assistant superintendent for business, said development in the area has added more properties to the tax rolls. Likening it to sharing a pizza, Espinal said the cost goes down when eight people share a pie, compared to four people.

At the June 6 meeting, Espinal said that under the revised budget plan, homeowners in the Ramapo section of the district could see their school property taxes dip by about 1.4%; Clarkstown homeowners' school tax bills could drop by 9.2%; and Haverstraw homeowners could experience a nearly 5.5% school tax decrease.

The June 20 budget re-vote takes place from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; voters cast their ballots in their wards. Find polling locations here or at https://www.ercsd.org/Page/11890.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: East Ramapo warns contingency budget restrictions hurt district
The historic kitchen that has developed some of the magazines most popular recipes is headed to the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The test kitchen of Ebony has found a permanent home at the Blacksonian.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the historic room where some of the magazines recipes for African American cuisine were developed is headed to the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, where it will be a part of a permanent collection.

Kevin Young, the NMAAHCs Andrew W. Mellon director, called Ebonys kitchen a living, breathing testament to the power of Black excellence and innovation in the culinary world.

The Ebony test kitchen in Chicago, where recipes featured in the magazine were developed, is headed to the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington for permanent display. (Photo: Landmarks Illinois)

The kitchen was a place where recipes were reimagined, flavors were explored, and stories were shared, Young maintained, a place that celebrates Black history and culture in a way that was not only inspiring but delicious.

Although there is no specific date for the grand opening, the museum shared that the Ebony kitchen will eventually be a part of a project that uses digitization to showcase how food and culture connect in the African American community.

Landmarks Illinois purchased the kitchen for $1 in 2018 to prevent it from being demolished, according to the Sun-Times. The kitchen was restored, put in storage and loaned to a New York museum before being donated to the NMAAHC for permanent installation. The organization hopes the Washington museum will begin showing the kitchen next year.

Ebonys test kitchen, constructed in 1972, was once housed in the Johnson Publishing Co. building on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Regarded as one of the most cutting-edge kitchens, it was the testing ground for recipes that were distributed nationwide in Ebony magazine and cookbooks.

Johnson Publishing also owned Jet magazine. In an era when photographs of white, fair-haired men and women primarily populated glossy magazines, Ebony and Jet featured accomplished Black doctors, lawyers, businesspeople and celebrities.

After selling the magazines in 2016, the business declared bankruptcy in 2019.

The Johnson Publishing building was sold in 2010, raising concerns about demolition since developers were considering residential construction. However, it was preserved in 2017 after a grassroots campaign led to its designation as a Chicago landmark, the Sun-Times reported.

Sandra Rand, who sits on the board of directors of Landmarks Illinois, said that the Ebony kitchen symbolizes courageous and iconic moments in African American and U.S. history. She noted that its inclusion in the museum assures upcoming generations will have the opportunity to learn about the test kitchens history.

Im a firm believer that if we dont intentionally preserve our history, she said, whether its in written form or in physical form, it will be forgotten.

The New York museum that displayed the test kitchen, the Museum of Food and Drink, made it part of the African/American: Making the Nations Table exhibition that opened in 2019. The museum renovated two rooms and reproduced elements, including its distinctive wallpaper with orange, purple and avocado-green swirls.

The Africa Center in Manhattan hosted the Food and Drink Museums exhibition last year from February to July. Rand recalled the sensation she felt upon entering the renovated kitchen, and she hopes guests feel the same way when visiting the Blacksonian.

It was such a moving experience, she said, the Sun-Times reported. Its a very emotional engagement when youre actually in the space. Its almost this psychedelic physical environment.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Ebonys historic test kitchen moving to the Blacksonian permanently appeared first on TheGrio.
Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, has been transferred to a halfway house.

Coronel, 33, was moved from a federal womens prison near Fort Worth, Texas, to a halfway house in Long Beach, Calif., on May 30, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.

The former teenage beauty queen is serving a three-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2021 to drug trafficking and money laundering.

Coronel was born in San Francisco and married Guzman, who is 32 years her senior, on her 18th birthday. Both her father and uncle were high-ranking members in the Guzman-run Sinaloa cartel.

She played a key role in Guzmans meticulous escape from a Mexican prison in 2015, according to authorities.

Coronel was allowed to visit her husband in prison, and she brought him a GPS device disguised as food, prosecutors said. Cartel soldiers used that tracker to locate Guzman while digging a tunnel under the prison.

She also supported Guzmans operations in other ways throughout their marriage, according to police. Coronel carried messages from Guzman to other cartel heavyweights while he was in prison, allowing him to continue leading the vicious organization.

In February 2021, she was arrested at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C.

Months later, Coronel cut a deal with federal prosecutors, pleading guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering in exchange for a three-year sentence. She is expected to be released in September, according to KABC.

Her husband remains imprisoned at a maximum security facility in Colorado. Guzman was sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted in Brooklyn Federal Court in 2019. Coronel attended almost every day of the trial.
The wife of Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has been moved from federal prison to community confinement, the Bureau of Prisons confirmed to CBS News.

Emma Coronel Aispuro was transferred on May 30, 2023, from FMC Carswell in Texas to community confinement overseen by Long Beach Residential Reentry Management in California, a spokesperson said.

Community confinement happens either in a halfway house or in home confinement, similar to house arrest in which a person needs to stay within their home. Movements can be monitored by a GPS bracelet, and home confinement is usually for inmates in the last 12-18 months of a federal sentence.

Coronel Aispuro is scheduled to be released in mid-September, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

Coronel Aispuro was sentenced in 2021 to three years for her role in her husband's multibillion-dollar criminal empire. She had asked the judge at the time for a sentence that would allow her to watch her then 9-year-old twin daughters grow up.

The former beauty queen and dual U.S.-Mexico citizen was arrested in 2021 outside of Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. Prosecutors said she conspired with Guzman's sons to coordinate his 2015 prison break through an elaborate one-mile-long underground tunnel. She also benefited from his criminal activities through their marriage prosecutors said.

She pleaded guilty to willfully conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine. She also pleaded guilty to a money-laundering conspiracy charge and to engaging in transactions with a foreign narcotics trafficker.

After a six-month trial, Guzman was found guilty of 10 criminal counts related to running his violent empire. He was sentenced to life plus 30 years in prison. He is serving his time in the notorious federal United States Penitentiary Florence, a supermax prison in Colorado.

Tupac Shakur posthumously receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Former Trump attorney Timothy Parlatore thinks Trump could be indicted in Florida

Sister of Saudi aid worker jailed for Twitter account speaks out
Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, arriving at federal court in New York in December 2018. (Seth Wenig / Associated Press)

Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, was transferred to a halfway house in Long Beach as part of her prison sentence for helping her husband run his multibillion-dollar criminal empire.

The former teenage beauty queen was born near San Francisco and married Guzman when she was 18 and he was 50, according to a 2016 L.A. Times interview with Coronel. Because she is a U.S. citizen, Coronel was able to give birth to their twin daughters in Los Angeles County in 2011 while Guzman was a fugitive in hiding.

Coronel was sentenced in November 2021 to three years in prison after she pleaded guilty to a money-laundering conspiracy charge and knowingly and willfully conspiring to distribute drugs. The 33-year-old Coronel was transferred from a federal prison in Forth Worth to a confinement facility, or halfway house, in Long Beach on May 30, a spokesperson with the Federal Bureau of Prisons said in a statement.

Prosecutors also allege that Coronel helped plan her husband's escape from prison in 2015 by smuggling a GPS watch disguised as a food item that helped him dig a tunnel underneath a Mexican prison.

During her sentencing in a Washington federal court, Coronel said she had true regret for any and all harm she caused, her words translated by a Spanish court interpreter. I am here before you, asking for forgiveness, she said.

Guzman led the Sinaloa cartel for several years and is responsible for importing and distributing more than a million kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin in the United States, according to federal prosecutors who brought charges against him in 2019 after his capture in northern Sinaloa and extradition to the United States. Cartel violence spread across Mexico as Guzman and his accomplices directed hitmen to kidnap, interrogate, torture and slaughter members of rival drug organizations, at times carrying out acts of violence himself, authorities in Mexico and the U.S. said.

Guzman is serving a life sentence plus 30 years in ADX Florence, a supermax prison in Colorado.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fires in Spain after hot weather

A natural weather event known as El Nino has begun in the Pacific Ocean, likely adding heat to a planet already warming under climate change.

US scientists confirmed that El Nino had started. Experts say it will likely make 2024 the world's hottest year.

They fear it will help push the world past a key 1.5C warming milestone.

It will also affect world weather, potentially bringing drought to Australia, more rain to the southern US, and weakening India's monsoon.

The event will likely last until next spring, after which its impacts will recede.

For months, researchers have been increasingly confident that an El Nino event was set to emerge in the Pacific Ocean.

"It's ramping up now, there have been signs in our predictions for several months, but it's really looking like it will peak at the end of this year in terms of its intensity," said Adam Scaife, head of long-range predictions at the UK Met Office.

"A new record for global temperature next year is definitely plausible. It depends how big the El Nino turns out to be - a big El Nino at the end of this year, gives a high chance that we will have a new record, global temperature in 2024."

This natural phenomenon is the most powerful fluctuation in the climate system anywhere on Earth.

The El Nino Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, as it is properly called, has three different phases: Hot, cold or neutral.

Workers in Peru clean up after a storm as a coastal El Nino impacted the coast

The hot phase, called El Nino, occurs every two to seven years and sees warm waters come to the surface off the coast of South America and spread across the ocean pushing significant amounts of heat up into the atmosphere.

Record warm years, including 2016, the world's hottest on record, usually happen the year after a powerful El Nino event.

Weather agencies around the world use different criteria to decide when this hot phase is upon us.

For scientists in the US, their definition requires the ocean to be 0.5C hotter than normal for a month, the atmosphere must be seen to be responding to this heat and there must be evidence the event is persisting.

These conditions were met in the month of May. In a statement, US National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that "El Nino conditions are present".

"This is a very weak signal. But we believe that we're starting to see these conditions and that they will continue to intensify," said Michelle L'Heureux, a scientist with NOAA.

"Our weekly value is actually 0.8C this past week, which is even stronger."

Heat and drought will likely hit parts of Asia as a result of El Nino

The researchers believe this event has an 84% chance of exceeding moderate strength by the end of this year.

They also say there's a one in four chance of this event exceeding 2C at its peak, which is getting into the territory of a "super El Nino".

The impacts of the onset of El Nino will likely lag behind by a few months but will be felt all over the world.

Researchers expect these will include drier weather conditions in Australia and parts of Asia, with potential weakening of the monsoon in India. Southern US states will likely be wetter in the coming winter. El Nino normally strengthens drought conditions in Africa.

If experience is anything to go by, there will be a large human and economic cost to this oncoming weather event.

The strong El Nino in 1997-98 cost over $5 trillion with around 23,000 deaths from storms and floods.

There's also a strong likelihood that this year's version will push 2024 past 2016 as the world's hottest year.

Smoke from forest fires is having a dramatic impact on New York

Global temperatures are currently hovering around 1.1C above the average in the period from 1850-1900.

But an El Nino event could add up to 0.2C to that figure, pushing the world into uncharted temperature territory, and close to breaking the symbolic 1.5C guard rail, a key element of the Paris climate agreement.

Researchers recently said that breaking this limit temporarily was more likely than not in the next few years.

"We're actually likely to see global mean temperatures that might become more of a regular thing in five to ten year's time, so it does give us that sort of portal on the future." said Michelle L'Heureux.

"And I think that's why it's alarming to some people, because these are our new thresholds. And El Nino is providing an accelerant on that."
El Nino is officially underway. Here's what that means for the weather

El Nino is officially underway. Here's what that means for the weather

A map of the Pacific Ocean showing sea surface temperature anomalies. The areas of yellow, orange and red to the west of South America show where El Nino has developed. (NASA Worldview)

After months of anticipation, El Nino has officially developed and will have a heavy hand in shaping the weather patterns around the world into 2024.

On Thursday morning, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center announced that "El Nino conditions are present and are expected to gradually strengthen into the Northern Hemisphere for the winter of 2023-24."

El Nino is a regular climate phenomenon in the eastern Pacific Ocean when water temperatures near the equator are at least 0.9 of a degree F (0.5 of a degree C) above the historical average for a three-month period. The extended period of warmth in this region of the ocean alters the jet stream and the overall weather patterns across North America.

The last time El Nino was observed was from late 2018 through the first half of 2019.

A map of the Eastern Pacific Ocean that shows the impact of El Nino on the basin's hurricane season. Weaker trend winds lead to warmer water temperatures and higher moisture content. Farther north along the coast of Mexico, less wind shear contributes to more hurricane activity.

AccuWeather forecasters have been predicting the development of El Nino for months, with Senior Meteorologist and Long-Range Specialist Paul Pastelok talking about the potential for it to develop as far back as February during the release of AccuWeather's annual spring forecast for the United States.

This is a sharp turnaround from the past three years when El Nino's cooler counterpart La Nina reigned supreme over the Pacific Ocean.

In the summer and autumn, El Nino can help to suppress tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean. This is one factor that AccuWeather long-range forecasters considered when they released the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season forecast.

In general, an El Nino pattern favors a more active storm track farther south across the U.S. and drier weather across northern areas.

During the winter, El Nino can promote wet weather across California and the Gulf Coast while much of the central and midwestern U.S. tends to experience milder weather with less frequent snow.

650x366_12051707_elnino

The large area of warm water in the Pacific Ocean can also help the global average sea surface temperatures to reach unprecedented levels.

The onset of El Nino is just the beginning.

NOAA says there is an 84% chance that it will become at least moderately strong by the end of 2023 or the start of 2024, meaning that it will have a bigger influence on global weather patterns. It will likely become stronger than the most recent El Nino four years ago.

The strongest El Nino on record occurred during the winter of 2015-16, barely edging out the one that unfolded during the winter of 1997-98.

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.
FILE PHOTO: A health worker sprays fumigation vapour to stem the spread of dengue virus at the Nueva Esperanza cemetery in Lima

By Marco Aquino

LIMA (Reuters) - Peru's worst dengue outbreak on record could intensify further as an El Nino climate phenomenon brings torrential rains and mosquitoes, driving the death toll this year past 200 with over 130,000 recorded cases, the health ministry said on Thursday.

Most of the deaths have occurred in northern Peru, where hospitals have exceeded their capacity, bringing back recent memories of the health crisis suffered by the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

The country's health authorities have pointed towards the El Nino as one of the key drivers of the surge in cases. The natural climate phenomenon fuels tropical cyclones in the Pacific, boosting rainfall and flood risk in the region.

The spike in cases this year is far higher than a major outbreak in 2017, when there was also an El Nino.

A rainy season fosters mass reproduction of mosquitoes due to the accumulation of water in the cities.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte signed a decree on Thursday declaring a two-month "state of emergency" in 18 of the country's 24 regions to allow swift official action for "imminent danger from heavy rainfall" this year and next.

Dengue is transmitted through the bites of aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Its symptoms include fever, eye, head, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Elizabeth Holmes reunited with her husband and her parents in a Texas prison yard on visiting day, just 5 days after she went in: report

Elizabeth Holmes in the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, after starting her sentence. Splash News

Elizabeth Holmes had an emotional reunion with her family just five days after she went to prison.

She met with her husband, Billy Evans, and her parents on a prison visiting day in Bryan, Texas.

Holmes is serving an 11-year sentence after she was convicted on four counts of fraud.

Elizabeth Holmes shared an emotional reunion with her husband and her parents just five days after she reported to prison.

In pictures by Splash News that were obtained by the Daily Mail, Holmes was seen with her parents and her husband, Billy Evans, during a visiting day on Saturday.

They were photographed sitting together on a park bench under a tree in the federal prison in Bryan, Texas, which is where Holmes is set to serve her more than 11-year sentence.

Holmes was dressed in khakis with a brown undershirt, similar to the garb she donned in the first photo of her in prison.

The Daily Mail reported that Holmes was in tears for most of the family's emotional seven-hour visit.

In one of the pictures on Saturday, she was also seen holding her husband's pinkie during the visit  which could be seen as a violation of prison rules.

An inmate admission and orientation handbook from the prison notes: "A brief kiss, embrace and/or handshake are allowed only upon arrival and departure."

Holmes reported to prison on May 30 after a court denied her request to remain out of prison while appealing her conviction.

The Theranos founder was considered the world's youngest self-made million and lauded for her efforts to revolutionize healthcare before her reputation tanked in 2015. This was after The Wall Street Journal published an expose revealing that she had lied about the capabilities of the Theranos machines.

Holmes was convicted on four counts of fraud and conspiracy in January 2022. She and her ex-boyfriend, Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, were ordered to pay $452 million to the victims of Theranos-related frauds.

A lawyer for Holmes did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Elizabeth Warren Says Binance Appears to Have Lied to Lawmakers

(Bloomberg) -- A pair of Senate Democrats wants the Justice Department to investigate whether crypto exchange Binance Holdings Ltd. lied to lawmakers about its business practices.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen, who represents Maryland, said in a letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland that the crypto platform may have made false statements, including over whether its American affiliate Binance.US was truly a separate entity. In a 136-page complaint filed in federal court on Monday, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that the US firm and Binances global entity, which isnt supposed to allow Americans to trade, werent actually independent from each other.

This is a serious matter, the lawmakers wrote in the letter to Garland on Wednesday.

Representatives for Binance didnt respond to requests for comment. The Justice Department declined to comment.

Back in March, Warren, Van Hollen, and Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, asked for information on the relationship between Binance and Binance.US. They also requested a range of financial data. In response, Binance said the two companies were separate entities and that it made compliance a priority.

The responses were meant to inform Congresss legislative process and it appears that Binance and Binance.US undermined this important investigation and the legislative process by providing false and misleading information to Congress, the lawmakers wrote in their Wednesday letter.

Patrick Hillmann, Binances chief strategy officer, signed the firms 14-page response to the March inquiry, which described the companys work to build out its compliance program but provided scant details on its finances.

Read more: Binance Answers Elizabeth Warren Without Addressing Financials

In its complaint, the SEC alleged that Binance and its Chief Executive Officer Changpeng Zhao violated a number of securities rules, mishandled customer funds and misled investors.

The SEC also said the international company and Zhao were intimately involved in directing the US-based business. The SEC has sought a temporary restraining order to freeze some assets as part of its case.

Previously, state regulators in Texas also raised concerns about the independence of Binance and Binance.US from each other.

On Thursday, Warren emphasized that she wanted Binance to be held accountable. It is a crime to lie to Congress, she said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. I want the Justice Department to take a look.

--With assistance from Tyler Kendall.

(Updates with Warren comment on Thursday in final paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Elon Musk joked that he took 'too much' anti-aging formula in response to a viral AI-generated image of him as a baby on Twitter

A fake AI-generated image of Elon Musk as a baby is going viral on social media. ODD ANDERSEN/Getty Images

A fake AI-generated image of Elon Musk as a baby has racked up 4.5 million views on Twitter.

The billionaire responded to the image by joking that he took "too much" anti-aging formula.

Fake images of Musk kissing robot wives and in other bizarre scenarios have gone viral on Twitter.

Twitter users love posting AI-generated images of famous figures and their favorite subject appears to be its billionaire owner Elon Musk.

One image of Musk as a child is making the rounds on Twitter and has racked up 4.5 million views. The picture shows young Musk with his usual tuft of brown hair in a white collared shirt and brown overalls.

The parody account that posted it captioned the fake image: "BREAKING: Elon Musk was reportedly working on some anti aging formula but it got way out of hand."

Musk, who regularly engages commenters on the social media platform, joked back in a reply: "Guys, I think I maybe took too much."

Although it's unclear where the image comes from, pictures generated by AI platforms like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Dall.E2 have been flooding the platform.

Henry Ajder, an AI expert on the European advisory council for Meta's Reality Labs, previously told Insider that AI images on Midjourney tend to have "a very stylized, almost smooth kind of shiny, plasticky appearance."

Another account, @elonmuskids, which is dedicated to posting pictures of Musk as a child clarifies in its profile that they're all "100% ai generated images."

Recently images of Musk kissing "robot wives" were spreading on the platform but were quickly revealed to be created by AI. Users were even falsely claiming that one of Musk's companies would release a product called "Robot Wives" later this year.

One image of Musk dressed in traditional Indian wedding attire, which was created on Midjourney, also caught the attention of the billionaire. Musk responded, "I love it!"

Musk is far from the only public figure to be the subject of AI experimentation. Fake images of Pope Francis in a stylish white Balenciaga coat or Donald Trump getting arrested have tricked social media users with many believing it's real.

Ajder warned Insider that these fake images "slowly just chip away at our trust in visual media and make it harder to navigate the truth."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A jury found a former Englewood man guilty on Wednesday of killing an aspiring Brooklyn rapper in 2011 after his initial conviction was thrown out three years ago, a spokesperson for the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said.

Randy Manning was once again convicted of shooting Rhian "Kampane" Stoute in Englewood and setting his body on fire in August 2011. Stoute's badly burned body was found in the back of his Chevy Tahoe on Village Circle in Paramus. He was shot four times, with two of the shots killing him almost instantly.

Manning, a native of Trinidad and Tobago who lived in Englewood for a time, was originally convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2014. But in 2020, the state Supreme Court upheld the decision of an appellate judge who tossed the conviction, ruling that the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office illegally skirted the requirement for a warrant before searching the call records and location data on Manning's cellphone.

Defense attorney Milagros Camacho and Randy Manning are shown during the a trial at Bergen County Courthouse on Wednesday, May 11, 2023. Manning is accused of shooting Rhian "Kampane" Stoute and setting his body on fire in a vacant house in Englewood in August 2011.

During his retrial, prosecutors argued that Manning executed Stoute and burned his body before stashing it in a vehicle.

The prosecution said a California driver's license bearing the picture of Manning but with the name "Jamal Johnson" was found in the car with the body.

Prosecutors said said Manning even reached out to the police first, telling them he wanted to see how the investigation was going.

When contacted by the Prosecutor's Office, Manning told the detective he had seen Stoute that day but that night he had been in New York. The prosecution said the defendant's story slowly changed, becoming "more outlandish."

It was by Manning's own words that police found the abandoned house where Stoute was killed, prosecutors said, also telling the jury that after detectives stopped believing his stories, Manning admitted to killing Stoute.

NJ smoke NJ smoke conditions remain 'very unhealthy' in day 3 of haze from Canadian wildfires

Manning's attorney had argued that witnesses hadn't been able to recall certain specific evidence. Manning even took the stand in his own defense claiming that he and Stoute were close friends and called each other "cousins."

Ultimately, the jury agreed with prosecutors and convicted Manning on all counts, spelling an end to a legal process that began over a decade ago.

Manning faces up to life in prison and a minimum of 30 years. Sentencing is scheduled for July 21.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Englewood NJ man Randy Manning convicted of murder in retrial
Hawaiis Kilauea Volcano Erupts as Officials Warn of Potential Hazards Like Peles Hair and Vog

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is "closely" monitoring the eruption, but says there's currently "no indication that populated areas are threatened"

Andrew Richard Hara / Getty Images Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano

Hawaiis Kilauea volcano is erupting for the second time this year.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) said the volcanos latest eruption began in Kilaueas summit caldera, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, around 4:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

Webcam footage shows numerous fissures at the base of Halemaumau crater, according to a press release from the agency, which is closely monitoring the eruption.

Volcanic activity is currently contained to the caldera, according to the HVO, which operates under the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Hawaii EMA said on Twitter that there is no indication that populated areas are threatened by the eruption.

Related: Falling Glass 'Hair' Named for Hawaiian Deity, Lava and Vog: What to Know About Mauna Loa Eruption Hazards

HVO officials said on Wednesday that hazards "will be reassessed as the eruption progresses," but that high levels of volcanic gas are the primary concern as that can have far-reaching effects down-wind.

Andrew Richard Hara / Getty Images

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) released during the eruption will react in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as volcanic smog, or vog, which has already been observed downwind of the volcano, per the agency.

Vog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to residents and visitors, damages agricultural crops and other plants, and affects livestock, officials said.



Mario Tama / Getty Images Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano

They are also warning of several other hazards, including ash falls, a phenomenon known as Pele's hair as well as other lightweight volcanic glass fragments.

Residents are encouraged to minimize their exposure to the aforementioned particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation, according to the agency.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Dangers closer to the eruption site  specifically within the area closed to the public since late 2007  include crater wall instability, ground cracking, rockfalls and earthquakes.

Story continues

This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kilauea caldera rim surrounding Halema'uma'u crater," the HVO said.

Related: Why Is the Sun Red? All About the Air Quality Index and What It Means for Your Health

This is the second time Kilauea has erupted this year. The last eruption began Jan. 5 and lasted 61 days, according to Hawaii News Now.

Two months prior, Mauna Loa on Hawaiis Big Island erupted for the first time in 38 years. Mauna Loa is considered one of the world's largest active volcanoes.

Live footage of the eruption can be viewed online via the USGS webcam.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Everyone is headed to the country known for its historic cities, beautiful wine country, and iconic Algarve coast. Heres what to pack.

Andrei Orlov / Shutterstock

Portugal, known for its rolling vineyards and olive groves, beautifully tiled historic cities, and iconic coastal cliffs, has become one of the hottest traveler destinations in recent years. This past month, I explored many of Portugals gorgeous sites, including a few days in the bustling city of Lisbon, the vineyards in the countryside of Alentejo, and a weekend in Lagos  a key city in the countrys southern Algarve coast known for its cliffy coastline and superior seafood.

As a kitchen and food shopping editor, Ive tested the latest and greatest products and tools for any home cook  including for travel. I packed only my favorite kitchen and travel items, ensuring everything had a purpose for my trip. Heres everything I recommend for an effortless adventure in one of Europes buzziest countries.

Paravel Aviator Carry-On

Buy at Click.linksynergy.com

When traveling internationally, there is perhaps nothing more critical than a reliable, spacious carry-on thats of good quality and  to some (okay, me!)  attractive. Ive had this Paravel carry-on for over a year, and as a frequent traveler, its gotten a lot of use. Its been thrown around public transportation systems, rolled over uneven city pavement, hauled up flights of stairs  you name it. Yet, this impossibly chic bag has withstood the test of time. I love its spacious interior with convenient pockets to store various loose items, and a compression board helps when I overfill it. Its 360-degree wheels have no problem keeping up with me, and its vegan leather details make it an absolute home run in my book.

On the other hand, my partner travels with the Away Carry-On, another traveler favorite. Its durable polycarbonate hard shell makes this carry-on remarkably lightweight, and its simple design is timeless. Whenever I go to handle it, Im always impressed with its spinning capabilities, gliding across streets effortlessly, and it, too, is ergonomic. Plus, its built-in USB charger has saved my phone battery more than once. Do note that the battery must be taken with you and cannot be checked or gate-checked.

Price at time of publish: $395

Fellow Carter Wide Mug

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Click.linksynergy.com

You won't find me anywhere without my favorite insulated bottle from Fellow, but that rings especially true when traveling. The Food & Wine-favorite coffee brand touts it as a coffee mug (which it is!), but I love to use it for hot and cold beverages. Its well-insulated, made of 18/8 stainless steel, and has a BPE-free plastic exterior and an inner ceramic coating. Standing just five inches tall, it doesnt take up much space in my bag, but its wide size holds plenty of liquid. I can fill it up when heading onto the plane and still enjoy cold water well into my international flight. Likewise, it travels with me while sightseeing and is always there to offer a refreshing sip after a long day of sightseeing. I dont have to worry about it spilling in my bag with its tight-lip enclosure top. I love its delicious orangey-red color, but the Carter Mug comes in over ten colorways, so theres an option for everyone.

Price at time of publish: $30

Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Homeluxtheory.com

Anyone traveling with me will quickly learn Im a firm believer in packing snacks for long flights and longer sightseeing days. I grab these reusable food storage bags for things like nuts, cut-up produce, and granola. They come in various sizes depending on your needs, and they are perfect for stashing various snacks in your carry-on when the complementary pretzels just arent enough. They are easy to clean, only requiring a quick rinse in the sink before re-packing for the rest of your travels. Apart from snacks, these convenient bags are great for stashing odds and ends like phone chargers, toiletries, and jewelry.

Price at time of publish: $32

Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag

Buy at Baggu.com

I often stay in Airbnbs, so my first stop is usually the local grocery store to gather a few essentials for easy snacking or quick breakfasts. For this reason, I always pack a few different-sized Baggus, which are recycled, packable bags that fold into a small pocket only a few inches wide. When I discovered this brand a few years ago, it completely changed how I transport groceries at home and when traveling.

The standard-size bag is the perfect size for a few produce items, a carton of milk, some boxed snacks, and a few water bottles, and they come in a plethora of unique and fun patterns and colors. Theyre made of recycled ripstop polyester, a yarn fabric made from pre-consumer waste, are machine-washable, and can carry up to 50 (yes, 50!) pounds. Its so lightweight and small that I can throw it in my bag or purse and keep it whenever I need more support in a pinch. Its also a great beach bag and takes up significantly less space in your suitcase than a rattan or cotton tote. And if you have to check your carry-on back home due to snagging too many souvenirs or bottles of wine during your trip, this is a great emergency bag to pull out of your suitcase and keep any essentials with you on the plane.

Price at time of publish: $14

WineSkin Bottle Transport Bag

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Goto.walmart.com

With a sommelier in our group, a large focus was, of course, wine. Traveling with a sommelier also means we would likely be taking wine home with us back to the States  a perk I never complain about. With this in mind, I packed a few wine sleeves to stow away in her checked bag. Sure enough, after a day of visiting wineries in the Alentejo region, we left with a few favorite bottles. These handy sleeves offer protection from the unknown handling of checked bags. Simply place the bottle inside, peel the inner seal, and compress it against the protective outer vinyl covering. Then, peel and stick the outer seal and fold the vinyl flap onto the second adhesive strip and press firmly. With a bubble-wrap-like interior, its design ensures there wont be any disasters waiting for you at baggage claim.

For the most serious wine drinkers, wine suitcases offer the highest security and convenience of transporting multiple bottles at once. Our Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle loves his one from VinGardeValise, which securely fits up to 12 bottles and can accommodate clothing or other belongings if needed.

Price at time of publish: $23

Makupon Portable Wine Bottle Opener Set

Buy at Amazon.com

When packing for a wine country trip (or any trip), its not a bad idea to include a TSA-approved wine opener for spontaneous picnics. I like this small, no-frills opener that can attach to a keychain and is incredibly lightweight, taking up little to no space in my luggage. This set comes with two openers, so you can leave one in your suitcase and take the other with you. It does not have a lever to help pull the cork out, so it may not offer the smoothest experience, but it will get the job done. Youll likely have access to a wine opener in your travels, but this compact portable one will save you in a pinch. While youre at it, a couple of wine stoppers arent a bad idea, either.

Price at time of publish: $26

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

Buy at Shareasale.com

I was always a believer in the rolling packing method. And while I still am, Ive found packing cubes to be an incredibly efficient way to compress my clothing items even further. This pack from travel-favorite brand Monos comes in sets of four or six different sizes. Not only does it magically create more space in my carry-on, but it offers an entirely new level of organization. The mesh-top panel allows you to see whats inside without having to unzip and re-inflate your cube, which is convenient if you have multiple destinations on your trip and pack accordingly for each stay. With these cubes, I can fit almost twice as many articles of clothing as before. And with such limited precious real estate in my carry-on, Ill take it.



Price at time of publish: $110

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Documenting Portugals beautiful sites is no easy feat, so I attached this conveniently compact battery pack to my iPhone to ensure my phone was up to the job. The MagSafe battery pack uses a magnet to quickly latch onto the back of an iPhone, automatically charging in minutes. Its compatible with iPhone 12s and beyond, so its easy to pass around in a group as long as the iPhones are of somewhat newer generations.

Price at time of publish: $99

Apple AirTag

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Goto.target.com

With precious cargo (Portuguese wine) in tow, I brought an Apple AirTag to track our checked suitcase. The small device connects your iPhone and shows its location in the Apple Find My app. Admittedly, I was initially nervous the activation process would be complicated, but it actually couldnt be easier. An AirTag is a simple way to eliminate any worries about lost luggage, making traveling a little less stressful. Of course, once youre in the air, the connection will be lost, but rest assured you should have access to its whereabouts as soon as the plane lands. I also love it for home use because it can play a noise when lost, but it proves to be especially useful when traveling.

Price at time of publish: $28

Trtl Pillow

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Trtltravel.com

International flights mean long flights, and Ill do anything to lessen my jetlag. Im the person whos always fighting over the window seat, not to look out the window but to have a surface to lean on. While Im not always lucky, this cozy neck pillow eliminates the need for the window wall, offering neck support by way of its upright design. Simply wrap it around your neck, secure it with the velcro strip, and lean your weight into it. Its certainly no first-class experience, but its given me more shut-eye than I would have otherwise. You may feel a bit self-conscious at first, wrapping this somewhat awkward device around your neck, but trust me; youll soon get over that once youre fast asleep and the others around you are still fidgeting to get comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $60

Reeboks Vintage Sneaker

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

When planning for Portugal, youll likely read about how hilly Lisbon is, but its an entirely different ball game once youre there. I quickly realized I would not be wearing any of my hard-to-walk-in sandals or heels once I hit the streets, grabbing my daily Pastel de Nata and espresso. Luckily I always travel with these vintage-inspired Reeboks made of soft leather and a subtle cream color that never looks too stark against any outfit.

Price at time of publish: $45

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Sandals

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Click.linksynergy.com

One of the things I loved about Portugal was how casual people dress. When I wasnt wearing my Reeboks, I was kicking around in my Birkenstocks. Arguably one of the most comfortable shoes in existence, Birkenstocks signature footbed molds with your feet over time, resulting in a completely customized shoe. Dress them up or down with shorts, pants, dresses, or skirts; this classic shoe never disappoints.

Price at time of publish: $105

Our Expertise

Dana Fouchia is a food writer and editor with over eight years of experience writing for publications like the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, New York Daily News, Allrecipes, and more. For this piece, she included first-hand experiences and insights to determine the packing essentials any traveler needs on their next trip to Portugal  and beyond.

For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Food & Wine.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his proposal Thursday to pursue a Twenty-Eighth Amendment that would enshrine four common sense gun reform measures in the U.S. Constitution.

The amendment would raise the minimum age to purchase a gun to 21 (if you cant buy a beer, you shouldnt be able to buy a gun, he said in a video announcing his proposal), require universal background checks and a reasonable waiting period on gun purchases, as well as ban civilian purchases of assault weapons. The proposal would not repeal the 2nd Amendment.

NEW: Im proposing the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to help end our nations gun violence crisis.



The American people are sick of Congress inaction.



The 28th will enshrine 4 widely supported gun safety freedoms -- while leaving the 2nd Amendment intact:



1) pic.twitter.com/ZJ7fyfH0Cf  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 8, 2023

But exactly how feasible is Newsoms ambitious plan?

Its not technically impossible, said UC Davis constitutional law professor Carlton Larson.

But its essentially impossible.

There are two ways to amend the U.S. Constitution: the first, which has been successful 27 times in American history, is that two-thirds of both Houses of Congress pass the amendment.

The second, which has been successful zero times, is when two-thirds of state legislatures call for a constitutional convention. Its not especially rare for a Governor to call for such a convention  Florida Gov. and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis did so earlier this year in effort to set term limits for members of Congress.

But actually garnering two-thirds of state legislatures, or 33 states, is the essentially impossible part of the process.

You dont have 33 other state legislatures that would be on board with (Newsoms) proposal, Larson said. We just dont get Constitutional amendments without strong bipartisan support.

Given the history of the 27 amendments that have been ratified in the last 237 years, Larson said, its easy to see why Newsoms proposal is going to be such an uphill battle.

Of the existing 27, the first 10 make up the Bill of Rights. Three of the remaining 17 took the Civil War to ratify. The 27th took 200 years. Some of the others in between were really very minor, technical things.

Even the Equal Rights Amendment, which both Houses of Congress approved in the 1970s and which President Richard Nixon endorsed, has been ratified by only 38 states and has yet to be enshrined in the Constitution.

I believe our Constitution is the most difficult to amend of any constitution in the world, Larson said.

The constitutional convention is not called by the governor of any given state, but by members of the state legislature. Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer and state Sen. Aisha Wahab both announced Thursday that they would support Newsoms proposal.

It is time for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to move past thoughts and prayers, and actually do something about the gun fetish culture around weapons of war, Wahab said in a statement Thursday.

@GavinNewsom is only seeking attention from national media with this proposal. If Newsom is this disinterested in leading California, he should let the Lieutenant Governor take over so hell be free to chase the national spotlight full-time, said @J_GallagherAD3 pic.twitter.com/VwUbjqmHOM  California Assembly Republicans (@AsmRepublicans) June 8, 2023

Legislators on the opposite side of the aisle were unsurprisingly critical of Newsoms announcement.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher called the proposal a poorly though out, attention-seeking stunt.

If Newsom is this disinterested in leading California, he said, he should let the Lieutenant Governor take over so hell be free to chase the national spotlight full-time.

Despite the Democratic majority in the California Legislature, Republicans actually control almost 55% of all state legislative seats nationally.

But thats not to say Newsoms proposal is purely symbolic, or lacks potential for serious change in the gun control debate.

Newsom understands that this isnt going to actually happen, Larson said. But hes not just issuing a press release. Hes actually trying to use the tool that the constitution sets out for popular deliberation about constitutional change ... he wants to start the conversation and get this issue in front of the American people ... but ultimately, its doomed.
Millions of Ethiopians are dependent on food aid

A US aid agency is suspending food aid to Ethiopia, because it says donations are being diverted from those in need.

Ethiopian government agencies and the military are behind the scheme, according to a leaked memo.

Some 20 million Ethiopians, who are facing severe food shortages because of war and drought, will be affected.

The United States remains the single largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, providing more than $1.8b (1.4b) in assistance since fiscal year 2022.

The US Agency for International Aid (USAid) is an independent agency that leads the US government's international development and humanitarian efforts.

It said a review of its operations in Ethiopia found what it called a "widespread and co-ordinated campaign" to divert food assistance.

The agency did not publicly say who it believed was behind the campaign.

But a memo prepared by an independent donor group and seen by several news outlets pointed to a "co-ordinated and criminal scheme" apparently orchestrated by federal and regional government entities, with military units across the country benefiting.

On Thursday, USAid said that it could not move forward with the distribution of food assistance until reforms were undertaken.

The agency added that food assistance would resume once it was "confident" that assistance would be delivered to its intended recipients.

Both USAid and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have raised the matter with the Ethiopian government.

The move comes after USAid and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) froze food aid to the northern Tigray region last month, after the agencies discovered that shipments were being diverted to local markets.

Tigray suffered from dire shortages of food, fuel, cash and medicines during a two-year conflict between forces loyal to Ethiopia's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

Nearly 32 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are currently in the grip of the worst drought in decades.
EU Strikes Tentative Deal on Asylum Rules After Years of Trying

(Bloomberg) -- European Union ministers struck a hard-fought deal Thursday on how to approach migration and asylum policies after years of thorny negotiations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The nations agreed on an asylum approach that would allow countries to make decisions about granting access to applicants and to ensure procedures to return migrants who dont qualify, Swedens migration minister, Maria Stenergard, told reporters. The ministers also agreed on providing EU support to the countries most exposed to migration, she added.

The result, she said, is grounded in European values and international law. Countries that dont agree to accept qualified migrants would have to contribute 20,000 ($21,559) per person to an EU refugee fund under the tentative agreement. Only two EU members voted against the deal, while four abstained.

Its clear we have made huge progress when it comes to building trust, EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said at a news conference.

The EU has long struggled to reach a common approach on migration, particularly as successive crises have strained frontline countries. The entry of migrants  mainly from Syria, Afghanistan and Tunisia  has been growing, even as 13 million Ukrainians sought shelter in member states after Russias invasion. Around 10 million Ukrainians also left the bloc during that time.

The flow of migrants through the western Balkans accounted for almost half of all illegal border crossings into the EU in 2022.

Read more: Europe Tackles Migration Policy in the Shadow of Russias War

There are still a number of hurdles before anything is implemented. Thursdays deal clears the way for negotiations between member states and the European Parliament.

Earlier Thursday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was ready to work with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to tackle the asylum question.

All attempts to either leave the problems with someone else or to point the finger at others will fail, he said at a joint news conference in Rome. It is important to establish reliable cooperation with countries of origin and countries of transit.

Meloni, whose party has post-fascist roots, echoed her guest who is a center-left Social Democrat. There is now a consensus that a shift is needed on migration rules, and for this I want to thank Mr Scholz, Meloni said.

Based on jointly agreed EU rules, authorities are supposed to register asylum seekers in the country of arrival. But in practice, authorities often let migrants pass on to countries such as Germany, a practice which has caused some tensions among European countries. Germany exempts Ukrainian war refugees from having to apply for asylum status.

Read more: Germany and Italy Pledge Closer Ties on Energy Supply, Migration

--With assistance from Chiara Albanese, Michael Nienaber and Niclas Rolander.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- More Europeans are considering China a key economic partner despite seeing limits to the relationship, according to a survey that comes as the bloc tries to find a safe way to engage with Beijing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A plurality of those surveyed  46%  said they viewed China as an ally or necessary partner compared to just 35% who saw Beijing as a rival or adversary, according a European Council of Foreign Relations poll of 11 European Union countries.

The majority of those surveyed (62%) said they wished to stay out of a US-China conflict over Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own. Chinas military aggression toward Taipei has prompted the US to deny Beijing access to high-tech chips and deepened a chill in diplomatic ties.

Read: China Rejects US Claims Over De-Risking Not Decoupling

While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has tried to cool those tensions, by suggesting nations de-risk rather than decouple from China, the report showed the European public wasnt convinced about pulling back from Beijing, the ECFR wrote.

Instead, the findings indicated that EU member states were more aligned with French President Emmanuel Macrons vision of China as a strategic and global partner. The French leader earlier this year urged Europe to develop more strategic autonomy to avoid becoming vassalsof the US over tensions with China.

The US is also looking to resume high-level communication with Beijing, despite continued tensions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to visit China in the coming weeks for talks with top officials, possibly including President Xi Jinping, according to people familiar with the matter.

Still, the survey showed Europeans have concerns about some of Chinas economic practices. Of those polled, 65% were uncomfortable with Chinese ownership of key infrastructure, such as bridges or ports, while 59% didnt want Beijing to buy a newspaper in their country and 52% opposed the purchase of tech companies.

In addition, if China were to supply ammunition and weapons to Russia, 41% of respondents said theyd approve of Europe sanctioning Beijing, even if it harmed Western economies.

A total of 16,168 adults responded to the April survey conducted in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden.

(Updates with Blinkens planned visit in sixth paragraph. An earlier version of this story was corrected to show a plurality was reached in the first and second paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
A fast-growing electric vehicle brand is planting its flag in the Queen City.

Polestar, a performance EV brand based in Gothenburg, Sweden, in a press release says it is adding seven new retail spaces across seven cities in the Southeast within a seven-month time frame. That includes locations in Charlotte and Atlanta as well as five cities in Florida  Tampa, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Naples and Coral Gables.

ALSO READ: Italian EV-charger manufacturer Alpitronic picks Charlotte for 300-job US HQ

Reached by CBJ via email, a representative for the company declined to give details about the Charlotte space, including its address. But there appears to already be a Polestar presence here.

Read more by clicking here.

(WATCH BELOW: North Carolina site said to be chosen for massive EV plant)
After raid found 1000's of images, former RI priest pleads guilty to child pornography

Editor's note: This story includes graphic details some readers may find disturbing

PROVIDENCE  A former Providence Catholic priest pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal child pornography charge, days before his case was slated to head to trial.

James W. Jackson, 68, a former pastor at St. Marys Church, admitted to a felony count of receiving child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith.

In exchange, Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams agreed to dismiss a charge of possessing child pornography. His trial had been set to start June 20.

Background on James W. Jackson's case

Rhode Island State Police arrested Jackson in October 2021 following an investigation into someone sharing child pornography that led to the St. Marys Catholic Parish and rectory at 538 Broadway. Investigators executing a search warrant there located more than 12,000 images and 1,300 video files depicting child sexual abuse, with Jackson identified as the owner, according to court documents.

McAdams detailed some of the content found on Jacksons computer Thursday, including videos, some more than a half hour long, of prepubescent girls being sexually abused through bestiality, bondage, and other illicit conduct involving adults.

St. Mary's Church in Providence, where The Rev. James Jackson was pastor.

The plea agreement specified that Jackson reserved the right to appeal Judge Smiths earlier denial of his motion to suppress the evidence seized during the court-approved searches at St. Marys.

Jackson, through his lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, had unsuccessfully challenged the warrants as overly broad and lacking in particularity, in violation of his constitutional rights.

Jackson faces a minimum of five years in prison and up to 20 years at his sentencing on Sept. 11.

Allegations in Kansas

Jackson has been held at the Donald Wyatt Detention Facility since last fall, when he admitted prosecutors could prove that he violated his bail terms by possessing sexually explicit content involving children and accessing more than one internet-connected device.

Prosecutors moved to detain him after learning that he was the primary target of a child pornography investigation in Kansas, where he was living with his sister and brother-in-law as his case proceeded.

Jackson has not been criminally charged in Kansas, though the police findings have been referred to the Johnson County District Attorneys office, according to Overland Park police.

Jacksons prior ministry

The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, former bishop of the Diocese of Providence, removed Jackson as pastor and prohibited him from sacred ministry following his arrest.

He was installed as pastor of St. Marys Church about three months before his arrest. He previously spent more than a decade as pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Littleton, Colorado.

He is a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter North American Province. A lawyer for the organization said, "Until Fr. Jackson was arrested, the Fraternity of St. Peter was not aware of anything in his words or behavior that could give rise to suspicion concerning such actions. Crimes of this type are execrable, and Catholics should pray for the victims of pornography and work to put an end to its industry."

The organization also pledged to cooperate with civil and ecclesiastical authorities in this case.

Survivor's network weighs in

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a support group for women and men exploited and abused by religious and institutional authorities, called for tough sentencing.

"Exploitation of children is not a crime without any victims. Sadly, the innocent lives in film and pictures many never realize their trauma until much later in life. We hope Jackson faces a stiff sentence and is completely removed from the clerical state," the organization said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: James Jackson, former RI priest, pleads guilty to child pornography
An ex-probation officer spent decades trying to help a convicted killer and wound up dead

A former probation officer and his wife tried for decades to help a convicted killer, even taking up a legal fight after state officials banned contact between them. Texas authorities say that didn't stop the man from confessing to fatally stabbing the retired officer last month in an admission that linked him to another slaying.

The alleged admission from Raul Meza, 62, has Texas officials re-examining as many as 10 unsolved homicides in the Austin area dating to the 1990s.

Jesse and Otilia Fraga sued state authorities in federal court in 2012 after parole officials imposed the ban, according to their lawyer at the time, Jim Harrington. Harrington said Meza, who was identified as "John Doe," was also a plaintiff.

Jesse and my sister, they went to court to help that man, Oscar Mota, Otilia Fragas brother, said in a brief interview.

Gloria Lofton was found dead in her Austin, Texas, home in 2019. (Courtesy Sonia Houston)

Meza was arrested last week on suspicion of murder in Fraga's death. He's also accused of murder in the 2019 strangulation of Gloria Lofton, 62, and is being held at Travis County Correctional Complex, jail records show.

Lawyers for Meza did not respond to requests for comment.

NBC affiliate KXAN of Austin first reported the lawsuit.

'I think you're looking for me'

Meza was arrested in Fraga's killing on May 29, nine days after authorities discovered the 80-year-old's body inside a closet at his home in Pflugerville, just north of Austin.

The medical examiner's office found stab wounds in Fraga's neck, according to an affidavit in support of Mezas arrest filed last week in Travis County District Court.

After authorities launched a manhunt for Meza, whom they described as Fraga's caregiver and roommate, he called a city of Austin hotline and told a homicide detective: My name is Raul Meza, and I think youre looking for me, according to the affidavit.

Raul Meza Jr. (Pflugerville PD)

During the call, Meza confessed to the murders of Fraga and Lofton, the affidavit says. Meza said that he killed Fraga after becoming frustrated over a sexual relationship the two were having, according to the affidavit. Authorities have not corroborated the claim.

A possible motive in Lofton's killing remains unclear.

Release after serving time for killing 8-year-old

In the 2012 lawsuit, Meza, who served 11 years in prison for the 1982 sexual assault and killing of an 8-year-old girl, was identified as John Doe to protect the Fragas from public backlash, Harrington said.

Raul Meza was really badgered by the press and public after his release from prison, said Harrington, who was then-director of the Texas Civil Rights Project. Thats why they reached out to him.

Video from the time broadcast by KXAN shows protesters outside the family home that he was returning to. The move came after five Texas cities had rejected his efforts to resettle there, the station reported.

Jesse Fraga, who spent decades working in local and state law enforcement, first as a probation officer and later as a special investigator with the attorney general's office, believed society had neglected Meza, Harrington said.

He felt it was his spiritual and religious duty to take in Meza, Harrington said.

He and his wife, a retired purchaser with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, befriended Meza through their church after his 1993 release from prison, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in Texas Western District.

The Fragas invited Meza to Bible studies and helped him find housing and work, the suit says. Eventually, the couple came "to love him like a son, and appreciate the hard work he was doing to change his life," it says.

When Meza returned to prison two years later for violating the terms of his release, the Fragas stayed in touch and continued to support him, the suit says.

After eight years in prison, Meza was ordered to live at a jail as a condition of his supervised release, according to the suit.

In 2010, when Jesse Fraga went to the facility to give Meza $20 to buy a pair of pants to wear to a job interview, an official with the state parole division asked the parole board to ban all contact between Meza and the Fragas, according to the suit.

The suit describes the condition as unique to Meza and the Fragas: No other parolee in the state was prohibited from contact with a law-abiding citizen who was not a victim of the parolee.

It isn't clear why the official asked for the ban or why the board imposed it. The parole official named in the suit retired from the department in 2016 and did not respond to a message left on a number listed under his name.

Spokespersons for the department and the board declined to comment.

'There's all kinds of danger'

When Fraga asked Harrington to file a lawsuit, the civil rights lawyer said he advised caution during what he described as a "very heavy conversation." Harrington said he could not recommend that Fraga, as a retired probation officer who still occasionally worked in the position part time, "cross that line" and take in a parolee.

"Then there was a deeper discussion about, are you sure this is the right thing to do? There's all kinds of danger," Harrington recalled. "He knew the risk."

Despite his reservations, on April 20, 2012, Harrington filed the suit pro bono  Texas Civil Rights Project is a nonprofit organization  arguing the couples' First Amendment and other rights had been violated.

The state agreed to drop the conditions for reasons that were never disclosed, Harrington said. A final judgment issued less than a year later said the parties had reached an agreement and the suit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it couldn't be refiled.

Harrington, who retired from the civil rights project in 2016 and is now an Episcopal priest and the director of a Christian outreach mission in Austin, said he felt awful after hearing about Fraga's death.

"After dealing with him and what I believe to be the depth of his religious conviction, I really had a lot of respect for him," Harrington said. But taking in Meza, he said, "isn't something I would do by any stretch of the imagination."

For Fraga's brother-in-law, Oscar Mota, the death was especially painful: Meza had returned to Fraga's life after the retired probation officer lost his wife and son to Covid, Mota said.

He was alone after 50-plus years of marriage, Mota said of Fraga. Raul Meza used the opportunity to get back into his life because they had spent many years trying to help him.

This is the most awful story ever, Mota added.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A former federal prosecutor said news that Donald Trump is a target of a criminal investigation means two very specific things.

And neither is good news for the former president, who was reportedly told hes the target of the probe into his handling of classified documents.

Target is a term of art used by the Justice Department, Glenn Kirschner, who was a prosecutor in the U.S. attorneys office for the District of Columbia, said on MSNBC on Wednesday night.

Its a two-part test, he explained:

One, a target is a person for whom prosecutors have substantial evidence linking them to the commission of a crime. And part two, its somebody that the prosecutors view as a, quote, putative defendant. In other words, its somebody that the prosectors intend to indict.

The fact that Trump fulfills both prongs of the target test is a pretty sure sign that were about to see Donald Trump indicted, he added.

See more from MSNBC below:
FILE PHOTO: An electric vehicle charging station is seen on a motorway service station near Dresden

By Simon Jessop and Susanna Twidale

LONDON (Reuters) - The world's biggest asset manager BlackRock said it hopes to raise up to $7 billion for its fourth Global Renewable Power Fund as clients ramp up climate-friendly investments.

The fund, focused on projects in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, could invest across wind and solar as well as other clean technologies such as batteries and grid infrastructure.

Demand from institutional investors to back such projects has increased in recent years as more seek to align their portfolios with the transition to a low-carbon economy, BlackRock's Global Head of Climate Infrastructure David Giordano told Reuters.

The move has also been fuelled by a rapidly changing policy backdrop, with the United States and European Union both introducing major financial backing for clean energy to help cut carbon emissions in the fight against global warming.

"You have folks now that are really trying to focus their portfolio construction around the different sub-sectors in infrastructure," Giordano said, citing increasing demand from pension schemes attracted to assets that match long-term liabilities.

The demand comes despite some U.S. Republicans pushing back against climate-driven constraints on fossil fuel companies, he said.

"I would say that the commitment of institutional investors to invest in the infrastructure of today and the infrastructure of the future is actually quite strong," Giordano said.

As a result, the company said it is targeting between $5 billion and $7 billion for its fourth fund, after $4.8 billion was raised for its predecessor, which closed in April 2021.

To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the International Energy Agency has said annual clean energy investment will need to more than triple to $4 trillion by the end of the decade.

Among the investments made by the third fund was one in high-power charging network IONITY, which raised 700 million euros in November. It also backed the Waratah Super Battery in Australia, which will be the world's largest grid-scale battery.

Roughly a third of the latest fund would likely be invested in each major region - Europe, the Americas and Asia - although there are no set targets.

Depending on the amount raised, the fund could make around 18-22 investments across a mixture of early stage and developed projects, Giordano said, and could also consider co-investments.

(Reporting By Simon Jessop and Susanna Twidale; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) delayed flights into the New York area due to wildfire smoke continuing to cloud the region.

The FAA delayed flights into New York City and Newark, N.J., after it temporarily stopped flights headed for Philadelphia International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. The ground stop at LaGuardia was lifted at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, while the Philadelphia ground stop was lifted at 9:15 a.m.

Smoke from Canadas wildfires is affecting visibility in our airspace and leading to delays. The FAA is fully prepared to modify operations as needed, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a Wednesday statement.

The LaGuardia ground stop was downgraded to a ground delay, with departures to the airport being delayed an average of 54 minutes due to low visibility. The FAA also delayed departures to Newark International Airport, which had an average delay time of 34 minutes.

Ground delays at both airports are set to expire at 9:59 p.m. Thursday.

The FAAs air traffic report states the wildfire smoke may cause delays Thursday across eight airports in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Charlotte, N.C. This comes after the FAA issued a ground stop for LaGuardia on Wednesday night.

Reduced visibility from wildfire smoke will continue to impact air travel today. We will likely need to take steps to manage the flow of traffic safely into New York City, DC, Philadelphia and Charlotte, the FAA said in a Thursday statement.

More than 400 wildfires in Canada have prompted air quality warnings across parts of the United States this week, with many areas reporting very unhealthy or hazardous levels of air quality.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Image: David Dee Delgado (Getty Images)

The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted its previous halt on flights into some New York City area airports as the orange haze from the Canadian wildfires obscuring the skyline appears to dissipate.



Amid the raging wildfires currently burning in Canada, New York City has been bathed in a noticeable smoky cloud since Tuesday. After the FAA delayed flights into New York City and Philadelphia airports yesterday, CNN Business reports that the agency has lifted that mandate for LaGuardia in Queens, New York. While flights are now able to land, flights out of LaGuardia and Newark International Airport are being delayed. Flights departing Philadelphia International Airport are also facing delaysthe FAA told the outlet the average delay is about 30 minutes.

Read more

Reduced visibility from wildfire smoke will continue to impact air travel today. We will likely need to take steps to manage the flow of traffic safely into New York City, DC, Philadelphia and Charlotte.



Follow us here for major updates & monitor https://t.co/smgdqJN3td.  The FAA  (@FAANews) June 8, 2023

The FAA has slowed traffic to and from the New York City area airports due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke, the administration told CNN. The agency will adjust the volume of traffic to account for the rapidly changing conditions.

The transportation troubles are the result of the blanket of wildfire smoke that settled on New York City earlier this week. The smoke drastically reduced visibility and tainted the metropolitan areas air qualityNew York City earned the title of the worst air quality in the world yesterday, according to NBC News. The cloud of Blade Runner-esque haze has lifted dramatically in the last 24 hours, and, at the same time, the United States has dispatched hundreds of firefighters to battles the Canadian blaze.

This article is part of a developing story. Our writers and editors will be updating this page as new information is released. Please check back again in a few minutes to see the latest updates. Meanwhile, if you want more news coverage, check out our tech, science, or io9 front pages. And you can always see the most recent Gizmodo news stories at gizmodo.com/latest.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
More than 100 loved ones and community members let go of different colored and shaped balloons in the backyard of an elementary school in Calumet Heights to celebrate the heavenly birthday of fallen Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston, who would have been 25 Wednesday.

The celebration took place at Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary School, of which Preston was an alumni. Over the course of the gathering, there was a group prayer, song and a balloon and butterfly release around 6:30 p.m. The breezy air was shuffling around gold star balloons and some 2 and 5 balloons while also creating some difficulty for the just-released butterflies to stay in flight. Prestons family was joined by those in attendance to sing happy birthday. A birthday cake, which had a picture of Preston donning a graduation cap and gown, read Happy Heavenly 25th Birthday Areanah.

Are, we love you, Dionne Mhoon, Prestons mother, said. We miss you, and like mama always says, I got it from here. You know what I mean. I got it from here.

The gathering was also an effort to spread awareness and raise funds for Peace for Preston, a foundation started by Prestons family the day after she died. Shirts and buttons were on sale featuring Prestons name and face. The foundations goal is to raise enough money to ultimately start a community center for youth on the South Side.

On May 6, Preston was shot and killed when three assailants jumped out of a sedan and ran toward Preston as she walked from her car to her Avalon Park home after a late-night shift, according to Cook County prosecutors. Video footage cited by prosecutors shows a muzzle flash and Preston falling to the ground.

Four teens arrested two days after the fatal shooting are being held without bond. Prosecutors charged them with murder and several other felonies, including robbery and arson, alleging the group had earlier gone on a violent crime spree. Their next court appearance is scheduled for June 15.

Preston was wearing her police uniform when she was attacked. The Chicago Police Department ruled her killing was a line-of-duty death, a decision that will entitle her family to greater financial support.

She has been remembered by those who knew her as a hardworking woman, a sweet person and a humble yet sophisticated soul with a bright future.

Mhoon said Preston was the oldest of her three daughters. Her other daughters are twin girls, Amira and Amiyah Preston, 23. She also is stepmother of three daughters through her marriage to husband of 10 years and partner for 17, Terrance Mhoon, who said the family has lived in Avalon Park nearly 10 years.

Her mother said the support from the community has been awesome and added that she and her family are able to put so much of their time and effort into making the new community center a reality because of the people around them.

Everybody thinks their child is special, Mhoon said. Everybody. Its just amazing, my little child, other people thought she was special. Its overwhelming sometimes, but Im grateful for it. Im thankful for it, and were going full speed ahead in her name.

Preston was close to earning a masters degree in child and family law from Loyola University Chicago and had studied criminal justice and law enforcement administration at Illinois State University as an undergraduate.

The officer, who had been with the department for three years, was assigned to the Calumet District station on the Far South Side. An ISU professor who knew Preston as an undergraduate said she was passionate about making a difference, and doing so boots on the ground in Chicago.

Prestons academic interests and passions reflected that even early on in school, as she participated in various field trips, panels and classes on topics that ranged from restorative justice and trauma in incarcerated populations to diversity in law enforcement and police brutality.

sahmad@chicagotribune.com
Catherine's parents Carole and Michael Middleton are close to the royal family (Andrew Milligan)

The family firm that turned the parents of Princess Catherine -- the wife of the heir to the British throne -- into millionaires left debts of nearly 2.6 million ($3.2 million) when it collapsed last month, a report by insolvency specialists has revealed.

The unpaid bills left by the pandemic-hit firm's collapse include over 600,000 in unpaid tax.

Party Pieces, a celebration paraphernalia mail order business, was built up by Catherine's parents Carole and Michael Middleton.

Since their daughter's marriage in 2011 to Prince William, they have become close to the royal family and are regularly invited to royal events and gatherings.

The firm was launched in 1987 after Carole Middleton, 68, searched for ideas for her daughter's fifth birthday.

It grew into a successful business and generated significant wealth for the Middletons, who in 2012 purchased a 4.7-million mansion west of London near the royal family's Windsor estate.

At its height, Party Pieces was said to be worth 44 million.

Catherine worked for the firm as a website designer and photographer before her marriage to William.

However, after unpaid suppliers threatened legal action earlier this year, administrators were appointed last month and the business was immediately sold to UK entrepreneur James Sinclair for an undisclosed sum.

Will Wright, of administrators Interparty Advisory, said Party Pieces had been "impacted profoundly by the effects of the pandemic and the ensuing restrictions on social gatherings."

A report from the administrators said the firm was 2.59 million short of what it needed to clear its debts.

Among those left out of pocket by the firm's collapse are multiple suppliers and the UK tax authorities, who are owed 612,685.

har/phz/fg
Tatiana Perez, the sister of Joshua Lugo-Perez, described her brother as humble and always in contact with his family, someone who never bothered anyone.

When someone needed his help, he was always there, she said, translated from Spanish. For anyone.

Perez briefly lived in Lebanon but now lives in Puerto Rico. Lugo-Perez was supposed to be visiting family in Puerto Rico for his birthday on June 19. But he decided to stay to make extra money so he could travel.

He was supposed to be gone a long time ago, but he decided to stay for a little longer.

On May 30, Lugo-Perez, along with 9-year-old Sebastian Perez-Salome and 8-year-old Jesus Perez-Salome, were shot and killed by three assailants outside of their home in the 400 Block of N. 5th Street.

Now instead of making money to head home, members of Lugo's family are requesting funds to help him be finally laid to rest in Puerto Rico. A GoFundMe page was set up raising $5,499 by Thursday morning.

Were suffering the loss of our brother, Perez said. Our mother is devastated.

Joshua Lugo-Perez

Alex Torres-Santos, 22, and James Fernandez-Reyes, 16, were arrested May 31 after the Lebanon County SWAT team executed a search warrant on the 400 block of N. 9th Street. Police believe Lugo was the target of the gunfire, with Lebanon Police Chief Bret Fisher saying Thursday that the shooting was "the result of a past argument."

Ivan Claudio-Rosero, 27, a third shooter, was arrested in a public area in North Philadelphia Tuesday after a week-long manhunt for him conducted by local law enforcement, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Marshal's Fugitive Task Force.

Rosero's girlfriend, Tiffany Koziara, 34, has been charged with hindering apprehension of Claudio-Rosero in connection with the homicides. Police have charged her with knowingly providing false information to investigators as to her contact with Rosero and his whereabouts on June 3, 2023.

Claudio-Rosero: Two more suspects arrested in Lebanon triple homicide case

Triple homicide: Third suspect sought in Lebanon fatal shooting of two boys and teen

A GoFundMe page was set up for the Perez-Salome brothers, with family members asking residents for help sending them to their home town in Villalba, Puerto Rico. However the organizers disabled new donations for this fundraiser over the weekend, raising $15,313.

Louis Cancel, 33, of Lebanon, was hit in the next-door residence by a stray bullet during the May 30 shooting. Members of his family have set up a GoFundMe account looking for funds for hospital bills and expenses he'll need while he recuperates, which has made $1,780 as of Thursday morning.

"Mr. Cancel, fingers-crossed, will be home from the hospital relatively soon," Lebanon District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said at a press conference Wednesday. "But he is recovering. He is able to speak to us. He is, for all intents and purposes, doing as well as can be."

Jesus Perez-Salome and Joshua Lugo-Perez

Torres-Santos, Claudio-Rosero and Fernandez-Reyes have been charged with three counts of criminal homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, along with various gun-related offenses. Torres-Santos and Fernandez-Reyes also were charged with one count of aggravated assault for Cancel.

The district attorney's office will be seeking the death penalty against Torres-Santos and Claudio-Rosero for the fatal shooting shooting. Fernandez-Reyes is not eligible for the death penalty because of his age, according to Graf.

"I have tried more homicide cases in the last year an a half than we had done in the eight years prior to when I took office," Graf said. "Every one is a first-degree conviction and every one is life imprisonment, and it's not enough. ... When I looked at this, and you stare at the body of a dead child, enough is enough."

Death penalty: Lebanon DA seeks death penalty against Torres-Santos in homicide of two boys and teen

Shooting protest: 20 protest lowering of bail for triple homicide suspect at District Judge Figueroa's office

Before being arrested May 31, Torres-Santos was on house arrest on bail for two separate incidents, which included violent behavior with firearms. Santos was ordered to wear a house-arrest bracelet. Officials said he wore the bracelet to the shooting, according to Lebanon County Probation Services.

Police located multiple .223 rifle rounds and 9mm shell casings that showed at least 27 gunshots fired at the North 5th Street home May 30. Officials said these shots came from two different caliber firearms.

A search of Torres-Santos' and Fernandez-Reyes' residence May 31 revealed multiple firearms, including an AR-15 and a secondary weapon, which officials said was consistent with the shell casings located at the scene.

Preliminary hearing

In his preliminary hearing Thursday morning, Fernandez-Reyes' was granted a 30-day continuance as he obtained proper legal counsel. Torres-Santos and Claudio-Rosero's attorney's will have to be "death penalty qualified," according to Graf.

"So the court's going to have to figure out who those are, who they can actually hire and appoint, and make sure those attorneys do not have conflicts with one another," she said.

Torres-Santos, Claudio-Rosero and Fernandez-Reyes are being held without bail at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility.

The Lebanon City Police Department, the Lebanon County District Attorney's Office and Detective Bureau, the Pennsylvania State Police and other Lebanon County police departments assisted in the investigation.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Lebanon City Police Department at (717) 272-6611 or Crime Stoppers at (717) 270-9800.

A memorial was set up on the front porch of where the shooting took place, June 1.

This investigation is ongoing. Please check back with the Lebanon Daily News for updates.

Daniel Larlham Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him atDLarlham@LDNews.com or on Twitter @djlarlham

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on Twitter at @DAMattToth.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Family members still asking for support for victims of triple homicide
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Facebook/Storyful

A crowd that clashed with LGBT allies at a violent rally outside the Glendale Unified School District board meeting outside Los Angeles on Tuesday included a number of Jan. 6 rioters and members of the alt-right Proud Boys.

Right-wing activists Tony Moon and Josh Fulfer were present during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. On Tuesday, they attended the Glendale rally alongside Proud Boy-affiliated Adam Kiefer and mingled with concerned parents angry about LGBTQ+ content in their childrens curriculum.

Three people at the protest were arrested for unlawful use of pepper spray and willfully obstructing officers in the course of their duties, according to Glendale Police. The identities of those arrested have not been released.

Rev. Mike Kinman, a rector at All Saints Church in nearby Pasadena, was one of those pepper-sprayed during the protest. Kinman, who was active during protests against police violence in Ferguson following the killing of Michael Brown in 2014, told The Daily Beast that the protest outside the Glendale school board meeting was one of the most violent he has seen.

I was trying to pull away people from our side who were being beaten and kicked, he said. The things that were being said to [pro-LGBT protesters] were just horrific.

Crowds gather at a Glendale Unified School District meeting where parents and activists clash over the school board voting to recognize June as Pride month on June 6, 2023. Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The rally was organized by a group called GUSD Parents Voices to protest, among other things, the districts support of Pride Month, which has been passed without issue for the last five years.

Rev. Marianne McPherson said of the 50 or so people who spoke at the board meeting there were maybe three who had issues with the LGBT initiatives.

However, outside the school, hundreds of protesters gathered and clashes broke out. The violence came only days after another protest at Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood, where one person was left unresponsive on the ground during a demonstration against a Pride assembly.

None of the far-right protesters The Daily Beast identified have children in the Glendale school district, or even live in Glendale.

Protestors face off outside Glendale Unified School District meeting in Burbank. Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Josh Fulfer, a far-right livestreamer, traveled over 200 miles from Fresno to film the Glendale protest, dressed in a End Trans Terror T-shirt. Fulfer was pictured with Devin Nunes in 2018, apparently flashing a white power sign. Fulfer has also attended protests outside school board meetings in Redlands, California, where a group of parents have been organizing against far-right activists who have mounted a campaign to reshape public schools based on their extremist ideals. Fulfer did not respond to a request for comment.

Moon, a self-described Christian patriot and antifa hunter, also attended the Glendale protests and posted a video from Saticoy Elementary on his Instagram. He was present at the Jan. 6 riot, although he has not been arrested in relation to the insurrection and told the Daily Mail he did not go inside the Capitol. Moon was filmed attacking a journalist at an anti-vaccine protest in August 2021, while yelling, Unmask them all! Moon did not respond to a request for comment.

Keifer, a trucker from Southern California with well-documented links to the Proud Boys (although he has denied being a member), was also outside the Glendale school board meeting. In April, Keifer was filmed outside a Chino Valley School District school board meeting, calling photographer Kelly Stuart a series of slurs, including tr---y-loving, demon c--t.

Keifer did not respond to a request for comment about his attendance at either the Glendale school board protests or school board meetings in Chino Valley.

Also present at Glendale were other far-right activists like Shiva Bagheri. Videos of the Beverly Hills mother yelling at parents about how masking their children was equivalent to rape went viral in 2021. She told The Daily Beast at the time that her anti-vaccine and anti-mask activism was a mission from God.

Rally organizer and supporter of President Donald Trump, Shiva Bagheri (center) marches with a megaphone through Beverly Hills, California, Oct. 10, 2020. Kyle Grillot/AFP via Getty Images

Angela Givant, a parent who organizes with the group GUSD Parents for Public Schools, and supports the inclusion of LGBTQ+ materials in the curriculum, told The Daily Beast right-wing agitators from outside the district have been involving themselves in local Glendale issues for at least two years but have escalated their involvement in the past two months.

They do seem to have found ways to overlap with some of the white nationalist, Christian nationalist groups that weve seen in other places, Givant says.

The anti-LGBT parent faction has been led by a man called Jordan Henry, Givant says.

Henry, who ran for Glendale City Council in 2022 but was not elected, moved to the district in 2021. He does not have children enrolled in local schools, but has made frequent public comments at school board meetings, speaking against cultural Marxism, critical race theory, and LGBTQ inclusive programs.

Over the last two years, Henry has rallied a group of parents to his side. But he is also frequently tags national right-wing groups such as Gays Against Groomers and Libs of TikTok in his social media posts, who in turn have amplified information about battles within the Glendale school district.

In the last two months, Givant says, the situation in Glendale has become increasingly heated as right-wing influencers and activists from outside have become interested in the anti-LGBT organizing by Glendale parents.

I dont think Jordan Henry started off thinking he would be leading Proud Boys through the streets, she says. I think he was trying to cultivate right-wing social media personality status for himself. But its got out of control, she added.

McPherson says the crusade in liberal Los Angeles is not something that you expect but then again, when you think in terms of how all this started to roll out after Jan. 6 and the Proud Boys were talking about how they were doing to take over school boards

What Im seeing is that their promise is filtering across the U.S., she said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Far-right members of Congress are blocking legislation in the House of Representatives in retaliation after the passage of a bipartisan agreement to lift the debt ceiling.

The rebellion began earlier this week, when members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus voted against a rule to advance a bill that would prevent government action on gas stoves. Every Democrat voted against the bill, along with 12 Republicans, making it the first time a rule to pass a piece of legislation had failed to pass on the House floor since 2002.

Many of the Republicans who opposed the rule also opposed the agreement to lift the debt limit, such as Reps Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Chip Roy (R-TX) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO).

Mr Gaetz said the blockade came in retaliation for the bipartisan debt ceiling agreement that House Republican leadership brokered with the White House that passed last week.

When Speaker McCarthy and House GOP Leadership couldnt hold the line on spending, they surrendered the ability to exclusively hold the floor, Mr Gaetz tweeted . We are going to #HoldTheFloor and refuse to allow their failure theater to continue to play out.

All we are asking is that Speaker McCarthy abide by the spending commitments he previously made, Rep Ken Buck (R-CO) tweeted. Thats not an unreasonable ask.

As a result, the House dismissed itself for the rest of the week and will not convene until Monday 12 June for votes.

The logjam led to House Republican leadership blaming each other.

Weve been through this before; you know were in a small majority, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said, The New York Times reported, also taking a swipe at House Majority Leader Steve Scalise for the failure to control procedure.

The majority leader runs the floor, he told reporters.

Many House conservatives said that Mr McCarthy broke a series of promises he made to them in January of this year, when they forced the House to go into 15 rounds before he became speaker. Mr Scalise said he was not privy to those negotiations with conservatives in an interview with Punchbowl News.

So I still dont know what those agreements were, he said. Whatever they are, [conservatives] feel that the agreements were broken. Thats got to get resolved. Hopefully it does.
The father of a missing Minnesota woman's two children has been arrested on suspicion of murder, police records show. Adam Fravel, 29, was in custody and booked for second-degree murder Wednesday, according to the Winona County Sheriff's Office.

Police on Wednesday found human remains near Mabel, Minnesota, "using information generated during the Madeline Kingsbury investigation," the Winona Police Department wrote on Facebook. "Because of this, law enforcement personnel have arrested Adam Fravel on probable cause in connection to her disappearance."

Kingsbury, 26, went missing on March 31 after she and Fravel dropped off their two kids, a 5-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy, at daycare, police said at the time.

Kingsbury was supposed to pick up the two kids from the daycare that same afternoon, but never showed up. Kingsbury didn't respond to numerous calls and messages from family and friends, which police described in early April as "extremely out of character for her."

Winona Police Chief Tom Williams said that Kingsbury's disappearance was believed to be "involuntary," and "suspicious," and said police were "concerned for her safety."

Fravel has denied being involved in Kingsbury's disappearance, telling police that on the day she went missing, he left their house in a blue minivan after they dropped the kids off at daycare and she was gone when he came back, CBS Minnesota reported.

Two weeks after Kingsbury's disappearance, Fravel issued a lengthy statement denying his involvement, CBS Minnesota reported.

"During these last 12 days I have cooperated with law enforcement at every turn, including sitting down for multiple interviews with Winona County law enforcement. I did not have anything to do with Maddi's disappearance. I want the mother of my 5-year-old and 2-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything," Fravel said in part in a statement through his attorney, according to CBS Minnesota.

The two children were initially put in the custody of the county before a court determined they should stay in "relative foster care," CBS Minnesota reported. They have since been living with their maternal grandparents, the station reported.

Fravel on Monday petitioned to take custody of the two children, but a judge denied the request Tuesday, according to CBS Minnesota.

 Cara Tabachnick contributed reporting.

Tupac Shakur posthumously receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Former Trump attorney Timothy Parlatore thinks Trump could be indicted in Florida

Sister of Saudi aid worker jailed for Twitter account speaks out
FBI El Paso is first office in Texas to have agents wear body cameras

FBI El Paso is the first FBI office in the state of Texas to outfit its agents with body cameras as the agency works to increase transparency and build trust with the community, officials said.

The FBI El Paso, which serves all of West Texas, is just the sixth FBI office in the U.S. to get body cameras for its agents, officials said.

FBI El Paso agents are the first in Texas to be outfitted with body cameras.

The goal of the body cameras is to ensure accountability, transparency and build trust with the community, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey said.

The FBIs intention is to wear the body worn cameras for transparency about our public interactions," Downey said. "The FBI is excited to participate in the BWC (Body Worn Camera) program as another avenue to provide investigative facts during our investigations. Our primary mission is to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and this is another means to show the public that we conduct ourselves with the utmost professionalism during any public interaction.

Agents will wear the body cameras when conducting "pre-planned" operations, including executing search warrants and arresting suspects, officials said.

More: FBI seeks reputed gang member in El Paso-Las Cruces area wanted in gun cases

"The FBI will not be like our state and local partners that wear body cameras for their entire shifts," FBI El Paso officials said. "FBI Agents will only wear cameras on pre-planned arrest and search warrant operations, be it a drug investigation, white collar investigation, gang investigation, cyber or national security cases."

The cameras will not be used to collect evidence, conduct witness interviews or when interacting with human sources or undercover employees, officials said.

The body cameras will be worn on agents' bulletproof vests.

FBI El Paso agents are the first in Texas to be outfitted with body cameras.

The other FBI offices currently using body cameras are the Washington, D.C., Field Office, Miami, Milwaukee, Atlanta and New York.

The equipment is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Body Worn Camera program. FBI offices are receiving the cameras in phases as part of the program. All FBI field offices are expected to have body cameras by 2024, officials said.

FBI El Paso joins the El Paso Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff's Office in outfitting their officers with body cameras.

Visit fbi.gov for more information on the agency's use of the cameras.

FBI social media outreach

FBI El Paso officials announced May 26 that the agency launched a Facebook page to open another avenue for the agency and West Texas community members to communicate, officials said.

The page can be found at facebook.com/FBIElPaso.

The FBI El Pasos account is one of three FBI Facebook accounts across the nation. The two others are the agency's main page, FBI  Federal Bureau of Investigation, which launched in 2009, and FBI Seattle, which launched in February 2023, officials said.

More: El Paso man gets 25 years in prison in container home business fraud scheme

In the global environment we live in, social media is the preferred method of communication for a large number of our population, both young and old, Downey said. Social media has become the principal source for news and information. Its the right thing for us to expand our use of social media to more effectively engage the public we serve.

The FBI El Paso Facebook page will be used to post wanted fugitives photos, arrest and criminal charge information, safety tips and messages, and community outreach efforts and events, officials said.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: FBI El Paso is first office in Texas to have agents wear body cameras
Two December traffic stops by Indiana police of the man later charged with murdering four University of Idaho students were unrelated to any active surveillance or the search for a car similar to one the suspect drove, according to state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The heavily scrutinized stops of Bryan Kohberger a month after the November slayings were instead routine interstate drug trafficking prevention operations by two different Indiana police departments, law enforcement officials in the state told the Idaho Statesman.

Kohberger and his father were pulled over along eastbound Interstate 70 on Dec. 15 as they road-tripped more than 2,500 miles from Pullman, Washington, to eastern Pennsylvania. Kohberger, 28, at the time was a graduate student at Washington State University and driving his white 2015 Hyundai Elantra when Indiana police officers working independently made the two highway stops within 10 minutes just east of Indianapolis.

The stops were first revealed in early January, with each on suspicion of following too closely, police body-cam footage released at that time showed. Jason Labar, Kohbergers previous public defender in Pennsylvania, told NBCs Today show in January that he believed the back-to-back police stops were a random coincidence.

But a mix of news reports that cited anonymous sources and speculation on social media have persisted in alleging the FBI was tailing Kohberger, and asked that he be pulled over.

The FBI has maintained its agents were not involved in the stops, including this week in response to questions about the incidents from the Statesman. Sandra Barker, a Salt Lake City-based FBI spokesperson, pointed to past statements from the agency to underscore denials that it played any part in them.

Contrary to reports, the Dec. 15 traffic stops conducted on the vehicle being driven by Bryan Kohberger in Indiana were not requested or directed by the FBI, the FBIs Indianapolis office said in January.

Instead, the stops by Indiana State Police and the Hancock County Sheriffs Office were separate drug interdiction checks, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office told the Statesman.

Dateline on NBC was first to report that the traffic stops of Kohberger related to the Indiana law enforcement agencies drug trafficking operations. Barker declined to comment on the Dateline report.

Kohberger was arrested at his parents Pennsylvania home Dec. 30. He was flown to Idaho on Jan. 4 and remains in custody in Moscow in connection with the stabbing deaths of U of I seniors Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, each 21, junior Xana Kernodle, 20, and freshman Ethan Chapin, 20.

Former New York Times reporter Howard Blum was first to write in a January article for online publication Air Mail that the FBI was in mid-December already tracking Kohbergers every move. Blum also is working on a forthcoming book about the Moscow homicides.

Unknown to either the father or the son, the (FBI) had been determined to keep a watchful eye on the white Hyundais trek across America, he wrote. Only, sources in law enforcement would confide with a bristle of embarrassment, not long after the car had pulled out of  Pullman, Washington, they lost it.

Blum told the Statesman he stands by his reporting.

The FBI doubled down in disputing Blums assertion, which relied upon unnamed law enforcement sources.

There are anonymous sources providing false information to the media, an FBI statement from February read. Publishing of false information attributable to anonymous sources is not helpful to the case against Kohberger or to the American public.

Indiana police unaware of search for white Elantras

Indiana State Police Trooper Christopher Waltz pulled over the Kohbergers on Dec. 15 at about 10:50 a.m. just down the road from a prior stop by Sgt. Nick Ernstes with the Hancock County Sheriffs Office, the two departments told the Statesman. Ernstes decision to stop the white Elantra with Washington state plates about 10 minutes earlier was simply a part of his routine day, and proactive drug checks were his exclusive assignment that morning, Hancock County Sheriffs Capt. Robert Harris told the Statesman.

His only task was to seek out and stop vehicles to look for drug trafficking and other interstate criminal activity, Harris, the department spokesperson, said by email. He did not see any of the typical indicators to warrant further investigation for illegal drug activity, so he released the suspect with a verbal warning for following another vehicle too closely.

The Indiana State Polices special investigations unit includes a drug enforcement section. Within that group is a full-time interdiction detail, according to a state website dedicated to drug addiction issues.

Indiana State Police spokesperson Capt. Ron Galaviz declined to answer questions about the departments drug interception program or Waltzs stop of Kohberger, citing department policy against publicly discussing operations. Waltz also declined a Statesman request for an interview through Galaviz.

But an Indiana State Police report from the incident obtained by the Statesman through a public records request confirmed Waltz was on duty at the time as part of the departments drug enforcement section. He reported witnessing a white Elantra driving at an unsafe distance behind a semitrailer, which turned out to be about four miles from where the Kohbergers were pulled over just moments before.

Indiana State Police look for signs of possible drug trafficking while making routine traffic stops, according to a presentation on the agencys drug interdiction program. Troopers are instructed to check if drivers have matching licenses for out-of-state plated vehicles, determine whether the driver and passenger know one another, and learn about where they are going and why.

At the time of this stop, there was no information available on a suspect for the crime in Idaho, to include identifying information or any specific information related to the license plate state or number of the white Hyundai Elantra which was being reported in the media to have been seen in or around where the crime occurred, the Indiana State Police said in a Jan. 3 press release.

On Dec. 7, 2022, about 3 weeks after the students were found slain at a home on King Road, Moscow police asked for the publics help finding a white 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra with an unknown license plate seen near the off-campus home in the early morning hours of Nov. 13.

Investigators believe the occupant(s) of this vehicle may have critical information to share regarding this case, Moscow police said in a news release.

After more review, a forensic examiner with the FBI decided the suspects vehicle could also be from 2014-2016, according to a probable cause affidavit for Kohbergers arrest.

On the day of the traffic stop, Sgt. Ernstes did not know about any Be-On-the-Lookouts from the Moscow Police Department, said Harris, the Hancock County Sheriffs Office spokesperson. He was not directed to stop the vehicle by anyone, and to our knowledge the car was not under any surveillance.

In an email to the Statesman, Blum said hes still not entirely convinced the FBI wasnt already watching Kohberger, regardless of the agencys ongoing denials and the latest information about interstate drug prevention stops by Indiana police.

Bottom line: It seems impossible to me that there was no tail on (Kohberger). My source says there was, Blum said. Nevertheless, I kinda feel that even when the case goes to trial well never learn the full story of the events leading up to his arrest.
The Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) antimicrobial drug advisory panel on Thursday voted unanimously in favor of approving a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) treatment for infants, bringing the product closer to approval following the overwhelming surge in RSV cases that were seen last year in young children.

All 21 members of the FDAs Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (AMDAC) who were present for the meeting voted yes on the question of whether the drug nirsevimab had an overall benefit-risk assessment that was favorable for preventing RSV infections.

Mary Anne Jackson, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, said she voted yes because there is a need for such a medicine, and she was assured by the presentations given during the meeting.

There is good immune-based data, theres good safety data and theres good efficacy data that shows that the product will prevent a significant number of cases of RSV lower respiratory tract disease, Jackson said.

RSV cases skyrocketed last winter among infants, leaving many hospitals running out of beds. Experts attributed the surge to many infants and young children not being exposed to RSV, known as a common day care disease, due to COVID lockdowns.

The drug discussed on Thursday, nirsevimab, is a monoclonal antibody developed by AstraZeneca and marketed by Sanofi. The proposed use for the drug is for infants born during or entering into their first RSV season, and it would be administered as one shot.

Nirsevimab builds on AstraZenecas strong science, leadership in RSV and commitment to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, said Iskra Reic, AztraZenecas executive vice president for vaccines and immune therapies, in a statement.

We look forward to continuing to work with the FDA to complete their expedited review, and we hope to see nirsevimab available as soon as possible given the significant burden of RSV in infants.

Monoclonal antibodies are also used to treat RSV infections in infants after they occur, though this option is usually reserved for extremely high-risk cases. This vote comes shortly after the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for use among older adults.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The U.S. is laser focused on making Taiwan a porcupine, giving it the weapons it needs to ensure massive destruction against a much larger Chinese military should Beijing attempt to overtake the island with an invasion.

But an equally menacing threat is that China could impose a military blockade around Taiwan, which requires its own strategy and preparation to ensure the island can hold out against attempts to suffocate the island.

You may not be able to swallow a porcupine, but you can starve it, House lawmakers cited Taiwanese national security officials telling them during a trip to the island in February.

A blockade could inflict heavy costs on Taipei to pressure them to agree to terms of reunification, even without conventional warfare.

Thats why lawmakers are urging U.S. action to help Taiwan prepare for both a blockade or invasion, warning that efforts to resupply Taiwan with weapons or economic aid would be nearly impossible in the event of such Chinese aggression.

The time to arm them and help bolster Taiwans critical infrastructure and access to energy sources is now, the lawmakers, members of the Select Committee on Competition with the Chinese Communist Party, wrote in the report.

Invasion checklists and survival academies: How Taiwan is preparing for war

Taiwan has an energy problem. It is heavily reliant on imports to sustain the country, which could become a key vulnerability if China makes moves against the island.

More than 91 percent of its energy  coal, oil and gas  is imported, according to 2021 government statistics. Australia makes up the bulk of its coal and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports. In 2021, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait provided the majority of imported oil (31 percent and 22 percent, respectively), with the U.S. providing about 19 percent of oil imports.

Taiwan said it ended Russian imports of coal in August 2022 (about 14.6 percent of imports), holding back from renewing the contract in opposition to Moscows war.

And the Ministry of Economic Affairs said in March that it would not renew an LNG contract with Russia, which accounts for 9.7 percent of its gas imports. The ministry at the time said it had about 10 days of LNG reserves.

Its of a national security concern that we need to make sure the supply of energy will be sustained even during any possible conflicts with China, Connie Chang, director-general of the Department of Overall Planning, National Development Council, said to a group of journalists during a briefing in mid-May.

Taiwan is working to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050  with a heavy reliance on solar and wind  to replace energy imports. But thats unlikely to impact its preparedness for Chinese aggression, which U.S. officials predict could come in the next few years.

Chen Chern-chyi, the deputy minister for Economic Affairs, said that the ministry is regularly checking inventories of stockpiled life-saving reserves that can sustain the countrys people and its economy in the event of war, or a natural disaster.

A super typhoon threatened the country at the end of May but passed by largely without incident.

People here are pretty peaceful and we think the situation is under control however, we do have a contingency plan, of course  every country should have one. On the economic situation, we have an inventory of life support and living materials and also other essential materials for manufacturing, we are taking inventory regularly.

Chen is nonplussed over the threat of war and invasion. First of all, we dont see immediate threat of war, he said in a briefing with international reporters in mid-May.

A more persistent threat from Beijing is its probing of Taiwans economic vulnerabilities. Chen said Chinese officials carry out acts of sabotage as political retaliation when they are angry at Taipei.

They do not actually impose sanctions  like the Western ideal sanctions  normally you have some [administrative] issues, or technical barrier issues, communication system down, whatever it is, but you know they are sending out a critical message, he said.

When China does impose sanctions on imports from Taiwan  like pineapple or seafood  it is intended for political harm more than impacting the countrys pocketbook. Taiwanese exports to China grew by more than $300 million between 2017 and 2022 to more than $1.2 billion.

They try to target specific group, especially the farmers and the rural areas, that does have some political impact, Chen said.

To counter this, Taiwan has instituted what it describes as its New Southbound Policy. Introduced by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, the policy is focused on deepening economic agreements and trade with neighboring countries in east Asia and the Indo Pacific.

Chen is upbeat about their successes, in particular that Taiwanese pineapples are now sold in Singapore, Australia and Japan.

I think its a big success because Japanese are famous for their picky taste, he said.

Taiwan is also looking at its communications infrastructure as a key component of any defense against an invasion or blockade.

Its a key lesson that Taipei has learned from Russias war in Ukraine, how cell phone connectivity and internet connection allowed Kyiv to inspire its population to defend the nation and rally the worlds support.

I think we are looking at how the Ukrainians have fortified in the process of resisting the invasion, also the public will to defend as a strong message, also, of deterrence, Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwans Representative to the U.S., said in a panel discussion hosted by the Christian Science Monitor in late May.

So having resilient but also redundant communication systems that will enable not only communications and connections with the world during conflict, but also in enabling our society to continue to function. I think that is also critical to our broader resilience.

Taiwanese officials stress that their actions at building up their military and deepening their diplomatic ties only seek to deter China from launching aggression  they know they can never build up enough to match Beijing militarily, economically or diplomatically.

They push back against Chinas criticisms that their actions are a provocation and part of a bigger push for independent recognition, which Beijing views as a red line.

Chang, of the National Development Council, said that she often fields questions about Taiwanese fears of a Chinese invasion, in particular as Beijing routinely probes Taiwans naval and air space with flyovers and ship incursions.

She tells the story about how she received a concerned text from a friend in the U.S. in the aftermath of Chinese live-fire drills around the island in August 2022, in response to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis (D-Calif.) trip to Taiwan.

I just text back to him, business as usual, Chang said. Certainly we are concerned but we are not afraid, and we do what we need to do to have our life on this island.

The writer was in Taiwan as part of a press trip paid for by the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Maryland Del. Pam Guzzone leaned forward to ask a question to the panel of expert witnesses gathered before her: Should freedom of speech ever be restricted?

Sometimes your freedom of expression should be limited, replied Roxana Batista-Patino. You cant yell fire when theres not a fire and there are certain things that you cant do, like protest on private property.

Olivia Grosso concurred and brought up the example of insurrectionists storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

People were seriously hurt and it caused a lot of fear, Grosso said.

Despite the constitutional expertise they displayed, Grosso, Batista-Patino and the rest of their colleagues arent your typical congressional hearing witnesses  they are fifth-graders at Hammond Elementary School in Laurel.

On May 16, all Hammond fifth-graders took part in the Howard County Public School Systems Simulated Congressional Hearings, a performance-based assessment during which groups of four to five students provide oral testimony on U.S. history and democracy to a panel of judges composed of local elected officials, community members and school staff.

The hearings run at county elementary schools through June 8.

I really like this program, said Guzzone, who is in her second year volunteering as a committee member, or judge. Everybody talks about the challenges between the common good and individual rights. Its something really important for kids to start being aware of.

Since launching at one elementary school in 2003, the Simulated Congressional Hearings have grown to become an end-of-the-year tradition for fifth graders at all 42 Howard elementary schools.

In Howard County we firmly believe that because all students are going to be citizens, all students should be doing this program, said Kimberly Eggborn, coordinator for elementary social studies. Everybody is going to be a citizen of their community and needs to know how to be active and involved and to give back.

The hearings were initially established by the California-based Center for Civic Education in 1987 as part of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. While the original program was designed for high schoolers, HCPSS decided to adapt it for fifth graders as the culmination of their social studies unit.

Its become a hallmark of the Howard County Public School System, Eggborn said. Other counties do it, they just dont do it on a systemwide level.

In addition to testing their social studies knowledge, students must learn to work together on teams and hone their public speaking skills as they craft a four-minute speech and answer up to 10 questions from judges posing as a congressional committee.

How you write the speech and how you do the follow-up questions ... I think that was the hardest part, said Dominic Nguyen, 10, a Hammond fifth grader.

The hearing topics revolve around four content areas: the American Revolution, creation of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, separation of powers, and responsible citizenship. As they demonstrate their knowledge of the past, students are also asked by judges to apply constitutional law and history to present-day scenarios.

It was kind of hard to come [up] with a compromise using current events from articles weve read and applying them to our speech, said Grosso, 10. We had some struggles with that. But we figured it all out in the end and it was really fun.

Towson University professor and History Department Chair Christian Koot specializes in U.S. colonial history and has served as a Simulated Congressional Hearings judge for four years. He says he is consistently impressed by the passion students display in their speeches and their responses to judges questions, which often cover issues even adult politicians struggle to address, such as why youth voter turnout is low.

Howard County social studies should be proud of the kind of analytical thinking theyre asking them to do, Koot said. Clearly theyre demonstrating a high competency.

Eggborn says another one of the programs goals is to teach students news literacy and how to identify credible sources while searching the internet.

Those are the skills that we want them to learn  how to digest information today, which is different than it used to be in the past, because in the past they were [only] getting these vetted books and articles, Eggborn said.
Spaceflight Inc.s engineers work on a Sherpa-LTE orbital transfer vehicle. (Spaceflight Inc. Photo)

Texas-based Firefly Aerospace says it has acquired Bellevue, Wash.-based Spaceflight Inc. and will shift the operations focus from satellite rideshare logistics to its line of orbital transfer vehicles.

Firefly says the strategic acquisition will add to its portfolio of low-cost space transportation services, ranging from launch vehicles to its Blue Ghost lunar lander.

Spaceflights flight-proven orbital vehicles, facilities and mission management expertise will support Fireflys rapid growth, provide a robust roadmap for investors, and meet the high demand for our on-orbit and responsive space services, Firefly Aerospace CEO Bill Weber said today in a news release. The acquisition further accelerates Fireflys timeline to support end-to-end missions with launch, lunar, and in-space services.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Spaceflight Inc. was established in Seattle in 2009. Ownership passed to a 50-50 joint venture between two Japanese companies  Mitsui & Co. and Yamasa Co. Ltd.  in 2020 as part of a complex deal that also involved a geospatial company called BlackSky and a share of a Tukwila, Wash.-based satellite manufacturing company called LeoStella.

Spaceflight will now fall under the Firefly Aerospace brand, said Risa Schnautz, Fireflys senior manager for marketing and communications. The entire Spaceflight team will be joining Firefly, and Schnautz said the teams talents, roles and responsibilities will be assessed in the months ahead.

Fireflys plan is to utilize Spaceflights Bellevue facilities to manufacture its orbital vehicles, Schnautz told GeekWire in an email. Our Blue Ghost lunar lander will continue to be manufactured at our facility in Cedar Park, Texas.

Spaceflight was ranked No. 66 on the GeekWire 200, our list of privately held startups based in the Pacific Northwest.

Spaceflights Sherpa orbital transfer vehicles are designed to be launched on rockets including SpaceXs Falcon 9. Multiple satellites can be attached to a single Sherpa, and then deployed into a variety of orbits after the orbital tug separates from its launch vehicle.

In addition to building Sherpas, Spaceflight Inc. has handled pre-launch arrangements for satellites on rideshare missions. But Schnautz said that part of the business will be de-emphasized.

Were currently assessing the needs of our combined customers to meet their mission requirements with Fireflys launch vehicles, Schnautz said. Firefly will honor Spaceflights current contracts but will not be aggregating payloads on other launch vehicles moving forward.

Firefly is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners, a private equity firm specializing in aerospace, defense and other industrial markets.

Weber said the acquisition of Spaceflight Inc. is the result of Fireflys business plan to strengthen the company through organic growth in addition to accelerating its capabilities with strategic acquisitions.

Fireflys Alpha launch vehicle is manifested through 2023 with the U.S. Space Force, NASA and other commercial customers. The company is also developing a new medium-lift launch vehicle in collaboration with Northrop Grumman. Fireflys Blue Ghost lunar lander is due to complete the first of two planned missions to the moon next year with NASA as the anchor customer, and Fireflys Space Utility Vehicle has a mission scheduled early next year to demonstrate the vehicles on-orbit capabilities.

The combination of Spaceflights on-orbit experience with Fireflys launch vehicles, Blue Ghost landers, and Space Utility Vehicles is an overnight game changer for our customers and investors, Weber said.

More from GeekWire:
A captain oversees the autonomous craft but doesn't need to touch the controls (Jonathan NACKSTRAND)

A self-driving electric ferry set sail in Stockholm on Thursday, making the Swedish capital the world's first city to put the technology to use, the company behind it said.

A captain oversees the autonomous craft but doesn't need to touch the controls, and from Monday, the MF Estelle will begin plying short routes between islands in Stockholm.

Torghatten CEO Stein Andre Herigstad-Olsen said that eventually, the idea is to make the vessel "fully autonomous", with no need for an onboard supervisor.

The system already "sees like a captain", he said.

The boat is fitted with radar, cameras, lidar laser and ultrasonic systems, compiling the data to steer its course, the Norwegian company's operative chief Erik Nilsson said.

"If a boat changes direction or if there's a canoe we see it right away in less than a second. We update the course accordingly," he added.

The first ten-metre boat cost around $1.6 million and will be able to carry up to 30 passengers. A single ticket will cost around $3.

It's hoped the ferry will encourage Swedes to walk or cycle to work rather than taking the car.

The firm wants to increase the number of shuttles in Stockholm and abroad.

The ferry initiative was a private and public cooperation and partly EU-funded.

nzg/map/lcm/pvh
Getty Images



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



After 13 tumultuous months marked by widespread criticism and terrible ratings, Chris Licht departed from his position as chairman and chief executive of CNN on Wednesday.

Licht, 51, launched Morning Joe on MSNBC and was the showrunner for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert before becoming CEO of CNN in May 2022. His tenure with the network was tarnished by mass layoffs, dwindling profits, poor employee morale, and a widely-criticized town hall with presidential candidate Donald Trump.

But the final straw was a damning 15,000-word article in The Atlantic, published almost a week ago, that provided a warts-and-all look behind the scenes of Lichts reign over the embattled network.

Licht gave Atlantic staff writer Tim Alberta incredible access, providing several interviews and allowing him to observe CNNs inner workings over a year-long span. Alberta spoke with almost 100 CNN employees for the piece, which portrayed Licht in such a negative light that even the network described it as the final death knell before Lichts dismissal.

The soon-to-be ousted executive apologized after the article was released, saying he didnt recognize the person it portrayed and vowing to fight like hell to win back the trust of his CNN colleagues. But it was too late. Five days after the article published, Licht was out of a job.

Below are five of the most damaging revelations from the piece.

A Disastrous Trump Town Hall

Getty Images

More than any other specific instance from Lichts tenure, The Atlantic article focuses on the televised town hall with Donald Trump on May 10. Hosted by Kaitlan Collins, the 70-minute event saw Trump unleash a continuous blast of distortion, hyperbole, and lies before an audience of Trump supporters cheering him on so loudly and so purposefully that what began as a journalistic forum devolved into a WWE match, Alberta wrote.



The article portrays Licht as both unprepared and unconcerned with how CNN would cover Trump, who had repeatedly barraged the network as fake news and the enemy of the people throughout his presidency. When asked about future coverage of Trump before the town hall, Licht said, The media has absolutely, I believe, learned its lesson We know that were getting played, so were gonna resist it.

Licht believed Trumps political ascent stemmed, in part, from the media marginalizing conservative views, and he sought to prioritize winning new Republican viewers for CNN, according to The Atlantic. Rather than a neutral audience for the town hall, Licht pushed for the crowd to be extra Trumpy because he felt it represented the GOP base. Licht even told Trump to have fun before the town hall, according to Alberta.

Licht believed the prime-time town hall with Trump would vindicate his courting of Republican viewers and prove to his colleagues that his vision would lead the network into the future, according to The Atlantic. But as its story said, Trump had other ideas.

His Obsession with Former CEO Jeff Zucker

Getty Images

A recurring theme throughout The Atlantic piece is Lichts apparent fixation on his predecessor, Jeff Zucker, who oversaw CNN for nine years before resigning in February 2022 amid a sexual scandal. The comparisons with Zucker were inevitable, and Licht hated them, Alberta wrote in the article. One of Lichts first acts as CEO was to turn Zuckers former 17th floor office into a conference room.

Licht became consumed by the growing negative stories in the media about his leadership with CNN, and soon, he began blaming Zucker for the bad publicity, according to The Atlantic. Licht believed pro-Zucker colleagues were leaking information to reporters and became convinced even Zucker was pushing hit pieces scrutinizing Lichts job performance.

One widely-quoted portion of Albertas story described a 6 a.m. workout, in which Licht lifted weights while his trainer Joe Maysonet yells at him. While squatting to hoist a pole from the ground, Licht said through clenched teeth, Zucker couldnt do this s. It was unclear whether Licht meant the comment as a joke.

Awkward Behavior at a Holiday Party

One of the key distinctions between Zucker and Licht was their social interactions with colleagues. Whereas the old boss was gregarious and warm, giving nicknames to employees and remembering their kids birthdays, Licht came across as taciturn, seemingly going out of his way to avoid human relationships, Alberta wrote.

This difference was on prominent display during a holiday party for CNNs Washington-based employees, according to the article. Licht began the party by walking around the private room and personally greeting each journalist. Afterward, however, he sat down and spent most of the rest of his dinner staring at his phone.

Not only did he say nothing to address the groupas they all expected he wouldbut Licht barely interacted with the people seated near him, Alberta wrote. It became so awkward that guests began texting one another, wondering if there was some crisis unfolding with an international bureau. When some of his colleagues caught a glimpse of Lichts phone, however, they saw that he was simply reading a critical story about him on the news website Puck.

Criticizing CNNs COVID-19 Coverage

Among the mistakes from Zuckers tenure, according to Licht, was CNNs coverage of COVID-19. The Atlantic article describes Licht as repeatedlyand publiclycriticizing his CNN colleagues for their reporting on the pandemic, saying it portrayed the network as out of touch with the country.

In the beginning it was a trusted sourcethis crazy thing, no one understands it, help us make sense of it. Whats going on? Licht said. And I think then it got to a place where, Oh wow, we gotta keep getting those ratings. We gotta keep getting the sense of urgency.

To illustrate his point, the story describes Licht as slapping his palm on a table and mimicking a panicked broadcaster: COVID, COVID, COVID! Look at the case numbers! Look at this! Look at this! Then people walked outside, and they go, This is not my life. This is not my reality. You guys are just saying this because you need the ratings, you need the clicks. I dont trust you.

The story also quotes Licht as questioning the death count of COVID-19, suggesting it was overinflated by patients with life-threatening illnesses before the pandemic began who then died with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. There have been nearly 770 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide and 6.9 million reported deaths, though some estimate it could be as many as 30 million.

An Internal Meeting Gone Wrong

Licht held a town hall meeting with employees intended to quell concerns and rally the troops, laying out his plan for the new CNN, Alberta wrote. Audie Cornish, CNNs top audio journalist, served as host and posed questions to Licht during the gathering, while dozens of staffers watched in person and thousands tuned in remotely on their computers.

As the meeting progressed, however, Licht seemed to grow increasingly restless and impatient with the questions, according to The Atlantic article. Alberta wrote that Licht looked on edgelike he was struggling to remain diplomatic in the face of questions that annoyed him.

When asked about the perception that Licht was trying to appease right-wing viewers, Alberta wrote that Licht fought a smirk. In response to Cornishs questions about CNNs reputation and brand, Licht seemed defensive as he said that sometimes the tone of our coverage has undercut the work of our journalism.

Afterward, Licht acknowledged to Alberta that the meeting had not gone well, according to the story: At one point, I wanted to just say, Were not going to turn into BuzzFeed, okay? Licht said. But that probably wouldnt have helped.

You Might Also Like
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Searchlight Pictures

When asked if she recalls the first time she ate a Flamin Hot Cheeto, screenwriter Linda Yvette Chavezwhose latest film, the Eva Longoria-directed Flamin Hot, debuts June 9 on Disney+ and Hulubroke out a smile and offered a long, pregnant, Listen.

Those are every Mexican kids lifeline, Chavez told The Daily Beasts Obsessed, ahead of the films release. So I grew up eating those Cheetos like crazywith the chopsticks, trying to not get the little prints on my hands.

Flamin Hot is a sort-of biopic based on Frito-Lay alum Richard Montanezs story of how he (allegedly) invented the Flamin Hot Cheeto. Longoria, who has directed several episodes of television over the years, makes an accomplished debut as a feature director.

Eva Longorias Flamin Hot Knows Exactly What Its Selling

Montanez has been telling his Flamin Hot Cheetos story for years and generated considerable buzz during the mid-2010s. But a 2021 Los Angeles Times report, which was based on interviews with more than a dozen former employees, the company archival record, and statements from Frito-Lay itself, found that Montanez never actually invented the Flamin Hot Cheeto. Instead, he simply rose through the corporate ranks and created other snacks instead.

When the film premiered this March at Austins South by Southwest, Longoria explained the premise of the film to the Times. We never set out to tell the history of the Cheeto, she said. We are telling Richard Montanezs story, and were telling his truth.

While speaking with The Daily Beast, Chavez noted that the 2021 Times report broke right around when Flamin Hot was entering productionmore than two years after theyd begun work on the script. Echoing Longorias words, she said, Ultimately, for me, this is not a documentaryits a powerful film about Richards story. The screenwriter and Longoria were united in that understanding.

Emily Aragones

Oftentimes, as weve seen with U.S. history, certain narratives can be erased or changed, and it's very easy to do that, Chavez added. But what I know that I was telling was a story of Richard his success, and his rise, and his story about his family from the bottom to the top.

When she sat down to speak with Montanez and his wife at the beginning of the project, Judy, Chavez felt that she didnt need them to prove anything, she said. I felt it in my bones as I heard them. I heard my mom, I heard my dad, I heard my cousin, I heard myself. The conversation made her think of examples from her own life of things left unsaid, the things that were manipulated that maybe I didn't receive credit on.

Its hard to describe how complicated it is to be a person of color in this country, she concluded. And I know how complicated it is.

Gentefied Was Already One of Netflixs Best Shows. It Just Leveled Up.

A Chicana director born and raised in Norwalk, California, Chavez creates the kinds of characters that instantly win you over. Gentefied, the Netflix series she co-created with Marvin Lemus in 2020, was a compelling answer to Latinx trauma pornserious but ultimately upbeat, and filled with intriguing questions about identity, community, and gentrification.

When she first met Longoria, Chavez said, they instantly connected. Shes hilarious, first of all, and she also just reminds me so much of my familylike, I walked in, and I was like, Girl, youre like my prima, Chavez said, meaning cousin. Beyond that, Longoria has a million ideas, the screenwriter said. Comedically, shes so brilliant. I always say this: I didnt feel like I was walking into work with a first-time director. I felt like I was walking into work with a veteran.

Annie Gonzalez, who plays Montanezs wife, Judy, in Flamin Hot, also starred in Gentefied, as the formidable Lidia Solis. Shes been friends with Chavez for a decade. At first, Chavez didnt think Gonzalez would go for the role; shed said before that she was getting tired of always playing mother characters. Thankfully, however, there was enough to Judys character to change Gonzalezs mindits her forceful on-screen presence that really anchors Flamin Hot. (If you want to make it in this world, Jesse Garcias Montanez tells us, get yourself a Judy.)

For Chavez, her shared history with Gonzalez makes their ongoing collaboration all the more special. We always talk about how we mirror each other, she said. To be able to come up in this industry together in ways that most of our families have never experienced, its just an incredible, incredible thing for us.

Emily Aragones

Although Richard Montanez is the obvious protagonist in his own story, Chavez emphasized that his victory does not belong to him aloneand it was important to her that both the character and audiences understand that as well.

I love to write [for] the men in my communitytheir voice, Chavez said. Oftentimes, people would think that the characters in Gentefied that were men, it was Marvin [writing them]. But most of the time, it was actually me.

Chavez wants the men in her community to open up and make more room for their feelings. In that sense, she said, I think Richards story, to me, was very much a story of a man who was so vulnerable and so openand so willing to ask for help, including from his wife and family. Father-son relationships pervade the film, Chavez noted, as Richard asks himself whether he can be a good father figure to his own sona better and more emotionally engaged one, he hopes, than his own.

I also had a huge goal to make grown machista men cry with the movie, Chavez said with a grin, and they have been crying.  I had some guys come up to me and be like, Man, do we all have daddy issues? And Im like, Yeah, you do, so let it out, man. Let it out.

And if youd rather not, you can always claim that some spice got in your eye.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant has destroyed many fortifications of the first line of defence of the Russians on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast, the Institute for the Study of War states.

Source: ISW

Details: The ISW reported that the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (KHPP) dams destruction is seriously changing the geography and topography of the Kherson frontline sector in southern Ukraine.

The ISW noted that near-infrared (NIR) imagery taken on 7 June shows that the flooding is severely damaging Russian defensive positions that had been set up on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, particularly Russian first-line positions in Hola Prystan and Oleshky.

Quote from the ISW: "The destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam is affecting Russian military positions on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River. The flooding has destroyed many Russian first line field fortifications that the Russian military intended to use to defend against Ukrainian attacks.

Rapid flooding has likely forced Russian personnel and military equipment in Russian main concentration points in Oleshky and Hola Prystan to withdraw. Russian forces had previously used these positions to shell the city of Kherson and other settlements on the Western (right) bank of Kherson."

More details: To get out of the artillery's effective range from some settlements on the right bank of the Dnipro River that they had been attacking, Russian forces relocated their personnel and military hardware up to 15 kilometres away from the flood zone, according to Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the Joint Press Centre of the defence forces of Ukraine's south. Along the coast, the flood also destroyed Russian minefields.

However, Volodymyr Saldo, collaborator and the so-called "head" of the occupied Kherson Oblast, asserted that the KHPP's destruction was advantageous to Russian defences since it would make it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to cross the river. Saldo's assessment of the situation ignores the destruction of Russia's first line of prepared defences. The analysts said it is also unknown how much Russian heavy equipment was lost on the first day of flooding.

The ISW does not provide any assessment of whether Ukrainian forces attempted to cross the Dnipro or for what purpose they might have done so. "The clear concern in the Russian military information space, however, shows that the fear of such a crossing and belief that it was either underway or imminent was present in the minds of Russians closely following the war shortly before the dam was destroyed," the report states.

Background:

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Floods from the dam Russia is accused of destroying also wiped out its own defensive positions, experts say

Officials help people to evacuate their homes after the explosion at the Kakhovka hydropower plant that flooded houses and streets in Kherson, Ukraine on June 7, 2023. Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Flooding from the Kakhovka dam destruction is harming Russia's defensive positions, experts said.

The waters wiped out Russian fortifications and minefields, the Institute for the Study of War said.

Kyiv says Russia of blew up the dam to harm Ukraine  but it may have had unintended consequences.

The devastating flooding from the dam that Russia is accused of blowing up is also wiping out Russia's own defensive positions in Ukraine, experts said in a new assessment.

The DC-based Institute for the Study of War said in an update on Wednesday that "The flooding has destroyed many Russian first line field fortifications that the Russian military intended to use to defend against Ukrainian attacks."

The flood waters surged down the Dnipro river, which is also a boundary between Russian-held and Ukrainian-held parts of the country.

Russia occupies the east bank of the Dnipro river, while Ukraine retook the west bank  including the city of Kherson  last year. Ukraine said that most of the flooding from the dam's destruction is on the Russia-controlled side.

Per the ISW: "Rapid flooding has likely forced Russian personnel and military equipment" to withdraw from key locations.

It named Oleshky and Hola Prystan, settlements on the east bank of the river from which the ISW said Russia had earlier been firing its artillery at Ukraine.

Major dam destroyed in Ukraine causing heavy floods in nearby towns Reuters

It said that near-infrared imagery taken on Wednesday showed the flooding is "heavily disrupting Russian prepared defensive positions" in those settlements.

"The flood also destroyed Russian minefields along the coast, with footage showing mines exploding in the flood water," the ISW added.

It also said that it was unclear how much heavy equipment Russia lost to the start of the flooding.

The Kakhovka dam, which is upstream from Kherson, was damaged on Tuesday, releasing a torrent of water from its reservoir.

Ukraine has blamed Russia for the dam's destruction. Western countries have condemned Russia in broad terms since its destruction but haven't explicitly said it deliberately destroyed the dam.

NBC News, citing three unnamed officials, reported that the US government has intelligence suggesting Russia is indeed to blame.

Russia has said Ukraine destroyed the dam by shelling it  though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy countered by saying the dam was too strong to be broken by artillery alone.

In this image taken from video released by the Ukrainian Presidential Office, water runs through a breakthrough in the Kakhovka dam in Kakhovka, Ukraine, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Ukraine on Tuesday accused Russian forces of blowing up the major dam and hydroelectric power station in a part of southern Ukraine that Russia controls, sending water gushing from the breached facility and risking massive flooding. Russian officials countered that the dam was damaged by Ukrainian military strikes in the contested area. Ukrainian Presidential Office via AP

Ukraine said more than 40,000 people have been affected by the floods, and warned of an ecological disaster.

Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Ukrainian rescuers had been shot at when trying to help people in Russia-controlled areas.

"It's very hard to get people out of the occupied part of Kherson region. When our forces try to get them out, they are shot at by occupiers from a distance," he told Politico.

The first reports of deaths have emerged, though the toll is expected to rise as rescuers search and waters recede.

Read the original article on Business Insider
How do Florida assisted living facilities prep for hurricane season? Here's what to know

Hurricane season is upon us. Are your elderly loved ones ready for the storm season?

An estimated 71,000 Florida residents live in an assisted living facility, according to the Florida Healthcare Association, and most of the Hurricane Ian deaths were elderly Floridians with 140 seniors accounting for two-thirds of all storm-related deaths. Here are some things to consider when looking to keep a loved one safe while making sure they receive quality care.

How are assisted living facilities required to prepare for hurricane season?

Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are required to have elaborate disaster plans in place to prepare for the hurricane season. Plans vary from Florida counties and facilities.

According to Florida law, at minimum, facilities are required to offer emergency evacuation transportation, adequate sheltering, emergency equipment, post disaster food and water and post disaster transportation. Each countys local emergency management agency reviews and approves the disaster plan.

Do assisted living facilities evacuate during hurricanes?

Assisted living facilities are required to heed evacuation orders from local authorities. Depending on the facility, residents may be evacuated to a local shelter or a hotel if the facility is a member of the Florida Assisted Living Association.

More on hurricanes: National Hurricane Center watching 4 tropical waves, including 2 in Caribbean

How to help older adults prepare for the storm?

Create a communication plan. It can be difficult to connect following power outages during a storm. Helping your loved one create a list for emergency contact information of family or friends can help ease anxiety in not knowing how theyre doing. Make sure to include meetup locations after the storm and important medical information.

Make a medical plan. Many elderly adults need hearing aids, oxygen machines and wheelcharis  many of which require electricity to operate. Make sure that medical devices have battery backups and are fully charged.

Heed evacuation warnings. Make sure to follow evacuation instructions from local officials and keep in touch with the facility's management for their plan of evacuation.

In case you missed it: Huge brown blob of seaweed in ocean at Lake Worth Beach: What sargassum at Midtown, Palm Beach looks like

How to create an emergency kit?

Before packing, make a list of the essentials needed, specified to the person's needs. Essentials vary from person to person, but most kits should have:

First-aid supplies

Non-perishable food

Bottled water

Medication

Clothes

Keys

Copies of important documents

Batteries

Flashlights

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida assisted living facilities must prepare for hurricanes
Along the northern coast of Tunisia, the waters began to change color. Instead of their usual blue foam, the waves became an unnerving vibrant green.

The changing seawater color sparked concern among residents who alerted local officials, Tunisias Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fishing said in a June 5 news release.

Photos shared by the ministry show the fluorescent green color of the water. The color appears even more concerning against the bright white lab coat of a researcher.

A researcher stands in the green water to take samples.

The water changed colors along the neighboring coastal towns of Hammam-Lif and Ez Zahra. These towns are about 12 miles southeast of the capital city Tunis and sit along the Gulf of Tunis, which opens into the Mediterranean Sea.

An Instagram video posted June 2 by Aziz Cherif showed the abnormally colored waterfront. The waves in the distance also look slightly greenish. The video pans to show a dead sea turtle that washed up on the shore.

One Instagram user commented that the waters looked radioactive. Others voiced concerns about the harm being done to sea life and about water pollution.

The TunSea Association for Participatory Science shared side-by-side photos showing the change in water color before and after.

Officials sent a research team to sample the water and to try to figure out what caused the change in color, the release said.

Researchers found the green color was caused by a phytoplankton bloom, officials said.

Phytoplankton, or microalgae, are aquatic plants that grow based on the available sunlight and nutrients, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). When too many nutrients are available, phytoplankton can bloom or grow out of control.

Phytoplankton blooms can produce extremely toxic compounds that have harmful effects on fish, shellfish, mammals, birds, and even people, according to NOAA.

A researcher holds a sample of the green water.

Tunisian officials said that the microalgae was mostly non-toxic. The algae green phenomenon occurred due to a combination of rainfall, nutrient-rich surface water runoff and high temperatures, the release said.

Officials did not say if the current phytoplankton bloom has harmed any animals.

Google Translate was used to translate the news release from Tunisias Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fishing. Instagram Translate was used to translate Aziz Cherifs post. Facebook Translate was used to translate the post from the TunSea Association for Participatory Science.

Bumpy creature with countless arms scooped from sea  and discovered as new species

Peculiar blob-like species discovered thriving in toxic Romanian cave, study says

Millions of bizarre blue blobs wash ashore on California beaches. What are they?
Former corrections officer convicted of sexually abusing two inmates at California prison

The Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif., in July 2006. (Ben Margot / Associated Press)

A former San Francisco Bay Area corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin was convicted Monday of sexually abusing two female inmates at the prison, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

John Bellhouse, 40, of Pleasanton, Calif., is one of six FCI Dublin staff members to be arrested in connection with sexual abuse at the prison, four of whom have been convicted.

Inmates have referred to the facility  a low-security prison for women 20 miles southeast of Oakland  as a "rape club."

In March, former prison warden Ryan J. Garcia was convicted of having sex with and sexually abusing inmates. He was sentenced to 70 months in prison.

Former prison chaplain James Theodore Hughes is currently appealing a seven-year prison sentence for abusive sexual contact and making false statements to the FBI.

And last month, former corrections officer Darrell Wayne Smith was charged with abusing multiple women in their cells and in the prison laundry room from 2019 to 2021.

Bellhouse was originally charged in February 2022 with the sexual abuse of one inmate, but a new indictment filed in September charged him with the sexual abuse of two other inmates between December 2019 and December 2020, with some of the incidents taking place at the prison's safety office.

He was convicted of two counts of sexual abuse and three counts of abusive sexual conduct.

The heinous crimes in this case destroyed the sense of safety and security every human being is entitled to, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate said in a release.

Bellhouse faces a maximum of 15 years in prison for each count of sexual abuse and a maximum of two years for each count of abusive sexual conduct.

He is due to be sentenced Aug. 30 and remains out of custody.

"Our investigation of sexual abuse at FCI Dublin remains ongoing, and we will continue to aggressively pursue justice for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of [Bureau of Prisons] employees, Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz said in the release.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The federally-indicted Republican congressman George Santos of New York has launched a bizarre and seemingly unprompted rant against drag nuns on Twitter.

I dont usually swear but The Drag nuns can F*** ALL THE WAY OFF! The mockery they cast on the Catholic faith is DAMN offensive and WRONG! he wrote on Wednesday night.

Mr Santos, a former drag performer himself, didnt provide a reason for his social media diatribe. But it comes as members of the GOP have slammed the decision to invite a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag activist group, to a Pride Month event in the California Assembly. Republicans walked off the floor on Monday in protest, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence garnered nationwide attention last month after the Los Angeles Dodgers hemmed and hawed on whether to invite them for a Pride Month celebration.

After inviting the group, the team went back on that initiative following anti-LGBT+ backlash. After that reaction and the withdrawal of the invitation led to an outpouring of support for the group, the team once again extended an invitation.

The group was founded in San Francisco in 1979 by gay men, employing Christian imagery to reject homophobia in religion and join the struggle against AIDS. They now have hundreds of members all over the globe.

Mr Santos is no stranger to the art of drag. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Mr Santos reportedly performed in drag under the name Kitara Ravache at several beauty pageants in Brazil.

In January, Brazilian drag performer Eula Rochard, 58, told Reuters that she believes Mr Santos appeared at a gay pride parade in Niteroi, a suburb of Rio de Janeiro, in 2005 and then spotted him at a drag pageant three years later.

George Santos, on his old public cable show, claimed his family fled Nazis and he believes everyone is Jewish.



Santos: Im Catholic. I believe were all Jewish at the end because Jesus Christ is Jewish and if you believe in Jesus and were all brothers in Christ. pic.twitter.com/aIo8S5LA5F  PatriotTakes  (@patriottakes) January 10, 2023

I was young and I had fun at a festival  sue me for having a life, Mr Santos later told ABC7.

While he defended Catholocism in his latest tweet, it remains unclear if Mr Santos sees himself as part of the faith. In the past, he has described himself as Jewish, Jew-ish, and Catholic.

I believe were all Jewish at the end because Jesus Christ is Jewish, he once said.

Mr Santos outburst at drag nuns came as he weathered a development in a different one of his many scandals - with a judge ordering that the names of the people who paid his $500,000 bail following his federal indictment must be revealed.

The New York Representative, who won his seat last year after a failed 2020 bid, pleaded not guilty last month to charges of defrauding his campaign supporters, lying to get unemployment funds, and making false statements on congressional disclosure forms.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Judge Anne Shields ruled that Mr Santos must appeal the decision before 12pm on Friday, or else the names will be public.

Mr Santoss attorneys said on Monday that the benefactors truly fear for their health, safety and well being.

Lawyer Joseph Murray said previously that my client would rather surrender to pretrial detainment than subject these suretors to what will inevitably come.

Mr Santos has been charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds, and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives.
Former escort given state award for intelligence work on the information front

Oksana Voloshchuk (Ksyusha Maneken)

She helped, explained Yusov.



As far as I understand, she helped a lot. Were talking about her work on the informational front, not about agent work.

He added that HUR is helped a variety of completely different people in their work.

Read also: Russia cannot cope with flow of casualties, constructing corpse storage facilities  HUR

Yusov also stated that the social media post that announced Maneken's award was a a mistake.

Earlier, some Ukrainian social media users were concerned that Maneken, a popular blogger on Instagram, had received a recognition from HUR for cooperation with Ukrainian military intelligence, despite having earlier stated it doesnt matter to whom Crimea belongs to.

Read also: Ukrainian photographer Maloletka wins prestigious award for Siege of Mariupol photos

Maneken herself bragged about received the award after a meeting with presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak on March 3. The award itself states that she had been working with HUR from at least October 13, 2022. The blogger stated the details of her cooperation with HUR, how it all happened, and the reason for her award would only be revealed following the end of the war.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Lexington nurse who pleaded guilty in the death of an elderly patient has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Eyvette Hunter, 52, was sentenced by Fayette Circuit Judge Thomas Travis Thursday morning. Hunter pleaded guilty to manslaughter as part of a plea deal after she was previously charged with murder. Hunter and her attorney asked for probation during the sentencing hearing, but Travis denied the request after hearing input from prosecutors and the victims family.

She was accused of killing 97-year-old patient James Morris, who police said died as a result of Hunters intentional medical maltreatment. Morris died May 5, 2022, a few days after Hunter gave him a drug he wasnt supposed to have, according to court documents.

Hunter pleaded guilty in April after participating in court-ordered mediation. She was originally expected to stand trial June 12.

Court documents allege Morris died because Hunter injected him with Ativan, a schedule four narcotic and sedative which he was not prescribed. Doctors had denied Hunters request to give Morris the drug before she did it, documents indicate.

Hunter spoke in court Thursday, tearfully addressing Morris family and the judge.

I pray that as we all go on with our lives that you all can forgive me, she said. I did not intend for any harm to come to your dad. We all will honor his life and his service, and I am sorry for my participation in what has caused your family and my family so much pain. I pray that you can forgive me for that.

Hunter was a nurse at Baptist Health Lexington when the death occurred. She wasnt charged over the death until August 2022. She went to work at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital through a third-party company after the incident. UK HealthCare officials said they werent aware of the incident until Hunter was charged.

Attorney: Nurse is scapegoat for malpractice

Daniel Whitley, Hunters attorney, said she was a scapegoat for medical malpractice. He asked that Hunter receive probation because there was no intentionality and she took responsibility for her actions.

The perception is this is a bad nurse who intentionally inflicted pain, Whitley said during the sentencing hearing Thursday morning. But if you look through there is no record of disobedience in her professional history and she has no criminal record other than a few speeding tickets.

Prosecutor: She should be punished

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Traci Caneer said the five-year recommendation was agreed upon through mediation and that probation is a privilege that should not apply to Hunter.

As far as probation and Mr. Whitleys statements, there is one reason that it is sufficient this case not be probated, because she took the life of James Morris, Caneer said. It is that simple and for that alone, she should be punished.

Travis denied probation for Hunter.

Victims daughter: Actions of nurse pure evil

Mary Highlander, the only daughter of Morris, spoke at length in court Thursday about her fathers life and death. Highlander said her dad was a patriot, devoted family man and Christian who shattered cultural stereotypes against skills and abilities of the elderly.

A nurse herself, she said Hunters actions were cruel, malicious and pure evil, and that it was inconceivable how an individual who took an oath to do no harm could engage in such heinous behavior.

My noble father suffered poverty, an orphaned childhood and active combat in two wars only to leave this life at the hands of a woman charged with his safekeeping, she said.

Highlander recalled her dads good health prior to Hunters alleged actions and how she watched him deteriorate and suffer greatly by being force fed while sedated, aspirating on his stomach contents, and ultimately having food suctioned from his lungs.

She could have turned back but she chose not to do so, Highlander said. Instead at every turn she chose her own self interests and disregarded the powerless, helpless man.
A Modesto man who stepped down from his role as a church youth leader a month before his arrest has pleaded guilty to molesting a family member.

Michael Sasser, 41, was arrested in April on suspicion of three counts of child molestation for acts that occurred during a period of months in 2022.

On Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to the continuous sexual abuse of a child and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. As a result of the plea, two other counts of child molestation were dropped.

It was in the best interest of all parties involved that this case be resolved quickly, as opposed to being long and drawn out, said Sassers attorney Rebecka A. Monez. The plea represents the reality of the crimes, and the defense is content with the resolution.

The prosecutor on the case said in court that she talked at length with the victim about giving an impact statement, but the victim ultimately declined.

Sasser was co-leader of the student ministry at Redeemer Church on H Street in Modesto before stepping down Feb. 28, about a month before his arrest, lead pastor Patrick Nagle said in April. Sasser cited personal reasons and to focus on himself and his family, the pastor said. Sasser also previously served as a church elder. Both were volunteer roles, Nagle said.

Police said there was no evidence to suggest that anyone in the youth group was a victim.

Nagle said the church was notified about the criminal investigation sometime in March before Sassers arrest.

We notified parents that there was an issue that took place in the home and CPS (Child Protective Services) and police were involved, Nagle said in April. We made it clear as well to parents that he is no longer allowed to serve in any capacity here or allowed in the building.

Sasser has been in the Stanislaus County jail since his March arrest and will soon be transferred to prison.
Former Ruidoso Police officer Daniel Balding was found guilty of two fourth-degree felonies on May 31.

Balding, 39, was found guilty by a Lincoln County jury on one count of child solicitation by electronic device and one count of sexual exploitation of children by recording.

Judge Angie Schneider presided over the trial.

The New Mexico State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Both found that on Sept. 12, 2019, Balding sent text messages to a 15-year-old through the Whisper App.

During this time Balding was still a law enforcement officer with the Ruidoso Police Department. In the messages with the 15-year-old, Balding asked for sexual pictures and videos. He also sent pictures of himself in his uniform, sitting in his patrol vehicle.

Balding faces a maximum sentence of three years and the sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.

This article originally appeared on Ruidoso News: Former Ruidoso Police officer faces three years for child sex crimes
We found a rare deal on Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbudssave up to $105 now

Tune in to your favorite playlists and podcasts for less with these Samsung earbuds.

 Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Looking for a new pair of wireless earbuds? We've got you covered. The cult-favorite Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have all the bells and whistles you're looking for, including impressive audio quality and noise-cancelation. When you take advantage of this Samsung deal today they can be yours for as little as $124.99saving you up to $105 on the Reviewed-approved earbuds.

From $124.99 at Samsung (Save up to $105)

These buds are available in the pretty Bora Purple, Classic White and Graphite starting at $199.99, down from $229.99. No matter which hue you pick, you can save up to an extra $75 on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro when you trade-in an eligible device, making this Samsung deal a serious steal.

Style savings: Shop the top 8 sandal deals at Macy's, Amazon and more

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are some of the best listening devices you can use according to our experts, as they have incredible sound and utilize a sleek and stylish design. In addition, they come with loads of features like active noise cancelation, water-resistance and more.

Father's Day 2023: 50+ best Father's Day gift ideas at every price

For even more deals, head to Samsung for rock-bottom prices on TVs, laptops and other tech. But if you're mainly interested in upgrading the way you listen to music, check out the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro today.

From $124.99 at Samsung (Save up to $105)

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Samsung earbuds: Save up to $105 on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Fourth man in deadly 2019 Wichita drug deal gone bad sentenced to 18 years in prison

The last of four men convicted in connection with the 2019 slaying of 33-year-old Jerome Armbeck of Wichita was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Pierce Jackson, 22, of Wichita, was sentenced by state District Judge David Dahl after he pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery last July, according to a news release from the Sedgwick County District Attorneys Office.

On Aug. 19, 2019, Pierce, along with three other people, were part of a group that Wichita police said decided to rob Joshua Armbeck, Jeromes brother, of his backpack at gunpoint after meeting him to buy an ounce of marijuana for $140, according to previous Eagle reporting.

Jerome Armbeck was killed during a foot chase after his brother called him to help catch the assailants, an affidavit on the case read. His body was found in an open field. First responders performed aid but Armbeck died at the scene, the Eagle previously reported.

Orlando Howard shot Armbeck several times at the conclusion of a foot chase near Harry and Oliver, the DAs release said.

The other three men involved in the shooting previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for the following charges:

 Orlando Howard, 19, sentenced to 13 years and 9 months after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery

 Marcus Lamar, 23, sentenced to 5 years after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

 Tairyce Jones, 21, sentenced to 5 years after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery.

Armbecks brother, Joshua, is currently serving three years of probation for attempted distribution of marijuana, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in June 2020.
Fox News Hosts Have Most Predictable Response To New York Wildfire Smoke

Fox News hosts on Wednesday made light of the public health warnings issued over the hazardous haze engulfing New York City, much like some of its personalities dismissed the risk of COVID-19 during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jeanine Pirro, Jesse Watters and Sean Hannity all dismissed the citys atrocious air quality  caused by wildfires in Canada  and mocked official advice to wear face masks amid the smoke that is expected to last for days.

While Americans choke on the smoke, the far left smells an opportunity, said The Five co-host Pirro, who turned the haze into an attack on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and her signature Green New Deal.

Oscasio-Cortez says that we must, quote, Adapt our food systems, energy grids, infrastructure, and health care to prepare for whats to come, mocked Pirro. Other Democrats are pumping up climate hysteria and bringing back, you guessed it, mask insanity.

The conservative network has often peddled climate disinformation.

Jesse Watters said: Half the country cant go outside or breathe fresh air because of our stupid neighbors up north, and the president hasnt said a single word about it because we dont have a real president. Other politicians went on TV and told us to quarantine like the good old days.

After airing footage of New York Mayor Eric Adams urging people to stay inside and mask up, Watters mockingly continued: COVID: stay home, wear a mask. Smoke bomb: stay home, wear a mask. Elections: stay home, wear a mask. Nuke strike: stay home, wear a mask. The government is prepared for anything.

Prime-time anchor Sean Hannity, meanwhile, expressed surprise at people who were complaining about their breathing.

Im like, Im walking in the same place youre walking in and I dont feel a thing. And Im trying to understand. I work out regularly. So, I think Im relatively in tune with my body, he explained.

I think if I was having difficulty breathing I would notice, but these are young people saying this. Are they all snowflakes? Hannity asked contributor Charly Arnolt.

I think people just like to make a big deal out of nothing, Arnolt replied. You know, we talk about people playing the victim card. This is just one reason for people to start complaining again."

what is wrong with these people pic.twitter.com/DyXyFvvXgq  Andrew Lawrence (@ndrew_lawrence) June 8, 2023

Related...
Francoise Gilot, a tireless artist who defied simple categorization  and efforts to define her merely as a footnote in the story of her former lover Pablo Picasso  died Tuesday in New York. She was 101.

Her death was confirmed to The New York Times by her daughter, Aurelia Engel, who said Gilot had recently suffered from lung and heart problems. CNN was unable to reach Engel, or Gilots other children, to confirm these details.

Gilot, whose output spanned more than 80 years, was born in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine on November 26, 1921, and studied philosophy and law before devoting herself fully to being an artist. The early years of her career coincided with World War II and the Nazi occupation of Paris. During that time she had her first exhibition, at dealer Madeleine Decres eighth arrondissement gallery in 1943, and met Picasso, who was 40 years her senior. Her assessment of their ensuing 10-year relationship, published in a 1964 memoir written with journalist Carlton Lake titled Life with Picasso, earned Gilot the ire of Picassos supporters and, eventually, made her a heroic figure in feminist art history.

Pablo Picasso and Francoise Gillot in 1951. - Roger Viollet/Getty Images

Sometimes people like you. Sometimes people dont, Gilot said in a 2019 interview with The New York Times T Magazine. But you are not going to fashion yourself according to other peoples wishes, whether they are negative or positive, you know? You have to be true to yourself and true to the truth. Thats the only two things that are important. I dont think I have to be true to what the public in general thinks, because, then, why should I say something they already have made up their mind about?

By the mid-1950s, Gilots relationship with Picasso had ended  they had two children together, Claude and Paloma Picasso  and she had married artist Luc Simon. A few years later, she began showing with Paris Galerie Louise Leiris and her work continued to evolve from the Cubist mode she explored in the early 1950s to a flattened figurative style characterized by strong geometry and bright colors.

The following decade, despite the uproar caused by her memoir, Gilot exhibited extensively in Europe and the United States  including New Yorks David Findley Gallery, Galleria Santo Stefano in Venice, Galleria Dantesca in Turin and Galerie Coard in Paris. In 1962, she and Simon (Engels father) divorced.

In 1970, Gilot married her second husband, Jonas Salk, a virologist who developed one of the first polio vaccines. That same year, she had her first solo museum exhibitions, though many more would follow in the next few years. In addition to painting, Gilot continued to pursue printmaking and poetry. She published her first artist book of prints and poems, Sur la Pierre (On the Stone), in 1972 with Parisian print studio Mourlot Atelier. By the middle of the decade, Gilots primary residence with Salk was near San Diego, California, though she spent a great deal of her time traveling for exhibitions and other projects.

"Paloma a la Guitare" by Francoise Gilot (1965) was part of Sotheby's (Women) Artists Sale in 2021 in London, England. It sold for $1.3 million. - John Phillips/Getty Images

In a statement, Gerald Joyce, the president of the California-based Salk Institute  a scientific foundation established by Jonas Salk  said: Francoise Gilot has been truly inspirational to all of us at Salk, to Jonas during his life and to our entire community through her involvement with Symphony at Salk and many other Salk undertakings. Her artistic genius can be seen on display around campus through the many pieces of art she donated to us. While we grieve her death, we celebrate Francoises spirit as we reflect on her art and her commitment to the Salk Institute.

Gilot had been based in New York since the early 1980s, while a prodigious cadence of exhibitions kept her traveling through the US and Europe. In 1998, an exhibition at New Yorks Elkon Gallery shined a light on her works from the 1940s. In 2000, Acatos Publishing released a monograph chronicling her work all the way back to 1940. While her earlier work had remained rooted in figuration  whether stylized and streamlined or deconstructed in a Cubist vein  in the latter decades of Gilots career her paintings became increasingly abstract, defined by organic forms rendered in vibrant colors.

In 2012, Gagosian staged the first exhibition of Gilots work alongside Picassos, Picasso and Francoise Gilot: ParisVallauris 19431953, which focused on works made during their relationship. The exhibition was developed in part through a collaboration between Gilot and Picasso biographer John Richardson, a seemingly improbable partnership given that Richardson had panned her memoir in a 1964 review for the New York Review of Books.

Gilot's artistic output spanned more than 80 years. - John Bright/WWD/Penske Media/Getty Images

He had never met me, and then he judged me according to things he had heard, Gilot had said of her friendship with Richardson, who had died a few months earlier, in the 2019 T Magazine interview. Then, when he met me, we became very good friends. What can I say? Many people thought that by being against me, they would be pleasing to Picasso. Thats why they did it.

Gilots work is in the permanent collections of the Musee Picasso in Antibes, the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Musee dart moderne de la ville de Paris, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC, among others.

Despite spending most of the second half of her life in the US, Gilot was repeatedly awarded national honors in France. In 1978, she was made an officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by Frances culture minister. In 1994, French president Jacques Chirac would make her an officer of the Order of National Merit. And in 2009, president Nicolas Sarkozy made her an officer of the Legion of Honor, Frances highest order of merit.

What I really learned in that first phase (of my career): never again belong to a group, because in a group some people are always the leaders and they always want the others to conform, and I am a non-conformist, Gilot told WHYYs Terry Gross in an interview in 1988, on the occasion of the release of her book An Artists Journey.

I want to conform only to my own self and the deep desires that motivate me as an artist, and I couldnt care less about whether the others are going that route or not. Ultimately, if I have lived my life as an artist right, my work  which I call the artists journey, which is a kind of pilgrimage toward my own center, my own being  thats the only thing that is important. And after all, I have enough of a following as it is, so I think I did the right thing.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Fresno politicians on all sides trip over themselves to heap praise on police. Why? | Opinion

Fresno politicians sure love the police.

To be precise, the Fresno City Council loves the Fresno Police Department and specifically how Chief Paco Balderrama runs things.

Conservative, moderate, liberal  political ideologies dont seem to matter. When it comes to the citys police department, our elected leaders practically trip over themselves to express support and lavish praise.

There was a moment during Tuesdays budget hearing on the police department when that reality couldnt have been more clear. After Councilmember Garry Bredefeld got through complimenting Balderrama and the citys commitment to public safety, which he claimed gets attacked by left-wing people and lunatics, it was Council Vice President Annalisa Pereas turn at the microphone.

The left supports you, too, Perea immediately told Balderrama.

Opinion

Ill let others debate whether Perea is really on the political left or somewhere slightly left of center. Regardless, the blatant sucking up is a little much.

How about asking some pointed questions instead?

Lets get two things square right away: One, I believe Balderrama has done good work in his two-and-a-half years on the job. The days of Fresno PD being unable to recruit new police officers and ineffective ones gaming the workers compensation system are over  thanks in no small part to Balderramas efforts.

Two, Fresno has ample crime and needs a strong, effective police force. This is not a call to defund the police. Thats silly talk.

However, certain fiscal realities should not be ignored by those elected to serve the public interest. In Mayor Jerry Dyers proposed 2024 budget, 49% of the citys $457.3 million general fund is appropriated to the Fresno PD. Thats nearly 50 cents of every dollar the city generates through property taxes, sales taxes, service charges, business licenses and the like.

No other major city in California comes close to approaching that percentage. Yet there isnt even the briefest public discussion among council members during the budget hearings as to why that is.

The proposed Fresno PD budget of $261.6 million represents an increase of $25.5 million from last year. Most of that will fund 13 new police officers and 13 new civilian hires, bringing the total number of sworn officers to 900 and civilian positions to 397. Compared to 2021, thats 62 additional sworn officers and 99 civilians.

There was a time that if you told us wed have 900 officers, Id have laughed you out of the room, Councilmember Nelson Esparza told Balderrama. Now I think were going to get there.

Those 1,297 city employees are also earning higher salaries thanks to recent efforts by Dyer and the council to make Fresnos police officers and emergency dispatchers the best paid in the central San Joaquin Valley.

In addition to his success with recruiting, Balderrama deserves credit for reshaping his department to better match the community it serves. Of the 117 new officers hired in 2022, 75% were ethnic minorities and 21% were women.

A lot of our law enforcement personnel across the country dont feel valued, Balderamma said. They dont feel supported. But here in Fresno, they do. This council, this mayor, this city manager, they have a lot to do with that.

Im happy Fresno police officers feel valued. And for what they deal with on a regular basis, they deserve to be the Valleys highest paid. No arguments.

Still, it is fair to question what impact a larger, better compensated police force actually has on the crime rate and response times. Because thats not entirely clear.

Even though Dyer and Balderrama both cited statistics showing a drop in violent crime compared to a year ago, their figures dont match each others. Nor do they match statistics listed in police department presentations.

When the mayor and police chief cant get their facts straight, or offer stats that leave out certain crimes like Dyer evidently did, it makes what theyre telling us harder to trust.

The other fuzzy math involves the end goal. Is Fresno going to keep adding police officers, to the detriment of every other department, until every whiff of crime is stamped out? As if that were even possible.

Now that the city has reached 900 police officers, certain council members (most vocally Mike Karbassi) have already begun the push for 1,000. Will enough ever be enough? Sure doesnt sound that way.

Meanwhile, Balderrama wasnt asked a single question about why most of the 73 recommendations made two years ago by the Fresno Commission on Police Reform have been quietly shelved.

And to think local conservative Republicans, during the last mayoral election, fretted that a Democratic supermajority on the city council would result in an avalanche of woke policies.

Nothing could be further from the truth. When it comes to giving carte blanche to the police, our elected officials are on the same page.

Which helps explain why the city council is set to vote Thursday on naming the police training center after Dyer (the 18-year police chief) despite legal requirements enacted only two years ago for renaming city buildings.

Thats the way it goes in Californias fifth-largest city. What the police want, the police get. While the supposedly liberal city council simply nods along, few questions asked.
 Flash

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday said the United States understands bullying and intimidation better than any other country in the world, and there is no room for China to concede or back down when it comes to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to accusations from relevant U.S. officials about the recent practices of China's military vessels in the Taiwan Strait.

Wang said that it has been reported that last year alone, large U.S. reconnaissance aircraft conducted over 800 close-in flights to spy on China. Last year, the U.S. also sent aircraft carrier strike groups to the South China Sea and nearby areas multiple times.

"Brandishing its military prowess, the U.S. is willfully flexing its muscles and infringing upon the sovereignty of other countries. This is bullying and intimidation at its best. This is the source of maritime and air security risks and dangers to regional peace and stability," Wang said.

He said that facing U.S. military provocations, China has responded in accordance with laws and regulations. These actions are completely justified and lawful, and have nothing to do with "bullying."

When it comes to safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, there is no room for China to concede or back down, Wang said. This is absolutely not a case of "bullying" or "intimidation." This is about China standing up for its principles and its red line, he added.
Frontier flight passengers horrified to be stuck on ground at LaGuardia for hours

Passengers on a Frontier flight were horrified as they were left stranded on their plane at New Yorks LaGuardia airport for hours.

Frontier 1511 was scheduled to leave New York for Atlanta on 6 June at 10.48am, but a passenger posted a video from onboard the flight which was still on the ground at 3.22pm.

In the video, the flight crew told passengers that they could get off the flight but warned them it could take days to be rebooked, and that they could only get refunds through the airlines app.

Currently still in nyc, almost 5 hours delayed with no explanation, and your staff is super condescending!! full story coming soon IF and WHEN we land. Even Spirit woulda been more professional @Frontier Airlines, wrote a passenger called Clarissa, who filmed the experience and posted it on TikTok.

Clarissa posted that after an initial delay, she boarded the flight at around 11.55am and said that staff gave no reason for the delays that followed.

She then said that when the plane finally did pull away from the gate it soon returned because the flight crew was angry at a woman who had got out of her seat to use the toilet as they taxied.

The frustrated passengers were then told they had to deplane so that the plane could be refuelled before it could take off at 4.05pm, arriving at the gate in Atlanta at 6.24pm.

FAA rules state that airlines have to let passengers off a flight after it has been delayed for three hours.

East coast airports have been hit by flight delays this week caused by the smoke from Canadian wildfires that have choked the region.

More than 16,200 flights have been delayed and 79 flights were cancelled by 1pm on Wednesday, according to FlightAware.

Clarissa posted a second video in which she explained all of the delays and the issues the flight suffered.

The Independent has reached out to Frontier and Clarissa for comment.
Two things to know at the outset: This column is about abortion. And I hate writing about abortion.

Let me explain the second part first. I am pro-choice because I believe real issues of womens freedom and health are at stake. The last year since the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade has furnished too many horror stories  about doctors refusing care to violently ill pregnant women, of a Texas man who sued his ex-wifes friends for helping her obtain abortion pills  to believe otherwise.

So why the squeamishness?

Simple. I grew up in a small, conservative Kansas town  and attended a conservative, Christian college  among devoutly religious people who sincerely believe that life begins at conception and that abortion is a murderous act.

I still love those folks. It seems impossible that well ever find a reasonable middle ground on the issue. But I know that despite our disagreement, a lot of them seem honorable, acting on their best understanding of right and wrong.

The problem: Not all leaders and activists in the pro-life political movement act with a firm or honorable regard for the truth.

Which leads us to the news: A group of Kansas abortion providers announced Tuesday that theyre suing the state, challenging the Womens Right to Know Act further regulating abortion. The Legislature passed the requirements updating a long-standing informed consent law during this past session, then overrode Gov. Laura Kellys veto.

We will not stand by as Kansans rights continue to be undermined, said Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson, especially after they made their support for abortion access resoundingly clear last summer.

The lawsuit challenges several parts of the law, but perhaps the most prominent is a new requirement that providers tell patients: It may be possible to reverse the intended effects of a medication abortion that uses mifepristone, if the woman changes her mind, but that time is of the essence.

We dont know whether that assertion is antiabortion fiction, though.

Claims regarding abortion reversal treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says in its explainer on the subject, also calling the hormone doses it calls for unethical. A 2012 study that forms the basis of these claims studied just six women  four of whom continued their pregnancies  and didnt include a control group to help judge the results. Another attempted study ended early because of safety concerns.

Which suggests that the Kansas antiabortion legislators who passed the requirement into law cant really know that the words they are forcing doctors to say to abortion patients are true and accurate. They hope so, which isnt the same thing. And that makes a mockery of the idea of the informed part of informed consent in health care.

The truth  rigorous, verifiable fact  has been stretched. And not for the first time.

Who can forget last August, when a firm linked to Kansas former U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp texted voters with false instructions intended to trick pro-choice voters into voting the anti-abortion-rights stance on the Value Them Both state constitutional amendment? That was a clear lie.

Those texts came at the end of a broader campaign in which anti-choice activists worked endlessly to obscure the amendments clear antiabortion intent. They aired ads saying talk of bans were a scare tactic and claiming the real aim was to preserve the states existing abortion regulations. That was misleading, to say the least. The amendment was no defense of the status quo.

Kansans werent fooled, though. The amendment failed by a wide margin.

Pro-life folks in Kansas believe themselves to be acting on behalf of a righteous cause. But the methods some of the movements leading activists have used over the last year  stretching, bending and sometimes breaking the truth entirely  are anything but righteous.

Thats dishonorable, in fact, and antidemocratic: If you have to fool people into voting for your stance, you havent won the argument. Youve merely executed a successful con.

Forcing doctors to recite unproven medical assertions to their patients during a vulnerable moment? Thats just more of the same.
Furloughed Bitwise workers have filed a class-action lawsuit against their employer alleging numerous labor violations, including failing to provide them advance notice of their furlough and issuing them checks that bounced.

The workers, more than 900 nationwide and 300 in Fresno, were given notice of their furlough on May 29 in the wake of a company board meeting in Oakland. The announcement came just ahead of public revelations the Fresno-based technology company was in deep financial trouble.

Roger Bonakdar, a Fresno attorney who represents the workers, called the companys treatment of its employees morally bankrupt.

There is no amount of perfume you can spray to make stealing peoples money and bouncing payroll checks smell better, he said. There is no way to make wage theft excusable.

Bonakdar alleges in the 24-page lawsuit that Bitwise violated several laws including the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, a state law that requires companies give employees 60 days notice of furloughs and layoffs.

The lawsuit names as defendants Bitwise Industries, BW Industries, Alpha Works, along with co-founders Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin and board members Mitchell Kapor, Paula Pretlow, Ollen Douglass and Joseph Proietti.

Soberal and Olguin, who have since been fired by the board, did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

Ollen Douglass, a founding board member of the Motley Fool Foundation and a Bitwise board member since 2021, was appointed as the interim president of Bitwise.

Bonakdar said it is clear the company was trying to convince investors it was financially solvent when it really wasnt. In March 2023, the co-founders stated that Bitwise had at least $80 million in the bank.

Despite the amounts of money in the accounts, from March through May, Bitwise discontinued its direct payroll deposit and began to issue paper checks to its employees, the lawsuit states. Plaintiffs are informed and believe and thereupon allege that all 900 employees were written bad payroll checks which ultimately bounced.

Bonakdar believes the company went to issuing paper checks as a way to hide the fact it was not making deductions to employee accounts, such as their 401Ks.

The paper checks also didnt tell employees what their gross pay was, there was no breakdown of what was withheld, or even hours worked, he said. People are out thousands of dollars.

Other violations allege include unfair business practices, failure to pay wages, failure to maintain accurate records, failure to furnish wage statements, failure to pay timely wages, failure to pay minimum wages and negligence.

The workers are seeking certification of the class, along with financial damages and what they were owed under the WARN Act, including unpaid wages, accrued holiday pay, accrued vacation, and all other recoverable benefits for 60 days.
Ga. woman says she found husband dead after he texted her that he was being held hostage

Ga. woman says she found husband dead after he texted her that he was being held hostage

A man who grew up in Newnan before recently moving his family to Colorado was found dead in his work car last week. His wife says the bizarre hour leading up to his death left her with more questions than answers.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Colorado Springs police say they found two men dead in a car just after 2 p.m. at the location where Talija Campbell told police she feared her husband, 32-year-old Qualin Campbell, was being held hostage.

Harry Daniels, an attorney representing Talija Campbell, says his client called 911 an hour earlier after she received a text message from her husband that said, 911 and Send Please! along with his location and a photo of the man who had allegedly taken him hostage.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

She says his location was about a mile away from the Colorado Springs Police Department headquarters.

Talija Campbell said she did not feel like the dispatchers had a sense of urgency, so she went to the location herself.

When she arrived, she found her husband and another man dead in the car. It is unclear if the other man was the man seen in the photo Qualin Campbell sent to his wife.

I shouldnt have been the one there, the first person to respond, she said.

Read: Keep them alive: More states legalize fentanyl test strips to combat surging opioid deaths

Qualin Campbells uncle, who went to the scene with Talija Campbell, called 911 to report that his nephew had been shot and killed. Thats when they say police responded to the scene.

The Colorado Springs Police Department and EI Paso County can make all the excuses they want, but the facts are simple, Daniels said in a statement. This was a hostage situation where Qualin Campbell was begging for his life, his wife called 911, the police were less than a mile away but they never responded. Lets be clear. If the police dont respond to a hostage situation, none of us are safe.

Police have not released details on possible suspects.

The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Talija Campbell and the couples two daughters.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

CLICK HERE to read the original article by WSB-TV.

Read: Overdue book returned to Washington state library after 81 years

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has proposed adding a new amendment to the United States Constitution to address the escalating gun violence crisis, his office announced Thursday.

In a tweet, Newsom expressed the frustration of the American people with Congress inaction and highlighted the need for comprehensive gun safety measures through a new 28th Amendment, which, if passed, would restrict access to guns in all 50 states.

Every time its the same, they tell us, we cant stop these massacres, Newsom said in the announcement video. They say we cant stop domestic terrorism without violating the Second Amendment.

Newsoms proposed amendment would raise the minimum age to purchase a gun to 21; implement universal background checks; establish a reasonable waiting period for gun purchases; and prohibit the civilian purchase of assault weapons. It also affirms that Congress, states and local governments can enact additional gun control measures.

Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis, with over 40,000 people dying by guns every year, according to the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety. In January, California saw two mass shootings in three days.

In an interview with NBC News Thursday, Newsom said that many of the states laws on gun control are being rolled back by the federal courts. In 2021, a federal judge overturned Californias assault weapon ban, which had been in place for three decades, ruling it unconstitutional.

Following the Supreme Courts 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, many laws have been in flux as courts and state legislatures struggle with a lack of clarity on what gun restrictions are constitutional.

However, passing a new amendment to the Constitution is an uphill battle, and Newsoms proposal is likely to be more performative than practical. Amendments can be requested via a joint resolution in Congress or by a constitutional convention requested by two-thirds of state legislatures. It would then have to be ratified by three-fourths of states  meaning that Newsom would need 33 other states to join his proposal, and then 38 states voting in favor to enact it.

All 27 existing amendments were proposed by Congress and not via a constitutional convention, according to the National Archives. However, Congress hasnt passed a new amendment in over 30 years: The 27th amendment, which prohibits members of Congress from giving themselves salary increases during their current term, was passed in 1992. Meanwhile, other proposed amendments have failed over the years. In recent years, a revitalized push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, which would guarantee equal rights regardless of sex, has been met with resistance.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., on March 16. Newsom announced Thursday, June 8, that he is proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution that would enshrine into law gun regulations, including universal background checks and raising the minimum age to buy a firearm to 21.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., on March 16. Newsom announced Thursday, June 8, that he is proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution that would enshrine into law gun regulations, including universal background checks and raising the minimum age to buy a firearm to 21.

And gun violence, in particular, has been extremely contentious, meaning a three-fourths consensus is extremely unlikely. Conservative politicians have largely resisted calls for stricter gun laws, arguing they would violate peoples constitutional rights to keep and carry guns to protect themselves.

However, Newsom suggested getting politicians in red states on board to pass an amendment is possible because their constituency demands it.

According to an April Fox News Poll, most voters favor prioritizing targeted gun control measures over arming citizens to decrease gun violence. Meanwhile, Gallup polling in late 2022 found that more than half of voters thought laws around gun sales should be stricter.

California currently has the strictest gun regulation laws in the nation, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which gave the state an A on its annual scorecard.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story gave the incorrect number of states needed to propose a constitutional amendment.

Related...
FILE - Traffic backs up at the border crossing from Manitoba, Canada, to the U.S. at Pembina, N.D., July 20, 2018. A man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to accusations that he conspired to smuggle people from Mexico across the U.S.-Canada border and through North Dakota. Rodolfo Arzola-Carrillo, a Mexican national living in Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court in North Dakota on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, the Bismarck Tribune reported. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

FARGO, N.D. (AP)  A Georgia man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to accusations that he conspired to smuggle people from Mexico across the U.S.-Canada border into and through North Dakota.

Rodolfo Arzola-Carrillo, 39, a Mexican national living in Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court in Fargo, North Dakota, on Wednesday, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

In November, Arzola-Carrillo "partially carried out the smuggling of seven people who did not have legal permission to cross the border from Canada into the U.S., according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in North Dakota. The group included children ages 4 and 9.

Georgia was the intended final destination, but the plan fell apart due to cold and snow, officials said. The group sought help from North Dakota's Pembina County Sheriffs Office, which supplied aid and then alerted U.S. Border Patrol.

Co-defendant Ernesto Falcon Jr., also from Georgia, is scheduled for a change-of-plea and sentence hearing in August.

As this case and others have shown, attempting to smuggle human beings across the northern border is not just illegal and exploitative, it is also a threat to human life, Mac Schneider, U.S. attorney for North Dakota, said in a statement.

Last month, a Florida man pleaded not guilty to federal charges of human smuggling after four migrants were found dead in January 2022 after a freezing blizzard near the Canadian border. Surviving immigrants identified them as Indian nationals. Federal authorities have said that case may be linked to a larger smuggling operation along the Canadian border.
Georgia authorities have released 16 mug shots in connection with the state's largest motorcycle gang bust  following a 13-month investigation into a conspiracy behind a violent turf war.

The suspected "outlaw" bikers each had colorful nicknames, including "Chatterbox" and "Repeat," and are accused of trailing a group of rivals to a motel, trying to rob them and opening fire in a crowded commercial parking lot, which was packed with businesses and innocent bystanders, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.

Among dozens of charges in the 45-count indictment, the Outcasts are accused of surrounding a motel where members of the Chosen Few gang had gathered on Highway 17 in Richmond Hill on June 17, 2022, 22 miles southwest of Savannah.

The Outcasts allegedly stalked and harassed Chosen Few members for months, confronting them and warning them to stay out of their territory leading up to the shooting, according to the indictment.

OUTCAST MOTORCYCLE GANG SHOOTING: GEORGIA PROSECUTORS CHARGE 16 BIKERS IN VIOLENT TURF WAR

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced the largest biker gang bust in state history this week  with 16 charged in a violent turf war after a months-long sting dubbed Operation Patronus.

The Outcasts allegedly ordered the Chosen Few to hand over their vests. Gunfire erupted, according to court documents, although the extent of the damage or injuries is unclear. The Outcasts then brought an unidentified person to the hospital.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

While authorities were investigating the shooting, they uncovered additional evidence of a wider conspiracy targeting rival bikers, according to Carr's office.

FILE: Members of the "Outcast" motorcycle club take part in a vigil in Ferguson, Missouri, August 16, 2014.

Separately, in September 2021, a group of Outcasts allegedly chased a Chosen Few member across three counties before they caught up with him and beat him with chains, prosecutors alleged.

Prosecutors identified the suspects as Aiken, 46, the chapter president; Eddie "Stash" Latson, 43, the vice president; Lee "Trench" Mole, 58, the chapter secretary; Donovan "Sockit" Scott, 35, the sergeant-at-arms; Joseph "Axel" Leeks, 44, a captain; Labarron "Bootleg" Pollock, 48, a former vice president; Michael "Chop" Randolph, 43, the group's business manager; members Taurus Simmons, 42; Terrance Parker, 44; Marquis Jones, 34; Shron Gilbert, 51; Theron Singleton, 57; Jemar Mack, 34; and associates Demon Thompson, 45; Paul Gosden, 52 and Whitney Hooks, 36.

Hundreds of officers from state, local and federal law enforcement agencies took part in a 13-month investigation codenamed Operation Patronus, Carr's office said in a statement.

OKLAHOMA CITY SHOOTOUT: BIKER GANG SURROUNDED BAR, GUNNED DOWN RIVALS IN ATTACK FROM BEHIND, COURT DOCS

Authorities ultimately seized $180,000 in cash, 71 weapons, two motorcycles and two cars  and secured the May 31 indictment, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors described the Outcast and the Chosen Few gangs as "1-percenter" or "outlaw motorcycle gangs," which the FBI says "are organizations whose members use their motorcycle clubs as conduits for criminal enterprises."

The Outcasts' sibling chapter in Augusta was also involved in a deadly shootout with another rival gang last month, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities there identified the deceased victims as 51-year-old Germayne Farrell, of Daytona, Florida, and 30-year-old Keith Coates, of Valdosta, Georgia. Four others survived their injuries, including three Thugg Riders and another Outcast member, according to Sheriff Richard Roundtree.

That altercation led to another 12 arrests and came in retaliation for a prior dispute in Florida, the sheriff said.

Other biker club-related violence has broken out in Oklahoma and New Mexico in recent months, according to authorities, including an Oklahoma City roadside bar ambush that killed three.
The little girl in the boat

A 10-year-old girl was rescued after spending a night lost and alone in the frigid cold Cascade mountains outside of Seattle, Washington.

Shunghla Mashwani became separated from her family during a visit to the rugged Cle Elum valley on Sunday.

She was found the next day after a massive search and rescue effort by teams from across Washington state.

Officials say she slept between two trees to stay warm in temperatures that dropped down to 38F (3C).

Shunghla, who arrived in the US from her native Afghanistan two years ago, was wearing only a T-shirt and pair of jeans when she went missing.

The "remarkably tough little kid" suffered only some minor scrapes, Kittitas County Deupty Sheriff Chris Whitsett told BBC News, but was otherwise unharmed.

The search began on Sunday when a local cabin owner noticed a group of frantic adults searching for the girl in a remote area with no mobile phone service, and offered the use of his satellite phone to contact emergency services.

Over 100 search and rescue team members, most of whom are volunteers, then began a hunt that went through the night and involved two helicopters and advanced ground mapping technology.

"I was thinking, I will find my dad and keep walking in the forest to find my dad," Shunghla told Seattle's KING-News, explaining how she hiked downstream after becoming lost.

In a Facebook post, the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office praised her impressive survival instincts.

"She said she knew it was the right thing to follow the river. She proved an extraordinarily resourceful and resilient 10-year-old," the department wrote.

The tearful reunion

By 15:00 local time (22:00 GMT) on Monday, two searchers combing the area found her and called for a boat to transport her across the swift-moving Cle Elum river to her waiting family.

"There she was. This tough little girl had scrambled through a mile-and-a-half of very dense brush on steep slopes," said Mr Whitsett, describing how thankful rescue teams were to find her unharmed.

At one point, the sheriff had the girl's father record a message in their native language in order to broadcast his voice over the search area, KING-TV reported.

The family told officials that they frequently spend time in the high-altitude backcountry of the Cascade mountains because it reminds them of Afghanistan.

Father and Daughter

Mr Whitsett, whose office co-ordinated the massive rescue effort, says that rescuers were concerned that the girl could have been swept away by ice-cold waters that are currently rushing at high levels due to melting spring snow.

"We're so grateful because for searchers, we know that many times our first fear is 'oh no, that kid is probably in the river and drowned before we even got that call'," said Mr Whitsett.

"And many times that's right. But I hope this story will kind of fuel people to just keep hope. You gotta keep hope and you gotta keep looking for that rescue for as long as possible."
Kiss singer Gene Simmons, left, called for the resumption of power-sharing in Northern Ireland (BERTRAND GUAY)

KISS star Gene Simmons called Thursday for lawmakers in Northern Ireland to return to government, in an unlikely intervention in the UK province's dysfunctional politics.

Simmons, 73, the long-tongued frontman for the legendary New York glam rock band, said it was "important" that Northern Ireland's regional government resume because "the people's business needs to get done".

"It's the government's job to take care of people's needs. So I hope everything gets back in order in Northern Ireland," Simmons told BBC radio in an interview.

Simmons made the comments after visiting the UK parliament in London on Wednesday at the invitation of Ian Paisley Jr, an MP for the Northern Ireland constituency of North Antrim.

Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party, the largest pro-UK party in Northern Ireland, launched a boycott of the power-sharing government in Belfast in February last year over opposition to post-Brexit trading rules.

The walkout has paralysed politics in the region, which only emerged from decades of bloody sectarian conflict over British rule in 1998 following the signing of peace accords.

Simmons spoke of his admiration for Paisley's father, Ian Paisley Sr, a firebrand fundamentalist preacher who dominated unionist politics in the province for more than 50 years.

"I had known about his father of course, legendary Ian senior, and what he did for Ireland," Simmons said.

Simmons, whose band is in the UK on the European leg of their End of the Road tour, described his day at Westminster as "amazing".

"The history and the hallowed halls of democracy, it was very inspiring," he said, adding after watching a debate in the chamber that "Americans can take a big lesson in civility in how to make democracy actually work and still respect the other side".

The rock star's unexpected visit is not the first to a UK legislature.

In 2005, Lemmy, the gravel-throated frontman of heavy metal band Motorhead, visited the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff and told lawmakers to legalise heroin.

csp/phz/js
General Motors continues to invest in the big gasoline-powered vehicles that deliver wide profit margins that fund the automaker's transition to all electric cars in the next decade.

On Thursday, GM said it will invest $500 million in its Arlington Assembly plant in Texas to upgrade the facility to build the next generation of full-size gasoline-powered SUVs. In a statement, the automaker said the investment is "subject to successful discussions with local government officials."

It is GM's third announcement this week of major investments in its plants that build gasoline-powered trucks. The sales of the popular trucks are funding GM's transition to EVs, which currently offer thin to no profits. In February, CEO Mary Barra said GM is nowhere near to getting battery costs down enough to make EVs as profitable as their gasoline-powered counterparts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe rolls off the line at GMs Arlington Assembly plant.

GM said the investment in Arlington will help it grow sales of the profitable full-size SUVs. Arlington builds the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade-V. GM is not releasing any details or timing related to future full-size SUVs.

In the United States, GM sold 40,247 Escalades last year, about flat with 2021 sales, but the largest volume vehicle in the Cadillac brand. GM sold 50,951 Suburbans last year, a 6% increase from 2021. It sold 105,756 Tahoes, about flat with 2021 sales, and it sold 82,304 total Yukons, down 2.3% from 2021. GM sold a total of 2.3 million vehicles last year in the United States.

Preparing the plant to produce future (internal combustion engine) full-size SUVs reflects our commitment to ourvalued customers and the efforts of the dedicated Arlington Assembly employees, who have been breaking production records this year," Gerald Johnson, executive vice president of GM's Global Manufacturing andSustainability, said in a statement. "This investment bolsters GMs U.S. manufacturing operations, which includes more than 50 assembly, stamping, propulsion and component plants and parts distribution centers nationwide."

The investment will pay for new tooling and equipment in Arlington's stamping, body shop and general assembly areas, GM said. The UAW said GM should used the profits from such popular vehicles to reinvest in the workforce.

Body assembly of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe within the new, 1-million-square-foot body shop at GMs Arlington Assembly plant.

It is good to see that GM recognizes the hard work you, the UAW membership, contribute to the success of this company," Mike Booth, UAW vice president of the GM department, said in a statement. "We are proud that UAW-GM members will continue to build quality, union made products here in the USA."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement that Arlington Assembly is integral to the economy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

"General Motors over half-a-billion-dollar investment in their North Texas assembly plant will strengthen Texas position as a global manufacturing leader and continue creating good-paying jobs for generations of Texans," Abbott said.

GM has said it plans to offer all electric vehicles by 2035, but to fund that transition it must rely on the sales of big profit makers such as full-size pickups and large SUVs.

To that end, on Monday GM announced it will invest $1 billion in Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center to build the next generation of the automaker's gasoline-burning heavy duty pickups. On Tuesday, GM said it will invest CA$280 million ($208 million in U.S. dollars) to upgrade its Oshawa Assembly plant in Canada to build next generation full-size gasoline-powered pickups.

More: Nothing left: UAW releases video inside Indiana plant, blasts GM downsizing

More: Toyota invests in Michigan to build new facility, educate kids

Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GM to invest $500M to upgrade Arlington, Texas plant
 Flash

China supports South Africa in hosting a successful BRICS leaders summit this year, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks at a news briefing in response to a media inquiry that South Africa is allegedly considering switching the venue of the upcoming summit of BRICS leaders to China or Mozambique, in a move that would resolve its dilemma over whether to carry out an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I am not aware of what you said. We have noted that South Africa already issued a notice to grant diplomatic immunities to attendees of the upcoming BRICS Summit," said Wang.

China attaches great importance to the progress of BRICS cooperation and supports this year's host country South Africa in hosting a successful summit and sending a positive message of solidarity and cooperation, Wang added.
General Motors vehicles will have access to Tesla's charging network following an announcement by the two companies (JUSTIN SULLIVAN)

Tesla will open its North American electric vehicle charging network to cars from rival General Motors beginning in 2024, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and GM Chief Mary Barra announced Thursday.

Under the agreement -- which is similar to a collaboration unveiled last month between Ford and Tesla -- GM vehicle owners will have access to Tesla's 12,000 "superchargers," said a GM news release.

The Tesla network will initially require an adaptor for GM cars in 2024. But beginning in 2025, GM vehicles will be built with direct access to the Tesla system without an adaptor, GM said.

Barra, who appeared with Musk for a six-minute conversation on Twitter Spaces, alluded to consumer concerns about being stranded without access to chargers.

"This gives us a huge opportunity to do something that's better for customers and to drive the standard," Barra said.

Musk said he was "incredibly excited" to partner with GM. "It's just really making a fantastic electric vehicle experience whether somebody is driving a car from GM or from Tesla."

Musk in February pledged to make Tesla's US charging network available to other electric vehicle brands following White House negotiations.

Tesla agreed to make at least 7,500 chargers nationwide open to non-Tesla EVs by the end of 2024.

jmb/caw
Going my way? County animal shelter gets creative in getting dogs back home

On Thursday, a Facebook post from the Beaufort County Animal Services asked the community for help in transporting a recovering dog to Greenville.

The request isnt an uncommon one either, according to Animal Services Director Tallulah Trice. Often, instead of sending their staff on a long journey, the animal services department will see if anyone from the public is heading in that direction and would be willing to help with transportation.

There are a lot of rescues we get from the Pennsylvania area and all over, Trice said. There are a lot of people here from Ohio, Pennsylvania and so were always like Is anyone going home? Can you give someone a ride?

Its amazing, she said. This community is very good about you know, reaching out and assisting. They always have been.

In this case the county shelter came into possession of a Nala, an eight-year-old golden pit mix in need of medical attention. When they scanned its microchip they saw it came from the Greenville Humane Society.

At first, the Greenville facility was at capacity and couldnt take the dog back, so Trices team took it in and provided the needed medical treatments. However, when Greenville did have capacity they called and asked for the dog to be returned.

We have dogs here that stay in office and if they got adopted and ended up at a county shelter, we would go get them, said Trice.

Sending an employee on a seven hour round trip to the opposite end of the state was something Trice would have preferred to avoid for two reasons; Its not a effective use of tax payer dollars and this is one of the busiest times of year for the shelter.

Trice said they offer to pay for the gas needed to drive to and from the dogs destination as a way to entice people to help. But often times, they dont need an enticement, Trice said.

Trice confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the shelter was able to find someone willing to transport the dog upstate.
Google is telling office workers in NYC to work from home as smoke covers the East Coast and air quality hits unhealthy levels

The Statue of Liberty is covered in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada. Amr Alfiky/Reuters

Wildfires in Canada are sending smoke to cities across the northeastern US.

In a memo to staff on Wednesday, Google told office workers in NYC to work from home, per CNBC.

Company site leads in New York said air quality in many parts of the region had reached "unhealthy" levels.

As the sky in New York City turns orange from Canada's wildfire smoke and air quality reaches unhealthy levels, Googlers have been told to work from home.

In a memo on Wednesday, Google's site leads in New York City told employees they should stay home, as the air quality in many parts of the region had reached "unhealthy" levels, CNBC reported.

The company's hybrid workweek policy requires employees to work from the office three days a week.

"We are advising Googlers to work from home if possible and limit their exposure to outdoor air," the memo  which CNBC obtained  read.

"Terraces across our New York campus will remain closed today," the memo said.

Advisory notices were sent to employees in the Detroit area, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina, per the report.

Canadian employees in Toronto and Waterloo have also been notified, per CNBC. The country is on track to experience its worst-ever wildfire season, officials warned on Monday.

Google's memo told staffers to remain indoors, "avoid vigorous physical activity," and run their air conditioners with clean filters, CNBC reported. Those who are already on the company's campuses were told that Google's HVAC and air-filtration systems "maintain a high quality of air inside our offices even in these circumstances," per the report.

The US government has issued air quality warnings across the Midwest and Northeast, telling people to limit time spent outdoors. The air in New York City smelled strongly of burning timber, Insider reported.

Smoke from the wildfires got so bad on Wednesday afternoon that it prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to slow or stop flights into LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport due to reduced visibility, Insider reported.

Both airports are now operating with ground delays. John F. Kennedy International Airport remains unaffected so far, Insider reported.

Google did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Young Republicans arent clinging to guns like the rest of the GOP.

As former President Donald Trump and new campaign entrants, including former Vice President Mike Pence, tout their Second Amendment bonafides and opposition to gun confiscation to 2024 primary voters, some Gen Z and millennial Republicans are moving in the opposite direction: A significant share of younger conservatives, reared in an age of mass violence, embrace firearm restrictions.

One poll conducted by Harvards political institute this spring found that a clear majority of young conservatives supported mandatory psychological exams for gun purchasers. A separate, recurring survey from YouGov concluded in March that Gen Z and millennial Republicans are more likely to believe in tougher gun laws than older Republicans and that young conservatives support for the idea has grown in the past year.

The generational disconnect suggests broader GOP opposition to gun restrictions will be a steady irritant inside a party already struggling to appeal to young voters. It could also challenge White House hopefuls and members of Congress to eventually refine their message on guns with Republican primary and general election voters, even if the concerns of young people wont transform GOP politics overnight.



There are some concerns from Gen Z voters specifically, mainly because theyve had to deal with it more growing up  its become more rampant in society, Joacim Hernandez, the elected chairman of the Texas Young Republican Federation, said of gun violence.

But at the same time, I really dont know when and where that conversation within the party will happen, Hernandez said in an interview. You still have a lot of elected officials and Republicans within the party who dont believe we should have government interference when it comes to owning guns.

A partisan divide and age gap on gun restrictions remains deeply embedded in American politics. Concern about mass shootings tends to spike in the aftermath of attention-grabbing attacks before fading. But access to firearms has been a bedrock principle for the GOP for decades, and polls show older Republican primary voters remain some of the strongest firearm supporters in the country. Plus, recent polling from ruby-red Texas underscores the complexity of the GOPs internal split.

A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll last month found 64 percent of all Texas Republicans supported raising the age limit on gun purchases and the concept of red flag laws that require people determined to be a risk to themselves or others to surrender their firearms. Republicans under the age of 45 tended to support those measures at higher rates than older party supporters, Texas Politics Project Director James Henson said after examining the polls underlying response data at POLITICOs request.

Yet Texas legislators have considered an array of gun restrictions with little progress. Low voter turnout in the state helps create competitive GOP primaries that invite challengers eager to exploit any backlash to liberal-backed gun safety policy. Other political concerns are competing for attention and Texas conservatives overall tend to blame a wide range of factors for mass shootings  but not guns.



You can find evidence that younger Republicans appear less strongly in favor of gun rights instead of public safety considerations, Henson said in an interview. But the difference is not so big, and the share of young Republicans is small enough as a share of overall Republicans that I would not expect there to be a shift in the center of gravity on guns driven by younger Republican voters.

Despite the headwinds in Texas, young conservative attitudes seem to be evolving nationwide in a way that some Democrats and gun safety advocates see as an opening for new policies.

Not only are a significant share of Republicans voicing support for liberal-aligned gun laws, but politicians are increasingly confronted with a cohort of young people whose lives have been marked by campus gun attacks and schoolhouse shooter drills.

I think Republicans certainly have a generational issue on guns and other issues, said John Della Volpe, a specialist in millennial and Gen Z voter research who advised President Joe Bidens 2020 campaign.

A national poll of 18- to 29-year-olds conducted by the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics in mid-March found that 59 percent of young Republicans supported requiring psychological exams for all gun purchases  a version of red flag measures largely supported by Democrats.

The right to feel safe in school, safe in public and safe in your own home is a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed if anyone is going to have a conversation with younger people moving forward, said Della Volpe, who is also the director of polling at Harvards political institute.

If theres no alignment on the issue that these values are real, that theyre coming from someplace central to the lives and identity of a generation, then the GOP is likely to be a regional party by the time this generation hits middle age," he said.

The Republican National Committee did not respond to a request for comment.



The YouGov Social Change Monitor, a biweekly survey of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted between June 2020 and March 2023, found Gen Z and millennial Republicans nationwide support for more restrictive gun laws increased to 47 percent in February compared to 41 percent in August 2022. Thirty-two percent of young Republicans said the Constitution only protects access to guns for militias  more than double the share of older Republicans who expressed that belief.

Thirty-six percent of young GOP backers in the Harvard poll meanwhile said gun laws should be more strict than they are now. A combined 27 percent of young Republicans even said they strongly or somewhat supported an assault weapons ban.

There is a clear generational divide, particularly within the Republican party," said Zeenat Yahya, policy director of the March for Our Lives gun safety advocacy organization.

Were seeing this uptick in young Republicans caring a lot more about this issue  thats completely fair when young people are the ones bearing the brunt of this issue as its the leading cause of death for children and teens, Yahya said. It really makes it clear, in my opinion, that the Second Amendment isnt necessarily the third-rail political issue politicians think it is.

And there are signs the White House senses an opportunity.

Vice President Kamala Harris held a campaign-style rally in a suburban Virginia high school gymnasium Friday, showcasing how gun restrictions and young voters will play in Bidens reelection pitches.

It is a false choice to suggest that we have to choose between either supporting the Second Amendment or passing reasonable gun safety laws, Harris said. We can do both.

But Texas, the site of what Biden described as the killing field of Robb Elementary as he commemorated the Uvalde massacres one-year anniversary, illustrates the slim chance young conservatives alone will shift the GOPs gun politics.

I think people prefer the safety of being armed, said Hernandez, the young Texas Republican. And if at some point, a weaker generation prefers for the government to just take care of them, then that will be the case.
New GOP contenders for 2024 take aim at Trump

Michelle Budge, Deseret News

The pool of Republican candidates in the race for 2024 grew this week, and several of them took direct aim at former President Donald Trump, who is still the clear frontrunner.

In the past week alone, three Republicans  former Vice President Mike Pence, Former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota  made their candidacies official.

They join Trump, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, conservative radio host Larry Elder, Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. Its unlikely at this point that the field will get much bigger.

Related

While some candidates, like Christie, are taking direct aim at Trump, others, like Haley and DeSantis, are treading more carefully.

This is a very similar situation that the Republicans faced in 2016, so the larger the Republican field gets the more it will benefit Trump as the frontrunner, said Dr. Jay A. DeSart, a professor and chair of the History and Political Science Department at Utah Valley University, in an email.

He said that while Trump has a loyal base among conservatives, its currently unclear whether he can expand his support.

In Utah, Trump and DeSantis are neck-and-neck

Trump is leading in many national polls, like the latest one from Morning Consult, where he is ahead of DeSantis by more than 30 percentage points.

But the latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll shows that Trump and DeSantis are running neck-and-neck among Utah Republicans.

Related

Of the 421 registered Utah GOP voters surveyed, 27% said they would vote for Trump and 26% said they would choose DeSantis.

The poll was conducted by Dan Jones and Associates from May 22 to June 1. The margin of error is +/- 4.78 percentage points for Republican voters.

This is in keeping with Utahs history given that Trump performed miserably in the Utah Republican caucuses in 2016, said DeSart, of the time when Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas soundly defeated Trump in the Beehive State. Despite Trumps loss in the primary, he easily won the state during the 2016 and 2020 general elections.

But, said DeSart, The fact that it is this tight demonstrates that the appetite for Trump as a nominee among Utah Republicans has not really grown that much in seven years.

The situation is similar in the state of Iowa, where Trump had 45% support with DeSantis only two percentage points behind, at 43%, in a head-to-head contest, according to an internal poll by WPA Intelligence.

Former Vice President Mike Pence enters the race

Can other Republican candidates gain momentum against Trump?

Pence and DeSantis likely have the most name recognition among the non-Trump candidates, but they will likely have a tough time attracting the hardcore Trump supporters, DeSart said.

Approximately 5% of Utah Republican voters said they would support Pence, as per the Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll.

Related

Pence launched his campaign on Wednesday, and he took a few jabs at Trump, his former running mate.

When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, he promised to govern as a conservative, and together we did just that, Pence said, according to NBC News. Today, he makes no such promise.

He drew a contrast between himself and Trump by highlighting the events that transpired at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, which Pence called a tragic day in the life of our nation.

He accused Trump of endangering his family and those at the Capitol and said that Trump also demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution, as The Guardian reported.

Now, voters will be faced with the same choice: I chose the Constitution and I always will.

Former Vice President Mike Pence talks to journalists during an interview after speaking at an event at the Zions Bank Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

DeSart said he thinks Pence may emerge as the strongest mainstream challenger to Trump, much like Cruz did in 2016.

Republican candidates carefully target Trump

While Pence took Trump head-on, DeSantis didnt mention Trump when he announced his candidacy last month on Twitter Spaces with CEO Elon Musk.

The Florida governor has positioned himself as a drama-free version of Trump, as Deseret News previously reported.

Related

Among very active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, DeSantis received 29% support, 10 percentage points more than Trump, in the latest poll, which surveyed a total of 798 registered Utah voters.

Joshua McCrain, a political science professor at the University of Utah, cited Trumps moral shortcomings as the reason behind his unpopularity among faith groups.

In a recent town hall on CNN, Nikki Haley, who earned 5% support among Utah GOP voters in the poll, carefully distinguished herself from both Trump and DeSantis.

She criticized Trump for congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on earning a seat on the World Health Organization executive board.

I dont think we ever should congratulate dictators, she said. Congratulate our friends, dont congratulate our enemies. It emboldens them when we do that.

Haley also took jabs at the way DeSantis handled his problems with Disney, saying he went from giving the company favorable treatment to spending taxpayer dollars on a lawsuit, Deseret News reported.

Businesses were my partners in South Carolina. We didnt always get along and luckily South Carolina is very anti-woke, but when you have a company like that, dont bring the citizens taxpayer dollars into it, pick up the phone, settle it like you should.

Christie takes Trump head on

Christie, the former New Jersey governor, took direct aim at Trump during his presidential campaign launch on Tuesday.

He ridiculed Trumps voice and compared him to Voldemort, the villain in the Harry Potter series, before plainly stating his plans, according to Politico.

I am going to be very clear  Im going out there to take out Donald Trump. But heres why: I want to win, and I dont want him to win, Christie said.

There is one lane to the Republican nomination and hes in front of it. And if you want to win, you better go right through him because let me guarantee something from knowing him for 22 years. Hes going to try to go through Ron (DeSantis) and Nikki (Haley) and Tim (Scott) and anyone else who stands in his way.

Other declared candidates received varying levels of support from Utah Republicans in the poll, including Hutchinson (1%), Ramaswamy (4%) and Scott (3%).

Additionally, former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming garnered 7% of the support, while 5% said they would pick another candidate and 16% said they didnt know.

For Jeremy C. Pope, an author and a political science professor at Brigham Young University, the real question will come later.

How quickly will the candidates who clearly dont make it in the first few primaries get out? Who will the eventual true field be? he said. It wont be several people. It will be 2 or 3.

Related
Republicans are hitting President Biden following a Thursday report that China has reached a deal with Cuba to pay several billion dollars to build an eavesdropping facility on the island nation, though the Cuban and U.S. governments have denied the news.

If materialized, the facility, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, would become the closest foreign adversary military base to the U.S. mainland.

The Pentagon has denied the alleged deal, with Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder calling the report inaccurate during a Thursday briefing.

Certainly we know that China and Cuba maintain a relationship of sorts, but when it comes to the specific activities outlined in the press reporting, based on the information we have that is not accurate, Ryder said at the briefing. We are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio issued a strongly worded statement, calling the newspapers information totally mendacious and unfounded.

China to base electronic eavesdropping facility on Cuba: report

Republicans, nonetheless, have sounded the alarm about the alleged plans for the eavesdropping facility, with some placing blame on Bidens administration.

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said in a statement that reports of the alleged facility follow other surveillance attempts, adding, We must use every tool available to counter and deter Chinas aggression.

The Biden administration must take note that Chinas military operations are not limited to the Indo-Pacific. Chinas military is at our doorstep, in North America and throughout South America, and we cannot afford to ignore or overlook the threat, Rogers said.

2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, accused Biden of twiddling his thumbs in response to Chinese aggression and needs to wake up.

This month alone, China has harassed & threatened a U.S. fighter jet & naval ship. Now, its putting a spy base in Cuba. President Biden is twiddling his thumbs, worrying about Chinas green energy policies. Joe Biden needs to wake up to the real Chinese threats on our doorstep, Haley tweeted.

The Biden administration has taken strong economic steps to curb Chinas proliferation, including investing in American high-tech manufacturing and denying China access to advanced computer chips. After the United States shot down the Chinese spy balloon, Biden, in a speech to the House of Representatives made an uncharacteristically direct threat against China.

Make no mistake: As we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did, Biden said in February.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) claimed Biden was too weak to combat China.

Americas enemies know Biden is too weak to stand up against them, so they are taking advantage of the hospitality offered by the illegitimate communist regime in Cuba, Scott said in a statement. This move by Communist China presents grave threats to Americas national security that cannot be ignored. Every American should be up in arms about this.

Other lawmakers took a more bipartisan approach in response to the news. Senate Intelligence Select Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) issued a joint statement calling on the Biden administration to take action to prevent the reported deal from materializing.

We are deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people. The United States must respond to Chinas ongoing and brazen attacks on our nations security, they wrote.

We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic. We urge the Biden administration to take steps to prevent this serious threat to our national security and sovereignty, they added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The expected federal indictment of former President Trump, which former Attorney General Bill Barr predicts is near, is teeing up a Capitol Hill battle over funding for the Justice Department and FBI.

Trump allies, led by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), have threatened to cut Department of Justice and FBI funding if those federal law enforcement agencies target Trump  but thats not a popular idea with Senate Republicans, who fear it gives political ammo to Democrats.

The issue is heating up as lawmakers turn their attention to the annual spending bills to fund the federal law enforcement agencies.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a Trump ally, has called on Congress to reform the FBI in a major way.

Maybe we need to break them up, he said.

I do want law enforcement available to do law enforcement tasks. My concern with the FBI is they dont seem very concerned about law enforcement; they seem focused on these political witch hunts, he added.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) leaves following a vote in the Capitol on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Tierney L. Cross)

Hawley believes Trump will be the Republican nominee for president in 2024, potentially creating the appearance of a political conflict of interest if he is charged and brought to trial by a Department of Justice that is part of President Bidens administration.

I think Donald Trump is going to be the Republican nominee, I really do, he said.

Political world braces for possible federal indictment of Trump

Hawley said if federal prosecutors charge Trump for his handling of classified documents while not charging Biden for sensitive documents he kept in his personal possession after leaving the Obama administration, it would be a big mistake on this administrations part.

The political outcry on that, and rightly so, would be huge, he warned.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) does not support Trumps bid to win the Republican nomination for president, but he nevertheless criticized the FBIs limited cooperation with Republican lawmakers in both chambers who are seeking more information about the agencys investigations.

All I know is that the FBI and Department of Justice, theres an oversight role that Congress has, and when [lawmakers] request things, I think the expectation is that theyre going to produce them, he said.

Thune pointed out that Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, feels very strongly that the FBI has not been forthcoming.

Thats a problem for them. So I expect that will change, certainly hope that will change because the alternatives arent good, he warned.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has accused Republicans of wanting to defund federal law enforcement, flipping the script on GOP leaders who accused Democrats of wanting to defund the police in 2020 and 2022.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) took a shot at Republicans when asked about talk among Republicans about using the appropriations process to push back on the Justice Department.

Honest to God, they run a campaign against Democrats saying we want to defund the police, and then they turn around and want to defund the FBI and Department of Justice. It just shows how radical the MAGA Republicans can be, he said.

Trump says he has not been told hes being indicted in federal investigation

Jordan, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo in April that, Were gonna have to look at the appropriations process and limit funds going to some of these agencies, particularly the ones that are engaging in the most egregious behavior.

Asked whether he was referring to the FBI and Department of Justice, Jordan replied yeah and added: What Id really like, frankly, Id really like for the government to just stay out of the election process.

The debate among Republicans over whether to use their power of the purse to dissuade the Department of Justice from prosecuting Trump comes while the former president holds a commanding lead in the polls over his Republican rivals ahead of next years presidential primary.

Any federal indictment of Trump, either because of his role in trying to stop the certification of President Bidens victory in the 2020 election or his handling of classified documents, would come amid escalating tensions between GOP lawmakers and the nations top law enforcement officials, Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Asked whether theres an appetite among Senate Republicans for using Congresss power over federal budgets to rein in the Department of Justice, Hawley, a member of the Judiciary Committee, quipped: We could zero out Merricks [Garland] salary.

Maybe we start there, he said.

Trump campaign claims hes been attacked by rabid wolves ahead of possible indictment

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a fellow member of the Judiciary Committee, on Monday called Garland the most political attorney general in U.S. history.

This attorney general, Merrick Garland, is the most partisan, he is the most political attorney general in our nations history, Cruz told Fox News host Sean Hannity. I believe Merrick Garland will indict Donald Trump. He wants to indict Donald Trump because he hates Donald Trump.

Cruz accused the attorney general of carrying a grudge over getting blocked from getting confirmed to the Supreme Court in 2016, when then-President Obama nominated him to fill the seat held by late Justice Antonin Scalia.

The Texas senator predicted Garland would charge Trump with obstruction of justice for hiding classified documents stored at Mar-a-Lago from federal prosecutors to rationalize the decision to charge Trump but not Biden for improper handling of top-secret information.

Barr, who served as Trumps attorney general but has more recently been a critic of his former boss, told CBS Mornings he expects federal prosecutors to indict Trump soon.

If I had to bet, I would bet that its near, he said.

Close

Thank you for signing up!

Subscribe to more newsletters here

The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the 12:30 Report newsletter

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told The Hill on Wednesday he would wait to see whether the Justice Department moves ahead with an indictment before deciding the next steps.

Call me when that happens, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans Thursday to pursue a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to curb gun violence  a daunting task and his most ambitious attempt yet to insert himself into the center of national politics.

In this country, we do have the power  the power to change things, to reclaim our freedom from fear, the California Democrat governor said in a recorded statement.

The amendment, Newsom said, would raise the federal minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21. It would also bar civilian purchases of assault weapons, mandate universal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of potentially dangerous people and institute a reasonable waiting period for all purchases, though he didnt specify a time period.

The governor said the Second Amendment would remain unchanged and that his plan, which was first reported by Politico, would merely add common sense safety measures.

Greg Woods, a justice studies professor at San Jose State University, disputed that idea.

It would absolutely reinterpret the Second Amendment to mean something other than what it currently says, Woods said. It would reverse it, undo it.

Based on the history of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Woods said its unlikely such an amendment would ever make the cut.

Its a very long and difficult process to amend the Constitution, and much of the authority would be vested outside of the Office of the Governor of California, he said.

The Firearm Policy Coalition, a nonprofit gun rights group that has led legal challenges against California firearm restrictions, called Newsoms announcement an attempt at getting free press for his perpetual political campaigning.

That Newsom is willing to offer this route to impose his immoral policies on the entire nation is an ironic recognition that the tide of history has turned against him and a genuine admission that his failed policies cannot withstand court scrutiny, the organization wrote in a statement.

California continues its efforts to restrict guns

The announcement was paid for by the governors Campaign for Democracy PAC, which he launched earlier this year to counter rising authoritarianism and regressive policies in Republican-led states.

Over the past two decades, leading California Democrats like Newsom have been eager to adopt restrictions on gun use. Despite having some of the strictest gun laws in the country, however, court challenges against them continue to mount.

Securing a U.S. constitutional amendment would guarantee states the ability to enact such laws.

NEW: Im proposing the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to help end our nations gun violence crisis.



The American people are sick of Congress inaction.



The 28th will enshrine 4 widely supported gun safety freedoms -- while leaving the 2nd Amendment intact:



1) pic.twitter.com/ZJ7fyfH0Cf  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 8, 2023

Adding a new constitutional amendment wont be easy

Newsom acknowledged in the video that such an effort would be difficult. An amendment can be proposed by Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures. None of the current 27 amendments have been added by convention.

This fight wont be easy, and it certainly wont be fast, he said.

It was not immediately clear Thursday morning whether Newsom had secured support from other states before unveiling his plan.

Newsom said he was working with California lawmakers to be the first state to call for the convention.

Sen. Aisha Wahab, who will be introducing a resolution on the matter, called Newsom a man of action.

Governor Gavin Newsom has the backbone to actually do something about the gun fetish culture around weapons of war, and tackle the relentless problem of gun violence and mass shootings, Wahab said in a statement.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, Yuba City, disagreed. He called Newsoms proposal a poorly thought out, attention-seeking stunt.

If Newsom is this disinterested in leading California, he should let the Lieutenant Governor take over so hell be free to chase the national spotlight full-time, Gallagher said in a statement.

California lawmakers have already introduced a handful of new bills this legislative cycle to further restrict guns in the Golden State.

The most notable, Senate Bill 2 by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, would update the states concealed carry licensing process, add new age restrictions, impose strict gun storage and training mandates and limit where permit holders could carry firearms in public.

Its the second attempt at shoring up Californias concealed carry gun law after a June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision struck down key provisions.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a water-based barrier of buoys will be used to secure Texas' border.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced a water-based barrier of buoys will be used to secure Texas' border.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that Texas will immediately begin the process of securing its border with Mexico with a water-based barrier of buoys in the Rio Grande.

Were securing the border at the border, the Republican governor said at a news conference Thursday. What these buoys will allow us to do is to prevent people from even getting to the border.

Abbott said that the Texas Legislature appropriated $5.1 billion to secure the border and that Steve McCraw, the director of the Department of Public Safety, and Thomas Suelzer, a general in the National Guard, came together to employ this strategy.

Today, public enemy number one are the Mexican cartels, McCraw said at the news conference. The most powerful and ruthless and violent criminal organization in the world right now. They impact every community in Texas.

McCraw said the first 1,000 feet of buoys will be placed along the river by Eagle Pass, which borders Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico.

McCraw said nobody should try to get into the U.S. between the ports of entrance, calling it dangerous and a risk to migrants lives.

We dont want anybody to get hurt, he said. In fact, we want to prevent people from getting hurt, prevent people from drowning.

David Donatti, an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, said in a statement to HuffPost that the buoys will not address anything real.

The chain of buoys along the Rio Grande is just the latest in a chain of gifts from the state to private contractors to fuel the governors manufactured crisis at the border, he said. The floating balls will not address the real and important reasons people are coming to the United States. The buoys are a blight on Texass moral conscience.

When asked for a comment, Abbotts office directed HuffPost to a news release that said the buoys will proactively prevent illegal crossings between ports of entry by making it more difficult to cross the Rio Grande and reach the Texas side of the southern border.

The DPS didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

At the beginning of the news conference, before signing several bills about securing the border into law, Abbott said the federal government had failed to secure Texas border with Mexico.

As a result, Texas has had to take unprecedented steps in responding to the crisis caused by the Biden administration on the border. And in response, the Texas Legislature has stepped up to make sure that we will be able to more robustly respond.

Related...
Gov. Greg Abbott says these bills will make the border more secure. Others are in limbo

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday highlighted new immigration laws he says will increase security on the Texas-Mexico border, as a proposal to create a 10-year minimum penalty for human smuggling is stalled in the Legislature.

Im signing bills today to ensure that Texas will be able to do even more to stop illegal immigrants from crossing into our state, he said.

But Abbott said theres more to be done when he included border security among his call for a special legislative session that began on May 29, just hours after the regular session ended.

In addition to property tax relief, he said lawmakers should pass legislation solely for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the penalties for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house. The call came after lawmakers failed to pass a sweeping border security bill, House Bill 7.

The House quickly came in on May 30, passed a new immigration bill and property tax bill, and adjourned the same day. Senators have remained in Austin as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan clash over the best way to deliver school property tax cuts.

The Senate on Wednesday continued to pass several bills, despite the lack of House lawmakers in Austin to advance proposals to Abbotts desk.

House Bill 2 would create a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for human smuggling and the operation of a stash house. The Senate passed an amended version of the bill Wednesday that is subject to House approval because of the changes.

The Senate also passed immigration bills outside the scope of Abbotts special session agenda. Senate Bill 2 by Brian Birdwell, a Granbury Republican, establishes a new state crime for illegally entering Texas. Senate Bill 8 by Birdwell would create a Texas Border Force.

The proposals must also be passed by the House before going to Abbott, meaning theyll not go any further during this special session, unless the House were to return. Patrick suggested in a Tuesday news conference that the House could still come back to continue work before the session expires.

Abbott ceremonially signed six immigration bills Thursday. Among the new laws is a bill to give border patrol agents arrest, search and seizure authority. Another defines drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations under state law. Another bill would compensate landowners for property damage from border-crimes related to human smuggling or trafficking, evading arrest or drug-related offenses.

Abbott also announced that the state would install a barrier made of buoys along parts of the Rio Grande River on the Texas-Mexico border, the first of which will be 1,000 feet long in Eagle Pass. That stretch costs under a million dollars, said Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw.

When were dealing with gatherings of a hundred or a thousand people, one of the goals is to slow down and deter as many of them as possible, Abbott said.
 Flash

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R, front) and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian (L, front) attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, the kingdom's second Chinese-invested expressway, in Kandal province, Cambodia on June 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Cambodia on Wednesday broke ground on the second Chinese-invested expressway connecting the capital Phnom Penh with Bavet City of Svay Rieng province on the border with Vietnam.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian presided over the ceremony in Kandal, which was attended by some 5,000 people.

Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in the amount of 1.3 billion U.S. dollars, the 135.1 km expressway project will be developed in the form of BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) with an operational period of 50 years.

The four-lane freeway project is expected to be completed in four years.

Speaking at the event, Hun Sen said expressways play a crucial role in boosting economic growth and tourism development, expressing his thanks to China for investing in freeways in the Southeast Asian nation.

"The Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway is another fruit of cooperation between Cambodia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative," he said. "This expressway will give a boost to the growth of investment, trade, tourism and cross-border transportation between Cambodia and Vietnam."

The Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway will also be a prime driver of economic growth for Cambodia, Hun Sen said, adding that traveling on expressways saves both time and money.

This aerial photo taken on June 5, 2023 shows the construction site of Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, the kingdom's second Chinese-invested expressway, in Kandal province, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang said 2023 marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.

This Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway project is not only a symbol of friendship and cooperation between China and Cambodia, but also a result of well alignment between the initiative and Cambodia's rectangular strategy, he said.

The China Road and Bridge Corporation is also the developer of the 187 km Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, which has been put into use since October last year.
Gov. Ron DeSantis made campaign fundraising stop in Fort Worth. These donors hosted him.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made a stop in Fort Worth on Thursday on a three-day fundraising tour across the state as he pursues the Republican nomination for president.

The breakfast at Fort Worths City Club, which cost $3,300 per person, was closed to the press, and a Star-Telegram reporter was turned away at the door.

But the list of hosts provide an idea of who wanted to write checks to hear what DeSantis has to say amid a growing field of GOP candidates for the 2024 ticket.

The Fort Worth event hosts were:

Steve Brauer Jr. of Hunter Engineering Co.;

Tara and Cody Campbell of Double Eagle Energy Holdings;

Fort Worth attorney Dee Kelly;

Hal Lambert of Bridge Point Capital;

Fort Worth philanthropist and TCU board of trustees chair Kit Moncrief;

Fort Worth philanthropists Therese and Tom Moncrief;

Tracy and John Sellers of Double Eagle Energy.

Many of the hosts have donated large sums to some of the states most prominent Republican lawmakers, according to state campaign finance data.

Federal campaign contribution data shows some supported former President Donald Trumps 2020 campaign.

Cody Campbell, John Sellers and Hal Lambert gave a combined $126,500 to groups supporting Trumps re-election.

At the local level, Campbell made a $100,000 donation to Texans for Dan Patrick as the lieutenant governor ran for his position again, and he made a $25,000 donation to now-impeached Ken Paxton as he ran for attorney general.

Campbell also gave $255,000 to Texans for Greg Abbott, $2,500 to Texas House Rep. Stephanie Klick, and $5,000 to House Speaker Dade Phelan.

Sellers gave $10,000 to Texans for Greg Abbott, $15,000 to Texas Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, and $10,000 to Phelan last year. To railroad commissioner candidates Wayne Christian and Christi Craddick, Sellers gave $10,000 and $25,000, respectively.

Dee Kelly also gave $10,000 to Texans for Greg Abbott last year. He supported Geren with a $1,000 donation. Lambert donated $2,000 to Paxton last year.

Several Tarrant County elected officials were in attendance Thursday morning. Republican state Reps. Craig Goldman and Giovanni Capriglione were there but declined to speak with the Star-Telegram about the event.

Southlake Mayor John Huffman was there, too. He told the Star-Telegram that DeSantis has incredible vision for the country and the Republican Party, pointing to his pro-family and pro-freedom record in Florida.

DeSantis is the candidate who likely poses the biggest challenge to Trump for the Republican nomination. Former Vice President Mike Pence announced his campaign this week, on the heels of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Other hopefuls include former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.
Following the Kakhovka dam breach, 600 square kilometers of Ukraine's Kherson Oblast have been flooded, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on June 8.

According to Prokudin, 68% of the flooded land is on the Russian-occupied east bank of the Dnipro River, and 32% is on the Ukrainian-controlled west bank.

As of the June 8 morning, the average water level in Kherson Oblast has reached 5.61 meters, the official reported.

Despite constant Russian shelling of the west bank, evacuation efforts are ongoing, with 1999 civilians having been rescued so far, said Prokudin. Most people were evacuated from Kherson's Korabel district, also known as Ostriv (Island), which has been among the most flooded areas.

What are the consequences of the Kakhovka dams demolition? The destruction of the Kakhovka dam can lead to serious humanitarian, ecological, economic, military, and legal consequences. The demolition was carried out by Russian forces in southern Ukraine in the early hours of June 6. And its among the most dramatic violations of the Geneva Conventions in The Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov

Twenty settlements on the west bank were flooded, and 2629 homes were affected, Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported on the same day.

Due to the flooding, 159 transformer substations in the region were disconnected, the gas supply to 14,716 consumers was interrupted, and all Kherson's Ostriv district residents were left without water supply, according to the regional administration.

The governor added that the situation was "extremely difficult" on the Russian-occupied east bank, where Moscow-installed illegal government apparently failed to organize a proper evacuation, as residents say.

"People suffer not only from high water but also from Russian terror and the unwillingness of the occupiers to help them."

Russia destroyed the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant's dam on the Dnipro River on June 6, sparking a large-scale humanitarian and environmental disaster across southern Ukraine.

They are destroying us. People plea to escape flooded Russian-occupied areas Editors note: For this story, we spoke to people living or having family in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. For their safety, they are identified by first name only. After destroying the Nova Kakhovka dam and stranding thousands of Ukrainians in the catastrophic flood zone, Russians prevent The Kyiv IndependentDaria Shulzhenko








Tyler James Williams of "Abbott Elementary" at the NAACP Image Awards in February. (Richard Shotwell / Invision/AP)

Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams is not gay.

The Emmy nominee made that clear on Instagram recently  just in time for Pride.

"Usually I wouldnt address stuff like this, but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me," he wrote. "Im not gay, but I think the culture of trying to find some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closed person let slip is very dangerous.

Being straight doesnt look one way. Being gay doesnt look one way.

Not exactly breaking news in 2023, and yet the phrase no homo keeps hanging around, doesnt it? Same goes for straight-acting on gay dating apps  an uncomfortable reminder that being queer doesnt automatically inoculate you from stereotypical thinking.

And I speak from my own experience.

When I was in my 20s I wasnt comfortable being around flamboyant gay men. I was out of the closet, but I had brought my insecurities with me. I had told myself the uneasiness stemmed from my being an introvert. The truth is I wanted to be viewed as a regular dude who just happened to be gay. They, on the other hand, were GAY! I was almost 30 before I understood how unhealthy my thinking had been.

Williams has wrapped his mind around the same thing from a different perspective.

Rather than defend his masculinity, he explained it. Rather than distancing himself from homosexuality and homophobia, he sympathized and also acknowledged that homophobia doesnt hurt just gay men.

Overanalyzing someone's behavior in an attempt to catch them directly contributes to the anxiety a lot of queer and queer-questioning people feel when they fear living in their truth, he said. It also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is often times unrealistic, less free and limits individual expression. Ive been very clear about the intentionality I try to put into using my platform to push back against those archetypes every chance that I get.

Williams approach to the conversation is a lot different from that of Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), whose book "Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs" was released last month . Hawley argues that the archetypes Williams refers to are societys cure, not part of the problem.

Hawley's stance devolved into self-parody this week with an op-ed for Fox News about  the left's problem with men, and the Bible   I kid you not.

Thousands of American men today are aimless, adrift and struggling, cut off from the good jobs that allowed their fathers and grandfathers to build and support families, he wrote. Theyre not getting married or having kids. Theyre withdrawing from school and the labor force. Meanwhile, the working men who do hold down a job, put in their time, and provide for their kids are lampooned in liberal pop culture as idiots and Neanderthals. Theyre the ones Target and Budweiser think need to be taught to be tolerant and inclusive."

It's the kind of disingenuous analysis weve come to expect from Hawley, who still tries to come across as Rambo even after the footage of him cheering and fleeing the U.S. Capitol attack on Jan. 6 pretty much showed that persona to be cosplay.

Which takes us back to one of Williams much-needed points: Straight men are told to live under crushingly narrow guidelines for behavior. It was smart of Hawley to run from the crowd. He was in danger. But his version of manhood doesnt let him acknowledge that. He was probably scared. Thats a healthy part of the full range of human emotion, for masculine-identifying humans just like everyone else.

Nothing reins in a so-called alpha man faster than the threat of being seen as gay. Ive heard Dont be gay used to stop happy men from dancing in bars and Man up to prevent sad men from expressing sorrow. There are best friends afraid to hug one another because thats gay.

Homophobia, disguised as masculinity, slowly drains the joy and connection out of life.

This is why Williams response was a relief. He could have responded to the rumors about his sexual orientation with resentment or fear. Instead he chose compassion. Not sure if that fits Hawley's "biblical" definition of masculinity, but it seemed important to Jesus.

@LZGranderson

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Greta Thunberg calls for Russia to be punished for ecocide in Ukraine

Prominent Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg has said that Russia has committed ecocide in southern Ukraine and must be punished for it.

Source: Greta Thunberg on Twitter

Quote: "This ecocide as a continuation of Russia's unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine is yet another atrocity which leaves the world lost for words. Our eyes are once again on Russia who must be held accountable for their crimes."

This ecocide as a continuation of Russias unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine is yet another atrocity which leaves the world lost for words. Our eyes are once again on Russia who must be held accountable for their crimes. https://t.co/GDWrJnMkmb  Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) June 8, 2023

Details: Her call for action appeared on the third day after the Russian military blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, destroying its turbine hall and dam, which has led to the flooding of the left and right banks of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast, the draining of the Kakhovka Reservoir, loss of life among people and animals, and the loss of cultural heritage.

Thunberg released her statement after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on more than 60 international political and public figures, including the young Swedish eco-activist, to punish Russia for ecocide.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






Screenwriter and playwright Danny Rubin poses outside the Old Vic Theatre, in London, Monday, June 5, 2023. Groundhog Day is back. Again. The story of a jaded weatherman fated to live the same day over and over began as a beloved movie, then became an award-winning stage musical. On Thursday, June 8 it opens at Londons Old Vic Theatre, seven years after its triumphant debut in the same venue. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

LONDON (AP)  Well this is fitting: Groundhog Day is back. Again.

The story of a jaded weatherman fated to live the same day over and over began as a beloved movie, then became an award-winning stage musical. On Thursday it opens at Londons Old Vic Theatre, where it had its acclaimed original run in 2016.

For writer Danny Rubin, its the latest chapter in the three-decade journey of an idea that changed his life and added a new term to the dictionary: Groundhog Day, noun: a situation in which the same usually negative or monotonous experiences occur repeatedly."

Rubin said he imagined weatherman Phil Connors  who wakes every morning to discover he's still covering a weather-forecasting rodent in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania  as akin to Siddhartha, the ancient prince turned wandering monk who came to be revered as the Buddha.

Its about a human being going through lifes journey, said Rubin, who came up with the original story and co-scripted the 1993 film with director Harold Ramis.

It also turned out to be a resonant metaphor for a modern-day ennui: fear of missing out, angst at getting stuck. The movie, starring a sardonic Bill Murray as Phil, quickly became a classic comedy in which generations of viewers have found deep  even spiritual  meaning. Phil cant get unstuck until he undergoes a personal transformation.

Its totally the existential situation, said Rubin over coffee in London, where hes helping tweak the musical for its new run. None of us know why were here, how we got here, or what were supposed to do. How is that any different from Phil?

I think thats one of the reasons it appeals to people in a very personal way. Phils transformation is not out of our reach. Its pretty clear that the worst day of Phils life is also the best day of Phils life, and the only difference is Phil."

Years later, Rubin realized the story wasnt finished with him. He considered turning it into a novel before settling on a musical. At one point, Broadway giant Stephen Sondheim expressed interest in adapting it. That didnt work out, but it was a vindication of the concept.

After a long search, Rubin teamed up with composer-lyricist Tim Minchin and director Matthew Warchus, the team behind Roald Dahl-inspired hit show Matilda: The Musical.

When I met with Matthew, immediately (he) felt like the right partner, said Rubin. And then I met Tim and immediately felt like the right partner. They were like me in many ways that I appreciated, including the fact that we did the whole thing on a handshake and said, Lets keep the business people out of it until weve written it completely and nailed down creatively the best show we can do.

The musical is sharply funny and musically ebullient, but doesnt shy away from darkness as Phil, in despair at realizing he is essentially immortal, tries varied ways of killing himself. The Old Vic website warns ticket-buyers that the story ends happily but passes through some emotionally darker phases, and includes phone numbers for mental health charities.

Rubin said the creative team agreed that it really was a journey for Phil. And so if it had to go dark, it was going to go dark, and we werent going to rely on platitudes.

Groundhog Day stormed London in 2016 but had a relatively brief Broadway run the following year, despite scoring seven Tony Award nominations. One setback came when lead actor Andy Karl was injured early in the run, and, Rubin said the show was up against many really remarkably good shows in a bumper Broadway year.

But Groundhog Day keeps popping back up. The new production has made some tucks and trims that will make it easier to tour, but remains essentially the same show that won Olivier Awards for best new musical and best actor for Karl, who returns in the lead role.

It must be tempting to have another crack at Broadway, but Rubin said the team is proceeding by baby steps.

Lets see how were received here, he said.

Rubin, who lives in New Mexico and teaches screenwriting, cheerfully acknowledges that Groundhog Day has defined his career. A huge early success can be hard to live up to  Orson Welles never surpassed his first film, Citizen Kane  but he has no complaints.

The groundhog has been very good to me, he said.

These things that we do, we like to think that theyre going to make some kind of effect. And you never know how a career is going to go. I could have written Porkys 3 or 4 or 5 and had to apologize to people when I meet them at a party and they say, What do you do?

Its nice to be associated with something thats so loved.
62nd ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Abuja

BISSAU (Reuters) - Guinea-Bissau's opposition coalition has won a majority in legislative elections that will restore parliament after a 13-month absence, but likely end the president's hopes for constitutional reform.

The PAI Terra Ranka coalition, led by the former ruling PAIGC party, won 54 of 102 seats in Sunday's poll, the electoral commission said on Thursday.

Madem G15, the party of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who dissolved parliament in May last year amid accusations of corruption, won 28 seats.

The result for now ends Embalo's plans to push through a change to the constitution that would have allowed him to consolidate power by ridding the country of its semi-presidential system.

The PAIGC party is against such a change.

The West African country of nearly 2 million people has seen frequent political turmoil, with at least 10 coups or attempted coups since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

A recent crash in the price of cashew nuts, its main export, has caused widespread poverty.

More than 20 political parties and coalitions sparred for seats in Sunday's polls as voters sought some stability.

Under the current political system, the majority party or coalition appoints the government, but the president has the power to dismiss it in certain circumstances.

That has led to political deadlock and infighting in the past.

(Reporting by Alberto Dabo; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Edward McAllister and Jan Harvey)
Guo Wengui, Chinese billionaire and Steve Bannon associate, to go to trial in 2024

The exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, who was charged by U.S. prosecutors in a $1 billion fraud conspiracy, will go to trial in April.

U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres set the trial date at a hearing Tuesday in New York City. She also granted Guos request for access to a government-provided computer to review evidence.

Federal authorities arrested Guo in March on that he defrauded thousands of online followers out of over $1 billion. He promised his followers "outsized financial returns" but instead used the money to fund his lavish lifestyle, according to prosecutors, who said the scheme took place from 2018 until March.

Prosecutors said the U.S. government seized $634 million in alleged fraud proceeds from 21 bank accounts. Law enforcement seized assets purchased with the profits of the alleged fraud, including a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roads, prosecutors said.

Guo, 52, has lived in the U.S. since around 2015 and has amassed a substantial online following, prosecutors said.

He is also a business associate of Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon, who was arrested on his yacht in a fraud case in August 2020. President Donald Trump pardoned Bannon in 2021.

Guo, charged in court papers as Ho Wan Kwok and who also goes by Miles Guo and Miles Kwok, has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts, including wire fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.

Guo's lawyer, Stephen Cook, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Guo has remained in jail since he was arrested. Hoping to obtain bail, Cook said in a court filing that Guo would remain in the country if he was released, because "the risk to his life is simply too great for him to leave."

Cook claimed in court documents that Guo is not a flight risk because his wife of 38 years and daughter live in the U.S.

In April, Torres rejected Guos proposed $25 million bail package, saying he must remain in jail pending trial because he "has means and know-how to flee," court documents show.

Even though law enforcement officials confiscated Guos two passports and copies of another passport, Torres said a "clever defendant with sufficient resources could figure out a way to leave the country without travel documents."

She said Guos proposed bail package was "insufficient," adding that he filed for bankruptcy protection and claimed to have only $10,000 in assets. Torres said Guo didnt identify a co-signer for his bond who had sufficient means and ties to the U.S.

Guo appealed the judges order last month.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
I had to pull her from his arms: North Texas parents rescue 2-year-old from kidnapper

Paige Ortiz had just carried a load of groceries inside on Monday evening when she looked out the window and saw a stranger grab her 2-year-old daughter.

The Crowley mother picked up her phone and a knife and ran out the door to where her husband, Carlos Ortiz, was struggling with a man.

I immediately dialed 911, Paige told the Star-Telegram in a phone interview. I had the knife in my hand, and I was running as the phone was ringing.

A short time before, the Ortiz family had been at Walmart to buy a new television for their daughters room. It was on the way home that Paige started to notice something was wrong. A blue pickup truck, similar to their own, seemed to be following them.

By the time we made it to our neighborhood, thats when I told my husband like, Hey, this mans following us. Like, this isnt OK, Paige said. And my husband told me that I was just overreacting, its no big deal.

The blue truck parked across the street from the Ortiz home. The driver started asking Carlos questions about the familys truck while Paige carried in the groceries. According to Paige, thats when the man suddenly turned his attention to the little girl.

He told my husband, Youre not the father of this child and just started to bolt away, she said. And my husband was right on his trail, like trying to like reach out for him and grab our daughter.

The whole experience was a shock, according to Paige. The little girl had not been left alone even for a second and now a stranger was trying to take her away right in front of our eyes.

VIDEO: Let go of my daughter. Now.



Crowley couple fought off a man who they say tried to kidnap their daughter from their home.



Carlos Ortiz says the suspect asked him about his truck, if he was selling. Then grabbed his daughter @NBCDFW



Next at 10: https://t.co/uDpuqYN0Q9 pic.twitter.com/XxvG6hqqlr  Lili Zheng (@LiliNBC5) June 7, 2023

While Carlos struggled with the man, Paige held the blade of her knife to his neck, looked him in the eyes and said she would kill him if he didnt let her daughter go. The man was screaming and saying the child wasnt her daughter, Paige said.

People I think are also questioning why I didnt kill him, she said. But I only had a certain amount of strength left and I had to make the choice to either pull her from his arms and get her to safety or end his life, and I chose to get her to safety.

The kidnapping suspect, identified by officials as 62-year-old Steven Bayse, fled the scene alone. Paige provided law enforcement officials with the make, model and license number of his vehicle. Deputies from the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office spotted Bayses truck and tried to pull him over, the sheriffs office said.

Bayse refused to stop and led deputies on a chase, the sheriffs office said in a news release. The law enforcement officials attempted a high-risk stop when Bayse was at a red light. He drove off and hit three patrol cars and almost struck a deputy, the release said.

Bayse then pulled into the parking lot of a grocery store and was taken into custody. Hes being held in the Tarrant County Jail on the charges of kidnapping, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, and aggravated assault against a public servant.

His bond was set at $125,000, according to the sheriffs office.

Bayse previously faced mail theft charges in Crowley, according to Tarrant County court records. The charges were filed April 6 and he was convicted of one misdemeanor count. Court records indicate he was sentenced to 10 days in jail for stealing mail.

The Ortiz family is trying to get their lives back to normal, and Paige doesnt think their daughter remembers what happened.

She sleeps well at night, she acts normally, shes still you know, as rambunctious and full of attitude as ever, Paige said. She hasnt changed.

Paige said the incident has increased her awareness to whats going on around her. She also wants other parents to know that what happened to her family could happen to anyone, and they should pay attention to their gut if something doesnt seem right.

Dont listen to the people who are saying, Oh, youre so overreacting, this is . . . fine, or whatever, she said. No, because its not fine. You have every right to overreact as a parent and Im so glad and thankful that I was overreacting because had I not been, things could have been different.
An empty office. Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

A Knight Frank survey of 350 companies found half of large companies plan to downsize office space.

That's been sparked by a move towards hybrid working, but trends are different in smaller companies.

31% of those surveyed are implementing an "office-first" approach.

Half of the world's biggest companies are planning to downsize office space as hybrid working continues, according to a survey from real estate agent Knight Frank.

The largest firms  defined as having more than 50,000 employees  anticipate cutting 10% to 20% of their office space by 2026.

The report is based on a sample of around 350 businesses around the world, employing a total of 10 million people.

Most of those companies are moving towards hybrid work, but 31% are implementing an "office-first" approach.

Fortune reported Wednesday that Salesforce is trying to lure its employees back to the office with a $10 charity donation every day they come in  willing to give up to $2.5 million in total. It has over 79,000 staff.

"Now that we are in a truly post-pandemic world, corporate decision-makers are 'removing the blinkers' and making clear decisions around their future corporate real estate strategy based on a broader array of business issues than just the pandemic," Dr Lee Elliott, global head of occupier research at Knight Frank, said in a statement accompanying the report.

"Firms are looking to work their offices harder, but still offer some flexibility to staff," he said.

Elliott told The Times of London that there's "a strong push towards better quality, amenity-rich, sustainably accredited space that better aligns with prevailing work styles."

But while the larger companies are scaling back on office space, 55% of all the surveyed companies said they expect to "increase or greatly increase" office footprints over the next three years. This was led by companies with up to 10,000 staff, which made up 211 of the 347 companies polled.

"There are examples where companies are losing space  but equally there are a lot of organizations, particularly mid-cap companies, that are actually expanding their global footprint," Elliott told CNN.

Read the original article on Business Insider
View of the Nova Kakhovka dam from the Russian-occupied territory of Ukraine

Read also: Kyiv dam protected from airstrikes and enemy sabotage, senior Ukrainian commander assures

Thats why the rising water levels have forced the enemy to move the front lines five to 15 kilometers back. She is convinced that while the Ukrainian Armed Forces (ZSU) will liberate all the territories it can, it will do so quietly, unobtrusively, and imperceptibly  so that the enemy feels it.

NV: I wanted to talk about how the situation has changed after the occupiers blew up the Kakhovka HPP. What do we know about the enemys movements?

Humeniuk: What we know and what we can say  these are slightly different things, but even so there is some information that we can make public.

Yes, they are in fact redeploying their divisions  in particular, they are displacing from the coast due to the influence of the high water levels. They are trying to find a relatively dry location. Obviously, their own positions, their own initial defense lines which they had built along the left bank have also been flooded  where they had placed significant strips of mines and mine-explosive barriers.

It was under the pressure of the water that these mines turned from anti-personnel mines into drifting ones, and are now heading downstream into the depths of this water, representing a great danger.

Read also: Putins nuclear saber-rattling is a sign of dangerous Russian desperation

NV: When this man-made catastrophe occurred, this terrorist act, we saw the invaders continue to shell Kherson. You saw that they have withdrawn from five to 15 kilometers from their previous lines. Has this not interfered with their attempts to continue these kinds of terrorist acts?

Humeniuk: If you remember my previous statements on the matter, I said that we would need to move the enemy at least 30 kilometers (from the front lines) in order to end the shelling of right-bank Kherson Oblast.

At the moment, they have lost the ability to reach the city with some types of weapons, specifically mortars, but they still have heavy artillery, they still have multiple-launch rocket systems, and at the end of the day, they still have aviation, which they use for aerial bombardment with guided aerial bombs. They also still have drones with frag grenades. Thats why (this movement) does not guarantee an absolute stop (to the shelling) though we understand that the enemy will in fact encounter some concrete complications.

Read also: Russian suicide drone hits home in Sumy Oblast, killing two civilians

NV: Were certain that Operational Command South has made predictions about what will happen to the landscape after two-three weeks, after a month after the water levels recede. Currently, the islands bordering Kherson have been flooded. The Kinburn Spit, it seems, has turned into an island. Can you share with us any of these predictions?

Humeniuk: Of course theres flooding, and its pretty strong flooding. You must understand that the strongest hit went down particularly hard on the left bank, which is geographically lower than the right. The right bank has things a bit easier, but there are regions there which have been significantly submerged.

The crater that was formed as a result of the explosion has not been filled in, so (the flooding) continues. And the fact that in certain areas, the water level has now leveled off and has even started to subside  this is a natural process that does not guarantee an easy way out of such a catastrophe, from this man-made situation.

One needs to realize that until the water containment is repaired, the threat (from floods) will be quite significant. Thats why there are many ways this situation could develop, and every one of them are being carefully worked on by both military command and local authorities  taking into account that the people who are suffering need to be given shelter and saved.

Read also: Water levels continue to rise, farmers face double disaster, Kyiv bomb shelters unready

The enemy has once again experienced this slight deja vu, seeing as (the enemys) military command will start to lose themselves in the number of options they can choose from  and they will begin to panic again: when and what they will eventually choose, as well as the expectation of the counteroffensive.

NV: Do we have any ability to help our citizens on the left bank of Kherson Oblast? There were reports that the occupiers are preventing them from evacuating to liberated Ukrainian territory. Is there anything we can do in this situation? Maybe some talks with the occupiers on this topic, to save our citizens?

Humeniuk: Talking to the occupiers is a difficult question, because terrorists shouldnt be negotiated with in any situation. But, of course, we will apply all our strengths in order to get people on that side some help and offer them the largest possible volume of aid and support.

Our soldiers have already demonstrated this: if youve seen this video shared on social networks, where our soldiers managed to send water bottles by drone to Oleshky, [a town bordering Kherson and occupied by Russians - ed.] to people with children who had suffered from the flooding. And those people even had time to thank our soldiers. Thats why  those that want to, will find a way.

Read also: Russians down own drone in Crimea, mistaking it for Ukrainian one

NV: Why does the left bank have no cell phone signal? We spoke to activists and journalists and they told us: you cant call Russian or even Ukrainian numbers. Is it related to the elements? Or is this the Russians trying to hide something this way?

Humeniuk: According to our information, the dampening of (mobile) connections was occurring directly prior to the terrorist act, which is why a portion of the enemy divisions did not manage to receive the corresponding withdrawal orders  that they needed to abandon their position, that they were in danger. And then, later, they couldnt establish a connection between themselves in order to understand whether those that had remained in their positions managed to evacuate.

Considering that the occupiers have repeatedly cut (mobile) connections for people in order to limit their access to accurate information  this was completely predictable. And the occupying authorities have in fact acted in understandable ways regarding this  they are trying to hide it and have actually limited the ability to communicate. But there is still a reserve of communication resources which allows for the gathering of accurate information from the area.

NV: Whats going on with our citizens on the left bank?

Humeniuk: The situation there is indeed difficult and we can even say, critical  on the level of a humanitarian catastrophe, because a lot of people ended up in water traps: when theyre surrounded by water and, having no way to communicate, cannot even inform themselves about where they can be rescued.

A lot of people who stayed in apartment buildings, which were flooded from below, have no ability to leave their homes and someone get to a safe zone. A lot of people as you said, were trapped on roofs, and these are their only safe places.

Read also: Russia shells civilians fleeing flooding in Kherson Oblast, injuring eight

The worst is that the enemy is attempting to blame Ukraines Armed Forces: that because of our shelling they have not been able to conduct evacuation operations. But the global community has already been notified. Ukraines Armed Forces does not conduct reckless firing, covering everything that can be reached by shells. They choose concrete targets that are connected directly to the occupiers activities. We do not fire on civilians, on infrastructure, or on quiet regions.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Yangtze River Delta remains magnet for foreign investment

Xinhua) 08:51, June 08, 2023

This photo taken on July 4, 2022 shows a workshop of the Volkswagen Anhui MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) plant under construction in east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua)

HEFEI, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Yangtze River Delta of China will promote high-level opening up, promote the joint development of the free trade pilot zones, implement the cooperation and joint construction mechanism of the Yangtze River Delta and the Belt and Road, and promote the construction of a world-class airport cluster.

This information was released Tuesday at a news briefing on the achievements of the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta held in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province.

Located at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Yangtze River Delta region encompasses Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui. As one of China's most economically active, open and innovative regions, the Yangtze River Delta is sharpening its appeal to investors worldwide with multiple advantages, including a complete industrial chain, abundant talent and a sound business environment.

In the first four months of this year, 1,667 foreign-funded enterprises were set up in Shanghai, up 45.7 percent year on year, while the actual use of foreign investment reached 9.55 billion U.S. dollars, up 24.2 percent year on year.

During the same period, the actual use of foreign investment in Anhui Province increased by 39.8 percent year on year, which is higher than the national level.

On May 30, Volkswagen inked an investment agreement with Hefei to build a subsidiary with an investment of around 1 billion euros, which will serve as a research and development (R&D), innovation, and procurement center for new energy vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles.

"Headquartered in Hefei, the company with the project name of 100%TechCo will be the biggest Group facility of its kind anywhere in the world. It will combine vehicles and components R&D teams with purchasing while integrating cutting-edge technologies from local suppliers," said Ralf Brandstaetter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, at the signing ceremony.

According to Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen has about 90,000 employees in China, nearly one-third of whom are in the Yangtze River Delta region.

In addition to the favorable business environment, the Yangtze River Delta has provided comprehensive strengths, including integrated industrial chains, innovation elements and abundant talent resources.

During his visit to Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory last week, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk praised Shanghai Gigafactory for its efficiency and quality.

This aerial photo taken on Aug. 20, 2022 shows the Tesla Gigafactory in Lingang new area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

The company has formed a 4-hour circle of suppliers in the Yangtze River Delta region, with components including batteries, automotive chips and automatic driving systems produced in the Yangtze River Delta. The localization rate of the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory's parts has exceeded 95 percent, according to the company.

By 2025, the Yangtze River Delta will gradually eliminate administrative barriers, significantly reduce institutional transaction costs, and improve the international competitiveness of the business environment to the forefront of the world, according to the three-year action plan for building a world-class business environment in the Yangtze River Delta.

In May, Siemens launched its Yangtze River Delta AI lab in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Zhu Xiaoxun, head of Siemens Corporate Technology China, said the Yangtze River Delta region has unique advantages in resource sharing, talent cultivation and aggregated innovation, and is becoming an important engine for the high-quality development of China's economy.

"We look forward to combining our technical expertise in the field of artificial intelligence with local industrial advantages," said Zhu.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
 Flash

An airplane flies over New York, the United States, on June 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Central and eastern areas of New York state will come under an air quality health advisory on Wednesday as air quality worsens amid wildfires in Canada, according to the New York state government.

Levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an air quality index (AQI) value of 100, said the state's government.

The New York City government is urging residents to limit their outdoor activities to only what is absolutely necessary, especially if they have heart or breathing problems, according to a post on social media.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service, rampant wildfires in the Canadian province of Quebec brought widespread haze and smoke to the Northeast and Great Lakes areas of the United States.
Vice President Harris on Thursday is set to travel to the Bahamas for talks with Caribbean leaders about climate change, illicit firearms trafficking and rising levels of crime in the region, and the security crisis in Haiti.

Harris trip will make her the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the country since it gained its independence in 1973 and her visit is part of a larger effort from the vice president to focus on cooperation with the Caribbean. The last time a high-ranking official visited the Bahamas was when former President John F. Kennedy did so in 1962.

While in the Bahamas, the vice president will host the U.S-Caribbean Leaders Meeting in Nassau alongside prime minister Philip Davis of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

The vice president is set to announce a $20 million investment through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the Caribbean Climate Investment Program, which aims to mobilize the private sector to deploy technologies in renewable energy and energy efficiency, according to senior administration officials.

Additionally, Harris will announce a $15 million investment through USAID to support disaster risk reduction and emergency response efforts in the Caribbean.

She will also announce a new position at the Department of Justice  Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions  who will be an experienced DOJ prosecutor to work on efforts to disrupt firearms trafficking, officials said.

On Haiti, Harris plans to reiterate to leaders that the U.S. supports the deployment of a multinational force to help with the situation. And, she will announce $50 million in humanitarian aid to Haiti.

The worsening security situation requires an international response, which is why the United States strongly support the deployment of a multinational force to Haiti, which the Vice President will make clear to the Caribbean leader, officials said.

Other leaders participating in talks are from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, speaking in Havana on June 8, 2023, rejected as "mendacious and unfounded" US media reports alleging a pact was made between Beijing and Havana to install a Chinese spy base on the island (Yamil LAGE)

The Havana government on Thursday denied US news reports that it has reached a deal for China to set up a spying base in Cuba, just off American shores.

Cuba's deputy foreign minister said the reports by The Wall Street Journal and CNN were "mendacious and unfounded." The White House called them inaccurate.

The reports said Beijing and Havana have entered into a secret agreement for a Chinese electronic eavesdropping facility to be set up on the Caribbean island that could monitor communications across the southeastern United States.

The region includes the US Southern and Central Command headquarters, both in Florida.

China will pay Cuba "several billion dollars" to be able to construct the facility, the Journal said, citing unnamed US officials.

But Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, reading a statement to journalists, called the reports "totally mendacious and unfounded."

He said Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America, "including the many US bases and troops."

"Slander of this kind is often fabricated by US officials," the official said.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby characterized the Journal story as inaccurate.

"I've seen that press report. It's not accurate," Kirby told MSNBC.

"What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China's influence activities around the world, certainly in this hemisphere and in this region," Kirby said.

"We are watching this very closely," he added.

Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder also called the Journal report inaccurate.

"We are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," Ryder said, adding: "The relationship that those two countries share is something that we continuously monitor."

-- 'Deeply disturbed' --

But Democratic Senator Mark Warner and Republican Marco Rubio, who head the Senate Intelligence Committee and are usually briefed on important security matters, said in a statement that they were "deeply disturbed" by the Journal report.

"The United States must respond to China's ongoing and brazen attacks on our nation's security," they said.

"We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of Florida and the United States."

The Journal story came amid strained relations between Washington and Beijing over a range of issues that include US support for self-ruled Taiwan, which China says it is determined to reunite with the mainland.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pushed a rapid expansion of the country's security presence around the world, aiming to match the broad footprint of the US military on all the continents.

A base in Cuba, which lies 90 miles off Florida's southern tip, would present the most direct challenge yet to the continental United States.

The Soviet Union had electronic spying facilities in communist Cuba to monitor the United States.

But in 1962 when Moscow moved to base nuclear missiles on Cuba, the US declared a quarantine of the island in a crisis that threatened to bring the two superpowers to war, until Moscow backed down.

Washington then removed its nuclear-capable missiles from Turkey, which the Soviets viewed as a threat to them.

Earlier this year China sent what the US called a high-altitude surveillance balloon across the United States. It floated from west to east above sensitive military installations before it was shot down by a US fighter jet.

rd/pmh/mlm
An eruption occurs at the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP)

Kilauea, a volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, erupted early Wednesday morning in a spectacular display.

Video of the eruption showed the dark night sky lit up with fire and glowing lava, which began to fill into the crater surrounding the volcano. It was the second eruption this year from Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Fortunately, no people or structures were threatened by the eruption, which was confined to a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Associated Press reported.

Yes we have an eruption within Halemaumau, at the summit of Kilauea  Go to the park website for safety and eruption viewing tips: https://t.co/ctEdfij9gA



Jean Campbell pic.twitter.com/TsDosRS16o  Hawaii Volcanoes NPS (@Volcanoes_NPS) June 7, 2023

The lava this morning is all confined within ... the summit caldera. So plenty of room for it still to produce more without threatening any homes or infrastructure, park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane told the AP. So thats the way we like our eruptions here.

She also said park officials were expecting crowds of people to flock to park overlooks, where the large lake is visible.

Kilauea overlook was spectacular this morning," she said. It was molten red lava. Theres several areas of pretty robust fountaining. Its just really, really pretty.

A webcam image of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP)

The park website provides multiple tips for people wishing to view the eruption, such as arriving before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time to avoid the largest crowds and potentially full parking lots. "Do NOT go into closed areas!" the park warns, noting that areas closer to the volcano may contain lethal volcanic fumes.

Hawaii is no stranger to active volcanoes. Kilauea has repeatedly erupted over the past two decades. A 2018 eruption destroyed over 700 homes and devastated residential areas, according to AccuWeather.

And Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano, "put on a weeks-long show at the end of last year as it erupted for the first time in four decades, with lava fountains 60 meters high that sent rivers of molten rock down the flanks," Agence France-Presse reported.

View more photos of the latest Kilauea eruption below.

A lava lake forms at Halemaumau crater, seen from the rim of the Kilauea caldera. (USGS/Handout via Reuters)

Kilauea volcano amid eruption. (Janice Wei/National Park Service via AP)

Kilauea as it began to erupt. (United States Geological Survey/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Heartbreaking photos document flooded homes and neighborhoods across Kherson

Ukrainian photographers Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov show the aftermath of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant breach and the evacuation of residents. They noted that not all Kherson residents want to evacuate.

libkos/Instagram

"Kherson has united everyone today," the authors commented.

The whole country. The tragedy that happened to the city, the scale of which is difficult to estimate, has led to the fact that all services, volunteers from all cities, Russian-speaking and Ukrainian-speaking, are here today, trying to help as many people as possible. As of this morning, several districts of the city are completely flooded. People are sitting on the roofs of private homes, waiting to be rescued. There is a foul smell in the city. Firstly, the water itself is full of sewage, and secondly, there are probably animals that were not lucky enough to escape, the photographers wrote.

Read also: Russia destroyed Kakhovka dam in despair, Estonian brigadier general says

libkos/Instagram

Kherson is on the verge of a sanitary catastrophe; it is clear now. And the water has no intention of retreating. Not everyone wants to evacuate. Those who are lucky enough to live on the upper floors of high-rise buildings are not flooded. But they are cut off from the world. And they will certainly ask to evacuate if they run out of food and drinking water before the water recedes. This is the problem, because the shelling of the city continues, and in certain areas, even traveling by boat is dangerous.

Read also: Ukrenergo reveals effect of Kakhovka dam disaster on power supply situation

libkos/Instagram

The Liberovs shared the story of an animal rescue.

"It's hard to conceive what will happen when the water goes down," the photographers said.

libkos/Instagram

How many homes will be destroyed or completely uninhabitable? How many businesses will never start up again? Despite this, people somehow find the strength to smile. To rejoice in the rescue. It is incredible. I was especially touched by a woman who took a few goats and a dog from her detached house by boat and realized on the shore that, in the panic, she had forgotten about her cat. She was crying, screaming that she would never forgive herself, and begged the guy who had rescued her to go back for the animal. Of course, he agreed. Yesterday parrots, mice, and many cats and dogs were rescued. Not only their own, but also other peoples, as well as stray dogs.

Read also: Attack on Kakhovka dam is Kremlins response to calls for peace talks, says Ukraines envoy to UN

libkos/Instagram

During the night of June 6, Russian forces, which have occupied the town of Nova Kakhovka for over a year, blew up the dam, completely or partially flooding downstream cities and towns along the Dnipro River, including the reginal capital of Kherson.

libkos/Instagram

President Zelenskyy called Russia's attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades.

Read also: Ukrhydroenergo says how destruction of Kakhovka dam will affect Ukraines hydrosystem

libkos/Instagram

libkos/Instagram

libkos/Instagram

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Bluefin Tuna harvest

keeping fishing off limits in some places means more tuna elsewhere Credit - Universal Images Group Mark Conlin-VWPics.com via Getty

Today, June 8, is World Oceans Day, when stakeholders around the world stop to reconsider the value of ocean conservation. This years theme is Planet Ocean: Tides are Changingmaking the case that by protecting the ocean we are ultimately protecting ourselves. One of its core pillars is supporting sustainable seafood, which, in some cases, means not fishing at all.

Scientists agree that at least 30% of the worlds oceans should be declared off limits to commercial exploitation in order to protect fish stocks and marine biodiversity. The fishing industry, not surprisingly, has yelped that cordoning off 30% of our seas would translate into a 30% reduction in catch, driving seafood prices higher around the globe.

Not so, according to a new report published in the journal Science Advances. To unpack the issue, researchers looked at fishing hauls before and after the establishment of Mexicos Revillagigedo National Park, a 57,143 sq.-mile (148,000 sq. km) area surrounding a 4-island archipelago south of Mexicos Baja California that was set aside as a marine protected area (MPA) in November 2017. Calculating the average daily haul from the 90 industrial fishing vessels that plied the biodiverse waters in the region (approximately the size of Illinois) since 2007, the report found that not only did Mexicos fishing industry not suffer, but that the catch actually increased by an average of 8% in the years after the MPA was established.



Lead author Fabio Favoretto, a marine ecologist at the University of California, San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography, attributes the increase to what he calls the fish bank effect. Because the ecosystem is protected, MPAs produce an explosion of marine life that eventually spills out of the protected area and into new territories that can be fished. The fish in the MPA are the principal, explains Favoretto. The ones that spread into non-protected areas are the interest. As long as you protect the principal, you always have an income, he says.

Read more: Why This Year Is Our Last, Best Chance for Saving the Oceans

Favoretto launched the research project after watching Mexicos powerful fishing industry protest the MPAs proposed implementation by stating that they risked losing 30% of their catch. The industry also claimed that the price of tunaits most important fishwould skyrocket in Mexico as a result. While Favoretto and his fellow conservationists believed that MPAs would actually improve local fish stocks based on their understanding of ecological systems, they didnt have the data they needed to prove it to the industry. The Revillagigedo MPA was a perfect case study, says Favoretto.

This data proves that MPAs work, and they dont harm fishermen, he says. The industry wont be able to say anymore with a straight face that MPAs create famine and raise prices.

Now that data exist to back up the theory, the next step is convincing the worlds fishing industries of the value of reaching that 30% global goal. At the moment, only 3% of the worlds oceans are completely off-limits to fishing, says Matt Rand, director of the Marine Habitat Protection program at the Pew Charitable Trusts. In order to shift the balance, we need even more research to show how MPAs like Revillagigedo can protect fisheries as well as the economy. Favoretto and his team have their work cut out for them.

A version of this story also appears in the Climate is Everything newsletter. To sign up, click here.
A Wayne County high school student with dreams of a career in law enforcement has received a scholarship in honor of Richmond K-9 Officer Seara Burton.

Elly Waters, a Centerville High School senior, is the first person to be awarded the Officer Seara Burtn and Brev Law Enforcement Scholarship by Ried Health.

The scholarship is a one-time award of $1,000 given to graduating senior from Wayne County who plans to pursue a degree or certificate in law enforcement, according to a media release.

>> Fallen Richmond Officer Seara Burton honored by former high school basketball team

Officer Burtons mother and stepmother, Jennifer and Ami Miller, were there as Waters was presented the award.

Waters plans to attend Butler University in the fall to double major in criminal justice and psychology with dreams of joining the FBI.

>> RELATED: Its touched everyones heart; How the community has come together after Seara Burtons passing

Ive been inspired my whole life to help and protect others no matter what circumstances theyre under, Waters said in her application essay. Ive always been intrigued by the criminal justice system and have no doubt in my mind its the right fit for me.

The scholarship is in honor of Burton who was shot in the line of duty on Aug. 10, 2022. Burton later died from her injuries.

Reid Health worked with the Wayne County Foundation to establish the scholarship in Burtons name and honor her ultimate sacrifice.




High school teacher reveals the ridiculous emails he receives from students: Why did you give homework today?

In The Know by Yahoo

A high school teacher is sharing the hilariously ridiculous emails his students send him  and the viral footage is proving just how much times have changed at school, and how funny kids can be.

Jordan Baechler  known to his students as Mr. B and to TikTok as @mrbaechler  gained nearly 18 million collective views when he uploaded the two-part gallery to his account.

While weve seen creative students go viral in the past  like the teens whose school haka gave millions of TikTokers goose bumps  these high schoolers emails are cracking people up across social media.

In his first gallery posted to TikTok  captioned It just gets crazier and crazier  Baechler gained 3.9 million views, 477,000 likes, 25,000 saves and 3,600 comments.

While some students emails expressed concerns for their grades  a 79????????? Do you hate me???????? one teen wrote  others delved into the teachers personal feelings, asking, Do you have any preference between period 3 or 4?

TikTok / @mrbaechler

For many TikTokers, the act of emailing a teacher was a whole new concept.

As a millennial its so funny to me that kids can just email their teachers any time now. We had to wait and talk to them after class in my day lol, commented @lysssssssssss_.

TikTok / @mrbaechler

For others, it was the informal tone of the students emails that shocked them.

You MUST be chill because I wouldnt even DREAM of sending emails like these to my teachers back in the day  wrote @blckmrktbaklava.

Are you telling me Im being embarrassingly formal with my emails, asked @peregrineupthere.

TikTok / @mrbaechler

With Baechlers second gallery, the teacher gained 14.6 million views, 2 million likes, 107,000 saves and 16,000 comments.

What can you even respond to half of these?  the videos caption reads.

TikTok / @mrbaechler

People were taken aback by the kids wit and sense of humor.

These kids are genuinely so funny, commented @taylor_borja.

To this, Baechler responded, Even funnier in class 

TikTok / @mrbaechler

Judging by the tone of the emails, its clear Mr. B is a trusted and much-beloved teacher at his school.

One students email wasnt so much funny but rather emotionally honest.

About today  sorry, I was in a bad mood, they wrote.

TikTok / @mrbaechler

they aint your students anymore, they your friends  wrote @treeezyyy.

you can tell youre their fav teacher, commented @mishisyarizonas.

TikTok / @mrbaechler

Considering just how stressful teaching can be, it's good to know that educators like Mr. B can find humor in his career, while connecting with his students in a meaningful way.

In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News  follow us here!

The post High school teacher reveals the ridiculous emails he receives from students: Why did you give homework today? appeared first on In The Know.

More from In The Know:

Gen Z is losing it over this 1990 JCPenney's spring/summer catalog: 'but why do I like these?'

Teen accidentally films the moment she finds missed $104,000 scholarship offer in unopened college acceptance letter

18 wide-leg pants for summer that will trick everyone into thinking you have your life together

OK, so cargo pants are in, and youre going to want this $40 pair from Amazon in all colors
Portsmouth Regional Hospital achieves reaccreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program

PORTSMOUTH  Portsmouth Regional Hospitals Bariatric Surgery Program has been reaccredited as a Designated Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgeon Bernard Benedetto, MD

This accreditation reaffirms Portsmouth Regional Hospitals continued commitment to providing high-quality care and supporting patient safety efforts for weight management and surgical weight loss, said Bernard Benedetto, MD, bariatric surgeon at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Our dedicated team works collaboratively to address the needs of those affected by obesity  through a multidisciplinary, patient-centered care approach, ultimately providing our patients with exceptional outcomes and helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle.

To earn MBSAQIP accreditation, Portsmouth Regional Hospital met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure, and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifies opportunities for quality improvement. Thesearepublished by the ACS and the ASMBS.

To learn more about the Portsmouth Regional Hospital bariatric surgery program, call 603-433-4984 or visit portsmouthhospital.com/specialties/bariatric-surgery.

York Hospital to present Robot-Assisted Gynecology Procedures at York Public Library

Dr. Jamison Morgan, OB/GYN, Surgical & Midwifery Associates of York Hospital

YORK, Maine  York Hospitals OB/GYN, Surgical & Midwifery Associates will present a lunch and learn program, Robot-Assisted Gynecology Procedures, on Tuesday, June 20, from 12 to 1 p.m., at the York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road in York, and via live stream. Jamison Morgan, MD, will discuss varied gynecologic disorders, such as fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic prolapse. He will also present current non-surgical and surgical options along with their respective recovery processes.

The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Complimentary boxed lunches will be available for those attending in person at the library. The event will be recorded, and all registrants (in-person or virtual) will receive a link to view the program on York Hospitals YouTube channel following the event.

To reserve your spot, in person or online, register at www.yorkhospital.com/events/. For more information contact York Hospitals Community Relations Office at 207-351-2385, or email info@yorkhospital.com.

Hike for Hope to prevent suicide

MOUNT MAJOR  Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide is preventable. On Saturday, June 17 volunteers and supporters will be joining our Maine Chapter and hiking on Mount Major in the Hike for Hope being hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions New Hampshire Chapter. The hike will begin at at 10:30 a.m. This fundraising hike supports the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions education, advocacy, and research programs, and the organizations bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.

These events are about creating greater awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, said Dr. Christine Moutier, AFSP chief medical officer. Participants in the New Hampshire Hike for Hope are doing their part to change the conversation about mental health conditions. Their public support of suicide prevention is the first step in making people realize that taking care of ones mental health is the smart, strong thing to do.

To register for this event, visit afsp.org/hikenh.

Community Partners awarded SAMHSA Grant for Mental Health Education in Strafford County

DOVER  Community Partners, Strafford Countys Community Mental Health Center, ServiceLink, Family Support Center, and Developmental Services Provider for Region 9 was awarded a five-year Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant to offer free mental health trainings throughout Strafford County. This federal grant provides funding for the delivery of Mental Health First Aid, an evidenced based curriculum designed to teach anyone how to recognize and respond to someone in emotional distress.

The grant activities are being managed by Community Partners staff and implemented by local and regional certified Mental Health First Aid instructors with the focus on training school personnel, first responders, veterans, caregivers of the elder population and the public at large.

The grant funding began on October 1, 2022, with $125,000 allocated each year for instructor training, class seats and supply fees, with the goal to train almost 2,000 people in Strafford County by the grants sunset date in September of 2027. To date, almost 140 people have been trained including city leaders, police officers, teachers, first responders, and business people and non-profit representatives. On tap are approximately 280 people more to be trained by September of 2023.

Project SEARCH announces graduates

From left to right are Cassandra Poulis, supervisor Project SEARCH, Seacoast NH; Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern; graduates Andrew Nixon, Hayden Miller, Megan Donahoe, Amanda Stowell, and Jacob Wagner; Ryan Johnson, career trainer with Project SEARCH; Carla Smith, project manager with Project SEARCH; Donnie Donahue, who received a program certificate; Portsmouth Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelley; Portsmouth Regional Hospital Chief Medical Officer Brian Sanders, MD; and Amy Lester, director of volunteer services, Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

PORTSMOUTH  Portsmouth Regional Hospital celebrated the graduation of its Project SEARCH interns on May 25. Interns from the local Project SEARCH, a work training program for young adults with developmental and physical disabilities, worked in various roles throughout the hospital including the cafeteria, gift shop, environmental services, human resources, and elsewhere.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital will assist Project SEARCH with helping the graduates find employment in their local community. This event is a favorite at the hospital, as staff celebrates the achievements of these inspiring young adults. This is the 11th year that Portsmouth Regional Hospital has served as a partner and host site for the local chapter of Project SEARCH.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hike for Hope, Bariatric Surgery Accreditation: Seacoast health news
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Reuters/Instagram

Two Russian citizens accused by the U.S. of plotting to destabilize the Moldovan government this week are artists who claimed to hold anti-war views as recently as last yearand who appeared to be growing frustrated with how the invasion of Ukraine was hurting their business.

The couple, 37-year-old Aleksey Losev and 33-year-old Anna Travnikova, were sanctioned by the U.S. government on Tuesday for their role in the government of the Russian Federations destabilization campaign and continued malign influence campaigns in Moldova, along with five other Russian nationals, a press release from the U.S. Treasurys office said.

Russias Covert Operation for the Next Ukraine Has Already Begun

According to the announcement, the freshly sanctioned Russians operated as malign influence agents in a large global information operation connected to the Russian Federation that targets Ukraine, countries bordering Ukraine including Moldova, Balkan countries, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They are accused of provoking, training, and overseeing anti-government activities in Moldova while maintaining ties to Russian intelligence services.

Social media posts reviewed by The Daily Beast, however, paint a vastly different picture of the duo as peace-loving, free-spirited, and struggling artists who oppose the war in Ukraine.

The couplewhose wedding was in August 2019, according to a Facebook post from Losevis behind Julleuchter by Perko, a workshop that offers exclusive pagan home decor and specializes in Yule lanterns, according to its website and social media pages, where the pair are featured in whimsical photographs on horseback and in pagan costumes, wandering in the Russian wilderness and promoting their art.

The company, which is owned by Losev, was also listed in the new round of sanctions announced by the U.S. this week.

In 2016 I met my wife Anna, who became my inspiration and best support, and together we created the workshop that you see now, Losev wrote in a social media post about the company. Now me, Anna and our three cats live in a small green city in Russia and here is located our workshop.

The day after Russia invaded Ukraine, Losev posted a heartfelt message on his companys Facebook page appearing to condemn the war.

In all my life I have not met a single person who would want war. And despite this, wars in our world continue to occur with enviable regularity. I feel pain and powerlessness, he said. All I can do right now is keep making art, hoping that beauty will save the world. But in the current situation art is not able to change anything and no one needs it.

In subsequent posts, the artist appears to be growing increasingly concerned about Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine impacting their business, fearing their social media accounts would be blocked.

Hey. There is a possibility that instagram and facebook will soon be closed for us. I dont know if its true or not, but Anna and I have spent a lot of time here and met so many great people, and we really don't want to lose connection with you, Losev wrote. In addition to instagram, we have a tik tok account, which I hope is not going to be closed yet. So if you also have a tik tok, please follow us.

I understand that not everyone likes [Tiktok], he added. To be honest, we dont really like it either, but we are trying to save the workshop by all available means right now.

On March 5, 2022, his nightmare scenario apparently came true.

Were a russian family workshop and we have to temporarily suspend our stores, Losev announced the companys accounts. We still can send parcels worldwide with our postal services, but on March 5 PayPal and eBay stopped working in our country. This means that we no longer able to accept your payments neither through Etsy nor eBay. We sincerely hope that this is a temporary restriction and well be back as soon as this hell is over.

Just days later, Losev shared that he and his wife were distraught and contemplating leaving Russia altogether.

Last few days Anna and I have been discussing options for moving to another country. There are several paths for us, but for various reasons each of them isnt very good, he said, mentioning Georgia and other European countries as options, lamenting the costs of such a move and concerns that they dont have enough grounds to get asylum.

The Big Pivot

How and when the pair went from preaching peace to allegedly attempting to destabilize a neighboring country is unclear. Although the exact timeframe of the malign influence campaign was not specified by the U.S. government, the Russian operatives were actively targeting Moldova in 2022 and early 2023, the Treasury department said.

Losevs role in the alleged scheme was to conduct reconnaissance in Moldova for the plot to destabilize the government of Moldova, according to the sanctions memo. Travnikova, for her part, is accused of targeting foreign audiencesincluding Americanswith operations designed to sway public opinion abroad in favor of Russia in the context of Russias ongoing war against Ukraine.

The couple did not respond to comment requests from The Daily Beast by time of publication.

Others sanctioned over the scheme include Yury Makolov, Gleb Khloponin, Svetlana Boyko, Vasily Gromovikov, and Konstantin Sapozhnikov, the alleged leader of the group.

The announcement is just the latest in several rounds of sanctions targeting alleged Kremlin agents for influence campaigns in Moldova, a former Soviet country of 2.6 million people wedged between Romania and Ukraine that is often caught in the crossfire between Moscow, Kyiv, and the West. Russia maintains a military presence in a Russian-backed breakaway region along the border with Ukraine.

Thousands marched in anti-government protests in Moldovas capital city of Chisinau, and across the country, earlier this year, The protests erupted a month after Russias top diplomat threatened that Western support for Maia Sandu, Moldovas pro-NATO president, could turn the country into the next Ukraine.

Sandus administrationalong with the U.S. and other western officialshas accused pro-Russia actors of planning a coup in the country that was allegedly thwarted in February. Fugitive oligarch and notorious Kremlin puppet Ilan Shor, who organized the 2023 protests with his political party, was sanctioned by the U.S. in October 2022 for conspiring with Russian officials to destabilize Moldova. The Moldovan businessman now lives in Israel after fleeing corruption charges in 2019.

The fresh wave of sanctions shine a light on Russias ongoing covert efforts to destabilize democratic nations, said Brian Nelson, the top U.S. sanctions official, in the announcement on Tuesday. Russias attempted influence operations exploit the concerns of the citizens of these countries, to destabilize legitimately elected governments for Moscows own interests.

Social media pages for Julleuchter by Perko, Losevs company, have not been updated since the couples names were posted in bolded font on the U.S. Treasury Departments website.

In his last Instagram post, dated May 29, Losev is pictured sitting in the wilderness with his back against a giant rock, holding an ax in one hand and throwing up a peace sign with the other. In the accompanying caption, he delivers some somber news:

Hi guys! Im Perko, the founder of the Jullichter workshop, in case you forgot. I missed. I hope you do too. Our family ceased to exist. [Anna] and I are getting divorced. Its a mutual decision, but its still very painful. At the moment I need a vacation and a change of activity. There are a lot of projects, but now I need a reboot, he said.

I wish you all a peaceful sky above your head, love and understanding and strength. God bless you.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
One of Hong Kong's most prominent activists, Chow Hang-tung, was brought to court under surveillance of about a dozen officers (ISAAC LAWRENCE)

Hong Kong's top court agreed on Thursday to hear an appeal from government prosecutors against a prominent activist for her involvement in a banned Tiananmen Square vigil, challenging a lower court ruling in her favour.

Chow Hang-tung was one of the leaders of a group that organised an annual vigil commemorating the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown in China.

The vigil has been banned since 2020, the year that Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong designed to quell dissent.

She was convicted last year of inciting others to defy the ban in 2021, but won a rare victory in December when the High Court ruled in favour of her appeal, saying that police did not properly follow procedure when banning the vigil.

The Department of Justice renewed its efforts against Chow, asking Hong Kong's top court to clarify whether a person accused of defying a government ban on a public gathering can challenge the legality of that ban in court.

The Court of Final Appeal ruled Thursday that the case raised a legal question of "great and general importance" and scheduled a hearing for November 22.

The decision came days after the 34th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on Sunday.

Chow faces further prosecutions, including charges under the national security law that carry sentences of up to a decade in jail.

She was arrested the morning of June 4, 2021, when her articles published on social media and in a newspaper called on residents to "light candles to seek justice for the dead".

At the time, police said that the vigil was banned due to the Covid-19 pandemic and that thousands of officers would be on standby to halt any "unlawful assemblies".

Hong Kong was once the only Chinese city that could commemorate the incident of June 4, 1989, when the government sent troops to crush demonstrations in Tiananmen Square calling for political change.

While the commemoration is forbidden in mainland China, tens of thousands would gather every year in Hong Kong's Victoria Park to hold a candlelight vigil.

But public mourning for the victims of the Tiananmen crackdown has been driven underground since Hong Kong outlawed the vigil in 2020.

On Sunday, the area around Victoria Park saw heavy police presence, with officers searching people and briefly detaining some who carried flowers or held a candle -- which were taken as signs of mourning.

hol/dhc/dhw
Horry County inmate who died in cell had been booked into jail hours before her death

An Horry County inmate who died while at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center Monday had been booked into the jail hours before her death.

Crystal Dawn Page, 41, was booked into the detention center at 11:17 p.m. June 4 after being arrested by Myrtle Beach Police on charges of public disorderly/public intoxication and drugs, according to online booking records.

Page did not have an address listed, and it appears that she may be have been homeless. The Horry County Coroners Office identified Page as living in Horry County in a release sent Wednesday evening.

Myrtle Beach Police officers responded to 3301 Robert Grissom Parkway at 7:56 p.m. June 4 on a report of trespassing, according to an arrest warrant.

Page was seen stumbling into the roadway near the property. An officer found that Page had a black bag that contained a brown powder-like substance, the warrant says. The powder tested positive for fentynal.

According to the warrant, Page also had been arrested on a drug charge in 2016.

Page was found unresponsive in her cell Monday and was transported to Conway Medical Center where she died at 3:24 p.m., the coroners release said. An autopsy is scheduled this week.

Horry County Police Department is investigating, according to the coroners office.

An officer observed Page in a cell at 2:15 p.m., according to a press release Tuesday from the Horry County Sheriffs Department.

The officer alerted staff medical personnel, and responding officers and medical staff initiated life-saving measures, according to the release.

EMS assumed care when they arrived and transported Page to Conway Medical Center. A short time later, she was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. No foul play is detected, the release said.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, SLED, was contacted and responded to the detention center in accordance with detention center protocol, the sheriffs department release said. SLED is conducting an inquiry into the incident.
WASHINGTON  House Republicans averted a vote to hold the FBI in contempt by reaching an agreement Wednesday to allow all members of a key committee to review an investigative document related to President Joe Biden.

Rep. James Comer, head of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, threatened a contempt vote Thursday after he got access to the document Monday and an FBI briefing about it because the rest of the committee didn't have access, too.

The compromise reached late Wednesday calls for all members of the committee to be able to review the document, called an FD-1023, and two other documents mentioned in it. Comer canceled the contempt vote.

Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people, said Comer, R-Ky.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 08: House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., questions witnesses during the first public hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 08, 2023 in Washington, DC.

The top Democrat on the panel, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who joined Comer in reading the document and receiving the briefing, said the FBI offered further accommodations in the spirit of good faith.

The document, which contains information from a confidential source including some that is unverified, alleges that Biden was involved in a $5 million bribery scheme, according to Comer.

Former President Donald Trumps attorney general, Bill Barr, assigned a Trump-appointed U.S. attorney, Scott Brady, to review the allegations in 2020.

Raskin said the allegations were debunked and result of the assessment was the Trump Justice Department concluded that the evidence failed to justify further inquiry.

House GOP investigates Biden: Hunter Biden, White House, House GOP clash over widening investigation of Joe Biden's son

Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, said Comer and his Republican colleagues torpedoed their credibility by repeatedly failing to deliver on much-hyped allegations.

Their fact-free wild goose chase continues to be a waste of taxpayer resources when House Republicans should instead be focusing on real issues American families care about, Sams said.

Influence peddling?: House GOP: Hunter Biden, others got $1.3M from business associate linked to China

But Comer said the investigation has continued under the U.S. attorney in Delaware and that lawmakers would continue to review it.

Lets be clear: the allegations contained within this record are not closed as the White House and Democrats would have the American people believe, Comer said. The Oversight Committee will continue to follow the facts and ensure accountability for the American people.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House GOP averts contempt vote on FBI in reviewing Joe Biden document
House Republicans are scrapping a high-profile vote to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt, ending a weeks-long standoff with the bureau.

The Oversight Committee had been scheduled to meet Thursday on a resolution holding Wray in contempt of Congress as it ramped up a GOP investigation into President Joe Biden. But Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) announced Wednesday night that he was calling off the vote after the FBI offered to let all committee members review a 2020 document at the center of the standoff.

In addition to letting the full panel review the document, known as an FD-1023, describing an interview the FBI had with a confidential informant, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the panel, and Comer will also be able to review two additional documents.

Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people, Comer said in a statement announcing his decision.

Comer quickly characterized the deal as a win, saying that the FBI had caved. But the Kentucky Republican had previously pledged to hold the contempt vote in his committee unless the FBI physically turned a copy of the document over to the panel. He had announced the Thursday vote on Monday after he and Raskin were able to see the document and got a briefing, but were not given the document.

But people familiar with the offer told POLITICO earlier Wednesday that the FBI was now offering to let the full committee review the document in an apparent bid to find an off-ramp to prevent the committee vote. Comer, in a joint Fox News interview with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) just hours before the agreement was announced, confirmed the bureau had put new potential deals on the table and was actively negotiating.

The deal is in line with a bar set by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who said repeatedly that if Wray let the whole panel see the document, there would not be a need to hold a vote on holding the FBI director in contempt. Speaking with reporters earlier Wednesday, McCarthy pointed to Comer as deserving the credit for any agreement.

If [Wray] changes his position and provides it for everybody, I want to thank Chairman Comer for being strong, he said.

Some conservatives had voiced confidence that they would have the support among Republicans on the House floor to hold Wray in contempt. But it would also be a historic vote and with only a five-seat majority, it would likely put some of their more pragmatic members in a tough spot.

At the center of the standoff is a document that Republicans allege ties then-Vice President Joe Biden to a bribery scheme. The forms themselves, regardless of their content, do not independently amount to evidence of wrongdoing and the FBI has warned that they contain unverified information.

The document has ties to a Trump-era inquiry led by then-U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, who was tasked with investigating claims made by Rudy Giuliani, who was at the time Trumps personal attorney. Though Democrats and Republicans have spent the days since Mondays briefing sparring over what was said behind closed doors, they are in agreement that the document was created when the bureau, searching for information that could be related to the Brady inquiry, re-interviewed an informant in June 2020.

The informant, Comer noted, was viewed by the FBI as credible, and had been paid six figures by the bureau dating back to the Obama years.

The broader Brady inquiry, the FBI told Raskin and Comer this week, was closed in August 2020. But Republicans have highlighted that the document was reportedly handed over to DOJ prosecutors in Delaware, who have been conducting a years-long investigation into Hunter Biden, the president's son.

Both Comer and Raskin have confirmed that the allegation is related to Ukraine  as were many of the claims Trumps then-lawyer was circulating during the 2020 election. GOP Oversight aides have stressed that there is nothing in the 2020 document that shows a direct link to Giuliani, and that his name is not mentioned, but Democrats have characterized the allegation as similar to those he had previously passed along to the Trump-era Justice Department.

Raskin, in a statement after Comers decision, praised the FBI for operating in a spirit of good faith and accused Republicans on the panel of trying to ignore the facts that undermine their false narratives.

Holding someone in contempt of Congress is among the most serious actions our Committee can take and it should not be weaponized to undermine the FBI, Raskin said. As Republicans investigation into President Biden has uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing, they continue to attempt to discredit and dismantle the FBI to help prop up Donald Trumps poll numbers.
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., speaks to reporters after he and Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the ranking member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, met with FBI officials to view confidential documents Comer demanded in his investigation of President Joe Biden's family, Monday, June 5, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday called off a vote on a contempt of Congress charge against FBI Director Christopher Wray, accepting a last-minute offer by the bureau to allow the full committee access to a confidential document of an unverified tip about President Joe Biden.

Rep. James Comer said in a statement that the committee is removing a contempt resolution against Wray from Thursday's schedule after receiving an accommodation that would give the full committee access to the document.

Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people," the Kentucky Republican said.

The action that played out over the last month against Wray reflects a larger breakdown between Republicans and the FBI that has only intensified this year, with some conservatives talking openly about trying to defund the bureau.

It's a rift that first opened during the Russia investigation of then-President Donald Trump and has only widened amid the FBI's wide-ranging criminal investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, which some Republicans view as overly zealous and politicized.

The FBI made the last-ditch effort to ward off the contempt vote Wednesday, offering to give every lawmaker on the oversight committee access to a redacted version of a confidential document that alleges a bribery scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

It was unclear until late Wednesday if Comer would accept the offer even as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that would suffice.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on oversight committee, said in a statement Wednesday that hes happy Comer accepted the good faith offer from the FBI but warned his colleague across the aisle of the precedent his actions leading up to this could set.

Holding someone in contempt of Congress is among the most serious actions our Committee can take and it should not be weaponized to undermine the FBI, Raskin said.

The FBI has called the contempt vote unwarranted considering the bureau had continuously demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committees request, while protecting the safety of sources and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

But Comer had consistently said for the past month that the only way for the FBI to comply with the subpoena is to provide an unredacted copy of the document. It's unclear what made him change course at the last minute.

FBI officials have already shown a redacted version of the several-page form to Comer and Raskin during a 90-minute briefing Monday. The bureau described that briefing as an extraordinary accommodation" where both men were able to take notes on the document and ask questions.

The whole contempt fight over the document moved at an unusually rapid speed for the House. Committees often battle for months with an agency or a witness before resorting to contempt proceedings, often haggling over an accommodation that is considered compliance with a subpoena. Republicans moved far faster, arriving at contempt a little over a month after issuing the subpoena to Wray on May 3.

It would have been the first time Republicans had used the contempt power against a federal official since taking control of the House in January, but would be far from a rare occurrence in the House.

Democrats wielded the power of contempt memorably in the last Congress as part of the committee investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury on contempt charges last year after a referral from the House Jan. 6 committee. Another former Trump official, Peter Navarro, is awaiting trial on a contempt charge as well. He has pleaded not guilty.

The Biden document at the center of the new dispute was written up by a longtime FBI source whom both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible. In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine. Hunter Biden worked on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.
Human remains found in Minnesota have been identified as those of a Minnesota mother of two who had not been seen since March, police said Thursday.

"This morning, the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office performed an autopsy," Winona Police Chief Tom Williams said at a news conference. "Law enforcement has confirmed that the remains are those of Madeline Kingsbury.

"Unfortunately, while this discovery is not what we were hoping for, were thankful to be able to bring Maddie home to her family," Williams added.

Kingsbury's body was found Wednesday off a remote stretch of road in Fillmore County that had been previously searched, Williams said, telling reporters the body was concealed in a way that it was not visible.

Digital evidence led investigators back to the area off Highway 43, he said.

"To say the least, the last 69 days have been frustrating, full of heartache and pain for the family, law enforcement and the community. But during this time, the family never gave up. Law enforcement never gave up. The community never gave up," he said.

Michelle Frascone, the special agent in charge of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said investigators fielded hundreds of tips, which ultimately led them to Kingsburys body.

We want to also acknowledge  the forensic scientists and the analysts who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes through mountains of evidence to generate leads, she said. We are grateful for the more than 450 tips that have been sent to us. Law enforcement had evaluated each one of them and followed up in as many leads as possible.

Kingsbury's father, David Kingsbury, said the family was "relieved that Madeline has been found after months of intensive searching and grateful for the extraordinary efforts by law enforcement, other first responders and volunteers."

Madeline Kingsbury. (Winona Police Dept.)

"Were certain that the correct person has been arrested, will be appropriately charged, and convicted of his crimes. Things are moving in the right direction there and we look forward to getting justice for Madeline. For right now we will mourn as a family and properly and respectfully lay her to rest," he added in a statement, according to NBC affiliate KARE of Minneapolis.

Kingsbury, 26, was last seen March 31 when she dropped off her children, then 5 and 2, at day care at 8 a.m., Williams said at the time.

On Wednesday, Winona police said authorities had arrested Adam Fravel in connection with Kingsburys disappearance. At Thursday's news conference, Williams and other investigators declined to comment on the charge or charges. They said they did not want to jeopardize the investigation.

An official with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has said Fravel is Kingsburys ex-boyfriend.

An attorney who had been reported to have represented Fravel in recent weeks did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Fravel, who is the father of the two children, has denied any involvement in Kingsburys disappearance.

I want the mother of my 5-year-old and 2-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything, he said in a statement in April.

Fravel sought custody of the two children in court, but a judge ruled that they were to stay with Kingsburys parents while a family court case played out, KARE reported.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A firefighter directs water on a grass fire burning on an acreage behind a residential property in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, on June 5, 2023.

Over 400 wildfires are raging across Canada this week and firefighting teams have been overwhelmed by the flames. Canadian officials have asked for foreign support, and several countries have offered to send supplies and people, including the United States. As of yesterday, the U.S. has deployed more than 600 firefighters and support personnel to help on the ground emergency response teams, according to the White House.

Other countries have sent emergency response teams to Canada this week too. More than 200 firefighters from South Africa arrived in Alberta this past weekend. Several EU nations including France, Portugal, and Spain have also offered to send 280 firefighters and supplies to Canada too, Barrons reported.



Read more

Canada has requested support from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism - and we are responding promptly, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU Commission tweeted today. More will come.

Fires across Canada as of June 6 2023. Red points are out of control fires, blue points are being held, and yellow represent controlled fires.

Government data gives a snapshot of why Canadian firefighters need international support. As of June 6, of the more than 430 recorded fires this week, only 80 have been contained. More than 230 are currently out of control. Officials have recently worried that several provinces could see a record-breaking fire season this year, Reuters reported. Some of the fires have burned for weeks, and have pushed more than 100,000 from their homes this spring, the CBC reported.



The fires have also created public health emergencies for communities hundreds of miles away. Smoke has shrouded a lot of the Northeast and Midwest this week, causing tens of millions of Americans to be under air quality alerts. This Wednesday, New York City was among the cities with the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir.

Cities across New England and down into Washington D.C. saw their skylines stained brown and orange by the smoke. Air quality in the New York metropolitan area is extremely unhealthy today and is expected to improve a little by tomorrow, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys AirNow website.

Want more climate and environment stories? Check out Earthers guides to decarbonizing your home, divesting from fossil fuels, packing a disaster go bag, and overcoming climate dread. And dont miss our coverage of the latest IPCC climate report, the future of carbon dioxide removal, and the un-greenwashed facts on bioplastics and plastic recycling.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
My husband and I had 2 weddings in 3 years. It wasn't conventional, but I'd do it all over again.

My husband and I after our wedding in New York City in 2016 (left), and after our wedding in Cambridge, UK, in 2019 (right). Chloe Pantazi-Wolber/Insider / Courtesy of Alice the Camera

My husband and I had two weddings, three years apart.

We married at City Hall in New York City. Then we had the wedding of our dreams in Cambridge, UK.

At the time, I felt a bit self-conscious about having two weddings. But I'd do it all over again.

I've been married for close to seven years, but it's been almost four years since my wedding day.

My husband and I married at City Hall in New York City in October 2016, then had our wedding in Cambridge, UK, in July 2019.

It's not that we didn't want a wedding sooner. We couldn't afford to have a big celebration with all of our family and friends at the time, and we wanted to get married in 2016. We also needed to comply with the terms of my visa. I'd recently moved to the US from the UK, and we had to marry within 90 days of me entering the country (romantic, I know).

I'd lived in New York for years before and had to go back to the UK when my visa expired. At that point, we'd been dating for two years and living together for one.

Despite hearing that long distance doesn't work, we made it work. We saw each other twice in person  the airfare was too expensive  and watched TV over FaceTime when we ran out of things to talk about (without shared experiences, it happens). And we poured ourselves into work; I got a new job in London, and he started his first job out of law school.

Then, when he visited for New Year's, we went to Paris, where he proposed. I said yes, and months later we were married. I'd never been happier.

But later, as we planned our 2019 wedding, I felt a bit self-conscious about how people might perceive us having two celebrations. Part of me worried they'd make assumptions about our relationship (thanks, "90-Day Fiance," for perpetuating stereotypes), but looking back I wouldn't change a thing.

Don't worry, the taxi was at a red light. Chloe Pantazi-Wolber/Insider

Our City Hall wedding was low-key, but perfect for us

I couldn't wait to get married, even if a courthouse wedding wasn't exactly what I envisioned. For my husband, an attorney, it was fitting. Besides, Carrie Bradshaw made it look fashionable and I planned on doing the same  on a budget. We'd already spent a bunch on my visa and wanted to save for a larger wedding.

So instead of a gown at Kleinfeld's, I said yes to a 17.50 dress from ASOS. Instead of invitations, we sent a group email. Instead of a venue, we booked a table at a Tribeca restaurant. I did my own makeup, and got my hair done at Drybar. I picked up a bouquet from a florist downtown. And it wasn't until days before we got married that we even thought about a cake. (Shout-out to my maid of honor who braved the Cronut line at Dominique Ansel Bakery to pick it up.)

Our close relatives flew in from Malta, the UK, the Netherlands, and Austin, Texas, for the occasion. My in-laws drove down from upstate New York. We also invited a couple of friends, the roommates my husband and I had when we met as neighbors living across the hall.

We waited in line with other couples being funneled through security. It felt like going through TSA, having our handbags inspected and walking through a metal detector. Then we got a ticket, like you would to pick up a sandwich at Katz's, and waited for our number to pop up on a screen.

Our lucky number. Chloe Pantazi-Wolber/Insider

When it was time, we walked into a small room and had a ceremony that lasted about 30 seconds. It was so fast, our officiant told guests to get their phones out to take pictures at the start of the ceremony because "it'll be quick"  words I'm used to hearing before a bikini wax.

We weren't asked to repeat anything after him, and said "I do."

It was a basic room and there were no fancy words, but it didn't matter. My heart was racing all the same.

As we left, our guests threw biodegradable confetti at us before we walked through City Hall Park to have our pictures taken (my dad was our photographer). Then we had lunch, cut our cake, and got the subway to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where we watched the sun set over drinks on the rooftop. It was a perfect, very New York day.

My husband's aunt hosted a lovely brunch for us the next day at her apartment and gifted us matching "Spouse A" and "Spouse B" T-shirts from the City Hall store. Naturally, I got Spouse A.

We got a wedding cake from Dominique Ansel Bakery. Chloe Pantazi-Wolber/Insider

Our UK wedding was worth the wait

It may not be conventional to plan a wedding with your spouse, but that's what we did.

We saved up, and with some help from our families, put down a deposit at a beautiful venue: Downing College, at the University of Cambridge. We booked an officiant for our vow renewal; we couldn't legally have a marriage ceremony, since we were already married.

We invited a hundred guests, and booked a band (Soul Patrol), photographer (Alice the Camera), videographer (McGill Sister Films), and florist (Riverside Rose). This time, I had a makeup artist (Makeup by Mary) and hairstylist (Glenda Mooney Hair) and ordered a custom cake (Compton & Kennedy).

There were British, American, and Greek touches, to honor our home countries and my Greek-Cypriot heritage. We had Pimm's cups and fish and chips in newspaper cones; a peanut-butter-and-chocolate tier in our cake and "Sweet Caroline" on the playlist; plus Greek dancing and almond-cookie favors from a Greek-Cypriot bakery.

A glimpse of our venue, Downing College. Courtesy of Alice the Camera

As much as I loved wedding planning, I found myself downplaying it in certain ways

Worried people might think we were vain to have a second celebration, I found myself trying to scale back anything that felt like "too much." I chose not to wear a veil, but now wish I had, and opted for simpler hair.

But when the day came, none of that mattered.

I felt like a million bucks in my Pronovias dress, and walking down the aisle to my husband felt special all over again. Being married also took the pressure off. The only worry I had was whether I'd be able to pull off the steps to our first dance in my train. (Just about!)

We danced the night away with our guests, and had the time of our lives. The evening culminated with the song from "Dirty Dancing," and yes we did the lift!

Our first dance included another lift! Courtesy of Alice the Camera

They were the best days of my life

Soon after our 2019 celebration, loads of couples rescheduled or adapted their weddings during the pandemic  and many had more than one. It showed me that weddings aren't one size fits all, and made me wish I hadn't let the fear of judgment get the best of me.

I feel lucky to have had our two weddings now, especially since we'd considered waiting for 2020 to save more for our big celebration. Had we done that, we wouldn't have been able to gather our family and friends in one place  for us, the most important part.

Looking back, having two weddings was a way to celebrate our love in my two homes, the US and the UK. They were the two best days of my life.

And now we get two anniversaries.

One of the two best days of my life. Courtesy of Alice the Camera

Read the original article on Insider
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lebanon must take urgent action on comprehensive economic reforms to avoid "irreversible consequences" for its economy, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday.

IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack told reporters that IMF staff concluded an Article 4 consultation with Lebanese authorities on June 1, and concluded that reforms were urgently needed to arrest the "severe and deepening crisis" facing the economy.

"Lebanon needs urgent action to implement a comprehensive economic reform program to arrest the severe and deepening crisis and to allow Lebanon's economy to recover," Kozack said, adding that the IMF was concerned that delays in implementing key reforms were keeping the economy severely depressed.

"We are concerned about irreversible consequences for the economy, especially for the poor citizens of Lebanon and the middle class," she said.

Kozack said the IMF remained engaged and was willing to support Lebanon, but the country would also need strong financial support from the broader international community to cover the "very large financial needs" it faces in coming years.

To that end, it was critical that the Lebanese government secure broad political support to implement the economic reforms that were agreed with IMF staff in April 2020 to end the current crisis, she said.

Kozack said IMF official Jihad Azour, a former Lebanese finance minister, was on temporary leave to avoid any perceived conflict of interest after his nomination by Lebanon's opposition, independent and main Christian parties to challenge Hezbollah-backed candidate Suleiman Franjieh for the presidency.

Azour, who heads the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia department, had temporarily relinquished his duties at the global lender and was now on leave "in order to avoid any perception of conflict of interest," she said.

Lebanon has had no head of state since President Michel Aoun's term ended at the end of October, deepening institutional paralysis in a country where one of the world's worst economic crises has been festering for years.

Pro-Iranian Hezbollah, the country's main armed political force, and its Shi'ite ally Amal, had backed Franjieh, 56, heir of an old Lebanese Christian political dynasty and an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with strong ties to the ruling political establishment in Damascus.

Opposition deputies said the consensus around Azour could help him garner the 65 votes needed in a secret ballot by lawmakers in the 128-member parliament to assume the post reserved for a Maronite Christian under the country's complex sectarian power sharing regime.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Paul Simao)
People pray over the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster at the abbey of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, near Gower, Mo., in April 2023. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Catholic tradition offers occasional examples of holy men and women whose bodies, exhumed some years after death, remained completely or partially untouched by the natural process of decay.

Sometimes witnesses have also reported the scent of flowers instead of the odor of decay from the open coffin; others have described seeing a bright light illuminating the grave itself.

These are examples of a rare phenomenon referred to as incorruptibility.

Clergy and laypeople sometimes argue these are special signs from God that the person should be venerated as a saint. Officially, however, incorruptibility is no longer considered a miracle, a requirement for proclaiming someone a saint.

As a specialist in Catholic liturgy and ritual, I know that these occurrences have a long and complicated history.

Past evidence

Techniques for anointing and embalming the bodies of the dead were well known in the ancient Near East and were used occasionally in Greek and Roman antiquity. However, in early medieval Europe, these techniques were rarely used until they were rediscovered in the later Middle Ages and practiced well into the Renaissance.

As medical knowledge expanded, these procedures became more sophisticated. Since the 18th century, church officials seriously considered other factors that could have rendered a body more immune from decay, like attempts at embalming or burial conditions supporting natural mummification.

Nonetheless, for many Catholics, incorruptibility was a sign of sanctity. There were also instances of partial incorruptibility, when only a part of the body would remain untouched by decay. These would also be preserved in a church or shrine and venerated by pilgrims.

Thousands of Catholics turned up to view the right arm of the 16th-century Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier, which was taken on a pilgrimage tour of Canada in 2017 and 2018. This saint, who became famous for baptizing thousands of people in Asia, was buried on an island off China upon his death. His body, considered incorrupt, was later returned to Goa in India, where the right arm was cut off and sent to the Jesuits in Rome. Over time, other parts of the body were also removed for veneration in other locations.

Catholics venerate the forearm of Saint Francis Xavier in Toronto in 2018. Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images

Today, the incorrupt body of a saint is no longer considered a miracle in support of a canonization, although a report can still prompt Catholics to travel to venerate it. In April 2023, for example, thousands of pilgrims traveled to Missouri to view the body of the founder of the Benedictine sisters of Gower, an independent monastic community of women following precepts set by sixth-century Italian monk St. Benedict of Nursia. Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster died in 2019, but her body and religious clothing were found to be virtually intact when her coffin was opened in 2023.

Why it matters today

Contemporary Catholic teaching situates the phenomenon of incorruptibility in the context of Christs resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven.

Elsewhere in the New Testament, St. Paul stresses this, and, like most Christian churches, the Catholic Church emphasizes that the resurrection of the faithful from the dead at the end of time will be like Christs own resurrection. The incorrupt bodies of some saints are understood to be a sign of that promise.

Usually, the incorrupt body is taken to a nearby church soon after its discovery and displayed to the faithful, often in a glass tomb. Since these remains frequently decay naturally after exhumation, the face and other parts may be covered with wax or silicone.

Catholics have always viewed saints as intercessors and partners in prayer, whether in gathering by their graves or venerating their relics, which could include pieces of bone, hair, ashes or clothing they have left behind. Even today, pilgrims travel miles to pray by the remains of these incorruptibles.

This is understood to be an exceptional expression of what Pope Francis has called the mysterious solidarity in Christ between the living and the dead in expectation of eternal life to come.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts, from an independent nonprofit. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Joanne M. Pierce, College of the Holy Cross.

Read more:



Joanne M. Pierce does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Indian American teen becomes one of world's youngest to earn PhD

[Source]

Dr. Tanishq Mathew Abraham is set to become one of the worlds youngest Ph.D. holders when he graduates from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), on June 15.

"Incredible" achievement: In a statement, Jean-Pierre Delplanque, vice provost and dean of graduate studies at UC Davis, praised Abraham, 19, for his achievement, saying that completing a doctoral degree was already an exceptional accomplishment, but in Abrahams case, to have already reached this milestone at such a young age is incredible, according to The Sacramento Bee.

Becoming a doctor: Abraham, who will receive his doctorate in biomedical engineering this quarter, became a doctor after he successfully defended his dissertation in May, announcing in a tweet: After 4 years 8 months in the @UCDavisGrad @UCDavisBMEGG graduate program, I am now Dr. Tanishq Mathew Abraham (at 19 years old)!!

Abrahams Ph.D. program reportedly focused on the development of AI systems used in diagnostic pathology.

The ceremony: The teenager's 90-year-old grandmother, Dr. Thankam Mathew, will be attending the graduation ceremony next week along with Abrahams 17-year-old sister, who earned her music degree at UC Davis last year and is now in her second year of a Master of Music program at Indiana Universitys Jacob School of Music.

More from NextShark: Rickshaw Driver's Daughter Who Mopped Floors to Afford School Named Miss India 2020 Runner-Up

Starting young: Homeschooled by his veterinarian researcher mother and software engineer father in Sacramento, California, Abraham enrolled in part-time college courses at the age of 7. He graduated from high school at 10 years old and graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering from UC Davis when he was 14 years old.

His inspiration: Abraham said he was inspired by his late grandfather, veterinary researcher Dr. Zachariah Mathew, and his grandmother, who reportedly became the first Indian woman veterinarian to receive a Ph.D. in the 1960s.

What's next: In a statement, Abraham noted that the world is now in the AI revolution, and he wants to continue to be a part of it.

More from NextShark: Possible suspect in death of Chinese food delivery worker once raged about duck sauce, restaurant owner says
FILE PHOTO: A man who is identified as Philip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot who is said to be held hostage by a pro-independence group, sits among separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region

By Kate Lamb and Ananda Teresia

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Separatists in the Indonesian region of Papua where a New Zealand pilot was taken hostage in February have been siphoning off government aid money to buy black market guns for a deadly guerrilla war, officials say.

The "Dana Desa" village fund introduced by President Joko Widodo in 2015 and valued at $4.7 billion this year has long been criticised as prone to corruption. Nowhere is the oversight of the scheme more challenging than in Papua's remote highlands.

More than 3,000km (1,800 miles) from Jakarta, Papuan rebels have been fighting for independence since the region rich in copper, gold, nickel and natural gas was absorbed by Indonesia after a 1969 vote.

The escalating insurgency is coinciding with a spike in illegal weapons sales in the region, according to lawyers and court documents, with the village fund providing a key source of revenue.

In 2015, there was just one case of illegal weapons and ammunition trade in Papua, court documents and reports show. By 2021, the number jumped to 14.

In Nduga, where Susi Air pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been held hostage for more than three months, so concerned are police the village fund is being used to buy guns they have asked the central government to withhold the $14 million allocated to the district this year.

"If we don't block this, then the village fund will flow to the village and they (rebels) might keep asking for support Maybe to buy weapons, to buy food," Papua police spokesperson Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo told Reuters.

Otomi Djiwangge, a spokesperson for the Nduga district government, said Dana Desa was "not supported by the right monitoring" and the local government had no authority to supervise it.

"So it's reasonable if the use of the village fund is somewhat loose and anyone can do what they want with it."

He did not comment on the claim the fund is utilised by rebels, as it was just a presumption, he said.

ILLEGAL ARMS

It is unclear how much of the $337 million in village funds allocated for the Papua region in 2023 is being diverted into arms.

But Faizal Ramadhani, head of the Cartenz Peace Operations taskforce which oversees security in Papua, told Reuters about 40% of illegal arms cases he investigated involved funds from the Dana Desa programme. He declined to provide further details.

Spokespeople for the national police and military declined to comment for this story.

The finance ministry, which oversees distribution of Dana Desa, said monitoring mechanisms were in place to ensure the funds were used as intended, but declined to comment on the claim that Papuan rebels have been misappropriating money.

In 2021, NGO Indonesia Corruption Watch identified 154 cases of alleged corruption related to the fund, the highest of any government sector spending.

Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, denied rebels used village funds but did say the group was in part inadvertently funded by the state.

"We have a rich land so we do it in our way. We can make money through gold mining and timber and also many government payments," he told Reuters. "We have a right to use that money."

Designed to spur economic growth, Dana Desa has tripled in size since 2015, but in Papua, some say there is little to show for it.

"I have never seen a project funded by the village fund, not at all," said Bernadus Kobogau, a tourism official in Intan Jaya. Instead, he said, deadly skirmishes once confined to the jungle now occur in the middle of town.

'REVOLUTIONARY TAX'

The increased firepower of Papua's rebels was evident in recent photos released along with a threat to shoot Mehrtens if independence talks don't start within two months.

The rebels in Nduga brandished a grenade launcher, several machine guns and 18 assault rifles, including those produced by state weapons munitions maker Pindad, according to Deka Anwar, from the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC).

"Gone are the days that Papuan rebels would save precious bullets," said Anwar. "Now they can shoot for days."

In Papua's highlands, village funds are treated like a "revolutionary tax", he said, commandeered either via intimidation and coercion, or given willingly by supporters of independence.

Deposited directly into village bank accounts, the funds are regularly handed out in cash by village heads in the Papuan highlands.

"They have a lot of money in Papua, so it is easy to buy the weapons," said Latifah Anum Siregar, director of the Democracy Alliance for Papua (AIDP) and a lawyer who covers illegal weapons sales cases.

Compounding the problem, rebels are mostly buying weapons from corrupt military and police officers, she said.

One officer travelled to the Papuan town of Nabire nine times to illegally sell weapons, according to court documents.

"In Indonesia we call it 'senjata makan tuan,'" said Siregar of a dynamic replete with irony: rebels weaponising state funds to fight against the state. "It means it backfires."

(Additional reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Aaron and Alison Smith, an American-Taiwanese couple living in the southern city of Kaohsiung, keep a checklist of warning signs over a possible Chinese invasion to help decide if the time is right to flee Taiwan.

Alison, who was born and raised in Kaohsiung, said that when the couple made the decision to move from Colorado to Taiwan in 2022, her husbands family in Denver grew alarmed.

Right before we moved back, Aarons family kind of questioned us, they heard that the threat is more and more serious and they asked, Are you sure you want to go back? she said in an interview with The Hill from the couples apartment in the southern port city.

And Taiwanese think, we heard those threats for over 40 years, its not a big deal. But the second day we moved back, the Ukraine and Russia war started  we do a lot of research and keep that in our minds.

Decades of Chinese threats and intimidation against the island have taken on new urgency in the wake of Russias full-scale invasion against Ukraine and rock-bottom relations between Washington and Beijing.

Caught in the middle is the democratically-governed island of Taiwan  a country that operates autonomously from the Peoples Republic of China but has strategically held back from demanding global recognition of its full independence.

Fear of Chinese invasion? For Taiwan, its just one doomsday scenario

The tropical islands mountain landscape  it boasts the highest peak in East Asia at nearly 13,000 feet  provides an advantage for its defense but is vulnerable on its coast, which is only about 100 miles from mainland China.

Kaohsiung, the islands primary port city and home to naval, army and air bases, is a natural target in the event of a Chinese blockade or massive air assault  if Chinese President Xi Jinping calculates the reward of aggression is worth the cost.

We do not renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary measures, Xi said about his designs on Taiwan, in a 2019 speech that sounded intense alarms across the island.

U.S. officials, while cautioning that Chinese military action is not inevitable, have warned that Chinas Peoples Liberation Army has the ambition of being capable of launching an invasion by 2027  a nod to the militarys 100th anniversary.

This is logical time, 2027, said Ming-Shih Shen, director for security research at Taipeis Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a think tank funded by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

But Ming-Shih added that timing is more important than timeline, and laid out a range of considerations that Beijing is likely to weigh before taking action.

If Taiwans military is perceived as being weak, he said, China may decide to take Taiwan like a piece of cake.

Preparing for the worst

Taiwans population is increasingly confronting the possibility of conflict, and are taking steps to prepare themselves.

In Taipei, classes provided in person and online through the nonprofit Kuma Academy aim to give civilians the tools and know-how to take care of themselves in the event of war.

Our goal is to awaken the Taiwanese public to realize that, in Xi Jinpings third term [as president], with his team not having a correct risk assessment and himself having no limit in his aggression, Taiwan has to be prepared, said Aaron Huang, who manages communications for the organization.

Huang said the academy builds its syllabus in close communication with Taiwans civil defense structures  such as the police or the Interior Ministry  understanding that in the event of an invasion the majority of the public would likely flee from the coast to the mountains and working out how this can be done in a safe and organized manner.

It is crucial that this part of the population, the larger part, could sustain themselves, Huang said of Kumas teachings.

So that means, to provide them with the knowledge and skills of how to avoid danger, how to protect themselves, how to sustain their basic, biological needs, and how to keep a family safe.

Kuma Academy lays out materials of an evacuation backpack that it encourages participants to bring to the course for civil defense training. (Courtesy Kuma Academy)



The academys logo is a black bear holding a rifle, but Huang said the academy does not engage in weapons training. Instead, the organization focuses on emergency first aid, like applying a tourniquet to grievous injuries and evacuating the wounded. Other training includes evading enemy forces, organizing into defensive groups that seek out safe shelter but are vigilant in identifying risks and avoiding danger.

The academy was founded in 2021 but held its first training in January 2022, amid the warnings surrounding Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Taiwan has to be prepared because the island hasnt been under the direct impact of warfare for over 70 years, Huang said.

Taiwans relations with China are an important political issue but are often trumped by criticisms of the government over how the COVID-19 pandemic was handled and the economy.

During the COVID-19, the government shows that I cannot trust them anymore, said Hsu, a 32-year-old waiter at the Kavalan Whisky bar in Taipei  the award-winning, domestic whisky is a point of pride for Taiwanese even as the country is more renowned for its semiconductor production.

Hsu was born and raised in Taipei and, even though shes disappointed with the last three years of the Democratic Progressive Party government (DPP), shes likely to vote for them in January presidential elections, viewing them as a better option than the most prominent opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT).

I only have two options, KMT and DPP, I still chose DPP.

She said she talks with her family about the threat from China and how they would react in the event of conflict and sees some generational differences on the issue.

My parents they might think they are from China, they and their parents, but for me, I think Im Taiwanese. Most of the people in my age range think of [themselves as] Taiwanese, dont want to identify as Chinese, she said.

And is the U.S. an important relationship for Taiwan?

Yes of course, Hsu said. I think its like China and U.S.A., Taiwan is in the middle. But since Taiwanese-China [tensions] is lasting about 60 years, I think its gonna last a little longer.

For Alison Smith, in Kaohsiung, how the politicians talk about China is the priority issue that will determine her vote.

Tension between Taiwan and China is number one, but for my friends: reduce the cost of the house, the economy. Every time I talk about politics with my friends or family, you are strange, alarmist.

In the wake of Russias invasion against Ukraine, Alison put together a go-bag in case of an emergency. Theres shelf-stable food and water, a solar-powered battery pack to charge cellphones, a first-aid kit, utility gloves to protect against sharp debris and a radio.

Alison and Aaron Smith at the former British Consulate Residence in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. (Laura Kelly)

The intelligence surrounding the buildup before Russias war also influences how the Smiths evaluate the warning signs of a possible Chinese invasion.

This includes whether travel warnings are issued for Americans to leave the island; if major companies begin evacuating their staff; if Chinese troop buildups are reported across the Taiwan Strait; if Beijing issues ultimatums against Taiwan; or if large-scale sanctions are imposed.

Theyve decided against buying a house in Taiwan or starting a business, concerned over the unpredictable geopolitical situation. While they plan to move back to the U.S. sometime in the future, theyd like to make that decision themselves and not under duress.

Generally, the couple find their lives in Kaohsiung  and Taiwan in general  relaxed, convenient and lively. Dinner out can include sampling foods in the winding aisles of the night market or taking a short ferry ride to a seafood restaurant on the island of Cijin.

They ride around the city on bikes or their motor-scooter, often toting their small dog, Gingrich (named after the Republican House Speaker who made a famous trip of U.S. solidarity to Taiwan in 1997.)

Not very optimistic

President Biden has said at least four times that U.S. forces would come to Taiwans defense in the event of a Chinese invasion, and the islands ability to withstand such aggression is heavily reliant on U.S. air and naval assistance.

Ming-Sheh, the security researcher, ticks off a list of scenarios describing how long Taiwan would need to hold out depending on from where the U.S. dispatches reinforcements.

An aircraft carrier from San Diego? Taiwan will have to hold out for two weeks, he said. From Hawaii  a shorter time frame, about a week or eight days. U.S. bombers from Guam could arrive faster, or an aircraft carrier from Japan would take two days.

Many congressmen ask our Minister of Defense, How long you hold your position? Many ministers have different answer: Maybe someone say four months, maybe someone say two weeks, its according to their thinking, not very optimistic calculation, he said.

The potential military cost for the U.S. to intervene is sobering, with tens of thousands of American forces killed and dozens of ships and hundreds of aircraft destroyed, according to a war games analysis carried out by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

But U.S. support for Taiwan in the face of aggression from China is a rare area of bipartisan support in Washington. Democrats and Republicans share the view that the Chinese Communist Party is an all-around threat to U.S. security and a democratic world order.

Taiwan is a cornerstone of the global economy and a vital partner of the United States, House lawmakers wrote in a recent report outlining recommendations to strengthen Taiwans defense.

Strengthening Taiwans ability to deter any threats from China are at the forefront of Taipeis concerns and Washingtons pledges of support  whether a military invasion, armed blockade, diplomatic isolation or information warfare.

The U.S. is working to fulfill a $19 billion backlog in military supplies to the island that American officials say is held up because of lingering COVID-19 supply chain issues and dormant production lines.

In late May, the U.S. delivered on a 2019 weapons order to Taiwan for 250 anti-aircraft Stingers, shoulder-mounted missiles viewed as a key munition for the islands defense.

Biden is also expected to announce the first tranche of $1 billion in weapons transfers to Taiwan directly from Department of Defense stockpiles that were earlier authorized by Congress, using the so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).

I think that what Taiwan needs is significant, Jessica Lewis, Assistant Secretary in the State Departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, told lawmakers on May 24 when asked if Congress should increase the PDA for Taipei in the next budget.

Taiwanese officials stress that they are also stepping up for their defense, putting renewed focus on their conscription army by extending mandatory service from four months to one year, training their reserves more intensely and broadcasting the dire consequences for China if it chooses military action.

Taipei has been stressing that conflict would crater the global economy. Sea routes transiting between 40 to 50 percent of the worlds commercial shipping would shut down, and semiconductor manufacturing responsible for more than 90 percent of the most advanced parts of the chips would be put at risk.

If the worst case scenario happens, that is when China is using force against Taiwan, the kind of impact will not be on Taiwan only, the impact is going to be on the rest of the world, Taiwans Foreign Minister Joseph Hu said in a briefing with international reporters in mid-May.

So we are working with major countries to deter China from using military force against Taiwan. And of course, we dont hope that war happens.

The writer was in Taiwan as part of a press trip paid for by the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Iowa will receive over $1 million in a recently negotiated settlement between 41 state attorneys general and Indivior Inc., the manufacturer of the opioid treatment drug Suboxone.

Suboxone is a drug used to treat opioid addiction by reducing cravings, withdrawal symptoms and the sedative effects of other opioids. The drug contains buprenorphine, described by the Department of Justice as a "powerful opioid." The company previously sold the treatment in tablet form, but later developed a film strip version of Suboxone that has fallen at the center of multiple legal controversies.

Former Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller joined Wisconsin in filing the lawsuit against Indivior in 2016. Forty-one attorneys general across the country accused Indivior of monopolizing the opioid treatment market after the creation of the film strip version through "product hopping," described in a news release as "making small changes to products in order to extend patent protections."

The lawsuit argued this practice allowed Indivior to essentially monopolize the opioid treatment market and "impede competition from generic equivalents." The lawsuit also accused Indivior of false advertising and price adjustments in violation of state and federal antitrust laws, according to the office of current Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

The company disputed the allegations, but agreed to a $102.5 million settlement.

Iowans deserve freedom and choice in the marketplace, Bird said in the news release announcing the settlement. This settlement makes clear that any single company who attempts to illegally control the drug market, or any market, will be held accountable.

Under the terms of the settlement, Indivior must also disclose information related to new drug products seeking FDA approval to the states involved in the lawsuit. The company must also notify the involved states within 30 days of beginning to market any drug products and must also give at least 30 days' notice prior to any major changes to the corporate structure.

Bird's office wrote in a release that these terms "will help ensure Indivior stops from engaging in future illegal conduct."

In a statement released by the company, Indivior's Chief Executive Officer Mark Crossley expressed gratitude that the legal dispute had come to a close.

Indivior is focused on helping those who suffer from substance use disorders, he said. "We take our role as a responsible steward of medications for addiction and rescue extremely seriously. Resolving these legacy matters at the right value allows us to further this mission for patients."

A subsidiary of the company previously pleaded guilty in 2020 to one felony count for falsely advertising Suboxone Film to the Massachusetts Medicaid Program. The company provided false data to claim that the strip version "had the lowest rate of pediatric exposure (i.e., children taking medication by accident) of all buprenorphine drugs in Massachusetts," according to the Department of Justice. The company's then-CEO Shaun Thaxter also pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor information in relation to the false statements.

Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at@francescablock3.

Editor's note: This article was updated to clarify the history of the lawsuit.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Indivior to pay over $1M to Iowa following country-wide lawsuit
Palestinian police inspect the damage to the West Bank apartment of Islam Faroukh, after Israeli troops demolished it following his indictment for twin bombings at Jerusalem bus stops that killed two Israelis last November (AHMAD GHARABLI)

Israeli troops on Thursday demolished the West Bank home of a Palestinian accused of carrying out twin bombings in Jerusalem last November that killed two Israelis, including a teenager.

The army used explosives to make the first floor apartment in Ramallah where Aslam Faroukh lived uninhabitable, an AFP journalist reported.

Faroukh was arrested in December and accused of carrying out the November 23 bombings at Jerusalem bus stops that killed a 15-year-old Israeli-Canadian and an Israeli in his 50s. They were the first bombings to have targeted Israeli civilians since 2016.

"The home was demolished after an appeal to the Supreme Court against the demolition was rejected," the army said in a statement.

Clashes erupted when troops entered Ramallah late Wednesday to carry out the demolition, an AFP correspondent reported, with Palestinians hurling rocks at Israeli military vehicles.

The Palestinian health ministry said that 35 people were wounded during the incursion.

The Israeli army said it had responded to "violent unrest" with "riot dispersal means".

"It was a long night, from 11 pm, (2000 GMT) until morning," said Um Mohammed Faroukh, a relative who lives in the area. "There was tear gas and young men were injured."

Moamen Sumreen, 22, a Palestinian journalist who was convering the Israeli raid, was seriously wounded after being hit in the head by a rubber bullet, his family told AFP.

His uncle Mohammed Sumreen, also a journalist, said they had been among a group of reporters watching events unfold from the roof of a nearby building.

"Throughout the coverage, the soldiers were shining laser lights on us, targeting us with gas bombs and firing live bullets in our direction," he said.

"Moamen wanted to change his position, he stood up and was directly hit by a bullet in the area under the ear," he said, noting that Sumreen was wearing a jacket marked "press" when he came under fire.

The Israeli army said that the incident was "under review".

Originally from Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, where he held an Israeli residency permit, Faroukh had lived in Ramallah for some years.

According to the army, he is alleged to have acted alone, "identifying with the Daesh (Islamic State group) organisation".

Israel, which has occupied the West Bank since 1967, routinely demolishes the homes of individuals it blames for deadly attacks on Israelis.

Human rights activists say the policy amounts to collective punishment, as it can render non-combatants, including children, homeless.

But Israel says the practice is effective in deterring some Palestinians from carrying out attacks.

Faroukh's mother, Um Aslam, told AFP that the demolition would only "increase their hatred and (desire for) revenge".

cg-gb/kir
The status of the former Spanish colony, considered a "non-self-governing territory" by the UN, has pitted Morocco against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front since the 1970s (-)

The speaker of Israel's parliament said Thursday his country "should move toward" recognising Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara, during an official visit to the North African kingdom.

"Israel should move toward that goal of recognising the Moroccan Sahara just as our closest ally the United States did... I supported and pushed toward that goal," Amir Ohana said during a news conference in Rabat.

"Serious discussions" between the countries over the issue are underway and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will be announcing his decisions in the near future", he added.

The Western Sahara dispute dates back to 1975, when colonial ruler Spain withdrew from the territory, sparking a 15-year war between Morocco and the Polisario Front movement seeking independence in the territory.

Rabat controls nearly 80 percent of the Western Sahara and sees the entire territory, home to abundant phosphates and fisheries, as its sovereign territory.

Rabat advocates for limited autonomy for the vast desert territory while the Polisario seeks independence and has called for a UN-supervised referendum on self-determination, but it has never taken place.

In December 2020, Morocco and Israel established full diplomatic relations as part of the Abraham Accords, which normalised Israeli ties with several Arab countries.

In return for normalisation with Israel, Rabat received from Washington recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Israeli-Moroccan cooperation in security, trade and tourism has since grown.

On Wednesday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met Israel's national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, the country's official MAP news agency said.

The two officials "welcomed the sustained momentum of strengthening bilateral cooperation", the agency said.

However, while politicians push for closer ties, sections of Morocco's public are cautious of the presence of ultra-nationalists in Israel's government, who are hostile to further talks with the Palestinians.

Around 50 people demonstrated in front Rabat's parliament Wednesday against Ohana's visit, following a call to protest by the Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine.

kao-isb/fka/noc/hkb
Israel to recognise Moroccan sovereignty over W.Sahara soon -official FILE PHOTO: The Negev Summit in Sde Boker

RABAT (Reuters) - Israel will soon announce its support for Morocco's claim of sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region, Israeli parliament speaker Amir Ohana said on Thursday during a visit to Rabat.

The Algerian-backed Polisario Front demands an independent state in Western Sahara. In 2020, then-U.S. President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's claim to the territory in return for its partial upgrade of relations with Israel.

"I am fully aware of the importance of the recognition of the Moroccan Sahara ... Israel should move towards the goal of recognising the Moroccan Sahara just as our closest ally the U.S. did," Ohana told reporters after talks with his Moroccan counterpart.

"There are currently serious discussions between our governments on that matter and I believe that Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu will be announcing this decision in the near future," he said.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that Israel was considering backing Morocco on Western Sahara and that the issue was being discussed within the Israeli National Security Council (NSC).

Morocco's conflict with the Polisario was frozen in 1991 with a U.N.-backed ceasefire that included a plan for a referendum to resolve the territory's status.

But rules for the referendum were never agreed and the U.N. Security Council stopped referring to it as an option in its resolutions, instead calling on parties to show compromise and work towards a "mutually acceptable solution".

A diplomatic source told Reuters that Israeli recognition of Moroccan rule over Western Sahara could lead to a full upgrade of Israeli-Moroccan ties. This would entail the countries' respective missions, now designated as liaison offices, becoming embassies with a free-trade pact possible down the line.

Winning support for its stand on Western Sahara is the ultimate goal of Moroccan diplomacy, which was boosted by Trump's recognition and the ensuing support of Western powers, such as former colonial power Spain, for Rabat's plan of autonomy for the territory.

(Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi, editing by Mark Heinrich)
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Reuters/Getty

Prior to Israels Nov. 1 election, there was one thing many of Itamar Ben-Gvirs critics, supporters, and even the man himself agreed on: Hed bring about change.

To his critics, this author included, this change would be disastrous. Ask Ben-Gvir and his supporters, however, and you would hear proclamations that hed provide Israelis a much-needed sense of security.

And yet, five months into his role as national security minister, the far-right politician who previously worshipped Jewish terrorist Baruch Goldstein has neither validated his opponents worst fears nor satisfied his voters needs. In fact, he has achieved astonishingly little.

This Extremist Could Destroy Israel as We Know It

Riding into power on the back of terrifying spikes in terrorism and crime that many Israelis felt went unaddressed by past governments, Ben-Gvirs promises to improve Israelis security have fallen flat. The first-time minister has so far proven woefully incapable of fulfilling ordinary tasks under his purview and the grandiose promises he continues to make.

Instead, he has pushed for changes that, while perhaps emotionally gratifying, do little, if anything, to make Israelis safer. In January, he visited the high-security Nafha Prison to ensure Palestinians jailed for security offenses hadnt benefited from recent renovations. In February, in a move expected to cost 1.5 million shekels ($404,000), he ordered the Katziot and Nafha prisons to remove ovens that jailed terrorists use to bake pita. Two weeks later, he instructed the Israel Prisons Service to shorten the allotted shower time for terror convicts.

Since Ben-Gvir came in, everything has been neglected and theyve shifted to talking in slogans, a senior law enforcement official recently told Haaretz. The Times of Israels Haviv Rettig Gur observed the same preference for talk over action, highlighting Ben-Gvirs February appearance on national television to declare the launch of a massive law enforcement operation in East Jerusalemwithout consulting or even notifying the broader government. The firebrand minister, Rettig Gur recalled, then seemed surprised that his slapdash declaration wasnt carried out.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks to the media at the weekly cabinet meeting in the prime minister's office in Jerusalem on May 28, 2023. Abir Sultan/Reuters

But while he has so far failed to clamp down on Palestinian terrorisman issue about which he cares deeplyhis apparent indifference to violence in Israels Arab sector is particularly striking. In March, reports emerged that Ben-Gvir nixed a 3 million shekel ($808,000) initiative by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee to fight crime in Israeli Arab communities. The Jointa 109-year-old relief organization operating in 70 countriesis a leftist organization, he said. Weeks later, a senior police source claimed that combatting the homicide wave is not the top priority for Ben-Gvir.

I Was Canceled for Criticizing Israel

His empty rhetoric continued. Speaking in May about the police response to the endless murders rocking Israels Arab communities, Ben-Gvir told officers at the Bedouin city Rahats police station to turn it up a notch.

For some, his ineffectiveness was predictable. Ben-Gvirs entire adult life has been dedicated to racist rabble-rousing, Haaretzs Anshel Pfeffer told me, so it shouldnt come as any surprise that as a minister in one of the most difficult of government departments he has achieved nothing more than hollow PR stunts.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also contributed to Ben-Gvirs failings. Despite relying on Ben-Gvirs Otzma Yehudit party to form government, prompting concerns that he would be held hostage to its extremist demands, Netanyahu has so far successfully prevented Ben-Gvirs dangerous fantasies from materializing. He managed to get Netanyahu to upgrade his title to National Security Minister, Pfeffer said, but the same Netanyahu refuses to allow him to join national security briefings because of his notorious tendency to leak everything.

At times, Bibis sidelining of his national security minister has been plainly humiliating. In May, already furious at Ben-Gvirs exclusion from security discussions, Otzma Yehudit announced it was boycotting Knesset votes over what it deemed the governments feeble response to Gazan rocket fire at Israeli cities.

I Fought For Israel, Now Im Fighting to End the Permanent Occupation of the Palestinian Territories

Netanyahus Likud Party did not hold back. The prime minister is the one who decides who is a relevant participant in the discussions, it said in a statement. If this is unacceptable to Minister Ben-Gvir he does not have to remain in the government. Only days later, Israel launched an operation against the Gazan terror group Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Then reports emerged that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant chose not to inform Ben-Gvir about the planned strikesout of fear he would leak information.

Smoke rises following an Israeli strike in Gaza on May 10, 2023. Ahmed Zakot/Reuters

Unfortunately, Ben-Gvirs incompetence carries tangible and tragic consequences. As of this writing, Palestinian terror attacks against Israelis have claimed 20 victims in 2023, and the violence shows no signs of abating. Among Israels Arab population, the murder rate has more than doubled since the same point last year: 90 Arab citizens have been murdered this year alone. As for protection rackets, thought to cost Israels agricultural industry up to 1.5 billion shekels ($404 million) annually, Otzma Yehudit put forward a bill to address the issue, despite the attorney general warning its proposals will be ineffective.

While this ineptitude enables such violence to continue, his ascension to such a position of poweruntil recently unimaginable for an extremist of his ilksimultaneously empowers radicals on Israels far right. Finally feeling represented in a key governmental post, those long confined to Israels political fringes can increasingly flex their muscles, knowing the national security minister is in their corner.

And he proved just that after Jewish extremists terrorized the Palestinian town Huwara in February, setting fire to cars and homes in scenes previously unseen in the Jewish state. Ben-Gvir, who built his career as a lawyer defending suspected Jewish terrorists, blasted Israeli authorities decision to hold two of the suspects in administrative detention. When another three suspects were placed in administrative detention, he met their parents, reportedly telling them he was working toward their release.

Israels Spying on Palestinians Is So Pervasive It Would Shame Some Dictatorships

Still relatively new to his role, Ben-Gvirs inability to implement effective policy isnt guaranteed to continue. Haaretz reported in May that he formed a committee to help launch the National Guard Netanyahu promised him. Whether that guard will wreak the havoc its most staunch critics fear, improve Israelis safety, become another symbol of impotence, or never see the light of day remains to be seen.

But with the recent passing of the budget drastically weakening Ben-Gvirs leverage over Netanyahu, the debutant minister may soon find himself rendered even more irrelevant in parliament.

Whether Israel is better off with an extremist national security minister who brings no concrete solutions to the countrys security issues, or one who successfully implements his radical ideas is anyones guess. Either way, Ben-Gvir is unlikely to disappear from the political scene anytime soon. As long as hes around, the people he promised to protect are worse off for it.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
By Ali Sawafta

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) -Clashes erupted after Israeli forces raided the city of Ramallah in the West Bank early on Thursday in what the military said was an operation to demolish the house of a Palestinian accused of a Jerusalem double-bombing last year.

The Palestinian health ministry said at least 35 people were wounded, including at least 20 by live bullets. Two people suffered serious abdominal wounds while a third was hit by a rubber bullet which penetrated his skull.

A Reuters journalist said a large military convoy arrived in downtown Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian government in the occupied West Bank, leading hundreds of Palestinians to gather in the area.

Some Palestinian youths hurled stones at the Israeli soldiers, who fired live bullets, stun grenades and tear gas at the crowd, the journalist said. Trash bins that were set on fire blocked roads as ambulance sirens wailed.

The military said soldiers were confronted by crowds throwing petrol bombs and rocks and responded with live fire. It said a Palestinian photojournalist was hit by a rubber bullet and the incident was being reviewed.

The Israeli military said its forces carried out the operation to demolish the house of Islam Faroukh, who was arrested last year on suspicion of carrying out a deadly bombing attack in Jerusalem.

The attack in November killed two people, including an Israeli-Canadian teenager, and wounded at least 14 others in what police said were coordinated explosions of improvised bombs planted at bus stops near the city exit and in a junction leading to a settlement.

Israel routinely destroys the houses of those it suspects of carrying out attacks as a deterrence measure that critics see as collective punishment, which is illegal under international humanitarian law.

"What the occupation authorities did was a heinous crime," Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh was quoted as saying the the official WAFA news agency. "It turned an entire family overnight into a homeless family."

Hours before the raid, the U.S. envoy to Palestinians, Hady Amr, met with senior Palestinian official Hussein Al-Sheikh.

Violence in the West Bank, among territories where Palestinians seek statehood, has risen sharply during the past year. Israel has intensified its military raids amid a spate of deadly street attacks carried out by Palestinians in its cities.

The Palestinian health ministry said at least 158 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since January. Israel's foreign ministry said 20 Israelis and two foreign nationals have been killed in Palestinian attacks in the same period.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Henriette Chacar; Editing by Grant McCool and Angus MacSwan)
Israeli troops staged a rare incursion into Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority government in the occupied West Bank, prompting clashes the Palestinian Ministry of Health said left at least six people wounded.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation early Thursday was to demolish the home of Islam Faroukh, who is accused of two November 2022 bombings that killed two Israelis and injured dozens of others in Jerusalem.

Israeli security forces regularly raid Palestinian cities such as Jenin, Nablus and Jericho, but an incursion into Ramallah on this scale is extremely unusual.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported more than 100 Israeli military vehicles were involved in the incursion, calling it an all-night raid.

Among the wounded was a photojournalist for Al-Arabi TV, Moumen Sumrin, who was hit in the head with a rubber bullet. Video from the scene showed he was wearing a press vest at the time. The rubber bullet fractured his skull behind the ear and caused bleeding inside the skull, but does not appear to have caused an injury to the brain, Dr. Fadel Al-Batran said.

He is conscious and in stable condition, the doctor told journalists.

The IDF acknowledged reports that a Palestinian journalist was wounded in the incursion. They did not name Sumrin in their statement.

An initial inquiry suggests that a Palestinian photojournalist who was in the area of the violent and crowded riots was injured, likely by a rubber bullet. The details of the incident are under review. The IDF makes every effort to prevent any harm to non-combatants during operational activity and to allow freedom of movement and the press, the statement said.

Palestinians inspect the site where Israeli forces demolished the house of Islam Faroukh, who was accused of carrying out two bombings in November. - Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The Faroukh family apartment was blown up from the inside because it was on the first floor of a four-story building, Wafa said. Faroukhs parents and four sisters lived there, the official news agency added.

The IDF regularly demolishes the homes of people they accuse of attacks against Israelis as punishment of suspects and their families.

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh vowed the home would be rebuilt.

Every house demolished by the occupation will be rebuilt, he said Thursday.

The IDF said Israels Supreme Court had rejected a petition against demolition of the home.

Faroukh was arrested in December, the IDF said.

The IDF said people threw stones and Molotov cocktails at their forces during the raid and that troops responded with live fire and riot dispersal measures. No IDF troops were injured, the military said.

CNNs Hadas Gold contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
GENEVA (Reuters) - The Israeli government's proposed judicial overhaul poses a threat to Palestinians, an independent body set up by the United Nations said on Thursday, adding to foreign scrutiny of the now-suspended reforms.

The proposals, which would curb some Supreme Court powers and increase government sway over judicial appointments, have set off unprecedented protests in Israel and Western worries for the independence of Israel's judiciary.

As part of a 56-page report, the commission of inquiry (COI) cited preliminary legislation including bills that could increase taxation of pro-Palestinian NGOs and limit their ability to document Israeli soldiers' activities in the occupied West Bank.

Other proposals by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition would strip members of Israel's Arab minority of citizenship and allow for their deportation if they commit pro-Palestinian violence, the report said.

"The proposed changes would dismantle fundamental features of the separation of powers and of the checks and balances essential in democratic political systems," it said.

"Legal experts have warned that they risk weakening human rights protections, especially for the most vulnerable and disfavoured communities, including Palestinian citizens," it added.

Netanyahu says the proposed reforms would balance out the branches of government and roll back court overreach. But he put them on hold in March to allow for compromise talks with opposition parties.

Israel's mission to the U.N. in Geneva said the report contained false accusations. "The claims against Israel presented in the latest report are widely based on so-called public hearings which would be better described as kangaroo trials," it said. "The COI also appears to reject all submissions that do not fit its prejudged narrative."

The commission, set up by the UN's Human Rights Council in 2021, found Israel has increasingly stifled rights advocates, "through harassment, threats, arrests, interrogations, arbitrary detention, torture and inhuman and degrading treatment."

The commission, which conducted around 130 interviews, also found Palestinian authorities in the occupied West Bank and Gaza to have targeted Palestinian rights activists.

"The arrest and detention of Palestinian activists by both Israeli and Palestinian authorities was noted as a particularly harsh reality for many Palestinian activists," the report said.

(Reporting by Dan Williams and Emma Farge; Editing by Christina Fincher)
ROME  Azerbaijan has signed to purchase the Italian C-27J airlifter, becoming the 17th nation to buy the aircraft, manufacturer Leonardo announced on Thursday.

Without stating the number of planes bought or the value of the deal, Leonardo said the sale was a spin-off of closer energy ties between Italy and Azerbaijan, which supplies gas via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline to Italy.

After reducing its reliance on Russian gas, Rome is currently seeking to double the capacity of the TAP route.

Initially linked to the energy sectors, the collaboration between Italy and Azerbaijan is now also extended to defense industry products thanks to the valuable contribution provided by the Italian Ministry of Defence working group, Leonardo said.

Talks between the defense ministries of the two countries to reach the deal reflects Italys growing use of government-to-government negotiations to sell products produced by state controlled firms Leonardo and Fincantieri.

Existing customers flying the C-27J tactical transport include the air forces of Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Morocco, Zambia, Romania, Kenya, Chad, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovenia and Australia.

In the United States, the aircraft is operated by the Coast Guard and U.S. Special Operations Command.

Leonardo said the aircraft has now notched up 170,000 flight hours.

The Italian Air Force is currently funding the development of two variants of the aircraft. The C-27J EW-Jedi is an electronic warfare variant designed to knock out electronic threats to ground forces including IEDs. Three Jedi aircraft are planned.

The second variant, known as the Praetorian, will offer a palletized gun, carry precision guided munitions and offer support to special forces.

Editors note: This story was updated on June 8 to correct the list of countries with C-27J planes in their inventories.
Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner's Reportedly Shady Finances Are Being Called Out by This Former Donald Trump Ally



If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

Chris Christie was once a Donald Trump ally, but now, hes a competitor in the race for the Republican Party nomination for president. The former governor of New Jersey isnt just criticizing his opponent on the campaign trail, hes also taking on Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushners previous roles in the White House.

More from SheKnows

At a New Hampshire town hall forum on Tuesday, Christie went right for the jugular when it comes to the controversial couples finances. The grift from this family is breathtaking, he said at his campaign launch. Its breathtaking. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House, and months later get $2 billion from the Saudis. Hes referring to the $2 billion funding that Public Investment Fund, which is backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, put into Kushners investment firm. This investment is currently being investigated by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform to determine whether Kushner used his position of influence for financial gain.

Kate Middleton didn't look very interested in the conversation between Ivanka Trump and Prince William. https://t.co/JBJJ4feOjE  SheKnows (@SheKnows) June 3, 2023

And Christie didnt stop there with his criticism; he had a lot more to say about the Breaking History authors perceived abuse of power. You think its because hes some kind of investing genius? Or do you think its because he was sitting next to the president of the United States for four years doing favors for the Saudis? He continued, Thats your money. Thats your money he stole and gave it to his family. You know what that makes us? A banana republic.

Breaking History: A White House Memoir

Click here to read the full article.

Price: $35.00 $10.81

Buy On Amazon

Christie also had time to sling a bit of mud Donald Trumps way by describing his as a lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog is not a leader. Its going to be a long 2024 presidential election cycle, folks, buckle up!

Before you go, click here to see every time Ivanka Trump has tried to distance herself from the Trump family:

Ivanka Trump

Launch Gallery: A Look Back at Presidential Families Through the Decades

Best of SheKnows

Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter.

For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A case manager at the Jackson County jail is among four people accused of running a smuggling ring that supplied inmates with a type of synthetic marijuana.

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against Aaron D. Copes, 42, of Grandview, in the Western District of Missouri. He is charged with a single conspiracy count of using facilities in interstate commerce to further illegal activity.

He is charged alongside alleged associates Deanna K. Clark, 32, Stephanie McDaniel, 31, and James A. Booker Jr., 37. All are residents of the Kansas City area and face the same conspiracy charge, according to prosecutors.

A federal indictment unsealed Tuesday alleges the conspiracy ran between March 2020 and October 2021.

Two co-conspirators, inmates at the county jail, told authorities they assisted with smuggling the synthetic cannabinoid K2 to other inmates. Neither was charged in the federal indictment.

Copes, the detention centers case manager, is accused of accepting cash bribes and sexual favors in exchange for his role in supplying the synthetic drug, which is not allowed in the jail.

Prosecutors say the synthetic cannibanoid was soaked into sheets of paper that were smuggled inside the facility.

Under federal law, each of the alleged conspirators faces a five-year prison term plus a $250,000 fine as a maximum penalty if convicted.
A representative for Jamie Foxx has shut down conspiracy theories that the actors recent hospitalisation was due to the Covid-19 vaccine leaving him partially paralyzed and blind.

In a statement to NBC News, Foxxs representatives called the claims completely inaccurate.

The conspiracy theory began on 30 May, when Hollywood gossip columnist AJ Benza made the unsubstantiated claim on Ask Dr Drew, hosted by reality TV host Dr Drew Pinsky. During the podcast episode, Benza alleged that Foxx was forced to get the Covid-19 vaccine while he was working on a film, citing a source in the room with Foxx when he was hospitalised.

Benza claimed Foxx developed a blood clot in the brain after receiving the vaccine, which caused him at that point to be partially paralyzed and blind.

Despite Foxxs representatives refuting Benzas claims, it hasnt stopped far-right commentators from spreading the anti-vaccination conspiracy theory on the internet.

Political commentator Candace Owens peddled the theory on her YouTube-based podcast, where she has 1.67m subscribers, on 6 June. In the video, titled Whats Going On With Jamie Foxx?, Owens suggested there may be some veracity to Benzas claim because nobody in Foxxs family had denied it at the time.

Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk also weighed in on the claim, tweeting on 1 June that he was infuriated a decent person like Jamie Foxx fell victim to Big Pharma because a movie set is still dumb enough to mandate their cash cow clot shot.

Theres been much speculation surrounding Jamie Foxxs health after the 55-year-old actor was hospitalised in April following a medical complication. On 12 April, his daughter Corinne Foxx shared in a social media statement that the Django Unchained star experienced a medical complication yesterday.

Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers, she said. The family asks for privacy during this time.

Foxx was filming the forthcoming Netflix film Back in Action in Georgia when he was taken to a medical facility. Many rumours soon emerged about Foxxs health. While most reports suggested that the actor was recovering, one source told Radar that his friends and family were hoping for the best  but preparing for the worst.

On 3 May, Jamie Foxx broke his silence on social media when he thanked fans for their support. Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed [prayer, heart and fox emoji], the actor shared on his Instagram Story.

Meanwhile, his daughter Corinne later rebuked claims that his family were preparing for the worst and revealed that the actor had been out of the hospital for weeks.

Update from the family: Sad to see how the media runs wild. My Dad has been out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating, she shared on her Instagram on 12 May. In fact, she continued, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyones prayers and support! We have an exciting work announcement coming next week too!
People including plaintiffs' lawyers hold banners and flags after the lower court ruled that not allowing same-sex marriage was unconstitutional outside Nagoya district court

By Elaine Lies

TOKYO (Reuters) -A Japanese court on Thursday said a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional but it raised concerns about the dignity and human rights of same-sex couples, a ruling short of activists' expectations but still seen as a step forward.

The judgement by the Fukuoka district court came a week after another district court said it was unconstitutional to ban same-sex marriage, bolstering hopes for change among the LGBTQ community in Japan, the only Group of Seven nation without legal protection for same-sex unions.

Five rulings on same-sex marriage have been handed down in Japan over the past two years - two concluding the ban was unconstitutional, one saying it was not, and two, including Thursday's, upholding the ban but raising other rights concerns.

A Tokyo court last year upheld the ban but said a lack of legal protection for same-sex families violated their rights.

The Fukuoka court echoed that Tokyo judgement, saying that while not allowing same-sex marriage was within the constitution, it went against a clause saying marriage and family matters were based on individual dignity, terming it a "state of unconstitutionality".

Masahiro, a plaintiff who gave only his first name, said he was encouraged by the overall trend in the court cases.

"Four of the five rulings so far have either found not allowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional or is at odds with part of the constitution," he told a press conference.

"It does feel as if we took a step forward, so I'm relieved."

Opinion polls show about 70% of the public supports same-sex marriage but the conservative ruling party of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida opposes it.

Kishida in February sacked an aide after he sparked outrage by saying that people would flee Japan if same-sex marriage was allowed and that he did not want to live next to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender couples.

Kishida has remained noncommittal about the issue despite strong pressure from other G7 nations, especially the United States, in the run-up to Japan's hosting of the G7 leaders' summit last month.

"We would have liked for this ruling to have been a stronger message to parliament that the law needs to be changed," said another plaintiff, identified as just Kosuke.

'MISUNDERSTANDINGS'

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference it was necessary to pay close attention to public opinion at all levels when considering same-sex marriage.

Business lobbies have called for change, arguing that without diversity including LGBTQ rights, the world's third-largest economy will not be globally competitive.

More than 300 municipalities throughout Japan covering about 65% of the population allow same-sex couples to enter partnership agreements but their rights are limited.

Partners cannot inherit each other's assets or have parental rights to each other's children, and hospital visits aren't guaranteed.

Kishida's government promised to pass a law promoting "understanding" of LGBTQ people before the G7 summit, but opposition from conservatives delayed it so much that a watered-down version is likely to only come to a vote next week.

The initial draft stipulated that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity should "not be tolerated" but was changed to "there should be no unfair discrimination", wording critics say tacitly allows bigotry.

Taiwan legalised same-sex unions in 2019 in a first for Asia, and the front-runner to become Thailand's next prime minister on Sunday promised to pass a law to allow same-sex marriages if he becomes premier.

Wataru Ishizaka, an openly gay member of a Tokyo assembly, said he was relieved by the ruling but much remained to be done.

"These court cases have attracted public attention to LGBT issues, and understanding has progressed to a certain extent," he said. "But there are still misunderstandings."

(Additional reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim, Gerry Doyle, Robert Birsel)
"New SSM," Japan MoD

Japan has kicked off a project to field a new coastal, anti-ship cruise missile as part of the country's Defense Buildup Program. The new SSM [surface-to-ship missile]" represents one of many new missile projects, including hypersonic missiles, recently announced by Japan's Ministry of Defense specifically for "island defense." It's likely the new missile will be used on Japans southern islands, including around the Senkakus, to deter Chinese military aggression against what is known as the First Island Chain.

According to a press release from the Japanese MoD dated June 6, the contract for the new cruise missile was awarded to Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) on June 2. As the press release notes, the research and development period for the missile, centered on elemental technologies for new anti-ship guided missiles for island defense, stretches from 2023 through 2027. Local Japanese media reports on the new cruise missile  which the country has been researching for several years  suggest it will have a range of 2,000 kilometers (just over 1,242 miles). While the press release does not stipulate the value of the contract, Japan's Fiscal Year 2023 budget had earmarked $257 million for research on a new multi-mission anti-ship missile, leading to a prototype featuring a low radar cross-section (stealthy).

As part of the press release, the Japanese MoD also provided the first cutaway illustration of the missile titled modularization study. The illustration reveals two separate sensors within the missiles nose as well as the location of a modular warhead. The artwork also shows the air-breathing missile with a pair of pop-out wings and with a set of four tail fins/stabilizers behind.

Cutaway illustration of the "new SSM." Japanese MoD

Of course, it should be noted that KHI has been developing a prototype for a new long-range cruise missile for several years, in accordance with Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) specifications. A scale model of the company's island defense anti-ship missile was unveiled in March at the DSEI Japan 2023 exhibition.

KHI's prototype missile certainly seems to match the general characteristics of the "new SSM." Quoting KHI officials, Naval News reports that KHI's island defense anti-ship missile is designed for high maneuverability over long ranges. It will be able to be employed from warships, aircraft, and land-based launchers, and could be modified to enable launch from submarines. In terms of its engine, KHI's missile will be fitted with the KJ300, a new turbofan engine currently under development by the company.

https://twitter.com/LokmanKaradag1/status/1637105066590240769?s=20

Moreover, as Janes reports, KHI's missile will be guided by an inertial navigating system (INS) and global positioning system (GPS) during its cruise phase, and will use an infrared (IR) and/or a radio frequency (RF) seeker for terminal guidance. Pairing infrared and radar seekers will make the missile far less vulnerable to countermeasures, such decoys and jamming (both IR and RF), and will significantly improve its probability of a kill.

The island defense anti-ship missile has a length of between six and ten meters (around 20 to 33 feet) and will be able to achieve a subsonic speed of Mach 0.8. KHI also stresses the missile will be capable of other mission sets due to its modular design, allowing for different payload configurations. These could include land attack, electronic warfare, and even reconnaissance configurations.

https://twitter.com/GBP16691446/status/1636707265313898498?s=20

Japan has been pushing to produce new land attack cruise missiles, as well as anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of similar ranges to Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, or TLAM, since at least 2017. The latest Block IV variant of the American-made TLAM, has a range of approximately 1,000 miles. This push was originally in large part a response to growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear weapon and missile capabilities, although China was also a factor. The country has also looked to introduce a long-range cruise missile capability to its existing submarine fleet, or future submarines. Those missiles, as The War Zone has indicated, would have a range of over 620 miles, and would be fielded in the latter half of the 2020s.

Indeed, Japan has also looked to extend the range of its Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles used for coastal defense. The "upgraded" version of that missile is expected to have a range of at least 900 kilometers (just under 560 miles), reaching a maximum of 1,200 kilometers (just over 745 miles). This is a sizeable increase compared to the 200 kilometer (just over 124 mile) range of the original Type 12 missile.

Test-firing of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Type 12 anti-ship missile. JGSDF

Most recently, the country has moved forward with efforts to bulk-purchase 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the U.S., which began in April of this year.

Yet the designation of a "new SSM" specifically for "island defense" points to disputes with both China over islets in the East China Sea and with Russia over Sakhalin. As The War Zone has noted in the past, Japan has a particular stake in protecting the disputed islands within the First Island Chain  an area of the Pacific inside a boundary formed by the first line of archipelagos out from mainland East Asia  such as the Senkaku Islands. These islands would likely be targeted in a potential conflict with China.

A Pentagon infographic showing the geographic boundaries of the First and Second Island Chains. U.S. DoD

Clearly, Tokyo believes it needs to invest in weapons such as cruise missiles as part of a wider strategy to deter Chinese military aggression through that countrys growing naval capabilities. More broadly, Japan has committed to a record defense budget for Fiscal Year 2023, amounting to around 7 trillion yen (over $50 billion), in the face of growing tensions with its regional neighbors North Korea and China. Japan has been extending its military capabilities in other notable areas, it should be mentioned, including the development of aircraft carriers and hypersonic missiles.

Of course, this calls into question just how far Japan remains a pacifist nation, with the countrys constitution ruling out offensive action. Indeed, Japan has emphasized its procurement of cruise missiles as acts of self defense in the recent past to reflect this. Yet in 2014, Japan said Article 9 of the constitution wouldnt apply to collective self-defense or aiding allies under attack, signaling a possible change of posture from Tokyo. There has also been talk in recent years of Japan doing away with Article 9 altogether, with the debate growing in light of threats from China and North Korea.

Considering its present defense priorities, Japan's decision to field a new coastal anti-ship cruise missile further underscores the country's push towards a more assertive defensive posture.

Contact the author: oliver@thewarzone.com
Jobs for Ohios Graduates comes to Ashland County, housed at Job and Family Services

Jobs for Ohio Graduates is located at Job and Family Services in Ashland.

ASHLAND  Jobs for Ohios Graduates (JOG) is bringing its services to Ashland County.

Since 1987, JOG has helped youth with multiple barriers to complete their education and transition to employment at a livable wage or post-secondary job training. Some of the services include employability skill development, GED assistance, leadership development, work experience programs and job linkage to name a few. The services help people ages 14-24 enrolled in in-school and out-of-school programs.

Chris Canova, executive director at JOG said, We work with young people to establish educational and employment goals and we attain them through a combined effort. JOG is a program that individuals, schools, and communities can count on to produce well-equipped tax-paying citizens.

We have served thousands of young people to overcome barriers to graduation and positively transition them into employment and post-secondary training opportunities through the efforts of our career specialists, and we are excited to bring these opportunities to Ashland County."

JOG's Ashland location is inside Ashland County Job and Family Services, 15 W. Fourth St.

For more information contact Joseph Cantwell at jcantwell@jogworks.org, or call 330-374-9445.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Jobs program helps youth get education needed to join job market
FIRST ON FOX: The lawyer for Joran van der Sloot has again appealed his client's upcoming temporary transfer to the U.S. with time running out.

Van der Sloot is the prime suspect in the May 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway in Aruba during a Mountain Brook High School, Alabama, senior trip. He's facing federal charges relating to an alleged extortion scheme connected to her disappearance.

Maximo Altez, a lawyer for van der Sloot, told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that he has filed another appeal in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to stop his client from being temporarily transferred to the U.S., where he'll face federal charges.

In the filing obtained by Fox News Digital, Altez writes that he's filing the "Precautionary measure to avoid the extradition of [Joran van der Sloot]." The filing was presented to the court on Wednesday afternoon.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT CASE: FBI PLANE LANDS IN PERU FOR TRANSFER OF PRIME NATALEE HOLLOWAY SUSPECT

Altez also told Fox News Digital that the Peruvian court hasn't yet denied his habeas corpus petition filed on Tuesday.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Time is running out as van der Sloot's lawyer seeks to stop the transfer. Col. Carlos Lopez Aeda, the chief of Interpol in Lima, Peru, told Fox News Digital earlier that the FBI will leave Lima with the Dutch national on Thursday.

The habeas corpus petition by Altez says his client wasn't notified by Peruvian officials of the "temporary extradition" process that was ongoing against him, which Altez contends is a "serious constitutional violation."

On Wednesday, a Peruvian court ordered the director of Ancon 1 Prison to notify van der Sloot of the upcoming transfer.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT WILL LIKELY BE TRANSFERRED TO US DESPITE LAST-MINUTE EFFORTS: INTERPOL OFFICIAL

Joran van der Sloot of the Netherlands is escorted by officers at police headquarters in Lima, Peru, on June 5, 2010. Chile deported van der Sloot, who is wanted for the murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores in Lima and has been linked to the 2005 disappearance of an American teenage girl in Aruba, to Peru.

Van der Sloot is being held in a Peruvian prison for the murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores in 2010. He was originally sentenced to 28 years in prison for the killing, but more time was added because of a drug smuggling scandal he was involved in while in jail.

Van der Sloot is facing charges of extortion and wire fraud in the U.S. after he allegedly tried to sell Beth Holloway, Natalee's mother, information regarding the location of her daughter's body in March 2010.

Federal prosecutors say van der Sloot asked for $250,000  $25,000 upfront for the information and the rest to be paid out when the body of Natalee Holloway was positively identified.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT CASE: DUTCH OFFICIALS ADVISE PRIME NATALEE HOLLOWAY SUSPECT TO FIGHT TRANSFER, LAWYER SAYS

Natalee Holloway was last seen alive in Aruba while on a Mountain Brook, Alabam, high school senior trip.

However, van der Sloot lied to Beth Holloway's lawyer, John Q. Kelly, about where her daughter's remains were located, according to American prosecutors.

George Patriot Seymore, a spokesperson for Beth Holloway, said in a Monday statement that "Beth Holloway is pleased that Joran van der Sloot will soon be temporarily extradited to the United States to face justice for his crimes, finally getting justice for Natalee."

In an earlier statement when the Peruvian court announced the transfer of van der Sloot, Beth Holloway said this gives a chance for justice to finally be served.

"I was blessed to have had Natalee in my life for 18 years, and as of this month, I have been without her for exactly 18 years. She would be 36 years old now," Beth Holloway said. "It has been a very long and painful journey, but the persistence of many is going to pay off. Together, we are finally getting justice for Natalee."
Joran van der Sloot to face US justice system 18 years after Natalee Holloway's disappearance in Aruba

Joran van der Sloot, the prime suspect in Natalee Holloway's 2005 disappearance, will face the U.S. criminal justice system just over 18 years after Holloway was last seen during a high school senior trip to Aruba.

Holloway went missing during the Mountain Brook High School Class of 2005's trip, and the FBI said she was last seen the evening of May 29, 2005, leaving Carlos 'N Charlie's Nightclub in Oranjestad. Holloway was leaving the area with three men around 1:30 a.m., including van der Sloot. She didn't return to her hotel room at the Holiday Inn and was never seen again.

A general view of the Holiday Inn resort in Noord, Aruba May 12, 2023. The Holiday Inn resort is where Natalee Holloway stayed in 2005 before she disappeared.

Holloway, 18 years old at the time of her disappearance, would have been 36 today.

While police initially arrested van der Sloot, he was released due to a lack of evidence against him.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT CASE: LAWYER FOR NATALEE HOLLOWAY SUSPECT MAKES LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO BLOCK TRANSFER TO US

Joran van der Sloot will be extradited from Peru to the U.S. Thursday.

A 2010 federal indictment alleges van der Sloot extorted Beth Holloway by making her pay $250,000 to learn where her daughter's remains were located. After a deposit of $25,000 was paid, van der Sloot allegedly lied to Beth Holloway's lawyer, John Q. Kelly, about where her daughter's remains were located, according to American prosecutors.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The FBI's Birmingham, Alabama, field office worked the case, and charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

Dutch national Joran van der Sloot during his preliminary hearing in the Lurigancho prison in Lima Jan. 6, 2012.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whisonant, who prosecuted van der Sloot, told Fox News Digital he is "very confident" about evidence against van der Sloot.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT WILL LIKELY BE TRANSFERRED TO US DESPITE LAST-MINUTE EFFORTS: INTERPOL OFFICIAL

Natalee Holloway was last seen alive in Aruba while on a Mountain Brook High School senior trip.

"Well, I hope that this case will bring some measure of justice for Beth Holloway. ... I think it was a terrible thing that this individual, van der Sloot, would prey on the mother of a presumably deceased lady who was just trying to find her daughter. And I think that was a terrible thing to do," Whisonant said.

Natalee Holloway, 18, with her date, Henry Ennis, before her senior prom in Mountain Brook, Ala., May 13, 2005.

The alleged extortion scheme happened between March 29, 2010, and May 17, 2010.

Van der Sloot then traveled to Peru and met Stephany Flores, 21, at a Lima casino owned by her father. Van der Sloot admitted to killing Flores, claiming he murdered her May 30, 2010, in a fit of anger after the 21-year-old found out he was connected to Natalee Holloway's disappearance.

A video grab released June 9, 2010, shows Joran van der Sloot and Peruvian Stephany Flores at a casino before her murder May 30, 2010, in Lima.

Van der Sloot killed Flores exactly five years after Natalee Holloway went missing.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT CASE: DUTCH OFFICIALS ADVISE PRIME NATALEE HOLLOWAY SUSPECT TO FIGHT TRANSFER, LAWYER SAYS

He was originally sentenced to 28 years in prison for the killing, but more time was added because of a drug smuggling scandal he was involved in while in jail.

A May 16 order from the Supreme Court of Peru began the process of temporarily transferring van der Sloot from Peruvian to American custody while he faces the federal charges.

Despite efforts by Maximo Altez, a lawyer for van der Sloot, to block the transfer in the days leading up to it, his client will be handed over to the FBI Thursday.

Van der Sloot will then be flown from Lima, Peru, to Birmingham, Alabama, to face charges in the alleged extortion scheme.

In an earlier statement when the Peruvian court announced the transfer of van der Sloot, Beth Holloway , Natalee's mother, said this gives her family a chance at justice.

"I was blessed to have had Natalee in my life for 18 years, and, as of this month, I have been without her for exactly 18 years. She would be 36 years old now," Beth Holloway said. "It has been a very long and painful journey, but the persistence of many is going to pay off. Together, we are finally getting justice for Natalee."

Fox News' Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
Joran van der Sloot leaves Peruvian prison, headed to airport before being handed to FBI

Joran van der Sloot left a prison in Lima, Peru, on Thursday morning and is headed to Jorge Chavez International Airport, where he'll be handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation before heading to the United States.

Van der Sloot is the prime suspect in the May 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway in Aruba during a Mountain Brook High School, Alabama, senior trip. He's facing federal charges relating to an alleged extortion scheme connected to her disappearance.

He's scheduled to be temporarily transferred to the United States on Thursday, barring any last-minute court decisions that would block his journey to the United States.

Van der Sloot was being held in Ancon 1 Prison, which is located just outside of Lima.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT TO FACE US JUSTICE SYSTEM 18 YEARS AFTER NATALEE HOLLOWAY'S DISAPPEARANCE IN ARUBA

Maximo Altez, a lawyer for van der Sloot, filed a last-ditch appeal on Wednesday, attempting to stop his client from coming to the United States.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Altez also told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that the Peruvian court hasn't yet denied his habeas corpus petition filed on Tuesday.

The habeas corpus petition by Altez says his client wasn't notified by Peruvian officials of the "temporary extradition" process that was ongoing against him, which Altez contends is a "serious constitutional violation."

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT CASE: LAWYER FOR NATALEE HOLLOWAY SUSPECT MAKES LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO BLOCK TRANSFER TO US

Joran van der Sloot left a prison in Lima, Peru on Thursday morning and is headed to Jorge Chavez International Airport, where he'll be handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation before heading to the United States.

On Wednesday, a Peruvian court ordered the director of Ancon 1 Prison to notify van der Sloot of the upcoming transfer.

Van der Sloot was being held in a Peruvian prison for the murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores in 2010. He was originally sentenced to 28 years in prison for the killing, but more time was added because of a drug smuggling scandal he was involved in while in jail.

He's facing charges of extortion and wire fraud in the U.S. after he allegedly tried to sell Beth Holloway, Natalee's mother, information regarding the location of her daughter's body in March 2010.

Federal prosecutors say van der Sloot asked for $250,000  $25,000 upfront for the information and the rest to be paid out when the body of Natalee Holloway was positively identified

Natalee Holloway was last seen alive in Aruba while on a Mountain Brook high school senior trip.

However, van der Sloot lied to Beth Holloway's lawyer, John Q. Kelly, about where her daughter's remains were located, according to American prosecutors.
Joran van der Sloot (right) was taken from prison in Peru to be extradited to the US

The main suspect in the 2005 disappearance of US teenager Natalee Holloway has been extradited to the US to stand trial for alleged extortion.

Dutchman Joran van der Sloot, 35, is accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars from Natalee Holloway's mother in exchange for revealing the location of their daughter's body.

Prosecutors say he gave her false information and fled to Peru.

In Peru, he murdered a young Peruvian woman and was sentenced to 28 years.

Footage released by Peruvian police on Thursday showed van der Sloot being transferred from the jail where he has served half of his murder sentence to an air force base in the capital, Lima.

There, he was handed over to FBI agents, who flew with him on a US Department of Justice plane to Birmingham, Alabama.

Van der Sloot arrived in the US around 14:30 local time (19:30 GMT).

The disappearance of Natalee Holloway during a school trip to the Caribbean island of Aruba was widely covered in US and international media.

The 18-year-old was last seen leaving a nightclub and getting into a car with Dutch national Joran van der Sloot, who was 17 at the time, and two young brothers from Suriname, Deepak and Saltish Kalpoe.

Van der Sloot and the Kalpoe brothers were arrested shortly after Natalee Holloway's disappearance, but were released again because of a lack of evidence.

Natalee Holloway's body was never found.

But prosecutors allege that in 2010, van der Sloot said he would reveal the location of Natalee Holloway's body if her mother paid him $25,000 (20,000) up front and another $225,000 once the remains were identified.

Once he had been paid the initial $25,000, he gave Ms Holloway's lawyer a location where he said her daughter's remains were hidden and then absconded to Peru.

Nothing was found at the location he had given.

Five years to the day after Natalee Holloway's disappearance, Joran van der Sloot took a 21-year-old Peruvian student, Stephany Flores, back to his hotel room after meeting her at a casino in Lima.

Ms Flores was found dead in the room the next morning.

Police tracked van der Sloot down to neighbouring Chile, where he had fled.

He was extradited to Peru, where he told police that he killed Stephany Flores when she had become aware of his connection to the Natalee Holloway disappearance.

He confessed to beating, strangling and suffocating the young Peruvian.

In 2010, Van der Sloot was sentenced to 28 years for Flores's murder, but Peruvian authorities agreed to extradite him to the US "temporarily" so he can face extortion and wire fraud charges there.

The head of Interpol in the Peruvian capital said that "this transfer will be temporary while the process in the United States lasts. Later, the Dutch citizen will be returned to Peru, so that he can continue to serve his sentence in the Challapalca prison".

While Natalee Holloway's body is still missing, a judge in Alabama declared her legally dead in 2012.
Jordan Banjo has shared a promising health update after his six-week-old son was rushed to hospital with sepsis and suspected meningitis.

The dancer, DJ and Im a Celebrity stars wife Naomi, announced on Instagram that their baby, named Atreus, was taken to A&E last week.

She called it the most emotionally draining, frightening week of their lives.

On Instagram Wednesday (7 June), Banjo shared a photo of him and Atreus sleeping on a hospital bed. In the caption, he wrote: Been a scary few days, but Atreus is a little trooper.

Glad to be back on positive ground after all that, seeing your baby hooked up to all sorts of cables and machines, hearing words like sepsis and meningitis is never going to be easy but want to say a huge thank you to The Neptune Ward at Southend Hospital who were so incredible with us, youre the best.

In the comments section, EastEnders star Joe Swash wrote: V in the family been thinking about you guys sending you all our love and prayers.

Love Island narrator Iain Stirling wrote: Sending you all the positive vibes mate.

Naomi previously told her Instagram followers: Ahh gosh, where do we start  in case youre wondering where weve been, last week I took Atreus to A&E after feeling like something wasnt right and he was immediately admitted with sepsis and suspected meningitis.

Weve cried a lot, weve barely slept, and weve discussed the worst .. but weve carried each other through possibly one of the most traumatic weeks of our lives.

As well as Atreus, the couple have two older sons: Cassius, four, and Mayowa, three.

You can find five typical symptoms of sepsis here.
Joseline Hernandez Says Recent Concert Was Her First Time Performing Sober In 12 Years: I Feel So Much Better Without It

Joseline Hernandez

Joseline Hernandez shared some personal news with concertgoers during a recent performance and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Love & Hip Hop alum was emotional in a video shared to Twitter after telling the audience it was the first time she performed sober in over a decade, Atlanta Black Star reported.

The reason why Im so emotional, cause this is my first time that Ive ever performed without any cocaine, without any pills, Hernandez said in the 36-second clip.

#Joseline says she has begun performing for the first time sober during show over the weekend pic.twitter.com/lcgcvoKQzl  All Tea All Shade (@TeaTimeTips2) June 4, 2023

Hernandez was overwhelmed as she continued to share her story. The audience continued to applaud the 36-year-old and started chanting her name.

This is the first time, in my 12 years of performing, that Ive been on stage sober, the Puerto Rican Princess said.

Hernandez has been in the spotlight for years and mentioned using drugs as a shield whenever she performed live. However, the reality star was happy to share she no longer relied on substances for protection.

I dont know if I was so scared to do without it because it was like, like my shield. But its like, I feel so much better without it, Hernandez explained to the audience.

The Shade Room also shared the clip, with fans congratulating the musician for reaching an important milestone in her life.

Im extremely proud of her!!! Today makes 3 years of me being clean so I understand y she is emotional, one user said.

Like her or not thats not easy to admit too and substance abuse is no joke. I applaud her for standing in her truth, another user said.

So brave of her to admit this. Her truth will help someone to do the same! a third user said.

In April, Blavity reported Hernandez was moved to tears after sharing how her former kindergarten teacher had influenced her life.

You know, coming from Puerto Rico was super hard, not having nothing coming to America. I remember I had a kindergarten teacher that was very special to me. Hopefully, she sees this, but she told me something that I never forgot. She told me to just write.
A federal judge denied a request Tuesday from an environmental group to immediately halt motorized towboat usage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA).

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel said in her ruling against Wilderness Watch that an injunction would unnecessarily disrupt canoe trip plans for a number of people who have already reserved entry permits for the 2023 paddling season. The BWCA gets about 150,000 visitors per year.

"Older visitors and visitors with limited mobility use towboats, and an injunction would risk reducing these visitors' opportunities to experience the BWCAW,'' Brasel wrote. "Moreover, a total ban would likely disrupt Forest Service's work of gathering and analyzing data regarding motorboat and towboat usage.''

Motorized towboats have been shuttling groups into canoe country since before Congress passed the BWCA Wilderness Act in 1978. The law allowed for the continued use of the boats on designated routes, but Montana-based Wilderness Watch has alleged that the U.S. Forest Service allowed trips to grow beyond established limits.

Eighteen outfitters are currently authorized to provide the service and the Forest Service wants the lawsuit dismissed as it continues to analyze all use of motors on designated lakes in the BWCA.

In her ruling, the judge said she ordered the environmental group and the Forest Service to negotiate a towboat trip limit while the litigation is pending. But the two sides couldn't find any middle ground and the Forest Service insisted that it was not feasible to place any upper limit on towboat trips at this time, the judge wrote.

"Because the record is completely muddled as to how such a limit should be calculated, the Court declines to pick what would be an arbitrary number,'' the judge wrote. "But a limit may be appropriate upon a furtherdeveloped record.''

Kevin Proescholdt, the Minnesota-based conservation director for Wilderness Watch, said the organization is disappointed in the court's decision not to impose an immediate limit on towboats. "We are confident that we'll prevail as this case proceeds and the judge gets a chance to view the whole record,'' he said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fuller, who is handling the case on behalf of the Forest Service, declined to comment.

Outfitters have decried the Wilderness Watch lawsuit as elitist. They say towboat shuttles that carry groups and their canoes over long distances to and from remote entry points help disperse BWCA visitors across the million-acre landscape of lakes, woods and rivers. Without towboats, fewer people will visit the BWCA and congestion will worsen on routes and campsites on the perimeter, they say.
Whats next for Fresno man who sought womans affection, then nearly killed her baby

Marcos Echartea, the Fresno man charged with shooting into a car and hitting a 10-month-old baby in the head, was found guilty of attempted murder Wednesday.

Fresno County Superior Court Judge Jonathan Conklin also found the 27-year-old Echartea guilty of shooting into an occupied vehicle, three counts of assault with a firearm and possessing a firearm while under a restraining order.

Police said Echartea was angry with the babys mother after she rejected his flirtatious advances. They were among several others attending a friends party in the 3600 block of East Hammond Avenue in June 2019.

Irritated by Echarteas flirting, the babys mother, then 18-year-old Deziree Menagh, left the party in a friends car. As they were driving away, Echartea caught up with them on foot and fired three shots, hitting the car twice and baby Fayth Percy once in the head.

During the trial, prosecutor Jenny Volanti played the 911 call from the mothers friend just after the baby was shot.

Just keep praying, just keep praying, the male caller can be heard frantically talking to the babys mother.

The baby survived the bullet wound after spending 26 days in the hospital with a traumatic brain injury.

Echarteas attorney Jane Boulger argued that her client was intoxicated that night and did not have a specific intention to kill the baby.

Prosecutor Jenny Volanti said during her closing statements that Echartea knew what he was doing when he pointed his weapon at the car.

Volanti said Menagh rebuffed Echartea twice that night causing him to become angry. He got even angrier when he discovered Menaghs friend was Black, Volanti said.

You going to pick a Black guy over me, Echartea was overheard saying the night of the shooting, Volanti said.

It was clear, the prosecutor said, that Echartea wanted to get revenge.

He sought out that car and when he found it he tried to kill all three of them, Volanti said.

Echarteas sentencing is set for July 7. He faces a maximum of life in prison.
Juveniles in jail still need to learn. Here's who is teaching them in Escambia County.

Escambia County has some of the highest arrest rates of children ages 10  17 in the state of Florida. According to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health, 33 children per 1,000 people were arrested in 2021. The state average is half that.

Five years ago, the arrest rate of children in Escambia was about double what it is now, and although the numbers may fluctuate from year to year, educators arent giving up on kids behind bars.

For more than two decades, the Escambia County School District has provided educational services to juveniles behind bars who have been adjudicated as an adult. Its part of a cooperative agreement between the school district and Escambia County that allows teachers to hold class in the county jail.

In case you missed it: Stays at Escambia County detention center spike as juvenile arrests increase, law changes

More: Report: 1 in 20 Escambia juveniles charged as adults

The classroom is as close to a traditional school classroom as possible.

I have a teacher there who is certified in exceptional student education, said Kerri Coots, director of alternative education for Escambia County Public Schools. He also has middle grades integrated, which means he can teach all the subjects through ninth grade. He provides education to those students, and they use the same platform that we do in the district. They can earn course credits and stay on track. They can recover credits, and we just keep them learning.

Like traditional school, the juveniles are required to attend class, but some of the students are separated depending on the crime they committed and if theyre permitted to be around others. They focus on all the basic subjects, plus life skills like managing finances.

The program falls under alternative education for delinquent and neglected children and a grant funds supplies and equipment such as Chromebooks. The students also have access to the internet.

Escambia County Jail Commander Scott Nash has been working with the school district for years to provide education for juveniles in jail, as well as adults. He said its a win-win for the inmates and the county.

Every program we run is to help stop them from coming back here and give them options in their lives, ones they havent exercised before, said Nash. We dont know until they go to court where theyre going to end up. Some of them may end up back in society so we give them an opportunity. A lot of these kids havent been in school anyway, but if they were in school before they graduated, they just continue from there, and it doesnt take us very long to get them into the program once theyre brought into the facility.

Coots says cooperation between the district, county and jail administrators has made a big difference.

I think everyone has to buy into it, the jail staff has to buy into it, you have to have the right teacher over there who can motivate, said Coots. It's the people that are involved who make the difference. It's important for those kids to continue. It's non-judgmental. We don't care about what got you here. We've got books for you to take back to your cell, we've got lessons. This is what we're here to do and that's to provide school for you, and a place where you can learn.

Students have earned their high school diploma while behind bars and the jail also partners with GED instructors. There are currently 64 people enrolled in the GED program and so far this year, eight teens have earned the high school equivalency diploma. Last year, it was 15.

While the district encourages juvenile students to purse a traditional diploma, they celebrate each success regardless of how they finish their schooling.

More: Bellview teen arrested after accidentally shooting 4-year-old in neck

Most studies have found that higher graduation rates are generally associated with positive public safety outcomes and lower crime rates for communities. States with higher levels of educational attainment also have crime rates lower than the national average.

A recent study by the University of Michigan found that investing more in public education early in childrens lives can reduce adult crime.

While many policies focus on the crime-deterring effects of additional policing or tougher criminal justice sanctions, our findings highlight that early investments in childrens lives can prevent contact with the adult criminal justice system, the researchers say in the study. Specifically, our results show that improving public schools can keep children on a path of increased school engagement and completion, thereby lowering their criminal propensity in adulthood.

Teens in jail: Pensacola teen jailed for 2 years on murder charges demands speedy trial before judge

The Department of Juvenile Justice has recognized the Escambia County School Districts successes in teaching other alternative students. For the past two years, Escambia Boys' Base and PACE Center for Girls have both been deemed "Commendable" for the 2022-2023 school year. DJJs highest accountability rating is based on graduation rate, grade advancement, qualified teachers and attendance.

Coots says they pour the same commitment into kids at the jail. Sometimes they have two students, sometimes its 22, but regardless of how many are there, they want to see them all succeed.

It absolutely does give them hope, said Coots, and you see that when you visit the classroom. Theyre engaged and I've seen them transform. They'll start coming in and when they're first in there, they're mad, they don't want to be there. Then the teacher is able to reach them, and they can't wait to get there. It's obviously the best part of their day to have that interaction and know that somebody cares about them.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia County Jail students aren't forgotten by school district
The water level of the Kakhovka Reservoir near Nikopol is 13.05m as of 08:00 on 8 June. The reservoir has drained by almost one metre over the past day, and the water level continues to fall.

Source: Ukrhydroenergo, the national hydro power plant regulator; Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Oleksandr Sienkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, on Telegram

Quote from Ukrhydroenergo: "The water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir has decreased by almost a metre over the past day. Currently, the spillway dam and the earthen insert between the plant building and the lock are still in the process of being destroyed."

Details: It was reported that currently, Ukrhydroenergo together with Ukrenergo are developing possible scenarios to reduce the negative aftermath of the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP).

In particular, they are adjusting the operating mode of hydroelectric power plants and accumulating water above the Kakhovka HPP in other reservoirs of the Dnipro dam cascade in order to reduce flooding in the country's south.

Additionally, Ukrhydroenergo and the design institute Ukrhydroproject are working on a project to build a cofferdam (damming) at the Kakhovka Reservoir to restore the water level to what it was before the HPP was blown up.

Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, reported that the average level of flooding as of the morning of 8 June was 5.61 metres.

600 square kilometres of Kherson Oblast are under water, of which 32% is on the right bank and 68% is on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Evacuations are underway.

Prokudin added that people in Kherson Oblast are tired, but now that they are provided with everything they need, many residents do not want to leave the oblast.

Oleksandr Sienkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, reported that the water level in Mykolaiv's water area had risen by 97 cm as of 08:00.

Currently, district administrations are surveying the territory of the city. They are reinforcing the coastline near residential buildings in some of the lowest places.

The mayor added that employees of the Housing and Utilities department are inspecting the basements of high-rise buildings.

"At the moment, they are working on Lazurna Street. The basements are dry, but if something happens, we will pump out the water with motorised pumps. I ask all Mykolaiv residents to be careful and avoid flooded places! Take care!", Sienkevych concluded.

Background:

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
(Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris will commit $100 million to address security and climate change in the Caribbean during a visit on Thursday, the latest effort to shore up relations in a region where China is making increasing inroads and leaders have felt neglected by the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Harris is heading to the Bahamas on Thursday to take part in the US-Caribbean Leaders Meeting in Nassau, co-hosted by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, who is also the chair of the Caribbean Community, also known as Caricom.

The one-day event, while brief, carries historic significance for Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant. It will be her first trip to the region since taking office and marks the highest-ranking visit to the island by an American official since the Bahamas gained independence from the UK in 1973.

Harris and Caribbean leaders met in April and June 2022, establishing working groups and an initiative to bolster climate-change resiliency and accelerate the regions transition to green energy  an effort the White House is committing about $22 million to during the Harris trip.

The meeting will largely focus on those efforts, the result of heightened concerns about climate change in a region already prone to natural disasters.

Assistance will include $15 million from the US Agency for International Development to assist with disaster response and preparedness and $5 million from a Defense Department initiative to address climate and national security challenges.

On Friday, senior US administration officials will join a summit, hosted by the Atlantic Council, to connect the private sector with Caribbean governments seeking clean-energy investments. Carnival Corp., Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd., and UGT Renewables are among the companies expected to participate, along with Coca-Cola Co.s Caribbean System, a sponsor of the event.

Zhivargo Laing, a former Bahamas finance minister and now executive director of the Government and Public Policy Institute at University of the Bahamas, said Caribbean officials are seeking financial help from developed countries who have been major contributors to global warming to cope with climate shocks.

Theyre wanting to seek a stronger partnership with the US and trying to get this relief that is required, he said.

Chinas Shadow

The intention of the vice presidents trip is to fulfill a promise she made in 2022: to convene with regional leaders every year, a response to nations calling for more sustained engagement.

Countries in the region have been turning to China for capital, particularly for infrastructure projects through loans US officials have described as exploitative. Caribbean nations, along with other developing economies, have sought US assistance to remove barriers to accessing financing.

World Bank President Ajay Banga is expected to appear virtually on Thursday.

Hanging over the Bahamas gathering is the instability in Haiti, where the 2021 assassination of Prime Minister Jovenel Moise sparked widespread violence.

Harris will announce $53.7 million for Haiti through USAID to address food insecurity, provide care for survivors of gender-based violence and improve access to safe drinking water and health care.

The situation in Haiti is absolutely fundamental to address, said Jason Marczak, senior director of the Atlantic Councils Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center.

Earlier: Harris Turns Africa Trip Into Political Boost With Black Voters

As a leader of Caribbean-descent, there are high expectations for Harriss visit. The trip is likely to draw parallels with her trip to Africa earlier this year. That weeklong tour carried geopolitical goals but was also loaded with political and cultural importance for Harris and Black voters in the US before her reelection bid alongside President Joe Biden.

Her ethnic connection to the region might bring for a greater receptiveness to the issues of the region, and perhaps more advocacy, Laing said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
When patients seek care at Health Partnership Clinic, which serves low-income individuals on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro, they sometimes ask about moving to Missouri.

Some 125,000 Kansans could lose Medicaid coverage over the next year, as state officials begin examining whether enrollees are still eligible after reviews were suspended nationwide during the pandemic. But the state estimates up to 100,000 of those individuals would continue to qualify if Kansas had expanded Medicaid.

In Kansas, Medicaid remains restricted to certain groups, such as pregnant women, low-income families with children and individuals with disabilities. Missouri has expanded Medicaid, however, providing health coverage for those earning up to 138% of the federal poverty line, about $41,400 a year for a family of four.

All the time, especially where we see patients who have needs beyond the walls of our partnership  that have critical illnesses, need surgeries, things like that, Health Partnership Clinic CEO Amy Falk said of patients who talk about relocating.

They bring it up and yes, that is an issue.

Across the country, millions of people have been allowed to remain on Medicaid during the pandemic regardless of whether their eligibility changed. Medicaid rolls grew dramatically over the past three years in some states as officials held off on ending coverage.

Kansas Medicaid program, called KanCare, has more than 500,000 beneficiaries compared to about 400,000 before the pandemic. Missouris Medicaid enrollment grew from just under 900,000 in March 2020 to 1.5 million as of March 2023, according to state data compiled by Washington University in St. Louis.

Congress in December passed a budget bill requiring states to once again verify the eligibility of recipients  a process thats being called the unwinding as participants are kicked off. For months, health officials have been scrambling to get the word out to enrollees to give them time to prepare and, if possible, look for alternative coverage.

But in Kansas, the reviews have also become entangled in a years-long fight over Medicaid expansion, which top Republican lawmakers have thwarted for the past decade even as it remains a signature goal of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

A state law, enacted under former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, requires legislative approval before the governor can expand the program. The policy has effectively tied Kellys hands.

While Missouri, with its larger population, stands to lose more recipients than Kansas, the renewal process has particularly frustrated Kansas participants, their advocates and Democrats because many residents would be able to keep their coverage if the state had expanded.

They struggle to see the value of removing these individuals from Medicaid when Kansas is one of just 10 states that havent expanded. Taking away coverage will only funnel more individuals into emergency rooms for care that hospitals will never be paid for, further straining the health care system.

There is an easy fix for this, Kelly said at a news conference last week to highlight the unwinding. Expand Medicaid.

Kelly, who was reelected last year, has introduced an expansion proposal every year she has been in office. The closest one has come to passage was in 2020 when she struck a deal with Jim Denning, an Overland Park Republican who was then the Kansas Senate majority leader. Other GOP lawmakers blocked it, and COVID-19 brought the legislative session to an early end.

Every year, I tailor the proposal to address concerns expressed by legislative leadership. Every year, they move the goalposts, said Kelly, who once attempted to pair Medicaid expansion with medical marijuana legalization.

As a result, Kansas is now a Medicaid desert. Every state around us has expanded Medicaid.

Gov. Laura Kelly speaks about Medicaid expansion and eligibility renewal during a news conference at Health Partnership Clinic in Olathe.

Expansion blocked by top Republicans

Kelly has signaled that to advance expansion she will need rank-and-file Republicans who support the policy to pressure GOP leadership to allow floor votes. She said that after Medicaid participants complete eligibility paperwork, they should call or write their state lawmakers.

They should tell their legislators to demand that legislative leadership provide a chance to vote on Medicaid expansion, Kelly said.

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said the eligibility reviews are part of an unwinding of outdated pandemic-era policy that allowed 100,000 typically ineligible recipients to continue receiving welfare benefits.

If a meteor was hurtling toward Kansas, Governor Kelly would use that as an excuse to call for the expansion of Medicaid, so this is very obviously another example of the administration seizing an opportunity to push their agenda, Hawkins said in a statement.

Kansas state Rep. and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, speaks during a session at the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Topeka.

Republican leaders have offered a variety of objections to Medicaid expansion over the years. A decade ago, concerns often centered on whether the federal government would renege on its financial support for expansion as congressional Republicans sought to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the landmark health care law signed by former President Barack Obama that expanded eligibility. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law but ruled that states could decide whether to expand without losing existing funding.

The federal government pays 90% of the cost of expansion, while states pick up the rest, but in 2021 Congress included increased financial incentives to non-expansion states as part of a COVID-19 aid package. The Kansas Health Institute, a Topeka-based nonprofit focused on health policy and research, has estimated the new incentives would save about $200 million a year in costs.

As the effort to repeal the federal health law has faded, opponents often voice general fears about growing the size of government and offering aid to able-bodied individuals without children.

The definition of Medicaid expansion can mean different things to some, but to clarify, the Kelly/Toland Administrations definition of Medicaid expansion provides welfare benefits to able-bodied adults who choose not to work, Hawkins said, referring to Lt. Gov. David Toland.

Hawkins said the concept is opposed by a majority of the Kansas House and when properly explained, polling shows it is opposed by a majority of voters. Medicaid expansion supporters point to polling showing widespread support for expansion, however.

Missouri voters dismissed similar concerns in August 2020, when they approved Medicaid expansion, 53% to 47%. In the wake of the vote, lawmakers in the Republican-dominated General Assembly threatened to stop expansion by refusing to fund it but ultimately backed down.

The Missouri vote took place because supporters gathered signatures through an initiative petition to place the proposal on the ballot. Kansas has no similar mechanism  only the Legislature can put measures to a statewide vote. Republicans have shown no interest in putting Medicaid expansion before voters.

Hawkins said that instead of expanding welfare, Kelly should focus on the truly needy who are currently stuck on a waiting list can get the help they need. Thats a reference to a long-running wait list of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have signed up to receive services covered by KanCare.

Advocates for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities largely support expansion, however. They reject the idea of choosing between addressing the wait list and increasing eligibility for Medicaid.

Matt Fletcher, executive director of Interhab, which serves Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said the loss of coverage for even a single person with a disability because of the unwinding would represent a crisis.

If even one person loses their eligibility that is a crisis we should all stop and pay attention to and address, Fletcher said.

Outreach to Medicaid recipients

Without expansion, the Kelly administration has been ramping up its outreach to Medicaid recipients to prepare them for the unwinding  and to limit the number of enrollees who are dropped from coverage simply for not filling out required paperwork.

Kelly and other officials at last weeks news conference repeatedly stressed the importance of enrollees returning eligibility packets within 30 days after receiving them. If they fail to meet the deadline, Kansas may end their eligibility for Medicaid, said Christine Osterlund, deputy Medicaid director and director of operations at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which oversees KanCare.

On the other hand, if forms are returned on time, participants can remain in Medicaid while their eligibility is reviewed. Reviews will continue over the next year, and they urged participants to ensure their contact information is up to date.

Missouri officials have shared similar messages about the states Medicaid program, called MO HealthNet. The Missouri Department of Social Services last month launched an online portal to assist residents. The portal offers information about eligibility and allows them to submit paperwork online.

We remain committed to doing everything we can to make sure anyone who is still eligible for MO HealthNet coverage can keep that coverage, Kim Evans, Family Support Division director at DSS, said in a statement.

Osterlund said KDHE has a site that includes information about eligibility, as well as information health care providers can share with Medicaid enrollees. The page also includes information on the federal health insurance marketplace.

Unfortunately, there will be families that will lose their eligibility, Osterlund said.

The Stars Katie Bernard contributed reporting.
One of the candidates running for Piper school board in Kansas City, Kansas, attended the pro-Donald Trump rally before the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, and walked to the U.S. Capitol with insurrectionists that day. The candidate, Jami Applegate, has repeatedly posted on social media that all pro-Trump protesters were peaceful, and that the bad things that did happen that day were the work of antifa and/or the feds, including FBI infiltrators of the Proud Boys.

In a conversation posted on a public Facebook account, she is pictured wearing an FJB (F**k Joe Biden) shirt and insisting on the lack of actual riots and violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

We stood on those streets for HOURS without one ounce of destruction, (with the exception of two windows to the Capitol inside being broken where Ashli (Babbitt) was killed, she wrote.

Black Lives Matter is notorious for burning, looting and violence during and after their marches, mostly after sunset. That was not the case at all with D.C. There were no fires, people throwing molotov bombs, hurling themselves at first responders. It was all false reporting to make our rally appear to be more dangerous than BLM rioters.  Did you know NPR News announced the Storming at 9:33 a.m. ET? It wasnt stormed until after 1:30 PM ET. Another misleading of the media. But how would they know it would take place? Do you think Trump supporters planned it?

Its not true, of course, that the pro-Trump insurrectionists were peaceful.

Many police officers injured in Washington riot

U.S. Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards, the first of 114 officers to be injured that day, can be seen on video being thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. When she came to and got back up, she was injured twice more, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. There were officers on the ground, she testified before the congressional Jan. 6 committee. They were bleeding, they were throwing up.  I saw friends with blood all over their faces, I was slipping in peoples blood. I was catching people as they fell. It was carnage, it was chaos. I cant even describe what I saw.

Nor is it true that NPR reported the news ahead of time. As multiple fact checks later reported to counter that claim, the NPR story that posted at 9:33 a.m. originally carried the headline, Congress Electoral College Tally Live Updates and Diehard Trump Supporters Gather in the Nations Capital to Protest Election Result.

That story, which initially said nothing about an attack on the Capitol, was updated throughout the day, as is common practice, but kept the time stamp that said its earliest version had been posted at 9:33.

Those who were there know the truth about what happened on Jan. 6, Applegate said when reached by phone by The Kansas City Star editorial board.

She said shed really prefer that we not write about her candidacy at all, both since the election isnt until November and since the media skews everything. Told that we would be writing about it, she hung up.

Because wed really prefer that candidates who were there as Trump supporters tried to overthrow our democracy be called on disinformation, we are writing about it.

Wed also prefer that such candidates not win because too few voters know what they are for and against. So no, its not too early to tell readers what Jami Applegate believes in. Then, as always, those casting their ballots in November will make up their own minds.

Candidates views relevant to public office

When you run for public office, your political views are no longer none of the publics business.

And prior to filing to run for office, which she did on May 30, Applegate has not been reticent about sharing those views publicly.

A mother of two, Applegate works for a farm equipment industry trade organization.

On social media, Applegate posts most often about her anti-vaccine views.

Shes also posted in support of boycotting Target over its line of pro-LGBTQ+ Pride clothing.

She retweeted a meme purporting to show a known antifa member who was paid $70,000 for his Capitol riot video January 6. The person who took the video, John Sullivan, who was arrested for his actions that day, was paid by media outlets for the footage, which showed pro-Trump protester Ashli Babbitt being shot. But as fact checks have reported, Sullivan is not a known antifa member, and antifa activists werent behind the insurrection.

Sullivan, who has been widely reviled by activists on both the right and the left, did attend and even organized at least one Black Lives Matter protest, but was kicked out of the group, in part over his ties to the Proud Boys. BLM organizers accused him of trying to undermine their goals with his violent behavior. They were also suspicious because his brother, James Sullivan, is co-founder of a pro-Trump group.

Applegate also retweeted a photo of former Republican U.S. Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, asking, What are they hiding? Jan 6 committee sealed all important videos and documents for 50 years so they can continue to lie about J6 protests and Fed involvement.

The committee released thousands of pages of documents but announced that it would honor its agreement not to reveal the identity of some of those who testified. Those interviews, too, were turned over to the National Archives, where its true that they can be sealed for up to 50 years.

When candidates are not vetted, the result can be a George Santos, the conservative Republican congressman who lied liberally about his past, and has now been charged with fraud, money laundering and other crimes. He was elected because voters in his Long Island district didnt know much about him.

Sometimes, we sound the alarm and voters still dont seem to care. We repeatedly wrote about allegations of violence from now-former Democratic Kansas City, Kansas, state Rep. Aaron Coleman, for instance, and he was elected anyway.

Coleman, who was arrested twice during his one term in office, was defeated in last Augusts Democratic primary, and is now running for the school board in KCKs Turner school district.

We are hopeful that where hes concerned, at least, voters have learned their lesson.
An Eastern Kentucky attorney who recruited scores of lawyers to try to help people keep benefits after the largest disability scam in U.S. history has received a national award.

Ned Pillersdorf, whose office is in Prestonsburg, is one of four lawyers and one law firm in the county receiving the Pro Bono Publico Award this year, according the the American Bar Association.

The award honors outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for low-income and disadvantaged persons, according to the ABA release.

Pillersdorf said he is the first attorney from Kentucky to receive the award.

Pro bono, a Latin term, translates to for the public good.

Pillersdorf led an effort to recruit lawyers to represent people who faced losing Social Security disability benefits as a result of long-running, massive fraud perpetrated by Eric C. Conn.

Conn, of Pikeville, called himself Mr. Social Security and was once one of the most prolific disability lawyers in the country, but admitted in 2017 he used fake evidence in claims and paid a Social Security judge more than $600,000 in bribes to approve claims.

Conns fraud would have cost the government more than $500 million, officials said at the time, though he got caught before all that was paid out.

Eric Conn put mannequins atop billboards in Eastern Kentucky to advertise his law practice.

Conn ultimately pleaded guilty to stealing from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other charges, and is serving a 27-year sentence.

Many of Conns former clients lost benefits as SSA ground through a process of re-determining their eligibility as a result of Conns fraud, even though their attorneys have argued the clients had no knowledge of Conns wrongdoing, didnt take part in it, and never met him in many cases.

Thats where Pillersdorf and others stepped in to find lawyers who would represent former Conn clients free of charge.

Pillersdorf said that effort involved 140 volunteers who handled hearings and court cases around the country, preserving benefits for many former Conn clients.

Volunteers represented former Conn clients in 2,000 hearings and more than 250 individual federal court cases, according to the American Bar Association release.

This is truly the largest volunteer effort in the history of the nation, Pillersdorf said.

Pillersdorf said he was honored to receive the bar association award, but noted some of Conns former clients still face Social Security hearings on their eligibility, eight years after the nightmare of concern over losing their livelihood began.

Id be happy to give it back if theyd stop these damn hearings, he said of the award.

Pillersdorf, 68, has been lawyer for 42 years.

Nearly all of that time has been in Eastern Kentucky, where he moved to work as a public defender and met his wife, Janet Stumbo, who later served on the Kentucky Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

The ABA Pro Publico Awards began in 1984.

Several other people were convicted in the fraud carried out by Conn: David Daugherty, the Social Security judge Conn bribed for favorable decisions; Bradley Adkins, a Pikeville psychologist convicted of signing falsified evaluation forms for Conn; and Charlie Paul Andrus, a judge at the Huntington, W.Va. Social Security office with Daugherty who admitted trying to help Conn discredit an agency whistleblower.
Kevin McCarthy's fragile control over the House GOP looks shaky as hardline Republicans go into open rebellion

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at the U.S. Capitol. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Hardline Republicans blocked Speaker McCarthy's attempt to bring bills to the floor.

The move is seen as payback for McCarthy's deal with Biden last week to raise the debt ceiling.

It's the latest sign of how little control the Majority Leader has over his own party.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was forced to send everyone packing on Wednesday evening, after roughly 11 members of the hardline House Freedom Caucus voted down a procedural measure on Tuesday that would have allowed several Republican bills to come to the floor for votes.

The Washington Post reports that dissenting lawmakers are angry over a deal McCarthy struck with President Biden last week to raise the debt ceiling, claiming Republicans "got rolled" in the compromise.

The stalemate resulted in the House adjourning until next Monday and scrapping the remainder of the week's votes.

Lawmakers from both parties expressed frustration with the situation, the Post reported.

"This is, in my opinion, political incontinence on our part. We are wetting ourselves, and we can't do anything about it," Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas told reporters on Wednesday night, per the Post.

McCarthy blamed the conservative rebels for not specifying their demands. "There are a few members who aren't actually in the Freedom Caucus, and I'm not quite sure what they're concerned about," McCarthy said, according to Fox News . "This is the difficulty, some of these members, they don't know what to ask for, there's numerous different things they're frustrated about."

"I don't think anybody understands what the demands are," Rep. Andrew Garbarino told Axios. "It's frustrating with the uncertainty  not knowing what's going on and not knowing what they want."

Axios reported rank-and-file anger from Republicans over the "Dysfunction Caucus" grinding business to a halt. The delays could paint Republicans as unable to govern heading into next year's elections, members said.

Democrats quickly jumped on the rift in the House GOP delegation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the dissenting Republicans "team chaos, team dysfunction, and team extreme" in a press conference Thursday morning . "This week puts into clear focus the choices that the American people have in front of them in terms of which direction their government will go," Jeffries said.

Because the House GOP won only a narrow majority in 2022, with Republicans currently controlling 222 seats and Democrats holding 212, McCarthy relies on the far-right flank to keep power. In order to win his position as Speaker of the House, McCarthy was forced to strike a deal with Freedom Caucus members in January after 14 failed votes.

As part of the compromise to gain the House Speakership, McCarthy agreed to a change in House rules that allows any single member of the House Republicans to make a motion to vacate, which would immediately trigger a vote to remove McCarthy as speaker. There's no indication any member is currently considering using this, but it's a sword constantly hanging over McCarthy's head as he negotiates with his own party.

McCarthy dismissed concerns about his control of the conference. "It's just a couple days. There's no deadline here," he told reporters, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I won't give up. I'll get through it." But the stalemate shows the challenges of leading a narrow majority reliant on its most extreme members.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In the hermit kingdom where patriarchy rules, Kim Yo Jong has found herself in the high ranks of North Korea's political elite. But what do we know about her?

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. (Jorge Silva/Pool via Reuters)

The 35-year-old Kim Yo Jong has increasingly become the face of North Koreas secretive and combative regime. The younger sister to dictator Kim Jong Un led the state delegation at the Winter Olympics in South Korea. She met then-President Donald Trump in 2018. She has made major announcements on the world stage, including last weeks launch of a spy satellite, prompting the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting.

Her title is officially deputy department director of the Publicity and Information Department, but there has long been speculation that she is being set up for a bigger role.

When rumors about Kim Jong Uns health began in 2020, she was cited as a likely successor.

Kim Yo Jong, left, stands behind Kim Jong Un as he and Donald Trump sign documents that acknowledge the progress of the talks held between North Korea and the United States in 2018. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Whoever rules North Korea wields enormous power given the authoritarian kingdoms nuclear weapons and constant threats to use them against the U.S. and its allies. But what is known about Kim Yo Jong?

Yahoo News spoke to two experts: Sung-Yoon Lee, author of The Sister: North Koreas Kim Yo Jong, the Most Dangerous Woman in the World, and Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Oxford, about the princess and her rise through the ranks of North Korean politics.

Who is Kim Yo Jong?

Howell: Shes the younger sister of Kim Jong Un and the youngest child of the former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. What we know is that she was born and raised in North Korea but also studied abroad in Switzerland, together with her brothers, under a pseudonym.

Kim Yo Jong talks with Chung Eui-yong, South Korea's top national security adviser at the time, in Panmunjom, South Korea, in 2019. (South Korean Ministry of Unification via Getty Images)

What do we know about her political career?

Howell: Whats interesting about Yo Jong is that she has risen through the ranks as a member of the junior elite in the Workers Party of Korea. She worked for the National Defense Commission  the most important institution for national defense. She was then appointed to the Publicity and Information Department in 2014  one of the main departments of the party and one that is responsible for disseminating propaganda across the kingdom. Over time, she gets promoted to different departments within the party, and in 2021, she was promoted to the State Affairs Commission, which is the most important body of state power over North Korea.

Why has Kim Jong Un chosen her?

Howell: I think shes useful [to the party] because she reinforces North Koreas messaging that South Korea and the United States are fundamentally hostile actors, the idea that the outside world will never fundamentally be nice to North Korea, and that North Korea must act accordingly. She has been seen as a sort of unifier among factions within the military and the party.

How significant is it that a woman is in the high ranks of the North Korean regime?

Lee: The rise of a Nuclear Despotess is an entirely new phenomenon. North Korea is such a male-dominated, chauvinistic country despite claiming to be a communist system that guarantees gender equality. This sudden rise of a female leader, a sort of a co-crime boss of the family, is in itself an interesting phenomenon. In the past, weve seen the royal family, for example, the younger sister of other kids play an important role, but not nearly as important or visible a role as that played by Yo Jong over the past five or six years.

Kim Jong Un and his younger sister Kim Yo Jong in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool/AFLO via ZUMA Press)

What do the high-ranking officials think about her?

Lee: Senior political figures avert their gaze whenever she makes an appearance. They dont want to be noticed by her because she is such an oddity as a young, powerful person and sister of the supreme leader. There have been reports of her issuing random orders of execution of officials who get on her nerves. Its hard to corroborate these reports, but they have come from many different regions inside the nation.

With all of her recent public appearances, is she being primed as Kim Jong Uns successor?

Lee: A lot of North Korean defectors take the view that there could never be a female leader and they may be right. But I humbly disagree, because I would argue that the North Korean dynastys supposedly sacred hereditary bloodline supersedes chauvinistic cultural considerations.
What kind of world is it that trans people have to beg for sanctuary in KC, Lawrence? | Opinion

Do you smell smoke? Yes, you do, and thats because the planet is on fire. Yet too many of our GOP Kansas and Missouri electeds have elected to concentrate instead on just-for-fun matters like torturing our tiny minority of transgender people.

(What did you do for the world, Grandpa? Son, I made sure that folks used the bathroom they were born with, or else were chased through the streets like criminals, hehehe. Oh, OK.)

As a result, trans Kansans have to worry about the new state law, effective as of July 1, that requires transgender people to use the bathrooms assigned by their birth certificates.

Will some cavalry we dont know about be available to enforce this regulation of who poops where, or will our God knows well-armed self-appointed militia be available to make sure nobody goes where they shouldnt?

Because of all that could go wrong, dozens of people cried out to the Lawrence City Commission this week, begging commissioners to make the blue island of Lawrence a sanctuary city for transgender and nonbinary people.

This comes on the heels of Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and an 11-1 majority of the City Council (Heather Hall was a no) passing a resolution telling city workers not to participate in the state-sanctioned bigotry of the multiple anti-LGBT laws Republicans in Jeff City passed this session.

That these leaders felt compelled to do that is heartbreaking.

To us, sanctuary evokes images of Tutsi looking in vain for shelter in the Rwandan churches where they were murdered anyway by their former Hutu neighbors.

Kansans, is this war on trans people really a door-to-door manhunt that the Free State will look back on in pride?

Missourians, is there really no more pressing issue, and no better way to spend the brief time were given here?

What is it we should be afraid of?

Those who came to the meeting to speak asked the commissioners in Lawrence to create an ordinance in response to the new Kansas law.

Some told the commission that they had already been chased from public bathrooms, and threatened.

Sylvie Althoff, a local trans business owner, told commissioners that as soon as the law goes into effect, she will in essence be criminalized for leaving her house.

Many speakers urged the Lawrence Police Department to adopt a policy making clear that officers would not arrest trans people for using a bathroom that the state says they cant use.

We hope they do that.

Whatever Lawrence decides, the citys designation as a sanctuary would be almost entirely symbolic, especially since the lawmaking supermajority in Kansas is not interested in protecting the weak from the powerful. Oh, on the contrary.

But whenever this fever breaks, and may it be soon, there will be no medals handed out to those who most harrowingly hounded the vulnerable.
Kosovo complains of biased western envoys in talks with its former foe Serbia

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti gestures during an interview with The Associated Press in Kosovo's capital Pristina on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Kurti on Thursday complained of bias to his country from the United States and the European Union and tolerance towards Serbia what he called as authoritarian regime. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovos prime minister on Thursday complained of bias against his country from the United States and the European Union and tolerance of what he called Serbias authoritarian regime.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti said his Cabinet took a different stance. We insist that behaving well with an autocrat doesnt make him behave better. On the contrary, he said.

The U.S. and EU envoys for the Kosovo-Serbia talks  Gabriel Escobar and Miroslav Lajcak respectively  come to us with demands, with requests of the other side, he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Ethnic Serbs recently clashed with Kosovo police and then the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force, leaving 30 soldiers and over 50 Serbs injured and provoking fears of a renewal of the regions bloody conflicts.

Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, outgoing head of the EU Rule of Law Mission, known as EULEX, said that during last weeks violent confrontation there were very serious injuries sustained by several KFOR soldiers.

There already was violence of the worst kind of thing. Everyone  says were lucky that there were no casualties.

After the soldiers were injured last week, NATO said it would send an additional 700 troops to northern Kosovo.

Wigemark said the time would come when EULEX civilian police, who no longer have executive powers but only monitoring and mentoring Kosovo police, wouldnt be needed in Kosovo.

But the conditions are not quite there yet, he said.

The European diplomat did not rule out that NATO could decide to deploy thousands of military troops in Kosovo.

If the situation is becoming increasingly unstable, if it starts to escalate again, of course, that is an option.

The clashes grew out of an earlier confrontation after ethnic Albanian candidates who were declared the winners of local elections in northern Kosovo entered municipal buildings to take office and were blocked by Serbs. Ethnic Serbs overwhelmingly boycotted the votes.

Brussels has asked Kosovo to withdraw its special police forces from northern Kosovo, where most of the ethnic Serb minority lives, and to hold fresh elections.

In February and March, Kosovo and Serbia reached a EU-facilitated deal on normalizing relations, with an 11-point plan for implementation. The process remains the focus of the talks mediated by the envoys from Washington and Brussels.

Kurti insisted the special police forces could not be downsized until criminal Serb gangs either left the country or were arrested. He said there was peace in Kosovo if there were no orders for violence from Belgrade.

Western powers should not indulge Belgrade, the root problem of the violence in the Western Balkans, Kurti said.

Kurti complained that even for the April snap election in the four northern municipalities with a Serb majority population, international mediators, European facilitators failed us."

He said they urged Kosovo to make electoral amendments but did not put pressure on the ethnic Serbs only political party to take part in the vote.

He said he would need the international communitys help to foster political pluralism in the ethnic Serb minority for a fair competition, for a democratic race for new mayors.

We cannot afford another process where Serbian candidates boycott it a couple of days before the elections start because that's what Belgrade orders, he said.

Wigemark, who has also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, said it was vital that these kinds of incidents are not allowed to flare up, to spill over to some sort of armed conflict.

The ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, that is the venue to sort out most of the outstanding questions," he said.

Serbia and its former province Kosovo have been at odds for decades, with Belgrade refusing to recognize Kosovos 2008 declaration of independence. The violence near their shared border has stirred fear of a renewal of a 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives and resulted in the KFOR peacekeeping mission.
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Nord Stream 2 AG is seen at an office building in Zug

MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin, commenting on a report that the United States had known last year of a Ukrainian plan to attack the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines, said on Thursday it had already raised the possible involvement of "Anglo-Saxons".

Unexplained explosions ruptured both Nord Stream 1 and the newly built Nord Stream 2 pipelines, carrying gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, last September.

The Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing leaked information posted online, that the CIA learned last June through a European spy agency that a six-person Ukrainian special forces team intended to blow up the pipelines.

"We have already talked about the data we have about the possible involvement of the Anglo-Saxons in this terrorist attack against international energy infrastructure," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"All other details should be revealed in the course of a transparent international investigation, which is not currently taking place, and the Russian side is not allowed to join any attempted investigation."

The Kremlin uses the term "Anglo-Saxons" to refer to the United States and Britain.

Russia's despatch of troops into Ukraine in February 2022 put Europe's reliance on Russian natural gas in the political spotlight, and the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines hastened the region's switch to other energy suppliers.

The blasts occurred in the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark. Both countries said the explosions were deliberate, but have yet to determine who was responsible. Those countries and Germany are investigating.

Washington and NATO called the incident "an act of sabotage". Moscow accused investigators of dragging their feet and trying to conceal who was behind the attack.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow and Kevin Liffey;Editing by Andrew Osborn and Susan Fenton)
KS human smuggling law takes effect in July. What will it mean for undocumented immigrants?

After overriding a veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly last month, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature created new criminal penalties for human smuggling in what proponents say is an effort to curb the exploitation of undocumented workers.

Under the new law, which goes into effect on July 1, anyone who intentionally moves, hides or shelters someone who is in the country illegally can be charged with a felony in Kansas if they receive any form of payment for doing so and are aware that the person will be financially exploited.

This broad definition has caused concern among immigration advocates, who worry that in order to enforce this new law, the state might involve federal immigration authorities. Critics worry enforcement could subject undocumented Kansans to legal scrutiny and the risk of deportation.

Others fear that the broadly-defined new crime could implicate a wide swath of people who house or transport undocumented Kansans, including their friends and family members. Some also worry that it could discourage people from reporting workplace abuse or exploitation.

Its so open to interpretation that we do not know how its going to be enforced, said said Karla Juarez, the executive director of Advocates for Immigration Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR), a nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Kansas.

But proponents of the bill, including state Rep. Eric L. Smith, a Burlington Republican, argued that the law is part of a larger effort to target human traffickers  not put their victims at risk.

We are finding any way that we can to identify those who are being trafficked. This is just one more tool, Smith told The Star. This law was created to protect folks, not open the door for further exploitation by government agents.

Heres what else we know about this new crime in Kansas.

How does Kansas define human smuggling under the new law?

Kansas new law defines human smuggling as intentionally transporting, harboring or concealing an individual into or within Kansas when all three of the following conditions are met:

The smuggler knows or should have known that the person they are smuggling is in the country illegally

The smuggler is receiving some sort of benefit, financial or otherwise, for smuggling the person

The smuggler knows or should have known that the person they are smuggling is likely to be exploited for the financial gain of another.

The law makes human smuggling a level 5 person felony, which in Kansas carries a sentence of around four years and four months in prison.

This crime is slightly different from human trafficking, which happens against the victims will. Human smuggling, on the other hand, can happen with the consent of the person being smuggled  but can still involve poor living or working conditions.

Oftentimes, with human smuggling, its the same kind of thing and often goes hand in hand with human trafficking, Smith said. The human smuggling (law) was directed toward those individuals who are part of that business of moving those folks.

The law also defines aggravated human smuggling as happening when the person being smuggled is harmed, threatened with a weapon or compelled into sex work by the smuggler. This crime is a level 3 person felony, which carries a sentence of around 7 years and ten months in prison.

What could the new law mean for smuggling victims?

While the new law doesnt directly criminalize the person being smuggled, critics worry that state prosecution of the crime could encourage federal immigration authorities to investigate the legal status of those involved.

Immigration investigations fall to the federal government, not to the states. But this law creates a state crime that is dependent on a persons immigration status, which is a federal matter.

Leavenworth District Attorney Todd Thompson told The Star that this overlap of state and federal jurisdictions is pretty common  prosecutors would simply have a federal agent testify to the immigration status of one or more undocumented smuggling victims.

Federal agents testify about state cases all the time, he said. (Smuggling victims) status is an element of that crime, so that would need to be brought into evidence.

Critics of the new law worry that such investigations could put smuggling victims at risk of deportation, and could lead to law enforcement targeting Hispanic and Latino Kansans.

Our goal is to make sure that people know their rights and are alert to what any sort of racial profiling or discrimination could look like, Juarez said.

She added that her group supports the states efforts to curb the exploitation of immigrant workers, but is specifically opposed to the first section of the law, which she said defines the human smuggling crime in an overly broad way.

Advocates for Immigration Rights and Reconciliation members are seen at a 2019 press conference in support of Florencio Millan, 32, who was forcibly detained by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

What rights do undocumented Kansans have?

Juarez organization is publicizing its Know Your Rights material ahead of the bills implementation later this summer.

Among some basic constitutional rights of everyone on U.S. soil are the right to remain silent and the right to refuse unlawful searches of your vehicle, home or person. Kansans also have the right to record their interactions with law enforcement.

Juarez encourages those interested in helping undocumented Kansans to spread this information widely and keep an eye out for instances of racial profiling.

Undocumented people hold the same constitutional rights as American citizens do because they live on U.S. soil, she said. Those of us who are U.S. citizens are in a position of privilege whenever we get pulled over We feel a lot more comfortable asking the question of why I was pulled over, and being alert of questioning whether or not certain things are discriminatory.

To share information about the new law, the Kansas Hispanic and Latino Affairs Commission is holding several workshops around the state throughout June. Here are a few upcoming events:

Other resources for Kansans who may have experienced discrimination include the ACLU of Kansas and Kansas Legal Services.

How can someone get charged with human smuggling?

Like with other crimes, police and prosecutors can decide how they will go after those they believe are committing human smuggling. We dont know exactly how this enforcement will play out yet, and it may vary based on individual interpretations of the law.

The critical part of this bill is that it doesnt just affect undocumented people. It affects DACA recipients, legal permanent residents, even U.S. citizens, because it makes it a felony for anyone to do the things that the bill says, Juarez told The Star.

Thats a point of concern for some of AIRRs clients, who worry that speaking up about exploitative conditions their undocumented friends and family members face could be considered admitting to a felony.

Thousands of Kansans live in mixed status households that contain some undocumented people as well as those in the country legally.

According to the American Immigration Council, over 100,000 Kansans  around half of whom are U.S. citizens  lived with at least one undocumented family member between 2010 and 2014. Undocumented immigrants also comprised around 3% of the states total population in 2016.

If someones already living with me, (and) Im benefiting financially because theyre paying rent, what if they come into work and theyre being exploited, and I report it? Juarez said, echoing a concern she said she had heard repeatedly from AIRRs clients. Im trying to help them, but am I going to be a felon under this law?

Others, including Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, have also expressed concerns that rideshare drivers and paramedics in ambulances could be prosecuted under the broad definition of this crime. A loose interpretation of harboring someone could put hotels and shelters at risk, too.

Thompson told The Star that while he understands these concerns, such a prosecution would be unlikely.

I dont think law enforcement even has the time, and the want, to start going after those situations as opposed to actually using the law as I think it was interpreted and hoped, he said.

He added that not only would police need extensive information in order to make an arrest, but a prosecutor would have to choose to press charges against a family member or friend accused of smuggling their loved one. A jury would also have to choose to convict the alleged smuggler.

If you have lets say two people getting taken to work, is that human smuggling? I think youre gonna have a real, real hard time trying to determine how you got to probable cause for that being human smuggling, Smith added.

But the laws critics remain concerned about the freedom it gives police and prosecutors to decide when to target potential smugglers.

Legislators themselves told us that they are putting their trust in the sheriffs department or the police department to interpret this law, Juarez said. And thats concerning.

Do you have more questions about immigration in Kansas or Missouri? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
Ukrhydroenergo stated that the Kyiv HPP is protected from air and internal strikes

He stressed that the Russian forces could not reach the plant even when they were just five kilometers away in Dmytrivka.

"They won't be able to do anything to the plant today," he said.

Read also: Russia destroyed Kakhovka dam in despair, Estonian brigadier general says

Nova Kakhovka dam breach  what is known

During the night of June 6, Russian forces that have occupied the town of Nova Kakhovka for over a year, blew up the dam, flooding downstream cities and towns along the Dnipro River, including the reginal capital of Kherson, Ukrainian authorities say.

The evacuation of citizens on the west bank of the Dnipro River has been ongoing throughout the night. A humanitarian disaster is underway on the Russian-occupied east bank, which has seen far more devastation due to its lower elevation.

At an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the evacuation of at-risk areas and the provision of drinking water to towns and villages served by the affected Kakhovka Reservoir.

About 80 settlements in the region are under the threat of flooding, and 16,000 people on the west bank of Kherson Oblast are in the critical zone.

Read also:

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukrhydroenergo, the national hydro power plant regulator, has stressed that the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) is protected from air strikes, as well as from internal attacks, so the Russian occupiers have no way of harming it.

Source: Ihor Syrota, CEO of Ukrhydroenergo, during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "To blow up a dam, you must drop at least three half-tonne aerial bombs in one place. This cannot be done with a single missile. Powerful explosions [as at Kakhovka HPP  ed.] occurred in three places at the plant. When the plant is dismantled, we will see it all.

The plant [Kyiv HPP  ed.] is protected both from the air and the inside [attacks]. Therefore, we do not see any concerns today [regarding a possible attack or explosion of the Kyiv HPP  ed.].

They [the occupiers  ed.] could not do this when they were literally 5 kilometres away from the Kyiv plant in [the settlement of  ed.] Dymer. They will certainly be unable to do anything to our station today."

Previously: After Russia blew up the Kakhovka HPP, Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov suggested blowing up the Kyiv HPP as well, as "even without a nuclear strike, many people would die".

Background: Last September, Ukrhydroenergos press service reported that the hydraulic structures of the Kyiv HPP were in good condition, the dam was unlikely to break, and possible damage from a missile strike would not cause catastrophic effects.

On 7 June, Ukrhydroenergo announced that it was starting to build an early warning system for emergency situations at Kyiv HPPs and Kyiv Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES) located upstream of the Dnipro River above the capital.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Los Angeles Unified school board President Jackie Goldberg holds up "The Great Big Book of Families" during Tuesday's Board of Education meeting in downtown Los Angeles. She read the entire book aloud to those assembled. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles school board President Jackie Goldberg pulled out an oversized children's book titled "The Great Big Book of Families" and turned a public meeting into story time, her own not-so-subtle statement to critics of LGBTQ+ education.

"In real life, families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes," she read, as the text by British author Mary Hoffman explained. Some children live with "mummy and daddy," or just their mummy or daddy.

Goldberg soon got to the line "Some children have two mommies or two daddies."

"A great book," she said after reading it from cover to cover. "I recommend it."

Her statement set up the unanimous school board approval of a resolution listing all the ways the nation's second largest school district intends to raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community.

The reading and vote unfolded four days after more than 100 demonstrators marched outside Saticoy Elementary in Sun Valley in protest of a gay pride assembly. Some shouted slurs at counterprotesters and fights broke out before police quickly intervened.

Goldberg's reading occurred on the same day that violence erupted outside the Glendale Unified school board meeting  which had its own gay pride resolution on the agenda  and once again, fights broke out among demonstrators. Officers declared an unlawful assembly, briefly ordered people to shelter in place and sent protesters home.

On Tuesday at least the L.A. school board made clear they were not remaining neutral.

The resolution "proclaims and commemorates June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, October as LGBTQ+ History Month, as well as October 11th as National Coming Out Day, November 20th as Transgender Day of Remembrance, March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility, and April 12th as Day of Silence."

It encourages "all schools" to incorporate lessons on the LGBTQ+ community and make use of the "Queer All Year" calendar, and hold "commemorative activities" at various points throughout the school year.

Officials also recommitted to publicize the "OUT for Safe Schools" campaign by providing posters, staff badges, and other inclusive materials to schools.

It is a common exercise for the L.A. school district to pass feel-good resolutions with little to no opposition. But this year, in this moment, a pro-LGBTQ+ resolution feels timely and relevant, said school board member Nick Melvoin, who praised his brother and his brother's husband as the best of parents.

"This resolution has seemed a bit perfunctory over the years," Melvoin said. "We'd bring it and we'd celebrate, but we thought that it was less needed here in Los Angeles.

"But as we're seeing the weaponization of public policy to sow hate and discrimination, it makes it all the more important for us to speak out against the acts of hate and violence cropping up all around us  from legislatures across the country passing anti-LGBTQ+ bills to a cruel act of vandalism in our own backyard just a few days ago."

Melvoin was referring to the burning of a gay pride flag that belonged to a staff member at Saticoy Elementary, where the Friday demonstration had been staged.

"These kinds of incidents shake us out of our complacency," Melvoin said.

Across the nation, there are more than 490 bills restricting rights for the LGBTQ+ community this legislative session, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

The resolution described a crisis to be confronted: "Youth identifying as LGBTQ+ are at a higher risk for experiencing homelessness, being victims of bullying, and attempting or dying by suicide, and national research indicates that mental health struggles and rates of suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBTQ+ youth in recent years."

Speakers at the meeting talked of their troubles growing up, and a couple of students said bullying of LGBTQ+ students  including in L.A. Unified  is not a thing of the past

The protesters at Saticoy had called for boycotting the school on the day of the assembly, even though attendance at the assembly was optional.

"Keep your kids home and innocent," a flier posted by protest organizers said.

Attendance was lower than usual Friday at the school, with about 69 out of 564 students absent. L.A. schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho said the vast majority of absences were over safety concerns, not in protest of the assembly.

The subject of the assembly was the book that Goldberg read aloud. The assembly also included some singing, Carvalho said.

What was presented was absolutely, absolutely grade level appropriate, conforms with standards, as published by the state of California, Carvalho said. And it aligns with this idea that books that are age appropriate should not be removed from shelves or not be accessible to kids. This was nothing more, nothing less than a book that speaks about families in our community  of different religions, races, ethnicities  and has one reference that has been misportrayed in so many ways."

Goldberg, 78, had intended to remain calm, but later in the meeting, when she spoke on the resolution, anger rose in her voice and she nearly shed tears.

She recounted her career and the personal struggles of her and her children, who, as the book put it, had two mommies.

She also spoke directly to the fears expressed by protesters  that schools are carrying out the sexualized "grooming" of children into a lifestyle their parents consider deviant.

The district would never condone the sexualization of students "in any way, shape, or form," she said. "And those of you who believe that this might happen are allowed to read the curriculum materials, are invited into the assemblies with your children, are invited not to have your children go to the assemblies. I do not believe in forcing a parent to have a child attend assemblies that they feel would be violating their values."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Prosecutors want Tory Lanez to spend 13 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. Denise Truscello/Getty Images for iHeartRadio/y Joseph Okpako/WireImage

A jury convicted Tory Lanez of assault with a firearm for shooting fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion.

Prosecutors want to see him spend more than a dozen years behind bars.

Lanez is set to be sentenced June 13.

Prosecutors believe rapper Tory Lanez should serve 13 years in state prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion  and for repeatedly harassing and threatening her afterward in violation of protection orders, according to a sentencing memo.

Lawyers from the LA County District Attorney's Office made the request this week, accusing Lanez of siccing his millions of followers on Megan Thee Stallion after he shot her and enlisting fellow celebrities to bully her publicly. The memo also accused Lanez of attacking another artist, August Alsina, while he was out on bail and promoting false narratives about the shooting online.

Lanez spent nearly three years "waging a campaign of misinformation to retraumatize the victim," the sentencing memo says.

Last December, a jury found that Lanez fired five rounds at Megan Thee Stallion after an argument following a 2020 party hosted by Kylie Jenner. Lanez, who was born Daystar Peterson, was convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, and possession of a concealed, unregistered gun in a vehicle. He faces a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months for the crimes according to the sentencing memo, which was obtained by Insider. He is set to appear at a sentencing hearing in LA County Superior Court on June 13.

The prosecutors argued that to let Lanez off simply with probation would ignore his lack of remorse over the shooting and the fact that he repeatedly violated court orders to stay away from his victim and not discuss the case. For example, Lanez enlisted fellow rapper DaBaby to "rush" the stage at the 2021 Rolling Loud Festival while Megan The Stallion was performing, violating a court order to stay away from the artist and leaving her "incredibly fearful," the memo states.

Lanez also sought to profit off the shooting by releasing an album featuring several songs about the incident, insinuating that Megan The Stallion "spun" the story because she was upset that he'd had an intimate relationship with both her and her close friend.

"To say that the defendant simply failed to obey perfunctory court orders would be a gross understatement," the prosecutors wrote. "The defendant was defiant. His violations bordered on intimidation and harassment of the victim and could have potentially jeopardized the sanctity of the proceedings."

Lanez's lawyer, Christine Benavente, did not respond to a request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at State Farm Stadium on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona.

MICHIGAN CITY  A LaPorte County man was being held in jail Thursday after being accused of stalking Taylor Swift and making disturbing threats against her, her security team and attendees of her current Eras Tour.

Mitchell T. Taebel, a 36-year-old Long Beach, Ind. resident, is charged with felony charges of stalking and intimidation, along with misdemeanor counts of invasion of privacy and harassment.

Swift recently played at Soldier Field in Chicago and is scheduled to play Friday and Saturday in Detroit.

All you need to be prepared: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Detroit this weekend

Taebel has managed to make it into Swift's proximity at least twice in Nashville, police say.

Prosecutors say Taebel sent a voice message to Swift through her official Instagram account on May 25 stating "he would happily wear a bomb if he cannot be with his soulmate."

He's accused of sending a message to Swift's father the next day claiming to be her soulmate and subsequently sent Swift herself a photo of someone firing a handgun at a firing range. Prosecutors say that photo included a message threatening to harm Swift and all of her dancers.

Mitchell T. Taebel of Long Beach, Ind. is accused of stalking and threatening Taylor Swift, her staff and concert attendees.

Taebel also has a YouTube page featuring several videos about Swift and saying he and Swift would be married.

On May 5, police said, Taebel traveled to some luxury condominiums in Nashville, believing Swift was there and, while claiming to be a popular TV host," asked security to let her know he was in the lobby.

He allegedly fled when police were called but showed up at Nissan Stadium that night for Swift's scheduled concert.

He was reportedly recognized from a list of known security threats and removed from being near a VIP area.

After returning home, he allegedly posted a message wishing death for people who think its illegal to go to where somebody lives to see if they want to meet.

In another message to the pop artist, he said Yall get ready you thugs because were going to cancel this damn tour and still destroy you, according to court documents.

Attached to that message was a picture of a man holding an AR-15 rifle, police said.

In the coming weeks, there were also messages from Taebel expressing a desire to meet and for them to be together and then shoot ourselves if we had to, prosecutors allege in court documents.

According to court documents, Swifts management team obtained a temporary restraining order, which was served to Taebel on May 13.

He allegedly violated the order by posting more messages about Swift and tagging her on social media, prosecutors allege.

Taebel made his initial court appearance Tuesday, when Judge Jamie Oss denied his request to be released on his own recognizance, instead requring a $15,000 cash-only bond for Taebel's release.

In addition to videos detailing his obsession with Swift, Taebel's YouTube channel also suggests he was previously arrested near Phoenix in 2018 after leading police on a 60-mile car chase and threatening to kill officers. Taebel has a video on his YouTube channel that is a compilation of numerous news outlets' coverage of that chase and his statements after his arrest.

2018 incident: Police chase ends in violent, head-on crash in Tempe

That chase ended when Taebel's vehicle hit an oncoming civilian vehicle head-on. He was originally charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, endangerment, and unlawful flight from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle. Those charges were dismissed in 2021 because of mental incompetence, according to the Arizona Republic.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Taylor Swift stalking case: Indiana man arrested on felony charges
AYImages

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed three sightings of a single wolverine in the Inyo National Forest and Yosemite National Park.

This is the second wolverine sighting in California since the 1920s.

While more common in Canada and Alaska, wolverines are a threatened species in California.

Scientists got pretty excited to see a wolverine this May, wandering the mountains of California. Even more thrilling was the fact that they saw this single wolverine three separate times, confirming the presence of the second known wolverine in California in the past 100 years. Wolverines are considered a threatened species in the state.

The largest terrestrial member of the weasel family, the roaming wolverine (which arguably more closely resembles a small bear) was seen on three separate occasions over a couple of weeks in both the Inyo National Forest and Yosemite National Park. The sightings were established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Wolverines can travel great distances, making it likely that the recent sightings are all of the same animal, Daniel Gammons, CDFW senior environmental scientist, said in a statement. Because only two wolverines have been confirmed in California during the last 100 years, these latest detections are exciting.

Images and video of the creature captured by different parties helped the CDFW identify the animal as a wolverine by putting on display its size, body proportion, coloration, and movement patterns.

Not only is this only the second wolverine spotted in the last 100 years in California, but its also the second wolverine spotted in the state in the last five years. The last wolverine seen in California was spotted continuously from 2008 to 2018. Before that one, the last confirmed wolverine sighting occurred in the 1920s. With a lifespan typically no greater than 13 years, experts believe this new wolverine isnt the same as the one first seen in 2008.

While commonly found in the mountains of Canada and Alaska, wolverines grow scarcer as you travel south. Although still found in both the Rocky and Cascade mountain ranges, by the time you reach California mountains, the creatures become downright rare.

Julia Lawson, an environmental scientists with CDFW, tells the Los Angeles Times that wolverines are solitary animals, so this newfound specimen may not have others with it. Our speculation, she says, according to the newspaper, as to why this wolverine made it down here was it was a huge snow year.

More abundant over 100 years ago, the decrease in wolverine population is likely thanks to humans trying to rid the region of the bear-like animal, as wolverines commonly preyed on livestock.

With the new sighting comes a renewed sense of scientific urgency. Lawson said that the team hopes to study the wolverine by collecting genetic samples from the individual. A two-in-a-hundred event like can certainly get folks excited.

You Might Also Like
A Lavaca, Arkansas, man was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $29.8 million in a healthcare fraud and money laundering scheme.

Billy Joe Taylor, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and money laundering on Oct. 27, 2022. He was ordered to pay $29,835,825.99 in restitution, the U.S. Attorney's office for the Western District of Arkansas said.

Taylor and co-conspirators submitted more than $134 million in false claims to Medicare in connection with diagnostic laboratory testing, including urine drug testing and tests for respiratory illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

The claims were medically unnecessary, were not ordered by medical providers, and were not provided as represented, prosecutors alleged.

Taylor and co-conspirators were accused of obtaining medical information and private personal information for Medicare beneficiaries, and then misusing that confidential information to repeatedly submit claims to Medicare for diagnostic tests, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Taylor and his co-conspirators received more than $38 million from Medicare on those fraudulent claims, prosecutors alleged.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Departments Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson, of the FBIs Little Rock division; Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, Dallas regional office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Dallas field office, were involved in the case.

The FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-Criminal Investigation team investigated the case.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Arkansas and Senior Litigation Counsel Jim Hayes and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Sections National Rapid Response Strike Force prosecuted the case, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

The fraud section leads the criminal divisions efforts to combat health care fraud through a health care fraud strike force.

Since March 2007, 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts have charged more than 5,000 defendants who had billed federal healthcare programs and private insurers more than $24 billion, the U.S. Attorney said.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in healthcare fraud schemes, the U.S. Attorney said.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Multimillion-dollar health care fraud case gets man 15 years in prison
US lawmakers urged for the US not to invite Hong Kong's sanctioned leader John Lee to APEC, which will be held in San Francisco this year (Peter PARKS)

A bipartisan group of United States lawmakers including Florida Senator Marco Rubio has urged Joe Biden's administration to "prohibit" Hong Kong's sanctioned leader from attending an annual Pacific economic summit in California.

The Chinese finance hub is one of the member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade summit, which is due to be held in San Francisco in November.

But Hong Kong leader John Lee was placed under US sanctions in 2020 by the Donald Trump administration due to his role as the city's security chief in crushing massive and at times violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong the year before.

"Inviting a sanctioned human rights abuser is an affront to all those who have been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party and (China), and its proxies in Hong Kong," the lawmakers said Wednesday in an open letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The US Treasury had said in 2020 Lee was involved in "coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning individuals" under the authority of a Beijing-imposed national security law.

"Due to his status as a sanctioned individual, Chief Executive Lee is not allowed to visit the United States unless given a waiver by the administration," said the letter's signatories, which included Democrats Jeff Merkley and Jim McGovern as well as Republican Chris Smith.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman had earlier confirmed plans to invite Lee, according to the lawmakers.

"As the host, we believe it is important to foster regional economic dialogue and for the United States and (China) to work together to maintain global macro-economic stability," Sherman was quoted as saying.

But the lawmakers said Wednesday they were "dismayed" by the move and urged the Biden administration to "deny any action that would give (China) disproportional representation at APEC."

Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend the summit.

Lee's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hong Kong authorities have arrested more than 10,000 people over the 2019 democracy protests.

Since Beijing imposed the national security law, semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been remolded into the image of authoritarian China -- with its once-vibrant civil society neutered, nearly all opposition parties disbanded, and its arts and culture sectors censored.

dhc/hol/caw
NASAs Space Launch System launching in November 2022.

A lawsuit filed by Wilson Aerospace, an aerospace hardware company, alleges that Boeing has stolen ideas from the company for various projects, including those involving NASA and Boeings own 787 Dreamliner.

The Colorado-based Wilson Aerospace was Boeings collaborator for two years, developing hardware to assist with the installation of Space Launch System (SLS) engines, according to the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in SeattleBoeings former HQ.

Read more

According to Wilsons lawsuit, Boeing sought the companys expertise in 2014 to address the challenge of installing engines into the megarocket, given the limited and confined physical space available. However, after Wilson Aerospace designed a special version of its Fluid Fitting Torque Device, it says that Boeing abruptly cancelled its contract with the company in 2016, taking proprietary information with it.

This lawsuit seeks to hold Boeing accountable for the repeated and deliberate misappropriation and infringement of Wilsons intellectual property, and to prevent Boeing from doing the same to other victims, Wilson Aerospace wrote in the suit. Unfortunately, like it has done so many times before, Boeing refuses to acknowledge the critical safety risks that it has created, and it continues to deny and deflect attention from its misconduct.

Wilson further claims that Boeing also approached the company in 2012 to design tools for installing bolts during the assembly of Boeings own 787 Dreamliners carbon fiber wings. After Wilson developed a multiplier for Boeing to use, the company informed Wilson that it would be pivoting away from the bolts the multiplier was designed foran assertion Wilson says in the lawsuit is false. Wilson says that it also developed a version of the Fluid Fitting Torque Device for Boeing, which could be used by astronauts to tighten specific fittings on the International Space Station.

A Boeing spokesperson told Bloomberg that the lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions, and that the company will vigorously defend against this in court.

Related story: Boeing Calls Off Its First Crewed Starliner Flight Due to Major Safety Issues

Boeing and NASA have had quite the fruitful relationship, with the company being one of the agencys contractors of choice for all things International Space Station. One of Boeings more recent projects is the CST-100 Starliner, a reusable spacecraft with the mission of transporting passengers and cargo to the ISS and other destinations in low Earth orbit. However, the road to getting Starliner to the finish line has been bumpy. A test of the vehicle was meant to occur this past February, before it was pushed to April, only for Boeing to indefinitely delay the Starliner test entirely, citing two safety hazards.

For more spaceflight in your life, follow us on Twitter and bookmark Gizmodos dedicated Spaceflight page.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Two of the victims sexually abused by former Boston Police officer Patrick Rose are suing several city, police and DCF officials they say failed to fully investigate the crimes.

Among the defendants in the case are former Boston Police Commissioner Paul Evans, the city of Boston, and the Department of Children and Families.

Despite a 1995 complaint against Rose for indecent assault and battery on a 12-year-old boy, Rose continued to rise through the ranks of the Boston Police Department and its union, according to documents filed in court Thursday. Although the charges were later dropped against Rose, DCF and BPDs own internal affairs division concluded Rose likely did commit the crime.

Prosecutors say Rose continued to abuse the initial victim and extended the abuse to other children over the next 23 years.

Due to the complete failure of the BPD and DCF, Rose was not terminated from the police department, and avoided criminal charges, incarceration, restraining orders, therapy, and child custody restrictions. Because the BPD and DCF did nothing, Rose was emboldened and escalated his abuse against John Doe and Jane Doe and extended the abuse to additional child victims, the prosecution wrote in their suit.

Former Boston police union president arraigned on multiple charges, including child rape

Rose, the former president of the Boston police union, was criminally charged in 2020 with child sex abuse. According to the arrest report, the victim told police Rose touched their genitals, orally raped them and asked them to perform a sexual act.

Two years later, Rose pleaded guilty to 21 of 33 charges for molesting six children over an almost three-decade period. Rose was sentenced to 10-to-13 years in prison and 10 years probation.

The same year, an investigation by the city of Boston concluded Rose should have been fired long ago and that then-police commissioner Paul Evans was aware of the allegations.

When reached for comment, Boston Mayor Michlle Wu declined to speak on the matter.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The lawyer who used ChatGPT's fake legal cases in court said he was 'duped' by the AI, but a judge questioned how he didn't spot the 'legal gibberish'

A lawyer who used ChatGPT to help write a legal filing said he was "duped" after it was revealed the AI made up fake legal cases to back his argument. NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty Images

A lawyer used ChatGPT to help search for legal cases to write an affidavit backing his lawsuit.

The AI hallucinated six fake cases, per a federal judge, which the lawyer included in the filing.

At a sanctions hearing, the judge admonished the the lawyer for being fooled by "legal gibberish."

The lawyer who used ChatGPT to help write up an affidavit  and didn't realize the AI had completely made up fake legal cases to cite  said he was "duped" by the tool during a sanctions hearing before a New York judge on Thursday, Inner City Press reported.

But the judge in the hearing pressed the lawyer, questioning how the lawyer missed the fakes and saying ChatGPT's fabricated ramblings were "legal gibberish," journalist Matthew Russell Lee reported for his nonprofit outlet.

"Chat GPT wasn't supplementing your research - it was your research, right?" US District Court Judge P. Kevin Castel asked lawyer Steven Schwartz of personal injury law firm Levidow, Levidow & Oberman, according to Inner City Press.

The affidavit used by Schwartz and colleague Peter LoDuca was for a lawsuit from a man who alleged he was hurt by a serving cart on a flight. The court filing included six court cases that were "bogus judicial decisions with bogus quotes and bogus internal citations," Castel wrote in a previous court order.

A receptionist who picked up the phone at Levidow, Levidow & Oberman late Thursday said the lawyers were out of the office. They couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

At the sanctions hearing over the mishap, Castel pressed Schwartz, Inner City Press reported.

"You say you verify cases," Castel said, according to Inner City Press

"I, I, I thought there were cases that could not be found on Google," Schwartz replied, according to the outlet.

"Six cases, none found on Google. This non-existent case, Varghese, the excerpt you had was inconsistent, even on the first page," Castel said, the outlet reported. "Can we agree that's legal gibberish?"

Schwartz responded that he thought ChatGPT's output was "excerpts," Inner City Press reported.

Another lawyer at the firm, Peter LoDuca, is also facing sanctions, though he said in court that he didn't do the research that was used in the affidavit.

"I have worked with Mr. Schwartz for 27 years," LoDuca said in court, Inner City Press reported. "I should have been more skeptical. I can't go back and change what was done. This will never happen again."

The hearing adjourned without Castel making a decision on possible sanctions for the lawyers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tampa residents may need at least $85K to afford rent, study shows

How much do you have to make to afford rent in Tampa? New data collected by Florida Atlantic University may provide an answer.

Researchers at FAU compiled the Waller, Weeks and Johnson Rental Index to study which U.S. cities are the most overpriced. Tampa is the 18th most expensive metro area on the index.

The average cost of rent in the Tampa metro area was $2,118.75, according to April data.

Based on that number, Tampenos who make $84,750.12 or less are considered rent burdened, meaning they spend at least 30% of their income on rent. Those who make $50,850.07 or less are considered severely rent burdened, meaning they spend at least half their income on rent.

The average income for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater is $57,500, according to a May report from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ken H. Johnson, a real estate economist in FAUs College of Business, said that Tampa has seen rapid increases in rent since the pandemic. Though those increases are slowing now, we likely wont experience a significant drop in prices.

Its going to take our incomes catching up rather than rents backing up to become affordable, Johnson said.

Still, Tampa is relatively affordable compared to other markets across the country, and even across the state. Florida cities dominated this months rental index, with Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Miami, North Port-Bradenton and Deltona all ranking in the top 10.

For Miami, which came in at No. 8 on the index, anyone who makes $112,183.83 or less is considered rent burdened.

Johnson said Florida is at a particular disadvantage because the state has seen such tremendous population growth.

We have people coming in in massive numbers and were just not building units fast enough, he said. The result of that is we have both high home prices and high rent prices.

The Tampa Bay Times has a team of reporters focusing on rising costs in our region. If you have an idea, question or story to tell, please email us at costofliving@tampabay.com.

. . .

Related Stories

NEED HOUSING HELP? Here are housing resources in Tampa Bay.

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS: Heres how to fact-check rental listings.

STAYED UPDATED: Sign up for our free weekly Business by the Bay newsletter, featuring insights on the economy, real estate and local businesses.

TAMPA BAY HOUSING BOOM: 10 voices from the front lines.

THREAT TO HELPERS: Steep rent increases are hurting people who help Tampa Bays homeless, too.
Letters to the Editor: We regulate food and drugs. Why not also stringently regulate guns?

High school students from the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex demonstrate at L.A. City Hall in support of the families of Uvalde, Texas, on May 31, 2022. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

To the editor: The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was enacted "for preventing the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors," and for regulating traffic of those goods. ("California proves that stricter gun laws save lives," column, June 5)

We didn't take away everyone's food, medicine or alcohol. We just realized that there was a serious potential for harm if we didn't monitor these resources that were so widely accessible, and set regulations to counteract the dangers of careless or deceptive individuals handling them.

It hasn't prevented all cases of illness or poisoning, but it has contributed to the saving of millions of American lives.

The law isn't perfect, which is why we've since amended it, but it was right because it saved lives. Congress debated for more than 20 years before passing it, particularly because food, medicine and liquor are all big businesses. We're safer today because Congress passed the law.

Its astounding that our current federal laws don't treat something as blatantly dangerous as guns in a similar manner.

Aimee La Fountain, Nutley, N.J.

..

To the editor: Columnist George Skelton uses the gun death rate to make his argument, but he never mentions that this includes suicides.

Looking at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's data for the homicide rate (which is what most of us worry about when we think about guns), California, despite its draconian laws, is right in the middle of the states, tied at 22nd with Alaska, Kansas and Wisconsin.

This is such an obvious omission that it is poor journalism at best.

Jaco van der Colff, Woodland Hills

..

To the editor: I appreciate Skelton's piece on California's strict gun laws.

For too long much of the media coverage about gun violence was about the details of a mass shooting and politicians' cries for thoughts and prayers, and very little about how government could provide remedies to this national disgrace. The focus on legislation is important, as is showing the country that California, with its strict laws, has one of the lowest gun death rates in the nation.

As Californians, we need to speak up and speak out to our fellow states about how restrictions work to reduce gun violence in our communities.

Sheila Goldberg, Venice

The writer is a board member of Women Against Gun Violence.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
When Trent Osborne and James Hensley organized a small protest in support of human rights and pride at Sanders Park in downtown Corbin, they were prepared to receive some negative attention from onlookers.

People would drive by and holler and flip us off, Hensley said. Sometimes the people doing it may mean something behind it but sometimes, you know, people just think they are being funny.

Neither of them expected their small gathering of eight people to end in a confrontation where a firearm was brandished, slurs were exclaimed and a man touted ties to the Ku Klux Klan. But a video taken at the scene appeared to show those incidents unfold. The video went viral before it was taken down from TikTok, but it was reviewed by the Herald-Leader.

On June 3, Hensley and Osborne say they and about six other people set up in downtown Corbin with signs and chairs to support Pride and the LGBTQ community.

It was just to inspire change and help people be confident, Hensley said.

Things turned more aggressive that afternoon when Osborne said two men approached, one on a motorcycle and the other in a car. He said the men flipped the group off and proceeded to pull over and approach them.

They began spouting slurs and hateful slander. The F-slur was said on multiple occasions, when the two men approached they each had their hands on their guns which were hidden in their pockets, Osborne recalled.

Osborne said he confronted them about the weapons. One of the men pulled a card from his pocket, which Osborne said he recognized as a KKK card.

An unidentified man shows what protesters called a Klan membership card.

They even proudly proclaimed to be homophobic, and racist, Osborne said. At one point the man who pulled his weapon later in the altercation looked at me and said Ill burn you and that sign.

The situation escalated further when the man allegedly put his card in Hensleys face, and they began to slap each others arms until the man unholstered his weapon and put it down by his side. Both Hensley and Osborne said they began to yell out for help, and police arrived shortly thereafter.

In video footage of the incident, Hensley appears to shout expletives at the men and flip them off.

According to Osborne, the police demanded the man drop his weapon and confiscated both mens firearms, one of which was not in a holster and was hidden in his shorts pocket. Police allegedly took the guns apart and removed the bullets that were in the chamber and ready, Osborne said.

The police then do an investigation to find out what is happening, then ask us to leave as we have no permit, and they escort the men to their vehicles, giving their weapons back and sending them off, he recalled.

The men in the video have not been publicly identified. Corbin police did not return phone calls Thursday afternoon to address the incident or whether anyone had been charged. The Corbin mayor was not immediately available for comment either.

There are awful people in the world and sometimes you want to help them and see your side, but they are so stuck in their ways they cant see any differences, Hensley said.

LGBTQ backlash in rural areas

Other rural communities have recently faced opposition to LGBTQ events, including drag shows planned in Mt. Sterling and Floyd County.

Shows were sold out but were met with opposition. An op-ed was published in the local Mt. Sterling newspaper which called the show immoral and a petition to stop the show was passed around churches. A handful of online threats prompted the show to have security.

In March, organizers of an in-person show scheduled in Floyd County made it an online event after they received threats too.

Teri Carter, the spokesperson for activism group Moms Demand Action, said the story hit home for her. Moms Demand Action is an activism group advocating for public safety against gun violence.

Carter said the local library in Anderson County, where she lives, has faced threats after a small pride display was put up inside.

After spending weeks being an active participant in the 2023 legislative session, Carter said she felt passages of bills such as Senate Bill 150 and Kentuckys new Second Amendment Sanctuary bill sends a larger message: We are here to protect guns and not the community.

Referencing the Corbin altercation, Carter said she was not aware that a crime occurred, but took issue with activists allegedly being asked to leave because they didnt have a permit while the other men were given their firearms back.

It concerns me that people can commit those types of threats and be sent away as if nothing happened, Carter said. What is so offensive to another human being about that to the point that they think it is OK to threaten them with a firearm?
Life-size Captain Morgan statue vanishes from Florida store and everybody has jokes

A life-sized statue of rum icon Captain Morgan was swiped from a southwest Florida liquor store, and even the cops are posting jokes.

It happened May 19 and surveillance cameras caught it all on video, including the fact the thief brought a dog.

Aaarrgggghhhh ye able to identify this landlubber? the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office wrote on Facebook.

The suspect in the video is seen removing a Captain Morgan statue from an Englewood business on May 19. His vessel be a blue, two-door pickup truck  and he seems to travel with a K9 first mate.

Video shows it only took one man to pull off the kidnapping, but it wasnt easy. The statue was pushed over the tailgate, then shoved into the bed of the truck like a body.

The flamboyant captain was last seen wearing a blue cape, carrying a sword and standing with one foot on a keg of his rum.

An employee of Beach Discount Liquors told station WBBH the statue stands about 6 feet tall and is worth $2,500 to $3,000 online. It was sitting outside temporarily while the store was being renovated, the station reported.

Social media reaction to the heist has been a mix of fascination and humor, with some suggesting the thief must walk the plank. Many puzzled over what the thief intends to do with the statue, which doesnt blend well with yard gnomes and would be quickly recognized at a pawn shop.

No!! Not Captain Morgan! Michelle Conley wrote on the sheriffs office Facebook page.

Cant blame him, Ive always wanted one of those, just not to the point of stealing it, Shannon McDougall wrote.

I guess he wanted to sail with the Captain, Lynn Burger Frost said.

If ye have any information that can help send him to Sheriff (Bill) Prummells locker or help give us a leg up in this investigation, call our non-emergency number (941) 639-2101, The Charlotte County Sheriff Office says.

Englewood is about 85 miles south of Tampa in southwest Florida.

Woman in pink dress steals $120,000 tractor, Florida cops say. And then it got weird

Two rare Galapagos tortoises stolen in Florida have been recovered. One died, cops say

Man tells deputies his name is Dog and barks during traffic stop, Florida cops say
Bronx rapper Lil Tjay was arrested Tuesday in Manhattan and charged with reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration and criminal possession of a weapon. (Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)

Rapper Lil Tjay was arrested Tuesday in New York ... again.

The New York Police Department confirmed to The Times that Tuesday, around 3 p.m. local time, police "observed a male waving what appeared to be a black firearm from a sunroof of a moving motor vehicle" in the vicinity of First Avenue and East 23rd Street in Manhattan.

Police recovered an imitation pistol at the scene.

Tjay's lawyer Dawn Florio told TMZ that the rapper was filming a short clip for a music video when cops arrived.

He was charged with reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration and criminal possession of a weapon, according to NYPD.

The whole incident was caught on Tjay's Instagram Live, where nearly 21,000 viewers followed along.

"Do not cuff me. Do not touch me, bro," Tjay repeatedly tells police during the confrontation. "What am I under arrest for?" As police handcuffed Tjay, his phone appeared to fall into the hands of an onlooker. Bystanders pleaded with Tjay not to fight back.

Commenters seemed confused about what they were witnessing. Some chimed in with face palm emojis. Others rallied for the musician by writing "#freetjay."

Tjay's lawyer did not immediately respond Thursday to The Times' requests for comment.

This isn't the Bronx rapper's first brush with the law this year.

In January, Tjay, whose given name is Tione Merritt, and four others were arrested after police pulled over the "F.N" rapper and found four loaded guns inside his car without a valid license. They were charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and held on $30,000 cash bail and $90,000 bond by the NYC Department of Corrections, Billboard reported.

The group was reportedly on its way to film a music video with Ice Spice, with whom Tjay collaborated with on her song "Gangsta Boo."

Last June, Tjay was shot seven times in Edgewater, N.J.

During his recovery in August, he shared an update to social media saying Seven shots, it was tough, you know. Most people dont survive it, but Im here. Here for a reason."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A grim scene of screams and chaos greeted one Florida sheriffs deputy when a minivan crashed and flipped with a mom and her five children inside, video shows.

It happened around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, near Tampa, and Sgt. Donnie Rizer arrived to find multiple bystanders using their shoulders to keep the teetered van from flipping onto its roof.

Two children were still somewhere in the vehicle when Rizer saw a tiny hand reaching for the sunroof, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

It led him to a little girl who was unable to detach her seat belt and in shock as she worried about finding her shoes, the video shows.

This is the moment Sgt. Donnie Rizer found a child who was unaccounted for in a minivan that flipped near Tampa, Florida.

I cant unbuckle this, the child says, as Rizer reaches for her. I dont have my shoes.

Im going to come get ya, he says. Come here, baby. ... Well get your shoes.

It took Rizer just seconds to pull the child free and hand her to a bystander. He then continued searching for a boy who was unaccounted for and unresponsive somewhere in the vehicle.

The boy was located when Rizer spotted fingers moving between rows of seats that had detached from the floor as the van flipped. Bystanders were coordinated to hold the van upright as Rizer crawled inside to free the boy, officials said.

All five children were hospitalized, officials said, but injuries were minor, considering of seat belt burn and bruising. The children ranged in age from infancy to 9 years old, officials said.

The family was exiting U.S. Highway 301 onto Interstate 75 South in Riverview when they were t-boned by another car, investigators say. Multiple bystanders stopped to help, the video shows.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister praised Rizer for keeping a cool head during the incident.

In a moment that exemplifies heroism, Sgt. Rizer came across a crash. With a minivan overturned and good Samaritans trying to help, he swiftly took charge. Trapped inside was a distraught mother with five children, but only four were accounted for, Chronister said in the release.

Sgt. Rizers determination led him to discover two small fingers through the sunroof. Risking his own safety, he removed his vest and equipment belt and crawled into the vehicle, rescuing the last child and ensuring their safety.

Deputy badly hurt by 19-year-old driver outside high school graduation, Florida cops say

Deputy collapses and dies after disarming 18-year-old suspect, Florida sheriff says

Watch hawk get rescued from deaths grip as two Florida deputies wrangle angry snake
London Mayor Sadiq Khan this week called out a slew of U.S. Republican Presidential candidates for their horrid views on issues affecting the LGBTQ community.

Speaking at the PinkNews Westminster Pride Reception, Khan, who has been mayor of London since 2016, told the audience there are still big challenges the LGBTQ community faces in 2023, criticizing U.S. politicians who use anti-LGBTQ rhetoric as part of their campaign strategy.

There are candidates running to be the president of the USA campaigning against [the] rights of the LGBTQ+ community, campaigning to be abhorrent and horrid to the trans community, Khan told the audience Wednesday, according to PinkNews.com

But we mustnt be lulled into a false sense of security [that] its not happening here. Youve just got to pick up a paper, youve just got to watch TV, youve just got to go on social media to see some of the images that some politicians are putting out.

Khan added said politicians cant allow their parties to be sucked into these culture wars, also making a reference to the comments Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley made during a CNN Town Hall appearance where she claimed that teenage girls are contemplating suicide because girls who identify as transgender share the same space as them.

Some politicians will play on peoples fears to win votes, Khan added. Other politicians have got to be addressing those fears and trying to win votes with arguments and elections.

The U.S. has seen a recent wave of GOP-led state legislatures passing or implementing laws that target the LGBTQ community, such as Floridas Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as the Dont Say Gay Bill, which was signed into law by Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.

The Biden administration announced a series of measures Thursday that focus on supporting the LGBTQ community and counteracting the recent anti-LGBTQ measures pushed by GOP-led legislatures.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sadiq Khan has hit out at U.S. presidential hopefuls for their abhorrent campaigns against the trans community.

The mayor of London reignited his war of words with leading Republicans over their horrid views.

He previously had a long-running public spat with former President Donald Trump.

Now he has taken aim at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and Nikki Haley over their views on transgender issues.

Khan told the Pink News Westminster Pride Reception in Westminster: There are candidates running to be the president of the USA campaigning against the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, campaigning to be abhorrent and horrid to the trans community.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

He warned attendees at Wednesdays event: We mustnt be lulled into a false sense of security that its not happening here, youve just got to pick up a paper.

Youve just got to watch TV, go to social media to see some of the images politicians are putting out.

When I share with you one out of every four trans teenagers tries to kill themselves, that should sensitize us when it comes to talking about these sort of issues.

The Labour mayor stressed that there remain big, big challenges for the LGBTQ+ community and warned the U.K. is not immune to similar culture wars tactics.

Hardline U.S. presidential hopeful DeSantis recently praised Kemi Badenoch for her fight against so-called woke ideology.

The Florida governor met the business secretary on a trip to Britain when he praised the senior Tory for her outspoken views.

The Sunday Telegraph claimed his allies hope that Badenoch could be the next Margaret Thatcher to their new Ronald Reagan.

Downing Street was later forced to deny that ministers were backing DeSantis over Trump in their battle to become the Republican candidate for U.S. president.
The loneliness of one of Albania's last sworn virgins

Gjystina Grisha, a "Burrnesha" or sworn virgin, chops wood at her home high in the Albanian mountains (ORSOLA MEMA)

For decades, Gjystina Grishaj chopped wood, drove tractors and tended livestock as the man of the house in a remote valley in northern Albania, only to find herself alone after years of sacrifice supporting her family.

Grishaj is among the last of Albania's so-called "sworn virgins" -- an ancient, gender-bending tradition that saw her renounce sex, married life and parenthood in exchange for the right to live and work as a man in the deeply patriarchal society.

The choice -- made over 30 years ago -- was simple. With her father sick and eldest brother dead, she embraced the "burreneshe" identity -- as it is known in Albania -- which allowed her to provide for her family.

But now at 58, Grishaj is alone after her relatives, like hundreds of thousands of other Albanians, emigrated in search of a better life -- leaving her behind in their family home.

"After all the sacrifices I've made for my family, it's the loneliness that weighs on me," Grishaj told AFP.

"There have always been a lot of us living in this big house, which is now plunged into silence. I'm overwhelmed with grief."

- 'I would hide' -

Grishaj came of age during the hard years of communist rule and the chaotic aftermath that followed Albania's entry into the global economy.

To add to their woes, Grishaj's family struggled to make ends meet living in an isolated valley along Albania's craggy, northern frontier -- where winters are harsh and traditions run deep.

With six mouths to feed, her sister married off, eldest brother dead, and her father stricken with disease, Grishaj decided to make the ultimate sacrifice.

"I decided to work like a man to help with my siblings' education and my father's medicine," said Grisha.

Her mother, however, pushed back "insisting a lot that I get married," she added. But "when people came to ask for my hand in marriage, I would hide."

Over the years, Grishaj hardened up physically as she helped the family scratch out a living doing manual labour.

"I became the mainstay," she said.

But life as a burreneshe came with its advantages.

Being a sworn virgin enabled her to escape arranged marriages without disgracing her family.

She wore her hair short and pants long and was able to drink brandy in the cafes with the men and have a say in major decisions in the home.

In the village, where barely 20 people live year-round, she became affectionately known by her nickname Duni.

Her choice to forsake womanhood for a life of hard labour has earned her "respect" in the eyes of the community, said Paulin Nilaj, the owner of a nearby guest house in Lepushe.

"She has adopted the habits of men to have a special status," he adds. "I've always known her like that, so if one day she got married, that's when I'd be surprised."

- 'Pillar of the family' -

The role is a familiar one for Albania's sworn virgins.

"It was a very appreciated and honoured choice," anthropologist Aferdita Onuzi told AFP.

"These women who decided to be the pillar of the family, to rub shoulders with men in the hardest tasks, enjoyed the respect of all, such a choice is considered the supreme sacrifice."

There is no official figure regarding the number of burrenesha remaining in the Balkan nation of 2.8 million. Most experts suspect there are no more than a handful left as Albania embraces modernity.

"Maybe with me the chapter will be closed, no one will become a burreneshe anymore. Because today life is different, there's no such pressure. Those who want to work can do so anywhere," said Grishaj.

In any case, experts agree that the choice has little to do with sexual identity.

"Sexual relations were not even a subject," insisted Elsa Ballauri, a rights activist and curator of a museum in Tirana dedicated to the history of Albanian women.

The phenomenon is "the result of social circumstances that force someone to impose themselves in a society of men," Ballauri added.

Grishaj shuns any notion that her decision was linked to sexuality, saying "not even God should hear such talk".

And despite the fixation for some in the West with gender-appropriate pronouns, Grishaj said "she doesn't care" about her grammatical place in the world.

"It doesn't matter, it's my life," she shrugged.

And that life has been made all the more difficult now that her family has moved abroad.

After a lifetime of embracing jobs outside of the home, Grishaj has been forced to learn the domestic chores she long shirked, like cooking and cleaning.

Despite a lifetime of hard labour, Grishaj said she has been left with little.

To support herself, she makes herbal remedies concocted from wildflowers and roots foraged in the mountains along with fruit brandy that she sells to tourists.

Even still, Grishaj refuses to ask her siblings or 12 nephews and nieces for help.

"It's difficult for them too," Grishaj said. "They are Albanian immigrants."

Bme-ev/ds/fg
Long a power seeker, Branden Durst now has his own little kingdom in North Idaho | Opinion

The board of the West Bonner County School District made a terrible decision Wednesday night. Given a choice between local longtime educator and principal Susie Luckey and serial political entrepreneur Branden Durst, the board went with the career politician.

Though Durst has degrees relevant to education, he has no comparable experience in the field. Luckey, who was named National Distinguished Principal for Idaho in 2018, had it in spades and had been running the district well as interim superintendent by all accounts.

Its unclear what the trustees thought they could gain by overlooking the more qualified and level-headed candidate for a serial political entrepreneur.

Durst has always sought the spotlight. Hes gone from Democrat to far-right Republican, Idaho senator to Washington political hopeful to school board candidate to state superintendent candidate to political hatchetman  add now to that list school superintendent.

The unifying thread is overwhelming personal ambition. The causes change, but whats been constant is Dursts belief that he should be given the power to implement his ideas, whatever they are that week.

There has been a second constant as well: failure. Despite all his grasping, Durst has little record of accomplishment, apart perhaps from a few policies during his initial stint in the Idaho House. He resigned from the Idaho Senate after the media raised questions as to whether he was actually living in his district or in Washington. He lost his subsequent House race in Washington by a wide margin. He finished second-last in a wide field for Boise school board. He lost in his attempt to become Idahos state superintendent after switching parties.

Its not too surprising that he loses so consistently.

Anyone who is familiar with his presence on social media knows that he is not a good role model for kids. He is consistently mean-spirited, insulting and sarcastic.

He has a history of exploding when things dont go his way, as when he got in former Sen. Jim Woodwards face and issued a string of threats after Woodward didnt vote the way Durst wanted on his version of a parental rights bill last year. Durst earned the unanimous condemnation of the Senates GOP leadership over that stunt.

Durst also has a long history of questionable personal conduct that should have disqualified him from serious consideration. He has at different times been subject to protective orders that prevented him from contacting his own children, as Idaho Public Television first reported, and to domestic violence protective orders.

To say the least, these are not the things you usually look for in a candidate to lead a school district. But that was the direction three of the five board members decided to go.

At this point, I think that change needs to happen. And I think Branden is the guy to do that, said chairman Keith Rutledge, according to the Bonner County Daily Bee.

What changes are in store? There arent many clear indications, but what there is isnt good.

According to the Bee, one idea Durst floated is having students take the Idaho Standards Achievement Test on a monthly basis. If implemented, this would provide highly time-sensitive data showing exactly how little it is possible for kids to learn when all of their time is spent taking tests.

And on the morning after he was selected, he tweeted approvingly about Oklahomas decision to create a taxpayer-funded school with an explicitly religious curriculum.

The board of trustees has voted to make the children of West Bonner County School District the subjects of an experiment: What happens when you give a man who has been seeking power for two decades his own little realm?

Dursts kingdom will be small, but he will have more power over that small group of kids than he has held in any other position.

It will not be to their benefit.

Bryan Clark is an opinion writer for the Idaho Statesman based in eastern Idaho.
Dist. Atty. George Gascon's office said this week it would no longer post to Twitter. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office said this week it would no longer post to Twitter after website moderators ignored requests to delete a torrent of bigoted and hateful comments left under a post about employees attending the West Hollywood Pride parade.

The office's account tweeted a picture of about two dozen employees holding gay pride flags after they marched in the annual parade Sunday. Both Joseph Iniguez, George Gascon's chief of staff who is gay, and director of communications Tiffiny Blacknell, were shown in the image.

Among the 90 replies to the tweet were those calling the employees photographed "pedophiles" or "groomers," as well as grotesque images of deformed male genitalia and, in one case, a swastika.

Blacknell said the office reported a number of the hateful comments to Twitter but received no response.

"The Pride Parade post was met with a barrage of vicious and offensive comments that left us deeply troubled. The comments ranged from homophobic and transphobic slurs to sexually explicit and graphic images, and even after reporting them to Twitter, they remained visible on our account for more than 24 hours," she said in a statement to The Times. "The district attorney's office will not be complicit and utilize a platform that promotes such hateful rhetoric."

The office will maintain a presence on Instagram and TikTok, according to Blacknell.

The incident is among a cross-section of recent controversies. Pride-related events have faced violent and extreme backlash throughout the country this month, including viral videos of men filming themselves destroying pro-LGBTQ+ displays at Target stores as well as recent brawls outside a North Hollywood school and a Glendale school board meeting.

Although some of the local backlash has been framed around the idea of keeping teachings about sex and gender identity out of the classroom, heated rhetoric has also crossed over into outright bigotry, with some people at the events conflating gay and transgender lifestyles with pedophilia. Members of the extreme right-wing Proud Boys organization  which played a key role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection  were also spotted at the Glendale protest.

Concerns about Twitter becoming a hotbed for bigoted rhetoric and disinformation have been among a river of concerns that began flowing after Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk purchased the platform last year. Musk's reign has been marked by embarrassments including the bungled rollout of a paid verification program and the botched launch of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' bid for the Republican presidential nomination, which repeatedly crashed.

One of the site's top executives quit earlier this month over the website's handling of transgender topics.

In response to a question from The Times, Twitter's media account automatically generated a poop emoji, which is an official policy that Musk himself announced in March.

A number of celebrities have quit Twitter since Musk took over, including Hall of Fame professional wrestler Mick Foley and actress Whoopi Goldberg.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lost world of microscopic life in rocks could be humans oldest ancestors, experts say

For more than 1 billion years, Earths waterways and oceans have been home to a collection of rocks. Nestled at the floor of of the water, these formations have grown over time, stumping scientists with their unusual molecular structure.

One of the greatest puzzles of early evolution scientists have been trying to answer is why didnt our highly capable eukaryotic ancestors come to dominate the worlds ancient waterways? Where were they hiding? Benjamin Nettersheim, a former PhD student at Australian National University, said in a June 8 news release from the school.

While examining a 1.6-billion-year-old rock from the bottom of the ocean near Australias Northern Territory, a group of researchers, including Nettersheim, recently solved the decades-long puzzle surrounding the masses  and found humans oldest ancestors.

Artists imagination of an assemblage of primordial eukaryotic organisms of the Protosterol Biota inhabiting a bacterial mat on the ocean floor.

The rock held a lost world of ancient organisms, identified as the Protosterol Biota, according to the researchers.

Scientists had overlooked these molecules for four decades because they do not conform to typical molecular search images, Jochen Brocks, a professor at the university who worked on the project and co-authored a new study about the discovery, said in the release. Once we knew what we were looking for, we discovered that dozens of other rocks, taken from billion-year-old waterways across the world, were also oozing with similar fossil molecules.

The teams study, titled Lost World of Complex Life and the Late Rise of the Eukaryotic Crown, was published in Nature on June 7.

Humans oldest known ancestors

The ancient microscopic creatures are eukaryotes  organisms with a more complex cell structure  according to experts. Modern eukaryotes include fungi, plants, animals and single-celled organisms. Just thought it was a big to sc

Until now, humans and other eukaryotes have been traced back to the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA), which lived more than 1.2 billion years ago, researchers said. However, the discovery of Protosterol Biota suggests that these creatures, including humans, actually trace back much farther.

Artists imagination of an assemblage of primordial eukaryotic organisms of the Protosterol Biota inhabiting a bacterial mat on the ocean floor.

Protosterol Biota likely existed between 1.6 billion and 800 million years ago, according to Brocks.

Just as the dinosaurs had to go extinct so that our mammal ancestors could become large and abundant, perhaps the Protosterol Biota had to disappear a billion years earlier to make space for modern eukaryotes, he said in the universitys release.

Earths first predators

Protosterol Biota are believed to be Earths first and oldest predator, too, researchers said. The creatures likely hunted and devoured bacteria, according to Brocks.

Artists imagination of two primordial eukaryotic organisms of the Protosterol Biota on the ocean floor.

Because of their complex structure, the organisms were likely dominant in Earths marine ecosystems, Nettersheim said.

These ancient creatures were abundant in marine ecosystems across the world and probably shaped ecosystems for much of Earths history, he said in the release. Modern forms of eukaryotes are so powerful and dominant today that researchers thought they should have conquered the ancient oceans on Earth more than a billion years ago.

The creatures would have been much larger and complex than bacteria, but researchers said they dont know exactly what they looked like.

300,000-year-old footprints offer lessons about early humans  and their families

Fantastic discovery leads archaeologist to 11,000-year-old human remains in Britain

4,800-year-old human remains unearthed near cattle burial in Germany, experts say
Rally Held At Louisiana Capitol Protesting Stay-At-Home Order And Economic Shutdown - Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Louisiana lawmakers advanced a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors in the state, the New York Times reported. The legislation would ban hormone treatments and puberty blockers for young people, as well as gender-affirming surgeries.

Backed by three Democratic senators, the legislation was approved with a wide-enough margin to override a veto. John Bel Edwards, the states Democratic governor, has opposed the bill, but he will likely have no impact on the bills passage due to its legislative support. Last year, Edwards chose to not block a state law banning transgender athletes from participating in women and girls sports, saying the bill was going to become law whether or not I signed it or vetoed it.

More from Rolling Stone

If the measure becomes law, young people currently receiving transition care would be allowed to temporarily continue treatment, but the window would close at the end of 2023, per the Times.

Across the nation, GOP lawmakers have proposed laws targeted at the LGBTQ+ community; bans or severe restrictions on access to transition care for minors have been enacted in 17 states this year. More than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been passed into law across the country, according to the ACLUs legislative tracker.

In April, after the Department of Justice announced that it had filed a lawsuit challenging Tennessees new law banning gender-affirming treatments for minors, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke said the right to consider your health and medically-approved treatment options with your family and doctors is a right that everyone should have, including transgender children, who are especially vulnerable to serious risks of depression, anxiety and suicide.

The DOJ argued that the treatments are medically necessary for transgender youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria and that the banned care has been recommended by major medical associations for consideration in limited circumstances in accordance with established and comprehensive guidelines and standards of care.

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Louisiana's NAACP State Conference is requesting a "travel advisory" from its national organization to warn Blacks and members of the LGBTQ community to avoid coming to Louisiana because of legislation it believes has created a hostile environment in the state.

"Recent actions under the influence of Republican legislators have fostered an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, marked by a blatant, relentless and systemic attack on democracy and civil rights," the Louisiana NAACP said in a letter making a formal request to issue the warning.

Among the legislation noted: Senate Bill 159 to allow 17-year-olds to be held and tried as adults for certain violent crimes; Senate Bill 23 making the secretary of state the only official who can determine locations of alternative early voting sites; House Bill 648 that bans gender-affirming healthcare for minors; and House Bill 466, referred to by opponents as "Don't Say Gay," that restricts the discussion of gender and sexuality in public school classrooms.

"It's hateful, hurtful and disgusting," Baton Rouge NAACP President Eugene Collins said of the legislation in an interview with USA Today Network. "It's terribly troubling for our state."

The Louisiana NAACP also urges Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards to veto any of the bills it sites that win final passage and make it to his desk.

USA Today Network is seeking comment from the governor's office.

The statue of former Gov. Huey Long overlooks the Louisiana State Capitol that he built. Pictured here Spring 2023.

Republican Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said he wasn't aware of the Louisiana NAACP's request, "but I'd hate to see any boycott of Louisiana that would harm the people who work in the state's fifth biggest industry." Nungesser said he needed to know more before expanding his comments.

In its letter, the Louisiana NAACP blames Republicans, which control a supermajority in both the state House and Senate, for creating "an atmosphere of fear and intimidation" in Louisiana.

Last month the NAACP issued a travel advisory in Florida because of similar legislation.

More: Louisiana set to join other states in LGBTQ bans, restrictions unless governor vetoes

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana NAACP seeks travel advisory warning Blacks, LGBTQ to avoid state
Lucky mom has won lottery prizes before  but none like her latest win. I screamed

Some couples go on weekly date nights to the movies. Some make dinner together every week. But for one Maryland couple, their weekly ritual is playing scratch-offs together.

Playing the lottery is fun, the 51-year-old wife and mom from Gaithersburg told lottery officials in a June 8 Maryland Lottery news release. I love playing scratch-offs.

With all the tickets the couple has played, the woman said she has won lots of small prizes.

I always (find) myself winning and I consider myself lucky, she told officials.

Recently, the mom of two stopped at 7-Eleven to grab a few items  including a few scratch-off tickets, according to officials.

Among the tickets was a $50,000 Cash instant ticket, which brought the woman her biggest prize yet, officials said. She won a $50,000 top prize.

I screamed because I couldnt believe it. I was so happy, she said.

After scratching her ticket outside of her house when she got home from the store, the woman ran inside to tell her husband and daughters about her huge win, she told officials.

They all really consider it a blessing, she said.

Now, the mom will use her prize to buy herself a new car, she told officials.

Gaithersburg is about 20 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

Lottery player sees his huge Virginia prize  then his heart about stopped

Lottery player checks ticket before tossing it out  then clerk reminds him to breathe

New grandpa plays fortune cookie numbers in NC lottery for 6 months  then it pays off
The prime suspect in the 2005 disappearance of American Natalee Holloway, Joran van der Sloot, has arrived in the United States to face charges of extortion and wire fraud related to promises he allegedly made to Holloway's family about leading authorities to her body. Van der Sloot was transferred to U.S. law enforcement custody in Lima, Peru, Thursday morning and a plane departed at 9 a.m. Eastern carrying him to Birmingham, Alabama.

It was unclear when he might first appear in a U.S. court.

Holloway was 18 when she went missing during a high school senior trip to the Caribbean island nation of Aruba, where Van der Sloot, a Dutch national, lived. She was last seen leaving a bar with him. No one has ever been charged in her disappearance, and her body has never been found. In 2012, an Alabama judge declared her deceased.

Natalee Holloway suspect "severely beaten" in Peru prison, lawyer says

Dutch national Joran Van der Sloot is transferred in a police car from the Ancon I jail in Lima, Peru, to be handed over temporarily to U.S. custody, June 8, 2023. / Credit: ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP/Getty

Van der Sloot was indicted in the U.S. on extortion and wire fraud charges in 2010 in connection with an offer he allegedly made to sell information about the whereabouts of Holloway's remains to her mother, Beth, for $250,000. Beth Holloway paid Van der Sloot some of that money directly, and made another payment through a lawyer, but the information turned out to be false, the indictment alleges.

Van der Sloot has been serving a 28-year prison sentence in Peru for the 2010 murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores, whom he confessed to killing in his hotel room in Lima.

Under the terms of a 2001 treaty between the U.S. and Peru, temporarily extradition is allowed so a suspect can face trial in the other country, and Van der Sloot will remain in the U.S. until the end of the American criminal proceedings, including any potential appeal, The Associated Press reported. He is then expected to be returned to Peru to complete his sentence.

Peru's Ambassador to the U.S., Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, said he hoped Van der Sloot's temporary extradition would, "enable a process that will help to bring peace to Mrs. Holloway and to her family, who are grieving in the same way that the Flores family in Peru is grieving for the loss of their daughter, Stephany."

What's next for Trump after federal indictment?

Breaking down the federal charges against Trump

Trump to be arraigned in Miami in classified documents investigation
'Making these decisions is so different than the politics'

She had already traversed from Tennessee to Illinois before she made what felt like another long journey: walking past anti-abortion protestors to the front door of the clinic for her appointment. As she passed people donning orange vests and waving anti-abortion brochures, she felt they didn't understand her. She already had two kids. She had lost her job. She wasn't with her partner. It wasn't the right moment for her to have a child, but it didn't make the choice any easier.

This abortion has been such a tremendously difficult decision to make. And on top of that, to have to spend money and travel, find somebody to watch my kids, ask somebody for a car  she said. Regardless of whether it hurts or not, this is the best decision for me.

The difficulty of this woman's situation struck USA TODAY national correspondent Chris Kenning when he spoke with her in December at Choices Center for Reproductive Health in Carbondale, Illinois.

"Making these decisions felt so different than the politics. They're complex and personal," he said.

 Hi there, I'm Nicole Fallert, author of Your Week, a column just for USA TODAY subscribers like you. This week I talked to Kenning about his reporting on Carbondale, a rural town thrust into the epicenter of the nation's ever-changing abortion landscape.

But first, don't miss these stories made possible by your USA TODAY subscription (and keep scrolling for more reads!):

'A story emblematic of these new fault lines'

Nearly one year ago, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion. Kenning and his editor immediately asked a question: "If the right to an abortion was now up to the states to determine, what challenges would abortion providers face as some began moving to less restrictive states to keep serving clients?"

Kenning heard some providers were planning to open clinics in Carbondale, a small college town that sits on the map among states that have either banned or curbed abortion access since June 2022. The city has long been a blue-dot town amid deep-red farm country. But it had never planned on being the center of anybodys abortion fight. That is until the Supreme Court's decision thrust patients all over the country into uncertainty. Where could they travel from restricted states in the South and Midwest for care?

Carbondale became the unlikely answer, and the city's story is "emblematic of these new fault lines," Kenning told me this week, describing Carbondale's places and people as an "interesting window" into how state lines have come to determine abortion access in this new era.

CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health in Carbondale, Ill.

The city wasn't known for reproductive rights before now. Elective abortion care had basically ceased in Carbondale since the 1980s when opponents had persuaded the local hospital to halt them. But post-Roe, Kenning watched the town become the closest abortion destination for more than a million people from states as far as Louisiana.

"We wanted to see what would roll out over time," Kenning said. "One of the things that we tried to do was focus more on the place."

Over the past year, Kenning frequently traveled to Carbondale to speak with providers, patients and opponents in the town. He developed relationships with residents to humanize the headlines about the legal cases and policies state legislatures have relentlessly pursued in recent months to either curb or protect abortion.

Kenning spoke with Jennifer Pepper, president and CEO of Choices Center for Reproductive Health, who had been eyeing Carbondale even before the Court's ruling. While the surge of patients took some time to build, the steadily increasing numbers in recent months proved her intuition about the town was correct.

"(Abortion providers) were really right in realizing how strategic this place would be," Kenning said.

He was also surprised to find the fiery opposition at city council meetings to the clinic's pending arrival in Carbondale didnt translate into the permanent tensions that some city leaders feared. While some clinic workers initially worried they might face backlash in the small town, Kenning witnessed mostly the opposite, saying the clinic workers have received an unexpected amount of support from the town.

Jennifer Pepper worried she would struggle to hire staff for the Choices clinic, in a small town where a job would be a hard secret to keep. Instead, she found that some people wanted to be part of a historic moment.

Kenning says one of his most memorable interviews was with the woman from Tennessee who struggled with her decision. He said that speaking to patients like her demonstrated the nuance of the issue: "It really struck me the decision is not a calculus."

Since last year, I've followed one Southern Illinois town, where abortions hadn't been provided in decades. In the year since Roe fell, the small town has transformed into the closest place for an abortion for 1.2 million people. Here's its story. https://t.co/tDgxVhamN8  Chris Kenning (@chris_kenning) June 7, 2023

Working on a story over many months is a completely different approach to covering abortion in our nation than just keeping pace with the rapidly-changing laws, Kenning said. He found the opportunity to report deeply over time to be incredibly rewarding and emblematic of the attention USA TODAY pays to people-first narratives. He is grateful this project allowed him to capture such a dynamic account of the reality these communities face.

"Doing a story to this level of detail and nuance also helped uncover a lot of new aspects to the issue that I hope to explore further," Kenning said.

Thank you

Over time, Kenning explored every facet of how changing abortion rights were altering a place and its people. People outside of Carbondale helped provide transportation. Inside town, they debated whether city ordinances should shield the clinics from protests. I hope you find this exploration interesting. It certainly opened my mind to new ideas and inspired further questions.

The work of reporters like Kenning makes a huge impact on our readers and their communities. Thank you for supporting our journalism with your subscription. Our work wouldn't be possible without you.

Best wishes,

Nicole Fallert

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daily Briefing: 'Making these decisions is so different than the politics'
One of the most popular items on a Chinese takeout menu, kung pao chicken features golden-brown, stir-fried chicken, crunchy nuts and a slick of sweet and savory chili sauce. The moderately fiery dish is loved by adults and kids alike and making it at home is as easy as  and even faster  than, ordering takeout.

What makes this dish so quick to cook is the stir-frying method. The key here is chopping your chicken and veggies and whisking up the sauce before firing up your wok or frying pan, as the cooking itself takes mere minutes. But even with all the chopping, you can enjoy a lightened-up version of this takeout staple in around 30 minutes with only a handful of ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

What is kung pao chicken?

Kung pao chicken is a classic, spicy chicken stir-fry from the Sichuan province of southwest China. Recipes vary, but the core ingredients remain the same: chicken, chile peppers and a garlicky sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, rice wine and sugar. While Chinese restaurants often use specialty ingredients, such as Szechuan peppercorns, Chinese black vinegar and Chinese rice wine, you can achieve a similar spicy, sweet, tangy and umami flavor with ingredients you likely already have in the pantry or can easily find at any supermarket.

Kung pao chicken is a fast and easy weeknight dinner with major flavor payoff.

What chicken should you use in a stir-fry?

Choose chicken breasts, tenders or thighs. This is a personal preference, but note that chicken thighs will retain more moisture. When using chicken breasts and tenders, be careful not to overcook them or the meat will dry out. I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Note: You can cut your chicken into strips or cubes, there are no rules when it comes to the shape of the pieces. While chicken shape doesnt matter, making the pieces a consistent size does, so make sure to cut the chicken into equally sized pieces so they cook uniformly.

Now open: Nobuo Fukuda has a new restaurant in Scottsdale

Substitutions for Szechuan peppercorns

Use dried chiles or, in a pinch, red chili flakes. Dried chiles are what make kung pao chicken unique because they introduce the iconic Sichuan flavor known as Mala/ or numbing and hot. Dried chiles are smoky, fiery and critical to the success of this dish. That said, you dont have to choose the spiciest chiles on the market. Choose a variety thats readily available and a heat level that suits your taste.

I used chile de arbol, which are easy-to-find dried chiles that are hotter than serranos yet milder than habaneros. Its a nice middle ground. And, you can add as many as you want, which means you control the heat. This recipe calls for eight to 10 chiles, but you can add just two if thats your preference. Note, the chiles are meant to flavor the dish, theyre not meant to be consumed.

Pro tip: Choose fresh-looking dried chiles, meaning those that are vibrant and shiny; they will soften slightly and lend great flavor when introduced to the sauce.

Making kung pao chicken is faster than ordering takeout.

What nuts should you use for kung pao chicken?

Toasted or deep-fried peanuts are the classic choice for kung pao, but you can also use cashews. Nuts balance the dish by adding taste and texture while complementing the sweet, spicy, tangy elements of the other ingredients.

Pro tip: Toast the nuts before adding them to the dish and add them to the pan of kung pao at the end of cooking, as instructed below, to guarantee a more flavorful, nutty crunch.

Try them all: 100 essential restaurants in metro Phoenix

Recipe: Kung pao chicken

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided

2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided

1  pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenders or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces or thin strips

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine or mirin (Japanese rice wine)

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

 teaspoon ground ginger

 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts or cashews

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced or cut into thin strips

1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced or cut into thin strips

8-10 dried red chiles or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, more or less to taste

5-6 green onions/scallions, white and green parts, cut into 2-inch pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt to taste

Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, remaining tablespoon of cornstarch, rice vinegar, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil and ginger. Set aside. Toast the peanuts in a large, dry skillet over medium heat shaking the pan frequently. Stay close to prevent burning. You want the nuts lightly toasted and aromatic. Set aside to cool. Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook until golden brown on all sides, stirring frequently. If necessary, work in batches to prevent crowding the pan. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the peppers soften. Add the dried chile peppers (or red chili flakes), green onions and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan with any accumulated juices from the plate. Whisk the sauce to make sure the cornstarch is dissolved (it sometimes sticks to the bottom of the bowl when sitting) and add the sauce to the pan. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Fold in the peanuts and season to taste with salt. Remove from heat and serve with Jasmine rice.

Questions or comments? Email the culinary team at cooking@azcentral.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kung pao chicken is a fast, easy weeknight dinner that packs a punch
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysia and Indonesia signed agreements Thursday that ended longstanding maritime border disputes and vowed to bolster cooperation to fight highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil.

Visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of two landmark treaties on the delimitation of the nations' territorial seas in parts of the Straits of Malacca and the Sulawesi Sea. Other signed pacts included plans to improve border crossings, strengthen border trade and promote investment.

After 18 years of negotiations ... praise be to God, it has finally been resolved, Widodo told a joint news conference, in reference to the sea treaties.

Widodo arrived in Malaysia on Wednesday accompanied by his wife and Cabinet ministers after a short visit to Singapore. His two-day visit reciprocates Anwar's trip to Indonesia in January, shortly after Anwar took office.

In a joint statement after their meeting, the leaders said the signing of the treaties will provide a strong foundation for future maritime boundary negotiations. They pledged to resolve other land boundary issues by June 2024.

The two leaders also reiterated their stand to cooperate closely to battle the European Union's highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil. They urged the EU to work toward a fair and equitable resolution.

We will speak in one voice to defend the palm oil industry, Anwar told the news conference.

The EU introduced a new law this year banning the import of commodities linked to deforestation, a move that is expected to hit Malaysia and Indonesia. The two countries, which jointly account for 85% of global palm oil output, reportedly sent a joint mission to Brussels last week to try and resolve the matter with the EU.

Jokowi said the two countries also agreed to set up a mechanism to better protect Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, without giving details. Indonesians make up the bulk of over two million foreign workers in Malaysia, mostly in plantations, industries and as maids.
Screams erupted in a Columbus courtroom Thursday as a 15-year-old accused of fatally shooting a woman while stealing her brothers gun fought deputies escorting him out after his hearing.

Mama! Jabori Baptiste yelled as he struggled to get back into the courtroom, where a woman screamed and wailed in response. Sheriffs deputies wrestled with Bapiste while trying to restrain him, while other officers rushed his relatives out of the Recorders Court building on 10th Street.

Outside, the ruckus continued as Baptistes family saw the suspect was still fighting with deputies trying to get him into a patrol car. The shouting resumed, and it took several minutes for officers to get the teen securely into the cruiser. The car raced away toward the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center, where Baptiste is being held.

Though he is being charged as an adult with felony murder and robbery, Recorders Court Judge David Ranieri allowed no news media to photograph or record the suspect in court because he is a juvenile.

What happened?

During the teens preliminary hearing, Detective Roy Green testified that Baptiste was among a multitude of teens who converged March 24 on the Mystic Mart, 645 Brown Ave., first entering the store and then congregating outside.

Thats where Baptiste, wearing a pink mask, approached Eugene Bell by the gas pumps and tried to snatch Bells handgun away from him, Green said. As they fought over the gun, Bells sister, Natalie Bell, tried to break up the fight, and the weapon went off, fatally wounding her, the detective said.

He said Baptiste ran away with the gun. Natalie Bell was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Regional, where an emergency room doctor pronounced her dead at 11:49 a.m., about 45 minutes after the shooting. She was 39.

Green said store surveillance video captured images of Baptistes face, clearly visible on camera inside the business, and the mask he used outside did not entirely cover his features. Muscogee County School District Police, along with Baptistes probation officer, identified the youth from those images, he said.

Baptiste was arrested at 2:15 p.m. Monday.

Ranieri ordered Baptist held without bond as the case proceeds to Muscogee Superior Court.
Man accused of faking illness dies in prison after medical needs are ignored, feds say

A correctional officer and a nurse are accused of ignoring the serious medical needs of a man who died under their supervision in a Virginia prison, federal prosecutors said.

Bureau of Prisons Lt. Shronda Covington was told the 47-year-old, identified as W.W., was eating out of a trash can, urinating on himself and falling down the day before his death in January 2021 at the Federal Correctional Institution at Petersburg in Hopewell, according to court documents.

Instead, she lied to federal agents and said he was walking around his cell, doing pushups and listening to music on Jan. 9, 2021, an indictment says.

BOP registered nurse Tonya Farley also lied to federal investigators, saying she was advised by a jail psychologist that the man was malingering  or faking an illness for his own benefit that same day, according to the indictment.

Covington, 47, and Farley, 52, both of Chesterfield, were charged with violating the mans civil rights by showing deliberate indifference to (his) serious medical needs, resulting in his death, on June 6, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced in a June 7 news release.

Information regarding whether they have legal representation wasnt immediately available.

The man died in relation to heart issues on Jan. 10, 2021, according to records obtained by The Associated Press. The records didnt list a specific cause of death, the outlet reports.

McClatchy News contacted the BOP on June 8 inquiring whether Covington and Farley are still employed at FCI Petersburg and didnt immediately receive a response.

Man showed signs of acute distress

On Jan. 9, 2021, Covington and Farley are both accused of failing to make sure the man received necessary medical attention while on-duty.

Prosecutors also said Farley wrote a fake report about his death. In a BOP Clinical Encounter Report, Farley wrote the man showed no signs or symptoms of acute distress, when, as defendant Farley then well knew, (he) was exhibiting multiple signs of acute distress, the indictment says.

She also wrote he understood his medical care when he was actually incoherent and did not say he understood, according to the indictment.

Farley is also accused of lying about speaking with a doctor about the mans medical needs.

During an interview with investigators on April 4 of this year, Farley lied and said she called a doctor about the mans symptoms and care the day before he died, prosecutors said. She also lied and said she didnt send him to a hospital because the doctor didnt authorize hospitalization and instead suggested speaking with the jails psychologist, according to the indictment.

She further lied and said the psychologist advised that the man was faking his symptoms, the indictment says.

Meanwhile, Covington asked a correctional officer to lie and report in BOP records that she completed rounds of the unit where the mans cell was located  in addition to lying about behavior he was displaying on Jan. 9, 2021, according to the indictment.

If Covington and Farley are convicted on the civil rights charges against them, theyd face up to life in prison, prosecutors said.

Hopewell, where the prison is located, is about 20 miles southeast of Richmond.

Mans body rejects new heart after Florida jail refused him medication, attorney says

New details in death of man eaten alive by insects at Georgia jail released by family

Woman neglected in jail went blind, begged for water before dying in Texas, lawsuit says
Police lights

A man was arrested Monday in Phoenix after police say he killed a former gang member to "become a member of the organization," court documents say.

Timothy Bernal Jr., 25, was arrested on June 5 after Phoenix police conducted a lengthy investigation into a missing persons case that turned into a homicide investigation.

The missing person, who was not identified by police, was confirmed to be a former member of the Arizona New Mexican Mafia, "a violent Arizona Department of Corrections security threat group prison gang," court documents state. The family of the victim told police that he was in bad standing with the gang, meaning the only way out of the gang was death, court records say.

According to court documents, the victim was last seen on May 2 leaving their apartment near 15th Avenue and Fillmore Street with Bernal and Bernal's girlfriend in her car.

In an interview with investigators, Bernal's girlfriend said the two picked up the victim, who Bernal had known for three weeks, and drove to several locations within the Valley during the day until Bernal said he wanted to go home.

While driving, Bernal pulled the car into a neighborhood near 16th Street and Broadway Road, saying he was looking for someone that owed him money, court documents state. Bernal then told his girlfriend to switch spots with him, moving from the driver's seat to the passenger's, with the victim sitting in the backseat.

Phoenix-area homicides in June 2023: Mesa man charged in wife's shooting death

Bernal shot the victim "with a Draco rifle numerous times without warning," documents say.

Bernal's girlfriend stated that he killed the victim due to his "bad standing with the AZ New EME" and that Bernal wanted to become a member.

Bernal then returned to the driver's seat and drove to Seventh and Pima streets, where he and his girlfriend got out of the car and walked away. Bernal's girlfriend told police the victim was dead as they left the vehicle, court documents state.

A few hours later, Bernal called an "associate" to whom he had sold fentanyl pills, according to court documents, and asked for help saying his car had broken down. The man, along with his niece and another person, picked up Bernal and his girlfriend. When arriving at the car, they saw that the man in the backseat was dead.

The car was then covered with a tarp and left there. Court documents state that the man and his niece then had the vehicle towed to Bernal's home.

In a May 24 interview with investigators, the man said that while the group was at Bernal's house, Bernal came out holding a gun and told him to "get rid of the car and the victim, or he would get rid of him," court documents state. This was a topic Bernal's girlfriend referenced to investigators, telling them that she felt the man "was in fear Bernal would hurt his niece."

According to court documents, the man and his niece took the car to the Gila River Indian Community and left the body in the desert and left the car at a family's home.

Arrests and further investigation

In an unrelated incident, Bernal was arrested on May 6, just four days after the shooting. Police found him with a Draco rifle in his possession  later found to be the same weapon used in the May 2 incident  and about 500 fentanyl pills and ballistic vests, according to court documents.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, this arrest stemmed from charges relating to an aggravated DUI, multiple drug possession charges, unlawful flight from law enforcement and a probation violation.

On May 18, Bernal was released on supervised release, the Sheriff's Office told The Arizona Republic.

That same day, Bernal's vehicle, which had yet to be tied to him, was found by police. Inside, detectives found large amounts of blood and 11 bullet strikes, as well as sunglasses later found to be the victim's.

At 6 a.m. on May 28 investigators with multiple police departments started a search in the Gila River Indian Community desert area for the victim's body.

Three searches were conducted but a body wasn't found. However, the search produced a torn belt, cell phone box, $5 bill, towel with bodily fluid on it and silver Kenneth Cole watch found by a resident. According to court documents, the victim's cousin told investigators that the watch found was the same one the victim had on when he went missing.

On June 5 following the investigation, Bernal was arrested at his home on suspicion of first-degree murder, assisting a criminal street gang and a weapons misconduct violation.

In a post-Miranda interview, Bernal told investigators that he knew who the victim was and that they had met through a third party and had "committed criminal activity" with them, court documents state.

Bernal said he had been with the victim on the day of the homicide, but he dropped him off at his house and did not kill him.

An interview with Bernal's brother during his arrest revealed that on the night of the murder, Bernal had called him asking for a ride. When he arrived, Bernal was carrying a bag with the rifle inside and told him that he had "done something wrong" and wanted to flee to Mexico, but the brother refused to help him, according to court documents.

Bernal told police he would sign a 20-year plea agreement for the listed charges. It was unclear, however, if such a plea deal was reached.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Timothy Bernal Jr. arrested on suspicion of killing former gang member
This man bought a worn leather chair for $50 off Facebook Marketplace. It just sold at auction for over $100,000.

TikTok user Justin Miller sold this rare chair for over $100,000 at auction. Tiktok/@miztermiller; Sotheby's

A content creator found a leather chair on Facebook Marketplace for $50.

It turned out to be a rare high-back wing chair from a famed Danish furniture designer.

The chair just sold at a Sotheby's auction for over $100,000.

A ripped leather chair on Facebook Marketplace turned out to be one incredible payday.

The worn high-backed chair that a TikTok user bought on Facebook Marketplace for $50 just sold at a Sotheby's auction for over $100,000, netting the creator tens of thousands of dollars in profit.

Justin Miller, a 33-year-old content creator in Los Angeles, told Insider that he spotted the chair on Facebook Marketplace during one of his daily searches for vintage finds.

"I've watched probably every single episode of Antiques Roadshow," Miller said. "I live, breathe antiques. I'm not an expert, but like I have a good eye so I saw it and I was like 'That looks like a really interesting chair.' "

Miller took the photos of the busted-up chair, which had rips in the cushion, and plugged it into Google.

"Immediately, it popped up with chairs that sold for a crazy amount," he said.

He raced over to buy the chair, but wasn't sure if the piece of furniture was legitimate.

"Anything that's worth a lot they're going to be fakes of," he said. The chair was being sold by the family friend of an older couple, who told Miller that the chair could be "worth a lot" if it got fixed up.

Miller messaged Sotheby's, who identified the chair as a rare, high-back wing chair from Danish furniture designer Frits Henningsen.

In its listing, Sotheby's said the chair, which is from 1935 and made of leather and oak, was "likely one of only fifty or so examples known to have been produced."

"A rare and important example of his work, the chair also exemplifies the desirable qualities produced by the furniture industry of 1930s Scandinavia," the listing says.

Miller said he spent over $1,000 to ship the chair to Sotheby's and paid $3,000 to make the extensive repairs.

But it was worth it in the end, he said, even if the repairs were expensive.

The chair was expected to fetch between $30,000 and $50,000 at auction but quickly rocketed above the estimate on Wednesday when the bidding opened.

Miller posted a TikTok video showing his reaction as the bids rained in.

As the total climbed, Miller puts his hands in front of his mouth. "For a dumb chair!" he exclaims in the video.

"In a way, I kind of blacked out," he told Insider. "It was surreal."

The chair ultimately sold for nearly $108,000 after fees. Miller expects to make more than $70,000 off the find but says he's not quitting his day job and that, after taxes, the money won't change his lifestyle.

"As soon as [the auction] ended, I started some laundry and went to work," he said.

He plans to save most of his earnings for a future down payment on a house. Still, he admitted he's looking into splurging on a nice set of dining room chairs and perhaps a memento to remember the wild chair saga.

Miller also said he's going to keep making videos for TikTok, where he shares ways to design on a budget.

And he's still looking on Facebook for future finds  but now his family and friends aren't questioning his methods.

"My brother said, 'Okay, we can't give Justin shit anymore for his weird shopping habits,' " Miller joked.

Read the original article on Insider
Man charged with murder after body found in Southeast Georgia in November, Jacksonville police say

A man is now facing a murder charge in Jacksonville after a mans body was found in a body of water in Brantley County, in November, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said.

According to JSOs online Inmate Information Search records, in addition to murder, Timothy Peeples, 45, is facing charges of:

Abuse of a dead human body

False imprisonment - adult (2 counts)

False imprisonment - child under 13 years of age

Tampering with evidence

Possession of a firearm or concealed weapon by a convicted felon

JSO said it was originally called on Thursday, Nov. 10, to a missing persons case in the 4600 block of Lenoir Avenue involving possible foul play.

Later the same day, authorities in Jacksonville were contacted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation about a mans body found in Brantley County.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

A Facebook post from the Brantley County Sheriffs Office at the time said the body was found on Monday, Nov. 9 wrapped in plastic at the bridge on White Ford Road.

Based on evidence and the physical description of the victim, the victim (Black Male, 47) was positively identified, JSO said.

JSOs Homicide Unit identified Peeples as a suspect and an arrest warrant for his new charges was received Tuesday.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Peeples has been in the Duval County Jail since Feb. 9 on a charge of possession of a firearm or concealed weapon by a convicted felon, JSOs online Inmate Information Search shows.

His next court date is set for Wednesday, June 28 at 9 a.m.

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.
Man convicted of burning body found near UW-Green Bay campus in 2021 to be sentenced Friday

Jeisaac Rodriguez-Garcia testifies on Feb. 28 during a jury trial for Pedro Santiago-Marquez, who was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating a corpse, both as party to a crime, in Green Bay. Rodriguez-Garcia was convicted of mutilating a corpse in connection to the incident.

GREEN BAY  A Green Bay man will be sentenced Friday for burning the body of a man his boss is convicted of murdering.

Jeisaac Rodriguez-Garcia, 30, was convicted of mutilating a corpse, as party to a crime, after he pleaded guilty to the charge April 17.

After a three-day jury trial, Pedro Santiago-Marquez was convicted March 2 of killing, or ordering the killing of, Jason Mendez-Ramos, 36, of Ashwaubenon. He was sentenced May 30 to life in prison with no parole eligibility for more than 40 years.

Rodriguez-Garcia worked as a painter for Santiago-Marquez, who owned Empire Painting and a towing company, which both operated out of a shop located at 1638 E. Mason St. in Green Bay. He is one of two men who were convicted of helping Santiago-Marquez get rid of evidence of the homicide.

When was body discovered?

In the early morning hours of Sept. 28, 2021, police found Mendez-Ramos' body at the the northeast corner of Cofrin Memorial Arboretum, after a person at a nearby residence reported a grass fire. Mendez-Ramos died of gunshot wounds and his body had been set on fire.

The arboretum is 290 acres of natural area and walking trails that surrounds the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus. It has over 6 miles of trails open to the public.

The body was found near an entrance to the arboretum at Champeau and Sussex roads in the town of Scott.

Pedro Santiago-Marquez, who is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating a corpse, both as party to a crime, looks back in the courtroom during his jury trial at the Brown County Courthouse on Feb. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis.

What happened leading up to Mendez-Ramos' death?

Prosecutors argued that Santiago-Marquez killed Mendez-Ramos after being confronted about money Mendez-Ramos was owed. Prior to the trial, they had said the debt was related to drug trafficking, but Brown County Circuit Court Reserve Judge William Atkinson made rulings limiting discussion of that during the trial.

Mendez-Ramos' girlfriend, Gabriela Garcia, testified at the trial that the last time she spoke to the victim was around noon Sept. 27 over Facetime as he was headed to Santiago-Marquez's shop. She testified that Santiago-Marquez had called Mendez-Ramos and said he had the money, so Mendez-Ramos went to Green Bay.

Mendez-Ramos' phone data showed no more outgoing texts or calls after 12:27 p.m. that day, Green Bay Police Department Detective David Graf testified at Santiago-Marquez's trial. Prosecutors said this was around the time he was killed.

Santiago-Marquez has continued to maintain his innocence at sentencing.

What did Rodriguez-Garcia testify about at Santiago-Marquez's trial?

Rodriguez-Garcia took the witness stand Feb. 28 during the first full day of testimony at Santiago-Marquez's trial.

Outside the presence of the jury that day, he acknowledged that his testimony may implicate him, but elected to testify anyway.

Rodriguez-Garcia said that on Sept. 27, Santiago-Marquez called him twice. "Something was kind of urgent. He needed a favor with urgency," Rodriguez-Garcia testified through a Spanish-to-English translator.

Rodriguez-Garcia said Santiago-Marquez asked him to pick up a work van, dispose of "garbage in the backseat" by setting it on fire, and then clean the van and park it in his garage. He said he was told Santiago-Marquez would pay him for the favor.

He testified that he went to Santiago-Marquez's house that night, where Santiago-Marquez gave him a gallon of gasoline and keys to the van.

Rodriguez-Garcia then returned to his home, had his girlfriend drive him to Santiago-Marquez's paint shop on East Mason Street, and took the van.

He drove to UW-Green Bay, where he found a spot by Cofrin Memorial Arboretum that he believed was secluded enough to set a fire without drawing attention.

Rodriguez-Garcia said inside the van were black plastic bags covered by a blue tarp, about 5 to 6 feet long. He said the "garbage" was heavy, and he struggled to get it out of the van. It was later confirmed by police to be Mendez-Ramos' body

Rodriguez-Garcia poured gasoline on the tarp and set it on fire with a piece of paper, he testified. In total, he said, he was at the site of the fire only for "minutes."

Rodriguez-Garcia said he cleaned the van the following day, at Santiago-Marquez's request.

Rodriguez-Garcia claimed he did not know what was under the tarp and garbage bags. However, he testified that about a day later he asked Santiago-Marquez about what happened. When they were alone, Santiago-Marquez said he and Mendez-Ramos got into an argument about Mendez-Ramos "doing business under the table" and "cutting him out," Rodriguez-Garcia testified. Santiago-Marquez said he invited Mendez-Ramos to the shop to pay him, and when Mendez-Ramos arrived, there was a physical altercation and Santiago-Marquez shot Mendez-Ramos twice, Rodriguez-Garcia said.

Investigators tied Rodriguez-Garcia to the crime using cellphone data and DNA samples from a sock found on the trial near the body. Police arrested Rodriguez-Garcia in January 2022. He has been booked in Brown County Jail since.

RELATED: 2 men convicted in connection with 2021 homicide of Ashwaubenon man

What were the other sentences in connection with this case?

Santiago-Marquez was sentenced to life in prison, with a parole eligibility date of July 19, 2064.

Alex Burgos-Mojica, who worked for Santiago-Marquez, was convicted of harboring or aiding a felon after he pleaded no contest March 30. He was sentenced to one year in prison followed by 5 years of extended supervision.

Under Wisconsin law for a Class F felony, Rodriguez-Garcia faces a maximum sentence of 12.5 years in prison, $25,000 in fines, or both.

Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli.

CONTINUE YOUR SUPPORT: Thanks to our subscribers for making this coverage possible. Be sure to download our app on the App Store or Google Play. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletters

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay man convicted of burning body in 2021 to be sentenced Friday
Man gets sued after leaving his blind date and her 23 relatives at restaurant

[Source]

A man in China ended up in a legal battle after walking out on a blind date who expected him to pay for her and 23 of her relatives.

Some uninvited guests: The man, identified in local reports as Mr. Liu, found his prospective partner, Ms. Zhang, through a matchmaker and arranged to meet her at a popular restaurant in Jilin province.

To Lius surprise, Zhang arrived at the restaurant accompanied by 23 relatives, who joined them on their date.

A very expensive date: The restaurant staff later informed Liu that the woman's family ordered a significant amount of expensive cigarettes and premium alcoholic beverages.

More from NextShark: Chinese Berklee student arrested for stalking, harassing pro-democracy peer

When Liu was handed the bill amounting to nearly 20,000 yuan (approximately $2,812), he decided to promptly leave the restaurant and have Zhang and her relatives settle the cost. While Zhang did settle the bill, she still demanded that Liu contribute at least half of the amount.

Liu agreed only to reimburse a fraction of the total cost, offering 4,000 yuan (approximately $562), forcing Zhang to ask her relatives to pay for their share of the total bill.

A day in court: Angered by Lius offer, Zhang's family decided to take the matter to court, filing a lawsuit against Liu to force him to pay up.

More from NextShark: Viral dashcam video shows small pet dog being abandoned in middle of crowded road in China

The court, however, ruled in Liu's favor, stating that he should only cover the cost of his own and Zhang's meal, which was approximately 1,400 yuan (approximately $197).

Social media reaction: The incident garnered attention on Chinese social media and prompted discussions regarding the boundaries of social etiquette during blind dates, with many taking Liu's side.

Legal experts argued that the presence of 23 relatives during what was supposed to be a blind date surpassed far beyond generally accepted norms. Many also pointed out that the other individuals present should bear responsibility for what they consumed during the meal, absolving Liu of any obligation to cover their expenses.

More from NextShark: 'Is it wrong that I like anything?': Anime fan in China says she was interrogated by police for wearing kimono

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

TikTok poses no national security threat to US, study finds
Man goes to prison for decade-old $1.4 million coin heist in Wichita Falls

A man convicted in a $1.4 million precious-coin heist in Wichita Falls a decade ago will do hard time.

No caption

Eighty-ninth District Court Judge Charles Barnard on Thursday sentenced Russell Stallings to 10 years in prison after revoking his community supervision sentence on the original conviction.

More: Crime Beat: Crime Stoppers seeks help solving burglary

Stallings was one of three people convicted in the theft of gold and silver coins from a home in the 4700 block of Willow Bend Drive in 2013. The coins were the life savings of the couple that owned the home.

A woman convicted in the case, Cynthia Noble, had lived with the residents of the home and provided Stallings and another man access to the house and a safe where the coins were kept.

Stallings and Richard Gibbs, both of Fort Worth, were arrested when they tried to sell coins at a gold and silver shop in Bedford.

All three suspects pleaded guilty to theft of property over $200,000 and were placed on community supervision with the stipulation they pay restitution to the victims.

Stallings community supervision was revoked for failing to abide by the stipulations, including becoming $243,000 delinquent on restitution payments.

He was also charged with misapplication of fiduciary property in a case in Tarrant County.

Noble faces a motion to revoke her community service at a hearing set for Aug. 30 in 89th District Court.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Man goes to prison for decade-old $1.4 million coin heist in Wichita Falls
The Missouri Supreme Court has denied a request to stop the execution of a man on death row who claims he is incompetent.

Johnny Johnson, 45, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

If the execution goes forward, Johnson will be the fourth person put to death by the state this year. Amber McLaughlin was executed in January, Leonard Raheem Taylor was executed in February and Michael Tisius was executed on Tuesday.

Johnson was sentenced to death after being convicted in the attempted rape and murder of 6-year-old Casey Williamson in 2002 in St. Louis County.

Attorneys said in court filings that Johnson is delusional and thinks Satan is using the State of Missouri to execute him in order to bring about the end of the world and that the voice of Satan confirmed this plan to him.

In a petition submitted to the Missouri Supreme Court last month, Johnsons legal team argued his execution would violate the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment. They requested a special master be appointed to conduct an evidentiary hearing on Johnsons mental state.

During a psychiatric evaluation, Johnson, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 16, said he believes he is a vampire who can reanimate his organs and can learn a code to enter an animals mind to live after the execution.

In response, the Missouri Attorney Generals Office said that a mental health assessment at Potosi Correctional Center found Johnsons auditory hallucinations are well managed by medication and that he appears to understand the nature of his upcoming execution. He has also expressed shame about killing his friends daughter.

In a 6-1 decision, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Johnson has not demonstrated the substantial threshold showing of sanity required by law. They also noted the claims he raised had already been heard and denied by the court on direct appeal.

Judge George Draper III dissented, but did not issue an opinion.

Larry Komp, an attorney for Johnson, said they are assessing the courts opinion.

We are disappointed that they made credible determinations without hearing from witnesses, which is not the role of an appellate court, he said in a statement to The Star. They credited an employee of the prison who saw our client for approximately an hour over a number of years, which is less time than the series finale of Ted Lasso or a third of the time to watch a single Royals game.
Man who killed pregnant woman and her unborn baby in crash sentenced to 4 years

On a summer evening two years ago, 20-year-old Korotoum Dao was on the sidewalk along Reading Road in Mount Auburn when an SUV drove off the road and struck her.

Dao, who was pregnant, was taken to a local hospital where she died. She underwent emergency surgery to deliver her unborn baby, but the baby also died.

Korotoum Dao

The driver of the SUV, 33-year-old Anthony J. Cioffi, was sentenced Thursday to four years in prison.

Cioffi, an Edgewood, Kentucky resident, pleaded guilty last month in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court to two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide.

Judge Tom Heekin imposed a sentence that had been agreed upon as part of the plea.

Cioffi did not make a statement during Thursdays sentencing.

The crash happened June 16, 2021, in the 2500 block of Reading Road.

Cioffis BMW X5 went off the side of the road and struck a telephone pole before hitting Dou, then a building, police said.

Both Cioffi and a 29-year-old male passenger in his SUV suffered injuries. Cioffi had a broken leg, two torn knee ligaments and several fractured ribs, according to court documents.

An attorney for Cioffi said in court documents that the crash was an accident  it "lacked intent and was unexpected."

He was driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time, according to police.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Anthony Cioffi sentenced for crash that killed pregnant woman
Man pleads to involuntary manslaughter in shooting death of former lawyer in South Linden

Former Columbus lawyer John D. Moore Jr., 51, was fatally shot in October 2021in a parking area behind his home, where his law practice was based out of.

While authorities have not identified the triggerman, a man admitted in Franklin County Common Pleas Court on Thursday to playing a role in the random fatal shooting of a former lawyer in South Linden in 2021.

Rayvon L. Mitchell, 22, whose address was listed in Franklin County Municipal Court as in Jersey City, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter with a gun specification. Franklin County prosecutors dropped other charges including murder and aggravated robbery charges.

Mitchell admitted he was present when another person fatally shot 51-year-old John D. Moore Jr. in a parking area behind Moores home in the 2100 block of Cleveland Avenue.

Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page sentenced Mitchell to an indefinite prison term of 14 years to 19  years, at the joint recommendation of prosecutors and Mitchells defense attorney.

Mitchells attorney, Brian Rigg, did not return a call from The Dispatch requesting comment.

Franklin County First Assistant Prosecutor Janet Grubb said there is no indication that Moore's former profession had anything to do with the crime.

Officers found Moore near his car at around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2021. He died shortly afterward at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center.

A surveillance camera captured two men fleeing the scene with one holding a handgun, according to records filed by a Columbus police detective with the Franklin County Municipal Court.

Mitchell's fingerprints were found on the front passenger window of Moore's car and cell tower records placed Mitchell's cellphone in the area at the time of the shooting, court records state.

The Columbus police detective on this case could not be reached Thursday to confirm whether the department is still investigating.

At the request of prosecutors, Page dismissed a murder charge against another man related to this shooting a year ago.

Joshua Adair's cellphone was found at the scene of the shooting and the man with the gun in the video is seen dropping a phone, court records state.

But Adair said his phone was stolen. Footage from a license plate-reading camera elsewhere in Columbus placed Adair's car in a different location from his phone.

Moore, who became a lawyer in 2006, resigned from the practice of law in August 2020.

According to his obituary, Moore dabbled in stand-up comedy near the end of his life. He had started working for the U.S. Postal Service not long before his death, the obituary states.

More court news: Columbus man who argued self-defense in shooting of cousin not convicted on murder charges

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Man pleads in deadly Columbus shooting, shooter remains unidentified
Man vanishes on trip to spread loved ones ashes, Oregon cops say. Now body found

A body found in Oregon has been identified as a 58-year-old man who vanished on a trip with his brother to scatter a loved ones ashes, sheriffs officials reported.

The brothers became separated near Molalla on Sunday, June 4, while searching for a tree they had planted as children to spread the ashes, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

The family notified sheriffs officials after they couldnt find him.

Searchers discovered his body late Monday, June 5, the sheriffs office said. His cause of death remains under investigation, but authorities suspect he suffered a medical emergency.

Molalla is a city of 10,000 people about 30 miles south of Portland.

Elaborate booby traps at 71-year-olds Oregon home hurt FBI bomb technician, feds say

Cruise ship evacuates 51 passengers in Alaska after engine room fire, officials say

Search pauses for camper in inflatable kayak missing a week, Colorado cops say
Should Manny Ellis drug use be discussed at trial of officers accused of killing him?

As the trial of three Tacoma police officers charged with killing Manuel Ellis inches closer, a battle over what evidence the jury should be allowed to see and hear is heating up.

In the last week, attorneys for the prosecution and defense have filed more than 100 pages of motions arguing whether some of Ellis and the officers prior experiences, such as arrests, mental health issues, police training and substance use, should be included. Attorneys for one officer questioned whether public interest in the case  which has led to media scrutiny and the painting of murals of Ellis calling for justice  is enough to isolate the jury from the public during trial.

It will be up to the trial judge to decide what evidence is allowed in and whether the jury should be sequestered.

After several delays, officers Matthew Collins, Christopher Burbank and Timothy Rankine are scheduled to face trial Sept. 18, more than three-and-a-half years after they allegedly beat, Tasered and restrained Ellis on a South End street corner on March 3, 2020.

Ellis, 33, died at the scene, and the Pierce County medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide. In an autopsy report, the examiner found physical restraint caused Ellis death, with methamphetamine intoxication and heart disease contributing. A spit hood placed on him was also a major factor.

Prosecutors want prior arrests excluded

Prosecutors want to exclude evidence that Ellis was arrested in September 2019 for allegedly trying to rob a fast-food restaurant on Pacific Avenue on the grounds that it did not involve the TPD officers charged in this case, and they werent aware of it when they encountered Ellis in 2020. Lawyers for the Attorney Generals Office, which is prosecuting the case, argued that the incident would be impermissible character evidence that would prejudice the jury.

The attempted robbery occurred just after 8 p.m. on Sept. 21. According to charging documents, a shirtless man came in with a belt wrapped around his hand and told employees give me all your money while he tried to open the cash register. A scuffle ensued, and the would-be robber fled after he was punched several times causing heavy bleeding, records state.

The three Tacoma police officers charged in the killing of Manuel Ellis  Christopher Burbank, Matthew Collins and Timothy Rankine (left to right)  appeared in Pierce County Superior Court for an early October hearing.

Pierce County Sheriffs Department deputies responded and saw Ellis nearly a mile north on Pacific, shirtless and covered in blood. Deputies struggled to take him into custody. According to Attorney Generals Office prosecutors, a deputy pointed a handgun at Ellis, and he was shocked with a Taser twice. Ellis told officers at the scene he was on meth and weed, prosecutors said. He was charged with second-degree robbery, but the case was dismissed after he died.

Prosecutors argued that Ellis other arrests and convictions should be excluded on similar grounds. According to the motion, Ellis had been arrested 28 times, and he had four felony convictions from 2014 to 2017, none of which were considered violent.

Collins attorneys argued in court filings that Ellis 2019 arrest is relevant to the defense. They intend to introduce it as evidence alongside the inpatient-treatment reports Ellis subsequently participated in. Those reports concern Ellis methamphetamine use, which prosecutors want to exclude from trial, along with his mental health issues, both of which the state said Ellis struggled with for years.

Defense wants to admit arrest, treatment reports

Defense attorneys listed a number of reasons they want the arrest and treatment reports admitted.

First, attorneys wrote that the night Ellis died, officers saw very specific conduct they attribute to meth intoxication. They wrote that those observations contradicted prosecutors version of events, which, according to the defense, suggested officers simply attacked Ellis as he walked down the street.

Second, the attorneys said two witnesses who video-recorded some of Ellis encounter with police reported that Ellis was calm and cooperative and that he didnt resist officers but lay on the ground while attacked, at one point telling law enforcement he could not breath.

Defense attorneys said those statements contradicted the accounts of Collins and Burbank, who contend Ellis fought them with superhuman strength after he punched their patrol cars window after previously trying to open the door of another persons car nearby.

Other officers and paramedics reported Ellis was exhibiting signs of excited delirium while he thrashed in restraints, the defense argued in its motions. Excited delirium is a term not recognized as a diagnosis by the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association or the National Association of Medical Examiners. Prosecutors have made a motion to exclude opinions about it from trial, except when offered by an expert or in regard to officers training on it.

Paramedics and officers observations of Ellis conduct and symptoms that night support a defense experts opinion that Ellis died of methamphetamine intoxication and an enlarged heart from chronic meth abuse, his defense team wrote, another reason it wants his treatment reports admitted as evidence.

Finally, the evidence of Ellis previous arrest and drug use would get directly to an element of the crime Collins is charged with, murder, the lawyers said. They argued that the 2019 arrest and Ellis acknowledgment of how meth affected him  he apparently said during outpatient treatment that hed been on meth for five days at the time, which led to a full psychosis  supports the officers account of Ellis behavior.

The officers will testify that Mr. Ellis attacked their vehicle and they attempted to appropriately restrain him, attorneys for Collins wrote. Because of Mr. Ellis self-described meth-psychosis the officers had to struggle mightily to get Mr. Ellis into custody.

Will jury need to be sequestered?

Ellis death in police custody sparked calls for justice in Tacoma. Some people chanted his name at protests against police shootings and racial injustice during the summer of 2020, put signs up in their homes calling for justice and painted colorful murals around town in his honor.

The case also brought local and national media attention, and attorneys for Burbank claim publicity and public artwork could prejudice a jury against him. Requesting that the jury be sequestered, the lawyers specifically cited a Justice for Manny mural blocks from the courthouse, a Black Lives Matter mural at Tollefson Plaza and the Seattle Times and KNKXs podcast, The Walk Home, as potential issues for jurors traveling to court.

A photo of the Manuel Ellis mural on Hilltop in Tacoma, Wash.

If sequestered, jurors could be isolated in separate housing for the duration of the trial, have their access to the internet restricted and be closely monitored.

Attorneys for Burbank and Rankine also have requested that court spectators not be allowed to wear clothing or other items that are political or suggestive of the officers guilt.

Rankines attorneys said that news stories have suggested racism is an element of this case, and observers might fill the halls of the courtroom. They argued if court goers are allowed to wear political clothing, the jury will feel the pressure. Attorneys for Rankine and Burbank also asked that any mention of George Floyd, a Black man murdered by a white Minneapolis police officer, be prohibited from trial.

In this case, Ellis, a Black man, was allegedly killed by two white officers and an Asian-American officer. The attorneys said drawing comparisons would be highly inflammatory. Rankines attorneys specifically requested that any evidence showing his alleged actions were racially motivated be excluded.

Though some media coverage of this case has suggested racism played a part in this incident, there is not a shred of evidence that race played any role in Off. Rankines actions that night, the lawyers wrote.
Reopening of Iran embassy in Saudi Arabia a milestone for reconciliation brokered by China

Global Times) 09:09, June 08, 2023

Iran reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after seven years of closure. The peace process accelerates in the Middle East as the region determines its own future. Graphic:GT

The reopening of the Iran Embassy in Saudi Arabia, which marked a milestone accomplishment for the two countries' reconciliation brokered by China, may lead to solutions of a series of rifts in the region and improve the geopolitical environment in the Middle East, Chinese analysts said on Wednesday.

The event, which coincides with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Saudi Arabia on the same day to steady bilateral relations and fend off China's increasing influence, demonstrates that the new view on security proposed by China and other developing countries is growing popular among regional countries, who are seeking to be the real owners of the region to avoid becoming proxies of some Western countries and the US, observers said.

A ceremony was held inside Iran's new embassy compound in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with dozens of diplomats and officials attending the reopening of the diplomatic mission for the first time in seven years, Reuters reported.

Iran and Saudi Arabia reached a landmark agreement brokered by Chinain March to restore diplomatic ties and reopen their respective embassies. In April, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud met in Beijing with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, with Iran and Saudi Arabia announcing the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

The reopening of the Iran Embassy in Saudi Arabia after seven years of closure marks a milestone for the region and highlights regional countries' increasing efforts at strategic independence to become the real owners of the region, Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

For the past 11 years, the Middle East has been blighted with severe sectarian strife and endless proxy wars and conflicts, but now Saudi Arabia and Iran are working for reconciliation, which will further promote the regional peace and normalization of relations between previously divergent countries, including Iran and Arab states, and Turkey and Arab states, Sun said.

The positive trend in the Middle East also shows how China's proposal on global security and developing countries' views of regional security and global governance have taken root and yielded achievements as regional countries chose to promote security via cooperation and communication, said the expert.

Analysts hailed the ice-breaking resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia and expected it to promote the resolution of a series of geopolitical conflicts and greatly improve the geopolitical environment in the Middle East. The US has been anxious about the current reconciliation in the Middle East as its allies are not closely following its baton but shaking hands with US' "enemies."

On Tuesday, Blinken met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The US top diplomat was also set to meet other senior Saudi officials in Riyadh, the capital, and the coastal city of Jeddah, Reuters reported.

Topics on cooperation with Saudi Arabia to mediate the conflict in Sudan, improving US-Saudi Arabia relations, and promoting the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel are on Blinken's agenda in Saudi Arabia, Ding Long, a professor with the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times.

However, the real goal for Blinken and other senior officials who recently visited Saudi Arabia, including White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, is to prevent geopolitical changes in the Middle East - from the resumption of diplomatic relations of Iran and Saudi Arabia to the return of Syria to the Arab League, said Ding.

The US is eager to hold its significant ally Saudi Arabia fast in hand and save its ally system by fixing ties with Saudi Arabia. However, its strategy in the Middle East is out of date.

The pillar of US-Saudi Arabia relations has been shaken as the US no longer needs oil from Saudi Arabia and its strategic contraction in the region means it cannot meet allies' demands for security, said Ding.

While it is hard for the US to maintain a dominant influence in the Middle East, it still treats the area as the middle region for the competition of major countries and tries to exclude other countries' influence, which has incurred increasing dissatisfaction, said analysts.

China's increasing influence in the region has worried the US, and some US media reported that during his stay in Saudi Arabia, Blinken worked to fend off China's and Russia's influence.

Along with the increasing awareness of independence is the decline of US influence in the region. The US should abandon its Cold War mentality and the hegemonic mentality of treating the region as its sphere of influence, said Sun, noting that the Middle East is large enough and China has always welcomed different countries to contribute to the building of the region.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Many in Russia's elite no longer believe Putin can win the Ukraine war, report says: 'The best they hope for is that Russia will lose without humiliation'

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Russian government via teleconference in Moscow on March 10, 2022. MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images

Members of the Russian elite are turning against the Ukraine war, Bloomberg reported.

They best they can hope for is losing without humiliation, the report said.

However Putin shows no sign of wanting to end the conflict, it said.

Many members of Russia's elite are growing doubtful about the ability of their president, Vladimir Putin, to win the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported.

The best they can hope for is a "frozen" conflict or a loss in which Russia isn't humilated, the report said.

Despite this deepening gloom, Putin shows no sign of wishing to end the war, according to Bloomberg.

The outlet cited seven people with knowledge of the situation who asked not to be identified given the seriousness of the issues.

It said that many in the upper echelons of Russian politics and business are tired of the war and want it to end.

Five sources told Bloomberg that while no one is willing to "stand up" to Putin over the invasion, belief in his authority has been shaken.

"It is really surprising how widespread among the Russian elite became the idea of a chance that Putin won't win this war," Kirill Rogov, a former Russian government advisor who left the country after the invasion, told Bloomberg.

It is unclear what a victory would look like for Russia, but two sources told Bloomberg they hoped Putin would try and claim a "Pyrrhic victory" on the basis of land in Ukraine that Russia already occupies.

Alexandra Prokopenko, a former Russian journalist and central bank advisor, told Bloomberg that "'the best they hope for is that Russia will lose without humiliation."

Many in Russia's business and economic elite were targeted by Western sanctions after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, according to a paper in April by think tank The Wilson Center, Russia's elite show no sign yet of moving to oppose Putin's rule, despite the punishing cost of their loyalty to the Russian president.

"It is evident that the wealthiest individuals in Russia, who amassed their fortunes through the collaboration and support of the government, are unwilling or unable to oppose Putin despite their considerable wealth, connections, and resources," the report said.

Experts have told Insider that a challenge to Putin's power would most likely come if Russia were to lose the war and its forces were driven out of Ukraine.

Russia had initially expected a swift victory in Ukraine, but the war has become a protracted stalemate which has come at a huge cost to Russia's military and economy.

Russia currently occupies large swaths of territory in east and south Ukraine. The Ukrainian military is seeking to drive Russian troops back in a much-anticipated counter-offensive this summer.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Marianne Williamson's longshot presidential campaign has been plagued by staff turnover and internal dysfunction. The person she's turned to to stabilize the ship has some issues of her own.

Williamsons new campaign manager, Roza Calderon, was accused of financial fraud by a local Democratic party group in 2017, according to local reporting and an interview with the head of a Democratic group in Placer County, California.

A police report filed by the group alleged that Calderon spent nearly $1,900 from the Placer Women Democrats bank account on a host of personal expenses. The group's then-treasurer, Sharleen Finn, filed the police complaint against Calderon. Finn then alleged that Calderon deleted internal financial documents to cover up her alleged fraud.

I'm hoping that Roza has learned lessons, and she has a professional accounting firm and has learned the rules, Kathleen Crawford, chair of the Placer County Democratic Central Committee, told POLITICO when informed that Calderon took the top job on Williamsons presidential campaign.

Calderon declined to comment.

The Williamson campaign did not deny past allegations against Calderon. Instead, the campaign said the issue had been set aside and dismissed by the Superior Court of Placer County" and called questions about it an apparent political hit piece.



These on-going attacks on the Marianne Williamson campaign are again an effort to diminish the significance of her second run for President and now, the corporate media establishment is waging war on campaign staffers, the campaign said in a statement. "Were confident in the leadership abilities of Roza Calderon and happy to have her on board to lead this campaign to victory.

Calderon had been a volunteer treasurer for the local Democratic Party county group and still had access to the groups online accounting ledger and credit card, according to the Sacramento News & Review. She was accused of using the organizations credit card for personal expenses, including gasoline, movie downloads and BottleRock music festival tickets.

When she was confronted about it, [her response] first sort of went into denial. And then later when the proof was coming out in terms of receipts and things that people had gathered, she said she would pay it back, said Crawford, who was active with the group at the time of the allegations.

The women's political group would typically raise just $5,000 to $10,000 for an entire election cycle, Crawford said. So any misuse of funds put a serious dent in the overall budget and thats why people were pretty hot about it."

Calderon, who was simultaneously mounting an ultimately unsuccessful run for the U.S. House in California's 4th district, returned $1,900 after being confronted, according to the Sacramento News & Review. She denied the allegations to the local press.

The complaint was settled in court in 2019, and Calderon was put on probation for three years. She was also ordered to write an apology letter to the Placer Women Democrats and was ordered not to take any positions of trust for elder or dependent adults, meaning she cannot be the primary or secondary person making financial decisions for such people.

When asked about the allegations against Calderon in an interview, Williamsons former interim campaign manager, Peter Daou, said: I don't speak about specific colleagues out of respect for their confidentiality, but everyone I hired at the campaign came well-recommended in their field. Daou hired Calderon in April as a fundraiser for the Williamson campaign.

Calderon came to the campaign after a brief tenure at the progressive nonprofit Our Revolution. On LinkedIn, Calderon claims to have been the groups director of development from December 2022 to April 2023. But an Our Revolution spokesperson said that she was a contract fundraiser.

Ms. Calderon was never an employee of Our Revolution, nor was she authorized to represent herself as the organization's Development or Finance Director, a spokesperson for Our Revolution, granted anonymity to weigh in on a personnel matter, said in a statement.



The Williamson campaign ended the first quarter with less than $250,000 cash on hand in the race for the Democratic nomination against President Joe Biden. Its unclear whether Williamson will be able to keep pace with the financial demands of a national presidential campaign  even one of an underdog.

The next campaign finance report will not be publicly available until July 15.

Williamson's campaign has been battling internal issues since its launch, including mass staff departures. Daou left in May, and The Daily Beast reported at least 10 staffers have departed since the campaign launch about two months ago. POLITICO independently confirmed six of those departures.

Former staffers told The Daily Beast and POLITICO the departures were largely spurred by Williamsons management style. Her employees have described it as abusive dating back to the 1990s, when she was an author and celebrity guru in Southern California.

In response to POLITICOs reporting in March, Williamson said that allegations about her behavior were slanderous and categorically untrue. She also accused former staffers of trying to improve their status with the political establishment.

But months later, after the most recent allegations from staffers on the 2024 campaign team in The Daily Beast, a campaign spokesperson disputed that Williamsons management style has anything to do with the turnover.

Neither Williamson nor her campaign have anything to apologize for, and despite the attacks against her, false claims and media blackouts, her popularity is growing and she will continue to persevere, the campaign spokesperson said.
Corporal Sean Walsh was dishonourably discharged from the RAF in 1975 - SOLENT NEWS & PHOTO AGENCY

A married veteran who was dishonourably discharged after the RAF believed he was gay has lost a discrimination case in a decades-long fight to clear his name.

Cpl Sean Walsh, 75, claims he was discriminated against because he was falsely accused of having homosexual tendencies and ordered to leave after more than 10 years service.

At the time, there was a ban on gay men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

He has now lost his sexual orientation discrimination case after an employment tribunal ruled that it did not have jurisdiction over the incident, which happened nearly 50 years ago.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) previously told Mr Walsh that while what he experienced in 1975 would not be countenanced today, the decision was still lawful.

The allegation

Mr Walsh - a telegraphist in the RAF who was entrusted with top secret duties and had an Aden terrorist campaign medal - served from September 1963 until he was discharged in August 1975.

That year he was at the now-closed RAF Gan base in the Maldives when he found himself at the centre of allegations that he had had a relationship with a transvestite while in Singapore.

Mr Walsh said: I was interviewed by a sergeant from the RAFs Special Investigation branch and was advised that an allegation had been made against me, and that I was now suspected of having homosexual tendencies which I denied, and still continue to do so.

I was accused of having homosexual tendencies because a former colleague said I went with a transvestite in Singapore. [It is] not true.

He continued: The sergeant, accompanied by two other military policemen, then carried out an unlawful search of my room while I was not allowed inside, and personal letters were confiscated.

In addition, a stock tourist photo of a Singaporean transvestite, which many serving personnel who served there had as souvenirs, was confiscated. None of the items [were] ever returned to me.

He was transported back to RAF Innsworth, Glos, and told he faced jail time.

A dishonourable discharge

Mr Walsh said: I was advised by the Officer Commanding RAF Innsworth that the allegations into my sexuality were sufficient to warrant my discharge, and I was given the following two choices.

Accept the findings and subsequent judgement of the investigating (RAF) authority, or be tried by court martial, with the possibility of a custodial sentence in a military prison.

I felt I had no choice other than the former, and was given a dishonourable discharge, annotated on my RAF Records as Services No Longer Required.

He added: I married my second wife in 1981, and kept secret from her the real reason for my discharge from the RAF, as I did with other veterans and ex colleagues.

In 2000, the MoDs gay ban was lifted. Three years later, Mr Walsh instructed solicitors to help him seek justice over his discharge, which meant having to tell his wife the real reason he had left the RAF, which he had hidden from her for 20 years.

However, solicitors told him he stood no reasonable prospect of success as the laws did not cover the discrimination he alleged happened.

Sexual orientation discrimination

In 2020, Mr Walsh attempted to clear his name again by filing a claim for compensation against the MoD. However, the case was treated as historic and the investigating officer said there was nothing that could be done.

The officer said: In 1975 your discharge was considered to be reasonable as well as lawful, even though what you experienced would not be countenanced today.

Mr Walsh, from east London, later decided to sue the MoD for sexual orientation discrimination at a London central employment tribunal.

However, employment Judge Holly Stout dismissed his case in May and said the tribunal had no jurisdiction over it.

She said that as the tribunals jurisdiction was limited to discrimination that was unlawful, Mr Walshs claim could not be heard as the decision to discharge him had been lawful at the time.

The tribunal heard that as well as seeking action against the MoD through a British tribunal, this year Mr Walsh submitted an application to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg against the UK Government, claiming a violation of his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A Maryland funeral home owner is accused of killing a pallbearer at a funeral service for a child this week.

The Prince Georges County Police Department claims Wilson Chavis gunned down a rival funeral service operator Tuesday afternoon. The victim, 30-year-old Ronald Steven Banks of Washington, D.C., was helping carry the casket of a 10-year-old girl when he was killed.

Cops said Chavis confronted Banks and another person while the burial was getting underway at Washington National Cemetery.

Those individuals are affiliated with a second funeral service company with which Chavis has a long-standing business dispute, police claimed.

The alleged shooters company was handling the service. Several people attending the funeral reportedly became upset with Chavis when he addressed his rivals. Thats when cops say he killed Banks and fired a second shot grazing a female attendee. The suspect fled in his car, but was quickly apprehended by authorities.

Im so traumatized that this happened at my daughters burial site, grieving mother Antionette Belk told NBC News4. Its trauma after trauma.

Belk claims Chavis yelled I own this body and spat on a preacher before opening fire. The preacher was the dead childs uncle. According to Belk, her family had nothing to do with the parties involved in the conflict at her daughters funeral service.

News4 reports the girl was killed last month when a bullet hit her familys car while they were returning from a Mothers Day celebration in Washington D.C. Police believe the killing was unintentional.

Charges against Chavis include first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
Two Maryland suspects face manslaughter and negligent homicide charges after crashing into each other in a highway construction zone, killing six road workers in March.

Maryland State Police said Lisa Adrienne Lea, 54, of Randallstown, and Melachi Duane Darnell Brown, 20, of Baltimore, were indicted Monday on charges associated with the deaths of the highway workers.

Both suspects were indicted on six counts each of manslaughter, negligent homicide, and causing the death of a vulnerable individual while operating a motor vehicle, and single counts of conducting an unsafe lane change, speeding, failing to control speed to avoid a collision, following a vehicle too closely, negligent driving and aggressive driving.

MARYLAND POLICE INVESTIGATING DEADLY SHOOTING AT FUNERAL SERVICE FOR 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL KILLED ON MOTHER'S DAY

Lea was also charged with driving under the influence.

According to police, a preliminary investigation indicates Lea was driving a 2017 Acura TLX at about 12:40 p.m. on March 22, when she attempted to change lanes.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Maryland State Trooper

As she changed lanes, police allege, her vehicle was believed to have struck the front corner panel of a Volkswagen Passat driven by Brown.

THREE KILLED IN MARYLAND AFTER CAR VEERS OFF ROAD, PLUNGES 500 FEET TO QUARRY BELOW

The collision caused Leas car to lose control, drive through a barrier to the work zone, and overturn in an area of the left shoulder where construction crews were working.

When emergency personnel arrived at the crash, they pronounced six of the workers dead.

Police identified the deceased as Rolando Ruiz, 46, of Laurel; Carlos Orlando Villatoro Escobar, 43, of Frederick; Jose Armando Escobar, 52, of Frederick; Mahlon Simmons III, 31, of Union Bridge; Mahlon Simmons II, 52, of Union Bridge; and Sybil Lee Dimaggio, 46, of Glen Burnie.

TEXAS CAR CRASH: 12 PEOPLE EJECTED IN WRECK INVOLVING HUMAN SMUGGLING, 1 PERSON DEAD, AUTHORITIES SAY

State police added that once the crash team completed its investigation into the incident, the findings were handed over to the Baltimore County States Attorneys Office, which determined the charges against Brown and Lea.

Brown was arrested Monday and released to home detention following an appearance in court.

Lea surrendered on Wednesday morning at the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack, where she was processed.
Sherry Pocknett, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, was honored as Best Chef of the northeastern U.S. by the James Beard Foundation. (Photo: YouTube Screenshot)

Dressed in traditional Native American clothing and with tears in her eyes, Sherry Pocknett made history as the first indigenous woman to win a James Beard Award for culinary excellence.

A member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Pocknett was announced as the Best Chef Northeast on Monday night at the annual awards ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Called the Oscars of the food world, the Beard Awards are recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in the culinary industry, highlighting excellence and contributions that chefs make to their communities.

Pocknett creates Indigenous cuisine that comes from her Wampanoag culture at her restaurant, Sly Fox Den Too, located at 4349 South County Trail in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The restaurant has developed a reputation for its foraged, fished, and hunted foods, including venison, rabbit, quahogs, fish, and fresh vegetables and herbs.

Prior to starting Sly Fox Den Too, Pocknett was the food and beverage director at the The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. During her time there, she overhauled the menu from hamburgers and hot dogs to traditional Native foods such as turtle soup, bluefish and venison.

Pocknett is a first-time nominee for the Beard award and the second Native American to win a national Beard award in the past two years. Owamni, an Indigenous-owned restaurant in Minneapolis founded by Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota) and Dana Thompson (Mdewakanton Dakota, Wahpeton Sisseton), was honored as the best new restaurant in 2022.

Sherman was in attendance at the Beard awards this year, greeting Pocknett with a congratulatory hug as she walked down the aisle to accept her award.

On stage, Pocknett gave an emotional speech, saying she represented all the northeastern tribes and never expected the honor of receiving the Beard award.

She also revealed to the audience she is battling breast cancer, and that she recently completed chemotherapy and will undergo surgery soon.

"I'm just waiting for all that to be over, to get on with it," she told CT Insider in an interview after the award ceremony. "I just want to cook, I just want to create. I just want people to know that Wampanoag people are here, and we're not going anywhere. We're still cooking, we're still moving and grooving and winning James Beard awards."

About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. "

Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com
Mass. has failed to conduct full inspections of some nursing homes for years, 25 Investigates finds

This isnt acceptable for a child  so why is it acceptable for the elderly?

Thats one of many questions Crystal Johnson has about her mothers care at Sterling Village nursing home in central Massachusetts.

In March 2020, her mom, Donna, entered the for-profit Sterling Village after suffering a stroke while battling Alzheimers.

At the time, the state was under severe COVID-19 restrictions.

And we couldnt get into that building at all, Johnson said.

The familys only visits were through windows or outdoors.

We just thought everything was perfect, Johnson said. They just told us what we wanted to hear.

By January 2021, Donnas health was failing.

She was admitted to a hospital for testing. Crystal says thats when her family got a call from a hospital doctor.

She came in with some severe injuries, cracked ribs, internal bleeding, Johnson said. Her sodium was 167, which means she was severely dehydrated, a black ulcer on her back, just these big toenails this long.

Sterling Village didnt respond to repeated requests for comment, including phone calls left with staff. Johnsons family filed a complaint with the Department of Public Health, which told them they found no deficiencies.

INSPECTION DELAYS ENDANGERING RESIDENTS

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, state surveyors inspect nursing homes at least every 9-15 months to assess compliance with federal standards of care.

Those federal standards include staffing, quality of care, and cleanliness of facilities.

Inspections include interviews with residents, examinations of medical records and review of policies and procedures.

Routine recertification surveys are crucial  they form the basis of the federal governments ranking of nursing homes from one to five stars.

The state can also launch unannounced, on-site investigations in response to concerns and complaints about resident care and safety.

The federal government halted routine inspections temporarily in March 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic  which created a backlog.

By mid-August 2020, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that States could resume all routine inspections.

Massachusetts has since reduced its backlog by 84%, according to Department of Public Health spokesperson Olivia James.

The state didnt provide additional details about Massachusetts backlog.

But 25 Investigates analysis of federal CMS data finds that MA is still behind many other states when it comes to catching up with routine nursing home recertification inspections.

25 Investigates found 32 nursing homes in Massachusetts still havent had a recertification survey since 2019.

Sterling Village has had an even longer wait: state inspectors havent conducted a recertification survey of Sterling Village since 2018.

A recent Senate committee report found 14 nursing homes in five states  Idaho, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Oregon  lacked a recertification survey since 2018.

And of those 14 nursing homes, four facilities had a 1-star rating.

In contrast, Sterling Village has a four out of 5 star rating.

The staffing shortages and inspection delays endanger nursing home residents, reads the report.

State Sen. Mark Montigny, a Democrat of New Bedford who chairs the Legislatures Joint Committee on Healthcare, said the states falling short of its responsibility to hold nursing homes accountable.

A great failure for a long time, Montigny said. They absolutely have failed Massachusetts families and theyre failing them until its fixed.

HIGH CASELOADS

Identifying trouble spots falls on the shoulders of the Department of Public Healths 82 surveyors that have to inspect about 41,300 nursing home beds, according to the Senate committee report.

Thats a rate of 504 beds per surveyor.

Massachusetts surveyors have the 14th highest caseloads in the country, according to a new report by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Thats the highest rate in New England.

And its far below states like California, which has 654 surveyors for its roughly 114,000 nursing home beds.

The report found state nursing home inspectors are also facing the crunch of having to undertake additional COVID-19 inspections amid the pandemic.

Massachusetts had a relatively low rate of vacant surveyor positions: 4% in 2022, down from 14% in 2002.

But 48% of nursing home surveyors in Massachusetts have two years or less experience as of 2022, up from just 16% in 2002.

Delays in routine surveys can mean its tougher for people to have the most up-to-date picture of the quality and safety of a nursing home theyre considering for themselves or a loved one, according to the Senate committee report.

Survey delays limit the information available to the public to make informed decisions on nursing home care for themselves and their families, the report reads. In some cases, CMS Care Compare website relies on survey results from as early as 2015, diminishing the timeliness and accuracy of information marketed to consumers as a quick reference to evaluate facility quality.

Nationwide, 1,523 nursing homes havent had a standard survey since March 18, 2020, according to the Senate report.

In Brockton, the for-profit Guardian Center nursing home hasnt had a recertification survey since June 2019.

Since then, the nursing home has racked up roughly $230,000 in penalties for failure to adhere to federal standards for nursing home patient safety and care.

But when people look up the Guardian Center on the federal CMS Care Compare website, theyll see the nursing home still has a four-star rating.

Inspectors found a resident at the Guardian Center fell and suffered a right arm fracture in August 2020, when an unassisted aide used a slide board to move the resident from the wheelchair to a bed  against the residents plan of care.

Thats according to inspection reports obtained by 25 Investigates through a public records request.

Representatives of the Guardian Center didnt respond to a request for comment left through the nursing homes website.

The Department of Public Health did not make a representative available for an interview despite repeated requests for an interview by 25 Investigates. A spokesperson said Tuesday that staff are unavailable for an interview.

25 Investigates asked DPH about the lagging inspections and the high case load rate.

A spokesperson said Tuesday they are working on responses to questions, including if the state plans to conduct a recertification inspection of Sterling Village soon, whether Massachusetts needs more nursing home inspectors and how many fines that the state has levied in fines against nursing homes in the past.

Sen. Montigny said he wants answers from the Department of Public Health about the delayed inspections.

They should come to us and ask for more money and they should stand on the rooftops screaming and yelling, Montigny said. If its resources, its also leadership or lack thereof, as it has not had great leadership more recently. You know, and if they want to claim its a lack of resources, then say it. Stop worrying about who youll offend.

INCREASED ENFORCEMENT

Lawmakers this year are considering numerous bills to address systemic issues concerning nursing homes  from enforcement, to staffing, to higher penalties.

New Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, a Democrat, is backing a bill to make it easier for her office to pursue enforcement actions against nursing homes who commit abuse and neglect.

Our state can and should be the leader and the model for the rest of the country when it comes to the issue of elder justice and ensuring that everyone can get access to high quality critical care for their aging family members, Campbell said.

Shes vowed to launch an Elder Justice Unit in her office whose work will include investigating nursing home neglect and abuse.

The attorney generals office has announced several settlements with nursing homes over the last year.

Last May, then-Attorney General Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, announced an over $250,000 settlement with five nursing homes to resolve allegations of patient neglect, insufficient staff training and inadequate care.

In December, her office announced a $1.75 million settlement with a Connecticut-based long-term care management company over allegations of failing to meet the needs of residents with substance use disorder.

The governors proposed budget includes funding for an inspection team for all healthcare facilities, including nursing homes.

WORSE THAN EVER

But Montigny said that despite the spotlight created during the pandemic  Massachusetts nursing homes are in crisis throughout the system.

Lots of attention, more money, more investigations, even criminal, Montigny said. But at the end of the day, you still have a bunch of really lousy nursing homes still operating.

In some ways, I think its worse than ever, Sen. Montigny said.

Massachusetts has often had a higher rate of nursing homes with civil monetary penalties than the nation as a whole.

For example, in 2020, half of Massachusetts nursing homes had civil monetary penalties.

Thats far above the national average of 31%.

Montigny said the Senate report highlights the urgent need for the government to amp up enforcement of nursing homes: from inspections, to increased fines.

Following inspections by state surveyors, nursing homes can face fines levied by the federal U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Fines are often aimed at getting nursing homes to change behavior  nursing homes can get the government to reduce fines if they fix issues raised by inspectors, for example.

Montigny said federal fines arent high enough to compel nursing homes into investing more into care.

You are not fining at a level that hurts and possibly forces the corporate entity to change hands, he said.

States can also levy fines  but MAs fine for violations of nursing home standards is just $50 a day.

Montigny said lagging inspections and paltry fines means its hard to address systemic issues, and that nursing homes can continue to see fines year-after-year with seemingly little resolution.

There are absolutely good nursing homes, Montigny said. But why are we allowing the bad, why are we allowing the mediocre? Its hard to lose your license.

Montigny has filed legislation to increase the state fines to up to $23,000 per day, matching federal standards.

25 Investigates asked DPH how often it uses fines against nursing homes.

Montigny said the state fines lack enough teeth.

Nowhere near enough, he said. The state fine is a joke. Im embarrassed to tell you its $50 a day.

AG Campbell said she also wants to increase the maximum civil penalty for mistreatment, abuse or neglect of an elderly patient that leads to injury or death to $250,000, up from $50,000 currently.

Its critically important if we want to really get accountability when theres wrongdoing, Campbell said during an April legislative hearing. The penalties must be strengthened so that they reflect the severity of the offenses, so the AGs office can hold bad actors accountable, truly accountable. So we can send a clear and resounding message to the industry that this type of conduct wont be tolerated.

That legislation would massively increase penalties against nursing homes, according to Tara Gregorio, president of the MA Senior Care Association, which represents 325 long-term care facilities statewide.

Leaders of nursing homes have often stressed that funding is the main issue impacting quality and care.

We believe strongly that those funds should go right back into quality improvement and workforce, she told lawmakers at an April legislative hearing.

Gregorio also wants lawmakers to expand and make permanent a revolving fund to provide no-interest forgivable loans to help nursing homes impose, modernize and update facilities and provide residents with single rooms.

There was an overwhelming number of worthy applications, but the funding could not support those all, she said.

Frank Romano, whose family owns several for-profit nursing homes in Massachusetts, told lawmakers he received four grants from $25 million in nursing home improvement funds: three for dialysis equipment and one for air quality equipment.

Gregorio said MassHealth underfunds the cost of care by at least $27 per day, resulting in an annual funding gap of $200 million.

She said her groups backing legislation aimed at closing that gap, increasing wages for aides and allowing CNAs to dispense non-narcotic medications to residents.

But Montigny said he questions why theres such a large swath of for-profit nursing homes if the industry is truly so unprofitable.

About 71% of MA nursing homes are for-profit, while 28% are non-profit, according to KFF.

The industry comes in and very effectively lobbies for higher rates with no restrictions, no training, no review, no investigations, and no incentive really to put the mediocre out of business, which means more of a pot to pay more money for quality care, Montigny said.

The MA Senior Care Association reported spending $302,500 on lobbying expenses in 2022 alone, according to state lobbying disclosures reviewed by 25 Investigates.

Two associations representing nursing homes throughout Massachusetts  Massachusetts Senior Care Association and LeadingAge MA  both declined repeated requests for interview from Boston 25.

STERLING VILLAGE FINES

Hundreds of nursing homes across Massachusetts have paid more than $29 million in fines for failing to meet federal quality standards over the past decade.

Thats according to 25 Investigates analysis of ten years of enforcement data obtained through a public records request to U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Sterling Village has faced $95,200 in net federal fines over the past decade, according to 25 Investigates analysis of CMS data.

Sterling Village is far from among the most fined of the over 350 nursing homes in Massachusetts.

But Montigny said in general, fines can be too low to spur nursing homes to make change.

In 2022 alone, the average annual cost of nursing home care for a semi-private room Massachusetts exceeded $151,000, according to a report by Genworth Financial.

Sterling Village last had a full recertification inspection in 2018.

But since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing home along with thousands nationwide have faced targeted inspections that specifically look at infection control practices.

In 2020, inspectors uncovered multiple instances of failure to follow basic infection control protocols at Sterling Village, according to inspection data obtained by 25 Investigates through a Freedom of Information Act request.

In November 2020, inspectors said that Sterling Village failed to ensure staff followed infection control measures, including proper use of PPE and cohorting residents based on COVID-19 status.

Staff didnt use proper PPE for a resident on quarantine from a recent hospital admission  all in front of the inspector.

CNA #1 entered the room without donning a gown or gloves, the survey reads.

The inspectors found another resident who was on quarantine after readmission from a hospital was placed on quarantine with a resident who never had COVID-19 before.

During an interview on 11/10/20 at 3:00 P.M., the administrator said there had been a breakdown in communication amongst staff, reads the inspection. She said Resident #2 and Resident #3 should not have been placed in the same room.

Inspectors also found the nursing home failed to test residents for COVID-19 after a staff member tested positive.

Further review indicated one units negative residents had not been tested and none of the residents facility wide who had been recovered for greater than 90 days had been tested, as required., reads the inspection.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Crystal Johnsons mother Donna was 72 when she died in January 2021.

Johnson said she never got records from Sterling Village nursing home about what happened to her mom. Shes instead had to rely on the hospital records, including results of the autopsy.

What happened? she said. How did these things happen? Why is there no documentation?

Johnson said shes concerned about how nursing homes have avoided liability amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Massachusetts, like many other states, passed laws in April 2020 that protected nursing homes and hospitals from lawsuits except in extreme cases involving gross negligence.

That law ended in June 2021.

Bed sores, thats straight neglect, Johnson said of her mothers bed sores.

Johnson said her family reached out to the Department of Public Health, but said they found no deficiencies. 25 Investigates reviewed the Johnson familys complaint.

Johnsons family still has questions about how Donna spent her final months: including why her mother had cracked ribs and restraint marks on her paralyzed side.

Johnson said she doesnt understand why her mother was restrained.

Donna herself worked for years as a certified nursing aide in nursing homes.

She treated the residents like they were family, she said. This is very sad how she was living her last year of her life.

Johnson also wants Congress to pass a law ensuring loved ones who follow infection control protocols can visit nursing home residents in future pandemics.

I feel like its not talked about enough and the care of elderly and what happens to our loved ones in these places, Johnson said.

This could be your mom, your grandmother, your aunt, your sister, she said. And thats the care we want?

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
Mass. firefighters on standby for assistance to Quebec as Canadian wildfires rage

As wildfires continue to rage across Canada, blanketing the U.S. East Coast and Midwest in an unhealthy haze, officials of one Province have reached out regarding the availability of firefighters in Massachusetts.

Although no Bay State firefighters have been mobilized yet, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation tells Boston 25 News they are weighing the logistics of sending resources as Massachusetts withstands its own active fire season.

Quebecs appeal for help comes through the Northeast Forest Fire Compact, according to the DCR.

With the active fire season thus far in Massachusetts and other states, assessment of availability is prioritized by our own strategic needs first. The compact provides a collective and collaborative approach to sharing resources, a DCR spokesperson told Boston 25 News.

Established in 1949, the Northeast Forest Fire Compact is an agreement between seven U.S. states and five Canadian provinces to, when possible, share resources to combat large-scale forest fires in the Northeast of North America.

Massachusetts previously lent assistance to Quebec during large forest fires in 1995 and 2010.

About 9.4 million acres have already burned as of Thursday morning, according to Reuters.

More than 11,000 Quebec residents have had to evacuate their homes.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Chicago Public Schools teachers will have essentially the same parental leave policy that city workers receive under a new plan announced on Thursday by Mayor Brandon Johnson, ending a conflict that began under his predecessor.

The districts leave policy, which the Chicago Teachers Union fought for, will give CPS staff 12 full weeks of paid parental leave and applies whether theyre growing their family through birth, adoption or foster care, Johnson said. Surrogates will be eligible for up to eight weeks of paid leave under the new policy, which is not yet finalized but is expected to go into effect this fall.

The deal underscores a complex dynamic at City Hall under Johnson: As a longtime CTU leader whose campaign was strongly supported by labor, Johnson owes his victory in part to unions. But as mayor, he has a broader fiduciary responsibility. Asked whether the new policy is a sign of how contract negotiations with CTU will go next year, Johnson responded, This is not a gift to the CTU.

This is apples and oranges, Johnson said. We arent negotiating today.

Johnson and schools chief Pedro Martinez noted the details will be ironed out over the summer and approved by the board.

With the creation of this policy, our teachers and school leaders cannot only show up for their students but for their own families during a very critical time in their lives, Johnson said.

The CTU and former Mayor Lori Lightfoot battled over the districts parental leave policy at the start of the year, with the union highlighting the discrepancy between the maximum two weeks of paid parental leave that CPS employees previously received and the three months granted to city employees as of Jan. 1.

Lightfoot credited the citys policy update to an agreement with AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and contended CTU would need to get at the table to bargain a similar change in CPS.

At the time, Martinez, whom Lightfoot appointed in September 2021, echoed her contention. And a CPS spokesperson said in January that any update to district policy would require a 30-day public comment period, community engagement and an equity review.

But Martinez, Johnson and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates gathered at City Hall Thursday to announce the policy change with none of the acrimony that characterized Lightfoots relationship with the union.

Parental leave is a big deal for someone like me. Im a mother of three, Davis Gates said, noting the hardships she faced. Im also a high school history teacher.

Records released to the Tribune show a monthly average of around 26 CPS staff members took parental leave from July 2021 through January of this year.

The policy could add around $10 million to the districts budget, Martinez said, but he added it was worthwhile for its positive effects on workers and could be an effective recruitment tool.

Martinez also said he would encourage the 118 charter schools under the CPS umbrella to apply the same leave policy as it works through renewals of charter school agreements. We try to encourage, as much as possible, parity, especially around benefits.

Davis Gates said where the union is currently negotiating contracts at organized charters, paid parental leave has been on the table. CTU just settled a monumental contract with Acero schools where workers were able to secure seven weeks of paid parental leave, which is nothing to sneeze at.

Tribunes A.D. Quig contributed.
(Bloomberg) -- House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called off votes for the remainder of the week and sent lawmakers home as a revolt by Republican hard-liners halted business in the chamber for a second day.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The blockade by a band of 11 ultra-conservatives heightened tensions among Republicans following the speakers backing of a compromise with the White House to avert a US debt default. It also showcased their capacity to grind the chamber to a halt even if holding off, for now, on a push for McCarthys ouster.

Theres a little chaos going on, McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol Wednesday evening, shortly after a round of talks with dissidents failed to conclude a deal.

The California Republican said he would continue to speak with the hard-liners during the evening but negotiations were complicated by a lack of clarity in the goals of the protesters, who were angered by the debt deal.

This is the difficulty, McCarthy said. Some of these members dont know what to ask for.

Tuesday marked the first time in more than two decades that a speaker had been unable to muster the votes for a procedural step to begin debate on a bill on the House floor, according to C-Span. With the 11 GOP defections, and Democrats also voting against the procedural measure to advance bills, it failed on a 206-220 vote.

McCarthy mostly projected his customary optimism, predicting that the two sides would resolve their differences soon. Yet he showed flashes of frustration during the day and admitted the protest took him by surprise.

Earlier: GOP Hard-Liners Halt House Business in Warning to McCarthy

I feel blindsided, McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol Wednesday morning, after an earlier meeting with some of the dissidents.

Five people can create problems, he added. Youre not going to get 100% of what you want  so you cant take hostages.

The narrow 222-212 House GOP majority McCarthy oversees enables as few as five Republican lawmakers to sabotage a measure on a party-line vote.

Some of the 11 conservatives who banded together to instigate the stoppage suggested they didnt share his confidence of a quick resolution.

Theres nothing that has been resolved as of yet, said Representative Tim Burchett.

Ken Buck, a conservative Colorado congressman, declined to share a full list of their grievances. But they asserted McCarthys debt-limit deal with President Joe Biden broke promises he made to them for lower spending caps, though McCarthy disputes that he broke any pledge.

Impatience with the protest boiled over among some Republican lawmakers on Wednesday.

Youve got the tail wagging the dog, said Representative Steve Womack of Arkansas, complaining that a small group of people is keeping the House of Representatives from functioning.

Several of the dissident members, including Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina, declined to comment on their discussions with the speaker after leaving his office Wednesday night.

No deal, is all Representative Richard Hudson, also of North Carolina and chair of the House Republican campaign arm, would say.

(Updates with speakers office meeting, in final two paragrahs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
McDonalds is pictured in South Salt Lake on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Grimace doesnt need to steal milkshakes anymore  he has his own now, and its purple.

The big, purple, shake-stealing McDonalds mascot is finally getting some time in the spotlight. In honor of Grimaces birthday, McDonalds announced its first-ever purple shake  made from vanilla soft serve and berry flavors.

I finallyy got my own grimace meal and purple shake :), Grimace tweeted after taking over the McDonalds Twitter account this week.

i finallyy got my own grimace meal and purple shake :) pic.twitter.com/D81F2rIUAg  McDonald's (@McDonalds) June 6, 2023

Whether youve attended an epic party at the PlayPlace or swapped the fancy dinner for what you were really craving (hello, McNuggets), we know birthdays with McDonalds hold a special place in our fans hearts, read a McDonalds press release.

Now, were inviting everyone to create new birthday memories with us. This time, in honor of their fuzzy purple bestie. Get your party hat ready, cause were celebrating Grimaces birthday.

Starting on June 12, Grimace fans can celebrate the Gemini icons birthday with a Grimace Birthday Meal which features a limited-edition purple shake (inspired by Grimace) and a choice of Big Mac or 10-piece chicken McNuggets and fries.

McDonalds will also celebrate Grimaces birthday with:

An exclusive video game in collaboration with Krool Toys, where players will immerse themselves in McDonaldland and embark on a quest with Grimace and his friends to snag a slice of birthday cake.

Selling Grimace-inspired merchandise such as T-shirts and socks, available on June 12 from Golden Arches Unlimited.

Fans can also choose to donate to a charity near and dear to Grimace, the Ronald McDonald House Charities. On June 13 and 14, fans can share their favorite memory with McDonalds via Instagrams add yours sticker. McDonalds promised to donate $5 to Ronald McDonald House Charities for every memory shared up to $200,000.

Related

Who is Grimace?

Grimace is a giant, purple taste bud.

Grimace lore says he is the embodiment of a milkshake or taste bud, the fast-food chain tweeted in 2014.

In 2021, Brian Bates, a manager of a McDonalds in Canada, confirmed the so-called Grimace lore when he told CBC News that Grimace is an enormous taste bud, but a taste bud nonetheless.

.@margo_padilla Great question! #Grimace lore says he is the embodiment of a milkshake or a taste bud. What do you think? #AskAnArchivist  McDonald's Corporation (@McDonaldsCorp) October 30, 2014

Why are McDonalds ice cream machines always broken?

Almost every McDonalds fan has experienced the letdown of hearing these word: The ice cream machine in broken. But why is McDonalds ice cream machine so fickle? Why is it always broken?

One reason the machines are often described as being broken is due to the lengthy cleaning process all McDonalds ice cream machines go through every day, per All Recipes. The self-cleaning process takes four hours, and sometimes happens during the day. There are also a handful of technical issues the machines report as errors that employees are not trained to repair.

What time does McDonalds close?

Closing times for McDonalds vary based on location. The store locater will provide you with your local restaurants hours.

When does McDonalds stop serving breakfast?

McDonalds no longer serves breakfast all day. Diners can typically get breakfast menu items from local restaurants until 10:30 or 11 a.m., a McDonalds spokesperson told Today.
North Carolina prides itself on supporting veterans and promoting medical innovation and freedom. With Kentucky recently legalizing medicinal cannabis, however, 38 states are now more committed to these issues than the Tar Heel state.

But the North Carolina legislature has the opportunity to change that. The N.C. House is considering a bill, the Compassionate Care Act, that would allow physicians to prescribe cannabis products to a limited subset of patients.

Legislators should seize this historic opportunity for North Carolinas patients, veterans and medical community.

Rep. Allen Chesser

Dalton Clark

For many, medical cannabis has a bad reputation: The legal systems enabling it have been abused in some areas of the country in ways that undermine the rule of law. Further, the medical legitimacy of a terribly ill patient smoking a joint on the street strikes many as implausible, if not perverse. This bill addresses both concerns while enabling patients to receive the care that is best for them.

Rigorous scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of cannabis products for some conditions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine compiled and assessed the results of over 10,000 scientific studies on cannabis. The resulting report highlights that cannabis can help those struggling with nausea due to chemotherapy, muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. It can also help those with autism and epilepsy.

Other studies have not only corroborated these positive findings but found that cannabis can help those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  which burdens many veterans  and that it has actually helped reduce dependence on opioids among those struggling with pain. By offering less addictive alternatives to the veteran community, legislation that encourages a diversity of solutions, as the Compassionate Care Act does, will encourage more people to seek help.

These studies note potential side effects, but they are not an argument for prohibiting medical cannabis, but rather are an argument for requiring a doctors supervision  which this bill does. Doctors would have to provide the equivalent of a prescription for it and could only do so for 14 conditions listed in the bill. All of these conditions have scientific studies that demonstrate the efficacy of cannabis. And patients could only have enough on hand for 30 days.

These are the same steps we take for other types of medical treatment that are widely and safely available today.

These regulations are just part of a broad matrix of safeguards this bill would erect. Before prescribing, doctors would have to check if the patient has struggled with substance abuse. Doctors cant advertise that they can prescribe cannabis. Smoking cannabis would not be allowed near certain institutions, such as schools. This bill is clearly designed to prevent children in particular from obtaining marijuana.

While this bill would introduce greater freedom and more options to patients and veterans suffering from some acute challenges, it wont transform North Carolina into a potheads paradise.

These restrictions will make it difficult for some patients to access products that would best treat their condition, but the cautious approach matches the conservative temperament of the Tar Heel state.

But just because a state is conservative in its values doesnt mean it cant provide the best possible care for its veterans and others who are struggling with debilitating pain or PTSD. Mississippi, Alabama, and Oklahoma have all permitted medical cannabis and nobody will accuse those states of being progressive bastions. And the N.C. bill is receiving substantial support from Republicans.

Allowing individuals to access the best possible treatments for their conditions shouldnt be conservative or liberal. It should be common sense. The Compassionate Care Act empowers individuals by opening up to patients a new class of scientifically proven treatments. The legislature should pass it.

Dalton Clark is the legislative liaison at Americans for Prosperity-North Carolina. Rep. Allen Chesser is a former combat veteran and a first year N.C. House member (Dist. 25).






Need medication to treat strep but cant find it? A Charlotte pharmacist explains why

As strep cases in North Carolina rise, medications used to treat it are in short supply.

Pediatric amoxicillin, which comes in liquid form so its easier for children to take, was added to the Food and Drug Administrations list of drug shortages in October, NPR reported.

Jennifer Keller, a pharmacist who owns Pikes Pharmacy in Charlotte, said strep and other medications are scarce, too.

Theres a shortage of medications across the board, and its painful, said Keller. I receive an order every weekday, and on any given night, there are at least five items I cannot get.

Though demand for certain medications has spiked, Keller said the shortage can be attributed to drug manufacturers not being able to access chemicals necessary for production.

Companies that produce the medication or that manufacture the medication are having issues getting the components they need, Keller said. This is a mess. An absolute mess. Ive never seen anything like it.

Strep cases in NC

A spike in cases typically happens from October to April every year, Dr. Amina Ahmed, chief of pediatric infectious diseases and immunology at Levine Childrens Hospital, told The Charlotte Observer.

But data show that infections are spreading more rapidly than usual.

One child died from strep infection in Mecklenburg County. Cases are on the rise.

Since October 2022, North Carolina has seen 62 pediatric infections, state data indicated. Mecklenburg County had the most cases, accounting for nine of the states infections. For comparison, before last year, there were an average of 15 invasive pediatric strep throat cases between October and April, according to state data from the past seven years.

How to get strep medication

Since strep throat medications are not controlled substances, patients with prescriptions can call pharmacies to see if they have them in stock, Keller said.

Patients can also consider asking their doctors to write a prescription for an alternative drug used to treat strep that is more likely to be in stock.

For almost any condition we treat, theres a first line drug option, but theres also a second line drug option, said Keller. It would be nice if doctors could consider writing for their second line option and saving parents some of the frustration and stress.

Other options to treat strep

Antibiotics are the best way to treat strep throat, but over-the-counter pain relievers, including Advil, Motrin and Tylenol, can help reduce pain and fever, according to Mayo Clinic.

Aspirin should not be given to children under three since it has been linked to Reyes syndrome, a life-threatening condition that involves swelling in the liver and brain.

Here are some other ways to treat strep throat symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic:

Get plenty of rest

Drink plenty of water

Eat soothing foods, such as broths, soups and applesauce

Gargle with warm salt water

Use a humidifier

Stay away from irritants, such as cigarette smoke and paint fumes

Strep infections have impacted Mecklenburg County kids. Heres how to keep them healthy

How to prevent strep infections

Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent strep throat infections, according to Mayo Clinic.

Teaching your children to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and not sharing personal items, such as drinking glasses and eating utensils, can also reduce your risk of infection.
Carmen Rice certainly is having a moment.

Shes the first female chair of the Muscogee County Republican Party and shes helping Columbus host the Georgia GOP convention for the first time in 11 years. Also, a former president, Donald Trump, will speak at the state partys event for the first time.

Rice, 48, graduated from Christian Heritage Academy in Columbus. Her paid job involves providing payroll, bookkeeping and human resources services for several companies with multiple food franchises, but this convention is her current focus.

Were very excited to have the convention in Columbus, Rice told the Ledger-Enquirer. (Former Muscogee County GOP chairman) Alton Russell had that arranged before I became chairman in March. Being from Columbus, its a big deal to be hosting the event.  We have a tremendous group of volunteers locally that are jumping in, that are excited, and I have people across the state that are also contacting me, How can I volunteer, be there?

Taking a break from her preparations, Rice visited the L-E for a Q&A. Here are excerpts from that interview, edited for brevity and clarity:

Carmen Rice is the chairwoman of the Muscogee County GOP. 06/07/2023

How did Columbus end up being the host?

That was decided among the executive state committee, and that has been in the works for well over a year.

Whats it like for you as a lifetime resident of Columbus and being active in politics to see your city getting so much attention from hosting this convention?

Theres a lot of things I could speak for on the community, on its ability, the way the community has developed and grown and developed downtown and the college community and having Mercer (University Medical School satellite campus) come. These opportunities for Columbus have opened up so much more, have opened the eyes. For instance, I hosted a Republican Leadership for Georgia seminar here for the members. The alumni came, and they were floored. It had been years since they had been in Columbus.  They go to different towns in Georgia over 10 months, and, at the end, they said Columbus was their favorite.  We just have so much here. Im very excited for people to get to see that.

What part of the convention are you most looking forward to?

One of the things is just the fellowship of other people. We are going to be rolling up our sleeves and working so hard, and I think that begins first with good relationships, whether thats with your leadership or with people that are helping you knock on doors.  Watching it unfold, just the crowds and the energy at the convention, its going to be electric.

Whats the significance of having the Georgia GOP convention in Muscogee County, which leans Democratic in terms of its voting?

We do have a large Republican base here.  Our tent has gotten larger as a Republican Party, so what youre going to see in our convention is a lot of Republicans with different ideas, but we have the same core working on the big things together. Were going to unite on those things. Weve had people from other parties switch over to Republican in the last two years, so Im excited to see how the numbers shift and change and we grow.

What does it mean for you to be the first female Muscogee GOP chair?

For me, I mean, that was something that just kind of came. I had a lot of leadership opportunities along the way. Its a volunteer position, obviously, and its something that Im very honored that people put the faith in me to do that. I just am very thankful for the opportunity, but Im really thankful for a fantastic team, and were looking at growing, and were doing a lot of new things, like working on growing our membership and actually giving back to the community. We have a new program called Republican Hands. In every quarter, were going to be working on doing something in our community to give back, whether its time, resources. We just want to make sure that were a very positive influence. Were not just doing elections, but when election seasons coming, were rolling, and wed like more people to join us.

Why are you involved in politics at all?

Just from a young age, Ive always been interested. Even in high school, at lunch breaks, I was listening to Rush Limbaugh instead of doing high school things.

Why are you a Republican?

Im a Republican because I believe in the core values of fiscal responsibility and conservative values and closed borders.

Where did your political views come from?

Its always been a family interest of mine. I was in a small private school growing up.  Whether it was pro life marches or things like that I was involved in, that was a very important issue. Its still an important issue to me.  My parents gave me a lot of room and tools for me to go and make decisions for myself. It was by no means an indoctrination. It was just something that they were encouraging for me to explore, and theyre very encouraging for me in this position now.

Which presidential candidate are you supporting?

I cant say that before the primary. The important thing is, after the primary, no matter who wins the primary, were going to unite and support that candidate.

Regardless of who is the Republican nominee, why is it important in your mind for a Republican to be president?

We need these conservative values back in our White House, and the open borders that really is a big concern for a lot of people, and our economy. Weve got some people with some good ideas, abilities to fix that, and were excited to support them.

The party is divided between Trump and anti-Trump factions. The governor and secretary of state, the two most prominent Republicans in the state, arent attending this convention. What does that say about the status of the party and how much does that division concern you?

I worked very hard on Gov. Kemps campaign. I was very thankful for that. That was a big win for us. As far as him not being here, I wish he was. Thats more a question for him. But I will say our party has become more inclusive over time. While doing that, the tents gotten larger.  We have a lot of different ideas, and I value us having different ideas and including people with different ideas. I think thats exciting. But when it comes down to core things and the candidates, were all working together.

Whats the evidence that the party has become more inclusive?

Theres more social issues, social groups. Weve been labeled as being homophobic or bigots and stuff like that, and its just not true. I mean, were very inclusive. Were very excited about anyone that wants to help with the Republican Party and help get Republicans elected.  Its a very different time, very exciting time. Not that anything in the past was bad, but to have a female (local chair), were seeing that a lot across the party. Our party has shifted a lot from I guess the way its always considered being.  Were growing and developing.

What are the major issues at this convention?

Its going to be the upcoming presidential election and having so many candidates lined up to run. I think utilizing this convention to grow not only Muscogees party but all the parties across the state is going to be a big focus.

What else do you hope the party accomplishes at this convention?

We have some proposed rule changes and resolutions that will come up. The main thing is electing our state officers.

What are those proposed rule changes?

Theyre about how we select our candidates moving forward. Thats probably our biggest one.

Whats the proposed change?

I dont really want to speak too much on that. Thats going to be at the convention and for the public at that time.

What else should folks know about the convention, what it means for Columbus and you?

As far as the party, I just really want to focus on growth. No matter who our state chairman is moving forward, theyre going to bring new training tools Im very excited about. Were going to open our training within our party opportunities in the community, members of the Republican Party, to join in on that and grow and do grassroots. Our grassroots initiatives, were really interested in that.

For example?

One of the things Id like to incorporate is actually a new membership, kind of similar to what a lot of churches do. A lot of times you can join, then everybody shakes your hand, they go out to eat, and you dont really figure out how to plug in. We want to show members how to plug in. Some people can walk miles. Those people are great for knocking on doors. Some people dont. We have some that are even a shut-in. They might be willing to write postcards and make phone calls. We have a good precinct program going on. Weve got captains already assigned for each one.
Chris Licht isnt the whole story.

News of the departure of the CNN chairman and chief executive early Wednesday morning ricocheted around the media world.

But the bigger issue is the struggle of CNN in particular, and news organizations in general, to find a satisfactory way to deal with former President Trump, eight years after he descended the elevators at Trump Tower to begin running for the presidency.

Trump, in a sense, has claimed another scalp with Lichts departure.

The former Morning Joe and Late Show with Stephen Colbert showrunner has, like many others, failed to chart a way through the political and media landscape that Trump has created.

A 15,000-word story on Licht that appeared in the Atlantic last week may have been the final straw in the executives brief but tumultuous reign atop CNN. But the far more serious misfire was the disastrous town hall the network hosted with Trump on May 10.

In the estimation of just about everyone, the way the town hall was produced  in front of a crowd specifically engineered to be sympathetic to the former president  set CNN and its moderator, Kaitlan Collins, up for failure.

CNNs own Oliver Darcy wrote within hours of that event that it was hard to see how America was served by the spectacle of lies that aired on CNN Wednesday evening.

Many at the network and beyond agreed with him  even if his assessment drew Lichts ire.

Yet the town hall was, in a sense, an overcorrection. It was the most high-profile example of an effort by Licht to reverse away from CNNs coverage of Trump during the tenure of his predecessor, Jeff Zucker  coverage that had won ratings but had also grown to seem troll-ish and petty at times.

By all accounts, Licht and his boss, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, were seeking to reposition CNN closer to the center ground it had once occupied.

Yet, as ratings and morale have declined, there remains a question as to whether that ground even exists in any meaningful way  especially while Trump, the most polarizing president in living memory, is a key player on the political scene.

Comparing the current landscape to the pre-Trump era, Todd Belt, a professor and the director of the political management program at George Washington University, told this column, The news audience is different now.

Because people have their preconceived notions of Donald Trump, oftentimes they are looking for information confirming what they already believe about him, Belt added.

I think CNN is still trying to figure out where they fit in there and how they can generate an audience that will rival Fox. [Foxs] formula is pretty easy, and we heard a lot about that during the Dominion case.

Belt was referencing internal emails revealed during legal action taken against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, which claimed it had been defamed by the network.

Those emails showed some prominent figures at Fox fretting about dropping ratings in the wake of the 2020 election  a phenomenon they blamed on figures at the network who correctly stood up against Trumps false claims of fraud.

The Dominion case was settled by Fox for $787 million, though Fox was not required to issue an apology and admitted only to acknowledging the Courts rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false.

CNNs troubles, however, are of a whole different kind.

News of Lichts abrupt departure has prompted a new round of soul-searching about the future of the network and of cable news itself.

Semafors Ben Smith contended that the central problem is an ongoing, and apparently irrevocable, decline in cable news as a medium.

Cheap talk about shifting CNN from anti-Trump confrontation toward an imagined center simply didnt find an audience, Smith wrote Wednesday.

And the most obvious explanation is the one that people in media have been saying so long weve stopped believing it: Cable news is in a broad, secular decline. Even the best managers and executives wont be able to reverse that.

Voxs Peter Kafka likewise contended that there was not, really, any chance of success in the kind of news coverage Zaslav and Licht purported to want.

Some people will turn to CNN or other cable TV channels in times of crisis or something truly extraordinary. But even thats a habit specific to people whove grown up with TV, a number thats shrinking all the time, he wrote. Theres no cheering section for neutrality, despite what media executives and some journalists may insist.

For now, a transitional leadership team will try to put the pieces of CNN back together. But they face an extraordinarily difficult task in trying to map out the course ahead.

Grant Reeher, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, pointed to one of the fundamental problems in covering Trump, specifically.

You have people who just assume hes not telling the truth. And then you have people who just believe him  and theyre not going to disbelieve him just because The Hill or ABC or anyone else fact-checks him.

In terms of the bigger picture, Reeher said that all media organizations, including CNN, face a steep climb if they have any chance of recovering the position of authority they once held.

In the abstract, its not impossible, he said. Polarization makes it harder but not impossible. But when the media outlets themselves have been sucked into the polarization, it becomes well-nigh impossible.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Emanuel "Manny " Lopes is escorted into court on day one of his trial for the 2018 murder of Weymouth Police Sgt. Michael Chesna and Vera Adams, in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Thursday June 8, 2023. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

DEDHAM, Mass. (AP)  The prosecutor in the murder trial of a man charged with killing a Massachusetts police officer and an innocent bystander nearly five years ago told jurors in opening statements on Thursday that the suspect acted with deliberation when he used the officer's own gun to shoot him multiple times.

The defense, however, described a defendant who has spent years struggling with mental illness made worse by frequent marijuana use, who wasn't taking his medications, and who in the days before the killings was having a dispute with his longtime on-and-off girlfriend.

Emanuel Lopes, 25, faces 11 charges, including two counts of murder, in connection with the killings of Weymouth police Sgt. Michael Chesna, 42, a veteran and married father of two, and bystander Vera Adams, a 77-year-old widow, on July 15, 2018. He has pleaded not guilty.

We will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lopes shot and killed Sgt. Michael Chesna, shot and killed Vera Adams, and shot at" two other officers who responded to the scene with the intent to kill them, prosecutor Greg Connor told the jurors in Norfolk Superior Court.

Because of the intense media coverage the killings received in Weymouth, a suburb south of Boston, the jury was selected in Worcester County to ensure impartiality.

Lopes was fleeing the scene of a minor car crash and Chesna was investigating when their lives intersected, authorities have said.

Lopes threw a large rock that struck the officer in the head and knocked him to the ground unconscious. The suspect then grabbed the officer's gun and shot him multiple times, Connor said.

As he fled, Lopes shot Adams, who was on her porch. He still had Chesna's service weapon when he was caught minutes later, and it was out of ammunition, authorities said.

Defense attorney Larry Tipton said Lopes started experiencing mental health problems as a teenager, described him hearing voices, harming himself, and getting committed to the hospital multiple times.

Fifteen, 20 clinicians diagnosed a young man with major mental illness, sometimes not sure what the major mental illness was, Tipton said.

Lopes' friends described his behavior as ranting, kind of like it's Manny being Manny, talking about government conspiracies, people being Martians, monkeys, illuminati, talking about being in fear, danger, the defense attorney said.

With dozens of potential witnesses, the trial could last weeks.

If convicted, Lopes faces life in prison. If found not guilty by reason of mental defect, he could be sent to a mental health facility for an indefinite period of time.
This article originally appeared on Outside

Mercy M'Fon told their story to producer Sarah Vitak for an episode of The Daily Rally podcast. It has been edited for length and clarity.

After I got out of the course, I didnt want to be outdoors anymore. My whole dream of being outdoors, I was not feeling it. It wasnt something I wanted to do, and I felt so much shame around it, because the community supported me.

My name is Mercy Mfon. My pronouns are they/them. I am the executive director and the founder at Wild Diversity. We do outdoor adventures and outdoor education for the BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ communities. I am in Ellwood, Oregon, southeast of Portland.

In the beginning when I was starting Wild Diversity, I really wanted to have the actual hands-on experience with people guiding me and telling me, This is the right way to approach this, this is how to take a group out. Im such a "now" person, so Im like, "Lets just do this now. We should go do this course."

It was a 90-day instructor education course with one of these big adventure hubs. It was a leadership course. So it was an opportunity for me to really grow. If I want to run this outdoor nonprofit, I need to know what the standards are, how people are approaching it.

The course is very, very expensive. I think at the time it was around $7,000. We did a Go Fund Me to start. I think for me, I just hoped it did well, but I didnt know if it was really gonna do it. So when it did, I was just like, Oh my gosh, I think this is gonna happen. People really want to make this happen. The community pitched in so I could get this education to help launch, and it seemed really, really exciting.

I felt pretty excited just to learn and to try new things and to have new experiences, like mountaineering, paddling on the river for weeks, rock climbing, backpacking. Im like, This is so dreamy. But it wasnt.

My experience in the outdoors has never been in a professional setting. So I was really looking forward to that. But I think at the end of the day that it wasnt that much of a professional setting, that there wasn't understanding towards other identities and people.

One thing that they did was take our IDs from us for the whole course. So we went 90 days without our wallet, our IDs, nothing. But theyre also taking us through rural Oregon. Youre hiking in the forest and all the signs are shot up, theres shotgun shells, theres people shooting in the distance. And you know how your mind goes when youre on a backpacking trip or a long hike, all you do is obsess about the same thing over and over again. So I think that feeling was compounded in my mind.

This was five years ago. A lot of people of color were getting pulled over at that time for being brown. That was a huge thing from Arizona all the way up to Oregon at that time. I never felt really safe because if Im walking through the grocery store and a cop wanted to hassle me, I have nothing. I knew of people personally who had siblings in jail, like immigration prison, just because they didnt have their ID, even though theyre citizens. Im already feeling like this is not a safe group.

And I didnt feel like I was amongst people who would support me through that. They dont understand what its like to be targeted by somebody who could take your life, it creates an interesting dynamic to be surrounded by people who you feel unsafe around for such a long period of time. And Im experiencing it in a place where theres no safe place to retreat to.

Every day youre gonna wake up, somebodys gonna say something inappropriate and rude to you. The people who are in the instructors dont know any better, so theyre not gonna stop and interrupt it. So you have to be your number one advocate while being exhausted.

You either endure or you quit. But the thing is that the community paid for me to be there. So, I felt like I would be letting them down if I left. It was just like I just needed to endure it, keep my head down, and just get through it.

After I got out of the course, I didnt want to be outdoors anymore. My whole dream of being outdoors, I was not feeling it. It wasnt something I wanted to do and I felt so much shame around it because the community supported me. And afterwards I was radio silent about my experience because I didnt know what to say. Ive never raised that amount of money for myself, and they believed in something, and now Im feeling unsure.

I had already previously signed up to partner with another organization to run a BIPOC backpacking trip after my course. So even though I was feeling like, I dont know if this is for me, I still had this trip to guide. And going into it, I think in my mind I was like, This is gonna be my last one.

This backpacking trip was a beginners backpacking trip that goes through Serene Lake. And Serene Lake is well-named because its in this little crater, and its just like high trees all around it.

Theres this steep hike to get to the top of the crater that we had to do, and I'm just taking the time with the group. We had such a fun day, we get to Serene Lake, and it was so cute and theres this one little rock sticking out that looks like a little throne in parts.

So we would all swim out to the little rock, or wade out to the rock, and we ended up calling it Lovers Rock because we were just so in love with the scene and our trip together. It was really beautiful.

For this trip my co-guide had planned, since it was a loop, we had hid a bunch of food in the forest, because we knew wed be back down there the last night. So our last morning, the day we were heading out, our participants woke up to them making donuts on a cast iron pan. Deep frying and making donuts in the woods. It was so, so confusing for them, the level of confusion on their face of, "How do you have this big bottle of oil, this heavy pan, and where do these donuts come from?" And I think that was just like a special moment, a cool treat that we created for them. It was just magical from start to finish.

The experience was so beautiful, so different, so easy. It was just the ability to truly be myself. I didnt have to code switch. I didnt have to be more of this, less of that. I could just be myself and that was OK. It was so relaxing.

You dont realize how you walked around life with your shoulders constantly tense, and you thought that was a natural way, until your muscles relax and youre like, Oh, I must have been tense for a moment. And thats the feeling I felt. It was a lifetime feeling.

Here I am, four or five years later, with Wild Diversity. Were growing, and were running these programs, and I think it was because of that experience, I want our community to feel like that all the time. I want them to go outside and make connections and feel free and relax and have a level of safety out there.

So it was really coming from a place of feeling really stagnant and unsure, to just having the biggest fire under my butt, driving me forward and feeling so passionate about supporting the community.

I want people to feel good all the time. I want them to feel connected all the time. I want them to feel like they can do it and feel supported. So it really not only helped me drop back into the organization, but create the foundation in which we want all the work we do to center around.

Mercy M'Fon is the founder and executive director of Wild Diversity, where they connect BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people to the outdoors through adventures and education. Through their work, Mercy cultivates safe and welcoming spaces for underrepresented communities to thrive.

You can follow The Daily Rally on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you like to listen. Subscribe to our newsletter and nominate someone to be featured on the show.

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.
Once upon a time, an artist was sleeping by the sea when the Haitian Vodou goddess of love appeared to him in a dream and pulled him underwater. She wanted him to paint her.

And so he did. Frantz Zephirin, a renowned Haitian artist and Vodou priest, painted the spirit Erzuile Freda just as she wanted, though her request was a little strange and incredibly detailed. Zephirin painted her as a mermaid with a cat ear on one side of her head and small horn on the other. A halo floats over her, and she is surrounded by fish playing instruments and animals wearing tailored pants.

At Cosmic Mirrors: Haitian Art Highlights from the Collection, an art exhibition at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale, artists spirituality is reality. The show is drawn almost exclusively from the Museums collection of over 160 artworks by 27 Haitian contemporary artists and opened late May at the end of Haitian Heritage Month. It is on view until this fall.

Pictured is Haitian artist Frantz Zephirins La Metamorphose dErzulie, 1996, acrylic on canvas.

Were not just representing art, but were representing people in life, said curator Ariella Wolens. Theres always hope that youre creating a sense of empathy and understanding of other peoples cultures, backgrounds, and also just to be able to appreciate the work in itself. These artworks are just, in and of themselves, incredible, and people should be exposed to them.

Cosmic Mirrors, which is almost entirely made up of works from the museums extensive Haitian art collection, explores Haitian art made from the 1950s to the 2000s. The exhibition comes on the heels of a solo show currently on view at the museum of works by Kathia St. Hilaire, a Haitian-American artist from South Florida.

The timing was right to dedicate space to our collection and provide context for Kathias work by showing the history of Haiti through other artists work and the cultural traditions from the country itself, Wolens said.

On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, art lover browses through the recently opened Haitian art show entitled Cosmic Mirrors at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Recurring themes

The artwork featured in Cosmic Mirrors is diverse in subject matter and media, with pieces ranging from beaded devotional flags to bosmetal sculptures. Still, several recurring themes pop up throughout the show, particularly history, spirituality and spiralism, a Haitian literary and art movement that views the shape of a spiral as a symbol for the endless evolution of life and creativity.

La Metamorphose dErzulie, Zephirins 1996 portrait of Erzuile Freda in shades of blue, is one of the first pieces visitors see. Artists like Zephirin dont just paint for sake of painting, the curators said. Their artwork is in devotion of a higher power.

In his dream, according to text from the exhibition, Zephirin recalled Erzuile Freda showing him an unending row of paintings on easels. These paintings do not exist yet, the spirit told him. It is you who will have to make them!

Pictured is Ismael Saincilus Dancing Girls, 1994, acrylic on canvas.

Many of the works reflect on the concept of duality, depicting twins, two people or symmetry. Dancing Girls, by Saincilus Ismael, is an incredibly detailed painting inspired by Byzantine art of two girls dressed in festive costumes. An untitled painting by Gerard Fortune, a self-taught artist, also depicts two girls facing each other and holding candles.

In another untitled painting by a relatively unknown artist identified as L. Etienne, a row of Haitian Revolutionary soldiers stand in a room with nothing but two lookout windows and a map of Haiti. The soldiers, dressed in Napoleonic-style army uniforms, are arranged symmetrically. Though the soldiers were fighting the French, the choice of uniform shows the lasting effect French colonizers had in Haitian art, Wolens said.

Pictured is L. Etiennes piece Untitled, oil on masonite. On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, art lovers browsed through the recently opened Haitian art show entitled Cosmic Mirrors at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The curators and art historians tried to uncover information about the artist, but L. Etienne largely remains a mystery.

We have these artists who are being shown in the most prestigious and prominent venues for contemporary art in the same space and with the same value as artworks by people who are unknown, Wolens said.

More than souvenirs

In the 40s, art school and gallery Le Centre DArt was founded in Port-au-Prince, giving rise to several artists featured in the exhibition. (Many Haitian artworks in the museums collection were purchased through Le Centre DArt, Wolens said.) A renaissance in Haitian art quickly followed.

Haitis tourism boom in the 50s attracted Americans who were especially interested in artwork that wasnt for sale, Wolens said. Tourists took notice of drapo, sequined Vodou flags used on altars and during religious ceremonies. Artisans then began creating beaded flags to sell to tourists as momentos, Wolens said.

Pictured is the piece Ogoun Ferraille made of Sequins, beads and fabric. On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, art lovers browsed through the recently opened Haitian art show entitled Cosmic Mirrors at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What was distinct about our collectors who donated their works here is that they recognize these to be more than souvenirs, Wolens said, while pointing to a small, square flag made by an unknown artist. They were artworks with integrity, and this was a historic tradition that is distinct and has no comparison outside of Haitian culture.

Myrlande Constant specializes in what she calls painting with beads.

Constants Azaca Medeh Negre Montagne La Voute, a sparkling beaded work on display in the show, is impossible to miss. The piece pays homage to Azaca Medeh, the spirit of the harvest, with a diverse group of people beating drums, dancing and holding farming tools.

Myrlande Constants Azaca Medeh Negre Montagne la Voute, beadwork, thread, textile.

Constant is also featured in the 2014 Haitian art film In The Eye of the Spiral, which is on also display at the exhibition.

My inspiration doesnt come from me, it comes from God and my African spirits, Constant said in the film. Even if you dont see the elders, they are present in spirit around us.

Into the spiral

Haitis current tumultuous state looms over the exhibition.

Since the devastating 2010 earthquake destroyed many artworks and studios, collections of Haitian art outside of the country have been crucial in preserving Haitian art history for posterity, Clearwater said. For example, the exhibition displays a small landscape painting called Dimanche (Sunday) by master painter Prefete Duffaut. A mural Duffaut painted in St. Trinity Church in Haiti was lost in the earthquake.

Prefete Duffauts acrylic on board entitled Dimanche (Sunday).

Yet, theres a kind of complication there, because it was based on, in many cases, [the tastes of] tourists who had gone to Haiti and brought home paintings, Clearwater said. So, you get a kind of warped perception of what was going on in the art world in Haiti.





And as Haiti has experienced extreme destabilization, violence and natural disasters, it has become increasingly difficult to safely travel and move artwork from Haiti.

Still, hope remains. Reynald Leconte, who directed and produced In The Eye of the Spiral, said to look toward Haitis artists.

The window to the soul, the window to a culture, are the artists, he said. The essence of my film is a vision of these artists for a better country.

Henri-Robert Bresils Untitled, 1974 oil on board.

For Leconte, it felt gratifying as a filmmaker to see the artists he worked with be celebrated at the exhibition. Cosmic Mirrors is more than a historical resource on Haitian art history, he said. The show serves as a reminder of Haitis determination and resilience.

Haiti does not have to remain on a downward spiral, Leconte said. It will spiral upwards, too.

Cosmic Mirrors: Haitian Art Highlights from the Collection

Where: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, 1 E Las Olas Blvd

Price: $16 for general admission

Hours: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon - 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday

Info: nsuartmuseum.org

This story was produced with financial support from The Perez Family Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
A new Mexican bar and grill is being planned for this bustling Lexington area

There will be a new spot for Mexican fare near the heart of downtown Lexington.

Que! Bueno Mexican Bar and Grill is planning to open at 407 North Lake Drive, not far from Main Street in Lexington. It will be going into the space that formerly was home to Comfort Scratch Kitchen.

There are Que! Bueno coming soon banners hanging at the restaurant. There is no indication of an opening date on the site, but construction and preparation work appeared to be underway inside when a reporter peeked through the window Wednesday morning.

This will be the second Que! Bueno location in the Midlands area. The company opened a restaurant last year at 7320 Broad River Road in Irmo, in the popular Kennerly shopping center not far from Interstate 26. The menu at the Irmo location includes a host of Mexican favorites, including nachos, burritos, chimichangas, fajitas and more.

Commercial real estate firm DeWees announced earlier this spring that Que! Bueno had leased the space at 407 North Lake in Lexington, and the news was first noted by the Lexington County Chronicle.

The general downtown Lexington area, particularly Main Street, continues to be a popular area for dining and hospitality, with bars and eateries lining the corridor not far from the county courthouse. And there are more on the way, with Molto Vino wine bar and TakoSushi having announced plans for shops at the corner of Main and Church streets and Barrio Tacos announcing a restaurant in the Icehouse on Main building.

About 15,000 cars per day pass down the stretch of North Lake Drive in the spot where Que! Bueno is setting up shop, per the state Department of Transportation.
An investigation has been launched into what Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has described as an execution, after a video circulating on local media appeared to show Mexican army personnel dragging men in civilian clothing out of a car, beating them, and then engaging in a shootout.

Apparently, there was an execution, which cannot be allowed. We are not the same as the previous governments. So, when there is abuse, when there is an excess, when human rights are violated, those responsible must be punished. And the process to deepen the investigation has already begun, Lopez Obrador said during a press conference on Wednesday.

He added, there is no cover-up because we do not tolerate the violation of human rights.

CNNE obtained 32 minutes of footage from the video, of which 20 minutes are unedited. CNN has not been able to verify the source of the material independently.

The footage shows a black car speeding off the road onto an unpaved area, then crashing into a fence. Less than a minute later, a Mexican Army vehicle is seen pulling up to the crashed vehicle.

Men in military clothing are then seen opening the vehicles doors, dragging people out, pushing them to the ground, and kicking and hitting them. They are also seen removing items from the vehicle, including what appears to be a gun.

About five minutes into the video, the uniformed men line the others up against the fence, as the army vehicle retreats. Minutes later, the uniformed men are seen next to the black vehicle shooting into the bushes in the distance, though it is unclear who or what they are shooting at.

Clouds of dirt could also be seen from that direction before they began firing, potentially indicating shots coming toward the scene from afar.

Further into the video, two uniformed men are seen pointing a gun at one of the men who was dragged out of the vehicle, who is seen attempting to crawl away. The man in civilian clothing is then seen rolling over and collapsing; he does not appear to move for the remainder of the video.

A uniformed man then appears to grab what looks like a gun with a rag and place it at the scene.

CNN has reached out to Mexicos military regarding what was seen in the video.

In a report leaked to CNN, the countrys military alleged that the people in the truck that crashed had been trying to avoid police, and that its members saw the people carrying military equipment, which had the stamp of Cartel del Noreste on them.

One of the passengers in the vehicle was injured and being given medical attention, according to the report, when the military was attacked by people trying to save the individuals in the truck.



Shots were coming from all directions, it said, adding that the military members told the trucks passengers to take cover, but they attempted to recover their weapons instead.

Following the alleged shootout, the soldiers saw that four people did not have vital signs and one was in critical condition, it also said. CNN cannot independently verify the claims in the report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
[Source]

MGM released a new trailer for the upcoming film Bottoms starring Havana Rose Liu, Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott.

About the film: Bottoms follows PK and Josie, two unpopular queer girls in their senior year [who] start a fight club to try to impress and hook up with cheerleaders," the film's synopsis states.

The teen sex comedy film headlined this years SXSW Film Festival on March 11. It will hit cinemas nationwide on Aug. 25.

Key people: Bottoms was directed by Emma Seligman with a script she co-wrote with Sennott. Max Handelman, Alison Small and Elizabeth Banks, who directed Cocaine Bear, served as the films producers.

More from NextShark: Enhypen reach new chart peak on Billboard 200 with Manifesto: Day 1

The film's cast includes Sennott, Edebiri, Liu, Kaia Gerber, Nicholas Galitzine, Dagmara Dominczyk, Marshawn Lynch, Ruby Cruz and Miles Fowler.

Reviews: The film has already received several positive reviews since its premiere, as seen in its trailer.

Rolling Stones David Fear claimed that Bottoms is the horniest, bloodiest high school movie of the 21st century, while Indiewires Rafael Motamayor described it as hilariously weird and The Daily Beasts Coleman Spilde called it wildly brilliant.

More from NextShark: Netlixs survival of the fittest reality show Physical: 100 is reminiscent of Squid Game

More from NextShark: Judges Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke walk off in protest after The Masked Singer unveils Rudy Giuliani

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Upcoming DC Comics live-action 'Batgirl' movie to cast trans Asian American woman
Michelle Yeoh has won best actress at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win the award.

Yeoh, who earned the trophy for her acclaimed performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, has also entered the history books for becoming the first Malaysian-born performer to be honored with a best actress Oscar.

Yeoh is the fifth person of Asian descent to win an Oscar in an acting category and the first to win in a lead acting category.

For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof to dream big and dreams do come true, Yeoh gushed while accepting her Oscar.

She added: Ladies, dont let anybody tell you youre ever past your prime.

Yeoh dedicated her Oscar to her mother, and all the moms in the world, because they really are the superheroes and without them none of us would be here tonight.

In Everything Everywhere All at Once, Yeoh portrayed Evelyn Wang, a beleaguered Asian American immigrant who runs a laundromat and is confronted with the staggering prospect of infinite possible lives as part of the multiverse. As she navigates this bizarre new terrain and gains exceptional new powers, she must come to terms with rifts within her family that ultimately pose a grave existential threat  all while also facing a tax audit.

Upon learning of her history-making nomination for the film in January, Yeoh told The Hollywood Reporter that its taken a long time. But I think this is more than me. She also mentioned that constantly, Asians (are) walking up to me saying, You can do it, youre doing it for us. Its like, I understand. I totally understand. All this time, theyve not been recognized, theyve not been heard.

Everything Everywhere All at Once also stars Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, who both won in their respective supporting acting categories on Sunday night.

In total, the film won seven Academy Awards out of 11 nominations, including best picture. Among its other wins, Everything Everywhere clinched best original screenplay and best director for duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Both sides of the partisan aisle in Congress share at least one takeaway from the 36 Latin American migrants flown to Sacramento by Florida officials this week  the U.S. immigration system is broken.

Its how to fix it that puts them in gridlock.

Whats frustrating is we have a completely open border, Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, said Wednesday. Scott said he did not know all the facts about these flights, but that states are doing a variety of things.

Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat who is a strong federal advocate for immigrants rights, said flying migrants was despicable and cowardly.

It does nothing to move towards solutions to our broken immigration system, he said.

Congress has failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform in over two decades. Instead, a patchwork of executive orders, small measures and court decisions have set the rules for people coming to the U.S. That includes a new Biden administration policy tightening regulations for asylum seekers.

The partisan divide over immigration reform has heightened dramatically since 2008, according to Gallup, the analytics company. Differences over immigration grew under former President Donald Trump, who exploited resentments of white voters by denigrating certain immigrant groups and promising a border wall that was never completed.

Since, people seeking to enter the U.S. have wrongfully been used in political stunts, according to federal Democrats.

Those who seek refuge in our country should never be used as political pawns, said Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento. Many of them have traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to reach a better life. This unacceptable and appalling stunt has put pending immigration processes in jeopardy.

Ron DeSantis relocates migrants to Sacramento

On Friday, 16 migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were taken from El Paso, Texas, to New Mexico, and then flown by private chartered plane to Sacramento. They were bused to the doorstep of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento. A second flight of 20 followed on Monday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis office confirmed Tuesday that it arranged the trips. DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination and often spars with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, previously sent a plane full of migrants to Marthas Vineyard, Mass.

Alecia Collins, the communications director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said in a statement Tuesday that the migrants relocation to the California Capitol was voluntary. Florida has a tax-funded program to relocate migrants.

Through verbal and written consent, these volunteers indicated they wanted to go to California, Collins wrote. A contractor was present and ensured they made it safely to a third party N.G.O.

Bidens immigration and border plans

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday that the flights and other efforts by GOP governors to ship migrants out of their states cause chaos and confusion. But she declined to say whether the actions were illegal.

It just doesnt make sense, Jean-Pierre said. Theyre playing games and are not going to actually deal with the issue at hand.

The press secretary encouraged the governors to work with President Joe Biden on a bipartisan solution way to the situation deal at the southern border.

While the Biden administration has supported immigration reform, it is unlikely that any of his proposals will get to the finish line in a divided Congress.

The Biden administration recently established a new policy making it harder for people to seek asylum. Those who arrive at the U.S. border without prior authorization must show proof that they requested asylum in any of the countries they traveled through, and that the request was denied.

The new rule started when pandemic-related Title 42 ended. Invoked under Trump, the immigration policy allowed border officials to swiftly expel asylum-seekers in the name of public health.

Though federal and state authorities expected a surge of people looking to cross the border since Title 42 ended, that was not the case. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported Tuesday that unlawful entries along the southern border have decreased 70% since Title 42 expired in May.

Immigration advocates criticized both Title 42 and Bidens new rule, likening it to a Trump policy. The administration contended that more tools will help people seek asylum legally, including a smartphone application that can be used to make an appointment to have their request reviewed.

California Democrats slam DeSantis

Regardless, California House Democrats denounced sending migrants across states.

Governor DeSantis actions are shameful, Rep. Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove, said Wednesday. Rather than responsibly addressing the immigration challenges facing our country, Governor DeSantis is using vulnerable human beings as pawns in a political stunt.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said, the stunt is sophomoric, immoral and unkind.

I think its a political stunt by Governor Ron DeSantis, said Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno. We need to fix our broken immigration system, this does nothing to bring about bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform which is needed.

Bera and Matsui said that they were proud of Sacramento-area groups for coming together to support the migrants  and that the community will continue to do so.

Said Matsui, Sacramento will always focus on the humanity, dignity and respect for those who seek help.

McClatchyDCs Alex Roarty contributed to this story.
Mike Pence goes after Donald Trump in CNN Iowa town hall. Here's what he said.

WASHINGTON - Mike Pence capped his first day as a 2024 presidential candidate by again going straight at the biggest issue of the Republican race: Donald Trump, the man who made him vice president.

Echoing comments he made throughout his opening day, Pence used a CNN town hall in Iowa to hit Trump over federal spending and entitlement reform, Vladimir Putin, and, most especially, Trump's actions prior to the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021.

"I said today that I felt that he was asking me to choose between him and the Constitution," Pence said of his former patron Trump. "I chose the Constitution, and I always will."

As for current investigations, Pence said he hopes the Justice Department does not indict Trump over the handling of classified information because it would be "terribly divisive." He lamented the March indictment of Trump in New York over a hush money case.

The former vice president also punted on a question about whether he would pardon Trump if his former president is convicted in one or more of the investigations against him.

"I don't want to speak about hypotheticals," Pence said, adding in a joking manner: "I'm not sure I'm going to be elected president of the United States."

Some Republicans mocked Pence for his take on Trumps legal troubles. Another presidential candidate, Asa Hutchinson, tweeted that the @GOP should clarify that there is no pledge to support a nominee if they are found guilty of espionage or a serious felony.

'I don't think he's going to be the nominee'

Mike Pence

Pence, who is in single digits in most polls, preferred to attack President Joe Biden and the Democrats. He also made clear that Trump's legacy will be a big part of his longshot presidential campaign.

The former vice president also said he would back whoever the Republicans nominate in 2024, even if it's Trump. Pence said he plans to be the nominee and he hopes Trump "comes around" on their differences, especially over Jan. 6.

Regarding Trump, Pence said: "I don't think he's going to be the nominee."

A requirement to get on the debate stage is that all candidates have to agree to support the eventual GOP nominee.

Defined by Trump, can Mike Pence reset his image to win over 2024 GOP primary voters?

No comment from Trump

Trump did not comment publicly on Pence Wednesday, while allies took a low-key and skeptical approach.

Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the political action committee known as Make America Great Again, said Pence jumped into the race because of the perceived weakness of fellow Trump challenger Ron DeSantis.

"Mike Pences entrance into the race caps off another bad week for Ron DeSantis faltering campaign," Leavitt said, "but the question most GOP voters are asking themselves about Pences candidacy is Why?'"

This is not 2016

This is quite a change from the 2016 presidential cycle, when Republican opponents of Trump tended to attack each other rather than risk alienating Trump's large base of voters.

This time around, Trump is taking heat from an increasing number of challengers, including DeSantis, Chris Christie, and now Pence.

"It's time," Pence told CBS News after his announcement speech. "It's time."

Jan. 6 dispute

In his speech, subsequent interviews and his CNN town hall, Pence made his most critical comments about Trump and his attempts to overthrow his 2020 election loss to Biden.

Trump demanded that Pence, in his role as president of the Senate, throw out electoral votes for Biden and essentially re-elect Trump to the White House. Pence said he had no legal authority to do that and that Trump violated his oath of office in asking.

Trump is under investigation by a special counsel for actions leading up to Jan. 6, as well as the classified documents case.

The Jan. 6 investigation generated another unique aspect of Pence's candidacy: He once testified before a grand jury about the former president and front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination.

Pence also told CNN he has no intention of pardoning anybody who vandalized the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a subject that Trump has broached.

The abortion issue

Asked about the issue during the CNN town hall, Pence said he would continue to fight for the end of abortion. He did not mention his emerging differences with Trump on the issue that is important to conservative religious voters in Iowa and other states.

While he said he opposes abortion, Trump has also said his party may be going too far in seeking bans on the practice. The issue is hurting Republican candidates, he said, and contributed to poor showings by the GOP in the 2022 elections.

Earlier in the day, during his announcement speech, Pence said Trump and "others in this race are retreating from the cause of the unborn."

Russia and Putin

Pence has also hit Trump on foreign policy issues, particularly Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has said he could settle the Russia-Ukraine war in a single day, presumably by offering concessions to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

On CNN, Pence said Putin should not be rewarded for aggression. He also repeated his past criticism of Trump for once describing the Russian leader as "a genius."

"I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal," Pence told the CNN town hall.

Spending, Social Security, and Medicare

Federal spending and entitlements also provided a dividing line between Pence and Trump.

Pence said the government cannot address its debt crisis without making changes to Social Security, Medicare, and other entitlement programs.

On CNN, Pence said it was "disappointing" that Trump has the same view of entitlements as Biden.

"Their policy is insolvency," Pence said.

Trump and other Republicans said reduced spending should not come at the expense of senior citizens who have earned their benefits.

Escalating criticism of Trump

As Pence researched the prospects of a presidential campaign over the past year-and-a-half, many Trump voters said they are still angry at him for not helping reverse the 2020 election.

Trump critics, meanwhile, hold Pence's past fealty to the ex-president against him.

Amid this squeeze, Pence gradually escalated his criticism of Trump, but confined it mostly to the Jan. 6. In February of last year, Pence said Trump was "wrong" to demand the overturning of the election.

At a press dinner this past March, Pence expanded his misgivings about Jan. 6: "I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day. And I know that history will hold Donald Trump accountable.

On announcement day, Pence expanded critique to issue like abortion, entitlements, and Putin.

Single digits

Pence has his work cut out for him, if polls are any guide.

The former vice president pulled only 4% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll last month, far behind Trump at 31%.

A number of polls have shown a lack of regard for Pence among Trump backers, and a lack of support from Republicans who oppose Trump.

"He's not seen as an alternative," said Clifford Young, president of U.S. Public Affairs at Ipsos. "He's in the worst place possible."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Pence town hall: Former VP goes after his old boss Donald Trump
Republican presidential candidate Mike Pence talks with supporters during a stop at the Pizza Ranch, Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Waukee, Iowa. The former vice president is campaigning on the difference between himself and former President Donald Trump. | Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press

Former Vice President Mike Pence drew distinctions between himself and former President Donald Trump during a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday on issues like pardoning those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, criminal justice and the war in Ukraine.

You cannot ever allow what happened on Jan. 6 to happen again in the heart of our democracy, Pence said. I have no interest or no intention of pardoning those that assaulted police officers, vandalized our Capitol.

Trump has indicated hes willing to pardon people involved in the attack, but Pence said, they need to be answerable to the law.

Pence said he did believe there were some irregularities in the 2020 election but that he did his duty in certifying the election results after then-candidate Joe Biden won.

The Bible says he keeps his oath even when it hurts, and I know something about that, Pence said. I know the disappointment about the 2020 election. If you remember, I was on the ballot.

Pence said Trump shouldnt be indicted by the Justice Department because he believes it would be divisive to the country.

Indicting a former president of the United States sends a terrible message to the world, he said. I hope the DOJ thinks better of it and resolves these issues without an indictment.

Pence criticized Trumps handling of Jan. 6 during his announcement speech Wednesday, saying anyone who puts himself over the Constitution shouldnt be president. He declined on CNN to answer a question on whether he would pardon Trump as president, saying, I dont want to speak about hypotheticals. Im not sure Im going to be elected president of the United States.

If he doesnt win the Republican nomination, Pence said hell support the eventual nominee and he isnt worried about it being Trump because he doesnt think Trump can win.

I dont think my old running mate is going to be the Republican nominee for president, Pence said. Different times call for different leadership.

Related

Pence criticized Trump over his stance on the war in Ukraine and comments about Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

When Vladimir Putin rolled into Ukraine, the former president called him a genius, Pence said. I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal and I know who needs to win in the war in Ukraine and its the people fighting for their freedom and fighting to restore their national sovereignty in Ukraine.

Pence also said he would take a step back from the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill Trump signed into law in 2018, and compared Trumps position on entitlement reform to Bidens, saying hes open to a change in eligibility for Social Security while Trump isnt.

It is also disappointing to me that Donald Trumps position on entitlement reform is identical to Joe Bidens, Pence said. I mean, their policy is insolvency.

Related

When discussing abortion, Pence said he would not rest until we restore the sanctity of life to the center of American law in every state in the country. He declined to specifically say whether he supported paid family leave or child care support, but said, We have to care as much about newborns and mothers as we do about the unborn.

He said he supports legislation banning gender transition and surgeries for those under the age of 18, but said, However adults want to live, they can live.
During his CNN town hall on Wednesday, former Vice President Mike Pence argued that Donald Trump shouldnt be indicted even if the Department of Justice finds that he committed a crime. The reason? Because America is the symbol of justice.

And when called out for the contradiction between this view and Pences earlier claim that he is committed to the rule of law, Pence was reduced to stammering through a non-response.

And no, were not kidding. Watch the clip here:

Sir, I just want to clarify what you're saying is if they believe he committed a crime, they should not go forward with an indictment? You just talked before about committing to the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/8tk5XBZOxe  Acyn (@Acyn) June 8, 2023

The topic at hand was the news that earlier this week, Trumps lawyers met with DOJ officials, including special counsel Jack Smith, as part of the ongoing investigation in the classified documents Trump took from the White House after he left office. As more evidence becomes public, there is the increasing appearance that Trump was aware he was not allowed to take these documents, and recent reports suggest steps might have been taken to mislead and evade officials attempting to recover the documents.

Due to that meeting between Trumps lawyers and the DoJ, there has of course been speculation that Trump may in fact be facing a federal indictment related to the matter. And on CNN, town hall moderator Dana Bash asked him how he feels about the possibility, leading to this response:

I think it would also send a terrible message to the wider world. I mean, were, were the emblem of democracy, were the symbol of justice in the world, and the serious matter, which has already happened once in New York, of indicting a former President of the United States, Pence said, referring to Trumps felony indictment there, sends a terrible message to the world. I hope the DoJ thinks better of it and resolves the issues without an indictment.

Also Read:

Dana Bash Dings Mike Pence for Contradiction on Parents Rights Over Opposition to Treating Trans Youth (Video)

This provoked a clearly incredulous Bash to note a glaring contradiction by Pence: Sir, I just want to clarify, what youre saying is that, if they believe he committed a crime, they should not go forward with an indictment? You just talked before about committing to the rule of law.

Let me be clear, Pence replied, No one is above the law.

Ok, Bash said.

But with regard to, Pence said after a brief pause, the unique circumstances here.

Pence then took a deep breath.

It. Look. Uh, I, Pence continued, letting out a heavy breath.

Uh, those classified, uh, I had no business having classified documents in my residence. And I took full responsibility for. President Biden had no business having them in his residence from when he was Vice President as well, Pence said, omitting the fact that Biden took full responsibility in the same way he did.

And the same with former President Trump. But I, I would just hope, Pence said, letting out a breath, that, there, there would be a way, for them to move forward without the dramatic and drastic divisive step of indicting a former president of the United States. Weve got to find a way to move our country forward, and, and restore confidence in equal treatment under the law in this country. We really do.

Well OK then.
The murder is making headlines in India

Police in India's Mumbai city have opened an investigation into the murder of a woman, allegedly by her live-in partner of three years.

They say 32-year-old Saraswati Vaidya's body was found in her apartment in Mira Road district on Wednesday.

Police have arrested her partner Manoj Sane, 56, on charges of murder. They allege he "brutally killed" Vaidya and dismembered the body.

Mr Sane is in custody and has not yet made any public statement.

Warning: This story contains details some may find distressing

Police say they reached Mr Sane's apartment on Wednesday evening after some residents of the building complained of "a foul smell" coming from the house.

Inside the apartment, they found Vaidya's decomposed body, which had been cut into multiple pieces.

"We are investigating the motive behind the murder and how he executed it. We believe that he cut the woman's body into pieces to make it easy for him to dispose them off," Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Bajbale told Hindustan Times newspaper.

Police suspect the murder was committed two-three days ago and have taken samples for a forensic analysis.

"The situation is deeply troubling, and we are committed to finding justice for Vaidya," Mr Bajbale told reporters.

The murder is making headlines in India, mostly because it comes just seven months after another man - Aftab Poonawala - was arrested on allegations of murdering his live-in partner in a similar manner.

Police alleged that Mr Poonawala, 28, murdered 27-year-old Shraddha Walkar last May, chopped up her body into dozens of pieces, stored them in his home fridge and then went around disposing them off in different parts of the city.

The case - dubbed as "fridge murder" - dominated headlines in India for weeks because of the sensational claims by the police.

BBC News India is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe and watch our documentaries, explainers and features.

Read more India stories from the BBC:
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) invited California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to debate a constitutional amendment on gun control proposed by the Golden State governor.

Gov. Newsom, I am willing to debate you on this in Mississippi any time, Reeves said in a tweet. So on your next trip to our state to campaign for my opponent, give me a call.

Newsoms office announced Thursday that he is calling to implement four gun control measures in the Constitution  raising the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21, requiring universal background checks, instituting a reasonable waiting period for gun purchases and preventing civilians from buying assault weapons. He said these measures are widely supported by the public, adding that the proposals will enshrine common sense gun safety measures.

The 28th Amendment will enshrine in the Constitution common sense gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and gun owners overwhelmingly support  while leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting Americas gun-owning tradition, Newsom said in a statement Thursday.

Newsom has also spent time campaigning for Reevess Democratic opponent as the Mississippi governor is up for reelection, Fox News reported. Democratic candidate Brandon Presley is challenging the Republican governor for 2024 as the Democratic Party eyes the state for a potential upset next fall.

In contrast to Newsom, Reeves is a strong proponent of gun rights and has signed legislation expanding gun rights measures as governor of Mississippi. He signed a bill in April that blocked the creation of gun registries from the government or payment processors, saying that the state needs to guard against any action that threatens our liberties.

Across the country, national Democrats are pushing unconstitutional gun grabs that threaten the safety and privacy of law-abiding gun owners, he tweeted at the time.

Unlike California and New York, were proud to welcome the firearms industry and gun owners from across the country to enjoy the protections that our state has to offer, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The entrance to Auschwitz concentration camp in Oswiecim, Poland.

In the next three years, all Missouri school districts must have a plan in place to annually instruct students about the Holocaust.

They must also designate the second week in April as "Holocaust Education Week" for grades 6-12.

The Missouri Board of Education received an update Tuesday on what steps the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission are taking to help districts meet the new expectations.

The Holocaust was the systemic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million European Jews by German dictator Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime and its allies and collaborators from 1933 through 1945. Millions of others were victims of the genocide.

"It is important to understand that Germany was a respected, civilized and advanced country then under Hitler's leadership convinced ordinary people to go along with the killings of Jews," said Dee Dee Simon, chair of the state's Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission, in a presentation to the state Board of Education. "The Holocaust happened because of the words, actions and non-actions of ordinary men and women."

Simon added: "After the end of World War II and the collapse of the Nazi regime, 'Never again' became the cry of Holocaust survivors. Sadly 'Never again' has not yet become a reality."

The Anti-Defamation League recorded 3,697 anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. in 2022, the highest on record since the ADL started tracking in 1979. They included assault, harassment and vandalism.

"Antisemitism, hate and Holocaust denial are on the rise throughout the world," she said. "Unfortunately, the work of the commission has never been more important than it is today."

Simon also noted a number of Holocaust survivors settled in St. Louis, especially in University City.

Missouri lawmakers called for the creation of the commission in 2006, which is housed in the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The commission is supposed to be made up of 12 people, including nine appointed by the governor. However, only six of the appointments have been filled.

During the 2022 legislative session, lawmakers mandated all districts provide age-appropriate lessons each year in middle and high schools.

To accomplish that, DESE is creating lesson plans that will be piloted in up to 25 districts across the state during the upcoming school year. All districts must participate by the 2025-26 year.

"Those districts shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time that they deem is necessary for teaching about the Holocaust within their curriculum," said Cammy Goucher, a curriculum developer for DESE.

More: In Missouri, more school districts try to suspend licenses of teachers who break contracts

'Holocaust happened because of human behavior'

Board member Kerry Casey, Chesterfield, said she was deeply moved after visiting concentration camps in Europe and applauded the work of the commission.

Casey said lessons about the Holocaust can help students understand the plight of others. "There are many, many communities in our world that are suffering and I think it's important that we help our children become more sensitive to that."

Board member Kimberly Bailey, Raymore, said if history is not taught, it will be repeated.

"What is scary is it only took a few years to change the mindset of a whole civil society. Unfortunately, the quickest way to unite people is to pick a people group and unite against them ... to point to them and hate them," Bailey said.

This photo released by Yad Vashem, World Holocaust Remembrance Center, shows German Nazis stand by ransacked Jewish property during Kristallnacht intake most likely in the town of Fuerth, Germany on Nov. 10, 1938

Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, Pasadena Hills, said such lessons are especially meaningful for people who are part of ethnic, racial and religious groups targeted by hate.

She applauded the legislation mandating Holocaust education and the work of the commission. But, she questioned if legislation existed to tell the story of other groups including Missourians who were enslaved.

"It is important that legislatively we are fair and equitable and telling all of those stories and not suppressing those stories," she said. "It is especially ironic because Missouri was a slave state and that was practiced here unlike the Holocaust happened on another continent."

More: Missouri governor signs several laws, including on transgender athletics, health care

Simon responded that that Holocaust was one of the most cataclysmic events in recorded history but the way that it is taught in schools may help other marginalized groups.

"In the past, we used to focus so much more on the where and the when and now we are putting so much more focus on the how and the why because it is important to understand that the Holocaust happened because of human behavior," she said.

She said the education helps people remember how the Holocaust unfolded and the way words, action and inaction of individuals can impact communities today.

"That is how Holocaust education is being changed."

Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MO schools must now observe Holocaust Week, teach about it annually
Mother in Holland triple-fatal rollover withdraws plea after judge sentences her to 4-15 years

HOLLAND  The mother of three children killed in a rollover crash in February 2022 has withdrawn a no contest plea after Judge Jon Hulsing sentenced her to a minimum of more than quadruple her plea agreement.

Josiah, Jerome and Jeremiah Gonzales died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2023, following a devastating rollover crash in Holland Township.

Leticia Marie Gonzales, 31, of Holland, entered her plea in front of Hulsing in the Ottawa County 20th Circuit Court on Thursday, April 13. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such in determining a defendants sentencing.

More: Holland woman pleads no contest to OWI charge in triple-fatal rollover crash

More: Investigation into February triple-fatal crash ongoing, police mum on toxicology results

Gonzales was charged last July with three counts of operating while intoxicated causing death for the Holland Township crash in which three of her children, all under age 5, died.

As part of her plea agreement, two counts of OWI causing death were dropped. The agreement outlined a sentence of 365 days in the Ottawa County Jail. On Thursday, June 8, Hulsing sentenced her to 4-15 years in prison instead.

'"After reviewing the pre-sentence report, the court cannot and will not follow the plea agreement," Hulsing said. "Rather, the court will impose a sentence of imprisonment of 48 months to 180 months with credit for 41 days previously served."

After a brief recess, Gonzales withdrew her plea.

Leticia Gonzales during a hearing June 8, 2023.

Gonzales attorney Brandon Barthelemy said prior to the sentencing that Gonzales was ready to move forward.

This was a tragic situation on all sides, she understands that, he said. I think Ms. Gonzales is ready to move forward with the grieving process.

Hulsing asked Gonzales if she wanted to make a statement prior to his ruling. She declined, saying only that she wanted to take her consequences.

Leticia Gonzales stands with defense attorney Brandon Barthelemy during a hearing Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jay Tubergen told Hulsing in April the family of the victims had seen and approved the plea agreement.

The incident occurred Feb. 17, 2022, when Gonzales was driving with her children Josiah, Jerome III and Jeremiah westbound on James Street when her vehicle drifted across the center turn lane, crossed both eastbound lanes of James Street, hit a curb and exited the roadway.

The vehicle rolled, landing on its roof in a pond. Gonzales was able to exit the vehicle, but all three children were trapped in icy water for 10-17 minutes. First responders extricated them, but Jerome and Jeremiah were pronounced dead at the scene. Josiah died several hours later at an area hospital.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Gonzales misused a prescription drug hours before the crash, with elevated levels of methadone in her system.

Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage

While it's legal to drive while taking methadone in Michigan, the drug  sometimes prescribed to treat an opioid use disorder  can be abused.

The affidavit states Gonzales took a prescribed dose of methadone at a clinic the morning of the crash, but a witness said they gave her another, not prescribed dose a few hours before the crash.

The case will now be scheduled tentatively for a four-day trial.

 Contact editor Cassandra Lybrink at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Mother in Holland triple-fatal rollover withdraws plea after judge sentences her to 4-15 years
MU Health Care

University of Missouri Health Care and Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City are joining forces, signing a non-binding letter Thursday to fully integrate their health systems.

The organizations are working to reach a final agreement in the coming months with the integration details expected to be finalized by the end of the year. MU and Capital Region boards also need to approve the final agreement.

A partnership between the two systems began more than 25 years ago.

We value community health care and the last quarter-century has taught us that our two hospitals are stronger together, said Nim Chinniah, MU's vice chancellor for health affairs, said in a news release. Combining the strength of a community hospital with the expertise of a premier academic health system has delivered a higher level of care to mid-Missouri and we are eager to build on that success.

The partnership already has created benefits including new specialty service. Full integration will present new medical, professional and academic opportunities to advance access to quality health care, the news release states.

The health care industry has changed since our partnership began," Gaspare Calvaruso, Capital Region Medical Center president, said in the news release. "We must evolve to continue serving our communities while creating new opportunities for our patients and employees. As the health care industry landscape changes, we continue to see more frequent integration of community hospitals with larger health systems for efficiency and to create a more sustainable model of care.

MU Health Care has more than 6,000 physicians and serves more than 260,000 patients each year. Capital Region Medical Center includes a clinic system that covers eight counties.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Final agreement between hospitals could happen by end of 2023
A NASA mission to touch the sun has revealed answers about the closest star's solar winds, which cause the aurora borealis and can affect Earth's communications systems. The Parker Solar Probe has captured information about the solar wind that flows from the sun's coronal holes toward's our planet, answering questions scientists have asked for six decades.

The probe flew through the sun's upper atmosphere in 2021, and in a study published in Nature this week, researchers from Berkeley say the information gathered will help predict so-called "solar storms," which create "beautiful auroras on Earth" but also "wreak havoc with satellites and the electrical grid."

Coronal holes in the sun usually form at the poles and the solar winds don't hit Earth. But every 11 years, these holes appear all over the sun's surface and send bursts of solar winds at Earth.

The probe flew closer than about 13 million miles to the sun to study these winds. "It's like seeing jets of water emanating from a showerhead through the blast of water hitting you in the face," according to a news release from UC Berkeley.

Stuart D. Bale, a professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley, and James Drake of the University of Maryland-College Park say streams of high-energy particles were detected by the probe. These match the large convection cells inside coronal holes  called supergranulations  suggesting the "fast" solar winds originate in coronal holes.

The wind is made during a process called magnetic reconnection and by the time it travels the 93 million miles to Earth, "it has evolved into a homogeneous, turbulent flow of roiling magnetic fields intertwined with charged particles that interact with Earth's own magnetic field and dump electrical energy into the upper atmosphere."

This creates colorful auroras visible at the Earth's poles, but it also causes issues on Earth.

There are some benefits to solar winds, like protecting Earth from stray cosmic rays, according to the University of Chicago. But systems like aircraft radio communications, GPS and even banking could be knocked out by strong solar winds.

In 1859, the Carrington Event  a strong solar eruption  knocked out telegraph and electrical systems. The event also resulted in the aurora borealis staying extremely bright into the early morning, according to the university.

The probe was launched in 2018 to answer questions that puzzled scientists for six decades, including "Why is the corona much hotter than the Sun's surface (the photosphere)? How does the solar wind accelerate? What are the sources of high-energy solar particles," according to NASA.

The Parker Solar Probe is protected by a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield that can withstand nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NASA. But it won't be able to get closer than about 4 million miles to the sun's surface without frying. Bale says they will use data from that distance to firm up their conclusions.

CBS News has reached out to Bale and is awaiting response.

Several children injured in stabbing rampage in French Alps

Biden hosts UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at White House

Grand jury considering indicting Trump
Natalee Holloway suspect Joran van der Sloot is extradited to the US

Peru Van der Sloot (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The main suspect in the disappearance of American student Natalee Holloway is expected to be extradited to the US on Thursday.

Holloway, who lived in suburban Birmingham, Alabama, was 18 when she vanished during a trip with classmates to Aruba in 2005. She was last seen leaving a bar with Dutch citizen Joran van der Sloot, then a student at an international school on the island.

Two weeks after Holloways disappearance, van der Sloot was identified as a suspect and detained, along with two Surinamese brothers. He was eventually released after investigators failed to find Holloways remains. A judge later declared the teen dead.

The federal charges filed in Alabama against van der Sloot stem from an accusation that he tried to extort the Holloway family in 2010, promising to lead them to her body in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A grand jury indicted him that year on one count each of wire fraud and extortion.

Van der Sloot allegedly used that money to escape to Peru, where he was convicted for the 2010 murder of a local woman.

His extradition moved forward after a Peruvian judge on Tuesday affirmed the governments decision to temporarily transfer custody to US authorities.

This is a developing story ... check again for updates.
The woman charged with shooting and killing her Ocala neighbor and mother of four after a dispute over her children playing in a nearby yard made her first appearance in court Thursday morning.

Susan Louise Lorincz, 58, was at the Marion County Jail and appeared in front of County Judge Lori Cotton via video. She's charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, two counts of assault and battery.

Assistant public defenders Sean Gravel and Amanda Sizemore are representing Lorincz, who is on suicide watch and being held without bond.

On June 2, Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens, 35, was shot in her Ocala neighborhood by Lorincz, who claims she did so in self-defense. Lorincz is accused of yelling at Owens's children, using racial slurs and throwing skates at them, which led to them telling their mother. Owens went to confront her neighbor at her home, at which point, Lorincz fired a shot from inside her locked house, striking Owens in the chest. She later died at a nearby hospital.

After mass protest and the case gaining national attention, the Marion County Sheriff's Office arrested Lorincz. She told detectives that she was fearful that Owens was going to kill her, though investigators later determined Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law did not apply to her situation.

Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens

Press conference: Attorney Benjamin Crump, family of slain Ocala mom urge community to keep fighting

Investigation: Sheriff's detectives investigating shooting that claimed life of woman Friday

Due to the severity of the charges and the defendant and her ability to flea , Assistant State Attorney James Moody asked the judge to deny bond. If one is given, he added, it should be significantly higher due to the nature of the crimes.

The bond hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Lorincz, who has lived in the region for about 15 years and has no criminal record, told the judge that she was working at United Healthcare making appointments for clients with Medicare or Medicaid prior to filing for disability. She has no savings and doesn't own the home that she is expected to be evicted from.

The Owens family is being represented by famed civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and his firm. He has represented other Black families in high-profile cases, such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Trayvon Martin.

State leaders

Reaction to Lorincz's arrest have been widespread. Two state Democratic House leaders, Fentrice Driskell from Tampa, and Gainesville's Yvonne Hayes Hinson, whose district includes Marion County, have issued statements.

"I am relieved that we are taking steps toward justice with the arrest of the woman who killed Ajike AJ Owens," Driskell said.

"I know the delayed arrest caused anger, distress, and heartache for a lot of us. Four children lost their mother over a neighborhood feud. Sheriff Woods said very clearly what many of us felt, that this was an absolutely unjustified killing. Sadly, this is yet another example of how Floridas Stand Your Ground law confuses and complicates criminal investigations."

OWe want a conviction,O Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump siaid while holding the hand of Pamela Dias, the mother of Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens, during a press conference Wednesday. About 100 people gathered for a press conference with Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Wednesday afternoon, June 7, 2023 at the New St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala, FL. An arrest was made late Tuesday, early Wednesday morning in the fatal shooting of Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens. Crump represents the family. Owens was shot while standing outside her neighbor's door the night of June 2 in Quail Run, located off County Road 475A in Ocala. Quail Run consist of single story duplex and quadraplex. Susan Louise Lorincz, 58, now faces charges of manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, two counts of assault and battery. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023

Hayes Hinson said she was grateful for the work done by Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods to show it was "an unlawful murder."

This is the first of many steps towards justice, and I want to thank everyone, from Marion County and beyond, for their outpouring of support for Ms. Owens family," Hayes Hinson said. "Through our pursuit of justice, we honor her life and denounce her senseless, tragic death."

The House representative went on to describe how Florida has a gun violence crisis.

"... We need to address it immediately, before the next child loses their mother to a senseless, preventable crime like the one that took Ajike AJ Owens from her four children," she said in her statement.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala neighbor who shot, killed mother of 4 makes first appearance
The Netherlands and Ukraine ask Spain to provide Kyiv with a Patriot air defense system

Patriot

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially made the request to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the European Political Community Summit in Moldova on June 1.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte supported the request.

Read also: U.S. Patriot air defense only to deprive Russia of its ability to intimidate tens of millions of people

One of two Patriot air systems Spain possesses is placed in the Spanish Valencia autonomous community, while the other is at Turkeys Incirlik Air Base.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan opposes the removal of the system from his country before the agreement's term expires at year's end. That's the reason why he was also involved in the discussion of the Patriot coalition, the newspaper wrote.

Ukraine received its first Patriot systems from the U.S., the Netherlands, and Germany by April 19, with the first Patriot air defence division starting service four days later. It successfully defends Ukraine, and Kyiv in particular, from ballistic missiles like Russias Kinzhal.

Read also: Ukraine denies Russias claims of destroying Patriot air defense battery

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
It May Be Too Late to Stop North Korea From Firing Nukes

KCNA via REUTERS

North Koreas latest missile advances mean it is now much harder for the U.S. to prevent Kim Jong Un from launching nuclear weapons.

Pentagon insiders and North Korea watchers on Capitol Hill say Kims ability to deploy solid-fuel rocketsif provenwould complicate American efforts to launch preemptive strikes and that the Hermit Kingdom has entered a new phase of nuclear power.

The North recently claimed that it flight-tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time. The new missiles would be a breakthrough in the countrys efforts to build a harder-to-detect weapon that threatens the continental United States.

The new solid fuel technology could be an attempt by North Korea to prevent the U.S. from preemptively striking their missiles in the event of a conflict.

Militarily, this means that there will be a shorter window within which the U.S. (or other countries) can detect preparations for launch and prepare for a response or even preempt the launch, said Sharon Ann Squassoni, who held senior non-proliferation positions at the State Department and in the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

Kim Jong Un Inches Closer to All-Out War Than Ever Before

The North Koreans are acting to shore up their so-called nuclear deterrent, Squassoni, who is now a professor at the George Washington University, told The Daily Beast.

North Koreas combination of solid fuel rockets and tactical nuclear missiles might allow whats known as first-strike capability, said Juscelino Filgueiras Colares, a professor of political science at Case Western Reserve University. The term describes the ability to attack another nuclear power first and destroy enough of its arsenal to prevent effective retaliation.

A first-strike capability, Colares warned, might cause the North Korean dictators to delude themselves into dreams of glory, a very risky proposition.

Quick to Launch

North Korea has been testing long-range rockets for years, but analysts reacted with alarm to the April 13 test launch of its Hwasong-18, the first solid-fuelled ICBM developed by the country.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae view a test launch of the Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile in April 2023 from an undisclosed location in North Korea in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on May 16, 2023. KCNA via REUTERS

If the use of solid fuel technology is confirmed, the new rockets could make North Koreas nuclear missiles far more deadly. Solid fuel rockets can be fuelled from the point of manufacture and stored for long periods. The more commonly used liquid fuel rockets are more difficult and dangerous to use and take a long time to get ready for launch, potentially giving adversaries the ability to destroy them on the ground.

North Koreas recent development and initial testing of a long-range solid-fuel ICBM does represent a significant step forward in its ongoing development of potentially nuclear-capable delivery vehicles, Robert B. Murrett, a former senior intelligence official and vice admiral in the Navy told The Daily Beast.

Having said that, they will have to conduct a good deal of additional testing and development before this system will reach operational status. When that takes place, a booster vehicle of this type will provide additional options, as it will provide flexibility and be easier to launch on short notice.

North Koreas solid rockets make their nuclear missiles more maneuverable and harder for U.S. systems to detect, Benjamin R. Young, a professor of homeland security at Virginia Commonwealth University, said in an interview with The Daily Beast.

It is a game changer for military dynamics on the peninsula, he added. It takes much less time to prepare a solid fuel missile versus a liquid fuel missile. Therefore, the U.S. military will have much less time to conduct a pre-emptive strike on the missile site. The North Koreans understand this, which is why they've worked so hard to accomplish this goal of having a solid-fuel missile.

Solid-fuel rockets could up the tempo in a time of heightened tensions. The new missiles would be easier for the North to mobilize quickly for deployment and use in a major missile attack that could be used against Japan, South Korea, or the U.S., said George A. Lopez, a professor of peace studies at the University of Notre Dame.

The fast launch times of North Koreas solid rockets mean that decisions would have to be made very quickly in the event of a conflict. U.S. commanders might be under pressure to make a quick decision on how to react during an incident.

The window of opportunity, when they can strike the system before it is launched, will be shorter, said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists.

U.S. Vows to Teach Kim Jong Un a Lesson After Missile Over Japan

From the North Korean perspective, solid-fuel rockets could increase the credibility of their nuclear deterrent by reducing the vulnerability of their launchers, Kristensen said. But it could also, of course, make the United States forces and South Koreans just become more trigger-happy because they need to get to this thing faster, even faster than before, he added.

Since solid-fuel rockets dont take much time to get ready to launch, the short window of time before the notice of a blast-off could lead to confusion during the lead-up to a confrontation, Kristensen said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises a test launch of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 at an undisclosed location in this still image of a photo used in a video released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) April 14, 2023. KCNA via REUTERS

If the U.S. strategy is to destroy the North Korean launchers before they can launch the missiles, solid fuel missiles that can launch quicker shorten the time between detection of preparations to launch and when the warhead can get to the launcher, Kristensen said. That means less time to think and greater risk of overreacting.

Ankit Panda, an arms expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told The Daily Beast: The big benefit of these missiles is promptness and responsiveness: in a crisis, these missiles will be ready to go, which may not be the case for North Koreas liquid fuel ICBMs The U.S. and South Korea may seek to preempt these missiles, but time pressures will be significant. Once deployed and in greater numbers, solid fuel ICBMs will generally be a survivable capability for North Korea.

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the solid fuel rockets an important step in an interview with The Daily Beast. He noted that North Korean missiles can already reach the United States.

And now you've got a missile that can be launched on a couple of minutes' notice rather than more than an hours notice, he added. And a missile that can be moved around more easily. I don't think it was ever likely that we were going to try to decapitate their program or launch a first strike or whatever, but clearly, this makes that much more difficult.

Since they are fast to deploy and hard to detect, solid-fuel rockets create challenges for the United States and its allies, Juscelino Filgueiras Colares, a professor of political science at Case Western Reserve University, said in an interview. The North Korean leadership has trained military planners in the U.S. alliance to expect liquid fuel missile tests that allow more lead time for satellite tracking.

With the potential move to solid-fuel-powered rockets, that window of time disappears, and increases make NORKO missiles less of a deterrent and more of a permanent clear and present danger, he added.

Is the U.S. Prepared?

While solid-fuel rockets are a concern for the U.S., experts say the American military is ready. Kristensen pointed out that the U.S. has spent decades developing techniques to deal with other potential adversaries, including Russia and China, that have solid-fuel rockets in their arsenals.

The U.S. has overwhelming military capability, including capabilities to get more hits on target very, very quickly, he said.

U.S missile defense systems are capable of knocking out attacking North Korean rockets, said Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), a member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Were prepared to defend our allies in the region should that be necessary, and a solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile has not really in any way changed the calculus, he added. The amount of time that we would have ahead of a launch is obviously less. So therell be a launch were certainly in a position to detect it and to determine immediately where that rocket is going.

Despite such reassurances, North Koreas new capabilities may be causing the U.S. to reconsider its strategy in the region. On April 26, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to consult on nuclear issues jointly. President Biden separately warned that nuclear aggression from North Korea against U.S. allies would be met with an overwhelming counterattack.

The Secret Weapons Scheme Spiraling Under Americas Nose

The announcement was a direct response to the vector of nuclear and missile capabilities coming from North Korea, said George A. Lopez, a North Korea expert and professor at the University of Notre Dame. So too is the unprecedented decision of the U.S. to deploy ballistic missile submarines to South Korean waters.

Solid-fuel rockets arent the only North Korean technological innovation worrying U.S. military planners. Another concern, Lopez said, is the recent detonation of a short-range, tactical nuclear weapon by Pyongyang.

To retain their strategic advantage South Korea and the U.S. will no doubt engage in their own escalation, short of any testing of such weapons, of course. But this level of quid pro quo creates all the wrong conditions for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Lopez added: Such a test is one of the last components of the irreversible nature of Mr. Kims program.

There is no turning back now that North Korea has reached this stage.

Colares said that the new rockets improve North Koreas ability to conduct surprise launches that might be actual first strikes, particularly against Japan.

This is not about deterrence, as the North Koreans would have us believe, but an improvement in their offensive capabilities and an attempt to improve their ability to exploit divisions in the democratic regimes of Japan and South Korea to obtain ransom payments in the future, he added.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Newsmax

Folks, is it woke to want clean air?

Newsmax host Greg Kelly seemed to ask that very question on Wednesday night when he praised the Canadian wildfire smoke covering the eastern seaboard, claiming he enjoyed the odor coming from the pretty and beautiful dense orange haze.

With the intense forest fires in Canada suddenly making New York Citys air the most polluted on Earth and the air quality actually getting worse by the day, Kellya real-life MAGA cartoon characterlet his viewers know to stop worrying and love the smoke.

Our woke friends to the north in Canada, their forest fires got out of hand and, well, this is what were dealing with, the Greg Kelly Reports anchor cheerfully declared. Its complicating some people's lives, but its manageable. Ill tell you, it actually smells like wood smoke. Its not an unpleasant odor, to be honest. Its kind of weird when it seeps into the building, but outdoors, I can deal with it.

Newsmax's Greg Kelly praises the smoke from Canadian wildfires, saying It's a beautiful, interesting aura and it's not an unpleasant odor, to be honesthttps://t.co/G4tYUX9NXx pic.twitter.com/HyQJiHWZra  Jason S. Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) June 8, 2023

With a beatific smile, he did acknowledge the smoke was a real thing and a real complication for folks with respiratory issues before complaining about Democrats tying the issue to climate change.

The White House is trying to exploit this, saying its all because of global warming and the normal talking points that go with that, he grumbled. I dont think thats the case. I think its a forest fire. This actually has happened a couple of times before in history.

From there, Kelly went right back to gawking at the Manhattan skyline that looks like it was plucked directly out of Blade Runner 2049.

And for the time being, we can live with it, he concluded. But it is pretty, it actually is pretty. Its a beautiful, interesting aura the city has right now.

Of course, Kelly is not the only right-wing media star to downplay the dangerous smoke which has plummeted air quality to hazardous and unhealthy levels across the United States.

Several Fox News hosts, for instance, criticized experts for urging people who may be impacted by the smoke to stay indoors and wear N95 masks whenever outside, calling it mask insanity while claiming those worried about the hazards are snowflakes. Because, naturally, everything is now part of the culture wars.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
A new U.K. study that correlates longer duration of breastfeeding with higher academic test scores at age 16 is fanning the flames of the perennial infant feeding debate.

Parents often feel tremendous pressure to breastfeed after birth and continue to feel that way when they return to work, which presents a new slew of challenges and obstacles. If parents choose not to breastfeed or are unable to exclusively breastfeed, they often feel shame and guilt. New parents are particularly vulnerable to accusations that they are not doing the right thing or acting in their childs best interest, and touting the benefits of breastfeeding in front of them can feel unnecessary and cruel.

Is breastfeeding so beneficial that promoting it is worth alienating families who dont breastfeed or dont breastfeed for the two years recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics?

Experts arent in agreement. Breastfeeding advocates believe we should highlight all of its potential benefits not only to encourage families to breastfeed but also to help shore up support for nursing, leading to policies like the PUMP Act, which legally recognizes workers need for time and an appropriate place to pump breast milk while on the job.

Critics of such studies say their findings are of limited value and do a disservice to parents struggling with guilt over their feeding choices.

Economist and parenting data expert Emily Oster, who has written previously about how she believes that the benefits of breastfeeding are frequently overblown, posted a video on June 6 for her Instagram followers in which she questions the validity of the U.K. studys findings on the same grounds that she has criticized previous similar studies.

Its so easy to find this correlation because the characteristics of families who breastfed their kids are totally different, Oster, who recently joined an advisory board for a formula company, told viewers.

Breastfed children are more likely to come from wealthier families and to have parents with higher levels of educational attainment. It is virtually impossible to untangle the impact of breastfeeding alone from all these other confounding factors.

Oster calls the study a classic example of correlation, not causation. While breastfed babies may have become higher-scoring adolescent test-takers, it doesnt necessarily mean that breastfeeding was what led to their higher scores.

A new U.K. study correlates a longer duration of breastfeeding with higher academic test scores at age 16.

A new U.K. study correlates a longer duration of breastfeeding with higher academic test scores at age 16.

What exactly did the study find?

The Millennium Cohort Study in the U.K. followed a group of approximately 5,000 children born between 2000-2002. The childrens parents were asked whether or not the children were breastfed and, if so, for how long. This data was then analyzed with the students scores on their GCSE exams, which all British youth take around age 16.

Researchers found that students scores rose in relation to how many months they had been breastfed (less than two months, two to four months, four to six months, six to 12 months, or more than 12 months).

Those who breastfed for 12 or more months failed their English GCSE at a rate of 19.2%, compared to 41.7% of those who never breastfed. And among those who were breastfed for 12 or more months, 28.5% scored high (a high pass), compared to 9.6% among those who were not breastfed.

The same correlation did not hold for the Mathematics GCSE exam.

The papers authors refer to these test score gains as modest.

The differences in the exam results between those children who were never breastfed, and those children who were breastfed for longer durations, those differences are not large. Thats why we used the word modest, Dr. Renee Pereyra-Elias, the studys lead author, told HuffPost.

What are the limitations of this type of research?

Pereyra-Elias also explained that this observational study was subject to confounding factors such as maternal economic status and educational attainment.

Moms who have more years of formal education and moms who are better off are more likely to breastfeed their babies for longer, said Pereyra-Elias, echoing Osters critique.

He and his coauthors did consider such factors in their analysis, including parental education levels and occupations, which Pereyra-Elias admits is not necessarily a perfect proxy for income.

We have tried to control for the differences in socioeconomic circumstances and for the differences in maternal cognitive ability as well, she said. However, because it is an observational study, there may be still some confounding [factor] that was not accounted for.

Pereyra-Elias continued, If we were able to account perfectly for all confounding factors, there may still be some difference between those children who were not breastfed and those who were breastfed for longer durations. But these differences would be small, perhaps smaller than what it is now, which is already modest.

Other studies that examined the relationship between breastfeeding and brain function, for example, IQ scores, have shown conflicting results, said Pereyra-Elias. Some find no association after controlling for confounding factors, but others do.

For example, one 2015 study from Brazil found that people who breastfed as infants had higher IQs by about 3.7 points (on a scale from 40-160). Again, this effect is small.

One theory behind such findings is that substances found in breast milk, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, promote neurodevelopment, said Pereyra-Elias, leading to increased intelligence or academic achievement  but we do not understand exactly how this process works. We also do not know if these neuro-developmental benefits are derived from whats in the milk, the act of nursing at the breast (which promotes bonding) or a mix of the two.

Overall, breastfeeding has multiple potential benefits, not only academic results, so it should be encouraged whenever possible. And families, especially mothers, should receive all the possible support to do this. However, if [its] not possible, for whatever reason, mothers should not be judged, and they should not worry because the differences in academic results are not large, Pereyra-Elias concluded.

The differences in the exam results between those children who were never breastfed, and those children who were breastfed for longer durations, those differences are not large, Dr. Renee Pereyra-Elias, the studys lead author, told HuffPost.

The differences in the exam results between those children who were never breastfed, and those children who were breastfed for longer durations, those differences are not large, Dr. Renee Pereyra-Elias, the studys lead author, told HuffPost.

What should families do with this information?

When considering how realistic breastfeeding recommendations are for working families, it may be worth noting that only 9.5% of children in the study were breastfed for 12 months or more. Despite the recommendations to breastfeed for two years or more, breastfeeding for 12 months or beyond is not the norm, and perhaps it is counterproductive to suggest that there may be cognitive benefits of doing so when so many new parents are struggling just to make it to six months, or even two.

Janine Zee-Cheng is a pediatrician practicing in Indiana. They are also a lactation consultant and a parent of two.

Yes, I recommend breastfeeding, they told HuffPost. Zee-Cheng cites the health benefits of breastfeeding listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: You have reduced risk  not zero risk  but reduced risk of asthma, autoimmune disease, allergies, pneumonia, ear infections, SIDS. NICU babies fed breastmilk have a decreased risk of necrotizing entercolitis (a life-threatening infection for preterm babies.) Breast cancer is also a decreased risk for breastfeeding people, and they have reduced chances of other health issues as well.

However, Zee-Cheng continued, I dont recommend breastfeeding at the cost of the parents mental health  or any health. And I dont recommend breastfeeding to the exclusion of everything else.

While breastfeeding has benefits, each family must weigh their unique needs when considering whether or how long to breastfeed. Zee-Cheng does not discuss the intellectual or academic benefits of breastfeeding with their patients, feeling that the research in this area is not as conclusive as the health benefits mentioned above.

I dont think you can divorce money from the ability to breastfeed, they said.

When you see a study like this, I just remind people that theres a lot of different things that go into [it], said Zee-Cheng. For example, breastfeeding may decrease a childs asthma risk, but so will a lack of exposure to cigarette smoke, living in a low-pollution area and having a good air filtration system at school. And when it comes to cognitive ability, there is still disagreement about how accurately standardized tests like the GCSE measure kids academic potential, as a number of these tests have been shown to have a racial bias.

When discussing breastfeeding with families, Zee-Cheng emphasizes that parents should prioritize their relationship with their child.

You will always do the best thing for the relationship that you have with your child, they said. And there are times when breastfeeding will harm the relationship rather than help it.

Related...
No decision was made Thursday during the hearing of Naples grocer Alfie Oakes' lawsuit against the Collier County School Board, which claims the board and its search firm violated the Sunshine Law in the superintendent search.

The hearing lasted roughly 90 minutes and was held over Zoom.

Judge Joseph Foster said he would look over all the evidence submitted in more detail  which includes roughly 20 hours of school board meeting footage  and said he would provide a ruling "as soon as I can."

About the lawsuit

In his lawsuit, which was filed May 17 with the Collier County Circuit Court, Oakes claims that the school board violated the Sunshine Law by allowing search firm Hazard Young Atea Associates to select 10 candidates out of 45 applicants privately, without public notice, public comment or minutes.

Attorney Sam Zeskind of Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, who represented the school board at the hearing, said the Sunshine Law only applies to discussions between two or more public officials, which the search firm is not. He also added that all 45 candidate applications and resumes were provided to the school board on April 3, two days before the public school board meeting.

The board's response to the lawsuit, which was filed May 30, asked that the court dismiss the complaint. Since Hazard Young Atea Associates is a private search firm and was only given power to fact-find and have advisory responsibilities, it is not subject to the Sunshine Law, the response said. At no point was the search firm given decision making authority.

Oakes' Attorney Steve Bracci argued that while they agree certain functions of the search firm were fact finding, others were decision making including: identifying the best qualified candidates, preparing application materials and presenting the slate of candidates to the board.

In addition, the board's response also states that even if for some reason the search firm was subject to Sunshine Laws and violated them, the violations would have been remedied by the board's public meetings following the search firm's responsibilities and final action on the superintendent search.

Judge Foster said during the hearing if there was in fact a violation of the Sunshine Law, it would be a "big deal."

Alfie Oakes speaks during a gathering in opposition to the mask mandate passed by the Collier County Commissioners on Tuesday, at Oakes Farms Seed to Table Market on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Oakes announced that he and his legal team will be filing multiple lawsuits against Collier County and against the three individual commissioners that voted for the mandate.

More: Collier School Board asks court to dismiss Alfie Oakes' superintendent search lawsuit

What is the Sunshine Law?

The Sunshine Law is a Florida law that requires all meetings of an agency, including school boards, to be open to the public. This extends to all documents or other materials made or received in connection to the agency.

Violations of the Sunshine Law can result in removal from office, noncriminal infractions and criminal penalties.

What is the intent of the lawsuit?

On May 4, the Collier County School Board in a 3-2 voted selected Leslie Ricciardelli, who had been serving as interim superintendent, as the district's superintendent.

Ricciardelli took over as interim superintendent in December after former superintendent Kamela Patton, who was set to retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year, signed a mutual transition agreement with the school board.

Oakes, who publicly supported Charles Van Zant Jr. for the next superintendent, claims the selection of Ricciardelli as the next superintendent of Collier County Schools should be void due the alleged violation of the Sunshine Law.

"This complaint only arose with the outcome," Zeskind said. The lawsuit was not filed until after the decision was made by the board.

In his lawsuit Oakes is asking the board to temporarily stop from entering into a contract with Ricciardelli until they go through the selection process again with the 45 original applicants in public meetings.

While Bracci questioned who made the decision regarding the 10 finalists, Zeskind stressed that at no point was the board required to discuss all 45 candidates at any of the public meetings.

Who is Alfie Oaks?

Alfie Oakes is a Naples grocer who owns Oakes Farms, Seed to Table, Oakes Farm Market and Food & Thought.

More: Who is Alfie Oakes? What to know about the Naples businessman suing the Collier County School Board

His operations include a more than 1,400-acre farm and a fleet of trucks and drivers that distribute his produce across the country, according to his website.

He's a high-profile Republican supporter.

And he's no stranger to government battles.

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakes filed several pieces of litigation.

In 2020, he filed a federal lawsuit challenging Collier Countys mask order. A federal judge tossed that lawsuit out in 2021.

Oakes also filed a federal lawsuit against the School District of Lee County in 2020 after the district ended its multi-million dollar contract when the CEO called George Floyd a disgraceful career criminal.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Sunshine Law violation? Oakes, Collier School Board await court ruling
'There is no doubt it has begun.' Ukraine counteroffensive may be underway: Live updates

Reports that the Ukraine military's long-awaited counteroffensive has begun  and is focused on retaking large swaths of land seized by Russia  come as no surprise to intelligence experts.

Ukrainian officials have been unwilling to discuss a counteroffensive timeline, but the Russian Defense Ministry says the Ukraine military has begun applying "maximum force" on multiple areas along the front line.

Zev Faintuch is a senior intelligence analyst at the Global Guardian, an international security firm with boots on the ground in Ukraine.

"From where were sitting, there is no doubt that it has started," Faintuch told USA TODAY. "From what both the Russians and Ukrainians are saying and from what our teams on the ground are seeing, Ukrainian forces have made a concerted series of larger-scale offensive actions along the front in south Donetsk and around Bakhmut."

Faintuch said a "sense of cautious optimism" pervades Ukraine now. The country is more unified than ever, he said, as Russia's brutal bombings have damaged support for Russian President Vladimir Putin among ethnic-Russians in Ukraine. Still, the results of the counteroffensive could be crucial for Ukraine and it's acclaimed leader, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Fantuch said.

"Failure in the counteroffensive will have dire consequences for the Zelenskyy regime and the political future of the current cast of actors leading Ukraine," he said.

Volunteers are rescuing local residents and their animals from floodwaters in Kherson, Ukraine, on June 8, 2023.

Floating mines, contaminated water, dead fish among threats from dam breach: Ukraine updates

Developments:

Ukraine was on the agenda when British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made his first White House visit Thursday. Britain has been among Ukraine's biggest supporters.

Drone footage of a collapsed dam near Kherson and surrounding villages under Russian occupation shows the ruined structure falling into the flooded river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and a church.

Russia accused Ukraine of bombarding the dam, which was under Moscows control, while Ukraine alleged that Russia blew it up from within.

Allies balk at providing security assurances to Kyiv

Ukraine's pleas for binding security guarantees to ensure the battered nation's long-term survival are drawing mixed reviews in Europe. Politico, citing discussions with several European diplomats, reports that the Western alliance remains divided over "nearly every element" of how to respond to the request. Zelneskyy is lobbying hard for a roadmap to NATO membership. Some European leaders hope to provide "guarantees" that might fall short of expanding the alliance. French President Emmanuel Macron backed something between Israel-style security guarantees" and NATO membership. Sunak has only pledged "security arrangements for Ukraine for the long term.

Ukraine is the most experienced country in the world in hearing no from NATO, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Olha Stefanishyna said.

Zelenskyy visits flooded Kherson region

After the massive dam breach in a Russian-controlled area of Kherson province, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived Thursday in a section of Kherson still under Ukrainian control. Flooding has driven thousands from their homes, and much of the region is without running water.

Zelenskyy accused the Russia-appointed administration of failing to help with evacuations in occupied areas and bombing the areas that remain under Ukrainian control.

"The situation in the occupied part of Kherson region is absolutely catastrophic," Zelenskyy said. "The occupiers simply abandoned people in these terrible conditions. Without rescue, without water, just on the rooftops in flooded communities."

How destruction of vital Ukraine dam unleashed floods that threaten thousands: graphics

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine Russia live war updates: Counteroffensive may be underway
No swimming in pants? No tables on the sand? Here are some South Florida beach rules you may not know about

It seems like it should not be a challenge: Load the folding chairs into the car, head for the beach, find a place to park and set up on the sand.

But beaches have an assortment of weird rules that sand lovers could unknowingly violate. No tables allowed next to your beach chairs? No business transactions in the sand? Cigars are OK, but not cigarettes? Who thinks of these things?

South Florida has so many cities on the beach, each with a different set of rules. Heres a selection to help you out. Some are important for the everyday beachgoer, while others you may never need but are good to know, just in case you attend a wedding on the beach and want to sit in a chair (not allowed in Delray Beach).

CITY-BY-CITY RULES

Fort Lauderdale

No swimming in long pants or shoes. Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue Chief Alexandre Bagwell explains the rule this way: Neighbors and visitors are advised not to swim fully clothed or in long pants and/or shoes because it doesnt allow for efficient swimming, especially during strong rip currents. Swimming in the water can be a hazard. Ocean Rescue will politely whistle swimmers out of the water if they are wearing pants and/or shoes, and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be contacted only if necessary.

No drying your clothes on trees, bushes, tables or in/around restrooms. According to Bagwell, This can cause blind spots for Ocean Rescue, which is a matter of public safety. Also, the Fort Lauderdale Police Departments homeless outreach officers and/or park rangers will be contacted if warranted.

Hollywood

No tables allowed on the beach. Generally speaking, because a table is hard to anchor down on a sandy beach, and it can block sight lines for lifeguards, posing a public safety risk, tables are only allowed in the designated picnic area of the sandy beach and parks, Hollywood spokeswoman Joann Hussey said. That said, they can be used via a special event permit that is applied for and approved by the city prior to an event.

No food on the Broadwalk wall. This is the wall that separates the promenade from the beach. I am told the Broadwalk wall rule came about after repeated issues, Hussey said. Pedestrians were being prevented from sitting/or stopping to rest, which is one of the original purposes for the wall, in addition to holding the sand back on the beach, etc. The wall apparently was repeatedly being used as a large table or storage area by individual families, thereby preventing others from enjoying this public amenity.

Pompano Beach

No conducting business on the beach. The city doesnt allow people to sell, peddle, or carry on any business on or within 50 feet of the municipal public beach and any park recreational or cultural facility. This provision shall not apply to persons having express permission to do so from the City Commission or its authorized agents or personnel.

Pompano Beach spokeswoman Sandra King said the law was initially implemented in 1959 and amended in 1991 and 2022 with safety and competitive concerns in mind, including the potential for unlicensed vendors setting up at city facilities, such as food, bounce houses, dive cages, etc. (The city has a public event permitting process which multiple disciplines review including risk management, police and fire). The city also has an agreement with its beachside Fishing Village that includes a no-compete clause so vendors dont sell items similar to those sold in the village.

No changing of clothes unless youre younger than 6. You may not dress or undress, either by changing from ordinary street clothes into bathing or beach attire, or from beach attire into ordinary street clothes, on the municipal beach or municipal swimming pools or while riding in a motor vehicle on any public street or park in the city. This provision shall not apply to children under the age of six years, nor to restrooms or locker rooms provided for that purpose by the city.

Delray Beach

No sitting down at weddings. According to the citys website, you can have a wedding on the beach, however you are not allowed to set up any chairs, tents, arches, tables, etc. The wedding must be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and sunset, with no more than 25 in attendance and you will have to contend with the beach being open to the public.

Lynda Wieland, Delray Beachs business operations administrator, said the city tries to balance public access with giving residents room to enjoy private ceremonies. This rule has been in effect since prior to my starting (in 2017), so not sure as to the when/why, but I imagine it is so the public can enjoy without having to give up space for special events.

RULES THAT APPLY IN MANY CITIES

Smoking: Theres no cigarette smoking allowed on the beach in many cities, including Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. Thanks to a new Florida law, cities have been approving beach cigarette bans in the past year, and theres been little controversy. Cigar-lovers, however, caught a break: Cigar smoking is allowed due to an exemption in the state law.

Nudity: This is not allowed on public beaches anywhere in Broward or Palm Beach counties.

Sea turtle nests: Steer clear! Its against federal and state laws to touch or disturb sea turtles or their nests. These nests are easy to find along South Florida beaches this summer and often have markings around them to ensure humans stay away. However, you can participate in organized sea turtle walks, which are a special treat; for a list of tours, click here.

Dogs: Dog policies are confusing as each city has its own rules. Some do not allow dogs at all, others on select days, others every day. And some  such as Boca Raton, which has a dog beach open only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays  require permits. Boynton Beachs Oceanfront Park beach allows dogs on some Saturdays in fall and winter. Fort Lauderdale has a permit-required Canine Beach thats open daily, but only from 6 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. In Hollywood, dogs are allowed any day sunrise to sunset but only between Pershing and Custer streets, no permit needed. Dogs are not allowed on the beach in Delray Beach and Deerfield Beach.

Swimming: In Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood and Pompano Beach, swimmers must stay within 50 yards of the shore. Lifeguards are on duty at many beaches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but they stay as late as 7 p.m. at others. Some cities, such as Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Pompano Beach, have designated surfing areas. In Fort Lauderdale, divers have to be accompanied by another diver. All beaches can be closed for lightning or other dangerous conditions.
Dignitaries and senior military leadership from all 31 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nations gathered Wednesday at its Norfolk headquarters to celebrate 20 years of meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.

A sea of officers  donning military dress uniforms in shades of white, black, gray, tan, green and blue  stood at attention saluting the NATO and Allied Command Transformation flags as they were hoisted. The flags of each member nation billowed in the breeze as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flew overhead signifying the start of the ceremony.

While NATOs presence in Norfolk dates back to 1952, the Allied Command Transformation was established June 19, 2003, following a restructuring in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. For the past two decades, the alliance has led NATOs development of new warfighting capabilities through scientific research, experimentation and technological development.]

Twenty years on, we are still here, still daring and still looking to tomorrow while contributing to today, said French Air Force Gen. Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Command Transformation.

The alliance invited foreign dignitaries and the media to view an exhibition of NATOs 74-year history and the role Hampton Roads has played in its mission.

In celebrating the commands achievements of the past two decades, senior leadership also considered the challenges of the future and spoke to the continued need for a strong NATO. Among those challenges are space and cyber domains, as well as cognitive warfare, of which the alliance has had to adapt to in recent years.

In the summer of 2021, when NATO ended its mission in Afghanistan, we could not have predicted that by February 2022 there would be another large-scale war in Europe. Within a year, we have shifted from an era of crisis management operations, back to an era of collective defense, said Adm. Robert Bauer, of the Royal Netherlands Navy and chair of the NATO Military Committee.

The Norfolk command, Bauer said, has played a crucial role in ensuring NATOs nations are ready to expect the unexpected and is needed now more than ever.

We would be busy fighting off the crocodiles closest to the canoe, not realizing we were heading towards a waterfall, Bauer said of the command.

Lavigne echoed Bauer, speaking more to Russias ongoing war against Ukraine.

In 2003, large-scale war in Europe was something that belonged in history booksYet here we are in 2023, with war in Ukraine and under near constant cognitive assault And scarier still, Russian officials talking casually about the nuclear destruction of entire cities, Lavigne said.

Following the Russian invasion, NATO responded by strengthening forces on the eastern flank, establishing new multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, which doubled the number of troops on the ground and extended NATOs forward presence from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south.

Jay Paxton, Chief of Public Affairs for Allied Command Transformation said Wednesday the war has galvanized unity within the alliance.

With all allies, we kind of look at it as a family. Theres going to be different personalities in the family. Whats important is that the family sticks together Every nation ebbs and flows on commitment, but what we are seeing is a lot of unity within the alliance  more unity, more resilience, more strength, and increased defense spending across the alliance, Paxton said.

Evidence of unity against Russia was the addition of a new NATO member. Finland became the 31st NATO country in April, just under one year since the country handed in its official letter of application alongside Sweden in May 2022. Finland and Swedens applications to the alliance abandoned longtime policies of military nonalignment and Nordic neutrality weeks after Russia waged its war against Ukraine. Swedens application is pending approval from Hungary and Turkey. Unanimous approval is required.

Dep. Cmdr. Chris Badia of the Supreme Allied Command Transformation said he expects the Norfolk commands mission  and NATOs mission as a whole  will continue for decades to come.

It is more important than ever. You see the world is in unrest, Badai said. One major aim is to create stability and make the world safer. We already are but this is a constant, evolving process and reacting to whats going on in the world.

But guiding nations through the challanges of the next 20 years is NATOs Warfighting Capstone Concept, which Cmdr. Andreas Uhl of the German Navy said acts as a north star. The Warfighting Capstone Concept focuses on five warfare development imperatives: cognitive superiority, layered resilience, influence and power projection, cross-domain command, and integrated multi-domain defense.

We are no longer working like a stove pipe. Now, we have fused everything towards this one goal, said Uhl, who works in NATOs Warfare Development fusion branch in Norfolk. We are all proactively planning to out-think, out-excel, out-fight, out-pace, out-partner, and out-last any contestant.
Flipping through Franck Bohbots photos of Californian arcades is like stepping into a time machine.

In one, a dark, cavernous venue is lit up by the screens of retro games like Terminator 2 and Pac-man. Another shows futuristic beams of neon light shooting past players in VR headsets as they fight off unseen enemies. Elsewhere, classic pinball machines stand alongside shiny, ultra-modern consoles; mid-game action shots follow images of eerily empty arcades.

One minute youre in the 1980s, the next in the present day. Thats the power of the arcade, Bohbot said in a phone interview.

Shot largely in 2019, though not published until now because of the pandemic, Bohbots new book Back to the Arcade brings together almost 150 of his photographs from Los Angeles and southern California  a project intended to document arcade culture and the escapism it provides, Bohbot explained. Ive long been fascinated with those spaces, and I thought capturing them on camera would help me dig deeper into their world in a way that would feel timeless.

Arcades have been portrayed in so many movies I grew up with, he added, revealing how cinema led him to the idea. From Back to the Future Part II to Jaws and Terminator 2, theyve sort of become part of our visual pop culture. I wanted to explore that and pay homage to a bygone era, as well as my personal childhood memories.

The French photographer, who moved to L.A. in 2018, mostly worked at night, driving in and out of the city to find a range of different arcades, from the bright and family-friendly to the moody and dark. He then snapped not just the games but the crowds they attracted, too.

Each parlor had a very different vibe, which I found interesting, he said. There would be spots in the deserts, where only serious gamers would go, and venues that doubled up as bars and had more of a relaxed weekend vibe. (But I also encountered) kids arcades and chill spaces right by the beach. I found the variety a never-ending source of inspiration. A mix of dreamy atmospheres and loneliness, too.

Fantasy playgrounds

Arcades emerged in the US in the early 1900s  though back then they were called amusement arcades, or penny arcades, with coin-operated games like strength-testers, slot machines and racing games providing much of the entertainment. In the 1930s, the introduction of the pinball saw it eclipse other games, captivating audiences like never before. By the end of that decade, however, pinball machines were being banned across the country because they were deemed to be games of chance and considered a form of gambling.

Gamers pictured in the arcade at Dave & Buster's in Hollywood. - Franck Bohbot

In 1939, L.A. officials outlawed the devices and proceeded to confiscate and destroy them. Three years later, New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia implemented a series of Prohibition-style raids on illegal pinball parlors and a city-wide ban that remained in effect until 1976 (Californias was overturned in 1974).

The development of electro-mechanical games (EM games), like Segas Periscope (1966) and Chicago Coins Speedway (1969), helped redefine arcade games as ones of skill, not chance. But it was during the 1970s that the arcade as we know it today sealed its place in our collective culture thanks to a new type of attraction: the video game.

In 1971, a space combat video game called Computer Space became the first commercially sold, coin-operated arcade game released in the country, setting the foundation for a new industry that would revolutionize not just the arcade, but gaming culture and the very notion of American youth.

Almost overnight, arcades became go-to hangouts and strip mall staples. Just as quickly, a growing number of companies  mostly in the US and Japan  began producing new games, paving the way for what would come to be known as the golden age of arcades.

Retro arcade machines at Blipsy Bar in L.A.'s Koreatown. - Franck Bohbot

Titles like Space Invaders, Asteroids, Pac-man and Donkey Kong (all released between 1978 and 1981) seeped into the everyday lives of kids around the world, becoming objects of endless fascination and, to some extent, obsession. The industry boomed, and by the peak of the golden age, the US was home to an estimated 1.5 million arcade machines, 24,000 full arcades and 400,000 street locations, according to a 1982 study by the now-defunct trade magazine Play Meter.

The quality and variety of the video games selection was incredible, Bohbot said of that era. Those were and are classics.

But the arcades iconic status wasnt to last. Just like pinball machines before them, video games were seen by some  from officials to concerned parents  as deviant, dangerous pastimes for young people (a 1982 New York Times headline dubbed the issue a Battle for Americas Youth). By this time, home computers, handheld games systems and consoles by the likes of Atari were also changing the way young people played. So when the video game industry hit a recession in 1983  partly the result of an oversaturated market  many prominent game companies went bankrupt or stopped making software entirely, with knock-on effects for the arcade market.

This recession effectively ended the golden era. And while franchises like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter (which were originally arcade-only titles) helped revived some of arcades cultural relevance in the 1990s, their decline proved irreversible.

In 2005, there were about 44 licensed arcades in New York, down from hundreds just a decade before, according to the New York Times. By 2010, the number was down to 23.

A shot from the oceanfront Playland Arcade in Santa Monica, California. - Franck Bohbot

Other parts of the US saw similarly sharp falls. Yet, as Bohbot embarked on his photography project, he was surprised to discover that  in L.A., at least  the arcade wasnt completely dead.

The more I searched, the more I found, he said. There are a lot of aficionados that have worked on bringing the arcade back.

Nostalgic time capsules

The past few years have heralded a revival of classic retro arcades, according to Bohbot, who believes the trend is driven by a sense of nostalgia that he hopes are captured in his images.

Arcades can transport people in time and place, he said. They are time capsules of something weve lost, but they can also look like somewhere almost otherworldly, from another dimension. I really wanted to  depict them for what they are to a lot of us: dream-like playgrounds.

While the photographer considered expanding his project to other cities and countries  including Chicago, a hub for Americas video game industry in the 1980s, and Japan, where the arcade sector has fared better than in the US, despite similar challenges  he sees Back to the Arcade as a love letter to L.A., specifically.

Player One, an arcade and bar in North Hollywood. - Franck Bohbot

L.A. is a complicated city that often feels like its hiding parts of itself, he said. So much goes on indoors, and in places you wouldnt even know about, because everything is so spread out. It really makes you look twice and search hard for what youre after.

The arcades he shot, he noted, exemplified that. They almost felt like secrets, yet they were full of people playing together and enjoying themselves. I think that reflects the atmosphere of the city.

Back to the Arcade, published by Setanta Books, is out now.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(photo: YouTube)

MINNEAPOLIS  Federal officials hosted a public hearing in Minneapolis this week as part of an ongoing government effort to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis.

The session on Tuesday was the fourth of seven scheduled field hearings hosted by the Departments of Interior and Justice to implement the Not Invisible Act, a 2020 law to combat the MMIP epidemic. The field hearings allow the Not Invisible Act Commission  created in 2020 to represent tribal leaders, service providers, law enforcement and survivors to hear directly from tribal communities impacted by the crisis. Testimonies gathered at the hearings will be used to inform a final report and recommendations to improve intergovernmental coordination and establish best practices for solving MMIP cases and supporting affected communities.

CBS News Minnesota reported that Tuesdays hearing was emotional as Native American community members shared their experiences of losing a loved one to violence  and the subsequent apathy they felt from the criminal justice system.

Melissa Pamp, whose daughter died three years ago after a fatal stabbing, spoke to the difficulty of getting her daughters case investigated.

Community members who spoke at the hearing said they would like to see collaborative training between law enforcement, as well as trauma-informed, Native liaisons on tribal grounds to investigate violent crimes.

I felt like I was a lead investigator, Pamp said. Theres a disconnect between law enforcement and tribal communities.

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, also addressed the group at Tuesdays hearing.

There isnt a single solution to this problem, but there is an urgent and critical need for all of us to work together in whatever area we have as our expertise, Flanagan said. So we can create a future where all of our communities are safe and well be able to give some sense of closure to loved ones whove lost family members.

As well, U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Andrew Luger announced at Tuesdays hearing that his office has created a new division focusing on closing MMIP cases. Five newly hired attorneys will staff the new division. Luger said the division will be the first Indian Country section in the U.S. Attorneys Office that works solely on Indian Country cases.

For decades, United States attorneys have talked about adding lawyers to our Indian Country work, including work on [missing and murdered Indigenous person] cases and issues of violence against women and children, but we simply have not had the resources to do so, Luger said.

While Native Americans make up 1 percent of Minnesotas population, 9 percent of women and girls murdered in the state from 2010-2019 were Native. According to a report by the Urban Indian Health Institute, Minnesota has one of the highest numbers of MMIP cases in the nation.

This year's remaining Not Invisible Act Commission field hearings will be held in Northern California, Albuquerque and Billings, Mont.

About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. "

Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com
Nuclear energy is tough sell in WA, and safety issue at Richland plant wont help | Opinion

If Washington state is going to reach its 100% clean energy goal by 2045, then advanced nuclear reactor technology must be included in the mix with wind, solar and hydropower.

Small Modular nuclear Reactors (SMR), in particular, are considered a clean, safe, reliable, energy source that looks very promising.

But anything with the word nuclear in the name is still controversial and sets off warning bells in the minds of those who immediately think of disasters at Pennsylvanias Three Mile Island in 1979, Chernobyl in Ukraine in 1986 and Fukushima, Japan in 2011.

Climate scientists and regional lawmakers have been trying for years to educate the public on the advancements in nuclear technology.

As Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, told state House members at a hearing this year, The latest advance in nuclear technology is not your grandpas reactor.

But long-held beliefs are tough to change.

Thats why it is so disheartening that in our own backyard a troubling incident from two years ago at Energy Northwests Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant is coming to light.

Some workers working on a pipe received unexpected exposure to radiation on May 28, 2021, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

One pipefitter was found to have an internal dose of 961 millirem and the second had an internal dose of 711 millirem. Energy Northwests limit is set at 2,000 millirem per year.

While Energy Northwest said the exposures were within the regular limits for annual radiation exposure, the company acknowledged it failed to take follow-up steps to properly assess the exact dose received by two of the workers.

The NRC report said that Energy Northwest should have taken fecal samples and additional urine samples of the workers to better determine the radiation exposure.

In addition, 18 other workers had unintended uptakes of less than 1 millirem after passing by the area as they evacuated the room, and a radiation protection technician received an internal dose of 14 millirem.

Any amount of radiation exposure is upsetting. This mishap is not only bad for the nuclear industry as a whole, but also frightening for the workers involved.

In response to the NRC report, Bob Schuetz, chief executive of Energy Northwest, said in a statement that it is unacceptable for workers at Columbia Generating Station to receive unanticipated radiological dose of any amount.

He also said, In the nuclear industry, safety is our top priority, and we are held to the highest standards. In this instance, we did not live up to that standard, and we will work with the NRC to complete follow-up inspection to be able to return Columbia Generating Station to top industry performance.

Energy Northwest also emphasized that at no point did contamination leave the building or put the health and safety of the public at risk.

Still, even with these assurances, such mishaps make it tougher to combat the anti-nuclear stance throughout the state.

Barnard sponsored House Bill 1584 this year, which would have ensured nuclear energy would be considered alongside other clean energy options as state officials work out a strategy for future power production.

The measure was overwhelmingly approved in the House, but floundered after it was sent to the Senate.

Still, thats some progress.

James Conca, a nuclear waste researcher and trustee of the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland, has written many articles and spoken around the country about the safety of the modular reactors.

He says that SMRs have been used reliably for decades in the Nuclear Navy, and that they can be built in a quarter of the time it takes to build a traditional nuclear power plant and at a fraction of the up-front cost.

Just this week, the public utilities board of commissioners in Clark County, WA., which includes Vancouver, approved participating in Energy Northwests feasibility study for SMR development.

The meeting was heated, according to The Columbian newspaper. Many people who attended objected to the proposal. They didnt think the idea of using modular reactors is even worth researching.

Nuclear energy is a tough sell in many circles.

But as time goes on and people become more knowledgeable about new technologies, more people are beginning to accept the possibilities that developing nuclear energy is a good thing.

A lot of that depends on a clean safety record at the states only nuclear power plant. Energy Northwest must keep its pledge and do better.
If a nuclear weapon is about to explode, here are 17 things you can do

This diagram provides a snapshot of where to go in a radiation emergency. FEMA

The threat of nuclear war, though distant, is prominent thanks to the invasion of Ukraine.

Nuclear weapons are deadly, but their worst effects are confined to a limited zone.

Here is how to best protect yourself in case of a nuclear blast, according to trusted sources.

With about 12,700 nuclear warheads spread across nine countries, the risk of nuclear war is always present.

Though the risk remains low, tensions are running high around the Ukraine war. As Russia has struggled to make progress invading Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has hinted that he could deploy nuclear weapons in dire circumstances.

Experts have previously told Insider that it is unlikely Putin would take that step. By doing so, Russia would risk alienating its allies and its own people.

Still, world leaders are taking the threat seriously. In case the worst happens, there are easy tips to remember to minimise the risk.

"Fallout casualties are entirely preventable," Brooke Buddemeier, a health physicist and expert on radiation and emergency preparedness at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, told Insider in 2018.

"Knowing what to do after an event like this can literally save hundreds of thousands of people from radiation illness or fatalities."

Here are 17 tips to best protect yourself in case of an impact.

A flash, a burst, and a blast

According to FEMA, here are six important stages during a nuclear weapon impact:

A bright flash caused by a huge fireball, which can cause temporary blindness A blast wave, which can flatten buildings and cause serious injury and death. This wave can take several seconds to reach you. A pulse of nuclear radiation. Fire and heat, which can cause out-of-control fires. An electromagnetic pulse, which can disable devices for miles around. Radioactive fallout, contaminated particles kicked into the air by the blast. It can take up to 15 minutes to arrive. High-altitude winds can make it sprinkle over hundreds of square miles, though it's most intense near the blast site.

Nuclear weapons are deadly, and after an impact on a major city tens to hundreds of thousands would likely die.

But the worst destruction, where the chances of survival are least likely, is confined to a "severe damage zone," Buddemeier said. For a 10-kiloton blast  equivalent to two-thirds of the Hiroshima bomb blast  that's about a half-mile radius.

There are ways to enhance your chance of survival in the unlikely scenario a nuclear bomb were to hit your town.

"There were survivors in Hiroshima within 300 meters [900 ft] of the epicenter," Buddemeier said.

How to prepare

The American Red Cross advises that you build an emergency preparedness kit. This is a kit that should keep you going in case of any emergency. It includes water, food, flashlight, medication, and other items (more information can be found here).

It's also good practice to look out for fallout shelters available in your community and to build a plan for your family in case of disaster. Lastly, learn ahead of time which channels to use to get notifications from official sources, per the Red Cross.

What to do if you get a notification of imminent attack

If you receive notification of an imminent attack, your first priority is to seek shelter that will protect you both from bodily harm from the blast and from the radiation in the fallout that will follow.

If you're driving, pull over, get out, and make your way into a building, Buddemeier said.

Seek shelter indoors, preferably underground and in a brick or concrete building, per the Red Cross and FEMA.

Go as far underground as possible, per the Red Cross and FEMA. If that's not possible, try to stay in the center of the building, for example in a stairwell.

The deeper and lower in the building you can get and the farther from windows (which can shatter), doors (which can fly open), and exterior walls (which can cave in), the better your odds.

"I think of the same kinds of things that we do for tornadoes," Buddemeier said.

Don't look at the fireball, as the light could temporary blind you, per FEMA.

Stay tuned for more instructions. Mobile networks may be interrupted, but radios should still function, per FEMA.

Humans and pets should stay inside for at least 24 hours or until instructed otherwise by authorities, per the Red Cross.

What to do if you're outside when the blast hits

If you're outside, your first priority is to shelter from the blast wave. Take cover behind anything that could protect you and lay flat on the ground and cover your head, per the Red Cross.

Don't assume the blast has passed you  it could take up to 30 seconds for the wave to reach you, per the Red Cross.

After the blast wave passes, you want to limit exposure to radiation.

If you're still outside, cover your mouth with a cloth or a towel, which can reduce the amount of radioactive fallout you breathe in, per the Red Cross.

Take shelter as soon as possible, regardless of how far you are from the impact. Radioactive fallout can travel hundreds of miles, per the Red Cross.

As soon as you are safely inside, remove the outer layer of your clothing.

What to do once you've found shelter

If you were outside, you want to get the fallout as far away from your body as possible.

Too much exposure over a short time can damage the body enough to limit its ability to fix itself, fight infection, and perform other functions, leading to a dangerous condition called acute radiation sickness.

Typically, about 750 millisieverts of exposure within several hours can make a person sick. This is roughly 100 times the amount of natural and medical radiation that an average American receives each year. A 10-kiloton blast can deliver this much exposure within a radius of about a mile.

Removing your outer layer of clothing can reduce the amount of contamination from fallout by up to 90%, per the Red Cross.

If possible to do so safely, put all the contaminated clothing into a plastic bag that you keep far away from others and pets  the clothes may still be emitting radiation.

Wash your hair and skin with water and lots of soap and shampoo. Do not scratch the skin and do not use conditioner, which would bind any the radioactive material to your hair, per the Red Cross.

Gently blow your nose and wash out your ears, where contaminated dirt may be trapped, per the Red Cross.

A shower is best. If that's not available, a wet cloth wash will still help, provided the cloth hasn't been outside, per FEMA.

If your pet was outdoors, they could also be covered in fallout which could expose you and them. Gently brush your pet's coat then wash then with soap and water, per FEMA.

If you can, close windows and fireplaces, turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units, per the Red Cross.

Be prepared to shelter

It's best to hunker down in your blast shelter if you're unsure whether it's safe to move.

At this point, fires and obstructive debris are likely to be widespread, Buddemeier said.

Eat and drink only packaged food items or items that were inside a building, per FEMA.

Care for your emotional wellbeing and the wellbeing of your children. Focus on positive actions you can take, limit exposure of children to media reports that can be scary, remember to eat and drink, and be patient with others, per the Red Cross.

"The most important thing in both cases is to be inside when the event occurs, either when the detonation occurs or when the fallout arrives," Buddemeier said.

This article was first published in January 2018 and has been updated to reflect recent developments. Dave Mosher contributed to the earlier version of the story.

Read the original article on Business Insider
An attorney representing nuns from the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity who are suing Bishop Michael Olson and the Fort Worth Catholic Diocese said he believes photos showing drugs were staged by the diocese.

Matthew Bobo said Thursday that there is no proof that photos showing piles of bottles that appear to be marijuana edibles and other paraphernalia were taken at the monastery where the Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach is appealing her dismissal after she was accused of breaking her chastity vows with a priest.

The Fort Worth Catholic Diocese shared photos it says were taken by a confidential informant inside the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington. The diocese said it is in communication with police regarding serious concerns it has regarding the use of marijuana and edibles at the monastery.

An Arlington police department spokesman said there is a preliminary investigation taking place of allegations involving the monastery and diocese.

The diocese said in an emailed statement Wednesday that a confidential informant took the photos inside the monastery and that the diocese contacted police over serious concerns about marijuana use and use of edibles.

Reverend Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity has filed a lawsuit against Bishop Michael Olson and the Diocese of Fort Worth.

Bobo argued that the diocese released the photos after the police said they were conducting a criminal investigation.

He also told the Star-Telegram that he would invite the police to bring their drug sniffing dogs to scour the monastery.

However, a spokesman for the police department said in an email, As a matter of policy and procedure, the Arlington Police Department would not enter any property and search for items that could be relevant to an investigation without first establishing probable cause to do so and obtaining a search warrant.
Heres a look at the life of Iraqs former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Personal

Birth date: July 1, 1950

Birth place: Hindiya, Iraq (some sources say Hilla)

Birth name: Nuri Kamil al-Maliki

Marriage: Married

Children: Four daughters and a son

Education: Usul al-Din College, B.A., Islamic Studies, 1973; Salahaddin University, M.A., Arabic Literature, 1992

Religion: Shiite Muslim

Other Facts

Prono: NOO-ree al-MAA-lick-ee

Changed his name to Jawad al-Maliki while he was in exile.

Negotiated with Sunnis and Kurds to help draft Iraqs constitution.

Previously an adviser to former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

Directed activists in Iraq during his exile in Syria and Iran.

Timeline

1968 - Joins the Dawa Party.

1979-1980 - When he is sentenced to death for opposing Saddam Hussein and the Baathist party, Maliki flees Iraq and finds refuge in Iran and later Syria.

2003 - Returns to Iraq from Syria.

2003-2004 - Member of the de-Baathification Commission, which works to rid former Baathists from Iraqs military and government.

January 2005 - Is elected to the new parliament as a member of the Dawa Party and serves as the head of the Security and Defense Committee of the National Assembly.

April 22, 2006 - Is chosen by the Shiite-dominated coalition United Iraqi Alliance to replace Interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. He has one month to form a government.

May 20, 2006 - Iraqs new government is sworn in, with 37 cabinet members and Maliki as prime minister.

July 26, 2006 - Addresses a joint meeting of the US Congress on the war in Iraq.

October 27, 2006 - Meets with US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, telling him he considers himself a friend of the US, but [hes] not Americas man in Iraq.

January 2, 2007 - States in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, I wish I could be done with it even before the end of this term.. I didnt want to take this position I only agreed because I thought it would serve the national interest, and I will not accept it again.

March 3-5, 2008 - Meets with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Baghdad.

February 2009 - Malikis State of Law coalition wins a plurality in 9 of the 14 provinces that held elections.

March 7, 2010 - Parliamentary elections for Iraqs second full-term legislature. The main rival to the State of Law coalition, which includes Malikis Dawa Party, is the Iraqiya coalition headed by former interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.

March 26, 2010 - In Iraqs parliamentary elections, Allawis Iraqiya coalition edges out Malikis coalition 91 seats to 89.

November 25, 2010 - Maliki is named to a second term by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in a televised ceremony.

December 12, 2011 - Meets with US President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss the shift in US-Iraq relations with the end of the Iraq war.

June 10, 2012 - Maliki survives the threat of a no-confidence vote by parliament when President Talabani announces that there is not enough support for the vote. Malikis opponents accuse him of monopolizing power.

June 21, 2012 - Osama al-Nujaifi, speaker of parliament, announces that Maliki will be asked to appear before parliament in a continued effort to oust him.

January 4, 2014 - Maliki vows to crush the insurgency in Anbar province, where the Sunni insurgency  al Qaeda in Iraq  flourished following the 2003 US-led invasion. There will be no withdrawal, Maliki says in a speech carried by Al-Arabiya.

April 30, 2014 - Malikis party wins 92 seats in parliamentary elections, short of the 165 seats needed for a majority.

August 11, 2014 - President Fuad Masum appoints Haider al-Abadi as prime minister of Iraq, replacing a defiant Maliki with a member of his own party, despite Malikis pronouncement earlier in the day that he intends to stay in office for a third term. Abadi, is the deputy speaker of the Iraqi Parliament and a former aide to Maliki.

August 14, 2014 - In a televised address, Maliki withdraws his candidacy for a third term and endorses Abadi.

September 8, 2014 - Maliki is asked to serve as one of the countrys three vice presidents in the newly formed government.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A New York court is set to hear arguments Thursday over the states congressional maps in a case that poses high stakes for Democrats as they look to make up lost ground in the Empire State.

Democrats want to have the states bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) redraw congressional maps after Republicans flipped a handful of House seats last November, delivering them a narrow House majority.

The party is allocating tens of millions of dollars to target districts held by House Republicans, including Reps. George Santos, Anthony DEsposito, Mike Lawler and Brandon Williams, as Democrats seek to win back the majority in 2024.

The eyes of the nation are upon us in New York, said Democratic strategist Peter Kauffmann.

The folks that were in charge of drawing up the lines this last time around overshot and got bitten by it, and were not going to make that same mistake again, he added.

New York Democrats are still reeling from November, when the state offered an unexpected gift for the GOP as several presumably safe Democratic House seats flipped red. DEsposito and Santos won blue seats in Long Island, while Lawler unseated former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.), who was the chairman of the House Democrats campaign arm that cycle.

Aiding Republicans in taking control of the House was a stalemate within the bipartisan commission tasked with drawing the maps. Instead, a court-appointed expert designed the boundaries used in November, creating lines that proved more favorable for Republicans.

New map before 2030?

A state appeals court on Thursday afternoon will weigh whether that congressional map should remain in place until after the next census  or whether the bipartisan commission should be given another shot.

Democrats, for their part, are eager to see the maps redrawn.

I think the IRC should have an opportunity to do it again, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) told The Hill, saying he believed the lawsuit had merit.

Nadler was forced into an awkward member-on-member primary against former Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) last cycle because of the court-appointed maps. Other Democratic incumbents in the state, including Sean Patrick Maloney and former Rep. Mondaire Jones, also lost reelections after redistricting shifted their House constituencies.

The extended legal battle is a far cry from roughly a decade ago, when the creation of the IRC was hailed as a transformative initiative.

This agreement will permanently reform the redistricting process in New York to once and for all end self-interested and partisan gerrymandering, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said of the plan in 2012.

But in its first redistricting cycle, the commission couldnt reach a consensus. First, it sent dueling proposals in January 2022, both of which the legislature rejected. Despite being required to submit a second set of maps under the state constitution, the commission deadlocked and refused to send a new design.

That led the Democratic-controlled legislature to draw its own maps. But New Yorks highest state court struck them down, finding the lawmakers overstepped their authority. Lower courts found that the congressional map amounted to an illegal partisan gerrymander.

A court-appointed expert was tasked with drawing congressional districts, which were used in the 2022 midterms. That led to significant Republican gains across the state in areas like Long Island and the Hudson Valley.

Democrats want IRC to draw new maps

Now, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and Attorney General Letitia James (D) are backing a lawsuit filed by voters demanding the IRC reconvene to draw the second set of maps it never submitted.

The result of this opaque and truncated process  a clear and dramatic departure from the constitutionally mandated map-drawing process adopted by New York voters  was that the Steuben County Supreme Courts adopted plan split longstanding minority communities of interest for reasons that remain unclear, the voters wrote in their brief.

A trial court dismissed the lawsuit, finding the IRC was powerless to submit a second set of maps because the state constitution imposed a deadline of February 2022 to do so. The court further found having the IRC reconvene would be futile.

If the ruling is allowed to stand, the congressional map will remain in place through 2030, bolstering Republican chances of maintaining their gains. The losing side in the appeals court could further appeal the ruling, which is expected.

The Peoples right to a congressional map that gives effect to the Legislatures right to cure, by employing the IRC process, should not be disregarded for the next four congressional elections, Hochul and James wrote in their brief.

Three of the 10 commissioners are also backing the effort.

Republicans argue maps are settled

But attorneys representing five other commissioners and the plaintiffs who got the legislatures map thrown out will oppose the attempt before the appeals court on Thursday. They argue the court-appointed expert already remedied the IRCs failure and that the voters lawsuit was filed too late.

The very section of the state constitution that Appellants point to as having been violated by the IRC in failing to submit a second set of maps, Article III, 4, also provides that a court may order a remedy for such violation, the five commissioners wrote in their brief.

That judicial remedy, a court-ordered plan, is thus not outside of, but is itself built into, the constitutional process, they added. And here, the constitutional redistricting process, as it pertains to the congressional districts, had already been fully navigated and completed prior to this proceeding.

Republicans are projecting confidence over the lawsuit. Former Rep. John Faso (R-N.Y.), whos worked with GOP petitioners amid the legal challenges to the map, argued the only remedy last cycle was to have a judicially imposed map, given efforts to draw the map by the IRC and state legislature had been thwarted.

I really think that the courts, just like the lower court judge refused their arguments or rejected their arguments, I think the appellate courts will do the same, Faso added.

Lawler, whose seat is already rated as a toss-up by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, also said he believes the states constitution and precedent are on the GOP side. And he wasted no time in taking a jab at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who pushed back against the states redrawn maps last cycle, saying, Jeffries should be embarrassed by his conduct throughout this entire episode.

The state constitution is very clear that you do not have mid-decade redrawing of maps. This is a 10-year map. We have precedent from 2012 of a court-appointed special master drawing a 10-year map, and thats exactly what happened here, he told The Hill. The Democrats tried to rig the system, they got smacked down. They got whooped in the elections, and now theyre trying to rig it again.

Justin Chermol, a political spokesperson for Jeffries shrugged off the criticism, telling The Hill in a statement, MAGA Mike is having a meltdown. What else is new?

Still, the possibility of new maps isnt deterring Lawler. Asked if Lawler had concerns his district could be redrawn and made more competitive, the New York Republican put it bluntly: Bring it on.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An expert told Yahoo News the decision "could very well impact the way other jurisdictions manage their jails and prisons."

A general view shows the Rikers Island facility on June 6, 2022. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

New York Citys Department of Correction, which includes one of the United States deadliest jails, will no longer inform the public of inmate fatalities, a move that criminal justice experts say could set a harmful precedent for other jails across the country.

Currently, the Department of Correction website lists the number of inmate deaths for 2023 as unknown, but at least three inmates have died this year, including Rubu Zhao and Joshua Valles, whose deaths were not reported to the public.

DOC leadership apparently doesnt care about the humanity of the people in its custody enough to even report honestly when they die, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander said in a press release in June, adding that deaths cannot be swept under the rug.

New Yorks notorious jail

Rikers Island, New York Citys largest jail, is a pretrial detention facility that consists of 10 jails, and is notorious for inhumane conditions and the repeated deaths of people incarcerated there as they await trial, Olayemi Olurin, public defender at the Legal Aid Society, told Yahoo News.

An aerial view of Rikers Island Prison complex (foreground) in the Queens borough of New York City, in April 2017. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Last year, the DOC reported 19 deaths in custody, the city's worst toll since 2016.

Previously, the department would send out a press release after anyone died in custody, including their name, time of death, and the facility. This had been standard procedure for approximately two years, but the Department of Correction now describes announcing inmate deaths to the public as a practice, not a policy.

The halt of information followed the release of a special report from the federal monitor on May 26 revealing that that the jails have had serious and disturbing incidents involving harm to incarcerated persons that have gone unreported.

Rikers has been subject to a federal monitor for the past six years. The report stated that the The Federal Monitor's latest report detailing the recent incidents of violence and deaths within city jails was jarring and illustrated repeated failure by the Department of Correction (DOC) to notify the Monitor of serious incidents in a timely manner, according to a June 1 press release.

Bags intended to resemble body bags are displayed in New York Cityon Nov. 3, 2022, at a protest calling for the closure of Rikers Island.(Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress)

While the media will no longer be informed of inmate deaths, the department will continue reporting to other agencies. All appropriate internal investigations and required notifications to oversight and outside agencies always take place immediately, DOC said in a statement to Yahoo News.

Should public reporting be required?

Under the Death and Custody Act of 2013, law enforcement agencies, like jails, are required to submit deaths to the Department of Justice, but advocates say thats not enough.

I think there should be a requirement of public reporting, not just to the Department of Justice, because people who are locked in jails and prisons are invisible to us, Nicholas Turner, president of the Vera Institute of Justice, told Yahoo News.

Advocates and some city officials are pushing for Rikers to be placed under receivership. The appointment of a federal receiver to operate Rikers is a moral and operational necessity to confront the jail systems utter disregard for transparency and accountability, Lander said in the June release.

A demonstrator joins a press conference to address the latest death on Rikers Island at City Hall on June 1, 2023 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Andrea Armstrong, the Dr. Norman C. Francis Distinguished Professor of Law at Loyola University New Orleans, told Yahoo News that transparency has significantly decreased thanks to the DOC officials' decision.

What we know is that deaths are a critical piece of information for understanding the functioning of facilities, Armstrong said. So just imagine, for example, if public schools said that we are no longer going to release information about our graduation rates.

'Problematic trend'

Experts say this decision could impact jails across the country. It would be a problematic trend, Armstrong said.

In 2020, at least 4,998 inmates died in jails nationwide before they were able to get their day in court, according to a nationwide survey from Reuters.

In this country, we have fought for greater transparency and not less. In a nation that has close to 2 million people incarcerated, and millions of people impacted by the criminal justice system, New York City ought to be a beacon to the world, Stanley Richards, deputy chief executive officer at the Fortune Society, and former vice chair of the New York City Board of Correction, told Yahoo News.

Richards says he was surprised by DOCs decision because it is taking us back to the decades when Rikers was truly out of sight and out of mind.

This decision could very well impact the way other jurisdictions manage their jails and prisons; it could shape what happens on a national level. This decision to have less transparency can also serve as a beacon of hopelessness to countless people, including incarcerated individuals, officers and staff who work in our jails, Richards added.

Turner says the state of fear of families of those incarcerated will only intensify.

People hold up banners with the names of inmates who have died in the last two years while incarcerated at New York's Rikers Island jail, including Joshua Valles, at a press conference near City Hall in New York on June 1. (Justin Lane/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (13943357c)

Unfortunately for family members of future decedents, the information that they may receive from Rikers might be less comprehensive than they would have received before when those records were public, Armstrong said.

According to the DOC, the next of kin of deceased inmates and their legal counsel will be notified. The Commissioner wants to respect those who have transitioned while also continuing to be as transparent as possible, DOC said in a statement to Yahoo News, adding that every inquiry about an inmate's death will receive a response.

When New York Mayor Eric Adams was asked about the recent decision, he defended the Department of Correction commissioner, Louis Molina, according to Fox 5 New York.

I support him to do the job I hired him to do and whatever methods he needs to do it, within the boundaries of not violating any laws or rights of people, Adams said.
NYC judge scolds lawyer for using ChatGPT to write brief full of legal gibberish; attorney swears robot duped him

A Manhattan judge scolded a pair of personal injury lawyers on Thursday for using ChatGPT to whip up a legal brief chock-full of fake cases  with the lawyer who relied on the tech swearing it was a humiliating mistake and that hed been duped by A.I.

Steven Schwartz, an attorney with the law firm Levidow, Levidow & Oberman, used the automatic search engine to generate arguments against Colombian airline Avianca in a March 1 filing.

In arguing that the court shouldnt dismiss his client Roberto Matas pending lawsuit against the company, which demands compensation for an injury he suffered on a 2019 flight, Matas lawyers said his case was supported by precedent in Varghese v. China South Airlines Ltd, Petersen v. Iran Air. and several other cases.

It turns out, the cases didnt even exist.

At a Manhattan federal court hearing to determine whether the attorneys behind the brief should face sanctions, an emotional Schwartz said artificial intelligence had pulled the wool over his eyes and that he thought hed been using a super search engine.

My assumption was I was using a search engine that was searching [sources] that I didnt have access to, he told the court, saying he was extremely regretful he hadnt taken further steps to vet the information. Schwartz said he assumed the cases werent online, had been appealed or were otherwise hard to track down when he couldnt find them anywhere but ChatGPT.

With some of the fake cases, it appeared Schwartz didnt even read what the chatbot churned out.

Can we agree that is legal gibberish? an exasperated Judge Kevin Castel asked Schwartz about one of the cases.

Looking at it now, yes, Schwartz said.

Schwartzs colleague Peter LoDuca, who signed and filed the phony filing, said he had not worked on the briefs contents, nor had he known Schwartz used ChatGPT.

It just never occurred to me it could be making up cases, Schwartz said during the two-hour hearing that packed two courtrooms with dozens of lawyers, prosecutors and law school students. I continued to be duped by ChatGPT.

ChatGPT, emerging A.I. technology that some pundits say could be as revolutionary as the internet, operates like a chatbot. Users can ask it anything about anything, and itll generate a detailed answer in seconds by pulling from a mountain of online sources.

But as many early users have witnessed  and some students have learned the hard way  while the robots answers appear thoughtful and sophisticated, they are often jam-packed with confidently-stated inaccuracies.

Judge Castel said what happened after Schwartz cited fake cases citing fake cases was of more concern than the initial filing.

I doubt we would be here today if the narrative ended there, Castel said Thursday. What happened thereafter is an important part, an essential part, of that narrative.

When the airlines lawyers said in April that they couldnt find the cases Schwartz had cited, Castel told Matas legal team to submit the court records, prompting Schwartzs firm to file copies of imaginary cases.

The airlines lawyers replied, questioning their authenticity, with Schwartz soon after admitting in a filing that he had used ChatGPTs assistance to assemble the brief, saying the A.I. lied to him when he asked if the cases were accurate.

[I]s varghese a real case, the lawyer asked the robot, a screenshot shows.

Yes, ChatGPT replied, telling him it was a real case.

On Thursday, Schwartz, who said his kids had told him about ChatGPT, said he still thought the cases were legitimate when he submitted the fake copies in April.

I hate to keep saying the same thing, but its the truth, and Im being completely transparent with the court in that I did not, could not, comprehend that ChatGPT could fabricate cases, so I complied with the court order and went back to the only place that I could find the cases, Schwartz said, later adding hed recently taken training on A.I.

It became my last resort.

The veteran attorney sounded on the verge of tears in pleading for the courts forgiveness. He said hed never come close to being sanctioned in his 30-year career.

I deeply regret my actions in this matter that led to this hearing today, Schwartz said, sounding torn.

I have suffered both professionally and personally due to the widespread publicity this issue has generated. I am both embarrassed and humiliated and extremely remorseful. To say this has been a humbling experience would be an understatement.

Judge Castel will issue a written decision on whether to sanction Schwartz, who had no comment leaving court.

A lawyer for Schwartz, Ronald Minkoff, told the judge his client didnt typically work on federal cases and had made an honest mistake in a pinch.

He thought he was dealing with a standard search engine, Minkoff said. What he was doing was playing with live ammo.
(Bloomberg) -- New York City sued 30 upstate and Long Island counties for issuing executive orders blocking local hotels and motels from contracting to house migrants sent from the city.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The city filed suit Wednesday in state court in Manhattan. Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement that the suit was aimed at ending xenophobic bigotry on the part of county and local officials. The mayor has been vocal about the challenges facing the city due to an increase in migrants, many of them sent to New York by Republican governors like Texass Greg Abbott.

Since this crisis began, New York City has  virtually on its own  stepped up to provide shelter, food, clothing, and other services to asylum seekers arriving in our city, Adams said Wednesday. We are doing our part and will continue to do our part, but we need every locality across the state to do their part as well.

The 30 counties named in the suit included Suffolk, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess. Officials in four of those counties didnt respond to requests for comment. In a statement, Dutchess County Executive William ONeil said the countys actions to this point are legitimate and have been made with the best interest of all involved.

New York City claims the counties actions exceed their authority and also violate the state human rights law and the US Constitutions equal protection clause. The suit comes a day after a federal judge in Westchester County blocked executives orders by Rockland and Orange Counties, saying they were likely unconstitutional.

Read More: New York City Suspends Shelter Rules as Migrant Numbers Jump

In the past year, more than 74,000 migrants over the southern border have arrived in New York, according to the Adams office, with more than 47,000 remain in city-supported housing. After New York governor Kathy Hochul last month declared a statewide emergency, the mayor announced a new, voluntary program which would allow migrants to leave makeshift city shelters and move into hotels in other counties. The city contracted with a number of properties individually.

In response, Rockland County Executive Ed Day issued an order prohibiting local motels and hotels from contracting to accept such migrants. Orange County executive Steven Neuhaus followed suit.

US District Judge Nelson Roman in White Plains, New York, on Tuesday temporarily blocked those orders. Roman cited racially-charged comments by officials in find that the two counties orders may have been motivated by discriminatory intent.

The city on Wednesday accused upstate counties of trying to wall off their borders to the migrants. Their actions were premised on specious claims that the prospect of a few hundred asylum seekers sheltered at the Citys expense would somehow constitute an emergency imperiling public safety, according to the suit.

Some counties have also sued the city, challenging its authority to send migrants to other parts of the state.

(Updates with comment from Dutchess County executive in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Russia intensifies filtration measures in the occupied territories

Read also: Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant at risk from Kakhovka dam breach, but situation currently stable  Energoatom

In particular, residents of some Russian-controlled settlements in Zaporizhzhya and Kherson oblasts demonstratively disregard the orders of the occupying administrations and express distrust of Russian propaganda, she said.

True information about the situation at the front and the pernicious consequences of the Russian occupation is increasingly spreading among citizens, and the number of pro-Ukrainian population is growing, Maliar said.

At the same time, the Russian military command continues to use harsh mass punitive actions to counteract the resistance of local residents.

Malyar cited the village of Kyrylivka in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, which has been surrounded by Russian troops for several days. This was done to filter the local population, with searches being carried out at infrastructure facilities and residents homes.

Read also: Russia attempting chemical weapons provocation in occupied Zaporizhzhya Oblast

Citizens which Russian FSB agents had collected information (denunciations) regarding the support of pro-Ukrainian authorities were subject to a particularly thorough check, Malyar said.

The Russians immediately detained these people and took them away for interrogation, after which some of the detainees never returned. Their fate is still unknown, Maliar noted.

Read also: Ukraine within its rights to project force into Russian territory  London

The Russians continue to carry out filtration measures and repress the local population during the occupation of Ukrainian territories.

Ukraines National Resistance Center reported on June 4 that the Russian invaders resorted to blackmailing people with diabetes in the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhya Oblast by denying them insulin if they do not have a Russian passport.

Read also: Blasts rock occupied Myrne, Tokmak in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, Melitopol mayor says

The Russians also order taxi drivers to denounce people with pro-Ukrainian views in the occupied territories of Zaporizhzhya Oblast.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Attorneys for the Terrebonne Parish Government and District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. will argue whether Waitz can pursue the Parish's interests in a State lawsuit against oil companies in a Houma courtroom next month.

The courts originally sided with Waitz, but the Parish appealed in the First Circuit Court of Appeals on March 5, 2021, and it has been kicked back to Judge David Arceneaux's courtroom. A hearing is set July 7.

The Parish Government argues that Waitz lacks the authority to represent Terrebonne Parish in a lawsuit of this type as per local ordinances. Waitz maintains that he was appointed by Harris, is operating on the State's behalf to represent the Parish and create the damage model.

"They asked me to do it on behalf of the parish, so I guess that's where the legal mumbo jumbo comes in, because I am doing it on behalf of Terrebonne Parish, but the State's the one that appointed me. It's almost like a dual claim here," Waitz explained. He said state law dictates that he can represent the parish in this capacity, "There are four entities that can do it, the Attorney General, the [Louisiana Department of Natural Resources], I can, or the Parish."

Terrebonne Parish Government Tower.

Dozens of lawsuits filed between 2012 and 2017 by numerous other parishes argue that companies such as Chevron, Exxon Mobile and ConocoPhillips damaged the coast through the creation of service canals, disposal of hazardous waste and saltwater and other operations.

For his part, Waitz delegated the task of the models to two private attorneys, Charles Bourque and Stanwood Duval, neither of whom have received any payments, according to Waitz. If litigation is filed, and oil companies are found at fault, the law firms would be entitled to payment.

Waitz said the models are important because, without them, if the oil companies are found liable for any of the damages the State would have to determine how to divvy up the final amount without an accurate assessment of Terrebonne's damages, if any. He said he would like to see the Parish pursue the claim on its own.

"This is why I think it is important... if the Parish does it themselves, and there are monies that are recovered, it goes into Parish coffers to do on behalf of the Parish. If the State does it themselves it goes into a General Fund, where the Parish actually loses out on the actual use of the vast majority of funds," Waitz said. "That's where I am hoping at the end of the day that we can resolve it and Joe Waitz can present a big ole' fat check to the Parish and say, 'Here, look what I did for you, thank you, goodbye.' That's my ultimate goal."

Parish President Gordy Dove and the Terrebonne Parish Council have each said they do not wish to pursue litigation against oil companies. The Parish filed suit against Waitz to stop him from creating these models, and for signing off on a $100 million settlement with Freeport McMoRan on Terrebonne's behalf. The settlement protects Freeport McMoRan against future claims against the company.

"This is about who has the authority, Joe Waitz does not have the authority to sign or to sue oil companies or to go after oil companies, he has no authority to do that, and he indemnified and held them harmless from lawsuits, he can't do that," Dove said. "Where did Joe come to the Council and get our "okay" to do that? He did not, but he signed the agreement anyway."

More: As state-run disaster housing program winds down, futures vary

More: Hurricane season has begun. Here's what to know in Terrebonne and Lafourche

The Parish Government has spent $611,680.34 since March of 2016 to review coastal use permits and on court costs against the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, its Secretary Thomas Harris, Waitz, and local private attorneys who have been assisting him with the model. The model is to evaluate coastal damages allegedly caused by oil and gas exploration and other potential causes from their activities in the Gulf.

These payments are spread across six law companies: Hebert and Marceaux, Chris Erny, Patrick Yancey, Vincent Dagate and Michelle Neil.

"We will not sue corporate citizens because a bunch of trial lawyers are out there saying you should sue them," Dove said. Dove is soon to term out, and according to him, these lawsuits will long outlast him, "I believe this deal with Joe Waitz will be ended. I believe these oilfield lawsuits will go on for years to come."

If oil companies followed their permits correctly, Dove argued, they should not be held responsible for any damages. It was the State's fault for giving them permission.

Oil companies own roughly 65% of Terrebonne Parish and employ much of the citizens. Filing lawsuits against the companies threatened to drive them off, Dove said.

"Make sure you know what you are suing when you sue, is all I am going to say," he said. "Make sure you do your homework and be careful."

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Terrebonne judge to decide representation of Parish in coastal lawsuit
Ohio Justice Bus to make stop in Twinsburg next week to provide legal aid

Summit County will again host the Ohio Justice Bus, a one-stop shop for legal aid service and court access, on Friday, June 16.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road.

The Ohio Justice Bus provides technology to help address the legal needs of underserved people and is aimed at improving financial security, health and safety.

Summit County Domestic Relations Court is collaborating with the Summit County Child Support Enforcement Agency, Community Legal Aid, Victim Assistance, GASP, Keys 2 Serenity, Asian Services in Action, and the Twinsburg Police Department.

Community Legal Aid will host a clinic on divorce without children. Registration is required. To reserve a spot, call 1-800-998-9454.

No-cost childcare, childrens activities and identification kits will be provided, as well as an ice cream truck.

Attorneys are needed to assist with the event. Anyone interested may contact Paul Henry, the court's community outreach director, at 330-643-7845 or phenry@drcourt.org.

For more information about this event or to register, visit https://drcourt.org/wp/ojb-registration/.

Domestic court plans to host the justice bus on a quarterly basis.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio Justice Bus will provide legal aid in Twinsburg next week
Ohio lawmakers want to abolish slavery as punishment for crimes

Ohio lawmakers have introduced a joint resolution that would remove slavery and involuntary servitude from the states Constitution as a punishment for crimes.

The amendment was introduced by Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, a Democrat representing Columbus, and Rep. Phil Plummer, a Republican representing Dayton. The proposed amendment was referred to the Constitutional Resolutions Committee on Wednesday.

Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Ohio currently says: There shall be no slavery in this state; nor involuntary servitude, unless for the punishment of crime.

Lawmakers are proposing the language to change to, There shall never be slavery in this state; nor involuntary servitude.

Jarrells told CNN that he wants to change archaic and outdated language. He added that many people he has spoken to about the bill are shocked because they dont know such language exists in the state Constitution.

I want my children, when they grow up, to live in a state where the vestiges of slavery no longer exist, Jarrells said.

If the proposal is passed by the House and the Senate, it would need to be placed as an issue on the general election ballot. It would require a 50% majority vote plus one to pass because the measure was proposed by lawmakers, Jarrells said.

While other lawmakers have tried to amend this clause before, this is the first time a measure has bipartisan support.

In 2016, former Ohio State Rep. Alicia Reece introduced a bill to change the language and Rep. Cecil Thomas introduced another joint resolution in 2020 to remove the exception for slavery and involuntary servitude from the Constitution.

Other states, including Colorado, have voted in recent years to amend similar exception clauses from their constitutions. In 2018, voters in Colorado voted to amend their constitution to say, There shall never be in this state either slavery or involuntary servitude.

The legislative session will end in December 2024.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Is it OK to walk your dog in Charlotte? What to do with pets during air quality crisis

As wildfires in Canada continue to burn, smoke and harmful particles have led to unhealthy air quality conditions that could affect you and your pets.

Air quality in Charlotte currently sits at 47, which is considered good, according to Air Quality Index metrics on the air quality measuring website AirNow.

However, air quality is expected to reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups by Thursday afternoon, according to AirNow.

While people have been advised to wear masks, limit outdoor activities and even avoid going outside at all, animals and pets need protection, too.

Animals with heart or lung disease should be closely monitored during periods of poor air quality, air quality experts say.

Pets can go outside for short bathroom breaks when air quality alerts are in effect, but they should avoid long walks outdoors, Duke Health pulmonologist Dr. Aaron Vose told The News & Observer.

Here are some symptoms to watch for in your pet, and how to reduce their exposure to smoke.

Symptoms to look for in pets

Coughing, wheezing and excessive panting are all signs to look out for during periods of bad air quality, Dr. Jay Hreiz, veterinarian and owner of Queen City Animal Hospital, told The Charlotte Observer.

You should contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the following symptoms:

Coughing or gagging

Red or watery eyes

Nasal discharge

Inflammation of throat or mouth

Reluctance to eat hard foods

Fatigue, weakness or disorientation

Reduced appetite or thirst

Certain types of dogs with smaller faces, such as French bulldogs and English bulldogs, are more susceptible to respiratory symptoms, Hreiz said.

Theyre just going to have a harder time in general, in hot, humid air, said Hreiz. If you add in lots of particulate matter, its going to be even more difficult.

How to reduce pet exposure to smoke

To reduce your pets exposure to smoke, Hreiz said owners should keep windows in their homes closed and change their air conditioning filters every three to six months to prevent harmful particles from getting inside.

Make sure they are graded for animal hair and dander, just because regular filters dont have those settings on them a lot of the time, he added.

It is also recommended that pet owners keep the air in their homes as clean as possible by avoiding activities like frying foods, vacuuming, burning candles and using fireplaces.
Stanislaus County officials voted again to exercise eminent domain powers to acquire property for the North County Corridor, under findings the route was planned for the greatest public good and the least private injury.

It might be hard to convince Wolfgang and Victorina Bach of the least private injury part after the county acted Tuesday to acquire their home and 23 acres on Oakdale Road.

Wolfgang, the son of a conductor and composer, Erwin Johannes Bach, was born in the Soviet Union after his parents fled Nazi Germanys persecution of Jewish people in the 1930s. The family returned to their homeland, but in 1968 Wolfgang escaped from Communist East Germany. He married Victorina and they settled in Modesto, where she served as a pediatrician for decades.

The couple built their dream house in 1980, a Tudor-style home with stained glass windows, custom wood and brickwork, serene landscaping and an adjacent almond orchard. They are now in their 80s, and Wolfgang struggles with heart trouble as Victorina pleads with the county to let them keep their home.

The home of Wolfgang and Victorina Bach looking east toward Roselle Ave from Oakdale Road in Modesto, Calif., Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Stanislaus County officials voted to exercise eminent domain powers to acquire property for the North County Corridor expressway, including the 23-acre Bach property. County Public Works says part of the flag-shaped parcel is needed for building the east-west four-lane route on a new alignment parallel with Claribel. The 3-mile section will connect with Claus Road.

Losing their home in the twilight of life is very difficult and traumatic, said attorney Glenn Block, who represented the Bachs at Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting.

Block, an attorney with California Eminent Domain Law Group, argued that the expressway project needs no more than 8.5 acres of the couples property, not the entire 23.

The Oakdale Road parcel sits where the 3-mile first phase of the expressway route will shoot east, after a southward jog from the Claribel Road and Oakdale intersection.

County Public Works says part of the flag-shaped parcel is needed for building the east-west four-lane route on a new alignment parallel with Claribel. The 3-mile section will connect with Claus Road.

The expressway would displace the Bachs driveway and put an on-ramp in the middle of their 3,100-square-foot home, blocking access to the remainder of the property. The county has offered $1.7 million for the home and adjacent almond orchard, based on an appraisal.

The county in February approved the use of eminent domain to obtain the property. But the issue was brought back to the board this week due to a clerical error, and that gave Block the opportunity to contest the county action and propose alternatives.

Block stressed that vehicle access to the south side of the residential property could be provided. A minor part of the North County Corridor plan is an extension of Plainview Road from Roselle Avenue halfway to Oakdale Road.

By extending Plainview, or an access road, another quarter mile to the west, the Bachs could have access and keep their home and almond trees. Movers would need to relocate the house on the 14 acres preserved for the owners.

Block also suggested the county wait to take action on the parcel until complicated elements of the corridor project are finished, such as a railroad overcrossing.

Give them all the time they need to deal with this devastating situation, Block implored.

Celina Goldenberg, the Bachs daughter, said her parents should be permitted to keep their house and most of the land. If the county takes it all, she doesnt think her parents will get fair compensation.

Properties in the area will be ripe for commercial development after the expressway is built, she said, but the county is offering her parents the agricultural land value.

My mother saved lives in the community (as a doctor) and this is the way they are treating her? The county is abusing their constituents, Goldenberg said. They are not compensating anyone enough for their property.

Goldenberg, who grew up in Modesto, said shes talked to other people with homes or a business along the expressway route. The law says fair market value, but no one is getting it, she said.

It is my childhood home and its very painful for me, Goldenberg said.

Additional phases of the North County Corridor will extend the route between Highway 99 and a point east of Oakdale.

Public Works Director David Leamon told supervisors Tuesday the negotiations with the Bachs are not completed and nothing is off the table. If it involves moving the house, there are house movers, Leamon said.

Supervisor Buck Condit said there is room for resolving the matter. County officials did not comment on specifics of Blocks alternative proposals.

Block said Wednesday that the boards decision was to continue with the court process of obtaining his clients property. The owners are getting their own appraisal of the propertys value.

The county is sending the message We will talk to you but we have a bulldozer at your front door, Block said.

Victorina Bach said she will keep taking care of her ailing husband through the stresses of dealing with eminent domain. He wont go to a nursing home, she promised. There are too many memories in that home.
At least nine wounded in Russian shelling of Kherson - Kyiv

KYIV (Reuters) -Russian shelling wounded at least nine people in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson on Thursday as residents were being evacuated because of flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, Ukraine's interior ministry said.

The Prosecutor General's office initially said one person had been killed by the Russian shelling but later said no deaths had been reported.

In a statement on the Telegram messaging app, the interior ministry said the shelling had begun "precisely during the evacuation of citizens whose homes were flooded".

It reiterated accusations that Russia has abandoned people in territory it has occupied in the Kherson region, adding: "And it continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable - human lives."

The Prosecutor General's office said it had opened a war crimes investigation and that another four people had been wounded in a nearby village.

A Reuters reporter in Kherson said he could hear what appeared to be artillery fire. Russia, which began its full-scale invasion in February 2022, has denied targeting civilians though it has bombarded cities across Ukraine.

Kherson lies on the Dnipro, about 60 km (37 miles) downstream from the Kakhovka dam.

Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said earlier on Thursday that 68% of the flooded territory in the Kherson region was on the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River.

Russia has accused Ukrainian forces of shelling rescue workers in Russian-occupied parts of the Kherson region, and each side blames the other for the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station and dam on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
From one 'toxic hell' to another: Advice from cities where air quality is a familiar problem

NEW DELHI  Hazy skies, plummeting air quality and a cloud of health hazards: The pollution that residents of the northeastern U.S. can suddenly see and smell is all too familiar for many across Asia.

New Delhi often ranks as one of the worlds most polluted major cities, but has been overtaken by New York City this week as smoke from Canadian wildfires prompts health advisories and pushes its air quality to the worst in the world.

The orange haze hanging over some of Americas biggest cities is a reminder of the apocalypse that the Indian capital experiences every fall, said Bhavreen Kandhari, who has been a clean air campaigner for more than 20 years.

This is very much the image ... that weve seen each year, over the last couple of decades now, she told NBC News.

After a grim Thursday, NCR residents woke up to smog-filled surroundings even on Friday as AQI continued to show alarming numbers. (Sonu Mehta / Hindustan Times via Getty Images file)

Every year, farmers in states neighboring Delhi burn crop residue, sending smoke into the air and across the country.

South Asia was home to 44 of the worlds top 50 most polluted cities last year, most of them in India, according to the Swiss air quality technology company IQAir.

Kandhari said that though she sympathized with residents in New York and elsewhere, we really hope that the policymakers in the USA, who are in denial, feel the pain of the developing nations who choke each day in this toxic hell.

The worlds most polluted city last year was Lahore, Pakistan, IQAir says. In Bangladesh, whose capital, Dhaka, was the worlds second-most polluted city Thursday, air pollution is responsible for 20% of all premature deaths, according to a World Bank report this year.

Southeast Asia has also seen worryingly high levels of pollution this spring from forest and agricultural fires, endangering public health and threatening the crucial tourism industry in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

As many as 70% of the worlds 6.5 million annual air pollution-related deaths are in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the United Nations Environment Program.

New Delhi residents like Deepali Yadav, who says shes been dealing with this problem for years, say they have found ways to cope that could also help those suffering from pollution in the U.S.

The air quality index (AQI) in New York and elsewhere exceeded 400 Wednesday, well above the 100 that the Environmental Protection Agency considers a healthy limit.

They can try staying indoors and using purifiers, using masks and water sprinklers to settle the smoke a bit, said Yadav, an electronics engineer. Strenuous outdoor activities can wait for some time, if thats possible.

Shreya Bhattacharya, a textile designer, said people in New Delhi and elsewhere in northern India were wearing masks long before the Covid pandemic, especially heading into winter when AQI can exceed 700. She said they use humidifiers and air purifiers, especially while sleeping, and keep potted plants in the house during those months.

Breathing exercises and yoga have helped us greatly in maintaining lung capacity, she said.

Air Pollution In Delhi-NCR (Sanchit Khanna / Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Taking a shower or washing ones face, especially the eyes, with cold water helps remove the burning sensation from exposure to polluted air, she said.

We try to avoid stepping outside as much as possible and make sure to mask up whenever we do.

Both Bhattacharya and Yadav stressed the importance of making earth-conscious choices.

I try to walk or use public transport whenever possible, surround myself with air-purifying plants, burn less, reuse and repair more, use masks outdoors, eat healthy and live using sustainable and nature-friendly ways, Yadav said.

In Beijing, where AQI approached 1,000 during the airpocalypse of 2013, air pollution has improved dramatically but still flares up during annual sandstorms in March and April that partly originate in neighboring Mongolia. Experts say climate change is likely to make the naturally occurring sandstorms more severe.

When I was in middle school, I can remember many days when the weather was foggy and visibility was no more than 200 meters (220 yards), said Sam Li, 23, a Beijing native. My nose was full of dust, and I felt quite disgusting.

Almost every family she knew had an air purifier, she added. My high school also had air purifiers to protect students from air pollution.

Li said the most efficient way to prevent pollution from entering homes was to shut all the doors and windows.

If you have to go outside, you need to wear the professional PM2.5 mask, she said, referring to particulate matter that measures less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, like that produced by wildfires.

This year, the Chinese capital experienced its worst air pollution March 22, according to the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center. The AQI that day was 500, state media reported.

The sky was yellow and the pollution was bad, but not to the extent that it is in New York today, Jungle Jiang, a university student living in Beijing for six years, said via text message.

A woman commutes during a sandstorm on March 15, 2021 in Beijing. (Kevin Frayer / Getty Images)

Her advice for those affected by pollution in the U.S.: Please dont go outside, especially elderly people and children. Also, it would be great to park your cars inside because, if not, you would find your car was covered with dust later.

She added that people driving in low visibility should be especially careful to avoid accidents.

As is the case in South Asia, the U.S. pollution caused by the wildfires in Canada shows that air quality issues defy borders and require international policy solutions, Kandhari said.

A question that always comes to my mind is why the global summits should be called only in some fancy places and why not in the most polluted cities and countries so they can feel the choking that the children bear, and they dont have to showcase air pollution in self-made air pods, she said.

Its, like, feel it yourself, Kandhari added.

Ravi Mishra reported from New Delhi, Larissa Gao and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
OpenAI logo.



ChatGPT is great until its not.

On May 4, 2023, a journalist named Fredy Riehl prompted ChatGPT to provide a summary of a legal case Riehl was reporting on. ChatGPTs response claimed that the complaint alleged that Mark Walters had defrauded and embezzled funds from the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), a nonprofit organization that supports gun rights, according to a complaint from a recent lawsuit against OpenAI, filed with the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia. ChatGPT also generated content that said Walters had served as SAFs treasurer and chief financial officer, according to the lawsuit.

Riehl provided the tool with the correct link to the Washington State-based case of The Second Amendment Foundation v. Robert Ferguson. According to Riehls attorney, Riehl entered the following prompt into ChatGPT: Can you read this and in a bulleted list summarize the different accusations or complaint against the defendant.

Read more

Heres what ChatGPT spat out:

[I]s a legal complaint filed by Alan Gottlieb, the founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), against Mark Walters, who is accused of defrauding and embezzling funds from the SAF. The complaint alleges that Walters, who served as the organizations treasurer and chief financial officer, misappropriated funds for personal expenses without authorization or reimbursement, manipulated financial records and bank statements to conceal his activities, and failed to provide accurate and timely financial reports and disclosures to the SAFs leadership. The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief, including the recovery of misappropriated funds, damages for breach of fiduciary duty and fraud, and removal of Walters from his position as a member of the SAFs board of directors.

But the problem is none of it was true. Every statement of fact in the summary about Walters is false, according to the lawsuit against OpenAI. Mark Walters, who is a talk show host (and has never worked for SAF), was not named in the original complaint in Washington. By sending the allegations to Riehl, OAI published libelous matter regarding Walters, the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of being negligent in its communication to Riehl regarding Walters. It also states that OpenAI should have known that the information about Walters was false or that it recklessly disregarded the falsity of the communication, the complaint states.

So-called hallucinations are a big problem for generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The colorful term is used to describe situations in which they produce inaccurate information or fabricated contenta problem of which the tech industry is very aware. In a recent blog post, OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, wrote that it is working toward reducing hallucinations by training models to detect them via providing feedback based on the final result and for each individual step.

Walters libel case against OpenAI will be the first of many lawsuits filed against generative AI companies, according to legal experts. Theres no reason to think that this is just a weird one off, Eugene Volokh, a professor at the University of California School of Law, told Quartz.

But the question is, will plaintiffs be successful in suing generative AI companies for libel?

Will this case against OpenAI be successful?

US libel law distinguishes between public and private figures, and determining which category Walters, a talk show host with Armed American Radio, a pro-firearms national radio broadcast that airs on over 200 radio stations, fits into. If he is a public figure, then his attorneys will need to prove actual malice or intent to cause some kind of harm, and then prove that harm occurred. At this point, I dont know if he suffered any damages, Walters attorney

said to Quartz. If the court determines that he is a private figure, and there are no actual damages, Walters still needs to show that OpenAI knew the statement was false or knew that the statement was likely false but recklessly disregarded that knowledge, Volokh wrote.

OpenAI is aware that ChatGPT hallucinates, but thats not enough to hold the company liable on knowledge or recklessness to falsehood, Volokh told Quartz. OpenAI would likely need to know that this specific false statement was made about Walters, he said. I suspect in this case, that Walters is unlikely to prevail, Volokh said.

Are AI companies protected under Section 230?

Section 230, a provision of the 1996 Communications Decency Act in the US, provides immunity from libel cases to online services for content posted by their users. This has had a clear impact on website comments, which are largely not open to litigation involving the site itself. But does that apply to a company like OpenAI?

Section 230 says: No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider. So, for instance, Google search provides snippets of information from someone elses webpage, giving the tech company immunity from liability because it is just distributing another providers information.

The lawsuit raises the question of whether the content produced by ChatGPT is more akin to a search engine result than to original content. OpenAI and other AI companies are likely not protected under Section 230, Volokh argues in a forthcoming journal article, titled Large Libel Model: Liability for AI Output? regarding the Georgia case.

Recall that the AI programs output is composed by the programsit isnt merely quotations from existing sites (as with snippets of sites offered by search engines) or from existing user queries (as with some forms of autocomplete that recommend the next word or words by essentially quoting them from user-provided content), he writes. Though, he also acknowledges that generative AI tools, which are trained on a vast amount of information from the internetor the process of teaching an AI systemto generate new content, are in some measure derivative of material produced by others.

In this specific lawsuit, even if OpenAI is not immune under Section 230, that wont be enough for Walter to win given the weakness in other other parts of the case, Volokh said to Quartz. This is not unusual; in the US, libel, even for private figures, is hard to prove. That said, this likely wont be the last time we hear of Section 230 in the AI industry.

More from Quartz

Sign up for Quartz's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
For a man whose life has been marked by ceaseless public interest in his every move, Prince Harrys performance over the last few days has felt remarkably amateur. Expectations were perhaps unreasonably high. Harry is the first British royal in 130 years to give evidence in a London court, and his turn in the witness box was especially charged. Following years of heated rebuttals against the media attention  he might call it intrusion  that has dogged him from birth, Harry is accusing Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) of hacking his cell phone between 1996 and 2010, when he was in his teens and early 20s.

Holly Thomas - Holly Thomas

As is the case with so much of what he does, Harry has found himself in a position previously occupied by countless others but for which his life has offered him little practice and zero privacy. The general response has also been true to form: a hyper-focus on Harrys celebrity and perceived shortcomings. That predictable zeal has come at the expense of empathy.

The issue of phone hacking by Britains tabloid media is far more insidious than some coverage of Harrys testimony might suggest. On more than one occasion during the trial this week, Harry has avoided offering specific or in-depth answers to the opposing attorneys questions  and both media commentary and the general public have understandably homed in on his apparent inability at times to recall relevant details. The picture conjured is one of an inept, paranoid aristocrat making outlandish claims against an imagined aggressor. But Harry is just one of over 100 people suing MGN, which publishes the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People tabloids  and the group has caught heat for unlawful activity before.

In 2018, MGN settled a case with Hugh Grant after admitting that all three of its publications hacked the actors phone. In 2021, it settled phone hacking claims with other actors including Martin Clunes and David Walliams, and issued an apology. Regarding the current proceedings, MGN has said: Where historical wrongdoing has taken place, we have made admissions, take full responsibility and apologise unreservedly, but we will vigorously defend against allegations of wrongdoing where our journalists acted lawfully.

Whenever were tempted to act as judge and jury of Harrys disposition on the stand, its worth considering that all of this is just one element of wider historic corruption involving other publishers. The most notorious among these was News Corp., which is headed by Rupert Murdoch. In 2005, a story about Prince William published by the now-defunct News of the World (NOTW), which was owned by News Corp., prompted royal officials to complain to the police about potential phone hacking. In 2012, British police suspected that over 1,000 people had been victims of the practice by various outlets. The scandals darkest chapters included a 2011 investigation by the FBI into whether News Corp. hacked the phones of 9/11 victims and the revelation that News of the World journalists had hacked into the phone of murder victim Milly Dowler, causing her parents to believe she was still alive. (News Corp. ultimately paid millions to her family and their designated charities, and Murdoch apologized, saying I failed and acknowledging a cover-up.)

Even set against this backdrop, Harrys experience of the British media in the late 1990s and early 2000s was unusually egregious. As he has reiterated ad infinitum, he holds the paparazzi  and by extension, the British tabloid press  responsible for the death of his mother, Princess Diana. However the stories written about Harry in the wake of that loss were obtained, many were undeniably invasive, and in some cases, remarkably cruel. His 16th birthday party, a private lunch, wound up in the papers. Fights and travel plans shared with his then-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, were reported in assiduous detail. When the pair broke up in 2007, a Sunday Mirror headline read Hooray Harrys Dumped. And when as a younger boy Harry struggled academically at Eton, he was framed as a thicko and a cheat.

As Harry noted in his witness statement this week, that appraisal in particular has cast a shadow over his whole life. Less than two months ago, the author of a satirical version of Harrys memoir reflected that it was easy to mock Harry, because hes a bit stupid. In the last few days, social media has been awash with references to dumb Prince Harry. Its become so habitual for the press and public to take such statements at face value that they rarely seem to consider their validity. Are the exam results of a boy whod recently lost his mother under incredibly traumatic circumstances likely to be representative of his intelligence? As Harry noted in his memoir, he spent much of his time at school unable to sit still to read, because quieting his mind enough to concentrate on schoolwork allowed space for unbearable grief. Terrified of this, he did all he could to suppress his memory altogether  a reasonable coping mechanism, but not useful for acing tests.

Removing Harry from the equation, its strange that weve so readily accepted intelligence as indicative of a persons worth. Stripped to essentials, cleverness is as superficial as beauty or inherited wealth. Most of us can now recognize how problematic it is to judge people based on their looks, or how rich their family is. Why should someones IQ, a quality thats equally incidental to goodness, carry any more weight?

So much of Harrys life and experience is unrelatable and apparently contradictory. He loathes the press, but hes obsessed with it. He wants privacy, but he makes documentaries about himself. His down-to-earth third date with his now-wife was a safari in Botswana. But no matter how hypocritical he may or may not have been, he  like everyone else who brings a claim to court  deserves justice. Disparaging Harry may have become second nature to many, but its a reflex that fortifies harmful stereotypes and diminishes the often somber issues at hand. All of us have fallen short at a critical moment. But none of us is ever likely to be judged as exhaustively  or as loudly  as Prince Harry.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The new state budget includes a victory for opponents of Marvin Nichols Reservoir, the proposed 66,000-acre impoundment in northeast Texas that would provide water to the Metroplex.

After extensive advocacy against the project by Preserve Northeast Texas, a campaign formed in 2021, the budget will include a provision that requires the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a feasibility study by 2025. It would also give opponents, including conservationists, ranchers, farmers and timber processors, more opportunity to state their case.

The study would analyze a timeline, costs, land acquisition considerations and the economic impact of the project along Sulpher River.





About two miles of the Sulphur River runs through Jim Marshalls property in northeast Texas. The Marvin Nichols Reservoir project would dam up the Sulfur River, an action that Marshall and other Cuthand residents fiercely oppose.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar certified the 2024-25 state budget on Wednesday; the $321.3 billion appropriations bill now heads to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk.

The Marvin Nichols Reservoir project would flood thousands of acres of bottomland hardwood forest in Cuthand, 30 miles southeast of Paris and about 150 miles from the Metroplex.

Since 2000, the water region that includes DFW and the one that would include Marvin Nichols have fought over the necessity of the reservoir and when it would be built. The states 2021 water plan pushed up the projects anticipated completion date by 20 years, from 2070 to 2050, galvanizing the latest campaign against the project.

Wood is cut in the process of making planks Oct. 19, 2022, at Ward Timber in Linden. Production at the mill would be heavily impacted if bottomland woods are flooded for the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project.

In testimony, which referenced and distributed Star-Telegram reporting in February about the proposed reservoir, opponents of the project explained its not the only option for satisfying DFWs future water needs.

If this $5 billion project were the only way for the people of DFW to get water theyre going to need, that would be one thing. But, fortunately, that isnt the case, Janice Bezanson of Texas Conservation Alliance said in her testimony before the Texas House Natural Resources Committee in March.

In February, Abbott commented on the project and told CBS 19 in Tyler that all avenues should be explored before taking peoples lands or flooding property thats been around for literally centuries.

Cows graze on land in northeast Texas that would be flooded if the 66,000 acre Marvin Nichols Reservoir project is approved.
Orange County looking for input on how to make parks more inclusive

Orange County is looking for community input on how it can make its parks more inclusive.

The county is hosting two public meetings this summer to workshop with families with children or adults who have special needs or disabilities to provide input on amenities and park design.

The Inclusive Park Facilities Open House meetings will be held:

Wednesday, June 21, 6-7:30 p.m. - Renaissance Senior Center - Naples Room, 3800 South Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando

Tuesday, July 25, 6-7:30 p.m. - Barnett Park - Dolphin Room, 4801 West Colonial Drive, Orlando

Read: Wheelchair lift increases accessibility to Lake Eola swan boats

For more information, email parks@ocfl.net.

Help improve access to parks for all residents! On Wed. 6/21, 6-7:30pm, at #RenaissanceSeniorCenter Naples Room, join @OrangeCoParksFL staff for 1 of 2 open house-style meetings on Inclusive Parks.



Details: https://t.co/oxfsBgTQsk@OCFLMayor @OCFLDistrict4 @Comm_Bonilla pic.twitter.com/bUoz83hY2O  Orange County Parks and Recreation (@OrangeCoParksFL) June 7, 2023

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.
Democratic lawmakers on Monday held a rally to stop the sabotage inflicted by Republican senators.

On May 3, Oregon state Senate Republicans walked out of the Capitol and havent returned since, marking the longest walkout by lawmakers in the states prolific history of this happening. With the legislative session set to end in about two weeks, on June 25, Democrats fear hundreds of bills will be stalled until the next session. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans who have walked out have gotten so comfortable with their exiled state that theyve convened a shadow government of sorts.



As local Oregon outlet OPB put it, Republicans on Thursday convened an unofficial legislative committee solely to solicit and investigate complaints about alleged state Democratic Party corruption. When they opened the committee to public comment, OPB notes that every person who testified instead scolded the GOP over the walkout.

Read more

And what, exactly, has prompted Republican legislators to decline to do their jobs for over a month now? That would be HB 2002a bill to protect minors right to abortion care without parental consent and to expand the gender-affirming care procedures that insurance companies are required to cover. The expansive bill centered around bodily autonomy and health care would also shield abortion providers in Oregon from punishment or retaliation from other state governments for offering abortion care to out-of-state patients. This, state Sen. Elizabeth Steiner (D), chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and a family physician, told Jezebel, is essential to protect the many health care providers who are licensed in both Oregon and Idaho, where abortion is banned and providers can face prison-time.

Steiner, who says she [wears] both hats as a lawmaker and doctor, claims Republican critiques of the bill are mere political theater, as HB2002 only clarifies rights that already exist. As a physician, she notes that the majority of minors consult with their parents or guardians when seeking abortion care, and those who dont usually cant: That includes abuse victims who may have been raped by a family member, or who may be homeless or abandoned. She says the walkout over HB2002 is about Republicans wanting to undermine the outcome of the 2022 election, not accepting election results, not engaging in their constitutional obligation to show up and do their job.

This years legislative session now hangs in the balance, because Senate Republicans insist that the government regard minors as their parents propertyeven as physicians and advocates have testified that abortion rights for minors are especially important for child sexual abuse victims. A pregnant 12-year-old is by definition a child sexual abuse victim.

A protest sign at the Oregon Capitol calls on Republican lawmakers to do your job.

The current walkout is part of a storied history of Republican walkouts in Oregon, which also took place in 2019, 2020, and 2021 over government funding and redistricting disputes. In 2019, when Republicans walked out over a bill to offer K-12 schools $2 billion in funding, then-Gov. Kate Brown (D) attempted to bring Republicans back to the Capitol by sending out state troopers to collect them. This effort was ultimately unsuccessful because Republican legislators fled the state to avoid being rounded up.



This time around, Democratic leaders in the legislature have opted to impose $325 fines for each day Republican senators refuse to return to the Capitolbut this has proven unsuccessful, too. Gov. Tina Kotek (D), who won a tough race last November while emphasizing her strong support for abortion rights, has thus far deferred to legislators in both parties to work out their differences and shut down the idea of sending out state troopers again.

While Oregon may seem like a liberal state, Republicans there actually have quite a track record of extremism. In January 2021, the Oregon GOP famously pushed the conspiracy theory that the Jan. 6 insurrection was a false flag. The state party has since continued to accept tens of thousands in donations from donors linked with far-right groups behind the insurrection.

Steiner notes that Republicans are now using the latest abortion bill as a pretext to deny their constituents funding for education, roads, bridges, and infrastructure, solely because they wish to undermine democracy. She points to a successful ballot measure from last year that disqualifies legislators from reelection if theyre absent from 10 legislative floor sessions without permission or excuse. Due to the walkout, 10 out of 13 Senate Republicans are now disqualified from reelection.

Democratic lawmakers and party leadership are standing firmly behind HB2002, insisting that the stakes around abortion and trans rights are too high. With abortion banned in Idaho, where minors are prohibited from even traveling out-of-state for care, its especially urgent that Oregon lawmakers expand abortion access in the state. Some Oregon Democrats even attribute their victories last November to abortion rights, which Steiner says would render compromise on the issue a disservice to voters.

Instead of compromising on HB2002, Democratic leadership including Kotek, Senate President Rob Wagner, and House Speaker Dan Rayfield have all expressed determination to pass it in 2024. Ultimately, while Steiner says she doesnt have a clear position on whether there could be word-smithing to the bill to move forward, the fundamental principles of HB2002 cannot be modified.

More from Jezebel

Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
As smoke from wildfires in Canada blankets the northeastern U.S., experts discuss air quality alert safety.

Were you hoping to finally be outside this week? You may still be able to get outdoors.

As smoke from Canadian wildfires wafting south leads to record-breaking poor air quality alerts throughout the northeastern U.S., experts are weighing in on how safe it is to still be outside. Whether continuing with regular activities such as commuting to work, exercising, or gardening is advised depends on a handful of factors, including the air quality level.

According to the Washington Post, air quality alerts range from orange (moderate or considered unhealthy for sensitive groups) to red (unhealthy), purple (very unhealthy), and maroon (hazardous). Below we break down what it all means and what is still safe to do outside.

People play basketball in Brooklyn Bridge Park as the Lower Manhattan skyline is obscured by hazy skies on June 7, 2023, in New York City. Smoke and haze from large forest fires in Canada have covered the New York City region, blocking out sunlight and pushing the air quality index to hazardous levels. (Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images)

So, can you go outside?

If your area is experiencing an alert, it may be best to take the vibe inside. Dr. Wynne Armand, a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate director of the MGH Center for the Environment and Health, told NBC that smoke from wildfires can make breathing hard for anyone, but especially young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions.

What about exercise?

When your area is classified as an orange zone, experts, as reported by the Washington Post, generally agree that you can continue with regular outdoor activities, including exercise, if you dont belong to any of the high-risk groups. However, its understandable if you choose to skip your run or shorten it due to the current conditions. Michael Koehle, director of the Environmental Physiology Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, told the Washington Post that he advises aiming for about 30 minutes of exercise during this time. In the event that the air quality reaches the red zone, avoid engaging in long workouts outdoors. Koehle suggests moving your exercise routine inside entirely.

Should you wear a mask?

Dr. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at St. Josephs Health, told CBS he recommends wearing a mask if you must venture outside during an air quality alert. Even though he said N95 masks are the best type to wear, just about anything will be better than nothing, even a scarf. Put a scarf over your nose and mouth so that the particulate matter does not go into your lungs, Lahita said.

What time of day is best for being outside?

Not only do you have an excuse to shorten that run, but you also have an excuse to go later in the day. You may notice the air quality level is extremely high first thing in the morning, lowers by the afternoon, and starts rising again in the evening. Koehle told the Washington Post you should avoid outdoor activities before dawn and late at night because the smoke is closest to the Earth then.

How long will this last?

New Yorkers may be experiencing some relief Thursday, and the Washington, D.C., region through Baltimore may begin to see the clouds lift Friday, per the New York Times. Be advised, however, that the weather pattern may not fully break until Sunday. Before venturing outdoors, check your weather apps for real-time air quality updates. The outlet also notes that this is only the beginning of wildfire season in North America, so keep this advice top of mind.

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

The post Can you be outside during an air quality alert? appeared first on TheGrio.
Paris Hilton's baby boy, Phoenix, looks like he's going to be a big fan of hers.

On June 7, Hilton, 42, shared two photos of her husband, Carter Reum, holding their son, Phoenix, while they watch her get ready for a show that night.

"Baby Phoenix watching me rehearse Stars Are Blind for my big show tonight.   ," Hilton captioned the snap.

In the photos, Phoenix wears a pair of bedazzled blue headphones over his ears

Kim Petras, who recently collaborated with Hilton on a new version of "Stars Are Blind," shared a pink heart emoji in the comments and Hilton shared two back.

On Mother's Day, Hilton opened up about being a mom to baby Phoenix and said it's "the most incredible experience" she's ever had."Its a love that cannot be put into words, a feeling that I never knew existed until I held my little prince in my arms," she wrote in the caption. "Watching him grow and learn every single day brings me so much happiness and fills my heart with so much love. There is something so special about being a mom, something that I never fully understood until I became one myself."

The "Nothing in This World" singer then told her fans to "cherish every moment" with their kids because those moments will "shape your child into the amazing person they are meant to be."

"As for me, I am so lucky to be a mom to my baby boy, and I promise to love and cherish him forever," she continued. "He is my world, my reason for waking up every morning, and the light that shines so bright in my life. Happy Mothers Day to all the incredible moms out there, you are all true superheroes!"

The Wallis Delivers: Al Fresco Night Presented By The Wallis Annenberg Center For The Performing Arts - Arrivals (Amy Sussman / Getty Images)

In January, Hilton announced that she and Reum had welcomed Phoenix, their first child together.

She shared a photo on Instagram of her well-manicured hand holding her babys hand and captioned it, "You are already loved beyond words."

Hilton and Reum welcomed their baby boy with the help of a surrogate.

Its always been my dream to be a mother and Im so happy that Carter and I found each other, she told People in January. We are so excited to start our family together and our hearts are exploding with love for our baby boy."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Since being launched in 2007, Paris public Velib rental bikes have proven a hit with tourists and locals as a trouble-free way to get around the French capital, especially in summer when Metro trains are hot and crowded.

This year, however, the popular bikes have unwittingly become embroiled in a controversy with its roots in a fierce debate raging at the heart of French, and European, society.

In recent weeks, activists have turned some Velib cycles into billboards featuring unexpected messages from a guerrilla advertising campaign opposing abortion rights.

The campaign has sparked outrage, with politicians and womens rights groups condemning the move.

Stickers first began appearing in May, when Parisians and tourists woke up to find neighborhood public bikes covered in decals showing a fetus growing into a happy-looking boy riding a bike with this slogan: And if you had let him live?

The decals prompted backlash from government officials with Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo calling them unacceptable and illegal. Frances minister for gender equality, Isabelle Rome, vowed the country wouldnt let anyone undermine abortion rights.

The guerrilla campaign is the work of a group called Les Survivants, according to a statement posted on its website after the stickers began appearing. The group says its name refers to people born post-1975 who survived the threat of abortion, which was legalized in France that year.

It was, the group said in a statement issued May 24, a response to efforts to make abortion a constitutional right in France.

At a time when a proposed law aims to enshrine abortion in the constitution, The Survivors have decided to act on behalf of all those we miss, the statement said. We will not tolerate a dichotomous supreme standard in which abortion becomes a fundamental right, like the right to life.

Suzy Rotjman, a spokesperson for the French National Collective for Womens Rights said the campaign demonstrated an urgent need for France to secure abortion laws.

The people who put up these stickers would be overjoyed to revisit abortion rights, Rotjman, a feminist campaigner since 1974, told CNN.

We are worried, we are wary because we know this right could always be challenged and the United States has proven this, Rotjman said.

The US Supreme Courts 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade, a ruling that made abortion a federal constitutional right, sent shockwaves across French society. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with the women whose liberties are being undermined by the Supreme Court of the United States.

In the following months, the French government moved to introduce a bill that would inscribe abortion rights into the constitution. The proposal has stalled after lawmakers in the lower house and upper house disagreed on wording.

Representatives in the National Assembly, where Macrons party is the biggest force, voted for a bill that would list abortion as a right in the constitution while the conservative-dominated French Senate only agreed to listing abortion as a freedom. In French legal context, a right is protected by the government in a more active manner than a freedom.

The assembly standoff comes amid prominent opposition to abortion in some of Frances neighbors  most notably Italy, a country with strong Roman Catholic traditions.

Calls for justice

Italys Minister of Family, Eugenia Roccella, voiced her opposition to extending the use of Mifepristone, a common abortion pill, in an interview in 2022 with Italian newspaper Quotidiano Nazionale, calling it home abortion abolishing conscientious objection and the legal obligation.

Nearly 70% of doctors in Italy refuse to carry out abortion on the grounds of conscientious objection leading to extreme difficulties for many women to get one, as CNN has previously reported.

In Spain, the center-right Peoples party and far-right Vox party have been challenging the countrys abortion law, in effect since 2010. There have been similar moves elsewhere in Europe, with Poland and Hungary curtailing abortion access.

Meanwhile, Velib, the company which runs the public bike system in Paris, says it is unhappy to see its two-wheeled charges being drafted into the debate.

It called the sticker campaign uncivilized and said it may have confused the general public. It said it has begun legal action against the anti-abortion group.

Its shocking that some people ignore all advertising regulations, Velib President Sylvain Raifaud said in a statement, adding that perpetrators must be brought to justice.

CNN has reached out to The Survivors for comments on the the legal action and whether it plans to continue carrying out similar campaigns in the future.

Raifaud also vowed to return the bikes to their original status as quickly as possible. Velib has yet to confirm how many bikes are impacted and when they will be restored.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Parts of the Miami Valley now in a drought; How this could impact local farmers, crops

Parts of the Miami Valley have officially entered a drought, and the areas not under those drought conditions have been abnormally dry this entire month.

News Center 7s Kayla McDermott talked with a Greene County farmer about how the dry weather could impact what we all pay at the grocery store in the coming months.

A sixth-generation farmer, Craig Corry, is facing a huge fear a drought.

>> First-ever statewide Air Quality Advisory extended through today as Canadian wildfire smoke lingers

It takes about 22 inches of precipitation through the growing season to make a good crop in Ohio and with May bringing less than two inches thats not a good start, Corry said.

Corry manages hundreds of acres of crops.

Some produce is already suffering from the lack of rain.

Crops are so desperate for water, the small shower this week gave the plants a boost.

They will survive a long time without moisture but they sort of need water to grow properly, Corry said.

If the dry spell continues, we would see prices go up at the grocery store.

The drought maps and soil moisture maps for the Midwest - some of those are starting to show brown and tan areas, Corry said. And long-term drought in that area really impacts market prices for everybody.

To prevent that, he is hopeful the weather forecasted for the weekend brings another round of much-needed rain.

We have no control over the weather we just do the best to manage the things that we can manage and the rest is up to Mother Nature, he said.

Corry said to help the crops grow it would be ideal to have one inch of rain a week from now through the summer.
Pat Robertson, the quintessential televangelist who died Thursday at 93, fused media, religion and politics into a potent force during a time when American political parties realigned.

He gave religious conservatives a powerful broadcasting platform, pushed Christians toward the Republican Party and spoke out against gay rights, feminism, abortion rights and anything else he thought might be likely to draw Gods wrath.

In natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and terrorist attacks like 9/11, Robertson saw punishment for moral decline.

Along with fellow conservative Christians like Jerry Falwell, Robertson defined a brand of morals-focused religious conservatism that became part of the identity of the Republican Party until the bombastic divorcee Donald Trump took over.

He certainly represents a very critical era in modern politics, Robert Jones, the author of the 2016 book The End of White Christian America and the founder of the Public Religion Research Institute, told me in a phone interview.

Robertsons legacy includes the melding of that religious world with the Republican Party, Jones said.

Flight from Democrats

Born the son of a Democratic senator from Virginia, Robertson became a force in the GOP, helping to elect Republican presidents like Ronald Reagan.

His father, Sen. Absalom Willis Robertson, was among Democrats who stood firmly against civil rights legislation in the 1960s, when socially conservative Democrats, who controlled much of the South, were not uncommon.

Pat Robertson was part of what I think you could honestly call the great White flight from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, Jones said, adding that the consolidation of White Christians into the GOP occurred in the 1980s, when Robertson was most powerful. He acted as a key architect of building that road that led so many conservative White evangelicals out of the Democratic Party after the civil rights era.

A power base that took decades to build

In 1966, the same year his father lost a Democratic Senate primary after opposing the Civil Rights Act, Pat Robertson created The 700 Club television program on his nascent Christian Broadcasting Network.

The network was founded in a local UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia, and supported by telethons rather than commercial advertisements. The 700 Club initially referred to contributors Robertson said could keep the network afloat with $10 monthly donations.

Now the network and show are available just about everywhere, on cable and broadcast television and online, and the donations helped Robertson build a media empire and found the religious Regent University in Virginia Beach.

An unsuccessful presidential campaign

Robertsons personal political career was not as successful. He left his ministry in 1987 to run for president in the 1988 Republican presidential primary, challenging the ultimate nominee, Vice President George H.W. Bush.

He announced the campaign in Brooklyn, New York, and hecklers  in video you can watch on C-SPAN  shouted through the entire event as Robertson said one of his top concerns was the breakup of the American family. He pledged to cut down on divorces and teach more American kids to read.

The idea was that a network of millions of evangelical supporters around the country would help drive support and fundraising for his campaign.

It couldnt get Robertson all the way, however. He placed second in the Iowa caucuses that year, above the eventual nominee Bush, but behind Sen. Robert Dole. According to a New York Times report on the end of his campaign, Robertson was unable to make his committed Christian following cross over into the mainstream; he won a number of delegates, but not nearly enough to have an impact at the Republican convention that year.

Ending his own candidacy hardly ended his influence. He went back to preaching every morning on The 700 Club and founded the Christian Coalition of America in 1989, built around what it saw as family values and which claimed some credit for the so-called Republican Revolution that put the GOP in charge of the House of Representatives for the first time in decades after the 1994 midterm election.

Trading family values for Trumps results

Robertson ultimately backed Trump for president in 2016. After the vulgar Access Hollywood tape was leaked in October of that year, Robertson stayed with Trump, dismissing it as macho talk.

Jones sees 2016 as a key moment, as evangelicals essentially abandoned high moral ground in exchange for Trump.

Earlier incarnations of the Christian right movement marched under the banner of family values, Jones said. Thats not a brand that fits very well with a Trump candidate.

Rather, the turn toward Trump  who still has the support of most White evangelical Republican voters in polling  suggested something new for Robertson and religious conservative voters.

At the end of the day, and later in his life, it was politics, ultimately, and not theology that drove his support, Jones said.

The country is diversifying. The GOP is not

Citing data from PRRI surveys, Jones said there is a paradox in the power of religious conservative voters.

Even if we rewind just back to the early 2000s, White evangelicals made up about a quarter of the country. That number in our latest data is down to 13.6%. So theyre shrinking.

But in part because of the activist legacy of Robertson and others, Jones said, This group still registers to vote and turns out to vote at rates higher than most other Americans.

Jones notes that while the US as a whole is becoming more diverse, about 7 in 10 Republicans are White and Christian, and about a third of the GOP is White evangelical.

That trajectory that Robertson and early Christian right activists set in the early 80s, you can still see their fingerprints on the Republican Party today, he said.

Perhaps the most Robertson-like candidate currently in the GOP primary race would be Mike Pence, the former vice president chosen as Trumps running mate in 2016 in part because of his appeal to evangelical voters.

Other Republicans who specifically tried to appeal to evangelical voters have encountered a ceiling. Candidates like former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in more recent elections have, like Robertson, found some success in Iowa during its early caucuses where White evangelicals make up a majority of participants, but failed to catch on with Republican voters nationwide.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Pat Robertson, who made Christian right a political force, dead at 93

Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, has died at the age of 93 (WIN MCNAMEE)

Pat Robertson, the soft-spoken televangelist who helped make America's Christians a powerful political force while demonizing liberals, feminists and gays as sinners, died Thursday at the age of 93, his organization announced.

The longtime host of "The 700 Club" on his huge Christian Broadcasting Network and one-time presidential candidate died at his home in Virginia Beach, according to a network statement.

Robertson promoted "a worldview that believes in the inerrancy of the Bible," CBN said.

"Today, his influence and legacy crisscross interests and industries that have broken barriers for countless Christian leaders and laypeople."

Broadcasting "The 700 Club" daily since 1966, the avuncular Robertson promoted a literal belief in "end of times" prophecies of the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel that forecast the destruction of the world to become a Christian paradise.

In practice, he advocated for an extremely conservative Christianity focused on "traditional" families and a country founded on the Bible, rejecting the longstanding US principle of separation of church and state.

He defined the world as riven by an epochal fight between Islam and Christianity, and meanwhile spearheaded US Christian support for Israel as the land of the "chosen" Jewish people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once called Robertson "a tremendous friend of Israel and a tremendous friend of mine."

But he also drew loathing from progressives with his condemnations of feminism and LQBTQ culture as destroying America.

His powerful support in 2016 for Donald Trump -- arguably helping seal Trump's presidential victory -- further widened the cultural chasm dividing the country.

- Marine, lawyer, minister -

Robertson was born on March 22, 1930 in Lexington, Virginia, son of a conservative Democratic member of the US House of Representatives and then the Senate for 34 years.

After graduating from Virginia's Washington and Lee University, in 1948 he joined the US Marines, serving in Korea.

He then graduated from Yale Law School, was ordained a Baptist minister, and in short order launched in 1961 what became the massive CBN empire from a small television station in Tidewater Virginia.

After CBN's early financial struggles, he named "The 700 Club" for an early core of 70 supporters who pledged $10 each month.

The program mixed news, spiritual and lifestyle stories along with interviews of public figures, and became a hit especially in rural communities across the country.

That made it a mainstream stop for political candidates courting Christian voters: guests included Republican Ronald Reagan and Democrat Jimmy Carter.

Robertson expanded into other media business, launching what became the popular, conservative "Family Channel" on cable television, and the influential Christian-based Regent University in Virginia Beach.

- Push into politics -

In 1987, he launched the Christian Coalition, seeking to bring together different Christian denominations as a force for the conservative values he espoused.

Ever since, the organization has been at the forefront of the US culture wars, pressuring Congress and the White House on moral and religious issues such as abortion and the separation of church and state.

In 1990, he launched the American Center for Law and Justice, a legal lobby to advance Christian religious rights against secularism in the courts.

Robertson himself sought political office, running unsuccessfully in the Republican presidential primary in 1988.

But what he built had a lasting impact: a conservative Christian voter bloc instrumental in bringing Trump to power and still exercising enormous influence over the Republican Party.

"He shattered the stained glass window," TD Jakes, a Dallas pastor said in CBN's statement. "People of faith were taken seriously beyond the church house and into the White House."

- Controversies -

But there were controversies along the way.

He courted Democratic Republic of the Congo dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, hoping to convert their countries to Christian states where gay people were banned -- while investing in diamond mining in a deal with Mobutu.

In 2001, as America reeled from the September 11 attacks, Robertson endorsed the view that tolerance for lesbians, gays and doctors carrying out abortions had drawn God's wrath on the country.

In 2005, he called for the United States to assassinate then Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. "It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war," he quipped on "The 700 Club."

And last year, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "compelled by God" to attack Ukraine, because it was predicted in the Book of Ezekiel as a step toward the end of times.

Washington's political establishment was remarkably quiet Thursday in response to Robertson's death.

Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, said Robertson "touched so many lives and changed so many hearts."

"He stood for America -- and more importantly, for truth and faith," she said.

But on the left, there was little sympathy.

"Robertson's death doesn't mean we must overlook his long record of extremist rhetoric," wrote Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

"Robertson spent most of his time spreading hate, conspiracy theories and lies," he said.

pmh/sst
Pedro Pascal is sharing his immigrant story and how he almost didnt get a chance to become an actor.

The Last of Us star recalled on the Smartless podcast this week what his parents did to survive the military dictatorship in Chile, where he was born, and flee to the U.S.

Pascal was born in Santiago in 1975. He reportedly described his parents as young, liberal college students, dangerous characteristics during the reign of Augusto Pinochet, who ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990.

Pascal told podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett that his parents werent revolutionaries by any stretch of the imagination. But being a Chilean centrist at the height of social and political unrest was impossible, and his father, a doctor, had to make a choice.

Pascal was 4 months old when a gunshot victim was brought to his home so his father could tend to the wound. His parents decided to hide the person for a while, he said.

The person who brought the gunshot victim to his house was taken into custody and tortured  and gave names, Pascal said. He previously told Time that his mothers cousin was very involved in anti-Pinochet activities.

Pascal was 4 months old when his parents decided to help an anti-Pinochet gunshot victim.

Pascal was 4 months old when his parents decided to help an anti-Pinochet gunshot victim.

They came looking for my parents, and so then my parents had to go into hiding for about six months, said Pascal, per CNN. His parents eventually climbed the Venezuelan embassy walls to demand asylum.

And it worked, he continued.

Pinochet, who famously disappeared those who opposed him, was facing murder, torture and kidnapping charges when he died in 2006. His government tortured over 23,000 people, according to The National Commission on Political Imprisonment and Torture.

Pascal also told his immigration story in his Saturday Night Live monologue in February.

I was born in Chile and nine months later my parents fled Pinochet and brought me and my sister to the U.S., he said on the show. They were so brave, and without them I wouldnt be here in this wonderful country. And I certainly wouldnt be standing here with you all tonight.

Pascal and his sister were sent to Denmark before being allowed to enter the U.S. The Game of Thrones star he and his sister were raised in America, while his little brothers grew up in Chile after his parents moved back to the country in 1995.

So to all my family in Chile, I just want to say I love you, I miss you, and stop giving out my personal information, he said on SNL in Spanish.

Related...
Mike Pence says he wants to see an armed guard in every public school in America to try and prevent mass shootings rather than gun control measures.

The former vice president told a CNN town hall that he believed there should be more gun-carrying security guards in American schools capable of taking down shooters.

We ought to fund an armed and trained security guard at every public school in America and we ought to do it now, he told host Dana Bash.

Bash pointed out that heavily-armed police had not prevented the massacre in Uvalde, Texas, in which 19 students and two teachers were murdered.

That is why I always say trained and armed .... they have got to be trained. If it takes federal funding lets do it, said Mr Pence.

I just think we ought to end the conversation and Washington DC should stand up and provide the funding for a trained armed guard that can be part of the school community.

Pence calls for armed guns at every public and private school in the country. When Dana Bash points out that hasn't worked in the recent past, Pence just doubles down. pic.twitter.com/zQbgbR41DD  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 8, 2023

Mr Pence was also asked to justify his belief in expediting the death penalty for mass shooters, most of whom are killed or intend to die during the violence.

I follow these stories as closely as you do and of course our years in the White House we saw one tragedy after another and we see evidence in the aftermath that they went in without regard to whether they would survive, but I just believe in the deterrent of the law, he said.

Wow, Dana Bash completely stumped Pence with her point about gun violence here. He had absolutely no response other than filibustering. pic.twitter.com/pRba4lbMfl  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 8, 2023

I believe that if perhaps we made it clear ... the Parkland shooter in Florida is going to spend the rest of his life in jail, that is not justice.

Mr Pence told the town hall that his heart breaks for Chicago, where his parents grew up, and the gun violence that has impacted the city.

We need to get serious and tough on violent crime and give our cities and states resources to restore law and order to our streets, he said.

Bash then had a surprising statistic for the former governor of Indiana.

I just want to say, because Ive heard other people talk about Chicago, just for the record, the ATF data shows that more than half of the recovered guns used to commit crimes in Illinois in 2021, do you know where they came from? Indiana, she told him.
Mike Pence Announces Run For The Presidency In Iowa - Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Ex-Vice President Mike Pence is diving head first into his campaign to defeat his former boss Donald Trump in the race for the 2024 Republican nomination. Hours after delivering a speech in Iowa announcing the launch of his campaign, Pence appeared on CNN for a televised town hall event.

Trump, who participated in his own  much more chaotic  CNN town hall in April, loomed large over Pences discussion with host Dana Bash.

More from Rolling Stone

During the town hall, Pence criticized the Department of Justice, which has indicated it is preparing to bring an indictment against Trump stemming from their investigation into his unauthorized retention of classified documents.

I dont know the facts of Trumps case, Pence told Bash, later adding that he felt this kind of action by the Department of Justice, I think, would only fuel further division in the country, and let me also say, I think it would also send a terrible message to the wider world, Pence said, I hope the DOJ thinks better of it and resolves these issues without an indictment.

Sir, I just want to clarify what you're saying is if they believe he committed a crime, they should not go forward with an indictment? You just talked before about committing to the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/8tk5XBZOxe  Acyn (@Acyn) June 8, 2023

Sir, I just want to clarify what youre saying is if they believe he committed a crime, they should not go forward with an indictment? You just talked before about committing to the rule of law, Bash asked.

Pence replied that he would just hope that there would be a way for them to move forward without the dramatic and drastic and divisive step of indicting a former President of the United States. Weve got to find a way to move our country forward and restore confidence in equal treatment under the law in this country. We really do.

Despite declaring that he had no interest in pardoning rioters who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, Pence deflected when asked if he would pardon Trump, who is currently facing a criminal case and a slew of potential indictments, should he assume the presidency.

I dont want to speak about hypotheticals, Pence told the host. Im not sure Im going to be elected President of the United States. But I believe we have a fighting chance. I really believe we do.

When Bash pressured Pence for an answer, he responded that hed rather look to the real issues American people are facing. Rather than talking about that, I want to talk about what the people in Iowa are talking about, which is the failed policies of the Biden administration.

Pence refuses to ruling out pardoning Trump if he's elected POTUS pic.twitter.com/dbsHlZcV5i  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 8, 2023

Pences hesitance to condemn the actions of the former president  and unequivocally state that the man who sicced a murderous mob on him  should not be allowed to reassume office has already become a sticking point in his candidacy. Despite declaring in his campaign announcement that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States, Pence said in an interview with Fox News later that afternoon that regardless of the outcome of the primaries, he would support the Republican nominee in the general election.

Pence repeatedly reiterated to Bash that he felt it was time to get tough on crime and get a lot more serious about serious offenders. But with every statement Pence makes about the former president, it becomes clear that the former VP still sees Trump as the exception to his rules.

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Pence knocks Trump over Putin praise: I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal

Former Vice President Mike Pence took aim late Wednesday at former President Trump for calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a genius shortly after the invasion of Ukraine last year.

When Vladimir Putin rolled into Ukraine, the former president called him a genius, Pence said during his CNN town hall. I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal, and I know who needs to win in the war in Ukraine, and its the people fighting for their freedom and fighting to restore their national sovereignty in Ukraine.

And America, its not our war, but freedom is our fight, and we need to give the people of Ukraine the ability to fight and defend their territory, Pence added.

Trump said that Putin was a genius in February 2022 for recognizing two breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine before Russias invasion of Ukraine.

I went in yesterday, and there was a television screen, and I said, This is genius, Trump said at the time on a radio show. Putin declares a big portion of the Ukraine  of Ukraine  Putin declares it as independent. Oh, thats wonderful.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Pences latest remarks stood in stark contrast to Trump, who declined to answer when asked during his controversial town hall last month who should win the war. Trump has also claimed that if he were president, he could solve the war in 24 hours.

Pence late Wednesday warned that even if Putin conquered Ukraine, he would not stop there.

Anybody that thinks Vladimir Putin will stop if he overruns Ukraine has what we say back in Indiana another thing coming. He has no intention of stopping, he said. Hes made it clear that he wants to recreate that old Soviet sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday night (7 June) that he supports US aid to Ukraine and criticised former President Donald Trump for his praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Source: Pence, responding to CNN viewers, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "I know that some in this debate have called the war in Ukraine a territorial dispute. It's not, it was a Russian invasion, an unprovoked Russian invasion. And I believe the United States of America needs to continue to provide the courageous soldiers in Ukraine with the resources they need to repel that Russian invasion and restore their territorial integrity," he said, answering a question from Michael Banks, a Republican voter.

Details: Pence's remarks stand in stark contrast to Trump, who during a similar conversation did not say if he wanted Ukraine to win the war. The former president sidestepped the question when asked in May.

"I want everybody to stop dying. Theyre dying. Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And Ill have that done in 24 hours," Trump said.

Pence, at the same time, said he had a conversation with the Russian leader, looked him in the eye and told him things he [Putin  ed.] had no desire to hear.

"Anybody that thinks Vladimir Putin will stop if he overruns Ukraine has what we say back in Indiana 'another thing coming'. He has no intention of stopping. He's made it clear that he wants to recreate that old Soviet sphere of influence in Eastern Europe," he said.

Pence then commented on Trump's calling Putin a genius on a conservative radio show in February.

"Well, and frankly, when Vladimir Putin rolled into Ukraine, the former president called him a genius. I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal, and I know who needs to win in the war in Ukraine, and it's the people fighting for their freedom and fighting to restore their national sovereignty in Ukraine. And America, it's not our war, but freedom is our fight, and we need to give the people of Ukraine the ability to fight and defend their territory," Pence said.

Background: Former US Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday, 7 June, that he would run for president, opening the race for the Republican nomination.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Pendleton Proud Boy accused in Jan. 6 attack says Antifa and left wing gangs are to blame

The lawyer for a Pendleton Proud Boys member accused of aiding in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is saying the blame should actually fall on Antifa and other left-wing groups.

In a 93-page response filing in the District of Columbias civil suit, California attorney John M. Pierce makes the case that Jonathanpeter Klein, 23, and other members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers did not come prepared to cause violence, but were instead anticipating it from left-wing agitators.

He also denies that an attack on the Capitol building or insurrection by Pro-Trump groups ever took place.

Klein, who is also facing separate criminal charges, is accused of participating in the riot as part of an organized attempt by Proud Boys and Oath Keepers to stop the certification of the 2020 election.

Jonathanpeter Klein

Pierce, who has been described as Pro-Trump and MAGA attorney, is representing more than a dozen people in the District of Columbias civil suit against the organization. He was previously in the spotlight after being fired from Kyle Rittenhouses defense team.

The filing is one of many received by the court recently, after senior leadership of the Proud Boys were convicted of seditious conspiracy in May.

Members of leadership of the Oath Keepers, including founder Stewart Rhodes, also were convicted of seditious conspiracy in late 2022 and early 2023.

Kleins alleged role

Klein is awaiting trial in a federal criminal case, along with his brother, Matthew Klein, 26. His brother also is charged in the attack, but is not part of the civil suit.

Oregon brothers Jonathanpeter Klein, 21, and Matthew Klein, 24, are charged with conspiracy and obstruction in the Jan. 6 insurrection in Washington, D.C.

Earlier filings described Klein as an active participant, who helped Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and other rioters breach the Capitol building. He is a self-admitted member of the Proud Boys, a far-right organization that has gained notoriety for violence at protests.

Court documents say Klein was using a police barrier as a makeshift ladder to help others scale the wall of the building away from the main staircase.

After pushing their way past another barricade, Proud Boys member Defendant Klein obtained and used the police barricade to help others climb the Capitol walls and gain access to an external stairwell, said the initial complaint documents.

False flag event

In the filing Klein largely denies participation in, or knowledge of, most of the the Districts complaints, to the point of stating Klein is unaware of a January 6th Attack in one instance.

The document is broken down into responses to each of the hundreds of paragraphs in the complaint, with denials or admissions of statements in each section.

Jonathanpeter Klein, wearing goggles and flag neck gaiter, had made his way from the Senate side of the Capitol, through a line of law enforcement officers to the House of Representatives side by 2:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2021, according to the FBI. He then proceeded up a flight of stairs to the Capitols Rotunda.

The documents described the lawsuit as an attempt to engage in political activism by the Democrat Party against the Republican Party in future elections using this lawsuit as a political prop paid for at taxpayer expense.

In the document Pierce places the blame largely on Left Wing Street Gangs such as Antifa and Black Lives Matter, the latter of which he repeatedly describes as so-called or misnamed Black Lives Matter.

The Proud Boys assemble in large and small groups at public events or demonstrations because violence from anarchist street gangs like ANTIFA, Left-wing street gangs like the completely mis-named Black Lives Matter (who would eagerly attack Black (Proud Boys Leader) Enrique Tarrio and the other 20% of the Proud Boys who are minorities) and others are announced or expected ..., reads one passage of the filing.

He also asserts that Klein believes that the insurrection was a false flag event possibly orchestrated by federal agents.

They specifically called the 1776 Returns document a false flag fabricated by U.S. Government Agents. The document, which was circulated among the Proud Boys ahead of Jan. 6, outlined strategic plans for taking over federal buildings.

Klein suggests that those who planned, conspired to carry out, and executed the January 6th Attack are likely to be Federal agents or assets and/or agents of private organizations who are not what the Plaintiff is expecting.

2020 election

In response to another portion of the claim disputing a quote from former president Donald Trump, Pierce also states that Trump did in fact win the 2020 election.

Although President Trump did claim to have won the 2020 presidential election  and he did in fact win the 2020 presidential election at a minimum because the rules were changed during the election in violation of Article II, Section 1, of the U.S. Constitution which requires that only the state legislatures can set the rules, this paragraph is not what Trump said on November 4, 2020.

In reference to violence at the 2020 Stop the Steal rally, Pierce again blamed left-wing activists, claiming the Proud Boys were merely defending conservative demonstrators.

Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

The Proud Boys were violently attacked by members of Antifa, the so-called Black Lives Matters, anarchists, and other Leftists while trying to protect innocent conservative demonstrators. Leftists were solely and exclusively responsible for their violence against the Proud Boys and other Trump supporters, just as the Leftists had done since Trumps inauguration in January 2017, and from 2012 through 2020.

He also says the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers had to step in because demonstrators were left defenseless by D.C.s gun laws at these rallies leading up to the insurrection, later describing the groups intent as coming to the Capitol to protect Trump supporters, so that those Trump supporters could engage in a lawful protest.

In response to the prosecutors asserting the Proud Boys were wearing a mix of street clothes and tactical gear, Pierce said any body armor was to protect them from left wing provocateurs. The use of street clothes to blend in was also a means of protection.

There are no fashion crimes in America. The United States of America does not have a national dress code, Pierce states in the filing.

Breaching the Capitol

Pierce also refers to the police barriers as portable bike racks throughout the filing, claiming they had no signs indicating they were intended to be barriers. He denies Klein used one to help others scale the wall.

He said that the claims of bragging that the Proud Boys stormed the Capitol were hyperbole and puffery.

The Proud Boys clearly did not, in fact, storm the Capitol (whatever that means) and clearly did not take the Capitol. Therefore, the statements are clearly hyperbole and exaggeration.

Protesters supporting U.S. President Donald Trump break into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images/TNS)

The documents also claim that D.C. Metropolitan Police attacked peaceful protesters.

 ... They further confirm the unlawful police brutality and excessive use of force by the District of Columbias Metropolitan Police Department that transformed a peaceful demonstration into a few violent confrontations in a few small, isolated areas.

The filings claim that one protester, who was killed in a crush as rioters surged against police, was murdered by the Metropolitan Police Department. And it said the Metropolitan force was not overwhelmed by the violence, but was the cause of it.

Unfortunately (Rosanne) Boyland was murdered by the MPD in the same manner in which George Floyd was murdered by officer Derek Chauvin, as MPD officers then piled more and more people on top of her, said the filing.

The response also denies knowledge of harm toward Metropolitan officers, stating it is not credible that those trained to deal with violations of law would be so fragile.

The union estimates at least 140 officers were injured.

The Klein brothers

At the time Matthew Klein was reportedly a third-year student attending George Fox University in Newberg, majoring in computer science. He was living with relatives on a farm in Sherwood, southwest of Portland, before his arrest.

Jonathanpeter Klein was arrested near Heppner  about 80 miles south of the Tri-Cities. They entered innocent pleas at the time, and were granted pretrial release to third-party guardians in May 2021.

But a judge would not release them to the custody of their parents in Baker City because of text messages from the parents advising Matthew after the attack to destroy his cellphone data and to keep quiet about what they had done because braggers get caught.

The charges in the indictment for both brothers were for conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and aiding and abetting, destruction of government property and aiding and abetting, entering and remaining in a restricting building or grounds and disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds.

That trial is pending while the D.C. lawsuit moves forward.

The brothers are required to make regular status updates to the court in the meantime.

 Another Tri-Cities area man accused of involvement in the Jan. 6 riot is also still awaiting trial in a civil suit over the wrongful death of an Metropolitan Police Department officer.

Taylor Taranto of Pasco and chiropractor David Walls-Kaufman were named in a wrongful death civil suit, filed by Erin Smith.

Prosecutors say these photos show David Walls-Kaufman during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. A man matching the photos of Pasco resident Taylor Taranto is seen next to Walls-Kaufman in the second photo as they skirmish with Capitol police.

She is the widow of Officer Jeffrey Smith, who was attacked during the insurrection and later died by suicide.

Taranto was listed as the webmaster for the Franklin County Republican Party at the time. Its unclear whether he is still involved with the organization. The U.S. Navy veteran is a one time Pasco school board candidate.

That lawsuit is still in progress, but has seen little in the way of updates since the judge presiding over it was appointed to a higher bench.

Taranto, who is representing himself, had asked the judge for $3.5 million and an apology.
The Defense Department is denying reports that China has reached a deal with Cuba to build an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island nation.

Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder called a Wall Street Journal report on the apparent deal inaccurate during a briefing Thursday.

Certainly we know that China and Cuba maintain a relationship of sorts, but when it comes to the specific activities outlines in the press reporting, based on the information we have, that is not accurate, Ryder said. We are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station.

The Wall Street Journal report cited U.S. officials familiar with the matter and claimed that China would pay several billion dollars to build the facility on Cuba, which is roughly 100 miles from the coast of Florida.

CNN also reported Thursday that Cuba has agreed to allow China to build a spying facility.

Cuba denies Journal story about Chinese spy base

If China were to build the facility, it would be the closest foreign adversary base to the U.S. mainland and allow Beijing to intercept emails, phone calls and satellite communications.

While the Chinese spy balloon that drifted across the country in February captivated the nations attention, a facility so close to the U.S. mainland would have significantly more espionage capabilities.

Its unclear if Washington could stop any construction of a Chinese listening post if such a deal were ever reached, as U.S. relations with the communist regime of Cuba are poor.

China has only one overseas military base in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa.

Republicans, including 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley, took to social media after news of The Wall Street Journal report to slam the Biden administration for failing to stop Chinese aggression.

Ryder on Thursday called the reporting inaccurate several times but did not speak further on the details.

He also said the Pentagon was unaware of China attempting to build a similar facility anywhere else in the Central or South American region.

Separately, Ryder said the U.S. is continuing to monitor the relationship between China and Cuba.

Chinas activities both in our hemisphere and around the world, he said, are something that we will continue to watch closely.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon on Thursday dismissed a report in the Wall Street Journal about Chinese plans to set up an electronic eavesdropping facility in Cuba, saying it was not aware of any such effort and characterizing the report as "inaccurate."

"I can tell you based on the information that we have, that that is not accurate, that we are not aware of China and Cuba developing a new type of spy station," said Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder.

"In terms of that particular report, no, it's not accurate."

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali)
People describe near-death experiences in an eerily similar way. They've convinced some researchers that an afterlife exists.

A patient sits on a hospital bed. Getty Images

Researchers who study near-death experiences say they believe in a consciousness beyond our physical reality.

People often encounter death in similar ways, two University of Virginia professors said at a South by Southwest panel.

Many people describe floating above their bodies and encountering a beam of light.

Jim Tucker and Jennifer Kim Penberthy spend a lot of time thinking about the afterlife.

They're psychiatry professors at the University of Virginia. Tucker studies near-death experiences and young children who report memories of a past life. Penberthy studies both near-death experiences and after-death communications, or people who say they were visited by a deceased loved one.

Their research has convinced them there's a consciousness beyond our physical reality, they said at a South by Southwest panel in Austin, Texas, in 2022.

"There is more than the idea that we just live in this body and die and that's it," Penberthy said.

The researchers don't make sweeping claims about heaven or reincarnation. Instead, their work consists mostly of listening to people's stories, determining whether those experiences are credible, and looking for scientific patterns.

In his 2013 book, "Return to Life," Tucker described a young boy named Ryan Hammons, who reported that he had been a Hollywood agent in a previous life. Tucker determined that 55 of Hammons' claims matched the real-life experiences of Marty Martyn, a Hollywood agent who died in 1964.

Stories like that deserve an explanation, Tucker said at SXSW.

Penberthy said she's waiting for their field of research to become mainstream, the same way meditation research  once dismissed as pseudoscience  has gained credibility over time.

"Science is an evolution and it's changing," she said, adding, "In my world, I see it changing to include more expansive approaches to things."

People with near-death experiences describe floating above their bodies and encountering a beam of light

Both Tucker and Penberthy have identified distinct patterns in the way people encounter death.

People often report having visions of deceased loved ones when they're falling asleep or starting to wake up, Penberthy said.

Tucker said around 70% of the young children he's studied who say they have memories of a past life are able to describe how they died. Often, those deaths seem to have happened traumatically. Many of these kids also grieve being away from their previous families, Tucker said, and around 20% of them say they have memories of an intermediate time between death and their next life.

A grandfather shows his grandson old photographs. supersizer/Getty Images

Many people with near-death experiences also report having the same visions as one another.

"Often when somebody has a heart attack or something that briefly causes their brain to shut down, many of them will describe floating above their bodies," Tucker said.

From there, people with near-death experiences describe traveling through a dark passage, Tucker said. Some report seeing their deceased loved ones and encountering a beam of light. Many say they were either given a choice to return to their physical body or were instructed to do so, he added.

Other studies have shown that people tend to take stock of their entire lives before death. One recent study from the University of Louisville that analyzed brain scans, suggests that a dying man's life flashed before his eyes.

While it's difficult to verify these accounts, it's also difficult to explain them away, Tucker said.

Critics often argue that dying people's brains play tricks on them, creating fantasies or hallucinations. But a near-death event compromises a person's brain function, whereas hallucinations are usually the result of an overactive sensory cortex (the part of the brain that receives and interprets sensory information). That would make it hard for a dying person to hallucinate, Tucker said.

Encounters with death often make people less fearful of dying

You can practice mindfulness meditation on your own, through an app, or with an in-person session. Justin Paget/Getty Images

People who've had brushes with death generally view these events as positive, both Tucker and Penberthy said.

A near-death experience can make a person less materialistic, more caring, or less ambitious.

"This experience is completely transformative for them," Tucker said, adding, "They say they have lost fear of death, because they know that life continues."

Children who report having a past life often grow up to become well-adjusted adults, and their memories tend to fade with time, he added.

Penberthy said encountering a deceased loved one can be "restorative" and "reassuring" for people. One woman she studied had the distinct sensation of her deceased mother stroking her cheek. The experience made it easier for the woman to let go of her grief, Penberthy said.

People often become more spiritual, but not necessarily more religious, after these encounters, she said, adding, "They certainly increase their beliefs that we live on after the death of our body."

This story was originally published in March 2022.

Read the original article on Business Insider
iPrep Academy in downtown Miami was established to close the digital and cultural divide and ensure every child had access to technology.

Founded by former Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, one thing that made it distinct was the absence of a physical library; everything was digital. And the model worked.

It wasnt until the onset of this school year that a group of parents agreed it would be good for students, particularly young children, to have a space to gather and experience books away from another screen. By October, a group of parents, including Elizabeth Casal, had built shelves for the schools new media center.

They named it Starbooks.

At the time, it was Casals understanding that around 500 books would be displayed; more importantly, she understood the books had been ordered. But as the final week of the 2022-23 school year wraps up, the shelves at Starbooks remain empty, she said.

District officials said the books were at the school, just not yet available because the media specialist and iPrep staff need to ensure the books align with the appropriate grade level  elementary, middle or high  before placing the books on the shelves. Moreover, the media specialist was just recently awarded full certification. Officials assured the delay was not another example of book restrictions or regulations stemming from new state laws.

For Casal, though, the empty bookshelves appear to be just that.

The apparent misunderstanding  and delay in ensuring the books were available  between the parents and the district points to the ongoing confusion surrounding book restrictions in Florida. It also underscores how, in some instances, the new laws are causing a chilling effect and allow for what some say are the behind-the-scenes decisions being made regarding books.

What Ive seen at our school is that there is an effort to have these books and to lift up diverse voices and have diverse people in the classrooms. Ive seen that effort, she told the Herald. But I also see this force coming from the state that is making it harder for everyone trying to get these things done.

Starbooks is scheduled to open for the 2023-24 school year.

READ MORE: Miami-Dade K-8 bars elementary students from 4 library titles following parent complaint

Far reaching laws

Brooke Sussman, a parent of two in the district, including one at iPrep, was confused when she received a consent form for the Scholastic Book Fair last month.

The consent form to attend the popup book store inside the school included a provision to hold the district harmless should their child return home with a book they didnt approve of.

My first thought was disappointment. Not for my child, but for this community, Sussman said. For many families, a financial barrier for participation already exists, she said. With the addition of a permission slip, I think some families will miss it and others will think maybe there is something I should be concerned about and choose not to sign it.

She understands the fear many educators are experiencing amid new laws and debates around what is or isnt age-appropriate. But the permission slip, she said, illuminated how far reaching these movements to have content restricted have gone.

District staff did not respond to a question regarding why the forms were being required toward the end of the semester. Previous fairs had already occurred this school year without requiring parental consent for participation, parents said. However, the forms were distributed because the list of books sent to each school is not always made available prior to the fair, staff said.

Nevertheless, the consent form was kind of bringing political rhetoric in [the school] and making it real for the first time, said Casal.

Teachers, too, are facing new protocols for determining what can or cant be used in their classrooms  a move some argue is the result of misinformed decisions made by lawmakers.

Ramon Veunes, a teacher at Dr. Rolando Espinosa K-8 Center in Doral, said after the new laws went into place, he was told that any book outside of the districts curriculum would require a more tedious approval process, regardless if a teacher already had it in class, such as a vocabulary book hes used for years that he said correlated with state standards.

We are professionals and were the most qualified in determining what to teach our students, he said. When these laws are passed, teachers professional opinions are often not solicited, he said, and in some cases, this can enable a single parent to affect what an entire school learns or doesnt learn.

Veunes said he will abide by the law, but argued it is cumbersome and makes our job harder, [and] is wrongheaded.

READ MORE: Teach the truth. Teachers angry over Florida deleting race, social justice from textbooks

At George Washington Carver Elementary in Coral Gables, teachers recently were notified theyd have to catalog their classroom libraries to then be made public on the schools website.

The email, obtained by the Herald, said the move is the result of a law passed last year  HB 1467  that requires more transparency for the public when selecting instructional materials, including library and reading materials. (Florida teachers unions and other groups sued the state education department, arguing officials overstepped the intent of the new law by including classroom libraries.)

The email said the effort was a fantastic time to go through classroom libraries and weed or remove any damaged or old books, as well as audit for age appropriateness.

The district did not respond to questions inquiring whether teachers were given a rubric or a definition to determine what was considered age appropriate.

Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of United Teachers of Dade, spoke at an event on June 6, 2023 to raise awareness about censorship and to offer a stark rebuttal to the recent decision to restrict four titles from elementary students in one Miami-Dade County school.

Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of United Teachers of Dade, told the Herald she instructed her members not to comply with the request. The process, she said, highlights what she argues is an attack on public education and underscores the confusion many teachers are facing amid vaguely-written laws.

If a teacher is unsure if a title is acceptable, many may opt to remove it from their shelves to avoid any trouble later on, she said.

Thats the state of education, Marvin Dunn, historian and professor emeritus at Florida International University, told the Herald late last month. People are frightened. They arent sure and are being overly cautious about the materials they use, which has a chilling effect on what is being taught, he said.

One parents complaint

The act of removing a book from school shelves  and the outrage about how it was done  isnt new for Miami-Dade Public Schools.

In 2006, the father of a 10-year-old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary complained a book his daughter brought home painted an inaccurate depiction of life in Cuba. The school board voted to remove the book, Vamos a Cuba, from school shelves, despite two academic advisory committees at the time suggesting leaving it. The ACLU filed a lawsuit claiming the boards decision violated the Constitution, according to a 2009 Herald story.

The issue went up to the Supreme Court, but was denied a hearing. The book remained off the shelves, following the ruling of an 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta that said the School Board had not breached the First Amendment and supported its authority to set educational standards in Miami-Dade.

Nearly 20 years later, the district is again in the spotlight after just one parent complained about five titles.

READ MORE: The 2023 Silver Knights were honored. They will definitely make the world a better place

Daily Salinas, a parent of two at Bob Graham Education Center, a K-8 school in Miami Lakes, claimed the titles included what she said were references to critical race theory, indirect hate messages, gender ideology and indoctrination. Four of them, including Amanda Gormans poem, The Hill We Climb, which she recited at President Joe Bidens inauguration, were moved to the middle school shelves.

Salinas has denied any affiliation with Moms for Liberty, a self-proclaimed parents-rights organization that was recently labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, despite appearing in multiple photos with local chapter leadership. The group is behind many book removal efforts nationally, according to an analysis by the Washington Post. A representative from the national chapter said Salinas was not affiliated with the group, but did not respond to a question about the perceived relationship between the parent and local leadership.

The district has maintained the titles were not banned but simply moved. Reading and education advocates, however, say its still a restriction to younger students. (Dunn and Hernandez-Mats, along with other prominent Miami educators and literary and civil rights organizations, spoke on Tuesday at a book giveaway and celebration to push back on the decision made at Bob Graham.)

For Stephen Hunter Johnson, a district parent, Miami lawyer and member of the Miami-Dade Countys Black Affairs Advisory Board, the ease with which one parents challenge can result in less access for all students is incredibly concerning and alarming.

What was done here was nothing short of a travesty, he told the Herald after the restrictions were made public. The school district is dead wrong on this, for allowing this ad-hoc review process [and] doing these things under the cover of darkness.

Superintendent Jose Dotres, pictured on August 17, 2022, the first day of the 2022-23 school year, said the review committees decision followed district policy.

At a news conference Wednesday, Superintendent Jose Dotres defended the committees actions, saying it followed proper procedures but added theres always room for improvement. Perhaps officials should raise more awareness about existing policies, he said.

Nevertheless, Johnson argued, if one parent has a right to complain, other parents should have the right to push back. The purpose and effect of laws like this is to chill what otherwise what would be normal expression, he said; its easier to come up with these absurd solutions than it is to push back.

Stephana Ferrell, director of research and insight at Florida Freedom to Read Project, agreed. The organization, which obtained records of the decision at Bob Graham and shared them with the Herald, is arguing for more transparency surrounding the initial school-level review process.

In many districts, including Miami-Dade schools, a school-level review committee is the first and sometimes only step in determining whether a book should remain on shelves; policies dont require complaints to be made public. As a result, those school-level discussions are often kept quiet and most of the discussions go under the radar unless a decision is appealed, Ferrell said.

We dont want to see the school-level step disappear, she said. Instead, what organizations like hers are arguing for is that every parent knows when a book is challenged.
Dutch suspect in 2005 disappearance of US woman extradited from Peru

Joran Van der Sloot (C) is handed over to the FBI on June 8, 2023 (Ernesto BENAVIDES)

A Dutchman jailed in Peru for murder was extradited to the United States Thursday to stand trial on charges related to the 2005 disappearance of an American woman in Aruba, the US Justice Department said.

Joran van der Sloot, 35, is the prime suspect in the disappearance of 18-year-old US college student Natalee Holloway on the Caribbean island.

The Justice Department said Van der Sloot has been "temporarily surrendered" by Peru to the US authorities to face charges in the southern US state of Alabama related to Holloway's death.

Van der Sloot has been serving a 28-year sentence in Peru since 2012 for the murder of Stephany Flores, a 21-year-old Peruvian woman.

Last month, Peru granted a US request for temporary extradition, which it had previously said would have to wait until the end of Van der Sloot's sentence.

Van der Sloot has been charged in the United States with demanding $250,000 from Holloway's mother in exchange for information about the whereabouts of her daughter's remains.

Interpol Peru chief Carlos Lopez, who handed Van der Sloot over to the FBI, told AFP that once his US trial is over, the Dutchman will be returned to Peru to complete his sentence.

Holloway, who was on a high school graduation trip to Aruba, was last seen alive on May 30, 2005 in Van der Sloot's company.

cm-cl/caw
CCTV footage shows the moment before Matt Ratana was shot in Croydon custody suite - Metropolitan Police

CCTV of the moment Metropolitan Police sergeant Matt Ratana was shot dead inside Croydon custody suite has been released after being shown to jurors in the trial of the man accused of his murder.

The 54-year-old New Zealand-born officer was shot twice at close range as he prepared to search suspect Louis De Zoysa, who had been arrested after police found drugs and bullets on him when he was stopped in the street earlier that evening.

Jurors were warned about the content of the footage before it was played at Northampton Crown Court, where Mr De Zoysa is on trial.

In a CCTV clip, recorded in the early hours of Sept 25 2020, inside the holding cell at Croydon police station, Ratana can be seen explaining the circumstances of the arrest to Mr De Zoysa, who was sitting down with his hands behind his back.

After entering the cell, he tells the detainee: OK listen to me. My name is Matt. Im the custody officer right? Im in charge. Im not involved in the investigation.

Youve been arrested on suspicion of possession of bullets  er ammunition and possession with intent to supply Class B.

Alright your detention has not been authorised yet but I can authorise a search of you under Section 54 of Pace [Police and Criminal Evidence]. Stand up.

At that point, Mr De Zoysa gets to his feet and in an instant removes his hands from behind his back.

Unaware of what was happening, Ratana could be heard saying mate you were good enough to but before he was able to complete the sentence, the weapon was fired and he was fatally hit in the chest.

Three further shots were fired from the antique revolver, with a second one hitting Ratana in the leg, a third one hitting the cell wall and the fourth hitting Mr De Zoysa in the neck.

Mr De Zoysa in the custody suite after the shooting - Metropolitan Police

Despite the efforts of his colleagues and paramedics, Ratana was declared dead a short time later.

Mr De Zoysa was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and, although he survived, he suffered brain damage as a result of the gunshot wound.

Jurors were also shown body-worn camera footage recorded by colleagues of Ratana who arrested Mr De Zoysa earlier that evening after he was spotted acting suspiciously in Norbury, south London.

After admitting to the officers he was carrying cannabis in a bag, he was subjected to a search of his person.

Despite being handcuffed and thoroughly patted down, officers did not locate the firearm, which is believed to have been hidden in a holster beneath one of Mr De Zoysas armpits.

Footage was also shown from Mr De Zoysa's arrest - Metropolitan Police

Outlining the case to the jurors before the footage was shown, Duncan Penny KC said: The prosecution say Louis De Zoysa pulled the trigger on purpose. That is not accepted [by the defence].

The second shot hit Sgt Ratana in the leg. This is on CCTV at 02:09:28.

During his arrest, the suspect was warned repeatedly by the male officer not to put his hands in his pockets and was asked if he had anything on him that could hurt the officer or himself.

At one point, the male officer remarks to his colleague: I dont trust him at all - hes lied to us non-stop.

The jury heard that Mr De Zoysa had bought the antique revolver legally at an online auction in June 2020.

The court was told bullets to fit the gun are no longer available to buy but Mr De Zoysa bought the parts to make the bullets and had manufactured them in a flat at a farm in Banstead, Surrey, where he was living.

The defendant, who appeared in the dock in a wheelchair and with his right arm in a sling, denies murder.

Ratana died despite the best efforts of his colleagues and paramedics to save him - Metropolitan Police

His lawyers claim said he had not intended to kill Ratana and had been suffering an abnormality of mental function caused by an autistic meltdown when the incident occurred.

The jurors have been told they will have to consider whether Mr De Zoysa deliberately fired the revolver and the question of diminished responsibility.

The trial continues.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
New plane seat will let disabled passengers sit in their own wheelchairs on flights

Delta Air Lines has unveiled a new accessible plane seat to accommodate power wheelchair users.

The seat prototype was introduced this week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

Its been created in partnership with UK company Air4All, and would enable passengers to be seated in their own power wheelchair throughout a flight.

Commercial aviation is the only mode of transport that has no regulations to allow power wheelchair users to travel safely and with dignity seated in their own chair in an aircraft cabin, Air4All said on its website.

Visitors to the expo saw the patented design in person, and aviation journalist Seth Miller called it the star of the show.

Mr Miller shared a video on Twitter detailing how the seat works. After removing the cushions and storing them underneath the seat next door, you lift the arm rest, and the base can then be pulled up too.

Yes, I was skeptical when I saw the initial release. But the Air4All concept allowing a power wheelchair on board is the real deal. Very simple mechanisms, and Delta Flight Products is making it happen. Kudos to @flyingdisabled for his efforts to make it happen #AIX2023 #PaxEx pic.twitter.com/mg5YbhSPLD  Seth Miller (@WandrMe) June 8, 2023

These actions mean the standard seat converts into a designated space for a power wheelchair to be secured.

Very simple mechanisms, and Delta Flight Products is making it happen. Kudos to @flyingdisabled for his efforts to make it happen, he tweeted.

One of the members of the Air4All team is aviation access consultant Christopher Wood MBE, who is the founder of Flying Disabled and travels around the world campaigning to make commercial air travel accessible for power wheelchair users.

Its travelling in your own wheelchair but not as we know it Jim @Priestmangoode @WCTravelOrg pic.twitter.com/iKwLT2uL4H  Christopher Wood MBE (@flyingdisabled) June 6, 2023

President of Delta Airlines subsidiary Delta Flight Products, Rick Salanitri, said: Air4All is collaborating with DFP and our strong production and manufacturing capabilities to explore new ways to deliver equal access to comfort, safety, and dignity for all customers.

The seat can be used in both standard mode and to enable power wheelchair access.

As outlined by Air4All: Airlines have been resistant to provide a wheelchair space as this would result in a loss of seat count.

Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Sir Stephen Hillier, said: We believe that everyone should have access to air travel, and we welcome the significant improvements in accessibility made by UK airlines and airports in recent years.

Mr Salanitri said that this patented design offers new possibilities for customers with disabilities to enjoy a travel experience they truly deserve.

Last November, a passengers wheelchair was irreversibly damaged after being thrown onto Gatwicks baggage carousel like a suitcase.

In February this year, meanwhile, TV presenter Sophie Morgan described 5,000 worth of damage to her wheelchair by British Airways as an assault.
A burglar attempts to break into a shed - Ben Gingell/iStockphoto

Police will not have to attend up to a fifth of domestic burglaries under new rules aimed at boosting detection and charging rates for break-ins.

All 43 chief constables in England and Wales announced on Thursday that they are now attending every home burglary for the first time after pledging to do so last autumn.

They say there are already indications that it has improved detection and charging rates, which are up from around 4.2 per cent to 4.5 per cent in the last quarter of 2022.

However, the pledge does not cover thefts from householders outbuildings, garages and sheds, where police officers are only likely to attend if there is an emergency threat to a homeowners life or safety, or there are potential lines of inquiry.

It also emerged on Thursday that burglary victims will be asked to use their phone cameras to scour crime scenes for evidence before forensic experts decide whether to dust for prints in person, for example.

Deputy chief constable Alex Franklin-Smith, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for burglary, said: The policy that all chiefs signed up to is 100 per cent attendance at all home burglaries but if its an outbuilding the policy doesnt apply to that.

Home burglary investigations prioritised

According to Churchill Home Insurance, around a fifth of all burglary reports are for thefts of contents from outbuildings, thousands of which have been converted into private offices as more householders work from home post-lockdown.

Garages accounted for 50 per cent of the thefts, sheds 37 per cent and bike sheds eight per cent.

In the three years to 2021, there were 70,000 such thefts, equivalent to 64 a day, according to the insurer.

Some police officers also fear the exclusion of outbuildings could lead to the public getting a poorer service, as many seasoned thieves target them first to obtain the tools they need for break-ins.

If downgraded, they said it could mean police missing opportunities to gather evidence that could catch burglars.

The Home Office has also sanctioned a change in the way burglaries are recorded so that all domestic break-ins will now be divided into those from outbuildings, and those in homes, when the data is published.

It will make comparisons with previous years impossible, when the figures were combined, and are likely to automatically boost detection and charging rates for home burglaries when they are published for the first time.

Mr Franklin-Smith said: Were not saying that we think outbuilding burglaries are hugely less important.

What we are recognising is that the burglary of a home is far more invasive and were prioritising that because thats where people live and reside.

There is always a risk of harm to individuals if burglaries are carried out and individuals are there.

We havent got an infinite amount of resources so we cant say were going to attend absolutely everything because theres a consequence then.

This is about having a smarter approach and prioritising our resources accordingly based on the degree of harm.

Forces will still clearly assess the call that comes in and if there are lines of inquiry or an emergency, then they still would seek to attend outbuildings.

The moves follow criticism of police for failing to prioritise burglary, with proportion of offences resulting in a charge falling from 6.7 per cent in 2016 to 3.9 per cent last year.

The Telegraph revealed this week that police had failed to solve a single burglary in neighbourhoods in half of England and Wales in the past three years.

Mr Franklin-Smith said new guidelines to be issued in the next four weeks would set minimum standards for burglary investigations so, for example, call handlers would ask the right questions to garner suspects descriptions and car registration numbers.

He said police aimed to move back to traditional crime scene investigations, although this could initially involve burglary victims being asked to walk around and film the property with their smartphone camera under the direction of a CSI investigator to look for evidence and clues.

If they do identify things of interest, an investigator would attend the property to capture that evidence.

This would be on top of an officer, most likely from a local patrol, attending the property.

Again it is about trying to do it in a more efficient and effective manner, added Mr Franklin-Smith.

The guidance will recommend that officers should aim to attend a burglary within the so-called golden hour when evidence is fresh and suspects could still be nearby.

Any emergency where a thief threatened safety would get an immediate 999 response.

But Mr Franklin-Smith acknowledged pressures on police to also attend other life-threatening emergency calls would mean that other burglaries could normally expect to be visited within four hours.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
[Source]

Police have released a man who violently attacked a 75-year-old Asian man in his garage in southwest Las Vegas.

What happened: Amadeo Quindara was resting in his garage when his 44-year-old neighbor, Christian Lentz, approached and threatened him on May 30, according to police. Although Lentz initially left, he was captured on home security footage returning about a half hour later.

Lentz allegedly punched and slammed Quindara to the ground before leaving the scene. In the video, Lentz can reportedly be heard yelling racial slurs at Quindara, saying that the 75-year-old man would be on a ventilator and die.

All the punches he was giving me and he slammed me to the ground causing my head injury. The only thing I could do is shout, Quindara told KTNV. He walked away and started talking, You should speak English. You should speak English. You Japanese.

More from NextShark: Honolulu police arrest man for deadly shooting of woman at Chinatown bus stop

Intent to kill: Quindara, who is the son of a U.S. Army veteran, suffered a head injury and bruises to his face and body. He believes that Lentzs attack was rooted in racism and that he intended to kill him.

The physical [injuries] you could recover from that, but if you keep thinking about what happened, that is the thing that hurt me most. I cannot change my face to look like an American. I cannot change it, Quindara said.

More from NextShark: Taiwanese student alleges NY Public Library guards did not help after assault

Arrest and investigation: Lentz was arrested for residential burglary and has since been released from jail. Quindara, who believes that the charge was too light, is worried that his 44-year-old neighbor will come back to attack him again.

A hate crime investigation is reportedly underway.

More from NextShark: SF man accused of string of violent robberies targeting Asian women charged with seven felony counts

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Man sentenced for vandalizing Vancouver's Chinese Cultural Centre with 'kill all' message
Police release name of Kentucky woman who died in weekend crash in Ingham County

WHITE OAK TWP.  A woman who died in a crash Sunday in eastern Ingham County has been identified as Sarah Jo Ramsey of Albany, Kentucky.

Ramsey, 52, was driving east on Howell Road and was struck by a vehicle heading south on M-52 about 6:30 a.m., the Ingham County Sheriff's Office said. The driver of the southbound vehicle, a 35-year-old Grass Lake woman, had the right of way, investigators said.

Ramsey died at the scene. The Grass Lake woman suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation, officials said. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the sheriff's department at 517-676-8202.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Police release name of Kentucky woman who died in Ingham County crash
Police: Salem man exposed himself to young girl, assaulted her mother inside Family Dollar Store

A Salem man was arraigned in court Tuesday after he flashed a young girl and indecently assaulted her mother at a convenience store last week, according to officials.

James Miglionico Jr. was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and open and gross lewdness in Salem District Court.

Salem Police say they responded to the Family Dollar Store on Canal Street on June 1 around 4:12 p.m. for a report of indecent exposure. Arriving officers spoke to a mother and her juvenile daughter who said a man had flashed the juvenile and then made physical contact with the mother, according to authorities.

Officers canvassed the area but werent able to locate the suspect.

During a follow-up investigation, police identified Miglionico Jr. as a suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested on June 5 just after 5 p.m.

Authorities are urging anyone who has experienced a similar incident to report it to Salem Police.

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
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd and Gov. Ron DeSantis talk to the media before a news conference in Polk County in March 2021. Judd was one of two Florida sheriffs who joined DeSantis on a surprise trip to the U.S. border with Mexico on Wednesday and gave the governor a glowing assessment, while stopping short of an official endorsement.

When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made a surprise trip to Arizona on Wednesday to criticize federal immigration policies, he took two law-enforcement officials from Florida along with him.

One was Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Judd, a close ally of DeSantis and a frequent critic of President Joe Bidens approach toward controlling illegal immigration, rewarded the governor with effusive words. Judd joined Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and sheriffs from Arizona, Idaho and Texas in speaking at a roundtable event Wednesday afternoon in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Judd opened by saying that he entered law enforcement at age 18 and has worked in the field for decades, the past 19 as sheriff in Polk County.

And I've worked for a lot of governors, Judd said. Ladies and gentlemen, make no mistake about it. This is simply the best governor that the state of Florida has had in the last 50 years.

DeSantis launched his long-awaited run for president two weeks ago, and he has made harsh assessments of Biden and his policies a central element of his campaign. Though Wednesdays trip was billed as an official governmental action and not a campaign event, Judd came close to offering an implicit endorsement of DeSantis.

Trip to Arizona DeSantis makes surprise trip to border as he works to outflank Trump on right, immigration

State spending What are Florida's 'Budget Turkeys?' Here's the list sent to Ron DeSantis

'Small, pathetic man' California's Gov. Gavin Newsom adds venom to DeSantis' growing beef list

Once again, I've seen lots of governors, Judd said. I've seen lots of presidents. I've seen a lot of leaders. I've never seen the leader of the quality of Ron DeSantis, our governor, who makes things happen, and his sole focus is protecting and serving the people and keeping them safe. And Florida is the example. When people are safe, and they feel safe, they thrive. And our great state does tremendous. But we need to do that all across the United States of America.

'We're all border counties'

Judd joined other law-enforcement leaders in saying that illegal crossings at the southern border affect communities throughout the country.

When you said we're all border counties  we're all border counties, Judd said, repeating a phase spoken by one of the other sheriffs.

Judd gave examples of crimes he said have been committed in Polk County by illegal immigrants. He mentioned a February undercover operation in which the Polk County Sheriffs Office and other agencies made 213 arrests related to prostitution and solicitation.

PCSO has previously reported that 24 of the 113 people arrested on prostitution charges may have been victims of human trafficking. At Wednesdays event, Judd said that the group included women from Cuba who had been illegally smuggled over the border from Mexico and then forced into sex work in Florida to repay their smugglers.

Judd also mentioned a vehicle crash that occurred May 9 in Mulberry, resulting in three deaths and serious injuries to an 18-year-old woman. The driver responsible, Elmer Bryan Giron-Canil of Mulberry, is a Guatemalan who was in the country illegally, Judd said.

This guy here, had he been in his country of origin, had he not been smuggled across the Mexican border, we wouldn't have had this young lady in this crash and three people dead, Judd said, holding a mug shot of Giron-Canil. Of course, he's treated and released.

The Florida Immigration Coalition points to studies, including a 2021 report from the Cato Institute, showing that felony arrest rates are lower for undocumented immigrants than for legal immigrants and native-born citizens.

Judd said that Mexican drug cartels are connected to trafficking operations in Polk County. He cited the 2021 arrests of six people allegedly selling crystal methamphetamine and other drugs in the county.

The sheriff said that illegal activity linked to Mexican cartels is occurring while our president and the administration stands silent and allows the people of this country to be victimized.

'What's really happening at the border'

Judd flew to Tallahassee on Wednesday morning and joined DeSantis team on an official state flight to Arizona, PCSO spokesperson Scott Wilder said. Judd spent Wednesday night in Tallahassee and flew back Thursday morning. Wilder did not have the total cost for the trip as of Thursday afternoon.

Speaking by phone Thursday, Judd said it was his first trip to the Mexican border and offered important insight into what he called a "crisis." He described seeing a watchtower across the border manned by a man identified by a local sheriff as a drug cartel member using binoculars to direct crossings away from patrol agents.

Judd said the sheriff told him and others that his crews have seen smugglers, known as coyotes, driving vehicles with license plates from Florida, Georgia and other states. He lamented seeing material for a border wall sitting discarded after Biden halted the construction former President Donald Trump had begun.

Though the discussion was broadcast and featured frequent denunciations of Biden, Judd rejected the idea that it was a political event or an element of DeSantis presidential campaign. He called it a policy and strategy session in which law-enforcement officials shared ideas on how to combat the effects of illegal immigration.

Judd said the education he received and contacts he formed made the trip valuable for Polk City residents.

We have operational contacts that we didn't have, Judd said. But we really have the ability for me to shed light on what's really happening at the border, as opposed to only what people can see on the news. And I can tell you after seeing it personally and watching the news, you don't get the full impact. The news is skewed.

Judd said he hasnt yet endorsed a candidate for president, but he strongly hinted that DeSantis will have his support.

No, I have not formally declared an endorsement for him yet, Judd said. But I can certainly tell you, when I look at the productivity of all of those that are entering into the political fray for the Republican nomination and I set the politics aside and I look at the systems and practices and the work  all of them together don't compare with the accomplishments that Gov. DeSantis provided during his first four years as governor.

Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Joining DeSantis at border, Polk Sheriff Judd decries immigrant crime
Pope's recovery proceeding normally, he is resting well, Vatican says

Pope's recovery proceeding normally, he is resting well, Vatican says

By Philip Pullella

ROME (Reuters) -Pope Francis spent a restful first day after abdominal surgery and his post-operative recovery was proceeding as expected, with bloodwork and respiratory levels stable, the Vatican said on Thursday.

The 86-year-old pope is on a liquid diet and was well enough to receive communion and make a telephone call, said the statement, the second medical bulletin of the day.

Francis underwent a three-hour operation in a Rome hospital on Wednesday to repair a hernia, which doctors said was successful enough that he should have no limitations on his travels and other activities after he recovers.

A statement on Thursday morning said Francis was in good general condition, alert and breathing spontaneously and that the results of routine tests were good.

He telephoned the mother of a boy he had baptised in the hospital's children's ward last year to thank her for a get-well poster the family had sent him, the Vatican said.

Doctor Sergio Alfieri, the chief surgeon who operated on the pope at Rome's Gemelli hospital, said on Wednesday that Francis had reacted well to general anaesthesia and that he expected the pontiff to be in hospital for about five to seven days.

But, speaking to reporters after the surgery, Alfieri cautioned that while strong, the pope was elderly and recently had bronchitis so "we will take all necessary precautions" regarding the length of the hospital stay.

Francis has two trips planned for this summer, to Portugal Aug. 2-6 to attend the World Youth Day and visit the Shrine of Fatima, and to Mongolia Aug. 31-Sept. 4, one of the more remote places he has had on his travel schedule.

Alfieri said he saw no medical reason why the pope would have to change his schedule if the recovery went well, as the surgeon expected it to.

GENERIC RISKS REMAIN

Charles Maxwell-Armstrong, President of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, told Reuters Television in London that while it "was not a small operation by any means" for a person of the pope's age, he agreed that travel would be possible if Francis made a full recovery.

He said that while there were a "number of generic risks that apply to pretty much all patients" such as infection, stroke or heart attacks, "we would anticipate him making a full recovery, and the likelihood is that is exactly what he will do".

The Vatican said all of the pope's private and general audiences had been cancelled until June 18 as a precautionary measure.

In a 2021 stay at the same Catholic-run hospital, Francis recited the traditional Sunday prayer from a balcony on the 10th floor, which has a suite of rooms reserved only for popes.

Doctors have said this week's operation was necessary to repair a laparocele, a hernia that sometimes forms over scars, usually resulting from previous surgeries. It is more common in older people and it can also be caused by being overweight or weakness of the abdominal wall muscles.

Alfieri said the pope's condition was causing painful, intestinal occlusions that were becoming more frequent.

Francis underwent a laparotomy, or open abdominal surgery, and a mesh prosthesis was used to reconstruct the abdominal wall.

It is the third hospital stay for Francis since cardinals chose the Argentinian in 2013 as the first Latin American pope. It is the latest in a string of health problems in recent years.

In July 2021 he had part of his colon removed in an operation aimed at addressing a painful bowel condition called diverticulitis. He said earlier this year that the condition had returned and was affecting his weight.

(Additional reporting by Aiden Nulty in London, Alvise Armellini, Federica Urso and Gianluca Semeraro in Italy, Editing by William Maclean and Rosalba O'Brien)
HARTFORD CITY, Ind.  A Portland woman who led authorities on a high-speed chase with three frightened passengers in her pickup truck has pleaded guilty to a pair of related charges.

Brooke A. Bennett, 23, pleaded guilty this week in Blackford Circuit Court to criminal confinement and resisting law enforcement, both Level 6 felonies with maximum 30-month sentences.

Judge Brian Bade imposed an 18-month sentence for each conviction, and ruled the terms would be served concurrently. Bennett received credit for 217 days already spent in jail.

Under the terms of a plea bargain, two other charges  possession of marijuana and reckless driving  were dismissed.

Authorities said Bennet was driving a Ford extended-cab pickup truck in Montpelier last Nov. 1 when she failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign at Ind. 18 and River Road.

More: Blackford woman who survived OD gets home detention in dealing case

When an officer tried to pull her vehicle over, Bennett fled, traveling as fast as 100 mph in the ensuing chase. Her truck eventually went into a ditch, and the Portland woman fled on foot into a nearby cornfield. She was later apprehended.

Police found three passengers  a 36-year-old woman and her two teenage daughters  in the truck. The mother told investigators Bennett had refused to stop the truck and allow her daughters to leave the vehicle, insisting she "wasn't going back to jail."

Bennett's record includes earlier convictions for possession of meth, maintaining a common nuisance and unlawful possession of a syringe.

The Portland woman faces a total of five charges  possession of a narcotic drug, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of marijuana and two counts of unlawful possession of a syringe  in three cases pending in Jay Superior Court.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Portland woman guilty of confinement charge stemming from police chase
Former US president Donald J. Trump (C) departs Trump Tower on route to New York Attorney General Letitia James' office for a deposition related to a civil lawsuit in New York, New York, USA, 13 April 2023

Donald Trump has been told he is a target of a criminal investigation over the potential mishandling of classified files after he left the White House.

A move by federal prosecutors to notify the ex-president of a criminal probe suggests he could soon faces charges.

If that happened, it would be the second indictment of Mr Trump, who is campaigning once again to be president.

Prosecutors have been looking into the transfer of files to Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida estate since last year.

The beachside property was searched last August and 11,000 documents were seized, including around 100 marked as classified. Some of these were labelled top secret.

On Wednesday, three sources familiar with the matter told the BBC's US partner CBS News that Mr Trump had been informed he was being investigated.

Mr Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has described the investigation as politically motivated.

When asked by the New York Times if he had been told he is a target of a federal investigation on Wednesday, he said "you have to understand" that he was not in direct touch with prosecutors.

CNN, ABC News, and Politico all reported on Wednesday night that Mr Trump had been notified by letter that he was the subject of a criminal investigation.

All the outlets said the move signalled charges could happen soon, but that it was possible a person would not go on to be charged.

The New York Times cited two people familiar with the matter as saying the notification came from the office of Jack Smith, a former war crimes attorney turned special prosecutor who is considering evidence.

It comes after prosecutors obtained an audio recording of Mr Trump in which he acknowledges keeping a classified document after leaving the White House.

The details of documents that may have been in Mr Trump's possession remain unclear. Classified material usually contains information that officials feel could damage national security if made public.

It is against US law for federal officials, up to and including a president, to remove or retain classified documents at an unauthorised location.

Grand juries, set up by a prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence to pursue a prosecution, are believed to have met in both Miami and Washington to hear evidence.

On Wednesday, the jury in Miami heard evidence from Taylor Budowich, a former aide and spokesman to Mr Trump.

It raises the possibility that any criminal charges could be filed in Florida for procedural reasons, CBS reported.

Earlier this week, members of Mr Trump's legal team met with investigators at the Department of Justice in Washington.

Mr Trump, who is leading in opinion polls to be the Republican Party's 2024 candidate for president, has consistently denied wrongdoing and has criticised the justice department's investigation as "politically motivated" and a "witch-hunt".

Any indictment over his handling of classified documents would come after Mr Trump became the first former president to be charged with a crime, after he pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records over a hush-money payment to a porn star.

He faces a trial in that case in New York next year.
Its not quite a Trump-style media circus yet in Miami, but it will be soon.

Dozens of out-of-town reporters, photographers and TV camera crews gathered Thursday in front of the downtown federal courthouse  killing time under white tents with snacks, water and books  in hopes of getting a morsel of news from a secret grand jury which has been reviewing evidence in the Justice Departments probe into Trumps handling of classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

By Thursday evening, Trump ended the uncertainty when he announced on his social media platform that he has been indicted in the classified documents case and must make his first appearance in Miami federal court on Tuesday.

The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax, Trump, 76, posted on Truth Social.

Read More: Trump says hes been indicted in documents case. Expected in Miami court Tuesday

The convening of the grand jury in Miami came as a surprise to many because for months special counsel Jack Smith has been presenting evidence to grand jurors in Washington, DC.

Given the secrecy, rumors and uncertainty abounded.

Would the Miami jurors indict Trump on charges of illegally storing hundreds of classified documents at his private residence and club, Mar-a-Lago, while obstructing efforts by the FBI to retrieve them? Would the Washington DC jurors separately indict Trump on charges related to inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on Capitol Hill to stop Congress certification of the Electoral College vote before transferring power to Joe Biden?

No one seemed to know on Thursday, despite 24/7 coverage by the New York Times, AP and other major news organizations in recent days. Many outlets had reporters stationed in Miami.

Tents outside the Federal Courthouse in Miami shield a growing number of news reporters monitoring events as a grand jury gathers evidence related to the possible mishandling of classified documents by former President Donald J. Trump.

On Thursday  before Trumps Truth Social announcement  news outlets reported that federal prosecutors had informed the former presidents legal team that he is a target of their investigation into his handling of classified documents after he left office. The notification to Trumps team by prosecutors from the office of the special counsel was the clearest signal yet that the former president was likely to face charges in the investigation.

It wasnt quite clear on Thursday who was appearing in the Miami grand jury room on the federal courthouses seventh floor, which is located next door to a cafeteria appropriately called the Constitution Cafe. In the cafeteria, a Miami Herald reporter spotted a local federal prosecutor, Matthew Thakur, heading to the grand jury room. Thakur has been detached to work on Smiths team in the Trump documents investigation. Another local prosecutor working on Smiths team is Karen Gilbert.

The Miami grand jury, a body of 23 members who began reviewing documents and hearing testimony last month, may have still been reviewing evidence but also could be voting on whether to indict Trump.

The previous day, CNN reported that the latest witness to appear before the Miami panel was Taylor Budowich, a former Trump spokesman who now runs a super PAC called MAGA. Inc. CNN reported that Budowich and his attorney, Stanley Woodward, declined to answer questions as they arrived at the federal courthouse in downtown Miami.

The Mar-a-Lago investigation, led by Smith, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, appears to be winding down and social media speculation has heated up that a final decision could be close on whether to indict the former president or others involved in handling the documents. Numerous media outlets reported that Trumps lawyers met at the Justice Department in Washington on Monday with officials, including Smith, as part of an effort by the legal team to argue against a potential indictment.

The Justice Department has been tight-lipped on the investigation and its unclear why twin grand juries might be employed in the investigation. A spokesman for Smith declined to comment Tuesday night to The Associated Press even on the existence of a second grand jury.

But legal experts told the numerous media outlets, including the Miami Herald, that it suggested the potential for at least part of any case to be filed and prosecuted in South Florida.

The former president has been vocal about the ongoing probe on his social media site and in interviews. Trump recently called into the Todd Starnes radio show, where he confirmed the Justice Department meeting with his lawyers: Well, I can just say this: They did go in and they saw em and they said very unfair. No other president has ever been charged with anything like his.

The investigation stems from a drawn-out dispute over accusations that the former president had mishandled classified records. Months after his departure, Trump engaged in a confrontation with the National Archives and then the FBI over releasing the classified documents  including material about a foreign countrys nuclear capabilities and military defenses  leading to the seizure of top secret documents at his private club last summer.
Power engineers figure out how to adapt system after blowing up of Kakhovka HPP

The decrease in the capacity of hydroelectric power plants due to the need to reduce the volume of water discharged into the Kakhovka Reservoir, the lowest in the Dnipro cascade, will be compensated by an increase in the thermal generation capacity.

Source: Interfax Ukraine, citing Dmytro Sakharuk, Executive Director of DTEK [leading Ukrainian energy company  ed.], on air of Priamyi TV channel

Quote: "The entire system will now be adapted in order, on the one hand, to reduce the volume of water discharged into the Kakhovka Reservoir and, on the other hand, to ensure the sufficiency of balancing capacities at the expense of the thermal power plants.

Due to the fact that hydroelectric power plants are producing somewhat less now, our plants, on the contrary, provide additional generation to the system so that consumers do not have outages."

Details: Sakharuk noted that the work of thermal power plants, which, along with HPPs, perform a balancing function in the energy system, will be very important, especially during peak loads.

He drew attention to Ukrenergos request to reduce consumption during peaks to facilitate the balancing of the energy system.

In general, according to him, the system is balanced, there are no balance restrictions, and electricity imports are coming in small volumes.

Quote: "Most of the outages are in the contact line and border areas. The most difficult situation is in Donetsk Oblast, where 10,000-20,000 consumers are cut off every day due to shelling."

Details: Saharuk clarified that these are local outages unrelated to power shortages.

Hydropower plants, after the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP, are reducing production capacity to limit the flow of water into the Kakhovka Reservoir to reduce flooding.

According to Ukrenergo, in general, electricity production is sufficient to cover the needs of consumers, but the situation in the power system remains difficult, and in the evening, due to the limited number of power units in operation, there may be a power deficit.

Therefore, Ukrenergo once again called on consumers to transfer the use of powerful equipment from the evening hours to other periods of the day to reduce the load on the power system and facilitate balancing.

On 7 June, from 20:00 to 23:00, the energy system of Ukraine received emergency assistance from the power system of Romania due to insufficient total capacity to cover the evening peak of consumption.

Energoatom stated on 7 June that it would try to reduce repairs to NPP units, which currently include four of the nine units available in Ukraine, to increase electricity production in connection with a possible decrease in HPP production due to the need to accumulate water in reservoirs located above Kakhovka.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






Pregnant women at Kadena Air Base in Japan are being notified they wont be able to deliver their babies at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, the only full-servce medical center on the island, due to a staffing shortage.

Women at Kadena whose estimated due date is from August through November are being given a choice: Either go to a Japanese medical facility or be placed in a Stork Nesting program in which theyll be flown to a location in the continental United States, according to a June 7 memorandum signed by Air Force Lt. Col. Travis C. Russell, chief of the medical staff at Kadenas 18th Medical Group. The staffing shortage is expected to be resolved by the end of the year, he stated.

Available information indicates this affects women at Kadena, but not elsewhere on Okinawa. It was not immediately clear whether it applies to active duty women.

Right now, spouses in the community are completely shocked, said Rachel, an Air Force wife who is one of a group of advocates for dependent health care at Kadena. She asked that her last name not be used.

Every individual I have spoken to has expressed extreme concern and anger, she said. As mothers, our hearts are broken that women are being put in this situation: to choose whether to give birth away from their home or to give birth out in town, where access to care is not a right, and can absolutely be denied.

Advocates describe the alternative as a logistical nightmare. If women choose to have their babies delivered stateside, the must get a referral from their health care provider no later than 28 weeks into their pregnancy and must by off the island six weeks later, at 34 weeks, or at 7 months.

The memo states the women will be referred to a continental U.S. military treatment facility, but information was not immediately available about whether they would have a choice of a facility that might be close to family, or whether a civilian hospital in the U.S. is an option. And while lodging at government expense is authorized, its not clear whether women would be given an advance. The memo states the travelers are required to keep their receipts.

A non-medical attendant, such as the spouse, is authorized, but not until four weeks before the delivery, the memo stated. This may result in time away from family members, and recovery in a hotel type setting, Russell acknowledged in the memo. Being off island by 34 weeks into the pregnancy means that their spouse or other non-medical attendant wont be there for the full period of time before delivery, which is generally 40 weeks of gestation.

Elayne Saejung, an Air Force wife who has been an advocate for families on Okinawa, said there are many questions that remain unanswered, such as concerns about pregnant women with young children, including school-aged children, who would need to follow their pregnant mother to the stateside location or rely on an operational active duty member with irregular work hours.

Then, she said, there is the issue of getting passports for new babies who will be traveling with their mothers to Okinawa. Saejung, whose background is in public health and health care emergency management, just returned to the U.S. after three years in Okinawa.

Military must find new ways to deal with medical personnel shortages

Rachel said she spoke with one spouse who was given 24 hours to decide whether she would stay on Okinawa or go stateside for delivery. Once the decision is made, it cannot be changed.

She has young children and a spouse who is on active duty, so leaving the island to give birth did not seem feasible for her, Rachel said. She shed tears and she made her decision. We can only pray that the health of her, her child and her family will not be jeopardized.

In his memo, Russell laid out caveats of getting care in a Japanese medical facility. While these facilities have not been historically used, he said, the Defense Health Agency maintains confidence in these facilities, especially given Japans maternity mortality rate is on par with other developed nations.

Russells memo noted:

 Epidurals or spinal anesthesia, common pain relief methods used during labor in the U.S., are used in only about 5% of obstetric cases in Japan, because of cultural and medical practice differences.

 While U.S. law requires hospitals to provide care to anyone needing emergency health care regardless of citizenship, legal status or ability to pay, this doesnt apply in Japan. Importantly, Japanese law does not require hospitals to accept patients who are in labor, so you may need to seek alternative delivery locations at the last minute, he stated.

As a public health professional, Saejung said, she wants people to understand that this situation doesnt absolve Naval Hospital Okinawa of its responsibility under U.S. law to treat anyone needing emergency care, so if any of these women do have an emergency, they are able to go to the emergency room at the hospital.

 After a vaginal delivery without complications, women may be required to stay in the hospital for seven to 10 days, compared to usual stays of fewer than 48 hours in the U.S. The length of stay after a cesarean section is also longer.

 Theres a language barrier. A translator will be provided to help with communication, but they may not be available 24/7. Thus, there could be periods of time when theres a language barrier, which could result in less optimal outcomes, he stated.

 Obstetric appointments may last two to four hours in some facilities, and child care must be arranged, as young children typically arent allowed at these appointments.

 Japanese facilities accommodate patients with a higher body mass index, but some studies show that women with higher BMIs are at greater risk for complications in Japan, compared to the U.S., Russell noted.

Military leaders on Kadena, including the Medical Group, are advocates and consistently on the side of the spouses and their patients, Rachel said. But since medical facilities have come under control of the Defense Health Agency, there seems to be less power in the hands of local leadership.

We would ask the DHA to communicate with local leadership in order to make sure shortages like this do not happen, she said.

Peter Graves, a spokesman for the agency said it is fully aware of the situation at Naval Hospital Okinawa and the impact it may have on expectant mothers who utilize the facility.

We are working with hospital leadership as well as the leadership of the DHA Region Indo-Pacific to determine the best next steps for those in need, he said. We are actively looking for expediting civilian hiring, contract solutions and temporary assignment of military personnel from across the Department of Defense to mitigate the acute shortage of obstetric support for the women in the Indo-Pacific area.

Information was not immediately available about other U.S. installations in the region that have similar shortages.

Many members of the military community on Okinawa are frustrated because they have long been aware of the staffing shortages and know that dozens of military spouses are qualified medical professionals, said Saejung. It is not entirely clear why they cant be hired.

In a January interview, the new director of the Defense Health Agency, Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, noted that the military medical system has to find new ways to deal with medical personnel shortages, which are also being felt in the civilian medical community. She noted, for example, that the United States is projected to fall 250,000 to 300,000 nurses short of available positions.

In a Jan. 24 town hall meeting in Hawaii, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth told soldiers and families that everywhere she goes, she hears requests for more access to doctors.

We want the DHA to recognize the importance of their role in making health care accessible to the dependent population, Rachel said. Most of the time, the argument we get back is that military treatment facilities are for military members only. That works when there is available health care off base. But in Japan, that is not the case  and now our mothers and new babies are feeling the brunt of it.
President Biden will appoint a new federal coordinator to address the growing book bans happening in schools across the nation.



Biden made the announcement on Thursday. The White House is launching the coordinator position along with a group of other initiatives to support the LGBTQI+ community as it celebrates Pride Month.



Across the country, our nation faces a spike in book bans  efforts that disproportionately strip books about LGBTQI+ communities, communities of color, and other communities off of library and classroom shelves, the White House said. In fact, 2022 saw the highest number of book bans in 20 years.

The coordinator will be a part of the Department of Educations office of civil rights. The role will focus on offering trainings for schools on how book bans are possibly unlawful and can lead to a hostile setting for students. However, Biden has yet to name who will be stepping into the role as the coordinator over book bans.



Book banning erodes our democracy, removes vital resources for student learning, and can contribute to the stigma and isolation that LGBTQI+ people and other communities face, the White House said.

Along with the new coordinator, Biden also announced initiatives to help support homeless LGBTQ community members and the creation of new safety training classes for LGBTQ community organizations.



According to PEN Americas Index of School Book Bans, there have been close to 1,500 instances of book banning in schools during the first half of this school year. These bans have focused on 874 different titles.



Recent bans include a book created from Amanda Gormans poem The Hill We Climb, which she read at the 2021 presidential inauguration. The book, along with three other titles, were moved to the middle-school section of the library at Bob Graham Education Center, which is a public school in Miami-Dade County.



Speaking on her book being banned, Gorman told CBS Mornings that the book bans were creating a bookshelf that doesnt represent the diverse facets of America.



Im fine with those parents not liking my poetry, thats completely in your right, Gorman said. But when we get to a situation where that one persons dislike of my work leads to everyone else not having access to that, that is a huge issue, I think, because it encroaches on our freedom to really absorb and love and enjoy literature from where we are.

The post President Biden Creates New Position To Address Book Bans Across Nation appeared first on 21Ninety.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be traveling to Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Fort Liberty, North Carolina on Friday.

In Rocky Mount, North Carolina they are expected to discuss how career-connected learning and workforce training programs are preparing students for good-paying jobs in North Carolina, as well as nationwide, that are being created as a result of the Presidents Investing in America Agenda.

ALSO READ: In North Carolina, Biden to compare economic plan with GOPs

At Fort Liberty, North Carolina, they will meet with service members and their families and deliver remarks at an event in support of Joining Forces. This is in conjunction with the first ladys initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors.

The Bidens will arrive and depart from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

VIDEO: In North Carolina, Biden to compare economic plan with GOPs




































fiber optic lighting line on beautiful landscape for innovation and technology abstract background conceptual, futuristic abstract background

In an exciting collaboration, Priceline, the online travel agency under Booking Holdings, and tech giant Google are set to introduce advanced artificial intelligence tools that will transform how people plan their trips. As early as this summer, travelers will have access to an enhanced chatbot and personalized hotel suggestions that function like a personal concierge, thanks to Googles AI capabilities.

Martin Brodbeck, Pricelines chief technology officer, envisions a seamless travel planning experience where users can easily discover nearby attractions and events while booking accommodations. For example, visitors searching for a New York hotel can effortlessly learn about the Christmas market in Bryant Park, which is open from early November to January. This innovative integration of AI aims to provide tailored and relevant information to users at the right time.

Photo Credit: Milena Magazin

Priceline will leverage Googles generative AI, similar to the technology powering ChatGPT, which can draft text that mimics human writing. Additionally, the tools allow Priceline to extract accurate information, including hotel prices, from existing data sources. This foray into AI-powered business services is a strategic move for Google to narrow the gap with competitors like Amazon and Microsoft in the cloud services sector.

Pricelines adoption of cutting-edge technology aligns with industry trends and positions the company to compete with other platforms exploring the potential of AI. Expedia Group, Pricelines rival, has already integrated ChatGPT into its smartphone app, empowering users with inspiration for travel destinations and seamless booking options. Booking Holdings subsidiary Kayak has also integrated its travel suggestions into the ChatGPT program.

While Google has traditionally been a competitor to Priceline, their collaboration was driven by Googles cloud capabilities. The ability to build applications on top of generative AI technology pioneered by Google has attracted recent business opportunities. Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, describes this as a Cambrian moment, referring to a period of explosive growth and diversification where new species emerged in prehistoric times.

The partnership entails multiple benefits for Priceline. Googles AI will provide coding suggestions for Pricelines software developers, enhance search capabilities for employee intranets, and streamline marketing efforts by generating captivating content and imagery that resonates with trending destinations.

Integrating AI into travel planning heralds an era of personalized and efficient experiences for travelers. With Priceline and Google leading the charge, the travel industry is poised to undergo a remarkable transformation that will enhance customer satisfaction and revolutionize how we explore the world.
Piers Morgan could have injected information obtained by alleged phone hacking into stories while working as Daily Mirror editor, Prince Harrys lawyer has told the High Court.

The papers former royal editor Jane Kerr, who entered the witness box after the Duke of Sussex, said it was highly unlikely her ex-boss would have done so, however, and that Mr Morgan might say he had been speaking to somebody at the palace, as he took a really genuine interest in royal stories.

During the dukes nearly eight-hour testimony this week, he accused Mr Morgan of horrific personal attacks and intimidation, as he was cross-examined about his allegations of unlawful information-gathering at Mirror Group Newspaper titles.

After the royals barrister concluded his cross-examination of Ms Kerr on Thursday, who he alleged had commissioned third-parties to obtain information for stories 900 times while working at the Mirror, Harrys co-claimant, Coronation Street actor Nikki Sanderson, entered the witness box to testify against the publisher.

Key Points

Piers Morgan could have injected information from voicemails into stories, court told

At a glance: Key moments from Prince Harry and Mirror journalists testimony

Prince Harry says he launched phone hacking cases to protect wife Meghan

Duke fights back tears as he describes strain of press intrusion

Harry defends lack of any call data between his phone and Mirror journalists

Caroline Flacks mother praises Prince Harry for taking on horrendous press

14:55 , Andy Gregory

Here are more comments from Caroline Flacks mother, Christine, about Prince Harrys trial against Mirror Group Newspapers.

Appearing on Jeremy Vines Channel 5 chat show, the late TV presenters mother said: Carrie was the same in her life, whenever a story appeared in the paper it causes distrust among your friends and your family, shed say Mum, have you said anything?

I think Harry is doing it for everybody ... and I think hes very brave because he is getting such an awful lot of stick as well, and the people that are reporting on him are the same people he is in court against. So, its doubly hard.

Ms Flack said she herself had been pursued by the paparazzi after her daughter was arrested and later found dead in February 2020 at the age of 40.

She added: Its horrendous what the press do, horrendous, and Im just so pleased hes doing something about it.

Opinion | Being namechecked in court by Harry reveals his ignorance about journalism

14:14 , Andy Gregory

Our world affairs editor Kim Sengupta writes:

It was a huge surprise to be told that I have been named in the High Court in the trial of Prince Harry against Mirror Group Newspapers. I have had few dealings with the royal family in my lengthy career as a journalist, and what I cover  namely foreign affairs and wars  should not have involved me in this case about alleged phone hacking.

The Sunday People had published a story in May 2005 about a knee injury suffered by Harry, and described complaints by his fellow cadets that the prince was being given preferential treatment and was being let off taking part in gruelling marches.

Prince Harry told the court that the story must have come from phone hacking, and that its appearance had led to him worrying [he] couldnt trust anyone for fear of that it would end up splashed across the tabloids. So serious was the effect it had on him that it led to distrust [he] ended up having at Sandhurst with the medical staff.

Andrew Green KC, who is representing Mirror Group Newspapers, pointed out that a similar story had appeared in The Independent. The story was by me the respected Independent defence correspondent - an unexpected compliment, and showed that what was happening at Sandhurst was of public interest.

Our story, which was not very long, did not come from phone hacking. The Independent did not hack Harrys phone or anyone elses, and nobody had ever claimed that it had. It came from something that happens all the time in journalism  information from contacts.

I was namechecked in Harrys case. He doesnt understand journalism | Kim Sengupta

Mirror journalist discusses story about cocaine parties'

13:52 , Andy Gregory

Quizzed earlier today by Prince Harrys lawyer, former Mirror journalist Jane Kerr said the source referred to in a story about Harry and cocaine ecstasy and GHB parties may have come from a source who was a contact of Jeff Edwards, the Mirrors crime reporter.

In her witness statement, Ms Kerr said she was aware that there was a payment to a confidential source in respect of this article but added that the source was not one of her contacts.

Ms Kerr denies involvement in voicemail interception or hacking and denies instructing private investigators to gather information unlawfully. She said in her statement: To be accused of such a thing is extremely upsetting.

Proceedings turn to Coronation Street actor Nikki Sanderson

13:29 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harrys fellow claimant, former Coronation Street actor Nikki Sanderson, is now the focus of todays proceedings.

Sanderson is bringing a damages claim against MGN over the alleged unlawful gathering of information, including by voicemail interception. In May, the 39-year-old told the High Court that she was physically assaulted in the street following false insinuations published in articles by MGN.

The details of the exact articles in question have yet to be disclosed.

Sanderson first joined Coronation Street in 1999 as Candice Stowe, recurring character Sarah Platts (Tina OBrien) friend from school. Prior to that, she had appeared in the childrens drama called Childrens Ward.

My colleague Peony Hirwani has more detail in this report:

Who is Nikki Sanderson?

Mirror journalist denies schoolboy Harry was highly prized target'

13:08 , Andy Gregory

The Mirrors former royal editor Jane Kerr has rejected the suggestion that Prince Harry was a highly prized target for journalists while at Eton, Peter Stubley reports.

The Duke of Sussexs barrister David Sherborne questioned her in detail about two stories which referred to Harry breaking his thumb aged 16 and catching kissing disease glandular fever aged 17.

Mr Sherborne said they were hardly consistent with her claim that the princes were off limits while they were still at school.

Kerr said the injury story was a follow up of a Press Association story which has effectively been confirmed by the palace.

She claimed the information that doctors had told Harry not to play football for a few weeks would have come from the palace. She rejected the suggestion she would have got the information from a private investigator.

Asked about the kissing story, which was marked exclusive, she said: it was such a long time ago, I was writing hundreds of stories, I dont remember the background of the story.

Mr Sherborne said stories about Prince Harry were a highly prized target.

Kerr said: I dont think thats true. It wouldnt have been my decision to run the story, it would have been the editor [Piers Morgan].

Piers Morgan could have injected information obtained from voicemails into stories, court told

12:46

Peter Stubley reports:

Former Mirror editor Piers Morgan could have injected information that he had obtained from voicemails into royal stories, the High Court was told.

David Sherborne, acting for the Duke of Sussex, made the allegation while questioning the newspapers former royal correspondent Jane Kerr, as he noted that one story about Harry contained information that did not appear in other reports and references to the the private thoughts of the then-Prince Charles.

That is information that would precisely have come from people listening to voicemail messages, the lawyer said, adding: Mr Morgan may have injected information he obtained from voicemails.

Ms Kerr replied: I cant say he didnt but I think it would be highly unlikely, and said that if Morgan contributed to a story she did not know where the information came from.

He might say he had a been speaking to somebody at the palace, Kerr said. He took a really genuine interest in royal stories and the work and would often come over.

Courtroom sketch shows cross-examination of Mirror journalist

12:16 , Andy Gregory

Here is a courtroom sketch of former Mirror journalist Jane Kerr, who has been questioned by Prince Harrys lawyer David Sherborne once again this morning, with the dukes fellow claimant, Coronation Street actor Nikki Sanderson, soon to follow.

(Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)

One journalist has this take on the atmosphere in the High Court today.

Sherborne has repeatedly asked Kerr where her stories about Prince Harry & the quotes in those pieces came from. Given the length of time that has passed since Kerr wrote these articles she has mostly answered I really cant remember where its come from.  Sarah Hajibagheri (@SaraHajibagheri) June 8, 2023

Caroline Flack knew phone was being hacked when seeing Prince Harry, mother says

10:59 , Andy Gregory

Caroline Flack knew her phone was being hacked at the time she was seeing Prince Harry, the late TV presenters mother has claimed, echoing his claims in court yesterday.

Calling the Duke of Sussex incredibly brave, Christine Flack said Harry was doing this for everybody as he takes on Mirror Group Newspapers over allegations of unlawful information-gathering.

She said: Carrie was the same [as the duke] in her life  whenever a story appeared in the paper, it causes distress among your friends and your family. She said, Mum, have you said anything?

But when she was seeing Harry, she knew her phone was being hacked, so we used to use a different telephone, and I believe they tried hacking our phones as well.

"I think Prince Harry is doing for this everybody, and he's incredibly brave"



We spoke to the late Caroline Flack's mother, after her daughter was referenced during yesterday's court proceedings.



She's backing Harry's fight against the press.@thejeremyvine | #JeremyVine pic.twitter.com/vnVAlxOIiz  Jeremy Vine On 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) June 8, 2023

At yesterdays hearing, the court heard how the duke grew to suspect his friend Caroline after the pair were photographed by photographers waiting under a car for them at a dinner party, with the pictures appearing in a 2009 story in The People headlined, Harrys date with Gladiator star.

(Court handout/PA Wire)

Former Mirror journalist Jane Kerr back in witness box

10:19 , Andy Gregory

Former Mirror journalist Jane Kerr is back in the witness box this morning, after the judge criticised timetabling issues at the days close yesterday.

Prince Harrys lawyer David Sherborne said he had around 90 minutes of further questions for the papers former royal editor, which was scheduled to start slightly earlier this morning, as Ms Kerr already had a prior appointment.

Opinion | At first, it didnt look good for Harry  but the tide turned

09:43 , Andy Gregory

Samuel Fishwick, deputy editor of Independent Voices, was at the High Court yesterday. Here is his take on the Duke of Sussexs historic testimony:

At first, things didnt look good for Harry: try as we might to strain our ears, his voice deep and breathy, he didnt put up a shred of hard evidence to explicitly prove any of the Mirror Group Newspapers stories  lurid as they were about his youthful misadventures  in question leant on unlawful information gathering.

Instead, coincidences were deemed incredibly suspicious; highly suspicious; or viewed with incredible amounts of suspiciousness. There was a lot of suspicion to go around. But where was the crunch? He says hes been consistently hacked for 15 years and that it could have been happening on a daily basis  then added that the lack of evidence is part of the reason Im here.

But the tide turned. The funny thing is that Harry actually wears the witness box rather well. He soaked up Greens early barbs like a plush pin cushion. His broad shoulders filled it squarely. He shrugged off the punchy KC like a prize boxer for more than seven full hours. A bruising encounter, yes. But Green didnt appear to land any palpable hits.

Opinion: More like a boy than a man  Prince Harry looked crumpled in the witness box

Former tabloid journalist claims we did much worse to Harrys father

09:29 , Andy Gregory

A former News of the World journalist has claimed we did much worse to King Charles as he defended claims of the press treatment of Prince Harry.

Asked whether, as someone who has admitted being involved in phone hacking, he feels any guilt or shame, the newspapers former deputy features editor Paul McMullan told Good Morning Britain: Well not really, because we did much worse to his dad.

And his dad just dismissed it [as], oh, those annoying newspaper people, and got over it.

Accepting the hosts point that phone hacking is illegal, Mr McMullan said, it was, but well you could say that taking drugs is illegal.

Claiming to note that there is a balance between people in the public spheres mental health and press scrutiny of their behaviour, he continued: I chased [Harrys late] mother a lot ... I chased her round the world for about five years.

'As somebody involved [in phone hacking] by your own admission, does that leave you with a sense of guilt and shame?'@susannareid100 questions Paul McMullan, former deputy features editor at News of the World over how they gathered stories pic.twitter.com/NESzS48TVr  Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 7, 2023

Lilibet birthday snub is a reflection of strained relationship in royal family, expert says

09:04 , Andy Gregory

A royal expert has said that the radio silence from senior members of the royal family on Princess Lilibet Dianas second birthday reflected the strained relationship between the King and Lilibets parents, my colleague Ellie Muir reports.

Last year, the official Twitter accounts for the royal family, King Charles and Queen Camilla, plus that of the Prince and Princess of Wales, all wished Lilibet a happy first birthday.

But as the young royal turned two on Sunday, neither of the three Twitter accounts publicly sent their birthday wishes to the young royal, who is the only daughter and second child of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.

Lilibet birthday snub reflects strained relationship in royal family, expert says

Piers Morgan says he will maintain a dignified silence on Harry trial

08:49 , Andy Gregory

Former Mirror editor Piers Morgan has claimed he will maintain a dignified silence until the Prince Harrys phone hacking case has concluded, after the Duke of Sussex took aim at the presenter in his testimony this week.

Approached in the street by Channel 4 News reporters, Mr Morgan insisted that he cant say anything until this is over.

Pressed again for this thoughts, he added: I would love to, as you can probably imagine, but unusually Im going to maintain a dignified silence until it is all over.

Piers Morgan says he is keeping a "dignified silence" over Prince Harry's court case.



Morgan was editor of the Daily Mirror at the time Prince Harry accuses the newspaper of phone hacking.



The publisher denies all allegations and Mr Morgan has previously denied phone hacking. pic.twitter.com/9ZqX0AOajc  Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 7, 2023

9 bombshell claims from Prince Harry in first witness box showdown

08:15 , Matt Mathers

Prince Harrys decision to become the first royal in 130 years to enter a witness box has revealed a host of claims about his life and relationship with the British press, as he gave five hours of testimony in his blockbuster trial against The Mirror publisher.

Andy Gregory takes a look at some of the most explosive claims made by the prince:

9 bombshell claims from Prince Harry in first witness box showdown

What the papers say - 8 June

07:45 , Matt Mathers

Prince Harrys legal case against the publisher of the Daily Mirror makes the front of several newspapers this morning.

Metro focuses on a claim by the duke that he found a tracker on the car of Chelsy Davies, his ex-girlfriend.

The Times, Telegraph and i cover comments by an emotional duke, who said he went to court to protect wife Meghan.

In a comment piece, the Daily Mail says King Charles must banish Harry to private life if he carries on his facile assault on the government.

Heres how the UK press covered day two of the case:

What the papers say  June 8

Comment: More like a boy than a man  Prince Harry looked crumpled in the witness box

07:30 , Matt Mathers

Harry has never been very fond of exams, bless him, and this was certainly a cross one: the masterly Andrew Green KC peering down sternly, taking off his glasses to jab home his points, popping them back on again to peer incredulously at the prince whenever he said something silly, writes Samuel Fishwick

Read Samuels full piece here:

Opinion: More like a boy than a man  Prince Harry looked crumpled in the witness box

Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of the Duke of Sussexs application form?

07:13 , Matt Mathers

Prince Harry has been giving evidence at the High Court in London this week as part of a landmark legal action against Mirror Group Newspapers, which he is suing for damages after alleging that journalists at its titles had resorted to underhand methods to secure stories about him and his family, including phone hacking, gaining information by deception and employing private investigators for unlawful activities.

How much more blood will stain their typing fingers before someone can put a stop to this madness? he wrote in his 55-page witness statement, accusing the tabloid media of bad practice.

But the Duke of Sussex, 38, is also currently the subject of a second court case due to get underway on the other side of the Atlantic on Tuesday.

Joe Sommerland takes a look at why:

Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of Prince Harrys visa application form?

Harry urged to provide hard evidence to back phone hacking claims

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:07 , Sam Rkaina

Prince Harry was repeatedly asked to provide hard evidence to support his newspaper phone hacking claims on Wednesday, as he told the High Court he brought the case to protect his wife Meghan from abuse.

Despite his suspicions of widespread hacking, the Duke of Sussex said he didnt know the answer to questions put to him by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) lawyer Andrew Green KC 18 times in just three hours.

The 38-year-old prince accused publishers of industrial-scale destruction of evidence and blamed a lack of call data on the alleged use of burner phones, of which no record would be kept.

I believe phone-hacking was on an industrial scale across at least three of the papers at the time and that is beyond doubt, he told the court.

Click here for the full story on Wednesdays court hearing.

Prince Harry leaves the High Court in London after he finished giving evidence on Wednesday (PA)

Journalist presented with blagging email

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:30 , Sam Rkaina

In court, Mirror journalist Jane Kerr was questioned about commissioning South Africa-based private investigator Mike Behr to cover a story about Harrys then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy as her name was on two invoices.

She said she would have asked him to make calls on the story and get information from his contacts.

David Sherborne read from a joint email written by Mr Behr in December 2007, to Rebecca English, the Daily Mails royal editor and Duncan Larcombe, the former royal editor of The Sun, to illustrate the private investigators methods.

He said there we have in wonderful detail all of the flight details, the seat number, flight times, the flight number and asked Ms Kerr Hes blagging flight details, isnt he?.

She replied yes adding I dont know how he got this information, Ive never seen this.

He read from another email headlined Chelsy Airline Search from Mr Behr to Mr Larcombe which discussed payment arrangements and how he had already billed Ms English.

Harry pictured with Chelsy Davy (Getty Images)

Supporter shouts we love you as Harry leaves court

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:07 , Sam Rkaina

The Duke of Sussex has left the High Court after giving evidence in his case against Mirror Group Newspapers.

Harry left the Rolls Building in central London at 5.10pm and got into a black Range Rover, ignoring questions from reporters but waving as he got into the car.

Sultana Rasheed, a GP, shouted thank you Prince Harry, we love you Prince Harry as the duke left the Rolls Building in a Range Rover.

I really support Prince Harry, I really support what he stands for, she said. I think hes been badly harassed.

(Getty Images)

Watch: Prince Harry leaves High Court after his second day of phone hacking testimony

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:53 , Andy Gregory

Opinion | More like a boy than a man  Prince Harry crumpled in the witness box

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:27 , Andy Gregory

Giving his take on todays events at the High Court, Independent Voices deputy editor Samuel Fishwick writes:

Breezing into the building with a smile flickering around the edges of his beard, Prince Harry started the day cheerfully enough, clutching a wad of notes nervously like a GCSE student rolling out of bed for finals.

By the end, he looked as pale and limp as his lime green tie.

As his lawyer, the nasal silk David Sherbourne KC, asked him how he was holding up, the eyes of the world on him, Prince Harry choked and looked hard at his shoelaces. Its a lot, said Harry.

Its not every day you see a Kings Counsel duking it out with a prince of the realm. At times here, he was made to look more like a boy again than a grown-up father of two  isolated and alone.

Opinion: More like a boy than a man  Prince Harry crumpled in the witness box

At a glance: Key moments from Prince Harry and Mirror journalists testimony today

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:08 , Andy Gregory

With court proceedings having concluded for the day, after taking in lengthy cross-examination of Prince Harry and former Mirror journalist Jane Kerr, here are some of the key moments of the day:

Prince Harry said he was bringing his cases against newspaper publishers to put a stop to the absolute intrusion and hate that was coming towards me and my wife and see if there was any way to find a different course of action, rather than relying on the institutions way.

The Duke of Sussex appeared to fight back tears as he was asked about his experience in the witness box describing years of press intrusion, to which he eventually replied: Its a lot.

The royal claimed that he had found a tracking device on his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davys car which he alleged had been placed there by private investigator.

Asked by MGNs barrister if he was aware that claimants in the 2015 phone hacking trial against the newspaper publisher had extensive call data showing calls to their mobile phones, the duke said he was not aware of that, and insisted the lack of such data in his claim absolutely did not suggest he was not also a victim of hacking because journalists could have used burner phones.

The duke claimed hacking phones had been a risk worth the reward for journalists and claimed that police did not know how to deal with such allegations when they first surfaced.

Harry was grilled over a 2006 People article about a visit of his to a lap-dancing club, discussing quotes from the Lithuanian lap dancer who sat on my lap in a Sunday People article from 2006.

In some highlights of her own testimony under questioning by Prince Harrys barrister David Sherborne, the Mirrors former royal editor and assistant news editor Jane Kerr:

Defended claims she had commissioned third-parties to gather information for news stories 900 times while working at the Mirror, stating that she just made the calls and that it just didnt occur to me to ask how their information was obtained.

Denied Mr Sherbornes suggestion that she knew journalists were using dates of birth to pass to private investigators to access peoples voicemails.

Stated that she has never asked anyone to do anything unlawful and that she did not think there was anything wrong with using people who were well known to the news desk, as she had no reason to suspect that they would be doing anything other than carrying out normal journalistic activity.

Admitted that she did not want to attend court on Wednesday, after the court was told that she attempted to avoid giving evidence last week but was ordered to attend the trial by the judge.

Was defended against what MGN barrister Andrew Green claimed was an ambush of her in the witness box by his opposite number Mr Sherborne  a charge the judge rejected.

Was asked to return again to court for a further 90 minutes of questioning by Mr Sherborne, after todays proceedings appeared to run over time.

Court session concludes with Mirror journalist to return to witness box on Thursday

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:46 , Andy Gregory

The court session has concluded for the day, with the judge telling Mirror journalist Jane Kerr not to discuss her evidence with anyone until she returns to court tomorrow.

Prince Harrys barrister David Sherborne said he would likely question Ms Kerr for a further 90 minutes on Thursday despite her not being due to give evidence again and having an appointment mid-morning.

The judge told the barrister he was running out of patience with timetabling issues, saying: We seem to run into a problem every day ... [its] ridiculous".

Towards the end of her questioning by Mr Sherborne, Ms Kerr was asked about a number of individuals and agencies who she had commissioned to source information for stories while working at the newspaper.

Those included some sources which the barrister said she had used, but were absent from her witness statement, to which Ms Kerr said she had been presented with a list of names and asked to say which of those she recognised.

In discussion of some sources, Ms Kerr said she had no reason to ask them whether what they were doing was lawful, adding that she had no reason to suspect they were doing anything other than carrying out usual journalistic activities.

Mirror journalist never asked anyone to do anything unlawful'

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:22 , Andy Gregory

Former Daily Mirror journalist Jane Kerr told the court that she has never asked anyone to do anything unlawful.

While being cross-examined by Prince Harrys lawyer David Sherborne about her use of private investigators, the journalist said she had no reason to believe details had been obtained unlawfully.

She told the court: These were people who were well known to the news desk, I did not think there was anything wrong with using them.

Ms Kerr added: I had no reason to suspect that they would be doing anything other than carrying out normal journalistic activity ... I know I have never asked anyone to do anything unlawful.

Mr Sherborne questioned how, if Ms Kerr cant remember what anyone did, how she can say whether it was lawful or unlawful.

Mirror journalist had no reason to believe third-parties were behaving unlawfully

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:11 , Andy Gregory

In court, David Sherborne, representing the Duke of Sussex, Mirror journalist Jane Kerr used a large number of private investigators and other third parties whilst [she was] at Mirror Group Newspapers.

In her written statement, Ms Kerr said she had been told of payment records from AJK Research and Commercial and Legal Services (UK) Limited which refer to her name. She said recalled using the services of the directors of Commercial and Legal Services UK to ask them to look up an address that was listed on the electoral roll.

Ms Kerr said that when she was on the newsdesk in charge of getting reporters out and there was a big story breaking she might have asked them to look up the names and addresses on the electoral roll. My name might appear on the invoices because of this, Ms Kerr said.

She also said she was familiar with the name of the director of AJK Research, saying he used to do genealogy/family tree research and he used birth, deaths and marriage registers to do this.

I had no reason to believe the practices used by these suppliers were unlawful, Ms Kerr said.

Mirror journalist discusses Harry drug-taking' story

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:08 , Andy Gregory

While Jane Kerrs byline is on 10 of the 33 articles being examined in court, about which Prince Harry has complained, Ms Kerr in some instances said she could not recall the story or its source  echoing the dukes own testimony earlier.

In relation to a January 2002 Daily Mirror article entitled Harrys cocaine ecstasy and GHB parties, Ms Kerr said in her witness statement that she was following up a News of the World story and would have called St Jamess Palace to get confirmation.

I cannot recall this story well and I do not know the source of the quotes in this article, she said, adding it is likely to have come from a contact of her crime correspondent colleague who was jointly bylined.

She added: I am aware that there was a payment to a confidential source in respect of this article but the source was not one of my contacts.

Judge rejects barristers claim Prince Harrys lawyer is ambushing Mirror journalist

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:03 , Andy Gregory

The judge has rejected a claim by the Mirror Groups lawyer that Prince Harrys barrister was conducting an ambush of journalist Jane Kerr, which he claimed was terribly unfair.

But Judge Mr Justice Fancourt replied: Its not an ambush.

Andrew Green KC stands up to object to David Sherbornes questioning of Jane Kerr, and describes it as an ambush. The Judge says Its not an ambush.  Sarah Hajibagheri (@SaraHajibagheri) June 7, 2023

Mirror journalist grilled over magical provision of phone numbers

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:56 , Andy Gregory

The Mirrors former royal editor and assistant news editor Jane Kerr is currently being questioned by Prince Harrys lawyer David Sherborne.

In her witness statement, Ms Kerr has described calling various agencies who provided phone numbers the paper needed to cover breaking news.

Ms Kerr said she knew what she was doing but it was a long time ago, after Mr Sherborne claimed she seemed to have no idea of what you were doing at the time.

Pressing further, the barrister asked: You called up people, you had no idea what they did  they magically produced phone numbers and you never asked any questions?, to which Ms Kerr replied: Yes.

In her witness statement, Ms Kerr said: I would like to reiterate in the strongest terms that I have never engaged in voicemail interception at MGN or elsewhere and I have never instructed private investigators or other third parties to engage in unlawful information gathering activities.

I worked hard and honestly as a journalist, always believing I was doing the right thing, and I felt proud and privileged to be the Mirrors royal reporter. To be accused of such a thing is extremely upsetting.

Judge asks Harry about his disappearing voicemails

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:46 , Andy Gregory

Prior to the conclusion of his testimony, Prince Harry was asked by the judge when he first began to notice that his voicemails did not appear to be new when he listened to them  suggesting that someone else had already listened to them.

In his witness statement, Harry says he was first issued a mobile by the institution while at Eton, over which period he would hear voicemails that were no longer new  which at the time blamed on either a technical glitch or having had too many drinks the night before.

As he departed the witness box, the judge, Mr Justice Fancourt, zoned in on this aspect of his testimony, asking when the duke experienced this strange activity.

From the moment I had a mobile phone, replied Prince Harry, to which the judge asked: Are you saying this continued throughout the period?

It never stopped, the duke replied.

I just made the calls: Mirror journalist defends commissioning firm to find information 900 times'

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:27 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harrys lawyer claims to have evidence that former Mirror journalist Jane Kerr commissioned a third-party company 900 times to obtain details about people, such as their dates of birth and addresses.

Barrister David Sherborne told the court that internal emails showed concern at the paper about the sums being spent on such firms given that a database there allowing its staff to do similar searches for free.

After Ms Kerr said she just made the calls, Mr Sherborne said: You were the assistant news editor at the Daily Mirror. Youre telling the court you instructed a company 900 times to do something you could have done for free and youve no idea how they obtained this information?

It just didnt occur to me to ask, she replied, prompting Mr Sherborne to suggest that she knew journalists were using dates of birth to pass to private investigators to access peoples voicemails  which she denied.

In her witness statement, Ms Kerr said: I have never engaged in voicemail interception at MGN or elsewhere and I have never engaged the services of private investigators or other third parties to engage in unlawful information gathering activities.

Mirror journalist questioned over role not mentioned in witness statement

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:16 , Andy Gregory

In questioning by Prince Harrys lawyer, former Mirror royal editor Jane Kerr has been asked why she did not mention her former role as the papers assistant news editor in her witness statement.

Pressed on the matter by barrister David Sherborne, who claimed she was trying to distance herself from the paper, Ms Kerr said that while she could have included it in her witness statement, she was focusing on the work she did as royal editor and royal reporter.

I launched hacking claim to protect Meghan, says Harry

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:10 , Adam Forrest

Earlier today, Prince Harry said he had launched his phone hacking case to stop his wife Meghan from suffering intrusion and hate from the press, the High Court has heard.

Andrew Green KC, acting on behalf of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), asked when the Duke of Sussex initially discussed possible legal action.

Harry said he believed there was a discussion about him wanting to put a stop to the absolute intrusion and hate that was coming towards me and my wife and see if there was any way to find a different course of action, rather than relying on the institutions way.

Mr Green asked if he had wanted to bring an action against News Group Newspapers (NGN) first and then decided to also sue MGN, to which Harry replied: No, I believe I filed the claims at pretty much the same time. Harry added that there was industrial-scale destruction of evidence on all sides.

Mirror journalist says she didnt want to attend court today

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:01 , Andy Gregory

Jane Kerr, a royal reporter for The Mirror between 1997 and 2005, is now giving evidence.

The court was told that she attempted to avoid giving evidence last week but was ordered to attend the trial by the judge, and asked by barrister David Sherborne that you didnt want to come today, did you?, she replied: No, I didnt.

Mr Sherborne, for Prince Harry, said Ms Kerry commissioned private investigators on 900 separate occasions while working at the Mirror, which she said were a regular part of her duties there, The Guardian reports.

Prince Harry remains in court as Mirror journalist questioned

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:46 , Andy Gregory

After asking the Duke of Sussex a few final questions, Judge Mr Justice Fancourt told him: Thank you very much Prince Harry, that really is the end of your evidence.

The duke has remained in court to listen to Jane Kerr, the Mirrors formal royal editor, who is now being questioned by Harrys barrister, David Sherborne.

The journalist has been called as a witness by Mirror Group Newspapers, and her byline is on 10 out of 33 articles selected to be discussed in court.

Its a lot: Prince Harrys questioning comes to an end after nearly eight hours

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:42 , Andy Gregory

The Duke of Sussex finished giving evidence at about 2.30pm, after almost eight hours of questioning on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In his final question to his client, barrister David Sherborne asked the duke how sitting in the witness box and poring over the relevant news articles knowing the media is watching had made him feel.

The dukes voice broke slightly, as he replied: It's a lot.

Prince Harry found tracking device on Chelsy Davys car

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:40 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harry claims to have found a tracking device on his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davys car in South Africa.

Asked how he knew this by his barrister David Sherborne, the Duke of Sussex told the court: Because we found it.

Another friend of his had also found a tracking device on his car, the duke said.

Harry again denies speculating after claims of 500 Mirror payment for Afghanistan story

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:37 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harrys lawyer David Sherborne has returned to the article about Harry being banned from returning to Afghanistan.

Mr Sherborne pointed the duke to a document and told the court that a 500 payment by the Mirror had gone to a private investigator, asking Harry whether he believed he was speculating when claiming unlawful information-gathering was involved in the story.

After a short pause, the duke replied: For my whole life, the press misled me, covered up the wrongdoing, and sitting here in court knowing that the defence has the evidence in front of them and for Mr Green to suggest Im speculating  Im not sure what to say about that.

Harry rejects speculation claims as appears to point to destructive Mail splash

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:32 , Andy Gregory

The court session has resumed and Harrys own lawyer David Sherborne has questioned him about the opposing barrister Andrew Greens repeated claims that the duke had entered the realm of speculation.

Harry told the court he dd not believe he was speculating, adding that it was even more destructive that the phrase in the realms of speculation was used as a headline this morning against me.

That quote appeared on the front page of todays Daily Mail, the publisher of whom Harry is also bringing legal action against.

Prince Harry denies cavorting with friend at rugby match

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:28 , Andy Gregory

Earlier in his evidence, the Duke of Sussex denied he was cavorting with a woman at rugby match at Twickenham in London in March 2009.

Harry challenged the contents of March 2009 Daily Mirror article which alleged he openly cavorted with his new girlfriend Astrid Harbord in a hospitality box.

He told the court that he and Ms Harbord were never in a relationship, adding: Everything that was highlighted was not true.

I wasnt cavorting, Harry said, after Andrew Green KC, for MGN, said he had been in public.

In his written witness statement, the duke said: This kind of article from the defendant was just embarrassing for me. Friends teased me, it created an awkwardness between me and whichever girl was at the subject of the story.

He said he had been shown six payments to a private investigator relating to Ms Harbord, which shows that she was of prior interest to the Mirror.

Asked in court whose mobile phone he thought was hacked, Harry replied: Im not sure because the evidence has been destroyed.

Watch: Prince Harry broadcast disrupted as East 17s Brian Harvey protests outside court

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:15 , Andy Gregory

Who is David Sherborne? The A-list barrister representing Prince Harry in his legal battles

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:58 , Andy Gregory

With Prince Harry now taking questions from his own barrister, David Sherborne, my colleague Matt Mathers has more information about the lawyer.

With A-list clients including Paul McCartney and Johnny Depp, the barrister is no stranger to high-profile cases, having even represented the late Princess Diana.

A US-native, Mr Sherborne came to attention in the UK again for his role in the Levenson Inquiry, representing a host of celebrities who had their phones hacked by the now-defunct News of the World.

All we know about A-list lawyer representing Prince Harry in his legal battles

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:46 , Andy Gregory

The court broke for lunch just after 1pm, with the dukes barrister David Sherborne saying he expects to take about 10 to 15 minutes re-examining Harry after the break.

Andrew Green KC, for MGN, completed his cross-examination of the duke shortly before the lunch break.

Read all 55 pages of Prince Harrys phone-hacking witness statement in full

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:27 , Andy Gregory

While the court has risen for lunch, you can read Prince Harrys witness statement below:

Read all 55 pages of Prince Harrys phone-hacking witness statement in full

Harry says burner phones used to hack voicemails as he defends lack of any call data

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:08 , Andy Gregory

MGN barrister Andrew Green has now finished his cross examination of Prince Harry, who is now taking questions from his own lawyer, David Sherborne.

After more than seven hours of testimony, Mr Sherborne started by saying: Given the time, Im not going to take you back through every single article.

The duke reportedly drew some laughter in the court as he replied: Thank you.

The barrister began by addressing the lack of any call data showing he had received calls from Mirror Group journalists.

Asked whether he means that no one actually hacked his phone, Harry replied that he believes burner phones were deployed, adding: I believe they would have gone to extreme lengths to cover their tracks.

The court has now risen for lunch.

I cant remember specific voicemails, says Harry

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:00 , Andy Gregory

In a final exchange with opposing barrister Andrew Green, Prince Harry was asked when he first sought help from lawyers about a potential claim against the Mirror publisher.

The duke said that he did not approach lawyers, but instead, as detailed in his autobiography, bumped into his barrister David Sherborne in France in around 2018.

Pressed by MGN barrister Andrew Green that he had not identified any single message that he recalled being left on a voicemail which had made its way into a news story, the duke said he could not remember specific voicemails.

The duke retorted that there was hard evidence of suspiciousness, and agreed that he believed he was hacked over a 15-year period.

Asked by Mr Green whether he was claiming damages on the basis that your phone was hacked on daily basis, Harry replied: It could have been. I simply dont know, my lord. Thats part of the reason why Im here.

Chelsy Davy trial separation article may have been obtained through phone hacking, Harry says

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:54 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy were not sharing anything with anyone, amid a report she had asked for a trial separation in November 2007, he told the High Court.

The Daily Mirror article said Ms Davy reportedly asked for a trial separation in an emotional phone call.

I believe that that could be obtained through a voicemail, Harry told the court, but adding he would be speculating when asked if he remembered if either he or Ms Davy had left such a message.

Andrew Green KC, for MGN, said information in the story had been previously reported by other media outlets.

The duke said quotes in the article are attributed to friends, adding: By this point myself and Chelsy were not sharing anything with anyone.

Harry rejects laywers claim his phone hacking allegations are total speculation'

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:51 , Andy Gregory

The Duke of Sussex never discussed with the Palace details of his relationship with former girlfriend Chelsy Davy, the High Court heard.

MGNs barrister questioned Harry about a September 2007 People article that claimed the couples relationship was in crisis after a string of bitter bust-ups.

Harry told the court that the whole article itself is suspicious, adding: I never discussed with the Palace any details of my relationship with my girlfriend.

Mr Green asked the duke if he was alleging that information in the story came from phone hacking, to which he said: Yes, adding: I say that everything that has been attributed to a Palace source ... was obtained unlawfully. The Palace wouldnt know this information.

The duke disagreed with Mr Greens suggestion a well-connected source was perfectly prepared to provide information to the articles author, with Harry also rejecting the suggestion that his allegations of phone hacking were total speculation.

Prince Harry questioned over article about dinner party with Caroline Flack

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:47 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harry has been questioned over a People article about a lively dinner party he attended with late TV presenter Caroline Flack, headlined Harry's date with Gladiators star.

In his witness statement, Harry said at the time he was so shocked and livid that two photographers knew where we would be and were hiding underneath a car waiting for us to arrive.

He says that at the time he obviously doubted Caroline  who he reportedly looked pained as he said she is no longer with us  and even came to distrust the friend who had hosted the dinner party, causing he and William to cut him off for a while out of confusion over how their private meetings were ambushed by photographers.

The duke said he now believes the information came from hacked voicemails, accusing the picture agency of having stalked me for a decade.

(PA)

Photographer waiting for him and Chelsy Davy was highly suspicious, Harry says

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:35 , Andy Gregory

Referring to a December 2007 article about Prince Harry dropping Chelsy Davy off after she spent the night at Kensington Palace, which included a paparazzi photograph of her, Andrew Green KC suggested that was something anyone could have observed.

The barrister said there were often photographers outside the palace, to which Harry said: They were only there for pretty much emergencies or big moments of the royal family  weddings, engagements, hospital visits.

Mr Green said: There were there on this occasion, to which Harry replied: That is why its suspicious, my lord.

The duke added: This to me is incredibly suspicious as I say. She spent the night with me, I was dropping her off as close to Kensington High Street as I could get without being seen. To know that a photographer was there for us, waiting, was highly suspicious.

The duke said he suspected he had seen the article at the time of publication as he believed his security team would have alerted him to it.

This isnt about you asking me questions, barrister tells Harry

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:31 , Andy Gregory

The court turned to a 2008 People article claiming Prince Harry had been banned from returning to Afghanistan.

In his witness statement, the Duke of Sussex calls the story another obvious example of the outlet acquiring details about his private life in an unlawful way.

Pressed by barrister Andrew Green that his military service was a matter of legitimate public interest reflected in the press that the story focused on his professional rather than private life, Harry asked: Are you suggesting that while I was in the army that everything was available for the press to write about?

Mr Green responded: Can I just repeat this isnt about you asking me questions, its about me asking you questions.

Prince Harry denounces article about Chelsy Davy breakup as a bit mean'

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:12 , Andy Gregory

Proceedings have now resumed, following a short break.

Earlier, MGNs barrister Andrew Green KC turned his questioning to a November 2007 Sunday Mirror article entitled Hooray Harrys dumped.

The story reported that the duke went to west London nightclub Amika and drowned his sorrows over the split, with Harry complaining over its alleged use of his private information.

The Duke told the court the article headline does seem to suggest that people are celebrating, adding it is a little bit mean.

But Mr Green told the court that the headline was actually a reference to a friend who had become tired of his hooray lifestyle, adding: Its not celebrating the demise of your relationship.

(PA)

Prince Harry discusses quotes from the Lithuanian lap dancer who sat on my lap

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:07 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harry has discussed quotes from the Lithuanian lap dancer who sat on my lap in a Sunday People article from April 2006 about his visit to a Spearmint Rhino club near Slough.

Referring to records of MGN payments made around that time relating to the article, Harry said: I believe one of those payments is probably to the bouncer or someone who worked at Spearmint Rhino.

MGN barrister Andrew Green pointed to a Daily Mail article about the same story, which said that one of the lap dancers bore a resemblance to his then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

Harry interjected to say that article was factually inaccurate, adding: Im saying that is not true.

Mr Green suggested the People article contained no information that was not in the Mail one, to which Harry replied: I dont see any quotes from the Lithuanian lap dancer who sat on my lap, as in the (People) article.

The duke described this as a classic example of a story about him originating from one media organisation and then Mirror Group or anyone else who was one step behind would be encouraged to then go and find out more.

(PA)

Mr Green then asked Harry about part of the article, which referred to Ms Davy having screamed for half an hour at him on the phone, and where he thought this information could have come from.

Harry told the court: At this point, knowing that my girlfriends number was bizarrely in the hands of Mirror journalists, that they probably looked through her call data and saw missed calls, late calls... and managed to put together a story based on that.

He added: It was very suspicious that they had her number. As I said, I do not believe she would give Mirror Group or any journalists her phone number.

Key moments so far: Harry grilled on lap dancing, ex-girlfriend and Sandhurst

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:00 , Andy Gregory

The court is taking a short break. Here are some of the key moments this morning so far:

Prince Harry said that news articles about a knee injury of his, which claimed he had been allowed to forego gruelling five-mile runs at Sandhurst as a result, led him to be mistrustful of medics at the military academy.

The Duke of Sussex claimed hacking phones had been a risk worth the reward for journalists and claimed that police did not know how to deal with such allegations when they first surfaced.

Harry was grilled over a 2006 People article about a visit of his to a lap-dancing club, prompting his lawyer David Sherborne to interject to complain that his opposite number Andrew Greens questioning was unfair as it suggested the statements in the article were true. The judge agreed Mr Greens choice of words was not entirely appropriate.

Asked by MGNs barrister if he was aware that claimants in the 2015 phone hacking trial against the newspaper publisher had extensive call data showing calls to their mobile phones, the duke said he was not aware of that, and insisted the lack of such data in his claim absolutely did not suggest he was not also a victim of hacking.

The duke was asked about his relationship with Chelsy Davy and insisted she would not have given her phone number to MGN titles. Pointed towards an article which suggested he was celebrating breaking up with her, Harry noted that this seems a bit mean.

Hacking royals phones was risk worth the reward, claims Harry

Wednesday 7 June 2023 11:39 , Andy Gregory

Alleged phone hacking by journalists was a risk worth the reward, the Duke of Sussex told the High Court.

During cross-examination by Andrew Green KC, for MGN, Harry was asked questions in relation to an April 2006 People article reporting his former girlfriend Chelsy Davys fury over his boozy evening at a lap-dancing club.

Mr Green said a News of the World article around the same time mentioned a voice mail that the dukes brother had left for him imitating Ms Davys voice.

(PA)

The barrister said this story was an important step leading to the police arresting News of the World journalist Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, who were both later convicted over phone hacking.

Mr Green said no MGN journalists were arrested at the time of a police investigation, adding that journalists would have later been taking an enormous risk by hacking Harrys phone or those around him.

I think there was a risk right from the beginning, the duke said, adding: I believe the risk is worth the reward for them.

Police didnt know how to deal with phone hacking claims, says Harry

Wednesday 7 June 2023 11:35 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harry has claimed that the police initially did not know how to deal with phone hacking allegations.

Asked about the arrests of former News of the World journalists Clive Goodman and Glenn Mulcaire, the duke said he believed Scotland Yards focus was understandably on that newspaper  but barrister Andrew Green countered that the investigation was broader.

The duke replied: I dont think anyone even the police knew how to deal with it at first. At the time we didnt know there was voice mail hacking, no one did. I believe at the time no one really knew how that information could have got out.

The understanding from the Palace was that this was probably a one off.

Harry: Id feel injustice if phone hacking claims not accepted by court

Wednesday 7 June 2023 11:18 , Andy Gregory

Prince Harry has said that he would feel some injustice if he loses his court battle against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN).

Asked whether he believed the absence of any call data between his phone and any journalists at MGN suggests he was not hacked by a journalist, Harry told the court: Absolutely not.

Pressed on whether he would be relieved or disappointed if the court finds he was not hacked, the duke said he would feel some injustice if [his claim] wasnt accepted.

Asked by the barrister Andrew Green whether he wants to have been phone hacked, Harry replied: Nobody wants to be phone hacked.
Progressives are upset about the Pentagons newly enforced ban on drag shows on military bases, as LGBTQ groups accuse military leaders of folding to Republican pressure.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stepped in personally to cancel a drag show at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada scheduled for last Thursday, leading to a clamor of Republican approval.

Though the issue has not garnered loud dissent on Capitol Hill, some Democrats this week knocked the decision in interviews with The Hill.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the first openly gay immigrant in Congress, said canceling the drag show was a mistake that caters to what he called a broader attack on LGBTQ rights from conservative lawmakers.

The [Department of Defense] shouldnt have bought into that, he said.

Garcia argued the Nellis Air Force show was a private event that was not using federal funds and stressed it was important the Pentagon support all forms of art equally.

Theres a history of the Pentagon hosting all types of comedic events, concerts, all different types of celebrations, Garcia said. Drag shows are art and they should be allowed like any other type of art form is allowed.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), the chairman of the Congressional Equality Caucus, said the decision sends the wrong message to LGBTQ+ service members, noting the Defense Department has a long history of promoting such events.

The current efforts to restrict drag are part of a larger movement to restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ people, and the Pentagon should not yield to extremist pressure to minimize the diversity of our military ranks, Pocan said in a statement.

LGBTQ+ service members and their culture should be seen, valued, and celebrated. I urge the Department of Defense to reconsider this decision.

The Nellis Air Force show was canceled after months of intense GOP criticism, including during a March congressional hearing in which both Milley and Austin expressed disapproval of federal funding for drag show events on military bases.

The Defense Department is now citing a decades-old policy on standards of conduct and ethics regulation to enforce what appears to be a wider ban on drag events. An Air Force official confirmed to The Hill that drag shows will no longer take place on the military branchs sites.

In a CNN interview this week, Milley said drag shows were never part of DOD policy and canceling the Nellis Air Force event was the absolute right thing to do.

Drag shows on U.S. bases stretch back to at least World War I, long holding significance in American military culture without attracting public controversy.

Both former Republican President Reagan and former GOP Sen. George Murphy acted in This is the Army, a musical propaganda film about a wounded soldier who produces shows for the armed forces, including drag.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, spoke out against the Pentagon ban, saying drag shows are historically important protected activities.

I hate to see the Republican agenda coming in to prevent people from doing things, she told The Hill.

Many LGBTQ rights activists say the decision stands in stark contrast to the Biden administrations policies, which has generally been open to LGBTQ communities.

In his first week of office, President Biden repealed a restrictive policy from the Trump administration largely barring transgender individuals from serving. Biden also for the first time allowed transgender service members to serve openly.

Yet the relentless GOP pushback on drag shows, part of the broader culture wars focused on trans people across America, appears to have spurred a shift from leading defense officials who generally support LGBTQ inclusion.

Other drag show events have been canceled under pressure before, though without the citation of a newly enforced policy.

That included a drag queen story hour at Ramstein Air Base in Germany last year after Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) penned a letter to the Air Force raising concerns about using taxpayer dollars to put children in a sexualized environment.

Stacy Teed, who performs with the Monarchy of Royal Tea, a drag group based out of Ramstein, said all drag events her group performs are privately funded and privately organized on military bases.

Teed, who asked to be identified by her drag name, said it was aggravating for every opportunity of representation being canceled or stomped out by opposing groups.

Its just really frustrating that people who are not in this community are making such a fuss over something that they have little to no idea of, Teed said. Why is this person, who is not in my community, trying to regulate everything in my space?

Teed said a group of local drag performers are preparing to file an inspector general report to challenge the Pentagon policy, with the basis that the policy was implemented in the 1990s, before the 2011 repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell.

The rule, created under the Clinton administration, instructed military officials to not ask about sexual orientation, but it was criticized for forcing members into secrecy and for prompting investigations and discharges of LGBTQ+ service members.

Teed also cited a judge who recently overturned a ban on drag shows in Tennessee by ruling the law was a violation of the First Amendment protection of free speech as potential grounds for the challenge.

But on Capitol Hill, some moderate Democrats appear to be less inclined to make the cancellation of drag shows a major issue.

Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), the second highest ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), refused to answer a question on whether he supported the drag show cancellation.

Courtney, ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces, said he would prefer to talk about submarines and AUKUS, referring to a security alliance between Australia, the U.K. and the U.S.

Courtney is listed as a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, which advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.

Several moderate Democrats on the HASC, as well as on the Senate side of the committee, also did not respond to requests for comment on the Pentagon drag show ban.

Jennifer Dane, an Air Force veteran and a former executive director of MMAA, said the Defense Department should present more transparency around the basis for the decision, warning of a chilling effect on service members.

I dont really think they know the unintended consequences of it, she said of the Pentagon leadership. The lack of transparency and understanding of where this is coming from really harms the communities.

Dane, who identifies as lesbian and was previously investigated by the Pentagon under the Dont Ask, Dont Tell, policy, said the U.S. military is sending the wrong message amid a historic recruiting shortage.

You need to recruit the next generation, she said. And the next generation of recruits is Generation Z, which is the most LGBTQ-friendly and diverse.

Sarah Streyder, executive director of the Secure Families Initiative, which represents active-duty military families, said the cancellation of drag shows raises questions about whether the Pentagon truly supports the LGBTQ+ community.

This decision, at the beginning of Pride Month, sends a hurtful and exclusionary message to our LGBTQ+ military families, Streyder said in a statement. It also ignores the reality that drag has been an art form used in military events for over 100 years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Xi calls for more efforts to shoulder new cultural mission in congratulatory letter to forum on building up nation's cultural strength

Global Times) 09:13, June 08, 2023

The first Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength opens on June 7, 2023 in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for enhanced efforts to shoulder new cultural mission, and provide strong cultural and intellectual strength to build a stronger nation and achieve national rejuvenation, in his congratulatory letter to the first Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength, which opened Wednesday in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province.

In the letter, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, also called for more efforts to shoulder the new cultural mission, consolidate cultural confidence, remain open and inclusive, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, and encourage the cultural innovation and creativity of the whole nation.

It is imperative to continue boosting cultural prosperity, making China a leading country in culture, building a modern Chinese civilizationand promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, Xi said.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, read out Xi's letter and delivered a keynote speech at the forum.

Li urged efforts to study and implement Xi's important instructions. He also called for advancing cultural prosperity and development and promoting exchanges and mutual learning.

The forum is under the theme of consolidating cultural confidence and self-improvement, promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

The forum came along with another grand culture event, the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industrial Fair (ICIF) which kicked off on Wednesday in Shenzhen. The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government groups, cultural organizations and enterprises, as well as over 20,000 overseas visitors from 108 countries and regions.

And it's worth mentioning that Thethe number of overseas exhibitors has reached the best level before the pandemic as overseas cultural studios and companies are eying more chances and cultural exchanges between China.

Chinese experts said that China is building a strong cultural power and enhancing the prosperity of Chinese culture with the spirit of openness and inclusiveness, while China's own creation in civilization has also inspired other civilizations in the world through exchanges. This is in stark contrast to the "cultural hegemony" of some countries that believe they are superior and force others to follow their path.

Cultural momentum

The culture events in Shenzhen came after a high-level meeting on cultural inheritance and development Xi attended on Friday. During the meeting, Xi stressed that "it is our new cultural mission in the new era to further promote cultural prosperity and develop a great culture in China and a modern Chinese civilizationfrom a new starting point."

It is imperative to have greater confidence in our own culture, shoulder the mission, work diligently and proactively, and make concerted efforts to create a new culture of our times and build a modern Chinese civilization, Xi said.

Xi's letter shows that Xi and CPC has placed Chinese civilization and Chinese cultural construction in the new era at a very high level, especially in terms of the nation's governance, Wang Xuebin, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Promoting cultural prosperity, as well as building a modern civilization of the Chinese nation, can inject strong spiritual power into the grand goal of national rejuvenation, Wang said. "The work in the culture sphere is practically integrated with other fields."

The importance that Xi attaches to Chinese culture shows that China takes Chinese culture as a conceptual root for the development of Chinese society, Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Guiding people to understand the value of our culture in terms of its identity and characteristics will provide a strong spiritual momentum to social development, Zhang added.

At a time when the global political landscape is undergoing profound changes, the concept of "a modern Chinese civilization" proposed by President Xi actually analyzes the significance of Chinese civilization in the global context: China's path grows out of its culture, but it is also in a constant process of exploration and development, Zhang said.

Exchange and openness

An important engine for the development of China's cultural industry, and a window for promoting Chinese culture outreaching and openness, ICIF is expected to provide a platform for displaying and trading more than 100,000 cultural and creative industry products and more than 4,000 cultural industry investment and financing projects.

Beuwens Benjamin from Belgium-based creative studio Dirty Monitor told the Global Times they have worked with Chinese companies for seven years. "We have hosted various exhibitions in Beijing and Shanghai, and learned many Chinese culture elements. We are returning to Shenzhen for more exchanges."

Not just him, but also exhibitors from South Korea, India and many other countries, have seen ICIF as an important platform for cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

We need the exchange of cultures to understand the diversity of the world and the importance of building a community with a shared future for mankind, Zhang said.

Chinese civilization is an important part of human civilization. In the spirit of openness and inclusiveness, China has absorbed other civilizations around the world to enrich its own, and at the same time, through exchanges, has provided inspiration and experience to other civilizations around the world as well, according to Zhang.

China has always respected the peaceful exchange of cultures, and the preservation of diversity, Zhang said, noting that maintaining cultural confidence is not to emphasize the superiority, and mutual appreciation and exchange are not attempts to suppress others.

This is in stark contrast to the "cultural hegemony" of some countries that believe they are superior and force others to follow their path, Zhang stressed.

On May 15, Xi proposed the Global Civilization Initiative at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, calling for respecting the diversity of civilizations, advocating the common values of humanity, valuing the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and strengthening international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

On April 25, 2023, Xi sent a congratulatory message to the General Assembly of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, saying that China is ready to join hands with all other Asian countries for further experience sharing on cultural heritage preservation, actively promote international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, and establish a network for dialogue and cooperation among the world civilizations, so as to promote mutual understanding, forge closer bonds between people of different countries, and jointly promote the progress of human civilizations.

Beyond the government, the public needs cultural industry development to provide them with cultural services, and the creation of culture itself will grow in the marketplace, Zhang said.

"A vibrant cultural market is essential not only for local culture to flourish, but also for expanding the influence of Chinese culture to more countries to understand and enjoy, Zhang said. "This is the significance of events like ICIF and forum."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP  Thousands of Monmouth County high school students set to lose free busing next year could get a reprieve under a proposal introduced this week.

Legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, would help the Freehold Regional High School District keep so-called courtesy busing that serves more than 3,000 students in the districts eight communities and is set to be eliminated.

This bi-partisan legislation is a game changer for Freehold Regional, said Superintendent Charles Sampson, whose district includes six high schools serving more than 10,000 students. We hope the measure is passed by the state legislature so that items like courtesy busing can remain for upcoming school years and future cuts can be prevented.

Specifically, the bill  also co-sponsored by Republican State Senator Declan OScanlon  would freeze state aid cuts for regional districts that fulfill three criteria.

Alternative: Freehold Regional high school students may get busing back, for a price

To be eligible, a district must: serve five or more communities; spend 15% less in administrative costs than the statewide average for regional school districts; and have increased taxes by the 2% maximum amount in each of the last five years.

Freehold Regional would be one of two such districts eligible for the aid freeze, according to Gopal. He said the other is Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Burlington County.

Freehold Regional is a model school district, Gopal said via email. We need to encourage more districts to go towards regionalization and shared services the way Freehold Regional is. This bill will help achieve that. In addition, this will allow Freehold Regional to continue to offer courtesy busing for students.

The bill is set to be heard Thursday in the state Assembly Education Committee.

Thousands of Freehold Regional parents have been scrambling to find new transportation options after the Freehold Regional High School District Board of Education voted to eliminate their bus routes as part of a new budget in April.

The transportation cutback, which is set to take effect in the fall, is expected to save $3.5 million in the new spending plan and affect about 30% of district students.

Background: Budget cuts leaves Freehold Regional students in the lurch

Under the change, busing will only be provided to students who live 2.5 miles or more from their schools, which is required by state law. That means the number of students eligible for busing would be reduced to about 6,800, according to Business Administrator Sean Boyce.

Several parents have cited the lack of sidewalks in many of the affected communities, noting it will create a hazard for students now forced to walk more than two miles in some cases.

The districts entire transportation budget is about $24 million annually, which includes mandated busing as well as service to those attending private schools and some out-of-district campuses.

The transportation cutback is one of many cost savings in the 2023-2024 budget for the district that serves high school students in Colts Neck, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Marlboro, Manalapan, Howell, Englishtown, and Farmingdale.

The board approved the $201 million general fund budget on April 27, which is an increase from the $199.1 million spending plan adopted for the 2022-2023 school year.

State aid in the new budget dropped by $6.78 million  from $30.5 million to $23.7 million, or 22.14%  while the property tax portion increased from $146 million to $152.7 million, or 4.6%.

But if the Gopal-OScanlon bill is approved, the $6.8 million in reduced state aid would be reinstated, more than enough to keep the courtesy busing, Gopal said.

The bills supporters said the legislation is also aimed at promoting the creation and expansion of regional school districts, which they contend are often more cost-efficient and allow for more student choice.

School regionalization presents a reliable path to permanently reducing the states soaring property taxes and expanding educational opportunities for its students, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said in a statement. Amid persistent calls for property tax relief from state residents and lawmakers, New Jersey should be advocating for districts that have successfully regionalized, not watching their progress come undone.

In 2021, Gopal and OScanlon sponsored legislation that made school regionalization easier by creating financial incentives for districts to consider it.

Joe Strupp is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience who covers education and several local communities for APP.com and the Asbury Park Press. He is also the author of three books, including Killing Journalism on the state of the news media, and an adjunct media professor at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Reach him at jstrupp@gannettnj.com and at 732-413-3840. Follow him on Twitter at @joestrupp

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Freehold Regional school bus cuts could be restored under proposal
Prosecutors charge teen with manslaughter in shooting of 18-year-old in Lees Summit home

Jackson County prosecutors charged an 18-year old with involuntary manslaughter in a Lees Summit shooting in May that left another teen dead.

Cooper D. Ashley, of Lees Summit, is accused of one felony in the killing of 18-year-old Dakota Wrightsman. Court records show Ashley was booked in the Jackson County jail Wednesday and was later released after posting $5,000 toward his $50,000 bond.

A defense attorney for Ashley did not immediately reply to The Stars request for comment.

On May 13, Lees Summit police officers responded to a residence in the 2300 block of Southeast King Street. Inside the house the officers found Wrightsman dead of a gunshot wound and blood near his head and neck area, according to charging documents.

On the ground of a lower-level floor was a .45-caliber Glock handgun.

According to court documents, Wrightsmans father told police he was outside when he heard one gunshot. He told them his son had been in the basement with two other people.

Detectives interviewed Ashley on scene. Court documents state he told them he had recently used marijuana when he picked up a handgun from the ground as Wrightsman was seated in a bean bag chair. Then, a round went off.

Lees Summit police responded to an overnight shooting at 1 a.m. Saturday morning in the 2300 block of Southeast King St. When police arrived, they discovered an 18-year-old boy dead inside a home.

One witness who was in the basement at the time said he was carrying the gun in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt when he and another were engaged in playful wrestling over a bean bag chair. The gun came out of his pocket, he told police, and then he heard a gunshot and saw Ashley holding it.

Another witness said Ashley reacted to the shooting by saying What did I do? and I thought it was my airsoft gun, according to court documents.

Other witnesses interviewed by detectives said Ashley was known to carry a replica Glock pellet gun and would sometimes horseplay by pointing it at himself or others.

Under Missouri law, first-degree manslaughter is a Class C felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison plus a $10,000 fine.

Ashley is scheduled to appear June 20 in Jackson County Circuit Court for an arraignment hearing.
Prosecutors tell Trump lawyers he is target of classified docs probe: reports

Former US president Donald Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in possessing classified documents after leaving the White House (ANGELA WEISS)

US prosecutors have told Donald Trump's lawyers that he is the target of a probe into his handling of classified documents after leaving the presidency, in a sign he might be indicted, US media reported Wednesday night.

The notice came from the office of special counsel Jack Smith, The New York Times, CNN and other news outlets said, and gives the clearest sign yet that prosecutors are moving closer to charging the former president, who is seeking a return to the White House in 2024.

The Times, citing "two people familiar with the matter", said it was not clear when Trump's team had been told he was the subject of the investigation.

Special counsel Smith, named by Attorney General Merrick Garland, has been looking into a cache of classified documents that Trump had stored at his Mar-a-Lago residence after leaving the White House.

The FBI carted away some 11,000 papers after serving a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago in August, and Trump could face obstruction-of-justice charges after spending months resisting efforts to recover the trove.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"No one has told me I'm being indicted, and I shouldn't be because I've done NOTHING wrong," Trump posted on his Truth Social network Wednesday.

"I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI," said Trump, who has already been indicted in a separate case.

Investigators have been scrutinizing several suspected attempts to obstruct them from getting access to documents and footage from a security camera near the storeroom at Mar-a-Lago where documents were kept.

Trump has openly acknowledged taking and storing the documents, undermining his lawyers' suggestion that he took the stash inadvertently in the confusion of a chaotic departure.

Meanwhile, investigators have obtained an audio recording of Trump in which he acknowledged he held onto a classified Pentagon document after he left the White House, according to US media.

On Monday, US media also reported that Trump's lawyers met with Justice Department attorneys.

John Rowley, James Trusty, and Lindsey Halligan were seen by reporters arriving at the DoJ building in Washington but did not make any comment.

The Washington Post reported at the time that Trump's lawyers had come to make their case that their client should not face any charges.

One expert told MSNBC that Wednesday's news would suggest an indictment is in the offing.

"If a prosecutor tells you that you are the target of their investigation, it means they expect to indict you," former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti said.

"When I was on the other side of the aisle, when I was a federal prosecutor, when I told someone they were a target, that's what I meant."

- 'Dramatic and divisive' -

Trump has already been charged with dozens of financial crimes as part of an alleged hush-money scheme to silence a porn star claiming she had sex with him, and is due to go on trial next March, in the middle of primary election season.

The former president is facing a growing list of Republican primary opponents, including his former vice president Mike Pence, who avoided taking an absolute position when asked about the probe during a CNN town hall interview Wednesday night.

"Let me be clear that no one's above the law," Pence said.

"I would just hope there would be a way for them to move forward without the dramatic and drastic and divisive step of indicting a former president of the United States," he added.

Fellow 2024 candidate and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson took a stronger tack, urging Trump to drop out of the presidential race.

"Donald Trump is the target of an ongoing criminal investigation and he should step aside & put the good of the country above his candidacy," he tweeted Wednesday night.

In addition to the hush-money and documents probes, Trump is being investigated over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in the southern state of Georgia and his involvement in the January 2021 storming of the US Capitol by his supporters.

Other politicians have been found to have kept government documents at their private homes in recent months.

In January, Garland named a separate special counsel to examine whether President Joe Biden violated any law after the discovery of some classified documents at his former office and in the garage of his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

Pence was recently cleared of any wrongdoing over materials he uncovered at his home in Indiana.

dw-caw/jh/leg/dhw
Prosecutors want Tory Lanez to serve 13 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion

Prosecutors involved in the Tory Lanez vs Megan Thee Stallion case want the Brampton rapper to serve 13 years behind bars.

Lanez, 30, was found guilty of shooting Megan in the foot after a 2020 party in the Hollywood Hills.

Lawyers from the LA County District Attorneys Office have made a new request this week accusing Lanez of provoking his followers to bully the WAP rapper publicly.

According to Insider, lawyers also claim that Lanez enlisted other celebrities to harass Megan. For instance, prosecutors claim that Lanez had DaBaby rush onto the stage at 2021 Rolling Loud Festival while Megan was still performing.

To say that the defendant simply failed to obey perfunctory court orders would be a gross understatement, the new memo says. The defendant was defiant. His violations bordered on intimidation and harassment of the victim and could have potentially jeopardized the sanctity of the proceedings.

Lanez spent nearly three years waging a campaign of misinformation to retraumatise the victim, the memo alleges.

Last year, a Los Angeles jury convicted Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, of assault and weapons charges.

A jury heard that Megan was shot after she and Tory argued in his SUV after leaving a party at the house of Kylie Jenner.

During the trial, Megan testified in court, saying that Lanez had shot a handgun towards the back of her feet and told her to dance b**** after she got out of his SUV and walked away from it.

The rapper testified that she required surgery to remove bullet fragments from her feet and said that Lanez offered her $1m to stay quiet about the incident as he was on probation.

(AP)

Torys lawyer on the other hand claimed that the shots had actually been fired by Megans former best friend Kelsey Harris in a fight between the two women over Lanez, and claimed he had tried to stop the shooting.

During the court case, Harris said that she did not fire the gun and that Lanez was the shooter.

The Independent has contacted Lanez and Megans representatives for comment.

Additional reporting from agencies
Washington  Cuba may allow China to establish a facility on its territory capable of conducting electronic surveillance on the United States, CBS News has confirmed, a plan that would add notable strain to already tense relations between Washington and Beijing.

While China and the U.S. routinely surveil each other  and others  using satellites, overhead flights and other means, a Chinese outpost positioned roughly 100 miles from the Florida coast would undoubtedly inflame sensitivities that were already stoked by the U.S. military shootdown of a Chinese surveillance balloon that traversed American territory in February.

Why working in China is getting "very risky" for some U.S. companies

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier Thursday that Havana and Beijing had arrived at a secret agreement in which Beijing would pay "several billion dollars" for permission to build the facility. Sources who spoke with CBS News said intelligence indicated the arrangement had been discussed in principle, but they were not aware of a final deal being reached.

The Cuban government strongly denied any agreement to house a spy base had been reached with China. Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, a vice minister of foreign affairs, issued a statement calling the Wall Street Journal story "totally false and unfounded." He accused U.S. officials of fabricating the allegation to justify the continued blockade of the island.

China's Foreign Ministry also dismissed the report and claimed American hypocrisy, with spokesperson Wang Wenbin calling the U.S. "the most powerful hacker empire in the world" on Friday and telling reporters that "spreading rumours and slander" was a "common tactic of the United States."

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said reports of an agreement between the two countries were "not accurate." A senior administration official added that the Biden administration has had "real concerns" about China's relationship with Cuba, and had been "concerned since day one of the Administration" about China's activities worldwide.

"We are closely monitoring it and taking steps to counter it. We remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home and in the region," the official said.

U.S. lawmakers on Thursday called on the administration to intervene.

"We are deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people. The United States must respond to China's ongoing and brazen attacks on our nation's security," Sens. Mark Warner and Marco Rubio, the chair and vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a joint statement. "We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic."

"We urge the Biden administration to take steps to prevent this serious threat to our national security and sovereignty," their statement said.

U.S. officials have long warned that China would seek to expand its influence abroad, including by offering material incentives to developing or impoverished countries.

This year's annual threat assessment prepared by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said the Chinese military "will continue to pursue the establishment of overseas military installations and access agreements in an attempt to project power and protect China's interests abroad."

"While the [People's Liberation Army] is making uneven progress toward establishing overseas military facilities, the PLA probably will continue to use tailored approaches to address local concerns as it seeks to improve relations with amenable countries and advance its overseas basing goals," the assessment said.

It noted China has reportedly been pursuing deals to build military bases in Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates. Beijing's only existing overseas military base is in Djibouti.

The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

The public revelation of the potential plan comes at a highly sensitive moment in U.S.-China relations. Weeks ago, at the G-7 summit in Japan, President Biden predicted a "thaw" in what had been frosty relations since the surveillance balloon incident. It later came to light that a series of high-level meetings had taken place between senior U.S. and Chinese officials, including an in-person visit to Beijing in May by CIA Director William Burns.

Two other U.S. officials  Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and Sarah Beran, senior director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council  held meetings in Beijing this week, the latest in a series of engagements that were building up to a trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

But tensions spiked again last week after a a Chinese warship carried out what the U.S. called an "unsafe" maneuver in the Taiwan Strait, cutting sharply across the path of an American destroyer. The U.S. also accused a Chinese fighter jet of performing an "unnecessarily aggressive maneuver" by flying directly in front of an American spy plane over the South China Sea in late May.

Still, plans for Blinken to travel to Beijing this month have been underway. His previously planned trip, which was to include a meeting with President Xi Jinping, was canceled in February following the spy balloon incident.

"We cannot speak to this specific report," a State Department spokesperson said of the plan for China to establish a presence in Cuba, adding, "we are well aware of  and have spoken many times to  the People's Republic of China's efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere."

The CIA declined to comment. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Margaret Brennan contributed reporting.

London Fashion Week set to begin this weekend

Previewing Sunday's Tony Awards

Greta Thunberg to skip school protests after graduation
Grand Canyon. Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images

Land near the Grand Canyon contains a uranium mine that could prove valuable in the United States' efforts to push toward nuclear power. However, whether or not to welcome mining in the region has been an ongoing debate as environmentalists and tribes oppose the measure. In contrast, others see it as valuable to the country's energy future. The region around the canyon is under a 20-year protection soon to expire. This raises questions of how much the U.S. truly conserves protected land and whether there are instances in which protections get lifted.

What's happening at the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon, one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the U.S., has a bountiful uranium mine right near it. What to do with this mine has been the subject of heated discussion  On one hand, the extraction of said uranium could help push forward the country's nuclear energy efforts. Many experts and politicians agree that nuclear power will be crucial to reaching net-zero emissions. "Bottom line, for the most part, nuclear is not a fuel type that's getting a lot of attention from U.S. power generators; although it probably should be," Joe Govreau of research group Industrial Info told Business Wire.

On the other hand, environmentalists and tribal groups want to designate the region as a national monument, protecting it from any development. The region is considered sacred by a number of tribes. "This designation is of the highest priority to the Hopi people," said Timothy Nuvangyaoma, chairman of the Hopi tribe in northern Arizona, to The Associated Press. "We have to protect the beauty and grandeur of this place many tribes call home."

In 2012, former President Barack Obama placed a 20-year moratorium on uranium mining in the region in order to "protect our precious environmental and cultural resources," wrote The Washington Post. The protections will expire in January 2032. However, in 2020, former President Donald Trump proposed removing Obama's protections, but the proposal was never finalized. The energy industry is now hoping to gain access to the land. Scott Melbye, executive vice president of Uranium Energy and president of the Uranium Producers of America, argued to the Post that "creating a National Monument in Northern Arizona would erect a needless, unscientific barrier to the responsible development of some of America's best clean energy resources."

How protected is protected land?

Despite the seemingly strong laws around designations like national parks or monuments, they aren't necessarily airtight. Trump removed a number of federal protections during his presidency, the most of any president, according to a 2019 study published in the journal Science. He reduced the size of Bears Ears National Monument by 85% and Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument by 51%. Trump also opened up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, according to Rolling Stone.

Land protections can be undermined in a number of ways, including through executive orders, congressional policies, agency rules, and Supreme Court rulings. While the designation and altering of national monument designations almost fall completely on the president, legal changes like new interpretations of environmental laws are much harder to reverse. For example, the Supreme Court narrowed what is considered a wetland, allowing for more bodies of water to become susceptible to pollution and development since the regions are no longer regulated by the Clean Water Act. "With the most damaging policy decisions and initiatives, the problem is when they have been done by rule-making and not executive orders and they have political support in the Senate, in particular, it can be hard to undo those things," remarked Jim Lyons, the deputy assistant secretary for Land and Mineral Management at the Interior Department during the Obama administration.

The president also appoints agency heads as well as budgets for them. Agencies like the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management have control over a number of public lands. Those running the agencies can alter how the public land is managed. "If you want to drill, mine and exploit the public estate for the benefit of the industry, the last thing you want is a popular and respected agency's voice raising alarms on behalf of conservation and historic preservation," commented Jonathan B. Jarvis and Destry Jarvis in The Guardian.

Can lifted protections be reinstated?

While protective measures can be lifted, they can also be reinstated, but there could be some difficulty based on how the land was protected. Trump's reduction of Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase Escalante was highly contested because many legal scholars argued that presidents only have the power to designate national monuments, but need congressional approval to change or remove them under the 1906 Antiquities Act. However, there was no solid legal precedent set before Trump, allowing him to act through an executive order. President Biden restored protections to Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase Escalante in 2021 through an executive order as well.

The difficulties arise when promises were already made on the land. Biden recently approved a substantial oil drilling project called the Willow Project, which was previously approved by Trump. Sources told CNN that Biden "had few options to cancel or significantly curtail the project," despite heavy backlash from environmental groups. The other way for protections to be reinstated is for Congress to pass laws ensuring protections like the Clean Water Act, which are much more difficult to remove.

Obama's protection of the Grand Canyon's surrounding area was not through a national monument designation and was a time-limited protection that "only blocked new uranium and other hard-rock mines, not existing ones," per the Post. Advocates are calling for a national monument designation to provide stronger protection like Biden's designation of Spirit Mountain. Other than under Trump, national monuments are mostly left alone once designated. A law would provide even stronger protection, "But given the makeup of the Natural Resources Committee and given the indications," remarked Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) to the Post, "this legislation will never see daylight."

You may also like

How the Bible became conservative book bans' unintended target

What is Mike Pence thinking?

CNN CEO Chris Licht steps down after damaging Atlantic profile
REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Kyiv officials said Thursday its forces are moving in full swing with offensive operations against Russian forces, including in Bakhmut and Zaporizhzhia, after weeks of speculations about whether the long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun.

What is happening now? We are continuing the defense that we started on February 24, 2022, Hanna Malyar, Deputy Defense Minister, said this week of the Bakhmut operation. A defensive operation includes everything, including counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some directions we are moving to offensive actions.

Russias Ministry of Defense said in a statement that Ukrainian forces also ran a counteroffensive operation in Zaporizhzhia from four directions early Thursday morning. The enemy made an attempt to break through Russia's defense, the ministry said in a statement. A Ukrainian spokesperson later confirmed Kyiv had conducted operations in the region.

Ukraines military has not yet gone so far as to use the word counteroffensive, but one senior officer and one soldier near the front lines told NBC the counteroffensive has begun.

The continued operations from Ukraine coincide with work to respond to the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam earlier this week, as Ukraine works to evacuate tens of thousands from flooded neighborhoods. The first flood-related deaths were reported Thursday by the Russian-appointed mayor of Nova Kakhovk, Vladimir Leontyev, who alleged five bodies have surfaced from the waters of the submerged town.

The 2023 Blitz Most Feared by Putin May Have Finally Begun

Meanwhile, four people working for Ukraines armed forces confirmed to The Washington Post that Ukraine was intensifying attacks on the front lines. Attacks have particularly intensified in southern Ukraine in the last 24 hours, according to U.S. officials who spoke with The New York Times.

Ukraines Air Force also launched 23 strikes on locations with Russian troops and four strikes on enemy anti-aircraft missile systems in the past 24 hours, Ukraines military said.

The current fighting in Ukraine is a highly complex operational picture, according to a new British intelligence community assessment released Thursday. Heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front. In most areas Ukraine holds the initiative, the assessment states.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian and U.S. officials acknowledged that a series of counteroffensives had begun. On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces hit four Russian command posts, nine locations with Russian troops and military equipment, as well as two enemy anti-aircraft missile systems, five Russian ammunition depots, and an enemy radar station, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a statement.

Russia is likely still working on returning to an offensive as soon as possible, according to British intelligence.

The push from Ukraine comes as Russian fighting has faltered in recent months. Despite reported plans to seize all of Donbas by March, Russia has only seized approximately three territories.

Russia has flailed since the beginning of the war with logistics, supplies, and infighting issues, many of which remained Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military. For Russians deployed to the Volgograd region, they received the wrong kinds of boots. Instead of being provided uniforms, Russian contractors have been forced to buy their own uniforms at their own expense, Ukraines military said Thursday. Russia has also had significant problems supplying troops with food, Ukraine claimed.

While Russia is floundering, Ukrainian officials continued to call Thursday for more western nations to boost their military assistance packages for in order to hasten a Ukrainian victory.

Ukrainian MP Maria Ionova told The Daily Beast Thursday work is ongoing to supply the military with the weaponry necessary to defeat Russia.

We have to do everything with our allies to provide all necessary weapons for our Armed Forces, Ukrainian MP Maria Ionova told The Daily Beast.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Margarita Simonyan, head of Russian state TV network RT, said she was overwhelmed with euphoria when Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine last February - SERGEY BOBYLEV/TASS

The head of Russian state TV network RT and one of Vladimir Putins top propagandists has suggested Moscow should freeze the war in the face of state-of-the-art Western weaponry that Ukraine now holds.

Margarita Simonyan, who has regularly called for all-out war on Ukraine, argued on prime-time television in favour of a negotiated solution and a halt to hostilities while referenda are organised in Russian-occupied territory.

She presented her U-turn as a best-case scenario now that Ukraine has access to Nato-supplied weapons now being used on Russia soil and in the counter offensive.

Ive been talking about this for the whole year. It would be so good to stop the bloodshed right now, stay where we are, freeze it and hold referenda, she said on Vladimir Solovyevs prime-time talk show on Rossiya 1.

Do we need territories where people dont want to live with us? Im not sure.

Calls for resignation

Her suggestions, especially remarks about disputed territories in Ukraine, caused a backlash at home while some of Russias loudest mouthpieces of the war accused her of crossing Vladimir Putin who officially recognised the occupied areas as part of Russia last year.

Did Simonyan get a new boss now? Who is paying her? A referendum on Russias territories that she calls disputed would be a Godsend for Western strategists, Roman Alekhin, a Russian military volunteer and writer, wrote in a column for Tsargrad TV on Wednesday.

Lesser known pro-war bloggers called for her resignation while Igor Girkin, a former Ukrainian separatist commander accused Ms Simonyan, an ethnic Armenian, of first betraying Armenias national interests by supporting a deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia over a breakaway region, and now trying to do the same for Russia: We will figure things out for Russians and Russia without you.

The surprising remarks by a long-time trusted member of the Russian political establishment do reflect views of some of the Russian establishment but it does not necessarily mean Moscow is going to call it quits here and now.

Simonyan in her statement tries to say it makes no sense to wage war much longer, let things be as they are and revisit them later, Tatiana Stanovaya, a long-time Kremlin watcher at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace, said.

It can also be a Kremlin-inspired attempt to gauge public opinion while widespread censorship is keeping the Russian leadership itself in the dark about what Russians really think.

Simonyans time-to-talk argument may yet prove to have legs  but it wont grow those legs until it has proved its worth to the propaganda machinery itself, and ultimately to the Kremlin, Sam Greene, a Russian politics professor at Kings College London, tweeted.

Russian nuclear strike on cards

Regarded as one of Russias best-known hawks, Ms Simonyan was calling on the Kremlin to annex eastern Ukraine months before the war began, and just weeks before the invasion she was publicly grilling Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister: When are we finally going to whack Washington?

When Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine last February, the media executive said she was genuinely happy and overwhelmed with euphoria.

As Russian troops got bogged down in fighting last spring, Ms Simonyan said she didnt see Russia just giving up and going and that a Russian nuclear strike was on the cards.

Recently, she has been saying that neither she nor anyone in the Russian establishment are enjoying bombing Ukrainian cities but insisted it had to be done to topple the Kyiv government.

When a Russian cruise missile hit the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia last summer, killing a young mother and her daughter, she insisted the Russians were targeting Nazis.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Andriy Yusov

Read also: Drone footage shows ruins of Kakhovka dam, flooded areas two days after Russian attack

NV: Western media, including the NYT, and Ukrainian officials, including HUR have said that the Kakhovka dam blast was most likely caused by an internal explosion. HUR reported in April 2022 that Russian forces had installed explosives along the dam, and that sooner or later, the dam would be destroyed. Does this sound about right?

Yusov: Yes, unfortunately, thats how things stand. HUR did in fact report this information and disseminated it publicly, to both our partners and international institutions. Later, the political leadership and the Ukrainian president also publicly reported this information.

Its true that the occupiers mined the dam and the HPP practically immediately after its seizure, in fear of a counterattack by Ukrainian forces, and to prepare for a number of scenarios. They were preparing this terrorist act for a long time, and recently they implemented the final decisions for its realization. This was implemented at the very highest levels, absolutely. Events and actions on such a scale are sanctioned by decisions at the highest levels. I, myself, am certain that Vladimir Putin himself gave this order and this command.

Read also: Water levels continue to rise, farmers face double disaster, Kyiv bomb shelters unready

NV: Khersons municipal military administration head, Roman Mrochko, said the city was unprepared, with insufficient boats and hoses for pumping water, despite the threat to the dam. He said We understand that (the dams destruction) was dangerous and could happen in theory, but we didnt know it would happen when it did.

Did Ukrainian intelligence know that Russian forces, concretely on June 5 or 6, or around these dates, were planning to blow up the Kakhovka dam?

Yusov: When we talk about the mining (of the dam), then yes, this was public and known across all of Ukraine. And has been known for a while. Its another thing to have information about the intention to commit a crime and the readiness to commit it.

Read also: Over 700 Ukrainian civilians injured by land mines, including up to 100 children

Understandably, we did not have information on when the button would be pressed and the detonator would go off. Only the possibility  since (the dam) had been mined, this is a proven fact, and this, unfortunately, happened and occurred in our life.

All information about the enemy, their movements, strengths and resources, plans and intentions are constantly being provided to the military-political leadership, and accordingly, this is worked on along the line of military administrations.

NV: Does Ukrainian intelligence know what the Russian occupying soldiers are doing on Kherson regions left bank? It looks as though their (the Russians) first and second lines of defense have been washed away. So, what are the Russian forces doing there now?

Read also: UK intelligence to probe in detail destruction of Kakhovka dam

Yusov: Theyre completing their withdrawal, and some of their divisions had withdrawn earlier. A small amount of mobile enemy forces was deployed along the front lines, but obviously, for security reasons, even part of the Ruscist forces were not informed about the timing of this crime.

But yes, theyre withdrawing and partially redeploying to other previously prepared positions. The enemy is currently withdrawing to one of these prepared lines in the south and east of the occupied territories.

NV: Are Russian tactics changing because of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam? Will this affect the course of the war? Does intelligence know something about this?

Yusov: Their tactics in this sense, in general, havent changed.

In fact, its very interesting to track the different types of lies that have been spreading from Russian propaganda, military, and political leadership of the aggressor nation this morning. One of the elements of these lies is that Ukraine committed this breach to stop further advances from the Ruscists on Kherson. But they hadnt planned any offensive advances, and there has been no corresponding concentration of forces. The enemy, in that region, has been systematically moving to defense.

Read also: Ukraine gains ground near Bakhmut, city is now half-encircled  MoD

Later, these statements disappeared: they themselves stated that they were conducting specifically defensive actions in this region. Bakhmut and the Bakhmut axis is currently and remains the hottest and most active, from the point of view of enemy action. In general, the enemys actions in the Kherson region have not changed.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Direct line with Vladimir Putin, a televised annual event during which the president responds to questions of Russian citizens live for several hours, was postponed from June until November-December of this year, mainly in connection with the situation on the front in Ukraine.

Source: Russian media outlet Kommersant with reference to its sources

Quote: "As of now it is planned to conduct it [the Direct Line  ed.] in November-December."

Details: This choice is motivated by the events on the front in Ukraine, so it would be better to wait until there is more certainty concerning this situation, a source said to Kommersant.

They also remarked that the event should be held before the start of presidential elections in Russia, as it would be harder to conduct it after the start of the official campaign.

Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of Putin, claimed earlier that the Direct Line with Putin will be held, but he did not provide the exact date.

Background: Putin held the latest direct line in 2021. The next event was supposed to be held on 30 June 2023.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Rand Paul holds up tax bill that is priority for US-Taiwan economic ties

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) on Thursday held up legislation that would ease tax burdens on businesses operating in both Taiwan and the U.S., a key priority as both sides seek to strengthen economic ties in the face of aggression from the Peoples Republic of China.

The legislation, called the Taiwan Tax Agreement Act of 2023, would authorize the Biden administration to negotiate and conclude a tax agreement with Taiwan.

Paul said he has concerns over protecting privacy for American taxpayers with the legislation.

Weve had problems with the bulk exchange of data without individualizing, he told The Hill.

Paul in general is critical of provisions in tax treaties that provide a low standard for the U.S. to obtain the financial records of Americans living abroad.

We dont want them collecting everybodys tax records. Weve been opposed to all the tax treaties, Paul said to The Hill.

Lawmakers on the committee said they expect the bill to come up in its next business meeting, likely before the July Fourth holiday.

The bipartisan bill is sponsored by the chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sens. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and is viewed as an important area for the U.S. to support Taiwan in the face of aggression from China.

Beijing is expected to apply pressure militarily, economically and diplomatically in the years ahead to bring Taiwan under its control.

In the face of mounting coercive tactics by Beijing to thwart Taiwans international economic engagement, this effort to facilitate U.S.-Taiwan economic relations is more crucial than ever, Menendez said in a statement when introducing the bill last month.

The legislation is a particular priority for Taipei, which wants to eliminate double taxation on businesses  especially semiconductor firms  that operate in the U.S. and Taiwan.

Taiwan is responsible for more than 90 percent of production of the most advanced parts of semiconductors, the computer chips that are found in nearly all electronic devices.

Taiwans most prominent chip producer, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, approved a plan in February to open a chip plant in Arizona, with the company investing $40 billion into the project.

Having a tax agreement that avoids double taxation, allowing Taiwanese businesses to compete on fair grounds, allowing them to report back to their shareholders in Taiwan that an investment in the United States is actually profitable, I think thats very important, Taiwans Representative to the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim, said in a discussion hosted by the Christian Science Monitor in late May.

But Hsaio raised concern that the cost of production is higher in the U.S. and that could translate to higher costs for consumers.

The chip industry is a very important component of Taiwans broader economic resilience, she said.

I think Taiwan will continue to be indispensable and irreplaceable part of critical supply chains. and Taiwan will remain the most competitive place for making chips in the world, including those advanced chips.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Raquel Leviss asked to be in a throuple with Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix before cheating scandal was uncovered: 'It didn't seem like that far-fetched of an idea'

Tom Sandoval, Raquel Leviss, and Ariana Madix. Todd Williamson/Bravo via Getty Images, Amy Sussman/Getty Images, Todd Williamson/Bravo via Getty Images

Raquel Leviss spoke about her affair with Tom Sandoval in part three of the "Vanderpump Rules" reunion.

She said she once asked Sandoval if he and Ariana Madix would consider a three-way relationship.

She said that Sandoval told her that Madix "would not be into that."

The third and final part of the "Vanderpump Rules" season 10 reunion aired on Wednesday and saw Raquel Leviss share even more details about what went down between her and costar Tom Sandoval during the months-long affair.

Speaking in a to-camera interview delivered in the final five minutes of the hour-long episode, the reality television personality revealed that she once floated the idea that she join Sandoval and his former girlfriend Ariana Madix to form a throuple.

Speaking about their affair, which began in August 2022, but was only uncovered in March of this year, Leviss said that she desperately wanted to come clean to Madix.

"Like, it ate me alive not to tell her," she said.

"I even suggested, I was like, 'Maybe, like, what would Ariana think about, like, having me as an addition?' And he was like, 'No, no, no. She would not be into that.'"

When the producers behind the camera asked if she meant she wanted to be in a "throuple," a three-way polyamorous relationship, Leviss said, "Yeah."

Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Raquel Leviss at the "Vanderpump Rules" Season 10 reunion. Nicole Weingart/Bravo

"Because I love Ariana as a person and then also I'm in love with Tom Sandoval, so it didn't seem like that far-fetched of an idea," she continued. "But it was not something in question."

"I just hate lying so much," Leviss said, before adding that Sandoval was "gonna kill me" for disclosing so much about their relationship.

"He's asked me to not disclose all this information. Especially now being so isolated, I feel like Tom is the one person I have, so if I betray him, I'll have nobody."

Madix and Sandoval dated for nine years before TMZ reported in March that Sandoval and Leviss were involved in an affair.

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix dated for nine years before Sandoval's cheating scandal came to light. Getty/Amanda Edwards

As Madix shared on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in May, she found out about the relationship when she discovered a sexually explicit screen recording of a FaceTime call between Sandoval and Leviss on Sandoval's phone.

While appearing with the rest of the cast earlier in the episode, Leviss delivered an emotional plea for forgiveness to Madix.

"I'm so ashamed and embarrassed that I'm even capable of keeping this secret in my corner. I can't even fathom the pain. It was a mistake. The way it was handled was a complete mistake," Leviss said.

"The way that we have betrayed the people closest to us was detrimental to all of our friendships, and I'm seeing all of the consequences for my actions that I never even considered because I was living in the moment."

However, Madix did not accept Leviss' apology and told her that after the reunion she would never speak to her or see her again.

Read the original article on Insider
How to read the air-quality index (AQI) scale, and why it can help you stay safe from wildfire smoke

Poor air quality in New York City on June 7, 2023. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Wildfires are raging across Canada, and the smoke is being pushed southward.

On June 7, extremely poor air quality turned the sky orange in NYC and other parts of the Northeast.

Here's a guide to understanding the air-quality index (AQI), a metric used to assess air quality.

As wildfires rage across central Canada, the resulting smoke has caused air quality to worsen in parts of the Northeast region of the United States.

Unsettling images of orange skies in New York City on Wednesday shocked the public and raised widespread concern and confusion about the risks posed by poor air quality.

To determine the quality of the air, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the air-quality index, or AQI. The scale spans from numbers 0 to 500. A higher AQI value signifies a higher level of air pollution and a greater health risk.

On June 7, AQI values of over 400 were recorded in New York City, according to the New York Times.

"The effects of air pollution can be mild, like eye and throat irritation, or serious, including heart and respiratory issues," reporter Adeel Hassan wrote for the Times. "They can also linger even after the air has cleared, as pollution can cause inflammation of the lung tissue and increase the vulnerability to infections," he added.

Here's a comprehensive guide to the AQI scale, including what the numbers mean and how you can protect yourself from harmful air pollutants during a wildfire.

0-50: Good

According to AirNow, a website and app run by the EPA, an air-quality index of or under 50 signifies satisfactory air. Air of this quality poses minimal to no risk to humans. It is highly unlikely that individuals who inhale air that falls at this point in the AQI will experiences health issues as a consequence.

51-100: Moderate

Air that falls between 51-100 on the AQI is deemed "acceptable" by the EPA. Individuals who are particularly sensitive to air pollution may be at risk if they inhale air of this quality.

According to the EPA, people with heart or lung disease; people with diabetes; older adults; and children, are groups generally more sensitive to air pollutants.

101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

While it is still possible for members of the general population to experience side health issues stemming from this caliber of air quality, sensitive groups are still far more likely to be affected.

151-200: Unhealthy

The general population is more likely to experience health issues, and sensitive groups are at risk of serious health concerns.

201-300: Very unhealthy

The high risk of health concerns extends to the general public at this AQI level.

301-500: Hazardous

Everyone who inhales air that falls between 301-500 on the AQI scale is likely to be affected by the poor air quality.

A person wearing a mask in New York City on June 7, 2023. China News Service/Getty Images

How can I protect myself from air pollutants?

As Insider's Mia de Graaf previously reported, there are ways to protect yourself when the air quality is particularly poor. These include staying inside and closing your windows. Certain indoor activities should also be avoided, such as burning candles or fires, which increase indoor pollution, and vacuuming, which may kick up fine particles that have come inside the home.

If you must go outside, wearing an N95 mask can help filter the air you inhale.

"If you have to exert yourself, exert yourself less. Hydrate more," Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who studies environmental health at New York University, told The Associated Press.

Read the original article on Insider
Recent case of toddler who died in hot car reminds parents to check vehicle for kids

No parent thinks it can happen to them.

Leaving a baby behind in a car in very hot weather is unimaginable.

Law enforcement officials across the Treasure Coast have said such cases are exceedingly rare here, but when parents do leave babies behind, the circumstances are often very similar.

Anyone can forget.

"It's shock and awe. A lot of people, first thing that they will say is 'I would never do something like that,' " said Stuart Police Lt. Michael Gerwan. "But you would be surprised how easy it is to get distracted and forget."

Cases on Treasure Coast rare

James Fidele went inside his Port St. Lucie home March 6 for several hours to work after dropping several of his children off at school.

His 2-year-old toddler was still inside the family's vehicle.

Fidele discovered his son several hours later and immediately called emergency responders. The child was taken to a local hospital, but pronounced dead. Fidele, 37, was charged with a felony  leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle causing great bodily harm. He's due in court June 29.

Across the Treasure Coast, cases like this are rare, according to sheriff's and police officials, but they do happen, particularly in Florida's very hot summer months.

This Port St. Lucie case in which a child died is the only one on the Treasure Coast so far this year. It is one of seven cases like it across the country, according to kidsandcars.org, a national nonprofit child safety organization that tracks child deaths in hot cars.

In an overwhelming majority of child hot car deaths, it was a loving, responsible parent that unknowingly left the child. And, 43% of children who were unknowingly left were supposed to have been dropped off at child care, according to the website.

On average, 33 children have died in hot cars in the United States in each of the the last 5  years, kidsandcars.org statistics show. The most fatalities were in 2018, with 54. None of these cases, except for the Port St. Lucie case, were on the Treasure Coast.

Port St. Lucie Police Sgt. John Dellacroce

"I cannot recall anything over the last five or 10 years of another child being left in a car and passing away from the heat," Port St. Lucie Police Sgt. John Dellacroce said.

Chief Deputy John Budensiek, of the Martin County Sheriff's Office, said his agency has never dealt with a case in which a baby or child died after being left behind in a vehicle.

"We have had close calls where babies were rescued from cars after being forgotten in vehicles, but none have ever actually passed away from dying in the car," he said.

Charges can vary

A study of records over the past 10 years from police and sheriff's agencies on the Treasure Coast revealed 15 cases in which law enforcement charged people in connection to leaving behind a baby or child in a hot car, including the recent Port St. Lucie case.

Three cases, which did not result in the death of a child, were investigated by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.

Eleven were investigated by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, but it was unclear if any prior to 2018 involved a death.

St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara

St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara said charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies.

Any person responsible for the supervision of a child  whether that person is a parent or guardian  may be charged with a noncriminal traffic infraction or a second-degree misdemeanor for violating Florida law if they leave any child under the age of 6 inside a motor vehicle unattended," Mascara said.

If the violation causes the child great bodily harm, the person may be charged with, at the minimum, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, he said.

"Habitual or violent offenders may be subject to longer prison sentences, Mascara said.

Gerwan, of Stuart police, said there's only one case involving a baby death he can recall in his long career with the department. It's one he investigated and it sticks with him to this day.

On a summer day in 2006, a Stuart woman dropped a child off at school, completed a day of work and was about to finish loading groceries in her truck. She opened the truck door and saw the unthinkable.

Her baby was dead in the backseat. The infant was supposed to be in daycare, but he had been in her truck all day.

"I remember that day vividly," Gerwan said. "It was really a traumatic experience to investigate that and to see the aftermath."

Nellier Lima, then 26, was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, records show. She was sentenced to two years of house arrest and 10 years of probation, according to TCPalm archives.

Similarly, in July 2009, two women in Indian River County were each charged with manslaughter in the death of their sons, after each woman unknowingly left a baby in their vehicle in the parking lot of their work place for the day.

More: Father arrested after 2-year-old son left in vehicle in Port St. Lucie dies, police say

More: Woman accused of leaving kids in hot SUV while playing game at Indian River County arcade

Preventative Measures

Officials said technology in cars, such as motion sensors and alert systems have helped notify parents and caregivers that they've forgot their children.

Still, not all vehicles are equipped with such technology.

"Not everyone has the ability, or the financial means to buy that kind of stuff or vehicles that have those access abilities, or added on ... features," said Lt. Joe Abollo of Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "So I would say it's more the self accountability. People just need to be responsible when it comes to child safety ... I know, it's hard, easier said than done, but just be alert and aware of your surroundings."

Law enforcement officials said visual reminders are a helpful tool.

In todays hurry-up world, put an item on your passenger seat, such as a pacifier, doll, and/or stuffed animal, to remind yourself of the precious cargo in your back seat to prevent a tragedy of leaving a child in a car, Mascara said.

Abollo said making sure babies are not "out of sight, out of mind" behind the driver's seat, so a parent can see them when looking over their shoulder.

Additionally, passersby who see a baby trapped inside are legally allowed to break the window of the car to free the baby if necessary, Budensiek said.

Martin County sheriff's Chief Deputy John Budensiek

He said the law allows a person "if they see a baby locked in a car with nobody around, or a pet for that matter, they can call 911, and then they can proceed to break the window of the vehicle to rescue the infant from the car."

Typically, leaving a child behind is a result of too much multitasking. Law enforcement officials recommend to take a step back to ensure a baby is safe.

" ... I want to remind parents, that it's so easy to become preoccupied and forget what's most important to you and it happens," Gerwan said. "Slow down. My message would be to slow down and remember what's actually going on."

More: Son of Fort Pierce homicide victim wants legacy of his dad, a Vietnam vet, to move forward

Mauricio La Plante is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow him on Twitter @mslaplantenews or email him at Mauricio.LaPlante@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Cases of babies dying in hot cars rare on Treasure Coast
Red Cross' inaction and the situation in Kherson Oblast through Katia Osadcha's view

"'People stop boat engines so as not to cling (hit) bodies (in water),' everything happening in the flooding zone doesn't fit into my head. Meanwhile THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS IS DOING NOTHING!!! Oleshky, Hola Prystan, and dozens of other settlements!!! People are blocked in their houses and are drowning! The ICRC has access both sides of the "conflict" but hasn't shown any initiative in saving Ukrainians from the (Russian) occupied areas. That's what this organisation was created for, why the Geneva Conventions were written for!!! They are for saving people!!! Inaction equals murder!!! I called to help Ukrainians under occupation, to leave immediately (to get to) the scene, and for Russia to evacuate people!" Osadcha said.

Read also: Maxar shows extent of Kakhovka dam disaster  Photo

Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba agreed with the sentiment, calling out UN and ICRC inaction regarding the Kahkovka dam breach on the Snidanok 1+1 morning show, and comparing this situation to the beginning of the full-scale war:

"The problem is not with the desire to do something, but rather with the procedures that slow down the process of deployment of the international missions at the affected areas. It's about the UN and we are accelerating the process. We've worked with them throughout the last two days. My colleagues in the government and I will continue to work with them today. Were going to reach the peak capacity of the UN organisations. It's more complicated with the Red Cross because of its complicated policies on neutrality and never compromising itself. It's way different thing. Therefore, we can state they weren't able to act promptly. However, we'll continue to push on them and to help them when they need it so they will also present in full there (in the flooding zone)," he said.

Read also: Animals being rescued in Kherson Oblast after Kakhovka dam destruction  video

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Oleg Orlov, a member of the Board of the International Historical Educational Charitable and Human Rights Society 'Memorial' (International Memorial), right, and Nobel Peace Prize awarded journalist Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of the influential Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta stand at a courtroom prior to a session in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Orlov went on trial in Moscow Thursday over criticism of Russia's Ukraine campaign, which could see him jailed for up to five years. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MOSCOW (AP)  The co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial, Oleg Orlov, went on trial in Moscow Thursday, charged with discrediting the Russian military in his criticism of Russias campaign in Ukraine.

If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

Orlov has been fined twice for anti-war pickets, with the new charges based on an article he wrote denouncing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Discrediting the Russian military is a criminal offense under a law adopted after Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The law is regularly used against Kremlin critics.

Memorial and its supporters have called the trial politically motivated.

Oleg Orlov was brought to the dock solely because of an anti-war article he wrote, denouncing Putins Russia as a totalitarian fascist society, Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty Internationals Russia Director, said. Predictably, the system he described cannot tolerate his need to defend the truth and his refusal to remain silent after Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine."

In my article I spoke about the terrible role that war plays for the development of the political regime in our country, Orlov told the court, according to a post on Memorials Telegram channel. And how can I be judged like this without violating the law? he added.

The next hearing is set for July 3.

Orlovs defense team included Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.

Memorial, one of the oldest and the most renowned Russian rights organizations, was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, along with imprisoned Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski and the Center for Civil Liberties, a Ukrainian human rights group.

Memorial was founded in the Soviet Union in 1987 to ensure the victims of communist repression would be remembered. It has continued to compile information on human rights abuses and track the fate of political prisoners in Russia while facing a relentless crackdown from the Kremlin in recent years, which has intensified since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The group had been declared a foreign agent, a designation that brings additional government scrutiny and carries strong pejorative connotations. Over the years it was ordered to pay massive fines for alleged violations of the foreign agent law. Russias Supreme Court ordered Memorial shut down in December 2021, a move that sparked outcry in Russia and abroad.
CHICAGO  Mayor Brandon Johnsons inauguration pledge to reopen Chicagos city-run mental health clinics puts him on the clock to deliver a win for advocates who have been waging that fight for more than a decade.

It also sets him up to make good on a longtime goal of one of his strong union supporters, by creating jobs at the clinics for members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Whether he follows through could be one of the most important Rorschach tests on how Johnsons first term gets viewed.

To appreciate the existential parameters of this fight, head back to 2012. Thats when then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel shuttered six of the 12 city-run clinics.

Almost from the moment Emanuel announced his intention to close the centers, patients and their supporters commenced a series of protests that drew attention to what they said was the mayors disregard for their well-being.

Twenty-three people were arrested after barricading themselves inside a Woodlawn clinic in 2012, and protesters turned up at Emanuels public events around that time to heckle him over the decision.

AFSCME lost dozens of positions for its members when the clinics closed, and the union joined in the push to reverse the decision. Its a fight thats never ended.

Toussaint Losier was a volunteer with the Mental Health Movement, which worked with patients to spearhead protests against the closures. Now a professor in the Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Losier said hes struck by how the fight to reopen the clinics has remained potent for over a decade.

Whats really amazed me has been the degree to which the question of the closure of the clinics and the struggle around trying to prevent that has remained fixed in peoples political imagination in the 10 years since, he said.

It remains to be seen whether Johnson will follow through on his campaign promise to reopen the clinics and his inauguration applause line about finding a bunch of ways to make sure Chicagoans get the mental health care they need, including reopening our mental health care centers across the city of Chicago.

A Johnson spokesman declined to comment on the administrations plans for the mental health clinics.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot likewise campaigned in 2019 to reopen the city-run facilities, only to back away from the pledge when she won, saying it made more sense to boost funding to a broad array of mental health nonprofits. She increased mental health spending to $89 million as part of her 2023 city budget.

But Johnson faces a much different political base than Lightfoot did, with progressive grassroots organizers and union activists who expect him to deliver on their priorities, noted Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle, a co-founder of Southside Together Organizing for Power, a group that played an important role in fighting the clinic closures.

What Im excited about with this political moment  dont get me wrong, I love Brandon, Mayor Johnson, I think hes a great guy  but what gets me excited is not him and his personality as much as the structural pressures upon him, Ginsberg-Jaeckle said. The same things, to be frank, that are causing such alarm among those who like to, who are generally in Naperville and like to throw bombs at city politics, are the same things that have me excited.

AFSCME has been a strong Johnson supporter.

The AFSCME International Union PAC contributed $100,000 to his mayoral campaign this year ahead of the April runoff election, according to state campaign finance records. And AFSCME Illinois Council 31s PAC contributed $56,750 to Johnson in 2018 during his successful run for Cook County commissioner.

AFSCME Council 31 spokesman Anders Lindall said the union doesnt back candidates because they expect a quid pro quo. We support candidates who have the right position on our issues, not the other way around, he said.

And the other thing is, Mayor Lightfoot campaigned on (reopening the clinics) four years ago, and we did not endorse Lori Lightfoot, Lindall continued. That wasnt a political consideration. And Brandon Johnson campaigned on it this time around and we remained neutral in the (mayoral) primary. So this is really about the policy for us.

The need to reopen the clinics has become more commonly accepted over the past decade, Lindall said, making it easier for Johnson to do so.

This is not happening overnight, and I certainly think the new mayor alone is not out on an island, Lindall said. But there has been a growing consensus to the point that I think its probably difficult to find a lot of people today that would not say that the 2012 closures were a mistake.

Lindall argued the clinics provide much more consistent care in part because they can, in most cases, pay better salaries and offer better benefits than private providers that experience a lot of staff turnover.

And he said theres better transparency when the city is running the facilities, allowing the public to see what kind of care patients are receiving and how funds are being spent.

When the city is providing the services, we know who is being served, when, how and by whom, Lindall said. And the accountability is direct. CDPH (Chicago Department of Public Health) has a management structure, the agency head reports to the mayor and the City Council has the legislative oversight of all of that.

Lindall said nonprofits have a role to play too.

Its definitely not an either-or situation, he said. The level of unmet need in our city is such that its both-and.

There are around 70 AFSCME-represented mental health worker positions currently on the city payroll, including 62 employees working at the remaining five city-run clinics who also conduct mental health outreach in Chicago libraries. Five other city workers represented by AFSCME serve as mental health co-responders with police.

Thats down from 92 positions when 12 clinics were operating, Lindall said. The Cook County Health Department took over the sixth remaining city clinic, in Roseland, beginning in 2017. That one is now run by a private company, with the county putting in $800,000 annually, according to a county health department spokeswoman.

The city clinics see just a small fraction of the number of people in Chicago who receive mental health services.

According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, city clinics served 1,782 patients in 2022 while there were 73,899 patients served citywide at city clinics and the various nonprofit agencies and other mental health programs in the city that receive public funding.

Federal COVID-19 relief grants are drying up, however, and mental health needs are soaring citywide since the start of the pandemic.

Alexa James, chief executive officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago and a member of the Johnson postelection transition teams Health & Human Services Subcommittee, said the city needs to be nimble to deal with the crisis.

If you look nationally at city health departments, they have learned that being their own provider is complicated, because they havent found that they have the flexibility to innovate, and that just being a clinic-based care center, weve all learned through a lot of work, that integrated health systems, meeting people where they are  is really the way to create more trust in the mental health system, said James, whose nonprofit receives city funding to help pay for a mental health helpline.

Reopening the city-run clinics would buck that trend, she said.

City health departments nationally have really stopped becoming providers, James said. Theyre really gap-fillers, theyre funders, theyre conveners. What Im understanding from this administration is they may want to change that agenda, they may want to get back into the provider business  Theres definitely strong opinions on either side, but what we believe is that sharing costs with the state, the county and the city is going to give us more bang for our buck.

____
Will RI be the first state to create a public housing developer? That plan is up in the air.

For more than a year, Rhode Island has been weighing whether to become the first state in the country to create its own public development arm.

Over that time, the state has created a new Housing Department with an influential, Cabinet-level secretary, awarded more than $100 million to affordable housing projects and debated new laws to streamline the construction permitting process.

But whether state housing officials will take the step of forming a public development agency supported by its own revolving fund of money remains up in the air after the release of the House's $14-billion state budget proposal last week.

The budget, which is scheduled for a full House vote on Friday, would re-appropriate $10 million for public housing developers that was included in last year's budget but not spent.

And it says that $10 million "may take the form of a revolving fund that shall direct funds to support low income public housing."

It leaves the final decision on whether to use that $10 million for a public development fund, or something else, up to Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor, who has been supportive of the idea but noncommittal.

What would a public housing developer do?

The idea of a state public housing developer is a top priority of Reclaim Rhode Island, a progressive group also advocating for tenant protections and other measures to deal with the home-affordability crisis.

The group has touted a program in Montgomery County, Maryland, which Shekarchi has also been complementary of, that builds "social housing" style apartment buildings with a mix of market and below-market rent units. Rental profits flow back into the revolving fund to help finance more buildings.

A rendering of the exterior of The Laureate, a 268-unit apartment building being built in Montgomery County, Maryland. The building is being publicly financed and will be publicly owned using a program that officials in Rhode Island see as a model to be replicated here.

"We are disappointed that the budget as currently written does not establish a public developer financed through a revolving fund," Reclaim co-chair Daniel Denvir said in an email. "The budget does state that the Housing Secretary 'may' set up a revolving fund and finance it by issuing bonds. We are waiting for clarity from both the Speaker and Secretary Pryor as to whether they indeed intend to work with Reclaim and public housing authorities to set up such a revolving fund, and how they plan to finance it."

$10 million doesn't go far, but speaker says there is 'ample money' in the department

Although the $10 million was approved in June 2022, Gov. Dan McKee's administration didn't do anything with it until Pryor's Housing Department put out a request for proposals from local public housing authorities last month. The deadline for applications is June 30.

With today's building costs, $10 million doesn't go far, and it is not clear how $10 million could be used to satisfy applications for the RFP and a public developer.

State Rep. June Speakman, who sponsored a bill to create a public housing revolving fund as well as several bills in the House development permitting package, asked Shekarchi about it at a House budget briefing Tuesday.

"Housing has lots of money," Shekarchi said. "I think they did better than any other department in terms of requests ... There is ample money for many different programs in the Housing Department."

In addition to the $250 million in federal funds approved for housing a year ago, the new House budget includes, among other things, another $29 million McKee requested in the spring, a new state low-income housing tax credit and funding for 22 new employees in the Department of Housing.

The Department of Housing spokesman Joseph Lindstrom said Pryor "remains intrigued" by the idea of "proactive housing production and the revolving fund."

"We intend to explore these ideas with Rhode Island stakeholders and to take an even closer look at how these efforts have played out in other communities such as Montgomery County, Maryland," he said. "The proposed proactive development entity that is currently in the budget for $1.4 million is another tool that can be utilized further to consider and plan for potential next steps."

Shekarchi: I look forward to meeting with Secretary Pryor and encouraging him to study the feasibility of implementing this program in Rhode Island. I am aware that no other state has established such an initiative, but I believe it is an idea that has great potential."

Whatever happens to the initial $10 million, Reclaim wants the state to borrow more to seed a revolving fund and pay for upgrades to existing public housing.

The group hopes Shekarchi and Pryor "will commit to substantially expand that revolving fund by issuing the necessary bond, either through RIHousing or a General Obligation Bond," Denvir wrote. "In addition, we propose that a portion of the bond be set aside to set up a zero-interest, long-term loan fund for public housing authorities to undertake much-needed repairs and improvements to their existing properties."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island housing crisis: Public developer plan in limbo
Rohingya refugees gather to mark the fifth anniversary of their fleeing from neighbouring Myanmar to escape a military crackdown in 2017, in Cox's Bazar

By Ruma Paul

DHAKA (Reuters) -Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh protested on Thursday, demanding to be repatriated to Myanmar, so that they could leave the squalid camps they have lived in since fleeing a brutal military crackdown in their homeland in 2017.

More than a million Rohingya have been crammed into the camps in southeastern Bangladesh, the world's largest refugee settlement. Most fled the crackdown by Myanmar's military almost six years ago, although some have been there for longer.

During Thursday's demonstrations across the sprawling camps, refugees, young and old, waved placards and chanted slogans.

"No more refugee life. No verification. No scrutiny. No interview. We want quick repatriation through UNHCR data card. We want to go back to our motherland," the placards read. "Let's go back to Myanmar. Don't try to stop repatriation."

Surging crime, harsh living conditions and bleak prospects for returning to Myanmar are driving more Rohingya refugees to leave Bangladesh by boat for countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, putting their lives at risk. U.N. data shows 348 Rohingya are thought to have died at sea last year.

Rohingya community leader Mohammad Jashim said he was keen to return to Myanmar but wanted his citizenship rights guaranteed.

We are the citizens of Myanmar by birth. We want to go back home with all our rights, including citizenship, free movement, livelihood, safety, and security," he told Reuters, saying the refugees hoped for United Nations' help in this regard.

Myanmar's military had until recently shown little inclination to take back any Rohingya, who have for years been regarded as foreign interlopers in Myanmar and denied citizenship and subjected to abuse.

Attempts to begin repatriation in 2018 and 2019 failed as the refugees, fearing prosecution, refused to go back.

A group of 20 Rohingya Muslims told Reuters they would not return to Myanmar to "be confined in camps" after visiting their homeland as part of a pilot scheme aimed at encouraging voluntary repatriation. A Bangladesh official said the pilot scheme envisaged about 1,100 refugees returning to Myanmar, but no date had been set.

Densely populated Bangladesh says refugees' repatriation to Myanmar is the only solution to the crisis. Local communities have been increasingly hostile towards the Rohingya as international aid agencies' funding for the refugees has dwindled.

The World Food Programme recently cut the monthly food allocation to $8 per person from $10 earlier.

"Our situation is only deteriorating. What future do we have here?" asked refugee Mohammed Taher, as he stood with other protesters.

"In the name of verification and scrutiny, they (Myanmar) are only killing time."

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Bernadette Baum)
Some told you  that you were missing opportunities to keep quiet  but I believe we sometimes missed opportunities to listen. That time is over.

- French President Emmanuel Macron at GLOBSECs 2023 summit in Bratislava, Slovakia, on May 31, 2023, in reference to a statement made by then-President Jacques Chirac in 2003 that Central Europe missed an excellent opportunity to remain silent over the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

The anticipation was palpable in the packed plenary room of GLOBSECs 2023 Bratislava Forum on a sunny early summer day  and it did not disappoint.

What the president de la Republique delivered in a dense 45-minute speech on May 31 was, first of all, a remarkable change in tone of his rhetoric vis-a-vis Central Europe, as well as clarification on Ukraine and Russia. It was also a signal of Frances unbroken will to lead Europe in answering these questions.

Roland Freudenstein: Old Europe, New Europe, and the question of strategic autonomy Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Youre thinking of Europe as Germany and France. I dont. I think thats old Europe. If you look at the The Kyiv IndependentRoland Freudenstein

Setting the right tone

To be sure, the atmospherics of Macrons speech were perfect.

After years of trying to pressure Ukraine (together with Germany) in the Minsk II process, labeling NATO brain dead in 2019, and making questionable statements in 2022 about not humiliating Russia and ensuring future security guarantees for Moscow amid its full-scale war, this time he hit the right tone.

Macron quoted Czech-French writer Milan Kundera, admitted to Frances past mistakes of not having listened to Central Europe enough, and conceded that, thanks to Russian President Vladimir Putins electric shock treatment, NATO is no longer brain dead.

But after the roaring applause for his speech had subsided, one question remained in the minds of his addressees: What follows from this recognition of past mistakes for Frances future strategy? Are we seeing a Zeitenwende, or turning point, in France?

Going through his key statements, one is reminded of one of Macrons favorite rhetorical formulas: et en meme temps (and at the same time), often implicitly countering what he just said.

He committed to helping Ukraine for as long as it takes, insisted on a just peace, and warned of a frozen conflict  but at the same time, he remained skeptical about declaring Putin a war criminal.

He did argue for credible and tangible security guarantees for Ukraine after the war  but at the same time, he practically rejected the potential for NATO membership and remained vague with formulas such as involving Ukraine in a multilateral security architecture.

Retired US General Petraeus: Now its inevitable  we should give the ATACMS The Kyiv Independent interviewed retired U.S. General David Petraeus on the sidelines of a security conference held by the Cipher Brief in Kyiv on May 31. Petraeus is a four-star U.S. general who has commanded two wars. He has headed multinational forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has The Kyiv IndependentOlga Rudenko

He advocated for Ukraines EU membership as soon as possible  but at the same time, he made its potential accession conditional upon fundamental reforms, hinting at a two-tier membership system.

He did thank the current U.S. administration for its re-pivot back to Europe, and he also invoked a European pillar of NATO as his planned goal for strategic autonomy  but at the same time, he very clearly posed the 2024 question, alluding to a future Trump or Trumpist administration in the U.S.

Nothing wrong with asking the question, but one might as well ask the rest of the EU what it should do were Marine Le Pen to become the president of France. But above all, one might point to the fact that, even amid the possibility of a Trumpist administration, Europeans defense efforts and willingness to be helpful to the U.S. vis-a-vis China will play a huge role in helping (or not helping) Atlanticists in Washington.

French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he delivers a speech at GLOBSECs 2023 summit in Bratislava, Slovakia, on May 31, 2023. (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)

The thorny issues

Macron seemed to flatly rebuff Central Europeans ideas on two issues.

He said: Yet we have armed our Eastern Flank so much and Russia has deployed so many arms that we will have to rebuild  I am talking here about the medium term  a framework for de-escalation.

This was immediately picked up by Polish pundits as being directed against NATOs current reinforcement efforts in the East, which may be an overinterpretation. But Macron could have been clearer on the need to counter Russia for the foreseeable future.

The other statement that made Central European listeners uneasy was his chiding them for any weapons purchases outside the EU: And when I see certain countries increase their defense spending to massively buy non-European, I simply say: you are creating yourselves your own problems for the future.

Many in Central Europe believe Frances insistence on total EU autonomy in arms production, instead of smart divisions of labor with other democracies in America or Asia, will just create endless delays and drive up costs.

Viktoriia Lapa: NATO should stop biding time on Ukrainian membership promise With the NATO summit in Vilnius in sight, Ukrainians are placing high hopes on the political decisions made and security guarantees granted. In a comment on April 21, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: All NATO allies have agreed that Ukraine will become a member. During meetings wit The Kyiv IndependentViktoriia Lapa

France now listens, but is it acting accordingly?

The truth remains: While France criticizes the mental partition of Europe into East and West, Central Europeans criticize the partition of the West into Europe and America.

In his Bratislava speech, Macron seemed to tell Central Europeans: We hear you, and we have adjusted our position in some areas, but we still believe that on the broad strokes of future European security, France is right, and your concepts are mistaken.

It is, therefore, difficult to compare Macrons Bratislava statements to Chancellor Scholzs Zeitenwende speech of Feb. 27, 2022.

Scholz had described nothing less than a turnaround. He not only signaled a tidal change in support for Ukraine and a newly confrontational German stance toward Russia, but he also turned decades of mistaken German pacifism on its head and described in detail the instruments Germany was going to give itself to achieve this.

Opinion: An appeal to the German government and parliament Editors Note: This article was initially published in German on FOCUS online. The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia escalated its war against Ukraine, which by then had The Kyiv IndependentAndreas Umland

What Macron said in Bratislava last week was important progress. However, if France from now intends to act upon what it hears from Central Europeans, its stance should incorporate three points:

First, a more positive and proactive perspective on Ukraines future NATO membership and fewer caveats and inhibitions on lasting U.S. involvement in Europe.

Second, less ambiguity on the benefits of a durable strengthening of NATOs eastern flank.

And third, a more pragmatic and tolerant attitude toward Central Europes combination of EU and non-EU weapons in their present as well as future arsenals.

In other words, there is still room for improvement in Frances attitude toward Central European concepts and concerns. But positive change has begun, and that is what counts the most.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.
Round 3 in Newsom-Komrosky feud: Temecula school official doubles down on Harvey Milk

San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, left, joins Mayor George Moscone for the signing of a gay rights bill in 1977. Both men were assassinated the next year. (Associated Press)

First, the Temecula Valley Unified School District board president called Harvey Milk a "pedophile" while attempting to ban from the district's curriculum a book that mentioned the gay activist and onetime San Francisco supervisor.

Joseph Komrosky's efforts were successful, and the material was removed from the district's social studies curriculum last month.

Then, Gov. Gavin Newsom lambasted Komrosky as "ignorant" for his "offensive" comments regarding Milk.

This isnt Texas or Florida," Newsom tweeted on Saturday. "In the Golden State, our kids have the freedom to learn. Congrats Mr. Komrosky you have our attention. Stay tuned.

Now, Komrosky has fired back at Newsom.

On Wednesday, he made a statement that was livestreamed by the social media accounts of the conservative podcast "Our Watch With Tim Thompson" from a 412 Church campus.

"Gov. Newsom, I'm glad that I have your attention. Now you have mine," Komrosky said to a round of applause from the audience.

"I received my first death threat after your tweet and relentless attacks on my job as a well-standing tenured professor," he said.

Komrosky then doubled down on his characterization of Milk, the first out gay elected official in California, who was assassinated along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone in 1978.

"My remarks about Mr. Milk were not based on him being a homosexual," Komrosky said, "but rather based upon him being an adult having a sexual relationship with a minor."

School board member Danny Gonzalez also spoke during the livestream, which was billed as a news conference, though neither Gonzalez nor Komrosky took any questions, and members of the media did not appear to be present.

"The accusations that my actions are in any way bigoted, homophobic, or any other nasty accusations against me are ridiculous," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez also addressed concerns that the vote to ban the book from the curriculum would leave students without textbooks, as an alternative book was not approved.

"Our students and teachers will have what they need for the start of the year," he said, "and I continue to work through this daily."

Both Komrosky and Gonzalez said they were not delivering their statements in their capacities as Temecula school board representatives.

The board's move to pull the book from its curriculum came amid a flurry of similar activity in California and across the country.

The trend was addressed by Newsom, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond in a joint letter published last week, although it did not reference Temecula Valley Unified by name.

Removing "materials from curricula or libraries may also violate the First Amendment," the letter states, "even when prompted by complaints from parents or threats of lawsuits."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
At some point during the final week of the Texas legislative session, it became clear that school vouchers werent coming to the nations second-biggest state. Again.

Amid a crush of late-breaking business in Austin, Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts proposal to grant education savings accounts (ESAs) to every family in Texas ran out of steam before the May 30 deadline. Months of wrangling had yielded enough twists to both encourage and dismay the policys backers: an early passage out of the state Senate; a 16-hour hearing in the more moderate, skeptical House; and even a compromise measure, quashed after a veto threat from Abbott.

But in the end, the hope of instituting universal school choice didnt advance nearly far enough, even under unified Republican control over both the legislature and executive. An effort that could have transformed Texas, virtually overnight, into the biggest school choice marketplace in the country  and potentially bolstered its governors conservative bona fides  instead faltered before the goal line. And while the chances of a statewide voucher offering havent been extinguished entirely, the greatest prize for voucher proponents appears to be slipping away.

Related Seizing on Parents Frustration, GOP Govs Push for Education Savings Accounts

James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, said that while Abbott is not inclined to back off of his conservative policy instincts, he still hasnt won over the allies he needs after spending considerable political capital.

At the most mundane level, the governor has found himself in a position where hes very publicly committed to vouchers, Henson said. But he may have overestimated his ability to turn votes in the House.

The fight isnt quite over, as Abbott has already announced that he will call legislators back for a special session dedicated to the question of ESAs. Whether that move will be announced in the coming months, the fall or even later is still unknown, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, one of the states loudest voucher advocates, has candidly said that he isnt sure what tradeoffs the bills passage might necessitate.

Related Florida Just Became the Nations Biggest School Choice Laboratory

It could make for a puzzling endgame to what had been a conservative breakthrough in statehouses around the country. Fueled by activist calls for greater parental rights and fierce battles over the teaching of subjects like race, gender and sexuality, the movement for private school choice has proceeded from strength to strength this year, with Iowa, Utah, Arkansas and Florida all instituting voucher-like initiatives for every student. But Texas, the nations biggest red state, couldnt close the deal.

Some of the states leading players in education say that the halting progress shouldnt be seen as a surprise. Going back nearly two decades, Republicans have tried to establish school voucher systems  only to be thwarted by members of their own party. No matter the ideological currents, GOP members from rural areas have consistently proven hostile to programs they believe would unsettle the finances of local school districts, which are often the biggest employers and social anchors in their communities. Their support, in Texas and other states, could determine the path forward for perhaps the most controversial K12 idea today.

There is a group of Republican lawmakers who are otherwise very conservative in the ways that they vote, but who see this as a measure that would take money away from their communities public schools, said Christy Rome, executive director of the anti-voucher Texas Schools Coalition. Largely, they dont have private school options in those communities, so they feel that this is a way in which the state invests in education without benefiting their schools.

The rural factor

For all the new momentum behind school choice  often born of parents dissatisfaction with COVID-era policies or their suspicion of teachings on race and gender  this years push for ESAs in Texas carried unmistakable echoes of earlier, similarly unsuccessful efforts.

In 2017, rural Republicans joined forces with urban Democrats to sink a Senate-passed voucher bill, even after Abbott and Patrick signaled their forceful support for the measure. In 2013, 2009 and 2007, House members passed budgetary amendments expressly forbidding the use of public funds to pay for private schools. Even in 2005, with arch-Texan George W. Bush occupying the Oval Office and the education reform era in its ascendancy, a Republican-led voucher proposal was narrowly defeated by a similar coalition.

This years model, dubbed Senate Bill 8, was carefully devised to circumvent common objections to private school choice, with $8,000 ESAs made available only to students who hadnt attended private school the previous year; temporary subsidies were even offered to smaller districts that saw students leave for private alternatives.

Nevertheless, the law was huge in scope. An analysis from the states Legislative Budget Board suggested that its cost would increase to $1 billion by 2028.

That price tag bred resistance from the start. Although the state overhauled its education finance mechanism just before the pandemic began, K12 schools are still funded to a large degree through local property taxes. Given the challenging economic and demographic trends facing many communities in the more remote stretches of Texas  86 of the states 254 counties lost population between 2010 and 2020, according to a recent tabulation by the Texas Association of School Boards  many state representatives jealously guard resources for public institutions like schools, hospitals and fire departments.

Related TX Gov. Plans to Veto Pared-Down School Choice Bill, Warns of Special Sessions

Nobody has been able to come up with a deal that persuades enough rural school districts, and rural members, that this is not going to hurt them, Henson said. If theres a structural factor, its the size and geography of Texas  its hard to change the situation in these very small, far-flung districts where the economics of keepings schools in business are just very difficult.

Abbott got a taste of public disapproval for his plan while traveling the state to persuade families. The tour, which took him to churches and parochial schools around Texas, was repeatedly met with protests by local educators and community members.

Judge Scott Brister, a former justice of the Supreme Court of Texas appointed by Abbott to chair a statewide school finance commission, said that schools are what hold these small communities together. Theyre frequently the main business in town, the thing keeping people there. And if those schools die, the towns will die.

Related Arizona Parents are Using Public Ed $ for Kayaks, Trampolines & SeaWorld Tickets

But while he wasnt involved in this sessions ESA debate, Brister is bullish on the ability of tiny communities like Penelope, TX  a Central Texas town with a population of 207, where his mother worked as a school counselor  to adapt to changes in how educational services are delivered.

Supporters even see the policy as a means of arresting years of flight from small towns. Michael Barba, K12 policy director at the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation, said vouchers held the promise of attracting parents who might otherwise give up on rural life.

A number of the rural counties have a declining population of school-aged kids because young families arent dropping roots in their hometowns, Barba said. Theyre moving to the big cities because they dont have the educational opportunities, the workforce opportunities, in their hometowns.

Doubts about special session

Barba said he was encouraged by Abbotts focus on vouchers, calling it the governors number-one issue. The commitment was evidenced last month by Abbotts pledge to call a special session if SB 8 wasnt brought to his desk.

But that legislative maneuver comes with peril as well as promise. Already, a special session called in late May to deal with property taxation produced dueling measures from the House and Senate, which have been divided this year on a number of issues besides school choice. Hyper-focused on a narrower set of priorities than are typically debated, such sessions offer fewer opportunities to horse-trade in pursuit of a compromise. They also tend to catch the eye of the local political press, making it harder for quiet deals to be struck.

One question on the minds of local education observers is why the conservatives  including Abbott and Patrick, but also their allies in the state Senate  didnt aim for a narrower victory, perhaps by launching a voucher system solely for low-income or special needs students. Similar, small-bore programs were established in states like Arizona and Florida before incrementally being expanded statewide.

Related Arizona Lawmakers Implement Nations First Universal Education Savings Account Program

Rome, of the Texas Schools Coalition, suggested that a recent round of legislative redistricting, wherein four rural House districts were either eliminated or merged with other jurisdictions, partially diluted the strength of the rural anti-voucher bloc. That may have led the governors team to think they could dispense with more marginal steps, she argued.

The shift in membership of the Texas legislature made state leaders believe they had the votes to pass a voucher proposal without starting small, Rome said. There was some thinking that the coalition would disband or not have the votes to prevent full vouchers, but that hasnt proven to be the case.

A special session would offer the opportunity to rethink that strategy, and existing legislation could point the way forward. A last-ditch bill offered by the Senate late in the regular session, for instance, linked vouchers with a $50 increase in per-pupil allotments from the state. Another version, originated in the House, would have provided vouchers only for the roughly 800,000 Texas students either attending a failing school or diagnosed with a disability; that idea met with the threat of a veto from the governors office.

Whatever the details, Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said that Abbott would have to be willing to accept something less than his ideal package. Without paring back the voucher footprint, or adding additional sweeteners to financially strapped districts, he said, the effort was likely doomed.

I cant imagine why you would bring this up in a special session in the same form, because youre just offering to get beat again, Jillson said. Unless youre going to change the offer, theres no reason at all to bring it up.
Boise is the least-stressed city in U.S., study says? Boom, your head just exploded

Weaving down Bogus Basin Road this ski season with a truckload of kids, I got a white-knuckle reminder of a depressing fact that many Idahoans accept.

This place aint as laid back as it once was.

A psychopath in a late-model-ish car started tailgating my pickup, flashing his mega-brights in an attempt to blind me at night. Over and over, he swerved into the other lane, ostensibly exploring the odds of success or death  flashing all the while. Squinting, we tolerated this rear view-mirror madness. Seemingly for an eternity.

My bad. I hadnt pulled into a slow-vehicle turnout. A long stream of vehicles was descending directly in front of us. We all were snaking down the slick road essentially at the same reasonable speed. And this nut definitely hadnt put me in the mood to be gracious.

Finally, he lurched past. The maniac immediately began tailgating and aggressively harassing the next driver. All the way to the bottom.

If Id known what I know now, I would have exhaled gratefully. Smiled peacefully. Cranked up some soothing tropical rainstorm sounds on the stereo.

After all, Boise is the least-stressed city in America.

Uh, according to a new study.

Detroit? L.A.? No thanks

Weve all groaned at these internet city rankings. These vapid, metrics-based breakdowns. Random companies churn them out as a marketing tactic.

Still, The Most (and Least) Stressed Cities in the U.S. seems plausible as an analysis? It was published by CBD-seller Charlottes Web. Any entity that manufactures sleep gummies certainly knows something about stress management, right?

Detroit is the No. 1 most-stressed city. New York is No. 2. Los Angeles managed to come in at only No. 7?

As an Idahoan, my head aches just thinking about those places.

Yet the more I ponder Boises least-stressed ranking  edging out Gilbert, Arizona, and Madison, Wisconsin, for the mellowest spot  the more my teeth grind.

Boise was given a stress grade of A+ after earning low scores across the eight stress-inducing factors, the article explains. Boise has the fifth shortest mean travel time to work, at just 19 minutes, leaving residents with more time that isnt spent sitting in stressful traffic on their way to and from work. Boises higher American Fitness Score of 66.5 also helped the city secure its top spot, showing that the residents of Boise are taking care of their physical and mental health, which greatly helps to reduce their stress levels.

Residents of Boise are also facing less financial stress, it continues, as their cost of living is 5.3% lower than the national average, and the average percentage of household income that goes to rent is below the recommended 30% threshold, at 26.5%. Finally, Boises low rate of 16 crimes per 1,000 residents allows for less stress, as people feel safer in their community.

Other factors that weighed in on the ranking? People in poverty, people without health insurance and the unemployment rate.

Still, sorry. No way.

Traffic, crowds

Too often when we step outside our homes, the City of Trees magically transforms into a patience-testing City of Puh-lease.

Need to drive between Boise and Meridian? Or on Eagle Road during rush hour? Heading to McCall after work on a Friday?

God help you.

Hoping to get a bite at a summer soul food festival in Julia Davis Park? Plan to do battle with massive crowds  and wait in line for eternity. Or just give up and leave.

Didnt pump up your raft before you headed to Barber Park on a 103-degree day? Ada County conveniently removed the #$%@ air pumps.

(Yes, Im still raging about that.)

Hoping to bike a popular trail without getting glared at by a hiker? Or vice-versa? Good luck.

Own a business downtown? Gee, the insane amount of construction everywhere must be fun. It sure is a good time trying to find parking.

Since laughter is the best medicine, lets take a minute to breathe. My blood pressure actually dropped a few points when I noticed a Reddit thread about the stressed-cities article.

CBD ad? Totally

Redditors agree. Boise definitely is the least stressed city in the U.S.

Unless youre a woman requiring reproductive health, wrote one.

Or a trans person. Or someone who dresses in drag. Or a person who values libraries who dont ban books, chimed in another.

Whoever wrote this never had to worry about making rent, added one more.

Just realized that this article is literally an advertisement for Charlottes Web brand CBD gummies, another poster wrote.

Bingo!

And it stresses me out that I got suckered into reading it.

Everything is relative. Boise is way less stressful than tons of other cities. People who have lived in the Treasure Valley for decades cant expect it to be as easygoing as it was before the population exploded.

As one of those smug citizens, I get that. Life is good here.

Besides, Id rather be a little stressed than a lot paranoid.

Someone is paying for all these quality-of-life articles to encourage people to move to the Gem State, suggested one theorist on Reddit. Someone wants more people to move to Boise, and its not Idahoans.
WHO rushes supplies to Ukraine, readies to tackle disease in flood areas FILE PHOTO: German Health Minister Lauterbach and Director-General of the WHO Dr. Adhanom Ghebreyesus meet in Geneva

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization has rushed emergency supplies to flood-hit parts of Ukraine and are preparing to respond to an array of health risks including trauma, drowning and waterborne diseases like cholera, officials said on Thursday.

Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for the bursting of the Soviet-era Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which sent waters cascading across the war zone of southern Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

"The impact of the region's water supply sanitation systems and public health services cannot be underestimated," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press briefing.

"The WHO has rushed in to support the authorities and health care workers in preventive measures against waterborne diseases and to improve disease surveillance."

Asked specifically about cholera, WHO technical officer Teresa Zakaria said that the risk of an outbreak was present since the pathogen exists in the environment. She said that the WHO was working with Ukraine's health ministry to put mechanisms in place to ensure that vaccines can be imported if needed.

"We are trying to address quite a wide range of health risks actually associated with the floods, starting from trauma to drowning, to waterborne diseases but also all the way to the potential implications of disruption to chronic treatment," she added.

The huge Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River separates Russian and Ukrainian forces and people have been affected on both sides of its banks. WHO's Emergencies Director Mike Ryan said the WHO has offered assistance to Russian-controlled areas but that its operational presence was "primarily" on the Ukrainian side.

He said Russian authorities had given them assurances that people living in areas it occupies were being "well monitored, well cared for, well fed (and) well supported".

"We will be delighted to be able to access those areas and be able to monitor health as we would in most situations wish to do," he said, adding it would be for the Ukrainian and Russian authorities to agree how that could be achieved.

(Reporting by Emma Farge and Leroy Leo; Editing by William Maclean)
At a meeting with the secretaries of the security councils of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation member states, self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin once again called for negotiations to achieve "peace" in the war against Ukraine.

Source: Belarusian Presidents Telegram channel Pul Pervogo

Quote from Lukashenko: "We need to sit down at the negotiating table. This is the position of the Russian president, and this has been the Belarusian position from the very beginning. I know this one hundred per cent, probably more than anyone else. Because we often communicate with the Russian president. So peace and only peace."

Details: At the same time, Lukashenko accused the West of not wanting peace as understood by the Russian and Belarusian authorities. "The West has grabbed hold of Ukraine with a firm grip in order to crush Russia under its feet, to wipe its feet on it," the Belarusian dictator said.

However, according to him, the Russian and Belarusian presidents "will not kneel down".

"So we need to negotiate while it is still possible. It will get worse," Lukashenko threatened.

Background: The last time Lukashenko said that Ukraine and Russia should sit down at the negotiating table without any preliminary demands from Kyiv was in May 2023.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Police evacuate local residents in Kherson, June 7, 2023

There could have been several reasons for such an act of sabotage, which are usually a last resort for criminals in despair  like the Russians, the brigadier general said.

Invading Russian troops may have feared a large Ukrainian counter-offensive, Uhtegi said of the reasons, calling their action "quiet foolish," as he regarded any Ukrainian assault across the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast an unlikely prospect.

The blowing up of the Kakhovka dam in any case shows Russia's great despair and is a war crime, the brigadier general said.

"It's a war crime, albeit one in keeping with the Russian way of acting in the war to date," the Estonian outlet ERR quoted Uhtegi as saying.

Ukraine had expected such a scenario, among others, he added, so it wasn't a surprise for them. The dam was mined by Russian occupiers long ago and this had been reported by the Ukrainian authorities, Uhtegi said.

Read also: Some animals from zoo in Nova Kakhovka managed to escape death from flooding

The Estonian brigadier general also said he believes there might be a lull in the fighting for some time on the frontline.

The Kakhovska Hydroelectric Power Station is completely destroyed, with no possibility of its repair, Ukrainian state hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo said. Not all of the dam was destroyed, but it suffered significant damage, the Ukrainian militarys South Operational Command said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia's attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades.

Ukraines Defense Intelligence has said that the Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant increases the threat of a nuclear disaster.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia files lawsuit against Ukraine in The Hague for the alleged destruction of the Kakhovka HPP

Russia has filed legal proceedings against Ukraine with the International Criminal Court and the International Court of the United Nations for the alleged destruction of the Kakhovka HPP by "massive artillery fire".

Source: BBC News Russian Service, Prosecutor General's Office

Details: The occupiers, who seized the Kakhovka HPP at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, said that Ukraine allegedly raised the water level in the reservoir as much as possible before the shelling.

Quote from Russian diplomat Oleksandr Shulgin at the ICC: "The Kyiv regime not only launched massive artillery strikes on the dam on the night of 6 June but also deliberately raised the water level in the Kakhovka reservoir to a critical level."

Details: Ukraine also filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court over the Russians' blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP on 6 June.

Quote from Prosecutor General's Office: "General Prosecutor Andrii Kostin informed International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan about the blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP dam by the Russian occupation forces. The Prosecutor General also signed and sent a document in which the Ukrainian side shall provide the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court with all the necessary information."

Details: Kostin called the Russian attack on the Kakhovka HPP a war crime and added that he would do everything to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Background:

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that such a powerful structure could not be destroyed by artillery from the outside, and that for such large-scale destruction, the explosion had to be carried out from the inside.

CEO of Ukrhydroenergo Ihor Syrota said that it is impossible to destroy the dam with one missile strike. He said that in order o blow up a dam, you must drop at least three half-tonne aerial bombs in one place.

Syrota also added that the powerful explosion at the Kakhovskaya HPP occurred in three places at the plant - and all will become clear when the plant is dismantled.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Russia said it downed a Ukrainian drone over Crimea. It looks an awful lot like one of their own.

A photo posted by Russian official Sergey Askyonov is being compared to the Iranian Mohajer-6 drone. Anton Geraschenko/Twitter

Russia said on Wednesday that it shot down an enemy drone, but it was likely a friendly fire incident.

A photo of the wreckage, posted by a Russia-backed official, resembles the Iranian Mohajer-6 drone.

Ukrainian officials are celebrating the drone's destruction as an embarrassing Russian mix-up.

Russia said on Wednesday that it had downed a Ukrainian drone over Crimea, but the equipment appears to, in fact, be Russian.

"In the eastern part of Crimea, an enemy UAV was jammed and landed by means of electronic warfare," announced Sergey Aksyonov, the head of the annexed Crimea, on his Telegram channel. "There were no casualties or damage."

Aksyonov posted a photo of debris from the destroyed drone. The wreckage closely resembles the wing of a Mohajer-6 drone, which Iran manufactures, and Russia uses in the war.

International analysts such as Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, have pointed out striking similarities between footage of the drone and the debris in the photo.

Ukrainian Internal Affairs advisor Anton Gerashchenko tweeted about the apparent friendly fire incident in celebration.

"So-called 'head' of Crimea claimed yesterday that a 'Ukrainian army' drone was taken down in Crimea and posted a photo," he wrote. "It seems they took down their own Iranian Mohajer-6 drone. Good job!"

Russian Telegram channels posted footage of a flying object bursting into flames on Wednesday, saying it showed the drone being shot down. While the shape of the object appears to resemble that of a Mohajer-6 drone, Insider could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

Russia's Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Evacuation of population continues in Kherson after Russians blow up Kakhovka hydroelectric power station

Read also: Rescued dog from Kherson thanks his rescuer with hug  photo of the day

Eight people were injured due to the attack.

Russian troops aimed at coastal and central areas of the city, Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

There is no consistent data about the aftermath of the attack.

A woman, police officer, and rescuer were injured due to the Russian actions, said the Interior Ministry, while the Prosecutor General's Office said a person was killed and another two injured.

The information is being clarified.

Four more people were injured in a village in Kherson Oblast due to the Russian' shelling. The Prosecutor General's Office has started an investigation of violation of the laws or customs of war.

Read also: Average flooding exceeds 5.5 meters, Zelenskyy arrives in Kherson Oblast

Russian occupiers hit the area of the Korabelna Square in Kherson, the Graty outlet wrote. Journalists came under fire. It was an artillery shelling, said local outlet MOST, referring to Ukrainian journalist Rodion Krasnovyd. Artillery rounds hit a lake that has formed on the square, he said, adding that an unexploded shell remained in water.

The head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak called the Russians "typical terrorists."

Read also: Russia destroyed Kakhovka dam in despair, Estonian brigadier general says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Kherson today where he held a meeting on eliminating the consequences of the disaster and went to an evacuation crossing.

Explosion at Kakhovka HPP  what is known

During the night of June 6, Russian forces blew up the Kakhovska Hydroelectric Power Station dam, triggering widespread flooding and posing a grave threat to downstream cities and towns along the Dnipro River, Ukrainian authorities say. The floodwaters were expected to peak around noon Kyiv time (GMT+3) on June 6, prompting the Kherson Oblast Military Administration to declare an urgent evacuation.

According to Ukrhydroenergo, the Kakhovka HPP has been completely destroyed and cannot be repaired. The dam itself was only partially  but significantly  damaged, the South Military Command said.

At an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, President Zelenskyy ordered the evacuation of at-risk areas and the provision of drinking water to towns and villages served by the affected Kakhovka Reservoir.

Read also: Drone footage shows ruins of Kakhovka dam, flooded areas two days after Russian attack

The evacuation of citizens in the affected areas on the right (western) bank of the Dnipro River has been ongoing throughout the night. Meanwhile, a humanitarian disaster is underway on the left bank, which is under Russian occupation and suffered a great deal more due to its lower elevation.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office has opened an investigation on the incident under the charge of ecocide. Ukraine has applied to the International Criminal Court over the dam breach.

Read also: Red Cross' inaction and the situation in Kherson Oblast through Katia Osadcha's view

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia's attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades.

Ukraines Defense Intelligence has said that the Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant increases the threat of a nuclear disaster.

Read also: Heartbreaking photos document flooded homes and neighborhoods across Kherson

In total, 20 settlements on the right bank of the Dnipro River were flooded, and more than 2,000 people were evacuated. Over 1,800 houses were flooded in the Korabelny district of Kherson.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands Alexander Shulgin accused Ukraine of destroying the Kakhovka dam (Remko de Waal)

Russia accused Ukraine at the UN's top court Thursday of destroying a key dam with artillery strikes, and alleged that Kyiv was led by neo-Nazis -- a claim Moscow has used to try to justify its invasion.

Moscow's comments to judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) came as it denied wider allegations by Ukraine that Russia had breached terrorism laws by backing separatists in eastern Ukraine since 2014.

"Ukraine has declared that Russia blew up the large dam at Nova Kakhovka. In fact, it's Ukraine that did it," Russian diplomat Alexander Shulgin told the court in The Hague.

"The Kyiv regime not only launched massive artillery attacks against the dam on the night of June 6, but it also deliberately raised the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir to a critical level" by opening sluice gates at a hydroelectric plant beforehand, he said.

Shulgin, the Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, provided no evidence to the court to support his claims.

Kyiv has accused Russia of blowing up the dam in Russian-held southern Ukraine, causing huge floods.

Ukraine opened its formal arguments at the ICJ on Tuesday in a case that it first filed in 2017.

It branded Russia a "terrorist state" and said its support for rebels in eastern Ukraine was the precursor for Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Repeating allegations made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to justify last year's invasion, Shulgin said Kyiv had "no moral authority" and was itself oppressing people in eastern Ukraine.

"This regime rose to power on the back of a violent coup in 2014 on the shoulders of nationalists who were the direct descendents of the Nazi collaborators in World War II," Shulgin said.

The Russian envoy said Ukraine's current government had "neo-Nazis" in key posts including in the armed forces, accusing them of "brutal repression" in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region.

Putin said one of the goals of his "special military operation" was the "de-Nazification" of Ukraine, and supporters of the invasion have frequently compared Ukraine's treatment of Russian speakers in the country to the actions of Nazi Germany.

The claims have been contested by the Ukrainian government and the country's Jewish community.

A verdict by the ICJ, which was created after World War II to deal with disputes between UN member states, is not expected for months or even years.

jcp-dk/jmm
According to the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Hanna Maliar, the influence of the Russian occupation administrations is decreasing in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

Source: Maliars message

Quote: "The influence of the Russian occupation administrations on the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine is rapidly decreasing due to their inability to maintain an acceptable level of livelihood for the local population.

In particular, in a number of temporarily occupied settlements of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts, local residents demonstratively disregard the orders of the occupation administrations and express distrust of Russian propaganda."

Details: According to Maliar, truthful information about the situation at the front is spreading more and more among citizens, and because of this, "the number of pro-Ukrainian population is increasing."

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The Russians continue to profit from other people's troubles

Russian servicemen and other security forces, as well as so-called volunteers, have joined locals in the robberies.

Russias invading forces made international headlines last year for looting everything from televisions to washing machines from Ukrainians forced to flee from their violence.

The daughter of one of the victims shared her story with Podslushano Shebekino.

Read also: Chaos in Russias Belgorod Oblast as officials flee and the Russian army shells its own civilians

My mother was taken away by volunteers at my request, she said.

For which Im very grateful! Of course, we gave the volunteers money for gasoline, they didnt take any more, we thanked them, and it seems that everything went well with my mother. But... Before leaving, my mum asked her neighbor to look after the house in case something should happen as she (the neighbor) refused to leave.

The neighbor later wrote that those very volunteers who were involved in the evacuation later robbed the house.

Read also: Russia urgently redeploys special services in Belgorod Oblast to deal with guerrillas

She thought that maybe we asked them to go back and get something, so she didnt pay much attention to it, the daughter said.

This morning, when she went to water the flowers, she saw that the lock on the door was broken, things were all scattered, (and) there was neither the TV set, nor microwave Thats what immediately caught her eye. Well, tell me, whats going on, how can you profit from someone elses grief?! How is this possible? We called the police, they said, come and write a statement. Its a shame! Not only that we were robbed, but we have a mess with this statement. I dont even know what to do. Its difficult and scary to go there, and I dont know what to do.

Clashes between Russian Volunteer Corps fighters, who control several settlements in Belgorod Oblast, and pro-Kremlin security forces continue.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Tourists parasail off Hurghada on June 8 (-)

A Russian man was killed on Thursday when a shark attacked him off the coast of Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Hurghada, authorities said.

"An attack by a tiger shark on a beachgoer... led to his death," Egypt's environment ministry posted on Facebook, without providing further details.

Russian media said the victim was a Russian national in his 20s, and video circulated on social media appearing to show the incident.

Russian Consul-General Viktor Voropayev told state-owned TASS news agency that the Egyptian authorities had confirmed to him the death of the Russian national who was born in 1999.

"The victim was not a tourist, but a permanent resident of Egypt," Voropayev told the news agency.

Video footage said to be of the incident was widely circulated on social media in Egypt, showing a person struggling to escape from the shark.

Egypt's environment ministry said a team had captured the shark "to inspect it", saying it had displayed "abnormal behaviour... resulting in the incident".

It said water activities would be suspended for two days starting on Friday, pointing to previous attacks on people by the same type of shark.

The Red Sea is a popular tourist destination, where sharks are common but rarely attack people who swim within authorised areas.

Last July, two women, an Austrian and a Romanian, were killed in a shark attack near Hurghada.

In 2018, a Czech tourist was killed by a shark off a Red Sea beach after a similar attack killed a German tourist in 2015.

In 2010, a spate of five attacks in five days unusually close to the shore of tourist hotspot Sharm el-Sheikh killed one German and injured four other foreign tourists.

bur/jsa/srm
Press service of Concord/Handout via Reuters

A lieutenant-colonel in the Russian military who says he was held hostage by the Wagner Group now claims the notorious mercenaries regularly abduct Russian troops and torture them.

Roman Vinivitin, the former commander of Russias 72nd Motorized Rifle Brigade, was paraded before cameras earlier this week in an interrogation video released by Wagner, in which he was accused of drunkenly firing at mercenaries.

Now, in a video released by independent Russian news outlets Thursday, Vinivitin is calling out Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin personally.

Yevgeny Viktorovich, you are openly discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, he says in the 11-minute video.

Vinivitin goes on to claim the mercenary group was essentially at war with the regular army, even as both sides were meant to be fighting Ukrainians.

In response to the question of whether I have ill will towards Wagner, I will put it this way Tensions with the Wagnerites for me and my brigade began from the first day of our transfer to the [Bakhmut] area. This was due not only to them provoking our fighters into conflicts with their audacious behavior and constant threats to eliminate, kill, but also with specific actions, he said.

There were times when soldiers were kidnapped and then tortured. One soldier, for example, was kept in a cold basement, splashed with acid and chemicals in his eyes, from which he lost his sight for a while, they doused him with gasoline, brought a lighter, and tried to set him on fire, Vinivitin said.

A soldier of one unit was beaten, released, and he committed suicide out of hopelessness, according to Vinivitin. There were cases when fighters were kidnapped and [Wagner] tried to exchange them for ammunition, he said, adding that others were used as slaves and forced to warehouse the dead and wounded. In other cases, he said, soldiers were kidnapped and forced to sign contracts with Wagner, thereby weakening the flanks of Bakhmut and my defense.

Another soldier, he said, was abducted, beaten, and left tied up while Wagnerites stole his vehicle.

Vinivitin said he himself was taken captive by the group after Wagner fighters blocked his path while he was checking on his units.

As a combat officer, I was not going to tolerate this, he said. As a result, Wagner employees were disarmed and sent in a known direction... They were sent to fuck off!

Russian Draftees Sold Like Cattle to Wagner Group, Families Say

Subsequently, I was captured, kept in a basement, kicked around in such a way that not even a fucking embittered Russian soldier would kick around a captured soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I was beaten, not allowed to sleep, they dragged me out of the basement three times a night and tried to shoot me, he said.

You and I both know that you have a video confirming my torture and abuse, he said, addressing the mercenary group directly.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, to the merriment of Ukrainians, was the first to air dirty laundry and make a political show out of mens brawls on the frontline, so I have every right to say how I see the situation, he said, accusing Wagner of breeding anarchy on the frontline.

Prigozhin has denied that Vinivitin was held hostage, saying instead that he was detained for investigation. The Wagner founder did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Beast on the latest allegations.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Russian forces shelled a flooded Ukrainian city on Thursday, forcing the suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region to assess the damage caused by the collapse of the Kakhovka dam.

The fresh fighting came two days after the facility was destroyed, leaving 230 square miles of the war zone along the Dnieper river underwater.

Hundreds more residents were rescued from rooftops on Thursday as the floodwaters submerged villages, fields and roads in the southern region of Kherson.

Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for the bursting of the Soviet-era hydroelectric dam, which sent waters cascading across the war zone in the early hours of Tuesday.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that was once home to more than 60,000 people.

Thousands are already homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water.

In Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid. Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policeman, a doctor and a volunteer from Germany, Ukraine said.

The Kremlin similarly accused Ukraine of shelling Russian rescue workers in the area, without providing evidence.

(Reuters)

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Mr Zelensky had visited only hours earlier.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the interior ministry said. Russia has abandoned people in calamity.

Mr Zelensky had visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility

Fighting has intensified along the 620-mile front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraines border with Russia in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.

(AP)

A senior Russian commander briefed President Vladimir Putin on how his forces had repelled a large-scale Ukrainian attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, the TASS news agency reported.

Defence minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian forces had withstood fierce overnight attempts by Ukrainian troops to break through the frontline in the area.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said aid agencies had delivered bottles of drinking water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits and jerrycans.

Drinking water remains the most pressing need, it said.

Khersons Ukrainian governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said 68% of the flooded territory was on the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
Russian forces are shooting at Ukrainian rescuers trying to reach people trapped in the floods, Zelenskyy says

Rescuers evacuate local residents from a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, in Kherson, Ukraine June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Vladyslav Musiienko

Ukrainian rescuers are being "shot at" by Russia, Zelenskyy said, after a key dam was destroyed.

He said this was happening in Russia-controlled areas, where Ukraine says most of the damage is.

Russia and Ukraine blame each other for the destruction of the dam, which has caused major flooding.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces were shooting at Ukrainian rescuers in the floodwaters after a major dam in Ukraine was breached on Tuesday, sending water barreling towards thousands of homes.

"As soon as our helpers try to rescue them, they are shot at," Zelenskyy told Politico in an interview published on Wednesday.

Ukrainian rescuers are working to help people on the Russian-occupied east bank of the Dnipro river, he said.

The city of Kherson, which Ukraine retook from Russia in November, is on the west bank.

"It's very hard to get people out of the occupied part of Kherson region. When our forces try to get them out, they are shot at by occupiers from a distance," Zelenskyy said.

He added that because of the flooding, people and animals had died. "From the roofs of the flooded houses, people see drowned people floating by."

"We won't be able to see all the consequences for a few days, when the water has trickled down a bit," he said.

A view shows flooded residential buildings after the Nova Kakhovka dam breach, in Kherson, Ukraine June 8, 2023. REUTERS/Vladyslav Smilianets

Zelenskyy said in an update on Wednesday night that it was impossible to know how many people in the Russian-occupied areas "may die without rescue, without drinking water, without food, without medical care."

He pleaded with international aid organizations for assistance, and visited the flooded areas himself on Thursday.

The Kakhovka dam, which is upstream from Kherson, was destroyed on Tuesday, releasing devastating floods of water into the region.

The region's governor said on Thursday that around 230 square miles (600 square kilometers) of Kherson was underwater, with most of that being on the Russian-occupied side of the river.

The Russian-installed mayor of the city of Nova Kakhovka said that five people had died there, Russian outlet Tass reported, while local media reported three deaths, according to The Guardian.

The death toll is expected to rise as waters recede.

Ukraine said that more than 40,000 people have been affected, and also warned of an ecological disaster.

Zelenskyy said Wednesday that more than 2,000 people in the region had been evacuated but described the situation on the occupied side as "catastrophic."

He accused Russia of abandoning people there to the floods.

Major dam destroyed in Ukraine causing heavy floods in nearby towns. Reuters

"The occupiers simply abandoned people in these terrible conditions," he said. "Without rescue, without water, just on the rooftops in flooded communities. And this is another deliberate crime of Russia: after the terrorist state has caused a disaster, it also maximizes the damage from it."

Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the dam's destruction, with multiple Ukrainian officials saying that Russia blew up the dam in a bid to hamper Ukraine's expected counteroffensive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in return called the act "barbaric," and pointed the finger firmly at Ukraine, after some Russian officials initially denied that there was any damage to the dam.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration, reported that the Russian occupiers are currently launching attacks on the city of Kherson.

Source: Prokudin on Telegram

Quote: "The Russians are attacking Kherson. They are targeting coastal territories and the central part of the city."

Background: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has on 8 June arrived in Kherson Oblast, where Russian invaders blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) and flooded dozens of settlement.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Russian occupiers shelled Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast twice with heavy artillery on the night of 7-8 June.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The aggressor attacked Nikopol district twice. They used heavy artillery to hit the Myrove and Marhanets hromadas (administrative units designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.)."

Details: Lysak has reported that no one was killed or injured in the shelling.

Search and rescue workers are inspecting the area to determine the aftermath of the Russian attack.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The Russian occupiers on 8 June launched attacks on rescue workers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, injuring two of them.

Source: Serhii Kruk, Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Today the Russians committed another terrorist attack! They launched large-scale artillery attacks on the locations where the rescuers work, where civilians, whose houses were destroyed by the Russians, are evacuating to a seemingly safe territory."

Details: Two rescue workers were injured: a diver and a driver bomb disposal experts from Mykolaiv Oblast.

Prokudin added that nine people were injured in the attack, including two members of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, a police doctor and a volunteer from Germany.

Background: The Russian occupiers started launching attacks on the city of Kherson in the afternoon of 8 June. The Kherson Oblast State Administration reported that the occupiers are launching attacks on the coastal territories and the central part of the city.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
9 people injured in Russian shelling during evacuation in Kherson

Russian occupiers have once again attacked the city of Kherson, where evacuation of the population from the flooded areas is ongoing after the blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plan. Preliminary reports indicate that nine people were injured.

Source: Prosecutor's Office in Kherson Oblast

Details: According to the investigation, on 8 June, the Russian military attacked the oblast centre and settlements in Kherson district.

Nine people were injured. Further information is being established.

In one of the villages, four local residents were injured in the shelling.

Civilian infrastructure was damaged.

Under the procedural guidance of the Kherson and Oleshky District Prosecutor's Offices, pre-trial investigations into criminal proceedings for violations of the laws and customs of war have been initiated.

*Earlier this article contained information about a killed civilian. Later, the Prosecutors Office clarified that this information, fortunately, was confirmed.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Russians lost 28 artillery systems, 18 tanks and 15 UAVs in one day

Russia continues to suffer losses in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Over the past 24 hours alone, Ukrainian soldiers killed 730 occupiers and destroyed 28 artillery systems, 18 tanks and 16 armoured combat vehicles.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces from 24 February 2022 to 8 June 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 212,760 (+730) military personnel

3,891 (+18) tanks

7,576 (+16) armoured combat vehicles

3,668 (+28) artillery systems

595 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems

355 (+3) air defence systems

314 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft

299 (+0) helicopters

3,234 (+15) operational-tactical UAVs

1,171 (+0) cruise missiles

18 (+0) ships/boats

6,384 (+35) vehicles and tankers

500 (+8) special vehicles

The data is being confirmed.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
For Russians near Ukraine border, conflict feels very close to home Evacuees from Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine receive humanitarian aid in Belgorod

By Tatiana Gomozova and Alexander Paramoshin

RAZUMNOYE, Russia (Reuters) - Irina Markevich used to sleep in summer with her windows and balcony open at night. Nowadays she shuts them before going to bed in order to block out the sound of explosions.

The blasts - some distant, some uncomfortably close - have become a daily reality for Markevich and her neighbours in the Russian town of Razumnoye, a 35-minute drive from the border with Ukraine. So too has the occasional boom of Russian air defences directed against incoming missiles or drones.

Locals can no longer ignore the fact that Russia's own territory has become vulnerable since it launched its "special military operation" against Ukraine 15 months ago - even if they are reluctant to discuss the reasons why.

"You need to ask the ministry of defence, don't ask me about that. They have to protect us. They probably know better than us simple people," said Markevich, 61.

Her neighbour Natalia Cherkashina, 65, said that what once seemed like a faraway conflict was now very close to home.

"A year ago, we lived like you live now (in Moscow)," she told visiting Reuters reporters on Thursday.

"You don't understand it, and we didn't understand it then either. There's a war going on somewhere, our boys are fighting, we know, they're being drafted and leaving. But we didn't feel it."

It was only when nearby places started to come under fire, she said, reeling off the names of villages in the region, that the reality sank in.

"That was the moment we realised. Before, it was going on somewhere far away and it involved us no more than anybody else."

In the building opposite, 67-year-old Viktor Ignatyev was surveying broken glass on his neighbour's balcony from falling debris overnight.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the surrounding Belgorod region, said two apartment balconies and a power line in Razumnoye had been damaged after Russian air defences fired on incoming aerial targets overnight. No one was injured, he said.

Reuters could not verify details of the incident, one of many dozens reported by regional authorities on a daily basis. Ukraine does not comment on alleged cross-border attacks.

Thousands of Russians living near the Ukrainian border have moved to nearby Belgorod in the wake of a major cross-border incursion last month by two militia groups made up of Russians fighting on the side of Ukraine.

Asked if she too had thought of leaving, Cherkashina said she had nowhere to go.

"What are we supposed to do, where are we supposed to run to? Our chidren and grandchildren are here. We have lived all our lives here, worked and saved up a bit, how can I leave and abandon it?" she asked.

"We have a very beautiful area, it was quiet, we had nightingales singing in the evening, the air was lovely, but now what can you do? If they stopped all this on the borders, we could live like we did before."

(Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark Trevelyan, editing by Andrew Heavens)
The Russian occupiers have suffered losses in manpower, ammunition and equipment due to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP) dam.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 8 June

Quote: "The occupiers were not prepared for the aftermath of the Kakhovka HPP dam blowing up, and they have suffered losses in manpower, weapons and military equipment.

There are wounded, killed and missing soldiers in units of the 7th Guards Mountain Air Assault Division and the 22nd Army Corps of the Russian Armed Forces. Additionally, the specified units lost several field storage points with ammunition and provisions, vehicles, and other military property."

Details: According to the information from the General Staff, on 6 June, when civilians left the occupied city of Kakhovka, Kherson Oblast, en masse, the occupiers used local residents as "human shields".

Background: The ISW stated that the flooding caused by the blow-up of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station destroyed many fortifications of the first line of defence of the Russians on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said the state was seriously considering potential kidnapping or other criminal charges against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and his administration after more than a dozen migrants were flown to Sacramento earlier this month.

Sixteen migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were taken from Texas to New Mexico and then flown to the California capital Friday, with a second flight carrying 20 migrants arriving Monday. The effort sparked an immediate backlash in California, with state Attorney General Rob Bonta calling the flights state-sanctioned kidnapping in the guise of public policy.

NBC News Jacob Soboroff asked Newsom about his recent comments calling his fellow governor small and pathetic and if the state was seriously considering an investigation into the matter.

I think Ive been generous, small and pathetic. Very generous. Hes just weakness masquerading as strength, Newsom replied in the interview, set to air Thursday. He then tore into what he said was an effort to draw attention at the expense of people seeking asylum protections:

Let's level set here.



A governor had to send his taxpayer funded operation to ANOTHER state to find people to use as pawns.



He lied to them. Bussed them to yet another state. Flew them on a taxpayer funded charter flight. Then dumped them on the steps of a catholic charity. pic.twitter.com/NM2AnJv4tR  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 7, 2023

Lets level set. Heres a governor from the state of Florida that is using taxpayer money and he had to go to another state to find people under false pretense. I dont think this. I know this. I talked to the migrants. [They] lied to them, took them into another state by bus, and then took them on a chartered flight to Sacramento, lying to them that they had help on the other side, knocked on the door and they left these migrants right there on the steps. What kind of human being does that?

DeSantis office has said the migrants who flew to California all went willingly, rebutting claims they were lied to or flown to the state under false pretenses.

But Newsom said in the interview that the state would continue to gather evidence in the matter and hold those involved to account.

This is California, fourth or fifth largest economy on planet Earth, he said. We mean business. And so Ron DeSantis should know that. And everyone thats been part of this. They may have more direct accountability and culpability, should know we mean business. And were not backing away from getting the facts and holding those accountable if they broke the laws of the state of California.

DeSantis, who is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for president, has relished in the transfer of asylum seekers to Democratic states and announced millions in funding to relocate other migrants. He is set to visit Sacramento later this month for a presidential fundraiser.

Human rights groups have roundly criticized the migrant relocation effort as inhumane.

If human beings are used as pawns for a guys political advancement, thats pretty sad and pathetic, Newsom added Thursday. And so I take this very seriously.

Related...
Sam Altman fired back at Elon Musk's criticism of OpenAI saying 'I like the dude' but that 'he's totally wrong about this stuff'

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Elon Musk is "totally wrong" about the company at an event in India. Getty

Sam Altman has fired back at Elon Musk's criticisms of OpenAI.

At an event in India, Altman countered Musk's claims saying he's "totally wrong about this stuff."

Musk co-founded OpenAI alongside Altman in 2015, but later resigned from its board of directors.

OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has again fired back at billionaire Elon Musk's criticism that the company just cares about profit over safety, saying that such claims are completely false.

Altman visited Indian capital Delhi and attended an event hosted by the Indian newspaper The Economic Times on Wednesday where he discussed the wider impact of AI and was questioned by top tech startups and policymakers in India.

One question put to Altman was about Musk's issue with the company receiving billions of dollars in investment from tech giant Microsoft despite claiming to be a "nonprofit" firm.

Altman responded by saying: "I don't really want to get into like an Elon feud fight. I like the dude. I think he's totally wrong about this stuff. He can sort of say whatever he wants but I'm like proud of what we're doing and I think we're going to make a positive contribution to the world and I try to stay above all that."

Musk co-founded OpenAI alongside Altman in 2015, but resigned from its board of directors in 2018. At the time the company described itself as a nonprofit developing AI "in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole," per Insider.

Since Musk's departure from the company, he has regularly criticized it, even saying in a tweet recently that he believes it's become a "maximum profit company effectively controlled by Microsoft," which was not what he "intended at all."

Altman has countered these claims before calling Musk a "jerk" in one podcast, saying: "Most of that is not true, and I think Elon knows that."

Altman also admitted that Musk's concerns about AI safety are understandable but that he should do more to acknowledge OpenAI's work to resolve such issues, in an episode of Lex Fridman's podcast.

In March, Musk signed an open letter calling for a six-month pause on the development of AI more powerful than OpenAI's GPT-4 because of the dangers and risks it poses to civilization, alongside AI experts and figures like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Stability AI CEO Emad Mostaque.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sam Altman Says OpenAI May Need to Make a "Very Strange Decision" If It Develops AI Superintelligence

Altman Account

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, said he has no intentions of taking the startup-turned-AI-juggernaut public because he wants to keep full control over the company, Bloomberg reports.

"When we develop superintelligence, we're likely to make some decisions that public market investors would view very strangely," Altman said at an Abu Dhabi event, his latest stop in a highly scrutinized, globetrotting tour discussing how to safely develop AI.

When asked about why he didn't have equity in his own company, Altman replied that he wants to stay "non-conflicted."

"I think the chance that we have to make a very strange decision someday is non-trivial," he added.

Weird Science

It's unclear what a "very strange decision" would entail. But whatever it might look like, Altman obviously doesn't want anyone second-guessing him, fearing blowback if he had to take a course of action that would upset public investors.

"I don't want to be sued by... [the] public market, Wall Street etc, so no, not that interested," he explained, as quoted by Reuters.

And really, OpenAI doesn't need Wall Street's money. The quondam non-profit isn't exactly strapped for cash, with its big daddy benefactor, Microsoft, reportedly investing over $10 billion into the company so far.

Furthermore, its premier product, ChatGPT, has been an extraordinary cultural sensation since its debut in November, attracting venture capitalists that have helped bump up OpenAI's valuation to nearly $30 billion. All this while being speciously non-profit, using a for-profit arm that allows it to be a "capped-profit company."

"We have a very strange structure. We have this cap to profit thing," Altman said, per Reuters.

Super Duper Intelligence

The company's finances aside, it is curious that Altman considers the development of a "superintelligence"  under his stewardship, no less  to be a foregone conclusion, a sort of faux certainty reminiscent of Elon Musk's perennially unfulfilled promises of fully self-driving cars.

Impending superintelligence or not, Altman has personally called on Congress for more regulation on AI, though considering that barely a week later he seemingly threatened to cease operations in the European Union over its stringent regulations, the sincerity of those remarks could be called into question. You could call even call them a "very strange decision."

More on OpenAI: OpenAI CEO Says He Finally Watched "Ex Machina"
Actress Samira Wiley is sharing a unique take on the self-portrait. The Orange Is the New Black star teamed up with LEGO Group for her Pieces of Me self-portrait. She posted a photo on her Instagram account sitting in front of the 5-foot tall art work.

Photo credit: Samira Wiley/Instagram

Super excited to reveal that, together with @LEGO Group, weve built a mind-blowing portrait of YOURS TRULY using 41,000 LEGO bricks! We also go deep on my journey to self-discovery and the power of play in an article featured on Rolling Stone. Check it out online  and lets ALL celebrate the pieces that make us who we are, Wiley captioned the image.

The portrait was unveiled in Rolling Stone Magazine for Pride month. LEGO and Wiley collaborated to celebrate the power of creative self-expression within the LGBTQIA+ community during this years Pride. Wiley explained in her interview with the magazine that she enjoyed her experience while collaborating to create the portrait.

I realized quickly what amazing passionate, caring, thoughtful people I was working with. It was quite striking. They were able to help me appreciate me and my story. It was incredible to walk into a room and have people really walking the talk, Wiley said.

She labelled the experience as a very uplifting, rewarding process.

Being able to investigate and think critically about different parts of my life, I was very encouraged by the team. I would leave these meetings sometimes in tears, and so inspired. Im always inspired by someone elses creative process and the way they think about the world and art, Wiley said.

Pieces of Me

According to WebWire, the 41,000 piece took over 200 hours to create and consisted of multiple 3-hour creative meetings with Wiley. She shared her personal stories and anecdotes. The labor-intensive artwork includes pieces from Wileys life like two of her tattoos that represent her West African heritage.

Theres one called Nsoromma which is a West African Adinkra symbol. Its the first tattoo I ever got. It means child of the heavens. For me it symbolizes that my presence here on Earth is not a mistake. Its divine, Wiley said.

Wileys portrait will be on display from June 8 to August 23 in Billund, Denmark.

The post Samira Wiley Teams With LEGO To Celebrate Pride With Self-Portrait appeared first on 21Ninety.
Sarah Jessica Parker (pictured in the Broadway production) is best known for playing Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City

Sarah Jessica Parker will make her West End debut next year as she stars opposite her husband Matthew Broderick in Plaza Suite.

The adaptation of Neil Simon's 1968 play will open at the Savoy Theatre in January.

Parker and Broderick have already starred in the Broadway production, which enjoyed a successful 19-week run.

The show sees the two actors play three different couples who stay in one famous hotel room.

The first couple, Karen and Sam Nash are a long-married pair whose relationship is under strain as they approach their anniversary.

The second, Muriel Tate and Jesse Kiplinger, are former high school sweethearts whose adult lives have taken them in different directions.

The third couple, Norma and Roy Hubley, are the mother and father of a bride who is refusing to leave the suite's bathroom to attend her own wedding.

All three acts of the play are set in Suite 719 of the Plaza hotel in New York.

Parker and Broderick will play three different married couples who stay in the same hotel room at different times

Plaza Suite enjoyed a successful 19-week run on Broadway before announcing its West End transfer

In a three-star review of the Broadway production, the Guardian's Alexis Soloski said the real-life couple "have a flagrant enjoyment in playing opposite each other, which is the best and maybe the only reason to book in".

Variety's Daniel D'Addario wrote: "The show itself is somewhat lost in time. But Parker and Broderick's chemistry, expertly honed, makes it feel timeless."

Parker won two Emmy Awards for playing Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, a role she has since reprised in spin-off series And Just Like That.

She has also appeared in films such as Hocus Pocus, Failure to Launch and I Don't Know How She Does It.

Broderick, who last starred in the West End in 2019 in the Starry Messenger, has appeared in Inspector Gadget, The Cable Guy and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

He has won two Tony Awards for is performances in Brighton Beach Memoirs and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

John Benjamin Hickey, who directed the new adaptation of Plaza Suite on Broadway, will also direct its West End transfer.

It will play at the Savoy Theatre from 15 January until 31 March 2024.
The sheer scale of the destruction caused by the collapse of the Kakhovka dam was laid bare Thursday by new satellite images.

Pictures from before and after the disaster  captured by Maxar Technologies, a U.S. defense contractor headquartered in Colorado  show how the landscape across southern Ukraine has been reshaped.

The images underline the immediate challenge faced by emergency services to find and rescue stranded people, with entire communities underwater and thousands fleeing the surging Dnieper River.

They also illustrate the far-reaching effects of the dam breach, which has swamped battlefields and drained a reservoir critical to water supplies and irrigation.

The Kakhovka dam pictured Monday, left, and Wednesday, right. (Maxar Technologies)

The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson pictured Monday, left, and the aftermath of the dam breach Wednesday, right. (Planet Labs)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited affected areas under Ukrainian control Thursday to evaluate the emergency response, as Russian-installed officials reported the first deaths from the disaster.

Ukraine blames Russia for the destruction of the dam and several of Kyivs allies have called the incident a war crime, but the Kremlin has denied any involvement.

Zelenskyy has urged allies to offer aid and assistance in evacuating people and providing essential supplies. French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday his country would "send aid to meet immediate needs."

Huge swaths of land are underwater in a largely rural part of Ukraine, with entire towns now isolated and facing dangers, including dislodged land mines and waterborne diseases.

A highly complex series of irrigation systems used water from the river for crops across the region, bolstering Ukraines reputation as one of the biggest food exporters in the world, with some 33 million hectares of farmland. But officials fear much of the regions farmland may now be ruined.

The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station will lead to the fact that fields in the south of Ukraine may turn into deserts next year, the Ukrainian Agriculture Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Light and heavy industry could be seen inundated in the Maxar images.

A granary close to the burst dam in Nova Kakhovka on Monday, left, and Wednesday, right. (Maxar Technologies)

Fields and settlements in the town of Krinky on May 15, left, and Wednesday, right. (Maxar Technologies)

Some 231 square miles of the Kherson region is flooded, according to the regional governor, Oleksandr Prokudin. The river has risen by an average of 18.3 feet, he said, adding that almost 2,000 people had been evacuated so far.

More than two-thirds of the submerged area was on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the river, he said, where Ukrainian leaders said humanitarian and logistical challenges were particularly acute.

Ukraine's military said some Russian forces on the left bank  including soldiers in trenches and in seized residential homes  were inundated by the floodwaters.

Close-up detail from the small town of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, on May 15, left, and Wednesday, right. (Maxar Technologies)

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approaches to shake the hand of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan during a joint press conference in Riyadh (AHMED YOSRI)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to undermine prospects for a Palestinian state, after talks in Saudi Arabia which linked normalization to peace efforts.

Blinken, after wrapping up a visit to the Gulf Arab monarchy criticized by rights groups, spoke by telephone with Netanyahu to discuss "deepening Israel's integration into the Middle East through normalization with countries in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

Blinken "discussed the need to uphold the commitments made at regional meetings in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh to avoid measures that undermine the prospects for a two-state solution," Miller said, referring to talks earlier this year in Jordan and Egypt that brought Israeli, Palestinian and US officials together.

Blinken in a speech this week before the leading US pro-Israel group said that he would work to win recognition of the Jewish state by Saudi Arabia -- a major goal for Israel due to the kingdom's size and role as guardian of Islam's two holiest sites.

Speaking alongside Blinken on Thursday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that normalization with Israel "is in the interest of the region" and would "bring significant benefits to all."

"But without finding a pathway to peace for the Palestinian people, without addressing that challenge, any normalization will have limited benefits," he said.

"Therefore, I think we should continue to focus on finding a pathway towards a two-state solution, on finding a pathway towards giving the Palestinians dignity and justice."

Netanyahu during his last stint in power won normalization from the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Bahrain in what both he and the then US administration of Donald Trump saw as crowning achievements.

The longest-serving Israeli premier has returned to power leading the country's most right-wing government ever with supporters adamantly opposed to a Palestinian state.

sct/caw
A Savannah woman is suing the Horry County Police Department and the county for being falsely arrested after a vacation to Myrtle Beach in 2021.

This is just one of several false arrest lawsuits the county and police department are currently facing. There have been at least three others since the start of this year.

The lawsuit was filed by Ieshia Bryant on May 30. Her attorney, Natasha Hanna, could not be reached before publication.

Around April 1, 2021, Bryant traveled to Myrtle Beach with her boyfriend, daughter and friends for spring break, the suit says. She withdrew $60 from a CVS ATM machine to buy medicine.

The suit continues to say that about a month after returning home, she was contacted by a detective from the Savannah Financial Crimes Unit. The detective asked her if she had used a credit card owned by Ayers Aviation, LLC to withdraw $400 dollars on April 2.

She admitted being at the location at that time, but denied using the card or withdrawing that amount. A few months later, an Horry County Police Officer contacted her and told her she had a warrant out for her arrest.

The warrant was for financial transaction fraud in the amount of $500 or less.

In September, she drove to J. Reuben Long Detention Center and spent the day in jail. She was released on bond around 6 p.m.

Credit card bank statements revealed that the victims credit card had been used at five locations in Horry County, according to the suit. The filing argues that the CVS theft was the only incident reviewed by the police, and the entire investigation was meek at best.

Ms. Bryant had no criminal record and was a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the suit says.

In December that year, her charges were dismissed. The suit cites malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment as causes of action.

More information will become available as the lawsuit moves through the court.

Horry County police face several false arrest lawsuits

Earlier this year, a Texas man filed two separate lawsuits against the Horry County Police Department and a former lieutenant for a false search and arrest during Bike Week of May 2021.

In January, an Horry County man claimed he was falsely imprisoned after accidentally colliding with a deer in his truck while he had a courtesy summons from 2017, the complaint states.

In March, an 81 year old woman filed a suit stating that she spent a night in jail for a shoplifting crime she didnt commit.
Police are asking for the publics help in a search for a suspect accused of a stabbing in the western part of the state on Tuesday.

Jeffrey Cote, 55, of Savoy, stabbed his ex-girlfriend in Adams and has been on the run ever since, according to state police. The victim suffered serious injuries but officials say shes expected to survive.

The incident occurred just after 5 a.m. and authorities searched extensively for Cote throughout the day but did not find him.

Police say he may be in Savoy or Cheshire at this time and is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call police. If you see someone matching his description, authorities are urging residents not to approach but to call 911.

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
Teachers and state employees will get their pay raises after all as the South Carolina budget stalemate ended Thursday.

Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee was pleased after he convinced his peers in the House chamber to give Clemson over $100 million to establish the state's first veterinary school.

"All of this, honestly, the most transparent budget that we've ever had in the history of this state and the budget is balanced," Peeler said Thursday.

Both chambers agreed to give a $2,500 pay raise to state employees who make less than $50,000 and give a 5% raise if they more than $50,000. School teachers will see a $2,500 pay hike. Tuition fees in higher education institutions was lowered to nearly $100 million and lawmakers dedicated salaries towards hiring school resource officers and increasing minimum salaries for mental health professionals and correctional officers.

South Carolina House Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister, R-Greenville, left, shakes hands with Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, right, before a conference committee meeting on the budget that lasted about three minutes and reached no deal on Monday, June 5, 2023 in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

"But this budget is a really good piece of legislation for the state of South Carolina, and I think it takes care of our kids and our teachers and our law enforcement," House Ways and Means Chair Bruce Bannister, R-Greenville. "At the end of the day, this is a very good product. I'm proud of it, and I appreciate all the hard work everybody's done to get here."

Lawmakers have requested $20 million to improve downtown Greenville, the Wade Hampton and Laurens road corridors and trail systems around the city. A similar $20 million earmark was requested for downtown Spartanburg.

Upstate lawmakers have also requested money to improve greenways and trail systems. The Saluda Grade Rail Trail, which passes through downtown Inman, Gramling, Campobello, Landrum, Tryon, and Saluda into North Carolina could get $10 million.

All of these budget items are likely to be funded after the House and Senate vote to agree with the conference report and send it to the Gov. Henry McMaster's desk.

Here's why the SC budget debate stalled

The conferees met three times this week. On Monday, the meeting lasted a mere three minutes. Lawmakers hoped they would become with a resolution in the next meeting. But by Wednesday, some lawmakers were at the cusp of losing their patience as the impasse continued.

Senate lawmakers were keen on funding the vet school and giving Clemson $112 million. But House lawmakers, who offered Clemson close to $8 million for the vet school, argue that that type of funding is not commensurate to what other schools are receiving.

Difference in philosophies swirled. House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, D-Richland, who stepped in after Rep. David Weeks, D-Sumter went on his two-week vacation, said the Senate was prioritizing pets over people. "How is this not the House being concerned about higher-ed and the Senate being concerned with Mr. Ed, because that's the impasse that I see," he said Wednesday.

Peeler appeared miffed. "Is that going to kill the whole budget?" he asked. "Who made that so important? The Speaker did," Peeler said about House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, who is not part of the conference committee.

The Gaffney lawmaker seemed to blame the origins of the stalemate on Smith.

"I think the sooner the Speaker of House of Representatives realizes that he is not the Speaker of the Senate, the better," Peeler said.

SC politics: Here's how the state budget could boost Greenville, Spartanburg downtowns.

It will have been close to a month since the committee first started negotiating budget line items. For the first half, the negotiations were progressing. To add to that, the Board of Economic Advisors announced the state had collected an extra $800 million and the state was in sound economic shape. Additional money meant lawmakers could fund many of their pet projects.

But when it looked like negotiations would stretch past this week and risk missing the July 1 deadline before the new financial year began, Bannister said lawmakers wanted to protect the planned pay raises for teachers and state employees.

House lawmakers had floated an idea to convene a new Ways and Means meeting to add the salary hikes in the continuing resolution, a failsafe measure to keep the state government operational on last year's budget.

But Peeler said his patience was running thin. He challenged the House conferees to go back and ask if two-thirds of them didn't want a veterinary school. To him, House lawmakers were choosing to prioritize spending $400 million on special projects and earmarks.

"Even if it's not perfect, having a budget is the most important thing we could do," Bannister said Thursday.

Devyani Chhetri reports on SC politics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at dchhetri@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SC budget: $13 billion pay raises for teachers, Clemson vet school
SC mosquito season getting longer, report shows. Heres why and where its worst in the state

South Carolina has become more hospitable to mosquitoes as the climate has warmed over the years, a recent report shows.

The Climate Central report assessed long-term trends in mosquito days across the U.S. The report defines a mosquito day as having both average relative humidity of 42% or higher and minimum and maximum temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees.

Climate Central looked at 242 locations across the U.S. and calculated the mosquito days for them each year from 1973 to 2022.

As the U.S. has warmed over the last 43 years, the annual number of mosquito days has increased in many places, the report states.

South Carolina mosquito days

For South Carolina, the report examined Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Myrtle Beach and the Upstate. Heres how many more mosquito days those areas have gained over the last 43 years, listed from highest to lowest, according to the report.

Upstate: 22 days Myrtle Beach: 21 days Columbia: 11 days Florence: 10 days Charleston: 8 days

U.S. mosquito days

The report shows that of the 242 days analyzed, 173 have had an increase of 16 mosquito days on average. And 55 places have had an annual increase of 21 mosquito days or more.

Here are the 10 places in the U.S. that have seen the biggest jumps in mosquito days, according to the report.

Santa Maria, Calif.: 43 days San Francisco, Calif: 42 days State College, Pa.: 33 days Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.: 32 days Manchester, N.H.: 31 days Birmingham area, Ala.: 30 days Burlington, Vt.: 29 days Clarksburg-Weston, W. Va.: 28 days Salinas, Calif.: 28 days Wheeling, W. Va.: 28 days

4 worst types of mosquitoes in SC

There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes that buzz around South Carolina every year, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The pesky insects cause annoying, itchy bites, but the real problem is their potential to carry and spread diseases. Only certain species of mosquitoes carry diseases though.

Here are four of the worst species of mosquitoes in South Carolina because of their aggressiveness and or ability to carry dangerous diseases.

Asian tiger mosquito: Asian tiger mosquitoes can be identified by their black and white markings. They also have a single silvery-white line on the backs of their torsos. They are among the more prevalent biting species in South Carolina. They can transmit pathogens and viruses like the West Nile Virus and can cause heartworm in dogs and cats.

Aedes aegypti mosquito: They can be identified by the unique silvery-white scale bands on their legs and their U-shaped abdomens. They are known to transmit several diseases, including the Zika virus, Dengue fever, Mayaro and Yellow fever.

Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquito: The mosquitos name, quadrimaculatus, is Latin for four-spotted, and refers to the scaly pattern on its wings, which creates four distinct patches that can be seen by the naked eye. It is known to transmit the West Nile virus, Malaria and heartworm.

Southern house mosquito: It is a medium-sized, brown mosquito that lives throughout the southern U.S. states. It prefers to feed at night and can spread diseases such as Lymphatic filariasis, St. Louis encephalitis, Zika and the West Nile virus.
Scene of Truck Park gunfight was chaos, St. Paul officer says at opening of shooters murder trial

Terry Browns murder trial began Wednesday with the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Seventh Street Truck Park bar in St. Paul.

In a St. Paul police officers body-camera video, people are seen huddled over the wounded. Some are yelling for help, others moaning in pain.

It was chaos, officer Joshua Needham said when asked on the witness stand what he saw when he pulled up to the scene of the Oct. 10, 2021, shooting.

Some of the 15 who were shot were lying on the sidewalk. Marquisha Wiley and others did not make it out of the bar and lie on the bar floor. Wiley, 27, was the lone person who died, struck by a bullet fired by Brown.

Fifteen people, 15 bodies, crawling, running, getting dragged across the floor with bullet holes, Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Treye Kettwick told jurors during the states opening statement. And one woman lying in a bar dead, all because two people decided to have a shootout in a crowded bar with complete disregard for everybody else.

Brown, 34, of St. Paul, faces a count of second-degree murder for killing Wiley and four counts of attempted murder for injuring four others. Prosecutors added a sixth charge this week: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In February, jurors found the other gunman, Devondre Phillips, guilty of eight counts of attempted murder for his role in the deadly gunfight. The 31-year-old is awaiting sentencing.

Saturday nights on West Seventh in downtown St. Paul are for fun, Kettwick told jurors Wednesday. Drinking, dancing, hanging out with friends, enjoying a good time. Its not a place to get shot by Terry Brown.

Browns attorney, Stephen Grigsby, laid out a self-defense claim, telling jurors that Phillips was the initial aggressor  he fired first, hitting Jeffrey Hoffman, Browns friend, and then at Brown, who returned shots.

Grigsby said he is not planning to introduce evidence, that largely, in this case, all of the evidence is caught on a five-second video of the shooting. He said it will show Brown being fired upon without provocation and that everything he did happened after that fact.

He is the victim of an attempted murder in that bar, Grigsby said. And thats the key.

Kettwick asked jurors to keep in mind during the trial and ask themselves: What does a reasonable person do in this situation? What does a person acting honestly and in good faith do in this situation?

A reasonable person does not move to engage in a shootout with an enemy, causing mass hysteria and innocent people who had nothing to do with the confrontation to be struck with gunfire  and for Marquisha Wiley to die on the floor.

Video, witnesses

From surveillance video and witness reports, police pieced together the following series of events, beginning around 12:15 a.m., which are laid out in the charges against Brown:

Phillips was in the bar talking to two women when Hoffman approached. Hoffman appeared to be upset, and he directed one of the women to walk with him toward the end of the bar.

Phillips stopped talking to the other woman and walked toward the rest of his group.

Brown entered the bar. Hoffman re-entered the scene with another friend, Allen Walker. Brown and Walker spoke to each other while looking at Phillips.

Hoffman walked directly up to Phillips, who had his back against a wall. Phillips shot Hoffman in the stomach, then walked toward the door and saw Brown.

Phillips raised his gun and fired at Brown while moving toward the door. Brown fired back at Phillips. Police believe this is when Wiley was shot.

Wiley, a veterinary technician from South St. Paul, was struck in the back, the bullet penetrating her left lung and heart.

Phillips and Brown continued to shoot at one another until Brown, too injured to stand, fell over and Phillips exited the bar. Bar patrons jumped on Brown, punching him, taking his gun from him and holding it until police arrived.

Phillips limped out to a car, got in and then got out again, passing out on the pavement. Police found his gun in the car.

Brown told police that when he entered the bar, he saw a man, Phillips, who is a relative of the woman he is dating. Brown and Phillips were in a dispute due to allegations of domestic abuse between Brown and his girlfriend, according to investigators.

Brown told investigators that Phillips shot him first and that he returned fire.

Victims friend testifies

Ernest Whitmore was hanging out at Truck Park with a group of friends that included Kevaughn Wiley and his sister, Marquisha Wiley.

Whitmore said Wednesday from the witness stand that he and his girlfriend were walking back from getting drinks when the first of 18 shots rang out, muffled by loud music by the R&B group 112 playing in the background.

It seemed like some people didnt hear the first shot, they didnt know what was going on, Whitmore, 28, of St. Paul, said. Once they heard the second one, the third, they started taking cover and everybody was shook, running.

He said he took cover under a table instantly, but others did not. Even so, he said, I could hear the bullets flying past me.

A bullet struck his right arm, ricocheted into his shoulder and then in his back, where it became lodged.

I thought I was going to die, he said.

At the hospital, he learned Marquisha Wiley was dead.

It was the worst night, and continues to be the worst night in my life, he said. One of my closest friends had passed and I had to find that out in the hospital. It changed my life. I still dont know where its going from here.

Related Articles
An employee of Kern High School District has been charged with six counts related to the making and selling of explosives, which he allegedly did through an Instagram account and with the help of a high school student.

A federal grand jury on Thursday charged Angelo Jackson Mendiver of Bakersfield with conspiring to commit offenses against the United States; engaging in manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials; mailing an explosive device; improper storage of explosives; and making false statements to FBI agents.

According to the Department of Justice, agents found and seized 500 pounds of explosives and explosive materials from the residence of the 26-year-old.

Another 500 pounds were seized from the residence of a student who worked closely to help Mendiver fulfill transactions, according to court documents.

The manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials could carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,00 fine. If convicted of making false statements and conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, he faces another possible 10 years and $500,000 in fine. The mailing of an explosive device and improper storage of explosives carry maximum penalties of one year and a $100,000 fine, according to the Department of Justice.

Mendiver is scheduled for arraignment June 15.
Scott Johnson died in a gay hate killing in 1988. His brothers long fight for justice has finally paid off

Steve Johnson and his brother Scott were avid mountain climbers and best friends (Courtesy of Steve Johnson)

For US tech entrepreneur Steve Johnson, the sentencing of an Australian national for killing his brother Scott in a gay hate crime in 1988 brings an end to a long and tortuous pursuit for justice.

Scott Phillip White, 52, was imprisoned for nine years, six without parole, in the New South Wales Supreme Court in Australia on Thursday local time, nearly 35 years after he pushed Scott Johnson over the edge of a 60-metre cliff.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Robert Beech-Jones said White left Dr Johnson to die.

He had everything to live for, the judge said.

In December 1988, Scotts naked body was found at the bottom of cliffs at North Head, in Sydneys northern suburbs, a known meeting spot for gay men.

The 27-year-olds death was initially ruled a suicide, and it was only after three inquests, a $2m reward, and a diplomatic intervention from the late Senator Ted Kennedy, that Australian authorities were able to make the crucial breakthrough that led to Scotts killer.

The sustained pressure campaign led by Steve Johnson also forced Australian authorities to hold a reckoning on their own bigoted past.

In 2020, White was arrested and charged with Scotts murder after being caught in a police sting operation on a secret tape admitting to fighting with him at the clifftop. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

After Steve Johnson had exposed shortcomings in the initial investigation by police in the Australian state of New South Wales, his brothers death was linked to dozens of grisly homophobic killings carried out in Sydney in the 1980s and 90s.

It later emerged that as many as 80 gay men were murdered by gangs of teenage boys and men, motivated by a bloodlust and hatred of their sexuality.

Hundreds more were beaten, robbed and tortured. Many victims didnt bother reporting the crimes to police, who routinely turned a blind eye to gay bashing.

Steves quest for accountability, and antagonistic relationship with New South Wales police, is credited with helping to expose anti-gay bigotry among law enforcement in the 1980s.

Today, the city is home to the largest gay festival in the world, the annual Sydney Mardi Gras held in February.

The killing of Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson had been dealt a tough start to life. Los Angeles born-and-raised, his parents split and hed found his escape from poverty and the familys regular relocations by reading JRR Tolkien and listening to classical music, his older brother Steve would say.

He showed an aptitude for mathematics from an early age, in particular a branch called category theory.

After graduating top of his class from the California Institute of Technology, Caltech, in 1983, he moved to the United Kingdom where he studied at the University of Cambridge.

There he met and fell in love with his partner, Australian musicologist Matthew Noone.

In 1986, he moved to Australia on a student visa to join Mr Noone and complete his PhD at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Scott Johnsons killing in a gay hate crime in 1988 raised awareness about an epidemic of violence in Sydney, Australia, in the 1980s and 90s (Courtesy of Steve Johnson)

On 10 December 1988, spear fishermen found Scotts badly broken body on rocks about 60 metres (200 feet) below cliffs at Blue Fish Point in the upmarket Sydney suburb of Manly.

Police believed his body had been there for two days.

His clothes were found neatly folded about 10 metres from the cliff edge, a police report stated. Police also found Scotts watch, bank card, student ID and other possessions nearby. His wallet was missing.

After receiving the heartbreaking news that his brother and best friend was dead, Steve travelled to Australia two days later to try to find out more about what had happened.

Accompanied by a New South Wales police officer, he visited the spot where his brother had died.

In a 2020 interview with Insider, Steve recalled the police officer asked him: Did you know your brother was a homosexual?

Steve, who had a Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard University, told the news site that police seemed to think that his sexuality was a motive for suicide.

Blue Fish Point in the Sydney suburb of Manly, where US mathematician Scott Johnson was thrown to his death in 1988 (Google Earth)

Scott had come out to his brother four years earlier, the pair discussing it in depth while working a summer job programming computers in Los Angeles in 1984.

Steve never bought the idea that his brother had taken his own life. He showed no signs of depression and was not a heavy drinker or drug user.

The day of his death, Scott was told that his PhD had been accepted, and he had likely been looking to celebrate.

Different scenarios plagued Steves thoughts: maybe his brother had slipped or been pushed, he told Australias public broadcaster ABC in 2013.

I didnt know why we lost Scott.

When Mr Noone reportedly told police about a previous suicide attempt that Scott had made, that was enough for them to close the case.

Steve lobbied for detectives to check his brothers phone records, search his home or interview friends and potential witnesses and retrace his steps on the night he died.

They refused, and his death was ruled a suicide, without ever considering another cause of death.

A brothers quest for answers

Haunted by his brothers death, Steve decided to do whatever it took to find out what had really happened to Scott.

In the late 1980s, he was a married grad student with a young baby and next to no money.

Within a few years, the budding tech entrepreneur had developed an algorithm that compressed images enabling them to be sent much faster over phone lines.

In 1996, he sold his company to AOL for $100m.

He would later become a vice president at AOLs software and technology development division, and has been described as a central figure in the early days of the internet.

The sudden wealth changed his life forever, Steve told ABC, so he decided to roust some attention on Scotts case.

Prior to selling his company, Steve had already been making his own attempts to investigate the killing.

Steve learned that his brother would make the three-hour commute from Canberra to Sydney once a week to continue his doctorate work, staying with Mr Noones sister while there.

According to Insider, Steve then made contact with Senator Ted Kennedy through a Harvard connection to ask for his help.

Scott Johnson had studied in California and the UK before moving to Australia (Courtesy of Steve Johnson)

The late senator reportedly contacted the US Ambassador to Australia to try to get them to encourage the New South Wales government to hold a coronial inquest into the death.

The plan worked, and the coroner agreed to hold the first of three inquests into Scotts death in 1989.

At the hearing, Mr Noone testified that Scott had cheated on him six months before his death. He speculated that Scott may have done so again, and been racked with guilt.

Police officers told the hearing that they had not found any evidence that Blue Fish Point was a gay beat, local parlance for a spot where men would go to have sex.

The coroner would later rule that there was no doubt that Scott had taken his own life.

The official findings declared that being intelligent, shy and gay matched the profile of the type of person who quite frequently does commit suicide.

In a quirk of history, Ted Kennedys niece Caroline Kennedy was named the US ambassador to Australia in 2022.

A horrifying breakthrough

In 2005, and living back in Cambridge, Massachusetts, one day out of the blue Steve Johnson received a letter from his dead brothers partner Mr Noone.

Steve told Insider the letter contained a handwritten note stapled to two articles that described recent inquests into the deaths of three young men who had been killed near cliffs in Sydney in the 1980s.

Their deaths, initially deemed inconclusive or accidents, had been reexamined and ruled as homicides.

The coroner described how packs of roving teenagers had been robbing and beating up men at known gay beats around Sydney.

The coroner criticised the earlier police investigations into the deaths as being naive and disgraceful. It determined that other murders may have been mistakenly classified as suicide or accidental by police.

In 2007, Steve hired former Newsweek investigative journalist Daniel Glick to investigate Scotts death.

Participants take part in the 45th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Oxford Street in Sydney in February 2023 (EPA)

Mr Glick travelled to Sydney, and soon found the evidence that would challenge key aspects of the polices version of events; that Blue Fish Point was in fact a place gay men frequented for sex, and that violent attacks had occurred there.

One local told Mr Glick that it was customary for men to fold their clothes neatly as a sign they were interested in having sex with a potential partner.

Steve and Mr Glick sent a report containing their key findings to police and the coroner.

The police showed no interest in reopening the case, and claimed the earlier suicide ruling meant their hands were tied.

It was a blood sport

Steves investigative team had by this stage grown to include lawyers, journalists, a former police officer and activists in both the United States and Australia.

The group, dubbed Team Scott, continued to probe similar homophobic killings, court records, police documents and media clippings.

Their pressure campaign eventually led to a second inquest being ordered in 2012.

There, a coroner threw out the first ruling that Scott had died by suicide and returned an open ruling.

Then early in 2013, a documentary on the familys fight to have the case reopened featured on the public broadcaster ABCs flagship programme Australian Story.

The programme exposed how prisoners had been secretly taped boasting about having pushed gay men off cliffs. So-called poofter-bashing was apparently rife among violent gangs in Sydney at the time.

It was a blood sport, former Sydney detective Mark Page told the ABC.

Steve Johnson speaks to media outside the New South Wales Supreme Court in Sydney, on 6 June 2023 (AAP IMAGE)

Several months later, the Sydney Morning Herald published a bombshell report that as many as 80 men had been murdered in the late 1980s and early 90s, with 30 cases remaining unsolved.

Experts described it as an epidemic of hate crime against gay men.

New South Wales had only legalised homosexuality four years before Scotts death. And the reports found that a wave of anti-gay hysteria, whipped up at the beginning of the Aids epidemic, meant many attacks were dismissed by police or went unreported.

Amid growing outrage at the homophobic attacks, New South Wales Police offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to his killers in 2013.

They announced the creation of a task force to investigate Scotts murder. But within months, the investigation was wrapped up without identifying any suspects.

A third inquest

In a highly unusual move, a New South Wales coroner ordered a third inquest into Scotts death in 2015.

The high-profile hearing, held in 2017, saw dozens of witnesses come forward to testify about how the hatred and violence towards the LGBTQ+ community had left many living in fear.

The then-NSW Coroner, Michael Barnes, found that Scott had fallen from the clifftop due to actual or threatened violence in a gay-hate attack.

Mr Barnes hit out at police for refusing to properly investigate the homicide.

In 2018, NSW Police increased the $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest to $1m.

A few days after the announcement, Australia legalised same sex marriage.

Steve Johnson marched in the Sydney Mardi Gras that year in honour of his late brother.

Two years later, Steve doubled the reward by putting up $1m of his own money.

With a reward of up to $2m on the table, I am hoping that Scott will finally get justice, he told a press conference at the time. Please, do it for Scott, do it for all gay men who were subject to hate crime, and now, do it for yourself.

The enormous reward soon had members of Sydneys criminal underworld spilling their secrets.

The arrest

In May 2020, New South Wales Police announced they had arrested 49-year-old Scott White for the cold case murder, news.com.au reported.

Whites former wife had tipped off authorities, and he had been caught on tape during an undercover police operation telling a niece: I hit him. He hit me. He stumbled back. I went to grab him and he  just stumbled back.

White, a father of six, reportedly told authorities he was gay, and that he had hidden his sexuality for decades from his family.

He claimed he had met Scott at a pub and gone to the cliff top together, before they got into a fight, and he shoved him over the edge. He was 18 at the time, and told authorities he was living on the streets and cognitively impaired.

In January last year, White entered a shock guilty plea to Scotts murder, and was sentenced to 12 years seven months prison in November.

But the conviction and sentence were overturned on appeal, and White pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in February.

In a victim impact statement read to the court this week, Steve Johnson said he and wife Rosemary had no sympathy for the killer.

Whites decision to flee the scene without calling the police had prolonged the familys grief and loss for decades, Steve said.

He didnt check on Scott. He didnt call for help. He notified no one. He simply let Scott die, Mr Johnson said.
Seacoast NH, Maine on watch for smoke-filled skies this weekend: Here's what to know

PORTSMOUTH  Seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine have thus far been spared as smoke from Canadian wildfires darkened skies and endangered health in New York and many other states this week, but meteorologists say the Seacoast's luck may run out this weekend.

Andy Pohl, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Thursday it's all about wind direction, but it looks like northern Maine and parts of New Hampshire will be affected.

"The winds have been coming out of the north or further west, and actually pivoting around our area, so that's why we have been spared," Pohl said. "The bad news is this gave us the cool and wet weather we have been seeing. But as we approach the weekend, the pressure system will likely pull off to the north and east. The system, at a level of 3,000 feet, will allow the smoke and bad air to migrate toward the Bay of Fundy and Nova Scotia, putting us under a northwest wind and could bring the smoke and bad air our way.

"This could impact people with any type of respiratory ailment, asthma, COPD, especially in the elderly," Pohl said. "The levels of alerts will depend on the air quality, based on the concentrations of particulates."

Canadian wildfire hotspots are seen on a National Weather Service map published Thursday, June 8, 2023.

David Healy, senior scientist with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, said Thursday there were no plans to issue alerts yet. He noted not much change is expected Friday, but he, too, said the weekend could be different.

"We have been lucky so far in New Hampshire, relative to our position with the current low pressure system" he said.

When there is poor air quality, state officials advise sensitive individuals to take precautions to protect their health by limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive individuals include children and older adults; anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis; and people who are active outdoors. Even non-sensitive individuals could experience mild health effects and may want to consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities, officials stated.

A person cycles past the skyline in Philadelphia shrouded in haze, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside.

"The wildfires are still burning pretty furiously in Canada," Pohl said. "We are watching very closely and are in contact with Maine and New Hampshire officials daily on this."

What is the bigger picture on wildfires' impact?

The smoky blanket billowing from wildfires in Quebec and Nova Scotia and sending plumes of fine particulate matter as far away as North Carolina and northern Europe were expected to persist into the weekend.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday this continues to be a public health crisis, with the worst air quality since at least the 1960s.

More than 400 blazes burning across Canada have left 20,000 people displaced. The U.S. has sent more than 600 firefighters and equipment to Canada. Other countries are also helping.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to President Joe Biden by phone Wednesday. Trudeau's office said he thanked Biden for his support and that both leaders acknowledged the need to work together to address the devastating impacts of climate change.

Canadian officials say this is shaping up to be the country's worst wildfire season ever. It started early on drier-than-usual ground and accelerated quickly. Smoke from the blazes has been flowing into the U.S. since last month but intensified with recent fires in Quebec, where about 100 were considered out of control Wednesday.

The smoke was so thick in Canada's capital, Ottawa, that office towers just across the Ottawa River were barely visible.

What are symptoms to watch?

Symptoms of ozone exposure may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or pain when inhaling deeply, according to New Hampshire officials. People with asthma and other existing lung diseases may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as normal and may experience symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can increase as air pollutant concentrations increase.

Safety tips and resources

Pohl said people can watch the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services websites for weather alerts and safety advice. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services can be reached at (603) 271-1370. For air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in New Hampshire, call 1-800-935-SMOG or visit www4.des.state.nh.us/airdata.

The American Lung Association previously offered these five tips for bad air days:

Stay indoors. People living close to the fire-stricken areas should remain indoors and avoid breathing smoke, ashes and other pollution in the area.

Protect the air in your home. Keep doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut and preferably with clean air circulating through air conditioners on the recirculation setting.

Keep an eye on symptoms. Higher levels of smoke in some areas can make breathing more difficult. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Take precautions for kids. Extra precaution should be taken for children and teens, who are more susceptible to smoke. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe in more air (and consequently more pollution) for their size than adults.

Ask for help. The American Lung Associations Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists and is a free resource to answer any questions about the lungs, lung disease and lung health, including how to protect yourself during wildfires.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast NH, Maine on watch for smoke-filled skies this weekend
A Texas man was arrested on suspicion of killing a woman this week, after police said his phones data revealed he had been at the womans home and conducted suspicious online searches after her disappearance, including How long does it take for a body to decompose to bones.

The U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force arrested Jesse Lee Williams, 40, on Tuesday, on charges of murder in connection to the death of Paula Belonga, 51. Belonga was reported missing in April, and has not been found dead or alive. However, investigators described in an arrest affidavit why they believe Williams was responsible for her death.

Authorities say that Belongas car was found parked at the mobile home where Williams was staying, that Williams phone was used to make a series of suspicious internet searches, and that a necklace belonging to Belonga and a bone were found on the side of the road in a location mentioned in the online searches.

Williams has not yet appeared in court, and a request for comment to his attorney was not immediately returned on Thursday.

According to the arrest warrant, Belonga was reported missing on April 9 by her brother, who had not heard from her in a few days and told police she hadnt picked up her son in Louisiana as planned. She was last seen by traffic cameras leaving her apartment in Tyler, Texas, on April 7 in her white Chevrolet Impala.

Paula Belonga, 51, was reported missing on April 9.

Paula Belonga, 51, was reported missing on April 9.

On April 10, one of Belongas friends called police again and told them Belonga had not gone to work. The friend told officers that it was unlike Belonga to disappear.

By tracking Belongas phone, police found her car parked next to a mobile home in Tatum, about 50 miles from her own home.

The woman who lived in the mobile home gave officers Williams contact information and told them he had parked Belongas car there, claiming he was housesitting while Belonga was out of town, according to the warrant.

During a separate interview, the woman told officers that she and Williams had been dating and living in the mobile home together. She alleged that Williams had physically assaulted her and her teen daughter two weeks earlier. No arrest was made at that time, and Williams left voluntarily, the arrest warrant said.

According to the warrant, police spoke to Williams on the phone on April 11, and he claimed that Belonga was all right and that hed recently spoken to her. He gave the officers a number where he said Belonga could be reached, but no one immediately answered.

The next day, an officer texted the phone number that Williams had said was Belongas. Someone responded: Please leave me alone. Im fine out of state with my man so please leave me and my friend alone.

According to the arrest warrant, the officer believed they were texting with Belonga. The officer replied that police needed to talk to Belonga because she was listed as a missing person.

Well you can take it off cause I want nothing to do with any of my family cause all they do is lie and use. Im so over them and there bullshit, someone responded 15 minutes later. And as for my friend Jesse yall need to leave him the fuck alone. I paid him to watch my dog. Im not talking to you or anyone else, so please leave me alone and let me live my life the way I want to.

Police attempted to call the number, but again no one answered, the arrest warrant said.

Police then learned the number was registered to Williams, according to the warrant. They also obtained a warrant for his arrest in connection with the alleged assault his girlfriend had reported.

Williams was taken into custody at another mobile home in Angelina County. A search of his wallet found a personal check belonging to Belonga and allegedly forged checks made out to Williams dated April 10, the day after Belonga was reported missing, the warrant said.

Initially, the warrant said, Williams told police that hed met Belonga in New York several years ago, while working as a door-to-door salesman. He allegedly told police that she arrived at his home on the day she was last seen, and that she had a suitcase and seemed to be in a hurry to leave. Williams said Belonga gave him the keys to her apartment and car and then left with another man, whom Williams identified as Corey Smith, the warrant said.

But on April 27, after initially refusing, Williams gave police the passcode to his phone. According to police, the digital data revealed that Williams had actually spent April 6 and 7 at Belongas apartment.

Digital forensics showed that the two had met on Facebook and started speaking daily on Dec, 12, 2022, the warrant said.

According to the warrant, the two would send each other photos, and Williams referred to Belonga as beautiful and sweetheart. The messages showed theyd exchanged addresses on April 3, and Williams traveled from Tatum to Tyler with plans to spend five nights with Belonga at her apartment, the warrant said.

Before and after Williams left, he allegedly made a series of internet searches that police described as suspicious, including How to muffle sound of gun with sock and How do the cops trace a cell phone?

The warrant says forensic evidence showed that on April 9, the day Belonga was reported missing, Williams searched online for Body found in Rusk County Texas, and the day after, he searched How long does it take for a body to decompose in hot weather.

An excerpt from Jesse Lee Williams' arrest warrant.

An excerpt from Jesse Lee Williams' arrest warrant.

Based on the locations mentioned in his internet history, police conducted a search, and on May 22, they found Belongas gold necklace on the side of the road and a small bone about 50 feet away, the warrant said.

Williams is being held in Smith County Jail on a $750,000 bond, according to inmate records.

Subscribe to our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, to get the biggest unsolved mysteries, white collar scandals, and captivating cases delivered straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-866-331-9474 or text loveis to 22522 for the National Dating Abuse Helpline.

Related...
This photo released by the Alaparthi Family shows Supraja Alaparthi, 33, center, with her son and nephew as they prepare to parasail in the Florida Keys in June 2022. Alaparthi was killed after being dragged across the water while strapped into the parasail and slamming into a bridge. Attorneys representing the family have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the captain, a crew member and a Florida resort company that owns the marina where the boat was based. (Alaparthi Family via AP)

CHICAGO (AP)  The family of an Illinois woman killed in a 2022 crash while she and two children were parasailing in the Florida Keys filed a second lawsuit connected to her death this week and reflected on the tragic end to a family vacation about a year ago.

Supraja Alaparthi, 33, was killed after being dragged across the water and slamming into a bridge last June while strapped into a parasail. Her husband, Srinivasrao Alaparthi, told reporters Thursday that his family has taken the last year one day at a time but misses her dearly.

I cant help but think that if the people we trusted ... had done their jobs, my wife would still be with us today," he said. We trusted these companies, but they let us down in the worst possible way.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigated the crash last year and found the boat captain cut the line holding Alaparthi and the two boys because the parasail was dragging in high winds from a sudden summer storm.

Her husband, daughter and other horrified family members watched from the boat as they were dragged across the water and struck a bridge, attorneys said Thursday at a news conference in Chicago. It came days after filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the captain, a crew member and a Florida resort company that owns the marina where the boat was based.

Im a life-long Florida resident and our state can do better for people that come from out of state to enjoy our waters, our boats, our sun, attorney Pedro Echarte said, calling for more required training and closer transparency and enforcement around existing standards.

Online court records did not list attorneys representing the captain, crew members and resort company named in the suit.

The two boys on the parasail with Alaparthi were both hurt; the lawsuits did not specify their injuries but described them as severe and permanent. Srinivasrao Alaparthi told reporters that his son and nephew are doing better physically but still dealing with emotional trauma tied to the crash.

Attorneys for the family last June filed a separate wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit against the boat company. That case is still pending. An attorney representing the company did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday.

According to the family's attorneys, the Alaparthis, their two children and extended family members were visiting the Keys from their home in Elk Grove Village outside Chicago when they booked the parasailing trip. The lawyer said family members told employees they would come back the next day if the weather prevented parasailing but were reassured it would be OK.

The boat captain, Daniel Gavin Couch, was charged by Florida authorities in September with manslaughter in the crash. The Florida public defender's office representing Couch in the criminal case declined Thursday to comment on that case, which is still pending.
See how Caltrans snowplows met near Highway 108 crest. How far up can you drive in Tuolumne?

Snowplow crews working both sides of Sonora Pass met up for the first time this week, video from the California Department of Transportation shows.

Despite clearing the eight to 10 feet of snow from Highway 108, crews havent reopened the pass. They still need to deal with flooding issues, remove fallen trees and rocks, and repair potholes and guardrails before the Sierra Nevada route can open.

Highway 108 runs from downtown Modesto and through the town of Sonora on its way to the upper elevations of Tuolumne and Mono counties. It opened as far as Kennedy Meadows on May 15, to the relief of businesses worried that visitors might be blocked until July.

Caltrans has not announced when the final leg over the 9,623-foot pass will be ready. Its video shows crews from District 10 on the west meeting with colleagues from District 9 on the east on Tuesday, June 6.
About to sell a home in SC? You now have to disclose more information about water problems

With climate change creating more threats for waterfront residents, home sellers now must provide more transparency about flooding and other threats, particularly about beachfront homes.

State law already mandated home sellers fill out a residential property disclosure form, which in part is intended to warn the purchaser of any prior or current issues with the property or home. Environmentalists have pointed out for over a decade that the form did not require many details about erosion effects and flooding.

In February, the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, which must approve any changes to the disclosure form, passed updates to the form that require coastal hazards and flooding threats to be identified. On June 1, the new disclosure form went into effect.

The updates are significant, especially as high hazard areas experience rapid changes because of climate change, said Emily Cedzo, a senior program director at the Coastal Conservation League. High hazard areas can be properties on the coastline, along rivers or lakes, and areas throughout the state prone to flooding.

Its imperative that this critical information-sharing happens, Cedzo said. The disclosure process is a great way to make it happen on the front-end so that folks walk into these transactions with eyes wide open.

Prior to the recent changes, the forms asked a single question about erosion and two pertaining to flooding.

But because the form did not require details of how the property may have been affected by erosion, many home buyers did not fully understand the dynamics of beachfront living and associated risks, environmentalists said.

Nick Kremydas, South Carolina Realtors chief executive officer, said the revised statement strikes a great balance between increasing consumer awareness while also protecting existing homeowner rights.

Erosion disclosure

At Litchfield Beachs southernmost tip  called The Peninsula  a row of raised homes dot a narrow strip of beach facing the Atlantic Oceans lapping waters.

But the million dollar views come with a price: beach renourishment.

An $8.3 million renourishment project done in 2022 did not qualify for state or federal funding because the community is private. Money to fix the rapidly eroding shoreline came from homeowners pockets. It came with a price tag of somewhere around $300,000 a piece for the renourishment project, according to previous reporting by The State.

The cost caused some homeowners to sell their properties, worried about another potential renourishment project in the future.

Now, under the updated disclosure form, if The Peninsula was assessed for renourishment during the sellers ownership, that seller must alert the home buyer. Previously, there was no mention of renourishment on the form.

The form also requires more robust information about erosion control structures  such as seawalls, rock revetment bulkheads or sandbags  including descriptions, locations and sizes of the structures. The old form simply asked whether erosion or erosion control had affected the property.

With the clarifying language and clearer questions, sellers can be more certain that they have properly disclosed the necessary information related to their properties for buyers to make informed decisions, said William A. Andy Lee, chair of the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

The updated disclosure form would have addressed an allegation Debordieu homeowners Rodney and Felicia Cain made in a November 2021 lawsuit.

The Cains said that two years after purchasing the $2.1 million property in Debordieu, a private community in Georgetown, they discovered sandbags had been buried to offset significant erosion, according to previous reporting by The State.

Sandbags were placed by the prior owners and buried, which hid the extent of the erosion, the Cains asserted. Over time, as storms surged and tides washed away sand, hundreds of the bags began washing away.

The Cains want the former homeowners to compensate them for failing to disclose the hidden sandbags and the extent of beach erosion, according to the suit. Because of what the Cains say were undisclosed problems, they have endured major expenses to protect the house, and the property value has decreased, the lawsuit states.

Flood history

In addition to asking if flood hazards, wetlands, or flood zones have affected the sellers property and whether flood insurance covers it, the disclosure takes a more finite approach.

Now, sellers must disclose the following:

 Whether the property is currently insured through public or private flood insurance

 If private or public flood insurance claims have been filed on the property during the sellers ownership

 Were repairs made to the property as a result of flooding that were not filed with private or public insurance during the sellers ownership

 Has federal flood disaster assistance been received during the sellers ownership

Moving forward

Jenny Brennan, science and policy analyst for the Southern Environmental Law Center, called the changes common sense measures that will make the state more resilient.

As South Carolinas population grows, development rises. Increased development, particularly along the coast, can make areas more flood prone and worsen beach erosion.

According to the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, nearly 210,000 South Carolinians are living in 900 square miles of flood-prone areas.

During the next 30 years, sea level rise will create a big shift in coastal flooding as it results in tides and storm surges moving more inland, according to previous reporting by The State. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report noted that moderate flooding will occur more frequently, and sea levels will increase by up to 3 feet in the next 50 years.

The commissions updating of the real estate disclosure form is another step forward in preparing for future conditions driven by climate change that impact home buyers and sellers.

This is huge, Cedzo said. I really cant understate that or overstate it.
A key Senate committee temporarily paused on taking up a bill that would require social media companies to report illegal fentanyl activity on their platforms to law enforcement.

The Senate Judiciary Committee was originally scheduled to take up the Cooper Davis Act on Thursday, but the Chair said it is being held over due to ongoing negotiations about the bill.

I want to state for the record these are active negotiations, said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I know this has been held over several times, but it is for a good purpose. Were trying to build a consensus or close to it to support this important legislation.

The bill is named after a 16-year-old from Kansas who died from a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl that a friend bought through Snapchat.

This is a crisis and sadly our children do not know what theyre up against, said Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), the Republican sponsor of the Senate bill. If our nation is going to win this fight, we need Big Tech companies to crack down on drug dealers pushing this poison on their platforms to vulnerable teenagers like Cooper Davis and thousands of others.

Tragically, weve seen the role that social media plays in that by making it easier for young people to get their hands on these dangerous drugs  we have to put a stop to it now, said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the Democrat sponsor of the Senate bill.

Supporters of the bill say its needed to help stop the illegal sale of fentanyl online.

Its been at least 29 states where weve been able to track a social media drug dealer who sold a pill, a fake pill, thats killed their customer, said Shabbir Imber Safdar, Executive Director for the Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM). Its a really big problem and theres a lot more we and the platforms can be doing about it.

The group strongly supports the Cooper Davis Act.

All this does is say when a social media platform discovers drug dealing, instead of silently terminating the user, they let the DEA know because when they silently terminate the user and they make a new account, they can possibly and will likely end up killing somebody else, said Safdar.

But the measure is facing pushback from critics who argue it could lead to unchecked surveillance of everyday people, with social media companies handing over their online activity to law enforcement.

The issue here is the lack of protections provided around that transfer of information, said Cody Venzke, Senior Policy Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Theres no notice provided to the user. Data has to be preserved indefinitely.

The ACLU argues while Congress should take steps to address the fentanyl crisis, legislation about it should be within their constitutional authority.

This bill would deputize social media platforms, email providers, platforms of all stripes to be informants for government agencies, said Venzke. There is the concern that they would absolutely be incentivized to over report.

Venzke also said while the bill applies to fentanyl, methamphetamine, and counterfeit substances, it could also be amended to include more if it were to pass into law

Its unclear when the Senate Judiciary Committee may take up the bill again.
Senators ask U.S. Justice Dept to probe Binance statements to Congress Senate Banking Committee holds nominations hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice should investigate whether cryptocurrency exchange Binance made false statements to Congress in a written response to lawmakers this year, two Democratic U.S. senators said in a letter released on Thursday.

"This is a serious matter," Senator Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen wrote in a letter to the Justice Department, saying a bipartisan group of lawmakers in March were seeking information from the industry as they weighed potential new laws.

"It appears that Binance and Binance.US undermined this important investigation and the legislative process by providing false and misleading information to Congress" in their reply to the information request, the senators said, adding: "The department should, in conjunction with the ongoing SEC complaint, conduct a rapid and thorough investigation of this matter."

U.S. financial regulators this week cracked down on the crypto industry with legal action against Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, and cryptocurrency platform Coinbase.

Representatives for Binance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. Representatives for the Justice Department could not be immediately reached.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey and Manya Saini; editing by David Goodman and Jason Neely)
Senators Call On TikTok CEO To Come Clean On U.S. User Data

A Republican and a Democratic senator told TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew this week that theyre disturbed by TikToks pattern of misleading or inaccurate responses following a report contradicting Chews claim that the company isnt storing U.S. user data in China.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) called on Chew in a letter to correct and explain claims he made about data storage in testimony to Congress.

The letter, dated Tuesday, referenced a report published by Forbes last month that TikTok has used China-based storage for sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, of prominent U.S. TikTok creators paid by the company.

The senators also mentioned a New York Times article reporting that TikTok employees share U.S. user data, like drivers licenses, on Lark, an internal messaging platform owned by TikTok parent company ByteDance. The breadth of American users data on Lark alarmed some TikTok employees, especially since ByteDance workers in China and elsewhere could easily see the material, the Times reported.

These reports directly contradict statements you and other TikTok representatives have made to the public and under oath before Congress about where TikTok stores U.S. user data and the ability of employees in China to access that information, Blumenthal and Blackburn wrote.

We are deeply troubled by TikToks recurring pattern of providing misleading, inaccurate, or false information to Congress and its users in the United States, including in response to us during oversight hearings and letters, the senators added.

Alex Haurek, a TikTok spokesperson, said the company was reviewing the letter.

We remain confident in the accuracy of our testimony and responses to Congress, Haurek added.

During his testimony before a House committee in March, Chew spoke of Project Texas, an initiative by TikTok to route all U.S. user data to U.S.-based servers owned by software company Oracle. All new U.S. user data is being stored inside the country as of October, and TikTok has started deleting older user data from non-Oracle servers, he said.

The bottom line is this: American data stored on American soil by an American company overseen by American personnel, Chew said.

Michael Beckerman, TikToks head of public policy, in 2021 told a Senate panel that Americans data was stored in the U.S., while backup servers were based in Singapore.

The company has been under scrutiny in the U.S. over its ties to China. The Biden administration has previously warned TikToks owners it will ban the platform in the country unless it is sold.

Chinese companies and those operating within China are required by law to share data with the government if requested. Proponents of a U.S. ban have said that law could force TikTok to share U.S. user data with Beijing.

Last month, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed a bill imposing a statewide ban on TikTok that is set to take effect in 2024. The company has sued to block the legislation.
Photo: Joe Raedle, Samuel Corum, (Getty Images)

At least three US senators think TikToks CEO may have violated federal law. In recent letters, the lawmakers say Shou Zi Chew lied about the companys data storage practices during a combative Congressional hearing earlier this year. The renewed focus on Chews wishy-washy answers follows a series of news reports which suggest Chinese TikTok and ByteDance employees, and even Chinese Community Party officials, had greater access to US user data than previously known.

On Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee sent a letter addressed to the companys CEO where they described a pattern of misleading or inaccurate responses, regarding perceived privacy and national security concerns. The senators said recent media reports directly contradict, statements Chew and others made in the past. The reports, which cite internal company documents, describe how China-based TikTok and ByteDance employees accessed US creators sensitive financial information and other data. The senators pointed to statements Chew made during the hearing, when he told lawmakers US user data has always been stored in Virginia and Singapore in the past, the letter notes.

Read more

We are deeply troubled by TikToks recurring pattern of providing misleading, inaccurate, or false information to Congress and its users in the United States, including in response to us during oversight hearings and letters, the senators wrote. The senators made a point to acknowledge Chews statements were made under oath. Knowingly lying under oath is a federal crime.

In their letter, Sens. Blumenthal and Blackburn sent TikTok a list of 14 questions grilling the company on when it stores data in China and whether or not the company can be legally compelled to share Americans stored in China to Beijing officials. The company has until June 16 to provide answers to those questions.

Blumenthal and Blackburns letter came less than one week after Republican Senator Marco Rubio sent his own strongly worded letter, this time asking United States Attorney General Merrick Garland to open an investigation into Chews statements. Rubio, like the other senators, cited a recent Forbes article claiming TikTok employees viewed financial information of US TikTokers as evidence the CEO misled Congress.

Chew should be held accountable for making false statements about material facts related to TikToks operation, as he appears to have done in this case, Rubio said. TikTok did not immediately respond to Gizmdods request for comment.

New Reports claim employees in China had greater access than previously known

For years, TikTok executives have tried to downplay lawmakers fears that TikTok could be used as an espionage tool to send US user data to China. The company is spending over a billion dollars on its Project Texas data rerouting effort which will attempt to secure all US user data on American Oracle servers upon its completion. The timeline for that projects completion, however, remains unclear. Until then, TikTok finds itself in the uncomfortable position of trying to dance around questions regarding whether non-Chinese entities can access US data and where that data is stored.

A recent pair of stories have made those questions more difficult to avoid. A May Forbes report claims TikTok stored important financial records of creatorsincluding their Social Security numbers and Tax IDs numberson Chinese servers. Another report released around the same time by The New York Times claims TikTok or ByteDance employees, including some based in China, use the messaging application app Lark to view the personal data of users around the world. The companys use of the messaging app, according to the Times, drew concerns from some employees internally.

Should Beijing-based employees be owners of groups that contain secret [data of users? a TikTok employee asked in an internal report last July.

A more recent wrongful dismissal complaint filed by a former high-level ByteDance executive this week appeared to confirm some of lawmakers deepest fears: Communist government officials viewing US data. In the complaint, former US ByteDance head of engineering named Yintao Roger Yu alleged the company has a back door channel in its code that allows members of the Chinese Community Party view data from users anywhere in the world. ByteDance is the parent company of TikTok.

Yu, who also claimed Chew downplayed Chinas access to US users data, said Chinese Communist Party officials had a special office in ByteDance and were granted superuser credentials, which he said made them the equivalent of a god user, able to access any and all data collected by ByteDance. A ByteDance official refuted Yus claims in a previous statement to Gizmodo and said they seemed intended to garner media attention.

Its worth noting that TikTok isnt the only company potentially sending user data over to China. Earlier this year, Gizmodo found around 28,251 apps that used TikToks software development kits to send data to TikTok for functions like logging in, and sharing videos from the app. In fact, many state governments websites in areas where lawmakers are most repulsed by TikTok appear to be sending data to TikTok as well. That said, the recent reports appearing to contradict TikTok executives public statements dont bode well for the company, especially as the public appetite for state and nationwide bans of the app continues to gain momentum.



More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
They served US but lost their homes. Tacoma filmmaker explores plight of deported troops

For some foreign-born troops, bureaucratic battles replace the reals ones they fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead of losing a limb, these service members lose their ability to stay in the United States. They are deported veterans  men and women who voluntarily joined the U.S. military, served honorably and then were deported when they tripped legal landmines.

Their plight is the subject of filmmaker Rob Walkers documentary, Bring Them Home, which will screen Saturday at The Grand Cinema in Tacoma. A panel discussion will follow.

Foreigners fighting for America have been part of the countrys history since its founding. Yet, joining the military doesnt guarantee citizenship. Service in the military only makes a person eligible to apply for citizenship, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Some 35,000 non-citizens serve in the U.S. military and 8,000 join every year, according to military.com. The 30-minute film interviews veterans who served with American forces without the benefit of having U.S. citizenship and were later sent back to their country of origin after an offense, no matter how minor.

Tacoma born

Walker grew up in Tacoma and found himself working in the entertainment industry after high school. Hes a music artist by the name of Rob Young and CEO of a media and design company. He splits his time between Washington and California.

He fell into the cause of deported veterans by chance. In 2020, he released the single, Excuse my Accent, and its music video with Romanian-born rapper Drei Ros. The video featured deported veterans.

I realized how expansive that conversation is, especially when we talk about cultures and connectivity and what it means to have an accent in the USA, Walker said.

Bring Them Home

The more Walker researched deported veterans, the more shocked he became over the issue. He made contact with Hector Barajas, a deported veteran who was born in Mexico but grew up in Los Angeles from age 7. Barajas runs a support group for deported veterans and appears in the documentary.

Its hard to know how many veterans have been deported, Walker said, as theres no official tally. The issue, he said, ignites conversations about nationality, immigration, patriotism, loyalty and other topics.

Its a window to talk about a larger dialogue of us as human beings and how we see each other, Walker said. What does it mean to be American?

Politics

The issue of deported veterans comes as a surprise to most of the people he meets, Walker said. He was recently on a California college campus and approached a military recruiter.

He called me a liar, Walker said. He actually got a little upset and I said, No, I did a documentary. He had no idea. I talk to veterans. They have no clue.

In political rhetoric, veterans and immigrants can be portrayed as polar opposites. One group is heralded as the American ideal while the other is portrayed as villains  sometimes by the same politicians. When the two issues overlap, as they do with deported veterans, the complexity doesnt fit neatly into a political narrative.

Most politicians dont walk to talk about deported veterans, Walker said. But some, like Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, California Sen. Alex Padilla, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, are supportive. Sanders, who says he wants to return deported veterans to the United States, appears in Walkers documentary.

Daniel Torres

Daniel Torres was born three miles south of the U.S. border in Tijuana, Mexico. Those three miles came back to haunt him when he became an adult.

Torres, now 37, came to the United States as a 13-year-old.

I was DACA before there was DACA, he said, referring to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which creates a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children.

It was after high school when a childhood friend turned military recruiter pitched to Torres the idea of becoming a Marine. He enlisted even though he was undocumented.

Daniel Torres was a U.S. Marine before he self-deported to Mexico.

Three years in and after a promotion to Lance Corporal and a tour in Iraq in 2009, he was recommended to join an intelligence unit. Background checks for intel personnel are more rigorous than the general military, and it was discovered that Torres was a Mexican citizen.

Honorable discharge

After an honorable discharge, Torres tried to joined the French Foreign Legion, but a war-related hearing injury disqualified him. He soon found himself back in Tijuana in 2011. In 2017, he earned a law degree in Mexico.

During law school, Torres met Barajas, who runs Deported Veterans Support House.

It gave me a community of veterans to connect with, to talk with, Torres said. It was difficult being a veteran and transition to civilian life while being deported.

Torres suffers from PTSD and was suicidal after his departure from the military and the United States. He eventually became an advocate for people like him. He speaks about the subject and works on documentaries like Bring Them Home.

Bring Them Home producer Rob Walker, left, and deported veteran Daniel Torres at a screening in San Francisco.

Torres case was picked up by the ACLU, and he was eventually granted U.S. citizenship. He now lives in Salt Lake City.

I feel like what happened was because I was making so much noise, he said of his citizenship.

A simple mistake

The same mistake or misdemeanor that would result in a fine or a short jail stay for a U.S. citizen could be a life-altering event for a non-citizen.

They get deported for like possession of marijuana, failing to pay child support, writing a bad check, driving with an expired license, Torres said. There was a guy who failed to appear in court because he was deployed.

Immigration law, Torres said, is unforgiving.

It doesnt care what kind of person youve been your entire life, he said. It doesnt even care if youre a veteran. Its looking for an excuse to get rid of people.

Automatic citizenship

Torres acknowledges that some veterans are deported for serious crimes, including murder. He still thinks a four-year enlistment and an honorable discharge should qualify any service member for automatic U.S. citizenship.

Complicating the situation is a new administration every four or eight years which produces its own policies. Whats needed, Torres and Walker said, is an act of Congress.

Now, were talking about immigration reform, Torres said. And the moment you say immigration reform, peoples minds shut off, and politicians want nothing to do with that.

Beyond Mexico

While Mexicans and other Latin American citizens make up the bulk of deportees, Walkers film points out that deportees come from Africa, Europe, Asia, Canada and other parts of the world.

The film has won prizes at several film festivals, and Walker said he will continue his advocacy work around the issue.

Im a pit bull; my jaw is locked, he said. My goal is to take this, God willing, to the highest stage that I possibly can.

Ultimately, Walker said, the issue is a lens into the heart of America.

What is the soul of our nation if we could do this? Walker said of deported veterans who risked their health and lives to defend the United States. Whats more American than willing to die for it?

The common thread that all of deported veterans hes met, Walker said, is a love for the U.S.

Torres, who is coming to Tacoma for the screening, frames it as an issue of justice.

Ive never committed a crime. Ive never joined ISIS. Ive never done anything against the United States, Torres said. But I was born three miles away. Now my veteran service doesnt mean anything.

If you go

What: Bring Them Home

When: 6 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. (two theaters) Saturday, June 10.

Where: The Grand Cinema, 606 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma.

Tickets: $20

Information: grandcinema.com/ and excusemyaccent.com/bringthemhome
Who signs off on changing a street name like Troost Avenue? Heres a look at what it takes

Troost Avenue may be the next major thoroughfare in Kansas City to be renamed to address its controversial namesake.

Over the last few years, Some Kansas City residents have called for major streets like Blue Parkway to be renamed Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and for W. 43rd Terrace to be renamed Steptoe Street, to honor that the area was historically an antebellum African American neighborhood near present-day Westport and the Country Club Plaza.

Last month, the Kansas City Council passed a resolution to gather feedback on whether to change the name of Troost Avenue, Kansas Citys 10.7-mile dividing line named after Dr. Benoist Troost. Troost was Kansas Citys first resident physician and enslaved at least six Black people in 1850.

The removal of symbols to a racist past is a significant step in a healing process that seeks a more just future, the resolution reads.

The feedback will help inform whether the city will move forward on a name change, a process that can take a significant amount of funding and community buy-in, according to city officials.

Heres a breakdown of whats needed to change a major street name in Kansas City.

Community support

Ruby Jeans Juicery owner Chris Goode hopes to change the name of Troost Avenue to Truth Avenue.

Public Works Director Michael Shaw said for a street name to be changed at least 70% of the residents on the street need to agree to the change.

Goode, whose business is located at 30th Street and Troost Avenue, began the push to change the name of Troost Avenue a year ago by starting an online petition that has nearly 1,700 signatures.

I appeal passionately to you all to help our city turn the page on this more than a century-old chapter, Goode said in his Change.org petition. Dr. Benoist Troost shouldnt be celebrated in any capacity and he certainly shouldnt be celebrated on one of the most well-known avenues our city has ever housed.

This isnt Goodes first time petitioning the city to rethink who is honored by its streets and monuments.

As a former member of the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, Goode pushed for J.C. Nichols name to be stripped from the fountain in Mill Creek Park and for the creation of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on a 5-mile stretch along Brush Creek.

He said the first step to getting a major street name changed is to create awareness.

In his effort as a private citizen to change the name of Troost, Goode said the first thing he did was send a memo to city officials, local business owners, community organizations and residents along Troost Avenue.

His goal was to share the history behind Dr. Benoist Troost and his vision for renaming the major street. Next, he organized two community meetings in the last year to gather input from more than 100 people.

We actually collaborated, we proposed ideas and, you know, encouraged people to expand the thought and invited all who wanted to attend, Goode said. He launched the online petition to garner even more support.

The city council gets to decide

After noticing how many community members were interested in a name change, 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson decided to sponsor a resolution to create a landing page to gather feedback from residents, business owners and property owners concerning the renaming of Troost Avenue.

Robinson said that feedback will help council members draft an ordinance for the renaming of Troost and consider community concerns in the process.

After we receive that feedback, our plan is to introduce the ordinance that would change the name from Troost to Truth Avenue, Robinson said.

There is no set deadline for when that ordinance will be introduced, Robison said. However, the resolution passed in May required the city managers office to bring the findings from that landing page back to the city council by July 9.

I would want to know what people who actually live on the street, what their challenges would be, what their pain points are, Robinson said.

If the ordinance passes, then the citys Public Works Department will take steps to order and replace street signs and change individual addresses, according to Robinson.

In some cases, the decision to change a street name lies with the citys Park and Recreation Department, which makes decisions on streets that are boulevards and parkways, according to Shaw.

How much does it cost to change a street name?

Shaw said the cost of changing a street depends on the length of the street and the cost of labor to replace the street signs.

He said since Troost Avenue is nearly 11 miles long, it could cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars to rename it.

According to the ordinance to rename W. 43rd Terrace to Steptoe Street, changing the street signs cost the city $50,000 for less than a one-mile stretch.

To ease the financial burden of changing the name of Troost, Goode has raised $10,000 from the Health Forward Foundation to help spread awareness of the initiative. The Health Forward Foundation supports health equity projects throughout the region.

If the ordinance to change the name of Troost is approved, funding for the switch will come from the Public Works Department.

Shaw said funding the proposal will be doable, but it wont be cheap. He said his department wont know how much the renaming will cost until its decided how much of Troost will be renamedthe council could decide to only change the name of a portion of the street.

How long does it take to change addresses?

If Goodes initiative to change the name of Troost to Truth is successful, changing the addresses at the U.S. Postal Service will happen rather quickly, according to Shaw.

It will be on individual residents and businesses to change their address on important documents. Residents will have to update their drivers licenses, passports, and other documents. Business owners will have to update their business cards, other promotional materials and paperwork.

If I live at 123 Troost and its on a checkbook, thats got to change. There is no more 123 Troost Avenue, (itll be) 123 Truth Avenue, Shaw said.

Why rename Troost?

In the late 19th century, Troost Avenue was a place wealthy families sought after but over time that changed. By 1934, the Federal Housing Administration basically codified the practice of redlining when it refused to insure mortgages in and around Black neighborhoods and subsidized the creation of white-only subdivisions.

In Kansas City, racially restrictive covenants led to two housing markets divided by race. Historically, housing advertising in The Star carefully specified properties as east or west of Troost Avenue, which is now the boundary of racial separation in Kansas City. According to Goode, many people still define the avenue as a marker for the haves and have-nots.

Goode said he thinks that view of Troost Avenue is outdated and harmful.

These definitions in my mind dont define what this stretch is today. These definitions dont mention the miles-long prayer chain which stretched down Troost Ave. These definitions dont mention the hundreds of millions of dollars in development that have taken place and continue to roll out, Goode said in his Change.org petition.

So far, Goode and Robinson said they havent heard much negative feedback yet about the potential name change. Goode said one common concern is that changing the name of major streets and monuments can erase history, but he said he doesnt believe thats the case.

I think its just important to dispel the notion that history exists on street signs and monuments, Goode said. When those street signs come down, hell still have a Wikipedia page. When those street signs come down, hell still be somewhere in the archives.

Cortlynn Stark contributed to this story.
After the liberation of Kherson, the confrontation between Ukrainian special forces and Russian occupiers for supremacy on the Dnipro river continued for several months  now on the islands between the left and right banks of the river.

Source: Special Operations Forces

Quote: "Kherson Oblast. A cascade of islands between the left and right banks of the Dnipro River. This is a "grey zone" surrounded by water on all sides. It became a place where for several months in a row, the Ukrainian army and the Russian occupiers waged a "silent war" for supremacy on the Dnipro.

The enemy tried to conduct reconnaissance, mine the territory, set up positions and observation posts. In turn, our soldiers did not allow the enemy to gain a foothold and feel comfortable there.

Uncontrolled areas of the river and land, dozens of mines underfoot, small groups searching for the enemy and drones hovering overhead 24 hours a day. In such conditions, intelligence and cunning, audacity and character win. This is how the soldiers of the Maritime Special Operations Centre of the Special Operations Forces work."

Details: The Special Operations Forces officers explain that the story was filmed back in the winter, but for security reasons, it only became possible to post it now.

The posted story is an inside look at the work of the soldiers of the Special Operations Forces.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
(Bloomberg) -- Singapore ruling party stalwart Tharman Shanmugaratnam will run for the largely ceremonial role of president after more than two decades as a key policymaker in the city-state.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The former deputy premier informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday he will step down from his positions in Cabinet and resign from the ruling Peoples Action Party to contend. He will also leave his posts as chairman of the central bank and deputy chairman of sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte among others.

Tharman said he will leave on July 7. In a letter to Lee, he called it a difficult decision after 22 years in politics. In his reply, Lee described Tharmans departure from Cabinet and the party as a heavy loss.

President Halimah Yacob last month announced she wont stand for re-election when her term ends next quarter. While the prime minister runs the government, the president holds some powers such as the right to veto spending bills or government requests to draw on past reserves, which the administration resorted to during the pandemic to shore up the budget.

The president, whose term lasts for six years, also signs off on key civil service appointments.

Singapores constitution was amended in 1991 to allow citizens to vote for a president. Rules state that a presidential candidate must be an independent before nomination day, though those who were eventually elected to the office had previous affiliations with the ruling Peoples Action Party or its administration.

I believe that I can now best serve Singapore not in politics, but in a different role that has to be above politics, Tharman said in his letter to Lee. If elected, I will also work to the best of my abilities to project Singapores interests and voice of reason in an increasingly turbulent world.

Tharmans experience includes nine years as minister for finance, while hes also credited with introducing major reforms as education minister aimed at achieving a more flexible system of meritocracy.

The 66-year-old was first elected member of parliament in 2001 and has been chairman at the Monetary Authority of Singapore since 2011. Presently, he serves as coordinating minister for social policies, and advises Lee on the economy.

Inflation remains a threat in Singapore, and has become a political issue especially as housing costs stay hot. A still-tight labor market, especially for sectors like food & beverage, have many businesses lobbying for a loosening of foreign-worker restrictions while the government has pushed digitization and hire-local policies.

As a member of my team, he has worked hard to build a more inclusive society, and to improve wages and create better jobs for Singaporeans, Lee wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. Tharman made significant contributions to strengthen our social mobility escalator, as well as what he called our social safety trampoline.

A vote  due by September  may signal the publics mood ahead of a parliamentary general election that must be called by November 2025.

Tharman is first to state he will contest for president. Lee Hsien Yang, the estranged younger brother of Prime Minister Lee, said in March he would consider running for the position, though several lawyers and academics quoted by the local Straits Times newspaper earlier this year questioned if he would meet the eligibility criteria.

A certificate of eligibility is required before a person can be nominated to run for president, and candidates must fulfill a set of criteria before they are issued one. In 2017, only Halimah received the certificate while four were issued in 2011.

Criteria include having held high office in the public sector or having served as chief executive of a large business. Some 50 public service positions would be eligible, as well as leaders of more than 1,200 companies in the city-state, Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing told Parliament last month.

It remains to be seen if any potential opposition candidate can meet the requirements to run as well as not be deterred by the popularity that Tharman presents in the race, said Nydia Ngiow, Singapore-based managing director at strategic policy advisory firm BowerGroupAsia.

--With assistance from Michelle Jamrisko and Joyce Koh.

(Adds comments from Tharman, pime minister from third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukraine has brough back an orphaned teenager from the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast. His older sister has taken the boy under her care.

Source: Report from the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine.

Details: Pavlo and Anastasia are brother and sister who were born and raised in Lysychansk, Luhansk Oblast. A few years ago, the girl moved to Dnipro.

Her brother Pavlo lived with his parents, but recently the boy became an orphan. After that, the occupiers placed him in a shelter in Luhansk.

Anastasia with her brother. Photo: Ministry of Reintegration

When Anastasia found out about this, she decided to get her brother back as soon as possible. In April, the girl applied to the Ministry of Reintegration and obtained guardianship of him.

It took about a month to get the boy back. The other day, Anastasia and Pavlo returned together to Ukraine, the ministry adds.

Background:

Russia has deported more than 20,000 children from Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion. The occupiers change the names, surnames and dates of birth of illegally deported minors.

At the same time, the authorities of the Russian Federation are claiming that they "are not detaining anyone" and Ukrainian mothers can come and pick up their children. In April, some parents managed to carry out an operation to get their children back: mothers and volunteers went to pick up their sons and daughters. At the time, it was possible to bring15 people back from the Russian Federation.

Reminder:

If you have witnessed the illegal transfer of children to the temporarily occupied territory or the territory of the Russian Federation, be sure to inform Natalia Yemets, a specialist at the Ministry of Reintegration, by phone: (050) 562-03-13 or by calling the hotline 16-48.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Six cities are dropping a constitutional challenge to a 2021 Florida law aimed at shielding police departments from budget cuts after the Legislature revamped the law this spring.

The police-spending issue was included in a controversial law that passed after widespread protests in 2020 across the nation. Those protests were in response to the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes.

The law enhanced penalties and created new crimes for protests that turn violent. But it also created a process in which state attorneys and certain local elected officials could appeal decisions by municipalities to reduce funding for police departments.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Under the law, such appeals would be handled by the state Administration Commission, which is made up of Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of the Florida Cabinet.

The cities of Gainesville, Lauderhill, Miramar, North Miami Beach, Tallahassee, and Wilton Manors challenged the constitutionality of the budget provision in the law. In part, the cities argued that it violated home-rule powers and improperly delegated local budgeting authority to the governor and Cabinet.

Leon County Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh last year rejected the states request to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the case goes to the heart of the division of power between elected officials at different levels of government.

The Legislature this spring passed a measure that, in part, takes away the authority of the governor and Cabinet to make the decisions about police budgets. Passage of the bill prompted Marsh to put the lawsuit on hold. DeSantis signed the bill (SB 1595) on May 25.

Attorneys who have represented the cities and local officials in the litigation hailed lawmakers reversal.

This is an important victory for local movement-building in Florida, Jonathan Miller, chief program officer at Public Rights Project, said in a statement Thursday announcing the plaintiffs were planning to drop the lawsuit.

Miller, who was the lead counsel for plaintiffs, added, As this case demonstrates when cities stand up against abuses of power and fight to protect the rights of their residents, they can win.

The cities also were represented by the Community Justice Project, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Jenner & Block LLP firm.

Under the new law, appeals about police budgets would be handled by the state Division of Administrative Hearings. Administrative law judges would hold hearings and consider a number of factors, including the grounds for local governments to reduce police budgets; police budgets in communities of comparable size; police staffing needs; and revenue changes.

The bill also would only allow challenges to budget reductions of more than 5 percent  a limitation that was not included in the 2021 law. Administrative law judges would issue orders that could be appealed to a state appellate court.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The revision was included in a broader bill that dealt with the duties of county sheriffs and received relatively little attention during this years legislative session.

I am proud to have been a part of this courageous coalition standing up to the governor, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam said in a statement. Local governments are crucial to building movements toward justice. We must be able to use all available tools to do so, including through our budgets. The city of Miramar is celebrating this victory in the name of home rule control.

Civil rights groups also launched federal-court challenges to parts of the 2021 law that enhanced penalties and created new crimes in protests that turn violent.

In September 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled that protest-related parts of the law were unconstitutionally vague and overbroad and issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement.

The state appealed the decision, but the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in January turned to the Florida Supreme Court for help. A three-judge panel of the appeals court sought an opinion from the Florida court because of what it called a novel issue  how to determine the meaning of the word riot in the law.

The Florida court has not made a decision, and Walkers injunction remains in effect.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Some residents of the Oklahoma Avenue safe parking site are upset about a new policy that bars visitors from entering the premises.

But others say the change is needed to prevent people who dont live at the site from coming there to party and use drugs.

Effective June 1, visitors to the property  commonly referred to as the Kansas Avenue safe parking site  cannot pass the gate, which San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Division Manager Joe Dzvonik said was requested by some longtime site residents.

Though the site has security present 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Dzvonik said some residents recently reported several incidents of drug use by visitors onsite, which may be the result of the relatively open visitor policy.

Flyers were posted at the entrance and distributed to residents last week, informing them of the policy change.

We understand the frustrations of some of the participants of the Oklahoma parking operation regarding the new visitor policy, Dzvonik said in a statement. While we have compassion for their concerns, its is our job to weigh the concerns of all participants onsite with their health and safety, and the open-door policy was simply not doing that.

However, some residents said they feel the changes are a step too far and limit their personal freedoms onsite.

For the most part, I havent seen disrespectful visitors coming here, resident Sebastian Salazar told The Tribune. Theyre trying to say our visitors are causing problems  its the people that come in that arent supposed to be here.

Site residents unhappy with changes

Carol Perez, a longtime resident, said this policy change has already caused issues for her.

Perezs work shifts in Pismo Beach take place between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m. When she used a company vehicle to get to and from the site to drop off her cleaning supplies at her parking space, she wasnt allowed to drive in because the vehicle was not registered at the site.

(The guard) wanted me to literally find a cart to be able to carry everything from there to here because he wasnt going to let me in, Perez said. It makes no sense whatsoever.

Several residents said they believe the county tightened the policy to make the site less appealing to residents, as a means of getting them to leave without having to follow through on connecting them to housing.

In February, the county announced it would wind down operations at the parking site over the course of the year. At the time, then-County Administrator Wade Horton said the county would work to find housing for existing residents, during which time no residents would be kicked out.

Were waiting till they say, Hey, youve gotta go now, resident Dave Richford said.

Resident David Richford coordinated a visit from San Luis Obispo County supervisors Bruce Gibson and Jimmy Paulding to the Oklahoma Avenue safe parking site on April 26, 2023. They listened to residents and shared what they hoped would happen moving forward at the site.

Dzvonik said that although he understands why not all residents approve of the change, its intended to make others feel more secure.

Residents reported unknown visitors were entering the site at night and occupying deserted trailers, where they used drugs and partied, often irritating residents with loud music, Dzvonik said.

Dzvonik also said the residents who opposed the visitor policy change did not speak for the entirety of the site.

When (residents) were talking to me, it seemed like it was so urgent that I just had to quickly say, You know what, starting tomorrow or the next day, were just going to notify everybody, they cant have people coming in the site to visit them anymore, Dzvonik said.

Police presence at parking site causes tensions

According to some residents, since the policy change and reports of drug use, there has been a police presence onsite some nights, leading to stops and searches of residents who have been there for years.

One resident who did not feel comfortable providing her name due to fear of retaliation said she and her boyfriend were stopped by sheriffs deputies while using the restroom.

The resident said she suffers from disabilities that affect her mobility. After her boyfriend drove her across the site, sheriffs deputies stopped their vehicle from leaving where it was idling near the restroom.

Portable restrooms and showers are available at the Kansas Avenue safe parking site SLO County created for unhoused residents living in their vehicles

Deputies then interrogated the resident and her boyfriend for around 45 minutes, she said, and asked to search the vehicle without giving any reason for either the search or detainment.

Deputies also handcuffed her boyfriend during part of the stop, she said.

Though her registration was expired, the resident said she felt the stop was unjustified, as neither she or her boyfriend are on probation or parole or have active warrants.

She also said the officer offered to let them go if they could provide the identity of residents using or distributing drugs.

He said, Give me one name and Ill let you go, the resident said.

The resident said she believes the recent increase in police activity at the parking site is due to the recent murder charge filed against Brandi Turner, a former Oklahoma Avenue resident who allegedly sold fentanyl to a Templeton man who later overdosed and died behind the old County Animal Services building in October.

Dzvonik said he is unaware of any incident of a resident being handcuffed, though because the parking site is county property, officers have always been permitted to enter when they feel it is necessary.

As we have done from the beginning, the county is continually talking to all participants with the goal of best serving the needs of all on site and will adjust as deemed necessary, Dzvonik said in a statement. The site, however, will not be a gathering spot for drug use, parties or any other activities that hinder the efforts of those who are sincerely trying to get by and improve their living situations.
SLO County student gets published in New York Times  with deep, dark movie review

A Morro Bay High School sophomore has already achieved what many writers consider to be a career pinnacle  having his work published by the New York Times.

In 2022, Orion Elfant Rea submitted his entry in the eighth annual Student Review Contest sponsored by The Learning Network. The organization publishes teaching resources including lesson plans, writing prompts and quizzes.

The contest invites teenagers to play critic and submit original reviews about any kind of creative expression covered in The New York Times, according to the networks website.

The 2022 competition received nearly 4,000 submissions from teens around the world, reviewing everything from video games and books to music and manga. Judges selected dozens of finalists, but only nine winners.

One of those winners was Orion, who submitted a review of the 2022 film adaption of the novel All Quiet on the Western Front.

I was looking for writing contests, and my mom suggested this one! the 15-year-old told The Tribune. I thought it perfectly suited what I was interested in writing about at that moment.

Felix Kammerer stars as Paul Baumer in the 2022 movie All Quiet on the Western Front.

Morro Bay student wins with Western Front movie review

Orion watched the film twice, first on Netflix and then at the Palm Theater in San Luis Obispo.

I saw (it) two or three months apart, he said. The first time, I was a little bit bored, and thought it was a really intense, brutal movie.

By his second viewing, I figured out what the brutality was for and what the directors intentions were, Orion said. I think (filmmaker Edward Berger) was really trying to capture the finality of death and destruction, adding to the original books comments on the pointlessness of war.

It made the movie a little more insightful and made me fall more in love with the movie, Orion said.

Orions 425-word review uses vivid descriptions and blunt phrasing to demonstrate how Berger does not simply seek to show the horrific nature of combat, he writes. Instead, he aims to engross the audience with a distinct air of futility.

I thought it would be wrong to portray enthusiasm about a war movie, Orion said. Make no mistake, its very, very good. But I wanted to ... talk about how dark it was. I didnt think the movie was perfect, so I wanted to note that.

There was a side motivation for his approach, he said, because it would make my entry stand out in the contest.

Morro Bay High sophomore Orion Rea poses for a picture. His review of the 2022 movie All Quiet on the Western Front was one of nine winners in the Student Review Contest sponsored by The Learning Network.

Sophomore is a high achiever in sports, debate team and more

Morro Bay High School Principal Scott Schalde had plenty of praise for Orion, who will be starting his junior year in the fall.

Hes such a wonderful, incredibly thoughtful student on our campus, Schalde said.

Orion is a very impressive academic student whos active in sports, started a peer-tutoring group and led the schools debate team to its first win at the San Luis Obispo County level, the principal said. And he doesnt even drive yet!

Im excited, knowing that Orion is only halfway through his high school career, and thinking of all the things hell do for himself, his school and his community in the next two years, Schalde said.

Speaking about Orions film review, Schalde said, War is such a deep, dark topic, but Orion doesnt write like a student in high school.

Morro Bay High sophomore Orion Rea poses for a picture. His review of the 2022 movie All Quiet on the Western Front was one of nine winners in the Student Review Contest sponsored by The Learning Network.

Whats ahead for winning writer?

Orion credits his parents, psychologists Benjamin Rea and Erin Elfant, for encouraging his passions for analysis and diagnosis.

Im not interested in medicine specifically, but in the analysis part, diagnosing a client, he said. Id compare it to diagnosing a movie or a directors intentions.

Organizers announced the winners of the Student Review Contest on Feb. 15.

However, Orion did not learn of his success until three months later.

I Googled my name, and the announcement article came up, said Orion, who didnt receive any official notification. I was very surprised.

After the win, I am much more motivated to share any creative musings I might have, Orion said. I have a new perspective on the reviews I write and opinions I share via his high schools student newspaper, The Spyglass, and on the Letterboxd social media site.

Orion is interested in pursuing a legal career in the future.

I loved mock trial, he said. Im interested into going into the law.  Continuing to do that kind of litigation would be amazing.

To see a full list of Student Review Contest winners and read the winning reviews, go to nytimes.com/2023/02/15/learning/the-winners-of-our-eighth-annual-student-review-contest.html.
The cloud of smoke inundating the East Coast on Wednesday - fueled by more than 400 active fires burning across Canada, with more than half of them considered "out of control" - underscored how climate change's threat to human health can transcend national boundaries.

Dozens of East Coast counties issued health warnings as air-quality measures hit their worst marks in years, or even decades, prompting many elderly Americans and schoolchildren to shelter inside.

Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.

The shroud above the Northeast prompted public health authorities to convene emergency meetings, hospitals to prepare for a possible uptick in patients and lawmakers to again call for legislation to tamp down the risks of a warming world. The acute public health threat posed by the fumes, which carry dangerous gases and fine particles that can embed in people's lungs and bloodstream, coupled with the transformation of major cities' skylines punctured many Americans' sense of invulnerability.

"Climate change is real. It is here. The extreme weather and disasters like these wildfires, thousands of miles away, land right here in our great city and impact our health," New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said at a news conference Wednesday morning, urging residents to stay indoors, wear masks if needed outdoors and take other precautions. City officials said the air was the worst in more than 50 years - with an Air Quality Index score Wednesday that at one point reached 484, signifying "hazardous" conditions - and would likely last several days.

Wildfire smoke has posed a growing health risk in the United States for years, with Western states repeatedly reeling from fires and residents attempting to cope by purchasing personal air filters, staying indoors and adopting other ad hoc solutions. In interviews on Wednesday, federal experts touted guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to stay safe. But the smoke enveloping the East Coast arrives at a moment when many Americans have tuned out warnings from public health officials in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Many people in affected areas continued their usual routines despite the intense haze, scratchy throats and other manifestations of the smoky conditions.

Jackie Dehart, who works at a coffee shop in the Flatiron District in Manhattan, said that she had seen many customers lingering in the shop's outdoor seating area. "It feels apocalyptic," said Dehart about the orange-ish smoke. "But a friend eased my fears when they told me that forest fires are natural and good for the forests."

Health officials stressed that wildfire smoke should not be inhaled by anyone and could lead to short- and long-term complications. Officials said they were most worried about vulnerable groups such as people with lung disease, diabetes or Alzheimer's or who are pregnant.

"These particles cause inflammation in the lungs, but they also pass through into the bloodstream. They embed themselves in the walls of our blood vessels, and they still have inflammation there as well," said John Balbus, the acting director of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity at the Department of Health and Human Services. "For somebody who has really bad heart disease, they can trigger a heart attack - but for everybody, they can lead to inflammation and increase the threat of what we call atherosclerosis, of hardening of the arteries."

The warnings were echoed at the U.S. Capitol, where lawmakers said they shared public health experts' concerns and called for legislation to combat climate change.

"I urge every single American and Canadian impacted by the smoke to take precautions to stay safe and follow public health guidelines in their communities," Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the Senate floor.

It may take time to fully understand the impact of the current smoke cloud on the Eastern Seaboard, said Aaron Bernstein, a physician who leads the CDC's center for environmental health.

"When you breathe in wildfire smoke, you can get sick on the same day - many people do," Bernstein said. "But we absolutely do see effects several days [later] after people breathe it."

The smoke plaguing the Eastern United States has been sparked by devastating blazes that have upended life from coast to coast in Canada, swallowing homes and other structures, and forcing more than 100,000 people in nine of the country's 13 provinces and territories from their homes since early May, according to officials from Natural Resources Canada.

As of Wednesday, more than 2,200 wildfires had burned so far this year, according to Canadian officials. In the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia, unusually intense blazes this year have already scorched more land than has been burned in the last 10 years combined.

"This is a scary time for a lot of people," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters at a news conference on Monday, promising to do "whatever it takes to keep people safe."

If fire activity continues at the current pace, Canadian officials said this week, scientific modeling shows that Canada is on track to experience the worst wildfire season in its recorded history.

"People have said, 'Well, it's a new normal.' No, there is no such thing as a new normal," said Werner Kurz, senior research scientist with Natural Resources Canada. "The only thing that's normal right now is that with climate change the situation is going to get progressively worse."

The Canadian fires have also spawned some of the smokiest conditions in cities such as New York, Detroit and elsewhere that have been seen over the past two decades, said Marshall Burke, an associate professor in the Department of Earth System Science at Stanford University.

Scientists have detailed how a warming world can fuel more - and more intense - fires. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of some of the planet's foremost researchers, has said that unless humans drastically reduce the burning of fossil fuels, wildfire seasons are likely to grow longer and that more area will burn.

Lisa Patel, executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, which raises awareness about the health effects of climate change, said at the current rate, wildfire smoke could be the predominant form of air pollution many humans breathe by the end of the century.

"This is a reminder of what many of us in the health world have been saying for a long time: Climate change is going to affect all of us," she said.

West Coast-based officials said that images of the smoke-shrouded East Coast felt disturbingly familiar.

"A lot of us are remarking on that it's [like] a transformational day in San Francisco three years ago, when it never got light . . . [and] felt like being on the on the surface of Mars," said Wade Crowfoot, California's natural resources secretary.

In New York City, physicians grappled with the eerie sensation of being in a dust bowl. Ronald Crystal, a pulmonologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, said he could "barely see" nearby buildings out of his office window, and he was worried about the health effects of the bad air on some of his patients.

Experts on Wednesday said they were encouraging many of the same tactics that were recommended to fight the coronavirus pandemic, such as filtering the air indoors and wearing well-fitting masks as needed.

"A lot of the covid recommendations hold in this situation as well," said Peter DeCarlo, an associate professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University, although he noted that Americans in areas affected by wildfire smoke should keep their homes' windows and doors closed, rather than air them out, as experts encouraged them to do to reduce covid risks. DeCarlo also suggested that people in cars keep their windows closed and recirculate the air in hopes of removing particles through the car's air filters.

The experts acknowledged that some Americans had grown skeptical of public health advice in the wake of the covid outbreak.

"It's unfortunate a mask became so politicized during the pandemic," said Linsey Marr, an environmental engineer at Virginia Tech. "A good-quality mask . . . will definitely protect your health and reduce your exposure."

Marr said that a mask could help remove particles from the air but cautioned that it could not stop all "smelly gases," which is why some people "may still smell smoke" even when wearing a well-fitting, high-quality face covering.

"The mask needs to allow . . . oxygen to get through so you can breathe the air. But that doesn't mean it's not working," she said.

Lauren Cohen was one of those masked New Yorkers. She is 28 weeks pregnant, and her doctor advised her to wear a mask and not attend the Yankees game Wednesday night - a game later postponed.

"The world is burning, like this is not good, we need to pay attention to climate change and all of the things that are causing this," Cohen, 40, said. "It truly felt, like, apocalyptic last night, and it was like a glimpse into, if we don't do anything, then this is what the world is going to look like."

- - -

The Washington Post's Amanda Coletta contributed to this report.

Related Content

D.C. region suffers second day of dangerous air quality from wildfire smoke

Pat Robertson, televangelist who mixed politics and religion, dies at 93

D.C.-area carjackings have soared. Here's where they're happening.
New SNAP rules come as NH struggles to reach thousands eligible but not getting help

As anti-hunger advocates worry about new food stamp rules, more than 444,000 Granite Staters reported having too little food as of May 8.

About 1,000 older Granite Staters are at risk of losing food assistance under the debt ceiling deal signed into law Saturday, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Thats a new worry for anti-hunger advocates in the state as they focus on another potentially more significant concern: Only half the adults and children in the state eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are enrolled.

Laura Milliken, executive director of NH Hunger Solutions, said Tuesday that based on March enrollment data from the state Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 30,390 children and 145,461 adults in the state who are eligible for SNAP are not signed up.

In an analysis of 2021 enrollment data, the organization said 50 percent of those eligible for benefits were not receiving them. The percentage was higher in Rockingham County, at 64 percent, and significantly less in Coos County, at about 38 percent.

The under-enrollment has been attributed in part to the states lack of a SNAP outreach plan since 2017. In January, NH Hunger Solutions received $250,000 in federal money to initiate an outreach and awareness campaign.

As NH Hunger Solutions launches its outreach effort, it is watching for the impacts of the federal deficit deal, which will expand work requirements to people ages 50 to 54, who are currently exempt from them, but also make new populations eligible for food assistance without having to meet work requirements.

The state Department of Health and Human Services said last week that its too early to predict how changes to SNAP rules will affect New Hampshire.

Currently, 39,461 households are receiving SNAP benefits, said Karen Hebert, director of the Division of Economic Stability at the Department of Health and Human Services. According to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, the average monthly benefit prior to the pandemic was $186, and the average household size was just under two people.

In a 2020 analysis, the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute said increased SNAP benefits would not only reduce hunger but boost the economy. Quoting a 2019 report from the U.S Department of Agriculture, it said every dollar invested in new SNAP benefits would generate about $1.50 in economic activity when the economy is weak.

Under the existing rules, people between 18 and 49 who dont live with a child under 18 and are fit to work must work, volunteer, or be in an approved work training program for at least 20 hours a week. People who are pregnant, participating regularly in drug or alcohol treatment, or have a mental and physical condition that prevents them from working are also exempt.

Nearly 8,750 Granite State SNAP recipients are participating in work requirements, Hebert said. Its difficult to know how many qualify for an exemption, she said, because the federal public health emergency set aside work requirements until the end of the month.

Hebert said the department is monitoring developments and awaiting guidance from federal agencies that administer the program.

The debt limit deal expands work requirements in the first year of the budget to adults between 50 and 52 who do not live with dependent children. The age limit would increase to 54 beginning in the second year.

Meanwhile, more people, such as veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and homeless people, would be exempt from work requirements, which could make it easier for them to receive assistance over a longer period of time.

Together, those changes increase overall federal SNAP spending by $2.1 billion over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Extending the work requirements to older Americans would save $6.5 billion in that time, it said, but exempting more people from the work requirements would increase spending by $6.8 billion.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has estimated that as many as 1,000 Granite Staters between 50 and 54 could lose their SNAP benefits under the new rules if they dont qualify for a work exemption.

Milliken, from NH Hunger Solutions, opposes the expanded work requirements. She said research has shown that most SNAP participants who can work for pay already do. Evidence shows that work requirements take assistance needed to afford food away from people while having no impact on employment outcomes, she said.

This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH struggles to reach those eligible but not receiving SNAP benefits
The soldiers of the Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade pushed the occupiers near Bakhmut 1.2 km back on the width of 1.8 km of the frontline during the day.

Source: 3rd Assault Brigade

Quote: "During the day, the 3rd Assault Brigade has pushed the Russians from 1.8 kilometres along the frontline territories, and 1.2 km deep into the front.

As a result of the offensive actions of the 2nd Assault Battalion, the units of the 57th Russian Brigade and the Storm Z unit, which consists of conscripts, have suffered significant losses: nearly 30 occupiers were killed and 40 were injured."

Details: The Ukrainian troops also destroyed Russian ammunition storages, military equipment, specifically armoured fighting vehicles, tanks and artillery of the occupiers.

The soldiers remark that the occupying forces have been almost entirely pushed behind the canal, where their positions were located very recently.

Background:

On 5 June, the Ministry of Defence reported that the Ukrainian army was successfully advancing across a wide stretch of the Bakhmut front.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thanking the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade and the 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade, hinted that Ukrainian defenders had moved forward on the Bakhmut front.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
(Bloomberg) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as Pretoria considers switching the venue of an upcoming BRICS summit to avoid having to execute an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ramaphosa held talks with Putin on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the August gathering of heads of state from the five-member bloc, which includes Brazil and India.

The president will make another phone call to the president of China, President Xi Jinping this week, and will call Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in due course, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a minister in Ramaphosas office, told reporters Thursday after a cabinet meeting. For now, plans to hold the summit in Johannesburg remain unchanged, she said.

South Africas preparations for hosting the summit were upended by the International Criminal Courts decision to issue an arrest warrant for Putin in March alleging responsibility for war crimes in Russias invasion of Ukraine. As a signatory to the court, South Africas government would be obliged to detain the Russian president if he attends the BRICS gathering.

Read more: How BRICS Became a Real Club and Why Others Want In: QuickTake

The prospect of Putin coming to South Africa heightened investor concern that its close ties to Moscow threaten its relations with some of its biggest trading partners, including the US. Americas ambassador to South Africa last month accused Pretoria of contradicting its neutral stance on the war in Ukraine by supplying weapons to Russia, an allegation the government denied.

The geopolitical tensions have added to worries about the impact on South Africas economic outlook from daily blackouts and logistical constraints that are hampering exports, with the rand falling to successive record lows last month. The currency has pared some of those losses in June.

An inter-ministerial committee led by deputy President Paul Mashatile thats looking into the repercussions of a Putin visit met this week to finalize a report on the governments options, according to a person familiar with its deliberations who asked not to be identified because the information isnt public. Legal opinions sought by the government didnt identify any potential loopholes around the ICC warrant, they said.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana urged officials at the meeting to deal with the matter urgently to calm the markets, and is in favor of the BRICS summit moving to China, the person said. A spokesperson for the finance ministry referred Bloombergs request for comment to a cabinet spokesperson, who didnt immediately respond.

China isnt a member of the ICC, meaning Putin could travel there without fear of arrest. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor in a phone call this month that his nation is prepared to support South Africa in hosting a successful BRICS summit.

Chinese Support

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with South African Police Minister Bheki Cele in Beijing on Thursday, Xinhua reported. China is ready to work with South Africa to strengthen security at the BRICS summit and elsewhere, and push for the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, the news agency cited Wang as saying.

South Africas government drew international criticism in 2015, when it refused to execute an ICC arrest warrant for then-Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who had been indicted for war crimes and genocide, while he was attending a meeting of African leaders in Johannesburg. South Africas Supreme Court of Appeals ruled that the government had acted unlawfully and the ICC said it failed to comply with its international obligations.

South Africa and five other African nations last month proposed a new initiative to help bring an end to Russias war in Ukraine. Ntshavheni said Ramaphosa intends traveling to both countries to try and understand the preconditions for getting them to the negotiating table.

Ramaphosa held talks June 5 with other African leaders involved in the initiatiave, including Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The heads of state are available to travel to Ukraine and Russia in mid-June, the presidency said.

Pretoria would be willing to hold a peace summit between officials from the two countries, including their presidents, were they to attend, she said.

--With assistance from Nasreen Seria.

(Updates with timing of planned trip by African presidents in penultimate paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- South Africa will focus on fixing its dilapidated coal-fired power plants and the longer-term roll-out of at least 50 gigawatts of private renewable energy projects by the end of the decade to tackle crippling blackouts, according to senior officials in the nations presidency.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Africas most industrialized nation has been subjected to outages since 2008 because state utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. is unable to meet demand for power from its old and poorly maintained plants. The power cuts have intensified since last year, despite repeated government assurances that its tackling the problem, and there are fears they could get even worse during the winter months when electricity demand increases.

Repairs to Eskoms two newest power stations  Medupi and Kusile  and the completion of maintenance at its Koeberg nuclear plant will be prioritized, and the energy crisis should begin abating toward the end of the year, said Rudi Dicks, the head of the presidencys project management office. Plans to retire some old coal-burning plants that are still performing well can also be delayed until the system has been stabilized, depending on the pace that private generation is added, he said.

We dont want to go on discussing loadshedding, Dicks said in an interview at Bloomberg offices in Johannesburg, using the local term for power cuts. Put me in front of a wall and shoot me if significant strides arent made in addressing South Africas energy challenges, he said jokingly.

The electricity shortages have pushed up the cost of doing business, deterred investment and weighed on the rand and government bonds. With elections due to take place next year and opinion polls showing the ruling African National Congress is in danger of losing its national majority, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is under pressure to show progress in turning the situation around.

A government decision in July to remove the cap on how much power private producers can generate without a license is one measure thats gained traction. The project management office expects about 1,800 megawatts of private capacity to be added to the grid this year and substantially more thereafter.

Read more: How South Africas Blackouts Went From Bad to Worse: QuickTake

The breakout of Eskoms transmission business into a separate unit, which should have its own board appointed by the end of June, is also seen as encouraging the development of additional plants.

Were moving very quickly from a centrally planned energy system to a decentralized liberalized electricity market, Saul Musker, director of strategy and delivery support in the presidency, said in the interview. He envisions that between 50 and 60 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity will be added by 2030, which should be sufficient to replace about 24 gigawatts of output from coal-fired plants that are decommissioned, and meet additional demand, he said.

In the end, the best, the least-cost optimal energy mix for the country is a huge amount of wind and solar and battery storage, Musker said.

Connecting additional plants to the national grid will require an upgrade of the transmission system, which lacks adequate connections. The governments National Energy Crisis Committee has identified 25 transmission projects which could unlock new grid capacity in the short term.

Eskom has sought help from Berlin-based company 50Hertz Transmission GmbH to assist with addressing South Africas transmission challenges as they are similar to those the Germans experienced in the early stages of their own renewable energy program, Dicks said.

Eskom has longstanding plans to break out its transmission unit to help ease access for private producers. The appointment of an independent board for the unit is expected by the end of the month, a key step toward making it fully operational as a stand-alone entity.

The utility has meanwhile set aside 72 billion rand ($3.8 billion) over the next three years to fund its transmission development plan.

50Hertz will help undertake an assessment of the grid and consider ways of boosting its capacity, and we should really see at the end of this three-year period a lot more capacity from that grid-strengthening process, Musker said.

Read more: South Africa Says Private Firms to Add 4 GW to Grid by End-2024

--With assistance from Amogelang Mbatha, Antony Sguazzin and Arijit Ghosh.

(Updates to contextualize quote in fourth paragraph, adds detail on transmission system upgrade is last two paragraphs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta will review a Southern California school board's decision to reject social studies curriculum over its mention of gay rights hero Harvey Milk, he told the Southern California school district in a letter Wednesday.

The blue state's top cop pressed the Temecula Valley Unified School District for documents justifying its decision to block textbooks for first through fifth graders, and asked for information on its curriculum adoption policies. Bonta's office said it was "particularly concerned" by comments made by two members of the board's conservative majority, who repeated an age-old allegation leveraged by conservatives that Milk was a "pedophile"  without substantiating their claim.

"Not only could such statements reflect that the decision was motivated by a desire to erase from the history taught to students the contributions of a prominent and respected gay rights activist and leader, but they also suggest that the Boards action may have been tainted by discriminatory animus," Bonta's office wrote in the letter. "Moreover, the invocation of a long-standing, but discredited, trope designed to demonize members of the LGBTQ community is likely to contribute to creating (if not intended to create) a hostile environment for LGBTQ students and staff, in violation of their civil rights."

Bonta, Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Superintendent Tony Thurmond last week warned school leaders against restricting curriculum and cautioned that content rejections would be reviewed by the attorney general. The letter to Temecula is the first target of such a review.



In the Golden State, our kids have the freedom to learn  and there are consequences for denying that freedom, Newsom said in a statement Wednesday.

The Temecula school board, representing a politically diverse area north of San Diego, became a primary target of state Democrats' ire after Newsom took notice of its curriculum rejection over the weekend.

Newsom called out board president and community college professor Joseph Komrosky by name on Twitter Saturday and said his allegation against Milk was "arrogant." Milk, a former San Francisco supervisor, was one of the nations first openly gay elected officials and was assassinated at City Hall in 1978. A biographer wrote that he had a relationship with a 16-year-old in New York when the legal age of consent there was 14, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Komrosky was not cowed by the governor's callout. "Governor Newsom, I'm glad that I have your attention. Now you have mine," the board president said at a news conference Wednesday. "In this district, God willing as long as I'm a school board trustee, I will resist any attempts from any and all sexual predators from any kind of harm to our innocent children."

Conservatives gained majority control over the Temecula board during an election last fall, and have since passed a resolution bemoaning Critical Race Theory. The board has also hired a consultant to root out CRT  an academic theory examining racism's historical influence in institutions  from instruction.

A nonpartisan PAC critical of those members  and the conservative Christian PAC that backed them  popped up during the fall. Its leaders have been mulling a recall attempt, said founder Jeff Pack, but are waiting for the dust to settle after Newsom became involved.
A Washington County man has been sentenced to up to 100 years in prison for sexually assaulting two children, the Illinois Attorney Generals Office announced Thursday.

Joseph Smith, 33, of Ashley, was convicted of two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The case was prosecuted by the attorney generals Sexually Violent Persons Bureau, according to a news release. Smith was sentenced by Washington County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Gross. A jury convicted Smith on May 1.

Sexual assault and abuse of children can leave lifelong emotional scars, particularly when the abuse is perpetrated by someone in a position of trust, Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. I appreciate the judges decision, which will prevent the offender from abusing other children.

The two victims, 11-year-old and 12-year-old girls, reported the abuse at school, the release states. Smith was arrested and charged Jan. 7.

Assistant Attorneys General Bill Bryant and Vanessa Minson prosecuted the case.
Spains animation services and VFX industry is booming as never before, positioning itself as a leading hub in the global landscape.

With tax rebates firing up Spains audiovisual industry, the animation sector has produced 16 feature films, 72 seasons of TV series and 156 short films from 2020-2022, according to toon and VFX federation Diboos.

More from Variety

The 2019 Sergio Pablos-directed Netflix feature Klaus snagged seven Annie awards, while Alberto Mielgos The Windshield Wiper won the 2022 Oscar for animated short film.

Spanish animated features have also connected with international audiences: This year, Juan Jesus Garcia Galochas Mummies, from 4Cats and Atresmedia Cine, grossed $52 million worldwide, handled by Warner Bros.

Another strategy for international success consists in luring the interest of powerful foreign players to invest in local talent and resources.

Most prominently, Skydance Animation has landed in Madrid, while Frances Fortiche and In Efecto have launched operations in the Canary Islands. Fortiche came to Las Palmas in October 2020, with Remy Terreaux serving as animation supervisor.

We saw the potential to offer job opportunities to other talent outside of France, while maintaining our in-house know- how, says Herve Dupont, general director at Fortiche Prods.

Fortiches team in Las Palmas is currently animating Season 2 of Arcane, the Netflix-distributed action-adventure series based on online game League of Legends.

Spain has great potential in animation, both in terms of talent and in support of our industrial craftsmanship. It is very dynamic and is mobilizing for development of the sector, Dupont explains.

Based in Tenerife since 2019, In Efecto is undertaking the production of Disneys TV series Tara Duncan. It was attracted by Spains tax incentives but also by the creative spark of local crews.

Meanwhile, Skydance launched SkyDance Animation Madrid in 2020 after acquiring Ilion, the studio behind 2009 toon feature Planet 51.

SuperKlaus

With a maximum deduction of $22 million by project, Spains general tax regime offers a 25%- 30% tax incentive, higher in the Canary Islands (45%-50%), Navarre (40%) and the Basque Country (30% in Guipuzcoa and Alava and up to 70% in Bizkaia).

The incentives are contributing to the development of a solid offer of animation and VFX services, says Dario Sanchez at Tenerife-based 3Doubles, producer of Spain-Canada adventure- comedy SuperKlaus (formerly known as 4 Days Before Christmas), pre-sold nearly worldwide by Pink Parrot.

Thats the first point through which they come into contact with us, Sanchez says, noting the high quality of production.

Both points are consolidating our industry and complement each other perfectly, adds Sanchez, whose studio is working on Sydney and L.A.-based Flying Barks project 200% Wolf.

Animation and VFX represent 20% of Spains audiovisual industry jobs, with an annual turnover of 900 million ($990 million) in 2021.

Spain has also generated a large ecosystem of companies that export technology for animation and VFX productions. They include Solid Angle, whose rendering tool Arnold was used in Iron Man 3 and Gravity, and Next Limit, creator of Real- Flow software (The Lord of the Rings.), both sci-tech Oscar winners. Madrid-based El Ranchito, known for its visual effects work on fantasy blockbusters such as The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, was acquired last year by leading VFX house Fuse Group.

However, some challenges remain. The sector is under- capitalized. Also, theres a lack of available workforce specialized in animation and CGI technicians. This partially finds an answer in the 3,500 newly trained professionals that Spanish schools yearly bring onto the market.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Spectacular Hawaii volcano eruption expected to attract queues of tourists at national park

One visitor spotted 15 lava fountains, which were around 46m high (Public Domain)

The eruption of Hawaiis second-largest volcano is expected to attract long queues of tourists flocking to see this spectacular sight.

Active volcano Kilauea is found in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiis Big Island, and it began erupting on Wednesday night for the first time in three months.

Images of the dynamic scene were captured by the US Geological Surveys Hawaiian Volcano Observatory after a glow was detected on a webcam, signalling the eruption had begun.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane confirmed that the park anticipates hordes of tourists queuing for a view of the event.

Kilauea overlook was spectacular this morning, she said.

A spokesperson for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported: The opening phases of eruptions are dynamic. Webcam imagery shows fissures at the base of HalemaEumaEu crater generating lava flows on the surface of the crater floor.

A red aviation warning has been issued due to ash spewing out of the volcano, but there isnt thought to be a risk to the public at the moment.

Observatory geologist Mike Zoeller said: Were not seeing any signs of activity out on the rift zones right now.

The molten red lava lake is 1,300 metres wide and can be seen from several different viewpoints within the park.

There are several areas of pretty robust fountaining. Its just really, really pretty, Ms Ferracane said.

She is anticipating that scores of tourists will arrive at the park, which is open 24 hours a day.

To dodge the crowds, people are encouraged to try and arrive between 9pm and sunrise, but visitors must stay on marked trails for safety purposes and to avoid coming into contact with the volcanos gases as it erupts.

Volunteer park photographer, Janice Wei, caught a glimpse of the scene early in the morning of 8 June. She said she saw roughly 15 lava fountains, which were around 46 metres high.

Kilauea last began erupting in January and continued for 61 days until it ended in March.

Meanwhile, in November last year, visitors to the park were able to spot lava from the worlds largest volcano, Mauna Loa, alongside Kilaueas lava lake.
NEW YORK  Democrats are already pouring millions of dollars into reclaiming the New York City suburbs after a midterm drubbing last year that cost them control of the House. But there's one thing they cant plan for: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a wild card from their own party who is once again going against the political grain.

Many fellow party members, especially those on the far-left, believe Adams amplified concerns over crime last year by highlighting changes to New York state bail laws, thereby boosting the candidacies of four Republicans who flipped seats north of the city and on Long Island.

The mayor has since softened some of his rhetoric on public safety, but at the same time he has been stirring up resentment in these same districts with a program to bus asylum-seekers from Latin America to hotels around the state  bringing a divisive national issue to the doorstep of Empire State swing voters while criticizing the White House over its immigration policy.

Unlike in other parts of the country where a big city mayor might have little sway over suburban House races, Adams commands an influential bully pulpit. He is heavily covered by a robust media market that extends well into the contested suburbs, often appears on national television to discuss divisive topics and is not shy when he believes the Democratic Party should be following his lead on issues like crime and immigration.

Because three of the four districts in question have been rated tossups by Cook Political Report  meaning a slight nudge could tip them one way or the other  some Democrats are again concerned Adams and the broader Democratic Party are pushing in opposite directions.

The mayor is making the same dangerous mistake on immigration as he made on public safety, said Theo Oshiro, co-executive director for Make the Road New York and its affiliated political arm, a left-leaning nonprofit that is a member of the Working Families Party. He is essentially fueling this right-wing narrative of asylum-seekers as a disaster for the city.

Others, however, are hoping that Adams could be an asset this time around if he and the party can get more in sync on messaging.

I think there is a way to stress the importance of crime while also doing it proactively, and if [Adams] can make that little turn it could be a very useful tool for Democrats, said a House campaign aide who was granted anonymity to discuss strategy with POLITICO. The things he says get covered from NY-1 up to NY-19. And what he says is important  especially for someone who holds an almost daily type of news briefing.

But there is no guarantee that will happen.



The public safety election

Crime has been a perennial election issue. But 2022 was different.

After a historic drop during the pandemic, seven major crimes tracked by the NYPD began to increase, while New Yorkers concerns about the issue rose far more dramatically, outpacing historic norms.

Conservative candidates and editorial pages placed the blame on the New York Legislatures 2019 decision to end cashless bail for most low-level crimes. And as the midterms drew closer, Adams, a Democrat and retired NYPD captain, was among the loudest voices calling for the state to revisit these laws to curb recidivism. His position alienated him from many New York Democrats and endeared him to the GOP. And when lawmakers ultimately declined to crack open the laws for revision before the midterms, bail morphed into the marquee attack line used by the right to devastating effect.

In post mortems delivered to reporters, Adams mused that if Democrats had followed his lead and spoken more frankly about public safety, the results might have been different. And going forward, a key adviser to the mayor said Adams has no plans to remove crime from the core of his political brand.

We are going to stay on that message until the city is as safe as it can possibly be, said Frank Carone, the mayors former chief of staff and expected chair of his reelection effort. That doesnt mean that he is going to curtail that message because of pressure from the echo chamber of politics  he will continue to listen to the constituents.

A set of changing circumstances, however, could end up more closely aligning the outspoken mayor with his Democratic colleagues anyway.

By 2024, Adams will have been in office for more than two years and will be on the cusp of running for reelection himself. And because he has staked his political brand on public safety, he will have more incentive to talk up gains rather than highlight the problem of crime: So far this year, murders, rapes, robberies and burglaries are all down compared to the same period the year before.

In addition, a chastened Adams was notably less outspoken on the issue of bail during the states budget season this year. And in response to a proposal from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, lawmakers did indeed tweak state laws in May to give judges more discretion when someone is charged with a crime.

The new game plan

While Carone said some of the crime statistics are moving in the right direction, he cautioned it is still too early to know where the numbers will be a year or two from now.

Regardless, some National Democrats are hoping a reoriented Adams and the recent tweaks to bail laws  not to mention President Joe Biden being at the top of the ticket instead of Hochul  will take some of the focus off state policy and bring the crime conversation to the district level, where voters appear to have much more favorable views on public safety. A recent Siena poll found less than 30 percent of respondents felt crime was a serious issue in their own communities, though double that share thought it was very serious across the state.

Evan Thies, an outside advisor to Adams, said those who criticized the mayor for highlighting crime in 2022 tend to gloss over the idea that he also offered solutions  among them a surge of police in subways to combat transit crime and changing the states bail laws, which the Legislature ultimately did. If his colleagues were to more fully embrace his message, as Adams has said they should, they might find themselves in better electoral circumstances.

He is one of the few Democrats in the country who has taken the issue head on and has a lifetime of experience working on public safety issues, either as a police officer or civil rights advocate, Thies said. It gives him credibility on behalf of the party to show how a thoughtful approach to public safety can work, and why we dont have to make the false choice between safety and justice that many in the GOP party try to force us into.

Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.)  who consulted with Adams during his race  was the exception to the rule last year, winning out over his GOP challenger in a handful of contested races that were made even more chaotic by a court-ordered redistricting process. But his military background and endorsements from local law enforcement are not easily replicable, which is why Democratic strategists and their candidates are looking to go on the offensive in other ways.



The DCCC has already purchased billboard ads accusing New York Reps. Mike Lawler and Anthony D'Esposito, both newly elected Republicans, for failing to denounce a tweet from former President Donald Trump in which he called to defund the FBI. Nebeyatt Betre, a spokesperson for the DCCC, said the organization also plans to highlight Congressional Republicans efforts to rein in federal spending, which she argued would have decreased funding to various law enforcement branches.

Democrats will consistently remind New Yorkers of their commitment to keeping our communities safe, alongside their critical work of protecting families from Republicans deceitful and dangerous plans, Betre said in a statement.

No so fast

Lawler and DEsposito, who have not called for any decrease in FBI funding themselves, panned the billboards  and Democrats plans writ large.

The fact they would try to paint me as someone who wants to defund the police is the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard, said DEsposito, who served in the NYPD for 14 years. They are wasting their money  and quite frankly, I encourage it.

The first-term lawmaker said that many voters who formerly considered themselves Democrats on Long Island are now happy to support moderate Republicans, and that in his view nothing that has transpired over the last year would seem to change that.

Case in point is a recent series of high-profile incidents showing Democrats will not have an easy time convincing voters they have a plan to deal with crime, according to former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), who is running a political action committee to increase GOP turnout. While most categories of violent crimes in New York City are on the decline, Zeldin noted overall crime has remained steady as felony assaults and car thefts continue to rise, and retail thefts have caused store owners to put toothpaste and other everyday items under lock and key.

[Democrats] need to get stronger in fighting crime. They need to do more to back our men and women in law enforcement. They need to rollback pro-criminal laws and ensure prosecutors are doing their jobs and enforcing the laws, Zeldin said. Thats the answer. And any attempt to try to make it seem like they are doing a good job on all this, or to spin one or two crime categories  is going to upset voters even more.

The Legislature did go back to tweak bail laws. But they did not go as far as Republicans  and Adams  wanted by allowing judges to consider how dangerous someone is when deciding whether to set bail. That could end up being another black mark for Democrats.

I dont see any significant changes, Lawler said in an interview, suggesting the political landscape on crime has barely shifted since it dominated elections in 2022. [State Democrats] made a minor tweak to the cashless bail law, but we still do not have a dangerousness standard in New York, and we are the only state in the country that does not.



Another front in the battle

Over the last year, a new issue has climbed to the fore of the public imagination.

Since last summer, more than 72,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in New York City  the only major metro area in the country with a legal mandate to provide shelter to anyone who asks for it. More than 44,000 migrants are still in the citys care.

As new arrivals came by bus and plane, the city began filling up its existing shelter system. Then it began renting out hotels on an emergency basis. Now it is turning to nontraditional spaces like school gyms, warehouses and decommissioned prisons.

As the city reached capacity, Adams began pointedly criticizing the White House and Biden for failing to mitigate the immigration crisis  rhetoric that dovetailed many attacks from the GOP.

He then, however, started sending adult migrants to hotels elsewhere in the state to alleviate pressure on the citys system. That had the opposite effect, sowing outrage with Republicans and injecting national border politics into communities typically at a remove from the issue.

GOP incumbents defending their seats see immigration and the border as top concerns for voters  and can again point to Adams as a validator of their criticisms of the White House, even as he irks them with his bussing program.

Eric Adams has rightly been calling out the president and Democrats for failing to act on our border. And when it comes to cashless bail, he rightly called out the governor and Legislature for its failure to act, Lawler said. I give him credit for doing that. But its common sense. And by the way, thats where most voters are.

Some Democrats, however, see the mayors rhetoric as a wakeup call.

Matthew Hiltzik, a communications professional who was once press secretary for the state Democratic Party, said the mayors willingness to speak about thorny issues could help the left engage more broadly.

Its very important for the mayor and others to be speaking hard truths," he said. "There will be those who will disagree, but those differences of opinion can help lead to meaningful actions and solutions  while silence will just make things worse.

And one Democratic operative who was granted anonymity to speak with POLITICO said the problems Adams has been highlighting have been partially out of his control.

The Biden administration, for example, has balked at authorizing expedited work permits for asylum-seekers, declined to direct migrants to different cities after they cross the border and has thus far offered New York City only a fraction of what it has spent on the crisis  though the city is set to receive an additional $104.6 million per a Wednesday announcement. And Hochul, the New York governor, has declined to take a leading role in directing the flow of migrants to restive counties across the state.

In essence, while Adams is raising the issues, others in the Democratic party also bear some responsibility for fixing them.

No shit its not helpful. But to me thats a losers mentality, the operative said. We could pretend there are no problems in the world. But voters are not dumb.
The State Investigation Bureau of Ukraine detained the owners and top-managers of the concern that supplied the Russian military-industrial complex even after the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion. The organiser of the scheme, a former Ukrainian MP and a member of the Partiia Rehioniv faction (Party of Regions), has also been arrested.

Source: press service of the State Investigation Bureau of Ukraine

Quote: "Since 24 February 2022, the suspects have been supplied Russian with components worth over 160 million hryvnias [about US$4.3 million  ed.]," the report reads.

The activity of the concern itself was blocked in November 2022.

According to the investigation, the criminal organisation consisted of at least 14 people, including close family of the former MP, leadership of the industrial-innovative group of companies, and Russian citizens.

Background:

The State Investigation Bureau blocked the operation of the Ukrainian concern which continued to supply the Russian military-industrial complex even after the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. The property worth over 1 billion hryvnias [$27 million  ed.] has been arrested.

Law enforcement established that the industrial-innovative group of companies, which belongs to the family of the former MP, was supplying the state enterprises of Russia with effective and energy-saving equipment, needed for stable operation of oil and gas, mountain, metallurgical, chemical, coal and transport enterprises.

Among them were the structures of the defence-industrial complex of the aggressor state.

The concern was a runner-up in supplying the Russian companies, exporting 95% of products made in Ukraine.

After the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, the owners continued to cooperate with the aggressor, establishing the supply via foreign branches and Russian companies. These companies were commissioning the Ukrainian manufacturer allegedly for the needs of a third party from a mediator country.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
When she isnt preparing to become the first Black woman to travel with Jeff Bezos to space through Blue Origin, Aisha Bowe is securing legendary funding to fulfill her passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

According to BLACK ENTERPRISE, Bowe recently received whats nearly a billion-dollar government contract to further scale and grow STEMBoard. The $947 million contract was awarded by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to Exacta Solutions, which is a joint venture with STEMBoard.

Exacta Solutions will handle lifecycle acquisition management, strategic business management, and strategic financial management for NGA.

Bowe is pretty much Black girl magic personified as a former rocket scientist and a successful entrepreneur. As the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, Bowe is creating smart systems and solutions for both large-scale U.S. federal and private sector clients.

Now, she continues to soar to greater heights having been inspired by her early work at NASA to create more lanes in the field of STEM for underserved communities.

I am fully dedicated to hands-on involvement, she said. Its crucial for me to be present advocating for Black boys and girls, those of Caribbean heritage, and women business owners to demonstrate our presence in these fields. We can build multimillion-dollar companies, secure billion-dollar contracts, create educational games adopted by schools and retailers, and be acknowledged alongside others, enjoying equal opportunities.

Whats more, each opportunity has become a full-circle moment for Bowe.

In high school, I encountered a counselor who suggested I pursue cosmetology, she recalled. But deep down, I knew I wanted something more for myself. It was during my time at Washtenaw Community College where I discovered my passion for math and science. Determined to chase my dreams, I transferred to the University of Michigan, where I earned my bachelors degree in aerospace engineering and a masters degree in space systems engineering. These achievements opened the doors to an incredible chapter in my life as I embarked on a career as a rocket scientist at NASA. I realized that the only limitations you have in life are those you place yourself.

Her Success As An Entrepreneur

As a serial entrepreneur, Bowes first company successfully grew to have millions in revenue thanks to her commitment to bootstrapping and raising capital funding. She has also been included in Incs Female Founders 100 list and is the creator of LINGO, a hands-on, self-paced coding kit that teaches students to code from the comfort of their own home.
Hundreds of U.S.-bound passengers who were stranded in Russia after engine trouble have arrived in San Francisco on a replacement flight, Air India said.

The flight took off from Magadan, Russia, at 10:27 a.m. local time Thursday (7:27 p.m. Wednesday ET) and landed safely in San Francisco at 12:07 a.m. local time Thursday, the airline said on Twitter.

It said passengers were receiving maximum assistance with clearance formalities and other necessary support.

FILE - Air India aircrafts stand at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, April 29, 2011. An Air India plane flying from New Delhi to San Francisco landed in Russia after it developed an engine problem, officials said on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The plane, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members, landed safely at Russias Magadan airport in the countrys far east on Tuesday, Air India said in a statement. (Kevin Frayer / AP file)

Air India thanks government agencies, regulatory authorities, our staff and partners involved in supporting our endeavor to bring our passengers to SFO as soon as possible and in providing them care while they waited in Magadan, Russia, the airline added, using the code for San Francisco International Airport.

UPDATE: AIR INDIA FLIGHT AI173D TAKES OFF FOR SAN FRANCISCO FROM MAGADAN



Flight AI173D from Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne for San Francisco (SFO), carrying all passengers and crew. The flight departed GDX at 1027 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time) and is expected to  Air India (@airindia) June 7, 2023

The airline had been criticized over its decision to make an emergency landing in Russia amid geopolitical tension over the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted air routes. While U.S., European and Japanese carriers have stopped flying over Russia, Air India and other airlines have continued to do so.

The original Delhi-to-San-Francisco flight Tuesday was diverted to the remote port town in Russias far east after one of its engines developed a technical problem. Air India said that the plane landed safely and that local airport authorities extended all cooperation and support upon the flights arrival.

The airline sent a reserve plane Wednesday to pick up what it said were 216 passengers and 16 crew members on board. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said Wednesday that fewer than 50 U.S. citizens were on the flight.

Passengers had expressed apprehension over the situation and complained about the conditions. Air India, which has no staff members based in Russia, said in an earlier statement that while it made sincere attempts to accommodate passengers in hotels locally with the help of local government authorities, passengers were eventually moved to a makeshift accommodation.

We truly apologize for all the inconvenience caused, the airline said on Twitter.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The dancer says she is thankful for "all the support" as she starts treatment

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has given fans a positive update after she underwent surgery for breast cancer.

The 32-year-old spoke of her surgery success in an Instagram post on Thursday after the start of her treatment for the disease.

The dancer, from Caerphilly, revealed last month that she had been diagnosed with grade three breast cancer.

Co-stars and fans were among those wishing her well on social media.

"Step one to beating cancer! Rrrrrrready for this fight and more determined than ever to get back on the dancefloor," Amy wrote in an Instagram post shared on Wednesday afternoon.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtMb2VtoLfR/

Soon after, comments began appearing from friends, fans and fellow Strictly stars.

Tom Fletcher, one of her former partners on the show, said: "Sending you all the love today. Us Fletchers are right behind you."

Co-star Gorka Marquez replied "you got this", while Dianne Buswell said she was "sending all that energy your way my love".

Stacey Dooley, Zoe Ball and Helen Skelton all also commented in support.

On Thursday Amy added an update to her Instagram story saying her surgery had gone well, thanking the surgeons and nurses who she said were "utterly amazing".

Amy thanks the hospital staff who looked after her in a recent Instagram story

"Very sore but focusing on the positives they said the surgery went well! Thanks for all the support and messages," she added.

The star, who became a Strictly Come Dancing professional in 2017, revealed that she had breast cancer in May.

Amy, seen here on Strictly come dancing with contestant JJ Chalmers, has said she wants to get back on the dancefloor

Already a campaigner for awareness for Crohn's disease, Amy said she hoped sharing her diagnosis would help others and herself in her recovery.

"If I can try and turn this negative into a positive, it's going to help me get through this," she said at the time.

The dancer discovered the lump in April, a day before she was due to fly on her honeymoon to the Maldives with husband Ben.

"I was in the shower and I felt this hard lump in my right breast," said Amy.

"I was in shock. I checked again. I thought: 'Right, it could just be period-related, or so many things. I decided I was going to keep an eye on it for a few weeks."

She said one of her first thoughts was how long it would take her to get back on the dancefloor.

The star did not reveal the full details of her treatment plan, but thanked people for their support in her most recent post.
An 18-year-old arrested this week by a regional strike team is believed to be responsible for a crime spree and there could be additional victims, according to the Dayton Police Department.

>> Coroner IDs woman shot to death in her Kettering residence

Naimon Ewing was arrested Tuesday at his address, in the 800 block of Burwood Avenue, by members of the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team. He was taken to the Montgomery County Jail, where he remains on two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of robbery against individuals who came to Dayton to sell property.

According to James Rider, the police departments information specialist, the SOFAST unit, armed with a search warrant, recovered some of the items that had been stolen as well as other key evidence. He did not share details about that other key evidence.

Dayton police and the strike force suspect there are additional victims of Ewings who have never reported the crimes against them.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of Ewing is asked to contact the Dayton Police Department at 937-333-1232.




Stunned: Billerica resident opens up about diagnosis as breast cancer rates climb in young women

At 30 years of age, Sara OBrien, of Billerica, got devastating news. She had breast cancer.

It came as a shock to a young woman who was an athlete and prided herself on living a healthy lifestyle.

Your mind kind of goes blank a little bit when that first comes. And then theres so much anger that follows, right? Like why would this happen to somebody like me? I felt betrayed by my own body.

Unfortunately, its not all that uncommon, said Doctor Corrine Zarwan of the Lahey Cancer Institute. Were seeing rates of breast cancer in young adults going up.

OBrien just finished ten years of treatment that included a lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and a decade of taking hormone pills every day.

Doctor Zarwan told Boston 25 News, There are different biological factors with young women who had breast cancer compared to older women. They tend to have a more aggressive disease in many cases.

Since young women are not routinely screened for breast cancer, they need to be assertive about any physical changes they notice.

Its very important to listen to your body, added OBrien. If something seems off, theres no shame in getting it investigated.

Developing healthy habits overall is a good idea too, said Doctor Zarwan.

The simple things that we should all be doing apply here as well, getting exercise, eating well, maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding smoking for sure.

On Sunday, the Lahey Cancer Institute, where OBrien was treated, will hold its annual 5K walk and run.

The event has raised almost $4 million over the last 17 years.

Theres so much that patients need when theyre going thru cancer treatment, and a lot of it is either not covered by insurance or under-reimbursed, said Doctor Zarwan.

OBrien plans to lace up her running shoes and be part of the pack. Shell be cheered along the route by family and friends.

Im just so grateful for everything that has been, and Im also looking forward to the luxury of being able to get older.

Its not too late to get involved in Sundays 5K if youre interested in running or walking.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The Mygoma orphanage is located in an area badly affected by fighting

Nearly 300 orphans caught in the crossfire in Sudan's capital have been rescued in a daring and dangerous evacuation by humanitarian workers.

The evacuations were carried out following the deaths of 67 children at the Mygoma orphanage in Khartoum.

They died of starvation, dehydration and infections as fighting prevented staff from reaching the orphanage.

Khartoum has been hit by daily air strikes and heavy clashes between rival forces since 15 April.

The orphanage is in an area that has been at the heart of the fighting between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a risky operation, 297 children - about 200 of them below the age of two years - were taken by road to the relative safety of Wad Madani, in the south of Sudan.

Another 95 children, both from the Mygoma orphanage and other smaller facilities across the capital, were evacuated over the weekend by a group of local activists.

The state-run Mygoma orphanage was home to about 400 children when the war broke out in April.

It became too dangerous for many doctors and carers to reach the orphanage to look after the children.

Power and water cuts made the sweltering temperatures, reaching as high as 43C, unbearable.

Children, especially the youngest ones, started dying.

"We are losing them so fast. In recent days, we lost three children," Sudanese activist Sadeia al-Rasheed Ali Hamid told me earlier this week.

The UN children's agency, Unicef, said that 67 orphans had died at Mygoma since 15 April.

Local activists and international aid organisations were trying to get the children out of the war zone, but it was not easy.

Ceasefire talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah had collapsed and full-scale fighting had resumed.

Poor communication along the chain of command of the warring sides meant that securing safe access to the orphanage, and out of Khartoum, was difficult.

Transporting hundreds of children and babies was a huge logistical challenge.

But Sadeia tells me there was no alternative.

With a handful of local activists, she organised a private evacuation for the older children aged between four and 15 years.

"We extracted them from certain death to a fate that I hope is better," says Heba Abdullah, a carer from the orphanage who travelled with them.

This first convoy of minibuses set off during the fighting, passing several checkpoints.

On the front of the first minibus, a bedsheet was placed, with a message to the militias written on it: there are children on board.

The group was welcomed in a school in the town of al-Hasaheisa, south of Khartoum.

Heavy risks were taken to get the babies to safety

But beyond shelter and some food offered by the residents, there was very little assistance waiting for the children.

"We are working on the basis of a day's sustenance," Heba says.

"A short while ago, one of the neighbours asked me what we needed. She said she did not have anything to offer, but she will help," she adds.

The most arduous operation was getting the younger ones out.

Local volunteers and agencies including Unicef mobilised to get the children evacuated. Eventually, the Sudanese health ministry asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to organise a convoy of buses from Khartoum.

It was a gruelling four-hour drive, with the sound of fighting in the distance.

After spending six weeks trapped in a conflict zone, most of the children were severely malnourished.

"They were just so small in our arms when we were taking them," says Marina Fakhouri, an ICRC protection delegate who travelled on one of the buses.

"They just need a lot of care."

Upon arrival, some of them were immediately transferred to hospitals.

One child, who was too severely malnourished, died on Thursday morning.

The hope now is to find families that can foster the children.

"There's a list of foster families who have been prepared, who have been trained to stand ready to take them," says Mary Louise Eagleton, Unicef's deputy representative in Sudan.

"That's what's so extraordinary, it's really about communities coming together to help in this crisis. Even though so many people have taken in relatives, there are still so many people ready and willing to take in these highly vulnerable children."

About 13 million children are estimated to have been affected by the conflict and, as fighting continues, hopes for a quick and peaceful resolution are fading.

The evacuation of the orphans, says Ms Eagleton, was a much-needed glimmer of hope.

"It brought a bright ray of light to all of us."
After a decade of steadily chipping away at the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court actually upheld a piece of the landmark civil rights legislation on Thursday, ruling that Alabama had diluted the power of Black voters in the state.

The case concerned Alabamas new congressional district map, which was drawn after the 2020 census  and actually wasnt much different than the map it had throughout the 2010s. The state was split into seven districts, six of which were majority white and reliably voted for Republican representatives, while the last was majority Black and reliably voted for Democratic representatives. This skewed the states representation disproportionately, as 27 percent of Alabamas voting-age population is Black.

Civil and voting rights advocates challenged the new map in court under Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which prohibits any voting procedure (in this case, redistricting) that results in a denial or abridgment of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race. That occurs, the law adds, when minority groups have less opportunity than other members of the electorate to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice.

As it turns out, the Alabama map proved too flagrant in this regard even for conservative-packed courts. In Jan. 2022, a three-judge panel at the Federal District Court in Birmingham  which included two judges appointed by Donald Trump  unanimously ruled that the Alabama state legislature shouldve made a second district in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it.

That decision was appealed and in Feb. 2022 the Supreme Court did vote 5-4 (with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the three liberal judges in the minority) to temporarily stay the district courts ruling and keep the map in place for the 2022 midterm elections. This time around, Brett Kavanaugh joined Roberts, Sonia Sotomayer, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson in upholding the original decision to throw out the map.

Roberts wrote the decision in the case, saying: A district is not equally open, in other words, when minority voters face  unlike their majority peers  bloc voting along racial lines, arising against the backdrop of substantial racial discrimination within the State, that renders a minority vote unequal to a vote by a nonminority voter.

But Roberts  who, lest we forget, wrote the infamous Shelby v. Holder decision gutting the Voting Rights Act 10 years ago  also appeared to extend something of an olive branch to the four conservative judges he voted against this time. He insisted this opinion does not diminish or disregard the concern that Section 2 of the VRA may impermissibly elevate race in the allocation of political power within the states. That potentially leaves room to further chip away at Section 2, which the Supreme Court began doing in 2021 with a decision that curbed the ability of minority groups to challenge voting restrictions.

Still, the decision marked a rare victory for voting rights advocates, and Alabamas lone Black and Democratic congresswoman, Terri Sewell, celebrated it during an interview with CNN.

Im so happy that the justices saw the truth in the fact that that represents voter dilution and its black voter dilution, she said, adding: Everyones looking at this decision and I think that it will have a ripple effect, a positive ripple effect. It means that minority dilution is not going to be tolerated by the Supreme Court or by any court in the land and that is a huge victory.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
(Bloomberg) -- The US Supreme Court gave an unexpected boost to the Voting Rights Act, rejecting a Republican-drawn congressional map in Alabama and upholding a decision that requires a second majority Black district.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The 5-4 ruling marks a major turn for a court that twice in the last decade has significantly cut back the landmark law, enacted in 1965 to protect minority rights at the polls. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the three liberal justices in the majority.

Democrats and civil rights activists said the Voting Rights Acts Section 2 requires a second heavily Black district in a state with seven US congressional seats and a 27% Black population. Alabamas Republican leaders said the law doesnt require racial proportionality and gives lawmakers broad leeway to craft districts using racially neutral criteria.

Writing for the court, Roberts said Alabamas approach couldnt be squared with a 1986 Supreme Court precedent that sets out the test for redistricting lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act.

The Alabama case is not about the law as it exists, Roberts wrote. It is about Alabamas attempt to remake our Section 2 jurisprudence anew.

Read More: Racial Gerrymandering Meets Voting Rights in Supreme Court Clash

Given the states voting patterns, a second heavily Black district almost certainly will give Alabama a second Democratic representative. The state now has six Republicans and one Democrat in the House.

The decision could affect pending litigation over congressional maps in Texas, Louisiana and Georgia, as well as similar fights over state and local voting districts.

Kavanaugh Role

The Supreme Court put the lower court ruling on hold last year on a 5-4 vote, ensuring the Republican-drawn map would be used for the 2022 election. Kavanaugh was in the majority then, saying that it was too close to election to require a new map and that he wasnt making a decision on the merits.

In Thursdays ruling, Kavanaugh said Alabama was effectively seeking to overturn the 1986 ruling, known as Thornburg v. Gingles.

Unlike with constitutional precedents, Congress and the president may enact new legislation to alter statutory precedents such as Gingles, Kavanaugh wrote. In the past 37 years, however, Congress and the president have not disturbed Gingles, even as they have made other changes to the Voting Rights Act.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch dissented. Thomas said the Voting Rights Act doesnt require states to let Black voters control a proportional number of legislative seats.

The majority holds, in substance, that race belongs in virtually every redistricting, Thomas wrote.

Crucial Win

Section 2 outlaws election rules that discriminate on the basis of race. The Supreme Court has said in the past the law bars states from drawing voting lines in a way that dilutes the power of racial minorities.

Two sets of challengers said the GOP-drawn maps dilute minority strength in part by dispersing voters in the so-called Black Belt, a largely rural area originally named for the color of its fertile soil. A three-judge panel that included two Donald Trump appointees agreed, saying the map probably violated the Voting Rights Act.

Civil rights groups and the Biden administration hailed the ruling.

This decision is a crucial win against the continued onslaught of attacks on voting rights, said Deuel Ross, a lawyer with the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. Ross argued the case in October on behalf of one group of voters.

Todays decision rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections, and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Doug Jones, a Democrat and former US Senator from Alabama called the ruling an incredibly important decision not just for Alabama, but throughout the South where the minority population is growing maybe more than anywhere else in the country.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said through a spokesperson that although the majoritys decision is disappointing, this case is not over. As a formal matter, the high court case stemmed from a preliminary injunction, not a final judgment.

The state is still entitled to put on our full case at trial, and we are confident that the evidence will make clear that voters in Alabama, regardless of their race, have the same opportunity as any other members of the electorate to participate in the states political processes and elect representatives of their choice, Marshall said.

Still, Roberts opinion suggested it was a definitive ruling on HB1, as the state-drawn map was known. He said the three-judge panel faithfully applied our precedents and correctly determined that, under existing law, HB1 violated Section 2.

In a key part of the opinion, Roberts said the alternative maps offered by the suing voters were reasonably configured even though they split the Gulf Coast region in the southwestern part of the state. He rejected Alabamas contention that the region was a community of interest that had to be kept together.

And even if it was a community of interest, the district court found that plaintiffs maps would still be reasonably configured because they joined together a different community of interest called the Black Belt, Roberts wrote.

The ruling shows that there is life, power and teeth in Section 2, said William Roberts, acting senior vice president at the progressive Center for American Progress. Its a good day for voting rights and the protection of the Voting Rights Act and for the vindication of Black voters in Alabama and beyond: to know that the law can still protect the rights of voters, given what weve faced the last 10 years.

The case is Allen v. Milligan, 21-1086.

--With assistance from Kelsey Butler.

(Updates with additional reaction starting in 18th paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
In a surprise decision, the Supreme Court agreed that Alabama violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the Black vote when it drew new congressional maps following the 2020 census.

The 5-4 decision written by Chief Justice John Roberts found that Alabama Republicans improperly denied Black communities a second congressional district by packing them into one district and splitting them into other majority white districts. The decision was joined by liberal Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson and conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

The decision in Allen v. Milligan comes as a shock as the courts conservatives have repeatedly gutted the Voting Rights Act in cases over the past decade including Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee.

In his decision, Roberts firmly rejected Alabamas arguments in favor of a new race-neutral standard to govern racial gerrymandering cases brought under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as novel.

The heart of these cases is not about the law as it exists, Roberts wrote. It is about Alabamas attempt to remake our [Section 2] jurisprudence anew.

Alabama will now be required to redraw its congressional district map to provide for a second majority-Black district. The decision will have extended consequences too as both plaintiffs in Louisiana and Georgia claimed similar racial discrimination in redistricting in cases that were pending at the Supreme Court. This could lead to the creation of one new Black-majority district in each state.

The case came about after Alabama Republicans, who dominate the states politics, drew a new congressional district map that cracked the Black community across the historic Black Belt (named for its soil), splitting the predominantly Black city of Montgomery into three majority-white congressional districts while packing the rest of the states Black community into the 7th District.

The Supreme Court upheld the use of the Voting Rights Act to combat racial gerrymandering in Allen v. Milligan.

The Supreme Court upheld the use of the Voting Rights Act to combat racial gerrymandering in Allen v. Milligan.

Since Black people make up 27% of the states population, this map appeared to dilute the Black vote by not drawing a second Black-majority district. Black Alabamians, the Alabama chapter of the NAACP and Greater Birmingham Ministries filed a lawsuit alleging that the map violated Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act by not creating a second district where Black voters could elect someone who represented their interests.

A federal district court agreed with these plaintiffs by turning to Supreme Court precedent in the 1986 case of Thornburg v. Gingles. In Gingles, the court laid out a framework to govern how courts should judge Section 2 racial vote dilution cases. This framework demanded that Section 2 racial vote dilution cases meet three tests to prove that an additional majority-minority seat is warranted.

That test required plaintiffs to show that the minority population is, first, sufficiently large and geographically compact; second, politically cohesive, in that they vote as a bloc; and third, that the majority and minority populations are politically polarized.

The district court found that the Alabama case met all of these tests in the Gingles framework.

The state of Alabama appealed, arguing that the courts should overturn the Gingles precedent and affirm a new standard that judges Voting Rights Act cases on a race-neutral basis. This race-neutral approach would draw district maps by taking the average district lines created in a series of algorithmically drawn maps that did not account for race.

Roberts rejected these arguments and affirmed the courts prior precedent in Gingles. In doing so, he stated that the district courts decision showing that Alabamas map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was correct.

The contention that mapmakers must be entirely blind to race has no footing in our [Section 2] case law, Roberts wrote.

The state also argued that the court should stop hearing Section 2 racial gerrymandering cases altogether by claiming both that the Voting Rights Act does not apply to single-member districts and also that the 15th Amendment forbids race-based redistricting. Roberts rejected both of these arguments as opposing the courts decades-long precedent.

In upholding the courts precedent in Gingles, Roberts recounted the history of how a bipartisan law passed by Congress in 1982 forced the court to accept the use of non-explicit racial discrimination in Section 2 cases.

In 1980, the court ruled in City of Mobile v. Bolden that racial gerrymandering cases brought under Section 2 could only succeed if they showed evidence of explicit racial discrimination. The decision provoked a political firestorm and Congress eventually enacted a law overriding the court by stating that Section 2 cases can succeed if they show a disparate negative impact, rather than just explicit racism. The court then revised its Section 2 jurisprudence in Gingles.

What makes Thursdays decision in Allen v. Milligan so surprising is that Roberts, a staffer in Ronald Reagans Department of Justice, fiercely opposed the 1982 law that overrode the courts opinion in City of Mobile. He counseled Reagan to oppose the law as it moved through Congress.

But today he affirmed Congress intent in that 1982 law and rejected an attempt to overturn the Gingles precedent interpreting it.

The dissenters  Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett  would have it the other way. Thomas, in a solo dissent, reiterated his fierce opposition to the courts long-deplorable precedents on Section 2 racial vote-dilution gerrymandering cases.

At the outset, I would resolve these cases in a way that would not require the Federal Judiciary to decide the correct racial apportionment of Alabamas congressional seats, Thomas wrote.

But the court did not follow Thomas lead to overturn Gingles. While the decision is a rare win for voting rights advocates, the court did allow Alabama to use this illegal map in the 2022 election. And it breaks no new ground in expanding voting rights. For this conservative court, though, maintaining precedent can be considered a victory.
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 Thursday that Alabama violated a ban on racial gerrymandering.

The decision comes as a surprise to court watchers who expected the court to gut the Voting Rights Act.

Chief Justice John Roberts, who often rules against voting rights, wrote the majority opinion.

The Supreme Court held the line against racial gerrymandering on Thursday in a surprise 5-4 decision holding that Alabama violated the Voting Rights Act by creating congressional districts that discriminate against Black voters.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the court's three liberal-leaning justices in the decision, which held that the voting map used in the 2022 congressional elections in Alabama was illegal.

The ruling agreed with the findings of a lower federal court that "Alabama's extensive history of repugnant racial and voting-related discrimination is undeniable and well documented" and "Black Alabamians enjoy virtually zero success in statewide elections," noting that the state of Alabama hasn't challenged that conclusion in its arguments before the Supreme Court.

"The Court sees no reason to disturb the District Court's careful factual findings, which are subject to clear error review and have gone unchallenged by Alabama in any event," Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

The decision comes as a surprise to many court watchers, who expected the Supreme Court to gut the Voting Rights Act entirely. Right-wing justices currently have a firm 6-3 grip on the court. Roberts, who is often viewed as the most moderate justice appointed by a Republican president, has historically chipped away at voting protections previously enshrined by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In oral arguments last October, the justices appeared willing to make it harder to challenge redistricting plans as racially discriminatory under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In this case, he and Kavanaugh  an appointee of former President Donald Trump  joined Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson in upholding the part of the law that forbids racial gerrymandering.

Because of the ruling, Republican-led legislatures in Alabama and Louisiana will have to redraw maps so that they could increase Black representation. It was closely watched for its potential effect on control of the closely divided US House of Representatives.

The other four conservative justices dissented Thursday. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the decision forces "Alabama to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the State's population. Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it."

The Biden administration sided with the Black voters in Alabama.

Attorney General Merrick Garland applauded the ruling: "Today's decision rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections, and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race."

Evan Milligan, a Black voter and the lead plaintiff in the case, said the ruling was a victory for democracy and people of color.

"We are grateful that the Supreme Court upheld what we knew to be true: that everyone deserves to have their vote matter and their voice heard. Today is a win for democracy and freedom not just in Alabama but across the United States," Milligan said.

The US Supreme Court building. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The case stems from challenges to Alabama's seven-district congressional map, which included one district in which Black voters form a large enough majority that they have the power to elect their preferred candidate. The challengers said that one district is not enough, pointing out that overall, Alabama's population is more than 25% Black.

A three-judge court, with two appointees of former President Donald Trump, had little trouble concluding that the plan likely violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the votes of Black Alabamians. The panel ordered a new map drawn.

But the state quickly appealed to the Supreme Court, where five conservative justices prevented the lower-court ruling from going forward. At the same time, the court decided to hear the Alabama case.

Louisiana's congressional map had separately been identified as probably discriminatory by a lower court. That map, too, remained in effect last year and now will have to be redrawn.

Partisan politics underlies the case, and in a closely divided House of Representatives Thursday's ruling could have a significant effect. Republicans who dominate elective office in Alabama have been resistant to creating a second district with a Democratic-leaning Black majority, or close to one, that could send another Democrat to Congress.

The judges found that Alabama concentrated Black voters in one district, while spreading them out among the others to make it much more difficult to elect more than one candidate of their choice.

Alabama's Black population is large enough and geographically compact enough to create a second district, the judges found.

Denying discrimination, Alabama argued that the lower court ruling would have forced it to sort voters by race and insisted it was taking a "race neutral" approach to redistricting.

At arguments in October, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson scoffed at the idea that race could not be part of the equation. Jackson, the court's first Black woman, said that constitutional amendments passed after the Civil War and the Voting Rights Act a century later were intended to do the same thing, make Black Americans "equal to white citizens."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo: Getty (Getty Images)

In a Thursday ruling that virtually no one saw coming, the Supreme Court has decided not to take another sledgehammer to voting rights.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the three Democratic-appointed Justices in a 5-4 ruling to say that Congressional maps in Alabama were racially gerrymandered and diluted the votes of Black residents. (That means Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett all dissentedthe four horsemen of the apocalypse.)

Read more

The majority ordered that those maps be redrawn to create an additional majority-Black district; the state currently has only one such district out of seven, even though 27 percent of residents are Black. Still, the same court allowed this map to be used in the 2022 midterms, an election where Democrats lost the House by a razor-thin margin. (Kavanaugh sided with conservatives in that case and has since apparently changed his tune.)

Hours after the decision, Cook Political Report made five rating changes in House races, all in the direction of Democrats. They include two seats in Alabama, plus districts in Louisiana and North Carolina, which have similar lawsuits in the works.

WHOA! The Supreme Court's final decision of the day is a 54 ruling that AFFIRMS the Voting Rights Act's protection against racial vote dilution! Roberts and Kavanaugh join the liberals. This is a HUGE surprise and a major voting rights victory. https://t.co/qMN96f0FXr  Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) June 8, 2023

Here's the Alabama congressional map that was struck down today.



It packs African American residents from Birmingham to Montgomery to Tuscaloosa to Selma into one single district (=everything that's blue on this map). pic.twitter.com/AJ8WDuRPnU  Taniel (@Taniel) June 8, 2023

The case, Allen v. Milligan, was an attack on what remains of the Voting Rights ActSection 2, which prohibits voting rules that discriminate on the basis of race. Roberts himself has led this attack on the VRA: He authored the notorious 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder. In that case, the court struck a preclearance regime for voting restrictions in states that had discriminated against minority voters. (Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg famously wrote in dissent that [t]hrowing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.). Literally hours after that 2013 ruling, states including Alabama moved to pass further restrictions like voter ID laws.

First, this doesn't "strengthen" the VRA. It preserves the status quo. And the status quo is that this Court has done an A+ job of hobbling the VRA over the last 10 years.  Melissa Murray (@ProfMMurray on Spoutible  ) (@ProfMMurray) June 8, 2023

Incredible amounts of damage have already been done to voting rights, and this decision only preserves the status quoso, no, the court doesnt deserve that much credit for this move, although it is surprising. Certainly, most reporters, including myself, expected the case to go the other way and had to scramble to change our prewrites.

If I had to take a guess, Id say the courtand Justice Roberts in particularis seeing all the terrible polls and negative headlines and knows it still has several other big decisions to drop, including ones on anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ people, affirmative action, and student loan relief. It also already released an opinion gutting the Clean Water Act. This feels like a damage control offering for when pundits and reporters try to summarize the entire term; those people might be tempted to say the court isnt totally off the rails. And theyd be wrongits beyond time to reform this broken institution that strips rights away with almost no accountability, and one good decision doesnt change that.

Update 6/8/23, 3:45 pm: This post has been updated with analysis from Cook Political Report.

More from Jezebel

Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
The Supreme Court upheld an individual right to sue public nursing homes for violated rights protected under a federal law that sets standards for these institutions.

The court affirmed an appeals court ruling in a 7-2 decision that found a private individual can sue for rights protected by the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act through Section 1983 of the federal code, which allows someone to sue for their federal civil rights.

The case arose after a man named Gorgi Talevski moved into a county-owned nursing home in Indiana in 2016. Talevski had dementia that his family was unable to care for, but he was able to talk, feed himself, walk and recognize his family.

But Talevskis condition significantly deteriorated that year, and his family learned that the nursing home, Valparaiso Care and Rehabilitation, was chemically restraining him. The medications were later reduced and allowed him to be able to feed himself again.

The nursing home later asserted that Talevski was harassing female residents and staff and began sending him to a psychiatric hospital, according to the courts ruling. But it eventually tried to force him to permanently move to a dementia facility without notifying him or his family.

Talevskis wife, Ivanka, sued the nursing home, its manager American Senior Communities LLC and the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC), arguing that they violated her husbands civil rights protected by the federal nursing home law.

A district court approved a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, ruling that the provisions of the law could not be enforced through Section 1983. A federal appeals court reversed that ruling, finding that the law does unambiguously confer individually enforceable rights on nursing-home residents.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson writing for the majority agreed with the appeals court. She noted that the court has long considered Section 1983, allowing individuals to sue for violations of their rights secured by the Constitution and federal laws, to include all laws.

HHC argued that the word laws should only refer to civil rights or equal protection laws as Section 1983 was originally enacted in the aftermath of the Civil War and to specifically protect the rights of newly freed former slaves and their allies.

HHC argued that the federal nursing home law was enacted based on the Constitutions Spending Clause, which grants Congress the power to spend money. The law requires that nursing homes meet certain standards to receive funding for Medicare and Medicaid.

But Jackson rejected these arguments, ruling that the sections plain language means all laws are included.

HHC argued that the nursing home law essentially is a contract between the federal government and state governments, and third parties like Talevski would not have been able to sue for their rights at the time Section 1983 was put into effect.

Jackson ruled that the courts established principles reject this.

We have no doubt that HHC wishes 1983 said something else. But that is an appeal better directed to Congress, she said in the ruling.

An HHC spokesperson told The Hill that it brought the case to the Supreme Court because of its responsibility to concentrate its scarce resources on historically underserved populations.

They said HHCs goal was to understand from the court what the status of the law was on federal claims regarding nursing homes.

With the Courts definitive answer today that Medicaid-supported nursing home residents have both administrative and federal court remedies for alleged violations, HHC will continue to work to manage those operations safely and effectively and analyze the impact of the decision on those public resources, the spokesperson said.

Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented in the ruling.

Alito argued that the federal law already has a process for remedy in place for disputes and allowing lawsuits through Section 1983 would disrupt that.

By specifying limited remedies for federal authorities and tasking States with otherwise determining the consequences for violations, the Act creates a clear division of authority that ensures States retain their historical control over nursing-home regulation, Alito wrote. Allowing 1983 suits will upset this balance by allowing any plaintiff to demand damages regardless of the remedial regime that States establish pursuant to their explicit authority under the Act.

Thomas argued that legislation enacted through the congressional power to spend, like the nursing home law, does not secure any rights by law.

The Court must, at some point, revisit its understanding of the spending power and its relation to 1983, he said.

Updated at 6:24 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Supreme Court justices have ruled 5 to 4 that Alabama's Republican-controlled Legislature must draw a new election district that would be likely to favor a Black Democrat. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

The Supreme Court upheld the broad reach of the Voting Rights Act on Thursday, ruling that Alabama's Republican lawmakers are required to draw a new election district that would likely elect a Black Democrat to Congress.

In a 5-4 vote that surprised voting rights advocates, the justices rejected an appeal from Alabama Republicans and reaffirmed the principle of fair representation for racial and ethnic minorities.

The outcome could bolster Democrats in Republican strongholds across the South and potentially tilt control of the closely divided House of Representatives.

Writing for the court, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said Congress had amended the Voting Rights Act in 1982 to ensure that Black voters were not denied an equal opportunity to "elect representatives of their choice." The voting power of Black people would be "diluted" and made meaningless if nearly all districts can be drawn to preserve white majorities, civil rights advocates said.

Six of Alabama's seven congressional districts reliably elect Republicans, although about 27% of the state's population is Black. Last year, a panel of three judges said the state could easily draw a second compact and "reasonably configured" district that a Black candidate could win.

Joining Roberts to affirm that decision were Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Thursday's ruling in Allen vs. Milligan could have significant political impact, particularly across the South, from Georgia and Florida to Texas. These Republican-led states have resisted drawing more voting districts that would likely result in the election of more Democrats. The court's ruling will bolster legal claims that these election maps deny fair representation for Black or Latino people.

Given how closely divided the House of Representatives currently is, the decision could even shift control of the chamber, said David Wasserman, the U.S. House expert at the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. In addition to Alabama, new district lines could be drawn in Louisiana, South Carolina and Georgia and lead to the "creation of 2-4 new Black-majority districts, netting [Democrats] 2-4 seats," he tweeted.

The decision also applies to election districts for state legislatures, county boards and city councils.

Voting rights advocates hailed the ruling as a major victory, not because it expanded the law but because a conservative high court voted to preserve it.

Alabama Republicans had argued it was unconstitutional to draw new districts along racial lines.

The National Redistricting Foundation, an affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, called the decision a "massive win for voting and for voters across the country. Black voters in Alabama have long been denied fair representation  and todays Supreme Court decision in favor of voters marks a landmark moment to move the needle in the right direction," said Marina Jenkins, the group's executive director.

The decision came as a surprise in part because Roberts has been a longtime critic of the Voting Rights Act.

As a young lawyer in the Reagan administration, he opposed the 1982 amendments on the grounds that they would lead to "proportional representation" based on race.

He also led the court 10 years ago in overturning a key provision of the Voting Rights Act that had required Alaska, Arizona, seven Southern states and certain other jurisdictions to obtain clearance from Washington before making changes in voting rules or election laws. In a 5-4 decision in Shelby County vs. Holder, Roberts said this special burden was no longer justified.

In Thursday's ruling, he said the court was not seeking to change the law but to maintain it. He said "a faithful application of our precedents and a fair reading of the record before us" shows that Alabama must draw an extra district that could elect a Black candidate.

Since the 1980s, he said, the court has held that states must draw one or more districts that favor Black or Latino candidates when certain conditions are met. Those conditions include whether there are enough Black or Latino people to make up a voting district that would be "compact" and "reasonably configured." Another factor is whether voting is "racially polarized." Lawyers said that in Alabama, no Black candidate had a chance of winning in a white-majority district.

Last year, the three-judge panel applied those standards and ruled that the state must redraw its map to create a second compact, near-majority Black district. The judges, including two appointed by former President Trump, said the Voting Rights Act required giving Black voters a meaningful opportunity to elect a representative of their choice.

But last year, in a preliminary win for the GOP, the Supreme Court blocked that decision from taking effect.

Then, Kavanaugh voted with four other conservative justices to block the creation of the new district.

But the court agreed to review the case and hear arguments on the law. Kavanaugh then cast a deciding vote to join Roberts and the court's three liberals to affirm the lower-court ruling.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The U.S. Supreme Court will not consider a challenge to an offshore fracking ban in federal waters off the California coast, providing another win to environmental groups battling against specialized oil drilling in the Pacific Ocean.

Mondays High Court decision came a year after the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Santa Barbara-based watchdog groups contending that additional environmental analysis must occur.

The case centered on what some call fracking and acidizing, and others refer to as well-stimulation treatments at Californias offshore oil platforms in federal waters.

The Supreme Court was right to reject the oil industrys latest attempt to allow fracking and acidizing in our waters with zero meaningful environmental review, said Maggie Hall, senior attorney at the Santa Barbara-based Environmental Defense Center.

Environmental groups contend the methods threaten whales, otters and other animals in the Santa Barbara Channel.

Attorneys for EDC in Santa Barbara initially filed a lawsuit in 2014 to stop fracking and acidizing after discovering, through a series of Freedom of Information Act requests, that more than 50 permits had been issued by the federal government without any public or environmental review.

Specifically, the appellate court issued a 76-page summary and opinion in 2022 that the federal government violated the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act and Coastal Zone Management Act when it allowed fracking and acidizing extraction practices at all offshore oil and gas wells in leased federal waters in the Pacific Ocean.

The appellate court ruling encompassed three separate lawsuits against the federal governments approval of specialized oil drilling methods plus the inadequate environmental review.

The American Petroleum Institute, ExxonMobil and DCOR, LLC, which intervened as defendants in the case, had asked the Supreme Court to review the Ninth Circuits decision.

Access to the vast energy resources offshore is essential for meeting the growing demand for affordable, reliable energy while achieving our climate goals, Holly Hopkins, API vice president of upstream policy, said in a written statement provided to Noozhawk on Monday .

API will continue to work with policymakers to advance opportunities that allow for the safe and responsible development of the Outer Continental Shelf.

The U.S. Department of Justice, representing the federal defendant agencies, opposed the petition for review.

Todays decision affirms the importance of assessing the impacts of offshore fracking on Californias marine wildlife, fisheries, and coastal communities, said Ted Morton, executive director of Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. With ever-mounting threats to ocean ecosystems from climate change, it is essential that federal agencies adequately evaluate the risks of oil and gas development on marine resources.

The appellate ruling had noted the lack of toxicity data for 31 of the 48 distinct chemicals used in offshore well-stimulation treatments.

Environmental groups contend at least 10 chemicals routinely used in offshore fracking could kill or harm a broad variety of marine species, including marine mammals and fish.

The Ninth Circuits decision said that Department of Interior officials disregarded necessary caution when granting permission for fracking practices.

Californias amazing coast and vulnerable marine life deserve this victory, which will protect the ecosystem from the many dangers of offshore fracking, said Kristen Monsell, oceans legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

The fracking ban will help prevent more toxic chemicals from poisoning fish, sea otters and other marine life. But our ocean wont be truly protected until offshore drilling stops once and for all. We hope this is the beginning of the end of drilling off Californias coast.

Hall said EDC remains concerned the threat of specialized drilling methods remains since the oil industry says the methods are crucial.

I think going forward we hope to really see our energy spent on renewable energy and not getting at extracting the last bit of oil out of these wells and continuing to perpetuate the problems of fossil fuel, especially now in this climate crisis that were in, Hall added.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com .
A man accused of killing a witness in former Dallas police officer Amber Guygers murder trial in 2019 has been transferred to Dallas County after spending time in a Louisiana prison on unrelated charges, officials said.

Thaddeous Green, 26, was booked into the Dallas County Jail on May 18, according to police records, and faces a charge of capital murder in the death of Joshua Brown.

Brown was fatally shot the night of Oct. 4, 2019, in the parking lot of the Atera Apartments near the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas, police said.

Two other suspects, Michael Mitchell and Jacquerious Mitchell, were taken into custody less than a week after the shooting. Police said Green shot Brown during a drug deal.

Jacquerious Mitchell was wounded in the confrontation with Brown. He told detectives that Green contacted Brown about a drug deal and traveled with the two other suspects from Alexandria, Louisiana, to meet Brown, police said.

Green and Brown got into a fight at Browns apartment complex, according to police. Brown shot Jacquerious Mitchell in the chest when he got out of the car, police said. Green is accused of shooting Brown and taking his backpack and gun.

Brown was 28 at the time of his death. He was the former neighbor of Botham Jean, the man who was fatally shot in his own apartment by Guyger in September 2018.

Brown testified in court at Guygers murder trial on Sept. 24, 2019, just days before he was fatally shot.

Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years.

Court records show that Michael Mitchell, 35, pleaded guilty in November to murder in connection with Browns death and was sentenced to 40 years. Jacquerious Mitchell, 23, is awaiting trial on a capital murder charge and is still in the Dallas County Jail.

Greens bond was set at $2 million for the capital murder charge, according to jail records, but he cannot be released on bond because of the unrelated charges he was serving prison time for in Louisiana.

Green was arrested in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, on Dec. 19, 2021, and convicted of using a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance and escape from the custody the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, according to court records.

Green pleaded guilty to both charges and a Louisiana judge sentenced him to six years in prison. Its not clear if that sentence would run concurrent of any time he would receive if convicted of Browns murder.
Chinese-invested expressway starts construction in Cambodia

People's Daily Online) 09:27, June 08, 2023

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen attends the ceremony to mark the start of the expressway's construction. (Peoples Daily Online/Zhao Yipu)

An expressway linking Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with Bavet city, Svay Rieng province in Cambodia started construction on June 7.

Funded by China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 135.1-km expressway will be completed in four years. The four-lane expressway will be first operated by the Chinese company for 50 years, after which will be delivered to the Cambodian side.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian attended the ceremony to mark the start of the expressway's construction.

The Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway is another fruit of cooperation between Cambodia and China, and its implementation shows that there is enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries, said Hun Sen.

The expressway will improve the efficiency of logistics between Phnom Penh and Bavet, lower the costs, and reduce travel time between regions along the route. The expressway will play a crucial role in boosting Cambodias economic growth, Hun Sen noted.

Wang said 2023 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The project is not only a symbol of friendship and cooperation between China and Cambodia, but also an important result of the alignment between the BRI and Cambodia's Rectangular Strategy, he said.

Du Fei, chairman of China Road and Bridge Corporation, said more than 5,000 local people are expected to be employed during the construction, and nearly 10,000 jobs will be created because of the expressway. During the 50 years of operation by China Road and Bridge Corporation, the project can provide more than 1,000 jobs for local people each year.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Sutter Middle School received another reported threat Thursday morning, the schools principal said in a message to families, marking the second such incident in four days at the East Sacramento campus.

Principal Cristin Tahara, in a series of emails to parents throughout the school day Thursday, said administrators and law enforcement have determined that threats made via social media and that prompted police response Monday and Thursday were not credible. Tahara described the threats as a hoax perpetrated by a small group of students.

Authorities believe that group of students, which Tahara said included one student from a different school, created a fake social media account and impersonated another Sutter Middle student to make the threats, Tahara said in an email Thursday afternoon. Tahara did not identify the other involved school.

Unfortunately, we are investigating another threat that just came to my attention, Tahara wrote in an email sent to parents earlier, at 8 a.m. Thursday. We believe that these threats are a result of a fake social media account and aimed to implicate student attacks.

The school at 3150 I St. was put on a precautionary lockdown Monday following a threat, Tahara told parents in an email Monday afternoon. Sacramento police responded to the school Monday and did not locate a credible threat, Tahara said, and normal instruction resumed.

In an update just after 10 a.m., Tahara said school officials and law enforcement determined it is safe to conduct normal school activities through the remainder of the day, and that instruction would continue Thursday with police a visible presence through dismissal at the campus.

Tahara in another update sent just before 11:15 a.m. said the school is working with the districts office of safe schools to determine appropriate safety response for the remainder of the school year. The principal also said support staff are on campus Thursday to provide services for those experiencing anxiety or trauma.

Taharas emails on Thursday did not describe the threat further, but said police and school officials were working to determine the threats credibility and whether it was connected to Mondays incident.

Detectives are investigating threats made on social media against the campus, the Sacramento Police Department said in a statement, and officers are working with school staff on safety measures.

Sacramento City Unified School District spokesman Alexander Goldberg in an emailed response referred requests for comment to the Police Department.

We take all threats seriously and are following protocols and thoroughly investigating, Taharas first email Thursday morning continued.

Tahara in her messages to parents said anyone found to be making threats would not be allowed to return to school for the rest of this school year, in addition to any consequences they may face from law enforcement.

The school adjourns next week for summer break, with the last day of school on June 15.
Swimmer vanishes trying to save kids from rip current, Florida cops say. Body now found

UPDATE: The body found in the water off the Florida coast later was confirmed to be missing swimmer Mykhailo Myroshnychenko, the Neptune Beach Police Department told McClatchy News in an email.

The original story is below.

A 19-year-old swimmer vanished while trying to save three people caught in a rip current off the Florida coast, officials said.

Now, a body found floating in the water matches his description, the Neptune Beach Police Department wrote June 7 on Facebook.

An official identification has not yet been made, though the body matches the age, sex, race, clothing description and other characteristics of missing swimmer Mykhailo Myroshnychenko, police said.

Myroshnychenko, a refugee from war-torn Ukraine, was known for his laughter, his brother Victor Myroshnychenko told WTLV. He disappeared about a week before what would be his 20th birthday.

Mykhailo Myroshnychenko was last seen going into the ocean at about 8 p.m. on June 6. He was trying to assist an adult male and two children who were struggling in a rip current off Neptune Beach, officers wrote.

Though all three people who Myroshnychenko tried to save got back to shore, he didnt resurface. Several agencies searched for him throughout the night before a persons body was found early June 7 in nearby Atlantic Beach, police said.

While officers didnt share an official identification in the tragic case, they say Mykhailos family has been notified and is in contact with the Duval County Medical Examiners Office.

The Neptune Beach Police Department didnt immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on June 8. The town is in the Jacksonville area, where officials said another missing 19-year-old swimmer recently was found dead.

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that happen on the coasts of the U.S. and in the Great Lakes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

About 100 people are killed by rip currents each year in the U.S., NOAA reported. Lifeguards rescue thousands of people from rip currents annually.

Experts say people can take steps to stay safe from rip currents, including:

Check the local water conditions before getting in.

Talk to a lifeguard at the beach about the conditions.

Only swim at beaches where lifeguards are present.

Dont assume great weather means good swimming conditions.

4-year-old found dead in pond after family dog is seen swimming alone, Florida cops say

Paddleboarder finds body of missing 19-year-old swimmer in water, Florida cops say
The merger of Credit Suisse into UBS has raised concerns in Switzerland (Fabrice COFFRINI)

Switzerland's parliament will probe the government-orchestrated takeover of the stricken Credit Suisse bank by larger rival UBS, in an extremely rare move, following a vote on Thursday.

A parliamentary commission of inquiry will be established to shed light on how the Swiss authorities rapidly stitched together the merger of the wealthy Alpine country's two biggest banks over a weekend in March.

After the lower house of parliament voted unanimously Wednesday in favour of creating the rare commission of inquiry, the upper chamber, or Council of States, voted 37-5 for it on Thursday.

The commission will examine "the legality, opportunity and effectiveness of the activities" of the Swiss authorities in the takeover. It will report on "gaps observed at the institutional level".

Like UBS, Credit Suisse was among 30 international banks deemed too big to fail due to their importance in the global banking architecture.

But the collapse of three US regional lenders in March left Credit Suisse looking like the weakest link in the chain and its share price plunged more than 30 percent on March 15.

The Swiss government, the central bank and the financial regulators then stepped in and strongarmed UBS into a $3.25-billion takeover announced on March 19 before the markets reopened the following day.

The government feared Credit Suisse would have quickly defaulted and triggered a global banking crisis that would also have shredded Switzerland's valuable reputation for sound banking.

The commission will be composed of 14 lawmakers -- seven from each house of parliament -- with all the major parties represented. They will be nominated next week. It will have a budget of five million Swiss francs ($5.5 million).

With a broad remit, it will be able to decide the extent of its investigations and could trawl back over several years. There is no time limit but the commission will probably last more than a year.

The government said Friday it would give its "full support" to the commission, deeming it "useful and necessary to examine in detail" the events behind the emergency rescue.

It will be only the fifth parliamentary committee inquiry ever held in Switzerland.

The last was in 1995 and investigated failures surrounding the Federal Pension Fund.

It is the "most powerful" tool at parliament's disposal, said Le Temps newspaper, with the authority to consult the government's confidential minutes and question senior officials.

The merger of Credit Suisse into UBS, which should be finalised on June 12, raises serious concerns in Switzerland around jobs, competition and the size of the resulting bank relative to the Swiss economy.

noo/rjm/vog/lth
From Syrian refugee to DePaul Law graduate: How he survived torture during revolution before fleeing to Chicago

CHICAGO -- He says he cant really describe torture or the night terrors that still creep up on him years later, but hell try. He starts out with a picture: a prison cell the size of a rug and a creaky door that he couldnt help but stare at. Every time it opened, he knew hed either be released or tortured once again.

When Emad Mahou tells the story of being imprisoned in Syria during the 2011 revolution, his voice has a heaviness, unlike the joy he exhibits when talking about not knowing how to order a Subway sandwich when he arrived in Chicago as a refugee.

With his hands he demonstrates the ups and downs of the last 12 years  from being released and offered refuge in America to graduating from the DePaul University School of Law. As his wife, 8-year-old daughter and his father stood in the stands, he walked across the stage with hopes of practicing human rights law to help other refugees coming into the country.

Mahous father, Shirkou Mahou, flew in from Lebanon to attend the May 20 ceremony on a visit visa.

Im seeing a part of my dad I didnt see before, Mahou said. Hes an old man. When I left he was much stronger, much younger.

On a May afternoon, days before the graduation ceremony, Mahous dad was sitting next to him on a couch in one of DePauls Loop campus law buildings, wearing a brown suit, white shirt and a prayer hat on his head.

Its his first time in America. His first time seeing his sons new life up close  so different from the life he left at age 21.

He cried audibly every now and then, especially when Mahou would translate for him into Arabic parts of what he was sharing about the Syria of his childhood versus the Syria he left behind.

I grew up in a loving, very beautiful, family-oriented environment. I miss going to my grandmas sisters house  my dads khalto, Mahou said. Life is so simple there. Wed all be sitting around this heating machine that burns oil and were sitting and playing cards and talking and telling stories, and its already 11 oclock. Kids will be sleeping on the bed or on the sofa and adults will be talking and its the middle of the winter. And that is almost a nightly thing.

Syria today is a country torn by civil war and I hate to say that, Mahou said. To leave my town, you have to go through a checkpoint where there is a tank and they will pull you over if youre wanted, and they will shoot you on the side of the road like a dog. Who lives like that? My cousin was pulled out of a bus and shot. Thats the Syria I left.

Somehow they got a tip that I might be hiding in this area

Mahou and his father were part of the rebellion during the Syrian revolution, which started roughly in February 2011 with the early stages of protests against Syrias government, which was led by President Bashar Assad. The rebels, as they called themselves, were taking to the streets to object to the authoritarian tactics of Assads regime, which was known for its pervasive censorship, surveillance and brutal violence against those who disagreed.

The uprising was noncombative at first, Mahou said, but by March, hubs of protesters were frequently met with heavy military weaponry.

Mahou said he and his family always had a target on their back, dating to when his paternal grandfather refused a high-ranking government appointment by Assads father. Mahou said his father was arrested several times for protesting, as was he.

During a raid toward the second half of 2011, military police came looking for Mahou. At that time, Mahous resistance entered a new phase. He was tapped by media outlets, likely because of his strong English skills, and became sort of a boots on the ground source, though his face and name were hidden anytime he was on air with reporters.

Mahou was hiding at a distant cousins house. She was a widow without children, therefore her home was an unlikely place for police to come barging in.

But somehow they got a tip that I might be hiding in this area, Mahou said. I was watching from the third-floor window and thinking ... theres no way Im making it out of there. I see a truck full of army men coming and Im like, Oh my God, what am I going to do? Im gonna get killed. From the roof, I jumped from her building onto the building next door and twisted my foot.

Mahou hid in a water tank until the sounds of footsteps and clunking AK-47s subsided.

Its like a movie  you wont believe what happened to us. And this is a story out of millions of stories similar to this, he said.

In October 2011, United Nations human rights officials estimated that more than 3,000 people were killed since the start of the protests in March, including nearly 200 children.

Mahou said from 2011 to the present day, he lost several loved ones.

Sitting forward in his seat, Mahou starts counting on his fingers, his immediate family members who died in protests, run-ins with military police and in jail.

He shows eight fingers. He then starts counting extended family, but quickly stops. Ill get to like 50 people if I keep going, he said.

His father, upon hearing the names of those who died, starts crying again.

It got to a point where mentally I was broken

Mahous memories of some of his arrests are blurry, except for one in which he was detained and tortured for three months. In June 2011, he said he spent 100 days in an underground cell the size of a rug. He didnt know it when he was thrown in, but this would also be the last time hed be imprisoned.

The torture was really over the limit at that point. I was really struggling with the pain, Mahou said. It was daily, continuous, degrading. One day in particular, they took turns urinating on me. It got to a point where mentally I was broken. You smell yourself and I felt really, really bad. I am used to a nice life. I showered daily. I was in college to be an architect.

Mahou stops and reminds himself that he had a full life in Zabadani, Syria, before the revolution. They all did.

At that point, I was almost done with college and I had a whole future ahead of me. And I just looked at where I am now. That day was my weakest day mentally. I was shattered. The humiliation went too far  like theyre using you as a toilet ... so I banged my head on the wall.

Mahou recalled falling to the ground after that and feeling the door open.

He felt a breeze. He remembered his cat, Sasha; he visualized the marble tiles of his familys home, the comforting chaos of his kitchen, his mom cooking a meal. It was a message that I shouldnt be dying here today. And I didnt die. I made it all the way out of Syria and I made it to Chicago, he said.

We all have those moments when you remember something and it saves you, Mahou said. I dont think God talks to us directly but I think God can guide us somehow. I think that was probably my guidance that, you know what, youre not dying here.

Thats when he was released from prison. But knowing that he could get picked up again by another security branch, Mahou, like many others in the rebellion, needed an escape.

Syrian security services began to increase pressure on activists and crack down on protesters. With the help of fellow rebels, Mahou was escorted to the southern border of Syria, where he fled to Jordan.

In Jordan, Mahou did what millions of people fleeing countries do: He registered as a refugee with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a United Nations refugee agency.

Refugees who are in the system can indicate their goals for resettlement, which for Mahou was the United States. Though it could take many months  years even  for an individual to get through the queue.

Mahou was connected with the U.S. Embassy in Amman shortly after his arrival in Jordan. He described to embassy staff how his work with Syrias opposition-affiliated media presented dangers to his personal safety in Jordan as well as to his family still in Syria. The embassy ultimately was able to work with the UN refugee agency to expedite his resettlement in Chicago.

Mahou was in Jordan from December 2011 until July 26, 2012, when he arrived at OHare International Airport.

Is there a point when I am no longer not from here?

When Mahou landed in Chicago, he had two small bags of belongings, $100 and a sealed envelope with do not open in bold letters across the front.

The official documents explaining his refugee status, he later learned, were only to be opened by immigration officials. After what felt like ages, Mahou said his documents were stamped, his fingerprints taken, his picture taken and he was free to pass the checkpoint.

You know how in Terminal 5 there are two exits? I had no idea where I was going or what I was doing, Mahou said. And I speak English, but it was not this English  not law school English. It was my English in 2011.

He said he walked out and spotted a representative from World Relief, the organization assigned to Mahous relocation services, holding a sign with his name. The World Relief representative reached into his pocket and gave Mahou $103 in cash after showing him a check of the same amount addressed to the organization.

So now I have $200  like, wow, I got some money, Mahou said with a laugh. I still remember how I spent those $200.

He was taken to a studio on Kimball Avenue, not far from the airport. It was $550 a month. Mahou said the U.S. government paid one month of the rent, World Relief paid half a month, and then he was on his own.

There was a kitchen, a table, two chairs, a twin bed mattress, one cover, one spoon, one fork, one knife, one shaving blade, one frying pan, Mahou said. And that whole night I was looking out the window and watching the airplanes because I couldnt drown them out. I was so far from home. I think I just sat there crying all night.

Very quickly, a disastrous attempt to order a Subway sandwich, a daunting bus ride where the driver wouldnt take the $5 Mahou was handing over, a costly T-Mobile 4G hot spot and more Subway sandwiches later, he ran out of money. He didnt have a resume because he worked at his fathers business all his life, but he still put on his dads old suit. His first job in America was providing wheelchair service in OHares Terminal 5. Something about it just felt safer than it had a month ago, Mahou said.

In 2013, while Mahou was still figuring out Chicagos color-coded train lines, his mom and now 25-year-old sister relocated to Lebanon and his father followed them a year later after being detained by the Syrian regime. According to the United States Institute of Peace, the Syrian conflict displaced an estimated 13 million people with over 6.2 million Syrians internally displaced. Approximately 5.6 million refugees now live in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.

Mahou said he was in touch with his family as much as he could be.

He started attending community college at Harry Truman toward a degree in computer science in the fall of 2013, before transferring to DeVry. In 2017, he got a job as a web developer for the board of trustees at DePaul University. There he met law professor Craig Mousin, who sat in an office across from Mahou.

Mousin said when Mahou realized that he taught at the law school and that his specific area of teaching was asylum and refugee law, it piqued his interest.

Emad has intimate knowledge of how governments can use all the power and authority they have to stifle dissent, Mousin said. And sometimes in doing asylum and human rights cases, theres this built-in assumption that governments would not hurt their own citizens. And sometimes its very difficult for people in the United States who live with relative freedom to understand that. Emads felt the brunt of that failure.

With Mousins guidance, Mahou tapped into his experience of standing up for freedom in Syria and what he calls a rebel mentality to figure out that what he actually wants to do isnt web development, but rather become a lawyer. On May 20, he earned his juris doctorate.

I really want to learn about other peoples experiences in the system, said Mahou, who now lives in Oak Park. People who are fleeing persecution, traveling through dangerous paths to seek refuge, those are the people I want to help.

Mahou said hes now studying for the bar exam but was fortunate to get a taste of the kind of cases he would like to work on when he enrolled in DePauls Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic, where he helped put together an asylum petition for a family.

As Mahou recounts his tale, he shares that hes seen his parents for a total of 20 days since 2011, during short visits to Lebanon. And now he was making up for lost time.

His father said it was OK that he had such limited time with his son. Alhamdulillah for everything, he said. Im grateful to God for his life.

Mahou agreed, though he wished some things could be different. Or maybe just easier.

He said for every person who looked at him like a Pokemon walking around when hed stumble through ordering food, paying for the bus or reloading his CTA card, there were always a few more who would stop to make sure he knew where he was going. When he first came to Chicago he was 21. Now at 34  with a job, a family, a law degree, a community of colleagues and friends  theres a part of him thats still a little unsettled.

I have been struggling with what is home for the past 12 years, Mahou says. How can I define home? Where can I find home? I cant say my daughter is my home because shes just too little to carry that burden. ... I have a passport that has the United States of America on it, I have my picture, my name  everything. And I still feel Im not from here. Is there a point when I am no longer not from here?
Taiwan on Thursday activated its defense systems after detecting dozens of Chinese warplanes in the islands air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

Starting at 5 a.m. local time, Taiwans defense ministry detected 37 Chinese air force planes, including J-11 and J-16 fighter jets, H-6 bombers, YU-20 military transport planes and AWACS surveillance aircraft in the islands southwest airspace, officials tweeted.

Several of the Chinese aircraft flew through Taiwans southeast ADIZ  an area Taipei monitors and patrols  before crossing into the western Pacific for long-range aerial reconnaissance training, the ministry noted.

Taiwans military monitored the situation and sent its own aircraft, navy vessels and land-based missile systems to respond these activities, according to the independent islands statement.

Beijing, meanwhile, has not commented on the flights.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened to bring it under its control by force, has routinely flown its warplanes into the skies around the island in the past three years.

Though Beijings aircraft have kept out of Taiwans territorial air space, China has also held major war games around the island, including its most recent in April after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited the United States.

Fear of Chinese invasion? For Taiwan, its just one doomsday scenario

Chinas flights Thursday are likely linked to a visit to Taiwan this week by American Institute in Taiwan Chair Laura Rosenberger. The institute handles the unofficial relationship between Washington and Taipei.

Also as of late, Beijing has taken aggressive new actions in the Taiwan Strait, last week overtaking a U.S. destroyer in an almost unprecedented maneuver.

The incident has escalated Beijings routine harassment in the international waterway at a low point in diplomatic relations between Beijing and Washington.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SEA GUARDIAN MQ-9B

Taiwans defense ministry has denied that its currently part of tripartite plans to share intelligence gathered by naval surveillance drones with the United States and Japan. In an unusual step, Taiwans Ministry of National Defense (MND) moved to rebuff the contents of an article that suggested that, in particular, its forthcoming MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones would be used in this way. But whatever platforms were being used, this kind of intelligence-sharing has implications in peacetime, and especially were China to launch an offensive against the island.

An artists conception of a fully configured MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone. The exact configuration of those being procured by Taiwan is not yet clear. General Atomics

In a tweet today, the Republic of China (ROC) Ministry of National Defense said: The MND has not yet been informed of plans to share real-time data from naval reconnaissance drones with the U.S. and Japan as has been reported by some media outlets. The MND then added: We would like to kindly request that due diligence be exercised in verifying the source of information to prevent misleading the public.

https://twitter.com/MoNDefense/status/1666758324468203521?s=20

The report referenced by the MND appeared today in the British Financial Times newspaper.

The article  said to be based on four people familiar with the project  states that the four MQ-9Bs ordered by Taiwan will be equipped so that they can be integrated into the same system that U.S. forces in the region and the Japanese Self-Defense Force will use.

We will be taking a practical approach towards ensuring that integration is done as quickly as possible, the FT reported one of those people saying, after they had been briefed on the project.

Such an arrangement would allow the United States, Japan, and Taiwan to share a common operational picture, with the implication being that surveillance and early warning of Chinese military operations in and around Taiwan would be significantly enhanced. Taiwan's close proximity paired with a drone like Sea Guardian would provide persistent aerial surveillance of Chinese activities in the region.

The destroyer USS Momsen (DDG-92), the Australian Meko class frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH-151), and the Japanese destroyer JS Yuudachi (DD-103) transit the South China Sea during a trilateral training event in 2022. U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Justin Sherman

Were this to happen, it would not only bring a boost to the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of all three countries, but it would also suggest that the United States is increasingly willing to coordinate with the ROC Armed Forces, including in the event of an invasion or other military campaign launched by Beijing.

General Atomics is scheduled to deliver four MQ-9B Sky Guardians to Taiwan beginning in 2025. A $218-million contract for the maritime variant of the Reaper drone was confirmed last month. It includes four MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles, two control stations, spare parts, and support equipment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBJsI13dbeo&t=1s

Taiwanese interest in the MQ-9B dates back further, with a potential U.S. government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) announced in November 2020. The package outlined included an ISR payload consisting of the L3 Wescam MX-20 multi-spectral targeting system, Raytheon SeaVue maritime multirole radar, and Leonardo Sage 750 electronic surveillance measures system. Also included were satellite communications stations, allowing intelligence to be transmitted at beyond-line-of-sight.

While weapons were not specified, the Sky Guardian is able to carry offensive armament, which would allow them to target PLA ships and other assets, including submarines, as you can read about here. Even without armament, these drones are a powerful surveillance asset that would be able to detect and track PLA warships, or other elements of an invasion force, and also to target them on behalf of other platforms.

With its medium-altitude and long-endurance performance, the MQ-9B is well suited to monitoring the Taiwan Strait, or other maritime areas around Taiwan, with the Chinese threat increasingly being projected from multiple directions. The drones will also be able to roam further afield, providing critical, real-time intelligence on the movement of PLA warships in the First Island Chain, which extends from Japan to the Philippines.

A Pentagon infographic showing the geographic boundaries of the First and Second Island Chains. U.S. Department of Defense

Its notable, of course, that the statement today from the ROC Ministry of National Defense doesnt prevent it from joining a future intelligence-sharing plan, whether that includes data from the new MQ-9Bs, or otherwise. Stating that the MND has not yet been informed of plans clearly leaves the door open to this.

Whatever the truth behind the report in the FT, its obvious that a disclosure of this kind, providing its true, could be uncomfortable for the players involved.

The question of what degree Taiwan is involved in intelligence sharing and broader military cooperation with the United States has long been contentious, especially in regard to relations between Washington and Beijing.

After all, since 1979, the United States has not formally been part of a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan, having instead switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing.

Any move toward enhancing the U.S. military relationship with Taiwan, or providing new weapons and support, is bound to invoke a hostile reaction from China. In particular, intelligence sharing is seen by Beijing as being especially problematic, since its seen as highly escalatory, effectively making the United States an active party in Taiwanese military operations directed against the mainland. Its also an acknowledgment of the vital role that could be played by U.S. intelligence, above all, were it to be shared with Taiwan in a time of conflict or leading up to it.

Soldiers holding machine guns and grenade launchers in position, during a shore defense operation as part of a military exercise simulating the defense against the intrusion of the Chinese military, amid rising tensions between Taipei and Beijing, in Tainan, Taiwan, 11 November 2021. Photo by Ceng Shou Yi/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Using now familiar language, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, called upon the United States and Japan to stop creating military tensions and causing trouble for stability in the Taiwan Strait. He added: We firmly oppose military contact between Taiwan and countries that have established diplomatic ties with China.

More broadly, any kind of U.S. involvement in issues relating to Taiwan is viewed by Beijing as dangerous meddling in the fate of the island, which it sees as part of its territory, and which it has not ruled out using force to bring back within its fold.

As for the future of Taiwanese MQ-9B operations, some kind of cooperation, or at least synergies with the United States and potentially with other regional allies looks quite likely.

After all, in other theaters  notably in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East  the Pentagon has made efforts to integrate operations, at least to a degree, to ensure interoperability and effectiveness. Referring to the Sea Guardian and Reaper in the wider Asia-Pacific region, Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder, the former commander of the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific, told the FT: The MQ-9 is a relatively new system to this theater, and we have tried very hard to begin to develop an MQ-9 web of orbits with our partners out here.

A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper, assigned to the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, armed with four GBU-38 JDAMs on a flight line at a deployed location. U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Paul Labbe



As well as the Sea Guardians heading to Taiwan, other MQ-9 variants are also becoming established in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. Marine Corps recently received its first extended-range MQ-9s that will operate from Hawaii, while the U.S. Air Force recently began deploying MQ-9s at Kanoya Air Base in Japan. Also in Japan, the local Coast Guard and Maritime Self-Defense Force are acquiring MQ-9 variants. Taken together, some kind of streamlining between these different units would appear to be inevitable, although it may not necessarily extend to a common operational picture.

Nevertheless, as long as the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) continues to flex its muscles in the Taiwan Strait, and around the island more generally, including drills that are dress rehearsals for encirclement or invasion, then the kind of intelligence that can be gathered by the MQ-9 and other surveillance assets in the region will be of great value for Taiwan, the United States, and Japan.

In the latest demonstration of PLA military might in the Strait, today Taiwans Ministry of National Defense reported that 37 Chinese military aircraft flew into the islands air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, some of which then flew into the western Pacific. Among the aircraft involved were J-11 and J-16 fighters, H-6 bombers, YU-20 aerial refueling tankers, and surveillance aircraft.

https://twitter.com/MoNDefense/status/1666648993974341634?s=20

Its worth noting at this point that Taiwans ADIZ covers not only the entirety of the strait but also portions of mainland China, too.

Regardless, this kind of mass air activity by the PLA is becoming increasingly commonplace. The biggest such incursion took place in August last year, in response to the visit to Taiwan by U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and saw 68 PLA aircraft and 13 warships underway in the strait  previously, the biggest number of aircraft to enter the strait in a single day was 56, recorded in October 2022.

A Taiwanese F-16 fighter jet shadows a PLA H-6 bomber in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense

Drones, too, many of them in a broadly similar class to the MQ-9B, are increasingly being used by China to surveil the Taiwan Strait as well as other strategic areas of interest near Japan. In many ways, these PLA drones are being used in a very similar way as Taiwan will employ its Sea Guardians. In one noteworthy mission last April, a Chinese TB-001 Scorpion medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone flew an apparently unprecedented mission around Taiwan, according to authorities on the island. This was the first time that the Ministry of National Defense publicly acknowledged that a PLA aircraft had encircled the island in this way.

A Chinese TB-001 Scorpion drone over the East China Sea in August 2021, in an official photo released by the Japan Ministry of Defense. Japan Ministry of Defense

PLA aircraft and warships are making more regular shows of force into Taiwanese and Japanese areas of interest, as well as elsewhere in the strategically important East China and South China Seas. As long as that situation continues, the intelligence gathered by drones and other ISR platforms in these areas will be of great interest to Taiwan, the United States, Japan, as well as other regional allies. With that in mind, while Taiwans Ministry of National Defense may have moved to distance itself from any intelligence-sharing plan, enhanced cooperation between these three powers is only likely to increase in the future.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
Elon Musk heads to France. Clive Mason - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Image

Elon Musk recently met with the French president.

The tech billionaire has said Tesla is hoping to make a major investment in the country.

That's sparked speculation about the company building a Gigafactory there.

On Elon Musk's long to-do list, there are two tasks that stand out.

At Tesla, he's trying to ramp up production massively over the next decade.

At Twitter, the billionaire has to somehow get advertising revenue to start growing.

Next week, Musk has a chance to tackle both.

He's attending the Vivatech conference in Paris, where he'll speak with Maurice Levy, chairman of Publicis, one of the world's largest advertising agencies. This will give Musk a chance to pitch Twitter, and its new CEO Linda Yaccarino, to the ad industry.

Twitter's ad business is in dire shape. The platform's revenue from April 1 to the first week of May was $88 million, down 59% compared to the same time last year, according to internal documents obtained by The New York Times. The same document outlined that Twitter routinely fell short of its weekly US sales projections, the Times reported.

Last year, after Musk acquired Twitter, some of the largest ad agencies advised clients to pause marketing on the platform over brand risk concerns. The industry's position is beginning to soften now though, with WPP's GroupM taking Twitter off its "high risk" list.

Musk getting on stage with the chairman of Publicis at Vivatech should help Twitter's cause here, unless the tech billionaire says the wrong thing. Not like that has ever happened before!

Musk's presence at France's top tech conference could also help Tesla. The company is scouting the world for its next Gigafactories, and that involves a lot of diplomacy and negotiation. In May, Musk met with French President Emmanuel Macron. After that gathering, Musk said Tesla was looking to make a significant investment in the country.

That started speculation about Tesla putting a Gigafactory in France, which has a long history of auto production with Renault and Peugeot. Tesla already has a factory in Germany that's producing 5,000 vehicles a week.

By the way, Insider advertising reporter Lara O'Reilly will be at Vivatech too next week. You can reach out to her via email: loreilly@insider.com

Check out Insider's source guide for tips on sharing information securely.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Over a week after a parent jumped the chain-link fence surrounding Fresno High Schools campus, staff say they are demanding the district finally install the replacement fence theyve been seeking for years.

School safety personnel were able to intercept the parent before he went any farther on the morning of May 30, the district confirmed, and no one was injured. But teachers at the high school are saying the incident never shouldve happened in the first place.

The fact that he was able to jump the fence so easily, Fresno High teacher and parent Jose Sandoval said in an interview with The Bees Education Lab, is what has us all on edge.

Education Lab Newsletter

Get stories that matter on education issues critical to the advancement of San Joaquin Valley residents, with a focus on Fresno. Sign up, and join the conversation.

SIGN UP

Staff are renewing their calls for the district to replace the existing, roughly six-foot-tall fence with one thats harder to scale. The demands have taken the form of a staff Change.org petition, which garnered almost 250 signatures as of Thursday morning.

Our current fence, the petition reads, does not prevent potentially dangerous people from climbing into our campus.

I could be in my class teaching, said Fresno High teacher Peter Beck, and suddenly, theres somebody coming down the hall, looking for somebody.

District spokesperson AJ Kato said Fresno Highs fence is being looked at, but an evaluation is still in process. She said the fence is the same height as the majority of fences in the district.

Fresno High-area board member Andy Levine told the Ed Lab in a text message Tuesday that hes shared the staffs requests for fence improvements with FUSDs facilities team.

Last weeks fence-jumping incident is just one of a slew of safety concerns that have put Fresno Unifieds oldest high school at the center of the districts debate over classroom safety.

The fence-jumping incident

According to Kato, the child of the parent who jumped the fence had been acting out.

Several adults tried to calm him, but he refused and eventually left, Kato said. His family was called, and a man, who identified as his stepfather, jumped a fence onto the property, where he was immediately stopped by Principal Linda Laettner along with the SRO (Student Resource Officer).

In response, the campus police officer then visited the home of the student and his stepfather to warn the latter about entering campus without proper authorization.

The officer also kept watch along the fence for the rest of the afternoon and the following morning, Kato said.

The parents motivations for jumping the fence are unclear. Kato said the man claimed he was there to see his stepson.

In an email to the Ed Lab, Fresno Police Department spokesperson Lt. Bill Dooley said the parent and child had gotten into an argument earlier in the day, and that the father was chasing after his son when he jumped the fence.

No crime was committed, Dooley added.

What changes are Fresno High teachers requesting?

The staff petition asks for a new fence for Fresno High thats climb-resistant.

Sandoval said the fence as it currently stands is easy not just for angry parents to scale but for students, too.

In fact, Beck said he witnessed two students jump the fence in an approximately three-minute span during a phone interview with the Ed Lab Wednesday afternoon.

Im looking at a student right now that just jumped over the back gate, he said, to get back into school. And he got over in probably seven seconds.

While a replacement fence is needed, Sandoval said he also hopes district leaders conduct individual assessments of the state of security on Fresno High and other campuses.

This one-size-fits-all approach has clearly failed, he said.

For Beck, whos been with the district for 25 years, the issue isnt just about a fence. Its also about the way Fresno Unified approaches safety conversations in general.

It just always seems to be that safety is not a priority, he said, until something happens. This district is more reactive than proactive at times, and to me, that doesnt sit well.

In a similar incident last May at Pyle Elementary, a parent was able to breach campus during the school day. In that instance, the parent made it all the way to a third-grade classroom, where they proceeded to threaten a teacher in front of a room full of students.

The Fresno Teachers Association called for a full investigation into the incident. Over 30 teachers at Pyle later penned a letter to the district, saying they failed to improve safety protocols in the aftermath, while the district defended its decision not to order a lockdown that day.

Other safety concerns have plagued Fresno High in particular this past school year.

Teachers and students spoke out at a Jan. 25 board meeting in the wake of a violent week that included a stabbing just off campus and an on-campus brawl that resulted in three student arrests.

Two months later, students and staff again went before the school board in March to voice their fears after an explosion of a model rocket engine in an infamous stairwell on campus injured a teacher.

The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bees Education Lab at its website.
Tesla drivers are using bioweapon defense mode to escape wildfire smoke  here's how it works

The Statue of Liberty is covered in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada. Amr Alfiky/Reuters

Some Tesla Models come with "bioweapon defense mode."

Using HEPA air filters and positive pressure, Tesla says you could ride out a military attack in one.

Tesla owners posted videos of the mode in use amid thick wildfire smoke this week.

Tesla added intense air filtration to some of its models years ago and drivers are once again finding them useful for unhealthy air sweeping across North America.

"Never thought I'd have to use this feature," one Reddit user posted with a photo. In the comments, Californians chimed in that they'd found it useful during the state's fires in recent years.

Tesla's bioweapon mode acts as an air pressure buffer on top of the usual HEPA filtration, similar to the positive ventilation used in surgical facilities to keep any pollutants out.

Tesla made a demonstration video on how it works:

"You can literally survive a military grade bio attack by sitting in your car," Tesla said, posting a chart of its data to prove it.

Tesla's not the only automaker to include air-purifying HEPA filters, but they're not common. Mercedes-Benz' "Air Balance" system also uses them.

Read the original article on Business Insider
UPDATE: Man who was pulled from Georgia lake after falling out of boat has died

A man who was pulled from a lake this week after officials say he fell off a boat has died.

At noon on Wednesday, Troup County Sheriff officials said deputies received reports of a possible drowning at R. Shaefer Heard Park on West Point Lake.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When deputies and fire personnel arrived, they were told that a man was struggling around the boat ramp and dock after he fell off a boat into the water.

After witnesses heard the man calling for help, they called 911 and tried to keep his head above water until they could move him closer to the boat ramp.

TRENDING STORIES:

Rangers from the Corp of Engineers arrived and began CPR along with Troup County Fire Department fire personnel until AMR arrived.

The victim, identified as a man from Ovilla, Texas, was taken to the hospital, where he was stable but in the intensive care unit.

The sheriffs office confirmed Thursday that the man died from his injuries.

Authorities have not provided any other details regarding the investigation.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
The Scene

A Chinese woman is under fire for refusing to pay $10,000 to the Sherpa who rescued her from Mount Everest. The South China Morning Post reported that the woman, who was only identified as Liu, was found unconscious near the mountains summit by a fellow Chinese national, Fan Jiangtao, and his guide.

The incident is the latest drama to unfold from the worlds highest peak as Everest sees a record-breaking year of climbers attempting its summit.

Know More

According to reports, Fan and the Sherpa were able to move Liu 200 meters (655 feet) on their own before they became exhausted and recruited the help of Xie Ruxiang, who was climbing nearby.

While Xie and Fan wanted to save the woman, the Sherpa they were traveling with initially declined. Xie reportedly offered him $10,000 as a rescue fee, which the guide accepted.

When the Sherpa followed up about his reward, the woman, who spent days recovering from the incident, said she couldnt afford the entire fee, but offered to pay $4,000.

The View From the Climbers

Fan, who did not complete his summit attempt because of the rescue, wants Liu to reimburse him and Xie the $5,000 they each offered to the Sherpa.

Speaking to Chinese outlet Shangyou News, Fan said: I gave up my time and money to save her. And I still need to pay the rescue fee. I'm angry and want to know why [she wont pay].

Liu has faced backlash from the public for not reimbursing her rescuers, but Xie has said she should be left alone. Saving her is our choice, and expressing gratitude is hers. These are two separate things, he told the SCMP.

Step Back

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that a Malaysian climber, Ravichandran Tharumalingam, was saved by Gelje Sherpa, 30, in a rare high-altitude rescue.

Gelje convinced the climber he was guiding to give up their summit attempt and help rescue Tharumalingam, since saving another life is more important than praying at the monastery, Reuters reported.

But Tharumalingam came under fire for his Instagram post where he thanked his rescue insurance and sponsors, but not his savior, and instead, according to Gelje, blocked him on Instagram.

Nepal has issued 478 permits to climb Everest this year, a record number. At least 12 climbers who have attempted the summit this year have died, according to Reuters, the most in eight years.
People take photos of the sun as smoke from the wildfires in Canada cause hazy conditions in New York City on Wednesday. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

The wildfire smoke that has gripped several U.S. cities and states this week may be a watershed moment in people's understanding of the reality of climate change, experts say.

These days may wake millions of people up to the climate crisis all around them, Leah Stokes, an environmental policy expert at the University of California, Santa Barbara, told Yahoo News. It can be seen in the orange skies and the dirty air. We know from political science research that experiencing climate impacts like this can mobilize people to act politically on climate change. Whether thats voting for a pro-climate ballot initiative, attending a protest or purchasing clean electric machines.

Pictures worth a thousand words

Social media platforms are rife with eerie photos and videos from cities like New York, where the air has been the worlds most polluted at times in recent days. Widely followed accounts, including those of drummer and producer Questlove and James and Karla Murray, photographers who specialize in capturing local small business, posted alarming images of the city with captions on Wednesday decrying apocalyptic air and blasting climate deniers.

A new normal?

The Northeast and Upper Midwest are generally wet regions, unaccustomed to widespread wildfire smoke. To the extent that residents there have seen the effects of climate change firsthand, it has typically been in the form of unusually heavy rains or more powerful storms, like Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

But now those regions are in the thick of a massive plume of smoke originating from fires in Canadian provinces such as Ontario and Nova Scotia that experts say have been exacerbated by climate change.

The World Trade Center tower in lower Manhattan as seen from Jersey City, N.J., on Thursday. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

I attended a play reading in Midtown [Manhattan] on Wednesday night, Sergei Burbank, a 43-year-old New York City-based playwright, told Yahoo News. While the haze was mildly irritating during quick trips around my Brooklyn neighborhood and definitely scary to look at out the window, after four hours on the subway and in Manhattan, I coughed through the night, woke up spitting blood, and my voice has been reduced to a Tom Waits snarl all day. I have never been forced to experience the physical toll sudden climate shifts like this take in such a painful, immediate way.

Experts say that climate change will make such shifts more common.

Wildfires are more intense than they used to be, because you have drier wood, you have a longer dry season and you have higher temperatures, all of those contribute to more intense wildfires, Mark Jacobson, director of the Atmosphere/Energy program Stanford University, told Yahoo News.

How experience informs public opinion

Climate change and air pollution experts say that growing, tangible problems like wildfire smoke and extreme heat have already brought the problem home for many Americans.

Ive been working on air pollution and climate change advocacy for more than a decade and Ive been seeing that, increasingly, we have to do less and less work to help people understand the connections between climate change and their health, Laura Kate Bender, national assistant vice president for healthy air at the American Lung Association, told Yahoo News.

The sun is shrouded as it rises in a smokey sky behind the Empire State Building in New York City on June 8, 2023, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

There is some historical precedent for air pollution inspiring policy change. In 1952, four days of especially bad smog  caused largely by the soot from burning coal  caused the deaths of an estimated 12,000 Londoners, which galvanized public support for United Kingdoms first Clean Air Act, passed in 1956.

Similar events in the United States led to the passage of the U.S.s first environmental laws as well. As a result, American air consistently got cleaner for four decades, although that progress has been recently undermined by increased particulate pollution from worsening wildfires, according to the American Lung Associations latest State of the Air, which gathers air monitoring data nationwide.

But longtime observers note that the publics memory can be short.

I think it will galvanize people right now, whether theyll remember two weeks from now what happened is a different story, Jacobson said.
MADISON - Former Republican candidate for governor Tim Michels is suing a longtime GOP activist alleging libel and defamation after Michels was accused of promising to give the man $100,000 to hold political events during the 2022 midterms.

Michels, who was defeated by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in November, said the allegations leveled by Bob Dohnal, who writes the Wisconsin Conservative Digest and hosts an annual political rally in Wauwatosa, are false.

Activist Bob Dohnal, right, talks with Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels during the 53rd Chicken Burn at Dohnals home on West Potter Road in Wauwatosa on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022. The top contenders for governor and Senate spoke from the backyard of the home of activist Dohnal.

Michels' attorneys said in the complaint that Dohnal "has been aggressively spreading false and malicious lies for the past six months, concocting a story that Michels or his aides promised to pay Dohnal $100,000 to hold political rallies, and then used those falsehoods as the basis for filing an illegitimate legal grievance with the government bureaucracy responsible for investigating alleged campaign violations."

Dohnal, whose backyard political rally is known as the Chicken Burn, campaigned for Michels during the midterm election but quickly soured on the Michels campaign after the election and has sent several emails to reporters and prominent conservatives alleging Michels promised to pay him $100,000 to hold events for him and was never paid.

Dohnal also said he filed a complaint against Michels at the Wisconsin Ethics Commission.

"Why have I taken on the billionaire, Tim Michels organization, over their campaign? Cause it was the worst campaign run in the last 100 years," Dohnal wrote in an email on Thursday. Dohnal's attorney Thomas Frenn said in a statement to reporters, "The Michels Complaint is the greatest fiction and half-truths I have read in a pleading, I have seen in the last 45 years of law."

More: Bice: Internal campaign calendar shows Tim Michels kept a light schedule late in the governor's race

Michels sued Dohnal after Dohnal refused to retract his statements about Michels, according to the lawsuit's complaint.

"In his filing to the Ethics Commission, Dohnal never itemized how he arrived at the $100,000 sum, nor did he produce any documentation establishing that the Michels Campaign agreed to hire him or contract with him," Michels' attorneys wrote.

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tim Michels sues GOP activist Bob Dohnal in rift over 2022 campaign
This time LAPD didn't blow up a South L.A. neighborhood after seizing tons of fireworks

The Los Angeles Police Department seized 38,000 pounds of illegal fireworks Wednesday from a warehouse in South Los Angeles. (OnScene-TV)

The Los Angeles Police Department seized 38,000 pounds of illegal fireworks Wednesday from a warehouse in South Los Angeles  and this time it didn't blow up a neighborhood.

The large fireworks seizure and updated policy comes after the LAPD blew up a South L.A. neighborhood in June 2021 while trying to detonate a cache of fireworks, injuring 17 people, damaging 35 properties and displacing dozens of residents in the process.

The LAPD bomb squad hauls away boxes of illegal fireworks. (Los Angeles Police Department)

The Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Marshals were conducting a routine inspection of commercial buildings at about 3 p.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of East 61st Street in Florence, according to an LAPD news release.

The marshals saw a large number of fireworks in a storage room and alerted the LAPD, which responded and notified the department's bomb squad.

Investigators from the bomb squad and Major Crimes Division seized the 38,000 pounds of "commercial-grade" fireworks, according to the LAPD.

After interviewing people in the building, officers arrested Lorenzo Ponce, 64, and Diego Ponce, 35, both Los Angeles residents, for possession of more than 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks.

The fireworks were hauled away by big rigs and box trucks because detonation is required off-site per updated LAPD policy, KCBS-TV Channel 2 News reported.

"Our officers are carefully removing and preparing these dangerous materials for transport, remaining committed to keeping our community members and local businesses safe," the LAPD social media post read on Twitter.

Earlier today, the LAPDs Bomb Squad responded to the 900 Block of East 61st St. for a large firework seizure. Our officers are carefully removing and preparing these dangerous materials for transport, remaining committed to keeping our community members and local businesses safe pic.twitter.com/YhTehbNakC  LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) June 8, 2023

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Actor Tom Holland said that exploring emotions that he never experienced while acting in "The Crowded Room" and being a producer on the Apple TV+ series were difficult and resulted in him deciding to take a year off. (Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press)

Even Spider-Man needs a break sometimes.

Tom Holland revealed in a new interview that he is "taking a year off" acting after his "difficult" experience making his latest project, "The Crowded Room."

The "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and "Uncharted" actor served as an executive producer on the Apple TV+ limited series, which premieres Friday and stars Holland as a young man accused of committing a violent crime in 1979 Manhattan.

"It was a tough time for sure," the 27-year-old told Extra. "We were exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before. And then on top of that, being a producer dealing with the day-to-day problems that come with any film set added that extra level of pressure.

"But I really enjoyed it. I loved the learning curve of becoming a producer. I'm no stranger to hard work. I've always lived by this idea that hard work is good work. ... But then again, the show did break me. There did come a time where I was like, 'I need to have a break.' I disappeared. I went to Mexico for a week and had some time on a beach and laid low. And I'm now taking a year off, and you know, that is a result of how difficult this show was."

Created by Akiva Goldsman, "The Crowded Room" also stars Amanda Seyfried as an investigator on the central case. The first three episodes of the 10-episode psychological thriller  based on Daniel Keyes' 1981 nonfiction novel "The Minds of Billy Milligan"  are set to launch Friday, followed by installments of one episode per week.

Holland plays Danny Sullivan, a bullied teenager living with dissociative identity disorder while maintaining his innocence. Danny is a fictional version of Milligan, who was found not guilty of robbing, kidnapping and raping three women near Ohio State University in the late 1970s after psychiatrists determined he had as many as 24 different personalities.

"I was really excited by the challenge of bringing him to life, understanding the responsibility of telling a story like this, hearing the message from Akiva, hearing what he wants to try and achieve and feeling really aligned with him," Holland told Extra.

"It was time to tell a story about mental health ... try and educate some people into how crazy it can be and how your mind is so powerful  and it can work for good, and it can work for bad. And it really resonated with me ... I really, really was terrified by the idea of playing this character. And for me, that's a really good thing."

This isn't the first time Holland has raised awareness about mental health. Last summer, the BAFTA winner announced that he had "taken a break" from social media because being online was "very detrimental" to his mental well-being. He also has recently partnered with stem4, a charity that provides mental health resources to teens living with anxiety, depression, eating disorders or addiction.

There is an awful stigma against mental health," Holland said in August, "and I know that asking for help and seeking help isnt something that we should be ashamed of, but it is something that is much easier said than done."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The general in charge of Russia's troops in Ukraine has briefed President Vladimir Putin on how his forces repelled a large-scale Ukrainian attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, one of his subordinates said on Thursday.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier on Thursday that Russian forces had withstood fierce overnight attempts by Ukrainian troops to break through the frontline in Zaporizhzhia and had inflicted heavy losses on them.

Reuters could not independently verify Shoigu's battlefield account and there was no immediate comment on the situation from the Ukrainian defence ministry.

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, had briefed Putin on the overnight battle on Thursday morning, Russian Colonel General Alexander Romanchuk said in a video clip released by the Defence Ministry.

Romanchuk said attacking Ukrainian forces had run into serious problems in a Russian minefield, that Russia had used bombers to repel them, and alleged that Russian forces had destroyed three German-made Leopard tanks.

(Reporting by Reuters reporters; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Lanezs sentencing for his shooting of Megan Thee Stallion is scheduled for June 13.

Tory Lanez and DaBaby allegedly planned to ambush Megan Thee Stallion during her 2021 Rolling Loud set, according to court documents.

The State of California listed the incident in a 12-page sentencing memorandum, according to The Daily Beast. On July 25, 2021, Lanez allegedly planned to surprise Megan on stage at the music festival in Miami. Megan had a protective order against Lanez, pending accusations that he shot her in the foot in 2020.

The memo indicated Lanez and DaBaby, who had previously collaborated with Megan on several songs, allegedly planned to surprise Megan during her performance, violating the protective order that stated Lanez should stay at least 100 yards away from Megan. DaBaby brought Lanez on stage during his set at the same festival.

DaBaby performs on stage during Rolling Loud on July 25, 2021, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

It was also brought to the victims attention that the defendant and DaBaby attempted to rush the stage during her performance, read the memo. In no way was the victim previously aware of nor did she consent to the defendants presence at the venue when she would be performing.

The directive said Lanez attempted to re-traumatize Megan by not only trying to ambush her on stage at Rolling Loud but also weaponized misinformation online attempting to discredit Megan.

The prosecution uses the memo to list several incidents from Lanez to justify their request to sentence him to 13 years in prison for shooting Megan. Lanezs legal team filed a motion for a new trial, but a Superior Court of Los Angeles judge rejected it in May.

Lanezs sentencing is scheduled for June 13.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Tory Lanez, DaBaby allegedly tried to ambush Megan Thee Stallion during concert, court documents say appeared first on TheGrio.
Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu Agency via Getty

Warning: This piece contains graphic video that may be disturbing to viewers.

Tourists visiting the popular Egyptian resort of Hurghada watched a man get eaten alive by a shark just feet away from a crowded beach.

The incident occurred on the beach of the Dream Beach hotel, according to Russian media reports, which said the victim was a Russian citizen.

Russias consul-general in Hurghada, Viktor Voropayev, told the countrys TASS news agency that the deadly attack happened Thursday.

A Russian died as a result of the shark attack, he said, identifying the victim as 23-year-old V. Popov, who he said was not a tourist but had been living in Egypt for several months. Russian media reports named the victim as Vladimir Popov.

Terrifying footage of the encounter shows hotel staffers screaming for swimmers to get out of the water as the sharks fin can be seen approaching.

Popov can then be seen struggling with the shark before it becomes clear to all those watching that its a losing battle. According to Russian media reports, his father was watching on the beach at the time of the attack, and Popov had cried out for him as he struggled to escape the shark.

Its eating his remains now, one witness who filmed the attack can be heard saying. Shortly after, the beast pulled him completely underwater.

Witnesses said rescuers tried to save Popov but by the time they got there, the shark had already gotten him.

A woman identified in Russian media reports as Popovs girlfriend reportedly managed to swim away and escape. Footage showed her crying hysterically on the beach as bystanders tried to comfort her.

Tourists visiting the resort have reportedly now been banned from entering the water, and those who witnessed the grisly incident were in a state of shock.

It happened in a second. Rescuers reacted very quickly. For some reason, I immediately felt that it was a shark. I immediately jumped up and started shouting: Sharks, sharks! Save yourself! Nobody understood yet, a witness told Russias REN-TV.

Its a terrible thing, the remains of this guy are over there. Im shaking. Right in front of my eyes, the shark ate that guy. I think I need a drink. I feel really bad, another woman told the Baza Telegram channel.

The killer shark was later captured and killed, the Russian tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda reported.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
On a small tree-covered hunk of granite and gneissone of more than 40,000 islands in the Finnish archipelagothis is how life goes. We wake with the light and the steady whoosh of wind over the Baltic Sea, where the Gulf of Finland meets the Gulf of Bothnia. After blinking into the fresh air, my first job is to light the sauna, maybe with a few droplets of scented oil. Then I scramble local farm eggs and tomatoes to serve with homemade yarrow ricotta and fragrant foraged herbs and flowers. As the fire slowly heats the sauna, the grasses outside sway and the water laps against our private jetty. Beyond that, other islets stretch towards the horizon, the stillness interrupted by occasional, distant sailing yachts. In the bedroom, the clocks sweeping hand seems to move slower, but time feels abstract anyway. My partner and I are alone here, feeling as if were in the early stages of a Terrence Malick film, when the spiders silently spin their webs and the pine trees rustle; before human impulses interrupt the order of things.

Mike Kelly

This is Project O, the personal passion of Aleksi Hautamaki, a spatial designer and co-founder of Helsinki creative agency Bond, who has built a private utopia with his partner, Milla Selkimaki. We first meet at the little harbor at Kasnas, a village of scattered red houses two-and a-half hours by car through the forests and fields west of Helsinki. Aleksi starts to tell his story as he drives us the final half an hour or so to the island on his little motorboat, skimming across the gray sea past scores of islets ground down by glacial ice, with infrequent glimpses of unobtrusive little gable-roofed summer houses. His love for this rocky-romantic place comes through powerfully, despite his typically Finnish bone-dry delivery.

Onni Aaltonen

Aleksi first came to this protected corner of the archipelago 15 years ago, on a sailing boat with his father. It is remote and relatively undiscovered, even by Finns, but over time it became the place where my heart lives." When demanding clients got too much, hed sail here from Helsinki, sleeping on his boat in the sloshing near-silence. A little more than five years ago, he decided hed like a base in the archipelago, if only because he couldnt have a sauna on his boat. He and Milla, who now have a young son, started looking for their Goldilocks island. Something small, but with just enough space for exploration and to build a jetty. They scoured Google Maps and government databases to track down generations-old owners, often to be dismissed (a lot of people thought we were crazy). Eventually they found it: a five-acre islet called Skjulskaret, whose owners inherited it as part of a larger deal and were happy for Aleksi and Milla to buy it. The couple sold their Helsinki flat to fund the purchase and most of the work, which began in 2018.

Archmospheres

Theres a purity and clarity to the result, which Aleksi, clearly a quick learner with an obsessive streak, designed and partly built himself, with an intimate sympathy for the islands rocky contours. For the narrow main building, with its covered outdoor cooking area separating the bedroom and living space from the bathroom and sauna, he was inspired by Japanese small-house minimalism, but also wanted a traditional gabled roof (Japanese and Finnish design have this unlikely crossover, he says). An adjacent building houses Aleksis hyper-organized tool shed, and a room full of contraptions that keep the place running, including extra-large batteries and an elaborate seawater-purification system. While professionals built much of the main structure, Aleksi took a three-and-a-half-month sabbatical to create the jetty, low-impact walkways, and many sea-view seating areas, as well as using his self taught carpentry skills on the cozy interiors, with picture windows at either end. The best view, naturally, is from the sauna.

Mike Kelly

The somewhat manic intensity of the work behind the island is in sharp contrast to the mind-soothing experience of being a guest on it, with trips here organized by high-end villa rental company Stay One (the name relates to the finest one percent of home rentals). That sense is epitomized by the feeling of sweating in the sauna before running off the jetty into the cold water, all goosebumps and breathy delirium. I become compulsive about lighting fires, including the log burner in the cozy, neutral-toned living room with its hidden mezzanine. We explore every forest glade, tree swing, and outlook; every static muddy pool, each one a metropolis for tiny insects; the little castaway beach that Aleksi created with imported sand. In the sauna one evening, as I watch distant little islands darken in the gloaming, I think of something the TV personality Ben Fogle once told me about islands: that they are discrete and legible; places where animals like us can easily compute our surroundings, and find peace rather than chaos.

Despite being off-grid, we eat remarkably well. We arrive to find Tupperware containers and brown paper bags prepared by Ellen Jarvinen and Will Brennan, who run Kallarvinden Cafe in Kasnas. They contain everything from fennel-cured salmon to a beef and foraged mushroom pot pie, with beautifully branded sets of cooking instructions. The black micro-kitchen, like everything else, is an exercise in pared-back elegance and clever use of space. Everything fits seamlessly, from the dressing gowns by Lapuan Kankurit to the oils and bath products by Japanese-inspired local brand Hetkinen, with scents evocative of the forests.

Archmospheres

Perhaps the most magical spot here isnt quite visible when you arrive by boat. A series of forest walkways leads to an A-frame on the other side of the island from the main building, with glass walls and a kitchen at one end. One evening, Aleksi arrives on his boat with Ellen and Will, who will serve us dinner as we look over the channel to a neighboring island. As Will plates up an exquisite Kimito beef tartare with fermented local blackcurrants, he explains how he met Ellen at cooking school in the UK; how he came back with her to her home region to help turn the cafe she already owned into a quietly impressive love letter to the terroir of the Kimito region. When the summer ends, and tourism freezes along with the archipelago sea, the pair head to Helsinki to work in some of the capitals smartest restaurants.

As the sky turns purple-ish, Ellen cheerily serves foraged nettle and spinach soup; chanterelle, ricotta and sage ravioli; and a creamy take on the local dessert of blueberries with milk and sugar, washed down with schnapps infused with mugwort and dill. This is the Swedish corner of Finland, and her first language is a mellifluous localised Swedish, rather than Finnishor Moomin-Swedish, she jokes, a reference to Swedish Speaking, Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson.

Archmospheres

The following day, Aleksi pick us up for a spin around the archipelago on his boat. He can build activities into stays, including visits to the nearby Rousal Brygghus island microbrewery or the imposing Bengtskar lighthouse. Further west, we stop at another beautiful island he hopes to build on. As we walk, he explains his plans for a larger project here. He has been energized rather than scarred by the experience of creating this place, and is ready for the next fix. For me, though, all this planning feels a lot like hard work. I am on Island Time, attuned to the light and the sea. And Im ready for my next sauna.

This article originally appeared on Conde Nast Traveller U.K.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler
'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' director says it is inspired by 'Terminator 2' and 'Bad Boys,' while star Dominique Fishback hopes for a 'Titanic' crossover

'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' director says it is inspired by 'Terminator 2' and 'Bad Boys,' while star Dominique Fishback hopes for a 'Titanic' crossover

Steven Caple Jr., Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, and Tobe Nwigwe attend the "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" European premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on June 7, 2023 in London, England. Jeff Spicer / Getty Images

"Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" held its European premiere Wednesday night in London.

The movie pays homage to 1990s movies, according to director Steven Caple Jr.

He told Insider that the latest movie is influenced by "Terminator 2" and "Bad Boys."

"Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" director Steven Caple Jr. has revealed to Insider that the movie is influenced by two major 1990s movies  including one by original "Transformers" director Michael Bay.

The movie, which is a sequel to "Bumblebee" and a prequel to Michael Bay's "Transformers," is set in 1994 and is heavily influenced by the '90s "Beast Wars: Transformers" animated series and the 1986 animated "Transformers" movie.

At the European premiere of "Rise of the Beasts" in London on Wednesday night, Caple told Insider that two other classics also helped him bring the movie to life.

Caple said the movie's villain, Scourge, is partly inspired by T-1000, the killer robot played by Robert Patrick in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

"I wanted someone who was relentless," the "Creed II" director said.

Caple also said the Porsche car that Mirage (Pete Davidson) transforms into is a homage to Michael Bay's 1995 movie, "Bad Boys."

Dominique Fishback sits on a replica of Mirage in porsche mode at the European Premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts." Tristan Fewings / Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

Caple, who was a fan of the animated "Transformers" series and movies, said that he was "starstruck" when he met Peter Cullen, who has been the main voice of Autobot hero Optimus Prime since 1984.

"I didn't know that I was going to be that starstruck when Peter Cullen came in," Caple said. "That was crazy."

Over the last few years, fans have been anticipating a crossover between "Transformers" and another movie franchise based on a Hasbro toy line, "G.I. Joe."

Meanwhile, "Fast & Furious" stars Tyrese Gibson and Michelle Rodriguez have both publicly stated that they'd like to see their franchise merge with "Transformers."

Jason Statham and "Transformers" producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura also attend the European Premiere. Tristan Fewings / Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

When asked which franchise he would like to see "Transformers" cross over with, Tobe Nwigwe, who plays Reek in the movie, told Insider that he'd love the Autobots to team up with the heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Meanwhile, Dominique Fishback, who plays Elena, said that she would love to see a more romantic"Transformers" movie.

"I would do 'The Notebook' so the robots can fall in love," the "Swarm" actor said. "I'm a romantic, okay, so I would do something like 'Titanic' where they can save the ship from crashing."

"Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" is in theaters Friday.

Read the original article on Insider
Trapped villagers saved from roofs in flooded south Ukraine as more await help

Local residents sail on boats at a flooded street during an evacuation from a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached in Kherson

HOLA PRYSTAN, Russian-controlled Ukraine (Reuters) - Rescuers in boats have saved hundreds of people from the roofs of flooded houses after the massive dam breach in southern Ukraine, volunteers and officials said on Thursday, but others were getting more desperate as they waited for help.

Friends and family posted frantic appeals in online chatrooms with names, photos and GPS locations of residents, including some children and many elderly people, who were still waiting to be picked up.

The coordinator of a volunteer group on the Telegram messaging app said the appeals were arriving continuously and getting more urgent than the day before because people were running out of food and drinking water.

Ukraine and Russia have both accused each other of blowing up the giant Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River, which burst in the early hours of Tuesday. On the Russian-controlled left bank of the river, Moscow-installed officials have ordered residents of several districts to evacuate.

Vladimir Saldo, the top Russian-installed official in the Kherson region, said midday Thursday that approximately 4,300 people had been evacuated, including 171 children and 42 people with disabilities. More than 14,000 homes have been flooded, emergency services said.

Another official, Andrei Alekseyenko, said the level of the Dnipro had risen to 12 metres in the worst-hit areas, Oleshky and Hola Prystan. He said 344 people had been saved by boat from roofs and upper floors.

In Telegram channels, some people sent grateful messages for successful rescues.

Olena Glazova, a Ukrainian woman from Oleshky who is now in Romania, said 10 of her neighbours had been saved from the attic of a house on Timchuk Street, including at least four people in their sixties and a child of 11. She did not know what would happen to them next.

Local people were organising their own rescues, she said. "People have been grouping together and saving each other."

Meanwhile new appeals were still appearing in the chatrooms.

"Evacuation required... Two or three elderly people are on the roof. Possibly with a cat and dog," one coordinator wrote. "At the moment there is no connection."

One man, Sergei, told Reuters the last time he spoke with his 83-year-old father-in-law in Oleshky was several days before the dam collapse.

"My father-in-law is in poor health and has no telephone," he said. "The latest information is that there was a lot of water in the street, as high as a person. Houses collapsed and went under water."

In the village of Korsunka, where houses were submerged up to their roofs, 26-year-old Vitaly told Reuters that homes had been indundated in the space of less than 15 minutes, leaving people with no time to flee. He said his own house collapsed under the torrent.

Ruslana, a woman who evacuated Kherson earlier this year to give birth to her son in Crimea, told Reuters she had had no contact for two days with her 72-year-old grandfather Nikolai in the village of Kardashynka. She called emergency services to report him missing but had heard no news.

"Most of the time Im on the Internet, in groups, and there is no information," she said. "I'm waiting for him to call, or someone to call me, and say everything is fine. Then I will breathe easier."

(Reporting by Lucy Papachristou and Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Treasure hunter unearths two massive megalodon teeth in Florida  in just one day

Capt. Michael Nastasio calls himself a treasure hunter at heart.

And although he spends eight days a week scouring the ocean floor for fossils, when he finds something cool, the feeling still never gets old

So on May 16, when he discovered a 6-inch megalodon tooth while diving in Venice, Florida, the feeling was incredible.

He was swimming along rows of sand when he saw some pieces of bone and started to get excited. Then, he noticed a shape appear.

All of a sudden that tooth was just sitting there, he said. It was just staring at me like, Hello. I could not believe it.

Capt. Michael Nastasio runs Black Gold Fossil Charters and takes divers out to search for fossils every day, he said.

But the only thing cooler than finding a tooth that large and in such good condition would be finding two.

He did.

I was already on cloud nine, so when I found the second one and it was complete, my mind was blown, he said.

He called Venice, which is located on Floridas Gulf Coast, the shark tooth capital of the world, and said its common to find regular shark teeth there. But the teeth of prehistoric megalodons, the 50-59 foot apex predators that roamed the ocean up to 20 million years ago, according to the Natural History Museum of the United Kingdom, are much harder to find, he said.





Only four or five 6-inch megalodon teeth were found in the area during all of last year, he said. The other thing that makes the sea floor around Venice special is that the teeth found there are often well-preserved.

Nastasio runs Black Gold Fossil Charters and takes divers out on excursions every day to search for fossils. When he finds megalodon teeth, he keeps his favorites for his personal collection and sells the others to a local store.





He said hes always loved looking for old artifacts and used to hunt for arrowheads as a kid, but the feeling of finding megalodon teeth is special.

Im the first human ever to touch them when theyre found, he said.

A comparison of a Megalodon tooth next to a great white shark tooth. Megalodons were three times longer than the largest great white on record, according to the Natural History Museum of the UK.

Megalodons went extinct around 3.6 million years ago, according to the Natural History Museum, but that doesnt stop Nastasio from picturing what it might be like to see one swim by every time he finds a tooth.

Just trying to imagine these animals being out there, its just so hard to wrap your head around it, he said.

What was Florida like 5 million years ago? Fossil site offers window into the past

Runner didnt know he nabbed invaluable find on CA beach  until turning on the news

Debate over ancient sea giants finally solved after researcher opens museum drawer
Medical equipment. Illustrated | Gettyimages

A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, not just because the disease is life-threatening but also because treatments  chemotherapy, radiation and surgery  are often brutal to endure. But doctors are now rethinking those aggressive methods, The Wall Street Journal reported. They're increasingly looking to "de-escalation," an approach of "cutting back on some therapies to improve a patient's quality of life without hurting their odds of survival."

One new study shows that more than 10,000 rectal cancer patients a year could forgo radiation therapy and do just as well, The New York Times reported, though they would still need chemotherapy and surgery. Dr. Eric Winer, the president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), said researchers "are asking if there are elements of successful treatments that can be eliminated to provide patients with a better quality of life."

What is de-escalation in cancer treatment?

"Fundamentally, studying de-escalation treatment approaches mean that we're evaluating the idea of giving less rather than giving more," wrote Dr. Jyoti Patel at Cancer.Net. Oncologists and patients have been "conditioned to think that more treatment should always be better," but aggressive treatment often comes with side effects that undermine the patient's quality of life. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause hair loss, fatigue and other side effects and induce new forms of cancers.

The trend toward de-escalation is partly a recognition of those quality-of-life issues but also a matter of research advances. Thanks to a better understanding of how cancer works, doctors can take a "more nuanced and personalized approach to treatment" instead of throwing everything at the wall. "The goal of cancer therapy has long been about improving survival," Patel wrote, but "we can focus on the quality of life during survival, too."

Where has de-escalation proved promising?

The rectal cancer findings are just the latest in a series of studies on de-escalated therapies. A 2022 study found that some breast cancer patients, for whom treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, may not need surgery to improve. Testicular cancer patients may also benefit from reduced chemotherapy and radiation treatments, according to results published in November. Another study presented this week at an ASCO conference found laparoscopic surgery worked as well for some pancreatic cancer patients as did more invasive surgical options.

A recent clinical trial found the same rate of "cancer control" in some early-stage cervical cancer patients who received a "simple" hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) as with a radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix and surrounding tissue). The findings are likely to be "practice-changing," said Dr. Marie Plante at Laval University in Quebec.

What do patients say?

It's complicated. A survey published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that a small group of breast cancer patients were interested in de-escalated therapy for their illness, as long as the word "de-escalation" wasn't used by doctors. It sounded to them like the doctors were giving up on treatment. So instead oncologists speak in terms of "personalized" care. Patients are more inclined to participate in de-escalated treatments, the researchers found, "if they are framed in terms of customizing treatment to the individual patient and added benefit  reduced toxicities, higher quality of life during treatment, and lower risk of long-term complications  rather than in terms of taking treatments away or doing less than the standard of care."

For some slow-moving cancers, though, patients appear to be fine with fewer aggressive treatments. An April study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that 60% of low-risk prostate cancer patients are opting for "advanced surveillance" of their cancer rather than surgery or radiation, up from 16% in 2010. "These data show that a diagnosis of prostate cancer no longer means a patient will undergo treatment," said Dr. Jonathan Shoag of the Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland. "We now can, and do, avoid treating cancers that we believe will behave indolently."

What's next?

The trend toward de-escalation will continue. Federal regulators this year issued new guidance to cancer drug developers on how to determine dosages, The Wall Street Journal reported. Previously, "doses were traditionally set at the highest tolerable amount." Now those drugmakers are looking for the "best balance between efficacy and safety," said Tara Frenkl, a senior vice president for Bayer. "That's a relatively new concept for oncology."

You may also like

How the Bible became conservative book bans' unintended target

What is Mike Pence thinking?

CNN CEO Chris Licht steps down after damaging Atlantic profile
CNN management focused on 'listening' and 'getting back to work' as the network moves on from Chris Licht

CNN's Amy Entelis speaks at an event in 2017 in Pasadena, California. Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Turner

A trio of longtime executives have taken charge at CNN following the exit of Chris Licht.

"It's really about listening now and executing and getting back to work," says COO David Leavy.

Amy Entelis, who manages talent, has been seen as a leading internal candidate to take over.

There's a moment in Tim Alberta's brutal profile of CNN's now-former CEO Chris Licht where Licht awkwardly takes a jab at his predecessor Jeff Zucker. Grabbing a long metal pole during a workout with his trainer, Licht says through clenched teeth, "Zucker couldn't do this shit."

The following Monday, as Licht attempted to quell growing calls for his ouster, Licht told CNN staff: "As I read that article, I found myself thinking, CNN is not about me. I should not be in the news unless it's taking arrows for you. Your work is what should be written about."

The sense that Licht had made it all about him, while overseeing a precipitous drop in ratings, had made things untenable.

Licht's decision to move his office to a grander and less accessible space high above the newsroom, his sharp criticism of some of CNN's journalism under his well-liked and very hands-on predecessor, and his disastrous attempt to parlay his previous success producing "Morning Joe" into revamping "CNN This Morning," while neglecting primetime, all led to a loss of faith in Licht's leadership.

The last straw might have been Licht's most ambitious play, a town hall with former President Donald Trump, which angered CNN's core audience and even sparked a public rebuke from Christiane Amanpour.

Licht had lost the newsroom, alienating both the rank and file and the network's biggest stars  including, apparently, Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper.

"Maybe put a lady in charge of editorial this time?" Vox Media journalist Kara Swisher tweeted in the early hours of Tuesday. "My pick for obvious interim leader would be the always classy and hugely talented Amy Entelis. Place your bets, folks!"

Jeff Zucker and Chris Licht at an event in 2019, back when Zucker still ran CNN and Licht was the showrunner on The Late Show on CBS. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

She was right, in part. At least for now.

On Wednesday  less than a week after Alberta's story went live  Licht was out, and Amy Entelis, who has led recruitment and development of original programming since joining CNN in 2012 from ABC, was among a trio of longtime executives named to lead the network while parent company Warner Bros. Discovery searches for a new network chief.

The others were Virginia Moseley, executive vice president of editorial, who runs breaking news coverage and domestic newsgathering and brings a long track record of overseeing political coverage; and Eric Sherling, executive vice president of US programming, who has had two decades in executive producing and programming with shows like "The Lead With Jake Tapper" and "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" to his credit.

David Leavy, who is close with WBD chief executive David Zaslav, will remain in the COO slot that he was named to last week, while continuing to oversee public policy and social responsibility for WBD.

All of them will report to Zaslav, who wants the network to continue reflecting a wider variety of political viewpoints, including conservative ones, as it had begun to do under Licht.

The immediate task ahead will be to firm up the trust of the newsroom and fill programming holes. Longer term, the job is to stem, if not reverse, CNN's falling profits and ratings and set a digital strategy, which was upended when WBD pulled the plug on newly launched CNN+ over a year ago.

"The team's empowered," Leavy told Insider. "It's really about listening now and executing and getting back to work. It's all about the work and the strategy."

CNN must "stop the self-inflicted wounds," he said, but he's bullish about CNN's future.

"We're not like Vice or BuzzFeed. We're not going out of business. It's making sure we have good processes, good communication," Leavy said. "The core strategic advantages are pretty sound."

As for the idea some have floated that he might return toe WBD full time  after all, his CNN appointment was intended to help Licht right the ship  Leavy said, "This is my new job. I'm not going anywhere."

A perfect storm

While some inside CNN are breathing a sigh of relief that the Licht era is over, the bigger problem remains of reversing CNN's ratings demise and shoring up its business model.

For now, the interim leaders, and then whoever is chosen as Licht's successor has their work cut out for them.

CNN's primetime lineup remains in flux. Kaitlan Collins is due to debut a new show in the 9 p.m. slot later this month, but her move, along with Don Lemon's dismissal in April, leaves another vacancy to anchor alongside Poppy Harlow on "CNN This Morning."

Licht's attempts, reportedly at Zaslav's direction, to make the network a friendlier place for conservative voices never succeeded in bringing in viewers from the right, while moderate and liberal audiences have reportedly been tuning out since the infamous Trump town hall.

David Zaslav, head of Warner Bros Discovery, poses during a photocall for the new HBO series "The Idol." PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images

"You do have a tough situation," said Jonathan Miller, former top NewsCorp executive and BBC News Board member and current CEO of Integrated Media, on the larger challenges that any new leader of CNN faces.

"You have almost a perfect storm of the network trying to reinvent itself, personal issues that have come to the fore with the last two leaders, and the paid TV universe is shrinking. No matter what, you're addressing a smaller audience. The thing you can address the most is, what's the audience you're trying to capture?"

'She knows how to bring out the best in people'

While Entelis has been viewed as the leading internal candidate to take over, people who know her emphasized she loves her current job and is focused on the near-term.

If Licht was seen as mismanaging CNN's top talent, Entelis, in particular, is known to be the queen of talent.

Entelis, 72, who previously spent three decades at ABC, had helped develop everyone from Peter Jennings and Ted Koppel to Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper. She made a name for herself as someone who could spot and nurture talent, zero in on people's strengths, and offer frank feedback. (CNN declined to comment about its CEO search.)

Industry sources who know Entelis said she's a credible and trusted executive who will bring the stability the network needs now.

"Amy's a legend," a former CNN employee told Insider. "She knows how to bring out the best in people."

In her current role as executive vice president for talent and content development at CNN Worldwide, she produced award-winning films and shows, like the Oscar-winning "Navalny" about the Russian opposition leader, and the megahit "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown."

CNN's Amy Entelis (right) with chefs Eric Ripert, Masa Takayama, and Anthony Bourdain at a 2016 screening of "Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown: Japan with Masa." Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Turner

She also advocated to put more women in high-profile, hard-news beats.

Other projects she championed included Lisa Ling's "This is Life," and W. Kamau Bell's "United Shades of America," which explored race in America and aired from 2016 to 2022.

"So does this mean I can have my old job back?" Bell tweeted on Wednesday.

In a tribute to Entelis for a special issue of Variety in 2019, Tapper  who worked with her both at ABC and at CNN  wrote that her "greatest joy" was to see the people she had brought in and mentored succeed.

She's also proven herself as a valuable lieutenant.

Just over a year ago, when Zucker was pushed out after failing to disclose a consensual relationship with a colleague, Entelis was a part of the leadership team that steered the ship before Licht stepped into the role. And late last year, when CNN announced it would pull back production of original series and films  Entelis' wheelhouse  she stayed on, reinventing her role and finding ways to approach longform content in-house.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Image: Dave Chan (Getty Images)

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Meta and Google are stalling the countrys Online News Act by using bullying tactics. The companies argue that the bill, which would require the big tech companies to pay news publishers for content posted to their websites, is unsustainable for their bottom line.



The Online News Act would require digital platforms to share revenue with news outlets, and sets up an arbitration framework in the event that those platforms and outlets cannot reach a revenue sharing agreement. Meta and Google have thrown tantrums in regards to the Online News Act in Canada beforeGoogle threatened to block news in Canada in February, while Meta threatened to do the same in March. The bill was first introduced in April 2022, and now, Prime Minister Trudeau are calling Google and Meta for trying to strong arm the Canadian government, according to Reuters.

Read more

The fact that these internet giants would rather cut off Canadians access to local news than pay their fair share is a real problem, and now theyre resorting to bullying tactics to try and get their wayits not going to work, Trudeau said to reporters, as quoted in Reuters.

Last month, both Google and Meta released official statements on the Online News Act. Metas president of Global Affairs Nick Clegg claimed in a statement Meta only fairly benefits from users sharing news on the platform. Clegg further said that users dont come to Facebook and Instagram for news, but to share the ups and downs of life. Google Canadas vice president and Country Managing Director Sabrina Geremia wrote that the Online News Act could create a lower standard of journalism.

This is not the first time Google and Meta have pitifully attempted to flex their digital biceps against a government trying to hold them accountable for being a glorified newspaper. An Australian law similar to Canadas Online News Act caused Facebook to ban news sharing amongst users in the country, with the platform claiming that news accounts for less than 4% of content shared. California lawmakers introduced similar legislation this past March that would also require tech companies to share revenue with news publishers through a journalism usage fee. Unsurprisingly, Meta and Google did not respond well, but the California Assembly is holding firm against Metas threats.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
WASHINGTON  Former Trump White House official Steve Bannon has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., in connection with special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Jan. 6 and former President Donald Trump's efforts to stay in office, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

The subpoena, for documents and testimony, was sent out late last month, the sources said. The grand jury investigating Trump's actions surrounding the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, and in connection with efforts to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power is separate from the grand jury in Miami that heard testimony Wednesday about his handling of classified documents.

Steve Bannon outside of federal court in Washington (Frank Thorp V / NBC News)

A spokesman for the special counsel declined to comment. Bannon's attorney Harlan Protass declined to comment.

Bannon, who now hosts a podcast, was previously charged with contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate after he received congressional subpoenas from the House Jan. 6 committee, and he was convicted of two charges in July after a jury trial. In October, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols sentenced Bannon to four months in federal prison but suspended the sentence while Bannon pursued appeals.

Jonathan Dienst and Laura Jarrett reported from New York and Ryan J. Reilly reported from Washington.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(Bloomberg) -- Former President Donald Trump asked a judge to grant him a new trial in the sexual assault and defamation suit filed against him by New York author E. Jean Carroll  or to sharply reduce the $5 million damages he was ordered to pay.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a Thursday filing in Manhattan federal court, Trump said the May 9 jury award was grossly excessive because the panel found him liable for sexual abuse but not rape.

Such abuse could have included groping Plaintiffs breasts through clothing or similar conduct, which is a far cry from rape, Trumps lawyer Joe Tacopina argued in the filing.

If the judge declines to order a new trial, the damages should be cut by more than $4 million, Tacopina said. The lawyer said an award of in the low six-figure range for the abuse finding would be consistent with other verdicts in favor of plaintiffs whose intimate parts were groped by a defendant.

Roberta Kaplan, Carrolls lawyer, called Trumps arguments against the damages award frivolous in a Thursday statement.

The jury carefully considered the evidence that Ms. Carroll presented, and Trump did not put on a single witness of his own, Kaplan said. This time, Trump will not be able to escape the consequences of his actions.

Trump has also appealed the verdict. The jury found that Trump sexually abused Carroll in a dressing room of the Bergdorf Goodman department store in 1996 and then defamed her by publicly denying it more than decades later. But the panel did not find Trump liable for rape, which largely refers to intercourse under New York law.

In Thursdays filing, Trump said the damages were clearly motivated by sympathy rather than by evidence of harm. He also said that, because Carrolls defamation claim was largely based on his denial of her rape allegation, it failed to the extent that the jury found him not liable for rape.

Read More: Trump Liable for Sex Abuse, Must Pay $5 Million to Carroll

(Updates with comment from Carrolls lawyer.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Donald Trump has requested a new trial in the sexual assault civil case brought by E Jean Carroll, according to a new court filing.

A Manhattan jury last month found the former US president liable for sexually abusing and defaming the writer and awarded her $5m in damages.

Mr Trump failed to appear at the trial, which heard graphic testimony from the former Elle advice columnist how she was sexually assaulted at the luxury Manhattan department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s.

After two weeks of evidence, a Manhattan jury took just over two and a half hours to find Mr Trump liable for the attack and for defaming Ms Carroll by angrily calling the claims a hoax.

In a new filing on Thursday, Mr Trumps lawyers claimed the jurys $2m award for the sexual abuse portion of the verdict was excessive because the jury had found that Carroll had not been raped.

They further alleged that Ms Carroll had stated that she did not suffer any mental injury from the assault, a claim disputed at trial by an expert psychiatrist.

Trumps legal team also said the $2.7m award for defamation was based upon pure speculation.

Ms Carroll, 79, first revealed details of the sexual assault in a book excerpt that ran in New York magazine in June 2019.

When Mr Trump denied the claims and attacked her personally, she sued him for defamation.

Then in 2022, Ms Carroll sued the former president for sexual assault after New York passed a law allowing survivors a one year window to hold their abusers accountable regardless of when the assault took place.

During three days of testimony, Ms Carroll told the jury that she and Mr Trump had engaged in playful banter after a chance encounter at Bergdorf Goodman one evening in the mid-1990s.

After taking an escalator up to a deserted 6th floor to look for lingerie, Mr Trump led her to a dressing room, pushed her up against a wall and sexually assaulted her.

It was extremely painful, Ms Carroll told the jury. He put his hand inside me and curled his finger. As I sit here today, I can still feel it.
Former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) are neck and neck among Utah Republicans in the presidential primary, even as Trump holds a comfortable lead in national polls.

Trump received 27 percent of the vote in a hypothetical primary, while DeSantis received 26 percent, according to the Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll. Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) received 7 percent of the vote but has not announced a formal campaign for the White House.

Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, received 5 percent of the vote, as did former Vice President Mike Pence, who announced his presidential campaign Wednesday. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy received 4 percent of the vote, and Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) received 3 percent.

Trump did not perform well in Utah during the 2016 Republican Caucus, garnering only 14 percent of the vote. Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), who received 3 percent of the vote in the new poll, won the state with 69 percent of the vote in the 2016 caucus.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

The field of Republican candidates for the 2024 GOP primary continues to grow, as Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum all launched their campaigns this past week. In the RealClearPolitics national polling average, Trump holds a significant lead over his challengers, with DeSantis holding steady in second place.

The RealClearPolitics polling average has Trump leading at about 53 percent, followed by DeSantis who has about 22 percent. No other candidate in the polling average has more than 5 percent of the voting share.

The Deseret News/Hinkley Institute of Politics poll surveyed 421 registered Republican voters in Utah between May 22 and June 1, and it has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.78 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A White House official who testified to the Justice Department regarding both Donald Trump and Joe Bidens handling of classified materials told the agency that the 45th president understood the process for correctly declassifying those papers, according to CNN.

CNN reports that the official, whose name was not published, told prosecutors about a 2018 instance in which Mr Trump directed his team to go through the correct process for declassifying a document, a memo relating to the Russia investigation.

That experience could undercut any potential arguments from Mr Trumps lawyers insisting that their client did not know or care about learning the correct procedure; so far, Mr Trump has insisted that he had issued an order to automatically declassify any documents taken from the White House  an explanation rejected by former Trump White House staff. His attorneys have claimed that the classified documents were taken inadvertantly.

In general, the former president has raged against the DoJs multiple investigations into his activities, which include his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and actions on January 6. He has consistently argued that the lack of scrutiny into Joe Bidens handling of classified materials is evidence of a double standard, though notably Mr Bidens team is reported to have been much more forthcoming once they discovered documents at their clients residence and office at a DC-based think tank.

Mr Trumps team has been engaged in a dispute with the federal government over the full return of documents retained from the White House for months; just recently, the DoJ subpoenaed the Trump team for any documents regarding potential plans for an invasion of Iran.

The sheer extent of Mr Trumps trove and his continued insistance to be its rightful owner has proved to be a headache for the ex-presidents legal team as the DoJs special counsel overseeing the probe, Jack Smith, nears a decision on whether to file charges. The former president was first reported by The Independent this week to have received a letter indicating that he was the target of the investigation, and would likely soon be charged.

That set off another wave of condemnations from the Mar-a-Lago monarch on Truth Social, as he rages that the investigations are a supposed attempt to block his return to power.

Wow, this is turning out to be the greatest & most vicious instance of ELECTION INTERFERENCE in the history of our Country. Remember, Im leading DeSanctimonious BIG in the Polls but, more importantly, Im leading Biden by a lot. Also, & perhaps most importantly, they are launching all of the many iFake Investigations against me RIGHT SMACK IN THE MIDDLE OF MY CAMPAIGN, something which is unheard of & not supposed to happen. DOJ, FBI, NEW YORK A.G., NEW YORK D.A., ATLANTA D.A. FASCISTS ALL! wrote Mr Trump on Wednesday.
The Department of Justice is preparing to ask a Washington DC grand jury to indict Donald Trump for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice over the discovery of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, the latest setback to hit his 2024 presidential campaign.

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment as soon as Thursday accusing the former president of violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

Mr Trump reacted angrily to the news on Wednesday, insisting: No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong.

The dramatic development comes as Mark Meadows, Mr Trumps former White House chief of staff, has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to several federal charges.

Meanwhile, the Republican front-runner is facing further competition in his quest to return to the White House in 2024 as his estanged vice president Mike Pence and ex-New Jersey governor Chris Christie join an increasingly crowded field.

Key Points

Prosecutors ready to ask for Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

Pence calls on DoJ not to indict Trump but stops short of saying hed pardon him if elected in 2024

Trump aide Taylor Budowich responds to reports of Florida grand jury testimony

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

Investigators looking at swimming pool worker who flooded Mar-a-Lago records room'

Special counsel prosecutor seen at Miami courthouse

15:12 , Oliver O'Connell

Per NBC News, David Harbach, a prosecutor working with the special counsel's classified documents investigation, has been spotted heading into the grand jury meeting room at the federal courthouse in Miami, Florida.

NBC News: David Harbach, a prosecutor working with the special counsel's classified documents investigation, has been spotted heading into the grand jury meeting room at the federal courthouse in Miami. @MSNBC  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 8, 2023

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

15:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Rishi Sunak has suggested a busy schedule is the reason behind his not seeking a meeting with Donald Trump while visiting the US.

The British prime minister will meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday and has already held talks with senior political figures in Congress.

Mr Trump is widely seen as the front-runner to secure the Republican nomination to run for president again in 2024, with Florida governor Ron DeSantis viewed as his main rival.

Mr DeSantis met two members of Mr Sunaks Cabinet  James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch  during a trip to the UK in April, forcing Downing Street to deny any favouritism for the Florida governor over the former president.

Read on below for more.

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

Separate grand jury meeting in Florida has also been hearing evidence

14:30 , Andrew Feinberg

It is understood that prosecutors intend to ask grand jurors to vote on the indictment of Donald Trump on Thursday, but that vote could be delayed as much as a week until the next meeting of the grand jury to allow for a complete presentation of evidence, or to allow investigators to gather more evidence for the presentation of necessary.

A separate grand jury that is meeting in Florida has also been hearing evidence in the documents investigation.

That grand jury was empanelled in part to overcome legal issues posed by the fact that some of the crimes allegedly committed by Mr Trump took place in that jurisdiction, not in Washington.

Under federal law, prosecutors must bring charges against federal defendants in the jurisdiction where the crimes took place.

Why is so much of the Washington press hellbent on propping up Pence?'

14:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Republicans know who Mike Pence is and what he believes. Its just that they dont like it, writes Eric Garcia for Indy Voices.

Most Republicans who consider themselves devotees of Donald Trump will likely never forgive Mr Pence for not overturning the election. Conversely, many Republicans who might otherwise not like Mr Trump (or at least think that he would lose were he to be the Republican nominee again) will likely see Mr Pence as too tied to the former president.

So with all of this evidence showing that he will likely fold and not have even amount to a long shot contender, why is so much of the Washington press so hellbent on propping him up?

A major reason for this is that the political media ecosystem needs to broadcast to viewers that some rational Republicans have not given in to the vices of extremism. The Washington press fears nothing more than the right working the referees to complain that they are biased against them.

Mike Pence isnt even a contender for 2024. Why are we pretending?

Trumps ex-adviser Steve Bannon 'subpoenaed by Jack Smiths Jan 6 probe

13:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Donald Trumps former White House adviser Steve Bannon has reportedly been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith as part of a grand jury in his investigation into the 6 January 2021 insurrection.

The Washington DC grand jury is separate from the investigation into the former presidents handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home after he left the White House.

The subpoena is for both documents and testimony and was sent out in late May, sources told NBC News.

Bannon was convicted in July 2022 on two charges of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with the congressional January 6 committee.

In October, US District Judge Carl Nichols sentenced Bannon to four months in federal prison, but the sentence was suspended while he appeals his conviction.

Trumps ex-adviser Steve Bannon subpoenaed by Jack Smiths Jan 6 probe, says report

Pence polls at only 5.4 per cent

13:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Mike Pence should at least be running closely with Mr Trump and Mr DeSantis.

Hes a former vice president to a chief executive most Republican voters love, a staunchly conservative former congressman and governor of a solidly Republican state.

Hes long called himself a Christian, a conservative and a Republican in that order.

But FiveThirtyEight shows that while Mr Pence places third, on average, among the present crop of candidates, polling at only 5.4 per cent, while Mr Trump is at 53.7 per cent and Mr DeSantis is at 21.3 per cent.

That is a disappointing number for a candidate with nearly-universal name recognition, which in and of itself is half the game  indeed, Mr Trump and President Joe Biden won their respective nominations largely because people knew who they were.

Pence calls on DoJ not to indict Trump but stops short of saying hed pardon him if elected in 2024

12:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Mike Pence has called on the Department of Justice (DoJ) not to prosecute Donald Trump for his handling of classified documents but refused to say he would pardon the former president if he won the White House.

The former vice president told a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, that he viewed the handling of classified material as a very serious matter but told host Dana Bash that federal prosecutors should leave Mr Trump alone.

I would hope not, I really would, he said when asked if the DoJ special counsel Jack Smith should indict Mr Trump over the documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

I think it would be terribly divisive to the country at a time when the American people are hurting. This kind of action by the DoJ would only fuel further division in the country and send a terrible message to the wider world I hope the DoJ thinks better of it and resolves this in a better way than an indictment, he continued.

Despite that, Mr Pence told the audience that no one is above the law and also admitted that he himself had no business having some classified documents at his home in Indiana.

Read the full story by Graeme Massie here:

Pence calls on DoJ not to indict Trump but stops short of saying hed pardon him

Furious Trump rant about Mark Meadows is widely shared  but its a convincing fake

12:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Former Republican representative Adam Kinzinger was among those who appear to have been taken in by a fake social media post that purported to show Donald Trump raging at his former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

OH MEADOWS TURNED, Mr Kinzinger tweeted along with a screenshot of the fake Trump post, before deleting it shortly after.

But the post was doctored to look similar to Mr Trump's routine rants on Truth Social, although a quick scroll through the former president's social media page confirmed the post was never actually shared by Mr Trump.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has the story.

Furious Trump rant about Mark Meadows widely shared  but its a convincing fake

Trump reacts with fury at news of possible indictment in classified documents case: Ive done NOTHING wrong

11:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Former president Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his furious reaction to the news that he may soon be indicted.

The Independent reported earlier on Wednesday that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the No Collusion Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX #1, Impeachment HOAX #2, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS. A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!! Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon.

It is understood that prosecutors intend to ask grand jurors to vote on the indictment on Thursday, but that vote could be delayed as much as a week until the next meeting of the grand jury to allow for a complete presentation of evidence, or to allow investigators to gather more evidence for presentation if necessary.

Millionaires support Ron DeSantis but Trump support growing, says poll

11:00 , Graeme Massie

The Florida governor is the favourite GOP candidate among millionaires, but support for Donald Trump among the wealthy is growing, according to a new poll.

The CNBC Millionaire Survey shows that 32 per cent of Republicans with that status support the Florida governor, a drop from 54 per cent at the end of 2022.

Mr Trump now has the support of 28 per cent of Republican millionaires, up from 17 per cent last year, says the poll.

ICYMI: Trump has been indicted: Here are the other major lawsuits and investigations he is also facing

10:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Former president has fumed that the investigations  and now his criminal indictment  are politically motivated:

Donald Trump under arrest: All the other major lawsuits he is also facing

Pence likely sealed his fate as a presidential candidate on January 6

10:00 , Eric Garcia

Mr Pence likely sealed his fate as a presidential candidate not when he filed the paperwork to become a contender this month, but on January 6, when he made the correct decision to break from Mr Trump and his advisers cockamamie scheme to overturn the election. Mr Pence mentioned this during his announcement speech, excoriating the president for inciting the mob that wanted to lynch him and putting American democracy in peril.

On that fateful day, President Trumps words were reckless, they endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol, he said. But the American people deserve to know that on that day President Trump also demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice.

Mr Pence deserves credit for not subverting democracy. But it also means that he is almost certainly not going to be president of the United States. Almost every indicator shows that Republican voters have soundly rejected him and likely will continue to do so as the 2024 campaign begins in earnest.

Prosecutors ready to ask for Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The Department of Justice is preparing to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict former president Donald Trump for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice as soon as Thursday, adding further weight to the legal baggage facing Mr Trump as he campaigns for his partys nomination in next years presidential election.

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

The use of Section 793, which does not make reference to classified information, is understood to be a strategic decision by prosecutors that has been made to short-circuit Mr Trumps ability to claim that he used his authority as president to declassify documents he removed from the White House and kept at his Palm Beach, Florida property long after his term expired on 20 January 2021.

Prosecutors seeking Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

Trump reacts with fury at news of possible indictment in classified documents case: Ive done NOTHING wrong

09:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his furious reaction to the news that prosecutors are ready to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict him for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice.

The charges may drop as soon as tomorrow, further complicating Mr Trumps 2024 campaign for the White House.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the No Collusion Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX #1, Impeachment HOAX #2, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS. A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!! Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon.

Read more:

Trump says no one has told me Im being indicted in classified documents case

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Former Vice President Mike Pence said he plans to make the expansion of abortion bans a central plank of his 2024 campaign as he launched his bid for the GOP nomination on Wednesday.

The white-haired conservative Republican spoke in Ankeny, Iowa, on Wednesday as he officially began his quest for the White House. His campaign launch came less than 24 hours after another Republican, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, entered the race as well.

In Iowa, Mr Pence spoke about his longtime opposition to abortion rights and accused his former boss of backing away from the issue in the wake of the political fallout from the Dobbs decision that ended federal protections for abortion rights.

After leading the most pro-life administration in American history, Donald Trump and others in this race are retreating from the cause of the unborn, the former VP said.

The sanctity of life has been our partys calling for half a century  long before Donald Trump was ever a part of it. Now he treats it as an inconvenience, even blaming election losses on overturning Roe v Wade.

Full story by John Bowden here:

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

VOICES: Mike Pence isnt even a contender for 2024. Why are we pretending?

08:00 , Eric Garcia

Former vice president Mike Pence announced his candidacy for president on Wednesday with more attention from the press than it likely will receive from Republican voters.

On Wednesday night, he will appear on CNN for a town hall, and this weekend, he will venture to North Carolina to speak at the state partys convention that will also feature the two top contenders for the GOP nomination, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis and his old boss, former president Donald Trump.

Of course, like any presidential candidate, Mr Pence has been setting himself up for a run, releasing a memoir last year and campaigning for various Republican candidates in the 2022 midterms.

Earlier this year, at the Gridiron Dinner, that formal gathering of the press and politicians that is sequestered from the public eye that Im never cool enough to get an invitation for, he praised the media while lambasting the former president, attempting to once again separate himself from his former political benefactor.

Read more:

Mike Pence isnt even a contender for 2024. Why are we pretending?

Pence calls on DoJ not to indict Trump but stops short of saying hed pardon him if elected in 2024

07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Mike Pence has called on the Justice Department to not prosecute Donald Trump for his handling of classified documents but refused to say he would pardon the former president if he won the White House.

The former vice president told a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, that he viewed the handling of classified material as a very serious matter but told host Dana Bash that federal prosecutors should leave Mr Trump alone.

I would hope not, I really would, he said when asked if the DoJ special counsel Jack Smith should indict Mr Trump over the documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

I think it would be terribly divisive to the country at a time when the American people are hurting. This kind of action by the DoJ would only fuel further division in the country and send a terrible message to the wider world  I hope the DoJ thinks better of it and resolves this in a better way than an indictment, he continued.

Despite that, Mr Pence told the audience that no one is above the law, and also admitted that he himself had no business having some classified documents at his home in Indiana.

Read the full story by Graeme Massie here:

Pence calls on DoJ not to indict Trump but stops short of saying hed pardon him

Grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of ex-president

07:00 , Andrew Feinberg

A source familiar with the matter has said Mr Trumps team was recently informed that he is a target of a Justice Department probe, which began in early 2022 after National Archives and Records Administration officials discovered more than 100 documents bearing classification markings in a set of 15 boxes of Trump administration records retrieved from Mar-a-Lago, the century-old mansion turned private beach club where Mr Trump maintains his primary residence and post-presidential office.

Over the course of the last year, grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of the ex-president, including nearly every employee of Mar-a-Lago, former administration officials who worked in Mr Trumps post-presidential office and for his political operation, and former high-ranking administration officials such as his final White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

Millionaires support Ron DeSantis but Trump support growing, says poll

06:30 , Graeme Massie

The Florida governor is the favourite GOP candidate among millionaires, but support for Donald Trump among the wealthy is growing, according to a new poll.

The CNBC Millionaire Survey shows that 32 per cent of Republicans with that status support the Florida governor, a drop from 54 per cent at the end of 2022.

Mr Trump now has the support of 28 per cent of Republican millionaires, up from 17 per cent last year, says the poll.

GOP conservatives shutter House to protest McCarthy-Biden debt deal, setting up next budget brawl

06:00 , AP

In fallout from the debt ceiling deal, Speaker Kevin McCarthy is suddenly confronting a new threat to his power as angry hard-right conservatives bring the House chamber to a halt, reviving their displeasure over the compromise struck with President Joe Biden and demanding deeper spending cuts ahead.

Barely a dozen Republicans, mainly members of the House Freedom Caucus, shuttered House business for a second day Thursday in protest of McCarthys leadership. Routine votes could not be taken, and a pair of pro-gas stove bills important to GOP activists stalled out. Some lawmakers asked if they could simply go home.

McCarthy brushed off the disruption as healthy political debate, part of his risk taker way of being a leader  not too different, he said, from the 15-vote spectacle it took in January for him to finally convince his colleagues to elect him as speaker. With a paper-thin GOP majority, any few Republicans have outsized sway.

Read more:

GOP conservatives shutter House to protest McCarthy-Biden debt deal, setting up next budget brawl

Grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of ex-president

05:30 , Andrew Feinberg

A source familiar with the matter has said Mr Trumps team was recently informed that he is a target of a Justice Department probe, which began in early 2022 after National Archives and Records Administration officials discovered more than 100 documents bearing classification markings in a set of 15 boxes of Trump administration records retrieved from Mar-a-Lago, the century-old mansion turned private beach club where Mr Trump maintains his primary residence and post-presidential office.

Over the course of the last year, grand jurors have heard testimony from numerous associates of the ex-president, including nearly every employee of Mar-a-Lago, former administration officials who worked in Mr Trumps post-presidential office and for his political operation, and former high-ranking administration officials such as his final White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

Separate grand jury meeting in Florida has also been hearing evidence

05:00 , Andrew Feinberg

It is understood that prosecutors intend to ask grand jurors to vote on the indictment on Thursday, but that vote could be delayed as much as a week until the next meeting of the grand jury to allow for a complete presentation of evidence, or to allow investigators to gather more evidence for presentation of necessary.

A separate grand jury that is meeting in Florida has also been hearing evidence in the documents investigation. That grand jury was empaneled in part to overcome legal issues posed by the fact that some of the crimes allegedly committed by Mr Trump took place in that jurisdiction, not in Washington. Under federal law, prosecutors must bring charges against federal defendants in the jurisdiction where the crimes took place.

Trumps ex-adviser Steve Bannon subpoenaed by Jack Smiths Jan 6 probe, says report

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Donald Trumps former White House adviser Steve Bannon has been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith as part of a grand jury in his investigation into the January 6 insurrection, says a report.

The Washington DC grand jury is separate from the investigation into the former presidents handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home after he left the White House.

The subpoena is for both documents and testimony and was sent out in late May, sources told NBC News.

Bannon was convicted in July 2022 on two charges of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with the congressional January 6 committee.

In October, US District Judge Carl Nichols sentenced Bannon to four months in federal prison, but the sentence was suspended while he appeals his conviction.

Trumps ex-adviser Steve Bannon subpoenaed by Jack Smiths Jan 6 probe, says report

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

04:00 , David Hughes

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

Rishi Sunak has suggested a busy schedule meant he was not seeking a meeting with Donald Trump while in the US.

The Prime Minister will meet President Joe Biden, who defeated Mr Trump in 2019, at the White House on Thursday and has already held talks with senior political figures in Congress.

Mr Trump is widely seen as the frontrunner to secure the Republican nomination to run for president again in 2024, with Ron DeSantis viewed as his main rival.

Mr DeSantis met two members of Mr Sunaks Cabinet  James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch  during a trip to the UK in April, forcing Downing Street to deny any favouritism for the Florida governor over the former president.

Mr Sunak was asked why he was not seeking a meeting with Mr Trump during his visit to Washington.

Read more:

Rishi Sunak not seeking meeting with Donald Trump because of busy schedule

Prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Trump

03:00 , Andrew Feinberg

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

The use of Section 793, which does not make reference to classified information, is understood to be a strategic decision by prosecutors that has been made to short-circuit Mr Trumps ability to claim that he used his authority as president to declassify documents he removed from the White House and kept at his Palm Beach, Florida property long after his term expired on 20 January 2021.

That section of US criminal law is written in a way that could encompass Mr Trumps conduct even if he was authorised to possess the information as president because it states that anyone who lawfully having possession of, access to, control over, or being entrusted with any document ...relating to the national defence, and willfully communicates, delivers, transmits or causes to be communicated, delivered, or transmitted or attempts to communicate, deliver, transmit or cause to be communicated, delivered or transmitted the same to any person not entitled to receive it, or willfully retains the same and fails to deliver it on demand to the officer or employee of the United States entitled to receive it can be punished by as many as 10 years in prison.

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

02:30 , Graeme Massie

A Fox News host has apologised after making a barbed remark about Chris Christies weight and his ability to down a milkshake.

John Roberts mocked the former New Jersey governor as he discussed his entry into the 2024 presidential race on the right-wing channels show America Reports.

Roberts made the comment as he compared the fight for the Republican nomination to two milkshakes, one being drunk by Donald Trump and the other by the remaining candidates.

The other milkshake, which represents the non-Donald Trump part of the Republican Party, has how many straws in it now? And now were gonna have Chris Christies straw in there, and judging by Chris Christies physical stature, he could drink a lot of the milkshake if he wanted to. But youre not affecting the Donald Trump milkshake, he said.

Read more:

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

How the botched effort to drag CNN to the right ended with Chris Lichts own stunning downfall

02:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Bevan Hurley writes:

Everybody told Chris Licht not to take the job.

The 51-year-old was axed as CNN chief executive and chairman on Wednesday 7 June after a chaotic 13-month reign at the network.

Under his leadership, the cable channel had seen ratings plummet, attracting fewer viewers than right-wing minnow Newsmax in May, its newsroom was in open rebellion, and staff morale was at rock-bottom.

His departure had been expected, but still marked a stunning downfall for the powerful television executive who prior to CNN had enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of broadcast journalism.

Read more...

Chris Licht out at CNN after botched attempt to drag network right

Actor known for 'Bob's Burgers' character arrested on Capitol riot charges

01:30 , AP

An actor known for his roles on the comedy television shows Bobs Burgers and Mr. Show with Bob and David was arrested Wednesday on charges that he joined a mob of Donald Trump supporters in confronting police officers during the U.S. Capitol riot, court records show.

Jay Johnston was arrested in Los Angeles on charges including civil disorder, a felony. He is expected to make his initial court appearance in California on Wednesday. Online court records dont list an attorney for Johnston.

Video footage captured Johnston pushing against police and helping rioters who attacked officers guarding an entrance to the Capitol in a tunnel on the Lower West Terrace, according to an FBI agents affidavit. Johnston held a stolen police shield over his head and passed it to other rioters during the attack on Jan. 6, 2021, the affidavit says.

Read more:

Actor known for 'Bob's Burgers' character arrested on Capitol riot charges

Barr: Trump secret papers crisis is his own fault for jerking around DOJ

01:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Attorney General Bill Barr has weighed in on Donald Trumps legal problems relating to the trove of classified documents found at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.

Mr Barr told CBS Mornings that the former presidents problems are of his own making and the case against him and any probe of his retention of secret papers would have gone nowhere if he had just returned them.

Read more...

Trump secret papers crisis is his own fault for jerking around DOJ says Bill Barr

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

Thursday 8 June 2023 00:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Vice President Mike Pence plans to make the expansion of abortion bans a centre plank of his 2024 campaign, and made that clear as he launched his bid for the GOP nomination on Wednesday.

John Bowden reports.

Pence accuses Trump of treating abortion issue as an inconvenience

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump fired off a nasty buffet video of Chris Christie after the former governor attacked Ivanka Trump at his 2024 campaign launch.

The former president shared a video created by Twitter users @NautPoso and @drefanzor which was crudely edited to make it appear as if the ex-New Jersey governor was starting his campaign at an all-you-can-buffet holding a plate of food.

Read more...

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

.@GovChristie: "Back in 2015 and '16, I played a conventional game...that's not the politics today...It was a mistake, in 2016, not confront Donald Trump early, because I knew that so much of what he said was complete baloney." pic.twitter.com/arVLsjkUme  CSPAN (@cspan) June 7, 2023

How the botched effort to drag CNN to the right ended with Chris Lichts own stunning downfall

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Bevan Hurley writes:

Everybody told Chris Licht not to take the job.

The 51-year-old was axed as CNN chief executive and chairman on Wednesday 7 June after a chaotic 13-month reign at the network.

Under his leadership, the cable channel had seen ratings plummet, attracting fewer viewers than right-wing minnow Newsmax in May, its newsroom was in open rebellion, and staff morale was at rock-bottom.

His departure had been expected, but still marked a stunning downfall for the powerful television executive who prior to CNN had enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of broadcast journalism.

Read more...

Chris Licht out at CNN after botched attempt to drag network right

Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows has testified to grand jury

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps former chief of staff testified before a grand jury in Washington DC, according to multiple media reports, in the surest sign in weeks that the Department of Justices investigation into January 6 has reached the highest levels of the White House.

John Bowden reports.

Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows Mark Meadows has testified to federal grand jury

DeSantis makes first border visit as 2024 candidate

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:50 , Graeme Massie

The Florida governor travelled to Arizona on Wednesday where he was due to hold a roundtable event in Sierra Vista with Cochise County Sheriff Mark Daniels, a vocal critic of Joe Bidens border policy.

The trip came a day after Mr DeSantis took credit for two flights which carried migrants from Texas to California, leaving them at a church in Sacramento.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told NBCs TODAY show on Tuesday that he believes Florida officials broke the law in sending the migrants to the state.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaks during a campaign event, June 2, 2023, in Lexington, S.C. (AP)

DeSantis accused of plagiarising Trump speech

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has accused his GOP presidential primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, of blatantly stealing a line from one of his speeches, despite the fact that the line dates back to former President Ronald Reagan.

Graig Graziosi has the story.

Trump accuses Ron DeSantis of blatantly plagiarising his speech

Trump reacts with fury at news of possible indictment in classified documents case: Ive done NOTHING wrong

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:29 , Gustaf Kilander

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his furious reaction to the news that prosecutors are ready to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict him for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice.

The charges may drop as soon as tomorrow, further complicating Mr Trumps 2024 campaign for the White House.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the No Collusion Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX #1, Impeachment HOAX #2, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS. A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!! Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon.

Read more:

Trump says no one has told me Im being indicted in classified documents case

Millionaires support Ron DeSantis but Trump support growing, says poll

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:14 , Graeme Massie

The Florida governor is the favourite GOP candidate among millionaires, but support for Donald Trump among the wealthy is growing, according to a new poll.

The CNBC Millionaire Survey shows that 32 per cent of Republicans with that status support the Florida governor, a drop from 54 per cent at the end of 2022.

Mr Trump now has the support of 28 per cent of Republican millionaires, up from 17 per cent last year, says the poll.

Election 2024 DeSantis Trump (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Prosecutors ready to ask for Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:53 , Andrew Feinberg

The Department of Justice is preparing to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict former president Donald Trump for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice as soon as Thursday, adding further weight to the legal baggage facing Mr Trump as he campaigns for his partys nomination in next years presidential election.

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits gathering, transmitting or losing any information respecting the national defence.

Read more:

Prosecutors seeking Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges

Ex-Trump aide appears at Miami court to testify before federal grand jury

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

A former top aide to Donald Trump appeared Wednesday in federal court in Miami for testimony to a grand jury investigating potential classified-document mishandling and obstruction at the ex-presidents Palm Beach property, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Taylor Budowich, who had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency and now runs a pro-Trump super PAC, was to testify before a grand jury that is separate from a panel that has been meeting in Washington for months to consider charges against Trump over the retention of hundreds of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and potential obstruction of the governments efforts to reclaim the records.

The person who confirmed Budowichs appearance spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss secretive grand jury proceedings.

It is not clear why prosecutors are using an additional grand jury beyond the one in Washington or what testimony Budowich was expected to offer, though the existence of the Florida panel could be an indication that prosecutors are considering bringing charges there.

Read more...

Ex-Trump aide appears at Miami court to testify before federal grand jury., AP source says

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:25 , Oliver O'Connell
A former Trump official at the Pentagon created a toxic work environment while at the helm of a department office, according to a Department of Defense Inspector General report released Wednesday.

The Pentagon received complaints in December 2020 about Michael Cutrone, who served as principal deputy and then the acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs from May 2020 to January 2021.

One complaint said that Cutrone made two employees cry, berated and yelled at employees, according to the report. Two days later, the Pentagon referred two additional complaints to the inspector general that alleged Cutrone verbally abused subordinates.

An overwhelming majority of the subordinates we interviewed provided specific examples of Mr. Cutrones actions or behaviors that they said negatively affected the work environment in the [International Security Affairs] office, the report read.

We determined that Mr. Cutrones harassing behavior was not limited to a single incident, but instead was a repeated, recurring, unwelcome and offensive course of conduct. His behavior ... adversely affected the work environment of his subordinates, the report added.

Cutrone was appointed by then-President Donald Trump to leadership positions in the international security office due to his undisputed allegiance to the president, the Washington Post reported. In a response prior to the reports release, Cutrone said the IG did not understand and consider the appropriate context of the work environment.

The IG findings come as a number of former Pentagon officials have been the subject of investigations. Last December, an IG report found Brig. Gen. Jonathan Howerton, who led the White House Military Office under Trump, used vulgar language and gestures during his tenure, while potentially failing to follow government travel regulations for expenses.

In January, the IG also found then-Pentagon comptroller Douglas Glenn made sexually suggestive comments to subordinates, used the N-word and drank alcohol at work without authorization.

The IG interviewed 31 employees within the International Security Affairs office about Cutrones actions during the course of his leadership. Four of those interviewed offered positive descriptions of Cutrones management, but all 31 employees, including the four who gave Cutrone positive remarks, did offer criticism.

[Cutrone] had a huge temper, one anonymous witness said in the report. It was very common for him to fly off the handle and get heated if he didnt like the way something was going in a way that I thought was inappropriate.

He was an emotional roller coaster, another witness told investigators. You never knew what mood he was going to be in. He would raise his voice regularly.

Ten witnesses said they either witnessed another employee being scolded by Cutrone or were yelled at by him directly. In one incident, a witness contacted a political appointee directly instead of going through proper channels. When Cutrone heard of the communication error, he asked the witness if they were f**king stupid, according to the report.

Cutrone, according to the report, also made employees become emotional during certain interactions. Thirteen employees told investigators that Cutrone caused them or others to cry after interactions. The report mentions one specific incident in which Cutrone threatened to punish two employees for coordinating his travel schedule with another Pentagon official. That incident, according to witness testimony, highlighted Cutrones approach of punishing employees for conducting everyday business within the office.

During the investigation, the IG received information that Cutrone stored and consumed alcohol within the Pentagon without written permission. Cutrone said he did consume alcohol in his office, but he told investigators that he thought Pentagon officials of his rank were allowed to consume alcohol in the building without written approval.

Among the recommendations in the report, the IG noted that the Washington Headquarters Service should reissue and publicize guidance on alcohol consumption within the building. Cutrone resigned from the government over two years ago.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps legal team has been notified by the Justice Department that the former US president is a target in a federal investigation into the handling of classified documents, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Prosecutors have been building a case that includes testimony from former aides, including Trumps former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, according to another person familiar.

Meadows is one of several people close to Trump who have testified to federal grand juries in Washington and Miami for Special Counsel Jack Smiths documents probe and a separate investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential proceedings.

Attorneys for Trump didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Earlier: Ex-Trump Aide Testifies to Special Counsel Grand Jury in Miami

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform earlier Wednesday that no one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong.

The developments indicate that Smith may be close to bringing charges against the former president. The letter to Trumps attorneys saying he is a target was reported earlier by the Guardian.

The Justice Department is required to notify individuals if they are a target of an investigation. The departments manual for prosecutors explains that someone is a target when there is substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime and theyre a potential defendant in a future indictment.

--With assistance from Mark Niquette.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Deep in the heart of Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is no stranger to the thunderous drumming of hail, a familiar yet formidable soundtrack accompanying the regions annual hailstorm season. This part of the state, dubbed Hail Alley, frequently falls victim to natures icy onslaught. Hailstorms can cause extensive damage to the region, its infrastructure, and the landscape.

Homeowners, however, are most worried about property damage. Due to their function, roofs are the hardest hit, often resulting in expensive repairs. Damage repair becomes extra challenging for homeowners whose houses get pelted regularly  as the ones in Hail Alley get.

Every year, two or three big hail storms blow through here. Thats why Dallas Fort Worth is kind of the roofing Mecca, explains Ryan Conley of RYCO Roofing. People moved down here to get into this storm damage restoration business. The day after a big storm like that, the roofers come out of the woodwork. It gets really chaotic.

The chaos following a storm is a trial by fire for roofing companies. As the hail stops, the race begins. Homeowners scramble to find reliable contractors to repair damaged properties promptly and efficiently. In a business where people often feel vulnerable and uncertain, the disruption Conley envisioned was incredibly simple  his company will become the one people trust the most.

Theres just a lot of scammy activity, and theres not any licensing or accountability. You could buy a ladder and start a roofing company in one day, he explains. So Im trying to build my brand like Dallas, Fort Worths most trusted roofing contractor.

Conley has a unique work history, too. Having played the drums in two bands signed to major labels, hes achieved what he sees as a reasonable level of success as a musician before deciding to give it up and join the military.

.

I always wanted the military to be a part of my life story. So when I felt like that window was closing for me to do that, I decided to quit the band and join the military, he recalls. After a stint as a civilian contractor and even going into sales, Conley found roofing at a challenging time in his life.

I knew nothing about roofing, construction. Thats just something I fell into, he says. But then it clicked with me when I started doing it that the industry needed reliable, trustworthy somebody. The industry was just kind of full of people that are trying to make a quick buck.

Through his journey from heavy metal to home improvement, Conley discovered that he could provide something desperately needed in the industry  authenticity. With genuine care for people, he resolved to help homeowners navigate the aftermath of hailstorms, ensuring they had a roof over their heads, quite literally.

I care about my homeowners. If something goes wrong on a job, I take it personally. Its something that affects me, Conley says. His philosophy extends beyond the superficiality of a transaction; he understands the sense of security a sturdy, reliable roof can bring.

Having a leaking roof, having a roof with the shingles gone, that bleeds into your psyche, that bleeds into how you feel not just about your house, but about your preparedness in general. When he fixes someones roof, Conley and his team know theyre instilling a sense of security for the homeowner and their family. A good job makes the client feel safe as houses.

.

Conleys approach has also proved valuable when faced with external challenges. In June 2020, during widespread uncertainty, Conley saw an opportunity for growth. I felt like that was a time for me to expand. And my thought was, hey, this world is just completely going crazy anyway. This is the best time to take a risk, right? His risk paid off, and Conley found his business flourishing as more people sought to secure their homes amid the chaos.

Conley has set his sights on the future, with plans to continue strengthening RYCO Roofings brand and reputation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While roofing may not be as glamorous as the world of rock or as adrenaline-filled as military service, Conley has found a way to make it his own, bringing his brand of authenticity, reliability, and cool flair to the roofing industry.

Were 95% residential, and thats on purpose. We want to be like your everyday person. Right now, were just tuned up to working with people, Conley says. Were very customer service oriented. Your everyday person going through stressful things, like a roof replacement, wants somebody that is in touch with that and empathetic, and thats how we show up for them.

McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Tucker Carlson called Ukraine's Jewish leader "rat-like." AP Photo/Seth Wenig and Carl Court, Pool via AP

In his new Twitter show, Tucker Carlson called Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy "rat-like."

Likening Jews to rodents is a centuries-old antisemitic trope.

Carlson has frequently sided against Ukraine since Russian invaded last year.

Tucker Carlson kicked off his new Twitter show with an antisemitic trope.

During the debut of his show, the recently ousted Fox News host called Ukraine's Jewish president "rat-like"  repeating an age-old slur used against Jews.

Carlson kicked off the first episode of his show Tuesday suggesting that the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Southern Ukraine was an act of terrorism carried out by Ukrainians  and that US media is instead wrongfully claiming Vladimir Putin may be behind it.

The dam is near the frontlines between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The two warring countries publically blame each other for the breach, though NBC News reported that US intelligence officials believe Russia is likely behind the breach.

"Ukraine, as you may have heard, is led by a man called Zelenskyy. We can say for a dead certain fact that he was not involved. He couldn't have been; Zelensky is too decent for terrorism," Carlson said sarcastically. "Now you see him on television, and it's true you might form a different impression. Sweaty and rat-like, a comedian turned oligarch, a persecutor of Christians, a friend of BlackRock."

The slur of depicting Jews as vermin dates back to the early 20th century, The Guardian reported in 2015. In Nazi Germany, cartoons regularly depicted Jews as rats  including in Nazi Germany's famous propaganda sheet Der Sturmer, which ran a cover page depicting a Nazi gassing Jewish rats.

"When the vermin are dead, the German oak will flourish once more," The Guardian reported.

Carlson's use of a rodent metaphor sparked fresh outrage against the formerly top-rated TV host; the Anti-Defamation League called him out on Twitter, saying "this is exactly the type of dangerous, hateful content that has no place in mainstream public squares."

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz also wrote about Carlson's episode and his history of supporting far-right conspiracy theories that have been linked to anti-Semitism.

Haaretz pointed to Carlson's many attacks on Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros. Condemning Soros and painting him as a sort of boogeyman is popular on the right.

An attorney for Carlson didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
When it comes to flood protection in the San Joaquin Valley, it is a tale of two stories. In most of the San Joaquin River watershed, the state and locals work together year in and year out to better protect the region. Then there is where it is now flooding, the Tulare Basin, which has preferred to be left alone.

There is an explanation, involving the states unofficial king of the Boswell lineage.

The Legislature in 2008 declared that for San Joaquin Valley flood planning purposes, the Tulare Basin, which spans parts of Tulare and Kings counties between Stratford, Corcoran and Kettleman City, is simply not in the San Joaquin Valley.

Opinion

Never mind that the map concludes to the contrary. Never mind how record rains and melting snow are refilling the basins ancient lakebed and creating a local disaster  more than 160 square miles of standing water and still growing.

This is one of those Sacramento examples of how progress tends to happen in increments. The maiden effort by the Legislature to bring San Joaquin Valley flood planning into the 21st century left the Tulare Basin behind because of politics and power. Now that the state is nonetheless assisting the region in this time of emergency, perhaps the seeds of a lasting partnership may take root.

A lake transformed

Nature designed the Tulare Basin to flood more than any place in the San Joaquin Valley. It is meant to be a lake. It was for thousands of years. It is fed by no less than four rivers  the Kings, the Kern, the Kaweah and the Tule (with only the Kings now connecting to the San Joaquin River from its northern fork).

In a year like this, Tulare Lake used to grow to more than three times the surface area of Lake Tahoe.

The construction of upstream dam after dam over many decades turned the basin into dry farmland in most years, but hardly all. The reservoir system provides only a modest level of flood protection. In really wet years, Tulare Lake makes a cameo reappearance before evaporating in the hot Valley sun, its clay soil too impermeable for much groundwater recharge.

Tulare Lake made a comeback in 1937, then 1952, then 1969, then 1983, then 1998 and now 2023. It could grow beyond 200 square miles before the snowmelt is finally over.

Flood planning comes of age

The Central Valleys uncoordinated patchwork of flood efforts in the 20th century inspired Mike Machado in 2008 to do something about it. The state senator and farmer from Linden in his final year in political office decided to try something big. He wanted to take flood planning in the Central San Joaquin Valley to the next level.

It was a combination of reacting to the past and looking toward the future, said Machado in a recent interview, now 75 and still farming. You cant respond to a flood when it happens and expect to protect everything.

His Senate Bill 5 converted the 97-year-old California State Reclamation Board into the lead on integrated flood management planning. It was converted to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board. And it was charged with working with the watersheds of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and the California Department of Water Resources to approve a comprehensive Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. The board did so in 2012. It has since approved two updates. This plan is the official platform to launch funding efforts to get flood protection projects done.

Flood planning in California does not start with command and control from Sacramento. It begins with locals identifying their own long-term needs, such as levee improvements or multibenefit floodplains.

Every level of government is essential to partner, said Jane Dolan, president of the flood board, in a recent briefing. I am the middle child of seven. I think it is better to get along than to fight.

Machado left the San Joaquin Valley a safer place thanks to SB 5. At least how he defined it. As stated in SB 5s Section 9602: The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley does not include lands lying within the Tulare Lake, including the Kings River.

Why did Machado leave the Tulare Basin out?

You have some very significant interests down there that had sway in Sacramento, he said. That is what caused that exception to be made.

The king is left alone

It is not common knowledge in California that the Tulare Basin happens to be the land of the king. And this kings empire, anchored at the bottom of the lake, can hold some sway.

The late J.G. Boswell, who amassed 150,000 acres in the basin to grow cotton and tomatoes, was aptly named The King of California in the landmark 2003 masterpiece by authors Mark Arax and Rick Wartzman. He created one of the nations largest farming empires.

J.G. Boswell died a year after SB 5 was passed. His son, James W. Boswell, now runs the company.

Boswell is one of those last names that does not need a first in California politics. While preferring to fly under the radar, the late J.G. Boswell could impact state water policy when he deemed necessary.

A famous example of the kings power was in 1982. Then-governor Jerry Brown was trying to replumb the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta with the so-called Peripheral Canal. Environmentalists feared it would siphon too much water. Boswell feared precisely the opposite, that associated environmental safeguards would result in too little water. So he personally bankrolled a campaign to kill the Peripheral Canal. It went down to a resounding defeat.

As an example of this regions historic passion for cutting-edge flood planning, consider the one still on the books for Tulare County. It was adopted at least three floods ago, in 1972.

Why the lack of passion for flood protection? It comes at a local cost. Even though the state and federal governments have paid the lions share of the flood improvements advanced by the state flood board since its inception, the locals typically pay in the range of 10 percent. In the Sacramento area, that has usually come from a flood assessment approved by property owners in a weighted vote based on benefits.

The farmworkers who live in the Tulare Basin and work the fields generally do not own the land.

Most of the people who are landowners dont live down there, Machado said. But they get to vote on a property tax assessment. The people that are the most affected have the least economic power or sway to do that.

The J.G. Boswell Corp., as an example, is headquartered in Pasadena.

If J.G. or J.W. Boswell and their peers in the basin had wanted the locals and Sacramento to better plan for flood protection, it surely would have happened.

Better flood planning starts at home

The California taxpayer has been once again on the hook in this flood. Despite facing a budget deficit, Gov. Newsom found $17.2 million to help protect Corcoran to ensure that Tulare Lake doesnt reach town. Its the right thing to do. The Tulare Basin represents the wrong approach to flood planning.

Sacramento awaits the successor to Machados effort to make the next incremental improvement in flood planning. One solution is to amend SB 5, obey geography, and officially place the Kings River and the Tulare Basin back in the San Joaquin Valley. Then, at least on paper, there is more potential for coordinated state-local flood planning like in the rest of the watershed.

Dolan says it would be far better for change to come from within.

It is better to have cooperation to work towards the future and make things better, she said. It is up to them.

Tom Philip is an opinion writer with The Sacramento Bee. Previously, he worked for 16 years as a strategic communications and policy adviser for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Tupac Shakur gets his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame nearly 3 decades after his death

Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, sister of Tupac Shakur, touches her brother's new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday as fans, friends and family celebrate. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Tupac Shakur, dressed in a suit, stared somberly from a blown-up photo that was erected on an easel like at a memorial service. But the mood along a Hollywood city block on Wednesday pulsed more as a party.

Family members, close friends and other rappers and collaborators hugged, laughed and exchanged memories atop a red carpet along a roadway closed off to traffic.

Pressing against steel barricades, a crowd of hundreds rapped his songs and chanted his name: "Tupac, Tupac, Tupac." Street vendors hauled boxes from their vans filled with T-shirts bearing Shakur's face.

Nearly 30 years after the 25-year-old's death in 1996, the New York-born rapper, actor and activist  whose fame and influence only increased after his death  got his overdue Hollywood send-off: a star on the Walk of Fame.

"I'm feeling an over-elevated high, and I don't even get high," Shakur's cousin Jamala Lesane told The Times after the ceremony, letting out an infectious cackle. "It's just memories, the energy of all of this here, it's just a great feeling."

Nearby stood Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa Set Shakur, who spoke and accepted the star on behalf of the artist. She remembered watching her brother when he was a teen performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where he had a role in a local production of Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun."

"Before anyone recognized his name," Sekyiwa Shakur said during her speech, "he knew he had the dream to have his star up there on the Walk of Fame."

While presenting Sekyiwa with the City Council resolution that declares June 7 Tupac Shakur Day, council member and Watts native Hugo Soto-Martinez spoke enthusiastically about his love for Shakur, saying the rapper's music "literally kept me alive where I grew up  he was there in my darkest moments."

A fan holds an image from a book about Tupac Shakur during Wednesday's ceremony. (Chris Pizzello / Invision/ Associated Press)

Although Shakur moved frequently during his childhood, from Harlem to Baltimore, eventually landing in Marin County, Calif., it was Los Angeles where he put down roots as a recording artist. His music, which pulses with urgent political messages and tragic scenes of life in the low-income Black and brown neighborhoods of his youth and in Los Angeles, was rooted in West Coast hip-hop but exploded beyond the city. He sold more than 75 million records worldwide, with albums that went platinum and diamond. Artists in later generations, such as Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, have cited Shakur as a direct inspiration.

The phenomenon that was Shakur's success was something film director Allen Hughes tried to convey with his recent Hulu documentary "Dear Mama," which delves into the life of Shakur and his mother, onetime Black Panther Party member Afeni Shakur.

As Hughes noticed that murals of Shakur covered the walls of cities across continents, he realized the rapper had become "a global symbol of rebellion ... as visible and important as Malcolm X and Che Guevara."

"That means he's the people's champ, and they feel his struggle and his message," Hughes told The Times after the star ceremony. "It means the world when you see this," he continued, pointing at Shakur's star, "'cause that lives on forever."

Hughes was a frequent collaborator with Shakur, directing some of his music videos, such as "Brenda's Got a Baby," alongside his brother Albert Hughes. A disagreement in 1993 led to Shakur and a group of others assaulting Hughes, leaving him with injuries. The rapper eventually apologized for the incident. With the backing of the Shakur estate, Hughes directed "Dear Mama," which delved into moments such as those that complicated Shakur's legacy.

"I feel like the cinema, the film of it, has never met him where he's at," Hughes said of Shakur's stature and films and shows about him. "So that was my goal with [the series], is my goal eternally."

An image of Shakur was set up near his new Walk of Fame star. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

The series was told from the perspective of Shakur's family, close friends and collaborators, primarily his mother, who died in May 2016. Hughes used archived recordings she made after her son's death in which she told the story of her life and her son's life. The director drew parallels between her struggles with the criminal justice system and the FBI's COINTELPRO program, and her son's legal battles.

He shone a light on Shakur's shooting of two off-duty police officers involved in a dispute with a Black motorist, and his sexual abuse conviction in New York. Other subjects in the film included Lesane and Jamal Joseph. Joseph was Shakur's godfather and a former Black Panther Party member who, along with Afeni Shakur, was among the Panther 21 arrested by the FBI in the 1970s.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce had voted in 2014 to honor Shakur with a star, but his mother, who controlled his estate, turned down the recognition. Now, Shakur's star ceremony comes amid the release of "Dear Mama," and a year after the opening of a traveling exhibit, Wake Me When Im Free, which was featured at L.A. Live. However, beneath the surface of these events celebrating Shakur, there remains ongoing tension within the Shakur estate.

Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, filed a lawsuit against the trustee of Afeni Shakurs estate, music executive Tom Whalley, in early 2022. In the suit, Sekyiwa accuses Whalley of embezzling millions of dollars while hoarding items that belonged to the rapper that she believes are now hers.

Those engaged in the suit had seemingly set aside the legal dispute for Wednesday's celebration. During the unveiling of Shakur's star  a photo-op moment during which only a few designated guests are usually present  family and friends defied decorum, crowding the platform, overshadowing Chamber of Commerce and public officials, as the group excitedly huddled to catch a glimpse of the pink terrazzo tile.

Attendees included Compton rapper YG, actor and comedian Mike Epps and several of Shakur's collaborators, including his fellow Digital Underground rapper Money-B and producer DJ Quik, who produced songs with the slain emcee and helped popularize West Coast hip-hop. Members of the Outlawz, Shakur's group at Death Row Records, including E.D.I. Mean and Shakur's step brother, Mopreme Shakur, were also among the attendees. Longtime hip-hop radio host Big Boy emceed the ceremony.

Joseph, Shakur's godfather, was also among the speakers and guests at Wednesday's ceremony.

After he and his wife landed at LAX a day earlier, Joseph said, the driver sent to pick up them up had coincidentally been bumping Shakur's 1995 song "Dear Mama" from his car's speakers. The driver, who immigrated from Georgia ("Not the ATL Georgia," Joseph clarified), shared how he and his friends grew up listening to the rapper.

"When you think about that global influence, when you think about that star shining, you think of Tupac Amaru Shakur," said Joseph, who is now a writer, poet and director who teaches at Columbia University, during his speech at Wednesday's ceremony. "I think that, today, he would want us to celebrate the message, not just the man. And he would want us to continue on the charge that he left us with  and that was to always ascend, to be that rose that pushes through concrete, no matter where you are."

Earlier in his speech, Joseph asked the audience to raise their hands "if you love Tupac," and then called on them to "put your hands over your heart if that phrase, 'A rose that grew from the concrete,' applies to you, your life and your dreams."

Both the attendees seated on the red carpet and the crowd of fans outside the barricades, some of them scrambling atop a plastic road barrier to catch a view, stood in a rare moment of silence amid the raucous ceremony, with their hands raised or resting against their chests.

"That's the impact he had," Joseph said.

Times staff writer Kenan Draughorne contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
FILE PHOTO: A dog toy called Bad Spaniels, shaped like a Jack Daniel's whiskey bottle, is at the center of a trademark dispute that will go before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington

US Supreme Court rules for Jack Daniel's in fight over parody dog toy FILE PHOTO: A dog toy called Bad Spaniels, shaped like a Jack Daniel's whiskey bottle, is at the center of a trademark dispute that will go before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington

By John Kruzel and Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday gave a boost to Jack Daniel's in its trademark dispute with a dog accessory company that sold a parody chew toy resembling the distiller's widely recognized black-label whiskey bottle.

The 9-0 decision authored by liberal Justice Elena Kagan threw out a lower court's ruling that the pun-laden "Bad Spaniels" vinyl chew toy sold by VIP Products LLC is an "expressive work" protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. Jack Daniel's Properties Inc is owned by Louisville, Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corp.

The dispute pitted the whiskey brand's trademark rights against legal protections for creative expression - in this case a send-up by Phoenix-based VIP Products of Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey bottle featuring comical dog poop-themed changes like a label reading "the Old No. 2, on your Tennessee Carpet."

"This case is about dog toys and whiskey, two items seldom appearing in the same sentence," Kagan wrote in the ruling, emphasizing that, while throwing out the lower court's decision, the decision was narrow.

Jack Daniel's spokesperson Svend Jansen said the company was pleased with the decision.

"Jack Daniel's is a brand recognized for quality and craftsmanship, and when friends around the world see the label, they know it stands for something they can count on. We will continue to support efforts to protect the goodwill and strength of this iconic trademark," Jansen said.

Lower courts had ruled in favor of VIP Products after applying what is called the Rogers test, which has allowed artists to lawfully use another's trademark when doing so has artistic relevance to their work and would not explicitly mislead consumers about its source.

The test was crafted in a 1989 decision by the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case brought by Hollywood legend Ginger Rogers. The actress unsuccessfully sued to block the 1986 film "Ginger and Fred" from director Federico Fellini that referred to her famed dance partnership with actor Fred Astaire.

Kagan wrote that the 9th Circuit erred in applying the Rogers test in this case, concluding that "it is not appropriate when the accused infringer has used a trademark to designate the source of its own goods - in other words, has used a trademark as a trademark. That kind of use falls within the heartland of trademark law, and does not receive special First Amendment protection."

Kagan added that "few cases would even get to the likelihood-of-confusion inquiry if all expressive content triggered the Rogers filter."

A lawyer for President Joe Biden's administration had urged the justices to discard the Rogers test in favor of the more-rigorous multi-factor test normally used in trademark-infringement cases, which looks squarely at whether the acts would likely cause marketplace confusion.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2020 ruled in favor of VIP Products on two grounds. The 9th Circuit found the Bad Spaniels toy was an "expressive work" shielded by the First Amendment.

The 9th Circuit also ruled that VIP Product's use of the Jack Daniel's trademark was noncommercial because it was used not only to sell dog toys but also "to convey a humorous message," and thus had not tarnished the distiller's distinctive mark.

(Reporting by John Kruzel in Washington; Additional reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
Uber is expanding existing services and introducing new features meant to help it achieve its goal of becoming a zero-emission platform by 2040. To start with, the company is bringing UberX Share, its revamped carpooling service, to 18 more cities. That brings the total number of markets where it's available to 50, allowing more people to share their commute with others going the same way.

For those who'd rather drive their own vehicle, Uber is also launching Carshare, a new product that allows users to borrow cars from private owners, in more locations. It initially launched in Australia, but it will roll out in Boston and Toronto in the coming months. The company believes that turning private cars into shared vehicles could lead to more livable neighborhoods around the world.

Uber Green is now also available in Australia, giving passengers the ability to choose hybrid or fully electric vehicles for their rides. And speaking of green options, Uber has updated its app so that its Emission Savings section in the Account page shows the emissions passengers have managed to avoid by choosing Green and Comfort Electric options.

To encourage travelers to choose either Uber Green or Comfort Electric, which gives riders access to top-rated drivers in premium zero-emission vehicles, the company has also introduced airport-specific perks. This summer, riders who choose either option will get lower fares and exclusive access to dedicated pickup zones at airports. Meanwhile, drivers with hybrid or electric vehicles will be able to use airport fast chargers for free or at discounted rates.

Uber is integrating smart charging features into its Driver app, as well, so that it can publish real-time charging prices and locations. The updated app will also have the ability to filter trip requests based on the vehicle's battery level, so that drivers will end near a charger and don't end up taking trips much longer than what their current battery level can handle.

The company announced way back in 2020 that it plans to be fully emission free by 2040. It's hoping that by that time, it can offer 100 percent of rides in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit or with micromobility, such as bikes. (It is, by the way, expanding bikes to Chile in partnership with bike-sharing network Tembici.) Now it's including Uber Eats in that pledge. It's aiming to eliminate all emissions associated with its food delivery service by 2040 and to end all unnecessary plastic waste from delivery ten years earlier by 2030.
Uber unveiled a handful of new eco-focused features, services and expansions today, as the ride-hailing giant doubles down on previous efforts to align itself with sustainable transport.

The announcements came during the second installment of Uber's annual Go-Get product event -- the first incarnation was held in New York last month with a focus on family, with today's sustainability-themed follow-on event hosted in London.

"Uber was founded on the idea of making it absolutely easy for you to get from point A to B," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said onstage. "Now we have to make it easier for the 130 million people who are coming onto our platform on a monthly basis to get from A to B -- but in an environmentally sustainable manner. That's going to be the north star that we're aiming for across the company. We're going to make it easier to drive green. We're going to make it easier to ride green."

For rent

First up, Uber is expanding its existing peer-to-peer (P2P) Carshare service from Australia into North America. Uber had acquired an Australian peer-to-peer car-rental startup last year called Car Next Door, rebranding it as Uber Carshare seven months back. With this service, people that own cars can rent their cars to anyone else and earn a few extra bucks (with Uber taking a cut), the theory being that this encourages fewer people to own cars.

Now, Uber is gearing up to bring Uber Carshare to Boston and Toronto, its first markets outside Australia, though the company didn't give any specific timescale beyond "soon."

Uber Carshare: Borrower's screen

Uber Carshare: Borrower's screen. Image Credits: Uber

Elsewhere, Uber is also gamifying the process of booking electric cars. Riders who select any Uber Green vehicle, including those from its premium Comfort Electric fleet, will be able to track how much CO 2 they have saved from the environment from booking electric cars.

This includes a badge and data points, such as informing the user that they're among the top 10% of eco-riders in their city.

Uber: "Rider emissions savings"

Uber app: Emissions savings. Image Credits: Uber

One particularly interesting new feature is coming to the driver app, too. Leaning on machine learning, smart charging will be rolling out to drivers in Uber's global markets in the coming year, using real-time data such as traffic, charger pricing and time to suggest where and when drivers should re-juice their vehicle. This will also include what Uber calls "battery-aware matching," whereby trip requests are filtered in the driver app based on their battery level -- this should mean that more journeys will finish closer to where a suitable charging station is.

Smart charging is coming to the Uber driver app

Smart charging is coming to the Uber driver app. Image Credits: Uber

While Uber said that it updated its navigation algorithms last year to be more fuel efficient, the company said it has updated these algorithms to include other factors such as where hills are in a journey, and where there is likely to be more stop-starting at traffic lights. So far, this has been available in North America, but the company said that it plans to roll this out globally later this year -- and include an in-app notification telling riders that they are on an eco-friendly route.

Uber eco-friendly routes

Uber eco-friendly routes. Image Credits: Uber

Other so-so reveals at Get-Go in London today include UberX Share, an updated version of Uber Pool the company debuted last year, which is now available in more than 50 cities -- 18 of which are apparently new.

Eating green

Away from new in-app features and services, Uber also made a number of commitments around its broader business environmental impact. While the company had previously committed to eliminating all emissions from its fleet globally by 2040, it seems now that commitment didn't extend to its Uber Eats food delivery platform -- but it does now. On top of that, Uber said it will end "all unnecessary" plastic waste by the end of the decade, however it stopped short of defining what is meant by "unnecessary."

To support this push, Uber said it will be teaming up with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) among other similar organizations, as well as e-mobility companies, to encourage more non-car deliveries. And it will also create a filter inside Uber Eats to enable customers to choose restaurants that use sustainable packaging -- this will be landing first in New York City, London, Paris, Amsterdam and Taipei this year.

"We're setting a goal to get 100% of couriers to use zero-emission vehicles by 2040 -- all over the globe," Khosrowshahi said. "Second, we're committing by 2030 to end all unnecessary plastic waste on Uber Eats. Getting your food is great on-demand, but getting it in plastic containers is not so great. And we want to end that. This, I have to tell you, is going to be very, very difficult. It's a big challenge for us. Lowering emissions on Eats is very much a natural extension of our own commitments going forward that we started with rides, but tackling plastics and waste is a whole new ballgame for us."
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng attends an event hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council to welcome him as China's new ambassador, in Washington, D.C., June 7, 2023. Xie said here Wednesday that the two countries need to uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation and explore the right way to get along in the new era. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

WASHINGTON, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said here Wednesday that the two countries need to uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation and explore the right way to get along in the new era.

Xie gave those remarks when delivering a keynote speech at an event hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council to welcome him as China's new ambassador to the United States.

Noting that China-U.S. relations face challenges, Xie said Chinese President Xi Jinping has made it clear that getting the relationship right is not optional, but something the two countries must do and must do well. The world is big enough for the two countries to develop themselves and prosper together.

President Xi has proposed the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation. They represent the fundamental and right way for the two countries to get along in the new era. Among them, mutual respect comes first, peaceful co-existence is the red line and win-win cooperation is the goal, said Xie.

China has always placed importance on its relationship with the United States, said Xie, noting that China is ready to work with the U.S. side to follow the right direction, enhance dialogue and cooperation, defuse flashpoints and take concrete actions to deliver on the common understandings between the two presidents, so as to bring this relationship back to the right track at an early date.

Xie said that the U.S. should respect China's choice of development path and social system, the Chinese people's right to a better life, and China's core interests and major concerns. These are essential for this relationship to advance in the right direction, with no conflict, no confrontation or no new Cold War.

A pressing task is to bring the Taiwan question, the most significant risk, under control, said Xie. "No one wants peaceful reunification more than China does. We are also the last that wants tensions or warfare across the Taiwan Strait."

The Chinese side has not simulated war games, changed the status quo or stoked any crisis. The Taiwan authorities are seeking U.S. support for their independence agenda, while some in the United States propose using Taiwan to contain China. Xie said these are the biggest threats to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

At present, the most fundamental thing is to fully and faithfully adhere to the one-China principle; the most important is to abide by the three joint communiques with real actions; and the most pressing is to match words with deeds and oppose adventurism and provocation by the "Taiwan independence" forces, he noted.

Xie said the biggest concern of many Americans is that China and the United States slip into conflict and confrontation. Their greatest hope is for this relationship to stabilize. If the world is to become better, the China-U.S. relationship must stop getting worse.

"We are all stakeholders. None of us shall sit idly by. Every one of us needs to take actions, speak up for free trade and open market, as this serves our common interests and the stability of global industrial and supply chains," he said.

Xie called on the business community to stay fair and pragmatic, be committed to cooperation with China and avoid politicizing economic issues. Doing so will bring more positive energy to the bilateral relationship and help both peoples live better lives.

China and the United States have a lot to offer each other in terms of industrial strength. In the last five years, the return rate of foreign direct investment in China reached 9.1 percent. Of the over 70,000 American companies doing business in China, nearly 90 percent are earning profits, he said.

Today's China-U.S. relationship bears on not only the well-being of the 1.7 billion Chinese and American people but also the world's future. Forestalling conflict and confrontation and upholding a stable China-U.S. relationship will promote the common interests of both countries and contribute to world peace and prosperity, Xie said. 
The News

KAMPALA, Uganda  Conservative groups that pushed Uganda to toughen its anti-gay laws now worry new legislation is too harsh and could backfire on their cause.

The law, which came into force last week, imposes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality" and carries a 20-year sentence for "promoting homosexuality." Same-sex relationships were already illegal in Uganda but the new law imposes some of the most severe penalties in the world.

"The Church of Uganda supports life and, in principle, does not support the death penalty," said Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, Archbishop of Uganda, in a statement issued on May 29, when President Yoweri Museveni signed it to the law. The church supported the original bill proposed in parliament, but capital punishment was later added in an amendment.

Family Watch International (FWI), an American evangelical lobby group, said that its leader Sharon Slater met with President Museveni in April, and suggested amendments to soften the penalties in the first version of the legislation that Parliament had just passed, but the changes were not adopted.

"We are disappointed that the president signed the harsh bill into law," FWI director Lynn Allred told Semafor Africa. "We believe there are individuals who will not be able to obtain help to align their sexual behavior with their personal values," Allred added.

Know More

U.S. President Joe Biden called the anti-gay law a grave violation of human rights for which the East African nation could suffer cuts to its $1 billion in investment and aid. The World Bank has also signaled it may withhold funds over the legislation which violates its non-discrimination principles. The European Union and Canada also criticized Uganda. In a meeting on Tuesday with US envoy to Uganda Natalie Brown, President Museveni said the West's criticism of the anti-gay law is unjustified and based on a distortion of facts.

Ugandan human rights activists have taken the fight to court to have the law annulled. Two petitions were filed at the constitutional court in Kampala, challenging the law which the petitioners said contravenes the constitution.

"The law is so draconian that it ought to shock the conscience of any human being," says Fox Odoi, lead petitioner and one of only two MPs that voted against the bill on the floor of Parliament. Uganda's Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka told Semafor Africa the government will file a response to the legal action.

The outcome of the petitions could become the blueprint for some 22 African countries, including Kenya and Ghana, that are working on similar laws that would criminalize being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer on the continent.

Julius's view

It's striking that even local and American conservatives say Uganda's new legislation is too harsh. The domestic and international blowback, and the possibility of diplomatic and economic sanctions from the West could well mean passage of the bill actually leads to Uganda having to row back its anti-gay positions.

The passage of the bill also suggests lawmakers went further than the government wanted. President Museveni returned the bill to parliament to have it toned down but still signed it with the clauses referring to capital punishment and life imprisonment for same-sex acts. Regardless, the bill would have become law on its the third reading  with or without his signature.

The future of the law may now be decided in court. Campaigners say due process was not followed in passing the law. After being tabled, the bill on which the law was based was sent to a parliamentary committee for public hearing  a period that is meant to take 45 days, according to parliaments rules, but was concluded in six days. We are already a marginalized community and now we are being swept further underground, gay rights activist Kasha Nabagesera, of Freedom Roam Uganda, told me.

Room for Disagreement

Martin Ssempa, a church minister and author, said a colonial battle is being waged to reject attempts by the U.S. to impose its views on homosexuality onto Africans. Aggravated homosexuality is the same offense as aggravated defilement for heterosexual relations, and it attracts a death sentence, said Ssempa. Aggravated homosexuality is defined here as same-sex sexual acts with children, disabled individuals or anyone else deemed under threat. Why does anyone want to tell us that it is harsh under homosexuality but it isnt under straight sex relations? Thats just a frame and we reject that.

The View From Cape Town

In South Africa the attack on members of the LGBTIQ community is considered a hate crime, said Theto Thakane Nareadi Mahlakoana, a human rights activist. The legalization of same-sex marriage n November 2006 made the country the exemplar for gay and lesbian rights in Africa and there has been no indication of these laws ever being challenged, said Mahlakoana.

Notable

NOTABLE
Under the new rules, companies promoting crypto products or services in Britain must from October give a clear warning that customers could lose money in "high risk" investments (Justin TALLIS)

Britain's financial regulator on Thursday tightened rules over the promotion and selling of cryptocurrency as it seeks to protect consumers.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) unveiled a package of measures for the industry, which has long faced criticism over the lack of oversight -- and promises of high returns in a volatile marketplace.

Under the new rules, companies promoting crypto products or services in Britain must from October give a "clear warning" that customers could lose money in "high risk" investments.

Marketing firms must also introduce a cooling-off period for first-time crypto investors.

And the watchdog will also ban "refer a friend" bonuses that are designed to incentivise crypto investing.

"Our rules give people the time and the right risk warnings to make an informed choice," said Sheldon Mills, head of consumers and competition at the FCA.

The announcement comes after Britain introduced legislation earlier this year to bring crypto promotions under the scope of the FCA.

UK lawmakers are also demanding that crypto investments in Britain be regulated, in much the same way as the country's gambling industry.

Reacting to the FCA announcement, director of operations at industry group CryptoUK, Su Carpenter, said the new rules could prevent fresh entrants.

"There is a risk that this solution will both unfairly concentrate market power for those firms which are already authorised and potentially encourage unauthorised firms to operate from outside of the UK," Carpenter said.

That could in turn create "a competitive disadvantage for UK-based organisations and also potentially undermining consumer safeguards", she added in a statement.

The FCA clampdown follows moves toward tighter regulation in the United States.

The Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday sued crypto platform Coinbase, charging that the largest US digital currency trading platform made billions of dollars by "unlawfully facilitating the buying and selling of crypto asset securities".

The SEC has this week also unveiled charges against Coinbase peer Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao for numerous alleged securities law violations.

The news follows the spectacular failure of crypto exchange giant FTX in November, stoking concern over a market dubbed by some critics as the "Wild West".

js-rfj/bcp/lth
A protester calling for the AI race to be stopped

A major tech company, which has just announced extra UK investment, has rejected calls to pause the development of artificial intelligence (AI).

Fears about the technology have led to demands for new regulation, with the UK calling a global summit this autumn.

But the boss of software firm Palantir, Alex Karp, said it was only those with "no products" who wanted a pause.

"The race is on - the question is do we stay ahead or do we cede the lead?" he told the BBC.

Mr Karp told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the West currently held key commercial and military advantages in AI - and should not relinquish them.

"It's not like if we slow down, the AI race will stop. Every country in the world - especially our adversaries - cannot afford for us to have this advantage," he said.

"Studying this and allowing other people to win both on commercial areas and on the battlefield is a really bad strategy."

Mr Karp's comments strike a very different tone to the recent glut of dire warnings about the potentially existential threat AI poses to humanity - and accompanying calls for its development to be slowed or even halted.

Regulators worldwide are scrambling to devise new rules to contain its risk.

The government says the UK will host a global AI summit this autumn, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying he wanted the UK to lead efforts to ensure the benefits of AI were "harnessed for the good of humanity".

It is not yet known who will attend the summit but the government said it would "bring together key countries, leading tech companies and researchers to agree safety measures to evaluate and monitor the most significant risks from AI".

Mr Sunak, currently meeting US President Joe Biden in Washington DC, said the UK was the "natural place" to lead the conversation on AI.

Downing Street cited the prime minister's recent meetings with the bosses of leading AI firms as evidence of this. It also pointed to the 50,000 people employed in the sector, which it said was worth 3.7bn to the UK.

'Too ambitious'

However, some have questioned the UK's leadership credentials in the field.

Yasmin Afina, research fellow at Chatham House's Digital Society Initiative, said she did not think that the UK "could realistically be too ambitious".

She said there were "stark differences in governance and regulatory approaches" between the EU and US which the UK would struggle to reconcile, and a number of existing global initiatives, including the UN's Global Digital Compact, which had "stronger foundational bases already".

Ms Afina added that none of the world's most pioneering AI firms was based in the UK.

"Instead of trying to play a role that would be too ambitious for the UK and risks alienating it, the UK should perhaps focus on promoting responsible behaviour in the research, development and deployment of these technologies," she told the BBC.

Deep unease

Interest in AI has mushroomed since chatbot ChatGPT burst on to the scene last November, amazing people with its ability to answer complex questions in a human-sounding way.

It can do that because of the incredible computational power AI systems possess, which has caused deep unease.

Two of the three so-called godfathers of AI - Geoffrey Hinton and Prof Yoshua Bengio - have been among those to sound warnings about how the technology they have helped create has a huge potential for causing harm.

In May, AI industry leaders - including the heads of OpenAI and Google Deepmind - warned AI could lead to the extinction of humanity.

They gave examples, including AI potentially being used to develop a new generation of chemical weapons.

Those warnings have accelerated demands for effective regulation of AI, although many questions remain over what that would look like and how it would be enforced.

Regulatory race

The European Union is formulating an Artificial Intelligence Act, but has acknowledged that even in a best-case scenario it will take two-and-a-half years to come into effect.

EU tech chief Margrethe Vestager said last month that would be "way too late" and said it was working on a voluntary code for the sector with the US, which they hoped could be drawn up within weeks.

China has also taken a leading role in drawing up AI regulations, including proposals that companies must notify users whenever an AI algorithm is being used.

The UK government set out its thoughts in March in a White Paper, which was criticised for having "significant gaps."

Marc Warner, a member of the government's AI Council, has pointed to a tougher approach, however, telling the BBC some of the most advanced forms of AI may eventually have to be banned.

Matt O'Shaughnessy, visiting fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said there was little the UK could do about the fact that others were leading the charge on AI regulation - but said it could still have an important role.

"The EU and China are both large markets that have proposed consequential regulatory schemes for AI - without either of those factors, the UK will struggle to be as influential," he said.

But he added the UK was an "academic and commercial hub", with institutions that were "well-known for their work on responsible AI".

"Those all make it a serious player in the global discussion about AI," he told the BBC.
(Bloomberg) -- Germany blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the destruction of the Kakhova dam in Ukraine, and was joined by other European NATO members in denouncing it as a war crime.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The statements added to rising outcry over the biggest man-made disaster in Europe in decades as Ukraine said it was mounting rescue efforts for tens of thousands of people affected by the floodwaters unleashed by the demolition of the dam on Tuesday.

This is a crystal clear war crime, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters on Wednesday during a visit to Mumbai. This is an unbelievable act of violence and destruction which I thought even Putin would not be capable of.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also directly blamed Russia for the suspected attack, saying Moscow destroyed the dam to stop Ukraines long-awaited counteroffensive aimed at taking back territory from Putins invading forces. He said the incident was just the latest of the many, many crimes which we have seen in Ukraine and which were committed by Russian soldiers.

Other allies, including the US, are still assessing who is responsible, but theyre leaning toward Russia, a Western official said on Tuesday. Analysts say Moscow stood to benefit most militarily because the flooding would swamp a potential avenue for attack by Ukrainian troops, making it impassible.

The Kremlin denied responsibility and said Ukraine was behind the breach at the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant, which held back a reservoir that provided water to the cooling systems of one of Europes largest nuclear power stations, as well as irrigation for farms in Ukraines south.

Putin ordered his emergency situations minister to organize work to help people and eliminate consequences of the disaster, the Interfax news service reported, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He blamed the catastrophe on sabotage from the Kyiv regime.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said British military and intelligence teams were working to establish who was responsible.

He refused to preempt the results of that process but added what I can say is that what weve seen from Russia throughout this war is, on multiple occasions, deliberate acts of aggression against civilian infrastructure.

I think its abhorrent, and if indeed this attack does turn out to be intentional, it will represent a new low in the form of Russian barbarism, he told TalkTV during a trip to Washington. Its causing enormous suffering to the Ukrainian people.

(Updates with Sunak comment starting in penultimate paragraph. A previous version of this story was corrected to remove a stray Ukraine from the headline.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukraine is kicking off its big offensive armed with powerful Western tanks and weapons, but breaking Russian lines may be anything but easy

Ukrainian crews operating a tank in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast on April 26. Muhammed Enes Yildirim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Ukraine's much-anticipated counteroffensive has finally begun.

Ukrainian forces are armed with Western-made weapons, but they are facing tough Russian defenses.

The initial phases of this operation may be the most dangerous and costly, war experts said.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun, kicking off a particularly dangerous time for Ukraine's armed forces, even with its newly acquired arsenal of Western-made tanks, armored vehicles, and other weaponry that has been pouring in over months.

"Amidst a highly complex operational picture, heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front," the British defense ministry said in a Thursday update, adding that "in most areas Ukraine holds the initiative."

Ukrainian forces, including combat units trained in Western tactics and armed with Western weaponry, are pushing against various parts of the front line, The Washington Post reported. The Financial Times reported that Ukraine had committed Western-made tanks, which experts have said would signal the start of the offensive.

Kyiv hasn't announced it, as it said it wouldn't, but Ukrainian officials told ABC News that the counteroffensive was underway. An officer and a soldier told NBC News the same, and the Institute for the Study of War, a think tank that has carefully tracked Russia's war in Ukraine, said on Thursday that "the Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun."

There appear to be Ukrainian offensive operations against Russian defenses in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts, among other locations along the front lines. Ukraine has seemingly made some gains, but other attacks appear to have been less effective.

The fog of war makes determining a main line of effort difficult, but one objective of the counteroffensive, given Ukrainian activities, may be severing the so-called land bridge connecting Russia and Russian-controlled territories in the southeast to cut critical supply lines for Russian forces.

Regardless of the objective, Ukrainian forces are most likely facing a tough fight, and failure to make meaningful progress could risk threatening the aid that has fueled Kyiv's war effort and even push Ukraine to negotiate. As some experts have said, the stakes for the Ukrainian offensive are high.

Ukrainian soldiers working on the gun of a Leopard 1 A5 tank at a Bundeswehr site in Klietz, Germany, on May 5. Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/picture alliance via Getty Images

Partner nations provided Ukraine with mountains of military hardware, including formidable third-generation German-made main battle tanks, armored infantry fighting vehicles, and massive amounts of ammunition ahead of its counteroffensive punch.

Ukraine also received training in Western tactics and best practices for employing the new additions to the Ukrainian arsenal.

US Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told CNN this week that Ukraine's armed forces were "very well prepared" for the counteroffensive. However, he added that it's "too early to tell what outcomes are going to happen. Offense is hard and fighting tends to favor the defenders.

Russia has spent months digging extensive trench networks, building barriers, and reinforcing its lines in preparation for Ukraine's much-anticipated offensive. Unlike last summer's sweeping offensive around Kharkiv, Ukrainian forces face much more heavily defended positions.

The New York Times reported earlier this week that capturing a trench was considered "difficult soldiering" that required careful planning, coordination of combat assets, and significant amounts of ammunition and firepower. In a push to capture an enemy trench in May, assault forces fired 3,000 rounds from just two machine guns.

Paratroopers from the 81st Airmobile Battalion leaving a trench after an attack from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher on July 5 in Seversk, Ukraine. Laurent van der Stockt for Le Monde/Getty Images

"The initial counteroffensive operations may be the most difficult and slowest, as they involve penetrating prepared defensive positions," ISW said Thursday. "Initial setbacks are to be expected. This phase may also see the highest Ukrainian losses."

Citing two senior US officials, CNN reported Thursday that Ukrainian forces had met greater resistance than expected and had suffered heavy equipment and personnel losses trying to break through Russian lines in the eastern part of the country.

One official said the losses, which included armored vehicles, were "significant."

The Russian Ministry of Defense has released a video, which Insider was not able to independently verify, that purportedly shows the loss of a German-made Leopard tank in a battle near Novopokrovka. Russia was recently mocked for presenting a strike on farm equipment as a tank kill, but the newest video does appear to show a loss, according to open-source intelligence channels following the war in Ukraine.

But losses, within limits, are an expected part of combat, especially high-intensity warfare like that in Ukraine, where both sides have suffered horrific numbers of casualties.

"We strongly believe that we will succeed," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Wall Street Journal last weekend, adding that he also expected "a large number of soldiers will die."

ISW said Thursday that "militaries have long identified the penetration phase of a mechanized offensive as the most dangerous and costly."

The think tank added, as Russia makes claims of thwarting Ukraine's offensive, that "the success or failure of this phase may not be apparent for some time."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Oleksii Reznikov believes that when Ukraine starts producing its own long-range missiles, the fears of its partners about providing similar weapons will disappear

Read also: Ukraine asks Germany for its long-range precision Taurus missiles

The official noted Ukraine has an officially approved missile program with funding already allocated. The missiles will be 100% Ukrainian-made, he noted.

He cited Ukraine's successes in producing missiles, mentioning the Neptune anti-ship missile Ukrainian forces used to sink the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet twice for the first time in history back in April 2022.

"Therefore, we have very good prospects for producing Ukrainian missiles with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers," he said.

Reznikov recalled that he had persuaded his partners for a long time to provide Ukraine with Harpoon anti-ship missiles to protect the Black Sea coast, and they finally agreed to do so a week after the Neptune missile hit the Moskva cruiser.

"Once our partners see that our domestically produced missiles can fly 200, 300, 400 kilometers, I'm convinced the ATACMS and other systems will be supplied to our armed forces," the defense minister stated confidently.

Read also: Germany could add Eurofighter Typhoon to fighter coalition for Ukraine, says Reznikov

"We want our weapons to create a powerful tandem effect together."

Read also: Pentagon contracts SpaceX to supply Starlink terminals to Ukraine

Earlier, the Pentagon said that the provision of British Storm Shadows to Ukraine did not affect Washington's position on long-range missiles. At the same time, U.S. congressmen continue to urge Joe Biden to provide Kyiv with longer-range weapons.

Previously, Reznikov stated that Western countries do not supply Ukraine with long-range U.S. ATACMS missiles because there are not many of them in the world, and they still fear that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will strike at Russian territory.

Read also: EU Commission chief urges all countries to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons, security guarantees from NATO

London provided Kyiv with several long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles, CNN reported on May 11. Ukraine has put them successfully to use. French President Emmanuel Macron said he was ready to provide Kyiv with missiles whose range "will allow it to [put up a fight] during the counteroffensive."

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian troops advanced by as much as a kilometer (0.6 miles) during fighting around the eastern city of Bakhmut, the Defense Ministry said, as Kyiv rushed to evacuate people from areas flooded by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Kyiv and its allies were assessing the humanitarian, economic and ecological damage of the blast. The Biden administration said it was investigating who was responsible for the destruction, which it said had likely resulted in many deaths. Kyiv has blamed Russia, which analysts said was most likely to benefit militarily because the flooding could block a potential avenue of attack for Ukrainian forces. The Kremlin denied responsibility.

The flooding  one of the largest man-made disasters in Europe in decades  inundated almost 2,000 buildings on the west bank of the wide Dnipro River, triggering power blackouts and cutting access to drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. He challenged the International Committee of the Red Cross to join rescue operations immediately.

Latest Coverage

Dam Blast Puts Ukraines Allies on the Spot: Balance of Power

Dam Destroyed in the Dead of Night Upstages Ukraines Offensive

Heres What to Know About the Ukraine Dam Explosion: Q&A

Market Impact

Wheat prices slipped after a five-day advance as traders assessed the implications of the escalation of fighting, the destruction of the dam, and the weather outlook.

Read More:

Coming Up

Floodwaters from the dam breach are expected to peak

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin takes part in meeting of CIS leaders

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukraine Recap: Biden Says Hes Confident US Will Give More Aid

Ukraine Recap: Biden Says Hes Confident US Will Give More Aid

(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden said hes confident he can work with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to continue providing US assistance to Ukraine, despite the Republican leaders indication this week that he may not back a new supplemental funding package for the war on top of the Pentagons regular budget.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The fact of the matter is that I believe well have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes, and I believe that were going to add support as needed, Biden told reporters at a news conference alongside visiting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Pentagon is set to announce as early as Friday a long-term arms package for Ukraine heavy on air defense munitions valued at more than $2 billion, according to administration officials.

The money, to be awarded under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will bankroll the purchase of Hawk missile launchers and missiles and two types of advanced Patriot air defense missiles.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited flood-devastated Kherson in the south as authorities said Russian forces were shelling the regional capital during evacuation operations. Some 600 square kilometers (230 square miles) were under water two days after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, as Ukraine asked the United Nations for assistance in Russian-occupied areas.

Almost a third of the the flood zone, where thousands are being evacuated, is held by Ukrainian forces, while the rest is in Russian-occupied territory, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Telegram.

Latest Coverage

Pentagon Readies New $2 Billion Ukraine Air Defense Package

Ukraines New Tanks See Action as Counteroffensive Gets Underway

Russian Elite Is Souring on Putins Chances of Winning His War

UK Eyes War-Risk Insurance Scheme for Ukraines Reconstruction

Ukraine Promises Embassies, Grain to Counter Russia in Africa

China Lobbies EU Over Proposal to Punish Firms Supplying Russia

Market Impact

Wheat futures rose as the escalation in fighting deepened worries over grain supplies from the key Black Sea trading hub.

Coming Up

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev meets counterparts from CSTO states in Belarus, Interfax reports

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukraine fears losing millions of tons of crops after dam collapse A view shows a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, in Kherson

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine could lose several million tons of crops because of flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in the south of the country, the Ukrainian agriculture ministry said on Thursday.

"Without a source of water supply, it is impossible to grow vegetables. Grain and oilseeds will be grown using an extensive model with low yields," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the dam's destruction would flood tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land in southern Ukraine and could turn at least 500,000 hectares of land left without irrigation into "deserts".

The ministry said the flooded land would require a full agro-ecological assessment of the soil condition and in most cases special soil restoration methods would need to be applied.

It said vegetables, melons, grains and oilseeds were the main products which were grown on the affected land.

Ukraine is a major global grain and oilseeds grower and exporter.

The destruction of the dam on Tuesday, which Ukraine and Russia blame on each other, has also made it impossible to navigate parts of the Dnipro River and deprived Kyiv of an important agricultural export route, shipping authorities said.

Agriculture Minister Mykola Solsky also said the farm sector's losses could be much higher than previously expected because the disaster inflicted "years" of damage on irrigation.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Sharon Singleton)
Anonymous sources stated in an interview to Western media outlets that on Thursday, 8 June 2023, Ukraine started a long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia.

Source: ABC News, The Washington Post

Details: ABC reports that two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed that the active stage of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is ongoing.

Last week the Western officials stated that well-prepared Ukrainian troops had been gathering in strategic locations near the frontline during the last few days.

The Ukrainian forces intensified their attack at the frontline in the south-east of Ukraine. This information comes from four members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who preferred to remain anonymous since they are not allowed to publicly discuss the combat.

The Ukrainian forces consist of specialised storm units, armed with Western armament and taught the NATO tactics. The attacks in the South-East of Ukraine are a sign that the Ukrainian forces have significantly advanced deep into the Russia-occupied territory.

The so-called Russian war correspondents report about heavy fighting in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The goal of the Ukrainian forces may be to cut the access of the Russian forces to the so-called ground bridge between the mainland Russia and the occupied Crimean peninsula, cutting the most important supply lines of the Russians.

The Western media assumes that the Ukrainian troops may also try to liberate the cities of Melitopol and Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is located.

Background:

Hanna Maliar, Ukraines Deputy Defence Minister, has reiterated that Ukrainian defence forces counteroffensive will not be announced publicly.

Arvydas Anusauskas, Chief of the Lithuanian Defence Ministry, has stated that the Ukrainian counteroffensive would begin regardless of Russia's blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, as the timing had been approved.

Earlier, Zelenskyy said that it is difficult for him to name the date when the counteroffensive will begin.

On 27 May, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, posted a video of Ukrainian military personnel in which they ask for the "decisive offensive" to be blessed.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
TEHRAN, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Turkiye on Thursday highlighted the need to continue cooperation between their armed forces to improve bilateral military relations, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

This came as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Baqeri held a phone talk with new Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, the report said.

Baqeri described Iran and Turkiye as two "good and strategic" neighbors that have a common border of "peace and friendship."

He called for holding meetings between officials at different levels, exchanging experience and technology between their training and educational centers, and staging joint military drills.

Baqeri also invited the Turkish minister to visit Tehran.

Guler, for his part, also stressed the importance of expanding the military ties between the two countries.

He also lauded Iran's "brotherly and friendly" aid provided to the Turkish people after the deadly earthquakes struck Turkiye in February. 
In this image made from video provided by Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Sunday, June 4, 2023, a Ukrainian soldier poses for the camera with his fingers to his lips, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. A video released by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Sunday shows its military gesturing to silence, suggesting that no formal announcement of a possible counteroffensive against Russia will be made. The on-screen text of the video reads, Plans love silence. There will be no announcement of the start. | Ukrainian Defense Ministry via Associated Press

Ukraine has started intensifying attacks in the southeast, likely working a long-anticipated counteroffensive in efforts to take back control of areas Russian forces took at the beginning of the war.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, heavy fighting has increased, which includes specialized attack units armed with Western weapons and trained in NATO tactics, The Washington Post reports.

The U.S. and Ukrainian officials who spoke about the counteroffensive requested anonymity in discussing the details of the plans, but have said it would involve attacks on multiple locations, as Kyivs forces push forward, looking for vulnerabilities in Russias defensive lines, as explained by The New York Times.

According to the Post, By cutting south through the flat fields of Zaporizhzhia, Kyivs forces could aim to sever the land bridge between mainland Russia and the occupied Crimean Peninsula, cutting off crucial Russian supply lines.

Forces were engaged in active combat surrounding the embattled city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, leaving Russia on the defensive, CNN reported that Hanna Maliar, Ukraines deputy defense minister, said.

Ukraine requests more international assistance

Meanwhile, Ukraine has requested more international assistance after the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam exploded on Tuesday, leaving the communities downriver in ecological disaster.

CNBC reported that at least five people have drowned in the flooding, and 30 settlements have been flooded in Ukrainian and Russian-occupied parts of the region, forcing thousands of people to flee or be rescued.

Both Russia and Ukraine blamed the other for the attack, but the U.S. State Department is still conducting an investigation and pointed out that they both have a lot to lose from the dam exploding.

President Zelenskyy visits the region affected by flooding

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the region to evaluate the emergency response, and he has urged allies to offer aid and assistance in evacuating people and providing essential supplies, per NBC News.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said rescue workers are working in challenging conditions, saying that Russian shelling continues, despite rescue efforts, per CNN.

According to The Associated Press, the flooding has killed at least 14 people from both sides. It has left thousands of people homeless and tens of thousands were without drinking water after the collapse. The flooding has also ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages.

Authorities in Russian-occupied and Ukrainian territory are still assessing the damage and consequences from the dam and resultant flooding.

The consequences of the tragedy will be clear in a week. When the water goes away, it will become clear what is left and what will happen next, Zelenskyy said, per CNN.

As the floodwaters begin to recede, Ukraine faced new perils as explosive devices wash up on beaches and debris threatens to trigger maritime mines close to shore, as stated by the Times.
Oleshky, flooded as a result of the Russian explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant

Read also: Attack on Kakhovka dam is Kremlins response to calls for peace talks, says Ukraines envoy to UN

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with Denise Brown, head of the UN in Ukraine, in Kyiv to coordinate humanitarian efforts. Following the meeting, the UN and Ukraine signed an agreement to form humanitarian aid groups and to evacuate those affected from occupied Ukrainian territory on the left bank of Kherson Oblast.

The MFA stated that the scale of the destruction and suffering by civilians and animals requires a qualitatively different response. As a result, the UN has agreed to immediately enlarge its aid to Ukraine and to allocate additional resources to Kherson and other affected oblasts.

Kuleba assured the UN that it will offer UN personnel all possible security guarantees while they assist in humanitarian operations in the flood-stricken areas. According to the UN, they have not received similar guarantees from the Russian Federation despite repeated requests.

Read also: Russia shells civilians fleeing flooding in Kherson Oblast, injuring eight

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that the UN and Red Cross are not helping Ukraine following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, and Kyiv has not received any response to requests for aid. He called on international organizations to immediately establish humanitarian missions in the Russian-occupied areas of Kherson Oblast.

Read also: Ukraine officials condemn holding of UN's Russian Language Day after Kakhovka dam attack

Kuleba had also previously criticized the UN response to the man-made catastrophe, stating that UN rules and procedures are slowing down efforts to quickly respond to the crisis.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Key Developments on June 8:

UN agrees to conduct evacuations from flooded Russian-occupied areas

1 person killed, 10 injured by Russian shelling of Kherson Oblast during evacuation

More economic, environmental consequences of Kakhovka dam disaster revealed

Ukraine repels Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast

Western media says Ukraine launches counteroffensive

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with regional authorities in Kherson Oblast on June 8 after Russias destruction of the Kakhovka dam caused substantial flooding in the region and elsewhere in southern Ukraine.

According to Zelensky, they discussed several key issues, including an assessment of the operational situation in Kherson Oblast, the ongoing evacuation of civilians, providing the necessary assistance to residents affected by flooding, and exploring potential plans for the region's ecosystem restoration.

The Presidents Office wrote that Zelensky also instructed officials to develop a program to compensate local businesses impacted by the flooding or relocate them within Kherson Oblast.

Six hundred square kilometers of Kherson Oblast have been flooded since Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka dam on June 6, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on June 8. Sixty eight percent of that is located in Russian-occupied territory on the east bank of the Dnipro River, while 32% of it is in the Ukrainian-controlled west bank.

Flood levels have reached over 5.5 meters and continue to rise.

Satellite images show massive flooding of Ukraines south Satellite images shared by Planet Labs show the massive extent of the damage caused by the breach of the Kakhovka dam on June 6. The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

Russia shells flooded city during evacuation

Russian forces shelled the Ukrainian-controlled part of Kherson Oblast on June 8 amid relief efforts. Russia deliberately attacked evacuation points.

One attack injured nine people. Among the wounded are six civilians, including a volunteer from Germany. One police officer and two employees of the State Emergency Service were also injured, according to the Interior Ministry.

Another attack targeted the Berislav district of Kherson Oblast with guided bombs, killing one woman and injuring another individual.

The Kherson Oblast Prosecutor General reported that the woman died under the rubble.

A total of 2,339 residents have been evacuated from Kherson Oblast since June 6, according to the State Emergency Service, and relief efforts are ongoing.

The Foreign Ministry announced on June 8 that the United Nations would dispatch personnel to provide assistance in the relief efforts within the Russian-occupied part of Kherson Oblast on the left bank of the Dnipro River, where an even bigger humanitarian disaster is unfolding.

UN aid workers would be provided safe passage into the occupied territories, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said. Once the same guarantee has been confirmed by the Russian side, the operation can begin. No such guarantee was given before publication.

Ukrainian officials reveal more economic, environmental consequences of Kakhovka dam breach

According to Yevhenii Ihnatenko, head of the shipping administration, Ukrainian exports downstream of the city of Zaporizhzhia through the Dnipro River will remain impossible for a long time.

The river is navigable only up until the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant in Zaporizhzhia.

"The Russian Federations terrorist act will have catastrophic consequences for the whole region, and for the future restoration of shipping in particular," Ihnatenko wrote.

The Agriculture Ministry wrote on June 7 that at least 10,000 hectares of arable land in the region would likely be flooded, severely disrupting the biodiversity of the region. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam will also complicate the water supply to 31 irrigation systems in Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Ukraines agricultural industry, which has already suffered massive setbacks because of Russias all-out war, will now face ever bigger setbacks.

Western media says Ukraine launches counteroffensive

Intense battles are taking place between Ukrainian and Russian forces at various points throughout Donetsk Oblast according to Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliars update on June 8, with Ukrainian forces on the offensive.

Maliar reported that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled multiple attacks in Marinka, inflicting significant losses on Russian forces. Additionally, Russian forces were unable to launch an offensive near Bakhmut, where fighting continues.

U.S. officials told CNN on June 8 that while Ukraine has made advances near Bakhmut it has suffered heavy losses of military personnel and heavy equipment as well, the latter of which includes U.S.-supplied MRAP armored personnel vehicles designed to take on mines and improvised explosive devices.

On Ukraines southern front line, tension reigns before decisive counteroffensive Editors note: As per the regulations of the unit, soldiers interviewed for this article, many of whom have relatives remaining in Russian-occupied territory, are identified by first name and/or callsign only. SOUTHEASTERN UKRAINE  After months of seeing Russias war against Ukraine through the dr The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell

Meanwhile, Russian forces failed to advance near Avdiivka and Lyman, and a battle for control of Velyka Novosilka is underway. Russian forces are also conducting air strikes and shelling near Kupiansk and Shakhtarsk.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian forces are on the defensive in the Orikhiv district, Maliar added.

Western media claimed that Ukraine finally initiated its long-awaited counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, quoting an unnamed source that is allegedly close to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A successful Ukrainian advance in the south could potentially cut off the land corridor between mainland Russia and occupied Crimea, depriving Russian forces of vital supply lines.

Russia has enough missiles for key targets like Kyiv, intelligence says

Military intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov told Ukrainska Pravda in an interview on June 8 that Russia has enough missiles to continue targeting Ukraine.

Russia launched 17 attacks against Kyiv in May, with three attacks occurring in a 24-hour period on May 30. According to military intelligence, Russia's new strategy is to attack key targets of symbolic value.

Ukraine endured mass Russian missile and drone attacks throughout last fall and winter that targeted the country's energy infrastructure, resulting in massive damage, country-wide blackouts, and civilian casualties.
Jens Stoltenberg and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Despite months of discussions, Western allies are "still divided over nearly every element of how to respond to the request" of Ukraine, the newspaper's five sources said. Vilnius will host the NATO Summit on July 11, where the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine will be a hot topic after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy demanded a concrete accession plan.

Many allies don't want to provide Ukraine with a clear NATO accession path. At the same time, they don't want to let Ukrainians feel dissatisfied or even vulnerable to another possible future Russian invasion, Politico wrote.

Read also: Zelenskyy speaks eloquently about need to accept Ukraine in NATO and EU as role model for neighbors

"As a result, a number of Western European leaders are increasingly stumping for security guarantees and offering more upbeat language about membership. But underneath the rhetoric, the actual planning is muddled  a reflection of the difficulty of getting a diverse group of governments on the same page as fighting rages on the ground in Ukraine," the article reads.

French President Emmanuel Macron backed, for example, something between Israel-style security guarantees and fully-fledged [NATO] membership. However, no consensus has been reached among EU officials on security guarantees for Ukraine, neither their contents, nor their format.

Speaking about guarantees, politicians intend to further support Ukraine with weapons and military training, but not any form of direct protection, Politico wrote.

Read also: NATO chief Stoltenberg backs Ukraine's right to self-defense following Moscow drone attack

"More often we hear of assurances, rather than guarantees. It all seems to come down to long-term provision of means to be able to defend themselves," a diplomat from Central Europe said.

All these discussions around security guarantees divert the attention from the only issue that really matters: Ukraine's membership in NATO, as some officials think.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that Western allies want to propose an Israeli-like security model for Ukraine, with the US as the main guarantor, which will make the transfer of weapons and leading technologies to Kyiv easier.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukraine's counteroffensive is underway

Ukraines long-awaited counteroffensive is now fully underway as its troops, backed by NATO-donated Leopard-2 tanks and other armor, have pressed forward on multiple vectors across the battlefield. Heavy losses are being reported as Ukrainian forces attempt to punch through long-entrenched Russian positions in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts.

In the Zaporizhzhia direction in the Orikhiv area, the enemy is actively on the defensive, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Thursday on her Telegram channel.

https://twitter.com/GeoConfirmed/status/1666794123750256641

https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1666725274308706305?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

https://twitter.com/WarMonitors/status/1666807493417398272

"Amidst a highly complex operational picture, heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front. In most areas Ukraine holds the initiative," the U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) said on its Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/defencehq/status/1666674733708898305?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

The objective is to push across the flat open fields south of the Dnipro River toward Crimea in order to cut the peninsula off from the so-called land bridge. A successful operation would go a long way toward meeting Ukraines desire of kicking Russia completely out of its lands and continue to keep the all-important flow of arms and financial aid coming from the U.S. and allies. An unsuccessful operation would increase pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to come to the bargaining table. It could also push foreign governments to reevaluate the flow of billions of dollars in foreign assistance to Kyiv.

Ukrainian forces "have suffered losses in heavy equipment and soldiers as they met greater than expected resistance from Russian forces in their first attempt to breach Russian lines in the east of the country in recent days," CNN reported, citing "two senior US officials."

"One US official described the losses  which include US supplied MRAP armored personnel vehicles as 'significant..

https://twitter.com/Faytuks/status/1666814339637219329?s=20

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby and the Pentagon declined to comment, while Ukrainian military sources, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, confirm that the new, much more intense phase of the war has been opened.

Casualties and equipment losses - even including reports of Leopard-2 tanks - in an operation like this, especially in the early phases, are to be expected. Russian forces are certainly taking losses as well.

https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1666830782533435394

The information emerging from the battlefield - provided largely by pro-Russian military bloggers and the head of the Wagner mercenary group - is chaotic and unconfirmed. But the reports indicate that Ukraine has suffered significant casualties in fierce battles with the first observations of Western tanks like the Leopards in combat.

Ukraine is trying to push through an area between Orikhiv and Tokmak in Zaporizhiz Oblast, according to several Russian Telegram channels.

This is a key area because Ukrainian forces need to drive through here if they are going to approach Crimea, a strategy we explained back in December.

The area around Orikhiv and Tokmak is a key gateway toward Crimea. (Google Earth image)

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that the attacks began at 1:30 A.M. by the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade with up to 1,500 men and 150 armored vehicles.

The attack was stopped and Ukraine suffered heavy losses, Shoigu, who routinely exaggerates Ukrainian losses and underplays his own, said on the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) Telegram channel. Shoigu, as usual, offered no proof to its claims nor addressed Russian losses.

As a result of two-hour combat the enemy lost 30 tanks, 11 infantry fighting vehicles, up to 350 troops. Thus the specially prepared reserve forces of the enemy for this breakthrough failed to fulfill their mission. Yesterday on 7 June 2023, the enemy lost 945 troops, 33 tanks, 28 infantry fighting vehicles, 38 armored fighting vehicles, three Krab self-propelled artillery systems, and other armament.

https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1666793727484936194?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

Not surprisingly, pro-Russian Telegram channels claimed Ukraine has made little progress so far.

The Ukrainians suffered losses in personnel and equipment, and did not achieve any tangible results, but continue to pull up infantry and armored vehicles to the line of contact, Russian propagandist Semyon Pegov said on his influential WarGonzo Telegram channel Thursday.

On the Orekhov-Tokmak direction, our troops are trying to dislodge the enemy infantry from their advanced positions. Unfortunately, there are losses, which is natural for such tight fights.

The first reliable pictures of the use of Leopard 2A4 tanks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine are in offensive operations on June 7 in the Orekhov region, WarGonzo wrote. Ukrainian forces have run into minefields and are covered by artillery, the attack looks ill-prepared and poorly organized.

Reports from the scene indicate that another tank, outwardly similar to the German Leopard, was destroyed, WarGonzo wrote.

While that information is unconfirmed, it is inevitable that in a fight like this, donated tanks and other armor will be destroyed.

According to one of the participants, he had not seen such a tight fight for a long time, said WarGonzo. The guys are fighting very hard fights, but do not retreat.

The Colonelcassad Telegram channel reports that the armored fist of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been trying to break through the defenses of our troops near the city of Orikhiv in the Rabotino-Verbove area for 12 hours.

A photo purporting to show Ukrainian armor on the attack in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (Turned On Z War Telegram channel image)

Operation Z, a collective of Russian military commissars, journalists and volunteers, reports that the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted reconnaissance in battle near Orekhovo, they lost a lot of equipment there, but they monitored the defense tactics of the RF Armed Forces, incl. - from where reinforcements will approach our positions.

Ukrainian troops tried to cut off our first line of reinforcements by firing remote mines to make it difficult for [reinforcements] to approach the breakthrough site. But our reinforcements are coming anyway. Russian soldiers continue to repel the offensive, the fighting continues for 14 hours.

Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, made progress in an attack in southern Donetsk Oblast, WarGonzo reported. A successful drive in that direction, toward Mariupol and elsewhere along the Azov Sea coast, could cut off Russian forces from reinforcing the Zaporizhzhia front and restore Ukrainian access to the sea.

A Russian soldier with the call sign "OPG" (Operational Field General Staff) provided his insight on Ukraines tactics to the WarGonzo Telegram channel.

Ukrainian forces are making probing attacks to test Russian forces and drain their artillery ammunition before sending in more troops and equipment to try and punch through.

The more the Ukrainians attack, the fewer artillery shells are available.

They tried to squeeze us and see how much equipment we have enough ammo for, said OPG.

No matter how much stock there is, all stock tends to run out, said OPG about Russia's ammunition and equipment supply.

The question is how long it takes, how far, convenient/not convenient to go to the ammunition supply point. With those offensive waves that are now underway, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are trying to find not so much gaps in the defense as to find weaknesses in our supply logistics. At the moment when we are conditionally empty, when we are reloading, they will try to go on the main assault.

Our positions were stormed nearby tonight, he said. As soon as they realize that the density of fire is decreasing, they go on the assault.

One of the tactics is to enter in a small group, move close to our positions and draw shells. They can drive up - drive off, ride along the landings. It is important for them that we give an expense.

While the gunners and jets are trying to catch a couple of pieces of equipment in landings, the enemy radar calculates the positions of our guns, OPG said. Added counter-battery work. The Armed Forces of Ukraine will try to play on the depletion of our ammunition. The offensive is a gluttonous story. All battalions are asking for fire, and the more the better. So they are now planning to catch us.

https://twitter.com/RsRobert78/status/1666784916636409858

Unlike other reports, OPG said that we haven't seen all the NATO toys on the battlefield yet. For some reason, Leopards and Bradley do not go in the forefront to clear the fields.

But one enemy attack is not the whole offensive, OPG warned. They don't care how much they burn now - one brigade, two brigades. They have reserves. Therefore, the density of our fire must not decrease. The larger and more stable it is, the faster the enemy's motivation will end. It is important to understand that this is only the beginning. Let's keep our ears up.

Ukraine, meanwhile, was able to make additional progress near the largely destroyed city of Bakhmut and repel a Russian attempt at a counteroffensive in that part of Donetsk, Maliar, the Ukrainian deputy defense minister said, an assessment that WarGonzo backed up.

https://twitter.com/warfrontline/status/1666756371906215936?s=12&t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

Igor Girkin, a former military leader in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic who is also known by the name Igor Strelkov, said that Ukraine is currently taking heavy losses and making little progress. But Russia wont ultimately be able to capitalize, he said.

The obviousness of the direction of the main attacks of the enemy did not allow him to achieve operational surprise, just as it was not possible to divert reserves to secondary directions and send themto Belgorod direction to repel the self-proclaimed Russian partisans attacking inside Russia.

Our counteroffensive after repelling an enemy offensive is not to be expected even in the most optimistic scenario - the enemy, even after the defeat, will have a serious superiority in manpower and the number of combined arms formations, Girkin said. Without extensive mobilization and the creation of new armies and corps (300,000 additional military personnel - at least more or less normally trained, armed and equipped) - to successfully attack with the strategic goals of defeating the enemy - the [Russian] Armed Forces will not be able to.

https://twitter.com/Ayei_Eloheichem/status/1666749383860457473

All this of course is in flux and Ukrainian officials are not saying much publicly.

We are watching the battle unfold and will update this story as more information becomes available.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Reporter Kristen Jordan Shamus and visual journalist Mandi Wright of the Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, visited Poland in May, near the border with Ukraine. They followed a group of U.S. doctors who traveled to Poland to treat Ukrainian children with burns and congenital abnormalities, the first such trip since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The doctors, from Michigan, Texas, Massachusetts and Missouri, operated on 20 children during their visit. Shamus and Wright had extraordinary access to the doctors and families, and in the hospital. To contribute to Doctors Collaborating to Help Children, go to dctohc.org/donations.

LECZNA, Poland  When the first missiles flew and the air raid sirens wailed at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Dr. Oleksii Vlasov, chief general of the Regional Medical Center of Family Health in Dnipro, acted quickly.

"We had to move operations underground," he said. For the safety of the patients and the staff, "everything that the team needed all had to go underground: medicine, lights, water filtration, everything."

The hospital was constructed when Ukraine was still a republic in the former Soviet Union, with a massive, bunker-like underground storage area typical of the Cold War era.

That space was transformed in late February 2022 into a working subterranean hospital, Vlasov said. Beds, supplies and equipment were all moved to the basement. Makeshift operating rooms were created, along with a labor and delivery unit and neonatal intensive care unit. Several times, they relied on generator power.

'We try to lead a normal life'

Before the war, we didnt understand why all of that was built underground," Vlasov said while in Poland last month working with U.S. doctors on Ukrainian children with severe burns or congenital abnormalities. "We never could have imagined that our children would have to be cured and treated in the underground. It is not such a beautiful place.

We had a lot to do to make that happen."

A Russian missile attack in Dnipro, Ukraine, on May 26 killed two people and injured 30, including two children. The missiles hit a medical facility that assists people with mental illnesses and a veterinary clinic.

For months, patients were treated in the bunker. By the end of the summer, Vlasov and other hospital leaders made the decision to move operations aboveground again.

Still, they know, danger is never far away. Recently, a Russian missile struck another hospital in Dnipro, killing two and injuring 30.

It wasn't their hospital this time. It wasn't their kids, but the future offers no guarantees.

More: US doctors travel to edge of war zone to care for burned Ukrainian children

More: She was badly burned taking a selfie, then became a war refugee. Now US doctors help her.

"I am aware that if a rocket hits our house, nothing will compensate for the hit and save us  neither taped windows, nor walls, nor basement," said Dr. Artem Posunko, a plastic surgeon at Regional Medical Center. "Hoping for otherwise is pointless.

"Three weeks ago, a rocket fell 1 kilometer from my house. One week ago, a rocket fell close to my parents house in Pavlohrad on a fuel warehouse. The blast shattered more than half of the windows in the city. We understand the threat. We feel it, but there is no point in being afraid of the inevitable. We simply avoid excessive, unnecessary risk," he said.

"We try to lead a normal life"  as normal as anything can be in much of Ukraine right now.

Dr. Artem Posunko, a plastic surgeon from the Regional Medical Center of Family Health in Dnipro, Ukraine, takes a break between surgeries at the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Leczna, Poland, on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

More than 200 children treated for war injuries

"We have learned to work in the reality of war, and recognize which alarms are dangerous, which are not, how and where we should evacuate our patients," Posunko said. "We also see different types of injuries now, the ones that earlier happened very seldom  combat injuries, blast wounds."

The hospital where these doctors work has been designated as a trauma center, where, Posunko said, "we stabilize patients, prepare them for transport and send them farther west if they require longer treatment. All this to ensure we have a required capacity to save lives."

Doctors there have treated more than 200 children who've been injured in the 15-month-long Russian invasion, said Dr. Alex Gladkyy, chief of surgery. That accounts for at least 20% of all the Ukrainian children who've had trauma injuries thus far, he estimated, and it includes 25 kids who arrived at once in April 2022, after a railway station was bombed in Kramatorsk.

"Its a lot to always have to be ready for something bad at all times," Gladkyy said. "I try to listen and read all the news so I can know how much time I have to be ready for patients. ... It is very hard for morale."

More: Ukrainian boy 'was dying on the operating table, and they saved him'

More: She watched a Russian bomb land near her son  and change their lives

And for the Ukrainian doctors, who face the horrors of war on the job daily, there's no escape at home.

Gladkyy held up his cellphone, showing pictures he took of the nine-story apartment building in ruins across the street from where he lives with his wife and young daughter.

'We couldnt imagine a second year of the war'

This is the view from the window of my house, he said. The building was struck by a Russian missile on Jan. 14, Orthodox New Year. The explosion toppled his Christmas tree, knocked things off shelves and shattered all of his windows.

It was a holiday, a Saturday, he said. My daughter is 3, and she was very afraid. For two weeks, we couldnt live in our house because we had no gas, no electricity, no water.

His family wasn't hurt, but more than 40 of his neighbors were killed. Among them was a 16-year-old girl. Her leg, buttock and side were torn open in the blast. He said doctors at his hospital worked to stabilize her wounds, and she was transferred to Lviv for ongoing treatment, where she ultimately died.

It was very hard. ... This is what is happening, he said. Nobody was ready for this. We couldnt imagine a second year of the war. In general, the doctors and nurses at the hospital work with extreme tension."

US doctors have helped all along

What has helped, Vlasov said, is having the support of some of America's leading physicians, who have offered virtual consultations, shipments of supplies and even a mission trip in mid-May, when 17 Ukrainian children were evacuated from the war-torn country to eastern Poland for complex plastic and reconstructive surgery. Three other kids living as refugees in Poland and the Netherlands also were brought to the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Leczna for treatment.

It was the first time since the war began that U.S. doctors treated Ukrainian children in Poland.

"These operations are not always possible in Ukraine for various reasons," Posunko said. The procedures are costly, he said, and at a time of war, surgeries that save lives  not just improve the quality of their lives  are prioritized. "We would like to perform these operations in Ukraine, too. We strive to do that one day."

More: A burned little girl and her great-grandmother: 'We will handle this'

Most of the children were scalded by hot water, severely burned in fires, suffered electrical injuries or had congenital abnormalities. One boy, Artem Sokolov, 11, of Kharkiv, suffered injuries to his left arm and hand in a cluster bomb attack. Many of the kids will need repeated surgeries to maintain mobility and avoid crippling deformities caused by thick, inflexible burn scars that don't stretch as they grow.

The convergence in Poland was the latest in more than a decade of mission trips organized by Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov, a Boston-based physician and philanthropist who founded the nonprofit Doctors Collaborating to Help Children.

Michigan doc helps Ukrainian peers with pioneering treatment

Dr. Jeremi Mountjoy, an anesthesiologist from Massachusetts General Hospital who traveled with the team on the mission trip to Poland, said education might be the most important element of the collaboration.

"If you just come in and help a few people and then leave, your impact is far smaller than if you could ... bring up the level of care the Ukrainian doctors are able to provide," he said, noting that it was the U.S. team that first introduced the use of laser treatments for burned patients to the country.

"Gennadiy worked with the Ministry of Health to get permission to bring the first-ever burn laser to Ukraine," Mountjoy said. "And they use that quite a bit now as an adjunct to the larger surgeries we're doing. We did a lot of training with the local surgeons in Lviv and left the laser there for them."

When used to treat burn scars, lasers create microinjuries on the skin. They gradually burn away the old, thicker scars, he explained. When steroid ointments are added to slow and control the healing process, it often leaves patients with softer, more flexible skin.

That's not all.

When the war began, Fuzaylov and Dr. David Brown, a plastic surgeon from the University of Michigan, introduced a new treatment to help ease the phantom pain or nerve pain people often feel after an amputation.

"Whenever there's a war, there are far more amputations and war-related injuries that result in someone, a soldier, losing an arm or leg," Brown said. "At the University of Michigan, we've done pioneering work in helping amputation patients ... either prevent or treat amputation nerve pain or phantom pain.

"We've invented techniques to help treat those nerves surgically."

Dr. Brian Kelley, who trained in plastic surgery at U-M with Brown and Dr. Paul Cederna, said he was part of the Ann Arbor-based team that performed the first such phantom pain procedure on a human anywhere in the world.

"And now, I teach it in Texas," said Kelley, who works as a plastic surgeon at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. "And Dr. Brown and I were doing sessions with Ukrainian neurosurgeons. ... We're teaching them to do it."

Alex Gladkyy the chief of surgery at Regional Medical Center of Family Health in Dnipro, left, leans on the recovery room window ledge, left, as he gathers with Dr. Piotr Tomaka, deputy director of medical affairs at the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Leczna, Poland, plastic surgeon Maxim Savenko from Dnipro State Medical University, Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov a pediatric anesthesiologist from Massachusetts General Hospital and founder of Doctors Collaborating to Help Children, Dr. Artem Posunko, a plastic surgeon from the Regional Medical Center of Family Health in Dnipro, Ukraine, Dr. Oleskii Vlasov, chief general of the Regional Medical Center of Family Health in Dnipro, Ukraine, and Dr. Eduard Polianin, a neurosurgeon from the Regional Medical Center of Family Health in Dnipro, Ukraine, seated in foreground, debrief at the bedside of Artem Sokolov, 11, of Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Monday, May 15, 2023 at the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Leczna.

What's happening in the war in Ukraine, he said, is similar to what happened in Afghanistan, when scores of soldiers lost limbs in bomb blasts.

"Everyone is coming back with legs missing and phantom pain," Kelley said. "So we were discussing cases with the Ukrainian doctors while we're in Poland so they can go back and do the surgeries at home."

Vlasov said his hospital was the first in Ukraine to treat phantom pain using this procedure, and it was done entirely virtually.

"We were in an operating room doing the operation through a screen," he said. "They saw and controlled our movements, and we asked for suggestions about what to do. It was like a virtual surgery."

By mid-May, Brown estimated, at least 20 phantom pain and chronic nerve pain prevention procedures had been performed on amputees in Ukraine.

"That's really super exciting," Brown said.

More learning and new devices for European doctors

That's what impactful global health outreach looks like, said Dr. Justin Knittel, an anesthesiologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

What people don't realize is that building the relationships is what we're here for," he said. "We're not here just to do the operations. We are bringing them our minds and our collaboration."

Knittel also brought a new device with him to Poland to give to both the Ukrainian and Polish physicians.

Called Through the Cords, it's a flexible plastic guide that anesthesiologists can use when inserting a breathing tube in patients with difficult airways.

"We have to create a direct line from our eyes to the vocal cords, which requires moving tissue out of the way," Knittel said. "It's the most dangerous thing we do because youve got to breathe to survive. In anesthesia, we can kill someone faster than anyone else in medicine.

"One of the principles we have in global health, especially doing procedures in global environments, is to have zero complications. And so, when we take on tasks that involve the airway, we have to be not just confident, but 100% confident that we can handle it.

"Normally, you can never guarantee that. So any tools that could help us get out of trouble, especially tools that don't take electricity, a lot of space, high levels of technology  anything thats simple  is a benefit. And this is a very simple tool."

Dr. Jeremi Mountjoy, an anesthesiologist from Massachusetts General Hospital, left, meets with Dr. Alfred Yoon, a chief resident of plastic surgery at the University of Michigan, Dr. Gina Sacks, chief resident of plastic surgery at the University of Michigan, Dr. David Brown, plastic surgeon at the University of Michigan, Dr. Shawn Diamond, a plastic surgeon with Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov, a pediatric anesthesiologist from Massachusetts General Hospital and founder of Doctors Collaborating to Help Children, and Dr. Piotr Tomaka, deputy director of medical affairs at the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Leczna, Poland on Monday, May 15, 2023 to coordinate a week of surgeries of 20 Ukrainian children.

'A lot of what we do is an art'

The education, Knittel said, goes both ways on these mission trips. American doctors have plenty to learn, too.

"You really learn about the depth of your skills when you go somewhere else and have to put it all to use," he said. "And so we've learned to be comfortable in a lot of situations where we may not normally be very comfortable.

"We learned to trust ourselves. We learned that a lot of what we do is an art and not necessarily based on evidence. There's a lot of cultural things we do. And so by seeing how other people do it in a different situation, we can learn about our own practice, and evaluate what actually works, what doesn't and consider other ways of doing things."

Fuzaylov is learning, too.

One afternoon, as Fuzaylov and his team of doctors checked on the children who'd had surgery earlier that day, he saw a little girl crying on the hospital floor.

"I asked her, 'What's wrong, sweetheart?' And she told me, 'You didn't give me a hug today,'" Fuzaylov said. He hadn't stopped to see her that afternoon because she hadn't yet had surgery. But it was clear, he said, that her feelings were hurt.

"About 40% of the patients who came here to Poland have been with us on missions before. They are attached to us ... and if they don't give me a hug, they get upset."

From that moment on, he told the medical team that every child was to get a daily visit and a hug if they wanted one. Every child would see the doctors dressed professionally to greet them, too.

"Putting on the professional clothes shows respect for the patients," he said.

It's acts of kindness like these  not just from the American physicians, but from others around the world  that humble the Ukrainian doctors.

Evheniia Ukhvatova, 6, of Dnipro, Ukraine, locks eyes and smiles with Whitney Roberts, a certified nurse anesthetist from Boston Childrens Hospital, before she has surgery to repair burn scars on the back of her legs and feet on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Leczna, Poland. Ukhvatova sustained her burns in a house fire in September 2020.

Dr. Maxim Savenko recalls what happened when his wife, daughter and son fled to the Netherlands at the start of the war.

When my family crossed the border into Poland, and they needed huge help from the volunteers from Poland," said Savenko, a plastic surgeon from Dnipro State Medical University. "And when I talked to my daughter, and she cried, and she told me: Papa, I couldnt imagine that people could be so kind.

They gave her blankets and hot tea.

She couldnt imagine such warmth, such goodness, such kindness."

Vlasov said ongoing international generosity of all kinds is still needed to get the Ukrainian people through this crisis.

"All aid is very important," he said. "Everybody in the world needs to know about it. If other people dont know about it, theres no potential for them to do something to help.

Zuza Nikitorowicz translated interviews for this article.

To contribute to Doctors Collaborating to Help Children, go to dctohc.org/donations.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ukrainian doctors working in extreme conditions rely on US peers' help
Flooding from the Kakhovka dam breach extends over 600 square kilometres (ALEKSEY FILIPPOV)

Ukrainian rescuers have been venturing into Russian-held areas despite shelling as they search for residents stranded by massive flooding from a destroyed dam.

"We continue to save our people. And this includes getting people from occupied territories," a military press officer, Sergiy Sergeyev, told AFP.

"We know that there are Russian soldiers sitting on the roofs with no one to save them, but our priority is our people," he added.

The Dnipro River in southern Ukraine has formed the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces since Moscow's troops pulled out of the city of Kherson in November.

Despite Russia's retreat, the city has remained within reach of Moscow's weaponry, constantly threatening residents.

Shelling has slowed as the flood has made mortars unusable, Sergeyev said, but "evacuations sometimes take place under rocket fire".

The water has reached an average of 5.6 metres (18 feet) high, according to Ukrainian estimates, with 600 square kilometres of the Kherson region flooded.

"(The water) is two floors high, you can only survive on the roof," said Laura Musiyan, an employee from the Kherson meteorological agency.

Russian authorities reported five dead, while there was at least one death on the Ukrainian side.

- 'How can we live on?' -

Musiyan, waist-deep in the water that she was measuring, said its rise seemed to be slowing.

"If this trend continues, this will mean good news for people," she said.

Everyone at a rescue centre in Kherson was wondering when the water would stop coming in, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

Ukrainian officials estimated they would need to wait for at least another three days.

In the meantime, people gathered at the water's edge, some hoping to see their rescued pets.

"My cat has been in the apartment for three days without food, she must be dying," said Elena, 59, covering her face with her hands as she sobbed.

One of the people rescued, 65-year-old Tatyana Olmechenko, had to crawl through a broken window to reach the boat that came to rescue her after two days.

Stepping on land, she asked volunteers to check her pressure and feed her cat Klyusha.

"My apartment in Kherson was destroyed by shelling last year -- I moved to another flat and it was flooded," she told AFP.

"How can we live on?"

bur/js
As of 8 June, the Ukrainian army is conducting offensive actions on the Bakhmut front where the Russians are trying to switch to offensive in some areas.

Source; Hanna Maliar, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine

Quote: "Our forces are active on the Bakhmut front. The fighting is ongoing. In some areas the occupiers are trying to switch to offensive but to no avail."

Details: Maliar added that fronts the occupiers are launching aircraft and missile attacks on the Kupiansk and Shakhtarsk, while on the Avdiivka and Lyman fronts they are attempting to conduct offensive but to no avail.

In the south of Ukraine the battle for the settlement of Velyka Novosilka in direction towards Novopavlivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast is ongoing, and on the Zaporizhzhia front near the settlement of Orikhiv the Russians are conducting active defensive measures.

Background:

Earlier, the soldiers of the Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade pushed the occupiers near Bakhmut 1.2 km back on the width of 1.8 km of the frontline during the day.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Ukrainian forces have suffered losses in heavy equipment and soldiers as they met greater than expected resistance from Russian forces in their first attempt to breach Russian lines in the east of the country in recent days, two senior US officials tell CNN.

One US official described the losses  which include US supplied MRAP armored personnel vehicles as significant.

Ukrainian service members of the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade fire a Caesar self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Avdiivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine May 31, 2023. - Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters

Ukrainian forces managed to overrun some Russian forces in the east around Bakhmut. However, Russian forces, armed with anti-tank missiles, grenades and mortars, have put up stiff resistance, with their forces dug into defensive lines that are several layers deep in some areas and marked by minefields that have taken a heavy toll on Ukrainian armored vehicles.

US and Western officials have been bracing for the counteroffensive for months, moving to shore up Ukraines defenses ahead of its start. This week, Ukraines Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said an offensive was taking place in several directions.

It is not only about Bakhmut. The offensive is taking place in several directions, Maliar said. We are happy about every meter. Today is a successful day for our forces.

Both US officials say the losses are not expected to impact the larger planned Ukrainian counteroffensive. US and western officials long expected the counteroffensive to take time and put Ukrainian personnel and equipment, including Western-supplied systems, at high risk.

Russian Ministry of Defense claimed Wednesday that the Ukrainian offensive close to Bakhmut was thwarted.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, having failed to achieve the offensive objectives and suffered significant losses in South Donetsk direction, made the attempts to break the defence of Russian troops in Donetsk direction close to Artyomovsk (Russian for Bakhmut), a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defense said.

The attack of the enemy armored group using Western-manufactured hardware was thwarted. The enemy was destroyed.

Moscow often inflates claims regarding Ukrainian losses on the battlefield. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently acknowledged the counteroffensive would be hard for Ukraine, telling the Wall Street Journal that a large number of soldiers will die as Kyivs ground forces make their advance.

This week, officials told CNN that shaping operations, in which Ukraine has been testing Russian positions for vulnerabilities, have been happening for nearly two weeks. A substantial increase in fighting early this week signaled to officials that the counteroffensive was likely underway, a senior NATO official said. But the collapse of a major dam in Russian-occupied Ukraine that has flooded areas of the region and killed multiple people could complicate Ukraines plans.

The Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in Kherson is Ukraines largest reservoir in terms of volume. Its unclear how the dam was impacted to the point of collapsing early this week, but both sides of the conflict have blamed the other.

Ukrainian military intelligence said Russian terrorists carried out an internal explosion of the Kakhovka hydro-electric power plant in the early morning hours on Tuesday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, said the dams destruction was planned and carried out by order received from Kyiv to deprive Crimea of water.

CNN has not verified either claim.

CNNs Haley Britzky contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The Ukrainian Red Cross stressed that it works only in the controlled territory of Ukraine, and its Ukrainian volunteers are helping people in Kherson Oblast after Russia blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. The Ukrainian organisation reacted this way to criticism of the ICRC President.

Source: Red Cross of Ukraine

Quote: "The Ukrainian Red Cross does not have access to the territories not controlled by Ukraine, as we are a Ukrainian humanitarian organisation that can conduct its activities following Ukrainian legislation and exclusively on the territory controlled by Ukraine.

After Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross immediately began evacuating people, including those with limited mobility, from the territories controlled by the government of Ukraine. The evacuation was conducted jointly with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine."

Details: The Ukrainian Red Cross reports that more than 50 volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross, together with rescue services, continue to evacuate people: "140 people have already been evacuated, most of them have low mobility."

These people were taken to temporary accommodation facilities, and food and drinking water were delivered.

The Ukrainian organisation published its message as a reaction to an interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he said that there is no Red Cross in Kherson Oblast.

At the same time, the president was referring to the international organisation  the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Ukrainian organisation stressed that the Ukrainian Red Cross is a Ukrainian humanitarian organisation where employees and volunteers are Ukrainians. These volunteers help only on the territories controlled by Ukraine.

More than 200 volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross in Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts are providing humanitarian aid to the victims in places of temporary accommodation for evacuees and at railway stations: drinking water, food, and clothing.

The Ukrainian Red Cross coordinates all its rescue operations with the State Emergency Service, the National Police and other central and local authorities of Ukraine.

Background:

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expects that, after working with representatives of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, members of these organisations will be deployed to the disaster zone after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka HPP.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that he was shocked by the reaction of the UN and the Red Cross to the Russian invaders blowing up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Zelenskyy stressed that even though the tragedy occurred on the night of 6 June, neither the UN nor the Red Cross "are there", although they "should be the first to vital support" since this is exactly what these structures were created for.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
HANOI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is set to implement the world's first carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) this year which will have a significant impact on Vietnam's exports, Vietnam News reported on Thursday.

The CBAM is expected to initially target Vietnam's energy-intensive industries including iron and steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizer and electricity.

The scheme has the potential to cause a loss of about 100 million U.S. dollars in export earnings from the country's affected sectors, said experts at a consultation workshop held by the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP).

According to research published at the workshop, Vietnam's steel sector is expected to be hardest hit by the CBAM, followed by the aluminum sector.

Vietnamese companies will also incur additional costs of reporting and verifying the embedded emissions in their export products to the EU.

Thus steel production is estimated to drop 0.8 percent by 2030, while export value fell 2.3 percent. And aluminum output is forecast to decline 0.4 percent, and the export value will be down 4.3 percent over the period.

Given the fact that Vietnam is the 11th biggest exporter to the EU, early preparation for the CBAM is important, said Do Nam Thang, an expert from Applied Economic Modelling and Data Analysis.

"CBAM is evolving with many uncertainties," Thang said. "The mechanism will affect enterprises and the country's export competitiveness in global markets."

On the positive side, Vietnamese exporters could reap the potential benefits of its trade agreements with the EU, including lower tariffs and easier access to the market, when they boost their environmental, social, and corporate governance practices, reducing the embedded carbon in their exported products, according to experts of the Vietnam ESG Investor Conference.

Speaking at a recent meeting in Vietnam, Sirpa Jarvenpaa, director of the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership, said the mechanism aims to tackle "carbon leakage," which means firms moving their production from the EU to places with less stringent emissions regulations to avoid carbon pricing.

The CBAM is set to take effect in October this year with a three-year transitional phase before becoming fully operational in 2034. 
CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle in service with the Swedish army

Read also: Ukrainian pilots to train on Swedens Gripen jets, says minister

Ukrainian soldiers have finished training on the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, the Swedish defense ministry said on June 8.

The ministry added that the trained soldiers had already returned to Ukraine to defend their country.

The Combat Vehicle 90 IFV is a series of armored fighting vehicles that span 15 different versions. Its crew consists of three people and can fit eight passengers. Its equipped with a Saab-designed UTAAS fire control system with televisor scopes, which allows for firing at aerial targets up to 2 km away, and land-based targets up to 5 km away.

Read also: In tit-for-tat, Russia expels five Swedish diplomats; closes consulate in Sweden

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Make way for another forum on AI safety. The U.K. government has announced it will convene a "global" AI summit this fall with the aim of agreeing "safety measures to evaluate and monitor the most significant risks from AI", as its PR puts it.

There's no word on who will attend as yet -- but the government says it wants the discussion to feature "key countries, leading tech companies and researchers".

"The summit, which will be hosted in the U.K. this autumn, will consider the risks of AI, including frontier systems, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. It will also provide a platform for countries to work together on further developing a shared approach to mitigate these risks," it adds.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak is in the US today where, per the government line, he will meet with president Biden and press for "joint leadership" of technologies such as AI, among chat on other economically significant issues.

Notably the press release announcing the U.K.'s ambition to host a global AI summit simultaneously bundles a separate claim, vis-a-vis "global companies expanding their AI work in the U.K.", with the government spotlighting developments such as OpenAI opening a London office last week.

The PR is also dominated by canned quotes from tech giants and AI firms, with the likes of Google DeepMind, Anthropic, Palantir and Faculty lavishing praise on the summit plan via supporting statements from senior execs.

(For a flavor of the industry flattery embedded in the government's PR, DeepMind's Demis Hassabis proclaims Sunak's "Global Summit on AI Safety will play a critical role in bringing together government, industry, academia and civil society"; Anthropic's Dario Amodei commends the PM for "bringing the world together to find answers and have smart conversations"; and Faculty's Marc Warner suggests the U.K. is "perfectly placed" to provide "technological leadership" and "foster international collaboration" -- so, er, pass the sick bucket... )

The strategy the U.K. appears to be plumping for here is to position itself as the AI industry's BFF (or, well, stooge) -- in a way that could work against existing international efforts to agree meaningful guardrails for AI if it ends up driving a wedge between the US side and other international players.

The summit announcement comes about two weeks after Sunak met with a number of tech execs helming AI giants, including Anthropic's Amodei, DeepMind's Hassabis and OpenAI's Sam Altman. After which the government suddenly started squawking about existential AI risk, in a clear parroting of the sci-fi concerns AI giants have been promulgating vis-a-vis non-existent "superintelligent" AI systems -- in a bid to frame the debate about AI safety by zeroing in on theoretical future risks -- while downplaying discussion of actual harms being caused by AI in the here and now (such as privacy abuse, bias, discrimination and disinformation, copyright infringement and environmental damage, to name a few).

In another sign of the lavish AI industry love-in for U.K. Plc rn, Palantir's CEO Alex Karp was interviewed on AI by BBC Radio 4's Today program this morning where he made a point of heaping praise on the U.K.'s "pragmatic approach to data protection", as he put it -- going on to compare the U.K.'s under-enforcement of privacy rules favorably to the EU's more robust enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (which, by contrast, quickly forced ChatGPT to provide users with more information and controls), as well as claiming it will "be much much harder for the continent to come to terms with large language models [than the UK]".

It remains to be seen what the Biden administration will make of Sunak's AI safety summit. Or, indeed, whether anyone of significance from the US government will attend. But AI giants being mostly US-based certainly muddies the AI regulation conversation over the pond.

US lawmakers remain concerned about the burden of AI regulation on industry -- and are demonstrably more reluctant to rush in with guardrails than, for example, their counterparts in the European Union.

As a third country to both those sides, the U.K. has a choice to make over where to throw its hat on international AI rules. All the signs are it's aiming to try to use this topic -- and US AI giants -- as a strategic lever to ratchet itself into a closer relationship with the US, based on aligning over more dilute AI rules (assuming the US agrees to play this game).

The U.K. is actually a late convert to the discussion on how to regulate AI. Only a few months ago it put out an AI white paper saying it didn't see the need for any new bespoke rules or oversight bodies for AI -- preferring to load the responsibility onto existing over-worked regulators (without expanding their budgets) by asking them to devise and issue context-specific guidance. The name of that whitepaper? A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation.

It's also making this AI summit move at a time when governments, regulators and lawmakers around the world are already responding to rising alarm about the safety risks flowing from fast developing machine learning technologies by mobilizing a variety of discussion tracks and initiatives with the goal of clinching international agreement on safeguards and safety standards.

The OECD already adopted AI principles all the way back in May 2019. While the FTC put out AI guidance in April 2021. And even the US Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) started consulting on how to boost AI accountability this April. The UN is also looking at AI.

Then there's the G7 leaders' "Hiroshima process" -- a recent track comprised of cabinet-level discussions between G7 countries on AI governance which is due to report by the end of the year. While, before that, G7 countries and others launched the Global Partnership on AI -- which is aimed at promoting responsible, human-centric development and use of AI technologies by sharing research and foster international collaboration toward trustworthy AI.

The European Union, meanwhile, presented its own draft legislative for regulating AI over two years ago. The bloc's lawmakers are now busy hammering out agreement on a final text of that framework -- including considering how it should tackle generative AI -- with political agreement on the EU AI Act sought for by the end of this year. (Although the pan-EU law won't be in force for several years after that.)

The EU and US are also working (or at least talking) together on an AI Code of Conduct which is being conceived as a stop-gap set of voluntary standards until legislation comes in -- doing so via a transatlantic talking shop, called the US-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a forum the U.K. is not party to having left the EU following the Brexit referendum.

Last week the EU said it would begin drafting this AI Code of Conduct, saying it hoped to have something on paper within a matter of weeks.

Although it was less clear after the TTC meeting how much buy-in the US side was committed to. But US lawmakers were in the room talking.

Discussing the AI Code in a briefing with journalists last week, EU EVP Margrethe Vestager, who heads up the bloc's digital strategy, underscored how this EU-led initiative could, very quickly, be moulding global AI guardrails, telling journalists: "If we can start drafting with the Americans, the rest of G7, invited guests and have industry sign up for it -- of course also for us with some third party validation -- then we could cover one-third of global population within a very, very short timespan. And that may be a good thing."

So the bloc is clearly working at pace to seize the opportunity to apply the 'Brussels effect' to first-order global AI rules.

EU lawmakers also recently announced a second track on AI regulation: An AI Pact which is aimed at getting the tech industry to agree to voluntarily compliance with provisions coming down the pipe in the aforementioned EU AI Act before that legislation is in legal force (which likely won't be before 2026, per Vestager).

So the EU is all over the AI regulation piece from multiple angles (hard law, industry code, international code and a key participant in other global initiatives).

The US is also certainly involved in the conversation -- albeit while holding itself at a cooler distance and keeping its cards closer to its chest, likely on account of US AI giants' lobbying.

By comparison, the U.K. is just pulling on its trousers as it scrambles to catch up. (After its PR kicks off with an eye-catching claim that the U.K. will host "the first major global summit on AI safety" it goes on to pay lip-service to some of the existing international efforts on AI safety, over the past several years -- making a passing mention of "recent discussions at the G7, OECD and Global Partnership on AI" which it implies the U.K. summit will build on. There's no mention of the EU's AI multi-pronged efforts; instead there's a Brexit flavored 'porky' claiming: "Our departure from the EU also allows us to act more quickly and agilely in response to this rapidly changing market.")

How significant the U.K. siding with US AI industry on self-serving safety rules might be remains to be seen. But there is an opportunity for Sunak to drive a wedge in EU efforts to bring the Americans into a more robust international AI Code. Hence all the AI industry flattery.

Following the TTC meeting between EU and the US lawmakers, an EU source told TechCrunch the discussions revealed divergent approaches -- saying that the US does not seem ready to regulate, whereas they said the bloc remains committed to its established view that a responsible rollout of AI requires robust and ambitious regulation.

We were also told there is concern on the EU side that discussions on global AI principles do not end up getting watered down to a lowest common denominator that could end up undercutting the risk-based AI Act legislative framework the bloc has in train.

So there's perhaps more at stake and riding on Sunak's AI Summit than might seem at first blush.
U.S. President Biden meets with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House in Washington

Biden and UK's Sunak pledge AI, minerals, Ukraine partnership U.S. President Biden meets with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House in Washington

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal and Kate Holton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Thursday their countries would partner on advanced technologies, clean energy and critical minerals as they strengthen a historical security alliance.

Biden and Sunak signed the "Atlantic Declaration," which Sunak described as a first-of-its-kind economic partnership on artificial intelligence and other economic and commercial relations, as the British leader made an official visit to the White House.

Britain and the United States' long-standing military and security partnerships have strengthened amid Russia's war in Ukraine and China's more aggressive posture in Asia, but a much-hoped-for free trade agreement has not materialized.

"Our economic partnership is an enormous strength - a source of strength that anchors everything that we do together," Biden told reporters.

"I know some people have wondered what kind of partner Britain would be after it left the EU," Sunak said, announcing the new deal. "I'd say, judge us by our actions. We're as committed to our values as ever, as reliable of an ally as ever, as attractive an investment destination as ever."

Britain exited the EU on Jan. 31, 2020. Sunak, who took office last October after a period of unprecedented political instability in the country, has pushed to strengthen trading ties between the U.S. and UK, despite the bleak prospects for a post-Brexit free trade agreement.

Biden will ask Congress to rewrite the Defense Production Act to treat British suppliers with some of the favorable terms afforded domestic suppliers.

Biden and Sunak also launched negotiations on a critical minerals agreement that could allow electric vehicle minerals produced in Britain to count towards tax credits for clean vehicles offered under Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.

That law's made-in-America bent has frustrated U.S. allies from London to Seoul, and Biden is holding separate talks on the topic with EU leaders.

LAUGHTER AND SOBRIETY

The meeting, their fourth in as many months, came as Western officials sought to ascertain whether Russia was responsible for the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, which has displaced thousands of people and caused major economic and environmental damage. Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for the dam's destruction.

Pledging support to Ukraine for "years to come," Sunak said he and Biden hoped to send a strong signal to Russian leader Vladimir Putin that there was no point in waiting for allied support for Ukraine to drop, and encourage Putin to withdraw his forces.

Biden and Sunak shared laughs and more sober sentiments in the Oval Office about the close relations between prior leaders from the two countries.

"It's daunting to think of the conversations that our predecessors had in this room, when they had to speak of wars that they fought together, peace won together," Sunak told Biden.

"Again, for the first time in over half a century, we face a war on the European continent, and as we've done before the U.S. and the UK have stood together to support Ukraine."

Sunak, who regularly called the U.S. president "Joe" during the trip, joked that he would not create the same imposition on Biden that World War Two-era British Prime Minister Winston Churchill did by allegedly wandering around the White House residence in the middle of the night as a guest of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Sunak brought Biden two gifts, a personalized Barbour jacket and a book written by an ancestor of Biden's in the 19th century.

Biden and Sunak fielded questions at the joint news conference after their meeting, an opportunity not afforded to every world leader who visits the White House.

The two leaders last met in Hiroshima, Japan, at the Group of Seven summit last month. They also met in Belfast in April and in San Diego in March at a trilateral event marking the defense partnership of the United States, Australia and Britain.

Thursday's discussion touched on artificial intelligence safety, Sunak told reporters, saying Britain would host the first summit on the issue this autumn to discuss how the risks of AI can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action.

In the absence of a bigger trade deal, Britain has cemented deals with individual states and is hoping to reach other such "targeted agreements."

Sunak was also expected to try to win Biden's backing for UK defense minister Ben Wallace's bid to become the next secretary-general of NATO. Biden said any new NATO leader needed agreement from all allies.

The British leader visited the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, where he met with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal and Rami Ayyub in Washington, and Kate Holton in London; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Stephen Coates)
MUNCIE, Ind.  The size and nature of United Methodist Churches of Indiana may rely on what happens on the Ball State University campus this week.

Attendees arrive Wednesday afternoon at the Emens Auditorium lobby for the United Methodist Churches of Indiana Annual Conference hosted at Ball State University. The event will run through Saturday. About 1,200 people were expected.

About 1,200 of Hoosier Methodists are attending the annual conference hosted at BSU. The conference is expected to consider more disaffiliations of the UMC by traditional local congregations that differ with a progressive course charted by top church leadership that often involve a debate about LGBTQ rights.

Disaffiliation talks on heels of 2022 decisions

In November 2022, 105 congregations in Indiana left the UMC, the IndyStar reported, including some congregations in Muncie, Yorktown, Cammack, Gaston, Selma, Redkey and Winchester. A UMC congregation in Linton also left last year.

Dozens more Indiana congregations are expected to leave the United Methodist Church in Indiana this year, said John Lomperis, who has been a United Methodist General Conference delegate and supporter of traditional church doctrine. He is the United Methodist director at the Institute on Religion and Democracy, based in Washington, D.C.

The split in the third-largest denomination in the United States arose concerning issues such as the acceptance of gay clergy and sanctioning of same-sex marriage. Lomperis said in a message to The Star Press the changes in the UMC stem from theologically liberal views among church leadership about the authority of scripture.

Lomperis said 144 Indiana congregation have left the UMC in recent years.

The stage at Emens Auditorium at Ball State University is prepared Wednesday for the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Churches of Indiana. Among the business expected during the conference is consideration of Hoosier congregations wanting to leave the UMC over disputes concerning traditional versus progressive doctrine.

Bricks and mortar also at issue in church battle

Departing from the church involves the fate of much real estate, which is owned not by local congregations but by the UMC. Exit fees charged congregations have been a stumbling block for some churches, keeping them from leaving and going their own way.

Lomperis said the disaffiliation is being provided for this year through a provision called "Paragraph 2553," which permits departures with a deadline of 2023. Overseeing Indiana UMC congregations is Bishop Julius Trimble, and a big question, Lomperis said, will be whether Trimble will call another conference yet this year to allow even more disaffiliations.

Some of the departing congregations are remaining with Methodism and joining the Global Methodist Church, which is traditionally conservative and was launched in 2022 by people who had left the UMC.

The decision to allow disaffiliations from the UMC could come as early as Thursday night. While there was no formal agenda presented to The Star Press, a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. could involve votes to disaffiliate.

During November 2022, the IndyStar reported, a special session was attended by 600 participants, with a majority of who voted to allow the congregations to leave.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: More Hoosier congregations likely leaving national Methodist church
The University of Minnesota is moving ahead with tuition hikes and construction projects after receiving $192 million in new funding from the state Legislature.

About $56 million in new money the U got from lawmakers will be used to limit tuition increases and cover other operational costs. The $4.4 billion operating budget the Board of Regents reviewed Thursday and will vote on June 26 includes pay raises of about 4 percent for faculty and staff.

Colleges and universities nationwide have struggled with enrollment drops and increased expenses since the coronavirus pandemic upended life in 2020. That includes the U, where a $23.3 million tuition revenue shortfall is expected because of lower enrollment at campuses across the state.

To help address the shortfall, tuition will rise 3.5 percent at the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses and 1 percent at the other campuses under the plan. Regents had considered hiking tuition as much as 7 percent on the main campus and 3.5 percent at other sites before the Legislature agreed to a funding boost.

Base instate tuition at the Twin Cities campus will be $14,496 a year next fall, up from the current $14,006, if regents approve the budget later this month.

That does not include surcharges of $1,300 per semester students on the Twin Cities campus must pay to attend some programs. Student fees are also expected to increase at most of the Us campuses along with higher costs for room and board.

Altogether, Twin Cities campus students would see a 5.2 percent increase in attendance costs next year. Rochester students would see a 4 percent climb and on other campuses it will be at about 3 percent.

University officials note the increased attendance costs will be partially covered by increases in state and federal aid for students who qualify. The Minnesota Legislature approved a $71.5 billion state budget in May that includes $650 million in new money for higher education including the U, Minnesota State and the various aid programs.

More than two-thirds of the University of Minnesotas new state money, $136 million, comes from a capital infrastructure bill approved by lawmakers for construction projects, including $93 million for a new chemistry building.

Regents approved the universitys annual construction budget Thursday that has $345 million worth of projects. Nearly $210 million of the capital budget comes from the Us coffers and will go towards upkeep and maintenance of facilities at campuses across the state.

Related Articles
On Wednesday, as much of the northeastern U.S. was blanketed for a second day by thick, highly hazardous smoke from wildfires raging in Canada, HuffPost asked Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) whether he sees a link between the hazy air and the overwhelming body of science that shows global climate change is helping give rise to extreme fire.

Weve had fires for all of our life, come on, Tuberville scoffed. Were all for environment, but this is just another situation where youve gotta do your work in forests. I mean, you just cant let it grow up. Its unfortunate that this is happening. It too shall pass.

It is true that many U.S. forests are overgrown and susceptible to devastating blazes, in large part due to decades of fire suppression and Smokey Bears anti-fire messaging. But its absurd to suggest that solving the current wildfire problem is as simple as preventing trees from growing old. In fact, mature and old-growth forests are more resilient to fire, and they sequester massive amounts of planet-warming carbon.

Tuberville wasnt the only Republican to use the historic smoke event  a rare phenomenon in cities like New York  to peddle pro-logging talking points while doing somersaults to ignore or downplay the climate change link.

At a Senate GOP press conference Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said East Coasters are getting a taste of the smoky summers that have become the norm out West.

This is what happens when you have more lawyers in your forests crawling around versus loggers, and when your forests arent managed properly, he said, referring to environmental groups that have sued to block timber projects. Washington bureaucrats and the court system in this country continue to give us policies that can result in air quality like this.

U.S. forest policy has no bearing on the current smoke crisis, which is the result of hundreds of early-season fires in neighboring Canada. Those blazes, which Canadian officials have called unprecedented, follow a prolonged heat wave in May that shattered multiple temperature records.

In a post to Twitter, London-based meteorologist Scott Duncan noted that Canada was at the epicenter of the most significant heat anomaly on the planet last month.

Extreme and prolonged hot and dry conditions in Canada are setting records and making it effortless for wildfires to rage.



Canada was at the epicenter of the most significant heat anomaly on the planet in May. pic.twitter.com/YlvtOvihwP  Scott Duncan (@ScottDuncanWX) June 7, 2023

Daines, of course, made no mention of climate change in his comments.

The bottom line is this: We either better manage our forests, or our forests manage us, he said.

The smoke thats filling the skies might be new to New Yorkers, but its no stranger to Montanans.



Every summer Montanans watch our skies fill with smoke from catastrophic wildfires.



We need to manage our forests before the manage us. pic.twitter.com/eXw2GPelbh  Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) June 7, 2023

The same can be said of runaway greenhouse gas emissions, which are driving up global temperatures and compounding the kind of extreme heat waves and drought events that set the stage for more wildfire activity. Wildfires are forecast to become increasingly severe as climate change worsens.

Another Montana Republican, Rep. Ryan Zinke, who led the federal Interior Department during the Trump administration, also took the opportunity to pound the pro-logging drum, prompted by a tweet in which Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) scolded Republicans.

Imagine being a Republican climate change denier in Congress  you show up to work at the Capitol today, see the skies filled with smoke... and you still dont get that we need bold and immediate action to save our planet? she wrote Wednesday. Ridiculous.

Zinke, who has a long history of downplaying climate science and dismissing the link between climate change and wildfires, denounced Jayapal as a radical extremist  one of his favorite labels for environmentalists and anyone who opposes increased logging and thinning of forests.

Imagine being a radical extremist with a baseless agenda who blocks common sense forest management practices and makes the West live in a shadow of smoke for months out of the year because of it, Zinke tweeted. Ridiculous.

Imagine being a radical extremist with a baseless agenda who blocks common sense forest management practices and makes the West live in a shadow of smoke for months out of the year because of it.



Ridiculous. https://t.co/UpfrKKxI50  Rep Ryan Zinke (@RepRyanZinke) June 7, 2023

Zinke doubled down on his stance Thursday, tweeting: I have zero sympathy for D.C. politicians dealing with smoke. If liberals wont allow us to manage forests, they should deal with the consequences just like we have to in the West.

Wildfire is complex, and warrants a nuanced discussion. Numerous factors are contributing to increased fire activity in North America and abroad, from climate change-heightened heat waves and drought to forest mismanagement and fire exclusion policies that have left woodlands choked with dangerous amounts of vegetation.

But if this weeks debilitating smoke plumes have highlighted one thing other than the growing risk of fire in a warming world, its that Republicans view logging and thinning as the only solution to the problem  and the only thing worth discussing.

Theres little question that Canada needs to obviously focus on forest management, Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) told Fox & Friends on Thursday morning. But this isnt the moment to start lecturing people about the science of climate change.

No matter how many times Republicans may say it, the truth is that wildfire will never be fixed with chainsaws and logging equipment.

Well never thin our way out of this mess, Matthew Hurteau, a forest ecologist at the University of New Mexico, tweeted late last year. We need to make an investment in restoring fire to our forests and part of that investment includes fixing a broken system that rewards suppression and penalizes science-informed management.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a leading climate hawk in Congress, sighed loudly when asked about his GOP colleagues refusing to acknowledge the role climate change plays in exacerbating wildfires.

These are the people who  as wildfires increase as storms and flooding increase as severe weather costs everybody money and makes it difficult to breathe  will stand on an ash heap thirty years from now and still pretend it was something other than climate change, Schatz told HuffPost.

So the question is not whether we can cut a deal with these people to do more climate action, he added, the question is how do we improve the composition of the Congress so we can ignore these maniacs and meet this planetary emergency with the urgency it requires.

Related...
An international team of scientists discovered three historical shipwrecks during an underwater archaeological expedition last year in the Mediterranean Sea.

The expedition also gathered high-resolution images of three Roman wrecks initially discovered by oceanographer Robert Ballard and archaeologist Anna Marguerite McCann in the 1980s to 2000s. Researchers findings were presented Thursday during a UNESCO press conference in Paris.

Twenty scientists from Algeria, Croatia, Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia set out on French research vessel the Alfred Merlin on a 14-day voyage between August and September.

Scientists conducted their expedition in the Mediterranean last year aboard the Alfred Merlin research vessel. - M. Pradinaud

Using remotely operated underwater vehicles, called ROVs, the researchers explored the Skerki Bank of Tunisia and Italys Sicilian Channel.

The team used the research vessels underwater mapping and imaging equipment to catalog shipwrecks, dating from ancient times to the 20th century, with sonar.

The ROVs dived to depths inaccessible to humans to collect images and video of the wrecks and their artifacts. One ROV, named Arthur, was able to reach depths of 2,296 to 2,952 feet (700 to 900 meters).

Located along a heavily traveled route in the Mediterranean, the Skerki Bank in the Strait of Sicily is one of the most treacherous maritime areas. Its shallow waters feature an intensely rocky seabed, some of which is less than 3.2 feet (1 meter) beneath the waters surface.

Rocky features can be seen just beneath the surface of Keith Reef. - Angel Fitor/UNESCO

The Skerki Banks perilous features have caused shipwrecks for more than 3,000 years, sinking ancient trading vessels as well as ships during World War II. The area is of interest to researchers because the route has served as a point of contact between multiple cultures traversing the Mediterranean.

An ROV named Hilarion descended through the most dangerous zone of the Skerki Bank called Keith Reef to conduct the first detailed study of the ocean floor. Resting along the bottom of the Tunisian continental shelf were three ships, all previously unknown to researchers.

Two of the shipwrecks were likely from the end of the 19th century or beginning of the 20th century, including a large motorized metal wreck with no traces of cargo. In that wreck, researchers noted that the davits, which would have been used to lower lifeboats, were facing outward, which means any crew may have been able to leave the ship. The second ship was likely a wooden fishing boat.

One of the shipwrecks on the Tunisian continental shelf can be seen in this image. - DRASSM UNESCO

A third shipwreck was likely a merchant vessel that sailed between the first century BC and the second century. The ROV spotted artifacts that appeared to be amphoras, or tall, two-handled jars with narrow necks used by Greeks and Romans, possibly to store wine.

The team hopes that looking through archives could reveal the individual names of the ships that sank since none of them was easily identifiable.

Meanwhile, exploration along the Italian continental shelf revisited three Roman shipwrecks dating between the first century BC and the first century, including two merchant vessels and one cargo ship. All three littered artifacts across the seafloor, including amphoras, ceramics, building materials, jugs, pots and lamps.

The items were likely part of trade between cultures that crisscrossed the Mediterranean thousands of years ago.

Roman shipwrecks on the Italian continental shelf included handled jars called amphoras. - V.Creuze ROV Drassm/UNESCO

We are going to write a new page in the history of trade, said Barbara Davidde, underwater archaeologist and director for the national superintendency for underwater cultural heritage in Italy. Thanks to the analysis of the cargo, we can study the relationships between the countries in the Mediterranean and the sea trade that connected different parts of the Mediterranean.

The shipwrecks and their artifacts surprisingly remained largely undisturbed since being discovered between 1988 and 2000.

The wrecks were initially outside territorial waters, meaning that their artifacts were easy targets for looting. Now, the areas around the wrecks will be protected under UNESCOs 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Ceramics were found scattered across the seafloor from an ancient Roman shipwreck. - V.Creuze ROV Drassm/UNESCO

The designation will allow for more precise mapping of shipwrecks and defining protection zones.

We recognize the huge potential and the importance of underwater cultural heritage, said Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

UNESCO has actively committed itself to supporting underwater archaeological missions of this type right across the globe. As you know, the Mediterranean with its very rich history, and its countless shipwrecks and archaeological sites offer a unique and fascinating stage for such expeditions. And I hope that there will be many more in the future that will bring us together.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
After Stuttgart and Madrid, there was supposed to be Roland Garros. The French Open final looked to have reserved for Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 1 and world No 2, a clash between the previous two grand slam winners and the latest chapter of a flourishing rivalry.

Sabalenka had looked in unstoppable form in Roland Garros, even at times in Fridays semi-final. Sabalenka held serve with the chance to face Swiatek for the title; she even had match point.

Then Karolina Muchova happened. The unseeded 26-year-old Czech was down and out as she trailed 5-2 in the decider. An impressive performance in a grand slam semi-final threatened to be put down as a mere contribution to an absorbing contest as Sabalenka surged ahead, but Muchova rallied from the brink. She won five games in a row to stun Sabalenka and set up a final with Swiatek, who was pushed by Beatriz Haddad Maia but prevailed 6-2 7-6 to reach her third French Open semi-final in four years.

On paper, Swiatek will be the favourite to retain her crown, but Muchova has ensured that such assumptions should not be made ahead of Saturday afternoon. Muchovas match against Sabalenka was the fifth time she had played an opponent ranked in the worlds top three; her 7-6 6-7 7-5 win, secured in over three hours on Court Philippe Chatrier, was her fifth victory. Muchova has also won her only previous meeting with Swiatek, even if both players have come a long way since the Czechs three-set win in Prague in 2019.

Out of nowhere, Muchova will now play in her first grand slam final. At 43rd in the world, she will be one of the lowest-ranked women to ever compete in the final at Roland Garros. Injuries severely disrupted her season last year, as well as her progress. Muchova dropped outside of the worlds top 200 last year but her record against top-three opponents hinted at what she could do against Sabalenka; her performance vindicated that belief.

It just shows me that I can play, I can compete, she said. Obviously the matches are super close. Even today, match point down, you really never know if I will win or lose, but its great to know that I have the chance to win, and I win against the top players, and that for sure boosts my confidence."

In the face of Sabalenkas brutal power, Muchovas all-court game, variety, and bold shot-making took away her opponents rhythm and provided the platform for the upset. Tenacious defence planted early seeds of doubt in Sabalenkas head, which under increased pressure became a crucial weakness in the final set as the unforced errors mounted.

I dont really know what happened, Muchova said, speechless by the end. There was an answer at the other end of the court, with Sabalenka winning just four of the final 24 points in a spectacular unravelling. I could see that she was struggling a little bit, Muchova said. I was just trying to keep her there. Down match point, Muchovas crosscourt backhand winner was the moment it turned. There was a ruthlessness there, and a determination to make up for lost time.

Muchova is through to her first grand slam final (Getty Images)

"In the past, it was not easy, Muchova revealed. Thats actually what makes me appreciate this result even more now, because I know what I have been through in the past. There have been many moments, many lows, I would say, from one injury to another. Some doctors told me, you know, maybe youll not do sport anymore. But I always kept it kind of positive in my mind, and tried to work and do all the exercises to be able to come back."

Swiatek will be next in her sights. Muchovas stunning victory took away the chance for Swiatek to avenge her defeat to Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final two months ago, a result that appeared to be seismic as the Belarusian toppled the world No 1 on her favourite surface. The match-up between Swiatek and Sabalenka represented a contrast of defence and attack, a duel of subtlety and outright power. Now Muchovas victory has flipped what Swiatek would have expected. There will now be more of a mirroring of styles.

In theory, it should favour Swiatek. The Pole was given her toughest test of the tournament so far by the resilient and gritty Haddad Maia after coasting through the previous rounds. Against the Brazilian, Swiatek faced a tricky left-hander but was able to find the answers in the second-set tiebreak. The final against Muchova will be more of a test of who executes their gameplan best, rather than a contest of match-ups.

In any case, Swiatek has the experience of this level. The 22-year-old stands on the verge of a third French Open title in four years and fourth grand slam overall. A Swiatek victory would be the first time she has successfully defended a grand slam and would add a further layer to her dominance now her position of world No 1 has been secured. Muchova, though, will not be fazed: beating the best is what she does.
Afghan primary school grils attend an open air class in Jalalabad in May 2023 (Shafiullah KAKAR)

The Taliban government may have banned international NGOs from offering education to out-of-school Afghan children, UNICEF said Thursday, putting the teaching of half a million boys and girls at risk.

The UN agency said it was seeking more information on reports that authorities did not want foreign organisations directly involved in the education sector.

Since seizing power almost two years ago, Taliban authorities have blocked girls and women from secondary schools and universities.

"UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports that over 500,000 children, including over 300,000 girls, could lose out on quality learning through Community Based Education within a month if international non-governmental organisations working in the field of education are no longer allowed to operate," the agency said in a statement.

It said the agency was "seeking to better understand the reported directive", which Taliban leaders have so far not publicly commented on.

UNICEF partners with 15 Afghan NGOs and 12 international ones to deliver 21,000 community-based schools in the most remote and impoverished areas of the country.

The classes are typically held in community buildings or houses in areas where there are no existing schools, and children are taught the national curriculum by Afghan teachers.

Classes would be handed over to national aid groups, according to the reported directive.

It comes after the Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada met with provincial education officials in Kandahar, according to a tweet by the education ministry on Sunday.

Taliban leaders have repeatedly claimed they will reopen schools for girls once certain conditions have been met -- including overcoming a lack of funds and remodelling the syllabus along Islamic lines.

Taliban authorities made similar assurances during their first stint in power, from 1996 to 2001, but girls' schools did not reopen in those five years.

Previous orders against girls' schooling are believed to have been made by Akhundzada and his ultra-conservative aides, who are deeply sceptical of modern education for women.

It has stirred criticism from within the movement as well as sparking international outrage.

In March, Afghan education activist Matiullah Wesa was arrested by Taliban authorities and remains in detention.

He was the founder of PenPath, which is dedicated to communicating the importance of education to elders in rural villages and helping to reopen schools for girls and boys closed because of violence.

Authorities also detained veteran journalism lecturer Ismail Mashal in February for several weeks after Afghan media showed him carting books around Kabul and offering them to passersby.

National and international aid groups have also come under huge pressure in recent months following an order banning Afghan women staff from fieldwork.

Earlier this week, the independent Norwegian Refugee Council said its Afghan women staff had resumed their work in some provinces following negotiations with Taliban officials for a temporary agreement.

ecl-fox/ssy
Around a hundred people gathered in front of the UN Office in Kyiv on the morning of 8 June to protest.

Source: Ukrainian Pravda correspondent at the scene

Details: The protesters chanted, "Shame on you!" and "Get Russia out of the UN". They also threw books written in Russian at the entrance to the UN Office.

PHOTO BY DMYTRO LARIN, UKRAINSKA PRAVDA

PHOTO BY DMYTRO LARIN, UKRAINSKA PRAVDA

People hold banners with inscriptions in English and Ukrainian: "Russia is a terrorist state", "UN, the blood is on your hands", "Russian is the language of violence", "Stop ecocide", "Terrorists have no place in the UN", "United Nothing", "Silence is support for terrorism".

PHOTO BY DMYTRO LARIN, UKRAINSKA PRAVDA

PHOTO BY DMYTRO LARIN, UKRAINSKA PRAVDA

The action is taking place peacefully; there have been no clashes so far, and law enforcement officers are present at the scene.

PHOTO BY DMYTRO LARIN, UKRAINSKA PRAVDA

Previously: Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is shocked by the reaction of the UN and the Red Cross to the blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) by the Russian occupiers. The president added that international organisations, such as the Red Cross, should immediately join in evacuating people from flooded cities and villages, particularly in the temporarily occupied territory, where Ukrainian military and emergency workers cannot get a y access for now.

Background:

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
HANOI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The Vietnamese police have arrested four people in an operation to smash an international network smuggling drugs from Europe to the Southeast Asian country, Vietnam News reported on Thursday.

Suspected ringleader Hoang Tien Dung, 27, was reported to run a pure water company and provide restaurant and transportation services in Hung Yen province, the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department in Hanoi said.

These businesses may appear to be normal, but it was being used as a "front" to sell drugs and launder drug money, said the police.

Dung, along with his wife Le Thi Huyen, 25, was accused of trafficking drugs, concealed in food and household items, from Europe via international postal systems.

Tran Van Tuan, 19, is allegedly a key accomplice, mainly handling shipments and guarding the drug warehouse, said the police.

Meanwhile, Dao Ngoc Long, 35, was accused of acting as an intermediary, connecting the ringleader with foreign individuals to arrange drug purchases.

Hanoi Police, in cooperation with the city's customs authorities, earlier confiscated a package sent from the Netherlands and another package sent from the Czech Republic through the Noi Bai International Airport.

The seizure led to the arrest of the ring leader's wife on May 4 with nearly 20 kg of various types of drugs hidden in beer cans and coffee makers and 0.13 g of synthetic drugs.

The task force then arrested the leaders along with two accomplices and seized more than 42 kg of different types of drugs hidden in bubble tea and coffee bags.

The Vietnamese police said drug seizures from air cargo mailed into the country have risen in the first three months this year as it is highly profitable to smuggle drugs from European countries through airborne shipments.

Synthetic drugs are trafficked by air to Vietnam from such European producer countries as Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, Belgium, and France, with profit rates ranging from between 5 times and 10 times, said the Ministry of Public Security's Department of Drug Investigation Police Department.

In Vietnam, drug trafficking carries a maximum penalty of death for those convicted of smuggling over 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kg of methamphetamine. 
Last month, USAID and the World Food Programme said they were freezing food aid to Tigray over diverted food shipments (EDUARDO SOTERAS)

USAID halted food aid to Ethiopia Thursday, citing "a widespread and coordinated campaign" to divert donated supplies from the needy as Addis Ababa vowed to hold perpetrators to account.

"We made the difficult but necessary decision that we cannot move forward with distribution of food assistance until reforms are in place," said the US government's main international aid agency.

"Our intention is to immediately resume food assistance once we are confident in the integrity of delivery systems to get assistance to its intended recipients," the statement added.

The decision will affect millions of Ethiopians facing severe food shortages due to a devastating war in the northern region of Tigray as well as a punishing drought in the south and southeast that has also struck Somalia and parts of Kenya.

The US agency has discussed the matter with Ethiopia's government, and the two parties said Thursday that they were committed to addressing the "deeply concerning revelations of food aid diversion".

"The two governments are conducting investigations so that the perpetrators of such diversion are held to account," USAID and Ethiopia's foreign ministry said in a joint statement.

The decision comes on the heels of an announcement by USAID and the World Food Programme (WFP) last month to freeze food aid to Tigray after the agencies discovered that shipments were being diverted to local markets.

Neither USAID nor WFP have identified those responsible for taking the aid and reselling it.

- Famine warnings -

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue with Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the sidelines of a ministerial gathering in Saudi Arabia.

Blinken "welcomed the Ethiopian government's commitment to work together to conduct a full investigation into the diversion of US food assistance and to hold accountable those found responsible", State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Thursday.

Nearly 32 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are in the grip of the worst drought in decades, and aid agencies have raised famine warnings unless more funding is made available to help the affected regions.

In addition to the crisis in the drought-hit south, northern Tigray suffered from dire shortages of food, fuel, cash and medicines during the two-year conflict between forces loyal to Ethiopia's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

A peace deal signed on November 2 just passed the seven-month mark, implementation of the accord has progressed slowly without a major return to fighting, and some basic services have resumed to the region of six million people.

But media access remains restricted, and it is impossible to independently verify the situation on the ground.

Michael Ryan, emergencies director at the World Health Organization, told a press briefing in Geneva that although humanitarian access had improved in Tigray and other parts of Ethiopia, "significant gaps" remained.

"There are still some areas that are not accessible," he said, pointing to the contested region of western Tigray, which is controlled by militias from neighbouring Amhara and claimed by Amharas and Tigrayans.

"We estimate that in Ethiopia as a whole, about 17.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance," Ryan added.

According to a USAID statement published in March this year, the US "remains the single largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, providing more than $1.8 billion in lifesaving assistance since fiscal year 2022".

burs-ayv-str-amu/jj
US lawyer sorry after ChatGPT creates 'bogus' cases

Since the chatbot ChatGPT burst onto the public stage late last year, generative AI content has mushroomed (Richard A. Brooks)

What happened when a US lawyer used ChatGPT to prepare a court filing? The artificial intelligence program invented fake cases and rulings, leaving the attorney rather red-faced.

New York-based lawyer Steven Schwartz apologized to a judge this week for submitting a brief full of falsehoods generated by the OpenAI chatbot.

"I simply had no idea that ChatGPT was capable of fabricating entire case citations or judicial opinions, especially in a manner that appeared authentic," Schwartz wrote in a court filing.

The blunder occurred in a civil case being heard by Manhattan federal court involving a man who is suing the Colombian airline Avianca.

Roberto Mata claims he was injured when a metal serving plate hit his leg during a flight in August 2019 from El Salvador to New York.

After the airline's lawyers asked the court to dismiss the case, Schwartz filed a response that claimed to cite more than half a dozen decisions to support why the litigation should proceed.

They included Petersen v. Iran Air, Varghese v. China Southern Airlines and Shaboon v. Egyptair. The Varghese case even included dated internal citations and quotes.

There was one major problem, however: neither Avianca's attorneys nor the presiding judge, P. Kevin Castel could find the cases.

Schwartz was forced to admit that ChatGPT had made up everything.

"The court is presented with an unprecedented circumstance," judge Castel wrote last month.

"Six of the submitted cases appear to be bogus judicial decisions with bogus quotes and bogus internal citations," he added.

The judge ordered Schwartz and his law partner to appear before him to face possible sanctions.

- 'Ridiculed' -

In a filing on Tuesday, ahead of the hearing, Schwartz said that he wanted to "deeply apologize" to the court for his "deeply regrettable mistake."

He said his college-educated children had introduced him to ChatGPT and it was the first time he had ever used it in his professional work.

"At the time that I performed the legal research in this case, I believed that ChatGPT was a reliable search engine. I now know that was incorrect," he wrote.

Schwartz added that it "was never my intention to mislead the court."

ChatGPT has become a global sensation since it was launched late last year for its ability to produce human-like content, including essays, poems and conversations from simple prompts.

It has sparked a mushrooming of generative AI content, leaving lawmakers scrambling to try to figure out how to regulate such bots.

A spokesperson for OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Schwartz's snafu.

The story was first reported by The New York Times.

Schwartz said he and his firm, Levidow, Levidow & Oberman, had been "publicly ridiculed" in the media coverage.

"This has been deeply embarrassing on both a personal and professional level as these articles will be available for years to come," he wrote.

Schwartz added: "This matter has been an eye-opening experience for me and I can assure the court that I will never commit an error like this again."

pdh/cl
Ukrainian forces have met greater resistance from Russian forces than anticipated in their attempt to breach Russian lines in the vicinity of Bakhmut in recent days. Still, they appear to have made gains.

Source: CNN

Details: CNN reported that Ukrainian forces "managed to overrun some Russian forces in the east around Bakhmut", though Russian forces, armed with anti-tank missiles, grenades and mortars, have put up "stiff resistance".

According to a CNN source in the US government, Russian forces have "dug into defensive lines that are several layers deep in some areas and marked by minefields that have taken a heavy toll on Ukrainian armored vehicles".

One US official described Ukraines losses as "significant", and explained that they include the MRAP armoured personnel vehicles that were supplied by the US.

However, the US officials quoted in the CNN report said Ukraines losses are not expected to impact the larger Ukrainian counteroffensive.

"US and western officials long expected the counteroffensive to take time and put Ukrainian personnel and equipment, including Western-supplied systems, at high risk," CNN concluded.

Background:

On Thursday, 8 June, Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade said its fighters had pushed Russian occupation forces 1.2 km back near Bakhmut, across a 1.8 km section of the frontline, over the course of the day.

Anonymous sources told Western media outlets that Ukraine started a long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia on Thursday, 8 June 2023.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
US, Saudi top diplomats urge repatriation of detained IS recruits U.S. Secretary of State Blinken visits Saudi Arabia

RIYADH (Reuters) - The United States and Saudi Arabia urged countries to take back citizens captured in the fight against Islamic State, with the kingdom's top diplomat saying it was "absolutely unacceptable" that wealthy countries skirted that responsibility.

"I would say to those countries, you must step up," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told a meeting of the U.S.-led coalition in Riyadh.

Speaking at the same conference, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said repatriation was key to ensuring the lasting defeat of Islamic State.

He said detention centers were holding nearly 10,000 Islamic State fighters, 2,000 of whom are from countries other than Syria and Iraq.

"Failure to repatriate foreign terrorist fighters risks the possibility that they could again take up arms and attempt to restore ISISs so-called caliphate," Blinken said.

Blinken announced nearly $150 million for Syrians and Iraqis to help improve humanitarian conditions, noting that hardship and disillusionment provided a breeding ground for Islamic State recruits.

Originally an offshoot of al Qaeda, the Sunni hardline group controlled one third of Iraq and Syria at its peak in 2014. Though it was beaten back in both countries, Islamic State militants continue to wage attacks.

Repatriations hit a record high in 2022, but more than 10,000 foreign women and children remain in the Al-Hol and Roj camps, according to Kurdish authorities.

(Reporting by Nadine Awadalla, Nayera Abdallah, Humeyra Pamuk and Aziz El Yaakoubi; Editing by Peter Graff and Christina Fincher)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan urge fellow members of the coalition against the Islamic State group to repatriate citizens who joined the jihadists in Iraq or Syria (AHMED YOSRI)

Riyadh and Washington urged Western governments Thursday to repatriate citizens who joined the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, where thousands still languish in prisons or camps.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said it was "disheartening and absolutely unacceptable" that some wealthy countries had not brought their nationals home.

"To those countries, you must step up, you must take your responsibility," he told a meeting of the international anti-IS coalition that was attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The "caliphate", which IS proclaimed across swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, was declared defeated in 2019 following counter-offensives in both Iraq and Syria.

Thousands of jihadists and their family members continue to be held in detention centres and informal camps where US commanders have warned they could fuel an IS revival.

Despite repeated calls for their repatriation, foreign governments have allowed only a trickle to return home, fearing security threats and domestic political backlash.

Blinken applauded countries, including Canada, that have brought home their nationals from Syria, urging other nations to follow suit.

"Repatriation is critical" to reduce populations of large informal camps such as Syria's Al-Hol, which houses 10,000 foreigners, including IS relatives, he said.

"Failure to repatriate foreign fighters risks that they may again take up arms," he told coalition partners, pledging $148.7 million for stabilisation efforts for Iraq and Syria.

The anti-IS coalition was formed in 2014 following the jihadists' lightning advance that saw reports of atrocities multiply as they overran non-Muslim as well as Muslim areas.

Despite its territorial defeat, IS militants continue to conduct attacks against civilians and security forces in both Iraq and Syria.

The United Nations estimates that IS still has 5,000 to 7,000 loyalists across the two countries, roughly half of whom are fighters.

In April, the US-led coalition reported a significant drop in IS attacks in both Iraq and Syria since the start of the year.

IS attacks in Iraq dropped by 68 percent through April, while Syria saw a 55 percent decrease during the same period, the coalition said.

bur/ho/th/kir
US Suspends Food Aid to Ethiopia After Probe Finds Its Being Diverted or Sold

(Bloomberg) -- The United Nations has joined the US in suspending the delivery of aid in Ethiopia, plunging the humanitarian situation in the country into even deeper uncertainty.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The US Agency for International Development stopped distributing food after an investigation showed supplies from international donors was being diverted or sold. The UNs World Food Programme said in a statement on Friday it will temporarily halt food aid assistance in Ethiopia while it rolls out safeguards and controls to ensure its food reaches targeted, vulnerable people.

The decision could impact more than 20 million people already affected by violence and climate change in the Horn of Africa nation thats emerging from a two-year civil war.

After a country-wide review, USAID determined, in coordination with the government of Ethiopia, that a widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance, a USAID spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday. As a result, we made the difficult but necessary decision that we cannot move forward with distribution of food assistance until reforms are in place.

A probe over the past two months found that donor-funded food had been re-purposed and sold at private markets and in some cases exported abroad, documents seen by Bloomberg show.

The scheme was allegedly orchestrated by federal and regional government entities in Ethiopia, as well as private grain and flour traders. It also benefited military units nationwide, according to the documents.

Spokespeople from the Ethiopian government and the National Disaster Risk Management Commission of Ethiopia didnt respond to emails and calls seeking comment.

But in a joint statement with USAID, Addis Ababa said it would address deeply concerning revelations of food aid diversion in Ethiopia.

The US and Ethiopia are conducting investigations so that the perpetrators of such diversion are held to account, according to the statement.

Read more: The Two-Year Conflict Thats Torn Ethiopia Apart: QuickTake

Last month, the WFP paused food distributions in the northern Tigray region, the epicenter of the war, after finding evidence of significant aid sales in local markets.

Police in Ethiopia last year arrested Mitiku Kassa, the former head of the national disaster commission, for alleged corruption.

The allegations could affect debt relief negotiations the government is holding with creditors, including the US, under the Group of 20 Common Framework, and come as the nation faces a shortage of foreign exchange.

(Updates with WFP suspending aid from first paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The US trade embargo is driving Cuba into the arms of China

Jill Biden, wife of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, walks through Old Havana, Cuba October 7, 2016.



US first lady Jill Biden during an official visit to Cuba in 2016.

China is planning to pay the Cuban government several billion dollars in exchange for its support of a signals intelligence facility on the island nation that will be able to eavesdrop on military and other communications in the southern US, according to the Wall Street Journal.



A Defense Department spokesperson characterized the report as not accurate, while John Kirby, a White House National Security Council spokesperson quoted in the Wall Street Journal story, declined to comment on the report but did not dispute it.

Read more

The news, reminiscent of the Soviet Unions use of Cuba as a spy center and, briefly, nuclear missile staging point, highlights the failures of successive US presidents to win over the island and reduce its economic dependence on authoritarian nations that undermine US foreign policy.

Its fair to point out that the US has many military and intelligence facilities in countries that neighbor China, and regularly flies intelligence gathering missions near its national airspace. But from a US perspective, the way to prevent a far-away rival from teaming up with an unhappy neighbor is to mend fences with that neighbor.

Obamas first steps toward normal relations with Cuba

During the Obama administration, the fractured relationship between the Cold War antagonists looked ready for a full thaw. Cubas economy, largely dependent on Russian and Venezuelan aid, was a disaster, cramped by poor central planning as well as US sanctions and a trade embargo, which denied Cuba access to American markets and investment. Many of the countrys best-educated citizens had fled.

In 2009, then-president Barack Obama began easing US restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba. In 2014, he announced the beginning of a process that allowed limited trade between the two countries to begin again.

That was a boon for Cuba, and for American visitors. Critics argued that any spending there benefitted the countrys repressive socialist government, and no doubt some of it did, but it also drove real estate investment and goosed a growing private sector whose existence put pressure on the Castro regime to pursue reforms.

Congress didnt move to lift the embargo, but there was a possibility of real rapprochement. Major US companies like Google and Caterpillar were eager to open trade, and Cubanswhile unwilling to abandon their cherished national identitywere ready to pursue a pragmatic policy to increase prosperity.

Under Trump, Washington reversed course

Donald Trumps election to the White House in 2016 changed all that. Indebted to hardline Cuban American voters in Florida who saw any concession to Havana as a weakness, Trumps administration quickly rolled back Obamas limited opening.

The decisions were played as an attack on the Castro regime, but the real losers were entrepreneurs in Cuba who were desperate to do business with America. At the time, observers predicted that cutting ties with Havana would simply create a opening for US rivals.

If we pull out and return to a policy of isolation, then we leave the field open, not just for the Russians but for the Chinese, who are also really interested in building influence in Cuba, William Leogrande, an American University expert on Latin America, told Quartz in 2017.

This created an opportunity for China

Sure enough, thats just what happened. The covid-19 pandemic was brutal in Cuba; though the countrys public health institutions are highly lauded and it was able to develop effective domestic vaccines, the embargo and a lack of foreign exchange made it difficult to import oxygen, protective equipment, and other critical health supplies. The economy was already under strain, and the constant outflow of migrants only increased.

The US didnt do much to help Cuba during the pandemic, or after it. The election of US president Joe Biden in 2020 could have been a chance to change course. Biden had promised to return to Obamas approach, but he faced pressure within his own party, notably from Cuban-American senator Bob Menendez, the chair of the Foreign Relations committee and a strident opponent of the Cuban regime.

Biden did reopen limited travel opportunities and ease restrictions on remittances sent back by Cuban Americans in 2022, two years after taking office. But he also kept Cuba on the official list of state sponsors of terrorism, alongside Syria, Iran and North Korea, an addition made by Trump in 2021.

Theres no doubt Cubas government has violated human rights, but were living in a world where Saudi Arabia boasts a portfolio of more than $30 billion of US public equities, co-owns the PGA Tour, and hires American rockets to send its astronauts to space.

And, now, with Cuba lacking an economic partner and in need of cash, we live in a world where a far larger threat to the US will be listening in much more closely than Washington wants.

More from Quartz

Sign up for Quartz's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
US Vice President Harris to announce new embassies, spending for Caribbean on trip

By Brendan O'Boyle and Sarah Morland

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will announce more than $100 million in new assistance for the Caribbean when she visits the Bahamas on Thursday, including the establishment of two U.S. embassies.

Over $50 million will be spent on humanitarian aid for Haiti, a senior U.S. administration official said.

Harris, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the Bahamas since its independence in 1973, and Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis will host Caribbean leaders in Nassau.

They will discuss topics including security and firearms trafficking to the region and U.S.-Caribbean efforts to respond to climate change.

The official said the embassies would be in the eastern Caribbean but did not disclose specific locations.

The assistance for Haiti will total $53.7 million and will be disbursed via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which will focus on food and health aid as a gang-related humanitarian crisis continues to unfold.

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry will be among leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regional bloc meeting with Harris on Thursday.

A senior administration official said the U.S. is increasing its support for the Haitian National Police and stressed Washington's support for an international security force in Haiti.

"We continue to make clear that we believe the security and the humanitarian situation in Haiti is worsening and the situation on the ground will not improve without armed security assistance from international partners," the official said.

Discussions on a military force are ongoing, they added, though any decision would be in consultation with Haiti's government and the United Nations.

Neither the U.S. nor other major powers have stepped up to lead such a force, which Henry's government had urgently requested from the international community last October.

Harris on Thursday will also announce a new position in the Department of Justice to prosecute firearms trafficking to the Caribbean, to be held by an experienced DOJ prosecutor.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Boyle and Sarah Morland; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Rights groups say the recent incidents fit a long-running pattern of harm coming to those who criticise or resist the regime (Mladen ANTONOV)

An isolated murder, a brutal attempted killing and a murky disappearance: Laotian activists have been caught up in a series of alarming recent incidents that have spooked the reclusive communist state's embattled dissident community.

Landlocked, poor and deeply tied to China, Laos is one of the world's most repressive countries, with independent civil society barely present, free media non-existent and rare protests quickly dispersed.

Now a spate of incidents involving government critics has sparked fears of a crackdown as the country gears up to take the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

The latest wave of incidents began in late April when a gunman shot campaigner Anousa "Jack" Luangsuphom in the head and body in a brazen attack at a Vientiane cafe.

The 25-year-old was an admin for a popular Facebook page where users shared memes, jokes and their dissatisfaction with the government.

"They were very scared when they saw what happened," exiled Laotian dissident Joseph Akaravong said of the activist community.

"It shows that the Lao government is afraid to see people activating to demand rights and freedoms in Laos," he told AFP from France, where he was granted asylum in 2022.

Last year, Anousa received an anonymous death threat and a warning to leave the country, according to one person with knowledge of events.

Many of those who spoke to AFP did so on condition of anonymity, citing fears for their safety, or that the Laotian government would ban them from working in the country.

- 'Repressive climate' -

In the days after Anousa's shooting, the state news agency published shocking, graphic CCTV footage of the attack as the news spread.

Miraculously he survived -- though his family initially said he was dead to deter the gunman from returning to finish him off -- and he is now being treated abroad.

Less than two weeks later, activist Savang Phaleuth disappeared into police custody on May 9 after returning to Laos from Thailand, where he had been living and working for 16 years.

Rights groups say the police have not informed Savang's family of the charges against him or allowed them to visit.

Then, on May 16, Bounsuan Kitiyano was found dead in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province on the Laotian border, shot three times and dumped in a forest.

Both Savang and Bounsuan belonged to the Free Lao group, which advocates for democracy and has staged protests outside the country's Bangkok embassy.

There is no proven link between the Laos government and either attack, and investigators in both Anousa's shooting and Bounsuan's killing have suggested personal disputes may be to blame.

But rights groups say the three incidents fit a disturbing and long-running pattern of harm coming to those who criticise or resist the regime.

"It is very clear that there is an ongoing effort to wipe out Laos critics and activists in Thailand," said Andrea Giorgetta, of the International Federation for Human Rights.

He told AFP that while this repression had been going on for years -- citing the environmental campaigner Sombath Somphone, who vanished in 2012 -- a change seemed to be under way.

"There is definitely an escalation of measures that are being used to target dissidents," he said.

"From detentions and deportations, you see outright killings."

Ten human rights organisations -- including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch -- issued a joint statement urging Bangkok and Vientiane to investigate Bounsuan's killing, noting "a recurring targeting of human rights defenders affiliated with Free Lao".

Other Free Lao members to be targeted include Od Sayavong and his housemate, who vanished in 2019, as well as Somphone Phimmasone, Soukane Chaithad and Lodkham Thammavong -- all arrested in 2016.

"Under this repressive climate, these human rights defenders who fled their country continue to live in fear of being targeted for exercising their human rights," the statement said.

AFP made multiple attempts to contact the Laotian foreign ministry, information ministry and embassy in Bangkok for comment, but got no response.

- 'An example is made' -

Laos is set to lead ASEAN next year, and some observers suggest Vientiane could be trying to clean house before the country takes the international spotlight.

"Lao authorities may be trying to get rid of activists ahead of being under high scrutiny next year," said Emilie Pradichit, of the regional human rights group Manushya Foundation.

Others point to new Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who pledged in December to tackle the tanking economy and "raise the spirit of the revolution to the highest level".

"The increased violence against Lao activists is to suppress any dissenting voice that would undermine the new PM's authority and image," said Pradchit.

As another international expert based in Laos put it: "Once in a while, an example is made and that serves to show people what the limits are."

rbu/pdw/smw
The late-stage presentation of evidence to a Florida grand jury is the latest sign that former President Trump may face trial in Miami as prosecutors work to insulate the Mar-a-Lago case from legal challenges stemming from the location of the proceedings.

Special counsel Jack Smith has for months been calling witnesses before a Washington, D.C., grand jury on the matter, but a recent flurry of activity in the case  just days after Trumps attorneys met with Justice Department prosecutors in D.C.  has instead been in Florida.

This week, a handful of witnesses have been appearing in Florida, including Trump aide Taylor Budowich, who tweeted Wednesday that he was compelled to answer questions in the probe.

The move is a sign Smith is weighing filing charges there in addition to or instead of D.C., as defendants have a right to face trial where the alleged crime took place.

Jack Smith, the Department of Justices chief of the Public Integrity Section, was the prosecutor named as special counsel to oversee investigations related to former President Donald Trump, has a long career confronting public corruption and war crimes. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

Determining the venue isnt a low-stakes decision. A defendant can move to dismiss charges they believe havent been brought in the correct location.

It signals that charges are likely to be in Florida, which also signals that I think the special counsel likely did not believe that he had venue for one or more of the charges in D.C., Brandon Van Grack, a former top national security lawyer with the Department of Justice (DOJ) who is now in private practice, told The Hill.

But bringing the charges in Florida raises other considerations.

For viewers who might be thinking, Who cares as long as there are charges? Whether its D.C. or Florida, why does the venue matter? It really could make a huge difference. The jury pool is different. The judges are different, Andrew Weissmann, who was one of the lead prosecutors on the Mueller investigation, said during an appearance on MSNBC.

Also, D.C. is a location where the court is very used to dealing with classified information. Theres an expertise there. So in terms of speed, getting this case to trial, the venue matters.

More Trump coverage from The Hill:

Trumps legal team has been informed he is a target in the Mar-a-Lago probe, a move that usually precedes the filing of charges.

Trump could face a multitude of charges in connection with the mishandling of records at Mar-a-Lago, including Espionage Act charges for willful retention of documents, as well as obstruction of justice charges stemming from the effort to keep them.

But while the effort to recover the documents stemmed from Washington  first from the National Archives and then from the DOJ  the timeline of the movement of the documents is at play in the case.

Trumps legal team argued in a Supreme Court brief that he was still president while the boxes containing the classified documents were moved to Florida.

If true, his team may be able to successfully argue to a judge that the conduct in question was initiated in the Sunshine State.

Though the DOJ could try to make the case that Trump had involvement in the packing of the boxes during the D.C.-based transition, Van Grack notes that several circuits have determined that preparatory acts alone cannot be used to determine venue.

For obstruction of justice charges too, much of the activity appears to have occurred in Florida.

Prosecutors have zeroed in on a number of actions at Mar-a-Lago, from the failure to turn over all classified records following a subpoena last summer to video camera footage showing the movement of boxes in and out of a storage room.

A D.C. judge compelled testimony from Trump attorney Evan Corcoran after determining he may have been misled about how many documents remained at Mar-a-Lago. Corcoran returned 38 in response to the June 2022 subpoena, while the FBI found over 100 more when they searched the residence in August.

Attorney Mathew Evan Corcoran

Attorney Mathew Evan Corcoran representing former Trump advisor Steve Bannon leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman United States District Court House in Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 22, 2022. (Greg Nash)

Judges can pierce attorney-client privilege if they believe legal advice was given in furtherance of a crime, and Corcoran has since recused himself from the case.

Most recently, CNN reported that prosecutors have also been asking questions about the flooding of a room that housed servers of security footage after a Mar-a-Lago employee drained a pool.

Obstruction charges in this case require proving a defendant knowingly concealed records and that they knowingly sought to impede an investigation.

While subpoenas for the documents and video footage may have been issued in Washington, the D.C. circuit has held that the venue must be tied to where the unlawful conduct was committed.

On that front, prosecutors could be eyeing charges for more than just Trump.

Federal prosecutors notify Trump he is target of investigation: reports

DOJ officials have also been examining Walt Nauta, Trumps valet who was spotted on security camera footage moving some of the boxes.

Timothy Parlatore, who until last month served as one of Trumps attorneys in the matter and who has maintained the former president should not face charges in the probe, said there would be no basis for charging Nauta in D.C., and the same holds true for Trump.

Ultimately, I havent seen anything in this case that would indicate that D.C. has jurisdiction. Its something that when [top DOJ prosecutor] Jay Bratt opened the investigation, he started with a D.C. grand jury. I dont think they had any basis to believe that there was jurisdiction in D.C. but thats what he did. And thats what Smith inherited, Parlatore said.

If theyre actually now getting down to where the rubber meets the road, they have to really consider, can they make out venue.

Attorney Timothy Parlatore leaves the U.S. Federal District Court on December 22, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Its not entirely an either/or decision for Smith.

Prosecutors could bring different charges in different jurisdictions, trying Trump in two different cases.

Some see a benefit to bringing certain charges in D.C., where judges more routinely deal with classified information and some consider the jury pool to be more favorable to the DOJ.

On the warrant to search Mar-a-Lago, prosecutors also noted they were investigating charges for concealment or removal of government records, a crime that requires showing a willful effort to keep the government from accessing its documents.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

The charge could be one of the safest bets for bringing in D.C.

The existence of a separate grand jury in Florida considering evidence in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case strongly suggests that there may be *two* indictments due to venue issues, as there was in the [Paul] Manafort case, Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor, wrote on Twitter, referencing Trumps former campaign manager.

Certain potential crimes occurred *only* in Florida.

But Van Grack said he doesnt think thats likely, given the DOJs own timeline considerations.

Its not that you cant bring charges into different districts. But lets also keep in mind, the special counsel, the Department of Justice has to try this case as quickly as possible to minimize the impact on the election. So the notion of bringing two different cases in two districts, I think would seem unlikely, he said.

You can do it. It delays things. It takes additional time. And I think it would be unlikely considering the time pressure that the Department of Justice is under to pursue that course.

Weissmann wrote Thursday that the safest bet is to bring the case in Florida.

All else being equal, the prudent prosecutor will be reluctant to choose a venue where, if the government gets the venue decision wrong, it cannot proceed to try the defendant in another district for her crimes, he wrote.

Thus, although Florida may be a less advantageous district for the government  given its jury pool and its judges, who are less steeped in handling classified document cases  Florida is legally a less risky venue at this juncture.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Locals gather at the site where a passenger vehicle fell into a gorge in the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on June 8, 2023. At least eight people were killed and 12 others injured on Thursday when a passenger vehicle fell into a gorge here, a rescue team said. (Str/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, June 8 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and 12 others injured on Thursday when a passenger vehicle fell into a gorge in Upper Dir district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a rescue team said.

According to the rescue team, a passenger vehicle fell into the gorge due to unknown reasons when it was on the way from Upper Dir to Chitral district of the province.

Locals and the rescue team rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and injured to a hospital.

Medics feared that the death toll might rise further because several of the wounded were in critical condition due to severe injuries.

There were 20 people on board, including the driver, when the accident occurred, the rescue team said.

Local police have registered the case and started an investigation into the accident. 

Locals gather at the site where a passenger vehicle fell into a gorge in the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on June 8, 2023. At least eight people were killed and 12 others injured on Thursday when a passenger vehicle fell into a gorge here, a rescue team said. (Str/Xinhua)
The Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade was one of the largest gatherings in Chicago history, but it has been quickly forgotten by time  just as the men and women who fought in the unpopular war had been, Thomas J. Stack believed.

Stack had been a sergeant who led a combat platoon with the U.S. Armys 9th Infantry Division through Vietnams Mekong Delta region in the late 1960s. He was awarded two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and other honors along the way. But unlike soldiers from previous wars who were praised for their heroics, Stack said he was called a baby killer by an antiwar protester on the day he returned home from the war in 1969.

Sentiment for Vietnam veterans, however, began to change with time. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was unveiled in 1982 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Then in 1985  a decade after the war ended  more than 25,000 Vietnam veterans walked a Route of Heroes in the Its Time parade in New York City before gathering to dedicate a memorial in lower Manhattan. Stack, then a criminal justice instructor at Richard J. Daley College, attended both of the deeply moving ceremonies. The experiences inspired him to plan a full weekend of similar events here.

For more than a year, Stack and a small group of fellow veterans had sweated, cajoled, begged and borrowed the Chicago parade into existence, Pulitzer Prize-winning Tribune reporter William Mullen wrote. It finally happened June 13, 1986, stepping off from Olive Park, which 20 years earlier had been named in honor of U.S. Army Pfc. Milton Lee Olive III, a Chicago native and the first Black officer in the Vietnam War to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. More than 200,000 people came from around the United States to march in the parade  and up to another 500,000 lined up along the route to cheer and thank them.

Mullen almost missed it. He was on deadline for a Chicago Tribune Magazine story when he went to the ground floor of Tribune Tower for a cup of coffee. Two friends grabbed him as he was waiting for the elevator and ushered him outside.

They would not listen to my protests that I had to get upstairs and finish a story  they said I could take 20 minutes off for this, he recalled earlier this week. So I went with them and we did indeed see the beginning of the parade with Gen. William Westmoreland (the commander of U.S. forces in Vietnam from 1964-1968). There was not much to it beyond endless groups of vets coming down the street, but I was simply riveted by it. The guys I came with left after 20 minutes. I could not let myself leave and watched the whole damned thing.

He stood there for five hours.

So I blew the deadline, he said. Mary Knoblauch, editor of the magazine at that time, was mad. A couple of days later, a dozen or more Tribune photographers  most of them Vietnam vets who shot hundreds of pictures of the parade  came to her office and begged her to devote an issue of the magazine to their pictures because the paper had used only three of them in print the day after the parade.

She made no promises but called me in after they left. What IS it about that parade that has stirred all this emotion? she asked me.

I have no idea what I said, as on my feet I am not the most articulate person around, but she said if I would write a story explaining it, then she would devote an issue to their pictures. ...

I more often than not cringe when reading many of my old stories, but that one I am pretty damned proud of. I still tear up when I read it nearly 40 years later.

You can read Mullens full story from Aug. 17, 1986 here.

Want more vintage Chicago?

Become a Tribune subscriber: Its just $12 for a 1-year digital subscription.

Follow us on Instagram: @vintagetribune.

And, catch me Monday mornings on WLS-AMs The Steve Cochran Show for a look at This week in Chicago history.

Thanks for reading!

 Kori Rumore, visual reporter

Chicago history | More newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition

Theres going to be a parade in this town, one everyone agrees is long overdue.

Though veterans now are balding and turning gray  though theyve gained weight, gotten mortgages and had kids of their own  itll be the first real welcome theyve ever received, Tribune reporter Anne Keegan wrote in February 1986 after the parade was announced.

The funds to produce it, however, were limited.

We need money real bad, said Jeff Harvey, a disabled veteran running the parade office in space donated by Jefferies & Co. We are running out of thread. Weve got a great parade planned. Four times greater than the New York parade. But time is running out on us. Now we need to have some donations start coming in. We need seed money to keep this thing going. Read more here.

Photo gallery: Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade

Chicago tried to mend its fences with Americas Vietnam veterans this weekend. It opened its heart and cheered them on, shook their hands, embraced them on the streets, showered them with ticker tape, bought them a beer, threw them a party in Grant Park two nights in a row and offered them their city for the weekend. Tribune reporter Anne Keegan wrote on June 15, 1986. See more photos here.

Olive Parks namesake: U.S. Army Pfc. Milton Lee Olive III

Olive Park, on the lakefront at the site of the citys water filtration plant and adjacent to Navy Pier, was the starting point for the parade. Its named for a soft-spoken South Side teen who was killed in Vietnam on Oct. 22, 1965, after throwing his body on a hand grenade to save the lives of four military companions.

Olive, whose nickname was Skipper, posthumously became the first Black officer who served in the Vietnam War to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Read more here.

June 13, 1986: You realize how much these men needed this when you see how many men turned up

On the 2.8-mile route, spectators began gathering as early as 8:30 a.m., with many persons tucking themselves into their old military uniforms to show their solidarity with those who would march. Gen. Westmoreland, its grand marshal, strode proudly at the front, flanked by two legless veterans, one in a wheelchair and the other smiling and pulling himself along the asphalt on his padded hands, arms and stumps of legs. Read more here.

June 14, 1986: A dark day turned over to memory of the missing

Our parade was yesterday. ... Today is for the guys who arent here. Hopefully, the next time we have a parade, they will be here, said master of ceremonies Jerry Taft, a WLS-TV meteorologist and veteran, at the POW/MIA memorial in Daley Plaza. Read more here.

June 15, 1986: Weekend in Chicago was full of reckonings with ghosts and nightmares, of reveling with old friends and new

The weekend began with a ticker-tape parade and ended with thousands quietly gathered in Grant Park to view a half-size black plastic replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. By Sunday night, the replica was dismantled and the vets, many dressed in camouflage fatigues, boarded buses, planes and trains to head home with memories of the welcome Chicago had given them.

It makes you proud to be from Chicago, said Richard Nissley, a former Marine who lived in River Forest. The town did one hell of a job. If you didnt find anybody you served with, and I didnt, you found compadres. Read more here.

Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com.
The Supreme Court has passed up a chance to further narrow the scope of the Voting Rights Act, unexpectedly siding with Black voters in an Alabama redistricting case and rejecting a legal theory that would have made it harder for minority voters to challenge alleged racial gerrymanders.

In a surprising 5-4 decision on Thursday, the high court ruled that Alabamas Republican-controlled Legislature likely violated the law by diluting the power of Black voters when it drew its congressional map after the 2020 census.

Alabama has seven congressional districts. One of them  the only one represented by a Democrat  contains a majority of Black voters, despite the fact that over a quarter of the states population is African American. Thursdays decision will likely force the state to redraw its congressional map to add a second predominantly Black district.

And the ruling increases the odds that minority voters will prevail in other pending redistricting challenges in states like Georgia and Louisiana. The challenges could force those states, too, to draw additional districts where minority voters can elect their chosen candidates  a prospect that could lead to a handful of new Democratic seats in the U.S. House.



The decision featured an unusual ideological breakdown: Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the courts majority opinion, joined by the courts liberal bloc  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh also joined most of Roberts opinion.

The courts other conservatives  Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett  dissented.

The decision Thursday came as a surprise in part because the Roberts court has repeatedly chipped away at the Voting Rights Act, the landmark law passed in the wake of civil rights demonstrations in the 1960s.

Most notably, Roberts himself wrote a landmark decision 10 years ago that neutered the requirement in the VRA that states and other jurisdictions with a history of discrimination in voting get changes to voting laws and even polling locations cleared in advance by either the Department of Justice or a federal court.

Later decisions also weakened the VRA  like a 2018 ruling that state legislators were entitled to a presumption of good faith, and a 2021 decision adopting five guideposts to assess voting rules that activists decried as a sweeping ruling that would make it significantly harder to challenge laws as discriminatory.

The Alabama case  Allen v. Milligan  revolved around a challenge to the states congressional map, which civil rights groups argued illegally diluted the power of Black voters in the state. Lower-court judges agreed and blocked the map from being used  an order that the Supreme Court temporarily put on hold while the justices heard Alabamas appeal.

Alabama argued that legislators drew the map with race neutral principles by not looking at racial demographics when drawing the map. The state, in effect, argued that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act  which prohibits voting practices and procedures that discriminate on the basis of race  should be read to require showing some sort of explicit discriminatory intent, as opposed to an outcomes-based test.

During oral arguments in October, a majority of the Supreme Court did not seem receptive to Alabamas most extreme arguments even as the court's conservatives seemed open to narrowing the Voting Rights Act to some extent.

However, Roberts 34-page opinion Thursday declined to disturb long-standing precedents interpreting the VRA, as Alabamas GOP-led government and many conservatives had urged. The state and its defenders suggested that requiring multiple majority-Black districts would impermissibly force the state to draw districts based on race. Roberts, who has often expressed skepticism about government actions focused on race, insisted those dangers were not paramount in this case.

The concern that [Section 2] may impermissibly elevate race in the allocation of political power within the States is, of course, not new, the chief justice wrote. Our opinion today does not diminish or disregard these concerns. It simply holds that a faithful application of our precedents and a fair reading of the record before us do not bear them out here.

Alabama officials took aim in particular at a 1986 Supreme Court ruling, Thornburg v. Gingles , that struck down a districting scheme in North Carolina that diluted Black voting power by allowing for legislative districts that elected multiple representatives, effectively drowning out the preferred political candidates of minority voters.

The state also argued that plaintiffs in Voting Rights Act cases shouldnt be permitted to propose new maps drawn with racial demographics in mind. But Roberts flatly rejected that argument, saying thats exactly what those groups are entitled to do.

The contention that mapmakers must be entirely blind to race has no footing" in the Supreme Court's precedents on Section 2 of the VRA, Roberts wrote.

Kavanaugh, who joined in last Junes blockbuster ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, expressed skepticism about Gingles but said the court should be reluctant to disturb long-standing precedents in cases that merely interpret laws rather than reach conclusions on what the Constitution requires.

The stare decisis standard for this Court to overrule a statutory precedent, as distinct from a constitutional precedent, is comparatively strict, Kavanaugh wrote in a solo concurrence Thursday. He said Congress has had more than 30 years to alter the Voting Rights Act if the court got it wrong.

Thomas, by contrast, opened his dissent by repeating an argument he has made in past cases: that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act should not apply to redistricting challenges at all. I have long been convinced that those words  do not include a States ... choice of one districting scheme over another.

Thomas combative dissent, which is 10 pages longer than the majority opinion, is withering in its tone. He accused Roberts and the others in the majority of issuing a ruling that will fossilize all of the worst aspects of our long-deplorable vote-dilution jurisprudence.

Roberts opinion also wielded unusually pointed language to dismiss Thomas arguments as extreme.

The dissent  goes where even Alabama does not dare, Roberts wrote, arguing that Thomas approach would leave the Voting Rights Act with a crabbed reach.

Gorsuch signed on to Thomas dissent in its entirety, while Barrett and Alito did not sign on to that portion of Thomas dissent.

And Alitos separately authored dissent, which was also joined in its entirety by Gorsuch, signaled that he would still welcome future opportunities to revisit the landmark law. Todays decision unnecessarily sets the VRA on a perilous and unfortunate path, he wrote.

Kavanaugh did join with the dissenters on one point, declaring that the authority to conduct race-based redistricting cannot extend indefinitely into the future. Although Kavanaugh declined to address in this case just what that time limit might be, his search for a deadline could be a signal about a forthcoming Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in college admissions, where similar arguments have been leveled to call for an end to using race.

Thursday's ruling will no doubt become a key precedent for the other pending redistricting cases around the country in which voters allege discrimination. Those challenges have been held up pending the outcome of the Alabama decision.

The decision "lays a foundation for fair map decisions in our other Section 2 cases in states like Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana, Marina Jenkins, the executive director of the National Redistricting Foundation  a Democratic Party-aligned group that backed the challenge to the Alabama map  said in a statement on Thursday.


As VP Harris visits Bahamas, members of Congress push for new U.S. Caribbean policy

As U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris makes a historic visit to the Bahamas Thursday for a high-level meeting with Caribbean leaders to advance the administrations climate-change agenda and a new partnership with the region, two high-ranking members of the U.S. House Foreign Affair Committee are pushing for more from the United States.

Reps. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, and Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Miami , the highest ranking Democrat and Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs, want to revamp the United States relationship with the region by adopting a new strategy to address the climate crisis in the Caribbean, the growing threat of illicit gun trafficking and violence and other areas of particular concern to Caribbean governments. They include health and energy security, and initiatives to address hunger.

Along with New York Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, Castro and Salazar are introducing a bill called the U.S.-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2023, which would update the 2016 law guiding U.S. policy with the Caribbean, its private sector and civil society.

Today, as we explore new possibilities for regional integration and economic growth and confront new threats  from climate change to democratic backsliding  the time has come for an updated strategy, said Castro, who with his 2023 amendment would now require the submission of an updated multi-year strategy for the United States support of Caribbean government initiatives. The U.S.-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2023 demonstrates Congress bipartisan commitment to deepening our relationship with Caribbean nations and improving the lives of people across the Western Hemisphere.

Castro said in the seven years since Congress adopted the U.S. -Caribbean engagement policy, the challenges and threats facing the region have changed significantly.

CARICOM leaders arrived in Nassau through the day, June 7, 2023, for meetings on June 8 with US Vice-President Kamala Harris. Vice-President Harris will meet with CARICOM leaders at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Today, the region is a top smuggling destination for firearms and accounts for about half of all U.S. firearms-export investigations; climate change has made island-nations, already vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, even more so as rains and drought become more frequent, and economic growth has taken a hit thanks to the continued fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, issues like rising food prices, deepening hunger, the high cost of energy and the lack of access to low-interest development financing persist, leaving several nations to turn to China for help with new road and bridge construction.

Those realities have not been lost on the Biden administration, which has held three meetings ahead of the vice presidents visit to Nassau, Bahamas, with leaders of the 15-member Caribbean Community bloc known as CARICOM, the Dominican Republic and the Secretary General of CARICOM to try to come up with concrete, joint solutions.

During the visit, Harris is expected to announce tens of millions of dollars in new assistance and initiatives focused on clean energy, help with low-income financing as assistance with stemming gun-running, which Caribbean leaders complain is fueling homicides in their territories.

The vice president has repeatedly made clear in her prior engagements that as neighbors, we share common bonds and interests with the Caribbean, a senior administration official said ahead of Harris arrival. And she views strengthening our partnership as key to our shared prosperity and security.

The visit to The Bahamas is Harris fourth multilateral meeting with Caribbean leaders, and her first visit to the region as vice president. She is also the highest ranking U.S. official to visit The Bahamas since its independence in 1973, 50 years ago next month.

Harris last met with leaders during the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, where she rolled out the administrations new partnership on climate change and energy but received some push back as Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago made it clear that they were not ready to completely give up fossil fuels, given their lucrative oil reserves.

Since then, working groups on both sides have met to hammer out details, including how the U.S. can better support Caribbean nations in their push to get access to more favorable development financing terms.

CARICOM leaders arrived in Nassau through the day, June 7, 2023, for meetings on June 8 with US Vice-President Kamala Harris. Pictured is the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. Vice-President Harris will meet with CARICOM leaders at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Supports of the bipartisan bill do not see their push as competition but about complementing what the administration is doing, and to ensure that subsequent administrations focus U.S. policies on issues the region cares about. Also, the bill, unlike the proposed bipartisan Caribbean Basin Security Authorization Act, deals with a much larger set of issues that relate to engagements between the United States and the Caribbean, calling for a multi-year strategy on security, climate and energy, nutrition, health and digital connectivity.

An updated strategy, aides say, will convincingly demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the region and its sensitivity to their needs, and counter efforts by other nations that seek to undermine U.S. influence.

Within the updated strategy, the Castro bill specifically calls for the U.S. to prioritize:

 Reducing the flow of illicit firearms from the U.S. to the Caribbean and providing technical support, training and information-sharing to Caribbean security forces charged with monitoring maritime borders, including formal and informal ports of entry.

 Improving energy security, resiliency and independence by working to finance increased access to diverse, reliable, secure and affordable renewable power solutions.

 Supporting regional adaptation and resilience to the climate-driven effects of severe weather events and natural disasters.

 Advancing cooperation on democracy and human rights throughout the region.

 Improving public health cooperation and infrastructure to mitigate health concerns and threats to the Caribbean region through professional exchanges, medical education and U.S. exports of medical services, technology and pharmaceuticals.

 Supporting regional initiatives to reduce hunger throughout the Caribbean.

 Expanding Internet access throughout the region, especially for marginalized communities, while working cooperatively to enhance data privacy and security.

 Advancing access to education and critical skills for at-risk youth, women and girls in the Caribbean region.

CARICOM leaders arrived in Nassau through the day, June 7, 2023, for meetings on June 8 with US Vice-President Kamala Harris. Vice-President Harris will meet with CARICOM leaders at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Aides say that they do not expect an additional cost and that developing the new strategy would align with existing resources.

It is in the best interest of South Florida and the United States to have a secure, prosperous, and sovereign Caribbean, Salazar said. We need to have a productive strategy to make sure it remains one of the worlds top destinations for investment and tourism. A safe Caribbean is good for tourism, national security, and eases the migration crisis.
WA scammers steal millions from COVID relief fund meant for renters and take lavish Miami trip

WA scammers steal millions from COVID relief fund meant for renters and take lavish Miami trip

Washington scammers stole millions from a COVID-19 relief fund that was meant for renters and landlords facing eviction and used it for a lavish Miami vacation.

According to U.S. Attorney Nick Brown, the scammers bought Land Rovers, and Lexus Sedans, rented a Lamborghini, and even got plastic surgery.

Holding people accountable for exploiting others during the COVID-19 crisis has been a top priority for our office, said Rick Collodi, Special Agent in Charge at FBI Seattle.

While Washingtonians were social distancing, losing jobs, and trying to stay afloat financially - some even dying - the group continued to steal. The scammers managed to get more than $3 million.

Federal investigators say Paradise Williams and five others made 125 applications for COVID rental relief as fake landlords and creating fake tenants.

We all know Seattle and King County have been struggling to address homelessness, struggling to address housing affordability struggling to keep people in their homes and that was at a very crisis point during the COVID Pandemic. The idea that people were stealing money intended to keep people in their homes is very troubling, said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown.

Brown also said the defendants lived in Washington but were arrested all over the country including Arizona and Florida. Now theyre facing decades in prison.




The weather warnings have been extended into Monday by the Met Office

The Met Office has extended a weather warning for thunderstorms into Monday across large parts of Wales.

It said there was a chance of flooding or lightning strikes with Sunday's alert in place until 21:00 BST.

A new thunderstorm warning covers a large swathe of Wales on Monday between noon and 21:00.

And a warning for heavy rain is in place between 19:00 on Sunday until 09:00 on Monday in a number of areas.

The warning for heavy rain covers a large part of the nation apart from the six council areas in the north.

Up to 60mm (2.4in) of rain could fall in a few hours, the forecaster said.

Charts from @metoffice show trough lines over southern Britain tonight and tomorrow. Warnings of heavy rain and thunderstorms in force.  pic.twitter.com/XgGNo4fAws  Derek Brockway - weatherman (@DerekTheWeather) June 11, 2023

Prior to the weekend, the last reported rain in Swansea was 8 May, according to BBC weather forecaster Derek Brockway, while in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, rain was last reported on 22 May.

Derek said the weekend storms would be "hit and miss".

"Where they do occur, there is a risk of torrential downpours, hail and gusty winds."

He said there would also be further scattered showers, "heavy and thundery in places" next week, although the dry weather would continue.

Along with sunny spells, the weather would be warm with above average temperatures, he added.
Sand from Mongolia travels hundred of miles before whipping an underprepared cosmopolitan Beijing. Glaciers melt and the sea rises. Smoke from wildfires lifts and swirls down from Canada and across New England, adding to local wildfire effects, forcing some people indoors and endangering those with health conditions.

These are the effects of climate crisis, experts say. As our planet heats more every year, the fuel for wildfire dries out, more cropland turns to dust and air patterns can be intensified. It's the new reality, not an anomaly.

Welcome to a wildfire smoke show.

As haze moved deep down the East Coast this week, skies turned white or brown or gray, sunsets became dramatic, masks discarded from the pandemic came out again and people with asthma and other lung and heart conditions worried and struggled. Runners canceled group plans for Global Running Day this week, and workers who can't miss a paycheck continued to labor outdoors.

With smoke from hundreds of miles north clouding the scene, the Marine Corps honor color guard rehearses on Thursday with the Washington Monument in the background in Washington, D.C. Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern United States in a dystopian haze that reaches into parts of mid-Atlantic and even Southern states.

"Its under-appreciated on the East Coast," said climate data expert Edward Kearns of First Street organization. "I think folks out West that live with a higher probability of wildfire, they appreciate it more because it often impacts their daily lives. But it is not just a western-state problem, it is a whole-country, whole-continent, whole-world problem."

UNHEALTHY: An air quality alert continues on Friday. From Rhode Island DEM: "Lingering smoke event continues with UNHEALTHY fine particles. The smoke will be wrapping around a weak area of low pressure guided under light winds. The highest values will be in southern reaches of the state, with the heaviest smoke just offshore. ... Saturday will depend upon the status of the fires in Quebec."

On Friday morning, PM 2.5 fine particle air quality index for the day was forecast at 102.5 in Providence, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to AirNow.gov.

The site IQAir listed the AQI at 70 overall for Providence at 7:30 a.m. Friday, "moderate," fueled by fine particles in the air that are a risk for people to breathe.

Parts of North America have been engulfed in smoke the past few days, stemming from the wildfires in Canada.



These PlanetScope images show Providence, RI before (clear), and after, blanketed in smoke.



 (1): May 31, 2023

 (2): June 6, 2023 pic.twitter.com/qS3Qc2di7R  Planet (@planet) June 8, 2023

How far is the wildfire smoke traveling from?

Smoke from wildfires in Canada continued to drift into the United States this week, prompting air quality alerts. In addition, the wildfire in New Jersey caused travel problems in that state and added to the air quality issues in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.

It's been a terrible season for wildfires in Canada. In total, more than 4 million acres have burned in 2,305 fires so far this year. As of June 7, Canada has 245 wildfires burning out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, including dozens in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Quebec alone has 154 active wildfires.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management:

The fine particles in smoke are so small that they can get past the bodys natural defenses and get deep into the lungs.

Breathing particle pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath.

Some people are more likely to experience health effects from poor air quality, including people with asthma or other lung disease, people with heart disease, older adults, and children and babies.

A map on Natural Resources Canada shows the extent of wildfires on Wednesday. The Northeast United States is overcast with smoke from the fires. This map contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence, Canada. The red spots show fires out of control. The yellow spots show fires being held in position.

According to the EPA:

Intense heat from by a wildfire drives smoke to a high altitude. It falls once it cools and as the smoke gets closer to the ground, "it becomes more diluted and often more widespread."

Smoke can travel thousands of miles, so the impact can reach far from the source of the fires. The same winds that can whip a wildfire into a frenzy also can carry the hazardous particles to distant cities.

Near-real-time air quality data and forecasts are available to the public via AirNow.gov, including continuous particle pollution data from over 1,700 monitors, and temporary monitors that monitor smoke on an hourly basis during a wildfire.

Are wildfires connected to climate change?

Kearns said rising global heating caused by manmade carbon emissions is providing better base conditions for wildfires.

"Wherever you have vegetation, you have fuel for wildfires, but on the East Coast  there is an emerging risk," he said. "As the fuel gets drier with increasing air temperature, it doesnt take long for fuels to go to very dangerous."

NOAA prepared a wildfire report that pointed squarely at the climate crisis. "Research shows that changes in climate create warmer, drier conditions, leading to longer and more active fire seasons. Increases in temperatures and the thirst of the atmosphere due to human-caused climate change have increased aridity of forest fuels."

Information from NOAA shows the significant climb in impacts from wildfires in the United States during decades of mounting climate crisis. This doesn't measure impacts like Canadian smoke that drifts in on the wind.

In some parts of the Northeast, the number of hot days per year is expected to double this year compared to a normal summer of several decades ago. The change is due to fossil fuel emissions trapping heat in the atmosphere. First Street and other weather and data partners forecast that some areas of the Northeast will experience triple the number of hot days every year by the end of this decade.

Kearns says the plants, shrubs and trees in the Northeast take only 1,000 hours to dry out to wildfire-fuel condition.

Graphics show how smoke from Canadian wildfires is turning US skies hazy  and hazardous

In the past, wildfires have been more prevalent in the West. The East Coast will start to experience the same issues with global warming, he said, and governments and fire teams are not ready in this region.

U.S. Global Change Research Program prepared a special report for the Fourth Assessment of climate change as it surveyed climate studies related to things like wildfires:

Higher temperatures and vapor pressure deficits due to manmade climate change have increased forest fire activity in the western United States by increasing the aridity of forest fuels during the fire season.

Increases in these relevant climatic drivers were found to be responsible for over half the observed increase in western U.S. forest fuel aridity from 1979 to 2015 and doubled the forest fire area over the period 19842015.

Manmade climate crisis and the legacy of land use have an influence on U.S. wildfires and "are subtly and inextricably intertwined. Forest management practices have resulted in higher fuel densities in most U.S. forests."

The Providence Journal is investigating the effects of a rapidly heating planet on people who live in our city. Follow along with "City on Fire" as we report the struggle with summer temperatures. This is part of the USA TODAY project Perilous Course. Contact journalist Alex Kuffner to be included in a story if you have been affected by heat: expense of air conditioning or lack of it, health risks, less access to green space, concern about pets and animals in the summer conditions, worry about an older loved one, etc.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence sees evidence of climate crisis from Canada's wildfires
A man wanted for casino fraud in Puerto Rico was arrested Wednesday, hours after he tried to steal cash from an armored truck outside a bank in Broward County  but taking off empty-handed, according to the FBI.

Edmanuel Victoria, 28, has been charged with attempted bank robbery while using a dangerous weapon and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, federal court records show. He remained at Browards Main Jail as of Thursday night on a U.S. Marshals Office hold.

The Hollywood man, wearing a motorcycle helmet, pointed a gun at an armored truck employee walking toward the Bank of America, 18291 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines, before 10 a.m., FBI agents say. Victoria then demanded the the worker give him a black bag he was carrying, and then grabbed it, authorities said.

The black bag didnt have cash, according to investigators.

Victoria then took off west on Pines Boulevard in a stolen black Nissan Altima with a Florida tag  but not before dropping his firearms magazine, authorities say. The victim then chased him and fired around six shots, hitting the Nissan.

But within a couple of hours of the robbery, Broward sheriffs deputies arrested the suspect as he was exiting the car in Dania Beach. Inside Victorias backpack, agents said they found a black handgun with its magazine missing. He was taken to FBI Miami Field Office in Miramar for questioning.

Edmanuel Victoria, 28, is wanted for casino fraud in Puerto Rico.

Did Victoria defraud casinos in Puerto Rico?

In May, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice accused Victoria of manipulating an electronic roulette at the Tropical Casino in the town of Bayamon and fraudulently appropriating of $43,000 in illegal winnings. According to the agency, the suspect manipulated the electronic roulette during two visits in December, causing it to restart, to fraudulently obtain the cash prize.

A judge in Puerto Rico ordered Victorias arrest and set his bail at $400,000, the agency said May 10 in a news release. Authorities declared him a fugitive after they said they couldnt find him.

In San Juan, the capital of the U.S. territory, Victoria is also accused of running a similar scheme in which he illegally earned $19,175, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice said. A judge in April ordered his arrest after he failed to appear in court.

Victoria is in federal custody in South Florida and is anticipated to have his initial appearance in Fort Lauderdale federal court.

Anyone with information about this robbery or an FBI investigation is urged to call 754-703-2000 or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Miami Herald staff writers Jay Weaver and David J. Neal contributed to this report.
Anton Petrus/ Getty Images

Twelve years after independence, South Sudan remains extremely poor and underdeveloped. A peace deal brokered in 2018 has failed to end conflict. And the government has failed to engage the people in state reconstruction, leaving the country without genuine and effective institutions of self-government.

The country remains trapped in extreme poverty, high levels of corruption, bloody power struggles between ethnic-based militias, and total dependence on oil exports for public revenues.

The outbreak of conflict in the Republic of Sudan will hamper South Sudans efforts to get on its feet. This is so for two main reasons.

First, South Sudans economy is highly dependent on oil. But the oil has to pass through Sudan to get to export markets. The conflict in Sudan could halt this. Also, the deal struck with Khartoum on oil exports could be at risk if the war continues and the government in Khartoum collapses.

The second reason South Sudans efforts at statehood are threatened is that a peaceful Khartoum is critical for the peace process and development in South Sudan. Instability in Sudan could derail South Sudans peace process. It could relegate the country to persistent instability, economic deterioration, pervasive corruption and self-dealing by civil servants and political elites.

I have for 12 years followed key aspects of South Sudans progress to statehood, including its development effort and obstacles to its growth in the context of governance in Africa.

The country has enormous amounts of natural resources: the Nile River, petroleum, aluminium, iron ore, marble and gold. But even after more than 10 years of independence, a significant proportion of the citizens depend on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs. In 2023, South Sudan had the highest poverty rate in the world. It is among the worlds most politically and economically unstable countries.

The key to resolving South Sudans economic problems is wealth creation and robust economic growth. This can only happen if all of the countrys ethno-cultural groups live together in peace. Peace and security in South Sudan depend, to a great extent, on a fully functioning, peaceful and democratic government in Khartoum.

Economic lifeline

South Sudans present economic prospects are tied directly to the production and export of oil. It accounts for 90% of public revenue.

South Sudan currently produces about 150,000 to 170,000 barrels of oil per day. But Juba receives income from only 45,000 barrels after an account is made of the share owed to international companies and fees paid to Sudan, based on the terms of the 2005 peace agreement. According to the International Crisis Group, the governments opaque approach to accounting for oil sales shields substantial revenues from oversight and creates conditions that enhance corruption and mismanagement of public funds.

Some oil revenues are siphoned off by elites in Juba for their personal benefit. According to US government sources, some of those funds are used to fund the purchase of weapons and other materials that undermine the [countrys] peace, security, and stability. In 2012, President Salva Kiir claimed that his own government officials had stolen US billion of the publics money and that they needed to return it so that it could be used to lift the people out of poverty.

South Sudans oil travels through the Greater Nile Oil Pipeline via Khartoum to Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Continued fighting between the rival factions in Sudan could lead to sabotage or disruption of oil exports.

Continued fighting could also weaken Khartoum so much that it is no longer able to facilitate any export trade or oversee the arrangement for sharing oil revenues with Juba.

The peace process at risk

On 12 September 2018, South Sudans President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar signed a peace agreement. The civil war had killed more than 50,000 people, forced more than two million from their homes, and derailed progress towards development and peaceful coexistence.

Sudan and Uganda are guarantors of the 2018 agreement to end conflict in South Sudan. Sudan also chairs the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the group that worked to bring an end to the conflict.

The warring parties in South Sudan had a transitional period to make reforms, restore the rule of law and open up political spaces. But the country made no significant progress in that period. Insecurity and violence against civilians continued.

On 4 August 2022, the opposition and the government agreed to extend the peace agreement for an extra 24 months, starting in February 2023. Kiir stated that the extra time would allow preparation for elections.

Critics of the government have argued that instead of implementing the peace agreement, Kiir has inserted himself into the Sudan conflict, serving as the coordinator of efforts to secure a permanent peace deal between the feuding factions.

A spokesperson for South Sudans government has argued, however, that the peace process continues, pointing to meetings between Machar and Kiir.

A peaceful Khartoum is critical for the peace process and development in South Sudan. Continued instability in Sudan, then, could worsen the political crisis in South Sudan and cause further deterioration in economic and social conditions.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

It was written by: John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University.

Read more:



John Mukum Mbaku does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Watch as dad-daughter duo reel in fish off NJ coast  but lurking shark had other plans

Mike Cavallo and his 14-year-old daughter, Kaylee, spend time together by jumping on a boat and hitting the deep blue sea.

Together, they run a fishing YouTube channel, M&K Outdoors.

They recently got more than they bargained for when they turned the video recorder on while off the coast of New Jersey.

This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime thing, Cavello told WPVI. It was a really cool experience.

While having a banner day of fishing, pulling in more than 30 sea bass, most of which Kaylee caught, Cavello spotted an underwater thief trying to get a piece of the fish action.

About four minutes and 30 seconds into the nearly eight-minute video posted June 4, Cavello is reeling in a fish when something follows it to the surface.

I got that on video! Cavello is heard yelling.

John Chisholm, shark researcher and adjunct scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, said the animal in the video was a juvenile great white shark about 8 feet long, the Asbury Park Press reported.

This is the time of year we start seeing increased activity in the mid-Atlantic area as they migrate north, Chisholm told the outlet.

Cavello told WPVI that he and his daughter were surprised by the shark popping out of the water, but they werent scared. He said his daughter is very into sharks, and the two of them track the aquatic predators as they move along the Jersey Shore.

I was just more excited than anything. Nobody would have believed me if I wasnt rolling, Cavello told WPVI. Within five minutes of me turning the camera on, the shark showed up. The stars aligned.

The shark was spotted off Point Pleasant Beach, about 50 miles south of New York City.

Treasure hunter unearths two massive megalodon teeth in Florida  in just one day

Humongous catfish caught in Pennsylvania nabs angler a state record. See the catch

Behemoth 64-pound fish caught by bowfisherman sets a record in Kansas. Check it out

Bumpy creature with countless arms scooped from sea  and discovered as new species
A fugitive from Connecticut was arrested in Volusia County Wednesday after a desperate attempt to avoid being captured.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

According to the sheriffs office two bond agents found 31-year-old Dejon Torres at the Holiday Inn Express on Saxon Blvd. in Orange City.

Torres was wanted for failure to appear in court for serious drugs and weapons charges out of Connecticut, including use of a machine gun during a violent crime and operating a drug facility.

READ: Teen found shot to death in woods in Ocala, deputies open homicide case

With assistance from the Orange City Police Department, Torres was secured in handcuffs and leg shackles by the bond agents and placed in the back seat of their rented Chevy Tahoe. However, deputies say Torres managed to get into the front seat of the SUV and drive away, running over an Orange City police officers foot as he fled.

Dejon Torres, 31, charged with grand theft, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of a crash, reckless driving, and driving without a valid drivers license, in addition to the charges he faced out of Connecticut.

According to an incident report, Torres sped along Saxon Blvd., nearly hitting another driver head-on, before losing control of the Tahoe and crashing into a tree in front of a home in Deltona.

READ: Group seeks $800M in tax dollars to fund upgrades for Camping World Stadium

Torres then tried to run away on foot but was quickly tracked down by a Volusia County deputy with a K-9.

Torres was arrested and charged with grand theft, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of a crash, reckless driving, and driving without a valid drivers license, in addition to the charges he faced out of Connecticut. He remains in the Volusia County jail with no bond set.

READ: Shut the border down: Gov. DeSantis hosts roundtable immigration talk in Arizona

The Orange City Police Officer whose foot was run over was not seriously injured.

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.
Fijian President Wiliame Katonivere (with sunglasses) poses for a photo with children at the World Oceans Day celebration in Suva, Fiji, June 8, 2023.(Photo by Gao Xin/Xinhua)

SUVA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Fijian President Wiliame Katonivere on Thursday called upon all nations to join hands to save oceans and reefs at the World Oceans Day celebration in the Pacific island country.

While addressing the celebration, Katonivere said protecting oceans and reefs is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between governments, the private sector and ordinary citizens.

"Our oceans and reefs are not only vital to sustaining life on Earth but also crucial for the overall well-being of our planet. They regulate our climate, provide sustenance to millions, and support countless industries that fuel economic growth."

The president said they serve as a source of inspiration, tranquility, and spiritual connection for people around the globe, especially for people in the Pacific.

According to Katonivere, Fiji is taking crucial steps in protecting its oceans and reefs, aligned with the global commitments of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

He said the government is committed to leading the efforts towards 100-percent sustainable ocean management and 30-percent protection of its waters to safeguard ocean ecosystems and sustainably build Fiji's ocean economy.

The president also encouraged all stakeholders to invest in scientific research, share knowledge, and foster international cooperation to ensure the long-term viability of oceans. 
A jaw-dropping time lapse from the National Weather Service showed how New York Citys air turned a shocking hazy orange in just a matter of hours on Wednesday as parts of the state grappled with the smoke from wildfires burning across Canada.



The effects of the unhealthy air were still being felt on Thursday. On Wednesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the state would provide one million N95 face masks for residents throughout the region, including 400,000 in New York City alone. N95 masks filter at least 95% of airborne particles and provide protection in wildfires, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more

Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline.



Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible.



More: https://t.co/ChRuWv7X6E pic.twitter.com/mtKtLun8lN  NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) June 7, 2023

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Department of Health issued another air quality health advisory for all of New York on Thursday, with the exception of Adirondacks. The agencies expected air quality to remain at unhealthy levels for the New York City Metro area, Long Island, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Central and Western New York through Thursday.

Every part of New York State has experienced unhealthy air quality in the last 24 hours as a result of Canadian wildfires, and our number one priority right now is keeping New Yorkers safe, Hochul said on Wednesday. I am encouraging everyone in impacted regions across the state to stay indoors and reduce your exposure to this harmful smoke until air quality improves.

A woman walks with the New York skyline in the background.



The New York skyline on Thursday morning.

Hochul emphasized that prolonged exposure to this harmful air can lead to negative health effects. These effects include coughing, trouble breathing normally, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, wheezing, and a fast heart rate, as explained by the CDC. Specific groups, including older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions are more likely to get sick if exposed to wildfire smoke.

While the scenes from New York have made headlines, the smoke from the Canadian wildfires has led to air quality alerts in other states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut. At one point on Wednesday, New York City had the worst air quality on Earth.

New York state officials recommended people limit their time outdoors to reduce their exposure to the smoke and keep windows to homes and buildings closed. Residents are also being urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and any prolonged exposure to the air outdoors.

People in New York City can obtain the free N95 face masks being offered by the government at the following locations: Grand Central Terminal; Penn Station, the Fulton Center; Jamaica Station; the Main Concourse of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, South Wing; the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in Harlem; and the Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Not only are the winners and losers at the 2023 Tony Awards unknown, so is the shape and content of the show. With the Writers Guild on strike, and most honorees in the theater world sympathetic to their cause, scripted matter is verboten and comic numbers, long a Tony Awards specialty, have been nixed.

Instead, expect more songs from Broadway musicals, self-penned acceptance speeches that dont cross the line into something scripted and maybe some unexpected improvisation. Its live TV, after all.

Lets hope the bosses at the Broadway League and American Theatre Wing are smart enough to deliver some kind of blanket, we-all-support-the-writers endorsement at the start of the broadcast, ideally something witty and moving, thus freeing everyone else from the need to virtue signal in their acceptance speeches. That kind of repetition will do little for the folks watching at home, especially given the complexity of the strike, and will hurt Broadway if only by encouraging bored viewers to look away.

The winners themselves are by no means all locked up. You can expect some surprises and much spreading of the bounty.

Best play

The best play award is one of the very few sure things: If anything other than Leopoldstadt wins, injustice will be served. No disrespect to its only serious rival, James Ijames excellent Fat Ham, but that is a deconstructive riff on a play whereas Leopoldstadt writer Tom Stoppard dug deep at the end of an astonishing career, probing his own identity and privilege with all the prowess youd expect.

Best musical

The best musical Tony Award is more complicated. The 2022-23 season had several decent musicals, though not all of their fine performers received nominations. Thats given an abiding prejudice against populist attractions, the same blind spot that felled Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

But the 2022-23 season did not have a great musical. Thats indicative, I think, of how much the lingering COVID crisis and Broadways ongoing self-examination impacted the ability of very talented creative teams to create truly solid, ideally cast constructions. And, believe me, that is what a lasting Broadway musical needs to be. In show after show, things felt insecure and uncertain. Understandably so.

Two shows clearly have support: Kimberly Akimbo, a lovely if quirky musical that does put one in mind of ones mortality, always a good thing in a musical, and that features a rich and beautiful score from the incomparable Jeanine Tesori. It has my support even if the caper elements of the plot are less interesting and certainly less truthful. But others like Some Like It Hot, which is pretty much the exact opposite of Kimberly in that it is frenetic to a fault, notwithstanding the chops of formidably experienced creators who do their best to wriggle around all kinds of new minefields created by the source material. Thats a show that feels closer to what the so-called road voters, who book big Broadway shows in cities across America, might prefer. Then theres the Hee Haw-like comedy Shucked, which is the funniest of the three but utterly unintegrated when it comes to book and score. Shucked surely wont win the main prize, but Robert Horn can and should win for best book, even as Tesori deserves to win for best score, with all due respect to Tom Kitt of the Broadway version of Almost Famous.

Best revivals

The slate of musical revivals was far stronger than new shows. For my money, Sweeney Todd was head and shoulders above the competition  the revival directed by Thomas Kail (no nomination, which was ridiculous) was both respectful and revelatory of the original while also offering a fresh splash of aftershave. Best of all, it was present and alive and pulsing with emotional intensity. Parade also has its fans; some see it as a vast improvement over the original production. Not me, although there certainly was a good deal to enjoy there, if thats an appropriate word. And then there is the minimalist Into the Woods, which also has a shot: many people adore this staging, which contained a stunner of a performance from Sara Bareilles as the Bakers Wife, but I prefer my Into the Woods a tad more truthful and less overplayed. Its a taste thing; Sondheims genius allows for many different paths and this one certainly led to joy for many.

There were two superlative revivals of plays on Broadway: one was Lorraine Hansberrys The Sign in Sidney Brusteins Window, a vibrant look at one of the most overlooked masterworks of the 20th century, all the more so because its genius of a playwright was at the end of her life as the show was in previews. Its a beautifully acted revival and directed with remarkable insight by Anne Kauffman. The other was Topdog/Underdog, another feast of acting and the best directing work of Kenny Leons still-flourishing career.

Some will surely vote for Death of a Salesman, which was excellent in all of its present-day sections but much less effective in its flashbacks. This competitive category has the most quality shows of any at the Tony Awards, but may Sidney Brustein get what it deserves. Its deserving director, Kauffman, wont be honored. No nomination.

Director

The best director of a play category could also have used a spot for relative newcomer Justin March, although his day will come. March made a solo show, the thriller Prima Facie, feel like a multi-cast production, it rippled with so much tense action. I suspect Patrick Marber will win for Leopoldstadt. I also suspect hed be the first to admit the quality of the play and the cast made his work easier.

Leading roles

There were several great female performances this season. My top three (in no particular order) were Jodie Comer in Prima Facie (who deserves and will likely win the Tony in the play category), Rachel Brosnahan in Sidney Brustein (deserving but not nominated) and Annaleigh Ashford in Sweeney Todd, (deserving a win in the musical category) who was so present and alive as Mrs. Lovett she ignited the whole shebang. No disrespect to Victoria Clark of Kimberly Akimbo and Jessica Chastain of A Dolls House. Women rocked this year.

The best male performance in a play? Sean Hayes in Good Night, Oscar was the actor who combined full-blown psychological integrity and craft with a level of bravura, jaw-dropping showmanship that audiences are right to love on Broadway. No one else had all of that in place, although there surely was rich work from Wendell Pierce in Death of a Salesman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Corey Hawkins in Topdog, and Stephen McKinley Henderson in Between Riverside and Crazy.

Men in musicals is a less obvious category: The favorite, and my favored, is J. Harrison Ghee in Some Like it Hot, although a case could surely be made for the generous ensemble player Josh Groban, who Id say showed us the softer side of Sweeney Todd if that didnt sound like a Target ad.



The 76th annual Tony Awards take place 8 p.m. ET Sunday, hosted by Ariana DeBose and broadcast live from United Palace in New York by CBS and streaming on Paramount+. More information and a full list of nominations at tonyawards.com.


 Water level rises by over five meters in Kherson, situation is critical, hydrologist says

Water levels in Kherson had risen by 5.29 meters as of 8:00 a.m. June 7 due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, head of the Kherson Oblast Hydrometeorology Center, Yuriy Kiriyak, said on Ukraine national television.

 Attack on Kakhovka dam is Kremlins response to calls for peace talks, says Ukraines envoy to UN

The destruction of the Kakhovka dam is the Kremlins response to countries calling for peace talks with Russia, Ukraines Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Serhiy Kyslytsya, said at a UN Security Council meeting on June 6.

 Musk shares video of pro-Russian Tucker Carlson blaming Ukraine for Kakhovka dam blast

Twitter owner Elon Musk is amplifying the baseless claims of former Fox News television host Tucker Carlson  known for his pro-Kremlin and anti-Ukrainian views.

 Farmers to face two disasters in south Ukraine: waterlogged fields andu ncertain future

The demolition of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant by the Russian forces poses two threats to farmers in Kherson Oblast, Serhiy Ivaschenko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Grain Association, told NV Business in an interview on June 6.

 Russians retreat up to 15 km from Dnipro River after Kakhovka dam destruction

Invading Russian forces retreated up to 15 kilometers from the Dnipro River after they destroyed the Kakhovka dam in Kherson Oblast on June 6,Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson of the South Operational Command said on Ukrainian national television on June 7.

 Some 1,500 houses flooded in Kherson Oblast, bridges destroyed inMykolayiv Oblast

Reports of rising water and damage from flooding are still coming in more than a day since invading Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant overnight on June 6, unleashing a massive torrent of water into the Dnipro River basin.

 EU sends aid to Ukraine to tackle consequences of Kakhovka dam breach

The European Union is mobilising support for Ukraine to tackle the humanitarian and ecological consequences of the flooding from the Kakhovka dam breach, with Lithuania, Germany and Austria the first to respond, the European Commission said on June 7.

 Most bomb shelters in Kyiv are not properly inaccessible, says minister

The majority of bomb shelters in the capital city of Kyiv are not properly inaccessible, being either closed or unfit for use Oleksandr Kamyshin, the Minister of Strategic Industries, reported on Telegram on June 7.

 White House says its providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets not to escalate, but protect

The White House Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby at a press briefing on June 7 rejected Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovs description of the provision of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as escalation.

 Interior Ministry reveals number of Ukrainians missing amid war

Almost 24,000 people are currently listed in the Register of Missing Persons under Special Circumstances, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Leonid Timchenko said on Ukrainian national television on June 7.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
"Wednesday" star Percy Hynes White said his family and friends have been doxxed and received death threats in recent months following allegations of sexual assault. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Nearly six months after he was accused of sexual assault, "Wednesday" actor Percy Hynes White dismissed the online claims this week, characterizing them as part of "a campaign of misinformation" from somebody he's never met.

White, 21, addressed the allegations in a statement posted to his Instagram account Wednesday. In it, the actor said that his family and friends have also become targets of the apparent online campaign.

"Because of this, my family has been doxxed, and my friends have received death threats," his statement said. He went on to explain how the individual had used "underage photos," "examples of me acting in character" and references to his friend Jane to convey the allegations of assault. Attempts to set the record straight made by Jane, whom he said was portrayed as a victim, "have been ignored."

"The rumors are false," White continued. "I can't accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people's safety. These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims. It's very distressing to know that this misinformation has upset people."

He ended the note by thanking "everyone who's stood by me and helped share the facts" and called for an end to the "harassment of my family, friends and coworkers."

Representatives for White did not immediately respond Thursday to The Times' requests for comment.

In January, a user on Twitter alleged that the actor assaulted her and "multiple of my friends," according to Variety. The user claimed in a series of since-deleted tweets that White would allegedly give drugs to underage girls at parties in Toronto and would assault them or pressure them into sex when they were high or drunk.

White is known for playing the artsy psychic Xavier Thorpe on the hit Netflix series "Wednesday," which was renewed in April for a second season.

Fans of "The Addams Family" spinoff have called for White's firing since the allegations surfaced. A representative for Netflix declined to comment Friday on his casting for Season 2.

Others have also criticized the show's star Jenna Ortega for reaffirming her friendship with her co-star.

During her controversial appearance on the "Armchair Expert" podcast in March, Ortega spoke glowingly of White and co-star Georgie Farmer, who played the gorgon Ajax Petropolus in the series. The trio, who lived in the same apartment building while filming, would go on walks, cook dinner for each other and clean their apartments together.

"Literally, we mothered each other," Ortega said. "So it's like whenever someone was busier, like going through something, we were there."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET. (Download it here.)

Hosted by Jane Pauley

WATCH THE FULL JUNE 11 EPISODE!



COVER STORY: A quadriplegic mother on raising twins: "Having a disability is not the end of the world" | Watch Video

Dani Izzie and her husband, Rudy, insist there's nothing special about how they're raising their twin girls in rural Virginia. Except that in 2009 Dani slipped on a bathroom floor and snapped her neck, paralyzing almost everything from her chest down. But that did not stop her from getting married, and pregnant, and giving birth to Lavinia and Giorgiana during the pandemic. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with an extraordinary woman, subject of the documentary "Dani's Twins," who just wants to be considered a normal mom.

GALLERY: Quad moms: Portraits of mothers with disabilities

To watch a trailer for the documentary "Dani's Twins" click on the video player below:

For more info:



"Dani's Twins" (Official site); Brad Allgood, Steve Dorst, Angie Gentile and Brian Kemler for Perpetuo FilmsFollow Dani Izzie on YouTube and Instagram"Quad Squad" support group (Facebook)



HEADLINES: Historian on Trump indictment: "Our system is working  Nobody is above the law" | Watch Video

This week Donald Trump, front-runner for the Republican Presidential nomination, was charged with 37 felony counts for retaining classified documents, including nuclear secrets, at his Florida home, and blocking the government's efforts to retrieve them. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa talks with presidential historian Douglas Brinkley and veteran presidential campaign strategist Stuart Stevens about what this means for the Republican Party and the 2024 race.

Read the full text of the Trump indictment

For more info:

Presidential historian Douglas BrinkleyStuart Stevens, senior advisor, The Lincoln Project

Characters from the comedy series

TV: "Ghosts": Inside a spirited comedy (Video)

In the hit comedy series "Ghosts," a young couple inherits a Victorian Era mansion in upstate New York, only to discover they have company: a motley crew of the dearly departed. Correspondent Nancy Giles talks with cast members Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Rebecca Wisocky, Devan Chandler Long, Roman Zaragoza, Asher Grodman, Danielle Pinnock and Brandon Scott Jones, along with writer-producers Joe Wiseman and Joe Port, about playing death for laughs.

For more info:

"Ghosts," on CBS and Paramount+



NEWS: Why are Canadian wildfires affecting the U.S.? | Watch Video

There are anomalies that help explain why smoke from 400 Canadian wildfires is causing such havoc in the United States. Correspondent David Pogue talks with climate and health scientist Vijay Limaye, of the Natural Resources Defense Council, about why this may be a sign of things to come.

For more info:

Vijay Limaye, climate and health scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council

Phillipa Soo as Guenevere, Andrew Burnap as Arthur, Dakin Matthews as Merlyn, and Jordan Donica as Lancelot Du Lac in Lincoln Center Theater's revival of the Lerner & Loewe musical

STAGE: "Camelot" and the legend of King Arthur | Watch Video

Nominated for five Tony Awards including best musical revival, Lerner & Loewe's "Camelot" is a romantic telling of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere and the Knights of the Round Table. But did Arthur really exist? Correspondent Mo Rocca talks with professor Dorsey Armstrong about the history and legend of the British king; and with writer Aaron Sorkin and Michael Lerner (son of lyricist Alan Jay Lerner) about how the 1960 musical became a legend itself, when the tale of an enchanted kingdom was viewed through the prism of a contemporary Camelot, the Kennedy administration.

For more info:

"Camelot," at the Lincoln Center Theater, New York City | Ticket info"Camelot: The 2023 Broadway Cast Recording" available from Broadway Records Lerner & Loewe (Music Theatre International)Dorsey Armstrong, professor, Purdue UniversityArthuriana: The Journal of Arthurian StudiesInternational Arthurian Society - North American BranchAaron Sorkin



HEADLINES: Death of the Unabomber (Video)

Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, a math prodigy who terrorized the nation for nearly two decades as the notorious "Unabomber," building bombs that killed three people and injured 23 others, until he was arrested in 1996, died Saturday while serving a life sentence. He was 81. Jane Pauley reports.



PASSAGE: In memoriam (Video)

"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including singer Astrud Gilberto, who gained international superstardom with the 1964 hit, "The Girl From Ipanema."



COMMENTARY: Joel Grey on the alchemy of theater | Watch Video

As Broadway prepares for the Tony Awards, renowned song and dance man Joel Grey, who will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, offers his thoughts on the special community formed by those in the theater  and the audience. [Don't miss the 76th annual Tony Awards, live on CBS and Paramount+ June 11.]

For more info:

Follow Joel Grey on Instagram and TwitterThe 76th Tony Awards presented live June 11 on CBS and Paramount+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT; preshow on Pluto TV



Seven-time Tony Award-winner Andrew Lloyd Webber. / Credit: CBS News

STAGE: Why Andrew Lloyd Webber is worried about the future of Broadway | Watch Video

With the closing of "Phantom of the Opera," and his latest musical, "Bad Cinderella," there is no Andrew Lloyd Webber production on Broadway for the first time in 43 years. The composer who helped define musical theater over the past half-century talks with correspondent Seth Doane about theater's future; the problem with the Tony Awards; writing music for Britain's new king; and the death of his son, Grammy-nominated composer Nicholas Lloyd Webber.

For more info:

andrewlloydwebber.com



HARTMAN: The virtue and reward of patience (Video)

A few months ago, Memphis gym owner Roderick Duncan noticed a homeless man, 24-year-old Bryan Taylor, sleeping in one of his old, unlocked cars. Duncan shooed him away, but Taylor returned the next day. And the next. And the next. Then, Duncan tried a different approach: offering him a cup of coffee. Correspondent Steve Hartman reports on how kindness, and a lot of patience, has helped forge a bond.

New York Times bestseller author Bonnie Garmus. / Credit: CBS News

BOOKS: "Lessons in Chemistry" author Bonnie Garmus on channeling "constructive anger" | Watch Video

After a decades-long career as a copywriter, Bonnie Garmus tried to sell her first novel; it was rejected 98 times. But her dogged determination paid off; her first published novel, "Lessons in Chemistry," has spent more than a year on the New York Times bestseller list and been translated into 40 languages. Garmus talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about Elizabeth Zott, her "subversive" heroine created in honor of her own mother.

For more info:

"Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus (Doubleday), in Hardcover, Large Print, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookseller.orgbonniegarmus.com



COMMENTARY: Comedian Alex Edelman on how to make it to Broadway | Watch Video

Performing in a production on Broadway is a lifelong dream for many. For writer-comedian Alex Edelman, his path to the Great White Way, where he is presenting his one-man show, "Just For Us," started in a pub behind a London shoe store.

For more info:

"Alex Edelman: Just for Us" at the Hudson Theatre, New York (through August 18) | Ticket infoalexedelmancomedy.com



NATURE: New York Botanical Garden (Extended Video)

We leave you this Sunday morning at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where you might say everything's coming up roses! Videographer: Gary Cohen.



WEB EXCLUSIVES:



ON BROADWAY: Curtain up for the 76th annual Tony Awards (Video)

The spotlight shines bright on Broadway tonight with the 76th annual Tony Awards, presented live on CBS and Paramount+. "Sunday Morning" host Jane Pauley offers a preview with some of the creators and performers being celebrated.

2023 TONY AWARDS: Here are the nominees

"SUNDAY MORNING" ON BROADWAY: Interviews with 2023 Tony nominees (YouTube)

Enjoy our compilation of "Sunday Morning" features about Broadway shows that are up for this year's Tony Awards, including the revival of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"; the musicals "Almost Famous," "New York, New York," "Shucked" and "Some Like It Hot"; the play "Good Night, Oscar"; and the revival of August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson."

For more info:

The 76th Tony Awards presented live June 11 on CBS and Paramount+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT; preshow on Pluto TV

From the documentary

MOVIES: 2023 Tribeca Festival: Opening highlights, in-person and streaming

More than 100 fiction and nonfiction features will unspool at the New York City festival, with many available for home viewing through July 2 via the Tribeca At Home platform. Check out some recommended picks.

For more info:

Tribeca Festival

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Artist Francoise Gilot (Video)

Francoise Gilot died in New York City Tuesday, June 6 at age 101. In 2017, then 95, she talked with Anthony Mason about her life as an artist, and of being a muse and partner to Pablo Picasso, whom she met during the German occupation of Paris.

Pat Robertson, the founder of CBN and longtime host of

FROM THE ARCHIVES: The provocative Pat Robertson (Video)

Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, who hosted "The 700 Club," founded the political advocacy group Christian Coalition, and ran for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination, died June 8, 2023 at the age of 93. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that aired April 9, 2006, correspondent Rita Braver talked with Robertson about the creation of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), and his sometimes-controversial statements about faith and politics.

The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison.

DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city

"Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET. (Download it here.)

Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on CBSNews.com, CBS.com and Paramount+, including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox.

Follow us on Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; TikTok; and at cbssundaymorning.com.

You can also download the free "Sunday Morning" audio podcast at iTunes and at Play.it. Now you'll never miss the trumpet!

2024 election may be similar to 2020 if Trump is the GOP nominee

Curtain up for the 76th annual Tony Awards

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum says he has "only one" campaign promise so far in 2024 presidential race
'We're not going to stop shouting her name': Family, friends mourn 20-year-old mother killed in Glendale

Family and friends mourned and remembered 20-year-old Jordin "Miranda" Castillo on Wednesday evening after authorities say her ex-boyfriend broke into her Glendale apartment and fatally shot her over the weekend.

Approximately 75 people gathered near South Mountain Park where they lit candles and wrote messages on balloons in marker. Various members of Castillo's family thanked the crowd for joining them in solidarity as they lamented her death.

Katina Castillo, Jordin's mother, urged people to seek help and resources should they face a domestic violence situation like her daughter did.

"She didn't die for no reason," Katina said as she fought through tears. "She died to give awareness for anybody that's going through domestic violence or in a relationship that you think you can't get out of. Get out. Leave. Call somebody."

Katina said Jordin did everything for her 2-year-old daughter, who ultimately survived the deadly incident.

Mercedes Castillo, Katina's sister and Jordin's aunt, demanded justice for her niece's killing.

"Jordin was an amazing young lady whose life was taken from her," Mercedes said. "She had a whole future ahead of her and I want everyone to remember her name. And we're not going to stop shouting her name until we get justice because this monster needs to pay for what he did to my niece  my sister's baby  to all of our friends and family."

Rueben Xavier Rocha, 22, turned himself in to police on Monday following the shooting. Police identified him as Jordin Castillo's ex-boyfriend.

On Sunday, just after 2:30 p.m., calls came to Glendale police regarding some type of altercation at an apartment complex near Northern and 51st avenues. Officers found three women with gunshot wounds, including Castillo, who later died at a hospital.

Officers later learned that Rocha came to the apartment after messages were exchanged dressed in all black, with a facemask and a hoodie pulled over his head, Glendale police said.

More details emerge: 911 call made by Castillo prior to shooting

Rocha entered Castillo's third-floor apartment by breaking a glass door on the balcony and fired multiple rounds at three of the six occupants inside, striking all three and ultimately killing Castillo before fleeing, according to police. Among the occupants was Castillo's 2-year-old daughter, police said.

One of the victims, a 20-year-old who is in stable condition according to Glendale police, told investigators that she had heard glass breaking when she saw Rocha, identifying him immediately despite the ski mask and hoodie over his head. She also identified him in a photo lineup, documents say.

The other victim, a 19-year-old female, was in critical but stable condition and unable to speak, according to court documents.

A GoFundMe was set up to help cover funeral expenses and support Castillo's daughter while another was set up to support a woman  whom family members described as Castillo's best friend  who intervened during the shooting.

Resources for Arizonans experiencing domestic violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)

Phoenix.gov/DomesticViolence

Chrysalis: 602-944-4999, noabuse.org.

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence: 602-279-2980.

In Arizona, people can call the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, 602-279-2900 or 1-800-782-6400 or visit its website, acesdv.org/helpline.

The Phoenix police website, www.phoenix.gov/domesticviolence, has a list of places people can contact in Maricopa County.

Republic reporter Kye Graves contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jordin Castillo, mother killed in Glendale, honored at vigil
Several senators from western states said at a hearing on the federal wildfire response Thursday that the heavy smoke blanketing much of the East Coast this week is bringing attention to what is a common problem in the West.

I think America is waking up, at least on the East Coast, to this problem, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) said at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. We certainly have known all about it on the West Coast for some time now.

The East Coast, including Washington, D.C., remained engulfed in a smoky haze Thursday, as hundreds of fires continued burning in Canada. The smoke, which has produced air quality alerts for much of the Atlantic seaboard, is expected to stick around for several more days.

Im sure many of us have seen pictures of the thick smoke over New York City over the last couple of days, which yesterday had the very worst air quality among all the worlds major cities, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said at the hearing.

Most Easterners arent used dealing with this level of smoke, and by Easterners, I mean basically anybody to the east of Colorado, he joked. But this is an unfortunate recurring reality for us in the West.

Lee showed a picture of downtown Salt Lake City covered in a layer of smoke to the panel.

Thats just an August day, when wildfires burn in places like California, and then the smoke blows over to us, he said.

Western fires usually dont cause quite the national stir that weve seen in the last few days, even though this is something we deal with with some regularity, Lee continued. But they ought to be of concern to all of us because they do happen, and for us, they happen quite frequently.

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) similarly suggested that the timing of the hearing was appropriate, given the impacts of the Canadian wildfires.

For those of you who live on the East Coast, welcome to our air in the West, Risch said. This is common. I dont remember a summer in Boise when we havent had smoke. Sometimes, its much worse than others. Weve had some summers that were really catastrophic in this regard.

But this is what with live with, and this is just the way it is, he added. So for me, from that standpoint, this is an important hearing; its an important issue.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
What's the Best Mask to Wear for Wildfire Smoke? Probably the Same One You Used for COVID

ANGELA WEISS/Getty Images

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer











Smoke drifted down into the U.S. from Canadian wildfires this week, causing poor air quality for many people in the Northeast and Midwest

The smoky skies could be dangerous for peoples health, experts said. People who are more sensitive to poor air qualityincluding children, older adults, and those with chronic illnessmay want to mask when they go outside.

N95s, KF94s, and other masks that provide ample protection against COVID should be able to do a great job of protecting people from smoke, so long as they fit well.











ANGELA WEISS/Getty Images

Large swaths of the United States are currently experiencing poor air quality due to smoke from wildfires in Canada, and health officials are urging people to take precautions.

In New York City in particular, air quality and visibility deteriorated as the smoke moved through on Wednesday, giving the five boroughs some of the worst air quality in the world.

The air quality has continued to marginally improve since Wednesday afternoon in New York City, but levels are still considered unhealthy. The same is true in most of the Mid-Atlantic region.

When air quality is this poor, it can be quite dangerous to peoples health, explained Sara Adar, ScD, associate professor and associate chair of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Thats why it may be a smart decision to put on a high quality masklike the ones commonly donned during the COVID-19 pandemicif someones spending an extended amount of time outside.

COVID is of similar size to what the particles are in smoke, so similar rules holdan N95 is going to be the most protective option for you, Adar told Health.

Heres what experts had to say about why smoky air can be so dangerous, who should consider taking precautions, and the best practices for masking when theres poor air quality in your city.

How Does Bad Air Quality Affect Your Health?

This smoky air may be an anomaly for people living in the Midwest or on the East Coast, but its much more common in the West, and scientists know a good deal about its effects on human health.

Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, which is the real cause for concern, said Joseph Allen, DSc, MPH, associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and coauthor of Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Can Make You Sickor Keep You Well.

[PM2.5 is] basically small airborne particles that are small enough to reach the deepest parts of our lungs, he told Health. Its one of the most well-studied and well-known environmental hazards.

These tiny particles, Adar and Allen said, are so small that they get deep into the lungs when people breathe them in, which can cause a number of health problems.

They can trigger inflammation in our lungs that can then go elsewhere, Adar said. They can activate the nerves in our lungs that then speak to our brain, and can sort of change the regulation of our bodies.

This lung inflammation and brain dysregulation can culminate in cardiovascular issues after longer periods of exposurefine particulate matter has been associated with arrhythmia, hypertension, stroke, and exacerbated heart failure in people who are more susceptible. PM2.5 has been associated with low weight and preterm births, and worsened asthma symptoms. And wildfire smoke in particular could be linked to an increased risk of lung disease.

Even in the short term, breathing in unhealthy levels of these particles can cause issues, such as coughing or breathing difficulties, skin or eye irritation, and headaches.

Theres a whole host of health effects, Allen said. We see these effects at levels that are ten times lower than what were currently seeing on the East Coast.

Poor air quality peaked in New York City between noon and 3 pm on Wednesday, when PM2.5 was recorded at a concentration of about 800 g/m3. Typically 35 g/m3 is the standard for fine particulate matter.

Related: How Safe Is It to Exercise Indoors or Outdoors When Air Quality Is Bad?

Who Should Wear a Mask, and What Kind is Best?

Staying safe when theres issues with air quality depend largely on the circumstancesfor one, moderate PM2.5 levels may be extremely bothersome for one person, but fine for another. It depends on how sensitive someone is to the pollution or the smoke.

Young children breathe in more air per their body size than adults do, so theyre at higher risk, Adar explained. The elderly are at higher risk, pregnant women are at higher risk, and people who have chronic illness, say heart disease or lung disease, are going to be at higher risk.

It also depends how much time a person is spending outside, Adar added.

The longer youre outside, the more pollution youre going to be breathing in, and so, the higher risk there is to your body, she said. So duration outside could weigh into those decisions as well.

But when PM2.5 levels are unhealthy or extremely unhealthy, Allen said, they can be dangerous to everyone, so people should consider masking outside if theyre concerned.

A high quality mask can be very effective at capturing these airborne particles, Allen said, regardless of whether those particles are from a wildfire or someones cough.

So what makes a good mask for COVID also makes a good mask for protecting against PM2.5, experts agreed.

You want to think of the two Fsfiltration and fit. When it comes to filtration you want a high grade mask, whether its an N95 or a KF94, Allen said. A KN95 would also be acceptable. You want that mask snug on your face so that all the air youre breathing is forced to go through the filter of the mask, Allen added.

But other maskslike surgical or cloth maskswhich dont have the same filtration or fit capabilities likely wont offer much protection.

Related: Do Masks Work? What the Cochrane Review Can and Cant Tell Us

Staying Safe in Smoky Air Conditions

Mask wearing can be beneficial when people are breathing in unhealthy air outside, but its equally important that theyre staying safe indoors, too.

People can consider buying air purifiers to help get the fine particulate matter out of the air in their homes, and they should keep windows closed. Its also important to only run air conditioners if they dont pull in air from outdoors and have a filter.

People can try building a Corsi-Rosenthal Box, which is essentially a DIY-version of an air purifier if the real deal is inaccessible, Adar said. This involves simply duct taping furnace filters around a box fanthe contraption can clean particulate matter out of the home.

Adar and Allen agreed that this bout of smokey air wont last for much longer in the affected areas. But in the meantime, people should stay inside and do what they can to reduce their exposure to any potentially harmful PM2.5.

My number one recommendation is to just spend more time indoors right now, if you can, while the smoke is really strong in your location, Adar said. I would try avoidance first, and then if you are susceptible, I would wear a mask if you have to be outside for a long period of time.



For more Health news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Health.
The White House on Thursday postponed a planned Pride month celebration on the South Lawn, citing concerns over the air quality as smoke from Canadian wildfires coated the region.

The event was postponed until Saturday, the White House said.

The federal governments air quality tracking website graded the air in Washington as very unhealthy as of Thursday afternoon, and local officials urged those in the area to remain inside or wear a mask if they were outdoors.

The Washington Nationals postponed a home game Thursday afternoon, and the National Zoo in the nations capital also closed for the day.

Neera Tanden, head of the White House Domestic Policy Council, previously described Thursdays event as the largest Pride celebration in White House history, with LGBTQ families from across the country demonstrating that LGBTQ people belong in the peoples house.

Thousands of people were invited to the White House for the event, which was set to include a performance by Betty Who.

Canada is experiencing what NASA has described as an unusually intense start to its wildfire season, which has included fires in Quebec that were caused by lightning.

Smoke from the fires has blown into the U.S., leading to unhealthy air quality across parts of the East Coast and Midwest.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A spokesman for the White House National Security Council (NSC) has flatly rejected a report which claimed that China and Cuba have reached an agreement in principle to host a surveillance post.

John Kirby appeared on MSNBC shortly after the publication of The Wall Street Journals report on Thursday; the report claimed that the cash-strapped Cuban government had accepted an offer by Beijing to set up a listening post on Cuban soil, within range of some US military installations. The article went on to claim that such a listening post could theoretically scoop up communications across much of the southeastern United States.

Officials familiar with the matter said that China has agreed to pay cash-strapped Cuba several billion dollars to allow it to build the eavesdropping station and that the two countries had reached an agreement in principle, read the report.

It continued: An eavesdropping facility in Cuba, roughly 100 miles from Florida, would allow Chinese intelligence services to scoop up electronic communications throughout the southeastern U.S., where many military bases are located, and monitor U.S. ship traffic.

But Mr Kirby said that the Journals assertions were inaccurate when confronted by NBCs Andrea Mitchell.

"China and Cuba have now reached a secret agreement, were told, for China to establish an electronic facility which would allow Chinese intelligence agents to scoop up electronic communications throughout the southeastern US, Mitchell began to Mr Kirby.

Ive seen that press report, its not accurate, Mr Kirby contended. What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about Chinas influence activities around the world, certainly in this hemisphere and in this region, were watching this very, very closely.

Mitchell tried again: Youre saying its not accurate that theyre planning this?

Im saying weve seen the report, its not accurate, said Mr Kirby in response.

It was a much stronger statement than he himself had made to the Journal initially. The paper quotes him as saying in response to their request for comment, While I cannot speak to this specific report, we are well aware of  and have spoken many times to  the Peoples Republic of Chinas efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere.

We monitor it closely, take steps to counter it, and remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home, in the region, and around the world, he added in that statement.

At a news briefing on Thursday, a spokesman for the Pentagon echoed Mr Kirbys denial.

Ive seen that reporting, I can tell you, based on the information that we have, that that is not accurate, said Air Force Brig Gen Pat Ryder.

The reports publication comes at a time of tension between Washington and Beijing, with both sides accusing the other of purposefully inflammatory actions. Some of those actions have included trips to Taiwan by senior US officials, which have enraged the Chinese government as they mark the USs continued defiance of Chinas claims of sovereignty over the island.

It also comes as many in the US, particularly on the left, argue that the time has come for an end to the US embargo of Cuba, the socialist nation shunned by the US since the Cold War, when it was firmly allied with the Soviet Union. The decades-long trade prohibition has left Cubas economy in a delicate state, and many argue serves no purpose in the modern era.
Guizhou promotes high-quality development of big data industry

09:34, June 08, 2023 By Su Bin, Chen Junyi ( People's Daily

A new batch of data centers, power centers and dispatching centers were recently built at the Guizhou Information Park of China Telecom Cloud Computing in Gui'an New Area, southwest China's Guizhou Province.

An employee of an exhibitor introduces technologies and products to a visitor at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2023 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, May 26, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Jia Zhi)

It marked the almost completion of a new phase of a telecommunication data center in the park, which is expected bring at least 70,000 new servers into use.

According to Wu Kaiming, general manager of the operation center of the Guizhou Information Park, the park now comprises eight data centers with a total of 200,000 server racks, and its annual output exceeds 200 million yuan ($28.14 million).

In 2014, the development of the big data industry was elevated to a provincial-level strategy in Guizhou province. Over the past nearly decade, 11 super-large data centers have been established in the province by Huawei, Tencent, China Telecom and other tech and communication giants, and 23 key data centers have been put into use or are under construction.

As one of the eight approved national hub nodes for the development of an integrated computing power network, Guizhou is accelerating the development of a national computing power and algorithm supporting base, turning data into resources and ensuring that data is well stored and utilized.

Wu told People's Daily that Guizhou, located in the karst mountain region, enjoys a safe and stable geological environment, where the air is always fresh and cool, with summer temperature averaging 24 degrees Celsius. Besides, the province also boasts rich power resources and a relatively cheaper electricity price, Wu added.

Compared with other regions, the province enjoys advantages in geography, climate and energy, given that data centers are a big consumer of energy, he noted.

A holographic technology is exhibited at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2023 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, May 26, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Luo Dafu)

Last July, Guizhou province launched a campaign to build stronger clusters of data centers in the Gui'an New Area, said Hu Jianhua, an official with the Big Data Development Administration of Guizhou Province. According to the man, the Gui'an New Area is expected to boast 4 million servers as of 2025 and the total output of data centers in the area will hit 100 billion yuan.

Computing power is productivity in the era of digital economy. Since China launched an "east data, west computing" project, Guizhou province has worked vigorously to improve the operational models and demand-supply matchmaking of computing services.

The province now plays an important part in the post-production rendering of more and more films.

Zhongyun is a big data service company in Guizhou, which moves traditional digital production systems to the cloud via cluster and distributed computing. With its self-developed cloud service platform and computing platform, the company has reduced the time of rendering for big-screen films from over 100 hours to just minutes.

"The company can utilize over 10,000 compute nodes and offer computing services for more than 10,000 enterprises and studios in film and animation production, promoting digital and intelligent transformation of traditional cultural industries," said an executive of the company.

In May last year, the Guizhou dispatching platform of a national integrated computing power network was officially launched. The platform, matching the supply and demand sides of computing power and enterprises in the data industry, aims at efficient cross-region, cross-industry and cross-platform dispatching of computing power.

Photo taken on June 30, 2022 shows a cloud data center of Chinese tech giant Huawei in the Gui'an New Area of Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou province. (People's Daily Online/Shang Yujie)

Recently, a computing resource zone was opened in the Global Big Data Exchange in Guiyang to nurture the market of data and computing power trading.

The computing resource zone will commercialize and standardize computing power, realize cross-regional dispatching and coordination of computing power, match the supply with the demand of computing power in a targeted manner in east China, promote in-depth integration of computing power and data, and accelerate the exploration of new business forms and models of digital economy, said Ye Yuting, general manager of the Global Big Data Exchange in Guiyang.

Nianhua Data Technology Co., Ltd. is one of the first tech firms in Guizhou dedicated to the development of software technology and services. Over recent years, the company has grasped the opportunity brought about by big data development and launched a data development and governance platform that offers big data services for clients and releases the value of data.

According to vice general manager of the company Wang Gang, the company serves clients in over 10 provinces. It is expected to see revenue of 150 million yuan this year and register growth for a sixth consecutive year, Wang said.

The revenue of Guizhou's software and information technology sector jumped 90.5 percent year-on-year in 2022, 6.5 times of that in 2015, said Hu. The province is home to more than 260 software and information technology firms above the designated size, and a featured digital industry cluster has taken shape, Hu added.

According to him, 84,300 5G base stations have been built in Guizhou, and the province is building itself into a major hub of computing services as a campaign to accelerate the transmission of computing power has kicked off.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
ISLAMABAD, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Two policemen were killed and a passerby was injured due to gunfire by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's northwest Swat district on Thursday, police said.

The policemen were deployed at the busy vegetable market in the district as part of the security detail when the militants attacked them in the morning, the Swat police said.

The attackers fled the scene on a motorbike after spraying bullets at the policemen.

Sources from the non-government rescue organization Edhi told Xinhua that the injured person, who is a security guard in a private bank, has been shifted to a hospital, and his condition is critical.

No group has claimed the attack yet.

Police cordoned off the area for investigation, and a search operation is also underway in the surrounding area to find traces of the fleeing assailants. 
On the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, which straddles the border between North and South Dakota, people line up at 6 a.m. in the freezing winter, hoping to get one of just four dental appointments.

If you dont get those four, youre out, you dont get it, said Janet Alkire, chairwoman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who described the scene at an April hearing of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.

And the lack of adequate medical care extends well beyond dental care, she told lawmakers.

Our babies cannot be born on our reservation, she said. Mothers have to leave their support networks, their families, sometimes the dads, definitely the grandmothers, behind and travel over 75 miles to deliver a baby.

Through the Indian Health Service, the federal government provides free medical care for Native Americans, which the United States promised in various treaties with indigenous nations when it forced them from their lands in the mid-19th century.

However, many Native Americans complain that the U.S. government breaks this promise by underfunding the Indian Health Service.

In order to solve this problem, the Biden administration wants to take Indian Health Service funding out of the annual budget negotiation process and instead have it baked into law. Its plan would culminate in around $44 billion in funding in fiscal 2033  six times greater than current funding levels, but still short of what experts and advocates say is needed.

Indian Health Service funding has increased 68 percent in the past decade, culminating in $7.1 billion for the agency for fiscal 2023. But the agencys funding is significantly less than other federal health care programs. In 2017, Indian Health Service spending per capita was less than half of that of the Veterans Health Administration and less than a third compared to Medicare, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office.

The National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup, a group of Native American advocates and tribal representatives that advises the Indian Health Service on its annual budget request, estimates that nearly seven times more funding for the agency is needed to meet Native health care needs.

In her testimony, Alkire described the impact of this lack of adequate funding.

The IHS hospital at Standing Rock is more than 60 years old, she said. It is falling apart and lacks space for life-saving equipment.

We recently purchased a CT scan (machine) with our own limited funds, Alkire added. There was no room, and we had to build it in the back entry to the building. But we do what we have to do, right?

Such problems are not limited to that specific hospital. According to the Workgroups report on its fiscal 2024 budget recommendations, Indian Health Service hospitals have only 52 percent of the space needed based on the size of the population the agency cares for. Hospitals in Indian Country are also nearly four times older than the national average, the report says.

In its fiscal 2024 budget proposal, released in March, the Biden administration called for full mandatory funding for the Indian Health Service by fiscal 2025. The agency currently receives most of its funding through discretionary spending, which must be debated by Congress each year through the appropriations process. Programs like Medicare and Medicaid receive mandatory funding, meaning theyre automatically given a certain amount each year as determined by law.

The White House is asking for $9.7 billion in total Indian Health Service funding for fiscal 2024, including $1.6 billion in proposed mandatory funding for certain expenses. By fiscal 2025, the administration wants all Indian Health Service funding to be mandatory, with automatic spending increases to address increasing costs, existing backlogs and key operational needs.

In its congressional budget justification, the Indian Health Service says mandatory funding is necessary to get the full amount of funding it needs, as otherwise its limited by discretionary budget caps. The debt ceiling deal signed by Biden last week keeps nondefense discretionary spending flat next year and only allows for a 1 percent increase in fiscal 2025.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this change is part of the Biden administrations goal to lift up groups that have been historically underserved.

There are communities, whether its Indian Country, Native Americans, whether its rural America, whether its urban America, where people have felt left behind, she said in April. This is a story that is part of (Bidens) economic policy, which is not leaving anybody behind, making sure that people get the assistance, they get the help that they sorely need.

Native American advocates have been pushing for mandatory Indian Health Service funding for years. One such group, the National Council of Urban Indian Health, advocates for the health care needs of Native Americans living in urban areas. The councils vice president of policy and communications, Meredith Raimondi, said unpredictable funding creates barriers to providing health care.

If youre a health care clinic and youre trying to hire staff, and you dont know what your funding is going to be next year, its a lot harder to plan and retain staff. Its harder to buy lab equipment. Its harder to know if you can pay (for) your lab testing and your vendors, Raimondi said. So it makes it extremely hard to deliver health care at a time when our health care needs are at an all time high.

Making Indian Health Service funding mandatory would require an amendment to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which authorizes funding for the agency.

Congress appears divided on the issue.

In an interview, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who chairs the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, said he supports making Indian Health Service funding mandatory. But Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, criticized the idea at a May hearing, suggesting the agencys problems are actually the result of poor management.

We need to see significant progress before how IHS is funded can significantly change, Hageman said.

She said its important to focus on cutting the federal deficit.

I just did a poll this week as to some of the issues that are the most important to my constituents in the state of Wyoming, and the budget and government and federal spending is at the top of the list, Hageman said.

However, Ranking Member Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) pointed out that Bidens proposed budget would actually reduce the deficit. Biden has proposed cutting the deficit by nearly $3 trillion over the next 10 years, largely by raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

There are ways to reduce the deficit while also investing in what is important, Leger Fernandez said.

Raimondi said Native health care shouldnt be cut to lower the deficit.

Native Americans who gave up their land and who entered into treaties and have a trust relationship with the federal government are owed health care, regardless of whether or not the federal government needs to fix its deficit or cut costs, Raimondi said.

Biden also requested full mandatory funding for the Indian Health Service last year, the first time that a president did so, according to that years Indian Health Service congressional budget justification. While this ultimately did not come to fruition, the last budget did make a significant change by providing advance appropriations for the agency, meaning some funding for fiscal 2024 was provided a year in advance. Prior to this change, the Indian Health Service was the only major federal health care provider to be funded solely by regular yearly appropriations.

This change means the agency will have more protection from government shutdowns. The 2018-2019 shutdown, which lasted 35 days, caused major disruptions to the agencys services. At least five Indian Health Service patients died during the shutdown, according to the National Council of Urban Indian Health.

Raimondi said advance appropriations are an important step, but they still have to be passed by Congress each year. She said mandatory funding is needed to ensure proper health care for Native Americans.

You need to have the mandatory funding so its not subject to the whim of political fights, Raimondi said. And so that we know that American Indian and Alaska Native people will have access to the health care that they deserve and earned.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Supporters of President Donald Trump clash with police and security forces as they try to storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The mob forced its way into the Capitol as Congress met to certify the 2020 Electoral College count.

Supporters of President Donald Trump clash with police and security forces as they try to storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The mob forced its way into the Capitol as Congress met to certify the 2020 Electoral College count.

When I was a teenager in the 1990s, white supremacist groups in America were relatively fringe: fodder for HBO documentaries tucked away in some backwater town Id likely never visit or worry about coming across in real life.

For me, this changed in August 2017, when white nationalists lit up Charlottesville, Virginia, with their tiki torches, Nazi flags and fragile masculinity. They called it Unite the Right. Three people died  a counterprotester hit by a car and two state troopers in a copter crash  and the melee dominated the news cycle for days. Id never seen anything like it in my life.

That rally felt like the spiritual beginning of an upward trend of brazen racial, anti-LGBTQ and antisemitic vitriol from within the countrys conservative bowels. I see more headlines than I ever have about attempted or executed organized protests from hate groups, like the neo-Nazi-fueled National Day of Hate.

Weve seen increased instances of organized hatred in places like Massachusetts, where Boston has always been reliable for a tidy bit of anti-Blackness.

The largest recent gathering came courtesy of the white supremacist group Patriot Front, which marched about 150 deep in Washington, D.C., on May 14. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, this group was inspired by Unite the Right and has made appearances in several states.

Outside of organized gatherings, weve seen an overall jump in reported hate crimes nationally in recent years, according to the FBI.

Ill bet we have more of this to look forward to if we even think of putting Donald Trump back in the White House.

For anyone paying attention, there was a palpable shift in the sociopolitical climate after Trump won the presidency in November 2016: Outraged that the country had the gall to put a Black man in the Oval Office for eight whole years, angry whites rallied to get a reality television star with a penchant for bankruptcy and bragging about grabbing women in the hoo-hah to replace him.

A 2020 study from the Southern Poverty Law Center revealed that hate groups have risen significantly since Trump graced us with his presidential presence. For his part, he did precisely jack shit to stem the tide of these groups increased presence: He said, out loud, of the violence in Charlottesville that there were very fine people on both sides.

There was also his senior adviser Stephen Miller, a naked white supremacist who, by most accounts, seemed to be the eye of Sauron for undocumented immigrants during the Trump administration.

The Trump-and-Monster-Energy-fueled angry whites brought that energy to the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan 6, 2021. The attack wasnt an overt white supremacist gathering, but the Venn diagram of people wearing animal skin and painting the American flag on their faces to commit seditious conspiracy and that of those who hate Blacks, Latinos and Jews probably is a damn near complete overlap.

Trump wasnt present at the Capitol for the insurrection, but the House select committee that investigated the attack found that he was completely responsible for it. Exactly what message would we send the rest of the planet by putting him back in the Oval Office?

The feeling that were going backward after decades of substantial social progress is not your imagination: Barack Obamas presidency ushered in such a windfall of white fragility and the (misguided) idea whites were losing their grasp on the country that the racists bubbled to the surface like New York City sewage, empowered by the notion that they no longer have to be relegated to the Dell computer in their mamas basement to disseminate their venom.

Never underestimate the resolve of incels and degenerate losers finding their true calling in racism, a la Michael Rapaports character Remy in the film Higher Learning. Combine them with a bunch of red-state politicians all but happy to stop pretending to not be racist long enough to suck on the Trump teat and you have a metaphorical Molotov cocktail primed to crash through your metaphorical Black church window.

Lest you think weve just Trump to worry about, theres also Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who announced his 2024 Republican presidential bid in a Twitter clusterfuck with Elon Musk. DeSantis went on such a distinguished run of signing noxious laws in Floridathat the rest of the country is convinced the state is now The Handmaids Tale.

DeSantis has encouraged a rise of far-right groupsin Florida, but he isnt going out of his way to denounce these groups while happily attacking drag queens because he knows where his bigoted bread is buttered.

Anyone with sense recognizes that there was never, and will likely never be, a true abolishment of racism and white supremacy in America. But egregious displays of hate ring differently: Their very nature foments violence.

The constitutionally mandated right to gather and speak freely means little when tensions inevitably ramp up because a group of people is arguing for the eradication of another groups personhood, as was the case when a racist ran over and killed Heather Heyerduring the Unite the Right weekend.

I have made it a point to successfully stay out of handcuffs my entire life. But if I were at an event and some white dude with a swastika tattoo on his bald head yelled the n-word at me, I cant say I wouldnt find a rock and that rock wouldnt find his skull at high velocity  police presence be damned.

I doubt President Joe Biden stokes quite the ire Obama did considering hes an old white dude. But the return of Trump would be like a dog whistle for these malcontents, emboldening them to continue ramping up the hatred to take back a country they jacked themselves.

Whether or not Trump or DeSantis is a white supremacist is of minimal consequence. If they dont actively denounce the hatred in their positions of power, theyre arguably worse.

The sad part is Im not even sure if potential white supremacist revolution ranks in the top five of why we shouldnt even think about putting Trump or DeSantis in the big seat next year. Ill make it a point to remind you a few more times in this space but Im sure theyll provide many more reasons to remind you on their own.
Marion County Sheriffs Office

The white Florida woman accused of killing a Black mother in front of her children admitted to calling the family racial slurs in the past, police say.

Susan Lorincz also allegedly claimed she acted out of self-defense and purchased the gun used in the shooting after a previous run-in with mother-of-four Ajike Owens.

Lorincz was arrested Tuesday and charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting Owens, 35, through a locked front door after Owens knocked on the door to confront Lorincz for harassing her kids.

According to an arrest affidavit provided to The Daily Beast, Lorincz told police officers during an interview Saturday that she had been having issues with Owens sons for two years due to their lack of respect for her peace and privacy. Lorincz claimed Isaac, Israel, and Tituswho were later identified by their grandmother Pamela Diaswere always playing in an area outside her apartment. Lorincz claimed that when she told the children they were trespassing in the past, they said they would kill her.

Ajike Owens Courtesy of Ben Crump

On Friday night, Lorincz again complained about Owens two kids playing in the grass area near her apartment in Ocala. (The property owner told police that the space was a common area for residents in the complex.) Lorincz took an iPad belonging to the kids, then threw a set of skates at one and swung an umbrella at both of them when they tried to retrieve it, authorities said.

According to the affidavit, the kids left to get their mother, and Owens allegedly banged on Lorinczs deadbolted door. Lorincz claimed that Owens yelled, You dont talk to my sons, Im going to fucking kill you!

However, police said they spoke to neighbors who said they never heard Owens make any threats about killing anyone.

Lorincz also claimed Owens was trying to break into her apartment as hard as she could by beating the door, but she also admitted that Owens never tried the door handle.

She told Marion County police that she went to her bedroom to retrieve her Remington 380, which she purchased a year before to protect herself from Owens. Lorincz said she panicked after grabbing the gun and shot one round through the front door, the affidavit says.

[Lorincz] advised that she was just fearful of her life and was thinking Go away, get out of this situation, just go away already, according to the affidavit from the Marion County Sheriffs Office. She claimed she felt she was in mortal danger.

Police conducted a second interview with Lorincz on Tuesday after speaking with neighbors and witnesses. Many of them described Lorincz as an antagonist who frequently harassed kids in the area, called them racial slurs, and called in false police reports on them.

Lorincz admitted to having used the n-word toward children out of anger in the past and also to calling children other derogatory terms, investigators wrote in the affidavit.

White Neighbor Who Fatally Shot Black Mom Through Front Door Arrested

Police also noted other contradictions in Lorincz statements. She first called police at 8:54 p.m. Friday with a trespass complaint, claiming Owens children, who lived across the street, were playing near her property. She was on the phone with the dispatcher until 8:59 p.m. Just two minutes later, at 9:01 p.m., police began receiving calls from people who heard a gunshot. Police said that timeline was inconsistent with Lorincz previous claim that about 15 minutes passed between her ending her 911 call and her shooting Owensincluding two to five minutes of Owens banging loudly on her door.

Lorincz was confronted with the inconsistency and asked if it was possible that she also mis-remembered or outright lied about what Owens was saying when banging on her door, the affidavit say. Lorincz stated that she believes Owens was saying Im going to kill you.

Though Owens and Lorincz allegedly had a rocky relationship, Lorincz conceded to police during the second interview that Owens never actually made any threats of violence during prior run-ins. That appeared to contradict a claim she made in her first interview of Owens once throwing a metal no trespassing sign at Lorincz, striking her leg.

Lorincz also admitted to researching Stand Your Ground laws and self-defense both prior to the shooting and on the day of her arrest. The affidavit also outlines other questionable behavior: A search warrant of Lorincz cell phone showed that she recorded kids playing outside on the night of the shooting, and she refused to cooperate when officers told her she was under arrest, suddenly claiming she was experiencing chest pains and attempting to fall to the ground.

In addition to manslaughter with a firearm, Lorinz faces charges of culpable negligence for discharging her firearm through the door, thereby exposing Owens 10-year-old child to personal injury; simple battery for throwing a roller skate at one child; and two counts of simple assault for swinging an umbrella at two children.

Lorincz landlord told officers she was going to be evicted, so she is being held in the Marion County Jail without bond.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
White Woman Who Shot And Killed Black Mother Of 4, AJ Owens, Arrested On Manslaughter And Other Charges

Authorities arrested the white woman Tuesday who fatally shot her Black neighbor, 35-year-old Ajike AJ Owens, in Florida last week.

Susan Lorincz, 58, was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault in Owens death, according to Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods in a statement obtained by ABC News.

The victims family and the public criticized law enforcement for the delayed response in charging the woman in the fatal shooting. At the time, Woods said the department was investigating if Floridas stand your ground law justified Owens death.

In a Facebook video Tuesday night, Woods confirmed the shooting was not a stand your ground case but simply a killing, per ABC News.

Now many of you were struggling to understand why there was not an immediate arrest, the sheriff said. The laws here in the state of Florida are clear. Now I may not like them. I may not agree with them. But however, those laws I will follow.

The sheriffs office also shared a video of Lorincz being escorted by two detectives and a deputy as she walked down the hallway with her hands behind her back. CBS News reported the 58-year-old shared details about the incident and the relationship she and Owens had as neighbors.

Lorincz told authorities she had acted in self-defense and claimed Owens tried to break down her door. She also claimed Owens had come after her in the past and had previously attacked her, the sheriffs office said in a report obtained by the outlet.

During the investigation, authorities gathered statements from neighbors and other bystanders who witnessed the incident. The sheriffs office determined Lorinczs actions were not defensible under Floridas law and arrested her.

Lorincz could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter and additional charges, the sheriffs office said.

Blavity reported Owens had a nearly three-year dispute with the woman over her children playing outside near the shooters property.

A witness confirmed the dispute was over a childs electronic tablet after the woman reportedly threw skates at the victims children and hit one. One of the children had returned home and told Owens about the altercation with the woman. She then walked over to Lorinczs home and attempted to confront her.

Owens knocked on the womans door, and seconds later, she was shot through the door. Deputies responded to a trespassing call Friday night and discovered the 35-year-old with an apparent gunshot wound. She was transferred to a local hospital and was pronounced dead.

The family of the mother of four had called for authorities to arrest the woman in a press conference on Monday. Owens mother, Pamela Dias, said Lorincz had called her family and the children racial slurs, though the sheriffs office had not confirmed that information during the investigation, per CBS News.

My daughter, my grandchildrens mother, was shot and killed with her 9-year-old son standing next to her. She had no weapon, she posed no imminent threat to anyone, Dias said at the news conference.

What Im asking is for justice, she added. Justice for my daughter.

On Tuesday, a group of Black protesters had gathered outside the Marion County Judicial Center and called for the womans arrest. State Attorney William Gladson, the head prosecutor on the case, met with demonstrators and urged the group to remain patient in the investigation.

If we are going to make a case we need as much time and as much evidence as possible, Gladson said, per ABC News. I dont want to compromise any criminal investigation and Im not going to do that.

On Tuesday, someone placed a teddy bear and flowers near where Owens was shot. Protesters nearby chanted her name as they demanded justice for her killing.

The case is still under investigation.
Why Boise keeps getting hit by strong, isolated thunderstorms  and whats still to come

As the workday wrapped up Tuesday evening and Boiseans swapped their work clothes for loungewear and laptop screens for downtown views, it seemed like a typical Treasure Valley afternoon: clear skies, warm weather and a light breeze flowing through the city streets.

Then chaos hit. Streaks of lightning, rumbling thunder and some of the heaviest rain and hail Boise has seen in recent years suddenly spawned over the city at around 6:45 p.m. Several downtown roads  including the I-184 Connector  suffered heavy flooding, while Mountain Home witnessed an apocalyptic-looking storm that whipped winds of over 50 mph.

After about three hours of meteorological carnage, the storms finally dispersed, leaving behind a golden-orange sunset across the valley. Most of downtown Boise received between 1 and 2 inches of rain, the city saw nearly 1,500 lightning strikes and three-quarter inch hail was reported to the National Weather Service.

Yesterday, Ada County had the most lightning strikes of any day on record since 2000. The map shows precipitation estimates and lightning strikes, data courtesy of Earth Networks. #IDwx pic.twitter.com/RS6NBxM0XG  NWS Boise (@NWSBoise) June 7, 2023

Severe thunderstorm warnings are becoming a regular thing of late in the Treasure Valley. Tuesday nights storms come just a week after similar small-cell thunderstorms rapidly dropped over an inch of rain and caused flooding in West Boise. And the Weather Service is forecasting storms to continue barraging the city each night for at least another week.

So many days of thunderstorms within a short period is unusual for Boise, Weather Service meteorologist Bill Wojcik told the Idaho Statesman on Wednesday.

But why is Boise getting so many severe thunderstorms, and how much longer will they last?

Lightning flashes, a rainbow forms, and Canada geese gather along the beach at Quinns Pond on Tuesday in Boise during a flash thunderstorm that dropped up to 1.5 inches of rain in less than 90 minutes in parts of downtown. Hail was also reported.

The root cause of all these storms

As with many weather events, Boises recent thunderstorms are due to a weather system not even based in Idaho.

A low-pressure system  which rotates air in a counterclockwise direction  is sitting over California, Wojcik said, which is pulling warm, moist air from the southwest up toward the Gem State.

The low-pressure system in southeast California is pulling warm, moist air through Colorado  which is experiencing severe storms  and into the Gem State.

Warm, moist air is one of the three key ingredients needed for severe thunderstorms, along with atmospheric instability and lift. Moist air and instability often go hand-in-hand, while lift results from air being forced upwards by the Boise Foothills, which helps develop clouds for thunderstorms.

(Tuesday) night, what happened was we had storms develop along the Foothills, Wojcik said. And so they werent moving much because weak winds aloft mean thunderstorms come in and will not move much, or they can redevelop.

So in the case on (Tuesday), the storms redeveloped, Wojcik continued. So we had one storm kind of weaken and maybe move a little bit toward the Foothills, and then another one south of that developed and kind of hit the Boise area really hard. Everything came together just for the right conditions for that to happen here.

Why have the storms been so localized?

When heavy storms flooded parts of West Boise in late May, downtown Boise barely received a drop of rain. A week later, when floodwater inundated the streets of downtown, West Boise and beyond barely saw a drop of rain.

Weather Service meteorologist Dave Groenert described Tuesday evenings system as a train because of the continued development of storms across the same path over several hours.

This type of weather pattern is because of an outflow boundary: thunderstorm-cooled air that stands apart from the surrounding air around it. Outflow boundaries are associated with particularly strong storms  when you feel the temperature drop and cold wind ahead of a storm, thats often associated with an outflow boundary.

The cooler air that rises higher into the atmosphere  otherwise known as lift  helps spawn other thunderstorms.

That outflow boundary acts as a lifting mechanism as well, Wojcik said. So when you push those winds and lift up that moisture thats already in the atmosphere, then youre going to have more showers and storms form along that.

That happened on Tuesday when multiple storms hit the downtown Boise area but avoided most of the area westward  the outflow boundary helped form storms behind the initial one, creating a train effect.

Traffic on State Street in Boise negotiates the floodwater from 15th Street to beyond 18th Street after a chain of thunderstorms drenched Boise.

How much longer will Boise see this pattern?

Its unusual for Boise to see such an extended period of severe weather. The Weather Service forecasts rain and thunderstorms every day until at least next Tuesday.

When warm, moist air is pulled into the Gem State from the south, its typically flushed out by colder airflow from the Pacific Ocean; this happens when theres a change in wind direction, such as via a cold front or a shift in the jet stream.

The change in wind pattern just kind of pushes everything out of here and creates different conditions where we dont have the moisture and instability, Wojcik said. We dont have the heat anymore to create those conditions for thunderstorms.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Weather Service forecasts at least a 40% chance of rain every day until Tuesday, with chances reaching as high as 80% on Friday night. Wojcik said the main focus for thunderstorms would be in the evenings, with lightning and high winds posing the most severe threats.
This Is Why F-15EX Deliveries Have Been Delayed photo

The latest progress report on major weapon systems from the U.S. governments supreme audit institution sheds light on the reasons why the U.S. Air Force has, so far, only received two F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. A combination of wrangling over the planned acquisition totals and production issues with the first batches of jets has pushed the timeline to the right.

While these aircraft are being acquired to replace the Air Forces aging F-15C/D Eagles, the service initially said it would buy at least 144 examples, a number that has since fluctuated, but which has settled, for now, on 104 F-15EX aircraft, although their final distribution remains not entirely clear.

The latest Report to Congressional Committees from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides a detailed analysis of where the F-15EX program stands now, noting that the program transitioned from the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) status to the major capability acquisition pathway in September 2022. MTA refers to a process by which the Pentagon seeks to develop and deliver systems within five years from the program start. Major Capability Acquisition is the next milestone in the process of actually buying a new weapon system.

One of two F-15EX aircraft delivered to the Air Force so far: an example from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner

However, as the report explains, it was originally planned to move from MTA to Major Capability Acquisition in March 2022, with the six-month delay coming as a result of budget considerations for Fiscal Year 2023. In that budget request, the Air Force sought to slash F-15EX numbers from 144 to 80, with funds instead being allocated to programs deemed more important, like its future air combat program, known as Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).

On top of that, the cost estimate for the F-15EX program in June 2022 was higher than anticipated, reducing planned procurement by a further two airframes, for a total of just 78. With the Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal, the F-15EX fleet was increased to 104, but the previous uncertainty around costs and numbers resulted in delays to the program overall.

The Air Force has confirmed that the current fleet of 104 F-15EX aircraft comprises the 94 stated in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal, eight jets that were funded in previous budgets, plus two more that were funded in Fiscal Year 2022 through an above-threshold reprogramming (ATR) decision. The 104-aircraft total also includes 25 F-15EX jets that the Air Force plans to request funds to buy in Fiscal Year 2025.

Head-on view of an F-15EX, with the conformal fuel tanks fitted. U.S. Air Force

As for production orders for the F-15EX, covered by discrete lots, each of which Boeing is contracted to complete, the terms and conditions for Lot 1 production were agreed upon in November 2022, with Lot 2 expected to be finalized in May 2023. In the meantime, undefinitized orders to support these two lots were placed in July 2020 and November 2021, respectively.

But this process also suffered from delays. The reason for this, the GAO explains, is that the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), responsible for administering contracts for the Pentagon, was disapproving of two of Boeings business management systems. No further details were provided in the report, but the manufacturer is said to have developed corrective action plans to address the deficiencies, and is now working with the DCMA to obtain final approval.

Meanwhile, on a hardware level, the F-15EX seems to be very much in a good place, with the GAO determining that its technologies are mature, and its design is stable, helped by the fact that its derived from an existing aircraft. Reflecting this, tests of system-level and production-representative F-15EX prototypes were completed back in May 2021.

The first F-15EX (furthest from the camera) is delivered to its new home station, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on March 11, 2021. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Raven

Despite this maturity, however, the holdups have continued. The Air Force is still waiting for its first Lot 1B aircraft  these will be the first to be delivered to the Air Force since the pair of jets were delivered in early 2021, known as EX1 and EX2. They have since been used to support testing and evaluation.

At one point, Lot 1B deliveries were due to start in December 2022, but were also hit by sixth-month delays. The GAO attributed these to production-related issues. The report explained further: The primary driver of these delays was supplier quality problems related to a critical component in the forward fuselage assembly that ensures safety of flight. Program officials said that those quality issues were corrected as of the production of the seventh and eighth aircraft.

Its unclear exactly what part of the forward fuselage was judged deficient, but there have been glitches encountered elsewhere, too. Specifically, a drilling tool used by Boeing had a design error, resulting in inaccurately drilled holes for the windscreen installation on the third through sixth F-15EX aircraft. Boeing has since fixed that problem but now needs to re-drill the holes on the affected aircraft before launching production of the Lot 2 aircraft. As a knock-on effect, the production start of Lot 2 has been delayed by two months.

The F-15EX was revealed and named Eagle II during a ceremony on April 7, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.

The revised delivery schedule calls for the delivery of six Lot 1B aircraft at a rate of two per month between May and July of 2023, although its unclear at this stage if these aircraft have begun to be handed over to the Air Force. Analysis from the DCMA and Boeing suggests the target probably has been missed.

Concerned by production-related issues encountered thus far, the DCMA has concluded its unlikely that Lot 1B deliveries will be completed until September 2023. Meanwhile, Boeing expects the first and second Lot 1B aircraft to be delivered in July 2023 and August 2023, respectively.

Additional Lot 1B aircraft delivery delays beyond July 2023 will make it challenging for the program to meet its planned milestone dates, including initial operational capability and full rate production in 2023, the report warns.

The first F-15EX for the Air Force takes shape at the Boeing factory. U.S. Air Force courtesy photo

Looking further ahead, the GAO identifies cybersecurity as the primary risk to the F-15EX program. The stated reason is that the Eagle II is derived from an export-configured aircraft, Foreign Military Sales aircraft are not designed to comply with the U.S. Air Forces cybersecurity requirements.

Work to assess the F-15EXs cybersecurity attributes continues, as part of a six-phase process outlined by the Pentagon. So far, the first two parts of the analysis have been completed, but the report didnt offer more details on this, beyond the fact that the studies will continue until Lot 1B aircraft deliveries are completed.

In the meantime, the Air Force is still grappling with how best to field the F-15EX, once it starts to arrive in significant numbers.

As we reported recently, the current F-15C/D schoolhouse at Kingsley Field, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, will now replace its Eagles with F-35A stealth jets, rather than F-15EX aircraft. In the future, Eagle training, both for the F-15EX and F-15E Strike Eagle, will be handled at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.

A F-15C of the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. U.S. Air Force

The Air Force has recently announced plans to station F-15EX jets with the California and Louisiana Guard units. These are in addition to the 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Oregon. But beyond those, the distribution of the Eagle II across the Air Force remains uncertain as the numbers do not add up and additional units should be able to receive the type, as you can read more about here.

All of this comes at a time in which the Air Force is increasingly grappling with how to allocate its budget as it focuses on modernization. While the latest budget request brought better news for the F-15EX, with a modest increase in planned numbers, its proponents will be hoping that it avoids further delays, especially at a time in which plans for fielding the Eagle II  as well as the future of the F-15E fleet  are still liable to change.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
LVMH Paris Headquarters

A Louis Vuitton store on the ground floor of the building housing the LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE headquarters in Paris, France, on Sunday, March 5. Credit - Bloomberg via Getty Image2023 Bloomberg Finance LP

(To get this story in your inbox, subscribe to the TIME CO2 Leadership Report newsletter here.)

Earlier this year, luxury goods company LVMH made headlines when it became the first European company to top a $500 billion market cap, helping make its founder Bernard Arnault the wealthiest person in the world.

At the same time, and less noticed by the global media, the company has made a wave of climate commitments to rethink how it does business. These caught my eye both because of the fashion industrys enormous and growing environmental footprint and because of LVMHs pole position as perhaps the industrys most recognizable company. So with those factors in mind, a few weeks ago in Paris I sat down with Helene Valade, who oversees environmental work across all of LVMHs 75 brands.

At the core of LVMHs climate efforts is a new program called LIFE360 that lays out a range of climate and biodiversity targets for the company. The goals are extensive: no virgin plastics used in packaging by 2026, a 50% cut in energy-related emissions by 2026 from 2019 levels, and zero deforestation from products in its supply chain by 2025. The companys regulatory filings lists a range of achievements along those lines, from successful implementation of policies that uncover where theyre sourcing materials to measures that have slashed energy use in stores. All our products come from natureno champagne without grapes, no perfumes without forests, no ready-to-wear without cotton, Valade told me. It was very important to have an ambitious environmental strategy in mind.

That strategy cuts to the core of the LVMH business model. The company is evaluating where it sources raw materials, not only to protect biodiversity but also to ensure that its supply chains arent vulnerable to rapidly changing climate conditions like desertification. The company is working to grow its repair business to extend the lifespan of its products, and is rolling out traceability tools so customers can understand the source and environmental impact of what they buy. Later this year, customers should be able to scan a QR on products at Sephora, for example, and see the details of its sourcing.

One challenge for diversified firms like LVMH is implementing ambitious company-wide goals across widely varied divisions and departments. LVMH has 75 brands, each of which has a lot of operational independence. Valade said the company is laying out a common set of goals around everything from biodiversity to energy consumption with LIFE360 and then giving the brands the tools to implement.

I was most struck by the commitment to give all employees across the globe environmental training. Buyers now need to be concerned with carbon footprints, sales people need to be able to answer environmental questions from customers, and employees that handle logistics need to understand emissions from different modes of transport, says Valade. The change has to make sense to each employee, says Valade. We have to give them the keys to implement the change.

To that end, the company is opening a training center just outside Paris where European employees will come through to get up to speed on how climate impacts their jobs. The company is looking to conduct similar programs in other locations across the globe.

It can be easy to look at corporate commitments skeptically, but Valade makes the business case convincingly. LVMH needs to attract young talent, and sustainability is a key concern for Gen Z. Customers increasingly care about the issue. (The companys sustainability focused productsfor example, Louis Vuittons line of upcycled sneakershave been some of its best sellers). And, perhaps most importantly, the companys supply chains are vulnerable to climate change. Valade discussed this point with me, but its also evident from a look at the companys regulatory filings, which devote significant space to the financial risks of climate change.

In recent years, the fashion industry accounted for 4% of global emissions, according to data from McKinsey. And that percentage is poised to grow both as other sectors decarbonize and the global population continues to grow and buy more clothing. In theory, LVMH, with its size and iconic brands, can play a leading role in changing the industry. We have an important capacity to influence and drive society, Valade says. And this influence has to be put in the service of sustainability. To get there will require all the firms focused on selling cheap products quickly, not just the luxury brands of LVMH, to think a little differently.
Wildfire smoke causing air quality to drop in some parts of Whatcom County and beyond

Fires in British Columbia and elsewhere are causing air quality to decline in Whatcom County, especially for people with breathing difficulties and conditions such as asthma.

Poor air quality from wildfires in eastern Canada is not as bad in the Pacific Northwest as it is in the eastern United States, but it is being watched closely, officials said.

Most of western Whatcom County was showing good air quality on Thursday morning, as measured by Northwest Clean Air Agency sensors.

But air north of Bellingham, near Custer and Lynden, was listed as moderate on Wednesday because of particulates in wildfire smoke from Vancouver Island.

Air quality is expected to be good to moderate (Thursday) in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties, the air agency said on its social media.

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia and elsewhere in the Wet drifts across Whatcom County, cause air quality to decline on Wednesday.

Air in Abbotsford, B.C., just north of Lynden, was listed as unhealthy for everyone on Wednesday, according to the Washington Smoke Blog.

An animated forecast map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed low-level smoke drifting over Northwest Washington, including Whatcom County.

Maps from FireSmoke Canada showed high-level smoke from other Canadian fires, but it wasnt likely to affect air quality near the ground.

Predominantly southerly winds have helped to reduce smoke impacts from fires burning near Vancouver. Winds are expected to remain southerly for the next few days and should prevent significant smoke impacts during that period, the Northwest Clean Air Agency said.

Primary smoke impacts today will include the Vancouver metro area and locations just north of the U.S.-Canada border. Our area should be mainly smoke-free, the agency said.

This years first low-level smoke arrives as Whatcom County officials were set to declare a burn ban amid forecasts for continued hot and dry conditions through summer.

Several dozen wildfires have been reported already this season in Whatcom County alone.

Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a murky haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside.

The effects of hundreds of wildfires burning across the western provinces to Quebec were felt in New York City, Philadelphia and across New England, blotting out skylines and irritating throats. Outdoor activities were canceled Wednesday, including several MLB games.

U.S. authorities issued air quality alerts. Hazy conditions and smoke from the wildfires were reported across the Great Lakes region from Cleveland to Buffalo.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Supreme Court ruled against the state of Alabama for violating the voting rights of its Black residents. The ruling, centered on Alabamas efforts to draw district boundaries in ways that limit the power of Black voters in the state, represents a significant victory for voting rights advocates, especially in light of the Supreme Courts increasingly conservative stances concerning voting and other critical issues in recent years.

Redrawing district lines, limiting Black representation

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that Alabama had violated its Black citizens rights by drawing district lines that created only one majority-Black congressional district out of seven total districts, despite Black residents comprising one-fourth of the states population. In doing so, voting rights advocates argued Alabama was denying Black Alabamans a second congressional representative. In contrast, the Republican-controlled Alabama state government denied race played a role in redrawing the district lines.

Thursdays 5-4 Supreme Court ruling upheld lower court rulings that the Alabama lines violated Black residents ability to have adequate representation. Chief Justice John Roberts, one of the courts six conservative justices, wrote the majority opinion. He was joined by the courts more liberal justices, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, and conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The ruling means Alabama must now redraw its district lines again, this time more racially equitably.

Test case for conservative Supreme Court

This case was considered an important test for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the conservative Supreme Court. The Voting Rights Act prevents states from enacting policies that discriminate against voters based on race or other protected categories. Various provisions of the act allow the federal government to oversee state-level voting policies in areas with a history of discrimination and intervene if new policies unfairly target minority populations. However, as the Supreme Court has grown more conservative in recent years, it has taken a much narrower view of enforcing the Voting Rights Act.

Most notably, in 2013, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 ruling that eliminated Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, the portion of the law that required states with a history of racial discrimination to preclear changes to their voting laws with federal authorities to make sure they were not creating policies that would unduly burden Black voters. Since this ruling, various states have enacted policies targeting Black voters, and fighting these policies in court has been more challenging. Just last year, the Supreme Court allowed the 2022 election to take place in Alabama using the map the court now has deemed illegal. However, Thursdays ruling, drawing upon Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, bans racially discriminatory practices in voting laws.

A surprise ruling divides the Supreme Court

Given the Supreme Courts conservative leanings and recent history of rulings, journalist Philip Lewis described Thursdays ruling as a surprise.

WASHINGTON (AP)  Supreme Court, in surprise, rules for Black voters in Alabama in congressional redistricting case.  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 8, 2023

Despite most justices siding with voting rights advocates, four of the Supreme Courts conservatives dissented. Clarence Thomas wrote that the ruling forced Alabama to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the States population. Espousing a narrow interpretation of the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution, Thomas continued, Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it.

For now, at least, Thomas view is in the minority. Despite its recent actions, the majority of the Supreme Court recognizes racial discrimination still exists when it comes to voting in the United States, and this most recent ruling gives voting rights advocates hope they can still fight to ensure equal representation for all Americans.
Wizz Air's aircraft is parked on the tarmac at Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest

By Sarah Young

LONDON (Reuters) -European low-cost airline Wizz Air is confident that strong bookings combined with a big investment in its operations to avoid last year's summer travel snags plus its growing fleet will help it swing to a profit this year.

For the 12 months to the end of next March, Hungary-based Wizz said it expected a net profit of 350 million to 450 million euros ($481.59 million), a huge improvement on the annual net loss of 535 million euros it reported on Thursday.

Its forecast was better than the 343 million euro consensus outlook, lifting the airline's shares by 3% to 2,838 pence.

"The fact that management are willing to give profit guidance for the current fiscal year is a sign of confidence," said Goodbody analysts.

Wizz, whose main operations are in central and Eastern Europe, but also has a fast-growing Middle East business, cautioned that its outcome was contingent on there being no new adverse events such as the Ukraine war.

Last year, Russia's invasion impacted Wizz's performance forcing it to suspend operations there. A lack of fuel hedging plus airport issues also dragged.

Wizz, like many airlines, was forced to cancel flights last summer after a faster-than-expected rebound in air travel coupled with labour shortages caused chaos at airports.

Jozsef Varadi, Wizz's chief executive, said the airline was better prepared for this summer, the most profitable period for European airlines.

"We have invested essentially hundreds of millions in magnitude into making our operating model a lot more resilient," he said in an interview.

That meant more spare aircraft, spare parts, extra pilots and cabin crew were available.

Wizz said it was seeing strong bookings and higher fares for summer, in line with trends identified by competitors such as Ryanair, Europe's biggest airline, and easyJet.

The airline is set to receive 30 new A321neo aircraft from Airbus by April 2024. Varadi said he was confident those would arrive despite supply chain issues.

($1 = 0.9340 euros)

($1 = 0.9344 euros)

(Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Paul Sandle, Robert Birsel)
Pastor Rick Warren Urges Southern Baptists to 'Remember, Repent and Return to the Things We Did at First'

Fourth-Generation SBC Leader Releases Latest Video in Series to Challenge the Denomination for the Fulfillment of the Great Commission



NEWS PROVIDED BY

A. Larry Ross Communications

June 8, 2023



LAKE FOREST, Calif., June 8, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pastor Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church, best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life and Coordinator of the global Finishing the Task coalition, today announced the release of the third video in his series, "SBC at the Crossroads," in which he addresses the unprecedented decline of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).



Available now on SBCStand.com, Warren challenges that when you observe and listen to Baptists today, it's apparent that many are unfamiliar with the roots of the denomination to which they belong.







"Many people assume that I'm making these videos simply about the question of women in ministry, but that's not the case," said Warren. "That issue was simply the precipitating event that uncovered a number of weaknesses that must be addressed. There are far, far bigger issues at stake here."



Deeply concerned about the SBC's 17-year denominational decline resulting in a loss of a half-million members last year, Warren asserts the SBC must recover the 7 unique distinctives upon which the Convention was founded 178 years ago that helped grow the denomination:

B - Bible as our Sole Authority



A - Autonomy of Every Local Church



P - Priesthood of Every Believer



T - Take the Gospel to the Whole World



I - Immersion Baptism for Believers Only



S - Separation of Church and State (to Guarantee Religious Liberty)



T - Training in Righteousness

"Let me be very clear; I'm not worried about the SBC's survival," Warren explained. "There are plenty of examples of other denominations that have continued to survive 50, 60  even 70 years of decline  and are still limping along as a weak representation of what they used to be.



"I don't doubt our survival, but I do doubt our effectiveness," he continued. "I don't want to see a formerly great denomination have no impact anymore, or at least reduced impact. For our denominational family to be renewed, revitalized, refreshed and revived, clearly there are some things that must change."



Warren believes that if something is worth saving, you fight for it. To that end, he is scheduled to give a 3-minute appeal to SBC messengers from the Convention floor at the Annual Meeting in New Orleans on the afternoon of June 13, 2023.



To generate constructive dialogue and deliberation ahead of the Annual Meeting, Warren's video series is one of many resources he has supplied on SBCStand.com. Other relevant news articles, videos and interviews include:

To learn more about Pastor Rick Warren's stand for the renewal, revitalization and revival of the SBC and/or be informed of the release of new videos, essays, interviews and articles, visit SBCStand.com.



About Pastor Rick Warren

Rick Warren is the founding Pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California, which grew to over 30,000 weekly attendees across 19 locations, including four international campuses and via streaming online, hosting listeners from around the world. He currently serves as Coordinator of Finishing the Task, a global coalition of churches, denominations, Christian organizations, mission agencies and media working together toward the Great Commission goal of ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to a Bible, a believer and a body of Christ by 2033 A.D., which will be the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' resurrection and the foundation of the Christian church.



In May 2023, Warren was installed as first-ever Chancellor of Spurgeon's College of London, the leading evangelical college in the United Kingdom, founded by esteemed Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon.



Warren has a Bachelor of Arts degree from California Baptist College, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.



SOURCE A. Larry Ross Communications



CONTACT: A. Larry Ross, alr@alarryross.com


By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate a lawsuit by Amy Cooper, the white woman who became known as "Central Park Karen" after calling police on a Black bird-watcher, against the employer that fired her following the encounter.

In a 3-0 decision, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said Cooper did not prove that Franklin Templeton illegally dismissed her on the basis of race or defamed her by branding her a racist.

Cooper had been an insurance portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton, a unit of San Mateo, California-based Franklin Resources.

"Karen" is sometimes used as a pejorative for an entitled white woman.

The case arose from a May 25, 2020 video that went viral, in which Cooper confronted bird-watcher Christian Cooper, who is not related.

Amy Cooper said she would tell police "there's an African-American man threatening my life" after Christian Cooper asked her to leash her dog to comply with park rules.

Franklin Templeton fired Amy Cooper the next day, saying it had conducted an internal review and that "we do not tolerate racism of any kind."

The appeals court said Franklin Templeton's statements said nothing about Cooper's race, and that if reasonable readers thought it were accusing her of racism they would have considered it an "expression of opinion" based on the video.

That video, the court added, had been circulated "in the midst of an ongoing national reckoning about systemic racism," having been taken the same day a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd, who was Black.

Lawyers for Cooper did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Franklin Templeton said it was pleased with the decision. "We continue to believe the company responded appropriately," it added.

The decision upheld a lower court judge's dismissal of Cooper's case last September.

The case is Cooper v Franklin Templeton Investments et al, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 22-2763.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang and Bill Berkrot)
Woman hid dads death for 25 years to steal half-a-million in Social Security, feds say

A woman kept collecting her fathers Social Security benefits without interruption for 25 years  until federal agents confronted her, prosecutors said.

The 63-year-old hid her fathers death from the state of New Mexico after he died at Crownpoint Healthcare Facility, a hospital where she worked, in October 1996, court documents show.

She stole $551,436 in Social Security Administration Retirement Insurance Benefits paid to her father as a result, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico.

A judge sentenced the woman, of Crownpoint, to five years of unsupervised probation and ordered her to pay the same amount she stole in restitution, the attorneys office announced in a June 8 news release.

McClatchy News contacted the womans attorney for comment on June 8 and didnt receive an immediate response.

Her sentencing comes after she pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud on Feb. 8, prosecutors said.

Ahead of the sentencing, prosecutors argued that since she worked at a hospital, the woman was aware of the obligation to report her fathers death, court filings show.

However, she didnt do so and went on to make herself the co-owner of her fathers bank account and acquired several debit cards linked to that account, according to a sentencing memo filed by the government.

On Dec. 6, 2021, when federal agents confronted the woman, she immediately expressed remorse, the memo says.

I know I did wrong.  I know I am guilty, she told agents, according to the memo.

Following her fathers death, she was responsible for caring for the rest of her family and making arrangements for his passing, a sentencing memo submitted by her attorney on her behalf shows. She used her fathers benefits to make ends meet over the years, her attorney wrote.

Although the woman was not eligible for a sentence of probation, based on U.S. sentencing guidelines, prosecutors argued five years of unsupervised probation and restitution was sufficient due to her life circumstances, the governments memo shows.

Her willingness to immediately admit to wrongdoing once confronted is significant, prosecutors wrote.

In addition, they noted her lack of a criminal history, age, that she has seven children and suffers from several health issues, including long COVID, weighed in favor of probation instead of a custodial sentence, according to the sentencing memo.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.

Although prosecutors have publicly identified the woman, McClatchy News isnt naming her because shes not accused of a crime causing direct physical harm to another person.

Crownpoint is about 130 miles northwest of Albuquerque.

Her mom died in 2016, but she kept collecting her retirement benefits, feds say

Military spouse kept his second, third marriages a secret and stole $364,000, feds say

Missing moms boyfriend stole her disabled sons benefits after she vanished, feds say

Son stole dads Social Security benefits after he disappeared in Florida, feds say
Who is this woman hit and killed on a California interstate? Authorities seek answers

The name of a woman hit and killed by a vehicle on a California interstate in May remains a mystery that authorities are hoping to solve.

The unknown woman died May 14 on Interstate 880 in San Jose, the Santa Clara County Medical Examiners Office said in a news release on June 7. Its not known if she was homeless or a transient.

Shes described as being 40 to 50 years old, 5 feet, 1 inches tall, 110 pounds with medium-length gray and red hair, brown eyes and natural teeth.

She has no obvious tattoos, the office said. It also released an artists sketch of the woman.

Authorities ask anyone with information to call 408-793-1900, ext. 3.

Man vanishes on trip to spread loved ones ashes, Oregon cops say. Now body found

Elaborate booby traps at 71-year-olds Oregon home hurt FBI bomb technician, feds say

Head-on crash during road rage battle kills two oncoming motorists, Utah cops say
The occupiers complain that the command is simply throwing them to the slaughter

A man in the video says that a Russian commander gave orders to attack his battalion  even after he was told that Russian soldiers were at the coordinates.

"There was no support from our side. We were under enemy shells, but no one shelled them. Also, our Grad MLR fired on us. They received the order... the coordinates... They said that our guys are there but were ordered to shell anyway. And the Grad shelled our positions," the invaders whined.

Read also: Uncontrolled Wagner fighters execute Russian blogger, expert says

The orders to shell their own troops were give by a commander with the call sign "Gyurza," they said.

"Our boys were in that position... We hadn't retreated yet when Gyurza ordered to shell this area, this square of land. They told him that our soldiers hadn't left the positions. Women will give birth to new ones, he replied. He aired it by radio so as the entire battalion could hear him. Well, the remains of the battalion..." the Russian soldier said.

The man complains that Russian troops have completely lost control over the current situation.

"We want to address people so that they know the truth about our situation. We've held our positions with all forces and by all means. But we've run out of means... There is no support, roughly speaking, no evacuation, no rationality at all. There are no command staff here. We're abandoned. We also lack communication. Just yesterday we were holding our positions without any communication, without anything. With no orders... We spent the whole night under shelling. And we didn't know what else we were supposed to do," the Russian occupiers complained.

Read also: Russian troops flee first line of defense near Kherson... all wet

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Worcester has a break from wildfire smoke alerts. Will it last this weekend?

Haze from the Nova Scotia wildfires hangs over Mill Pond in Westborough, in a photo taken last week.

WORCESTER  After two straight days of statewide air-quality alerts, Worcester was somewhat out of the woods Thursday as other parts of the state continued to suffer with heavy smoke from wildfires raging in Canada.

The city's air quality was "moderate" Thursday, according to IQAir, the worlds largest real-time air-quality platform.

Other parts of the state weren't as fortunate. Air-quality alerts announced by the state Department of Environmental Protection were expected to remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. Thursday for four Western Massachusetts counties: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden.

Smoke could return Friday

Worcester isnt totally rid of it, said meteorologist Alan Dunham at the National Weather Service in Boston. That is because winds could move southwest Friday, potentially sending smoke in a northeast direction and potentially back into Worcester.

(Friday) winds could creep up the northeast a little more. Well see how it transpires, said Dunham.

Worcester could potentially be fully clear this weekend, said Dunham, as upper-level winds could push smoke out of the region. However, Dunham said not to bet the house on it because its too early to tell with certainty what will happen.

The air quality in Worcester Friday and Saturday is expected to fall in the good range, according to IQAir, with Sunday back in the moderate category.

Fine smoke particles hamper much of New England

Elevated levels of pollution from the wildfires in Quebec and Northern Ontario continue to hamper many areas in New England, said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The primary concern is high concentrations of fine particles that are unhealthy for people with respiratory disease, the elderly and those with compromised health.

High particle concentrations are a concern in Western Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and portions of Vermont.

Climate change a factor

Many areas in New England are currently experiencing unhealthy air quality levels due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. Scientists predict that the fire season in Canada will be longer and more intense as a result of climate change, so there is a chance we will see more of these kinds of events, said EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash.

'Surprised'

John Rogan is "surprised" by the level of Canadian wildfires.

Rogan, a geography professor at Clark University, has spent years studying fires in California and Arizona. What strikes him as unusual is not only the size of the Canadian fires but that also many are happening simultaneously, developments he said haven't really happened before in the Eastern Canadian provinces, especially Nova Scotia.

It could happen in Massachusetts

Rogan believes wildfires could ignite closer to home in Massachusetts, because summers are dryer and warmer. So are winters, and that means a spark from a railroad car or power lines could start a blaze that spreads far and wide.

"The dryer the conditions, the greater the risk," said Rogan.

Massachusetts is taking steps to prevent wildfires, and Rogan cited two state forest in Southeastern Massachusetts - Myles Standish and Freetown-Fall River - as examples where officials take the preventive step of burning trees, shrubs and grass during the cooler months in order to reduce fire risk.

But pockets of risk remain, said Rogan, especially on the South Shore and Cape Cod where an ample supply of "fuel," like vegetation and scrub oak and pine trees, can catch fire.

"Should something occur (on the South Shore and Cape), like arson or an accident or a campfire, the potential for large fires is much higher," said Rogan.

There's no doubt, according to Rogan, that fires in the U.S. and Canada are much larger compared to 20 or 30 years ago, and he said the data proves it.

"Fires are bigger and burn longer because of fuel conditions. In California fire season used to start in May and there were none after September. Now, there are fires the entire year. It's true to say the area burned is increasing across the board."

Make frequent checks

The EPA's Cash recommended that people frequently check the Air Quality Index in their area throughout the day and take steps to cut smoke exposure to protect their health.

Sensitive groups, including people with heart or lung disease, face increased risk of health complications. If unhealthy symptoms develop, Cash recommended immediate medical attention.

Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposure and will not have long-lasting health effects, said the EPA. But those with chronic disease face a greater risk of more severe health effects. So do children, pregnant women and people over 65.

Another EPA recommendation is to limit outdoor exercise when it's smoky or stick to lower-intensity activities. If you have to be outside, the EPA says to wear an N-95 mask.

Sunday could be the pick of the weekend

If winds do push the smoke out of Worcester and New England this weekend, Sunday should be a lovely day. The forecast calls for sunny skies in the upper 70s, said Dunham at the National Weather Service.

The temperature Thursday was in the upper 60s. Cloudy skies in the mid-60s with showers clearing in the afternoon was expected Friday. Saturdays forecast is the upper 60s, with more clouds and a 50% chance of rain.

The Telegram & Gazette is investigating the effects of a rapidly heating planet on people who live in our city. Follow along with "City on Fire" as we report the struggle with summer temperatures, even in New England. This is part of the USA TODAY project Perilous Course. Contact reporter Henry Schwan to be included in a story if you have been affected by heat: expense of air conditioning or lack of it, health risks, less access to green space, concern about pets and animals in the summer conditions, worry about an older loved one, etc.

Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter: @henrytelegram.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Wildfire smoke forecast for Worcester County
Vaccines against African swine fever being tested in Vietnam are close to approval, global and US veterinary officials said, in what would be a major breakthrough to tackle the deadly animal disease that regularly ravages pig farms worldwide.

African swine fever has for years disrupted the $250 billion global pork market. In the worst outbreak in 2018-19, about half the domestic pig population died in China, the worlds biggest producer, causing losses estimated at over $100 billion.

After decades of failed attempts due to the complexity of the virus, two vaccines co-developed by US scientists being tested in large pilot schemes by Vietnamese companies are showing very promising results, Gregorio Torres, head of the science department at the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), told Reuters in a telephone interview.

We have never been so close to get a vaccine that may work, Torres said, noting the two shots had probably the highest chances to succeed and be authorized for sale worldwide.

Both vaccines have received approval in Vietnam for pilot commercial use, now completed. The next step will be nationwide authorization, the first ever for an African swine fever vaccine, and possible sales overseas.

US agriculture secretary Thomas Vilsack said there was likely to be interest in precautionary purchases in the United States, despite the country having so far been spared from the virus.

There will be a specific interest obviously, Vilsack said in an interview with Reuters in April, speaking about possible purchases of the Vietnamese vaccines.

The vaccines were tested in Vietnam, where swine fever is a constant threat, because they could not be developed in the US as the virus is not present there.

Since 2021, swine fever, which is not deadly to humans, has been reported in nearly 50 countries and caused about 1.3 million pig deaths, WOAH said in a regular report last week.

Currently there are no major outbreaks, but agribusiness lender Rabobank warned in April that the possible spread of the disease, especially in China, remained among the top risks to the global pork industry.

No safety issues

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers have reviewed the results of one of the vaccines, NAVET-ASFVAC, which they co-developed with Vietnamese company NAVETCO, a USDA spokesperson said.

After the vaccine showed a high level of efficacy and no safety risks in trials, 600,000 doses were approved for initial sales to pig farmers in Vietnam, of which the first 40,000 have been delivered without any safety problems, USDA said.

That followed an initial hiccup when use of the vaccine was suspended after dozens of pigs died last summer following inoculations in farms that used the vaccine off-label, USDA said, administering it to hogs that were not supposed to be inoculated, such as pregnant sows.

No problems emerged after deliveries resumed with adequate veterinary monitoring, USDA said.

NAVET-ASFVAC is an attenuated live-virus vaccine, like those used in childrens routine vaccinations around the world. Use of unlicensed live-virus vaccines in China in past years raised concerns they caused the emergence of new strains of swine fever.

Only limited data are available from Chinas trials on a live-virus vaccine against swine fever.

The second vaccine tested in Vietnam, AVAC ASF LIVE, which was discovered by US researchers and commercialized by Vietnamese firm AVAC, has been delivered to more pigs than NAVET-ASFVAC under its pilot deployment, but USDA said it had not yet reviewed the data.

NAVETCO, AVAC and Vietnams agriculture ministry, which is responsible for approval of veterinary vaccines, did not respond to requests for comment.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Average annual greenhouse gas emissions topped 54 billion tonnes over the last decade -- 1,700 tones every second (Asaad NIAZI)

Record-high greenhouse gas emissions and diminishing air pollution have caused an unparalleled acceleration in global warming, 50 top scientists warned Thursday in a sweeping climate science update.

From 2013 to 2022, "human-induced warming has been increasing at an unprecedented rate of over 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade," they reported in a peer-reviewed study aimed at policymakers.

Average annual emissions over the same period hit an all-time high of 54 billion tonnes of CO2 or its equivalent in other gases -- about 1,700 tonnes every second.

World leaders will be confronted with the new data at the critical COP28 climate summit later this year in Dubai, where a "Global Stocktake" at the UN talks will assess progress toward the 2015 Paris Agreement's temperature goals.

The findings would appear to close the door on capping global warming under the Paris treaty's more ambitious 1.5C target, long identified as a guard rail for a relatively climate-safe world, albeit one still roiled by severe impacts.

"Even though we are not yet at 1.5C warming, the carbon budget" -- the amount of greenhouse gases humanity can emit without exceeding that limit -- "will likely be exhausted in only a few years," said lead author Piers Forster, a physics professor at the University of Leeds.

That budget has shrunk by half since the UN's climate science advisory body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), gathered data for its most recent benchmark report in 2021, according to the Forster and colleagues, many of whom were core IPCC contributors.

- Unintended consequences -

To have even a coin-toss chance of staying under the 1.5C threshold, emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other drivers of warming generated mostly by burning fossil fuels must not exceed 250 billion tonnes (Gt), they reported.

Bettering the odds to two-thirds or four-fifths would reduce that carbon allowance to only 150 Gt and 100 Gt, respectively -- a two- or three-year lifeline at the current rate of emissions.

Keeping the Paris temperature targets in play would require slashing CO2 pollution at least 40 percent by 2030, and eliminating it entirely by mid-century, the IPCC has calculated.

Ironically, one of the big climate success stories of the last decade has inadvertently hastened the pace of global warming, the new data reveal.

A gradual drop in the use of coal -- significantly more carbon intensive than oil or gas -- to produce power has slowed the increase in carbon emissions.

But it has also reduced the air pollution that shields Earth from the full force of the Sun's rays.

Particle pollution from all sources dampens warming by about half-a-degree Celsius, which means -- at least in the short term -- more of that heat will reach the planet's surface as the air becomes cleaner.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Earth System Science Data, the new study is the first in a series of periodic assessments that will help fill the gaps between IPCC reports, released on average every six years since 1988.

- Deadly heat -

"An annual update of key indicators of global change is critical in helping the international community and countries to keep the urgency of addressing the climate change crisis at the top of the agenda," said co-author and scientist Maisa Rojas Corradi, who is also the environment minister of Chile.

Co-author Valerie Masson-Delmotte, a co-chair of the 2021 IPCC report, said the new data should be a "wake-up call" ahead of the COP28 summit, even if there is evidence that the increase in greenhouse gases has slowed.

"The pace and scale of climate action is not sufficient to limit the escalation of climate related risks," she said.

Researchers also reported a startling rise in temperature increases over land areas -- excluding oceans -- since 2000.

"Land average annual maximum temperatures have warmed by more than half a degree Celsius in the last ten years (1.72C above preindustrial conditions) compared to the first decade of the millennium (1.22C)," the study reported.

Longer and more intense heat waves will pose a life-and-death threat in the coming decades across large swathes of South and Southeast Asia, along with areas straddling the equator in Africa and Latin America, recent research has shown.

mh/yad
Every once in a while, a show comes along that makes viewers want to linger on the couch with a pizza and binge-watch an entire season.

This summer, that honor may very well go to Special Ops: Lioness.

Running on Paramount+, the CIA thriller helmed by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone) gets its name from the Lioness Program, an initiative in which the Marine Corps assigned women to combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan to search potential female insurgents while remaining culturally sensitive to local belief systems that prohibit unknown men from touching women.

The show, which includes a star-studded cast  Zoe Saldana, Michael Kelly, Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman and Laysla De Oliveira  follows the life of Joe (Saldana) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIAs spear in the war on terror, according to Paramount+.

The Lioness Program, overseen by Kaitlyn Meade (Kidman) and Donald Westfield (Kelly), enlists an aggressive Marine Raider named Cruz (De Oliveira) to operate undercover alongside Joe among the power brokers of State terrorism in the CIAs efforts to thwart the next 9/11.

The shows trailer, which dropped on June 8, is packed with everything from drone strikes to gun fights and vehicle explosions. Between the proven director and cast, this should be one to watch.

Special Ops: Lioness debuts on Paramount+ on July 23.
ALBANY, N.Y.  A legal challenge that could eventually give New York Democrats a second crack at drawing new congressional district lines continued to work its way through the courts on Thursday, with a mid-level state appellate court hearing arguments that could restart redistricting by the end of the summer.

The gerrymandered lines drawn in 2022 that would have made Democrats the favorites in 22 of the states 26 congressional districts were thrown out on procedural grounds. That was the start of a rough year for Democrats in the state, who wound up winning only 15 of the 26 districts drawn by the courts and helped fuel Republicans ability to win back the U.S. House.

But lawyers with ties to the national party are now seeking to start the process from scratch  a move that could potentially help Democrats in 2024, particularly in the New York City suburbs where Republicans flipped three seats and will serve as one of the nation's top battlegrounds.

For all their pontificating and high-minded rhetoric about trying to defend democracy, well here theyre trying to subvert it, former Rep. John Faso, who has helped guide the GOPs legal strategy around redistricting in recent years, said after the hearing. Their goal here, if they win, is to put this case back into the backrooms of Albany and D.C. so they can gerrymander the whole state.

A constitutional amendment New Yorkers approved in 2014 says that an Independent Redistricting Commission draws a set of maps, then the Legislature can vote them up or down. If they are voted down, the commission draws a second set of maps that are once again given to the Legislature. If theyre voted down a second time, then lawmakers can draw their own lines.

But the commission last year never got around to producing a second set of maps. The Democratic-dominated Legislature drew its own lines, though they were ultimately scrapped once the courts intervened and drew the current lines for New Yorks 26 House seats.

At issue now is whether the maps drawn by the courts were a one-off deal used only for the 2022 elections.

The IRC has a constitutional obligation to finish drawing New Yorks congressional map, said attorney Aria Branch of the Elias Law Group, a Democratic-aligned firm which brought the case. The court drew a map in emergency circumstances for the 2022 elections only. That emergency is now over.

If they win, the entire process would presumably start over. A reconstituted redistricting committee would hold hearings throughout the state this fall and produce new plans by January. If two sets of the maps are voted down, Democrats in the state Legislature could have a new chance to pick up the pen and draw more advantageous lines.

Republicans argue that such a solution would be off the table. They point to constitutional language that says that any redistricting plans shall be in force until after the next decennial census unless modified pursuant to a court order.

The Legislature acted unconstitutionally with an unconstitutional gerrymander, Faso said. The only remedy was for the court to impose a remedy, and thats what they did.

The five judges who heard the case on Thursday repeatedly indicated that the 2022 decision from the Court of Appeals, New Yorks top court, did not leave them with much guidance as to whether they envisioned the maps they ordered as permanent or a stopgap.

And the case will almost certainly end up back before the Court of Appeals no matter what Thursdays judges wind up deciding.

I cant see how it wont, said New York Law School senior fellow Jeff Wice. Either sides going to appeal.

And theres a new wrinkle if the case ends up before the states top court. The court, which decided 5-4 in favor of Republicans in 2022, has since been revamped. Former Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, a one-time Republican who wrote the opinion in favor of the GOP, resigned last summer. Caitlin Halligan, who is viewed as more solidly Democratic, was sworn in on Wednesday.

New maps wouldnt be a silver bullet for what ailed Democrats in New York in 2022. Even if the Democratic-drawn maps had remained on the books, they would have likely only won one additional seat due to terrible showings on Long Island, where Republicans swept all four seats, and parts of the northern New York City suburbs.

But new maps could, even if the changes are slight, help Democrats in some key congressional districts in a presidential election year in the heavily blue state.
New Yorkers are getting a taste of what it's like to live in the pollution of Delhi, Doha, and Shanghai

The sun rises over a hazy New York City skyline. Seth Wenig/Associated Press

New York City's air is abysmal this week because of smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Hazy skies are a shock to New York and other eastern locales but poor air is common in many cities.

The US didn't always have the clean air many of us are used to.

As a former New York City resident, I'm always curious about what's going on there. This week I didn't expect my texts to be about air quality.

Coworkers, friends, and family members in various locales up and down the East Coast texted me about the terrible smoke blanketing their neighborhoods, with a cousin saying he'd had some trouble breathing. Another family member said Manhattan looked apocalyptic.

For the past few days, New York City's air has appeared dirtier than the bottom of a subway track. The foul air from massive Canadian wildfires is expected to linger through at least Saturday.

As shocked as New Yorkers  and people in other big cities from Detroit to Washington, DC  might be to barely be able to make out their skylines, this is nothing new for many people who live in other parts of the world.

Lahore, Pakistan; Hotan, China; and Bhiwadi, India, had the worst air quality in the world in 2022, according to data from IQ Air. My colleague Spriha Srivastava wrote that New York's suffocating smog reminds her of growing up in Delhi.

Indeed, New York City has found itself atop the rankings  and above all of the perennial offenders  for having the worst air quality and being hazardous to breathe. New York Mayor Eric Adams said that by Wednesday afternoon the air quality index hit 484, out of a scale of 500. As of midday Thursday, it's around 180  still not great.

New Yorkers and others are getting a taste of what it can be like to live in Doha, Qatar, and Shanghai, where at least air pollution appears to be improving.

The sky over Manhattan looked orange on Wednesday. Julia LeMense

In many developed economies, expectations about clean air are baked in. But that wasn't always the case, even in the US. Landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act, signed into law by President Nixon in 1970 and beefed up in 1990, acted like a giant air filter for the nation.

Today, in many global cities where the air quality is poor, the focus is often on building economies to lift people out of poverty.

"They're in a period of rapid economic growth," Robert Kremens, a physicist who studies wildfires, told Insider. "They sacrifice air quality over human health."

He said those decisions are often understandable because the focus is on ensuring citizens aren't going hungry, for example.

Yet there are consequences from the pollution as well. A study published last year found 86% of people living in the world's urban spaces encounter air pollution that's more than seven times above guidelines put out by the World Health Organization back in 2005.

Cleaner air is something the US now takes for granted  even out west where smoke from wildfires is far more common. Kremens, who is with the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at Rochester Institute of Technology, said the US made a decision decades ago to make cleaner air a priority. That meant a big drop in pollution from industrial smokestacks and tailpipes.

That was quite a change from the years before the federal government had the authority to regulate what America was sending into the sky. In 1948, for example, over the course of five days in Donora, Pennsylvania, 20 people died and thousands more were made sick by air pollution that spewed from a factory. It was incidents like this and seminal works like Rachel Carson's 1962 book "Silent Spring" on the effects of insecticides that propelled a nascent environmental movement.

When the first Earth Day took place in April 1970, air pollution was a major problem in most US cities. In 1969, a river in Cleveland topped with industrial runoff caught fire, something that had happened at least a dozen times before. Almost one in 10 Americans took part in demonstrations or activities on the first Earth Day, and those participants sought something in particular: government action.

Those actions have since made such a difference that many of us are now shocked by what poor air quality looks like.

"I'm going out to LA tomorrow. It's not red anymore. It used to be red when we went there," Kremens said this week from his office in Rochester, New York. "This is a societal decision, where we're going to clean up the air and the water." Kremens pointed to the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act as examples for what can be done when enough attention is paid to an environmental challenge.

These advance are likely why the recent haze choking so many eastern cities has been so jarring, even for Kremens, who has gone around the world studying  and fighting  fires for more than 20 years.

"I go outside and it smells like Montana," he said. "I have so many pictures on my wall that look like here now, but they're from Utah and Montana and places I've worked out west."

I'm looking forward to another batch of photos from friends and family in eastern cities  pictures showing clear skies.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  The local government of Albay has ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents within the permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mayon Volcano, where the alert has been raised to Level 3 due to "an increased tendency towards hazardous eruption."

In an advisory released Thursday, Albay Governor Edcel "Grex" Lagman directed provincial disaster management officials to begin the preemptive evacuation of residents inside the PDZ's six-kilometer radius.

Classes in all levels for schools inside the PDZ have also been suspended.

Lagman also ordered disaster officials to prepare for a possible evacuation of people inside the seven-kilometer radius extended danger zone should Mayon's alert level be further raised to Level 4.

Around 2,400 families or 10,000 individuals are expected to be evacuated from the six-kilometer PDZ, Albay's public information office (PIO) told CNN Philippines.

Meanwhile, if evacuation is ordered from within the seven-kilometer radius of the volcano, the number of evacuees could reach at least 16,000 or 4,600 families.

Government agencies have been preparing for evacuations following the increasing number and volume of rockfall events in Mayon Volcano.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has prepositioned at least 1,500 large tents for residents forced to leave their homes.

At least 100,000 food packs have also been prepared in various warehouses in Albay in preparation for the worst-case scenario for Mayon, the DSWD added.

The Department of Agriculture advised farmers to evacuate animals to safer areas and secure their farm equipment and machinery.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has on 8 June arrived in Kherson Oblast, where Russian invaders blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) and flooded dozens of settlement.

Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram

Quote: "Working trip to Kherson Oblast. A coordination meeting on dealing with the aftermath of the blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP dam.

There are many important issues: the operational situation in the region that has developed due to the disaster, the evacuation of the population from potential flood zones, dealing with an emergency caused by the blowing up of the dam, and the organisation of vital support for flooded areas.

We will also discuss the prospects for restoring the region's ecosystem and the operational military situation in the man-made disaster zone."

Details: According to Zelenskyy, it is important to calculate losses and allocate funds to compensate residents affected by the disaster.

Developing a programme to compensate for losses or relocate businesses within Kherson Oblast is also necessary.

The president also visited the crossing point in Kherson where evacuation from the flooded areas is taking place.

Update: Later, Zelenskyy posted a video from Mykolaiv Oblast.

The president visited the main pumping station of the Inhulets River Canal Administration, which was flooded due to the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam.

Evacuation of people has been carried out in flooded settlements, rescue workers and representatives of the authorities are working on the spot.

A round-the-clock disaster management headquarters has been established in Snihurivka hromada.

Background:

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, visits the flooding hit areas in Kherson, Ukraine, Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

KHERSON, Ukraine (AP)  Russian forces Thursday shelled a southern Ukrainian city inundated by flooding in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to the area to assess the damage.

The fresh fighting returned security issues to the region, two days after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River set off a scramble to evacuate residents in dozens of flooded areas and get aid to those still there.

Officials on both sides said least 14 people were killed in the flooding, thousands are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the collapse. Kyiv accused Moscow of blowing up the dam and its associated hydropower plant, which the Kremlin's forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage, and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages. Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press showed the ruined dam falling into the river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church.

Upriver from the dam, a supply of water used to cool Europe's largest nuclear power plant was nearing critically low levels, Ukraines state hydroelectric company said. But the U.N.'s atomic energy watchdog said Wednesday that work was under way to ensure the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant had enough water in reserve to cool its shut-down reactors, in case supplies fell too much.

Zelenskyys office said Moscow's forces also continued to shell Ukrainian-held areas near the nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.

The high water brought new misery and death to a country suffering uncounted casualties after 15 months of war.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied city adjacent to the dam, told Russian state TV that five residents there had died in the flooding. And Mykolaiv regional Gov. Vitalii Kim said one person had died in that region northwest of the city of Kherson.

Yevhen Ryshchuk, the mayor of Oleshky to the south who fled the town after the Russians took over, told The Associated Press that residents told him eight people had died so far in the flooding, with corpses floating to the surface. His tally could not immediate be verified.

Residents of Oleshky have accused Russian authorities in the town of not doing enough to help civilians, and they have formed a group of over 8,000 that is sharing messages about information such as stranded and trapped locals.

In the city of Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid. Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policemen, a doctor and volunteer from Germany.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Zelenskyy had visited only hours earlier, officials told AP.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, Internal Affairs Ministry said. Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Zelenskyy visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility in Kherson, ordering officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to compensate residents, his office said in an update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Regional Gov. Vladimir Soldo, who was installed by Moscow to oversee the area that Russia occupies, accused Ukrainian troops of firing at an evacuation point in Hola Prystan, a Russian-occupied town. Soldo said in a Telegram post that two people, including a pregnant 33-year-old woman, were killed and that two others were wounded. It was not immediately possible to verify his account.

Fighting has intensified along the more than 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraine's border with Russia  in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. Kyiv has said it won't announce the start of any such campaign.

The destruction of the dam prompted the United Nations and local officials to say that the most immediate concerns for affected areas were access to fresh water and avoiding contact with floodwaters contaminated by explosives and industrial chemicals.

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river. The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that once was home to more than 60,000.

In areas they contgrol, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been hospitalized, 4,280 people have been evacuated and 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the dam's destruction will eventually halt fresh water supplies to southern Ukraine and Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now, with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off water supplies to Crimea after Moscow's illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Putin cited the need to restore them as a main reason for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said about 600 square kilometers (231 square miles) of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper.

People are tired ... (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Prokudin said.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted the dam's destruction was an attack and an atrocious act, without assigning blame. Paris said it was rushing aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key Putin ally, said Kyiv blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched attempt to launch its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent battlefield developments amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In a podcast Wednesday, Michael Kofman of the Center for Naval Analyses, a U.S. research group, said fighting had taken a more qualitative turn with Ukrainian forces appearing to mount offensive operations near the eastern town of Velyka Novosilka and other points in southern part of the Donetsk region, as well as on its border with Zaporizhzhia province.

These attacks I dont believe to be the main offensive effort, but they mark what I think is the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, he said. This is now beyond shaping operations -- they are attacks with multiple brigades, they have dented Russian lines in and around Velyka Novosilka.

In the eastern Donbas, a battle continued for the largely devastated city of Bakhmut  one of the epicenters of the war. Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post, said it was advancing on the city's flanks.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said his country's forces drove back Ukrainian troops trying to punch through defensive lines in the Zaporizhzhia region after a two-hour battle involving what he said was up to 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers and 150 armored vehicles.

The enemys reserve forces specially trained for realizing this breakthrough did not fulfill their task, Shoigu said. He did not immediately give evidence for his claims.

Ukrainian armed forces spokesman Valerii Shershen acknowledged increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, but added he would not call it something serious.

___

Keaten reported from Kyiv. Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Joanna Kozlowska in London, Elise Morton in Thessaloniki, Greece, Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, and Hanna Arhirova in Warsaw, Poland, contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
BEDFORD  Policy INB, which caused much discussion amongst staff and residents at a previous Bedford County School Board meeting, will be discussed once again Thursday evening.

At the last regular board meeting on May 16, the policy, after much discussion, was tabled due to a split 3-3 vote as District 2 board member Matthew Holbrook was not present  members Susan Kirby, Susan Mele and Georgia Hairston voted against the policy; Marcus Hill, Christopher Daniels and Dwayne Nelms voted in favor of it.

Policy INB, as taken from the proposed change, states the following:

In addition, teachers shall not engage in discussions with students about sexual orientation or gender identity. Sexual orientation is defined as an individuals physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to people of the same and/or different gender. Gender Identity is defined as an individuals personal conception of their gender.

Classroom discussions of political and other controversial discussions of political and other controversial issues shall be facilitated by teachers without violating the provisions outlined in this policy and utilizing an impartial and objective perspective of the subject matter.

At the May 16 meeting, several people spoke out against the policy. Board members expressed some thoughts in favor and in opposition of it as well.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia added its concerns in a letter to the school board and Superintendent Marc Bergin on Tuesday, urging the board to reject the provisions to the policy.

The letter claims the provisions to the policy violates the First and 14th amendments, Title IX and disrupts compliance with other school boards policies.

The proposed INB policy violates constitutional and civil rights protections and threatens the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students in Bedford County Public Schools, we recommend that the Bedford County School Board vote to reject the proposed revisions in their entirety, the letter said.

The letter claims the policy is overbroad and vague and its an attempt to erase the identities of LGBTQ+ students, staff and public figures; and fails to provide a person of ordinary intelligence an opportunity to understand what teachers can and cannot say when interacting with students, saying the language invites discriminatory enforcement.

It claims the policy will lead to anxiety and uncertainty among BCPS staff members and it fails to meet constitutional standards.

The proposed policy will result in real harm by preventing supportive staff from connecting with vulnerable BCPS students, the letter said.

In a response, the school division issued the following:

Per the Code of Virginia, it is the responsibility of school boards to adopt policies that govern the school division. Consequently, if teachers, families, and staff members have concerns about policy, they should contact their school board members.

The division also added the proposed revisions further reinforce the school divisions commitment to nondiscrimination (Policy AC), by adding:

The school board expects administrators, teachers, employees, and students to respect the dignity of others, acknowledge the right of others to express differing opinions, as well as foster and defend intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry and instruction, and freedom of speech and association.

The board will meet in the Liberty High Schools auditorium Thursday at 5 p.m. and the approval of policy updates, including policy INB, will be an action item.

For more information on the policy, visit the boards agenda items on Board Docs.
BEDFORD  Policy INB, which caused much discussion amongst staff and residents at a previous Bedford County School Board meeting, will be discussed once again Thursday evening.

At the last regular board meeting on May 16, the policy, after much discussion, was tabled due to a split 3-3 vote as District 2 board member Matthew Holbrook was not present  members Susan Kirby, Susan Mele and Georgia Hairston voted against the policy; Marcus Hill, Christopher Daniels and Dwayne Nelms voted in favor of it.

Policy INB, as taken from the proposed change, states the following:

In addition, teachers shall not engage in discussions with students about sexual orientation or gender identity. Sexual orientation is defined as an individuals physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to people of the same and/or different gender. Gender Identity is defined as an individuals personal conception of their gender.

Classroom discussions of political and other controversial discussions of political and other controversial issues shall be facilitated by teachers without violating the provisions outlined in this policy and utilizing an impartial and objective perspective of the subject matter.

At the May 16 meeting, several people spoke out against the policy. Board members expressed some thoughts in favor and in opposition of it as well.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia added its concerns in a letter to the school board and Superintendent Marc Bergin on Tuesday, urging the board to reject the provisions to the policy.

The letter claims the provisions to the policy violates the First and 14th amendments, Title IX and disrupts compliance with other school boards' policies.

The proposed INB policy violates constitutional and civil rights protections and threatens the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students in Bedford County Public Schools, we recommend that the Bedford County School Board vote to reject the proposed revisions in their entirety, the letter said.

The letter claims the policy is "overbroad and vague" and it's an attempt to erase the identities of LGBTQ+ students, staff and public figures; and fails to provide a person of ordinary intelligence" an opportunity to understand what teachers can and cannot say when interacting with students, saying the language invites discriminatory enforcement.

It claims the policy will lead to anxiety and uncertainty among BCPS staff members and it fails to meet constitutional standards.

The proposed policy will result in real harm by preventing supportive staff from connecting with vulnerable BCPS students, the letter said.

In a response, the school division issued the following:

"Per the Code of Virginia, it is the responsibility of school boards to adopt policies that govern the school division. Consequently, if teachers, families, and staff members have concerns about policy, they should contact their school board members."

The division also added the proposed revisions "further reinforce the school division's commitment to nondiscrimination (Policy AC)," by adding:

"The school board expects administrators, teachers, employees, and students to respect the dignity of others, acknowledge the right of others to express differing opinions, as well as foster and defend intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry and instruction, and freedom of speech and association."

The board will meet in the Liberty High School's auditorium Thursday at 5 p.m. and the approval of policy updates, including policy INB, will be an action item.

For more information on the policy, visit the board's agenda items on Board Docs.
By the time the Bike with Mike event rolls into Minneola, Iowa, on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail on Saturday, organizers will have raised $600,000 for behavioral health services over the life of the event, now in its third year.

Omahan Steve Kutilek and his family started the event to honor his late son, Mike, to raise awareness about mental health issues and to help fund the integrated outpatient services and clinic at Community Alliance.

The program, he said, allows people who are beginning to feel signs of anxiety and depression to quickly get in and get assessed by its staff.

Community Alliances goal is to triple the number of people its staff are able to see through expanded programs and the construction of a new headquarters near 71st Street and Mercy Road, which is under way. The Omaha nonprofit has served Nebraskans with mental illness for 40 years.

Our big message to everybody is to try to destigmatize mental health (issues) ... and to get out there and talk about it, Kutilek said. ... That seems to be really making a difference.

The family also seeks to help close gaps in the communitys mental health services, an area where Community Alliance and other organizations are making progress, he said.

Mike Kutileks passion was biking, Steve Kutilek said, and he rarely missed a Thursday night Taco Ride on the Wabash. In his mid- to late 20s, Mike began dealing with anxiety and depression. His symptoms slowly escalated and he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The illness took his life in May 2020.

Participants in Saturdays event can complete a 10-mile bike ride from the trail head in Council Bluffs to Mineola, walk or jog on the trail, or drive to Mineola for lunch and a program on mental health at Tobey Jacks restaurant in Mineola. Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the walk or ride at 10 a.m.

Registration is $40, plus fees and sales tax, for adults and $25 for children 12 and younger and includes the trail fee, T-shirt, lunch and a swag bag. Registration can be completed online at www.bikewithmikeday.com until Saturday morning. Participants can also register at the trail head or in Mineola the morning of the event.

The event is also accepting sponsorships and donations. Major sponsors for Bike with Mike include the Hawks Foundation, the Heider Family Foundation, the Kind World Foundation and Dani and Dana Bradford.
A group of about 10 people gathered at Lincolns Pub to hear pastor, businessman and presidential hopeful Ryan Binkley give his pitch as to why he should be the Republican nominee.

Binkley, the president and CEO of Generational Equity and lead pastor of Create Church in Richardson, Texas, said he was called by God to run for president and preached a political message of unity.

I want to connect with all Americans about, what does it mean to be American? Binkley said. What are we going to do, what kind of sacrifices are we going to make to get our country back on track?

Binkley noted that the Republican party has struggled to get young voters in recent years and said that the party needs to change its messaging in order to appeal to them.

Like many of his fellow Republican candidates, Binkley highlighted the national debt as one of the issues he was most concerned by and said he wanted to balance the federal budget. He also emphasized the impact that healthcare costs have on the national budget, saying that he would work to reintroduce competition into the healthcare industry.

Binkley hinted at potentially cutting Social Security when a voter asked him how he would fund the program.

Whenever (Trump) says Were going to protect your Social Security, Im like Who are you talking about, my parents, or me or my kids? because you cant do all three, Binkley said. We can fix it right away, but wed need to either raise taxes or decrease the benefits  So, we have a real problem with the debt; I dont know how to address it other than to start saving money, and I certainly dont want to raise taxes.

If you had a problem with your car insurance and you didnt like it, what would you do? Binkley asked rhetorically. Youd get another one. You cant really do that with health insurance if you have it with the company you work with  so how do we get more competition with insurance providers and hospitals?

He mentioned wanting to build a culture of life, his website praising the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but Binkley also emphasized a need to fix the adoption and foster care systems, highlighting the high costs of adoption and lack of willing foster parents.

Binkley focused on policies that he believed both parties could get behind, such as packaging border security efforts with a pathway to immigration for undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S.

He also said he wanted to start a service and volunteering movement among young Americans as a solution to problems within the education system. These volunteers would serve as mentors to struggling students, especially within the inner cities.

When asked how he planned to defeat the likes of former President Donald Trump, Binkley said that Trumps, as well as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, divisive leadership styles were totally different than his. He cited the fact that 49% of Americans are independents, saying that Republicans needed to find a message that would unite, rather than divide, the country.
A public vote to determine how Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors representatives are elected will be held Aug. 1.

The special election was triggered by petition efforts made by the Western Iowa Labor Federation and the Concerned Citizens of Pottawattamie County.

County supervisors accepted the petitions 3,976 eligible signatures during a meeting Tuesday, passing a resolution to call for a special election.

Voters will see three options on their ballots, each offering a different plan for how supervisors are elected to the county board:

Plan One is the current structure, in which supervisors are elected at large without residence requirements  beyond living in the county  for candidates.

In Plan Two, supervisors are elected at large, but candidates must live within specific districts created within the county.

Under Plan Three, electors would vote only in the district they live and only for the representative of their district.

County Attorney Matt Wilber said that if voters choose to change from the current method, districts will be created to represent equal populations. A districting committee would form to provide official mapping of districts, which would then last through 2031, when redistricting would be required by law.

With Council Bluffs population over 60,000, Wilber estimated there would be four districts representing Council Bluffs  likely looping in Carter Lake and Garner and Lewis townships. A fifth district would represent the rural portions of the county.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1, but early voting will begin July 12 at the county election office. Early voting concludes July 26. Absentee ballots can be requested immediately and will be mailed out July 12.

Countywide elections typically cost around $100,000, County Auditor Melvyn Houser, although a special election may cost a little less.
Six members of the Class of 2023 at Bancroft-Rosalie High School received their associate degree diplomas from Northeast Community College on the same day as their high school graduation ceremony. The graduates are among a growing number of high school students who are getting a start on their college education through Northeasts early college program. Shown (from left) are Elise Raasch, Grace Johnson, McKenzie Murphy, Payton Nolting, Isabella Bonneau and MaKenna King.
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.
Brazils Senate has passed a resolution supporting Moroccos autonomy plan offered for the Sahara under its sovereignty, urging their country to recognize the serious efforts made by Rabat for a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Sahara regional conflict.

Time has come for our country to recognize Moroccos realistic autonomy plan, the basis for reaching a pragmatic political solution to the Sahara issue in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, said the senators in the motion approved by the Parliaments Upper House.

Brazils support of Moroccos territorial integrity at the UN Security Council will strengthen further trust and open up opportunities for mutually beneficial strategic partnership, they stressed.

The two countries, which share huge economic potentials, have signed several cooperation agreements in food security, investment, defense, customs, digital transition, vocational training, scientific research, double taxation avoidance, tourism, industry

Morocco continues to gain a growing support in Latin America for its territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Sahara, dealing a hard blow to polisario militia, armed, financed and sheltered by Algeria military junta.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is looking at tapping nursing graduates without a license to combat the shortage in the local health workforce.

The newly installed health chief bared this plan during a chance interview with reporters on Thursday, as he noted that there are 4,800 vacant positions for nurses in the government

Kinausap ko yung PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) commissioner, one of the commissioners, gawin naman natin yung mga may diploma maka-trabaho sa gobyerno and Ill give them three to five years to pass their board exam, he said.

[Translation: I talked to one of the PRC commissioners, let us allow those with diplomas to work in the government and I'll give them three to five years to pass their board exam.]

Herbosa said he would also initiate discussions with the Philippine Nurses Association to push for this plan.

If the law permits, the secretary said, private hospitals can do the same.

Alam ko yung mga private hospital hindi makapag-expand ng ward kasi walang nurse, he said.

[Translation: Im aware that private hospitals cant expand their ward because of the shortage in nurses.]

Herbosa said some of nursing graduates who failed the board exam settled for jobs in the field of business process outsourcing, aviation as flight attendants, and marketing.
The Libyan joint committee of the House of Representatives and High Council of State (6+6) has reached in the Moroccan city of Bouznika an agreement on the rules of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections due by end of this year.

The inter-Libyan agreement was reached Tuesday night after two weeks of debates and negotiations between members of the joint committee, tasked with drafting electoral laws of these important polls for peace and stability.

The joint committee agreement will be referred in the few days to the House of Representatives and High Council of State for final endorsement.

During the closing ceremony, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said the Bouzkina agreement is an important forward step in the process of finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis, noting that members of the joint committee have accomplished their mission.

Morocco is convinced that elections are the only way to solve the Libyan crisis, said Bourita, affirming that the electoral process cannot succeed without the involvement of all Libyans and that the solution will come only from the Libyans.

For his part, HoR member Jalal Shuwehdi thanked Morocco for hosting and supporting this new round of inter-Libyan dialogue to end crisis and violence rocking his country.

High State Council member Omar Abu Lifa said the joint committee has agreed upon all points related to electoral law which needs now to be approved by the Parliament in order to hold these long-delayed elections prolonging the countrys crisis and violence that are affecting regional peace and stability.

During latest UN Security Council meeting on Libya, UN envoy for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily said it is vital for the success of elections that all components of Libyan society are involved and have their voices heard, noting that the UN Support Mission in Libya has facilitated the 5+5 Joint Military Commissions engagement with Libyan security and military actors  including armed groups from western, eastern and southern Libya to promote the countrys territorial integrity, further national reconciliation, strengthen the ceasefire and mobilize all armed actors for election security.
The speaker of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, Amir Ohana, hailed King Mohammed VI for his open and forward-looking leadership, his vision of peace and his innovative thinking.

The Sovereign, who is following in the footsteps of his Grandfather the late Mohammed V and his father the late Hassan II, is working even harder to preserve Hebraic heritage in Morocco, stressed Amir Ohana in an article published in the daily paper Al Ahdath Al Maghribia on Wednesday, on the eve of a visit to Morocco.

A growing number of streets are bearing the names of Moroccan scholars of the Jewish faith, and museums and cultural sites of Moroccan Judaism are being opened thanks to the personal investment of the King, wrote Ohana, who added that he will begin an official visit to the Kingdom tomorrow at the invitation of his Moroccan counterpart, Rachid Talbi El Alami, speaker of the House of Representatives.

In this article, also published on the LObservateur du Maroc et dAfrique website, the speaker of the Knesset emphasized the framework of peace and prosperity in which the Moroccan Jewish community lives, stressing that the King is the guarantor of the security, both spiritual and physical, of all Moroccan citizens regardless of their faith.

Ohana, who spoke of his Moroccan origins, recalled that Jews from the Kingdom constitute one of Israels largest and most dynamic communities.

Over the years, Moroccan Jews have become integrated in all areas: security, the economy, science, and culture, he said, adding that many Israelis of Moroccan origin have been elected to positions of responsibility: members of the Knesset, ministers and now, for the first time, to the post of speaker of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.

The speaker of the Knesset also hailed the tripartite Morocco-US-Israel agreement, which enabled the restoration of relations with the Jewish state, calling it the most important breakthrough in recent decades.

This tripartite agreement, he noted, would lead to historic agreements, widen the circle of peace and bring Nations closer together, pointing out that peace offers so many opportunities and that cooperation in many fields is already in place.

There is hardly any area in which we dont work together, according to the Knesset speaker, who stressed that the restoration of relations with Israel has opened the way for Israelis to visit Morocco, which has become a popular tourist destination.

Those who come (to Morocco) always return with tales of the generosity of the Moroccan people, their human warmth, their love and compassion for others, noted the Knesset speaker, who expressed optimism that peace would be achieved and promoted in the Middle East region, thanks in particular to the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Paris-based multinational financial services company, Societe Generale, also known as SocGen, has withdrawn from four African countries, namely Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Mauritania.

The company announced this Thursday that it has signed agreements with two pan-African banking groups for the sale of its subsidiaries in the four African countries.

The company has not disclosed the reason behind the pullout but analysts believe the move is due to the growing anti-French sentiment in those countries.

France is facing a growing rejection of its foreign policy in its former colonies in sub-Sahara. Its influence has dwindled in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Central African Republic.

Societe Generale has inked agreements respectively with Burkina Faso-based Coris Holding for the takeover of the groups branches in Mauritania and Chad and with Paris-based Vista Holding that will take control the subsidiaries in Congo and Equatorial Guinea.

Completion of these transactions, which could take place by the end of 2023, is subject to the approval of the entities governing bodies, to the usual conditions precedent, and to validation by the relevant financial and regulatory authorities, Societe Generale said in a statement.
Egypt and Angola signed Wednesday two Memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in fields of security and groundwater on the sideline of the visit of the Egyptian leader Abdelfattah al-Sisi.

Angolan President Joao Lourenco and his guest al-Sisi witnessed the signings following talks between the two leaders.

The talks according to al-Sisis Office covered a wide range of issues of common interest, foremost of which are the overall developments in the various hotspots of conflict in the continent, especially Sudan, as well as ways of concerted efforts between the two countries to combat the phenomenon of terrorism and extremist ideology in Africa. Especially through strengthening security cooperation.

Al-Sisi embarked Tuesday on an african tour that will also take him to Zambia and Mozambique, last leg of his trips. He arrived Wednesday in Zambia where he is set to attend the 22nd Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Governments Summit in the capital Lusaka.

Zambia will take over the chairmanship of COMESA from Egypt during the summit. Egypt has chaired the organization since 2021.
Several countries have joined their voices to international and regional organizations to commend Morocco for its facilitation efforts in the settlement process of the Libyan crisis.

The United Nations, through the Secretary-Generals spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, expressed thanks to Morocco for its efforts to facilitate compromises on electoral laws between Libyan parties convening in Bouznika.

The Libyan joint committee of the Libyan House of Representatives and the High Council of State (6+6) held a two-week meeting in the Moroccan city of Bouznika that was crowned Tuesday night by an agreement on the rules of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections due by end of this year.

Dujarric said at the daily briefing Wednesday Weve taken note of the agreement that was reached by the 6+6 Committee. We did provide some expertise, technical expertise, to support the committee throughout the processthe committee members are really commended for their efforts.

And we obviously, we thank Morocco for facilitating these efforts, Dujarric said.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on its part thanked Morocco for hosting the Libyan 6+6 Committee in Bouznika (May 22 to June 6), which reached a compromise on the electoral laws.

In a statement, the Mission expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the 6+6 Committee, which was mandated by the Libyan House of Representatives and the Libyan Council of State to draft the electoral laws, and thanked the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the Committee.

UNSMIL recognized that important elements of the electoral laws and related issues require the participation and support of a wide range of Libyan institutions, representatives of civil society, including women and youth, and political and security actors in order to enable inclusive, credible and successful elections.

The Mission called on all Libyan actors to work in a spirit of compromise to resolve all outstanding issues and create a more secure and conducive environment for the holding of elections in 2023, while reaffirming its commitment, in accordance with its mandate, to the holding of transparent, inclusive and credible elections that will allow the Libyan people to freely choose their representatives and renew the legitimacy of the countrys institutions.

The African Union (AU) also congratulated this Thursday Morocco for hosting the joint 6+6 committee and for its facilitation efforts.

I congratulate the Kingdom of Morocco for its facilitation, wrote AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat in a tweet.

The Chairman of the AU Commission also welcomed the agreement reached by the committee.

In the same vein, Switzerland and The Netherlands have welcomed in tweets by their respective ambassadors to Rabat as very positive Moroccos commitment to a peaceful political transition in Libya following the meeting of the 6+6 Joint Committee, which reached a compromise on the laws governing the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, the Yemeni Foreign Ministry released a statement commending the efforts made by Morocco to ensure the success of this inter-Libyan dialogue and to reach these compromises.

The statement renewed Yemens support for any effort likely to realize the Libyan peoples aspirations to security, stability and development.

The draft electoral laws agreed upon by the joint committee will be referred in the few coming days to the Libyan House of Representatives and High Council of State for final endorsement.

During the closing ceremony of the meetings, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said the Bouzkina agreement is an important forward step in the process of finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis, noting that members of the joint committee have accomplished their mission.

Morocco is convinced that elections are the only way to solve the Libyan crisis, said Bourita, affirming that the electoral process cannot succeed without the involvement of all Libyans and that the solution will come only from the Libyans.

For his part, HoR member Jalal Shuwehdi thanked Morocco for hosting and supporting this new round of inter-Libyan dialogue to end crisis and violence rocking his country.

High State Council member Omar Abu Lifa said the joint committee has agreed upon all points related to electoral law which needs now to be approved by the Parliament in order to hold these long-delayed elections prolonging the countrys crisis and violence that are affecting regional peace and stability.
Morocco has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to international efforts to combat the terrorist threat, pursuant to the guidelines of King Mohammed VI, establishing a multidimensional approach that combines the achievement of security and peace with the goals of sustainable development and progress.

The remarks were made by a senior official of the Moroccan Foreign Ministry at the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh, held Thursday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The official, Ismail Chakouri, praised the coalitions efforts, in particular the responses set out in the action plan adopted by the Africa Focus Group at its latest meeting in Niamey in March, under the co-chairmanship of Morocco, Niger, Italy and the United States of America.

This action plan constitutes a clear Roadmap towards the enshrinement of the defeat of the Islamic State (IS), as it reflects the commitment of coalition members to implement the conclusions of the ministerial meeting held last year in Marrakech, particularly regarding the identification of capacity-building priorities and needs, the confirmation of links between terrorist and separatist groups, as well as the adoption of a comprehensive approach focused on civil efforts, he stressed.

Chakouri added that achieving these priorities depends to a large extent on deploying effective responses at local level in the various hotbeds of the terrorist threat, while avoiding regional conflicts which significantly exacerbate terrorist threats.

On the other hand, he pointed out that the efforts of the global coalition have helped to roll back the terrorist threat of the Islamic State in the Middle East. This is evidenced, he explained, by the decline in terrorist attacks, the neutralization of the organizations leaders and the drying up of sources of funding and recruitment.

Considering these achievements, the terrorist organization is tending to shift the focus of its activities to the African continent, particularly the Sahel and Sahara, where the terrorist threat is the main factor in the deterioration of stability and insecurity in the region.

In this respect, Chakouri explained that Africa is the only continent where three branches of the IS, as well as al-Qaeda, are active, in addition to 19 armed separatist movements operating in 22 countries, pointing out that in 2022, 43% of global terrorism victims were recorded in the Sahel region, compared to just 1% in 2007.

In addition, he reported an increase in terrorist attacks in the Sahel region of over 2,000% over the last fifteen years, stressing that terrorist groups continue to use advanced and modern technologies to achieve their goals, such as drones, virtual assets and encrypted communication platforms.

These data are sufficient to raise questions about the effectiveness of efforts to tackle the unprecedented expansion of the terrorist threat in Africa, as well as the reasons for the development of methods that create a fertile environment for the proliferation of the activities of transnational criminal groups and separatist movements, noted the Moroccan official.

At the end of the meeting, the participating countries issued a joint communique in which they welcomed the Republic of Togo as the newest member of the Coalition, bringing the total number of members to 86. Coalition partners confirmed their continued support for counterterrorism programming in Africa, Iraq, Syria, and South and Central Asia, demonstrating the Coalitions wide reach and sustained commitment to diminishing ISISs capabilities.

The Ministers confirmed their commitment to enhance the civilian-led counterterrorism capacities of Coalition members from Iraq to Africa, to South and Central Asia, emphasizing border and internal security, judicial reform, and intelligence and law enforcement information sharing via bilateral and multilateral platforms, the communique said, adding that border security requires the preservation and sharing of battlefield evidence as appropriate with law enforcement, and the collection and sharing of terrorist and terrorist suspect biometrics via bilateral and multilateral platforms such as INTERPOL channels.

Regarding sub-Saharan Africa, the participants discussed the emergence of Daesh/ISIS affiliates which operate in West Africa, the Sahel, East Africa, and Central and southern Africa. They lauded the work of the Global Coalitions Africa Focus Group, and highlighted the fact that it convened in Niamey, Niger in March 2023  the first Coalition event in the sub-Saharan African region. They similarly endorsed the Africa Focus Group Action Plan, adopted in Niamey, that calls on members to cooperate in improving African member civilian-led counterterrorism and strategic communication capacities, as well as the imperative to counter malign, separatist, and non-state military actors which undercut counterterrorism cooperation and destabilize regional security.
The African Development Bank has announced a 120-million funding to support Moroccos efforts to improve women-childrens healthcare in rural areas, especially in the regions of Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Draa-Tafilalet and Guelmim-Oued Noun.

The banks financial support is destined to improve access to healthcare centers, modernize health services through innovative solutions that improve connectivity and streamline their governance with better staffing and financial resources.

The funding will help to set up womens and childrens care units at the new Guelmim Regional Hospital and the Fkih Ben Salah Provincial Hospital.

It will also be used for the building and equipping hospitals in the targeted regions (construction of the Beni-Mellal Regional Hospital Center and the Azilal Provincial Hospital Center, and equipping the Fkih Ben Salah Provincial Hospital Center).

As to remote health sites, they will be equipped with telemedicine and tele-consultation facilities.

Over the past two decades, Morocco has made major investments in the health sector. Maternal and infant mortality and the coverage of key maternal and child health services have improved.

Morocco is committed to implementing the Health 2025 Plan to improve access to quality healthcare. The plan seeks to expand healthcare coverage, set up a social assistance system for vulnerable families and overhaul both the health sector and the public education system.
More and more influential Israeli politicians and senior personalities are pushing their government and country to officially recognize Moroccos sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory following in the footsteps of Washington.

All experts say :it is just a matter of time in view of the solid cooperation ties that are gaining momentum in all sectors following the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel in 2020 within the frame of the US-brokered Abraham Accords.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana who is on a visit to Morocco said on Thursday that Israel should move forward with recognizing Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara.

Ive said it before and Ill say it again now, as Speaker of the Knesset, very clearly: Israel should move forward towards this goal of recognizing the Moroccan sovereignty of the Sahara, as does our closest ally, the United States of America, Mr. Ohana told the press, following a meeting in Rabat with Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachid Talbi Alami.

As a descendant of this blessed land, I am deeply aware of the importance of recognizing the Moroccanness of the Sahara. [] Its not just me saying it, I think history says it too, added Mr. Ohana

He called for strengthening relations with Morocco in the fields of agriculture, tourism, security, water, desalination, renewable energies, scientific research

In a press statement made following his meeting with Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita, Mr. Ohana commended the Moroccan Kings courageous leadership in favor of peace in the Middle east and worldwide.

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to salute the courageous leadership of King Mohammed VI in strengthening relations between nations, establishing peace and promoting Moroccan values, said Mr. Ohana.

His visit to Morocco comes as the Israeli army is participating in the ongoing annual African Lion exercise, one of major military drills in Africa organized by Morocco and the United States.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  A Makati court has acquitted self-confessed drug lord Rolan "Kerwin" Espinosa of drug trafficking charges after prosecutors failed to provide enough evidence against him.

Espinosa and his co-accused Marcelo Adorco were cleared through a demurrer to evidence grant, which amounts to an acquittal.

"Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, the Demurrer to Evidence filed by both accused are hereby granted. Accordingly, Rolan E. Espinosa and Marcelo L. Adorco are hereby acquitted of the offense charged on reasonable doubt. They are ordered immediately released from detention unless they are confined for any other lawful cause, Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 65 ruled in a 21-page decision dated June 6 but publicized on Thursday.

Espinosa, however, will remain in detention as he still faces charges in two other courts, his lawyer Raymund Palad said.

Espinosa and Adorco were charged with violation of Section 26 (b) in relation to Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the attempt or conspiracy to commit illegal trading of dangerous drugs.

They were accused of conspiring and committing trafficking of some 50 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" in Makati City on June 7, 2015.

"In this case, the evidence of the prosecution failed to prove the elements of the offense to sustain a conviction beyond reasonable doubt," the court's decision read.

"The testimonies of the prosecution witnesses on the commission of the alleged conspiracy to commit illegal trading of dangerous drugs have no probative value for being hearsay," it added.

Espinosa has been cleared of drug trafficking charges twice, most recently in 2021, when Makati City RTC Branch 64 rejected the charges due to a lack of evidence. He was acquitted in the case also on the basis of a demurrer.

Six years after testifying before the Senate against detained former Senator Leila De Lima, Espinosa in 2022 retracted his allegations against her and her involvement in the illegal drug trade, saying he invented his stories of their dealings because police threatened him.

De Lima on Wednesday was denied bail on her third and last drug case.
For Trisha Stout, wounds are cool and gross. Her fascination led her to get her wound care certification so that she could assist with the new Wound Care Clinic at Gothenburg Health.

Stout is a registered nurse and holds a bachelors degree in nursing. For the past five years, she has worked in the surgery department at Gothenburg Health. With her new certification, she will split her time between surgery and wound care.

When advanced practiced registered nurse Amanda Standage joined the medical staff at Gothenburg Health, she brought her expertise in wound care that has led to the addition of a wound care program through the Specialty Clinic. Standage began seeing wound care patients in May on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Stout will assist Standage during those specialty clinic times.

Wound care is needed in the community so that patients dont have to travel to get the care they need. Wounds can affect other issues if not taken care of properly, so this is an important service that we are able to provide, Stout said.

Originally from North Platte and a graduate of Hershey High School, Stout said she chose Gothenburg Health because she knew she wanted to work in a critical access hospital.

Comprehensive wound care

The best possible dressing on the wound doesnt matter if you dont get to the core of the issue, according to Standage. You have to heal from the inside out by taking into account all factors that influence health such as blood sugar, pain, anemia and more, she said.

Standage said she became interested in wound care during nursing school when she had the opportunity to place a vacuum-assisted closure on a wound during clinicals. A couple of years out of nursing school, she had the opportunity to get certified in wound care with the encouragement of great mentors.

Not a lot of information was available about wound care in nursing school. Its a gray area because it isnt traditionally taught. Thats why people dont often get the care they need, she said. I knew I wanted to get certified so that I could provide a very needed service with the highest standard of care.

Care close to home

The benefit of having a Wound Care Clinic at Gothenburg Health is getting a high standard of care close to home. Many wound patients are older, so its helpful that they can get care without having to travel 45 or more minutes and without having to compromise their care, Standage said.

Standage joined the team of local providers at Gothenburg Health in December 2022. When providers learned that she had experience with wound care, they consulted her about the best options for wound dressing and follow up, she said. I saw a need and am excited to add the Wound Care Clinic to my current practice as a family provider.

Cassie Hilbers, chief ancillary officer at Gothenburg Health, said, Amanda is an excellent addition to our team of family practice providers. We are excited to expand our services to include wound care as part of the quality care we provide to Gothenburg and surrounding communities.

If you need wound care, see your primary care provider for a referral to the Wound Care Clinic. Same- and next-day appointments are available for the Wound Care Clinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. At the first appointment, Standage does a comprehensive intake to determine why a wound is not healing. For more information about Standage and the wound care program, visit gothenburghealth.org/news.

This content is provided for informational purposes only by the advertiser and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Any views, thoughts or opinions in this paid post belong solely to the advertiser and do not represent the views of Brand Ave. Studios or its parent company.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.
With three of four planned businesses and the first apartment dwellers now in its south side, activity in and near Heartland Flats at North Plattes District 177 is brisk on its north and west sides.

Former Platte River Mall occupant Bath & Body Works reopened late last month in the four-story apartment-retail building, becoming the first of four north-side tenants. Its open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

As New Generation Construction workers continued to work Monday inside Heartland Flats remaining three north-side bays, other crew members kept making progress on the new Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers restaurant to its northwest, fronting South Dewey Street.

They received a visit from Todd Ulsaker of Topeka, Kansas, co-owner with Ron Oberg of Wichita of some 20 Freddys franchise stores including Kearney and stretching from Texas to South Dakota.

Ulsaker said they expect Nebraskas westernmost Freddys to open during July, with the timing depending on when needed HVAC units arrive.

The duo became the first Freddys franchisees in 2004, he said, two years after the chain was founded in Wichita. Freddys now has more than 400 stores nationwide.

Passers-by Monday also could see the first steel frames rising for the building fronting Dewey that will be anchored by Rib & Chop House. Its on the old Nebraskaland Tire & Service location, west of Heartland Flats and south of Freddys.

Riddles Jewelry, one of three longtime retail tenants still in the north side of the old 1972 main mall building, will join the planned new restaurant there when that building is done.

The other two will move soon, with Famous Footwear set to complete Heartland Flats south-side lineup and charter mall business Maurices ticketed to be Bath & Body Works immediate north-side neighbor.

Next to Maurices will be Glicks, one of two all-new Heartland Flats tenants along with already opened Bling Glamour on the south side. One north-side bay remains available.

Remodeling of part of the 1972 main malls north side is already under way, with Five Below announced as a coming new tenant there.
Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Last week was a personal triumph for Kevin McCarthy. He had pressured President Joe Biden into making concessions on government spending and rallied a fractured GOP behind him to raise the debt limit. By the end, two-thirds of the Republicans conference had signed on, leaving the right wing of his caucus nothing to do but complain.

Or so it seemed.

On Tuesday, a dozen hard-right Republicans rebelled against the speaker and effectively seized control of the House by means of a rules vote. Traditionally a party-line affair, passing a rule is a necessary step to bring legislation to vote before the full House. Last week, these Republicans voted to stop the debt-limit deal from advancing, but Democrats broke ranks and pushed it forward. This time, those Republicans voted to block a rule to allow the House to vote on a pro-gas-stove bill, and Democrats stayed on their side of the aisle. It was the first time such a rule had been blocked since 2002.

This defection didnt occur because those Republicans love electric stoves, but to punish McCarthy for what they believe is a betrayal. They were furious that McCarthy had bucked them and their demands for deep spending cuts in order to get Democratic support. The result was that the business of the House ground to a halt, with rebels such as Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert tweeting, We hold the floor. After all, without these hard-right Republicans, McCarthy had no majority, and things werent going to get any easier in the future. We have a short majority, said Kelly Armstrong, an ally of McCarthys, of the speakers four-vote margin. Were about to very possibly lose two members in the very near future  a reference to both the pending resignation of Chris Stewart from Utah, to take care of his ailing wife, and the indictment of New Yorks George Santos.

With no resolution in sight, Republicans canceled the rest of the votes slated for Tuesday and then on Wednesday canceled votes for the rest of the week. Still, McCarthy was dismissive of the rebels concerns. Sounding like the parent of a toddler throwing a temper tantrum, he insisted with a smile, Some of these members, they dont know what to ask for. Theres numerous different things theyre frustrated about. So well listen to them and well solve this.

The problem, though, is that the members do know what to ask for. They want constraints on McCarthys ability to make future bipartisan deals, which they thought they got when the agreement was brokered to elect McCarthy speaker. There was an agreement in January and it was violated in the debt ceiling bill, Ken Buck told reporters. It turns out they were mistaken. The Indians who sold Manhattan got a better deal, as Gaetz put it to Steve Bannon on his podcast.

Yet McCarthy had already signaled a concession when he said he would be fine if the House passed spending bills below the caps agreed to in the debt-limit deal. The question is how many of these concessions will be enough for the rebels to stop blocking the floor of the House and allow Congress to return to normal  or at least, to as normal as things can get in 2023. With a government-spending fight lined up for the fall, the rebels need to make sure that McCarthy is once again constrained by the right wing of his conference and unable to make another deal with Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.

At that point, there may be another standoff, which McCarthy seems fine with the prospect of. When asked about the paralysis on Capitol Hill, he was zen: Its just a couple of days. Theres no deadline here. Its just like the same question you gave me when the speaker race was on. I wont give up, Ill get through it, and well listen to them and well reach a solution. McCarthy added, This job is not an easy job. I dont seek it because its easy. I like the challenge.
Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

In a welcome surprise to voting-rights advocates, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an Alabama congressional map on Thursday. In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled in Allen v. Milligan that the Republican-controlled legislature violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by failing to draw a second majority-Black district in the state, though the states Black population is large enough and compact enough to do so.

The majority opinion was written by Chief Justice John Roberts, which was unexpected as hes notorious for his past work in eroding voting-rights protections; ten years ago, the Roberts-led Court gutted Section 5 of the VRA, which required federal pre-clearance of state voting and redistricting decisions in states with a history of racial discrimination. But the bigger surprise was a concurrence in the decision by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who joined four other conservative justices to set aside a lower-court decision that would have forced Alabama to create a new map before the 2022 midterms. Kavanaugh and Samuel Alitos concurring opinion in this shadow docket decision emphasized the idea that the Court shouldnt intervene in such cases close to elections. At the time it seemed that might have just been an excuse to disguise Kavanaughs malign attitude toward applying the VRA to redistricting cases. But now it appears he meant what he said, at least in this case.

Ultimately Roberts and Kavanaugh joined the three liberals on the Court in upholding a 1985 precedent (Thornburg v. Gingles) providing a test for determining Voting Rights Act violations in redistricting cases. In a bitter dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas accepted Alabamas plea that the Court reverse Gingles and eliminate redistricting as an object of VRA enforcement. Thomas blasted the decision as yet another installment in the disastrous misadventure of this Courts voting-rights jurisprudence and argued for a color-blind approach to cases involving alleged discrimination.

The immediate effect of the decision in Allen v. Milligan will be to overturn an Alabama map that led to the election of six white Republicans and one Black Democrat to Congress. The state will be forced to create a second majority-Black (and very likely Democratic) district in the states Black Belt region in time for the 2024 elections. This is bad news for the Republican Party, which will be struggling to hold on to a narrow House majority. Even worse for the GOP, this decision may pave the way for fresh challenges to congressional maps in Georgia, Louisiana, and possibly other states. And there could be ripple effects in local politics and government, as the Brennan Center noted last year:

[S]ince the Supreme Court laid out the Gingles test nearly four decades ago, Section 2 has played a far more transformative role in ensuring that voters of color have equal opportunities to participate in the political process and elect their candidates of choice at the local level than it has at the congressional or legislative levels. Just this past decade, for example, Section 2 litigation opened the door for the first time to Black representation on the city council and school board in sharply racially divided Ferguson, Missouri.

More generally, by maintaining judicial scrutiny of racial gerrymandering, the fragile Court majority declined to give full rein to lawmakers determined to abuse their power in drawing maps for the U.S. House and for themselves. The Supreme Court has already taken the federal courts out of the business of policing partisan gerrymandering. So going forward, you can expect the Republicans who rely on marginalizing minority voters in order to hold on to power to work overtime to deny or hide racial motivations.
"It takes a leap of imagination"



Ok then fucking jump. Don't be a piece of shit about it just because your views are so narrow.

Reply

Thread

Link

Like its a goddamn fairy tale! Imagination is required!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

MTE! SHE'S ALREADY A FISHGIRL

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

They require realism in a movie about talking mermaid.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Why wait for a jump when a huge push would help

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

As an HCA fairytale fan, it takes a skyscraper plunge of imagination to accept the Disney adaptations in the first place. So that quote is truly... either be a fairy tale purist and stay away from Disney, or just admit you're racist.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

But mermaids themselves don't take a leap of imagination? K.

Reply

Thread

Link

anti-black racism internationally? shocked_pikachu.jpg!!!

Reply

Thread

Link

Yep, this is not surprising. Asia unfortunately is still obsessed with their own whiteness and still hold insane beauty standards.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

this sucks, i feel bad for her.



acting like disney's lazy storytelling has anything to do with the casting is a choice. Halle seems quite charming in this even if the movie itself looks terrible

Reply

Thread

Link

The movie wasn't even awful as far as live action Disney adaptations go!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The movie is far from terrible, give it a shot

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

what were your thoughts on the other disney live actions?

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

TLM is easily the best Disney live action imo, it's not ground breaking obviously but there's so much to like about it! I love how it expanded on the animation's narrative, and there are some really great performances. Halle is just perfect as Ariel, and her chemistry with Jonah/ Prince Eric is so natural and sweet

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

It's actually not a bad movie. I'm taking my mom to go see it with me for a second time. My sister cried when I took her because Halle killed it during "A Part of Your World". I don't cry but even I got a little teary eyed by her delivery.



Easily one of the better live action remakes we've had. Like damn I'm back in my little mermaid feels tbh

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The controversy surrounding Disneys forced inclusion of minorities in classic films is not about racism, but its lazy and irresponsible storytelling strategy



I think its both. This will continue until Hollywood comes with original stories worth telling from minorities POV. Ive always maintained that casting people of color in character that were originally white is lazy and will only hurt in the long run. People of color deserve to have their own stories. Yes, challenge the audience imagination but also your own to come with something fresh.

Reply

Thread

Link

Why is it lazy to cast poc's in characters that were originally white? Surely it's lazy to do the same thing as the original.

Poc's can (and do) have their own stories as well as being cast in remakes, we can have both!

Who is it hurting in the long run?



Edited at 2023-06-08 12:50 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i think they just meant that it's lazy of hollywood to just do this constantly to prove 'um look we DO include poc' and then pat themselves on the back while doing nothing further and the actor/actress gets thrown to the wolves



Edited at 2023-06-08 01:16 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I mean its objectively lazy to just make remakes all the time.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I don't mind casting POC in known IPs but there is lazy about it and also you don't see the same level of support for original projects by POC-lead cast & crew.



Edited at 2023-06-08 01:58 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Ive always maintained that casting people of color in character that were originally white is lazy and will only hurt in the long run. People of color deserve to have their own stories.



Those things aren't mutually exclusive though. Keeping the classics forever white is just yet another way to deny opportunities to POC, and benefits no one. Things should reflect the context they're inserted in.



And on that note, little black girls also deserve to see themselves on screen, especially after being exposed to a vast majority of white princesses. No one's really losing anything over this casting, and the idea that changing a white character's race is lazy is deluded at best.



Historical reparation isn't just about the new, it's also about fixing some of the old so newer generations can learn sooner & have deeper, more meaningful experiences.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Except this kinda is a movie where it makes perfect sense for the main character to be black - like we're talking about a movie where the Oscar winning song from it has heavy Caribbean influence. I wouldn't call it forced inclusion - it's not like Belle or Elsa were just suddenly black.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

If you're upset about a black mermaid, you need to think long and hard about your shitty life

Reply

Thread

Link

Sus or not sus, that is the question



Edited at 2023-06-08 12:13 am (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

I have not seen this film but from what I have read back when they were making the film, arent they supposed to be from the Caribbean Sea?



The fuck? Shes perfect for the role! Have any of these people visit the Caribbean?



I am also so annoyed with stupid Latinos fans calling it : la sinegrita  that shit gets me so angry. I saw comments like that on Twitter and Im like: fool do you think youre white? Do you know how much racists gringos would make fun of your accent? Stupid bitches.



I wish I was in the mood of going to the movies just so I could watch it to spite those idiots but I cant bring myself to go to the ugly theater that is nearby.

Reply

Thread

Link

No but the way latinos use the word gringo to be blatantly anti-black and dismiss criticism is infuriating

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Damn! Come for me! I have used the word gringo but I always thought I was referring to the white people

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Many Chinese netizens said that like Snow White, the image of the

mermaid princess in Hans Christian Andersens fairy tales has long been

rooted in their hearts and it takes a leap of imagination to accept the

new cast



I am going to toe the line here, but the fact that they use Snow White  a character described as the fairest of them all, and yes I know it's about her personality, but fucking look at her  continues to reaffirm a lot about their beauty standards.

Reply

Thread

Link

Not that Im an expert bc have seen the back and forth from people here for like the last decade (having discourse and whatnot) and that that was.interesting too



Edited at 2023-06-08 12:21 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Its not like they try to hide their love of whiteness  skin lightening products are commonplace and most celebrities are pale or with a slight tan. And then you have countries like the Philippines whose international beauty pageant contestants are generally half-white with fair skin. Its really sad and frustrating, especially because many of the people who would say these things would deny that theyre racist because theyre Asian, even when discrimination due to skin color is textbook racism.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

"the image in Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale"  ridiculous. There are about fifty-thousand different illustrations of the mermaid character and they don't even have the fish tail in common. (Russian live-action film from the 70s or 80s had them in long gowns). Ariel isn't even the dominant version of Andersen's fairy tale because Disney's version is fairly removed from Andersen's tale. Referencing him only uses him to pretend that you've a century-long appreciation of the tale instead of one barely thirty years old.



Just say you're racist and do not hide behind some fake fondness for a dead author's creation.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

knew it was gonna go downhill when korea picked one of the whitest idols to dub halle's voice

Reply

Thread

Link

the "is the music gonna be reggae rnb too" comments when the teaser of "part of your world" came out was really disgusting

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

yeah I saw some other idiot talking about how theyre gonna ~blackwash~ one of the princes and give him a gold chain.



and these are in spaces where ppl are always getting mad about everyone assuming their criticism is based on racism. Like????



you can criticize something without make snow black and mud snow jokes (something else I saw someone insisting wasnt racist lmao k)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

a leap of imagination.... for a fictional movie... about mermaids....

Reply

Thread

Link

I can go along with a mermaid who is friends with a talking fish and making a deal with an evil magical octopus lady exchanging her voice for legs but I draw the line with accepting this mermaid is black.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Im not shocked at all!!! They love the culture just not the blackness.

Reply

Thread

Link

A leap of imagination but they can imagine a fucking spider jumping from building to building

Reply

Thread

Link

Oh lawd

Reply

Thread

Link
I completely read the name wrong and was like you casually mention that Rob Pattinson died?!?

Reply

Thread

Link

Same lmao then I was like ok his dad died

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Same! Glad to know I'm not the only one who got a brain knot reading the name xD Also glad RPattz is not dead, but this pos is.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Same lmao I was like damn

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Same, but I didn't think it was literal so I was trying to decipher the title until I saw the pic lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This was me too 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I feel like this whole thread is in the spirit of Tumblr's "how dare you say we piss on the poor?" reading fail

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I almost had a heart attack i love him sfm

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Bye bitch!!!!

Reply

Thread

Link

The fact that he died during Pride month is really just the icing on the cake.





Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I'M IN PUBLIC OP!!!!! DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!

Reply

Thread

Link









Edited at 2023-06-08 04:17 pm (UTC) I screamed in joy in my car when I heard the news on the radio. Laugh, gurl, laugh long and hard!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

omfg that title, savage

Reply

Thread

Link

Well this is nice!

Reply

Thread

Link

Party 

Reply

Thread

Link

Thats his POV right now

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I love the title!

Reply

Thread

Link

Oh no

Reply

Thread

Link





lmao well done, OP

Reply

Thread

Link

Finally some good news.

Reply

Thread

Link

The only sad part is that he got to spread his hate for too many years. Hopefully hell is keeping him warm.



Edited at 2023-06-08 01:20 pm (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

I dont necessarily believe in the after life but with people like this I hope its true and I hope he was all surprised Pikachu face when he wasnt taken up but down

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I hope it was slow and painful and he lived to see children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren disappoint him.

Reply

Thread

Link
The Indian government has repeatedly been calling for the worlds richest countries to help develop its clean energy industry to support a global green transition. India has significant renewable energy potential, from wind and solar to tidal and hydropower resources, but it requires high levels of funding to effectively tap into these resources. As one of the worlds most rapidly developing economies and with a population of 1.39 billion  second only to China  Indias sustainable development is a vital part of achieving the worlds climate goals and ensuring its energy security.

In 2022, India announced that it was aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, as well as to meet 50 percent of its electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2030. If achieved, this would strongly support goals laid out in the Paris Agreement and the previous two COP climate summits. As India rapidly develops its economy, it has the option of pursuing a traditional, carbon-intensive approach to industrialisation or a sustainable, decarbonised method, but this depends heavily on the investment India can attract in both its energy sector and its industries. If done successfully, Indias development could provide the blueprint for other emerging economies to follow.

For the last two decades, Indias economic growth has been one of the worlds highest, helping to significantly reduce poverty. It is becoming more urbanised, developing new buildings, factories, and transport networks. But this has been strongly supported by energy sources such as coal and oil, meaning that Indias greenhouse gas emissions have grown as it has modernised, to become the third-highest emitter in the world. Indias energy demand is set to grow by more than any other country over the next few decades due to its population growth and industrial development, making it vital to introduce a range of clean energy sources to the mix. Related: Russia Says It Will Study Irans Plan To Create A Natural Gas Hub

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced some ambitious climate targets last year, such as installing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, reducing the emissions intensity of its economy by 45 percent, and reducing a billion tonnes of CO2 by the end of the decade. In 2022, in the REN21 Renewables Global Status Report, India was ranked fourth in the world for its installed renewable energy capacity, as well as fourth in wind and solar power capacity. And by the beginning of 2023, India had a combined installed renewable energy capacity of 178.79 GW. This included 42.6 GW of wind power, 66.7 GW of solar, 10.2 GW of biomass, 46.85 GW of large hydropower, 4.94 GW of small hydropower, and 0.55 GW of waste to energy.

The government hopes to build upon Indias success in renewable energy through the accelerated development of a wide range of green energy projects over the coming decades. India has become the fastest in renewal energy capacity addition among the worlds major economies. In 2014, its renewable energy capacity stood at 20 GW, to achieve 100 GW by 2022, a figure that it far surpassed. And now, the Bank of America is anticipating huge levels of investment in Indias renewable energy sector over the coming decades to increase this capacity much further.

The co-head of investment banking for Bank of America in India, Debasish Purohit, stated this month that investment in the Indian green energy sector could reach as much as $800 billion over the next decade, as the world strives for a global green transition. This funding will come from a range of sources, from private Indian firms to foreign investors. Financing Indias green transition could not only be key to global net-zero aims but could also help investors looking to offset their carbon footprint through a range of projects. The investment bank suggested that the renewable energy sector could achieve around $250 billion in investment in the next decade, with the battery storage sector gaining around $250 million - supporting the development of grid infrastructure  and green hydrogen attracting around $300 billion.

The Bank of America has already facilitated a high level of development in green energy projects in India by advising several high-profile companies. It supported Actis LLP in its $1.6 billion sale of Sprng Energy to Shell and TPG Rise on its $1 billion investment in Tata Motors electric vehicle business.

And the government is already working on attracting more investment in the renewable energy sector. In April, India announced that it planned to issue tenders for the installation of 250 GW of green energy capacity by March 2028. This increase in renewable energy capacity is vital to India achieving its climate pledges, with one study suggesting that India must add at least an additional 180 GW of renewable-based capacity from 2022 to 2027. This equates to 131 GW of solar power, 33 GW of wind, 10 GW of large hydropower and 2 GW of biomass.

India has huge potential to accelerate its renewable energy development in line with a global green transition, but it will require a significant amount of private and foreign investment to achieve this goal. As one of the worlds fastest-growing economies and populations, it is vital that the worlds richest nations support investment in Indias green energy sector, as well as a decarbonised approach to industrialisation.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Dark fleet is a term used to describe the assortment of tanker vessels which conceal their locations so as to enable the transportation of illicit cargoes of crude oil and derivative products. This is done using a variety of deceptive techniques to prevent the tanker from being identified or tracked. These include turning off the vessels ID system, spoofing its location and using multiple flags of convenience over short periods. While this has been a long-running practice that emerged to cloak the transportation and sale of U.S.-sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iraq it exploded after Russias invasion of Ukraine. To penalize Moscow for the attack on Ukraine, the U.S. and its allies sanctioned Russias economically crucial petroleum exports. This caused the volume of vessels evading identification to surge. A substantially larger dark fleet is extremely beneficial for Nicolas Maduros Venezuela, which only two years ago was a near-failed state on the verge of collapse but has since seen its economy return to growth.

The dark fleet first emerged as U.S. sanctions against Iran and Venezuela were ratcheted up to prevent those pariah states from exporting their crude oil to key markets without incurring hefty penalties. The volume of tankers clandestinely shipping petroleum to Iran and Venezuela has surged over the last three years. According to a Reuters investigation, there was a fleet of 300 vessels clandestinely shipping Iranian crude oil by March 2023 compared to 70 in November 2020. The news agency also stated earlier this year that Venezuelas national oil company PDVSA had leased 41 tankers in 2022 to ship Venezuela crude oil, paying roughly double the market rate. In an earlier Reuters article, it was estimated that there were more than 200 tankers, including over 80 supertankers, shipping Iranian and Venezuelan crude oil.

Latest estimates from a variety of sources put the number of vessels in the dark fleet at a far higher number. According to maritime AI company Windward there are 1,100 vessels in the dark fleet, with around 32% crude oil tankers, another 20% being oil product vessels, and the remainder comprised of chemical as well as other types of tankers. Analysts from other data broker firms put the number of vessels at around 700, but given the fleets opaque nature, it is difficult to determine the correct number. While PDVSA has its own fleet of 22 tankers, a recent internal report claimed that at least half of them are in such poor condition, they are unfit to ship crude oil. It is for that reason, along with growing oil production, that a larger dark fleet will be beneficial for Venezuela. Related: Bitcoin Sinks As Crypto Companies Grapple With SEC Lawsuits

A combination of endemic corruption and malfeasance, sharply weaker oil prices, a lack of skilled labor and strict U.S. sanctions saw Venezuelas economic backbone, its petroleum industry, almost collapse. Against all odds, with the assistance of Russia, China and Iran, the national oil company PDVSA was able to rebuild some corroded energy infrastructure and bolster oil production. According to data supplied by Caracas to OPEC, Venezuela pumped an average of 810,000 barrels per day during April 2023, which was not only 7% higher than a month prior but 4.5% greater year over year. This is nearly triple the record low of 390,000 barrels per day during July 2020, when petroleum production plunged because of sharply weaker prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reconstruction of Venezuelas heavily corroded oil industry is crucial to returning the economy to growth. Every year from 2014 until 2021, Venezuelas gross domestic product contracted, plunging by 80% or $171 billion. This has been labeled as the modern worlds worst economic collapse to occur outside of war which saw over seven million Venezuelans flee the country, which was once the wealthiest in Latin America. Surprisingly, for 2021 Venezuelas economy had returned to growth, expanding by 0.5% that year and then by a notable 8% in 2022. Key to this remarkable development was Venezuela restoring oil production and securing access to crucial energy export markets, which is where access to the dark fleet is pivotal. While U.S. sanctions had constrained Venezuelas economy for some time, it wasnt until President Donald Trump enacted his policy of maximum pressure that cut Caracas off from global energy and capital markets that it crashed.

It was Teheran that provided the skilled technicians, critical parts and crucial condensate that were essential to rebuilding heavily corroded oil infrastructure and thereby boosting petroleum production. Ongoing reliable supplies of condensate are especially important to PDVSA, particularly since U.S. supplies ended with Trumps January 2019 sanctions. The very-light high API hydrocarbon is a vital ingredient for processing and upgrading Venezuelas heavy and ultra-heavy crude oil to exportable grades. It was the provision of a reliable supply from Iran that was key to PDVA growing oil production.

While Irans condensate is still crucial to PDVSAs operations, energy supermajor Chevron, which was permitted by the U.S. Treasury to recommence lifting petroleum in Venezuela in November 2022, is sourcing U.S.-supplied naphtha for heavy oil upgrading. Chevron is required to do this because of U.S. sanctions on Iranian crude oil and related products because U.S. sanctions block Chevron from making any payments to Caracas. As a result, all petroleum lifted by the U.S. energy supermajor will be utilized in an oil-for debt swap, with Chevron seeking to recover $3 billion in outstanding debt with PDVSA by the end of 2025.

This emphasizes just how important the dark fleet, including Iranian tankers, is to PDVSA to ship oil to global energy markets in order to receive urgently required cash payments. Asia is the main destination for Venezuelan crude oil, with China believed to be receiving the bulk of those exports. A larger dark fleet makes it easier for PDVSA to not only ship oil to buyers undetected, in contravention of U.S. sanctions but also to ramp up export volumes which are vital for boosting income and sustaining Venezuelas economys return to growth. In fact, higher oil production and exports saw the IMF predict that Venezuelas GDP will expand by 5% in 2023.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  There will be no peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing New Peoples Army (NPA) under the leadership of new Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

"I've never considered it. Why? Because if they want to return to the fold of law, they will be rehabilitated. They will be taught skills. They will be resettled. There is no reason whatsoever to [reopening] talks with the CPP because it undercuts and undermines the democratic process," Teodoro told CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Wednesday.

The Defense chief also said the left-leaning groups ideologies mainly lead to gaining political power, and key members of the CPP could legally run for office if they wanted to.

"What we cannot tolerate is legitimizing their existence," he said.

"They have already been reduced in number because of development, and because of the awakening of our people to the reality that they do not practice what they preach. Their aims are different from what they pretend to preach," he added.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the peace talks with the CPP-NPA in 2017.

The CPP said it was open to resumption of peace talks with the Marcos administration after the death of party founder Joma Sison in December 2022.
The energy crisis is not over yet, Klaus Muller, the president of Germany's energy regulator, told the Funke media outlet on Wednesday.

Despite the fact that the levels of natural gas in storage are more comfortable than in the previous two years, the crisis is far from over, and weather will be the biggest factor, Muller, president of Germanys Federal Network Agency, Bundesnetzagentur, said.

As of June 6, storage tanks in Germany were 76% full, while in the EU the overall level is just over 70%, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe.

If everything goes well, we will have full storage facilities in the late summer, Muller said, referring to Germanys storage levels.

The regulator said in its latest weekly report that to secure the gas supply for next winter, there must be a storage level of 75% by 1 September.

It was possible to prevent a gas deficit situation last winter. At the same time, preparing for the 2023/2024 winter is a key challenge. It is therefore still important to save gas, the regulator added.

Germanys natural gas consumption in the week beginning May 22 was 23.2% below the average consumption for the 2018-2021 period, and down by 9% compared with the week prior, the regulator added.

Last month, one of Germanys top utility firms, E.On, said that the energy crisis is not over yet, and the situation with energy supply in Europe could deteriorate later this year.

The crisis is not over yet, E.Ons chief financial officer Marc Spieker said at the presentation of the utility giants first-quarter results in early May.

Compared with the current market environment, our forecast also factors in the possibility of a further deterioration in the remainder of the year. We believe we are well-positioned to deal with the volatility that is expected to continue, Spieker added.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
It is common knowledge among business circles that aligning executives financial incentives with company strategy can help inspire management to deliver superior results. However, pay packages are not always commensurate with actual business performance. One such package is stock-based compensation. A Morgan Stanley research has found that stock-based compensation has nearly fully replaced cash bonuses as a way to reward company employees. Stock options are viewed as an incentive for employees to deliver results; a tool for retaining workers, a means to foster an overall sense of ownership and also as a way to finance growth for the firm. But this form of compensation has its downside. Whereas stock-based compensation has become increasingly popular in corporate America, it can frequently lead to rewarding company leaders disproportionately in times of crisis.

And thats exactly what happened with America's oil and gas executives during the Covid pandemic.

A Reuters analysis of stock-based pay granted to CEOs at 20 U.S. oil and gas companies in 2020 found that they were paid much more in the first year of the pandemic than previously estimated. Indeed, stock-based payouts to CEOs at 20 U.S. oil and gas companies in 2020 more than doubled by 2023 when shares were vested, effectively richly rewarding the business leaders amid mass layoffs, refinery closures and slashed capital spending.

To be fair, stock-based pay values shrink when stock markets go south. However, most energy CEOs have some form of built-in protection that gives them some immunity from steep declines. For instance, CEOs can receive 100% or more of the payout on stock grants tied to total shareholder return even if investors lose money. Thats the case because ~90% of energy companies use a metric called relative total shareholder return (TSR) and benchmark it against a predetermined group of peer companies. This way, oil and gas executives can get big payouts even if their companies stocks lose value.

Compensation committees need to do a better job of rewarding executives for true out-performance and not just necessarily where the commodity price is, Aeisha Mastagni, a portfolio manager at the $307 billion California State Teachers' Retirement System told Reuters in an interview.

Bankrupt Oil Company Executives Snag $50 Million Payday

But richly rewarding executives with convoluted stock-based payouts is not the only idiosyncrasy that exists in the oil and gas sector. When public oil and gas companies are doing relatively well, many are happy to adopt a pay-for-performance model to reward CEOs and executives. However, the tables are quickly turned when things go to the dogs. When these companies go bankrupt, the misery is shared by employees who lose their jobs; retirees see their benefits and pensions go up in smoke, while shareholders and bondholders get wiped out.

In sharp contrast, its very common for blue-chip executives who preside over bankruptcies to receive multi-million dollar golden sendoffs. Indeed, top executives of oil and gas companies going through Chapter 11 frequently receive very fat payouts in the form of cash bonuses, stock grants and other benefits that often exceed payments during the good times.

Thats exactly what happened during the pandemic.

At a time when hundreds of thousands of employees in the U.S. shale industry lost their jobs, Bloomberg reported that some 35 executives at Whiting Petroleum Inc.(NYSE:WLL), Chesapeake Energy Corp.(NYSE:CHK) and Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc.(OTCMKTS: DOFSQ) received nearly $50 million in bonuses after their companies declared bankruptcy.

The board at Whiting, an oil and gas producer that filed for Chapter 11 in April, approved a $6.4M bonus for CEO Brad Holly just days before the company went under, exceeding his previous annual compensation package by nearly a million dollars.

In May 2020, California Resources Corp. (NYSE:CRC) warned investors about "...a substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern..." but still went ahead and guaranteed company executives their 2020 bonuses.

These are hardly the exception: Over the past decade, leaders of 15 large E&P companies collected more than US$2 billion in aggregate compensation despite their companies posting negative returns.

So, whats the justification for this bizarre and perverse practice?

ADVERTISEMENT

According to Kelly Mitchell, analyst at corporate watchdog group Documented, companies do it so as to incentivize these executives to stick around because they understand the company better and, ostensibly, have better odds of pulling them through. Never mind the fact that their decisions are often to blame for the companys sorry situation in the first place. They also do it in a bid to cut costs and maximize value for creditors using tools such as tax credits or untapped resources.

They have a willing accomplice though: judges tend to sign off on these fat payouts more often than not despite laws introduced in 2005 to limit their size.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed in a telephone conversation ensuring stability in the energy market and praised the cooperation within the OPEC+ deal, the Kremlin said.

They held an in-depth discussion of ensuring stability on the global energy market. Both sides expressed their appreciation of the high level of cooperation within the framework of OPEC Plus, which allows them to take prompt and effective measures to maintain the balance of oil demand and supply, a statement from the Kremlin reads.

Putin and the crown prince, who hold regular phone conversations discussing cooperation, including in the oil market, held the latest talks days after the OPEC+ meeting, at which Saudi Arabia is said to have expressed frustration with the lack of transparency about Russias current oil production.

At that meeting, the OPEC+ producers decided to keep the current cuts until the end of 2024, while OPECs top producer and the worlds largest crude oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, said it would voluntarily reduce its production by 1 million bpd in July, to around 9 million bpd. The Saudi cut could be extended beyond July, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said.

Russia, for its part, has said it would reduce its oil production by 500,000 bpd from March. The 500,000 bpd cuts were extended until the end of 2023, and after Sundays meeting  to the end of 2024.

However, Russian crude oil export data in recent weeks have not reflected any cutson the contrary, Russian crude oil exports by sea have been rising.

Russia has stopped reporting oil production levels, and the market and analysts must rely on vessel-tracking data, trade sources, and import statistics in China and India about the amount of Russian supply.

After the OPEC+ meeting in Vienna this weekend, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said, referring to Russia, We discussed with Russia the issue of its production and asked it to clarify its data, and we have strengthened the concept of transparency with Russia about its oil production figures.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Turkmenistan and Pakistan continue their talks on the revival of the TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia (TAPI) pipeline, and a bilateral meeting on the issue in Islamabad will be announced soonpossibly in late June 2023. For its part, Ashgabat is keen on moving ahead with the project, while energy-deficient Pakistan is willing to go ahead with or without India. And Kabul has said it is ready to raise a special force to provide security for the project (Business Recorder, May 13). Some sources have stated that the potential transit revenues could make up as much as 80 or 85 percent of Afghanistans central budget, providing added incentives for securing the area around the prospective pipeline. Overall, the TAPI pipeline is planned to stretch for over 1,100 miles with the capacity to transport 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas each year from the Galkynysh Gas Field in Turkmenistan to the Indian city of Fazilka via Afghanistan and Pakistan (Business Turkmenistan, August 23, 2022). The project was initially conceived in the early 1990s; however, the pipeline consortium was not announced until 2014 with an estimated cost of $10 billion at that time. In 2018, construction began on the pipeline but was soon stopped due to security reasons after workers clearing the area were killed by unknown assailants (Pakistan Today, January 18, 2022).

In recent years, officials in Islamabad, Kabul and Ashgabat have been seriously considering a return to the project, which again came into the spotlight following the withdrawal of American forces and the Talibans takeover of Kabul in 2021. The insecurity and political instability in Afghanistan has so far been the main hurdle preventing the pipelines construction. Nevertheless, Taliban leaders have already assured Turkmenistan that they will provide adequate security for the project (Express Tribune, February 1, 2022). According to a plan announced by Taliban spokesperson Bilal Karimi in January 2022, Afghanistan will deploy a 30,000-member security unit for the security of the TAPI project. They will be providing security along the route of the project in all parts of the provinces where the pipeline is being constructed (Pipeline-journal.net, January 17, 2022).

Related: Indian Refiner Drops Expansion Plan To Focus On Petrochemicals



India, however, has raised concerns about the logistical challenges and commercial aspects of the pipeline (Economic Times, January 20). Specifically, New Delhi is primarily concerned about the potential hidden costs of constructing the project as well as the political uncertainties of sanctioning a pipeline that would run through the territory of geopolitical rival Pakistan (Tribune.com.pk, February 1, 2022).

The revival and execution of the TAPI project is not without its geopolitical implications. For its part, Russia has also shown interest in the revival and construction of the pipeline. In January 2023, Zamir Kabulov, the Russian special envoy to Afghanistan, visited Kabul and presented a renewed push from Moscow to revive the stalled project. As the situation in Afghanistan stabilizes, the participation of domestic economic operators in the construction and operation of the TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia gas pipeline is possible, said the Russian Foreign Ministry after Kabulovs visit (Economic Times, January 20).

Despite the profitability and commercial aspects of the TAPI pipeline, Russian officials primarily view participation in the project as politically attractive. For Moscow, the pipeline is alluring because it is not merely a gas transit project but will also connect South and Central Asia on the basis of the strategic needs and interests for the countries in both regions. Thus, as a potential key player in the project, Russia would be able to expand its influence in South Asia. On this, Kabulov has asserted, Such a perspective appears politically attractive. The matters of supporting security for this project earlier considered to be the most challenging have lost their acuteness at this stage (TASS, January 31, 2022). Furthermore, one of Moscows top strategic goals has been to gain access to the Indian Ocean through the further development of the north-south transit corridorsomething the TAPI pipeline would help fulfill (see EDM, July 13, 2022; April 11).

Additionally, the project is geopolitically important for Moscow. In 2021, while addressing the international conference Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities held in Tashkent, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed the Kremlins interest in participating in the construction of new regional gas transmission routes, including TAPI: The integration of the energy infrastructure of Central and South Asia is very promising.  The Eurasian Economic Union is working on the formation of a single electricity market. This process could be synchronized with electricity supply projects in Central and South Asia (Business Turkmenistan, July 16, 2021).

No doubt, Russian participation in the TAPI pipeline would be a real step forward for Russias vision with the Greater Eurasian Partnership (GEP). The GEP has become a key component of Moscows regional policy, which, among other goals, seeks to assemble a network of free trade areas and inter-regional trade and economic alliances, and connecting integration projects throughout the vast Eurasian space (Russiancouncil.ru, September 28, 2020).

Moreover, faced with Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia wants to strengthen its strategic partnership with energy-rich Turkmenistan (see EDM, December 15, 2022; May 11, 18). Moscow is interested in participating in the TAPI pipeline project in an effort to divert its energy exports away from Europe toward Asia. In this, Turkmenistan has the potential to be a transit hub for Russian energy and goods exported to South and Central Asia. In truth, as one expert has pointed out, Ashgabat is unwilling to export gas to Turkey and further to Europe if that would endanger its partnership with Moscow: Ashgabat is clearly coming down on the side of Russia and spurning opportunities to move its gas in a Western direction. It has chosen to move towards its authoritarian brothers-in-arms, Russia and Iran (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, February 27). Indeed, for Turkmenistan, besides generating additional income, the TAPI pipeline would be important for reducing the countrys reliance on China, the largest customer of Turkmenistani gas since 2010.

And as security was one of Moscows gravest concerns, for now, it seems Russian officials are satisfied with the Taliban governments assurances. On January 19, regarding Kabuls security plan, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov reportedly declared that, if some security issues are resolved, Russia would seriously consider joining the TAPI project (TASS, January 19).

The TAPI pipeline is a massive economic and business venture that has the potential to be immensely beneficial to all countries involved. Yet, due to potential security concerns and certain geopolitical difficultiesIran and India may remain resistant to the project, opting instead for the revival of the IranPakistanIndia pipelinethe actual prospects for implementation remain uncertain. Nevertheless, the key players continue to engage in discussions about bringing the pipeline to fruition, including Russia, which is keen to play a central role in emerging energy and transit projects to expand its influence in South and Central Asia.

ADVERTISEMENT

By the Jamestown Foundation

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Argentinas state oil and gas operator YPF will focus its efforts on bringing crude oil and natural gas exports from the Vaca Muerta shale formation to as high a level as they can reach, according to a senior company executive.

Considering Argentinas consumption is expected at 1.5 tcf/year, we would have reserves for 200 years, said Ariel Andreucci, YPF head of strategy and investments at an industry event, as quoted by ICIS.

This would allow us to sell to overseas markets around 3 tcf/year in decades to come. It is a great opportunity for YPF but also for Argentinas economy.

Andreucci also acknowledged an opportunity in petrochemicals, noting that demand for petrochemicals is likely to stick around beyond 2050.

Exports, however, are not going to start at a full scale any time soon. Developing the Vaca Muerta reserves is challenging for YPF for financial reasons, Andreucci admitted, noting this would mean the company had to use its own cash flow to finance development.

Monetisation is always done at scale. First, you find the resources and make them available for export. At YPF, we also have some added problems to get credit for projects, so we must use our own cashflow to finance new projects, he said.

The Vaca Muerta formation is estimated to hold the worlds second-largest shale oil and gas reserves, containing an estimated 16 billion barrels of oil and 308 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Earlier this month, Norways Rystad Energy estimated that oil production from the play could hit 1 million barrels daily in the coming years. For context, as of February this year, the Vaca Muerta was producing some 291,000 barrels of crude daily.

ADVERTISEMENT

YPF specifically said earlier this year it planned to double its output from the Vaca Muerta formation over the next five years and increase natural gas production by 30%. As of the end of 2022, YPF was producing just over 230,000 bpd of crude oil.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The head of the United Arab Emirates state-run oil giant, ADNOCand incoming COP28 Presidentsaid that a fossil fuel phasedown is inevitable.

"The phasedown of fossil fuels is inevitable. The speed at which this happens depends on how quickly we can phase up zero carbon alternatives, while ensuring energy security, accessibility and affordability," Al-Jaber said on the sidelines of the UN Climate talks on Thursday.

The COP28 climate summit will be held in Abu Dhabi this year, and Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC head and COP28 President, argued early on that the summit should include oil and gas exports because a decoupling from fossil fuels couldn't possibly be immediate.

"We can't simply unplug from the energy system of today and we can't do this with a flip of a switch. We need to include the energy experts in the consultations and in the discussions and we need to make economic systems work more efficiently with much less carbon," al-Jaber said in January.

But ADNOC still has a goal to meet the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, along with a goal of increasing its crude oil output to 5 million bpd by 2030. The UAE was also just given the green light by OPEC+ to increase its production quotas.

Members of U.S. Congress and European Parliament caused a stir in May by pressuring U.S. President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen to give al-Jaber the boot from his COP28 rolea role that has traditionally not been held by a fossil fuel professional.

Concerns were voiced that the UAE would take COP28 seriously enough, that there could be a conflict of interest, and a fossil fuel professional could undermine the progress that has been made so far at the annual summit.

A COP28 spokesperson said back in January that al Jaber was "an energy expert and founder of one of the world's leading renewable enregy companies, a senior business leader, government minister and climate diplomat with more than 20 years of experience of taking climate action."

ADVERTISEMENT

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Equatorial Guinea, a small West African country and OPECs smallest oil producer, did not export any crude oil in May due to output declines and no new projects to replace lost production, Petro-Logistics said on Thursday.

So last month, Equatorial Guineas crude oil exports hit zero, according to the crude flows tracking firm.



Source: Petro-Logistics on Twitter

Equatorial Guinea, like other West African producers, faces the common problem of declining production mingled with a lack of immediate new projects coming on, Petro-Logistics noted.

Equatorial Guinea, which became a member of OPEC in 2017, pumped an average 289,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude back in 2015.

By April this year, production had shrunk to 59,000 bpd, which was still up by 11,000 bpd compared to March, according to secondary sources in OPECs latest Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) from May. In the first quarter of 2023, Equatorial Guineas crude oil production averaged 54,000 bpd, down from 90,000 in the third quarter of 2022 and an average of 98,000 bpd for the full year 2021.

Back in 2021, the country with around 1.45 million residents received half of all its export revenue from petroleum export revenue, according to OPEC data.

ExxonMobil, currently the largest oil producer in the country, plans to stop pumping crude in Equatorial Guinea and exit the country after its license expires in 2026, Reuters reported at the end of 2022, citing sources close to the plans.

West Africa has been a problematic investment for oil majors, considering the higher costs compared to more lucrative projects elsewhere and the high emissions profile of the projects.

Other West African producers and OPEC members, such as Nigeria and Angola, have also been struggling with falling crude oil output amid high costs and a lack of investment from oil majors in recent years.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Russias agencies will study Irans plans to create a natural gas hub on the Persian Gulf in cooperation with Russia, Qatar, and Turkmenistan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji said that Iran is looking to set up a natural gas hub in the Persian Gulf and is cooperating with Russia, Qatar, and Turkmenistan to that end.

With the cooperation of Russia, Turkmenistan, and Qatar, we are trying to have a gas hub in the Asaluyeh region, and its preparations are being planned, Iranian media quoted Owji as saying.

Asaluyeh is a port and energy hub in the southern Bushehr province in the Gulf.

Russia welcomes initiatives aimed at addressing energy security, Ryabkov said on Thursday, as quoted by Russian news agency Interfax.

We welcome initiatives that help deal with the energy security problem in a broad sense and contribute to continued development of Russian-Iranian relations, and in general, we are open to constructive ideas, Ryabkov was quoted as saying.

Definitely, economic operators and the relevant executive federal agencies will thoroughly study this idea. We have close contacts with all the above-mentioned actors in this context, Ryabkov added.

Iran is estimated to hold the worlds second-largest natural gas reserves, second only to Russia, and ahead of Qatar, Turkmenistan, and the United States. With 32 trillion cubic meters, Iran is home to 16% of global natural gas reserves.

A lot of Irans gas reserves are concentrated in the South Pars offshore field in the Persian Gulf, which it shares with Qatar.

Development of Irans massive gas reserves has been challenging because of the pullout of Western supermajors such as TotalEnergies in the wake of the reinstated U.S. sanctions against Tehran by former President Donald Trump.

ADVERTISEMENT

In recent years, Iran has forged closer ties with Russia and Venezuela, which are also under sanctions by the U.S. and the West.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The World Bank has reported that Russias economy will contract a mere 0.2% in the current year, way less than last years 2.1% dip thanks to increased oil exports to India and China.

India in particular has dramatically ramped up purchases of Russian oil, with crude imports growing a staggering 1,500% in May to over 2.15 million barrels per day in May.

Last month, a report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) titled Laundromat: How the price cap coalition whitewashes Russian oil in third countries, revealed that Western countries bought $42 billion worth of laundered Russian crude in the form of various oil products from nations that are friendly towards Russia, with India leading the five other countries. For instance, Indias diesel exports tripled to ~1,600,000 barrels per day in March 2023, compared to a year ago, making diesel one of the largest components of India-EU trade.

Price cap coalition countries have increased imports of refined oil products from countries that have become the largest importers of Russian crude. This is a major loophole that can undermine the impact of the sanctions on Russia, said the report.

According to the CREA report, most oil products were exported from two ports in Gujarat, alleging that this could constitute circumventing sanctions imposed unilaterally by the U.S. and Europe. India has particularly been offering a back-door for imports of Russian oil into Britain, blunting the countrys efforts to restrict funding for the Kremlin. Some British buyers have effectively replaced imports directly from Russia with imports from Russian-fed refineries, thereby indirectly supporting the Russian oil industry.

Although such a supply chain is actually legal under UK rules, still it cannot be overlooked because this is another covert way to fund Putins war. Before the war began nearly a year ago, it was pretty rare for Indian refiners to process Russian crude. The refiners have always exported to Europe, but they are now exporting even more because its more attractive as Europes diesel prices are higher and also buying more Russian crude because Russia is offering heavy discounts.

Indeed, Oleg Ustenko, adviser to Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, says these companies are exploiting weaknesses in the sanctions regime.

The UK must close the loopholes that undermine support for Ukraine by allowing bloody fossil fuels to continue flowing across our borders. About one in five barrels of the crude oil that they process is Russian. A big chunk of that diesel they produce now will be based on Russian crude oil, he has said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kpler data has revealed that the Jamnagar refinery on Indias west coast imported 215 shipments of crude oil and fuel oil from Russia during 2022, 4 times as much as it bought in the previous year. Meanwhile, the UK has imported a total of 10m barrels of diesel and other refined products from Jamnagar since the war began, 2.5 times what it bought during 2021 with Trafigura, Shell Plc (NYSE: SHEL), BP Plc (NYSE: BP), PetroChina Co. (OTCPK: PCYYF) and Indian multinational conglomerate Essar Group the key buyers.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A University of Nebraska regent and her investment manager husband have pledged a total of $25 million to the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

Barbara and Wally Weitz will commit $19 million to UNO to support the universitys programs and priorities as well as create an endowed chair that will be attached to the chancellors position. The couple has also pledged $6 million to the agriculture college in southwest Nebraska toward renovating a 106-year-old building into a center for students.

The couples commitment is just the latest example of Barbara Weitzs extensive involvement with UNO. She is a UNO alum and retired faculty member who taught social work. The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center on UNOs Dodge Street campus is named in her honor.

We felt really invested in making this the best it could possibly be, Weitz said. We have an incredible urban university that uses the whole city as its campus. I think the city and state has benefitted so much from UNO.

UNO administration will have significant leeway on how to spend the money. The University of Nebraska Foundation says $14 million will go to the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund, which will be dedicated to help boost some UNO programs to be nationally recognized ones and address critical needs in Omaha and Nebraska.

Each year from 2024 to 2029, the UNO chancellor will ask for proposals from faculty members. Awards will be based on various factors, such as how well a proposal fits into a campus need and the likelihood of success.

The $14 million is truly an investment in new ideas, new innovation, new creativity that will take UNO to the next level and really doing the right thing for state of Nebraska, Chancellor Joanne Li said.

Another $5 million is pledged for the Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education. The foundation said it will be the first endowed chair attached to the chancellors position in the University of Nebraska system, and is aimed at ensuring UNO can offer competitive salaries to attract top-tier chancellors. After the pledge is fulfilled, it will provide an estimated $200,000 a year to support any current or future chancellor and help implement their priorities.

Barbara Weitz said she and her husband have been impressed by Lis ideas, energy and excitement since she became UNO chancellor two years ago.

What will happen when she leaves? How are we going to get someone that incredibly good to come? Weitz asked rhetorically. The top leadership at UNO needs to be the best. In order to do that, weve got to provide a standard of support they might not find anywhere else.

The couples $6 million pledge for the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture will help finance a $12 million renovation of a building, which is known as The Barn, into the Student Success and Activity Center on the rural college campus. The Foundation is seeking another $6 million from private donors to match the couples contribution. Donations can be made online.

The center will be a space for students to eat, socialize and study. The center will also host events.

The couples $6 million pledge will be the single largest monetary donation for the two-year college, which had 250 students enrolled last fall.

They could double the size of their student body if we could redo that building, Weitz said.

The couple made the pledge through the Only in Nebraska fundraising campaign. Barbara and Wally are the UNO chairs for the $3 billion campaign. The campaign, which is raising money for all NU campuses plus Nebraska Medicine, has raised nearly $1.9 billion to date from 119,581 donors.

This story has been updated to accurately describe the Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is not interested in reversing the decision of his predecessor to end the departments agreement with the University of the Philippines (UP) that prevented military and police forces from entering its campuses without informing school officials.

No, Im not. That has been the policy done by my predecessor, and I dont want to reverse the policy, he said when asked during a Palace briefing on Thursday.

But that does not mean to say that Im not mindful of the autonomy of the UP. And I ask everybody to be respectful of that without the need for any MOA (memorandum of agreement), Teodoro added.

In January 2021, the DND ended the three-decade-old deal with the UP, citing the supposed "clandestine recruitment" of students in communist groups.

A year later, some senators expressed their intent to institutionalize the UP-DND accord, saying doing so could enhance academic freedom and student protection and promotion of education.

But Teodoro said that if it would push through, he would uphold the law, but not support it.

Nandiyan din ang ibang unibersidad na public institutions din. Hindi lang naman ang UP ang pinagrerekrutan ng mga insurgents, marami pang iba, he said.

[Translation: There are also other universities that are public institutions. UP is not the only one where insurgents try to recruit, there are many others.]
The Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command has turned over responsibility for providing missile defense for the United States and its allies to the U.S. Space Command, currently based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

President Joe Biden made the change April 25 as part of the governments adoption of a new Unified Command Plan that assigns missions to the U.S. militarys major combatant commands, including StratCom and SpaceCom as well as regional commands such as Northern Command, European Command, and Indo-Pacific Command.

However, the missile defense change was not announced until last week, in a press release from SpaceCom.

In the release, SpaceComs commander, Army Gen. James Dickinson, described the transfer as the culmination of a comprehensive study on the roles, responsibilities and authorities associated with the Missile Defense enterprise.

He said the change will bring missile warning, missile defense and space domain awareness under one command.

StratComs commander, Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, said he backs the realignment, which he said better supports our integrated deterrence framework in safeguarding our nation.

No military or civilian jobs are expected to be lost at StratComs Offutt Air Force Base headquarters because much of the missile defense work has already been taking place in Colorado Springs, said Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Kelsey, a StratCom spokesman.

It doesnt change a whole lot, Kelsey said. Instead of StratCom overseeing it, its SpaceCom.

StratCom is best-known as the keeper of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, but it has also carried out other duties under its broader mission of strategic deterrence.

The missile defense element has its roots in the early-warning system set up across Canada and the northern tier of the United States by the Strategic Air Command in the 1950s and 60s, said retired Lt. Gen. Bob Hinson, StratComs deputy commander from 2000-02.

It devolved into a mixture of ground-based radars and space-based systems, said Hinson, who also commanded the 14th Air Force, which is responsible for space-related activities.

SAC stood down after the Cold War, and the expanding work of missile defense moved to other commands, including the Missile Defense Agency (created as part of the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative, or Star Wars) and a former version of U.S. Space Command that was established in 1985.

StratCom took over missile defense after the original SpaceCom was inactivated in 2002, and three years later it became part of StratComs Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense. The commands work has included missile defense planning, operations and advocacy.

In 2019, U.S. Space Command was re-established by an act of Congress, and Dickinson became its commander the following year. He has supported the integration of space and missile defense operations.

Its evolving back to where it should be, Hinson said.

Photos: Offutt Air Force Base through the years
Residents of Shinkai Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba have fled their homes following a threat to raze down the village over the alleged killing of a soldier.

According to Labaran Abdul, the leader of the community, armed men in military uniform stormed the village on Sunday and alleged that one of their men was killed in the suburb of Shinkai and his rifle taken away.

The community leaders in Shinkai told the armed men that they knew nothing about the incident, but they threatened that they will wipe off the village if the killers and the stolen rifle were not produced within three days, Mr Abdul told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday.

As a result of the threat, residents of Shinkai and surrounding villages have crossed over to Awe, Tunga, Terkura and Lafiya in neighbouring Nasarawa State to take refuge, he said.

Mr Labaran said the incident the armed men claimed had led to the death of their member took place about 15 kilometres away from Shinkai, and wondered why the people of Shinkai should be made to bear the burden.

Reacting to the incident, Simon Dogari, Taraba information commissioner, told NAN that he had received reports that there was tension in Shinkai village after a clash between herdsmen and some armed men believed to be soldiers from Operation Whirl stroke, who were on special patrol from neighbouring Benue State.

He said that the report had claimed that there was a clash between the two groups which left one man with uniform dead.

Mr Dogari, however, wondered why the suspected military personnel, whose operational area was Benue, had crossed into Taraba and clashed with herdsmen.

He said that a Special Adviser to Governor Darius Ishaku, and the Chairman of Wukari Local Government Area, have been asked to investigate the issue and report back.

The Commissioner appealed to the people of Shinkai and its environs to remain calm as the state government was working round the clock to nip the problem in the bud.

Similarly, Bala Dan-Abu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Taraba on media, who described the alleged death of the soldier as unfortunate, urged the authorities to follow due process in addressing the issue.

Two wrongs cannot make a right; instead of attacking the village, thorough investigation should be carried out to identify the suspected killers.

He called for calm among all concerned, saying that all hands were on deck toward resolving the matter through dialogue.

Efforts to speak with the Police authorities in Taraba proved abortive, but a senior official of the command said that the matter was being investigated. (NAN)
Gov. Rochas Okorocha

Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State says the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole, and the partys governorship candidate, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, are to blame for the inability of the party to win the governorship election.

He said posterity would judge the two for their alleged roles in the election.

In a release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo in Owerri on Thursday, the governor alleged that Uzodinma worked for Peoples Democratic Party in the just concluded elections.

He said Uzodimma was one of the first to celebrate with the PDP Candidate, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, after he was declared the winner of the election, citing a video of the two contestants as proof of his guilt.

We had maintained that Chief Uzodinma was just a mole in the APC and today, the governorship election in the state and its outcome have obviously vindicated us, aside the fact that a video of Chief Uzodinmas celebration with Ihedioha has gone viral on the social media.

He also alleged that Uzodimma succeeded in the alleged plot by ensuring only his supporters were made agents of the party, adding that his target was to destroy APC in the South-East.

Chief Uzodinma succeeded through Adams Oshiomhole to ensure that only his supporters were made agents of the party, from the list he sent from Abuja to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Unfortunately, none of Uzodinmas and Oshiomholes approved agents were seen either at the ward, local government or at the state level ; they didnt care about the election and its outcome.

At the end of the day, the APC candidate came fourth. And he has been celebrating with the PDP candidate.

Their target as it has been shown now is to totally destroy APC in the South-East and in Imo in particular, thereby authenticating the claim in some quarters that it is all about 2023.

We had equally maintained the contention that Imo people would not vote for Uzodinma because they know him very well, but Oshiomhole refused to listen.

He came fourth and never showed that he took part in the election; Posterity and history will Judge Oshiomhole and Uzodinma over the fate of APC in the South-East, especially in Imo State, Okorocha said (NAN)
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday night said that President Muhammadu Buhari was probably poorer than when he was elected in 2015.

Osinbajo spoke during a dinner in honour of volunteers who canvassed for votes for the APC during the campaigns for this years general election, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said When I looked at his assets declaration form, I was checking it in 2015, I said to him, Mr President, I am so much richer than you, it is an embarrassment.

He said, I am only a soldier, you are a big lawyer so you should have more money than me.

I can tell you that he is perhaps; even poorer than he was in 2015 when I saw his declaration of assets form.

He also urged Nigerians to vote for the All Progressives Congress in the March 23 supplementary elections.

The supplementary elections will take place in six states of Nigeria where the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared last Saturdays gubernatorial election inconclusive.

He said We are still not done with the elections.

On the 23rd of March, we still have some outstanding states and as you know we are re-running in about six states.

And all of the efforts we need to put into those six states, we still need to do.

We cant afford to slack off and say the job is done; we still have some things to do.

Recalling the experiences he had during the electioneering, Osinbajo said his encounter with Nigerians as he crisscrossed the country, campaigning for votes, showed that Nigerians are so trusting and supportive of their leaders.

I think that one of the main characteristics of the Nigerian is how so supportive and trusting many of our people are and they dont ask us for too much.

They never really ask for anything that is impossible to do.

And thats why, for many of us that went around this country, we realized the tremendous amount of work that there is to do and our capacity to do so much work.

What our people need, as we discovered, isnt that much.

As a matter of fact, I do not know any nation where the people are so generous no matter how poor they are.

Osinbajo said there was need for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to connect more with the people.

It just struck me that what we really need to do a lot more is to connect with the people.

All the people need is opportunity for us to interact with them.

We should have a way by which everybody is involved one way or the other.

One of the complaints that people made about our government is that we were not communicating enough and that people did not know what had done.

The vice president acknowledged that the diligent communication carried out to put across the APC message in 2015 was not sustained, making the administration lose some ground to the opposition, especially in the social media.

He said the new administration would ensure that it makes change in that regard.

Osinbajo said that he would take up everyone who has challenged the administration on the issue with a view to getting its communication of programmes and policies better.

Speaking at the event, the APC Woman Leader, Salamatu Eluma, commended the volunteers for believing in the vision of the President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo and working for their re-election.
The House of Representatives is currently holding a valedictory session of the 9th assembly.

Notable among those attending the session are former speakers of the house, Ghali NaAbbas, and Patricia Etteh.

In his final speech, the speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila praised members for their efforts in the last four years, which include the passage of important legislation like PIA, Electoral Act, and others.

Gbajabiamila however, expressed regret with the inability of the 9th House to pass several women-related bills that the House rejected in 2022.

He urged the next assembly to take on the challenge of passing gender-related bills.

Kanyi Daily recalled that President Bola Tinubu last week appointed Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff.

By the appointment, his position in the 10th NASS would be vacant.

As a result of the vacancy created by the appointment, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the Surulere I Constituency lawmaker would be replaced.

The party noted that the ticket belonged to the APC, adding that a new candidate would be recommended by the constituency before a decision would be taken.

Reports say the next Assembly will be inaugurated on Tuesday.

In other news, President Tinubu on Wednesday met with governors of the 36 States of the federation at the Aso Rock villa in Abuja.

Related
Advertisement

Investigation by 247ureports.com

The Imo State commissioner of Police who was deployed to Adamawa State to oversee the Governorship supplementary election, CP Mohammed Barde is said to be under Force detention in Abuja.

Barde who aided the fraudulent and unconditional declaration of the APC Governorship Candidate of Adamawa, Aishatu Dahiru, by the Resident Electoral Commission, against the PDP candidate, Hudu Ari, who is the incumbent Govenor.

Our correspondent were told that the CP was accused of conspiring with the suspended independent Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa State to announce a false results which is not within his constitutional right.

A very reliable source who spoke on condition of anonymity, told 247ureports.com that the CP Barde, suspended Adamawa REC are currently facing a case of Conduct likely to Cause Breach of Peace, Violation of Oath of Neutrality, Impersonating a Collation/Returning Officer, Disobedience to lawful Order/Directive.

Our Investigation further revealed that the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde whereabouts since the attempted Adamawa election coup is unknown to some of his men in the command, including imo residents who visits his office on daily basis for one assistant or the other.

A credible source also revealed that Barde arrived Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja on 21, April from Imo, since then he is yet to return to Owerri, the Imo State capital city, which is a police command where he is currently in charge.

A source told newsmen that the police command in Imo is currently not in good shape as a result of the absence of the CP who has not been to office for nearly two months.

Meanwhile, Barde has been accused of aiding the Ebubeagu militia established by Uzodinma, Imo State governor to intimidate Imo citizens and opposition politicians in the state.

More details of this story will be published in our subsequent Bulletin.

Related

Advertisement
Theres a fresh development regarding the subsidy removal palliative as President Bola Tinubu issues a fresh directive

The president on Wednesday, June 7, directed the Economic Council led by Vice President Kashim Shettima to begin work on subsidy removal palliatives

Tinubu issued this directive during a meeting with a group of marketers who visited him on Wednesday and announced their intention to donate mass transit buses to help the masses

To mitigate the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Economic Council (NEC) led by Vice President Kashim Shettima to begin the process of providing subsidy removal palliatives.

Tinubu gave the directive while meeting with some major oil marketers led by Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, The Punch reported.

Tinubu directs the Economic Council to begin work immediately on subsidy removal palliatives.

Photo credit: Kashim Shettima

Source: Facebook

Tinubu gives update on subsidy removal palliatives

While speaking to correspondents after the meeting, Governor Dapo Abiodun stated that the marketers expressed solidarity with the President for removing the N4trn subsidy burden, a move that can enhance the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation to states.

The group of marketers subsequently announced their intention to donate 50 to 100, fifty-seater mass transit buses that would run on CNG, costing N100m each and N10bn cumulatively, to cushion the effect of the removal within the next 30 days, Channels TV report added.

Video of President Tinubu closing from office at 8:37pm stirs reactions

Dada Olusegun, one of the aides of President Bola Tinubu, has shared a rare video showing when the Nigerian leader was closing from the office in the evening of Monday, June 5.

Tinubu, who was inaugurated as Nigerias 16th president on Monday, May 29, is in his second week in office.

The new president started on a high note following his declaration that fuel subsidy is gone. He has also made some key appointments and given policy directions.

Fuel subsidy removal: Peter Obi reveals his position on President Tinubus decision

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has expressed his dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubus sudden announcement of fuel subsidy removal.

Obi argued that removing the subsidy without implementing measures to alleviate the resulting hardships was a misguided approach.

Legit.ng gathers that the former governor of Anambra state made the statement during a media chat on the sidelines of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in Abuja.

Source: Legit.ng
Spread the love

Former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola has opened up on the lingering feud between himself and former governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola that has nearly crippled the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Aregbesola, who was Osun Governor between 2010 to 2018, handed over to Oyetola who served under him as Chief of Staff after winning the 2018 governorship election.

He was opposed to Oyetolas re-election and faulted the elders of the party for not chastising him (Oyetola) for reversing his policies.

Aregbesola, who arrived Osun State after his tenure as the Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, visited the palaces of Owa Obokun, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun before addressing his supporters at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park via Old Garage, Osogbo capital of Osun State.

READ ALSO: FG set to begin home delivery of passports  Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola

The ex-Minister, who spoke in Yoruba language, lauded Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for being his destiny helper and trusting him with power.

According to him: I have not returned to Osun for animosity or acrimony but reconciliation of our party. I have come here today to beg for forgiveness from anybody who is offended towards me. The reason why people are applauding me over my successes in Osun today was because of the great work I did when I was in government and those who turned themselves into enemies today, we worked together in government.

I thank God who showcased me from Lagos through the help of President Bola Tinubu, he is the architect of my success. I spent 8 years as commissioner in Lagos. In 2004, we had a meeting in Badagry where we talked about how we will take over our states from the opposition party. President Tinubu and other Yoruba elders directed me to come and take over Osun State from the opposition.

READ ALSO: Just in: Supreme Court dismisses Oyetolas appeal, affirms Adelekes election

With the help of God and the support of Asiwaju, I was able to excel as a Governor for 8 years even though it was not easy with the help of those that turned to my enemy for four years.

In 2019, after the Supreme Court judgment, I came to this venue with the person I handed over power to. I counseled that I have played my own part and handed it over to the person I loved. But I said, the person must do it right by ensuring unity within the party. If that is done I will now be the godfather. But unfortunately, Satan took over them in interpreting what I said. I never begged for anything from them when he was in power.

Advertisement



I am saying it today and I am begging for forgiveness. After this, we are not going to beg anybody again. We didnt offend anyone and we dont believe anyone offended us but its possible that they believe we offended them, thats why we are apologizing to them.
Nigerian media personality, Daddy Freeze, has made a mockery of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, over the accusation of rigging.

Naija News reported that a witness for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidate in the February 25th elections, claimed that magic was performed on Abubakars votes at several collation centers.

The witness, Ndubuisi Nwobu, suggested that the Labour Partys candidate, Peter Obi, rigged the election in Anambra state.

According to the results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission, Obi won Anambra state with 584,621 votes.

In contrast, Atiku Abubakar received 9,036 votes, and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress secured 5,111 votes.

Nwobu, who serves as the Anambra PDP chairman and the partys state collation agent, testified before the presidential election tribunal on Wednesday.

He alleged that after counting the votes, presiding officers did not upload the results.

Although he visited roughly 30 of the states 4,720 polling units on election day, Nwobu claimed he was compelled to sign the elections result sheet at the state collation centre.

In a post via his Instagram page, Daddy Freeze questioned who owns the stolen mandate Peter Obi had always claimed.

He added that the Africa Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seemed to be the only person who didnt rig the 2023 election.

He wrote: So who now has the stolen mandate???? Be like say na only @yelesho no rig for this election o..
Obi tenders final results of presidential poll

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, appeared rattled as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDPs) candidate in the disputed February 25 presidential election called its first subpoenaed witness at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC).

INEC, Tinubu and APC through their individual lawyers objected to the taking of the evidence of the witness, who is said to be an ad hoc staff of INEC.

At the proceedings, lead counsel to the PDP, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, after the admittance of exhibits from 10 local governments in Kogi State, called in one of its listed witnesses, who gave evidence on how INEC failed to transmit results real time as promised.

Shortly after the end of cross examination of the witness, Hon. Ndubuisi Nwobu, from Anambra State, Uche informed the court that the petitioners had three subpoenaed witnesses and went to call the first one, an ad hoc staff of INEC.

Immediately the witness entered the witness box and barely before he could take his oath, counsel to INEC, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, rose in objection to the hearing of the evidence of the witness.

He informed the court that he was only served this morning with the statement of the witness and as such would have to study the statement in order to do a thorough cross-examination.

His position was shared by Tinubus lawyer, Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN and APCs lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who added that he was only served barely 20 minutes ago with the statement and had not seen what it contained.

Responding, Uche argued that with a subpoenaed witness, they were not supposed to front-load his statement to the respondents, adding that there was nothing strange in the statement of the witness to warrant an adjournment.

Uche pleaded with the court to take at least one of the subpoenaed witnesses so as to judiciously make use of the time allotted it because the adjournment would eat into their allotted time.

Chairman of the PREPEC, Justice Haruna Tsammani, while trying to be considerate, proposed standing down trial for 30 minutes to enable respondents look at the documents and thereby cross-examine the first subpoenaed witness.

But INEC insisted that the witness could not be taken today because the witness is said to be an ad hoc staff of the Commission and as such, he would have to go and look at INECs records to enable him prepare adequately.

Following the respondents insistence, Uche urged the court to adjourned till tomorrow for the calling of the three subpoenaed witnesses.

Earlier, in his evidence, Nwobu told the PREPEC that election went smoothly in most polling units he visited including where he cast his vote but magic started happening at the ward collation centers.

According to him, results of the election were entered into the forms EC8A at the polling units but were not transmitted real time into the IReV because of the failure of the BVAS machines.

He told the panel that but for his intervention some staff of INEC would have been attacked due to their inability to upload results real time.

There was no real time transmission of results as we were promised by INEC, he said.

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, tendered Form EC8D (A) being the final results of the February 25 presidential election upon which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu President.

The document, although not objected to by INEC, Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as in previous instances, was admitted as exhibit by the five member panel of the PREPEC.

The final results contained the results of the presidential election from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT).

Since the beginning of the second week of hearing, Obi and his party had been tendering various documents to prove their allegations of rigging and other corrupt practices that allegedly robbed them of victory at the presidential election.

Before yesterday June 7, the petitioners had tendered documents ranging from Form EC8As and EC8Bs, which comprised results from polling units and wards level, from states wherein they were in dispute with the outcome of the poll.

At yesterdays proceedings, lawyer to the petitioners, Prof Paul Ananaba, SAN, before tendering the national results, tendered Form EC8Cs, which were collated results at the Local Government Areas level and as were in earlier cases; INEC, Tinubu and APC through their individual lawyers objected to the tendering of the said documents reserving their reasons till their final written address.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the close of proceedings, Ananaba said the petitioners still had some remaining documents to tender in support of their petition before calling addition witnesses.

At the commencement of hearing last week, Obi and LP, had called their first and only witness so far in the matter, to attest to the allegation that Tinubu forfeited the sum of $460,000 to the United States of America over drug-related offences.

Hearing continues today.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  Over 100 residents in Laurel town, Batangas have fallen sick as Taal Volcano emits sulfur dioxide, a hazardous gas, local health officials said on Wednesday.

The Municipal Health Unit of Laurel said the locals live near Taal Lake and have been getting check-ups since Monday, when the smog started to thicken in their area.

Cough and cold, chest pain, and eye irritation were the most common illnesses, authorities reported.

Town nurse Maylene Reyes also said others who have a history of asthma are seeing their condition triggered.

Sulfur dioxide affects the lungs and at high levels may result in burning of the nose and throat, breathing difficulties, and severe airway obstructions, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

"Tinitingnan din po namin kung talagang doon siya related, kung sa smog ba or talagang sa paiba-ibang panahon," Reyes said.

[Translation: We're also looking if the illnesses are related to the smog or the changing weather.]

But while the thick volcanic smog hampered the visibility and affected local residents' health, some fisherfolk still continue to work.

"Hinapo ho ako, asthma," fisher Makenly Mendoza told CNN Philippines. "Hirap talagang huminga, gawa ng amoy ng asupre. Pagka nakaamoy ka, pasok talaga sa baga."

[Translation: I'm having asthma attacks. It's difficult to breathe because of the smell of sulfur dioxide. It really goes to your lungs.]

"Kapag hindi ho tumrabaho ay hindi kakain eh," Mendoza added. "Konting tiis para mabuhay."

[Translation: If we do not work, we cannot bring food to the table. It's a small sacrifice to live.]

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Taal Volcano is continuously releasing sulfur dioxide, but the slow wind movement keeps the smog in surrounding areas of the volcano.

Ma. Antonia Bornas, Phivolcs' Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division chief, said stronger winds may bring the volcanic smog to nearby provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Manila.

"Yun ang maganda kapag malakas ang hangin, nadi-disperse maigi ang [sulfur dioxide] hindi katulad ng nangyayari today at kahapon na nakahimpil o naiipon lang siya sa mainly sa Taal caldera sa Taal Lake," she added.

[Translation: It will be better if there are stronger winds so that the sulfur dioxide will be dispersed and will not be trapped mainly in the Taal caldera in Taal Lake.]

Phivolcs said it will not yet elevate the alert level for Taal Volcano, which is currently at Level 1 or "low-level unrest" category, as there are no other indicators aside from the smog.

Authorities have suspended classes in the towns of Agoncillo, Laurel, and Talisay due to the smog.

Local disaster management officials are also reminding residents near the lake to wear face masks and remain in their homes as much as possible.

CNN Philippines senior correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed reporting from Batangas.
A 23-year-old labourer, Isyaku Lawal (Dan Babani) has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Jigawa Command, for s*domising a 9-year-old boy in Chiro.



Spokesperson of the Corps in the state, CSC Adamu Shehu, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, said the suspect was arrested on Sunday, at Chiromari village, in Malam Madori Local Government Area of the state.



According to CSC Shehu, the offence is contrary to section 284 of the PCL of Jigawa State and punishable under same.



The arrest was prompted upon receipt of a complaint lodged by the father of the victim, who stated that his daughter, an elder Sister to the victim, reported to him that her sibling was s3xually abused by the suspect, the statement read.



Upon questioning, the boy stated that he was taken to an isolated place in the evening while he was playing alongside his friends by the suspect who removed his trousers and had canal knowledge of him, thereafter urged him not to tell anyone and promised to buy him sweets, a promise which he failed to fulfill and which made him to expose the incident to his sister.



Meanwhile, medical examinations conducted at Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at General Hospital Dutse shows repeated rectal penetrations and bruises in the an*l area.



The suspect has confessed to the crime and will be charged to court of competent jurisdiction to expedite justice.


Lawan said despite misgivings by some Nigerians over the cordial relationship with the executive, 112 bills out of those passed by the 9th parliament were assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari

Ahmad Lawan

President of the 9th Senate, Ahmad Lawan has said that he is unbothered that the Senate under his leadership was tagged as a rubber stamp.

Speaking to the Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly, Abuja, on Wednesday, June 7, Lawan said despite misgivings by some Nigerians over the cordial relationship with the executive, 112 bills out of those passed by the 9th parliament were assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also decried the high level of turnover of the members of the National Assembly after every election cycle, claiming that t is not good for institutional memory.

Lawan said;



The relationship between us and the executive has been described in so many ways. But everything has a price. If you dont do well, it has a price but this National Assembly, no matter what anybody will call it, we did what we could to help the executive.

We changed the budget cycle and to the glory of God we passed the budget before the end of December. It makes us feel proud. Former President Buhari assented to 112 bills. Some have come to reform our economy, the petroleum industry and the electoral process.

We have done so many things in good ways and make our people happy, but as humans we must have done somethings that Nigerians dont like, but on the whole, we did our work well. I am not bothered that the Senate under my watch was called rubber stamp.

If wishes were horses, I would have loved that the turn over of lawmakers will be minimal. Each time, 70% are dropped, capacity development would start all over again, but thats the choice of Nigerians.


Spread the love

The Wife of the Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Seun Ayedatiwa has faulted her husbands denial that he never assaulted her, maintaining that she is a serial victim of abuse in his hands.

Recall that reports of allegations of domestic violence against Lucky Ayedatiwa recently surfaced, however, the deputy government in a statement through his media aide, Kenneth Odusola, said he had never raised a hand to hit his wife since they got married.

He described the allegation as baseless, false, nothing but political blackmail taken too far, to cause political unrest in the state.

But in a statement from London entitled, My Ordeal At The Hands Of Lucky, Mrs. Ayedatiwa narrated her experience, adding that she could no longer endure his temperament.

According to her, she had endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse from her husbandbeatings, torture, and constant mistreatment.

READ ALSO: Ondo govt refutes speculated death of Gov Akeredolu

I have come across numerous comments regarding the statement released by the Women Group, the Society for Women Empowerment (SWE). Although I cannot ascertain the existence of the group or the true intentions behind the story, I feel it is important to express my pain for the sake of other women.

I am a woman who deeply respects and supports my husband. Our story, like many others, has been one of grace and growth. While I am sociable, I am always mindful of my husbands position. I have dedicated myself to nurturing our home and children, as any wife and mother would. I have done so with unwavering strength.

Prior to Luckys appointment as the deputy governor, we had ongoing issues revolving around abusive behavior. Each time, he would apologize, often attributing his actions to alcohol. Our children have witnessed this on two occasions. They implored me to have him arrested, but I explained that Nigerian culture does not provide room for such measures.

I am not happy about revealing my personal struggles publicly. It is a painful reality I must confront. I have reached the conclusion that concerted efforts must be made to eradicate the scourge of violence against women. I have endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse from my husbandbeatings, torture, and constant mistreatment.

On December 1, 2022, during a minor argument, I experienced one of the most severe beatings of my life at the hands of my husband. I was left bruised and battered, to the extent that I could not attend the birthday ceremony of Toyin Akeredolu, the younger sister of Governor Akeredolu, in Ibadan. He threatened to kill me, uttering words of disdain.

READ ALSO: Ondo States Gov. Akeredolu eulogises Tinubu, says he is an inspirational figure

On Friday, December 2, I traveled to Ibadan to meet with the First Lady, Chief Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, to report Luckys actions. When she saw my battered face, she was enraged. She subsequently reported Lucky to the Governor. Lucky used to be the First Ladys favorite, but since that day, she has distanced herself from him.

Advertisement



Upon returning to Akure, even with my bruised face, Lucky slapped me again. He accused me of exposing him to the Governor and First Lady. He not only slapped me but also poured Hennessy on my head, berating me as a worthless woman.

By the end of January, Lucky resumed his abusive behavior. As much as I am a strong supporter of his aspirations to succeed the Governor, I have consistently advised him to exhibit decorum in his public life.

Every time I mentioned this, he dismissed it as jealousy and insecurity, showing no regard for my feelings. Disrespectful calls were frequently received at our home, especially from one Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, one of his girlfriends.

Lucky not only assaulted me but also locked me out of the house. I had to spend two nights at the St. Jacob Hotel. He instructed the gatekeeper not to allow me entry. From there, I had to travel to Lagos and eventually moved to Ilesa, my hometown.

After being locked out, my driver eventually went to the house to retrieve my bag, which contained my passport. Since then, I have relocated to London.

If Lucky denies it once more, I will come out with pictures and videos, no matter how humiliating it sounds. I am taking this step because I can no longer endure this situation silently.
Former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani has blasted immediate past governor of the state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai over the killings of Christians in the state in the eight years he was at the helm of affairs.

Sani who represented the Kaduna Central senatorial district in the 8th National Assembly, while reacting to a viral video where El-Rufai claimed that the success of the Muslim-Muslim ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in the 2023 presidential election, shows that Muslims have taken over Nigeria, described the former governor a bigot.

READ ALSO: Shehu Sani outlines how Tribunal can decide petitions in one week

Sani, who lamented the killing of a number of Christian clerics in Kaduna during El-Rufais eight years as governor, accused him of not visiting the families of the deceased for condolence all through his tenure.

Posting on his Twitter handle along with pictures of some of the slain clerics on Thursday, Sani said: Imagine a Governor of a State for eight years and these high profile clerics were murdered by terrorists in his state, and he never for once bothered to visit their families for condolence or even speak personally on the tragedies.
Advertisement

By Abdulateef Bamgbose

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured elected members of the incoming 10th National Assembly that his administration remains firm on the choices of candidates for presiding officers position made by the leadership of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President stated this on Wednesday night when he met with Senators-elect and Members-elect of the APC at the Presidential Villa, with APC governors and other leaders of the party in attendance.

Details emerging from the meeting which was scheduled for 7:30pm on Wednesday revealed that Tinubu spoke firmly on the need to work for the victory of the APCs candidates for the 10th National Assembly leadership.

A source privy to the meeting confirmed to this newspaper that the President appealed/begged them to work for Akpabio, Abbas, Barau and Kalu respectively.

He said the success of his administration largely depends on whether or not he gets it right with the leadership of the National Assembly.

The President is further quoted as urging them to see reasons with him, saying the candidates were chosen for the stability of the nation.

Those in attendance among the speakership aspirants were: the outgone chairman of the 9th House Appropriation Committee, Hon Muktar Betara Aliyu from Borno, outgone chairman of Navy Committee, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi from Plateau, outgone chairperson of the People With Disability Committee, Hon. Miriam, Onuoha from Imo, as well as Chairman Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli from Katsina.

However, the outgone Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase from Plateau, and Aminu Sani Jaji from Zamfara were conspicuously absent, despite getting invitation for the meeting, the source said.

Recall that Wase had said during the House valedictory session on Wednesday that he would go ahead to contest for the Speakers seat because it has been prophesied that he would become Speaker.

Wase stated this after the House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC,Kano) pleaded with other aspirants to stepdown for the All Progressives Congress (APC) concensus candidate, Tajuddeen Abbas.

However, Wase who spoke immediately after Doguwa said, as a democrat who believes in contest, he was determined to continue with the race until the end.

He added that, his contest is in the pursuit of a prophecy by the former governor of old Plateau State, late Solomon Lar who predicted his coming to the House of Representatives and becoming the Deputy Speaker and possibility of his Speakership.

Of course, I want to appreciate my political leaders, among whom I would say is Solomon Lar, who, when I was contesting in 2007, I went to him and he prophesied the number of times I will come to this Assembly and I will tell this crowd and to the world, that he said, I will come to the Assembly in the number of times and prophesied even the number of leadership that I will attain and the Deputy Speakership and he prophesied next when I return, and I believe I will be Speaker and I believe I, In sha Allah, I will be the Speaker of the Green Chambers, Wase insisted.

From the look of things, there is likelihood that only Wase would go to the floor to contest, while others may step down after the Presidents appeal.

Related

Advertisement
A Kaduna State High Court has declared the state Religious Bill recently passed by the former State House of Assembly as illegal because it violates human right.

The bill which was introduced by Governor Nasiru El-Rufai seeks to regulate religious preaching in Kaduna State with a view to promoting religious harmony and peaceful co-existence amongst the residents of the state. It also seeks to ban open public preaching and it attracted opposition from both Christian and Muslim groups in the state.

However, the Court ruled on Wednesday that the plan by the Kaduna State government to issue licences to the pastors of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) using the Religious Regulatory Bill is a gross violation of their fundamental human rights, which guarantees freedom of association and freedom of religion.

The Court added that the passage of the religious bill is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

The judge, Hon Justice D. Gwadah, while passing the ruling, said that the actions of the Kaduna State House of Assembly in proceeding to pass the bill into law despite the pending court proceedings and the subsisting court injunction restraining the action, is an affront to this honourable court.

The case was instituted by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Kaduna chapter since 2016 against Kaduna State Governor (Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai), Kaduna State House of Assembly and the Attorney General of Kaduna State over the Kaduna State Religious Regulatory Bill.

The lawyers representing the respondents, in reaction to the judgment, said that their clients will go higher, meaning Gov El-Rufai and the Kaduna State House of Assembly will appeal the judgement.

But Barr S. A. Akani (lead counsel to PFN), who briefly addressed the press after the ruling, expressed satisfaction over the judgment on behalf of his client, the PFN.

Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, through its lead counsel, Barr S. A. Akani, had sought a declaration, among others that the establishment of Religious Preaching Regulatory Committees vide section 6(1) and (2) of bill for the Kaduna state religious preaching regulation law for the purpose of screening preachers and entertaining applications for preaching licences constitutes a blatant invasion of applicants fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion enshrined in section 38 (1) of the constitution and as such unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional.
At least 175 lawmakers have moved for the commencement of a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump over staggering claims that he sought political favours from Ukraine.

In a damning revelation by a whistleblower, Trump during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25, reportedly asked his counterpart to investigate the son of Joe Biden, former US vice-president and Democrats frontrunner in the 2020 race.

According to a Ukrainian whistleblower, Trump held back hundreds of millions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine in an attempt to pressure its leader to investigate Joe Biden, and his son Hunter Biden, who once worked for a Ukrainian gas company.

Trump has acknowledged discussing Biden with Zelensky but said he was only trying to get Europe to step up assistance by threatening to withhold military aid.

While announcing the impeachment inquiry on Tuesday, Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the US house of representatives, said the president must be held accountable.

Pelosi said Trump had committed a violation of the law, and called his actions a breach of his constitutional responsibilities.

This week the president has admitted to asking the president of Ukraine to take action that would benefit him politically, she said.

In a series of tweets, Trump lashed out at the news, saying Democrats purposely had to ruin and demean his trip to the UN with more breaking news Witch Hunt garbage.

They never even saw the transcript of the call. A total Witch Hunt!

He has promised to release a transcript of his conversation with Ukraines president to show it was totally appropriate.
A Pregnant woman identified as Shantel Carrillo believes the image of her late father appeared in an ultrasound scan of her unborn child in San Diego, California, United States.

Shantel Carillo, whos five months pregnant with her second child, said she saw her late fathers ghost mysteriously kissing her unborn daughter in her ultrasound scan.

Carrillo said she didnt even notice the image until she posted a photo from the ultrasound on Facebook and other family members weighed in.

People were messaging me, saying it looks like someones kissing your baby. People who actually knew my dad were like That looks like your dad oh my gosh that looks like Chuck. I started looking at it, and i found a picture of my dad holding my first daughter and its like the exact same thing. Its crazy.

Shantel Carrillo said placed the ultrasound of her unborn daughter side-by-side with a photo of her father Charles, who died in 2016, and the two images produced an eerie resemblance.

It has his nose, his little chubby cheeks, his little double chin, and my dad wore a hat like all the time. It looks like the bill of his hat and his lips are just touching hers so perfectly, said Carrillo.

Carrillos dad Chuck passed away suddenly in 2016. She was his only daughter and her daughter was his only granddaughter, until now.

I think my dad would just be over the moon about it, so I feel like hes including himself in this someway, somehow.

He may not be here in person for this pregnancy, but Carrillo now has something tangible to feel like her father is never too far away.

Carrillo is due to have her baby girl in April, just a few days before her fathers birthday.
Female Police Officers



Move by the Senate to check discrimination against female Police officers, especially the Police Act which stipulates that an unmarried Police Officer who becomes pregnant shall be discharged from the Police Force, yesterday got a boost as a Bill to that effect scaled second reading in the Senate.

The Senate is also kicking against such an Act that any unmarried Police Officer who gets pregnant and dismissed can only be re-enlisted except with the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP.

Resolution of the Senate was sequel to the Consideration of a Bill for an Act to Amend the Police Act CAP P19 LFN 2004 and expunge the gender discriminatory provisions of regulations 122, 123, 124, and 127 and for Other Related Matters, 2019(SB.87) and sponsored by Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Imo East.

In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, Onyewuchi who noted that the bill was read for the first time on Oct. 10, said that that the bill sought to expunge the provisions of regulations122, 123, 124 and 127 from the principal act.

Onyewuchi who noted that Regulation 122 restricts female police officers assigned to the General Duties Branch of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to telephone, clerical and office orderly duties, said, regulation 123 prohibits women police from drilling under arms; Regulation 124 mandates female police officers to apply for permission to marry while the intending fiance is also investigated for criminal records.

 It also stipulates that a policewoman who is single at the time of enlistment must spend three years in service before applying for permission to marry.



The Senator who enumerated the duties of the police to include prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order among others, said, However, an analysis of the Police Act and other regulatory/policy documents governing the internal and external workings of the Nigeria Police Force reveals a preponderance of discriminatory regulations and workplace practices that reinforce gender discrimination. 

Many of the police regulations particularly regulations 122, 123, 124 and 127 are overtly discriminatory to female police officers.

He further said that specifically, the current regulations stated that a woman police officer who is desirous of marrying must apply in writing to the commissioner of police for the State Police Command in which she is serving, requesting permission to marry.

She is to also give the name, address and occupation of the person she intends to marry. He explained that there was a need to expunge the regulations as it was not reasonably justifiable in democratic states like Nigeria which had domesticated the African Charter on Human and People Rights.

In his contribution, Senator Istifanus Gyang (PDP-Plateau North) said that the bill has widened the scope of mainstreaming women rights in the countrys statutes, said that exposure to discrimination was one of the factors that were used in rating and ranking the country on the index of best and worst countries for a woman to live in.

He said, It is said that womens rights such as protection from sexual harassment, right to vote and be voted for, right to hold public office etc are today a reality.



The quest for gender equality and equity in our clime will be further strengthened by the passage of this bill, he said.

On his part, Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe who noted that amending the law would give dignity to the female folk, said, It is very strange to find such provisions in the Police Act which is discriminatory in the sense that the male counterparts dont have the same restrictions.

In her contribution, Senator Stella Oduah (PDP-Anambra North) urged the senators to give the bill accelerated second reading.

Also contributing, Senator Smart Adeyemi (APC-Kogi West) said that Nigeria is a democratic society and there should not be any provision that made women be seen as a second class citizen.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and report back to the chamber in four weeks.
More than 300 people have reportedly died in Iran with a further 1,000 getting sick after consuming methanol thinking it will protect them against the coronavirus disease.

Due to reports on the effectiveness of hand sanitizer in combating coronavirus, social media posts across Iran have been awash recently with theories that industrial alcohol such as methanol could cure and prevent coronavirus.

According to Fox News, after some social media posts claimed that a British school teacher and others cured themselves of the coronavirus with whisky and honey, bootleggers started packaging industrial alcohol to Iranians, with the misconception that it prevents coronavirus, since the consumption of alcohol is banned in the Islamic country.

Other countries have only one problem, which is the new coronavirus pandemic, said Dr. Hossein Hassanian, an adviser to Irans Health Ministry

We have to both cure the people with alcohol poisoning and also fight the coronavirus.

Unfortunately in some provinces, including Khuzestan and Fars, deaths from drinking methanol has exceeded the number of deaths by the new coronavirus, Hassanian said.

Iran has reported over 29,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,200 deaths from the virus,but the World Health Organization and some International experts, fear Iran may be under-reporting its cases.

Post Views: 5
(CNN)  The collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine has sparked fears of an ecological catastrophe, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky describing the situation as an environmental bomb of mass destruction.

Water levels on Wednesday continued to rise after the Russian-occupied dam and hydro-electric power plant was destroyed early Tuesday, forcing more than 1,400 people to flee their homes and threatening vital water supplies as flooding inundated towns, cities and farmland.

Kyiv and Moscow have traded accusations over the dams destruction, without providing concrete proof that the other is culpable. It is not yet clear whether the dam was deliberately attacked or whether the breach was the result of structural failure.

Zelensky, however, said Russia bears criminal liability and Ukrainian prosecutors are investigating the dam incident as a case of ecocide.

The consequences of the tragedy will be clear in a week. When the water goes away, it will become clear what is left and what will happen next, he said.

Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office said Wednesday that it is investigating the incident as a war crime and as possible ecocide, or criminal environmental destruction.

Ukraine has initiated proceedings over this crime, qualifying it as a violation of the laws and customs of war and ecocide. It has caused severe long-term damage to people and the environment, Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said in a meeting Wednesday, according to a readout from his office.

The consequences are catastrophic. More than 40,000 people have been affected. Homes and infrastructure have been destroyed, land has become unsuitable for agriculture, and water supply has been disrupted in a number of regions, both in the government-controlled areas and in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia, the readout added.

Concerns are now turning to the dangers to wildlife, farmlands, settlements and water supplies from the floodwaters and possible contamination from industrial chemicals and oil leaked from the hydropower plant into the Dnipro River.

The head of Ukraines main hydropower generating company told CNN the environmental consequences from the breach will be significant and damaged equipment at the plant could be leaking oil.

First of all, the Kakhovka reservoir is likely to be drained to zero, and we understand that the number of fish will gradually go down, said Ihor Syrota, the CEO of Ukrhydroenergo.

Four-hundred tons of turbine oil is always there, in the units and in the block transformers that are usually installed on this equipment, Syrota said. It all depends on the level of destruction of the units and this equipment If the damage is extensive, then all the oil will leak out.

Ukrainian Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets said at least 150 metric tons of oil from the dam have leaked into the Dnipro and the environmental damage had been estimated at 50 million euros ($53.8 million), according to Reuters.

One environmental expert warned of the potential damage that the oil spill could cause. Just 1 litre of oil can contaminate 1 million liters of water. So 150 tons will have numerous impacts on Ukrainian water resources and the environment, said Yevheniia Zasiadko, Head of Climate Department at Kyiv-based environmental non-profit Ecoaction. Oil spreads over the surface in a thin layer that stops oxygen from getting to the plants and animals that live in the water, she said.

As the Dnipro River flows to the Black Sea, some of the oil will end in the ocean where it will affect the marine ecosystem, she told CNN.

Gas stations and sewage treatment plants along the river also pose an additional risk of water pollution, Zasiadko said.

Strilets said downstream wildlife species found nowhere else in the world were in jeopardy, including the sandy blind mole-rat. Ukraines Black Sea Biosphere Reserve and two national parks were also likely to be heavily damaged, he added, Reuters reported.

The flooding has already killed 300 animals at the Nova Kakhovka zoo, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday the dam collapse was an ecological catastrophe with the destruction of newly planted crops and massive flooding another devastating consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Farming and food threats as millions in need of assistance

Before its collapse, the critical Nova Kakhovka dam was the largest reservoir in Ukraine in terms of volume.

Its the last of the cascade of six Soviet-era dams on the Dnipro River, a major waterway running through southeastern Ukraine, and supplied water for much of southeastern Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula that was annexed by Russia in 2014.

There are multiple towns and cities downstream, including Kherson, a city of some 300,000 people before Moscows invasion of its neighbor.

Speaking to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, the UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said its collapse is possibly the most significant incident of damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The dam, Griffiths said, is a lifeline in the region, being a critical water source for millions of people in Kherson as well as the Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia regions, and a key source of agricultural irrigation in southern Kherson and the Crimean peninsula  impacting farming and food production.

The Ukrainian Agricultural Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of agricultural land are expected to flood on the right bank, the west side controlled by Ukraine, following the collapse. It was several times more on the left bank, the statement added.

The collapse has left 94% of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74% in Zaporizhzhia and 30% in Dnipro regions without a source of water, according to the Ukrainian Agricultural Ministry. The ministry added that the dam will lead to fields in southern Ukraine perhaps turning into deserts.

Severe impact is also expected in Russian-occupied areas where humanitarian agencies are still struggling to gain access, he added.

The damage caused by the dams destruction means that life will become intolerably harder for those already suffering from the conflict, Griffiths said.

Between 35 and 80 settlements were expected to be flooded due to the breach, Zelensky said, and aid efforts are ongoing to get drinking water, hygiene kits and other supplies to affected neighborhoods.

In the low lying districts of Kherson, a CNN team on the ground saw residents evacuated from their homes carrying their possessions and pets in their arms as rising floodwaters penetrated one city block in less than an hour.

As the area is on the front lines of the conflict, the rising water brought with it an added danger of mine and explosive ordnance contamination.

This is both a water element and a mine hazard, because mines float here and this area is constantly under fire, said Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Khersons regional military administration, who has been overseeing rescue efforts.

Griffiths said projectiles like mines risk being displaced to areas previously assessed as safe.

Mohammad Heidarzadeh, senior lecturer in the department of architecture and civil engineering at the University of Bath in England, said the Kakhovka reservoir is one of the largest dams in the world in terms of capacity.

It is obvious that the failure of this dam will definitely have extensive long-term ecological and environmental negative consequences not only for Ukraine but for neighboring countries and regions, Heidarzadeh told Science Media Centre on Tuesday, adding the facility was an embankment dam, which means it was made of gravel and rock with a clay core in the middle.

These types of dams are extremely vulnerable, and are usually washed away quickly in case of a partial breach a partial damage is sufficient to cause a complete collapse of the dam because water flow can easily wash away the soil materials of the dam body in just a few hours, he added.

Falling water supplies

Both Moscow and Kyiv noted the humanitarian and environmental consequences, while blaming each other for the dams destruction.

The Russian-appointed acting governor of Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, said the collapse of the dam led to a large, but not critical amount of water flowing down the Dnipro which resulted in the washout of agricultural fields along the coast and disruption of civilian infrastructure.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday the dam breach has caused devastating damage to the farmland in the region and the ecosystem at the mouth of the Dnieper river.

The inevitable drop in the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir will affect Crimeas water supply and will hinder the improvement of agricultural land in the Kherson region, it said.

Several Ukrainian regions that receive some of their water supply from the reservoir of the Nova Kakhovka dam are making efforts to conserve water.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, where about 70% of the city of Kryvyi Rih was supplied by the reservoir, Ukrainian authorities have asked people to stock technical water and drinking water and businesses to limit consumption and banned the use of hoses.

The reservoir also supplies water to the upstream Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said there was no immediate nuclear safety risk at the plant, water from the reservoir is used to cool its reactors and emergency diesel generators.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the UN nuclear watchdogs staff on site have been told the reservoir is draining at 5 centimeters (2 inches) an hour and it is estimated that water used for the mainline of cooling should last for a few days.

However, should the reservoir drop below the pumping level there are a number of alternative sources of water, Grossi said, with the main one being the large cooling pond next to the site.

It is estimated this pond will be sufficient to provide water for cooling for some months, he added.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Collapse of Ukraines Nova Kakhovka dam an ecological catastrophe"
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has warned corps members to desist from embarking on frivolous journeys during the service year.

He said that the management is very uncomfortable with the lackadaisical attitude of some members of the service corps. The DG who spoke during his visit to Ondo state said: My dear children in the national service, it has become worrisome that some of you embark on journeys which ordinarily you should not engage in. This trend has raised the public outcry on the avoidable deaths corps members are exposed to.

The Director General who once served as Military Assistant to past Director Generals between 1996 and 1999 said that NYSC will henceforth take drastic measures against any erring and recalcitrant corps members who flout the rules and regulations in line with the NYSC Bye-Law.

Let me sound a note of warning that the management of the scheme both at the Directorate Headquarters and State Secretariats will no longer condone any act of lawlessness and will henceforth mete out appropriate sanctions to those who refuse to abide by the code of conduct as provided for in the NYSC Bye-Law.

The one time lecturer at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna between 2000 and 2004 read the riot act to corps members on the mode of dressing which many are now taking for granted.

As a parent, it is always my joy to see you adorning NYSC uniform and then giving your selfless service to the nation but many of you are daily abusing the privilege by giving bad image to our national identity with your indecent dressing.

This administration will not allow you to continue what you are doing. It makes me sad when I see a corps member wearing NYSC uniform with other combinations. This has to stop and I am going to be personally involved in the crusade.

The one time Commandant, Command Secondary School, Suleja charged the corps members to take their personal security with utmost concern.

The challenges we are facing is multi-dimensional and I want to implore you to take your personal security seriously. Do not leave your places of primary assignment or your residence without informing your colleagues about your whereabouts and endeavour to let your friends know where you are at every point in time.

NYSC has given you printed documents that contain the names and contact all security agencies within your Local Government of service. Please get in touch with any of the agencies in case of any security threat or breach and I am confident that you will be adequately protected.

On our part, we shall continue to make your security and welfare sacrosanct. The Director General said.

The Director General who is the second doctorate degree holder to head the 46 year-old scheme promised to build on the legacy of his predecessors by expanding the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

In her introductory speech, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio congratulatuled the immediate past Registrar of the Military University, Biu, Borno State on his appointment as the 18th Director General of the laudable Scheme.

Your appointment is an eloquent testimony of your resilience, hard work, sacrifice and dedication to duty which made you an outstanding officer fit for this challenging assignment among the galaxy of personalities shortlisted for this enviable position.

The elated State Coordinator informed the Director General that Ondo State Government under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) is in the forefront of making the scheme to achieve notable giant strides in the Sunshine State.

The Executive Governor in his magnanimity during the 2019 Batch A orientation course held in March through April donated a pick up automobile to serve as operational vehicle as well as resumption on the construction of Perimeter Fence initiated in the last quarter of 2018.

Mrs. Akpabio used the opportunity to inform the Director General whose visit coincided with the 46 years anniversary of the establishment of the scheme to reel out her achievement since she assumed office in November, 2017.

Our modest achievements include building from window level, the roofing, plastering and tiling of Ondo State NYSC SAED Multipurpose Complex at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko as well as refurbishing and commissioning of a new SAED Centre at NYSC Zonal Office in Oda Road, Akure.

Others according to her include procurement of four (4) laptops and one desktop, purchase of 650 plastic chairs for use at the Orientation Camp as well as purchase of two giant box speakers and 5900 Watts power generator for the Press and Public Relations Unit.

The high point of the visit was the cultural dance presentation to entertain the Director General who is coming to Ondo State where he started his primary education as his first official visit outside the Directorate Headquarters, Abuja.
NORMAL  Young professionals from across McLean County gathered in uptown Normal this week to learn more about local job opportunities and networks.

"Take advantage of this awesome networking opportunity and try to go outside your comfort zone a little bit," said Ann Schick, an academic adviser at Heartland Community College and member of the Becoming BN committee. "That's where you will grow, and you never know where you might learn about your next job opportunity."

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted "The Center of it All Welcome Party" at Fiala Brothers Brewery & Beer Hall Wednesday to connect young professionals with the Bloomington-Normal business scene.

The event was open to people ages 18 through 25, including recent graduates, career professionals and entrepreneurs, and was aimed at providing them an opportunity to expand their professional networks, exchange ideas and gain insight from others in the community.

Some of the companies and organizations in attendance included Carle BroMenn Medical Center, State Farm, Country Financial, Growmark, Habitat for Humanity, Rivian and the Illinois Farm Bureau.

The event was organized by Becoming BN, a workforce development program organized by a subsidiary of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce named COMPACT, Schick said.

Schick said the chamber has been hosting social networking events like this since 2019, when they noticed a number of interns and students coming to Bloomington-Normal during the summer and wanted to show them what the area has to offer.

"This time we're trying to cut it down to one big event to really welcome people and kick things off for the summer and let them see our local businesses that are unique and special to Bloomington-Normal," Schick said.

Business leaders and local officials like Normal Mayor Chris Koos were in attendance to welcome the crowd and talk with individuals.

"There's so much opportunity in Bloomington-Normal," Koos said. "I know you're all working all kinds of different jobs, building your resume and getting work opportunities, and we're glad you're here and we hope you stay here."

"We'd understand if you don't, but you're missing a real opportunity in this community to stay," Koos added.

Victoria Padilla, communications director for the Regional Office of Education #17 and member of the Bloomington-Normal Young Professionals committee, said events like these help attendees learn how to network with new people and brand themselves to employers.

Padilla, originally from the Chicago area, said the affordable cost of living, available jobs and proximity to other major cities attributed to her choice to stay in Bloomington-Normal.

"Sometimes when you're 22 or 23 or fresh out of college, the thought of reaching out to a chamber or going to a networking event like this can feel intimidating, but making those connections and having those friendships are important," Padilla said.

Madelyn Hultz, 21, a senior nursing major at Illinois State University, said she found out about the event from a friend in the College of Business and wanted to connect with others before she graduates in the spring of 2024.

I thought this would be a good way for me to get myself out there and meet new people and get connected, because I feel like I havent done a lot of that, and its useful for the future," Hultz said.

Jay Dykstra, 21, a senior aviation administration major at Lewis University, in Romeoville, said he heard about the event from his internship at Central Illinois Regional Airport, where he is an airport operations intern. He is looking to start a career in aviation after graduating in the fall.

This (internship) kind of gave me a stepping stone to get into that career," Dykstra said. I thought it was pretty cool that the area was doing something for the interns to connect."

Olivia Messerges, 20, senior agriculture consumer economics major at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Tatiana Coleman, 20, junior film studies major at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, said they both heard of the event from their internships at the Illinois Farm Bureau and wanted to learn more about local opportunities in a more social setting.

Messerges said it is encouraging to see companies like the Illinois Farm Bureau and others wanting to reach out to young professionals like herself and provide job opportunities that she could not find anywhere else.

"Events like these are really important because you can meet other people from within the city or the town and get to connect with them in different ways that you wouldn't normally get to do with a job application," Coleman said. "Especially if you're younger and you're moving here and you don't really know anyone, events like these help broaden your horizons."

To learn more about the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.mcleancochamber.org.

Close James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Recently graduated high schoolers received over $80,000 in scholarships during the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Bradley Ross Jackson, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Youth Council, at the 2023 NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Carla Campbell-Jackson, vice president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, at the NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Michael Coleman, previous recipient of Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Mentoring and Providing Scholarships, delivers remarks on Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. lined up to give out scholarships at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. The Bloomington-Normal NAACP held its annual Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Brandon Caffey of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. presented students with scholarships on Saturday, June 3, at the Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Members of the local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. gave out scholarships at Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Photos: Bloomington-Normal NAACP, other groups present $82K in scholarships The Bloomington-Normal NAACP and a number of other groups handed out over $80,000 in scholarships to recent high-school grads in Bloomington and Normal. James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Recently graduated high schoolers received over $80,000 in scholarships during the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Bradley Ross Jackson, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Youth Council, at the 2023 NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Carla Campbell-Jackson, vice president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, at the NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. James Harden, executive director of engagement and social emotional learning in Champaign Unit 4 School District, delivered the keynote speech Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Michael Coleman, previous recipient of Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Mentoring and Providing Scholarships, delivers remarks on Saturday, June 3, at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. lined up to give out scholarships at the Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. The Bloomington-Normal NAACP held its annual Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Brandon Caffey of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. presented students with scholarships on Saturday, June 3, at the Joint Scholarship Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Members of the local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. gave out scholarships at Bloomington-Normal NAACP's Joint Scholarship Celebration on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington.
NORMAL  Fusion Brew, 503 S. Main St. in Normal, is this week's pick for Eats of the Week.

The espresso bar and bubble tea shop opened on Dec. 5, 2005. The business is owned and managed by father-daughter duo Virgil and Sarah Hovar of Bloomington.

The coffee shop initially started on the corner of Kingsley Street before moving to the Main Street location in 2011, the owners said. The building was originally split into two units and one unit was home to a barber shop and the other was a knitting and sewing shop. When the Hovars purchased the building, they took over both.

"I think the most unique thing about us is we are serious about both bubble tea and coffee. And I think we get a lot of people that maybe don't feel like they can go into other coffee shops because they don't really know like, the language or they're not cool enough," Sarah Hovar said. "We see an exceptionally broad array of customers, which I think does set us apart."

Virgil Hovar worked for Hewlett Packard for nearly 33 years before becoming a coffee shop owner. After a trip to California in 1999, he fell in love with bubble tea and began to search for it everywhere he traveled, from Champaign to St. Louis to Canada.

He was given advice from a bubble tea shop owner in Columbia, Missouri, where his son attended college. Sarah Hovar stayed there and trained with the shop owner. Then, Sarah and Virgil eventually brought their knowledge of bubble tea to Normal, which was something new to the area.

"The breadth of what we offer here is kind of unusual. We have a large selection of bubble tea, and we treat it as a primary part of our business," Virgil Hovar said. "We consciously made the effort to make our coffee drinks more prominent on the menu, and it's been really successful for us and gives us a nice breadth of product here."

Popular menu items include fusion milk tea, honey lavender latte, lavender milk tea, lavender craft soda and pumpkin milk tea. The lavender and pumpkin drinks are monthly seasonal drink offerings, which are often adapted to both coffee and bubble tea.

The shop also occasionally advertises specials in local magazines every quarter.

Sarah Hovar said the business attracts a diverse array of customers.

"So much of our business shifts because over the summer breaks," she said. "People come out who stayed away during the school year, and we get regulars year-round because of the different phases of life we have attended."

She said she loves hearing customers' stories about what the shop means to them.

"There's something different about having a space like this," she said. "My favorite thing is the first week of classes and you see freshmen come in and they're clearly looking for someplace to feel like they're at home, and I think that's really powerful."

They've seen customers become engaged, get married and enter new phases of life. Over the years, she said, they have realized that their business has become an important and friendly space for the community.

The Hovars said they plan to make grab-and-go drinks more of their main focus, offering more sealed drinks for easy travel and convenience for those in a hurry. They also said they are looking to provide additional staff training and speed up on the coffee side of the business to keep up with trends.

The Hovars said they would consider expansion if the right location and opportunity arose. In the meantime, they want to return their seating to how it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing more of their space.

"I just love serving our customers," Virgil Hovar said. "And that's been the most rewarding thing is just the friendships we've created with our customers and staff, and the people you see come in and they really enjoy the drinks that we have here.

"I marvel when I meet people when I'm out and (they) say they love Fusion Brew," he said. "We didn't necessarily set out to do that; we just wanted to offer something to the community that was unique and that we loved."
GRIDLEY  Chenoa police officials said five people were arrested early Thursday morning after attempting to flee from officers in Gridley.

Chenoa Police Department Chief Travis Cornwall said a CPD officer tried pulling over a vehicle at 1 a.m. Thursday for speeding at 85 mph in a 55 mph zone. He said the vehicle was headed east into Gridley on U.S. Route 24.

The chief said the vehicle drove away from the officer and into town, and then several people inside abandoned it and fled into Gridley. He said during the investigation, police learned the vehicle had been stolen from outside of McLean County.

The McLean County Sheriff's Office posted a Facebook statement at 4:42 a.m. Thursday advising the public that four of five suspects involved were at large and possibly armed.

Working with several other police agencies, Cornwall said they set up a perimeter and arrested all five suspects by 5:30 a.m. Thursday. He said two women and three men are being held on preliminary charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest. He added several traffic citations are pending for the driver.

Their identities were not immediately available.

The chief said they were assisted by the El Paso Police Department, the Lexington Police Department, the Woodford County Sheriff's Office and Illinois State Police Troop 5.

High car prices, loan rates fueling an affordability crisis in the auto industry High car prices, loan rates fueling an affordability crisis in the auto industry Average Car Payments Have Increased Sharply Interest Rates Have Risen Dramatically Auto Loan Default Rates Continue to Climb Auto Loan Rates Will Likely Continue to Rise In 2023 High Car Prices and Auto Loan Rates Could Continue Into 2023 and Perhaps Even Further
BLOOMINGTON  A 30-year-old convicted felon from Cook County was sentenced Thursday in McLean County to four years in prison for firearm possession.

Tony Jenkins received his sentence before Judge Amy McFarland, who accepted his guilty plea on unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (Class 2 felony).

At the time of Jenkins' booking, his last known residency was in Las Vegas, but it is unclear whether he was from there at the time of the incident.

The Pantagraph previously reported that Jenkins and Anthony T. Kolks, 27, were found with more than 30 pounds of marijuana during a June 19, 2020, traffic stop by the McLean County Sheriff's Office on Interstate 55 near Funks Grove.

Jenkins was the passenger in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, and a search during the booking process revealed a loaded .45 caliber Glock handgun.

As part of his plea agreement, charges for manufacturing and delivery of marijuana between 2,000 to 5,000 grams and possession of marijuana of less than 2,000 grams were dismissed.

Kolks was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of possession of more than 5,000 grams of cannabis.

Jenkins was sentenced to four years in prison in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for seven days served, and one year of mandatory supervised release.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Ashley Scarborough. Defense attorney Stephanie Wong represented Jenkins.

Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Andrea M. Sheets
SPRINGFIELD  People who file lawsuits in state courts challenging the constitutionality of a state law, administrative rule or executive order will now have to file those cases in either Sangamon or Cook counties.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed House Bill 3062, which applies only to cases brought against the state or any of its officers, employees or agents in which the plaintiff seeks to have a law, rule or action declared unconstitutional or they seek an injunction on the grounds of constitutionality. However, it also specifically exempts cases arising out of collective bargaining disputes.

It cleared the General Assembly with only Democratic support.

The bill came in response to a flurry of lawsuits filed in recent years in courthouses throughout the state challenging such things as Pritzkers COVID-19 mitigation orders, a law that would end cash bail, and, most recently, the states ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines.

Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said those cases typically end up being consolidated, and most of them eventually end up before the Illinois Supreme Court, which sits in Springfield and Chicago.

But he also accused plaintiffs attorneys in recent cases of selectively choosing where they file their cases in order to improve their chances of finding judges who may be more sympathetic to their cause, a practice Harmon described as forum shopping.

And what we have seen recently is similar cases being filed in scores of counties, causing the attorney general to have to defend the same action in multiple counties with forum shopping, he said during floor debate on the bill. This is a simple effort to make sure that all important, critical constitutional questions end up in the right venue.

But Senate Republican Leader John Curran, of Downers Grove, accused Democrats of engaging in their own brand of venue shopping by restricting constitutional challenges to courts in Springfield and Chicago.

Courts exist to serve the people, which is why they are located where people live, he said in a statement after Pritzker announced the bill signing. This legislation is clearly an attempt by the governor and the attorney general to send constitutional challenges to courts that they believe will be more favorable to the administration.

Harmon argued that while Springfield is the state capital, Chicago is also a kind of second seat of state government.

The statutes are actually replete with jurisdictional references to Cook and Sangamon as the two primary jurisdictions, he said. I think it's the same reason that I have an office in Springfield and an office in Chicago; Leader Curran has an office in Springfield and an office in Chicago; the governor, the attorney general, all the constitutional officers have an office in Springfield and an office in Chicago. It is essentially an alternative place of government.

Republicans, however, argued that it would inconvenience people who may be aggrieved by a state law or action but dont live anywhere near Springfield or Chicago.

In the House, for example, state Rep. Patrick Windhorst, from the town of Metropolis on the banks of the Ohio River, noted that he lives closer to the state capital of Tennessee than he does to Springfield, and he is almost as close to Atlanta, Georgia, as he is to Chicago.

So to say if this body passes an unconstitutional law, in order for me or another person in my community to contest that law, I've got to travel a great distance and bear that expense that comes with that, is not fair to the individuals in these communities, he said during floor debate in the House.

The language of HB 3062 originated in the Senate and was inserted as a set of amendments into a House bill that originally dealt with landlord-tenant relations. It passed the Senate on May 19 by a vote of 37-16. The House concurred with the amendments 69-35.

Photos: Pritzker sworn in for second term
Ecobank Group, the leading Pan-African banking Group, has unveiled its Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub today as part of its commitment to promoting intra-African trade.



The Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub is a cutting-edge digital platform, which serves as an exchange and information repository, designed to respond to the evolving trading needs of SMEs and corporates within Africa's single market.



The Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub (the Trade Hub) is live, with over 300 businesses from 22 countries signed onto the digital platform so far.



The Trade Hub connects traders across Africa, within the 1.4 billion people single market framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).



The Trade Hub reduces the asymmetry in trade information and in this connection, leverages Ecobanks wide client base and network advantage, through its presence in 35 African markets.



Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, said: AfCFTA has created an immense opportunity for African businesses. As the pan-African bank with the most extensive coverage of Africa, Ecobank is perfectly placed to provide trade, information and payment solutions to support SMEs and corporates seeking to capitalize on the single market.



The Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub is a new and remarkable addition to our portfolio of omni-channels, empowering businesses to thrive within Africa's single market.



The Trade Hub offers the following essential features and services:



MyTradeHub: An online match-making platform, that enables importers and exporters to create their company profiles, exhibit their goods and services, and connect with buyers and suppliers across Africa.



AfCFTA expertise: A valuable repository of knowledge and information on the African Continental Free Trade Area, to help SMEs and corporates to familiarize themselves with the single market and ways to expand their trade into new African markets.



Trade and Payment Solutions: A gateway into Ecobank's full range of products and digital solutions, including trade finance and services, cash management solutions (including RapidCollect), domestic and cross-border payments, investment banking, Capex financing, and more.



Souleymane Diagne, Group Head Trade, Ecobank Group, added: The AfCFTA has revolutionised the African business landscape and the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, within this context, is an enabler of intra-African trade through catalysing partnerships and facilitating African businesses access to new markets.



Using the MyTradeHub feature, importers and exporters can upload their profiles and showcase their goods and services online to find buyers or source them from suppliers within the continent.



Combining the matchmaking capabilities of MyTradeHub, extensive AfCFTA information resources, and seamless access to Ecobank's comprehensive suite of financial solutions and digital channels, the Trade Hub will help businesses thrive within the AfCFTA and maximise their value-addition across regional corridors.



The World Bank estimates that the AfCFTA will increase Africas exports by $560 billion and boost the continents GDP by 7% by 2035. The single market, which became operational at the beginning of 2021, aims to remove most tariffs on goods and services in Africa among member countries and enables the free movement of businesspersons and investments.



To visit Ecobanks Single Market Trade Hub, go to: tradehub.ecobank.com

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
International exhibition company, Afrocet Montgomery, has hosted over 2,500 packaging, processing, plastics and printing exhibitors and industry players at its 3-day exhibition and conference to provide insight, knowledge and thought leadership on the trends and relevant topics.



Propak Ghana, the exhibition, held in Accra, provided a platform for suppliers and service providers to display cutting-edge products and service offerings, showcasing the latest technology, bring new companies to Ghana for the first time, act as a unique platform for those more established, and ultimately help drive the manufactural industry forward.



To address the continents fast-developing manufacturing sector, the event hosted 50 speakers delivering sessions on circular economy, sustainability, financing options for SMEs, latest trends in print and packaging technology, and many other insightful and informative sessions.



Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, George Pearson, Regional Director  West Africa, at Afrocet Montgomery said Our objective is to establish Propak as a key support platform for Ghanas aspirations to increase output of the made in Ghana brand and boost its exports in the region and beyond. Currently, Ghana is exporting a high percentage of its naturally-produced products in the raw state, and there is no doubt that value addition can help the country maximize revenue from its exports.



This approach can ensure Ghanas plan at transforming its economy from one heavily reliant on natural resources, to a true value-added exports-led economy. This strategy cannot be a reality without investment in manufacturing, increasing the use of state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, as well as human capital, since these are key ingredients in ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness in manufacturing, he added.



The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yaw Amoateng Afriyie noted the exhibition is timely for Ghanas export and import ecosystem.



This exhibition is timely, especially as we collectively summon the courage to do things differently and challenge antiquated dogmas that we must rely predominantly on imported brands and packaging - and that our homegrown brands are inferior or costly.



Again, exports remain vital to the manufacturing sector, allowing businesses to expand their reach at home and abroad, which improves our balance of payments, skilled labour, and foreign exchange. GIPC is committed to working with companies like the Montgomery Group and others here to attract a blend of financing options, e.g., equity, debt, and mezzanine, that will leapfrog Ghana to operate at the higher ends of the packaging value chain to be able to compete at home and into the global market, he mentioned.



On his part Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Mr. Albert Kassim Diwura,was confident that the conference will be a catalyst for transformative change and open new doors of opportunity for Ghanas packaging, processing, and printing sectors, and aim for a future where Ghana stands tall as a hub of excellence in packaging.



To round off George Pearson shared his thanks to their headline sponsors, Mohinani Group, and headline partners AGI as well as other sponsors Jaykay Global, Neofyton, Engel, Fujairah Plastics and Tetrapak and welcome all to join them next year at the end of April for the second instalment of the only exhibition in Ghana for the packaging, plastics, processing industries.





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
Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minority Chief Whip of Parliament, has voiced his disagreement with Chief Justice Nominee Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo and the Supreme Court of Ghana over their recent ruling that birth certificates are not considered proof of citizenship in the country.



The Member of Parliament for Adaklu argued that both the Supreme Court's decision and the nominee's stance are unconstitutional, referring to them as the "biggest miscarriage of justice in our lifetime."



Speaking on the floor of Parliament on June 7, 2023, he contended that the current legal stance in Ghana, which disregards birth certificates as evidence of citizenship, is flawed and should be amended. He expressed his concern over the implications of this ruling, asserting that it goes against the constitutional rights of Ghanaian citizens.



During his speech in Parliament, Agbodza highlighted the example provided by the Chief Justice Nominee regarding foreign mothers giving birth in Ghana.



He emphasized that if a foreign mother, such as an American, gives birth at a Ghanaian hospital, the birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths would not automatically indicate Ghanaian citizenship.



He further argued that the nominee misunderstood the process, as the mother's citizenship is required to be declared on the birth certificate application form.



"Mr. Speaker, it might be that it is only in Ghana that they have a law that will say that when you have a birth certificate, that birth certificate is not proof of citizenship.



"I heard at that vetting that the chief justice nominee suggested that if a foreign mother or a mother who is an American gives birth in Ghana, that child may not automatically be Ghanaian.



"She is right indeed, Mr. Speaker. If you take the forms that you fill out to acquire a birth certificate, on that form, the mother will have to prove her own citizenship. If the mother says she is an American and gives birth at Ridge Hospital, the registrar at Births and Deaths will never issue a birth certificate with Ghanaian citizenship written on it."



He added, "So, the chief justice nominee got it wrong when she suggested that as if Births and Deaths Registry automatically gives you a birth certificate with the inscription 'Ghanaian' as soon as you get the certificate.



"Indeed, there are people who have got birth certificates secured in Ghana, but the citizenship on that certificate is not Ghanaian."



He further questioned the Chief Justice Nominee's citizenship status, saying, "Indeed, the nominee also provided her own birth certificate, and that birth certificate was issued in the year 2000. I wonder what she used to acquire a birth certificate since she was born in the 1960s. I wonder what document she used to prove to Births and Deaths to acquire a birth certificate that... Mr. Speaker, I consider that singular decision by the Supreme Court as the biggest miscarriage of justice in our lifetime, is the biggest miscarriage and this must not be allowed to stay," he said.



It may be recalled that Chief Justice nominee Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo has explained why the birth certificate alone cannot be used to prove that one is Ghanaian.



According to her, the birth certificate is only used to show the place of birth of a person born in Ghana and not the citizenship of the person.



Speaking during her vetting at Parliament on Friday, May 26, 2023, Justice Torkornoo further explained that in Ghana, citizenship is not determined by place of birth but by lineage.



"Citizenship is a matter of law; nationality is a matter of law. In certain jurisdictions, being born in that place makes you a citizen of that country. In our country, being born in Ghana does not make you a citizen of Ghana.



"It is your relationship with your mother, it is your mother's identity, it is your father's identity. It is your lineage that determines your citizenship.



"So, that form (the Birth Certificate) is actually an international requirement; we must know where everybody is born. That form assists in knowing your antecedent, but beyond that, your nationality is derived from the information on that form. It is not the evidence of your nationality; it is the beginning of appreciating how your nationality must be determined," she said.



The Chief Justice nominee made these remarks while answering a question on the Supreme Court ruling in 2020 that the birth certificate cannot be used as proof of nationality by the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza.



















































































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
Rural teenage girls in Akyemansa District in Eastern region have marched against rising cost of sanitary pads in the country which they say is worsening period poverty among girls in rural communities.



The teenage girls held placards with varied inscriptions expressing their displeasure with a call on government to either scrap or reduce 20% luxury tax imposed on sanitary pads.



Period poverty is high among young girls in Akyemansa District as parents who are predominantly peasant farmers are unable to afford the monthly expenses for sanitary pads for their teenage girls.



While some of the teenage girls labour in farms for money to buy the product, others are influenced by men particularly Okada riders to trade sex for pads leading to high cases of teenage pregnancy.



Akyemansa District for instance recorded highest teenage pregnancy cases in Eastern region in 2021 but dropped to second position in 2022.



The march by the teenage girls for sanitary pads to be made affordable was in partnership with Ark Development Organization ,a non for profit organization implementing a UNICEF funded project dubbed Safe and Protective Environment for Adolescent Development (SPREAD) aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy menace in the district.



The teenage girls and the NGO presented a petition to the government through the District Chief Executive for Akyemansa Paul Asamoah..



The petition signed by Emmanuel Kwarfo Mintah Executive Director Ark Development Organization stated that , We, at Ark Development Organization is petitioning the Government of Ghana through the DCE to reduce

or scrap the 20% luxury tax on menstrual products .



The NGO argued that Menstruation is not a luxury but a basic natural occurrence ascribed to females within the natural age that permits the process. The luxury tax on menstrual products exists in spite of a 12.5% Value Added Tax. The current economic state of Ghana post-the -COVID-19 pandemic makes menstrual products less affordable for the vast majority of consumers.



The petition also touched on the fact that,menstrual products in the form of sanitary pads and tampons within the designated tax region are designed in commensuration to health and sanitary considerations. In effect, the aforementioned menstrual products are safer to use than older methods and must be safeguarded to reduce poor menstrual hygiene and menstrual-related-infections.The menstrual product tax exacerbates period poverty and negatively impacts the quality of life of

women by decreasing the accessibility of menstrual products. Without menstrual products, young girls and women may be embarrassed, thereby lacking the needed

confidence to effectively function in society.



The petition concluded that Period poverty may negatively affect the economic and educational opportunities of girls and women involved.The difficulty in affording menstrual products may be a luring abode of teenage pregnancy and rape where young girls are vulnerable to dangerous coping mechanisms.We demand that the 20% luxury tax on menstrual products be reduced or scrapped before the end of December, 2023.



The District Education Director Akua Ayisi corroborated that many female students in the district are being impregnated by men who support them financially to secure pads and other personal effects.



She however charged parents to be responsible in providing for basic needs of their children.





Source: starrfm









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
(CNN)  Senegals foreign ministry announced Tuesday it was temporarily closing its overseas consulates amid raging political tensions that have fueled attacks on its diplomatic missions in Paris, Bordeaux, Milan and New York.

Deadly protests broke out last week in the Senegalese capital Dakar and other cities, following the sentencing of popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Several days of rioting left at least 16 people dead and hundreds injured as Sonkos supporters clashed with security forces.

The fallout from crisis has reverberated abroad with the Senegalese diaspora leading demonstrations at the countrys consulates overseas.

Its foreign ministry says it is taking a precautionary measure to shut its diplomatic missions in France, Italy and the United States for the time being, following a series of attacks.

The Senegalese consulate in Milan was the worst hit, the ministry said, noting that machines used to produce passports and national identity cards were destroyed.

It added that services will resume at the consulates as soon as the material and security conditions allow it.

More than 40 protesters believed to be Sonkos supporters converged on the Senegalese consulate in Milan on Monday, Italian public broadcaster RAI reported, adding that the consulate building was looted and the Consul General Mamadou Lamine Diouf was attacked.

Calm after deadly protests

Calm has slowly returned to the Senegalese capital after the deadly clashes, the countrys Red Cross told CNN.

Only one case of demonstration was noted yesterday (Monday) in Malika in the Dakar suburbs, said Nfaly Sadio of the Senegalese Red Cross.

For the total number of wounded rescued by the Red Cross, it was 357, he told CNN Tuesday.

Tensions, however, remain high and there are fears the protests could flare up again as uncertainty swirls around Sonkos sentencing which could jeopardize his chances of running in next years presidential race.

Sonko has yet to be arrested after being convicted last week of corrupting youth which according to the countrys penal code is immoral behavior towards a person younger than 21. He was absent from court as the sentence was handed down Thursday.

He was cleared of a rape charge and death threats against an employee of a massage parlor.

Justice Minister Ismaila Madior Fall told Senegalese media that the state is prepared to arrest the opposition leader once it gets the nod from the countrys prosecution office. The arrest could happen at any time, he added.

Businesses were gradually re-opening in the capital city Dakar where public and private buildings were destroyed as demonstrators clashed with riot police.

Other troubled cities hit by the deadly clashes are also returning to normalcy, local media reported.

Youth venting anger and frustration

Sonko leads the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) and enjoys widespread support among young people in the country.

When he was first held on the rape charge in 2021, angry youth clashed with police leaving at least eight people dead, Amnesty International reported at the time.

Senegal is considered one of West Africas most stable democracies but has in recent years been rocked with deadly protests, mainly from young people who are frustrated about unemployment, inequality and corruption.

In the aftermath of the 2021 protests, President Macky Sall said he understood their anger and pledged to provide extra funding and more opportunities for employment.

However, he has not commented publicly during the latest demonstrations and some Senegalese have called him out.

Senegal experienced a tragedy that moved the whole world. Unarmed demonstrators, or at most equipped with harmless stones against armored vehicles and shields, the blind repression launched against these citizens produced 16 deaths in 2 days. Not even Mackys tweet. Contempt, tweeted journalist Pape Ale Niang.

Sall has been most recently engaged in peace negotiations with the African Union on the Russia-Ukraine war, according to his office.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Senegal shuts consulates abroad amid attacks and political tensions"
The US is suspending food aid to Ethiopia because it says donations are being diverted from those in need.



The US Agency for International Development (USAID) says an investigation has uncovered a widespread and co-ordinated scheme to divert assistance.



"We made the difficult but necessary decision that we cannot move forward with distribution of food assistance until reforms are in place," USAid said.



It does not say who is behind the campaign, but an internal briefing document quoted by the Reuters news agency alleges that some officials are doing it using military units across the country.



The US is by far the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, where more than 20 million people need food aid because of drought and the recent war in the northern region of Tigray.



This suspension comes weeks after USAid and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) halted aid to Tigray over similar claims.

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
South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have spoken over the phone about the upcoming peace mission by six African leaders to Russia and Ukraine.



"President Putin has welcomed the initiative by African heads of state and expressed his desire to receive the peace mission, a statement from the South African presidency said.



On Tuesday, the African leaders involved had held discussions exploring ways of bringing an end to the conflict, it added.



The other leaders in the peace bid are from the Comoros, Egypt, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia - and according to a statement from the presidency on Wednesday, all said they were available to travel in mid-June.



"The leaders agreed that they would engage with both President Putin and President [Volodymyr] Zelensky on the elements for a ceasefire and a lasting peace in the region."



Their foreign ministers were now in the process of finalizing the elements of a road map to peace, it added.



Separately a Russia-Africa summit is scheduled to take place at the end of July in St Petersburg, the presidency said.

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
Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akufo Dampare on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on the management of Despite Media.



The visit was to encourage the media to continue its partnership with the police in ensuring law and order.



Flanked by the hierarchy of the Police Service, the IGP also used the opportunity to laud the Despite Media Group in particular and the media in general for its positive social impact.



He reiterated how indispensable the media has become to society and in the dissemination of information, so much so that some members of the public prefer seeking solace from the media in times of distress than even the police.



"I don't have the powers of Okomfo Anokye; I can't do the work alone...I need your help as well. We need feedback in our line of duty and so this visit is essential to foster friendship between us and the media because you deal with the people. Some people even prefer coming to you instead of the police, so I believe we can work effectively if we join hands together. We want the police service to be very attractive" he intimated.



On his part, the Managing Director of Despite Media, Fadda Dickson commended the IGP and the police in general for their swift response to issues and assured them that "we will also do our part to assist you".



"We thank you for this visit" he added.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peace FM Online (@peacefmonline)

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/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
Pope Francis has undergone abdominal surgery "without complications", the Vatican says.



The hernia operation at Rome's Gemelli hospital lasted three hours. The 86-year-old is expected to stay in hospital for several days to recover.



All of his commitments for the next 10 days have been cancelled as a "precautionary measure".



The Pope has faced a series of health issues in recent years, and uses a cane and a wheelchair.



In a statement, the Vatican said the pontiff's medical team had decided in recent days that surgery was needed.



Earlier on Wednesday, Pope Francis carried out his weekly audience as normal and did not mention his planned operation.



The Pope was at the same Rome hospital on Tuesday for a scheduled check-up, months after he was taken to hospital with bronchitis.



He spent three days in hospital in March to treat a lung infection.



In 2021, Pope Francis spent 10 days in hospital after having a part of his colon removed.



Last month, he pulled out of his Friday audiences due to a fever.



But while his predecessor Benedict XVI quit in 2013, the Pope has dismissed the possibility of leaving office too.



"You don't run the Church with a knee but with a head," he is said to have told an aide last year.



The Pope is considered to have been in general good health during his decade leading the Catholic Church



He continues to maintain a busy schedule and is due to visit Portugal and Mongolia from August.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Founder and Leader of Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Prophet Ebenezer Adarkwah Yiadom, popularly known as Opambour, has urged Archbishop Charles Agyinasare to honor the invitation by the chiefs of Nogokpo if it was God who revealed to him that the town is possessed by demons.



"If it was revealed to you by God, then go to the town with the power of God. I have nothing to say if you are telling me he believes God was the one who revealed that to him. Because if God revealed to you and His power is with you, no power can overcome you when you go there. The power of God must manifest. If God is with you, nobody can hurt you," Opambour stated during his televised preaching shared by Oman Channel on YouTube.



The Founder and Leader of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, has come under heavy criticism following his sermon to his congregation on May 24, 2023.



During the third day of the Supernatural Summit held at the headquarters of Perez Chapel in Accra, the Archbishop preached about divine protection and the existence of evil forces, citing several examples to support his teaching.



In the course of his preaching, Agyinasare recounted an incident where his team received spiritual attacks for hosting a crusade in the Volta Region.



"During this crusade in Aflao... we slept at Agbozume, that was where our hotel was, and you have to go through Nogokpo. And Nogokpo is the demonic headquarters in the Volta Region. We have only not said it, but the second night I made Bishop Yaw Adu talk about witchcraft and we disgraced the witches and wizards. When we were driving from Aflao to Agbozume, immediately we got to Nogokpo, Bishop Yaw Adu's four-wheel drive, the tire came out from under the car," he recounted.



Following his comment, traditional leaders in Nogokpo, on Friday, June 2, 2023, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Christian leader.







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 family of a seriously ailing boy had to go through a very distressing process just to get their son to the hospital, from their hard-to-reach community in the Volta Region.



Narrating how this came to be, a Facebook user with the name Gati Promise, explained that he was on his way to Ho, the capital of the region, when he encountered the situation.



He added that at a point, they chanced on some people frantically standing by the roadside with a critically-ill boy.



He said that their car was immediately stopped to allow them in and out of curiosity, he asked them what the challenge was.



I was traveling to Ho this morning and then got to Ziope Clinic there was this woman with a critically ill boy and the Nurses.



They stopped the car in which I was for the woman and her son to join the car, I quickly asked the nurse why can't they call the Ambulance Service to come and pick up the boy at the Hospital, he said.



Gati Promise continued that the nurse with the family then confirmed to him that they had had trouble getting an ambulance to convey the ailing boy.



He added that they then decided that, perhaps, while on the way, they would meet up with the ambulance and transfer the family into it, but what they found out instead was a shocking one.



He stressed that an officer of the Ambulance Service told him that they had to go through protocol to be able to access the ambulance.



The nurse confirmed to me that they called them and they promised to come but they don't know what is keeping them.



So, we decided to pick up the boy and the mother with the sense that we will meet the ambulance on the way and handover to them.



We drove to Kpetoe and found out that the ambulance was at the station, I went to the station and met Mr. Dogbey, I narrated the whole story to him and asked him to pick up the boy with the ambulance to Ho but to my surprise, Mr. Dogbey told me he can't pick up the boy. When I called the regional office, they told me I have to go through protocol, he narrated.



The narrator also explained that after further investigations from the nurses at the Ziope health facility, he came to the understanding that that terrain was common.



He added that the nurses told him that due to this attitude and behaviour of the Ghana National Ambulance Service, lives had been lost.



I quickly called the nurses at Ziope Clinic to find out if they called the ambulance service or not, and they confirmed to me that this is not the first time this is happening, they lost lives because of delays and refusal of service from the ambulance service, hmmm. I pray that nothing happens to this boy, he added.



GhanaWeb can however not confirm whether or not that situation was resolved, or what the state of the young, unidentified boy currently is.





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 National Chief Imam, Sheik Osmanu Nuhu Sharabutu has encouraged all Ghanaians to support the Green Ghana Initiative to continue to provide the environment.



I approve and support this project, I encourage all Muslims and non-muslims to support this tree seedlings planting exercise, he said.



The National Chief Imam gave encouragement to the leadership of the Forestry Commission called on him as part of the 2023 Green Ghana tree seedlings planting exercise nationwide.



Ten million seedlings are expected to be planted nationwide 2023 on Friday, June 9, 2023, as part of efforts to protect the environment.



Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu, speaking through an interpreter, said the exercise was a duty call every Ghanaian needed to obey and support, adding that as we take part in the exercise, God will also help us to protect the environment.



He said it was important for all Ghanaians to endeavour to be part of and support the Green Ghana Initiative.



John Allotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said the call was to court the National Chief Imams support for a successful implementation of the Green Ghana Initiative.



He said the project was to mobilize Ghanaians of all lifestyles to help plant 10 million seedlings on that single day.



He said all the seedlings were ready at all District and Regional Forestry Commission Offices to be planted by everyone.



Allotey said members of the committee were drawn from the political divide to ensure that the project was non- partisan.



He said specific seedling allocations had been made to the various regions, adding that some six million seedlings would be made available for the exercise.



The Commission also identified spaces and organizations such as churches and mosques to achieve wider coverage.



The Chief Executive Officer urged the Chief Imam to take part in the exercise and to use his high office and influence to plant a tree and advocate for the project to succeed.



He said in 2021, the Initiative exceeded the target of five million seedlings to seven million, while in 2022, they had 20 million as the target but it exceeded 27 million.



The CEO said the target was reduced because the focus was to monitor the already planted trees to see how best they were doing while they continue the planting process.



On that day prominent personalities such as the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, the Chief Justice designate and others will take part in the exercise at the University of Ghana.





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
Dr. Rose Omari, Principal Research Scientist, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI), says misleading information and stereotypes about engineering programs careers is discouraging girls from pursuing those courses.



She said stereotypes like engineering made women look unfashionable and was a dirty profession deterred girls from developing interest in the course.



Dr. Omari said this when she presented a research report on girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at a Gender in STEM workshop in Accra.



The workshop organised by the International Development Research Centre, Canada in collaboration with the CSIR-STEPRI brought together stakeholders in STEM education globally, who shared perspectives on the subject.



Dr Omaris research: Women in Engineering Education and Careers in Ghana and Benin, was carried out at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and University of Abomey Calavi in Benin Republic.



She said another reason accounting for the low numbers of girls in engineering was the limited knowledge they had of the various engineering programs and job prospects.



She stated that the poor teaching of STEM subjects at the basic level also accounted for the low numbers of girls developing interest in the area.



Dr Omari urged academic institutions to revise their curriculum to make it more pracital and gender responsive.



She also called for standardised teaching methods of STEM, especially at the basic level of girls education.



We need to also establish mentorship, career guidance and outreach programmes, as well as explore and advance e-learning options, she added.



Dr Katie Bryant, Programme Officer, Education and Science at IDRC Canada, said globally, there was a challenge with getting accurate data on women in STEM, making it difficult for countries to rollout well-tailored, specific solutions to address the issue.



She was hopeful the event would present a platform for global stakeholders to share acquired data and build partnerships to improve women participation in STEM.





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 Jasikan Circuit Court has sentenced a 46-year-old farmer, Mohammed Salisu, to five years imprisonment in hard labour for defrauding a teacher with a promise to offer employment opportunities.



Salisu pleaded guilty with an explanation, but his answers could not exonerate him of the crime.



He was subsequently convicted by the Court presided over by Alfred Kwabena Asiedu.



Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Seth Vincent Kpodo told the Court that the complainant was a 47-year-old teacher residing in Bimbilla in the Nanumba North Municipality.



He said the convict in May, this year, contacted the complainant and lied that he had a good working relationship with the Jasikan Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and some government functionaries, who were tasked to employ people into the civil service in the country.



ASP Kpodo said the convict convinced the complainant that the MCE gave him some employment slots to be filled.



He said the complainant then informed the Chief of Bimbilla, who selected two beneficiaries for the employment slots at the Electoral Commission offered by the convict.



ASP Kpodo said another beneficiary was also selected for another offer into the Ghana National Fire Service, adding that the fees charged by the convict for the three slots amounted to GH9,000.



He said the amount together with copies of victims certificates were electronically sent to the convict.



ASP Kpodo said on May 28, the MCE heard of the convicts malicious act and informed the Police leading to his arrest and prosecution.





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 Ashanti Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a 38-year-old car snatcher to 20 years imprisonment in hard labour.



Yaw Adu Agyekum, alias 18, a mason, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and robbery.



His accomplices included Kwadwo Gyebi, alias Acheampong, a convict, and another who is now deceased.



Detective Chief Inspector Eric Twum giving the facts to the Court presided over by Isaac Apiatu said Francis Osei Mensah, the complainant is a taxi driver and resident of Old Ayaase near Fomena.



Agyekum, lived at Nsuaem near Asiwa.



Detective Chief Inspector Twum said at about 1630 hours on March 7, 2023, Agyekum, together with Gyebi and the deceased contracted Mensah to take them to Abosamso for an agreed fee of GHC120.00.



At a section of the road between Bodwesango and Abosamso, Gyebi and the others pulled a knife and threatened to attack and stab Mensah if he did not stop and hand over the cab to them.



True to their threats, the gang slashed Mensahs left thumb, resulting in a deep cut and excessive bleeding.



Mensah, fearing for his life, gave in and was pulled out of the vehicle by Gyebi and the others, who tied him up and placed him in a nearby bush, after which they drove the vehicle away.



The Court heard that Mensah struggled for a while, freed himself, and with the assistance of a taxi driver friend who drove by, alerted the Police at Tebeso No.2 where the gang was later intercepted by the police.



The Police signalled the gang to stop but they refused and attempted to knock down the officers with the vehicle.



The police officers then opened fire on the vehicle, and in the process shot the yet-to-be-identified robber-driver who was rushed to Tebeso Health Clinic but died whilst receiving treatment.



The prosecution said Gyebi was arrested but Agyekum managed to escape.



Detective Chief Inspector Twum said Gyebi during interrogation mentioned Agyekum as his accomplice and disclosed that they planned the robbery at Agyekums house at Nsuaem.



He said Gyebi was put before court on March 10, 2023, and was sentenced to 20 years in hard labour.



Police intelligence led to the arrest of Agyekum from his hideout at Abirem on June 02, 2023.



He also confessed to his involvement in the crime.



After investigations, Agyekum was charged with the offences and put before Court.





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
South Africa: MDDA opens the call for grant funding applications

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has encouraged community media broadcasters to apply for grant funding.

Community broadcast projects, including radio, TV, and community print publications, as well as small commercial print are invited to apply.

This year, the MDDA is celebrating 20 years of fulfilling its mandate by providing grant funding and other support, with the aim to encourage media ownership, access and control to media particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished Indigenous language and cultural groups, the agency said.

The MDDA officially opened the 2023/24 Call for Grant Funding Applications for a six-week period commencing from 05 June 2023 -17 July 2023.

The agency will be introducing a few changes to this call for applications for both community print and community broadcast applications.

Due to the minimal budget for community print, the call to community projects will take a targeted approach and invite applications from four provinces.

The MDDA will rotate the provinces every year after this call. All applications will be received on the MDDAs online application system found on the MDDA website.

The call is targeting organisations owned or focussing on youth, women and persons with disabilities related content, the agency said.

This year, the call is not accepting digital media applications under the print portfolio as it will be targeting communities, which rely on hardcopy publications and publish in indigenous languages to assist further the mandate of media development and diversity in rural communities.

Community Broadcast applications will still target all nine provinces. Applications will only be accepted via emails or physically delivered to the MDDA offices in Auckland Park (Gate 13, 26 Canary Road, Auckland Park, SABC GSM Building).

Grant Funding remains one of the core functions of the MDDA and is also one of the central factors towards ensuring successful empowerment, sustainability, and transformation of the community media sector.

The application process will be conducted through compliant, cost-effective, and transparent selection procedures, in-line with corporate governance principles and compliance with the agencys legislative framework. The qualifying criteria is obtainable on the MDDA website, www.mdda.org.za.

To spread the message further, and to secure equitable and fair geographic distribution of participating projects, the MDDA will embark on a national outreach programme to raise awareness on media development and diversity; and assist interested parties with the completion of application forms, the agency said.

This outreach programme will take place from 05 June 2023 in Bloemfontein in Free State and will reach all nine provinces and end on 06 July in Midrand, Gauteng.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-06-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
UN investigator calls for domestic legal framework in Iraq to try IS crimes

Xinhua) 09:35, June 08, 2023

Christian Ritscher (Front), head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State (UNITAD), speaks at a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 7, 2023. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Christian Ritscher, head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State, said such a domestic legal framework can be considered the main challenge that needs to be addressed to yield the desired results in Iraq.

UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The head of a UN investigative team on crimes committed by the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq on Wednesday called for the adoption of an appropriate domestic legal framework in Iraq that allows for trials to happen.

Christian Ritscher, head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State (UNITAD), said such a domestic legal framework can be considered the main challenge that needs to be addressed to yield the desired results in Iraq.

His team remains committed to supporting the Iraq-led process for the implementation of a legal framework that enables the prosecution of IS criminal acts as international crimes -- war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide -- before national courts, Ritscher told the UN Security Council in a briefing.

The establishment of a joint working group in March 2023 with the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law, the Iraqi State Council and senior members of the judiciary, as well as key parliamentarians, is an important step forward in this regard, he noted.

UNITAD remains at the disposal of the Iraqi authorities to provide technical support, leverage international expertise and share best practices, said Ritscher.

The other two elements for the success of UNITAD's work are competent courts and admissible and reliable evidence, he said.

The issue of competent courts is the easiest of the three. UNITAD already works closely with competent investigative judges in Iraq, and is enhancing their capacities and ensuring that Iraqi courts are ready to hold IS perpetrators accountable for their international crimes, he said.

On admissible and reliable evidence, Ritscher said there is no shortage of evidence on IS crimes in Iraq, and the main challenge is: what should be done with this evidence; how can the significant volumes of documents and the sheer amount of information be dealt with; and most importantly, how should the integral chain of custody for such evidence be maintained.

"What we aim to do is to ensure that this evidence is admissible before any competent court, whether in Iraq or in other states where prosecutions of IS members for international crimes are taking place," he said.

UNITAD is assisting the Iraqi judiciary to organize and access considerable volumes of IS records and battlefield evidence notably via a mega digitization project. Led by UNITAD, digitization operations have been launched at five courts in Iraq and two further courts will follow in the coming months. Some 8 million pages of IS documents from the holdings of the Iraqi authorities, including Kurdish authorities, have been digitized so far, he said.

As a next step, UNITAD is establishing a central archive that will be the unified repository of all digitized evidence against the IS, he said.

As a perspective for the future, this central repository will play a key role in supporting prosecutions of IS perpetrators for their international crimes in Iraq, and it could be a milestone in founding a comprehensive e-justice system in Iraq, according to Ritscher.

"ISIL's criminality constitutes some of the most gruesome acts we have seen in recent history. Individuals responsible for such acts must be identified, tried and convicted for their crimes," he said, using another acronym for the IS terrorist group.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(CNN)  As an orange haze of wildfire smoke from Canada smothers parts of the eastern US, officials are warning residents in both countries of unhealthy or hazardous air Wednesday.

More than 55 million people in the eastern US are under air quality alerts due to the smoke. The heaviest smoke is forecast to impact the Northeast through the Mid-Atlantic and down to the Carolinas, and smoke conditions in those regions could last through at least Thursday.

Major metro areas in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut now have air quality indexes (AQIs) above 150  which is considered unhealthy, according to the government website AirNow.gov.

Philadelphia had an AQI of 205 as of Wednesday morning, which is classified as very unhealthy.

New York City; Jersey City, New Jersey; and New Haven, Connecticut all had unhealthy AQIs ranging from 155 to 171 on Wednesday morning.

And the Canadian capital of Ottawa is getting hit with some of the worst air quality, according to AirNow.gov, a partnership of the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies.

While New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, are expected to see their air quality improve throughout the day, the air over Boston, Pittsburgh and Raleigh, North Carolina, is expected to get worse Wednesday.

Code red in Philadelphia

Philadelphia issued a code red alert Wednesday, warning certain residents should stay indoors.

The elderly, young children and those who are pregnant or have heart or lung conditions could experience serious health effects from the smoke, said James Garrow, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

For those who are not considered to be in a sensitive group, we are asking those folks to avoid strenuous activities outdoors like jogging or exercising, Garrow told CNN Wednesday.

We are asking folks to avoid unnecessary time outdoors, he said.

But if they need to be outdoors, they should be masked and head inside as often as they need.

Garrow said its not clear how long the code red alert will last, or if it will change to another level of warning.

The worlds most polluted major city

New York City had the worst air pollution of any major city in the world at one point Tuesday night, before dropping to second-worst behind New Delhi, India, according to air quality tracker IQair.

The smoke has also triggered air quality alerts in parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and the Carolinas, according to the National Weather Service.

Air quality in the US Northeast has deteriorated this week as more than 150 wildfires rage in Quebec, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center.

In Quebec, the entire town of Chibougamau  population 7,000  is under a mandatory evacuation order as fast-moving wildfires wreak havoc across the region.

Given the current situation, the mayor of Chibougamau, Manon Cyr, has declared a state of emergency and announced the mandatory evacuation of the entire town, including the resort area, the town announced in a Facebook post Tuesday night.

So far this year, the province has endured more than 400 wildfires, which is twice the average for this time of year.

More than 9 million acres have been charred by wildfires in all of Canada this year  about 15 times the normal burned area for this point in the year.

The alarming air quality prompted New York Mayor Eric Adams to ask residents to limit their outdoor activity and state environmental officials to issue an air quality health advisory for the city through Wednesday.

Active children, adults, and people with lung diseases such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, New York City Emergency Management said.

The nations largest public school district canceled all outdoor activities Wednesday, but will remain open. At least 10 school districts in central New York state canceled outdoor activities and events Tuesday.

Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, the air quality index for the city topped 200, pushing it into the very unhealthy range, according to air quality tracker AirNow. By 7 a.m. Wednesday, New York Citys air quality index was just below 180, a designation of unhealthy.

Human-induced climate change has exacerbated the hot and dry conditions that fuel wildfires.

Scientists recently reported that millions of acres scorched by wildfires in the Western US and Canada  an area roughly the size of South Carolina  could be traced back to carbon pollution from the worlds largest fossil fuel and cement companies.

Smoke could snarl air travel

The intense wildfire smoke hovering over the Northeast could delay flights through major cities, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

As of noon ET Wednesday, airlines in the US have canceled 71 flights and delayed another 1,042, according to tracking site FlightAware.

Boston, the New York metro area, Philadelphia and the DC metro area are all experiencing some smoke that could impact travel to the airports, Sam Ausby with the FAA said in a video posted on the agencys Twitter account.

Aviation weather reports show Newark Liberty International Airport is among the East Coast airports where visibility is the lowest  just 2 miles as of 11:51 a.m. ET.

But smoke does not necessarily pose a major safety hazard for commercial flights, which can operate normally without visual reference to the ground or horizon.

Why wildfire smoke can be hazardous

Wildfire smoke is particularly dangerous because it contains tiny particulate matter, or PM2.5  the tiniest of pollutants.

When inhaled, it can travel deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. It comes from sources like the combustion of fossil fuels, dust storms and wildfires, and has been linked to several health complications including asthma, heart disease and other respiratory illnesses.

And the impacts could be deadly: In 2016, about 4.2 million premature deaths were associated with fine particulate matter, according to the World Health Organization.

If you can see or smell smoke, know that youre being exposed, said William Barrett, the national senior director of clean air advocacy with the American Lung Association. And its important that you do everything you can to remain indoors during those high, high pollution episodes, and its really important to keep an eye on your health or any development of symptoms.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Philadelphia is under a code red alert as millions from the East Coast to Canada suffer unhealthy air from Quebecs wildfires"
President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, 6th June 2023, commissioned the newly constructed building, which will serve as the new home for the Department of Psychiatry at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.



At the commissioning ceremony, the President described the facility as an impressive structure.



It serves both the University of Ghana Medical School and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and stands as a tribute to the memory of Squadron Leader Melody Danquah, a trailblazing woman, who made history as the first female military pilot in sub-Saharan Africa in the 1960s.



According to him, Her story serves as an inspiration not only to those living with mental illness but also to those who persevere, thrive and achieve their fullest potential in life.



The Melody houses a conference room, student lecture hall, faculty research offices, a serene waiting area conducive to teaching and learning, trendy consulting rooms, therapy rooms, a treatment room, a pharmacy, and an observation room.



He said this building symbolizes a beautiful partnership between public institutions and the private sector. It shows what can be achieved when the experts sit with the private sector and the private sector becomes alive to its responsibilities. And this partnership then deepens Governments commitment to advancing mental healthcare in Ghana.



Mental Health Eats Up 7% of GDP



At the ceremony, the President disclosed that mental health eats up 7% of our GDP.



It was in reference to a study conducted by three institutions.



The study was conducted by the University of Ghanas Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), in collaboration with the Yale University and the Department of Psychiatry Department of the University of Ghana.



The study also showed that only three per cent of mental health patients received services from orthodox psychiatric settings



It said that seven per cent of the countrys productivity is lost to ordinary Ghanaians due to mental health.



To help address the challenges identified through the study, the President revealed his administration was making significant strides by prioritising mental health and increasing funding by over 200 per cent over the last six years to support comprehensive care.



President Akufo-Addo added that the Mental Health Act 846 passed in 2012 had led to a more coordinated and efficient approach to mental health care, empowering individuals with mental health conditions to live in their communities with the support of their families and friends.



He explained that the Act focused on human rights and that people with mental problems were treated with dignity and respect.



National Health Insurance Scheme



He said the government would continue to improve the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), expanding healthcare infrastructure and enhancing general healthcare delivery.



He disclosed that ad a matter of justice and equality, to include the more serious mental health conditions in the NHIS list so that some of the expenses of patients might be covered by the scheme.





Source: rainbow radio









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
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.
Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has denied claims by Koku Anyidoho, the former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggesting he was sacked by John Mahama less than 48 hours after the death of former President John Evans Atta-Mills.



Contrary to Anyidoho's assertions, Clement Apaak has suggested that it was, in fact, Koku who turned down an ambassadorial position offered to him by former President John Dramani Mahama.



Apaak further disclosed that Anyidoho was allowed to continue serving as a presidential staffer assigned to national security until January 2017.



Taking to Twitter, Apaak responded directly to Anyidoho's claims, stating, "... also indicate that JM offered you an ambassadorial position and you turned it down. He allowed you to continue as a presidential staffer assigned to national security. You served in this capacity till 7/1/2017 and, like the rest of us, took ex-gratia."



Below is his tweet:



Also indicate that JM offered you an ambassadorial position and you turned it down. He allowed you to continue as a Presidential Staffer assigned to National Security. You served in this capacity till 7/1/2017 and like the rest of us, took ex-gratia. https://t.co/i1EmyE9pqd  Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (@DrApaak) June 8, 2023





















Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
A former National Vice Chairman of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Said Sinare, has accused the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Madam Jean Mensa of collaborating with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to undermine Ghana's democracy in the Assin North by-election.



H.E Alhaji Said Sinare, a former Diplomat and Politician who is also the Founder of Zongos for NDC, said Mrs Jean Mensa's recent public outburst on the alleged importation of a candidate sponsored by the NPP to contest in the Assin North by-election provoked his suspicion.



Mr Sinare said there was nothing wrong with the EC as an institution, but there are some people within the Commission who are nation wreckers.



In a tweet, the outspoken former High Commissioner alluded that, the institution under the watch of Madam Jean Mensa has surrendered its autonomous power to the ruling New patriotic Party.



He added that the institution continues to operate as a compromised umpire with obnoxious impunity, sending signals that it has been heavily recruited by the NPP to alter results for its candidate in the Assin North by-election.



Read the full tweet below



The EC of Gh led by Jean Mensa, has ceded its autonomy to the NPP and continues to operate as a compromised umpire with obnoxious impunity, sending signals that it has been heavily recruited by the NPP to alter results for its candidate in the A. North by-election!!





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 2020 running mate to John Dramani Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has joined executives from the national, regional, constituency, and branch levels of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to campaign on behalf of James Gyakye Quayson.



This is towards the re-election bid being sought by the NDC member, whose election as Member of Parliament for the constituency was recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.



Campaigning for him, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang met with some traders at the markets, beauticians, hairdressers, seamstresses, and the elderly on her first day in the town.



She told the people that she believes that James Quayson is best placed to continue the great work he started after his victory in 2020.



A vote for him in this bye-election solidifies this position, she stressed.



The NDC hopes to reclaim the constituency seat on June 27, 2023.



The party is retaining its candidate, James Gyakye Quayson, for the crucial election to be conducted by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.















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
Former PNC General Secretary, Atik Mohammed says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presenting James Gyakye Quayson again for the Assin North parliamentary seat is the best strategic decision.



According to him, Mr. Gyakye Quayson is the party's best foot to giving the governing New Patriotic Party a run for their money in the upcoming Assin North by-election.



The Supreme Court nullified the election of James Gyakye Quayson as Member of Parliament for Assin North.



Consequently, the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, is said to have filed criminal charges including perjury against the deposed MP, accusing him of deceiving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by making a false statement that he did not have dual citizenship in order to acquire a Ghanaian passport among other things.



In Ghana, second-degree felonies are punishable by ten years imprisonment which means Mr. Gyakye Quayson could be slapped with a ten-year jail sentence if found guilty.



However, Mr. Gyakye Quayson says he will fight with his last breath to win back the parliamentary seat.



I will fight for Assin North with my last breath. In every family, there is a Judas, as you are trying to pack things up others will be ready to destroy. But I know whoever is fighting something not for selfish gain but for the gains of the public, God crowns his efforts. The vision here is not a selfish vision. It is a vision for the whole Assin North community and its people. So, I know definitely we will achieve it, he said in an interview posted by TV3.



Contributing to Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Atik Mohammed expressed contrary views to popular opinions that Mr. Gyakye Quayson should wait till 2024 to re-contest the seat, particularly to keep him from the criminal charges against him.



To him, Mr. Gyakye Quayson "contesting now is nothing wrong and I think it's the best strategic decision the NDC could have taken".



Atik urged Mr. Gyakye Quayson on to remain focused on the by-election, saying "look, if you will be jailed, you'll be jailed. Whether you contest in rather 2024 or today, the consequences that will befall you, there won't be any difference. If you will be jailed, if you are found guilty, you will be jailed and if you won't be jailed, you won't be jailed".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a Governance Lecturer at the Central University, has released his list of candidates who will make the "five" for the New Patriotic Party upcoming presidential primaries.



Ten candidates including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen have picked their nomination forms to contest the race.



The party is therefore to hold a Super Delegates Congress to elect five out of the 10 Presidential aspirants who will then go into the main congress for a candidate to be elected to lead the party.



To Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, his top five candidates to progress to the main primaries are Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, the Assin Central MP; Kennedy Agyapong, former Railways and Development Minister; Joe Ghartey and former Member of Parliament for Asante Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh.



Those who will not make it, according to him, include former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, former NPP General Secretary; Kwabena Agyepong, former Energy Minister; Boakye Agyarko and the rest.



"I can't see what is motivating some people to contest this election," he exclamed during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show.



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
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 predatory beetle Eurylychnus blagravei. Credit: Nick Porch

The Black Summer megafires engulfing south-eastern Australia in 20192020 were so intense they burned habitats rarely exposed to fire, such as southern warm temperate rainforest.

These rainforests range from East Gippsland in Victoria up to just south of Sydney. Usually, they stay moist enough to prevent major fires. But in that unprecedented summer of fire, 80,000 hectares burned. Our new research estimates more than 60 billion invertebrates in the soil and leaf litter died too.

While our hearts went out to the burned koalas and kangaroos, this was a silent tragedy. These tiny creatures are enormously important in ecosystems. They eat dead leaves, create rich soil, and provide a key food source for bandicoots and lyrebirds. Many species have very small ranges, putting them at real risk of decline or even extinction from fire.

As renowned naturalist E. O. Wilson once said, invertebrates are the "the little things that run the world". But because they are small and out of sight, we still underestimate their significance in ecosystems and their contribution to Australia's biodiversity. They're all but forgotten when ecological disasters strike.

How did we find out how many invertebrates died?

In warm temperate rainforests, there's a layer of moist leaf litter which is home to an abundance of ancient lifeforms. These include the macroinvertebrates big enough to see with the naked eye, such as velvet worms, snails, land hoppers, millipedes, slaters and beetles.

Temperate rainforests such as those in East Gippsland are not used to intense fire. Credit: Joshua Grubb, Author provided

Many of these groups include species with very small ranges, putting them at particular risk from bushfire and other changes to their environments.

The fires incinerated much of the leaf litter and its inhabitants. To find out the toll on these creatures, a year after the fires we set out to collect leaf litter samples from 52 temperate rainforest sites ranging from Buchan in East Gippsland, Victoria, to Nowra in New South Wales, across the lands of the Kurnai, Bidawal and Yuin people. Then we compared sites subject to medium and high severity fires with those that had escaped the fire.

Back in the lab, we ran the samples through Tullgren funnels, which sort leaves from creatures, then counted the macroinvertebrates. We excluded the tiny springtails and mites, which are hugely abundant mesoinvertebrates. We found every hectare of unburnt rainforest had 2.5 million litter macroinvertebrates, while severely burnt forests had a quarter as many.

If we look at all temperate rainforest burned at different severities across the south-east that means 60 billion tiny deaths. But of all the forest that burned during that summer, rainforests made up only about 1%. The total loss might be closer to 6 trillion individuals. Then to get to truly extraordinary numbers, we can include mites and springtails which account for around 95% of individual invertebrates. That would give us an estimate of 120 trillion.

Why are these tiny creatures so important?

Invertebrates account for fully 99% of all animal species and most of the weight of animals on the planet. Renowned Australian scientist Baron Robert May is famously quoted as saying "to a good approximation, all species are insects". Even now, an estimated 70% of all Australian invertebrate species remain undescribed. Many will go extinct before we have time to document them.

Common macroinvertebrates of these rainforests include velvet worms, snails, slaters, beetles, millipedes and land hoppers (clockwise from left). Credit: Nick Porch, Author provided

Although we know little of the ecology of most invertebrate species, collectively we know they play crucial roles in ecosystems. Losing this rich food source is likely to slow the recovery of key ecosystem engineers such as lyrebirds and bandicoots, which turn over large volumes of dirt in search of them.

When we try to replant forests without invertebrates, many plants and trees struggle. That's why conservationists are using leaf litter transplants to move vital invertebrates from healthy forests to new ones.

These critters are a vital way nutrients cycle through our forests by breaking down leaves and other organic matter. Globally, they're directly responsible for converting about 40% of all leaf litter into soil. By turning over leaves or shredding them into pieces, they make it possible for microbes to help decompose organic matter. Without this work, leaf litter would begin to pile up, setting the scene for more fires.

When we lose billions or trillions of invertebrates, we may see the area become more susceptible to future fires.

More frequent fires means slower decomposition, which means leaf litter builds up more rapidly. This might be a direct effect of the loss of invertebrates due to fire.

We found the most damaging fires were those where almost all of the canopy was burned. These intense treetop fires killed off three to four times as many invertebrates as fires where only half of the canopy burned.

We used Tullgren funnels to sort leaf litter fron its inhabitants. Credit: Heloise Gibb, Author provided

That's good news, as it suggests species can tolerate fires, as long as some litter habitat is left. Recovery efforts should focus on the sites where the most canopy burned.

In the wake of fires, rainforest species risk getting pushed out by surrounding eucalyptus trees, which are better at tolerating fireand encourage more fires by dropping large volumes of litter.

You might think bugs can easily bounce back as the rainforest regrows. But recolonisation doesn't always happen. Land hoppers, millipedes and isopods (slaters) can be extremely abundant in leaf litter, but none of them can fly to a new location. The dry forest between two sheltered rainforest gullies is so hostile to invertebrates like land hoppers that they can die in minutes when removed from their moist homes.

What can we do?

The future holds more fire, as the world heats up. How can we protect these vital invertebrates? One method is to make their habitats better connected wherever possible. Another is to rewild with minibeasts, seeding severely burnt sites with healthy litter invertebrates from nearby unburnt rainforests.

While we can calculate the numbers of individuals lost to fire, we don't know much about whether the fires caused extinctions because many species are still unknown to science.

We can no longer overlook these minibeasts and the vital roles they play in ecosystems. We would miss them if they were gone.

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:

Aerial view of a burnt area in Labrea, southern Amazonas State, Brazil, on September 17, 2022.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 31 percent in the first five months of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration versus the same period last year, officials said Wednesday.

Satellite monitoring detected 1,986 square kilometers (767 square miles) of forest cover destroyed in Brazil's share of the world's biggest rainforest from January to May, down from 2,867 square kilometers for the same period in 2022, according to the national space agency's DETER surveillance program.

The figures from space agency INPE were welcome news for environmentalists pinning their hopes on veteran leftist Lula, who took office on January 1 vowing to fight for zero illegal deforestation after a surge in clear-cutting and fires in the Amazon under his far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022).

Under Bolsonaro, an ally of Brazil's powerful agribusiness sector, average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon increased by more than 75 percent versus the previous decade.

Lula marked World Environment Day on Monday by announcing a sweeping new plan to combat deforestation, with hundreds of targets and objectives, including the immediate seizure of half the territory being illegally exploited for logging, farming, mining or other activities on protected lands.

"Brazil plays a major role in the balance of our planet's climate, largely thanks to the Amazon," Lula said.

"Preventing deforestation in the Amazon also helps reduce global warming."

Experts say the new government's real test on deforestation will start in the coming months, with the onset of drier weather in the Amazon from around Julytypically peak season for deforestation and forest fires.

The Lula administration has suffered a series of setbacks on the environment this week at the hands of Brazil's Congress, in which conservative foes of Lula hold the majority.

Last week, lawmakers passed bills cutting the powers of the environment and Indigenous-affairs ministries and dramatically curbing the protection of Indigenous lands.

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

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In countries across the income spectrum, single-mother families are prevalent and often economically vulnerable, but in many nations, nonresident fathers are unableand sometimes unwillingto pay their share of support. A Rutgers-led, global study on child support policies suggests public guaranteed child support programs may be more effective than placing the burden of payment on nonresident parents with low incomes.

The findings are summarized in a recent World Bank action note for policymakers and development practitioners.

"In much of Europe, the state supports single mothers when fathers are unable to pay child support; children are considered a public good," said Laura Cuesta, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Social Work and lead author of the note. "That's not how it works in the United States, which contributes to social problems such as poverty and material hardship. If you're a single mother in the U.S. and the father of your children can't pay child support, you are kind of on your own."

Drawing on findings from recent studies published in The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences and the Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy, Cuesta and collaborators compared child support policies in 67 low-, middle- and high-income nations. With very few exceptions, single-mother families are disproportionately poor compared to other types of families, but in many nations examined, fewer than one-third of lone mothers receive child support from nonresident fathers.

How nations address the low rate of child support receipt varies widely. In the U.S., nonresident parents are expected to pay child support regardless of their economic circumstances, while many European countries deal with nonpayment of child support by providing public guarantees.

Child-support policies in many middle- and low-income nations are unique compared with high-income countries, the researchers found. For instance, several countries recognize more than one legal system, which can cause distortions in policy implementation. In rural parts of Africa, the most common form of divorce is a simple repudiation of the marriage, and women have no rights to child support. And in Pakistan, there are different rules for child support for boys and girls, a gender distinction that doesn't exist in high-income countries.

Cuesta said with the number of single-mother families increasing worldwide because of social and economic changes, poverty reduction and child support policies will be even more intertwined.

More information: Mia Hakovirta et al, Child Support Policy across High-Income Countries: Similar Problems, Different Approaches, The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science (2022). DOI: 10.1177/00027162221119959 Laura Cuesta et al, Child support policy in middle- and low-income countries: current approaches and policy dilemmas, Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy (2023). DOI: 10.1017/ics.2023.4
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 center of a fuzzy dark matter halo, labelled "coherent soliton core" in the above picture, is physically indistinguishable from a coherent BEC like those created in typical cold atomic systems, but extending over thousands of light years. With the inclusion of a small transition region, the rest of the halo is incoherent due to a tangle of quantum vortices which criss-cross the halo's volume outside the vortex-free core. The vortex tangle is time dependent but the overall vorticity it creates remains constant in time. Credit: Dr. Gary Liu, Newcastle University

Newcastle University researchers used insights gained from the study of ultracold atomic Bose Einstein condensates to analyze the behavior of fuzzy dark matter, a new model for cosmological dark matter that has recently drawn the attention of cosmologists.

They found that the physical state of the core of fuzzy dark matter halos, the gravitationally bound structures in which galaxies like our own are thought to form, is the same as that of Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) formed in laboratory atomic traps.

The interdisciplinary team also found that the fuzzy dark matter surrounding the halo cores is in a turbulent state, with vortices and fluctuations that inhibit coherence across the entire halo. These properties distinguish fuzzy dark matter form the more widely accepted model of cold dark matter in which there are no coherent features and no quantum vortices

The scientists demonstrated that the centers of dark mater halos in this new fuzzy dark matter model are practically giant BECs, extending not over millionths of meters (micrometers) as in typical cold atomic systems, but over thousands of light years (equivalent to tens of million billion Kilometers), encompassing the centers of galaxies, and exhibiting a property characteristic of quantum systems and BECs called coherence.

The study also describes the internal motions of the outer halos and the kinetic energy of the dark matter there, which gives rise to an intricate tangle of the quantum vortices with characteristic density profiles in their cores.

Their findings have been published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Meeting of two disciplines

Cosmology deals with the very large scales in nature, from the realms of galaxies and galaxy clusters to the whole observable universe. Cosmologists make observations of the universe, obviously being unable to perform experiments, and the main natural force they are concerned with is gravity. Such observations have revealed that most of the matter that makes up the cosmos is unlike that which makes up humans, planets and stars, and is composed of an unknown substance named, for lack of a better word, dark matter.

Ultracold atomic physics, on the other hand, describes the behavior of clouds of atoms, such as rubidium, potassium and sodium gasses, typically at millionths of a degree above absolute zero in laboratories around the world, and examines phenomena that reveal the quantum nature of matter. Credit: Newcastle University

The study brought these two disciplines together, led by Newcastle University's Dr. Gerasimos Rigopoulos and Professor Nick Proukakis, theorists in cosmology and ultracold atomic physics respectively. The team also included research fellow Dr. I-Kang (Gary) Liu who recently completed his Marie Curie fellowship on the topic, Dr. Alex Soto, and Ph.D. student Milos Indjin.

Dr. Rigopoulos, senior lecturer in applied mathematics, said, "Fuzzy dark matter has been studied already for a few years now by cosmologists, but our work has applied concepts from the study of BEC dynamics which has been around for much longer. We now understand that there are specific similarities with BECs and the ultimate goal is to use this knowledge to devise ways for better testing this new and exciting model observationally."

"I have always kept an open eye for interdisciplinary approaches in physics and this has been a perfect problem to tackle from such an angle. Establishing a common language took some time but we could see from the beginning, even as we conceived this project, that there were rewards to be reaped when you go out of your comfort zone and try to see things from a new perspective. I think our perseverance paid off and we have only scratched the surface of what such a collaboration can do."

Professor Proukakis, professor of quantum physics and a strong advocate of universal features of such forms of quantum coherence, added, "It is fantastic to see yet another plausible realization of a system exhibiting Bose-Einstein condensation: this is incredible to see, as we are now dealing with such a huge system beyond the imagination of those first studying this phenomenon in controlled laboratory settings."

"Although creating a potential mimicking gravitational attraction in controlled laboratory settings remains challenging/unknown in three-dimensional systems, analogous initially seemingly impossible challenges have eventually been met in such experimental systems. The mere prospect, even if not highly likely, of future possibilities of creating laboratory settings mimicking certain aspects of matter distribution in the universe is exciting in its own right."

"Moreover, even as a theoretical playground, it is fantastic to have a new system to model, trying out extensive expertise gained from laboratory condensates, and hoping for future observational tests in cosmology."

Future research will focus on possible ways to observe such features of fuzzy dark matter, thus placing this model under more detailed observational scrutiny.

The scientists are preparing a range of follow-up publications, having already completed a study showing the theoretical similarity of the equations governing the fuzzy dark matter model to those used in studying how Bose-Einstein condensation develops in the lab as atomic gasses are cooled to near absolute zero.

They are currently using insights from established theories, devised to describe cold atoms, to unify the conventional cold dark matter and the new fuzzy dark matter models mathematically, while also looking into the implications and, in the longer-term, observational probes of such findings.

More information: I-Kang Liu et al, Coherent and incoherent structures in fuzzy dark matter haloes, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2023). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stad591 Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
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:

Section of the central nervous system of an adult fruit fly. As the result of a genetic trick, only the channel proteins on motor axons are shown. Credit: University of Munster - Klambt Lab

An animal's brain consists of two different types of cell: neurons, which process and transmit information, and glial cells, which support the neurons in a variety of ways. In 1871, the French anatomist Louis-Antoine Ranvier demonstrated something special about neurons in vertebrates: on the extensions of these nerve cells there are ring-shaped regions which lack a surrounding sheaththe myelin formed by glial cells. Together with the electrically insulating myelin sheath, the so-called nodes of Ranvier form a basis for electrical nerve impulses to be transferred very rapidly over longer distances. They "jump" from node to node at a speed of up to 100 meters per second. This "saltatory conduction" has long been seen as being specific to vertebrates.

Now, for the first time, taking the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as an example, a team of researchers led by neurobiologist Prof. Christian Klambt from the University of Munster (Germany) has shown that similar structures exist in insects. The study has been published in the journal eLife.

For its work, the team analyzed fruit flies, looking at the distribution of the proteins necessary for neuronal conduction. Using genetic and microscopic methods, the researchers showed that the ion-conducting sodium and potassium channels underlying the process of transmission are arranged in clusters in a similar way to vertebrates.

As recently described in a theoretical paper published by the team, the local accumulation of ion channels necessitates a strict spatial separation of individual axons, the extensions of the nerve cells. In vertebrates, this is ensured by the glial myelin. The team demonstrated that in Drosophila myelin-like structures are also formed around axons close to the plasma membrane region bearing the ion channels. As in vertebrates, the myelin is formed by specific glial cells and is a requirement for rapid, precise conduction.

"We have described for the first time both the dedicated organization of the voltage-gated ion channels and also the design of myelin-like structures for Drosophila," says Christian Klambt. "In addition, we were able to show that glial cells control the genetic activity and the positioning of neuronal ion channels." The similarities described by the researchers between vertebrates and the fruit flies indicate that the occurrence of ion channel clusters, coupled with increased insulation, is a fundamental concept in the electrical transmission of information.

Image, using an electron microscope, of a cross-section through axons surrounded by myelin-like structures. Credit: University of Munster - Klambt Lab

The work done by the team not only helps in understanding the evolution of myelin, but also enables the biology of myelin formation and regeneration to be investigated in greater detail. This is of major importance in connection with neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis. So far, treatment has focused on suppressing the inflammatory reaction, and it has not been possible to promote any effective re-myelinization. "This means that our findings will help in discovering alternative forms of treatment for multiple sclerosis," says Christian Klambt.

For their investigations, the researchers used methods of molecular genetics in combination with various state-of-the-art imaging processes, including the use of innovative electron microscopy for the visualization of marked proteins, as well as confocal microscopy with especially high resolutions.

More information: Simone Rey et al, Glial-dependent clustering of voltage-gated ion channels in Drosophila precedes myelin formation, eLife (2023). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.85752 Journal information: eLife
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 new study, led by Imperial College London and published in Science, researchers ranked 90% of global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions pledges as providing low confidence in their full implementation.

The researchers recommend nations make their targets legally binding and back them up with long-term plans and short-term implementation policies to increase the likelihood of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.

Lead researcher Professor Joeri Rogelj, director of research for the Grantham Institute at Imperial, said, "Climate policy is moving from setting ambitious targets to implementing them. However, our analysis shows most countries do not provide high confidence that they will deliver on their commitments. The world is still on a high-risk climate track, and we are far from delivering a safe climate future."

Assigning confidence

Climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement include keeping temperature rises well below 2C above the average temperature before the industrial revolution and ideally below 1.5C. The main way to achieve this is the reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, where any remaining emissions are effectively offset.

Most countries have set net-zero goals and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)non-binding national plans proposing climate actions. Taking these plans at face value, and assuming they will all be fully implemented, gives the world a chance of keeping warming to 1.5 to 2C. But taking current policies only, with no implementation of net-zero pledges, means models predict temperature rises could be as much as 2.5 to 3C by 2100, with warming still increasing.

To reduce the uncertainty in which of these scenarios is likely to happen, the team, including researchers from the UK, Austria, U.S., Netherlands, Germany, and Brazil, assigned a "confidence" to each net-zero policy. They assessed 35 net-zero targets, covering every country with more than 0.1% of current global greenhouse gas emissions.

The confidence assessment was based on three policy characteristics: whether the policy was legally binding, whether there was a credible policy plan guiding implementation, and whether short-term plans would already put emissions on a downward path over the next decade.

Based on this, policies were given "higher," "lower" or "much lower" confidence of being fully implemented. Some regions scored highly, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, but around 90% scored lower or much lower confidence, including China and the US, which together account for more than 35% of current emissions.

Modeling emissions

From this assessment, the team modeled five scenarios of future greenhouse gas emissions and resulting temperatures. These were: considering only current policies (the most conservative scenario); only adding in policies that have a high confidence of being implemented; adding policies with high and low confidence; adding all policies regardless of confidence as if they are implemented; and a scenario where all policies are fully implemented and all NDCs are met (the most forgiving scenario).

The most conservative scenario had the largest uncertainty, with a range of 1.7 to 3C and a median estimate of 2.6C. The most optimistic scenario has a range of 1.6 to 2.1C, with a median estimate of 1.7C. This might suggest that, if all net-zero policies are fully implemented, the Paris Agreement goals are within reach. However, with so many policies ranked in the low-confidence end of the scale, this would be wishful thinking in absence of further efforts.

Co-author Taryn Fransen, from the World Resources Institute in Washington DC, and the Energy and Resources Group at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, said, "Climate change targets are by their nature ambitiousthere's no point in setting a target for a foregone conclusion. But implementation must follow."

Catalyzing action

Only twelve out of 35 net-zero policies are currently legally binding, and the researchers say increasing this number would help ensure the policies survive long-term and catalyze action. Countries also need clear implementation pathways for different sectors, outlining exactly what changes are needed and where the responsibility lies.

Co-author Dr. Robin Lamboll, from the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial, said, "Making targets legally binding is crucial to ensure long-term plans are adopted. We need to see concrete legislation in order to trust that action will follow from promises."

The team included researchers from Imperial College London (UK) the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (Austria), the World Resources Institute (US), the University of CaliforniaBerkeley (US), the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, the Institute for Environmental Studies (Netherlands), the NewClimate Institute (Germany), the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Netherlands), and the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

More information: Joeri Rogelj, Credibility gap in net-zero targets leaves world at high risk, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adg6248. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg6248 Journal information: Science
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Population-level changes in the genetic make-up of one of the world's deadliest animals could provide a key in the fight against malaria, proponents of a radical new technology argue.

So-called gene drive technology, where genetic changes are passed down through generations, could rein in mosquito populations, or prevent them from passing on malaria.

"Through genetic engineering, researchers have modified mosquitoes to favor the inheritance of genes that either will reduce the size of the population of those mosquitoes or stop them from transmitting the malaria parasite," Michael Santos, senior vice-president and chief population health sciences officer at the US-based charity the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), tells SciDev.Net.

"In other words, [it is about] using mosquitoes to control mosquitoes."

Malaria is one of the world's "big three" deadly diseases, killing over half a million people in 2021, the vast majority in Africa.

Santos tells SciDev.Net in an interview that gene drive technology could complement other tools used for controlling malaria such as seasonal malaria drugs, vaccines and rapid diagnostic tools.

"The concept of using gene drive [technology] to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases is over 80 years old, and recent advances in genetic engineering technologies, especially CRISPR-Cas9 [a technology used in editing the complete set of DNA] approaches, made it easier for researchers," Santos explains.

Santos, who is also the director of the GeneConvene Global Collaborative, an initiative of the FNIH that supports informed decision-making about genetic biocontrol approaches for public health, says that mosquito control is one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Stalled

"For many years, the burden of malaria was declining, but in the last few years, progress has stalled," he says.

"Part of the challenge to continued progress is that malaria mosquitoes are increasingly resistant to the insecticides that are used to control them."

Another part of the challenge is sustaining the financial resources, he adds. The WHO estimates that over US$7 billion per year is required to achieve the global goals for reducing malaria. However, in 2021 just half the amount was spent in fighting malaria, Santos tells SciDev.Net.

He says that working with stakeholders to identify the main questions in the field and bringing people together to help address them is key to aiding gene drive advocacy.

"We worked with the WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases to provide an updated second edition of the gene drive guidance framework in 2021 to reflect advances in the field," he explains.

"The framework helps inform researchers and stakeholders on a range of important questions for the development of genetically modified mosquitoes, including evaluating safety and efficacy and ethical and regulatory considerations."

Genetic approaches are species-specific because they work through mating. A handful of mosquito species (out of more than 3,000) are responsible for most malaria transmission, and one of the advantages of gene drive technology and other genetic approaches is the potential to target those few mosquito species directly, Santos says.

Another advantage is cost. For example, in laboratory cage experiments, a small number of modified mosquitoes can spread genes through the entire cage population.

"If gene drives perform like this in the wild, the cost of releasing a small number of gene drivemodified mosquitoes may be small compared to the impact after those genes spread through the wild population," Santos explains, adding that gene drives could be used to reverse insecticide resistance.

Biosafety

Santos says that assessing risks and benefits is an important part of the evaluation of new technologies, and gene drive approaches for malaria would generally be evaluated by both biosafety regulators for their safety as GMOs, and by health authorities for their safety and efficacy as public health tools.

He adds: "Many countries also require broader impact assessments that include potential economic and social risks and benefits.

"Risk assessment is a rigorous process that identifies valued goals (such as biodiversity, human health and, animal health), maps potential pathways to adverse impacts on those valued goals, and assesses likelihood for each path."

Santos further explains that risk assessment is done on a case-by-case basis because it is specific to the technology and location. National regulatory authorities decide whether risks are acceptable and specify the risk management activities that are required.

"The potential risks depend on the gene drive approach and the context it would be used in. No gene drive project has advanced to intended release yet, so we don't know what risk will be identified by that process."

He adds that GeneConvene supports risk assessment through awareness-raising, capacity-strengthening, and funding third-party risk assessments.

Burkina Faso

The African Union, as part of its malaria strategy, has endorsed the evaluation of gene drive approaches for malaria and instructed the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) to support member states to build capacity to rigorously evaluate these technologies.

"With the support of AUDA-NEPAD, the West African region assembled a steering committee to foster collaboration and build capacity," Santos says.

According to Santos, Burkina Faso approved the pilot study using male mosquitoes which had been genetically modified to make them sterile.

The study was published as a report in October 2022 by Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium which aims to create new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to control malaria transmission.

"When these non-gene drive sterile male mosquitoes mate with females, the eggs laid by the females do not hatch," the study says.

Santos says that despite the potential benefits of using gene drives for malaria control, the acceptance of the technology is a challenge.

"To have an impact, gene drive development needs to be scientifically successfulthe engineered mosquitoes need to perform as expected in the wildand countries need to decide to use gene drive approaches. country's decisions may also be motivated by policy recommendations by organizations such as WHO and the Africa Union and on financial support from organizations such as Global Fund," Santos adds.

But the WHO and many others support the rigorous evaluation of all potential new tools to fight malaria, he adds.

"With sufficient innovation, advocacy and commitment, malaria eradication should be possible," Santos says.

Provided by SciDev.Net
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

Gradually re-introducing primates into the wild with post-release support has, for the first time, been scientifically shown to improve their well-being.

Every year, rescue centers release animals, that are deemed ready, into the wild, based on the assumption that the animals will thrive most in their natural habitat, but this assumption has never been scientifically tested with primates.

A team from Durham University, Disney's Animals, Science and Environment and the Jane Goodall Institute has shown that a group of mandrills, who were returned to the wild using a careful phased approach, adapted well.

After being released back into their natural habitat, the animals' stress response was lower in the wild than it had been when they lived at the sanctuary.

The research is published in the journal Conservation Physiology.

When animals are released into the wild, it is important to keep their stress response low as an animal which is stressed may struggle to thrive in the new environment. This can mean the release fails and the animal must be brought back into human care, or worse, that it doesn't survive.

The study suggests that a carefully planned release, using a pre-release enclosure and varied types of support after release, can work well for wild-born, orphaned mandrills who have been rehabilitated in a sanctuary.

Primate re-introduction guidelines set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommend a gradual release and post-release monitoring, but this is often not achieved due to cost and time restrictions.

The authors say their study provides evidence that this very slow and steady process is key to the success of re-introductions and for the well-being of the animals.

The release process involved the mandrills spending time in a pre-release enclosure built in the forest, extra food, observations of the animals' condition, and interventions to remove animals that were not doing well.

Professor Jo Setchell, from the Department of Anthropology at Durham University, led the research. She said, "Many primate releases are conducted based on the assumption that it improves animal welfare, but very few studies have actually tested this.

"Our work applies rigorous science to this assumption, providing evidence that a carefully planned release of mandrills can work well with the right design, monitoring and evaluation."

The rescued mandrills observed in this study had been orphaned by hunting and rescued by the Congolese authorities. Hunting for meat is one of the major threats to mandrill conservation.

Like many primate translocations, this project was primarily motivated by improving primate welfare. Wild mandrills do not yet need population reinforcement. However, with populations of approximately 70 percent of primate species in decline, successful re-introduction will become increasingly important in the future.

Working in the Republic of Congo, the team transferred 15 mandrills from the Tchimpounga Sanctuary to a pre-release enclosure in Conkouati-Douli National Park, and then into the park itself. They collected fecal samples from the mandrills at every stage of the transfer, which they then used to measure their stress response. Using feces allowed the team to measure the mandrills' stress response non-invasively.

The animals' stress response initially increased after their move from the sanctuary to the pre-release enclosure, showing that the move, which involved being transported in crates by car and boat, was stressful, as the researchers expected it would be.

Crucially, however, the mandrills' stress response dropped again over time in the pre-release enclosure, which gave the mandrills a safe place to adjust to their new environment.

To the researchers' surprise, the mandrills' stress response didn't increase when the mandrills were released into the forest.

Just one month after they were released into the wild, the mandrills' stress response dropped below the levels seen while they were in the sanctuary. After one year in the wild, the mandrills' stress response was about half what it had been in the sanctuary, suggesting that the mandrills were doing well in the wild.

Dr. Miles Woodruff was the Principal Investigator of the Mandrill Reintroduction Project at the Jane Goodall Institute who conducted this study as part of his now completed Ph.D. at Durham University.

He said, "This project was ultimately successful because of years of pre-release preparation and extensive post-release support. We went to the extreme lengths to conduct this study because it's important that all releases are learnt from and the results are reported."

"We are dealing with the life and death of critical species in sensitive environments and every individual matters. Our findings are very exciting because we now have physiological evidence to support the 'why' behind the IUCN's suggestions to conduct soft releases of animals."

Of the 15 mandrills released, all survived and two infants were born, but three of the original group were returned to the sanctuary as their transfer was not successful.

More information: Successful acclimatization of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) translocated to Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of Congo, as measured by fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, Conservation Physiology (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:

Graphical abstract. Credit: Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114528

The fact that our immune systems capture and destroy nanoparticles and the drugs they carry has been a problem in the field of nanomedicine for some time. But, in the fight against cancer, researchers are now attempting to exploit this problem to their advantage.

Researchers around the world are seeking to identify techniques that use nanoparticles in the treatment of disease. Such particles are about 100 nanometersone thousandth of a millimeterin diameter, and within them researchers are inserting large numbers of even smaller drug molecules.

Optimism for this approach in the treatment of various forms of cancer has been particularly great.

"We've observed that blood vessel walls in cancer tumors in mice have larger pores than the same vessels in healthy tissue," says Sjoerd Hak, a researcher at the Norwegian science institute SINTEF. "If we inject nanoparticles into the blood, the pores make it easier for them to escape from the vessels and enter the tumor," he says.

"In healthy tissue, where the blood vessels are intact, the nanoparticles cannot escape," Hak tells Gemini.

Knowing this makes it easier to target the drugs on their desired destinations, and we can also limit the volume of drugs reaching parts of the body where they may cause harm.

However, nanomedicine faces a major problem. Our immune systems do not welcome small and unfamiliar foreign bodies.

A virus or a drug?

"The nanoparticles are about the same size as a virus and are normally made up of molecules that do not belong naturally in the blood. This means that the body will discover them and remove them," explains Hak.

As a result, the nanoparticles will not be present in the blood for long enough to release an adequate dose of drugs to the target tumor.

"Much of our research has been focused on developing particles that can prolong their presence in the blood," says Hak. "We've had some level of success, but drug uptake by tumor tissue still remains limited. In mice, we've achieved a lot of excellent results, but the effect continues to remain somewhat limited in humans," he says.

As with so many other technologies prefixed with "nano-", it is taking some time for nanomedicine to live up to the expectations it generated a decade or two ago.

"In relation to the extent of this field of research, very little has been achieved in terms of clinical treatments. But we will get thereI'm convinced of that," says Hak.

In the meantime, he and his colleagues are testing an alternative route to the tumors for the nanodrugs. Instead of fighting against the immune system, the new approach is to team up with it and play along.

Aggressive immune cells

It is very difficult to prevent nanoparticles from being consumed by immune cells. Such cells are specialists in seeking out and removing foreign bodies. At the same time, our knowledge about the roles that these cells play has improved considerably, and a number of new treatments have been developed in the field of what we call immunotherapy.

"We're trying to combine these two aspects as part of our researchand we're not the only ones," says Hak. "There are many researchers around the world who have realized this and who are trying to exploit interactions involving immune cells," he says.

"Our intention is to use the body's own defense mechanisms to attack cancerous tumors. We're not necessarily targeting the cancer cells directly, but we want to make conditions less favorable for their growth and development," explains Hak.

Targeting the drugs directly at the cancer cells is not the most important thing. The key objective here is what the drugs do when they interact with the immune cells and the immune system.

What's going on in living tumors

In order to achieve this, the researchers need more knowledge about what actually happens to the nanoparticles and the drug molecules they are carrying. One of the techniques they are using is called intravital microscopy.

"Intravital microscopy involves taking film and images of living tumors in mice under a microscope," says Hak. "This enables us to look at individual cancer cells and examine the blood vessel walls," he explains.

The nanoparticles are too small to be identified in isolation but, by making them self-illuminating, we can follow their movements.

"They're too small to see individually, even under a microscope, but we know where they are because we can detect their fluorescence," says Hak.

"We can see the immune cells moving around and that they have taken up large numbers of fluorescent particles," says Hak. "Within the tumor, we can see cells that are quite immobile and which have also taken up particles," he explains.

"We can see that some immune cells actually seem to be responsible, at least in part, for the uptake of particles in the tumor. It is not possible to observe this using techniques other than intravital microscopy," says Hak.

It is not possible to obtain this kind of information using MRI or PET scanning techniques.

"Intravital microscopy has provided us with a better mechanistic understanding of how these particles accumulate in a tumor," says Hak.

Changing the behavior of immune cells

Researchers have demonstrated that it is in fact possible to get the particles into the immune cells within the tumor. The next step is to identify the correct drug and, not least, ensure that it will have a therapeutic effect. The natural response of the immune cells is to attempt to destroy the nanoparticles, and they are more than adequately equipped to achieve this.

"The immune cells attempt to break down the particles," says Hak. "They contain a variety of enzymes and acids, as well as dedicated spaces, or compartments, where they send material for destruction," he says.

These immune cells are what researchers call phagocytes, from the Greek meaning 'eating cells." Hak and his colleagues are looking to manipulate these phagocytes so that they change their behavior.

"We're working with two different drugs that we've encapsulated within the nanoparticles and are now trying to see what kinds of effects these have on the immune cells," explains Hak.

They are targeting the phagocytes because they can 'change sides' and work to the benefit of the tumor rather than against it.

"We know that these cells play key roles when a tumor grows and develops. The tumor succeeds in deceiving them into working for its benefit," says Hak.

"What we're trying to do is manipulate or shut down the functions of cells that are working for the tumor," he says.

Promising test results in mice

In effect, this means that researchers are attempting to increase the immune cells' uptake of nanoparticles. This is the complete opposite of what medical research has been working to achieve for many years. At present, they are looking into how the process works in isolated human immune cells and in mice with breast cancer.

"We completed the first therapeutic experiments a few weeks ago and the results are very interesting," says Hak. "But there's a lot more work to do before we can draw any conclusions. "It will take time to identify exactly how we go about things, as well as what concentrations and incubation times are the most appropriate," he explains.

"There is a lot we have to find out before we can say that this technique works," says Hak. "Perhaps we'll find out that it doesn't work at all using the two drugs we've selected. In that case, we may have to start again from scratch with new drugs," he says.

A key bottleneck in the process, not only for this project, but for the entire field of nanomedicine, is trying to persuade the particles carrying the drugs to leave the compartments where the cells have sent them for destruction.

"It looks as if the molecules that we are using are able to escape," says Hak. "Our initial results are confirming this, so I believe that we will succeed, although it's too early yet to say for sure," he says.

Opportunities for innovative approaches

As with all other medical research, many small steps have to be taken before we can apply new treatment methods to patients. Sjoerd Hak sees this project as part of a much bigger picture.

"Of course it would be very exciting if we were to identify a treatment that worked so well that it justified further research into precisely the same nanodrug that we are making.", he says.

"But from a personal point of view, I'm more interested in demonstrating that we can achieve therapeutic effects using this technique. After all, it offers opportunities for a number of new therapeutic approaches," says Hak.

The paper is published in the journal Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews.

More information: Jeffrey Momoh et al, Intravital microscopy for real-time monitoring of drug delivery and nanobiological processes, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114528

Provided by SINTEF
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:

Average characteristics of chosen schools. Note. Bars represent the average characteristics of the schools chosen by participants in each experimental group; vertical lines represent 95% confidence intervals. Outcomes are standardized within each choice set and averaged over all non-home-district choices; n = 2,784. Credit: AERA Open (2023). DOI: 10.1177/23328584231177666

For years, parents looking for data to compare the academic quality of schools for their children had one primary measure to turn to: average student scores on standardized tests. However, these scores are often related to factors that have nothing to do with instructional qualitysuch as family income or racial and ethnic backgroundand push parents toward schools that are Whiter and more affluent, exacerbating school segregation in the U.S.

As a result, many education experts advocate using the rate of growth in student test scores, rather than the current status of scores, as a more meaningful measure of how well schools educate children.

In a study published in AERA Open, researchers David M. Houston of George Mason University and Jeffrey R. Henig of Teachers College, Columbia University, found that providing parents with achievement growth data encourages them to consider schools with greater economic and racial diversity, but only up to a point.

For their study, Houston and Henig partnered with research firm YouGov to recruit a nationally representative sample of 2,800 parents and other caretakers of children 12 or younger for an online survey, which took place March 1631, 2021.

Along with some demographic information about students, respondents were given achievement status data, achievement growth data, both data points, or no achievement data for grades 3 to 8 for three schools in a randomly selected school district. With this information in hand, respondents were then asked to choose their preferred school.

Parents who received only achievement growth data unsurprisingly tended to choose higher-growth schools than parents who received just achievement status information. For example, when given just achievement growth data, survey respondents choosing between schools in the Madison County School District north of Jackson, Mississippi, preferred a school that was 2.6 percentage points less White and 2.1 percentage points more economically disadvantaged, on average, than their counterparts without any academic performance data.

However, when parents received both status and growth data, which is what many states' school report cards and school rating websites provide, they were more likely to choose higher-growth schoolsbut only those schools that happened to be as affluent or as White as those chosen by parents without any performance data.

"Adding growth information to the array of data available to parents and the public is a good thing to do, but our results indicate that it's unlikely to change parental behavior in a way that helps to diversify schools," said Houston, an assistant professor of education policy at George Mason.

"As a community, we need to replace our status-based conceptions of school quality with growth-based ones so that we can identify our most and least effective schools, regardless of the kinds of students they serve," Houston said. "School leaders, policymakers, and parents should continue to push for and focus on measures of school quality based on academic growth over time. At the same time, making real progress may mean also working through the political process to build consensus for broader changes."

More information: David M. Houston et al, The "Good" Schools: Academic Performance Data, School Choice, and Segregation, AERA Open (2023). DOI: 10.1177/23328584231177666

Provided by American Educational Research Association
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

As wildfires rage in Canada, officials warned that the country was on track for its worst-ever year of wildfire destruction as warm and dry conditions are forecast to persist through to the end of the summer after an unprecedented start to the fire season.

Much of our area is feeling the effects, with hazy skies that smell like campfire for the second day in a row throughout most of New Jersey and surrounding states. Earlier today, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, June 7 and forecasted a Code Orange for June 8. Photos from the web and social media showed smoky, haze filled skies that look like stills from an apocalyptic film.

We asked Yuan Gao, Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University-Newark, about the current and long-term effects of the fires on air quality locally and afar.

Gao's research is in the fields of atmospheric chemistry, focusing on air quality and pollution and atmospheric deposition to aquatic systems. She and her team seek to understand the processes affecting the atmospheric composition and its impact on the human environment and global biogeochemical cycles.

Her current research spans the globe, from air quality and urban air pollution around the metropolitan areas of New Jersey to studying atmospheric particles and nutrient iron deposition to the Arctic Ocean, Southern Ocean and Antarctica. During the COVID-19 period, the Gao group collected and are now analyzing observational data to address the COVID-19 impact on air quality in NJ.

How did the smoke from Canada get to this area?

The smoke from Canada gets to our area by wind, that is, winds blow from northwest to southeast, and we are downwind of the Canadian wildfires.

Can you explain the science behind how fires affect the air quality of surrounding areas?

Fires can affect air quality of not only surrounding areas but also far away regions. This is because fires generate and release large amount of substances into the air that are pollutants and that reduce air quality. For example, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides emitted from fires can form ozone in the air, which is an air pollutant that has negative impact on air quality.

In addition, fires also release lots of tiny particles or debris into the air, and such small particles reflect and scatter sunlight, reducing visibility. These small particles could be enriched with toxic metals such as mercury, causing health effects when they are inhaled. The fire-generated pollutants can be transported by winds to regions far away from the fire sources, and therefore local fires can have profound negative impact on regional and even global scales.

Is this the first time this has ever happened on the East Coast?

Similar things may have happened in the past, but this time the impact is so obvious due to the extremely intense and widespread wildfires in Canada.

What can we do to protect ourselves if outside? Should we cancel outdoor events?

Such degradation of air quality negatively impacts people's health. During the episode we are experiencing today, outdoor activities should be limited. Sensitive groups, including the elderly, children, and those with heart disease and with respiratory conditions should stay indoors. We should limit the time or intensity of outdoor exercises and avoid doing physical activities near the areas with high pollution, such as high traffic areas.

People also should pay attention to the guidance from local authorities, such as the university alert we received today.

How long will these effects last? Is this a temporary problem or are there long-term ramifications for what's happening right now?

The effects of fires on air quality can be reduced and disappear with time after the fires stop in the fire-impacted areas, as winds can disperse those substances derived from fires and particles from fires may also settle down through the air. However, health effects from fires may stay for quite a long time.

Forest fires generate smoke that irritates our eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and thus exposure to fires can surely affect our health. One way is by inhaling toxic substances emitted from fires, and health effects from this may stay for quite long time. Some people may have an asthma attack from the inhalation of high levels of smoke or particles in the fire-impacted areas. Hospital admissions may increase due to lung complaints during and after fire seasons. All of these could be long-term health effects, lasting over months and even a year or longer.

What are some things people should do in affected areas to protect themselves? And what should they avoid?

People in the fire affected areas should try their best to reduce and avoid their exposure to smoke. Things people could do include:

Stay indoors; keep a respirator handy or tightly snug to your face to filter out smoke if needed, try to stay in an isolated space away from outside impacted air, such as a room with windows closed, put up a filter or a portable air cleaner in the room where you stay to keep air clean. Pay close attention to local weather warnings and local air quality index readings, and follow safety and emergency instructions.

Are there certain types of filters or air cleaners that are better than others? What should someone look for when purchasing a filter?

With respect to maintaining clean air indoors, there are different kinds of air filters that can be used indoors. People should be encouraged to install high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, based on rating such as by MERVs. MERVs stand for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values that report the efficiency of a filter in capture of air particles between 0.3 and 10 micrometers in diameter.

The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter. For homes with individuals in at-risk groups including older adults and young children, people with heart and lung disease, and pregnant women, installing the filters with MERV 13 or higher is encouraged if all possible. People should closely follow the advice and instructions from their local public health agencies in selecting air filters appropriate for different situations.

Will this cause any long-term or permanent changes in air quality? Will it have other long-term effects?

Yes. This is because fires release large amounts of carbon dioxide, black carbon, brown carbon, small particles and ozone precursors into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases and particles affect the atmosphere, radiation levels, cloud formation, and climate on regional and even global scales. Such changes in the atmospheric composition could be long lasting.

Greenhouse gases and particles emitted by fires affect the atmosphere, radiation levels, cloud formation, and climate on regional and even global scales.

The carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released from the fires will stay in the atmosphere for a long time and that will continue to warm the planet for many years to come. As consequences, such warming could fuel more dangerous wildfires. The fires can damage forests, reducing their ability to remove carbon dioxide from the air. Fires also contribute to the formation of ozone in the air, and ozone is an air pollutant and has degenerative impact on the growth of plants.

Some fires are preventable, as such fires often started by human error. We should equip ourselves with sufficient knowledge about wildfire prevention. We should also plan ahead of time in fire-prone regions and strictly follow safety and evacuation instructions issued by local and regional public health agencies.

With climate change and other circumstances, can we expect to deal with this more frequently in the future?

Warming and the changes in precipitation and atmospheric circulation would be among the factors affecting the frequency of wildfires.

Is there anything we as individuals or as a society can or should be doing to help prevent this from happening in the first place?

As fires emissions reduce air quality, we should be cautious with all activities in a wildfire-prone area and try to stop fires from starting. We should never leave a fire unattended, not start a fire on a high-wind day, dispose used matches in a cup of water, etc.

Is this damage something that can be reversed? How?

I think that the damage would be hard to reverse.
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:

Artist rendering of experimental setup. Credit: Liu et al., 2023, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Unmanned ground vehicles can be used to identify and eliminate the breeding sources of mosquitos that carry dengue fever in urban areas, according to a new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases by Wei-Liang Liu of the Taiwan National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, and colleagues.

Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus and spread by several mosquito species in the genus Aedes, which also spread chikungunya, yellow fever and zika. Through the process of urbanization, sewers have become easy breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitos and most current mosquito monitoring programs struggle to monitor and analyze the density of mosquitos in these hidden areas.

In the new control effort, researchers combined a crawling robot, wire-controlled cable car and real-time monitoring system into an unmanned ground vehicle system (UGV) that can take high-resolution, real-time images of areas within sewers. From May to August 2018, the system was deployed in five administrative districts in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan, with covered roadside sewer ditches suspected to be hotspots for mosquitos. Mosquito gravitraps were places above the sewers to monitor effects of the UGV intervention on adult mosquitos in the area.

In 20.7% of inspected sewers, the system found traces of Aedes mosquitos in stages from larvae to adult. In positive sewers, additional prevention control measures were carried out, using either insecticides or high-temperature water jets. Immediately after these interventions, the gravitrap index (GI)a measure of the adult mosquito density nearbydropped significantly from 0.62 to 0.19.

"The widespread use of UGVs can potentially eliminate some of the breeding sources of vector mosquitoes, thereby reducing the annual prevalence of dengue fever in Kaohsiung city," the authors say.

More information: Use of unmanned ground vehicle systems in urbanized zones: A study of vector Mosquito surveillance in Kaohsiung, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011346 Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
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:

Photo of Tuukka, one of the translocated Saimaa ringed seals. Credit: UEF Saimaa Ringed Seal Research / Vincent Sorjonen-Biard

In Finland, two adult Saimaa ringed seals were successfully translocated from Pihlajavesi basin to Kolovesi basin and to the southern part of Lake Saimaa in late May. The seals, known as Amalia and Tuukka, have stayed in their new habitats. Landlocked in Lake Saimaa, the Saimaa ringed seal is one of the world's rarest and most endangered seals.

The Saimaa ringed seal translocations on Lake Saimaa have been successfully completed for this spring. The seals were translocated during the molting season in late May, when Saimaa ringed seals can be spotted resting on rocks. Amalia, an adult female, was translocated from Pihlajavesi basin to Kolovesi basin, and Tuukka, a young adult male, from Pihlajavesi to the southern part of Lake Saimaa.

"The entire translocation process, including capture, transport and handling, took only a few hours. Everything went smoothly, and a veterinarian was there to look after the seals' well-being at all times. Both Amalia and Tuukka were very calm about getting translocated," says WWF Regional Manager Ismo Marttinen, who works as Fieldwork Manager for the seal translocations.

After their translocations, the seals moved in an area covering about ten kilometers from their release points, but during these couple of weeks, they both seem to have settled in a smaller area.

"Amalia has taken a liking to a sheltered bay on Kolovesi, where she's been resting, and Tuukka is catching fish on the southern part of Lake Saimaa. Both seals have already dived to depths of over 30 meters, indicating that they're foraging in new waters," says Researcher Marja Niemi of the University of Eastern Finland.

The individuals to be translocated were identified by their unique fur patterns, and game camera footage provided information on their sex and age group, as well as some information on their background. Amalia (Phs 221) is an adult, slightly older female previously known to researchers, and Tuukka (Phs 499) is a young adult male.

The aim of the translocations is to maintain the remaining genetic diversity of the Saimaa ringed seal population and to prevent segregation into sub-populations. Studies show that the genetic diversity of the Saimaa ringed seal population of some 440 individuals is very low and, alarmingly, the population is becoming segregated into sub-populations especially on the southern part of Lake Saimaa and on Kolovesi, where a significant reduction in the number of female seals giving birth is also a cause of concern.

"Amalia will hopefully add to the number of seals giving birth on Kolovesi, and Tuukka will introduce new genes to the southern part of Lake Saimaa. If the translocated seals remain in their new habitats and find partners to mate with there, the positive impact of these translocations will, above all, hopefully be seen in future seal generations," says Miina Auttila Senior Specialist in Nature Conservation at Metsahallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland.

The translocated seals' settlement in their new habitat and life will be studied in many ways in the future. Initially, the seals will be monitored with small satellite tracking devices, which have been attached to their fur and are expected to fall off by next spring's molting season at the latest. Thanks to their individual fur patterns, seals can be monitored throughout their life cycle, and DNA samples enable monitoring to continue to future generations, too.
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:

WTS encodes an ER-localized Ca2+ release channel, triggering immune response to protect stele from P. brassicae invasion. Credit: Cheng Hangyuan

Researchers led by Chen Yuhang and Zhou Jianmin from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have shown how plants resist clubroot, a major root disease that threatens the productivity of Brassica crops such as rapeseed.

The study, which uncovers novel mechanisms underlying plant immunity and promises a new avenue for crop breeding, was published in Cell.

Clubroot, a soil-borne disease, is the most devastating disease of Brassica crops. In China, approximately 3.24 million hm2 of agricultural land is affected by clubroot each year, resulting in a 20%30% yield loss. Resting spores of Plasmodiophora brassicae (Pb), the causal pathogen of clubroot, are viable in soil for up to 20 years, making contaminated soil unsuitable for Brassica crops.

To date, only two clubroot resistance genes have been cloned, and their resistance has broken down as a result of newly evolved virulent Pb isolates.

In this study, the newly identified resistance gene WTS confers resistance to all Pb isolates tested, including isolates that are virulent toward existing resistant rapeseed varieties. Thus, WTS is a broad-spectrum resistance gene and offers great potential for breeding clubroot disease resistance in crops.

WTS is not expressed in the absence of the pathogen. However, upon Pb infection, WTS is strongly induced exclusively in the pericycle, a critical layer of root cells surrounding the stele. The stele is the cylindrical central vascular portion of root containing critical tissues, including xylem and phloem that are essential for nutrient and water transport.

In susceptible plants, Pb invades and colonizes the stele, blocking nutrient and water transport. Expression of WTS in the pericycle activates plant defenses and prevents Pb from colonizing the stele. WTS thus defines a defense mechanism that is specifically activated at the right place and right time to ensure normal plant growth and development.

In addition, WTS encodes a novel protein. Structural analysis by cryo-EM has revealed that WTS self-assembles into a previously unknown pentameric architecture with a central pore.

Further studies have also shown that the WTS protein complex functions as an endoplasmic reticulum-localized calcium release channel that increases cytosolic calcium ions, a critical secondary signal for the activation of plant defenses.

The intriguing disease resistance mechanisms uncovered by the researchers represent a new paradigm in plant immunity against soil-borne pathogens. The cloned WTS gene offers new hope for breeding Brassica crops resistant to a devastating disease that is otherwise difficult to control.

More information: Jian-Min Zhou, WeiTsing, a pericycle-expressed ion channel, safeguards the stele to confer clubroot resistance, Cell (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.023. www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00542-1 Journal information: Cell
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:

South Africa, India and Australia shared similar volcanic activity 3.5 billion years ago. Credit: US Geological Survey

Cratons are pieces of ancient continents that formed several billions of years ago. Their study provides a window as to how processes within and on the surface of Earth operated in the past. Cratons preserve relics of our young Earth as they host a variety of rock assemblages such as greenstones and granites. Greenstones are rock assemblages that are primarily composed of sub-marine volcanic rocks with minor sedimentary rocks. They are the best archives to study early Earth surface processes.

A new study published in Precambrian Research by a team of researchers, led by Dr. Jaganmoy Jodder of the University of the Witwatersrand's Evolutionary Studies Institute shows that the Singhbhum Craton in India hosts remarkably well preserved volcanic and sedimentary rocks as old as 3.5 billion years, and that it has similar geologic history to parts of South Africa and Australia.

The team that included researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, examined volcanic and sedimentary rocks from the Daitari greenstone belt in the Singhbhum Craton of India that were formed approximately 3.5 billion years ago.

Jodder and his co-workers conducted detailed field-based studies and precise Uranium-Lead (U-Pb) radiometric-age dating to evaluate the geology of the ancient greenstone rocks. Based on their study, the researchers established key geological timelines that illustrate the tectonic evolution of the Daitari greenstones.

"The Daitari greenstone belt shares a similar geologic make-up when compared to the greenstones exposed in the Barberton and Nondweni areas of South Africa and those from the Pilbara Craton of north-western Australia," says Jodder.

Sub-marine volcanic eruptions were common between 3.5 and 3.3 billion-years-ago, which are largely preserved as pillowed lava within the greenstones of the Singhbhum, Kaapvaal and Pilbara cratons. More importantly the style of volcanism decoded from the silicic rocks provide evidence for explosive sub-marine to sub-aerial settings.

"Following silicic volcanism, sedimentary rocks that comprise sub-marine turbidity current deposits formed upon drowning of the volcanic vent. This provided us with an age estimate for the sub-marine sedimentary rocks that got deposited approximately 3.5 billion years ago, which was based on precise detrital U-Pb zircon data."

Studies of ancient greenstones are important not only to understand the diverse volcanic processes but well-preserved greenstones preserve minor sedimentary rocks that formed under sub-marine settings.

"These volcano-sedimentary rocks provide clues related to habitable environments on the young Earth and can be regarded as time capsules to help us better understand the evolutionary tale of the planet in its early stages," says Jodder.

Jodder and the team of researchers propose that these ancient continents may have been subjected to geologically similar processes 3.5 billion years ago.

"However, we are not certain about their palaeo-geographic positioning. And thus, cannot validate that they once formed part of a supercontinent," says Jodder.

"The current research has led to a broader understanding of the ancient volcano-sedimentary rocks exposed in the Daitari area in India. This study resulted in unique recognition of felsic magmatic processes that are common to the Archaean cratons of India, South Africa and Australia respectively during the Palaeoarchaean times. It opens up newer avenues for research on early Earth processes," says Jodder.

More information: Jaganmoy Jodder et al, Geochronology of the Daitari Greenstone Belt, Singhbhum Craton, India, Precambrian Research (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.precamres.2023.106997
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 Costa Rican coffee farm using polyculture with banana trees and agroforestry islands surrounding the coffee plants. Credit: Athina Koutouleas

The slightly bitter, aromatic and vitalizing beverage is a lifestyle and daily ritual for many. Globally, nearly three billion cups of coffee are consumed every day by us Earthlings. Unfortunately, coffee production has also become problematic, with negative health impacts on humans and animals now on our conscience.

Coffee plants are subjected to a barrage of attack by insects, bacteria and fungi as a result of their being increasingly grown as a monoculture crop since the 1990s. These attacks may also be exacerbated by climate change. On larger coffee plantations in particular, this has led to the increased use of pesticides, the primary weapons used by farmers to combat unwanted guests.

In Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer and pesticide consumer, chemical pesticide use increased by 190% in a single decade. Estimates show that roughly 38 million kilograms of pesticides are used annually in Brazilian coffee production.

And since 2019, 475 new pesticides have been approved in Brazil. More than a third of these are not approved in the EU due to their toxicity.

"The problem is that there are more and more reports of pesticide contamination in groundwater and ecosystems, and harmful symptoms and disorders among animals and humans in areas where coffee is grownfrom skin disorders, respiratory problems, to high blood pressure, organ damage, cancer and cardiovascular disease. All of this seems to be linked to the use of pesticides in coffee production," says Athina Koutouleas, a newly graduated Ph.D. fellow at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management.

Dr. Koutouleas is the lead author of a meta-study published in the journal Plant Pathology that reviews research regarding alternative plant protection strategies for coffee. The study was conducted with Professor David B. Collinge of the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Associate Professor Anders Rbild of the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management.

The majority of reports on the effects of pesticides are from areas in Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica and Nicaraguaall areas with high biodiversity, fragile ecosystems and resource-poor rural populations. Studies from other countries report similar pesticide-driven consequences. For example, a study from the Dominican Republic demonstrated that coffee plantation workers exposed to pesticides experienced a significantly higher frequency of cellular changes.

"If we want to enjoy our morning coffee in the future, we'll need to stop producing it like there is no tomorrow. Pesticides are effective against pests and plant diseases and can provide coffee farmers with a high yield in the short term. But in the long run, you shoot yourself in the foot by destroying ecosystems and health at large," says Athina Koutouleas.

Getting coffee growing back to its roots

The researchers point to a variety of strategies as sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals. One of them is agroforestrythe cultivation of crops and trees on the same land. This method would return coffee growing back to the coffee plant's "roots."

"The coffee plant originated thousands of years ago in an environment shaded by a rich array of plants, shrubs and trees in southwestern Ethiopia. This is the traditional way Ethiopian farmers grow coffee. It often has the advantages of minimizing pests and diseases while strengthening plant health, biodiversity and ecosystems," says Koutouleas.

Furthermore, agroforestry diversifies a farmer's income revenues as profits can be earned on both the coffee beans and secondary farm products such as wood, livestock feed or fodder and other tropical cash crops such as vanilla or cinnamon.

"The challenge may be that some pests and diseases will tend to thrive in such a system. So, deciding on which combination of plants and trees offers the most value for the farmer and must be carefully planned. For example, should fast-growing banana trees be planted or hardwoods that can be harvested for timber? Thus, the cultivation method must be adapted to local needs. It is no magic bullet, but in my view, it's the most sensible one," says Koutouleas.

The researchers also pointed to expanding the use of biological control where, instead of chemical pesticides, bacteria, fungi and insects are introduced to serve as natural enemies for pathogenic organisms.

The third possible strategy highlighted by the researchers is a new genomic technique called RNA interference. Here, RNA molecules are sprayed onto a crop, which then turn off vital genes in the target organism which threatens the coffee plant. One of the primary advantages of the technique is that the substance only affects the targeted pest and is quick to degrade in the environment. This technique has been tested on a number of crops, but not yet on coffee.

The biggest farmers are the biggest problem

Small-scale farmers cultivate 70-95% of the world's coffee on plots of land that are typically less than five hectares. The vast majority of them do not use pesticides and already engage in agroforestry to one degree or another. The remaining are large-scale farmers, generally located in Brazil and Vietnam, who account for a disproportionate share of global production. Athina Koutouleas claims that the cultivation of coffee by these farmers pose the major problem:

"It is this small percentage of coffee farmers who are pushing production in an unsustainable direction by growing coffee as monoculture and using lots of pesticides. But if you degrade the environment in which coffee grows, the very environment which the plant relies on is jeopardized."

Besides investing in research focused on environmentally friendly genomic technology, the researchers recommend that farmers be supported at the national or international level to switch to agroforestry or the other strategies recommended.

"Farmers that implement green initiatives should be rewarded through compensation programs. Emphasis should also be on coffee roasters, importers and other links in the value chain with sustainability programs that actually make a difference to the coffee plant, the environment it is cultivated within and the people who cultivate it," concludes Athina Koutouleas.

More information: Athina Koutouleas et al, Alternative plant protection strategies for tomorrow's coffee, Plant Pathology (2022). DOI: 10.1111/ppa.13676
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 region containing a Fer-like gene was predicted to have introgressed from the EU and under selection. (A) A cluster of the malectin/receptor-like protein kinase domain was observed around the introgressed region. The malectin domain is represented by blue boxes. The red boxes indicate the CDS of the candidate Fer-like gene. (B) Syntenic relationship of the cluster region in the vinifera species. The blue boxes indicate the malectin/receptor-like protein kinase domain. (C) Kinship analysis of grapes in this region. The kinship value between 0.5 and 1.5 is shown using gray solid lines. The wine grapes are shown by blue dots, the EU grapes are shown by red dots, and the ME grapes are shown by yellow dots. (D) Introgression probability of this region by Filet. (E) The heatmap of genotypes of two main LD blocks in this region. Note that 0/0 is indicated by blue, 0/1 is indicated by yellow, and 1/1 is indicated by red. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2222041120

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, have applied machine learning to genetic sequence data from wild and domestic European grapes.

In the study, "Adaptive and maladaptive introgression in grapevine domestication," published in PNAS, the researchers investigated the history of genetic hybridization between domesticated grapes and their European wild relatives, tracing the origin back to a single domestication event in wine grapes.

According to the study authors, domesticated grapevines spread to Europe around 3,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence dates the first domestication of grapevines to around 5,900 BC, with the propagation sylvestris varieties in the South Caucasus, the northern Fertile Crescent, and the Levant.

After their domestication, grapes were spread throughout the Mediterranean world, diversifying into many locally adapted varieties. Within the last 3,000 years, grapevines were established in Europe, where the imported varieties came into contact with genetically distinct wild sylvestris populations.

Certain gene regions of the wine grapes related to aromatic compound synthesis were enriched with wild versions, suggesting that European wild grapes have been an essential resource for improving the flavor of wine grapes.

The team collected existing sequencing data from 305 samples and performed sequencing on 40 samples from the USDA grape germplasm collections in Davis, California using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform. The combined collection covered a wide distributional range of global wild and cultivated grapes.

Machine learningbased population genetic analysis detected evidence for a single domestication event of a grapevine, followed by continuous gene flow between European wild grapes (EU) and cultivated grapes over the past ~2,000 years.

Throughout hybridization events and intentional breeding improvements, genetic fragments have been introduced with a higher deleterious burden, with most deleterious single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variants hidden in a heterozygous state.

The authors suggest that the beneficial effects of hybridization carry a potential cost as certain regions have elevated numbers of known deleterious variants. The identification of beneficial and deleterious variants could be important factors for a more genomic-based strategy of breeding grapevines.

How deleterious?

The suggestion of deleterious burden is based on segments of DNA that are not specifically advantageous, usually non-coding and something typically eliminated in wild plants by natural selection.

It is worth pointing out that deleterious burden can be found in any domesticated plant variety: Potatoes, tomatoes, rice, soy and maize all have a lot of extra genomic components that natural selection has not removed because of human breeding. While it may be possible to engineer plant genomes to have less deleterious burdens, it is unclear if this would have any positive effect on the resulting plant as these regions are typically inactive.

Having regions that are not crucial to the function of any organism could even be an advantage. If a random mutation takes place in a critical gene, the downstream effect would be deleterious to the organism. If that same random mutation occurs in a deleterious burden gene, the outcome would be less deleterious to the organism. Around 98% of the human genome is non-coding, and while not all "junk DNA" is completely useless, it is a comfortable buffer against the truly deleterious effects of random mutations that alter coding genes.

Table grapes were also looked at in the study. These varieties were found to have 100 times lower hybridization events, suggesting that while wine grapes have gone through intensive crop improvement, the table grape has been perfect all along.

More information: Hua Xiao et al, Adaptive and maladaptive introgression in grapevine domestication, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2222041120 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

 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:

Average annual greenhouse gas emissions topped 54 billion tons over the last decade -- 1,700 tones every second.

Record-high greenhouse gas emissions and diminishing air pollution have caused an unparalleled acceleration in global warming, 50 top scientists warned Thursday in a sweeping climate science update.

From 2013 to 2022, "human-induced warming has been increasing at an unprecedented rate of over 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade," they reported in a peer-reviewed study aimed at policymakers.

Average annual emissions over the same period hit an all-time high of 54 billion tons of CO 2 or its equivalent in other gasesabout 1,700 tons every second.

World leaders will be confronted with the new data at the critical COP28 climate summit later this year in Dubai, where a "Global Stocktake" at the UN talks will assess progress toward the 2015 Paris Agreement's temperature goals.

The findings would appear to close the door on capping global warming under the Paris treaty's more ambitious 1.5C target, long identified as a guard rail for a relatively climate-safe world, albeit one still roiled by severe impacts.

"Even though we are not yet at 1.5C warming, the carbon budget"the amount of greenhouse gases humanity can emit without exceeding that limit"will likely be exhausted in only a few years," said lead author Piers Forster, a physics professor at the University of Leeds.

That budget has shrunk by half since the UN's climate science advisory body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), gathered data for its most recent benchmark report in 2021, according to the Forster and colleagues, many of whom were core IPCC contributors.

Extreme events will increase sharply even in a 1.5C world.

Unintended consequences

To have even a coin-toss chance of staying under the 1.5C threshold, emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other drivers of warming generated mostly by burning fossil fuels must not exceed 250 billion tons (Gt), they reported.

Bettering the odds to two-thirds or four-fifths would reduce that carbon allowance to only 150 Gt and 100 Gt, respectivelya two- or three-year lifeline at the current rate of emissions.

Keeping the Paris temperature targets in play would require slashing CO 2 pollution at least 40 percent by 2030, and eliminating it entirely by mid-century, the IPCC has calculated.

Ironically, one of the big climate success stories of the last decade has inadvertently hastened the pace of global warming, the new data reveal.

A gradual drop in the use of coalsignificantly more carbon intensive than oil or gasto produce power has slowed the increase in carbon emissions.

But it has also reduced the air pollution that shields Earth from the full force of the Sun's rays.

Particle pollution from all sources dampens warming by about half-a-degree Celsius, which meansat least in the short termmore of that heat will reach the planet's surface as the air becomes cleaner.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Earth System Science Data, the new study is the first in a series of periodic assessments that will help fill the gaps between IPCC reports, released on average every six years since 1988.

"The pace and scale of climate action is not sufficient to limit the escalation of climate related risks," says scientist Valerie Masson-Delmotte.

Deadly heat

"An annual update of key indicators of global change is critical in helping the international community and countries to keep the urgency of addressing the climate change crisis at the top of the agenda," said co-author and scientist Maisa Rojas Corradi, who is also the environment minister of Chile.

Co-author Valerie Masson-Delmotte, a co-chair of the 2021 IPCC report, said the new data should be a "wake-up call" ahead of the COP28 summit, even if there is evidence that the increase in greenhouse gases has slowed.

"The pace and scale of climate action is not sufficient to limit the escalation of climate related risks," she said.

Researchers also reported a startling rise in temperature increases over land areasexcluding oceanssince 2000.

"Land average annual maximum temperatures have warmed by more than half a degree Celsius in the last ten years (1.72C above preindustrial conditions) compared to the first decade of the millennium (1.22C)," the study reported.

Longer and more intense heat waves will pose a life-and-death threat in the coming decades across large swathes of South and Southeast Asia, along with areas straddling the equator in Africa and Latin America, recent research has shown.

More information: Piers M. Forster et al, Indicators of Global Climate Change 2022: annual update of large-scale indicators of the state of the climate system and human influence, Earth System Science Data (2023). DOI: 10.5194/essd-15-2295-2023

 2023 AFP
GLENS FALLS  A series of intense wildfires throughout Canada has cast the state of New York in a potentially dangerous haze of smoke, causing health officials to issue air quality warnings across much of the state.

Its no secret that New York is facing extraordinary air quality conditions right now, said state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos during a press conference Tuesday. The sky is hazy, visibility is terrible, and you can smell the smoke in the air.

By Wednesday, the federal air quality index (AQI) has become increasingly worse, causing Seggos and state Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to issue an unhealthy air quality health advisory for all regions of the state except the upper Adirondack region. Advisories are issued when the air quality index measure more than 100 parts per million of pollutants in the air.

That means that the particulate matter has reached a certain level in our breathing air, which is of concern to all New Yorkers, but in particular people that are in sensitive categories, Seggos said. Were recommending New Yorkers to minimize outdoor activities, if at all possible. Go inside, avoid strenuous activities in the outdoors.

Conditions continued to worsen Wednesday, as Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs and even Lake Georges AQIs measured in the Very Unhealthy category, according to the AirNow online quality monitor operated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Glens Falls AQI level was at 232 as of 11 a.m., according to airnow.gov.

Dr. Gary Ginsberg, director of the New York Department of Healths Center for Environmental Health, said the type of particulate matter that is being carried over from the wildfires is called PM2.5, which consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. (For reference, the average human hair is around 50 microns in diameter.) They can travel far, and penetrate areas fairly quickly.

It can also penetrate pretty deeply into our lungs and make it harder for our whole respiratory tract to work and effectively bring in oxygen, Ginsberg cautioned. It makes the work of the heart more difficult.

Ginsberg said that health officials are primarily concerned with the immediate effects of PM2.5 exacerbating existing conditions, but long-term effects are still being studied.

We cant rule out long-term adverse health effects from inhaling any kind of smoke over the course of hours to days, he said. So its best to be precautious and just try to minimize it by going indoors.

Ginsberg also warned that masks are a double-edged sword, as far as being used as PM2.5 are concerned. Although the masks could help to reduce some of the particulate matter from entering the body, the increased effort in breathing through the mask during strenuous activity could cause hearts and lungs to work harder, negating the benefit.

We dont want to see people wearing a mask and going out and mowing the lawn, for example, he said.

Avoid burning

Seggos also advised that New Yorkers refrain from any unnecessary burning, which could contribute to the worsening air quality.

The burn ban season is behind us, but again, its been very dry out in the environment and we would encourage folks to limit any kind of backyard burning or dead fires, he said.

In preparation for what officials across the state are dangerous wildfire season for New York, Seggos said New York Forest Rangers are monitoring the situation in Canada, and some have even been dispatched to help in the containment efforts.

This has been happening over the past several weeks, he said. The air is now blowing into New York, and were taking note.

On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a recommendation that all school districts cancel outdoor activities until the smoke clears.

Over the past several days, my team and I have been closely monitoring air quality and providing updates to New Yorkers as haze and smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to spread throughout the state, the recommendation read. According to the most recent forecast, much of the state outside of the North Country is expected to be in an air quality index of unhealthy to very unhealthy today. Additionally, my administration has been in contact with the cities of Syracuse, Rochester and New York. I support their decisions and the decisions of other districts to suspend outdoor school activities and strongly urge those who have not yet done so to follow suit.

Advisory continues

At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Seggos announced that the health advisory would remain in effect through Thursday, and likely into Friday.

The forecast for tomorrow is another day like today and likely into Friday itself, Seggos said.

Thursdays forecast calls for a chance of showers with thunderstorms possible after 3 p.m. It will be a high of 66 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The low temperature will be 44 degrees. Showers are also in the forecast for Friday with a higher near 68.

Unfortunately, Seggos said rain is not expected to reach the wildfires in Canada until next week, which means conditions are expected to remain as they are through the weekend.

Ultimately this is gonna continue for the next few days and likely through the weekend, Seggos said. Well pray for rain up north and pray for the winds to shift, but at this point, right now, it looks like several more days of this in New York state.

Although AQI levels remain high in the lower Adirondack region, areas such as western New York and the metro area are experiencing what Seggos described as Dickensian, conditions.

New York City experienced some of the worst air quality in the world (Tuesday) night, he said. Conditions seem to have worsened today.

Seggos said that LaGuardia Airport was at a ground stop due to visibility restrictions.

As a state, were all going through this exposure at the same time and theres different levels of exposure of these pollutants in different parts of the state, McDonald said. When youre seeing the AQI number over 300, I would definitely wear a mask if I was going outside.

McDonald said the best thing to do for all New Yorkers who are susceptible to respiratory and heart conditions is to stay indoors with windows closed. He said that running air conditioners with filters could be used to stay cool. For those without underlying conditions, McDonald recommended keeping a close watch on the AQI in their area as wind and conditions shift, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and pay attention to the warning signs of being effected by the smoke.

If youre out walking and all of a sudden youre coughing or youre feeling short of breath, thats a signal, he said. When your body speaks to you, you want to listen to your body.

Pet safety

In addition to the precautions recommended by state officials, American Humane, a national animal welfare organization, is reminding people to take similar steps to protect their pets.

Smoky conditions triggered by wildfires can affect cats and dogs just like humans, and pet owners should act accordingly, Dr. Thomas Edling, chief veterinary officer of American Humane said in a prepared statement. Shorter walks to avoid strained breathing and monitoring your animal for coughing, sneezing, and general respiratory issues is recommended. Animals with inherent breathing problems  including French Bulldogs and Pugs  or older animals should be under even closer observation.

Edling recommended the following steps be taken to keep pets safe and healthy during poor air quality conditions.

Limit your dog or cats time outdoors.

Keep doors and windows shut.

Avoid strenuous exerciseincluding playing fetch, going for a jog, or taking a long walk.

Take your pet outside for short potty breaks and come immediately back inside.

Bring outdoor water bowls inside so it doesnt collect airborne particles associated with the smoke.

If you have to be outside, mornings are best when the weather is cooler.

Americans should take precautions to keep all members of their family safeeven the furry ones, he added.
FORT EDWARD  A Hudson Falls man was arrested on Tuesday on multiple charges including drug possession and animal abuse.

Nicholas M. Hafner, 36, was picked up on an arrest warrant from Washington County Court as part of an investigation into narcotic sales in Washington County.

Hafner was charged with felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to a news release from the Washington County Sheriffs Office.

Hafner was also charged with misdemeanors of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia at the time of his arrest.

In a separate case, Hafner was charged with misdemeanor animal abuse stemming from an investigation into dogs that were abandoned in the town of Argyle. He was also issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Argyle Town Court on a later date.

Hafner was held in the Washington County Jail pending an arraignment in Washington County Centralized Arraignment Court due to an outstanding arrest warrant issued out of the Village of Fort Edward Court. The Washington County Sheriffs Investigation Unit handled the case with assistance from the Warren County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Enforcement Unit and Hudson Falls Police Department.
NEW YORK  New York City sued nearly half the states counties Wednesday over their attempts to keep out international migrants, the latest escalation in an ongoing battle between city officials and local leaders.

The suit, filed in state court Wednesday, accuses at least 30 New York counties of seeking to wall off their borders to asylum seekers through xenophobic executive orders that violate state and federal law.

These counties have implemented misguided and unlawful executive orders premised on false claims that the prospect of a few hundred asylum seekers sheltered at the citys expense across multiple counties constitute an emergency and imperil public safety, said Sylvia Hinds-Radiz, a lawyer for the city.

The defendants included Warren County and Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Geraghty, and Saratoga County and Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore Kusnierz Jr. Warren Countys order, which prohibits lodging establishments of any kind from entering into contracts to house migrants without board of supervisors approval, states there are currently not adequate local resources to handle such an influx.

Warren County declares state of emergency amid migrant crisis Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Geraghty declared a state of emergency in Warren County on Tuesday amid concerns about New York City unilaterally relocating by bus large numbers of migrants seeking asylum to counties around New York State.

New York City has struggled to care for an influx of asylum seekers in recent months, converting hotels and houses of worship to shelters as Mayor Eric Adams repeatedly declared that the city had reached its limit on new arrivals. Last month, the city began busing dozens of migrants to a handful of hotels north of the city.

The move triggered a cascade of emergency declarations by local officials, from Long Island to the Canadian border. The orders threatened criminal and financial penalties against New York City and any hotels or other businesses that aided in the relocation of migrants.

Some county officials raised fears of crime or overcrowding, while others said they couldnt afford to provide care for the migrants if the city stopped paying for the hotel rooms.

We are not equipped to humanely assist these individuals, which eventually were going to have to do, said Ed Day, the Republican executive of Rockland County, one of the first counties to receive migrants from New York City.

On Tuesday, in a separate lawsuit, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction barring Rockland County and Orange County from enforcing their broad emergency orders that aimed to ban migrants from hotels.

The injunction comes in a suit brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union on behalf of individual asylum seekers, and does not apply to the efforts to ban migrants across the state. It also does not impact an existing order by a state judge that temporarily prevents the city from housing migrants at specific hotels in Orange and Rockland County.

Amy Belsher, a senior staff attorney at the NYCLU, said she hoped the ruling would serve as a precursor for a wider ruling in state court. She said many of the county executive orders were nearly identical.

Theyre unlawful and unconstitutional in the same ways and were hopeful that other municipalities will look at this decision and rescind their orders, Belsher said.

GUEST ESSAY: Warren County developing plan to accommodate migrants On May 23, Warren County issued Emergency Order 1 of 2023 to preempt the unilateral relocation of groups of asylum seekers from New York City 
Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties were again under an air quality health advisory on Thursday due to Canadian wildfire smoke in the atmosphere.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency reported the Glens Falls air quality index level was at 150 as of 4 p.m., which is within a range categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups. Thats below levels that exceeded 300 at times on Wednesday, when the area was within the hazardous alert level. The highest reading on the scale is 500.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation had the upper Hudson region and much of upstate New York under the advisory through midnight, with air quality index levels expected to remain well above 100.

When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects, the National Weather Service stated in an alert issued earlier in the day. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

Meanwhile, Warren County announced that it has received N95 masks to distribute to residents for use when needing protection outdoors. The masks, provided by the state are available to the public on a first-come, first serve basis while supplies last at Warren County Municipal Centers DMV entrance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center is located at 1340 Route 9 in Queensbury. The DMV entrance is on the south end of the building.

In addition, Warren County Office of Emergency Services is working with community organizations, municipalities and first responder agencies to get masks to vulnerable populations and public works crews who have to operate outdoors, the county said.

Conditions in the Adirondack and upper Hudson regions were expected to continue to improve on Friday, with wind shifts pushing the smoke to other areas.

The DEC issued another air quality advisory for Friday, but only western New York, Long Island and New York City were included.

Canada wildfires making air 'unhealthy' in Glens Falls area A series of intense wildfires throughout Canada has cast the state of New York in a potentially dangerous haze of smoke, causing health officials to issue air quality warnings across much of the state.

Pet health

In addition to the precautions recommended by state officials, American Humane, a national animal welfare organization, is reminding people to take similar steps to protect their pets.

Smoky conditions triggered by wildfires can affect cats and dogs just like humans, and pet owners should act accordingly, Dr. Thomas Edling, chief veterinary officer of American Humane said, in a prepared statement. Shorter walks to avoid strained breathing and monitoring your animal for coughing, sneezing, and general respiratory issues is recommended. Animals with inherent breathing problems  including French Bulldogs and Pugs  or older animals should be under even closer observation.

Edling recommended the following steps be taken to keep pets safe and healthy during poor air quality conditions.

Limit your dog or cats time outdoors.

Keep doors and windows shut.

Avoid strenuous exerciseincluding playing fetch, going for a jog, or taking a long walk.

Take your pet outside for short potty breaks and come immediately back inside.

Bring outdoor water bowls inside so it doesnt collect airborne particles associated with the smoke.

If you have to be outside, mornings are best when the weather is cooler.

Americans should take precautions to keep all members of their family safeeven the furry ones, he added.
LAKE GEORGE  Just under 100 people showed up on Tuesday night to celebrate the former mayor of Lake George and donate to a project he helped spearhead during his 52-year term.

A retirement party for former village mayor Bob Blais at the Holiday Inn doubled as a fundraiser for Krantz Cottage, the Ronald McDonald House Charitys only retreat house.

The cottage hosts families with a terminally ill child or those grieving the loss of a child for five days, cost-free in the village of Lake George. The stay also includes gift cards and excursion vouchers from local businesses and restaurants.

Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, and David Jacobsen, CEO of the RMHC Capital Region chapter, both agreed that there is no better place for the one-of-a-kind retreat.

All the businesses in this whole region have given gift cards and tickets and things, so that the family comes here and they dont have to worry about anything, Mintzer said. They have on-site health care, with doctors and nurses that come check on their needs.

The cottage, which operates year round, opened in the summer 2021 at half capacity, only housing one family at a time, but they have since increased that number to two families at once.

Mintzer said Mayor Blais championed the effort to bring the retreat to Lake George.

When Mr. Krantz passed away, he (Blais) went to the family to see if they would be willing to sell the house at a much lower number to Ronald McDonald House charities. Him and his family have volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House for many years, she shared. This is really to celebrate the mayors 52 years. Hes really humble and didnt want any fanfare. He wanted it to be about the Ronald McDonald House, but all of us wanted to say thank you to him.

She explained that the two McDonalds locations in the town of Queensbury bring in 60% of the Capital Region chapters donations and that many of the families that use the house in Albany come from Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties.

The event raised a total of $1,317 for Krantz Cottage, but the CEO of the capital region chapter is most excited about sharing the model for this unique retreat.

Hopefully we wont be the only retreat house for long, Jacobsen told The Post-Star. We are being recognized in August at our global conference for excellence in local programing, and the purpose of that really is to encourage other RMHC chapters to do what weve done.

Jacobsen joked that it should be no problem for other areas to achieve the same thing.

Its really easy Ive told them. Just find a community as welcoming and loving as Lake George and find the longest-tenured mayor in the country and you got it, he laughed.

He began his position in January of 2020, with the goal in mind to facilitate this program for families with sick children.

I cant believe no one has done this before, he said.

Ashley Cahill, a family support specialist whom helps run the cottage said the gratitude from the families was immeasurable.

Weve had such amazing support from the community and the impact its had on families is just incredible, Cahill shared.

Blais was honored by members of the RMHC, as well as his successor Ray Perry, and received a certificate of recognition for his service from U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, during the celebration.
ALBANY  Giving families of the Tops supermarket shooting victims greater ability to file lawsuits. Sealing records of criminal convictions. Rolling back campaign finance reforms.

Those are among the major bills passed by the State Legislature, or likely to be passed, in the waning days of the Albany legislative session. The State Senate and Assembly were originally scheduled to finish their work for the year Thursday, but are now set to end Friday, as hundreds of bills small and large wind their way through the State Capitol.

On Tuesday evening, the State Senate passed the Grieving Families Act, a bill allowing families of wrongful death victims to sue for emotional damages. The Assembly also has passed the bill, which means it will again go to Hochul for her signature or veto.

The Legislature passed a version of the bill last year. Hochul raised a number of concerns and offered an amended version that would have only allowed such lawsuits to apply to the deaths of people under 18 years old. That would have excluded families of the 10 people killed in the racist mass shooting at a Tops Markets store on Jefferson Avenue last year, all of whom were adults. Hochul also sought a broad amendment to exclude medical malpractice claims. The Democratic-controlled Legislature balked at the amendments, and Hochul issued a veto in late January.

This year, the Legislature returned with an amended version that sought to address concerns by further limiting which family members are allowed to sue. The amended bill would still apply, however, to wrongful death victims of all ages, despite Hochuls previous attempt to amend that section of the law.

New York is out of step with 47 other states wrongful death laws, said Democratic State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bills Senate sponsor. Courts are forced to discount the value of lives in wrongful death actions for those who arent breadwinners for their families, resulting in a disproportionate negative impact on people of color, women, children, seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities.

The amended version still faces opposition from business groups, who say it would result in skyrocketing insurance premiums. Unlike other states, the proposed law does not include a cap on noneconomic damages. Among the most influential opponents is the Greater New York Hospital Association, which donated $942,000 last year to a State Democratic Party campaign housekeeping account that is closely aligned with Hochul.

Criminal records

The Legislatures final version of a bill that advocates have pushed for years, the Clean Slate Act, was introduced this week. Hochul has said a deal between her and the Legislature is close.

The bill would shield criminal records from public view, a measure meant to help people with criminal records move forward.

Under the newly introduced version, misdemeanors would be sealed three years after the end of a persons incarceration, or sentencing, if no prison term was served. For felonies, records would be sealed eight years after a conviction or the end of a prison sentence. The sealing only would occur if a person is not convicted of any other crime before those time periods have lapsed.

Another Voice: Clean Slate provides opportunities and grows our economy This legislation is designed to help people with certain criminal records overcome the obstacles they face when seeking employment, housing and other opportunities.

Serious felonies, such as murder, would be excluded from the sealing requirements, as would sexual offenses. Hochuls administration said this week that it is still reviewing the bill.

Campaign finance

On Tuesday, the chair of the elections committee in both the Senate and Assembly introduced late-session legislation rolling back aspects of a new publicly-funded elections system in New York. As The Buffalo News reported last week, the changes could advantage incumbent Democrats in the Legislature that hold majorities in both chambers.

Watchdog: Legislature planning last-minute weakening of campaign finance reform law The changes would dilute a new program intended to reduce the influence of major campaign donors in New York elections, according to John Kaehny, executive director of the government reform group Reinvent Albany.

The new publicly-funded system, which was meant to reduce the impact of major campaign donors in state elections, may be undercut by the changes. The new program took effect this year ahead of the 2024 elections.

Under current law, only campaign donations of $250 or less would be matched with generous amounts of public funds, a provision meant to elevate the importance of small donations to candidates.

The bills now likely to be passed by the Legislature would remove the $250 cap, so that the first $250 of a donation of any size up to the maximum amount are matched with public funds. For instance, a statewide candidate for office could receive an $18,000 donation and see the first $250 matched, diminishing the incentive for candidates to rely on small donors.

The new bill also significantly raises the number of in-district donors and the total donation figure needed to qualify for matching funds  likely making it more difficult for incumbents opponents to qualify. Proponents of the change argue that unserious candidates for office should not be able to qualify for hundreds of thousands in taxpayer funds, necessitating the higher threshold.

The government reform group Reinvent Albany said the shameful bill inflicts huge damage on New Yorks historic small donor matching law and is completely counter to the laws goal of giving the average New Yorker a stronger voice in our democracy. The good-government group Citizens Union added that the bill hands power back to the deep-pocketed special interests that have controlled Albany for generations.

This anti-democratic bill that sells out small donors to protect incumbents was  not surprisingly  introduced late in session with no public debate, said Citizens Unions executive director, Betsy Gotbaum.

Drug prices

Another bill passed by both houses of the Legislature would require prescription drug makers to report planned price increases of at least 16% over two years. In states that have passed similar laws, such as Vermont and Oregon, the laws have resulted in fewer drug price increases, according to the AARP, which supports the proposal.

As with the other legislation, Hochul will have to decide whether to sign or veto the campaign finance and prescription drug transparency measures.
On May 23, Warren County issued Emergency Order 1 of 2023 to preempt the unilateral relocation of groups of asylum seekers from New York City to Warren County. I wanted to explain the purpose behind this emergency order and the steps Warren County has taken since the issuance of that order.

First and foremost, it is not our intent to prevent migrants from coming to Warren County. We have jobs here that migrants could possibly fill. Warren County has always embodied resilience and compassion. We successfully incorporated several families displaced by the war in Ukraine. However, there are substantial issues we need to resolve in order to assimilate large numbers of migrants into our County.

We issued the emergency order to allow us time to try to address some of these challenges:

1. Housing: There is a limited quantity of affordable housing in Warren County. Unlike urban centers, Warren County could not currently accommodate a sudden surge of people seeking shelter. Our existing housing infrastructure is stretched thin, with limited rental options and insufficient capacity to house a large influx of migrants. Our hotels and motels are fairly full this time of year with limited vacancies. After solving the challenge of finding sufficient temporary housing, we will need to find ways to permanently house the new arrivals. Our current housing market provides few long-term options.

2. Infrastructure and Essential Services: Our county human services agencies and health care facilities are already struggling to provide those essential services necessary for current residents. Already short-staffed and having difficulty filling vacancies, they will find it difficult to meet the human and medical services needs of the new arrivals. Transportation in our area poses its own challenges, as we lack the robust public transportation systems available in urban areas. The strain on social services, counseling, and legal aid could overwhelm agencies that are already overloaded.

3. Economic Challenges: New York City intends to cover the costs of hotels and food for an unspecified amount of time but the county would bear the cost of most of the necessary support and services. It could cost the county approximately five thousand dollars per person per month to properly host and accommodate the people who are relocated here. While Warren County is fortunate to have a solid budget position, our general fund reserve unquestionably will be impacted. We must have time to plan for this.

4. Employment: While there are ample jobs available in our county, asylum seekers are not eligible to work for six months after their arrival in the country. We need to have processes in place to help them find work when theyre eligible to start, and also to make sure they are able to get to and from work once hired.

We have formed a task force of Warren County human service organizations, the Warren County Sheriffs Office, community health facilities such as Hudson Headwaters Health Network and Glens Falls Hospital, and community charitable organizations such as Open Door Mission and the Salvation Army of Glens Falls.

The task forces charter is to develop plans that will enable us to provide world-class, compassionate, sensible, long-term support to those who come here as asylum seekers. While well-meaning, suggestions that we house groups in church fellowship halls, firehouses or school gymnasiums are not feasible, sustainable or even humane without a long-term plan.

In the coming weeks, I will meet with other charitable organizations, church groups, and private citizens who have offered to assist. Ill provide updates as we proceed.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP  Six people, three of whom are teenagers, are accused of posing as car sellers to rob prospective buyers at gunpoint, police said Wednesday.

Hamid Webb, 21, Stephen Powell, 18, and Develin Grant, 18, all of Mays Landing, joined three teenagers in the robbery spree that originated over Facebook Marketplace, police said in a news release.

The group allegedly used the social media shopping platform pretending to be selling cars as a way to draw in their alleged victims and set up meetings.

Once on location, they robbed their victims at gunpoint, police said.

Following reports, police tracked down Webb and a 17-year-old from Egg Harbor Township, chasing them until they were caught. Both were carrying loaded handguns, one of which was equipped with a high-capacity magazine, police said.

Webb was charged with robbery, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, resisting arrest and possession of a defaced firearm.

The 17-year-old was charged with possession of weapons for unlawful purposes, unlawful possession of weapons, possession of a large-capacity magazine, resisting arrest and possession of a defaced firearm.

Powell and the 15-year-olds were each charged with robbery, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated assault by pointing a firearm.

Grant was charged with robbery, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, simple assault, use of a 17-year-old or younger to commit criminal offenses and possession of a large-capacity magazine.

Webb and Powell were taken to the Atlantic County jail, while the teenagers were taken to detention centers in Essex and Morris counties, police said. The 17-year-old was later released with an electronic monitoring device.

Grant remains at large, police said.

Anyone with information about Grant's whereabouts can call police at 609-625-2700.
A Little Egg Harbor Township man will spend 15 years in prison for soliciting a 13-year-old in Canada for explicit images later found stored on a device, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

David M. Frew, 42, connected with the teenager over the internet in 2017, asking him over a messaging service for explicit photos of himself, according to a criminal complaint filed by Special Agent Brian Teague of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Last July before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp, Frew pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography and online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.

Frew was also ordered Wednesday to five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release.

Little Egg Harbor man pleads guilty to child porn, enticing charges A Little Egg Harbor Township man pleaded guilty Monday to receiving images of child sexual a

Frew is already a convicted sex offender, having been charged in Pennsylvania in 2008 with unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a computer after he sent sexually explicit photos or videos to undercover investigators.

Also that year, Frew was convicted in New Jersey of endangering the welfare of children after having child pornography in his possession, according to court documents.

In the latest case, Canadian detectives in Ottawa, Ontario, obtained email records that provided them with an account associated with Frew's name, according to the criminal complaint. Authorities in the U.S. then used the information to track the email address to Frew's home.

A search performed Aug. 9, 2018, recovered a computer, two cellphones and a tablet in his bedroom, the criminal complaint states. Detectives then found the images provided by the 13-year-old had been backed up by their suspect.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
New Jersey's vast Pinelands National Reserve might seem intimidating to the uninitiated.

Totaling about 1 million acres, or 1,465 square miles, the Pinelands sprawls through seven counties  nearly one-fifth of the state. Unlike a national park, there is no single entrance or visitors center but lots of entry points, mostly through various state parks, and some through unmarked sand roads. That doesn't include hundreds of miles of lakes, ponds, streams and rivers.

So where to start?

You could begin at any one of five state parks that serve as the heart of the Pinelands for hiking, camping, biking and kayaking: Wharton, Brendan T. Byrne, Bass River, Penn and Double Trouble.

Or, you could take the annual Pinelands Summer Short Course offered by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission and Stockton University. The course is being held this year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 23 with registration through Stockton. Registration remains open until June 22.

The daylong event explores the history, ecology and culture of the Pinelands. It includes three guided half-day field trips and 12 educational presentations with the goal of educating people about the Pinelands.

"Public awareness of the New Jersey Pinelands is probably our best bet over the long term to preserve the precious cultural and environmental resources unique to the Pine Barrens," Stockton literature professor Thomas Kinsella said in a news release about the course.

Among the classroom courses:

1. Audiovisual presentation on Pinelands flora and fauna with a virtual walk through the woods

2. Presentation on efforts to preserve local history

3. Lecture on local legends and lore

4. Talk on the life and works of pioneer scientist Mary Treat, who died 100 years ago and shared studies with Charles Darwin

5. Presentation on New Jersey's 13 species of freshwater and terrestrial turtles

6. Lecture on two dozen species of wild orchids that call the Pine Barrens home

Half-day tours include:

1. Visit to the 1808 Trail that follows a logging road from the 1700s and traverses a swamp, crossing 13 footbridges along the way

2. Walking tour of Batsto Village with a historian who will stop at the blacksmith/wheelwright shop for a demonstration (the village is next to picturesque Batsto Lake)

3. Kayak tour with a professional guide that features an exploration of the calm waters of Goshen Pond in the Mullica River

GALLERY: 34th Pinelands Short Course at Stockton University
There was a time, lets call them the good old days, when a warehouse was among the most benign versions of industrial development. Many other industrial uses pose far greater risks of air and water pollution, excess noise, unpleasant smells and simple unsightliness. A warehouse typically is a big, bland, commercial steel box with well-contained inventory going in and out of it.

As long as municipal zoning kept warehouses out of residential areas and near enough to major highways that their truck traffic didnt overburden local roads, they were welcomed for providing jobs and paying taxes. Logistics companies put plenty of them in New Jersey where they could be close to New York and Philadelphia and central to the crowded Mid-Atlantic. Moody Analytics says the state is within a 24-hour drive of nearly 40% of the nations population.

Then Americans shifted a significant portion of their shopping from in-person to their smartphones and computers, requiring a vast new distribution system with more and bigger warehouses. Such warehouses are still widely welcomed in many medium to large states. But in New Jersey, a tiny state and the most crowded, the mere presence of big boxes and increased truck traffic are for many people degradations to be avoided if possible.

Opposition to new warehouses has been building for the past couple of years. Theyve been banned in parts of Georgia and California. Last year, after a 1.2 million square foot development was proposed and opposed, Mansfield Township in Burlington County put a moratorium on new warehouses.

The land use board of Harrison Township, Gloucester County, in December unanimously voted against a plan for a 2.1 million-square-foot warehouse project after an effort by residents and three lawsuits to stop it.

Lawnside, in Camden County, in November approved a 175,000 square-foot warehouse project over local opposition. After 100 residents came out, the planning board of Pilesgrove, Salem County, put off a December hearing on a 1.6 million square-foot warehouse complex on a former farm.

On Friday, May 9, the Pittsgrove Township Planning Board will hold its second public hearing on a proposal for a 962,500-square-foot warehouse at state Route 56 and Salem County Route 638, less than a mile from the Route 55 freeway.

Last month, the board listened for three hours to the community as it mostly advocated against granting the few variances sought by the developer. People expressed concerns about the traffic -- 578 truck trips daily -- the buildings height and what might be in the warehouse.

Many thousands of warehouses exist without a care about what might goods or materials be in them in the future. The planning boards solicitor told the public the warehouse was a permitted use in the zone and the board couldnt turn down a permitted use due to traffic concerns. An attorney for the developer said the industry standard for a modern, first-class warehouse is almost 50 feet high, requiring relief from the old 35-foot-height limit specified for the zone.

Tomorrows hearing will continue last months, with the township traffic engineer reviewing the applicants traffic study, and members of the public asking their postponed second questions.

People should remember that if a land use is permitted, strong reasons would be needed to deny a reasonable application to make such use of a parcel of land. That doesnt seem to be the case in Pittsgrove.

The time for a community to properly limit allowable development is when the zoning ordinance is being written or rewritten.

The push for more and bigger warehouses in South Jersey and the resistance these projects increasingly face should be enough to convince municipal officials to review their relevant industrial zoning -- especially in towns with suitable access to major expressways. Ensuring favorable zoning might bring jobs and municipal revenue. Restricting zoning might keep this kind of development out of town.

Zoning updates that take into account modern warehouses and online retail demand, as well as reflect the communitys attitude now toward this relatively low-impact industrial development, could avoid conflicts and legal headaches in the future.
MANCHESTER, N.H.  Chris Christie announced his bid for president Tuesday while hurling a string of insults at former President Donald Trump and portraying himself as a reasonable, experienced leader who's learned a few things since 2016.

Christie's nearly 2-hour hybrid announcement and town hall at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire kicked off a second presidential campaign for the former governor of New Jersey.

Here's what the announcement signals about the campaign ahead.

1. As promised, he's going after Trump  and shrugging off everyone else

Christie was preaching to the choir Tuesday  most voters who attended were moderate Republicans or independents looking for an alternative to the former president.

He gave them the show they bought tickets for. He called the former president a "self-conscious, self-serving mirror hog." He said Trump made the country "smaller by dividing us even further and pitting one group against another." He slammed some of Trump's policies and his family members.

But Christie also insisted he's in the race to win, noting the lane to victory runs through Trump.

"How are those two things mutually exclusive?" Christie said of wanting to take down Trump and also advance to the White House. "Let me be very clear, I am going out there to take out Donald Trump, but here's why: I wanna win."

And Christie didn't just go after Trump; he knocked fellow candidates who hadn't done the same, calling Trump "Voldemort" several times during the Town Hall. He subtly dismissed several of his opponents, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

"We have pretenders all around us who want to tell you, 'Pick me cause I'm kind of like what you picked before, but not quite as crazy, but I don't want to say his name,'" Christie said.

Christie kicks off 2024 GOP bid with swipes at Trump MANCHESTER, N.H.  Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wasted no time going after Donald T

2. He'll lean into town halls

Christie loves a town hall. As governor, he held dozens of town halls broadcast on YouTube often resulting in emotional or punchy viral moments. Given his ease going back and forth with voters, unscripted, the format allows him to draw a direct distinction with Trump, who he noted several times has not held a similar event.

His debut event lasted more than two hours. He took a dozen random audience questions, at times engaging in follow-ups.

They weren't all softballs, either. He was pressed on his stance on abortion, Ukraine and whether he'd pardon Trump if elected president. And he seemed to relish in the honest, open straight talk. Christie is a candid, occasionally self-deprecating guy, which he's using to contrast with the front-runner.

"I lost. You people did that to me in 2016," Christie said to laughs. "But beware of the leader who won't admit any of those shortcomings."

3. He's repentant about Bridgegate

Christie's unpopular poll numbers are a problem for him. And he showed a keen interest in acknowledging past political errors. He opened up by saying he wasn't a perfect politician or a perfect person.

"If your leaders are not willing to admit to you that they're fallible, that they make mistakes, that they hurt like you ... and that they suffered disappointments ... beware," Christie said. "Beware of the leader in this country who you have handed leadership to who has never made a mistake, who has never done anything wrong."

Later, asked what the biggest mistake he's made in public service has been, he brought up Bridgegate, the George Washington Bridge closure scandal that permanently tarnished his political reputation.

"It's the biggest mistake I've made," he said. "But being stupid isn't a crime."

Christie said the buck stopped with him and he'd learned the importance of elevating trustworthy deputies to positions of power. He was also sure to remind the audience it was 10 years ago.

4. He's trying out a unity pitch

If Christie wants to advance his own candidacy, he'll need more than Trump bashing, and the thesis he debuted Tuesday was that he could unite a country he described as becoming too insular, with people sequestered into similar-minded tribes.

"I've watched our country over the last decade, which seems to be getting smaller and smaller," Christie said. "Smaller in every way. Smaller in the way we talk to each other. Smaller in the way we look at each other. Smaller in the things that we talk to each other about. Smaller in the issues that we care enough to get angry about."

Without citing specific issues, he said candidates are focused on small things that divide, a seeming reference to GOP cultural hot button issues.

"We have candidates in this race, who their entire reason for running is to be against things," he said. "Sometimes that needs to happen. But what's next? What's your next plan? How are you going to make this country bigger?"

The "big, not small," pitch seemed like an early attempt to cast himself as the adult in the room  and one who knows the nation's history and the leaders who steered it when it's been tested. He made references to Abraham Lincoln, JFK, FDR and Ronald Reagan and quoted letters from John and Abigail Adams.

The question is whether GOP voters, who so recently rallied around Trump, will go for that vision and for Christie as the messenger.

5. He'll keep getting attention

In a contest that can hinge on how much airtime or attention you can get, Christie comes in with an advantage: He easily attracts the media.

That was on full display at his announcement, where reporters crammed into the college auditorium.

Christie is probably the most popular Republican from New Jersey in recent history, and while his star has fallen, he's well known for being quotable. And currently he's striking a chord not many other candidates have  criticizing Trump.

It's early, but Christie's penchant for direct exchanges with voters in town halls also makes for better authentic campaign moments than routine stump speeches. That, too, could likely draw outsized media coverage compared to other candidates polling similarly to him.

As he wrapped up, Christie told the engaged but fading crowd that he'd be back.

"I promise you I will always show up," Christie said. "I will always take your questions. I will always answer them honestly, and I will always listen. We may disagree ... but you will never, ever, ever, ever have to wonder whether I hear you."
Joe Biden had much experience in foreign policy before being elected president, but he is certainly no Richard Nixon. Although Nixon had to resign for misusing his office, he was masterful in driving a wedge between the two communist great powers  Maoist China and the Soviet Union  to achieve more peaceful relations with both countries.

Nixon cleverly created a competition between the two countries to better relations with the United States or be isolated on the wrong side of the triangle.

Regrettably, Biden, despite his prior foreign policy chops, is doing the opposite by driving China and Russia closer together in opposition to the United States.

In fairness to Biden, Russias unjustified and brutal invasion of Ukraine makes it hard to mend relations with that nation in the short- and medium-term. (Although Bidens reiteration of George W. Bushs 2008 pledge to eventually admit Ukraine into NATO may have contributed to Vladimir Putins reckless, and just downright stupid, decision to commit such aggression in Ukraine.)

But then why does Biden continue to unnecessarily aggravate tensions with China, which merely causes it to provide more economic and diplomatic help to Russia when the United States is trying to isolate the bear?

Granted, China is a much more potent potential longer-term threat to U.S. global dominance (not necessarily American security) than is Russia. Yet the United States seems to want to take care of the Ukraine problem first.

It might be acceptable to threaten China with commercial restrictions in the massive U.S. market if it aids Russia with military exports or technology, but why encourage Chinese paranoia that a Russian loss in Ukraine will embolden the United States to increase pressure to weaken China?

Biden obliviously stoked such Chinese fears at the recent G-7 summit of wealthy Western powers  held in Japan, an historic rival of China  by the conclaves challenging Chinese ambitious territorial claims in the South China Sea, economic coercion toward developing countries, and human rights policies in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Although Biden sought to lighten the mood at the summit by predicting better future relations with China, the Chinese only saw Western unity, displayed on Asian soil, as creating an American-European-Japanese power bloc opposed to it over Taiwan and these other disputed issues  perhaps morphing into a future Asian NATO-like alliance opposed to Chinas rise.

Even without a formal East Asian multilateral alliance, U.S. containment of the ascending China has continued after the Cold War ended by continuing and enhancing American bilateral alliances in Asia and increasing U.S. and allied military forces deployed near China. Yet, if China similarly deployed forces in Mexico and Canada, or even Central America, the Caribbean or South America, the U.S. security establishment would be apoplectic.

Currently, China may be a world economic power, but it is not a global military power. It has few overseas bases and few military forces that could project power effectively around the planet  the United States has plenty of both. China has been increasing its military budget, but still spends only about a third of what the United States does annually and is just a regional power militarily.

When U.S. foreign policy experts complain about a rising China, they usually talk about augmented Chinese military measures in their neighborhood to defend against intrusion of U.S. carrier battle groups in the South and East China Seas and Chinese insidious economic penetration around the world. The latter entails commerce that, unlike interaction in the security realm, is mutually beneficial (including for the United States) rather than zero-sum and the Belt and Road project in which China merely wastes its resources trying to win amorphous, and often fleeting, influence in the developing world by building boondoggle government-directed infrastructure projects.

Thus, Biden, instead of hyperventilating about a rising China, should specify the Chinese threat and put it into proper perspective for the American people  which should allow President Biden to make his prediction of a thawing of relations between the two countries a reality.

Perhaps a less threatened China then would be more inclined to put pressure on Russia to settle the Ukraine conflict instead of rallying to its side to circle the wagons against the United States and the West.

Ivan Eland is senior fellow with the Independent Institute.
The Pune Municipal Corporation has allocated Rs 25 Crore for the widening of two Railways underpass in Khadaki Cantonment. The decision has been taken in view to reduce the traffic congestion in the area.

Municipal Commissioner, Administrator Vikram Kumar, has approved the funds of Rs 25 crores for the widening of two railway underpasses. A joint meeting of the Municipal Corporation, Khadki Cantonment Board, and Railway Administration was held in this regard at the Municipal Corporation's main office.

The Municipal Corporation has decided to foot the bill for these construction projects. In Khadki, a metro project work is underway that runs parallel to an existing railway line. The railway line's subway has made commuting for drivers in the cities of Aundh, Bopodi, Khadki, and Yerwada easier. Therefore, it is necessary to widen the railway lines to solve traffic congestion.

The Railway Administration will make the required changes to solve the traffic issue. The entire area looks like a bottle neck and with the PMC support the issue will get resolved and the commuters will get easy excess to other parts of the cities.

The Municipal Corporation also intends to spend an additional five crores to expand the separate road next to the subway. The necessary area will be allotted by the Khadki Cantonment Board for widening of this road.
The district administration of the city has decided to appoint 350 more traffic wardens to manage traffic in the city ahead of monsoon. Last year 400 traffic wardens were appointed while this year the number will be increased and a total of 700 traffic wardens will be on road to manage traffic.

The decision has been taken considering the heavy traffic jams reported at many places in the city during monsoon last year. Besides, ongoing metro work and barricading is also causing traffic jams. The decision to increase the number of traffic wardens was taken in a recent meeting in which officials of PMC, PMRDA, Pune Metro, Pune City Police, Traffic Police etc were present.
The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday announced the names of election campaign heads for the 48 Lok Sabha and 288 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in the state for the elections next year.

BJP state unit president Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the regional coordinators for the Maha Vijay Abhiyan 2024.

Bawankule said that the election heads appointed by the BJP will cooperate with the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) candidates. All upcoming elections will be fought in alliance with Shive Sena (Shinde faction), he said, and claimed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would face a tough challenge in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

In this background, Bawankule has entrusted the responsibility of campaigning to 48 leaders for the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies.

Pune's ex-mayor Muralidhar Mohol has been selected as the campaign head of the Pune Lok Sabha constituency while the responsibility of the Shirur constituency has been entrusted to Bhusari MLA Mahesh Landge. Rahul Kul is the campaign chief for the Baramati assembly constituency.

Bawankule said that the BJP would target a tally of 200 MLAs of their alliance in the upcoming assembly elections. Amongst notable responsibilities entrusted for assembly seats are former corporator Kiran Dadge Patil for the Bhor constituency and former corporator Datta Khade for the Shivajinagar constituency. Former MLA from Wadgaon Sheri and partys city head Jagdish Mulik will oversee the campaign in the Wadgaon Sheri seat while Yogesh Tilekar will look after the Hadapsar assembly segment, which they had lost to the NCP candidates with slender margins.

Dagde-Patil said, My wife is the sarpanch of Mulshi, which a part of the Bhor segment. The party base is already increasing in the area due to development work done by the BJP. I am familiar with the assembly segment. We will ensure we complete the task and bring the party towards a thumping victory," Dagde-Patil said.

Former mayor Mohol said, My responsibilities include the planning and strategising poll campaign and ensuring we retain the seat with a historic win. We have a strong base in the city and I will make it stronger," Mohol told Mirror.
Three men have been arrested for allegedly robbing an armored truck employee of a large sum of money on May 31 at Tyson Foods, Rock Island County Sheriff Darren Hart said in a news release Wednesday.

Jordan Ricky Andrews, 24, of Davenport, and Evan F.H. Watz, 26, of Moline, each made a first appearance Friday in Rock Island County Circuit Court. Circuit Judge Frank Fuhr scheduled a preliminary hearing for each man for June 20.

Both Andrews and Watz are charged with one count of theft of between $100,000 and $500,000. The charge is a Class 1 felony under Illinois law that carries a prison sentence of four to 15 years.

Each of the men was being held Thursday night in the Rock Island County Jail on a bond of $1 million, or 10%.

On Wednesday, a third man, Raekwon Jevonte Jefferson, 27, of Davenport, was arrested on a warrant by Scott County Sheriffs deputies. He was being held Thursday night in the Scott County Jail on a $1 million bond.

He also is charged with theft between $100,000 and $500,000.

During an appearance Thursday in Scott County District Court, Jefferson waived extradition to Illinois.

Hart said that at 7:49 a.m. May 31, Sheriffs deputies were sent to Tyson Foods-Joslin Plant, 28424 38th Ave. N., Hillsdale, to investigate a robbery.

An armored truck employee was walking into Tyson Foods to fill an ATM machine when he was robbed. A weapon was inferred and a large sum of currency was taken during the robbery, Hart said.

The investigation into the robbery is continuing.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Rock Island County Sheriffs Department at 309-558-3414 or Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500. Tips may also be provided over the P3 Tips mobile app.
CHICAGO  State and federal officials are investigating an outbreak of 26 cases of salmonella infections in northeastern Illinois linked to ground beef.

The source of the ground beef has not yet been identified, the Illinois Department of Public Health said Wednesday. The cases have been in Chicago and Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, with people falling ill between April 25 and May 18.

Some of the people who got sick said they ate undercooked ground beef. Public health officials are urging Illinois residents to use food thermometers when cooking ground beef, to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160F.

The illness caused by salmonella can lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. People may also experience nausea, vomiting or a headache. If people experience those symptoms six to 72 hours after eating potentially contaminated beef, they should contact their health care providers and tell them they recently ate beef. Symptoms can last for four to seven days.

Children under 5, adults older than 65, people with compromised immune systems and people with certain heart and joint conditions may be more at risk for serious illness.

Public health officials are also urging people to follow food safety recommendations to avoid getting sick, including washing their hands, utensils and surfaces often; keeping raw meat and poultry away from food that wont be cooked; and refrigerating perishable food within two hours or one hour if its exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees, such as in a car or at a picnic. Food should be thawed in a refrigerator, not on a counter.

The state is working with local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service to identify additional infections, perform lab testing and find the source of the contaminated beef. State health departments and the CDC are also investigating a small number of cases in other states.

Photos: Pritzker sworn in for second term
Agents with the Quad-City Metropolitan Enforcement Group concluded a meth trafficking investigation Tuesday with the arrest of two people and the seizure of more than one pound of crystal meth.

Aaron D. Hopkins, 34, of Chicago, and Jenny L. Setser, 40, of Moline, were taken into custody by MEG agents with help from Bettendorf Police, Scott County Sheriffs Deputies and agents with the FBI-Springfield Division Quad Cities Safe Streets.

Both Hopkins and Setser are charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of meth, and failure to affix an Iowa drug tax stamp.

The possession and delivery charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years. The drug tax stamp violation is a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by MEG agents, at 1:31 p.m. Tuesday, Scott County Sheriffs Deputy Jake Turner conducted a traffic stop on a black Monson Towing tow truck in which Hopkins was seen getting into after leaving his white 2018 Lincoln MKZ.

The stop was conducted near the Casey's General Store, 26701 Scott Park Road, in Eldridge.

Hopkins was in possession of 58.1 grams of crystal meth.

A drug detection K9 alerted on Hopkins Lincoln. A search of the Lincoln yielded 478 grams of crystal meth.

All total, police seized 563.1 grams, or about 1.24 pounds, of meth.

Police have said that the usual dose of meth is one-tenth of gram, meaning that Hopkins had 5,631 doses of meth to sell.

While MEG agents and Sheriffs Deputies were dealing with Hopkins, MEG agents along with Bettendorf Police and Scott County Sheriffs Deputies went to the 400 block of Jason Way Court in Davenport at 1:30 p.m. and made contact with Setser.

Setser had 66 grams of crystal meth in her purse.

Setser is currently on mandatory supervised release out of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Setser was placed on release from the Logan Correctional Center on April 22, 2022. She had been convicted in Rock Island County of a charge of meth delivery.

During a first appearance on the charges Wednesday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Richard Wells scheduled a preliminary hearing in the cases for June 16.

Hopkins and Setser each were being held Wednesday night in the Scott County Jail. Each was being held on a Bond of $50,000, cash or surety.
Students of all abilities are learning how to ride a bike at the "iCan Bike" Camp this week, hosted by the Children's Therapy Center of the Quad-Cities and the iCan Shine nonprofit.

The weeklong camp aims to teach children with varying disabilities how to ride a two-wheel bicycle. It is open to children and families across the Quad-Cities region.

iCan Shine employees travel across the country over the summer to advise the camp's host sites, which are otherwise volunteer-led.

"This camp is just super impactful for so many reasons, allowing these kids to learn a skill that they probably have been struggling to learn for a while," iCan floor supervisor Emma Addison of St. Louis said. "We just see a lot of really good benefits that not only transcend from that skill (bike riding) but just to other skills in their life as well."

This week's camp takes place at the East Moline School District No. 37 administration building.

Kelli Hager and her 13-year-old son, Mason, came all the way from Algonquin, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.

Though the East Moline camp worked best schedulewise, she said. Witnessing her son's growing independence makes the trip worthwhile, she said.

"He's listening to instructors, but it's his own thing," Hager said, sharing that Mason has autism, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). "He is getting that independence that he's never really had before."

Though Mason hasn't been interested in biking in the past, his demeanor changed this week.

"As soon as he jumped on the bike this week, he was like, 'Let's go,' " Hager said with a smile.

Eight-year-old Ella Hesse, who attends Earl Hanson Elementary School in Rock Island, said her favorite part about learning how to ride a bike was "going fast."

Another camper, 10-year-old Jackson Shumate, of Central DeWitt, agreed. He looks forward to riding his bike around his neighborhood to see friends.

Hesse, who has cerebral palsy level 1, sported a Spiderman-themed helmet at camp.

"I have a (matching) Spiderman bike," she said. "I'm excited to ride bikes outside."

Hesse said her biggest bike-riding fear was "falling over."

Usually held annually, this week marked the first iCan Bike Camp since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chris Van Speybroeck, vice president of development for the Children's Therapy Center, said around 70% of participants would successfully learn how to ride a bike by the end of the week.

"We're really proud to be able to offer this to the whole community," he said. "It's just a cool, systematic method that just works.

Using equipment provided by iCan Shine, campers begin on "roller" bikes, which feature training wheels attached to the back end of the bike for stabilization.

As the kids become more comfortable riding the bike, volunteer instructors will replace the rollers with smaller, more wobbly rollers  closer to the feel of two wheels.

From there, participants eventually transition to a two-wheel bike.

Kristan Brown's 17-year-old son, Ethan, was born with a chromosomal deletion that results in developmental delays.

"Balance is something that he struggles with, so riding bikes has always been just a huge task, something that we tried when he was younger, and he didn't have success," she said. "He had a lot of fear coming into it. The first day he had a lot of anxiety about getting hurt, but once he jumped onto one of the roller bikes, he just took off. It's amazing."

Brown said their family frequently rode bikes together.

Now, Ethan can too.

"It's just wonderful to find programs like this, that our kids can take part in," she said. "They can feel included in things they see their peers doing."

While confidence and inclusion are pillars of the iCan Bike Camp, it's also about practicality.

"Some of these kids might never drive a car, so this is also transportation for them," Van Speybroeck said. "This is their freedom, for some of them."

Van Speybroeck said 28 children participated this year, and the camp usually has between 25 to 30.

Each rider is accompanied by a volunteer "spotter" during the camp.

One spotter, Chris True, said he and his team at True Homes  a Moline-based realty agency  have volunteered at the camp for several years.

"It's just a fun thing to do that does a lot of good for these kids. It doesn't take much from us to really, potentially help these kids a lot," he said. "Just seeing how happy it makes them, stuff that we take for granted as far as physical capabilities. It's humbling to see where they're at, and a lot of them are still very happy and in good spirits. It's really cool to see them do so well."

The camp's impact extends to the volunteers as well, Van Speybroeck says.

"Some have never dealt with kids or young people with special needs, and it's really eye-opening," he said. "Throughout the years, I've had some  after spending time with these kids  think, 'This is what I want to do.' One actually went to physical therapy school. ... It can change people."

Close Elle Hesse, 8, gets onto a bike with help from volunteers Alma Raya, left, and Tom Bender, right, during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. Ella brought her bike from home to ride later after learning the basics with the trainer bikes. Ethan Brown, 17, left, rides his bike with help from John Stickler during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. Stickler helped guide Brown on the bike when needed and caught him if he fell. Bikes are set p for children to ride during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. The first session of the day at the camp had four children learning how to ride bikes. Mason Hager, 13, rides along the makeshift track during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. The iCan Shine Bike Camp is hosted by Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities and helps teach children with disabilities how to ride two-wheeled bikes. Mason Hager, 13, pedals a bike during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. Mason, with the help of volunteers, rode the path at a quick pace. iCan Shine Bike Camp teaches children with disabilities how to ride a two-wheeled bike Elle Hesse, 8, gets onto a bike with help from volunteers Alma Raya, left, and Tom Bender, right, during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. Ella brought her bike from home to ride later after learning the basics with the trainer bikes. Ethan Brown, 17, left, rides his bike with help from John Stickler during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. Stickler helped guide Brown on the bike when needed and caught him if he fell. Bikes are set p for children to ride during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. The first session of the day at the camp had four children learning how to ride bikes. Mason Hager, 13, rides along the makeshift track during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. The iCan Shine Bike Camp is hosted by Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities and helps teach children with disabilities how to ride two-wheeled bikes. Mason Hager, 13, pedals a bike during the annual iCan Shine Bike Camp, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in East Moline. Mason, with the help of volunteers, rode the path at a quick pace.
Mike Collier is sad. He is mad. He is exhausted, and he cant sleep at night.

You all shouldnt be able to go home and sleep comfortable at night, he told City Council members at the first meeting since the apartment building at 324 Main St. collapsed May 28.

Collier is the cousin of Branden Colvin Sr., who died after the building collapsed.

For days Collier has been outside City Hall advocating for justice and accountability in the wake of the collapse that left three people dead, several survivors injured and an estimated 100 households displaced in and near the building.

Wednesday night he told the council the people had the power, and he wanted to see everyone be held accountable for their actions or inaction.

If they are not part of the solution, they are part of the problem, he said.

We got yall in, we can get yall out, he said.

Collier asked for criminal charges and vowed Wednesday night would not be the last time the council would hear from him.

Collier was among more than 70 people  the limit allowed in council chambers by city officials  that packed Davenport City Hall on Wednesday.

More were out on the street ahead of time with signs and painted red palms, and chanting phrases like "why'd you let them sign a lease?" The partially collapsed six-story building loomed in the background.

The hunger for answers was evident minutes into the meeting Wednesday night.

Extra chairs were placed in the back for overflow seating and were empty only when the crowd stood up to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. An audible emphasis was put on the ending phrase, justice for all.

Residents had many questions and complaints for city officials during public comment.

Colvin Sr.'s aunt, Rose Wilson, asked why the city said demolition was expected to begin Tuesday when there were still family members missing, and who signed off on inspections of the building in the months ahead of the collapse.

Kim Taylor, a Davenport resident who lives in another building owned by Andrew Wold, said she and her daughter had reported problems at their current property to the city.

Taylor was walking near 324 Main St. when it collapsed and said she was hospitalized from the debris and dust from the building.

She asked how the public would be protected when the remaining portion of the building is demolished.

Another Davenport resident, Angela Kostka, wearing a T-shirt inscribed with messages such as "corruption kills," told council members her daughter lives in another Wold-owned building and said she didn't feel safe.

Others questioned why City Council members didn't come to the site of the building collapse and talk with the public, including families of people missing, rescued and displaced, gathered there. Several called for independent inspections.

Lisa Brooks and her nephew, Antoine Smith, asked what the city would do for people now homeless.

Residents aimed anger at the mayor, council members, City Administrator Corri Spiegel and city inspectors, for missing or ignoring warning signs that the building was dilapidated and on the verge of collapse. Several expressed that trust in the city's communication and inspection processes was broken.

Much disdain was reserved, too, for Wold, and unscrupulous landlords in general, and several residents said they didn't feel safe where they lived after the collapse.

One resident questioned twice whether one item, a $63,000 annual renewal for the city's record management system, OnBase, was the same system that caused what the city called an IT glitch that made incomplete inspections appear as failed.

JJ Condon, the alderman leading the discussion, did not answer the question, nor did city staff.

At the end of meeting, Mayor Mike Matson, who some during the meeting called on to resign, when asked for a comment said that Wednesday night's public comment was a chance to listen to residents.

Council approves disaster aid; 1 alderman questions, is it enough?

The city announced last week a disaster aid program using COVID-19 relief dollars for displaced residents and businesses as a result of the collapse.

The city started the intake process at a Saturday resource event and set up an email for those who weren't at the event.

Some residents reported receiving their assistance earlier this week.

The program provides grants for $6,000 for residents living at 324 Main St., $1,000 for households in evacuated adjacent buildings, $25,000 for store-front commercial businesses at 324 Main St., and $5,000 for adjacent businesses that were evacuated or displaced.

The program is on the council's agenda for approval, but "given the urgency of the needs" intake and distribution already started, according to City Council agenda documents.

Alderman Derek Cornette, Ward 7, questioned Spiegel about whether $600,000 was "enough," to address this and any possible evacuations to claps from the people in attendance.

Spiegel said she wouldn't speculate on the unknown.

Cornette made a motion that the $600,000 come out of the funds dedicated to Main Street Landing riverfront park and play area instead of a transitional housing ARPA fund.

The motion failed 6-4. Aldermen Cornette, Ben Jobgen, Judith Lee and Tim Kelly voted in support of moving the source of the funds. Aldermen Kyle Gripp, Marion Meginnis, Maria Dickmann, Robby Ortiz, Rick Dunn and Condon voted no.

The City Council also put in motion an amendment to its fiscal 2023 budget to account for "previously unanticipated costs related to the 324 Main Street partial building collapse."

A public hearing on the amendment is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. June 21, where more information will appear on the agenda at that council cycle, according to the city.

On Wednesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, submitted a plea to the White House asking for federal resources to aid in demolition of the building at 324 Main St.

Reynolds, who asked for a federal emergency declaration for the state, said emergency measures in response to the collapse were estimated to cost between $5 and $6 million.

An estimated 100 households were displaced, most permanently from the 324 Main St., and some evacuated from surrounding buildings, according to the governor's request.

Reynolds determined the emergency measures required "are beyond the capability of the state of Iowa." She requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Institute of Standards and Technology for debris removal.

While NIST does investigate building failures, it does so only when a full investigation is likely to yield significant new knowledge or building code recommendations to reduce risk of future failures.

A spokesperson for NIST wrote in an email that because of the building's age, the agency's evaluation did "not indicate an investigation would have an impact on current building codes, standards and practices."

Three lawsuits from tenants have been filed in response to the building collapse.

One on behalf of tenants Lexus Berry and her wife Quanishia White-Cotton Berry, who was rescued with an on-site amputation in the hours after the collapse, accuses the city and nine other companies and individuals of failing to warn tenants of structural deficiencies or fix the building.

Engineers warned of structural deficiencies in the west wall in February, but assured the building was safe for occupants. In late May, a follow-up report warned patches of the wall were in danger of falling imminently. A city inspector made a site visit May 25 in the days before the collapse, taking pictures of the wall.

No evacuations orders were given.
Handmade creations by hundreds of quilters will be showcased this week at the 49th Black Hills Quilters Guild Quilt Show.

The Black Hills Quilters Guild is the largest in South Dakota, with a membership of 250 to 300 quilters every year. This years show will include 460 quilts plus vendors, a silent auction fundraiser, raffles for a quilt and a basket of quilting supplies, and more. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite quilts.

Im very inspired when I see all the creativity in this region, said Carol Davies, the quilt show chairperson. Its going to be a great show.

Every years show is unique because of distinctive quilting challenges and displays, Davies said. This years show includes a variety, such as a Mona Lisa Art Quilt Group challenge called Roots, in which each quilt must include the word roots or convey the definition in the quilts design. In the Inspiration Studio, floral quilts will be on display and the studio will offer classes and demonstrations.

Shoppers can visit about 20 vendor booths that will sell fabric, quilting machines, quilt racks, sewing supplies, tools and more.

The Black Hills Quilters Guild will sponsor a silent auction of small quilted objects and other items; proceeds from the auction will go to Monument Health Hospice House. Since 2005, the quilters guild has raised $40,254 for the hospice house.

The guild formed in 1977, and anyone of any skill level who is interested in quilting is welcome. Members are primarily retirees in their 60s and 70s, though one member is 18 and a couple of quilters are men, Davies said.

The guild meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at Faith Lutheran Church for quilting sessions, and on the third Monday of each month for a meeting and program. Davies said the guild also holds annual retreats and brings in nationally known teachers to educate members. Fall and winter retreats give quilters dedicated time to work on their latest projects.

We also have learning events at guild meetings where members can learn new techniques, she said.

Gifts of comfort for the community

Community service has long been a vital part of the Black Hills Quilters Guild. A Black Hills Quilters Guild in Action display at this years quilt show will highlight some of the guilds community service projects, Davies said.

In 1985, the guild began its Project Warmth initiative to aid a family that had suffered a house fire. Project Warmth has expanded to provide quilts to people in need or those who have experienced a crisis. The guild makes and donates between 300 and 400 quilts every year that are distributed through organizations including Monument Health pediatrics, Youth & Family Services, Black Hills Childrens Home, Love Inc., Mommys Closet, Passages, Working Against Violence Inc., and more.

When a new Habitat for Humanity house is dedicated, Black Hills Quilters Guild gives a quilt to each member of the family. When Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds and gives beds to children in need, the guild provides a quilt for each bed, Davies said.

We have an infant bereavement program at Monument Health and we make swaddling blankets and quilts for parents who have lost an infant, Davies said.

Quilters also make Caring Heart quilts for other guild members who are ill or who have suffered a loss.

Making quilts for the community is an important aspect of the guild, Davies said. The guild accepts donations of fabric that they use to make Project Warmth quilts.

[Community service] is something weve done for many, many years. A lot of new members like to get involved in Project Warmth. Quilters as a whole are really pretty generous people, she said.

Quilting for the military

The Black Hills Quilters Guild also has ongoing projects specifically dedicated to area veterans and servicemen and women who are deployed. The most unique project was inspired by guild member Bob Turner, a former submariner.

We recently started making quilts for the USS South Dakota. We have a goal to send a quilt to all 134 people on that submarine, Davies said.

The USS South Dakota is a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine in service with the United States Navy. The submarines home port is in Connecticut, Turner said.

Turners 24-year Navy career included deployments on the USS Casimir Pulaski and USS Robert E. Lee ballistic missile submarines. He and his brother, Matt, served on the Robert E. Lee together. Bob Turners longest deployment aboard a submarine was 94 days.

You really get tight-knit with your crew and everybody has to do their job. They all have to be working in unison and everybody depends on everybody doing their job. What you really cherish is sleep, said Turner, who disliked the government-issued wool blankets.

Troops aboard submarines tend to be forgotten since their work is underwater and classified. Turner is changing that with the Black Hills Quilters Guild submarine quilts.

The quilters guild, theyre all doing Christmas stockings for the troops. I never once seen a submarine get anything from anybody. Nobody ever thinks of them, and having rode a submarine, I know what would be good there, Turner said.

When Turner and his wife, Linda Cash, were looking for a hobby they could do together in retirement, they chose quilting.

Turners grandfather, grandmothers, sister and nearly everybody in his family quilts in one way or another, he said. Turner designs his own quilt patterns. So far, he's completed three quilts for submariners that will be displayed at this week's quilt show before being sent to the USS South Dakota.

Another guild project, Boots for Troops, provides handmade Christmas stockings for troops. Quilters fill the stockings with candy and other items before sending them, Davies said.

Last year, one of the squadrons we sent stockings to sent us a flag, Davies said. Were going to be displaying that at the quilt show.

Additionally, guild members make quilts for veterans at Fort Meade.

To donate fabric for Black Hills Quilters Guild projects, contact the guild at info@bhquilters.org. Go to bhquilters.org for more information about the guild.

The 49th Black Hills Quilters Guild Quilt Show will be in Rushmore Hall at The Monument in Rapid City. The show opens Thursday with a preview from 5 to 8 p.m. Quilt show hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $7 per day per person or a three-day pass is $10. Children are admitted free of charge.
United States Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer 3 Larry A. Zich, a pilot who went missing in action in 1972 during the Vietnam War, was commemorated and buried Monday in a memorial service with full military honors.

Zich, a native of Sturgis, was interred at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska. Graveside services for Zich were performed by Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery before the interment.

The memorial service, officiated by the Nebraska National Guard, was attended by Zichs family and friends, along with members of the Patriot Guard Riders, VFW Post 4626, American Legion Post 3, Nebraska Veterans Affairs and the Daughters of American Revolution-Deborah Avery Chapter, the Sioux City Journal reported this week.

Zich was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 37th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade. He was co-piloting a UH-1H Iroquois helicopter on April 3, 1972  his 24th birthday  when the helicopter went missing in action during a combat support mission that departed from Marble Mountain, Da Nang, South Vietnam, to Quang Tri City, South Vietnam.

During the flight, the pilot told a Hue/Phu Bai Ground Control Approach controller that he was lost but believed he and the crew were near Quang Tri. Following the transmission, the GCA controller could not locate the helicopter on the radar and reported the crew missing. An aerial search, initiated after the helicopter failed to appear at any of the air bases in South Vietnam, found no sign of the missing aircraft or crew.

In April 1988, a Vietnamese refugee turned over human remains to the Defense Intelligence Agency. The remains reportedly belonged to nine different individuals who died in an aircraft crash and were buried in Quang Nam Province. The remains were sent to the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii for analysis.

Zich was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Oct. 25, 2022, after his remains were identified using dental, anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis.

Go to dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3213117/soldier-accounted-for-from-vietnam-war-zich-l/ and to learn more about the Department of Defenses mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving their country, go to dpaa.mil.
Two people who argued the Wyoming Constitution bars police drug dogs from sniffing outside of vehicles without probable cause lost their appeal Wednesday to the state Supreme Court.

Wyomings highest court combined two unrelated peoples appeals into one opinion, as they both challenged the same legal question: If law enforcement utilizes a drug dog on a vehicle without reasonable suspicion, and drugs are found, can that evidence be used in court?

Other courts have already determined that a drug dog sniffing outside a car is not considered a search under the Fourth Amendment, meaning law enforcement doesnt need to be justified by probable cause or even reasonable suspicion, the ruling states.

But Maria Anne Joseph and Jackson Elliott Tarzia argued that a section of the Wyoming Constitution is more protective than the Fourth Amendment, so the state should afford greater protections from an unwarranted canine sniff because Wyoming is a particularly freedom-loving state, the ruling states.

They further argued that a drug-detecting dog cannot differentiate marijuana, which is illegal in Wyoming, and hemp, which is now legal in Wyoming, so the exterior sniff may actually be misleading.

On Oct. 11, 2021, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper pulled Joseph over for repeatedly crossing the highway centerline on Interstate 80, the ruling states. The trooper stopped Joseph, told her why he pulled her over and advised that he was going to let her off with a warning.

Joseph immediately said, she was just trying to go home, which the trooper identified as a deflection tactic to draw attention away from herself, the ruling states. He also spotted luggage in the backseat covered with a blanket.

Ms. Joseph explained that she was speaking at a vigil for her deceased son and was also speaking at other vigils in Arizona and maybe Nevada, the ruling states.

The trooper described her as very talkative and very nervous, which he found odd because he already told her he was only issuing a warning. She also told him her son had been dead for 15 years, which he found unusual because it didnt align with her earlier story.

After about six minutes into the stop, the trooper called for a canine.

A Carbon County Sheriffs Office deputy arrived with his dog, Zeus, who ran around the outside of the car and alerted at the back of the vehicle, the ruling states.

There were four large suitcases that contained multiple vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana. A more thorough search of her vehicle revealed about 25 pounds of THC wax, two pounds of psilocybin mushrooms and 58 pounds of marijuana.

The state charged Joseph with five felonies, but she filed a motion to suppress the evidence, arguing the canine sniff violated the Wyoming Constitution because it was not supported by probable cause, the ruling states.

Her motion was denied, so Joseph entered a plea agreement to possession of marijuana with intent to deliver while reserving her right to appeal the denial of her motion to suppress the evidence.

Joseph was sentenced to three years of probation.

That same year, Tarzia ran into a similar situation at a truck stop in Albany, while he was traveling in a rental car with an acquaintance, the ruling states. A trooper was there using consensual encounters to uncover criminal activity at this stop, according to the ruling.

Tarzia had a rigid and standoffish demeanor, his travel plans and description of his career had inconsistencies and oddities, and his hands were shaking as he showed the trooper proof of his rental agreement, the ruling states.

The trooper believed Tarzia was engaged in criminal activity and detained him.

When backup arrived, the trooper retrieved his canine, Yeager, and ran him around the exterior of the car, the ruling states. Yeager alerted by the right rear wheel well and door area. The trooper then searched the vehicle and found roughly 150 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana in duffle bags.

The state charged Tarzia with felony possession of marijuana and felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and he also moved to suppress that evidence, the ruling states. The district court denied the motion, so Tarzia ultimately accepted a plea agreement to a single count of possession for two years of probation.

In their ruling, the justices stressed they have been strict in requiring the state to provide a basis to search inside a vehicle beyond the fact a person was placed under arrest, but there is no precedent recognizing privacy for the outside of a car.

However, the question here concerned the idea of privacy in public airspace surrounding a vehicle, the ruling states. And the court ruled there essentially are no privacy rights when a vehicle is parked in a public area and no steps have been taken to conceal it from the publics view.

The Wyoming Supreme Court also concluded the states legalization of hemp doesnt make the exterior sniff unreasonable under all circumstances, even if its not supported by probable cause.
Higher latitudes mean we spend a bit more time in colder weather than the rest of the country. There is a reason some of us keep our snow tires on until April 30. But that just makes Montanans appreciate spring even more when it comes, right?

When I crawl out of my winter cave, I am on the hunt for something fresh and green. That can mean heading to the local farmers market or finding produce grown around my area in stores. And its around this time when you can easily come across some nice and fresh spring peas.

One spring visit to the farmers market two years ago was the inspiration for this pea pesto recipe. Peas are often seen as a side, but I wanted to make it the star. Even if you dont have a farmers market by you or its not open until later in the year, you can also use frozen peas to make this an anytime-of-year appetizer.

The first thing you will notice when you take a bite of this special pesto is the sweetness from the peas. As the star, it deserves to shine and bring its best qualities to the forefront. Just behind that is both herbiness and saltiness, coming from the basil and parmesan cheese. The garlic is very light and the pistachios bring just the right amount of texture.

One of the many qualities you will love about this pesto is the color. It is the most vibrant green you will ever see. If you happen to have a little leftover, cover it with plastic wrap, and save it in the fridge  it will be just as bright the day after.

There are three other things to love about this recipe. First, if you are a beginner cook, this is within your skill range. Sure, there is a bit of chopping and measuring involved, but I have no doubt you can pull this off. Skilled chefs will also find it delicious.

Second, the end product is versatile for many uses. Our favorite way to enjoy it is to grab a baguette, toast it lightly, and spread this green goodness all around. But you could also mix it in with some freshly cooked pasta, add it to a charcuterie board with crackers, or use it as a spread on a sandwich.

Finally, all pestos (including this one) are customizable for many palates. Want to swap out half of the basil for mint? Go right ahead. Dont have pistachios, but you do have almonds or pine nuts. Be my guest. Want to use a saltier pecorino cheese for a little twist? Knock yourself out.

Look at my recipe as a starting point and adjust to your tastes. For my own taste buds, I like to add a bit of topical red chili flake for a bit of color and a fun capricious hit of heat. Happy spring!

Pea Pesto

(Serves 4-6 as an appetizer)

Ingredients:

2 cups peas

1/8 cup pistachios

1 large garlic clove grated

Zest of  lemon

Juice of  lemon

 cup olive oil

12-15 large basil leaves

1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan

Salt and pepper

Optional: red chili flake

Directions:

If you are using fresh peas, blanch your peas in boiling water for 2 minutes (until they are very green) and then put into ice cold water. Drain them and pat dry. If you are using frozen peas, allow them to thaw on paper towels to drain off excess water.

Blitz your pistachios in a food processor to start breaking them down into smaller pieces. Add your peas and basil and pulse until you get them broken down into a rough paste. Remove from the food processor into a bowl. Grate your lemon zest into the pea mixture and add the lemon juice. Add the parmesan, grated garlic, and olive oil. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Optional toppings include more chopped pistachios, more lemon zest, a little topical olive oil, and/or red chili flake.
The Montana Professional Artist Association is hosting its 18th Annual Art Show & Sale June 9, 10 and 11 at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton.

MPAA was founded in 1993 by four artists: Mari Bolen, Michele Kapor, J.R. Eason and Jerry Johnson (deceased).

The MPAA website says, MPAA is made up of some of the finest Western artists in the northwest who just happen to live in Montana. Our work features the Western way of life in oil paintings, pastels, watercolor, photography and bronzes. Portraying Western characters, Native Americans, wildlife and Western landscapes, these Montana artists can be found in galleries and Western art shows throughout the United States.

Show organizers Kapor and Bolen have been arranging the show since its inception at the Bitterroot River Inn, the Bedford Building and Daly Leach.

Join us for our group show and sale of fabulous oil paintings, soft pastels, spontaneous watercolors, photography and the ancient art of bronze sculpture, Bolen said. We added more artists and so have two rooms of art now. This show is fine arts only. Our shows in September and February include fine crafts like potters and printmakers.

The show has free admission all three days, with an opening reception with the artists and no-host bar from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be painting and sculpture demonstrations throughout the day.

In addition to shows, the MPAA has partnered with charities and philanthropic organizations. They have had live auctions, silent auctions, bid-to-buy sales and drawings. They donate 25% to 100% of the sale price. Some of the partners have included Camp-Mak-A-Dream, Ravalli County Museum, Daly Mansion, Bitter Root Land Trust, Teller Wildlife Refuge, Trout Unlimited, Casting for Recovery and the Darby Community Public Library.

MPAA will continue to serve our communitys needs, further art education and promote the artists and artisans of our beautiful state, Bolen said. MPAA gives back. Two years ago we made over $10,000 for Camp-Mak-A-Dream. This year we are donating a portion of this show to the Bitter Root Humane Association.

The MPAA Invitational show for members and invited guest artists from all over the northwest will be held Sept. 8, 9 and 10 in the commercial building at the Missoula County Fairgrounds in Missoula.

Twenty-eight artists will be showing all original art work and some fine artisanal craftwork, Bolen said. This year, we are partnering with The Humane Society of Western Montana. There will be a silent auction and a tag sale to benefit the shelter. Artists will tag certain pieces in their booth and donate a portion of those sales to the Humane Society, as well.

The MPAA will also host a show and sale Feb. 16, 17 and 18 at the Bitterroot River Inn.

Bolen said attendance at the MPAA shows have been great.

After COVID, people just came streaming in, she said. We shut down for the pandemic. We were all shut down and a lot of the artists couldnt come back, they just couldnt make it. Some of us old timers, you just cant keep down, we just keep coming back.

The Bitterroot River Inn and Conference Center is located at 139 Bitterroot Plaza Dr. in Hamilton.

It is one mile north of the Hamilton city center on the west side of Highway 93, Bolen said.

For more information e-mail: MPAA.information@gmail.com.
Critics of the Cascade County elections office say this weeks mill levy election for the Great Falls Public Library went ahead with relatively few bumps in the road, following the installation last month of a court-appointed monitor to watch over the process.

The extraordinary move by the local district court to appoint a special election monitor follows two lawsuits and a number of mishaps by the newly elected clerk and recorder, who also serves as the countys top elections official.

Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant has faced intense scrutiny from the community since she took office at the beginning of the year. But alleged errors in her past elections appeared less prominent in an election held Tuesday.

None of those issues have come up in this election, at least not on a wide-scale basis, that Im aware of, said Raph Graybill, an attorney representing the library board, which is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Merchant. He said the relatively smooth operation of Tuesdays election was due to the courts and the monitors role in this election.

According to unofficial results the Great Falls Public Library appears to have succeeded in getting its first levy passed in more than two decades.

Were thrilled that the voters of Great Falls chose to invest in our community by funding improved library services, library director Susie McIntyre said in an interview Wednesday. Those services will include expanding operating hours to seven days a week, increasing early literacy programming and adding more technology and internet services.

Voters approved the levy 7,223 to 6,604, according to unofficial election results posted to the elections office website.

The library board last month filed an emergency petition alleging that a litany of issues plaguing three recent elections threatened to undermine a long-overdue expansion of its budget. If the levy failed due to Merchants inability to properly run the election, the library argued, it risked losing around $30,000 in state funding, triggering reductions to literacy, job-search and college readiness programs and layoffs of library staff.

To date, Merchant has supervised three elections in Cascade County, the petition stated. Each of these elections has featured severe errors and unlawful deviation from statutory requirements.

Merchant, who did not respond to an interview request, filed a response denying most of the allegations. But she did admit to portions of the claims, including that Great Falls School District voters received incorrect instructions with their mail ballots, that multiple ballots were sent to some voters and that some voters were turned away on Election Day.

She has denied allegations that ballots were mailed in unsealed envelopes, that large numbers of ballots were counted before the signatures were verified and that a draft version of the instructions for library mill levy voters was riddled with problematic errors. The lawsuit also states that an entire precinct was not issued mail-in ballots during the school board election.

In a May 22 order, Cascade County District Court Judge Brenda Gilbert sided with the library, ordering Merchant to allow a special monitor direct and unfettered access to all operations of the elections office.

The monitor will report any acts prohibited under Montana election law, or the failure to perform any acts required by Montana election law, or other acts or conditions that would otherwise undermine a fair and transparent election, Gilbert wrote in her order.

At the plaintiffs request, the judge appointed Lynn DeRoche as the election monitor. DeRoche was previously the No. 2 elections official in the office during the 16 years that Democrat Rina Moore was the clerk and recorder. Shortly after Merchant, a Republican, defeated Moore in a razor-thin election last November, DeRoche resigned from her position.

DeRoche told the Montana State News Bureau in a March interview that she resigned earlier this year after Merchant largely refused to acknowledge the long-time election staffer after assuming office.

She didnt ask me one question on how to register a voter, how to do anything in the office, how our processes worked, DeRoche said at the time.  ... I just decided I needed to get out of the election department, because I was going to be their scapegoat if anything went wrong.

Three of DeRoche's reports have since been filed with the court, but none appear to detail clear lapses in election protocol. No post-election report had been filed with the court as of Thursday afternoon.

Like the allegedly problematic Great Falls High School election last month, this weeks election was held through a combination of in-person and mail-in voting. Merchant earlier this year surprised some local jurisdictions with a series of emails stating that the normally mail ballot-only elections would also have the option for voters to cast ballots in polling places. In-person voting is more typical for larger elections, like those for federal or city council candidates.

Merchant has maintained this was due to the loss of a local vendor who previously provided mailing services to the elections office. But even in federal elections, only a fraction of votes in the county are cast in person, with the vast majority coming via absentee ballots.

In a separate lawsuit filed last month, several voters and irrigation board candidates are suing Merchant, the county, the Fort Shaw Irrigation District and the Great Falls Flood Control District for errors in that they allege probably affected the outcome of recent elections in those districts. The problems allegedly included some voters not getting ballots, while other residents were allowed to vote despite being ineligible. The plaintiffs are asking the court to void the elections and order do-over elections to take place.

As of Thursday none of the defendants had responded to the May 26 complaint.
Neither Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath nor Justice Dirk Sandefur will run for re-election in 2024, they independently told Montana Free Press this week.

That means both of next years races for the state Supreme Court will be open contests at a time of heightened political visibility for the judiciary and unprecedented price tags for judicial races. Rumors that both justices might not seek re-election have swirled among the states political class for weeks, if not longer. McGrath is in his second eight-year term; Sandefur is in his first. Both of their terms conclude at the end of 2024.

Ill be 77 at the end of this term, and I dont feel like I can commit to another what would be nine and a half years at this point, McGrath told MTFP Tuesday. Its time to move on.

McGrath was elected to the states high court in 2008 and retained by voters in 2016. The chief justice is the administrative head of the court and its primary representative when interfacing with other branches of government. In Montana, its an elected position  not one appointed by the other justices  so whoever replaces McGrath will also assume the chief justice mantle.

Over the past 21 years as a state district judge and supreme court justice, including 3 successful district court elections and a successful statewide supreme court election, I have given my very best to serve with distinction, fulfill my oaths to protect and defend our state and federal constitutions, provide fair and equal justice to all litigants of every stripe, and uphold the rule of law even when outcomes in particular cases are controversial or not politically popular, Sandefur said in a written statement Wednesday. Going forward, my current plan is to continue to serve in the civil and criminal justice system in an unelected, non-advocate role commensurate with the substantial experience and expertise that I have acquired as a result of my extensive judicial career.

In 2022, Public Service Commission President James Brown challenged incumbent Justice Ingrid Gustafson, launching what became the most expensive Montana Supreme Court race in history. The Montana GOP and prominent Republican officials rallied behind Brown, a former attorney for the party and for other conservative causes, including Western Tradition Partnership, a dark-money group that challenged Montanas campaign finance laws in the aftermath of the Citizens United decision. Democratic groups responded with support for Gustafson, as did reproductive rights advocates following the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision. Access to abortion in Montana is protected under the state Constitution thanks to the Montana Supreme Courts unanimous 1999 decision in Armstrong v. State. Gustafson ultimately kept her seat, defeating Brown by about 8 points.

That race was in some ways presaged by Sandefurs own campaign against now-Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras for Supreme Court in 2016. Democrats and much of the states legal establishment backed Sandefur, while Republicans and other conservative causes backed Juras. The stakes of that election  at least rhetorically  included same-sex marriage, Montanas stream access law and more. Sandefur defeated Juras by almost 13 points.

The Brown-Gustafson election was also backlit by a major inter-branch conflict between the judiciary and the Republican-dominated Legislature in 2021. The fight concerned the lobbying practices of the Montana Judges Association, the extent of legislative subpoena powers and, more broadly, the long-standing frustrations of conservatives who have seen a number of their policies caught up in court.

McGrath, a key player in the separation-of-powers saga, repeatedly asserted the courts independence and defended judges ability to lobby on legislation they believe will affect court administration. McGrath recused himself from litigation challenging Senate Bill 140, a 2021 law that eliminated the Judicial Nomination Commission in favor of direct gubernatorial appointments to vacant bench seats, because he had urged Gov. Greg Gianforte not to sign the bill.

Sandefur also waded into the fray on occasion, writing in a concurring opinion to a ruling against legislative subpoenas for court records that Republican lawmakers manufactured a recklessly ginned up crisis in order to inject partisanship into the judiciary and undermine its role as a check on the other branches of government.

In an interview Tuesday, McGrath said he is still concerned with preserving the independence of the judicial branch, though he hesitated to point fingers at any specific entity attempting to diminish that independence.

I think there are certainly reasons for concern that the courts continue to be independent and make decisions based on the law and the facts of each individual case  and have the ability to make decisions based on the law and the facts of each individual case, he said. That is certainly more of a struggle today than it has been historically, certainly in my 50 years in the law business.

McGrath, originally from Butte, served as Lewis and Clark County Attorney for several terms before winning a race for Montana attorney general as a Democrat in 2000. After two terms, he ran for chief justice, ultimately defeating Ron Waterman for the seat vacated by the retiring Justice Karla Gray.

Sandefur, originally from Great Falls, had been a police officer in Havre, a public defender, a prosecutor for Cascade County and a district court judge before winning election to the Supreme Court.

Whether as a police officer, public defender, deputy county attorney, state district judge, or supreme court justice, I have dedicated almost my entire career to public service in government and the civil and criminal justice system, he said in his statement.

The justices decisions eliminate a key variable from the upcoming Supreme Court elections: incumbency advantage, which can be especially important in comparatively low-name-recognition judicial contests. Without an incumbent in either seat, the only guarantee is that there will be two new faces on the bench come 2025.

No candidates have yet filed for Sandefurs seat. Former Montana district federal magistrate judge Jeremiah Lynch has registered to run for chief justice.
Natural and cultural history take the stage at the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center in historic Fort Benton, now open for the summer.

Since opening its doors in 2005, the Interpretive Center has served as a window into the past, showcasing the monument to visitors from around the world through vivid displays and presentations.

The Interpretive Centers summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Stop by the front desk to get boating information for those planning to float the river. Beat the summer heat while watching the film "White Cliffs, Wild River." Get the lay of the land from the BLM's scale-model exhibit of the entire 149-mile river corridor.

Further inside the museum, some of the center's most-notable exhibits include Chief Josephs' surrender rifle, relinquished after the Nez Perce Tribes 1,170-mile trek to escape Army control, and a life-sized replica Murphy freight wagon, commonly used to transport shipments arriving on steamboats at Fort Benton's levee to destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest Territory.

For groups larger than six people or to arrange a tour, call ahead to make arrangements with the center. Children younger than 16 may enter for free. The adult entry fee is $5. The center accepts interagency passes, such as those for military veterans and seniors.

You can call the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 406-622-4000. Any changes to hours of operation will be noted on the centers website.
This is continuing online coverage of the fatal shooting that took place outside the Altria Theater Tuesday after the Huguenot High School graduation.

Updates from Richmond Times-Dispatch staff writers and editors will be posted throughout the day as more information becomes available.

9 a.m.: Law enforcement officials say they are still looking for information from the community that could help in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tuesday's shooting  especially photos or videos.

Anyone with information can call the Richmond Police Department's tip line at (804) 646-6741. The FBI's Richmond field office has also set up a site where people can submit photo or video.

7:15 a.m.: In a press release Wednesday afternoon, Richmond police indicated that the third victim who had been taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries was now in stable condition.

Wednesday night, Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras sent an email to RPS parents to notify them that schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year, with no classes held Thursday or Friday. Other school events, like moving on ceremonies were also canceled. School division employees were asked to report to work Thursday on their normal schedule "to process (Tuesday's) events as a community and to complete close-out tasks."

"I recognize this will be very upsetting to many students, families, and staff," Kamras wrote. "However, given how on edge our community is right now, and given that three more RPS students were shot last night, I felt this step was necessary to safeguard the RPS family. Thank you for your grace and understanding."

Though classes are not in session, students and families can still go to school buildings to drop off technology, retrieve medication or other student items and pick up grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.

Kamras also announced the rescheduled times for graduation ceremonies that were set to be held this week:

Open High School: Friday, June 9, 9 a.m., at Richmond Community High School

Friday, June 9, 9 a.m., at Richmond Community High School Franklin Military Academy: Monday, June 12, 9 am, at Franklin Military Academy

Monday, June 12, 9 am, at Franklin Military Academy Armstrong High School: Monday, June 12, 11:30 am, at Armstrong High School

Monday, June 12, 11:30 am, at Armstrong High School Thomas Jefferson High School: Monday, June 12, 2 pm, at Thomas Jefferson High School

Monday, June 12, 2 pm, at Thomas Jefferson High School John Marshall High School: Tuesday, June 13, 9 am, at John Marshall High School

Tuesday, June 13, 9 am, at John Marshall High School George Wythe High School: Tuesday, June 13, 12 pm, at John Marshall High School

As added security measures, no bags of any kind will be permitted at the rescheduled ceremonies; nor will flowers, balloons or any amplified devices. All attendees will also be subject to search. More details about ticketing and livestream options will be released Thursday, Kamras said.

Counseling services are being made available to students. Family members can call the ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline at (804) 305-2420 or the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority at (804) 819-4100.

Who was killed in the Richmond shooting?

Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather, Renzo Smith, were the two victims who died of wounds sustained during Tuesday's shooting. Jackson had just graduated.

What is the condition of the other victims?

Five other victims, all male, were struck by gunshots.

One of them, a 31-year-old man, was treated for a potentially life-threatening injury, but police said Wednesday afternoon that all five victims besides Jackson and Smith were in stable condition.

Jackson's sister, Rennyah Jackson-Smith, 9, was struck by a car nearby during the confusion following the shooting. She received treatment on scene and was later transported to an area hospital. Her aunt, Datrell Glover, said Wednesday that Jackson-Smith is currently in a wheelchair, but is expected to be able to walk again.

Who is the accused shooter?

Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin confirmed in an email to The Associated Press Wednesday morning that Amari Ty-Jon Pollard was arraigned in Richmond General District Court on two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting.

The case was continued until June 21 while Pollard, 19, works to hire an attorney, McEachin said. In the meantime, the court ordered that he be held without bond.

Police confirmed Wednesday that Pollard is the suspect they arrested Tuesday night. Acting Police Chief Rick Edwards said in a joint briefing with Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and Mayor Levar Stoney Wednesday morning that a long-standing dispute between Pollard and Jackson was a possible motive for the shooting.

Photos: Richmond reacts to mass shooting after graduation ceremony
A day set aside for pomp and circumstance ended with two dead, a woman mourning her husband and her son, and a public outcry against gun violence.

On Wednesday, the two dead were identified as Renzo Smith and his step-son, Shawn Jackson, an 18-year-old Huguenot High School graduate.

Tameeka Jackson-Smith appeared at a press conference late Wednesday but was overcome with grief and sobbed while the family spoke on her behalf.

My nephew and my brother-in-law both were hard workers, said Datrell Glover, Jacksons aunt and Smiths sister-in-law. My nephew had a smile that can light up a whole room; my brother-in-law would do anything for you. They were very special to us all.

Soon after Glover began her remarks, Jackson-Smith broke down, walking away from the gathering.

Something that was so special, was supposed to be a happy moment for all of us, turned into a tragedy, Glover said.

He had no idea his life was gonna end that day, she added.

Earlier in the day, Jackson-Smith told The Associated Press that the family had watched the graduation, then got separated in a large crowd after they walked outside. He was so happy  oh my God  because he got to graduate. He worked hard.

She said she saw a man run up beside (Shawn and Renzo) and start shooting.

Minutes before he was shot, Jackson was greeted by his former principal, Kevin Olds, who described him as a bright young man who could master any textbook.

At times, Shawn wanted to give up, and he considered dropping out of school. But the safety net of the village would not allow that, said Olds. Because of their efforts and Shawns diligence, he graduated yesterday. I am utterly heartbroken that his life ended just minutes later.

20 minutes before he died

On Wednesday, the morning after the shooting, the investigation provided details, but little relief, after the bloodshed drew national attention leading to Richmond schools ending the school year three days early.

Richmond police identified a main suspect  Amari Pollard  in the mass shooting that also saw another five hospitalized. The shooting occurred as students from Huguenot High School were leaving their graduation ceremony at the Altria Theater.

Jackson had just crossed the stage to receive his diploma.

I shook his hand and wished him congratulations about 20 minutes before he died, Jason Kamras, superintendent of Richmond Public Schools said. He was rightly proud, smiling and celebrating like all his peers. Then just a few minutes later, while he was enjoying the moment with his family in Monroe Park, he was gunned down.

Kamras said he couldnt shake the image of Jackson receiving CPR while still in his cap and gown.

Renzo Smith was praised for his service in the U.S. Army. Smith was a military veteran, deploying to Iraq in 2008, said Bryce Dubee, an Army spokesman. He served as a motor transport operator in the Army Reserve from October 2005 to August 2006, and was in the regular Army until 2010, holding the rank of specialist at the end of his service, Dubee said Wednesday.

He was just everything that you could wish for in a person, Jackson-Smith told the AP.

Also injured was Rennyah Jackson-Smith, Jacksons 9-year-old sister, who was hit by a car in the wake of the shooting. Glover addressed reports that the girl was wheelchair-bound.

Shes going to be able to walk againjust a lot of healing, Glover said about Rennyahs condition. Emotionallyyes, thats going to be a lot of healing too.

Little has been released regarding the motive. Interim-Police Chief Rick Edwards suggested that the two knew each other, and that the killing was targeted, but was not more specific.

Jackson was described as a prolific musician with an online presence, where he went by the monikers OTG Shawn and Shawn Wicc, a restyling of movie hitman John Wick. He had released eight rap albums in the past three years, the most recent of which, Baywood Preacher, was released in May.

Timond Billie, a Richmond-based music producer who worked with Jackson, described him as dedicated.

He always dreamed and believed he was going to make it big. When I started producing music, he was the first artist to actually believe in me and my craft, said Billie.

Edwards said that the suspect had attended the Huguenot graduation before exiting the Altria Theater to retrieve a handgun from his car. When he returned, he opened fire. He was apprehended in the area by VCU Police and surrendered without further incident, Edwards said.

Pollard was arraigned Tuesday morning on two charges of second-degree murder. Pollard has pleaded not guilty.

The case was continued until June 21 while Pollard hires an attorney, prosecutors said. In the meantime, the court ordered that he be held without bond at the Richmond City Justice Center.

It was a tragic night for Richmond Public Schools, which also saw three other students shot at Armstrong High School in two separate incidents unrelated to the Huguenot tragedy, Kamras said at a press conference at Police Headquarters. Police described the injuries in those incidents as non-life-threatening.

Every parents worst nightmare

Yet another shooting involving young people ignited a salvo of debates by lawmakers.

U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, gave a passionate floor speech on the House on Wednesday. What should have been the happiest day of (Huguenot students) lives turned into every parents worst nightmare, said McClellan, a Richmond parent.

She was one of numerous city officials to decry yesterdays shooting in the heart of downtown Richmond, on a day in which the horrific events drew national attention to Richmond.

McClellan and Kamras both called for policy solutions to address Richmonds gun violence crisis. Kamras said there was an immediate need for federal help in fighting poverty, housing issues and other root causes of violence in the city.

Every time there is a shooting, we go through this same routine. Every time, my son is afraid, wondering when he will be next. And I hug him and say, I am doing everything in my power to make sure that you are safe.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin also spoke about the shooting at a previously scheduled event in Petersburg Wednesday, resisting premature calls to action before an investigation is concluded.

We need to see what it finds before we think about new laws, Youngkin said.

However, his deputy, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, was less restrained. Earle-Sears arrived at the still-active crime scene to launch pointed barbs at Richmonds largely democratic leadership.

Who is in charge here? said Earle-Sears. The people that I represent are not safe  theyre not safe in this city, and we have to figure out why that is. On Wednesday, she softened her remarks.

On the VCU campus, students lay wreaths and flowers down outside the Altria Theater, where there were still bloodstains.

It was just very surreal, said Chloe Hawkins, a recent VCU graduate who lives near Monroe Park. I literally walk through the park every day to go to school.

In the afternoon, several dozen RPS families marched around the Virginia State Capitol to protest the spate of gun violence. Katherine Jones said she has three children in RPS schools, one of whose graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School was canceled after the shooting.

Done with guns, thats what were here for, Jones said.

Wendy Rake and her family moved from Nashville to Richmond last summer, months before the March shooting at The Covenant School, a private elementary school in Nashville. Rake lived less than a mile from Covenant and knew people involved in the shooting.

You really do feel like theres really no safe place, which is hard as a parent, Rake said. I dont adhere to this notion that I need to be carrying a firearm to keep my family safe; I just want to be able to go about my day.

Rake said that she comes from a family of responsible gun owners. She still believes in responsible gun ownership, but wants more provisions to ensure they guns do not end up in the wrong hands.

I do think that there are definitely safety measures that can be put in place to help at least keep our school children safe, said Rake. Especially children who are about to celebrate a big moment in their lives like a high school graduation.
A sign in front of Huguenot High School congratulating graduates transformed into a memorial on Wednesday, following the fatal shooting of graduate Shawn Jackson and his stepfather Renzo Smith in downtown Richmond Tuesday evening after the schools commencement ceremony.

What would have been a regular school day for non-graduating students instead saw a mostly empty school and no classes, with some students trickling in and out for mental health counseling.

Jackson, 18, struggled in school, said Huguenot High School Principal Robert Gilstrap. He was not on campus much the past few years as he focused on his passions, like music.

But despite that, Jackson graduated Tuesday afternoon.

Im glad he was able to accomplish that, Gilstrap said. I know that was important to him, even though it was a challenge for him and his family. I know that he worked really hard the last couple of weeks to get there, and he did.

About 20 minutes after Jackson walked across the stage and received his diploma, he and his stepfather were shot dead.

I dont know what I can do to comfort 3,000 people who have experienced a traumatic event like that, Gilstrap said. I will be probably more focused on comforting my staff than  the students because we just wont have access to them.

The last day of school scheduled for non-graduating students is Friday. Richmond Public Schools canceled all classes on Wednesday, the division announced Tuesday evening following the shooting.

Keona Louis-Jean, who was at the Altria Theater for her sisters graduation on Tuesday afternoon, said she is badly traumatized.

I dont even look at life the same anymore, Louis-Jean said.

She had her 8-month old son in her arms and saw her and her childs life flash before her eyes, she said.

Angela Jones, Richmond Public Schools director of culture, climate and student services, said the division is trying to focus on healing.

Members of Richmond Behavioral Health Authority and Child Savers and RPS social workers, school counselors and psychologists set up support centers inside the high school on Wednesday to offer grief and mental health counseling.

Therell be a range of emotions felt, from anger, to grief, everything else, Jones said. Were here for kids and families right now. The community has to stand together to get through this.

Along with the support offered inside the high school, the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities hosted safe spaces across Richmond for community members to gather throughout the afternoon. The Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center was also open all day Wednesday for Latino and Hispanic people affected by the shooting.

Anyone who needs to speak with a counselor is encouraged to call ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline at (804) 305-2420, RBHA at (804) 819-4100, or Challenge Discovery Projects at (804) 643-0002.
PRICE REDUCED! 3 Separate lots being sold together as one. Keep the whole 2.4 acres of land and home to yourself or use the others lots for investment or income properties. There is a bonus room that can be used as an office, third bedroom or sitting room, a separate laundry room where there is access to the small cellar, kitchen with granite, a full dining room, bathroom, living room and two bedrooms off to the left before reaching the front door where you will find yourself wanting to sit a moment on the full front porch and watch the yard. Plenty of storage with two exterior sheds. House has a metal roof, newer well & alternative septic system within the past 5 years while it was being used as a rental. You could own your own home for less than you pay in monthly rent! Conveniently located just outside of the town of Louisa and only 14 miles to Zions Crossroads. Property location qualifies for rural zero down loans, contact us today to schedule your showing. FHA Appraisal came in at 210k 1/17/23 that shows some items that need to be repaired and sellers are willing to negotiate these items. Septic Inspection, WDI Inspection and Water Quality Testing were all done in January.

View More
Grasping for the right words, a visibly shaken Jason Kamras, Richmond Public Schools superintendent, gingerly stepped to the microphone after Tuesdays graduation day shooting outside the Altria Theater near Monroe Park. Flanked by the mayor, police chief, City Council and School Board members, Kamras stood out. Its customary for the superintendent to participate in graduation ceremonies, and he was still wearing his graduation gown.

I dont have any more words on this, Kamras said, trembling. I beg of the entire community: Just stop. Our kids cant take it. Our teachers cant take it. Our families cant take it anymore. I beg of you to stop.

In the aftermath of yet another school shooting  this one left five wounded and two dead (18-year-old Huguenot High graduate Shawn Jackson, who walked the stage to receive his diploma roughly 20 minutes before being shot, and his 36-year-old stepfather, Renzo Smith)  our civic leaders are once again searching for answers to the endless cycle of gun violence.

Were going to do everything we can to bring the individuals who were involved in this to justice, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said Tuesday. Not just for the families involved, but also for the city.

The suspect, 19-year-old Amari Pollard from Henrico County, was apprehended quickly. Pollard and Jackson apparently harbored a long-standing dispute, according to Richmonds interim police chief, Rick Edwards, and had exchanged words before the shooting. Four handguns were recovered by police. Pollard was arraigned on two counts of second-degree murder Wednesday, but make no mistake  there will be no justice.

Gun violence is now a national epidemic. There have already been 168 school shootings in the United States in 2023, according to The Violence Project. The Gun Violence Archive reports 279 mass shootings so far this year. By midday Wednesday, more than 770 children (17 and younger) had been killed by gunfire. The running tally of children injured by firearms: 1,999.

The number of children experiencing mental health issues has risen to crisis levels, leading the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Childrens Hospital Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to declare a national emergency in 2021. Mix in the proliferation of guns  there are nearly 400 million privately owned firearms in the U.S., according to the Small Arms Survey  along with persistent political gridlock over commonsense gun control measures, and the outlook grows even more bleak.

If it wasnt painfully clear that our elected leaders are incapable of stopping this violence, one need only watch the video of a glassy-eyed Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who for some reason thought it appropriate to show up at Tuesdays still-developing crime scene to unleash an unhinged diatribe defending law-abiding gun owners and seeking to steer blame toward Richmonds political leadership, including the mayor.

This is not about law-abiding gun owners. This is about gangs, she said, speculating at a time when speculation is wholly inappropriate (the police chief would later rule out gang involvement). But Earle-Sears continued: This is about even if you took all the guns off the street from the law-abiding citizens, the others who mean harm  who mean to kill and (cause) mayhem  they are going to have the guns.  We have to find the right problem so that we can come to the right solution.

We already know what the problem is: a potent boil of rampant gun ownership, adolescents experiencing mental health crises and wholesale abandonment of our most vulnerable populations. Extreme poverty begets violence, and Richmond has an inordinate amount of both.

The solution? It wont be found hunting down and locking away the perpetrators (on Wednesday, Kamras revealed that the graduation tragedy wasnt the only school-related shooting the night before; three Armstrong High students had also been shot). Nor is it casting troubled high schoolers as evil and pretending America is some mythical place where all thats needed is a posse of gunslinging good guys to rush in and save the day. Perhaps the lieutenant governor, who once famously posted a photo of herself on Twitter dressed in a green blazer and skirt, strapped with an AR-15, simply forgot her white hat.

Heres a thought: Perhaps its time to call a meeting and disinvite all of the politicians. The communities most impacted by gun violence sit at the head of the table. Driving the conversation should be those who have experienced actual gun violence  victims, families, law enforcement. If youve never been confronted with gunfire downrange, take a seat in the back.

Mute the politicians, especially the gun-toting toy soldiers, and lets get to work.
National Geographic documents Mayan cultural wealth in Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.  International Organization National Geographic, together with correspondents from El Universal, made a visit to the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The visit was made to document the municipalitys Mayan culture and significant transformation.

National Geographic personnel, together with correspondents from El Universal, visited the states largest municipality to document the transformation that it is undergoing.

The group visited a Mayan market and met the local Mayan women who make the crafts.

Photo: Municipio de Felipe Carrillo Puerto June 6, 2023.

Mayor Mary Hernandez told them of the significant advances that the municipality has achieved thanks to the emblematic projects promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and supported by Governor Mara Lezama.

These projects include the Puerta al Mar initiative, the Felipe Carrillo Puerto (Tulum) International Airport, the Maya Train and the new municipal hospital.

During the guided visit, the Mayor commented that the municipality is attracting more and more attention from national and international magazines, radio stations and television channels.

FPC Mayor Mary Hernandez explains the Mayan food choices to a National Geographic reporter as seen here.

Photo: Municipio de Felipe Carrillo Puerto June 6, 2023.

Today, thanks to the support of the President and our Governor, we are bringing the best kept natural and cultural secrets of the Mayan Zone of Quintana Roo to the eyes of the world, and we are doing it by highlighting the pride of our indigenous origin and calling for the preservation of our planet, she said.

She added that the presence of documentalists and international correspondents in Felipe Carrillo Puerto is a fundamental step in the transformation of municipal promotion at a global level.

Mayan food tastings were part of their visit.

Photo: Municipio de Felipe Carrillo Puerto June 6, 2023.

During their stay in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the documentalists toured a food and craft exhibition in the Ignacio Zaragoza Park. They also visited the Ceremonial Center of the Talking Cross under the direction of the Mayan General Cornelio Puc Jimenez, where they captured part of the Mayan ancestral cultural wealth.
Sedatu publishes territorial planning program for Maya Train states

Mexico City, Mexico  The Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu) have published a territorial planning program for the south-southeast. The program was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federacion (DOF) June 4 and affects the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

The Secretaria de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano (Sedatu) reported that with the new program, both state and municipal governments in the area can now consult the POT-RSSE, which proposes strategies and actions to benefit more than 13 million people.

The Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) published the executive version of the Land Management Program for the South-Southeast Region (POT-RSSE), a planning instrument prepared by the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu) that proposes short, medium and long-term objectives, strategies and actions in the orientation of urban development with the arrival of the Maya Train.

The head of this dependency, Roman Meyer Falcon, emphasized that the POT-RSSE proposes a model of territorial ordering that guides the development and sustainable, balanced and equitable occupation of the territory. Therefore, it will be the guiding axis to harmonize the instruments of planning and territorial ordering at the state, metropolitan and municipal levels.

This document allows the municipalities of this region to update their urban development programs. In addition, it takes into consideration that more than 260,000 hectares have been deforested in view of disorderly population growth and this type of instrument is one of the most important elements to be able to contain this problem, he reported.

Sedatu promoted the development of this instrument with a 20-year vision through the definition of land occupation policies such as conservation and protection (68%) of areas of high environmental, landscape, and cultural value as well as sustainable use (30%) in areas with productive, ecotourism, and agricultural potential and the consolidation and controlled growth (2%) of human settlements.

The region is made up of 271 municipalities and more than 6,500 localities in the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, which concentrate a population of more than 13 million inhabitants (10% of the national population) and where 70% is concentrated in urban areas.

The area has 46 Protected Natural Areas (ANP) and is the cradle of pre-Hispanic cultures such as the Maya and Olmec, therefore, it has 66 archaeological zones, 8,200 historical buildings and six sites declared World Heritage Sites.

The region also faces great challenges such as reducing inequalities, marginalization and poverty in which more than 55% of its population lives, containing the loss of forests (250 km2 per year), jungles and wetlands (30% in the last 20 years), stopping the overexploitation and contamination of aquifers and containing urban expansion, which in the last 15 years represented more than 228,000 hectares.

The POT-RSSE defined seven strategies that cover aspects such as integrated watershed management, protection of ecosystem services, conservation of cultural and biocultural heritage, socio-spatial equity, adequate housing, industrial and productive development, mobility and effective governance.
Three men wanted in U.S. courts extradited from Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico  Three Mexican nationals wanted in the U.S. have been extradited. The men were handed over to U.S. authorities at the Mexico City International Airport to face charges for various crimes.

Manuel B was wanted by a Salt Lake City court for murder. He has been returned to Salt Lake County, Utah, for the crimes of aggravated homicide, aggravated burglary, domestic violence in the presence of a minor and qualifying injuries. The charges stem from October 2021, when he is accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend several times, killing her.

Jorge T was extradited to California on firearm and murder charges. Jorge T was wanted by the Superior Court of California in Alameda County for the crimes of homicide and possession of a firearm. His charges date back to July 2019, when, according to the FGR, Jorge T shot a man in the abdomen, killing him.

Gilberto B, who was required by the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, was also handed over to American law enforcement. He was wanted for sexual crimes and kidnapping after being accused of sexually abusing two minors.
Two Cancun officers liable for restricting freedom of expression against journalist

Cancun, Q.R.  Two Cancun police officers are being held liable for damages against a Cancun journalist. On Wednesday, the Attorney Generals Office (FGR) said that Cancun officers Ruben M and Everardo M are being held liable for the March 2023 incident.

The investigation of assault and freedom of expression was processed through the Special Prosecutors Office for Attention to Crimes committed against Freedom of Expression of the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Human Rights.

The FGE reported that the incident happened in Cancun in March of this year when a journalist was documenting the detention of two people in Cancun and two members of the Benito Juarez Ministry of Public Security and Traffic detained him without just cause, affecting his freedom of expression. During his detention, he was injured and his eye glasses damaged.

Cancun police officers Ruben M and Everardo M were charged for damages, qualified injuries and abuse of authority as well restricting freedom of expression.

A Cancun judge assessed the evidence presented by the FGR and ordered financial compensation to be paid to the victim as well as a public apology in a printed medium acknowledging the facts of the attack and committing to respect the freedom of expression of the people.

Both officers will also have to take a course on freedom of expression in order to guarantee a non-repetition of the incident.

The Special Prosecutors Office for Attention to Crimes committed against Freedom of Expression also determined to exercise the power of attraction contemplated in Article 21 of the National Code of Criminal Procedures, since there was sufficient evidence to affirm that the aggression was committed with the purpose of limiting, impairing or affecting the freedom of expression of a journalist.
Venezuelan woman arrested in PDC for driving with fake documents and altered plates

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A woman who was stopped for driving a vehicle believed used in criminal activity was arrested on additional charges. Solidaridad Municipal Transit Police arrested 31-year-old EstefaniaN from Venezuela Wednesday.

She was taken into custody after being stopped for driving a vehicle believed used in a crime and presenting false documents. According to the Solidaridad Police report, patrolling city officers were notified of the Volkswagen Gol through the C2.

It was reported that the Gol was believed  related to a criminal act, so elements of Municipal Transit moved to Playa del Carmen Boulevard at the height of CTM Avenue where they located the car.

Police stopped the driver who identified herself as 31-year-old Estefania N from Venezuela. She gave officers a circulation card that did not match the data reflected in the national system. The card also did not have the corresponding security features. Police also learned that the cars license plates were altered.

She was arrested and handed over to the State Attorney Generals Office.
There comes a time when you yearn to live out your faith more deeply. This can mean different things for different believers, but it usually entails taking up a variety of personal disciplines, returning to tradition, and committing oneself to prayer and introspection. For harried souls making our way in a hectic, secularized world, an idealized spiritual life is both tempting and intimidating. All too frequently this causes most of us to put it off until were readywhich usually means when the kids have moved out, were retired, and theres nothing good on television.

Fortunately, living a more spiritual life doesnt need to feel like such a burden. As writer Michael P. Foley and professional chef Fr. Leo Patalinghugs new book, Dining with the Saints: The Sinners Guide to a Righteous Feast, demonstrates, it can be surprisingly fun and stimulating. The trick is to take on daily routines like eating and drinking in a sacramental fashion. (For drink ideas, see Foleys Drinking with the Saints.) Each dish we produce and consume comes with a story that can impart some saint-inspired wisdom that connects us to the transcendent. And if such a sacramental vision doesnt come naturally, this book presents an opportunity to change that.

The great strength of Dining with the Saints is Foleys own humility and humor, which comes out in the text sections of the book, for which he is principal writer. (Palinghug provides the recipes and directions, also a strength, particularly for beginners at cooking.) Considering Foleys background and authority as a professor of patristics at Baylor University, he could have written yet another lofty exegesis on the sermons of St. Augustine of Hippo for his fellow patristic scholars. Instead, he writes what he calls a Sinners Guide for hungry laypeople who likely dont know who St. Augustine of Hippo is or what patristics means. Rather than brandish his scholarship, his goal is to introduce the general public to the saints and to help his readers incorporate the best of their lives into their own daily life. And theres no better way to do this than to create special dishes for the great feast days and liturgical seasons of the year.

Considering that each day of the year is some saints feast day and a sizable portion of the year consists of Lent, Eastertide, Advent, Christmastide, and the Ember Days, Foley has to be strategic about which days he highlights in order to keep his book at a reasonable length (around 330 pages including pictures). For those saints who make the cut, he tells their stories and thematically or geographically links them to an appetizing meal. In the case of St. Thomas Aquinas, he recommends Straw and Hay Fish Pasta, since the Angelic Doctor was apparently responsible for various fish miracles and once said his writing was like straw compared to the mystical vision he had at the end of his life. For St. Elizabeth of Portugal, Foley recommends a fish dish thats native to Portugal and that also combines the simplicity and refinement of the saint.

As one might imagine, Foley cant help injecting humor into his biographies. Most of this comes in the form of puns (e.g., St. Elizabeths dish is called In Cod We Trust) or making overtly strained arguments that link a saint to his or her chosen dish (e.g., St. Gertrudes dish is Jamaican Jerk Chicken because she definitely inspired the jerks around her with the spice and zest of her own life). Although some of the humor can be a little corny, it generally succeeds in injecting an entertaining tone into the subject matter without trivializing it. Many of the saints lived hard lives and even suffered brutal martyrdoms, but they also had the grace and strength to be joyful. In a similar fashion, people today should be joyful in their remembrance of them.

Its also important to recognize that Foley pairs the fun aspects with more serious reflections. True, the book celebrates feasting, but it is also encourages gratitude for each feast. After each biography and recipe, Foley includes a section entitled Food for Thought in which he derives a deeper moral lesson from the saint. For instance, in the case of St. Ambrose, he notes the saints commitment to helping the poor and asks readers to reflect on how we can be more frugal in our lives, both for the sake of our families and for the sake of the less fortunate. Thus, each saint becomes something more than an excuse to eat well and share amusing anecdotes, but also an opportunity to become a more reflective Christian.

An added benefit of this work is Foleys gift for brevity. Without compromising on content or wit, Foley is still able to condense his biographies and overviews to less than a page each. This attests to his skill as a teacher and writer, as he can communicate clearly and concisely while encapsulating the pertinent subject matter in just a few sentences. Moreover, he avoids formulas and takes care that each entry is unique, demonstrating that he has indeed done some research on Church history and the multitude of cultures connected to the Church.

In this sense, the book puts the catholic in Roman Catholicism. Somewhat tragically, the universality and diversity of the Church has become somewhat neglected today as arguments over how to properly modernize the Church and how to cope with an increasingly anti-Christian society have taken precedence in discourse and debate. There are saints from all over the world, and, like a tiny shard of a great stained-glass window, each of them adds a little more color and light to the whole composition. The book tells of so many different lives from so many different eras and civilizations that it actually takes some time for the reader to digest (pun intended) and internalize, despite his gift for brevity. Foley might have a lighthearted tone, but his book is not exactly light reading.

Like most of the recipes it features, Dining with the Saints is very much a fusion of different types of books, and this could prove a drawback, depending on what readers are expecting. If youre looking for a straightforward book about the saints, or a cookbook, or a years worth of daily reflections, you may take issue with Foley mashing all these genresand doing so in the anachronistic form of a coffee-table book no less. All this might strike you as inconvenient and jarring when all these resources exist online and are easily accessed through your smartphone.

However, this book is an example of the whole being more than the sum of its parts. On one level, yes, it does what many apps and websites already do; but on a deeper level, it serves as a kind of focused introduction to the devout life. It features the lives of great saints and challenges readers not only to make and consume their corresponding dish but also to reflect on that saints example and follow it. The food and merriment will get the readers attention, but the saints, liturgical seasons, and what Foley says about them will guide readers toward a more spiritual frame of mind.

Thus, in a curious sense, the book achieves the direct opposite of what Upton Sinclair said of his own book The Jungle, which exposed the horrors of the meatpacking industry: I aimed at the publics heart and by accident I hit it in the stomach. In Dining with the Saints, Foley and Patalinghug aim at the publics stomach and intentionally hits it in the heart.
A jury trial planned for a Montgomery County man accused of killing a woman in an argument about a cell phone has been moved to August.

James Hunter Stallard, 39, returned to the countys circuit court Wednesday as attorneys reset the schedule for what is planned to be a two-day trial and argued over the evidence jurors may consider.

Stallard is charged with the first-degree murder of Crystal Dawn Raines Hannah, 44, which could carry a sentence of up to life in prison. He also is charged with concealing Hannahs body.

Stallards trial now is scheduled to start Aug. 16.

In court Wednesday, defense attorney Brad McConnell of Blacksburg and Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Chris Obenshain sparred about how many pictures of Hannahs body might be shown to jurors and whether they might hear accounts of previous violence between Stallard and Hannah.

Hannahs daughter testified last year that her mother and Stallard shared a very toxic relationship for about a dozen years. According to testimony at earlier hearings, Stallard told investigators that on June 5, 2022, he strangled Hannah when she would not let him see her cellphone. Stallard thought the phone held messages from other men.

Hannah had spent the night before at Stallards home in the 2600 block of North Fork Road and was getting ready to leave for work when the conflict began, he said.

Stallard told officers that he took Hannahs body across North Fork Road and left her in the woods, covered in leaves.

McConnell said that at Stallards trial, there would be no question about the cause of Hannahs death. Mr. Stallard has confessed, he said.

But jurors will have to decide if first-degree murder is the appropriate charge, based on whatever evidence attorneys are allowed to present.

McConnell asked Judge Mike Fleenor to bar prosecutors from letting Hannahs relatives, or others, describe earlier episodes of violence between the couple, noting that some might tell stories that he had not heard before and had no way to counter. Obenshain responded that Virginia law allows evidence of prior bad acts to be admitted in some circumstances, such as to help show motivation for a crime.

Since intent is a key part of a first-degree murder charge, questions of motivation are sure to be central to the trial, Obenshain noted.

McConnell also asked the judge to limit prosecutors to showing a single image of Hannahs body. With no dispute about what killed her, additional pictures would just inflame the jury, McConnell argued.

Fleenor ruled against the defense, at least for now, on both issues.

On the pictures, the judge said that crime scene photos long have been allowed into evidence and he saw no reason to change that.

As for possible stories of prior bad acts, Fleenor said that he would let Virginias rules of evidence control what came in.

During the trial, if McConnell thought a line of questioning was likely to bring out something that should not be allowed, he could renew his motion to block the testimony, Fleenor said.
A man who shipped unregistered firearm silencers to Roanoke was sentenced Wednesday to six years in prison.

Milford Thomas Washington, 57, assembled the devices in his Maryland apartment using parts he ordered online and sold them to a man who turned out to be an undercover agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Washington sent seven silencers to the agent in Roanoke from July 2021 to February 2022, according to court records, and was prepared to ship another 13 at the time of his arrest.

The silencers involved in this case are specifically designed to mask violent, criminal behavior, and pose a direct threat to public safety, U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh said in a news release.

The six-year sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen also included punishment for Washingtons sale of 800 counterfeit prescription pills that contained fentanyl.

Washington had a difficult upbringing and was convicted of armed robbery at the age of 20, according to a sentencing memorandum filed by assistant federal public defender Randy Cargill.

After serving 22 years in prison for that and other offenses, Washington dedicated himself to self-improvement, working his way through college and earning his paralegal certificate, Cargill wrote.

He became a valued employee of Rising for Justice, a nonprofit program that provides legal, counseling and housing assistance to recently released inmates and low-income residents in Washington, D.C.

But a former inmate who had befriended Washington in prison eventually led him back to criminal activity, the sentencing memorandum states.

I cannot explain why I did this, the document quotes Washington as saying. I let so many people down. I am doing all I can to make amends.
The Virginia Department of Health issued a harmful algae bloom advisory Tuesday for the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake. The news comes just as the lake community is ramping up for its busiest summer months.

The reported blooms have produced blue/green discoloration and algal scums that should be avoided, according to a news release from the VDH. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The public as well as pets such as dogs are advised to avoid contact with the water until algal concentrations return to acceptable levels, the report said.

Keri Green, chair of the Smith Mountain Lake Associations water quality council, provided an update on the status of the algae blooms during the Wednesdays meeting of the Smith Mountain Lake Water Safety Council. She said the first sightings of algae blooms were around May 22 between channel markers B21 and B25.

Green said heavy rains around Memorial Day likely exacerbated the situation. The rain dumped runoff into the lake consisting of lawn fertilizer and organic material such as leaves and grass that contain phosphorus which can fuel the algae blooms.

Several warm, sunny days following the rains helped the algae to bloom and start appearing in larger areas of the lake, Green said. Due to how the algae works, visual signs of a bloom can disappear and reappear throughout the day depending on time and temperature.

The sample collections were done by VDH following reports of algae in the area. The areas within the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake where samples were collected include a cove near Kemp Ford Road, a cove near Virginia Key Trail and a cove near the Anthony Ford Public Boat Landing.

According to the VDH release, most algal species are harmless. However, some species such as certain types of the blue/green algae currently found may produce irritating compounds or toxins. They ask lake visitors and residents to avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.

Sample results from collections on June 1 indicated a swimming advisory is necessary due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria, which have the potential to produce multiple toxins, the report reads. Toxin results at these sites are pending but will not change the advisory. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddleboarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water in this area. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in the advisory area.

VDH is currently placing warning signs at all public access sites around Smith Mountain Lake. The signs will remain up until the advisory ends.

Advisories will be lifted once two tests, taken 10 days apart, show levels of harmful bacteria, or toxins, have dropped to safe levels. VDH and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, is monitoring the water quality in the lake.

Due to the schedule of testing by VDH, Green said the earliest the advisory could be lifted is June 26. If high levels of cyanobacteria are found, the advisory could extend well beyond the July 4 holiday when Smith Mountain lake is at its busiest.

While news of the algae bloom advisory could potentially put a damper on summer vacationers, Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andy Bruns emphasized that the lake has several other means of enjoyment beyond activities in the lake. He also emphasized that those currently restricted activities can still be done along the Roanoke River arm of the lake.

Negative water quality test are extremely rare at Smith Mountain Lake, Bruns said. When they do occur, they are often after heavy rains like the ones around Memorial Day, he added.

Im optimistic this will pass like other negative reports following heavy rain storms, Bruns said.

Status updates on the advisory can be found on the VDH website along with a map of reported harmful algae blooms in the area. The site also includes a form to report any sightings of potentially harmful algae blooms.
Vintons 2023-24 budget was passed by the town council Tuesday night, which includes funding for a variety of capital projects.

The approximately $14.2 million budget is down from $17.7 million for the current year, due to the American Rescue Plan Act (pandemic relief) funds the town received last year, according to Finance Director Andrew Keen.

He said the majority of the federal funds received due to the COVID-19 pandemic were used to help with the transfer of the towns water utility systems to the Western Virginia Water Authority.

Part of our agreement was that we would use our ARPA funds to help facilitate that agreement  most of that money was used for updating utility infrastructure and things of that nature, Keen said Wednesday afternoon.

Tax rates will remain the same for town residents.

Keen said the towns annual valuation of homes rose by an average of nearly 12% this year, basically the same average as the rest of Roanoke County.

Vinton uses the countys system to determine its assessments as it does not have its own commissioner of revenue, Keen said.

We are budgeting $388,101 to be collected. This represents an increase of about 2% over last year, he wrote in a follow-up email. Although the assessment increased by roughly 12%, we have made an effort to keep our budgeted revenue estimates as low as possible should an economic downturn or mild recession unexpectedly occur.

The goal of this budget in regard to revenue estimates was to keep budgeted figures as conservative as possible without affecting town services and projects.

The town still has some ongoing capital projects from the current fiscal year, according to Keen, but the town has also allocated $1.3 million for a variety of new projects.

Due to supply chain issues, and just contractor availability, we werent able to complete all of the projects that we had slated in the FY 23 [current] year, Keen said. So we will have several of those projects ongoing [as well].

As far as new projects are concerned, the town is making multiple economic investments to accommodate new businesses coming to Vinton, Keen said.

There will be infrastructural improvements at the Pollard 107 South property, which is a new restaurant to be located on the corner of Pollard Street and Washington Avenue.

Keen said it is being opened by a part owner of local restaurants Cast Pints & Plates and Awful Arthurs, and will serve different types of American food options.

It is expected to open sometime this summer, he said.

The town is also doing similar improvements to the old Cleveland Mart that has been closed for years, but the Cleveland Avenue property is slated for a mixed-use development consisting of a newer convenience store and apartments, according to Keen.

Its essentially an economic development incentive, he said. We are putting the money forward with the anticipation that were paid back through different taxes and things like that.

Keen said sales, real estate and occupancy taxes are among the ways the locality gets a return on those types of economic investments, which are common when trying to attract new businesses.

Vinton will also be starting flood prone hazard mitigation and acquisition projects aiming to help properties located in flood plains, Keen said.

Additionally, the town will begin the second phase of creating a multigenerational park where the old town pool was located near the Vietnam War Memorial.

He said phase one was completed last year and consisted largely of filling in the old pool, but phase two will be adding amenities.

Were hoping to have, of course, the kids playground, pickleball courts and maybe some skate park amenities, Keen said.

Vinton will also be working to add new gateway signs displayed when people enter the town, he said.

Separate from the capital fund is another $1.4 million that will be used to pave roads, which Keen said the town is very proud to provide.

Additional items in the budget of note include a 7% raise for all employees and no increase in their health insurance, something Roanoke County also provided for its staff.

The town council also accepted a $60,000 donation from Pathfinders for Greenways at Tuesdays meeting to help complete phase two of the Glade Creek Greenway project.

The total cost of the current phase is approximately $667,000, and it will connect the Glade Creek Greenway to Walnut Ave and the greater Roanoke Valley Greenway network, Keen said.

The $60,000.00 donated by Pathfinders for Greenways will specifically go toward funding an overhead fall shelter protecting walkers and cyclists from falling debris under the Norfolk and Southern railroad track, he wrote.

The estimated completion of the 10-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian trail that extends just over half of a mile is spring 2024, according to Keen.
Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley has announced their Give Local 2023 initiative: "15 Ramps for 15 Homes in the New River Valley." All funds donated through Give Local between June 1 and June 29 will be used to build ramps for those in need, giving homeowners the opportunity to safely age in place. Habitat's goal is to raise $20,000 for the campaign.

Fifty percent of housing stock in the NRV is over 40 years old and in dire need of retrofitting for homeowners with declining mobility," said Executive Director Jim Drader in a news release about the initiative. "As leaders in the housing community, we have a responsibility to help our community members by providing safe access to their homes.

Individuals interested in donating can do so at the ReStore, located at 1675 N. Franklin St., or online at mightycause.com/organization/habitatnrv. Businesses interested in sponsoring a ramp should reach out to Drader directly by e-mailing jdrader@habitatnrv.org.

Those in need of a ramp for their home should fill out a Home Repair Request at habitatnrv.org.

Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley is part of the global Habitat nonprofit housing organization that seeks to build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. The local organization has built more than 65 houses in the area since 1987.

To learn more, visit https://www.habitatnrv.org.

- The Roanoke Times
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
More in Graduation Collection | Congratulations to the Class of 2023 (10 of 20)
With the understanding that the moniker attached to this 20th-century style of architecture relates to raw concrete rather than it's "brutal" nature, it's curious that it has earned such a negative image.

"If you think about popular culture, there is a raft of movies that painted Brutalist buildings in a bad way because of what was happening around those buildings," Buck says. He cites the housing estate in the film "A Clockwork Orange" as an example. Uses like this in popular culture have fed into the reputation of Brutalism's, well, brutalness.

Advertisement

In fact, Brutalist buildings are sometimes touted as ugly or hated. But it's important to keep in mind that the style had an important purpose and historical context.

"At the time, in the late '50s early '60s, the cost of concrete was pretty affordable," says Buck. In the postwar era, there was a surplus of energy and a big push for labor, so concrete felt like a sensible building material at the time. It became popular for authoritative buildings like government and university structures, as well as social housing.

In that era, people liked it. Architects that advocated for the style "sought to project a sense of strength through these large, fortress-like designs," Buck explains.

Yet even with the focus on sensibility and authority, Brutalist architecture had a softer side in that it displayed the rawness and imperfections of handmade items.

"There is something very human about that," says Buck.
" " Serpent Mound in Adams County, Ohio, is believed to have been built by the Fort Ancient people around 900 years ago. This protected historical earthwork is nearly a quarter of a mile long and represents a giant snake possibly holding an egg in its jaws. MPI/Getty Images

Imagine you're a person living in ancient times in what is now the state of Ohio. Your job is mostly to grow corn and hang out in your village, providing all the necessities of life for yourself and your community  making pottery to cook in, maintaining your home and working to procure food other than corn. But one day you're talking to some friends and you decide, Let's make a 1,376-foot-long (419-meter-long) snake sculpture on the edge of this meteorite crater over here!

If only we had a time machine to ask you, our friend from ancient times, what possessed you and your people to make such a thing. But that's why we have archaeologists.

Advertisement

Located in southwestern Ohio, Serpent Mound is a giant earthen mound  the largest serpent effigy in the world  thought to have been constructed by the Fort Ancient people around 900 years ago, although some argue that the site is much older and that the Fort Ancients did not build it, but actually refurbished it. Although no human remains or artifacts have been found in the sinuous, grassy hillock that is Serpent Mound, some graves and burial mounds stand nearby, probably built by the Adena culture  the Fort Ancient people's predecessors in the area  around 500 C.E. Regardless, Serpent Mound belongs to a class of structures called effigy mounds, which were commonly built in the shape of animals like bear, lynx, bison or birds, and often served as burial sites for ancient people.

" " Serpent Mound snakes along a plateau above the Serpent Mound crater, an ancient meteor crater. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Serpent Mound sits on the edge of a meteorite impact crater, and the serpent itself is between 19 and 25 feet (6 and 7.5 meters) wide and rises around 3 feet (1 meter) from the surrounding landscape, with its head formed by a rock cliff overhanging a nearby creek. Although it's difficult to know what its purpose was since it wasn't used for burials, it acts as a calendar  the sunset on the summer solstice lines up with the serpent's head. The three eastern-facing curves of the snake's body line up with the sunrise on the equinoxes, and the serpent's tail coils align with the winter solstice.

According to Ohio History Connection, Serpent Mound and eight other Ohio American Indian earthworks were chosen in 2008 by the U.S. Department of the Interior for inclusion on the United States tentative list of sites to be submitted to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) for inclusion on the prestigious World Heritage Sites list. If it is eventually inscribed on the list  possibly in 2023, according to Ohio History Connection's World Heritage Director Jennifer Aultman  Serpent Mound will join the ranks of the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, Pompeii, Stonehenge and the Taj Mahal as World Heritage Sites.

Serpent Mound is located within the Serpent Mound State Memorial, designated a National Historic Landmark in Peebles, Ohio. The site is closed Mondays, but maintains visitors hours all other days of the week.

" " Serpent Mound is on Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio. This map appeared in "Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley" by E. G. Squier in 1848. NNehring/Getty Images

Now That's Interesting Serpent Mound was first sketched and surveyed in 1847 by surveyors Ephraim Squier and Edwin Davis.
Drone footage of manta rays. Credit: Asia Armstrong

An urgent exploratory study is underway after the discovery of an unknown manta ray habitat off the northern tip of UNESCO World Heritage-listed K'gari, the world's largest sand island.

University of the Sunshine Coast Associate Professor Kathy Townsend said the researchers made the unexpected find after recently satellite tagging five manta rays near Lady Elliot Island, at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, approximately 120km north-east of K'gari.

"To our surprise, all five individuals headed south to the northern tip of K'gari, an area known as Long Shoals, and the data downloaded from their tags suggests it may be an important feeding, breeding or nursery site," Dr. Townsend said.

The UniSC research team says it now needs to urgently determine how many manta rays are at the site, examine behavior and habitat use, and also assess any threats from commercial fishing, bycatch and boat traffic and if the current levels of protection are adequate for this vulnerable species.

"As part of our investigations, we plan to conduct drone surveys and behavioral observations, measure individuals and sample their food resourcezooplankton," Dr. Townsend said.

But this presents some major challenges.

"Due to the limited access to the site and harsh diving conditions, it is very difficult to confirm what we are seeing in the satellite data with direct observations and measurements," Dr. Townsend said.

So UniSC and the Project Manta team has teamed up with Wildlife Warriors and the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC) Indigenous land and sea rangers to seek answers.

Wildlife Warriors is providing a research vessel as the platform for researchers to reach the manta rays, and BNTAC's Djaa Narawi Ranger program will assist the team with data gathering. Kingfisher Bay Resort on K'gari will accommodate the scientists and rangers for the first site visit from 916 July.

"Wildlife Warriors is delighted to be supporting Project Manta and the University of the Sunshine Coast with their research into the population of manta rays off K'gari," Dr. Terri Irwin AM said.

"Our Wildlife Warriors team will be operating Croc One, a vessel designed for scientific work, which will allow the researchers to further their studies vital in the protection of this iconic species," Dr. Irwin said.

Project Manta, now based at the University of the Sunshine Coast, has been actively researching manta rays in Australian waters since 2006 to unlock the mysterious life of the world's largest ray.

"In that time, we've gone from having little scientific knowledge about Australia's mantas, to being made aware of a second species," Dr. Townsend said.

"We've gathered extensive insights into their ecology and biology, and building a national database of over 3,000 individuals."

Research activities include acoustic and satellite tagging to observe migration patterns, and genetic sampling to determine population size and connectivity to locations in Australia and internationally. Tools such as plankton tows and satellite oceanography are used to investigate feeding and movement behaviors.

Dr. Townsend says this latest discovery reinforces that there is still much to learn about these enigmatic, graceful sea creatures.

Project Manta started on the east coast of Australia at two main study sitesLady Elliot Island and North Stradbroke Islandbefore expanding to a national partnership between UniSC, the University of Queensland, Murdoch University, and industry partners.

Provided by University of the Sunshine Coast
 New Sentencing Project report reviews "Adults 25 and Younger Sentenced to Life without Parole" | Main | SCOTUS limits reach of aggravated identity theft two-year mandatory statutory add-on sentence 

June 7, 2023

Spotlighting notable sentence reduction for prisoner sexually abused by multiple BOP guards

This new NPR piece, headlined "Prison sexual assault victims can now petition for compassionate release," highlights a recent grant of a sentence reduction under 3582(c)(1)(A) for a prisoner who was repeatedly sexually abused by federal prison guards. Here are the particulars and some broader context:

For years, Aimee Chavira suffered sexual abuse in a Dublin, Calif., federal prison by the officers responsible for protecting her. Now, thanks to a program known as compassionate release, she is free. And her freedom could help pave a similar path for other people who experienced physical or sexual assault behind bars. "We are very hopeful that this can lead to more women who were abused at Dublin getting out," said Erica Zunkel, Chavira's lawyer. Chavira, 44, has been home for less than two weeks after learning her request for compassionate release had been granted by a federal judge. Those petitions allow people in prison the chance to convince a court they should be freed because of extraordinary and compelling circumstances. Typically, those cases involve terminal illness or other dire medical conditions. In April, the U.S. Sentencing Commission, a federal body that sets advisory guidelines, voted to expand the bases for compassionate release to include sexual and physical assault by prison workers. Chavira reported her abuse to a psychologist and a warden at the Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin. But they did nothing. The warden later was convicted of sexual abuse and lying to the FBI. Five other officials have been charged with sexually abusing women at the facility, in what became known as a so-called "Rape Club." One of them, John Bellhouse, was convicted this week on charges that include sexual abuse of an incarcerated person. Chavira said she knows women from the Dublin prison who have been moved to other facilities, where they continue to suffer retaliation and face trauma. "This is just one prison that's coming out to the light," she said. "What's happening in all the rest of the prisons with the rest of the people that don't have any help or a voice?" Last year, a bipartisan probe by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations found widespread sexual abuse by officers in federal prisons with few consequences for those officers.... Zunkel, the associate director of the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School, said it's important that Chavira and other survivors of assault get released as soon as possible. "The experts confirm it doesn't matter if you're moved to a different prison, it doesn't matter if they're offered the very best therapy possible, the Bureau of Prisons is a fundamentally unsafe place for a survivor of sexual violence to recover from," Zunkel said. In Chavira's case, prosecutors did not object to her request for compassionate release.... Chavira said she's determined to speak out for all the people she met in prison who are still experiencing abuse and poor conditions behind bars. "There is no help, if you went in in one piece, you're coming back out in a million pieces, because you're beyond broken," she said. For now, she said she intends to get stronger emotionally and "show everybody, you know, I went through this, and I got out of it."

The short ruling granting compassionate release is available here and the detailed motion filed by Erica Zunkel on behalf of Aimee Chavira is available here.

June 7, 2023 at 10:23 PM | Permalink

Comments

Did she have the right of self-defense?

Posted by: federalist | Jun 8, 2023 8:31:06 AM

Some bad news on the murder front . . . . https://www.nationalreview.com/news/d-c-reaches-100-homicides-quickest-rate-in-20-years/?utm_source=recirc-desktop&utm_medium=blog-post&utm_campaign=river&utm_content=top-bar-latest&utm_term=third

Posted by: federalist | Jun 8, 2023 8:35:54 AM

federalist:

1. There was no contention that Ms. Chavira was wrongfully imprisoned. Wasn't that always the foundation for your peculiar claims about some special prisoners having some special rights while imprisoned?

2. City-by-city homicide rates often seem so unpredictable. Lots of big cities are seeing murder declines this year -- 2/3s according to the AH Analytics accounting, with some of the biggest cities like NYC, LA, Houston, Philly so far down 15% or more. But still a number of big cities like DC, Dallas, Memphis, Miami and KC are seeing significant murder upticks this year. My own Columbus saw a 30+% decline in 2022, but is having a rough start to 2023.

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 8, 2023 9:18:51 AM

Certainly, a sexual assault victim has the right to use deadly force to prevent the assault, whether incarcerated or not? No?

Posted by: federalist | Jun 8, 2023 9:53:23 AM

https://freebeacon.com/democrats/soros-funded-da-gives-teen-linked-to-3-murders-just-7-years-in-prison/

Speaking of sentence reductions . . . .

Posted by: federalist | Jun 8, 2023 10:28:38 AM

federalist: under Ohio common law, a person can use deadly force in self defense if she had an honest and reasonable "belief that she was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that her only means of escape was the use of force." Ohio v. Thomas, 77 Ohio St. 3d 323 (Ohio 1997). Most sexual assaults will qualify, in Ohio and elsewhere, as a threat of great bodily harm to justify the use of deadly force to prevent the assault.

But, again, I thought our most recent discussions about prisons and prisoners were not about generally applicable SD rules, but rather about your peculiar claims that some special category of prisoners have some special category of rights while imprisoned. Have you abandoned your prior curious and unclear contentions that some (undefined) subset of prisoners have some (undefined) special rights while in prison?

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 8, 2023 11:51:33 AM

Federalist,

Without reading the entire piece, when it comes to prison, sexual assault often means consensual sex between officers and inmates. The latter are seen as not being able to consent.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jun 8, 2023 12:08:39 PM

I have not abandoned at all. If self-defense is a constitutional right, and it is, it has to mean that people have the right to defend themselves against the government using fraud or other extreme measures to incarcerate them. As a matter of power, well, that view of the world isn't going to do a whole lot because they have the guns and the numbers. Understand that your view of the world condones micro-tyrannies in what is supposedly the land of the free. Honest mistakes, we all have to live with, that's the price of admission, but situations where a cop procures an arrest warrant because he's butthurt over his ex-wife's comments, you are asking a lot when you ask that she acquiesce to being put in handcuffs. I don't feel that society has that moral right. The reason you have so much casual abuse of rights (e.g., what was being done under the guise of a Terry stop in NYC) is that government actors often pay no price for the most egregious of abuses.

In the Dublin case, there seems to have been a fair bit of coercion. Apparently, this woman had no right of self-defense: https://reduxx.info/exclusive-female-inmate-at-nj-womens-prison-alleges-brutal-assault-by-trans-identified-male-transfer/

Posted by: federalist | Jun 8, 2023 1:40:54 PM

For insight as to the mindset of our brother "Federalist", please refer to one of his sources of information which he posted above (that is the "Washington Free Beacon", a far-right wing extremist online publication, founded by far-right provacateur and gadfly, Michael Goldfarb).

If at all interested, you can read this illuminating summary about this Goldfarb fella at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Goldfarb_(political_writer)

Federalist...really...why not some publications from the John Birch Society? Seems like that source would be right up (or down) your alley and you can then flood this blog with even more Extreme Rwing tripe.

Posted by: SG | Jun 8, 2023 3:09:31 PM

Deal with the arguments . . . .

Your president, by his own daughter's admission in a diary, took showers with her. Yuck. And you're whining about the WFB.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 8, 2023 3:51:39 PM

federalist, I appreciate that you have now made explicit what always seemed, as I have been asserting, always the underlying premises of your claims, namely that you are expressing your feelings about morality, not legal rule. As you put it now: "I don't feel that society has that moral right."

You are, of course, 100% entitled to have and express your feelings about morality, and your moral feelings do not need to be logical or even comprehensible to others. But that's why I sought in prior discussions to distinguish the "rule of law" from the "rule of federalist."

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 8, 2023 4:05:02 PM

Once again, since self-defense is a constitutional right, how does it give way when it's the government . . . . put differently, how is it a cop can get his buddy the magistrate to issue an arrest warrant for speech plainly protected by the First Amendment and principles of self-defense don't engage? We've already agreed that self-defense against government actors is ok, and you posit that it's ok only when the self-defense is directed at the bad actor when the bad actor is doing something really bad. How is that a distinguishing factor--you could say in my ex-wife hypo that the cop was following an arrest warrant issued by a magistrate--ok, but that guy chose to be a cop, the ex-wife didn't choose to have a blatantly illegal arrest warrant issued against her. And, do you think the cop who served it did know what was up? And if he did, under your theory, the ex-wife would have the right to defend herself against the arrest.

Your argument, in the face of a clear constitutional right, seems to be "We can't have this anarchy." Well, I would argue that when ex-wives are being arrested in such a manner, we can't have that either. And when does the right kick in?-would Argentine parents, who had their kids stolen, be justified in killing those responsible to get them back? Well, what about in Canada where a dad was jailed because he did not want the state to mutilate his child under the guise of gender-affirming care. Here, in Washington State, the state can transition your kid at the tender age of 13, and there, allegedly, ain't thing one you can do about it. Ultimately, my point is that when a cop gets his buddy the magistrate to issue an arrest warrant because he's butthurt about some complaint made by his ex-wife, we aren't dealing with the rule of law, we are dealing with the rule of power, and once power is unleashed people get to exercise the power that they can get away with. And at some point, your arguments support the "law" in the CCP, Nazi Germany, Iran and even North Korea--yeah, those prisoners have no legal right to escape, right Doug?

The people who founded this country thought like I do.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 8, 2023 6:36:19 PM

Once again, federalist, you seem incapable of distinguishing between moral views and extant law. I am not contending that immoral laws are moral, just that they are existing laws. Your latest feelings about laws that bother you serves, yet again, to show that the "rule of federalist" is not the "rule of law." But if you ever decide to start a violent revolution, please start by going after the former g-men like Bill Otis and former prison guards like Tarls and leave me out.

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 8, 2023 8:49:33 PM

Doug and Federalist,

This may be relevant to your discussion.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-man-who-pummeled-shot-at-female-deputy-found-not-guilty-despite-video-of-attack

 Young's defense attorney, however, argued that McCarthy had no lawful reason to do what she was doing, and therefore his client was acting in self-defense.

 Raj Malin, the defense lawyer, told Los Angeles' ABC 7 that McCarthy did not have reasonable suspicion to justify patting down his schizophrenic client when she arrived on scene.

"The issue was, was the initial detention of Mr. Young legal?" he told the station. "If it's not, then he's not guilty. ... He could punch her 100 times, and it wouldn't matter."





Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jun 8, 2023 9:10:53 PM

Thanks much, Master Tarls, a very interesting case. Seems to me proper that prosecutors brought charges, but federalist might not see it that way based on my understanding of some of his prior comments. Indeed, I think federalist may say it would have been entirely legal for Ari Young to kill Deputy McCarthy.

Also interesting that, according to another story, "Young was shot several times [by other deputies] and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital." I wonder what the "rule of federalist" would say about that shooting.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jun 8, 2023 9:58:41 PM

Fascinating, but this doesn't seem like lawful self-defense at all. Not sure that the instruction should have ever been given . . . . hope the jurors can live with themselves.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 9:30:17 AM

And I have repeatedly said, we have to live with honest mistakes . . . .

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 9:31:06 AM

How should Prez Trump and his supporters (and also his detractors) sort out which state and federal law enforcement actions are "honest mistakes" as opposed to "hoaxes" and "warfare" involving "the rule of power" that would permit armed resistance? Will the oracle of federalist soon be providing guidance on these matters?

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 9, 2023 9:43:52 AM

These prosecutions are really problematic. If resistance happens, it's a problem. None of this is the rule of law.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 9:55:07 AM

oracle of federalist, the takeaway is unclear: according to the "rule of federalist" that you have been spinning out, is armed resistance to law enforcement by Trump and his supporters within their "legal right"? If so, what forms of armed resistance and by whom are within the scope of what you consider a "legal right"?

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 9, 2023 10:04:00 AM

The answer is that I don't know. Obviously, the DOJ has lost all sense of perspective and has different standards for Trump/Republicans than it does for Democrats. That's a problem, and who knows where it will lead.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 10:13:28 AM

Doug, since you seem to think that North Korean prisoners don't get to lawfully escape, I think you prove my point--at some point, we aren't really dealing with law, but rather power. I'll grant that peace requires submission to the government in many cases, but where do you draw the line? And how do you keep that from creating a police state--you really think it's cool that James O'Keefe got roughed up for performing journalism or that Bogdan Vechirko was prosecuted to provide cover to scum like Governor Walz?

What's going on with Trump is a problem. The same DOJ that tipped the scales in the 2020 election is now prosecuting the former President.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 10:24:38 AM

For the record, federalist, I think some North Korean prisoners have a moral right to escape --- though I doubt you claim serial killers like Park Myung-sik ought not be brought to justice by other nations, and I am also unsure if you making comparable "legal" claims for prisoners in China and Russia and the Philippines and the vast majority of other nations that do not have US style legal systems. And that's the problem with the "rule of federalist" -- which captures your feelings, but lacks any clear or predictable content.

That said, it does seem your feelings are akin to the BLM crowd, as you fret about a problematic "police state." But, other than partisan commitments, it is hard to figure out which "police state" abolition is sought when feelings lead to the prattling off of all sorts of matters (like transgender cases).

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 9, 2023 11:07:00 AM

The double standards at work are impossible to deny.

And the problem with the rule of power (when law is blown off) is that you have micro-tyrannies imposed by the City of Parma. And you have judges like the execrable Emmett Sullivan covering for prosecutors.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 11:18:36 AM

And you have what happened to Bogdan Vechirko.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 11:19:32 AM

And do the NoKo prisoners have the right to kill guards in order to effectuate their escape? And are you cool with James O'Keeffe getting roughed up? Cool with the prosecution of those who found Ashley Biden's diary? Cool with the "Hunter laptop is Russian misinfo"? Cool with Washington state saying that they can take your kid and cut his dick off?

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 11:24:18 AM

I barely have time, federalist, to focus on sentencing-related laws and legal rulings, and I have already spent way too much time in comments engaging with your feelings on a wide range of matters that trigger you. (If you start a blog or substack to express all your feelings, I will be sure to check it out.)

Generally speaking, I trust the US legal system to sort matters through and to provide the American people, though the democratic process, means to change laws that do not serve us well. Do your feelings lead you to generally trust or distrust the US legal system? Isn't that really the core question here, especially when you preaching that armed resistance, rather than the remedies provided by law, is (often?) justified? Do your feelings lead you to view our justice system as just a variant of North Korea?

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 9, 2023 11:32:55 AM

The core question is whether the constitutional right of self-defense allows people to lawfully resist tyranny.

Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2023 11:59:05 AM

Your new framing prompts questions of when is there "tyranny" in the US and who gets to decide that as a matter of "law"? (And also what is the reach and limits of your asserted "constitutional right of self-defense.")

I have sincerely tried to better understand the "rule of federalist," but I think I should at this stage give up to have more time to focus on more productive inquiries.

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 9, 2023 12:45:11 PM

Post a comment
He apologises for her 'horrendous statements' during her stand-up performance, adding that they does not speak for Singaporeans

Strongly denouncing Chia's comments, Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia asserts that her perspective is in no way representative of the Singapore government or its citizens. (PHOTO: YouTube/Screengrab/AdolaTube)

SINGAPORE  Comedian Jocelyn Chia has faced criticism from Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and the city-state's High Commissioner to Malaysia for her stand-up routine that made fun of the MH370 Malaysia Airlines plane tragedy.

On Thursday (8 June), Balakrishnan expressed his disapproval in a tweet, stating,"I am appalled by her horrendous statements. She certainly does not speak for Singaporeans. We treasure our ties with family and friends in Malaysia, and are sorry for the offence and hurt caused to all Malaysians."

Balakrishnan's response was prompted by a tweet from Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who condemned Chia for treating a tragedy as a form of entertainment, deeming it "just in bad taste."

Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan condemns comedian Jocelyn Chia's remarks, expressing dismay and offering apologies to Malaysians for the offence caused. (PHOTO: Twitter/@VivianBala)

High Commissioner stresses importance of Singapore-Malaysia relationship

Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, has also condemned the comedian for her "gratuitously offensive comments" during her stand-up performance in New York.

In a Facebook post on Thursday (8 June), Menon expressed disapproval of Chia's act, and emphasised that the Singapore-born comedian's views did not reflect those of the Singapore government or its people.

He said in his post, "I am appalled by the gratuitously offensive comments made by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia.

"The Singapore government does not condone words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others and Chia, who is no longer Singaporean, does not in any way reflect our views.

"I sincerely apologise to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks."

Menon added that Singapore and Malaysia enjoy a strong and multi-faceted relationship, have deep and cross-cutting ties, as well as unique historical and close people-to-people connections between the two countries.

"Comments such as those made by Chia are unhelpful, and undermine the close trust and friendship that both our countries and peoples enjoy," he wrote in his Facebook post.

Chia's controversial performance at the Comedy Cellar Club went viral on social media, and included jokes about Singapore's relationship with Malaysia, as she made references to Singapore's progress after separation from Malaysia in 1965.

Additionally, she commented on Malaysian airplanes and made an apparent reference to the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 in 2014.

Her jokes about MH370 faced backlash from Malaysians, who deemed her remarks distasteful as the families of the victims are still grieving over the tragedy.

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
 CloudMile CloudMile 215 SSD219 5313 54.1%  391.2 Q   AI Apple Vision ProMeta  CPI  68343.8551.15 6912.43100 8220.025   681.49249.72 597.21  150% 550.4 32% 52.5 10.9% 53986 5.1% 59447.1 4.3% 537.3 2.36% 616A0.732 302.14  0.04% MR2.7 681001.67  0.61% 0.47% 1.03%5% 4600 9  6%
REMSEN, Iowa  The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported Thursday that the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect species well known for destroying trees, has been confirmed in Plymouth County for the first time.

Insect samples were taken from an ash tree in Remsen, Iowa by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship after officials received an alert from a tree service company about a possible infestation, according to a release from the state agency.

The green beetle from northeast Asia was initially found in Iowa was in 2010 in Allamakee County. Since then, the species, which tunnels through the wood of ash trees, has been found in every Iowa county except for Emmet and Palo Alto. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture, the insect's North American discovery came in 2002 when it was found in southeast Michigan.

In January of this year, the ash borer, which can do enough damage to destroy a tree within four years, was confirmed in Sioux City for the first time. About 28% of trees in Sioux City's parks and along streets are ash. All the way back to July 2021, Sioux City Parks Maintenance Supervisor Kelly Bach said officials were preparing for possible infestation.

"We are removing trees that are in the right of way in our park system. On an as-needed basis, we are evaluating them. There are some very healthy ash trees still in the right of way," he said at the time. "There may be some left for host trees, because if you get everything cleared out around it, it's going to fly a mile to two miles and try to find a new host. To try to contain it a little bit, you leave some sacrificial trees."

Last fall, Bach said city staff identified ash trees that would be removed and sent letters to impacted property owners. When they didn't hear back from certain property owners, he said staff knocked on doors and delivered the letters.

A target goal for a Sioux City contractor working with local officials was to remove 200 ash trees in order to combat possible infestation by the borer. Per the Iowa Department of Agriculture: The way to tell if an ash tree is infested is to look for "canopy thinning, leafy sprouts shooting up from the trunk or main branches, serpentine (S-shaped) galleries under the bark, bark splitting, woodpecker damage and 1/8-inch D-shaped exit holes."

"Properly applied insecticides provide the best protection against the beetle," extension entomologist Mark Shour wrote.

By one count from the Arbor Day Foundation, the ash borer has destroyed 40 million trees in Michigan alone and tens of millions in other states and in Canada.
SIOUX CITY  The Iowa Utilities Board is set to host a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24 at the Sioux City Convention Center to discuss MidAmerican Energy's proposal to raise gas delivery rates for customers in the state.

On average, MidAmerican anticipates customers would see a 6% increase for their total monthly gas bills, according to a release from the Berkshire Hathaway-owned company.

"Although the rates would increase for the delivery of natural gas, the price of the natural gas fuel has been declining. If this trend continues, MidAmerican estimates that customers will see an estimated 30% decrease in their year-over-year bills," MidAmerican said in the release.

A 2022 financial filing lists MidAmerican's total operating revenue for year as $4.025 billion. Nearly 75% of that revenue came from "regulated electric" while the other quarter came from "regulated gas." The company's operating income was listed as $438 million, 85% coming from electric and 15% from gas.

In the release, Nick Nation, vice president of gas delivery at MidAmerican, said the company's "been able to control costs and keep our gas rates the same for more than 20 years."

With the proposal, the Iowa Utilities Board will seek comments from customers across the state before making a final ruling in May 2024. Sioux City will be the first site of a meeting. Subsequent discussions are set for July 26 (Majestic Moon, Waterloo), July 27 (Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conference Center, Des Moines), July 31 (The River Center, Davenport), August 1 (The Olympic South Side Theater, Cedar Rapids) and August 3 (virtual).

More info about the dates, times and locations can be found by going to: iub.iowa.gov.

Unlimited access An unlimited access subscription gets our E-edition as well as articles on siouxcityjournal.com, with no surveys, free access to the past two 
There have been so many interpretations of Stephen Sondheims Sweeney Todd it probably was time to give it a more traditional spin.

Director Thomas Kail stuffs his stage with actors, fills his pit with dozens of musicians. The result is a lush production that suggests what the 1979 original must have been like.

Even better? It has Josh Groban in the lead role  a baritone who will make you weep when you hear the way he can sell those songs. In support: Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett, his partner in crime. Because the meat pie maker is enamored with Sweeney (a new take), theres a lustier relationship that produces plenty of laughs. Theres also a swarm of townspeople who move in tandem (not unlike the folks in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which also was choreographed by Steven Hoggett). That lends a sense of urgency and helps refine the story.

For those who couldnt quite follow Sweeneys descent into madness in other iterations, this production spells it out very clearly. Blood doesnt spurt like a Grade B horror flick. It trickles out, making the demon barber of Fleet Street difficult to pin down.

Fueling Todds anger is a vile judge  one who raped his wife and abducted his daughter. Eager to get back at him, he sets up a barber shop above Mrs. Lovetts pie shop. Because the supply chain is low (cats, apparently, are hard to catch), they hatch a plot to grind up his victims and serve them in pies. The surprise? Theyre incredibly popular with consumers. Todds goal, though, is to get Judge Turpin (Jamie Jackson) in his chair. Once there, the two sing Pretty Women, a moving ballad that has multiple intentions.

That missing daughter, Johanna (Maria Bilbao), is locked in an upper room, unable to protest the judges bizarre proposal. At her disposal: a young sailor (Jordan Fisher) who wants to help her out of the madness.

Mrs. Lovett has her own accomplice  Tobias, a simple-minded young man whose keeper has disappeared thanks to a shaving accident.

Those helpers figure into the resolution of Sweeneys story and add to its unsettling demeanor.

Kail is great at stirring the pot, then letting it boil. He makes the most of a bridge that hangs over all of the activity and gets out of the way when Ashford lets her improvisational skills loose. Shes a marvel  the best Mrs. Lovett since Angela Lansbury  who uses youthfulness as strength. When shes crawling around Groban, you get new motivation and meaning.

While a factory whistle was a key part of the original production, its not essential here. Instead, other musical tricks fill the bill, giving this Sweeney Todd a different taste, if you will.

Well-sung, the music accomplishes so much in the process of telling a dark, dark story. It gives Groban the perfect showcase and Ashford a new dimension to her already stellar career.

Bloody good.
DES MOINES  With somewhat unusual timing, Iowa Senate Democrats elected a new leader Wednesday night.

Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa Legislature typically elect their respective leaders shortly after elections every two years.

But on Wednesday night, Senate Democrats met and unanimously elected Dubuque Sen. Pam Jochum as their new leader, in the process ousting previous leader Sen. Zach Wahls, of Coralville.

Senate Democrats on Wednesday night and Thursday morning did not address the reason for the change.

Jochum and Wahls did not immediately return messages seeking comment Thursday morning.

The Iowa Capital Dispatch, Iowa Field Report, and Iowa Starting Line reported Wednesday that many Senate Democrats were upset that Wahls, as caucus leader, recently fired two longtime staffers, Eric Bakker and Debbie Kattenhorn.

A person with knowledge of Senate Democrats deliberations, who requested not to be identified, said the change in leadership stemmed from a dispute over Wahls dismissal of Bakker and Kattenhorn. Their last day in the office was Friday, June 2.

Sen. Molly Donahue, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, however, said the vote was most definitely not about one single issue. Donahue would not elaborate.

This was an internal caucus decision. There were a lot of different reasons for all of it, and it is a great decision for our caucus, she said of the unanimous decision to elect Jochum, which included Wahls.

This was just something that needed to happen at this time, and it will be good for us in the long run, Donahue said. Everybody is still committed to making sure that we gain more seats and that we raise that money. And everyone will be putting in the work that needs to be put in to do so, including Sen. Wahls. Hes just going to be in a different position.

Bakker, who served as a senior legislative aide to the Iowa Senate Democratic Leader since the early 2000s, did not return a message seeking comment Thursday morning. Kattenhorn had worked in the Iowa Senate Democratic Leaders since the mid-2000s, according to a state employee salary book.

Jason Noble, communications director for Iowa Senate Democrats, declined to provide a copy of Wahls email to the caucus last week announcing the terminations and that he was restructuring the leaders office. He said it is an internal message to senators and staff concerning personnel matters that cannot be released.

Wahls, 31, was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018, and in 2020 was elected leader of the minority-party Senate Democrats, who are outnumbered in the chamber by Republican super majority, 34-16.

Wahls first gained prominence in 2011 when he spoke on the Iowa House floor about his two mothers as legislators debated a proposal to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

Jochum, 68, has served in the Iowa Senate since 2009, and prior to that had served in the Iowa House since 1993.

In 2012, Jochum was chosen by fellow senators to serve as president of the Iowa Senate, becoming the second woman in Iowa to hold the position when Democrats last controlled the chamber until 2017. Most recently, she has served as one of four assistant minority leaders.

I am honored to receive the unanimous support of my fellow Democratic Senators during this critical moment for our caucus and the state of Iowa, Jochum said in the statement, in which she thanked Wahls for his vision and leadership. Senate Democrats look forward to offering a better way forward for the people of Iowa  in 2024 and beyond. Were going to defend our incumbent senators, grow our caucus, and win a majority that delivers for middle-class Iowans.

Jochum played a leading role in expanding affordable health insurance coverage to working Iowans and has been a staunch advocate for Iowans with disabilities to protect their health services following the privatization of Iowas Medicaid system. Jochum often discussed her late daughter's severe intellectual disability to highlight frustrations with Iowas Medicaid program.

Pam Jochum is a highly-qualified, highly-dedicated Democrat that will lead our Senate caucus well, Sen. Claire Celsi, a Democrat from West Des Moines, said.

With Jochums election, Iowa Democrats would boast all-female leadership in the Iowa Legislature, assuming House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, is reelected to the position.

Women also currently serve in the No. 2 leadership positions of the Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate, and the Iowa Democratic Party is led by chair Rita Hart, a former state senator from Clinton County.

That is believed to be a first for a major political party in Iowa.

We all are committed to making gains, it doesnt matter male or female, Donahue said. It may be a pivotal moment to have all-women in the lead, but its just the way it happened at this point. Pam was the one that stepped up.  I think its great to have all-women leadership.

Donahue cited Jochums long tenure in the Iowa Legislature working in leadership roles in both the minority and majority.

Shes been an integral part of the success of Democrats, and she is extremely passionate about getting us back to that point, she said.

The next session of the Iowa General Assembly convenes Jan. 8, 2024.
EMERSON, Neb.  When it comes to community projects, never underestimate the will, and generosity, of small-town residents.

The latest case as proof: A bit more than two years ago, a group of Emerson residents organized the Emerson Veterans Memorial Park Committee to plan and build a new veterans memorial in this town of approximately 800 people.

Once they settled on a plan, they set out to raise $250,000 to build Emerson Veterans Memorial Park and establish a maintenance fund. Committee member Barb Gilster believed at the time it would take two years, a time line that had other committee members shaking their heads with skepticism.

Fellow committee member Corliss Hassler thought Gilster's hopes were aggressive, but they dove in and began to solicit donations.

Two years later, much of the $250,000 is in hand, and concrete footings were poured in late May. It's hoped the memorial will be finished in July.

Hassler, who wrote many of the grant applications seeking funding, can't believe it.

"I was amazed they could raise this much money in a small town," Hassler said. "It's been the best-supported project we've had in decades."

She said 47% of the donations came from individuals rather than big gifts from corporations or other businesses. Other large donations came from community groups such as the community thrift store that supports numerous local causes with proceeds from sales and the Emerson Betterment Committee. The veterans memorial committee also staged fundraisers and secured grants.

"This had the whole community involved," Hassler said.

It didn't hurt that it's for a popular cause. Veterans memorial committee president and Emerson American Legion Post 60 member Dave Mahler said the community always has been supportive of veterans.

"I think everybody's in support of the veterans, and it was a good project to solicit for," said Mahler, an Air Force veteran.

For years, Mahler said, the Legion had talked about updating or replacing a small memorial on Main Street next to the Legion's building, which is now a grocery store. The memorial had a small statue and a signboard with a list of veterans' names that hadn't been updated in a long time.

"We were going to replace it with something, and that something never really materialized," Mahler said.

The veterans memorial committee formed in April 2021 to finally replace the older memorial. The committee of about 10 members settled on a design similar to one in nearby Osmond, Nebraska: Seven black granite stones, which will have the names of 818 area veterans, living and dead, engraved upon them. Four benches will allow visitors to spend as much time as they wish at the memorial, which will be illuminated at night. Flags representing each branch of the military will fly behind the stones, and a taller flagpole flying the American flag will be front and center amidst a pavilion of stamped concrete. The committee decided to add three military statues to the design and will complete landscaping with spruce trees behind the site.

The memorial will be along Nebraska Highway 9 as you approach town from the north. The Legion bought two vacant city lots from Sacred Hearth Catholic Church, and there's adequate street parking and a parking lot across the street to facilitate ceremonies at the site.

"There is no place better than that," Mahler said. "That particular spot, the visibility is huge."

Gilster and Hassler said the committee is in the final stages of raising money for the statues and establishing the maintenance fund. With much of the fundraising's heavy lifting finished, they and the rest of the community will eagerly watch the memorial take shape. It's hard for Mahler to believe that by the end of the summer, a community improvement that many had long talked about will finally become a reality.

"For a long time it looked like it was way out in the distance," he said. "It's amazing how this has come around."

It came around with the help of just about everyone in town.
WASHINGTON  In an era when companies are building driverless cars and 30-inch infotainment screens, the auto industry found itself in Congress this week fighting over technology that's a little more old school: AM radio.

Bipartisan lawmakers are considering requiring automakers to keep AM radio in all new vehicles as some companies  including Tesla Inc., Volkswagen AG, Volvo Cars and BMW AG  are eliminating the frequency from electric vehicles because battery motors interfere with signals.

During a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing Tuesday, the lobbying arm of the U.S. auto industry asked lawmakers not to do that, saying that plenty of technology is available to transmit safety messages, and that mandates could hamper future innovation.

That argument was met with united skepticism from both Democrats and Republicans: Lawmakers argued that AM radio is a crucial source for local news and public safety messages in remote areas.

"When hurricanes, tornadoes or other natural disasters strike, AM radio remains steadfast, providing vital information to those in affected areas when other communication channels fail," said subcommittee chair Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio.

Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Doris Matsui, D-California, said "we know AM radio is more than just a lifeline during an emergency. For many, it represents an irreplaceable connection with their community."

The electrical components in electric vehicle batteries generate static that makes it harder to receive clear AM radio signals. Some automakers aimed to minimize that interference, the committee said, while several automakers opted to eliminate AM radio from new EVs.

AM radio frequencies generally have poorer sound quality and are more susceptible to interference than FM radio, but AM can be heard further away from a transmitter than FM.

On Tuesday, a representative for automakers said the industry takes "the safety of consumers and the public seriously" but that there is a federal system (the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, or IPAWS) that provides multiple alert options that will ensure people can get emergency information.

"The federal government and industry must work together to modernize IPAWS and continue to incorporate new technologies," said Scott Schmidt, vice president for safety policy at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. "Doing so will ensure we collectively provide the best, most capable and resilient technologies to the public, also strengthening public safety."

He added that there is declining listenership for AM radio: "We are technology agnostic in the sense that we are looking to deliver alerts to our customers as efficiently as possible, as broadly as possible, in the most efficient manner and in a manner that's not going to decline in the future."

Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, said she spoke with federal officials about IPAWS' abilities and believes "we are not adequately prepared to reach all Americans in the event of a disaster."

The president of a network of radio stations in Indiana and Ohio and an officer from the New Jersey State Police also spoke in favor of keeping AM radio. They said AM is the most consistent, dependable platform in case of emergencies.

Panel members raised concerns that automakers may start charging customers for access to AM and FM radio.

"The fact that AM is free is something that should cause all of us to sit up and take notice," said Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan. "This is how people in rural areas like my district get their news. They connect with their religion, they raise money for local causes, they take part in diverse conversations that they might not otherwise have access to."

Schmidt said he can only speak to the industry's safety commitment, that automakers will ensure drivers have access to free public alerts and safety warnings.

The congressional uproar over AM radio began last month when Latta and 103 other members of Congress sent a letter to automakers that planned to eliminate AM radio.

Two days later, a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, introduced the "AM for Every Vehicle Act," which would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to mandate that new vehicles come with AM radio at no additional cost. Sens. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley announced the company would reverse its April decision to eliminate AM radio in new models beginning next year.
A vacant business bay at Nebraska Crossing shopping center is decorated as if a Lego toy store may be on its way.

The storefront in the Gretna center is postered with images of the brightly colored brick toys and of the squat, claw-handed human figures from the toy sets.

Above the door is a Lego logo, and below it the company's website address, Lego.com.

Officials remained silent Tuesday, however, on whether Lego has indeed settled on Gretna for a new store. Neither the toy company nor the shopping mall would confirm that a deal has been struck.

Rumors have been flying for months about Nebraska getting its first Lego store. A website that highlights metro area development happenings ignited the speculation. The Grow Omaha website, in its weekly market report March 16, said that Lego representatives visited the city.

Representatives from Lego were in town last week touring various retail properties, the site reported.

The closest Lego stores are in Kansas City and Minneapolis.

Lego officials back then wouldn't even confirm the visit.

The World-Herald Tuesday contacted Lego public affairs again for comment, but a representative wasn't ready to spill the beans  or in this case, the Lego bricks.

"Thank you for reaching out, but Im afraid the answer remains the same: We do not comment on future store plans and deliberations," said spokesperson Andreas Friias.

A spokesperson for Nebraska Crossing was similarly mum. Johanna Boston would only say that Lego is looking in the market.

"Nothing is confirmed," Boston said.

During 2022, Lego grew its global network of stores, opening 155 new stores together with partners, taking total stores globally to 904, according to the company's 2022 annual report.

In 2023, we will continue to make significant investments in our retail platforms to reach and inspire even more shoppers, the report said.
ANKENY  Mike Pences presidential campaign began Wednesday in Iowa with a full-throated rebuke of his ex-boss, former President Donald Trump.

During an announcement event to make his long-expected presidential campaign official, Pence drew pointed contrasts between himself and Trump, especially over the 2020 presidential election results and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

Pence said Wednesday, as he has previously, that he was fulfilling his oath to the U.S. Constitution when he, as vice president, presided over the certification of the 2020 presidential election results in the U.S. Senate that day. Trump, without merit, instructed him to reject those results and remand them to the states for further review.

The American people deserve to know that on that day President Trump also demanded that I choose between him and our Constitution, Pence said. Now voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution and I always will.

That statement drew a standing ovation from the roughly 250 people who gathered to hear Pence speak at Des Moines Area Community College.

Despite Trumps assertions then and now, experts say the Constitution does not authorize the vice president to reject the results of the presidential election during their certification process in the U.S. Senate.

My former running mate continues to insist that I had the right to overturn the election. But President Trump was wrong then, and he is wrong now, Pence said. I had hoped he would come around and see that he had been misled about my role that day. But that was note to be. 

The American people must know leaders in the Republican Party will keep our oath to support and defend the Constitution, even when its not in our political interests to do so, Pence added. I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again.

In a Fox News interview immediately after his event in Iowa, however, Pence said he would support the eventual Republican presidential nominee.

Pence, a former governor and congressman from Indiana, said Wednesday he is proud of the conservative accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration, but also contrasted himself with Trump on policy looking forward. Pence said he will offer policies to ensure the long-term survival of Social Security and Medicare, and asserted that Trump has retreated on abortion policy.

Democratic reaction

Despite Pences attempts to draw those contrasts, Iowa Democratic Party state Chair Rita Hart, in a statement, was eager to tie Pence to Trump.

Mike Pence has long championed one of the most extreme, anti-middle-class agendas in Congress and Indiana. Now, after serving as Donald Trumps wing man in Washington, hes looking to take the failed Trump-Pence policies that caused average farm income to fall to near 15-year lows and weakened our middle class even further, Hart said.

Republican reaction

A Trump-supporting PAC issued a statement that first mentioned Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  the candidate closest to Trump in national polling on the Republican presidential primary  before getting to Pence.

Mike Pences entrance into the race caps off another bad week for Ron DeSantis faltering campaign, Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Make America Great Again PAC, said in the statement, but the question most GOP voters are asking themselves about Pences candidacy is Why?

Paul and Mary Cox, of Ankeny, said they would like Pence to be Republicans presidential candidate in 2024 because they believe he can deliver on conservative policies in a calm and measured manner unlike Trump.

I think (Pence) showed real integrity over that Jan. 6 business, Paul Cox said.

A similar viewpoint was expressed by Jake Strother, who said he traveled from Oklahoma City just to see Pence. Strother said he believes Pence can deliver a conservative agenda from the White House, but do it in a calmer, more respectful way, Strother said. He can be calm and strong at the same time.

Pence was scheduled to appear Wednesday night in a CNN town hall broadcast from Grand View University in Des Moines, and today will make a yet-to-be-announced campaign stop in the Des Moines area.

Crowded field of presidential hopefuls

Pence joins an expanding field of Republican presidential candidates that includes Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, conservative talk show host Larry Elder, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Michigan businessman Perry Johnson.
WASHINGTON D.C.  Wednesday morning, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, joined the rest of the Iowa Congressional delegation in calling on President Joe Biden to grant an emergency declaration for Scott County after a partial building collapse in Davenport on May 28 killed three people.

The call came after Gov. Kim Reynolds made a request for supplementary federal emergency assistance to "save lives and to protect property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of this disaster," the federal legislators said in a statement.

On Monday, eight days after the six-story, 80-unit building fell, Reynolds toured the site to survey the damage. That same day, Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel announced emergency workers had recovered the bodies of Branden Colvin Sr., Ryan Hitchcock and Daniel Prien from the rubble of The Davenport apartments.

Also Monday: The city's mayor, Mike Matson said officials were "looking into a 911 call which was placed May 27, in which the caller said he had heard the building wall was bulging and could be dangerous," according to the Quad-City Times.

Legislative announcement

Earlier in the day, Feenstra announced the introduction of the "Community College Agriculture Advancement Act" with Mississippi Rep. Trent Kelly, R-Saltillo.

The text of the bill says the act would "amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to authorize capacity building grants for community college agriculture and natural resources programs."

In a press release, Feenstra said the legislation is meant to "equip the next generation of farmers and producers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the field and beyond."

Nikki Haley Port Neal campaign U.S. Congressman Randy Feenstra, R-IA, introduces Nikki Haley, 2024 Republican presidential hopeful, Monday, during a campaign appearance at P

Terry Murrell, the president of Sioux City's Western Iowa Tech Community College said "We are focused on helping our communities thrive and appreciate legislation that recognizes the important role that community colleges play in developing the agricultural sector."

Northwest Iowa Community College President John Hartog called the plan empowering because community colleges could "work more closely with their areas' industries to address workforce needs region by region."

Office hours

Later this month, staffers for Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley will hold "traveling office hours" in 19 Iowa counties.

State Rep. Jacob Bossman, R-Sioux City, will be at Danbury City Hall (207 First St.) from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 16. On Wednesday, June 21, he'll appear at: Alton City Hall (905 Third Ave.) from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Remsen City Hall (8 W. Second St.) from 11 a.m. to noon and the Ida Grove Public Library (100 E. Second St.) from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

"Grassleys state offices regularly help constituents contact federal agencies to resolve problems with Social Security payments, military service matters, immigration cases, veteran benefits, IRS challenges and other issues," a press release said.
SIOUX CITY  As part of his work with the Sioux City division of the Iowa Task Force 1 Search and Rescue Team, Lt. Joe Rodriguez has done extensive, specialized training on how to navigate structure collapses.

Rodriguez said the collapsed Davenport apartment building he and 12 other area personnel had to sift through from Friday morning through Monday was bigger and had significantly more debris than other structures he and his fellow crewmembers have been in.

"There's a lot more rubble. A lot of steel. A lot of perimeters. We had to maintain the safety of our crews and everybody in that situation. We had to wear everything we normally wear plus our respirators and everything that goes with it."

Thirteen total members of the Sioux City branch of Iowa Task Force 1's Search and Rescue Team deployed to Davenport, before about 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, to find and locate three residents of the Davenport apartments which collapsed around 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. The deployment came after the Iowa Department of Homeland Security notified the Sioux City team at 3:26 p.m. that their assistance was needed.

Rodriguez said his team, which included members of Sioux City Fire Rescue and crews from surrounding communities, met up with its Cedar Rapids counterpart at 6:30 a.m, Friday morning and then worked a shift from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

"Then the other half of the team relieved us for the night operation. Continuous 24 hour operations," Rodriguez said.

He said the biggest issue with all of the rubble was making sure everyone was safe at all times. According to Rodriguez, the scene had structural engineers monitoring the movement of the building and heavy equipment to remove possible debris in the floors above the rescue teams.

"There were engineers constantly monitoring the building for any shifting in those areas."

On Monday, Jeff Bladel, the Davenport police chief, announced emergency workers had recovered the bodies of Branden Colvin Sr., Ryan Hitchcock and Daniel Prien from the rubble of the Davenport.

The Quad City Times reported that Colvin Sr. was found Saturday, Ryan Hitchcock was found Sunday and Daniel Prien was found early Monday morning. Families of all three were contacted. Another resident, Quanishia White-Berry, was found on Monday, May 29 and had to have her leg amputated to free her.

"We wanted those families to have that closure ... It was very important for us as a team when we came together" Rodriguez said about the mission. "Now they're able to move on with the grieving process."

During the Monday morning press conference in Davenport, the city's mayor, Mike Matson said officials were "looking into a 911 call which was placed May 27, in which the caller said he had heard the building wall was bulging and could be dangerous" (per the Quad City Times).

Sunday night, Davenport citizens held a candlelight vigil to mourn the victims. At the event, Mike Collier, a cousin of Colvin Sr., prayed people would have the strength to seek justice.

On Friday, a tenant of the Davenport, Mildred Harrington, and a Rijeh Garnett, a resident of a nearby building impacted by the collapse, filed a lawsuit in Scott County against the company that manages the apartment building.

"The suit accuses Davenport Hotel LLC of failing in its responsibility to the plaintiffs in numerous ways, including failing to maintain the building in a reasonably safe condition and failing to warn residents of structural concerns associated with the building," the Quad City Times reported.

On May 31, the Quad City Times reported that about three months before the partial collapse, and again two days before, a masonry company owner said he predicted the Davenport was coming down.
A victims options certainly should not turn on whether shes lucky enough to have good health insurance, income, savings or private support.

The Iowa Attorney Generals Office disclosed in early April that it had paused the offices longtime policy of compensating rape victims for the cost of emergency contraception, often called Plan B.

As a part of her top-down, bottom-up audit of victim assistance, Attorney General Bird is carefully evaluating whether this is an appropriate use of public funds, Alyssa Brouillet, Brenna Birds press secretary, said in a statement.

There was a flurry of local and national news stories, and since then, silence. Birds office has not illuminated the public about the nature or progress of this audit. Her office did not respond to an editorial writers messages seeking an update on May 26 and May 30. The office has not responded to two Democratic state senators questions in a May 1 letter, according to a spokesman for Senate Democrats.

At least three independent problems are evident here, any of which would on their own reflect poorly on Birds choices.

Emergency contraception is not abortion and is not controversial

This editorial board zealously advocates for abortion rights. But that doesnt preclude noting the distinction between the clash over abortion and the wholly unrelated  and unremarkable  matter of preventing pregnancy.

The states fund for assisting crime victims covers a variety of supports. Before Bird took office this year, one of them was paying for birth control that women who had been sexually abused can take to prevent pregnancy from beginning. A pill or implant can achieve this even days after the assault, although effectiveness is higher earlier on. Along with coverage, advocacy groups support increased efforts to work with medical providers to be sure they are ready to inform victims about this option and administer it quickly.

Many people who oppose abortion find all this unobjectionable and consistent with life begins at conception. Even the Catholic Church, in lumping the two together, has made exceptions on contraception in certain extraordinary circumstances involving rape.

Dont take our word for it; listen to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has signed some of the nations cruelest and most dangerous abortion restrictions: By accessing health care immediately, they can get the Plan B pill that can prevent a pregnancy from occurring in the first place. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also has pushed for easier access to regular contraception.

On this ground alone, Bird could resume the emergency contraception reimbursements immediately without any harm to her anti-abortion bona fides. The morning-after pill retails for $50 at most; some varieties are half that. The expense will never break the bank.

A focus on abortion puts victims needs on the sidelines

There is an obvious reason that debates about even the harshest anti-abortion proposals include exceptions for rape and incest: Forcing these victims to remain pregnant and deliver an attackers child is horrible to even contemplate.

Yet the availability of emergency contraception (and abortion, which the state paid for in some cases under Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller) is not what the Attorney Generals Office is reviewing. Its only about the state paying for it.

The burden of what Bird is doing falls mostly on Iowans who are poor. They are the ones who, because they rarely see a doctor, might not know about Plan B and about the urgency of taking it quickly. They are the ones who cannot pay $25 for the pill.

Iowa should not subject any rape victims to out-of-pocket expense thats a direct consequence of their assault. A victims options certainly should not turn on whether shes lucky enough to have good health insurance, income, savings or private support.

Its wrong to keep the public in the dark

Elected officials seem to face fewer risks these days than they would have years ago for ignoring the minority party and the news media.

Birds failure to respond to inquiries from the Register and from state Sens. Janet Petersen and Todd Taylor is disappointing. Explaining what is going on would not diminish her ability to set policy. It would, however, show she believes in the principle she espoused in the Drake Law Review a decade ago, recently cited by the Iowa Supreme Court: Providing information quickly and efficiently demystifies government.

That case dealt with information the government is compelled by law to release, but a simple question such as Is there any news on the progress of that audit, or a prospective timeline for it to be completed? shouldnt be a matter of what the law requires.

This editorial board believes payments for emergency contraception should have continued while Bird conducted the audit. Shes needlessly inflicting uncertainty and the possibility of more harm on already traumatized victims.

But at the least, Iowans deserve to know what is going on with this audit, so they can evaluate the reasonableness of the course Bird is pursuing.
ROME (AP)  Pope Francis drank liquids, received the Eucharist and even made a brief phone call Thursday on his first full day recovering from a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall, the Vatican said.

The 86-year-old Francis rested extensively overnight and continued resting Thursday at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where his condition was stable and his post-operative recovery deemed to be regular, the Vatican said in a statement. He was on a liquid diet but received the Eucharist.

Among the well-wishes Francis received was a poster from the Peruvian family whose infant Francis baptized March 31 at Gemelli during his last hospital stay, while he was recovering from bronchitis. Francis called the mother briefly to thank her, the Vatican said.

The poster featured a widely seen photo of the pope caressing the cheek of baby Miguel Angel after the baptism as his mother looked on.

Francis was admitted to Gemelli on Wednesday for his second major abdominal operation in two years, following a 2021 procedure to remove part of his colon. During the procedure, doctors removed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that had caused a partial blockage. They also repaired a hernia that had formed over a previous scar, placing a prosthetic mesh in the abdominal wall.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences at Gemelli, who performed the surgery, said the operation was a success, that there were no complications and that Francis was suffering from no other pathologies. He said the tissue removed was benign and that after he recovers, Francis should be fine.

He revealed that in addition to that 2021 operation, Francis had undergone previous abdominal surgeries sometime before 2013 in his native Argentina, which had also caused intestinal scarring.

Alfieri, who also removed part of Francis colon in 2021, told an evening press conference that the pope was awake, alert and even joking. When will we do the third one? he quoted Francis as saying.

The pontiff was expected to remain in the 10th-floor papal suite at Gemelli for several days, and all papal audiences were canceled through June 18.

The operation was scheduled after Francis had complained about increasing bouts of pain and intestinal blockages. After going to Gemelli on Tuesday for checks, Francis was admitted Wednesday following his general audience and underwent the procedure a short time later.

The surgery was likely scheduled now to give Francis plenty of time to recover before embarking on planned travel later this summer: an Aug. 2-6 trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, an Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to Mongolia and a Sept. 23 day trip to Marseille, France.

A feared protrusion, or bulging of the intestine through the hernia tear, was apparently not found.

It appears they operated on him in a timely fashion with no compromise to his intestine, said Dr. Walter Longo, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, who did not participate in the surgery and commented after consulting the Vatican statement on the procedure.

Dr. P. Ravi Kiran, chief of colorectal surgery at Columbia University, said the fact that there were adhesions removed suggests that the small intestine might take some time to recover.

It is good news that bowel did not need to be removed and the surgeon was able to place prosthetic mesh to bridge the defect in the abdominal muscle, Kiran said in an email. There is always a risk of mesh infection when placed in a situation such as this, but factors such as any contamination seen at surgery, type of mesh and antibiotics used also impinge on this risk.

Francis remained in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while unconscious and in the hospital, according to canon law.

In July 2021, Francis spent 10 days at Gemelli to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine. In an interview with The Associated Press in January, Francis said the diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall, that prompted that surgery had returned.

Dr. Manish Chand, a professor of surgery at University College London who specializes in colorectal surgery, said the greatest issue going forward will be pain management and making sure the wound heals properly.

In the first six weeks after this type of surgery, youre at risk of getting a recurrence again, he said. To avoid that, patients are advised not to do anything strenuous.

One of the last people to see Francis on Wednesday before he left the Vatican for the hospital was the Rev. Enzo Fortunato, spokesman of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

He was very serene, very tranquil, and he encouraged us to go on, Fortunato recalled. This really hit me because it means he is not a man who is self-centered but focused on others. We said to him, Courage, and we will support you with our prayers.'
You can probably hear it now: the repeated piano pattern shimmering through the air, DUN da-da dun, DUN da-da dun, like a carillon, the bass notes descending, ding, dong, ding, dong. The song gets faster and faster, like a blizzard blowing in, yet its mood is not franticits ruminative. When the song winds down at last, it brings the peace of a freshly snow-covered landscape, twinkling in the moonlight.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

George Winstons solo piano album December sold over 3 million copies in the 1980s and 1990s, and its centerpiece was his interpretation of the traditional Carol of the Bells. Winston, who died earlier this week at the age of 74, recorded his first album with John Fahey in the early 1970s, but it wasnt until an encounter with Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman in the early 1980s that Winston found his audience. Ackerman recalled meeting Winston in a Santa Monica guitar shop and then heading over to his house to jam. I actually went to sleep as he was playing the piano, Ackerman told me in a recent interview. When I woke up, I asked him, Hey, what was that?  Ackerman signed Winston to the label and convinced him to release piano music rather than Winstons preferred guitar.

Advertisement

The spare, crystalline solo piano albums Winston recorded for Windham Hill were sold by slightly baffled 1980s retailers as New Age, but there wasnt really anything mystical about them; really, they were folk songs. Winstons interests lay in various regional American musical styles, like New Orleans stride piano and Hawaiian slack-key guitar, and his albums reflected that interest. They sounded impeccable, but you could imagine many of the compositions being played a hundred years ago or more in some Appalachian parlor. For me, they were an introduction to quiet, contemplative music that led me, eventually, in many directions: to other Windham Hill artists like guitarists Ackerman and Michael Hedges; to the Hawaiian slack-key performers Winston championed on his own label; to electronic ambient music by Brian Eno; to Keith Jarretts Koln Concert album, the elegant design of which inspired Windham Hills distinctive aesthetic.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Though two other Winston albums went platinum and a later record won a Grammy, it was December that ended up on the CD towers of everyone I knew in the 1990soften the one non-rock or non-rap album in a persons entire collection. You broke the CD out at Christmastime, but not when everyone was celebratingit wasnt a jolly album of carols, to be sung in a group. It wasnt even Silent Night, a somber carol to sing with loved ones by candlelight. It was an album to play alone, during the ruminative hours late at night, sitting by a lit tree, having one last drink before you go to bed. It was an album for the holiday sads.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Carol of the Bells exemplifies that spirit, and I think its not an accident that after Decembers release, that song grew into a holiday standard, with a John Williams adaptation soundtracking Home Alone and versions performed by holiday-music powerhouses like Mannheim Steamroller and Pentatonix. But none of those carols have the simplicity or clarity of Winstons, and none of them find the melancholy at its center. A Facebook post by Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, an old friend, lays bare the way Winstons 1980s success isolated him, and the pianist struggled with cancer for the last decade-plus of his life. Its not hard to hear sadness and even loneliness in the music that made him famous; indeed, its music you listen to when you want to gingerly touch the edges of your own sadness and loneliness.

But theres beauty in melancholy, too. After the repetitive pattern of Carol of the Bells slows, you think the song might be over. But then three beautiful chords chime from Winstons piano, followed by a twinkling flourish. Those final notes echo and shimmer, as if a sharp breeze has blown the midnight snowfall into a dazzling final whirl, before all settles into stillness.
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

My mother is in her 60s and due to various health issues, I often take her on her errands and to her appointments. She decided a few months ago that her pet dog was going to be her service dog, and she started taking him with her. She even got him an official-looking service dog vest off of Amazon.

He is not a service dog. She doesnt have any medical conditions that service dogs can help with, and this dog is not trained to perform any specific tasks to help her. Hes not even well-behavedhe often pulls on his leash, tries to wander, and jumps on people.

Advertisement

We frequently get looks when were in stores and other places with him. Twice, employees have asked her if he is a service dog (she says yes) and which task he is trained to perform (support me, she says). I looked it up and that is all they are legally allowed to ask. They didnt seem to know what to do when she didnt admit that he wasnt a service dog. Even when no one says anything, Im mortified to be with her when shes doing this. Shes abusing an honor system thats meant for disabled people who need actual service animals. Also, I dont know if she can get into any kind of legal trouble for lying about her unruly pet being a service animal, but if so, I dont want to be implicated in that.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

I told her over the phone that I was not comfortable taking her to things anymore if she was going to bring her dog. She balked at this. The next day I heard from my brother (who does not live nearby) about how I was being too difficult, its not that big of a deal, and should just let her bring the damn dog. I said Im not stranding hershe can get a pet-friendly ride share if she wants. Am I being unreasonable? What do I do if they continue to pressure me about this, or enlist other relatives to pressure me?

Hes Just a Regular Pet

Dear Regular Pet,

I was right on the verge of telling you to calm down and let it go when I quickly Googled Can you get in trouble for faking a service dog? and, wow, it appears that you can. Several states have laws prohibiting service dog fraud. As an example, this, from the website of Eisnter Gorin LLP, describes Californias:

Advertisement

Service dog fraud involves an individual misrepresenting what type of dog they own so the dog can be allowed in places where regular dogs are not allowed to be. These places commonly include apartments or businesses. Service dog fraud is prohibited under California Penal Code 365.7 PC. A violation of this law can result in a criminal misdemeanor offense and a jail term of six months. The legal definition of PC 365.7 service dog fraud says: Anyone who knowingly and fraudulently represents themselves, through verbal or written notice, to be the owner or trainer of any canine licensed, or identified, as a guide, signal, or service dog is guilty of a misdemeanor crime

Advertisement

So its not even an honor system! Your mother could be in some real trouble here.

Stand by the boundary youve set and tell your brother he can provide the shuttle service to appointments if he so badly wants her to bring her pet. At the same time, I wouldnt be so sure that she doesnt have a condition that would allow her to have a service dog in a legitimate way. I mean, are we sure she isnt living with anxiety? Her insistence on having the dog with her may actually be an indicator of a legitimate need. Offer to help her look into that.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Dear Prudence,

I have a boyfriend of 7+ years; we are both in our 40s and have teenage children from previous relationships. We live in separate houses in the same city for various logistical reasons. Last summer, he was seriously injured in a bike crash and his mother, who lives in a different province, came to take care of him, which involved her turning up to run the show. I became a visitor on par with his casual friends who were allowed 10-minute visiting windows. When I pointed out this was inappropriatewe are partnersshe banned me from seeing him, semi-conscious, altogether. I went months without seeing my partner. He needed the care, I was working full-time, while she stayed at his house and didnt want to see me, which meant I couldnt see him at all. He recovered, but now she pretends I dont exist. This means I was prohibited from their Christmas gatherings (one week at her resort town, where I generally go while my kids are with their dads family) and she pointedly excluded me from a 10-day vacation to Aruba in the winter.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Flash-forward to now. She continues to come to town for long weekends, holidays, and birthdays. During these times, I cease to exist. My partner doesnt consult me about these visits in advance, or he acts as if he has no say. Or that saying no is sacrificing his and his sons relationship with his mother. Except I just found out I have breast cancer (a diagnosis which occurred because of and during a pregnancy which ultimately had to be terminated). Literally four days post-diagnosis, shes in town for a week for my step-sons birthday (which Im banned from attending, obviously, and during which time I cannot see my partner). I begged my partner for any sort of compromisemaybe he could spend a just night with me, because I am shattered, while he spends days with her, etc.and nothing. He characterizes me as needy and controlling.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Im exhausted by this situation. I want a relationship where I can live with my partner and count on him to be physically present when, for instance, I receive a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Im scared for the future when my partners mother decides to come to town and I cease to exist. Am I wrong to want to leave?

Advertisement

Broken by My MIL

Dear Broken,

You are not wrong to want to leave. Not in the least. I hope this diagnosis is a manageable one with a good prognosis, but either way, I imagine it has given you some clarity about how youd like to be treated by the people you spend your special time with. I want a relationship where I can live with my partner and count on him to be physically present when, for instance, I receive a life-changing cancer diagnosis, is a great mantra, and I encourage you to aim even higher! It starts with gracefully ending this relationship, leaving your partner and his mom to spend as much time as they want with each other.

Advertisement

Dear Prudence Uncensored

You sound thoughtful and kind, but that doesnt mean you get to change the environment outside your apartment.

Jenee Desmond-Harris and Joel Anderson discuss a letter in this weeks Dear Prudence Uncensoredonly for Slate Plus members.

Dear Prudence,

Im a gentrifier. I moved to my current neighborhood in my small city when rent increases pushed me out of my former apartment. Rent is going up by as much as 29 percent in my area, while I fought and bled for a 10 percent raise this year, and I know lots of people are struggling. I love where I live, and try to be respectfultalking to my neighbors, getting involved in local events, not telling other people how to live. Im stuck on one thing though: My neighbors in the building next door are a group of early 20s men who work nights and recreationally do bodywork and mechanical work at incredible volume on their cars in the middle of the street during the day. I work days from home, so mostly I just wear headphones, and Im lucky its not at night. My first instinct is to gently talk to them, but given how much catcalling they do, as a woman in my 20s Im not comfortable. Race is present heretheyre Hispanic and Im white, along with class and income. I would love a quiet hour in the afternoonany tips?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Rev Honk Honk

Dear Honk Honk,

Tips: Acceptance. Restraint. Loving kindness. Meditation. Better headphones. (Seriously, I was recently at a hotel near a park where there was a party so loud my windows were vibrating, and I was able to mostly block it out. Turn to technology here!)

Gentrification and catcalling aside, I havent heard a lot of encouraging stories when it comes to people asking neighbors to be quiet. Whether its a toddler running around on creaky floorboards upstairs, or a group of guys listening to music while working on cars, people in cities are going to make the noise they make where theyre allowed to make it. Traditionally, those who dont like it move to the suburbs. But again, try headphones first!

Advertisement

How to Get Advice From Prudie

Submit your questions anonymously here. (Questions may be edited for publication.) And for questions on parenting, kids, or family life, try Care and Feeding!

Dear Prudence,

We have a pool, outdoor grill, and brick pizza oven in our backyard, and with three kids, it is constantly in use. Our HOA only allows certain types of fencing, so people can easily see into our backyard. Our new neighbor has a 9-year-old little girl, Lia, Lia is obviously very lonely and constantly comes over when we have people and asks if she can play.

Advertisement

The problem is Lias age makes her the odd one out in our neighborhood. Most families have teenagers or very little kids. We have a 13-year-old and twin 5-year-olds. We explained to Lia that these are family events and her mother should come over and talk to us. She hasnt and the letter we left in her mailbox went ignored. Apparently, her mother works all the time and Lia is left in the car of her older brother who ignores her existence.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Lia still comes over when we have guests, and it breaks my heart to send her away each time. First, we are uncomfortable with having her over when we havent met her mother and secondly, it sets a bad precedent. We had bad encounters in the past with people taking advantage of us and using us for free childcare. My husband says we just need to keep sending Lia away. I am out of ideas. Can you help us?

Pool Party

Dear Pool Party,

This is not a great situation and its not fair to you, but here we are! At this point, you have to decide what makes you more uncomfortable: Having this child at your home under less-than-ideal circumstances and potentially being taken advantage of, or turning away a lonely and potentially neglected child again and again. I hope youll choose to give Lia a safe place to hang out. Perhaps youre concerned about liability if something goes wrong, which I suppose is reasonable, but thats a risk that comes with the 13-year-olds and 5-year-olds friends as well. So my guess is that if this was your main worry, you would simply have a no visitors policy and this wouldnt be a dilemma.

While you didnt sign up for this or volunteer for it, you have no idea what a difference one supportive, reliable, welcoming adult could make in her life. Continue to pursue contact with her mother (through more letters, and maybe a drop-by when you know shes home) not to say Your daughter has to stop coming over but to say Your daughter is such a lovely girl, and we want to make sure she has your permission to be at our home.

Classic Prudie

I was barely an AA cup as a young woman and very self-conscious about it. At age 36 I had breast augmentation surgery. For the past 10 years Ive been a B cup, and Ive been completely satisfied with my decision. My daughter, whos about to turn 18, has inherited her breast size from me. Although we havent talked about it explicitly, I suspect shes just as self-conscious about it as I was. She has literally run away to hide while I consulted with the lingerie sales lady about bras for her. Im thinking about offering her the option of augmentation surgery before she goes to college, but I dont want her to think that I think theres anything wrong with her body. Is this a terrible idea?
This story was originally published on June 2 by THE CITY. Sign up here to get the latest stories from THE CITY delivered to you each morning.

Just weeks before he was tapped to serve as New York City sheriff, former NYPD Sergeant Anthony Miranda attended an awards gala in Great Neck, Long Island, with his wife, where they wore purple cards resembling conference badges.

The host of that April 2022 event, Gary Sze Konga Queens businessman whose many titles include president of the Sino American Commerce Association and the honorific Sir, based on a knighthood he says he was awarded by the principality of Monacowas sporting the same devicemarketed online as the 1 invisible mask that protects the wearer against COVID-19 and other viruses.

Advertisement

It claimed to work by colliding ions in a packet that produces a protective gas in front of the wearers nose and mouth, and purported to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens in a three-foot radius, according to online postings. No face mask had to be worn.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

A month earlier, and just after the Omicron surge that walloped the five boroughs, Miranda took to social media to tout as very real and very effective the small, rectangular device, which was also sold under the name 1 virus buster.

On March 4, 2022, he posted to Facebook a video showing a woman activating and wearing the badge while a narrator declares: You are now protected from COVID and other viruses for the next 30 days.

Advertisement

Yet the co-founder of the firm along with Kong, Timothy Wetzel, admits that he has no proof the product works, nearly three years after the Federal Trade Commission warned him and his fellow founder Kong that they should cease marketing the product without proof that it works as claimed.

Even as Miranda hawked the bogus COVID-protection device, New York City hit the grim milestone of 40,000 deaths from COVID. That same month, an analysis by Yale University found that the citys vaccination efforts had likely averted many more deaths. Face masks were still being advocated by city government health officials, and they were still required on public transportation and in hospitals.

In May 2022, Mayor Eric Adams tapped Miranda for the $213,000-a-year position of sheriffhead of the office that among other duties had taken the lead in the citys crackdown on maskless gatherings during the pandemic.

Advertisement

The law enforcement office more typically carries out court orders and enforces city tax and finance laws, and recently began conducting raids on stores illicitly selling marijuana.

According to a now-defunct website, Miranda wasnt just a fan of the unproven product: His firm, Anthony Miranda & Associates, was serving as a master distributor for it, and was identified as one of two validators of the test results and case studies that backed the supposed science behind it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The other validator was identified as K.W. Technology, the Nevada-based company that created the purported virus buster.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Kong was also at the center of a recent uproar in the citys Chinese community for co-hosting a magazine launch in Manhattan where guests were lured with the promise of meeting billionaire entrepreneur Elon Muskbut instead got served only a glimpse of a look-alike actor.

Wetzel, the other co-founder, decades ago was convicted of racketeering and felony theft in a home repair scheme in Oregon, and in 2017, was hit with a six-figure fine for unauthorized stock sales and other alleged violations of Washington States Securities Act by the states Department of Financial Institutions.

Reached by phone on June 1 and asked about his involvement with the virus buster, Miranda responded: Involvement how?

Advertisement

Informed about the website that about a year ago listed his firm as master distributor, he said, Im not certain but you can send what you need to ask me and Ill look into it.

He then added, That still has us listed as something with it?

Follow-up questions sent by text to Miranda asking about his role with the device, his relationship with Kong and Wetzel, and whether he stands by the product went unanswered.

Advertisement

The Science

Reached by THE CITY, Kong declined to answer questions about the device, and the science behind it, dismissing it as old news because the pandemic is essentially over.

Advertisement

Thats a long time ago, he said by phone. We are not doing that anymore; you dont have to ask me questions on that.

Advertisement

Asked about Mirandas role, he mentioned Mirandas wife, Sylvia Miranda, but didnt elaborate.

In an interview with THE CITY, Wetzel acknowledged making mistakes in connection with his 1997 conviction in Oregon but challenged the more recent findings of violations in Washington state.

As for the virus buster, Wetzel said it started off as a gimmick that took off, but that the firm donated more devices than it sold.

From our knowledge, no one has ever been sick when they wore the virus buster. It hasnt been something where I could give you proof and all this stuff, he told THE CITY by phone. It was kind of a gimmick, kind of a fun thing, and then people started wearing it and no one was getting sick.

Advertisement

Wetzel said one of the chemicals the packet contains is chlorine, and that lab results showed the mixture to be safe. Asked to provide the results, he said perhaps Kong had them.

He also acknowledged that the firm didnt conduct clinical trials or seek peer-reviewed studies, but said it was because the only way to do so would have been to expose humans to coronavirus.

Advertisement

Advertisement

No ones ever had a complaint that said, Hey this doesnt work. These guys lied to me and took my money,  Wetzel said.

Tom Patire, a security expert based in New Jersey, got involved with the product briefly because, he said, he has international connections, which earned him the title of international distributor of the device.

Advertisement

Advertisement

He said he never met the K.W. Technology co-founders but that he was put into contact with them through people he knows in the security industry and spoke to Miranda and his wife perhaps three times about the project.

Patire said that the virus buster came so late during the COVID crisis that nobody was interested in purchasing it.

It didnt go nowhere, he said. I dont think we sold 10.

Not Passing the Sniff Test

The online evidence of the science behind the virus buster is long on jargon and typos but short on data and test results.

Patent pending technology, called ISiL-Chlor technology insures [sic] science is backing up the positive results of this virus killer, reads one description on K.W. Technologys site.

Advertisement

It was formulated by using the latest A.I. Technology using Quantum computing and ION Science, reads another.

Advertisement

The site touts the products FDA Certification of registration, and some images of the badge contain the U.S. Food and Drug Administration logo.

But being registered with the FDA doesnt signify product authorization, according to agency spokesperson Audra Harrison, and the FDA doesnt issue physical certificates of registrationdespite images purporting to be two such certificates being displayed on the companys website.

1 Invisible Mask has not been approved, cleared or authorized by the FDA, Harrison told THE CITY.

Websites marketing the invisible mask also drew the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces consumer protection law.

Advertisement

An FTC official wrote Kong and Wetzel in July 2020 ordering them to remove statements from two websites claiming that the virus buster can prevent COVID-19.

We have determined that you are unlawfully advertising that certain products prevent or treat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the official wrote, noting the absence of reliable scientific evidence or human clinical studies proving the prevention claims were true.

Advertisement

For COVID-19, no such study is currently known to exist for the products identified above, she added.

No further enforcement action was taken by the commission, which an FTC official told THE CITY suggests the violations were resolved on the sites in question.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Bruce Y. Lee, professor of health policy management at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health, said the companys website doesnt contain the information needed to assess the products efficacy and safety and that this absence raises concerns.

Advertisement

Its not passing the sniff test, Lee said.

He noted that he worried about a number of air-purifying products that were sold during the pandemic, because people would sometimes use them in lieu of proven protections like vaccines and facemasks.

When people rely on a product that there isnt enough evidence to support its use, the concern is then people will not use evidence-based protection and prevention measures, he said. Thats problematic, because youre actually doing people harm.

Miranda and Marketing

Miranda and Adams ran in similar advocacy circles when they both worked at the NYPD decades earlier, with Adams leading the group 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care and Miranda, who was a member of Adams group, co-founding the National Latino Officers Association of America.

Advertisement

Both groups attempted to reform the NYPDs treatment not only of Black and Latino civilians, but also of the departments Black and Latino officers.

Advertisement

In 2006, Miranda founded his firm, Anthony Miranda & Associates, which did work that involved security, investigations and consulting, according to financial disclosure forms Miranda filed with the city.

He also continued to serve in leadership roles at the Latino Officers Association over the years.

In early 2017, Miranda was hired as director of security at the citys Administration for Childrens Services, a post he kept until turning his eyes to elected office.

Advertisement

In 2020, Miranda ran for the open Queens borough president position but lost to then-City Councilmember Donovan Richards. In 2021, Miranda lost in the Democratic primary for a City Council seat in Queens District 20, which covers Flushing.

Advertisement

His public promotion of the invisible mask on social media appears to have begun around March 2022just before his tenure as sheriffwhen he posted multiple times to both Facebook and Twitter.

At the April 2022 gala where Miranda wore the virus buster, other attendees included Adams, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (of Queens), and Democratic City Councilmember Christopher Marte, whose district includes Chinatown.

Sponsorship opportunities for the event, hosted by the Sino American Commerce Association, were listed as ranging between $3,500 and $15,000, with the logos of Apple, Lamborghini, and Ferrari appearing as named sponsors.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Publicity and Politics

In December 2020, Kong helped distribute 40,000 masks and 400 virus busters to four nonprofit organizations through his Global Hero Foundation, which he describes as a private charitable group, according to a press release put out by one of his associates.

Advertisement

Two of the nonprofits didnt respond when asked if they recall what they did with the virus buster devices, while a spokesperson for a third group, Queens Community House, said they didnt receive any.

Alexander Rapaport, executive director of the nonprofit soup kitchen Masbia, said his employees largely reacted to the virus buster badges with a chuckle.

There was a handful that was brought back to us, and the staff laughed it off, Rapaport told THE CITY.

Since being named president of the Sino American Commerce Association last year, Kong has hosted numerous galas, award shows, and even the first-ever American New Years Day Parade in Flushing on Jan. 1, 2023, where he marched side by side with Miranda, who was in uniform.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But it was Kongs latest eventa supposed launch for a Wall Street magazine that he organized with Madison Avenue Agency president Michael Jacobsonthat garnered perhaps the most attention.

Unverified Musk

Online news reports show that more than 100 people, mostly from the Chinese community, came to the launch party at The James New York hotel in Manhattan on April 27, with the expectation that entrepreneur Elon Musk would be joining the festivities.

Advertisement

A number of attendees claimed to have paid to attend the event, according to the reports, or to have traveled long distances in order to meet Musk.

Instead, a look-alike actor spent a short time at the party, saying only a few words and helping to present an award to Kong before disappearing behind a team of security.

Advertisement

The uproar over what some people viewed as deception prompted Kong and Sino American Commerce Association vice president Annie Fu to hold a press conference two days afterward, where they attributed the friction in part to a cultural misunderstanding.

Kong said no one had paid to attend the launch party, but he later told the South China Morning Post that some people had paid $30,000 for a similar event in March that had been canceled.

Musk and officials at Tesla didnt respond to an email seeking comment.

Jacobson, whose firm handled press for some of Kongs previous events and who was listed as publisher of the Wall Street magazine, said at the press conference that Kong hadnt known about the Musk impersonator before the party started.

Advertisement

But the Musk look-alike, actor Mike Vaughn, told THE CITY he had dinner at a seafood restaurant in Flushing with Kong and Jacobson the night before the launch partyafter Jacobson had hired him weeks earlier to fly out from Portland, Oregon for the paid gig.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Long story short, everybody was massively misled, Vaughn told THE CITY during an hourlong phone interview.

Vaughn, the voice of the killer in the TV series Scream, said he had never done paid work as a Musk impersonator before. He said he agreed to the gig only after Jacobson told his agent the event would be tongue-in-cheek and fun.

Vaughn said it wasnt until the dinner with Jacobson and Kong in Flushing that he learned he had been misled about the nature of the launch party.

Advertisement

I said, Michael, just to check, are we deceiving people or are we just having fun here? Because the script you sent me isnt a scriptits two lines and its not funny or fun. Do I improvise or what?  said Vaughn.

He goes No, no, no. I just want you to show up, pass some awards out and get out,  Vaughn said Jacobson responded at the dinner.

OK, so are we deceiving people? Vaughn said he repeated.

He shakes his head yes, in an up-and-down motion, Vaughn said of Jacobson. I go, God dammit. 

Vaughn said he continued with the gig because he had shelled out $1,200 for a custom black suit and $200 for a trial run with a makeup artist, not to mention the cost of the flight, and because the vibe up to that point was more of a wacky Seinfeld episode than something nefarious.

Advertisement

Advertisement

On the afternoon of the launch party, Vaughn arrived at the James hotel to have his makeup done after dyeing his hair darker that morning at Jacobsons request.

He said he was kept in the makeup room for five hours without being offered any food, until he was finally led to the party room after 9 p.m. by Jacobson and a group of what he was told were undercover cops.

Advertisement

We go down to the lobby, nobody notices. All of a sudden, a couple of people notice, theres a murmur, then an uproar. Now the elevators getting banged on, walls are getting banged on, you hear people running up and down the stairs, said Vaughn. I go into the hall, it is an uproar. We almost cant get out of the elevator. Michaels loving this.

Advertisement

Vaughn said he was led to the front of the event room, where there was no stage to serve as a protective barrier from the crowd, and that he performed his brief script.

Related from Slate Nitish Pahwa A Man Was Strangled in the Subway. New York Leaders Response Is a Joke. Read More

I wave, I say, Hey, nice to see you Manhattan. Very cool, yeah, right on, all right. Hey, youre a crazy audience,  Vaughn recounted saying. And then thats it. Thats the last thing I said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Vaughn said he handed Jacobson an award that Jacobson presented to Kong with tears in his eyes, that he was given an honorary award apparently intended for Musks mom, Maye, and that he was whisked back to the hotel room after a total of about 12 minutes.

He said the night ended when Jacobson put him in a cab near the hotel entrance, still dressed as Musk, carrying his own garment bag.

Advertisement

Canceled Payments

Two weeks later, Vaughns agent called to say that shed been told Jacobson had used someone elses credit card to pay them.

The charge went through the night before Vaughn flew to New York City, but the owner of the card had challenged the charges as fraudulent, according to Vaughn.

The reversals left his agent short thousands of dollars at the time, he said.

Vaughn said he texted Jacobson and called him repeatedly, and that Jacobson said he was dealing with it, but that nothing seemed to faze Jacobson until Vaughn threatened to go to the media with his story.

He called me 12 times, said Vaughn. Im not kidding, 12 timeslike a little junior high kid whos getting dumped.

Vaughn said his agent was able to recoup the money only after three or four weeks of hammering at the credit card company and at Jacobson, when the card owner accepted the charges.

Kong didnt respond to a text message asking about Vaughn, and Jacobson didnt respond to voice messages left at his office and on a cellphone.

THE CITY is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York.
Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity held at UN Office at Nairobi

Xinhua) 09:43, June 08, 2023

A staff member prepares to charge an electric bicycle during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 7, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A man rides an electric bicycle during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 7, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A man rides an electric scooter during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 6, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

People visit an electric bus during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 7, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

People ride electric scooters during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 7, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

People visit an electric bus during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 7, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A woman rides an electric bicycle during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 7, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A woman rides an electric bicycle during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 7, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A man stands on an electric scooter during a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 6, 2023. During the ongoing second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, a Low-carbon E-mobility Showcase activity was held at United Nations Office at Nairobi. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
For those of you who dont live in a specific stretch of North America running roughly from Quebec to the Chesapeake Bay, or havent seen any social media content posted by people in those areas in the last 24 hours, or havent been reading the news in general: An enormous cloud of smoke created by forest fires in eastern Canada has drifted over population centers including Ottawa, Toronto, andmost importantly for members of the United States journalism and online content industryNew York City.

Advertisement

Skies in the area were yellowed late Tuesday, and everything has smelled faintly of mesquite since then, but the densest smoke didnt roll in until midday Wednesday, and the pictures of its effects are just starting to hit the wire services. If you ignore that they depict a situation which is likely to occur with increasing frequency as global temperatures rise even further because humans are continuing to release heat-trapping carbon molecules into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuelswell, theyre aesthetically compelling!

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The images are cinematic in a way that is both disorienting and familiar. Imagine if the Cloverfield monster lurched into that frame and grabbed some of the cars. It would be sick (but bad).

Related from Slate Meg Duff Can You Exercise? Go Outside? Is This  Normal Now? Read More

Or what if the monsterrepresenting displacement crises, crop failures, and other second-order consequences of rising heat whose effects will ultimately be unavoidable even in the worlds wealthiest countrywas swimming south down the river here in a manner that conveyed both deliberation and great menace:

Advertisement

Advertisement

Someone could be watching the scene with a silent expression of resignation as, hmm, these balloon things fell down around him because of, uh, power outages:

Advertisement

What if a subway passed by  but it was empty??? (These ideas are bad out of respect for the essential work of striking film and television writers.)

The heaviest part of the cloud is just now reaching Washington, D.C., which means that dawn on Thursday may involve compelling visuals centered around the White House and Washington Monument. Additionally, a fourth Cloverfield movie is reportedly in development at Paramount.
This is part of Opinionpalooza, Slates coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. Were working to change the way the media covers the Supreme Court. Sign up for the pop-up newsletter to receive our latest updates through the month, and support our work when you join Slate Plus.

The Supreme Courts 54 decision in Allen v. Milligan on Thursday, which found that Alabamas congressional map violates the Voting Rights Acts ban on racial vote dilution, sends two clear messages. First, a bare majority of the courtChief Justice John Roberts, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and the three liberalsbelieves that the VRA still plays a meaningful role in maintaining a multiracial democracy (or is willing to defer to Congress judgment on the matter). Second, that same majority of the court does not look kindly upon red states race to shred decades of precedent in an effort to wipe out the voting power of Black Americans. Roberts opinion for the court has a broader meaning that reaches far beyond this case: Red states cannot pressure the court into rewriting the VRA for no reason other than their shameless, brazen desire to elect more white Republicans.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Milligan revolves around Alabamas current congressional map, which GOP legislators drew after the 2020 census. Black residents make up nearly one-third of the states population, but lawmakers gave them a majority in just one of the states seven congressional districts. They did so by drawing a single, snaking district that captured most Black communities, then dispersing the remainder of Black voters throughout majority-white districts. The obvious purpose was to ensure that Black Alabamians could only have a real opportunity to elect one representative of their choice.

This tactic is plainly illegal under Section 2 of the VRA, which prohibits voting laws (including redistricting plans) that have a racially discriminatory effect, meaning a disparate impact on Black voters. In January 2022, a three-judge district court struck down the map, finding that it illegally diluted the votes of Black Alabamians. But the Supreme Court swiftly halted that decision on the shadow docket. Its order split 54 (with Kavanaugh in that majority), and though Roberts dissented, he objected only to the majoritys use of the shadow docket to overhaul precedent, and was open to narrowing Section 2 in the future. After SCOTUS intervention, it seemed inevitable that the conservative supermajority would use Milligan to eviscerate what remains of the Voting Rights Act.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But it didnt! In fact, it did the opposite, vigorously reaffirming the ongoing importance and validity of this portion of the VRA in the face of ceaseless GOP attacks. Roberts opinion for the court on Thursday traced the history of racist voter suppression after the Civil War, leading up to the initial passage of the VRA in 1965. He explained how, in 1980, the Supreme Court held that the law barred only discriminatory intent, not effecta decision that produced an avalanche of criticism, both in the media and within the civil rights community. Roberts wrote that some lawmakers were wary that an effects test (which measured impact rather than intent) would require a quota system or racial proportionality in districting, raising equal protection concerns. And so Congress settled on a bipartisan, hard-fought compromise, which amended Section 2 to require that the electoral process be equally open to participation by all racial groups.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Whats shocking about Roberts history lesson is that, at the time, he was on the front lines of the fight against expanding the VRA to include an effects test. As a lawyer at Ronald Reagans Department of Justice, he wrote about 25 memos in opposition of the new test and drafted op-eds on the topic for administration officials. Indeed, it is quite likely that Roberts actually ghostwrote one op-ed that he quoted in Milligan to illustrate the Justice Departments hostility. Once on the Supreme Court, of course, Roberts consistently voted to narrow the VRA in line with his earlier views. So Milligan represents a total about-face: For the first time ever, the chief justice has embraced the law as a legitimate means of safeguarding Black Americans equal participation in the electoral process.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

What happened? We will debate that question for decades, but one answer leaps off the page: Alabama pushed too far, too fast, too transparently. The state wanted the court to either gut the VRA under the guise of interpretation or simply strike it down as unconstitutional. Roberts turned down both requests, and Kavanaugh went along with him. Notably, his analysis of Alabamas map itself is extremely brief, as if to illustrate that this case is not a close call. He explained that the court uses the Gingles test to identify a violation of Section 2. Under that test, a minority group must be large and compact enough to constitute a majority in one reasonably configured district; the group must be politically cohesive, meaning its members generally share the same political preferences; and it must be able to demonstrate that white voters can consistently block its preferred candidate. If all these conditions are met, the group must then show that elections are not equally open to racial minorities under a totality of the circumstances.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related from Slate Mark Joseph Stern Progressive Judges May Have Found a Use for Clarence Thomas Terrible Guns Ruling Read More

The district court found these conditions satisfied, and Roberts agreed, writing that the court faithfully applied our precedents to reach sound legal conclusions. That conclusion needs little explanation based on the facts relayed above; it is painfully clear that Alabamas overarching goal was to minimize Black voters ability to elect their preferred representative. So the balance of Roberts opinion amounts to a complete demolition of Alabamas attempt to remake our Section 2 jurisprudence anew. The states GOP attorney general, he wrote, urged the court to adopt a new test that it called the race-neutral benchmark. It involves using a computer to create a ton of maps that do not consider race, then calculating the average number of majority-minority districts in the entire multi-million-map set. If the actual map aligns with the average simulated map, it cannot violate the VRA.

Advertisement

Advertisement

This is absurd, and Roberts said as much. First, it simply has zero basis in the text of Section 2, and was created out of whole cloth by conservative lawyers who want to maximize white voting power in their state. Second, as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson pointed out at oral arguments, Congress wanted states to consider race when drawing districts to ensure that they did not lock out racial minorities. Racial considerations are appropriate, the chief justice explained, so long as they do not predominate map-drawing. Third, Alabamas test could, in practice, make it impossible for states to draw maps that comply with the VRA, because ostensibly race-neutral maps often have the effect of diluting Black Americans votes.

Advertisement

Finally, Alabama argued that the VRAs effects test is unconstitutional because it exceeds Congress power under the 14th and 15th Amendments. This theory loomed over the whole case, raising the distinct possibility that SCOTUS would end its campaign of death by a thousand cuts and finally bring down the hammer on the law. But Roberts spurned it in a single paragraph, writing that the court had upheld the laws constitutionality in the past, and had no interest in revisiting those precedents. That conclusion is a stunning turnabout for the chief justice that suggests he really has made peace with the law as it exists today.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The 1982 version of John Roberts (or even the 2013 version, and possibly the 2021 version) probably would have nodded his head in agreement with each of Alabamas propositions. The 2023 version rejected them wholesale. His 34-page opinion boils down to a warning against red states taking his vote for grantedwhich may explain why Kavanaugh signed on: to ally himself with the chief justices performance of independence. Kavanaugh even penned a brief concurrence reiterating that the courts decision was compelled by precedent, which is curious since he cast the decisive vote in 2022 to preserve Alabamas illegal map through the midterm elections. Thursdays decision makes that vote all the more inexplicable, and it may well be that Kavanaugh changed his mind and sided against the state after the chief justice seized upon this case to demonstrate the courts refusal to be bullied by Alabama. (The decision also ensures that Democrats will pick up at least one congressional district in Alabama, and potentially several more in other red states with similarly unlawful maps.)

Advertisement

It is difficult to overstate the impact of Milligan on voting rights law. For several years now, many progressive attorneys have assumed that the VRA is pretty much dead, and the only question was when SCOTUS would deliver the final blow. Alabama wanted to play that role; it failed miserably. Justices Clarence Thomas dissentjoined by Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrettdescribed the courts decision as a disastrous misadventure. But the real disaster here was white Alabama Republicans crusade to obliterate the VRA based on arrogant certainty that they had five or six justices in their pocket. Their miscalculation wound up reaffirming Congress constitutional authority to combat state assaults on our multiracial democracy.
This is part of Opinionpalooza, Slates coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. Were working to change the way the media covers the Supreme Court. Sign up for the pop-up newsletter to receive our latest updates, and support our work when you join Slate Plus.

There is a story weve been telling about Chief Justice John Roberts and his role at the Supreme Court in which he is both a centrist/moderate and also an institutionalist. The reality is far from this narrative, but the clarifying distance between the two is seen clearly in Roberts genuinely surprising decision on Thursday forcefully upholding what remains of the Voting Rights Act following his previous demolition jobs on the same.

Advertisement

Both of the story versions of Roberts are descriptively correct except for a couple of big things. First, he is not actually a centrist/moderate, but in fact one of the most conservative jurists of the past century on a court in which several of the most conservative jurists since the dawn of human time now outflank him on the far right. This renders him a median, but not moderate voter, who is often on the losing side, and thus he often gets the centrist label.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

On the institutionalist front he has also been taking a shellacking because a genuine institutionalist, faced with staggering ethical lapses and dark-money investments in judicial outcomes in his midst, would have at least feinted at doing something to right the ship of institutional credibility and legitimacy. He did not. Roberts has instead taken the position that anyone who criticizes the court simply hates the court, and also wants to hurt its members; a position taken elsewhere by dark money judicial shoppers and cynical justices who hate being criticized.

Advertisement

But if Roberts is neither a real moderate nor a real institutionalist, what he has consistently refused to be is a chump. And the Roberts who wrote the gobsmacking majority opinion in Allen v. Milligan, the terms landmark voting rights case, is anything but a chump. For those of us who have noted that Roberts spent much of his early legal career fighting the Voting Rights Act, and spent much of his time on the court doing everything in his power to make race-conscious remedies look racist, Thursdays paean to the vitality and centrality of the VRA in modern American life could make your eyeballs explode.

Shortly after the Civil War, Congress passed and the States ratified the Fifteenth Amendment, providing that [t]he right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged  on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, Roberts writes in his opening. In the century that followed, however, the Amendment proved little more than a parchment promise. (Justice Kagan, call your office, the AI algorithm running our current simulated reality has confused you with the chief.)

Advertisement

Advertisement

He quotes, with approval the lower court finding that:

[P]laintiffs had carried their burden at the totality of circumstances stage. The Court observed that elections in Alabama were racially polarized; that Black Alabamians enjoy virtually zero success in statewide elections; that political campaigns in Alabama had been characterized by overt or subtle racial appeals; and that Alabamas extensive history of repugnant racial and voting-related discrimination is undeniable and well documented.

Advertisement

He sees no reason to disturb these findings. But its not that Roberts has suddenly fallen in love with the VRA in June of 2023. And its not even that he objects to doing the courts voting rights dirty work on the shadow docket, which this courts other conservatives were more than happy to do without him in February of 2022. No, its just that he objects and has always objected to shoddy lawyers lawyering shoddily.

Advertisement

Related from Slate Mark Joseph Stern John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh Just Delivered the Surprise of the Supreme Court Term Read More

As Mark Joseph Stern and I have argued for years, Roberts has a long pattern of balking when the court is being asked to do something that he would probably agree to do under other circumstances, when he is being asked to do so by way of really bad arguments or overreaching activists. Weve been writing for years now that Roberts mantra on the occasions in which he often flips to join the liberal wing can be distilled down to lie better to me. That was the basis for his decision in the census citizenship case and his defection in the June Medical abortion case the year after. He is willing to go very, very far in the advancement of the conservative legal movements goals, but he wont be an instrument of sloppy lawyers who ask the court to do reckless things simply because they believe they have the votes to do it. In almost every case, John Roberts the Chief Justice will do everything that John Roberts the anti-voting rights activist ever wanted, but it needs to be brought to him by John Roberts-quality lawyers, not clowns in small cars. Oral arguments in Milligan revealed that what Alabama was asking the court to do was both vast and poorly reasoned. The chief by and large is always here for the vastness, but not generally for the phoning-it-in.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In another sense, Milligan is a perfect place for the chief justice to show off that even though he hated the amendments made to the VRA in the 1980s and worked very hard to scupper them, they are the law, and his is not to set aside the will of Congress. The high-mindedness at work here is such that it almost feels like it redeems everything Harlan Crow has done to tarnish the court this year. (Not quite!) And that Roberts throws in little zingers defending the principles of stare decisis is nothing short of epic, at a time in which other major precedents, like those pertaining to the environment, religion, and (yes) reproductive freedom and guns are mostly just smoky particulate matter now.

Advertisement

Indeed, going after Justice Clarence Thomas dissent, Roberts writes:

The principal dissent complains that what the District Court did here is essentially no different from what many courts have done for decades under this Courts superintendence. That is not such a bad definition of stare decisis.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who voted with the majority to stop the better map from going into effect last year, is in some sense the bigger surprise here. His concurrence also presents itself as deferring to stare decisis at least with respect to interpreting a statute, although he includes language suggesting that Alabama could have won had it argued on alternative constitutional grounds. Citing Thomas dissent, Kavanaugh notes that even if Congress in 1982 could constitutionally authorize race-based redistricting under 2 for some period of time, the authority to conduct race-based redistricting cannot extend indefinitely into the future. He acknowledges, though, that wasnt actually a question before the court and thus dismisses it (for now). As others such as George Washington University Law School Professor Spencer Overton have noted, this is a concern, but maybe still a tomorrow one.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Ultimately, there is no doubt that given the Roberts Courts long purposive march to eradicate any remedy for race-based vote suppression, todays ruling is a jarring departure. (Lets not forget, though, that long purposive march.) That this rulingclearing the lowest possible bar of upholding decades of precedent to enshrine what was one of the most important and bipartisan civil rights achievements of the past 70 yearsis recast as one of the biggest wins of the term for progressive values is a separate matter. But perhaps we have reached the part of the show where simply not being punched in the face over and over at the high court counts as a good day.

Still, for those inclined to separate out the threats posed by this court to the environment, to labor, to LGBTQ freedoms, and to women, or to say that maybe the war on voting rights is more vital than anything, recall both that Leonard Leo and other casual court shoppers continue to pour resources into the fight to suppress the vote as well. Indeed it was Leo who was, back in 2012, making sure that one of his groupsthe Judicial Education Projectwas filing amicus briefs in Shelby County v. Holder, just as he was directing that money be paid out by the same group, in secret, to a sitting justices wife. So yeah, when the machine that was built to shut down voting spits out an aberrant opinion that protects voting, it maybe doesnt mean quite as much as you think it means.

If John Roberts, moderate, and John Roberts, institutionalist, showed up in Milligan, it may be less a repudiation of a whole career of anti-voting work product. It may simply be a repudiation of taking the six-justice supermajority at SCOTUS for granted. This isnt exactly a basis for future hope. Nor is it proof that the courts centrist principled institutionalists are in charge. Its all much smaller than that. But it is a win nevertheless.
The long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun, but dont expect any rapid blowouts of Russias defensive linesat least, not yet.

For more than a year now, the fighting on the ground in eastern Ukraine has settled into a stalemate, with neither side making more than brief or marginal advances, at an enormous cost of men and materiel. This isnt likely to change right away. Along the main southern axes, the Ukrainian army is engaged, for the most part, in probing attacks. The idea is to test which sections of Russias frontlines are weakest and only then to throw massive forces against those points, breaking through the frontline and enveloping the Russian defenders. The probing and wearing-down process could go on for weeks or longer; the breakthroughs arent likely to be instantaneous, either.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Even in Zaporizhzhia, the district where the fighting is now most intense, the Ukrainians have committed a brigade-sized unit (roughly 4,000 soldiers), but they are as yet holding back their newest, most capable elementsthose with NATO training and the most up-to-date Western arms. (There is conflicting opinion over whether this unit is fighting with Abrams and Leopard tanks, the most modern armored vehicles supplied by the U.S. and Germany; if so, there arent many; the bulk of them will enter the fight after the battlefield is primed for a breakthrough.)

Related from Slate Fred Kaplan The Only Certain Thing After 100 Days of War in Ukraine Read More

How are things going now? Its impossible to say. First, the counteroffensive has been going on for only a few days. Second, in general, fields of battle, especially those stretched across hundreds of miles, are maelstroms of confusion (the fog of war, as Clausewitz put it). Third, both sides governments, as well as several authorized chroniclers, have an interest in stretching the truth, if not telling outright lies. So, a Kremlin spokesman says Russian troops have repelled the offensive; a pro-Ukraine military blogger says the Russian troops are getting pounded along many parts of the frontline.

Advertisement

That said, it is possible to get a somewhat objective, near-real-time view of whats going on in this warmore so than has been true of most wars, perhaps any war ever. This is because of commercial satellite imagery, which many computer technicians can download and many private military analysts can interpret. (Frequent, in some cases daily reports can be found on the sites of the Institute for the Study of War and War on the Rocks, among others, including the graphics departments of the major news organizations.) It would be hard for Russian or Ukrainian propagandists to tout dramatic breakthroughs if the imagery clearly shows defense lines holding firm or only slightly wobbling.

Advertisement

What should we watch out for? What would be signs of success or failure for Russia or for Ukraine? On Thursdays episode of the Geopolitics Decanted podcast, Michael Kofman and Rob Leetwo of the most astute military analystsnoted that, as is true with most wars but especially so with this war, the criteria for success are mainly political. Russia may be incapable of mounting any further offensive operations, so Vladimir Putin needs above all to sustain the stalemate, in the hope that Ukraines citizens grow tired of the destruction and Ukraines Western allies grow tired of sending Kyiv tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons. Conversely, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky needs to show his people that theyre not suffering all this painand needs to show his allies that theyre not spending all this moneyfor nothing.

Advertisement

In other words, as has been clear for quite a while, this is in some sense a war for time. Kofman and Lee argue that the Ukrainian troops need to break through at least part of Russias frontline. It doesnt matter where or how deeply. They just need to show that all has not been for naught. Quite apart from the larger aims of this war or the ultimate definitions of victory and defeat, this is the measure of the counteroffensives success or failureand that outcome will set the course for the rest of the war. This is why the next few months of combat are likely to be decisive.
Apples video demo of its new Vision Pro AR/VR headset on Monday started how you might expect: The user strapped on the chunky goggles and was presented with a menu of familiar appsSafari, Photos, Messages. But it quickly became clear that the headset was not merely being pitched as a device for individual computing. Foundational to Apple Vision Pro, the demo noted, is that youre not isolated from other people. It was striking how often the visuals and language in the promotion video keyed in on social interactions. Several times, the Vision Pro pitch showed the headset wearer casually interacting with smiling friends or with their kids, as if nothing was weird about a person wearing high-tech scuba gear around others.

Advertisement

Even as an Apple fanboy, Im skeptical about the presentations perfectly manicured social reality. I am optimistic about wearable headsets for specific use cases, such as creating digital stories, education innovation, or playing games in solitude. But my skepticism about Apples ability to create, as it promises, a profound new way to be together comes from my experience with a similar (if much lower-tech) device: Google Glass, which my classes at Lehigh University experimented with almost 10 years ago. My students quickly discovered social downsides for these devices; their intrusiveness made for awkward or downright hostile social interactions.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Vision Pro is shinier and fancier than Glass, and its features and quality are dramatically improved. Still, its design replicates a specific social dynamic in the way it presents to those around the user: Its a wearable headset with an embedded camera that can take pictures or video on demand. All the selling points of Vision Pro are things for the wearer to experienceand those around the wearer to simply be subject to.

Advertisement

Apples offering thus faces the baggage left by Glass, which initially launched to curiosity but was quickly taken over by paranoia. Wearers began to be referred to as Glassholes because of the awkward ways they behaved in public (the term inspired a pretty funny SNL skit). To be fair, some of that derision was deserved; a small set of Glass users were aggressive boundary-breakers who wore the device in settings such as public bathrooms. But regardless, Glass became a punchline that has since weighed on other AR products.

Thats one of the things that made Mondays Vision Pro presentation feel weird. Visually showing what a product is supposed to be is a long-term Apple strategy, and can speed adoption by allowing consumers to envision themselves using a device. This works well for new product categories, when the public is effectively a blank slate. But the choice to show Vision Pro as a social device ignores the lessons from Glass about the impact of AR and VR tech on social interaction and the larger social narrative around such devices. During the Apple presentation, we saw a father squatting on the floor near his young children, wearing the device and capturing video for keepsakes. It all felt weirdly dark in its unspoken assumptions about normalcy and social consent, and how our kids (and many other people) might feel being constantly regarded through a lens.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2013, I was one of the first batch of Google Glass Explorers (yes, that was the official name) given exclusive early access to the device as beta testers. I wanted to test Glass potential for both education and journalism, and I used my multimedia class at Lehigh to experiment with new types of visual stories. Glass had working apps for things such as maps and gaming, all visible through a rectangular, transparent screen that hovered slightly above your right eye.

But the critical Glass feature was the built-in camera, capable of capturing good-quality photos and video. My students did a lot of photo and video work with the device. That included mini-stories we called Glassumentaries, with footage shot by the subject while wearing Glass so you could see a story through their eyes. My students created fun process stories about niche talents like woodworking and glass-blowing. Im quite fond of what we did creatively.

Advertisement

It was their other assignment, a social exercise, that showed the trouble with wearable camera devices. For the assignment, each student was required to wear Glass everywhere while awake for two days (in class, with their roommates, at the gym, etc.), and afterward journal about their interactions. They were instructed not to take photos or video of others without permission, and to be upfront that they were wearing it for a class assignment. They also could power it down while wearing it if someone was uncomfortable, disabling the camera for social reasons.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Even with these explanations, and with the device powered down, students told me people around them didnt know how to react after their initial curiosity for the tech wore off. Professors in class or friends at parties were nervous about being recorded. Even when people knew the student, turning off the device wasnt always enough. A few times I had to text permission to remove Glass because the social costs were too high. My students were troupers, and they kept at it, even sending me selfies while wearing the device at parties with messages like #omgawkward. But they estimated it was off probably 75 percent of the time.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The point of this assignment was to test the range of how society might accept the act of wearing such a device in public spaces. We discovered that the device had some good potential, but it was antisocial by natureafter all, its technology on your face that interferes with your ability to look someone in the eye, and thus severs connection. The bulkiness and dark tint of Vision Pro exacerbates that problem. You might think this isnt so different from the way we ignore friends or family while looking down at our phones, or seeing the world through our phone cameras. But my students experiences taught me otherwise.

Advertisement

First, its easier to visually cue a shift in attention from phone to friend. You can lower the phone, pocket it, or raise your eyes to communicate you are present. In Vision Pro or Glass, that signaling is much harderthe people outside of the device cant know what youre looking at inside it. Handheld cameras or phones also come with clearer, universally understandable cues: Holding the device a certain way says, Im taking photos or a video. Those cues disappear with a wearable camera. The price of these devices also creates an inherent exclusiveness and power imbalance. On the other hand, the relative accessibility and ubiquity of phones mean we all have similar opportunities to do good or ill, a type of mutually assured destruction that encourages constructing social norms around use.

Advertisement

Related from Slate Will Oremus Anything Google Glass Can Do, Your Smartphone Can Do Better Read More

Communication theorist Marshall McLuhan famously observed that the medium is the message, challenging us go beyond the awe phase of new technology and ask questions about its social effects. What does it mean to have a society with this new tech, and how does its introduction change us? The takeaway from our Glass experiment was that wearable headset cameras create burdens on those around the wearer, making social interactions awkward and inviting distrust where none previously existed.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Social interactions could evolve as wearable headsets become more common. It happened as phones became part of our social gatherings. But instead of accepting ever-present phones without conditions, we created rules to govern interactions.

As with Glass, Vision Pro will have interesting uses. It has appeal for gaming and media use. I could see journalistic and creative uses, so long as there is understanding and a way to negotiate consent when donning the device.

Advertisement

But for casual social use, Apple is asking people to envision a future that seamlessly (and quickly) creates social norms about wearables and consent. The visceral reaction Vision Pro wearers will inevitably get in public is a sharp departure for a company famous for products such as iconic white earbuds or candy-colored iMacs, expertly designed to exploit peoples desire to build social influence. In classic Steve Jobs fashion, Apples pitch zoomed past the awkward phase and straight to the story it wants to get to, one about building social capital, influence, and connection through a device. But this time it was for a product whose category is littered with instances of disconnection and paranoia.

Vision Pro may someday live up to Apples lofty pitch, but acceptance that leads to mass adoption will depend on how users behave, and social rules around new technology take time. We cant shortcut the awkward phase if we want to build social norms for AR/VR devicesand it will all be much messier than Mondays pitch implies.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
New York City is no stranger to less-than-fresh air, but this week, the city reached historical levels of bad. Thanks to climate changefueled Canadian wildfires and a stubborn weather system that pinned toxic air to the city surface, Wednesdays daily average dwarfed the worst daily average in San Francisco at the peak of the 2018 wildfire season. A safe one-day level of PM2.5 particles, the lung-penetrating culprits that can wreak havoc on our health, is 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air. This Wednesday, the average was more than tenfold, with at least one sensor logging a literally breath-taking 868. Now, this unholy blanket of pollution is moving south, with Washington, D.C., bracing for a similar experience.

Advertisement

Children, particularly susceptible to air pollution, have been at the forefront of concerns. In New York City, school systems canceled field trips, moved recesses indoors, and handed out masks. Playgrounds were shuttered to discourage outdoor activity. Many of us parents on the East Coast, unaccustomed to wildfire-induced pollution, were caught off guard. Ill admit, I was one of them, strolling leisurely with my kid through air pollution levels that would trigger lawsuits in an industrial setting.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Now, as the smoke starts to clear, were left questioning: What toll did this week take on our childrens health? And how can we be better prepared next time?

To understand more about the dangers of wildfire smoke, especially to kids, I reached out to Stephanie Holm. Shes a pediatrician, an occupational environmental medicine doctor, and an environmental epidemiology scholar. Holm directs the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, based at the University of California, San Franciscowhich is a long way to say she leads an outreach effort in the Southwestern U.S., educating health professionals about childrens environmental health. Plus, shes a West Coast parent, armed with practical advice for us East Coast parents on navigating these new challenges.

Advertisement

We discussed the actual impact of wildfire smoke on children, whether to stress over masks, and if some of us made a serious misstep by not hunkering down as soon as warnings were issued. Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Tim Requarth: We know wildfire smoke is bad for you. So how bad is it?

Stephanie Holm: Its pretty bad. Air pollution in general can have a number of health effects for adults and kids. I focus a lot on kids because of my background and particular interest in them. But we know that a lot of the common air pollutants from industry and traffic, such as PM2.5 or nitrogen dioxide, can cause breathing problems, and problems with growth, and problems with learning and development. And wildfire smoke not only has all of those things, but theres some evidence it contains other types of pollutants that might irritate the body in even worse ways.

Advertisement

Advertisement

That doesnt sound great for anyone, but why would wildfire smoke be so bad for kids in particular? In the warnings to stay inside, we hear children singled out as a vulnerable group. Why is that?

Advertisement

Kids are vulnerable for three main reasons. One is that there are differences in their body and in their physiology such that they get a higher dose of pollution. What I mean by that is if I am sitting next to a child and were breathing the exact same air, the kid gets a higher dose of the pollution relative to their body size than I do. Kids just breathe more air relative to their body size than adults. So thats one reason.

Advertisement

The second is that kids have behavioral differences that make it so that they also get more exposure. Kids run and play a lot more than we adults do sitting at a desk for large chunks of the day. And thats a really good thing, right? We want to encourage that play. But when youre active, you are also breathing more. And so thats also going to increase the dose of the air pollution that you get.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The third reason is that kids really have unique windows of growth and development. And if you affect a pattern of growth, you can have lifelong effects that are very different from what might happen to an adult. This is because the smoke has disrupted this dynamic growth pattern, as opposed to just perturbing a more stable system like an adult. This is especially true during periods of really rapid change, like in utero, early infancy, or puberty.

Advertisement

How do we know its so bad? What kind of data do we have?

Theres a lot that we dont know about wildfire smoke and kids. There just really hasnt yet been a generation that is as exposed to wildfire smoke as the generation growing up now. My daughter here in California has had smoke days as part of her school year every year. Like, thats a normal part of her childhood. That shouldnt be normal.

Advertisement

I dont yet know of any studies that have looked at repeated short, high wildfire smoke exposures and longer-term outcomes in kids over the years. We just have to take what we know from the studies that have been done with wildfire smoke in adults, what we know from studies that have been done looking at health outcomes for children and air pollution more broadly. And, you know, thats where critical thinking comes in. We pull those things together to provide folks with the best knowledge that we have from a combination of sources.

Advertisement

Advertisement

One thing Im curious about is exposure patterns. When we talk about something like traffic pollution, kids are exposed to airborne pollutants for long periods of time. I remember when we talked for an article about gas stoves and child brain health, we discussed how stoves are different because youre exposed to really high doses of pollutants, but for relatively short bursts of time. So gas stoves are a real concern, but maybe not as concerning as you would think reading about the slew of pollutants they expel, because its over quickly.

It strikes me that wildfires are somewhere in the middle. Youre exposed to it for longer than cooking, but its only intermittently throughout the year, unlike traffic. So what do we know about this intermittent exposure to wildfires and long-term effects in children?

Advertisement

Thats a really great question, and I get asked a lot actually about why I do cooking-related pollution work and wildfire work. People comment, not incorrectly, that those seem somewhat unrelated. But I find the exposure patterns can be very similar between the two. Wildfire smoke exposures do tend to have these very large peaks, they can be fast, and they can change very quickly. The wind can change directions. One moment you have smoke blowing right downwind at you, and an hour later, none. But it can also be more prolonged.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

We do know that there are very short-term health effects of short exposures. We dont really have hardly anything, though, where were looking at very high, short exposures and then were following up with people for health outcomes years later. And part of that is just a logistics issue. That would be a very difficult study to do, especially in a world like the current one where nearly all kids are having some repeated exposures to airborne pollutants. How exactly do you quantify just how much wildfire smoke exposure your kid got today? Or my kid got today? Those are really tricky things.

Advertisement

Speaking of how much smoke exposure my kid got, I want to talk about New York City, where I live. Most of us really werent expecting this or prepared for it. On Tuesday everyone was going about their business, and on Wednesday it was an apocalypse. I talked to one parent who was surprised to see a lot of people, kids even, in masks on Wednesday, and she was like, I guess I didnt get the memo. To be honest, I wasnt totally up on all of this until yesterday, and on Tuesday I walked my kid home from a friends house and we marveled at the Martian sun and the weird smoke. On Wednesday it occurred to me, maybe that was, like, a big mistake. Did I really fuck up?

Advertisement

Advertisement

In general, I try to never make parents feel guilty for decisions that theyve made for their kids because parenting is hard enough.

Thats nice of you to say, but really, what did I expose my kid to? Like, in terms of absolute risk?

Im going to crunch some really, really rough numbers for you, to be taken with a grain of salt. But theyll give you an idea. Being in the unhealthy air quality range for a day is, in terms of particulate matter, somewhere in the ballpark of smoking three or four cigarettes. Being in the hazardous range for a day is like smoking 15 cigarettes. But thats being in unhealthy or hazardous air for a full 24-hour period.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Oh my God, I basically gave my 4-year-old a cigarette on Tuesday.

I wouldnt panic. Its true that research suggests that there is no threshold below which air pollution is safe. And we know that two minutes in unhealthy air is marginally worse than one minute, and so on. But its hard to say how much worse. And what we dont have a good answer to is: How does two minutes at hazardous levels compare to 10 minutes at unhealthy levels?

Advertisement

Advertisement

It is really important that we remember that minimizing air pollution exposure is not the be-all, end-all. You dont necessarily want to do things like cancel all kid activities, which can really affect a kids mental health, in the name of getting them to zero air pollution exposure. Life is a balance. So, I wouldnt necessarily say something you did yesterday was a mistake. Its more a question of what can you do today?

Advertisement

OK, so what can I do today?

We have a number of resources on our Western States Pediatric Environmental Specialty Unit webpage for families about what they can do to try and decrease smoke exposure. And you know, anything that you can do to decrease your exposure but especially the exposure of your kids, or kids in your care, is good. So if your kid had a little more exposure yesterday, Id try to work extra hard to decrease their exposure today.

Things that you can do include creating a cleaner indoor air space. So if you have central air or central heat, if youre able to, you really want to get a MERV 13 filter that helps to filter out a majority of these very small particles. If you dont have central air, or if you have a large space and need some extra on top of the central, you can also get portable air filters. You want a HEPA filter, which are better than the ones that have things like ionizers and electrostatic methods. The ion-based filters can have their own bad health effects.

Advertisement

Advertisement

What about masks?

If you have to be outdoors, there are some kinds of masks that can help both adults and kids. The best ones are NIOSH certified, the N95s, which I think people are more and more familiar with because of the pandemic. The reason those are so helpful is that they seal really tightly to your face and they have really high quality material. Its much better to do a NIOSH certified N95 than any of the other kinds.

Related from Slate Meg Duff This Wont Be the Last Time the East Coast Experiences Wildfire Smoke. Heres How to Handle It. Read More

Wait, Im confused. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesnt recommend masks for children for wildfire smoke. And you can find experts in newspaper articles saying theres no point. But youre saying they can help? It seems like nothing about masks is ever straightforward. Why is there all this conflicting advice again? Can you provide some clarity for us?

Advertisement

I think the reason that theres a lot of conflicting advice about masks for kids is that we dont have a lot of direct data for kids. So what youre seeing is a number of experts trying to take the information that we do have, and use some critical thinking and figure out what the answer is. So Ill tell you what my answer is. And it is different from what some people will say, and I can give you a perspective on why that is. I mentioned before that Ive been really active in wildfire research. And Ive been particularly really active in respiratory protection for kids. I serve on some national advisory councils as the pediatric expert for the country. Thats not to say that Im necessarily always right, but thats sort of the background that Im bringing to this. Ive spent a lot of time talking to a whole bunch of experts in respiratory protection, and in pediatrics, and thinking about how we can merge the two. Part of the confusion comes from the fact that there is not a certification process for respirators in this country for children. And in fact, you know, sort of more broadly, there is not currently a structure for respiratory protection, certification, and standardization for the public more generally. So we have a system thats set up for workers, but we do not currently have a similar certification system for the general public, let alone children.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

So part of the message from government agencies about masks and children is because they havent officially tested and certified them, so they cant recommend them?

Exactly. But we have data that show respirators can be really helpful for the public who are not fit tested. And there are respiratory manufacturers who have done work looking at kids in other countries. And theres some work looking at facial shape characterizations. Many children can fit in the so-called NIOSH grid, the profile of face shapes and face sizes that is used to develop respirators. But its not perfect. If theres leakage around the face, if youre a little kid whos pulling at it, because its annoying you, its itchy, and youre getting more airflow coming in around the sides, it wont be perfect. And its hard to tell people exactly how much protection theyre getting from an imperfectly fitted N95. I cant tell you whether your kids N95 is reducing their exposure by 95 percent, or 80 percent, or 75 percent. It could be somewhere in that ballpark, but you wouldnt want to rely on that entirely as your only way of protecting yourself or your kids.

Advertisement

Does your daughter wear a mask outside during smoke days?

Yes, she has a NIOSH-certified N95 that she wears. Ive found for her, the ones that work best are ones that dont have sort of a rigid cup shape but are a little bit more flexible. So theres the duckbill style, and ones that have the more flexible trifold kind of shape. But you know, its really a question of the individual kid and what seals well on their face. On our Western States webpage, weve got some info about performing a user seal check with a kid and getting a sense of whether its fitting as well as it could.

Advertisement

This is all good advice, but also Im getting overwhelmed.

One of the tough things about all of that advice is that thats all really useful if youve been able to prepare ahead of time. But when the smoke day hits, you knowand I certainly have had the experience of going to the local hardware store, and there are no N95s, and there are no HVAC filters, and there are no portable air cleaner filters. Thats frustrating. I think more and more we as a society need to be moving towards a model of being what folks like to call smoke ready. And so as you get towards the summer, thats your time to do a tune-up on your heating and air conditioning system and make sure youve got a filter and a backup one if you need it, and make sure youve got some N95s that fit your family, so that when the smoke event happens, youll have those supplies for you and your children. Because its no longer if, its when.
The police arrested the attacker. The photo is symbolic. Photo: EPA



The police reduced the total number of injured children from eight, which was the original figure, to four. She added that one adult was also injured.

French interior minister Gerald Darmanin announced that the attacker had already been arrested.

The attacker entered the childrens playground around 9:45 a.m. and began attacking the children who were playing there, the Guardian reports. One eyewitness said people were crying and running in panic. It was terrible, he said.

The man first started attacking the children, some in strollers, and then, according to eyewitnesses, he stabbed an even older man with a knife. After that, the police intervened and incapacitated the attacker.

According to French media, the attacker is a 32-year-old Syrian asylum seeker. He applied for asylum in France last November, and in the meantime he was already granted refugee status in Sweden, the statements of police sources are summarized by the French media.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed dismay after the attack and said the country was in shock. A case of fit of absolute cowardicehe wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne is already on his way to the scene of the attack, and members of the national parliament remembered the wounded with a minutes silence, reports the French news agency AFP.
Photo: AFP

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen said a group of NATO member states may be ready to send troops to Ukraine if member states, including the United States, fail to provide tangible security guarantees to Kiev at the alliances summit in Vilnius.

Anders Rasmussenwho is an official adviser to the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Ukraines future European security architecture, has been on a tour of Europe and Washington to gauge the changing mood ahead of the decisive summit that begins on July 11.

Read also: Fewer and fewer Christians in Germany, more and more Muslims and atheists

He warned that even if the group of countries provided Ukraine with security guarantees, others would not allow the issue of Ukraines future membership in NATO to be excluded from the agenda of the meeting in Vilnius. He remarked this after he is the current head of NATO Jens Stoltenberg said that the issue of security guarantees will be on the agenda in Vilnius, but added that NATO  in accordance with Article 5 of the Washington Treaty  provides full security guarantees only to full members.

US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith otherwise she said: We are looking at a number of options to show that Ukraine is making progress in its relationship with NATO. At the same time, Rasmussen said: If NATO cannot agree on a clear way forward for Ukraine, there is a possibility that some countries will act individually. We know that Poland is making great efforts to provide concrete assistance to Ukraine. And I would not rule out the possibility that Poland would become even more involved in this context at the national level, followed by the Baltic states, perhaps also with the possibility of sending military units to the field.

I think the Poles would seriously consider stepping in and forming a coalition of the willing if Ukraine gets nothing in Vilnius. We should not underestimate Polish feelings, Poles believe that Western Europe has not listened to their warnings against the true Russian mentality for too long, adds Rasmussen and says that it would also be completely legal if Ukraine asked for such military assistance.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen (photo: AFP)

His suggestion that some countries may consider it important to use their own troops could be seen as a warning to countries that risks, including a threat to NATO unity, do not only arise if Ukraine is given a fast track to NATO membership or a strong security guarantees. Germany is still reluctant to go too far for fear of provoking Russia.

Rasmussen said it was imperative that Ukraine receive written security guarantees, preferably before the summit, but outside of NATO. These must include intelligence sharing, joint training in Ukraine, increased ammunition production and sufficient arms supplies to deter Russia from further attack. He said yes after a slow start, the momentum behind these ideas is now building, also in France. But he also warned that security guarantees will not be sufficient.

Some NATO allies could support security guarantees to effectively avoid a real debate about Ukraines membership bid, says Rasmussen. They hope to avoid this issue by providing security guarantees. I dont think thats possible. I believe that the NATO issue will be discussed at the summit in Vilnius. I have spoken to several Eastern European leaders and there is a group of hard-line, East Central European allies who want at least a clear path for Ukraine to NATO membership.

He said that history has shown that it is dangerous to leave Ukraine in NATOs waiting room indefinitely. Even if Ukraine could not be guaranteed an invitation to NATO at the summit in Vilnius, they could refer to the possibility of extending the invitation in Washington next year. This path to membership, he said, should exclude the imposition of preconditions such as the NATO Membership Action Plan, which neither Sweden nor Finland had to accept as part of their membership path. Anything less than that would be a disappointment for Ukraine, he said.

Sara Kovac
Market research is one of the most important business services to help your company grow. It does a variety of things, including identifying a target audience if youre starting out. Marketing research also helps identify trends and market opportunities with insights.

This article unpacks the value of this type of expertise and helps your small business find the right firms and services. Maybe youre looking to become a research analyst. The median pay was $30.73 per hour in 2021. And theres predicted growth until 2031 of 19%.

The Importance of Market Research Services for Businesses

Market research provides insights into customer behaviors, business conditions, and the competitive landscape. Plus, other factors like forecasting potential sales for goods and services.

Understanding Market Research

This type of analysis provides SMBs with insights and information. They get a better understanding of their strategies and the market.

This research uses several different methods to gather data. Like focus groups, surveys, and interviews, to name a few. The insights gathered benefit shop owners. To get more clients, find new opportunities, and deliver on their goals.

The Role of Focus Groups in Market Research

This involves a small marketing research group that represents your target audience. Getting insights means doing a few things, like asking methodical questions in chronological order. This research needs to be structured, so you must set boundaries when they answer.

Choosing the Right Market Research Services for Your Business

Youll need a good marketing research firm to work with. Explore your options using the following tips for good analysis and excellent expertise.

Look for Flexibility

The one you finally choose should provide excellent insights. And great support. Meeting clients personally to phone and email communications should be included. And some other features.

Look For Experience

Any service should have specialized expertise and insight into your industry. How do they gather data? What methods do they use to interpret details?

What Are The Methods and Techniques Used?

Are open-ended qualitative research questions used? Does the candidate uncover market opportunities using website analytics and tracking? Does the prospect use in-depth interviews to gather data? Dig down to find out what techniques are employed. Find out if they use traditional surveys and focus groups to uncover your market share.

Services Offered by Market Research Companies

There are different research and marketing services offered to clients. These include:

Consumer Surveys: These provide clients with data on consumer behavior and preferences. And the way a target market perceives their brand.

Focus Groups: This type of qualitative research drills deep. Businesses get direct feedback from customers.

Product Testing: This allows for early feedback and data before a project or product launches. This is the stage where the design can be tweaked. And it reports how customers will react.

Market Analysis: Companies that supply information from data analysis and statistical models provide customers with overviews highlighting opportunities and risks.

Where to Find Reliable Market Research Services for Your Business

Following is a list of businesses that supply research data and support.

IPSOS

See Also: Market Your Business With These National Days In April 2023

This business has been supplying research services since 1975. They offer a variety of different services and approaches to data, including survey questions with an interactive dashboard.

Forrester Research

This organization is a proven leader. They even offer certification courses as a way to support your research project by teaching employees.

Market Strategies International

Marketing Strategies International is now called Escalent. This research firm was founded in 1989. They cover a wide swath of different projects in industries like healthcare.

Kantar

This company provides research to stakeholders in over 75 different markets. They boast the power of AI-enabled analytics. Their global office is located in New York.

Nielsen Holdings

Nielson Holdings is a company offering a number of good service packages. They include market optimization, audience measurement, and media planning to name a few.

The case studies available on their website include one quantifying the impacts of Tik-Tok advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions about Market Research Services

Many market research tools can help your business in a variety of different ways. Consumers looking for specific answers to common questions can find them below.

What are market research services?

These services help small business to define their target markets. To accomplish this goal, the company will analyze and interpret data. The right service will provide information and technical support services to help businesses decide about consumer preferences in fields like healthcare, packaged goods, or even event planning services.

A good service will supply key insights into trends and patterns.

What is the role of focus groups in market research?

A focus group is a big part of the process. The insights they add to any marketing project are valuable to its success.

They are often used early in any project to uncover how consumers feel about a product or service. They are also useful for other primary requirements like generating ideas or comparing graphic design services or campaigns. Ideas can get redeveloped after input from one of these groups.

How do I choose the right market research service for my business?

Check the site of the company youre considering. Look at the research methods they use. Like surveys, customer observation, and interviews.

Then you need to match those up with your defined objectives and goals. Ask yourself what specific market research questions you need answered for specific projects. For example, if youre looking into video production services for a new ad campaign, you may look for research companies specializing in surveys revolving around video content or advertising.

Are you exploring new opportunities or analyzing the competition? Dont forget to look for a place that offers excellent features like dedicated project managers before filling out a form.

Once you have that information, match everything up with a budget.

Where can I find reliable market research services for my business?

There are several primary places where you can find good market research services. Quirks Media is an excellent source of global options.

Other places match you up with the right service. Professional organizations like the Market Research Society(MRS) are a good bet.

You can get good suggestions from colleagues and even recommendations from other business people in your network. Local directories can also point you in the right direction. Remember, youll need to vet any candidates. Asking to see case studies is an excellent way to review their capabilities.
A Social Media Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining and elevating a companys online presence. They are responsible for creating, implementing, and managing social media campaigns and strategies that engage with the target audience and boost brand awareness. This article delves into a Social Media Managers role, responsibilities, and skills, providing insights into what it takes to excel in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

What Does a Social Media Manager Do?

A Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies that resonate with the companys target audience. They manage a brands social media channels, ensuring the content is engaging, relevant, and consistent with its voice and values. Key responsibilities include:

Developing Social Media Strategies: Crafting comprehensive social media strategies that align with the companys marketing goals and target audience. This includes analyzing user engagement, identifying trends, and optimizing the strategy to drive web traffic and conversions.

Content Creation: Planning, creating, and publishing engaging and shareable content for various social media channels. This includes both written and visual content tailored to the platform and audience.

Community Management: Building and maintaining strong social media communities by fostering relationships with followers and influencers. This includes monitoring and responding to comments, messages, and mentions to provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive brand image.

Social Media Analytics: Measuring the performance of social media campaigns using social media analytics tools and KPIs. Analyzing engagement data and trends to refine strategies and ensure they align with marketing goals.

Staying Informed on Social Media Trends: Keeping up to date with the latest social media trends and platform updates, ensuring the companys social media presence remains fresh and engaging.

Collaborating with Cross-Functional Teams: Working closely with other departments, such as marketing, sales, and customer service, to integrate social media marketing campaigns into broader company initiatives.

Social Media Manager Skills and Qualifications

An effective Social Media Manager should possess a diverse skill set encompassing creative and analytical abilities. Some essential skills and qualifications include:

Bachelors degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.

in marketing, communications, or a related field. Strong understanding of social media platforms , their unique features, and audience demographics.

, their unique features, and audience demographics. Excellent communication skills for crafting engaging content and interacting with social media communities.

for crafting engaging content and interacting with social media communities. Proficiency in social media marketing tools , such as scheduling, analytics, and content creation software.

, such as scheduling, analytics, and content creation software. Knowledge of digital marketing principles and strategies, including SEO, PPC, and email marketing.

principles and strategies, including SEO, PPC, and email marketing. Experience with Google Analytics to track and measure social media performance.

to track and measure social media performance. Strong project management skills to balance multiple tasks and deadlines.

How Does a Social Media Manager Collaborate with Other Professionals?

A Social Media Manager often works closely with other professionals to align their efforts with the companys overall marketing strategy. Some key collaborations include:

Marketing Team: Coordinating with the marketing team to develop integrated campaigns that leverage social media platforms to achieve marketing objectives.

Coordinating with the marketing team to develop integrated campaigns that leverage social media platforms to achieve marketing objectives. Content Creators: Collaborating with content creators, such as writers, graphic designers, and videographers, to produce engaging and shareable social media content.

Collaborating with content creators, such as writers, graphic designers, and videographers, to produce engaging and shareable social media content. Sales Teams: Providing sales teams with social media tools like content and hashtags to enhance their online presence and generate leads.

Providing sales teams with social media tools like content and hashtags to enhance their online presence and generate leads. Customer Service Teams: Working with customer service teams to monitor and address customer feedback and inquiries on social media platforms.

The Dynamic Role of a Social Media Manager

A Social Media Managers role is multifaceted and ever-changing, as they must adapt to new trends and technologies while maintaining a consistent brand voice across various platforms. By employing a diverse skill set and staying informed of the latest developments in social media marketing, a Social Media Manager can effectively elevate a brands online presence and achieve marketing goals.

Building a Career as a Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers can work in a variety of industries, from tech startups to established corporations and non-profit organizations. They may also work as freelancers or consultants, managing multiple clients social media accounts. To excel in this field, aspiring Social Media Managers should focus on:

Continuing Education: Staying current with the latest social media trends, tools, and best practices through industry news, webinars, and professional development courses.

Staying current with the latest social media trends, tools, and best practices through industry news, webinars, and professional development courses. Networking: Connecting with other social media professionals through industry events, online forums, and social media platforms to share insights, learn from peers, and explore job opportunities.

Connecting with other social media professionals through industry events, online forums, and social media platforms to share insights, learn from peers, and explore job opportunities. Building a Portfolio: Showcasing past social media successes and accomplishments through a professional portfolio, including case studies, social media profiles, and performance metrics.

Template 1:

This template positions the company as a small business dedicated to providing exceptional products or services. It emphasizes the need for a talented Social Media Manager to join the team and help build and maintain a strong online presence. The job description highlights the responsibilities of the Social Media Manager, including developing and implementing social media strategies, creating engaging content, managing social media accounts, monitoring performance metrics, and staying updated on social media trends. It also mentions the importance of collaboration with the marketing team.

Job Description: Social Media Manager

Location: [City, State]

Company: [Company Name]

About Us: [Company Name] is a small business dedicated to providing exceptional products/services to our customers. We are looking for a talented Social Media Manager to join our team and help us build and maintain a strong online presence. As a Social Media Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing social media strategies to engage our target audience, increase brand awareness, and drive traffic to our platforms.

Job Description: As a Social Media Manager at [Company Name], you will play a key role in developing and executing social media initiatives to enhance our online presence. You will be responsible for creating and curating engaging content, managing social media accounts, monitoring and analyzing performance metrics, and interacting with our online community. The ideal candidate is creative, knowledgeable about social media trends, and has a passion for building brand awareness through digital platforms.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement social media strategies to align with marketing objectives and target audience.

Create and curate engaging content for social media platforms, including text, image, and video content.

Manage social media accounts, including scheduling and publishing posts, responding to comments/messages, and monitoring online conversations.

Monitor and analyze social media performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and optimize strategies.

Stay updated with social media trends, best practices, and emerging platforms/tools to ensure our brand remains competitive.

Collaborate with the marketing team to integrate social media initiatives into overall marketing campaigns.

Engage with our online community by responding to comments, messages, and reviews in a timely and professional manner.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather content and ensure brand consistency across all social media channels.

Stay informed about industry trends and competitors social media activities to identify opportunities and areas for differentiation.

Qualifications:

Proven work experience as a Social Media Manager or similar role, preferably in a small business setting.

Strong understanding of social media platforms, their respective audiences, and best practices for content creation and engagement.

Experience with social media management tools and analytics platforms to monitor and analyze performance.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling content tailored for different platforms.

Creative mindset with the ability to think outside the box and generate innovative social media ideas.

Familiarity with graphic design and video editing tools is a plus.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Passion for staying up-to-date with the latest social media trends and industry developments.

Benefits:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Opportunity for professional growth and advancement within the company.

Collaborative and dynamic work environment that values creativity and innovation.

To Apply:

If you are passionate about social media and have the skills to help us grow our online presence, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, portfolio (if applicable), and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining our team to [email address] with the subject line Social Media Manager Application  [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and will review all applications carefully.

[Company Name] is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

Template 2:

This template presents the company as a small business seeking a highly skilled and motivated Social Media Manager. It emphasizes the need for developing and executing social media strategies to enhance brand visibility, engage the target audience, and drive customer acquisition. The job description highlights the responsibilities of the Social Media Manager, including creating and curating compelling content, managing social media accounts, analyzing performance metrics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. It also mentions the importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends and changes in social media platforms.

Job Description:

Location: [City, State]

Company: [Company Name]

About Us: [Company Name] is a small business dedicated to providing exceptional products/services to our customers. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Social Media Manager to join our team. As a Social Media Manager, you will be responsible for creating and implementing social media strategies to enhance our brand visibility, engage our target audience, and drive customer acquisition.

Job Description: As a Social Media Manager at [Company Name], you will be instrumental in developing and executing social media campaigns across various platforms. You will work closely with the marketing team to craft compelling content, monitor social media trends, and interact with our online community. The ideal candidate is a creative thinker, has a strong understanding of social media platforms, and is able to analyze data to optimize campaign performance.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute social media strategies to increase brand awareness and engagement.

Create and curate compelling content for social media platforms, including text, images, and videos.

Monitor social media channels, respond to comments and messages, and engage with the online community.

Analyze social media data and metrics to track campaign performance and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

Stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes in social media platforms, and adapt strategies accordingly.

Collaborate with the marketing team to align social media efforts with overall marketing objectives.

Manage social media advertising campaigns to drive customer acquisition and conversions.

Monitor competitor activities and identify opportunities to differentiate our brand on social media.

Qualifications:

Proven experience as a Social Media Manager or similar role, preferably in a small business setting.

In-depth knowledge of various social media platforms, trends, and best practices.

Experience with social media analytics tools to track performance and derive insights.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.

Creative mindset with the ability to generate innovative ideas and compelling content.

Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Opportunity for professional growth and advancement.

Flexible work schedule and a supportive work environment.

To Apply:

If you are passionate about social media and have the skills to drive our brands online presence, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume, portfolio (if applicable), and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the Social Media Manager position at [Company Name]. Send your application to [email address] with the subject line Social Media Manager Application  [Your Name]. We look forward to reviewing your application.

[Company Name] is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

Template 3:

This template positions the company as a small business dedicated to providing exceptional products or services. It seeks a talented and experienced Social Media Manager to join the team. The job description highlights the responsibilities of the Social Media Manager, including developing and executing social media strategies, creating engaging content, monitoring social media channels, analyzing data and metrics, and staying updated with emerging trends. It also mentions the importance of collaboration with the marketing team and managing social media advertising campaigns.

Job Description: Social Media Manager

Location: [City, State]

Company: [Company Name]

About Us: [Company Name] is a small business dedicated to providing exceptional products/services to our customers. We are looking for a talented and experienced Social Media Manager to join our team. As a Social Media Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing social media strategies to enhance brand visibility, engage our target audience, and drive business growth.

Job Description: As a Social Media Manager at [Company Name], you will play a crucial role in managing our social media presence and implementing effective strategies to reach our marketing goals. You will work closely with the marketing team to create engaging content, monitor social media trends, and interact with our online community. The ideal candidate is a creative thinker, has a deep understanding of social media platforms, and can leverage analytics to optimize campaign performance.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute social media strategies to drive brand awareness and engagement.

Create and curate compelling content for social media platforms, including text, images, and videos.

Monitor social media channels, respond to comments and messages, and foster meaningful interactions with our audience.

Analyze social media data and metrics to track the performance of campaigns and make data-driven recommendations.

Stay updated with emerging social media trends, tools, and best practices.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align social media efforts with overall marketing objectives.

Manage social media advertising campaigns and budgets to drive targeted reach and conversions.

Identify and engage with key influencers and brand advocates to amplify our social media presence.

Qualifications:

Proven experience as a Social Media Manager or similar role, preferably in a small business setting.

Expert knowledge of major social media platforms and their best practices.

Experience using social media management tools and analytics platforms.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.

Strong creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to optimize social media performance.

Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Opportunity for career growth and development.

Flexible work schedule and a supportive work environment.

To Apply:

If you are passionate about social media and have the skills to drive our brands online presence, we invite you to apply for the Social Media Manager position at [Company Name]. Please submit your resume, portfolio (if applicable), and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Send your application to [email address] with the subject line Social Media Manager Application  [Your Name]. We look forward to reviewing your application.

[Company Name] is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

Template 4:

This template highlights the companys dedication to providing exceptional products or services and the need for a skilled and creative Social Media Manager to join the team. The job description emphasizes the responsibilities of the Social Media Manager, including developing and implementing social media strategies, creating compelling content, monitoring social media channels, analyzing campaign performance, and staying updated on social media trends. It also mentions the importance of collaboration with internal teams and managing social media advertising campaigns.

Job Description: Social Media Manager

Location: [City, State]

Company: [Company Name]

About Us: At [Company Name], we are a small business dedicated to providing exceptional products/services to our customers. We are seeking a skilled and creative Social Media Manager to join our team. As a Social Media Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing effective social media strategies to increase brand awareness, engage our target audience, and drive business growth.

Job Description: As a Social Media Manager at [Company Name], you will play a pivotal role in managing our social media presence and executing successful campaigns. You will collaborate with the marketing team to create engaging content, monitor social media trends, interact with followers, and analyze campaign performance. The ideal candidate has a passion for social media, a deep understanding of various platforms, and the ability to drive results.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement social media strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

Create compelling and relevant content for social media platforms, including text, images, and videos.

Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and mentions on social media channels.

Analyze social media metrics and track the performance of campaigns to optimize results.

Stay updated on the latest social media trends, tools, and best practices.

Collaborate with internal teams to align social media efforts with marketing objectives.

Manage social media advertising campaigns and budgets effectively.

Identify and engage with influencers and brand advocates to amplify our online presence.

Qualifications:

Proven experience as a Social Media Manager or similar role, preferably in a small business environment.

Extensive knowledge of major social media platforms and their features.

Proficiency in social media management tools and analytics platforms.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.

Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Opportunity for professional growth and advancement.

Flexible work schedule and a supportive work environment.

To Apply:

If you are passionate about social media and have the skills to drive our brands online presence, we invite you to apply for the Social Media Manager position at [Company Name]. Please submit your resume, portfolio (if applicable), and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. Send your application to [email address] with the subject line Social Media Manager Application  [Your Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and will review applications on a rolling basis.

[Company Name] is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Social Media Manager and a Community Manager?

While there may be some overlap in responsibilities, a Social Media Manager primarily focuses on creating and executing social media marketing strategies, while a Community Manager is responsible for fostering relationships and engaging with the online community across various platforms. A Social Media Manager often oversees the work of a Community Manager and collaborates with them to achieve marketing goals.

What tools do Social Media Managers use?

Social media management tools help streamline and automate tasks, such as scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analyzing performance data. Popular tools include Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Buffer.

Can Social Media Managers work remotely?

Yes, Social Media Managers can often work remotely, as their job primarily involves managing online platforms and communicating with colleagues and clients through email and video conferencing.

What is the typical salary for a Social Media Manager?

Salaries for Social Media Managers can vary depending on the company size, location, and level of experience. According to Glassdoor, as of September 2021, the average base salary for a Social Media Manager in the United States was $55,199 per year.

Conclusion

A Social Media Manager plays a vital role in enhancing a companys online presence and driving brand awareness. By leveraging their creative, analytical, and communication skills, they can develop and execute effective social media marketing strategies that resonate with the target audience and support the companys marketing objectives. With the ever-evolving landscape of social media, its essential for aspiring Social Media Managers to stay current with industry trends and continuously hone their skills to excel in this dynamic field.
Bernolakovo palace was built in the calm following war and has survived multiple catastrophes.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

For nearly 200 years, from the early 16th century through the early 18th century, the Kingdom of Hungary was more or less in a constant state of war. First the country was ravaged during the conflicts with the Ottomans, and later anti-Habsburg revolts further contributed to the devastation.

As elsewhere, periods of destruction in the kingdom were typically followed by a construction boom. One monument built in a period of calm is a palace located just outside Bratislava, in Bernolakovo. The Esterhazys, one of the most influential noble families in the region, had it built near the ruins of the medieval Ceklis castle. Construction took place between 1714 and 1722, resulting in a Baroque estate. The mansion was designed to co-exist harmoniously with its surrounding environment - a novel concept at the time.

A vast park was created around the palace, containing numerous statues, which unfortunately have not been preserved. But we can see one of them in this postcard dating back to 1925. The postcard is a replica of a painting by an unknown artist whose signature is illegible.

The 20th century was hard on such palaces. However, the Bernolakovo mansion was lucky, although it did not go completely unscathed. It was first hit by a big fire in 1911, which destroyed its Baroque murals. In 1945, it was damaged again during the Second World War. Fortunately, the mansion was restored after both disasters.
Optimisation and pandemic behind closures in Bratislava and Nitra.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

While the expanding Eurovea will soon bring major international brand Primark to Slovakia for the first time, once common names are disappearing from other Slovak shopping centres.

Since the beginning of the year, stores operating under the Tommy Hilfiger brand have closed in the Aupark and Vivo shopping centres in Bratislava, as well as the Mlyny shopping centre in Nitra.

Denim group, which represents the brand, says optimisation is behind the closures. After failing to reach an agreement on new rental contracts after an increase in rents, utility and energy fees, the group closed their outlets at the centres.

We are currently optimising operations, improving processes and speeding up delivery through our online shops, said Ondrej Konecny, owner of the Denim Group, as cited by Index magazine. He added that the groups main aim is to increase availability at a time of fundamental change in customer purchasing habits.

Related article

Related article First Primark store to open in Bratislava Read more

Impact of pandemic

While the Denim Group is responsible for wholesale operations, the Denim Retail company covers the groups retail trade. As well as Tommy Hilfiger, the group also represents the Diesel, Levis and CK Underwear brands in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It has also brought the Cube concept to Slovakia, which represents the Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Furla, Michael Kors and Vivienne Westwood accessories brands.

Denim Retail is a significant player on the market in terms of sales.

Related article

Related article Dutch discount retail chain Action lures with treasure hunt experience Read more

Between 2016 and 2019, its revenues grew continuously and in 2019 stood at over 6.6 million. But in 2020, sales fell to 4.8 million, according to the magazine.

The company turned to the European Court of Human Rights in 2021, demanding compensation for the closure of its stores during the Covid-19 pandemic. It calculated damages at 2 million, the Dennik N daily reported.

Konecny pointed out that while Slovakia compensated the company for 20 percent of costs during the pandemic and closed shops, in other countries compensation was as much as 80 percent.

Related article

Related article Eurovea to become biggest shopping centre in Slovakia after expansion Read more

The Slovak government has an ambition of solely compensating employees who are voters, but not enough to help the entrepreneurs who are their employers, said Konecny. We continue to keep the company running only from our own reserves and new loans.

In April he told the Novy Cas daily that the European Court of Human Rights accepted their complaint. In practice, this means that it has been judged relevant by the court.

We believe that it will be proven in further proceedings that our rights have been violated and that the Slovak Republic will be obliged to compensate us for the damages we have suffered, said Konecny.

Tally Weijl and Eiffel Optic also hurt

The pandemic also had a negative impact on other brands. Tally Weijl Retail Slovakia, which has been operating in Slovakia since 2008, entered bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year, the Hospodarske Noviny daily reported. The pandemic pushed it deep into the red with losses reaching almost 650,000 in 2020 as the companys sales decreased from 4 million to 2.4 million over the year.

The Great United Trading Slovakia company representing fashion brands TimeOut, KVL (former Kenvelo) and Lee Cooper, in Slovakia, failed to generate a profit despite recording millions in sales. It has filed for bankruptcy.

Well-known brands such as Orsay, Dedoles and Eiffel Optic found themselves in similar circumstances.

Retail trade fared well in 2022

In general, retail trade in Slovakia did well last year. The total turnover of tenants in shopping centres increased compared also to 2019 - the so-far best year in terms of both turnover and footfall. Some segments fared better than others. Large fashion tenants and discounters, i.e. stores with an area of more than 500 square metres, had a great year. Their turnover in brick-and-mortar stores often exceeded the historic year of 2019 by double-digit percentages, the Trend weekly wrote.

Among smaller tenants, expensive premium fashion and, for the first time in a long time, mens formal fashion, did well, CBRE senior research analyst Peter Slovak told the weekly.

Smaller and mid-sized tenants with fashion in the mid-price range, most shoe retailers, small shops dependent on impulse purchases, and leisure concepts such as cinemas, childrens play areas and the like, remained below 2019s figures, he added.
Because the labour law is old, it addresses issues affecting factories, but not tech companies

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

Even though the arrival of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence chatbots has caused alarm, lawyers specialising in labour law do not see a need to address this issue in the Labour Code yet. Addressing the correct use of AI by means of internal AI policy is, they say, sufficient for the moment.

More information about the Slovak labour market Please see our Career & Employment Guide.

Employment law has not directly addressed the increased use of social media either, said Katarina Matulnikova, the new managing partner at Wolf Theiss office in Bratislava. Of course, every employer will instruct its employees on proper use of AI, for example not to use names and confidential or sensitive information while using it.

The Slovak Spectator spoke with Matulnikova and Zdenka Hrubesova, legal director at Dell in Slovakia, about labour legislation in Slovakia, its differences compared to other countries, regulation of home-office working, and more.

What problems in the field of labour law are most troubling for companies or employees in Slovakia?

Katarina Matulnikova (Source: Courtesy of Wolf Theiss)

Katarina Matulnikova (KM): The biggest issue is that the Labour Code does not reflect the needs of employers in the 21st century and is very rigid. The Labour Code was, in general, written for manufacturers or production plants. For IT houses (like Dell) operating globally and striving for unified systems and operations it creates many issues that need to be tackled, even though some of the IT houses here in Slovakia are among the biggest operations of their mother companies in Europe. Digitalisation and computerisation have not been incorporated into the Labour Code yet and, at the same time and in some instances, it is overprotecting employees. The latter tendency seems to be being broadened thanks to the predominantly pro-employee approach of the Slovak courts. The protective element is needed and understandable as the employee is the weaker party in [employment] transactions, but on the other hand, in todays informed society, it is very rarely the case that an employee really has no idea what his or her rights are. Quite the opposite.

Zdenka Hrubesova (Source: Courtesy of Dell)

Zdenka Hrubesova (ZH): In terms of the Labour Code, legislators should sort out the philosophical question of whether we are going to regulate this in great detail or very broadly. And then, if the broad approach is chosen, lets give employers the space to draw up their own guidelines. Then the labour inspectorate can come and check whether the guidelines are in line with the Labour Code or not. Supervisory bodies should play the role of partner, even though I realise that there are also not only good but also bad employers. But the Labour Code cannot be made only for the bad guys.

How do you see the current regulation of home-office working?

KM: Before Covid-19 outbreak, it was inadequate. The amendment triggered by the pandemic situation improved it significantly. But as the use of home office expands there are new issues that need to be addressed. The so-called pandemic home office keeps enabling employees to be permitted to work from home if operational reasons do not prevent this, and the employer cannot order him or her to go to the office. This regulation pertains to the so-called emergency situation. Such a state continues to be in place in Slovakia due to the war in Ukraine, even though there are no such pandemic risks as there were when the Covid-19 crisis erupted. It is time for the rights and duties of employees and employers to be somehow better balanced.

Are there any other problematic points in the home-office regulation?

ZH: Yes, coverage of increased costs on the side of employees working from home. The legislation is very vague on this point and it is up to the employer what level of risk it dares to take on. The legislation speaks about coverage of increased costs, but it does not specify how to calculate the increase of costs in case an employee works from home. Employers have taken two approaches. One is that it is up to the employee to show and prove this increase. The second approach is that the employer pays a set flat sum. Then there is a question whether tax offices will recognise such payments as justified costs on the part of the employer.

KM: Another issue is health and safety in case of working from home or telework, to use the correct legal term for working from home using IT infrastructure, i.e. the equipment, the ergonomics of the workplace, and so on. It is very difficult to find a reasonable middle ground between not being too intrusive in terms of employee checks, but at the same time not being too gullible. Neither legislators nor supervising bodies are clear on this. It will be very interesting to see what home-office working will bring in the long run in this respect, in terms of injuries or vocational diseases.

Another not yet properly addressed issue are so called digital nomads, i.e. people working from places or countries of their choice. The current legislation is insufficient, as this issue does not only pertain to the Labour Code but expands to taxation and social security contributions. One would expect this to be addressed at the EU level, but its legislative process is very slow.

Is the current legislation pertaining to employment of Ukrainians in Slovakia following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine sufficient, or are there any aspects that need to be addressed?

MK: This legislation provides Ukrainian refugees simplified access to the Slovak labour market. This is well justified, given the situation in Ukraine. But, the interim measures are, by definition, intended for a limited time. The development of the situation in Ukraine and its progress towards fulfilling the requirements for EU candidacy will shape the status of the regulation further.

Could you compare labour law in Slovakia with labour laws abroad?

ZH: The general differences between labour law in America and Europe is that in America

there is much less protection for the employee and that the social security of employees is not as protected as in Europe. If we take the labour law here in Europe, in the western part of Europe, such as Germany, France and Great Britain, for example, severance pay is much higher there than in the countries of central and eastern Europe, i.e. the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. There is also a difference in the protection of employees during organisational changes. A quite important difference between the Czech Republic and Slovakia is in the obligation in Slovakia to offer another job; there is no such obligation in the Czech Republic.

What exactly does the obligation to offer another job entail?

ZH: This institution means that when a company makes an organisational change, on the day it communicates the notice to the affected employee, it should offer him or her an alternative, reasonable and suitable position at the company that is now vacant. However, there are several interpretations of this obligation. One of them is that the experience and education of the employee should be taken into consideration and the position offered should be in line with these. However, case law indicates that the company could offer a CEO, for example, the position of a cleaner. The case law simply says that any post should be offered for which the employee is medically fit.

KM: Another problem is that IT houses like Dell use job ads to find out whether there are certain capabilities available on the Slovak labour market for new projects or for activities they may win within their groups. Then, it is very difficult to explain in court proceedings commenced by employees claiming unfair dismissal that the employer did not breach its duty to offer other suitable jobs to the employee  because the advertised job simply does not exist: the company was only screening the market, and only when the relevant skill is found to exist can the job be created.

How do you assess the functionality of whistleblowing legislation in Slovakia?

KM: Slovakia is a pioneer in this respect because it, contrary to other countries, adopted a law on protection of whistleblowers as early as in 2015. Now an amendment has been tabled, to be adopted in May, and if all goes well the regulation will improve further.

ZH: What is often omitted is that whistleblowing is not about the employer getting a police tool enabling it to look for the perpetrator of misconduct. It is about ethics and culture. Whistleblowing is not paid snitching, as is sometimes perceived. It is an extremely valuable source of information about what is going on within a company and what the culture in it is like.

Do you consider the legislation in Slovakia related to trade unions to be sufficient?

ZH: This legislation is very vague and therefore allows for different interpretations, and this then has an impact on the length of collective bargaining negotiations.

KM: The process of setting up a trade union is poorly regulated, creating ample room for speculation. Slovakia deserves substantial revitalisation of the process of launching trade unions and of collective labour relations in general.

Does the current labour legislation react to the penetration of artificial intelligence into the field of labour law and HR?

KM: No, but I do not think it has much reason to as artificial intelligence is or will be basically a working tool. Employment law regulation has not directly responded to the increased use of social media either. Sophisticated employers have social media policies and I would expect the use of AI to be regulated similarly. Besides this, regulation of AI will firstly be adopted at the EU level. There is already a draft text of regulation, called the AI Act in place. It will cover a number of areas, but not the area of private employment relations.

Is there not a need for employment law to address employee behaviour on social media?

KM: No. If an employer wants its employees to behave in a certain way on social media, it will make a social media policy or an internal regulation with rules that its employees should observe. Here I see two groups of regulations. The first applies to certain categories of employees who in fact represent their employer by how they behave in their private life, and this might sometimes be on the edge. The second pertains to behaviour at work, and here regulating an employees behaviour is completely legitimate. The employee may use social media as a working tool, have a company account connected to the companys email, and so on. Here the employer can clearly regulate what the employee can or cannot do, and possibly have a control mechanism and access to the account. In this way they will avoid a situation in which, for example, an employee leaves the company with all its contacts.

ZH: This is again a general philosophical question of what needs to be addressed by the Labour Code and what companies can actually address on their own in their internal regulations.

What problems do your clients most often turn to you with?

KM: I would divide them into a number of groups. The first one features issues related to standard employment law. This includes documentation, home-office-related matters, internal regulations or review of employment contracts. The second group comprises disputes when clients, i.e. employers, ask us to represent them in disputes with employees. The third group is collective labour relations, where we represent clients in collective bargaining as well as in any interaction with a trade union. The last group embraces remaining issues related to labour law. These are issues like whistleblowing and setting up internal systems, checking reports by whistleblowers about wrongdoing or misconduct, GDPR [i.e. data protection] compliance or other specific issues.

Is there any case that is particularly etched in your memory?

KM: There are a lot of interesting cases. But there is perhaps one theme that I am cyclically concerned about and to which I am very sensitive. That is when managers unfairly and to their own benefit exploit imperfections or grey zones in the law and when companies part ways with them, they take advantage of the situation and the company for which they have worked for a long time.
The unparalleled car accident happened last October.

Dusan Dedecek is sentenced to 15 years in prison on June 8, 2023, for killing five students while driving a car under the influence of alcohol last October. (Source: TASR - Martin Baumann)

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

The Bratislava I City Court has found former Slovak Deaflympic Committee official Dusan Dedecek guilty of killing five people and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

On October 2 of last year, he drove a car under the influence of alcohol and ran into one of the busiest bus stops in Bratislava, Zochova, where about 40 people were awaiting their buses. Five students were killed and about 20 people got injured.

At the beginning of the trial on Thursday, the man said: I am guilty.
A drunk driver gets a prison sentence, free events in Bratislava, and a corporate volunteering event returns.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

Good evening. Here is the Thursday, June 8 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Rain paralyses Bratislava traffic

Several places in Bratislava-Ruzinov were flooded on Thursday afternoon, including playgrounds and the Ruzinovska-Bajkalska crossroads, due to heavy rain. (Source: Facebook/Martin Chren)

Several roads in Bratislava have ended up under water after heavy rains on Thursday afternoon.

The police named the following streets: Bajkalska, Prievozska, Racianska, Vajnorska, Tomasikova, and Malokrasnanska. As a result, public transport and car drivers have faced difficulties until the evening hours.

Warm and sunny weather prevailed in the capital for most of Thursday, which made the air overheat and created fantastic conditions for strong storms, wrote the imeteo.sk website. A phenomenon known as backbuilding also occurs in Bratislava. This term refers to the event when new storm cells are formed at the rear of storms. This is currently happening over the Little Carpathians, the website added.

Scroll down for the Friday weather forecast.

Related: The latest travel news for drivers, including restrictions, is available here.

More stories from The Slovak Spectator website

Politics: A drunk driver who killed five people last October gets a prison sentence, apologises to people affected by the fatal car accident.

A drunk driver who killed five people last October gets a prison sentence, apologises to people affected by the fatal car accident. Business: A popular corporate volunteering event will take place in Slovakia on Friday.

A popular corporate volunteering event will take place in Slovakia on Friday. Bratislava: Three things that you can do for free in the Slovak capital.

Three things that you can do for free in the Slovak capital. Shopping: The Tommy Hilfiger brand have closed in some of the Bratislava and Nitra shopping centres.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

SHORT STORY FOR THURSDAY

A mansion that survived multiple catastrophes

A Bernolakovo mansion near Bratislava as pictured on a 1925 postcard.

The Bernolakovo mansion was lucky throughout history, although it did not go completely unscathed. Read on what disasters it has survived to date.

EVENT FOR SATURDAY

PAR COEUR

video //www.youtube.com/embed/Cmwt27PPDJs

How can memory help us exist and resist?

During the Par Coeur (by heart) performance, ten members of the audience are invited on stage to memorise and recite Shakespeare's sonnets, accompanied and led by a team of actresses. Elements of personal history and historical events into this moment of learning are added up.

The performance, which is described as a poetic experience of a collective struggle against time and oblivion, is presented by a French-speaking group known as THEATRAbratislava.

Language: French

Information: here

In other news

Germany will donate two short-range Mantis air defence systems to Slovakia. The donation agreement was signed on Thursday by the defence ministries of both countries. The first of the systems will be delivered within a few weeks. The systems will strengthen the protection of the Slovak border with Ukraine.

The donation agreement was signed on Thursday by the defence ministries of both countries. The first of the systems will be delivered within a few weeks. The systems will strengthen the protection of the Slovak border with Ukraine. In Slovakia, only 33 percent of people perceive the independence of judges positively . Slovaks and Slovak companies consider pressure from politicians, the government and business and interest groups to be the main causes. (Eurobarometer)

. Slovaks and Slovak companies consider pressure from politicians, the government and business and interest groups to be the main causes. (Eurobarometer) The expulsion of Russian embassy workers in Slovakia and the decision to reduce the number of embassy employees temporarily dampened the activities of Russian intelligence services in Slovakia, a 2022 security report reads. Last March, Slovakia first expelled three employees of the Russian embassy. Subsequently, Slovakia decided to reduce the number of employees of the Russian embassy by 35 persons. (CTK)

A woman mows meadows with a scythe during a scything competition in early June in Nitra. (Source: TASR)

WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Cloudy skies, showers and rain, and storms. The highest daytime temperature will rise to 24C. Light breeze. First-level storm warnings are in place. (SHMU)

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, Instagram (@slovakspectator) and Twitter (@slovakspectator).
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/power-has-shifted-dramatically-nato-expansion-plans-in-asia-bump-against-reality-1110988084.html

Power Has Shifted Dramatically: NATO Expansion Plans in Asia Bump Against Reality

Power Has Shifted Dramatically: NATO Expansion Plans in Asia Bump Against Reality

The US is looking to expand NATOs presence in the Asia-Pacific. Still, this ambitious plan is increasingly detached from geopolitical realities, said Sourabh Gupta, Resident Fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies.

2023-06-07T23:17+0000

2023-06-07T23:17+0000

2023-06-07T23:16+0000

china

japan

emmanuel macron

analysis

asia-pacific region

nato

asean

shinzo abe

pacific

us

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102125/01/1021250197_0:89:2701:1608_1920x0_80_0_0_2a8e386d1e5020011357f2e3e1767ac4.jpg

Discussions between NATO and Japan about opening a liaison office in Tokyo started in 2007, when former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited NATO's headquarters in Brussels; however, it was not until 2018 that Japan officially opened a branch in the capital city.France, a longtime member of NATO, has raised doubts about the idea, with French President Emmanuel Macron stating as recently as last week that the bloc should only operate within its present territory. At the time, Macron stated such a plan was an anomaly. Macron's opposition came on the heels of his visit to China two months ago, where he advised that Europe should not get involved in the US-China rivalry over Taiwan, as well as larger security affairs in the region. "If ... we push NATO to enlarge the spectrum and the geography, we will make a big mistake," Macron had said.However, Macrons opposition is not the main hurdle in the latest effort to boost NATO's presence in Asia.Gupta has argued that Japan does not perceive itself as a regional power and detests coming to terms with it. Instead, Tokyo wants to exploit its ties with the West to stem its hysteria about China's economic and military might in East Asia, although contemporary history shows Beijing does not threaten Japan.Rather, Tokyo's activities in the region have left painful memories to both Chinese and Korean families.He also noted that the US was gradually losing its status as the hegemonic power in Asia, especially through Chinas economic ties like the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, the trade volume between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was worth US $878.2 billion, making China ASEAN's largest trading partner for the second consecutive year with a 28.1% increase.In an attempt to clamp down on China's regional presence and compensate for its own declining influence, the US responded by turning to military means. In fact, during the first quarter of 2023, Washington proposed US $9.1 billion for military investments in the Asia-Pacific region as part of its Pacific Deterrence Initiative. The US also took the opportunity to open four new military bases in the Philippines and signed a defense and maritime surveillance pact with Papua New Guinea earlier this year."The United States has lost that part of the intellectual property that it owns in how to engender prosperity. Now it's about sanctions, tariffs, populism, and that sort of stuff. But on the security front, it shows that it can destroy anybody if it really wants to at any given point in time. But the fact of the matter is when you can just destroy things, but you cannot create things, you can't build things," Gupta concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230606/danish-pm-brushes-off-talk-of-nato-boss-ambitions-while-allies-gear-up-for-her-exit-1110939036.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230529/russia-warns-of-asia-pacific-militarization-after-us-papua-new-guinea-sign-defense-pact-1110782233.html

china

japan

pacific

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 is asia, china-japan relations, nato vs china, nato and japan, is japan in nato
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/at-least-4-children-2-adults-injured-in-knife-attack-in-eastern-france---reports-1111007236.html

At Least 4 Children, 2 Adults Injured in Knife Attack in Eastern France - Reports

At Least 4 Children, 2 Adults Injured in Knife Attack in Eastern France - Reports

An unidentified man attacked people with a knife near the city of Annecy in Eastern France on Thursday morning, injuring at least four children and two adults, French TV channel BFMTV reported.

2023-06-08T15:22+0000

2023-06-08T15:22+0000

2023-06-08T15:22+0000

world

violence

knife attack

france

emmanuel macron

bfmtv

united kingdom (uk)

james cleverly

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/01/1098002752_0:152:2048:1304_1920x0_80_0_0_76363daacbfdabc43ba587cc0d43ddf6.jpg

One child was hospitalized in a serious condition, the report said. French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the attack. Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported, citing a police source, that at least six children and one adult had been injured as a result of the knife attack. Many children were about 3 years old, the report said, adding that three of them were in critical condition.The assailant was later detained by the police, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said. The man is a Syrian who has requested asylum in France, French TV reported. Darmanin and French Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne were heading to the city of Annecy, following the incident, the French Interior Ministry said.Later in the day, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that one of the children injured in the attack was a British citizen. He added that London had engaged UK consulate staff who were on their way to France to assist the child's family.

france

united kingdom (uk)

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

france, knife attack, annecy, eastern france, injured children, bfmtv
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/biden-and-sunak-hold-press-conference-in-washington-dc-1111009694.html

Biden and Sunak Hold Press Conference in Washington, DC

Biden and Sunak Hold Press Conference in Washington, DC

Sputnik is live from Washington DC, where US President Joe Biden welcomes UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for the British leader's first official visit to the US capital.

2023-06-08T18:18+0000

2023-06-08T18:18+0000

2023-06-08T18:18+0000

americas

joe biden

rishi sunak

united kingdom (uk)

us

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/03/1110869917_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_e24e1cac86b61268f81eb843472841c9.jpg

Sputnik is live from Washington DC, where US President Joe Biden welcomes UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for the British leader's first official visit to the US capital.The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to bring economic relations even closer and their continued military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Sunak will also meet members of the US Congress and business leaders. But the PMs spokesperson has insisted there will be no talks towards a formal free trade agreement which Bidens old boss Barack Obama warned would be a casualty of Britains vote to leave the European Union.Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!

americas

united kingdom (uk)

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Biden and Sunak Hold Press Conference in Washington, DC Biden and Sunak Hold Press Conference in Washington, DC 2023-06-08T18:18+0000 true PT43M32S

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

biden and sunak, sunak visits us, british pm in us, sunak comes to washington, biden-sunak meeting
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/clinton-foundation-whistleblowers-have-chance-to-bust-irs--expose-hillarys-pay-to-play-1111006847.html

Clinton Foundation Whistleblowers Have Chance to Bust IRS & Expose Hillary's 'Pay-to-Play'

Clinton Foundation Whistleblowers Have Chance to Bust IRS & Expose Hillary's 'Pay-to-Play'

Clinton Foundation whistleblowers are due to provide new information to the US Tax Court concerning the IRS apparent unwillingness to investigate Bill and Hillary Clinton's charity until June 30.

2023-06-08T16:34+0000

2023-06-08T16:34+0000

2023-06-08T16:34+0000

analysis

bill clinton

hillary clinton

clinton foundation

fbi

wbo

internal revenue service (irs)

durham report

john durham

joe biden

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/02/0e/1093012788_0:107:2500:1514_1920x0_80_0_0_8dfb998a2e71e81c6be587867cbc2a8c.jpg

The Hunter Biden IRS whistleblower case has largely eclipsed another Tax Court development thatcould have serious consequences for US dynastic political families. Late last month, US Tax Court Judge David Gustafson reinvigorated a years-long whistleblower case concerning the Clinton Foundation, a charity run by Bill and Hillary Clinton.Two forensic investigators-turned-whistleblowers, John Moynihan and Larry Doyle, filed a lawsuit over the IRS' apparent unwillingness to look into the charity's alleged misdeeds. Despite the IRS commissioner repeatedly trying to trash the case, the judge rejected the agency's latest motion to dismiss and asked for new arguments by June 30, 2023.What's in the Clinton Foundation Whistleblower Case?The story of the years-long case goes back to August 2017, when Doyle and Moynihan first submitted a whistleblower complaint with the IRS accusing the Clinton Foundation of tax crimes. However, in November 2018 they received a preliminary denial from the revenue service.Nonetheless, the whistleblowers did not give up. On December 13, 2018, Doyle and Moynihan testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, suggesting that the Clinton Foundation owes the US government between $400 million and $2.5 billion in taxes. According to the forensic investigators, the charity does not operate as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, but acts as nothing short of a foreign agent.The two whistleblowers told US lawmakers that they had collected approximately 100 exhibits in excess of 6,000 pages, expressing bewilderment at the IRS' hesitation to investigate the Clinton Foundation case.Tax Court Judge Busted IRSHaving received the final denial from the IRS to look into the issue in February 2019, Doyle and Moynihan filed a lawsuit with the US Tax Court.On October 8, 2020 they scored their first victory: Tax Court Judge Gustafson ruled that the IRS' Whistleblower Office (WBO) had "abused its discretion" in trying to dismiss "specific credible documentation" put forward by Doyle and Moynihan, thereby allowing the case against the Clintons' charities to proceed.The judge also raised concerns over the IRS' handling of the case and detailed mistakes in the filing of specific forms by the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) division and omissions in its conclusions concerning the Clinton Foundation whistleblowers' complaint. Judging from the division's documentation, it remained unclear whether the IRS had used the information provided by the whistleblowers in any investigation into the charity. The judge noted, however, that he had reasons to believe that the IRS had engaged in some investigative activity concerning the Clinton charity in coordination with the FBI.Besides this, in 2018 the CI "had to be asked three times to complete its Form 11369 for this case, giving 'unacceptable' responses to the WBO and grousing that it's 'somebody elses job,'" the judge pointed out.In April 2021, Tax Court Judge Gustafson suggested in his new ruling that the IRS Whistleblower Office had been withholding important information concerning the case: "The [IRS] Whistleblower Office must further investigate to determine whether CI proceeded with an investigation based on petitioners' information and collected proceeds It seems clear we should remand the case to the WO so that it can explore this gap," the judge stated.Durham Report Sheds New Light on Clinton Foundation ProbesMeanwhile, on October 26, 2021, Moynihan and Doyle announced that they had been approached and interviewed by Special Counsel John Durham, who at the time was investigating the origins and handling of the Trump-Russia probe.Earlier, on September 24, 2021, The New York Times broke a story that the special counsel had sought information about the FBI's Clinton Foundation inquiry within the framework of his probe, which was launched in 2019.Later, in May 2023, Special Counsel Durham revealed in his 306-page final report that the FBI's Washington, New York, and Little Rock, Ark., field offices had at least four ongoing probes into the Bill and Hillary Clinton charity's apparent "pay-to-play" schemes during the 2016 election cycle. Still, all four investigations were abruptly closed prior to the 2016 Election Day, with Hillary running as the Democratic presidential nominee.Durham particularly pointed out that senior FBI and Justice Department officials engaged in slowing down and closing the aforementioned investigations. "Both senior FBI and department officials placed restrictions on how those matters were to be handled such that essentially no investigative activities occurred for months," the special counsel emphasized.Durham Report and Hunter Biden IRS Whistleblower Case May HelpJudge Gustafson's May 30 ruling gives an opportunity to Doyle and Moynihan to incorporate Durhams allegations in their forthcoming court filings, which they should submit no later than June 30, as per Just the News, a US independent media outlet founded by award-winning investigative journalist John SolomonIn addition, a specific recent ruling in a Tax Court case titled Berenblatt vs. IRS Commission could also come in handy for the Clinton Foundation whistleblowers, the media outlet noted."Whistleblowers may be granted limited discovery if they make a significant showing that there is material in the IRSs possession indicative of bad faith on the IRSs part in connection with the case or of an incomplete administrative record compiled by the IRS," the ruling stated concerning the Berenblatt vs. IRS Commission.The IRS' lax handling of the Doyle and Moynihan complaint, as well as the agency's ambiguous conduct and apparent unwillingness to look into the Clinton Foundation appear especially suspicious in light of the FBI's closure of a whopping four probes into the charity.Previously, similarly controversial behavior by IRS, FBI, and DoJ officials was exposed by Hunter Biden IRS whistleblowers.On May 26, 2023, IRS supervisory criminal investigator Gary Shapley appeared before the US House Ways and Means Committee and provided seven bombshell documents totaling 23 pages to confirm his claims regarding the apparent "preferential treatment" of Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden. The documents presented by the agent indicated that starting from at least 2020, DoJ officials made repeated attempts to thwart his investigation.Shapley blew the whistle in April. After that, the IRS veteran and his 12 subordinates were expelled from the probe at the request of the DoJ. What's more, one of Shapley's subordinates, who asked his seniors about the rationale behind booting the team out, was threatened and silenced by IRS officials.What Will Happen to Clinton Foundation if Doyle and Moynihan Win?Wall Street analyst and investigative journalist Charles Ortel has been conducting a separate private investigation into the Clinton Foundation for the last several years. Ortel is an old hand in exposing potential financial fraud: he was the first to raise a red flag about General Electric (GE) shortly before the company's stock crashed in 2008.In an interviews with Sputnik, the Wall Street analyst repeatedly drew attention to the FBI, DoJ, and IRS' failures to see obvious discrepancies in the Clinton Foundation's operations and financial documentation. Per Ortel, the charity's case remains the largest unprosecuted fraud ever.Separately, the analyst referred to the US mainstream media's unwillingness to touch upon the matter, too. The US mainstream press either silences or ridicules attempts to investigate the Clinton Foundation's apparent "pay-to-play" schemes much in the same vein as it tried to trash the Hunter Biden "laptop from hell" story."The judge [Gustafson] and his staff likely have extensive evidence indicating that the entity originally known as 'The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation' and subsequently operating under many other names is not validly authorized by the IRS or by any other government to conduct charitable activities as a nonprofit organization," Ortel told Sputnik. "Nonetheless, Bill Clinton and his associates have solicited more than $2 billion in the guise of charity but have failed to account for its financial results in the manner required by applicable laws and regulations."If Doyle and Moynihan win their case in the US Tax Court and subsequent IRS/FBI investigations into the Clinton Foundation are conducted in good faith, it is likely that the alleged fraud and pay-to-play schemes would be proven, according to the analyst.He believes that the Clinton Foundation should be placed in conservatorship and run by a nonpartisan group of Trustees, who would then be charged with constructing accurate records from October 23, 1997 to present."This course may not be possible because there are major defects in the known public record calling into question whether 'The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation' actually existed after April 25, 2005 when Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were defectively amended," Ortel continued. "In a worst case scenario for the Clinton family and for 'Trustees,' all 'revenues' of 'The Clinton Foundation' would become taxable personal income to the co-conspirators while some expenses might be tax deductible. On top of this financial burden, fines and penalties and interest might also be assessed."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230520/durham-report-is-reckoning-coming-for-clintons-and-bidens-1110490817.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230527/irs-whistleblower-closing-in-on-dojs-cover-up-of-hunter-biden-case-1110640188.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/house-panel-drops-contempt-plans-for-fbi-chief-after-making-deal-over-biden-bribery-doc--1110994885.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230602/thousands-of-hunter-bidens-laptop-from-hell-photos-laid-bare-online-1110858805.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20191126/clinton-foundation-vehicle-to-transform-once-broke-family-into-mega-multi-millionaires-analyst-1077409496.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ekaterina Blinova

Ekaterina Blinova

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ekaterina Blinova

clinton foundation, clinton foundation whistleblowers, bill clinton, hillary clinton, charity laws, pay-to-play, influence peddling, fara, tax crimes, tax violations, irs, irs whistleblower office, tax court, tax court judge gustafson, hunter biden tax crimes, irs whistleblowers, preferrential treatment of hunter biden, john durham report, clinton foundation probes closed
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/clouds-of-smoke-billow-over-new-york-as-wildfires-rage-in-canada-1111000411.html

Clouds of Smoke Billow Over New York as Wildfires Rage in Canada

Clouds of Smoke Billow Over New York as Wildfires Rage in Canada

Haze poured through the US East Coast and Midwest skylines on Tuesday, due to Canada's wildfires. Affected cities recorded plummeting air quality, traffic disruption, and other hazards as drifting fumes veiled the horizon.

2023-06-08T15:54+0000

2023-06-08T15:54+0000

2023-06-11T09:45+0000

multimedia

us

canada

smoke

wildfire

new york

new york city

photo

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/08/1111000567_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_97611bae8ed1635db19cb1130795778d.jpg

US health officials have warned of increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and other serious health complications. Moreover, they urged people to stay indoors to avoid the adverse health effects. However, there is uncertainty about when the wildfires will recede. Check out our gallery to see smoke covering the New York City!

canada

new york

new york city

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

wildfires in canada, smoke in new york, nyc smoke, canadian wildfires, how big are canadian wildfires, when smoke ends in new york
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/cnns-ceo-is-out-after-first-year-1110985810.html

CNN's CEO Is Out After First Year

CNN's CEO Is Out After First Year

On this episode of The Final Countdown, the hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan discussed several topics, including a short tenure of CNN CEO Chris Licht and his shocking exit.

2023-06-08T05:04+0000

2023-06-08T05:04+0000

2023-06-08T12:13+0000

the final countdown

palestine

israel

ukraine

cnn

sec

radio

attack on novaya kakhovka dam

kherson

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/07/1110985653_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_f03c1c27fa812a08a0d9f6f73311093f.jpg

CNN's CEO is Out After First Year On this episode of The Final Countdown, the hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan discussed several topics, including a short tenure of CNN CEO Chris Licht and his shocking exit.

Angie Wong: Journalist and Political CommentatorDavid Tawil: Co-Founder of ProChain CapitalMark Sleboda: Military AnalystEsteban Carrillo: Editor at The Cradle In the first half of the ten hour, The Final Countdown was joined by Angie Wong, who spoke to the hosts about the downfall of CNN CEO Chris Licht. In the second half of the ten hour, the hosts spoke to David Tawil about the SEC's investigations into the largest cryptocurrency exchanges.In the first part of the final hour, The Final Countdown was joined by Mark Sleboda to discuss the sabotage attack on the Kakhovka Dam in the Kherson region. In the last part of the final hour, Esteban Carrillo spoke to The Final Countdown team about the killing of a two-year-old Palestinian boy and the latest from the occupied West Bank region.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.

israel

ukraine

kherson

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Manila Chan

Manila Chan

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

Manila Chan

the final countdown, kakhovka dam attack, nova kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam location, kakhovka reservoir water level, kakhovka dam news, kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam flood map, news about dam, news about kakhovka dam, news about kakhovka reservoir, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, who controls nova kakhovka dam, nova kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam destroyed, major dam destroyed in southern ukraine, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, nova kakhovka dam bridge, kakhovka hydroelectric dam, kakhovka dam nuclear power plant, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant 351mw, what is the kakhovka dam in ukraine, who destroyed kakhovka dam, cnn chris licht
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/czech-president-signs-bill-on-allocation-of-2-of-gdp-for-defense-into-law---reports-1110996515.html

Czech President Signs Bill on Allocation of 2% of GDP for Defense Into Law - Reports

Czech President Signs Bill on Allocation of 2% of GDP for Defense Into Law - Reports

Petr Pavel, the president of the Czech Republic, on Wednesday signed into law the bill on the annual allocation of 2% of the country's GDP for defense, local media reported.

2023-06-08T04:49+0000

2023-06-08T04:49+0000

2023-06-08T04:49+0000

world

jens stoltenberg

czech republic

nato

nato summit

supply of weaponry

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/08/1110996635_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_ede6b7e3326e475129350871bd3f7282.jpg

The law, approved by the country's upper and lower houses and signed by the president, stipulates the annual allocation of 2% of GDP required by NATO for defense, the Czech broadcaster reported. The new law will go into effect in July 2023 and will have to be taken into account when drafting the state budget for fiscal year 2024. The country's defense budget for 2024 was planned at 130 billion koruny ($5.9 billion) but will increase by 21.5 billion koruny under the new law, the report said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is expected to propose at the NATO summit in Lithuania's capital Vilnius, scheduled for July 11-12, that the current goal of 2% of GDP allocated by each country for defense should not be the ceiling, but a minimum threshold, on which the budgets of member states of the alliance should be based, the media reported.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230525/czech-republic-to-buy-nearly-250-combat-vehicles-from-sweden-in-huge-deal-1110576114.html

czech republic

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

petr pavel, the president of the czech republic, gdp for defense, militarization
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/dpr-acting-head-pushilin-kiev-forces-must-be-pushed-back-500-km-from-russias-border-1111004711.html

DPR Head Pushilin Reveals How Far Kiev's Forces Must Be Pushed Back From Russia's Border

DPR Head Pushilin Reveals How Far Kiev's Forces Must Be Pushed Back From Russia's Border

Kiev Forces Must be Pushed Back 500 km Russia's Border, Denis DPR Acting Head Pushilin Says

2023-06-08T13:59+0000

2023-06-08T13:59+0000

2023-06-08T15:12+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

ukraine

denis pushilin

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/08/1110997743_0:206:3060:1927_1920x0_80_0_0_f2c1ff9444ed88784d4946be51dcab12.jpg

Ukrainian troops must be pushed back to a distance of at least 500 kilometers from the borders of Russia, Denis Pushilin told Sputnik.Pushilin was making reference to the terror that the Kiev regime has relied on, consistently shelling civilian areas of Donbass, as well as the Russian regions bordering Ukraine.However, after Ukraine's troops were shoved back from Russia's border, there would be a pause in the fighting, which the Kiev regime would use to regroup troops, rearm, and brainwash remaining citizens, the DPR acting head underscored.The only solution is to push Ukraines Armed Forces even further, Pushilin believed, "until Ukraine is completely liberated, moreover, without variations along the lines of, some region [of Ukraine] going to Poland, some other region going to Romania, another going to Hungary, the situation will not change.The acting head of the DPR explained that the republic understands full well who they are up against.Thus, he pointed out, liberation of the new Russian regions which within their administrative boundaries is no longer enough, because the shelling from the Kiev regime will continue.He was referring to the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, which declared its sovereignty after 2014 saw the legitimately-elected president of Ukraine toppled by a bloody US-backed coup. In October 2022, the Donbass, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions officially joined the Russian Federation after a series of referendums, carried out amid the ongoing Russian special military operation.Their citizens have been feeling the brunt of deliberate shelling by Kievs forces, armed with NATO weaponry. Civilians populating Russias territories bordering on Ukraine, like Belgorod region, have also been suffering shelling attacks and incursions, like the one on May 22 by a group of Ukrainian saboteurs. That attack was quashed, like the more recent, June 4, attempt by a sabotage and reconnaissance group of Ukrainian terrorists to cross a river near the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka, in the Belgorod Region.Another aspect that the DPR Acting Head Pushilin touched upon on Thursday was the situation in Artemovsk. The narrative spread by the Kiev regime about "Ukraine's presence" in Artemovsk is not true, Pushilin said. Slamming Kievs dissemination of falsehoods for the sake of propaganda, he stated:Russian forces gained control of Artemovsk, also known as Bakhmut, a northeastern city in the Donetsk People's Republic, on May 20, after 224 days of house-to-house fighting. Kiev's militants withdrew from the city, losing 30,000 or more troops and foreign mercenaries.After the restoration of Artemovsk, an official referendum on the name of the city could be held, but there is already an understanding that local residents support the currently used name, Pushilin said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230513/scott-ritter-ukraines-shelling-of-defenseless-donbass-town-constitutes-war-crime--1110310171.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230604/russian-troops-fighting-ukrainian-sabotage-group-in-belgorod-region-1110905315.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230525/watch-drone-footage-showing-artemovsk-after-months-of-fierce-battles-1110586273.html

russia

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

dpr, russia's donetsk people's republic, dpr acting head, denis pushilin, ukrainian cross-border attacks, russia's border, belgorod attack, belgorod incursion, sabotage attack on belgorod, completely liberate ukraine,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/ex-nato-chief-says-possibility-exists-that-some-countries-might-send-troops-to-ukraine-1110996864.html

Ex-NATO Chief Says Possibility Exists That Some Countries Might Send Troops to Ukraine

Ex-NATO Chief Says Possibility Exists That Some Countries Might Send Troops to Ukraine

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen said on Wednesday that a group of NATO countries might take individual actions and deploy troops in Ukraine in the event of member states failing to provide security guarantees to Kiev at the NATO summit in Lithuania's capital Vilnius in July.

2023-06-08T05:23+0000

2023-06-08T05:23+0000

2023-06-08T05:23+0000

world

anders fogh rasmussen

ukraine

vilnius

nato

nato summit

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104586/78/1045867859_0:0:4245:2387_1920x0_80_0_0_682439d92af35d6a6cc19115850bbc00.jpg

"If NATO cannot agree on a clear path forward for Ukraine, there is a clear possibility that some countries individually might take action. We know that Poland is very engaged in providing concrete assistance to Ukraine. And I wouldnt exclude the possibility that Poland would engage even stronger in this context on a national basis and be followed by the Baltic states, maybe including the possibility of troops on the ground ... I think the Poles would seriously consider going in and assemble a coalition of the willing if Ukraine doesnt get anything in Vilnius," the UK media quoted Rasmussen as saying. Rasmussen said security guarantees need to cover intelligence sharing, joint Ukraine training, NATO interoperability, enhanced ammunition production and arms supply. The ex-NATO official also said that "some NATO allies might be in favour of the security guarantees to actually avoid a real discussion on Ukraines membership aspirations," adding that "they hope that by providing security guarantees, they can avoid this question." "I dont think that is possible. I think the NATO issue will be raised at the summit in Vilnius. Ive spoken with several eastern European leaders, and there is a group of hardcore, eastern central European allies that want at least a clear path for Ukraine towards NATO membership," he said. Even if Ukraine would not receive an invitation to join NATO in Vilnius, it could be extended in Washington next year, Rasmussen said, noting that "anything less than that would be a disappointment to Ukraine." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday he expected to receive security guarantees for Ukraine at the NATO summit in Vilnius, scheduled from July 11-12, and a clear invitation to join the alliance. He said the Ukrainian military was disappointed that Kiev had yet to receive a clear positive decision on the country's accession to NATO and the European Union.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230605/poland-to-receive-first-south-korean-missile-systems-chunmoo-in-august---defense-minister-1110917592.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230113/ex-nato-secretary-general-arms-shipments-must-be-dispatched-to-deter-chinese-strike-against-taiwan-1106266805.html

ukraine

vilnius

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

former nato secretary general, anders rasmussen, deploy troops in ukraine, nato summit
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/iaea-to-continue-inspections-of-zaporozhye-npp-until-situation-stabilizes---grossi-1110997905.html

IAEA to Continue Inspections of Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Until Situation is Stable

IAEA to Continue Inspections of Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Until Situation is Stable

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will continue inspections of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) until the situation around it stabilizes, Director General Rafael Grossi told Sputnik.

2023-06-08T09:50+0000

2023-06-08T09:50+0000

2023-06-08T14:03+0000

world

iaea

zaporozhye npp

international atomic energy agency (iaea)

zaporozhye

ukraine

russian foreign ministry

russia

nuclear safety

attack on novaya kakhovka dam

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/03/1107966138_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6af983055b300aa035b823e55e8cf222.jpg

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will continue inspections of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) until the situation around it stabilizes, including following the recent attack on the Kakhovka dam, Director General Rafael Grossi told Sputnik. Grossi underscored that he will focus on the consequences of the attack on the Kakhovka dam during his upcoming visit to the Zaporozhye NPP, adding, "basically this is the reason [for the visit]." The Russian Foreign Ministry has said Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the dam, qualifying it as a "terrorist act" against civilian infrastructure launched as part of Ukraine's so-called counteroffensive. Kiev, in turn, blamed Moscow for the attack.Zaporozhye NPP 'Safety Plan'International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also applauded the fact that his five-point plan to prevent a nuclear accident at the Zaporozhye NPP has sufficient support from the international community. Last week, Grossi proposed five principles to ensure nuclear safety and security at the NPP, which came under the control of Russian forces in March 2022, but has been the focus of nuclear safety concerns for months as it has been repeatedly shelled amid ongoing hostilities. While failing, as usual, to attribute responsibility for the deterioration of the security situation around the plant, Grossi told the UN Security Council:He also underscored that "all structures, systems and components essential to the safe and secure operation of ZNPP should be protected from attacks or acts of sabotage," and "no action should be taken that undermines these principles." Talking to Sputnik, the IAEA chief stated that he had "sufficient backing of the international community, including by Russia and Ukraine, to deploy these functions or to make them operational." Furthermore, Grossi said he had discussed China's proposals regarding nuclear security at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant during his trip to Beijing in May. The visit was the official's first to China since his appointment as IAEA chief in 2019.While "encouraged" by the reaction that his plan has received, Grossi stressed the need to be cautious.The plan, he continued, will require IAEA experts to adjust their mission at the ZNPP, since they will be "monitoring things that they were not monitoring before." The IAEA chief expressed hope that his visit to the plant will be "useful" for making the plan operational.Rafael Grossi also revealed that he plans to raise with Ukrainian authorities Russias concerns over Kiev blocking the agencys initiatives on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said earlier on Wednesday that Kiev had blocked all the initiatives proposed by Grossi regarding strengthening the safety of the ZNPP. Ukrainian authorities also rejected the proposal of the IAEA chief to create an operational and nuclear security protection zone at the station.Fully justified international concerns about the Zaporozhye plants safety have been raised since last year. After the ZNPP came under Russian control in early March 2022 during Russias special military operation, it has been shelled by Ukrainian forces several times, triggering fears over the possibility of a nuclear accident. Moscows envoy to the UN Vassily Nebenzya recently told a meeting of the UN Security Council that "there have never been any attacks from the territory of the ZNPP [by Russia]."According to the Russian permanent representative to the UN, the Russian side is already in compliance with Grossis recommendations, having implemented them independently "in accordance with decisions taken at the national level." Overall, amid the Ukraine conflagration, the IAEA has been trying to act as "an intermediary." "So far, we have been able to avoid major problems, but there have been tensions, and I think we have to deal with this. It's a reality and I think it wouldn't be correct for me to pretend that there are none," Grossi said.Rafael Grossi said that after his visit to the Zaporozhye NPP, it would be logical for him to go to "Moscow or any other part in Russia, in order to continue this very relevant conversation that we are having.""The main task for me is to prevent a nuclear catastrophe. This is my main goal. And this requires a lot of effort. And I will continue to work in this direction."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230606/kakhovka-dam-attack-mapping-the-fallout-from-ukrainian-strike-1110949069.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/environment-expert-preplanned-kakhovka-dam-destruction-is-kievs-crime-against-humanity-and-nature-1110986635.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230530/iaea-chief-puts-forth-5-principles-to-protect-zaporozhye-npp-1110803190.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230531/ukrainian-shelling-could-turn-europe-into-uninhabitable-radioactive-ruin-heres-why-1110822308.html

zaporozhye

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

the international atomic energy agency, iaea, inspections of the zaporozhye nuclear power plant, znpp, attack on kakhovka dam, iaea director general, rafael grossi, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, kakhovka hpp dam, struck by ukrainian military, uncontrollable outflow of water, water from the kakhovka reservoir, cooling purposes,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/iran-reopens-embassy-in-saudi-arabia-ukraine-destroys-ammonia-pipeline-1110992688.html

Iran Reopens Embassy in Saudi Arabia; Ukraine Destroys Ammonia Pipeline

Iran Reopens Embassy in Saudi Arabia; Ukraine Destroys Ammonia Pipeline

Iran has reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia signaling a complete failure of neocon foreign policy in the Middle East.

2023-06-08T04:24+0000

2023-06-08T04:24+0000

2023-06-08T11:38+0000

the critical hour

radio

iran

saudi arabia

china

ukraine

taiwan

nord stream

attack on novaya kakhovka dam

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/07/1110992531_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_4a51e844882565fecfd326b8cd93fd5a.png

Iran Reopens Embassy in Saudi Arabia; Ukraine Destroys Ammonia Pipeline Iran has reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia signaling a complete failure of neocon foreign policy in the Middle East.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. The Ukrainian army has blown up an ammonia pipeline that may unleash another ecological disaster. Also, Russia warns of escalation as the US prepares to send F-16 jets to Ukraine.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst, and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the neocons. Russia calls for an investigation of the bombing of a dam in Kherson. Also, Tony Blinken is bonkers and the US wants to rid itself of Nord Stream allegations.Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestine activist, joins us to discuss China and the Middle East. The Middle East is saying goodbye to America and hello to China. Also, There is new proof that the CIA spied on Julian Assange.Dr. David Oualaalou, international geopolitical consultant, veteran, and author of many books, including "The Dynamics of Russia's Geopolitics: Remaking the Global Order," international security analyst, and host of the "Geopolitics in Conflict" Show on YT, joins us to discuss foreign policy. China and the US had another near miss as the US provocations persist. Also, The House Armed Services Chair wants a China spending bill.Laith Marouf, broadcaster, and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. As the Middle East moves towards reconciliation, the US pushes for more sanctions against Syria. Also, Iran has reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia signaling a complete failure of neocon foreign policy in the Middle East.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to discuss the media. The US media has had a difficult time dealing with the US-sponsored Nazis in Ukraine. Also, Tucker Carlson's first Twitter show is a hit.Darryl Jones, attorney, and voting rights activist, joins us to discuss Atlanta approving the infamous "cop city." Also, Mississippi faces a lawsuit over a new law against protests.Kim Ives, filmmaker, journalist, and editor at Haiti Liberte, joins us to discuss Haiti. The US is considering re-occupying Haiti as history shows that occupation is the cause of Haiti's problems.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.

iran

saudi arabia

china

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

the critical hour, kakhovka dam attack, nova kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam location, kakhovka reservoir water level, kakhovka dam news, kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam flood map, news about dam, news about kakhovka dam, news about kakhovka reservoir, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, who controls nova kakhovka dam, nova kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam destroyed, major dam destroyed in southern ukraine, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, nova kakhovka dam bridge, kakhovka hydroelectric dam, kakhovka dam nuclear power plant, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant 351mw, what is the kakhovka dam in ukraine, who destroyed kakhovka dam, julian assange, middle east, haiti
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/kakhovka-dam-attack-lines-up-with-wests-scorched-earth-scenario-for-ukraine-1110988270.html

Kakhovka Dam Attack Lines Up With Wests Scorched Earth Scenario for Ukraine

Kakhovka Dam Attack Lines Up With Wests Scorched Earth Scenario for Ukraine

A major catastrophe was unleashed along the southern banks of the Dnepr River Tuesday, with thousands of residents displaced after the Kakhovka hydroplants dam was destroyed and water gushed inland, flooding local settlements, forests and farms. Sputnik asked two top Russian military analysts to answer a simple question: who benefits?

2023-06-08T10:36+0000

2023-06-08T10:36+0000

2023-06-08T11:33+0000

analysis

alexei leonkov

volodymyr zelensky

russia

kherson

nato

attack on novaya kakhovka dam

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/07/1110988576_0:137:3155:1912_1920x0_80_0_0_f5ba70e99a6ca0cbba2486a2c0979ff8.jpg

The fallout from Tuesdays attack on the Kakhovka dam continues to mount, with the Kremlin characterizing the incident as a barbaric act ordered at the suggestion of [Kievs] Western curators, and a calamity which has unleashed a large-scale environmental and human disaster.A US-based private Earth imaging company released before and after satellite photos showing the consequences of the flooding, with much of the town of Novaya Kakhovka in Russia's Kherson completely submerged in water, together with other settlements on both the Russian and Ukrainian-controlled sides of the river.A European Space Agency satellite tracking water levels June 5, 6, and 7 showed the extent of the rising water levels across the region over the three days.Ukrainian and NATO officials quickly blamed Moscow for the disaster, calling it an ecological catastrophe. Russia, which has born an equal share of the direct fallout of the flooding, plus the prospects of the loss of water in the North Crimean Canal and cooling water for the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, dismissed the claims, pointing out that Kiev had been attacking the Kakhovka hydroplant and its environs for well over a year before Tuesday mornings fatal blow.Scorched Earth TacticsThe Kakhovka dam attack is another example of the Zelensky regimes absolute disregard for casualties and destruction in the ongoing NATO-Russia proxy war in Ukraine, and another demonstration of the Wests cynical maxim of "fighting Russia to the last Ukrainian," says prominent Russian military observer Alexey Leonkov.Leonkov is convinced that Ukraines military and government lack any real independence, and carry out the policy of Western powers paying the bills. Kievs patrons are absolutely uninterested in Ukraines lands or the people who live thereThey do not care how many people will die, how many cities and villages are destroyed, how many environmental disasters and other calamities they face. They dont give a damn about it, the observer said.Link to Stalled CounteroffensiveLeonkov believes the attack on the Kakhovka dam is linked directly to the failure of Ukraines long-awaited counteroffensive, with the flooding of the region giving the Ukrainian military the opportunity to remove troops from the Kherson direction, with the knowledge that Russian forces will have no opportunity to advance.Leonkov estimates that the regions flooding will free up to two brigades of Ukrainian troops.We were not preparing to force the Dnepr River in the Kherson region anyway, so theyve now received a kind of double guarantee. We didnt have any watercraft there to storm Kherson by sea. Furthermore, the right bank of the river [where Ukrainian forces are concentrated] is higher than its left bank. We set up strongholds in the area which, according to intelligence, periodically fired on concentrations of Ukrainian troops. Now its clear that we wont be able to reach them, the observer said.Alexander Mikhailov, the head of the Bureau of Political and Military Analysis, a Russian military think tank, echoed Leonkovs take, telling Sputnik that Khersons flooding will give Kiev a two-to-three week window in the course of which they can remove troops from this section of the front.The attack on the Kakhovka dam also gives Kiev another opportunity for a fresh offensive against Russia on the information front, Mikhailov said.This is another label to hang on our country once against committing some kind of crime against humanity, a chance to accuse us of blowing up the dam, flooding those territories and endangering thousands of civilians living there. It had been quite predictable since last year that such a scenario would materialize, Mikhailov said, pointing to Russian warnings at the United Nations about the Kakhovka dam from last October.Cui Bono?When certain events take place along the line of contact, its always necessary to look for who benefits. Its clear that blowing up the Kakhovka [dam] was not beneficial to us, any way you look at it. Even when we left the Kherson bridgehead, we only destroyed the overpass that allowed the station to be used as a kind of transport artery. We destroyed it up in such a manner that it became impossible to rebuild it from the Ukrainian side. At the same time, we did not touch the dam, realizing the consequences of doing so. Because the North Crimean Canal, which feeds Crimea, also takes water from the Kakhovka reservoir. Therefore, lowering its level, the flooding of the Dnepr is absolutely unbeneficial for us, Leonkov said.But for the US and its allies, who continue to lose ground in the court of world opinion, the destruction of the Kakhovka dam - and Mondays sabotage attack against the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in Kharkov, serve as powerful arguments which they can use to manipulate the world community, while taking the pressure off at home as publics ask questions about where the $200 billion sent to Kiev since February 2022 has gone, the observer summed up.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230606/nebenzia-russia-bewildered-by-un-remarks-regrets-its-kakhovka-warnings-were-not-heard-1110966093.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/ukraine-had-motive-and-intent-to-destroy-novaya-kakhovka-dam-1110984203.html

russia

kherson

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

kakhovka dam attack, attack, dam, scorched earth, damage, proxy war, hybrid war, russia, ukraine, united states
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/peoples-party-baggage-may-doom-cornel-west-white-house-bid-from-the-start-1110993985.html

People's Party 'Baggage' May Doom Cornel West White House Bid From the Start

People's Party 'Baggage' May Doom Cornel West White House Bid From the Start

Liberal Black scholar Cornel West's presidential campaign likely poses no threat to US political duopoly, especially considering he is running under the banner of a third-party distrusted by many in his own progressive base.

2023-06-08T01:19+0000

2023-06-08T01:19+0000

2023-06-08T01:18+0000

analysis

cornel west

joe biden

bernie sanders

ukraine

people's party

democrats

2024 us presidential election

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102619/45/1026194504_0:0:4752:2674_1920x0_80_0_0_0a62d6a34dcd43c27395bb39d3d9bfe0.jpg

West, a long-time philosophy professor who held positions at Harvard and Princeton, launched his 2024 presidential campaign on Tuesday as a candidate for the People's Party, an organization founded by a former Bernie Sanders campaign staffer. In a video clip on Twitter, West said Democrats and Republicans have failed to tell the truth to the American people about Ukraine, the Pentagon, big tech, and Wall Street. "I dont see this as a credible threat to the two-party duopoly... it doesnt make sense," Black Immigration Network Steering Committee Member Aly Wane told Sputnik. "I know how serious these two-party people are... Democrats are absolutely ruthless in killing off third parties." Wane, who also serves on the Steering Committee of the Syracuse Peace Council, said some voters will see any liberal candidate that runs against Biden as nothing more than a "spoiler." Social commentator Alexis Morgan does not believe West can overcome structural advantages the two major parties enjoy, including a huge financial edge. Morgan also worries the right could exploit West's campaign to boost Republicans. The situation, Morgan added, is exacerbated by the fact that more than a few Americans are not particularly intrigued by Biden. Author and political commentator Alton Drew does not see West getting support beyond Black voters on the fringe and some academics who have an idea how West thinks. Tainted PartyThe well-known socialist and civil rights activist is pushing a platform which progressives usually embrace. He wants to forgive all student debt, expand social security, and invest in clean energy. West also said, if elected, he would seek to disband NATO and halt all US foreign military aid. West also said he cares about justice, access to a job with a living wage, decent housing, women having control over their bodies, and health care for all, and is worried about the escalating destruction of the planet, and the destruction of American democracy. However, the reputation of the People's Party took a blow last year amid sexual harassment allegations against party founder Nick Brana, a move that made some wonder why West would choose to run on behalf of this party. Wane said West's People's Party ticket is a "non-starter" in light of the sex abuse allegations against Brana, among other problems. Wane said West would have been better served by running for the Green Party, which has a longer history and is better established. Even though the Green Party is disorganized, it has the structure to handle and deal with a presidential run, Wane said. "Him choosing them [Green Party] would have given him a little more credibility," Wane said. Morgan raised concerns that, despite West's venerable reputation as a lion of liberalism, alleged "transphobic" sentiments expressed by some members of the People's Party will alienate an important progressive voting segment. Wane said the depth of the partisan morass, the stultifying political stagnation and the unwillingness of both Democrats and Republicans to cater to the real needs of the American people all illustrate how much a third party is needed. However, given the obvious issues he wondered how West could not see the problems he would face running as a People's Party candidate.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/dr-cornel-west-announces-2024-presidential-candidacy-1110960035.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

cornel west, 2024 presidential election, us political duopoly, progressive base, people's party, green party
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/rasmussen-out-of-his-mind-for-thinking-nato-should-commit-troops-to-ukraine-1111008884.html

Rasmussen 'Out of His Mind' for Thinking NATO Should Commit Troops to Ukraine

Rasmussen 'Out of His Mind' for Thinking NATO Should Commit Troops to Ukraine

Michael Maloof, former senior security policy analyst in the Office of the US Secretary of Defense, told Sputnik for Rasmussen to make such irresponsible comments either tells me he had a bad day or he's just out of his mind.

2023-06-08T17:00+0000

2023-06-08T17:00+0000

2023-06-08T18:32+0000

analysis

anders fogh rasmussen

michael maloof

ukraine

poland

nato

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104972/51/1049725112_0:0:5600:3151_1920x0_80_0_0_73f6a58ea1976a5f740e58a6cb734f75.jpg

On Wednesday, former NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen told reporters that several Eastern European members of the alliance were prepared to send troops into Ukraine to support the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if Washington refuses to give Kiev certain security guarantees at the forthcoming summit in Vilnius next month.Michael Maloof, former senior security policy analyst in the Office of the US Secretary of Defense, told Sputnik on Thursday that for Rasmussen to make such irresponsible comments either tells me he had a bad day or he's just out of his mind."The Brussels-based alliance operates off a principle of collective self-defense, meaning an attack on one member state is interpreted as an attack on all 31 member states. Its unclear if NATO would attempt to trigger the rule, known as "if a members troops come under fire while operating in another non-member countrys territory. Ukraine has long sought membership in the alliance, but so far been rebuffed due to ongoing problems with corruption and its unresolved territorial disputes with the Russian Federation.Once you put NATO troops in Ukraine, they then become targets, and that will almost definitely guarantee that the conflict will have widened, and it will be on NATO," Maloof said, adding that "all the NATO countries have to agree to it. So as a practical matter, I just don't see it.""Unless they do what the United States did when we invaded Libya, going with the so-called countries of the willing. If that happens, you might as well just kiss NATO goodbye. NATO will be over. And for that matter, the conflict indeed will enlarge. It will definitely bring in Belarus, it'll bring in the Central Asian countries - I mean, this thing could just blow out of control entirely. And it'll be on Europe's head."Maloof said Rasmussen, who previously served as NATOs secretary general from 2009 to 2014 and was also the Prime Minister of Denmark, "should know better, frankly," than to make such a comment."We can't continue, the United States cannot continue to endlessly backfill those countries [weapons supplies] and not have them take up their fair share of the load, if that's the policy approach that they want to take. But they're in a bind. Their industries can't support this any longer. And in some cases they've completely depleted their storages in stockpiles of weapons, including ammunition. I mean, it's an insane thing. And I think it's just a call of desperation."Maloof dismissed Rasmussen's suggestion that NATO give Kiev written security guarantees, which only alliance members can receive.Indeed, if Brussels did so, it would be totally disastrous, he noted."I can't imagine that NATO would seriously consider it, even though Rasmussen formerly was in charge. I just can't imagine that the NATO countries would even contemplate anything like that considering their own situation. They've already gone up far enough out on a limb that they're basically sawing it off on the wrong side. And they have to consider their own population and their preservation and their quality of life."Maloof said that if Poland and Baltic states did send troops into Ukraine, they would then become the subject to any consequences deriving from that decision and that would include conflict on their own soil.Russia isn't all that far away and they have hypersonic missiles and they can travel within seconds, given the proximity and locations. So they've got to really, really give this serious thought and start climbing down off of their high horse and start looking at reality and not ideology.Turning to the previously-raised question of Warsaws territorial desires in Ukraine, Maloof noted the government of Polish President Andrzej Duda was already issuing passports to ethnic Poles in western Ukraine.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230604/kievs-terror-attack-on-russian-soil-makes-nato-membership-even-more-ominous-prospect-1110903203.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/swiss-lower-house-votes-against-providing-55bln-aid-package-to-ukraine-1111006597.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/neo-nazi-symbols-on-ukrainian-troops-cannot-be-divorced-from-their-origin-1110985378.html

ukraine

poland

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

rasmussen; nato; ukraine; poland, is ukraine in nato, why nato won't come to ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/reports-of-swedish-arms-in-kievs-failed-raid-on-russia-raise-doubt-over-further-aid-1110997205.html

Reports of Swedish Arms in Kiev's Failed Raid on Russia Raise Doubt Over Further Aid

Reports of Swedish Arms in Kiev's Failed Raid on Russia Raise Doubt Over Further Aid

The use of Western arms in Ukraine's saboteur attacks on Russia pose questions over Kiev's control of the massive troves of weapons provided.

2023-06-08T08:50+0000

2023-06-08T08:50+0000

2023-06-08T08:50+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

europe

ukraine

russia

kiev

humvee

sweden

scandinavia

belgorod region

belgorod

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/18/1110561315_0:80:2157:1293_1920x0_80_0_0_f75696471ea7fa8c8cfb5d9f16365836.jpg

A video circulating on social media shows pro-Ukrainian saboteurs in possession of Swedish anti-tank weapons, reportedly during their bungled attempt to infiltrate Russia's Belgorod Region.A self-proclaimed group of pro-Ukrainian Polish militants that calls itself the Polish Volunteer Corps recently shared a video reportedly filmed in Russia during the one of the botched raids, where the terrorists are pictured handling Swedish Pansarskott 86 anti-tank rounds. The clip's authenticity was verified by Sweden's national broadcaster, which geolocated the footage as filmed in Russia. Earlier, Stockholm sent 15,000 of these projectiles to Kiev.The saboteurs were reported to have used weapons originally provided to Kiev by the US, Poland, the Czech Republic and Belgium, which obviously debunks the narrative of arming Ukraine for "self-defense purposes only."While Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson was evasive in his comments, noting that the authorities are familiar with the reports of Swedish anti-tank rounds used in Russia's Belgorod Region, pundits pointed out numerous problems with the recent revelation.Lieutenant Colonel Peter Liden from the Swedish Defense University argued that the clip would provide Moscow with an opportunity to "demonstrate that the West is waging a war against Russia."His colleague Magnus Christiansson, a senior lecturer at the Swedish Defense University, called the footage "remarkable" and said it sparked a debate about whether Ukraine can control or has the ability to keep track of Western-supplied military equipment.The West has already crossed a red line for Russia with its increasingly brazen arms deliveries to Ukraine, whose military campaign is heavily reliant on deliveries of Western materiel, ranging from trucks and tanks, to drones and missiles. Based on the official explanation, the arms come with a clause to be used exclusively on Ukraine's territory.On May 22, a group of Ukrainian saboteurs raided the Grayvoronsky district of the bordering Belgorod Region, killing one and wounding several others, whereupon Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced an anti-terrorist operation. The following day, the incursion was quashed, with Russia neutralizing 70 terrorists and releasing footage showing several scorched armored vehicles belonging to the attackers, as well as US-made Humvees capsized in craters.Not one Western nation condemned the attack or acknowledged its role in arming the saboteurs and terrorists. Only Belgium's Foreign and Defense Industries pledged to turn to Kiev "at the first opportunity" for an explanation due to the use of Belgian-made weapons in the attack.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230605/west-encourages-use-of-weapons-supplied-to-ukraine-for-attacks-on-russian-territory-1110920868.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230606/moscow-lodges-protest-to-brussels-over-use-of-belgian-weapons-in-belgorod-region-attack-1110962200.html

ukraine

russia

kiev

sweden

scandinavia

belgorod region

belgorod

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

failed belgorod raid, western arms assistance to ukraine, saboteur attack, arming kiev, anti-terrorist operation
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/shoigu-ukraine-loses-350-troops-after-failing-to-break-russian-defense-1111005785.html

Shoigu: Ukraine Loses 350 Troops After Failing to Break Russian Defense

Shoigu: Ukraine Loses 350 Troops After Failing to Break Russian Defense

Up to 1,500 Ukrainian military attempted to break through Russian defense lines on Wednesday night, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday.

2023-06-08T13:13+0000

2023-06-08T13:13+0000

2023-06-08T13:13+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

ukrainian crisis

ukraine

sergei shoigu

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/15/1101035261_0:0:3115:1753_1920x0_80_0_0_bcabc153a97ad377b5adc307b02fc648.jpg

Ukraine lost up to 350 military, as well as 30 tanks and 11 infantry fighting vehicles as a result of a two-hour battle, the minister said. Kiev has been promising a "counter-offensive" for the past month, but Ukrainian troops have failed to advance, only losing several key positions, including the city of Artemovsk in the DPR. However, Ukraine has boosted its activity on the frontlines following Kiev's attack on the Novaya Kakhovka dam, which led to the flooding of a major area in Russia's Kherson region.

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

ukraine conflict, ukrainian counter-offensive, ukrainian offensive, russia-ukraine war, russian operation in ukraine, ukraine update, ukrainian war
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/swiss-lower-house-votes-against-providing-55bln-aid-package-to-ukraine-1111006597.html

Swiss Lower House Votes Against Providing $5.5Bln Aid Package to Ukraine

Swiss Lower House Votes Against Providing $5.5Bln Aid Package to Ukraine

The Swiss National Council, the lower house of the country's parliament, voted Thursday against providing Ukraine with a 5 billion Swiss franc ($5.5 billion) aid package

2023-06-08T15:14+0000

2023-06-08T15:14+0000

2023-06-08T15:14+0000

economy

switzerland

ukraine

russia

swiss national bank

swiss franc

military aid

humanitarian aid

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102567/51/1025675168_0:53:1024:629_1920x0_80_0_0_604dbf7795d624a74f5a03317744491f.jpg

The funds were earmarked for humanitarian aid, protection of civilians, mine clearance and "peace consolidation," the document said. Meanwhile, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told a parliamentary session that the country would continue to help rebuild Ukraine, but that it was necessary to clarify various issues related to the country's reconstruction and international cooperation in this area. The Council of States, the upper house of parliament, will discuss a similar proposal to send Ukraine a 5 billion franc package on June 12, the document added. Western countries have been supplying Ukraine with progressively heavier sorts of weapons since the start of hostilities with Russia in February 2022. In May, Switzerland's permanent representative to the United Nations, Pascale Baeriswyl, said the re-export of Swiss weapons to Ukraine was impossible without a change in the law. The Alpine nation has repeatedly rejected requests from Germany, Spain, and Denmark to re-export Swiss-made ammunition to Kiev, citing the nation's principle of military neutrality. According to Switzerland's authorities, Bern can refuse to re-export military materials if the country to which they are destined is involved in an international armed conflict.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230513/ukraine-cant-have-russian-assets-frozen-in-switzerland-bern-says-1110323614.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230507/switzerland-to-decide-on-resale-of-25-decommissioned-leopard-tanks-in-near-future-1110176977.html

switzerland

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

switzerland, swiss national council, swiss lower house votes against providing aid to ukraine, humanitarian assistance, mine clearance
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/totally-false-cuba-swats-down-us-media-reports-of-hosting-chinese-spy-base-1111014159.html

'Totally False': Cuba Swats Down US Media Reports of Hosting Chinese Spy Base

'Totally False': Cuba Swats Down US Media Reports of Hosting Chinese Spy Base

Havana strongly rejected reports in US media on Thursday that claimed China had penned a deal worth several billion dollars with Cuba to place a signals intelligence base on the island, which sits 100 miles south of Florida.

2023-06-08T21:31+0000

2023-06-08T21:31+0000

2023-06-08T21:31+0000

americas

cuba

china

us national security council

signals intelligence (sigint)

base

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/05/1095277331_0:247:3201:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_b252b74043313783ff0f1c39fd51be55.jpg

Havana strongly rejected reports in US media on Thursday that claimed China had penned a deal worth several billion dollars with Cuba to place a signals intelligence base on the island, which sits roughly 100 miles south of Florida.The report was based on the words of US officials familiar with highly classified intelligence, who claimed the intel was convincing.Carlos de Cossio, Cubas Vice-Minister of Foreign Relations, called the report "totally false and unfounded information.Such slanders have been fabricated by US officials apparently familiar with intelligence information, such as those regarding alleged acoustic attacks against US diplomatic personnel, de Cossio said, referring to the mythical Havana Syndrome, which was disproven by multiple investigations, including eventually one by the US State Department.'An Imminent Threat'The fury came swiftly from Republicans, who rushed to condemn US President Joe Biden for supposedly neglecting the threat posed by Cuba.Earlier this year, relations began to warm ever so slightly, with the US embassy in Havana hosting several cultural exchange events with the Cuban government and relaunching its visa and consular services after a yearslong pause.US Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), a Cuban-born US lawmaker who represents the congressional district closest to Cuba, told the White House that the action poses an imminent threat to the United States and a direct threat to his constituents and to tourists in the region.He added that "Communist China is proactively undermining the United States across the Western Hemisphere and I urge this Administration to build a robust, comprehensive, and expedient strategy to counter the CCPs [Chinese Communist Party, also CPC] malign influence with neighboring states."He urged Biden to condemn this blatant threat to our national security interests and to impose new sanctions, either on Cuba or China.Strategic CompetitionThe US has a military facility in Cuba at Guantanamo Bay, which it operates without Havanas permission, and has a ring of bases surrounding China in Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, and has turned the island of Taiwan - a Chinese province in rebellion - into a pro-US garrison state. The US Navy routinely flies spy planes just miles off the Chinese coast, including signals intelligence aircraft engaged in the same kind of peeping that the alleged Cuba base would perform.Cuba was placed on the State Departments list of state sponsors of terrorism in January 2021 as then-US President Donald Trump was preparing to leave office. The justification was a refusal by Havana to surrender leaders of the Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN) who had traveled there in good faith for peace talks with the Colombian government in 2019. When Bogota launched a new surprise attack on the ELN bases during the talks, the delegates stayed in Cuba for safety reasons.Last month, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told Wang Yi, the CPCs foreign policy chief and former Chinese foreign minister, that Washington was looking to move beyond the balloon incident.The State Department has made no announcement about the impact of the reported Havana-Beijing deal on Blinkens schedule.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230521/cuba-and-russia-unveil-new-economic-deals-as-bilateral-trade-soars-1110492622.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/cuba-hits-out-at-us-for-ignoring-evidence-surrounding-havana-syndrome-1108000406.html

americas

cuba

china

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

cuba; china; base; sigint; nsc; john kirby
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/tucker-carlson-makes-comeback-on-twitter-exposes-kakhova-dam-narrative-1110991529.html

Tucker Carlson Makes Comeback on Twitter, Exposes Kakhovka Dam Narrative

Tucker Carlson Makes Comeback on Twitter, Exposes Kakhovka Dam Narrative

On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including wildfire smoke from Canada covering parts of the Northeast skies, and CNN fires CEO Chris Licht.

2023-06-08T04:04+0000

2023-06-08T04:04+0000

2023-06-08T11:59+0000

the backstory

radio

ufo

official narratives

splc

fbi

attack on novaya kakhovka dam

immigration

ukraine

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/07/1110991372_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_49ad1c0daf1a0a6c59b0e952cbdaeecf.png

The Tucker Carlson Show Returns on Twitter and Exposes the Kakhovka Dam Narrative On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including wildfire smoke from Canada covering parts of the Northeast skies, and CNN fires CEO Chris Licht.

Mark Sleboda - International Relations and Security Analyst |The Russians are Suicidal Narrative, The Crimea Canal, and the Kakhovka Dam Narrative is Weak.Mark Krikorian - Executive Director of Center for Immigration Studies | Why The Hesitancy to Impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and The SPLC involvement in immigration. In the first hour, Lee spoke with Mark Sleboda about the mainstream media having a long term memory problem, Ukraine's history of attacking dams, and the dangers from this river flooding. Mark explained the Western media coverage of past Ukraine aggression against dams and the media omission of its previous reports. Mark talked about the claims of "Russian aggression" over the last nine years and the UN concern over the Kakhovka Dam.In the second hour, Lee spoke with Mark Krikorian about problems with the SPLC labeled "hate groups", and funny immigration numbers from the Biden administration. Mark described how the recent DHS press release proves the Biden administration is allowing illegal immigration and the Biden administration mobile app used by the migrants. Mark discussed recent polls showing Americans are upset with the current immigration system.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

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png

Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png

the backstory, kakhovka dam attack, nova kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam location, kakhovka reservoir water level, kakhovka dam news, kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam flood map, news about dam, news about kakhovka dam, news about kakhovka reservoir, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, who controls nova kakhovka dam, nova kakhovka dam, kakhovka dam destroyed, major dam destroyed in southern ukraine, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, nova kakhovka dam bridge, kakhovka hydroelectric dam, kakhovka dam nuclear power plant, kakhovka hydroelectric power plant 351mw, what is the kakhovka dam in ukraine, who destroyed kakhovka dam, tucker carlson, cnn chris licht
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/us-establishment-seeks-distancing-from-ukraine-after-brazen-dam-attack-1111011586.html

US Establishment Seeks 'Distancing' From Ukraine After Brazen Dam Attack

US Establishment Seeks 'Distancing' From Ukraine After Brazen Dam Attack

The shelling of Nova Kakhovka Hydroelectric Dam has generated mixed reactions. Washington and some of its staunch allies are holding back, signaling waning support for the Zelensky regime.

2023-06-08T20:53+0000

2023-06-08T20:53+0000

2023-06-08T20:53+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

viral

middle east

ray mcgovern

volodymyr zelensky

antony blinken

finland

ukraine

russia

the united nations (un)

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/06/1110966961_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_e6434eb7bd439a8973471089aeb3fb1b.jpg

Months before the incident, Vassily Nebenzia, who serves as the permanent representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, warned in an October 2022 letter addressed to the UN secretary-general and the president of the Security Council that the Kiev regime was intent on destroying the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in Russia's Kherson region.However, the UN did not heed such concerns, with the dam's destruction on Tuesday effectively vindicating Russia's earlier warnings. And yet as the dam's collapse leaves trails of colossal losses, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell have held Russia responsible. Meanwhile, the US and allies have threaded caution: "Weve been closely monitoring the impacts of that destruction, which has triggered massive flooding in Ukraine and resulted in the evacuation of at the very least thousands of Ukrainians," said John Kirby, NSC coordinator for strategic communications.In an interview with Sputnik, McGovern criticized Blinken and the Biden administration for their stance on the Ukraine conflict, particularly highlighting a perceived lack of understanding of Russia's strategic motivations. McGovern has argued that continued support for Zelensky could lead to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis with millions of Ukrainians dead or displaced.He suggested the potential for a grim choice between using nuclear weapons or abandoning Ukraine, and called for a more realistic and compassionate approach to foreign policy.The analyst went on to touch on Finland's departure from a policy of military non-alignment and the potential repercussions it may entail for their association with Russia. In the lead-up to Helsinki officially joining the NATO bloc, reports had detailed behind-the-scene talks in which policy insiders were said to have agreed to allow either the transit or establishment of nuclear weapons on Finnish territory as part of Finland's entry to the military alliance."The feds are making a big, big mistake. And if they - as [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has warned them against - if they put what Putin calls NATO infrastructure... these missile bases that can hit Moscow... If they put such structures in Finland, they're not going to come to a very good end," McGovern said of NATO arms being positioned in the nordic country. "Russia will oppose that."McGovern further noted his opposition to the portrayal of Finland's military history by Blinken and questioned the prevailing Western narrative surrounding the recent developments in Ukraine and the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines. The former CIA analyst also pointed out that the US played an active role in urging UNSC members to shut down a Russian resolution to launch a probe into the Nord Stream sabotage.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230519/finland-urged-to-maintain-nuclear-bans-despite-nato-membership-1110455270.html

finland

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

ray mcgovern interview, shelling of nova kakhovka hydroelectric dam, vassily nebenzia, un security council, un, support for zelensky, former cia analyst and co-founder of veteran intelligence professionals for sanity, us government, zelensky regime, jens stoltenberg, josep borrell, massive flooding, tony blinken, biden administration, humanitarian crisis, nuclear weapons, nato infrastructure, missile bases, moscow, putin, nord stream pipelines, military non-alignment, finland, brazil, china, russia, ukraine, waning support, nato
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/us-in-possession-of-12-non-human-spacecraft-government-contractors-claim-1110995122.html

US in Possession of 12 'Non-Human' Spacecraft, Government Contractors Claim

US in Possession of 12 'Non-Human' Spacecraft, Government Contractors Claim

Following interviews in US Media in which whistleblower David Grusch alleged the government possesses "non-human" spacecraft, more sources are coming forward to speak.

2023-06-08T03:53+0000

2023-06-08T03:53+0000

2023-06-08T03:58+0000

americas

all-domain anomaly resolution office (aaro)

defense department

congress

harry reid

david grusch

unidentified aerial phenomena (uap)

ufo

cover-up

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/08/1110995402_3:0:1454:816_1920x0_80_0_0_4e28d1cdd3b26dd2e291ee77b50e9108.png

The United States is in possession of 12 non-human spacecraft, according to multiple military and intelligence contractors whose comments were published by journalist Michael Shellenberger on Wednesday.The sources who spoke with Shellenberger say Gruschs allegations were accurate.Grusch told two US media outlets on Monday that he filed a complaint with the Intelligence Community Inspector General (ICIG) about the alleged illegal coverup.By Tuesday, former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Christopher Mellon, likewise reported that four witnesses told him they are aware of a secret US government program involving the analysis and exploitation of materials recovered from off-world craft, and demanded that the US government come clean with the public if it has recovered a spacecraft of non-human origin.Grusch presented classified material, including reports and emails, to the ICIG, but the Defense Department prevented him from sharing photos in his disclosure. He also swore under oath that his accusations were true.Grusch said he did not know how many spacecraft the government is in possession of, stating only that it was quite a number of partially intact or fully intact crafts.The sources that spoke with Shellenberger say that the government and government contractors are in possession of 12 or more non-human spacecraft. Some of these ships were shared with the AARO, while others were not, said the sources, adding the AARO has refused to share that information with Congress.The AARO denies it has discovered any information about the government being in possession of off-planet crafts. To date, AARO has not discovered any verifiable information to substantiate claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently, said Defense Department spokesperson Sue Gough.But some of the sources say that is by design. They point out that the AARO only has Title 10 authority, and that organizations with Title 50 authority have stonewalled them because they do not respect the lower authority of Title 10 organizations.Another source added that the AARO does not have the authority to verify the highly classified information and may not want to.However, the ICIG appears to be taking Gruschs complaint seriously, calling it credible and urgent. Some members of Congress have also expressed a desire for more transparency on the issue.One source said there were four different types of crafts recovered, with six described as being in good shape and another six that were significantly damaged. The same source claimed there were cases where occupants left the craft unoccupied, later adding that high-level generals told them they had touched the craft.The crafts are being held at Area 51 and other facilities around the world, a source said, adding that they move the crafts around a lot and some are held in facilities run by aerospace contractors. Despite that, only a handful of contractors know about the crafts.The sources also expressed frustration with the governments secrecy on the issue, noting it may be slowing down progress on the governments reverse engineering efforts. One contractor asked if they could use a buffer organization to hide the source of the technology and bring in scientists and engineers with lower classification levels, but they were sternly rebuked.The sources disagree if the US has succeeded in flying any of the crafts they recovered, with one claiming that they had managed to do so.But others denied any knowledge of an operable craft being in the possession of the US, though an additional source said they were told flights have happened but said they never found any support for that, adding they found a lot of support for saying we cant figure it out.There seems to be tiered access to what the government knows about UAPs. One source said there has been a computer discussion forum, known as R-Space where 1,500 government-funded scientists discuss and analyze UAPs, but another source estimates that only 100 to 700 people know the government retrieved a crashed ship.All of the scientists in the R-Space forum reportedly have top-secret clearance, but seeing the crafts or entering Area 51 requires a special clearance even higher, requiring people to be read in, a path reserved for the select few.Some of the sources said they think Russia and China are also in possession of off-world spacecrafts, but they are not sure.Speaking to US media, famed UFO/UAP researcher Jeremy Corbell said Gruschs accusations need to be taken seriously:If there are holding facilities, open those doors, tell the basic truth.As Shellenberger notes in his article, Grusch is not the only high-profile official to allege the government is reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology. Before his death in 2021, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NY) said he was told for decades that aerospace and weapons contractor Lockheed Martin had received some materials. And I tried to get, as I recall, a classified approval by the Pentagon to have me go look at the stuff. They would not approve that, he said.Later, he told US media it is extremely important that information about the discovery of physical materials or retrieved craft come out.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230605/ex-us-intel-official-says-craft-of-non-human-origin-recovered-reports-withheld-from-congress-1110935482.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/pentagon-says-hasnt-found-info-to-back-claims-of-programs-with-extraterrestrial-materials-1110993812.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230422/how-do-you-do-counterintelligence-work-with-ufos-uap-probe-chiefs-request-puzzles-expert-1109765187.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230523/poll-ufo-research-starting-to-lure-us-academics-1110537940.html

americas

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ian DeMartino

Ian DeMartino

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

Ian DeMartino

ufo, uap, shellenberger ufo article, government cover-ups, are aliens real, are ufos real, what are uaps
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/us-japan--taiwan-to-integrate-real-time-drone-data-amid-china-threat-narrative-tensions--1110996995.html

US, Japan & Taiwan to Integrate Real-Time Drone Data As Tensions Mount Over 'China Threat'

US, Japan & Taiwan to Integrate Real-Time Drone Data As Tensions Mount Over 'China Threat'

The US, Japan, and Taiwan are to share real-time data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to enhance interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region amid an alleged China threat, a US report stated.

2023-06-08T07:27+0000

2023-06-08T07:27+0000

2023-06-09T06:14+0000

us

taiwan

japan

drones

uavs

mq-9 reaper drone

general atomics

china

military

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107878/97/1078789773_0:163:2100:1344_1920x0_80_0_0_6f6aeffffc82f48541da7bd2f0636fd2.jpg

The US, Japan, and Taiwan are planning to begin sharing real-time data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as part of a plan to enhance interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, a US report stated.Washington is purportedly determined to boost military coordination between its allies under the pretext that if China were to attack Taiwan, such a scenario would call for building a common operational picture using reconnaissance drones capability.Four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones - a maritime version of the American Reaper UAV - are to be delivered to Taipei by the US defense contractor General Atomics Aeronautical Systems some time in 2025, sources were cited as saying. The drones, which can be configured with cross-domain capabilities for a broad range of maritime surveillance, are said to have been successful in locating, tracking, and targeting enemy ships and radars. The UAVs, once they arrive in Taiwan, would be allowed to integrate into the system deployed by the US military and the Japanese Self-Defense Force in the region. Accordingly, reconnaissance information gathered simultaneously by the drones would be available to all partners in the system.Taiwans military would then be taught how to operate the new drone system, in conjunction with US and Japanese counterparts, the report added.We will be taking a practical approach to ensuring that integration is done as quickly as possible, a source told the report.Lt-Gen Steven Rudder, former head of the US Marine Corps forces in the Indo-Pacific, explained:Washington is reportedly making this move despite the fact that it will be seen as a provocation by the Chinese and bound to inflate tensions even further.There has not yet been any comment on the report from the Pentagon, or Taiwans presidential office.The United States is officially committed to a one-China policy, which concedes that Taiwan is part of China. However, the United States has kept informal relations with Taipei and provides arms to its government, despite the fact that Beijing considers any relations between foreign nations and Taipei to be meddling in China's domestic affairs.The report comes as NATO allies have been building up their presence in the Indo-Pacific, with the US-led military bloc labeling China a security challenge last year. Japan, the United States, Australia and Canada conducted joint naval exercises over three days in the East China Sea this month, aimed at strengthening interoperability. Peddling the 'China threat' narrative, Washington has been resorting to tactics of intimidation, such as sending warships and military aircraft, engaging in close-in reconnaissance and generally flexing its military muscles near Chinas territorial sea and airspace. As part of this policy, in the first quarter of 2023, Washington proposed $9.1Bln for military investments in the Asia-Pacific within the framework of its Pacific Deterrence Initiative. In addition to the US being part of several alliances and partnerships throughout the region at present - such as AUKUS, which groups it with Australia and the UK, and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) with Australia, India, and Japan - Washington has also opened four new military bases in the Philippines. Earlier this year, the US also signed a defense and maritime surveillance pact with Papua New Guinea.In response, China has warned that to push for "such alliances in the region" is "a way of kidnapping regional countries and fuelling confrontation, which will only plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts". China's minister of national defense, General Li Shangfu, speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit in Singapore recently, warned of the dangers of a severe conflict breaking out between Beijing and Washington. The minister also noted that, "we, the Chinese, will decide how to solve the Taiwan issue. This issue does not tolerate the intervention of foreign forces.However, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Thursday denied media reports about plans to exchange real-time data from naval reconnaissance drones with Japan and the United States.The the situation over the island has been escalating recently after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in April

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230110/think-tank-simulation-predicts-taiwan-could-defeat-china-with-us-japan-aid-in-invasion-scenario-1106184632.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230606/japan-us-australia-canada-hold-joint-naval-exercises-in-east-china-sea-1110963635.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230605/china-warns-severe-conflict-with-us-would-result-in-global-unbearable-disaster--1110912339.html

japan

china

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

us, japan, taiwan, sharing real-time data, unmanned aerial vehicles, uavs, enhance interoperability, indo-pacific region, china threat, reconnaissance drones, mq-9b seaguardian drones, maritime version of reaper uav, defense contractor general atomics aeronautical systems, maritime surveillance operations, locating, tracking, targeting enemy ships and radars.
 . If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the Access to the chat has been blocked for violating the rules . You will be able to participate again through:. If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the feedback form

The discussion is closed. You can participate in the discussion within 24 hours after the publication of the article.
This Saturdays $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie features many storylines, but racing fans may be surprised to hear that two competitors in the strong field have faced each other on two continents.

Lochinvar Art A and Leonidas A found their way to the United States at different times, but their paths had crossed long before Saturdays War on the Shore.

Rewind the clock to 2020, when they met up for the first time in the Your Sold Real Estate Pace at Shepparton Harness Racing Club in Australia. That night, Leonidas A didnt get the best of trips and Lochinvar Art A had his number winning by 1-1/2 lengths.

In their second meeting a couple of weeks later at Shepparton, Lochinvar Art A got away mid-pack with Leonidas A getting away towards the back of the field. Through the stretch, the first time, Lochinvar Art A was tipped to three-wide and took his shot at the leader, again drawing off to win easily.

They would continue their rivalry on another continent in the MGM Borgata Pacing Series, with Leonidas A getting a better post draw than his Australian counterpart. Both Lochinvar Art A and Leonidas A were forced to close from off the pace, but Leonidas A was able to work past rivals to finish a solid second, while Lochinvar Art finished fifth.

Both Australian rivals have taken different paths to the MGM Northfield Park, with Leonidas A opting to continue racing against Open company at Yonkers for trainer Matthew Medeiros. At the same time, Lochinvar Art A started against overnight company at The Meadowlands and was then invited to the Joe Auger Memorial at Harrahs Philadelphia, where he finished third.

Trainer Shane Tritton has been pleased with Lochinvar Art A (pictured above), who has improved since the Borgata Pacing Series.

'Arty' has done really well since the Borgata. We have stepped up his work and he has responded better than I couldve imagined, said Tritton. We knew the Borgata was a long series and just had no luck in the final, but we feel he is sharper now.

Lochinvar Art A drew post four in Saturdays Battle of Lake Erie, a draw that Tritton feels benefits his horse.

'Arty' loves to be driven aggressive and get amongst the action. Post four will be perfect for his style.

Driver Lauren Tritton will be the first female to drive in Northfields storied event on Saturday. Tritton, who has driven Lochinvar Art A since he arrived in the United States, is hoping she can continue to break down some of the barriers for women in harness racing.

I hope I can inspire more girls to grab the reins," said Laura Tritton. "The Battle has always been a race we have followed, even from Australia. I am super excited to participate in it.

No matter what happens on Saturday, Team Tritton is just happy to be a part of the action.

Win, lose or draw, we are grateful to be a part of the Battle, said Shane Tritton.

Trainer Matt Medeiros is no stranger to Northfield; along with the Jesmeral Stable, they brought Leonidas A (pictured below) to the 2022 Battle of Lake Erie. While the trip wasnt favourable, Medeiros said that he got over the track well.

He got locked in late in the mile, but raced well from start to finish, he said.



Like the connections of Lochinvar Art A, Medeiros is looking forward to Saturday night. Drawing the rail, he is confident his gelding can leave and get a good trip.

He tries really hard in every start and takes good care of himself," said Medeiros.

A great wagering menu will be on tap for horseplayers on Saturday night. The 11th race Battle of Lake Erie will have a $25,000 estimated $1 Pick-4 and superfecta wagering will be added. The 13th race, the MGM Buckeye Distaff, also has a $25,000 estimated Super Hi-5 pool.

Northfield will kick racing off at 6 p.m. and feature Charity Night presented by the Ohio Harness Horsemans Association. Charity Night will feature nine different charities, each having the opportunity to race for a donation to their respective group.

(With files from Northfield Park)
Matt Bax will send out Hambletonian-eligible trotters Southwind Coors and Snowpiercer in Fridays eliminations of the Goodtimes Stakes for three-year-olds at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Their performances in the event could determine whether they are part of the Hambo conversation in the weeks that follow.

The Goodtimes is their test, said the 34-year-old Bax, who has taken over from his father, John, as the lead trainer of the familys stable. If they get to the final and show really well, then thats when well talk about [the Hambletonian]. It all comes down to their performances in their next two starts.

Sixteen three-year-old male trotters were entered in the Goodtimes, requiring two $30,000 eliminations. The top five finishers from each eight-horse group will advance to the final on June 17 at Mohawk.

Southwind Coors (pictured above) is among six Hambletonian eligibles in the first elimination, along with 2022 Breeders Crown champion Gaines Hanover, Ontario stakes winners Tuscan Prince and Osceola, Kentucky stakes winner Challenger and Grand Circuit stakes-placed Dahlquist Hanover. The $1 million Hambletonian, the sports premier event for three-year-old trotters, is Aug. 5 at The Meadowlands.

In his most recent start on May 25, Southwind Coors breezed to victory by 9-1/2 lengths in 1:53 in a conditioned trot at Mohawk. It was his second career win to go with seven additional top-three finishes in 14 career starts. He has earned $102,460 for owners Bax Stable, Glengate Farms, David Hudson and Craig Wilson.

He was a really nice horse last year, but he wasnt very mature, said Bax. Hes very quick, hes got high-end speed, but mentally maybe he didnt want to go past the last horse.

Judging by the last start, hes kind of figured out what racing is about. Were pretty excited about how hes coming into the race. I think hes in top form. Hopefully, he can carry that out through the year.

Southwind Coors, a son of Walner-Southwind Cabaret, was purchased for $65,000 at the 2021 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. He is a full brother to Grand Circuit winner El Toro Loco and his family, including extended family, also includes stakes winners Southwind Catlin, Flawless Bluestone, Spider Blue Chip, Broadway Schooner and Cooler Schooner.

We had his sister [Southwind Casha], said Bax. She was a nice, fast filly, but she didnt have very good front legs on her. Hes correct. We kind of thought we stole him for $65,000 at the sale knowing how much speed the family has. Being a Walner doesnt hurt, either.

Southwind Coors and driver James MacDonald will start from post five on Friday. The gelding is 5-1 on the morning line. Gaines Hanover, leaving from post seven with Louis-Philippe Roy in the sulky for trainer Richard Moreau, is the 2-1 favourite.

Snowpiercer (pictured below) is among three Hambletonian eligibles in the second Goodtimes elim, along with Ontario stakes winner Ghostly Casper and Djimon.



In 2022, Snowpiercer had a win on the Ontario Sires Stakes circuit and finished second in the Super Final, beaten a nose by DWs Point Man.

He had a very good year last year, said Bax. He maybe doesnt have the high-end speed Southwind Coors has, but hes a big, strong, nice-gaited horse. If he gets the right kind of trip, he can be right there with them.

Snowpiercer finished third in his 2023 debut in an elimination of the SBOA Stakes, then fourth in the final and fourth in an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold division. For his career, he has hit the board in nine of 14 races and earned $201,206.

There is a tough group of three-year-old colts up here in Ontario, said Bax. I think when we get him 100 per cent -- he had a little bit of allergies in his last start -- if we get him on the right track, he can go with this bunch.

Snowpiercer, a son of Muscle Mass-Wheely Quick, is owned by Bax Stable, Brad Grant, David Anderson and Richard Gutnick. He was purchased for $130,000 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and his siblings include New York stakes winner White Cheetah and Pennsylvania circuit standout Killer Instinct. The family also includes 2012 O'Brien and Dan Patch awards winner Wheeling N Dealin.

My father and I thought Snowpiercer was the best Ontario-bred colt in the sale, said Bax. We were only supposed to go to 100 [thousand dollars] and ended up getting him for 130 [thousand]. I think hes already paid us back, so it worked out.

Snowpiercer and driver Paul MacDonell will start from post seven. The colt is 8-1 on the morning line. Ghostly Casper, with Sylvain Filion driving for Benoit Baillargeon, is the 3-1 favourite from post five.

Fridays Mohawk card also includes two $35,000 eliminations of the Roses Are Red Stakes for older female pacers. Grace Hill and Treacherous Dragon are the favourites.

Racing begins at 7 p.m. (EDT) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

To view Friday's complete entries, click the following links: Friday Entries - Woodbine Mohawk Park || Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).

(With files from USTA)
Three-year-old colt pacers were back in Buckeye Stallion Series (BSS) action on Tuesday night, June 7, at MGM Northfield Park. Four of the seven first-leg winners returned, but only Primary Driver was able to find the winners circle. Five divisions, each with a purse of $20,000 highlighted the card.

Primary Driver made it two-for-two in the BSS as Brady Galliers took the son Fear The Dragon three-wide down the backstretch, grabbing the lead at the top of the stretch and holding on to win by a length in 1:52.2. Owned by Galliers Racing and trained by Galliers, Primary Driver has won three of six starts this year. Badger was second with Somewhere Vintage third.

The fastest division of the night went to Quick Trick, a winner in 1:51.4. The son of Racing Hill, with Chris Page in the bike, grabbed the lead around the final turn and never looked back, winning by seven lengths. Jeff Conger trains and co-owns Quick Trick with Knox Services. Quick Trick has hit the board in five of six starts this year, winning three. Cruisin Jim finished in second with Winning Hill third.

Dragon Candy, with Ryan Stahl, battled down the lane to win the second division by a neck in 1:53.3. Trained by Calvin Hollar and owned by John DeSantis, the son of Fear The Dragon won for the fourth time this year in 10 starts. Tequila And Ice was second with Jackjimbettynkaren third.

The fourth division went to Boundtobefearless with Luke Ebersole. Boundtobefearless took the lead heading to the half-mile mark and fought off a late charge from Gettingyoursealegs to win by a neck in 1:52.4. It was the third Buckeye Stallion Series win of the night for Fear The Dragon offspring. Trained by Jessica McGown and owned by Tammie Wilcox, Alan White and Richard Copp, Boundtobefearless picked up his third win of the year in 10 starts. Gettingyoursealegs was second with Trooper L third.

In the final division of the night, Liteningonthebeach, with Ronnie Wrenn Jr., won his fourth race in a row as he went gate-to-wire to win in 1:52.3 for trainer Brian Brown. Unraced as a two-year-old, the son of Downbytheseaside has won five of seven starts for the ownership group of Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, Acadia Farms and Richard Lombardo. The Mandalorian finished second one length behind with Donttouchmytruck third.

The second leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series concludes on Friday night at Eldorado Scioto Downs when five divisions of the three-year-old colt trotters take to the track.

(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)
En route to the festivities for the College World Series in Omaha, the Union Pacific Railroads Big Boy No. 4014 made a stop Wednesday in Gering, where the train stayed overnight.

The locomotive is the largest operating steam engine in the world. It was delivered to Union Pacific in 1941 and was retired in 1961 after traveling over 1 million miles.

According to Union Pacific, Big Boys 133-foot length dwarfs a normal diesel locomotive at 74 feet and a school bus at 40 feet. In its original configuration, the locomotive had a capacity of 25,000 gallons of water and 56,000 pounds of coal. It was converted to run on No. 5 oil during its restoration.

After being reacquired by Union Pacific in 2013 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, California, the engine was restored to operating condition and returned to service to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

The giant engine is brought into service periodically for commemorative purposes to showcase to the public.

Its our opportunity to really connect with the public, and its something that people dont see every day, or even every year, railroad worker Mike Jaixen said. People love it, it is such a distinctive piece of American history. Theres always a waiting list when we announce a tour. People are always asking if were coming to their town  wed love to share it with more people, railroad worker Mike Jaixen said.

The engine will be making several more stops en route to Omaha as well as on the way back, including North Platte, Kearney, Grand Island, Gothenburg, Ogallala, Sidney and Kimball.
Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment requiring voter ID in our state. I have supported voter ID for many years, and I supported our state constitutional amendment. As the amendment requires, the Unicameral has established rules for presenting a valid photo ID before voting.

Voter ID will be in effect for statewide elections in 2024.

Voters who go to the polls or who vote early at their county clerk or election commissioners office will be required to present a Nebraska drivers license or state ID, or some other approved form of photo identification.

Voters who vote early by mail or drop box will write down their drivers license or state ID number on the envelope. The envelope flap will cover this information so that it cant be seen until the envelope is opened by an election worker. Those who use another form of approved photo ID will enclose a copy.

We estimate that 97 or 98 percent of registered voters already have state-issued photo IDs. The new statute provides for other forms of photo IDs for those who dont have state issued photo IDs. The statute also makes provision for voters who have a religious objection to having a photo ID or who have some other defined impediment to obtaining a photo ID. These exceptions are required by federal law.

The new statute also provides for additional citizenship checks in connection with voter registration, a process that the Secretary of States office already had begun.

In the coming months, our office will provide an extensive education campaign for voters so that Nebraska voters are fully informed about the new requirements.

The statute enacted by the legislature was supported by 92 of our 93 county clerks and election commissioners, and they are ready to put voter ID into effect. So is our office. With voter ID, Nebraska joins many other states in providing this additional layer of security for our elections.
The 29 books containing Iredell County voter rolls from 1950 to 1970 and hand-written ballots that date back to 1944 have a new home.

The Iredell County Board Elections voted to loan the hand-written records to Steve Hill and the Statesville Historical Collection on Center Street in downtown Statesville.

"It's an honor to be able to be the caretakers for these valuable documents," Hill said. "It doesn't tell us how they voted, but it does have a lot of valuable genealogical information."

He added, "It will be a wealth of information for genealogists looking for records on grandma and grandpa."

The Iredell County Board of Elections keeps most records electronically while the physical documents are stored for the legally required amount of time. Board of Elections Director Susie Jordan said that while state laws concerning document retention would allow them to dispose of the records, the board wanted to preserve the history for the public.

"For genealogy, family history, it's a great tool because it shows if the family member was deceased, if they moved out of the township, moved out of the county, and it dates it," Jordan said. "We need to preserve history, from where we were to where we've come to."

The rolls offer a snapshot into the past in other ways as well. Voters were checked off as "White" or "Colored" in the books, and some women's names were listed under the full names of their husbands.

Those glimpses into the past were something Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections who also attended the meeting, was glad to see the county's board could do.

"I've worked in elections since 2006. My family has served as poll workers, so this was of great interest to me," Bell said. "It's amazing to think of how much has changed in such a short period of time. That we've got from these paper records and books that could be burned in a fire, could be lost, to be misplaced, to a digital age."

Bell said while digital records have advantages, there was a certain charm to these physical records.

"I don't know how we would do it without computers, but sadly they won't preserve these beautiful records in the same way we see today," Bell said. "We won't have these books with the wonderful handwriting in them... this is nostalgic, but we do have a more secure process now."
NEWS.am STYLE is launching a new project called Hospitable Armenia. Within the framework of this project, we will inform you about the interesting places in Armenia where you can eat delicious food, relax, and get new impressions and feelings.

The first "guest" of this project is Mina restaurant, which recently opened in downtown Yerevan, on Martiros Saryan Street.

The owner of this restaurant, famous Russian Armenian restaurateur and chef Aram Mnatsakanov, told us how he succeeded in creating a Little Italy in the center of the Armenian capital.

Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Wytheville Community College recently presented Tommy Arnold with the 2023 Professor Emeritus Award. The honor is bestowed upon a retired WCC faculty member who has held faculty rank, had a minimum of 10 years of service, and made meritorious and significant contributions to the college.

Arnold was a member of the college family for more than three decades. He began his WCC career as a member of the WCC faculty in September 1987 to May 2002, and from August 2003 to his retirement in December 2019. He also served as Interim Dean of Health and Occupational Programs, and as an Associate Professor in Machine Technology.

Arnold earned associate degrees from WCC in 1973 and Danville Community College in 1975. He later earned a bachelors degree in 1983 and masters degree in 1991 from Virginia Tech.

During his tenure at WCC, Arnold contributed to the ongoing success of the WCC Machine Technology Program as program head from 2009 to 2019, and held the position of associate professor for more than 21 years. He also served as assistant professor for six years, and instructor in the Machine Tool Operator Program for four years. Arnold imparted knowledge through his teaching and by being an exceptional professional role model, for which he was recognized in 2005 with the WCC Distinguished Service Award in Teaching and again in 2015 with the WCC Improvement of Instruction Award.
A day set aside for pomp and circumstance ended with two dead, a woman mourning her husband and her son, and a public outcry against gun violence.

On Wednesday, the two dead were identified Renzo Smith and his step-son, Shawn Jackson, an 18-year-old Huguenot High School graduate.

Jackson's former principal, Kevin Olds, described him as a "bright young man who could master any textbook."

"At times, Shawn wanted to give up, and he considered dropping out of school. But the safety net of the village would not allow that," said Olds. "Because of their efforts and Shawn's diligence, he graduated yesterday. I am utterly heartbroken that his life ended just minutes later.

On Wednesday, the morning after the Tuesday shooting, the investigation provided details, but little relief, after the bloodshed drew national attention leading to Richmond schools ending the school year three days early.

Richmond police identified a main suspect - Amari Pollard - in the mass shooting that also saw another 5 hospitalized. The shooting occurred as students from Huguenot high school were leaving their graduation ceremony at the Altria Theater.

Jackson had just crossed the stage to receive his diploma.

"I shook his hand and wished him congratulations about 20 minutes before he died," Jason Kamras, superintendent of Richmond Public Schools said. "He was rightly proud, smiling and celebrating like all his peers. Then just a few minutes later, while he was enjoying the moment with his family in Monroe Park, he was gunned down."

Kamras said he "couldn't shake the image" of Jackson receiving CPR while still in his cap and gown.

Taneeka Jackson-Smith, Jacksons mother, said the family had watched the graduation, then got separated in a large crowd after they walked outside. He was so happy  oh my God  because he got to graduate. He worked hard, she told the Associated Press.

She said she saw a man run up beside [Shawn and Renzo] and start shooting.

Renzo Smith, Jacksons step-father, was praised for his service in the U.S. Army. Smith was a military veteran, deploying to Iraq in 2008, said Bryce Dubee, an Army spokesman. He served as a motor transport operator in the Army Reserve from October 2005 to August 2006 and was in the regular Army until 2010, holding the rank of specialist at the end of his service, Dubee said Wednesday.

He was just everything that you could wish for in a person, Jackson-Smith told the AP.

Also injured was Rennyah Jackson-Smith, Jacksons 9-year-old sister, who was hit by a car in the wake of the shooting. Her condition could not be immediately determined.

Little has been released about a motive. Interim-Police Chief Rick Edwards suggested that the two knew each other, and that the killing was targeted, but was not more specific.

Jackson was described as a prolific musician with an online presence, where he went under the monikers OTG Shawn and Shawn Wicc, a re-styling of movie hitman John Wick. He had released eight rap albums in the past three years, the most recent of which, Baywood Preacher, was released in May.

A Richmond-based music producer who worked with Jackson, Timond Billie, described him as dedicated.

He always dreamed and believed he was going to make it big. When I started producing music, he was the first artist to actually believe in me and my craft, said Billie.

Edwards said that the suspect had attended the Huguenot graduation before exiting the Altria Theater to retrieve a handgun from his car. When he returned, he opened fire. He was apprehended in the area by VCU Police and surrendered without further incident, Edwards said.

Pollard was arraigned Tuesday morning on two charges of second-degree murder. Pollard has pleaded not guilty.

The case was continued until June 21 while Pollard hires an attorney, McEachin said. In the meantime, the court ordered that he be held without bond at the Richmond City Justice Center.

It was a tragic night for Richmond Public Schools, which also saw three other students shot at Armstrong High School in two separate incidents unrelated to the Huguenot tragedy, Kamras said at a press conference at Police Headquarters. Police described the injuries in those incidents as non-life-threatening.

Yet another shooting involving young people ignited a salvo of debates by lawmakers.

U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, gave a passionate floor speech on the House. "What should have been the happiest day of (Huguenot students') lives turned into every parent's worst nightmare, said McClellan, a Richmond parent.

She was one of numerous city officials to decry yesterdays shooting in the heart of downtown Richmond, a day in which some details clarified the picture of a horrific event that drew national attention.

McClellan and Kamras both called for policy solutions to address Richmonds gun violence crisis. Kamras said there was an immediate need for federal help in fighting poverty, housing and other root causes of violence in the city.

"Every time there is a shooting, we go through this same routine. Every time my son is afraid, wondering when he will be next. And I hug him and say, 'I am doing everything in my power to make sure that you are safe.'"

Gov. Glenn Youngkin also spoke about the shooting at a previously scheduled event in Petersburg Wednesday, resisting "premature calls to action" before any investigation is concluded

We need to see what it finds before we think about new laws, Youngkin said.

However, his deputy, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, was less restrained. Earle-Sears arrived at the still-active crime scene to launch pointed barbs at Richmonds largely democratic leadership.

Who is in charge here? said Earle-Sears. The people that I represent are not safe  theyre not safe in this city, and we have to figure out why that is. On Wednesday, she soften her remarks.

On the VCU campus, students lay wreaths and flowers down outside the Altria theater, where there were still bloodstains.

It was just very surreal, said Chloe Hawkins, a recent VCU graduate who lives near Monroe Park. I literally walk through the park every day to go to school.

In the afternoon, several dozen RPS families marched around the Virginia State Capitol to protest the spate of gun violence. Katherine Jones said she has three children in RPS schools, one of whose graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School was canceled after the shooting-.

Done with guns, thats what were here for, Jones said.

Wendy Rake and her family moved from Nashville to Richmond last summer, months before the March shooting at the Covenant School, a private elementary school in Nashville. Rake lived less than a mile from Covenant and knew people involved in the shooting.

You really do feel like theres really no safe place, which is hard as a parent, Rake said. I dont adhere to this notion that I need to be carrying a firearm to keep my family safe; I just want to be able to go about my day.

Rake said that she comes from a family of responsible gun owners. She still believes in responsible gun ownership, but wants more provisions to ensure they dont end up in the wrong hands.

I do think that there are definitely safety measures that can be put in place to help at least keep our school children safe, said Rake. Especially children who are about to celebrate a big moment in their lives like a high school graduation.
Virginias Air Pollution Control Board voted 4-3 Wednesday to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multi-state cohort aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Multiple members of the public and environmental advocates noted the haze in the air from recent wildfires in Canada in their testimony, in hopes to sway the board to vote against Gov. Glenn Youngkin's wishes to remove Virginia from the compact.

Ultimately the board, with a majority of Youngkin appointees, voted to align with the administrations wishes. Three appointees of former Gov. Ralph Northam voted against the measure.

RGGI  pronounced Reggie  is a consortium of 12 East Coast states in which energy producers trade emission reductions for credits, or buy credits to emit carbon dioxide past the capped amount. As a result, Dominion Energy  Virginias largest utility company  has passed that cost onto customers by charging an additional $2.36 through a rate adjustment clause attached to their monthly bills.

The Youngkin administrations goal is to have Virginia out of RGGI by the end of this year, coinciding with the expiration of its current contract with RGGI Inc., the company that oversees the carbon market auctions.

In a new release immediately after the board had taken its vote, Youngkin noted how the vote puts Virginia closer to his planned repeal.

While Virginians will see a lower energy bill in due time because we are withdrawing from RGGI and are one step closer with todays vote, we need to ensure Virginia has a reliable, affordable, clean and growing supply of power by embracing an all-of-the-above energy plan that includes natural gas, nuclear, renewables and the exploration of emerging sources to satisfy the growing needs of Commonwealth residents and businesses, he said.

In his presentation to the board earlier in the day, Secretary of Historic and Natural Resources Travis Voyles repeatedly called RGGI a regressive direct tax.

Environmental groups argue the attachment to bills through participation in RGGI is a small price to pay and question why higher priced rate adjustment clauses for fossil fuels attached to energy bills arent subject to the same scrutiny.

Money generated through RGGI is split between a state-administered account for energy efficiency programs for low-income households and efforts to help areas affected by recurring flooding or sea-level rise. $589 million has been generated since Virginias participation in its first 2021 auction.

Debates over whose authority it is or isnt to potentially pull Virginia out of RGGI have continued since Youngkins first day as governor when he issued an executive order  following through on a campaign promise  to begin the process of withdrawal.

Dozens of Democratic legislators argue its the legislative bodys purview to remove Virginia from RGGI since the General Assembly put the state into it in the first place. Youngkin and his administration, however, have sought the regulatory route through the Administrative Process Act  triggering a series of virtual and in-person public comments and review since last summer culminating in Wednesdays vote.

In his presentation, Voyles said that the timing can provide certainty and stability in the withdrawal process.

Advocates say withdrawal heightens uncertainty surrounding environmental resiliency.

Prior to the vote, a crowd of about 50 gathered outside of the meeting site to hold a rally. Featured speakers included Del. Rip Sullivan, D- Arlington, Del. Candi Mundon King, D-Prince William, and Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield.

Mundon King stressed the health impacts of environmental issues and urged the crowd to continue to show up for advocacy for those who cannot.

We are the fortunate ones who have the ability, who have the flexibility to leave work, to leave family, to come here and say no,  Mundon King said. But there are millions of Virginians, most of whom look like me, who are most impacted by climate change.

While state legislators have not yet reached a deal on the budget, proposals from Youngkin included funding for flood prevention projects  measures his administration noted as a first step towards replacing losses caused by leaving RGGI.

With Wednesdays vote, the proposal will go through an executive review process before being published in Virginias register.

Walton Shepherd of the Natural Resources Defense Council said that could be a point that potential litigation could emerge challenging the legality of the withdrawal from RGGI.
Mekdad will be travelling to Riyadh on Saturday to participate in the second meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the League of Arab State, according to al-Watan.

At the invitation of Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Faisal Mekdad, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, will be travelling to Riyadh on Saturday to participate in the second meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the League of Arab States with their counterparts from the small Pacific islands.

Minister Mekdads visit will span two days, with the meeting scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday, June 11th and 12th, in the Saudi capital. This visit marks his third trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the past three months. In April, he made his initial visit and accompanied President Assad to Jeddah to attend the Council of the League of Arab States summit.

During the April meeting, Mekdad had a productive discussion with Farhan, resulting in Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republics commitment to work towards achieving a comprehensive political settlement of the Syrian crisis. The objective is to resolve all the ramifications of the crisis, foster national reconciliation, facilitate the return of Damascus to its Arab surroundings, and restore its normal role in the Arab world.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The Syrian Air Corporation has initiated the process of equipping its offices in the Saudi capital, al-Modon reports.

The Syrian regime recently announced that Saudi Arabia has agreed to resume direct flights between Syria and Saudi airports after an interruption of over 11 years.

Bassem Mansour, the director general of the Syrian regimes Civil Aviation Corporation, stated that the Saudi authorities approved a request made by the regime to reinstate flights between the two nations. He added that both the Syrian Air Company and the private Cham Wings Company are currently finalizing their preparations to commence operations.

Mansour emphasized that the Arab Civil Aviation Organization of the Arab League has notified the Syrian regime about the reinstatement of all its activities and effectiveness. This development is expected to encourage other Arab countries to resume flights to Damascus and entice numerous airlines to utilize Syrian airspace for transit.

According to the pro-regime newspaper Al-Watan, the Syrian Air Corporation has initiated the process of equipping its offices in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. An official within the organization mentioned that flights are scheduled to commence at the end of June or after Eid al-Adha, subject to the completion of necessary technical procedures.

In a notable shift, Saudi Arabia began expressing signs of openness towards the Syrian regime following a devastating earthquake that struck the country in February. Saudi Arabia provided humanitarian aid to the affected population residing within areas under its control. Subsequently, in March, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced its intention to engage in talks with Damascus regarding the resumption of consular services between the two nations.

In April, Riyadh officially reinstated relations with the Syrian regime. This marked a significant development as it was the first official visit by a senior regime diplomat to Saudi Arabia since 2011, with the regimes foreign minister arriving in Jeddah. This visit was followed by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhans similar visit to Damascus. Notably, these visits were preceded by undisclosed intelligence-level meetings.

Riyadh took the initiative to restore Syrias seat in the Arab League, leading the process of reinstating order. As a result, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended the Arab summit hosted by Riyadh on May 19, upon the invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saoud.

Just two days after readmitting the regime to the Arab League, Riyadh announced the resumption of its diplomatic mission in Syria. This move comes after more than a decade since the closure of the Saudi embassy in Damascus, signifying a notable shift in their diplomatic approach.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Yafi is accused of assisting the Assad regime in advancing its chemical weapons program, according to al-Souria Net.

A recent investigation by Global News has brought to light the presence of Ahmed Haitham al-Yafi, a Syrian engineer who allegedly played a role in the development of chemical weapons for the Assad regime, residing in Canada several years ago.

According to the Canadian news outlet, Yafi is accused of assisting the Assad regime in advancing its chemical weapons program and is currently residing on the outskirts of Edmonton.

Declassified documents obtained from the Canadian government formed the basis of the report, revealing Yafis employment as a chemical engineer at the Syrian Scientific Research Center from 1974 to 1994.

The documents indicate that Yafi was involved in overseeing the establishment of a production plant and dedicated over two years to conducting research at an experimental facility, which was known to be involved in the production of chemical weapons.

Senior positions

According to reliable sources, it has been confirmed that Yafi held a prominent position at the Scientific Research Center and actively participated in the initial stages of setting up the centers pilot plant.

Throughout his career, he held various prestigious roles, including Project Manager and Technical Director, eventually rising to the position of Deputy Minister of Industry.

Upon his arrival in Canada in 2018, Yafi sought permanent residency. However, his application was denied by the immigration department due to his involvement in Syrias chemical weapons program.

Despite Yafis refusal to comment on the matter when approached by the Canadian website, they were able to obtain statements that he had previously submitted to immigration officials.

In his statements to Al-Hijra, Yafi claimed to have obtained a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Manchester in England. He then returned to Syria in 1977 to work at the Scientific Research Center, where he was assigned employee number 162 and informed about the centers intention to produce a chemical substance with harmful effects on humans.

Yafi further stated that the purpose of the chemical weapon was not to be deployed but rather to serve as a deterrent against the regimes adversaries. He asserted that the presence of chemical weapons aimed to provide the countrys leadership with a strategic advantage.

Allegedly, Yafi felt compelled to work at the research center for seven and a half years in exchange for financial support for his doctoral studies abroad.

Yafi made numerous attempts to resign from his position, submitting his resignation a total of seven times, beginning in 1987, before it was finally accepted in 1994.

Expressing his disillusionment, he stated that he was deeply disappointed upon learning about the centers involvement in the development of chemical weapons.

Yafi emphasized that throughout his tenure, he never engaged with any chemical warfare agents nor participated in discussions regarding launch systems, as it was not within the scope of his responsibilities or expertise.

Furthermore, he confirmed the presence of several other scientists from the Scientific Research Center who currently reside in Canada and the United States of America.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The arrests were prompted by a statement issued by several figures from Hama, urging HTS to halt the arrest of Hizb ut-Tahrir members, according to Baladi News.

During the past 48 hours, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) conducted a campaign of arrests in Idleb targeting residents originally from Hama. The arrests were prompted by a statement issued by several figures from Hama, urging HTS to halt the arrest of Hizb ut-Tahrir members and to prevent security personnel within HTS from raiding homes. The statement compared HTSs actions to the regimes arbitrary arrests of civilians. This statement is circulating widely in communication channels.

Following this, the self-proclaimed Mujahideen of the city of Hama within HTS expressed solidarity with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in their efforts to counter Hizb ut-Tahrir, which they accused of betraying Syrians through their statements and social media publications.

On May 8th, HTS conducted a series of raids and arrests of Hizb ut-Tahrir members in Deir Hassan town after a member of Tahrir al-Shams security apparatus was killed by Hizb ut-Tahrir supporters. In recent months, HTS has increased its crackdown on Hizb ut-Tahrir members known for advocating the revival of the Islamic caliphate and promoting hardline views.

According to successive statements by HTS, this party holds no influence in the revolutionary and military scenes in northern Syria. It is worth noting that Hizb ut-Tahrir has a history dating back to the 1950s, originating in Palestine under the leadership of Sheikh Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani. The party has expanded to several countries, including Jordan, where it attempted to overthrow the government, as well as Libya and Iraq, where it is considered an illegal organization. It gained a presence in northwestern Syria during the years of the Syrian revolution, focusing on religious revival and the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate under its leadership. Hizb ut-Tahrirs publications also criticized various entities and targeted Turkish forces in the region, while finding active support in Indonesia and Central Asia.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Washington State Republican Party Chairman Caleb Heimlich announced Monday hes stepping down after more than five years in the position, leaving the party looking for new leadership as it heads into the 2024 election.

Washington State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, announced Tuesday he is running to succeed Heimlich. In an announcement on social media, Walsh said, if elected to lead the party, he would maintain his seat in the House during the transitional period. He said he is not currently considering running for governor or Congress.

I believe that in this point in time, the way I can help Washington state the most, and help the people of Washington state the most, is take the Republican Party to a place where it is more listened to, where people dont have so many preconceptions about it, where the Republican Party can articulate policy and issues in an effective way that appeals to a broad range of people in Washington and try to make it an effective and winning organization, he said.

Heimlich said his family was a factor in his decision to step down.

After 12 and a half years working at the Washington State Republican Party, it is time for a change, Heimlich wrote in a message to state GOP officials obtained by The Seattle Times. It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the chairman of this great organization for 5 1/2 years, but for the sake of my family it is time to pass the torch to someone new.

Heimlich, 37, said he has accepted a job with a national grassroots organization that will provide a better quality of life for my family, citing the commute between his Pierce County home and the state party headquarters in Bellevue.

His resignation is effective Aug. 12, when the WA GOPs state committee will meet in Olympia to elect a new chair.

Heimlich was elected party chair in January 2018, succeeding Susan Hutchison, a former TV news journalist.

He is the longest serving chair of the state party since Jennifer Dunn in the 1980s, according to a party news release. Prior to taking the top position, Heimlich had worked for the state party since 2011 as political director and the executive director.

Heimlich was reelected unopposed in 2019, and was reelected by wide margins in 2021 and 2023.

Heimlich leaves as the state Republican Party struggles to climb out of an electoral ravine, with the era of Donald Trump dominance hurting the GOPs prospects in Washington.

Republicans dont occupy any statewide elected offices, and the party lost a congressional seat and seats in the Legislature in last years midterm elections. The partys U.S. Senate candidate, Tiffany Smiley, spent $20 million in a challenge to Sen. Patty Murray, but lost by nearly 15 percentage points.

The partys prospects for 2024 look daunting, as Republicans grapple with a losing streak of more than four decades in gubernatorial races and have yet to field a notable challenger to U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, who is seeking a fifth term. The GOP is also in the minority in both the state House and Senate.

Heimlich, in a news release, said despite his departure as party chairman, I assure you, I will never stop working to make our state a better place.

Editors note: The Daily News City Editor Hayley Day contributed to this article.
A former Lower Columbia College employee agreed to pay an $8,000 fine after an investigation found she received financial aid for classes she never took, according to the Washington State Executive Ethics Board.

As part of a stipulated agreement, Jessica Wilks must pay the civil penalty associated with violations of the states Ethics in Public Service regulations within 45 days of May 12.

Lower Columbia College fired Wilks, a financial aid office fiscal specialist, in December after the colleges investigation into the questionable federal financial aid disbursements.

From January to September 2022, Wilks enrolled in a class at the start of each quarter, received $2,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act student financial aid, then dropped the class one to four days after getting the money, according to the report.

The college also found Wilks, who was hired in May 2017, disbursed $22,000 of CARES financial aid to eight students she had personal connections with ahead of the scheduled process and used her work laptop for unauthorized purposes.

In November, LCC reported the case to the State Auditors Office and the Ethics Board, which oversees statewide elected officials, employees in the executive branch and higher education institutions. No criminal charges have been filed.

The board reviewed LCCs investigation, which included a record of the CARES funding awards and disbursements, interviews with staff, emails, and other documentation.

Students can receive the CARES funds directly and, unlike other types of financial aid, are not required to repay them if they drop classes, according to staff interviewed for the investigation.

The investigation came down to whether Wilks was intentionally playing the system, the document states.

Wilks told investigators she dropped classes because of an ill family member. However, in earlier statements she said that family members health problems began later in the summer, after she enrolled and dropped three times, according to the report.

Investigators found inconsistencies between Wilks statements and the timelines of personal events, financial aid application dates, enrollment and drop dates.

The HR director said Wilks was fully aware she would receive the funds if she dropped her class. The evidence supports that its more likely than not Wilks intentionally enrolled in classes to receive the $2,000 per quarter in CARES funding and had no intention of attending or completing the class, the document states.

The investigation found Wilks involvement in awarding or disbursing CARES funds to eight students she was connected to was a conflict of interest.

While investigators found insufficient evidence to determine whether Wilks completed CARES applications on behalf of the students or if she received a stake in their CARES check, it concluded she allowed college property to be used for non-college related business.
WordFest, a literary event, will take place at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 1428 22nd Ave., in Longview from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13. The event will feature three women writers with unique stories to share.

Tiffany Dickinson, author of the middle-grade novel A Minks Tale, will read from the new book, published in February. The story follows Malinka, a mink living on a fur farm who realizes that her home is not as safe as she thought. She faces the choice of staying in her comfortable but risky world or running for freedom with her young kits. The book is an adventure filled with courage and loyalty, appealing to readers aged 9-12 and animal lovers, according to a press release from the organizers.

Jan Bono will discuss her foray into writing television movie scripts. She shares her journey from being clueless to completing two TV movie scripts in 11 months. Bono has an extensive background in teaching and writing humorous newspaper columns, with numerous awards to her name. She has published 17 books, including a cozy mystery series and contributions to Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Shell be teaching a workshop on writing for Chicken Soup at this years Southwest Washington Writers Conference at Centralia College on Sept. 9.

Sally Jones, a former 911 communications worker and domestic violence shelter volunteer, will read selections from her manuscript based on her experiences. Her book delves into the urgent and intimate moments of 911 calls and the personal lives of the call takers. It explores the chaos of their work and the addictiveness of their calm response. Jones has a lifelong passion for writing, including poetry and stories, and has previously been published in literary publications.

The event will also include an open mic session for attendees to share their work.

WordFest takes place on the second Tuesday of every month and is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Alan Rose at www.alan-rose.com.
With various internet AI tools in the market, AI is helping us in utility or entertainment. So, check out 5 crazy AI tools to make your life easy such as Deep Nostalgia, Hotpot AI and more.

Lawmakers in Costa Rica writing a bill with ChatGPT. A judge in Colombia using the same tool to ask for advice in a case before him. A news anchor developed by artificial intelligence giving live reports in Mexico.

As in the rest of the world, both the wonders and absurdities of AI are increasingly visible in Latin America. The difference is that the region is among the world's most unequal when it comes to not only income but also technology. The question for both corporations and regulators is how to use the rise of AI to narrow that divide.

While smartphone adoption in the region is only slightly lower than in richer countries, about 40% of Latin American homes still don't have fixed broadband, according to a 2022 study, limiting the availability of Internet connections needed to study, work or do online transactions. The digital divide is especially stark between urban and rural areas  and while the disparity is longstanding, the worry is that the explosive irruption of AI will quickly widen it.

We face a revolution, and those who are part of it will take off, while those who aren't run the risk of staying very behind, says Angel Melguizo, an economist who advises UNESCO on artificial intelligence and a partner in the Madrid-based Argia consultancy firm. If nothing is done, these gaps are set to grow.

The challenge is how to design public policies to address the rise of AI in poor nations often beset with unstable political leadership.

The region needs to foster more widespread and inclusive digital adoption, says Luis Adrian Salazar, an international consultant and the former minister of science, technology and telecommunication for Costa Rica. He proposes special funds, created by governments, to finance retraining for jobs that will be affected by AI. He also suggests a summit meeting of heads of state to discuss a unified approach to AI.

If leaders fail to address the digital divide, he says, other divides  in wealth and politics, for example  could get even worse, leading to an increase in other social breaches, including violence, he says. Some governments have made inroads in designing a strategy for AI and, even with clear disparities, there is increasing awareness of the opportunity. Yet in general Latin American countries do not do well in an index created by Oxford Insights, a UK-based consultancy, to measure AI readiness.

A generally low public investment in science and technology, combined with the high cost of private funding, will make it hard for Latin America to be a leader in AI. Furthermore, given the region's tendency to be a buyer of high technology instead of a developer of it, there is the risk of digital adoption turning into another venue for the competition between the US and China in Latin America.

There is a more optimistic scenario. Despite political swings and various economic crises, the region's technology industry has continued to grow at a fast pace. There were 34 tech companies worth more than $1 billion last year in Latin America, up from zero at the beginning of the century. And some governments are open to experimenting with technology  with El Salvador's adoption of Bitcoin as the prime example.

Still, there can be no doubt: Latin America's governments, corporations and civil society need a strategy  and fast  if they want to meet the AI challenge.
Genpact announced it is working with Google Cloud to help businesses accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) strategies, including taking advantage of generative AIs adoption to drive actionable business insights.

Genpact is continuing to invest in its AI capabilities by establishing a generative AI (GenAI) practice teaming with Google Cloud. This partnership will leverage Google Clouds advanced GenAI capabilities to cater to enterprises in key industries, including consumer goods, retail, life sciences, healthcare, hi-tech, and financial services. Through this partnership, Genpact and Google Cloud will accelerate their shared clients cloud, data, and analytics modernization journeys to address the evolving needs of todays businesses.

This new investment builds on Genpacts deep expertise and commitment to AI innovation  from decades-long focus on advanced data analytics to strategic AI acquisitions, industry-specific responsible AI Frameworks, and extensive experience with large language models (LLMs) across numerous industries.

Katie Stein, Chief Strategy Officer and Global Business Leader, Enterprise Services and Analytics, Genpact, said, We are seeing increased demand from our clients to leverage generative AI to improve productivity, minimize risk, and provide enhanced employee and customer experiences. This expanded partnership highlights the strategic role that partner ecosystems will play in the massive enterprise AI market. Combining Google Clouds suite of products with Genpacts domain, process, and data expertise provides a differentiated strategic partnership to our clients, driving competitive advantage and meaningful growth in a fast-evolving world.

Jim Anderson, Vice President, NA Partners Ecosystem & Channels at Google Cloud, said, Were proud to share that Genpact will launch the application of Google Clouds generative AI capabilities. We know Genpacts deep expertise will enable enterprises to accelerate their generative AI development swiftly and responsibly.

The new practice will focus on helping enterprises accelerate their GenAI journeys, building generative AI for custom enterprise LLMs, business processes, and augmenting operations. The practice will house a dedicated team of data scientists, data engineers, and domain experts focused on the rapid development of generative AI capabilities on the Genpact Cora platform which is already integrated with more than 250 enterprise ecosystems handling more than 20 million transactions a month.
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:

Surveillance equipment on display at the Security China expo in Beijing.

AI tech that spots "undesirable" behavior and long-distance facial recognition software were on show Thursday at a Beijing expo attended by hundreds of companiesmany blacklisted by the United States for their alleged role in repression in China and abroad.

The three-day Security China event bills itself as a showcase of the future of high-tech policing and is backed by Beijing's commerce ministry and law enforcement bodies.

On Thursday the venue was packed with employees from across China's security industry and prospective clients, including some foreign customers, as well as curious members of the public.

China is one of the most surveilled societies on Earth, with countless CCTV cameras scattered across cities and facial recognition technology widely used in both day-to-day law enforcement and political repression.

At one booth operated by AI software company SenseTime, sales representatives showed off smart cameras that can be set to recognize certain "undesirable" behaviorsincluding smoking, physical fights, and not wearing a mask.

Other cameras designed for installation at doorways and checkpoints have the ability to identify attempts to impersonate someone to gain access, such as by holding up a picture or wearing a mask resembling another person.

In one demonstration, an eerily-lifelike mannequin was placed in front of the cameraonly for the program to flag that it was not human.

These surveillance systems can also be programmed to watch for fires and alert emergency response personnel.

Hong Kong-listed SenseTime was placed on a US trade blacklist in 2019, accused of being an arm of China's "military-industrial complex" over the use of its technology in mass surveillance in the western region of Xinjiang.

An estimated one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in the region since 2017 under a government campaign that Washington and rights groups have called a genocide.

Another firm, Zohetec, boasted technology with the ability to recognize faces from a distance of 150 meters (490 feet).

Representatives from Tiandya Chinese firm also allegedly linked to repression in Xinjiangshowed AFP some of the company's "smart city" products.

These included cameras that can obtain details about cars such as license plate numbers and drivers' faces from a long distance, even at night.

Tiandy's equipment is used for traffic control by authorities in Beijing and nearby Tianjin, where the firm is based, its staff said.

Another smart city function developed by Tiandy involves identifying pedestrians that break road crossing rules. It posts their picture on a display to "embarrass" the individual and discourage them from reoffending.

"This kind of tool can be quite effective," a sales staffer told AFP.

Of the relatively small number of foreign customers attending the expo, most hailed from Russia and the Middle East, they said.

Also at the event was Chinese state-owned surveillance giant Hikvision, which is blacklisted in the United States for allegedly helping Beijing carry out a "campaign of repression".

 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:

Council areas with a currently mapped aquifer at a depth of 4 km, scaled by estimated temperature (C). Credit: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES OF THE U.K (2023).

New research from some of our leading energy experts has shown that the UK sits on underground heat capable of providing sustainable, carbon-neutral heating and cooling for large areas of the nation.

Harnessing this natural resource would diversify and strengthen the UK's heat supply as well as bring opportunities for economic growth to regions of the UK.

Geothermal heat

The study was led by researchers from Durham Energy Institute (DEI), and commissioned by Kieran Mullan, Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich.

It built on an earlier study from the DEI which recognized geothermal heat as a source of ultra-low carbon and secure form of energy. This study estimated that deep geothermal resources could provide all the UK's heat demand for at least 100 years.

The research identified the opportunity to exploit sustainable geothermal energy to displace gas usage in the UK and improve energy security.

It assessed and ranked the geothermal potential of individual council areas in the UK and demonstrate that many of the more populated areas of the UK also have high geothermal potential.

The research concluded that investment is needed to understand of the UK's deep subsurface and reduce the uncertainty for future geothermal exploration and developments.

The report from this research confirmed that geothermal energy has a significant role in the energy mix for the UK's energy transition to deliver a secure, low-carbon energy future.

Findings inform MP's report

The findings from this research informed Dr. Kieran Mullan's report Dig Deep Opportunities To Level Up Through Deep Geothermal Heat & Energy On The Way To Net Zero.

A purpose of this report is to specific localities where the opportunity for deep geothermal exploration is greatest.

Analysis of the research identifies 45 high potential sites in the UK with the presence of hot water stored in rocks deep underground suitable for deep geothermal plants.

Delivering the UK's net zero ambitions

The report considers that deep geothermal heat can be cost competitive with the Green Gas Support Scheme and Nuclear identifies that a tariff-based approach as the most effective way to kickstart a UK deep geothermal sector.

It concludes that with the right support, it is possible that by 2050 the UK could have 360 geothermal plants producing 15,000 GWh annually.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the report, saying it was excellent and would help the Government consider whether there is a bigger role for geothermal energy.

Economic benefit for North East England

For North East England the likely greatest potential exploitation opportunities for deep geothermal exploration are in County Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, and Redcar and Cleveland.

The report recognizes the contribution that developing a deep geothermal industry will make to the North Sea transition. The technology and skills set associated with the traditional drilling and geological expertise the oil and gas sector in the North Sea are transferable to this new industry.

This would bring to jobs and skills to Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, and Northumberland, thereby improving the economic resilience of these communities.
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:

Accepting digital payments. Credit: Westock Productions/Shutterstock

Cashless societies, where transactions are entirely digital, are gaining traction in many parts of the world, particularly after a pandemic-era boom in demand for online banking.

Improvements in digital payment infrastructure such as mobile payments, digital currencies and online banking, make it more convenient for people and businesses to buy and sell things without using cash. Even the Bank of England is looking into how a digital pound might work, showing the potential for a significant shift from physical cash to digital payments in the UK.

Fintech companies have accelerated the transition towards cashless payments with innovations including mobile payment apps, digital wallets, cryptocurrencies and online banking services. The COVID pandemic was also a tipping point that created unprecedented appetite for digital transactions. Fintechs emerged as a life line for many during lockdowns, particularly vulnerable populations that needed emergency lines of credit and ways to make and receive payments.

By 2021, approximately 71% of adults in developing countries had bank accounts. But this leaves nearly 30% of the population still needing access to essential financial products and services. Fintechs can provide more affordable and accessible financial services and products. This helps boost financial inclusion, particularly for the "unbanked", or those without a bank account.

In the UK, around 1.3 million people, roughly 4% of the population, lack access to banking services. The government and financial institutions have worked together to promote the adoption of digital payments, and the UK's Request to Pay service allows people and businesses to request and make payments using digital channels such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

But other countries are moving faster towards a cashless society. In Sweden, only about 10% of all payments were made in cash in 2020. This move towards cashless payments in the country has been facilitated by mobile payment solutions like Swish, which people can use to send and receive money via mobile phone.

Boosting financial inclusion

India has gone even further. In less than a decade, the country has become a digital finance leader. It has also made significant progress in promoting digital financial inclusion, mainly through the government's flagship program, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).

India's banks also participate in mobile payment solutions like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which can connect multiple accounts via one app. India's digital infrastructure, known as the India Stack also aims to expand financial inclusion by encouraging companies to develop fintech solutions.

Many developing economies are using digitalization to boost financial inclusion in this way. Kenya introduced its M-Pesa mobile money service in 2007. While microfinance institutions that provide small loans to low-income individuals and small businesses were first introduced in Bangladesh in the 1970s via the Grameen Bank project.

Digital lending has also grown in India in recent years. Its fintechs use algorithms and data analytics to assess creditworthiness and provide loans quickly and at a lower cost than traditional banks.

These innovative platforms have helped to bridge the gap between the formal financial system and underserved populationsthose with low or no incomeproviding fast access to financial services. By removing barriers such as high transaction costs, lack of physical branches and some credit history requirements, fintech companies can reach a wider range of customers and provide financial services that are tailored to their needs.

It's the tech behind these systems that helps fintechs connect with their customers. The increased use of digital payment methods generates a wealth of data to gain insights into consumer behavior, spending patterns and other relevant information that can be used to further support a cashless society.

Helping the UK's unbanked

Countries like the UK could also promote digital financial inclusion to help unbanked people. But this would require a combination of government support, innovation and the widespread adoption of mobile payment solutions.

There are some significant challenges to overcome to create a trueand truly faircashless economy. For example, a cashless system could exclude people who do not have access to digital payment methods, such as the elderly or low-income populations. According to a recent study by Age UK, 75% of over 65s with a bank account said they wanted to conduct at least one banking task in person at a bank branch, building society or post office.

Providing more cashless options could also increase the risk of cybercrime, digital fraud such as phishing scams and data breachesparticularly among people that aren't as financially literate.

There is a dark side to fintech: algorithm biases and predatory lending practices negatively affect vulnerable and minority groups as well as women. Even major financial firms such as Equifax, Visa and Mastercard can get compromised by data breaches, creating valid concerns about data security for many people.

Cross-border transfer of personal data by fintech companies also concerns regulators, but there is still a lack of internationally recognized data protection standards. This should be addressed as the trend towards cashless societies continues.

Building guardrails

Regulations affect how fintech companies can provide financial services but ensure they operate within the law. Since fintech companies generally aim to disrupt markets, however, this can create a complex relationship with regulators.

Collaboration between regulators and fintech companies will boost understanding of these innovative business models and help shape future regulatory frameworks. Countries like India have shown the way in this respect. An innovation hub run by UK regulator the Financial Conduct Authority is a good start. It supports product and service launches and offers access to synthetic data sets for testing and development.

Fintech can help finance become more inclusive. But it needs policies and regulations that support innovation, promote competition, ensure financial stability andmost importantlyto help protect the citizens of these new cashless societies.

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: PopTika / Shutterstock

Recent claims that artificial intelligence (AI) poses an existential threat to humanity seem to have jolted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak into action. Despite being seen as having a "pro-techology" stance, he appears to be quickly shifting position.

The Centre for AI Safety recently made mitigating the risk of extinction from AI a global priority. Against this background of caution, Sunak now reportedly wants the UK to lead in the development of guardrails to regulate AI growth.

During a trip to the US, Sunak was expected to try to persuade US president Joe Biden that the UK should play such a leading role on global AI guidelines, pitching the UK as the ideal hub for AI regulation. He seems to have met with limited success. So, is the case for this strong enough to persuade the US, and other global leaders?

Part of the anticipated pitch is that "the UK could promote a model of regulation that would be less 'draconian' than the approach taken by the EU, while more stringent than any framework in the US". This is likely to raise some eyebrows and ruffle some feathers.

In part, this is because the UK's "principles-based" approach can hardly be considered stringent at all. In its March 2023 white paper, the UK government laid out its "pro-innovation approach" to AI regulation. White papers are policy documents setting out plans for future legislation. The plans have been criticized for being too lax, already outdated, and lacking in meaningful detail.

Fit for export?

Even the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), one of the UK's regulators affected by the white paper, was quick to point out its shortcomings. In this light, it does not seem to be a prime candidate for regulatory export.

Moreover, the US and the EU are making significant strides in coordinating their approaches to technology regulation. Only last week, they launched three joint expert groups to move forward with their December 2022 joint AI roadmap. It is unclear what the UK would bring to this table.

Finally, other major players have a much more credible track record of AI and digital regulation. The EU is close to completing the legislative process for its AI Act, initiated in 2021. This will give it a first-mover advantage in the jostle for position to advance a global standard for AI regulation.

Japan developed a principles-based approach to AI regulation back in 2019, which provides a clear alternative to the UK's similar framework. While the international community still seems to accept that the UK could punch above its weight in tech matters, it is far from clear whether they would hand it the keys to global AI regulation.

Rishi Sunak's bid to place the UK as a prime hub for AI regulation could also be seen as a calculated move to boost the country's tech sector, which the Prime Minister has been bullish in promoting. This is evident from the launch in March 2023 of the Foundation Model Taskforce. With a budget of 100 million and the mission "to ensure sovereign capabilities and broad adoption of safe and reliable foundation models", this is the PM's push for the development of a "British ChatGPT".

A country invested in promoting the development of "British AI", and playing catch up with US and Chinese AI giants, could be seen as trying to secure an advantageous position in the race to AI regulation. This would help steer the development of AI global standards in ways that support the UK's digital strategy, rather than being genuinely worried about dubious AI existential threats.

Fear of missing out?

Such "fantasy concerns" have been readily dismissed, and experts agree they have not been backed up by evidence. Experts are united on the risk of AI wiping out humanity being "close to zero" and have rejected the "doomer narratives" advanced by the tech industry. Earlier studies of AI-related existential risks have shown that they depend on human use or abuse of AI.

There has been no breakthrough to suggest any new need for regulation. The PM's sudden change of heart could easily be read as an opportunistic intervention to reposition the UK in the global AI scene, as the current "pro-innovation" approach is clearly out of kilter.

The sincerity of the concerns behind the move is also put in question by the fact that the UK's approach to AI regulation has consistently sidelined the importance of tackling the very real and current risks posed by AIsuch as algorithmic discrimination or environmental impactswhich experts agree should be the primary focus of regulation.

Some of the ways in which the UK is seeking to generate a digital Brexit dividend pose serious threats to individual rights, such as in the data protection and digital information (No. 2) bill currently in discussion in parliament. This is at odds with a genuine will to put adequate guardrails in place to protect the public from AI-related harms.

So all in all the case looks weak. However, AI regulation will not be sorted in one go. If the UK wants to play a leading role in the future, it would do well to get its house in order. Seriously revising the March 2023 white paper and the data protection and digital information (No. 2) bill would be a good place to start.

Only by implementing effective protections and showing strong and decisive action domestically can the UK government hope to build the credibility needed to lead international efforts of AI regulation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
After joining Texas A&M Universitys faculty as an associate professor and extension beef cattle specialist, Jason Cleere jumped at the opportunity to lead the livestock judging competition.

Now superintendent of livestock judging at the Texas 4-H Roundup, Cleere grew up participating in 4-H, showing and raising cattle.

Ive been doing it for 18 years, Cleere said Wednesday during the Qualifying Livestock Judging Competition at the Louis Pearce Pavilion in College Station. Its a great event and I enjoy working with the kids. This particular event, these kids would have been the top end out of each other districts.  This is kind of the cream of the crop right here.

The Livestock Judging Competition was one of 11 contests held Wednesday, requiring participants to judge eight classes of market and breeding animals including cattle, sheep, swine and goats. During 12-minute rotations, competitors ranked the animals based on how fit they are for harvesting or breeding. Participants then provided oral reasoning on their ranking of four classes in front of a panel of agriculture industry professionals.

Aspen Martin, a current Texas A&M senior and member of the livestock judging team, volunteered to show steer at the 4-H competition. Similar to Cleere, Martin grew up participating and competing in 4-H  showing steers, goats and hogs.

I think 4-H is very helpful because it allows you to actually get to express your opinion across all different things, she said. Theres plenty of options  you can do anything.

Miranda Skaggs of College Station has been competing in livestock judging since she was involved in the 4-H Clover Kid Program, a limited version of the 4-H experience available to youth in grades kindergarten to second grade. She said she chose to compete in livestock judging to continue her family legacy.

Growing up and competing in livestock judging has taught Skaggs several valuable skills, she said.

Not only public speaking skills with having to give oral reasons, Skaggs said. But also being able to make quick decisions and think on your feet and be opinionated, so that way youre able to make decisions during the contest.

Skaggs, a recent graduate of Rudder High School, will attend A&M in the fall to study animal science. She said it is an honor to have the opportunity to vie at the state contest.

Only three teams from every district  theres 12 districts in Texas  get to come and compete, Skaggs said. Its just exciting because not only are you able to see friends, but youre also able to evaluate good livestock.

Over 3,000 youth and adults gathered in nearly 50 agricultural events during the four-day competition at several Bryan-College Station venues. The Texas 4-H Roundup will conclude Thursday with a concert by 4-H alum Slade Coulter on the Reed Arena floor.

The Texas 4-H Roundup has been held in College Station since its inception in 1946, except in 2012 and 2020. The event is for senior 4-H youth who are enrolled in ninth to 12th grade as of Aug. 31, 2022, and consists of qualifying and inviting competitions, workshops, award assemblies and a trade show. Qualifying competitions require participants to qualify at their district competition.

The four-day event is designed to enrich the county 4-H program and provide competitors with learning opportunities in the areas of Ag & Livestock, Family & Community Health, Leadership & Citizenship, Natural Resources and STEM, according to Roundup officials. In partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Roundup events are held at locations across A&Ms campus with help from university volunteers.

Participating in 4-H events and competitions doesnt only prepare youth for a career in agriculture, Cleere said.

My guess is maybe 20% will go back into livestock production, the balance of them are going to go into all kinds of career fields, he said. Yeah, its learning about and evaluating livestock, but its about critical thinking, decision-making skills.

The 2024 Texas 4-H Roundup will be held June 3-6. For more information, visit texas4-h.tamu.edu.
A continued effort to improve fishing at Lake Bryan is being made through a partnership between Bryan Texas Utilities and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries Division.

One step toward that goal was taken to strengthen Lake Bryans aquatic ecosystem on May 23 when TPWD released over 18,000 Lone Star Bass fingerlings into the lake. On June 1, 41 brood catfish that weighed around 20 pounds each were added in various locations of the lake.

At one point, probably 20 years ago, Lake Bryan was a decent fishery, said Niki Ragan-Harbison, a fisheries biologist for the College Station-Houston Inland Fisheries Division District. It was a good place to go catch a fish and were trying to get it back to that.

Lone Star Bass are a relatively new species and are descendants of Florida largemouth bass. These fish come from the John D. Parker East Texas State Fish Hatchery in Brookeland. TPWD stocking history shows just over 18,000 Lone Star Bass fingerlings also were released into Lake Bryan in 2022.

They have the definite genetic potential to be larger largemouth bass, Ragan-Harbison said.

The 41 brood catfish are adults who were being phased out of reproduction at a hatchery in San Marcos.

Lake Bryan doesnt have the best channel catfish population, Ragan-Harbison said. Weve stocked it before in the past, but we figured these bigger fish, especially with the spawning structures we put out there with BTU last fall, it would be great to have these big fish out there.

Lake Bryan was created in the 1970s as a cooling source for the Roland C. Dansby Power Plants steam unit. It is still used as a cooling source today, and the land where the lake sits is owned by BTU and the city of Bryan. Since the lake is Brazos Countys largest body of water with public access, Brown noted city officials have long made it available for community use.

Thats why we do have the public park and why we want to improve the fishing because we know fishing is a favorite pastime of Texans and Americans, so thats something that we want to really focus on, said Meagan Brown, BTUs public information officer.

Improving the quality of fishing at Lake Bryan has been an ongoing process since BTU renovated the lakes public park in 2018, according to a 2022 TPWD report co-authored by Ragan-Harbison.

The lakes primary sport fishes include largemouth bass, blue catfish and channel catfish. There are also a variety of small sunfish, and Ragan-Harbison said the lake has a good number of tilapia. Black and white crappies are also found in the lake. And although red drum were stocked annually in the lake from 2015-20, a TPWD report said the stockings were unsuccessful, presumably due to limited forage during youth stages.

Most lakes in the area are hypereutrophic and have nutrients flow in from watershed, Ragan-Harbison explained, but since theres no natural water sources that flow into it, Lake Bryan isnt the most productive lake. It tends to be saltier and has a higher pH level.

Were not fed by a river or stream or any natural source like that, so that kind of changes the makeup of the water as far as the salinity and how warm or cool or what ends up coming into the lake by virtue of natural river-fed sources, Brown said. You might get different species of fish or different species of animals. We dont really have that at Lake Bryan, so I think its a lot about cultivating what would be good to support in this lake since its unique not being fed by streams or rivers.

Vegetation work will be done at the lake in the near future to add to the base of the food chain, give fish more places to live in and attract bugs for them to eat, Ragan-Harbison said. Brown noted the lake has been fertilized in recent years to improve vegetation grown and fish habitats. TPWDs report showed Lake Bryan continues to have limited nutrients due to its small watershed and groundwater source, which hampers primary production and ultimately an abundance of sport fish at higher trophic levels.

Last October, over 100 artificial structures were placed in various parts of the lake in collaboration with BTU, TPWD and Major League Fishings Fisheries Management Division. Lowes in Bryan donated over 100 cinder blocks for MossBack structures and gravel to fill spawning beds. A barge with a hydraulic lift was used to dump the structures into the lake.

Any structure is better than none, Ragan-Harbison said. Natural is the best, but when you dont have the option for natural structures these artificial fish attractors are better than nothing. They help congregate fish, it gives ambush predators places to hide and attack prey fish from, and it helps people catch them better.

Both park staff and local game wardens have told TPWD theyve seen more anglers at Lake Bryan and anglers having more success catching larger fish, Ragan-Harbison noted. She said samples over the last few years have indicated an increase in growth rates.

The growth rates for our largemouth bass are on par with our other reservoirs, Ragan-Harbison said, which is pretty nice because it had kind of declined there for a while.
For the most part, television coverage of Donald Trumps third presidential campaign seems focused on his attacks on rivals, his poll standings and the status of pending legal probes.

Coverage of his recent CNN town hall centered on the atmospherics: his clashes with moderator Kaitlan Collins, the presence of a supportive audience that turned it into a virtual rally, the size of the viewing audience.

At the same time, however, in the town hall and other appearances, Trump has been laying out a radical agenda for a prospective return to the presidency that is more extreme and promises even greater controversy than his tumultuous first four years in the White House.

We are going to finish what we started, Trump vowed last March at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. Were going to complete the missionwe will demolish the deep state.

Some details have been reported at length in The Washington Post, Axios and The New York Times. But they have generally received less attention than they deserve, given the prospect that the norm-shattering 45th president could become the even more norm-shattering 47th chief executive.

Here are some promises Trump has made if he regains the presidency next year:

He would reinstate an executive order, suspended by President Joe Biden, allowing him to reclassify 50,000 career federal employees and then replace them with political appointees who favor his policies.

That would totally destroy the 150-year-old civil service system under which all but the top federal policymakers are considered non-political career employees who support whomever wins the presidency.

He would reduce U.S. support for Ukraine and seek a prompt peace agreement between its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russias Vladimir Putin. Well be stopping the slide into costly and never-ending wars, Trump vowed at CPAC, declaring, we cant keep spending hundreds of billions of dollars protecting people that dont even like us.

This means reversing Bidens policy of protecting democracies abroad and reinstituting closer ties with prominent autocrats such as Putin. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton said Trump talked privately of withdrawing from NATO if re-elected.

He has vowed vengeance against his political enemies. I am your warrior. I am your justice, he told CPAC. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.

He has called for defunding the FBI and the Department of Justice until they come to their senses, vowing to remove all officials he considers disloyal to him. That could include career intelligence and justice officials who investigated or prosecuted him, and FBI Director Chris Wray, whom he appointed after ousting James Comey.

Trump promises a first day executive order limiting the current guarantee of citizenship to anyone born in the United States, regardless of parentage, though he almost certainly lacks the power to do that.

He plans to name only officials loyal to him, unlike his first term, when he governed with a cross-section of Republicans. As an example, Axios cited former Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark, the only top Justice Department official who backed Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 results.

According to Axios, Trumps operatives have compiled lists of loyalists to appoint and opponents to remove. The loyalists include Republican lawyers who could become departmental general counsels and inspectors general.

In his CPAC speech, Trump listed an array of proposals that go far beyond the presidents powers or even those of the federal government. They included:

Asking Congress to create a restitution fund for Americans who have been unjustly discriminated against by these Biden policies. He didnt define the criteria.

Revamping the nations education system, traditionally a function of local and state government, to have the school principal to be appointed and elected by parents. He said, If any principal is not getting the job done, the parents should be able to fire that principal immediately and select someone new.

In a crude reference to ongoing efforts to curb medical treatments for transgender youth, Trump vowed to revoke every Biden policy promoting the chemical castration and sexual mutilation of our youth and ask Congress to send me a bill prohibiting child sexual mutilation in all 50 states.

A constitutional amendment imposing term limits on Congress, something Congress itself rejected the last time it was seriously proposed in 1995.

Some GOP rivals have endorsed such controversial Trump ideas as his promise to pardon supporters who staged the violent Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection to prevent counting the electoral votes certifying his defeat.

I am inclined to pardon many of them, Trump said on the CNN town hall. And itll be very early on. And theyre living in hell right now, he added.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on a conservative radio talk show that he would order a review of the convictions on his first day in office and be aggressive in issuing pardons.

We will use the pardon power  and I will do that at the front end, DeSantis said, claiming the Justice Department and the FBI had been weaponized to unevenly punish people from disfavored groups.

One GOP hopeful, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, said he would pardon Trump, who faces multiple prospective criminal investigations. DeSantis said he would consider pardoning any victim of political targeting.

Clearly, any new GOP administration will seek dramatic changes from Bidens. But no one has thought that through  or promised more  than Donald Trump.
Shares of Bertrandt Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:BDT  Get Rating) traded up 3.4% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as 50.10 ($53.87) and last traded at 50.10 ($53.87). 8,525 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 42% from the average session volume of 14,576 shares. The stock had previously closed at 48.45 ($52.10).

Bertrandt Aktiengesellschaft Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $496.86 million, a P/E ratio of 19.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is 49.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is 45.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 68.35, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 2.87.

Bertrandt Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Bertrandt Aktiengesellschaft provides engineering services in Germany and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Digital Engineering, Physical Engineering, and Electrical Systems/Electronics. The Digital Engineering segments designs vehicle components for interior, exterior, powertrain, chassis, or body, as well as the development of complete vehicles, including numerical analysis.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Bertrandt Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bertrandt Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bonhill Group Plc (LON:BONH  Get Rating)s share price was up 9.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 6 ($0.07) and last traded at GBX 6 ($0.07). Approximately 68,750 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 50% from the average daily volume of 137,867 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 5.50 ($0.07).

Bonhill Group Stock Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 5.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 6.25. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.08. The company has a market cap of 6.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -63.72 and a beta of 1.32.

Bonhill Group Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Bonhill Group Plc, a B2B media company, provides analysis, insight, networking, and data for financial services and business solutions communities in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through three segments: Bonhill UK, InvestmentNews, and Last Word Media.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Bonhill Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bonhill Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CTT  Correios De Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CTTPY  Get Rating)s share price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $7.28 and last traded at $7.28, with a volume of 100 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $7.61.

CTT  Correios De Portugal Stock Performance

The firms 50-day moving average is $7.60 and its 200 day moving average is $6.61.

CTT  Correios De Portugal Company Profile

(Get Rating)

CTT  Correios De Portugal, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides postal and financial services worldwide. It operates through Mail, Express & Parcels, Financial Services & Retail, and Bank segments. The company offers courier and urgent mail transport services; postal financial services; and banking services.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for CTT - Correios De Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CTT - Correios De Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gafisa S.A. (OTCMKTS:GFASY  Get Rating)s share price dropped 39.8% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $2.00 and last traded at $2.00. Approximately 6,215 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 134% from the average daily volume of 2,656 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.32.

Gafisa Stock Performance

The companys 50 day simple moving average is $2.71 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.09.

Get Gafisa alerts:

Gafisa Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 28th were given a dividend of $0.0113 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 27th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.75%.

About Gafisa

Gafisa SA engages in the construction, development, and selling of residential properties. It operates through Gafisa and Gafisa Propriedades segments. The Gafisa segment include luxury and middle-income projects in Brazil, except Rio de Janeiro, Gafisa Rio. The Gafisa Propriedades segment comprises management of own and third-party real estate properties.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Gafisa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gafisa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
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.
Headwater Exploration Inc. (TSE:HWX  Get Rating) shares dropped 2.3% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as C$6.69 and last traded at C$6.71. Approximately 1,001,692 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 23% from the average daily volume of 815,773 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$6.87.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

HWX has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Headwater Exploration from C$10.00 to C$9.00 in a report on Monday, March 27th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Headwater Exploration from C$8.75 to C$9.25 in a report on Friday, March 10th.

Get Headwater Exploration alerts:

Headwater Exploration Trading Up 0.5 %

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$6.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$6.19. The stock has a market cap of C$1.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.20, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 2.07.

Headwater Exploration Dividend Announcement

Headwater Exploration ( TSE:HWX Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 9th. The company reported C$0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.16 by C$0.01. The company had revenue of C$109.38 million during the quarter. Headwater Exploration had a return on equity of 30.18% and a net margin of 41.63%. Equities analysts forecast that Headwater Exploration Inc. will post 0.7277542 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.01%. Headwater Explorations dividend payout ratio is currently 61.54%.

Insider Transactions at Headwater Exploration

In other news, Director Stephen Phillip Larke sold 350,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$6.35, for a total value of C$2,223,480.00. Company insiders own 26.55% of the companys stock.

Headwater Exploration Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Headwater Exploration Inc, a junior resource company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and onshore in New Brunswick. It holds interests in the McCully Field located to the northeast of Sussex, New Brunswick; the Clearwater play located in the Marten Hills, Alberta; and the Frederick Brook shale gas prospect located in New Brunswick.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Headwater Exploration Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Headwater Exploration and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Get Rating) SVP Christopher Nardecchia sold 489 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $296.56, for a total value of $145,017.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 9,510 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,820,285.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

Rockwell Automation Price Performance

ROK stock traded up $7.11 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $299.10. The company had a trading volume of 871,907 shares, compared to its average volume of 720,338. The business has a 50 day moving average of $279.30 and a 200 day moving average of $277.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.42. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $190.08 and a fifty-two week high of $309.36.

Get Rockwell Automation alerts:

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK  Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The industrial products company reported $3.01 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.41. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 15.82% and a return on equity of 42.15%. The business had revenue of $2.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.66 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 25.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.06 earnings per share for the current year.

Rockwell Automation Dividend Announcement

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rockwell Automation

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 12th. Investors of record on Monday, May 15th will be paid a $1.18 dividend. This represents a $4.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 12th. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio is currently 41.55%.

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ROK. Aspire Private Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation in the 1st quarter worth approximately $11,444,550,000. New Hampshire Trust purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. MinichMacGregor Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Delta Asset Management LLC TN purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. 77.66% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently commented on ROK shares. Barclays upped their target price on Rockwell Automation from $250.00 to $262.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Mizuho lifted their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $260.00 to $270.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. StockNews.com started coverage on Rockwell Automation in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $272.00 to $273.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $245.00 to $238.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $271.67.

Rockwell Automation Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Rockwell Automation, Inc engages in the provision of industrial automation and information services. It operates through the following segments: Intelligent Devices, Software and Control, and Lifecycle Services. The Intelligent Devices segment combines a portfolio of smart products that create the foundation of an agile, resilient, and sustainable production system.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF (BATS:PBUS  Get Rating)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $42.79 and last traded at $42.62, with a volume of 93788 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $42.61.

Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF Stock Performance

The companys 50 day moving average price is $41.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $40.55. The company has a market cap of $2.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.58 and a beta of 0.98.

Get Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF alerts:

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. UBS Group AG raised its holdings in shares of Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF by 84.9% in the first quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 625 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 287 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new position in shares of Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF in the first quarter valued at about $79,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc raised its holdings in shares of Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF by 263.1% in the first quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 5,907 shares of the companys stock valued at $241,000 after buying an additional 4,280 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF by 3,931.0% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 7,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $338,000 after buying an additional 7,233 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in shares of Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF by 511.3% in the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 11,388 shares of the companys stock valued at $407,000 after buying an additional 9,525 shares during the last quarter.

About Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF

The Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF (PBUS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA index. The fund tracks a market-cap-selected and -weighted index of mid and large-cap US stocks. PBUS was launched on Sep 22, 2017 and is managed by Invesco.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Orion Oyj (OTCMKTS:ORINY  Get Rating) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $24.40 and last traded at $24.40, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $24.40.

Orion Oyj Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $6.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.68 and a beta of 0.30. The firms 50 day moving average price is $25.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $25.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 3.19 and a quick ratio of 2.04.

Get Orion Oyj alerts:

Orion Oyj (OTCMKTS:ORINY  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter. Orion Oyj had a net margin of 24.76% and a return on equity of 37.95%. The business had revenue of $298.14 million during the quarter.

Orion Oyj Increases Dividend

About Orion Oyj

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 24th were paid a dividend of $0.505 per share. This is an increase from Orion Oyjs previous dividend of $0.50. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 23rd. This represents a dividend yield of 1.92%. Orion Oyjs dividend payout ratio is 41.13%.

(Get Rating)

Orion Oyj develops, manufactures, and markets human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in Finland, Scandinavia, other European countries, North America, and internationally. It provides prescription drugs and self-care products, including Nubeqa for the treatment of prostate cancer; dexdor and Precedex for intensive care sedative; Stalevo and Comtess/Comtan for Parkinson's disease; Simdax for acute decompensated heart failure; and Fareston for breast cancer, as well as Salmeterol/fluticasone Easyhaler, Budesonide/formoterol Easyhaler, Formoterol Easyhaler, Budesonide Easyhaler, Beclomet Easyhaler, and Buventol Easyhaler drugs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Orion Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orion Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PagerDuty (NYSE:PD  Get Rating) updated its second quarter 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $0.10-$0.11 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $0.09. The company issued revenue guidance of $103.50 million-$105.50 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $108.60 million. PagerDuty also updated its FY 2024 guidance to $0.60-$0.65 EPS.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of PagerDuty from $37.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on shares of PagerDuty from $35.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Craig Hallum lowered PagerDuty from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $26.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on PagerDuty from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $33.30.

Get PagerDuty alerts:

PagerDuty Stock Down 2.2 %

Shares of PD stock traded down $0.50 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $22.43. The company had a trading volume of 2,471,196 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,475,077. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 2.21 and a current ratio of 2.41. PagerDuty has a twelve month low of $19.51 and a twelve month high of $35.33. The company has a market capitalization of $2.07 billion, a P/E ratio of -18.69 and a beta of 0.93. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $30.11 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.45.

Insider Buying and Selling

PagerDuty ( NYSE:PD Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by $0.11. PagerDuty had a negative net margin of 27.74% and a negative return on equity of 35.07%. The business had revenue of $103.25 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $103.25 million. During the same period last year, the business earned ($0.33) EPS. The businesss revenue was up 20.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that PagerDuty will post -0.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other PagerDuty news, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 75,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.06, for a total transaction of $2,179,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 796,627 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,149,980.62. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other PagerDuty news, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 75,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.06, for a total transaction of $2,179,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 796,627 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,149,980.62. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Elena Gomez sold 23,165 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, March 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.04, for a total transaction of $811,701.60. Following the transaction, the director now owns 15,244 shares in the company, valued at $534,149.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 253,605 shares of company stock worth $7,934,700. 7.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of PagerDuty

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its stake in PagerDuty by 139.0% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 86,031 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,010,000 after acquiring an additional 50,037 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in PagerDuty by 6.0% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 258,724 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,049,000 after buying an additional 14,623 shares during the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund lifted its stake in PagerDuty by 19.8% in the first quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 173,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,086,000 after buying an additional 28,755 shares during the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. lifted its stake in PagerDuty by 58.3% in the first quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 8,689 shares of the companys stock valued at $303,000 after buying an additional 3,199 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Castleark Management LLC lifted its stake in PagerDuty by 68.8% in the first quarter. Castleark Management LLC now owns 192,360 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,729,000 after buying an additional 78,410 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.66% of the companys stock.

PagerDuty Company Profile

(Get Rating)

PagerDuty, Inc operates a digital operations management platform. It provides incident management solution that integrates with information technology Ops and DevOps monitoring stacks to improve operational reliability and agility. The firm collect machine generated data from virtually any software-enabled system or device, combine it with human response data, correlating and interpreting this data to understand issues and opportunities that need to be addressed in real-time.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for PagerDuty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PagerDuty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Rating) by 64.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 62,409 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 24,475 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories comprises 0.5% of Quantinno Capital Management LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest holding. Quantinno Capital Management LPs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $6,852,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 83.1% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,925,012 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $582,924,000 after buying an additional 2,235,314 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 154,563,421 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $14,955,557,000 after buying an additional 2,011,683 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 99.8% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 3,140,866 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $371,753,000 after buying an additional 1,568,700 shares during the last quarter. Putnam Investments LLC raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 30.0% in the 3rd quarter. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 4,466,075 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $432,137,000 after purchasing an additional 1,031,013 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 126.1% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 1,656,522 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $160,285,000 after purchasing an additional 923,720 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.93% of the companys stock.

Get Abbott Laboratories alerts:

Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 0.8 %

NYSE:ABT traded down $0.83 on Thursday, reaching $100.83. The stock had a trading volume of 2,823,110 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,059,625. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.22. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $93.25 and a 12-month high of $115.69. The firms fifty day moving average is $106.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $106.45. The company has a market cap of $175.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.70, a P/E/G ratio of 4.60 and a beta of 0.67.

Insider Buying and Selling at Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 19th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $9.75 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.64 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.98% and a return on equity of 22.36%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.73 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.38 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total value of $909,466.56. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 70,427 shares in the company, valued at $7,786,409.12. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.02, for a total transaction of $5,551,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,825,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $757,746,582.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total value of $909,466.56. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 70,427 shares in the company, valued at $7,786,409.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ABT has been the subject of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $136.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 5th. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $112.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. BTIG Research upped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $107.00 to $103.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.26.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Abbott Laboratories engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a broad and diversified line of health care products. It operates through the following business segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment refers to the international sales of a line of branded generic pharmaceutical products.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Headinvest LLC boosted its position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Get Rating) by 1.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 35,144 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 350 shares during the period. Accenture comprises approximately 2.1% of Headinvest LLCs holdings, making the stock its 9th biggest holding. Headinvest LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $9,378,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Affiance Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Accenture during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. My Personal CFO LLC purchased a new stake in Accenture during the 4th quarter worth $27,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Accenture during the 4th quarter worth $27,000. EWG Elevate Inc. purchased a new stake in Accenture during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Elequin Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Accenture during the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.97% of the companys stock.

Get Accenture alerts:

Accenture Trading Down 1.3 %

Shares of NYSE:ACN traded down $3.89 during trading on Thursday, hitting $307.14. 692,840 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,455,331. Accenture plc has a 1-year low of $242.80 and a 1-year high of $322.88. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $284.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $278.60. The firm has a market cap of $194.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.65, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 1.24.

Accenture Dividend Announcement

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 23rd. The information technology services provider reported $2.69 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.49 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $15.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.59 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 30.73%. Accentures revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.54 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 11.57 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, April 13th were issued a dividend of $1.12 per share. This represents a $4.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.46%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, April 12th. Accentures dividend payout ratio is currently 41.25%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Accenture in a research note on Monday, March 20th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $300.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a research report on Monday, March 13th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Accenture from $310.00 to $327.00 in a research report on Friday, March 24th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Accenture from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Accenture from $289.00 to $294.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, March 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $314.00.

Insider Activity at Accenture

In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 2,954 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.05, for a total value of $827,267.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 24,459 shares in the company, valued at $6,849,742.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 2,954 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.05, for a total value of $827,267.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 24,459 shares in the company, valued at $6,849,742.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $275.90, for a total transaction of $1,448,475.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 26,908 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,423,917.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 15,010 shares of company stock worth $4,180,030. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Accenture Profile

(Get Rating)

Accenture Plc engages in the provision of management consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. It operates through the following geographical segments: North America, Europe and Growth Markets. The company was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT  Get Rating) SVP Dennis B. Maier sold 16,254 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.27, for a total transaction of $248,198.58. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 34,724 shares in the company, valued at approximately $530,235.48. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website.

Artivion Stock Down 2.1 %

Shares of AORT stock traded down $0.34 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $15.49. The company had a trading volume of 94,507 shares, compared to its average volume of 142,253. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 5.47 and a quick ratio of 3.74. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $14.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.24. Artivion, Inc. has a 12 month low of $9.64 and a 12 month high of $23.43. The company has a market cap of $633.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -21.67 and a beta of 1.39.

Get Artivion alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $23.00 price target on shares of Artivion in a report on Friday, February 17th.

Institutional Trading of Artivion

About Artivion

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Artivion by 1.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,747,482 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,025,000 after purchasing an additional 38,684 shares during the period. Macquarie Group Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Artivion by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 2,729,752 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,760,000 after purchasing an additional 67,115 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Artivion by 5.3% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,396,731 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,397,000 after purchasing an additional 121,476 shares during the period. State Street Corp bought a new stake in Artivion during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,987,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in Artivion by 4.7% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,442,782 shares of the companys stock worth $19,969,000 after acquiring an additional 64,469 shares during the period. 87.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

(Get Rating)

Artivion, Inc engages in the research and development of solutions which address cardiac and vascular surgeons clinical challenges in treating patients with aortic diseases. Its products include aortic stents and stent grafts, prosthetic heart valves, cryopreserved cardiac and vascular allografts, and surgical sealants.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Artivion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Artivion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Dr. Martens (OTCMKTS:DOCMF  Get Rating) had its price target decreased by Barclays from GBX 210 ($2.61) to GBX 175 ($2.18) in a research report released on Monday, The Fly reports.

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Dr. Martens from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, May 30th.

Get Dr. Martens alerts:

Dr. Martens Price Performance

OTCMKTS DOCMF opened at $1.70 on Monday. Dr. Martens has a twelve month low of $1.58 and a twelve month high of $3.51. The businesss fifty day moving average is $1.96 and its 200 day moving average is $2.08.

About Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens plc designs, develops, procures, markets, sells, and distributes footwear in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. It offers originals, fusion, kids, and casual, as well as accessories. The company offers its products under the Dr. Martens brand name. Dr. Martens plc was founded in 1945 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Dr. Martens Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dr. Martens and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Capri (NYSE:CPRI  Get Rating) had its price target lowered by BMO Capital Markets from $70.00 to $68.00 in a research note released on Monday, The Fly reports.

A number of other research firms also recently commented on CPRI. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $55.00 price objective (down previously from $58.00) on shares of Capri in a report on Thursday, February 9th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of Capri from $45.00 to $37.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. Cowen downgraded shares of Capri from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $70.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Monday, February 13th. Citigroup lowered their price target on Capri from $63.00 to $56.00 in a report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Capri from $65.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Capri presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $56.06.

Get Capri alerts:

Capri Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:CPRI opened at $38.88 on Monday. Capri has a twelve month low of $34.25 and a twelve month high of $69.25. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The company has a market cap of $4.56 billion, a PE ratio of 8.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 2.30. The companys 50 day moving average is $41.04 and its 200 day moving average is $50.00.

Institutional Trading of Capri

Capri ( NYSE:CPRI Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 31st. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.94 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $1.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.28 billion. Capri had a net margin of 10.96% and a return on equity of 38.22%. The companys revenue was down 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.02 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Capri will post 6.21 EPS for the current year.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CPRI. ARGA Investment Management LP increased its stake in shares of Capri by 135.6% during the 1st quarter. ARGA Investment Management LP now owns 2,503,564 shares of the companys stock worth $117,668,000 after purchasing an additional 1,440,875 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Capri in the 4th quarter worth $79,231,000. Pelham Capital Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Capri during the 4th quarter worth about $64,259,000. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in shares of Capri by 381.5% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,404,842 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,992,000 after acquiring an additional 1,113,074 shares during the period. Finally, Primecap Management Co. CA grew its stake in shares of Capri by 29.2% in the third quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 3,561,625 shares of the companys stock valued at $136,909,000 after buying an additional 804,600 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.28% of the companys stock.

About Capri

(Get Rating)

Capri Holdings Ltd. operates as a global fashion luxury group. It engages in the design and distribution of sportswear, accessories, footwear and apparel of branded womens apparel and accessories and mens apparel. The firm operates through the following segments: Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Capri Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capri and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Village in N China's Hebei brings prosperity to residents by developing herbal medicine industry

People's Daily Online) 10:34, June 08, 2023

In recent years, Xiayingzi village in north China's Hebei Province has witnessed a rise in prosperity through the cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The village has become a core demonstration area for herbal medicines, boosting the development of rural tourism.

Deep within the Yanshan Mountains in Luanping county, Hebei, the village boasts 104 varieties of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, including high-quality Baikal skullcap.

Photo shows a view of the planting base of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in Xiayingzi village, Luanping county, north Chinas Hebei Province. (Peoples Daily Overseas Edition/Shi Zhipeng)

Sun Shihe, a native of Xiayingzi, began running businesses outside the village in 1993. However, he returned in 2014, aiming to lead his fellow villagers toward prosperity.

Considering the limited arable land per person in this small mountainous village - less than 2 mu (approximately 0.13 hectares) - Sun, in collaboration with the village officials, resolved to develop the herbal medicine industry, capitalizing on the village's advantageous natural conditions.

Sun then founded a company to construct a unique medicinal herb-centric "town" as a special area for herbal medicines. With the support of local government and the villagers, this "town" transformed from a simple traditional Chinese medicinal herb cultivation base into a modern industrial hub that integrates the display, ecological cultivation, and breeding of superior varieties of medicinal herbs with tourism.

Employees work at the herbal tea plant in Xiayingzi village, Luanping county, north Chinas Hebei Province. (Peoples Daily Overseas Edition/Shi Zhipeng)

Thanks to the development of locally-featured industries, villagers have increased their incomes in various ways, including through land use rights rentals, wages and bonuses from the industrial base, and sales of local specialties, noted Bai Guijuan, Party chief of Xiayingzi village.

Bai highlighted that the per capita income in the village surged from just over 3,000 yuan ($421) in 2015 to upwards of 10,000 yuan in 2022.

Liu Guiyun, 54, who works in the base growing traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, once belonged to a poverty-stricken family in Xiayingzi village.

"I used to plant corn but couldn't really earn much money," Liu shared. She now makes over 2,000 yuan annually from land use rights transfers and earns a monthly salary of 2,000 yuan at the medicinal herb planting base.

Several years ago, Sun's company established a herbal tea plant with automated production lines to process medicinal herbs harvested from Xiayingzi and neighboring villages.

Liang Jinyun, a resident of the nearby Jin'goutun village, is employed at the herbal tea plant, earning over 2,000 yuan per month. "I can reach the plant in 10 minutes by motorbike. It's incredibly convenient to earn money while still close to home and family, Liang said.

A photo shows a view of the small town, renowned as a special area for herbal medicines in Xiayingzi village, Luanping county, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Luanping County Committee)

As the unique "town" of herbal medicines continues to attract tourists, Xiayingzi has expanded its tourism offerings, including herbal medicine-themed tours, educational visits, and historical tourism. In 2022, the village welcomed over 60,000 tourists, generating revenue exceeding 8 million yuan. During this year's five-day May Day holiday, the village received over 1,000 visitors daily.

The successful development of Xiayingzi owes much to the efforts of Zuo Songtao, who began his tenure as the village's first Party secretary in 2021.

To better promote the development of Xiayingzi, Zuo decided to improve the village's infrastructure. He assisted State Power Investment Corporation Limited in erecting 350 streetlamps and repairing 160 existing ones. Zuo also coordinated with the Luanping county government to allocate government funds for agriculture and rural areas, resulting in the construction of a paved road for sightseeing stretching over 6,000 meters and an embankment of more than 500 meters.

Zuo Songtao (R), first Party secretary of Xiayingzi village in north China's Hebei Province, works with villagers. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Luanping County Committee)

Zuo also led villagers in honey processing and production techniques, seeking external expertise and inviting a company to provide guidance. Through his efforts, a cooperative was established in the village, leading to the creation of a honey brand. This expanded sales channels for bee farmers and increased the village's collective income.

Over the past two years, Zuo has successfully secured nearly 10 million yuan in assistance funds from enterprises and the local community. Additionally, he played a crucial role in attracting approximately 20 million yuan of investment to the village.

Bai remarked that Zuo's contributions extended to attracting funds to build greenhouses, making Xiayingzi a demonstration village of red tourism and showcasing distinctive folk customs. Zuo also initiated programs to support left-behind children and organized various recreational activities within the village.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The St. Joe Company (NYSE:JOE  Get Rating) Director Bruce R. Berkowitz sold 67,800 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.52, for a total transaction of $3,154,056.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 20,828,091 shares of the companys stock, valued at $968,922,793.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link.

St. Joe Stock Performance

JOE traded down $0.31 during trading on Thursday, reaching $46.00. 187,259 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 161,557. The St. Joe Company has a 12-month low of $31.11 and a 12-month high of $49.91. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $42.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.64. The company has a market cap of $2.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.92 and a beta of 1.27.

Get St. Joe alerts:

St. Joe Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 16th. St. Joes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 34.48%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Institutional Investors Weigh In On St. Joe

Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of St. Joe in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company.

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new position in shares of St. Joe during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in shares of St. Joe by 93.8% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 909 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 440 shares during the last quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. bought a new position in shares of St. Joe during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Adirondack Retirement Specialists Inc. boosted its position in shares of St. Joe by 304.1% during the 1st quarter. Adirondack Retirement Specialists Inc. now owns 1,196 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 900 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FMR LLC boosted its position in shares of St. Joe by 18.1% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,805 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $75,000 after acquiring an additional 277 shares during the last quarter. 86.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About St. Joe

(Get Rating)

The St. Joe Co engages in real estate development and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Residential, Hospitality, and Commercial. The Residential segment is involved in planning and developing residential communities of various sizes across a wide range of price points and selling home sites to builders and retail consumers.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for St. Joe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for St. Joe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS  Get Rating) was upgraded by equities researchers at UBS Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The firm presently has a $68.00 target price on the utilities providers stock, up from their previous target price of $63.00. UBS Groups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 12.56% from the companys current price.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on CMS. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of CMS Energy from $59.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. TheStreet raised shares of CMS Energy from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of CMS Energy in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $71.00 price objective on shares of CMS Energy in a report on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, Guggenheim decreased their price objective on shares of CMS Energy from $68.00 to $65.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $67.30.

Get CMS Energy alerts:

CMS Energy Trading Up 1.9 %

CMS opened at $60.41 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.36. The firms 50 day moving average is $60.49 and its 200-day moving average is $61.29. CMS Energy has a 52-week low of $52.41 and a 52-week high of $71.52. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76.

Insider Buying and Selling

CMS Energy ( NYSE:CMS Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $2.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.32 billion. CMS Energy had a net margin of 8.09% and a return on equity of 9.59%. The businesss revenue was down 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.20 earnings per share. Analysts expect that CMS Energy will post 3.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, SVP Brian F. Rich sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.72, for a total value of $246,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 91,927 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,673,734.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 1,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total value of $75,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 62,881 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,772,860. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Brian F. Rich sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.72, for a total transaction of $246,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 91,927 shares in the company, valued at $5,673,734.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On CMS Energy

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Covington Capital Management bought a new stake in CMS Energy in the third quarter worth about $27,000. Pinebridge Investments L.P. acquired a new stake in CMS Energy during the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. Spirit of America Management Corp NY acquired a new stake in CMS Energy during the 1st quarter worth about $34,000. Clear Street Markets LLC raised its holdings in CMS Energy by 94.9% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 573 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 279 shares during the period. Finally, Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new stake in CMS Energy during the 1st quarter worth about $37,000. 92.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

CMS Energy Company Profile

(Get Rating)

CMS Energy Corp. engages in the provision of electric and natural gas activities. It operates through the following business segments: Electric Utility, Gas Utility, and NorthStar Clean Energy. The Electric Utility segment focuses on generation, purchase, distribution, and sale of electricity. The Gas Utility segment includes purchase, transmission, storage, distribution, and sale of natural gas.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for CMS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Dollarama Inc. (TSE:DOL  Get Rating) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, June 7th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 7th will be given a dividend of 0.071 per share on Friday, August 4th. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.34%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 6th.

Dollarama Price Performance

TSE DOL opened at C$82.93 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$83.18 and its 200-day moving average price is C$81.09. The stock has a market capitalization of C$23.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.05, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14,849.75, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.08. Dollarama has a 1-year low of C$70.12 and a 1-year high of C$85.88.

Get Dollarama alerts:

Dollarama (TSE:DOL  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported C$0.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.58 by C$0.05. Dollarama had a return on equity of 2,563.29% and a net margin of 15.87%. The company had revenue of C$1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$1.24 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that Dollarama will post 3.5383283 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

Analysts Set New Price Targets

In other news, Senior Officer Johanne Choiniere sold 8,482 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$80.63, for a total transaction of C$683,862.10. Company insiders own 3.97% of the companys stock.

DOL has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Desjardins reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Dollarama in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. Scotiabank raised their target price on Dollarama from C$93.00 to C$95.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. CIBC increased their price target on Dollarama from C$84.00 to C$89.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Dollarama from C$95.00 to C$98.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 25th. Finally, National Bankshares increased their price target on Dollarama from C$92.00 to C$93.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 25th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$90.17.

Dollarama Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Dollarama Inc operates a chain of dollar stores in Canada. Its stores offer general merchandise, consumables, and seasonal products. The company also sells its products through online store. As of July 31, 2022, it operated 1,444 stores. The company was formerly known as Dollarama Capital Corporation and changed its name to Dollarama Inc in September 2009.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Dollarama Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dollarama and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
First Republic Investment Management Inc. reduced its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Get Rating) by 0.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 204,054 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 1,061 shares during the quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. owned approximately 0.06% of The Goldman Sachs Group worth $70,068,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Transamerica Financial Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 727.3% in the 3rd quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 91 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 224.0% in the 4th quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 81 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 109.3% in the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 90 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Accurate Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Elequin Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. 69.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts:

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

Shares of GS traded down $2.76 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $332.99. 530,658 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,604,701. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $328.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is $345.09. The firm has a market cap of $110.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $277.84 and a 52 week high of $389.58.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 18th. The investment management company reported $8.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.14 by $0.65. The business had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.66 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 13.23% and a return on equity of 9.84%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $10.76 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 31.57 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a dividend of $2.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a $10.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.00%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is presently 35.60%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently commented on GS. UBS Group upgraded shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Credit Suisse Group restated an outperform rating and set a $410.00 price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $429.00 to $414.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Oppenheimer reduced their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $440.00 to $437.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $339.00 to $375.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $389.17.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 24,819,473 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.61, for a total transaction of $536,348,811.53. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 110,337 shares in the company, valued at $2,384,382.57. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Kathryn H. Ruemmler sold 7,277 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.67, for a total value of $2,420,839.59. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 4,334 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,441,791.78. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 24,819,473 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.61, for a total transaction of $536,348,811.53. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 110,337 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,384,382.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 28,935,026 shares of company stock valued at $567,423,318. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile

(Get Rating)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following business segments: Global Banking and Markets, Asset and Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions. The Global Banking and Markets segment includes investment banking, equity and debt underwriting, Fixed Income, Currency, and Commodities (FICC) intermediation and financing activities, relationship lending and acquisition financing, and investing activities.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gendell Jeffrey L purchased a new position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM  Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm purchased 440,846 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $76,866,000. iShares Russell 2000 ETF makes up 6.8% of Gendell Jeffrey Ls investment portfolio, making the stock its 3rd largest position.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Miller Investment Management LP purchased a new position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF during the 4th quarter worth $16,055,000. First Manhattan Co. increased its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 21.0% during the 3rd quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 1,026 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $169,000 after purchasing an additional 178 shares during the period. Capital Analysts LLC increased its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 88.7% during the 4th quarter. Capital Analysts LLC now owns 402 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $70,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 214.6% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 17,172 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,994,000 after purchasing an additional 11,714 shares during the period. Finally, USAdvisors Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 35.1% during the 4th quarter. USAdvisors Wealth Management LLC now owns 13,935 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,430,000 after purchasing an additional 3,621 shares during the period.

Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts:

iShares Russell 2000 ETF Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of NYSEARCA:IWM traded down $1.09 on Thursday, reaching $186.15. The company had a trading volume of 19,755,452 shares, compared to its average volume of 29,293,807. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 52-week low of $162.50 and a 52-week high of $201.99. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $175.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is $180.38.

iShares Russell 2000 ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Horace Mann Educators Co. (NYSE:HMN  Get Rating) Director Beverley J. Mcclure sold 560 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.27, for a total value of $16,951.20. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 22,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at $680,378.79. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

Horace Mann Educators Price Performance

Shares of HMN opened at $32.00 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $32.37 and a 200 day moving average price of $34.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 0.10 and a current ratio of 0.10. Horace Mann Educators Co. has a 12 month low of $29.99 and a 12 month high of $40.13.

Get Horace Mann Educators alerts:

Horace Mann Educators Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.33 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.13%. Horace Mann Educatorss payout ratio is currently -507.69%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HMN. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. grew its stake in Horace Mann Educators by 246.2% during the 3rd quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 1,890 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 1,344 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in Horace Mann Educators by 675.6% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,094 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $70,000 after buying an additional 1,824 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in Horace Mann Educators during the 2nd quarter worth $83,000. US Bancorp DE boosted its position in Horace Mann Educators by 1,729.3% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,055 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $102,000 after acquiring an additional 2,888 shares during the period. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new position in Horace Mann Educators during the 4th quarter worth $118,000.

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on HMN. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Horace Mann Educators from $38.00 to $36.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Horace Mann Educators in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company.

Horace Mann Educators Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Horace Mann Educators Corp. is an insurance holding company, which engages in the provision of insurance and retirement solutions to educators and school employees. It operates through the following business segments: Property and Casualty, Supplemental, Retirement, Life, and Corporate and Other. The Property and Casualty segment focuses on personal lines of automobile and property insurance products.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Horace Mann Educators Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Horace Mann Educators and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Raymond James (NYSE:RJF  Get Rating) had its price objective lowered by Jefferies Financial Group from $136.00 to $112.00 in a research report released on Monday morning, The Fly reports.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. StockNews.com started coverage on Raymond James in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Raymond James from $121.00 to $114.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their target price on Raymond James from $130.00 to $100.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $116.86.

Get Raymond James alerts:

Raymond James Stock Up 2.1 %

RJF stock opened at $96.87 on Monday. Raymond James has a twelve month low of $82.00 and a twelve month high of $126.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The firm has a market cap of $20.53 billion, a PE ratio of 12.76 and a beta of 1.02. The business has a 50 day moving average of $90.82 and a 200 day moving average of $102.37.

Raymond James Announces Dividend

Raymond James ( NYSE:RJF Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The financial services provider reported $2.03 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.17 by ($0.14). The business had revenue of $2.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.89 billion. Raymond James had a net margin of 14.01% and a return on equity of 18.43%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.55 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that Raymond James will post 8.71 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 30th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.73%. Raymond Jamess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.13%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of RJF. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Raymond James during the third quarter valued at $2,629,000. NorthRock Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Raymond James during the 4th quarter worth approximately $225,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Raymond James in the 4th quarter worth approximately $133,000. Bleakley Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Raymond James in the 4th quarter worth approximately $333,000. Finally, Handelsbanken Fonder AB boosted its position in Raymond James by 8.8% during the 4th quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 58,779 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,281,000 after purchasing an additional 4,733 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.77% of the companys stock.

Raymond James Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Raymond James Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raymond James and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO  Get Rating) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, June 1st, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.65 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, June 30th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 9th.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has increased its dividend by an average of 4.4% per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 1 years.

Get John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund alerts:

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE BTO opened at $28.75 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $27.18 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $31.81. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has a twelve month low of $22.95 and a twelve month high of $40.50.

Institutional Trading of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Company Profile

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. grew its stake in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 9.2% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 6,013 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $241,000 after purchasing an additional 507 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 62.1% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 16,517 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $664,000 after buying an additional 6,330 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC bought a new stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $260,000. Mariner LLC bought a new stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $420,000. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. bought a new position in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund in the 1st quarter worth approximately $626,000. 19.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Rating)

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund is a closed-end diversified management investment fund. Its objective is to provide a high level of total return consisting of long-term capital appreciation and current income. The company was founded on August 23, 1994 and is headquartered in Boston, MA.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Skillz Inc. (NYSE:SKLZ  Get Rating) Director Kevin Chessen purchased 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $0.50 per share, with a total value of $25,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 50,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,000. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link.

Skillz Trading Up 6.7 %

SKLZ opened at $0.58 on Thursday. Skillz Inc. has a 12 month low of $0.45 and a 12 month high of $2.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 7.32 and a current ratio of 7.32. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $0.66.

Get Skillz alerts:

Skillz (NYSE:SKLZ  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 30th. The company reported ($0.12) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by $0.01. The business had revenue of $46.87 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $49.36 million. Skillz had a negative net margin of 141.53% and a negative return on equity of 51.25%. On average, analysts predict that Skillz Inc. will post -0.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Skillz

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Skillz in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Swiss National Bank boosted its holdings in Skillz by 9.2% during the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 240,800 shares of the companys stock worth $722,000 after purchasing an additional 20,300 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Skillz by 6.4% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 145,137 shares of the companys stock valued at $435,000 after purchasing an additional 8,733 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in Skillz by 19.6% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,097,440 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,291,000 after buying an additional 179,485 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. bought a new stake in Skillz during the 1st quarter worth about $51,000. 33.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on SKLZ shares. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $3.75 price target on shares of Skillz in a research note on Friday, March 31st. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on Skillz from $1.50 to $1.25 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $2.17.

Skillz Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Skillz Inc operates a mobile games platform that connects players in fair, fun, and meaningful competition. The company primarily develops and supports a proprietary online-hosted technology platform that enables independent game developers to host tournaments and provide competitive gaming activity to end-users worldwide.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Skillz Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skillz and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Lancashire Holdings Limited (LON:LRE  Get Rating) insider Bryan Joseph bought 2,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 624 ($7.76) per share, for a total transaction of 13,728 ($17,066.14).

Lancashire Stock Down 0.9 %

LON:LRE opened at GBX 617.50 ($7.68) on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 37.02. The stock has a market capitalization of 1.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -61,750.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 0.57. The stocks fifty day moving average is GBX 592.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 603.67. Lancashire Holdings Limited has a 52 week low of GBX 362.60 ($4.51) and a 52 week high of GBX 670 ($8.33).

Get Lancashire alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Numis Securities reaffirmed an add rating and set a GBX 710 ($8.83) target price on shares of Lancashire in a research note on Thursday, February 16th. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Lancashire from GBX 713 ($8.86) to GBX 700 ($8.70) and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an overweight rating and set a GBX 750 ($9.32) target price on shares of Lancashire in a research note on Monday, February 13th. Berenberg Bank raised their price target on shares of Lancashire from GBX 770 ($9.57) to GBX 780 ($9.70) and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and issued a GBX 590 ($7.33) price objective on shares of Lancashire in a report on Tuesday, March 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 710.71 ($8.84).

About Lancashire

Lancashire Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides specialty insurance and reinsurance products in London, Bermuda, and Australia. The company operates through five segments: Property and Casualty Reinsurance, Property and Casualty Insurance, Aviation, Energy, and Marine. It offers property direct and facultative, property political risk and sovereign risk, and property terrorism and political violence insurance products, as well as property reinsurance services; and aviation AV52, aviation consortium, airline hull and liability, and satellite insurance products.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Lancashire Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lancashire and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Moran Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 320,119 shares of the energy exploration companys stock, valued at approximately $41,462,000. EOG Resources makes up about 1.6% of Moran Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest position. Moran Wealth Management LLC owned 0.05% of EOG Resources as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. CENTRAL TRUST Co raised its holdings in EOG Resources by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 9,118 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,019,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the period. Hallmark Capital Management Inc. increased its position in EOG Resources by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Hallmark Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,197 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $245,000 after buying an additional 77 shares during the period. Bollard Group LLC increased its position in EOG Resources by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Bollard Group LLC now owns 10,569 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,369,000 after buying an additional 77 shares during the period. PAX Financial Group LLC increased its position in EOG Resources by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. PAX Financial Group LLC now owns 2,705 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $302,000 after buying an additional 80 shares during the period. Finally, FSM Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in EOG Resources by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,018 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $650,000 after buying an additional 85 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.40% of the companys stock.

Get EOG Resources alerts:

EOG Resources Stock Performance

Shares of EOG traded down $0.92 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $115.33. The stock had a trading volume of 1,841,226 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,610,666. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 2.17 and a quick ratio of 1.90. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 12 month low of $92.16 and a 12 month high of $150.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $67.45 billion, a PE ratio of 7.17, a PEG ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 1.54. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $114.98 and a 200 day moving average price of $121.52.

EOG Resources Announces Dividend

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The energy exploration company reported $2.69 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.42 by $0.27. The company had revenue of $6.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.28 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 30.34% and a net margin of 33.83%. The firms revenue was up 51.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $4.00 EPS. Analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.62 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 17th will be paid a $0.825 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 14th. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.86%. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is 20.64%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently commented on EOG. Barclays cut their target price on EOG Resources from $152.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $132.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 27th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Mizuho upgraded EOG Resources from a neutral rating to a buy rating and cut their price objective for the company from $150.00 to $146.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $171.00 to $170.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, EOG Resources currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $149.33.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total transaction of $579,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 149,689 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,344,464.43. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock.

About EOG Resources

(Get Rating)

EOG Resources, Inc engages in the exploration, development, production and marketing of crude oil and natural gas. It operates through the United States, Trinidad, and Other International geographical segments. The Other International segment includes China and Canada operations. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Houston, TX.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (NYSEARCA:EIDO  Get Rating) by 20.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 70,145 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 11,675 shares during the quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF were worth $1,571,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of EIDO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $129,000. HighTower Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF in the 1st quarter worth $852,000. Prudential PLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF in the 1st quarter worth $1,040,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF by 58.3% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 70,415 shares of the companys stock worth $1,743,000 after buying an additional 25,941 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF by 89.9% in the 1st quarter. Barometer Capital Management Inc. now owns 31,900 shares of the companys stock worth $790,000 after buying an additional 15,100 shares during the last quarter.

Get iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSEARCA:EIDO traded up $0.19 during trading on Thursday, reaching $23.41. The company had a trading volume of 110,326 shares, compared to its average volume of 551,985. The company has a fifty day moving average of $23.84 and a two-hundred day moving average of $23.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $488.10 million, a P/E ratio of 17.64 and a beta of 0.80. iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF has a 12 month low of $21.22 and a 12 month high of $24.88.

iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (EIDO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Indonesia IMI 25-50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of large-, mid and small-cap Indonesian companies. EIDO was launched on May 5, 2010 and is managed by BlackRock.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EIDO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (NYSEARCA:EIDO  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Rating) issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $6.10-6.22 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.26. Philip Morris International also updated its Q2 guidance to $1.42-1.47 EPS.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have issued reports on PM shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the company from $109.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $114.00 price objective for the company. Finally, UBS Group upgraded Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $106.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $110.60.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.7 %

Philip Morris International stock opened at $92.25 on Thursday. Philip Morris International has a 12-month low of $82.85 and a 12-month high of $105.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $143.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.68. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $95.72 and a 200 day moving average of $98.59.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Philip Morris International

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.04. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.80% and a negative return on equity of 128.55%. The business had revenue of $8.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.03 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.56 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Philip Morris International will post 6.18 EPS for the current year.

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Studio Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Philip Morris International by 33.8% in the 4th quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC now owns 428 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC bought a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 54.9% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 525 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter worth $82,000. Finally, GeoWealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the first quarter valued at about $94,000. Institutional investors own 75.85% of the companys stock.

Philip Morris International Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Philip Morris International, Inc is a holding company engaged in the manufacturing and sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine-containing products. Its products include cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products. The firm operates through the following geographical segments: European Union, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia and Australia, and Americas.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado increased its holdings in shares of Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI  Get Rating) by 5.5% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 74,568 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 3,871 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorados holdings in Crown Castle were worth $10,114,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Continuum Advisory LLC increased its stake in Crown Castle by 16.3% during the 4th quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 1,932 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $262,000 after buying an additional 271 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in Crown Castle by 32.1% during the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 416 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the period. MV Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Crown Castle by 52.7% during the 4th quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 658 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. Tcwp LLC grew its holdings in Crown Castle by 33.1% during the 4th quarter. Tcwp LLC now owns 2,333 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $316,000 after acquiring an additional 580 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Green Alpha Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Crown Castle by 18.0% during the 4th quarter. Green Alpha Advisors LLC now owns 7,413 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,005,000 after acquiring an additional 1,132 shares in the last quarter. 90.27% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Crown Castle alerts:

Crown Castle Stock Up 1.7 %

Shares of NYSE:CCI opened at $114.91 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $49.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.77 and a beta of 0.65. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $121.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $132.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98, a current ratio of 0.52 and a quick ratio of 0.52. Crown Castle Inc. has a 1-year low of $110.22 and a 1-year high of $187.73.

Crown Castle Announces Dividend

Crown Castle ( NYSE:CCI Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 19th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.85 by ($0.88). The firm had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.76 billion. Crown Castle had a return on equity of 22.12% and a net margin of 23.81%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.87 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Crown Castle Inc. will post 7.25 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a dividend of $1.565 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $6.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.45%. Crown Castles payout ratio is currently 162.18%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CCI has been the subject of several analyst reports. TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Crown Castle from $152.00 to $149.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 21st. Moffett Nathanson upgraded shares of Crown Castle from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $161.00 to $155.00 in a report on Thursday, March 30th. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Crown Castle from $153.00 to $145.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Crown Castle from $162.00 to $144.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their target price on shares of Crown Castle from $154.00 to $147.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $155.56.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Crown Castle news, COO Christopher Levendos sold 14,472 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $124.04, for a total transaction of $1,795,106.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 4,759 shares in the company, valued at approximately $590,306.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, EVP Laura B. Nichol sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $122.56, for a total value of $612,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 21,782 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,669,601.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, COO Christopher Levendos sold 14,472 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $124.04, for a total transaction of $1,795,106.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 4,759 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $590,306.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 24,472 shares of company stock worth $3,012,757. 0.39% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Crown Castle Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Crown Castle, Inc is a real estate investment trust company, which engages in the provision of access to wireless infrastructure via long-term contacts. It operates through the Towers and Fiber segments. The Towers segment offers access, including space or capacity towers dispersed throughout the United States.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Crown Castle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crown Castle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
REV Group (NYSE:REVG  Get Rating) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.15, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The business had revenue of $681.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $580.47 million. REV Group had a return on equity of 8.49% and a net margin of 0.10%. REV Groups quarterly revenue was up 18.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.14 EPS. REV Group updated its FY 2023 guidance to EPS.

REV Group Trading Up 10.4 %

Shares of REV Group stock traded up $1.22 on Thursday, hitting $12.98. 1,380,656 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 154,620. REV Group has a one year low of $9.85 and a one year high of $16.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 0.52. The company has a fifty day moving average of $10.92 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.12. The company has a market capitalization of $771.79 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 343.59 and a beta of 1.92.

Get REV Group alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Robert W. Baird upgraded REV Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $16.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 6th. DA Davidson upped their price target on REV Group from $12.00 to $13.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, March 13th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on REV Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Finally, Credit Suisse Group upped their price target on REV Group from $9.00 to $11.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, REV Group currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.17.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On REV Group

REV Group Company Profile

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in REVG. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new position in REV Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $156,000. Engineers Gate Manager LP acquired a new position in REV Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $145,000. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can raised its stake in REV Group by 639.2% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 11,036 shares of the companys stock worth $132,000 after buying an additional 9,543 shares during the period. UBS Group AG raised its stake in REV Group by 127.8% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 10,491 shares of the companys stock worth $126,000 after buying an additional 5,886 shares during the period. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in REV Group by 23.9% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 11,476 shares of the companys stock worth $125,000 after buying an additional 2,212 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 98.92% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

REV Group, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the design, manufacture, and distribution of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services. The company sells its products to municipalities, government agencies, private contractors, and industrial and commercial end users. It operates through the following segments: Fire and Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for REV Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for REV Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Secom Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:SOMLY  Get Rating) shares were down 1.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $16.19 and last traded at $16.62. Approximately 27,251 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 43% from the average daily volume of 47,396 shares. The stock had previously closed at $16.83.

Secom Trading Down 1.2 %

The companys fifty day moving average is $16.16 and its 200 day moving average is $15.23. The company has a market capitalization of $15.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.89 and a beta of 0.39.

Secom Company Profile

(Get Rating)

SECOM CO., LTD. provides security services in Japan and internationally. Its Security Services segment offers static guard, armored car, merchandise, and other services, as well as online security systems; sells security and water-treatment equipment; and operates PFI correctional facilities. The company's Fire Protection Services segment provides building management, automatic fire alarm systems, fire extinguishing systems, other fire protection systems, and related maintenance services to office buildings, plants, tunnels, cultural properties, ships, and residences; and environmental monitoring systems.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Secom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Secom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (CVE:SPX  Get Rating)s share price fell 12.5% on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.03 and last traded at C$0.04. 195,272 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 167% from the average session volume of 73,216 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.04.

Stellar AfricaGold Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of C$3.90 million, a PE ratio of -1.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 1.30. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$0.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.04. The company has a quick ratio of 2.95, a current ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.03.

Stellar AfricaGold Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Stellar AfricaGold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral properties in West Africa and Canada. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds interest in the Lullwitz-Kaepelli gold property located in Lacoste and De Sales township in the Charlevoix Area of Quebec; the Birimian Geology, Priko, and Zenoula permits situated in Cote d'Ivoire; the Tichka Est gold project located in the Atlas region of Morocco; and the Namarana gold project situated in region of Koulikoro.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Stellar AfricaGold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stellar AfricaGold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
THOR Industries (NYSE:THO  Get Rating) issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The construction company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $1.17, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The firm had revenue of $2.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.81 billion. THOR Industries had a net margin of 4.63% and a return on equity of 15.13%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 37.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $6.32 EPS. THOR Industries updated its FY23 guidance to $5.80-6.50 EPS.

THOR Industries Stock Performance

THOR Industries stock traded up $0.06 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $94.06. 98,545 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 642,142. THOR Industries has a 12-month low of $67.09 and a 12-month high of $105.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 1.79. The stock has a market cap of $5.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.02 and a beta of 1.76. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $79.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $84.06.

Get THOR Industries alerts:

THOR Industries Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 26th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, April 12th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, April 11th. THOR Industriess payout ratio is currently 17.27%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 14.9% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 10,954 shares of the construction companys stock worth $862,000 after acquiring an additional 1,423 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 11.3% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 6,174 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $486,000 after purchasing an additional 629 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 20.9% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 7,616 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $599,000 after purchasing an additional 1,319 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. lifted its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 39.3% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 29,220 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,300,000 after purchasing an additional 8,241 shares during the period. Finally, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund purchased a new position in THOR Industries during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,068,000. 98.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on THO shares. Roth Capital reiterated a neutral rating on shares of THOR Industries in a report on Tuesday, March 7th. DA Davidson increased their price objective on shares of THOR Industries from $72.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Thursday. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on shares of THOR Industries from $95.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Wednesday. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of THOR Industries from $105.00 to $115.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of THOR Industries from $72.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, THOR Industries currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $93.33.

THOR Industries Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Thor Industries, Inc engages in the manufacture and sale of recreational vehicles. It operates through the following segments: North American Towable Recreational Vehicles, North American Motorized Recreational Vehicles, and European Recreational Vehicles. The North American Towable Recreational Vehicles segment includes operating entities such as Airstream, Heartland, Jayco, Keystone, and KZ.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for THOR Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for THOR Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Vodafone Group Public Limited (LON:VOD  Get Rating) have been given a consensus rating of Hold by the eleven brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is GBX 114.50 ($1.42).

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a GBX 185 ($2.30) target price on shares of Vodafone Group Public in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Numis Securities reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 130 ($1.62) target price on shares of Vodafone Group Public in a research report on Tuesday, February 14th. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Vodafone Group Public in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Vodafone Group Public from GBX 100 ($1.24) to GBX 95 ($1.18) in a research report on Friday, May 12th. Finally, Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Vodafone Group Public from GBX 100 ($1.24) to GBX 115 ($1.43) in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st.

Get Vodafone Group Public alerts:

Vodafone Group Public Stock Down 4.4 %

Vodafone Group Public stock opened at GBX 75.05 ($0.93) on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of 20.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 218.00, a P/E/G ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 103.71, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Vodafone Group Public has a fifty-two week low of GBX 74.10 ($0.92) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 132.04 ($1.64). The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 88.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 90.61.

Vodafone Group Public Dividend Announcement

About Vodafone Group Public

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 8th will be paid a 0.05 ($0.05) dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 8th. This represents a yield of 4.34%. Vodafone Group Publics payout ratio is currently 2,222.22%.

(Get Rating)

Vodafone Group Public Limited Company engages in telecommunication services in Europe and internationally. The company offers mobile services that enable customers to call, text, and access data; fixed line services, including broadband, television (TV) offerings, and voice; and convergence services under the GigaKombi and Vodafone One names to customers.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Vodafone Group Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vodafone Group Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The Virginia Department of Health issued a harmful algae bloom advisory Tuesday for the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake. The news comes just as the lake community is ramping up for its busiest summer months.

The reported blooms have produced blue/green discoloration and algal scums that should be avoided, according to a news release from the VDH. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The public as well as pets such as dogs are advised to avoid contact with the water until algal concentrations return to acceptable levels, the report said.

Keri Green, chair of the Smith Mountain Lake Associations water quality council, provided an update on the status of the algae blooms during the Wednesdays meeting of the Smith Mountain Lake Water Safety Council. She said the first sightings of algae blooms were around May 22 between channel markers B21 and B25.

Green said heavy rains around Memorial Day likely exacerbated the situation. The rain dumped runoff into the lake consisting of lawn fertilizer and organic material such as leaves and grass that contain phosphorus which can fuel the algae blooms.

Several days of warm, sunny days following the rains helped the algae to bloom and start appearing in larger areas of the lake, Green said. Due to how the algae works, visual signs of a bloom can disappear and reappear throughout the day depending on time and temperature.

The sample collections were done by VDH following reports of algae in the area. The areas within the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake where samples were collected include a cove near Kemp Ford Road, a cove near Virginia Key Trail and a cove near the Anthony Ford Public Boat Landing.

According to the VDH release, most algal species are harmless. However, some species such as certain types of the blue/green algae currently found may produce irritating compounds or toxins. They ask lake visitors and residents to avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.

Sample results from collections on June 1 indicated a swimming advisory is necessary due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria, which have the potential to produce multiple toxins, the report reads. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddleboarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water in this area. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in the advisory area.

On Wednesday afternoon, VDH reported that very low concentrations of toxins were found in the samples collected on June 1. None of the samples contain toxin levels above regulatory thresholds. The advisory will still remain in effect due to the high count of cyanobacteria found in the blooms that can still pose a risk to anyone swimming in the water.

VDH is currently placing warning signs at all public access sites around Smith Mountain Lake. The signs will remain up until the advisory ends.

Advisories will be lifted once two tests, taken 10 days apart, show levels of harmful bacteria, or toxins, have dropped to safe levels. VDH and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, is monitoring the water quality in the lake.

Due to the schedule of testing by VDH, Green said the earliest the advisory could be lifted is June 26. If high levels of cyanobacteria are found, the advisory could extend well beyond the July 4 holiday when Smith Mountain lake is at its busiest.

While news of the algae bloom advisory could potentially put a damper on summer vacationers, Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andy Bruns emphasized that the lake has several other means of enjoyment beyond activities in the lake. He also emphasized that those currently restricted activities can still be done along the Roanoke River arm of the lake.

Negative water quality test are extremely rare at Smith Mountain Lake, Bruns said. When they do occur, they are often after heavy rains like the ones around Memorial Day, he added.

Im optimistic this will pass like other negative reports following heavy rain storms, Bruns said.

Status updates on the advisory can be found on the VDH website along with a map of reported harmful algae blooms in the area. The site also includes a form to report any sightings of potentially harmful algae blooms.
(Photo : AHMED YOSRI / POOL / AFP) (AHMED YOSRI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address years-long tension between Washington and Riyadh.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

The trip aims to address years of tensions between Washington and Riyadh

The disagreements stem from Saudi Arabia's selling of crude oil to global markets, partnering with Russia in OPEC+, and a China-brokered detente with Iran

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Saudi Arabia and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday to address years of tensions between Washington and Riyadh.

The American official arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as the crown prince has continued to clash with the Biden administration over several issues. These include its supply of crude oil to global markets, its willingness to partner with Russia in OPEC+, and its China-mediated detente deal with Iran.

Blinken Meets With Saudi Crown Prince

Furthermore, tensions are still present after United States President Joe Biden's commitment to making the kingdom a "pariah," or outcast, after the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, as per Fox News.

Despite conflicting stances between the two sides, a relationship remains due to Saudi Arabia's reliance on the United States as a security guarantor for the wider Middle East. This is a response to Iran's nuclear program, sharing common interests in achieving a lasting cease-fire in Sudan and ending the kingdom's years-long war in Yemen.

In a statement, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, Hussein Ibish, said it might not be readily observable. However, the relationship between Washington and Riyadh is stronger than a year ago. He added that while it may look more strained, it is overall stronger.

During the US secretary of state's meeting with the crown prince on Wednesday, the two officials talked about their "shared commitment to advance stability, security, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond."

Read Also: Pope Francis Recovering in Hospital After Surgery

Addressing Tensions Between Washington and Riyadh

Blinken's trip to Saudi Arabia comes as Washington has struggled to steady its relationship with Riyadh in the last few years. This comes as the kingdom's de-facto ruler has dominated the decision-making within the region, according to Reuters.

The American diplomat's visit to the kingdom also came a few days after Saudi Arabia pledged to deepen its oil output cuts on top of a broader OPEC+ deal to limit supply. The decision comes amid the region's plan to boost flagging oil prices amid opposition from the Biden administration.

During the meeting, Blinken emphasized that bilateral relations between their countries were "strengthened by progress on human rights." The US secretary of state thanked the kingdom for its support during the recent evacuation of American citizens from Sudan and its assistance in diplomatic efforts to end the fighting between rival Sudanese factions.

Blinken's visit to Saudi Arabia is Washington's second recent high-level trip to the kingdom, and the secretary of state is set to meet with other Saudi officials during his mission that lasts for three days. The one before Blinken was White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan who traveled to the kingdom on May 7, said Aljazeera.

Related Article: South Korea Unveils Nuclear Alliance with US to Deter North Korea Threats

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The final Comstock Windmill Festival features the best of America's best young country performers, says founder Hennry Nuxoll.

Ten Nashville acts will perform at "Nebraska's Big Pasture Party," which starts tonight three miles north of Comstock.

"We've got up-and-comers that have a lot of tradition and history behind them," Nuxoll said.

Allie Colleen, who is Garth Brooks' daughter, will play the Windmill Festival for the third time. "She gets better and better. You can see Garth Brooks in her," Nuxoll said.

Shane Profitt performs Saturday night. Earlier this year, his single, "How it Oughta Be," reached No. 16 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Ned LeDoux, who closes out the festival Saturday night, follows "the legacy of his dad," Chris LeDoux, Nuxoll said.

Chevel Shepherd, who performs tonight at 8, won season 15 of "The Voice," when she was 16. Nuxoll notes that she garnered a million votes.

Iowa native Jay Allen, who plays tonight at 6, was a finalist on "The Voice."

William Michael Morgan performs tonight at 10. His debut single, "I Met a Girl," hit No. 2 on the Country Airplay chart in 2016.

C.J. Solar "writes songs for Morgan Wallen," Nuxoll said. Booking Wallen would cost $1 million, he said. Solar co-wrote Wallen's hit, "Up Down."

Cooper Alan performs Friday night. "And I tell people he's got 8 million followers on Tic Tac Toe," Nuxoll said. "Can you imagine one guy playing Tic Tac Toe 8 million times?"

Alan might be the most entertaining act in the group, he said.

The performers are "all young and they're all good," Nuxoll said. Before long, you'd have to pay $200,000 to $1 million to book them, he said.

This will be the 23rd and final Comstock Windmill Festival.

Nuxoll, 68, would like to see more of his grandchildren, who live in Denver and Merrimack, N.H.

Out of his own four grandparents, Nuxoll met only one of them. The other three, back in Germany, died before he was born.

Nuxoll will be happy if about 7,500 people turn out over the three nights.

"Once upon a time we had almost 10,000 a night," he said.

The first Windmill Festival was held in 1999. Over the years, many big names have made their way to Custer County. Those acts included Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban, Alabama, the Oak Ridge Boys, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Def Leppard, ZZ Top and Alice Cooper.

The Windmill Festival hasn't been held every year. Some years, other people ran the event under the Comstock Windmill Festival name.

One year, a man sold $65,000 worth of tickets and didn't have a festival.

"So I felt I was obligated for the Comstock name to start it up again to honor them tickets," Nuxoll said.

Nuxoll has been back running the festival on his own the last three or four years.

He uses a sign shaped like a Conestoga wagon to promote the festival. That sign stood outside Conestoga Mall for years.

His twin brother, Gunter, purchased the sign.

"He was always interested in history," Nuxoll said. "We had no clue what to do with it. But we thought it made a good conversation piece."

Nuxoll has used the sign to advertise the Comstock Windmill Festival over the years, pulling it in dozens of parades.

It's currently standing in the parking lot of Sam's Club in Grand Island, alongside Highway 281. Attached to the sign is information about this year's festival. The sign was also in the Sam's Club parking lot last year.

With Conestoga Mall in transition and this being the last year of the Windmill Festival, Nuxoll felt "it would make a good tag team deal on both sides of the road."

Gunter died eight years ago. "But you've got to die to get to heaven. And if you lived in Comstock, that's the next best place," his brother said.

The week after the festival, Nuxoll will attend the 50th anniversary of his 1973 graduation from Sargent High School.

There were 36 in his class.

If a study were done, Nuxoll says he would have the least net worth of any of those 36 people. "That's including the 10 that passed away."

But he believes he's given a half million people the best time of their lives. "And you would think a smile would be worth a dollar, wouldn't you?"

Nuxoll figures "the more you give the more you get. The more you share, the more you have, and that's what I've got."

Admission to the Windmill Festival is $50 a day, or $150 for three days. To purchase tickets and campsites, visit windmillfestival.com.
An investigation into allegations against Monument Advisors has ended with Grand Island police referring 37 cases to the Hall County Attorney's Office for review.

If the Hall County attorney decides to go forward, charges will be filed against Kelli Lepler, the owner and operator of Monument Advisors.

Over a period of almost two months, Grand Island police reviewed 59 reported incidents involving Monuments Advisors "and specifically the business dealings" of the 45-year-old Lepler, police said in a release.

Of those incidents, 37 were forwarded to the Hall County Attorneys Office for review.

In these instances, the investigation concluded that Lepler used deceptive practices in eliciting business from customers where we could find no evidence that an attempt was made to fulfill those orders after receipt of funds."

Grand Island Police Department Capt. Jim Duering said the department obtained more than one million documents during the investigation.

There was a lot of great work by our agency, he said, adding, It is a little disappointing when we have 59 reported victims, and we only come up with 37 cases.

Duering said of the investigation, Of course, we are duty bound within the confines of the law to only send those over that we think fit within statute, which is what happened here, but it is unfortunate that we have reported victims on the criminal side (who) aren't seeing a resolution.

The GIPD news release states that the department believes Lepler's actions constitute 33 felony counts of theft by deception and four additional misdemeanor counts of theft by deception. Police estimated a total of more than $200,000 in losses by the victims.

One of those victims is the Garcia family of Grand Island. Jesus Alberto Garcia passed away in Mexico and was to be cremated and interred in the United States, his son Jonathan Garcia said.

The elder Garcia was taking steps to become a United States resident, Jonathan Garcia said.

The headstone honoring Jesus Alberto Garcia has not yet been received. Jonathan Garcia reported the theft to GIPD about a month-and-a-half ago, he said.

Despite the case moving forward, the monetary payback will be minimal, if any, Jonathan Garcia said.

"There is no action to be paid back. Basically the $5,000 that I gave (Lepler) is lost," he said. "It's up to (the law) now."

Now the Hall County Attorneys Office will review the findings of the investigation and determine if it believes cause exists for a criminal complaint in the court system "for some or all of these incidents," GIPDs release says.

Hall County Attorney Martin Klein told the Independent the county attorneys office has a lot of reports to go through before making charging decisions.

Since the initial complaints began coming in more than a year ago, multiple complaints against Monument Advisors have been filed with the Nebraska Attorney General's Office, according to victims. In late May, the Independent reached out to the office for comment. It declined. The Independent was unable to reach the office on Wednesday.

Monument Advisors was located at 2545 W. Old Potash Highway. It is now closed. The Independent has made numerous attempts to contact Lepler, including visits to the business before it closed.
The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. To sign-up for EZ-Pay, call us at (903) 785-6901 or e-mail us at circulation@theparisnews.com. We will use the information you provide to change your current billing to EZ-PAY. Your current subscription delivery schedule will not be changed. No refunds for early cancellations. Remainder of early cancellation funds will be donated to Newspapers in Education.
WASHINGTON  Women often use hormone therapy to relieve hot flashes and other menopause symptoms  and new research suggests patches or creams may be safer for their blood pressure than pills.

As women's bodies produce lower levels of reproductive hormones during menopause, their risk for heart disease rises. High blood pressure further increases that risk  but it's not clear whether there's a link with hormone therapy for menopause symptoms.

Canadian researchers wondered if the way hormones are absorbed  orally, vaginally or through the skin  could play a role.

The University of Calgary team examined health records of more than 112,000 women ages 45 and older who filled prescriptions for at least six months' worth of estrogen-only hormone treatment between 2008 and 2019. They tracked which women went on to develop high blood pressure at least a year after starting treatment.

While the differences weren't huge, women who took estrogen pills had a 14% higher risk of developing hypertension compared to those using skin patches or creams, the researchers reported Monday. Oral estrogen carried a 19% greater risk than vaginal versions.

The findings were published in the journal Hypertension.

Hormone therapy has a mix of risks and benefits that mean it's not for everyone. Today it's prescribed not to prevent disease but to relieve menopause-related symptoms  generally using the lowest possible dose for the shortest time. Most commonly used are combination pills of estrogen and another hormone, progestin. Estrogen-only pills typically are prescribed to women without a uterus.

Different versions of hormone therapy may work better for different menopause symptoms, something the study didn't address.

But it adds important clues to understanding the complex relationship between hormone therapy and blood pressure, said Dr. Garima Sharma, a women's heart specialist with Virginia's Inova Health System and the American Heart Association.

Sharma would like to see a more rigorous trial that compares different hormone versions. But she pointed to a possible biological explanation: Maybe oral estrogen affects enzymes linked to blood pressure as it's being processed, while skin and vaginal versions have much more limited activity in the body.

Still, "these findings are very clinically relevant," Sharma said in an an email, and suggest it's especially important to monitor blood pressure in women who use oral hormone therapy.
As more than a dozen developers line up with plans to build residential subdivisions in and near Holly Hill, officials are taking measures to ensure that the towns growth will be orderly.

In recent months, the towns Planning Commission engaged in many hours of discussion and research to update the Permitted Use Table in the towns zoning ordinance, Chairman David Teague said.

Holly Hill rezoning on hold Orangeburg County Council on Tuesday unanimously tabled a request to rezone property outside of Holly Hill to allow for the placement of a boa

The table was previously revised just five years ago, but some items have already become outdated, said Rebecca Vance, a consultant hired by the town to assist the commission.

The market moves faster than any zoning ordinance, Vance said. Some of the revisions deal with matters that were off the radar five years ago.

The commission members were deliberate about looking at every use and every zoning district to see where things were off, Vance said.

The result was a lengthy list of tweaks here and there throughout the ordinance, ranging from accessory buildings to cemeteries.

Some existing uses will become non-conforming as a result of the revisions. Teague emphasized that all of them are grandfathered. That means they will be allowed to remain as is, under most circumstances.

Holly Hill Town Council held a public hearing on the revisions during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 5. There was a request for clarification, but no comments in favor or in opposition.

Minutes later, the council gave final approval to the revisions to Permitted Use Table 6-1, sections 717, 718, and 719.

Details can be obtained at Town Hall during regular office hours and will be posted on the towns website in the near future.

Other forward-looking discussions arose during the public comments time.

Kate Copsey asked Mayor Billy Chavis about conversations circulating in the community about real estate firm Coldwell Bankers vision or plan for the town.

No one outside of your town limits has any control over what we do, the mayor declared. This is our town. You rule the roost. No more outside interference by anybody.

The council is looking to make streetscape improvements in the downtown block of Old State Road (U.S. 176) and hired Thomas & Hutton Consulting Services during a special called meeting on March 20.

Youre going to see a big difference in that downtown area, the mayor said during the June 5 meeting. We have the plans, but the plans are not ready to be shown to the public.

He said he would be glad to reveal the plans once the town gets approval from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and obtains the funding, which is approximately $4 million.

Copsey also asked for an update on the towns contract with EnviroLink to operate the water and wastewater systems.

Chavis replied that the initial contract, which was for 120 days, was extended to a full year, with an option to renew.

He expressed satisfaction with the companys performance, especially considering the challenges it has faced.

The people we had running it before did not know how to run a system, Chavis said. It was run into the ground for the past 12 to 15 years. It was run into the ground.

EnviroLink has dealt with multiple fires in our sewer system, Chavis said. A years-long clog on Sugar Hill Road was removed. A massive collapse on S.C. 314 was repaired. A massive leak in front of the Meadows Apartments has finally been taken care of.

A pipe on Brant Avenue collapsed and the street will have to be closed and dug up in the near future, the mayor added. Next, the company will address a leak in a concrete pad on Collier Street that was discovered in September 2021.

Just bear with us, the mayor requested.

All that work takes money, and the mayor expressed disappointment that the towns in eastern Orangeburg County got not one penny from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program, but Orangeburg got plenty.

Chavis added that the town raised water and wastewater rates too little, too late  5% in 2021, which was nine years after a study warned that rates should be hiked immediately to keep the utility system solvent. Independent auditors have given the same warning in multiple years.

Another attendee, Tammy Fountain, said it took Orangeburg County sheriffs deputies 48 minutes to respond to an emergency call at the residence of an acquaintance outside the town limits.

Holly Hill Town Council: Pastor calls for police diversity HOLLY HILL  A pastor is calling on Holly Hills police department to diversify its force.

She asked if the town had made any progress in its effort to sign a mutual aid agreement with the sheriffs office, which, among other things, would allow town police officers to respond to emergencies outside the town limits.

She was informed that the sheriffs office has continued to be non-responsive since a testy confrontation that occurred during a Holly Hill Town Council meeting in January, which was reported in detail in The T&D at that time.

Mayor Chavis said town police will always respond within the town  We take care of ours  and to schools. Otherwise, he advised out-of-town residents to complain to the sheriffs office and their county officials and consider annexing into town if they are able.

Fountain also expressed gratitude that somebody cleaned up the old school property at 1250 Unity Road. She asked if anyone had information on future plans for the property.

Chavis replied that the Community Organization for Rights and Empowerment, or CORE, was dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic but is now reactivating itself.

After the meeting, a spokesperson for CORE said the organization is preparing to make a major announcement at the appropriate time in the near future.

Also during the June 5 meeting:

Dr. Gaynell Walters announced that the Holly Hill Library, in the municipal complex at 8423 Old State Road, will kick off its annual six-week Summer Reading Program Friday, June 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. The featured event is Diggery Diggers Rock n Roar Dino Show, an interactive theater adventure with animation, comedy, puppets, magic, and music. Also scheduled are a water slide, face painting, hot dogs, snow cones, and a book fair.

Council member Leanne Troutman asked residents to call Town Hall first thing Thursday morning if they are skipped by the garbage collectors on their regular Wednesday rounds.

Councilman George Summerson reported that grass will be cut and more bushes will be taken down by the end of the week at the town-owned airport.

Ken Mackey reported that the Experimental Aircraft Association Club based at the Holly Hill Airport has a new president who wants to begin a Young Eagles program for youths ages 8-17. More details will be announced later.

The council approved a lease agreement with Santander Bank for two Dodge Durango police patrol vehicles.

Police Chief Josh Detter said he anticipates approval of a grant request for a school resource officer for Holly Hill Elementary School.

Council member Cynthia Fuller complained that a police officer tailgated her. Detter said officers sometimes need to do that briefly to read a license tag. Our cameras are always recording, he added, and invited her to review the footage if she has any concerns.

Code enforcement officer Gayle Austin said she is continuing compliance enforcement efforts with regard to 11 shipping containers throughout the town.

The council gave final approval to William Thornleys petition for annexation of his property at 2428 Eutaw Road. No one spoke during a public hearing on the matter.

George McCray of Eutawville said he inherited his late great-grandmother Victoria Simmons acreage and was willing to donate a quarter-acre to the Town of Holly Hill for the construction of an animal shelter and a parking lot for 18-wheel tractor-trailer rigs operated by town residents. Chavis replied that Holly Hill is presently not financially able to operate an animal shelter, but lets sit down and have a conversation.

The council moved its next meeting to Monday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. due to the Independence Day holiday.
LEXINGTON  Most people lose interest in tracking hurricanes after they move away from the coast, but that is actually when they are deadliest, according to national weather officials.

The National Weather Service, along with other national and state agencies, hosted a three-day Regional Tropical Training and Exercise at River Bluff High School in Lexington. Training on the first day focused on how communities can prepare for hurricanes and similar storms.

Daniel Brown, a senior hurricane specialist and warning coordination meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center, said 57% of hurricane deaths in the last 10 years are due to inland flooding. Storm surges, the next most common cause of death, make up only 11%.

Storm surges can still cause a tremendous loss of life in a single day, Brown said. But were losing an awful lot of people to inland flooding.

The public and local officials often use the Saffir-Simpson Scale to determine how strong hurricanes are, but that categorization can be misleading, according to Jamie Rhome of the National Hurricane Center.

The Saffir-Simpson Scale ranks hurricanes into categories based on wind speed. However, Rhome said, wind speed does not always correlate to rainfall, the biggest threat to inland communities.

As a result, even as a storm appears to be weakening, it can still devastate communities and kill people.

The scale does have its uses, particularly when a storm is getting stronger, according to Rhome.

As a storm is rapidly intensifying, its a very effective tool to ring the bell on society and say, Hey, no, this ones going to be bad, he said.

People often assume that storms that destroy communities are Category 5s but the reality is that storms at lower categories are just as dangerous, Rhome and other instructors said. Category 5 storms are very rare.

The winds of a Category 3 storm can begin to destroy a typical home, according to Rhome. As American society becomes increasingly reliant on electricity, even category one storms can have big effects on communities by taking down electrical lines, he said.

A storms destruction is caused by more than just its wind speed: Waves, tornadoes, storm surge and inland flooding causes just as much or more damage.

Storm size, speed and direction all contribute to the damage a storm can do. Smaller storms with low winds may not seem like a big deal, but if they move slowly over a city, they can flood streets and rivers.

Hurricanes can cause two types of flooding: flash flooding and river flooding. Each presents its own challenges, according to Jeff Dobur. He is a senior hydrologist with the National Weather Services Southeast River Forecast Center.

Flash flooding comes and goes quickly. Flash floods may be less destructive than river flooding, but they are harder to warn the public about.

River flooding is slower to develop but also slower to leave, which can cause significant damage to structures in otherwise dry areas. As the name suggests, rivers overflow with rainwater, which comes up over banks.

Storm surges on the coast, which happen when a hurricane's winds push ocean water toward land, can even make rivers flow in reverse. If rivers are already overflowing, storm surges make the matter worse by stopping the water from flowing naturally away from the site of the flood.

The spread of urban development makes the possibility of flooding worse, Dobur said. When water hits concrete instead of soil, it runs off into rivers instead of being absorbed into the ground, further contributing to river flooding.

Orangeburg County has struggled with flooding in the past, according to the countys director of emergency services, Billy Staley. He said the county is always planning for the hurricane season and jumps into action as soon as a hurricane is identified.

Prior to us having a hurricane or large rainfall event, we make contact with our municipal agencies, along with our governmental public works divisions, for them to go out. They clear right of ways, and they clear drainages to try to increase the flow the best we can, he said.

Staffing has been the countys largest emergency response challenge, especially during power outages, according to Staley.

He attended Tuesdays Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities course and said the most important thing he learned was about the new types of forecasting offered by the National Weather Service.

Thats a big deal for us. Weve been pushing for years for them to increase their forecasting capabilities for us on the inland side of the storm, and were getting a lot of those products finally coming to fruition, Staley said.

The rainfall forecasting and the wind forecasting will be the most important to Orangeburg County, he said.

Some of the forecasting offered by the National Hurricane Center, like the Saffir-Simpson Scale, can be misunderstood to devastating results, warned a number of different instructors. Other than the scale, the most commonly misinterpreted forecast is the forecast error cone, according to John Quagliariello.

He is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The forecast error cone is the graphic that shows the potential path of the hurricane using a cone. Many people interpret the cone to be the area where the hurricane is likely to do damage, he said.

The cone actually shows the range of possible locations for the eye of the storm in the coming days. That means the storms core could be along the edge of the cone, spreading rain and strong winds for many miles out beyond the edge of the cone.

The cone is based on historical projections, which are updated each year. Still, the core of the storm is only inside the cone around two-thirds of the time, further increasing the likelihood the storm will affect more than just the areas inside the cone.

Quagliariello stressed to the attending state, county and city emergency management officials that preparations should be made in areas far outside the cone.

Just as many counties are preparing for hurricanes year-round, the public should be making plans and checking the forecast during this hurricane season, Staley said.

We want you to prepare before the storms ever get forecasted, he said.

Once they are forecast, emergency management and the public can view a number of forecasts from the National Weather Service. As the storm approaches, the types of forecasts and the accuracy of those forecasts increase.

More than five days out, only an outlook is provided. These outlooks just look at what is happening in the tropics and if the meteorologists are concerned that a storm could be forming.

In three to five days out, five-day forecasts are provided as well as public advisories, wind speed percentage maps that show how likely hurricane-force winds are at certain areas and forecast discussions that explain the meteorologists findings.

Within two to three days out, tropical storm or hurricane watches are issued, excessive rainfall outlooks are created and flood watches are announced.

Within one to two days out, tropical storm or hurricane warnings and flood warnings are given. Local statements about the storm are sent out by local forecast offices and storm surge maps are also distributed.

All of this information can be found on the National Weather Services website: weather.gov

According to a May 25 media advisory by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which the National Weather Service is a part of, the 2023 hurricane season will be near-normal.

The Climate Prediction Center estimates that, from June 1 to Nov. 30, the Atlantic coast will see 12 to 17 named storms, with five to nine becoming hurricanes and one to four becoming major hurricanes.

For this years hurricane season, the National Weather Service is bringing online new technology that boasts a 10%-15% improvement in predictions over other models.

The Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System will run alongside other models this year before taking over as the primary model in years to come.

Other technology to track rainfall and flooding is improving or in development.

The Excessive Rainfall Outlook will be released two days earlier, which gives local officials up to five days' advance notice for flash flooding due to excessive rainfall.

A new mapping software is also in development to show current flooding down to the street level. The National Weather Service expects that portions of Texas and of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast will be ready in September, with the rest of the country being completed by 2026 at the latest.
The way we fish today could determine the quality of fisheries in the future.

That's an idea explored in the upcoming edition of South Carolina Wildlife magazine, as the S.C. Department of Natural Resources saltwater fishing outreach team collaborated to contribute an in-depth feature article about red drum populations. The cover story was written by Matt Perkinson, SCDNR saltwater fishing outreach program coordinator, and is accompanied by spectacular art featured on the magazine cover, "Roseate Spoonbills and Red Drum in the Salt Marsh," by Pamela Corwin.

The following is an excerpt from Perkinson's story:

Red drum are ubiquitous in the culture of coastal South Carolina, with their beautiful copper-colored bodies and spotted tails sometimes waving in the air as they root along the marsh bottom for crabs. They are South Carolinas most popular saltwater gamefish, and anglers target them more often than any other species. Over the years, the red drum population has fluctuated with a declining population in the 1980s and 1990s and a solid rebound in the 2000s following changes in management  and the popularity of voluntary catch and release fishing. Since 2010, however, weve seen a large decline in red drum numbers along the coast that has biologists worried about the population moving forward.

If you do pull a fish from the water, make sure to firmly secure it with a hand under the head and another towards the tail. This will ensure that the fish doesnt spring from your hands and injure itself flopping about the boat deck or ground. It also allows you to hold the fish horizontally, taking the pressure off internal organs and the spine, which are unaccustomed to being out of the water. The gear you use can also prevent unnecessary stress and injury as well.

About the artist:

Pamela Corwin has worked with SCDNR for more than 16 years. A native to the Palmetto State, she was raised in the Upstate community of Mayo and now resides in Moncks Corner. Throughout her childhood, she enjoyed the outdoors and art. Fishing has always been a favorite pastime, but it wasnt until her service in the Army that she realized its therapeutic value. This painting captures the natural beauty of a Lowcountry marsh.

It is said that the angler forgets the fish she catches but does not forget the landscape in which it was caught," Corwin said. "As an artist, a biologist, and a lady angler, I love creating visuals of my experiences to let the world see what captures my sense of peace."

South Carolina Wildlife magazine is celebrating its 70th anniversary! To subscribe or gift a subscription, visit www.scwildlife.com/.
Bud Light is co-sponsoring an upcoming "all-ages" Pride drag event amidst its tumbling sales after facing intense backlash over its collaboration with Dylan Mulvaney.

Besides the controversial beer, its parent firm Anheuser-Busch and the giant retailer Target are sponsoring major LGBTQ events in time for the Pride Month festivities.

Bud Light Co-Sponsors Pride Drag Event

According to a report by Newsweek, Bud Light and its parent firm Anheuser-Busch have been grappling with a boycott movement from conservatives and right-wingers in the past few weeks.

It all started when the popular beer brand collaborated with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The beverage maker sent the trans woman content creator a commemorative beer can, which flaunts her beautiful face, to celebrate her "girlhood" transition.

But despite the backlash that Bud Light went "too woke," amidst the striking sales drop, the beer brand stood up with the LGBTQ+ community and continues to back Pride month festivities.

According to Fox News, the beer brand appeared as one of the sponsors of a Flagstaff Pride event. The poster of the party, aptly named Pride in the Pines, says the event is "presented by" Bud Light.

The Bud Light-sponsored event, which kicks off on June 17, features drag queens and other performers. Nina Sky, Kerri Colby, and Salina Es Titties are gracing the festivities. The giant beverage maker Coca-Cola and the fashion brand Old Navy also back the upcoming Pride Event.

By co-sponsoring this all-ages Pride event, Bud Light is not only refreshing the spirits of beer enthusiasts. It is also amplifying its support for the LGBTQ+ community. But as mentioned, the Flagstaff Pride event sponsorship is crucial when Bud Light faces challenges in the beer market. The former Anheuser-Busch executive Anson Frericks warned that the sales of the beer brand are set to enter a critical phase.

He warns that retailers are likely to offer their shelf space to its rival brands, such as Miller Lite and Coors Lites if their sales continue to tumble. The former Anheuser-Busch President of Sales and Distribution says the company needs to figure out a strategy, expressing whom they want to serve now.

Read Also: Bud Light Parent Company AB InBev Sells Off Beer Brand Amid Billions of Dollars of Losses

Target, Bug Light Parent Sponsor Pride Events

As the Pride festivities nationwide, giant firms support the LGBTQ+ community.

As per The New York Post, Target and the Bud Light parent have one thing in common: Both are grappling with backlash from anti-trans folks and conservatives.

But despite the backlash, Target expressed its support to the LGBTQ community for NYC Pride, wherein it is one of the platinum sponsors. Meanwhile, the Bud Light parent backs various Pride celebrations, such as Charlotte, San Francisco, and Chicago.

Related Article: Bud Light Offers Free Beer on Memorial Day Amid Dylan Mulvaney Backlash

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(TBTCO) - Nen kinh te noi chung va hoat ong san xuat kinh doanh cua cac doanh nghiep noi rieng se co nhung tin hieu cai thien trong 6 thang cuoi nam 2023, tao tien e cho nam 2024 voi nhieu gam mau sang hon. ieu nay se giup mo ra trien vong kha quan cho thi truong chung khoan Viet Nam trong giai oan cuoi nam 2023 va ca nam 2024. ay la nhan inh cua ong o Bao Ngoc  Pho Tong giam oc Cong ty co phan Chung khoan Kien Thiet Viet Nam (CSI), trong cuoc trao oi voi phong vien TBTCVN.
You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber.



Not a subscriber?



Subscribe today for access to:

Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles).


POWELL  Following a lengthy review, a prosecutor has concluded that a Park County Sheriffs deputy acted lawfully when he shot and killed a man in rural Powell last summer.

After completing a thorough review of the facts and evidence, I have determined the use of deadly force by Park County Sheriff Lt. Mark Hartman against Jack McGlothlin was justified, Sweetwater County and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Erramouspe concluded this week.

Erramouspe compiled a four-page summary of the Aug. 30 incident that indicates McGlothlin came at Hartman while pointing a shotgun at the officer. Hartman would have been rightfully able to shoot the man at that point, Erramouspe said, but the deputy did not.

The report suggests that the deputy got the shotgun away from McGlothlin, but the man then tried to seize Hartmans rifle and a second struggle ensued.

At some point in the altercation, Lt. Hartman recalled telling McGlothlin, Jack, I dont want to kill you, according to the report, but McGlothlin replied that he [Hartman] was going to have to.

The report indicates that the Powell-based deputy ultimately shot McGlothlin twice in the chest with his duty pistol at close range.

Hartman called for an ambulance, applied a chest seal and administered CPR, but McGlothlin died at the scene.

The Park County resident was 37 years old.

Because he represents the sheriffs office, Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric referred the review of the incident to a special prosecutor in early February. Erramouspe initially planned to release his report within a matter of days, but he wound up requesting additional information from DCI, which took until May.

Erramouspe submitted his report to Skoric on Tuesday, and Skoric released it to the public on Wednesday.

An attempted arrest

At the time of the incident, authorities had been seeking McGlothlins arrest for weeks on allegations that he trespassed at a Cody day care and scared its staff in June 2022.

McGlothlin had later shown up at the Park County Law Enforcement Center wearing pistols on his hips and an American flag as a cape to  wrongly  accuse the facility of abusing children.

Cody police explained to McGlothlin that hed mistaken a safety device for some kind of punishment, but he didnt accept that explanation and became agitated, saying he would contact the FBI.

Though the warrant was issued on June 16, it wasnt until Aug. 30 that Hartman spotted McGlothlin driving near the Willwood Dam. The deputy pulled him over and attempted to take him into custody.

However, according to Hartmans account, McGlothlin said something to the effect of, Youre not taking me to jail, shoved the deputy and took off in his vehicle.

Hartman said he pursued the man down a canal road until McGlothlin stopped and got out with a shotgun pointed at the deputy.

What happened next is somewhat unclear from the report, as it summarizes not only a statement that Hartman made to DCI, but also second-hand accounts of what Hartman recounted to two deputies at the scene.

It appears that Hartman and McGlothlin fought over the mans shotgun and then the deputys rifle, as both mens DNA was found on both weapons.

At some point in the struggle, McGlothlin apparently grabbed Hartmans neck, which was scratched and had traces of McGlothlins DNA; the deputy told one colleague that McGlothlin had tried to choke him.

Hartman said he drew his pistol while keeping one hand on the rifle.

Even before the traffic stop escalated into a pursuit and altercation  and before Hartman called for help  two other deputies had begun heading to the Willwood area to provide backup.

One of those officers, Undersheriff Andy Varian, later explained to DCI that McGlothlin was known to local law enforcement and was known to have firearms on his person or near him.

Some details unclear

The report says Hartman spoke to DCI shortly after the incident took place.

However, through an attorney, he later declined to speak with the lead investigator, DCI Special Agent Jon Briggs, any further.

Erramouspe also noted there was no video footage of the incident, as the sheriffs department does not currently have any dash or body mounted cameras.

Had either of those been present in this incident, questions regarding the specific details of the struggle and the ensuing shots fired may be answered, Erramouspe wrote. However, since these tools were not present, and Lt. Hartman did not agree to sit for a more formal interview regarding the incident, this conclusion is based solely on the statements made by Lt. Hartman to other law enforcement on the scene, the scene itself, statements of overheard radio traffic and evidence collected.

In a Wednesday interview, then-Sheriff Scott Steward said his department researched options for body cameras, but he was a little gun shy on the maintenance on them and costs.

Adding body cams was one of the first things Stewards successor and brother, current Sheriff Darrell Steward, said he wanted to implement after taking office in January, according to a department spokesman.

Communications Supervisor Monte McClain said Wednesday that the department is currently researching options/brands and how to pay for the new equipment.

Former Sheriff Steward added that, although Hartman didnt sit down for a follow-up interview with DCI, the lieutenant did speak with sheriffs department personnel as they conducted an internal investigation of the shooting.

In addition to interviewing the deputy, Steward said they conducted a psychological evaluation as part of the internal review and found no reason not to reinstate the deputy. Hartman, who has served with the office since 2003, returned to work on Sept. 26.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOS Heritage and Stabilisation Fund made a loss of US$913.5 million last financial year, its recently published annual report has revealed.

Since its establishment in 2007, this is the first time the sovereign wealth fund has recorded a total comprehensive loss for the year.
THEY came wishing on a star, hoping to walk away with a smartphone or laptop for only $1.

But instead, hundreds of people were left frustrated, angry and empty-handed.
The local government election bell has been rung and citizens will go to the polls on August 14, 2023.

The election comes after the Privy Council decision that the extension of the life of local government bodies proposed in the Local Government Amendment bill did not apply to incumbent councillors and aldermen.
(Photo : JOHN WESSELS / AFP) (JOHN WESSELS/AFP via Getty Images)

Senegal faces unprecedented unrest following the arrest of opposition Ousman Sonko that prompted deadly clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel.

Senegal's foreign ministry temporarily shut down its overseas consulates following attacks on its diplomatic missions

The situation is a result of the deadly unrest that followed the arrest of opposition leader Ousman Sonko

Riots have been raging for several days and have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and the injury of hundreds of others

Senegal is facing unprecedented deadly unrest following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, prompting widespread protests and forcing the region's foreign ministry to shut down overseas consulates temporarily.

The announcement noted that the affected consulates abroad would be temporarily closed following attacks in Paris, Bordeaux, Milan, and New York. Last week saw deadly demonstrations in the Senegalese capital of Dakar and several other cities.

Senegal's Unprecedented Deadly Unrest

Riots that have lasted for several days have resulted in at least 16 people dying and hundreds of others getting injured as supporters of the detained opposition leader clashed with law enforcement personnel, as per CNN.

The latest developments of the crisis have spread internationally, with the Senegalese diaspora leading demonstrations at overseas consulates. The foreign ministry said that the temporary shutdown of the diplomatic missions is a "precautionary measure" following a series of attacks.

Among the consulates overseas, the one located in Milan is considered to be the one that was hit the worst. The ministry said that "machines used to produce passports and national identity cards were destroyed."

On Monday, more than 40 protesters believed to be supporters of opposition leader Sonko gathered at the Senegalese consulate in Milan. Italian public broadcaster RAI reported that the consulate building was looted and that Consul General Mamadou Lamine Diouf was attacked.

Sonko, the 2024 presidential candidate and leader of the opposition PASTEF party, was sentenced in absentia on Thursday and given two years imprisonment. According to CNBC, he was charged for allegedly "corrupting the youth," and he was later acquitted on an accompanying rape charge.

Read Also: Former ByteDance Executive Exposes CCP's Tracking of Hong Kong Protesters

Restricting Protesters' Right to Assembly

On top of the people who were killed and injured, law enforcement personnel also arrested roughly 500 individuals across various cities. Furthermore, authorities restricted internet and social media access and ordered roadblocks on key transport routes.

In a statement, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, Carine Kaneza Nantulya, said that demonstrators' recent deaths and injuries mark a worrying situation for the 2024 presidential elections in Senegal. She argued that these are things that officials should thoroughly investigate.

Nantulya urged Senegal's leaders to end the repression against protesters and critics and guarantee freedom of assembly. In recent days, criticisms of restraints have been echoed by several parties.

These include the spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the regional bloc of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Senegal's government suspended mobile phone data on Sunday amid the deadly clashes between police and protesters. In a statement, the Ministry of Communication, telecommunications, and digital economy said that the decision was made due to the diffusion of "subversive messages in a context of public disorder in certain localities," said the Associated Press.

Related Article: Blinken Meets With Saudi Crown Prince To Steady Relations After Years of Tensions

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In what may be described as a case of smartmen and smartphones, a deal that looked too good to be true has turned out to be exactly that.

If the marketing gimmick of $1 phones and laptops was meant to establish brand recognition for Star Networks Blue Mobile Network which turned out to be no mobile network at all, it certainly workedif only for all the wrong reasons.
PHOENIX  Arizonas governor has stopped the state from blocking transgender students from using restrooms and locker rooms that do not match their sex as assigned at birth.

In a short veto message Thursday, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs called the legislation yet another discriminatory act against LGBTQ+ youth passed by the majority at the state Legislature.

Hobbs, who earlier nixed legislation forbidding teachers from using a students preferred pronoun, warned the Republicans who control the House and Senate not to send her similar measures.

I will veto every bill that aims to attack and harm children, she wrote.

Hobbs vetoed four other measures Thursday, bringing her total so far this legislative session to 110.

Other rejected legislation includes:

Requiring Pima and Maricopa counties to provide at least one polling location in each legislative district that allows voters with early ballots to come in and have them tabulated on site. Hobbs said the requirement presents significant logistical and cost challenges for election administrators that are left unresolved by this bill.

Barring any election officer or appointee from being a member of any political action committee. She called it a solution in search of a problem that may not even exist.

Increasing the amount of money individuals can divert from income taxes owed to the state to instead fund scholarships for students to attend private and parochial schools. Hobbs said such credits reduced state income tax collections more than $271.8 million last year, a move that diverts much needed funding from our public schools.

Requiring the Elections Procedures Manual, now prepared by the secretary of state with approval of the governor and attorney general, to be approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. She called the measure another example of legislative meddling with Arizona elections.

Reasonable accommodation

The measure on restrooms and locker rooms at public schools was the most controversial.

It would have required schools to provide a reasonable accommodation to a student who is unwilling or unable to use a facility that matches their sex assigned at birth.

The accommodation could have included a single-occupancy room, a room for faculty or staff, or allowing students to use a restroom or locker room for the opposite sex when no one of that sex was present.

The legislation would also have applied to sleeping facilities during any overnight school trips.

It defined sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of the persons birth as evidenced by a document that reflects the individuals birth certificate.

The measure also would have allowed anyone who encountered someone of the opposite sex in a multi-occupancy restroom or changing facility to file suit and recover claims for all psychological, emotional and physical harm suffered.

Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, called the legislation a matter of common sense.

Modesty is a basic universal and historic human instinct, he said during debate on the measure. It goes back to Adam and Eve hiding behind the bush after the apple was eaten.

A school rule or a state law or a court decision cannot change that natural instinct of modesty, he said. And I think we have to respect that.

Open-minded young people

Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, said such legislation would further isolate transgender students and cause harm.

They are at immediate risk for all kinds of things, particularly suicide, she said.

Marsh said there is another solution. She said if some students do not feel comfortable using a facility with a transgender individual, perhaps they should be the ones who have to use those reasonable accommodations rather than singling out the transgender students.

Kavanagh called that unworkable. That would be an unbelievable burden upon our schools and take valuable funding away, he said.

Quite frankly, I dont know what the percentage of transgender students are, Kavanagh said. But I suspect its well under 1%, meaning schools would have to provide special accommodations for the other 99%.

Marsh wasnt convinced.

Well, 99% of the kids arent going to be offended or have a problem sharing a bathroom because our young people are remarkably open-minded, she said.

Kavanagh said the legislation was about more than about bathrooms with separate stalls.

Theres something terribly wrong with making a 15-year-old high school freshman coed stand naked in the school shower next to a naked 16-year-old biological male who may identify as female, he said.

Marsh said that problem is easily resolved if schools are required to install shower curtains. Curtains make sense, regardless of who is using the shower, she said.

Previous attempts

This isnt Kavanaghs first effort to define such issues in Arizona law.

A decade ago he proposed making it a crime for someone to use a restroom, shower or locker room that did not match the persons gender. That measure covered not just schools but any public facilities. Violators could have gone to jail for up to six months.

It ran into several practical issues, including whether some people might be forced to carry around a birth certificate.

Kavanagh then revamped the measure to instead give business owners immunity from civil and criminal prosecution if they turn away someone from a restroom based on the belief of the owner or manager that person should not be using the facility. That variant proved no more successful.

The senator called his new measure a compromise. Its trying to give something for everybody but respecting modesty, Kavanagh said.
With little debate, let alone opposition, the Tucson City Council unanimously approved a ban on non-functional grass planting in all new developments except single-family homes.

The council also unanimously approved a new requirement Tuesday night for developers to install federally certified water-saving fixtures in all new development, including single-family homes.

Both actions are part of a broader, ongoing effort by the City Councll and city officials in general to strengthen Tucsons water conservation efforts in the face of ongoing drought and a water crisis on the Colorado River. Several other conservation measures have been under review by Tucson Water staff but havent yet come to the council for final consideration.

The turf ban has sparked a significant amount of attention since it was first suggested last year by Ward 3 Councilman Kevin Dahl. But it has generated little or no opposition, even among developers and their various interest groups, city staff memos to the council indicate. It previously was unanimously recommended by the City Planning Commission.

In general, the ordinance prohibits the planting of grass in non-single family home developments when its not clearly functional, including for recreation. It doesnt affect any existing or future use of artificial turf. it affects all forms of commercial and industrial development, as well as common areas in apartment projects.

More specifically, the ordinance defines non-functional grass as follows:

Grass areas with any single dimension of eight feet or less.

Grass areas exceeding a 25% slope, a measurement based on the grade of the landscape in relation to the street.

Grass areas that are not accessible by paved pathways and/or are restricted by physical barriers that prohibit accessibility.

Grass areas installed closer than ten feet to a street and/or in front entryways to residential neighborhoods or subdivisions unless associated with active recreational activities.

Grass areas that are not utilized for active recreational purposes.

Dahl told the Star on Wednesday that a ban on non-functional grass in new single-family homes will be discussed as the council moves into its second phase of tackling the turf issue.

Its harder to decide in a residential setting whether turf is non functional compared to a commercial setting. In apartments its clear where theres grass for kids to play or walk their dogs., he said. In a huge incline, when you cant even walk there, its ornamental. Developers, when they come in to get landscaping plans approved, they will describe what will be functional and what will be allowed;

Were going to look at residential turf. Maybe incentives are the way to go. City staff has more time to look at those possibilities, he said.

The Tucson Water staff will also be looking into possible future requirements or incentives to remove existing non-functional grass.

As for the plumbing fixture rules, they will require all new developments to meet the following Environmental Protection Agency-required water use limits from water-sense fixtures:

Toilets  1.28 gallons per flush.

Faucets  1.5 gallons per minute water flows, at 60 pounds per square inch pressure.

Urinals  .5 gallons per flush.

Shower heads  2 gallons per minute.

Any water and energy savings triggered by the use of water-saving fixtures will also result in cost savings for customers, Tucson City Manager Michael Ortego told the council in a memo on Tuesday.

The EPA estimates that, just for toilets, the customer will save over $140 annually, and more than $2,900 over the lifetime of the toilet, Ortega wrote. If paired with the multitude of other fixtures, the short and long-term cost savings will be significant.

The city government will also benefit from new developments higher water efficiency, Ortega wrote. As water use efficiency increases, infrastructure requirements to serve new growth could be reduced, although this one measure alone would not achieve this, Ortega wrote.

Both proposals underwent extensive and largely uncritical reviews by various interest groups and city advisory panels.

Eric Wiedewult, a deputy director for Pima Countys Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, emailed a Tucson Water staffer on April 18 that he looks forward to seeing these ordinances implemented

While the reduction in water demand will have some impact on wastewater conveyance and treatment, the community cannot wait any longer to start taking strong steps towards net zero urban water. We will address the challenges with wastewater as the systems evolve, Wiedewult wrote the utilitys Candice Rupprecht.

Keeping (wastewater) in the loop at both the start of new initiatives and involved in the ongoing data analysis and performance measurements will keep us aligned with changing water demand and the potential associated impacts to wastewater, said Wiedewult.

Wiedewult was referring to the periodic concern expressed by some officials that reduced water flows into the sewers due to conservation could lead to a higher proportion of solids in the sewers, potentially clogging operations.

At Tuesdays City Council meeting, the only public comment on either ordinance came from former state representative Tom Prezelski, who spoke in favor of the non-functional grass ban. He represented Rural Action Arizona, which works on behalf of rural communities, but said he was at the council meeting because we have a water crisis in Arizona.

This issue is far bigger than Tucson. There are areas of this state where there is simply not enough water for future development, said Prezelski, referring to Arizona Department of Water Resource reports making such findings for Pinal County and parts of the Phoenix area.

In rural areas, water supplies are being threatened by large, industrial agricultural operations. he said.
(CNN)  Millions across the US and Canada will remain at risk of inhaling potentially harmful air from wildfires in Quebec on Thursday as more officials urge people to limit time spent outdoors and mask up for enhanced protection.

Colossal clouds of heavy smoke from more than 430 active wildfires raging across Canada have descended on parts of the US Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, enveloping neighborhoods, parks and school grounds in an orange haze filled with possible pollutants. And forecasts suggest it may take several days for the air to clear.

With about 75 million people under air quality alerts in the US, some school districts in New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, have canceled outdoor activities while New Jerseys governor encouraged local school districts to do the same.

Its either bad or really bad, depending where you are, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told CNNs Jake Tapper on Wednesday, encouraging young kids, seniors, anybody with heart of lung issues, to stay inside. If you have to go out, consider wearing a good, snug-fitting N95 mask.

Winds are forecast to continue pushing thick smoke farther south into the Mid-Atlantic, meaning the same ominous smoke that delivered some of the worlds worst air quality to New York City this week could smother Delaware, Maryland, northern Virginia and Washington, DC, by Thursday morning.

Late Wednesday night, the air quality index in New York City topped 320, meaning it was hazardous or level 6 of 6, the worst designation from AirNow.gov, an air quality data site maintained in partnership by several government agencies. The air quality of the city slightly begins to improve early Thursday morning, albeit still at a very unhealthy level 5 of 6.

Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were the most affected metro areas early Thursday morning, with air level quality at hazardous. Other major cities in the US that face unhealthy or unhealthy for sensitive groups levels include Baltimore, Newark, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Washington, DC.

The smoke from the wildfires has delivered some of the poorest air quality measures in decades, according to Mark Zondlo, an atmospheric chemist specializing in air quality monitoring and professor of civil and environmental engineering at Princeton University.

Whats making it really unique  aside from the fires being huge by themselves  is the air is staying really close to the ground. So, instead of being wafted up and dispersing throughout the atmosphere or being in the layer 10,000 feet above us, its basically hugging the ground, and therefore its not dispersing, Zondlo told CNN.

The weather pattern is such that its funneling that smoke plume, keeping it tight close to the ground, and its coming for a bullseye right for us.

Air quality in Canada has been on the decline as the ferocious blazes trigger evacuation orders, including for about 7,000 people in Quebecois town of Chibougamau.

US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the wildfires impacts on air quality on Wednesday, according to a statement from Trudeaus office.

Both leaders acknowledged the need to work together to address the devastating impacts of climate change, the statement read.

Biden has directed federal firefighting resources to aid in stopping the fires, the White House said, adding that more than 600 firefighters and support personnel have already been deployed.

While those conditions persist, experts and officials alike have been urging people to stay indoors as much as possible and wear N95 or KN95 face masks when outside to ensure theyre properly protected.

NYC to cancel all outdoor city events

Wildfires that lead to such poor air quality have become more common and severe as the planet warms from the impacts of human-induced climate change, experts have said.

We typically see these impacts with wildfires in the Western US and in the Mountain West, said Dr. Peter DeCarlo, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

The East Coast is generally a little bit more insulated from this type of thing. Our forests tend to be wetter and dont burn as much, but looking forward with climate change, while this is kind of a unique experience that were seeing right now, it may become a lot less unique and a little bit more common in the future.

As New Yorks air remains compromised, the state is providing one million N95 masks to those who need them, the governor announced Wednesday evening.

About 400,000 of those masks will be distributed at New York state parks and public transit stations, among other locations, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. An additional 600,000 masks will be available at Homeland Security stockpiles for local governments to pick up, she added.

Simply stay indoors. Outdoors is dangerous in just about every part of our state, the governor said, calling the poor air quality unprecedented.

To that end, outdoor events held by New York City have been canceled, and city beaches will also remain closed, Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday.

While conditions may improve overnight into Thursday morning, air quality during the afternoon and evening hours will plummet again, Adams indicated.

I want to be clear, while there may be potential for significantly improved conditions by Friday morning, smoke predictability that far out is low, is difficult to predict the movement of the smoke. This is an unpredictable series of events, he added.

Air quality alerts extended

Elsewhere, officials in Pennsylvania and Delaware issued a code red to warn residents of the potentially harmful air quality.

A code red was issued in Philadelphia Wednesday, warning that the elderly, young children and those who are pregnant or have heart or lung conditions could experience serious health effects from the smoke, according to James Garrow, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

For those who are not considered to be in a sensitive group, we are asking those folks to avoid strenuous activities outdoors like jogging or exercising, Garrow told CNN.

For Delaware, an air quality alert and a Code Red Action Day are in effect through Thursday. State officials have advised residents to limit time spent outdoors and stay in a space with filtered air.

Additionally, Rhode Islands air quality alert has been extended through Thursday, citing heavy smoke and unhealthy particles on the air quality index.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
(CNN)  A plume of thick smoke streamed south from Canada throughout the day Wednesday, moving into some of the most densely populated regions in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, including the New York City metro area.

And forecasts suggest it could linger for days.

The smoke, emanating from more than 100 active fires in central Quebec, is being carried down on the back side of a low pressure system centered over New England.

The thickest smoke on Wednesday stretched from Lake Ontario to Long Island and was slowly pushing south. It will persist in the New York City metro and across much of New Jersey through Wednesday evening and into the overnight.

But the winds will also start to push that thick band of smoke farther south into the mid-Atlantic, into cities like Washington, DC, and Baltimore.

By Thursday morning, Delaware, Maryland, northern Virginia and the nations capital could see the same poor air quality that plagued New York City on Wednesday.

While Thursday may be an improvement for many in the New York area, smoke will likely continue to be significant, and air quality could near or reach unhealthy levels yet again.

Unfortunately for those in the Northeast, the weather pattern is not helping. The low pressure that is funneling the smoke into the US is forecast to linger over New England through the weekend, meaning northwest winds will continue to point the Canadian smoke towards the eastern Great Lakes and Northeast for the next couple of days.

This pattern could eventually break by next week as a new storm system moves in from the west. Significant rainfall and stronger winds is exactly what the Northeast needs to clear out the smoke.

The summer of smoke

Unfortunately, the next few months could spell a summer of smoke for Canada and the US, with the bulk of Canadas fire season  which doesnt typically end until September  still lying ahead.

A hot and dry spring has led to an incredibly active start to the fire season across almost all of Canada, and massive fires in Alberta and Saskatchewan started impacting air quality in the US and Canada back in May.

Last week, wildfires in Nova Scotia pushed smoke south. Over the weekend, the fires shifted to Quebec. For all of these locations, the hottest part of the year is still ahead and the peak of fire season doesnt come until later in July.

Wildfires have already burned a full years worth of acreage in Canada so far this year. In a typical year, only around 10 to 15% of the annual average would have burned by the first week of June.

Without a significant cool and wet pattern setting in over Canada, these fires will likely continue to burn and new ones pop up for many weeks to come.

The-CNN-Wire
PHOENIX  The states top election official is asking a judge to toss a bid by his own political party to keep potential competitors off the 2024 ballot.

In new legal filings, Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said there is no legal basis for the Arizona Democratic Party to challenge his decision that the No Labels Party meets all legal qualifications to run candidates under its banner. The mere fact Democrats are concerned about competitors doesnt give them standing to sue, said Fontes attorney, Craig Morgan.

Beyond that, the Democrats failed to prove their claims the petitions submitted by No Labels for political party status were legally deficient, Morgan told Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper.

The bid by No Labels for ballot status is part of its efforts to put presidential candidates on the ballot.

Its website says it is creating an insurance plan that would allow a Unity ticket to run in 2024 if the two parties select unreasonably divisive presidential nominees, terms it does not define.

A third-party contender could have implications for Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024, particularly in Arizona. He narrowly edged out Republican Donald Trump by 10,457 votes in 2020.

No Labels now has ballot status in four states including Arizona, said its spokeswoman, Maryanne Martini. She expects that to reach about 20 by the end of the year, with the goal of nationwide status next year.

With Fontes certification, No Labels became the fourth party certified for ballot status in Arizona along with Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians. The Green Party lost its certification because it did not get at least 5% of the vote in the last gubernatorial election and did not submit enough signatures to retain its ballot status.

Filed enough valid signatures

The Arizona Democratic Party, in trying to keep No Labels candidates off the ballot, cites what it says are a series of legal flaws in the petitions filed with Fontes seeking certification and ballot access. Those include everything from wording discrepancies in the paperwork to allegations that people were attesting to signatures on petitions before they were signed.

Theres also the partys concession that having No Labels on the ballot will make it more difficult to elect Democratic Party candidates.

Whatever the reason, Morgan said on behalf of Fontes that the Democratic Party has no legal standing to challenge the secretary of states decision.

He acknowledged there are laws allowing someone to challenge a specific candidacy for reasons such as the persons paperwork is incomplete or they are unqualified to run. But there is no similar provision for a third party lawsuit on decisions made by the secretary of state to certify a party for ballot status, Morgan said.

No Arizona court has held that an established political party or its elector can challenge the secretarys assessment of a new political party petition, he told the judge.

The law is clear, Morgan said. He said applications for recognized status need to contain a certain number of names of registered voters.

In this case, No Labels submitted petitions with nearly 57,000 signatures. The law then requires a random sample be checked by election officials in each county. That review found 41,663 were valid, exceeding the statutory minimum of 34,127.

Morgan said that ends the matter under the law, which says that if a random sample shows the threshold is met, the party shall be recognized.

The Legislature could have opted for something different but did not, he said. And this court is not the place for a party to rewrite the law.

Not challenging veracity

Morgan also said theres no basis for the claim the petitions should be rejected because the circulators signed verification affidavits before all the signatures had been gathered on each.

There is no such express requirement, he said.

What the law does require, said Morgan, is that the circulators certify this is a petition for a new political party, not that they actually witnessed the people signing the petition.

Any verification of the integrity of a petition is done by public officials, and not the circulators or others, he said. Here, too, Morgan said, if the Arizona Democratic Party wants something different their remedy for change lies with the Legislature, not with this court.

In his own filing, David Rosenbaum, attorney for No Labels, told Cooper the issue is basic, as the Democratic Party is not challenging the veracity of the signatures nor saying the petition was defective in its form.

That leaves unchallenged the fact that more than enough signatures were submitted to form a new party, he said.

What remains is an effort by Democrats to silence 41,000-plus Arizonans over alleged technical deficiencies all to spare plaintiffs the inconvenience of competition, Rosenbaum said.

IRS status

The Democrats have one other key objection.

The No Labels Party is organized under the Internal Revenue Code as a social welfare organization, said Roy Herrera, attorney for the Democrats. That status means the No Labels Party is not required to disclose its contributors, a requirement that exists in state law for other recognized political parties in Arizona, he said.

Martini said that is justified. We live in an era where agitators and partisan operatives try to destroy organizations they dont like by attacking and intimidating their individual supporters, she said.
SIERRA VISTA  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday defended his states decision to fly migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to California, arguing that the state had essentially invited the migrants with its welcoming policies toward immigrants.

DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, spoke at a meeting with sheriffs near Arizonas border with Mexico, pledging to get control of the border and flexing his muscles on a signature issue for Donald Trump, his chief rival for the 2024 nomination.

I think the border should be closed. I dont think we should have any of this, DeSantis said during a stop in Sierra Vista. But if theres a policy to have an open border, then I think the sanctuary jurisdictions should be the ones that have to bear that.

DeSantis administration said this week that the three dozen migrants whom the state recently flew from El Paso, Texas, to Sacramento at taxpayer expense all went willingly, disputing allegations that the individuals were coerced to travel under false pretenses. California officials are investigating whether any violations of criminal or civil law occurred.

For DeSantis, the focus on immigration is a chance to boost his credibility on a top issue for GOP primary voters. He sees political upside in picking a high-profile fight with liberal California and its Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, who has become a bogeyman for many on the right.

Its also an opportunity for DeSantis to confront an issue that has been central to the appeal of Trump, who promised to build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it. By the end of his administration, the wall had not been finished and U.S. taxpayers were on the hook for the billions of dollars it cost.

This is not the first time DeSantis has chartered planes to transfer migrants across the country. Last fall, Florida flew 49 Venezuelans to the upscale Massachusetts island of Marthas Vineyard.

California declared itself a sanctuary for immigrants after Trump was elected president, extending protections to people living in the country illegally and allowing them to apply for some state benefits. DeSantis said those policies serve as a magnet for people looking for a better life and make it harder to crack down on illegal immigration.

The sanctuary jurisdictions are part of the reason we have this problem because they have endorsed and agitated for these types of open border policies, DeSantis said.

DeSantis did not respond to Newsom, who raised the possibility of kidnapping charges and called DeSantis a small, pathetic man.

Immigration is a national problem that border states shouldnt have to shoulder on their own, DeSantis said, adding that the federal government should give states more authority to enforce immigration law on their own. Beyond the migrant flights, he touted Floridas other efforts to confront illegal immigration beyond its borders, including sending National Guard soldiers and state law enforcement officers to Texas and interdicting migrant boats off Floridas coast.

DeSantis said Florida taxpayers are on board with his use of state funds to move migrants from Texas to California, saying it was an issue in the campaign in which he was overwhelmingly reelected last year. DeSantis in May signed a law allocating $12 million that can be used for migrant flights.

Two weeks after kicking off his presidential campaign, DeSantis is in a distant second place behind Trump. He did not mention his rival by name, taking aim instead at President Joe Bidens border policies, which he blamed for the proliferation of drugs.

The Florida governor met with sheriffs from around the country at a community college in Sierra Vista, a conservative enclave thats home to many Border Patrol officers and sits next to the Fort Huachuca Army base. Later, his aides said he planned to visit the border but did not allow journalists to come.

Trumps super PAC noted that DeSantis praised his rivals immigration policies on Twitter two years ago and pointed to the former presidents own immigration plans. Trump has revived his pledge to end birthright citizenship and his push to use the U.S. military to attack foreign drug cartels. He also has pushed the death penalty for drug dealers.
Boeing faces a lawsuit, which sheds light on allegations that it uses "counterfeit" tools for its NASA projects, including the SLS rocket.

The lawsuit, filed by a small tools firm, also accused the giant rocket maker of risking people's lives by using counterfeit versions.

Boeing Lawsuit Alleges Use of 'Counterfeit' NASA Rocket Tools

The giant rocket maker Boeing finds itself at the center of a lawsuit. According to a report by CNBC, a family-run Colorado firm, Wilson Aerospace, which offers a wide range of tools, brought the giant American firm Boeing to court.

The aircraft manufacturing giant faces accusations of using "counterfeit" tools on crucial NASA rockets, raising concerns about the integrity of their space exploration projects. Wilson Aerospace, a long-time supplier, has taken legal action against Boeing, claiming that the company brazenly stole intellectual property (IP) associated with NASA initiatives.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Seattle, alleges that Boeing used Wilson Aerospace's proprietary data and designs to create counterfeit tools used on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. It is worth noting that the SLS is a new rocket that NASA is developing to send astronauts back to the moon as part of the ambitious Artemis project.

As per the Daily Mail Online, the test flight of the SLS rocket, which costs over $4 billion, is under the first phase of the Artemis program for lunar explorations. The lawsuit blames the inferior quality of the "counterfeit" tools for the leaks in the SLS project, which allegedly risked the lives of several people, including the astronauts.

The lawsuit bares accusations against the giant rocket maker, such as theft of trade secrets and copyright infringement. The complaints also claim that Boeing has canceled its contract with Wilson. Yet, the rocket maker allegedly proceeded to use the intellectual property of the Colorado firm despite that lack of "full instructions" on installing and building the tools.

In an interview, Wilson's lawyer, Pete Flowers, told CNBC that the damages are "hard to quantify." But he pointed out that Boeing wounded the family-run firm roughly around "hundreds of millions of dollars."

Read Also: MQ-28A Ghost Bat: Australia's Loyal Wingman Drone Concept UAV for 21st Century Combat

Boeing Denies the Lawsuit Claims

Boeing has denied the allegations in the lawsuit. Its spokesperson told Ars Technica that the Seattle-filed complaint is filled with "inaccuracies." It also pointed out that the lawsuit is "rife with omissions."

However, the giant rocket maker declined to specifically point out the "inaccuracies" and "omissions" in the 74-page lawsuit. Instead, Boeing is set to face the lawsuit in proper channels, saying they "will vigorously defend against this in court."

Boeing has touted its NASA rocket, the SLS, as a monumental innovation, describing it as the most powerful rocket ever developed.

Related Article: Boeing CEO Remains Confident Despite Chinese Competition in Narrowbody Jet Market

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Paying down the national debt

As a conservative I welcome the beginning of an effort to reduce our national debt. However, trying to reduce spending without some increase in taxes is not a balanced approach. It really means that the burden is being placed mostly on the recipients of government aid, Social Security, and the rest of us with average financial assets.

Almost a third of the nations' wealth is said to be held by the top 1% of the citizens. It would not be unfair redistribution of wealth if Mr. McCarthy asked them, and us, to contribute a little more to solving our debt problem.

John Ryan

SaddleBrooke

Thanks to those that kept us out of default

One doesn't have to be a Republican or Democrat to vote for a bill that keeps the country out of default  you just have to be an American. The negative votes in the House was led by the far right which we knew would happen. The Senate was the surprise in that six times the number of Republicans than Democrats went against a bill that kept the USA from being an international embarrassment and would have caused so much heartache for all of us. Here's hoping that the next time these politicians run for office, their constituents will remember that they put their own selfish concerns before that of their country  Democrats  Republicans  independents.

Bernie McCulloch

Nogales

ASU Medical School

Re: the June 2 article "ASU will build its own medical school."

As a taxpayer, I was disappointed to read that the Arizona Board of Regents has approved the establishment of a new ASU Medical School. If the goal is to increase the number of physicians in Arizona, would it have not been more practical to have funded an expansion of the U of A Medical School that already exists in Tucson and Phoenix, has an existing faculty and is already accredited? An unnecessary duplication of state medical schools seems a waste of public resources. The last line of the article provides a clue to this otherwise perplexing decision: "...the addition of a medical school also burnishes the legacy of Crow..." The best interests of the citizens of Arizona should be the focus of the Board of Regents, not burnishing the legacy of a college president.

John Leonardo

Midtown

U.S. Defense Spending/Debt Ceiling

Re: the June 1 article "Why not cut US defense spending?"

The Daily Star published a column by a foreign affairs expert, Daniel DePertis , which raised a provocative question in light of the recent debt ceiling drama in Congress. Both parties took defense spending off the table. DePertis argues taxpayers and the public interest would be better served if defense spending were subject to scrutiny, too.

Defense is an important and major part of the federal budget. But if the government is to become more fiscally responsible taxpayers deserve a thorough Congressional examination of all expenditures.

I would go further. The deficit must be addressed. Interest on the debt is estimated at $395.5 billion this year.

Those dollars could support important services. Both parties must step up. Both must abandon their political deference to defense spending by making fiscal responsibility bipartisan. And the Democrats must embrace the need to address the deficit, not cede the issue to the Republicans.

Jim Greene

Marana

Jan. 6 questions

So many questions ... Lets set aside the lack of evidence that the January 6th assault on our Capitol was caused by anyone except rabid MAGA supporters who decided that democracy just wasnt working in their favor. People suggesting that the actual problem on January 6th was Antifa make me wonder. Antifa is merely a designation that means Anti Fascist. Do MAGA supporters knowingly choose to support Fascism? Does it really not give MAGA supporters pause that all of their heros friends were authoritarian politicians? And how does a person who inherited millions from their father, still manage to feel like a poorly treated victim at the end of the day? Better yet, how do all those people who did not receive millions from their fathers, enthusiastically follow someone who brags about how wealthy he is, constantly asks for money and fundamentally has no respect for them at all?

Susan Miller-Pinhey

Foothills

Why we are stuck with Biden and Trump

Re: the June 5 article "Three reasons we're stuck with Trump and Biden."

I was amused by Megan Mcardle's editorial. Her gist was we need well informed voters to make thoughtful choices, that's the media's job, and they're doing a terrible job.

Some examples: Governor DeSantis announced his candidacy for Presidency on Twitter. What got reported and was the technical glitches with Twitter. Nothing was reported that would inform voters about his policies. The Twitter glitches will be forgotten by the end of the day.

President Biden takes a spill after a speech to the Air Force Academy. No mention was made of the substance of his speech, or his plans to deal with the rising tensions with China, Russia.

These are recent examples, but the list is endless. They are fed to us by a media with an agenda and that agenda is not to inform voters or raise the level discourse in today's politics.

So the next time some opinion writer scolds us for not being informed voters, take a hard look in the mirror and do your job!

Jay Allen
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  A woman whose leg was amputated in order to free her from the rubble of the partially collapsed building in Davenport, Iowa, filed a lawsuit with her wife Wednesday, accusing the city and the buildings owner for willful and wanton disregard for their safety.

Quanishia Peach Berry and her wife, Lexus, were home in their fourth-floor apartment May 28 when the west side of the building crumbled. Lexus Berry was able to evacuate, but it was hours before rescuers found Peach Berry trapped in the debris and determined they would need to amputate one of her legs to pull her free.

My wife is a very strong person, and I am, too, Lexus Berry said at a news conference Wednesday. All that we want is accountability to be able to have closure and to know why this happened, and to be able to move forward with our lives.

We are survivors, she added.

The couple seeks unspecified damages to compensate for the medical bills, emotional distress and lost wages, according to the filing.

The lawsuit is not the first, and likely not the last, to be filed in the days since the buildings May 28 demise, which left three people dead, many injured and dozens displaced.

City documents, released last week and cited in the lawsuits, suggest concerns were conveyed to the city and property owner Andrew Wold over the course of months.

Tenants also complained to the city in recent years about a host of problems they say were ignored by property managers, including no heat or hot water for weeks or even months at a time, as well as mold and water leakage from ceilings and toilets. While city officials tried to address some complaints and gave vacate orders to individual apartments, a broader evacuation was never ordered, records show.

The owner of this building was aware, the city of Davenport was aware, the engineering companies and construction people were aware. This was a completely preventable tragedy, said attorney Andrew M. Stroth, who is representing Peach and Lexus Berry, in an interview with The Associated Press.

Efforts now have shifted to removing debris and dismantling the structure. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday asked the White House for reimbursement for the response and assistance with the demolition of the remaining structure.

The formal request for an emergency declaration comes more than a week after the partial collapse and two days after Reynolds was on the site of the building to tour the damage and receive a briefing from city officials. The governor issued an emergency proclamation on May 29 to deploy state resources to the response.

Reynolds letter to President Joe Biden asserts that the partial collapse is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capability of the State and the affected local governments. The emergency response is estimated to be at least $5 million, according to the governors request.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

There will be no federal investigation of the collapse. The National Institute of Standards and Technology investigates some building collapses, but only when findings could lead to recommendations that would reduce the risk of future disasters. In this case, the Davenport building is more than 100 years old. An initial evaluation by the agency indicated that any formal investigation would have no impact on future building codes, Jennifer Huergo, a spokeswoman for the agency, said in a written statement.

Huergo stressed that the agency was disturbed and is following the situation.

Davenport officials earlier said they were working to ensure that Wold would be billed for demolition costs. City spokeswoman Sarah Ott didnt immediately respond to a message about those efforts in light of the request for federal funding for demolition and cleanup expenses.

Wold released a statement dated May 30 saying, Our thoughts and prayers are with our tenants. He has made no statement since then, and efforts to reach him, his company and a man believed to be his attorney have been unsuccessful.

This story was originally published June 7, 2023. It was updated June 8, 2023, to make clear that the National Institute of Standards and Technology did an initial evaluation. The agency only does full investigations when results could lead to recommendations that would prevent disasters. In this case, the building is more than 100 years old so an investigation would not impact future building codes. A full investigation is not being done.

Associated Press writers Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa, and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied to recommend clemency on Wednesday for Tulsa County killer Jemaine Cannon.

Cannon is set to die July 20 by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

He was sentenced to the death penalty for the 1995 stabbing death of Sharonda White Clark, who left behind two young children.

The vote was 3-2.

Cannon spoke to the board by teleconference, telling members Clarks death was the result of self-defense after she attacked him with a knife while trying to prevent him from leaving her apartment.

The end result was not intended, he said. It was not a murder.

Yeh-Shen White Hicks, Clarks daughter, asked the board to no longer entertain the foolery and pity that Mr. Cannon and his family have put on for years.

Mercy was never given to my mother when her life was taken from her, she said.

At no point during the 28 years since her mothers death has Cannon expressed remorse, but instead he has cried a river about everything under the sun and moon, Hicks said.

And still today he points the blame at my mother for his actions, she added.

Cannons attorney, Mark Henricksen, said his client dealt with chronic abuse as a child and had ineffective assistance of counsel at his trial.

His defense at the trial could be charitably described as a drive-by defense, Henricksen said.

The defense did not hire a forensic expert to respond to the state and offered zero evidence and exhibits in support of Cannon, Henricksen said.

The defense never took his self defense claim seriously and focused only on his punishment, Henricksen said.

Henricksen said Cannon had been a model prisoner for 27 years, having had only one write up for possessing too many stamps.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said Cannon had a history of abusing women and was a fugitive at the time of the murder.

Former Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris, who prosecuted the case, said it shocked him to learn that Cannon was seeking commutation to time served.

Sharonda Clark can only speak from the grave through the facts and evidence of her murder and only seeks justice as pronounced by a group of Tulsa County citizens empaneled and sworn as a jury, Harris said.

The facts and evidence do not support Cannons claim of self defense, Harris said. He didnt call 911, stay to render medical care or stay to talk to law enforcement, Harris said, adding that Cannon had no defensive wounds.

Harris also said Cannon had a history of violence against women and couldnt control his impulses.

Pardon and Parole Board members voting against recommending clemency to Gov. Kevin Stitt were Richard A. Miller, Richard Smothermon and Cathy Stocker. Members Edward Konieczny and H. Calvin Prince III voted to recommend clemency.



The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Clarification: Gatesway Foundation Chief Operating Officer Elijah Blankenship said during the period of time when the embezzlements occurred that Leslie Mansfield was serving as a state-appointed guardian. Also, Blankenship said Gatesway staff identified the fraudulent activity during a routine audit and reported their findings to authorities. This story has been updated.

A former attorney has admitted to embezzling about $138,000 from trust accounts established for five people with intellectual disabilities.

Leslie Ellen Mansfield, 61, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of bank fraud in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Federal prosecutors alleged in a document filed May 11 that Mansfield embezzled the funds for her personal use while managing the supplemental needs trust accounts of five Gatesway Foundation clients.

The Broken Arrow-based foundation established the accounts with various banks to protect each clients Medicaid and Social Security disability benefits.

Mansfield wrote in her plea that she became acquainted with Gatesway Foundation employees through work with the University of Tulsa School of Law Legal Aid clinic and later as a member of Gatesways Human Rights Committee.

She admitted to embezzling funds from the five clients on numerous occasions from December 2011 through November 2017.

I embezzled the funds from the (supplemental needs trust) accounts by electronic funds transfers to my personal accounts and by writing checks to myself, Mansfield wrote in her plea agreement. I concealed the embezzlements by altering the SNT accounts bank records before I provided them to Gatesway Foundation.

Gatesway Foundation Chief Operating Officer Elijah Blankenship said during the period of time when the embezzlements occurred that Leslie Mansfield was serving as a state-appointed guardian, something that is not facilitated or affiliated with Gatesway Foundation. Also, Blankenship said Gatesway staff identified the fraudulent activity during a routine monthly audit and reported their findings to authorities.

Mansfield was employed at the University of Tulsa as an assistant clinical professor of law from 1999 to 2005, according to Tulsa World archives.

She voluntarily resigned from the Oklahoma Bar Association in 2007, according to the agency.

Mansfield was initially charged in 2018 in state court in connection with the alleged theft of funds. State prosecutors dismissed the charges against Mansfield later the same year.

Todd Tucker, Mansfields attorney, said following the plea hearing that his client was working at a distribution center and dog walking to raise the funds needed to repay the victims.

She is doing everything she can to repay the amount prior to sentencing, Tucker said.

Mansfield will be sentenced following the submission to the court of a presentencing report, which could take six months to a year to complete, Tucker said.

Bank fraud carries a maximum statutory sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $1 million.

Id like to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Vani Singhal, who has worked with us since November 2019 to get this matter worked out, Tucker said. Due to McGirt issues in the federal court, this matter has been delayed, and we are happy that we have now got to go to court and enter a guilty plea and face whatever punishment that (U.S. District Judge Gregory) Frizzell should decide.



The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
A 27-year-old man has admitted to dismembering a Broken Arrow man after beating him to death with a hammer in 2019.

Alex Ray Scott will serve a 45-year federal prison term, under the terms of a plea agreement with prosecutors, which is subject to judicial approval.

Scott, who still faces another murder charge in New York City, admitted Thursday in Tulsa federal court to second-degree murder in Indian Country in connection with the September 2019 murder of Robin Lee Skocdopole, 63.

I struck Skocdopole in the head with a hammer causing him to fall down and then repeatedly struck him in the head with the hammer until he was dead, Scott wrote in his plea agreement with prosecutors.

Scott said he then scattered Skocdopoles remains across Broken Arrow, leaving an arm in a dumpster, his head in a wooded area and other body parts near a creek.

As part of the plea agreement, Scott has agreed to help locate the victims remains.

The plea agreement also calls on federal prosecutors not to charge Scott in connection with a state lewd molestation case brought against him in 2018 in Tulsa County District Court. State prosecutors dropped those charges in 2022 after Scott raised a jurisdictional challenge since he was a member of an American Indian tribe.

Scott was living in Skocdopoles home in the 500 block of Meadowood Drive in south Broken Arrow at the time of Skocdopoles death, according to an affidavit submitted by the FBI.

A relative told the Tulsa World that Skocdopole had been known to rent rooms in his home to boarders.

Skocdopole was last seen alive in August 2019, and his bank account activity ended in mid-September 2019, according to investigators.

Scott then allegedly began telling associates that Skocdopole had abruptly left and moved to Dallas for work, according to the affidavit.

Investigators used DNA to link Skocdopole to human remains found May 26, 2020, in a Broken Arrow creek, according to the affidavit.

Two different saws were used to dismember his body, according to the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.

Investigators were able to use data from a global positioning satellite ankle monitor Scott was wearing at the time of Skocdopoles murder to determine that Scott had frequented a small country road about 2 miles from his residence several times.

Some of Skocdopoles remains were found on the banks of a creek downstream from the country road and bridge that Scott traveled across, according to the affidavit.

The U.S. attorney charged Scott on April 27 with one count of second-degree murder in Indian Country. The case falls under the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt ruling because Scott is a tribal member and the murder occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation.

When charged with Skocdopoles murder, Scott was already facing second-degree murder charges in New York City in connection with the January 2020 stabbing death of Kenneth Savinski, 64.

Scott reportedly walked into a Manhattan police station on Jan. 30, 2020, and confessed to having killed Savinski three days earlier. New York criminal charges against Scott are still pending, according to a spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office there.

After he surrendered to New York authorities, investigators found credit cards belonging to both Savinski and Skocdopole while searching Scott, according to the affidavit and Tulsa World archives.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
City councilors took no action Wednesday to settle a lawsuit filed by a former elementary school art teacher alleging that the city, two police officers and other parties violated her First Amendment rights outside the BOK Center before then-President Donald Trumps 2020 campaign rally.

The federal lawsuit, filed by Sheila Buck, 65, alleges that she was arrested and then removed from a cordoned-off area outside the arena by Tulsa police officers at the direction of the Trump campaign because she was wearing a T-shirt with the words I Cant Breathe on the front.

Buck, who had a ticket to the rally, was taken to the Tulsa County jail, where she was booked on a complaint of obstructing a police officer.

Last month, a Tulsa County judge threw out the misdemeanor charge against Buck.

Councilors met in executive session for about 45 minutes to consider a possible settlement of $1 million or more but adjourned without voting on the proposed settlement.

We need a lot more time to gather information, City Council Chairwoman Crista Patrick said after the meeting.

Councilors are scheduled to hold a special meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the issue further.

Buck first filed her lawsuit July 1, 2021, in state court. The lawsuit was amended after the case was transferred to Tulsa federal court on July 20, 2021.

In her civil rights lawsuit, Buck named multiple defendants, including two Tulsa police officers who were involved in her arrest, the city of Tulsa, two unnamed Secret Service agents and the Trump campaign.

City officials argued that the Trump campaign was exempt from the citys permitting requirement  which would have allowed the campaign to limit access to the event  citing an ordinance that exempted activities conducted by a governmental agency.

But U.S. District Judge Claire Eagan noted in an April 2022 ruling that the Trump campaign was not a government agency and that the political rally was not a presidential event.

Eagan also rejected the citys claim that the cordoned-off area of Denver Avenue constituted restricted grounds where the president is protected by the Secret Service.

The Court is highly skeptical that a political campaign rally is an event of national significance  a rally for one particular political candidate stands in stark contrast to widely-recognized events of national significance, such as Inauguration Day or events commemorating federal holidays such as Veterans Day, Independence Day and so forth, Eagan wrote.

Eagan also ruled that Secret Service agents cannot be sued under pertinent federal civil rights legislation because the legislation dealt with people acting under color of state law, adding that no set of facts could plausibly establish that the Secret Service agents were acting under color of state law.

Eagan also dismissed Trumps reelection campaign organization and one of its employees from the lawsuit in her April 2022 ruling.

Curtis Killman contributed to this story.

<&rule>







The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The MidAmerica Industrial Park is set to get $145 million in improvements as state leaders try to entice Panasonic to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Pryor.

In response to a request from Panasonic, lawmakers appropriated $145 million for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to fund site improvements and facility upgrades at the industrial park.

But its unclear whether that funding, in addition to $698 million in state incentives being offered to Panasonic, will be enough to seal the economic development deal.

Panasonic spokesman Tehani Manochio said last week that the company hadnt made a final decision on whether to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Pryor.

Panasonic is always exploring growth opportunities and evaluating ways to strengthen our business and advance the EV industry in the United States, Manochio said in a statement. To that end, Panasonic has entered into an agreement with the State of Oklahoma that defines the eligibility and terms of the incentives under Oklahomas LEAD Act, but there are no other specific decisions that have been made by the Company.

A company official signed an agreement with the state in April to pursue $698 million in Large-scale Economic Activity and Development Act incentives, for which Panasonic could qualify if it invests $3.6 billion in the manufacturing facility and creates 3,500 new jobs within four years. But that contract says the Panasonic Holdings Corp. board has until Dec. 31, 2024, to approve construction of the battery plant in Pryor.

The company requested $245 million worth of site improvements at the industrial park, but the Legislature funded only a portion of that request through House Bill 1038x. That bill became law last week absent action from Gov. Kevin Stitt.

In late May, Stitt said he was optimistic that the Panasonic deal would come together.

I believe were going to be able to land that project, he said.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Commerce declined to detail the specific site work requested by Panasonic.

Preparing the industrial park for a 5 million-square-foot facility will take about 15 months. The $145 million in funding will help cover road and safety improvements to ensure that the MidAmerica Industrial Park can support the traffic that will come with operating such a massive facility, Stitt said.

Its like building a mini city, he said.

Some of the infrastructure improvements could benefit the 80 other companies that already have operations within the park.

Making the industrial park improvements arent guaranteed to seal the Panasonic deal, House Appropriations and Budget Committee Chairman Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, said on the House floor on May 24.

But if the Japanese technology company decides against building in Pryor, then the investments in the park could help the state attract another mega-manufacturing project to that site, he said.

For now, though, its a bit of a waiting game.

Time will tell if that (investment) truly pans out and they come, Wallace said of Panasonic.



The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Correction: This story originally misstated the date by which the Oklahoma Legislatures special session is scheduled to adjourn. The story has been corrected.

The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture  OKPOP  needs to be finished, Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said this week.

Whether it gets the $18 million in matching funds budgeted for the coming fiscal year but not yet authorized remains to be seen.

As things stand now, the special session convened in mid-May will automatically adjourn on June 30 but the goal for House leadership has been to finish by Monday.

The plan was to come back (Monday) and reconvene to consider overrides and the bills that werent taken up, McCall said earlier this week. If we come back in, it will be on Monday. Were waiting on confirmation from the Senate.

A spokesman for Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said Wednesday that his chamber wants to come back Monday but only to override Gov. Kevin Stitts vetoes of two bills extending tribal tobacco, motor fuel and motor vehicle registration compacts.

We anticipate the special session to be limited to the two bills concerning the tribal compacts, said Alex Gerszewski. Those two measures have the biggest impact on the state budget for the new fiscal year beginning July 1.

Any other bills likely wont be up for consideration in the Senate at this time. We are still discussing a potential return date with the caucus to take up these measures.

Only business left from the special session that convened concurrently with the regular session on May 17 can be considered if the Legislature meets on Monday. That includes a handful of budget bills that were not passed in May, among them Senate Bill 22x, which authorizes spending the $18 million for OKPOP once an equal amount is raised from other sources.

The bill passed the Senate but was not taken up by the House.

At the end of the day, weve got to find a way to finish it out, said McCall. When you start something, you have to finish it out.

The House also left on the table bills restoring the oversight duties of the Tourism Commission and transferring $12.5 million from the Department of Mental Health to a County Community Safety Investment Fund for mental health and addiction treatment under the terms of State Question of 781.

McCall said SB 22x, along with the two other bills, got caught in the crossfire when the Senate voted down two House bills, one of which would have resulted in substantial pay increases for statewide elected officials. The other would have created a judicial evaluation system.

McCall said whether the Senate decides to pull those up for reconsideration and pass them will have a lot to do with whether we hear any more bills in the House.

If they say no to both, were not coming in on Monday, he said.

With the Senate apparently saying yes to one and no to the other, the situation remains unclear.

The vetoed bills are a priority because of the concern that Stitt will allow the compacts to lapse at the end of the year, creating more ill will with the tribes, a likely disruption to state revenue for the budget year that begins July 1, and a legal confrontation.

Aside from the issue of how to divide revenue from tribal taxes and fees, some have raised the question of whether the U.S. Supreme Courts 2020 McGirt decision could be interpreted in such a way as to allow the states largest tribes to assert taxing authority over roughly half the state.

<&rule>







The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.(tncms-asset)83950bb9-d5df-5053-99d9-dab09ad645b0[0](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)38cd9c36-78a7-5470-804b-a0af824838c4[1](/tncms-asset)

Throwback Tulsa: Bill signed for Tulsa to get pop culture museum on May 29, 2015 October 2019 video: Taylor Hanson's speech at the OKPOP Groundbreaking OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history OKPOP history Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES
Someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. There are over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2020. This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.

These statistics from Alzheimers Disease International are sobering, but few of us think much about how we can reduce our risk. A recent study shows that being socially active in mid to late life can cut the risk of dementia by as much as 30 to 50 percent.

Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss what can be done both with public policy and in our own lives to attempt to thwart this costly disease.

About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Editorials Editor Follow Ginnie Graham Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Oklahoma state employees learned that their retirement plans will take a $9.7 million hit due to a state law passed last year banning the state from investing in companies perceived to be adversarial to the fossil fuel industry.

The federal government put a hold on a $4.5 million family planning grant to the state because Oklahoma laws may not allow women to know all their reproductive options, including that Kansas is the nearest state for abortion services.

A lawsuit is coming against the Oklahoma Virtual Charter School Board, which willingly ignored the Oklahoma Constitution, the state charter school law and the nations laws by approving a Catholic Church request to pay for its new religious school. One new board member who cast a vote may not have been eligible to do so.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond advised against approval, saying the fallout will be costly for Oklahoma.

The approval is meant to provide a test case, meaning Oklahoma gets to be someone elses guinea pig in a lawsuit.

Last summer, a development officer with the Tulsa Regional Chamber told Tulsa city councilors that the states anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion laws and rhetoric are making it harder to recruit businesses to the state.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters accused public schools of distributing pornography and indoctrinating children, called teachers unions terrorists and released a propaganda-laced video using racist tropes, all of which contribute to the states already severe educator shortage. His firing of workers for sharing memos, which are open records, has drawn lawsuits.

The state needs at least 4,100 more certified teachers. Feeling respected by the states top education official and other state leaders would help in recruitment.

Oklahomas new culture wars are just starting, and theyre going to get expensive.

Frustratingly, these divisive public policies arent originating from Oklahomans but rather are imported from national ideologues who are hellbent on creating their version of a utopia in their likeness.

The culture wars dont reflect actual challenges facing Oklahomans. They dont embrace the states diversity. They dont improve anything.

Culture wars have been around for decades. Nothing is new in the age-old struggle for dominance over ideas. But recent years have seen it ramped it up and brought it into public governance.

Floridas Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, became a presidential hopeful after his masterful use of a complacent supermajority Legislature to push his political dogma, creating a model for right-wing conservatives. He picked on Disney for supporting LGBTQ+ people, feuded with the College Board over the content of its AP African American studies course, restricted discussion of race, gender or sexuality in schools, and popularized the overuse of the word woke.

As of December, his moral crusades have cost Florida taxpayers at least $17 million in attorney and legal costs, according to a Miami Herald investigation. That number is rising.

Texas instituted laws on Sept. 1, 2021, forbidding municipalities from contracting with banks that restrict funding of firearms companies or the oil and gas industry through ESG  environmental, social and governance  policies. In the first eight months, Texans paid between $300 million and $500 million more in interest on government bonds.

In January, a study published by the nonprofit Sunrise Project found that such anti-ESG laws in the the 18 states, including Oklahoma, that have enacted them could cost taxpayers more than $708 million. Oklahomas share of that is estimated to be at least $49 million.

Typically, boycotts launched by activists played out as individuals or organizations tried to change a system or business. The most famous was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.-led Birmingham bus boycott, which successfully challenged racial segregation.

Now more elected leaders and people in power are turning boycotts into public policies.

Lawmakers enjoying supermajorities are using their power over taxes and laws to codify their political leanings and in some cases their financial interests. Its a hammer the majority uses to beat down those with different ideas, opinions and ways of life.

The only people benefiting are attorneys, who happily prosper in a litigation-based society.

Oklahoma cannot afford to go down this road. The states population and gross domestic product ($191 billion) are significantly less than other red states that are taking a chance with these cultural battles. The state has three Fortune 500 companies, compared to 17 in Florida and 55 in Texas.

A bigger population provides a broader well of resources to push wedge issues. Oklahoma topped 4 million residents last year, but thats small compared to Floridas 22 million or the 30 million in Texas.

When Texas ($1.9 trillion GPD) or Florida ($1 trillion GDP) loses out on recruiting a major company or adds millions to its bond or investment costs, it can survive. For Oklahoma, that can be a major setback.

Oklahoma operates on a slimmer margin, and missteps have bigger consequences.

Thats just the financial bill; there is also a human toll.

Recently, Oklahoma parents of transgender children have been on social media  usually only within their close network  raising money and making plans to get health care out of state. If a bill had passed that would have prosecuted parents for obtaining such care, that would have forced them to move away from Oklahoma.

Those who dont care for these families and want them gone are cruel and dangerous. Our laws shouldnt harm people.

Yet some wedge issues are costing lives.

Gun safety has only worsened as the number of firearms grows. Guns are the No. 1 killer of U.S. children, and the regularity of mass shootings is a national and international embarrassment. Nothing changes.

Consensus shows Americans want and need more access to mental health care. But extremists have taken aim at social-emotional learning, which gets at the heart of healthy mental health development. People in mental health distress still get their hands on firearms.

Abortion positions, for and against, are a political litmus test. But some anti-abortion laws may be putting pregnant women and rape victims into deadly situations.

Even vaccines are politicized, not just those for COVID-19 but of generations-old inoculations that have all but eradicated diseases such as polio, measles, rubella and whooping cough. Lawmakers are making it easier to ignore immunizations.

A states actions  budget priorities, laws, policies  reflect upon its residents. Those who do not live here will make judgments based on words our leaders say and the decisions they make.

As a lifelong Oklahoman with five generations of roots here, I know this state has unique selling points. Tulsa and Oklahoma City have transformed themselves into dynamic cities with distinctive personalities. Rural areas have vast natural resources and playgrounds.

All of that can quickly be undermined by battles waged by ideologues who are more interested in a national profile than local progress. Oklahoma cannot afford a culture war.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
(Photo : Elijah NOUVELAGE / AFP) (ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

A Virginia shootings killed at least two people, a father and son, and injured at least five others after a high school graduation ceremony.

Virginia shooting killed at least two people and injured at least five others on the campus of the Virginia Commonwealth University

The fatal victims were identified as 18-year-old Shawn Jackson and 36-year-old Renzo Smith

Two people were initially taken into custody, one of which was a 19-year-old male suspect, while the second was believed to be uninvolved

A Virginia shooting resulted in the death of at least two people, a father, and son, and the injury of five others following a high school graduation ceremony on Tuesday on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.

In a statement, Tameeka Jackson-Smith said that the two fatal victims were her husband, 36-year-old Renzo Smith, and her son, 18-year-old Shawn Jackson. A local organization, the United Communities Against Crime, also shared the identities of the fatally shot father and son on behalf of their family.

Virginia Shooting After Graduation Ceremony

Law enforcement authorities took into custody two people, one of whom is a 19-year-old male suspect in the crime. During a news conference, Richmond's interim police chief, Rick Edwards, said the second person taken into custody was not involved in the incident, as per Yahoo News.

Police have not publicly identified the suspect, who now faces two counts of second-degree murder, said Edwards. Furthermore, he added that authorities believe the 19-year-old knew at least one of the victims he killed.

Edwards noted that Smith was found to be in attendance at the ceremony to watch his son graduate. However, police authorities have not yet publicly revealed the names of the other victims in the crime, which were all male and whose ages ranged from 14 to 58.

One of the victims was a 31-year-old male who needed to be treated for life-threatening injuries following the incident. The other four injured had wounds that were not considered life-threatening, said police.

Read Also: Southern California School District Votes To Recognize Pride Month, Prompts Protests

Apprehension of a Suspect

The shooting outside the Altria Theater in Richmond prompted hundreds of people to run for their lives, many of whom were wearing graduation gowns. According to BBC, Edwards said that the scene was "obviously chaos" and added that people were scattered.

Police authorities added that a nine-year-old girl "related to the family" was struck by a moving car during the chaotic situation. Officials quickly took the child to a hospital so that she could be treated for minor injuries that she sustained.

Officials later identified the suspect as Omari Pollard, who was arraigned in court and noted that he committed the crime based on an ongoing dispute. When police apprehended the gunman, law enforcement personnel did not fire their weapons, and they could recover several guns from the scene.

In a statement during a news conference, Mayor Levar Stoney said that they would do everything they could to bring the individuals involved in the murders to justice. The Richmond Police Department later announced that there was no longer an active threat to the community following the apprehension of the 19-year-old suspect, said USA Today.

Related Article: [Timeline] Natalee Holloway's Disappearance, Joran Van Der Sloot's Extradition

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Statewide Virtual Charter School Board was wrong to approve giving public funds to the Catholic Church for a new religious school. It violates the state constitution, the states charter school law and national laws.

The application to create the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School using tax money is not about school choice. It is intended to be a test case to challenge the separation between church and state.

The applicants know this will attract a lengthy court battle; thats the point. The 3-2 vote makes Oklahoma a pawn in a national movement that will cost millions in tax dollars for legal fees.

If this stands, it holds potential to force governments to pay for other religious services and programs; that includes all faiths and pseudo-faiths.

The day of vote, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law Senate Bill 516 that will eliminate the current state virtual charter board, replacing it with the Statewide Charter School Board.

Language defining charter schools did not change, stating they must be nonsectarian in its programs, policies, employment practices and all other operations and not affiliated with a nonpublic sectarian school or religious institution.

Lawmakers should have used the opportunity to try to change the law through SB 516. In addition, the Oklahoma Constitution states that the Legislature must establish and maintain a system of free public schools, which it says must be free from sectarian control.

Oklahomans voted (58%) in November 2016 against amending the constitution to allow public money to be spent for religious purposes; showing again this is not a cause originating in our state.

The Oklahoma City and Tulsa Catholic dioceses, which do not pay taxes, want tax income to teach Catholicism along with academic subjects.

While Catholic schools in Oklahoma have fared well as options for Catholic and non-Catholic students, they operate with private funds outside state requirements and laws of public schools.

Churches and other faith organizations wanting to start or expand religious programs, they are free to do so. Taxpayers are not  and ought not be  obligated to contribute.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned against approval, pointing out its unconstitutionality and calling it a slippery slope. The board members should have listened to break the cycle of Oklahomas history of passing unconstitutional laws.

A complication has emerged. A story from Tulsa World reporter Andrea Eger states that a letter issued before the Monday meeting from Drummonds office indicates that newly appointed board member Brian Bobek was not eligible to vote. Bobek was among the three who voted in favor.

Supporters point to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that said Maine could not discriminate against religious private schools in its voucher program. It offered funds to private schools in rural areas without a public school option.

That is not the circumstance in Oklahoma, which has more than 500 public school districts across the state.

About 95% of Oklahoma students attend a public school. Making public schools stronger is the better use of the states time and resources, not fighting some ideological cause for an out-of-state interest.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Several enterprises in the northern region of Vietnam have decried repeated power outages after a region-wide electricity cut paralyzed their production activities.

A representative of state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) said that power would be cut in the region by up to 30 percent.

According to a representative of an apparel firm active in Viet Hung Industrial Park in Ha Long City under Quang Ninh Province, the firms production was in a turmoil due to unstable power supply.

Power outages have forced the company to constantly run its own generators, leading to a surge in production costs, the representative said, adding that the firm might halt operations if the blackout continues.

Due to global economic difficulties, we have adopted various measures to secure orders to maintain work for over 1,000 employees, but massive power outages have prompted us to use generators, said the representative.

However, it is hard to lengthen the situation, the representative added.

Facing the same fate, the leader of a shipbuilding company located in Tien Lang District in Hai Phong City said that the firm found it tough to maintain production due to continuous power outages.

The firm has told its workers to work night shifts to ensure production progress, said the leader.

Le Trung Kien, head of the management board of the Hai Phong City economic zone, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that rotational power outages had taken a heavy toll on firms production and workers.

The leader of the Hai Phong City administration is set to work with EVN to seek solutions for creating an adequate power supply to stabilize production and business operations, Kien said.

An unstable power supply would discourage investors."

Speaking at a press briefing held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation, Ngo Son Hai, deputy general director of EVN, said that available power supply to the northern region was 17,000 megawatts.

However, the region is expected to need 20,000 megawatts of electricity during the hot weather.

As such, the electricity firm will cut power consumption by 6-10 percent each day, and lower the supply to the northern region by up to 30 percent on the hottest days.

According to a representative of Quang Ninh Power Company, the severe shortage of power forced the company to reduce power supply as requested by the northern load dispatch center to guarantee the safety of the national power grid.

Similarly, Hai Phong Power Company said that the northern load dispatch center allocated an average 775  1,001 megawatts of power to Hai Phong City. The shortage of power amounts to some 500  600 megawatts.

A load dispatcher of Quang Ninh Power Company monitors power transmission. Photo: H. Nga / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Vietnam's construction ministry has raised two reasons for the non-disbursement of the credit package of VND120 trillion (US$5.14 billion) launched by the government about two months ago for developing projects to build social housing and homes for workers, and upgrade deteriorated apartment buildings.

In a recent report to the prime minister in relation to the credit package, the ministry said around 100 projects for building social houses and homes for workers have been licensed for construction but local authorities have yet to publicly announce lists of specific projects.

Therefore, banks related to this package have not been able to provide loans for investors and buyers in such projects, the ministry said.

The second reason that blocked the disbursement of the package is that most of these projects have yet to be ready for implementation as they remain in the completion stage for investment procedures.

Earlier, at a recent conference on building one million social houses in the 2021-30 period, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh said a number of local construction departments were asked to submit official lists of projects eligible to benefit from the credit package to local administrations for approval and posting on the local portals.

Binh Dinh Province has set up six projects at a cost of about VND5,345 billion ($228.8 million) and needs a total loan of VND1,832 billion ($78.3 million).

Phu Tho Province needs to lend VND441 billion ($18.8 million) to three projects valued at VND818 billion ($35 million).

Da Nang City has reported three projects worth VND2,046 billion ($87.6 million) and requires a loan of VND545.6 billion ($23.3 million).

Bac Giang needs to borrow VND4,527.6 billion ($193.5 million) for two projects worth VND6,164 billion ($263.8 million).

Tra Vinh has prepared two projects totaling VND1,492 billion ($63.8 million) and wants a loan of VND420 billion ($18 million).

To date, 41 social housing projects in urban areas of many localities have been completed, providing 19,516 units, according to the ministry.

Currently, 294 other social housing projects are being deployed and expected to provide more than 288,000 houses upon completion, the ministry added.

These projects are aimed at offering accommodation to workers in industrial parks and social houses to low-income people in urban areas.

In early April, the Vietnamese government assigned the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to deploy this credit package, which is part of the governments solutions to develop social housing, helping boost the safe, healthy, and sustainable development of the real estate market.

The SBV has been asked to direct commercial banks, mainly four state-owned banks  the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank), the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank), and the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank)  to offer loans with interest 1.5-2 percentage points lower than average lending rates.

The loans will be provided for investors and buyers of social housing, houses for workers, and old apartment rebuilding projects.

The SBV was also assigned to coordinate with the construction ministry and other relevant ministries and agencies to establish the criteria for eligible projects and beneficiaries of the credit package.

According to the ministry, the credit package can meet some 12 percent of the needed capital for one million social houses and homes for workers in the 2021-30 period.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Ministry of Transport is seeking the prime ministers nod to concurrently break ground on four expressway projects in southern Vietnam, namely Beltway No. 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot, Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, and Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang, on June 18.

The ministry said in a report sent to the prime minister that the localities in charge of the development of these road projects had suggested different dates, ranging from June 17 to 30, and different locations to break ground on them.

To ensure the groundbreaking ceremonies take place in a formal and cost-efficient manner, the ministry proposed that they should be held on June 18 in a hybrid format in four locations.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the municipal administration would host the ceremony to start work on Beltway No. 3, with the participation of three neighboring provinces Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Long An, through which the beltway will pass.

The ministry would hold the groundbreaking ceremony of the Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot expressway project in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.

This route will link the upland province with south-central Khanh Hoa Province.

In southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, the provincial authorities would be responsible for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau expressway project, which will connect the province with neighboring Dong Nai Province.

Regarding the Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang route, the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang will host the ceremony, in coordination with relevant localities, including An Giang, Hau Giang, and Can Tho.

The transport ministry proposed that the prime minister attend the groundbreaking ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City, while deputy prime ministers would chair the ceremonies in the remaining three locations.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
OTTAWA - Firefighters battled hundreds of forest blazes on Wednesday as Canada's worst-ever early season wildfires prompted the evacuation of thousands and a blanket of smoky air wafting over U.S. cities.

There are fires in nearly all of Canada's provinces and territories, with the eastern province of Quebec among the worst affected. The province, Canada's second-most populous, has suffered four times its 10-year average of wildfires so far this year.

"Right now, with the manpower we have, we can fight about 40 fires at the same time. But we have 150 fires so we have to make sure that we focus where the problems are the more urgent," Quebec premier Francois Legault told reporters.

South of the border, more than a dozen U.S. states were under air-quality alerts on Wednesday as smoke from the wildfires wafted south, casting a dull gray pallor over the skyline of New York and other big cities.

Smoke from wildfires in Canada blankets the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the National Mall in Washington, U.S., June 7, 2023. Photo: Reuters

About 520 firefighters were battling the blazes with another 150 due to join soon from the army, Legault said. He said he hoped 500 more would arrive in the next few days from the neighboring province of New Brunswick as well as France, the United States, Portugal, Spain, and Mexico.

Residents of the towns of Chibougamau and Ouje-Bougoumou in northern Quebec received evacuation orders Tuesday night, becoming the latest group of people in the province to evacuate homes after thousands were forced out last week.

Around 11,400 people have been evacuated so far from remote parts of northern Quebec and another 4,000 will be evacuated soon, Legault said. With not enough rain in the forecast for Quebec until next week, people should not expect to return home in the next few days, he added.

An unusually early and intense start to wildfire season has set Canada on track for its worst-ever year of fire destruction as warm and dry conditions are expected to persist for months.

In neighboring Ontario province, Canada's most populous, deteriorating air quality has been forecast this week in cities including Ottawa and Toronto due to smoke plumes.

Wildfires are common in Canada's western provinces, but this year flames have mushroomed rapidly in the country's east.

About 3.3 million hectares have already burned - some 13 times the 10-year average - and more than 120,000 people have been at least temporarily forced out of their homes.
Pham Thu Hang, deputy head of the Press Information Department and deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been promoted to acting head of the department and official spokesperson of the ministry.

The ministry organized a ceremony to hand over the promotion decision to the new spokesperson on Thursday.

As per the decision, Hang becomes the fifth female spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her predecessor is Le Thi Thu Hang, who serves as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Acting head Pham Thu Hang has worked for the Press Information Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years.

She has held multiple posts and has many years of experience in working with local and international press agents.

Between 2017 and 2020, Pham Thu Hang also served as political counselor for the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States.

Four previous female spokespersons of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs include Ho The Lan, spouse of former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan; Phan Thuy Thanh; Nguyen Phuong Nga, who is holding the post of chairwoman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; and Le Thi Thu Hang.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A newborn baby was found abandoned, wearing no clothes and with red cheeks due to sunburn on Tuesday afternoon in Thai Binh Province, northern Vietnam, according to a local official.

Lai Tri Hoc, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Dong La Commune in Dong Hung District, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday that the local administration issued a notice looking for relatives of the one-day-old infant whose umbilical cord had yet to be removed.

A local resident found the abandoned baby girl in a plastic bag placed near a power pole in the area and reported the situation to authorities.

The baby was rushed to a nearby medical station for a health check-up, Hoc elaborated.

According to the health check-up results, the 3.3-kilogram infant was sunburnt and had spent significant time in the hot sun without clothing.

She is receiving medical care at the facility while authorities are looking for her relatives.

If no relatives step forward, authorities will take action in accordance with regulations, Hoc added.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.

-- Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien on Wednesday received Director of the U.S. Defence Prisoners of War/Missing In Action ((POW/MIA) Accounting Agency Kelly K. Mc Keague, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Business

-- Work on four expressway projects, namely Beltway No. 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot, Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang, is expected to begin concurrently on June 18, according to the Ministry of Transports proposal recently sent to the prime minister.

-- Thuduc Housing Development Corporation in Ho Chi Minh City could undergo a leadership shakeup again as its board chairman Nguyen Huy Hoang has tendered his resignation after one year of assuming the post.

-- Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on Wednesday approved a master plan on the development of Vietnams airport system in the 2021-30 period, with a vision toward 2050.

Society

-- A newborn baby was found abandoned in a plastic bag placed near a power pole, with no clothes and her cheeks turning red due to sunburn amid the scorching hot weather on Tuesday afternoon in northern Thai Binh Province, confirmed a local official.

-- Vehicles are banned from entering a Pham Ngoc Thach Street section in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, which starts from Le Duan Boulevard to Nguyen Van Chiem Street, from 0:00 on Friday to 0:00 on Sunday to serve the launching ceremony of the citys summer volunteer campaign, said the municipal transport authority.

World news

-- Schools across the U.S. East Coast canceled outdoor activities, commercial airline traffic was slowed, and millions of Americans were urged to stay indoors on Wednesday as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted south, blanketing cities in a thick yellowish haze, Reuters reported.

-- Ukrainians abandoned inundated homes on Wednesday as floods crested across the south after the destruction of a huge hydroelectric dam on front lines between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with their presidents trading blame for the disaster, according to Reuters.

 Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Several sections of the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway, which connects Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue Provinces in central Vietnam, are undulating despite having opened just six months ago on December 31.

Several stretches of the 100-kilomter-long road have become wavy. Most of these undulating sections span 10 to 300 meters.

The expressway section running through Cam Hieu Commune in Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province seems to be most affected.

Each 'wave' measures 3-5 centimeters in height and affects both lanes. A similar situation seems to be taking place in the section in Phong Dien District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.

The undulated expressway. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Due to the situation, drivers often change lanes in order to travel the expressway. Pieces of damaged truck tires also liter the road.

Nguyen Mau Tai, a long-haul driver, said he was surprised at the undulation because the expressway had only recently opened to traffic.

Expressways are designed to allow vehicles of all sizes to move fast. It is extremely dangerous if the roadway isnt even, Tai said.

At slow speeds things might be okay, but accidents can happen when vehicles reach 80 kilometers per hour."

The bumpy road surface along the expressway. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

The Cam Lo-La Son Expressway is 98.3 kilometers long and runs from Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province to Phu Loc District, Thua Thien-Hue Province where it meets up with the La Son-Tuy Loan expressway project.

The section in Quang Tri is 37.3 kilometers long, while the section in Thua Thien-Hue is 61 kilometers.

It is a sub-project of the North-South Expressway in the 2017-20 period.

The expressway has two lanes measuring a combined 12 meters wide and four lanes measuring a combined 23 meters wide in some sections.

The expressway cost nearly VND7.7 trillion (US$330.4 million).

The most uneven section is in Cam Hieu Commune, Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

The traffic safety board of Thua Thien-Hue Province has banned trucks weighing over 10 metric tons from traveling on the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway from Wednesday while it is under repair.

The restriction is meant to last until July 7.

The management board of the Ho Chi Minh Highway Project will place notification signs at the intersections of the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway with National Highway 1A, National Highway 9, and provincial road 14B.

Traffic police officers and traffic inspectors of Thua Thien-Hue Province will also support in the regulation of vehicles at the point leading to the Cam Lo-La Son Expressway.

Many damaged parts from truck tires are seen on the expressway. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

An expressway section needs to be repaired six months after opening to traffic. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A family in Thai Nguyen Province, northern Vietnam on Wednesday voluntarily handed over six tigers they had kept in captivity for nearly 20 years to the Hanoi Wild Animal Rescue Center in Hanoi.

The Thai Nguyen Department of Forest Protection and its subordinate in Thai Nguyen City of the namesake province coordinated with the Hanoi Department of Forest Protection and the Hanoi Wild Animal Rescue Center received the six tigers from the family of Nguyen Khac Thuong, residing in Thinh Dan Commune, Thai Nguyen City.

The six tigers would be sent to the Hanoi Wild Animal Rescue Center for further care.

The prime minister on April 4, 2007 gave his nod to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments proposal to assign tigers illegally kept in captivity to households allowed to pilot the raising of tigers for preservation after detecting unlawful tiger raising establishments in southern Binh Duong Province.

The authorities in Thai Nguyen in 2007 also detected Thuongs illegal captive tiger facility and fined his family.

The province later asked the family to continue raising the tigers.

"I've raised these tigers for nearly 20 years and love them a lot," Thuong said.

"However, due to my current health and economic problems, I decided to transfer them to the local authorities in the hope that they will receive good care.

Rescuers anaesthetize and put the tigers on a vehicle for transport to the Hanoi Wild Animal Rescue Center in Hanoi. Photo: N.Thang / Tuoi Tre

Four tigers were transported to Soc Son District, Hanoi at 1:30 pm on Wednesday.

The Hanoi Wild Animal Rescue Center was employing measures to take the two remaining tigers to vehicles and expected to finish the transport on Thursday.

With these six tigers, the center will be home to a total of 41 tigers.

Tigers are a rare and endangered species of wildlife receiving the highest level of protection," said Luong Xuan Hong, director of the Hanoi Wild Animal Rescue Center.

In order to rear tigers for education or conservation purposes, it is imperative to ensure appropriate expertise, infrastructure, techniques, veterinary care, and animal welfare measures.

In nature, tigers typically move within a radius of 20-30 kilometers. The captivity of tigers may result in the loss of their natural habitats and violate the law.

Registered private facilities across Vietnam have kept more than 300 tigers in captivity as of April this year, an almost six-fold increase over the figure documented in 2007, at over 50 individuals, according to the Education for Nature  Vietnam.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
NATO countries are considering sending their troops to Ukraine, according to the former secretary general of the Alliance, Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

NATO Countries Likely to Send Troops to Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine continues, NATO countries are increasingly considering sending troops to the country, the Independent UK reports. None other than former NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen warned on Tuesday that NATO members may be forced to send troops to Ukraine if Russia continues its aggression.

The ex-Alliance Chief warns, "If Nato cannot agree on a clear path forward for Ukraine, there is a clear possibility that some countries individually might take action." He emphasized that Poland is highly engaged in extending a helping hand to Ukraine.

And as such, Rasmussen says that he "[would not] exclude the possibility that Poland would engage even stronger in this context on a national basis." He further warned that it could "be followed by the Baltic states, maybe including the possibility of troops on the ground."

On top of that, the former NATO chief also stated that Ukraine seeking military assistance from these countries is legal.

The Guardian notes that the ex-NATO secretary-general now sits as the official adviser of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rasmussen has been touring various countries in Europe and in the US to understand how other leaders feel before the upcoming summit this July 11.

The recent remarks of the former NATO chief come shortly after the current secretary general Jen Stoltenberg announced that the alliance is only giving full-fledged security guarantees to full members, leaving Ukraine behind.

Some NATO member countries have long been resisting the entry of Ukraine into the alliance out of fear of igniting a potential war against Moscow.

Read Also: US Biggest Aircraft Arrives in NATO-Member Norway To Join Drills, Russia Fumes

NATO Ukrainian Membership

The decision of whether or not to send troops to Ukraine is a complex one. NATO leaders must weigh the risks and benefits of such a move. On the one hand, sending troops to Ukraine could help to deter Russia from further aggression. On the other hand, it could also lead to a wider conflict between NATO and Russia.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told other European leaders that Ukraine rightfully belongs to NATO.

But as per a report by Aljazeera, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy continues to woo NATO and EU members for military alliance amid the Russian invasion. However, the member countries are still divided by his call.

Zelenskyy says that every country bordering Russia, which includes Ukraine, should be part of NATO. He further notes that Moscow "tries to swallow only those outside of the common security type."

Countries such as Luxembourg and Germany have long been pointing out the risks that come with letting Ukraine join the military alliance.

The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says NATO "cannot talk about accepting new members [who are] in the midst of a war."

Despite that, Zelenskyy is still appealing to dozens of European leaders.

Related Article: Massive US Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Oslo for NATO Exercises as Tensions Rise

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Police in Hanoi have arrested four suspects and seized more than 62kg of synthetic drugs, cracking down on a ring that smuggled drugs disguised as food and home appliances from European countries into Vietnam.

The kingpin, 27-year-old Hoang Tien Dung, hailing from northern Hung Yen Province, was arrested during a coordination between the police of Hanoi and their colleagues in Hung Yen from May 4 to 7.

To create a screen to hide his illegal drug smuggling, Dung set up an agency providing purified water and a night eatery in Hung Yen but used these facilities as the places to receive and deliver drugs, Hanoi police reported on Tuesday.

Also detained with Dung were his two accomplices, Tran Van Tuan, 19, and Dao Ngoc Long, 35, both from Hung Yen.

Tuan directly aided Dung in the illegal sale of smuggled drugs in Vietnam while Long acted as a middleman for Dung to deal with a suspect living abroad to buy drugs from European countries.

Earlier on March 23, Hanoi police in coordination with the city's customs department seized a package containing about 40kg of synthetic drugs sent from the Netherlands to Hanois Noi Bai International Airport.

This parcel showed the recipient name as Hoang Tien Phat of Hanoi but police officers later determined the real consignee to be Hoang Tien Dung, according to VTC News.

An investigation was then launched and about a month later, Hanoi airport customs discovered a shipment sent in from Czechia in which drugs were hidden in 10 cartons of beers and one computer set.

The name of the consignee on papers of this shipment was Nguyen Chien Thang of Hanoi, but local police later determined Dung was likely the real recipient.

The investigation was expanded and a task force in Hung Yen arrested Dungs wife, Le Thi Huyen, 25, on May 4, after seizing nearly 20kg of synthetic drugs stashed in empty beer cans and coffee machines in the provinces Van Giang District.

From Huyens testimonies and other evidence, police officers arrested Dung, Tuan, and Ngoc.

On searching Dungs night eatery, police seized 0.13 grams of synthetic drugs and many tools for drug use.

All the ring members plead guilty of smuggling drugs from Europe into Vietnam, with a total of more than 62kg of synthetic drugs.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
UK actress Bonnie Langford will reprise her role as Melanie Bush as she returns to Doctor Who, this time starring alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who plays the Fifteenth Doctor in the new series.

She first entered the world of Doctor Who in 1986 as the companion to the Sixth and Seventh Doctors played by Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy, before returning in a cameo role in Jodie Whittakers final episode as the Thirteenth Doctor.

Langford said: I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back. To be part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T. Davies is a career highlight. Im so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be included in the new generation is phenomenal.

Showrunner Russell T. Davies added: Open those TARDIS doors wide, because Bonnies back! What an honour, delight and hoot to welcome back the character of Melanie, after too long away. And this isnt just a cameo, Bonnie is right in the thick of the action, battling monsters and chaos and cliffhangers, right at the Doctors side, just like the old days.

Three special episodes are set to air on Disney+ in November to mark Doctor Whos special 60th anniversary:

Special One: The Star Beast

Special Two: Wild Blue Yonder

Special Three: The Giggle

David Tennant and Catherine Tate return as the Doctor and Donna.

Heartstoppers Yasmin Finney has joined the cast as Rose, and theres also a mysterious new character played by Neil Patrick Harris. Jacqueline King will be reprising her role as Donnas mother Sylvia, and Karl Collins as Donnas long suffering husband, Shaun. Plus, Ruth Madeley joins the cast as Shirley Anne Bingham.

Ncuti Gatwas first official Doctor Who episode is due to air over the festive period in 2023. Millie Gibson joins as Ruby Sunday, new companion to Ncuti Gatwas Fifteenth Doctor.

Theres also a new logo for a new era.
Nine Network, Stan, ITV Studios Australia, Lingo Pictures, Lune Media and the National Film and Sound Archive have signed on as Foundational Members of Sustainable Screens Australia.

The industry-led initiative aims to transform the production industry to one that integrates sustainability into everyday practices, and reduce our environmental footprint in line with science-based targets.

With Australias legislated targets of a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050, the screen industry is expected to reduce its environmental impact along with all other industries.

SSA has also attracted Screen Australias funding support and seed funding from Minderoo Pictures.

Maree Cochrane has been appointed as inaugural Executive Director. She spent the first 10 years of her career in the screen industry, primarily working in production as an Assistant Director, and for companies such as the BBC, Endemol Shine and the London Film Festival. Most recently, Cochrane was the Strategy, Engagement and Learning Lead with the Innovation Network  a digital learning initiative of the Victorian Government.

Im thrilled to be joining the ranks of passionate women behind Sustainable Screens Australia, she said. Returning to an industry I know and love to help it shift in thinking and practice is a dream role. One I wouldnt have without an incredible industry led collective. To Australias screen agencies, production companies, streamers, broadcasters, commissioners, practitioners and international leaders albert  lets get stuck in so we can keep sharing stories from this beautiful place far into the future.

SSA has also partnered with albert, the leading UK screen industry organisation for environmental sustainability.

Anna Kaplan and Sara Horn, Co-Chairs, SSA, said: alberts reputation for driving sustainable practices within the screen industry is unparalleled and this key partnership provides SSA with access to alberts considerable experience and IP including a bespoke carbon calculator created for the screen industry, sustainable production training, a best practice toolkit and other resources that will be localised for the Australian market. The partnership between albert and SSA is the first of its kind to be rolled out internationally by albert.

Carys Taylor, Director, albert, said: Were thrilled to be supporting Sustainable Screens Australia in creating a new vision for productions that puts the planet front and centre. The challenges we face are worldwide, but we can solve them if our partnerships are worldwide too.
In June Shelter titles investigate the challenges and hopefulness of sustainable architecture in major cities with Brad Pitt; explore what really makes a city smart; and follow the decades-long journey to complete a key-part in an iconic and unfinished basilica.

Last month Shelter was the winner of Preferred Production Company in the Monocle Design Awards 2023. Shelter Original Follies was also awarded the Silver Telly in the 44th Telly Awards which honour excellence in video and television across all screens.

It Starts with a Sketch

(8 x 10 mins) UK 2023 (Available 5 June)

Our deep dive into the sketching and drawing process of design continues this month, with It Starts with a Sketch. Directed by Andrew Spicer (Silver Telly Award winner Shelter Originals: FOLLIES), this 8-part series continues this June on Shelter, to further uncover the techniques, styles and personal anecdotes from architects John Puttick, John Pardey, Adriana Bravo and Mina Gospavic. See what shapes their designs and how rough sketches develop into refined drawings that ultimately materialise into shape and form.

Design: e

(6 x 30 mins) USA 2006 (Available 12 June)

How could the modern way of life be considered the way of life, when it threatens our future? Design e explores the complex social, political, cultural, environmental and economic issues of sustainable architecture. Narrated by Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Brad Pitt, this six-part series traverses the globe, chronicling important and exciting stories of green architecture made reality. See the rise of sustainable skyscrapers and apartment towers in New York; community-based sustainable construction in Sonora, Mexico; green building practices promoted by the Chicago city government; and Chinas determination to improve its building practices.

Smart Cities 2.0

(8 x 60 mins) 2017 (Available 19 June)

Today, more than half of the worlds population live in cities, and this number keeps on growing. If we want to continue enjoying life in cities then cities have to become smarter. But what makes a city smart? Cutting edge technology, state of the art infrastructure, top-down control or power to the people? Join architect, academic & urban planner Jason Pomeroy in Smart Cities 2.0, as he travels to 8 of the worlds most renowned urban hubs, including Songdo; Bandung; Ahmedabad; Barcelona and Amsterdam  to find out just how smart these cities are. The series also includes interviews with the architects, city planners, academics and personalities who have had a key role in shaping their respective cities.

Gaudis Message

(45 mins) Japan 2016 (Available 26 June)

The Sagrada Familia, an iconic feature of the Barcelona skyline, is one of the great unfinished marvels of 20th century architecture. The basilicas iconic mixture of Gothic & curvilinear Art Nouveau forms were devised by the great architect Antoini Gaudi, yet remain unfinished over 90 years after his death; the blueprints for the symbolic Nativity facade lost in the chaos of the Spanish Civil War. Without any sketches and blueprints to follow, this stunning film reveals how an international team of architects cracked the code behind one of the cornerstones of Gaudis visionary cathedral. Celebrated Japanese sculptor Etsuro Sotoo was assigned the immense task of finishing the six ornate gates, and the Facade of the Nativity. Originally falling in love with the basilica after a visit in 1978, Sotoo began the long journey to decode Gaudis original intentions, and execute the will of the great master. By tracing Gaudis life-story from his childhood in Reus and travelling across Spain to visit the sites of his first commissions, Sotoo guides us through the fifteen year process of bringing the Nativity facade to completion. Gaudis Message is the story of the bold vision to recreate the vision of the great architect with unsurpassed dedication and passion.
In this article, we will take a loot at the 20 most dangeorus countries for LGBTQ+ American travelers. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you may jump to 5 Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ American Travelers.

Anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments are getting louder and wilder. Specifically, businesses that are supporting the LGBTQ+ community are under fire from conservative segments of the society. LGBT Capital notes that the purchasing power of the community is $3.9 trillion globally. While professing support for these communities allows them to get a hold of a significant slice of the pie, it's also drawing significant backlash toward them.

Rainbow Capitalism

June is Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ community. Every year, millions of spectators gather for the New York Pride March, celebrating LGBTQ+ legal rights, social and self-acceptance, and also their pride. Also known as "pink capitalism" or "pinkwashing," rainbow capitalism is when consumerism and capitalism get involved in the LGBT movement.

Corporations have been criticized for expressing their support for the pride movement without actually having equity or inclusion policies in place. Many businesses are joining in the event with their marketing campaigns, queer influencer partnerships, and pride-logo products to demonstrate their support for Pride Month. LGBTQ+ individuals travel from all over the world to attend such pride events sponsored by LGBT-friendly companies.

One prime example of a company that has been criticized for alleged "rainbow washing" is the retail giant Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT). While the company has been showcasing its support for pride month for many years, this year, it has received significant backlash from the LGBTQ community and its supporters for taking a stand without "conviction".

Being a platinum sponsor of NYC Pride, Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) recently withdrew its Pride merchandise after receiving backlash and potential threats towards the safety of its workers. Evidently, Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) has shown that mass boycotts, lost revenue, and brand-harm can intimidate corporations from coming forward on their stance in regards to the LGBT community.

Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ American Travelers

2023 has witnessed more than 417 anti-LGBT bills being introduced in state legislatures across the United States. However, its still compartively a far safer country for the LGBT+ community. We have also covered the most gay-friendly cities in the US, which you can take a look at. These include Seattle, Albany and Austin, among others, which can also be regarded as the best places to live for the LGBT+ community.

We have covered the safest countries for lgbt+ community to live, as well, in our list of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. However, the LGBTQ+ American travelers should stay cautious, especially when traveling to other countries.

Many of the developing economies, such as Nigeria, criminalize LGBT+ rights, with even death penalties in countries that are far more conservative. Another dangerous country for LGBTQ+ American travelers is Qatar. Acts of homosexuality in the country are awarded the death penalty. Some other countries that are regarded as dangerous for LGBTQ+ communities include Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Iran.

According to the U.S. State Department travel advisory, lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, and other intersex travelers may face unique challenges when traveling to other countries. Approximately 70 countries consider consensual same-sex relations a crime, which is why its important to go through documents such as Traveler's Checklist and Country Information pages specific to LGBT+ American travelers.

Many international travel and vacation companies, such as Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) and American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL), are pro-LGBTQ+ companies, providing them with great travel experiences and accommodations. With regard to Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB), not only is the company a great place to work with for this community, but it is also a top choice for travelers looking for gay-friendly or Pro-LGBTQ+ rentals.

Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) listings have a no-discrimination policy its users have to follow. A recent case had a user, who was suspended due to a violation of the said policy, after refusing to rent to a gay couple. Similarly, American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) has been the first major airline to protect LGBT team members from discrimination. Being the most gay-friendly airline, American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) has been flying with pride along with other airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Atlas Air.

Many businesses have also been emerging that are specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community. With regards to travel, top LGBT travel companies include HE Travel, RSVP Vacation, Out Adventures, and VentureOut, to name a few.

20 Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ American Travelers

Mybona/Shutterstock.com

Methodology

In order to compile the list of most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ travelers, we have used Gay Travel Index 2023 from Spartacus, LGBTQ+ Travel Index from Asher & Lyric, and Global Peace Index. The weighted average formula was used to assign weights to the above indexes and calculate an Insider Monkey score.

Gay Travel Index and Asher & Lyric Travel Index were assigned equal weights of 40% each, while Global Peace Index was assigned 20% weightage. The weighted averages determined an Insider Monkey average score for each country on which the rankings are based. The countries are ranked in descending order from the highest to the lowest score.

Here are the most dangerous countries for LGBT+ American travelers:

20. Malaysia

Insider Monkey Score: 157

While Malaysia is a beautiful developing country in the Southeast, gay travelers may not be able to enjoy its gorgeous beaches and World Heritage Sites. The country severely punishes homosexuality, and state-backed discrimination is a major reason why LGBT+ American travelers may face challenges, prejudices, and threats on their visit to the country. Moreover, the population is generally conservative. As such, the country's tourism minister has also denied the existence of this community, and if found, homosexuality is punishable with up to 20 years in prison, fines, and whipping.

19. Tunisia

Insider Monkey Score: 160

While Tunisia wholeheartedly accepts tourists, the LGBT community is not received with open arms. Homosexuality is a crime in the country that is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment. As such, American LGBT+ travelers are advised to exercise discretion when traveling. Article 230 of the Penal Code condemns indecent exposure and indecent assault.

18. Tanzania

Insider Monkey Score: 162

Tanzania is an international hub for tourists and is known for its natural parks, gorgeous beaches, and wilderness areas. Like many other countries, Tanzania has proclaimed homosexuality as illegal, and anyone found can face a maximum penalty of 30 years or even life imprisonment. These laws are unlikely to be changed anytime soon. Even the residents of Tanzania consider it unlawful and an unnatural way of life. The general attitude is the same for others from the LGBT+ community like bisexual and trans individuals.

17. Russia

Insider Monkey Score: 162

In June 2013, Russia passed a new law concerning the "propaganda" of non-traditional sexual relations for minors. Last year, the so-called propaganda was extended by the lower house of parliament. Even the promotion of homosexuality online, in books, or in films is banned. Anya's activities or conduct will be subjected to major fines and penalties. Foreigners can also be expelled if they are found of non-compliance. The situation is worse in Russian republics like Chechnya.

16. Kuwait

Insider Monkey Score: 164

Tourism is increasing in Kuwait, but the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors that LGBTs may face are different compared to non-LGBT tourists. As such, tourists should refrain from attending parties or events that are controversial in the eyes of the law. Public "immorality" is prohibited; however, impersonating the same sex has now been outlawed.

15. Brunei

Insider Monkey Score: 165

Another dangerous country for LGBT+ American travelers is Brunei. Spartacus Travel Index ranks the country at 159, while A&F ranks it at number 203. Homosexuality is a crime in Brunei, with its punishment being death by stoning. This is applicable to all residents and tourists coming into the country, which is why it's best to exercise discretion when traveling here.

14. Uganda

Insider Monkey Score: 165

Uganda is one of the most populous countries in Africa and apparently one of the most dangerous countries to travel to for the LGBTQ+ community. The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 has pushed the country further into the spotlight. Those found engaging in same-sex relations will be imprisoned for a lifetime or charged with the death penalty. Travelers must exercise discretion when visiting the country or risk the charges stated above.

13. United Arab Emirates

Insider Monkey Score: 167

UAE is increasingly becoming a dangerous place for the LGBTQ+ community. Millions of visitors come to see Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but it can be the among the worst places for LGBT American travelers. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran are all setting up coordinated efforts to crack down on their existence in the Emirates, and both the locals and foreigners are to bear the brunt. Homosexuality is strictly forbidden and punishable by law.

12. Malawi

Insider Monkey Score: 168

Malawi strictly forbids homosexuality, which is why it is not safe for LGBT+ travelers to visit the country. Punishments for such acts are very strict, with same-sex acts resulting in 14 years in prison for men and up to 5 years imprisonment for women. Men cannot even keep long hair, and any man found having hair longer than their mouth can receive imprisonment for up to six months. The public sentiments regarding homosexuality aren't encouraging either, which is why the country is not a good place to travel to for this community.

11. South Sudan

Insider Monkey Score: 169

While South Sudan gained independence from Sudan back in 2011, the country still uses extreme interpretations of the Sharia law. This law implies that all acts of homosexuality are forbidden in the country, and punishments could range anywhere between lashes and even death. Even the majority of the population in the country is against such acts and individuals, which is why it is one of the worst countries to travel to for the LGBTQ+ community.

10. Ethiopia

Insider Monkey Score: 171

While Ethiopia is already a worst travel destination due to its civil unrest, crime, conflicts, and terrorism, it is even worst for LGBT+ American travelers. LGBTQ+ community has no rights in the country, and the general population is against homosexuality as well. Same-sex relations are outlawed, and those found guilty can face imprisonment of up to 15 years. Some religious groups are very extreme and urge authorities to ban trips that are organized by tour operators catering to this population.

9. Sudan

Insider Monkey Score: 173

Similar to Sudan, homosexuality is a crime that is punishable under the country's law. The general population is also against the idea of homosexuality, and overall it is not a safe country to travel to. Spartacus ranks the country at 159, while Asher & Lyric places it at number 195 to depict how far this country is behind on safety for LGBTQ travelers. The Sudanese Penal Code criminalizes acts of sodomy, "indecent acts", "indecent acts in public spaces", "seduction", and materials that are contrary to "morals". Hence, it is one of the most dangerous countries for gay travelers.

8. Egypt

Insider Monkey Score: 174

Egypt has always been a traveler's favorite, thanks to its huge pyramids and historical and religious significance. However, the country holds negative laws pertaining to homosexuality, which is why it has made it to our list. Since 2013, more than 250 LGBT individuals have been arrested in the country, and there is a consistent crackdown on such individuals. Same-sex acts can lead to up to 3 years imprisonment, while possession of homosexual materials will lead to two years prison along with a fine. LGBTQ+ travelers are strictly advised not to disclose their sexual identity to anyone or use any dating applications in the country.

7. Iran

Insider Monkey Score: 181

LGBTQ+ travelers must avoid traveling to Iran due to extreme punishments for acts of homosexuality, transgenderism and bisexuality. Same-sex acts in the country will be subjected to 31 lashes, while intercourse will lead to 100 lashes or the death penalty. More than 5,000 gays and lesbians have been executed in the country for such offenses since 1979.

6. Libya

Insider Monkey Score: 184

Libya is an overall dangerous country to travel to regardless of the sexual orientation of individuals. Terrorism, violence, and civil unrest have made the country very unsafe. Moreover, the laws prohibit any or all activities that fall outside of heterosexual marriage. Anyone found going against these laws is subjected to amputation and flogging.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ American Travelers. Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: none. 20 Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ American Travelers is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Cocaine found in two cars with (top) Emilov Andonov and (bottom) Stanislav Stefanov) (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

TWO men caught with 30 bags of cocaine in a supermarket car park have been jailed.

Emilov Andonov and Stanislav Stefanov, who both gave their age as 21, told police they had arrived in the UK from Bulgaria just days before they were arrested, York Crown Court heard.

They were caught as part of North Yorkshire Polices Operation Expedite, that targets county lines drugs teams.

Both men, of no fixed address in this country, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Each was jailed for two years and three months.

Police officers were on patrol in Harrogate at lunchtime on January 28 this year when they saw a Toyota Avensis behaving in a suspicious way.

The car pulled into a supermarket car park in the town and parked next to an Audi A4. A man got out of the Toyota and into the Audi.

Suspecting a drug deal was in progress, the officers went up to the car and arrested the two men.

They also searched the two cars and found a total of 30 bags of cocaine under the gearstick covers of both vehicles.

York Press: Some of the cocaine found in the cars with Emilov Andonov and Stanislav Stefanov

Some of the cocaine found in the cars with Emilov Andonov and Stanislav Stefanov (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Both men claimed they had come to the UK looking for work. PC Chris Thompson of Operation Expedite said; This is a prime example of two individuals involved in county lines crime groups, thinking they can commit drugs crime in North Yorkshire.

"Both men willingly entered into criminality for their own personal gain, not giving any concern to the risk presented to residents of North Yorkshire or the damaging impact drugs has on our local communities.

North Yorkshire Police is committed to tackling drug related crime, and having a dedicated Operation Expedite county lines team allows us to target those who pedal these illegal substances in a proactive and relentless manner.

"The fight against class A drug supply at all levels will continue and anyone involved can expect to be dealt with robustly by police.

County lines gangs are based in large urban areas and move drugs into more rural areas where they are sold to drug users. Cocaine is a Class A drug, the most serious category of prohibited drugs.
Why did Sweden sterilise up to 30,000 people against their will in the cause of eugenics?

Why did Sweden sterilise up to 30,000 people against their will in the cause of eugenics?

Kjell Sundstedts family had never talked about the darkest moment in their history.

It was a secret no one dared to talk about. Society was ashamed that people had been forced to be sterilised in Sweden, says the 71-year-old filmmaker.

He had not even discussed it with his family, so when Sundstedt discovered that four of his uncles had been forcibly sterilised he was shocked.

They were sterilised because they were poor. Their crime was poverty, he adds.

Sweden set up a eugenics plan, grounded in the science of racial biology, between 1934 and 1976. The first country in Europe to later abolish forced sterilisation was carrying out a policy under which between 20,000 and 33,000 Swedes were forced to be sterilised.

Victims were young and mostly female, judged to be feeble-minded, rebellious or mixed race. Swedish authorities believed they were creating a society that would be the envy of the world.

They wanted to get rid of a certain type of people: The weaker ones, says Sundstedt.

Although Sundstedts mother managed to escape to the Swedish capital and avoid being sterilised, her sister Maj-Britt wasnt so lucky.

Their mother died when Maj-Britt was very young. As their family was poor, the child protection services from the municipality intervened and asked her and the younger siblings who still lived at home to undergo an IQ test.

Maj-Britt (left) with her brothers and sisters. - Kjell Sundstedt

During this period they believed a lot in IQ tests, intelligence was very important for them, says Sundstedt. These tests mainly consisted of knowledge-based questions and as Maj-Britt and her brothers were poor they couldnt answer them because they didnt attend school regularly.

She scored under the threshold of normal intelligence and therefore was classified as feeble minded. As a result, she was sent to Nannylund, a mental asylum.

She was considered to have a mental illness because she kept protesting, recalls the filmmaker.

Although they did IQ tests quite often, once she was inside the institution they could not say: Oh, we were wrong, he adds.

Everyone who left the centre had to be sterilised, that was the rule, so when Maj-Britt was moved to another institution they sent her to undergo surgery.

Her father wanted her not to be sterilised, he opposed it. But it didnt help, says Sundstedt.

Kjell Sundstedts family picture taken from an old photo album. - Kjell Sundstedt

It could have been me

Maija Runcis, a professor in history at the University of Stockholm, used to work in the State archives when she noticed an area that was locked off and not accessible to the public.

Within it, there were thousands of authorisation papers for sterilisations.

The first one she read was a 13-year-old girl whose priest believed she was not concentrating in confirmation classes well enough, so they decided to sterilise her.

When I studied the applications, and I have studied thousands of them, I thought: My God, it could have been me, it could have been my neighbour, it could have been whoever, says the historian.

Because maybe I was too happy or liked to paint my nails or put makeup on. That could sometimes be the reason in the application. If you didnt fit in with society you risked being sterilised, she adds.

This was the first crack in the beautiful picture of the Swedish welfare state, as the historian describes it.

According to the law, a person could be sterilised, even without their consent, for eugenics, social or medical reasons.

This law was implemented after years of research in eugenics and genetics conducted by the State Institute for Racial Biology.

The pioneering institute, founded in 1922, inspired the creation of a similar institute in Germany in 1927. Its role was to advise authorities on how the knowledge on genetics could be implemented in society at large.

In Sweden the funding of the insitute enjoyed broad political backing.

All parties, except the Communists, were supporting this. It was described as a public health measure, says Sven Widmalm, professor of the history of science at Uppsala University.

Science was God at that time. So they supported the law and social engineering, says Runcis. It was the scientific way to clean the society of the feeble minded.

Maija Runcis, professor in history at the University of Stockholm. - Lucia Riera/ Laura Llach

The shame of being sterilised

At the time, the state-run sterilisation program was no secret. It was carried out in the light of public debate. It had massive propaganda and little criticism in the eyes of Swedish society, according to Widmalm.

"Herman Lundborg, director of the State Institute for Racial Biology, feared some sort of 'racial suicide' because people with bad genes procreated more than the middle class," he says.

Following a parliamentary inquiry in the 1990s,the government offered compensation to victims of forced sterilisation. They set up a financial compensation plan of SEK 175,000 (about EUR 15,000) for each victim.

A total of 3000 compensation cases were awarded, a very low number compared to the number of people suspected to have been sterilised by force.

While reviewing the applications, Runcis was astounded when she found her own mother was sterilised.

I found her in the files, I didnt know that. I told her she could get compensation for it but she answered: It's such a shame, I will never ask for it, said the professor.

Sundstedt's uncle, who was also sterilised along with Maj-Britt, did not ask for compensation either. He felt stigmatised. He didnt even want to date girls, he thought they knew about his sterilisation, says the filmmaker.

Two of his uncles acquaintances, who were also sterilised, killed themselves after understanding what had been done to them.

Choosing who will live and who will disappear is a terrible thought. There were people who called themselves humanists and thought they were doing a good thing, which is even more terrifying, he adds.

This article was produced with the support of Journalismfund Europe.
Logos of Tokio Marine Holdings Inc are pictured at a news conference in Tokyo

By Yantoultra Ngui and Kane Wu

SINGAPORE/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Japanese insurer Tokio Marine Holdings has picked Goldman Sachs and Jefferies to work on the sale of its Southeast Asia life insurance business worth $1 billion, two sources with knowledge of the transaction said.

The Tokyo-listed company is preparing to launch a sale process within the next two months, according to one of the sources, declining to be identified as the matter is private.

A sale could include Tokio Marine's life insurance businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, said the other source.

The sale plan is still under discussion and has not been finalized, the first source cautioned.

Tokio Marine, Goldman Sachs and Jefferies declined to comment.

The sale plan comes as Tokio Marine reviews its businesses to boost profitability. The Tokyo-headquartered insurer has been active in the merger and acquisition space, with deals including the sale of its Tokio Marine Highland's U.S. construction division to Intact Insurance Group last year.

The company is also looking to grow organically. It expanded in Canada with the launch of a new property and casualty insurance unit last year.

Founded in 1879, Tokio Marine was Japan's first non-life insurance company and it started expanding overseas through direct underwriting operations in London, Paris and New York a year later, according to its website.

It now provides non-life and life insurance across 46 countries besides Japan. International businesses contributed 54% of its profits, its website shows.

Shares of Tokio Marine have climbed 12.6% year-to-date, giving it a market value of $45.5 billion as of Thursday, according to Refinitiv data.
A Trophy Club man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.

Doug McKelvey, 58, pleaded guilty to money laundering charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly C. Priest Johnson on June 6, 2023.

READ NEXT: Shiprock Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Death of Daughter

According to information presented in court, from 2009 to 2022, McKelvey, a vice-president and financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, misappropriated at least $1.5 million of investor funds held in brokerage accounts. The funds were supposed to be invested on behalf of his clients. Instead, McKelvey used the funds to pay for personal trips, cruises, restaurants, salons, and other personal expenses.

McKelvey faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Varadarajan.

READ MORE: New Jersey Man and Oath Keeper Pleads to Obstruction of Congress Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
'We are so close': EU countries on the cusp of major deal to revamp rules on migration and asylum

'We are so close': EU countries on the cusp of major deal to revamp rules on migration and asylum

Ministers of home affairs from across the European Union are meeting today in Luxembourg to decide if they vote or reject a new set of rules to collectively manage the reception and relocation of asylum seekers.

"If there should be an agreement, it is today," said Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden's minister of migration, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council and acts as a broker in the discussions.

"I think we are, in my opinion, so close that there is no acceptable reason not to walk the last mile."

"It will never be easier," she went on. "I have full respect for the fact that all countries have their unique situation at home and it's a very tough debate nationally."

Her French counterpart, Gerald Darmanin, echoed the optimism and urged countries to move past their differences and seek common ground.

"This is a very difficult text and France is coming with a spirit of compromise," Darmanin told reporters on Thursday. "Even if we still have some work to do this morning, there's everything we need to do to get things moving."

"What we want is to turn the tide on migration," he added.

Spain's Fernando Grande-Marlaska was equally buoyant, describing the meeting as an "important day" with a momentous decision within reach.

"We have been talking a lot for the last five years, six years, so I think that today is the moment to find that agreement," Grande-Marlaska said. "If we don't reach that agreement, all of us will be losers. Im sure we're going to fight very hard."

'This is a not zero-sum game'

If approved, the deal would represent an incontestable breakthrough in the long and arduous fight to establish a common framework to govern migration, one of the most explosive and polarising topics on the EU's agenda.

The EU Council would then be allowed to start negotiations with the European Parliament with the goal of wrapping up the legislation before next year's EU elections.

The ultimate objective is to do away with the ad-hoc crisis management mode that has been in place since the 2015 migration crisis and has proven woefully inadequate to cope with the challenge of cross-border dimensions.

Last year, the EU received more than 962,000 asylum applications, the highest figure in the past six years.

"This is not a zero-sum game," said Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for home affairs, upon arriving at the meeting on Thursday. "No one can manage migration alone."

The rules on the table stem from the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, a holistic proposal presented by the European Commission back in September 2020.

"It's almost three years since I presented this huge proposal and its been a marathon," Johansson added. "We have maybe 100 metres left."

The pact's most innovative element is a system of "mandatory solidarity" that would give member states three options to manage the influx of new arrivals in times of migratory pressure.

Accept a number of relocated asylum-seekers.

Pay for the return of rejected applicants to their country of origin.

Finance so-called "operational measures," such as infrastructure and transport.

This solidarity mechanism, together with new rules on border procedures, are the two pieces of legislation that will be put on the table on Thursday.

But the draft laws have been considerably reworked since the Commission's 2020 presentation. The Swedish presidency circulated its latest proposal on Tuesday evening, leaving officials to pour over the text's details at record time before Thursday's meeting.

The compromise has been described as a "fine balance" between solidarity coded language for relocation  and responsibility  the brunt borne by frontline countries who have to process the majority of asylum applications.

'There is momentum'

Member states have for years been haggling on how to calibrate the scale.

On the one hand, Southern countries, whose asylum systems are often overwhelmed and under-resourced, have repeatedly demanded legally-binding agreements on the redistribution of migrants across the bloc.

Germany, a country with a traditionally migration-friendly policy, has also backed the idea of a permanent system of relocation.

In the latest proposal, the number of relocations has been set at 35,000 asylum seekers per year.

But on the other hand, Central and Eastern European states forcefully oppose any measure that would force them to host migrants within their borders  or even contribute financially to their return, as it is envisioned in the current proposal.

Poland, in particular, has come against a proposed figure of 20,000 that countries would have to pay for each asylum seeker they do not wish to relocate.

The vote on Thursday will be taken by qualified majority, which means the draft law will need the approval of a minimum of 15 member states representing at least 65% of the EU's population.

"There is momentum," said a senior diplomat ahead of the vote, speaking on condition of anonymity. "But differences remain. Success is by no means certain."

According to diplomats, the key vote will be delivered by Italy, which is facing a steep rise in migrants arriving on the country's shores through the dangerous Mediterranean route.

The government in Rome has declared a state of emergency to deal with the situation, marking the first time since 2011 this radical decision is taken.
Jonny Evans is back in the Northern Ireland squad for next weeks Euro 2024 qualifiers but Michael ONeill will once again be relying on youth with a long list of senior players still injured.

Evans  out of contract at relegated Leicester this summer  was unable to add to his 100 caps in March when he was forced to pull out of ONeills first games back in charge of the national team due to a hamstring injury, but is in a 28-man squad to play Denmark away and Kazakhstan at home.

But with Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, Corry Evans, Liam Boyce, Josh Magennis, Conor Washington and Shane Ferguson all still sidelined, ONeill has included five uncapped players, with 15 of the 28 having fewer than 10 caps.

 The boss has named his squad for Denmark  and Kazakhstan  #GAWA #NorthernIreland #uefaeuro2024  Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 8, 2023

Nottingham Forest defender Aaron Donnelly, West Ham teenager Callum Marshall and Larne forward Lee Bonis have all received their first call-ups, with the uncapped Sean Goss and Eoin Toal again included after not featuring in Marchs fixtures.

Blackpool striker Shayne Lavery returns after a hamstring injury kept him out of the last squad, although there will be a question over his fitness levels as he has managed only one appearance, as a substitute away to Norwich on the final day, since being sidelined in February.

There is also a return for Ethan Galbraith, who earned the last of his two international caps back in 2020.

Ethan Galbraith has received a call-up (Martin Rickett/PA)

The 22-year-old is a free agent this summer after leaving Manchester United, having spent last season on loan at Salford.

ONeill has been working with several players from both the senior ranks and the under-21s at a series of training camps in recent weeks, aiming to keep his players sharp following the end of their domestic campaigns.

Northern Ireland travel to Copenhagen to face Denmark on Friday June 16 before taking on Kazakhstan at Windsor Park the following Monday.
A partnership between the University of North Georgia (UNG) Department of Visual Arts and a local agency provided an opportunity for students to gain valuable career skills and serve the community as they painted two murals at Avita Community Partners in Gainesville, Georgia.

Avita is a resource for individuals and families in northeast Georgia experiencing the disabling effects of mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases.

"The partnership seemed like a win-win to me as it provided our students the full experience of producing a public work of art in a classroom setting, while providing a community partner with a beautiful and beneficial mural that would have a positive impact on their residents," Jennifer Graff, Visual Arts department head, said.

Students in Erin McIntosh's special topics in mural painting class met with Avita representatives to pitch their design ideas and discussed how the projects would be created.

"My goal was that they would experience the whole process of mural making from start to finish, including meeting with the client to discuss their needs and wants. Then going through the whole process of design development and pitching those designs in a formal meeting with the Avita leadership team," McIntosh, an associate professor, said. "I told the students that I wanted them to come out of this class with the confidence that you can do this on your own."

Kayleigh Riker's design was developed based on a landscape featuring mountains, a lake, a field of flowers, and a sunset, reflective of the geography of north Georgia.

Basil Dabe was a supporting artist of the landscape, texturing the mountains and painting the water.
Fox News accused Tucker Carlson of breaching his contract with the network with the debut of his new Twitter show.

The right-wing personality Carlson has parted ways with his long-time network Fox News before April ends.

Fox News Accuses Tucker Carlson of Contract Breach

According to a report by Axios, the conservative news channel informed Carlson's lawyers that their former prime-time commentator and anchor breached his contract with the network. Fox News says his newly debuted Twitter show violated his agreement with them.

CBS News reports that the former Fox News anchor released the pilot episode of his new show on Twitter in early June, a few weeks after his former network dismissed him in April.

The first episode of his Twitter features Carlson in a 10-minute view wherein he expresses a monologue that primarily targets his favorite targets, such as the mainstream media. He also spoke about other controversial topics, such as UFOs and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

However, Fox News believes that this newly launched show online violates his contract with the news channel. As per NBC News, the network's general counsel Bernard Gugar says that the commentator was "in breach of his contract," which Carlson signed last November 2019.

Read Also: Tucker Carlson To Relaunch Show on Twitter After Accusing Fox of Fraud, Contract Breach

Carlson's Lawyers Respond

Axios stresses that Carlson's legal team argued that if Fox pursues a legal action against its dismissed anchor, it would violate his First Amendment rights.

Carlson's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, notes that "Fox defends its very existence on freedom of speech grounds." However, the anchor's lawyer claims that Fox now wants "to take Tucker Carlson's right to speak freely away from him because he took to social media to share his thoughts on current events."

The former Fox News anchor announced his much-awaited comeback after he departed from the network last May 9. He posted a tease video last May 9, claiming that "[We are] back."

The outgoing Twitter boss, Elon Musk, has reacted to the first episode of Carlson's show on the giant social network. The billionaire urged left-leaning personalities to mount a similar broadcast on the platform. He says, it "would be great to have shows from all parts of the political spectrum."

It is worth noting that the Chief Twit previously invited the fired CNN anchor Don Lemon to set up his show on Twitter. Lemon parted ways with the news network after nearly two decades or 17 years in the wake of his sexist comments. His departure from his long-time channel comes minutes after Fox dismissed Carlson.

It remains to be seen whether Fox News will be able to stop Carlson from producing his new show on Twitter. However, the dispute is sure to keep the media world buzzing for weeks to come.

Related Article: Fake AI Tucker Carlson Pranks Alex Jones in a 1-Minute Phone Call

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
HA NOI  Viet Nam could see its e-commerce export revenues rise to VN296.3 trillion (US$12.5 billion) by 2027, heard the 2023 Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference in Viet Nam in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

Amazon Global Selling and Viet Nam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (iDEA), Ministry of Industry and Trade kicked off their Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC) Conference in Viet Nam in response to growing demand from Vietnamese businesses and to empower them to capture the rising CBEC opportunity.

With the theme Embrace Asian Experience, Vietnamese Brands Go Global, held in Ha Noi on Wednesday and HCM City on Friday, the event will include a CBEC conference to share the most updated insights and information about the e-commerce export industry, a connecting day for 14 services providers in many services domains and presenting successful Amazon selling partners from South Korea, Singapore and Viet Nam.

According to the latest research by Access Partnership, Viet Nam could see its e-commerce export revenues rise to VN296.3 trillion ($12.5 billion) by 2027 if local businesses are fully enabled and accelerate the rate at which they adopt e-commerce to export their products and services.

The survey conducted among around 300 domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Viet Nam found that 86 per cent of MSMEs believe that without e-commerce, they would be unable to export at all and they would lack the capacity to do exporting activities.

Moreover, local MSMEs are also looking towards expanding their footprint in more markets such as the United States, Japan, and European countries, over the next five years.

Seeing the potential of this industry, Amazon Global Selling is thus joining hands with Viet Nam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (iDEA) to organise CBEC Conference 2023 in Viet Nam with an expectation of raising awareness of CBEC among local enterprises, bringing online export experience from other countries in the region and from industry experts from service providers to empower, encourage and support businesses to accelerate their international growth while introducing more Vietnamese products and brands to customers around the world through CBEC.

This event is regarded as the first large-scale independent CBEC Conference in Viet Nam, acknowledging the participation of government representatives, industry associations, 14 service providers and successful sellers from Asia, and expects to welcome more than 1,500 visitors.

With the participation of representatives from government agencies and Amazon Global Selling Viet Nam business leaders, visitors can get updates about CBEC opportunities, trends, the readiness of Viet Nam for this new trade format, some initiatives and priorities from government and Amazon Global Selling to companion and empower Vietnamese businesses to achieve long-term growth and pave the way for global brands.

Export value of Vietnamese businesses selling with Amazon increased by 45 per cent in 2022. Many Vietnamese businesses are ready to export online but are unsure of how to start and scale. We understand the challenges they face and that is why we are making continuous efforts to work with government agencies and service providers to organise this event to motivate, support and empower them, said Gijae Seong, Head of Amazon Global Selling Viet Nam.

Amazon Global Selling was committed to enhancing the growth of businesses in Viet Nam and equipping them to embrace changes and reach new heights in this new global environment, he added.

Cross-border e-commerce is a booming trend in many countries around the world. In Viet Nam, with a retail e-commerce growth rate of more than 20 per cent per year, this is also a new industry that is recognised as having great potential and is in line with the policy of developing the digital economy set by the Government, said Lai Viet Anh, iDEA Deputy General Director.

iDEA has diversified its programmes to promote digital transformation, round off online export policies, identify the barriers MSMEs face, provide educational resources and training programmes to help Vietnamese businesses expand internationally, and achieve success on a global scale, said Anh.

Since setting up a dedicated team in Viet Nam in 2019, Amazon Global Selling has enabled thousands of Vietnamese selling partners to bring millions of Made-in-Viet Nam products to worldwide customers every year.

Export plays an important role in Viet Nams economy, with cross-border e-commerce booming worldwide, Amazon Global Selling is committed to working with government agencies and industry partners to help more Vietnamese MSMEs and brand owners capture this opportunity.  VNS
In the near future there will be many opportunities to develop Viet Nam-New Zealand relations in many aspects, according to New Zealand Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Vangelis Vitalis.

On the sidelines of the 8th meeting of the Viet Nam-New Zealand Joint Trade and Economic Commission (JTEC), he spoke about the results of the meeting and the prospect of cooperation and investment between Viet Nam and New Zealand.

What are the results of the 8th JTEC meeting? How do you evaluate the cooperation between the two countries in economics, trade and related fields after the 7th JTEC meeting in 2020?

The joint trade economic cooperation talks are always a very important moment in the bilateral relationship between Viet Nam and New Zealand. And the things Viet Nam's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and I focus on are practical things. These things will benefit our businesses, and will then benefit New Zealanders and Vietnamese, because of the way in which we can support the trade flows. For example, we discussed some of the customs procedures on both sides. That would make it easier for our companies to export to one another.

We talked about the need for electronic certification, and to set up a process by which we could inspect each other's agriculture sectors.

I want to really emphasise we have a commitment to grow the bilateral trade relationship to US$2 billion worth of two-way trade. We need to support exporters to create more trade value between the two countries.

Vietnamese limes and pomelos are exported to New Zealand, and we are able to send squash and strawberries to Viet Nam. We needed to work together to find ways to facilitate more of this kind of trade. This would be a benefit to Viet Nam, and also to New Zealand.

Also at the eighth meeting, we actually resolve problems from the seventh meeting. We set a process to promote exports for limes, pomelos, squash and strawberries.

In November 2022, Viet Nam's pomelos and limes were officially allowed to be imported into New Zealand. Can Vietnamese fruits compete with New Zealand's fruits?

New Zealand cant grow the kinds of limes, the quality of limes that Viet Nam is able to produce, and certainly can't grow pomelos. New Zealand can grow strawberries and squash like a pumpkin in a way that Viet Nam cannot, so the two countries complement one another.

I think that in the future, New Zealand can send Viet Nam products like kiwi fruit and apples that New Zealand grows well, and Viet Nam will send New Zealand products that it grows well, tropical fruit, for example. That's good for New Zealanders because they will buy high quality produce at a very good price.

And I hope that Vietnamese consumers will have this bigger range of New Zealand apples, which of course are the best in the world, kiwi fruit and other agricultural products. Now, the strawberry farmers and the squash producers in New Zealand export those products to Viet Nam for the first time.

Viet Nam has a very strong reputation, particularly in producing high quality and tasty fruits. In fact, Viet Nam sends New Zealand limes.

The Vietnamese mangoes are really top for me. I would certainly welcome more Vietnamese mangos in New Zealand.

Viet Nam and New Zealand are both members of new generation multilateral trade agreements such as the CPTPP, RCEP and AANZFTA. How can the two countries take full advantage of these agreements, especially when New Zealand holds the rotating chair of the CPTPP in 2023?

I think the first thing we need to do is find ways to educate Vietnamese businesses, but also New Zealand businesses, about the opportunities in the two countries' markets, because of the advantage we now have from these trade agreements.

In CPTPP and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA), New Zealand has expedited customs procedures. So, a product that arrives in Viet Nam will be cleared within six hours of customs for perishable products. For Viet Nam, New Zealand has additional Fast-track certification requirements, which means that for Vietnamese producers, they can sell more quickly into the New Zealand market.

But I'm sure that Vietnamese businesses and New Zealand businesses are not aware of this big advantage they have over their competitors.

For New Zealand, its big competitor in the Viet Nam market is Chile. But Chile doesn't have a free trade agreement, while New Zealand has AANZFTA. So, it will give a bit of an advantage to the New Zealand producer. And for Viet Nam, it has a long relationship with New Zealand. That gives Viet Nam a big advantage in the New Zealand market.

Viet Nam is known for producing high quality fruits, for example, as well as clothing and footwear, which is of course of first-class quality.

The job is now to make sure that businesses take the advantages that these agreements have given them.

What are the key sectors that two countries can increase trading and investment and promotions?

For New Zealand, it's not just exporting meat products, dairy products and some fruits to Viet Nam. For Viet Nam, it's not just a case of sending limes and pomelos to New Zealand.

I think the future is in services trade. For example, New Zealand is sending software for health management for Vietnamese hospitals.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam is a major powerhouse of construction engineering. As part of the AANZFTA, New Zealand committed to giving chances for Vietnamese engineers to come and work in New Zealand.

The real growth will be in the educational sector. That's an economic opportunity for both sides. There are important places for the quality of the education New Zealand can supply at a reasonable price, but a very high-quality product. I do think that's an important part of the relationship.

It's not a coincidence that when Prime Minister Jacinda Arden was here (Viet Nam) less than six months ago, part of her agenda was an education roundtable, which really helped highlight the very good quality offerings that New Zealand can provide, but also the benefit that Viet Nam can derive from the relationship with New Zealand.

Many New Zealand companies have invested in Viet Nam, and they're doing very well. So how do they evaluate the investment environment in Viet Nam?

It's an environment that's getting more competitive. So, we face a lot of competition from other investors, such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the EU. Because everyone wants to be in Viet Nam, the third largest economy in ASEAN. We know that for our future, we need to be here. But all of our competitors are also thinking it.

So, we know we've got to be better than the others to make sure that we can be the big investor here in Viet Nam. We're never going to be the big investor in all parts of the Vietnamese economy but we can be an investor in the high-quality agriculture, climate change resilience piece, in healthcare services, and in education services.

These are the areas where I think New Zealand can make a big contribution, that it's good for Viet Nam, but also good for my country as well. VNS
PHNOM PENH  The Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)'s AsiaAfrica Market Department, held a trade forum in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, which brought together more than 100 businesses of the two countries.

In his remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang noted that economic cooperation has received the attention of the two countries high-ranking leaders, saying it is necessary to foster the economic, trade and investment links to maximise the potential and advantages of the two neighbouring countries.

The forum offers an opportunity for Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses to exchange information, seek partners, stay updated on new economic policies of the two countries, and speak of obstacles to their operations and propose solutions to them, he said.

Ho Siv Yong, from the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, highlighted trade opportunities in Cambodia, saying the countrys international trade policy has focused on capacity improvement to accelerate its integration into the regional and global economy.

Chea Vuthy, deputy secretary general of the Investment Board under the Council for the Development of Cambodia, also briefed the participants on Cambodias investment policy.

Within the framework of the event, Vietnamese businesses set up booths introducing their products, aiming to enhance connectivity with Cambodian partners.  VNS
Maths prizes are a significant initiative aimed at fostering the advancement of mathematics and encouraging young mathematicians to pursue their passion in the field of science.

Professor Le Minh Ha, Executive Director of the Viet Nam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics, spoke to the Voice of Vietnam's Channel 2 (VOV2) about this matter.

The National Key Programme for Mathematics Development (Math Programme) has been awarding mathematical research works since 2012. Can you tell us more about this?

The programme specifically aims to double the number of internationally published works by 2020 compared to the figure in 2010. Additionally, it strives to enhance the standing and influence of Vietnamese mathematics in the global arena, with the goal of improving the ranking of Vietnamese mathematics from its current position of 50-55 to the range of 40.

To achieve these goals, one of the solutions has been to increase both the quantity and quality of international publications while simultaneously awarding prizes to commend outstanding works. These accolades serve as an incentive for young mathematicians to elevate the calibre of their international publications.

Since 2012, the Executive Board of the Math Programme has consistently identified and bestowed awards upon mathematical works published in prestigious international journals. To be considered for these awards, the works must meet the prerequisite of having at least one co-author who is a lecturer at a domestic university. Each year, a maximum of 100 works are chosen for recognition.

Over the course of nine award cycles, until 2020, the Math Programme has provided support amounting to over VN23 billion (nearly US$990,000) for 736 internationally published works. Each project receives an annual bonus ranging from VN17 million to VN37 million, calculated based on the basic salary of the state.

It is important to note that while various forms of support for scientific publications have been made available from different sources during the 2012-20 period, the award consideration provided by the Math Programme holds significant prestige within the mathematical community, particularly for young mathematicians.

This is evident through the increasing number and quality of applications submitted for award consideration. In 2012, only 81 applications were received, but in subsequent years, the number of applications steadily rose, surpassing 200 registrations in some years.

The Math Programme, along with other basic science support policies such as that of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) and investment efforts in research by universities, are important factors. The Mathematics major of university lecturers in the past 10 years has made great progress.

The awarding had been done until 2020, why has the Ministry of Education and Training recently issued a new regulation?

The implementation period of the National Key Programme for Mathematical Development in the previous period was from 2011 to 2020.

The Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics has summarised and evaluated the results of the Math Programme for the 2010-20 period. On that basis, together with the actual situation, set out new goals and solutions for the next 10 years. On December 22, 2020, the Prime Minister issued Decision No 2200/QD-TTg, approving the National Key Programme for Mathematics Development in the 2021-30 period.

One of the important specific goals of the Math Programme for 2021-30 is Striving to double the number of publications in journals in the list of prestigious journals in the world (SCIE journals) compared to 2010-20".

To implement the solution task of the Math Programme in the new period, the Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics cooperated with the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Education and Training to develop a regulation on consideration and award of the Outstanding Mathematics Project Award under the National Key Programme for the Development of Mathematics for the period of 2021 to 2030. On December 30, 2022, the regulation was promulgated together with the Ministry of Education and Training's Decision 4657/QD-BGD.

There are three most important changes in the Outstanding Mathematics Project Award this period compared to the previous period. Firstly, this is a ministerial-level Science and Technology Award, which is performed every three years (previously it was an annual award review). Secondly, the number of awards is less - up to 60 projects every three years (previously the number was 100 projects per year), and thirdly, its only for works published in high-reputation international journals. The prize level is higher and is divided into First Prize, Second Prize, and Third Prize.

With this new regulation, do you think mathematicians can be praised and encouraged and affirm the importance of mathematics in the development of Viet Nam?

The award for excellent mathematics projects in 2021-2030 is the successor to the previous successes of the award for outstanding mathematics works under the Math Programme from 2010 to 2020.

Awards for excellent math work in the previous period (2010-2020) contributed to achieving excellent results, thereby marking some common achievements of the Math Programme, such as increasing the quantity and quality of international publications.

On the Mathscinet system, the results show that in 2010, Viet Nam had about 300 articles. By 2019, the total number of publications was 767, an increase of 2.5 times compared to 2010. Both in quantity and in growth, published in Mathscinet journals of Viet Nam are more than other leading countries in ASEAN, such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The awards also help improve the level and position of Vietnamese mathematics in the international arena, in order to bring Viet Nam's mathematics ranking from the current position (50 - 55) to the 40th position. The improvement in the quantity and quality of mathematics works has made an important contribution to enhancing the position of Vietnamese Mathematics, creating momentum for Vietnamese Mathematics to have fundamental changes in both quantity and quality, raising the rank of Vietnamese Mathematics from the first position 50-55 to 35-40.

In this new phase of development, our goal will not only be to encourage support for scientific research through regular publication but also to focus on the quality and impact of the work.

One thing that we see very clearly is that there are scientists who publish a lot and regularly, but there are also scientists who are focusing on researching and solving a big, meaningful problem, with the time taken to do so being longer.

Therefore, the Outstanding Mathematics Projects Award, awarded every three years, will contribute to the orientation of the whole community, focusing on works of great quality and significance, not only interested in published quantity. VNS
HA NOI  "Please have trust in our scientists," Huynh Thanh at, Minister of Science and Technology told the National Assembly on Wednesday.

A record of more than 120 delegates questioned Minister at in his two-hour session concerning issues around science and technology.

Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Labour Federation, believes that one of the factors for implementing the strategy of scientific and technological development and innovation is the participation of researchers and scientists.

However, Thuy also said that in addition to the support of the scientific community for this strategy, the HCMC Labour Federation hope that the Government will have specific mechanisms and accept risks in science, and remove administrative barriers in scientific management and research. Thuy asked at for the ministry's solutions.

In his answer, at stated that in 2023, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is amending the regulations on the management of scientific and technological research projects in a coordinated and integrated manner.

MoST has formed a task force to tackle this issue and developed fundamental regulations. Recently, five new regulations have been issued to restructure national science and technology programmes.

Many past regulations have been abolished, such as the requirement that scientists who do not achieve satisfactory research results in their projects cannot participate in scientific and technological tasks for the next two years.

Regarding this abolishment, at said: "We are very aware of the characteristics, risks and latency of sci-tech."

Previously, if a scientist failed to fulfill their scientific tasks, they would be disqualified from registering for the following two years, and the leading unit would also be affected.

This caused significant concerns among scientists as it creates obstacles since scientific research can result in success or failure, and success can come sooner or later, the Minister further explained.

at stated that on May 17, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the need to accept risks and delays in scientific research, in his speech at the conference on the 60th anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh's first visit to MoST.

"I strongly resonate with the Prime Minister's statement that science is the shortest path to prosperity," said at, adding that his ministry is encouraging scientists to actively engage in scientific research and innovation.

"I hope that authorities at all levels will have even greater trust in scientists, delegate authority, and provide them with appropriate powers, mechanisms, and policies to unleash their capabilities and dedication."

Internationally competitive

Delegate Tran Thi Hong Thanh of Ninh Binh Province pointed out the reality of developing the science and technology market. Since 2011, the State management machinery for science and technology has been reorganised from Central to local levels, and many policies have been issued. However, the science and technology market still faces limitations.

"Minister, what are the reasons for the underdevelopment of the science and technology market, and what are the fundamental solutions?" questioned Thanh.

In his answer, at stated that the ministry has issued various regulations and circulars to promote the transfer of science and technology, resulting in the application of new and advanced technologies in sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, and transportation. Some sectors have international competitiveness and deep involvement in the application chain.

The linkage between universities and businesses is a solution to enhance the quality of education and technology transfer. However, deputy Nguyen ai Thang of Hung Yen Province mentioned that there are still many limitations in this regard. He suggested that the minister present measures to resolve these obstacles.

The Minister of Science and Technology expressed deep concern about this issue. In the past, universities operated separately, and businesses operated independently, lacking organic and effective connections. Recently, the State has set guidelines, policies, and mechanisms to bring these two sectors closer together.

Removing bottlenecks

National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue asked the Government, ministers and relevant agencies to remove bottlenecks of the national target programmes after the question-and-answer session with Minister - Chairman of the Governments Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs Hau A Lenh on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

Lenh was asked about ethnic minority issues such as the committees responsibility and the coordination among ministries and sectors in implementing the national target programmes on new-style rural area building for 2021-25, sustainable poverty reduction for 2021-25, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for 2021-30.

He also fielded questions about the attraction of resources for developing mountainous and disadvantaged areas and areas home to ethnic groups and the settlement of residential and production land-related shortages facing ethnic minorities, shifting cultivation and deforestation.

Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang who also joined the session claimed his responsibility for the slow progress of the national target programme for socio-economic development in mountainous areas and areas home to ethnic groups in the first phase from 2021 to 2025.

NA Chairman Hue said policies targeting ethnic groups remain scattered and not effective. The implementation of national target programmes, including the national target programme for socio-economic development in ethnic minorities and mountainous areas, is behind schedule.

The mobilisation of sources for the programmes faces difficulties, he said.

He cited the fact that many ethnic families do not fully access social welfare policies as they have not had household registration. Natural disasters and diseases that affect local livelihoods and production also have huge impacts on the implementation of ethnic policies and national target programmes.

He asked for mobilising all resources to make investments in the socio-economic development of ethnic minorities and mountainous areas, focusing on extremely disadvantaged areas, at the same time, making amendments to inappropriate regulations that slow down the progress.  VNS
Jakarta (VNA)  A high-ranking Vietnamese defence delegation led by Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong attended the 20th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM 20) that opened in Bali, Indonesia on June 7.

Addressing the event, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Cuong said that as a responsible member of the international community and ASEAN, Viet Nam has joined cooperation activities among militaries of ASEAN countries.

He called on relevant parties to continue their commitments in maintaining peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, while strengthening trust building and fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon finalising negotiations for a substantial and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law.

On the occasion, Cuong invited regional countries to join important military-defence cooperation activities to be hosted by Viet Nam in 2023, including the eighth meeting of the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network (APCN), a volleyball tournament for ASEAN militaries and end-of-term activities of the ADMM Experts Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations Cycle 4 (2021 - 2023).

Viet Nam will also hold a ceremony to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Peoples Army and an international defence exhibition in 2024, he said.

The Vietnamese general underlined that the ADMM theme of peace, prosperity and security chosen by Indonesia as ASEAN Chair in 2023 showed the common wish of all countries in the ASEAN Community to uphold the close bond and solidarity towards a people-centred future, thus affirming ASEAN militaries as an inseparable part of the bloc in dealing with common challenges in the region, especially amid the current complicated security situation.

Participants at the event listened to a report on the outcomes of the 20th ASEAN Military Intelligence Meeting (AMIM 20) and the 13th ASEAN Military Operations Meeting (AMOM-13) that took place on June 5-6. The results include the approval of a Concept Document on the foundation of ASEAN Military Intelligence Community (AMIC) at the AMIM 20 and the organisation of an AMIC leaders meeting in Vietnam at an early date.

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Cuong welcomed participants' support for the AMIC initiative given by Viet Nam and Indonesia. VNS
PARIS  Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son is taking part in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting 2023 in Paris on June 7 - 8.

Minister Son attended the event as a representative of Viet Nam  co-chair of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme, at the invitation of OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann and the UKs Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

Themed Securing a Resilient Future: Shared Values and Global Partnerships, the meeting is the OECD's most important event of the year, attracting the participation of ministers of the OECD member states and guest countries, along with leaders of the European Commission and many international organisations.

Addressing the event, the Vietnamese official emphasised that sustainable and inclusive growth is secured only when a global and overarching approach centred on people is adopted.

Countries should continue creating new growth impetuses while stepping up technology application and innovation to achieve a greener, cleaner, and smarter ecosystem. This process needs to be carried out in a concerted and harmonious manner, from regulations and policies to apparatus, from infrastructure to technology, and from financial investment to human resources training to ensure that no one or no country is left behind, he remarked.

Making several important proposals, Son said that first, the OECD and countries should enhance policy coordination, minimise barriers, protect trade and investment, and build a smooth global trade system based on law, freedom, equality, transparency, and inclusiveness, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the centre.

Secondly, as a body giving policy advice and setting up global standards, the OECD should increase dialogue with developing countries and take into consideration the conditions and viewpoints of countries outside the bloc in its policy and global standard making process.

Thirdly, the organisation should help developing countries improve their competitiveness, gain a foothold in global value chains, effectively adapt to global policy adjustments such as the global minimum corporate income tax and carbon border tax, narrow the digital and technological gap, and tap into potential of female workers and small- and medium-sized enterprises, according to the minister.

He stressed that as co-chair of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme, Viet Nam will continue making active and responsible contributions to efforts in tackling regional and global challenges.

To further strengthen cooperation between Southeast Asian countries and OECD, Viet Nam will host the second OECD - Southeast Asia Ministerial Forum this October. The initiative has been welcomed by the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting.

At the event, the OECD perceived that Asia will be the growth driver and a bright spot of the global economy in 2023 and 2024.

Member countries affirmed that they attach importance to the role of the Indo-Pacific region, and Southeast Asia is one of the top priorities of the OECD. The meeting agreed to boost coordination with and support for Southeast Asian nations to sustain the growth trend and further approach OECD standards and regulations.

Within the meetings framework, the Vietnamese delegation also attended many other important activities, including a global forum on technology and a workshop on changes to global tax policies.  VNS
Transport aircraft takes off for flight training

China Military Online) 10:35, June 08, 2023

Transport aircraft attached to the air force under the PLA Southern Theater Command takes off for a flight training exercise in late May, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Rongkai)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(Photo : NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia and Ukraine argue who damaged the world's largest ammonia pipeline in northern Kharkiv. (not the actual photo)

Moscow announced on Wednesday that a Ukrainian "sabotage" group blew up a portion of the Togliatti-Odessa pipeline that Russia used to export ammonia prior to the offensive.

In the midst of the conflict with Russia, the 2,500-kilometer (1,534-mile) pipeline is part of the international negotiations to enable grain exports from Ukraine.

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Blowing Up Ammonia Pipeline

Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of opening fire on an ammonia conduit near the community of Masyutivka. Monday evening, near the village of Masyutovka in the northeastern Kharkiv region, a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance party blew up the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline, according to the Russian defense ministry.

According to NDTV, the ministry said that a number of civilians were injured and that "they received the necessary medical assistance."

After Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, the pipeline ceased operation. The resumption of Russia's ammonia exports through the connection is one of Moscow's conditions for maintaining the grain export agreement, which ensures the secure passage of Ukrainian grain shipments.

According to both Kyiv and Moscow, a conduit used to transport ammonia fertiliser from kraine. The village is situated on the frontline between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Oleh Sinehubov, the administrator of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine, provided a distinct account of the events. He claimed in a Telegram message that Russian forces had bombarded the pipeline, as per The Strait Times.

Approximately 5.45 p.m. on Tuesday, six Russian projectiles struck near a pumping station near Masyutivka, he said, nearly 24 hours after Moscow claimed Ukraine blew up the same pipeline.

Russian agencies reported that the Russian section of the pipeline is secure and under control, citing the operating company. The resumption of supplies via the world's longest ammonia conduit, the Tolyatti-Odesa pipeline, may be crucial to the renewal of the Black Sea grain export agreement.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 in what it termed a "special military operation," the pipeline has been closed. Russia has repeatedly expressed skepticism as to whether it will continue to renew the grain agreement mediated by the United Nations and Turkey, which facilitates agricultural exports from Ukraine via the Black Sea.

Moscow has included the resumption of the Togliatti-Odessa pipeline among its conditions for renewal. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that the organization has not received any official notification about the pipeline damage.

Moscow has stated that it will restrict the number of vessels permitted to travel to the Pivdennyi port near Odessa until the pipeline is restored. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in a briefing on Wednesday that it would take between one and three months to restore the damaged section of the pipeline.

Read Also: Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Officials Warn of Potential Hazards

Russia, Ukraine Blame Each Other

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that evacuation preparations were in the works for three Ukrainian-controlled frontline villages. He indicated that Russian artillery bombardment had damaged the ammonia pipeline, The Sun reported.

He distinguished between the "terrorism" of the dam detonation and the "consequences of war" caused by the rupture of the ammonia conduit. Since Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conduit has been out of commission.

Despite the conflict, the Russians consider the pipeline essential for resuming grain and fertilizer exports to Ukraine. The alleged assault follows the Tuesday collapse of a significant hydroelectric dam in Novo Kakhovka.

An estimated 18 million cubic meters (4.8 billion gallons) of water could flow from the breached dam towards the city of Kherson, prompting concerns of inundation in 80 towns and villages.

Residents of southern Ukraine are preparing for a second day of rising inundation, as authorities have warned that a dam breach on the Dnieper River will continue to release water from a massive reservoir, causing the water level to rise.

Both parties have placed responsibility on the other, but the Russians are strongly suspected of planting bombs on the dam. Residents can be seen sloshing through knee-deep water in their flooded homes as rescue personnel transport them to safety on video footage circulating on social media.

In areas controlled by Ukraine on the western side, the chief of the Kherson Regional Military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, stated in a video that water levels were anticipated to rise by three feet over the next twenty hours.

Related Article: VIDEO: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Blowing Up Major Dam in Kherson

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
PARIS  Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son met with the UKs Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Chinas Hong Kong Algernon Yau Ying-wah, and Foreign Minister of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis in Paris on Wednesday.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2023.

Talking to British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, Minister Son expressed his delight at the progress of the two countries relations in multiple spheres, and suggested both sides increase mutual visits at all levels.

He called on the British Government to continue financial and technological support, and assist Viet Nam with capacity building within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership to help the country realise the commitments announced at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

He also asked for the UKs coordination with and support for Viet Nam to successfully serve as co-chair of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme, with priority on promoting economic recovery, helping with economic reform, and aiding Southeast Asian countries to further approach OECD standards.

Agreeing with Minister Sons suggestions, Cleverly expressed respect for Viet Nams growing role in the region, highly valued the countrys economic development achievements, and considered Viet Nam a potential market for British investment.

The UK wishes to further intensify bilateral cooperation, particularly in security-defence, green economy, and renewable energy, he noted.

As the two countries are marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, the ministers agreed on the need to devise measures for continuing to augment cooperation in all fields, thus substantively developing the strategic partnership to help both sides reach sustainable development goals and effectively cope with regional and global challenges.

Viet Nam and the UK will also strengthen ties and mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums, including OECD, they added.

At the meeting with Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Algernon Yau Ying-wah, Son highlighted the strides in economic, trade, and investment partnerships. The Chinese territory is currently the seventh biggest trading partner and the fifth largest foreign direct investor of Viet Nam, which in turn ranks seventh among all trading partners and second among the ASEAN ones of Hong Kong.

To further facilitate economic and trade links, he recommended the two sides hold more delegation exchanges between their administrations, localities, businesses, and people.

He asked Hong Kong to create more favourable conditions during the granting of visas for Vietnamese citizens and entrepreneurs, consider the pilot reception of Vietnamese workers, and encourage major firms of Hong Kong to take part in trade and investment promotion activities in Viet Nam.

Son also suggested Hong Kong increase importing agricultural, forestry, fishery, textile, garment, and footwear products from Viet Nam, and support Vietnamese businesses to boost trade, investment, and tourism connections with the special administration region.

Secretary Algernon Yau Ying-wah said major enterprises of Hong Kong highly value the business and investment climate in Viet Nam, and they hope to seek opportunities in the country in such new sectors as technology and innovation.

Hong Kong is ready to serve as a gateway for Vietnamese firms to operate profitably in the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area, he affirmed, promising to send the proposals on visa granting and conditions for Vietnamese workers to competent agencies for consideration.

At their meeting the same day, Minister Son and his Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis applauded the development of their countries relations over the past years.

They agreed that Viet Nam and Lithuania will keep close coordination to step up all-level mutual visits, maintain bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the political consultation between the two foreign ministries, and continue supporting each other at multilateral forums and international organisations. VNS
Khanh Duong

HA NOI  Despite being stated in the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary laws, animal welfare is a new concept to Vietnamese farmers and consumers, with a lack of application and understanding.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and its partners have conducted research on animal welfare along the smallholder pig value chain in Viet Nam and found that while there is increasing attention from authorities on animal welfare, public knowledge and awareness are still lacking.

According to the research, three-quarters of the interviewed consumers had not heard of the term "animal welfare".

Dr Pham uc Phuc, Deputy Director of the Centre for Public Health and Ecosystem Research (CENPHER), Hanoi University of Public Health, said: "Knowledge about animal welfare is limited in Viet Nam, even among people working in the agricultural system. There are not many training programmes on this, which leads to misconceptions and not much public concern."

He said it is important for people in different sectors to understand the concept in livestock husbandry, companion animals, fisheries, and even wildlife.

Dr Fred Unger, Senior Scientist and Regional Representative of ILRI Southeast Asia, explained the simple definition of animal welfare, which generally refers to the health and physical wellbeing of an animal.

Some key aspects of animal welfare include that animals can have free access to sufficient and good-quality water and feed, he said, adding that animal welfare also refers to freedom from stress and fear, and natural behaviours, so that animals can express themselves as naturally as possible.

During transportation, we have some criteria that keep pigs in comfortable conditions, for example, not too crowded, he said.

At slaughterhouses, animals are treated with as minimal stress and harm as possible when they are in lairage or being slaughtered, such as using appropriate stunning methods. This will also contribute to meat quality and safety for consumers, he said.

The Welfare Quality assessment protocol developed and tested in Europe also mentions four principles of animal welfare: good feeding, good housing, good health, and appropriate behaviour under 12 criteria and several other indicators. ILRI researchers referred to this protocol in their surveys in Viet Nam.

Dr ang Xuan Sinh, post doc scientist from ILRI said: If you follow good animal welfare in farming and slaughtering practice, not only animals but also farmers and slaughter workers will benefit due to appropriate human behaviours.

It means if you keep and handle animals well on the farm and in the slaughter process, farmers and workers will benefit from animal welfare in terms of their good practice and mental health, said Sinh.

Animal welfare in practice

Due to lacking public awareness, the application of animal welfare regulations in Viet Nam has been limited.

Looking into the current situation of animal welfare in Viet Nam and based on field observations at the farm level in northern Hoa Binh Province, ILRI researchers found pigs in some of the surveyed farms have no continuous access to water, which is a crucial animal welfare condition according to World Organisation for Animal Health.

The Animal Husbandry Law states that animals should have places for rest in dry and clean conditions. However, observations from the study of ILRI found that pigs sometimes lie in excrement on concrete floors and open drainage.

Another critical practice from an animal welfare standpoint observed in ILRI studies is that pigs in some slaughter facilities are pulled by slaughtermen, who usually use an iron hook attached under the mandible. All pigs showed discomfort and vocalised heavily while being restrained by the hook.

All Vietnamese meat product importers, including demanding markets such as the UK, Europe, Japan and the US, have their own requirements that animal products must ensure "animal welfare". Experts said that the current livestock system conditions in Viet Nam need to be improved to better comply with animal welfare commitments.

Dr Ha Thuy Hanh, former Deputy Director of the National Agricultural Extension Centre, said in recent years, animal welfare has been mentioned more, especially in trade agreements that Viet Nam has signed with Europe and other countries.

Thanks to the recent concern of customers, the laws, as well as the sustainability of food industry policies, the animal welfare policy is considered an important part in the sustainable development of every livestock business. At the same time, breeders have begun to pioneer this trend, she said.

Communication compaigns

Despite a lack of knowledge among consumers and farmers about animal welfare, it is encouraging to see that they are eager to learn more.

ILRI found that slaughterhouse workers are mostly unfamiliar with the animal welfare concept, and no one teaches them about animal welfare, but they expressed their interest in learning about it, especially from experienced trainers and free of charge.

Research conducted by ESI Insights for World Animal Protection shows that up to 67 per cent of global consumers consider and prioritise animal welfare when shopping for food. Notably, for younger customers aged 18-35, this rate is as high as 83 per cent.

This shows that although the price is higher than that of conventional products, the products raised under the animal welfare model are still chosen by consumers.

Dr Pham uc Phuc, CENPHER deputy director, said consumers can play a key role in promoting animal welfare. Their views on animal welfare are important, as strong consumer demand for animal-welfare-production products could lead to changes in policy and practice, improving meat quality.

Consumers need to be made better aware of the negative aspects of animal welfare violations through wide communication campaigns, he said.

He recommended making road maps and action plans to improve capacity in professional research and improve knowledge on animal welfare at universities.

From the perspective of researchers, ILRI experts recommended that the design of farm and slaughterhouse facilities should be more integrated so that animal welfare is considered early in their planning stages.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for drastic measures to ensure the electricity supply during dry season and in the future.

In a dispatch sent on Tuesday to the Minister of Industry and Trade, the Chairperson of the Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises (CMSC), the Chairpersons of the Peoples Committees of centrally-run cities and provinces, and leaders of Viet Nam Electricity (EVN), Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) and Viet Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), the PM highlighted recent problems in power supply in the northern region.

He noted that the severe heat and impacts from El Nino phenomena have led to a surge in power demand, coupled with droughts in many northern localities causing extremely low water levels at hydropower reservoirs, greatly affecting the supply of electricity in the dry season of 2023.

Despite efforts of relevant parties, there are still factors negatively affecting the supply of electricity, especially in the northern region.

The Government leader has asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to review and evaluate the current power supply and emerging factors that can affect power supply to strengthen the efficiency and enforcement of State management in the work, while promptly guiding the EVN to design scenarios to effectively deal with difficulties in the field.

This work must be completed by June 10, requested the PM.

The MoIT was asked to finalise a directive from the PM on strengthening power saving in the 2023-25 period and following years, focusing on practical and effective solutions, and submit to the PM by June 8 for an official release. The ministry was also ordered to complete a PMs decree on ensuring power supply and the supply of coal and gas for electricity production and submit to him by June 15.

The PM also asked the MoIT to instruct the negotiations of purchasing prices of solar and wind power and complete the work within June. The ministry should review legal regulations to issue guidance on investment in power transmission grid in accordance with approved electricity development planning, with attention paid to investment in the form of public-private partnership, and summit to the PM a plan to realise the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-30 period (PDP VIII). The PM also requested the ministry to promptly take the management of the National Load Dispatch Centre within June.

The Government leader asked the CMSC, the EVN, PetroVietnam and Vinacomin, within their remit, to coordinate with each other in implementing measures to ensure power supply in the dry season of 2023 and following years, and report to the PM issues beyond their authority.

EVN was asked to focus on building scenarios to respond to difficulties in power supply and effectively rolling out power saving measures, especially in June. Meanwhile, the Vinacomin and Petrovietnam were requested to ensure the supply of coal and gas for power plants at the request of EVN.

The PM also assigned the MoIT to form an inspection team to examine the power supply management at the EVN from January 2021 to June 1, 2023.  VNS
HA NOI  The 15th National Assembly (NA) on Thursday successfully wrapped up a question-and-answer session as part of its fifth sitting after two-and-a-half days.

In his closing remarks, NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue said apart from the four ministers who fielded questions within their remit, deputy prime ministers Tran Hong Ha and Tran Luu Quang, and the ministers of finance, planning and investment, and agriculture and rural development gave further explanations on issues regarding labour, invalids and social affairs, science-technology, transport and ethnic affairs.

Deputy PM Le Minh Khai clarified issues within the Governments power, and responded to questions raised by deputies.

A total of 454 deputies registered to join the session, of whom 112 raised questions and 49 others participated in debates, according to the top legislator.

Lauding the performance of the Cabinet members during the Q&A session, Hue said the selection of the issues for the agenda is necessary, meeting the aspirations of people and voters.

The chief legislator suggested the Government, ministries and agencies concertedly implement solutions after the meeting to create changes in the fields touched upon at the meeting.

He said during the next sitting slated for October this year, the legislature will look into reports by Cabinet members, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the Prosecutor General of Supreme People's Procuracy, the State Auditor General and others questioned.

The Government, ministries and agencies should send their reports before July 15, Hue said, asking NA agencies to reform its report assessment methods.

On Thursday afternoon, the NA also passed a resolution on the assembly's 2024 supervision programme, with over 92 per cent deputies voted in favour.

A majority of NA deputies also agreed on the necessity to issue a resolution on a programme piloting a number of specific policies for HCM City's development.  VNS
Vietnam's motorcycle market has been among some of the fastest-growing markets in the world in the last decades despite setbacks brought by the COVID-19 global pandemic, according to the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM).

Currently, there are more than 70 million registered motorcycles in the Southeast Asian country with the figure projected to grow even larger in the future. In the first four months of 2023 alone, the country produced more than 1 million new motorcycles.

Five major manufacturers: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Piaggio, and SYM hold over 90% of the market share in Vietnam, manufacturers also export fully assembled models to international markets.

VAMM said the stage has been set for Vietnam to become an attractive destination for motorcycle manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Due to supply chain difficulties and rising trade tension between the US and China, manufacturers have been shifting their investments to smaller markets in Asia to minimise risks. For example, the Japanese government has allocated a 2.2 billion USD fund in support of Japanese businesses relocating from China while the US government has been calling for US businesses to either return to the US or relocate to another country.

Against this backdrop, Vietnam has emerged as a promising new destination for many motorcycle manufacturers.

Honda Vietnam currently owns and operates three factories in the country with a production capacity of 2.5 million motorcycles a year. Yamaha Motor Vietnam owns and operates two factories. Piaggio Vietnam owns and operates two factories with a production capacity of 250,000-400,000 motorcycles a year.

However, the market is not without its challenges.

Vietnam's motorcycle market in recent years has shown signs of saturation. While annual motorcycle production continued to rise, demand and purchasing power have largely failed to keep up. This has forced manufacturers to start investing more in product diversification, particularly in the premium segment, as well as seeking ways to boost exports of fully assembled models, and spare parts to international markets.

For instance, Yamaha Motor Vietnam has been exporting models to supplement the Indonesian market since 2019. Last year, the company became the first foreign factory to produce and export the NEO'S electric motorcycle to European markets.

In May this year, Yamaha Motor Vietnam officially inaugurated its fourth assembly line, specifically for engine assembly for exports. This move demonstrated the Japanese company's confidence and commitment to Vietnam.

According to the company, the new line will produce engines for export to Thailand during Phase 1 with a localisation rate of up to 95%. Over the next three years, the company is to expand its exports to other markets including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with an expected export volume of around 200,000 units.

Similarly, Honda Vietnam has been pushing the export of fully assembled models and spare parts. Last year, the company exported 207,000 motorcycles with a total export turnover of over 462 million USD, a 25% increase in revenue over 2021, according to VAMM. The company said this year it has set a target to export nearly a quarter of a million models or a 9% increase over 2022.

According to industry experts, in order to maintain growth in the Vietnamese market companies must start investing in the development of new product lines to cater to customers' evolving preferences.

New trends include prioritising energy-efficient models, compact design and hassle-free operation.

According to MotorCycles Data, a website specialised in the motorcycles market data and forecast, Vietnam's electric bike segment has maintained a steady growth rate at 5.6% during the first quarter of 2023 in comparison to a contracted internal combustion segment./.

Source: Vietnam Plus
Vietnam's pepper exports are not challenged by Cambodia being issued a licence to export its pepper to China directly, according to experts.

About 90-95 per cent of Cambodia's pepper output has been exported to Viet Nam.

The Viet Nam Trade Office in Cambodia quoted Khmer Times sources saying that Cambodian pepper would be available in China directly after the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) approved Cambodias export proposal.

Accordingly, the GACC approved seven packaging factories and 28 growing facilities for pepper exports in Cambodia.

Le Viet Anh, head of the Viet Nam Pepper Association's office, Cambodia exporting pepper directly to China was not a challenge for Viet Nam's pepper exports immediately because the pepper volume exported from Cambodia to China was not much.

About 90-95 per cent of Cambodia's pepper output have been exported to Viet Nam, then processors in Viet Nam have re-exported the volume to other countries, including China," said Anh. "Meanwhile, Cambodia has few trading companies, mainly FDI enterprises."

Hoang Phuoc Binh, vice chairman of Chu Se Pepper Association (Gia Lai), said this was normal. Cambodia's pepper had been mainly exported to Viet Nam and re-exported to China. The remaining 10-20 per cent had been shipped directly to China and Europe.

With this permission, the pepper volume exported directly from Cambodia to China could increase, Binh said.

Therefore, according to experts, it could increase competitive pressure on Vietnamese pepper exported to China in the future.

The Viet Nam Pepper Association said Cambodia had been the second largest pepper exporter to Viet Nam after Brazil. In the first four months of this year, Cambodia exported 1,715 tonnes of pepper to Viet Nam, down 64 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. However this was official export, not including several thousand tonnes of unofficial exports.

In the first quarter of 2023, China increased pepper imports from Indonesia, Malaysia and India. In contrast, China reduced pepper imports from Viet Nam. Viet Nam's pepper market share in China's total imports decreased from 39.36 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 to 29.75 per cent in the first quarter of 2023.

Regarding the reduction in Viet Nam's pepper exports to China, Binh said it was not a concern; Viet Nam had accounted for more than 50 per cent of the world's exports. The output of pepper in other markets, such as Cambodia and Malaysia, had been very small. So, China still had to import pepper mainly from Viet Nam.

China imports an average volume of about 50,000-60,000 tonnes of pepper from Viet Nam annually. The export volume of white pepper to this market will fluctuate occasionally.

In the first four months of 2023, China imported 35,000 tonnes of pepper from Viet Nam. In the next six months, Viet Nam will not have any difficulty exporting 20,000-25,000 tonnes of pepper, according to Binh.

The association estimates that Viet Nam's pepper output 2023 will increase by 5 per cent compared to 2022.

In 2022, Viet Nam exported more than 226,000 tonnes of pepper, earning nearly US$963 million, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Source: Vietnamnet
China and Peru held their fifth round of talks over the upgrading of their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in Beijing from May 30 to Friday, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced in a statement on Monday.

Analysts said that the development, coming as more Latin American countries sign free trade deals with China and join the global cooperation platform known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China, showed a continued push by Latin American countries to seek trade and investment diversification against global economic headwinds.

On the basis of the consensus reached in the early stage, the two sides conducted comprehensive and in-depth consultations on topics such as cross-border services trade, investment, intellectual property rights, e-commerce, customs procedures and trade facilitation, and rules of origin, according to the MOFCOM statement.

Engaging in negotiations over the upgrading of the free trade pact will be conducive to tap the potential of the FTA benefits and bring more concrete gains to the two peoples, said the ministry.

The pact with Peru, which offers zero-tariff treatment to more than 90 percent of traded items, is China's eighth FTA. It has been in force since March 1, 2010.

Since 2010, companies in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province have enjoyed tariff cuts worth 1.38 billion yuan ($194 million) by tapping these benefits, the Shenzhen customs authority said in March.

It is not known when the upgrade negotiations will conclude, but it is expected that trade and economic ties will be further improved when the upgrade is done, Jiang Shixue, professor at the Center for Latin American Studies at Shanghai University, told the Global Times.

Jiang said that as countries face economic pressure in the post-COVID world, they have a strong desire to sign deals that would contribute to and facilitate trade and investment.

Jiang said China could sign more FTAs with more Latin American countries as China's trade relationship with the continent intensifies.

China has been Peru's largest trading partner for nine consecutive years, and bilateral trade reached $34.62 billion in 2022, up 1.7 percent year-on-year, data from the Peruvian authority showed.

Bilateral trade has focused on minerals trade, such as Peru's copper exports to China, but other sectors such as agriculture have shown great potential for growth.

The talks were held as China unswervingly promotes high-level opening-up and is speeding up the establishment of a high-standard free trade network globally.

In May, China and Ecuador signed an FTA after a year of negotiations. The pact makes Ecuador China's 27th FTA partner and China's fourth FTA partner in Latin America, after Chile, Peru and Costa Rica.

Starting on May 1, some exports from Nicaragua were able to enter China tariff-free, under an Early Harvest Arrangement prior to a bilateral FTA.

On Friday, China signed a cooperation agreement with Argentina on promoting the joint construction of the BRI.

Source: Global Times
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai (first row, R, 2nd) attends the opening ceremony of the trade fair in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam, June 6, 2023. Photo: Buu Dau / Tuoi Tre

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Tran Anh Thu, vice-chairman of the An Giang administration, said this is the 14th edition of the trade show and is part of the ministrys trade promotion program for 2023.

This years trade fair is expected to revitalize a trade promotion plan between Vietnam and Cambodia post-pandemic.

Given the friendship and partnership between An Giang and the Cambodian province of Takeo, I believe that participating businesses will sign multiple trade promotion contracts at this trade fair, Thu said.

At the event, Vietnamese and Cambodian exhibitors mostly display a variety of agro-fishery products, consumer goods, local specialties, and items for promoting tourism, while calling for investment.

The event paves the way for enterprises as well as cooperatives from other Vietnamese provinces and cities to expand their business in An Giang, approach the Cambodian market, and seek potential trade partners.

The trade fair is scheduled to take place from Tuesday to next Monday at Xuan To Industrial Park in Tinh Bien.

tuoitrenews
Experts have warned that without thorough preparation for global integration, Vietnam will turn into a playing field for imports from all over the world.

A senior executive of Amy Grupo, a building material manufacturer, told VietNamNet that the ceramic tile manufacturing industry is under pressure because of imports from India. With the import tariff cut to 5 percent last year in accordance with the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Indian tiles have become cheap and are available everywhere in the Vietnamese market.

Chinese products are always cheap, but Indian ones are even cheaper, he said.

The businessman said the construction industry has been facing difficulties since early 2022. This, plus the flooding of Indian and Chinese products in the home market, have dealt a strong blow to domestic enterprises. Many of them are running at just 50 percent of capacity, he said, adding that the ceramic tile industry may not retain the value of $4 billion this year.

More than 15 FTAs, bilateral and multilateral, have helped bring Vietnams products to all over the world. And in exchange, foreign products have been flooding the domestic market, testing the endurance of Vietnamese enterprises and products.

Agricultural imports

Vietnam is considered an agricultural country, and agricultural production is a major competitive advantage. However, every year, Vietnam still has to spend billions of dollars to import maize, soybean and meat.

In 2022, Vietnam imported 1.84 million tons of soybean worth $1.28 billion, over 9.6 million tons of maize worth $3.33 billion, $5.6 billion worth of animal feed and materials, and 2.08 billion worth of veggies and fruits, up 40.3 percent over 2021. The imports were mostly from China, with import turnover of $858 million.

Considered a cashew nut power, Vietnam had to spend $2.68 billion in 2022 and $1.06 billion in the first four months of 2023 to import cashew nuts, mostly from Cambodia. The import turnover was higher than the export value ($952 million).

The door is open widely to the Vietnamese meat market. The products not favored in other countries but favored in Vietnam have been imported to Vietnam in large quantities.

In 2022, Vietnam spent $1.52 billion to import meat, meat by-products and edible animal by-products. A report from the Vietnam Poultry Association showed that poultry meat imports grew by 60 percent in the last two years, while the domestic production growth rate was just 6.14 percent.

Huge void in industry

Vietnam is a big exporter. But in order to obtain high export turnover, it has to import input materials of different kinds in large quantities.

The import turnover of materials for textiles and garments, and footwear products in 2022, for example, totaled $6.7 billion. Vietnam had to spend $14.7 billion to import fabric, $4 billion to import cotton, $2.55 billion to import fiber and yarn and $11.9 billion to import steel.

In other words, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Vietnam needs to import 90 percent of raw cotton it needs to make finished products, 40 percent synthetic fiber, 50 percent of cotton yarn, 80 percent of fabric, and 90 percent of intermediary products and accessories for CMT (cut  make  trim).

For the footwear industry, Vietnam needs to import 40-45 percent of materials. The figure is 75-80 percent for plastics manufacturing.

Exporting for FIEs, low added value

According to UNIDOs calculations in 2020, in 2011-2019, the ratio of intermediary product imports to total import turnover of Vietnam increased from 60.8 percent in 2010 to 69.3 percent in 2019, much higher than other regional countries.

This explains why Vietnam mainly does outsourcing for export and profits it can pocket are very modest, accounting for a small proportion in the price structure of finished products.

A report from MOIT showed that up to 75 percent of textile and garment companies are doing outsourcing which brings a modest profitability rate of 4 percent. About 20 percent of enterprises organize production under the FOB mode (free on board) which brings a profitability rate of 7 percent.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) and OBM (Original Brand Manufacturer) can bring the profitability rate of 30-40 percent, but only 9 percent of enterprises can apply the former and 1 percent the latter.

In terms of supplying materials and accessories, only 1 percent of demand for cotton, 30 percent of demand for fiber and 18 percent of demand for fabric (1.5 billion meters per annum) can be found from domestic sources, while the others need to be fed by imports.

This leads to a paradox that being one of the big textile and garment exporters, Vietnam is the only country that doesnt use domestic material and accessories, MOIT said.

Source: Vietnamnet
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is striving to increase the membership of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Speaking at the ASEAN-Japan Business Week in Tokyo on June 5, Kao said the ten-member grouping also plans to establish a unit in the ASEAN Secretariat in support of the RCEP, which accounts for 32% of the worlds total GDP.

ASEAN economic ministers are also working on procedures to allow other economies to join the agreement.

The RCEP gathers the 10 ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Australia and New Zealand.

The deal has recently come into full effect in all the 15 member countries after it officially took effect in the Philippines on June 2.

The RCEP will eliminate up to 90% of tariffs on goods traded among the signatories within 20 years, starting from the agreement's entry into force.

Kao called the RCEP  the largest free trade agreement in the world  a crucial initiative in support of businesses, especially those from Japan. According to him, more than 14,000 Japanese companies are operating in ASEAN countries./.

Source: Vietnam Plus
The Philippine's Mayon Volcano near the south of Manila shows increased activity, raising the possibility of an eruption in the next few weeks or days.

Philippine Mayon Volcano's Activity Raises Chance of Eruption

The enchanting beauty of the Philippines' iconic Mayon Volcano conceals an ominous secret, as increased volcanic activity raises concerns of an imminent eruption. According to Bloomberg, the Philippines has raised the alert level on the scenic volcano south of Manila.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reports a significant uptick in volcanic activity in recent days.

The PHIVOLCS warning stresses an "increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption." On top of a looming eruption, there is also a chance of "explosive activity within weeks or even days," the institution disclosed.

The Philippine institution focused on natural occurrences, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, has raised the alert level for the volcano to Level 3. The warning level, which consists of five, now recommends local authorities to evacuate nearby residents. PHIVOLCS urges them to temporarily relocate people living within a six kilometers radius of the Permanent Danger Zone of Mayon, as per CNN Philippines.

The volcanic institution also disclosed a striking increase in rockfall straight from the summit lava dome of the volcano within the last 24 hours.

PHIVOLCS reiterates that the "repeated collapse of the growing summit dome of Mayon Volcano has generated an increasing number and volume of rockfall events." And as such, the Philippine institution raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3.

Besides the rockfall, the magma in the volcano is now flowing out, but there are no explosions yet.

Read Also: Fire Engulfs Philippines' Historic Post Office Building, Destroys Nearly 100-year-old Landmark

Philippine Mayon Volcano

The Mayon Volcano is known for its scenic views with some often aptly calling it a "perfect cone" for its picturesque shape. But beneath its apparent beauty, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the country.

NBC News reports that the volcano in the south of the Philippine capital erupted last January 2018, spewing ash and lava. Roughly 56,000 residents nearby evacuated during that time. The ash of the violent eruption fell to the nearby towns and farmlands.

Notably, several towns with thousands of residents are encircling the active volcano, such as Legazpi, Tabaco, and Ligao. Other municipalities nearby are Daraga, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Bacacay, and Guinobatan.

With the recent increase of activity in the Philippine volcano, nearby residents are worried of a repeat of the a similar tragic senario, which occured last 2018.

Related Article: Philippines: Court Denies Bail for Ex-Senator Detained on Drug Charges

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Australias Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) will not impose anti-subsidy duties on ammonium nitrate products imported from Viet Nam, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade. On May 30, the ADC issued a preliminary conclusion on an anti-dumping investigation into ammonium nitrate products imported from Lithuania and Viet Nam.

Accordingly, the products imported from Viet Nam accounted for a relatively small share of the Australian market. Hence, the application of anti-dumping measures did not create significant impacts on Australia's ammonium nitrate industry.

Specifically, ammonium nitrate products from Lithuania and Viet Nam account for around 0.8 percent and 0.2 percent of the market shares in Australia, respectively.

The ADC initiated an anti-dumping investigation into ammonium nitrate products imported from Chile, Lithuania, and Viet Nam on June 8, 2022.

Viet Nam started exporting ammonium nitrate to Australia in 2019.

In the 2019-2021 period, the annual export value of ammonium nitrate to Australia was US$2.56 million, US$ 12.13 million, and US$ 5.07 million./.

Source: Government News
The 78MWp solar assets across four agricultural sites will integrate solar photovoltaics with 7.8 MWh battery energy storage systems to enhance grid stability and resilience.

The project will generate 91.3 GWh of green electricity annually, amounting to an avoidance of more than 91,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, and other harmful gas emissions each year

SINGAPORE and MEIZHOU, China, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SP Group (SP), a leading utilities group and sustainable energy solutions provider in Singapore and Asia Pacific, announced its investment in its first batch of agrivoltaic assets in Guangdong province, China.

With a total installed capacity of 78 Megawatt-peak (MWp), the project will integrate solar photovoltaics (PV) with 7.8 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage systems across four existing agricultural sites in Dabu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. The solar-plus-storage model will improve the stability and resilience of the power grid with the capability to support periods of high electricity demand and tight electricity supply.

When completed at the end of this year, the project is expected to contribute 91.3 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually to the power grid and help Meizhou avoid over 91,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The clean energy generated will help the region reduce usage of coal by close to 30,000 tonnes and reduce annual sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 2,700 tonnes and 1,360 tonnes respectively.

To optimise asset yield and performance, the project is enhanced with digital energy management solutions to manage the solar generation and will monitor the usage and storage of the solar power based on intelligent insights and data.

Agrivoltaics involves the strategic co-location of agriculture activities with solar energy generation infrastructure. The dual-use of land will retain its agricultural production capability and meet net-zero targets. This novel system offers multiple benefits to local farmers, the community, and the environment. It removes the perceived conflict between solar development and prime agriculture land to drive solar expansion at-scale; offers rural farmers the opportunity to diversify their income source; has the potential to enhance crop yield; and increases green energy supply towards China's climate ambitions of achieving peak carbon use by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

Mr Michael Zhong, Managing Director, China, SP Group said: "The symbiosis of solar photovoltaic systems and the agricultural sector offers great potential for us to support China's clean energy transition and to uplift local communities. As part of our long-term commitment in China, we will actively explore and invest in innovative and diversified sustainable energy opportunities to expand our footprint across China, driving sustainable development and decarbonisation for its cities and districts."

SP Group currently has a renewable energy and district cooling portfolio in China that spans 13 provinces including Anhui, Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Shanghai, Shandong and Zhejiang.

About SP Group

SP Group is a leading utilities group in the Asia Pacific, empowering the future of energy with low-carbon, smart energy solutions for its customers. It owns and operates electricity and gas transmission and distribution businesses in Singapore and Australia, as well as sustainable energy solutions in Singapore, China, Thailand and Vietnam.

As Singapore's national grid operator, about 1.6 million industrial, commercial and residential customers benefit from its world-class transmission, distribution and market support services. These networks are amongst the most reliable and cost-effective worldwide.

Beyond traditional utilities services, SP Group provides a suite of sustainable and renewable energy solutions such as microgrids, cooling and heating systems for business districts and residential townships, solar energy solutions, electric vehicle fast-charging stations and digital energy solutions for customers in Singapore and the region.

For more information, please visit spgroup.com.sg or follow us on Facebook at spgrp.sg/facebook, LinkedIn at spgrp.sg/linkedin and Instagram at spgrp.sg/instagram

Source: SP Group
HCMC  The illegal trade of personal data has been widespread across the country in recent years, with the largest recorded data breach reaching nearly 1,300GB, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Personal data has been openly sold in large quantities in cyberspace for a while, and sellers can update and extract data at the buyers request, said Lieutenant General Nguyen Minh Chinh, director of the Department of Cyber Security and Hi-tech Crime Prevention, at a conference held on June 7.

The Ministry of Public Security has identified hundreds of individuals and organizations involved in the trading and appropriation of personal data.

The largest amount of illegally collected and traded personal data is reported to be close to 1,300GB, including sensitive and significant personal information, he added.

On April 17, the Government issued Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP on the protection of personal data, marking the first step in mitigating the risks and consequences of personal data breaches.

This morning, the Ministry of Public Security organized a conference on the publication and guidance of the Governments decree on personal data protection for domestic and foreign organizations and businesses.

During the event, the ministry selected and addressed key questions from among 980 comments and inquiries from organizations and businesses regarding the implementation of the decree.
Looking at the picture of foreign investment in the aviation sector, what are the most attractive areas?

Dinh Viet Thang, director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

There have been several categories attracting foreign investment in the aviation sector over the past years, making them important highlights.

Firstly, international airlines have invested in Vietnam by owning shares of domestic airlines. Next, ancillary companies in the aviation industry, such as companies providing meals and goods, have attracted the attention of foreign investors.

Furthermore, investing in training and research is an important part of the aviation industry. Foreigners are interested in building aviation training schools, as well as research and development centres.

Vietnam is also a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia and aviation is an important part of the tourism industry. Foreign investors have put money into travel agencies and airlines serving the tourism industry.

While being attractive to foreign businesses, the numbers are not as much as expected, especially in terms of infrastructure.

How have legal reforms affected the aviation market and foreign investment in particular?

Vietnams aviation market has undergone many legal reforms. These reforms have positively impacted the aviation market by enhancing competition, safety management, transparency and accountability of companies, and reducing barriers to foreign funding.

Specifically, legal reforms have increased competition in Vietnams aviation industry, enabling local and international airlines to operate in a fair competition.

The legal reform of aviation safety has helped improve the quality and ensure the safety of aviation operations. Legal reforms have also made it easier for companies to implement regulations on disclosure of information, financial statements, and liability.

Foreign investment in aviation is still modest compared to its potential. What are the reasons for this?

Indeed, the potential in the aviation sector is huge. However, it has not been tapped effectively because there are still a number of reasons.

Firstly, the infrastructure is not fully developed. Although there have been many improvements, the aviation infrastructure in Vietnam has not developed much, especially at the local airports.

Secondly, although there have been many legal reforms, regulations still have shortcomings. It is necessary to continue reform to improve specialised legal provisions.

There are some lessons Vietnam could learn from other regional countries. Singapore has a modern airport system and the participation of many major airlines. It has focused on developing international routes and enhancing service quality to attract customers. Malaysia and Thailand have also developed diverse international airport systems, with the participation of many international airlines. They have also focused on attracting tourists, strengthening safety management, and developing international routes.

With the current condition, what is the orientation of foreign investment attraction in the aviation sector in the coming time?

Firstly, Vietnam needs to invest in building and upgrading existing airports to meet the growing needs. In addition, it is necessary to focus on the development of airports in key economic regions.

The second is to improve service quality. Vietnam needs to strengthen human resource training in the aviation sector, especially in airport management and operation, flight safety and aircraft maintenance. At the same time, it is necessary to have policies to encourage businesses to improve service quality to attract customers.

The third aspect is to diversify international routes. Vietnam needs to promote the countrys image and develop new international routes to attract tourists from different markets, while focusing on expanding routes to tourist attractions such as Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and Europe.

A fourth factor is to provide supporting policies, continuing to develop favourable supporting policies for foreign-invested enterprises, and ensuring an enabling legal and business environment for foreign backers.

Next up is cooperation with the investors themselves. Vietnam needs to look for opportunities to cooperate with them to share experience and technology and strengthen partnerships with companies and major airlines in the world.

Furthermore, Vietnam can focus on developing new products and services to attract customers and enhance the brand value of the airline industry. These products and services may include all-in-one tour packages, new airport amenities, flights to new locations, and others. When passengers fly a lot, airlines will also develop, and there will be many more interested investors.

Finally, Vietnam needs to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic aviation enterprises. Businesses need to improve service quality, reduce operating costs, and improve operational efficiency.

New routes and deals offer impetus for domestic airlines Vietnams aviation market is trying to warm up rapidly as the world tries to move back to some kind of normality in the face of vaccine arrivals and successful domestic human vaccine trials.

Vietnams aviation ready to fully recover international flights The Vietnamese aviation industry is currently ready in all aspects to operate the entire international flight network like before the COVID-19 outbreak, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has told Deputy Transport Minister Le Anh Tuan.
In a recent interview with the press, the bank's leadership shed further light on this strategic plan, disclosing their anticipation that within approximately six months, Vietcombank will emerge as the parent institution overseeing CB's operations.

In May, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) disclosed that it had formally submitted and duly obtained authorised approval for the mandatory transfer directive targeting four banks subject to special regulatory scrutiny: CB, Oceanbank, GPbank, and DongA Bank.

Drawing attention to the obligatory transfer of a credit institution this year, Nguyen Thanh Tung, deputy CEO of Vietcombank, expressed unwavering commitment to execute the required measures.

It is worth noting that in 2022, Vietcombank successfully devised a comprehensive blueprint for seamless transfers, in strict adherence to the SBV prescribed timeline, Tung said.

The precursor of CB was the Rural Rach Kien Bank, which was converted into an urban model in 2006 under the name Dai Tin (TrustBank).

In May 2013, the Thien Thanh Group and several shareholders participated in capital contribution and restructuring efforts, leading to the transformation of Trust Bank into Vietnam Construction Bank (VNCB).

At an extraordinary shareholders' meeting in 2015, VNCB failed to pass the plan to supplement charter capital to meet the minimum capital requirements as stipulated by law. Consequently, the SBV decided to compulsorily repurchase the entire capital of the bank.

In March 2015, the SBV announced the conversion of CB from a joint-stock bank to a single-member limited liability bank model with the state as the sole owner.

Vietcombank has been involved in the management of this bank, appointing direct officials to oversee its operations since then.

After nine years, the bank asserts that it has undergone comprehensive innovations in terms of management practices, technology systems, product services, and brand image.

2022 marked the first year since the restructuring process that the CB officially obtained SBV approval for its business plan and achieved all its targets.

Concocting a defensive M&A strategy to build resilience Todays economic situation can be a catalyst for opportunity through mergers and acquisitions to facilitate businesses to build resilience. Le Viet Anh Phong, financial advisory lead at Deloitte Vietnam, spoke with VIRs Luu Huong about the strategies expected to prevail this year.

Local banks seek foreign funding On May 23, Saigon-Hanoi Bank (SHB) announced the completion of the transfer of a 50 per cent stake in its consumer finance subsidiary SHB Finance to its Thai partner, Krungsri Bank. Over a year on from initially signing the contract to sell the stake, SHB has now received $78 million from its foreign partner.
According to the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV), on June 2, the EU extended the safeguard action towards imported steel on tariff rate quotas (TRQ) for certain steel products for a further year, from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).

TRAV said that Vietnam, along with other countries, was subject to quarterly TRQ for eight product groups, including hot-rolled steel plate, electrical engineering steel plate, galvanised steel plate, organic-coated steel plate, stainless cold-rolled steel plate, large steel pipes, and other steel pipes.

Vietnam is precluded from other categories of steel products based on the requirement that a developing nation have a negligible share of the import market of less than 3 per cent.

The affected nations may request discussions with the EU between June 5 and 13. If the market share of another group of steel products imported from Vietnam into the EU exceeds 3 per cent, this group will be added to the list of TRQ-applicable products during annual administrative evaluations. Moreover, Vietnam is prohibited from applying separate quotas to any group.

The European Commission (EC) maintains a quota allocation scheme that incorporates country-specific and generic quota allocations for the remainder of the nation.

The non-quota tax rate is 25 per cent. Compared to the period between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023, the quantity of non-taxable quotas increased by an additional 4 per cent.

On March 26, 2017, the EC launched a safeguard investigation into imported steel products. The EC determined on July 18, 2018, to impose a temporary precautionary measure on the import of a number of steel products classified under 23 product categories for a period of 200 days.

On February 2, 2019, the EC administered formal safeguard measures to 26 of the 28 product categories under investigation.

When exporting to the EU, TRAV suggests that steel exporters evaluate their imports to verify that export shipments are within the remaining quota.

This is a billion-dollar export market for the steel industry in Vietnam. In the prime year of 2021, steel exports to the EU surpassed $61 billion for the first time.

Steel groups take on EUs carbon rules Steel manufacturers in Vietnam are anxious about the procedures for receiving and reporting data related to carbon emissions for the upcoming application of the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Canada extends Vietnam-origin steel sheet deadline Early in 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the reopening of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations for Vietnam-origin corrosion-resistant steel sheets. The findings of this investigation are set to be announced on July 17.
The expansion of the Highway 12 that connects Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. (Photo source: aseannow.com)

Bangkok - Thailands government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri has announced the country completed the expansion of the Highway 12 that connects Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.



Thailand expects the expanded highway will help significantly enhance cross-border economic activities among the three nations.



Highway 12 is a part of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), a 1,530 km-long route that connects four Southeast Asian countries, stretching from Myanmar in the west to Vietnam in the east.



The Thai government believes that the completed highway will provide a substantial boost to logistics, trade, and tourism, as it effectively links the Andaman coast to the East Sea.



Approximately 793 km of the EWEC is situated in Thailand starting from the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Taks Mae Sot district and passing through Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, and Mukdahan provinces, where it connects to Laos at Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.



The recently upgraded stretch between Kalasin and Mukdahan with the length of 115.6 km is now a four-lane highway, costing the government 5.8 billion baht ( 166.88 million USD).



Anucha said that Highway 12 is expected to promote tourism in the area as well as improve the quality of life of communities along the border.



Meanwhile, Thailands Finance Ministry has said that the EWEC will boost transborder trade by at least 50%.



According to a report from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the highway will also benefit the special economic zones (SEZs) in Mukdahan. There are 868 new businesses in the province's SEZs with a value of 1.6 billion baht, Anucha said.

Thailand promotes food waste disposal initiatives The Thai Organic Consumer Association (TOCA) is working with hotels in Phuket to initiate a food waste composting system, which is in line with the governments Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model (BCG), in an effort to reduce increasing food waste in the context of tourism recovery in Thailand.

Indonesia exports aircraft to Thailand The Indonesian state-owned aircraft manufacturer, Indonesian Aerospace also known as PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), has handed over one NC212i aircraft to Thailand at Hatyai international airport.
Infineon expands operations in line with Hanois R&D goals, illustration photo/ Source: Shutterstock

As part of the strategic move, the company is establishing a dedicated electronic chip development team based in Hanoi. The announcement coincides with the official inauguration of Infineons new office in the capital in May, which can accommodate up to 80 employees. The primary focus of the expansion will revolve around the research and development (R&D) of cutting-edge chip technologies, sales, and marketing.

By the end of 2023, Infineon anticipates to have assembled a team of around 25 technical experts within the chip development division. The workforce will concentrate their efforts on the rigorous testing and fine-tuning of digital, analogue, and integrated circuits, and providing critical support for applications such as autonomous driving, battery monitoring, and power optimisation.

Overseeing these chip development activities in Hanoi is Infineon Technologies Vietnam, a subsidiary of Infineon Technologies Asia-Pacific.

C.S. Chua, chairman and CEO of Infineon Technologies Asia-Pacific, highlighted Vietnams emerging significance as a pivotal player within the global electronics industrys value chain.

With a burgeoning and youthful population of nearly 100 million, Vietnam has swiftly transformed into a coveted destination for multinational corporations seeking to tap into a pool of exceptional technical talent.

Hartmut Hiller, deputy CEO of Design and Support Services (DES) at Infineon Technologies AG, said, The new development centre in Hanoi will facilitate our ability to meet the escalating demand for functional testing and customised circuit design, particularly for our industry-leading system-on-chip (SoC) solutions.

Hiller expressed his confidence that this endeavour will strengthen the local hardware development ecosystem and play a crucial role in ensuring unfettered access to a skilled and proficient workforce.

Indications are that the new Hanoi centre will play a pivotal role in supporting DES ambitious growth plans. During the initial phase, DES will concentrate on expanding its expertise and capabilities concerning SoC systems, actively seeking out top-notch professionals who specialise in functional testing and custom circuit design.

Hanoi is aiming to solidify its position as an internationally renowned R&D hub, comparable to Infineons existing prominent centres located in Germany, Austria, India, and Singapore. Infineons expansion serves as an auspicious sign for Vietnam, underscoring the countrys concerted efforts to entice investment and foster the development of its burgeoning semiconductor industry.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has been entrusted with formulating a comprehensive plan to further facilitate this strategic objective.

Infineons product portfolio consists of a variety of products including digital, mixed-signal, and analogue integrated circuits, as well as discrete semiconductor products.

The company is currently recognised as Germanys largest semiconductor manufacturer and can trace its origins back to its former parent company, Siemens.

The semiconductor operations were part of Siemens before being spun off to form Infineon Technologies. The move allowed Infineon to establish itself as an independent entity solely focused on the semiconductor industry, enabling it to innovate and lead the market with its cutting-edge solutions.

Vietnam to boost ties with IMEC in semiconductor production The Ministry of Information and Communications on May 10 held a roundtable to discuss cooperating with the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) in semiconductor chip production.

Vietnam's market becomes ray of hope for South Korean semiconductor manufacturers Vietnam's emergence as a growing market for South Korean semiconductor manufacturers provides a much-needed boost amidst sluggish chip demand in China.

Infineon Technologies expands operations in Vietnam Infineon Technologies AG, the prominent German global semiconductor solutions provider, has recently unveiled plans to expand its operations in Vietnam. As part of this strategic move, the company is establishing a dedicated electronic chip development team based in Hanoi.
In addition to the medical checkup centre, KT Corporation aims to introduce telemedicine services employing AI technology in Vietnam, as reported Kedglobal.

The company announced in mid-May that it intends to launch the centre within the first half of next year, with a daily capacity to accommodate 100 individuals.

Lim Seung-hyuk, head of KT's Digital and Bio Health Business Group, highlighted the significance of this venture by stating, "We are the first domestic ICT company to enter the medical checkup sector abroad. By applying communications data and AI technology to the field of medicine, we are expanding into new domains beyond traditional communications."

Covering an area of 3,300 square metres, the centre will occupy one floor of a building in Hanoi. The initial phase of the project, expected to be implemented next year, will involve an investment of millions of US dollars, covering expenses such as the rental of CT and other medical equipment, as well as labour costs.

The Hanaro Medical Foundation, which currently operates two medical centres in Seoul, will provide medical consulting services for the new facility in Hanoi.

KT Corporation aims to target the top 10 per cent income bracket of Hanoi's population of 9 million, amounting to approximately 900,000 residents. This group includes employees of partner companies of Samsung Electronics, including an estimated 70,000 South Koreans living in the area.

Vietnam's medical environment is regarded as lagging behind that of South Korea. While Vietnam has 76 hospitals offering medical checkups, only eight of them provide comprehensive examinations.

In the first year of the health screening project, KT aims to serve 30,000 individuals. With the cost of each checkup set at around $447 per person, the company anticipates a swift return on its investment.

According to Kedglobal, this endeavour by KT Corporation is seen as a pioneering move, as the company is not traditionally involved in the medical sector.

Seung-hyuk emphasised the growing importance of data-driven and personalised medical care, given the rapid ageing of the population and the increasing numbers of chronic disease patients.

This project marks the beginning of the expansion of KT's digital healthcare division, both domestically and internationally. KT Healthcare Vina, a medical corporation established in Vietnam in January, recently commenced a pilot service for contactless care targeting cancer and chronic disease patients.

Founded in 1981 as a public utility, KT played a major role in South Korea's development in the IT hub sector.

Promoting healthcare system's cybersecurity Cyberattacks pose a threat to the healthcare industry by leaking patient data and disrupting essential services. Huong Le, country manager of Exclusive Networks Vietnam, spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about how to improve cybersecurity in the healthcare system.
With loan transactions, most lenders raise concerns as to the legal requirements for them to implement the loans and collections, specifically when foreign currencies are applied with foreign lenders. Borrowers, on the other hand, are concerned about tax deductibility.

To address these concerns, the experts from Grant Thornton Vietnam will discuss the general principles and highlight key tax issues related to foreign loans in Vietnam based on the current regulations and their practical experience.

Regulations for loans in Vietnam

If domestic loans can be rather challenging to put into practice, foreign loans are much more difficult as they must comply with the laws on foreign currency management.

A short-term foreign loan (for 12 months or less) is not required to be registered with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), while a medium or long-term foreign loan of more than 12 months must initially be registered with the SBV.

Periodically, and no later than the fifth day of the next month, the Vietnamese borrower has to report online to the SBV about the performance of its short, medium and long-term loans via the SBVs portal.

Notably, deferred payments for goods imports are also considered as a form of foreign loan, on which the first fund withdrawal date (i.e. either (i) the 45th day from the completion date of the inspection stated on the customs declaration that has been cleared or (ii) the 90th day from the issuance date of transport documents) is prior to the final payment date. For these of types of foreign loans, it is still mandatory to file monthly online reports without registration to the SBV.

On a separate point, a foreign-invested enterprise may only borrow money to implement such a project up to an amount that is the difference between the borrowers contributed capital and the total investment capital, as indicated in its investment registration certificate. All existing onshore and offshore long-term loans of the borrower will be counted towards this borrowing limit.

Tax-related issues on loans in Vietnam

Loans without interest: It has been seen in practice that loans between group entities (i.e. loans from a parent company, or an individual shareholder or affiliate) that are structured without interest payments have drawn significant attention from the Vietnam tax authorities in recent years. In particular, they may impose interest for tax collection purposes, as they consider that these transactions do not conform to market prices according to their relevant rulings.

Tax implications on interest payments: From the lender's perspective, interest income from loans is subject to tax in Vietnam, with the applicable tax rate as follows:

If an enterprise operating under Vietnamese laws gives a loan to other individuals or enterprises, the interest income from such a loan is recorded as other income and subject to Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at the standard rate of 20 per cent.

Interest income from loans is not subject to VAT, but still needs to be supported with VAT invoices. Then, the Vietnamese enterprises should allocate input VAT proportionally against such non-taxable revenue.

For loans given by an individual who is permitted to lend in a similar way to an enterprise, interest income from loans is fully taxed under the current regulations on Personal Income Tax at the flat rate of 5 per cent regardless of tax residency status.

For loans given by a foreign entity, a withholding tax  which is called Foreign Contractor Tax in Vietnam  is imposed for any foreign entities generating income from the provision of goods or services in Vietnam, and should normally be applied at 5 per cent CIT with VAT exemption.

When the Vietnamese enterprise is a borrower, the interest payment for a loan from an individual or enterprise that is to be paid during the loan term is considered as a deductible expense for CIT calculations, provided it qualifies with all the requirements in line with the CIT regulations.

In addition, the cap on tax deductibility of interest expense applied to the Vietnamese enterprises is currently 30 per cent of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). Such a cap applies to net interest expense (i.e. after offsetting them with interest income from loans and deposits). Under negative EBITDA, all incurred interest expenses (after deducting loan and deposit interest) are not deductible in that tax year.

However, non-deductible interest expenses can be carried forward to the subsequent five years. This situation is unclear for negative EBITDA, which requires a careful approach for a specific case.

Planning points

In light of the above, the regulations on the management of offshore loans in particular, and on tax matters for loans in Vietnam in general, are constantly updated and amended.

Drawing experience from implementing the previous legislation, the amended regulations are stricter than before. Their future enactment will certainly affect enterprises financial resources. Therefore, businesses operating in Vietnam must keep track of the updated regulations or contact professional advisors for the necessary assistance. Only then can they both mitigate the tax risks and avoid the pitfalls.

The authors may be contacted at: BaoTrang.Tran@vn.gt.com; Tho.Lac@vn.gt.com

30 years of accompanying the countrys key economic sectors part3 Over the past three decades, Vietnam Investment Review has gained positive status in the countrys business press circle. With its particular focus on featuring hot issues related to economics, trade, and investment in Vietnam, as well as the countrys external policies, VIR has earned praise from international organisations, embassies, experts, and the business community as it provides them with insightful and useful information on the ups and downs of the countrys exciting economic development.

Coordinating to establish an efficient reopening Vietnam is set to reopen for international tourists, thus providing positivity for a market revival. Kenneth Atkinson, founder and senior advisor at Grant Thornton Vietnam, advises on the pitfalls that could hinder these efforts.

I am Vietnamese, says Atkinson Opening the story with VIR, Kenneth M Atkinson said, "I am Vietnamese," and showed the reporter his ID card with the Vietnamese name Pham Kien Son.
(Photo : Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Semafor)

After weeks of controversy and a damning magazine feature, CNN chief Chris Licht and some of his closest allies were ousted.

Chris Licht has resigned as chairman and CEO of CNN, the news organization's parent company declared on Wednesday, bringing an end to a turbulent tenure that garnered national media attention - including a lengthy profile in The Atlantic - and raised concerns about the future of the company.

Licht, 51, a television producer who ascended through the ranks of the media industry, assumed control of CNN in February 2022, following the precipitous resignation of Jeff Zucker, who had failed to disclose a consensual relationship with a colleague.

Trump's CNN Town Hall Backlash

CNN will be led by a "interim leadership team" comprised of executives Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, and Eric Sherling, as well as the organization's newly appointed chief operating officer, David Leavy, according to Zaslav.

When Licht assumed control of CNN, he sought to distinguish himself from Zucker, who had clashed publicly with former President Donald Trump. Licht, following a directive from Zaslav, reportedly attempted to bring the news brand to the political center and make it more appealing to conservative viewers and Republican newsmakers.

He also introduced a new morning program co-hosted by Don Lemon, who was dismissed in April after an article in Variety detailed allegations that he had mistreated female colleagues.

Lemon, who also received criticism for on-air remarks implying that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is not "in her heyday" because she is in her 50s, denied the allegations.

Licht has been under intensified scrutiny in recent months, as CNN's prime-time ratings have declined and the new morning program has struggled. He found himself in a position that few news executives would desire: at the center of the story, as per NBC News.

Following the Trump town hall debacle, however, CNN employees' animosity towards Licht grew considerably. Trump's characterization of Collins as a "nasty person" was greeted with cheers and roars of pleasure from the audience.

Per NY Daily News, Licht defended the "masterful" broadcast despite the barrage of criticism the town hall received and took a blatant shot at CNN media correspondent Oliver Darcy's criticism of the event.

Licht drew even more ire from the staff after he reprimanded Darcy for his publicly damning assessment of the broadcast the day following the town hall. The consequences did not end there.

The calamitous town hall on CNN alienated viewers, who began leaving the network almost immediately. CNN began losing primetime hours on a regular basis to the MAGA channel Newsmax, which had previously attracted a fraction of CNN's audience.

The turmoil at CNN's top comes as television news networks struggle to make a strategy to combat the decline of their traditional cable business in an era when streaming services have eroded their ratings and revenue.

Through years of cord-cutting, the number of households receiving cable and satellite services has decreased, resulting in a decline in the fees networks collect from cable operators.

Chris Licht Tenure as CNN's CEO

Licht was recruited to replace Jeff Zucker, who lead CNN during the turbulent Trump era but was forced to resign after failing to disclose an intimate relationship with a fellow executive.

Licht, who was an executive at CBS at the time, made his reputation as a master programmer, helping to mold Stephen Colbert's late-night talk show and directing the successful overhaul of CBS's morning show. While at NBC, he also helped establish MSNBC's 'Morning Joe.'

He was one of Zaslav's first significant appointments after he assumed leadership of the new conglomerate formed by the April 2022 merger between CNN's former parent company, WarnerMedia, and Discovery Inc., the owner of multiple cable networks.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to comment, Zaslav recruited Licht, who had never supervised a staff as large as CNN's, without interviewing any other candidates.

Licht, who was named the new CNN CEO at the end of February 2022, had the unenviable task of announcing Warner Bros. Discovery's cancellation of CNN Plus, the company's $100 million-a-month streaming service, prior to his official start date.

Licht, in his new position, inherited a staff that remained largely loyal to Zucker, who had helped advance the careers of numerous prominent on-air personalities and awarded them lucrative contracts.

He was also aligned with Zaslav in his mission to make the network a more palatable forum for conservatives, as evidenced by the fact that he made an effort to rebrand the network as a moderate forum by scheduling more Republican guests.

Licht's subsequent dismissal of prominent journalists John Harwood and Brian Stelter sent shockwaves through the newsroom, as many interpreted it as an indication that the new CNN would forsake the aggressive and frequently opinionated tone of the Zucker era.

He also supervised a series of massive reductions that sapped employee morale and damaged his credibility with workers. During his year at CNN, ratings plummeted to all-time lows, and he lagged behind competitors who were also coping with a general decline in cable-news viewership as the Trump administration gave way to the subdued Biden administration.

In 2022, CNN's average daytime ratings fell by one-third compared to the previous year, to an average of 735,000 viewers; by comparison, Fox News and MSNBC saw ratings declines of 14 and 22 percent, respectively. On some evenings, the ratings for the fledgling conservative network Newsmax surpassed those for CNN, according to The Washington Post via MSN.

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Hanoi - The northern region is facing the risk of power shortage at almost every point of time each day, according to Tran Viet Hoa, head of the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Hoa told the press on June 7 that as of June 6, most of the major hydroelectric reservoirs in the north, including Lai Chau, Son La, Tuyen Quang, Ban Chat, Hua Na and Thac Ba, had reached the dead water level or even below that.Only the Hoa Binh reservoir can ensure its plant to generate electricity until June 12-13, he said, adding that once its water level hits the dead point, a total of 5,000MW or even up to 7,000MW would be lost in the region.

As of June 6, the combined capacity of the hydroelectric plants stood at 3,110MW, only 23.7% of their designed capacity.



Over the past time, thanks to efforts in supplying coal for thermal power plants, turbines have been running at full capacity, which, however, has caused equipment incidents.



Therefore, the northern thermal power plants generated only 11,934MW, making up 76.6% of their designed capacity, as of June 6, Hoa noted.



The accumulative capacity of the northern power system reaches only 17,500MW-17,900MW, including 2,500MW-2,700MW from the southern and central regions, as compared with whole northern regions demand of 23,500MW-24,000MW, the official pointed out.



Given this, Ngo Son Hai, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), said the Northern Power Corporation and the Hanoi Power Corporation will allocate electricity to each city and province based on guidelines of the MoIT, and the localities will outline plans and identify priorities in power supply.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently issued a dispatch, urging drastic measures to ensure electricity supply in this dry season and the coming time.

Under the dispatch, the MoIT was asked to promptly finalise a PMs directive on strengthening power saving in the 2023-2025 period and following years and submit to the PM by June 8. The ministry was also ordered to complete a PMs decree on ensuring power supply and the supply of coal and gas for electricity production and submit to him by June 15.



Particularly, the EVN was asked to focus on building scenarios to respond to difficulties in power supply and rolling out effective power saving measures, especially in June.



The PM also assigned the MoIT to form an inspection team to examine the power supply management at the EVN from January 2021 to June 1, 2023.

PM orders solutions to ensure power supply in dry season Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered drastic measures to ensure electricity supply in this dry season and the coming time.

Prime Minister seeks electricity supply guarantees Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested that the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) conduct a thorough examination and assessment of the electricity supply situation by June 10. The PM believes it is particularly necessary to evaluate emerging factors to improve the efficacy and productivity of Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and to devise proactive and expeditious response scenarios.
The plan introduces several key takeaways for investors and financiers interested in the Vietnamese power sector.

One notable aspect is the encouragement of rooftop solar and other renewable energy projects for self-consumption, without the need to connect to the national grid. This presents a favourable environment for investors keen on renewable energy opportunities.

Chan Hong and Vi Nguyen Lawyers, Dentons LuatViet

In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has been tasked to prepare and submit to the government and National Assembly in 2024 the draft of the amended Law on Electricity, which will reflect and actualise objectives and planning under the PDP8 and the draft of the Law on Renewable Energy.

These amendments will address key aspects such as the mechanism of auctions and bidding for the selection of investors and determination of tariffs. Investors shall be prepared and be alerted that the power sector in Vietnam would be entering into a bidding-auction phase in post-2024.

The MoIT has been tasked to draft and prepare a pilot, then an official decision on the mechanism for direct power purchase agreement between renewable energy producers and consumers as well as regulations on fee collection, with a total capacity of 1,000MW. This presents an opportunity for investors; however, the timeline for completion and submission of the pilot draft remains unspecified.

Notably, since all energy projects require land use, the amended Law on Land, which aims to be passed in Q4, should have a synchronous amendment. However, the draft revision shows that land for energy works is still mentioned in the draft, but there are no noticeable changes compared to the current regulations under the land law.

The PDP8 also outlines a policy for private investment engagement in the transmission grid. This policy signals a potential future opportunity for investors to invest in the transmission grid infrastructure and potentially mobilise the public-private partnership scheme. Vietnams push forward in grid development may contribute a step closer to furnishing the plan for an ASEAN Power Grid.

Meanwhile, a whopping $135 billion would be needed to fund the development of power and grid infrastructure up to 2030. Great deals of foreign private or public funding are required to support this ambitious mega-project for the remaining years of this decade.

Highlighting the key elements of the PDP8, the plan prioritises the development of renewable energy for self-consumption, and for manufacturing of new energy such as hydrogen and ammonia.

By 2030, Vietnam anticipates a total power generation of 567 billion kWh in the country and imports. Furthermore, the PDP8 sets a target of achieving 67.5 per cent or more of total power generated by renewable energy in the generation mix by 2050.

Hydropower will remain a significant part of Vietnams energy mix until 2030, accounting for 21,880MW or 14.5 per cent of the countrys energy source structure. The PDP8 also prioritises the development of pumped storage hydropower, with a total capacity of 2,400MW, carried forward from the revised PDP7.

In the solar power sector, the PDP8 places a strong emphasis on the development of behind-the-grid rooftop solar power projects, which are intended for self-consumption and do not require connection to the national grid. There is no limitation on the capacity of these projects.

Looking ahead to 2050, the PDP8 also envisions a significant expansion of wind power projects. The plan focuses on the expansion of onshore wind power projects with a total capacity of 21,880MW by 2030 and offshore wind power projects with a total capacity of 6,000MW by 2030, gradually scaling up to 70,000-91,500MW by 2050 to meet domestic demand.

The PDP8 also emphasises the combination of offshore wind power projects with other forms of renewable energy, such as solar power, to produce new energy sources. However, the plan does not specifically address the legal frameworks and legislative programmes related to wind power projects, which currently pose challenges due to their connection with national security, maritime issues, and marine resource exploitation.

In the gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, the PDP8 sets a total capacity of 22,400MW for LNG projects and 14,930MW for domestic gas-fired projects by 2030. The plan highlights the use of domestic gas for power generation, but in case of reduced supply, importation of gas or LNG is allowed. By 2050, the plants using LNG will be gradually transitioned to hydrogen, with a total capacity of 25,400MW.

The new plan identifies 11 related projects with a total capacity of 19,524MW and introduces three new projects with a total capacity of 4,500MW. Additionally, one coal-fired project, LNG Quang Trach 2, has been switched to LNG. In comparison to the total capacity of LNG-fired projects for this decade, we found that there is no room for new LNG projects unless any planned project is unable to be implemented and the new project is approved by the prime minister.

The PDP8 also addresses the future of coal-fired projects. It confirms the continuation of projects already underway or included in the revised plan until 2030. However, coal-fired plants operating for 20 years will be transitioned to alternative sources such as biomass and ammonia, while plants operating for more than 40 years will be closed. By 2050, coal-fired projects will no longer exist, in line with Vietnams commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Lastly, the PDP8 acknowledges biomass power and waste-to-energy projects with a total capacity of 2,270MW by 2030. However, due to the sizable land use, this type of such power has not been determined to develop on a large scale under the PDP8.
According to the Ministry of Planning and Investments Foreign Investment Agency (FIA), accumulatively as of May 20, total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Vietnam reached $10.86 billion, a drop of 7.3 per cent on-year, the fall is getting smaller than in previous months. Of this, newly registered capital was $5.26 billion, up 27.8 per cent on-year; additionally registered capital was $2.28 billion, down 59.4 per cent; and capital contribution and share purchase $3.32 billion, up 67.2 per cent.

Do Nhat Hoang, FIA director-general, said that the rise of newly registered investment in the first five months is much higher than that in the first four months (11 per cent). The number of newly registered projects in the first five months also soared sharply on-year (66.4 per cent) to over 960 projects.

The growth rate of the number of new projects confirms that small- and medium-sized foreign investors continue to believe in Vietnams business environment, said Hoang.

Vietnam tasked with gaining FDI edge, illustration photo/ Source: Shutterstock

In an updated report for May, the World Bank acknowledged the drop in FDI inflows into Vietnam, including disbursed capital in recent months. However, this may stem from investor caution due to global uncertainties, it reported.

Experts from RMIT University said that there is a trend of investors looking for opportunities closer to home, in an attempt to shorten supply chains.

Some countries such as South Korea and Japan, the United States, and some countries in the EU are trying to limit investment overseas by reducing corporate income tax and giving incentives for funding at home to recall their investment overseas. This adds up to more challenges for Vietnam in attracting FDI, said Daniel Borer from RMIT Vietnams Business School.

Attracting FDI simply via cheap labour is not the solution for quality FDI that the government announced to pursue in its 2018-2023 strategy. Instead, the attractiveness needs to be founded on other aspects rather than simply low wages, he added.

Vietnams five-month disbursed FDI is estimated at $7.56 billion, a dip that has improved compared to the early months of the year.

Despite a general trend of slowing down, the situation is gradually getting better. The slowdown in attracting FDI is not caused by Vietnam losing competitive advantage, Hoang said.

Specifically, Vietnams central region has become the destination of numerous leading foreign investors. In May, Southeast Nghe An Economic Zone Management Authority handed over an investment certificate for Foxconns $100 million factory in WHA Industrial Zone 1, manufacturing wireless headphones, connecting wires, wireless chargers, speakers, and ports.

Besides that, the Luxshare-ICT electronic components factory ($140 million), Goerteks factory for manufacturing electronic products, network equipment, and multimedia audio products ($500 million), Everwin Precision Vietnams electronic component manufacturing facility ($199.8 million), and Ju Tengs auto parts and electronics factory ($200 million) are urgently expanding or setting up new facilities in Vietnam.

PETMAL Oil Holdings Group of Malaysia has worked with Phu Yen Peoples Committee to invest in an oil refinery project in South Phu Yen Economic Zone, with the investment capital expected at $2 billion over 500 hectares; while Germanys PNE Group proposed Binh Dinh Peoples Committee to fund an offshore wind power project with a capacity of 2,000MW, and capital of $4.6 billion.

Noting that competition in FDI mobilisation is getting fierce, Michael Kokalari, chief economist of VinaCapital, outlined the risk factors for Vietnams inflows.

Vietnam may be losing its competition in attracting FDI compared to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and may also be less attractive due to the new global minimum tax policy, Kokalari warned.

Late last month, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a directive on tasks and solutions to improve the efficiency of FDI. A series of actions have been assigned to ministries, agencies, and localities such as speeding up planning; preparing stronger conditions for FDI attraction; and improving the performance of promotional activities.

Michele Wee - CEO, Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Vietnam has ambitions to be a regional centre and to be a major player in global supply chains and international trade. This has accelerated Vietnams investment policies to encourage investments into the country. In terms of demographics, Vietnam has a large labour pool of young and educated workforce that are still comparatively low in costs, and continued education is important. Secondly, the Vietnamese government is progressive and open, dedicated to commerce and sustainable growth, review of global standards and ensure Vietnams laws, regulations and governance models are open and transparent to meet these standards. Next, fortifying and optimising the multiple free trade agreements Vietnam has will encourage and support continued integration with global trade and modern supply chains. Finally, political and policy stability should not be underestimated and is a key consideration for global investors. Vietnams commitment to be net-zero by 2050 will attract the right investments into our country and also strengthen our product offerings and supporting exports. Furthermore, for investors looking at Vietnams market potential, the affluent and emerging affluent class is increasing rapidly, and this in itself makes the domestic market a very attractive and viable market for revenue growth.

PM orders enhancement of foreign investment attraction efficiency Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a directive clarifying tasks and solutions to enhance the efficiency of foreign investment attraction in the new period.

Insights garnered in high-tech FDI Attracting high-tech foreign direct investment has become a strategic priority for Vietnam as it moves up the value chain and seeks to continue its impressive economic growth trajectory. Peter Ryder, CEO at Indochina Capital, explains how this can be achieved.

Contributions of foreign direct investment cannot be denied The role of foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) has been enormous and cannot be denied in all aspects of our countrys economic and social life over the past 35 years.

Da Nang improves investment attraction quality The central city of Da Nang is working to build a business environment conducive for investors, based on the pillars of hi-tech industry, tourism and sea-based economy.
Right after the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) was approved at the end of last month, some renewable energy projects were licensed to operate at temporary prices, raising hopes for renewable electricity schemes to join the grid. The ventures included the wind farm projects of Nhon Hoi 2, Tan Phu Dong 1, Huong Linh 7, and Huong Hiep 1.

According to state-run Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), on May 31 nine out of 85 transitional renewable energy projects had submitted documents for recognition of commercial operation date (COD). In which, seven projects/phases have completed COD procedures and are officially allowed to generate commercial power on the grid, while 63/85 transitional renewable energy projects have submitted documents to negotiate electricity prices and power purchase agreements.

Wheels begin to turn for energy plan, illustration photo/ Source: Shutterstock

For instance, after more than two years of waiting for the price mechanism for transitional projects, the remaining 114MW of Phu My Solar Power Plant was officially recognised for commercial operation on May 30.

After starting construction in May 2020, with an area of 325 hectares, the plant has the largest scale in the central region with a capacity of 330MW, funded by Bamboo Capital Group. At the end of 2020, the plant put 216MW into commercial operation and enjoys a purchase price of 7.09 US cents/kWh for 20 years.

Phu My Solar Power Plant generates about 520 million kWh/year of electricity, equivalent to the usage of 200,000 households, and helps reduce emissions by about 146,000 tonnes of CO2.

With the approval of the PDP8, transitional projects begin to come into commercial operation, foreign investor confidence is being strengthened, and opportunities to mobilise international green credit for development have also been strengthened. Our development is expected to expand further in the near future, said a Bamboo Capital Group representative.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to urgently issue specific guiding documents on pricing methods, price negotiation, and price brackets for transitional wind and solar power projects.

Along with transitional projects, the new plan could open up new prospects for investors as it mentions, for the first time, that stored electricity could account for 7.9 per cent of the total capacity of power plants by 2050.

Dominic Heaton, managing director of VRB Energy in Vietnam, said, Without this addition on electricity storage, we could not have promoted the energy transition. The governments recognition of the importance of electricity storage will help strengthen the confidence of investors like us.

Under the PDP8, the government is increasing the development of its energy production sector and is aware of the significance of managing electrical loads. In order to enable the widespread integration of renewable energy sources, it intends to build hydropower plants for energy storage, with a projected capacity of 2,400MW by 2030.

The plan also allows for the development of storage batteries, which, if used, would provide for an additional 300MW of energy storage by 2030 should they become more cost-effective. The nation wants to have around 30,600-45,500MW of total energy storage by 2050, including both hydropower and battery storage power facilities.

We are making a proposal to a locality to invest in building a renewable electricity storage system that will retain excess electricity when the national grid is overloaded, then only at off-peak hours to release the amount of electricity, said Sebastien Prioux, general director of GreenYellow Vietnam Company.

The PDP8 prioritises renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, in the long term. Vietnam aims to complete the coal phase-out by 2050, and the proportion of coal-fired power plants in the source structure will decrease from nearly 29 per cent in 2020 to 20.5 per cent in 2030. The PDP8 aims to develop renewable energy sources for electricity production vigorously. In orientation to 2050, the rate of renewable energy will be up to 67.5-71.5 per cent.

The plan is ambitious, no doubt, and there will be cynics, but it comes not a moment too soon as the potential is undeniable, wrote experts for Mayer Brown on its website last month. The call to action on the energy transition is now louder than ever  and to achieve it countries are competing for foreign investment and resources, which are not limitless, and will not materialise without stable and supportive regulatory regimes.

Nguyen Hong Dien - Minister of Industry and Trade The approval of PDP8 is of particular importance. It opens up a new development space for Vietnams energy industry towards sustainability, fairness, and in line with the viewpoints and policies of the Party and state, and the actual ability of the country  as well as international development trends such as the trend of green economy, circular economy, and low carbon economy. The PDP8 is ambitious in its objectives to provide national energy security in order to meet socioeconomic growth targets and comply with international environmental standards. It lays out the countrys plan through 2030 and has a vision for 2050. The plan seeks to increase the generation of wind and gas energy while lowering dependency on coal in order to aid Vietnams transition to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. It will require an estimated $134.7 billion in funding. The PDP8 aims to realise three objectives. First is to firmly ensure national energy security. The second aspect is to meet the requirements of socioeconomic development, industrialisation, modernisation of the country. Thirdly, it aims to successfully implement equitable energy transition in association with production modernisation, smart grid construction, and advanced power system management. This is all in line with the trend of the green transition, emission reduction, and sci-tech development worldwide. It also aims to form an overall energy ecosystem based on renewable energy and new energy. Hoang Quang Phong - Vice president, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry The PDP8 will lay the groundwork for the growth of renewable energy sources. Therefore, the government must act fast to establish a framework that will let companies invest in renewable energy and meet the environmental standards, as well as completing the legal and institutional framework to facilitate the development of renewable energy, solar rooftop, and self-consumption. Rooftop solar power, in particular, is prioritised for development for self-use models to serve production,. Businesses need to have infinite capacity, at competitive rates, and take advantage. In reality, manufacturing sectors are eager to implement green certificates and run their operations on green energy to save operating expenses. The rules and recommendations for installation and investment in self-use models are still unclear,, however. Therefore, in order to achieve the objectives set out in the PDP8, it is necessary to have a confirmation mechanism. At the same time, we must discuss and amend processes and procedures, find solutions to solve problems, and have appropriate mechanisms and policies, because if there is no immediate solution, Vietnam will lose out on opportunities.
A man on supervised release after a federal bank robbery conviction in 2018 has been charged with sexual assault of a child in McLennan County.

Jason Matthew Skaggs, 41, was booked into the McLennan County Jail on Tuesday and charged with sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, and solicitation of a prostitute.

According to Skaggs arrest warrant, the alleged victim and relatives called the McLennan County Sheriffs Office in early May to report she had been sexually assaulted in late April.

The warrant says on the day of the assault, Skaggs was at the house of the alleged victim, who was younger than 17 at the time, to tattoo her mother and aunt, and as it got late, he was offered the living room couch to sleep on. The child got up later in the night to get a snack, and a few minutes after returning to her room, Skaggs entered and ordered her to perform oral sex on him, the warrant says.

The warrant says she said no, but Skaggs became angry and insisted, and sexually assaulted her.

Joe Scaramucci, a detective with the McLennan County Sheriffs Office, said the sheriffs office arrested Skaggs on the solicitation of prostitution charge May 16 in a sting operation.

Scaramucci said Skaggs was released on $3,000 bond the next day, but was later brought back to jail on two warrants: a local warrant issued June 1 charging sexual assault of a child, and a federal warrant stemming from his May 16 arrest, charging him with violating the terms of his parole from a 2018 bank robbery conviction.

Skaggs was sentenced in May 2018 to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to robbing a Bank of America on South General Bruce Drive in Temple in November 2017, U.S. District Court records show. He also was ordered to spend 180 days at a residential reentry center after leaving prison.

His arrest affidavit from the bank robbery says Skaggs entered the bank and handed the teller a note that said In 20 seconds I will be leaving with all the big bills in your drawer. Clean bills no devices. Get the money, raise no alarm and nothing will jeopardize the safety of this establishment. The affidavit says he took $2,217 during the robbery.

The affidavit says Skaggs was arrested two days later in Temple after Temple police found him at a gas station. The affidavit says Skaggs fled from officers before being arrested, and officers were able to identify him as the robber due to a distinct tattoo on his left hand.

The Tribune-Herald previously reported that Skaggs was a former homeless man who said he robbed the bank because he was hungry, homeless and desperate. A 2018 article about his sentencing says Skaggs told the judge handling the case he had buried the money he stole and forgot where it was buried.

Skaggs remained in McLennan County Jail on Wednesday with bond listed at $20,000 on the sexual assault of a child charge.
Waco police arrested a 34-year-old man Wednesday and charged him with the sexual assault of a teenager.

Daryl Dwayne Barker, of Waco, was booked into McLennan County Jail on a second-degree felony charge of sexual assault, a third-degree felony charge of possession of a controlled substance and a Class A misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon. He remained in the jail Thursday on bond totaling $17,000.

According to Barkers arrest warrant, the alleged victim told police the assault occurred Tuesday. She told police Barker forcibly held her down and sexually assaulted and raped her, the warrant says.

The warrant says she is 17 years old.

According to an arrest affidavit, officers served the sexual assault warrant Wednesday morning. After he was arrested, officers searched his vehicle and found a controlled substance and a firearm, the affidavit says.

The Texas penal code says it is illegal to possess a firearm while engaged in criminal activity other than a Class C misdemeanor. The affidavit says due to the controlled substance being found in his vehicle, Barker was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Why scientists in South America are putting tiny pants on tiny poisonous tree frogs, watch a pair of endangered tiger cubs swim for the first time at the London Zoo, and more of today's top videos.
Leila de Lima's bail plea was rejected by the Muntinlupa court, which saddened many of her supporters.

Leila de Lima, a Filipina politician who heavily supports human rights, was arrested back in 2017. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte accused de Lima of taking drug money when she was the Justice secretary.

Leila has endured six years of imprisonment. Now, she and her lawyers tried to file a bail petition to the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 256.

Unfortunately, her bail plea was denied, as confirmed by her lawyers on Wednesday, June 7.

Leila de Lima Stays Hopeful Despite Getting Her Bail Plea Denied

According to Inquirer Net's latest report, Leila de Lima was disappointed with the decision of the Muntinlupa court.

Also Read: Senegal Opposition Leader Ousman Sonko's Arrest Prompts Deadly Protests in Region's Worst Unrest in Decades

However, she said that she is still hopeful and will remain so. "I am, of course, disappointed. But with a clean conscience, I cannot and will not lose Hope," said the former senator via her official Twitter post.

uncorroborated as they are by more acceptable evidence, is utterly unreliable & therefore completely not credible & unworthy of belief. Theirs are blatant lies & ludicrous stories.



I am of course disappointed. But with a clean conscience , I cannot and will not lose Hope. (2/3)  Leila de Lima (@AttyLeiladeLima) June 8, 2023

In the comment section, many Filipinos shared their support for Leila, saying the "injustice" that de Lima receives breaks their hearts.

Meanwhile, other supporters said that they would pray for the former senator's situation.

There are legions in your corner Mam Leila, who believe in your innocence and remain in awe of your extraordinary courage and steadfast faith in justice and truth. You will be vindicated!!  Zenon Stephen (@zenonjr) June 8, 2023

Praying for you and fighting for you Atty. Leila De Lima.  My heart breaks for the continued injustice you get. You are a pillar of hope and courage for many Filipinos.  SpanishPinay (@Spanish_Pinay) June 8, 2023

Ang accused na mababaw ang ebidensya daw ay nakakulong while si Imelda na convicted ay malaya. That is justice in the Philippines.  Bing Acuna (@acuna_bing) June 8, 2023

Leila's Lawyers To Convince Muntinlupa Court To Reconsider

Since de Lima said that she still remains hopeful, she and her lawyers will try to convince the Muntinlupa court to reconsider the bail plea for the former senator.

Leila said that they would file an MR to raise the issue of the credibility of the inmate witnesses and their testimonies. "I have to remain strong as I'm determined to attain justice and vindication," said the former Justice chief.

You can click here to learn more about her statements about the bail plea rejection of Muntinlupa court.

Related Article: Philippines: Court Denies Bail for Ex-Senator Detained on Drug Charges

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The newest addition to the collection of the Military Aviation Museum is an SNB-1. At the end of November Chief Pilot Mike Spalding flew the aircraft from California all the way to Pungo, Virginia. The Navy version of an AT-11 Kansan, this sometimes overlooked warbird had an outsized impact on the war. The AT-11 was the standard bombardier trainer for the US Army Air Forces during World War II and was used to train around 90% of the more than 45,000 bombardiers trained during the war. An AT-11 pilot himself, John Hess was instrumental in helping the museum find a Kansan for the collection.

In wartime, the AT-11/SNB would typically have been equipped with 10x 100lb M38A2 practice bombs filled with sand. The Army Air Forces required a minimum accuracy of 22% hits for a trainee to pass the program. While the Norden Bombsight and Bombardier-controlled C-1 Autopilot were capable by the standards of the day, the pilots flying the aircraft were instructed to take evasive maneuvers for the 10 miles preceding their arrival over the training target. Using the same systems that were present in aircraft like the B-17 and B-24 made the AT-11 a very high-quality bombing run simulator.
WATERLOO  Some of the Cedar Valleys youngest artists showcased a unique art installation Tuesday  one that invited visitors to close their eyes and please touch for a change.

The Youth Art Team presented its annual large-scale art installation. This years project, a collaboration with Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, focused on the different ways the visually impaired experience art.

The local nonprofit aims to create lifelong relationships between children ages 5-18 and the community through art. Its leadership team, some of the oldest artists in the program called the Imagination Coalition, selected this project more than a year ago.

Coalition member Viviana Lopez, 16, said the project was as much about sharing the experiences of the visually impaired as it was about the artists own creations.

We wanted to give other people the chance to see how others live, she said. Its not an everyday experience ... You get to see how people who dont get to see live and how they operate.

Starting last fall, the group met on Sunday afternoons to learn about the experiences of visually impaired people and to create their own artwork based on those experiences. Their work culminated in the exhibition at the Youth Art Teams headquarters at 325 E. Park Ave.

Upon entering the building, guests were handed a slip of paper with a number to queue to enter the central part of the exhibition, a roughly six-foot-wide cube structure enveloped in black curtains that the artists referred to simply as the room.

The room is a space the artists created to simulate total blindness and to give all people, no matter their level of sight, an opportunity to experience art through touch, smell and sound. Upon pulling aside the curtains and stepping into the dark room, guests had a minute and a half each to run their hands over the four textured walls, feeling different fabrics from smooth silk to a rougher felt material.

Ccents of different essential oils permeated the room, and a playful piano tune sounded from one corner. As a whole, the experience was meant to invoke feelings of home, coziness and belonging.

Elena Lopez, 17 and Vivianas sister, is the oldest member of Youth Art Team. Creating the room for the public stands out as a unique part of her years with the program.

First we had artwork, and we were just going to put it in a classroom. Then the idea came up, lets build a room, she said.

Usually its just us in the arts center, coming every Sunday, and no one else would be here, she said. I knew that one day people would come in, so seeing it now is really exciting.

Approximately 125 people attended. Adel Kessler, a former special education teacher, wore a Youth Art Team shirt she purchased at a previous event.

Its just an incredible program, she said. Every single one of the kids was wonderful to interact with, and its just great seeing them and all of their hard work here tonight.

When not immersed in the room, guests participated in a number of stations led by the artists, who taught attendees to write their names in Braille and create textured artworks using a variety of fabric and paper scraps.

Tables also displayed works created by students at IESBVI who are blind or have impaired vision. Guests were encouraged to touch the canvases, which were covered with a variety of media including paint, sawdust, Braille dots and salt, all used to create unique textures.

A popular feature were the glasses Youth Art Team members created to simulate different vision impairments, including cataracts, tunnel vision and total blindness. The public could take the glasses around the installation and experience the artwork through the lenses of different vision impairments.

The glasses were inspired by one of many educational opportunities the group had last fall when preparing for the project. IESBVI visited with the students and brought simulation goggles to show the students the wide spectrum of visual impairments. It was the students decision to bring that experience to a wider audience by creating their own versions of the goggles using plastic pairs of safety glasses covered with different materials such as plastic wrap and duct tape.

The group also met virtually with two artists, John Bramblitt, a Texas-based painter with total blindness, and Jill Wells, a Des Moines artist whose brother lost his sight. They also heard from the friend of a volunteer who is blind, allowing the students to ask honest questions to fully understand the lifestyles of people with vision impairments and how they engage with art.

Youth Art Team is made up of 50-65 students, three staff members, and a large group of volunteers. Staff members emphasized the leading role students take in their projects.

We arent calling the shots, said Heather Skeens, operations and development director. They make all the decisions. That group of students, the Imagination Coalition, is really our leadership group.

Its youth driven, she added. Its all about them, but we use art as the cohesive strategy.

Although the exhibition is over, the young leaders in Youth Art Team arent finished using what they learned to educate others.

This is only the first step in the project, said 14-year-old Sophie Matlock, a member of the Imagination Coalition who has been a part of the Youth Art Team since she was in third grade.

This room is our first milestone, theres going to be many to hit along the way. We got to this room because we wanted people who arent blind or visually impaired, or even if they are, to be able to know what it feels like to use your other senses other than sight, she said.

Eventually at the end of this project, we want to have teachers who teach visually impaired students be able to have an art lesson that they can teach in class.

More information on the program can be found online at youthartteam.com.

Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates Cities With the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates The US rental vacancy rate has been steadily declining since the Great Recession Over half of renter households spend at least 30 percent of their income on rent States in the South and Midwest have the highest rental vacancy rates 15. Oklahoma City, OK 14. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY 13. New Orleans-Metairie, LA 12. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA 11. Nashville-DavidsonMurfreesboroFranklin, TN 10. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 9. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 8. Raleigh-Cary, NC 7. Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN 6. Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR 5. North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL 4. Birmingham-Hoover, AL 3. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX 2. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD 1. Charleston-North Charleston, SC
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a surprising 5-4 ruling in favor of Black voters in a congressional redistricting case, ordering the creation of a second district with a large Black population.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined with the court's liberals in affirming a lower-court ruling that found a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act in an Alabama congressional map with one majority Black seat out of seven congressional districts in a state where more than one in four residents is Black.

The case had been closely watched for its potential to weaken the landmark voting rights law.

The court had allowed the challenged map to be used for the 2022 elections and at arguments in October, the justices appeared willing to make it harder to use the voting rights law to challenge redistricting plans as racially discriminatory.

The chief justice himself suggested last year that he was open to changes in the way courts weigh discrimination claims under the part of the law known as section 2. But on Thursday, Roberts wrote that the court was declining "to recast our section 2 case law as Alabama requests."

Roberts was part of conservative high-court majorities in earlier cases that made it harder for racial minorities to use the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in ideologically divided rulings in 2013 and 2021.

The other four conservative justices dissented Thursday. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the decision forces "Alabama to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the State's population. Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it."

The current case stems from challenges to Alabama's seven-district congressional map, which included one district in which Black voters form a large enough majority that they have the power to elect their preferred candidate. The challengers said that one district is not enough, pointing out that overall, Alabama's population is more than 25% Black.

A three-judge court, with two appointees of former President Donald Trump, had little trouble concluding that the plan likely violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the votes of Black Alabamians. The panel ordered a new map drawn.

But the state quickly appealed to the Supreme Court, where five conservative justices prevented the lower-court ruling from going forward. They allowed last year's congressional elections to proceed under the map that the lower court had said is probably illegal.

At the same time, the court decided to hear the Alabama case, and arguments were held in early October.

Louisiana's congressional map, also identified as probably discriminatory by a lower court, was allowed to remain in effect by the Supreme Court, too.

Partisan politics underlies the case. Republicans who dominate elective office in Alabama have been resistant to creating a second district with a Democratic-leaning Black majority, or close to one, that could send another Democrat to Congress.

The judges found that Alabama concentrated Black voters in one district, while spreading them out among the others to make it impossible for them to elect a candidate of their choice.

Alabama's Black population is large enough and geographically compact enough to create a second district, the judges found.

Alabama argued that the lower court ruling would have forced it to sort voters by race and the state insisted it is taking a "race neutral" approach to redistricting.

At arguments in October, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson scoffed at the idea that race could not be part of the equation. Jackson, the court's first Black woman, said that constitutional amendments passed after the Civil War and the Voting Rights Act a century later were intended to do the same thing, make Black Americans "equal to white citizens."

The 9 current justices of the US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Justice Clarence Thomas Justice Samuel Alito Justice Sonia Sotomayor Justice Elena Kagan Justice Neil Gorsuch Justice Brett Kavanaugh Justice Amy Coney Barrett Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Republican North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will visit Iowa this week after making his presidential campaign official Wednesday.

Burgum, a former software entrepreneur and Microsoft executive, joins a crowded Republican primary field eager to cement themselves as the most appealing alternative to former President Donald Trump, the leading front-runner in the race for the GOP nomination.

Trump polls ahead of the rest of the field by a wide margin, according to RealClearPolitics rolling average of primary polls.

Burgums entry comes on the heels of a Tuesday night campaign launch in New Hampshire by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and just ahead of former Vice President Mike Pences campaign kickoff in Des Moines on Wednesday.

The North Dakota governor said he plans to focus on traditional pro-business GOP issues: the economy, energy and national security  and avoid the culture wars that Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have embraced.

"Woke was what you did at 5 a.m. to start the day," Burgum said in a video earlier this week to preview his candidacy, alluding to DeSantis, the candidate closest to Trump in national polling in the GOP presidential primary.

DeSantis has focused his campaign on waging a war on woke ideology, a decades-old term to be socially aware and empathetic to social injustices thats turned into a pejorative and political buzzword used to describe those who push for equality and inclusion, or anything deemed too liberal or progressive.

Burgum will swing through Eastern Iowa Thursday, with stops in Farley and Dyersville. He is scheduled to tour and meet with employees at a farm equipment supplier in Farley in the morning, before stopping at the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, according to his campaign.

He then heads to Ankeny, Elkhart, Des Moines and Marshalltown on Friday.

Burgum plans to meet with the Northside Conservative Breakfast Club in Ankeny on Friday morning, followed by a town hall with employees at a construction equipment company in Elkhart, a stop at the World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines and lunch with local activists in Marshalltown.

Iowa lawmaker switches backing from DeSantis to Ramaswamy

Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamys campaign announced receiving the endorsement of Iowa state Sen. Scott Webster, R-Bettendorf.

Webster, who could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday, had been previously been listed as having endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Webster was among some three dozen Iowa legislators a pro-DeSantis super PAC listed as backers in the days leading up to the Florida governors presidential launch in Iowa.

Webster told POLITICO earlier this week he was switching his endorsement to Ramaswamy, describing him as the future of the Republican Party.

Over the past few months, Ive been able to get to know Vivek and learn how deeply we are aligned on the need to speak hard truths and find real solutions to the issues we face as a nation today, Webster said in a statement released by Ramaswamys campaign.

Vivek has the knowledge and drive needed to bring the America First agenda to the next level while charismatically delivering an optimistic vision not heard since Ronald Reagan, according to the statement. Today I am proud to endorse Vivek Ramaswamy to be our next President and I encourage my colleagues, whether you previously endorsed another candidate or not, to join me in standing with Vivek.

Ramaswamy campaign announces Iowa co-chairman

Ramaswamys campaign announced the addition of former Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz as his Iowa caucus co-chairman.

Schultz previously served as co-chair for Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum in their Iowa campaigns.

Vivek Ramaswamy is exactly what America needs right now: a political outsider who will lead a national revival, Schultz said according to a statement released by Ramaswamys campaign.

Schultz joins former Iowa Senate President Jake Chapman to lead Ramaswamys caucus efforts in Iowa.

Photos: Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Davenport campaigning for president. 051923-qc-nws-haley-145 051923-qc-nws-haley-144 051923-qc-nws-haley-143 051923-qc-nws-haley-140 051923-qc-nws-haley-141 051923-qc-nws-haley-142
ANKENY  Mike Pences presidential campaign began Wednesday in Iowa with a full-throated rebuke of his ex-boss, former President Donald Trump.

During an announcement event to make his long-expected presidential campaign official, Pence drew pointed contrasts between himself and Trump, especially over the 2020 presidential election results and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

Pence said Wednesday, as he has previously, that he was fulfilling his oath to the U.S. Constitution when he, as vice president, presided over the certification of the 2020 presidential election results in the U.S. Senate that day. Trump, without merit, instructed him to reject those results and remand them to the states for further review.

The American people deserve to know that on that day President Trump also demanded that I choose between him and our Constitution, Pence said. Now voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution and I always will.

That statement drew a standing ovation from the roughly 250 people who gathered to hear Pence speak at Des Moines Area Community College.

Despite Trumps assertions then and now, experts say the Constitution does not authorize the vice president to reject the results of the presidential election during their certification process in the U.S. Senate.

My former running mate continues to insist that I had the right to overturn the election. But President Trump was wrong then, and he is wrong now, Pence said. I had hoped he would come around and see that he had been misled about my role that day. But that was note to be. 

The American people must know leaders in the Republican Party will keep our oath to support and defend the Constitution, even when its not in our political interests to do so, Pence added. I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again.

In a Fox News interview immediately after his event in Iowa, however, Pence said he would support the eventual Republican presidential nominee.

Pence, a former governor and congressman from Indiana, said Wednesday he is proud of the conservative accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration, but also contrasted himself with Trump on policy looking forward. Pence said he will offer policies to ensure the long-term survival of Social Security and Medicare, and asserted that Trump has retreated on abortion policy.

Democratic reaction

Despite Pences attempts to draw those contrasts, Iowa Democratic Party state Chair Rita Hart, in a statement, was eager to tie Pence to Trump.

Mike Pence has long championed one of the most extreme, anti-middle-class agendas in Congress and Indiana. Now, after serving as Donald Trumps wing man in Washington, hes looking to take the failed Trump-Pence policies that caused average farm income to fall to near 15-year lows and weakened our middle class even further, Hart said.

Republican reaction

A Trump-supporting PAC issued a statement that first mentioned Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  the candidate closest to Trump in national polling on the Republican presidential primary  before getting to Pence.

Mike Pences entrance into the race caps off another bad week for Ron DeSantis faltering campaign, Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Make America Great Again PAC, said in the statement, but the question most GOP voters are asking themselves about Pences candidacy is Why?

Paul and Mary Cox, of Ankeny, said they would like Pence to be Republicans presidential candidate in 2024 because they believe he can deliver on conservative policies in a calm and measured manner unlike Trump.

I think (Pence) showed real integrity over that Jan. 6 business, Paul Cox said.

A similar viewpoint was expressed by Jake Strother, who said he traveled from Oklahoma City just to see Pence. Strother said he believes Pence can deliver a conservative agenda from the White House, but do it in a calmer, more respectful way, Strother said. He can be calm and strong at the same time.

Pence was scheduled to appear Wednesday night in a CNN town hall broadcast from Grand View University in Des Moines, and today will make a yet-to-be-announced campaign stop in the Des Moines area.

Crowded field of presidential hopefuls

Pence joins an expanding field of Republican presidential candidates that includes Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, conservative talk show host Larry Elder, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Michigan businessman Perry Johnson.

The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced Donald Trump, Republican Nikki Haley, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Marianne Williamson, Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Democrat Larry Elder, Republican President Joe Biden, Democrat Asa Hutchinson, Republican Tim Scott, Republican Ron DeSantis, Republican
A few months ago, Mike Rowe stumbled on a 2011 video of himself speaking in front of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during the Obama administration about the mindset of government toward skilled trades. His argument was that skilled trades were the key to saving our economy, not those jobs that require a four-year degree.

His argument fell on deaf ears.

So he went again in April 2014, this time testifying before the House Committee on Natural Resources to discuss the opportunities for skilled trade workers in the energy industry. This time he brought props, specifically the poster his guidance counselor from high school pointed to when he tried to bully Rowe into picking a high-priced university over a community college his senior year.

Rowe said he had nothing against college, but the universities his counselor recommended were expensive. "I had no idea what I wanted to study. I thought a community college made more sense, but Dunbar said a two-year school was 'beneath my potential,'" Rowe explained.

"Mr. Dunbar pointed to a poster hanging behind his desk," Rowe told the committee. "On one side of the poster was a beaten-down, depressed-looking blue-collar worker. On the other side was an optimistic college graduate with his eyes on the horizon. Underneath them, the text read: Work Smart NOT Hard."

"Mike, look at these two guys," Mr. Dunbar said. "Which one do you want to be?"

"I had to read the caption twice. Work Smart NOT Hard?" Rowe recounted.

The visual was jarring, not to mention insulting, yet once again, nothing happened.

Rowe made his final plea to Congress in March 2017 when he once again schlepped to Capitol Hill, this time for the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. He discussed how Career and Technical Education can help close the skills gap and empower students to succeed, and he stressed the need to change current law.

His message was simple: Career and technical education, and skilled trade professions, need a PR makeover and a champion. "If you want to make America great again, you've got to make work cool again," he said.

"So, my point to Congress was we just have to get people to think differently about the definition of a good job. And we need to put better examples of real people out there who are prospering as the result of learning a trade," he said.

"We just shot seven or eight PSAs a couple months ago with people who we helped through the trade scholarship fund at the foundation -- HVAC workers, plumbers, welders, all making six figures," he said. "And I am going to put these PSAs out there in the same spirit of those ads that made people think differently about conservation, and we are going to make people think differently about work."

The spots are pitch perfect. The first one with Chloe Hudson begins with Rowe dispelling the notion that you cannot make six figures working with your hands. It then cuts to Hudson, a welder who received a work ethic scholarship from mikeroweWORKS and went on to earn six figures a year, talking about the beauty of her life.

"I'm going to raise whatever I have to, I'm going to spend whatever I have to get these examples front and center. So that's what I've got. In a way, it's nothing new. In another way, it's me finally saying, 'Look, this was a good idea 10 years ago, and why not me?' I'll do it. I'm going to do it," Rowe says with his characteristic charm that has endeared him to millions for more than 20 years.

Rowe said people really need to acknowledge the "unspeakable stupidity" of taking shop classes out of high schools 40 years ago. "The unintended consequences of that alone have been unraveling in ways that's just mind-boggling. We effectively removed from view an entire category of vocations," he said.

"In the long history of stupidity, you'd have to go a long way to find something dumber than universally removing shop class from high school. But of course, at the same time we did that, we started telling that same generation of kids that the best path for the most people was the most expensive path," he said of the idea that higher education is the only path to success.

Which brings Rowe to wonder: Were they intentionally telling students who went into trades that they were achieving lower education?

It should make us wonder as well: Who did these decision-makers think was going to take care of their plumbing, fix their car, install their air conditioning, repair their furnace or rewire their house?

Rowe said he knows he is not going to open the eyes of the varsity blues crowd. "I can't. They're not persuadable. But there are a lot of people in the middle, a lot of people that just want to feel better about the possibility of exploring a career. So that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to take my own advice. I'm going to stop telling Congress what to do, and I'm going to do it myself," he said.
In the unsolicited emails I receive, one regularly is from National Geographic Magazine listing stories they are following. The titles are interesting. One read, How a poor gel nail manicure can lead to a lifelong health issues. Thats a grabber for me, being in the skin game. I tried to look the article up, but a subscription was needed, and Im frugal. Reactions, especially allergic reactions to nail products, are supposed to be in the repertoire of a dermatologist and I have seen a few.

Then I looked up acrylic nail allergy. There were many sensationalistic headlines for recent articles on Google, such as, Dermatologists issue a warning over the severe effects of gel manicures, and Manicures trigger rash, allergic reaction: lifelong consequences. This seems to stem from a British Association of Dermatologists (BAD  not kidding) 2018 report that told of the increasing incidence of acrylic nail reactions. An April article wrote about a U.K. government investigation of the problem.

Acrylics are a family of synthetic chemicals all made from acrylonitrile fibers, created in the 1930s. We have all heard of acrylic material for clothes and likely have worn it. But that form has no chemical available to enter skin and create (in some folks) an allergic reaction upon contact. The nails and gels in question mainly contain methylmethacrylate (MMA). In the nail systems that have a potential to cause allergy, that chemical is applied, and then hardened or cured, which means chemical bonding caused by ultraviolet light. This usually is all done at the nail manicurists salon. But do-it-yourself home kits have been devised. Once the chemical process and bonding takes place, there is no more MMA available to get into skin.

The thinking is that the people trying the home kits, as well as some nail techs, dont use the light long enough. If some of the MMA is still wet, it can unconsciously be transferred to any body part, especially eyelids, though the nail cuticles themselves dont react much. This is precisely the same story of nickel allergy way back when the metal ball in regular nail polish (used to mix it together) was not coated. The nickel leached out into the liquid, went on to a nail wet, and was rubbed lots of other places before dry. That ball is coated with Teflon these days.

The larger difficulty with acrylic gels, etc., allergy is that acrylics are in some vital medical devices such as the glue or bone cement that holds in a joint replacement, some material for filling or coating teeth, and the lens to replace cataracts. Acrylics are far more prevalent in our world than that. Hence, the fear engendering phrase about lifelong consequences.

A really informative dermatology article from 2008 reported the case of a 52-year-old lady with a known acrylic nail allergy, who was told by the orthopedist she would be fine getting a knee prosthesis with an MMA bone cement. She got a second orthopedists opinion, who did a skin test to the cement, which was positive. She received the fake joint, but with a cementless device and had an uneventful recovery. Unfortunately, many of the different acrylates will cross react in the person with an allergy to one of them.

The article had two references to acrylic skin allergy from 1941! The new warnings about acrylic liquids are not really new. An acrylic contact allergy is not trivial, but it is well established. It provides some hurdles to get around, especially in the medical realm.

Any contact allergy reaction is a detective story, often worthy of Sherlock Homes genius. Here, not so much. In an age where we are attempting to bring equality among different folks, especially between male and female persons, perhaps the terminology might be re-worked a bit. Could the word manicure be altered at least sometimes to become womanicure, since most, but not all, who get manicures are female?
Nov. 5, 1956 - April 15, 2023

BUFORD, GA - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Todd Jeffery Walker, Buford, GA, who was a beloved father, family member and friend. Todd was surrounded by loved ones when he succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest on April 15, 2023, in the comfort of his Buford, GA home, at the tender age of 66 years old.

Todd is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Zachery and Isadora, Woodstock, GA; granddaughter, Kaia; sisters: Marla Austin of Madison, WI, Brenda (Norm) Dahl, Pardeeville, WI; brothers: Troy Walker, LaCrosse, WI, and Tyler (Patti) Walker, Columbus, WI; along with many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his father, Marland and mother, Dorothy and step-father, Cecil Hendricks.

Todd was born in Portage, WI, and spent his formative years in and around the small town of Rio, WI. Todd spent his childhood years riding dirt bikes, playing sports, and spending time with his brothers and sisters. Todd graduated in 1974 from Rio High School and earned a two-year degree from Madison Area Technical College.

During college Todd worked at his uncle Bill's restaurant "The Top Hat" in Middleton, WI where his love for the culinary arts grew.

After college, Todd spent his working career in the food industry, advancing into corporate America for various food chain and restaurant groups which eventually relocated him to the Metro Atlanta area in 2003 with his ex-wife of 30 years; Debra (Ripp) Walker and son.

Todd will be remembered as an outspoken, salt-of-the-earth soul, and a light in any room. His words were spoken with such conviction, he loved his Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. Some of his hobbies included rafting, traveling, and snorkeling.

A funeral will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio, WI on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a burial at Ohio Cemetery. Visitation for the family will be at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Todd's of Life will be held at Cercis Brewing Company in Columbus, WI following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio.
Weather Alert

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall 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 Mono County. In western Nevada, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area and Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...From this afternoon through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Slow moving thunderstorms will produce areas of heavy rainfall with localized rainfall rates on the order of 1.00 to 1.50 inches per hour. Soils are already saturated with creeks, streams, and rivers running full due to ongoing snowmelt. It will not take as much rain to cause excessive runoff. Also, heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding and debris flows near burn scars and steep terrain. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. &&
(Photo : PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia says Kyiv's military started their long-awaited counteroffensive to retake seized territory.

According to a prominent Russian war blogger, Ukraine's HIMARS are now being used on the front lines to attack Russian positions in the south of the country.

HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) are being deployed "without hesitation, to be used on the very front" in regions such as eastern Donetsk and southern Zaporizhzhya, according to Kremlin propagandist Semyon Pegov, who operates the WarGonzo Telegram account.

Ukraine Counteroffensive

Since the summer of 2022, Ukraine has utilized HIMARS. Per Newsweek, the multiple rocket launchers on wheels arrived in Ukraine in June 2022, and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksandr Reznikov lauded them as "powerful instruments."

In late July 2022, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, declared that "HIMARS and other precision weapons are altering the course of the conflict in our favor."

In addition to ammunition for the artillery systems, the US has provided Ukraine with 38 HIMARS as part of its military assistance packages. Uncertainty remains as to whether Ukraine has launched its long-anticipated counteroffensive against Russian forces.

On Monday, the Russian defense ministry reported that Ukraine had launched a "large-scale offensive" on Sunday, targeting "five front sectors."

Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, the director of the Wagner Group of mercenaries fighting in Ukraine, stated earlier this week that Ukrainian forces "have already burst through the line of defense" in several areas. Vladimir Rogov, the leader of the pro-Moscow "We Are Together With Russia" movement, informed state media on Thursday that Kyiv had conducted counteroffensive operations in southern Zaporizhzhia for up to four days.

The chairman of Ukraine's Defense and Security Council denied that the counteroffensive had begun. Kyiv has largely remained silent regarding its operations. On Wednesday, the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar reported that Ukrainian forces had advanced between 200 and 1,100 meters in several areas near the contested city of Bakhmut in Donetsk.

As the conflict threatens to return home to Russia, the frontlines appear to be in serious disarray, as local mismanagement, military infighting, and callous disregard indicate to serious problems. There were warning indications that Russia was perilously overextended along the potential frontlines of a Ukrainian counteroffensive weeks before the Dnipro River was unleashed on the town south of Nova Kakhovka.

As irregular Ukrainian-backed insurgent groups conduct cross-border raids, Russian forces have effectively abandoned a number of minor towns and villages in the Belgorod border region. Once a sideshow, the paramilitaries, which include many Russians with far-right ties fighting against the Kremlin, have successfully captured and held territory within Russia, according to Guardian.

Shebekino, a Russian town of approximately 45,000 inhabitants, has effectively become a frontline city and has been subjected to intense shelling; all but about 500 residents have fled the frontier region.

The Russian Volunteer Corps, an anti-Kremlin militia, asserted that it had captured Novaya Tavolzhanka, one of the region's major localities. Even convicts were seized, including a 23-year-old chef from the Pskov region who claimed to be a conscript.

Read Also: CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht Ousted After Trump Town Hall Backlash

Russia-Ukraine War Intensifies

The regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, acknowledged on Monday that Russian forces "cannot access the village," confirming that they had temporarily lost control of a Russian town. The border region appears mainly unprotected in many respects. Reporters in Shebekino described conditions comparable to those in Ukrainian frontline towns under Russian occupation, observing that the conflict had never been closer.

Maryana Naumova, a Kremlin-aligned journalist who visited Shebekino this week, remarked that wearing a flak vest and helmet inside Russia, ancient Russia is highly unusual. Evacuees have reported receiving little to no assistance from authorities, who have been conspicuously absent in managing the chaos near the border.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces intensified attacks in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia in what a senior US official said Thursday appeared to be the primary thrust of a Ukrainian counteroffensive, a long-awaited operation with high stakes for Kyiv and its Western allies.

The assessment was made days after combat in the Donetsk region to the east prompting American officials to speculate that a counteroffensive had begun. The US official who spoke on Thursday asked to remain anonymous in order to disclose operational details.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that Moscow's forces had repelled a Ukrainian attack near Novodarivka in southern Zaporizhia. There was no immediate response from Ukrainian officials, who have stated they will not comment on the counteroffensive's specifics due to operational confidentiality.

Per NY Times, US and Ukrainian officials have stated that the counteroffensive will entail assaults at multiple locations, as Ukrainian forces probe Russia's defensive lines for vulnerabilities.

Related Article: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Hitting Major Ammonia Pipeline in Potential Blow to Grain Deal

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
On June 19, 1866, Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, celebrated the countrys first Juneteenth. This was the first anniversary of the day the U.S. Army reached Galveston and notified enslaved people that they were free. From there, Juneteenth celebrations spread across Texas, and eventually, the United States. Juneteenth celebrations dissipated in the early half of the 20th century, but interest renewed during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

This is the second year that Juneteenth has been a federal holiday, and cities across the country are planning elaborate celebrations. Many of the events are scheduled for the weekend before the holiday, which falls on a Monday this year. There are Juneteenth events just a road trip away, no matter where you live in the U.S.

Here are six cities across the U.S. that are planning unique Juneteenth celebrations.

June 19, 1865, was the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they were free. Here, Galvestons 2021 Juneteenth parade. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Houston Chronicle via AP

Galveston

As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston is a natural choice for the holiday weekend. The city has dozens of Juneteenth exhibits and events planned for June, with many of them happening the weekend before the holiday. One such exhibit, called Thursday Night Lights, at the Bryan Museum, tells the story of Texas segregated high school football league. The exhibit (adults: $14; $12 for age 65 and over) runs through July 2. On June 15, the Bryan Museum will host a panel discussion with Michael Hurd, the author of the book on which the exhibit is based.

Visitors can also check out the permanent Juneteenth exhibit, And Still We Rise, in the carriage house of 1859 Ashton Villa. The exhibit tells of the evolution of Juneteenth celebrations from its 19th-century roots to today. Its open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Adults: $10; children: $5; children 5 and younger: free.)
A team of archaeologists unearthed a palace, temple, and hundreds of cuneiform tablets in the ancient city of Girsu. Located in the south of modern-day Iraq, Girsu was a Sumerian city in the eastern Mediterranean region of Mesopotamia as far back as 3,500 BC. The location has been described as probably one of the most important heritage sites in the world that very few people know about.

The city of Girsu was first discovered in the 19th century

The ancient city of Girsu is believed to be one of the earliest cities in the history of mankind, built by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia between 3,500 and 2,000 BC. It was first discovered by the French archaeologist Ernest de Sarzec in 1877. After it was picked over very thoroughly, the city was left undisturbed for over a century. Looting and illegal excavations made the site difficult for future work, as did consistent warfare in the region.

Excavating the area was a joint effort

It wasnt until 2015 when Dr. Sebastien Rey of the British Museum led an excavation team at Girsu that the area, now known as Tello, Iraq, regained archaeological interest. The project was a joint effort with funding spread between the British Museum, the LA-based Getty Museum, and the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage in Iraq. The endeavor was undertaken with the intention to protect key heritage sites in Iraq and Syria.

The project was met with skepticism

Early on, Rey believed there was more to Girsu than what was left there over a century ago. However, when he mentioned this at international conferences, he was met with some serious skepticism by his colleagues. Everyone basically told me, Oh no youre making it up youre wasting your time youre wasting British Museum UK government funding  thats what they were telling me, Rey explained. However, his teams work soon proved them all wrong.

New technology helped archaeologists make the discovery

Approaching the site at modern-day Tello needed to be done in a new way if they were to uncover any hidden secrets in the remains of the ancient city. As archaeological technology has advanced drastically in recent years, researchers were able to use aerial surveying through the use of a drone to capture footage of the area. This footage revealed subsurface remains that were previously hidden from view.

The team finally made the discovery they were hoping for

Archaeologists followed up on the drone footage by performing ground-level excavations, and they unearthed the mudbrick walls of the 4,500-year-old Lord Palace of the Kings, as well as the citys main temple, E-ninnu. Although the excavation was finished and the news was broadcast to the world in 2022, the discovery was actually made in 2015.

Finding the temple E-ninnu

Finding the door socket of the temple was a huge moment for Rey and his team. We found a stone and the stone had an inscription, he said. When we read the inscription it was Gudea the King building a temple for god Ningirsu and then the name of the temple, so we knew without a doubt this was the temple. Archaeologists believe that the secrets hidden at the temple will help provide key information about the ancient civilization.

The temple holds significant importance to the ancient world

The temple has been determined to have been dedicated to the Mesopotamian God of War, Ningirsu, who was the son of the chief god of the Sumerian pantheon, Enlil. Prior to this discovery, the temples only known existence was in ancient inscriptions found in Girsu when it was first excavated in the 19th century. However, its discovery in physical form suggests that it would have been one of the most-visited sacred buildings in all of ancient Mesopotamia.

Cuneiform tablets were found at the site

Also found at the ancient city of Girsu were more than 200 cuneiform tablets. They were located in a pile of debris left behind following the 19th-century excavations. These bear deep significance as they literally describe life in the ancient world. Many of these tablets have been deciphered, revealing that their contents are administrative records of activities in the ancient city.

The Sumerians were one of historys oldest civilizations

The ancient Sumerians were part of one of the earliest known civilizations in Mesopotamia, inhabiting the region of Sumer. They were the founders of the first cities, establishing about a dozen city-states and creating the first known codes of law. They were pioneers in many technologies that would develop over several millennia, including hymns and prayers, arts, science, mathematics, and architecture. Their contributions to writing and literature inspired the worlds oldest surviving piece of literature, the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The find marks significant changes in our understanding of ancient Mesopotamia

Girsu was already known to be one of the first cities in the world, but now it is being recognized as the cradle of civilization, operating as a major hub of Sumerian society. Hartwig Fischer, the director of the British Museum, said the location was one of the most fascinating sites Ive ever visited. He said, While our knowledge of the Sumerian world remains limited today, the work at Girsu and the discovery of the lost palace and temple hold enormous potential for our understanding of this important civilisation, shedding light on the past and informing the future.

The palace is next to be excavated

More from us: The Remnants of the Ancient City of Laodicea on the Lycus in Turkey

While most of the city has been unearthed over the many seasons the team has worked at Tello, the Lord Palace of the Kings has yet to be fully unearthed. Now that excavations at the temple have come to a close, archaeologists will be setting their sights on the grand Sumerian palace, hoping to unveil whatever secrets it holds.
Days after Uganda passed one of the world's strictest anti-gay laws, the HIV/AIDS treatment center in Kampala, was almost vacant.

Staff members report that the regular daily stream of 50 patients has almost dried up, and wasted antiretroviral medications are piling up.

Fear of Being Exposed and Penalized

New waves of HIV infections are occurring, according to Andrew Tendo, the resident medical officer at the US-funded clinic. Vulnerable individuals avoid treatment centers for fear of being recognized and prosecuted under the new legislation.

"The LGBT community in Uganda is on lockdown now. They don't have preventive services. They cannot access condoms ... they cannot access ARTs (antiretrovirals)," he told Reuters.

President Yoweri Museveni signed the measure into law last week, making homosexual intercourse a capital offense and making it a mandatory life sentence for anyone who transmits HIV.

Up until this year, the Kampala clinic had been held up as a model of success in Uganda's battle against HIV. The state-run Uganda AIDS Commission estimates that 1.4 million people are infected with the virus, and 17,000 die each year as a direct consequence of its effects.

However, Tendo noted that patients now only come in when they have no other choice and that the severity of HIV infections has increased due to treatment non-compliance.

Last week, a US official said that the new legislation would undo Uganda's progress in the battle against HIV/AIDS. However, Uganda's health minister refuted this claim, stating that the government would make sure that preventive programs were still available to those who needed them.

See Also: US LGBTQ+ Community Is in State of Emergency, Says Human Rights Campaign

Impacts of Budget Cuts on the LGBTQ Community

Mary Borgman, US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) country director, said the pattern of HIV patients avoiding treatment centers is being reflected on a nationwide scale.

Since the anti-gay law was first tabled in parliament in March, she said, people's fear had been discouraging them from seeking therapy.

One patient at the Kampala clinic expressed hopelessness over the new laws. "I felt so sad when the law was enacted because we fear PEPFAR will cut off funding for the free services we have been receiving," said the 27-year-old homosexual man, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.

He said it is disheartening that some LGBTQ people do not seek help even if funding is not eliminated just because they are terrified to leave the house.

The possibility of diminished assistance from the US is a real concern. When Museveni signed the legislation, US President Joe Biden ordered his National Security Council to assess what it might mean for US involvement with Uganda, including PEPFAR.

More than half of Uganda's budget for HIV/AIDS treatment in the fiscal year 2021/2022 came from PEPFAR funding of $418.4 million. Nearly 600,000 AIDS-related deaths have been prevented between 2004 and 2022 because PEPFAR funded the expansion of antiretroviral therapy in Uganda.

Meanwhile, Borgman said the US was aware of how funding cutbacks would affect vulnerable populations, particularly LGBTQ Ugandans.

See Also: North Dakota Rights Advocate Condemns School Board for Concealing Kids' Gender Identities From Parents

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.


Nachu Anode Materials Exceptional Performance

Sydney, June 8, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Magnis Energy Technologies Limited ( ASX:MNS ) ( MNSEF:OTCMKTS ) ( U1P:FRA ) is pleased to provide the latest results achieved in its pilot scale production in New York of AAM as part of its customer qualification process.



Active Anode Materials



Graphite has been classified as a critical material by the United States and European Governments.



Graphite is the main material used for the battery's anode, which takes in and holds lithium ions during charging and releases them when energy is needed. Graphite's inherent unique characteristics of high thermal and electrical conductivity combined with chemical inertness provides stability when you cycle through many energy flows and without any ignition or degrading. A typical 60 kilowatt-hour EV battery holds approximately 70kg of graphite.



Production of AAM and Recent Results



Recently Magnis produced AAM derived from its high-purity Nachu flake graphite for customer qualification.



The materials produced by Magnis' technology partner, C4V utilising a downstream processing technology at its pilot facility in New York has been undergoing regular product development, optimisation and quality and performance testing exercises. The quality control (QC) and performance testing have been performed as per industry standard protocols including third party analytical tests for purity verifications.



Magnis' AAM has demonstrated FCE results that meet and outperform the industry standard requirements for both EV's and energy stationary storage. The exceptional performance results have been achieved without any chemical/acid purification or high-temperature thermal purification.



Recent test results have shown purity of 99.97% with a First Cycle Efficiency (FCE) of >94.4%, less than 6% ICL and a reversible capacity of >355 mAh/g. The performance puts the Nachu AAM in the top quartile of products in the marketplace.



Significance of Results



FCE plays a critical role in the lithium-ion cell manufacturing process. A higher first-cycle efficiency indicates a lower amount of loss in lithium when the first cycle (also known as the formation cycle in cell manufacturing) is performed on the production floor.



Standard natural graphite anode products in the marketplace have a FCE of 91%. Nachu AAM provides benefits to EV and ESS manufacturers with a higher energy density cell resulting in a longer average range.



Competitive Cost



The innovative downstream processing technology developed by C4V, which requires high-purity, low-cost Nachu concentrate feedstock and the 'Mechanical Process Only' approach to produce AAM have bypassed any chemical/acid and energy-intensive thermal purification. Therefore, the overall (Capex and Opex) processing cost to produce per tonne of Magnis' AAM will be significantly reduced.



US AAM Plant and Potential Customers



The site selection process for the US Commercial AAM plant has progressed significantly with a shortlist of sites with existing buildings.



Several potential customer discussions are currently underway with tier-1 groups. Currently, the Company has a Tier-1 offtake with the world's largest Battery/EV company as announced on 21 February 2023.



Magnis Chairman Frank Poullas commented: "There is no doubt that our graphite and anode product contains key advantages in the marketplace. Producing a high-performing product minus any chemical/acid purification with a sustainable manufacturing approach allows for the competitive cost of Magnis' AAM product and puts Magnis into a strong position to be a leading CSPG anode supplier outside China."



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/5QP28J77





About Magnis Energy Technologies Limited





Magnis Energy Technologies Limited (ASX:MNS) (OTCMKTS:MNSEF) (FRA:U1P) is involved in and has strategic investments in several aspects of the electrification supply chain including manufacturing of green credentialed lithium-ion battery cells, leading edge battery technology and high quality, high performance anode materials. The company's vision is to enable, support and accelerate the green energy transition critical for the adoption of Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy Storage.


Partnering with Smart Farm Agritech

Sydney, June 8, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Virgin Greens X Sdn Bhd ("VGXSB"), a subsidiary of VGX Limited ( NSX:VGX ), entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Smart Farm Agritech Sdn Bhd ("SFASB") on 22nd May 2023.



SFASB is a precision farming company driven by AI and robotics expertise from the United Kingdom and rich agricultural knowledge and experience in Malaysia. One of the founders of SFASB was CEO of National Farmers Organization (NAFAS) and Director General of Farmers Organization Authority (LPP) of Malaysia. SFASB combines satellite, drone and AI technologies to offer three areas of service:



o Satellite crop health early warning system



o Pest, disease and nutrient deficiency diagnosis system



o Crop maintenance precision farming service



As an agricultural biotech company, VGXSB truly believes that microbes will be the future of agriculture. This view is shared by the leading agricultural companies such as Bayer and they are all moving to using microbial fertilizer alongside mineral fertilizer to boost yield and reduce cost.



To cater for the future of agriculture, VGXSB has lately developed a comprehensive range of microbial liquid fertilizer products called AB Microbes covering oil palm, paddy, fruit and vegetables in addition to its existing range of pest and disease control products. AB Microbes is tailored to drone crop spraying.



According to the Cooperation Agreement, SFASB will be marketing the following products supplied by VGXSB to the oil palm and paddy sectors together with SFASB's crop management services in West Malaysia:



o MG AB Microbes (Oil Palm)

o MG PestGuard(R) (Oil Palm)

o MG AB Microbes (Paddy)

o MG PestGuard(R) (Paddy)

o MG BioGuard(R)



There is clearly a niche when VGXSB and SFASB join hands considering both companies are involved in advanced agricultural technology, namely agricultural biotech and precision farming respectively, with the aim of achieving sustainable agriculture.



The management of VGXSB holds the view that this partnership will have a positive impact on the company's long-term revenue growth.







About VGX Limited





VGX Limited (NSX:VGX) believe biotech is the answer to food shortages, food quality and environmental deterioration and apply biotech in agriculture in such a way that is good for farmers, consumers and nature. Counting on our strengths in research, development and commercialization, we provide innovative biotech solutions to the agriculture industry and make sustainable agriculture possible.
The right man at the right time. Santa Fe Archdiocese Archbishop Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan was certainly that.

The retired archbishops death Saturday reminds us of one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Catholic Church, and how one mans integrity and forthrightness helped restore faith in his archdiocese.

Sheehan presided over the Santa Fe Archdiocese for 22 years, from 1993 to 2015. It wasnt easy from the start as a sexual abuse scandal of epic proportions was beginning to rock the archdiocese. Just three weeks before Sheehan faced a packed room of reporters at his first news conference in Albuquerque in April 1993, former Santa Fe Archbishop Robert F. Sanchez had resigned after five women alleged he sexually molested them as teenagers. Sanchez was one of at least 14 New Mexico priests accused of sexual abuse when Pope John Paul II named Sheehan as acting head of the archdiocese.

I want to put the household of faith in order, Sheehan told reporters. But I cannot do it alone, nor can I do it overnight.

Sheehan spent much of the next 22 years trying to make things right. He enacted a zero-tolerance policy for clergy sex abuse, set up a permanent review board to look into abuse allegations and imposed strict requirements and a screening process for the priesthood.

Sheehan made what had to be agonizing decisions removing more than 20 priests, most of them shortly after he arrived and a decade before clerical abuse allegations in the Archdiocese of Boston brought the scandal to the nations attention in 2002.

Sheehan said he personally apologized to every victim of the Santa Fe Archdiocese whose name and phone number and address he had. A lawyer who deposed Sheehan said he appeared sincerely ashamed by the churchs actions.

My impression of him was he was a good, sincere person who was totally ashamed sitting in front of me being questioned about childhood sexual abuse, said Santa Fe attorney Merit Bennett, who filed one of the first lawsuits against the archdiocese on behalf of a child sex abuse survivor. Actually, I felt for him.

Sheehan was a realist. He predicted as early as 1993 that the Santa Fe Archdiocese might have to file bankruptcy, which it did in 2018. The archdiocese later announced a $121.5 million settlement to compensate an estimated 394 adults who alleged they were subjected to childhood sexual abuse by priests and other clergy.

Throughout the scandal, Sheehan didnt lose sight of his ministry or shy away from controversial issues. His opposition to the death penalty played a key role in the state repealing executions in 2012. He also took strong stands against late-term abortion and same-sex marriage. Regardless of how one feels about those issues, no one questioned Sheehans sincerity.

While we did not agree on everything, his leadership on early childhood education and immigration were areas of collaboration that Im grateful for, and I will always be appreciative of his counsel, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement Monday.

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan said Sheehan spent decades trying to better the lives of New Mexicans.

Archbishop Emeritus Sheehan spent much of his life devoted to the Catholic faith, and his work went beyond the confines of the church, Lujan said Wednesday. His legacy of kindness and selflessness will live on through those he guided.

Its unfortunately been radio silence from the rest of the states congressional delegation, all Democrats. The archbishops life work deserves recognition, regardless of the Vaticans stance on controversial topics.

One of the things Ive always thought was that God has always given us the shepherd  the bishop  that we needed at that time, said Monsignor Lambert Luna, who served with Sheehan as archdiocesan vicar general. God just blessed us with the right man at that time.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  Thousands of New Mexicans will have their drivers licenses reinstated under a new law that prevents the state Motor Vehicle Division from suspending the licenses of people who fail to appear in court, or dont pay speeding tickets or other fines.

State officials confirmed Wednesday about 308,000 licenses that are currently suspended will be affected, and MVD staff are being trained on the new requirements.

There is a fair amount of system reconfiguration that needs to be done, but we expect to be able to have those suspensions removed by September, said Charlie Moore, a spokesman for the Taxation and Revenue Department, which oversees the MVD.

The underlying citations that led to the suspensions will still be reflected on driver records, Moore said.

State court officials say the new law that takes effect next week may lead more people to skip out on court hearings or ignore fines, but advocates see it as a positive change.

Monica Ault, state director with the advocacy group Fines & Fees Justice Center, told Albuquerque television station KRQE that suspensions can have a big impact on New Mexicans who rely on driving to get to work or school.

What these types of license suspensions do is they force an impossible choice: You stop driving and you lose access to work and basic necessities. Or you keep driving, you risk more fines and fees, arrest, and even incarceration, Ault said.

Research by the center shows that license revocations seem to impact rural New Mexicans more. A survey of 511 residents revealed that those from rural and semi-rural areas were 31% more likely to have their license suspended due to court issues than those from urban areas.

Ault said part of the challenge is that rural residents might not always know theyve been ordered to come to court because their physical address on their license is often different from their mailing address and they dont receive a notice.

Lawmakers rewrote the rules related to license suspensions earlier this year. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill March 15.

Barry Massey, a spokesman for the Administrative Office of the Courts, said more drivers respond to the court when they are notified of the potential license suspension than the notice that a bench warrant has been issued.

Bench warrants tend to drive people away from the courts, he said. Now, when a person fails to appear in court, the only option the court has is to issue a bench warrant.

Ault argues New Mexicos courts still have other tools to ensure compliance. She noted the new law doesnt eliminate any debt from unpaid fines, so Ault said that could act as an incentive to comply and pay.
Fallout from the deadly Red River shootout between two motorcycle gangs continues to stretch across the state, with event cancellations and warnings of future violence in retaliation.

Officials with the city of Belen recently announced on the city website that they were denying a permit for the upcoming B-Town Bike Rally because of recent events in NM. Las Vegas Police Chief Antonio Salazar announced in a statement that the city has denied a permit for the Rough Rider Bike Rally scheduled for the end of July. And Red River town officials announced days after the shooting that they were canceling future motorcycle rallies.

On May 27, shots rang out on Red Rivers Main Street between members of the Bandidos motorcycle club and the Waterdogs, a lesser known New Mexico-based motorcycle club. Two Bandidos  Damian Breaux, 46, and Anthony Silva, 26  were killed as was Waterdog Randy Sanchez, 46. Five men affiliated with the groups were shot and injured and several people were arrested, according to New Mexico State Police.

Bryan Acee, the senior agent on the FBIs violent gang task force, testified in open court on Monday that law enforcement throughout New Mexico is preparing for a violent retaliatory attack by the Bandidos motorcycle club. He went so far as to say during a pretrial detention rally that the Bandidos most assuredly will retaliate for the shooting.

Biker gang experts have advised that retaliation may occur following the shooting incident at the bike rally in Red River, Salazar said in a statement announcing the cancellation of the Las Vegas rally. We feel the decision to cancel the bike rally is necessary to protect our community and everyone involved from danger.

In a joint statement, several officials with the city of Belen said going through with the rally would be a clear risk to the community and people involved.

We feel that the current situation poses a significant, clear and present danger and could compromise the safety of everyone involved, the city manager and fire and police chiefs said in a joint statement.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has been exploring outer space alone for some time now.

Ever since the international space union launched JWST in 2021, the spacecraft has been exploring locations in the solar system that other space telescopes weren't able to reach.

As of press time, the James Webb Space Telescope is orbiting the sun 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth.

It is specifically located in the second Lagrange point (L2). This is really a lonesome space travel for JWST, but not for long, as NASA's advanced space telescope will soon have a CubeSat sidekick.

NASA James Webb To Have Cubesat Sidekick!

According to News8Live Science's latest report, the NASA JWST will have the MANTIS Cubesat as its companion.

Read Also: Firefly Aerospace Delays Launch of Batch of NASA CubeSats, Setting August Target

The space organization already confirmed that it selected this small, but nimble satellite as James Webb Space Telescope's sidekick.

NASA's budget for the MANTIS (Monitoring Activity from Nearby sTars) spacecraft is estimated to be more than $8 million.

This is still far compared to the expected lifetime cost for JWST; the advanced infrared space telescope is expected to cost over $9 billion throughout its space operations.

CU Boulder Today reported that the advanced MANTIS CubeSat would be designed by LASP (Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics) at the University of Colorado Boulder.

"We proposed MANTIS as a kind of ultraviolet sidekick that will follow JWST and look wherever it's looking, filling in this important piece of context on the stellar environments in which these planets live," said LASP Associate Prof. Kevin France.

About MANTIS Cubesat

The MANTIS satellite got its name from the popular mantis shrimp. Just like this marine crustacean, the CubeSat can also see ultraviolet, as well as extreme ultraviolet light.

This capability will greatly provide additional context to the infrared observations made by JWST.

LASP is expected to start working on the new companion of the James Webb Space Telescope. The Italian Space Agency, as well as Pennsylvania State University, are expected to assist in the development of the MANTIS satellite.

It is expected to be launched as early as 2026. You can visit this link to learn more about the MANTIS Cubesat.

Related Article: NASA's Psyche Mission Set to Launch This Fall to Explore a Mysterious Metal World

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Albuquerque students whove been expelled from school may soon run out of second chances.

The Albuquerque Public Schools board on Monday discussed revisions to a procedural directive that would prohibit the district from enrolling students based on their disciplinary and behavioral pasts at other schools.

The proposal would add language to the districts existing suspension and expulsion procedures that would prevent APS from enrolling any student whod been expelled from any public or private school in the past 12 months, in New Mexico or beyond.

APS also wouldnt be allowed to enroll a student deemed to have behaved in a way that is detrimental to the safety or welfare of APS students or personnel in the past 12 months, under the revisions.

Mondays discussion was just that. Because its a procedural directive, Student, Parent and Employee Service Center Executive Director Teise Reiser said the board wont take a vote on it, and itll instead go to the district cabinet and superintendent for approval.

She expects to have it in place by the start of the school year, and likely around the beginning of July.

Reiser pointed out that the revisions are based directly on state statute, and that schools could already keep those students from enrolling in their schools.

The law in question doesnt appear to say that districts must deny enrollment to students falling into those categories, as APS procedural directive would if the changes are adopted. But it does limit districts to denying enrollment to only those students.

Behavior that can be seen as detrimental to safety is an arbitrary definition, Reiser acknowledged, pointing out that to help address that, the district inserted its own proposed language that would require school administrators to consult with the district chief of schools before denying enrollment.

But in part, she added, its there to catch students who committed expellable offenses  bringing a gun to school or another crime  but for whatever reason werent actually expelled by their previous school or district.

The discussion over the revisions comes amid declining enrollment in the district and efforts from the district and school board to retain more students in APS schools. Those efforts have included adding middle school grades to some schools, in part to keep incoming middle schoolers from transferring out of the district when they finish elementary school.

Reiser said she thinks the revisions will help keep families in the district.

The biggest thing affecting enrollment and people leaving and going to different schools  is the feeling of feeling unsafe, Reiser told the Journal, citing what shes seen working in the districts service center. If one of the major reasons that families do talk about leaving a school is because they do not feel safe in that environment, then I feel like following these laws actually helps keep families here.

The language denying enrollment would only apply to traditional APS schools, not its charters. Because the district in the past wasnt asking prospective students if theyd been expelled, Reiser said its not clear how many students the revised procedural directive would turn away.

Although the board wont make the final decision on the revisions, board Secretary Courtney Jackson expressed support for them.

Not only is it statutory, but its also just a reminder that our kids and our staff and our APS families deserve to operate in a safe environment where theyre not worried about what the next threat is going to be, she told the Journal in an interview.

Of course, we dont want to leave kids behind, she added. But maybe if they arent able to thrive in (a)  traditional education environment, then maybe theres a different place where that child can receive what they need.

Albuquerque Teachers Federation President Ellen Bernstein said the language requiring school administrators to consult with the chief of schools on each case made her feel more comfortable with the measure.

Everybody makes mistakes. And if  you cant ever rectify the mistake, what do you do? she said. Its important to look at it on a case by case basis, and hear the story and make a determination.


Police say a man who allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend shot himself on Tuesday in Northwest Albuquerque.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said 20-year-old Julius Falero was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound along Edith, north of Osuna.

He said Bernalillo County deputies were called to the scene and determined Falero had shot himself. Gallegos said at the scene deputies found the phone Falero took from his ex-girlfriend Jazmin Lerma after he killed her.

Police had been searching for Falero since Sunday when he was charged in the shooting death of Lerma, 19. Officers had responded to the domestic dispute at a home when Falero reportedly started firing a gun.

Falero fled the are and police found Lermas body inside the house.

A GoFundMe posted for Lermas funeral expenses said her beautiful, bright energy always radiated for anyone around her.

We have no words, just love and longing for my sister who were all gonna miss eternally, according to the GoFundMe.
Following a Tuesday approval from county commissioners of a new contract, Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office deputies will be the highest paid law enforcement officers in the state after completing the academy and a year-long probationary period.

On July 1, BCSO first class deputies will start earning $35.72 hourly, netting a 17% raise. New hires will also receive a $10,000 hiring bonus. Lateral hires  those with law enforcement experience at other agencies  can cash in a $15,000 bonus.

Sheriff John Allen said the department has been struggling with increased attrition, early retirements and difficulties attracting new hires, all of which motivated the office to push for significant raises. For years, the department wasnt keeping up with salaries at other agencies like the Albuquerque Police Department, Allen said.

What I was worried about is if we didnt get the raise, Allen said, citing concerns about additional losses and lateral transfers to other law enforcement agencies had the new contract not been accepted.

Allen said the new pay grade will bring new hires bigger salaries faster than comparable agencies. Although the starting salary for a second class deputy is $23.66 per hour, lower than that of a second class police officer at Albuquerque Police Department and new officers at both Hobbs and Las Cruces Police Departments, that salary quickly surpasses the others as deputies move into the first-class classification.

At the Tuesday meeting, Commissioner Walt Benson said BCSO deputies were being cannibalized by other, higher-paying agencies. Benson told the Journal he expected the raises will be beneficial for recruitment.

The increase comes a few weeks after APD also announced raises ranging between 5% and 37% for several positions, including cadets, patrolmen, lateral officers and police service aides.

Currently, BCSO is short 47 deputies, Allen said  a shortage that puts additional strain on other employees.

It trickles down, Allen said. I cant place people in specialty units, such as detectives. So after a while, it becomes a fire thats just been burning in the pit.  You start to burn all those detectives out that keep getting called out to the violent crimes and homicides  and theres really no relief for them.

And, deputies in more general fields are stretched thin, so they have little opportunity to advance, Allen said.

Additionally, the office was paying increased amounts for overtime  especially county court deputies, who also received raises Tuesday in a separate contract negotiation with the county. Last year, BCSO paid $1.1 million in overtime for court deputies, Allen said. When there are insufficient court deputies, regular deputies must fill in, stretching BCSOs staff even thinner.

Theres always going to be overtime, but you should never depend on overtime to live, Allen said. Thats just a benefit. So bumping up that base salary is huge.

Since BCSO announced it was negotiating for higher wages, Allen said, the office has seen an increase in applications  and, he said he knows of at least two people who decided to delay their retirements after the pay increases were secured.

Money talks, thats just the bottom line, Allen said.

Hourly pay at New Mexico law enforcement agencies

Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office

Deputy first class: $35.72

Deputy second class: $23.66

Sergeant: $39.69

Lieutenant: $45.36

Albuquerque Police Department

Police officer first class: $32.89

Police officer second class: $30.28

Hobbs Police Department

New officers: $24.78

Year one/two: $29.00

Las Cruces Police Department

New officers: $24

After probationary year: $26.15

Source: Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Hobbs Police Department, Las Cruces Police Department
The Albuquerque Public Schools board is parting ways with Superintendent Scott Elder. He was officially given the full position just over two years ago.

After almost an hour and a half behind closed doors, school board President Yolanda Montoya-Cordova said in a prepared statement Wednesday night that Elder will step down from his post effective June 30, 2024, the day his contract is set to end.

I am proud of my service to APS and this community, and I am particularly proud of the progress APS has made, despite the challenges we faced and the unique issues created by the pandemic, Elder is quoted as saying in the prepared statement.

Elder declined to comment beyond the statement.

Superintendent Elder has led APS through some challenging times, and we are grateful for that leadership, Montoya-Cordova said in the statement. We wish him well in his future endeavors, and we look forward to having his help as we transition to APS next era.

Montoya-Cordova said Elder will work with the board in looking for the districts next superintendent. She added the board is confident this time will be used to smoothly transition programs and ensure continuity for students and staff.

As chief of the largest school district in New Mexico, Elder oversees the education of over 70,000 students and the employment of almost 11,300 staff, according to district data.

Among his swath of duties is managing the districts compliance with goals the board passed earlier this year, which are generally centered on improving students academic achievement, preparation for life after high school and better developing soft skills over a five-year period.

He and his administration have also been charged with right-sizing the district, which recently led to the decision to consolidate one North Valley elementary school with another and lease its property to a charter school.

Neither the school board nor Elder offered further comment about Wednesday nights announcement.

Elder has been with the district for over three decades. He worked his way through the ranks, beginning as a substitute teacher and later serving as a teacher, principal, the district chief operations officer and interim superintendent. He was given the full superintendent position in March 2021.

As superintendent, Elder is credited with leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his administration were also responsible for raising the red flag with then-Attorney General Hector Balderas about suspicions that then-Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton violated the state procurement code and General Conduct Act.

At the time, Stapleton was the district director of Career and Technical Education, and the state House floor majority leader. She was placed on administrative leave by Elder and later fired, and resigned her post in the House amid the allegations. Charged with roughly two dozen felonies, her case is still pending in state District Court.
ROME (AP)  Pope Francis drank liquids, received the Eucharist and even made a brief phone call Thursday on his first full day recovering from a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall, the Vatican said.

The 86-year-old Francis rested extensively overnight and continued resting Thursday at Romes Gemelli hospital, where his condition was stable and his post-operative recovery deemed to be regular, the Vatican said in a statement. He was on a liquid diet but received the Eucharist.

Among the well-wishes Francis received was a poster from the Peruvian family whose infant Francis baptized March 31 at Gemelli during his last hospital stay, while he was recovering from bronchitis. Francis called the mother briefly to thank her, the Vatican said.

The poster featured a widely seen photo of the pope caressing the cheek of baby Miguel Angel after the baptism as his mother looked on.

Francis was admitted to Gemelli on Wednesday for his second major abdominal operation in two years, following a 2021 procedure to remove part of his colon. During the procedure, doctors removed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that had caused a partial blockage. They also repaired a hernia that had formed over a previous scar, placing a prosthetic mesh in the abdominal wall.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences at Gemelli, who performed the surgery, said the operation was a success, that there were no complications and that Francis was suffering from no other pathologies. He said the tissue removed was benign and that after he recovers, Francis should be fine.

He revealed that in addition to that 2021 operation, Francis had undergone previous abdominal surgeries sometime before 2013 in his native Argentina, which had also caused intestinal scarring.

Alfieri, who also removed part of Francis colon in 2021, told an evening press conference that the pope was awake, alert and even joking. When will we do the third one? he quoted Francis as saying.

The pontiff was expected to remain in the 10th-floor papal suite at Gemelli for several days, and all papal audiences were canceled through June 18.

The operation was scheduled after Francis had complained about increasing bouts of pain and intestinal blockages. After going to Gemelli on Tuesday for checks, Francis was admitted Wednesday following his general audience and underwent the procedure a short time later.

The surgery was likely scheduled now to give Francis plenty of time to recover before embarking on planned travel later this summer: an Aug. 2-6 trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, an Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to Mongolia and a Sept. 23 day trip to Marseille, France.

A feared protrusion, or bulging of the intestine through the hernia tear, was apparently not found.

It appears they operated on him in a timely fashion with no compromise to his intestine, said Dr. Walter Longo, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, who did not participate in the surgery and commented after consulting the Vatican statement on the procedure.

Dr. P. Ravi Kiran, chief of colorectal surgery at Columbia University, said the fact that there were adhesions removed suggests that the small intestine might take some time to recover.

It is good news that bowel did not need to be removed and the surgeon was able to place prosthetic mesh to bridge the defect in the abdominal muscle, Kiran said in an email. There is always a risk of mesh infection when placed in a situation such as this, but factors such as any contamination seen at surgery, type of mesh and antibiotics used also impinge on this risk.

Francis remained in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while unconscious and in the hospital, according to canon law.

In July 2021, Francis spent 10 days at Gemelli to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine. In an interview with The Associated Press in January, Francis said the diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall, that prompted that surgery had returned.

Dr. Manish Chand, a professor of surgery at University College London who specializes in colorectal surgery, said the greatest issue going forward will be pain management and making sure the wound heals properly.

In the first six weeks after this type of surgery, youre at risk of getting a recurrence again, he said. To avoid that, patients are advised not to do anything strenuous.

One of the last people to see Francis on Wednesday before he left the Vatican for the hospital was the Rev. Enzo Fortunato, spokesman of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

He was very serene, very tranquil, and he encouraged us to go on, Fortunato recalled. This really hit me because it means he is not a man who is self-centered but focused on others. We said to him, Courage, and we will support you with our prayers.'

__

Trisha Thomas in Rome and Maria Cheng in London contributed.
A manufacturer that specializes in corrugated sheets and digital printing services for the box-making industry is expanding its presence in Southern New Mexico with the help of state and local incentives.

Franklin Mountain Packaging, which already has operations in Santa Teresa, says it has signed a lease to construct a 150,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its current location at 401 Avenida Ascencion.

The companys expansion is aided by a state boost of $500,000 from the Local Economic Development Act fund and an additional $150,000 from the NM Borderplex Closing Incentive, which is managed by the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.

The joint efforts on the Santa Teresa border crossing between the state of New Mexico and the state of Chihuahua are also moving the needle, Franklin Mountain Investments CEO Paul Foster said. Together, these investments and efforts will continue to foster economic growth in the area.

The company expects to hire an additional 60 employees over the next three years to expand its total headcount in New Mexico to 155. But it isnt clear when the expansion will be completed.

Franklin Mountains expansion in Santa Teresa comes as it plans to ramp up output of its manufacturing for the box-making industry. The company operates just one of two quantum corrugators  a machine that brings together sheets of paper for wall board  in North America.

It also has a high-speed, single-pass digital printer that allows for high-quality printing of graphics on corrugated sheets and die-cutting capabilities at its location in Santa Teresa. The expansion will also expand Franklin Mountains die-cutting and finishing capabilities.

Either way, Franklin Mountains expansion in Santa Teresa comes as the area has seen an increase in commercial traffic at the border crossing. The state in a news release said the Santa Teresa port of entry hit doubled its truck processing output over the past two years, and in 2022 saw more than 160,000 trucks processed.

That traffic has been anchored by expansions of companies into the area recently. In early May, for instance, Louisiana Pepper Exchange, based in New Orleans, and Oro LLC, a food processing company, said they planned to move into the area.

The growth of Santa Teresa has been a point of pride for the states Economic Development Department. EDD Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes said businesses are taking advantage of the logistical and cost advantages of doing business along New Mexicos international border as they invest in more robust and resilient transportation networks and supply chains.
Fort Selden is chock-full of history.

As early as 400 A.D. Native American farmers, the Mogollon, lived on the land in southern New Mexico.

In 1598, the area was known as Paraje Robledo a welcome paraje (campsite) on El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, or the Royal Road to the Interior Lands.

Fort Selden was established in April 1865 to bring peace to the region. Several of the units that served there were African-American only regiments referred to as Buffalo Soldiers.

Fort Selden was abandoned in 1891 as hostilities lessened and the needs of the military changed.

Today, ghostly adobe ruins are all that remain of Fort Selden offering visitors a glimpse of another time.

On July 1, the historic site will be celebrating its 50th year as part of the New Mexico Historic Site system.

Five decades is a long time to keep watch over a cultural landmark, says Patrick Moore, executive director of New Mexico Historic Sites. We can find ourselves in these objects, in these walls. The staff and caretakers at the fort have done a fantastic job telling the many stories of this remarkable location.

The celebration will have food and live music.

The Dona Ana County Historical Society  which played an important role in Fort Selden becoming a historic site  will join the festivities too, celebrating its 60th year as an organization.

This is a time to stop and appreciate the place that we call Fort Selden, says Rhonda Dass, manager of the southern NMHS region. As we honor all of those who made it possible for us to take on the care of this historic place, I am so in awe of what has been entrusted to me, and the state of New Mexico, to preserve for future generations.

Schedule of Events

6- 7 p.m.  Reception with live music, food, and beverages.

7 p.m.  Patrick Moore (Executive Director of NMHS) remarks on the history of NMDCA and NMHS.

7:20 p.m.  Jerry Wallace remarks on the history of Dona Ana County Historical Society.

7:45 p.m.  Rhonda Dass (Regional Manager of FSHS) and Alexandra McKinney (Instructional Coordinator) lead a tour on the history of FSHS.

8:30 p.m.  Cake cutting.
Instagram Celebrity

The 30-year-old actor, who is set to be the next iteration of Doctor Who, advises aspiring actors who are 'trying to get into film' to 'keep knocking on doors.'

Jun 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Ncuti Gatwa's parents couldn't afford to fund his acting career. The 30-year-old star is set to take over the title role in BBC series "Doctor Who" when it returns for its next series and will also appear in the upcoming film "Barbie" alongside Margot Robbie and is now spearheading The BMW Filmmaking Challenge along with Terri White and Asif Kapadia as they search for a winning film from five shorts to premiere as part of the Closing Night of the BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express on October 15.

He said, "My advice to anyone trying to get into film is to keep knocking on doors. If the door closes in your face, jump through the window! Artistic pursuits if you don't have financial backing are very difficult, I didn't have parents that were able to financially support me. I had a dream that I had to make sure I pursued, so that's hard."

New research published by the car manufacturer showed that 51% of the public surveyed believe it influences perceptions of societal issues, 57% of people think it can shape public debate, and 52% believe it can drive social change, while almost half half (49%) feel that user-generated content has led to a broader representation of voices and perspectives in everyday life.

Of the scheme, Terri White said, "There is an undeniable sense of excitement surrounding short films as a medium in our country. The short film not only encourages greater representation - as a more accessible medium that doesn't need deep pockets - it's also traditionally been a place where filmmakers can play, experiment and innovate with new technologies and visual approaches. I have confidence that this competition will showcase exceptional entries and potentially unearth a future star in the world of film. Film shifts culture and culture shifts film. It's a symbiotic relationship that has always been at the heart of our cinematic experiences. With platforms like YouTube and Vimeo and tech now in everyone's pockets, making and distributing the moving image has never been easier. But what about watching? As our lives have become lived more on the move, weve found the cinematic experience lagging - who wants to watch something brilliant on a tiny device? The ultra-wide BMWi7 theatre screen is a bridge between the tellies in our homes and the big screens at the pictures. A massive step on for on-the-go screen culture."

You can share this post!
Cover Images/Seth Browarnik Celebrity

The trial for an alleged rape that took place in a New York City hotel room a decade ago is cancelled just moments after jurors are due to take their seats after both parties meet an agreement.

Jun 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Cuba Gooding Jr. has reportedly settled a case with a woman who claimed he had raped her in a New York City hotel room a decade ago. The Oscar-winning star avoided a trial after it was cancelled just moments after jurors were due to take their seats in the New York federal court with both parties meeting an agreement.

A calendar entry in the official court record read, "TRIAL OFF. Reason for cancellation (on consent): the parties have resolved the matter." The woman had alleged Cuba raped her in 2013 in a hotel room.

However, she seemingly pulled out of the trial when Judge Paul Crotty ruled that she would have to share her name at the trial. The acclaimed star was originally accused of violating three different women in New York City in 2018 and 2019. However, he only pleaded guilty to one of the allegations and insists he "didn't mean to disrespect anyone."

Cuba told "Piers Morgan Uncensored", "You have to live in your truth, and I know in my truth, I didn't mean to disrespect anyone." The 55-year-old star admitted to touching a woman at a New York nightclub in 2018.

The "Jerry Maguire" actor has always denied any wrongdoing, insisting any acts were consensual, but apologized for making women feel "uncomfortable." Cuba insists he has "100 per cent changed" since he plead guilty to one count of forcible touching.

The Hollywood star, who agreed to attend counselling for six months as part of his plea deal, told Piers, "It's funny too because I don't want this to stop me connecting with my fans. I don't want this to stop me connecting with the gregarious behaviour in terms of the positive energy that I have. I'm ten times more aware of what is going on around me and I just use that as my focus."

You can share this post!
Cover Images/ROGER WONG/Julie Shea Movie

The 39-year-old actor, who has played Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shares in a new interview that he is gutted that his two idols have mocked the money-spinning studio.

Jun 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Chris Hemsworth says it's "super depressing" to hear that his "heroes" Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino have criticized Marvel movies when the film business, in general, is in a state of "fragility." The 39-year-old actor, who has played Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is gutted that his idols have mocked the money-spinning studio and he hopes they'd still want to work with him.

He discussed the comments by the legendary filmmakers have been critical of superhero films in an interview with GQ. He said, "That's super depressing when I hear that. There goes two of my heroes I won't work with. I guess they're not a fan of me."

The "Thor: Love and Thunder" star admits that being a Marvel star could impact his chances of landing roles in other films when he hangs up Thor's hammer. He said of his future and the comments by Scorsese and Tarantino, "I'm thankful that I have been a part of something that kept people in cinemas. Now, whether or not those films were to the detriment of other films, I don't know. I don't love when we start scrutinising each other when there's so much fragility in the business and in this space of the arts as it is."

He added, "In a heartbeat, I would leap to work with any of them. But I say it more to the broader opinion around that topic. I don't think any of us have the answer, but we're trying."

"Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill" helmer Tarantino has said that Marvel stars are not real movie stars. He told the "2 Bears, 1 Cave" podcast, "You have all these actors who have become famous playing these characters. But they're not movie stars. Right? Captain America is the star. Or Thor is the star. I mean, I'm not the first person to say that. I think that's been said a zillion times  but it's like, you know, it's these franchise characters that become a star."

Speaking to Empire magazine previously, Scorsese said, "Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks. It isn't the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being."

You can share this post!
(Photo : BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)



Missouri courts should eliminate all non-violent marijuana offenses, but counties have "a lot to go" before completion.

As the deadline for expunging most marijuana-related offenses from the criminal records of Missouri residents nears, proponents of the legalization of marijuana are expressing concern.

To comply with Amendment 3, which legalized marijuana for recreational use in Missouri last November, marijuana charges must be expunged by Thursday.

Missouri Marijuana-Related Charges Expungement

Statewide, 46,680 cases have been expunged, as reported by the Office of State Courts Administrator. According to data from the Office of the State Courts Administrator, several counties have expunged at least 1,000 cases, with Buchanan County leading the state with over 2,000 cases removed.

Per ABC 17, Cooper County has 1,508 expunged cases in Mid-Missouri, followed by Boone County and Osage County with 374 cases each, and Cole County with 295 expunged cases. Randolph has expunged four cases, while Callaway County has removed two.

Article XIV of the Missouri Constitution, which legalizes recreational marijuana and expunges certain nonviolent marijuana offenses, sets Thursday, June 8, as the deadline for expunging all marijuana misdemeanor cases.

Greene County Circuit Court has expunged approximately 1,200 marijuana misdemeanor cases, many of which included multiple offenses, as of June 1st, according to Greene County Circuit Clerk Bryan Feemster. Through mid-February, the circuit court began processing cases for eligibility.

The Missouri Courts should have expunged all non-violent marijuana misdemeanor cases by Thursday's end, but the Greene County Circuit Court has "a long way to go" before completion.

The circuit court has approximately 140,000 additional cases to review, of which the court estimates that approximately 16,000 will be eligible for expungement. Feemster estimated that approximately 37,000 additional clerk hours are required to complete the endeavor.

According to Feemster, there are two ways the circuit court can manage this workload: clerk overtime and the employment of temporary, part-time staff. About 35 of the clerk's office's 70 employees have worked overtime on the project of expunging marijuana misdemeanor cases.

Since the circuit court began working on the initiative in February, four retired clerks have returned to work part-time. The circuit court began processing the most recent cases first and is currently working its way back to 1971 when the statute on marijuana offenses was first enacted. According to Feemster, the court is presently focusing on the early 2000s.

Beth Riggert, the Supreme Court of Missouri's communications counsel, reported on Wednesday that over 46,000 expungements have been granted throughout the state. This number does not reflect the number of individuals whose cases have been expunged.

Rather, it is the number of cases resolved and documents filed. The system of the Supreme Court of Missouri only monitors case-related information; it cannot trace individuals.

The simplest case the circuit court can handle is one in which the defendant has been charged with a marijuana-related misdemeanor, but is rare, according to Feemster.

Read Also: CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht Ousted After Trump Town Hall Backlash

Missouri's Article XIV

Typically, a criminal is accused with multiple accounts, which complicates the processing of a potential expungement. Feemster stated that contacting offenders whose cases are being expunged is difficult when it comes to elder cases, such as the ones the circuit court is currently processing.

Feemster advised anyone inquisitive about the status of their case to visit the website Missouri Case.net. Until the circuit registrar has expunged all cases, cases will continue to appear as expunged on Case.net.

Article XIV was added to the Missouri Constitution in December 2022, following approval of the amendment by Missouri electors in November. Feemster stated that the Greene County Circuit Court was unable to begin processing cases until February due to a lack of adequate funding.

Article XIV imposed a 6% sales tax on all retail sales of marijuana for recreational use. A portion of this sales tax is distributed to government entities, such as the Greene County Circuit Court, for the purpose of discharging their expungement responsibilities.

In the first three months, the circuit court has expunged approximately $70,000 worth of marijuana misdemeanor cases. Feemster estimated that the total project budget will be approximately $1 million. The funding does not permit the circuit court to engage full-time employees for the endeavor, as per News Leader.

Related Article: North Dakota Concerned About Marijuana Smuggling; New York Recreational Pot Market Struggles

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Cover Images/Dutch Press Photo Celebrity

The 38-year-old Duke of Sussex claims it's a lot after he was interrogated for seven hours on the stand for his phone hacking trial at London's High Court about his claim against Mirror Group Newspapers.

Jun 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Prince Harry appeared to choke back tears after hours of gruelling questioning on the second day of his phone hacking trial. The husband of Meghan Markle said, "it's a lot" after he was interrogated for seven hours on the stand on Wednesday, June 7, at London's High Court about his claim against Mirror Group Newspapers, a day after the royal argued he was portrayed in the Press as the "playboy prince" and a "thicko" during his younger years.

The 38-year-old royal seemed to break down after he was asked by his barrister David Sherborne how he had found the experience of giving evidence in the witness box, with the royal pausing before he replied, "It's a lot" and reportedly fought tears. Wednesday saw him quizzed over a series of articles, including one on his trip to the strip club Spearmint Rhino, which featured in a story in 2006.

The Duke of Sussex was again accused of being in the "realm of total speculation" after he was hit with the same accusation on Tuesday by the Mirror Group's lawyer Andrew Green KC. The story about Harry's visit to the Spearmint Rhino had told how Harry was scolded by his former girlfriend Chelsy Davy for reportedly enjoying a dance with a "statuesque blonde" who was said to have sat on his lap.

Mr Green asked Harry if he had "any evidence or was it pure speculation" the story came from phone hacking, and the royal was questioned over his accusations the Mirror group listened to voicemails to gain insight into arguments with Chelsy, now 37. Harry also told during fiery exchanges on the stand what he felt was in the public interest.

Mr Green then told him, "Could I just repeat what I said yesterday  this is about me asking you questions, not you asking me questions."

Harry is suing the Mirror Group for damages over claims journalists at its publications used hacking as well as "blagging", falsely posing as others, and other illegal means of deception in the process of getting stories on his life, which the company denies.

He is alleging around 140 articles published between 1996 and 2010 by MGN publications contained information gathered using unlawful methods, with 33 of those chosen to be considered at the trial. Harry's claim is being heard alongside three other "representative" claims in a trial which began last month and is due to last six to seven weeks.

The trio of other claimants are "Coronation Street" actor Michael Turner, known by his acting name Michael Le Vell, 58, along with former "Coronation Street" actress Nikki Sanderson, 39, and "The Fast Show" comedian Paul Whitehouse's ex-wife Fiona Wightman.

You can share this post!
AP/Instagram Celebrity

Delivering a speech on behalf of her late rapper brother's family at the posthumous induction, Sekyiwa Shakur says, 'he was always meant for something great.'

Jun 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Tupac Shakur's younger sister could not help but be emotional at his posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame induction. On Wednesday, June 7, the late rap icon was honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles and Sekyiwa Shakur delivered a speech on behalf of his family.

Holding back her tears at the induction ceremony, Sekyiwa told those present, "It fills my heart with honor to stand here today representing the Shakur family." She went on to share, "Tupac knew deep down that he was always meant for something great."

The 47-year-old continued, "And as his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold. From the first time he stepped foot on the stage of the Apollo Theater at 13 years old, before anyone recognized his name, he knew he had the dream to have a star here on the Walk of Fame."

"And now we gather here today to unveil Tupac's star - not only a tribute to his contribution in the music industry but also it speaks volumes to the lasting impact he's had on this world," the president-slash-CEO of Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation proudly reminded.

"Today we're not just honoring a star on the ground, but we're honoring the work and the passion that he's put into making his dreams come true. His heavenly star will shine a little brighter today. Once again, he has made us all extremely proud," Sekyiwa said in conclusion. "We love you Tupac."

Tupac was given the honor nearly twenty seven years after he passed away from drive-by shooting when he was just 25 years old. His star was the 2,758th handed out by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. It is located near Amoeba Music at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard.

The "California Love" rapper's induction ceremony was also attended by many notable people, including YG, Mike Epps and Naughty By Nature's lead rapper Treach. Radio host Big Boy, in the meantime, served as the MC for the special event.

In the wake of Tupac's induction, fans flooded social media to share their thoughts. One complained in the comments section of Hollywood Walk of Fame's official Instagram post, "This is sooo long overdue I am glad but am upset on the inside cause this was supposed to happen when the g was alive."

Another shared similar sentiment by asking, "But sorry why this late?? Pac had break this record for long. love u pac." Others, on the other hand, simply rejoiced with such comments that read, "All eyes on you Pac! Congrats. May your energies keep you in the highest of Heavens. Well Deserved," and, "YES!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GOAT!! TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR!! It was a Beautiful day 2DAY. #2PACDAY."

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

The BMX rider passed away at the age of 29 on Tuesday, June 6 shortly after he was involved in an accident at the Slayground Motocross Park in Ramona, California.

Jun 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - BMX rider Pat Casey has been posthumously celebrated by his fellow riders. The 29-year-old tragically passed away from a motocross track crash on Tuesday, June 6, and his friends could not help but express their sadness in social media tributes.

One tribute came from Pat's pal T.J. Lavin who shared on his Instagram account a photo of Pat standing behind his bike in a track. Along with the Wednesday, June 7 post, Lavin penned, "The world lost one of the baddest to ever do it."

Lavin went on to share his grief by writing, "I'm so sorry for his wife and kids. @patcaseybmx will forever be remembered for the down to earth sweetheart of a guy that he was. #bmxfamily."

Kyle Baldock, in the meantime, let out an Instagram video capturing him and Pat on a BMX track. Along with the short clip, he lamented, "I can't believe I'm writing this, today we lost an Icon! Pat thank you for blessing all of us with your kind and loving personality."

"You are the toughest person I have ever met, we have been friends since ASA days which is like 10 years ago and you always have inspired me to go harder. We all will miss you so much it doesn't seem real," he continued.

"This video is from Toyota challenge were you dislocated your shoulder in one of your runs and the medics couldn't get it in, your tough as they come bro," Kyle further explained the footage. "I love you bro and my thoughts are with your whole family and friends. Rest Easy Pat."

Pat was also honored by other riders in the comments section of his own Instagram post. Under a Saturday, June 3 post, Tyler Fernengel stated, "See you on the other side my brother. Thank you for the years of love." Meanwhile, Tyler Rizzi showed his love by saying, "I love you brother. I will continue to look up to you on every aspect in life. RIP."

Pat's tragic passing was confirmed by the San Diego County Department of the Medical Examiner. In a statement, the medical examiner's office office noted that prior to his death, Pat was at the Slayground Motocross Park in Ramona, California with a group of friends.

"The decedent was riding a motocross bike when he lost control and was ejected," the statement read. "Bystanders placed a 9-1-1 call and paramedics were dispatched. Upon arrival of paramedics, the decedent was pulseless and apneic and advanced cardiac life support measures were initiated. Despite lifesaving efforts, he could not be resuscitated and his death was pronounced."

Pat was survived by his wife, Chase Casey, as well as their 8-year-old son, Reid, and 7-year-old daughter, Taytum.

You can share this post!
Cover Images/Dutch Press Photo Celebrity

In his latest appearance at London's High Court, the Duke of Sussex clarified some fabricated stories about him during his romantic relationship with then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

Jun 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Prince Harry lifted the lid on his love life and a visit to a strip club during his phone hacking trial testimony. The Duke of Sussex, 38, also offered details of his "surprise" liaison in Argentina with former girlfriend Chelsy Davy, 37, in testimony that has emerged from his hours of questioning on the stand at London's High Court during the second day of his case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) on Wednesday, June 7.

Towards the end of his cross-examination, Harry also admitted there was no evidence he had been phone hacked - but he insisted it would be an "injustice" if he did not win his case.

The royal, who shares children Archie, four, and 23-month-old daughter Lilibet with his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, 41, told the High Court about a model who perched on his lap during a trip to the Spearmint Rhino lap-dancing club with his Army friends in April 2006.

Referencing a newspaper article about the incident, Harry said it was "factually incorrect" his naked Lithuanian lapdancer looked like Chelsy. He also denied reports his ex-girlfriend thought he "loved the Army more than her."

Harry has filed a 55-page witness statement in his case against MGN. He complained he had been unfairly portrayed as a "playboy" in the Press.

Harry is suing the Mirror Group for damages over claims journalists at its publications used hacking as well as "blagging" - falsely posing as others - and other illegal means of deception in the process of getting stories on his life, which the company denies.

He is alleging around 140 articles published between 1996 and 2010 by MGN publications contained information gathered using unlawful methods, with 33 of those chosen to be considered at the trial. Harry's claim is being heard alongside three other "representative" claims in a trial which began last month and is due to last six to seven weeks.

The trio of other claimants are "Coronation Street" actor Michael Turner, known by his acting name Michael Le Vell, 58, along with former "Coronation Street" actress Nikki Sanderson, 39, and "The Fast Show" comedian Paul Whitehouse's ex-wife Fiona Wightman.

You can share this post!
Cover Images/Faye's Vision Celebrity

Sandoval is hit back by his 'Vanderpump Rules' castmates after making a mean remark about his ex-girlfriend while Leviss would love to enter a three-way relationship with the former couple.

Jun 9, 2023

AceShowbiz - Tom Sandoval was labelled a "d***" by his "Vanderpump Rules" castmates after shaming Ariana Madix over their sex life. The former couple's 10-year relationship crumbled when it emerged the 39-year-old star had had an affair with Raquel Leviss but Ariana revealed during Wednesday's June 7 reunion special that they were still sleeping together even after Tom's new romance began, prompting him to hit back with a vicious insult.

When Tom was asked by host Andy Cohen if he'd slept with anyone else since embarking on his affair with Raquel, he insisted he hadn't, denying rumours he hooked up with a woman in Chicago last year.

Ariana said, "Well, you know who he did sleep with after he and Raquel started sleeping together? Me." Tom sarcastically replied, "She kept her T-shirt on, it was really hot."

The group then all fell silent before Lala Kent said, "You're such a f****** d***." James Kennedy asked, "What the f*** dude? You're f****** disgusting." Tom's best friend, Tom Schwartz, shook his head in embarrassment and muttered, "Don't say that, dude. Don't say that." Lala then pointedly said, "This is your future Raquel. He's gonna talk to you like this too."

Tom issued a half-hearted apology, but failed to win back any support.

Elsewhere during the reunion, Raquel admitted she had asked Tom if Ariana would be open to them being a throuple. She explained, "Because I love Ariana as a person and then also I'm in love with Tom Sandoval, so it didn't seem like that far-fetched of an idea. But it was not something in question."

After having the suggestion shut down, the 28-year-old beauty struggled with her guilt and wanting to come clean to her former friend. She admitted, "I definitely felt really guilty. A huge part of me wanted to tell her. Like, it ate me alive not to tell her. I even suggested I was like, 'Maybe, what would Ariana think about, like, having me as an addition?' And he was like, 'No, no, no, she would not be into that.'"

You can share this post!
ABC/YouTube Celebrity

LiLo who is pregnant with her first child with husband Bader Shammas opens up on the parenting advice given by the 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' actress.

Jun 9, 2023

AceShowbiz - Lindsay Lohan has turned to Jamie Lee Curtis for parenting advice. The 36-year-old actress is pregnant with her first child with husband Bader Shammas and she asked her "Freaky Friday" co-star - who has Annie, 36, and Ruby, 26, with husband Christopher Guest - for tips on finding a good work/life balance.

"I spoke to Jamie Lee Curtis recently, and she was like, 'You just bring the baby with you and everything will be fine,' " she told Allure magazine.

The "Mean Girls" star "can't wait" to see what parenthood is like but admitted she's been overwhelmed with emotion lately. She said, "I can't wait to see what the feeling is and what it's like to just be a mom. [I've been crying] happy tears. That's just who I am. Though now, it's probably baby emotion. It's overwhelming, in a good way."

Lindsay has retreated out of the spotlight, spending the last eight years living in Dubai, and she enjoys the familiarity of her quiet life in the UAE. She said, "Sometimes, I call it The Truman Show, because it's the same thing every day."

"But I love it. I really love structure because I don't think I had that when I was young. Everything was coming so fast and I had so many things happening. My only structure was filming and being on set."

And she finds it "startling" not having to be on her guard for waiting paparazzi as they are banned in Dubai. She said, "In New York, I'm walking on the street and I hear the sound of a click, and I think, Was that paparazzi? To never have to worry about that in a place where I live is a startling feeling, in a way."

The "Falling for Christmas" actress shared the "unexciting" moment she broke the news to her husband that she was pregnant. She laughed, "It was so unexciting. I walked into the room, I threw the test down. I was like, 'Guess what?' He goes, 'We are?' "

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Chelsea Lately' alum talks about her threesome with then-boyfriend Ted Harbert and a female message therapist, admitting she was more attracted to the woman than him.

Jun 9, 2023

AceShowbiz - Chelsea Handler realized it was time to end her relationship with Ted Harbert when she was more attracted to the woman they had a threesome with. The 48-year-old comedian romanced the former NBC Broadcasting chairman for four years until 2010 and she admitted they had a lot of "fun" in the bedroom with their masseuse, but she then began sleeping with the unnamed female without her boyfriend knowing.

"I've slept with a woman but I haven't dated a woman, no. It was like a threesome. It was fun. I would [do that again], for sure. I was very turned on by this woman. I ended up hooking up with her several times without the guy that I was dating," she confessed to Andy Cohen on SiriusXM.

"That's when I knew it was time to break up with the guy. I don't think I ever revealed that [to Ted], but I mean, hopefully, he's listening now. His name is Ted Harbert. He's in Portugal though. He might not have access to this ... he and his wife are building a house in Portugal."

And Chelsea - who has been single since splitting from Jo Koy last summer - confirmed she'd "absolutely" be open to a threesome again in the future - but only with another woman. She said, "It's fun. I don't wanna get double teamed by a guy but I like another girl in the situation, she can do all the stuff that I'm too lazy to do...If a guy wants to have penetration with another guy, I'd question that."

The former "Chelsea Lately" host previously blamed Ted's inability to keep business separate from their relationship as the reason why they split. She told Marie Claire magazine in 2012, "I would come home from work, and Ted would be like, 'Do you want to watch your show?' and I'd be like, 'No, I just came from my show. That's the last thing I'd want to do.' That was the reason it didn't work out, ultimately. I think."

You can share this post!
Archies Limited, India's market leader in the social expression industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of a 15-day campaign called #DilSeDad on their social media, dedicated to honouring the unsung heroes in our lives. This campaign aims to celebrate the love and bond between fathers and their children, showcasing the selfless dedication and care they provide.

The #DilSeDad campaign will engage the audience through a variety of activities, including giveaways, contests, product posts, and videos, all centred around the theme of Father's Day. Archies Limited aims to create a platform where people can express their gratitude and share heart-warming stories about their fathers, while also enjoying exciting rewards and surprises.

In conjunction with the campaign, Archies Limited is relaunching a digital campaign video titled PAPA CHAHE JITNA GUSSA KARLEIN. This video beautifully captures the essence of a father's love, depicting how fathers constantly think about their children, their family, and the future. It showcases the special bond between fathers and their children, emphasizing that even when fathers may express their anger, deep down, their love and concern are always present.

Mr. Varun Moolchandani, Executive Director of Archies Limited, expressed his thoughts on the campaign, saying, Father's Day is an opportunity to express our gratitude to those who brought us into this world. The #DilSeDad campaign revolves around the idea that fathers are always concerned about their children's well-being and strive to provide the best for them. Our goal is to encourage every child to understand the happiness behind giving and receiving a greeting card or a souvenir from their loved ones. Archies take pride in being a pioneer in the gifting business and will continue to create such campaigns dedicated to family and friends on every occasion.

Archies Limited invites everyone to join the #DilSeDad campaign and celebrate the incredible bond between fathers and their childr
Boon, an IoT water-tech startup, donated 300 Premium Glass Water Bottles to the Gurugram Police on June 5, 2023, at the Udyog Vihar Police Station in Gurugram, Haryana, on World Environment Day. The event, centered around providing plastic-free hydration solutions to police personnel, was graced by the renowned Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sh Manoj Kumar.

According to UNEP, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. These single-use plastic water bottles need to be transported over long distances, emitting greenhouse gases, and posing a serious threat to our fragile ecosystem. Moreover, most plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Research shows phthalates in bottles can disintegrate into microplastics (small pieces of plastic debris less than five millimeters in size) and seep into your water, especially when exposed to high temperatures or stored for an extended period.

Through the NetZero Water Initiative, Boon aims not only to reduce carbon footprint but also to provide healthy and sustainable microplastic-free alternatives. Several corporate giants such as Google, PepsiCo, and McKinsey, as well as hospitality chains such as Taj, Oberoi, and & Beyond, are already onboard with Boons NetZero Water initiative.

Celebrated worldwide on June 5, World Environment Day encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment, specifically in combating plastic usage and waste. Boon's donation of the glass bottles as part of the campaign will focus on access to clean water, combating plastic pollution and water contamination, reducing dependence on single-use plastic bottles, and promoting reusable and refillable options.

Dr. Vibha Tripathi, Founder & MD of Boon, shared her views on the occasion, stating, 'Here at Boon, we strive to raise awareness about water pollution, conservation, and sustainable water management practices. Our latest campaign with the Gurugram Police is yet another step towards demonstrating a collective effort to address environmental challenges and ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment.'

She added, 'We believe that hydration is extremely crucial for maintaining focus, energy levels, and overall physical and mental performance, especially during duty hours for our police force. The donation of the purification system and glass bottles is an instrumental step.'

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sh Manoj Kumar, also expressed his gratitude, saying, 'We wholeheartedly thank Boon for this campaign that helps our police force establish itself as a leader in environmental stewardship within the region. We believe that the initiative on World Environment Day will have a positive impact on the police force. It promises to promote health, foster environmental awareness, and contribute to the overall development of a more environmentally conscious society, making Gurugram safer and more sustainable at the same time.'

Headquartered in Singapore, Boon has showcased exponential growth across India and major international markets. Its strategic location provides visibility for ASEAN nations in monitoring water quality and hydration delivery. Boon has a strong presence in India, with its R&D Center in Gurugram and teams across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune. Additionally, it has expanded into Africa and the Middle East regions, while also outlining its expansion plans in the ASEAN region.
The city council of Portland, Oregon, joined other cities around the United States in passing legislation to address the nation's persistent homelessness problem by making it illegal to camp in most public areas during daylight hours.

The new law was passed with a 3-1 margin on Wednesday, June 7. This allows overnight camping in unrestricted areas between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM local time but requires campers to dismantle their sites between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Camping is also prohibited in the immediate vicinity of educational institutions, recreational areas, and busy streets.

Some property and business owners spoke in favor of the ban, claiming that campers were a safety hazard and a source of lost revenue. However, homeless people's advocates say this will add insult to injury by increasing their already considerable emotional and physical anguish.

Legal Measures to Deal With America's Long-Term Homeless Crisis

Portland has already passed an ordinance making it illegal to camp anywhere in the city. But, the measure has been poorly implemented and may be in violation of new state legislation that goes into effect on July 1.

In a report by AP News, the new rule formalizes a federal court judgment from 2018 that says local governments cannot imprison individuals for camping outdoors when not enough shelter is available. Still, they may establish "objectively reasonable" limitations on where, when, and how campsites can be set up.

Portland's mayor, Ted Wheeler, who proposed the legislation, issued a message of gratitude to council members on Wednesday evening. He noted that the measures taken to tighten up the city's shelter policies and provide more services are all part of his plan to reinvigorate the city.

Wheeler has said that over the next three months, education and outreach would be prioritized. They will then have a particular focus on making sure that homelessness navigation outreach teams have access to clear and comprehensive information on the new law.

Despite a severe lack of available beds in shelters, Portland is planning to launch its first city-approved camping spaces this summer, as reported by AP News.

As stated by Wheeler, the legislation will be enforced starting in late July after a gradual rollout.

After two warnings, offenders would face fines of up to $100 or up to 30 days in prison for each subsequent offense. Wheeler has said that the prosecution would place more emphasis on alternative punishments that provide access to services.

Also Read: Democrat LA Mayor Seeks $1.3 Billion to Solve City's Homeless Crisis

One City Council Member Is Against the New Law

According to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Commissioner Mingus Mapps was absent from the vote but voiced his support for the motion in a statement. Mayor Wheeler and Commissioners Dan Ryan and Rene Gonzalez all voted in favor of the bill. Commissioner Carmen Rubio opposed it.

Rubio said that the city should not have passed the law until more shelters were built, the capacity of existing facilities providing food, services, and shelter was increased, and police were given training on how to implement the new regulations with respect to the persons they were enforcing them on.

Rubio emphasized his duty to ensure that the ordinance would not damage anybody.

Also Read: Migrants Transport: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Says He Doesn't Have 'Sympathy for Sanctuary States'

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF), a joint venture between Dubai-based Al-Futtaim and Stuttgart-based DC Aviation Group, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of operations in Dubai. Also, this year, DC Aviation is celebrating its 25th anniversary while the Malta business its 15th year of operation.

Over the past decade, the company has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of its purpose-built integrated hangar facility with lounge and office areas in September 2013. This made it the first fully integrated business aviation operation at the then-newly opened Al Maktoum International Airport, located at Dubai South.

Today, DCAFs facility includes two dedicated hangars, together measuring over 13,500 sqm, with a total land-side plot area of 24,000 sqm and apron area of 13,500 sqm  capable of accommodating business jets of various sizes. The facility also offers 1,300 sqm of exclusive lounge area that provides the highest levels of comfort and privacy, including shower areas, a spacious conference room, covered parking and a contemporary finish. As part of its ongoing commitment to its customers, DCAF recently completed a refurbishment of its VVIP lounges.

DCAFs customers can expect high levels of convenience with 24-hour on-site screening facilities, customs and immigration services and immediate access from limousine drop-off to the aircraft parked directly in front of the lounge.

Michael Kuhn, CEO of DC Aviation Group, said, This is a significant milestone for all of us at DC Aviation and further reaffirms our decision to partner with Al-Futtaim, with whom we have a long-standing relationship. This joint venture has enabled us to create one of the leading business aviation operations in the Middle East and we look forward to continuing to expand our operations and offering our customers the highest levels of service and safety.

As we mark our 10th anniversary, we hold great pride in the journey we have taken as a business, said Holger Ostheimer, Managing Director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim. From day one, we were confident in Al Maktoum International Airports tremendous potential to develop as a key hub for business and private aviation and thereby enhance the success of Dubais aviation industry. We feel privileged to be a partner in the continuous progress of the UAEs expanding aviation industry and look forward to continuing to serve our clients with the best-in-class services.

DCAF obtained its Aircraft Operator certificate in 2015 and is EASA part 145 certified, offering both line and base maintenance. The company recently received the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage 3 certification for its Aircraft and Passenger Handling Services as part of its Fixed Base Operations (FBO) located at Dubai South, making it one of only two FBOs in the Middle East and one of 27 organisations globally to attain this highest level of safety standard established by IS-BAH. This certification verifies that safety management activities are fully integrated into the business and that a positive safety culture is being sustained. DCAF received its Stage 1 certification in May 2019 and Stage 2 in January 2021.

On the maintenance side, the company is approved to provide the entire maintenance scope for the A320 family, Bombardier Global Express/XRS/500, Bombardier Challenger 604/605, Global 6000 and Global 5000 Vision Flight Deck type aircraft. Recently, the company added wheel shop capability at its facility in Dubai South.

In April 2016, DCAF received its CAR145 approval from UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority, allowing them to provide maintenance services for the Bombardier Global Express and Challenger 604/605 type aircraft. The following year, it received an extension to its CAR145 approval to provide line maintenance for the Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft type.

DCAF currently manages 11 aircraft from its base at Dubai South.
Schbang, the creative, media and technology transformation company, has launched a joint venture with global influencer Masoom Minawala called MMaximize. The talent management vertical brings together the personal and professional experience of Minawala with Schbangs strategy, industry know-how, and business acumen.

The landscape of digital content creation has evolved significantly since its inception. Influencers now recognize the potential impact of their platforms, utilizing them to drive change, conduct workshops, and venture into big-budget production to accelerate their professional careers. According to the influencer marketing report, the industry is growing at a staggering rate of 25%, with a projected market value of Rs 2,200 crores by 2025. In this era of rapid growth, it has become increasingly vital for creators to establish their brands and maintain an integrated presence across multiple platforms.



Schbang MMaximize aims to provide a comprehensive and multifaceted approach for creators to develop their brands. The services offered include PR and image building, identifying diverse revenue streams, legal and financial support, invoicing and billing assistance, negotiating brand deals, and developing brand strategy and content planning. MMaximize envisions building an impregnable business model tailored explicitly for India's top creators.

A content creator herself, Masoom Minawala has been the recipient of Forbes Asia's 30 under 30 list and has represented India on many global platforms. In collaboration with Schbang, one of the fastest-growing Independent agencies in the country, she seeks to combine her experience and expertise with Schbangs digital dominance and extensive network of over 300 brands. Having been associated with key Indian and global brands like Amazon, TATA Neu, H&M, Johnson & Johnson, Fevicol, Mattel and Jio, Schbang has been awarded LinkedIn's top startups in India in 2018, 2021, and 2022. Schbang has also won the Social Media Agency of the Year by ET Brand Equity and has been awarded as Indias Fastest Growing digital agencies 2023 by Agency Reporter.

On the partnership, Masoom Minawala - Global Influencer, Entrepreneur and Investor, said, The business of influencing has been a passion from the day I started creating content the art of strategy, brand building, client servicing, cultivating relationships with brands to create multiple streams of revenue, all of it. While I've been fortunate to establish a solid framework for myself, there has always been a burning desire to extend this expertise to others in the industry.

That's how Schbang MMaximize was bornan amalgamation of my 12 years of experience & expertise and Schbang's digital reign, infrastructure, & access to over 300 brands she continued.



Harshil Karia, Founder, Schbang said, For Schbang, this is an important strategic move. It brings us closer to creators and helps us leverage our efficient service standards, access to tech companies and clients to be able to deliver a market-beating service for Talent in India and beyond. It will also help the large client pool in Schbang give first opportunity to co-create IPs with many exciting creators and celebrities.

I could not think of anyone better than Masoom to partner with on this joint venture. he continued.


Ubers advertising division and Uber India have today announced the official launch of Journey Ads, a first-of-its-kind advertising option for India, as well as its partnership with Httpool by Aleph to help connect Indias brands with innovative advertising solutions.

Journey Ads, an initiative from Ubers advertising division, offers an engaging way for brands to connect with consumers throughout the entire ride process - from the moment they book their trip through to the end of their ride. Journey Ads deliver brands unparalleled share-of-voice and consumer attention from millions of riders across the region.

Through leveraging Ubers first-party data and insights, Uber can surface interesting and relevant ads to users without compromising their privacy or experience, or sharing their personal data with advertisers. This allows brands to place relevant content in front of purchase-minded riders in brand-safe and captivating ways, while respecting consumer privacy.

With one-hundred percent share of voice during the entire trip, consumers are exposed to the ad content for more than 100 seconds, well above industry averages.

In addition to Journey Ads, brands are also able to leverage Uber's first party data and insights to reach riders while in the vehicle via Uber's in-car tablet pilot in Delhi and Mumbai.

Uber will partner with Httpool by Aleph, to help connect Indias brands with these effective and high impact advertising surfaces. With an innovative set of proprietary technology, performance solutions, and extensive market knowledge, Httpool by Aleph enables advertisers to connect with their audiences in the most effective ways, consistently maximizing their ROI.

Dr Mark Grether, VP, General Manager of Uber advertising said: Since Journey Ads launched last year, weve seen advertisers embrace the surface with click through rates above 3% and an average global view time of over 100 seconds - both well above industry standards, Given that impact, its exciting to see this impactful advertising surface scale in India.

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia added: The Uber advertising teams surfaces, such as Journey Ads and in-car tablets, offer brands a unique opportunity to grow relationships with consumers by connecting them at a moment when a customer is uniquely attentive. Im excited to see this offering expand to give more Indian brands a space to create meaningful audience engagement.

Rabin Yaghoubi, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Aleph, said: We are proud to partner with Uber to bring its unique advertising solutions to India. This is a milestone moment for on-the-move digital advertising globally. Connecting brands with consumers is in Alephs DNA and partnering with Uber in the region allows us to leave our mark together from the start of the journey.

Amit Gupta, Managing Director with Httpool by Aleph in India, reiterated the significance of the partnership. We are proud to partner with Uber to help bring its unique advertising solutions to India. The collaboration between Uber and Httpool by Aleph has unlocked an extraordinary opportunity to tap into the vast potential of reaching consumers during their journeys by leveraging the power of Journey Ads and in-car Tablets. This enables Indian brands to establish meaningful connections with potential buyers throughout their entire travel experience."
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 08.06.2023 - Interdepartmental delegations from the Swiss and US governments met on 7 June 2023 in Washington, D.C., to report on mutual policy in the areas of cybersecurity and digitalisation, with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in these areas. The Swiss delegation was led by Benedikt Wechsler, ambassador and head of the FDFA's Digitalisation Division.

This is the second bilateral dialogue on cybersecurity and digital matters to be organised between Switzerland and the United States. The first took place online at the beginning of July 2020. The aim of the dialogue is to advance bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, compare priorities, exchange information and promote security and stability in the cyber and digital space.

This year's event provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation on key issues, such as the application of international law in cyberspace and Switzerland's role as a host state in the digital domain. In this context, the protection of the international organisations of International Geneva is of paramount importance. A number of themes and initiatives have so far been identified where collaboration should be stepped up in the medium term, including combating ransomware and upholding internet freedom. During the meeting, the two delegations discussed commitments and cooperation in multilateral bodies, as well as bilateral initiatives led by the US and Switzerland. Issues relating to digital commerce will continue to be handled by the SwissUS joint economic commissions.

Interdepartmental cooperation essential for greater cybersecurity

The Swiss delegation was led by Benedikt Wechsler, ambassador and head of the FDFA's Digitalisation Division. In addition to representatives of the FDFA, the Swiss delegation included the Federal Office of Communications, the National Cyber Security Centre, FEDPOL and the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport.

For its part, the US delegation comprised representatives of several agencies, led by the Department of State's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, which was set up in 2022.

The wide range of participants reflects the multidimensional nature of the issue. Digitalisation is having an impact on every aspect of our daily lives and how we coexist. Switzerland gives priority to interdepartmental and international cooperation in implementing its digital foreign policy strategy. It is committed to a free, open and secure digital space, both at the multilateral level and through bilateral dialogue. In addition, actors from the scientific and business communities have been involved, most recently in San Francisco as part of a 'tech retreat' organised by Denmark and Australia. In this area, the United States is a key partner for Switzerland.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html




A criminal and gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva was an aide of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari who was gunned down a few months back. Gangster-turned-politician s close aide Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva was shot dead inside SC/ST Court in Lucknow. A policeman and a six-year-old girl also suffered injuries in the attack. The attacker came in the attire of an advocate and when Jeeva was about to leave the court, he extensively opened fire. The modus operandi was similar to Mukhtar Ansaris murder. Ansari and his brother were killed by the guys who pretended to be journalists.

According to eyewitnesses, as soon as Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva in police custody reached the court premises, the assailant presents there started firing targeting him. This created a stampede there. People started running and during the rush Jeeva fell on the ground in the court. During this, the advocates present there caught the attacker Vijay Yadav, then thrashed him ferociously, then when asked the reason for the murder, he only said that he had come to kill Jeeva, killing him.

Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva was a compounder who was fairly doing well, but the circumstances dragged him into crime and he became a member of the underworld. He was a close associate of Munna Bajrangi who was shot dead in 2018 in Baghpat jail. Munna Bajrangi was a carpet weaver. After a few independent killings, the first at the age of 17, he committed the first murder. he joined a gang in Uttar Pradesh led by Gajraj Singh. In an atmosphere where the moves of criminals becoming politicians was pioneered by gangsters like Raja Bhaiyya, DP Yadav and others, Bajrangi started his criminal career as a member of criminal-politician Mukhtar Ansaris gang. In the early 1990s, under the governance of Mulayam Singh Yadavs Samajwadi Party, criminals were flourishing in UP. In 1996, Mukhtar was elected from Mau, and the gang, with its arsenal of AK 47and other weapons, became a household name in the districts of Bhadohi Mau, Ghazipur, Varanasi and Jaunpur. The gangs made a living by gathering government contracts with political help.

Earlier this week, a court in Varanasi awarded life sentence to gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari for the murder of a Congress leaders brother, Awadhesh Rai, more than 30 years ago. Awadhesh Rai, the brother of Congress leader Ajay Rai, was shot dead on August 3. After Munna Bajrangis murder inside Baghpat Jail in 2018, Jeeva had claimed threat to his life. His involvement had come into light in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai.

Rai, who was an MLA from Mohammadabad seat in Ghazipur district, was sprayed with bullets along with six others by a group of assailants armed with AK-47 assault rifles in 2005. Mukhtar Ansari and his brother Afzal Ansari were named as conspirators. Sanjeev Maheshwari, was a significant danger in western UP. After the assassination of Munna Bajrangi, he allegedly aspired to rise to the position of a powerful don. He was a person of great terror even while imprisoned and serving his sentence.

While locked up, Bajrangi and Jeeva were keeping their eyes set on homes in western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. His meddling infuriated Sushil Mooch, and as a result, a clash of gangs broke out between Mooch and Jeeva. Mutual hostility in Haridwar over the valuable property close to the transport station grew to the point where several people were killed. In addition, Jeeva had a significant setback in 2018 with the death of the notorious Munna Bajrangi inside Baghpat Jail. He was reportedly given a life sentence for the murder of the former minister Dwivedi.

The government seized about 8 bighas (or about 5 acres) of land that belonged to the notorious Sanjeev Jeeva and his wife Payal Maheshwari. The land at Thana Adarsh Mandi and Sadar Kotwali was divided into two pieces. The land was estimated to have cost roughly Rs. 1.86 crore, Amarujala reported. The wheat crop on the farm was sold for Rs 9,000 at auction, and the money was put in the governments account. Sanjeev Jeeva, his wife, and their children were listed as the owners of 21 bighas of land in the hamlet of Adampur. In the names of his wife and sons, he had purchased this estate.
Fourteen stocks in our Birmingham and Alabama Stock Report saw gains of at least 2% on Wednesday, while only five companies saw declines.

ProAssurance Corporation stood tallest on our list with a 6.8% boost on the day. Headquartered in Birmingham, it is a property and casualty company that sells professional liability insurance to doctors.

A newcomer to our list, Southern States Bancshares, Inc. had the second-biggest jump, pulling in a 4.7% gain to close at $21.50 a share. Its 52-week high is $31.

Headquartered in Anniston, Southern States Bancshares is a bank-holding company that operates primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern States Bank. The bank is a full-service community banking institution, which offers an array of deposit, loan and other banking-related products and services to businesses and individuals. The bank operates eight branches in Alabama (Anniston, Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, Opelika, Roanoke, Sylacauga and Wedowee) and five in Georgia, along with a loan production office in Atlanta.

Synovus was high up on our list again, gaining 3.7%, as was Medical Properties Trust, which was up 3.6%.

Nucor, the Charlotte-based company with several operations sites in Alabama, including Birmingham and Hoover, jumped 3.1%. It is the largest steel producer in the United States.
All 12 Alabama metro areas ranked among the lowest (metropolitan unemployment rates) in the country for in April, Gov. Kay Ivey told the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce today.

Huntsville and Decatur metro unemployment is down to 1.4 percent tying fourth place nationally, Ivey said speaking to a chamber lunch by video recording after problems with her state airplane grounded the governor in Montgomery.

Yall, these are historic lows, Ivey said, and were not slowing down.

Speaking for Ivey in person to the luncheon, State Finance Director Bill Poole said the Birmingham-Hoover metro unemployment rate fell in April from 1.8 to 1.6 percent, the lowest ranking for a metro with a population of 1 million or more. Statewide, Alabamas current 2.2 percent unemployment puts it in the top five states with the lowest jobless rates, Poole said.

It wasnt that long ago that our unemployment numbers were north of 10 (percent), he said. Its creating new challenges in the workforce; we all know that, but it is great to have low unemployment.

Poole said Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley recorded $10 billion in commercial investment and 30,000 new jobs in the last dozen years calling the area a pacesetter.

Poole also spoke about the continuing battle over where to locate Space Command. He said Ivey believes Huntsville is the only choice for U.S. Space Command Headquarters and she is committed to that just as this community and all of you are committed to that.

Ivey is proud to add her voice to the strong force of bipartisan support for a thorough investigation of the Biden administrations delay announcing a permanent home for Space Command Headquarters, Poole said. She commends, and I do as well, the entire Alabama federal delegation that has worked so hard.

Ivey is closely monitoring the base process daily, Poole said, and she is exploring further options to make sure the command comes to Redstone Arsenal. Anything the governor and the governors office can do to support you, please let us know, Poole said.

The two-year delay between the announcement of Redstone Arsenal as the best headquarters candidate and the official notification cannot be seen as anything but political, Poole said. The facts clearly show that the delay is not in the best interest of Americas national defense.

Poole said he stuck closely to Iveys prepared remarks for the speech because there were things in it Ivey wanted the area to hear.
A rescue dog at the U.S. Navys Navco Community Outreach was rescued again, but this time more dramatically, as firefighters had to rescue her from a burning building Tuesday.

According to Mobile Fire-Rescue, crews responded to a fire at the community outreach on Navco Road. When they arrived, firefighters found the front of the building with heavy flames and smoke.

All of the occupants of the outreach and those in adjacent buildings had already evacuated prior to firefighters arrival, but they advised that Ginger, a rescue dog, was trapped inside at the back of the building.

With fire suppression efforts started at the front of the building, search and rescue personnel were able to make entry and rescue Ginger from the fire. She was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and released to her owner.

Firefighters battled the blaze for about 35 minutes to get it under control. The outreach building suffered significant damage, according to MFRD. The fire was contained to the outreach building, although adjacent businesses had varying amounts of smoke.

There were no injuries in the incident and investigators are reviewing the scene as an accidental fire.
A year-long investigation by Mobile police dubbed Operation Cat Snatch Fever resulted in the arrest of a man accused of running a network dealing in stolen catalytic converters.

Mobile police said Wednesday 40-year-old Thanh Nguyen was taken into custody without incident after officers from Mobiles Auto Theft, Financial Crimes, Narcotics and Vice units raided locations in the 7000 block of Pierson Drive, the 2000 block of Chapel Hill Drive and the 3000 block of Norwood Lane, all in Mobile.

The along with 160 catalytic converters, valued at $65,000, police seized business documents, financial records, three laptops, one tablet, tax records, five catalytic converter cutting machines, two dually pickup trucks, a compact truck and three forklifts.

Nguyen was charged with 13 felonies and one misdemeanor. Bond was set at $31,000, but Nguyen is ineligible to post bond as he is also wanted in Texas on a warrant for organized criminal activity, police said.

A prior search warrant executed in October 2022 resulted in the recovery of 975 catalytic converters worth approximately $400,000, as well as $506,836 from Nguyens bank accounts.
Get the Ed Chat newsletter: Enter your email for weekly updates about Alabama schools from Trisha Powell Crain:

Alabama education officials will share data about third grade reading progress Thursday, giving parents and educators an indicator of how well local students are able to read.

Reading on grade level is a key measurement of the Alabama Literacy Act. Next year, students who cannot read on grade level by the end of third grade may be retained.

Statewide, last years scores showed 78% of third graders were reading on grade level, up by one percentage point from the 2020-21 school year.

Conversely, 22% of third-graders, or more than 11,000 students statewide, were not reading on grade level. About half of those students took a second reading test and 2,500 subsequently reached grade level.

What did last years scores tell us about student reading progress?

Alabama schools showed a range of grade-level percentages in last years scores, the first year reading scores by school and district were made public.

School-level scores showed between 32% and 100% of third graders showed they could read on grade level.

Last year, third graders were considered on grade level if they answered 36% of the questions on the reading subtest correctly.

School officials were given spring 2023 reading scores in mid-May to determine which students should attend summer reading camp, many of which are already underway. Schools must offer 60 hours of reading instruction for students in kindergarten through third grade who are identified as being deficient in reading. But student attendance at the camp is voluntary.

Is reading at grade level the same as proficiency?

Grade-level is not the same as proficiency, Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey has stressed during discussions with board members.

Mackey has repeatedly clarified the difference between the two terms, telling board members proficiency is a high bar, akin to an A or A/B student. Grade-level could be a B or C student, he said.

So a third grader could be on grade level as far as Literacy Act measures on the reading test are concerned, but not be proficient on the ACAPs English Language Arts test.

Board members have expressed concern about whether parents understand the difference between the terms, hoping school officials will explain it clearly.

How can a struggling reader avoid being held back?

The spring ACAP reading test - a group of questions within the English Language arts section specifically designed to measure reading - determines whether third graders are considered to be reading at grade level.

But a bad score on that test does not automatically mean a student will be held back from fourth grade.

Beyond the reading test in the spring, third graders who reach grade level on an alternative test in the summer reading camp can move on to the fourth grade. If a student is unable to demonstrate grade-level reading by passing a test, the student could demonstrate grade-level reading through a portfolio of work collected throughout the school year.

Students can be exempted from retention under the following circumstances, allowing the students to move on to the fourth grade, with schools providing additional support:

Students who have received fewer than three years of instruction in an English learner program,

Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan who received remediation for two years but still demonstrate a deficiency in reading or who were retained in kindergarten, first, second or third grade,

Students who received intense intervention in reading for two or more years but have previously been retained in kindergarten, first, second or third grade for a total of two years

Students with disabilities who do not participate in statewide tests

How do I know if my student is on track?

A teacher should be in touch and explaining progress or concerns throughout the school year.

The Alabama State Department of Education published a flyer, displayed below, to help families understand the requirements under the Alabama Literacy Act. Click here if you are unable to view the document.

Updated 7:45 a.m. to clarify what grade-level is.
The U.S. Navy decided to award a new contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation.

This will allow the American defense company to produce the U.S. maritime service branch's next-gen navigation sensor technology.

The new collaboration between the U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman was announced on Thursday, June 8.

The aerospace firm confirmed this detail via its official Newsroom blog post.

Northrop Grumman said that the production contract is specifically for the advanced AN/WSN- 12 Inertial Sensor Module (ISM).

US Navy Chooses Northrop Grumman To Produce New Navigation Sensor

Northrop Grumman claims that the upcoming AN/WSN-12 ISM will drastically enhance the U.S. Navy's maritime navigation in GPS (Global Positioning System) denied areas.

Read Also: North Korea to Deploy First Military Surveillance Satellite to Spy on US Exercises

This next-gen maritime sensor technology will assist the maritime navigation of the defense branch's submarines and surface ships.

"The new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System will deliver more precision and performance for the warfighter while occupying the same footprint as its predecessor," said Northrop Grumman Naval and Oceanic Systems VP Todd Leavitt.

He added that the AN/WSN-12 ISM will enable enhancements to be integrated into current systems; where space is at a premium.

This new maritime navigation sensor is a big deal for the U.S. Navy since it can provide highly-accurate position data with or without GPS.

With this, submarines and surface ships of the U.S. Navy can easily navigate to safety or target potential threats at sea.

Northrop Grumman's first AN/WSN-12 ISM is expected to be fielded before 2023 ends.

Northrop Grumman's Other Efforts for US Navy

Aside from the upcoming maritime navigation sensor tech, Northrop Grumman is also working on other defense innovations for the U.S. Navy.

These include the first modified and upgraded E-6B Mercury aircraft. Interesting Engineering reported that the U.S. Navy officially accepted this "Doomsday" plane.

The U.S. Navy received a total of twelve modified and improved E-6B Mercury aircraft units from Northrop Grumman. To maintain the viability of these defense airplanes, the U.S. Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $111 million contract.

If you want to learn more about this advanced Doomsday aircraft, you can click here.

Related Article: Lockheed Martin Chooses GE Aerospace as Engine Supplier for LMXT Aircraft Tanker

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
La Nina is gone, but El Nino is officially here to take its place on the global climate stage.

Climate forecasters announced on Thursday that El Nino is back, and it could affect the Atlantic hurricane season as well as U.S. weather in the fall and winter.

NOAA defines El Nino this way: El Nino is a natural climate phenomenon marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator, which occurs on average every 2-7 years. El Ninos impacts on the climate extend far beyond the Pacific Ocean.

A group of climate experts including the National Weather Service and NOAAs Climate Prediction Center issued an El Nino advisory on Thursday, which means that El Nino conditions are present and are expected to continue.

The report said that El Nino isnt going anywhere anytime soon. It is forecast to gradually strengthen into the winter months.

What does that mean for Alabama? It could mean several things, according to meteorologists.

I think we may be able to see it in Alabama perhaps not directly but maybe indirectly, said John De Block, the warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Typically El Nino generally decreases the hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. If we reduce the number of hurricanes then that lowers our chances of being affected by a hurricane or tropical storm. But it doesnt eliminate it.

NOAA issued its hurricane outlook for the Atlantic in late May and is expecting a near-average season, with 12-17 named storms (that includes tropical storms and hurricanes), five to nine hurricanes and one to four major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger storms).

According to NOAA an average season in the Atlantic basin has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

But its too soon to let your guard down, unfortunately.

That doesnt mean one of those cant hit Alabama, De Block said.

It only takes one -- thats a mantra youve heard us use before, and were going to continue to use it, because it does only take one landfalling hurricane in the wrong location for it to be a major impact. Katrina, for example, was in an El Nino year. So El Nino does not make us immune from hurricanes. In the long run, it just means a lower number of tropical storms and hurricanes.

That will be El Ninos main affect on the summer months. But it could also affect Alabamas weather into the fall and winter months, also known as our secondary severe weather season.

Each El Nino is different, but here are some of the possible effects on the weather in the winter months.

There is a lot of variabilities that come into play that will affect if we have an increase severe weather or not, De Block said. And each El Nino is different. Generally speaking, El Nino will bring more storm systems traversing through the area. That may end up meaning a dull, wet winter, or it might mean an increase in severe weather.

Will it have an impact on the weather in Alabama? Yes. What kind of impact is pretty much impossible to tell at this point.
Guy Fieri sightings were reported all over the Mobile area in the last few days, and longtime co-conspirator Panini Pete Blohme says the payoff will be much bigger than fond memories from fans who met the celebrity chef: Half a dozen local venues are in line to shine in the powerful spotlight of Fieris Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Fans reported seeing Fieri at a variety of venues, including at least one cigar shop where he promoted his Knuckle Sandwich cigars and at least one liquor store to promote Santo Spirit, the tequila brand developed by himself and rocker Sammy Hagar.

From left, Pete Blohme, Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth and Nick DiMario enjoy the moment during festivities Monday, June 5, 2023, at The Waterfront in Daphne.Courtesy of Pete Blohme/PP Hospitality

There are at least two major highlights to Fieris whirlwind tour, one of them culminated in a blowout Monday night at The Waterfront, the ambitious new venue that Blohme and Nick DiMario, his partner in PP Hospitality, just opened in Daphne. It was no coincidence that Fieri was on hand as New Orleans group Cowboy Mouth played, said Blohme: In fact, it grew out of a long-running text chat among buddies.

The chat includes Blohme, Fieri, Cowboy Mouth lead drummer Fred LeBlanc and Jeffrey Stretch Rumaner, a Kansas City-based artist and restaurateur who has worked and appeared with Fieri on a variety of projects including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Fieris Roadshow.

It just kinda fell into existence, said Blohme. We have a little text thread. Guy, Stretch, myself and Fred, we have this text thread thats being going on for years. We pretty much just make fun of each other and keep up with each other. Through the thread, Guy was inviting Fred to Mobile to co-host an episode of Triple D. Fred agreed to do it and he said, Stretch, you should come down. And he said, If youre going to be here, Fred, why dont you do a Cowboy Mouth show, I havent seen you guys perform in years, lets have a blast and make it happen.

Logistically, Blohme said, it was going to be almost impossible to do. And thats where Nick and I stepped up and said Hey, why dont we just host you at The Waterfront? Its got a lot of space, and we just opened a week ago, why not have a massive rock concert? It just came out of my mouth before I realized what I was saying, and Nick is just as crazy as I am.

Guy Fieri (at left in yellow shirt) shoots some video as Cowboy Mouth plays at The Waterfront in Daphne on Monday, June 5, 2023. (Keith Glines/PP Hospitality)Keith Glines photo courtesy PP Hospitality

But Fieris core mission was to hit the area hard for future episodes of Triple D, as Blohme calls Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Theres some backstory here: In 2008, Fieri showcased a string of Eastern Shore venues: Blohmes original Panini Petes and The Gumbo Shack in Fairhope, and Mancis Antique Club in Daphne. Later, while passing through with one of his Roadshow productions in 2017, he did a Triple-D episode on another Blohme venue, Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina in Fairhope.

Theres a fan site that tracks Triple D locations, and it says Fieri has featured an astounding total of more than 1,400 restaurants in 37 seasons of the show since 2007. Out of all them, the four named are the only Alabama venues shown. The Gumbo Shack has closed, leaving just three.

Ive been trying to get him to come back to our area for so long, Blohme said. But even so, he was blown away by the intensity of Fieris approach.

He actually filmed six different locations, said Blohme. Im probably not privy to announce where he went. Theyll all end up in different episodes. I can tell you he did five in Mobile and one in Daphne.

This show is so tight right now, the way they film it, Blohme said. Two film crews came in and worked for a week, he said, with each getting footage at three venues. The Fieri came in for two days of intensive work, filming his portion of three episodes each day. He just crushes it, said Blohme.

Blohme said that while he mightve made some recommendations, and might even appear in an episode or two, Fieri and his crew did their own research and made their own decisions. Blohme said he was very familiar with some of the operations chosen, while others were new to him.

Guy Fieri, center in yellow shirt, raises a cheer with Pete Blohme and the staff of The Waterfront in Daphne.Courtesy of Pete Blohme/PP Hospitality

If he likes the story, the character, the food, thats the trifecta, said Blohme. They have to have great food, and be cooking from scratch.  That just makes for great TV and great opportunities for these people.

Airdates havent been announced, so all we know now is that six Lower Alabama venues will be scattered across future episodes of Triple-D. And thats exciting stuff, said Blohme.

Now we got six more great Triple D spots in our area, right in the I-10 corridor, he said. Not only will it bring a lot of food travel, a lot of people that come down for vacation, for conferences, for Mardi Gras, its going to be hot on their radar to come check out these spots.

The reality is that anybody that made the show, they earned it, they deserved it, said Blohme. Im just excited for this area and for these operators. Because their life has changed, as they know it. They dont know it yet, it hasnt aired, but their life is going to change in a big way.

One persistent theme across the social media posts about Fieri was that people were impressed by how congenial he was in person.

Hes so solid, hes so much fun, hes so genuine, said Blohme. Its hard to say humble because nobody can even imagine him being that way, but the impact that his show has on small restaurants, these mom and pop operations, is so significant that hes just grateful to be able to give that opportunity to people.

As for Blohme and DiMario, a big year continues. It hasnt been that long since they reopened Eds Seafood Shed at a new location in Spanish Fort. Now The Waterfront is up and running. Theyve announced plans for Parc Le Tralour, a food court in the downtown Mobile space formerly occupied by the MoonPie General Store.

But itll be hard to top the rush of what just happened.

It was just an amazing few days with three friends that Ive spent a lot of time with, said Blohme. Launching a new property like that thats so amazing and the food is so much fun and the view is so incredible, us getting to kick it off in that fashion was just priceless.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  Republican members of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources are raising concerns about ties between Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and an Indigenous group from her home state that advocates for halting oil and gas production on public lands.

The members on Monday sent a letter to Haaland requesting documents related to her interactions with Pueblo Action Alliance as well as those of her daughter, Somah, who has worked with the group and has rallied against fossil fuel development.

The request comes just days after Haaland decided to withdraw hundreds of square miles in New Mexico from oil and gas production for the next 20 years on the outskirts of Chaco Culture National Historical Park  an area considered sacred by some Native American communities.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, the Arkansas Republican who chairs the committee, said Congress has a duty to oversee federal agencies and the cabinet secretaries who lead them and that what he called Haalands alliances present potential conflicts of interest.

The committee is calling on Secretary Haaland to shed light on these ties between her family and this extremist group so we can determine the potentially unethical way these types of decisions are being made throughout the federal bureaucracy, Westerman said in a statement.

The Interior Department had no comment on the letter, agency spokesperson Melissa Schwartz said.

Haaland  who is from the Laguna Pueblo and is the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency  has said the work to protect land around Chaco has been ongoing for decades and that numerous public meetings and consultations with tribal leaders were a part of the process.

Julia Bernal, executive director of Pueblo Action Alliance, called the Chaco decision a compromise because the group has been pushing for more expansive protections.

The Alliance has urged the Biden administration to protect ancestral lands and address the climate emergency by phasing out fossil fuel extraction on public lands, Bernal told The Associated Press in an email. Chairman Westermans allegations are a misguided attempt to deflect attention from the fossil fuel industrys role in the climate crisis and the destruction of ancestral lands.

Industry groups have suggested that Pueblo Action Alliance, Somah Haaland and others have influenced Haaland, who as secretary oversees an agency that manages more than 380,000 square miles (984,196 square kilometers) of public lands.

The Western Energy Alliance says that Haaland and her senior officials have granted special access to Pueblo Action Alliance and its allies and have helped the group lobby members of Congress and the Interior Department on issues before the agency, including oil and gas leasing.

Secretary Haaland has conflicts of interest that simply wouldnt be tolerated if they were on behalf of oil and natural gas companies and should not be tolerated when theyre on behalf of environmental special interests, Western Energy Alliance President Kathleen Sgamma said Monday.

Among the documents the House panel is requesting are copies of the ethical pledges signed by Haaland and any waivers that have been granted to her.

The request also calls for communications between the secretary and Somah Haaland related to oil and gas leasing on federal lands, Pueblo Action Alliance, efforts to lobby members of Congress or other government officials about withdrawing federal land from development and a protest at the agencys headquarters in October 2021.

 By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press
Alabama lawmakers wrapped up the 2023 legislative session Tuesday, a three-month period that produced bills that will put some extra money in the pockets of state residents.

The session started on March 7 with Gov. Kay Ivey proposing tax rebates during her State of the State address.

With the state in an extraordinary position this year with surplus dollars for the education and General Fund budgets, lawmakers considered many ideas and reached a consensus on both tax cuts and a rebate.

Reduced sales tax on food

The Legislature passed HB479, a bill to reduce the 4% state sales tax on food to 2% in two phases. The sponsor was Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, and almost every member of the House and Senate were co-sponsors. The tax will drop to 3% on Sept. 1, 2023. It will drop to 2% on Sept. 1, 2024. The reduction to 2% would be delayed if tax revenues for the education budget are not projected to grow by at least 3.5% over the following year. Education revenues have grown by more than that amount the last few years but that is not always the case, particularly if there is an economic downturn.

The reduced rate will apply to foods that qualify under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan, formerly known as food stamps, which covers most foods, including fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The bill does not affect city and county sales taxes on food, except that local governments cannot raise their sales tax on food. The 2% reduction in the state tax is projected to save taxpayers about $300 million a year.

Read more: Can Alabama eliminate its entire grocery tax?

Tax exemption on overtime pay

HB217, by House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, will exempt overtime pay from the state income tax. The exemption applies to pay that full-time hourly workers in the public and private sectors receive for working more than 40 hours in a week. The state income tax carries a 5% rate. So, for example, an employee who makes $20 an hour and works 10 hours overtime during a week, assuming time-and-a-half pay for the overtime, would take home an extra $15 that week because of the exemption.

The exemption takes effect Jan. 1, 2024 and will expire June 30, 2025 unless lawmakers extend it. Employers will be required to report to the state Department of Revenue the amount of overtime they pay and the number of employees who received it. That information will help lawmakers know the impact of the exemption as they consider whether to extend it. One concern is how it will affect the state education budget, because income taxes go to the Education Trust Fund.

HB217 had a cap of $25 million on the total exemptions paid, but Gov. Kay Ivey proposed an executive amendment to remove the cap, and lawmakers concurred with the change. Iveys amendment also moved the expiration date up from Jan. 1, 2027, to June 30, 2025. Daniels said he is confident lawmakers will extend the exemption.

Read more: Gov. Kay Ivey amendment removes cap from tax exemption on overtime pay

Tax rebate

After several changes to the proposal, lawmakers approved SB86, by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, to provide a one-time tax rebate of $150 to individuals and $300 to couples filing jointly. To be eligible, residents must have filed a state income tax return for the 2021 tax year no later than Oct. 17, 2022. Nonresidents of Alabama are not eligible. Those claimed as dependents on another taxpayers return are not eligible.

The Department of Revenue will begin paying the rebates no sooner than Nov. 30, 2023. The rebates will be sent electronically to the bank account the taxpayer listed on their state income tax return. If no account is listed, the DOR will mail a check for the rebate.

Distracted driving

On Tuesday, the last day of the session, the Legislature approved SB301 by Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, to make it illegal to hold a cellphone while driving under certain circumstances. The bill expands an Alabama law that already made it illegal to text while driving.

The bill says it is a distracted driving violation if a driver crosses in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerves, or otherwise operates the vehicle in an impaired manner while:

Holding a cellphone or another electronic device

Reading or sending a text message or email

Watching a video

Recording or broadcasting a video

Using more than a single button or swipe of a finger to begin or end a call

Reach for a cellphone or another electronic device in such a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position properly restrained by a safety belt.

The bill includes exceptions, such as using the cellphone to call emergency services, using a cellphone with an earpiece, headphones, steering wheel controls, or a mount to allow hands-free operation, or using a cellphone while the vehicle is parked on the shoulder of the road.

Supporters of the bill say they expect it to save lives. The House had considered similar bills for years but none had passed until Tuesday.

If Gov. Kay Ivey signs the bill into law, the penalty for a first violation would be $50. Police will not issue tickets, but only warnings, during the first year the law goes into effect.

Smoking in a vehicle

The Legislature passed HB3 by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, to prohibit smoking in a vehicle with passengers age 14 or younger. The prohibition applies whether the vehicle is in motion or at rest, and whether the windows are rolled up or down.

A violation is punishable by a fine of no more than $100.

Drivers license suspensions

Lawmakers passed SB154 by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Montgomery, to give drivers who have committed traffic violations more flexibility in paying their fines and fees before having their license suspended.

The bill allows people to miss up to three payments on a payment plan for fines and fees before a judge could suspend their license. It would also allow up to one missed court date, outside of an initial date. Gov. Kay Ivey has signed the bill into law.

Supporters of the bill said it was counterproductive in many cases to suspend drivers licenses and make it difficult for those with traffic violations to get to work, school, and family obligations.

Hospital visitation

The Legislature passed SB113 by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, to allow hospital patients and nursing home and assisted living facility residents to designate an essential caregiver who would be assured of being able to visit at least two hours a day in addition to the facilities normal visitation hours.

The bill came in response to family separations that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gudger said it was not meant as a criticism of how hospital staffs managed visitation during the pandemic. Under SB113, the patient can designate different people as essential caregivers on different days. If a patient was unable to make a designation, a family member could do so.

The bill requires hospitals to allow visitation under specific circumstances, including end-of-life situations, patients facing major medical decisions, struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support, patients who who need encouragement to eat and drink, and other circumstances.

Read more: 12 things Alabama changed for schools, teachers, students in 2023 legislative session

Absentee ballot bill, other contentious bills quietly die on last day of legislative session
A defense attorney has filed a motion arguing that a court in Covington County improperly used a statute known as Aniahs Law to revoke the bond of a defendant who had already made bail.

Damien LaShawn Beasley, 19, was charged with murder in 2021 over the death of a girl who was 17-years old at the time. He had made bond on the charge a few months before.

But A. Riley Powell IV, Beasleys attorney, said that the Covington County court re-indicted him earlier this year and held him under Aniahs Law, which allows judges to deny bail to individuals facing charges of violent crimes.

More from Alabama Reflector

Can a district attorney do this? Powell said in an interview. I would think the obvious answer is no, you cant do that, because what would stop a district attorney from going back and reindicting every single person that he has on cases?

Powell filed a writ of mandamus with the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on May 9 challenging the decision. As of Wednesday, the court had not ruled on the motion.

Covington County District Attorney Walt Merrell III declined comment, citing ongoing litigation. According to a transcript of an April 12 hearing included with Powells motion, a member of the D.A.s office said at the hearing that it was two different grand juries that heard the evidence and came back with two different indictments.

Aniahs Law is a constitutional amendment that the Legislature passed in 2021 and which state voters approved last November. Prior to passage, judges could only deny bond to individuals charged with capital murder. Aniahs Law expanded that to include those charged with violent crimes including kidnapping, first-degree rape, sodomy, arson, robbery, domestic violence and aggravated child abuse.

The law was named for Aniah Blanchard, a Southern Union Community College student who went missing in late 2019 from a convenience store. Her body was found a month later. Ibrahim Yazeed, indicted on capital murder charges in Blanchards death, was out on bond on several violent crime charges, including kidnapping, at the time of Blanchards death.

What was happening is that you had these individuals who were charged with violent felonies that prosecutors, police, judges, knew they had a propensity to commit more violent crime if they were back on the street, but their hands were tied by the constitution, said Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollingers Island, who sponsored the bill. They were asking for help.

Beasley is charged in the shooting death of Laila Watson in Andalusia in April 2021. According to Powells filing, a group of four people, including Watson and Beasley, were playing with a rusty shotgun when the gun went off, killing Watson. The boys allegedly dragged Watsons body to the woods and buried it in leaves and branches.

Beasley was arrested after police interviewed the boys. Bond was set at $1 million; Beasleys family posted $100,000, and he was released. A grand jury formally indicted Beasley on a murder charge that October.

According to Powell, Beasley was re-indicted in February, arrested in April and imprisoned after a bond hearing. According to the filing, the new indictment made a minor deviation in the language of the indictment, which the filing said appeared to change the charge from reckless murder to intentional murder.

There was no reason for the prosecutor to reindict him, Powell said. They could have easily amended the charge without reindicting. The only reason they did that was to try and include the new Aniahs Law to hold him without bond.

Powell accuses prosecutors of being very clear that their intent was to hold Beasley without bond pursuant to the guidance of the new Aniahs Law, notwithstanding that the crime for which Beasley was charged occurred more than 19 months before Aniahs Law was even enacted.

The clear and obvious purpose of the re-indictment was to utilize the new Aniahs Law to hold Beasley without bail until his trial, the filing says.

The filing also notes that Aniahs Law does not have an retroactive application.

Powell wants the court to review whether the law violates the Eighth Amendment protecting individuals from excessive bail and fines, as well as cruel and unusual punishment, making it unlawful to apply it to his client.

My client has been the only one who has been reindicted, Powell said. It is because of the nature of the case and the high publicity of the case.

Brown said the drafters of Aniahs Law had the Bill of Rights in mind.

When we crafted the legislation, we were very careful though that we took into account the Eighth Amendment that says you cant have unreasonable bond, that everyone has a right to bond, Brown said. We took that into consideration, and that is why we didnt do a blanket approach where if you commit a violent crime, you are immediately held without bond.

Brown declined to comment on whether Beasley was an instance of how he wanted the law applied, only saying that he didnt have the specifics of the case to make a decision.

The law leaves much of the discretion to the courts and the prosecutors. District attorneys have the authority to invoke provisions of Aniahs Law to convene a hearing determining whether a person should be denied bond for violent Class A offenses such as rape and murder.

The judge could still deny the hearing and grant bond, but prosecutors will present their case and defendants may offer evidence and testimony to rebut the prosecutions claims. The judge will then decide whether to provide bond in the case.

Powell said he is attempting to have bail reinstated and probing just how far the law extends.

This is what we could call a case of first impression, meaning it has never been appealed to the appellate courts in Alabama because it is too new, Powell said. And there needs to be some interpretation.
Former President Donald Trump is set to pay another visit to Alabama.

The Alabama Republican Party announced Trumps visit Thursday morning but details of the visit- including the date, time and location  are being finalized.

You can sign up here for updates or for a first chance to purchase tickets.

Trump has previously made appearances at the same time as the GOPs annual summer meeting but its unclear if that will be the date for this visit as well. ALGOPs 2023 summer meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4-5 in Montgomery.
A man convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in the 1990 slaying of a Homewood woman who was found bound, beaten, raped and stabbed with her throat slit has turned down the possibility of one day being set free and instead wants to take his chances with a jury - again.

Steven Alan Petric was convicted in 2009 in the brutal death of 23-year-old Toni Lim.

The Alabama Court of Appeals three years ago affirmed a lower court ruling granting a new trial for the death row prisoner based upon claims of ineffective representation at trial.

Petric, now 61, appeared in a Jefferson County courtroom Wednesday for a hearing on a series of motions filed in his case.

During that hearing, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Streety learned that the District Attorneys Office had offered Petric a sentence of life with the possibility of parole in exchange for a guilty plea.

Petrics lawyers  Scott Brower, Wendell Sheffield and Anthony Bowling  told the court Wednesday that their client had rejected the prosecutors offer. The judge asked Petric if that was correct, and he replied, Yes sir.

Streety set a May 2024 date for Petric to be tried again. Jefferson County Deputy District Attorneys Neal Zarzour and Misty Reynolds are prosecuting.

Lim, a student and employee of Sammys strip club on Valley Avenue, was discovered slain on March 9, 1990, inside her Raleigh Villas apartment that she shared with a roommate.

The roommate found Lims body when she returned from work about 8 p.m.

The roommate, Martha Milinda Higginbotham, previously testified there was no forced entry at the apartment and that Lim had told her that a man named Steven was going to help her fix the brakes on her car.

Higginbotham also said that a man named Steven sometimes gave Lim a ride home from school.

When Lim was found lying on her bed in her apartment, her body was covered with a blanket and her head was covered with a pillow.

An autopsy showed she had suffered a stab wound to the back of her neck and a large cut across her throat. She was wearing only a shirt and a bra.

A blood-soaked t-shirt was tied loosely around her neck.

Her hands were tied behind her back with pantyhose. Court records show an exercise rope was tied tightly around her right wrist and the rope extended down to her ankles, which were bound by the rope.

The rope was tied in such a way that it would tighten if Lims legs were straightened.

Lims case went unsolved for more than a decade, until 2006 when a routine submission of his DNA to a national database matched DNA found at the scene of Lims death.

Petric has maintained his innocence, saying he had only consensual sex with Lim.

Steven Alan Petric, now 61, was convicted in 2009 in the brutal death of 23-year-old Toni Lim. He was initially arrested 2006. (Jefferson County Jail)

At the time Homewood police charged Petric with Lims murder, he was serving a 26-year prison sentence for armed robbery in Illinois.

During his Alabama trial, prosecutors portrayed a pattern by Petric of attacking women at knifepoint before stealing their wedding rings.

Several women came forward to say he attacked them in the early 1990s.

Jurors in the Birmingham trial heard about two other attacks on women in 1994 in Illinois that prosecutors attributed to Petric, one fatal and one non-fatal.

The judge barred testimony in the trial about three other attacks against women, two in the Birmingham area and one in Illinois. Petric has a criminal history dating back to 1979.

The Alabama jury convicted Petric in August 2009.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Bill Cole sentenced Petric to die by lethal injection. Petric had this to say at the time:

I know it is customary for the defendant to ask the family for mercy, but how can I? Im not guilty.

In February 2018, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Tracie Todd overturned Petrics conviction.

Todd in 2021 was temporarily removed from the bench after a scathing 100-page report by the Judicial Inquiry Commission that alleged abuse of power. The Lim case was cited in that complaint.

The Alabama Court of the Judiciary last year found Todd guilty on one charge of violating judicial ethics and suspended her without pay for 120 days.

According to deathpenaltyinfo.org, prosecutors said DNA evidence from semen and cigarette butts linked Petric to the crime, and they presented extensive evidence arguing that Petric had raped and murdered the woman he had been dating in Illinois.

Todd ruled that Charles Salvagio, Petrics first attorney, had unreasonably failed to investigate the Illinois case and failed to rebut the prosecutions claims by showing that the jury there had acquitted Petric after video footage showed he had been elsewhere when those crimes were committed.

The court further found that Salvagio, who died in 2020, had unreasonably promised the jury during his opening statement that the defense would show that another man who knew the victim had committed a similar murder, without having reviewed the record of the other case.

At the close of the prosecutions case against Petric, the defense was provided with a DNA report that cleared the alternate suspect of the other murder, leaving counsel without a defense.

State prosecutors appealed Todds ruling, but the Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals on Aug. 14, 2020, granted Petric a new trial and ordered Petric brought back to the Jefferson County Jail to be held until the conclusion of his new trial.

Petric was booked back into the county lockup on Feb. 3, 2022, and remains held without bond.
For the first time since the 2005 disappearance of Mountain Brook teen Natalee Holloway, Joran van der Sloot arrived in Alabama Thursday to face charges he attempted to extort her mother, Beth Holloway, in 2010.

An FBI plane left Peru this morning to carry out the extradition.

Upon his arrival in Birmingham, van der Sloot was escorted by FBI agents and placed in one of six vehicles as part of a caravan on his way to be taken to an undisclosed jail. Wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, van der Sloot was briskly escorted to the waiting caravan.

See also: The key figures in Joran van der Sloot extortion case

He will be arraigned at 11 a.m. Friday at the federal courthouse in Birmingham. He is being held in the Hoover City Jail, which is one of several jails in the Birmingham metro area that contracts with the U.S. Marshals Service to hold federal detainees.

I am hopeful some small semblance of justice will finally be realized may finally be realized, even though no act of justice will heal the pain weve endured, a statement from Beth Holloway read.

For 18 years, I have lived with the unbearable pain of Natalees loss. Each day has been filled with unanswered questions and a longing for justice that has eluded us at every turn, Holloway said.

The 35-year-old van der Sloot has long been suspected in the disappearance and death of the Mountain Brook High School graduate visiting Aruba in 2005.

However, van der Sloot has never been charged in her death.

Instead, he will be tried in Birminghams federal court on charges that he told Natalees mother that he would lead her to Natalees body in exchange for $250,000.

LIVE: Joran Van der Sloot, suspect in the disappearance of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway, is extradited to the US https://t.co/NAEa1EIlrS  Reuters (@Reuters) June 8, 2023

Holloway paid van der Sloot a $25,000 down payment only to find out that he lied about the location of Natalees remains.

A federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted van der Sloot in 2010 on charges of extortion and wire fraud.

Joyce Vance, a federal prosecutor in Alabama when van der Sloot was charged, told the Associated press his arrival is a long-awaited opportunity for justice.

We always say that justice delayed is justice denied, and theres a certain simple truth to that, said Vance. But this case makes me think sometimes justice delayed is actually worth it. Its not optimal. Its not what anybody would have wanted at the outset, but justice delayed is better than justice never delivered.

It was announced in May that van der Sloot would be brought to Alabama to face the charges here. Van der Sloot departed Peru on a flight to the United States, The Associated Press has reported.

The decision to move forward with the case here was made, in part, because of the length of time that has passed since the alleged crime and subsequent indictment, and the possibility that witnesses in the extortion case might not be available once his murder sentence in Peru was completed.

He is eligible for release there in 2038.

Van der Sloot, a Dutch national from Aruba, is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence in Peru for the 2010 murder of Lima college student Stephany Flores.

Flores was killed five years to the day of Natalees disappearance.

@al.comnews Nearly two decades have passed since Natalee Holloway, an American teenager, disappeared while on a graduation trip to Aruba. Joran van der Sloot, the main suspect in her case, is currently in Peru, serving time for murdering a young woman, Stephany Flores Ramirez, back in 2010. It was recently announced that Joran will be extradited to the United States to face charges in relation to Natalee's case. Despite maintaining his innocence, no one has been brought to trial or currently faces charges in Natalee's death, and her whereabouts remain unknown to this day. Watch this video and learn about the complex timeline surrounding the unsolved case of Natalee Holloway. Produced by: Amanda Khorramabadi #nataleeholloway #unsolved #missingperson #timeline  10 minutes technostylish and cool atmosphere(1391300) - Kazamasata

Van der Sloots Peruvian attorney Maximo Altez earlier this week announced van der Sloot had changed his mind and would challenge extradition to the U.S. Altez said van der Sloot reversed course following a meeting with Dutch diplomats.

On Tuesday, a Peruvian judge ruled that the extradition would move forward, and an FBI plane arrived in Peru on Wednesday to transport the Dutchman to the U.S.

Once van der Sloot arrives in Alabama, he will be arraigned and then jailed here until trial. The entire process could take up to a year or so.

Van der Sloot will be represented by federal public defenders in Birmingham.

The 18-year-old Natalee was scheduled to fly back to Alabama on May 30, 2005, but failed to appear for her flight.

She was last seen by her friends leaving Carlos N Charlies in Oranjestad, sitting inside a vehicle with van der Sloot and two acquaintances  brothers Deepak and Satish Kalpoe.

When Natalee failed to return home, her mother, and then-stepfather, George Jug Twitty and other friends traveled to Aruba to search for her.

Within hours of landing in Aruba, the Twittys provided Aruban police with van der Sloots name and address, identifying him as the person with whom Natalee had left the nightclub.

According to federal documents, van der Sloot on June 2, 2005, told authorities that he and Holloway had driven to the California Lighthouse area of Arashi Beach because Holloway wanted to see sharks.

He said that he dropped Holloway off at her hotel  the Holiday Inn in Arubas High Rise Hotels district  about 2 a.m. Van der Sloot subsequently made several contradictory statements about what happened to Holloway and his involvement.

In the years following Natalees disappearance, extensive searches have been conducted in Aruba and the surrounding waters with no success.

Over time, rewards of up to $1 million had been offered for Natalees safe return. Additionally, rewards of up to $250,000 had been offered for information leading to the return of her remains.

She was officially declared dead by Alabama courts on Jan. 12, 2012.

On March 29, 2010, van der Sloot contacted an unidentified representative of Natalees mother via email.

During a series of emails that followed, according to charging documents, van der Sloot offered to take the representative to Natalees body and tell that representative what happened to her and identify those involved in her disappearance and death.

During a series of emails to follow, documents state, van der Sloot agreed to modify the terms of his offer. For an initial payment of $25,000, he would take the Holloway representative to the location of Natalees body.

Once the body was recovered and confirmed to be Natalee, he said, he would then collect the remaining $225,000.

Van der Sloot emailed his bank account information  SNS Bank in the Netherlands - to the representative so the money could be deposited by wire transfer. He insisted, authorities said, on a written contract from Holloway.

That contract was faxed to Holloway and signed.

On April 15, 2010, Holloway wired $100 from Regions Bank in Birmingham to confirm the account was valid.

On May 10, 2010, charging documents show, the Holloway representative flew to Aruba to me with van der Sloot.

Before the representative left, Holloway wired $10,000 to the representative in New York so that he could withdraw the money and have cash available when he met with Van der Sloot.

The representative met with van der Sloot in Aruba and showed him Holloways signed agreement.

Van der Sloot and the representative signed two copies of the agreement and took pictures of each other during the signing. The meeting, during which the representative gave van der Sloot the $10,000, was recorded.

Holloway then wired $15,000  the balance of the initial agreement  to van der Sloots Netherlands bank account.

Van der Sloot and the representative got into a rental car and left the hotel, according to the federal affidavit. They drove a house and, once there, van der Sloot pointed to the residence where he said Natalees body would be found in the foundation of the house.

Van der Sloot told the representative that his father, Paulus van der Sloot  who has since died  had disposed of Natalees body by burying her remains in the gravel under the foundation of the single-story house.

He went to say that he had been with Natalee on May 29, 2010, and that he had thrown her to the ground after she had attempted to stop him from leaving her.

Van der Sloot claimed that when she fell down, she hit her head on a rock and died as a result of the impact, wrote FBI Special Agent William Bryan.

Van der Sloot said he then hid Natalees body and went home to tell his father what happened.

According to van der Sloot, his father accompanied him to the location where he had hidden Natalees body. He said he remained in the car while his father further concealed the body.

Van der Sloot added that he had not actually seen his father inter the remains, Bryan wrote, but was told and shown by his father where the body was buried.

The FBI agent wrote in charging documents Aruban law enforcement officials reviewed a building permit for that address  which has not been made public  and found there was no foundation or structure on the parcel of land at the time of Natalees disappearance.

The document indicates that a permit was requested on May 23, 2005, and approved on May 26, 2005. An inspection was conducted on June 15, 2005, and the permit was not issued until Oct. 18, 2010.

An interview with the contractor who built the house confirms that the house identified by Van der Sloot was not under construction at the time of Natalee Holloways disappearance, Bryan wrote.

Further investigation discovered aerial photographs, which were taken on May 29, 2005, and June 5, 2005, show no construction was underway at the location.

After leaving Aruba, the representative and van der Sloot exchanged more emails. On May 17, 2010, van der Sloot admitted to the representative that he lied about the location of Natalees remains.
U.S. Space Command commanding Gen. James Dickinson confirmed to Alabamas congressional delegation Wednesday that the headquarters of U.S. Space Command belongs on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala., U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said late Wednesday afternoon after the delegation met with the general.

This is no surprise, because its what the facts clearly support, Britt said in a statement released after the Alabama delegation met with Dickinson. The White House must keep politics out of this. Its past time for them to do whats best for our national security.

Just walked out of a meeting with @US_SpaceCom Commander GEN Dickinson. I was assured by him that he couldnt envision any circumstance where he wouldnt recommend Huntsville as the permanent SPACECOM HQ. He had no concerns with the initial decision.  Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) June 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, tweeted that he had just left the meeting with Dickinson. I was assured by him that he couldnt envision any circumstance where he wouldnt recommend Huntsville as the permanent SPACECOM HQ, Strong said. He had no concerns with the initial decision.

Dickinson has served at Redstone and is familiar with the base and the Huntsville area community. He served as commander of the US Space & Missile Defense Command and Army Forces Strategic Command in 2017.

Dickinsons statement was one of two developments in the Space Command headquarters debate. The Colorado Republican Party also sent the White House a letter asking President Biden to keep the command in Alabama if the main driving force to keep Space Command is Colorados unfettered abortion laws.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Birmingham applauded Thursdays U.S. Supreme Court decision that Alabamas congressional district map likely violates the Voting Rights Act and said she expects prompt action to redraw it.

My expectation is that given that there may be irreparable harm by not immediately redrawing the lines that there may be a chance that this is through a special election before the 2024 election, Sewell said.

But I fully expect the 2024 elections will be with the new lines.

Sewell is Alabamas only Black representative in Congress and represents District 7, the only one of the seven districts with a majority Black population.

In the ruling released Thursday, the court ruled 5-4 to affirm lower court rulings that the states district map violates the Voting Rights Act because Black voters do not have an equal chance to elect representatives of their choosing.

The states population is about 27% Black, but only one of seven Congressional districts is majority Black, or 14%. Chief Justice John Roberts, in the main opinion released today, wrote that the three-judge district court correctly determined last year that Black voters who sued to challenge the map established key points to show a Voting Rights Act violation, including that the Black population in Alabama is large enough and geographically compact enough to constitute a reasonably configured second majority district, or near-majority district.

Roberts wrote that the plaintiffs in the lawsuit proposed maps with two majority Black districts that followed other principles of redistricting.

And none of plaintiffs maps contained any tentacles, appendages, bizarre shapes, or any other obvious irregularities that would make it difficult to find them sufficiently compact, Roberts wrote. Plaintiffs maps also satisfied other traditional districting criteria. They contained equal populations, were contiguous, and respected existing political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, and towns.

Sewell said she expects her district to change on a new map but said she intended to continue to represent District 7.

She said its her understanding that the decision on what happens next is in the hands of the three-judge panel that ruled last year in favor of the organizations and Black voters and officials who sued to challenge the map.

The Supreme Courts decision today, they remanded the case back to the same three-judge panel to make them draw the lines or at least review the lines if theyre drawn by the state Legislature, Sewell said. I feel with a unanimous lower courts decision that we are in good hands to get a good outcome.

The Legislature approved the map in 2021 after the 2020 census, as is required after every census.

Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter are still reviewing the ruling, according to their staffs.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Republican and the states top election official, issued a statement, saying, I am disappointed in todays Supreme Court opinion but it remains the commitment of the Secretary of States Office to comply with all applicable election laws.

Lawyers representing the secretary of state and other state officials have defended the states congressional map.

The litigation involved three lawsuits, one filed by Evan Milligan, other Black voters, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP. Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton of Greensboro and Marcus Caster of Washington County were lead plaintiffs in two other cases.

Sewell, speaking to reporters on a Zoom call with a photo of voting rights champion and Georgia Congressman John Lewis on the wall behind her, called todays ruling historic.

It is about making sure that every Americans voice in this democracy is heard, Sewell said. We know that fair representation matters. We also know that the amazing foot soldiers, many unknown, (and) John Lewis, really gave sacrifice for the right of every American to have an equal voice in our democracy. And I feel as if their struggle, their sacrifice, was rewarded today in this very historic decision.

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said Thursday the Democratic caucus is ready to work with the Republican majority in the Legislature to draw a new map. Democrats opposed the current plan and suggested alternatives when it passed Legislature in November 2021.

Todays decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Alabamas Congressional map vindicates the rights of voters to have the opportunity to elect candidates of choice throughout our state, Daniels said. During a severely short and limited map-drawing process, our Caucus spoke at length about our view of the law and provided ways the state could craft at least two districts that reflect fair political opportunities for African American voters. We are therefore pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the unanimous district court which found the Alabama maps were discriminatory. We stand ready to participate meaningfully with our colleagues to create a new map that fully complies with the law.

Alabama Republican Party Chair John Wahl released a statement saying he was disappointed in the ruling.

The U.S. Constitution is clear that drawing district lines  as well as redistricting  are the responsibility of state legislatures, Wahl said. Regardless of our disagreement with the Courts decision, we are confident the Alabama Legislature will redraw district lines that ensure the people of Alabama are represented by members who share their beliefs, while following the requirements of applicable law. The Alabama Republican Party remains committed to competing in every district, and will work hard to win all seven Congressional seats with candidates that reflect their communities and the values of the State of Alabama.
Commentary: Who is endangering peace in Asia-Pacific?

Xinhua) 13:25, June 08, 2023

BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- It seems that the United States is a true believer in the theory claiming that "repeat a lie often enough, and it becomes the truth."

For quite some time, the arrogant superpower has left almost no stone unturned to slander China as Asia's "bad guy," while Washington is being forced to respond. The latest episode of this smear campaign took place in Singapore.

At the just-concluded Shangri-La Dialogue that focused on security, Washington spared no effort to play innocent and repeat its cliche that China poses a threat to the "freedom of navigation," a pretext abused by the United States to justify its military presence in the region.

"Why do all these incidents happen near China's sovereign waters and airspace, not in areas near other countries?" Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu asked back when answering a question at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

"Chinese ships and aircraft never go near other countries' airspace and waters," Li pointed out the truth.

If a person armed to his teeth has been wandering around your house and peeping into your windows quite often, it is reasonable and legitimate for you to take some action. But when you ask the person what he is doing here, and request him to stay away from your property, the person goes insane and curses you for hindering his "freedom."

Ludicrous such a behavior may sound, but that is exactly the logic of those hardliners in Washington who believe being an "exceptional" superpower, the United States can feel free to do anything and no one is allowed to even complain about it.

Containing China's rapid development is the only viable reason that can explain Washington's increasingly tough China policy. For America's political leaders, whose only expertise in running a country is to play partisan politics, holding China back has become their most convenient option to keep Washington's global supremacy.

In recent years, Washington is stepping up its siege around China in the Asia-Pacific. In its own words, it is determined to shape the strategic environment around Beijing. For those ends, it has been peddling the so-called "Indo-Pacific strategy" and "great power competition" in an attempt to build an alliance in the Asia-Pacific region against China.

It has also constantly staged war games with Japan, South Korea and other countries in the region, and mustered Cold-War style groupings such as the AUKUS deal and Quad alliance.

By forcing regional countries to get into its small anti-China cliques, the United States has in fact been tearing apart the world's most dynamic region, and pushing it ever closer to confrontation and conflicts.

"The best way to prevent this from happening is that military vessels and aircraft not come close to our waters and airspace. What does this have to do with your security? Watch your own territorial waters and airspace, then there will not be any problems," Li said.

Perhaps the next time when the United States, the real-deal troublemaker in the Asia-Pacific, wants to accuse China of stoking regional instability, it should first look in the mirror. It should also sober up to the fact that repeating lies will never make it a fact.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Actress Jodie Comer left the stage during a Broadway performance of her one-woman show Prima Facie at the John Golden Theatre on Wednesday, June 7, citing difficulty breathing due to wildfire smoke in New York.

As dense smoke drifted south from Canada's deadly wildfires, the air quality in New York dropped to an all-time low.

After allegedly telling a stage manager, "I can't breathe in this air," the 30-year-old Killing Eve actress left the stage minutes later. An insider told Deadline that Dani Arlington, Comer's understudy, stepped in and finished the act too enthusiastic recognition.

"Today's matinee of Prima Facie was halted approximately 10 minutes into the performance after Jodie Comer had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires," a spokesman for the production confirmed in an interview with The Hollywood.

Jodie Comer in the 'Prima Facie' Broadway Play

Comer portrays Tessa, a defense attorney who is raped by her coworker in the Suzie Miller drama Prima Facie.

The Independent gave the performance four stars, saying, "Comer is alternately steely and impassioned, noble and embarrassed, flustered and composed. It's a remarkably agile performance ... Tessa's barnstorming speech at the play's close, while rousing, feels far too Hollywood in its neatness. Comer's performance is extraordinary, though, and Prima Facie is worth seeing for that alone."

This Sunday, June 11, the actor is nominated for a Tony Award. She is considered a frontrunner for Best Leading Actress in a Play.

For her performance in the play during its West End run in April, Comer won the Olivier Award for Best Actress.

The British star, who has acted in films including The Last Duel and Free Guy, will keep performing in the role on Broadway play Prima Facie until July 2.

Also Read: Canada Wildfires Update: Blaze Sends Smoke to US States

New York's Sky Is Orange Due to Canada's Wildfire Smoke

Canadian wildfire smoke has turned the New York sky orange and prompted health advisories in certain Canadian and Northeastern American provinces.

According to BBC News, the Environment Protection Agency has issued a health advisory for New York City due to its unhealthy air quality, urging residents to stay inside.

The bad air quality in New York City forced the cancellation of other plays on Wednesday night, including Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park. The performance of This Land Was Made scheduled for Wednesday night at the Vineyard Theatre was also postponed.

There have been evacuations in certain Canadian regions. Chibougamau, the biggest town in northern Quebec, has seen a relocation of around 7,500 people, while the Cree town, Mistissini, has seen an evacuation of about 4,000.

Also Read: 'Beverly Hills, 90210' Star Shannen Doherty Reveals Cancer Has Spread to Her Brain

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a surprising ruling in favor of Black voters in an Alabama congressional redistricting case, ordering the creation of a second district with a large Black population, the Associated Press reported.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined with the courts liberals in affirming a lower-court ruling that found a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act in an Alabama congressional map with one majority Black seat out of seven congressional districts in a state where more than one in four residents is Black, AP reported.

The case had been closely watched for its potential to weaken the landmark voting rights law.

The justices heard oral arguments in the case in October and issued the opinion Thursday morning.

A three-judge federal panel in January 2022 ordered Alabama to redraw the congressional map to add a second district that was majority or near-majority Black. The judges, including two appointees of President Trump, ruled after a seven-day hearing that the plan most likely violated the Voting Rights Act. Black voters have less opportunity than other Alabamians to elect candidates of their choice to Congress, they wrote.

In February 2022, the Supreme Court put that decision on hold at Alabamas request to allow the map to be used in the 2022 elections. However, the justices did not rule on the merits of the Voting Rights claims, and that decision came Thursday morning.

The Court affirms the District Courts determination that plaintiffs demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of success on their claim that HB1 (the redistricting bill) violates (Section 2 of the Voting Right Act), the opinion says. The District Court faithfully applied this Courts precedents in concluding that HB1 likely violates (Section 2).

The justices affirmed the decision of both the three-judge court and a separate ruling in a case in the Northern District of Alabama.

Individual voters and organizations filed lawsuits in 2021, challenging the district map approved by the Alabama Legislature after the 2020 census. Plaintiff Evan Milligan issued a statement applauding the decision.

We are grateful that the Supreme Court upheld what we knew to be true: that everyone deserves to have their vote matter and their voice heard, Milligan said. Today is a win for democracy and freedom not just in Alabama but across the United States. This ruling proves that politicians cannot weaken our community representation by distorting congressional lines, particularly in Alabama and Louisiana. The voters will be heard, and this ruling will help secure our futures.

Three lawsuits were filed challenging the map. Courts consolidated two, the Milligan case and one in which Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, is a plaintiff.

The plaintiffs alleged that the map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits election laws and procedures that are racially discriminatory. A key contention was that Black residents make up 27% of Alabamas population, but only one of the seven Congressional districts, or 14%, had a majority Black population.

Milligan, executive director of the organization Alabama Forward, had told AL.com in May that the decision in the current case, called Allen (for Secretary of State Wes Allen) v. Milligan, will help determine the viability of the Voting Rights Act in stopping racial gerrymandering of districts.

Read more: U.S. Supreme Court could decide soon whether Alabamas congressional map violates Voting Rights Act

The decision comes 10 years after the Supreme Court issued an important ruling on the Voting Rights Act in another Alabama case, Shelby County v. Holder, which ended the requirement for Alabama and other states with a history of racial discrimination on voting to seek preclearance from the Justice Department on election law changes.

Lawyers representing state officials and defending the current map have argued that it is similar to those adopted after the census in 2000 and the census in 2010, which were both precleared by the Justice Department.

The states lawyers said the Legislature drew the current map with race-neutral criteria, making changes to adjust to the population shifts needed after the 2020 census.

They argued that the three-judge panel that ruled in favor of the plaintiffs made a legal error in their interpretation of the Voting Rights Act, saying that to draw a second majority Black district would require race-based sorting, or putting race ahead of all other considerations.

Chief Justice Roberts, who wrote the courts main opinion, rejected the states arguments. Roberts agreed with the three-judge panel that the plaintiffs met the legal standards to show that the map violated the Voting Rights Act in how it diminished the influence of Black voters. Roberts wrote that three-judge court correctly determined after a seven-day hearing that Black voters constituted a population that is large enough and geographically compact enough to constitute a reasonably configured second majority district. The chief justice said the plaintiffs met other standards to show a Voting Rights violation.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Republican and the states top election official, issued a statement, saying, I am disappointed in todays Supreme Court opinion but it remains the commitment of the Secretary of States Office to comply with all applicable election laws. Lawyers representing the secretary of state and other state officials have defended the states congressional map.

Legal Defense Fund attorney Deuel Ross, who represents the plaintiffs and argued the case before the Supreme court in October, issued a statement Thursday morning.

This decision is a crucial win against the continued onslaught of attacks on voting rights, Ross said. Alabama attempted to rewrite federal law by saying race could not be considered in the redistricting process even when necessary to remedy racial discrimination. But because of the states sordid and well-documented pattern of persisting racial discrimination, race must be considered to ensure communities of color are not boxed out of the electoral process. While the Voting Rights Act and other key protections against discriminatory voting laws have been weakened in recent years and states continue to pass provisions to disenfranchise Black voters, todays decision is a recognition of Section 2s purpose to prevent voting discrimination and the very basic right to a fair shot.

Besides Roberts and Kavanaugh, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson concurred with the decision. Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Samuel Alito dissented.
An Alabaster teen was arrested Wednesday in connection with two robberies in two days, during one of which police say he fired shots.

Dorian Bivins, 18, is charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of first-degree robbery.

Chief Curtis Rigney said officers on Monday responded to Interstate Shell on a robbery call. The suspect had fled by the time police arrived, but detectives launched an investigation and identified Bivins as the suspect.

Warrants were obtained against him.

On Wednesday, while officers were preparing to go arrest Bivins on the Monday robbery charges, they received a report of a person shot at a second business - Interstate Chevron.

Once on the scene, Rigney said, officers quicky determined Bivins was also the suspect in the new case.

They learned the victim had been shot at, but not injured.

Again, Bivins fled before officers arrived.

After an extensive search, Bivins was taken into custody. He is being held in the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $360,000.

I want to take this opportunity to commend all the law enforcement agencies involved for their outstanding work in this case. Their tireless efforts have resulted in the swift apprehension of the suspect and the protection of our community, Rigney said. We would also like to thank the community who worked together with law enforcement to help bring a peaceful resolution to this incident.

The chief said the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be filed. Anyone with information is asked to call Alabaster Criminal Investigations Division at 205-664-6850 or 205-664-7401.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Yoakum and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason DeFrenn were not the type of men who sought attention for themselves, their siblings said. They were both dedicated pilots who loved that their job was to fly Apache helicopters for the Army.

He was quite happy being a workhorse, said Aleta Woods, DeFrenns sister. That he ended up in a helicopter doing what he did, was honestly no surprise to me, whatsoever.

On Feb. 2, 2007, Yoakum, 41, and DeFrenn, 34, were flying on patrol near Taji, Iraq, with 1st Air Cavalry Brigade when they began taking fire from an enemy on the ground. Another aircraft took hits as well, and the two men chose to stay in the fight to protect the other aircraft instead of heading for safety, according to the brigade.

Yoakum and DeFrenns helicopter crashed in a hail of gunfire.

To honor their sacrifice, the aviation brigade, which is part of the 1st Cavalry Division, renamed its airfield last month to honor the pilots. The opportunity arose when the brigades home station, Fort Hood, Texas, dropped its homage to a Confederate general and became Fort Cavazos.

Congress outlined a process in 2020 for the Army to begin renaming nine southern posts named to honor Confederate generals. By the end of this year, all will bear new names.

The air cavalry brigade was left to decide how to handle renaming Hood Army Airfield, which supports flight operations for Chinook, Black Hawk and Apache helicopters.

Last month, the brigade unveiled the Yoakum-DeFrenn Army Heliport.

In the 1st Cavalry Division our motto is Live the Legend, and it is a distinct honor and privilege to live the legend of those who came before us and pay tribute to these two 1st Cavalry troopers and Army aviation heroes, Col. Timothy Jaeger, brigade commander, said May 4 during remarks at a ceremony to rename the airfield. Every day when Air Cav troopers enter through the gates of the Yoakum-DeFrenn Army Heliport, they will be reminded that we owe a debt of gratitude to those who came before us and gave their lives so others could return home to their loved ones.

The family of Yoakum said he would have shied away from that kind of attention. Kevin Yoakum, Keith Yoakums twin, said he once earned accolades as the best officer in his brigade, and turned bright red as he received an officers saber.

I think he would probably think it was cool, Kevin Yoakum said. But he also knows usually [places are] named after dead people. So he probably wouldnt have been too cool about it.

The Fort Cavazos airfield holds a special place in Kevin Yoakums heart, he said during his remarks at the renaming ceremony. Its the first place that he was on flight status as a Black Hawk crew chief. Its also the last place that he saw his brother spend time with his family. He recalled Keith Yoakum showing off an Apache helicopter to his then 5-year-old daughter.

For Woods, who also attended the ceremony, it was important to make the trip from South Carolina because it was the first ceremony since his death that shed been invited to attend. The news of DeFrenns death upended their family and sent DeFrenns wife into labor early with the couples son. It was an extremely difficult time, Woods said.

It was like he was there one day, and then he was gone. Then that was it. From my perspective, [attending] was a way that I could honor him, said Woods, who was joined by her son, her two nephews and their mother.

Honestly, my brother thought he was going to live forever, she said. He never once considered that of all the crazy shenanigans he survived that he would actually die. We didnt either because we were just so used to him being like a cat landing on his feet.

DeFrenn had always been a thrill seeker. He loved taking risks and heavy metal music, Woods said. He was managing a Pizza Hut in South Carolina at 25 years old when he decided to enlist in the Army. Along the way, he decided hed try to get into flight school.

Growing up across the country, Keith Yoakum always knew he wanted to be a pilot, his brother said. The twins were raised in Hemet, Calif., where they would ride their bikes out to an old military airfield to watch firefighting aircraft take off to drop flame retardant onto wildfires.

It started really young, said Kevin Yoakum, a retired Army aircraft mechanic.

Keith first enlisted in the Army as a vehicle mechanic, then switched to the Army Reserve as an aircraft mechanic while he began college. After two years, he applied and was accepted to flight school.

Approaching retirement, Keith Yoakum suggested his brother move his family out near Fort Novosel, Ala., and theyd go into some form of an aviation business. Fort Cavazos and a deployment to Iraq were all that stood between Keith Yoakum and his newly purchased 51 acres in Alabama, where his wife and children were waiting for him.

Kevin Yoakum still lives in Alabama and works as a civilian at Fort Novosel on flight training systems. Occasionally people who knew his brother will stop in his office, where he keeps his brothers logbook. Its filled with Keiths notes on his flights and what he was doing on different dates and times.

If they flew together, well look in the logbook and see what he had to say, he said. Its probably my most treasured item.

Every Feb. 2, Kevin Yoakum and his sons honor Keith by doing something that he would have enjoyed  they visit a museum or go to airports and look at airplanes. This year they visited the Barber Motorsports Museum.

At Woods home, her children set up a fallen soldier table in the dining room to honor their uncle on holidays. She decorates her home with Fourth of July decorations from Memorial Day to Labor Day, she said.

I wear a little bracelet that people ask me about all the time. It brings it up as a conversation point, Woods said.

She would like to see the new name become a similar launch point for new soldiers to learn about her brother, she said.

Setting aside the heroic actions of DeFrenns last moments alive, his ability to reinvent himself and excel in the military is an inspiration, Woods said.

The military gave him structure and gave him a vehicle to think big and to just follow his dreams, she said. If you really want it for yourself, you can be someone and make something of yourself.

___

(c)2023 the Stars and Stripes

Visit the Stars and Stripes at www.stripes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Hoover man was arrested last week on child pornography charges, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Wednesday.

Russell John Sweeney, 48, of Hoover, was arrested on two counts of possession of child pornography by special agents from the attorney generals offices with help from Hoover police and the University of Alabama Polices Regional Evidence and Analysis and Cyber Intelligence Team, Marshall said.

Sweeney is a substitute teacher with Hoover City Schools, the district told WBRC.

A Hoover City Schools spokeswoman could not immediately be reached to confirm Sweeneys employment.

Sweeney was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on $60,000 bond.

If convicted, he faces up to one year and one day to 10 years in prison on each count.
A former north Alabama district attorney convicted of civil rights violations more than 15 years ago for sexually fondling male defendants is now facing misdemeanor charges after authorities claim he shoplifted from Walmart.

John Pilati allegedly swiped items worth $500 or less from the Walmart in Russellville, leading to his arrest Tuesday afternoon on shoplifting charges, police told WAFF.

Pilati was convicted in 2007 and sentenced in 2008 to 42 months in prison for five civil rights violations that stemmed from his fondling defendants after making them strip for searches or to take urine tests years earlier. The victims were between the ages of 17-20.

Pilati was pardoned in 2010 and 2015, but the state Bureau of Pardons and Paroles reversed the decisions, which meant the former district attorney was put back on the states sex offender registry.
A former police chief whose two federal unreasonable force trials ended in hung juries indicated Wednesday he will plead guilty to a lesser charge before the start of his third trial.

Attorneys for ex-Citronelle Chief John Tyler Norris notified the federal court in Mobile that Norris intends to plead guilty to a lesser charge, court records showed.

The notice does not say what the lesser charge is, but Norris attorneys told Fox 10 the offense is a misdemeanor.

Norris is accused of kneeing a person in police custody in the stomach in 2021.

He was charged with deprivation of rights under color of law, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer, and witness tampering for allegedly misleading state authorities investigating the incident, according to the indictment filed against him last year.

Norris allegedly kneed the victim, only identified by the initials I.M., multiple times in the stomach on June 30, 2021.

The former Citronelle police chief also allegedly knowingly and willfully misled special agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in a statement he provided in connection with ALEAs investigation of the unlawful force against I.M. on Sept. 7, 2021, according to the indictment.

His first two trials resulted in hung juries.
This is an opinion column.

Never underestimate the power of a Black woman. Never. Ever.

Never underestimate her power to sway. With a look. With a tone. With words too brilliant to be debated. Too formidable to be outweighed. Too unerring to be undermined.

Black voters in Alabama will speak louder now, will finally have voice because Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was there, because the newest member of the U.S. Supreme Court Justicea Black womanwas seated last October when Edmond LaCour, Alabamas Solicitor General (our QB1 in state or federal court cases) tried, almost comically, to justify the states cockamamie legislative district lines. Its cockamamie, racist lines.

Lines that force Black voters, comprising 27 percent of Alabamas population, to be represented by 14 percent of those elected to serve the state in the U.S. Congress. By just one among the seven: U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, whose District 7, as I wrote last fall, looks like it was Etch-A-Sketched after tequila shots to corral Black folks from Tuscaloosa to Selma to Birmingham to the Black Belt.

Not anymore.

Not anymore because Justice Brown, hearing her first oral arguments after an infuriating and unnecessarily degrading confirmation process, sliced LaCour like a science-lab frogas I also wrote last fall. Because she deflated the inane, ill-thought argument that Alabamas gerrymandered districts were race-neutral and that redrawing them could put Alabama in violation of the U.S. Constitutions Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment because it elevated race as a primary factor.

As he stood at the lectern facing the nine justices, Brown spoke. Spoke brilliantly, formidably, and unerringly on the history of the 14th Amendmentand how absurd that history, that truth, made LaCour sound.

I dont think we can assume that just because race is taken into account that that necessarily creates an Equal protection problem, she began. I understood that we looked at the history and traditions of the Constitution at what the framers and the founders thought about. And when I drill down to that level of analysis, it became clear to me that the framers themselves adopted the Equal Protection Clause, the 14th Amendment, the 15th Amendment in a race-conscious way, that they were, in fact, trying to ensure that people who had been discriminated againstthe [Black] Freedmen during the Reconstruction periodwere actually brought equal to everyone else in society.

That was just the beginning of the eloquent dress-down. I quoted her extensively in that aforementioned columnenjoy.

RELATED: Alabamas SCOTUS lawyer gets critical race history lesson, courtesy Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Sewell, a Black woman, was in the room that October day when Brown spoke.

Sewell, like me and many others, steeled herself for a 5-4 rulingbut not this way: With two of the courts six conservative judges, Chief Justice Roberts, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, stunningly swayed and siding with Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elana Kegan, and Brown to rule what we all knewthat Alabama dilutes, diminishes and discriminates against Black voters.

RELATED: Supreme Court rules Alabama gerrymandering dilutes Black voters

Just as it did decades ago with poll taxes, jellybean jars, impossible quizzesand death threatsto hinder Black voter registration.

Now, it must go back to the drawing board and create a second majority-minority district.

Because Brown spoke.

Shes the key to the lock, Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, a Black woman, told me. Shes the key to the conscience of that court. Sometimes it only takes one person to shake and wake and snap you out of the daze youve been in for years. I think thats what she did.

Im proud, shared state Sen. Merika Coleman, also a Black woman. Representation matters. That we have a Black woman on the highest court in the land who was able to provide glowing, well-researched remarks to her colleagues and have personal experience as a person of color in this country definitely makes a difference.

Because Brown spokespoke truth with powerBlack voters in Alabama, trod upon far too long will have a voice. A voice with the power to select who represents them. (Along with our growing population of Hispanic voters.)

Because Brown spoke, Sewell will likely no longer be the lone Democrat representing Alabama in Washington, D.C. as early as 2024. (Yes, speculation on wholl run for the seat has already begun; start your pool with every prominent Black mayor, county commissioner, and state legislator.)

Because Brown spoke, Black and Hispanic voters in Jefferson County might finally shift the commissions entrenched 3-to-2 Republican majority. No doubt the SCOTUS decision boosted prospects for the group of organizations, led by Birmingham Ministries, that in April filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the commission gerrymandered districts to dampen Black voting power.

RELATED: Jefferson County sued over alleged racial gerrymandering, packing Black voters.

Because Brown spoke, legislatorsRepublican legislators, lets be clearin North Carolina, Ohio, and other states where gerrymandering has stifled minority voting power are quaking.

This is a huge victory for minority voters across this nation, Sewell added, Its an acknowledgment of one man. one vote and that you cant dilute the voting power of minority voters, be they African Americans in Alabama, or Hispanics in Texas.

Nor underestimate a Black womans voice.

More columns by Roy S. Johnson

Are we becoming the land of the bully and home of the nasty?

Through faith, former Birmingham news anchor finds unlikely new season as an actor

United Methodist member recalls effort in 1970s to merge Black and white congregations

Instead of forcing kids to hear the Star-Spanged Banner, they should study it

Questioning parenting after youth violence is real, but does not absolve lawmaker inaction

Im a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary and winner of the Edward R. Murrow prize for podcasts: Unjustifiable, co-hosted with John Archibald. My column appears in AL.com, as well as the Lede. Stay tuned for my upcoming limited series podcast Panther: Blueprint for Black Power, co-hosted with Eunice Elliott. Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, The Barbershop, here. Reach me at rjohnson@al.com, follow me at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj
The Supreme Courts surprise decision to rule in favor of Black Alabamians in the case of the congressional redistricting map has surprised many and sparked celebration across the nation.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who represents District 7, the lone Black district in the proposed map, said, This is a historic victory, not only for Black voters in Alabama, but for Democracy itself.

With this decision, the Supreme Court is saying loudly and clearly that the voices of minority voters matter and that fair representation must be upheld. I know that John Lewis and the Foot Soldiers of the Voting Rights Movement are smiling as they look down on us. Today, their sacrifice was rewarded.

Todays decision rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections, and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said. The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, the right from which all other rights ultimately flow.

Evan Milligan, a Black voter and the lead plaintiff in the case, told The Associated Press the ruling was a victory for democracy and people of color.

We are grateful that the Supreme Court upheld what we knew to be true: that everyone deserves to have their vote matter and their voice heard. Today is a win for democracy and freedom not just in Alabama but across the United States, Milligan said.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who has spoken out against the proposed map, said, The SCOTUS decision today is a powerful blow to racial gerrymandering in Alabama. The old map was a clear attempt to dilute the power of Black voters. We will not stand for silencing Black voices.

Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones expressed his excitement about the decision in a tweet. WOW! This is a huge victory folks, not just us in Alabama but for voting rights everywhere.

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Davis released a statement.

We are pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the unanimous district court which found the Alabama maps were discriminatory. We stand ready to participate meaningfully with our colleagues to create a new map that fully complies with the law.

Alabama Young Democrats said, Today was a historic victory for the Voting Rights Act and every Black Voter in the State of Alabama!

Today's Supreme Court decision protects the right of Black voters in Alabama to make their voices heard  and hopefully, is a victory for Democracy everywhere.



Now, we must restore the heart of the Voting Rights Act with our John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) June 8, 2023

After lots of bad voting rights, law out of the state of Alabama, finally a little bit of good news about redistricting and gerrymandering https://t.co/t9YnFKbwAU  Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) June 8, 2023

This decision is an enormous victory for democracy and #votingrights in Alabama and across the country. Thank you to @GreaterBhmMin, @alstatenaacp, @ACLUAlabama, Alabama Forward and everyone else who worked hard toward this day. #alpolitics https://t.co/EMvQul4Npf  Alabama Arise (@AlabamaArise) June 8, 2023

31 years.



Its been 31 years since the electoral voices of Black Alabamians have been heard and affirmed by The Court.



Today marks a new day in Alabama and a great day for the nation.



Im feeling real Keep Hope Alive-ish today!  pic.twitter.com/TqDGN1nGHb  C. G. Crawford (@CG_Crawford) June 8, 2023
A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment.

A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of a Florida law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, a move LGBTQ+ advocates are hailing as a much-needed win.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday, forbidding the state from enforcing its regulatory and statutory trans care bans for minors.

Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear, he said, adding that a medical defendant as a witness for the state agreed too.

The families of three transgender children sued the state in March after Floridas Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine adopted rules barring the prescription of puberty blockers and hormones for transgender children. They argued that these restrictions violated their constitutionally protected rights to make medical decisions for their kids.

The lawsuit also challenged portions of SB 254  the bill signed into law by Gov. DeSantis in May  that specifically bans gender-affirming care and the criminal and disciplinary consequences for those who provide such care.

Hinkles ruling affirms some of the plaintiffs claims. He states that Floridas bans are likely unconstitutional, emphasizing that the states anti-transgender motives targeted at a discrete and insular minority. LGBTQ rights advocates see the ruling as a major victory when it comes to increasing legal safeguards against discrimination.

Those of us on the ground in Florida that have been fighting this battle, and all my trans clients who have been attacked left and right relentlessly, this was a much needed win, said Simone Chriss, director of Transgender Rights Initiative at the public interest law firm Southern Legal Counsel. And I think [it] gave everyone the ability to finally take a deep breath.

Hinkle, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, noted individuals who hold the misconception that gender identity is a voluntary choice also tend to disapprove all things transgender and so oppose medical care that supports a persons transgender existence.

He found that banning treatment for minors disregards the potential risks patients may encounter.

Florida has adopted a statute and rules that prohibit these treatments even when medically appropriate, Hinkle said. If these treatments are prohibited, many patients will suffer needlessly.

Chriss thinks the judges ruling could also affect other restrictions on gender-affirming care in general.

Hinkle recently completed a bench trial for a similar case, Dekker v. Weida, challenging Floridas effort to ban and restrict Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming medical care. He relied on his preliminary injunction to inform his ruling in that case.

And Im so grateful, said Chriss. Im excited to see his order.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky visited the flood-stricken city of Kherson Thursday amid rescue efforts following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River earlier this week.

The dam's destruction early Tuesday sent a torrent of water from the upstream reservoir down the river into the recently recaptured city. The Dnipro, acting as the borderline between Ukrainian- and Russian-controlled areas in the southern front of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, also flooded several downstream settlements in the Kherson oblast.

"I visited a crossing point where people are being evacuated from flooded areas," Zelensky said in a statement on Telegram as a sign of gratitude towards rescue workers. "Our task is to protect lives and help people as much as possible."

Zelensky also called for "a clear and quick global response," criticizing international agencies for not being "capable of taking action." "Every death over there marks an indictment of the existing international mosaic, of international organizations which have gotten out of the habit of saving lives," he added.

Read Also: VIDEO: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Blowing Up Major Dam in Kherson

Kherson Residents Yet to Be Rescued from Floods, Russian Shelling

Ukrainian rescue teams have been struggling to reach families trapped in their homes after the flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.

According to a report by the independent Ukrainian news outlet Hromadske, people from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky are yet to be rescued due to the flooding. "No one is coming to save them because the Russians abandoned them," Butsko told the BBC, "and the Ukrainians can't reach the area because it's very dangerous and controlled by the Russians."

Back in Kherson, Russian forces have been shelling close to the extraction point just hours after Zelensky visited the city. Hundreds of people scrambled for cover as the shells fell near an evacuation point at Ship Square, in the heart of the city.

"The shelling began precisely during the evacuation of citizens whose homes were flooded," the Ukrainian interior ministry said in a statement.

Updates on Zaporizhzhya

Meanwhile, the Russians have claimed they repelled a Ukrainian offensive in the Zaporizhzhya region.

According to Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu, Russian forces halted the attack of a 1,500-strong Ukrainian force in the Zaporizhzhya oblast. "Today at 1:30 am (22:30 UTC)...there was an attempt to break through our defenses," he said, "the enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses."

As for the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, which is dependent on the Dnipro reservoir created by the Kakhovka Dam to cool its reactors, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Mariano Grossi said they would continue to carefully monitor the status of the plant as the reservoir rapidly recedes.

"The level of water [is], of course, decreasing quite rapidly," he told CNN. "The flux of water is unimpeded, and this is having an automatic impact on the amount of water that the nuclear power plant has to be integrated into the cooling system of the plant." Grossi added the estimated water level decrease is currently "between 5cm and 7cm per hour."

He also announced he would return to Zaporizhzhya next week with a team of nuclear safety experts from the IAEA "to have a more comprehensive assessment" of the plant's status.

Related Article: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Hitting Major Ammonia Pipeline in Potential Blow to Grain Deal

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Warfare requires deception. The federal government habitually lies to the American people. Consider that an admission that it sees itself at war with those it claims to serve.

You might have noticed that the word "propaganda" has been somewhat retired from polite conversation. Occasionally, some State-allied news corporation will apply the term to a public statement coming from inside Russia, but otherwise, the idea that governments promote falsehoods cloaked as official truths has quietly disappeared.

Instead, ordinary information enjoyed and shared among regular people is now targeted for classification. An alliance of national governments, international institutions, and propaganda engines disguised as disinterested nonprofits has sprung up to toss "unacceptable" thoughts into garbage piles for "mis-," "mal-," and "dis-" information trash bins. As with everything else in modern society, the cult of expertise has even given us "disinformation experts" to decide what knowledge belongs where.

The small coterie of "disinformation experts" recognized and promoted by governments then monitor what the common people are saying among themselves, cast their nets around anything "unacceptable," and stigmatize those words and thoughts as deserving of censorship. Perhaps one day soon there will be academic degrees in "disinformation" or special licenses distinguishing State-approved professionals as qualified to tell the rest of us what is real. As a rule of thumb, if you want to know what kinds of knowledge governments fear their citizens possessing, look to the subjects that require numerous layers of authority validation before access is granted or titles are conferred. Now the knowledge that governments fear their citizens possessing is simply information outside their control.

In this way, officials have flipped the script on propaganda. Rather than the people calling out governments for their lies, governments pre-emptively defame their citizens as liars. How do governments know when their citizens are "lying"? Easy. They just isolate anybody who contradicts publicly announced official truths. Like a puff of smoke vanishing in the wind, government propaganda disappears because anyone who recognizes it as such is guilty of spreading "mis-," "mal-," or "dis-" information.

To find out what is "true," good citizens are expected to respect the authority of government "disinformation specialists" who target what the people say but never what the government promotes. Accordingly, government propaganda flows forcefully yet invisibly because nobody is allowed to call it what it is. The liars have constructed a system in which only they may identify lies.

The question is how long Americans will silently consent to any government dedicated to public deception.

The longer I have been around to witness how small lies can cause tremendous damage, the more convinced I have become that there is no more precious calling than to seek, protect, and spread truth. Finding truth is often (if not always) difficult. Sometimes what we think is true turns out to be false, and we are forced to adjust our understanding of the world accordingly. Even when gold-tinted "truths" prove pyritic, the search for truth remains priceless.

One of the most effective ways of measuring a man's (or government's) character is not to decide whether he is right or wrong about some matter, but rather to determine whether he is committed to pursuing truth or eager to sacrifice it. A virtuous man will adjust his worldview when confronted with conflicting yet convincing evidence; an unethical man will push falsehoods, no matter how irrational or unreasonable.

The truth-seeker understands that the process of pursuing truth is valuable, even when it provides an incomplete understanding of the world. In contrast, those who push falsehoods embrace a lie that incomplete knowledge eliminates the possibility for truth. Honest people see the pursuit of truth as its own reward; dishonest people see its manipulation as a means for scamming honest people. When the government empowers itself to decide what is true and uses that authority to tell flagrant lies, it wages an information war against its citizens.

This war directed against Americans' minds has been raging for quite some time. What is different today is its pace and brazenness. Lies about Russia collusion, COVID, vaccine effectiveness, climate change, Biden family corruption, impartial justice, biological sex, American history, border security, debt sustainability, crime rates, gun safety, banking solvency, military engagements, racial disparities, religious doctrine, Western civilization, childhood development, healthy obesity, government surveillance, hydrocarbon energy, human slavery, acclaimed literature, anthropology  no topic is off limits for those who manipulate the public for a living.

Increasingly, the question is not whether the government is lying, but rather how malicious its intentions are. Did bureaucrats mandate mRNA injections that were neither safe nor effective because they are bad at science? Because they needed an alarming reason to rig the 2020 election with mail-in ballots? As a means of rewarding pharmaceutical companies and the politicians they own with windfall profits? As an opportunity to accelerate the World Economic Forum's "Great Reset"? As a way to condition people to think of property, free speech, and personal liberty as "selfish" and instead submit to the national security surveillance State?

Are the climate change cultists committed to taking over farms and ending hydrocarbon fuels because they are too dumb to understand weather patterns, solar and geothermal energies, and chemistry? Because they are committed communists who believe in global government and command-and-control economies? Because they wish to induce instability and famine that will depopulate the planet?

Do extraterrestrial UFO stories confirm that the government has long covered up an important truth, or are they hoaxes meant to distract the public from something else?

Only the "disinformation experts" know.

Government monopolies over "truth" are evil. They elevate "narratives" over news. They protect the politician's spin over facts. They champion the bureaucracy's needs over the public's. They preserve the State's power at the expense of the people's. Whenever governing authorities articulate "official truths," it means the actual truth is being smothered. Whenever governments claim the need to control information, it means that they are losing control over their citizenry. Propaganda and censorship are tools of the weak. They are the last resort of political systems no longer capable of successfully competing in the marketplace for ideas.

There is no kind of government immune from corruption. All eventually tilt toward tyranny. The best we may do to protect ourselves is to construct safeguards against this inevitability. Separation of powers, limited federal authority, diffuse state and local jurisdiction, expansive personal liberties, and effective self-defense all serve to thwart government-sanctioned injustice. Perhaps no more important safeguard exists than a strong cultural commitment to freedom of speech  long a centerpiece of American civic virtue precisely because it serves as an inherent check against State-imposed religion, ideology, and propaganda.

Every one of these counterweights to government corruption recognizes that public officials cannot be trusted. The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights are predicated on a pessimistic reality that government power attracts cutthroats and liars who must be kept under constant scrutiny, lest their deviant natures be let loose. No matter how principled a nation's founders, criminals will eventually run the government. Written constitutions restraining those criminals' worst impulses represent humanity's best efforts at minimizing the damage.

Government apparatchiks are therefore the absolute last group of people in any society who should be trusted with deciding what is true. Their vested interest in maintaining power distorts their reasoning and their fiendish natures preclude honest observation. In a just society, at least half would be serving time in prison for insider trading, criminal negligence, misappropriation of funds, or dereliction of duty. Instead, we let them print money, sell votes, play with nukes, and lock up their political enemies.

No government at war with its people can long endure. Make no mistake, any government that embraces lies and deploys public deceptions is most definitely at war.

Image: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
When Sen. Tim Scott, the only black Republican US Senator, went on The View recently to respond to personal attacks on him, Joy Behar, who had made some of those attacks, did not manage to attend to defend her hateful views. That was wise of her.

Scotts offence is that he is a black person that does not believe that America is systemically racist. That is not allowed by the new slave masters on the Left who believe themselves entitled to tell black people what theyre allowed to believe. Of course, the ladies of The View (hereafter LOVs), who will not be confused with Princeton logicians, did not bother to define what they meant by the expression systemically racist. And, as is standard in such accusations, none of them gave any evidence whatsoever that the US is systemically racist. Instead, they did what the Left usually does, namely cite a few facts or statistics that, even if true, do not prove that systemic racism exists.

For example, Sunny Hostin congratulates Scott for being the first black senator elected in the South but claims that his life story is the exception and not the rule. If that is supposed to be an argument that systemic racism exists in the US it certainly fails. The point is not difficult. The assertion that the US is systemically racist is a causal thesis (about what causes success or failure in the US), a concept with which Hostin and the other ladies on The View seem totally unfamiliar.

The key question is: What is the cause of the fact that blacks are underrepresented in key positions in US society? Hostin and the LOVs assume that it could be nothing else than systemic racism, the key presupposition of their politically useful victimization narrative. How convenient! Unfortunately, that is the fallacy of begging the question (assuming what one purports to prove). Astonishingly, it never even occurs to Hostin and the LOVs that part of that the causes of black failure are the failing schools or the high black on black crime rate in entirely Democrat run cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta.

Sunny tries again:

[S]o when it comes to racial inequality, it persists. Five core aspects of life in the US: economics, education, health care, criminal justice and housing. At nearly every turn, these achievements were fought, threatened and erased, most often by white violence.

First, Hostin does not appear to notice that she is speaking in the past tense, not about the present ( were fought, threatened and erased ). Referring to what happened in the past does not prove that systemic racism exists now in America. Second, she gives no evidence whatsoever that the racism that held black people back in the past was systemic. For example, there is no doubt that the Tulsa race massacre in 1921 was perpetrated by some evil people, but it does not appear to occur to the ladies of The View that referring to the behavior of individuals, even a lot of them, goes no way towards showing that there is systemic racism in the US. That is, Hostin, reflecting the logic of the Left, readily jumps to a specific kind of fallacy of composition argument, an argument in which one fallaciously infers from the properties of the parts of a whole (those bad people in Tulsa) to the properties of the whole system itself.

The transparent lacuna in Hostin et als argument is made comically obvious when she asks Scot: You have indicated that you dont believe in systemic racism. What is your definition of systemic racism? However, since it is Hostin et als claim that there is systemic racism in the US it is for them to propose the definition (which does not mean that Scott is bound to accept it). Hostin et al want Scott to provide the definition of the key term in their thesis? Really?

Since the ladies of The View do not bother to define their key term in their thesis, one might help them along. Since the expression systemic racism refers to the system, any proffered evidence for systemic racism would have to involve, not to properties of the individual persons in the system, but properties of the system per se. For example, one might argue that there was systemic racism in the US, or at least in large parts of it, when Democrats passed the Jim Crow laws that enshrined blacks as second class citizens in the legal system. One might also argue that there is systemic racism in certain entirely Democrat-run cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta and Philadelphia where the political and educational systems regularly turn out large percentages of black students who cannot read or write anywhere near grade level. One might also argue that certain educational institutions like Harvard are systemically racist because their race-based admissions system is biased against Asian and white students in favour of black students who have lower levels of achievement (One might ask University of Chicago-trained black economist Thomas Sowell, as good a candidate for a genius in economics as there currently is, about that). For reasons that are too obvious to mention, Hostin and the other ladies did not bring up those more plausible cases of systemic racism.

The point is that it would be possible to discuss the claim that the US is systemically racist in a serious and productive way.

First, one would have to define the key terms properly.

Second, one would have to avoid using the informal fallacies so common in television discussions of these issues.

Third, one would need a basic understanding of the logic of science pertaining to the nature of evidence, the notions of confirmation and falsification and the basic ideas of probability and statistics.

There are these things called critical reasoning texts that discuss such matters in great detail. Since Hostin has a J.D. from Notre Dame, one would assume she is familiar with such material but she, with the remainder of the ladies of The View, shows no sign of this.

Understanding, and solving, such disputes, is quite difficult. One must actually know something and want to achieve the clarity needed to resolve such claims. The unserious emotional personal attacks and food fights so common on virtue-signalling shows like The View are part of the problem, not part of the solution. They make it harder to solve such social problems, not easier. Scott, in effect, points this out when he states,

"That is a dangerous, offensive, disgusting message to send to our young people today, that the only way to succeed is by being the exception ... I'm gonna suggest the fact of the matter is that progress in America is palpable."

If shows like The View convince young blacks that the system is stacked against them, then they have no reason to try to succeed. That is a self-fulfilling prophecy that will result in more cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, etc. Ironically, part of the real causes of black underperformance in the US is not systemic racism. It is, rather, conceptually deficient virtue-signalling shows like The View.
There is nothing more fundamental to electioneering than taking a list of registered voters, knocking on their doors, pitching your candidate, handing each a flyer, and getting them all out to vote.

This is the building block of election management. It is stunning how absolutely incompetent the Republican Party is performing this fundamental task.

Last week, NBC News did a story about how the canvassing for Republican candidates was so bad that it likely lost the Senate elections in Nevada and Georgia, and probably others as well.

Our Republican Party pals could not deliver a list of voters that was close to accurate!

The next time you sit back bemoaning the country going to the devil, remember that fundamentals win elections, and your team cannot deliver the most fundamental task: an accurate list of registered voters.

We learned this in 2021, when Sheriff Clarke invited us to apply our game-changing technology, Fractal, to the voter list in Wisconsin. The success we had helping the great Wisconsin election integrity team brought us into 12 other states  now running the largest voter database in the world at 1.7 billion records.

A major conservative publication, The Conservative Treehouse, went as far as crediting Senator Ron Johnson's narrow Wisconsin win to that Wisconsin voter integrity team. We agree. One for the good guys.

In 2022, we received the RNC lists for several swing states. We compared them to our own lists and found the RNC lists to be 40% to 50% inaccurate.

In advertising, there is a saying: "50% of all advertising is wasted. But nobody knows which 50%."

The same can be applied to electioneering advertising  with the caveat that we know exactly which 50% is wasted, because with Fractal, we create lists that are 99% accurate. We update them constantly.

Let's go there.

Where do lists come from?

Lists originate at the voter roll.

Politicos download a copy of the registered voter roll. Unfortunately, in every swing state, and most other states, from 10% to 30% of the current names and/or addresses are out of date. Republicans start way behind.

As the NBC article notes, Republican paid canvassers take these lists and go door to door.

When they are pressured, which is always, canvassers make up fake information and enter it into those canvassing lists. That is not us saying it  the NBC article quotes the Republican operatives stating it. We see it as well.

Those lists get to 50% inaccurate pretty fast.

What do campaigns do?

Republican campaigns mail massive volumes of postcards  to lists that are 50% inaccurate. They pay to send texts to people who are, 50% of the time, not there. They hire canvassers  actually fly them into a state  paying for hotels, food, flights  and 50% or more of the addresses they contact are wrong.

Bad data, continually recycled within a campaign, compound unnecessary costs  wasting 50% of the total outreach spend.

In the world of Republican politics, yes, we know which 50% is wasted, because we know which addresses are fake. We built the Undeliverable Ballot Database  the single best view of where a ballot can go, or a canvasser can go, and find the true voter.

It's not just the RNC. Candidates, who ought to know better, are just as guilty.

We did the expert witness report for the Kari Lake campaign after her loss.

We are just data guys, not involved in politics. We thought it would be pretty obvious that a gifted candidate like Lake would remember Election Night 2020. Arizona went to Biden  a real surprise.

The following months showed massive voter fraud in two large metro counties. So, as data guys, we expected Kari Lake would cut the cards, clean her lists and thus double her reach-out spend capacity, monitor election rolls, and enjoy being governor.

Nope.

Lake mindlessly gobbled those GOP lists, never monitored the election commission, and lost several different ways. We were able to show that had she simply done election roll real-time analysis monitoring, in one county alone, she would likely have stopped tens of thousands of fake voter roll changes that worked against her.

What candidate would see prima facie voter fraud, multiple ways, and think he could outrun it with a great smile and the ability to make stupid press types look...stupid?

Let's not blame Lake  she is in good company.

This happened in Nevada, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and a number of other states. The balance of power in the United States Senate can be said today to be the singular result of crappy Republican lists.

Reminds us of the nursery rhyme: "for want of a nail, a kingdom was lost."

Unfortunately, it's our kingdom, and it's not a nursery rhyme. It's reality.

How do we fix this?

Focusing on voter lists, let's remember that they change constantly. About 20% of addresses and names change every year, often more in college-dominant counties. Thus, real-time voter roll management is needed.

Every corporation on Planet Earth is beating a path to being as real-time as possible. Each wants to know what its customers are thinking, buying, posting  now. The singular exception is the Republican Party, who uses an SQL, obsolete, batch, "data driven" approach  leading to continual losses with crappy lists.

Also, Republican candidates, like Lake, who use their lists without question.

To keep voter lists pristine, start with close to pristine data  personal property tax rolls. We ingest the property tax rolls for the county. Thus, the list starts with every address. What is on the dirt there? Is it a vacant lot, or is it a home or business?

What year was the building built? How many square feet? Number of bedrooms and baths? What is the business? If it is an apartment or multi-unit building, what are all the corollary addresses?

We then ingest the voter rolls. We reconcile the voter rolls with the tax rolls. Those tax rolls are the way the county gets its dough  they are very accurate and up to date. To keep them up to date, we re-ingest them every 30 days!

We know that Samantha is registered to vote in a vacant lot  so we can challenge a mail-in ballot to her because mail is not delivered to vacant lots! We look into Phineas's location because while he lives in an apartment building, he claims to live in the clubhouse  which has no bedrooms. We review this on our Omega4America site under the Undeliverable Ballot Database. It is very detailed  updated constantly.

In 2022, canvassers in Wisconsin used the RNC lists and reported that they were 50% inaccurate. In 2023, there were some special elections and primaries, and the Wisconsin team, using Fractal, brought our lists to the party.

The paid canvassers reported that the Fractal lists were over 99% accurate. In one interview, the person said that in 20 years as a paid canvasser, this was the most accurate list he had ever used.

We are not here for accolades  we are here to move the Republicans to real time.

We want to introduce artificial intelligence address matching  which we pioneered  into electioneering.

We want to introduce Republicans to similarity search name matching  in which we were awarded six patents.

We don't care if Republicans use our technology  just do real time, and stop losing with SQL and relational databases.

We offered Fractal free to the Arizona voter integrity teams, and they refused it seven times  as have several of the national voter integrity organizations. Our real time analysis would have alerted the Lake campaign to the 107,000 changes to the voter rolls a week before the election.

Our company is valued at over a billion dollars. Our clients use our A.I. technology to protect the power grid, manage the power consumption in office buildings, replace aging corporate systems.

We are trying to overcome idiocy. It's harder than we thought it would be, but we are trying.

There is a future for delivering winning electioneering lists  accurate canvassing  highly efficient voter reach-out. Real-time, constantly updated voter lists can be delivered  today  at a fraction of what the RNC is paying its obsolete tech vendors.

If a kingdom is to be lost for want of a nail, it won't be for the want of our nail.

Jay Valentine led the team that built the eBay fraud detection engine, the TSA No-Fly List, and the identity fraud system used by most of the property insurance industry. His team built the Undeliverable Ballot Database and now works with several state legislatures defining how to use real-time Fractal analysis to clean voter rolls, clean Medicaid rolls, and find FEC contribution mules.

Image: cagdesign via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Like clockwork, whenever there is a big storm, a flood, warming or cooling, a drought, or any other weather event, the green pushers come out and say the climatic activity is caused by humans and our use of natural resources.

The solution is always the same, more money and power for the government, which they can then redistribute to their allies  and we always are in a race against time. Companies that produce reasonably priced energy must be destroyed, and the freedom of choice must be abolished, from the types of cars people choose to drive to the appliances to use in their home.

What we never see are facts that show scientific data linking coal, natural gas, or crude oil consumption directly to temperatures, storm activity, or sea levelsbecause there are none.

The current event is big wildfires in Canada that are to blame for dangerous air quality in the American Northeast.

Somehow, the puppets in the media and the government dont know or dont care that an estimated 60% of fires in Canada are caused naturally by lighting and the other 40% are mostly preventable if humans were more careful; what is not on the list is climate change. From a Canadian government website:

What causes wildfires in British Columbia? There are two broad categories of causes: 1. Lightning (and a rare chance of other natural causes) causes approximately 60% of wildfires 2. Human activity causes approximately 40% of wildfires

Now, lets expand the human activity item:

The most important thing about human-caused wildfires is that they are preventable. The easiest way to fight a wildfire is to prevent it from starting. Humans start wildfires in several ways, either by accident or intentionally. For example:  Open burning  Vehicle and engine use  Industrial activity  Fireworks, sky-lanterns, outdoor flame lighting  Discarding burning items (cigarettes)  Arson

(For transparencys sake, the current round of wildfires is largely confined to the eastern portion of Canada, while British Columbia is on the western end of the country. However, the absence of climate change from the list of causes is the linchpin.)

However, and contrary to all fact and reason, this is what the spokes-puppet for the White House said about the cause of the fires:

Jean-Pierre Claims Climate Crisis Causing Record Poor Northeast Air Quality

Here is the brilliant Joy Reid of MSNBC somehow blaming oil consumption in the U.S.  it must be a magical experience to live in Reids brain.

Reid Fearmongers Over Wildfires, Blames U.S. Oil Consumption

Here are Democrat campaign workers, posing as journalists, at ABC News blaming climate change:

How Canadas wildfires and air quality warnings are connected to climate change

Maybe journalists at ABC should explain why their catastrophic predictions in 2008 were so wrong? (Hint: Because they were made up instead of being based on scientific facts.) Remember this?

New York City underwater? Gas over $9 a gallon? A carton of milk costs almost $13? Welcome to June 12, 2015. Or at least that was the wildly-inaccurate version of 2015 predicted by ABC News exactly seven years ago. Appearing on Good Morning America in 2008, Bob Woodruff hyped Earth 2100, a special that pushed apocalyptic predictions of the then-futuristic 2015.

California wildfires were bad in the spring of 2022 and the fear mongers blamed humans and climate change. But the 2022 wildfires were very mild in comparison to previous years. Did the greenies admit they were just making things up? Nope, they said we just got lucky that it rained, and the wind changed. See what The New York Times said just six months ago:

When a string of wildfires broke out in California this spring, experts saw it as an unsettling preview of another destructive fire season to come  the consequence of forests and grasslands parched by persistent drought and higher temperatures fueled by climate change. Yet, by the years end, California had managed to avoid widespread catastrophe. Wildfires have burned about 362,000 acres this year, compared with 2.5 million acres last year and a historic 4.3 million acres in 2020. Its really just that we got lucky, said Lenya Quinn-Davidson, a fire advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension. This years relatively mild wildfire season doesnt mean that the landscape was much less vulnerable, that the forests were in better condition or that climate change had less of an effect on the intensity and behavior of wildfires than in previous years, Ms. Quinn-Davidson said. Instead, a combination of well-timed precipitation and favorable wind conditions seemed to play the biggest role.

Journalists who basically repeat talking points without doing research and asking questions show no intelligence. I have said they could be replaced by AI, because its being programmed to also repeat the same talking points.

The people that are pushing the radical, leftist agenda to destroy industries that produce reasonably-priced energy and directly and indirectly employ tens of millions, all to pretend they can control temperatures, sea levels, and storm activity include:

The people who colluded to spread lies about Russian collusion for years.

The people who colluded to spread misinformation from the WHO, the CDC, and Anthony Fauci, and sought to silence anyone who disagreed.

The people who colluded to bury the truth about the incompetence and corruption of Joe Biden.

The people who still collude to pretend the 2020 election was free and fair.

The people who collude to label anyone who demands science, freedom, and reason a denier or a racist or a grandma killer.

These people should not be trusted to tell the truth on anything, and we should not elect them to run our great country. Here is a hint: Politicians and bureaucrats cant control the wind, rain, or the climate if you simply pay higher taxes and pack yourself like a sardine into a 15-minute city hellscape.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Robert and Donald, two men with different dispositions, public policy positions, and pasts, are nonetheless quite similar in that they represent, wholeheartedly, what America used to be, what it ought to be, and what it still can be: a safe haven for self-expression, individuality, and entrepreneurship.

Their stories, while dissimilar, also have commonalities.

Frederick Trump, Donald's grandfather, emigrated from Germany in 1885; he worked as a barber, and then, like most men of his time, left the big city for the untamed west, where he established a saloon and brothel. Donald's grandmother started the Trump organization in Queens; his father, Fred, expanded the business into low-budget housing; and Donald, ever the ambitious type, and with the idealism and optimism common among youth, single-handedly transformed the Trump organization's low-budget brand into the bombast of luxury high-rise buildings that reshaped the New York City skyline.

In the mid-'80s, in perhaps his most iconic moment, Donald chided and berated Ed Koch's incompetent management, proving once again, and perhaps once and for all, that if you want something done right, then you ought to ask an entrepreneur. He convinced Koch to let him fix the city-owned ice rink, a project that Koch had been fiddling with for years, and after fixing it within months, he instantaneously became a media darling  so much so that in the golden age of the '80s, Donald was the hero of New York City, an entrepreneur with the "Midas Touch," with a golden family, living on top of a golden city, in his golden penthouse suite. Nothing could go wrong, and all the glamour and glory he could ever want  and that which he didn't want  followed him into the depths of the decade.

In 1849, 40 years before Frederick Trump arrived on our shores, a good and decent man named Patrick Kennedy, a descendant of Irish nobility, traveled from Ireland to America in search of opportunity and prosperity. Patrick's son, P.J. Kennedy, like Frederick, was a saloon owner who later became a state legislator in Massachusetts. Soon after, his son, Joseph, built a substantial fortune on Wall Street, and the Kennedy name became world-renowned.

And so, with the gift of Irish charm and storytelling, the Kennedys emerged as America's favorite political dynasty. Indeed, there was always something deeply romantic about JFK's Camelot, for even those who disagreed with their policy proposals respected them for who they really were: good men who loved their country, who fought for liberty, who valued the Constitution on which our nation was founded, and who were unafraid to take on the corrupt. Like the ancestors of that old Irish clan from which they came, they symbolize goodness and truth and love and liberty.

So perhaps we should not be surprised that in America's darkest hour, a Kennedy has materialized, yet again, to battle the centralized actors, the oligarchical pharmaceutical companies, the global censorship, and the plutocracy emerging from the dystopian halls of the WEF. And similar to his father, and much to the chagrin of the establishment, Robert is positioning himself on that threshold between love and truth, and the manipulation and prevarication of those who seek to gain power through hate and division.

Trump, while he may lack the charm of an Irish aristocrat, nevertheless won over the hearts and minds of millions. His fearless and bombastic disposition, his courage, wit, and rugged individualism have been an inspiration to those who want a champion who's willing to kick over a few tables inside Washington's snooty, supercilious politburo. He's a no-nonsense businessman, a symbol of production, and a real estate developer who's much too busy to care about the refined sensibilities of polite society or some half-wit paper-pushing academic promulgating anti-enlightenment dogma at a third-rate diploma mill. Like most Americans, he has no tolerance for political correctness, lists of speech, safe spaces, or nimini-piminy personalities.

Sometimes he's crude, sometimes rude, but when the dust settles, we know that this wealthy New Yorker, like the populist Theodore Roosevelt, will deliver the unvarnished truth. He's as American as American can be. There are those who say he's too rugged, too inconsiderate, and too unelectable, and yes, Donald is probably more like his Wild West grandfather than his MIT uncle, but there is no denying he's as gifted and talented as both. In short, he's become the epitome of Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena."

The policy solutions these two men propose are quite different, but both are populists; both are champions of capitalists, farmers, factory workers, and perhaps more importantly the individualism that built America. Both, if elected, would protect our civil liberties and free markets. Let's hope for the sake of our country, and for Earth's last bastion of liberty, that one of these two patriots wins the presidency.

Eireahmon Feidhlim Ruaidhri is an Irish-American attorney with an LL.B. and LL.M. from the University of London.

Photo montage by Monica Showalter with use of image by Daniel Schwen via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, and public domain images from the White House and OpenClipart.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is encouraging cities to "contain growth of private car use" and, in fact, aims to drastically reduce the number of cars by 2050, according to a recently published white paper. The briefing paper, titled "The Urban Mobility Scorecard Tool: Benchmarking the Transition to Sustainable Urban Mobility," was published by the WEF in collaboration with Visa in May 2023, according to lifesitenews.com. The paper cites now nearly ubiquitous (yet falsified) data and (the inaccurate and dishonest) climate models as reasons for the WEF's assault on private cars.

The document strongly urged increased "shared, electric, connected and automated (SEAM) transport modes and a shift to more compact cities" as a means to reduce the number of cars to 500 million worldwide by 2050 in order to drastically reduce carbon emissions. It reads:

No one city, or one company, can achieve this vision alone. Through strong public-private collaboration, we can find innovative, impactful, and context-sensitive solutions for mobility to enable a sustainable future for cities.

Context-sensitive, you say? What a load of crap!

The key word here is "private." The elitists who desperately wish to shape (read: "rule") the world going forward are not fond of common folks being able to go where they want, whenever they want  without their knowledge, input, direction, and approval.
It seems like HONOR is doing extremely well overseas. This China-based company marked a 400% growth in Europe, 700% growth in Latin America, and 500% growth in the Middle East & Africa.

HONOR marked a huge growth in Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

This information comes from Counterpoint Research, by the way. The site reports that 2022 has been the worst year for smartphone shipments since 2013, but that didnt stop HONOR from growing considerably.

HONORs shipments outside of its homeland, as a whole, grew almost four-fold in Q1 2023, compared to the same period last year. HONOR is the only smartphone OEM, aside from HMD, that marked growth in the same period.

Advertisement

HONOR did especially well in the regions mentioned in the first paragraph, Europe, Latin America (LATAM), and Middle East & Africa (MEA).

Counterpoint Research reports that it took HONOR a bit of time to gain ground in Europe since separating from Huawei at the end of 2020. The company returned in full force in early 2022, and its results in Europe speak for itself.

The companys mid-range smartphones were the most popular, but its flagship offerings are gaining traction

The company partnered up with some of the largest operators across a number of countries and gained considerable traction. The HONOR 50 and 50 Lite were the companys main sellers in Q1 2022, while the HONOR 70 took that role in Q1 2023.

The HONOR Magic4 Pro did especially well in France, Germany, and the UK, while the budget X series also found its markets in Italy and Eastern Europe. In Q1 2023, the mid-range smartphones were the most popular (49%), followed by the X series (28%), and then the flagship Magic series (23%). In Europe.

Advertisement

The companys Magic flagship series is growing, and HONOR even released its foldable offering in Europe this year, the Magic Vs. That is a very compelling foldable smartphone that weve reviewed earlier in the year, in case youre interested.

Counterpoint Research expects HONOR to gradually grow its overseas market position,

gaining share from rivals as it achieves increasing distribution across both operator and retail channels, its product portfolio expands and its brand gains awareness.
Louisiana legislators headed by Republicans were successful in passing a law that prohibits transgender medical care for kids. The measure was approved by a majority vote that was "veto-proof."

Legislation restricting or prohibiting transgender surgery for children has recently been approved in an increasing number of states. And after the voting on Wednesday, June 7, Louisiana is set to join that growing number.

Notably, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a bill in May that prohibits transgender surgery on minors and provides certain protections for educators who are asked to use "pronouns" in the classroom.

With Bipartisan Backing, Louisiana Bans Transgender Sex Change Surgeries on Minors

Republican Louisiana state representative Gabe Firment authored the measure as he is a vocal opponent of gender-affirming surgery for minors. He expressed his joy at the bill's success in a message he sent to Fox News.

"Thanks to the bi-partisan support of the Louisiana State Senate, we are one step closer to protecting children in Louisiana from experimental chemical and surgical sex change procedures. HB648 has passed both chambers of the state legislature with veto-proof majorities, and the people of Louisiana have made it clear that our children are worth fighting for.

"The passage of this important legislation would not have been possible without the help of courageous [detransitioners], brave Louisiana physicians and advocates, and parents and grandparents across our great state. It is my sincere hope that Governor Edwards will allow this bill to become law, ensuring that Louisiana children receive compassionate mental health care and a future filled with hope, happiness, and opportunity," Firment stated.

See Also: US LGBTQ+ Community Is in State of Emergency, Says Human Rights Campaign

The New York Times reports that the state legislature approved the law with a "wide-enough margin to override a veto." This means that even Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, who is a Democrat, may not be able to reject it.

Firment also posted an opinion piece from the Wall Street Journal on his Twitter account about the harmful impacts of gender-affirming care on youngsters.

To provide gender-affirming treatment for kids is to conduct an experiment on kids and teenagers, according to his argument. He said it is tantamount to child abuse to turn a blind eye to the long-term risks associated with the uncontrolled off-label distribution of potent puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.

From @WSJopinion. Gender-affirming care for children is... a human experiment on children and teens... Ignoring the long-term dangers posed by unrestricted off-label dispensing of powerful puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones... borders on child abuse.#lalege #lagov https://t.co/0MGnEc4FgO  State Representative Gabe Firment (@FirmentGabe) June 8, 2023

AP News reported that the measure had failed in a legislative committee in May, making its revival in June all the more unusual.

The report indicates that the bill drew statewide and national attention when a Republican broke a tie to defeat it in the Senate Health & Welfare Committee in May.

See Also: North Dakota Rights Advocate Condemns School Board for Concealing Kids' Gender Identities From Parents

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, the worlds first 5G smartphone, has officially reached its end of life. The Korean firm has withdrawn software support for the phone this month. It will no longer get new updates in the future, not even security patches.

Samsung launched the Galaxy S10 5G in February 2019, alongside the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+. While the latter three arrived on the market in March, the 5G model was slightly delayed and debuted in April in the companys homeland South Korea. Despite the delay, the device still holds the title of the worlds first commercial 5G smartphone.

Over the past four years, the Galaxy S10 5G has received dozens of security updates, a few minor feature updates, and three major Android OS updates. The handset debuted running Android 9 Pie and picked up updates to Android 10, Android 11, and Android 12 during this period. Unfortunately, thats all Samsung promised for the phone: three generations of Android OS upgrades and four years of security patches.

As such, the Galaxy S10 5G reached its end of life in April 2023. A couple of months later, Samsung has now officially stopped pushing new updates to the device. The phone no longer finds a place on the companys update support list. It may still release one or two updates in case theres a critical bug that needs fixing immediately. But dont expect new security patches or feature updates for your aging device.

Advertisement

Note that Samsung has already withdrawn software support for the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+. As said earlier, these three models debuted in March 2023 and completed four years on the market this March. The Korean behemoth removed them from its update support list in April, along with the Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A30 mid-range handsets. The latter two also arrived in March 2019.

The Galaxy S10 Lite will get updates at least until January 2024

Samsung has a fifth model in the Galaxy S10 lineup. The Lite model debuted in January 2020 as the companys first affordable flagship. It still has some life left in it. The Galaxy S10 Lite will get updates at least until January 2024. Its done getting major Android OS upgrades, though. The device is not eligible for Android 14. It will end its life on Android 13-based One UI 5.1. We will let you know when the Galaxy S10 Lite gets new security updates. Meanwhile, if youre using other Galaxy S10 models, you should consider upgrading to a newer device.
Samsung has announced a new step challenge for Samsung Health users in some countries. The Samsung Health Olympic Day Step Challenge celebrates International Olympic Day 2023, which is observed on June 23 every year since 1948. It commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 23 June 1894.

Samsungs Olympic Day Step Challenge is available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the US, and the UAE. It encourages Samsung health users in these countries to log steps, stay active, and enjoy the significant health benefits of daily movement.

Interested users can participate in this challenge through a banner under the Together tab of the Samsung Health app. The banner is already live. Simply tap on the Join now button in the banner and youre in. The challenge itself begins on June 10 and runs through June 23. The overall target is 100,000 steps. Anything from a joyful dance or a walk to a revitalizing run and taking the stairs at work will count. Samsung Health will encourage participants with a congratulations message at every 20,000-step milestone.

Once the challenge is live, you can visit the Together tab to access the Challenge Map. Here, you can see your total step count and ranking in the global chart. If you complete the challenge (100,000 steps), youll get a unique Olympic Day Badge on your Samsung Health profile. You can check your badges in the My Page tab of the app. If you want to leave the challenge, you can do that from the ellipsis button (three vertical dots) in the top right corner of the challenge page. Samsung plans to organize more such large-scale events for the 64 million Samsung Health users around the world.

Advertisement

This Samsung Health step challenge is part of the IOCs Lets Move initiative

Samsungs new step challenge is part of the IOCs Lets Move initiative launched on the occasion of this years Olympic Day. The initiative aims to inspire the world to move more every day. Movement can make us feel amazing. Daily physical activity has multiple health benefits for our bodies, hearts, and minds. Thats why on Olympic Day on 23rd June, we invite the world to join us and celebrate the joy of moving by building physical activity into our daily lives, the IOC says. Samsung Health will invite participants in this step challenge to join the initiative with every milestone message.
For Fathers Day, Samsung is discounting the Smart Monitor M8, which is their iMac-like monitor that they released a couple of years ago. Its currently on sale for $449, which is going to save you $250 off of the regular price. Making this a really great deal. And just in time for Fathers Day.

Samsung Smart Monitor M8 - Samsung.com

Why you should buy the Samsung Smart Monitor M8

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is a great all-in-one monitor that can be used for work, play, and everything in between. It has a sleek design, a powerful processor, and a wide range of features that make it perfect for a variety of needs.

Here are some of the reasons why you should buy the Samsung Smart Monitor M8:

Advertisement

Sleek design: The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any home office or living room. It is also very thin and lightweight, making it easy to move around.

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any home office or living room. It is also very thin and lightweight, making it easy to move around. Powerful processor: The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is powered by a powerful processor that makes it fast and responsive. This means that you can work on multiple projects at once, stream high-definition videos, and play games without any lag.

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is powered by a powerful processor that makes it fast and responsive. This means that you can work on multiple projects at once, stream high-definition videos, and play games without any lag. Wide range of features: The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 has a wide range of features that make it perfect for a variety of needs. These features include: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: This allows you to connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. Smart TV apps: This allows you to stream your favorite shows and movies from popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. USB-C connectivity: This allows you to connect your laptop or other devices to the monitor with a single cable. SlimFit Camera: This is a built-in webcam that makes video calls easy and convenient.

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 has a wide range of features that make it perfect for a variety of needs. These features include: Affordable price: The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is very affordable, making it a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality monitor without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for a powerful, versatile, and affordable monitor, the Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is a great option. It is perfect for work, play, and everything in between.

Here are some additional benefits of owning a Samsung Smart Monitor M8:

Portability: The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is very portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. This is perfect for students, travelers, and anyone who needs to work from different locations.

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is very portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. This is perfect for students, travelers, and anyone who needs to work from different locations. Environmentally friendly: The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is Energy Star certified, which means that it is energy efficient. This helps to reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is Energy Star certified, which means that it is energy efficient. This helps to reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills. Warranty: The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 comes with a one-year warranty, which gives you peace of mind knowing that you are covered if something goes wrong.

Overall, the Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is a great monitor that offers a lot of value for the price. It is perfect for anyone looking for a powerful, versatile, and affordable monitor.

Samsung Smart Monitor M8 - Samsung.com
Samsung has released the June 2023 Android security patch for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S20 series. The rollout began recently but the new security update is already available fairly widely in Europe and Latin America. The company should soon cover units in the US.

The June SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra is rolling out to European users with the firmware build number S90*BXXU5CWEA. The same update in Latin America comes with the build number S90*EXXS5CWE7. Samsung isnt pushing any notable new features or other changes to the device in either region, SamMobile reports. The updates are all about this months security fixes, which we will talk about in more detail later in this article.

Meanwhile, these security fixes are now also available for Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. As of this writing, the June SMR for Samsungs 2020 flagships is rolling out in a bunch of European countries with the build number G98*BXXUHHWED. The update may contain more than just the latest security patch but we dont have a changelog to confirm that. Dont expect any major new features, though. The Korean firm will expand this release to more markets in the coming days.

The June update for Galaxy devices patches more than 60 security issues

Samsungs June update contains patches for more than 60 vulnerabilities. As usual, thats the combined total of patches coming from Samsung (Galaxy-specific issues) and Google (Android OS issues). The Korean firm patched 11 security issues specific to its products, including some in the Exynos baseband and Knox security platform. The remaining 50-odd patches are for security flaws in Android OS and other partner components. They affect Android devices from other brands as well.

Advertisement

At least three patches pushed to Galaxy devices as part of the June SMR concern critical Android OS vulnerabilities. Along with the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S20 series, Samsung is also seeding these security patches to the Galaxy A12 Nacho, a budget phone that saw a limited release in 2021. The new update for the phone bears the build number A127FXXU9DWE4 and is currently available in Russia. Samsung may or may not push the June SMR to this phone in other markets.

Nonetheless, if youre using any of these Samsung devices, watch out for a new update in the coming days. The Korean firm has also pushed the June SMR to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy A53, Galaxy A52s 5G, Galaxy A52, Galaxy A23, and Galaxy Tab Active 3 in some markets.
Word on the street has it that the TSMC 2nm fabrication process is about to enter its production stage. To facilitate the production process, TSMC might rely on the power of artificial intelligence to a certain extent. According to the sources of this information, TSMC is kicking off pre-production work on their coming 2nm fabrication process.

Currently, the semiconductor industry is making use of the 3nm fabrication process. The next step in the evolution of the industry is the introduction of chips made using the 2nm process. Many competitors such as Intel, Samsung, MediaTek, and so on are preparing to make this technology available to their customers in the coming months.

But it seems as though TSMC has beaten them all to it, as they are already preparing to begin production with the 2nm fabrication process. It seems as though the Taiwanese company is more than ready to kick off the pre-production trial using the 2nm fabrication technology. Here is all the information concerning the TSMC 2nm fabrication process currently in the development stage.

Details on the TSMC 2nm fabrication process that is currently going into pre-production trial

The source of this information points out that TSMC is employing artificial intelligence for the 2nm production process. The artificial intelligence enhancement method is known as AutoDMP and its job is to increase the speed of the design process. This technology puts the Nvidia DGX H100 chip to use to improve its power and performance.

Advertisement

From the available reports, this artificial intelligence-enabled process is 30 times faster than other chip design techniques. With this on the ground, TSMC will be able to hit its target to produce 1,000 wafers before the end of the year. Starting the pre-production trials now is not in line with previous plans to kick off the project next year.

TSMC is moving ahead of the competition to make its 2nm fabrication process ready for usage early enough. By integrating artificial intelligence into its fabrication process, TSMC will reduce carbon emissions. This process will also make use of the gate-all-around (GAAFET) transistors during design.

With this technology, TSMC will be able to cut down transistor density and reduce any current leakage. Some benefit of the GAAFET technology for the end users is that it will improve performance while using less energy. In comparison with chips using the 3nm process, those to launch with the 2nm process will step up the performance bar.

Mass production of 2nm wafers will kick off after the production trial is over. Coming smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices will launch using processors developed on TSMCs 2nm fabrication process. Competitors within the semiconductor industry might be moved to hasten up in the rolling out of their individual 2nm fabrication processes.
Password sharing is banned across most Netflix users now, and users are upset. But, it was only a matter of time before someone found a way to cheat the system. According to Evening Standard, some frustrated Netflix users found a sneaky workaround for the password-sharing ban.

In case you dont know, Netflix enacted a ban on password-sharing, and its been testing this out since last year. Basically, Netflix account holders are no longer allowed to share their passwords with other people for free. Instead, if another person wants to get on to their account, then the account holder will be forced to pay an additional $3/month.

While just about every person on the face of the earth despised it, Netflix went ahead and enforced the ban. So, if you are on someone elses Netflix account, no more binge-watching Stranger Things for you unless you get your own account- or you could convince the account holder to pay an extra $3/month for you. Good luck with that

Theres a sneaky workaround to get around the Netflix password-sharing ban

Again, it was only a matter of time before someone found a way around this. This method popped up on the r/unethicallifeprotips community on Reddit. If you are tech-savvy, then this solution may seem so simple.

Advertisement

Basically, the trick involves you tricking Netflix into thinking that you are in the same house as the account holder even when youre not. It requires using a VPN. You will use a VPNs mesh Network function to connect to an internet connection but retain the IP address of the home internet connection.

Netflix checks which internet connection youve connected to. So, if youre using an internet connection in a different city or even in a different house, Netflix will block your access.

So, this method makes Netflix think that you are all connected to the same internet connection. While this is a relatively simple workaround, were not sure if so many people will be doing this hack as to cause Netflix to go bankrupt. However, once the company gets wind of it, it might bring some changes to make things even worse. Only time will tell.
Verizon is making its unlimited prepaid plans more attractive with a new multi-line promotion. It is offering a $20 discount on additional lines for Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans. You can now have four lines with Verizons Unlimited plan for as low as $140 per month, according to a new announcement.

Save $20 on additional lines on Verizon Unlimited plans

Verizon has two options for those looking to tap into its unlimited offerings. The standard Unlimited plan starts at $60/month, but you can get it at $50/month with Autopay or Loyal Discount Price. It gives you 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data across its 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE networks. You wont get access to the faster 5G Ultra Wideband network, though.

If you want faster 5G, you can get the Unlimited Plus plan at $70/month, discounted to $60/month with Autopay or Loyal Discount Price. At that price, you get 50GB of premium network access. This plan also bumps the high-speed mobile hotspot data cap to 25GB and adds Global Choice at no additional cost. The latter perk gives you 180 minutes of free voice calls to a selected country every month. Thats in addition to unlimited calls to Canada and Mexico, which you get with all Verizon plans.

While these perks are quite competitive, Verizons latest promotion makes both unlimited plans even more attractive if youre willing to get multiple lines. The standard Unlimited plan with two lines is now available for $80/month. You can also get three lines for $110/month and four lines for $140/month.

Advertisement

Likewise, the Unlimited Plus plan costs $100/month for two lines, $140/month for three lines, and $180/month for four lines. Thats a flat $20 discount on each additional line you add to either plan.

Verizon is also offering a discount on a Netflix and Paramount+ bundle

Verizons latest promotion comes shortly after the carrier announced a discounted bundle of Netflix Premium and Paramount+ with Showtime. Starting on June 2, the two streaming services are available at $25.99 per month for its customers.

Separately, Netflix Premium costs $19.99 a month, while Paramount+ with Showtime is priced at $11.99. So youre saving $6 every month with this bundle. interested customers can grab the deal through Verizons +play portal.
YouTube is pulling back its election misinformation policy introduced in 2020, shortly after the results of the US Presidential elections. The company says this will enable open political discussion and debate during the ongoing election season on the platform. The updated policy is already in effect.

YouTube says the misinformation policy didnt make a meaningful impact

Introduced in December 2020, YouTubes election misinformation policy allowed the company to remove videos that promoted lies or false information about the 2020 US Presidential elections. This came after controversies around the results. There have been unproven allegations of voter fraud, with YouTube being one of the most popular platforms used to spread such claims. The company said that it will not allow videos that misled users about the outcome of the elections.

Over the past two years, YouTube has removed tens of thousands of such videos from the platform. While this move did curb the spread of misinformation, the company says that the policy has had some unintended effects. It reduced political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm. As such, it is walking back that policy, allowing creators to share political content that may be factually incorrect, potentially misleading viewers.

With 2024 campaigns well underway, we will stop removing content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches occurred in the 2020 and other past US Presidential elections, YouTube said in a blog post. The ability to openly debate political ideas, even those that are controversial or based on disproven assumptions, is core to a functioning democratic society  especially in the midst of election season.

Advertisement

YouTube isnt changing most other election-related policies

While the election misinformation policy may be going away, YouTube will keep all other election-related policies intact. The company states that it will not tolerate content aiming to mislead voters about the time, place, means, or eligibility requirements for voting. YouTube will also remove videos that make false claims to discourage voting, share misinformation about the validity of voting by mail, and encourage others to interfere with democratic processes. This is in addition to other policies against hate speech, harassment, and incitement to violence.

Additionally, YouTube will ensure that viewers see election-related news and information from authoritative sources prominently in search and recommendations. The company says such sources are usually more popular among viewers. Our 2020 election information panels, with relevant context from voting locations, to live election results, were collectively shown over 4.5 billion times, the blog post added. Well have more details to share about our approach towards the 2024 election in the months to come.
Experts have identified AI-generated deep fakes being utilized in an attack commercial by the campaign supporting Ron DeSantis as the Republican presidential contender in 2024.

The "DeSantis War Room" Twitter account published a video on Monday, June 5, underlining Trump's support for former White House top medical adviser and pivotal role in formulating the US response to COVID-19, Anthony Fauci.

The attack ad aims to broaden support for DeSantis by presenting Trump and Fauci as close allies. Notably, Fauci has become a disliked figure in right-wing politics, especially within the anti-vax movement.

In addition to a montage of six photos of Trump and Fauci together, the video has actual footage of Trump talking about Fauci. Three of the six images are apparently computer-generated, showing Trump hugging Fauci.

Donald Trump became a household name by FIRING countless people *on television*



But when it came to Fauci... pic.twitter.com/7Lxwf75NQm  DeSantis War Room  (@DeSantisWarRoom) June 5, 2023

Three of the Six Photos Are Allegedly AI-Generated

AFP news agency was the first to notice that some pictures in the collage were fake. None of the three fake photos turn up in reverse image searches.

There are also other clues that indicate they were made by computers. Glossy and blurry textures are most notably in the two men's hair and skin, physically implausible stances, and an incorrect replica of the White House press briefing room and its furnishings are all red flags.

Hany Farid, a professor of image forensics at the University of California, Berkeley, told the AFP that the photographs were highly likely to be false since they did not appear in reverse image searches.

The same conclusion was reached by digital media forensics specialist Siwei Lyu, who also noticed discrepancies in all three photos. "I am pretty sure these are not real photos," Lyu told the AFP.

Also Read: Chris Christie Launches 2024 Presidential Bid, Calls Trump a 'Lonely, Self-Consumed Mirror Hog'

Deepfakes Are Becoming More Prevalent in US Politics Due to AI Applications

Christina Pushaw, a political adviser to DeSantis, founded the Twitter account "De Santis War Room" in August 2022. And its use of AI demonstrates the growing acceptance of deepfakes in US politics, according to The Verge.

On Twitter earlier this year, Donald Trump posted a deep fake audio clip making fun of DeSantis' campaign announcement and an AI-generated picture of himself praying. The Republican National Committee released an attack ad using AI-generated visuals after Joe Biden declared his intention to seek reelection in 2024.

Never Back Down PAC spokesman Matt Wolking told The Verge, "No campaign has pushed more misleading deep fakes, false photoshops, and outright fabrications than the Trump campaign. It is 100% true that Donald Trump empowered and embraced Fauci - he even gave him a presidential commendation."

Wolking dodged the question of whether or not the photos were AI-generated by stating, "You'll have to ask the campaign."

The Never Back Down PAC is an organization that supports DeSantis' candidacy.

Also Read: Europe Takes on Disinformation with New AI Labeling Initiative, Online Platforms Must Identify AI-Generated Content

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
An actor has told how he was coerced into performing simulated sex acts in a fake Skype audition by the con queen of Hollywood  who was posing as a female film producer.

Hargobind Tahilramani, 43, is facing extradition to the US accused of being the mastermind of a 1.0 million US dollar (800,000) scam against more than 300 victims between 2013 and 2020.

He is said to have used fake accents and altered his voice to sound like female film executives to fool industry professionals, including actors, screenwriters and photographers.

Actor and writer Eoin OBrien, 45, told the PA news agency he was left 15,000 dollars (12,000) out of pocket after he was contacted by someone posing as Hollywood producer Deborah Snyder  who is known for working with her director husband Zack Snyder on films including 300 and Watchmen.

Convinced he was in the running for a breakthrough role in a DC Justice League film, Mr OBrien, who is from Dublin, said he was pressured to go all out in a one-way video audition.

I was coerced into performing simulated sex acts over Skype by the con queen in the guise of an audition, he said.

When I discovered it wasnt who he claimed and also a male I felt violated.

Mr OBrien flew to Jakarta at his own expense having been promised a 5,000 dollar (4,000) fee before handing over thousands of dollars for shooting permits, which he was assured would be reimbursed.

Irish actor Eoin OBrien in new movie Kiss Of The Queen which is based on his experiences (De Warrenne Pictures/PA)

But after four days of being driven to remote locations, Bangkok-based Mr OBrien realised he had been scammed and fled Indonesia in the middle of the night.

He has now written an upcoming film, Kiss Of The Con Queen, based on his experience, which is currently in production.

Directed by Tom Waller, Mr OBrien stars alongside Sleeping With the Enemy star Patrick Bergin and Ravi Patel as the con queen.

This guy would just crush people for fun and sexually harass people, including myself, for his personal gratification, said Mr OBrien.

A foodie fashion shoot scene with Ravi Patel, centre, as the trickster in Kiss Of The Con Queen (De Warrenne Pictures/PA)

Posing as a female Hollywood producer, the con queen used my dreams as bait, defrauded me of thousands, coerced me into simulated sex acts over Skype in the guise of an audition, and got me to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

Ironically, by overcoming this experience Ive earned what he used as bait  my dream of playing a lead role in a big film.

Tahilramani was arrested following an FBI investigation in November 2020 in a 60-a-night Aparthotel, in Manchester, where he had allegedly claimed to be a writer for Netflix and said he needed 10 rooms because he was working for The Bourne Identity director Doug Liman.

He faces an eight-count indictment in California including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, and five counts of aggravated identity theft, carrying a maximum penalty of two years each.

Hargobind Tahilramani is accused of pretending to be Deborah Snyder, left, pictured with her director husband Zack (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring this week approved his extradition to the US and sent the case to Home Secretary Suella Braverman for a formal decision following an extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Tahilramani entered the UK in late 2016 and has claimed asylum, having lived in the country illegally after his entry visa expired, and his claim will have to be determined before he is extradited.

The court heard there are a large number of victims, including some UK victims who are not subject to the US indictment or prosecution and his lawyers claimed a substantial amount of the alleged conduct took place while he was in the UK.

But he has not been charged with any offences in the UK and Mr OBrien said: I want him to face justice for what he did to all of his victims, not just those in the US.

An extradition hearing into Hargobind Tahilramani was heard at Westminster Magistrates Court (Alamy/PA)

He was living in Britain and committed a lot of his scams there, so why is he only being tried in the US for US victims?

What about all the British and Irish victims?

Once he had been arrested in Manchester I thought he would be charged.

But the British authorities have washed their hands of fraud and sex crimes by sending him to the US.

The one thing I agree with him about is that a UK courtroom would be a great place for us to meet and see him face justice for every victim he abused, especially in the UK from where he ran his operation.

The Home Secretary must hold him to account here first.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We do not comment on individual cases.
A ballistics expert has demonstrated to a jury how an antique revolver alleged to have been used to kill a Met police custody sergeant worked as the second day of a murder trial got under way.

Members of the jury in the trial of Louis De Zoysa, 25, who is accused of murdering Sergeant Matt Ratana, 54, at a custody block in Croydon, south London, on September 25 2020 while he was handcuffed, were allowed to hold the gun and fire it at Northampton Crown Court on Thursday.

Forensic scientist and ballistics expert Anthony Miller explained that the gun was loaded with dummy bullets and was completely safe to be used in the court room, although it was aimed at the ceiling while being fired as an extra precaution.

Mr Miller told the court he had examined the revolver and the ammunition that was recovered after the incident.

Court artists sketch of Louis De Zoysa, who is accused of murder (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Asked by prosecutor Duncan Penny KC if the gun went off by accident during his rigorous testing, Mr Miller said it did not.

Speaking in short and simple sentences so De Zoysa, who suffered brain damage after being hit in the neck by a bullet during the incident, could follow proceedings, Mr Miller said: I dropped it on the ground, I struck it with a cloth-faced hammer and I generally treated it roughly.

The prosecution alleges De Zoysa pulled the trigger on purpose four times while he was handcuffed in a holding room at the custody centre, with the first and second shots hitting Sgt Ratana, the third hitting the wall during a struggle with officers and a fourth hitting De Zoysa himself.

They say the gun and holster were probably concealed under one of his armpits.

He had been arrested on London Road, Norbury, south London, during the early hours of September 25 2020 after a stop and search by officers found he had cannabis and seven rounds of ammunition on him, put handcuffed in the back of a police van and taken to the custody centre.

De Zoysa, who sat in the dock in a wheelchair alongside an intermediary, has denied murder.

Imran Khan KC, for De Zoysa, told the jury on Wednesday that the defendant was suffering an autistic meltdown at the time of the shooting and did not mean to or want to kill Sergeant Ratana, or to cause him really serious harm.

The trial continues.
Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden hailed the strength of the UK/US relationship as they met at the White House for talks on artificial intelligence, economic co-operation and Ukraine.

The Prime Minister and US president spoke in the Oval Office about the brutal invasion of Ukraine and the technological revolution sweeping the world.

Mr Biden  who inadvertently described the Prime Minister as Mr President  told reporters the special relationship was in real good shape.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US president Joe Biden met in the White House (Niall Carson/PA)

Together, we are providing economic and humanitarian aid and security systems to Ukraine in their fight against a brutal invasion from Russia, the president said.

The global economy is undergoing the greatest transformation that has occurred since the industrial revolution, he added.

Mr Biden told Mr Sunak: Were going solve all the problems of the world in the next 20 minutes.

He referenced Winston Churchills wartime visit to the White House and Mr Sunak said: Its daunting to think of the conversations that our predecessors had in this room when they had to speak of wars that they fought together, peace won together, incredible change in the lives of our citizens.

And again, for the first time in over half-a-century, we face a war on the European continent.

And as weve done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will.

But also I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the industrial revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm.

Before their meeting, Mr Sunak announced the UK would host the first global summit on AI safety.

The summit, which would be held in the autumn, would consider the need for international co-ordinated action to mitigate the risks of the emerging technology.
Joe Biden got confused over Rishi Sunaks title when the pair met in the White House, welcoming him as Mr President.

The US President swiftly corrected himself, joking that he had promoted Mr Sunak.

The 80-year-old President, seated across from Mr Sunak for the bilateral meeting, said: Well, Mr President  Mr President, I just promoted you. Mr Prime Minister, its great to have you back.

Mr Sunak, who appeared to laugh off the error, has not been to the White House before as prime minister, only taking office last October.

Mr Biden told him: In the past few months we have met each other in San Diego and then we met in Belfast and we met in Hiroshima.

And now were here were going solve all the problems of the world in the next 20 minutes.

This is not the first time the US President has appeared to fumble his words.

In April, during his visit to the Republic of Ireland, Mr Biden appeared to confuse the name of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team with the Black and Tans  a controversial War of Independence-era police force in Ireland.

And while he heaped praise on the strength of the UK-US relationship on Thursday, he has not always been so diplomatic.

Last month, he claimed that he visited the island of Ireland to ensure the Brits didnt screw around amid ongoing concern over the peace process and the impact of Brexit.
A British child was among four very young children who were critically injured after being stabbed in a lakeside park in the French Alps.

Two adults were also wounded when the suspect, identified by police as 31-year-old Syrian, attacked people with a knife in the town of Annecy on Thursday.

He stabbed a child in a pushchair repeatedly as bystanders screamed for help.

The children, aged between 22 months and three years, are in a very severe state and are in intensive care, according to a local prosecutor.

Security forces examine the scene of knife attack in Annecy. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

The knifemans motives remain unclear but do not appear to be related to terrorism, Line Bonnet-Mathis told a press conference.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly confirmed that one of the children injured was a British national.

One eye witness, former Liverpool FC striker Anthony Le Tallec, described how he told police to shoot the attacker as he ran towards him at the park.

Translated to English, Mr Le Tallec, who coaches football in Annecy, said in a series of Instagram stories: I could see police officers, five or 10 metres behind him, who couldnt catch him. He came towards me, so I moved aside and I saw him heading towards elderly people.

And he attacked the elderly man, stabbed him once and the police were behind him and couldnt catch him.

I told the police shoot him, kill him, hes stabbing everyone.

So he attacked once, twice, and they started shooting.

He explained how he saw the attacker get shot in front of him in the park.

He said: They shot him in front of me and he fell to the ground but the elderly man had already been hit.

I continued along the lake and saw the kids on the floor. They had been hit. Its very sad.

France is in shock but is standing firm after the horrific attack, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said.

The attacker was a Syrian national who was granted refugee status in Sweden 10 years ago, she said.

She said the man has a child who is the same age as the children he attacked.

He has no criminal or psychiatric record and appeared to have acted alone, according to Ms Borne.

We are talking here about infants, very young infants who have been very seriously injured, she told the press conference, according to a translation.

We are absolutely shaken by all this and we are standing firm by the people of Annecy.

Following the attack, Deputy Mayor of Annecy, Chantale Farmer, told BBC News how schools were put in lockdown to protect children in the area.

She said: We try to protect the children because we had schools around so we locked them down for a while and so we (could) also give information to the parents and also to the people working in those schools.

All the people in Annecy are very shocked right now.

Ms Farmer explained that psychological help has been put in place to support those who witnessed the attack, including a class of schoolchildren who were in the park at the time.

She said: Weve put in place psychological help, a free phone number that people can phone.

We also took into account the witnesses and the victims with the hospitals (and) with some doctors so they could speak out.

Weve done it also in a school because there was a class that was doing sport on the field during the attack and so weve put the psychological help also in that school to help people to express and to try to find a way to help them, as we can.

The phone number is on our website for people.

My thoughts are with all of those affected by the shocking attack in Annecy this morning. As @EmmanuelMacron has said, it was a truly cowardly act. The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 8, 2023

Mr Cleverly, speaking at an OECD ministerial council press conference in France hours after the attack, said: We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family.

And of course we stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this terrible time.

Police overpowered and arrested the assailant, who is detained in the Annecy police station.

Video on social media appeared to show the attack in a childrens play park.

Footage showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a blade as people screamed for help.

He first circled the playground, slashing at a bystander, and then climbed over its barriers to attack people inside.

A screaming woman was seen trying to push the attacker away from her pram, but he got past her and stabbed into the pushchair repeatedly.

One woman, Eleanor Vincent, who has been in the town for the last five days on holiday, was at the scene as police began to cordon off the park.

She told Sky News: The police were there very quickly, the area was cordoned off.

I did not see the crime scene thank heavens, but I did see the aftermath because I stayed in the area for about 45 minutes just trying to take in what had happened and to take some photos to be able to document what was going on.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as one of absolute cowardice.

Of the victims, he said children and an adult are between life and death.

The nation is in shock, he tweeted.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: My thoughts are with all of those affected by the shocking attack in Annecy this morning.

Calling it a truly cowardly act, he said: The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.
A British child has been injured after several very young children were stabbed in a lakeside park in the French Alps, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said.

The Foreign Secretary was speaking at an OECD ministerial council press conference in France, hours after the attack that saw several children  including one in a pushchair  stabbed in a lakeside park in the French Alps.

Adults were also attacked in the town of Annecy on Thursday.

The suspect is a 31-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker, police said.

Mr Cleverly said: Our thoughts are with the victims and the families, and we stand ready to support the French authorities in whichever way we can.

He said he was also aware that one of the people, one of the children injured, was a British national.

We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family.

And of course we stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this terrible time.

Video on social media appeared to show the attack in a childrens play park.

My thoughts are with all of those affected by the shocking attack in Annecy this morning. As @EmmanuelMacron has said, it was a truly cowardly act. The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 8, 2023

Footage showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a blade as people screamed for help.

He first circled the playground, slashing at a bystander, and then climbed over its barriers to attack people inside.

He appeared to stab a child in a pushchair repeatedly.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as one of absolute cowardice.

Of the victims, he said children and an adult are between life and death.

The nation is in shock, he tweeted.

Local police said the four child victims are all under the age of five.

National police said two of the children, both about three, suffered life-threatening injuries, as did one adult.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier tweeted: My thoughts are with all of those affected by the shocking attack in Annecy this morning.

Calling it a truly cowardly act, he said: The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.
A British girl injured in a knife attack at a lakeside park in the French Alps is in stable condition in hospital, according to reports.

The girl, said to be aged three, was one of four children and two adults wounded when the suspect  identified by police as a 31-year-old Syrian  attacked people with a knife in the town of Annecy on Thursday.

Authorities said the children were taken to hospital in critical condition, but Annecy Mayor Francois Astorg told French media on Thursday evening they were stable and out of the operating room  with the Telegraph reporting the girl is now in hospital in Grenoble, a city around an hour-and-a-half away by car.

One of the adults involved suffered serious injuries as a result of both a knife wound from the attacker and a bullet wound from police as they shot at the knifeman while trying to detain him, according to local prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis.

Witnesses said the knifeman shouted in the name of Jesus Christ as he launched the attack, including stabbing a child in a pushchair repeatedly as bystanders screamed for help.

Security forces examine the scene of knife attack in Annecy (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

Ms Bonnet-Mathis told a press conference on Thursday afternoon the attackers motives remain unclear, but do not appear to be related to terrorism.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, Yves Le Breton, the prefect of Haute-Savoie region  the department that governs Annecy, said public demonstrations would be banned for the remainder of the day over fears of far-right violence.

A translation of a statement released by the prefect, who is the states representative in the region, said: Because of calls for demonstrations entitled Francocide (Killing of French people) and in order to warn of all risk of trouble to public order, the prefect of Haute-Savoie has imposed a ban on all demonstrations on Thursday at Annecy.

These calls to demonstrate could in effect be considered a provocation and risk attracting counter-demonstrations of trouble and violence.

Schools were in lockdown after the knife attack in Annecy on Thursday morning (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

The attacker was granted refugee status in Sweden 10 years ago, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said.

The Swedish Migration Agency has confirmed he was granted permanent residency in 2013 and, although the agency did not identify the suspect, said he subsequently sought Swedish citizenship in 2017 and 2018, both denied, and applied again in August last year.

Footage of the attack shared on the internet showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a blade as people screamed for help.

In another video, the man appeared to shout in the name of Jesus Christ while waving the knife in the air, with people nearby heard screaming for police.

He then slashed at a man carrying a rucksack who attempted to approach him. The video then showed a woman frantically pushing a stroller inside the play area of the park as the attacker approached her while she screamed for help.

She attempted to fend off the attacker before he leaned forward and stabbed down into the stroller.

Ms Borne said the suspect has no criminal or psychiatric record and appeared to have acted alone.

We are talking here about infants, very young infants who have been very seriously injured, she told the press conference, according to a translation.

We are absolutely shaken by all this and we are standing firm by the people of Annecy.

Following the attack, deputy mayor of Annecy, Chantale Farmer, told BBC News how schools were put in lockdown to protect children in the area.

She said: We try to protect the children because we had schools around so we locked them down for a while and so we (could) also give information to the parents and also to the people working in those schools.

All the people in Annecy are very shocked right now.

Yves Le Breton, @prefet74, et Line Bonnet, @ProcAnnecy, appellent a ne pas organiser de rassemblements spontanes suite aux evenements graves intervenus ce jour. Consultez notre communique de presse ainsi que l'arrete prefectoral d'interdiction de manifestation  pic.twitter.com/8hXghJyaqh  Prefet de la Haute-Savoie (@Prefet74) June 8, 2023

Ms Farmer said psychological help has been put in place to support those who witnessed the attack, including a class of schoolchildren who were in the park at the time.

The involvement of a British victim was confirmed earlier on Thursday by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

Mr Cleverly, speaking at an OECD ministerial council press conference in France hours after the attack, said: We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family.

And of course we stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this terrible time.

Speaking at a press conference at the White House on Thursday alongside President Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the attack as unfathomable.

He added: All our thoughts are with those who were affected in this unfathomable attack, including a British child, and their families.

I have been in touch with (French) President (Emmanuel) Macron. We stand ready to offer any assistance that we can.
American actor Johnny Depp revealed he has no more plans of returning as Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise because he does not want to ever work with Disney again.

Disney Studios president Sean Bailey earlier said the studio was "noncommittal at this point" about Depp's return, which was speculation that Disney might reconsider having Depp in the "Pirates" franchise.

However, sources close to Depp said he made the decision to close the door on Disney for good on the eve of his 60th birthday after it dropped him while he was involved in a legal battle against his former partner, Amber Heard, on a domestic violence accusation, which eventually went to his favor.

In addition, Depp was reportedly still livid with how Disney unceremoniously dumped him during the early stages of the legal battle.

"Pirates of the Caribbean'' producer Jerry Bruckheimer said while he would love to have Depp back as Jack Sparrow, he understood why he would not want to anymore. "He's a friend, a terrific actor, and it's unfortunate that personal lives creep into everything we do," he said.

The sentiment was similar to some of his co-actors in the franchise, such as husband-and-wife stars Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.

Aside from Disney, Tim Burton dropped Depp from the Beetlejuice franchise after Warner Bros. cut Burton out of the Fantastic Beasts franchise when he lost his libel action in London.

Read Also: Will Johnny Depp Return to Acting After Court Battle Against Amber Heard?

Johnny Depp, the Musician

Speaking in Cannes for his newest film, "Jeanne Du Barry," Depp expressed his anger about the way the domestic abuse allegations played out that he decided to focus on distancing himself from Hollywood as his best way forward.

"I started to experience these circuses - we can call them carnivals - so long ago. Your life becomes a circus," he said as a reflection on his life so far. "It's not that you get used to the circus, but you realize there's nothing you can do but inhale, exhale, and accept what happens in the next steps. It's still weird to me."

One of his current outlets was to pursue a career in music as part of the supergroup band Hollywood Vampires alongside Alice Cooper and Joe Perry.

Doting Father

Meanwhile, Johnny Depp expressed his full support to the acting career of his daughter, Lily-Rose, as she stars as Jocelyn in the Sam Levinson series "The Idol."

According to a source close to Johnny, he loved that his daughter was "forging her own path, embracing roles that intrigue and challenge her."

"It's clear she's not resting on her father's laurels-she's a star in her own right," the source added.

Related Article: Johnny Depp Receives Seven-Minute Standing Ovation at His Cannes Film Festival Comeback

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Queen has fulfilled her late papas long-held ambition and become colonel-in-chief of his former regiment.

Camilla marked her new honorary role with the Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths Own) by inviting a Second World War veteran and stalwart of the regiment to Clarence House.

She shared some of her fathers wartime stories with Michael de Burgh, who celebrates his 100th birthday on June 11, and presented him with the Buchan Medal in recognition of his support for the Royal Lancers over the decades.

Mr De Burgh, 99, served with the 9th Lancers. They were later amalgamated with the 12th Lancers  the regiment of her late father, Major Bruce Shand.

Queen Camilla hosts a reception with current and past members of the regiment and Michael De Burgh and his family (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Camilla told him: My father just longed for me to be associated with this regiment and here I am.

She presented a copy of Previous Engagements, Major Shands wartime memoirs, to the military veteran who was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Heres a copy of my papas book which I believe you havent read  now youve got it, she said before she helped them cut a chocolate birthday cake.

The Royal Lancers, an armoured reconnaissance regiment, was formed in 2015 when the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and The Queens Royal Lancers were amalgamated, and the words (Queen Elizabeths Own) were later added in recognition of the association with them shared by Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother.

Queen Camilla toasts the health of Second World War veteran Michael de Burgh (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Major Shand was awarded the Military Cross in 1940, during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in North Africa. He died in June 2006 aged 89.

Mr De Burgh, from Sussex, who worked in finance and later ran a trout farm, got to know Camillas father socially after the war and said about the major: He was a lovely man, nice to everybody.

Veteran Mr De Burgh was wounded just 14 days before the Allies victory in Europe was declared. His gunner was the last member of the 9th Lancers to die during the war.

He joked about his injuries saying a sergeant said to him at the time: What a mass of blood you are, sir.

Lieutenant Colonel Will Richmond, Commanding Officer of the Royal Lancers, said about the Queens appointment: We really are delighted.

He added: To quote someone more famous than me, its been a long time coming and we have longed hoped for it and I understand Her Majesty has been keen to achieve it for a long time.
Demonstrators smeared oil over a fake, human-sized gannet to protest against plans to develop the Rosebank oil and gas field.

Ocean Rebellion climate protesters staged the stunt near Dundee harbour on Thursday, pouring containers filled with fake oil over the mock bird until it became unrecognisable.

Norwegian oil and gas company Equinor has applied to the UK Government for approval to work on Rosebank, the largest undeveloped oil field in the UK, with a decision expected soon.

It lies west of Shetland and is capable of producing up to 500 million barrels of oil.

Demonstrators said the protest highlighted the impact the oil industry can have on wildlife, with seabirds often found covered in oil due to spillages.

Fellow protesters stood behind the performers with a banner that read Stop Rosebank.

Protesters covered the giant gannet in fake oil (Jane Barlow/PA)

The protest group said the planned development is a slap in the face not just to nature, marine life and ocean ecosystems, but also to the UN secretary-general and the International Energy Authority, who have both said new oil and gas is incompatible with the Paris Agreement targets.

Mandy Cairns, from Ocean Rebellion, added: Equinor state on their website that their environmental work is guided by their commitments to prevent harm to the environment, and yet they intend to develop an oil field which would involve a pipeline cutting through the Faroe-Shetland sponge belt, which is home to sensitive deep sea sponges and 400-year-old clams.

A major oil spill from Rosebank could risk serious impact to at least 16 Marine Protected Areas.

Kate Treharne, Ocean Rebellion zoologist, added: With a million seabirds calling Shetland home, an oil spill from this field would be catastrophic to the animals and birds who live and feed in this area.

A spokesperson for Equinor refuted the protesters claims, stating: Rosebank is a project that can counteract the decline in domestic production and improve energy security, with oil and gas produced with significant lower carbon footprint than the current average on the UK Continental Shelf.

The stunt aimed to highlight the potential threat oil poses to wildlife (Jane Barlow/PA)

It will be developed in line with UKs North Sea Transition Deal and Equinors net-zero ambition, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The numbers that the protesters refer to are not correct.

The environmental footprint of the project has been thoroughly assessed in an environmental statement, published in August last year, and worst case impact assessments have been carried out to ensure that the field can be developed in an environmentally responsible way.

New oil and gas fields in the North Sea can absolutely be in keeping with the UKs commitment to net-zero.

For example, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) uses an effective net-zero test which looks at a range of factors including greenhouse gas emissions, lifetime production against UK future demand, and production emissions impacts when assessing applications for a new field.

We have full confidence in our data, which show that the UK oil and gas industry is currently on track to meet interim emissions reduction targets agreed in the North Sea Transition Deal.

Our 2022 Emissions Monitoring Report shows that achieving the 2030 goal of a 50% reduction in production emissions is the absolute minimum the NSTA expects from industry, which should aim to surpass it.

A UK Government spokesperson said no decision has been made regarding Rosebank yet, adding it is the NSTA which will ultimately make a decision.

The NSTA said it does not comment on individual cases, but said in every case it takes a life cycle approach to net zero regulation, including through our strategy, and our range of regulatory levers.
People across the UK have been urged to share their experiences of how the coronavirus pandemic affected them to help shape the Covid-19 Inquirys recommendations.

Every Story Matters aims to aid understanding of the full picture of what happened and what more needs to be done to ensure the UK is better prepared in the future, inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett said.

Almost 6,000 people have already shared their stories, the inquiry team said, and 40 organisations including homelessness charities, older peoples groups and the Royal College of Midwives are helping to reach as many people as possible to ensure experiences shared are representative of the UK population.

People are being invited to fill in an online formhttps://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/every-story-matters/ while paper forms and a telephone line will be available later this year.

Inquiry team members will also be travelling around the UK to hear stories from people in-person at community events.

Lady Hallett said: The pandemic affected every single person in the UK and, in many cases, continues to have a lasting impact on lives. Yet every experience is unique.

By sharing the personal impact the pandemic had on you, your life and your loved ones, you can help me and the inquirys legal team to shape my recommendations so that the UK is better prepared in the future.

The scale of the pandemic was unprecedented, but no-ones story is the same as yours, so please help me understand the full picture by sharing your story. Every single story will matter.

The inquiry said the stories will give evidence of the human impact of the pandemic on the UK population, by allowing an opportunity for those affected to share their experiences without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.

Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees, from the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru (Wales) group, said: It is our hope that these interactions will assist the chair of the inquiry, gain a wider knowledge of the impact of Covid-19 on Welsh communities, and ultimately influence her final recommendations.

Shared stories will be anonymised and will contribute to themed reports to be submitted to each of the inquirys relevant investigation strands as evidence.

The Every Story Matters programme will remain open as the inquiry proceeds and a final report will be submitted into evidence to make sure every story matters, the inquiry team said.

Various groups including Age UK, learning disability charity Mencap, Hospice UK and Kidney Care UK said they would encourage people who feel able to do so to share their stories.

Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: The experiences of midwives, maternity support workers, student midwives and midwifery educators will be crucial to gaining a better understanding of how the pandemic impacted on their working lives, and ultimately care for women, babies and families.

I encourage as many as possible to respond to the listening exercise, because your stories matter, and sharing what you lived and worked through will help to change things for the better should we ever face a similar situation in the future.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has announced who will be the first witnesses to give evidence at next weeks public hearings.

Katharine Hammond, the former director of the civil contingencies secretariat in the Cabinet Office, is among those who will give testimony during the opening week of verbal evidence to the pandemic investigation.

She previously gave evidence to the inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

The probe into the pandemic has held a number of preliminary hearings to arrange how each of its separate phases will be conducted, but it has yet to hear oral evidence.

Six weeks of hearings are planned for the first module of the inquiry, which will focus on resilience and preparedness.

The session on Tuesday will open with a statement from chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett, followed by a short film showing the impact of the pandemic, according to a statement on the Covid inquirys website.

It said the video will feature people from across the UK sharing their experiences of loss.

The voices of some of those who suffered most during the pandemic will be heard through the film. Some people may find the film difficult to watch, the statement continued.

The rest of the opening day will be taken up with the opening statements by the counsel to the inquiry and core participants.

Epidemiologists Professor Jimmy Whitworth and Dr Charlotte Hammer will be the first to give evidence in person, starting on Wednesday afternoon.

Professor David Heymann, retired civil servant Bruce Mann and Professor David Alexander will appear on Thursday June 15.

On Friday June 16, Professor Sir Michael Marmot and Professor Clare Bambra will give evidence before Ms Hammonds afternoon appearance.

Inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett will open Tuesdays first evidence session with a statement (UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA)

Hearings are open to the public, with limited seating at the central London venue reserved on a first come first served basis, the inquiry said.

The investigation, established by former prime minister Boris Johnson in 2021, is split into six modules, with public hearings scheduled to conclude by summer 2026, with interim reports published before then.

Lady Hallett is planning to publish reports for Module 1 and 2 next year.

The publication of the first witness list follows a row between the inquiry chairwoman and the Government over access to material.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been accused of a cover-up after the Cabinet Office announced a High Court challenge to Lady Halletts request for Mr Johnsons unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks.

The Cabinet Office says some of the information requested by the inquiry does not relate to the Governments handling of coronavirus and is unambiguously irrelevant.

But the retired senior judge has refused to back down from her request for Mr Johnsons correspondence, saying it is for her to rule what is relevant to the investigation.

Mr Sunak has denied attempting to block the probes access.

The Cabinet Office has confirmed it intends to share a schedule for when it will submit WhatsApp messages from Boris Johnson to the inquiry (Andrew Boyers/PA)

The Conservative Party leader, speaking to broadcasters on Wednesday during a trip to Washington DC in the US, said he was co-operating and providing information to the inquiry.

The High Court is expected to hear the Cabinet Offices judicial review on or shortly after June 30, according to ministers and the inquirys counsel, Hugo Keith KC.

The Cabinet Office has confirmed it intends to share a schedule for when it will submit WhatsApp messages from Mr Johnson to the inquiry, after being ordered to do so by Friday by Lady Hallett.

Cabinet Office minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe told the Lords: Following the request of the chair, the Cabinet Office will share a schedule of WhatsApp messages by the end of this week and additional witness statements will follow.

It is unclear whether the submitted messages will be unredacted, with the Cabinet Office previously choosing to censor WhatsApp correspondence handed over to the investigation.
Changes made to a controversial bill aimed at tackling the legacy of Northern Irelands troubled past have been dismissed as merely tinkering around the edges.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill proposes providing immunity for people accused of crimes during the Troubles, as long as they co-operate with a new truth recovery body known as the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

It would also halt future civil cases and inquests linked to killings during the conflict.

It is currently at the report stage in the House of Lords.

Amendments announced by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris on Thursday include stopping criminal investigations and court processes for legacy cases on May 1, 2024 to ensure a smooth transition to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery taking on full responsibility for dealing with those cases.

They also include placing the ICRIR under a duty to offer victims and their families the opportunity to submit personal impact statements, placing it under a new duty to secure information around assessing the truth of an applicant for immunitys account, and the revocation of immunity if an individual is subsequently convicted of terrorism offences.

The fine for non-co-operation with the ICRIR is to increase from 1,000 to 5,000.

The amendments also include confirming that the Commissioner for Investigations must comply with obligations imposed by the Human Rights Act 1998, a duty on the ICRIR to publish a statement explaining how each review was conducted as part of its final report and a duty to produce guidance around determining a request for immunity.

The bill has been opposed by almost all political parties, the Irish Government and victims groups.

Mr Heaton-Harris described significant amendments that directly address a number of key concerns raised by interested parties.

This includes amendments on the conduct of reviews, compliance with Convention Rights, the independence of the Commission, conditional immunity, and ongoing legal processes, he said.

We remain absolutely committed to making legislative progress so that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) can be established, and begin delivering better outcomes for those most affected by the Troubles, as swiftly as possible.

However victims campaigner Raymond McCord said the Government is just tinkering around the edges, and the only acceptable move would be scrapping the Bill.

Victims campaigner Raymond McCord (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

He described the Bill as disgraceful and disgusting, accusing the Government of walking on the graves of our murdered family members, adding victims will consider legal action if the bill goes ahead.

He has urged Northern Ireland political leaders to meet with victims on Friday.

This is not about politics or sectarianism, its about the Conservatives whitewashing the murders of the Troubles of the people who matter most to us, our innocent murdered family members, he said.

We victims are battling and fighting to stop this, we need action from every political individual in the country.

Talking is done. Stand together with us.

Amnesty International slammed the amendments as doing nothing to address the fundamental flaws with the bill.

Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UKs Northern Ireland deputy director, said no-one is fooled by these changes.

The Government is still clearly intent on denying victims their basic rights and pressing ahead with a bill only it wants, he said.

The amendments follow the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers issuing a resolution expressing their serious concern about the bills compatibility with the Governments human rights obligations.

Its time the Government halted the passage of this profoundly unjust bill through Parliament and instead committed to an agreed way forward to deal with the legacy of the Troubles that protects and prioritises victims.

Relatives for Justice NIO responded saying the amendments only makes the situation worse.

The rights of victims and survivors will be permanently shut down, especially those engaged in inquests. The Bill incentivises state tactics to delay progress of inquests, they said.

NIO amendments to the Legacy and Reconciliation #BillOfShame only makes the situation worse. The rights of victims and survivors will be permanently shut down, especially those engaged in inquests. The Bill incentivises state tactics to delay progress of inquests.  Relatives 4 Justice #NeverGivingUp (@RelsForJustice) June 8, 2023

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly described the amendments as fundamentally flawed and will slam the door shut to due process for victims.

He said the proposed new timeframe for concluding inquests of May 2024 will deny many families this opportunity, pointing to the backlog in disclosure by the PSNI and the lack of resources for this work.

This amendment is particularly cruel as expectations had been raised among families that once inquests had been opened that they would be concluded, he said.

Similarly families will be denied legacy and Police Ombudsman investigations which are similarly being closed down by May 1 next year.

These cases will be instead transferred to a new Commission, the ICRIR, whose powers will be limited to reviews rather than Article 2 investigations as required under human rights legislation.

He added: This Bill is being rushed through both Houses to become law in six to seven weeks time before Parliament goes into recess on July 26.

It is a travesty, a perversion of the legal process and with the objective of ending citizens rights to access due legal process.

Earlier the Council of Europes Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg adopted an Interim Resolution which strongly reiterated its calls upon the UK to reconsider the conditional immunity scheme in light of concerns expressed around its compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin welcomed the move.

It is a matter of regret to my government that the Legacy Bill continues its legislative progress without the support of political parties in Northern Ireland, and without support from families, victims groups or civil society, he said.

I believe that, by providing for amnesties for crimes amounting to gross human rights violations, the Bill, if enacted, would undermine rather than assist reconciliation.
Joe Biden said it may be time for a British Nato leader in a boost for Ben Wallaces hopes of taking the alliances top job.

The prospect of the Defence Secretary taking the role was raised in talks between Rishi Sunak and the US president at the White House.

Mr Biden appeared to indicate Mr Wallace was a very qualified individual but it remains to be seen who will get the job.

Natos current secretary general Jens Stoltenberg steps down at the end of September.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has been touted to be next Nato boss (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

The last Briton to lead the alliance was Lord Robertson, who held the role between 1999 and 2003.

Asked if it was time for another Briton to lead the alliance, Mr Biden said: Maybe, that remains to be seen.

We are going to have to get a consensus within Nato to see that happen.

They have a candidate who is a very qualified individual.

But, he added, there would have to be a lot of discussion at Nato to determine the outcome of the process.
The King has heard of the life-saving aid given to survivors of the Pakistan floods as he met charities from the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

Charles was given an update during a meeting at Buckingham Palace on Thursday and learned of the impact of UK donations to the Pakistan Floods Appeal after the catastrophe last summer.

The campaign raised more than 47 million, including 5 million matched by the UK Government.

The King during the meeting with representatives from the charities of the Disasters Emergency Committee at Buckingham Palace (Andy Aitchison/DEC/PA)

The monarch, the late Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales donated to the appeal after millions were left homeless in the country, which faced a secondary health crisis due to waterborne and mosquito-borne disease.

Saleh Saeed, the DECs chief executive, told the King: Months after the disaster struck, people were still stuck on roadways surrounded by floodwater and this support from the UK public was absolutely vital for them.

Not only had they lost their homes and possessions, but in an area where people depend on agriculture, they had lost their livelihoods and source of income as well.

The King heard how one baby called Krishnan, who was in danger of being malnourished, was given sachets of nutritious peanut paste to help him recover after his mother Naju brought him to a DEC-funded mobile health clinic.

Flood survivors receive medical aid at a mobile clinic set up for flood-affected families by CAFOD in Sindh, Pakistan (Khaula Jamil/DEC/PA)

Charles heard how the simple but effective treatment can be life-saving and was used to help the infant.

The DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal report looking into the first six months of the response showed that nearly 160,000 people were provided with basic health services such as treatment for illnesses, immunisations and maternity care, 123,000 people were given access to safe drinking water, and nearly 67,000 were helped with temporary shelter.

More than 50,000 people were given food such as wheat, rice, sugar and cooking oil, while over 25,000 families were provided with shampoo, soap, toothpaste and water purification tablets, and some 20,000 women and girls received dignity kits containing sanitary pads, underwear, and soap.

More than two million houses were destroyed or badly damaged and 20 million people were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance following the floods which saw one-third of Pakistan completely submerged.
The Conservatives have left the UK steel industry in a cycle of crisis and bailout, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as he promised Labour backing for the sector.

The Labour leader will visit the British Steel site in North Lincolnshire on Thursday, where he is expected to commit a Labour government to invest in the steel industry as part of its broader green plans.

Steel is integral to a modern economy, and my Labour government will back it, secure it, and grow it, creating high paying, productive jobs in communities all over the country, for generations, Sir Keir said.

Through our Green Prosperity Plan, we will invest alongside industry in technology and innovation, as well as increasing demand for UK steel from our plan to build turbines, railways, and carbon capture infrastructure.

In the last 13 years the Tories complacency and inaction has led to a self-defeating cycle of crisis and bailout, failing workers, industry and the taxpayer.

Securing investment in steel will create a virtuous circle of cheaper infrastructure, jobs, thriving industry, and economic growth. Labour will get on with it.

The pledge by Labour comes following years of concern about the future of the industry, as well as the fate of hundreds of workers.

British Steel in April said it would offer alternative jobs to around 250 workers affected by the closure of its Scunthorpe coke ovens, which it said would close as part of its drive to overcome global economic challenges and build a greener future.

The British Steel Ltd steelworks in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire (Danny Lawson/PA)

Labours own proposals for the sector including including the steel sector among the recipients of investment support from a proposed national wealth fund, which will back business investment in new technology such as hydrogen and electric arc furnaces.

The party also believes that its plan for British-produced green energy will boost the long-term competitiveness of UK steel and drive down costs.

Labour argues that plans to increase generation of offshore wind, solar, nuclear, hydrogen will generate demand for millions of tonnes of UK steel.

Sir Keir accused Rishi Sunak of acting like a passive bystander when it comes to securing international investment to support business and jobs in the UK.

It comes as Mr Sunak prepares to meet Joe Biden in the White House on Thursday.

The Prime Minister is impotently asking the President to open up to UK business, but those asks arent underpinned by any sense of a plan for UK industry, the Labour leader said.

The United States ground-breaking legislation has created more jobs in seven months than the UK has in seven years.

The Conservative response is to criticise it from the side lines, then ask for a piece of the pie, woefully exposing their lack of plan.

The UK is becoming a passive bystander in a global race for the jobs and industries of the future.

Labour will pull all levers needed to drive forward jobs and growth in Britain.

Well invest to rebuild Britains industrial strength.

Well harness the ambition and hunger of British business, the skills and talents of our workers, and create tens of thousands of high skilled jobs, growing vibrant economies in all parts of the UK.

A Government spokesperson said: Steel plays a vital role in the UK economy, supporting local jobs and economic growth. We want to secure a decarbonised, sustainable and competitive future for the UK steel sector, and we are working closely with industry to achieve this.

We have made an offer of support to British Steel, and continue to engage actively with the company to ensure any investment would be successful and make effective use of taxpayers money.
Labour donor and green entrepreneur Dale Vince joined a Just Stop Oil protest for the first time on Thursday, saying he cant not speak out.

Mr Vince joined demonstrators on a slow-walk protest along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square in central London as part of JSOs ongoing campaign against new fossil fuel licences.

He told the PA news agency: Im here to support the incredibly brave people of Just Stop Oil. They put themselves and their liberty on the line.

I support them in other ways, in the media and with donations, but I thought I would do more.

Police detain a Just Stop Oil activist during a protest by the environmental campaigners in central London (Aaron Chown/PA)

Mr Vince, the owner of green energy company Ecotricity, is a leading JSO donor, and has also donated almost 1.4 million to the Labour Party since 2014, including 710,000 in 2022.

His involvement with JSO has already caused problems for Sir Keir Starmer, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accusing the Labour leader of allowing eco-zealots to write the partys energy policy just a day before Mr Vince joined the protest in London.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to Washington, Mr Sunak said: It does appear that these kind of eco-zealots at Just Stop Oil are writing Keir Starmers energy policy and, not content with disrupting our summer and cherished sporting events, they are essentially leading us into an energy surrender.

My view is we should focus on energy security, not weakness and dependency which seems to be the Labour Partys policy.

Labour has pledged to stop issuing licences for new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea if it wins the next election, but Sir Keir has also previously described JSO as arrogant and wrong.

A spokeswoman for the Labour leaders office said: Keir has been outspoken in his condemnation of Just Stop Oil who he believes have put lives and livelihoods at risk.

The idea that they have influenced our policy is for the birds.

The modern Labour Party doesnt bow to fringe lobbies or extremists  every position we take and everything we do is firmly focused on providing security and opportunity for hard-working Brits.

Appearing on LBCs Tonight with Andrew Marr, Mr Vince said the Prime Ministers comments were a cheap slur and a desperate attempt to throw some dirt at Keir Starmer and the Labour Party who are doing so well in the polls.

He added: I would say Ive been funding Labour for more than 10 years. In all of that time Ive never asked for anything, Ive always told them I dont want anything, I just want them to win the election, and I havent spoken to Keir or the Labour Party about North Sea or North Sea policy or Just Stop Oil  I just havent.

Asked if he thought his presence on Thursdays march would help Sir Keir, Mr Vince told PA: I cant imagine it will make much difference to Keir Starmer, hes his own man and so am I.

He added: I hope it doesnt harm (Labour) but I cant not speak out.

On Thursday, Mr Vince said: I spent all week talking to the right-wing media and been criticised by Tory politicians all week for donating.

I dont care what they make of this, but Im sure it will trigger some of them. They dont really know what goes on, they bring out the same myths every time.

Four people were arrested on Thursdays march after they refused to comply with police instructions to leave the road.

Police issued the order to move out of the road once the protesters had reached Trafalgar Square. Most complied but three men and a woman remained in the road and were subsequently arrested.

Mr Vince was among a group of JSO activists who cheered and applauded as the four were led to waiting police vans.

Later, on LBC, he said he would be willing to break some laws to bring attention to the climate crisis.

He said: I draw the line at any form of violence, for example, but slow-marching down the streets  which is I think about to become illegal, I think thats going to the Hosue of Lords now  I mean, I would break that law for sure.
Rishi Sunak joked that he would not be bothering the US president during his stay in the presidents guest house as Winston Churchill was said to have done.

The Prime Minister said it was a privilege to stay in Blair House, adding that the spare room in the flat in Number 10 Downing Street doesnt quite compare.

Joe Biden referenced Winston Churchills visit to the White House as he held talks with the Prime Minister in the White House.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Mr Biden told the Prime Minister theres an awful lot of stories that are told about the UK wartime leaders visits to the White House.

Allied wartime leaders including Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt meet in Casablanca (Archive/PA)

Mr Sunak is staying at Blair House, which the US government started using as official diplomatic housing after Churchill reportedly once tried to enter President Franklin D Roosevelts White House private quarters at 3am, only to be stopped by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Referring to the story, Mr Sunak said: Wandering around at three in the morning. Winston Churchill bothering Mrs Roosevelt.

Dont worry, you wont see me there bothering you and the First Lady.
Hyundai has agreed to pay a settlement after being hit with a class action suit concerning the TikTok car theft challenges. However, New York City believes that the carmaker still has a lot to answer for as it sues Hyundai for negligence.

Hyundai is Not Out of the Woods

Hyundai tried to put the scandal behind them as they agreed to settle for $200 million in the class action suit. Even though a significant amount of the settlement will serve as compensation to the affected Kia and Hyundai car owners, NYC believes otherwise.

The city accuses Hyundai of being negligent which has led to becoming a burden to police forces and resources. Since the challenge had been viral, reports of safety issues have surfaced such as thief and owner disputes, reckless driving, and even fatal accidents.

The lawsuit states that the automaker tried to "sacrifice public safety for profits" by skipping out on anti-theft features that are included in the vehicles in other markets. Vehicles sold in Europe and Canada have the feature simply regulations require them to, as reported by Engadget.

With the allegedly deliberate exclusion of anti-theft vehicle immobilizers, the viral TikTok hack was easily performed, resulting in a 660% increase in vehicle thefts of the affected brands in the first four months of 2023.

The viral challenge instructs TikTok users to hotwire the Kia and Hyundai vehicles using nothing but a USB cord. With the common object easily found in device chargers, people, more often teenagers would try it out for themselves using another person's car.

Kia Challenge was at its height in 2022, which has resulted in many reports of theft and accidents as well. The content creators who try the hack out would post their experience on social media, further encouraging others to do it themselves.

Hyundai tried to resolve the issue back in February by providing the impacted car owners free software updates by taking them to the automaker's dealerships. The update renders the hack useless as the vehicle can only be turned on using its designated key.

For the owners of vehicles that are not eligible for the update as well as the ones that are, they were provided with steering wheel locks for extra security, which adds to the measure where Hyundai vehicles can only be unlocked using the key fob.

Read Also: Four Teens in Buffalo Killed in Car Crash in a TikTok Challenge Gone Wrong

Kia Challenge Results in Fatal Accident

A car crash in Buffalo claimed the lives of four teenagers after attempting the said challenge, one of which was a mother. The driver was said to be 16 years old at the time and had survived the crash along with another girl who was 14 years old.

The Kia that was used was reported stolen, which led to the driver being charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal possession of stolen property. The vehicle that was hotwired was reportedly totaled, according to The New York Post.

The incident happened around late October 2022, which just shows that the Kia Challenge is still being performed months after it went viral, also despite the reports of fatalities. The software updates by Hyundai may have helped, but evidence shows that it was not completely effective.

Related: Hyundai and Kia Updates Their Software Due to Illegal TikTok Challenge
A legal challenge to the UK Governments effective block on glass in Scotlands deposit return scheme (DRS) is unlikely to be fruitful, according to Deputy First Minister Shona Robison.

The UK Governments decision to offer only a partial exemption to the Internal Market Act  the trade rules governing the countries of the UK  for the scheme, excluding glass and imposing other conditions, resulted in the DRS being delayed again.

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Government minister tasked with implementing the initiative, announced on Wednesday it will be delayed until the English scheme is due to go live, which she said will be October 2025 at the earliest.

Shona Robison said legal action against the UK Governments decision had been explored (PA)

Ms Robison said the possibility of a legal challenge had been explored but success seemed unlikely due to the Internal Market Act.

She told the PA news agency on Thursday: We, of course, have taken advice on all of these matters and we believed that it would be unlikely that that would be a fruitful way forward.

The UK Government hold the ace cards here with the fact that they have the IMA exemption, they hold that card.

Its very difficult to find a workaround to that.

Ms Robison added the move was an attack on devolution, saying: This was a scheme agreed in the Scottish Parliament, that included glass.

Many retailers have already invested in, and installed, reverse vending machines for a scheme that has been delayed until October 2025 (Alamy/PA)

Of course, up until January, everybody was assuming that it was full steam ahead, including glass.

So this is a last-minute intervention led by the Secretary of State for Scotland to fundamentally undermine the scheme and undermine devolution.

She said the pressure is now on the UK Government to deliver its scheme on time.

The Scottish DRS has now been delayed numerous times, but many retailers have already put in place the necessary infrastructure that allows consumers to return containers and receive their deposits back.

Asked if the Scottish Government will offer compensation to businesses whose equipment will now lay idle until at least October 2025, Ms Robison said: Were going to be working with businesses around making sure that the investment they have made aligns with the UK scheme, which is why the UK Government needs to get their scheme up and running in 2025  they are going to be held to account for that.
A father has scaled the UKs highest peak carrying a 100kg barbell to raise money for research into motor neurone disease.

David Dooher set off at 7pm on Wednesday, the day he turned 38, from the Ben Nevis Inn and reached the 4,406ft summit early on Thursday afternoon.

He undertook the challenge to raise money for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, launched in 2017 by Doddie Weir. Weir died last November aged 52 after a six-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

Mr Dooher said the barbell, similar to the weight of a giant panda, represents the burden carried by those who live with MND, and their families.

David Dooher reached the summit of Ben Nevis on Thursday afternoon (Steven Fergus/PA)

After reaching the summit of Ben Nevis, Mr Dooher, a member of Police Scotlands mountain rescue team, said: It feels amazing to be finished  very sore and tiring  but amazing.

Id be lying if I said it wasnt tougher than expected, but this wasnt meant to be easy, and there was no greater motivator than who Im doing this for: Doddies memory and everyone affected by MND.

The interest in the challenge and the outpouring of support has been incredible, its spurred me on every step of the way.

I want to thank everyone; my support team, the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, everybody who sent messages of support and encouragement, and the wider MND community for their backing.

It means the world and I hope that this effort will play some part, no matter how small, in helping to find effective treatments and one day a cure for this devastating disease.

Mr Dooher trained six days per week, every week, for the last six months ahead of the challenge, and upped his calorie intake beyond 4,000 calories during his training.

The father-of-two, from Uddingston in South Lanarkshire, bagged several Munros with a barbell on his back in preparation, including Ben Vorlich with 95kg and Ben Lomond with 75kg, but scaling Ben Nevis was his toughest climb yet.

Mr Dooher celebrated after reaching the top (Steven Fergus/PA)

Speaking ahead of the challenge, he said: I want it to be difficult and painful. Ive already been emotional during some walks just because of the pain and exhaustion, but that adds to the magnitude for me, so Im not afraid to show it.

Ive received so many lovely messages from families of people diagnosed, or whose family have passed away due to MND. That reinforces the reasons for why Im tackling the task. Ill be thinking about Doddie with every step.

Its been a big sacrifice. Ill take a week off to recover once Im done and maybe start planning a wee holiday when its all over.

He has already raised more than 13,000 and anyone interested in donating can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-dooher.

Paul Thompson, director of fundraising at My Name5 Doddie Foundation, said: We are blown away by Davids efforts. His training alone is unthinkable.

We are very grateful to him, and to everyone who has donated.
Former health secretary Matt Hancock feared being pushed down an escalator by an anti-vaccination protester who accused him of murdering people during the coronavirus pandemic, he told a court.

Geza Tarjanyi, 62, of Leyland in Lancashire, who has denied causing harassment without violence, is accused of shoulder-barging the MP and shouting ridiculous conspiracy theories on two separate occasions on January 19 and 24.

Mr Hancock told a trial at Westminster Magistrates Court: As a public figure, I cant recall a time when I felt as intimidated as this.

On the first occasion, Mr Hancock, along with a member of his staff, passed an anti-vaccination protest near Parliament, before Tarjanyi filmed him, asked him why he had killed so many people and shoulder-barged him during a five-minute interaction.

Appearing in person as a witness, the MP told the court: I felt physically intimidated and felt like I needed to get to a place of safety, he was being completely unreasonable.

I didnt know what further unreasonable actions he would take.

Mr Hancock went on: It made me feel unsafe going about my place of work, it made me feel frustrated that instead of engaging in a normal debate, someone was trying to intimidate me, I thought that was unacceptable.

He added: I had a pretty good impression he had been taken over by these ridiculous conspiracy theories.

Geza Tarjanyi is accused of shoulder-barging Mr Hancock (Martha Lamotte/PA)

A few days later, at around 8am, after Mr Hancock had had breakfast with the Prime Minister, Tarjanyi followed the MP through Westminster underground station and onto a train for around 10 minutes, again accusing him of murdering people.

Mr Hancock said he recognised the defendant and felt more intimidated because he was on his own and tried to get Transport for London (TfL) staff to intervene.

But he told the court that Tarjanyi began harassing anybody who was going to come to my aid and continued following him through the station.

Mr Hancock said he then stopped at the top of an escalator to resolve the situation but felt the defendant pushing him towards it.

He said: Obviously I was extremely worried at this time. If I had lost my balance at that point, I would have tumbled down the escalator.

Its a long escalator, I could see a long escalator moving away from me, and I was being pushed from behind.

I had to work to maintain my balance and stop myself falling down the escalator.

The former health secretary feared Tarjanyi was willing to commit a crime, alleging the defendant had told him he wanted to go to court.

He added: One of the reasons I hadnt reported the incident on January 19 was because I dont want these people with these untrue beliefs to get further publicity from harassing me.

Tarjanyi then got onto the Jubilee Line train with Mr Hancock and accused him of murdering millions of people before they were separated at Bond Street station.

The defendants mobile phone footage of the second incident, played to the court, showed him calling Mr Hancock a murderous scumbag and saying lockdown amounted to the harassment of the country due to his lies and deceit.

Nutan Fatania, prosecuting, said: Mr Hancock felt shaken up by both incidents and concerned for his personal safety.

Mr Hancock told her: I didnt get on the Tube for some time after because I didnt want any further incidents that put my safety at risk.

Parveen Mansoor, defending, said Tarjanyi denies any physical contact and believes it was Mr Hancock who barged into him.

She added: He denies assaulting him in any way shape or form.

Ms Mansoor suggested Mr Hancock had not been pushed during the incidents, arguing the defendant merely walked into him after he stopped.

Mr Hancock responded: Oh please  the idea that it was my fault he walked into me is ridiculous.

Ms Mansoor went on: You exaggerated what happened on both of these occasions either to get sympathy or to stop Mr Tarjanyi saying what he wished to say.

The MP told the court: I wouldnt make such an accusation lightly, and I certainly wouldnt if it was untrue.

The trial was being held at Westminster Magistrates Court (Kevin Quigley/PA)

Asked again why the first incident was not reported, Mr Hancock replied: I didnt want to give him the oxygen of publicity for wholly false and dangerous conspiracy theories.

Mr Hancock, 44, was health secretary when the coronavirus pandemic struck and was a key figure in the lockdown restrictions and vaccine rollout that followed.

He resigned after leaked CCTV images showed him kissing an adviser in his office, in breach of his own social-distancing guidance.

Mr Hancock later angered colleagues and constituents by flying to the Australian jungle to appear on Im A Celebrity  Get Me Out Of Here! in November 2022.

Having been stripped of the Conservative whip over the appearance, he said he would not contest his West Suffolk seat at the next election when he would step down.

The trial has been adjourned until July 4.
The Financial Conduct Authority is investigating Odey Asset Management (Odey AM) and banks are reviewing their relationship with the fund as a series of misconduct allegations were published against its founder.

The American bank JP Morgan is understood to be looking at its ties with Odey AM, while reports have emerged that Morgan Stanley is also moving to sever its prime broking relationship with the fund manager.

Both banks declined to comment.

It comes as the Financial Times (FT), citing a source, reported that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) opened an investigation into Odey Asset Management two years ago. The FCA declined to comment.

Odey AM declined to comment.

Earlier in the day, the FT  together with Tortoise Media  said that it had spoken to 13 women who either worked for Odey AM or had social or professional dealings with its founder, Crispin Odey.

They claimed that he had abused or harassed them, with eight of the 13 saying he sexually assaulted them.

The incidents happened between 1998 and 2021, the FT reported after interviewing 40 former employees at Odey Asset Management.

The PA news agency had attempted to contact Mr Odey. Reached by the FT, he said that the allegations were rubbish.

Contacted by Reuters after reports that Morgan Stanley was to cut back its prime broking relationship with Odey AM, Mr Odey said: That is a massively quick reaction to an allegation by the FT.

Mr Odey has previously faced similar allegations. In 2021, he was acquitted of indecent assault of a woman in 1998.

The judge in the case said that his accusers story contained inconsistencies.

Harriett Baldwin, a Conservative MP who chairs the Treasury Select Committee, said: The Financial Times has published an important piece of journalism and the range of women they have interviewed paints a troubling picture of an inappropriate work environment.

I am sure investors and prospective investors in the funds, employees and prospective employees and the regulator will read this article with concern.
Almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since 2010, new research suggests.

The GMB said its study indicated that 6.7% of all manufacturing jobs have gone since Labour left office.

Scotland has been the worst affected area, losing 15% of manufacturing jobs (31,300), followed by the East of England and Northern Ireland which both saw a reduction of around 14%, said the union.

In 2010, the UK supported 2.9 million manufacturing jobs but by 2022 that number had fallen to 2.7 million, the GMB said.

Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national officer, said: The loss of almost 200,000 jobs is devastating for those workers  and their wider communities.

Every job lost means a household income more stretched. In the worst cost-of-living crisis for a generation we need more decent, skilled jobs  not to shed them at this rate.

Ministers must address this urgently or there could be worse to come.

The global green jobs race could revolutionise UK manufacturing, creating tens of thousands of jobs in fabrication for new wind, solar and nuclear, but this Government seems happy to let them all disappear overseas.
The GMB has withdrawn its bid for union recognition at Amazon after accusing the online giant of dirty tricks.

The GMB said it had increased the number of its members to 800 at the companys Coventry warehouse after a series of strikes were held in a dispute over pay.

This meant union membership was more than half the total workforce, a figure needed for statutory recognition, said the union.

The GMB claimed that once it made an official application to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), Amazon said it had 2,700 workers at the site.

Union members working at the Coventry site claim the warehouse has been flooded with up to 1,000 new starters since the strike action began.

Amazon said it regularly recruits new staff and this year had been no different.

Further strikes will take place on June 12, 13 and 14.

Stuart Richards, GMB senior organiser said: Earlier this year, in one of the busiest periods for retail, Amazon told people there were around 1,400 workers in Coventry.

After GMB submitted a request for recognition, Amazon went on a massive recruitment drive.

They now claim to have more than 2,700 workers at the site.

GMB believes this was purely in response to GMB membership growing so close to the threshold for statutory union recognition.

Amazon has refused to pay workers a decent wage, but are now paying an additional 1,300 workers to try and bust the union.

We estimate thats more than 300,000 a week, just to stop workers having a voice in their workplace.

This is more than it would cost to pay the original workforce the 15 an hour they were asking for.

Its dirty tricks, plain and simple.

An Amazon spokesperson said: We respect our employees rights to join, or not to join, a union.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern, work environment.

At Amazon, these benefits and opportunities come with the job, as does the ability to communicate directly with the leadership of the company.

We regularly recruit new team members, across the country and across the year, providing great new career opportunities for thousands of people and to meet customer demand.

This year is no different.
The Government should support a global moratorium on deep sea mining, a group of UK television stars has said.

Olivia Colman, Jim Carter, Stephen Fry, Robert Lindsay and Joanna Lumley are urging the UK to join a growing number of governments and companies around the world calling for a halt on the industry before it can begin.

Thirty-one exploration contracts have been issued by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) although no company is allowed to begin extracting yet.

Olivia Colman (Matt Crossick/PA)

They are searching for deposits of minerals such as cobalt, zinc and magnesium that are often used in renewable technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.

Many scientists, activists, governments and businesses are concerned that mining will destroy barely understood and fragile ecosystems on the sea floor.

Researchers from the Natural History Museum believe there are up to 8,000 undiscovered species in an area of the Pacific called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, which has become a centre of attraction for mining companies.

Ms Colman said: Its crucial the Government fully considers the long-term consequences of deep sea mining  the latest in a long list of threats to our beleaguered oceans.

The deep ocean is home to diverse and fragile life forms that we are only just beginning to understand. To forge ahead risks damaging ecosystems to a point from which they may never recover.

Joanna Lumley (Chris Jackson/PA)

The UK Government has said it will not sponsor or support deep sea mining contracts unless there is sufficient scientific evidence about its potential effects on ecosystems and until strong and enforceable environmental regulations and standards are in place.

It has rejected a moratorium, arguing it is better to be involved in negotiating for the introduction of environmental protections.

UN members states including the UK in March agreed the Global Ocean Treaty, which aims to protect large areas of marine life by putting stricter regulations on deep sea mining and fishing.

Mr Fry said: Just months after the Government celebrated its role in the historic UN Ocean Treaty, it appears rather hypocritical to forge ahead with discussions on deep sea mining.

The serious and ongoing concerns expressed by scientists regarding the risks deep sea mining poses to marine life should be more than sufficient to dissuade the Government.

Instead of enabling the expansion of this destructive new industry, the Government must honour its commitment to ocean protection and unite with others who are firmly opposed to deep sea mining.

The actors call comes ahead of a round of talks at the ISA, whose 167 members including the UK are facing commercial pressure to allow deep sea mining to begin, Greenpeace said.

More than 700 scientists from 44 countries have signed an open letter calling for the industry to be paused while companies including Samsung, Google and Volvo have said they will refuse to use metals obtained from the seabed.

 NEW FILM  The world's scientists are raising the alarm on the 'highly destructive' effects #DeepSeaMining would have on ocean biodiversity. Professor @AlexDavidRogers, science director @rev_ocean, explains how seabed mining would remove essential pillars of deep sea life. pic.twitter.com/RmOFUlaTpa  Environmental Justice Foundation (@ejfoundation) June 7, 2023

Andrew Tobert, Greenpeace UK oceans campaigner, said: The Governments lack of action on deep sea mining runs completely counter to its claims to be a global leader on marine protection.

Not only that, it undermines its contribution towards securing the UN Ocean Treaty.

In two weeks time governments will formally adopt the treaty and then the UK must act to swiftly ratify it.

Alongside this, its crucial UK ministers take a strong stance on deep sea mining ahead of the ISA meeting in July.

A moratorium is whats needed  thats not a million miles away from the UKs stated precautionary approach. What are they waiting for?
A terrorist who hatched a bomb plot alongside London Bridge attacker Usman Khan could walk free from prison within weeks.

The Parole Board said Nazam Hussain, who was jailed in 2012 for his part in plans to blow up the London Stock Exchange, was suitable to be released.

Hussain was initially freed from prison in 2019 but put back behind bars just months later when police found two knives taped together inside a suitcase at his house, in the wake of Khans Fishmongers Hall attack.

In a document detailing the decision, published on Thursday, the Parole Board said: The panel directed re-release as it was satisfied that it was no longer necessary for the protection of the public that Mr Hussain be confined.

A police probe found no connection between Mr Hussain and the knives or an electronic tablet also found at the premises.

None of the items were linked forensically or in any other way to Mr Hussain. Mr Hussain was not the sole occupier, the items were not found in his room, and the police accepted another residents claim to ownership, the papers said.

The panel  who considered more than 1,600 pages of evidence and heard from 13 witnesses, found nothing in the circumstances that would justify any increase in Mr Hussains assessed level of risk and that his initial period of release from prison was very successful.

The document said: He spent time with his family and made considerable progress, improving his work prospects and finding work. There was no evidence that he had sought to proselytise, fundraise or network in further pursuit of any terrorist cause.

The Parole Board said: Having considered the evidence in respect of Mr Hussains conduct since his automatic release in March 2019, the panel concluded that his recall was an unfortunate but necessary consequence of the events at Fishmongers Hall that triggered the search of the address where he was residing and the discovery of items of initial concern 

In the panels view, there is no persuasive evidence that Mr Hussain continues to have an extremist mindset, nor is there any persuasive evidence to support the view he is intent on radicalising others or seeking to support extremist causes either in other jurisdictions or the UK.

He has engaged in every course and assessment he has been required to take and as a result has placed himself under intense personal scrutiny.

There is no evidence suggesting he sought to radicalise others whilst he was back in the community in 2019 and no evidence whatsoever that he has sought to capitalise on his earlier association with Mr Khan.

When he is released, Hussain will be closely involved with his family who appear able to serve as a strong protective factor and will be subject to a series of licence conditions, including being monitored by police and other public bodies.

Hussain will have to take lie detector tests and wear a GPS tag as well as live at a specified address, adhere to a curfew, disclose any developing relationships as well as face restrictions on who he contacts and what he does.
Permission to berth a barge housing asylum seekers at an east London docks has been rejected, it has been confirmed.

Londons Royal Docks said it had informed the Home Office last month that water beside City Airport would not be appropriate as a potential location to moor one of its floating accommodation vessels for refugees.

The use of barges is part of Government efforts to deter migrants from embarking on dangerous Channel crossings in small boats and to reduce the amount spent on hotels for those arriving in Britain via unlawful routes.

Labour Mayor of London Mr Khan had set out his objections publicly to the suggestion a location in the capital could be chosen for such a vessel.

He has since written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to express his support for the Royal Docks decision to deny permission for a barge.

I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum, he told the Cabinet minister in a letter seen by the PA news agency.

I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the Governments policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.

Scott Derben, managing director of Londons Royal Docks, told PA: Londons Royal Docks were approached by the Home Office to look at the feasibility of berthing a cruise ship to house asylum seekers.

After investigation, it was concluded that this would not be an appropriate use for the Royal Docks.

The Home Office were informed of this decision in May.

Mr Khan said the UKs capital had a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge as he set out his deep concerns about the Conservative Government policy of housing asylum seekers on barges.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged the Government to ditch its asylum seeker barge accommodation plan (Aaron Chown/PA)

He told Mrs Braverman there was no evidence that barge accommodation would act as a deterrent to those seeking to come to Britain and argued it would leave large numbers of people in wholly unsuitable conditions.

The former MP also said the boats would be highly visible and that those being housed in them could be at significant risk from targeting by far-right protests.

I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Governments plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels, he added.

Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to stop the boats was starting to work, as he revealed two more giant vessels will be used for migrant accommodation.

The Prime Minister declined to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there has been speculation that the vessels could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

Sadiq Khan has written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman regarding asylum seeker vessels (Yui Mok/PA)

The Guardian also reported the Royal Docks was among a number of other locations being discussed as part of plans to acquire more barges and former cruise ships.

A Home Office spokeswoman, asked about Royal Docks stance, said: The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.

We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.

It comes as Labour accused ministers of quietly ditching the two-tier refugee system, which was introduced under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

In a written ministerial statement to MPs, immigration minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the differentiation policy would be paused from July.

This means we will stop taking grouping decisions under the differentiated asylum system after these rules changes and those individuals who are successful in their asylum application, including those who are granted humanitarian protection, will receive the same conditions.

Our ability to remove failed asylum applicants remains unchanged, he said.

Mr Jenrick said that the policy, which created two separate approaches to refugees depending on their route to the UK, had been the right approach when it came into force last June.

Since then, the scale of the challenge facing the UK, like other countries, has grown, he said.

He added that the Illegal Migration Bill now represents a considerably stronger means of tackling the same issue that the differentiation policy sought to address.

The Governments Illegal Migration Bill is currently in the Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and close scrutiny from peers.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said that Labour had warned that the policy would only make the bureaucracy and chaos worse.

Even worse, they have slipped out the announcement in a written statement to avoid publicity or scrutiny by Parliament or the press.

This is a damning indictment of the Conservatives flagship immigration Bill, and of their entire record on small boats, and shows ministers have no idea what they are doing to fix the Tory small boats chaos.

Labour will fix the asylum system that has been broken under 13 years of the Tories.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the move was the right decision.

He said: The Government is now admitting that its flagship Nationality and Borders Act has failed to deliver.

As was predicted by us and other refugee organisations, it hasnt deterred desperate men, women and children from taking dangerous journeys but has simply led to unnecessary misery for many refugees, leaving them stuck in limbo unable to move on with their lives.
Promo shot of New Jeans' new Coca-Cola Zero ad / Courtesy of Coca-Cola



'Is it an ad or a new song?'



By Lee So-ra



Fans wondered whether the new track, "Zero," that was released last month on the official YouTube channel of NewJeans was an advertisement or a new song.



Considering the quality of the music video, one might have been forgiven for thinking it was a new, full-length track that had been released by the girl group. However, it was clearly a jingle for a new commercial with lyrics that included lines like "Coca-Cola tastes good."



The music video was created in collaboration between Coca-Cola Korea and the company's global music platform Coke Studio, reaching more than 15 million views on YouTube in just two days after its release. The track also reached the top spot of the Genie Music chart, a rare feat for a commercial jingle. In addition, many convenience stores across Korea reported an increase in sales of Coca-Cola Zero products.



"By minimizing brand exposure and putting all of our focus on NewJeans, it appears that we were able to reduce the aversion to advertisements in some people," said Coca-Cola Korea marketing executive Kwon Jung-hyun during an interview at the company's headquarters in Seoul on June 1.





A scene from a music video for "Zero" by NewJeans / Captured from NewJeans' official YouTube channel
A retired colonel, who was the deputy director of the Governments Covid-19 task force, has been cleared of falsely claiming 43,470 to pay his childrens boarding school fees.

Prosecutors said Marcus Reedman, 51, claimed continuity of education allowance (CEA) payments to help fund his three childrens 75,000-a-year private school fees, which matched his entire British Army salary.

Reedmans last job was as the deputy director of the Covid-19 task force with the rank of acting brigadier.

During his Army career, he was pictured alongside the King, who was then the Prince of Wales, and David Cameron, who was prime minister at the time.

Marcus Reedman, left with the then Defence Secretary Michael Fallon at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 (Mark Owens/PA)

Prosecutors said he cheated the system to dishonestly collect taxpayers money while he was posted to a desk job at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in Whitehall.

Reedmans eldest daughter and son attended Brighton College, costing about 30,000 each a year, while his youngest daughter was a daygirl at the Marlborough House prep school in Kent, for which no CEA was claimed.

To be eligible for the scheme  aimed at allowing the children of service personnel to stay at the same school while their serving parent is posted around the country or abroad  he had to be accompanied by his wife, Astrid Reedman.

He was alleged to have wrongly claimed the payments while she and his family were living at the family home in Rye, East Sussex, instead of his residence at work address (RWA) in Biggin Hill, south-east London.

The soldier, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, told jurors he was serving accompanied throughout the period October 1 2016 until August 17 2017.

He was acquitted of fraud by a jury at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday after 15 hours of deliberation.

His supporters in the public gallery cheered and he bowed to Judge Nicholas Rimmer before leaving the court.

Giving evidence, Reedman said he attended a prep school before completing state education and joined the Army aged 23.

He told jurors he decided to send his children to private school because his daughter was being severely bullied.

But he said he was not wedded to the idea and denied he had dishonestly defrauded the MoD.

When asked if he had moved to Biggin Hill alone, he said: No, I moved with my family, and told the jury his wife had not moved back to Rye by October 2016.
Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden stressed their unwavering support for Ukraine, with the president saying the US will help Kyiv for as long as it takes.

The two leaders emphasised the need for long-term security arrangements for the war-torn nation as deterrence against aggression from Russian president Vladimir Putin.

At a joint press conference at the White House on Thursday, Mr Biden was asked about hesitation about more funding for Ukraine among some lawmakers in the rival Republican Party.

Rishi Sunak meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moldova (Carl Court/PA)

The Democratic US president said: I believe well have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes.

And I believe that that support will be real, even though you hear some voices today on Capitol Hill about whether or not we should continue to support Ukraine and for how long we should support them.

He said Moscow would not halt its invasion if the west was not supporting Kyiv.

Mr Sunak said: I agree with what the president has said  its about deterrence.

President Putin will be thinking that he can wait us out, that the alliance will tire, will get fatigued and will give up. Now, that is not the case.

And the more we can put in place support for Ukraine, not just in the here and now, but support that will last for a time and for years to come, I think it sends a strong signal to him that there is no point in trying to wait us out, were not going anywhere. We will be here for as long as it takes.

Mr Biden also thanked Mr Sunak for his strong, strong leadership over the war in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister in turn praised Washington, saying: The UK is proud of our contribution including providing tanks, long range weapons and training Ukrainian soldiers  but let no-one doubt US leadership and resources are the decisive contribution allowing the forces of democracy and freedom to prevail.

The two leaders have unwavering support of the people of Ukraine, the US president said.

Mr Biden and Mr Sunak also discussed helping Ukraine in their bilateral meeting, according to a read-out.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: They agreed that the UK and US continue to have an important role to play in bringing stability in regions throughout the world, and countering state and non-state hostile activity. This includes supporting Ukraine in their fight against Putins illegal invasion.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he opposes in the strongest possible terms any Home Office plans to moor another barge housing asylum seekers at the citys Royal Docks.

The east London docks, beside City Airport, was named in reports this week as a potential new site to house asylum seekers as part of Government efforts to crack down on Channel crossings.

The Home Office has not confirmed any such plan, but Mr Khan said his office had been recently made aware of Home Office proposals to use the Royal Docks.

The mayor said he opposed such plans in the strongest possible terms.

He said: I am proud of Londons history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge, and I am concerned that vulnerable people fleeing appalling circumstances would not have access to the support they need, with their safety, health and wellbeing being put at serious risk.

The Governments approach to asylum seekers is cruel and unworkable, and will be made worse by the Illegal Migration Bill.

Instead councils and relevant partners need to retain the legal powers and the funding to support asylum seekers humanely and with dignity. We all have a responsibility to help those escaping oppression and violence, and ministers need to completely rethink their plans as a matter of urgency.

Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to stop the boats was starting to work, as he revealed two more giant vessels will be used for migrant accommodation.

The Prime Minister declined to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there is speculation that barges could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

The Guardian also reported the Royal Docks, which are managed by the Royal Docks Management Authority Limited, was among a number of other locations being discussed as part of plans to acquire more barges and former cruise ships.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Dover this week as he pointed to signs of Government success in stopping Channel crossings (Yui Mok/PA)

The Home Office on Thursday declined to confirm whether the London docks was part of discussions.

A Home Office spokesperson said: The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.

We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.

The Governments Illegal Migration Bill is currently in the Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and close scrutiny from peers.

The Bill would require the Home Secretary to remove from the country any migrants who arrive irregularly to one of the countries on the safe list, although they currently only have agreements to this effect with Rwanda and Albania.
A sailor has successfully circumnavigated all 262 islands around England and Wales and said his lasting memory from four years completing the 1,300-mile challenge will be the genuine human kindness he saw along the way.

Ken Fowler, from Mudeford, Dorset, began the challenge in 2019, taking time out around his job as a former air traffic controller to complete the mission in stages in a RS Aero sailing dinghy named Yoda  which he said was the size of two bathtubs and about as wet as one.

Having raised more than 66,000 for Cancer Research and Oakhaven Hospice Trust, on Wednesday the 57-year-old undertook his final voyage: a 13-hour, 70-mile sail around the Isle of Wight finishing at his home in Mudeford.

Mr Fowler, a father-of-two, told the PA news agency: Yesterday I launched about 5:15am and landed about 6:45pm and that was my 262nd and last island  so thats every island in England and Wales sailed.

Ken Fowler in his RS Aero sailing dinghy which has taken him around all 262 islands off the coast of England and Wales (Snap Photography/PA)

Its been an amazing adventure, Ive met some wonderful people who have been so supportive, Ive seen incredible wildlife  having dolphins riding on the bow of your little dinghy, Ive sailed past a walrus in the Scilly Isles, Ive had puffins around me  and Ive seen some of the most amazing scenery.

Its been fantastic, and being in the busy country we live in, being out on the water in these places is very, very quiet and very magical and wonderful.

Equally, Im really relieved its over. Its been nearly a four-year challenge to get it all done. Its been a brilliant fundraiser.

Mr Fowler raised money for two charities close to his heart: Cancer Research and Oakhaven Hospice Trust  a small hospice local to him  after he said cancer has completely devastated his family.

My dad died of cancer when I was only 24 and he was one of six siblings  five of them died of cancer, he said.

Ken Fowler arriving back in Mudeford, Dorset, on Wednesday to complete his four-year challenge (Snap Photography/PA)

Its completely devastated my family. My mother-in-law died from it as well.

I had a picture of her and of my father in the boat and they travel with me everywhere and they were inspirations to keep me going.

Thats why we set out to do it, to raise a lot of money for charity, and its been just incredible.

In 2017, Mr Fowler raised more than 37,000 for the two charities by sailing from Lands End in Cornwall to John oGroats in Scotland, but said he wanted to raise the missing 13,000 to make it to 50,000  which inspired his latest challenge.

For anyone facing cancer, you dont get to stop halfway through cancer treatment or facing it, you have to come out the other end, he said.

And I thought, if they can do that, which is way braver than what Im doing in my dinghy, I need to find something that would raise the missing 13,000.

Mr Fowler added that he has been blown away by the support he has received for his fundraising efforts.

Ken Fowler said his sailing dinghy was the size of two bathtubs and about as wet as one'(Snap Photography/PA)

It feels really, really wonderful. Ive just been blown away by peoples generosity, he said.

I think the main thing, a lot of it has come from people who have only met me when theyve seen me sailing or Ive met them on the beach when weve landed or launched.

When you get complete strangers, who Ive never met, being so kind and generous, that keeps you going.

They are really long, tough days, driving to different parts of the country.

He added: The genuine human kindness Ive experienced along the way has been one of the most memorable parts of the whole adventure.

Mr Fowler said it took him 13 hours in total and about 70 miles on Wednesday to journey around the Isle of Wight, which brought him back home to Mudeford.

To sail home, Ive been away from home so much in this adventure, and all the kind people local to me could come down and see it, and walk me home, that was just wonderful, he said.

A super fantastic end to a long, long adventure.

Ken Fowler said he is now looking forward to a relaxing after his four-year challenge (Snap Photography/PA)

He added that his wife, Fiona, has been absolutely amazing throughout his challenge as he said it has involved a lot of sacrifice on her behalf and shes been so supportive.

I came out of the water yesterday and just hugged her in my stinky wet suit. It was wonderful, she thought it was wonderful, it was absolutely magical, he said.

Mr Fowler is now looking forward to resting after his long adventure.

Its been magical, but its definitely sucked everything out of me, Mr Fowler said.

Ive given it everything I have, and probably more than I ever realised I have, but weve made it.

To find out more about Ken Fowlers challenge and to visit his fundraising page, visit: yodare.co.uk
Boris Johnsons resignation honours list should be put through the shredder, according to an opposition party, following reports Rishi Sunak has accepted his recommendations for peerages.

The Times reported that the Prime Minister is expected to accept Mr Johnsons long-awaited resignation honours list, with the paper reporting that it could be published in a matter of weeks.

According to a Whitehall source quoted by the newspaper, Mr Sunak is hoping to clear the decks by signing off the awards, which are said to have been a source of contention between the two figures.

The Prime Minister, asked about the reports during his trip to the US, said he could not comment on his predecessors submission.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused the Prime Minister of rewarding failure by allegedly giving the list the green light.

The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party, she said.

Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country  if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure its just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else.

The buck stops with Sunak  he must ensure that Johnsons honours list is put through the shredder.

Mr Sunak remained tight-lipped about whether he had accepted the nominations list, which is said to contain about 50 names, when quizzed in Washington DC on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said: I can completely understand the interest in this topic.

All I can say is there is a process that is currently under way. It has not concluded yet and until it does, it would not be right for me to comment any further.

His rival, Sir Keir Starmer, suggested the Conservative Party leader was having to appease different bits of the governing party with his handling of the honours roll.

Nadine Dorries is reportedly in line for a peerage in Boris Johnsons resignation honours list (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Whether its Boris Johnsons WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnsons peerages, all the Prime Minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country, the Labour leader said during a visit to a steelworks in Scunthorpe.

There are suggestions that the list could spark at least two by-elections for the Conservatives.

Early electoral battles could be held in the seats of former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow.

Mr Sharma holds a 4,000-vote majority over Labour in his Reading West constituency and a by-election would likely be closely fought by Sir Keirs party, which is well ahead of the Tories in the polls.

Ms Dorries, who has already announced her plan to quit as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire at the next election, has a majority of more than 24,600 over the main Opposition party.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack is also reportedly set to be offered a peerage by Mr Johnson.

The Cabinet minister has announced he will stand down at the next national poll but has ruled out triggering a by-election in his Dumfries and Galloway constituency to take up a seat in the House of Lords before then.

Nigel Adams, another close ally of Mr Johnson who also is not planning on standing again, is also said to be keen to avoid a by-election.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said he would not be triggering a by-election if awarded a peerage (Victoria Jones/PA)

Ms Dorries said she has not been told whether she is on Mr Johnsons honours list.

She has previously said that she thought staying in place until a general election would be absolutely the right thing to do if she was on his list but recognised there were objections to that stance.

Speaking on her TalkTV programme last month, Ms Dorries said: Apparently the House of Lords Appointment Committee has said that would be constitutionally improper.

They dont say that would be constitutionally impossible. They say improper.

Ms Dorries said the committee need probably to update their processes due to the UK being in politically unstable times after having three No 10 incumbents in a matter of months last year.

Mr Johnsons spokesman said: We strictly do not comment on honours.

Former prime minister Liz Truss, despite being the shortest serving prime minister in modern British political history, has also reportedly submitted a short resignation honours list.
Three people on a giant inflatable duck had to be rescued after it drifted out to sea.

Eyewitnesses reported how the men pumped up the duck, nicknamed Quackers, at Westward Ho! beach in Devon and took it out to sea along with a friend on an inflatable kayak.

After five minutes, they had drifted out about 75 metres from the beach and the friend in the kayak was unsuccessfully trying to push them back to shore.

The Coastguard was called when Quackers was 200 metres off shore.

A member of the public went out to the duck on a paddleboard to try to bring the men back to shore. He managed to tow Quackers closer to the beach, with the men able to jump out and swim to safety.

Quackers was immediately blown back out to sea.

Volunteers from Appledore RNLI were out in their inshore and all-weather lifeboats on their usual Tuesday night training exercise when they were tasked by the Coastguard to assist the men in the duck.

The inshore lifeboat arrived as the men made it back to shore safely, with crew member Del Elsemore swimming in to check on them.

Mr Elsemore said: The quick thinking of this member of the public with a paddleboard prevented a nasty situation turning much worse. He was the real lifesaver of the day.

The lifeboats returned to their exercise after the incident on June 6, complete with Quackers on board.

A spokeswoman for the RNLI charity said: With the strong tides and off-shore breezes of the Bristol Channel, Appledore RNLI urges people never to take an inflatable toy into the sea.

There is no way to control these and they get pulled out from shore within seconds.

If any member of the public sees someone getting into difficulty in the water, please, as this eyewitness did, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
The Conservative Party raised more than 12 million in donations in the first three months of the year, according to figures from the Electoral Commission.

Donations to the Tories published on Thursday far outstripped those to other parties, with Labour raising only 4.4 million and the Liberal Democrats 1.3 million.

In total, the Conservatives received 12.3 million in the first quarter of 2023, with public funding taking Labour and the Liberal Democrats totals to 5.9 million and 1.7 million respectively.

The total for the Tories was boosted by a 5 million donation from Mohamed Mansour, the partys senior treasurer and a former minister in the government of Egyptian autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

The party also received 2 million from Indian-born textiles tycoon Amit Lohia and another 2 million from party treasurer and businessman Graham Edwards.

Labours biggest donation was a 500,000 gift from Gary Lubner, former chief executive of the company that owns Autoglass.

Mr Lubner, whose grandparents fled to South Africa to escape Russian pogroms, is expected to donate 5 million to the party before the next election and told the Financial Times he had been impressed with Sir Keir Starmers efforts to root out antisemitism from Labour.

Labour also received 2.3 million from its trade union backers, including 1.1 million from Unite and 359,168 from Unison.

In total, UK political parties received 20.9 million in donations and public funds in the first three months of 2023, compared to 12.8 million in the first three months of 2022.

Louise Edwards, of the Electoral Commission, said publishing the figures was vital to ensure transparency but called on the Government to do more to raise confidence in the system.

She said: We publish details of these donations so that voters understand how political parties are funded.

We know transparency of party and campaigner finance is important for people, but our research tells us that only 24% of people believe party funding is transparent.

Its clear that publishing this information is not enough. We continue to recommend to the UK Government that it reforms the system, to help protect parties from those who seek to evade the law, and give voters more confidence.
The driver in the Croydon tram disaster broke down in court as he told jurors: In some ways I held myself responsible.

Alfred Dorris, 49, was allegedly going three times the speed he was supposed to be doing before his tram derailed on a sharp curve at Sandilands in south London, killing seven passengers and seriously injuring 19 more.

Dorris is on trial at the Old Bailey for failing to take reasonable care of the health and safety of himself and his 69 passengers on Tram 2551 on November 9 2016.

The prosecution alleged Dorris may have had a micro-sleep or become disorientated before the crash.

On Thursday, Dorris broke down in front of victims families when he gave evidence for the first time in Court One of the Old Bailey.

He became distressed and wiped away tears as he described being arrested and put in the back of a police van after the crash, having never been in trouble before.

The married father-of-one said: I was told that I was being arrested for manslaughter because of multiple fatalities.

I was broken. I could not believe what I was hearing.

On arrival at a police station, he said: I broke down. One of the officers kind of put his hand on my shoulder, tapped me in a reassuring way that was quite nice, to be honest. I was taken to a police cell.

By then, he said the adrenalin was starting to wear off and he felt sick and suffered physical pain in his right side.

Later, he was released under investigation and took his family to stay in a hotel for four weeks due to the intense media interest in the disaster.

On his state of mind at the time, he said: I was just all over the place, just broken, disbelief at what had happened.

In some ways I held myself responsible for what happened. I could not explain how it happened.

The defendant said lighting in the tunnel on the approach to the sharp turn where the derailment happened was inconsistent, and in the dark he had to rely on his route knowledge and experience as a driver.

Defence barrister Miles Bennett said: You said one of the issues causing you upset just after the event and into 2017 was you could not piece together in your mind what had happened and how you got to this state.

Even with the passage of time now are you able to tell the jury how it is you became disorientated?

The defendant replied: No.

Dorris said he had got confused before the crash but not due to a lack of concentration as it had been a normal average day up until that point.

He went on to describe how he continued to struggle with what happened and reached his lowest point during the lockdown when he was unable to start treatment for severe case of PTSD.

For me being in lockdown with my family suffering as I was I just got worse and worse, a ticking timebomb waiting to go off and the family was in the firing line.

One day I just lost control and me and my wife at the time had an altercation and I became very aggressive towards her and that was the beginning of the end of my marriage and we separated.

That was the last time I saw my family, the last time I saw my daughter.

The defendant said he was excused from taking part in the inquest into the victims deaths.

Mr Bennett asked whether he regarded tram driving as just a job.

The defendant replied: I was proud of my job. I enjoyed my job. What I was doing was important to me.

For me, I was always on time, smartly dressed. My appearance was really important to me. Im wearing a uniform so Im representing the company. I wanted to leave a good impression and be proud.

On his attitude to driving, he told jurors: For me it was all about customer comfort. I want them to feel they had a comfortable ride, always smooth. Thats my driving style.

Mr Bennett asked: Did you have any problems with fatigue when you went onto permanent earlies working on the trams?

Dorris replied: No, never.

Alfred Dorris is on trial at the Old Bailey (PA)

Asked what he would have done if he had felt tired before a shift, he said: I could have just explained I was not feeling fit to work and they would sign me off.

The court heard how Dorris had applied to work on the trams in 2008 as a stepping stone to realise his ambition of becoming a train driver on the railways.

He underwent 13 weeks of training, which involved learning the route and becoming competent in driving and manoeuvring the tram.

Since qualifying, he said there had been only a few occasions he needed to use the emergency or hazard section of the traction brake controller when people had walked in front of the train.

Previously, he had also worked early shifts as a bus driver and a milkman.

He had never felt sleepy or fatigued in those jobs, preferring the hours because they fitted around my family life, he said.

In his job as a bus driver, his only accident had been a little scuff with a car at Sloane Square on his first day out on his own, the defendant said.

Dorris, from Beckenham, south-east London, denies a single charge of failing to take reasonable care at work under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Boris Johnsons resignation honours list could be published as soon as Friday, according to reports that also suggest two Tory MPs have been struck from it to avoid potentially damaging by-elections.

An opposition party urged Rishi Sunak to put the list through the shredder following reports the Prime Minister has accepted his predecessors recommendations for peerages.

But the Times reported that the long-awaited list has been trimmed, with casualties including former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Sir Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow.

The pair were expected to stand down to take peerages, which would have left Mr Sunak facing two early electoral battles in their seats.

Sir Alok holds a 4,000-vote majority over Labour in his Reading West constituency and a by-election would likely be closely fought by Sir Keir Starmers party, which is well ahead of the Tories in the polls.

Ms Dorries, who has already announced her plan to quit as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire at the next election, has a majority of more than 24,600 over the main Opposition party.

Ms Dorries and Sir Aloks names have been resubmitted to the House of Lords Appointments Committee for vetting and their peerages could be granted further down the line, according to the Times.

Mr Johnsons father, Stanley Johnson, has also been taken off the list, the newspaper said.

The nomination prompted accusations of cronyism, after Mr Johnson already nominated his brother Jo Johnson for a peerage in 2020.

It also drew criticism after senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes and a journalist in 2021 publicly accused Stanley Johnson, a former MEP, of touching them at Conservative party conferences.

Ms Nokes, chairwoman of the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, accused Stanley Johnson of forcefully smacking her on the backside and making a vulgar comment at the Conservative Party conference in 2003.

Stanley Johnson said after that he had no recollection of either incident.

The Times reported earlier that Mr Sunak is hoping to clear the decks by signing off the awards, which are said to have been a source of contention between the two figures.

The Prime Minister, asked about the reports during his trip to the US, said he could not comment on his predecessors submission.

Sir Alok Sharma (Yui Mok/PA)

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused Mr Sunak of rewarding failure by allegedly giving the list the green light.

The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party, she said.

Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country  if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure its just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else.

The buck stops with Sunak  he must ensure that Johnsons honours list is put through the shredder.

Mr Sunak remained tight-lipped about whether he had accepted the nominations list, which is said to contain about 50 names, when quizzed in Washington DC on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said: I can completely understand the interest in this topic.

All I can say is there is a process that is currently under way. It has not concluded yet and until it does, it would not be right for me to comment any further.

His rival Sir Keir suggested the Conservative Party leader was having to appease different bits of the governing party with his handling of the honours roll.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said he would not be triggering a by-election if awarded a peerage (Victoria Jones/PA)

Whether its Boris Johnsons WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnsons peerages, all the Prime Minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country, the Labour leader said during a visit to a steelworks in Scunthorpe.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack is also reportedly set to be offered a peerage by Mr Johnson.

The Cabinet minister has announced he will stand down at the next national poll but has ruled out triggering a by-election in his Dumfries and Galloway constituency to take up a seat in the House of Lords before then.

Nigel Adams, another close ally of Mr Johnson who also is not planning on standing again, is also said to be keen to avoid a by-election.

Mr Johnsons spokesman said: We strictly do not comment on honours.

Former prime minister Liz Truss, despite being the shortest serving prime minister in modern British political history, has also reportedly submitted a short resignation honours list.
The UK is banning imports of gold from Belarus in a new wave of sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on the Kremlin-backed regime.

Internet providers will also be forced to restrict access in Britain to websites spreading propaganda from the country, the Government said.

Bans will be placed on the import of gold, cement, wood and rubber  all sources of revenue for authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenkos regime  to the UK.

The UK Government is also blocking exports from Britain to the country of banknotes and machinery  alongside goods, technologies and materials that could be used to produce chemical and biological weapons.

The sanctions expand on measures introduced last July to ban the import and export of goods worth around 60 million from Belarus.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: This new package ratchets up the economic pressure on Lukashenko and his regime which actively facilitates the Russian war effort and ignores Ukraines territorial integrity.

Our support for Ukraine will remain resolute for as long as it takes and the UK will not hesitate to introduce further measures against those who prop up Putins war.

Homes are seen underwater in a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson, Ukraine, after Russia was accused of blowing up a dam (Felipe Dana/AP)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it would also introduce online measures which will provide the Government with the ability to prevent designated Belarusian media companies from spreading propaganda in the UK.

Mr Lukashenko is an ally of Vladimir Putin, having for decades relied on subsidies from Moscow to keep Belaruss Soviet-style economy afloat.

Russian support also helped the autocratic leader survive months of mass protests following the 2020 election that handed him a sixth term in office in a vote the West says was rigged.

Last year, Moscow used Belarusian territory as a springboard to send troops and missiles into Ukraine.
Powerhouse international gallery White Cube will open its first permanent exhibition space in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, this fall. Courtesy of White Cube



By Park Han-sol



Powerhouse international gallery, White Cube, announced on Thursday the scheduled opening of a permanent exhibition space in Seoul this autumn. The location will be its second outpost in Asia after Hong Kong.



White Cube Seoul's 300-square-meter venue will span the first floor of the ceramic-cloaked building in the capital city's Gangnam District, which also houses the local private museum Horim Art Center.



The space will be helmed by White Cube Korea representative and director Jini Yang. Its program is set to feature rising and established artists from within and outside of the gallery's roster.



Describing Korea as "a country with a discerning and deeply engaged community of collectors, and home to (dansaekhwa master) Park Seo-Bo, an artist I deeply admire," White Cube CEO and founder Jay Jopling said. "The inaugural edition of Frieze Seoul in 2022 was a testament to the region's growing importance in the global art market and we look forward to returning in September for the inauguration of our new gallery."



"The Korean art scene is characterized by deep connections with both the local and the global," Yang noted. "I look forward to deepening White Cube's connections with the local art community and contributing to Korea's growing ecosystem."



Founded in 1993 by Jopling in central London, White Cube has risen to become one of the leading contemporary art dealers, with spaces in London, Hong Kong, Paris, New York and West Palm Beach. It represents creators including Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer and Bruce Nauman.



With the slated opening of its Seoul location, the gallery will be joining the group of international exhibitors that have expanded their presence in Korea.



Pace Gallery, Lehmann Maupin, Thaddaeus Ropac, Perrotin, Gladstone Gallery and Esther Schipper are among some of the major players that have opened branches in Seoul in the last seven years.




A surveillance camera is seen in the Kings Cross area in London

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain has committed to the removal of Chinese-made surveillance equipment from sensitive government sites as part of its latest plans to address national security concerns related to China.

Under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has cast China as the world's greatest challenge to security and prosperity, the government told its departments last year to stop installing Chinese-linked surveillance cameras at sensitive buildings.

In an announcement setting out a proposed tightening of procurement rules, the government said:

"We will also commit to publish a timeline for the removal of surveillance equipment produced by companies subject to Chinas National Intelligence Law from sensitive central government sites.

"By committing to this timeline, we are providing reassurance and urgency around the removal plans."

The statement did not name specific companies.

British lawmakers have previously called for a ban on the sale and use of security cameras made by Hikvision and Dahua, two partly state-owned Chinese firms, over privacy fears and concerns of the companies' products being linked to human rights abuses in China.

"We believe that the possible action by the UK Government is a further step up of the mounting geopolitical tensions being expressed through technology bans, which by no means relates to the security of Hikvisions products," Hikvision said in a statement.

Beijing has said it "firmly opposes" overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese enterprises.

"The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese companies to conduct international investment and cooperation in accordance with market principles, international rules and local laws," a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Britain said in a statement.

"We urge the UK side to stop political manipulation and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for the normal operation of Chinese companies in the UK."

Britain barred TikTok on government phones in March this year, while in 2020 it said it would ban Huawei from its 5G network. Some U.S. states have banned vendors and products from several Chinese technology companies.

(Reporting by Muvija M and Kylie MacLellan; Editing by William James and Nick Macfie)
The US is looking to the UK to lead the effort on how artificial intelligence is regulated, Joe Biden said.

The US president expressed his confidence in Rishi Sunak in heading up international co-ordinated action to mitigate the risks of the emerging technology.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Prime Minister at the White House, Mr Biden described the technological change AI could bring as staggering.

He said architects of AI are themselves very concerned about it getting out of hand and weve got to make sure were all on the same page.

US President Joe Biden during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the East Room at the White House (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Biden added: And were looking to Great Britain to lead that effort this fall in putting together a proposal, a group of nations to deal with, how do we deal with this.

Mr Sunak has announced that the UK will host the first global summit on AI safety in the autumn, with Downing Street describing it as an opportunity for like-minded countries to come together on the issue.

Mr Biden highlighted AIs potential to do great damage if its not controlled but also its potential to cure cancer.

He said: It has enormous potential and were looking to Great Britain to help lead that effort, to figure out a way through this.

So were in full, total co-operation. Because theres no-one, no country we have greater faith in being able to negotiate this  not negotiate with individuals  negotiate our way through this, than the Prime Minister.

AI could transform our lives for the better if used safely and securely. No one country can do this alone  it'll take a global effort. But with our expertise and commitment to an open, democratic international system, the UK will stand together with our allies to lead the way.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 8, 2023

Mr Sunak said he was delighted the US and other countries were working with great haste to address the issue.

Governments need to approach AI with the same spirit of urgency as they do climate change, he said.

We come together at Cop to work multilaterally across multiple countries to bring down carbon emissions, to get funding to the countries that need it, to share research on how we can develop the green technologies of the future, the Prime Minister said.

We need to bring that same spirit of urgency, I think, to the challenges and opportunities that AI poses, because the pace of the technological change is faster than people had anticipated.

Speaking to broadcasters ahead of the press conference, Mr Sunak said he thought Britain was well placed to take a leading role in developing a global architecture for regulation.

He said: The UK is research-based, (has the) companies  everything points to us.

Our ability to move quickly, to put regulation in place, is really important in an industry and technology that itself is changing very rapidly.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden take part in a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House (Niall Carson/PA)

In their bilateral meeting, Mr Biden and Mr Sunak agreed both their countries would play a crucial role in safe AI development, according to a read-out.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: The leaders agreed that accelerating international co-operation on safe and responsible AI development is one of the pressing issues of our age.

As frontier nations, the UK and US will be a crucial part of these efforts alongside international partners.
The thick, immobile whiskers on an elephants trunk may help it to feel and balance objects even though they cannot twitch in the way that many other mammals whiskers do, a study suggests.

Although elephant whiskers were first described in 1890, scientists say their research is the first detailed study of elephant whisker anatomy.

While the animals are more commonly associated with a thick hide, the tips of their trunks are covered in thick, sturdy whiskers.

The study found that elephant whiskers are cylindrical, and their follicles lack specialised features  known as ring sinuses and ring wulsts  that are thought to help the brain detect delicate whisker movements.

For comparison, rat whiskers are tapered and conical in shape.

Writing in Communications Biology, the authors said they were surprised that the marked difference in whisker number between African and Asian elephants has found so little attention so far.

They added: Trunk whiskers of elephants differ markedly from the facial whiskers of other mammals.

In many small mammals, whiskers are thin, tapered, mobile, symmetrically arranged around the snout and function in peri-snout sensing.

In contrast elephant trunk whiskers are thick, non-tapered, immobile, lateralised and are arranged in specific high-density arrays on the ventral trunk and the trunk tip.

We suggest unique trunk whisker characteristics evolved to provide a haptically controlled action space for the extraordinary manipulative capacities of the elephant trunk.

Michael Brecht, from the Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, and colleagues examined the trunks and whiskers of six African and eight Asian zoo elephants.

They had either died of natural causes or had been euthanised by a vet due to serious health complications.

The samples came from 11 adults, a juvenile and two newborn calves.

The researchers found that the newborn African elephant they studied had 1,220 whiskers on its trunk while the newborn Asian elephant had 986.

In both species, the whiskers were arranged asymmetrically around the trunk, and are particularly dense on the trunk tip.

African elephants have thicker whiskers than Asian elephants and African elephants have approximately 1.7 times more whiskers than Asian elephants on their trunk tips.

According to the study, whisker length varies considerably and whiskers tend to be shorter on parts of the adult trunk the elephants prefer to use, such as the underside of the trunk tip.

The researchers suggest this is likely to be due to these whiskers being worn down over time.

They also looked at footage of a female Asian elephant retrieving fruit from a box, and found that her whiskers were immobile when the trunk grasped or suctioned fruit.

This indicates that while elephant whiskers may help them to feel objects, any contact between whiskers and objects is likely to be determined by the movements of the trunk, rather than from independent whisker movements.

According to the findings, this is in contrast to the facial whiskers of rodents and other mammals, which help animals explore their environments and detect objects by moving in fast and sweeping circular twitching or whisking motions.

But the scientists say elephants may still use their whiskers to explore the surfaces of larger objects such as food, and balance objects on their trunks.
A woman who allegedly posed as a man to sexually assault a teenager also met up with someone else after messaging them online, a court has heard.

Georgia Bilham, 21, is charged with 17 sexual offences after allegedly deceiving a 19-year-old woman by pretending to be George Parry, a male drug dealer from Birmingham.

A trial at Chester Crown Court has heard she wore a hood while meeting the short-sighted complainant, claiming to be paranoid because of an involvement with Albanian gang members.

On Thursday, the jury heard from another woman who said she had been in contact with George over Snapchat since she was 16.

Nikita Hughes, 22, told the court she had the number stored in her phone as Brummy George.

She said: They used to have like a bit of a Birmingham accent, like a male Birmingham accent.

She said he would send her photos, which she believed were of him, and they spoke all the time, including on FaceTime.

In May 2021, they met when he drove to see her in North Wales, she said.

She told the court: He was wearing his hood up the whole time and I just thought he must be shy, dont know, it was weird.

She said at one point she caught a glimpse of his face but he pushed her away.

In a statement, she said in the short time she was with him the way he behaved was strange and so she decided not to see him again.

The court also heard from friends of the complainant, one who left the witness box in tears after describing the effect it had on her friend.

She said: She told me her life had turned upside down.

Another described the complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, saying she felt sick after discovering Bilhams identity.

The friend said: She couldnt believe it had happened to her. Shed really fallen for this person.

One woman was asked if she had heard Georges voice while her friend was seeing him.

She said: There would be voice notes of him explaining stuff to do with the Albanian gang.

She said in the recordings he said he was too deep into it to come out of it and would basically get killed if he left the gang.

In a statement, optometrist Katriona Holding said the complainant was severely sight-impaired and without her glasses would only be able to see shapes and movement but no detail.

Bilham, of Bunbury Road, Alpraham, Cheshire, denies nine sexual assaults and eight counts of assault by penetration.

The trial continues.
PARIS  An attacker with a knife stabbed four young children and two adults in a French alpine town Thursday before being arrested, police said.

Police said the children were as young as 3 and that three of the injured  two children and an adult  were in a serious condition. Two other children were "slightly hurt," police said.

President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet that the suspect had carried out "an attack of cowardice" and said those injured were "between life and death."

France Knife Attack in Annecy (AFP - Getty Images)

Lawmakers in the French Parliament interrupted a debate to hold a minutes silence following news of the attack.

A group of school children were on a supervised trip to Lake Annecy in the country's south when the attack happened at 9.45 a.m. local time (3:45 a.m. ET), the French National Police said.

Police said the attack took place in Le Paquier d'Annecy, a park on the north side of the lake, which has a children's play area and spectacular views across the lake and surrounding mountains.

Officials initially gave a higher count of those injured, but later revised the tally down.

A man armed with a knife attacked a group of children aged around three years old as they played in a park near the lake in the town at around 9:45 am local time. (Olivier Chassignole / AFP - Getty Images)

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a tweet that the suspect "was arrested thanks to the very rapid intervention of the police."

Annecy Mayor Francois Astorg called the attack "appalling" and said there would be a news conference later.

The suspect is a 31-year-old of Syrian origin but a motive was unclear, police said.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates soon.

Nancy Ing reported from Paris, and Patrick Smith reported from London.
New Yorkers were gripped by the worst urban air quality in the world Thursday, and Americans could face days or even weeks of smoky siege from the drifting haze of unrelenting Canadian wildfires.

Hundreds of community parks, ballfields and other outdoor spaces from Canada to North Carolina sat empty as air quality readings in many areas ranged from unhealthy to hazardous. The low-pressure system adrift over Maine and Nova Scotia that has helped funnel the ashen air will probably be "hanging around at least for the next few days, National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey said.

Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy until the wind direction changes or the fires are doused, he said.

Since the fires are raging, theyre really large, theyre probably going to continue for weeks," Ramsey said. "Its really just going be all about the wind shift.

The good news, AccuWeather reports, is that parts of the Northeast could see modest air quality improvements through the day Thursday, although it will take until Friday or Friday night for significant improvement in some locations. The bad news is some of the most dense smoke may shift west toward Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit, AccuWeather said.

Canada wildfire smoke updates: At least 100 million Americans affected by air quality alerts

Developments:

 The air quality monitoring website iqair.com had New York City at the top of its global list Thursday. Detroit rose as high as third before falling back into the 20s.

 Friday will be a remote-instruction day for the more than 1 million students attending New York City public schools.

 Authorities warned residents across much of the Northeast to stay inside and limit or avoid outdoor activities Thursday, extending Code Red alerts in some places for a third-straight day

 Low visibility from the haze forced temporary "ground stops" on all flights out of New York's LaGuardia Airport and Philadelphia International Airport early Thursday.

Biden's advice to Americans about wildfire smoke: 'Stay safe,' seek local guidance

President Joe Biden encouraged Americans suffering through air pollution from the Canadian wildfires to seek local government guidance.

"It's very important that affected communities listen to the guidance of their state and local officials from this point forward," Biden told reporters at the start of his joint press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House. "Check on one another."

The president said that Americans can keep up to date on the air quality across the country at the website AirNow.gov.

In a more detailed written statement released Thursday, Biden said he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about adding more U.S. firefighters in Canada to join the 600 American firefighters which include "hot shots and jumper crews" already on the ground there.

"I have directed the National Interagency Fire Center to respond promptly to Canadian requests for additional firefighters and fire suppression assets such as air tankers," Biden said. "Ive asked Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg to keep me informed about his progress in ensuring that we proactively manage the air traffic implications of the deteriorated air quality based on lessons learned from prior incidents."

-Terry Collins

Is there a best time of day if you must go out in the smoky air? Not really, experts say

The best thing to do when air quality outside is unhealthy due to wildfire smoke is stay indoors, but what if you have to go out? Is there a best time of day to do it?

Experts say, not really, and the answer can vary depending on a specific location, weather, topography and other factors.

In areas of the East Coast that are impacted by the Canadian wildfires, the source of the smoke pollution is constant, so the air quality levels arent changing all that much with the time of day, Prof. Valentina Aquila, an atmospheric scientist at American University said.

If you have to go out, rather than suggesting an hour, I would actually suggest to wear a mask, Aquila said. For wildfires, although smoke levels may fluctuate throughout the day, there is no safe time, so outside activity, especially strenuous activity, should be minimized, Michelle Bell, a professor with the Yale School of the Environment, said.

So, dont try to go for a jog at any time of day when air quality is unhealthy, and if you have to go out for any other reason, keep it short and put on a high-filtration mask, experts say.

-Jeanine Santucci

Public schools go remote

School districts in parts of the East Coast announced plans to conduct classes on Friday remotely due to no significant improvements in air quality.

New York City Public Schools  the nation's largest public school system  decided to pivot to remote instruction mostly affected high schoolers because other grades already were scheduled to have the day off.

"Out of an abundance of caution for the health of students" and since Philadelphia's air quality designation was in Code Red on Thursday, the School District of Philadelphia said all schools will shift to remote learning on Friday.

With graduation ceremonies planned for Friday, the district said all indoor ceremonies will proceed but outdoor ceremonies will be moved to alternative locations.

-Thao Nguyen

Air quality concerns cause event cancellations, delays

As poor air quality and smoke blanketed the eastern United States, a host of events were canceled or postponed on Thursday and into Friday.

Several public performances and outdoor activities scheduled on Thursday and Friday were canceled in New York City. In Syracuse, New York, a Chris Stapleton concert was postponed and fireworks were canceled at Niagara Falls, New York.

In Washington, D.C., the White House Pride Month celebration on the South Lawn was delayed until Saturday, citing air quality concerns. Local officials also closed public parks.

-Thao Nguyen

Belmont Stakes up in the air due to NY's poor air quality

The third leg of horse racing's Triple Crown is in doubt as New York's air quality remains dangerous.

Saturday's Belmont Stakes could be canceled as racing, training and workouts at Belmont Park were canceled Thursday due to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issuing a state order due to poor air quality.

As a result, the start of the three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival was postponed.

The New York Gaming Commission said in a statement that the racetrack is shut down until further notice as it "continues to monitor air quality and rely on guidance from veterinary expertise to ensure any decision to resume racing is based solely in the best interest of the horse population."

Hochul said Saturday's race with a $1.5 million prize for the winner could be called off if the air quality index exceeds 200 on its scale. However, if the air quality is between 150 to 200, only horses that pass an additional pre-race vet examination will be allowed to compete.

"As New Yorkers continue to experience unhealthy air quality as a result of Canadian wildfires, we must all work to ensure that animals - including these peak-performance equine athletes  are protected," the governor said on her official website. "The measures being implemented at tracks across New York State are effective steps to keep all those who participate in the sport safe now and into the future."

It's not clear when or if the order will end. The state's air quality remained unhealthy on Thursday, according to Accuweather.com.

"Safety is paramount as we navigate this unprecedented situation, David O'Rourke, the New York Racing Association's president and chief executive, said Thursday. "NYRA will actively monitor all available data and weather information as we work toward the resumption of training and racing both here at Belmont Park and at Saratoga Race Course.

"Based on current forecast models and consultation with our external weather services," O'Rouke continued. "We remain optimistic that we will see an improvement in air quality on Friday."

-Terry Collins

Pennsylvania, New York City see uptick in patient visits

Hospitals and medical centers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area reported an increase in patients seeking care for respiratory issues.

"Patients have been complaining about throat and eye irritation. Some patients' allergies are being exacerbated, and patients with respiratory issues have been experiencing a little bit more difficulty breathing and they have had to use their inhalers more," Dr. Heather Osher, a Patient First medical director, told the Bucks County Courier Times.

In New York City, the health department reported that emergency rooms were seeing a "higher than usual" number of asthma-related visits and estimated that the number of patients were in the "low hundreds."

City health officials said the slight increase in emergency room visits began Wednesday, according to NBC New York.

-Peg Quann, Bucks County Courier Times; Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY

Pets are not immune to air quality health issues

Pets can't wear masks outdoors to protect them from the smoke, but many need to go outdoors. It's important to keep monitoring their health and try to keep them inside as much as possible, said Dr. Aly Cohen with the Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center. Some breeds of dogs, called short-muzzle breeds, already have higher rates of respiratory issues, including bulldogs, Boston terriers and Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Pet birds and horses also are at higher risk, Cohen said.

"Hopefully, this won't be something that lasts forever, but just try and be as mindful as you can and entertain them the best you can indoors," Cohen said.

Read more here.

 Jeanine Santucci

How wildfire smoke impacts heart, lungs and general health

Health experts are urging Americans in areas with air quality warnings to stay indoors and run an air filtration system that will reduce exposure. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles that can cause harm in multiple ways, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic heart and respiratory conditions are more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke. But the CDC says even healthy adults can also experience coughing, breathing issues, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, irritated sinuses, chest pain, headaches, asthma attacks, fatigue and fast heartbeat. And the American Lung Association says wildfire smoke can be extremely harmful to lung health.

Read more here.

Wildfire smoke can also harm the skin and even prompt "psychiatric conditions," said Dr. Raj Fadadu, a physician and researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, who studies extensively on the health impacts of wildfire smoke given that states annual battles with wildfires.

Fadadu urges those in other parts of the country experiencing wildfire smoke to be more self-aware about potential smoke-induced health effects on their bodies going forward.

"This increase in air pollution is new to many (people)," he said. "Their bodies are confused about whats happening. Please pay attention to even the slightest things, including a headache, eye redness, and even some itchiness or a rash. ... Dont ignore any symptoms."

 Adrianna Rodriguez and Terry Collins, USA TODAY

The science of an orange sky

Millions of horrified Americans have watched clear blue skies morph into thick orange fogs in recent days. While familiar to many Americans living in the western part of the country, the eerie orange hues have frightened and confounded some in regions of the nation less accustomed to the effects of wildfires.

Smoke particles from the fires allow sunlight's longer wavelength colors, like red and orange, to pass through while blocking the shorter wavelengths, like yellow, blue and green.

"That's similar to during sunrise and sunset times when the sun is near the horizon and sunlight has to travel through more of Earth's atmosphere to get to you," NASA explains.

Read more here.

 Grace Hauck

AQI forecast: How the index works

The U.S. Air Quality Index, or AQI, is the Environmental Protection Agency's tool for communicating daily air quality. It uses color-coded categories to describe air quality, which groups of people may be affected and steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to air pollution. Its also used as the basis for air quality forecasts and current air quality reporting. Metro areas with a population of more than 350,000 are required to report the daily AQI, and you can find the daily AQI on AirNow and on state and local agency websites.

State and local air quality experts provide forecasts across the nation. In most areas, AQI forecasts focus on the next day. For ozone, an AQI forecast focuses on the period when average eight-hour ozone concentrations are expected to be the highest. For particulate matter, the forecast predicts the average 24-hour concentration for the next day.

What do the AQI numbers mean?

The AQI is measured on a scale of 0 to 500. The higher the AQI values, the greater the level of air pollution and health concern there is, according to AirNow.gov. Conversely, the lower the AQI values, the air quality is more satisfactory and the health risks are lower. A measure of 50 and under represents good air quality. Anything above 300 is considered "hazardous" and will usually prompt a health warning.

The EPA determines the AQI values based on five major air pollutants which are regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Read more here.

 Clare Mulroy

Wildfires in Canada still burning, could roar for weeks

More than 400 blazes burning across Canada have left 20,000 people displaced. The U.S. has sent more than 600 firefighters and equipment to Canada. A primary culprit for fouling U.S. air is the 150 fires burning in south-central Quebec, a majority of which were not contained. A stalled high-pressure system over the northern Plains and the stationary low-pressure system over eastern Canada has produced a "steering" wind from north to south, sending thick plumes of smoke into the Northeast, Middle Atlantic and Ohio Valley, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.

The fires are mostly in remote, wooded areas  and since most of Canada's firefighting focus is on saving homes, the blazes are likely to continue burning into the summer, Anderson said.

"So get used to these episodes of smoke and haze through the summer," he said.

Who or what caused the wildfires in Canada?

Unusually hot, dry weather that wouldnt stop gave rise to the wildfires. Most were ignited by lightning, experts say. A warming planet will produce hotter and longer heat waves, making for bigger, smokier fires, according to Joel Thornton, professor and chair of the atmospheric sciences department at the University of Washington.

The month of May was just off the charts, record warm in much of Canada, said Eric James, a modeling expert with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science at the University of Colorado. I dont remember (Canadian) fires of this scale in the last 10 years."

Surreal photos show NYC covered in glowing orange haze from Canada wildfire smoke

New Jersey could move out of red alert status today

An air quality alert remains in effect for New Jersey through Thursday night. It is forecast to drop on Thursday from a red alert, which means it's unhealthy for the general population, to an orange alert  unhealthy for sensitive groups.

"We're looking at this staying with us to some degree Thursday and into Friday," said National Weather Service meteorologist John Cristantello.

Scott Fallon, northjersey.com

New York state distributing 1 million N95 masks

One million N95 filtering masks will be made available across New York state Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. More than 400,000 will be distributed to New Yorkers at subway and bus stations and state parks, with another 600,000 made available for local governments to pick up and distribute.

"Our message is simple: Stay inside & stay alert," Hochul tweeted Thursday. "While conditions are improving, air quality advisories remain in place. This is not over yet.

"Even if the air clears tomorrow, we'll be prepared for the winds to shift & smoke to return," the governor added.

Contributing: Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Air quality updates: The latest on wildfire smoke swarming the US
President Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday and offered federal support to respond to wildfires burning in Canada, which have caused widespread air quality issues across the eastern United States.

Biden directed his administration to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets that can rapidly assist in suppressing fires impacting Canadian and American communities, the White House said in a readout of the call.

The U.S. has deployed more than 600 firefighters and support personnel to date, the White House said, as well as other equipment to respond to the fires. Biden and Trudeau discussed how to have continued coordination to prevent wildfires and address the resulting health impacts.

Canada is experiencing what NASA has described as an unusually intense start to its wildfire season that has included fires in the province of Quebec that were caused by lightning.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Aerosol Watch said the fires grew uncontrollably over the weekend and brought code red and code orange air quality to the U.S. states of Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.

As the fires have burned, smoke has blown into the U.S., affecting more than a dozen states. NBC News reported that parts of 18 states were under air quality alerts as of Wednesday.

An Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson told The Hill in an email that the agency estimates that more than 100 million people are being impacted by air quality alerts Wednesday, including as far west as Chicago and as far south as Atlanta.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Kim Kardashian opens up about some of her bedroom preferences on an all new episode of The Kardashians. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)

It's hard to picture Kim Kardashian as shy, but the reality star's latest confession might surprise you.

On a new episode of The Kardashians, the Skims co-founder told Scott Disick that dating is "hard." (Season 3 of the show picks up weeks after she and Pete Davidson split.)

"For you, I can't imagine," Disick replied.

Kardashian said that first dates are "awkward" because she can't go anywhere.

"If you're indoors, you probably feel like Pretty Woman," Disick quipped.

"If you are seen with someone, then if it's starting to not work out, you almost have to try and make it work a little longer because you're so embarrassed that it's so quick," Kardashian admitted.

The reality star said she learned something from her nine-month relationship with Davidson.

"You obviously learn from every situation, and the one thing I learned from my last situation, was, like, the media made me feel like I was in a very like serious relationship so quickly," Kardashian explained in her confessional. "I just want to sneak around a little bit. There's nothing wrong with wanting to sneak."

The entrepreneur told Disick that she doesn't "want to date" just one person and teased how she was set up with someone nicknamed "Fred" in New York. "It was the place I would go and have my secret dinners with Pete," she laughed, "and he's probably like, 'Oh I know what she's up to.'"

Disick suggested Kardashian date an "older Italian businessman."

"I don't like the old thing, but I don't like the really young thing, either," Kardashian replied. She then said she was "dying" over Cher's romance with Alexander Edwards. (The 77-year-old icon reportedly broke up with her rumored fiance, 36, last month.)

"I would just feel insecure," Kardashian shared.

"Maybe she's just secure  or has the lights off," Disick joked.

"I pretty much have the lights off now," Kardashian stated.

The show then cut to Kardashian's confessional. "You're a lights-off kind of girl. Is that true?" a producer asked.

"Kind of," Kardashian replied. "Yeah. It's so weird. But then I can walk out of a photo shoot with, like, 100 people working on set. I can walk out in a thong, but it's like if you're there with me, I'm like, 'Wait don't look at me! Turn the lights off!'"

New episodes of The Kardashians drop Thursdays at 12 a.m. ET on Hulu.
This photo provided by Yanolja Cloud shows David Solomito, the global chief marketing officer of the hospitality solution provider. Yonhap



Hospitality solution provider Yanolja Cloud is seeking to achieve "digital transformation" of the global travel and leisure industry with its solutions, a senior executive has said.



Yanolja Cloud, the tech affiliate of Korea's leading booking platform Yanolja, has been working to expand its business abroad, providing more than 80,000 solution licenses related to property, room and revenue management as well as channel management of booking sites to companies across about 170 countries across the world.



"There's a huge upside of potential there," David Solomito, the global chief marketing officer of Yanolja Cloud, said in a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency, referring to digital transformation of the travel industry.



He said only about an estimated 10 percent of travel and leisure properties were digitized before the pandemic.



For the properties, a hotel may charge $111 instead of charging $105 as usual by analyzing competition, demand and other factors, such as a big concert in town, and maximize its occupancy and revenue by using the company's solution, Solomito said.



Solomito also said kiosk service has proven to be very popular in Korea, where around 50 percent of hotel bookings are done via walk-ins, because it allowed people to do things that are more "value-added" than giving someone their bill or lining up to receive room keys.



On Wednesday, Yanolja Cloud said it recently rolled out a new kiosk product targeted at the global market in cooperation with Samsung Electronics.



The kiosk, built by Samsung and installed with software from Yanolja, will allow properties to provide contactless check-in and check-out service to customers, according to the company.



"With the kiosk, we can help small and medium-sized business hotels and boutique hotels facing difficulties in operating the front office due to a lack of resources boost their operation efficiency," Yanolja Cloud CEO Kim Jong-yoon said.



Solomito said more properties started to implement contactless technology and cut costs, which opened up a whole other universe around digital transformation during the pandemic, increasing the demand for cloud technology.



It is now a "must have" technology for properties in order to differentiate and stay competitive, he added, noting that with the rapid transformation to automation and remote technology during the pandemic, consumers' expectations are higher.





Logo of Yanolja is seen from the exterior of Yanolja's headquarters. Yonhap
Apple (AAPL) debuted its long-awaited Vision Pro on Monday, marking the companys official entry into the AR/VR headset wars. Just dont tell Apple that.

The company went to great pains to distance itself from the broader AR/VR headset market and, more specifically, its now rival Meta (META). Not only did Apple price the Vision Pro well beyond Metas Quest line of devices, it didnt even call the Vision Pro a headset. Instead, Apple refers to its latest product as a spatial computer.

Apples messaging is clear. The company isnt looking to associate itself with an industry thats yet to take off, despite years of efforts from the likes of Meta, HTC, Magic Leap, and others. And dont expect Apple to ever talk about the metaverse.

Instead, the company is selling its own spin on the headset category. But despite its best efforts to initially market the Vision Pro as a product unto itself, the reality is, its as much a headset as any of its competitors offerings.

Spatial computing

Apples push to separate itself from the AR/VR herd is to simply not to call the Vision Pro exactly what it isa headset. Read through the companys press release and you wont find a single trace of the word headset. Rewatch the roughly 40-minute Vision Pro portion of Apples Worldwide Developer Conference 2023 keynote, and you wont hear anyone utter the term headset.

Instead, Apple wants you to think of the Vision Pro as a spatial computer. Something that allows you to interact with augmented reality versions of the apps you already use on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac including Messages, Photos, and Safari.

The Apple Vision Pro headset is displayed in a showroom on the Apple campus Monday, June 5, 2023, in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Apple also goes out of its way to dance around the term virtual reality. Instead, the company refers to levels of immersion when using the Vision Pro. One example is the Environments app, which allows you to view virtual reality versions of places like Mount Hood in Oregon. Rather than saying you can move between augmented reality and virtual reality in the app, Apple talks up being able to control how immersed you are in the app.

Mark Zuckerberg, meanwhile, specifically shouted out the Meta Quest 3s virtual reality capabilities and referred to it as a headset in an Instagram post announcing the product just days before Apples WWDC.

Its not just balking at calling the Vision Pro a headset or that it offers virtual reality capabilities, either.

No metaverse for Apple

Unlike Meta, Google (GOOG, GOOGL), and Microsoft (MSFT), Apple has never talked about jumping into the metaverse. And if you thought the companys Vision Pro was going to kickstart that effort, you were sorely mistaken.

Apple avoided mentioning any ideas remotely similar to Metas concept of the metaverse, which is a series of interconnected worlds that allow you to interact with other people wearing headsets. In fact, it tried to make the case that its offering is more about maintaining connections with the people around you.

Thats the purpose of the Vision Pros EyeSight feature. The capability will allow other people in the room with you to see a digital projection of your eyes on the Vision Pros external display when youre wearing it.

A Meta employee demonstrates the Meta Quest Pro VR Headset. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

How exactly that will work, and whether it will actually make wearing a headset feel less isolating remains to be seen, since I wasnt able to try the feature during my Vision Pro demo. But its clear Apple is more interested in connecting people in the real world rather than connecting via the metaverse. Or at least trying to.

Zuckerberg already has his knives out for Apple's headset and its price. According to The New York Times, the Meta CEO criticized the Vision Pro during a town hall meeting with employees.

"I was really curious to see what theyd ship, and its a good sign for our own development that they dont have any magical solutions to the laws of physics that we havent already explored," he said.

"Our vision of the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social and about people interacting and feeling closer in new amazing ways. By contrast, every demo Apple showed was someone sitting on a couch by themselves."

Not exactly priced to move

If avoiding using the same terms and trends as its competitors isnt enough to convince you Apple is trying to separate itself from the pack of AR/VR headset makers out there, then consider the Vision Pros price.

At $3,499, the Vision Pro is far more expensive than Metas Quest Pro, $999, and Quest 3, $499; and easily eclipses Sonys (SONY) $549 PlayStation VR2 and HTCs $1,249 Vive Pro 2. In fact, Apples pricing scheme is only matched by Microsofts Hololens 2, which costs $3,500.

Apple is positioning its headset as a premium device thats less a high-priced toy and more an ultra-premium device that will lead the company into a new era.

The question now is whether trying to differentiate itself from the pack will prove successful for Apples Vision Pro sales in the long term. Well learn more when the Vision Pro launches sometime early next year.

Daniel Howley is the tech editor at Yahoo Finance. He's been covering the tech industry since 2011. You can follow him on Twitter @DanielHowley.

Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Francesca Williams, 44, was murdered during a home invasion at her farm in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, on 20 May (Courtesy of Marianna Benedict-Bacilla)

In 2014, Francesca Williams moved her family from Colorado to a remote valley in Ecuador famous for the longevity of its residents to pursue their dream of building their version of Shangri-La.

She and her husband Michael paid about $10,000 for a 10-acre plot of land on the side of a mountain just outside Vilcabamba to raise chickens, goats, horses, pigs, ducks and guinea fowl on a sustainable farm with their three daughters.

It was a life they never could have afforded in the United States, but after years of hard work was starting to come to fruition, Francescas mother Marianna Benedict-Bacilla, 61, told The Independent in an interview.

Francesca, a gifted artist, linguist, translator and published childrens author, threw her boundless energy into making the farm a success, Ms Benedict-Bacilla said.

When Michael would travel back to the US for work, Francesca would remain in Ecuador with their three teenage daughters Rebekah, 19, Rachel, 17, and Renee, 14, and her elderly father John to tend to the animals and plant crops.

On 20 May, that idyllic life was shattered when at least four men armed with rifles burst onto the farm and shot Francesca dead.

The attack was sudden, and extremely violent. The men knocked out Michael before he even realised they were on the property, and stabbed Williams elderly and infirm father John when he tried to intervene.

Ms Benedict-Bacilla said Francesca had been hanging out the washing when she saw the assailants attack her father, and rushed to help him.

Francesca gave her life trying to save her fathers, Ms Benedict-Bacilla told The Independent.

My daughter was petite, but she guarded her family ferociously. She always knew if there was ever a problem, nothing would get in the way.

Francesca Williams, left, with husband Michael, centre front, father John, and their three children Rachel, Renee and Rebekah (GoFundme)

Rachel, their middle daughter, told Colorado news site KDVR in an interview last week that she had seen her mother scrambling after a man trying to fight him off.

Then she saw two sparks of a gun as the assailant fired at her mother. Her older sister ran to a neighbours for help.

The stick up crew tied up Michael, John, and two of the daughters, and locked them in separate rooms throughout the house before making off with wallets, iPads and computers.

It was horrendous. They were essentially hostages in their own home, Ms Benedict-Bacilla said.

Rachel recalled hearing the men asking in Spanish for the large aunt, and thought they might have targeted their home by mistake.

It was only when Michael managed to untie his hands about an hour later that he found his wifes body, Ms Benedict-Bacilla told The Independent.

After neighbours arrived to help, Michael put Francesca in the car and raced down the mountain to meet the ambulance, where Francesca was pronounced dead.

John was transported to the hospital, and Michael was treated on scene. The girls were physically unharmed.

We were very humble people, we dont understand why we were targeted, Michael told San Diegos KGTV.

Francescas death has torn open the familys generational trauma from the 1967 unsolved murder of her aunt Nikki Benedict who was stabbed to death walking home from school aged 14, Ms Benedict-Bacilla said.

Everything was taken from them

Three years before her death, Francesca Williams had written of her fears of home invasion and violent crime in her adopted home on the knowledge-sharing website Quora.

Asked about Ecuadorean stereotypes, Williams said she had been told of the high risk of robberies prior to moving there.

We have not experienced this as of yet, but live in constant awareness of this danger, she said.

I know many, many foreigners who have experienced home invasion robberies and I would not have come here if I had any idea of how close to home such attacks would be. It is essential that one have intimidating dogs and bars on ones windows.

Ms Benedict-Bacilla told The Independent the family had been especially on edge after an expat neighbour was shot dead trying to repel a home invasion.

The gunmens modus operandi in that case was eerily similar to the attack that killed Francesca, she said.

The homeowner had confronted a group of assailants as they tried to break in, and was shot dead. Ms Benedict-Bacilla believes they could be the same group that targeted her family.

The family are holding out hope of finding justice for Francesca, but say not enough is being done to make the town safe for the vibrant community of artists and retirees who have made it their home.

The government isnt putting any effort into investigating the things that happen there, she told The Independent.

She said the local police were doing their best. But they dont give them the resources that they need and these murders arent being investigated.

Francesca Williams, left, with her mother Marianna Benedict-Bacilla on her wedding day. Williams was killed in a home invasion on her farm in Ecuador on 20 May (Courtesy of Marianna Benedict-Bacilla)

No suspects have been identified in either killing. The local Vilcabamba police force was doing what it could, she said, but without the support of the Ecuadorean National Police there seemed to be little chance of finding the killers.

The Policia Nacional del Ecuador did not respond to numerous requests for comment about the investigation. It has barely received any mention in the Ecuadorean press.

In a statement, a US State Department spokesperson told The Independent: We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss.

We are in contact with the family and are providing all appropriate consular assistance.

We refer you to the government of Ecuador for information regarding any local investigation.

State Department figures show 15 US citizens were murdered in Ecuador between 2010 and June 2022, but its unclear if those figures capture recent attacks around Vilcabamba.

Francescas family have taken little comfort from the Ecuadorean authorities response, and will not be returning, Ms Benedict-Bacilla said.

Everything was taken from them.

The Valley of Longevity

In expat forums, adopted residents have spoken out about the impotence of the local police force to combat a rising tide of rape, home invasion and murder against the foreigners who have made Vilcabamba their home.

In response, local expat communities have formed neighbourhood security groups, and any disturbances are quickly shared through WhatsApp groups.

The town, situated in the lower Ecuadorean Andes near the border with Peru, gained worldwide attention in the 1970s, when Harvard professor Alexander Leaf travelled there to report on claims that residents were living to the age of 130 for National Geographic.

The subtropical valleys year-round spring climate, crystal-clear water, pollution-free air and abundance of produce supposedly supposedly allowed the male residents to continue to carry out manual labour and conceive children until well past 100.

The sustainable farm near Vilcabamba, Ecuador, where Francesca Williams and her family were building a new life (Courtesy of Marianna Benedict-Bacilla)

The area, known as The Valley of Longevity, became inundated with gerontologists who wanted to know more about how that delicate balance of good genes and healthy natural environment was prolonging lives.

They later grew sceptical about some of the residents claims when they were unable to produce credible birth records.

But that didnt stop a large number of expats moving there to buy property over the years, gentrifying the area, and sometimes bringing them into conflict with the locals who still worked the fields for a few hundred dollars per month.

By 2007, that global fame was harming Vilcabambas local community, according to a Reuters report.

These days, the famous elders of Vilcabamba are dying at a younger age, the result of the stresses of modern life brought by the scores of tourists and health buffs who flock here in search of eternal youth, Reuters wrote.

Generational trauma

In May 1967, Ms Benedict-Bacillas sister Nikki Benedict was stabbed to death while she walked home from her friends house in Poway, near San Diego, aged just 14.

She suffered knife wounds to the neck and chest in the brazen daylight attack and was found bleeding to death in a field. The murder has never been solved.

Their mother had been the editor of the local newspaper at the time, and had to write an article about her own daughters death, Ms Benedict-Bacilla told The Independent.

Nikki Benedict, the aunt of Francesca Williams, was murdered in 1967 in Poway, California, at the age of 14. It remains unsolved (Supplied)

Ms Benedict-Bacilla was five at the time, and the tragedy, and lack of answers about what had happened defined her childhood, she said.

It was all I ever knew, she said. Weve had so much family tragedy. You dont heal, you just get stronger.

Ms Benedict-Bacilla runs the Nikki Benedict Memorial Page Facebook group, and speaks out every anniversary of her death to keep focus on solving the heinous killing.

As a way of dealing with her own psychological wounds, Ms Benedict-Bacilla became a volunteer with the San Diego Trauma Intervention Program.

She likens the kind of generational trauma that her family suffered after Nikkis murder to a cancer that can never fully heal, but can only be managed through finding strength in keeping their loved ones memory alive.

She had seen Francesca grow up in the shadow of that trauma, and took comfort from the fact that her granddaughters would be one generation removed from it.

They stole (Francescas) future, and they stole her childrens future. It will be part of them now because thats how generational trauma works, she told The Independent.

A quest for knowledge

Francesca Williams excelled at anything she turned her hand to, Ms Benedict-Bacilla told The Independent.

She was an extraordinarily gifted person, just mega-smart, Ms Benedict-Bacilla said.

Coming from four generations of journalists and editors, Francesca Williams wanted to be a writer from an early age, her mother said.

But when it was time to choose a major, she opted to study linguistics at the University of California, San Diego. She was fluent in French and Lithuanian, her great-grandmothers home tongue.

Mother of three Francesca Williams, 44, had studied languages at university (Facebook)

Francesca and Michael had known each other since childhood. After marrying, they moved from Poway, to Hawaii and Alaska, in search of a healthy and affordable place to raise their children.

They later moved to Kremmling, Colorado, where Michael worked in telecommunications, before moving to Ecuador, where they were able to purchase land.

Francesca hadnt known Spanish prior to moving to Ecuador, and within a year she was fluent and carrying out legal transcriptions, her mother said.

She had also recently published her first illustrated childrens book, The Kings Magic, and was a brilliant artist on any medium, her mother says.

Anything she touched she turned into beautiful art. A lot of people who are that bright can get into trouble in life, she put it all into a quest for knowledge.

Francescas body was returned to the US last week, but the family are still trying to get their beloved Corgi Banksy home.

Her funeral was held in Colorado on Saturday 3 June. A GoFundme page has been set up to help the family.
In the back of the Outside In office are cabinets filled with boxes of supplies. They're what's called "safer-use supplies," which include syringes, wound care, mixing cups and drug pipes.

To Haven Wheelock, each box of supplies at the Portland medical and youth service nonprofit has a purpose: To prevent people from dying.

"Things like smoking supplies are a really important tool for overdose prevention," Wheelock said. "You're not gonna get HIV, Hepatitis C, smoking drugs. It also allows for people to use more slowly."

Wheelock runs the Drug Users Health Services program at Outside In, which provides these supplies each day to around 100 people coming in off the street.

"We are one of the oldest harm reduction programs actually in the country, so we've been providing syringe access and other harm reduction tools since 1989," she said.

Harm reduction refers to the actions and policies meant to lessen consequences associated with drugs. It's one strategy the Biden administration has helped fund to help communities battle the opioid epidemic.

SEE MORE: Drug harm reduction programs could help weaken the fentanyl crisis

These programs started during the AIDS epidemic in the '80s, when clean syringes were given away in hopes of stopping the spread of the virus. A movement spearheaded by drug users, it became an accepted practice by municipalities and health care workers because it proved effective.

Though the supplies are important, at the core, Wheelock says the mission is to build relationships with people who come in, being there for them when and if they are finally ready to accept treatment and then setting them up with resources.

"People aren't gonna change behaviors if they don't feel like they're worthy of that change or if they don't have the tools to make change," she said.

Dr. Bradley Buchheit is an addiction medicine physician at Oregon Health and Science University. He works at its HRBR Clinic, which stands for Harm Reduction and Bridges to Care Clinic.

"We're meant to sort of capture people when they're ready and interested in treatment, stabilize them and then work with them to find a long-term prescriber or treatment opportunity in their local community," he said.

When someone addicted to opioids or methamphetamines tells Wheelock they're ready for treatment, they're put in touch with the clinic, which helps to get them medical addiction treatment, like Suboxone or methadone.

"The harm reduction that we practice in HRBR really is low barrier, on-demand access to FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder," Buchheit said.

The harm-reduction-to-treatment pipeline the organizations have created is important, Buchheit says, because it puts the least amount of time between the user's change of heart and treatment  something he believes needs to happen more across the country.

SEE MORE: This 'harm reduction machine' aims to combat the drug epidemic

"Until those treatment services are easier to access than street drugs, it's gonna be really hard for us to get ourselves out of the current crisis that we're in," he said.

These types of harm reduction programs are highly criticized. There are people in homeless and addiction advocacy, plus some outside of the work, who believe Wheelock's work is enabling drug use or that addiction treatment clinics like Buchheit's are just replacing one drug with another.

It's an argument Wheelock has faced for as long as she has done this work.

"I push back on this idea that enabling people is bad. I want to enable people to be as healthy as possible," she said. "Are we making drug use easier in the lives of people who use drugs? Yeah, we are because making it harder is harming people. It is not like punishing people who are already hurting. If that was gonna work, it would've worked already."

Harm reduction, to the people in the work, is a chain reaction that shows empathy and builds trust; trust can lead to healthier decisions, and those decisions can lead to being free of addiction. It will always have its critics, but Wheelock says seeing big changes in people is all she needs to keep going.

"Without harm reduction programs, without access to naloxone, without access to safer use, supplies, syringes, pipes, those kind of things, people are gonna die, and when people die, there is no hope," she said.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Tens of thousands of people on Thursday marched in Tel Avivs Pride parade  an annual celebration that turns the citys seaside promenade into a boisterous festival of rainbow flags, pounding music and colorful costumes.

It was the first time that Tel Aviv has held the parade since Israels new far-right government, which is stacked with openly anti-LGBTQ+ members, took office.

Drag queens and shirtless men danced on floats, as excited crowds of onlookers danced and snapped photos. Many of the rainbow flags were emblazoned with the Jewish Star of David.

The festive scenes were a contrast to the tense and tightly secured pride parade held last week in Jerusalem, a conservative city just one hour away.

Im a minority. I want to save my rights. I want to fight for the rights of other minorities. I want equality. Thats about it, said Ohad Huri, an Israeli man who died his long beard in the colors of the rainbow flag.

Israel this year finds itself deeply divided over a contentious government plan to overhaul the countrys judiciary. The plan has torn open longstanding societal divisions between those who want to preserve Israels liberal values and those who seek to shift it toward more religious conservatism.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government is made up of ultranationalist and ultra-religious parties whose leaders openly oppose homosexuality. Netanyahu himself has vowed to protect LGBTQ+ rights, and Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of his party, is openly gay.

Tel Aviv has branded itself a gay-friendly destination, and thousands of tourists flew in for Thursdays parade.

Mike Quidort, of Chicago, said he had come in for an entire week of Pride-related activities. With everything happening in the world right now, I think that its really important that we celebrate Pride, he said. We still have a lot of work to do and I think its important to get together as a community and defend our rights.

Israel is generally tolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community, a rarity in the conservative Middle East, where homosexuality is widely considered taboo and is outlawed in some places. Members of the LGBTQ+ community serve openly in Israels military and parliament, and many popular artists and entertainers are openly gay.

Some critics have accused the country of pink washing, or using its tolerance for liberal LGBTQ+ culture as a branding tool to conceal its violations of Palestinian rights.

Yet activists say there is a long road toward full equality. Jewish ultra-Orthodox parties, which wield significant influence over matters of religion and state, oppose homosexuality as a violation of religious law, as do other religious groups in Israel.

The conservative make-up of Netanyahus government sparked new fears in the LGBTQ+ community that the judicial overhaul could threaten the rights of minorities and marginalized groups.

The government says the judicial plan is meant to rein in what it says is an overly interventionist Supreme Court. Critics say it will grant the government unrestrained power and upend the countrys system of checks and balances.
By Dave Graham

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador this week intervened in the increasingly fractious race to succeed him, a move party insiders said was aimed at warding off potential division and protecting the commanding political power base he has built.

Under pressure for months from Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard to get contenders seeking the presidential nomination of the ruling National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) to step down before campaigning, Lopez Obrador this week finally went along with the idea, according to three party sources familiar with the matter.

In a dinner with party leaders in Mexico City on Monday, Lopez Obrador proposed that MORENA's contenders resign to ensure a level playing field, and that the party this weekend decide on rules for the selection process, the sources said.

"He's closing every loophole to prevent any disagreement," one of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The president's office did not reply to a request for comment.

On Thursday morning, Lopez Obrador was asked about what was discussed at the MORENA dinner, and said: "We spoke of the need to remain united to guarantee the transformation of Mexico."

Ebrard, a leading contender to succeed Lopez Obrador, on Tuesday announced that he would step down next week. Ebrard's main rivals are likely to follow suit soon, the president himself suggested on Wednesday.

MORENA is expected to pick a candidate as soon as September. Mexico's next presidential election is in June 2024.

In public, the MORENA hopefuls have largely maintained a veneer of civility. But sniping between the rival camps behind the scenes has begun to erode the image of all-conquering unity the president tries to project for his party.

Under Lopez Obrador, MORENA in less than five years has replaced the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) as the establishment party. On Sunday, it captured Mexico's most populous state after nearly a century of PRI rule.

However, in another election in the northern state of Cohauila that day, MORENA suffered a crushing defeat after infighting split its vote.

Lopez Obrador has been urging MORENA to fight for a two-thirds congressional super-majority next year.

That could allow him to push through contentious constitutional changes to the judiciary, which has persistently impeded his efforts to increase state control over the economy, before he leaves office on Sept. 30, 2024.

If MORENA is roiled by internal dissent, the prospect of such control looks remote.

UNITY

MORENA now controls the federal Congress, over two-thirds of Mexico's states, and opinion polls make it the hot favorite to win the 2024 presidential election.

Lopez Obrador's personal popularity has bolstered support for his party. But under Mexican law, presidents may only serve a single six-year term.

Because of MORENA's dominance, the contest to secure the party's candidacy has become a virtual de facto presidential election in the eyes of many analysts.

Most recent polling gives Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum a slight edge over Ebrard in the succession battle, and senior aides to the president have told Reuters they believe she is Lopez Obrador's preferred candidate.

He has repeatedly denied this, and insisted that the process be transparent and beyond reproach.

Ebrard, a veteran aide of Lopez Obrador who succeeded him as Mexico City mayor in 2006, has aired concerns that rivals such as Sheinbaum with domestic political mandates have an advantage, and that all contenders should therefore give up their office.

Those concerns have fed the impression that Ebrard might leave MORENA for another party, which the president is eager to avoid, said Andres Rozental, a former deputy foreign minister.

Ebrard has dismissed talk he could leave MORENA.

"The most important thing for Lopez Obrador right now is to keep his movement united and alive," Rozental said.

As recently as Monday, Sheinbaum was saying she had no intention of stepping down before the MORENA selection process had concluded. She was unaware what the president would propose that very evening, according to one of the party sources.

Her office had no immediate comment.

Having to resign would take away Sheinbaum's main platform, working to Ebrard's advantage, Rozental said.

But he still expected her to prevail in the end - and for the president's exhortations for the contenders to play by MORENA's rules, and remain civil, to be obeyed.

Not to do so, he said, would be "almost suicidal."

(Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Mark Porter and Marguerita Choy)
The most famous line in The Terminator (1984) would have been lost if it werent for a stubborn James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals in his new Netflix documentary.

In Arnold, the streamers newly-released docuseries about the Austrian actor, Schwarzenegger reveals he fought back against the classic line: Ill be back.

Sometime in the middle of the shoot, were doing this police station scene. The line is, Ill come back. It wasnt meant to be like a big moment at all, Cameron, who co-wrote The Terminator with Gale Anne Hurd, said in the documentary.

It was literally meant to be, on its face, No problem, Ill come back. For some reason, Arnold didnt say, Ill come back. I said, Well, just say Ill be back. Keep it simple.

Schwarzenegger says he wanted to change the line to I will be back to sound more machine-like.

Luckily for him, and the movie, Cameron wasnt having any of it. He says, Are you the writer? Schwarzenegger remembers. And I said, No, and he said, Well, dont tell me how to f***ing write.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Arnold (Netflix)

The 75-year-old admits that the Avatar director was absolutely right. It became the most quoted movie line, I think, in the history of motion pictures. So this just shows to you who was right and who was wrong, he said.

Elsewhere in the new series, the former California governor addresses his 2003 groping scandal and opens up about his abusive father who served in the Nazi party.

Schwarzenegger suggested that his fathers cruelty was behind his brothers death aged 24. His older brother, Meinhard, died in a drunk driving accident after hitting a telephone pole.

Arnold is out now on Netflix.
Canadian wildfires are continuing to pour smoke along the East Coast of the United States, including the New York City area, which Wednesday afternoon, appeared red like it was on the planet Mars.

Canadian officials have reached out to other countries to help fight the more than 400 fires across the country that have displaced 20,000 people.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires looms over Manhattan's East Side on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

The Canadian officials also said this is shaping up to be the nations worst wildfire season ever, after being sparked on drier-than-usual ground and accelerating quickly.

CANADA WARNS OF RECORD 2023 WILDFIRE DESTRUCTION AS TRAVELING SMOKE IMPACTS MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

In Quebec, more than 100 fires were burning uncontrollably Tuesday.

One of the biggest concerns from the fires is the air quality.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

New York City is experiencing its worst air quality in recorded history, per FOX Weathers analysis of EPA historical data, affecting millions of people.

NYC officials like Mayor Eric Adams and health and emergency management officials warned residents to remain indoors as much as possible and limit their time outside. If residents must go outside, officials suggested masking up.

"As haze and smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to spread, much of New York State is expected to experience unhealthy air quality today," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted to Twitter. "Please take steps to stay safe. Stay indoors if possible and limit strenuous activities."

Smoke from the Cameron Bluffs wildfire near Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Canada is on track to see its worst-ever wildfire season.

NYC MAYOR ADAMS, HEALTH COMMISSIONER WARN NEW YORKERS TO MASK UP AS AIR QUALITY DIPS TO WORST SINCE 1960S

The governor also posted an update from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and issued another Air Quality Health Advisory tomorrow for all of New York, except for the Adirondacks.

Because of the smoke, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all planes at New York Citys LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday.

NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS KEEP KIDS INDOORS AS AIR QUALITY PLUMMETS REPORTEDLY FROM CANADA WILDFIRES

Delays are also expected at other area airports.

Many other officials turned to Twitter regarding the fires.

The mayor of Ottawa. Mark Sutcliffe, said he was very concerned about the conditions and sympathetic to those who have reduced lung capacity and asthma, and might be having difficulty today.

Ottawa Public Health advised citizens to keep an eye on their health symptoms as the Air Quality Health Index continues to degrade.

"If you experience symptoms such as tightness in your chest, wheezing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention," the agency said.
The dumping of migrants in Sacramento has prompted California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, left, to threaten legal action against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center  with the encouragement of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press; Gary McCullough / Associated Press; Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The headquarters of the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento lies on a dingy stretch of road between a gas station and a graveyard, about two miles from the state Capitol. It's an office building, with a hard-to-find entrance and no church to tend those in need.

It was here that about a dozen Latin American asylum seekers were dumped on Friday by the state of Florida. Days later, 20 more migrants arrived courtesy of the Sunshine State.

Florida authorities have called it a "voluntary relocation," suggesting the deportees  powerless, impoverished  were a party to their transcontinental evacuation and unceremonious delivery.

In fact, it's just the latest human sacrifice on the altar of political ambition by Florida's White House-seeking governor, Ron DeSantis.

His supine state Legislature, which makes virtually every wish of DeSantis' its command, has allotted $24 million to ship migrants  even those outside Florida  from the southern U.S. border to other, mostly Democratic, states.

Take that, woke lefties!

Columnists Anita Chabria and Mark Z. Barabak discuss the political stunt and the scorpions-in-a-bottle relationship between DeSantis and California's Gov. Gavin Newsom, who wishes he could run for president.

Chabria: When I look at these flights, I can't get past that DeSantis will be in Sacramento later this month for a $3,300-per-muffin fundraising breakfast.

These flights made headlines  no amount of paid media could match the national attention. My cynical side wonders whether this is all just publicity seeking by a presidential contender. Could it be that simple, if vile?

Barabak: Yes, it could be.

Let your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free serve as a political advance team. Whip out those checkbooks, folks: Ron DeSantis is coming to town!

His nascent White House bid hasn't gone nearly as well as the advance hype promised.

The formal announcement was a glitchy embarrassment. (That'll teach him to outsource technical support to Elon Musk's chewing-gum-and-baling-wire version of Twitter.)

DeSantis still seems to be working on connecting with voters, a crucial part of running for president, which all the doting in the world from Florida's ambition-oozing first lady can't help.

So apparently he's chosen to fire up the old outrage machine, and what better way to get folks riled up than stoking the trusty immigration issue?

Do you think, Anita, it was coincidence that Florida played doorbell ditch on Newsom's front porch rather than, say, flying its victims to Maryland or Louisiana, which also have Democratic governors?

Chabria: I do not.

There's no end of hostility between Newsom and DeSantis. They've beefed about hair gel and Disneyland. They've skirmished over guns, abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and education. Newsom took a family vacation through the South and tweaked Florida's governor in his neck of the woods.

Now DeSantis is returning the favor.

But let's not pretend our own governor wasn't thrilled to respond to this latest provocation. While it's true Newsom's White House ambitions have been caged by President Biden's decision to run again, they remain alive and kicking.

Our geriatric president tripping over a sandbag last week at the Air Force Academy commencement in Colorado was just the latest reminder of his advanced age and the worry that causes in Democratic circles. No doubt Newsom isn't the only one who wonders if there are more sandbags on the 80-year-old Biden's road ahead.

Meantime, he can thank DeSantis for putting the national spotlight, for the moment, on something other than California's homeless crisis.

But Newsom aside, immigration is a vital issue that we as a country have failed to handle policywise, leading to incalculable human suffering. Even under President Obama, we separated families.

So in that sense, do you think DeSantis has a point? Can the Democrats really claim a high ground on the issue?

Barabak: Obama, as you note, angered many with his approach to immigration. Critics branded him the "deporter in chief" because of the millions booted from the country during his eight years in office.

Biden, for his part, has been attacked for being too lax on border enforcement and too harsh in his administration's treatment of immigrants.

Yes, as you said, our immigration system is a mess and generations of politicians have ignored the problem or, worse, exploited it for their own selfish ends.

I think we can agree, though, that shamelessly exploiting people for political gain  moving them around the country like cargo, dropping them on the sidewalk like a used candy wrapper  is a whole other order of cruelty and callous irresponsibility.

None of this takes place in a political vacuum. But as we game out the electoral implications, let's not forget these are flesh-and-blood human beings who, at possibly the most fearful and vulnerable moment in their lives, are being terribly exploited.

There but for the grace.

Chabria: My father arrived on a boat as a refugee, so you'll get no argument from me.

It's important that our attorney general, Rob Bonta, is investigating whether the flights were a form of human trafficking  or kidnapping, as our governor tweeted in a moment of high hyperbole. These are people blatantly being used for campaign purposes and deserve the full protection and respect of our laws.

Of course, Bonta is likely running for governor (he's hinted at it but hasn't announced) and doesn't mind the big splash of attention  just more proof you can't separate politics from policy or cameras from campaigns.

Barabak: I'm not a lawyer, and I won't try to play one in the newspaper. But I think the chances of anyone going to jail for pulling this stunt are as likely as DeSantis and Newsom running together in 2024 on a unity ticket.

"Tweeting is not policy" was the explanation given when our itchy-fingered governor blustered a hollow threat against Walgreens in a fight over abortion access.

It's also not a prosecutor's brief.

Maybe we need a law requiring a 48-hour waiting period before Newsom tweets.

Chabria: I will say this for California  having leaders standing up to the bigotry and bias that DeSantis and others are spewing is vital. It gives confidence to those here that their rights will be protected.

Whether Newsom and, to a lesser degree, Bonta have political motivations or a sound legal argument, they are speaking loudly for the values of this state.

As a fan of Dark Brandon, Biden's aviator-sporting alter ego, I think there's something to be said for punching back.

But these "voluntary relocations" are going to continue, aren't they? Because they serve their purpose so well. Here we all are, talking about it.

Barabak: I've said before and will repeat: There's no organism on Earth more sensitive to heat and light than a politician.

As long as candidates like DeSantis believe there's an advantage to be had in performative political acts like migrant dumping  heartless as they may be  these sorts of ploys will continue.

But let's not allow voters off the hook.

Until and unless they convince lawmakers they need to address the immigration issue in a meaningful way  which means legislation and compromise on all sides or seriously risk losing office, they'll keep doing nothing.

In the meantime, to quote a sage political observer, Bob Dylan, I pity the poor immigrant.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) pressed pause Wednesday night on his push to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress, after the bureau agreed to grant all committee members access to a document containing an unverified tip about potential wrongdoing by President Biden.

The House Oversight committee was previously set to convene for a business meeting Thursday to vote on holding Wray in contempt.

Comer and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the panel, both had an opportunity to view the document Monday. However, the Kentucky Republican vowed to move forward with the contempt vote against Wray for failing to physically turn over the document in response to a subpoena.

The FBI has now agreed to allow all committee members to review the document in person and receive a briefing, Comer said Wednesday. He and Raskin will also have the opportunity to review two additional documents referenced in the initial tip form.

Americans have lost trust in the FBIs ability to enforce the law impartially and demand answers, transparency, and accountability, Comer said in a statement. Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people.

Wray, who was appointed by former President Trump, has recently found himself at the center of Republican lawmakers battle with the FBI, which they have accused of improperly targeting conservatives.

Raskin said in a statement Wednesday that the FBI had offered yet further accommodations to committee Republicans in the spirit of good faith. However, he accused Republicans of attempting to distort the contents of the document.

He and Comer came away with vastly different conclusions after viewing the document Monday.

Comer said the document is part of an ongoing investigation and suggests that Biden may have accepted a bribe during his tenure as vice president, while Raskin said the FBI did not advance the investigation after determining it did not warrant follow-up.

The Maryland Democrat reiterated Wednesday that the claim originally stemmed from former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, who alleged that Biden and his son were involved in a corruption scheme in Ukraine.

Raskin said the document itself contains second-hand allegations from a confidential source. The investigation was reportedly closed in August 2020.

These facts lead us to an obvious conclusion: that after months of investigating Mr. Giulianis allegations, the Trump Justice Department concluded that the evidence failed to justify further inquiry, Raskin said. Despite repeated confirmation by the FBI, Committee Republicans prefer to ignore the facts that undermine their false narratives.

As Republicans investigation into President Biden has uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing, they continue to attempt to discredit and dismantle the FBI to help prop up Donald Trumps poll numbers, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Ben Blanchard and Robert Muller

TAIPEI/PRAGUE (Reuters) - Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu will make a previously unannounced visit to Europe next week, four sources briefed on the matter said, and is expected to appear with the Czech president at one event in a diplomatic breakthrough.

Taiwan, which is claimed by China, has no formal diplomatic ties with any European country except the Vatican. Beijing regularly denounces any form of contact between Taiwanese and foreign officials, viewing it as encouraging global recognition of Taiwan's separate status from China.

But there are extensive informal relations, and Central and Eastern European countries have been particularly keen to show support for Taiwan - especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine - defying Beijing's anger about such contacts and lessening Taiwan's international diplomatic isolation.

Two of the sources, who like the others spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak with the media, said Wu was expected visit Brussels, headquarters of the European Union, but declined to give details.

Two of the other sources said he would also visit Prague.

Wu will attend a security conference in Prague on June 14, and is due to speak immediately after Czech President Petr Pavel opens the event. This would be highly unusual given European leaders generally do not share the stage with senior Taiwanese officials, one of the sources said.

Taiwan's foreign ministry declined to comment on Wu's Europe travel plans. Pavel's office did not answer calls seeking comment.

The European External Action Service, the EU's foreign affairs arm, declined to comment on the Brussels plans, saying: "It is not for us to communicate about third partners' visits and activities".

China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wu made a low-key trip to Brussels in 2021, part of a visit to the continent that also took in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where he spoke at a think-tank event in Bratislava and met local officials including Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib.

Wu also visited Europe in 2019, speaking at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit in Denmark.

In January, then-Czech President-elect Pavel and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen spoke by telephone shortly after his election, in a diplomatic coup for Taiwan that infuriated China.

Beijing has been most angered by Lithuania's decision to allow Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius in 2021 and has downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania and pressured multinationals to sever links with the nation of 2.8 million people.

Beijing views Taiwan as being part of "one China" and demands other countries recognise its sovereignty claims, which Taiwan's democratically-elected government rejects.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Robert Muller; Additional reporting by Ryan Woo in Beijing and Andrew Gray in Brussels; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Eastcine Bookshop in Jeongdongjin, Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is a bookstore and cafe that curates books mainly on films, animal rights and veganism. Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo



By Kwak Yeon-soo



Jeongdongjin, a small town near Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is known for its immaculate white sand beaches and emerald green waters along the East Sea. About a two-hour KTX train from Seoul, it is one of Korea's most popular sunrise-watching spots.



There, a couple runs an independent bookstore and cafe in Jeongdongjin that opens its doors early to match the times of sunrise. In June, when sunrises are earlier, they open around 5 a.m. The bookstore curates books mainly on films, animal rights and veganism.



Oh Seung-hee, the owner of Eastcine Bookshop, revealed she and her husband operated an independent bookstore in Seoul for five years before moving to Jeongdongjin in 2020.



"Most of all, we wanted to leave Seoul," she said during an interview with The Korea Times at her bookstore, Monday. "My husband wanted to live near nature and in clean air. I wished to live near an independent movie theater. We initially considered the port city of Tongyeong and Jeju Island as possible options but decided to settle down in Jeongdongjin because I always loved going to Jeongdongjin Independent Film Festival (JIFF), which normally takes place in August. There is Shinyoung Theater nearby, so we thought this would be a perfect place for us."



After choosing Jeongdongjin as their next destination, they started the renovation. Both the exterior and interior of Eastcine Bookshop resemble an old movie theater.



"When we looked at places to reference, we mainly looked at historic movie theaters. I wanted to feature a marquee sign with changeable letters because that would really stand out," she said.





Filmmaker Yoon Ga-eun's signature on a vintage theater seat in Eastcine Bookshop in Jeongdongjin, Gangneung, Gangwon Province / Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo



"In order to make the bookshop look more like a movie theater, I ordered vintage theater seats, each with a name tag of my 10 favorite female filmmakers. Some of them actually visited our shop and left their signatures on the seats."



When they first opened Eastcine Bookshop in December 2020, the entire country was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. It seemed pretty obvious that there would not be many tourists in Jeongdongjin.



So Oh came up with a "stay" program, which invites a guest to spend a night on the second floor of the bookshop building as part of their trip. The program is for women only and is run four days a week  on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.



A solo traveler staying overnight in the guest room has the privilege of enjoying the entire bookstore at night when it closes.



"In the beginning, we accepted both male and female guests. But the majority of guests were women anyway and, as a host, I feel more comfortable around women," Oh explained.



A person who signs up for the stay program is required to write a self-introduction email in advance. When a guest arrives, they can freely enjoy the store until the couple closes up shop. Together they enjoy a vegan dinner and engage in casual conversation. Then Oh, who studied cinema therapy, recommends a film based on the visitor's personality or mood of the day.





Eastcine Bookshop owners Oh Seung-hee, right, and her husband Park Il-woo / Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo



Asked about the difference between running a bookstore in Seoul and Jeongdongjin, Oh said, "In Seoul, we were obsessed with stocking all the newest releases because the business is very competitive. In Jeongdongjin, however, we are able to bring our own tastes and enthusiasm to bookselling. For instance, books about cinema don't sell well, but we still offer a selection of movie scripts, filmmakers' essays and original novels that were later adapted into films."



Oh shared her thoughts on why people like independent bookstores. Despite falling book sales, the number of independent bookstores has been increasing in recent years. There were 97 independent bookstores in 2015, but the number surged to 815 in 2022, according to Dongneseojeom, an online platform service provider offering a map and related information on indie bookstores in Korea.



"Every independent bookshop has its own unique curation. I think people like to explore the space where they can find books and engage in conversations on mutual interests. Most of our visitors are travelers who happen to visit by chance or those who come to us specifically," she said, adding that she uses social media to connect with her customers.





An inside view of Eastcine Bookshop in Jeongdongjin, Gangneung, Gangwon Province / Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo



She hosts various literary events and book clubs in hopes of bringing people together and creating a community around books. Her husband Park Il-woo is in charge of preparing baked goods for sale to customers.



"We always envisioned hosting events, welcoming customers from the community and drawing people to this beautiful town," she said. "Compared with the past when my husband and I had separate jobs, we now make less money. So we have to be careful with our budget. Also, I miss my family and friends who are in Seoul. But overall, it's an amazing job where we are able to connect with our customers. That's why I'm satisfied with my life," she said.





A wall covered with movie posters inside Eastcine Bookshop in Jeongdongjin, Gangneung, Gangwon Province / Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The former JPMorgan Chase & Co executive accused of shepherding the bank's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein formally denied involvement in the disgraced financier's sex trafficking, and blamed JPMorgan for keeping him as a client.

In Wednesday night filings in Manhattan federal court, Jes Staley said his dealings with Epstein were not the "proximate cause" of any damages JPMorgan might incur in two lawsuits it faces over its work with Epstein, a client from 1998 to 2013.

Staley, who has denied wrongdoing and expressed regret for befriending Epstein, said he did not know Epstein would coerce young women and girls into having sex, or that anyone under 18 would be pressured into sex.

He also said JPMorgan had "unclean hands" for its own faults in dealing with Epstein, and that the largest U.S. bank waived at least some claims against him by keeping him on the payroll "after learning of his alleged misconduct."

JPMorgan declined to comment on the filings.

Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 at age 66 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. New York City's medical examiner called the death a suicide.

Staley's denials were expected, and contained in "answers" to New York-based JPMorgan's effort to blame him for entangling it with Epstein.

Now 66, Staley led JPMorgan's asset management business from 2001 to 2009 and its investment bank from 2009 to 2013. He was also Barclays Plc's chief executive from 2015 to 2021.

JPMorgan faces a proposed class action by women who accused Epstein of sexual abuse, led by a former ballet dancer known as Jane Doe 1, and a lawsuit by the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein allegedly abused women on a private island he owned.

The bank also wants Staley to forfeit his pay from 2006 to 2013, estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.

Jane Doe 1 has also alleged that one of Epstein's friends sexually assaulted her. JPMorgan later said Staley was that friend. Staley has called that accusation "baseless."

On May 24, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan rejected Staley's bid to dismiss JPMorgan's complaints. The judge has yet to explain his reasoning.

Staley is expected to testify under oath in a June 10 deposition.

In a May 26 deposition, JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said he had barely heard of Epstein before the financier's July 2019 arrest. Dimon also repeatedly denied having spoken with Staley about Epstein.

A trial covering all of the lawsuits is scheduled for Oct. 23.

The cases in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York are: Jane Doe 1 v JPMorgan Chase & Co, No. 22-10019; Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands v JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, No. 22-10904; and JPMorgan Chase Bank NA v Staley, in Nos. 22-10019 and 22-10904.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Robert Birsel)
ATLANTA (AP)  After years of criticizing mail voting and so-called ballot harvesting as ripe for fraud, Republicans at the top of the party want to change course.

They are poised to launch aggressive get-out-the-vote campaigns for 2024 that employ just those strategies, attempting to match the emphasis on early voting Democrats have used for years to lock in many of their supporters well ahead of Election Day. The goal is to persuade voters who support GOP candidates that early voting techniques are secure and to make sure they are able to return their ballots in time to be counted, thus putting less pressure on Election Day turnout efforts.

It marks a notable shift from the party's rhetoric since 2020, when then-President Donald Trump was routinely sowing doubt about mail voting and encouraging his voters to wait and vote in-person on Election Day. As recently as last year, Republican activists peddling the stolen election narrative were telling GOP voters who received mail ballots to hold onto them and turn them in at their polling place on Election Day rather than use mail or drop boxes.

Now Trump is asking donors to chip in for his ballot harvesting fund  saying in a fundraising email, Either we ballot harvest where we can, or you can say goodbye to America!

Republicans say the shift is needed to ensure GOP victories up and down the 2024 ballot, arguing they cannot afford to give Democrats any advantage. At the same time, they acknowledge skepticism from many of their own voters conditioned by false claims of widespread voter fraud from Trump and others.

Across the country, Republican-controlled legislatures have acted against early voting  shortening windows for returning mail ballots, banning or limiting the use of drop boxes and criminalizing third-party ballot collection.

In announcing a Bank Your Vote initiative for 2024, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said the party has never said dont vote early,' but acknowledged the GOP will have to work to shift voters' perceptions.

That certainly is a challenge if you have people in your ecosystem saying, Dont vote early or dont vote by mail, and those cross messages do have an impact, McDaniel told reporters Wednesday. I dont think youre seeing that heading into 2024. I think youre seeing all of us singing from the same songbook.

The nationwide GOP plan emphasizes in-person early voting, absentee voting, and ballot harvesting where legal, while also pledging to fight against bad ballot harvesting laws. Republicans use the term to describe when someone else returns a mailed ballot on behalf of another voter, especially third parties that gather multiple ballots.

McDaniel emphasized she remains opposed to ballot collection, and she said the party would deploy an army of poll watchers and election monitors to reassure Republican voters that their ballots will be protected.

Do I think its the most secure way of voting? No, McDaniel said. But if its the law, were going to have to do it just like the Democrats are.

The challenge will be providing a consistent message that reassures GOP voters.

The same day McDaniel announced her initiative, Republicans in Congress were holding a hearing considering legislation that, among other things, would ban ballot collection in the District of Columbia. GOP state lawmakers around the country have chipped away at advanced voting opportunities since 2020. Some state and local election Republicans have gone further, advocating for just a single day of voting.

After the 2020 presidential election, the movie 2000 Mules was a popular video that made various debunked claims about mail ballots, drop boxes and ballot collection. Even the co-chair of the new GOP strategy, U. S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., has been a critic. In November, he issued a call on social media to End ballot harvesting.

Nonetheless, McDaniel noted that Republican presidential candidates, including Trump, have been talking about the importance of advance voting and ballot collection.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a high-profile GOP contender, recently told a voter he planned to launch his own ballot harvesting effort, according to video posted online by a Washington Post reporter. DeSantis said he wasnt going to fight with one hand tied behind my back.

The Trump and DeSantis campaigns did not respond to messages seeking details about ballot collection plans. Florida is among the mostly Republican-led states that have sought to ban or limit the practice in recent years, despite the GOP's reliance there on older, more conservative voters who prefer voting methods other than casting Election Day ballots.

Since the 2020 election, lawmakers in 31 states have introduced 124 bills that would restrict third-party ballot returns, according to data collected by the Voting Rights Lab, which tracks voting-related legislation in the states. Of those, 14 bills in 11 states have been enacted. That includes one DeSantis himself signed that makes it a felony for an individual to collect more than two mail ballots other than the persons own or one belonging to an immediate family member.

While some states are silent on the issue, 31 states allow someone other than the voter to return a ballot on behalf of another voter. Nine limit how many ballots one person can return, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Many states limit ballot handling to a family member, household member or caregiver.

In California, efforts to lock in the early vote could be decisive next year in a string of U.S. House districts, most of them in the southern California suburbs, that are expected to play a pivotal role in determining control of the chamber. California is a Democratic stronghold, but Republicans retain pockets of strength across rural and small-town areas and the Central Valley farm belt, while the state's suburban congressional districts have yielded many tights races in recent election cycles.

As many as nine congressional seats are considered competitive, and several races will play out in districts won by President Joe Biden but where the seat is held by a Republican. Each of Californias 22 million registered voters is mailed a ballot one month before Election Day.

In any close election, the ability to capture absentee votes becomes extremely important, especially in a state like ours, where every single voter has a ballot in their home, conservative activist Jon Fleishman said.

Democrats were critical of the new GOP effort after years of messaging by Republicans against mail voting.

Donald Trump and extremist Republicans have spent years telling lies about elections to justify their losses. That includes demonizing mail ballots and ballot collection, said Jena Griswold, Colorados secretary of state and head of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State. These hypocritical extremists are only interested in spreading chaos and trying to gain power at any cost.

Top Republicans remain determined to make the case within their own ranks, said Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C.

Weve got to have a change of culture among Republican voters, said Hudson, who chairs the House GOPs national campaign committee. And its going to require us all on the same page.

___

Associated Press writers Michael R. Blood in Los Angeles and Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report.
PETERSBURG, Va. (AP)  A grand jury has indicted two federal Bureau of Prisons employees for allegedly failing to provide medical care for an inmate in Virginia who had a serious medical emergency and later died, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

Lt. Shronda Covington, 47, and registered nurse Tonya Farley, 52, face charges of allegedly violating the inmate's civil rights by showing deliberate indifference to the male inmate's medical needs at the Federal Correctional Institution at Petersburg, Virginia, in January 2021, a department news release said.

Farley is also charged with writing a false report about the incident. Covington and Farley, both residents of Chesterfield, Virginia, are also both charged with making false statements to federal agents.

Records obtained by The Associated Press identified the man who died as Wade Walters. He died on Jan. 10, 2021, with his category of death listed as cardiac, but the documents did not specify a cause of death.

The civil rights charges each carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, the false report charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 in prison and each false statement charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

It was not immediately known if the two employees had lawyers who could comment for them.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday called off a vote on a contempt of Congress charge against FBI Director Christopher Wray, accepting a last-minute offer by the bureau to allow the full committee access to a confidential document of an unverified tip about President Joe Biden.

Rep. James Comer said in a statement that the committee is removing a contempt resolution against Wray from Thursday's schedule after receiving an accommodation that would give the full committee access to the document.

Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people," the Kentucky Republican said.

The action that played out over the last month against Wray reflects a larger breakdown between Republicans and the FBI that has only intensified this year, with some conservatives talking openly about trying to defund the bureau.

It's a rift that first opened during the Russia investigation of then-President Donald Trump and has only widened amid the FBI's wide-ranging criminal investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, which some Republicans view as overly zealous and politicized.

The FBI made the last-ditch effort to ward off the contempt vote Wednesday, offering to give every lawmaker on the oversight committee access to a redacted version of a confidential document that alleges a bribery scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

It was unclear until late Wednesday if Comer would accept the offer even as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that would suffice.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on oversight committee, said in a statement Wednesday that hes happy Comer accepted the good faith offer from the FBI but warned his colleague across the aisle of the precedent his actions leading up to this could set.

Holding someone in contempt of Congress is among the most serious actions our Committee can take and it should not be weaponized to undermine the FBI, Raskin said.

The FBI has called the contempt vote unwarranted considering the bureau had continuously demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committees request, while protecting the safety of sources and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

But Comer had consistently said for the past month that the only way for the FBI to comply with the subpoena is to provide an unredacted copy of the document. It's unclear what made him change course at the last minute.

FBI officials have already shown a redacted version of the several-page form to Comer and Raskin during a 90-minute briefing Monday. The bureau described that briefing as an extraordinary accommodation" where both men were able to take notes on the document and ask questions.

The whole contempt fight over the document moved at an unusually rapid speed for the House. Committees often battle for months with an agency or a witness before resorting to contempt proceedings, often haggling over an accommodation that is considered compliance with a subpoena. Republicans moved far faster, arriving at contempt a little over a month after issuing the subpoena to Wray on May 3.

It would have been the first time Republicans had used the contempt power against a federal official since taking control of the House in January, but would be far from a rare occurrence in the House.

Democrats wielded the power of contempt memorably in the last Congress as part of the committee investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury on contempt charges last year after a referral from the House Jan. 6 committee. Another former Trump official, Peter Navarro, is awaiting trial on a contempt charge as well. He has pleaded not guilty.

The Biden document at the center of the new dispute was written up by a longtime FBI source whom both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible. In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine. Hunter Biden worked on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.
NEW DELHI (AP)  India is not planning to invite Ukraine to the summit of the Group of 20 industrialized and developing nations in September, its external affairs minister said Thursday.

In our view, G20 participation is for members and organizations we have invited. That list we declared as soon as we assumed the G20 presidency in December, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told reporters.

Ukraine is not a G20 member, while Russia with whom it is fighting a war is part of the grouping. India has avoided condemning Russias war in Ukraine and has sought to end it through diplomacy and dialogue.

"It is not something that we have reviewed and it is not something very honestly which we have discussed with anybody, Jaishankar said.

The Ukraine war and the disruption in global food and fuel supplies are expected to be high on the agenda of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Zelenskyy was invited to participate in last years G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations in Japan in May. It was their first meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year.

India hopes to deepen trade with Russia, its Cold War ally, from whom it has continued to buy record amounts of crude. It also depends on Russia for about 60% of its defense equipment.

In April, Ukraine asked India to supply medicine and medical equipment and help it rebuild war-damaged infrastructure.

The request was conveyed by Emine Dzhaparova, the deputy minister of foreign affairs and Ukraines most senior official to visit India since Russias invasion began last year. She highlighted Ukraines desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India.

Responding to Ukraines request, Indias External Affairs Ministry said that in addition to providing medicine and medical equipment, India would also supply school buses to Ukraine.

India evacuated nearly 20,000 Indians studying in Ukraine, mostly in medical colleges, after the outbreak of the war.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela next week, Iran's state news agency IRNA announced on Wednesday, adding that the upcoming tour stemmed from invites from the presidents of each of the Latin American nations.

IRNA said documents to expand bilateral cooperation will be signed between Iran and the three countries during Raisi's visit, mentioning economic, political and scientific issues, but without going into further detail.

The state news agency said Raisi will leave Tehran on June 11.

The three-country tour will give Raisi face time with three regional allies, each of whom lead leftists governments that have been accused by critics of human rights violations.

Iran and Venezuela are both members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

(This story has been corrected to say that the Iranian president will leave Tehran on June 11, not May 11, in paragraph 3)

(Reporting by Valentine Hilaire; Editing by David Alire Garcia)
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. (Jorge Silva/Pool via Reuters)

The 35-year-old Kim Yo Jong has increasingly become the face of North Koreas secretive and combative regime. The younger sister to dictator Kim Jong Un led the state delegation at the Winter Olympics in South Korea. She met then-President Donald Trump in 2018. She has made major announcements on the world stage, including last weeks launch of a spy satellite, prompting the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting.

Her title is officially deputy department director of the Publicity and Information Department, but there has long been speculation that she is being set up for a bigger role.

When rumors about Kim Jong Uns health began in 2020, she was cited as a likely successor.

Kim Yo Jong, left, stands behind Kim Jong Un as he and Donald Trump sign documents that acknowledge the progress of the talks held between North Korea and the United States in 2018. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Whoever rules North Korea wields enormous power given the authoritarian kingdoms nuclear weapons and constant threats to use them against the U.S. and its allies. But what is known about Kim Yo Jong?

Yahoo News spoke to two experts: Sung-Yoon Lee, author of The Sister: North Koreas Kim Yo Jong, the Most Dangerous Woman in the World, and Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Oxford, about the princess and her rise through the ranks of North Korean politics.

Who is Kim Yo Jong?

Howell: Shes the younger sister of Kim Jong Un and the youngest child of the former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. What we know is that she was born and raised in North Korea but also studied abroad in Switzerland, together with her brothers, under a pseudonym.

Kim Yo Jong talks with Chung Eui-yong, South Korea's top national security adviser at the time, in Panmunjom, South Korea, in 2019. (South Korean Ministry of Unification via Getty Images)

What do we know about her political career?

Howell: Whats interesting about Yo Jong is that she has risen through the ranks as a member of the junior elite in the Workers Party of Korea. She worked for the National Defense Commission  the most important institution for national defense. She was then appointed to the Publicity and Information Department in 2014  one of the main departments of the party and one that is responsible for disseminating propaganda across the kingdom. Over time, she gets promoted to different departments within the party, and in 2021, she was promoted to the State Affairs Commission, which is the most important body of state power over North Korea.

Why has Kim Jong Un chosen her?

Howell: I think shes useful [to the party] because she reinforces North Koreas messaging that South Korea and the United States are fundamentally hostile actors, the idea that the outside world will never fundamentally be nice to North Korea, and that North Korea must act accordingly. She has been seen as a sort of unifier among factions within the military and the party.

How significant is it that a woman is in the high ranks of the North Korean regime?

Lee: The rise of a Nuclear Despotess is an entirely new phenomenon. North Korea is such a male-dominated, chauvinistic country despite claiming to be a communist system that guarantees gender equality. This sudden rise of a female leader, a sort of a co-crime boss of the family, is in itself an interesting phenomenon. In the past, weve seen the royal family, for example, the younger sister of other kids play an important role, but not nearly as important or visible a role as that played by Yo Jong over the past five or six years.

Kim Jong Un and his younger sister Kim Yo Jong in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool/AFLO via ZUMA Press)

What do the high-ranking officials think about her?

Lee: Senior political figures avert their gaze whenever she makes an appearance. They dont want to be noticed by her because she is such an oddity as a young, powerful person and sister of the supreme leader. There have been reports of her issuing random orders of execution of officials who get on her nerves. Its hard to corroborate these reports, but they have come from many different regions inside the nation.

With all of her recent public appearances, is she being primed as Kim Jong Uns successor?

Lee: A lot of North Korean defectors take the view that there could never be a female leader and they may be right. But I humbly disagree, because I would argue that the North Korean dynastys supposedly sacred hereditary bloodline supersedes chauvinistic cultural considerations.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin, commenting on a media report which said the United States knew of a Ukrainian plan to attack the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines, said on Thursday it had already spoken of the possible involvement of "Anglo-Saxons' in the incident.

The Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing leaked information posted online, that the CIA learned last June through a European spy agency that a six-person team of Ukrainian special operations forces intended to blow up the Russia-to-Germany project.

Several unexplained underwater explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 and newly built Nord Stream 2 pipelines that link Russia and Germany across the Baltic Sea in September 2022.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia had already spoken about the possible involvement of "Anglo-Saxons" - Kremlin shorthand for the United States and Britain - in what he described as a "terror attack".

He said Russia wanted to see a proper investigation into the blasts, something it has complained is not happening.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
ICIF injects impetus into cultural industry growth

People's Daily Online) 14:00, June 08, 2023

IN Shenzhen, there are a number of State-level large-scale exhibitions, such as the China Hi-Tech Fair and the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF). These exhibitions and enterprises support each other for mutual growth. As a benchmark cultural industry fair, ICIF has incubated many high-quality enterprises and become an important accelerator for the development of the city's cultural industry.

At this year's fair, which covers 120,000 square meters in total exhibition area, over 100,000 cultural products will be displayed and 4,000-plus cultural investment and financing projects exhibited and traded, with about 3,600 government delegations, and cultural institutions and enterprises set to participate.

Wang Ning, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of paper-cutting, teaches Louay Ali Dib from Syria during a workshop at Mission Hills Maker in Longhua District on Saturday. Several art salons, workshops and exhibitions were held over the weekend at Mission Hills Maker, one of the subvenues of the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) that opens tomorrow, as warm-up events for the fair. Photos by Liu Xudong

Exhibitors' anticipation

Shenzhen Absen Optoelectronics Co. Ltd. will display its latest LED products to show the power of culture and tech combined.

Chen Yang, vice president of Absen, said large visitor flows and various exhibitors from different sectors will be a good chance to advertise the company.

It will be the fifth time for Shenzhen Damoda Intelligent Control Technology Co. Ltd. to participate in the fair.

"We will organize a drone performance for the fair and introduce more of our products to the exhibitors," Qin Haiqun, manager of the company, said.

A visitor is attracted by a sculpture at an ongoing exhibition titled "Rabbit in the Eyes of 21 Artists" at the Art Design Center in Luohu District on Thursday. The center is a subvenue of the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair.

Shenzhen-based Silk Road Vision Technology Co. Ltd., established in 2002, is among the first batch of companies in China that engaged in applications of visual technologies.

In cooperation with Byte Dance, it will use the VR technology to help visitors explore the discovery of ancient books at this year's fair.

"Thanks to the ICIF platform and the development of Shenzhen's cultural industry, our company realized a revenue of 200 million yuan (US$28.1 million) in 2013 and 1 billion yuan in 2020, with an annual growth of 20%-30%," Xiang Landi, chairman assistant of the company, said.

Statistics showed the added value of Shenzhen's cultural industry totaled 260 billion yuan in 2022, accounting for 8% of the city's GDP. The number of cultural enterprises in Shenzhen reached 100,000 and the cultural industry has maintained an average annual growth rate of 20%.

At this year's fair, the organizer will use big data and cloud computing technologies to match exhibitors with online and offline buyers, and cooperate with leading platforms such as TikTok, Tmall and Taobao to stimulate online cultural consumption through livestreaming and online marketing.

This year's fair is expected to see deals worth over 3 billion yuan inked, 150 million yuan more than the number of the 18th ICIF.

Subvenues

While ICIFs only last for a few days at main venues, subvenues for the fair remain open year-round. Setting up subvenues is regarded as a great innovation in the history of ICIF and the development of Shenzhen's cultural industry.

The first ICIF had only one subvenue. The number rises to 64 this year, most of them being cultural industry parks and enterprises that have grown with the fair.

Dafen Oil Painting Village was ICIF's first subvenue when the fair was incepted in 2004.

"There will be no today's Dafen Oil Painting Village without ICIF, which has greatly improved the local and global influence of the village," Peng Gang, director of the Longgang Digital Creation Industry Corridor Management Center, said.

OCT-LOFT has been a subvenue for 12 years. Over the course of 17 years, OCT-LOFT had grown from an old factory area into an influential creative industry park with nearly 300 institutions having settled in, and a model of an industrial park for creative design in China.

This year, the fair's subvenues will be more digital and creative as the development of digital economy has become a priority of the city.

For example, the Global Digital Corp. subvenue in Nanshan District will focus on the theme of artificial intelligence to promote cross-boundary cooperation in AI, metaverse and digital movies.

The F518 subvenue in Bao'an District will focus on digital creation and its applications in cultural products commercialization, distribution and consumption.

This year, subvenues specializing in gold, jewelry, paintings and curios are encouraged to organize promotions, and government delegations from other provinces and regions are encouraged to host cultural and tourism promotions at the subvenues.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)




First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin, a former ambassador to Russia, has met high-level officials in Moscow to bid his farewell and discuss bilateral ties, the foreign ministry here said Thursday.







Chang, who served as ambassador until early April, is on a two-day trip to Moscow to bid a formal goodbye to Russian officials as he took over as vice minister while visiting Seoul for a conference of diplomatic mission chiefs following a sudden shake-up in the presidential office.







On Wednesday, Chang held separate meetings with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Titov, and Andrey Rudenko, deputy foreign minister in charge of the Asia-Pacific region, and shared their assessment of the two nations' bilateral ties.







The two sides also exchanged their views on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and the recent election of Korea as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Seoul's foreign ministry said in a press release, without mention of any discussions on Ukraine.







Seoul has maintained its position of participating in international efforts against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while seeking stable relations with Moscow. (Yonhap)






Pedestrians pass the One World Trade Center, center, in New York on June 7 amid a smoky haze from Canadian wildfires. (Julie Jacobson/Associated Press)

Millions of Americans woke up to orange skies Wednesday as thick smoke from wildfires in Canada moved across the U.S. Northeast, spawning air quality warnings from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C.

In New York, air pollution reached record  and dangerous  levels, putting the city atop the worlds worst for air quality. State and local officials told residents to mask up and stay indoors, but many have questions about how the smoke will affect them, and what is and isnt safe to do right now.

A man talks on his phone June 7 as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee, N.J. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

Traffic moves along June 7 in New York, amid a smoky haze from wildfires in Canada. (Andy Bao/Associated Press)

A man runs June 8 as the sun rises amid haze over the lower Manhattan skyline in Jersey City, N.J. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

A handler leads a horse back into the stables June 8 as the sun is obscured by haze caused by Canadian wildfires ahead of the Belmont Stakes horse race at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. Training was canceled for the day because of poor air quality. (John Minchillo/Associated Press)

With the Washington Monument in the background and a thick layer of smoke, a Marine Corps honor color guard rehearses June 8 in Washington. (Jose Luis Magana/Associated Press)

Haze blankets the United States Marine Corps War Memorial as the sun rises June 8 in Arlington, Va. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
One of Gov. Roy Coopers under-appreciated accomplishments is that he persuaded Dr. Mandy Cohen to be his secretary of Health and Human Services.

Cohen has a stellar resume: She was educated at Cornell, Yale and Harvard and was chief of staff at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services during the Obama administration. Why she agreed to serve a politically polarized state where the legislature was still resisting Medicaid expansion and neglecting the states public health system is a wonder.

And, it turned out, highly fortunate. Cohen, who served at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from 2017 until January of 2022, was at the helm of public health service when the COVID pandemic hit in March of 2020. In a series of news conferences during an anxious and increasingly divided time she brought warmth and clarity in describing what the state was doing and what people should do for themselves.

Largely on the strength of that performance, Cohen is expected to be named by President Joe Biden as the next leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This should be a time for North Carolina to be proud that one of their former top officials is taking a major federal post. But this being a North Carolina split between a reactionary legislature and a Cooper administration trying to keep the state on a sensible course, its not.

Conservative Republicans promptly started rewriting history by saying that the school closures, limits on gatherings and mask requirements supported by Cohen were useless intrusions on freedom carried out by nanny state bureaucrats who overreacted.

Republican state Treasurer Dale Folwell, who is seeking the 2024 GOP gubernatorial nomination, fired the first shot with this tweet: Pray for our country. As a member of the NC Council of State, my observation is that the actions of Dr. Mandy Cohen during COVID resulted in more disease, death, poverty and illiteracy. As NC governor, I would be hard pressed to ever follow her lead at CDC if chosen by the POTUS.

Folwell told me this week that he was frustrated by the rollout of the COVID vaccines and his unsuccessful appeal to DHHS for more testing of prison employees, who might take the virus home. He said Cohen did not challenge assumptions about COVID and did not seem to have the vision or the ability to listen and the courage to act once everything was considered.

State Sen. Dan Blue, a Wake County Democrat and the Senates minority leader, said of Folwells tweet, Thats an irresponsible comment for somebody in a high position. If anything, the way (Cohen) managed the pandemic saved many lives and saved many hospitals that were in distress from being overrun.

Despite Folwells contention, North Carolina consistently fared among the best in the South thanks to public health measures Cohen advocated. The economy did well, too.

Nonetheless, Folwells criticism wont be the last. Cohen does not need to be confirmed by the Senate, but she will no doubt be blasted by right-wingers in Congress. Their talking points were previewed in a New York Post column this week by James Bovard.

President Joe Bidens choice for new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief is a telegenic authoritarian straight from liberal central casting, he wrote.

Bovard went on to quote the writer Alex Berenson, once banned from Twitter for spreading COVID misinformation, who said, Cohen has heartily supported every authoritarian measure that the last three years have proven useless.

Such distortions are maddening to those who know that public health measures, while not perfectly precise, did protect the publics health and blunt the pandemic that caused the deaths of more than 1 million Americans.

Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease physician at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said Cohens leadership helped cut the toll of the pandemic. She was clear in balancing the trade-offs between safeguarding public health and the costs of these strategies. In states without such leadership, more people per capita became ill and died, Wohl said.

Conservatives will try to discount Cohens work in North Carolina, but the truth is the state was lucky to have her at a time when all her training and talents were called upon. And the nation would be fortunate to have her, a battle-tested leader, at the helm of the CDC.

Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com
THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Russia on Thursday denied Ukrainian accusations that it backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and discriminates against ethnic Tatars and Ukrainians in Crimea, accusing Kyiv instead of "blatant lies" at the U.N.'s top court.

Ukraine has asked the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Russia to halt alleged discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula occupied by Russia since 2014.

"Ukraine is constantly turning to blatant lies and false accusations leveled against the Russian federation," the Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, Alexander Shulgin, said at the second day of hearings at the ICJ.

In the same case, Kyiv also says that Moscow violated a U.N. anti-terrorism treaty by equipping and funding pro-Russian forces, including militias who shot down Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, killing all 298 passengers and crew in 2014.

Last November, a Dutch court convicted two Russians and a Ukrainian separatist in absentia for their role and sentenced them to life in prison. It found that Russia had "overall control" over the separatist forces.

Russia rejected what it called the "scandalous" decision by the Dutch court. On Thursday Russia's ambassador-at-large Gennady Kuzmin told the ICJ the Dutch judgment was biased against separatist forces in the Donesk region.

"At the end of the day, Ukraine's MH17 case boils down to nonsense," Kuzmin said.

The hearings in the case at the ICJ, which stems from 2017, marked the first time lawyers for Ukraine and Russia met at the ICJ since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

On the first day of the hearing Ukraine accused Russia of being a terrorist state and said it tried to erase the culture of ethnic Tatars and Ukrainians in Crimea.

Russia denies systematic human rights abuses in Ukrainian territory that it occupies.

The court adjourned on Thursday but will hold two more days of hearings next week where Ukraine and Russia can react to each others' submissions.

The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, is expected to rule on the case before the end of this year.

The ICJ is the United Nations' top court for disputes between states and its rulings are binding but have no enforcement mechanism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also the subject of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court, also in The Hague, on war crimes charges over forced deportations of Ukrainian children. The Kremlin denies this.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg, Editing by William Maclean, Angus MacSwan and Sharon Singleton)
By Kate Abnett and Riham Alkousaa

BRUSSELS/BONN (Reuters) - Russia intends to block European Union countries from hosting next year's U.N. international climate negotiations, according to internal emails seen by Reuters, a potential setback for EU-member Bulgaria's competition with Azerbaijan and Armenia to draw the massive conference.

Moscow's intervention shows how geopolitical disputes since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year are complicating global efforts to combat climate change. It also risks delaying a final choice on the host of COP29, which could reduce preparation time for the event.

Bulgaria and non-EU country Armenia had put themselves forward to host the summit, a role that can bring international prestige and the opportunity to promote domestic efforts to combat climate change - along with costs, intense media scrutiny and heavy logistical demands.

Azerbaijan added its name to the running this week.

"Azerbaijan is ready to be the host country for such an important event," Umayra Taghiyeva, Azerbaijan's deputy minister of ecology and natural resources, told Reuters on Wednesday in the country's first public confirmation of its long-speculated bid.

Rights to host the gatherings rotate between the United Nations' five global regions, with Eastern Europe hosting in 2024. The 23 countries in that region must select their host candidate unanimously. If Russia vetoed all EU countries, then Armenia or Azerbaijan could still be in the running.

EU-member Czech Republic is no longer interested in hosting, but is considering bidding to host a preparatory "pre-COP" event if Bulgaria takes the main summit, a Czech official said on Wednesday.

Russia's delegation to the UN climate body (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC) sent an email to other Eastern European country representatives in April in which it said it would not support an EU host.

In the email, which has not been previously reported, Russia's delegation said EU countries had taken a "politicized" approach to deciding the host country which had resulted in Russian-endorsed candidates being blocked.

"It is reasonable to believe that EU countries, driven by politics from Brussels, do not have the capacity to serve as honest and effective brokers of global climate negotiations under the UNFCCC," it said.

Russia's special presidential representative on climate, Ruslan Edelgeriev, declined to confirm if Russia would oppose Bulgaria's candidacy.

"Bulgaria is not the only candidate to host COP29 in 2024. The issue will be decided in strict accordance with the procedures provided by Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC," Edelgeriev said in written responses to questions.

The 27-country EU, alongside Western allies including Britain and the United States, has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and slapped sanctions on Moscow over the war.

The Eastern European country group is discussing the issue at a U.N. meeting this week in Bonn, Germany. All countries would usually then confirm the group's decision at this year's COP28 summit, which begins in November.

If the group cannot agree, a fallback option could be to host the event at the U.N. climate change body's permanent offices in Bonn - although that would require backing from the German government.

THREE-WAY RACE

During last year's U.N. climate conference, Bulgaria's president, Rumen Radev, indicated the country would be willing to host the event, and Bulgaria was pressing ahead with its bid in late May with support from other EU countries.

This week, Bulgaria formed a new government, however, which has yet to confirm it still wants to host. Bulgaria's environment ministry did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Arzerbaijan and Armenia - neighbouring countries that are in a decades-long dispute over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh - have both confirmed they are also in the running.

"At the moment, we have not been blocked by any country from the Eastern European region," Emin Garabaghli, head of the international cooperation division in Azerbaijan's ministry of ecology, told Reuters.

The annual U.N. climate summits draw tens of thousands of delegates from nearly 200 countries, as well as companies, investors and industry lobbyists.

The United Arab Emirates will host this year's COP28 conference on behalf of the Asia Pacific group.

(Reporting by Kate Abnett in Brussels and Riham Alkousaa in Bonn; Additional reporting by Ivana Sekularac in Belgrade; Editing by Richard Valdmanis, Lisa Shumaker and Matthew Lewis)
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Russia urged judges at the United Nations' highest court on Thursday to throw out a case brought by Ukraine against Moscow over the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the arming of rebels in eastern Ukraine before Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

We appear before you today in order to demonstrate that Ukraines application must be dismissed because it is without any legal foundation. Nor does it have any factual evidence to back it, Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands Alexander Shulgin told judges at the International Court of Justice.

Lawyers for Ukraine said as hearings in the case opened Tuesday that Russia bankrolled a campaign of intimidation and terror by rebels in eastern Ukraine starting in 2014 and sought to replace Crimeas multiethnic community with discriminatory Russian nationalism.

Ukraine filed the case in 2017, asking the world court to order Moscow to pay reparations for attacks and crimes such as the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by a Russian missile fired from territory controlled by Moscow-backed rebels on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The Ukrainian government alleges that Russia breached two treaties: the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Addressing the terrorism funding allegation, Michael Swainston, a British lawyer representing Russia, said Ukraine's legal team failed to establish that actions by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine could be considered terrorism.

It is imperative to distinguish between terrorists who deliberately target civilians and soldiers who foresee that civilians will be killed as collateral damage while striking a military target," Swainston said. "The former is a war crime, while the latter represents lawful conduct. And of course, soldiers also make mistakes.

He also disputed that the downing of MH17 could be considered an act of terrorism and sought to undermine findings by a Dutch court that last year convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian of multiple murders for their roles in downing the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur flight.

The Hague District Court ruled after months of hearings and years of international investigations that the Boeing 777 was shot down by a Buk surface-to-air missile system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base and later returned to the base.

There was no Russian Buk. No Buk came from Russia. No crew for a Buk came from Russia," Swainston said, calling evidence that the Dutch court relied on in its verdicts "unsourced digital nonsense.

After the hearings expected to wrap up next week, judges will take months to reach a decision in the case. The court's rulings are final and legally binding.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea pledged support for its chip sector on Thursday, with President Yoon Suk Yeol describing competition in the industry as an "all-out war" amid heightened Sino-U.S. tension.

Earlier in the day, Yoon met with about 60 industry leaders, lawmakers and ministers to discuss how to maintain South Korea's lead in memory chips, foster development of system semiconductors, and secure materials, equipment and labour.

"Geopolitical issues have become the biggest risk for companies to manage as of late. Companies alone cannot resolve this problem - it is one that the nation should tackle by strengthening cooperation with and closely communicating with like-minded countries like the United States," Yoon told the meeting.

The government plans to help expand research and development, bolster smaller players, strengthen legal protection for chip technology and set up a chip testing facility, the industry ministry said in a statement.

South Korea has sought to avoid becoming embroiled in a tit-for-tat row between China and the United States over semiconductors.

On one hand, chipmakers Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and SK Hynix Inc depend on U.S. technology and equipment. At the same time, about 40% of South Korea's chip exports go to China, trade ministry data showed.

When Washington announced restrictions on exports of chip-making tools to China last October, it issued a one-year waiver for Samsung and SK Hynix, which have manufacturing facilities there, so they could import tools without having to apply for a licence. Whether that waiver will be extended is not clear.

Credit-rating firm Fitch on Wednesday said it did not expect major long-term supply disruption from the Sino-U.S. chip dispute as South Korea would become the main location for Samsung and SK Hynix's investment and technology upgrades.

"However, risks could increase if the dispute escalates in ways that more markedly affect the cost and availability of semiconductor supply-chain components, including more extreme rulings or bans by either the U.S. or China," Fitch Ratings said in a client note.

China accounts for 40% of Samsung's NAND memory chip production capacity and 40% to 50% of SK Hynix's DRAM production capacity and 20% of its NAND capacity, Fitch estimated.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Additional reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Christopher Cushing)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  A new rocket is one step closer to launching on Floridas Space Coast after United Launch Alliance says it successfully completed a flight readiness firing of the Vulcan rocket booster engines.

The Vulcan Centaur will eventually replace ULA's workhorse rocket, the Atlas V rocket, which uses Russian-built RD-180 engines. Vulcan will use two Blue Origin BE-4 engines and solid rocket boosters to provide up to 3.8 million pounds of thrust.

ULA had hoped to launch the first mission  a moon lander for Astrobotics carrying NASA payloads  earlier this year but needed to overcome a few more obstacles before its first spaceflight.

On Wednesday night, ULA ran through a countdown, fueling the booster and firing up Vulcans BE-4 engines for a few seconds at Cape Canaveral Space Station launch Complex 41. The static fire allowed ULA to test countdown and propellant loading operations.

"Nominal run!" ULA CEO Tory Bruno said in a tweet.

In a statement, ULA said it is now "more than 98% complete with the Vulcan qualification program, with the remaining items associated with the final Centaur V testing."

The Vulcan has been assembled at the Florida launch site since early February. In March, while testing the rockets Centaur upper stage at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, a fire on the test stand led to an investigation that still needs to be completed.

"The team is reviewing the data from the systems involved in todays test and, in parallel, continue with the Centaur V test stand anomaly investigation," ULA said after the successful FRF. "Pending the data review and the investigation results, we will develop a plan for launch. Testing is an integral part of our launch vehicle development program, and we will fly when we believe it is safe to launch."

The first mission, known as Cert-1, will launch Astrobotic's Peregrine lander to the moon. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Astrobotic was one of about a dozen companies selected under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program to deliver science payloads to the moon's surface. The robotic program will help NASA prepare for returning humans to the moon in a few years.

After the testing and investigation are complete, the payload will be mated to the Vulcan in the rocket hangar before the integrated rocket is rolled out to the launchpad.
By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries on Wednesday agreed to pay Nevada $193 million to settle claims that its marketing practices fueled opioid addiction, the state announced.

Nevada was one of two states, along with New Mexico, that did not join a $4.35 billion nationwide settlement with the Israel-based drugmaker last year. New Mexico has also since settled.

"The money coming into Nevada from these settlements will help our state recover and will help resources flow to the Nevadans impacted by this epidemic," Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said in a statement.

A Teva spokesperson confirmed the settlement but did not comment further.

Nevada, along with other states and thousands of local governments, accused Teva and other drugmakers of downplaying the addiction risks of opioid pain drugs.

Teva sells the brand-name fentanyl-based drugs Actiq and Fentora used to treat breakthrough cancer pain, and has sold generic opioid drugs.

The sprawling litigation over opioids has also targeted drug distributors and pharmacy chains, and has resulted in more than $50 billion in total settlements.

Nevada has secured $849 million in opioid settlement money, Ford's office said on Wednesday.

Teva's settlement with Nevada will be paid in installments from 2024 to 2043. Like many other states, Nevada has passed a law laying out how its opioid settlement funds will be split between the state and its local governments, and requiring them to use the money to address the harms of opioid addiction.

More than half a million people died from drug overdoses in the United States in the period from 1999 to 2020, with opioids playing an outsized role. Overdose deaths have risen further since then, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot)
Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming, right, greets main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Lee Jae-myung at his residence in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap



China's Ambassador to Seoul Xing Haiming on Thursday expressed his discontent with South Korea's "pro-U.S." diplomacy during a meeting with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung.



During a dinner meeting held at Xing's residence in Seoul, Xing and Lee of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) discussed bilateral and regional issues, including South Korea's trade deficit with China and concerns over Japan's planned release of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.



After exchanging greetings in fluent Korean, Xing said South Korea's deficit in trade with China is attributable to the Seoul government's policy to place less priority on the Chinese market.



South Korea posted $1.74 billion in trade deficit with the neighboring country in May, extending its losing streak to eight months since October last year. China is South Korea's biggest trading partner.






Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, sister of Tupac Shakur, touches her brother's new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday as fans, friends and family celebrate. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Tupac Shakur, dressed in a suit, stared somberly from a blown-up photo that was erected on an easel like at a memorial service. But the mood along a Hollywood city block on Wednesday pulsed more as a party.

Family members, close friends and other rappers and collaborators hugged, laughed and exchanged memories atop a red carpet along a roadway closed off to traffic.

Pressing against steel barricades, a crowd of hundreds rapped his songs and chanted his name: "Tupac, Tupac, Tupac." Street vendors hauled boxes from their vans filled with T-shirts bearing Shakur's face.

Nearly 30 years after the 25-year-old's death in 1996, the New York-born rapper, actor and activist  whose fame and influence only increased after his death  got his overdue Hollywood send-off: a star on the Walk of Fame.

"I'm feeling an over-elevated high, and I don't even get high," Shakur's cousin Jamala Lesane told The Times after the ceremony, letting out an infectious cackle. "It's just memories, the energy of all of this here, it's just a great feeling."

Nearby stood Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa Set Shakur, who spoke and accepted the star on behalf of the artist. She remembered watching her brother when he was a teen performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where he had a role in a local production of Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun."

"Before anyone recognized his name," Sekyiwa Shakur said during her speech, "he knew he had the dream to have his star up there on the Walk of Fame."

While presenting Sekyiwa with the City Council resolution that declares June 7 Tupac Shakur Day, council member and Watts native Hugo Soto-Martinez spoke enthusiastically about his love for Shakur, saying the rapper's music "literally kept me alive where I grew up  he was there in my darkest moments."

A fan holds an image from a book about Tupac Shakur during Wednesday's ceremony. (Chris Pizzello / Invision/ Associated Press)

Although Shakur moved frequently during his childhood, from Harlem to Baltimore, eventually landing in Marin County, Calif., it was Los Angeles where he put down roots as a recording artist. His music, which pulses with urgent political messages and tragic scenes of life in the low-income Black and brown neighborhoods of his youth and in Los Angeles, was rooted in West Coast hip-hop but exploded beyond the city. He sold more than 75 million records worldwide, with albums that went platinum and diamond. Artists in later generations, such as Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, have cited Shakur as a direct inspiration.

The phenomenon that was Shakur's success was something film director Allen Hughes tried to convey with his recent Hulu documentary "Dear Mama," which delves into the life of Shakur and his mother, onetime Black Panther Party member Afeni Shakur.

As Hughes noticed that murals of Shakur covered the walls of cities across continents, he realized the rapper had become "a global symbol of rebellion ... as visible and important as Malcolm X and Che Guevara."

"That means he's the people's champ, and they feel his struggle and his message," Hughes told The Times after the star ceremony. "It means the world when you see this," he continued, pointing at Shakur's star, "'cause that lives on forever."

Hughes was a frequent collaborator with Shakur, directing some of his music videos, such as "Brenda's Got a Baby," alongside his brother Albert Hughes. A disagreement in 1993 led to Shakur and a group of others assaulting Hughes, leaving him with injuries. The rapper eventually apologized for the incident. With the backing of the Shakur estate, Hughes directed "Dear Mama," which delved into moments such as those that complicated Shakur's legacy.

"I feel like the cinema, the film of it, has never met him where he's at," Hughes said of Shakur's stature and films and shows about him. "So that was my goal with [the series], is my goal eternally."

An image of Shakur was set up near his new Walk of Fame star. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

The series was told from the perspective of Shakur's family, close friends and collaborators, primarily his mother, who died in May 2016. Hughes used archived recordings she made after her son's death in which she told the story of her life and her son's life. The director drew parallels between her struggles with the criminal justice system and the FBI's COINTELPRO program, and her son's legal battles.

He shone a light on Shakur's shooting of two off-duty police officers involved in a dispute with a Black motorist, and his sexual abuse conviction in New York. Other subjects in the film included Lesane and Jamal Joseph. Joseph was Shakur's godfather and a former Black Panther Party member who, along with Afeni Shakur, was among the Panther 21 arrested by the FBI in the 1970s.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce had voted in 2014 to honor Shakur with a star, but his mother, who controlled his estate, turned down the recognition. Now, Shakur's star ceremony comes amid the release of "Dear Mama," and a year after the opening of a traveling exhibit, Wake Me When Im Free, which was featured at L.A. Live. However, beneath the surface of these events celebrating Shakur, there remains ongoing tension within the Shakur estate.

Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, filed a lawsuit against the trustee of Afeni Shakurs estate, music executive Tom Whalley, in early 2022. In the suit, Sekyiwa accuses Whalley of embezzling millions of dollars while hoarding items that belonged to the rapper that she believes are now hers.

Those engaged in the suit had seemingly set aside the legal dispute for Wednesday's celebration. During the unveiling of Shakur's star  a photo-op moment during which only a few designated guests are usually present  family and friends defied decorum, crowding the platform, overshadowing Chamber of Commerce and public officials, as the group excitedly huddled to catch a glimpse of the pink terrazzo tile.

Attendees included Compton rapper YG, actor and comedian Mike Epps and several of Shakur's collaborators, including his fellow Digital Underground rapper Money-B and producer DJ Quik, who produced songs with the slain emcee and helped popularize West Coast hip-hop. Members of the Outlawz, Shakur's group at Death Row Records, including E.D.I. Mean and Shakur's step brother, Mopreme Shakur, were also among the attendees. Longtime hip-hop radio host Big Boy emceed the ceremony.

Joseph, Shakur's godfather, was also among the speakers and guests at Wednesday's ceremony.

After he and his wife landed at LAX a day earlier, Joseph said, the driver sent to pick up them up had coincidentally been bumping Shakur's 1995 song "Dear Mama" from his car's speakers. The driver, who immigrated from Georgia ("Not the ATL Georgia," Joseph clarified), shared how he and his friends grew up listening to the rapper.

"When you think about that global influence, when you think about that star shining, you think of Tupac Amaru Shakur," said Joseph, who is now a writer, poet and director who teaches at Columbia University, during his speech at Wednesday's ceremony. "I think that, today, he would want us to celebrate the message, not just the man. And he would want us to continue on the charge that he left us with  and that was to always ascend, to be that rose that pushes through concrete, no matter where you are."

Earlier in his speech, Joseph asked the audience to raise their hands "if you love Tupac," and then called on them to "put your hands over your heart if that phrase, 'A rose that grew from the concrete,' applies to you, your life and your dreams."

Both the attendees seated on the red carpet and the crowd of fans outside the barricades, some of them scrambling atop a plastic road barrier to catch a view, stood in a rare moment of silence amid the raucous ceremony, with their hands raised or resting against their chests.

"That's the impact he had," Joseph said.

Times staff writer Kenan Draughorne contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BONN, Germany (AP)  The United Arab Emirates official tapped to head the next global climate summit pledged Thursday to listen to young people demanding a place at the table when negotiators gather in the Gulf nation this fall, but offered no response to criticism of his links with fossil fuel interests.

In his first appearance at a United Nations climate meeting this year, the UAE's Minister of Industry Sultan al-Jaber said he wants the COP28 summit in Dubai to be "inclusive" and deliver a game-changing outcome for international efforts to tackle climate change.

Im determined to make your participation successful, he said in a brief speech to delegates from youth activist groups that have been clamoring for leaders to take drastic action against global warming.

The comments by al-Jaber in Bonn, Germany, drew a wary response from his audience.

Many people, including children and youth all over the world, are rightly concerned about your ties and links to the fossil fuel industry and thereby the integrity of the (U.N. talks)," Clara von Glasow of the Youth Climate Movement, an international network of more than 1000 campaign groups, told al-Jaber. This is your time to prove them wrong and show that indeed you are serious.

You have the unique opportunity, a huge chance to demonstrate leadership, she said. "You can become the champion of change and make sure we phase out fossil fuels immediately.

Al-Jaber, who is also chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, has resisted calls for an end to fossil fuels.

Speaking later Thursday at a diplomatic reception, al-Jaber called for a just and balanced energy transition that leaves no one behind."

The phasedown of fossil fuels is inevitable, he said, going further than countries agreed in Glasgow two years ago when the focus was coal, but still stopping short of advocating a complete ban.

The goal should be a global energy system free of unabated fossil fuels," he said. The term abated refers to measures taken to reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, an idea that experts say is technically challenging and very expensive.

There is no such thing as an emissions-free fossil fuel," said Hanna Fekete of the NewClimate think tank. It is always more efficient to produce renewable energy and to use that directly.

Fekete published a report Thursday with the group Climate Action Tracker showing that many major producers of oil and gas, including the UAE and the United States, are currently increasing production.

The sector is acting like theres a gold rush, not a climate crisis, the authors warned.

That runs counter to countries' pledge at a 2015 summit in Paris to try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) compared with pre-industrial times. Scientists say that in order to achieve that goal, carbon emissions need to be halved by 2030 and reach net zero by mid-century.

Much of the task of coralling countries into making painful but necessary cuts to their emissions will fall to al-Jaber during the Nov. 30-Dec. 12 talks, when negotiators are due to approve the first global assessment of what's been done since Paris and which gaps still need to be closed. Preliminary talks attended by al-Jaber in Bonn, Germany, have so far failed even to agree on a formal agenda.

Outside the venue, bus stops were plastered with posters highlighting al-Jaber's ties to the oil industry. Inside, activists dropped a huge banner that read End Fossil Fuels.

Alden Meyer, a long-time observer of climate negotiations now with the Brussels-based group E3G, said past summit chairs have succeeded best when they've set aside their own national interests to find agreements acceptable to all the nearly 200 countries taking part in the talks.

Theres a real question whether Dr. al-Jaber wants to do that, is able to do that and is being given permission from the UAE leadership to do that," said Meyer. "He needs to disassociate himself from the UAE as a major oil and gas producer that wants to expand production if he wants to have a successful COP.

Still, al-Jaber's acknowledgement of the need to phase down fossil fuels was a useful first step, Meyer said, adding that a discussion about this needs to happen in Dubai.

His comments were echoed by Mohamed Adow, who runs the Nairobi-based group Power Shift Africa.

Al-Jaber is right to acknowledge that a phasedown of fossil fuels is inevitable," he said.

Doing this in a managed way would be good news for the UAE, he said, noting the Gulf nation has ample sun and wind for renewable energy.

The clean energy wave is coming, Adow said. "Countries can either surf the wave or get washed away by it.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Investigators commissioned by the U.N.s top human rights body on Thursday accused Israel of delegitimizing and silencing civil society by outlawing Palestinian human rights groups and labeling their members as terrorists.

The findings came in the annual report by the Human Rights Councils Commission of Inquiry. The commission, led by a three-member team of human rights experts, was established in 2021 following an 11-day war between Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza. Israel accuses the rights council, and the commission, of being unfairly biased.

The report also accused both Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank of committing rights violations. But it said most of the violations it had uncovered were committed by Israel as part of a campaign it says is aimed at ensuring and enshrining its permanent occupation at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian people.

Former U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay, who leads the commission, accused Israeli and Palestinian authorities of limiting the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful association.

We were particularly alarmed by the situation of Palestinian human rights defenders, who are routinely subject to a range of punitive measures as part of the occupation regime, she said.

In 2020 and 2021, Israel designated seven Palestinian rights groups as terrorist groups, effectively outlawing them. It later raided and shut some of their offices.

Israel says the groups are connected to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine  a secular, left-wing movement with a political party as well as an armed wing that has carried out deadly attacks against Israelis. Israel and its Western allies consider the PFLP a terrorist organization.

The rights groups deny any connection to the PFLP, and a number of European nations have rejected the Israeli claims, citing a lack of evidence.

Thursdays report said the Israeli crackdown on the groups was unjustified and violated fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of association, expression, opinion, peaceful assembly, privacy and the right to a fair trial.

It also took aim at Israels deportation of a Palestinian human rights activist last year from east Jerusalem to France. Israel has accused the activist, Salah Hammouri, of PFLP membership.

Chris Sidoti, a member of the commission, said there was no doubt that the deportation constitutes a war crime.

In a statement released by its U.N. mission in Geneva, Israel rejected the reports findings.

The Commission of Inquiry against Israel has no legitimacy. It never had, it said.

It accused the commission members of having pre-existing biased prejudices and compared the commissions public hearings to gather information for the report to kangaroo trials.

Israel has a robust and independent civil society which is composed of thousands of NGOs, human rights defenders, national and international media outlets, that can operate freely throughout the year, it said.

The commission is the first to have an ongoing mandate from the U.N. rights body. Critics say its annual scrutinizing of Israel testifies to an anti-Israel bias in the 47-member-state council and other U.N. bodies.

Last year, Israel, the United States and Britain accused one of the commissioners, Miloon Kothari, of making antisemitic remarks by questioning Israels right to be a U.N. member and alluding to a Jewish lobby. Kothari later apologized.

Proponents say the commission is needed to keep tabs on persistent injustices faced by Palestinians under decades of Israeli rule.

In the report, the commission also criticized the rival Palestinian governments in the West Bank and Gaza, accusing them of targeting human rights activists with the aim of silencing dissenting opinions.

It said authorities in both areas have forcibly closed civil society activities.

In Gaza, organizations seen to be challenging the social, religious and political status quo have been particularly targeted, it said.

In the West Bank, it said many activists have been arrested for protests and online activism and charged with defaming officials and participation in illegal gatherings.

The Commission found that Palestinian security forces routinely intimidate activists and journalists through threatening phone calls, interrogations or cautionary interviews and arbitrary arrest and detention, it said.

It said it had received information about torture and ill-treatment to punish and intimidate critics both in Gaza and the West Bank.

The frequency and severity, and the absence of accountability indicate that such cases are widespread in nature, it said.

It accused Palestinian forces in the West Bank of arresting or allowing violence against LGBTQ+ people, and using sexual and gender-based violence to silence female human rights defenders.

There was no immediate reaction from either the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority in the West Bank or Hamas in Gaza.

Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians claim all three areas for a future independent state.

Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a step that is not internationally recognized and says the West Bank is disputed territory, and that its fate should be determined through negotiations. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.

The international community overwhelmingly considers all three areas to be occupied territory.
CAIRO (AP)  About 300 infants, toddlers and older children have been rescued from an orphanage in Sudans capital after being trapped there while fighting raged outside, aid officials said Thursday. The evacuation came after 71 children died from hunger and illness in the facility since mid-April.

The tragedy at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage made headlines late last month as fighting raged outside between Sudans military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The deaths have highlighted the heavy toll inflicted on civilians since mid-April when the clashes erupted between forces loyal to Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and RSF forces led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

About 300 children at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage in Khartoum were transferred to a safer location elsewhere in the northeastern African nation, said Ricardo Pires, a spokesman for the U.N. childrens agency, UNICEF.

Sudans ministries of social development and health have taken charge of the children, while UNICEF has provided humanitarian support including medical care, food, educational activities and play, Pires said in an email to The Associated Press.

He said the children had received medical checks following their long journey to their new location, adding that any child requiring hospitalization will have access to healthcare.

The International Committee of The Red Cross, which helped with the evacuation, said the children, aged between 1 month to 15 years, were relocated after securing a safe corridor to Madani, the capital of Jazira province, about 135 kilometers (85 miles) southeast of Khartoum. Seventy caretakers have been transferred with the children, the ICRC said.

They (the children) spent incredibly difficult moments in an area where the conflict has been raging for the past 6 weeks without access to proper healthcare, an especially hard situation for children with special needs, said Jean-Christophe Sandoz, the head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan.

Nazim Sirag, an activist who heads the local charity Hadhreen, said in a phone interview that the children were ferried late Tuesday to a newly established facility in Madani.

Sirag, whose charity led humanitarian efforts to help the orphanage and other nursing homes in Khartoum, said at least 71 children died at the Al-Mayqoma since the war in Sudan began on April 15.

Among the dead were babies as young as three months, according to death certificates obtained by the AP. The certificates listed circulatory collapse as a cause of death, but also mentioned other contributing factors such as fever, dehydration, malnutrition, and failure to thrive.

Their relocation followed an online campaign led by local activists and international charities, which intensified after the death of 26 children in two days at the orphanage in late May. The children had been trapped in the fighting for over seven weeks as food and other supplies dwindled. The facility was inaccessible because of the war had turned the capital and other urban areas into battlefields.

The safe movement of these incredibly vulnerable children to a place of safety offers a ray of light in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Mandeep OBrien, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, said in a statement. Many millions of children remain at risk across Sudan."

Local volunteers, meanwhile, evacuated 77 other children earlier this week from separate foster homes in the coastal, Sirag of Hadhreen said. The children have temporarily sheltered along with 11 adults in a school in the town of Hasahisa, also in Jazira province, he said.

The fighting has inflicted a heavy toll on civilians, particularly children. More than 860 civilians, including at least 190 children, were killed and thousands of others were wounded since April 15, according to Sudans Doctors Syndicate which tracks civilian casualties. The tally is likely to be much higher.

The conflict has forced more than 1.9 million people to flee their homes, including around 477,000 who crossed into neighboring countries, according to the U.N.'s migration agency. Others remain trapped inside their homes, unable to escape as food and water supplies dwindle. The clashes have also disrupted the work of humanitarian groups.

There have been reports of widespread looting and sexual violence, including the rape of women and girls in Khartoum and the western Darfur region, which have seen some of the worst fighting in the conflict. Almost all reported cases of sexual attacks were blamed on the RSF, which didnt respond to repeated requests for comment.
A man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee, N.J. (Seth Wenig / Associated Press)

Large swaths of the U.S. continue to be blanketed in a thick haze of smoke from hundreds of forest fires burning in Canada, with Thursday marking the third day of unhealthy and hazardous air quality conditions that have snarled air traffic, forced the cancellation of events and prompted numerous health advisories.

Th e smoke billowing across the border led officials in several states across the Great Lakes region and the Ohio Valley stretching to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to extend air quality warnings until midnight Thursday.

The hazy, polluted skies and campfire smells have rattled residents across parts of the country where the threat from wildfires is uncharted territory. Residents, particularly the most vulnerable, were urged to stay indoors; others were advised to wear high-quality, N95 masks outside, an unwelcome reminder of those frightening and uncertain days of the COVID pandemic.

Flights were temporarily grounded or facing major delays at critical transportation hubs, including in Philadelphia and New York City, because of low visibility. School field trips and outdoor recess were canceled for millions of students in affected states as concerns lingered about when the smoke would lift.

According to AirNow, which offers real-time tracking of AQI, Maryland and Washington, D.C., were hotspots for polluted air Thursday, after the smoke began to travel southward from parts of the upper Northeast. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, which covers D.C. along with parts of Maryland and Virginia, issued its first code purple alert, triggered when fine particulates reach very unhealthy levels  above 200 AQI  for everyone.

The #DMV has not previously recorded a Code Purple day for fine particle pollution, the type of air pollution we are currently experiencing. For health info on fine particle pollution from the EPA: https://t.co/sdTRlYHEJT



For current conditions/forecasts: https://t.co/rW3OV7SWFKhttps://t.co/hFxGeoVU7zpic.twitter.com/v0SPf2JSVI  COG (@MWCOG) June 8, 2023

There was somewhat of a windshift to bring that plume down to the south overnight last night into this morning, said Cody Ledbetter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Air quality alerts have been issued as far south as the Carolinas. The National Weather Service also said that air quality is likely to decline in Georgia and Alabama.

In Washington, D.C., where the air quality level was 273 as of 1 p.m. Eastern on Thursday and residents shared photos of a gloomy, apocalyptic capital early, the White House postponed its Pride event, which was expected to draw thousands of people, on the South Lawn on Thursday night to Saturday. The Washington Nationals postponed their game Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks to June 22, the team said on Twitter .

In New York City, which for several days running ranked No. 1 for the world's most polluted city as indexes climbed above 400, residents woke up to hazy skies again, but air quality levels across the state appeared to improve. By Thursday afternoon, counties across New York had dropped to unhealthy levels below 200  still above normal, but better than previous days.

Officials were urging residents to stay indoors, noting the conditions could change rapidly. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that approximately 1 million N95-style masks would be made available at state-owned facilities. The Belmont Stakes, a major horse racing event on Long Island, could be canceled this weekend if air quality levels creep back up above 200, Hochul said.

Residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania  where hazardous conditions hit record levels in some areas overnight  battled another day of bad air, though dangerous conditions were dropping off throughout the day as the smoke drifted south.

The smoke blanketing the region stems from Canada, which has had an explosive start to its wildfire season with nearly 400 active blazes scorching forests around the country, about 150 of which are in the eastern province of Quebec. High temperatures and dry conditions, along with lightning, ignited the provinces fires, which swelled over the weekend and floated south across the border with the windflow.

President Biden has spoken with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada to offer federal support.

We've deployed more than 600 U.S. firefighters, support personnel, and equipment to support Canada as they respond to record wildfires  events that are intensifying because of the climate crisis, Biden said on Twitter.

An area of low pressure stalled over New England is directing the airflow from Canada, meteorologists have said. That system could shift this weekend, but the weather service warned that as long as the fires continue, the smoke may simply be directed towards other areas of the U.S.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Charlotte Greenfield

(Reuters) - The U.N. children's agency said on Thursday it was following up with Afghanistan's Taliban authorities over whether international organisations would be excluded from education projects, which could affect hundreds of thousands of students.

"UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports that over 500,000 children, including over 300,000 girls, could lose out on quality learning through community based education within a month if international non-governmental organizations working in the field of education are no longer allowed to operate," said UNICEF's Afghanistan spokesperson, Samantha Mort.

The agency was seeking clarification, she said.

Spokespeople for the Taliban administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Taliban administration that took power in 2021 has closed most secondary schools to girls, stopped female students attending universities and stopped many Afghan women working for aid groups and the United Nations.

However, international organisations, including the U.N., have been heavily involved in education projects, including community-based classes, often held in homes in rural areas.

Two humanitarian aid sources said that in recent days humanitarian agencies had heard that provincial authorities had been directed to stop the involvement of international organisations in education projects.

But the Taliban administration had not confirmed any orders to aid agencies seeking clarity.

"UNICEF urges the de facto authorities to place the best interests of the child at the heart of all decision-making and reiterates that every child has the right to learn," Mort said.

The U.N. estimates that 8.7 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian aid for education this year and it was planning to reach about 3 million people under a humanitarian package for the year, which was revised this week to reflect lower funding.

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols and Mohamad Yunus Yawar; editing by Robert Birsel)
ISLAMABAD (AP)  UNICEF said Thursday it is deeply concerned by reports of the Taliban pushing out international organizations from Afghanistan's education sector and ordering them to hand over their activities to local nongovernmental groups.

It's the latest restriction on NGOs operating in the country after the ban imposed in December on Afghan female staff, allegedly because they weren't wearing the Islamic headscarf, or hijab, correctly and weren't complying with gender segregation in the workplace. In April, the ban was extended to the U.N.

A WhatsApp voice note, purportedly from a senior education official in Kabul, says all international organizations have a one-month deadline to transfer their education work to local groups.

The Education Ministry was not immediately available to verify the voice note, but aid agency officials told The Associated Press they are aware of the message and are taking it seriously. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media.

The ban on Afghan female staff working at the U.N. was also relayed through a WhatsApp voice note, purportedly from a senior Taliban figure.

As the lead agency for education in Afghanistan, UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports that over 500,000 children, including over 300,000 girls, could lose out on quality learning through community based education within a month if international non-governmental organizations working in the field of education are no longer allowed to operate and if handovers to national NGOs are done without comprehensive assessment and capacity building, the agency said in a statement.

UNICEF is seeking to better understand the reported directive, and what it could mean for the nationwide program that provides learning opportunities for children in some of the most remote and rural areas of Afghanistan.

Around 17,000 teachers, including 5,000 women, work in UNICEF's education activities.

UNICEF is meeting the Education Ministry in Kabul for further information.

Aid sources said some provinces have ordered the immediate suspension of all foreign-led education activities after officials reportedly told Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada that foreigners are creating their own Education Ministry and not coordinating their work with the Taliban.

The latest voice note says the new measure affects all international organizations, even if they are Islamic, and that only ministry-approved Afghan NGOs that agree to ministry conditions can take on education work. The order also affects school construction.

In April, the Taliban closed education centers and institutes supported by NGOs in the country's south until further notice. The centers were mostly for girls, who are banned from going to school beyond sixth grade.

The ministry did not provide an explanation for the closures at the time. But an education department spokesman in Kandahar said the decision was made in response to complaints.

Aid agencies have been providing food, education and health care support to Afghans in the wake of the Taliban takeover of August 2021 and the economic collapse that followed it.
By John Kruzel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday handed a major victory to Black voters who challenged a Republican-drawn electoral map in Alabama, finding the state violated a landmark law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting and paving the way for a second congressional district with a Black majority or close to it.

The 5-4 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts affirmed a lower court's decision that the map diluted the voting power of Black Alabamians, running afoul of a bedrock federal civil rights law, the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Roberts was joined by fellow conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the court's three liberals, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

With Thursday's ruling, the Supreme Court elected not to further roll back protections contained in the Voting Rights Act as it had done in two major rulings in the past decade. The decision centered upon Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a provision aimed at countering measures that result in racial bias in voting even absent racist intent.

"We find Alabama's new approach to (Section 2) compelling neither in theory nor in practice," Roberts wrote. "We accordingly decline to recast our (Section 2) case law as Alabama requests."

At issue was the map approved in 2021 by the Republican-controlled state legislature setting the boundaries of Alabama's seven U.S. House of Representatives districts. The map featured one majority-Black district, with six majority-white districts, even though Black people comprised 27% of Alabama's population.

The ruling on Thursday affirmed the lower court's order that Alabama configure a second House district where Black voters could hold a "a voting-age majority or something quite close to it." That marked a shift from an emergency 5-4 ruling the court issued last year that let Alabama use the disputed map for the 2022 U.S. congressional elections in which Republicans seized control of the House from Democrats.

The new congressional map, expected to be in place for the 2024 elections, could boost Democratic efforts to regain a majority in the House, which Republicans now control by a narrow 222-212 margin.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland hailed the ruling, saying it "rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections, and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race."

The Voting Rights Act was passed at a time when Southern states including Alabama enforced policies blocking Black people from casting ballots. Nearly six decades later, race remains a contentious issue in American politics and society more broadly.

Conservative states and groups had previously succeeded in prodding the Supreme Court to limit the Voting Rights Act's scope. Its 2013 ruling in another Alabama case struck down a key part that determined which states with histories of racial discrimination needed federal approval to change voting laws. In a 2021 ruling endorsing Republican-backed Arizona voting restrictions, the justices made it harder to prove violations under Section 2.

'TEXTBOOK EXAMPLE'

Black voters and advocacy groups who sued Alabama argued that the state's map reduced the influence of Black voters by concentrating their voting power in one district while distributing the rest of the Black population in other districts at levels too small to form a majority. A three-judge federal court panel last year sided with the challengers.

Abha Khanna, who argued the case on behalf of one set of challengers, said, "Thankfully, the court today identified Alabama's redistricting scheme as a textbook violation of the landmark civil rights law," Khanna said.

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority and, based on the questioning during oral arguments in the case in October, had appeared to lean toward favoring Alabama.

UCLA School of Law election law expert Rick Hasen said that "to have Roberts and Kavanaugh join the liberals in upholding the Voting Rights Act is a big surprise, and a good result for minority voters."

Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito wrote separate dissenting opinions. Thomas wrote that the question before the court was whether Section 2 required Alabama "to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the state's population."

Thomas wrote, "Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it."

Alabama officials argued that drawing a second district to give Black voters a better chance at electing their preferred candidate would itself be racially discriminatory by favoring them at the expense of other voters. If the Voting Rights Act required the state to consider race in such a manner, according to Alabama, the statute would violate the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment guarantee of equal protection under the law.

Electoral districts are redrawn each decade to reflect population changes as measured by a national census, last taken in 2020. In most states, such redistricting is done by the party in power, which can lead to map manipulation for partisan gain.

(Reporting by John Kruzel in Washington; Additional reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
By Brendan O'Boyle and Sarah Morland

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will announce more than $100 million in new assistance for the Caribbean when she visits the Bahamas on Thursday, including the establishment of two U.S. embassies.

Over $50 million will be spent on humanitarian aid for Haiti, a senior U.S. administration official said.

Harris, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the Bahamas since its independence in 1973, and Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis will host Caribbean leaders in Nassau.

They will discuss topics including security and firearms trafficking to the region and U.S.-Caribbean efforts to respond to climate change.

The official said the embassies would be in the eastern Caribbean but did not disclose specific locations.

The assistance for Haiti will total $53.7 million and will be disbursed via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which will focus on food and health aid as a gang-related humanitarian crisis continues to unfold.

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry will be among leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regional bloc meeting with Harris on Thursday.

A senior administration official said the U.S. is increasing its support for the Haitian National Police and stressed Washington's support for an international security force in Haiti.

"We continue to make clear that we believe the security and the humanitarian situation in Haiti is worsening and the situation on the ground will not improve without armed security assistance from international partners," the official said.

Discussions on a military force are ongoing, they added, though any decision would be in consultation with Haiti's government and the United Nations.

Neither the U.S. nor other major powers have stepped up to lead such a force, which Henry's government had urgently requested from the international community last October.

Harris on Thursday will also announce a new position in the Department of Justice to prosecute firearms trafficking to the Caribbean, to be held by an experienced DOJ prosecutor.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Boyle and Sarah Morland; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
NEW DELHI  Hazy skies, plummeting air quality and a cloud of health hazards: The pollution that residents of the northeastern United States can suddenly see and smell is all too familiar for many across Asia.

New Delhi often ranks as one of the worlds most polluted major cities, but has been overtaken by New York City this week as smoke from Canadian wildfires prompts health advisories and pushes its air quality to the worst in the world.

The orange haze hanging over some of Americas biggest cities is a reminder of the apocalypse that the Indian capital experiences every fall, said Bhavreen Kandhari, who has been a clean air campaigner for more than 20 years.

This is very much the image ... that weve seen each year, over the last couple of decades now, she told NBC News.

After a grim Thursday, NCR residents woke up to smog-filled surroundings even on Friday as AQI continued to show alarming numbers. (Sonu Mehta / Hindustan Times via Getty Images file)

Every year, farmers in states neighboring Delhi burn crop residue, sending smoke into the air and across the country.

South Asia was home to 44 of the worlds top 50 most polluted cities last year, most of them in India, according to the Swiss air quality technology company IQAir.

Kandhari said that though she sympathized with residents in New York and elsewhere, we really hope that the policymakers in the USA, who are in denial, feel the pain of the developing nations who choke each day in this toxic hell.

The worlds most polluted city last year was Lahore, Pakistan, IQAir says. In Bangladesh, whose capital, Dhaka, was the worlds second-most polluted city Thursday, air pollution is responsible for 20% of all premature deaths, according to a World Bank report this year.

Southeast Asia has also seen worryingly high levels of pollution this spring from forest and agricultural fires, endangering public health and threatening the crucial tourism industry in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

As many as 70% of the worlds 6.5 million annual air pollution-related deaths are in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the United Nations Environment Program.

New Delhi residents like Deepali Yadav, who says shes been dealing with this problem for years, say they have found ways to cope that could also help those suffering from pollution in the U.S.

The air quality index (AQI) in New York and elsewhere exceeded 400 Wednesday, well above the 100 that the Environmental Protection Agency considers a healthy limit.

They can try staying indoors and using purifiers, using masks and water sprinklers to settle the smoke a bit, said Yadav, an electronics engineer. Strenuous outdoor activities can wait for some time, if thats possible.

Shreya Bhattacharya, a textile designer, said people in New Delhi and elsewhere in northern India were wearing masks long before the Covid pandemic, especially heading into winter when AQI can exceed 700. She said they use humidifiers and air purifiers, especially while sleeping, and keep potted plants in the house during those months.

Breathing exercises and yoga have helped us greatly in maintaining lung capacity, she said.

Air Pollution In Delhi-NCR (Sanchit Khanna / Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Taking a shower or washing ones face, especially the eyes, with cold water helps remove the burning sensation from exposure to polluted air, she said.

We try to avoid stepping outside as much as possible and make sure to mask up whenever we do.

Both Bhattacharya and Yadav stressed the importance of making earth-conscious choices.

I try to walk or use public transport whenever possible, surround myself with air-purifying plants, burn less, reuse and repair more, use masks outdoors, eat healthy and live using sustainable and nature-friendly ways, Yadav said.

In Beijing, where AQI approached 1,000 during the airpocalypse of 2013, air pollution has improved dramatically but still flares up during annual sandstorms in March and April that partly originate in neighboring Mongolia. Experts say climate change is likely to make the naturally occurring sandstorms more severe.

When I was in middle school, I can remember many days when the weather was foggy and visibility was no more than 200 meters (220 yards), said Sam Li, 23, a Beijing native. My nose was full of dust, and I felt quite disgusting.

Almost every family she knew had an air purifier, she added. My high school also had air purifiers to protect students from air pollution.

Li said the most efficient way to prevent pollution from entering homes was to shut all the doors and windows.

If you have to go outside, you need to wear the professional PM2.5 mask, she said, referring to particulate matter that measures less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, like that produced by wildfires.

This year, the Chinese capital experienced its worst air pollution March 22, according to the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center. The AQI that day was 500, state media reported.

The sky was yellow and the pollution was bad, but not to the extent that it is in New York today, Jungle Jiang, a university student living in Beijing for six years, said via text message.

A woman commutes during a sandstorm on March 15, 2021 in Beijing. (Kevin Frayer / Getty Images)

Her advice for those affected by pollution in the U.S.: Please dont go outside, especially elderly people and children. Also, it would be great to park your cars inside because, if not, you would find your car was covered with dust later.

She added that people driving in low visibility should be especially careful to avoid accidents.

As is the case in South Asia, the U.S. pollution caused by the wildfires in Canada shows that air quality issues defy borders and require international policy solutions, Kandhari said.

A question that always comes to my mind is why the global summits should be called only in some fancy places and why not in the most polluted cities and countries so they can feel the choking that the children bear, and they dont have to showcase air pollution in self-made air pods, she said.

Its like, feel it yourself, Kandhari added.

Ravi Mishra reported from New Delhi, Larissa Gao and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.
This file photo shows a home rental scam victim holding a rally in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, May 25. Yonhap



A 10-month-long special crackdown on home rental scams netted the apprehension of nearly 3,000 suspects nationwide, the National Police Agency (NPA) said Thursday, highlighting the seriousness of the social problem afflicting low-income households.



The NPA said a total of 2,895 "jeonse" scam suspects were detained in the crackdown conducted from July 25 last year to May 28 and 288 of them were put under formal arrests.



Jeonse refers to a unique Korean system in which renters give landlords a large returnable deposit instead of paying monthly rent. But the long-term deposit rental system has recently emerged as a big social issue, due to a large number of jeonse fraud cases, in which scammers usually bought homes without much money through a series of jeonse contracts and refused to return the deposits at the end of the lease.



The NPA said 531 suspects, or 18 percent of the total, were accused of intentionally brokering problematic jeonse contracts or inflating the appraisal value of their rental homes.



The agency also said that many of the suspects acted like criminal organization members to commit the housing rental scams, adding a total of 31 fraud groups were busted.



In one instance, a group of 51 home owners and brokers were accused of defrauding tenants in 533 apartments and multi-family housing units in Incheon, 27 km west of Seoul, of deposits worth 43 billion won ($32.5 million).



The NPA said 2,996 jeonse fraud victims were confirmed through its investigations and the amount of their financial damage reached 459.9 billion won. (Yonhap)


Pierce County residents were among six people indicted by federal prosecutors for a wide-ranging scheme that allegedly defrauded pandemic relief programs of more than $3 million.

U.S. Attorney Nick Brown announced the 24-count indictment Wednesday morning. Prosecutors said Paradise Williams of Phoenix, Arizona orchestrated the fraud. She allegedly created fake documents and told her accomplices how to pose as landlords and tenants claiming to need rental assistance.

The defendants include Tia Janee Robinson, 28, of Fife; Darius Akim Jackson, 37, of Bonney Lake; and David Jesus Martinez, 32, of Pacific. The others were Rayvon Darnell Peterson, 32, of Seattle and Jahari Asad Cunningham, 45, of Houston, Texas.

The participants in this fraud were relentless in exploiting pandemic relief programs that were intended to assist small businesses and people who were vulnerable to eviction, Brown said. The need for the emergency rental assistance greatly outweighed the funds available, and we know that fraud schemes such as this one stole money that should have gone to those desperately needing help.

Defendants were charged with 19 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. Williams was slapped with two more wire fraud charges. Prosecutors said wire fraud in connection with a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The rental assistance program they allegedly defrauded paid for back rent and future payments, according to a news release, so the fraudulent landlord received payments of tens of thousands of dollars for each fake tenant application. Prosecutors said Williams got kickback payments from those who used the scheme, and she personally received more than $740,000 in emergency funds.

None of the defendants owned any rental properties, and they werent the tenants they impersonated, prosecutors said.

Williams and others were also accused of defrauding or attempting to defraud unemployment systems in Washington, California, South Carolina and Nevada. They allegedly defrauded two Small Business Administration programs: Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Program.

Between June 2020 and August 2021, Williams and others submitted at least 35 fraudulent applications for loans seeking over $3.7 million from the Small Business Administration, prosecutors said. According to court documents, the group used the money they received to pay for luxury cars, lavish trips, cosmetic surgery, jewelry and designer goods. Williams allegedly bought a 2018 Range Rover SUV and a 2017 Lexus Sedan, both of which were seized Monday in Phoenix. She also allegedly used the funds to travel to Miami in June 2021, where she rented a Lamborghini.

Prosecutors said Williams, Jackson and others submitted at least 13 fraudulent applications to the PPP program seeking about $253,000, and nearly $212,000 was paid out.

The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Small Business Administrations Office of the Inspector General. Two defendants were arrested Monday in Phoenix, another was arrested in Houston and three were arrested in Washington state, according to the release.
Donald Trumps former White House adviser Steve Bannon has been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith as part of a grand jury in his investigation into the January 6 insurrection, says a report.

The Washington DC grand jury is separate from the investigation into the former presidents handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home after he left the White House.

The subpoena is for both documents and testimony and was sent out in late May, sources told NBC News.

Bannon was convicted in July 2022 on two charges of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with the congressional January 6 committee.

In October, US District Judge Carl Nichols sentenced Bannon to four months in federal prison, but the sentence was suspended while he appeals his conviction.

The former chairman of Breitbart News served in the Trump administration for its first seven months before leaving.

The office of the special counsel and Mr Bannons lawyer both declined to comment when NBC News contacted them.

Mr Trumps team was recently informed that he is a target of the Justice Departments document probe.

It began in early 2022 after National Archives and Records Administration officials discovered more than 100 documents bearing classification markings in a set of 15 boxes of Trump administration records retrieved from Mar-a-Lago.

During that search, special agents discovered 103 documents bearing classification markings, including 18 marked top secret, 54 marked secret, and 31 marked as confidential, including a number of documents that were stored in Mr Trumps personal office.
a smoky day in New York City

Hazardous smoke from Canada's historic wildfires is an unpredictable and complex phenomenon, but precisely what's happening doesn't have to be a mystery. You can track it in real time if you know where to look.

Wildfires can be normal and healthy parts of an ecosystem, but today's fires can burn into unnatural infernos, producing unhealthy smoke that adversely impacts people's health hundreds of miles away. Different regions, at different times of year, will have a variety of influences stoking flames. Yet the continually warming atmosphere, which turns vegetation into profoundly parched fuel, is often a significant contributor in extreme fires, as are overgrown and mismanaged forests, invasive plants, and other factors.

Where can I see where the smoke is now?

A good provider of real-time updates about the smoke in the northeastern U.S. is the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at Colorado State University in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Their "Canada Wildfires" page provides detailed and accurate animations pulled from satellite data. These are regularly updated, reliable, and easy to recommend if what you need is precision.

SEE ALSO: When will the Canada wildfire smoke clear? Not as soon as you'd like.

Where can I watch live updates about current air quality?

The local ABC news affiliate in New York City is running non-stop updates about air quality via its YouTube channel. This also includes a regional smoke map covering the greater New York City area, including parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. There are also periodic messages and safety advisories.

Where can I see where the smoke will be soon?

The Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of WisconsinMadison is currently providing a map based on satellite data that projects what smoke patterns will look like in the near future.

Embed Code close

RealEarth

This map is at its most useful if you actually visit the UWMadison website and make use of its interactive options for viewing its data projections. As of this writing, New York City looked like it was in for another full day's inundation, unfortunately.

Where can I see how bad things look?

There's no better illustration of the sheer drama of this event than the New York Harbor Ship Cam located at Brooklyn's Waterfront Museum. Locals will know this view well, and it won't be lost on them that this camera usually scans a scenic vista, including the Statue of Liberty. At the time this was being written, all that was visible was orange haze and sepia-tinted ocean waves. It's almost pretty, but so, so bleak.
Wildfires from Canada are bringing heavy smoke into the U.S., leaving nearly 100 million people under air quality alerts. For many parents, in addition to the usual concerns about health and safety, they've got to keep little ones busy indoors (just as, in many parts of the country, the weather was finally getting nice enough to go outside).

Because yes, even as the world burns, we've got to keep those kids entertained.

This is something parents in western states have a lot of experience handling. In 2020, western fires created unhealthy conditions from Oregon to Southern California, and millions of parents had to keep their children indoors. Smog and unhealthy air days are a regular occurrence in the L.A. area.

TODAY.com published this story in 2020 with ideas from West Coast parents, so we're turning again to that advice to help East Coast parents who are now in the same (smoky) boat.

Its been extremely surreal, Kirsten Russell, a mother of two in Wilsonville, Oregon told TODAY Parents at the time. This is their childhood in 2020.

Kirsten Russell and her sons, Connor, 4, and Jackson, 2, in 2020, when wildfires ripped across the West Coast. (Courtesy Kirsten Russell)

With a preschooler and a toddler, (we do) a lot of fort building, playdough, building, creating, dance parties, the floor is hot lava ... getting creative as best we can without going to buy new supplies, Russell said, adding that the family spends most of their time in an upstairs playroom, because its harder to breathe downstairs.

This is a familiar scene for Janelle and Jeff Boek in southeast Portland.

Janelle Boek shared the view from her home in southeast Portland in 2020. (Courtesy Janelle Boek)

The Boeks have been honest with their daughter about what is going on and are trying their best to ease the anxiety of staying indoors.

The last few days we have been playing board games  a lot of Sorry and matching games, Boek said. We did some stretches and deep breathing this morning  it was much needed.

For parents who have exhausted board games and indoor forts, here are eight suggestions from the TODAY Parenting Team:

For the future secret agent

Indoor "Laser" Maze (Jennifer Landis)

Let your kids train to be secret agents by setting up a laser maze made of yarn taped to walls, tied to doors and otherwise strung across walkways and hallways to create a maze.

For the at-home chef

Baking Challenge (Rachel Campos-Duffy)

How many times have you wanted to make a chocolate cake from scratch or prove you can make a flaky crust as good as your grandmothers, but you just don't have the time? A day indoors is the perfect opportunity to enlist the kids with no time pressure or worse, dinner guests to impress. This treat is just for you and the kids, so if the souffle deflates, you can still eat the yummy remains with no stress! You'll be surprised how into cooking and experimenting with exotic or sophisticated recipes kids are these days. I think it has a lot to do with the popularity of all those cooking and baking challenges on the Food Network  especially the ones that feature kids. What's better than the smell of home baked treats wafting through your house?

For the slime obsessed

DIY Slime (Nina Parrish)

This experiment is better for older elementary and middle school kids as it requires the use of a detergent called Borax. In this lesson, kids learn about polymers while creating their own glitter slime. The best part is, the glitter stays stuck INSIDE the slime!

For the budding artist

Window Markers (Two Came True)

Window markers are super cool and fun for kiddos. The best part is that they are also easy to clean up. Let your kiddos write and create designs on your sliding glass door, random windows in your house or even your shower doors. Play a game of Tic Tac Toe, or keep a tally of every time you see a car drive down the street. Whatever it may be, these markers are great at making the time pass. And what kid wouldnt love drawing on something other than paper?

For the DIY-ers

Make Your Own Finger Paint (Julia Christensen)

To distract bored little hands, make your own non-toxic finger paint using items found in your kitchen. Search online for an exact recipe; it will likely be a combination of corn starch, sugar, water and food coloring. Create the paint on your stovetop and then let your child get creative after it cools. Remember that the food coloring may stain surfaces, so be sure to use this craft in a controlled (perhaps cling wrap-covered) environment.

For the child on the go

Homemade Race Track (Olivia Johanson)

This works best on any kind of floor (use blue painter's tape for hardwood floors and masking tape for carpet) and is remarkably easy. All you have to do is lay out some masking tape around part of your living room floor and draw little lines in the center to make each strip look like a road. You can add some obstacles in the form of toys to make it more challenging. Then race your kids or get them to race around the track together.

For the future engineer

Super Stacker Towers (Nina Parrish)

This activity is perfect for a kid who likes to build but may not be quite so enthusiastic about completing their homework. Write items that need to be learned or studied on cups, stack them up, and turn learning into a game!

For the photographer

Regular Day (Paul)

On a regular day just like any other, get an alarm clock and set it to go off at intervals; an hour is normally good as you are likely to be doing something different each time. Take a picture of whatever you are all doing when that alarm clock chimes and you can build a collage at the end of the day. The kids will eagerly anticipate the alarm going off and it can provide for a great memory when you look back on it in a few years time.

And if youre a parent who just cannot adult any more, this genius nap time art lesson is pretty high on the list of hacks to pull out in case of emergency.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Undated image of the late poet Kim Nam-ju/ Korea Times file



A regional court ordered the state Thursday to compensate late poet Kim Nam-ju and five others for the psychological damage they suffered during their fight in the 1970s against then President Park Chung-hee's constitutional revision to prolong his rule.



After seizing power in a military coup in 1961, Park declared martial law and introduced the Yushin Constitution in 1972 in an attempt to remain in power forever by switching the presidential vote to an indirect election system and repressing political opposition and dissent.



Kim, then a student at Chonnam National University in the southwestern city of Gwangju, and his schoolmates staged campaigns against the constitutional revision, including the publication and distribution of newspapers criticizing the authoritarian regime.



The following year, they were detained for investigation for up to 284 days, subjected to torture and given suspended prison sentences on charges of national security law violations.



Kim and others were later expelled from the university. Two of them were readmitted and acquired middle school teaching licenses and landed teaching positions, but their appointments were canceled after they failed to pass security clearance.



In a retrial of their case, the Gwangju High Court in 2021 acquitted them, acknowledging the government at that time illegally arrested, detained and forced confessions from them.



Six of them and their families have since filed a damages suit against the government.



On Thursday, the Gwangju District Court ordered the state to pay a total of 3 billion won ($2.3 million) in compensation to 42 plaintiffs.



The amount, which represented less than half of what the plaintiffs demanded, was calculated in consideration of the earnings the victims could have made if there hadn't been government brutalities, as well as interest for the lost earnings and compensation.



"The victims appear to have sustained social and economic disadvantage after they were detained for a considerable period of time, expelled from the university and they and their families were stigmatized as spies," the court said. (Yonhap)


YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. The United States looks forward to hosting another round of talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington next week, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel has said.

We look forward to hosting another round of talks in Washington as the parties continue to pursue a peaceful future in the South Caucasus region. Youve heard the Secretary and others speak to this. We continue to believe that direct dialogue is key towards reaching a durable and dignified peace, Patel said at a press briefing on June 7.

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov are scheduled to start a new round of talks in the U.S. capital on June 12.
YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. Russia is ready to discuss the financial issues and parameters of building nuclear power plants in the territories of Eurasian Economic Union members, including Armenia, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at the Eurasia Is My Home exhibition which was attended by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The heads of government were briefed on Rosatoms most effective plant, a joint Russian-Belarusian project. This nuclear power plant has two reactors with 1200 megawatt capacity. The first unit is already operational while the second is undergoing tests. Mishustin told Pashinyan at the expo that Belarusian companies financed a bit over 40% of the costs.

Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev said that they are responsible for adhering to the strictest norms of Russia and the IAEA - quality, efficiency and safety.

PM Pashinyan said that he was briefed that Rosatom isnt offering reactors with capacity lower than 1200MW.

Likhachev told Pashinyan that Rosatom can build reactors with capacities of 1000, 600 or 400 MW, but it would be more expensive.
Stanford, California

Stanford Live, a premier arts presenter in the San Francisco Bay Area and a highly visible component of Stanford Universitys commitment to the arts, seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director (or ED). This role presents an opportunity for an arts leader to advance innovation, equity, and transformation in the performing arts sector at a critical time. The ED will take the lead in strategically shaping the long-range vision and impact of the performing arts on both existing and new audiences and communities, on campus, regionally, and nationally.

Stanford Live presents a wide range of performances from around the world, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning community, and providing distinctive experiences through the performing arts. It is simultaneously a public square, a sanctuary, and a lab, drawing on the breadth and depth of Stanford University to connect performance to the significant issues, ideas, and discoveries of our time. Stanford Live is part of the universitys Office of the Vice President for the Arts, which aims to increase the visibility and collective impact of the arts at Stanford.

This position, recently endowed as the McMurtry Family Director and reporting to the Vice President for the Arts, will continue to advance and develop the Stanford Live programming and brand, ensuring that its venues and programs reach their full potential as a vital destination for artists, the campus and the broader arts community. As an arts leader for the Peninsula and Bay Area, Stanford Lives Executive Director will attract and inspire a diverse and ever-expanding audience and community through an innovative, financially resilient, inclusive, performing arts program.

The ED will strive to make Stanford Live a bridge between Stanford and the community, offering rich, multifaceted programming that connects people to one another and to the challenges and opportunities of today, as well as opportunities for the public to connect with new artists and art forms and in both formal and informal settings. They will also work internally to meaningfully connect Stanford Lives programming to students and academic units on campus to forge new partnerships and possibilities. Most importantly, they will lead with a keen understanding of the state of the performing arts in both campuses and communities across the country and steer the organization into the future.

Stanford Live has retained the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in this search.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process.

More information, including the full position description can be found at https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/stanford-live/director or

Applications consisting of a cover letter and resume should be submitted via the Stanford Careers website at: https://careersearch.stanford.edu/

Sarah James (she/her), Ben Tobin (he/him), Angelo Alexander (they/them), and Alaine Small (she/her)

Isaacson, Miller

263 Summer Street, 7th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

MORE
Writers discover quickly that their books  any books  have no fixed meanings. They will read differently to different readers. And their printed words never precisely convey an authors thoughts and stories.

Processing the response to my first novel  The Marriage: The Mahlers in New York  I now further discover that fictionalized characters and events all the more elude authorial control.

My good friend Bill McGlaughlin (esteemed conductor/inimitable broadcaster) writes to me of Henry Krehbiel  alongside Gustav and Alma, one of the three main characters in my historical fiction: Has there ever been a bigger blowhard, stuffed fat with his own self-importance?

I wrote back: Bill, I LIKE Krehbiel.

Bill: I know that!

Henry Edward Krehbiel

Bill also writes: For the first time in my experience, Alma Schindler/Mahler/Gropius/Werfel emerged not as a stick figure in the margins of the story, but central . . . As I read I became increasingly fond of her and sympathetic in a way that was new to me.

Similarly: Peter Davison, in a review just posted, writes: The most striking insights of The Marriage are about Alma.

And yet I did not purposely undertake a newly compassionate portrait of Alma.

What I absorb from these responses (both of which begot further responses via email) is that Henry Krehbiel, in my book, stands on his own two feet, as does Alma Mahler on hers. Davison added: Readers will respond according to their own feelings . . . because you are not steering them towards any particular judgments.

Anyone familiar with my previous eleven books  anyone familiar with me, period  will appreciate that all my life I have been steering people towards particular judgments. And I now discover within myself novelist who does not do that. I marvel at this wholly unconscious transformation.

I share more of what Peter and Bill wrote below.

From Peter Davisons review:

We are offered by the author a portrait of Mahler that is real. . . .

The most striking insights of The Marriage are about Alma. . . . The book lays bare the paradoxes of Mahlers character which Alma had patiently to endure. His hypersensitivity and infantile insecurities co-existed with a tyrannical willpower which spared no one  particularly not Alma, least of all himself.

We see how Alma was at one level willingly compliant with Mahlers demands. She needed to be needed, to be lover, mother and nurse, as well as mid-wife to the products of genius. And Alma [herself] was a bundle of contradictions, more unsure of herself in New York society than might have been expected, particularly when faced with independent-minded women . . .

In conclusion, I should draw attention to Horowitzs use of language . . . Most impressive are his poetical accounts of Mahlers music which profoundly acknowledge the composers genius, signaling that the author has no wish to diminish Mahlers musical achievements. Descriptions of rehearsals for the Fourth Symphony in New York and the triumphant premiere of the Eighth in Munich stand out, capturing in just a few words the spirit of these great, if vastly different, works.

The Marriage is a brave experiment, following wherever the imagination leads to fill gaps in historical knowledge and to test the validity of long held assumptions.

From Bill McGlaughlin:

For the first time in my experience, Alma Schindler/Mahler/Gropius/Werfel emerged not as a stick figure in the margins of the story, but central. Wayward, mercurial, fascinating, devoted to her husband and yet living (and concealing) her own life. As I read I became increasingly fond of her and sympathetic in a way that was new to me. . . .

Going deeper and deeper, below his scholarship, Joe really imagines this lost world in a way we can enter it with him. This is his greatest achievement, I think. . . .



Along the way Joe lets us meet Mahler and his supporters and detractors, some of whom are portrayed sympathetically. Others  Henry Krehbiel, notably  are damned with their own words. (Has there ever been a bigger blowhard, stuffed fat with his own self-importance, smashing through the thickets of the music business?) . . .



To balance Krehbiel, let me cite Mahlers insight on the real worth of Richard Strauss:

Somewhere beneath Strauss insane nonchalance dwells the voice of the Earth Spirit.

Exactly so and very generous in appraising the work of a very irritating rival. . . .



The overall trajectory of Mahlers life in these years could leave a reader despondent. Then, just when were about to abandon all hope, Joe gives us the story of the premiere of the Eighth Symphony in Munich, one of the greatest triumphs of Mahlers life. This chapter is filled with love and music and children and leaves us with the will to go on.



Joes Mahler & Alma is a staggering achievement, enthralling, moving and inspiring. Reading its final pages, with Busoni appearing as an Angel of Death, one has the sense of having completed a profound journey, although one that is only a prelude of what is to come in the years beyond. Mahler is now heard around the world. And this book deepens our experience and satisfaction and love.
The ante has been upped for Narendra Modi, personally, and for his party, generally

The hiatus between the Assembly elections in the states is particularly hard to fill if the reputation of invincibility of the nations most popular politician has been besmirched by a humbling defeat that has also drawn attention to other losses sustained by Narendra Modi as the BJPs one-man vote-winning machine. The defeat of the BJP in Karnataka has led to a reassessment: voters are wakeful and stringing together other losses by the party -- starting with West Bengal in 2021, and then Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in 2022.

The ante has been upped for Narendra Modi, personally, and for his party, generally. The months between now and the next round of state elections have to be filled with attention-grabbing content by Mr Modi, as the principal campaigner for the BJP. With elections due in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where the Congress is the defending champion, and in Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram, where it is the challenger and is set on reviving itself, how Mr Modi markets himself as a winner is an unforeseen scenario and somewhat of a problem.

Neither Mr Modi nor his party can crawl into a corner to recover from the grievous wound inflicted in Karnataka. As the dominant leader who is marketing the vision of a unified India crowded with double engine sarkars, it is imperative for Mr Modi to repair his tarnished image and convince voters that his popular appeal has not been diminished by his losses. Before reverting to the tested liturgy that has been successful in consolidating voters to the far-right exclusively majoritarian ideology of a Hindu Rashtra in the making as an achievable target agenda, Mr Modi, specifically, and his party operating as an amplification machine have to contain the Congress in order to ensure its extinction as a rival.

The tactics that Mr Modi has crafted to squash an upbeat Congress could boomerang, though he appears heedless of the risk. As the most popular leader, Mr Modi has chosen to attack the Congress on three counts: its Garibi Hatao promise, its development goals and its corruption. By targeting Garibi Hatao, a 52-year slogan that has such resonance that it continues to electrify the nation, Mr Modi is hoping to convince voters that the real Garibi Hatao initiative began when he came to power and unveiled a slew of development or welfare programmes that were more universal, more inclusive, more everything than the cosmetic changes that followed Indira Gandhis original slogan.

The appropriation of the legacy of the Congress Garibi Hatao by trashing its performance and its outcomes is actually a homage to Indira Gandhi as Indias most outstanding autocrat and populist leader, who perfected the art of galvanising the masses by raising expectations.

It is Mr Modis argument that corruption by the Congress when in power shovelled 85 per cent off all welfare and development funds into its own pockets. As evidence of this massive corruption, Mr Modi quotes Rajiv Gandhis famous diatribe. The percentage story links the Congress past to its promise to Karnataka voters that as the ruling party it would end the 40 per cent commission raj installed by the BJP.

The evolving spiel to nail the Congress includes a segment on how Mr Modi has saved money by rooting out corruption and waste and used it for welfare and infrastructure development that will propel India into a glorious future.

In doing so, Mr Modi has inadvertently admitted his welfarism and his development successes have not resonated with voters as the lie that was Garibi Hatao. The slow, incremental trickle-down effects of his flagship policies -- Swachh Bharat, PM Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, Awas Yojana, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Jal Nal Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana and others -- have failed to awe and inspire the public.

The timeframe and mode that comes into effect when an election is called is very different from the prolonged countdown stretching over almost six months that Mr Modi has to transition before going full steam ahead into an exhaustive campaign in the three states north of the Vindhayas and Telangana in the south between now and January. The prelude and the campaign have to match.

With more elections coming up where the BJP will fight against the Congress and its promised guarantees, Mr Modi has problems. He has to convince voters that his guarantees, unlike those of Indira Gandhi and the Congress, are credible. That is a situation he has never faced before; not in Gujarat and not in the nine full years of power in New Delhi.

It will probably be impossible for Mr Modi or his party can recalibrate the appeal of the cult that has been created around the leader. Nor can the BJP distance itself from its stock in trade, the Hindutva narrative, with its Jai Shri Ram war cry. The need to do so has acquired some urgency because a Congress that has cast off its crown prince by electing Mallikarjun Kharge is now reviving itself, having received a massive shot in the arm with the Karnataka victory. That is a very different kettle of fish from the endangered species of the Congress that served as a perfect foil to Mr Modi and the BJP in 2014 and 2019.

A reviving Congress and a unifying anti-BJP Opposition pose a challenge that is new and different. The middle ground in politics, bookended by the BJP as the religiously intolerant far-right wing, and Communists of all shades on the left, has visibly resurfaced. This resurgence is a bigger threat to the BJP and Mr Modis ambitions of winning a third term than any other. South of the Vindhayas, the BJP has been pushed out. Along the coastal states in the east, it is not in power. In the west, the survival of the Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena-Devendra Fadnavis government looks uncertain.

This combination of forces comes when Mr Modi is burdened by the inevitability of anti-incumbency after nine full years in office and in his tenth year. The double engine sarkar model is also at risk because it has been around for 10 years. His interim campaign of selling his leadership as outstandingly successful comes with a classic conditional clause: Modi is the best if the Congress is in self-destruct mode. A politically fitter than before Congress is an altogether different challenge. An assertive middle ground in politics is like an orange flag weather warning of widespread turbulence. The run-up to the Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will test Mr Modis political fitness, as setbacks are not what he has learnt to face.
Refugees stage rallies near the border. More than a million are crammed in camps in south-eastern Bangladesh, which has the largest refugee settlement in the world. Protesters demand citizenship rights and assisted repatriation programmes. In 2022, 348 Rohingya died trying to reach Malaysia and Indonesia by boat.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh staged mass rallies today, demanding to be repatriated to Myanmar which they fled in 2017 following a brutal military crackdown.

They appear undeterred by the fact that the country is again under military rule since February 2021 when the democratically elected government of the National League for Democracy (NLD) was ousted and its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, arrested.

Crammed for years in sprawling refugee camps in south-eastern Bangladesh, amid poverty and squalor, more than a million Rohingya constitute the world's largest refugee settlement.

Most fled repression by Myanmars military almost six years ago, while some have been there for longer.

Protesters demand quick repatriation through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Some of their placards read: "No more refugee life. No verification. No scrutiny. No interview. Others said: We want to go back to our motherland and "Let's go back to Myanmar. Don't try to stop repatriation.

Surging crime, harsh living conditions and bleak prospects for returning to Myanmar are pushing more and more Rohingya refugees to leave Bangladesh by boat an risk their lives at sea to reach countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. UN data show that up to 348 Rohingya might have died at sea last year.

Rohingya community leader Mohammad Jashim is one of those who want to go back, but he also demands citizenship rights. We are the citizens of Myanmar by birth, he told Reuters, with all our rights, including citizenship, free movement, livelihood, safety, and security.

To this end, refugees are hoping for help from the United Nations. However, in the past, Myanmar's military showed no inclination to take them back; instead, for years, they saw the Rohingya as foreign interlopers and denied them citizenship and subjected them to abuse.

The first attempts at repatriation failed in 2018 and 2019 because refugees, fearing harsher repression, refused to go back. Under a pilot project, about 1,100 refugees were supposed to return, but confined in camps; for this reason, it was never implemented.

For densely populated Bangladesh, repatriation is the only possible solution, especially since it is currently going through its own social and economic crises.

Making matters worse, local Bangladeshi communities are increasingly hostile towards the refugees who need more resources as funding from major international humanitarian agencies dry up.

The World Food Programme (WFP) recently slashed its monthly food allocations from US to US per person.

"Our situation is only deteriorating. What future do we have here?" asked refugee Mohammed Taher, as he stood with other protesters. "In the name of verification and scrutiny, they (Myanmar) are only killing time."
by Shafique Khokhar

Three schools for the children of poor and exploited brick kiln workers inaugurated by Bishop Msgr. Rehmat in Bonnieabad, the city being created for them in Punjab thanks to Fr. Bonnie Mendes' Society for Human Development. A mother of three tells AsiaNews, "To see that our children will be able to study for us is a dream come true."

Toba Tek Singh (AsiaNews) - The Society for Human Development, run by Fr. Bonnie Mendes and Fr. Simon Khursheed, is building a new town called Bonnieabad in Mureedwala, in the Toba Tek Singh district of Punjab, and new houses for brick kiln workers and the homeless.

After assessing the needs, the Society decided to build literacy centers for poor children in the village, because there is no proper school in the village and, on the other hand, poor brick kiln workers cannot afford to have their children educated in private schools. Therefore, with the help of foreign friends, the Society for Human Development decided to build literacy centers for these poor children in Bonnieabad.

The Society built three literacy centers in the village at different locations, the inauguration ceremony of which was held yesterday in Bonnieabad. Bishop Indrias Rehmat of Faisalabad attended the event and blessed the literacy centers and also planted trees together with the villagers. About 600 people were present at the inauguration, including children, fathers and poor families from the village. Special prayers for peace and prosperity in the village were offered during the ceremony.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr. Bonnie Mendes, president of the Society for Human Development, related, "Three classrooms of the literacy centers now have about 60 children sitting on their small chairs around colorful round tables. The joy at the opening ceremony was evident from their smiles. During the ceremony, a disabled girl told of her meeting with a Society for Human Development official and how she was able to take this opportunity to study."

"We have one goal," added Fr. Mendes, "to serve the poor community and in them Jesus crucified. We now have 60 children in the classes, but I believe more will join us in the coming months. From here they will learn to help improve society in the future. We will continue to work for them and try to expand our services."

Bishop Rehmat was delighted with the work carried out by the Society for Human Development, which in Toba Tek Singh runs about 20 institutions, including beauty salons, literacy centers, and training centers for poor girls and women so that after training they can earn income for their families. In Bonnieabad, they purchased land and built 34 houses for poor brick kiln workers and the homeless.

"I ask all of you to send your children to these literacy centers not only for a better future of your families, but also for the whole society" the bishop told the people of Bonnieabad. "Please continue to work for these communities," he added, addressing the Society for Human Development, "according to the teachings of Jesus and I assure you of my full support.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Nasreen Barkat, a brick kiln worker and mother of three, said, "For us it is not just a blessing that our children can go to school and study for a better future. We have been working in brick kilns for generations, and I never thought my children would study in such a healthy environment. It's a dream come true for us-I hope our children will stop working in the brick kilns and go out on their own to help improve the future of this village and society."
by Alessandra Tamponi

Proposal made in parliament to make military careers more attractive to young people. The stigma associating tattoos with organized crime remains in the country, but 60 percent of Japanese in their 20s believe the rules should change. Demographic crisis among obstacles to Kishida's desired military manpower expansion.

Tokyo (AsiaNews). Japan is considering lifting a ban on the recruitment of tattooed young men and women. The proposal emerged during a recent meeting at the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the House of Councilors. The measure is intended to make it easier for them to enlist and address the severe personnel shortage facing the Japanese Armed Forces (SDF).

Although no longer illegal since World War II, tattoos in Japan are still frowned upon by society, especially by older generations, because of the link between tattoos and criminal organizations.

Due to the stigma attached to criminality, tattooed people in Japan face various difficulties, from not being able to use public swimming pools or spas to risking not being able to access careers in the public sector.

However, the perception of tattooing is slowly changing, especially among the younger generation. A survey by Haruka Sakaguchi for the New York Times shows that by 2021 more than one million Japanese people have tattoos, double the number in 2014, and more than 60 percent of Japanese in their 20s believe that rules regarding tattoos should change.

However, these rules remain highly relevant to enlistment in the SDF, where tattooed applicants are discarded regardless. The issue was raised by Masahisa Sato, a Liberal Democratic Party politician and former member of the ground forces in the SDF. In a speech, reported by the Japan Times, Sato said that rejecting candidates just because they are tattooed weakens the SDF by undermining its ability to recruit.

Defense is one of the key themes of the Kishida administration, which has promised to increase military spending to 2 percent of national GDP by 2027, effectively announcing a significant shift away from the pacifist stance Japan has maintained since after World War II. Despite the new policies and increased spending the most significant obstacles to improving Japan's defense remain those related to recruitment.

The current goal is to ensure that the SDF is staffed with 247,154 personnel, with at least 16,000 recruits. The demographic crisis is one of the problems: recruitment is generally among the population in the 18-26 age group, which has dropped from 17 million in 1994 to just 10.5 million in 2021.

The other major problem is the negative perception of a military career; in fact, the better salary conditions in the private sector are also compounded by greater risks of bullying and sexual harassment in the military.

The low youth unemployment rate in Japan also allows the younger generation to be more selective about their careers further contributing to the difficulties in the recruitment phase. Japan's SDF are volunteer forces that, unlike other countries such as South Korea or Taiwan, cannot rely on a national recruitment system such that they have the reservists they need to meet the manpower shortage.

All this is happening against the backdrop of a significant deterioration in regional dynamics in Northeast Asia, from North Korea's increasingly ambitious tests to the tense climate in the Taiwan Strait of an increasingly aggressive China.

The voluntary nature of the SDF makes it imperative for Japan to take measures that can improve image and consequently perception and make the branch popular in the age group for recruitment. This for now has been done through intensive marketing campaigns that also rely on Japan's vast popular culture and the promise of measures such as wage increases or initiatives to make work-life balance easier.

As much as suspending the rule on tattoos may seem like an insignificant initiative given the small percentage of young people who are tattooed, it could still help mitigate the negative image of the SDF as an employment sector by making it appear as a body willing to abandon rules that for younger segments of the population become obsolete, consequently making the sector more prepared to adapt to Japan's changing social dynamics.
The Ministry of Justice building in Gacheon, Gyeonggi Province / Korea Times file



By Lee Hyo-jin



The Ministry of Justice has vowed stern punishment of foreign nationals charged with drug crimes here.



It announced Thursday the launch of an intensive crackdown in the coming weeks on people of foreign nationality involved in drug crimes, amid an increasing number of drug-related crimes here.



Under a "one-strike policy," those who are caught for drug-related offenses  regardless of the severity of the crime  may face criminal charges, deportation and even a permanent re-entry ban.



Such tough measures align with the government's full-fledged efforts to win the self-declared "war on drugs" as the nation grapples with an unprecedented scale of drug offenses. A total of 4,124 individuals were charged with drug crimes in the first quarter of this year, a 34 percent jump from the same period last year, according to data from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.



The number of foreign nationals charged with drug offenses has seen a steady increase from 1,092 in 2019 to 1,466 in 2020, 1,673 in 2021 and 1,757 in 2022, according to data from the National Police Agency.



On May 22, the police apprehended an Egyptian national in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, for alleged possession of a cannabis cookie.



On Wednesday, the Incheon Metropolitan Police said it recently arrested a 40-something Thai national who was allegedly in charge of a large-scale drug trafficking crime ring, involving 82 other Thai nationals, some of whom were found to be undocumented. They are suspected of having smuggled nearly 2,000 tablets of "yaba," a drug containing a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine, from January 2022 to May this year.



The ministry also said it would crack down on undocumented migrants following a record-high number of foreigners overstaying their visas.



According to the latest data from the justice ministry, there were 417,852 undocumented foreign nationals as of April, accounting for 17.8 percent of the total number of foreign nationals in Korea which stands at 2,354,038.



After exceeding 400,000 for the first time in September last year, the number of undocumented migrants has been hovering around 410,000 in recent months, posing a serious concern for immigration authorities.



During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government refrained from taking harsh action against those overstaying their visas in an effort to prevent and manage the spread of the coronavirus. However, the continuous increase in the number of undocumented foreigners has led the authorities to return to a hardline stance.



This is the second extensive crackdown on undocumented migrants carried out this year. During a two-month crackdown conducted in March through April, the authorities caught a total of 7,578 undocumented migrants. Of them, 6,863 were deported or ordered to leave the country, while 208 were fined and others have been placed under investigation.



The justice ministry will conduct the new round of crackdowns from June 12 through July 31, jointly with the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as the Korea Coast Guard.


Garfield County Jail inmate Janvier Pinkard is seated next to his lawyer during a court hearing held Tuesday. Lawyer Mark Troxell, on behalf of Pinkard, is fighting the countys attempt for an injunction order to stop his hunger strike. The county also is seeking court orders that would authorize officials to force feed Pinkard and allow sedation or medical intervention to provide him nutrition and hydration.
San Angelo, TX (76909)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 72F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 72F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.
When the United States Air Force wants something badly enough, they get it immediately and without hesitation, right? Well, the short answer to that is no. Even the Pentagon can get fleeced on a deal every now and then, or at least get kept waiting on something far longer than they ever anticipated. Don't believe us? Look no further than the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk, the twin-engine advanced jet trainer stuck in development hell.

Photo: Boeing

Photo: Boeing

But first, a brief history of American military trainer aircraft. Since the earliest days of American military aviation in World War I , the role of the aircraft trainer has been delegated to a mix of different aircraft ranging from outdated warbirds recently removed from combat to even civilian aircraft. Oftentimes, existing airframes are even redesigned by extending the fuselage and adding a second seat behind the pilot. During the First World War, the iconic Curtiss JN-4 Jenny Bi-Plane often took up this role. During World War II, the North American T-6 Texan became the trainer on which nearly all U.S. Army Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots came to grips with flight controls before taking a seat in Mustangs, Thunderbolts, Corsairs, and Hellcats.Moving to the early Cold War, the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star-based T-33 became the first turbojet-powered trainer in the American arsenal, along with its carrier-capable Navy variant, the TV2. But from the early 1960s to the present, one twin-engine jet trainer stood out above all else in the U.S. Military's arsenal. Of course, this would be the Northrop T-38 Talon. This twin-engine, supersonic advanced trainer prepared U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots to fly iconic jets of our time like the F-14, F-15, F-16, and F-18, as well as the Air Forces of Germany , Turkey, Portugal, South Korea, and Taiwan.The T-38 has served as the gold standard for advanced jet trainers in active service for well over half a century. But not even the best warbirds can fly forever. By the late 2000s, decades of constant takeoffs, landings, and general aerial tomfoolery with novice pilots behind the stick had taken their toll on many T-38 airframes. A fatal accident involving a T-38 in 2008 was even blamed on metal fatigue in the Talon's airframe, compromising its structural integrity mid-flight. At this juncture, the U.S. Air Force's Air Education and Training Command (AETC) accelerated the development of an idea to replace the T-38 in the works since at least 2003. This project came to be known as the T-X program.Of course, the landscape of the American military-aerospace complex was radically different in the 21st century than the last time the U.S. tried to design an advanced supersonic trainer. With a number of American aerospace firms collaborating with both European and Asian companies on the T-X competition, an American-centric operation this was not. But among a crowded contender field, the consortium of Boeing and the Swedish firm Saab, fresh off axing their automotive division, fielded an airframe that looked fantastic on paper.Though sporting only a single engine to the T-38 Talon's two, the T-7A Red Hawk looks mighty impressive on first impressions. With an aggressively swept wing airframe mated to a prominent twin-tail rudder arrangement, there's no mistaking what a capable machine the Red Hawk was built to be. With dimensions of just under 47 feet long (14.3 m) with a wingspan a touch below 31 feet, the T-7A is only slightly smaller than the U.S.'s two premiere single-engine multi-role fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-35 Lightning II . Speaking of the F-35, the T-7A's advanced fly-by-wire control surfaces are intended to provide similar feedback to the control systems in the latest American stealth fighters.Under the proverbial "hood" of the T-7A, it was decided the General Electric F404 turbojet engine would propel this novel trainer. With 17,200 lbs (77 kN) of thrust on offer at full afterburner, the same engine that powers the F/A-18 is well suited in an advanced trainer with a top speed hovering just above the Mach one, or roughly 800 mph (1,300 kph, 702 kn). The strength of Boeing and Saab's rock-solid reputation pre-737 MAX was an enormous help in netting the duo a $9.2 billion program contract to begin the path toward production in September 2018. Doing so less than two years after its first flight in December 2016.By this stage, it appeared the T-7A was slated to outright replace all remaining T-38 Talon airframes sometime around 2023. With production contracts signed with the USAF to manufacture between 350 and 450 airframes, there'd certainly be enough inventory to finally retire the iconic T-38 by the mid-2020s. But all is not always well within the military-industrial complex. Even Boeing and Saab can overshoot deadlines and run into significant development problems. As quality analysis began on the first two T-7A airframes manufactured got underway, it was clear the Red Hawk was destined to be a problem child.Questions regarding pilot safety plagued the first two prototype T-7As, particularly concerning its rocket-powered ejection seats, which experts fear could turn a real pilot into paste if ever used plagued the project in the late 2010s. As the project rolled into the 2020s, it was clear an introduction-to-service date of 2023 for the T-7A simply wasn't going to happen. Further investigations by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) appear to indicate the relationship between Boeing and the U.S. Air Force has become quite "tenuous" in light of the slipping development schedule.As of June 2023, The T-7A's tentative introductory date has been pushed back to February 2025 and not a moment sooner. By this estimate, it's likely the type won't be ready for full-time training service until as late as 2027. That'd be four years past the date the AETC first anticipated the new jet would enter service when the project first got underway. Whether the schedule will continue to slip out of grasp or not remains to be seen. In the meantime, antique T-38s will likely have to stick it out just a little while longer.
KW

SUV

In the real world, we just heard that Ram is preparing to Rampage across Latin America with its new unibody pickup truck, which slots below the mighty 1500 models. Speaking of the latter, they are offered throughout Europe in partnership with AEC Europe andAutomotive, now also with the 305-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid tech to make them cheaper and more fuel efficient than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8.As for Cadillac, it has gone overboard with novelties, from the refreshed XT4 crossover to the upgraded 2024 CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings with 20th-anniversary goodies and from the second-generation CT6 and first-ever GT4 (both for China) to the upcoming introduction of the first-ever all-electric Caddy Escalade IQ . And these are just two American brands from the Big Detroit Three that we are musing about. But why is that, in particular?Well, because the parallel universes of CGI just gave us some fresh food for thought from the automotive digital creator behind "Innov8 Design Lab" (aka innov8designlab on social media), who has prepared a couple of outrageous digital videos featuring models from Ram and Cadillac. These two are not competing against each other, even though they have feuding (Stellantis and GM) parents, so maybe it's not such a bad idea to discuss them simultaneously.Besides, even the pixel master doesn't want to get them into a hypothetical fight, so they cater to entirely different crowds. But what if someone likes both stances  lifted to the moon and back or slammed beyond belief? In that case, better prepare your virtual garage for a matte gray Ram HD sporting neon-green touches and silver plus yellow decals to show how it feels to be lifted and wide beyond common sense. According to the author, it's also a Cummins hero and has all the undercarriage in accordance with the Liberty Forged Wheels shades, just for good measure!No worries about this being real  the angle of the rear wheels makes it clear that we are dealing with simple wishful thinking. On the other hand, the 3D work done on the maroon Caddy Escalade ESV from the second post is pretty darn spectacular and a lot harder to identify as chimeral. Plus, the hulking full-sizeis also a pretty sweet treat for enthusiasts of bagged vehicles, as proven by the aired-out pass. That didn't give us a lot of time to catch all the details, but we could easily see the pixel master played a contrasting game with this one  all thanks to the gloss black details and gold-black big-lipped wheels, that is. So, which one is your favorite?
The smartest and most luxurious Discovery thus far has been recalled in the United States. Only vehicles equipped with the Unilatch Keyless Vehicle system are called back, namely 29,861 units of the 2017 through 2020 model year, vehicles made between September 22, 2016, and February 13, 2020.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

In January 2020, following a worrying number of reports alleging the rear doors opening while driving, the Product Safety and Compliance Committee within Jaguar Land Rover started investigating said problem. Four months later, the engineers confirmed that improper sealing allows water to enter the rear door latch and keyless entry actuator housing.JLR's engineering department also discovered corrosion on the Unilatch Keyless Vehicle system's motor bearings due to water exposure. Although the actuator motor is capable of overcoming the friction caused by said corrosion, the return spring torque may not return the actuation lever to the normal position. Otherwise said, the rear doors may not be latched.Jaguar Land Rover initially believed that only 2017 through 2019 models are affected, as the British automaker introduced a revised latch design in October 2018. Even so, JLR continued to receive warranty reports of rear doors opening while driving on vehicles produced after the cut-off point. According to documents filed with the, engineers ultimately doubted the build quality of the revised door latches. Come February 2020, the supplier implemented process improvements to address this matter.In total, no fewer than 75 reports of rear doors opening whilst in motion were received between August 2018 and February 2023. As an unreasonable risk to safety, a recall was issued. Rather than replacing the faulty parts, Jaguar Land Rover dealers have been instructed to disable the Unilatch Keyless Vehicle keyless entry function. That wouldn't sit right with me had I been driving a Discovery, more so if you remember that a Discovery isn't a $15,000 econobox. The most affordable specification available today is nearly $60,000 sans freight, and for that money, Land Rover offers a puny four-pot engine.On the upside, Jaguar Land Rover isn't aware of any accidents or injuries caused from this concern. Owners will be informed of the recall by first-class mail on or before July 28, 2023.Codenamed L462, the Discovery available to configure today is produced exclusively in Slovakia. Unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show , the unibody sport utility vehicle uses the D7u platform of the previous Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The current RR and RRS switched to the MLA-Flex platform, which supports full electrification. Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will be available as EVs from 2024.The Discovery isn't a big seller, though. Fewer than 1,000 units were delivered stateside in 2022, down from 4,296 in 2021 and 4,811 in 2020. By comparison, the best calendar year for the Discovery in the United States of America was 1999. Back then, Discovery sales totaled 21,931 examples.
Recently I've decided to explore nations where off-grid living is often encountered and encouraged. With that in mind, we find ourselves in South Africa in the presence of Okto Caravans and their En-Suite Gravellor, a different kind of travel trailer.

Photo: Okto Caravans

Photo: Okto Caravans

Ladies and gentlemen, the glamping and off-grid scenes in North America, Australia, and Europe have always been in the news , but few folks are talking about South Africa, and it's not because there's a shortage of manufacturers; for some reason, most people don't know of the existence of teams like Okto Caravans, even though they've been on the market for several years now. Oh, and just so we're on the same page, this brand is sparked by "dedicated caravan experts." Some have even worked with Jurgens, another South African mobile living leader.Now, it's important to note that Okto calls this model a "luxurious" one, and that sets my standards really high. But that's just part of the job; I stare at countless designs daily. So to be fair, I've lowered my standards from Land Yacht to pop-top camper because that's what this is, a pop-top camper. Well, sort of; things get rather wild with this one.To understand what we're up against here, we should take a little trip through imagination. I want you to feel and imagine like you own the machine in the image gallery. Once it's in your mind's garage, hitch up your off-road towing machine, and get ready to hit the road. As you do, you'll e towing along a habitat that weighs up to 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs), so no towing with a Camry, and with the roof down, it's 213 cm (84 in) tall.As for driving along, Okto doesn't mention what sort of suspension or chassis is used for the Gravellor, but those images show gravel roads as being no problem; even some muddy tracks look like they're in the day's work. Oh, now I get it; Gravellor, gravel. All that makes some sense now. Well, once you've made it to your destination, as muddy as the unit in the gallery, it's time to see what sort of living experience can be had in a Gravellor.Once you've stabilized your unit, unhitched it, and parked your truck or 4x4 in the shade, it's time to pop that top. What was once 213 cm tall now sits at 269 cm (106 in), towering over you and your loved ones. Best of all, that lifted section is completed with tent canvas, allowing the elements around to infiltrate your habitat if you like to be "at one with nature." Don't worry; unwanted pests are kept out with insect nets.Now, what I'm starting to learn about South African machines is that they closely resemble those that come out of Australia. What I mean to say is that they're focused quite a bit on outdoor living. Sure, the interior is fully equipped with all the systems and features you need to live a clean life, rested and with a full belly.Well, the exterior offers some of the same benefits as the interior. While there's no outside bedding, there is a galley setup with countertop space and cabinetry integrated into the Gravellor's shell, and an outdoor bathroom can also be set up. Come to think of it, Okto places systems like tent annexes at our disposal, so sleeping outside is a possibility.Let's say a rouge storm rolls through wherever you're camping , and you are forced to head inside for the night. If you're the owner of Gravellor, then you'll probably be using the island queen bed to rest your bones, but if you're a guest, it's the modular dinette for you. Each of these areas is found at the opposite end of the unit. As for what's in the middle of it all, everything from storage to another galley block and a full wet bath is available. Space for all your little knick-knacks is found in the shape of cabinetry and integrated all over the interior and in the nosecone outside, to name a few.If we sum all this up, consider the 75 l (20 gals) freshwater tank, and throw in some solar panels, you're looking at a habitat that's ready to go just about anywhere there's a road, and once you get there, you'll be able to live off the land for a few days, or until you get tired of your own body odor and are forced to drain the tanks. Consider looking into some water filtration systems. Just remember, any extras will inevitably cost extra.This brings me to my next point, the price for one of these babies. Well, it depends on a few factors. The first is what sort of features are in place in your unit and if it's used or new. Not to mention the dealership you use to grab your Gravellor . That said, Okto's website does not mention how much one of these buggers is going for. Open up a Google search bar, and go from there. Just a little something-something to think about.
If I were to ask you about a seat manufacturer, the first brand that would probably pop into your mind is Recaro. The premium seat manufacturer's products can be found in both everyday cars and racing machines. Today, the company announced it's celebrating its 60th anniversary in France, where it's also paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans by releasing a limited-edition version of the new Recaro Podium GF performance shell.

6 photos Photo: Recaro
A visitor looks at displays, including an electronic textbook, at Education Korea 2023 at an exhibition center in Seoul, Jan. 12. Yonhap



Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered digital textbooks will be introduced in local elementary and secondary schools, beginning in 2025, in response to the growing need for varied learning content, the Ministry of Education said Thursday.



AI digital textbooks have been pushed as part of the government's digital education innovation to offer diverse learning content through expanded virtual world (metaverse) and interactive AI technologies. The use of digital textbooks is also expected to make possible customized learning for individual students at different learning levels, the ministry said.



The ministry said third- and fourth-grade elementary school students, and middle and high school freshmen will be the first beneficiaries of the digitally customized textbooks to be initially used for mathematics, English and informatics from 2025.



In 2026, digital textbooks will be additionally available for fifth and sixth graders in elementary schools and middle school second graders, while four more subjects  Korean language, social studies, science and technology, and home economics  will undergo a digital transformation. The following year, middle school third graders will be offered digital textbooks.



By subject, digital textbooks will be additionally introduced in history in 2027, and high schools' common Korean language, social studies, science and Korean history in 2028, the ministry noted.



In other words, digital textbooks will be applied to all subjects from 2028, except for activity-based ones, such as music, art and physical education, and ethics, where face-to-face education is important for humanity cultivation.



By grade, elementary school first and second graders will be excluded from the use of digital textbooks, as they are deemed too young to come into contact with digital devices.



The ministry said AI digital textbooks will be capable of recommending basic learning tasks, such as understanding of basic concepts, for "slow learners" and in-depth learning tasks, such as discussions and essay writing, for "fast learners."



It also noted the introduction of digital textbooks does not mean the disappearance of paper textbooks from schools.



"Paper and digital textbooks will be used together in schools for the time being until all students, parents and teachers will be able to skillfully use AI digital textbooks and achieve the desired educational effects," a ministry official said. (Yonhap)




People using e-bikes over cars to get around town is generally considered an environmentally-friendly practice. However, there is still a long way to go to build a completely sustainable personal mobility scene. And there are brands, like Frankfurt, Germany-based Advanced Bikes, that are really working towards a greener future.

The electric mobility company has just introduced its latest electric bicycle model called the Reco Wave and claims it will redefine sustainability in the urban mobility realm. That's because the manufacturer not only equipped the new two-wheeler with a pedal assist electric motor to amplify the energy you put into the pedals, but it also built it using a composite material they claim is fully recyclable, thus making the e-bike a perfect choice for environmentally conscious riders.The Reco Wave is a unique electric bike proposition at the moment, having been built using a distinctive material called injection molded carbon composite, a mix of plastic and carbon. Only the frames are made from this material for now. Still, the company says it plans to employ the same composite material for building the handlebars, mudguards, seat posts, luggage racks, rims, and spokes in the future.Borrowed from the automotive world, the production technology is lauded for its shock-absorbing and sound-cancellation qualities. Moreover, the manufacturing process is said to save 68% of the carbon dioxide emissions compared to the production of an aluminum frame.Advanced Bikes claim they have made a two-wheeler built to last, offering a mind-blowing 30-year warranty for the frame of the Reco Wave e-bike. However, when a Reco bicycle reaches its end of life, the frame can be ground up, melted down, and reused for manufacturing a new frame or other bike components.The Reco Wave electric bike comes fitted with a Bosch CX motor, which has been praised for its impressive performance and reliability. Riders will also get a four-year warranty on the electric motor, so they can rest assured they will enjoy seamless riding sessions for a long time.In terms of battery, riders can choose between 500, 625, or 750-watt-hour options. The customization possibilities don't end at power and range, though, as prospective customers can also pick between a low-step or traditional frame option, and the powertrain can be coupled with either an internal hub featuring a belt drive system or a chain-driven derailleur setup for those who prefer traditional gear shifting.Advanced Bikes builds the Reco Wave in a 13 million state-of-the-art production facility that can currently manufacture 150 bikes per day, with hopes to increase production to 100,000 units annually. Further showing its commitment to sustainability, the company uses wind and solar generators to produce the electricity required in the manufacturing process, aiming to become the "first climate-neutral e-bike brand" by 2025.The Reco Wave electric bicycle can be purchased for 4,799 Euros, which translates to approximately $5,135 based on current exchange rates.
The Colt used to mean something before June 8, 2023. Or  better said  both Mitsubishi and Colt used to mean something not so long ago. The Japanese automaker's downfall started with the fuel economy scandal of 2016, which prompted Nissan to acquire a majority stake in Mitsubishi.

kW

kWh

Carlos Ghosn may have saved Nissan from bankruptcy back in the day, and he also improved Renault's market share in Europe, but his aggressive cost-cutting measures hampered both automakers. Even though Ghosn is no longer employed by the uneasy alliance, Nissan and Renault continue to cut corners like there's no tomorrow. This practice obviously extends to Mitsubishi , who cuts even more corners than its alliance overlords.Rather than giving the Renault Captur new body panels and a slightly redesigned interior to separate it from its Mitsubishi-branded twin, the ASX is nothing more than a Captur with Mitsubishi and ASX badges inside and out. The worst kind of badge engineering imaginable continues with the seventh-generation Colt, which is a Clio in all but name. As far as redesigns go, the ASX and Colt are best described as lazy.Exclusive to Europe, the all-new Colt will go on sale in the Old Continent in October 2023 for the 2024 model year. From the standpoint of exterior design, the only notable changes between it and the Clio are the LED daytime running lights below the headlights and the Mitsubishi-esque front grille.No fewer than five paint colors will be available at launch, beginning with the pictured Sunrise Red and Onyx Black. The remainder comprises Royal Blue, Volcanic Gray, and company car-like Arctic White. A grand total of four weirdly-named trim levels are in the offing: Inform, Invite, Intense, and Instyle.15-inch steelies come standard, whereas better-equipped grades level up to either 16-inch alloys or 17-inch alloy wheels. Two infotainment systems are offered, beginning with the 7.0-inch SDA (Smartphone-link Display Audio) and topping with the 9.3-inch SDA. The digital instrument cluster also differs, boasting either 7.0 or 10 inches, depending on the trim level.Europe is known for small-engined vehicles equipped with manuals. The all-new Colt perfectly fits this description with a standard 1.0-liter mill connected to a five-speed manual transmission. Gifted with multi-point injection rather than direct fuel injection, the three-cylinder lump cranks out 66 metric ponies. There is a turbocharged version available, packing 91 chevaux vapeur and one extra forward gear. The most interesting powertrain of the bunch is the naturally-aspirated hybrid with not one, but a duo of electric motors.Front-wheel drive by choice, the 1.6-liter hybrid truly stands out in the crowd with the help of a multi-mode transmission. Four gears of the clutchless tranny are connected to the internal combustion engine, and the other two are for electric drive.Highlight numbers include 143 ps (141 hp) in total, 36(49 ps or 48 hp) for the traction motor, 1.2for the battery pack, and as little as 93 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per kilometer. By comparison, the 1.0-liter MPI and MPI-T are rated at 119 and 118 grams per kilometer, respectively.With a front end that busy and badge engineering this lazy, it won't come as a surprise to see the seventh-generation Colt finish 2024 near the bottom of the segment sales-wise.
Rumor has it that Tesla plans another gigafactory in Europe, with investments that could surpass 4.5 billion euros ($4.83 billion). The EV maker is in talks with the regional government of Valencia, although no official announcement was made.

EV

Photo: AlexiBexi via YouTube

Many people believe Tesla has a demand problem after it slashed prices for its four models in all markets. Still, the Americanmaker is busy scouting places for new gigafactories, which contradicts the demand theory. While Giga Mexico is already a work in progress, Tesla is also talking with local authorities in India , South Korea, Indonesia, and Canada to establish new production facilities. The latest on this list is Spain, as local media claims Tesla is in talks with the regional government of Valencia for a new gigafactory.If history repeats itself, Spain might be more certain than any of the above countries. Although India, South Korea, and Indonesia have courted Tesla for years, things haven't moved past the negotiating table. On the contrary, when the Mexican government announced last year that it would host a Tesla gigafactory, things proved true. Spain is a similar case where local authorities never courted Tesla but are in advanced talks for a gigafactory nevertheless. This shows that Tesla wants this to happen, and most of the time, Tesla gets what it wants.Although no official statement has been made, Spanish newspaper Cinco Dias reported that Tesla plans a 4.5 billion euros ($4.83 billion) investment for a gigafactory in Valencia. The rumors appear to be confirmed by a spokesman for Valencia's regional government, who told Reuters there were talks with an unidentified company about a "large automobile investment." They didn't offer details, citing the confidentiality of the negotiations, but confirmed that the talks were "very advanced."Spain makes a lot of sense for a Tesla gigafactory. It is the second-largest car producer in the European Union and has moderate wages, highly skilled workers, and one of the best infrastructures among European countries. Tesla already has a gigafactory in Europe near Berlin, but as the continent intends to phase out combustion-engine cars, the demand for electric vehicles is projected to skyrocket. Giga Berlin costs are still elevated, considering the high wages in Germany. A production facility in Spain could leverage the country's advantages to build more affordable EVs based on the Gen-3 architecture. These could not be produced at Giga Berlin, although Tesla is expected to introduce a second model in production soon. That could be the Project Highland Model 3, though, as it makes more sense financially for the German gigafactory.Tesla invested around 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) to build Giga Berlin, which took three years from groundbreaking to start of production. Tesla thinks it can do better than that and plans to prove it with Giga Mexico . If Spanish environmentalists are not as fierce as those in Germany, Giga Valencia could start making EVs as early as 2025. Tesla plans around 10-12 gigafactories worldwide to reach the goal of selling 20 million EVs per year by 2030.
Tesla is looking to replicate Giga Shanghai in Mexico, including its supply chain. For this, the EV maker urged Chinese companies to establish production facilities in Mexico or risk being left behind. Sources say suppliers fear losing big orders from Tesla if they don't act promptly.

EV

Tesla suppliers in ???????? are reportedly urged by Tesla to build factories in Mexico ASAP. According to an anonymous insider, suppliers feel they may lose big orders from Tesla if they dont act in a timely manner. If the report is true, it makes perfect sense to have suppliers right pic.twitter.com/fbyIeIHoah  Ray (@ray4tesla) June 8, 2023

Giga Shanghai is Tesla's most successful factory , thanks to its high-efficiency processes and structure. This was its first gigafactory, and with almost 1 million vehicles per year production capacity, it is Tesla's main production hub. Themaker designed its Chinese gigafactory in a unique way, with highly integrated production and no warehouses. Instead, trucks deliver their cargo directly to the corresponding areas of the factory around the clock.Almost every component is produced on-site or shipped from a close distance by suppliers who set up production facilities around the gigafactory. This allowed Tesla to minimize logistic and production costs. A recent report showed that Giga Shanghai achieves a 30% gross margin, which allows Tesla to ship cars to Canada and still make a lot of money.This is a successful recipe that Tesla tried to replicate with Giga Berlin and Giga Texas but hasn't entirely succeeded. Environmentalist protests and bureaucracy bogged down the former, while Giga Texas is held back by the low yields of the 4680 cells and the Cybertruck production delays.Tesla doesn't want to repeat the same mistakes with its recently confirmed gigafactory in Mexico. Elon Musk has tasked his second-in-command Tom Zhu with building Giga Texas. The man behind Giga Shanghai's success story promised the Mexican gigafactory would be up and running in a record time , and we have no reason to doubt that. It appears that Zhu wants now to replicate not only the Giga Shanghai recipe but also to establish an identical supply chain in Mexico.According to Chinese media, Tesla is urging its Chinese suppliers to establish production facilities in the country as soon as possible. Not only that, but Tesla suppliers said they felt pressed to start a business in Mexico. Many fear losing important Tesla contracts if they don't follow the recommendation and begin local production as soon as possible.Some Tesla suppliers have already established offices in Mexico and plan for factories around Tesla's gigafactory. Xusheng Group, a producer of precision aluminum alloy parts, has a construction project already underway and production scheduled for July-August 2024. This coincides with the planned production start for the Gen-3 Tesla compact EV . Several production line equipment manufacturers have also set up offices in Mexico.Still, some suppliers say Mexico is less mature than the European and US markets. Despite being a development hub with huge opportunities, Mexico also has relatively high social and geopolitical risks. This makes some Chinese companies wary of investing in the region, despite Tesla's ambitious plans. Giga Mexico will be the leading production site for the upcoming Gen-3 vehicles, with a planned annual production of at least 1 million EVs in the first phase. Tesla intends to expand Giga Mexico to a yearly production capacity of 2 million EVs.
The ad hoc body will specifically explore the possibility of replacing the aging Metsamor nuclear plant by small modular reactors (SMRs) designed by U.S. companies.

Metsamors sole functioning reactor, which generates roughly 40 percent of Armenias electricity, went into service in 1980 and is due to be decommissioned in 2036. The Armenian government announced in April 2022 plans to build a new nuclear plant by that time.

The chief executive of Russias state nuclear company Rosatom, which has helped to modernize Metsamors 420-megawatt reactor, visited Yerevan twice in the following weeks to discuss the project with Pashinian.

The United States has also shown an interest in the project, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan signing in May 2022 a memorandum of understanding on strategic nuclear cooperation between their countries. A senior State Department official said last month that Washington is assessing the feasibility of the construction of an SMR plant in Armenia. She said the US technology could make the South Caucasus nation less dependent on Russia for energy.

Pashinian announced afterwards that an Armenian government delegation will visit the U.S. soon to take a close look at the SMRs. He suggested that they could be more affordable for Armenia than the much more powerful nuclear facilities built by Russia.

It is not yet clear whether the delegation will consist of members of the interagency task force set up by Pashinian on Tuesday. According to a relevant executive order signed by him, it must analyze various options for building the new facility, including the SMRs, and submit its findings to the prime ministers staff within two months.

The 13-member working group headed by Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Hakob Vartanian will comprise deputy ministers of economy, environment and interior as well as other senior government officials.

The U.S. company NuScale Power Corp plans to build Americas first SMR plant at the Idaho National Laboratory by 2030. The demonstration facility will consist of six reactors with a combined capacity of 462 megawatts. The U.S. nuclear power regulator certified the design of NuScales reactor in January this year.
8 June 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

Sometimes crazy, sometimes jealous and sometimes very angry - all these together give the meaning of Iran.

The regime, which is not satisfied with throwing up its grudge and hatred against Azerbaijan with a number of excuses, this time turned the relations between the state of Israel and Azerbaijan into a tool in its hands and started resorting to various provocations.

However, Iran is not as silly as its neighbor and close soul brother, Armenia. No matter how hostile it is, it does not give up its sweet tongue. For example, early this week, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan issued a statement about the ban on the visit of citizens to Iran, it was able to immediately respond to it in its own way. Although Nasser Kanani, the spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Minister, gave a somewhat funny impression by calling Azerbaijanis "brothers and sisters", in general, he was able to play his stage role well, which was prepared based on the scenario of the regime.

Nevertheless, as always, this time the mullah regime could not hide its character. The unjust arrest of Farid Safarli and the unethical behavior towards several Azerbaijanis once again exposed Iran's insidious inner world.

"There has always been a prejudiced and hostile attitude towards Azerbaijan in the Iranian regime and its foreign policy, and it manifested itself in all forms. This is not Iran's foreign policy, but a policy of hostility at the state level."

A political analyst, member of the Board of the National Liberation Front of South Azerbaijan, Sadig Isabayli said this to Azernews, while discussing Iran's attitude towards Azerbaijan. He added that according to Iran, Azerbaijan should not be a strong state and it is necessary to create obstacles in front of all factors. "We saw such an attitude towards Azerbaijan in the Second Karabakh War: the victory of our powerful army, the liberation of our occupied lands, the beginning of peace processes. Threats, criticism, provocations and anti-Azerbaijani propaganda against the country in various forms continue to this day from Iran," the expert added.

By making such a statement, the Iranian offical tries to cover up his country's hostile policy towards us. However, Iran, the only terrorist regime in the world that holds citizens of other countries hostage and uses them to pressure the other side, accuse the Azerbaijani citizens on espionage.

Besides, while discussing Iran's domestic and foreign policy, the expert called Iran a dependent country on others and determined by foreign forces. "The Pahlavi regime, which ruled for 53 years, was established by England, and the mullah regime, which has continued until now for 44 years, was established as a result of the treacherous policy of France. The uprising, protest and desire for freedom of the population against the Pahlavi regime led to the coming to power from France of Khomeini, whose guards were citizens of France, and their graves are still guarded in Iran.

Iran has always interfered in the processes in the region through terrorism. The essence of the process is the interest of France in energy and the weakening of the Turkish states," Isabeyli noted.

The expert called AzerbaijanI policy very smart, complex and modern in accordance with the high standards of international relations.

"The visits of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Europe, speeches that he gives at various multilateral and international meetings shape the country's foreign policy in accordance with the course of both regional and global processes at a high level. Also, unlike Iran, Azerbaijan's foreign policy is carried out independently, and totally for its own interests. Iran cannot reconcile with this reality, and wants to accuse Azerbaijan of being under the control of foreign forces," the expert said.

Azerbaijani-Israeli relations are conducted at a strategic level. Relations between the two states in the energy, political, social, and other fields are based on very serious and strategic partnership. Iran obviously considers not only Azerbaijan but also Israel a hostile country and threatens it with statements that it will destroy them. Iran clearly does not welcome the development of comprehensive relations between the two states belonging to different religions. However, when we distinguish between the attitude towards the Turks in Iran and the attitude towards the Jews living in Azerbaijan, we see how Azerbaijan is a democratic state.

According to the expert, there is some kind of similarity between Iran's policy and the despotic policy of Hitler. Putting forward the slogan "If there is misfortune in the whole world, the Jews are to blame", Iran wants to sever Israel's relations with all countries. However, Azerbaijan proves the opposite.

"I would like to note that the Azerbaijani-Israeli relations are of concern not only to Iran, but also to Armenia and France. France intends to arrange provocations against the Jews in America," the expert emphasized.

Discussing the feasibility of normalization of Iranian-Azerbaijani relations, he called it a very tough process. Despite the fact that 40 million Azerbaijanis live in Iran, their cultural and political rights are being violated. The Iranian regime applies its policy of discrimination in all directions. Given all the threats and provocations of Iran against Azerbaijan, the normalization of bilateral relations in the near future looks hazy. The fact that Azerbaijan has a say in the geopolitical processes in the region irritates Iran.

Moreover, speaking about the danger from Iran, the expert urged Azerbaijani citizens to take the statement of the Foreign Ministry serious.

"I think that Azerbaijanis living in or visiting Iran should stick to the statement made by the Foreign Minister. Regardless of their status, any Azerbaijani can be taken hostage and used against Azerbaijan."

"The Iranian regime is merciless not only to the Turks, but also to its own citizens. Over the past 6-7 months, thousands of people have been thrown into prisons and shot on streets. I think that not a single Azerbaijani should visit Iran by taking Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry's statement seriously. Firstly, it is necessary for the safety of citizens, and secondly, it should not allow Iran to use it as a threat," the expert concluded.

--

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 14:11 (UTC+04:00)

The Czech Republic is looking forward to the development of cooperation in the railway sector with Azerbaijan.

According to Azernews, this was told by the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Jozef Sikela.

The construction of the Azerbaijani part of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was the peak of the participation of Czech companies in this project. About 10 companies from the Czech Republic participated in the project. It was a significant project for our economies. And this is a good basis for the development of similar projects in the future," the minister said.

As the minister noted, in general, the volume of business between the two countries has increased significantly in recent years.

There was a huge increase in exports from Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic - by 145 percent. Czech exports to Azerbaijan, in turn, were somewhat lower, up about 50 percent.

At our meetings with the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, we agreed that we are like-minded countries, share similar values and want to continue expanding mutual business ties, Josef Sikela added.

The reconstruction of the Azerbaijani part of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was completed by a group of Czech companies led by Moravia Steel in 2019.

At the same time, Azerbaijan continues to invest in this route and aims to invest more than $120 million. As a result, the capacity of the project will be increased from 1 to 5 million tons.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
People's Artist Arif Huseynov has showcased his art works at Baku Museum Center.

The exhibition entitled "Graphics" was organized by the Culture Ministry, Azerbaijani Parliament's Committee of Culture, Azerbaijan Artists' Union and HusnArt Fine Arts Center to mark the artist's 80th anniversary, Azernews reports.

At opening ceremony, Honored Artist Doctor of Philosophy in Art History Ziyadkhan Aliyev spoke about Arif Huseynov's contribution to the Azerbaijani art.

Arif Huseynov has created a myriad of art woks, which entered the treasury of the national art.

His personal exhibitions have been successfully held in Baku, Moscow, Prague, Istanbul, and Tokyo.

Arif Huseynov's paintings are kept in the National Art Museum, the State Art Gallery, and the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, as well as in private collections.

The artist's jubilee series of exhibitions runs throughout the year, and the current one, entitled "Graphics", presents 80 black and white graphic works dedicated to the Azerbaijani history.

In their remarks, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, People's Writers Chingiz Abdullayev and Natig Rasulzade, Honored Journalist Etibar Babayev, art critic Ziyarat Jabbarova stressed that in his paintings the artist not only shows and reveals the beauty of his native land, its history and traditions, but also provides very valuable information about events, facts and persons.

In conclusion, Arif Huseynov expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants of the event.

Arif Huseynov's art which perfectly combines traditional and modern elements.

The exhibition includes portraits of prominent historical and cultural figures, literary images, etc. Graphic art works dedicated to Karabakh, folk art and fairy tales.

The artistic traditions of the Huseynov family continue successfully.

The exhibition also features the art works by the 10-year-old Dilbara, who is Arif Huseynov's granddaughter and the daughter of the well-known artist Orkhan Huseynov.

The guests viewed the exposition with great pleasure.

Photo Credits: Vugar Imanov

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 11:19 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan`s Deputy Minister of Defense - Chief of the Main Department for Military-Technical Support Agil Gurbanov, who is on a visit to Italy, has met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

Both sides exchanged views on the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy in military, military-technical and military educational fields, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.

The sides emphasized the importance of mutual visits in terms of developing relations based on strategic partnership between the two countries.

Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Subhan Bakirov was also present at the meeting.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 12:10 (UTC+04:00)

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, along with bilateral relations, discussed a number of regional and international issues, Azernews reports citing Anadolu.

The press service of the Turkish Foreign Ministry reported that Fidan and Blinken exchanged views on the prospects for Sweden's membership in NATO, the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations, the dialogue between Baku and Yerevan, the supply and modernization of F-16 aircraft and the Grain Deal.

The heads of the foreign ministries agreed on a quick re-discussion of the common agenda of the two countries.

The head of American diplomacy congratulated Hakan Fidan on his appointment as Turkish Foreign Minister.

Earlier, we reported that the new head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry revealed the priorities of the country's foreign policy.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 27. The rocket is carrying the BADR-8 communications satellite for Arabsat. AP-Yonhap



This is the last in a two-part interview series with experts regarding the validity of South Korea's aim to become a real player in the burgeoning space sector after the successful placement of small satellites into geosynchronous orbit on May 25 during the third launch of the locally-developed rocket Nuri, also known as KSLV-II. _ ED.



US national security expert advises S. Korea to promote public-private partnership in space industry



By Kim Yoo-chul



The South Korean government has been asked to promote the private sector to help the country maintain its upward trajectory in the booming space sector as entrepreneurs begin to take hold of satellite and private spaceship development markets, a U.S. national security expert said.



Starlink's satellite internet terminals for the use of Elon Musk's SpaceX in Ukraine is a good example of where new competition is welcome and could significantly improve public and governmental choice, according to Irina Tsukerman, a member of the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), in a recent interview with The Korea Times. Founded in 1918, the New York-based FPA is a nonprofit educational organization aimed at discussing top U.S. foreign policy concerns.



"Elon Musk has essentially monopolized the private satellite networks which create significant policy concerns. While his donation of Starlink satellite internet terminals to Ukraine is most welcome, Musk has chosen to limit communications to both non-lethal and non-military applications, which significantly reduces its utility," Tsukerman said.



"Musk might have reconsidered had there been viable private competition at play and had his contracts been dependent on his willingness to deliver to his client's (the U.S. government) specifications. Or else, other owners could negotiate other types of deals and make other choices," she added.



Within that context, the South Korean government could "assist in that respect" by promoting public-private partnerships with private developers in the space sector by encouraging education, supporting more institutional/academic research through broad grants to private researchers and facilitating deregulation allowing the "private sector to flourish in areas with potential application for both private and government interests," said Tsukerman, who is also a commentator on Fox News and New York Post.



The Pentagon recently agreed to purchase Starlink satellite terminals from Musk's SpaceX for use in Ukraine as satellite communications constitute a vital layer in Kyiv's overall communications network. But SpaceX stressed its intent for the provision of its internet terminals was never to have them use it for "offensive purposes."





Irina Tsukerman / Courtesy of Irina Tsukerman

"South Korea already has a culture and government encouragement for hard work, strong cooperation, persistence and dedication, and high-quality standards. The key now is how to encourage creativity and the individual accomplishments that create great leaders to great teams," she said.



She elaborated that scientific breakthroughs frequently follow generations of steadfast cooperative research projects and are built on the shoulders of other giants. "By contrast, the entrepreneurship to bring the science into the practicable commercial realm and make it fit with the demands of the time is very much an individual and individualist endeavor."



Seoul ideal partner in space industry cooperation



Because the general mindset in Washington is to support "industrial and government independence" from Russia and to foster regional alliance integration on the assortment of economic, defense, scientific and technical issues, Seoul is advised to take the lead in priority projects and push for them both independently and with interested stakeholders, according to Tsukerman.



"The White House is distracted with various international priorities as there are geopolitical fires popping up all over the world (many with Russia's direct involvement), which makes it difficult to fully dedicate the relevant administration personnel to any one particular issue. The U.S. would be willing to cooperate only if South Korea can get past layers of bureaucracy and misplaced priorities," she claimed.



The U.S. is particularly concerned about China and Russia's influence in the space sector, possibly laser wars. Because Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, it would "behoove South Korea to join a research coalition" on developing effective space force programs if only for self-defense and scientific understanding of possible applicable principles.



Citing South Korean companies' advantages in terms of the delivery of quality heavy products and their dedication to productivity and self-sufficiency, Tsukerman said South Korea is an "ideal partner" with the U.S. in the space sector.



"These kinds of dedication by South Korean companies and the growing trajectory of their general defense products in terms of popularity are necessary to complement the U.S. achievements to inspire new companies entering the space sector to be dedicated to merit and to bring creative collaborations to better products," she explained.





A TV screen shows a file image of Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, during a news program at the Seoul Station, June 1. Kim Yo-jong accused the United States of "gangster-like" hypocrisy for criticizing her country's failed launch of a military spy satellite and insisted that the North will follow with a successful launch soon. AP-Yonhap



South Korea's defense industry reported more than $17 billion worth of arms sales in 2022 from $7.25 billion the year before, according to the country's defense ministry. Its defense budget is the 10th largest in the world in terms of size. Tsukerman stressed South Korea is on the right track to grow its space sector based on the culture of trust among contractors.



"It appears to be much more efficient in funding the right things than the U.S. by comparison  probably due to the culture of honesty and trust among contractors of major defense companies, which is likely to lead to speedier successes in areas such as aerospace defense. It's a culture that values self-reflection and embraces criticism, not just throwing money at lobbyists to use PR to get away from accountability," the New York attorney said.



Space sector in Washington-Beijing competition



From a supply chain standpoint, Tsukerman stressed South Korea's deepening alliance with U.S.'s like-minded allies will be a plus factor.



"Seoul also has a significant commercial and economic opportunity because military research also tends to hold potential for significant applications in the civilian/private sectors that could help generate new economic activity not just empower the defense sector. Growth and prosperity are key to circumventing China's regional pressures, investments and manipulations," she answered.



According to her assessment, despite China's dependence on memory chip products manufactured by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix in various Chinese cities, China still views South Korea as an inferior power.



"Strengthening Seoul's alliance with techno-democracies is more than just temporarily freezing Beijing's immediate capabilities. South Korea and other countries should solidify not only their research ties in this endeavor to stay more than a few steps ahead in the new arms race but also to increase security cooperation against China's security services. South Korea can play an invaluable part in it. Keeping that in mind, China has significant vulnerabilities that can be exploited. But it also tries to compensate by the infiltration of those with the capabilities it needs," according to the expert.



She said the space sector is already the target of the Washington-Beijing competition as the Biden administration made it clear that threats from China and Russia in laser wars are looming. The current competition between the world's top two economies is not, therefore, just an issue of some "limited private rivalry."



"For that reason, South Korea has as much at stake in the space sector as the U.S. does, and possibly more, precisely because it is farther behind, and precisely because it is smaller, geographically closer to China and also seeks to create its own legacy, not merely serve as a satellite to other countries' agendas," Tsukerman explained.





Staff members stand near the Shenzhou-16 spacecraft sitting atop a Long March rocket covered on a launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, May 29. China's space program plans to land astronauts on the moon before 2030. AP-Yonhap
8 June 2023 12:02 (UTC+04:00)

According to a report published in Armenian media, Armenia is preparing to build a large metallurgical plant in Arazdayan, a region bordering on Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. A total of 70 million dollars will be invested in the construction. The height of the plant will be 30 meters and it will cover an area of 16,500 square meters.

Azernews reports that the toxic chemical waste generated by this metallurgical plant can have a tremendous impact on the regions ecosystem. The risk of this waste being discharged into the Araz river is a wake-up call for both the river's wildlife and the large farms using the Araz water for irrigation. Armenias failure to comply with any international mining industry standards poses a serious environmental threat to both Azerbaijan and the region as a whole.

The construction of such an enterprise on the border without agreement with the Azerbaijani side represents a flagrant violation of the 1991 Espoo Convention On Environmental Impact Assessment in the Trans-boundary Context. Azerbaijan and Armenia are parties to that Convention, and proceeding from the Espoo Convention, an assessment of the environmental impact of this plant should be carried out, relevant institutions of Azerbaijan, a neighboring country, should review the assessment document related to the construction, and at the same time, the opinion of the Azerbaijanis living close to the region should be taken into account.

Armenia's non-compliance with these requirements once again shows that it is pursuing a destructive policy in the region, blatantly violating provisions of international documents to which it is a signatory, as well as its international obligations.

Armenia's policy of environmental terror and ecocide against Azerbaijan is no new phenomenon. The fact that the Metsamor nuclear power plant has been posing a threat to the regions environment for many years, the large-scale environmental tragedies committed in Karabakh during the occupation, and the discharge of chemical waste into the Okhchuchay rover without prior treatment are further evidence of that. Armenia has severely polluted the Okhchuchay river. This exposes the ecosystem of the part of the river passing through the territory of Azerbaijan to irreversible degradation. German company Cronimet is involved in this environmental crime alongside Armenia. Unfortunately, the German government has not taken any tangible steps in this direction.

By committing these environmental crimes, Armenia completely violates the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the third goal on ensuring everyone's health, the 6th goal on clean water and sanitation, the 13th goal on combating the consequences of climate change, and the 15th goal on protecting the soil ecosystem.

As is known, in 2022, the UN recognized a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right. By causing serious damage to the environment, Armenia grossly violates the human rights of the population of Azerbaijan, including the region as a whole.

In addition, according to various international documents, including the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, economic activity must be carried out without cause any harm to human rights. In this case, too, Armenia behaves irresponsibly, ignores the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and puts its own economic interests above everything else.

As environmental non-governmental organizations operating in Azerbaijan, we appeal to relevant international organizations, including the UN Environment Program, the World Health Organization, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Environment, the UN Special Rapporteur on Harmful Substances and Human Rights, urging them to react to this and put an end to Armenia's unending environmental terror.

We appeal to the government of the United States of America to urge the company preparing to build the large metallurgical plant in Arazdayan and registered in its territory to act responsibly and not to turn a blind eye to its illegal actions. Officials of the United States of America, including those of the US Embassies in Azerbaijan and Armenia, should not remain tight-lipped, but should express their opinion on the issue.

We are appealing to Armenias eco-activists as well. First of all, this will have a huge negative impact on the environmental situation of Armenia itself. It is time to act to stop this process as it endangers the whole region.

1. Chairman of Green World Public Association of Environmental Awareness - Elman Jafarli

2. Chairman of Mother Kura Public Association of Support for the Study of Environmental Problems - Rustam Malikov

3. Chairperson of Ecoleks Environmental Law Center Public Association - Sevil Isayeva

4. Chairman of Experts in the Field of Water Use Public Association - Amin Mammadov

5. Chairman of Biosphere Public Association - Gorkhmaz Ibrahimli

6. Chairperson of Eco World Public Association - Sevil Yuzbashova

7. Chairman of Towards a Healthy Life Environmental Public Association - Sadig Hasanov

8. Chairperson of Environmental Education and Monitoring Public Association - Gamza Yusubova

9. Chairperson of Socioeconomic and Ecological Development Public Association - Rahila Mehdiyeva

10. Chairperson of Sky and Eco Public Association of Support for Social Economic Development - Irada Hasanova

11. Chairman of Ecologist-2010 Environmental Awareness Public Association - Salim Balayev

12. Chairperson of Ecologists Helping to Protect the Environment Public Association - Rubaba Huseynli

13. Representative of Travellers Research and Promotion of Natural Resources and Environment Public Association  Jala Garibova

14. Chairman of the Public Association for Aid to Environmental Education - Tarverdi Huseynov

15. Chairman of Healthy environment Public Association for Aid to Youth Development - Ali Mirzayev

16. Chairman of Fenix Public Association for the Promotion of Healthy Life - Shahin Huseynov

17. Chairman of the Friends of Nature Public Association of Aid for Environmental Education of Young People - Elman Asgarov

18. Chairman of the Ecologically Clean Product Manufacturers and Exporters Public Association - Emin Aliyev

19. Chairman of Shafag Ecotourism Public Association - Vamig Babayev

20. Chairman of Dalga Ecology and Nature Protection Public Association - Natig Hatamov

21. Chairman of Eco-TES Environmental Research and Education Public Association - Chingiz Nazarov

22. Chairman of Aran Environmental Awareness Public Association - Nasraddin Karamov

23. Chairman of Pragma Public Association of Support for Social Development and Environmental Protection - Taleh Shahsuvarov

24. Chairperson of Family and Environment Public Association - Ilhama Gurbanova

25. Chairman of Ruzgar Environmental Public Association - Islam Mustafayev

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 12:53 (UTC+04:00)

The parents of our soldiers who lost their way in fog in April and were detained there were informed by the International Committee of the Red Cross, Azernews reports, citing information on local televisions.

Durdana Babirova, the mother of Agshin Babirov, who was in captivity, says the Committee does not provide any new information about her children.

Shalala Akhundova, the mother of Hussein Akhundov, who is in captivity, says she was unable to hear from her son.

According to them, they contacted the ICRC to get detailed information about our soldiers. The Committee only reported that the parents of Agshin Babirov and Hussein Akhundov are regularly contacted. There were no answers to our other questions.

It should be noted that according to the agreement between the representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia, a person who deviated from the road and crossed to the other side must be returned within a maximum of two days. However, the Armenian side does not comply with this agreement.

We present a more detailed video on the topic.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 17:00 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

Armenia comes again on the agenda with its dangerous and disastrous projects. In Arazdayan district, bordering the territory of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the large metallurgy started to be built by subversive neighbors, has caused serious problems for environmental and many other reasons.

The worst thing is that the project of construction worth of 70 million US dollars investment with a height of 30 meters, and an area of 16,500 square meters has been an issue with its toxic chemical waste that is expected to have a tremendous impact on the regions ecosystem. The risk of this waste being discharged into the Araz river is a wake-up call for both the river's wildlife and the large farms using the Araz water for irrigation.

Besides, the construction of metallurgical plant on the border without agreement with the Azerbaijani side represents a flagrant violation of the 1991 Espoo Convention On Environmental Impact Assessment in the Trans-boundary Context.

"Armenia's policy of environmental terror is no new phenomenon. This is not the first time. We have previously appealed to various international organizations about the Sarsang reservoir, environmental terrorism by Armenians, deforestation, river pollution during the occupation of liberated lands. But we didn't get any results. For this reason, this should not be surprising. Because it has already become a trend for Armenia."

Azerbaijani ecologist, professor Chingiz Ismayilov told this to Azernews while commenting on Armenia's eco-crimes. He added that however, we must not stop our activities in this direction.

It is worth noting that, environmental non-governmental organizations operating in Azerbaijan, appealed to relevant international organizations, urging them to react to this and put an end to Armenia's unending environmental terror.

However, many of us think that we should not be satisfied with this. And when asked what other initiatives could be taken, the expert replied that within the UN there are various organizations involved in environmental programs. Of course, in the first place, except for NGOs, state institutions should first apply to the Ministry of Ecology, then state institutions and universities. It is necessary to unite all forces and act in different directions.

"The recent oil and gas and tourism exhibitions should also be used in this direction. Also similar protests like the previous 3-month protest action of our eco-activists on the Lachin-Khankendi road could be rearranged," the expert said.

According to him, everyone should do it on their own, and not on someone else's instructions. Volunteers, youth should show more initiative.

"If the thinking of the current generation about the future changes, if they become more active, I believe that we will be able to achieve excellent results not only in ecology, but also in many areas," the ecologist concluded.

---

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 22:31 (UTC+04:00)

The process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia will not only become the basis for establishing a lasting peace in the Caucasus, but will also make an important contribution to global stability.

Azernews reports, citing Turkic World that this was said during the first meeting of the Turkish National Security Council in the new composition.

It should be noted that the first meeting of the Turkish National Security Council in a new composition took place today.

During the meeting, issues such as the territorial integrity of Syria and the safe return of citizens to their countries, Sweden's membership in NATO and the war in Ukraine were also discussed.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 14:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Mesude Demirhan

After the elections, many investment requests started to come to Turkiye. With the invitation of the Real Estate Exchange (GABORAS), the Support Muslim Business Forum (SMBF), one of the UK's business organizations, came to Istanbul with 30 investors. Investors from London are holding bilateral talks for an initial investment of $1bn in many sectors from real estate to energy, from health to tourism and hotel management. Foreign investors will stay in Istanbul for 1 week to evaluate the opportunities in Turkiye.

We will support investors

Ruhi Konak, Deputy General Manager of GABORAS, stated that they received their first investment request from London after the elections.

We are talking about investment opportunities in Turkiye. In the first place, they plan to invest $1bn in many fields from energy to agriculture, tourism and real estate. We will also support our investors," he said.

It's turn in Germany

Stating that Turkiye needs more foreign investors, Konak said, Investors are coming especially for clean energy sources such as wind and solar energy. We, as GABORAS, will support the investors in this regard. As a transaction, an investment of $1bn came at the first stage. This is the beginning. There is great interest in Turkiye. We are in cooperation with England first and then with Germany. We will invite investors from Germany in the coming days."

There is a safe environment

Stating that GABORAS has a great potential for foreign investors who want to invest in Turkiye, Ruhi Konak stated that the platform has become attractive for investors with its easy use and technical infrastructure based on security elements.

"We will make Turkiye the center of the world real estate market and financing. Turkiye has become a favorite of foreign investors in recent years. For this reason, many real estate companies focused on foreign investors began to emerge. However, foreign investors need a reliable environment to organize their investments in Turkiye. GABORAS offers great opportunities to foreign investors with its structure that can serve the whole of Turkiye, its being a secure platform, and solution partnerships it has realized in the country and abroad.

They look at it as 'we should definitely invest in Turkiye'

SENYAP Chairman of the Board, Hikmet Kose, said that after the election, there was a very serious capital inflow to invest from abroad to Turkey. They are looking for a place to invest in 'capitals, where to invest,' Kose said. They say, 'We must invest in Turkey'. Currently, the most investment demand comes from Europe. Since Turkiye is the closest and most ready market, there is a serious demand. They took action immediately after the election," he said.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 14:33 (UTC+04:00)

By News Center

While the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka Dam in the Russian-controlled Kherson region caused a major humanitarian disaster, President Erdogan's proposal entered the world's agenda at the top of the list. President Erdogan met with Putin and Zelenski on the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam in Kherson and called on the parties to establish an international commission to investigate the explosion.

In the Russian-controlled Kherson region in the south of Ukraine, a huge dam was destroyed and the waters were released.

The Ukrainian military and NATO accused Russia of 'blowing up the dam'. The Kremlin blamed the Ukrainian government for the incident.

The collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam has been called the biggest man-made disaster in Europe since Chornobyl in 1986. While millions were following the developments in the region, President Erdogan's proposal entered the world's agenda in the first place.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski.

During the meeting, Erdogan stated that carrying out a comprehensive investigation of the explosion is important and that there was no room for suspicion.

Expressing that a commission could be established with the participation of Russian and Ukrainian experts, the United Nations, and the international community, including Turkiye, President Erdogan stated that Turkiye is ready to do its part in this context.

Al-Monitor announced this development to its readers with the headline 'Turkish President Erdogan called Putin and Zelenskyy, and Ukraine offered mediation in the dam crisis'.

"In his first international phone calls after taking office, Erdogan tried to expand his country's role as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv," the report said.

"Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Putin on Wednesday that a comprehensive investigation into the dam's collapse is needed," said the British Guardian newspaper.

Israel-based The Jerusalem Post underlined that Erdogan had met with both leaders and stated that Erdogan offered to establish a commission.

"President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, suggested the establishment of an international commission to investigate the failure of the dam," Al Arabiya said.

In the news, it was underlined that Turkiye is the only NATO member country that has good relations with both Ukraine and Russia.

Japanese NHK gave the following statement in its news titled 'The President of Turkiye said that the commission should investigate the Ukrainian dam demolition';

'Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a comprehensive investigation into the destruction of a hydroelectric power plant in southern Ukraine.'

The Times of Israel headlined 'Erdogan told Zelenski that an international investigation should be opened for dam demolition'.

The report stated that Erdogan stated that the officials to take part in the investigation could be determined by Russia, Ukraine, the UN, and Turkiye.

Australia-based ABC underlined that Erdogan met with the President of both Ukraine and Russia.

In the same news, it was reported that Erdogan proposed to both leaders to establish a commission to resolve the crisis.

Arab News appeared before its readers with the headline 'Erdogan suggested investigating the collapsed dam in the Zelenski meeting'.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 15:18 (UTC+04:00)

European companies sell electronic products to third countries, from where they are then re-exported to Russia, said a State Department spokesman.

Azernews reports, citing reliable sources that Jim O'Brien, head of the Office for the Coordination of Sanctions of the State Department, believes that the supply of microchips and key electronic components to Russia, which the West tried to block with sanctions, has returned to the level before the beginning of 2022, and a number of countries are helping the Russian Federation in this. including post-Soviet ones. The European edition of the newspaper Politico wrote about this.

O'Brien believes that European companies sell electronic products to third countries, from where they are then re-exported to Russia. We are talking about microchips, processors, electronic circuit boards that are necessary to create modern weapons systems.

As one of the key countries that contribute to the circumvention of sanctions, the State Department names Armenia.

Earlier, the influential publication The Economist accused Armenia of similar acts .

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 15:57 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijans Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva received Tobias Lorentzson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Stating that Armenia has not yet provided information on the fate of nearly 4,000 of our compatriots who disappeared in the First Karabakh War, the Ombudswoman noted that Armenia is responsible for the gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. She also noted that during the period of occupation by Armenia, landmine terrorism was carried out on the lands of Azerbaijan, planted landmines created a serious obstacle to the safe return to the liberated territories and to the large-scale reconstruction and construction works. The Ombudswoman invited Sweden to participate in the demining process in the liberated territories.

The commissioner said that fact-finding missions were carried out in order to investigate facts related to violations of the norms and principles of international humanitarian law by Armenia during the war and post-war period, on-site investigations were conducted, and reports and statements based on the obtained factual materials were prepared and sent to the relevant international human rights institutions. The ombudswoman drew attention to the fact that the perpetrators of war crimes have not yet been brought to justice, which creates the basis for the recurrence of such cases.

Prospects for future cooperation in the field of protection of human rights, including gender equality, were also discussed at the meeting.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 23:50 (UTC+04:00)

Saudi Arabia will continue to work to prevent the resurgence of ISIS again, the Kingdoms Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan says in a speech at the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on Thursday, Azernews reports, citing Al Arabiya.

The Kingdom believes in the need to confront terrorism and extremist ideology, he said, adding that it is necessary to dry up the sources of financing for ISIS.

Saudi Arabia will make every effort to pursue ISIS wherever it is, the minister said. Coordinated efforts to root out terrorism will continue, he added in his speech.

He also urged countries around the world to work together to spread the values of tolerance and dialogue.

So I would say to those countries, you must step up, you must take up responsibilities, being part of a coalition means working together, Prince Faisal said.

His statements came during a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which the Kingdom is co-hosting with the United States.

For his part, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the United States commitment to defeating ISIS and eradicating terrorist groups.

However, he warned that Afghanistan and some African countries continue to witness an increase in ISIS attacks.

He also warned that keeping foreign ISIS militants in camps may lead to their resurgence, and all foreign militants must be repatriated to their home countries, which he says is an important step in dismantling the al-Hol camp in Syria.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of the ministerial meeting, and the two vowed to work together to advance stability, security, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond, the State Department said late Tuesday.

According to State Department Spokesman Matt Miller, the US secretary expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabias leadership in hosting the upcoming Defeat ISIS meeting and stressed the importance of continued efforts to fight terrorism.

In 2014, ISIS fighters seized Iraqi cities and declared a self-styled caliphate in a large swath of territory in Syria and Iraq. The group was formally declared defeated in 2017 following a three-year bloody battle that left tens of thousands dead, but its sleeper cells continue to hide across the world.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00)

Actis LLP and Edra Power Holdings Sdn Bhd revived their interests in buying a major Egyptian power plant, in a deal that may be worth about $2 billion and would boost the North African nations troubled economy, Azernews reports, citing Al Arabiya.

Both companies intend to enter offers to purchase as much as full ownership and operate the facility thats located in Beni Suef, south of Cairo, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified as the deliberations are private. The firms expressed interest in 2019 for a mooted sale that didnt materialize.

The plant is one of three co-built by Siemens AG with a total capacity of 14.4 gigawatts that were inaugurated by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in mid-2018 as the latest in a series of ambitious megaprojects. Now its on the auction block, as the Middle Easts most populous nation races to shrink the states economic footprint and secure badly needed foreign currency.

Egypt is seeking to offload parts of more than two dozen state-owned companies and assets, with Cairos energy-rich Gulf Arab allies expected to be the main buyers. But a pact with London-headquartered Actis or Edra of Malaysia would be a welcome infusion of capital from outside the region and potentially the highest-valued individual deal of all.

Actis declined to comment. Edra, which is a subsidiary of China General Nuclear Power Corp., didnt respond to a request for comment.

The three plants cost 6 billion ($6.4 billion) to build, with financ-ing mainly coming from a consortium led by Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Holdings Plc, and KfW-IPEX Bank AG.

The state-owned Egyptian Electricity Holding Co. paid about 85 percentof the three power plants costs with the loan from the banking consortium backed by a sovereign guarantee.

A new buyer would assume responsibility for financial dues on the plant, according to the people familiar with the plans, helping Egypt ease one of the Middle Easts largest debt burdens. The $2 billion valuation includes debt on the facility, meaning the government would likely receive less than that sum for the sale.

Authorities have alerted the lenders to the potential deal and are awaiting their clearance before sending the so-called request for proposal to Actis and Edra, the people said.

A power-purchasing agreement would also be signed with the company, which would sell the electricity produced to the government.

Egypts sovereign wealth fund said in 2019 it may acquire a stake of about 30 percent in the plants, with international investors taking the rest.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz




Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is to visit the residence of Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming on Thursday for a dinner meeting expected to discuss Japan's planned release of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.







The meeting comes as the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol has been seeking to bring Korea closer to the United States and Japan in a key policy departure from the preceding Moon Jae-in administration.







During Thursday's meeting, Lee and the Chinese envoy are also expected to discuss efforts to increase economic cooperation, strengthen public diplomacy and reduce negative public sentiments against each other's country.







Lee is also expected to ask for Beijing's role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.







Also Thursday, Lee's ruling party counterpart, Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon of the People Power Party, is scheduled to hold a meeting with Japanese Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi at the National Assembly, where the Fukushima issue is also expected to be a key topic. (Yonhap)


8 June 2023 20:45 (UTC+04:00)

Australia is moving to ban public displays of Nazi symbols with stricter laws, the nations top law enforcement officer said Thursday, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the laws are "well-targeted and effective.

"There is absolutely no place within Australia for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust, he added.

Canberra's move comes few months after an incident in which the National Socialist Network, a far-right group, did the Nazi Sieg Heil salute during a demonstration on the steps of the Parliament in Victoria.

Dreyfus emphasized that the legislation was the outcome of careful consultations conducted with law enforcement agencies and individuals who have been victims of racial hatred.

"We are determined to put an end to the profiteering associated with the exhibition and sale of items that celebrate the Nazis and their abhorrent ideology, he added.

In March, the ruling Labor party dismissed an attempt by the coalition to outlaw Nazi insignia. Instead, they opted to subject the proposal to a parliamentary inquiry, aiming to stem any unanticipated repercussions.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 June 2023 15:33 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Gastronomic tourism has become one of the fastest growing innovative tourism sectors, which positively impacts the economy and fosters entrepreneurship.

Another advantage of gastronomic tourism is that it can be a great way to explore new cultures and experience authentic local cuisines.

World-famed for its food, Azerbaijan is now taking decisive steps in the gastronomic tourism world. The country offers a wide variety of gastronomic opportunities.

The country has been consistently working to promote the country's culinary heritage through a number of initiatives.

A press conference on "Azerbaijan's Gastronomic Tourism Prospects" has provided more details on this tourism form, Azernews reports.

Head of the State Tourism Board's (ATB) Gastronomy Tourism Management Sakina Asgarova noted that multi-directional works have been carried out to promote Azerbaijan as a gastronomy destination.

In her speech, Sakina Asgarova emphasized that the National Culinary Center has done major work for the research, preservation and promotion of national cuisine samples. Currently, work is being continued in the direction of supporting the activities of young professional chefs through various educational programs.

"It is no secret that Azerbaijani cuisine is distinguished by its unique tastes. Gastro tourism is known worldwide as a unique tourism form. The number of tourists in search of gastronomic tours as well as new tastes is increasing in the world experience. They are visiting other countries in search of new culinary tastes. All these make gastro tourism an important tourism form," she said.

Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency Azada Huseynova and the Chairman Adviser Kanan Guluzade spoke about the work done by the agency on the development of gastronomy tourism.

A new strategic approach has been introduced by the State Tourism Agency (ASTA) regarding the development of gastronomy in Azerbaijan. Major work is being done to promote the forgotten national dishes.

Azada Huseynova noted that dolma and kebab remain among the most popular national dishes. However, Azerbaijani cuisine has much more to offer food lovers.

The State Tourism Agency seeks to promote traditional food recipes that are being forgotten.

"For this purpose, the work is being done with a number of institutions. Initially, were intended to organize several pilot trips. Later, this project will also be open for business and our guests will get to know our forgotten dishes," said Azada Huseynova.

The Culinary Days are planned to be held in Shusha this year. The Gastronomy Center will be built in Tugh village.

Recall that the First Shusha International Culinary Festival was co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the State Tourism Agency in Shusha last year.

The culinary festival gathered chefs from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Germany, Austria, China, France, South Korea, Israel, Italy, Japan, Belgium, Czech Republic and other countries.

The State Tourism Agency pays special attention to culinary taste of tourists.

"Some time ago, when we conducted work on attracting Chinese tourists to the country, it became clear that they only want to taste the dishes of their own cuisine in the countries they visit. That is why we are working in this direction with our gastronomes," said ASTA Deputy Chairman.

Work is also underway on the street food concept in Azerbaijan.

"Turkish doner and lahmacun are mostly known as street food in our country. Now we are working on a national street food concept, which mainly focuses on different types of qutab," she said.

The State Tourism Agency plans to open qutab food points in Israel and Turkiye.

In conclusion, the conference participants responded to several questions of journalists.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
An Alaska fishing adventure became a nightmare for a family of eight when the wreckage of one of the two boats theyd chartered over the Memorial Day weekend was found partially submerged off an island. The frantic search for survivors has only brought tragedy to the Tyau family. Two sisters and one of their husbands are dead. The others partner and the boat captain remain missing in the waters off southeast Alaska four days after the boat didnt return Sunday. Authorities suspended a 20-hour search covering 825 square miles on Monday. They have no plans to resume it.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter.
Kim Eui-cheol, CEO of Korea's public broadcaster KBS, speaks during a press conference at KBS Hall in Seoul, June 8. Yonhap



The chief of Korea's public broadcaster KBS said Thursday he will resign if the government withdraws its decision to separate the collection of television license fees from electricity bills, a move that would deprive the broadcaster of a key source of revenue.



KBS CEO Kim Eui-cheol, who was appointed under the previous Moon Jae-in administration, made the remark after the presidential office said Monday it has recommended the state broadcasting watchdog and the industry ministry amend laws to separate the state broadcaster's license fees from electricity bills.



KBS has charged a monthly fee of 2,500 won ($1.91) to all households since 1994, and the fee has been embedded in monthly electricity bills and collected by state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp., a measure that ensures all households pay the fee.



But if the fee is separated from the electricity bills, many households are expected to refuse to pay the fee, leaving KBS without a key source of revenue.



"If I am the problem because I was appointed as CEO under the previous administration, I will put my CEO position down," Kim said during a press conference at KBS Hall in Seoul. "I hope the president will immediately withdraw the separation of license fee collection. I will step down as soon as it is withdrawn."



Kim raised concerns that the fee separation would deal a blow to its revenue structure.



"If that happens, KBS would face a crisis in fulfilling its public duties. I think preventing this is the most important responsibility as CEO," he said.



Kim requested a meeting with President Yoon Suk Yeol and proposed forming a committee involving KBS, the Korea Communications Commission and the industry ministry to discuss the issue. (Yonhap)


Physician shortages are heating up competition for both surgical and nonsurgical specialists. One way to stay competitive is through signing bonuses.

Less than half of newly hired physicians were offered signing bonuses as part of their contract, according to MGMA's 34th annual DataDive Provider Compensation report. Signing bonuses were more common among physicians who had been in practice for a while before switching employers.

Five notes:

1. Nearly 46 percent of physicians were offered signing bonuses in 2022.

2. The average signing bonus for surgical and nonsurgical specialists was $25,000.

3. For physicians just starting their careers, 21.9 percent were offered signing bonuses.

4. The median bonus for physicians entering their first role was $30,000 for surgical specialists.

5. About one-third of physicians who were offered a signing bonus but did not start employment with the practice after signing the contract were required to pay back the full bonus amount. Forty-six percent of the physicians who accepted a signing bonus but did not work at that employer had a prorated payback.
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul, May 23. Yonhap



President Yoon Suk Yeol is weighing replacing around 10 vice ministers as early as next week to give a boost to key state projects in his administration's second year in office, officials said Thursday.



The ministries under consideration for a reshuffle include the ministries of finance, foreign affairs, unification, defense, the interior, culture, environment, land and oceans. The Office for Government Policy Coordination is also reportedly on the list.



"A vice ministerial level reshuffle is being planned, and it's not going to be small in scope," a key presidential official told Yonhap News Agency.



The reshuffle could affect more than half the 19 government ministries, with some having both their first and second vice ministers replaced, the official said.



The new appointees will likely be chosen from among those who have familiarized themselves with the Yoon government's administrative philosophies so that they can spearhead the push to implement key administrative tasks and bring renewed vigor to the ministries.



"It appears that the reshuffle has been finalized internally, with only the fine tuning left," another official told Yonhap News Agency. "It could be announced next week."



Yoon is reportedly considering nominating the new chief of the state broadcasting watchdog around the same time.



Lee Dong-kwan, a special adviser to the president and former senior presidential secretary for press affairs under the Lee Myung-bak administration, has reportedly been picked to head the Korea Communications Commission.



Meanwhile, a reshuffle of vice ministers will likely lead to a partial reorganization of the presidential office as some of its members are appointed vice ministers. (Yonhap)


Bristol, Va.-based physician and former clinic owner Ralph Reach, MD, has been sentenced to six months of prison for three drug charges.

In March, Dr. Reach, who owned three buprenorphine clinics in Virginia and Tennessee, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing drugs to be misbranded while held for sale, according to a June 7 Justice Department news release.

According to the report, he induced various quantities of Schedule III and IV prescription drugs to be dispensed without valid prescriptions by the providers at his clinic. The drugs were prescribed without a legitimate medical purpose and beyond the bounds of professional practice.

He is sentenced to six months to be followed by 18 months of home detention. He was also ordered to forfeit $50,000 and pay a $100,000 fine.
St. Louis-based Ascension has reached an agreement to transfer ownership of its Binghamton, N.Y.-based Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital and its affiliated facilities, including an ASC, to the Sayre, Pa.-based Guthrie Clinic, according to a June 8 report from Spectrum News.

The transaction will include all of Lourdes' services, facilities, providers and associates, including an ASC, a cancer center, a health and wellness center and a 24-hour care facility.

The deal is expected to close by early 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. Guthrie and Lourdes will operate independently until then.

No further details of the transaction have been released, according to the report.
As costs rise and the industry increasingly consolidates, physician practices are increasingly looking to hospitals, health systems and commercial groups for financial security, according to a report published June 7 by the American Hospital Association.

Here are five major reasons physicians are looking to hospitals amid consolidation:

1. Managing a practice is increasingly difficult

Ninety-four percent of physicians said it has become more financially and administratively difficult to operate a practice, according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the AHA. Additionally, final-year medical students said hospital employment was the practice setting they were most open to pursuing.

As the healthcare industry consolidates, accessing economies of scale for physician practices is becoming increasingly difficult.

2. The administrative burden of private-payer policies

It is difficult for small practices to manage the complexity of payer policy  84 percent of employed physicians said administrative burdens from commercial payers and government insurance programs had an effect on their employment decision, according to the AHA survey.

In the same survey, 81 percent of physicians said payer policies interfered with practicing medicine.

Additionally, 88 percent of physicians said the burden of prior authorizations was high or extremely high, according to a March survey by the American Medical Association.

3. The burden of public-payer regulations

Policies such as the Promoting Interoperability Program, which requires eligible professionals to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology to avoid payment penalties, are also burdensome.

The program requires physicians to provide electronic access to their health information, which is difficult for many practices, particularly smaller providers, the report said.

4. Escalating costs

Managing a physician practice includes more costs in the digital age, including maintaining EHR records, patient portal and billing and claims submissions. Additionally, staffing costs and rent are increasing.

According to the AMA survey, physicians and staff report spending an average of nearly two business days per week completing prior authorizations.

Additionally, 3 out of 4 physicians said low public reimbursement rates are affecting their ability to practice medicine.

5. Changing physician practice patterns

Physician practices are also being increasingly bought up by commercial groups over hospitals. In 2023, CVS Health acquired Oak Street Health and Signify Health in deals that were valued at nearly $20 billion combined, while Optum is the largest employer of physicians with a portfolio of 70,000 workers.

Commercial groups that purchase physician practices are subject to fewer regulatory requirements, according to the report.
New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian was named in a civil lawsuit that alleges Zhi Alan Cheng, MD, a gastroenterologist who previously practiced at the health system's Flushing, N.Y., location, drugged and sexually assaulted a patient.

Dr. Cheng was employed by NewYork-Presbyterian between July 2020 and December 2022. According to a complaint filed June 7, a 19-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room with gallstone-induced abdominal pain. On June 21, 2021, two days after she was admitted, Dr. Cheng allegedly examined the victim without other staff present, performing an invasive and unnecessary rectal examination under the guise of medical treatment, according to a June 6 news release from attorneys representing the patient.

The woman then allegedly informed hospital staff that an Asian male physician, the same physician who had seen her earlier that day, entered her room and gave her a painful injection that caused her to lose consciousness. The hospital staff conducted a lineup of male employees and the plaintiff identified Dr. Cheng, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit accuses NewYork-Presbyterian of not making notes about the lineup in medical records, failing to notify police, and not suspending or terminating Dr. Cheng. The hospital is also accused of not collecting forensic evidence, failing to test the plaintiff's blood to determine what she was injected with, and failing to offer her sufficient and timely support services.

Separately, in December 2022, a woman with whom Dr. Cheng had an intimate relationship allegedly found videos of him sedating and sexually assaulting her on several occasions. She notified authorities, and Dr. Cheng was arrested Dec. 27. Police then found videos of additional sexual assaults after searching his electronic devices, including the assault on the 19-year-old plaintiff in this case, according to the release.

On Dec. 30, Dr. Cheng was indicted by a grand jury and charged with rape, assault, unlawful surveillance and sexual abuse, among other charges. The criminal case remains open and pending.

NewYork-Presbyterian told Becker's that Dr. Cheng was placed off duty, banned from hospital property and terminated as soon as the district attorney informed the health system of the allegations of sexual abuse against him.

"The crimes committed by this individual are heinous, despicable and a fundamental betrayal of our mission and our patients' trust. We are appalled and deeply saddened by what these victims and their families have endured," NewYork-Presbyterian said in a statement shared with Becker's. "We have numerous stringent patient safety policies and protocols in place. Our exhaustive review of this matter included an analysis of compliance with those policies, as well as the immediate implementation of additional training for all employees. At the same time, we have been examining the full breadth of our protections to identify any opportunities for further strengthening, in line with our unwavering commitment to the highest standard of patient safety and care."
Cleveland, Texas-based Texas Emergency Hospital is the most expensive hospital to receive a colonoscopy in the state while William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital in Dallas is the least expensive, according to information from data analytics company Hospital Pricing Specialists.

Hospital Pricing Specialists created an annual pricing survey that analyzed more than 5,000 U.S. hospitals by examining hospital machine-readable files and public claims. The goal of the survey was to analyze the effects of the price transparency law on CMS-defined shoppable codes, according to a May 25 email to Becker's from the company.

Here is the pricing data for CMS shoppable code CPT 45380-Colonoscopy at the 10 most expensive hospitals in Texas to have the procedure done:

1. $64,433  Texas Emergency Hospital (Cleveland)

2. $46,483  The Woodlands Specialty Hospital

3. $25,163  Altus Houston Hospital

4. $24,286  Rio Grande Regional Hospital (McAllen)

5. $15,900  Covenant Medical Center (Lubbock)

6. $15,000  Crescent Medical Center Lancaster (Lancaster)

7. $14,234  Resolute Health Hospital (New Braunfels)

8. $12,558  Christus Trinity Clinic (Jacksonville)

9. $11,771  Baptist Medical Center (San Antonio)

10. $11,510  Medical City Denton

Here is the pricing data for CMS shoppable code CPT 45380-Colonoscopy at the 10 least expensive hospitals in Texas to have the procedure done:

1. $500  Jackson County Hospital District (Edna)

2. $875  Coleman County Medical Center (Coleman)

3 (tie). $1,000  W.J. Mangold Memorial Hospital (Lockney)

3 (tie). $1,000  Hunt Regional Medical Center (Greenville)

5. $1,068  Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (Sweetwater)

6. $1,100  Columbus Community Hospital

7. $1,181  Palo Pinto General Hospital (Mineral Wells)

8. $1,326  Pampa Regional Medical Center

9. $1,347  St. Mark's Medical Center (La Grange)

10. $1,409  Houston Methodist Hospital
Bolivia, N.C.-based Brunswick Community College is set to launch a dental assisting program Aug. 9.

The 24-week program's coursework will include general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences and clinical practice, according to a May 30 news release from the school.

At the end of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant exam.

The program was created to address the lack of dental assistants and improve dental care in the region, the release said.
Walmart Health opened three new clinics in Jacksonville, Fla., starting June 6 as the company continues its push into retail healthcare, the Florida Times-Union reported.

The retail giant now has more than 30 Walmart Health centers across Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois and Texas, with plans to grow to 77 by the end of 2024 and expand into Arizona and Missouri.

Florida is one of Walmart Health's biggest markets, with 22 coming to the state by fall 2023. They are also located in the Orlando and Tampa metro areas. They include medical, dental, vision, hearing and behavioral health services.

"With only one primary care doctor per 1,380 Florida residents, these Walmart Health centers will help address the demand for care in three major cities in the Sunshine State," David Carmouche, MD, senior vice president of omnichannel care offerings for Walmart, said in a 2022 Times-Union story. "We are part of these communities, and we are excited to bring more options for in-person and telehealth care services to our neighbors. We're making healthcare available when and where you may need it."
Cortez, Colo.-based Southwest Memorial Hospital will temporarily shutter its family birthing center beginning July 1.

Southwest Health System made the decision after "careful consideration," according to a June 7 news release shared with Becker's. The health system cited financial and "manpower" difficulties.

The news release said it is harder to keep labor and delivery units open in rural areas due to reimbursement cuts, an aging population and declining birth volumes that lower demand, and difficulty recruiting OB-GYNs and family physicians.

"We empathize with the expectant mothers in our community who were planning to give birth here at SHS in the coming months," said David Faulkner, the health system's interim CEO. "We are committed to work with patients to find a birthing center in our region to meet their delivery needs."

The hospital does not have an estimated date to reopen the unit, a representative told Becker's.
Quincy, Mass.-based Compass Medical Group has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy less than one week after it abruptly closed and discontinued services to about 70,000 patients, according to The Patriot Ledger.

The bankruptcy filing comes after a class-action suit was filed June 2 against Compass, which includes more than 70 providers and six clinic locations, according to its website. The bankruptcy filing claims that Compass will have no money to pay unsecured creditors after administrative expenses are paid.

"It's certainly a disappointing legal tactic that they're taking," Jonathan Sweet, an attorney representing the plaintiff, told The Patriot Ledger. "It's going to delay things. It's disappointing, but not shocking, that they're hiding behind bankruptcy laws to avoid responsibility for the harm they've caused."

Compass was previously affiliated with Steward Medical Group  part of Boston-based Steward Health Care  but the partnership ended in lawsuits filed over financial issues in 2022. Compass was found guilty of fraud and Steward was awarded $16.4 million, which remains unpaid and has grown to $25 million in the interim, according to Steward's attorney.

"It is with our deepest regret and great sadness to inform you of our imminent plan to close our practices. After a steady stream of challenges, we were ultimately forced to make the devastating decision to close all offices of Compass Medical, effective immediately. There is no good way to share this news. We are heartbroken and truly sorry as we know the unprecedented impact on our valued patients," Compass said in a statement on its website.

Compass did not respond to Becker's request for comment.
Health systems are ramping up investments in ambulatory surgery centers and forming joint ventures with outpatient partners to accelerate the development of new centers. The trend is picking up steam as complex procedures increasingly move to ASCs, which are steadily growing as the preferred site of service for physicians, patients and payers.

Tenet Healthcare, one of the largest for-profit health systems in the country, has been paying close attention to outpatient migration for years and has cemented itself as the leader in the ASC space. It now operates more than 445 ASCs  the most of any health system  and 24 surgical hospitals, according to its first-quarter earnings report.

United Surgical Partners International, Tenet's ASC company, strengthened its footing in the ASC market after its $1.2 billion acquisition of Towson, Md.-based SurgCenter Development and its more than 90 ASCs in December 2021. Over the next several years, USPI will inject more than $250 million into ASC mergers and acquisitions and work with SurgCenter to develop at least 50 more ASCs, according to terms of the transaction.

The SurgCenter acquisition was completed shortly after Tenet sold five Florida hospitals to Dallas-based Steward Health Care for $1.1 billion. In 2022, Tenet also acquired Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White Health's 5 percent equity position in USPI to own 100 percent of the company's voting shares and paid $78 million to acquire ownership of eight Compass Surgical Partners ASCs.

These ASC investments and hospital sales make it clear that CEO Saum Sutaria, MD, sees surgery centers to become Tenet's main growth driver in the coming years. Dr. Sutaria has described USPI as the company's "gem for the future," and aims to have 575 to 600 ASCs by the end of 2025.

While Tenet continues to increase its ASC market share, its closest competitor is Deerfield, Ill.-based SCA Health, which UnitedHealth Group's Optum acquired for $2.3 billion several years ago.

SCA has more than 320 ASCs, but has expanded its focus on value-based care under Optum and is doubling down on supporting physicians across the specialty care continuum rather than operating as an ASC company "singularly focused on partnering with surgeons in their ASCs," SCA CEO Caitlin Zulla told Becker's.

While Tenet may operate the most ASCs among health systems, it lags behind Optum in terms of the number of physicians it employs. Optum is now affiliated with more than 70,000 physicians, making it the largest employer of physicians in the country, and is continuing to add to that through mergers and acquisitions.

Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, another for-profit system, employs or is affiliated with more than 47,000 physicians, but is also ramping up its surgery center portfolio. HCA comprises 2,300 ambulatory care facilities, including more than 150 ASCs, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics, according to its first-quarter earnings report.

Like Tenet and Optum, HCA is heavily focused on expanding its outpatient portfolio. The company ended 2021 with 125 ASCs, four more than it had at the end of 2020, and added more than 25 ASCs last year. It is focused on both developing and acquiring surgery centers in the coming years.

The other big ASC operators include Nashville, Tenn.-based AmSurg, with more than 250 surgery centers, and Brentwood, Tenn.-based Surgery Partners, with more than 120 centers. Surgery Partners spent about $250 million on ASCs acquisitions last year and recently signed collaboration agreements with two large health systems - Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health and Columbus-based OhioHealth.

Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente has 62 freestanding ASCs and outpatient surgery departments on its hospital campuses, a spokesperson for the health system told Becker's.
Turkiye's Erdogan discusses Ukrainian crisis with Putin

Xinhua) 14:13, June 08, 2023

ANKARA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone talk with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and discussed the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Erdogan stressed that the continuation of consultations with the United Nations to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizer would be beneficial, said a statement published by Erdogan's office.

The Turkish president said the whole world attaches importance to the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets, underlining that the agreement they established through joint efforts plays a vital role in tackling the global food crisis.

Erdogan emphasized that Turkiye is determined to continue to make necessary efforts to establish a just peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering aid to investigate the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in southern Ukraine.

In July 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkiye and the United Nations on grain and fertilizer exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis.

The memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations on the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertilizer is a parallel agreement with the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

While the exports of Ukrainian grain have made strides, Russia has constantly expressed displeasure with the lack of progress in the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertilizer.

The initiative, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for another 120 days till March 18, 2023. At that point, Russia only agreed to extend the deal for 60 days, till May 18, 2023. On May 17, Russia agreed to extend the deal for another 60 days.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) President Kim Dong-myeong, second from right, and other federation members chant slogans during a press conference criticizing the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's labor policy in front of the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap



Tripartite negotiating body becomes useless



By Nam Hyun-woo



President Yoon Suk Yeol's labor reform drive appears to be losing momentum after one of the two largest umbrella unions in the country decided to boycott official talks with management and the government, threatening to stage a full-scale protest against the Yoon administration, which it claims "shows hostility against all workers and reacts only with suppression."



"If we don't stop the madness of the Yoon administration, bloody suppressions of workers will continue and result in adversity for all Koreans, including 25 million workers," the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) President Kim Dong-myeong said during a press conference in front of the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul.



The press conference came a day after the FKTU's executive committee decided to boycott the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), which is a presidential panel promoting trilateral dialogue between labor, management and the government and is also the only official communication channel between the three parties.



The FKTU, which has approximately 1.2 million members, has been the only labor group participating in the ESLC, after the more militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) left the council's predecessor in 1999. Conservative governments, therefore, have viewed the FKTU as the more reasonable partner for talks.



However, the FKTU did not participate in a trilateral dialogue on June 1 after police apprehended Kim Joon-young, general secretary of the FKTU-affiliated Federation of Korean Metal Workers' Trade Unions, on May 31 for obstruction of justice by using force to resist an attempt by law enforcement officials to end his sit-in strike on a seven-meter-high steel structure in front of steelmaker POSCO's mill in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province. During the police crackdown, Kim suffered an injury to his head.



Although the FKTU did not completely exit the trilateral council, it left to its head the authority to decide on a walkout, signaling that it will be difficult to see progress as long as Yoon keeps trying to reform Korea's labor market and militant unions.



In response to the FKTU's boycott, the presidential office said it will not step back from its labor reform drive.



An official at the presidential office said the arrested union member "resisted by using sickles and batons And who will view this as a proper form of resistance?"



"The ESLC is important, but the administration will not change its labor policy principle just to retain the council. Efforts for a disciplined execution of the law and improving unions' financial transparency will not be affected by illegal strikes," the official added.



The ESLC has been a vehicle for discussions and agreements for major labor schemes, such as the five-day, 52-hour cap on the workweek. Considering the fact that Yoon has been seeking to overhaul the 52-hour workweek system to give more flexibility to employers, discussions with labor unions at the ESLC were viewed as one of the necessary processes.



As the FKTU boycotts the dialogue, however, the council will be unable to seek the agreement of unions.



The law on the ESLC stipulates that the council can hold a plenary meeting when two out of four representatives, each from the government, management and labor, are present. Among representatives from labor, two are FKTU members and two are recommended by the umbrella union.





Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Lee Jae-myung, center, poses with young leaders of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions during a meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
Children's Hospital New Orleans has tapped Matthew Timmons as its new senior vice president and chief operating officer.

Mr. Timmons will assume his new role in June, according to a May 30 news release from the hospital. He joined the hospital in January as interim chief administrative and chief strategy officer. Previously, he served as vice president of Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.

Children's Hospital New Orleans is a member of LCMC Health, also based in New Orleans.
Laureen Driscoll, MSN, RN, was named chief executive for the Providence South Division, which includes 17 hospitals in Northern and Southern California.

Ms. Driscoll will begin in the role June 8, according to a news release. She has served as the interim executive for the past five months.

Ms. Driscoll began her healthcare career as a nurse before moving into administrative leadership positions, according to the release. Before serving in the interim role for the Providence south division, she was chief executive for Providence's Northern California region. She also previously served as president of Tacoma General and Allenmore Hospitals, part of Tacoma, Wash.-based MultiCare Health System.

Providence is a 51-hospital national, nonprofit Catholic health system based in Renton, Wash.
New Brunswick, N.J.-based Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital promoted Alan Lee from chief operating officer to president, effective June 7.

Mr. Lee joined the hospital in fall 2021, according to a June 8 news release. He previously held leadership roles at New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian in 2009, including the chief operating officer position at NYP Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

The hospital is a member of West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health.
A motorcycle crash in April led to the death of the chief medical officer of Florida State University. Now the Tallahassee-based school is honoring Daniel Van Durme, MD, with a scholarship in his name, CBS affiliate WCTV reported.

Scholarships from the donor-supported fund will be awarded to medical students who "embody Dr. Van Durme's commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered care that is responsive to community needs, with a special focus on underserved communities, including minorities, the elderly and rural residents," the scholarship webpage states.

"His influence in the community is expansive, exemplified in many ways by the grassroots effort he undertook to engage medically underserved residents and neighborhoods in the development of the new primary care center," Alma Littles, MD, the interim dean of the Florida State University College of Medicine said in a statement shared with Becker's. "He mentored thousands of family physicians during his careers with the University of South Florida and FSU colleges of medicine. Dr. Van Durme's leadership, friendship and larger-than-life personality leave an indelible void."

Dr. Van Durme's funeral is set for June 10, according to WCTV.
Sachin Jain, MD, CEO of SCAN Health Plan and adjunct professor at Stanford (Calif.) University School of Medicine, posed a question to LinkedIn on June 6: What healthcare jargon do you find most confusing or unhelpful?

His top three answers? The terms "provider," "whole-person" and anything that includes "centric."

Here's what five other healthcare leaders said:

Lisa Schaffner, PhD. Vice President of Care Analytics at Highmark Health (Pittsburgh): Social determinants of health, which has become shorthand for describing social factors which can negatively impact health and health care outcomes. Over 40 years of research on the topic has demonstrated that there are also social factors which are positively correlated with our health status and outcomes of care!

Benjamin Maisano. Former Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at Atlantic Health System (Morristown, N.J.):

1. "Engagement"  So you send text messages or is this something else?

2. "Referrals"  this is really just a note to the patient saying "sorry I can't help you, but good luck booking with the next guy."

3. "Professional billing"  as opposed to those non-professionals who are dropping bills?

4. "Risk-adjusted value-based retrospective episode of care program"  ?!?

Ophelia Byers, DNP, APRN. Chief Nursing Officer at Overlook Medical Center (Summit, N.J.): More than the words themselves is the lack of effective structures and functions that could give the words more depth and clarity. For example: Too many leaders, in healthcare and other industries, throw around important words and concepts, like "engagement," "empathy," "well-being," and "safety", with no real analysis or concrete way forward.

Peter Peter, PharmD. Director of Pharmacy at Texas Children's Health Plan (Houston):

1. "For- profit" healthcare  It's a required service, costs will always go up, so profit needs will always go up, meaning...costs will always go up?

2. "Socialized medicine"  except Medicare for some reason?

3. The "free market" illusion  there are 4 major pharmacies, 3 major PBMs, 4 major hospitals, 5 major health plans, and no transparent drug prices. You're also stuck to your employer- sponsored insurance because the average "consumer" can't honestly make an "informed decision."

4. Rebate/discount card/percent billed charges  all ways to inflate the real cost to then negotiate down to an inflated cost so everyone can make a profit (except the patient needing the care).

Sandeep Palakodeti, MD. Former CMO of Population Health at University Hospitals (Cleveland): Co-pay, co-insurance, deductible, premium, health savings account, flexible savings account, open enrollment period, benefits, in/out-of-network, etc. Healthcare and our basic insurance model is so broken. I'm waiting for the innovative health plan that actually finds a way to just eliminate all the jargon.






A chief financial officer deals with the hospital's finances; a chief nursing officer manages its nurses. But from one enterprise to another, one role tends to vary more than most: the chief operating officer.

Becker's is touching base with healthcare COOs to illustrate what the job means to different health systems  starting with Juan Mejia, senior vice president and chief operating officer of NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital in New York City.

"At NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals, the COO role is charged with setting the campus strategy and ensuring our clinical and nonclinical teams are in line with the goals," Mr. Mejia told Becker's. "So we have the responsibility of leading the entire team together to make sure that we're moving in the right direction."

The COO is also the external-facing leader within the system, Mr. Mejia said; he frequently meets with elected officials or other community-based organizations to "ensure that our hospital is aligned with our local communities."

Here's what that looks like in action on a typical day for Mr. Mejia:

Morning meetings

The first thing Mr. Mejia does each day is watch the local news with a cup of coffee. As chief operating officer, it is important for him to understand any trending developments in New York City that could affect the hospital.

When he gets into the hospital, Mr. Mejia meets with his executive business associate to review the day's agenda and ensure they are on the same page.

Next is a "tiered huddle," a quick daily huddle with the hospital's leadership team. In less than 15 minutes, leaders from all departments identify any barriers, and discuss solutions, to address patient safety, employee or operational concerns for the day  from staffing to supply related items. These huddles occur seven days a week, and Mr. Mejia attends them as often as possible when he is in the hospital.

More meetings

Throughout the day, Mr. Mejia has numerous other meetings both at the Lower Manhattan Hospital and with the larger NewYork-Presbyterian executive team. Oftentimes, those meetings focus on finance, patient quality and safety, operational efficiency, employee engagement and "any initiative that impacts [the hospital]," according to Mr. Mejia.

NewYork-Presbyterian has locations across New York City, Hudson Valley and Westchester, N.Y.; as an enterprise, it sets very specific goals for each hospital campus, from finance to employee engagement. It is Mr. Mejia's job to "trickle those down to the Lower Manhattan Hospital" and its individual leadership team, he said. By this time of year, in June, the hospital's leadership team is evaluating its progress on goals set for 2023.

Throughout the week, Mr. Mejia rounds with hospital staff in different departments: directors, physicians, nurses, housekeepers.

"The reason I round with staff is to ensure that I am connected to what's happening on the floors," Mr. Mejia said. "What I don't want to do is just sit in the executive office, sit in meetings throughout the day and not have a connection to the front-line staff."

Sometimes the staff rounds are specific to patient safety or quality initiatives; other times, he does environmental rounds with support and facilities staff to see where there is opportunity for improvement. Mr. Mejia is currently concerned with the high turnover and burnout rates facing hospital staff, so in the past year, the hospital has introduced employee retention initiatives to provide feedback on what is working and what needs changing in employees' environments.

"My primary goal as a COO is to ensure we have systems in place to provide high-quality care to our patients and to ensure that we're supporting our amazing employees who are caring for patients around the clock," Mr. Mejia said.

The day's end

At the day's close, Mr. Mejia often attends meetings outside of the health system, where he represents the hospital in numerous community initiatives. As a community hospital in lower Manhattan, partnerships with local external organizations are important to ensure the entities are connected.

Mr. Mejia is sure to go to the gym often, a habit that allows him to listen to music, spend time by himself and piece together his thoughts about different happenings inside and outside the hospital.

A side-role centered in LGBTQ+ equity

In addition to his primary role as COO, Mr. Mejia serves as the executive lead on the health system's LGBTQ+ task force  a subcommittee of the larger diversity, equity and inclusion steering committee across the enterprise.

His team takes on various initiatives to improve circumstances for LGBTQ+ employees and patients across the enterprise. For example, they have modified, improved and implemented policies to ensure NewYork-Presbyterian is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ population; partnered with the talent development team to create staff e-training modules that address best practices in caring for LGBTQ+ patients; and collaborated with IT partners to modify the electronic medical record to ensure that fields and data collection are inclusive and appropriate for LGBTQ+ patients and families.

"The balance of it is easy," Mr. Mejia said of juggling both roles. "As a leader, the work that we lead influences the culture we have amongst our teams. The work for our LGBTQ+ staff, community and patients is really a subset of the greater compilation of the staff that we have, so it really fits in well with the culture we want to create across NewYork-Presbyterian."

"Although it's an additional task force I oversee, it's important work," Mr. Mejia said. "For me personally, as a gay man, I lead it with pride and it's an important pillar of a lot of the work we do here at the hospital."
Manchester, N.H.-based Catholic Medical Center may make leadership and internal quality changes based on the findings of an internal report prompted by a newspaper's investigation, New Hampshire Public Radio reported June 7.

The hospital commissioned the report from a law firm following a Boston Globe investigation into one of its top heart surgeons. The Globe reported that hospital leaders ignored or dismissed warning signs about Yvon Baribeau, MD, who accumulated 21 malpractice settlements related to his work at the hospital, including 14 linked to patient deaths.

The report was based on interviews with more than 90 employees and a review of more than 300,000 pages of documents. It found hospital leaders did not hold Dr. Baribeau accountable or subject him to greater oversight, but instead reacted defensively to malpractice allegations.

Those lawsuits "should have served as an early warning sign and triggered an in-depth analysis of organizational accountability and systemic opportunities for improvement," the report's authors, Susan Lapenta and Henry Casale, wrote. "Valuable time and credibility were lost in pursuit of that [defensive] strategy."

The report noted how hospital administrators took action against top medical personnel who spoke up against the heart surgeon, which staff saw as retaliatory. Those actions fostered distrust and "the perception of a culture of retaliation."

The report also identified flaws in the hospital's peer review process. In 2020, 17 malpractice claims against Dr. Baribeau were settled, and the report found there had been no peer review in eight of those cases.

The authors recommended restructuring the senior leadership team, making improvements to the peer review process and updating other internal quality management systems.

"I accept the findings of this independent review and I take responsibility for them, especially those areas where we have fallen short and could have done better," hospital President and CEO Alex Walker said in a statement that accompanied the report's release. "I am committed to building on the strengths identified in the report and working to implement the recommendations necessary for us to improve and move forward."

Read the full report here.
Members of the Oregon Nurses Association have called off their planned strike after reaching a tentative agreement with St. Charles Bend.

The union represents about 1,000 nurses at the hospital, according to a news release from the ONA. St. Charles Bend is part of St. Charles Health System, a four-hospital organization with more than 4,300 caregivers.

Union members voted to authorize a strike in May and subsequently issued a 10-day strike notice. The union and hospital began negotiating a new labor contract in December. During negotiations, both parties worked to reach a tentative deal by the June 12 strike deadline. A tentative agreement was reached on June 8.

"It has been clear since the beginning of our negotiations that the nurses of St. Charles were laser-focused on three core issues," Erin Harrington, RN, chair of the St. Charles Bargaining Unit Executive Committee, said in the union release. "Move St. Charles management to a contract that will recruit new nurses to work at our hospital, retain the excellent nurses who already work here, and respect nurses by protecting their legal right to rest and meal breaks, and ensuring we keep our jobs should St. Charles be sold. This agreement does all of these things and more."

Union members must still approve the tentative agreement for it to be finalized. If approved, the agreement will include "historic wage increases which are key to the recruitment of new nurses," the ONA said.

According to the union, the tentative agreement includes the following provisions related to pay:

The hourly starting base wage for a nurse holding a BSN will increase nearly $17 over the life of the contract.

The average base wage for nurses currently on steps 1 through 5 will increase by 48 percent over the life of the contract, including steps and negotiated increases to the wage scale.

The union said the contract also includes significant pay raises for nurses on higher steps within the wage scale; additional contract protections related to rest and meal breaks; and assurances that nurses will receive their breaks or will receive payments when their breaks are missed.

Becker's reached out to St. Charles for comment and will update this story if a comment is received.
A former nurse in Kentucky who pleaded guilty to manslaughter of a patient has been sentenced to five years in prison with credit for time served, CBS affiliate WKYT reported from the courtroom June 8.

Eyvette Hunter, a former nurse at Baptist Health Lexington (Ky.), was initially charged with murder in connection to the death of a 97-year-old patient who police said died as a result of Ms. Hunter's "intentional medical maltreatment." In April, Ms. Hunter took a plea deal for the amended charge of second degree manslaughter.

According to WKYT, the court accepted the state's recommendation and sentenced Ms. Hunter to five years on June 8.

Ms. Hunter was indicted in the death of James Morris, 97, in August 2022 and her nursing license was suspended. According to Lexington police, she administered a sedative to Mr. Morris without a physician's order on April 30 and he died a few days later as a result of complications. Baptist Health Lexington fired Ms. Hunter April 30, but she continued to work at a Lexington-based UK HealthCare hospital as a travel nurse until her arrest on Aug. 23.
Women who traveled to Mexico primarily for cosmetic procedures are at the center of the CDC's investigation into a multinational fungal meningitis outbreak, the agency reported June 8. So far there have been three deaths, and the agency is monitoring more than 200 individuals who could be infected.

The individuals are from 23 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. An overwhelming majority of the patients  190 of the 208 total being monitored  are women at an average age of 34, CDC officials said.

However, CDC officials noted that this data does not mean women are more susceptible to contracting the fungal meningitis than men, but rather many of the individuals being monitored are women who traveled to the Mexican clinics for cosmetic procedures. At this time, only 18 men are among the 208 being monitored.

Most of the individuals with possible or suspected cases, 173, are in Texas, where the infection was first identified in U.S. patients.

Cases began showing up in the U.S. May 8 after two patients received contaminated epidural anesthesia as part of a surgical procedure at two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico. Following these reports, both infection sites, Clinica K-3 and River Side Surgical Center shut down to allow for further investigations to take place.

Health officials recommend clinicians who may encounter infected patients treat them with a combination of two antifungal medications: Liposomal amphotericin B and Voriconazole for a suggested minimum of three to six months. After beginning therapy they recommend close monitoring of the patient throughout the suggested duration. So far, the primary complications seen in individuals receiving this combination therapy has been inflammation.

The CDC recommends that even asymptomatic patients be evaluated if they meet the exposure criteria, which the agency has defined as a person who traveled to Mexico since January for a procedure in which they received epidural anesthesia.
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a semiconductor industry strategy meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap



By Jung Min-ho



President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for all-out efforts to stay competitive in the chip industry, which he called a pillar of the Korean economy and a source of quality jobs.



During Thursday's meeting on a national strategy for the semiconductor sector at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Yoon said public-private cooperation is essential in winning the chip war as Cold War-like geopolitics emerge as the biggest business risk to the nation's chipmakers.



"Semiconductor exports account for 20 percent of Korea's total exports and 55 percent of its manufacturing facility investment; it represents Korean industries," he said. "To win the chip war, we need both innovations by private companies and leading strategies by the state."



Speaking to his top officials, scholars and business leaders, including SK hynix co-CEO Kwak Noh-jung and Kyung Kye-hyun, who leads Samsung Electronics' chip business, Yoon said the importance of advanced chips will continue to grow with the rise of future technologies that cannot function without them.



"The performance of smartphones, vehicles, electric devices, satellites and weapons entirely depends on the performance of the chips installed inside them. Chips also make it possible to realize up-to-date technologies such as artificial intelligence or quantum computing," Yoon said.



With some of the new technologies being fused with one another in sectors such as defense, chips have become "the core of security," not just economy, he added.



His comments come at a time when the Washington-Beijing rivalry is intensifying in the field. Just last month, China's government banned memory chips made by Micron, an American chipmaker, from critical infrastructure projects, in a clear retaliation against U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech companies over similar concerns.



The Chinese measures created an opportunity for the two Korean chip giants, Samsung and SK, to fill the void left by Micron. Yet they remain cautious, with several U.S. politicians, such as Rep. Mike Gallagher, openly warning of grave consequences.



The prospect of a geopolitical windfall for the Korean companies has been complicated by their country's deep ties to both countries  too deep that giving up either of the two would be almost unthinkable.



At the meeting, Yoon said he would resolve the issues arising from the geopolitical situation by "strengthening relations with the United States and other friendly countries." However, given that significant portions of the Korean companies' revenues still come from China, geopolitics is poised to remain as a long-term risk factor, which would require well-constructed strategies and serious diplomatic efforts.


The five-day long work week is common for many professions, but reducing it by a day has become a new idea.

The four-day work week is an idea that some companies and countries have tested. For spine surgeons, the possibility of the schedule hinges on different factors.

Six spine surgeons told Becker's their opinions on the four-day work week and if it could be possible for their practice.

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses.

Next week's question: How might "smart" implant technology, such as that used with Zimmer Biomet's PersonaIQ, be applicable in spine surgery?

Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday, June 14.

Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.

Question: Many people are touting the benefits of a four-day work week. What would it take for that to be established in your practice? Is it even feasible?

James Chappuis, MD. Spine Center Atlanta: I think that the four-day work week is a great idea. We had implemented this during COVID-19 and have kept it going since. Employees love it and it helps greatly with retention and new hires. This was implemented seamlessly in our clinics as our surgery center was already working on a four-day work week prior to COVID-19.

Chester Donnally, MD. Texas Spine Consultants (Dallas): No, it's not feasible and just a bad idea for the spine specialization industry. Look, if you want an easy job then go into commercial real estate or private equity, yet four days a week might mean they now work more than they do already. Spine surgeons have a tough job, and we knew that going into it. There is a patient safety factor as well as a work-life balance factor. In terms of our staff, yes that would be a recruitment tool for sure, but running an office just four days a week is not feasible in that it really only allows patients in dire need one to two days a week when their surgeon is in the office to actually evaluate the patient. This could lead to delayed care. Its just not a good idea for a field so critical, such as spine surgery.

Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): With quite the opposite opinion, I prefer a six-day work week. I am a strong advocate for offering weekend opportunities for patients to be seen. My practice will be establishing Saturday clinic appointments for those patients that work during the week. I will be the first to offer such in our market geographically, and I think patients are already responding very well to this idea. With people working during the week, it is often incredibly challenging to see a spine specialist during those days, which would require them taking time off of work to do so. Also, an extra day will decrease the wait time for patients to be seen for their appointments instead of waiting several weeks or months for an appointment.

Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: We currently have a four-day work week going. We have had this for the last two years. Since I run a lean practice, my staff loves their time with family, and is incredibly efficient when they are at work. It allows me time to catch up on administrative things, reports, consulting and so forth and allows me the blessing of taking a long bicycle ride. I realize this is not feasible for everyone, but approaching the half-century mark, I am appreciating a true work-life balance  and that starts from the top.

Richard Kube II, MD. Prairie Spine & Pain Institute (Peoria, Ill.): Being a solo spine surgeon makes going to four days weekly a harder task. I have been using Fridays to pursue other business interests for several years now, so in a way you could say I'm already doing spine surgery four days weekly. That said, if insurance carriers actually paid their bills and if pointless [utilization review] was removed from my workload, I could easily find another day of productivity with patients or personal time.

Issada Thongtrangan, MD. MicroSpine (Scottsdale, Ariz.): It will be very difficult if you are in private practice and run your practice, as the amount of paperwork, forms, etc., are tremendous while the reimbursement is going down each year. In addition, the amount of denial coverage and service by commercial insurances are getting much worse.
Lender Halifax is shutting down two branches here, suggesting to Larne customers that they could take an indirect 90-minute bus journey to Ballymena if they still want to use a branch.

Its decision to shut its premises in Lurgan and Larne leaves it with 11 branches in Northern Ireland. Staff are to be offered jobs in other branches.

It follows a trend among all banks and building societies to drastically reduce their branch numbers in recent years due to the rise in online banking.

One customer with an account in Lurgan said it would inconvenience a fair few, especially in rural areas like Waringstown, Dollingstown, Magheralin and Donaghcloney.

A Halifax spokesperson said: As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our Lurgan and Larne branches have fallen over recent years.

The local Post Offices offer everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs, alongside other ways to bank such as online, phone and mobile banking services.

The spokesperson added: Halifax will also be introducing a community banker in Larne, to provide face to face services to customers in the local community, including making payments, account enquiries and online banking support.

All colleagues who work at these branches will be offered a role at another branch or in another part of our business.

A closing branch review document relating to Lurgan says that two-thirds of users of the bank were aged 35 to 74, and 7% were 75 and over.

And 80% of customers had used other Halifax branches, online banking or telephone banking. Some 184 of its customers used the branch regularly in 12 months to January 2023.

Branch transactions in Lurgan had fallen 45% in last five years, while cash machine transactions were down 25%.

In Larne, those aged 35 to 74 also accounted for around two-thirds of users, while 71% of its customers had used other branches, online banking or telephone banking.

However, 14% were 75 and over  a much higher proportion than Lurgan.

Just over 200 customers had used the branch regularly in the 12 months to January 2023.

But branch transactions were down 47% in last five years, while cash machine transactions were down 27%.

Santander, Tesco and Post Office cash machines were nearby, while Post Office banking services were also available in the town.

However, the closest alternative branches were in Newtownabbey and Ballymena, the bank said.

The review document explains that Newtownabbey is 16.5 miles away. There are hourly indirect buses, via Belfast or Carrickfergus, with a journey time of around 70 minutes.

And Ballymena, at 19.6 miles away, was also offered as an alternative. There are hourly indirect buses to Ballymena, via Belfast or Carnlough, with a journey time of around 90 minutes.

Customer accounts in Lurgan are being moved to Portadown, the bank said. It pointed to Halifax branches in Portadown and Lisburn and to banking services available at Lurgan Post Office. Portadown is five miles away with a direct bus taking 35 minutes and Lisburn 12 miles away, with a direct bus taking 40 minutes.

There are also Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank cash machines in the towns Market Street

Asked if a 90-minute indirect bus journey from Larne to Ballymena was a practical suggestion, Halifax said: For face-to-face banking, alongside the Newtownabbey and Ballymena branches, customers in Larne can use the local Post Office  this is a three-minute walk away from the branch and provides banking services for personal and business customers.

In addition, after the branch has closed, Halifax will be introducing a new community banker in the area  who will provide face-to-face banking support for as long as the community needs it. Well be discussing with the local community which locations, and days, will work best for the community banker to visit.

Read more Belfast-based banker held to account for his bid to fleece three elderly Halifax customers

East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson said: I am disappointed to learn that Halifax plan on closing their Larne branch in November. This will be a further blow to the Main Street and those, especially the elderly, who do not have access to internet banking.

It is also important to note that this will affect those who have taken the decision to cancel their broadband subscriptions because of the cost of living crisis.

He said the closure would mean the loss of another cash machine. Businesses will be more restricted in where they can deposit cash to, as the financial regulator has prevented the Post Office taking large cash deposits.

"It is crucial that Halifax put in place measures to ensure businesses can deposit cash with them moving forward.

Scott Kennerley, director of financial services at the Consumer Council, said: While many have made the switch to mobile banking, we know that some rely on face-to-face banking services.

Our advice to Halifax customers is to contact their bank to discuss their banking needs and the options that are available to them.

"For consumers in towns such as Larne and Lurgan, there is also the option of switching to a different banking provider in the area, as well as using the Post Office.

"Basic banking services is something the Post Office provides for all banks in Northern Ireland which allows you to pay in cash and cheques, withdraw money, and check bank balances.
A Belfast man accused of paying for sexual services on two occasions has denied the charges

A Belfast man accused of paying for sexual services on two occasions has denied the charges.

Thirty-nine-year-old Andrew Gibson did not appear in person at Ballymena Magistrates Court, but his solicitor Emma McCann said he was entering not guilty pleas to each of the four charges against him.

Gibson, from Marcus Ward Street in Belfast city centre, is accused of paying a person for sexual services between June 15 and 19, 2021 and again on July 19, 2021.

He is also accused of possessing extreme pornography and an indecent image of a child on July 20, 2021.

While the facts of the case have not been fully opened yet, District Judge Nigel Broderick said he had read the legal papers and it appeared the alleged offences were committed in Carrickfergus and Bushmills, and so did not belong in his court.

He confirmed that having spoken to District Judge Steven Keown in Belfast, the case against Gibson would be transferred to Laganside and would be mentioned again on June 22.

Northern Ireland became the first part of the UK to make paying for sex a criminal offence.

In 2014 the Northern Ireland Assembly passed the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill, which includes a clause criminalising payment for sex.

The private member's bill was brought before the house by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) peer Lord Morrow.
A man who admitted murdering his five-year old stepdaughter today told a senior judge he loved the child and they were "like two best friends."

Abdul Wahab broke down in tears as he told Mr Justice O'Hara that Nadia Zofia Kalinowska - who was killed in her Newtownabbey home in December 2019 - "loved me and called me 'my dear Papa.'"

The 35-year old and his 29-year old wife Aleksandra Wahab appeared at Belfast Crown Court today for sentencing over Nadia's death.

The emergency services were called to the family's home at Fernagh Drive in the early hours of December 15, 2019.

The youngster was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital and despite medical intervention, she was pronounced dead at 3.40am.

The cause of her death was due to a skull fracture that lead to bleeding on the brain, as well as abdominal bleeding from injuries to her liver and bowel.

Nadia had also sustained fractures and re-fractures to her ribs, a fractured collarbone and a fractured pelvis.

Also present at Nadia's time of death were 70 surface injuries including bruising and abrasions. This led the Crown to conclude that Nadia had been subjected to a campaign of physical abuse in the family home which culminated in her death.

Abdul Wahab pleaded guilty in January this year to murdering his step-daughter and was handed a life sentence.

The Pakistani national also admitted causing the youngster grievous bodily harm with intent in an attack on a date between December 11 and 15, 2019, as well as carrying out a campaign of assaults against her on dates between July 1 and December 14, 2019.

Nadia's mother Aleksandra Wahab, who is originally from Poland, pleaded guilty to an alternative charge to murder, namely causing or allowing the death of her daughter.

She also admitted a charge of causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm on a date between December 11 and 15, 2019, and of allowing Nadia to suffer over a period from July 1 to December 14, 2019.

When arrested, both Mr and Mrs Wahab denied assaulting the child and claimed the injuries were accidental - a claim branded as "preposterous" by Crown barrister Liam McCollum KC.

He said it was the Crown's case that "either both of them were involved or that one of them had actually assaulted and killed Nadia and the other had done nothing to prevent such assaults or to help Nadia in these times of grave danger."

The senior barrister told Mr Justice O'Hara many of the non-fatal injuries were caused by "blunt force trauma", they would have caused "very significant pain" and that Nadia would have been in "obvious distress."

Saying neither parent sought medical assistance prior to her death, Mr McCollum said: "The prosecution case was that Nadia was killed in the early hours of December 15th.

"These extensive fractures and injuries were caused by deliberate infliction of violence upon her."

Abdul Wahab speaks to judge

Abdul Wahab - who has dismissed two legal teams - represented himself at today's hearing.

After he was asked by Mr Justice O'Hara if he wanted to say anything, Abdul Wahab requested an additional four weeks to allow him to obtain further legal representation.

This was refused by the judge, who reminded Wahab that he pleaded guilty to murder on January 19.

Abdul Wahab then tearfully said: "I met Nadia personally in 2016 and that was a very happy moment for me. My life was full of happiness with her.

"We were like two best friends and she always smiled and she always laughed and she was the best child.

"Since I have lost her I have lost a piece of myself. I really loved her. She always loved me, she always called me 'my dear Papa.'

"I was very happy when she started going to school and I has dreams for her, My Lord."

Mums barrister speaks to judge and sentencing delayed

Following this, barrister John Kearney KC - representing Aleksandra Wahab - said there was no evidence to suggest his client had assaulted her daughter.

Rather, he said her plea to the charge of causing or allowing Nadia's death was an acknowledgement that "she did not do what she should have done" and that she didn't adequately protect her.

Saying it was her instructions that she was not the victim of domestic abuse or coercive control from her husband, Mr Kearney spoke of her clear criminal record.

The barrister said there was a "clear bond" between mother and daughter and that the night Nadia died, Aleksandra Wahab was "distraught ... crying and wailing."

He also pointed out she has been in custody for three-and-a-half years and that during that period she gave birth to her third child, who was "removed from her."

After listening to submissions from the Crown, defence and from Abdul Wahab, Mr Justice O'Hara said: "I will pass sentence in this court on Wednesday the 21st of June."
A taxi driver recorded allegedly threatening a passenger with a gun attempted to flee after the dashcam footage went viral, the High Court heard today.

Brian Stalford had a bag containing a sentimental family photograph packed when police went to arrest him at his home in east Belfast, a judge was told.

Prosecutors also claimed the 48-year-old got out of a PSNI car and ran from officers during a separate incident days earlier.

Read more Sacked taxi driver denied bail as court told he is East Belfast UVF enforcer

Details emerged as Stalford was refused bail over claims he used the pistol to strike and repeatedly threaten the passenger over a suspected drug debt.

Defence lawyers argued that the video circulated on social media had a planned and consensual prank involving a toy gun.

But after viewing the clip Lord Justice McCloskey ruled: The picture is one with clear elements of volatility, vulnerability, adverse mental health and limited self control.

Northern Ireland taxi driver pulls gun on terrified passenger over alleged drugs debt

Stalford, from Park Avenue, faces charges of possessing a firearm or imitation firearm, common assault and making threats to kill on March 26 this year.

He is further accused of having a small quantity of suspected cocaine when detained last week.

Police launched an investigation after the dashcam footage, recorded in Holywood, Co Down, was posted online.

The recording shows Stalford dressed in a fonaCAB uniform and pointing a gun directly at his front seat passengers face and knees, the court heard.

Crown lawyer Natalie Pinkerton said the defendant issued a threat to take the mans head off.

Stalford then tells him to works his debt off and states: You are lucky Im not taking your f****** knees out.

At one point he strikes the man in the face with the muzzle of the suspected firearm.

Both the front seat passenger and a second man in the rear of the taxi appear to be shaken by his actions, according to the prosecution.

Stalford was sacked by fonaCAB once the dashcam footage began to circulate on June 1.

Ms Pinkerton disclosed: He was then arrested but when police arrived he immediately tried to flee out of his house.

There was already a small bag packed with a sentimental photograph of his family.

In a prepared statement, Stalford claimed the taxi incident had been a consensual planned prank.

But counsel argued: Neither of the other two men found what occurred funny.

She added: Its entirely clear what Mr Stalford is telling male one to do - theres a debt that has to be paid.

Given (the defendant) is saying he will take his head off or do his knees in, the inference is that it is a drug debt.

It was also revealed that Stalford had previously been detained on May 30 following the discovery of a small quantity of suspected cannabis at his home.

He was able to get out of the back of the PSNI car and run from police who had top pursue him, Ms Pinkerton submitted.

Defence barrister Sean Devine described the taxi incident as a bizarre set of circumstances which has caused public upset and embarrassment for his client.

This was a video recorded with the consent of those involved, he insisted.

It had been watched, shared and viewed a number of months ago, and the authorities accept there is confusion about how it was leaked beyond that group.

Denying bail, however, Lord Justice McCloskey ruled there was a clear and elevated risk that Stalford could either re-offend, interfere with the investigation or flee.
Surgeons are now travelling from other parts of the UK to participate in the world-class courses (Peter Byrne/PA)

A medical education provider has been named as a centre of excellence for trainee surgeons in a move expected to help relieve Northern Irelands hospital waiting list crisis.

Kingsbridge Training Academy, based in Belfast, is the only centre in Ireland to have received accreditation from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS).

Surgeons are now travelling from other parts of the UK to participate in the world-class courses required for professional development and to ensure they deliver the best care possible to patients.

It also limits the length of time trainee surgeons and trainers who work in Northern Ireland are absent from hospitals while they take part in essential training.

Chris Hoo, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, has been actively involved in the training academy since its establishment nearly 15 years ago, both as a trainee himself and now as a clinical trainer.

Chris Hoo

He has played a vital role in the RCS accreditation: In the past, mandatory and desired courses have run in England, or sometimes in Dublin.

If a trainee is attending one of these courses, they have to factor in the cost of travel and accommodation, while it also means they will be away from work for a day or two longer.

It is very exciting the academy has been recognised by the College and it has been a lot of work to achieve the accreditation.

It means that we are able to provide the best possible training to surgeons, which is what they deserve.

Its also important to mention the academy is not-for-profit, I know some surgeons have voiced concerns about delivering courses in a private hospital.

However, the academy is a separate entity to the hospital and any profit goes straight back into improving and enhancing the training that we provide.

In fact, I dont get paid for the training I provide, but thats fine. I consider it paying back.

It is recognised that medics who travel outside of Northern Ireland for training develop professional relationships while away and are more likely to take up jobs elsewhere, such as America, Canada and Australia.

Mr Hoo stressed that the accreditation will help to attract medics to come here to work.

Retention is a massive issue, he continued.

We want to show that Northern Ireland is a great place to work and were doing that by delivering world-class, high-quality courses.

People come here to train and then they realise what a wonderful place Northern Ireland, that its a great place to live, then they make connections, maybe getting married, and the next thing they know, they decide to stay here.

As much as where people work is about money, its the things around us, wherever we are and what it has to offer, that really makes life worth living.

Professor Mark Taylor, RCS Northern Ireland director, said: For well over a decade we have seen many great achievements, with the team working extremely hard to pass the accreditation standards, but this announcement elevates them to another level in terms of the range and quality of training it can provide for an increasing number of practitioners throughout Ireland and the UK.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said they needed to pull up their socks

Belfast International Airport has said it shares concerns raised by an MLA that it is the worst airport he has ever experienced.

SDLP representative Colin McGrath took to Twitter to voice his frustration over a trip through the airport on Monday.

The South Down MLA claimed he had to wait almost an hour to collect his baggage and said he missed a connecting bus that left early after waiting 20 minutes for a coffee at one of the kiosks.

"Well Belfast International Airport met my expectations as I travelled this morning, he said.

"[It is] still the worst airport I ever experienced. Baggage took 45 minutes (with only one flight), the bus left two minutes early causing a further hour wait but sure the coffee took 20 minutes to serve so that killed some time.

"Think easyJet, Ryanair, Jet 2, TUI and others should flex their muscle and get them to pull up their socks. Was there weeks ago and a one hour flight resulted in a one hour wait for luggage.

"Worth noting, I could have caught the early departing bus if the steps didnt take ten minutes to arrive to allow us to disembark off the plane.

In a brief statement, Belfast International Airport said they would act to address some of the issues raised.

We share Mr McGrath's concerns and as these matters are the responsibility of the airline and their ground handling team, we are working alongside them to ensure these issues are addressed as a matter of urgency, said a spokesperson.

It comes after SDLP councillor Gary McKeown earlier this year described the airport as a throwback to a bygone age.

Mr McKeown posted a photograph of a stained carpet welcoming visitors to the airport, suggesting the arrivals corridor was Soviet-style.

"Every time I come through Belfast International Airport, I'm embarrassed at the fact that this is the first thing people experience when they arrive here," he said.

"Travellers are greeted with a building that is clearly a throwback to a bygone age, with a view out the window of air vents and a patched up flat roof.

"To make things worse, the walkway carpet has so many stains that it's starting to resemble a Jackson Pollock painting. And that's before you even consider the major security vibe in both departures and arrivals.
Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, right, the leader of the ruling People Power Party, shakes hands with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, Koichi Aiboshi, at the National Assembly, June 8. Yonhap



The leader of the ruling People Power Party held a meeting with Japan's top envoy to Korea on Thursday and called for Tokyo's efforts in relieving public concern over its planned release of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.



"Transparent and active cooperation is needed from the Japanese side to ease distrust through an objective and scientific approach," said Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon during the meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, Koichi Aiboshi, at the National Assembly.



Kim noted an on-site inspection of the plant conducted by a team of Korean experts last month, emphasizing the importance of delivering accurate and objective scientific information to the public.



Kim also said his party will refrain from "unscientific propaganda and instigation," an apparent swipe at the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) that has expressed strong objections to the planned release of contaminated water.



"Engaging in malicious propaganda and instigation will only disrupt the improvement of bilateral relations and cause enormous damage to fishermen," Kim added.



The DPK has been critical of the inspection, which was agreed upon during a summit last month between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, arguing that it might be a mere formality insufficient to verify the safety of the discharge process.



In response, Aiboshi assured him that his government is well aware of the rising concerns regarding the discharge of the contaminated water, and vowed to make efforts to provide detailed information to the Korean public in a transparent and scientific manner. (Yonhap)




DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson, outside Castle Buildings at Stormont after a meeting with the head of the NI Civil Service (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP efforts to secure Government legal assurances on post-Brexit trade will reach an important stage in the coming weeks, the party leader has said.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has insisted the DUP will not return to powersharing at Stormont until the UK Government legislates to address its concerns around sovereignty and trade.

The DUP has been blocking devolution for over a year in protest at Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol  a set of trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK.

The recent UK/EU deal to cut some of the red tape on Irish Sea trade  the Windsor Framework  does not go far enough, according to the DUP.

Sir Jeffrey met with other party leaders at Stormont Castle on Thursday to discuss the regions under-pressure public finances and plans for a potential return of powersharing.

Afterwards, he made clear that his party still needed to see delivery from the Government if it was to countenance a return to devolution.

He urged ministers in London to act sooner rather than later to provide the legislative assurances the DUP was seeking.

I am hopeful that we will see further progress made in the next few weeks in terms of our discussions with the Government and what needs to be done, he said.

I think we are reaching an important stage in that process over the next few weeks and it will determine whether the Government is able to deliver what is required that will facilitate the restoration of our political institutions.

But we are clear that has to be on a stable and sustainable basis.

Sir Jeffrey added: We want to get this done and to have the solutions in place as quickly as possible.

Senior civil servants are currently running public services in Northern Ireland in the absence of devolution.

They have estimated that Stormont departments need hundreds of millions of pounds in extra funding to maintain public services at their current level this year.

Hundreds of millions more would be needed to settle a series of public sector pay disputes in the region.

Parties are set to ask the Treasury for a 1 billion-plus package in financial support to accompany any return to powersharing.

Sinn Feins Conor Murphy arriving at Stormont Castle to meet the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (Liam McBurney/PA)

Sinn Feins Conor Murphy, who also attended Thursdays meeting chaired by the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Dr Jayne Brady, said the financial picture was getting worse.

Were doing preparation work for a negotiation (with Treasury) that might not happen, he said.

Because if the DUP arent signalling that they are going back into an executive, theres no discussion to be had with the British Government.

And we would feel the full brunt of Tory policies and a very, very bad and punishing Tory budget.

Alliance Partys Stephen Farry (Liam McBurney/PA)

Alliance party deputy leader Stephen Farry said the parties needed to make a collective ask of Treasury.

The fact that weve had in effect two-and-a-half hours of a meeting, I think is a very positive sign, which does indicate that there is serious work being done in terms of trying to put together a coherent plan that will come from the executive parties to the UK Government, he said.

Mr Farry added: There is some degree of momentum building in this process.

It is still early days and were very keen to see the momentum build over the coming days and weeks. So were definitely committed to this process and we want to see it intensify.

UUP leader Doug Beattie also said talks between the parties on preparing for a return to Stormont appeared to be gaining momentum.

The most important thing for me, I think, was all of the input from all of the political parties that were in there was very positive, he said after the meeting at Stormont Castle.

And they all talked about when the executive gets up and running again, and what we can do about a programme for government and what will our priorities be and outlined when our next meeting will be.

So, I think it was very positive in many ways. And you can see that theres a pace ramping up, where people are starting to look at where we can get more money in, where we can ask for more investment, where we can reach out to the Treasury to see what they can provide for us and what our priorities will be in the likes of infrastructure and within a programme for government.

So, you can see that it seems to be moving forward.
A planned republican commemoration in South Armagh will celebrate members of an IRA killing machine and retraumatise their victims, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has warned.

The DUP leader urged Sinn Fein MP John Finucane to reconsider his attendance as a speaker at the event on Sunday.

However, Mr Finucanes party colleague Conor Murphy rejected the DUP criticism and said the party had never spoken out previously about the long-running commemoration.

He said the late Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness had addressed the event in the past and the DUP, his then partners-in-government, did not raise any objection.

Mr Murphy said the main unionist party was only protesting now in a bid to distract the public from its own blockade of powersharing at Stormont at time when public services were facing financial crisis.

DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson speaks to the media outside Stormont Castle (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Finucane, whose solicitor father Pat was murdered by loyalists during the Troubles, is due to address Sundays event, which is billed as the South Armagh Volunteers Commemoration.

Victims representatives have contended the event will commemorate the actions of the IRAs South Armagh unit during the Troubles.

Sir Jeffrey commented on the controversy surrounding Mr Finucanes attendance after meeting with the other main Stormont parties for discussions about the regions finances on Thursday.

I think that how Sinn Fein are going about this is the wrong approach, said the DUP leader.

Building a fun day around celebrating volunteers who, lets face it, were one of the most dangerous and feared killing machines in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and I have members of my family circle who were victims of that killing machine in South Armagh, is that the way to build a shared future?

He added: I think as we look to the next 25 years in Northern Ireland, weve got to start looking to the future.

None of us will forget those dark days of our troubled past. And the communities that I represent, the scars are still there, the broken homes remain, broken lives are still there.

But as we look to the future, surely the next 25 years has got to be about reconciliation and prosperity.

And I will simply say to John Finucane, do you believe that your attendance and participation in that event is conducive towards what were trying to build for Northern Ireland and the future, a shared future, about reconciliation, about healing the wounds? Is this conducive to healing wounds? Because the victims that I talked to feel that this reopens the wounds for them, it compels them to revisit the trauma that they experienced during the Troubles.

Mr Murphy, who also attended Thursdays meeting at Stormont Castle, said all commemorations needed to be dealt with sensitively.

This is an event that has been going on for 13 years without as much as a murmur around it, when people who were sitting around the executive table spoke at it, he said.

I spoke at the event, Martin McGuinness spoke at the event, TDs, other MPs spoke at that event over the years with never any issue been raised in relation to it.

But now its an issue for the DUP and then suddenly its an issue for everybody else.

The real issue for people is whos getting back into government to take decisions to protect public services, whos wanting to tackle our waiting lists, the fact that education programmes are hanging by a knife edge from being cut from very vulnerable kids, the fact that the report today from the Housing Executive was that very vulnerable people are going to lose support services, whos getting back in to take decisions around that?

Sinn Feins Conor Murphy (Liam McBurney/PA)

He added: All commemorations need to be dealt with sensitively.

Theres no hierarchy of victimhood here, there were people who were victimised by the British state, by loyalist forces, by republican forces as well.

So theres no hierarchy in terms of victimhood, all of the parties that sit around the executive table, all of the parties in the south, and the British government and the parties in Britain, all attend commemorations, all of them do that, of people who were involved in war and inflicting pain on other people.

So there is a need to be sensitive in relation to that.

And we have to always be careful in relation to that and we do want to build a reconciled society and a shared society but people recognise that people have a right to commemorate their dead.

And they should do that in a way which is dignified and is sensitive.

And were always up for that.

And thats what weve been doing during that particular commemoration and hundreds of commemorations over the last number of years.

And yet now its an issue today.

And then you have to ask yourself, why is it an issue today when it wasnt an issue for 13 years, when government ministers who were sitting around the table in here were down speaking at it?

And then you ask well, what is the issue they (the DUP) dont want to be talked about, and that is the fact that theyre keeping down an executive which is punishing and damaging ordinary people who need public services.

On Wednesday, Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said Sinn Fein cannot ride two horses when it comes to Northern Irelands troubled past.

Mr Martin said he supports asking questions of British Army or police actions, but said on the other hand that Sinn Fein isnt really doing anything to secure answers around the actions of the Provisional IRA.

The Tanaiste said he did not believe Mr Finucane should address Sundays event.
A stone to mark Northern Irelands centenary has been branded bizarre by Sinn Fein.

However, the party has admitted it will be unable to block the project  paid for by the DUP, Ulster Unionists and the TUV  for a second time.

Earlier this week, this newspaper revealed the first images of the completed stone.

It is to be erected at Stormont, but a precise location within the grounds has yet to be finalised and agreed by the Assembly Commission.

Sinn Fein lost its vote on the Commission, which is responsible for day-to-day administration of Parliament Buildings, when John ODowd stood down to become infrastructure minister.

It was then unable to nominate a replacement because the Assembly was not functioning and a second request to allow a centenary stone was approved.

Upper Bann MLA Mr ODowd declined to comment and referred the issue to the partys press office.

A statement said: Sinn Fein opposed a stone to celebrate partition when this was previously raised at the Assembly Commission. Sinn Fein currently has no vote on the Assembly Commission.

It is bizarre that three unionist parties are focused on a stone while the Assembly is being blocked from doing business on the real issues affecting the lives of all our people such as restoring the Executive, passing vital legislation, tackling health waiting lists and supporting workers and families through a cost-of-living crisis.

John O'Dowd

However, the TUV hit back, saying the two issues are separate because the costs have been borne by the three main unionist parties.

"Given that the money is not coming from the public purse we fail to see the connection with the pressures on the health service or similar issues related to the public finances.

Meanwhile, the SDLP has remained silent this week on the issue, despite coming under pressure on social media to delay a decision on where it will be placed.

MLA Matthew OToole agreed the stone should not be a priority at a time when there is a cost-of-living crisis.

He added: Nationalists who want to build a new society on this island, we need to show at every turn that were serious about celebrating the diversity of this island, to show unionists that the tradition is going to be not just tolerated but celebrated in a new Ireland.

Alliance confirmed yesterday it will be supporting a decision to place the stone at Stormont, possibly at a public ceremony later in the summer.

A party spokesperson said: While we respect people have differing views on partition, this stone was a simple historical marker to commemorate a significant event.

In a rare joint statement to the Belfast Telegraph, TUV leader Jim Allister, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Ulster Unionist boss Doug Beattie, referred to completion of the project as an historic milestone.

Having battled it out at the polls in last months local government election, the trio plan a public unveiling in the next few months.

The three parties have so far refused to disclose the cost of the stone, which is approximately 2.5m tall and 1.3m wide.

It is understood the expense was shared between them on the basis of their respective party strengths in the Assembly.

They added: It is both right and fitting that such a historic milestone in the life of Northern Ireland is marked at Stormont. We look forward to a public unveiling of the centenary stone later this summer.
A prominent victims campaigner has urged John Finucane to apologise for his unjustifiable actions in attending a republican commemoration event in Co Armagh next month.

A row has erupted over the Sinn Fein MPs decision to attend the event, with UUP leader Doug Beattie previously referring to it as scandalous.

Kenny Donaldson, Director at South East Fermanagh Foundation, said that Finucanes attendance at the event would damage his credibility at standing up for victims of other Troubles incidents.

He said: John Finucane is a son whose father was wickedly murdered in front of him, he knows the searing pain of loss.

How then can he stand and observe an event which eulogises individuals who also stole away husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and potentially wives, mothers, daughters and sisters?

John Finucane's lawyer father, Pat, was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in front of his family in 1989.

Investigations into Pat Finucane's death found evidence of state collusion with the killers.

Speaking on Wednesday, Sinn Feins vice president Michelle ONeill said everybody has a right to remember their dead.

During a visit to Washington she told RTE: That was a core part of the Good Friday Agreement, so lets be respectful of the fact that we all have a different lived experience and perhaps even a different perspective in terms of how things have unfolded over the years.

But lets be respectful of each other and lets be mindful of all those people that lost their lives.

Mr Donaldson said Mr Finucane should rethink his attendance.

If John Finucane proceeds with fronting up this event, then he is in fact stating that there was no alternative for those being revered within this roll of honour than to wage terror against their neighbours, that this violence was legitimate, Mr Donaldson added.

Any remaining credibility he might have to challenge circumstances of loyalist or state violence (including for his Dads own murder) would be over.

We renew our request for John Finucane to stand aside from this event and we urge him to apologise to all fellow innocents of terror for his unjustifiable actions.

Sinn Feins Conor Murphy said the controversy over the commemoration event in Co Armagh should not be allowed to distract from the fact that public services are crashing around our ears.

He claimed the row over the event was an attempt at distraction politics by the DUP.

Kenny Donaldson claimed that anger from victims campaigners and the public over the matter is justified.

He said: What you have heard from our group and others is not manufactured rage, rather what youre hearing is righteous anger from people who are fed up to the back teeth of the coat-trailing idolatry of terrorism and violence.

A spokesperson for Sinn Fein said: Everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect.

We will continue to stand with families who have lost loved ones in the conflict.
Signal flags forming part of the message issued by Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Rishi Sunak will give Joe Biden a personalised copy of a book written by the US presidents great-great grandfather when the two leaders meet on Thursday.

The book, Naval Discipline, was written by Christopher Biden in the mid 19th century and covers the Royal Navys rules on mutiny.

The president made a somewhat confused reference to his ancestor during his visit to Northern Ireland in April.

US President Joe Biden delivers his keynote speech at Ulster University in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

In his speech in Belfasts Ulster University, Mr Biden referenced a George Biden who in 1842, could have been 1828; I cant remember  its one of those two dates  had written the rules  the rules of mutiny for the British Navy.

Mr Biden, who is proud of his Irish ancestry, joked: Well, at least that part is consistentthe mutiny.

Mr Sunak will also present Mr Biden with a personalised Barbour jacket, made near his Richmond constituency.

The Bedale-style jacket is embroidered with the words Mr President on the front pocket instead of the Barbour branding.
Russian racing driver Nikita Mazepin has lost the latest round of a High Court fight with British government ministers after being made subject to sanctions (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Russian racing driver Nikita Mazepin has lost the latest round of a High Court fight with British government ministers after being made subject to sanctions in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Mazepin, 24, used to race in Formula 1 for Haas and is looking for a new team.

He wants sanctions lifted and has taken legal action against Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

A judge is due to oversee a trial on July 19.

Lawyers representing Mr Mazepin on Thursday asked Mr Justice Linden, at a High Court hearing in London, to suspend sanctions in the interim so he could travel to Britain and begin negotiations with Formula 1 teams based in the UK as soon as possible.

The judge dismissed their application.

Government lawyers had said Mr Mazepins application for interim relief should be refused.

Judges have heard that Mr Mazepin and his father, Dmitry Mazepin  a Russian businessman  had been made subject to sanctions in mid-March 2022.

They have heard how Haas had terminated its relationship with Mr Mazepin in early March 2022, following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and he had not driven for a Formula 1 team since.

Mr Mazepin and his father are subject to an asset freeze and travel ban, judges have heard.

Lawyers representing the Government said sanctions were a key aspect of Britains attempts to address the situation in Ukraine.

They raised concern about what the public perception would be if Mr Mazepins application was granted.

The claimant is a relatively prominent public figure and a racing driver, said the judge.

I accept  that the perception may arise, at least in some sections of the public, that there are always ways around the UK sanctions regime.

He said he was quite satisfied that the balance of evidence weighed against granting interim relief.

The judge suggested that, in any event, Mr Mazepin would struggle to negotiate a contract with an F1 team until his claim for relief from sanctions had been finally resolved.

Lawyers representing Mr Mazepin argue that he has been sanctioned only because he is his fathers son.

They told the judge there was no evidence that he supported the Russian regime or Russias actions in Ukraine  and argued that the sanctions were unfair and draconian.
Houses are seen underwater in the flooded village of Dnipryany, in Russian-occupied Ukraine after the collapse of Kakhovka dam (AP)

Russian forces have shelled a southern Ukrainian city inundated by flooding in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky went to the area to assess the damage.

The fresh fighting returned security issues to the region, two days after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River set off a scramble to evacuate residents in dozens of flooded areas and get aid to those still there.

Officials on both sides said at least 14 people were killed in the flooding, thousands are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the collapse.

Kyiv accused Moscow of blowing up the dam and its associated hydropower plant, which the Kremlins forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage, and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages.

Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press (AP) showed the ruined dam falling into the river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church.

Upriver from the dam, a supply of water used to cool Europes largest nuclear power plant was nearing critically low levels, Ukraines state hydroelectric company said.

But the UNs atomic energy watchdog said on Wednesday that work was under way to ensure the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant had enough water in reserve to cool its shut-down reactors, in case supplies fell too much.

Mr Zelenskys office said Moscows forces also continued to shell Ukrainian-held areas near the nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.

The high water brought new misery and death to a country suffering uncounted casualties after 15 months of war.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied city adjacent to the dam, told Russian state TV that five residents there had died in the flooding.

And Mykolaiv regional governor Vitalii Kim said one person had died in that region north west of the city of Kherson.

Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam in Nova Kakhovka, in Russian-occupied Ukraine, on Wednesday (AP)

Yevhen Ryshchuk, the mayor of Oleshky to the south who fled the town after the Russians took over, told the AP that residents told him eight people had died so far in the flooding, with corpses floating to the surface.

His tally could not immediately be verified.

Residents of Oleshky have accused Russian authorities in the town of not doing enough to help civilians, and they have formed a group of more than 8,000 that is sharing messages about information such as stranded and trapped locals.

In the city of Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid.

Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policeman, a doctor and volunteer from Germany.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Mr Zelensky had visited only hours earlier, officials told AP.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the Internal Affairs Ministry said.

Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the flood-hit areas in Kherson, Ukraine (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Mr Zelensky visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility in Kherson, ordering officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to compensate residents, his office said in an update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Regional governor Vladimir Soldo, who was installed by Moscow to oversee the area that Russia occupies, accused Ukrainian troops of firing at an evacuation point in Hola Prystan, a Russian-occupied town.

Mr Soldo said in a Telegram post that two people, including a pregnant 33-year-old woman, were killed and that two others were wounded.

It was not immediately possible to verify his account.

Fighting has intensified along the more than 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraines border with Russia  in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Kyiv has said it will not announce the start of any such campaign.

The destruction of the dam prompted the United Nations and local officials to say that the most immediate concerns for affected areas were access to fresh water and avoiding contact with floodwaters contaminated by explosives and industrial chemicals.

Rescue workers evacuate people in a flooded neighbourhood of Kherson, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that was once home to more than 60,000 people.

In areas they control, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been admitted to hospital, 4,280 people have been evacuated and 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the dams destruction will eventually halt fresh water supplies to southern Ukraine and Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now, with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off water supplies to Crimea after Moscows illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Mr Putin cited the need to restore them as a main reason for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said about 600 square kilometres (231 square miles) of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper.

People are tired  (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Mr Prokudin said.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the dams destruction was an attack and an atrocious act, without assigning blame.

Paris said it was providing aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits.

Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam in Nova Kakhovka, in Russian-occupied Ukraine (AP)

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key Putin ally, said Kyiv blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched attempt to launch its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent battlefield developments amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In a podcast on Wednesday, Michael Kofman of the Centre for Naval Analyses, a US research group, said fighting had taken a more qualitative turn with Ukrainian forces appearing to mount offensive operations near the eastern town of Velyka Novosilka and other points in southern parts of the Donetsk region, as well as on its border with Zaporizhzhia province.

These attacks I dont believe to be the main offensive effort, but they mark what I think is the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, he said.

This is now beyond shaping operations  they are attacks with multiple brigades, they have dented Russian lines in and around Velyka Novosilka.

In the eastern Donbas, a battle continued for the largely devastated city of Bakhmut  one of the epicentres of the war.

Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post, said it was advancing on the citys flanks.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said his countrys forces drove back Ukrainian troops trying to punch through defensive lines in the Zaporizhzhia region after a two-hour battle involving what he said was up to 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers and 150 armoured vehicles.

The enemys reserve forces specially trained for realising this breakthrough did not fulfil their task, Mr Shoigu said.

He did not immediately give evidence for his claims.

Ukrainian armed forces spokesman Valerii Shershen acknowledged increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, but added he would not call it something serious.
Russian forces have shelled a southern Ukrainian city that was inundated in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue work hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to the area to assess the damage.

At least five people have died, many are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the Kakhovka dams destruction.

Ukraine accused Russia of blowing up the facility, which Moscows forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages.

In Kherson city, the largest municipality affected, repeated Russian shelling echoed overhead in the early afternoon on Thursday not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid.

Some evacuation points in the city were hit, wounding eight people, according to Ukraines Ministry of Internal Affairs.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescue workers temporarily suspended efforts to retrieve stranded residents and pets in an area that Mr Zelensky had visited only hours earlier.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the ministry said.

Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of the Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Volunteers evacuate a disabled elderly woman from a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The dam lay along Dnieper River, a pivotal waterway that forms part of the frontline between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

In recent weeks, Ukraine intensified shelling of Russian positions, signalling a long-expected counteroffensive could finally be getting underway.

Kyiv has been silent about the start of any such campaign.

Amid the fighting, both sides were coping with the fallout from the burst dam.

On Thursday, Ukrainian rescue workers stepped up efforts to get drinking water, medical care and other support to beleaguered residents.

Mr Zelensky travelled to Kherson to see the efforts firsthand.

He visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility and ordered Ukrainian officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to help compensate residents, his office said in an online update.

Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam (AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Five residents of the Russian-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka have died, its Kremlin-appointed mayor said on Thursday.

Vladimir Leontyev said on Russian state TV two other people who had gone missing have been found.

The collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and emptying of its reservoir on the river have added to the misery that the region has suffered for more than a year from artillery and missile attacks.

The United Nations and local authorities say access to fresh water and avoidance of contact with water contaminated by explosives, chemicals from industrial sites were among the most immediate concerns.

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated from dozens of inundated cities, towns and villages on both sides of the river.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that was home to more than 60,000 people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, visits the flood-hit areas in Kherson (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/AP)

In areas that they administer, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been admitted to hospital, 4,280 people have been evacuated and some 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the destruction of the dam, which created a giant reservoir of water used for irrigation and drinking water, will eventually halt fresh water supplies to Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now  with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off fresh water supplies to Crimea after Moscows illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Mr Putin cited the need to restore them among the main reasons for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said the average level of flooding on Thursday morning in the region was more than 18 feet and roughly 231 square miles of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank.

People are tired  (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Mr Prokudin said.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted to say the destruction of the dam was an attack and an atrocious act without saying who is to blame.

Paris said it was sending aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits to help people displaced by the disaster.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of purposely destroying the dam.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key ally of Mr Putin, backed the Russian claim that Ukraine blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched Ukrainian attempt to launch a counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent development on the battlefield amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In the eastern region of Donbas, the battle for Bakhmut was continuing with Ukrainian troops advancing on the flanks of the city, which was devastated in months of fighting  one of the epicentres of the war.

Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post on Thursday, said Ukrainian forces have advanced three-quarters of a mile.
Dhaka police block a march by Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders and activists protesting electricity blackouts across the country, June 8, 2023.

Dozens of people were reported injured in violence between supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the ruling Awami League as the BNP staged protests in several cities against electricity cuts amid a nationwide heat wave.

BNP leaders and activists faced attacks in at least 10 districts including Dhaka, Pabna, Patuakhali, Bogura, Mymensingh, Faridpur and Jhenaidah while attempting prescheduled sit-ins outside the offices of electricity providers, said Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the partys senior secretary general.

When people of the country are starving due to extreme load shedding, BNP leaders and activists came under attack while carrying out the program. It is proved once again that Awami League has established an extremely oppressive regime in the country, Rizvi told BenarNews.

Load shedding refers to rotating power outages. In addition to the sit-ins, BNP members issued a memorandum in all of the nations 64 districts expressing concern about the outages.

Severe heat waves have blanketed the country for the last few weeks, pushing temperatures as high as 37 to 41 degrees Celsius (99 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). The Bangladesh Meteorological Department warned there was no end in sight while schools have closed across the country.

The violence on Thursday occurred in the run-up to a general election planned for December or January 2024. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has held power since 2009, but refused to meet the BNPs demand of stepping aside to make way for a caretaker government ahead of the polls.

The BNP alleges that the last election was marred by irregularities  charges that the Awami League denies. In late May, the United States announced that it would deny visas to Bangladeshis, including officials, suspected of undermining democratic elections in their country.

Rizvi claimed that only 49 of Bangladeshs 154 power plants were fully operational, leading to the blackouts.

Habibur Rahman, adviser to BNP chairwoman Khaleda Zia, said he was among more than 50 people injured in Thursdays political violence.

Rahman told reporters that he and others were marching in Dhaka when police stopped them. BNP then held a rally, he said.

He noted that leaders of the Awami League student wing, the Chhatra League, and the youth organization, the Jubo League, had gathered at a nearby intersection.

On the way back after the rally, those leaders and activists of the ruling party attacked us. At least 10 leaders and activists including me were injured, he said.

On Tuesday BNP announced that members would be protesting to demand an uninterrupted power supply and against corruption and irregularities in the energy sector.

Around noon Thursday, BNP leaders and activists began a procession in Dhaka as they marched toward the Bangladesh Power Development Board office, but they were stopped by police about one-half kilometer (three-tenths of a mile) from their destination.

Rizvi said a delegation was able to submit a memorandum to Momtaz Parvin, the boards deputy director.

Not true

Police and Awami League leaders denied BNPs claims.

The allegation of obstructing the BNP program is not true. We have stopped their march and assisted the delegation in handing over a memorandum to maintain normal traffic flow, Hayatul Islam, a deputy police commissioner, told BenarNews.

Elsewhere, BNP official Ali Azgar Talukdar Hena said police obstructed a peaceful program in the city of Bogura, a statement challenged by police.

BNP was not allowed to hold a rally in front of the electricity office as it is a government key point installation, he told BenarNews, adding that BNP was able to submit a memorandum.

In Feni, the opposition party alleged that at least five activists were injured in an assault by police. A police official denied the allegation but said some BNP members were removed from the area around the electricity office.

On Wednesday, the prime minister said she expected the power situation to return to normal in about two weeks.

We are forced to do load shedding. I know people are suffering, I can understand peoples suffering, Hasina said during a discussion arranged by her Awami League. We are trying our best.
Rep. Lee Yang-soo of the ruling People Power Party, left, and Rep. Song Ki-hun of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea announce that a parliamentary investigation will be conducted into the National Election Commission over allegations that children of senior officials were employed at the agency through favoritism in Seoul, June 8. Yonhap



Rival political parties agreed Thursday to conduct a parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission (NEC) over allegations of favoritism in the employment of senior officials' children.



According to the vice floor leaders of both the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), hearings and other investigative activities will be carried out to scrutinize the election watchdog.



Rep. Lee Yang-soo of the PPP told reporters the purpose of the investigation is to uncover the truth behind possible nepotism in the employment process and to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.



The NEC has faced increasing suspicions of nepotism after revelations that children of at least several senior NEC officials landed agency jobs. But it has refused to comply with an inspection by the state auditor, citing its status as an independent agency.



The parliamentary probe will also delve into allegations that the NEC experienced nearly 40,000 hacking attempts by North Korea last year amid suspicions that the agency failed to detect some of these hacking attempts.



Additionally, the PPP and the DPK have agreed to establish a special committee on Japan's planned release of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, considering the public concern over health and environmental hazards.



The envisioned committee will also hold hearings that could involve a team of South Korean experts who recently conducted an on-site inspection of the Fukushima site. (Yonhap)


A China Coast Guard ship is seen from an Indonesian Naval ship during a patrol at Indonesias Exclusive Economic Zone to the north of Natuna island, Indonesia, Jan. 11, 2020.

Southeast Asian nations will hold their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea, ASEAN chair Indonesia said Thursday, amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington in the disputed waterway and Taiwan Strait.

The non-combat drills will take place near Indonesias Natuna Islands in September as a show of unity among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesian military officials said.

All [ASEAN countries] have confirmed that they will attend, Julius Widjojono, a spokesman for Indonesias armed forces, told BenarNews, adding the drill would be an annual event. However, there had been no confirmation from Myanmar on whether it would take part, Julius said. Strife-torn Myanmar is persona non grata at major ASEAN meetings.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Taiwan and ASEAN member-states Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. While Indonesia does not regard itself as a party to the South China Sea dispute, Beijing claims historic rights to parts of that sea overlapping Indonesia's exclusive economic zone in and around the Natunas.

Indonesias military commander Adm. Yudo Margono, who proposed the ASEAN drill during a meeting of the blocs defense forces chiefs on Wednesday in Bali, said the exercises would enhance regional stability.

Indonesia will continue to promote a safe, peaceful and stable region free from any threats and disturbances that threaten the sovereignty of the states, Yudo said in a statement Wednesday.

A safe sea will automatically boost our countries economy.

Strong message to the major powers

The ASEAN drill, dubbed ASEAN Solidity Exercise, or Asec01N, will involve army, navy and air force units from the member-states, and Timor Leste, an observer state. The exercises will focus on maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.

Khairul Fahmi, a military and security analyst at the Jakarta-based Institute for Security and Strategic Studies, said the exercise was a good initiative by Indonesia.

This is a concrete form of defense diplomacy to build trust, reduce concerns and misunderstandings between countries, especially ASEAN. Plus, there will be many challenges and threats to Indonesias national interests, Fahmi said.

He said Indonesias initiative also affirmed its sovereign rights in the North Natuna Sea, which China claims as part of its historical rights marked by a nine-dash line that overlaps with other countries exclusive economic zones.

This is part of ASEANs efforts to jointly play a more strategic role in maintaining regional stability, Fahmi said.

At the same time, it sends a strong message to the major powers that have interests in the region, especially in the North Natuna Sea, not to ignore ASEAN.

China has built military installations on some of the islands and reefs it controls in the South China Sea. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that Chinas claims had no legal basis under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), but Beijing rejected the ruling and continues to assert its presence.

Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia have accused China of disrupting their oil and gas exploration activities with frequent incursions by Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships, leading to confrontations. ASEAN and China have been negotiating a code of conduct for years to manage disputes peacefully, but progress has been glacial.

The United States, which is not a claimant but is in a defense treaty with the Philippines, has challenged Chinas claims by conducting freedom of navigation operations in the waterway.

While officials from some ASEAN states have expressed worry about the possibility of war breaking out between the superpowers over Taiwan, Washington and Manila earlier this year struck a deal to give U.S. forces expanded access to military bases in the Philippines  a move that angered China.
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.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A federal grand jury investigating Donald Trump in Florida has heard from at least one additional witness Wednesday amid signs that the Justice Department is moving toward a possible indictment over the former presidents mishandling of classified documents
PITTSFIELD  An Indigenous American perches on the rocky terrain on the banks of Staten Island as he watches a tall ship approach the shore in Edward Morans Henrick Hudson Entering New York Harbor, Sept. 11, 1609.

This romanticized arrival of European settlers at the south end of Staten Island features bucolic blue skies, pristine waters and untamed land, conditions that were no longer common in New York City in 1892 when Moran put brush to canvas. By then, the Industrial Revolution had reached America, bringing with it smog, polluted waters and deforestation.

Sign up for the In The Berkshires This Week newsletter Sign up

Morans painting aimed to remind viewers of what the landscape looked like prior to the arrival of European settlers and what it could look like again, a trademark of painters associated early on with the Hudson River School, a group of artists who painted romanticized landscapes of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill, Adirondack, and White mountains. A second generation of painters associated with the movement painted other locales in New England, the American West and South America.

On view What: "Romance & Nature: Art of the Hudson River School" Where: Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield On view: Through Oct. 1 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday Information and tickets: 413-443-7171, berkshiremuseum.org

As the Berkshire Museum looks back on its 120-year history, a new exhibit shines a spotlight on the permanent collections Hudson River School paintings  works by Albert Bierstadt, Ralph Albert Blakelock, Asher Brown Durand, Thomas Hill, George Inness, Edward Moran, Thomas Moran, Arthur Parton and A.H. Wenzler. The show, Romance and Nature: Art of the Hudson River School, on view through Oct. 1, also includes a collection of John James Audubon lithographs featuring illustrations of American woodland creatures  racoons, groundhogs, badgers, field mice and more.

Its really a romanticization of America, Jesse Kowalski, chief curator, said of the continued draw of the Hudson River School artists. It wasnt realistic, but neither were the Audubon pieces. Theyre not photographic style. But for a lot of people at this time, this was how they viewed the American West. It was through these paintings.

A DISCOVERY

Freshly returned from conservation at The Williamstown + Atlanta Conservation Center, Henrick Hudson Entering New York Harbor, Sept. 11, 1609, came back with more than just a refreshed look.

When the conservators were cleaning the painting, they had some questions about the paint layers, Kowalski said. They X-rayed the painting and found another painting underneath. Its of a group of people at a harbor in New York City. Its a really great image and really interesting to see, since Moran wasnt known for doing images with groups of people.

WORKS ON VIEW

Included in the show is a stunning oil painting, View of Great Barrington, painted by Wenzler in in 1849, as well as three paintings  Bierstadts Connecticut River Valley, Claremont, N.H., Blakeloks Rocky Mountains, and Inness Mountain Landscape: The Artist at Work (Leeds in the Catskills with the artist sketching  all which had been selected for deaccessioning and public auction in 2017. The paintings were spared from the auction block after 22 of the 40 works selected for sale raised $53.25 million, just $1.75 million shy of the amount allowed to be raised by the Supreme Judicial Court order that April.

Among the items sold at auction were three Hudson River school paintings (Bierstadts Giant Redwood Trees of California, Churchs Valley of Santa Ysabel, New Granada, and Thomas Morans The Last Arrow) and two Norman Rockwell paintings, Blacksmiths Boy  Heel and Toe (Shaftsbury Blacksmith Shop) and Shuffletons Barbershop.

Both [Executive Director] Kim [Tomio Bush] and I are new here. We see this as an opportunity for a fresh start, Kowalski said when asked about the decision to highlight a collection many community members deemed untouchable, as the majority of the works were purchased by museum founder Zenas Crane and his family.

At the time of the sale, I was with the Norman Rockwell Museum and we were looking at it from a certain perspective, Kowalski continued. But coming here and learning about what was going on behind the scenes, I believe the reasons for the sale were not relayed properly. [The administration at the time] should have said that if this doesnt happen, this museum wont be here in six years and all this art work wont be here, it will be in other collections, sold off.

At the time, they couldnt display the Rockwell paintings because when it rained, water ran down the walls. The paintings had to be kept in storage for insurance purposes. The sale could have been handled better.

Highlighting the works, he said, feels right, especially at a time when the museum is celebrating its history  both bad and good. He said the museum isnt shying away from the sale, which will be addressed in the third part of a three-part exhibition on the museums history.

Using the words monetize the collection was not a good choice. They should have been clear that they were trying to save this museum, Kowalski said.

ON VIEW

What: "Romance & Nature: Art of the Hudson River School"

Where: Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield

On view: Through Oct. 1

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday

Information and tickets: 413-443-7171, berkshiremuseum.org
SAVOY  Police were still searching Thursday morning for a Savoy man accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend with a steak knife in Adams.

Jeffrey Cote, 55, is wanted on a charge of armed assault to murder.

State Police spokesman Dave Procopio wrote in an email Thursday morning that troopers have resumed their search in the forest near Cotes home on Chapel Road in Savoy. We have numerous troopers from our Special Emergency Response Team  a unit specially trained in search operations in difficult terrain  assisting in that effort today, he said.

On Thursday evening, Procopio said the search continues.

Cote may be armed and should be considered dangerous. Police believe he may be in Savoy or Cheshire. Anyone with information about his whereabouts or who sees someone matching his description is asked to call 911 or the State Police-Cheshire Barracks at 413-743-4700.

Police said they believe Cote fled to his home in Savoy after stabbing his ex-girlfriend early Wednesday morning at a home on North Summer Street in Adams. The victim, 49, of Adams was taken to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield with serious injuries but is expected to survive.

A neighbor told police that Cote stabbed the victim in the stomach with a steak knife, according to an arrest warrant. Police reported wounds on the victims left upper shoulder and on the center of the back of the neck.

She fought him off and then she ran out of the house to her neighbors front porch and began banging [on] the door screaming for help.

This story may be updated.
Community News Editor / Librarian

Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989.
Anyone who regularly uses Facebook knows its rare to see a post that attracts many reactions where the overwhelming majority of the comments are positive.

But a recent Eagle business story about the closing of Alliance Appliance in Pittsfield was the rare exception to this rule. The link to that article on The Eagles Facebook page prompted dozens of comments that were almost universally appreciative of Tom and Kim Taglieri and their decades of sales and repair service in the Berkshire community.

Paired with the well wishes for their happy retirement, though, was a shared feeling of sadness in seeing a decades-old family business in the heart of Pittsfield close up shop. Count us among those with bittersweet feelings and growing concern over the troubling regional trend of locally owned, community-trusted businesses falling off downtown maps in a swiftly evolving economy.

While politicians practiced repetition of the line has rendered it a cliche, its still worth highlighting that small businesses like Alliance Appliance are the backbone of our economy. Yet the factors that forced Alliance Appliances owners to close a business of four-plus decades are ones felt by many other small businesses in the county.

The Taglieris particularly highlighted their struggles with finding help in recent years. While the couple said theyve had as many as six employees working for them at once, when two employees exited in November it left Tom, 69, and Kim, 67, on their own. Since then, theyve tried to manage the workload but understandably found it difficult to keep up. Theyre far from the only time-tested small-business owners confronting some uniquely modern hurdles on hiring and other fronts: increasing consolidation and competition from big-box chain stores; the kneecapping of brick-and-mortar businesses by the hyper-efficient but impartial Amazon-ification of the economy; the unprecedented workforce shakeup from a once-in-a-century pandemic.

When this economic environment squeezes out an old-fashioned small business  family-owned, locally operated and close to its community  we lose more than a storefront and dollars that would stay in the local economy. As Tom Taglieri told an Eagle reporter, Its not always about the money. Kim Taglieri recalled times when loyal customers who needed Alliance Appliances services couldnt afford the bill in dollars but offered payment in kind, like a potter in Sheffield who paid with four hand-thrown mugs. Tom Taglieri fondly remembered visiting clients, especially seniors who lived alone for whom service calls were also precious social interactions.

Try getting that sort of service at a big-box store where the bottom line always trumps community impact. We know plenty of our neighbors resonate with this assessment, as evidenced by all those comments telling the Taglieris just how much big of a hole their small business will leave in the greater Pittsfield community. Yet the sad reality is that these earnest sentiments that often pile up as local businesses shutter are not enough to keep the doors open for many main street enterprises that contribute vibrant threads to our Berkshire communitys fabric but struggle mightily in the current labor market.

Just as these businesses community impact is richer than their big-box counterpoints, their survival depends on more robust communitywide support. Small-business owners of retirement age like the Taglieris struggle to find not only more hands in the workforce but new buyers who are willing to invest locally as chains continue to crowd out market share. There is also the reality that patronizing the places that make our communities more vibrant almost always comes with a premium price tag. We who lament the loss of local businesses must put our money where our mouths are whenever possible if we really want mom-and-pop shops to survive while surrounded by corporate behemoths and online options. Then there is the unfinished work to raise our social infrastructures high-water mark in a manner that might lift all boats: greatly augmenting workforce-accessible housing stock, attracting young families to the region, improving public transit and, perhaps the most intangible but simplest goal, maintaining a support-local ethos in an increasingly winner-take-all economy.

After their decades of dedications to Alliance Appliance customers across the Berkshires, we wish Kim and Tom Taglieri a happy, healthy and restful retirement. We hope all who are sad to see them go, particularly our leaders and community stakeholders, do their part to mitigate the market forces hitting scrappy but vital small businesses like this one.


By Joseph S. Nye, Jr.



CAMBRIDGE  As the 2024 U.S. presidential primary campaign season begins, the most likely final contest is a rematch between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Judging by the electoral map in 2020, Biden would be well-placed to win. But American politics is unpredictable, and any number of health, legal, or economic surprises could change the outlook. Hence, many foreign friends have been asking me what would happen to U.S. foreign policy if Trump were to return to the White House.



The question is complicated by the fact that Trump himself is unpredictable. The presidency was his first political office, and his background translated into a highly unconventional political style. His success as a reality-television star meant that he was always focused on keeping the camera's attention  often with statements that were more outrageous than true, and by breaking conventional norms of behavior.



Trump also intuited that he could mobilize discontent by decrying the uneven economic effects of global trade and stoking resentment over immigration and cultural change, particularly among older white males without a college education. With a constant drip of populist, protectionist, and nationalistic statements, he earned himself equally constant media coverage.



Back in 2016, many expected Trump to move to the center to broaden his political appeal, as most normal politicians would do. Instead, he continued to play to his loyal base, which he used as a bludgeon against any congressional members of his party who dared to criticize or contradict him. Those Republicans who openly opposed him tended to lose their primaries to Trump-endorsed challengers. As a result, Trump has established almost complete control of the Republican Party. In the 2020 election, however, his appeal to the extreme right may have cost him the support of some moderate Republicans and independents in key swing states.



As president, Trump was different from all his predecessors. He often announced major new policies (or the firing of cabinet secretaries) on Twitter, and seemingly on a whim. His administration thus was characterized by frequent changes in top personnel and contradictory policy messages, with the president undercutting his own top officials. What he lost in organizational coherence, however, he made up for with his near-complete domination of the agenda. Unpredictability was one of Trump's most potent political tools.



Insofar as Trump has deeply held political views, they are eclectic, rather than traditionally Republican. He has long expressed protectionist opinions on trade and channeled nationalist resentment by claiming that America's allies are taking advantage of it. He has openly challenged the post-1945 consensus on the liberal international order and proclaimed NATO obsolete, leading John Bolton, one of his former national security advisers, to worry that he would withdraw the US from the alliance if re-elected. For his part, Trump recently promised to "finish the process we began under my administration of fundamentally re-evaluating NATO's purpose."



As president, Trump withdrew from the Paris climate agreement and abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership that President Barack Obama had negotiated. He weakened the World Trade Organization; imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from allies; launched a trade war against China; withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement; criticized the G7; and praised authoritarian leaders with well-known records of violating human rights. He was notably gentle in his relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and skeptical of U.S. support for Ukraine.



Polls show that American soft power declined considerably during the Trump years. Though tweets can help to set a global agenda, their tone and substance also can offend other countries. Trump paid very little attention to human rights, and his speeches paid short shrift to the principles of democracy that every president since Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan has espoused. Even critics who applauded Trump's tougher position on China faulted him for not working with allies in responding to Chinese behavior. Moreover, Trump undercut the advantages that America has long enjoyed as a leading influence within global institutions.



So, what would happen under a second Trump term?



Recall that before the 2016 election, 50 Republican former national security officials signed a statement warning that, "A President must be disciplined, control emotions, and act only after reflection and careful deliberation.  Trump has none of these critical qualities. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior." When Trump won, these critics were excluded from any role in his administration, which would likely be the case again.



As a political leader set on aggregating power, Trump has clearly proved himself capable. But his temperament in governing has shown that he lacks the emotional intelligence that had underpinned the success of presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and George H.W. Bush.



As Tony Schwartz, the writer of Trump's autobiography, once said, "Early on, I recognized that Trump's sense of self-worth is forever at risk. When he feels aggrieved, he reacts impulsively and defensively, constructing a self-justifying story that doesn't depend on facts.  Trump simply didn't traffic in emotions or interest in others.  A key part of the story is that facts are whatever Trump deems them to be on any given day." As president, Trump's personal needs often distorted his motives and interfered with his policy objectives.



Trump's temperament also limited his contextual intelligence. While his lack of experience in government and international affairs already made him less qualified than most of his predecessors, he then showed almost no interest in filling the gaps in his knowledge. Worse, his constant need for personal validation led to flawed policy choices that weakened American alliances  for example, after his summit meetings in 2018 with Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un.



Judging by Trump's behavior as an ex-president, nothing has changed. He remains unwilling to accept his 2020 defeat, and his campaign to return to the White House after next year's election has featured the extreme statements that mobilize his loyal base. If he succeeds, the only predictable feature of U.S. foreign policy will be unpredictability.





Joseph S. Nye, Jr., a professor at Harvard University and a former U.S. assistant secretary of defense, is the author, most recently, of "Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump" (Oxford University Press, 2020). This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


DocTube hosts over 10,000 medical videos created by more than 3,000 verified doctors

Clirnet, a Mumbai-based startup, has announced the launch of DocTube, a revolutionary video first, free to public health content platform aimed at providing trustworthy medical information to the citizens of India and improving patient health outcomes.

It is Indias own largest repository of multi-lingual healthcare information made By Doctors, For People that is deeply relevant to the demographics and the huge diversity of the people of India.

DocTube is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, hosting over 10,000 medical videos created by more than 3,000 verified doctors. The platform already covers over 1,000 therapeutic medical conditions, with over 80% of the videos in Indian vernacular languages, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of the Indian population. The intent is to take this to 50,000 plus videos by next year covering all major regions and languages of India.

Padma Bhushan recipient, world renowned cardiologist, and Chairman of Narayana Health, Dr Devi Shetty (right in the image) launched Doctube as the Guest of Honour. Dr Shetty shared his views on "Dissociating Healthcare from Affluence," highlighting the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for all.

Through DocTube, verified doctors can create and share a wide range of content, including videos, presentations, and demonstrations. The platform covers various health-related topics, such as treatment options, medical procedures, lifestyle changes, and advancements in technology.
Iconic Collective, a leading strategic and creative agency part of Point Group, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Albert de Andrade and Bruce Ross as executive creative directors (ECD). With their exceptional talent and wealth of experience, Albert and Bruce will bring new perspectives to support the drive of the company's growth ambition across Africa and the Middle East.

Albert de Andrade

Albert de Andrade, ECD at Iconic Collective

Albert de Andrade believes that creativity is intelligence having fun'. In his role as ECD, De Andrade is responsible for providing a creative conceptual touch to all projects, guiding the creative team to deliver impactful work that makes a real difference. De Andrade holds a Bachelor's Degree Cum Laude in Design and Art, showcasing his dedication to mastering his craft. His leadership style fosters a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, and this, combined with his professional qualifications and expertise, promises to be an invaluable asset to the agency.

When asked about his decision to join the company, De Andrade expressed his enthusiasm for working with an exceptional and highly motivated leadership team. He was particularly drawn to the company's ability to pivot effortlessly, enabling them to create the biggest impact/ROI for their clients. De Andrade's ambition aligns with the company's commitment to drive achievement, co-create with customers, and become strategic partners in creatively solving business problems.

Passionate about inspiring a new generation of creative minds and creating impactful work, De Andrade combines strong design and conceptual thinking to bring work to life. His dedication to mentoring and guiding creatives has resulted in numerous success stories, with his mentees now holding influential positions as creative directors, shaping the future of the industry. De Andrade's ability to nurture talent and inspire individuals to reach their full potential is a testament to his remarkable career. With a firm belief in authenticity and going the extra mile for ideas, concepts, and visions he believes in, De Andrade encourages the team to stay true to their creative instincts and strive for excellence in every project they undertake.

Looking ahead, De Andrade's professional ambition is to be one of the pioneers and change-makers in the rapidly evolving world of creativity powered by AI. He is committed to embracing new technologies and exploring innovative design and communication approaches.

According to Dermot Latimer, the group CEO of Point Group: Albert prides himself on possessing a ferocious curiosity and an unwavering desire to push boundaries and experiment with new ways of seeing the world and effectively communicating it to clients' customers. His unique perspective and relentless pursuit of excellence make him a valuable asset to the team.

Bruce Ross

Bruce Ross, ECD at Iconic Collective

Boasting an impressive 30 years of experience in the industry, Bruce Ross oversees the design insights related to in-store activation and promotional collateral for the FMCG market as ECD. Leading a small team of talented professionals, his creative direction will help fuel the companys growth through effectiveness and efficiency to provide the strongest ROI for local clients marketing investments. Additionally, Ross will collaborate closely with international colleagues, leveraging his expertise to contribute to projects worldwide.

Ross's inspiration to enter the industry stems from his deep-rooted passion for design, specifically within the 3D space. He finds great fulfilment in bringing conceptual ideas to life, focusing on the project's value and creating unique concepts that meet the client's brief. He holds a National Higher diploma in Graphic Design, and his passion lies in innovating and designing exciting and engaging point of sale material (POSM) that perfectly caters to the unique needs of its customers.

Throughout his career, Ross has achieved remarkable accomplishments, with one standout milestone being the successful establishment and management of his design firm for seven years. This experience has provided him invaluable insights into running a business and further honed his creative and managerial skills.

Latimer added: Bruces strong work ethic, trustworthiness, creativity, and managerial abilities have earned him a reputation for excellence. He aims to build and lead a world-class design team that is forward-thinking and embraces innovation and insight.

Iconic Collective is poised for an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation by welcoming De Andrade and Ross as ECDs. They will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives to support the agency's ambitious goals. With their leadership, Iconic Collective is poised to create deep impact and value further, driving its clients' success and setting new industry standards.




In May of this year, the Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI) celebrated its 5th anniversary, and as a proudly pan-African organisation took this year to host a series of thought leadership platforms across various countries on this beautiful continent - the Shared Value Series, providing leadership engagement on sustainability, ESG and value creation by African business for the benefit of society and the environment.

For the first event, the SVAI, along with Shift Impact Africa, have partnered with Strathmore University Business School to host a leadership roundtable in Nairobi, Kenya!

CEO Connect is a long-standing thought leadership platform that exemplifies the importance of value creation, sustainability, and ESG from an African business perspective. It fosters an enriched understanding of the African narrative through shared value and contributes to a continental knowledge base and facilitates cross-sector collaborations, fostering a sustainable future.

The aim is to bring together East African business leaders to deliberate on the essential role of creating shared value  a business approach that champions sustainability and its profound impact on society and the environment.

While the first in-person CEO Connect in Kenya provides an engaging leadership platform centred on sustainability, ESG and with the theme 'Creating value for all: A business imperative for sustainability'.

In our evolving global business environment, there's an urgent need for comprehensive frameworks that guide businesses towards stakeholder capitalism, replacing the antiquated shareholder capitalism model. A single-minded focus on profit is unsustainable in the long run, as evidenced by numerous large businesses that have closed their doors in the past 24 months.

Traditional models of corporate social responsibility (CSR), citizenship, and sustainability often relegate social and environmental issues to the periphery of corporate strategy. This approach undermines both the business's potential for positive societal impact and the significance of social conditions for economic success. Contrarily, creating shared value (CSV) as a business management strategy views societal challenges as business opportunities, demonstrating the transformative power and capacity of businesses to instigate and scale social and environmental impacts.

The shared value business management concept endorses policies and operational practices that augment a company's competitiveness while concurrently improving the economic and social conditions of the communities it operates within.

Join us on Tuesday, 4 July, to hear our esteemed speakers share insights and challenges from their sustainability journeys, reflecting on the importance of creating shared value for all stakeholders.

In further affirmation of the importance of sustainability in business, a recent directive from the Nairobi Securities Exchange now mandates all listed companies to disclose their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices. This requirement highlights the need for developing, implementing, measuring, and reporting effective ESG strategies, making sustainability an urgent business priority.

Please register via this link, and join us for this all-important engagement to create a more inclusive society on our journey to sustainability. To be kept informed on the other shared value series events, sign up to the newsletter via this link.




Many companies around the world are facing an operating environment where profits are under pressure, and the need to focus on an increased return on investment become vital to the company's future survival. To address this effectively, many companies are looking to improve their focus on skills development which will address these challenges rapidly and appropriately.

This has become particularly important in a post-Covid business environment where captains of industry have been hard at work to establish a business ecosystem where productivity and output are driven through collaboration, innovation and some risk management.

"Added to the challenges we have already drawn attention to, businesses face increased pressure to manage their cashflow effectively and increase profits. Therefore, there needs to be an increased focus on skills development," says Nuhraan Sambo, director: Cape Region and Mancosa Business-to-Business Training Solutions.

The stackability of skills can add increased returns

Sambo points out that the disruptive nature of the challenging business environment calls for an increased focus on innovation and agility.

"To accommodate this, employees are focusing on the stackability of skills. Skill stacking is a process that individuals undertake to make themselves more valuable or relevant. During this process, an individual learns various skills rather than focusing on one. This approach can provide professionals with additional opportunities in various sectors," says Sambo.

She points out that a skills-first focus will create a business ecosystem that has a high immediate impact and an increased return on investment locally and globally.

This trend is particularly significant for businesses in South Africa, where many industries are facing a skills shortage. In addition, the South African government's National Development Plan has recognised the importance of the skills-first approach, aiming to significantly increase the number of skilled workers by 2030, says Sambo.

Tailored learning programmes for the modern workplace

Mancosa is offering several business-to-business (B2B) solutions that encourage mentorship and skills development training in the hope that it will help businesses deal with disruption and be adaptable enough to address challenges as they arise.

LinkedIn data shows that employers who prioritise skills development to fill open roles are 60% more likely to find a successful candidate than those who don't. This shift is already happening significantly, with 75% of human resource specialists saying that the battle to fill skill gaps significantly impacts their current talent acquisition and retention programmes.

Mancosa has launched its enhanced B2B Training Solution to accommodate this rapid development. The product suite gives businesses the choice and flexibility to meet their particular business demands. This includes accredited formal learning programmes, online short learning programmes, and customised short learning programmes.

Responding to immediate threats

The current disruption that businesses are facing has encouraged Sambo and her team to enhance the availability of its B2B offering which has been available for a number of years and has proven to be popular.

One of the training solutions that is in high demand is the customised short learning programmes offering.

In an effort to sharpen skills development in specific areas, businesses can approach Mancosa and say that they need a customised short learning programme that focuses on management development or high-impact sales programmes. These are programmes that respond to a specific need that a company experienced in that moment, says Sambo.

She adds that the response to these programmes has been good. Mancosa really feels that these programmes can make a significant impact in South Africa and can have a direct impact on the countrys economic growth, says Sambo.

SkillME: embracing popular learning tools

Another shift entrenched by Covid was the rise of online learning platforms. Within the business context, this enables employees to focus on skills development which can be directly applied in the workplace.

Mancosa's wide range of online short learning programmes is delivered through a futuristic online learning platform called SkillME. The platform combines Mancosa's 27 years of developing world-class human talent into an online future-fit experience to fast-track employability within the modern workplace.

Programmes are infused with interactive and gamified content which aims to:

Maximise attention span;





To provide an engaging student experience while allowing employees to learn at their own pace and time in a highly automated and easy-to-use learning platform.

South Africa needs a skills-first approach

South Africans have always been regarded as hard workers with some of the world's best skill sets.

In an environment that is constantly being driven by disruption, businesses are looking for employees with transferable skills and skills that allow them to adapt to any challenge that is presented to them in real time. This would go a long way to future-proofing the business against disruption.

Mancosa B2B Training Solutions takes a skills-first approach to workforce development and management, allowing your business to future-proof its operations and contribute to the economic growth of South Africa.

Some of the recent statistics from Mancosa shows that:

Eight out of ten Mancosa students found that the Mancosa B2B programmes developed their leadership skills;



85% of students found that the programmes enhanced their understanding of ethics in the workplace;



90% of graduates felt that the information learned through the programmes gave them more credibility in their careers or business;



75% of Mancosa graduates hold management or executive positions; and



94% of graduates felt that their qualifications made them more effective.

Countries facing a challenging economic environment will want to bounce back and fast-track growth once the economic volatility settles down. A skills-based approach will necessitate this and allow businesses to face future challenges confidently.
Shamila Mpinga is a young woman on a mission. And that mission is to use her multiple Masters degrees to the benefit of South Africa's economic, environmental and social development.

Shamila Mpinga, Candidate Attorney, Baker McKenzie, Johannesburg

Despite the financial challenges of her upbringing, Mpinga is a testament to what hard work, coupled with community faith and support can get you... starting with an LLB degree (summa cum laude) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2017, she was awarded the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue a Masters in Mining Law at the University of Cape Town. Two years later, Mpinga was off to Oxford University having won the Rhodes Scholarship, where she achieved not one, but two further Masters degrees - an MSc in Law and Finance and an MBA.

Before joining Baker McKenzie as a candidate attorney, Mpinga was working at Schmidt Futures, a philanthropic startup backed by a billion dollar commitment which brings together talented individuals to generate creative solutions to social problems globally.

As part of our Youth Month features, we chat to Mpinga about honouring past giants and building towards a better future.

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to get into law?

Growing up in a low income household in KwaZulu-Natal, I was not exposed to white-collar professionals. In fact, I had worked part-time in retail from the age of 12. Thankfully, the adults in my life saw my potential and suggested that I consider law as a profession. I pursued law because I recognised its role as an agent for both oppression and for good. As a product of a supportive community, I knew that I wanted to be part of the good by contributing to South Africa's development by becoming a lawyer.

Being the first person in my family to get a degree, I knew I could not be last. Hence my decision to understand the higher education sector by pursuing three Masters degrees. As a graduate, I gained significant leadership training through my scholarship programmes and feel prepared to use the law to advance Africa's social, economic and environmental development.

What is the significance of Youth Day to you, as a young attorney?

Youth Day is an annual reminder that we stand on the shoulders of giants. The generations before us sacrificed their lives for our freedom and we cannot take that lightly. We have a responsibility to protect the constitutional rights we've been afforded and to safeguard our democracy. As a budding attorney at Baker McKenzie, I feel a sense of pride when we work on transactions that bolster global investments into our economy. By contributing to the country's economic stability, we protect our democracy.

What do you feel is the most important right young people have today?

The right to human dignity. During apartheid, the majority of South Africans were robbed of this basic right. It encompasses other rights, such as the right to equality, water and sanitation services, housing, healthcare and education.

What is one of the liberties you are grateful for today that weren't available to, or were hard-won by earlier generations?

Access to education. I have fortunately been able to get an education through the support of my community. My education has literally expanded my worldview through opportunities to study in China, Kenya and the UK. Unfortunately, generations that preceded us did not have such opportunities and this remains true for many of my peers. Access to basic rights, such as education, should not be left to luck and the kindness of a few. We need to scale the access to quality basic rights and ensure that no one is left behind.

Older generations often comment that the youth today "have it easy", but it's not necessarily true. What are some of the challenges youth are currently experiencing that other generations possibly don't understand?

We cannot deny the hardships endured by the generations before us. The youth today live in a democratic country, but continue to suffer the consequences of apartheid. Poverty persists and youth unemployment is currently at a staggering 46%. As the youth with access to resources, we must work towards leading South Africa to a place where it is globally competitive, socially, economically and environmentally; and all South Africans enjoys its success.

Share one piece of advice given to you by an elder...

"To whom much is given, much is expected" - this reminder was given to me and other Rhodes scholars before leaving South Africa for Oxford. It is a reminder to not be a spectator in the face of injustice.
Johannesburg-based radio station Hot 102.7FM has concluded a strategic partnership with Airlink that will see the South African airline take on the headline sponsorship of the station's flagship show, 'Hot 1027 Breakfast'.

Lloyd Madurai, managing director at Hot 102.7FM

The sponsorship will run for a year and provide Airlink with the opportunity to speak directly to Hot 102.7FMs upper SEM audience, as it seeks to drive awareness of its product offering  including its newly-launched Skybucks loyalty programme  in the competitive airline market.

Theres great synergy and a strategic fit to this partnership, as its matching a premium radio station that broadcasts primarily to an upper income audience with disposable spend, with a premium full-service airline, whos potential customers sit in this market segment, says Lloyd Madurai, managing director of Hot 102.7FM. Further to that, as our flagship show looks to get your day off to the perfect start, so we expect this partnership to take Hot 1027 Breakfast with Airlink off to even greater heights.

Airlink is a privately-owned, premium, full-service regional airline serving a comprehensive network of destinations throughout Southern Africa, with over 60 commercial jetliners operating to 46 destinations in 15 African countries and to St Helena Island.

It is one of the most punctual airlines in the industry, with an on-time performance consistently over 95% and enjoys interline and codeshare agreements with some of the worlds biggest airlines  including Emirates, Qatar Airways and United Airlines  which provides it with the opportunity to offer international travellers more choice and connectivity on the widest network of destinations throughout Southern Africa.

Rodger Foster, CEO at Airlink

Im not sure whos more excited  everyone at Airlink or our partners at Hot 102.7FM, said Airlink CEO Rodger Foster, speaking live to the Hot 1027 Breakfast with Airlink team on the day of the sponsorship announcement on Monday, 5 June. When I jumped in my car this morning, I cant tell you how many times I heard Hot 102.7FM and Airlink on the radio, which was just incredibly heart-warming. Were delighted about the partnership and long may it last.

Hot 1027 Breakfast with Airlink is hosted by Simon Parky Parkinson, with Bunny Majaja and Simon Hill  a dynamic trio that serves up a compelling combination of fun, laughs, clever features and plenty of energy Monday to Friday, providing the perfect kickstart to any work day.

The show will be exploring a number of creative executions with Airlink, including running quarterly competitions on Hot 102.7FM that will see listeners stand the chance to win thousands of Skybucks from Airlinks premium frequent flyer programme, which can be redeemed for flights to more than 45 destinations across Southern Africa or through Airlinks associated partners, including the Slow Lounge, which select tier Skybucks members, Business and Economy class customers have access to.

About Hot 102.7FM

Hot 102.7FM is an award-winning commercial music radio station, broadcasting to the greater Johannesburg area with a format of 'Old Skool and R&B' and a focus on playing only the hits from the 1970s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. This music format is complemented by a presenter line-up featuring some of the biggest names in the South African radio industry, together with entertaining, amusing and compelling content, relevant news, sport and traffic information, ground-breaking on-air promotions, and legendary station parties, whilst Hot Cares does incredible work in the community, with the aim of making a meaningful difference to the lives of those less fortunate. Hot 102.7FM was named the winner in the Best Local Radio Station category at the Best of Joburg Readers Choice Awards 2022 and walked away with the coveted My Station  Most Votes award at the 2022 SA Radio Awards, before being honoured as a finalist in four categories at the 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards in the United States.




Many issues affect the success of the township economy but a significant shift in consumer behaviour is budget-conscious consumers preferring value over brand.

This is according to digital CX agency, Rogerwilcos Township Customer Experience (CX) Report for 2023, developed in conjunction with market research company Survey54.

Valuable insight

This comes as residents adapt to a number of challenges including high unemployment, power cuts, poor service delivery and rising food prices.

Township-based entrepreneurs are also faced with problems such as poor infrastructure, market access and networking, regulatory barriers, crime, limited training and a lack of access to capital.

The Township CX Report, now in its third year, conducted a survey of over 1,000 township residents across South Africa. The aim was to gain valuable insights into their spending and saving behaviors as well as to identify the brands that hold appeal in the market.

Mongezi Mtati, senior brand strategist at Rogerwilco, says, "We're seeing spaza shops adopting strategies such as repackaging products into smaller sizes and offering weigh-and-pay options. These approaches cater to customers' budgets and their current need for value."

Some of these ideas, which have always existed, include the Gqwalisa method where consumers can buy small amounts of food such as two eggs, or a cup of sugar. A second example that has been seen over the past year is informal fast food spots such as kota and vetkoek business owners reselling used oil to their budget-conscious consumers.

Founder and CEO of YeboFresh Jessica Boonstra says the first response of established brands to a declining market in the township tends to be an increase in marketing when the issue is something as simple as a pack size or narrative.

When we started the business a few years ago the response was that the township market is too difficult and too poor. Now we are seeing the township market as the next frontier, and brands understanding the market. We are working with brands doing research and surveys, and have a wealth of buying patterns that we can share, she says.

According to the Report these innovative plans by spaza shop owners are paying off, as 25% of respondents reported spending over 50% of their income within the township. Moreover, there has been a rise in patronage of local spaza shops, with 51% of respondents claiming to shop at spazas daily  an increase from 44% in 2022.

To succeed in this market and win the hearts and minds of customers, brands may need to consider collaborating with spaza shops. Close partnerships with these businesses will allow brands to increase their basket sizes as customers top up their supplies throughout the month - Mtati

Savvy stokvels

Despite the increasing participation of men in stokvels, women maintain a strong presence and continue to exhibit a greater inclination towards saving within this framework. Their dedication to saving highlights the valuable role stokvels play in fostering financial resilience and empowering women in their pursuit of economic stability.

The Report states: "The 18-24 age group has seen a notable increase in stokvel adoption from last years 37% to 44% this year. This indicates a clear trend in younger, more tech-savvy people opting for this group-saving method over other methods, such as banking."

Mtati says that innovative solutions such as the stokvel management app StokFella, combined with the rise of fintech solutions, promote financial inclusion and alternative savings methods among South Africas youth.

Home grown fashion brands

The growing support for local businesses within township communities extends to the fashion industry. According to the latest survey, township consumers are increasingly favoring home-grown fashion brands.

In 2022, a significant 75% of respondents expressed a stronger inclination to purchase local fashion brands, particularly if they were easily accessible through store cards at their preferred shops. This year, the survey delved deeper into the actual expenditure on local fashion.

The survey revealed that approximately 17% of respondents reported spending between R1,000 and R2,000 on local fashion in the past year, with nearly six percent investing over R3,000 in home-grown fashion during that period.

Leading the pack in terms of demand is Bathu, a popular footwear brand, which garnered purchases from seven percent of respondents within the last 12 months. Not far behind are Drip, with 4.4% of respondents choosing the brand, and Amakipkip, capturing the interest of just over 1% of respondents. In comparison, 6.3% of respondents opted for international fashion brands.

This trend highlights the increasing preference for local fashion and the support township consumers are showing for home-grown talent in the industry.

The internet

The internet plays a pivotal role in South African townships, providing education, information, and income opportunities. Last year, 70% of respondents made online purchases, while this year's survey showed that 60% engaged in online sales or remote work.

The Report stated: "In our 2022 study, we found that 70% of respondents had made an online purchase. This year we flipped the question around to find out how many were using the internet to sell rather than to buy. The response was revealing, with just over 60% of respondents saying that they, or someone they know, have sold products and services online, or begun working online.

"A detailed drill into the data showed that there was no gender skew, with men and women equally likely to trade online. The self-employed (70%) and students (67%) were the most likely to turn connectivity into money, but even amongst the unemployed, a full 57% were trying to hustle on the internet or knew of someone who was."

Local brands such as Zulzi and YeboFresh have been able to adapt to the specific needs in townships. Zulzi facilitates instant loans while YeboFresh allows bulk orders via WhatsApp for businesses.

The Township CX Report emphasises the importance of brands actively engaging with and establishing a presence in township communities. As residents prioritise value over brand loyalty and support local businesses, brands need to connect and cater to their needs to thrive.


Stop internal strife and seek ways to reduce damage



Japan has begun the countdown to release into the Pacific Ocean wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.



A local TV broadcaster said Monday that Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began to fill the one-kilometer-long undersea tunnel with water. It means the company has completed technical preparations and is ready to start the release as early as July. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will announce its final analysis results this month.



Still, the Korean government and its party only held their "first" expanded meeting to discuss the matter recently. The event was aimed at relieving public anxiety and reducing possible damage.



However, less than half an hour into it, the meeting became a forum for denouncing the opposition party. Participants accused the Democratic Party of Korea (DKP) of spreading unscientific and exaggerated stories about the damage of contaminated water, destroying the fishing industry.



In short, they said, "Stop worrying about the water and trust IAEA."



We'd love to, but we can't for many reasons. First, experts disagree over the safety of filtered and diluted wastewater. Few can say how tritium accumulation affects the human body in the long term. Second, TEPCO's track records make it hard to trust its capacity and integrity. According to media reports, the company has no criteria to stop the release, even if a severe deterioration occurs.



Third, IAEA's role is to analyze and confirm data provided by TEPCO, not directly collect samples and verify them. We won't repeat in detail how the U.N. agency is pro-nuclear power and pro-Japan. Still, IAEA's role, in this case, was clear from the outset  not to verify but to corroborate. Yes, it is the only international agency to do that job. Still, one had better not read too much into its conclusion, especially given the low credibility of the original data provider, TEPCO, even in Japan.



All this shows why most neighbors and even Germany halfway across the globe oppose the release. The government and the ruling party must know that it is not only the DPK but most people that oppose it. In a recent survey, 85.4 percent stood against it, 79 percent didn't trust TEPCO and the Japanese government, and 64.7 percent replied that Seoul is going about this matter wrong.



To sum up, all reassurances about its safety from Tokyo and its friends cannot overcome this simple remark from a Fiji official, "If the water is so harmless, why don't you keep it within your country?"



According to experts, there are at least two alternatives to dumping the water into the ocean  building giant storage tanks on land and turning it into mortars by mixing it with sand and cement. The former costs about 300 billion won ($227 million) and the latter, 1 trillion won, far more expensive than the 34 billion won needed for the ocean release.



Still, we can hardly believe the world's No. 3 economy and the only Asian member of G7 is opting for the controversial method to save $750 million at most.



Tokyo must realize that Japan's status as the only victim of the atomic bombing does not justify all of its thoughts and actions on nuclear issues.



Most incomprehensible is why Korean politicians are squabbling over a barely justifiable move by a foreign country. The opposition party's exaggeration deserves some frowning. But the governing People Power Party is acting like a spokesperson for Tokyo.



PPP criticizes DPK for lacking in scientific grounds and politicizing the issue. But it is the government and the ruling party that decided to condone the release for political reasons and are backing it up with not-so-scientific data. They must now get a guarantee from Tokyo for continuous checking, stopping releases whenever things worsen and minimizing the damage to fishermen.



While leaving Korea in 1945 upon Japan's defeat in WWII, a Japanese politician reportedly said, "We are leaving, but Koreans will fight among themselves throughout the next century. We made them do so."



Are they fulfilling the prophecy?


(Se puede leer esta nota en espanol aqui.)

The BRICS bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is expanding, as its members grow in economic and political influence.

Together, the five BRICS members represent more than 40% of the global population, and their share of the world economy (when measured in purchasing power parity) is larger than that of the G7.

The foreign ministers of the BRICS states met in South Africa on June 1 and 2. There, they discussed a series of issues, including plans to create a new global reserve currency to challenge the dominance of the US dollar.

Also present at the meeting in South Africa was a group of top diplomats from countries described as friends of BRICS, including Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

More than 20 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS. At least 13 nations have formally applied.

South Africas ambassador to BRICS commented, We are getting applications to join every day.

Prospective future members include Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the UAE.

In a summit of South American leaders in Brazil in May, President Lula da Silva revealed that he also supports Venezuela joining BRICS.

At the June foreign ministers meeting, Bloomberg reported, BRICS nations asked the blocs specially created bank to provide guidance on a how a potential new shared currency might work, including how it could shield other member countries from the impact of sanctions such as those imposed on Russia.

The use of alternative currencies was among the prominent talking points at the meeting, Bloomberg noted.

South Africas foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, explained at a press conference that BRICS members want to ensure that we do not become victims to sanctions that have secondary effects on countries that have no involvement in issues that have led to those unilateral sanctions.

#BRICSza | The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting. Minister Naledi Pandor with her counterparts. From L-R:  Vice Minister MA Zhaoxu (China)

 Minister Mauro Vieira (Brazil)

 Minister Sergey Lavrov (Russia)

 Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (India)#BRICS

    pic.twitter.com/8PisQGdn6K  BRICSza (@BRICSza) June 1, 2023

Reuters acknowledged that the BRICS ministers sought to focus attention on their ambition to build up their influence in a multi-polar world.

Indias Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Reuters wrote, spoke of the concentration of economic power which he said leaves too many nations at the mercy of too few, and of the need to reform global decision-making including by the United Nations Security Council.

Chinas Vice Minister Ma Zhaoxu welcomed the idea of expanding BRICS. In a clear criticism aimed at the Western-dominated G7, he said that BRICS was inclusive  in sharp contrast to some countries small circle, and so I believe the enlargement of BRICS will be beneficial to the BRICS countries.

BRICS economies represent nearly one-third of global GDP (PPP), more than G7

Today, BRICS members make up close to one-third of global GDP, when measured with purchasing power parity (PPP), and their economic weight is steadily growing.

An Emerging Market Century? The BRICS are a larger share of the Global economy than the G7. pic.twitter.com/AyEIx2TwTO  Richard Dias (@RichardDias_CFA) March 9, 2023

The share of the world economy represented by the G7 bloc of the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, on the other hand, has been gradually decreasing.

In 1995, the G7 economies made up roughly 45% of global GDP (PPP), with the BRICS nations at around 16%. As of October 2022, the BRICS economies represented 31.5% of the worlds economy, against just 30.7% for the G7.

China accounts for the majority of the BRICS substantial economic weight.

According to World Bank data, the BRICS bloc had a combined GDP (PPP) of $46.62 trillion as of 2021.

China made up 59% ($27.31 trillion) of the total BRICS economy, compared to 22% ($10.19 trillion) for India, 10% ($4.81 trillion) for Russia, 7% ($3.44 trillion) for Brazil, and 2% ($868.58 billion) for South Africa.

However, the large share of the BRICS economy represented by China and to a lesser extent India is partially a reflection of their massive populations, with more than 1.4 billion people in each country, compared to 219 million in Brazil, 142 million in Russia, and 58 million in South Africa.

When GDP (PPP) is measured per capita, Russia has the highest level in the BRICS, at roughly $33,000 as of 2021, following by China at $19,338, Brazil at $16,031, South Africa at $14,624, and India at $7,242.

Beijings newspaper China Daily stressed how the rise of the BRICS is a significant challenge to US dollar dominance.

In an economic development that hasnt received much attention in the Western media, the GDP of the BRICS nations has surpassed that of the G7. That news, coupled with plans by the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations to create their own currency later this year presents a challenge to the US dollar as the worlds primary reserve currency, China Daily wrote in April.

The heads of state of BRICS members plan on meeting at a summit in August in South Africa.

There are, however, reports that Pretoria may ask another country to host the meeting, because Western countries are pressuring South African officials to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin.


Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute.

Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno.

Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi.
gettyimagesbank



By Park Jae-hyuk



Frequent leaks of Korea's trade secrets to companies overseas have prompted domestic businesses to seek tougher punishments for industrial espionage, according to industry officials, Thursday.



The big business lobby group, Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), recently sent a letter to the Supreme Court's Sentencing Commission, asking for revisions to existing sentencing guidelines.



"Although continuous leaks of semiconductor, battery and autonomous car technologies to other countries have threatened the survival of Korean companies and the nation's competitiveness, people who steal trade secrets have received only light punishments," the FKI said in the letter.



Earlier this year, a former Samsung Electronics engineer was sentenced to 18 months in jail with the term suspended for two years for allegedly leaking the company's semiconductor technology to Intel.



A former researcher at Semes, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, was given a four-year prison sentence in February for manufacturing and selling 71 billion won ($54 million) worth of equipment to Chinese firms by illegally using Samsung's trade secrets. Six accomplices to the crime were sentenced to two years and six months in jail, while two other collaborators were fined.



The Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology stipulates that people who leak core technology, designated by the government, to companies in other countries are subject to at least three years in jail or a fine of up to 1.5 billion won ($1.1 million). Those who leak other types of industrial technologies are subject to up to 15 years in jail or a maximum fine of 1.5 billion won.



However, only two among 33 violators of the law in 2021 received jail terms and penalties, according to data compiled by the Supreme Court, because the current sentencing guidelines grant eased punishments to first-time offenders and those who say they regret their crimes.



In contrast, Taiwan, home to TSMC, Samsung's chief rival in the chip industry, regards the leakage of industrial technology as espionage. As a result, people caught leaking Taiwan's core technology to China, Hong Kong, Macao and other foreign territories are sentenced to at least five years in jail and fined up to 100 million Taiwan dollars ($3.2 million).



U.S. federal courts can impose prison terms of up to 33 years and nine months on people who leak industrial technology amounting to more than $550 million.



"Amid the intensifying global competition to hold dominant positions in cutting-edge technologies, leaking industrial technologies to foreign countries should be treated as a serious crime, as it not only damages individual companies but also harms national competitiveness," said Choo Kwang-ho, head of the FKI's economic research division.



National Intelligence Service data showed that the spy agency discovered 93 leaks of industrial technology to foreign companies from 2018 to 2022.



In response to growing calls for stricter measures, lawmakers of both the ruling and opposition parties have proposed bills recently to impose harsher punishments on people who leak industrial technology to foreign countries.








By Kim Jae-heun







Samsung Biologics has signed a 535 billion won ($409 million) contract manufacturing organization (CMO) deal with Pfizer as part of its strategic partnership for long-term consignment production of a wide range of medicines, the company official said Thursday.







Under the latest contract, the biotech company will produce Pfizer's multi-variety biosimilars, or biopharmaceutical replication drugs, including treatments for tumors, inflammation and immune system problems, at its recently built its fourth plant in Incheon.







"We are pleased to strengthen our cooperation with Pfizer, which has a vision to provide innovative solutions to patients around the world," Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim said. "We were able to ink our second contract with Pfizer as the construction of our fourth plant was completed as scheduled earlier this month. We will also accelerate the expansion of the second bio-campus to provide more flexible and advanced consignment production service to customers."







"This partnership is a good example of Pfizer's trust in the Korean pharmaceutical industry. We are pleased to continue and expand our strategic partnership with Samsung Biologics to provide better treatment options for patients worldwide," Pfizer Chief Global Supply Officer Mike McDermott said.







"Collaboration with Samsung Biologics will contribute significantly to improving patients' lives and responding to growing potential health crises," Pfizer Korea CEO Oh Dong-wook said.







Samsung Biologics is a fully integrated, end-to-end CMO service provider offering development and manufacturing solutions from cell line development to final aseptic fill/finish as well as laboratory testing services for biopharmaceutical products.




Officials from Germany's TKMS and India's MDL signed the MoU in Mumbai in the presence of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. (Photo: Internet)

NEW DELHI (PTI): Eyeing the Indian Navy's Rs 43,000 crore contract to procure six stealth submarines, German defence major Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) signed a framework agreement on Wednesday to bid for one of the biggest "Make in India" projects.



The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Mumbai in the presence of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.



The MoU was signed a day after Pistorius held wide-ranging talks with Defence Minister Rajnatjh Singh, following which he said TKMS is well-placed to execute the mega project.



"I was particularly pleased that I was able to be present at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Mazagon Docks Ltd and German company TKMS," the German Defence Minister told the media in Mumbai.



The submarines will be built under the much-talked-about strategic partnership (SP) model that allows domestic defence manufacturers to join hands with leading foreign defence majors to produce high-end military platforms to reduce import dependence.



The bidding process for the project called P-75 India ends in August.



The defence ministry is likely to finalise the winner of the contract by the end of this year or early next year, officials said.



According to the MoU, TKMS would contribute to the engineering and design of the submarines as well as provide consultancy support to the joint project, while MDL would take the responsibility of constructing and delivering the respective submarines, the officials said.



Pistorius described the partnership between TKMS and MDL as an "important signal" for the possible construction of the six submarines.



"We have, thus, sent a very important signal today  a milestone one could say for a new flagship project. The Indian partners were full of praise for the German technology, the reliability and the longevity of the equipment, submarines and ships of the last decades," he said.



TKMS said as the market leader for non-nuclear submarines, it signed the MoU with MDL on the "intended construction" of conventional, air independent-propulsion submarines.



In June 2021, the Indian Defence Ministry cleared the mega project to domestically build six conventional submarines for Indian Navy.



The construction of the submarines would take place in India and is expected to have significant local content.



"We look back on a trusting and decade-long partnership with India. The boats we built in the 1980s are still in service today. We are very proud of that and would be delighted to continue contributing to India's national security in the future. We are ready when India calls," said Oliver Burkhard, CEO, TKMS.



The German firm said with the signing of the MoU, it has laid the foundations for a possible cooperation with MDL to compete in the Indian Navy's tender process.



With this MoU, TKMS is proactively striving to contribute to Germany's strategic cooperation with India, it said.



"Both parties can draw on many years of expertise, knowledge and professional competence in fulfilling this project to everyone's complete satisfaction. They have already cooperated closely in completing great projects in India and look forward on a close cooperation," the company said in a statement.



TKMS has built and delivered vessels for the Indian Navy in the past.



In his comments to the media, Pistorius reaffirmed that India is an important strategic partner not only for Germany, but also for the European Union (EU).



"You know that our navy has been operating safely and efficiently with TKMS products for decades and we are not the only ones and that is a good sign of how well positioned the German armaments industry is, especially when it comes to such systems," he said.



"My encounters and conversations over the last few days have impressively shown how important our commitment here is, how important our presence is, how important it is to show that we have an interest in this region," he added.



Asked how countries like Pakistan and China would perceive the intensified defence cooperation between Germany and India, Pistorius said the cooperation is not directed against anyone.



"Our commitment, our support is not directed at any other actor here in the region, whether against China or Pakistan or anyone else. It is about helping the partners we have here in the region to be able to defend themselves," he said.



"But above all, to join forces with those who have an interest to protect the rules-based order, because it is not just about everyone doing something for themselves, but that we do something together for the freedom of navigation, the freedom of the seas and the freedom of the trade routes on which we are all dependent together," he added.



The German Defence Minister also highlighted the importance of cooperation between India and Germany.

"Both are partners with which we ... should cooperate closely, which we should trust, and whose trust we rely on," he said.


The joint liquidators of two Irish-based Russian State-owned aircraft and shipping leasing firms have asked the High Court for orders which they say they need to effectively wind up the companies.

Late last month the High Court appointed Damien Murran and Julian Moroney of Teneo Restructuring Ireland as joint liquidators to GTLK Europe DAC, and GTLK Europe Capital DAC after Mr Justice Conor Dignam dismissed the firms' application to be placed into examinership.

The companies are worth an estimated $4.5 billion (4.11 billion) and their liquidations have been described as the biggest in the history of the State.

The firms' financial difficulties arise from the economic sanctions imposed on Russian entities following last year's invasion of Ukraine.

In this jurisdiction the Central Bank of Ireland is the official body tasked with overseeing the sanction regime. When the liquidation was mentioned before Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy on Thursday, James Doherty SC, for the liquidators, said that while there have been good and generally positive exchanges between his clients and the Central Bank regarding the liquidation, several complex matters of concern remain.

Advertisement

Due to the sanctions the liquidators need to apply to the Central Bank for permission, or a derogation, to allow them carry out transactions involving the firms.

As a result, the liquidators, in order to progress the winding up efficiently, have asked the court for fix a hearing of its application for various orders and declarations that formally recognise that the liquidators, and not any Russian entities have effective control of the companies.

Director returns to Russia

Counsel that there was added urgency to the application as following the court's decision to wind up the firms. A director of the companies, Roman Lyadov, who had sworn statements on its behalf of the firms in various proceedings before the courts, appears to have left Ireland and returned to Russia.

Counsel added that the firms' computer server had crashed shortly after the court made the orders appointing the liquidators.

This he said made the liquidators' ability to access the firms' books and records extremely difficult.

In reply, lawyers for the Central Bank said it required time to reply to the liquidator's application.

The matter raised complex and novel issues concerning insolvency of corporate entities that are subject to sanctions.

The European Commission would also need to be consulted about the matter, which would also take time, the court also heard.

Advertisement

Kelley Smith SC, for the four creditors that sought the winding up orders, expressed her clients' concerns about any delay to the winding up process.

Counsel said this was particularly so where the location and status of many of the GTLK's assets, including aircraft, remains unknown to her clients.

Mr Justice Mulcahy acknowledged the complexity of the litigation.

He put a timetable in place for the exchange of legal documents and adjourned the matter for two weeks.

The judge said he hoped a date for the hearing of the liquidators' application could be fixed on that date.

The four creditors which successfully obtained the winding up orders are Trinity Investments DAC and an associated entity Allestor Europe Multi Asset Portfolio, which is a sub fund of Allestor Capital ICAV.

The other two creditors are Ben Oldman Special Situations Fund LP and Sona Credit Master Fund Limited, which are both registered in the Caymen Islands.

The creditors claim they are owed $178 million by the GTLK Europe group, and that debt was rising,

The creditors claim they entered into a series of agreements to refinance the respondent firms' debts, where they advanced significant funds to GTLK Europe Captial, of which GTLK was a co-guarantor.

Ireland High Court 'actively misled' over solvency of Krem... Read More

After the sanctions were imposed the creditors claim there has been significant default by GTLK Europe Capital regarding it repayment obligations, specifically the requirement to repay interest due on the loans.

GTLK is Russia's largest leasing business in the transport sector, and leases ships and aircraft to customers all over the world.

GTLK's Europe Group's international leasing business is headquartered in Dublin, and the firms that are sought to be wound up are at the top of the group's structure.

Several directors of GTLK's ultimate parent are government ministers or deputy ministers in the Kremlin.
An Irish actor has told how he was coerced into performing simulated sex acts in a fake Skype audition by the con queen of Hollywood  who was posing as a female film producer.

Hargobind Tahilramani (43) is facing extradition from Britain to the US accused of being the mastermind of a $1 million (930,000) scam against more than 300 victims between 2013 and 2020.

He is said to have used fake accents and altered his voice to sound like female film executives to fool industry professionals, including actors, screenwriters and photographers.

Actor and writer Eoin OBrien (45) told the PA news agency he was left $15,000 out of pocket after he was contacted by someone posing as Hollywood producer Deborah Snyder  who is known for working with her director husband Zack Snyder on films including 300 and Watchmen.

Advertisement

Convinced he was in the running for a breakthrough role in a DC Justice League film, Mr OBrien, who is from Dublin, said he was pressured to go all out in a one-way video audition.

I was coerced into performing simulated sex acts over Skype by the con queen in the guise of an audition, he said.

When I discovered it wasnt who he claimed and also a male I felt violated.

Mr OBrien flew to Jakarta at his own expense having been promised a $5,000 fee before handing over thousands of dollars for shooting permits, which he was assured would be reimbursed.

Hargobind Tahilramani is accused of pretending to be Deborah Snyder, left, pictured with her director husband Zack. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA

But after four days of being driven to remote locations, Bangkok-based Mr OBrien realised he had been scammed and fled Indonesia in the middle of the night.

He has now written an upcoming film, Kiss Of The Con Queen, based on his experience, which is currently in production.

Directed by Tom Waller, Mr OBrien stars alongside Sleeping With the Enemy star Patrick Bergin and Ravi Patel as the con queen.

This guy would just crush people for fun and sexually harass people, including myself, for his personal gratification, said Mr OBrien.

Posing as a female Hollywood producer, the con queen used my dreams as bait, defrauded me of thousands, coerced me into simulated sex acts over Skype in the guise of an audition, and got me to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

Advertisement

Ironically, by overcoming this experience Ive earned what he used as bait  my dream of playing a lead role in a big film.

Tahilramani was arrested following an FBI investigation in November 2020 in a 60-a-night Aparthotel, in Manchester, where he had allegedly claimed to be a writer for Netflix and said he needed 10 rooms because he was working for The Bourne Identity director Doug Liman.

He faces an eight-count indictment in California including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, and five counts of aggravated identity theft, carrying a maximum penalty of two years each.

Britain's chief magistrate Paul Goldspring this week approved his extradition to the US and sent the case to UK home secretary Suella Braverman for a formal decision following an extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

Tahilramani entered the UK in late 2016 and has claimed asylum, having lived in the country illegally after his entry visa expired, and his claim will have to be determined before he is extradited.

The court heard there are a large number of victims, including some UK victims who are not subject to the US indictment or prosecution and his lawyers claimed a substantial amount of the alleged conduct took place while he was in the UK.

Advertisement

But he has not been charged with any offences in the UK and Mr OBrien said: I want him to face justice for what he did to all of his victims, not just those in the US.

He was living in Britain and committed a lot of his scams there, so why is he only being tried in the US for US victims? What about all the British and Irish victims?

Once he had been arrested in Manchester I thought he would be charged. But the British authorities have washed their hands of fraud and sex crimes by sending him to the US.

Entertainment Hollywood directors reach labour pact, writers rem... Read More

The one thing I agree with him about is that a UK courtroom would be a great place for us to meet and see him face justice for every victim he abused, especially in the UK from where he ran his operation.

The Home Secretary must hold him to account here first.

A UK Home Office spokesperson said: We do not comment on individual cases.
HD Hyundai CEO Chung Ki-sun, right, poses with Lim Ki-tack, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), after holding a meeting at Nor-shipping 2023, a global shipping and maritime exhibition, in Oslo, Norway, Wednesday (local time). The two discussed a range of issues concerning the global shipbuilding and shipping industries. Courtesy of HD Hyundai
An activist's prosecution for driving into immigration protesters during a live-streamed incident in Dublin was "a little bit more complicated" due to the number of alleged injuries, a court heard.

Audio visual technician and stage rigger Stephen Bedford (36), with an address at a hostel on Usher's Quay, Dublin 8, remains on bail with strict terms.

He was charged earlier with dangerous driving after a protester was hospitalised on February 15th, and he appeared again at Dublin District Court on Thursday. He has already told the court he wishes to have a Circuit Court trial before a judge and jury and has criticised the delay to his trial.

However, Judge Bryan Smyth noted that gardai had sent the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for directions concerning possible further charges. Queries from the DPP had to be answered, and more time was sought.

Advertisement

The defendant complained that it was "impacting on my ability to work" and wished to travel for an employment opportunity.

He said gardai had seized his Jeep car, which he needed for work, but he will not get it back until after the trial.

The court sergeant said it is "a bit more complicated" because of injured parties and injuries alleged, and it had taken some time for the investigating garda to complete the case file.

Mr Bedford said, "I don't know what type of work I might get offered; I could be asked to travel for a year; I can't be waiting for the DPP." At his previous appearance, Mr Bedford said he wished to apply to vary his bail terms.

On Thursday, Judge Smyth told him that he had to see what attitude the prosecution had towards him travelling, and the court would come to a determination.

He remanded him on continuing bail to appear again in two weeks for the DPP's directions.

Earlier, counsel said Garda Eoin Canon, the investigating officer, was amenable to changing the bail terms subject to being provided with proof of employment.

Mr Bedford then told the court, "I would like to request a trial by jury," and asked for his trial date to be set.

Advertisement

However, Judge Smyth said further charges were possible.

At his first hearing in February, Mr Bedford claimed people "threw" themselves in front of his car. Garda Cannon had told the court that Bedford had "strong political and moral beliefs".

A protest in Dublin's north inner city led to a "tense stand-off" with Mr Bedford's counter-demonstration.

Gardai advised Mr Bedford to leave for his safety, and he left at about 7.30 pm in his Jeep. The court has heard that two people from the other protest were on his bonnet at one stage.

One was hospitalised, but the level of injury was not stated.

Mr Bedford allegedly "live-streamed it onto Facebook via his phone".

The defence had said a group of 60 to 100 were there to demonstrate against "anti-immigration protesters" Mr Bedford used a PA system, and there was a lot of animosity between the groups.

The court heard Mr Bedford maintained that he was threatened and left but came across a second branch of the protesters and tried to drive slowly.

Ireland Man accused of driving into anti-immigration prote... Read More

He had claimed they had threatened to kill him previously, however, Garda Cannon said he could have used four other routes, and there was no official record of the threats.

The court had heard he usually streamed his demonstrations on Facebook.

He had given evidence at the bail hearing, and alleged people in the anti-immigration protest shouted, "That's him, that's him," and "threw themselves in front of my car" as he "tried to get away".

His bail terms state he must sign on three days a week at a garda station, not attend demonstrations involving anti-immigration protests, and not drive any motor vehicles.
US president Joe Biden and British prime minister Rishi Sunak discussed Northern Ireland at the White House on Thursday, Mr Biden said during a joint news conference after their Oval Office meeting.

Mr Biden recently claimed he visited Ireland to ensure the Brits didnt screw around.

He made the comments at a Democratic Party event in New York.

Mr Biden made a four-day trip to Ireland last month, visiting both the North and the Republic.

The war in Ukraine was also a key topic on the agenda during the meeting on Thursday.

The pair stressed their unwavering support for Ukraine, with the president saying the US will help Kyiv for as long as it takes.

The two leaders emphasised the need for long-term security arrangements for the war-torn nation as deterrence against aggression from Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Advertisement

The Democratic US president said: I believe well have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes.

And I believe that that support will be real, even though you hear some voices today on Capitol Hill about whether or not we should continue to support Ukraine and for how long we should support them.
Gardai are investigating an alleged drive-by shooting in Limerick city last weekend, it emerged on Thursday evening.

Shots were reportedly discharged from a firearm from a car driving by a house on Hyde Road, Ballinacurra Weston, last Sunday.

Its understood a number of people were at the house at the time but no one was injured.

When asked about it, the Garda Press Office replied: Gardai received report of an alleged discharging of a firearm in the Ballinacurra area of Limerick on Sunday 4th June 2023.

No injuries have been reported at this time and no arrests have been made.

A Garda spokesman said the Limerick gardai investigations are ongoing.

Reliable sources said a car drove by a house in the area and shots were discharged but that no one was injured.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, gardai responded to the Hyde Road area in large numbers this Thursday evening, and conducted a number of searches on open ground.

A number of areas in the community were cordoned off by gardai including the junction between Hyde Road and Childers Road as well as a large green area.

Eyewitnesses reported observing gardai conduct searches of open ground.

It is not known if the Garda response to the area this evening was linked to the drive-by gun attack last weekend.

The Garda Press Office said it was not aware of any Garda operation in the area this evening.
The Government is set to make a financial contribution of 1.5 million to the European Union as the State has been unable to provide accommodation to an additional 350 asylum seekers.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister for Integration Roderic OGorman will receive Cabinet approval for the memo voluntary solidarity mechanism. The scheme requires member states to accommodate refugees or pay a financial contribution if they cannot.

According to the Irish Times, the two Ministers will tell the Cabinet that due to the large unforeseen increase in the number of people fleeing Ukraine and international protection applicants, the States capacity to provide accommodation is under severe pressure.

Part of the solidarity agreement was that the State previously agreed to accept an extra 350 international protection applicants.

Ireland Cyclist dies in collision in Tallaght Read More

However, due to an unforeseen amount of refugees and asylum seekers already in the country, with Ireland currently accommodating over 80,000 people, the Government is going to offer to pay 1.5 million instead.

Advertisement

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath says the State's capacity to provide accommodation is under severe pressure.

"The pressure that we are under is well known. We are now accommodating around 85,000 people, about 65,000 people are from Ukraine, and about 20,000 international protection applicants.

"People are very much aware of the pressures that are there, particularly around accomodation across the country."
A freezing order has been issued against a holiday home in Co Down as part of a UK National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into the South East Antrim UDA.

The NCA said the property in Ballyhalbert is believed to have been purchased with the proceeds of fraud and money laundering offences.

NCA officers obtained a Property Freezing Order at Belfast High Court on Monday over the static holiday home.

The static holiday home in Co Down (NCA/PA)

The NCA said the purchasers family are believed to be senior members of South East Antrim UDA.

The property cannot be sold or ownership transferred while the NCA investigation continues.

The holiday home will be recovered if the court decides it has more likely than not been paid for with the proceeds of crime.

NCA head of asset denial Rob Burgess said: The investigation into the source of funds used to purchase this holiday home is part of our ongoing work to tackle and disrupt paramilitary crime groups.

Advertisement

Our specialist team of financial investigators, working closely with partners in the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, will continue to use civil recovery powers to target anyone engaged in organised crime.

We will use all the tools at our disposal to identify and recover criminal assets no matter how well they have been hidden.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill said: This is an excellent result for our partner in the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, the National Crime Agency; and an example of how the freezing of criminal property can hugely disrupt the criminal activities of a paramilitary group.

The Paramilitary Crime Task Force will continue to work with our partner agencies. We remain robustly committed to tackling and disrupting the coercive control and criminal activities of those who seek to make their living from crime.

This Property Freezing Order, which is linked to the South East Antrim UDA, demonstrates our ongoing effort to rid communities of the harm these groups cause and of their coercive control.
Sinn Fein cannot ride two horses when it comes to the Norths troubled past, the Tanaiste has said.

Micheal Martin said he supports asking questions of British Army or police actions, but said on the other hand that Sinn Fein isnt really doing anything to secure answers around the actions of the Provisional IRA.

The Tanaiste was commenting amid a row around the planned attendance of Sinn Fein MP John Finucane at an event billed as the South Armagh Volunteers Commemoration at the weekend.

Victims representatives have contended the event will commemorate the actions of the IRA during the Troubles.

Mr Martin said he did not believe Mr Finucane should attend the event.

He said he had met victims of the security forces, the IRA and of loyalists, adding they all wanted information.

Advertisement

They dont get it from the Provisional IRA, they dont get it from Sinn Fein. I think the idea of endeavouring to, in some shape or form, celebrate or glorify horrible deeds of the past is not the way forward, he said.

Its something that Sinn Fein need to deal with and because some heinous crimes were carried out by units right across Northern Ireland by the Provisional IRA, which were not justifiable, which did a lot of harm to many victims.

And if we want the victim-focused legacy process, then Sinn Fein needs to ask itself some hard questions and needs to deal with this once and for all, because they cant ride two horses in relation to this, in terms of on the one hand looking at legacy actions by the British Army or the RUC, but on the other hand not really doing anything to make sure that we have some degree of detail in terms of horrendous attacks carried out by the Provisional IRA.

Thats something that in terms of the future of Northern Ireland that has to be addressed.

Earlier on Wednesday, former Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster said the attendance of senior members of Sinn Fein at glorifying events resulted in the normalisation of violence.

Advertisement

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said all parties had attended commemorative events and that the occasion in question had been taking place for more than a decade with little controversy.

Dame Arlene Foster was giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

He also said that the focus on Mr Finucanes attendance at the event was distraction politics from the DUP, as they continued to boycott powersharing institutions in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Ms Foster gave evidence to the Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday on the effectiveness of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

She said the attendance of politicians at commemorative events sent an alarming message to young people.

Were still struggling with legacy today, and when I see people continuing to glorify some of the things that happened in the 70s and 80s today, its not just about the past, and its not just about remembering our dead, she told the MPs.

It is actually about sending a message to young people today, that what happened in the past was OK, and what happened in the past was somehow justified, and it wasnt justified.

And whether you are a loyalist paramilitary or republican paramilitary, taking up arms is always wrong, and therefore I do get very concerned when senior members of Sinn Fein are involved in glorifying events, as we know is going to happen very soon.

Advertisement

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy, right, said all parties had attended commemorative events (David Young/PA)

And I think it sends a really difficult message to law-abiding citizens right across Northern Ireland, and sends for me an alarming message to young people in Northern Ireland.

And we talk about reconciliation  and the difficult conversations about reconciliation still need to happen in Northern Ireland, and when you see that sort of thing happening, with a Sinn Fein MP going to a glorification  a family fun day  its wrong, and it has to be called out.

Ms Fosters father, an RUC reservist, was shot and severely injured by the IRA when she was a child, and in her teenage years she survived a bomb that exploded under her school bus which was being driven by a part-time UDR soldier.

I hope that in any talks or negotiations, which I wont be involved in, I hope there is a strong focus on not sending negative messages to the past, to the future, which result in violence, which results in the normalisation of violence and results in people thinking its OK to come up and say to a victim Ooh, ah, up the Ra, she said, referring to a divisive sectarian chant.

Thats wrong, and I think we really have a problem around the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland, and we can ignore it and it will continue, or we can deal with it.

Advertisement

Other Sinn Fein politicians, including party leader Michelle ONeill, have been criticised for attending commemorative events relating to the IRA.

Ms Foster said she would be equally critical of a unionist politician attending an event commemorating a loyalist paramilitary group.

I have said that very, very clearly  if a member of the Democratic Unionist Party was going along to honour UVF volunteers, I would be equally as outraged as I am about a member of Sinn Fein going along to honour IRA volunteers; it is wrong.

Now people will say Oh, you met somebody from the UVF in the past. Yes, I also met somebody from the IRA in the past  doesnt mean that Im glorifying what they did.

Because, let me say this, loyalist paramilitaries are weighing down heavily on loyalist communities in Belfast in particular at the moment, and using power to control those areas and those young people in a horrific way.

Therefore, glorifying these people, whether theyre from the loyalist community or whether theyre from the republican community, is wrong and we have to break that cycle.

Speaking after meeting the Tanaiste in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Murphy insisted: All parties here have attended commemorative events.

Advertisement

Every single party has attended commemorative events, be that British Army ones, be that in Dublin at the 1916 Rising  all parties have been involved with commemorative events over the last 30 years.

Everybody has the right and that recognises the fact that everybody has the right to commemorate their dead in a dignified way, and we support everyones right to commemorate their dead in a dignified way.

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister challenged Sinn Fein over Mr Finucanes planned attendance at the South Armagh event, saying the party should reflect on the impact it would have on victims.

I think, to be honest, theres a mistake here made by Sinn Fein  particularly whenever we talk about commemorating our dead or reflecting on the past, its important that we do not glorify terrorism, she said.

Thats the reality that we are seeing this coming weekend. Those families and victims of any atrocities in our past dont want to see that repeated, but they dont also want to see that their loved ones lives that were affected or lost are now in this state of glorification of terrorism.

So, yes, I think Sinn Fein should reflect and perhaps they should see what they are doing as causing harm to victims.

UUP leader Doug Beattie said everybody had a right to remember their dead but must do it in a respectful way. Photo: David Young/PA

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie, who was also meeting Mr Martin in Belfast, described the commemoration in Armagh as scandalous.

Its not distraction politics, he said.

Everybody absolutely has a right to remember their dead, but they must do it in a respectful way. That respectful way should not be hurtful for those who have given the most  that is the victims who lost loved ones during the Troubles.

And this commemoration, which is being run like a family fun day for South Armagh volunteers who murdered people purely because of their religion and for other reasons, I think it is scandalous.

And theres absolutely no way that Michelle ONeill can say that this is down to peoples different perspectives of the troubled past.

To go out and murder 10 men at Kingsmill because they were Protestant is not about peoples perceptions of the past. It was sectarian murder and we need to remember that.
The son of Thomas Bomber Kavanagh has also said he will fight the UK bid to extradite him from Spain like Kinahan Cartel gangster Liam Byrne.

Byrne, 42, told a judge he had decided to oppose his forced return to Britain in a court hearing on Monday following his arrest on an international arrest warrant the previous evening at a restaurant in Majorca.

Officials confirmed Jack Kavanagh had adopted the same tactic at an earlier hearing following his May 30th arrest on the Costa del Sol.

Britains National Crime Agency revealed on Monday Kavanagh, 22, had been held at Malaga Airport while transiting from Dubai to Turkey.

They said he and Byrne, held while having dinner with his two youngest children at an unnamed eatery in the resort of Alcudia in north-east Majorca, had been arrested in relation to serious firearms offences.

Advertisement

Both men were sent to prison after making it clear they did not agree to Britains extradition requests in separate hearings before a judge at Spains Audiencia Nacional court.

The centralised court, which deals with all extradition proceedings, is based in Madrid but can arrange for hearings to take place by videoconference where arrests on international warrants have taken place elsewhere in Spain. Such hearings always take place in private.

The mens decision to fight extradition means separate hearings will now take place where their defence lawyer will put forward reasons why they should not be made to return to the UK.

It is expected to delay any extradition by several weeks if not months. No date for the hearings, which would take place separately, has yet been set.

Kay Mellor, Regional Head of Investigations at the NCA, confirmed Kavanagh had been held on an international arrest warrant issued in relation to serious firearms offences following his detention.

She said he and Crumlin mobster Byrne, believed to be facing up to 20 years behind bars if convicted at a UK trial, had been evading justice for a number of years.

Jacks father Thomas was a key figure in the Kinahan Cartel until his recent conviction for drugs and money-laundering offences resulted in him getting a 21-year jail sentence. Byrne is said to have taken over from Bomber Kavanagh.

He left his Dubai bolthole and jetted to Majorca with his family on May 26th.

He is thought to have entered the island on a false passport, although Spanish police found no documentation on him when they arrested him.

The NCA revealed Jack Kavanagh had been held days earlier only when it confirmed Liam Byrne was in custody.

It said in a statement: Two men wanted by the National Crime Agency on suspicion of firearms offences have been arrested in Spain.

Liam Byrne, 42, from Dublin, who is thought to be one of the most trusted members of the Kinahan organised crime group, was arrested on Sunday evening in the Alcudia area of Mallorca while eating in a restaurant with family members.

He had flown into Palma Airport from Dubai, UAE, on the 26 May. Another suspected member of the crime group, Jack Kavanagh, 22, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, was arrested by officers from the Spanish National Police on Tuesday May 30th at Malaga Airport while transiting from Dubai to Turkey.
A survey has shown that three-quarters of people believe the Government should prioritise fully protecting valuable marine ecosystems.

The RED C survey was carried out by Fair Seas, ahead of a gathering Cork City Hall today to discuss the next steps for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Ireland.

The survey found that 56 per cent of people would be more likely to vote for a party or candidate that takes an interest in the health of our seas and ocean.

Just over 39 per cent of people surveyed believe Irish seas are healthy, while 62 per cent of people believe Irish seas have worsened in the last decade.

The survey also found 72 per cent of people believe all fishing activities in Ireland should be low impact and within scientific advice limits.

Aoife OMahony, Campaign Manager for Fair Seas says, Its amazing to see that most people care for, value and respect our seas and ocean, with the majority of people saying in repeated surveys that they want to see more and improved protections for Irelands marine habitats and species. Irelands new Marine Protected Area legislation is due before the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.

Advertisement

"This will allow Ireland to meet its national and international target of protecting at least 30 per cent of our waters by 2030. This legislation must not only detail how we effectively manage any new MPAs in the future, but how we better implement protected sites that currently exist. Its only by having effective MPAs and using all our sea and ocean areas sustainably, that we can address the biodiversity and climate emergency."
The owners of the Westin Hotel in Dublin have backed down from changing its name to The Westmoreland due to links to slavery.

Last month it was pointed out that the proposed new name was associated with a defender of the slave trade.

The 10th Earl of Westmoreland was a lord lietentant of Ireland and also a defender of slavery and denounced attempts to end it.

The hotel is now to be named the College Green Hotel, following feedback from patrons and others about the rebranding of the business, general manager Joanne Dillon told The Irish Times.

The Westin is part of the US Marriott Group and a member of the Irish-owned and managed MHL Hotel Collection. It has seen extensive renovation over recent years at the cost of 10 million.

Advertisement

College Green is one of the most historic yet contemporary and dynamic locations in Dublin where journeys converge at the heart of a bustling city, said Ms Dillon.

Having initially considered a renaming to The Westmoreland Hotel, we took on board the feedback from patrons and others, which alongside reflection on our environment and patron experience, informed our decision to opt for a new name.

We are very excited to adopt The College Green Hotel as our new brand and are grateful to those who shared their views. It feels right for us and for our patrons, both now and for the future. We will continue as The Westin Dublin for the coming months and look forward to becoming The College Green Hotel at the end of the year.

Ireland Trinity College Dublin to remove slave owners nam... Read More

The move comes after nearby Trinity College announced in April that it would remove the name of a slave owner from its largest library.

First opened in 1967, the Berkeley Library was named after philosopher George Berkeley in 1978.

The institution said Berkeley, a former librarian at the university, published some of his most important philosophical works while at Trinity in the 1700s.

He bought slaves, named Philip, Anthony, Edward, and Agnes Berkeley, to work on his Rhode Island estate in 1730-31 and sought to advance ideology in support of slavery, the university added in a statement.
A young Dublin man whose body was discovered hidden in an apartment in Dublin last year suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head, an inquest has heard.

The decomposing remains of Sean McCarthy (28) were found hidden in a wardrobe in a bedroom of an apartment on Achill Road, Drumcondra on August 6th last year.

Mr McCarthy had been reported missing from his home in Poppintree, Ballymun by his family earlier that day.

Relatives said he had not been heard from since August 2nd, when he was known to be in the Drumcondra area.

The opening of an inquest into Mr McCarthys death at Dublin District Coroners Court on Thursday heard that the deceased had to be formally identified by matching DNA profiles from a relative.

Sergeant Peter Foley gave evidence of taking a DNA sample from the deceaseds mother, Denise Duffy.

Advertisement

Sgt Foley described how he had been appointed as family liaison officer after Mr McCarthy had been reported missing before finding out a few hours later about the discovery of his body in an apartment in Drumcondra.

Coroner Crona Gallagher said an analysis of DNA samples provided strong support that the deceased was a biological child of Ms Duffy.

The coroner also informed the hearing that post-mortem results showed Mr McCarthy had died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.

Dr Gallagher explained that the formal date of Mr McCarthys death was August 7th, 2022, which was when he was formally pronounced dead by a medical practitioner shortly after his body was found the previous night.

However, gardai believe he was killed on August 2nd last year.

Inspector Jim McDermott applied for an open-ended adjournment of the inquest on the basis that criminal proceedings had been initiated in the case.

Criminal proceedings

Insp McDermott informed the coroner that the DPP had directed a prosecution in relation to Mr McCarthys death and that an individual was due to go on trial before the Central Criminal Court next year on the matter.

Dr Gallagher granted the application and adjourned the hearing on a date to be fixed following the conclusion of any criminal proceedings in the case.

Ireland DNA samples needed to identify woman who suffered... Read More

Dean Caffrey (36), of Beau Court, Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin, was charged at Dublin District Court on August 9th last year with Mr McCarthys murder a week earlier.

The court heard that Mr Caffrey made no reply to charge after caution.

A handgun believed to have been used in the fatal shooting of Mr McCarthy was subsequently recovered from the nearby Royal Canal following a major search by the Garda Sub-Aqua Unit.

Media reports at the time of his death suggested gardai believed that the deceased, who was a known low-level drug dealer, may have gone to meet an individual who owed him money in order to settle his own drug debt.
A large disturbance in the sea can be observed off the coast of the Danish island of Bornholm Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022 following a series of unusual leaks on two natural gas pipelines running from Russia under the Baltic Sea to Germany have triggered concerns about possible sabotage. AP-Yonhap



Kyiv knew nothing about a plan to blow up the Nord Stream gas pipelines, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday amid growing speculation that Ukraine was behind the blast.



As president he has the power to give orders, Zelenskyy said in an interview with Germany's Bild daily.



"I did nothing like that. I would never do that," he said, according to a German interpreter.



"I believe that our army and our intelligence services did nothing like that," he said, adding that he would "like to see proof".



"We know nothing about it, one hundred percent," he said.



The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that a European spy agency told the CIA it knew of a Ukraine special operations team plan to blow up the Nord Stream gas pipeline.



The tip-off came three months before explosions damaged the undersea system last year, the report said.



The newspaper cited U.S. intelligence allegedly leaked earlier this year by a low-level U.S. Air National Guard computer technician who had access to large amounts of highly classified materials.



The leaked documents indicated that an unnamed European intelligence body told the U.S. spy agency in June 2022, four months after Russia invaded Ukraine, that Ukraine military divers reporting directly to the country's military commander-in-chief were planning the attack.



The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, built to carry natural gas from Russia to Germany, were rocked by underwater explosions on Sept. 26, rendering them useless and cutting off a potential source of billions of dollars in earnings for Russia.



The apparent sabotage sparked a region-wide emergency as it cut off crucial supplies of energy for Europe just as the war had sent the price of oil skyrocketing.



Accusations were made against several countries including Russia, the United States and Ukraine, but all denied responsibility. (AFP)


Actress Nikki Sanderson only became aware she had a potential claim against the publisher of the Mirror for alleged unlawful information gathering after chatting with Hollyoaks co-star Gary Lucy, the High Court in London has heard.

Former Coronation Street star Ms Sanderson, 39, is suing Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for damages, claiming journalists at its titles  which also include the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People  were linked to methods including phone hacking, so-called blagging or gaining information by deception, and use of private investigators for unlawful activities.

Her case is one of four representative claims being heard in London, alongside similar claims brought by Britain's Prince Harry, Coronation Street actor Michael Turner, known professionally as Michael Le Vell, and comedian Paul Whitehouses ex-wife Fiona Wightman.

Her barrister David Sherborne told the court on Thursday that Ms Sanderson had suspected friends, people working on Coronation Street and members of the public of selling stories about her, and therefore didnt suspect unlawful methods being used until she spoke to Mr Lucy in about 2019.

Advertisement

Mr Sherborne said Ms Sanderson was surprised when Mr Lucy told her that, based on a case he was bringing against MGN at the time, she would definitely have a claim.

He added: Prior to her conversation with Mr Lucy, she had nothing on her mind to do with being hacked.

Barrister David Sherborne (Aaron Chown/PA)

The barrister said Ms Sanderson, who filed her claim in December 2020, says she had never heard about the Leveson Inquiry into press standards, knew that the News Of The World had closed but not why, and had no knowledge of the previous High Court phone hacking trial in 2015.

Ms Sanderson, who played Candice Stowe in Coronation Street from 1999 until 2005, is due to enter the witness box to give evidence on Friday.

Mr Sherborne told the court that Ms Sanderson had been an actress for most of her life, first appearing in the long-running soap when she was aged 15.

Indeed, she would say she grew up on the show until she left in 2005, the barrister said.

Mr Sherborne said Ms Sandersons claim spanned a period of 10 years, 1999 to 2009, and that she complains about 37 articles in Mirror titles.

He told the court that MGN had admitted unlawful information in relation to one story from October 2004, and made admissions that its journalists instructed private investigators to unlawfully obtain information on four occasions.

Advertisement

MGN has previously denied that 35 of the 37 articles involved phone hacking or unlawful information gathering, with one article being not admitted.

Mr Sherborne said MGN had apologised to Ms Sanderson for the first time in a document submitted for the trial, adding that this was despite the fact that her claim has been going on for three years.

He also told the court the actress found it a strange position and rather frustrating that MGN settled a claim brought by her mother Judith Sanderson, who has provided a witness statement for her case.

He said her best friend Natalie Turner, former boyfriend Danny Young, and former Coronation Street co-star Tina OBrien have also provided statements.

They all describe how they would regularly exchange voicemails with her, he said.

They all describe her as a private and cautious girl, Mr Sherborne said, adding that stories had a long standing effect on her personality right up to the present day.

The trial previously heard that Ms Sanderson felt like she was public property and experienced abuse in the street following false insinuations in articles published by MGN titles.

Ms Sandersons legal team said in court documents that she experienced unusual telephone and media-related activity which was consistent with the unauthorised accessing of her voicemails and other unlawful information gathering, with private information appearing in newspapers with no legitimate explanation as to how it was obtained.

Advertisement

Mr Sherborne said she said it was scary feeling like she was always being watched, and upsetting that MGNs conduct caused the lines between her public and private life to blur, making her believe that she was public property.

The impact of the stories on Nikki Sanderson was aggravated by their false insinuations that she was promiscuous, causing her great upset and giving rise to her being subjected to mental and physical abuse, having people shout at her in the street calling her a whore, slag or slut and even being physically assaulted on numerous occasions, Mr Sherborne said.

It gave rise to her feeling in a constant state of paranoia, distrusting everyone around her.

He added that payment records to private investigators show Ms Sanderson was subjected to very large amounts of unlawful information gathering.

This made her feel angry and distressed, with the actress claiming: I was a young girl and they were hiring random men to follow me  they could have done anything to me.

In its trial defence, the publisher says Ms Sandersons claim is brought too late, but unreservedly apologises over four payments made to private investigators which it admits are evidence of instructions to unlawfully obtain her private information.

Advertisement

The publisher also claims that evidence does not suggest Ms Sandersons phone was successfully hacked.

MGN previously brought a bid to have Ms Sandersons claim thrown out but it was allowed to proceed by Mr Justice Fancourt in a May 2022 ruling.

Earlier on Thursday, former Daily Mirror royal correspondent Jane Kerr told the court she never seen anyone intercept a call in almost two decades working at MGN newspapers.

Ms Kerr, who began giving evidence on Wednesday after Harry left the witness box, faced nearly three more hours of questioning on Thursday.

Mr Sherborne said it had previously been accepted by MGN, and held by a court ruling on a separate trial of hacking claims in 2015, that there was habitual and widespread voicemail interception and use of unlawful information gathering across all three newspapers.

You seem to remain totally uninvolved and totally unaware of that, is that your evidence? Mr Sherborne asked Ms Kerr.

It is, she said, adding that she had no idea of anything that you have said.

She also told the court: Ive never intercepted a voicemail, I wouldnt even know how.

The trial is due to resume at 11am on Friday following a hearing in relation to an application by the duke, which may be held in private.
Joe Biden got confused over Rishi Sunaks title when the pair met in the White House, welcoming him as Mr president.

The US President swiftly corrected himself, joking that he had promoted Mr Sunak.

The 80-year-old US president, seated across from Mr Sunak for the bilateral meeting, said: Well, Mr President  Mr President, I just promoted you. Mr Prime Minister, its great to have you back.

Mr Sunak, who appeared to laugh off the error, has not been to the White House before as UK prime minister, only taking office last October.

Mr Biden told him: In the past few months we have met each other in San Diego and then we met in Belfast and we met in Hiroshima.

And now were here were going solve all the problems of the world in the next 20 minutes.

Advertisement

This is not the first time the US president has appeared to fumble his words.

In April, during his visit to the Republic, Mr Biden appeared to confuse the name of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team with the Black and Tans  a notorious War of Independence-era police force in Ireland.

And while he heaped praise on the strength of the UK-US relationship on Thursday, he has not always been so diplomatic.

Last month, he claimed that he visited the island of Ireland to ensure the Brits didnt screw around amid ongoing concern over the peace process and the impact of Brexit.
Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie hosted a close friend at Chequers in May 2021 for an overnight stay while some Covid-19 restrictions were still in place, according to reports.

A spokesman for the former British prime minister said that the visit was entirely lawful, after The Guardian newspaper reported that events organiser Dixie Maloney stayed at the grace and favour country residence on May 7 2021.

At that stage, indoor mixing between different households was not permitted.

Exceptions to this included gatherings reasonably necessary for work purposes and childcare. The Guardian cited sources suggesting that Ms Maloney was permitted to be there for childcare reasons given Ms Symonds was pregnant.

Chequers in Buckinghamshire. Photo: Jacob King/PA.

Under the rules at the time, a gathering could be seen as reasonably necessary to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person  a definition that under the legislation included anyone pregnant.

Advertisement

A spokesman for the former prime minister said: This was entirely lawful, and it was covered by relevant provisions in the Covid regulations, as The Guardians report makes clear.

To suggest otherwise is totally untrue.

There had been some speculation that Ms Maloney was involved in some of the planning behind the couples wedding.

In a statement to the paper, a spokesperson for her said: Ms Maloney took her obligations under the relevant Covid restrictions very seriously. She would not have done anything at the relevant time unless she honestly believed that it was lawful to do so.

Ms Maloney has never been formally engaged to work for either Boris or Carrie Johnson, nor has she ever held any public role, whether in government or otherwise.

A decision last month to pass to the police concerns over events in Chequers and Downing Street, following a review of the former prime ministers official diary, led to renewed questions for Mr Johnson and the ministers.

Entries in the former prime ministers official diary reportedly revealed visits by friends to Chequers during the pandemic and new allegations about his behaviour in Downing Street.

Cabinet Office officials passed concerns to the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police after the new information came to light during a review by taxpayer-funded lawyers ahead of the Covid public inquiry.

Advertisement

Mr Johnson, who believes he is the victim of a stitch-up, ditched the Government-appointed lawyers representing him in the Covid inquiry after the referral.

It came as he awaits the verdict of the Commons Privileges Committee, which is conducting an inquiry into whether Mr Johnson lied to Parliament about the partygate scandal.

The Liberal Democrats hit out at Mr Johnson after the latest report. Deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: Were all left wondering what more it will take for Rishi Sunak to finally scrap Johnsons taxpayer-funded legal bill.

Almost every day of this government brings more stories of Conservative sleaze and scandal, all whilst the problems facing the country get worse and worse.

World The 33 tabloid articles at centre of Prince Harry'... Read More

Meanwhile, the Times newspaper reported that Rishi Sunak is expected to accept Mr Johnsons long-awaited resignation honours list, with the paper reporting that it could be published in a matter of weeks with the current Prime Minister hoping to clear the decks.

It has been suggested that Johnson loyalist Nadine Dorries is in line for a peerage as part of the honours list.

We strictly do not comment on honours, Mr Johnsons spokesman said.
Caroline Flacks mother Christine has said Britain's Prince Harry is very brave for suing the publisher of the Mirror at the High Court in London over alleged unlawful information-gathering.

At the centre of his legal battle, Harry has alleged 147 stories published from 1996 to 2010 by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) titles used information obtained through unlawful means, such as phone hacking.

The articles include Harrys date with Gladiators star, a story about the duke leaving a party with late TV presenter Caroline Flack which was published in The People on April 19th, 2009.

"I think Prince Harry is doing for this everybody, and he's incredibly brave"



We spoke to the late Caroline Flack's mother, after her daughter was referenced during yesterday's court proceedings.



She's backing Harry's fight against the press.@thejeremyvine | #JeremyVine pic.twitter.com/vnVAlxOIiz Advertisement  Jeremy Vine On 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) June 8, 2023

The prince said he was shocked and livid that photographers knew where they would be and that he believed it came from information from his, a friends or Ms Flacks voicemails, while MGN said it came from a photo agency and that there is no evidence of phone hacking.

Appearing on Jeremy Vines Channel 5 chat show on Thursday, Mrs Flack said: Carrie was the same in her life, whenever a story appeared in the paper it causes distrust among your friends and your family, shed say Mum, have you said anything?

I think Harry is doing it for everybody  and I think hes very brave because he is getting such an awful lot of stick as well, and the people that are reporting on him are the same people he is in court against.

Caroline Flack died age 40 in February 2020. Photo: Matt Crossick/PA.

So, its doubly hard.

Mrs Flack said she had been pursued by the paparazzi after her daughter was arrested and later found dead in February 2020 at the age of 40.

She added: Its horrendous what the press do, horrendous, and Im just so pleased hes (Harry) doing something about it.

World The 33 tabloid articles at centre of Prince Harry'... Read More

Some 33 articles, dated between 1996 and 2009, were selected for examination during the trial of Harrys contested claim against MGN on Wednesday.

Advertisement

MGN has told the trial in London it denies that 28 out of the 33 articles involved unlawful information-gathering and that it was not admitted for the remaining five articles.

The publisher claims the stories came from a range of sources, including information disclosed by royal households or other royals, freelance journalists and news agencies as well as confidential sources with extensive royal contacts.
GameStop shares plunged before the opening bell after the company fired chief executive Matthew Furlong, the former Amazon executive brought in two years ago to turn the struggling videogame retailer around.

The company gave no reason for the dismissal and named Ryan Cohen, the companys biggest investor, as executive chairman.

Mr Cohen sent a cryptic tweet that read Not for long around the time the company announced Mr Furlongs firing.

GameStop said Mr Cohen will oversee investment and management of the company.

Not for long  Ryan Cohen (@ryancohen) June 7, 2023

Shares tumbled more than 19 per cent in premarket trading on Thursday.

Mr Furlong was named GameStops chief executive in June 2021 with the mandate of heading the companys digital remake.

He was the executive who oversaw Amazons Australia business and spent nine years with the company.

Advertisement

Mr Furlong was one of two Amazon executives hired at the time, the other being Mike Recupero, hired as GameStops chief financial officer.

Mr Cohens holding company RC Ventures is the biggest investor in GameStop, holding an approximately 12% stake.

Mr Cohen co-founded Chewy, the online pet supply company, and had hoped to modernise GameStop, founded in 1984.

GameStop became the embodiment of the meme stock craze two years ago, when a fanatical band of smaller-pocketed and novice investors encouraged each other to pile in. Photo: Alamy/PA.

Mr Cohen began snapping up large stakes of GameStop at a time when the Texas company was being buffeted by new technology.

Gamers no longer needed GameStop because they were downloading games rather than buying digital discs.

Mr Furlong and other executives were brought it to execute Mr Cohens goal of getting GameStop more online.

After building a massive stake, Mr Cohen joined GameStops board in January 2021, along with two of his former Chewy colleagues.

GameStop became the embodiment of the meme stock craze two years ago, when a fanatical band of smaller-pocketed and novice investors encouraged each other to pile in.

World Jess Phillips avoids sanction despite again failin... Read More

That helped trigger a short squeeze on larger institutional Wall Street firms betting the company would continue to flounder.

The gambit worked and shares spiked more than 8,000% in 2021.

Shares have fallen drastically since then and now trade for around 20 US dollars (16) each, which was about the cost of a share before the meme craze.
Boris Johnson has been given the findings of an investigation into whether he lied to the British Parliament over the partygate scandal, it has been reported.

The Privileges Committee has been conducting an inquiry into whether he misled MPs with his assurances over lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street.

Mr Johnson, who assured MPs while he was UK prime minister that all guidance was followed completely in No 10, could face suspension from the House of Commons or even a by-election if the committee finds him in contempt of Parliament.

The Times reported that the panel of MPs has sent Mr Johnson a draft of the report which will determine his political future.

He has two weeks to respond to the committee before it delivers its verdict to the Commons, which will then vote on whether to approve whatever sanction it recommends, according to the newspaper.

Advertisement

A spokesperson for the panel said: The Committee is proceeding in accordance with its previously published procedure. Under that procedure, if the Committee decides to criticise Mr Johnson, it will not come to a final conclusion until it has taken into account any further submissions from Mr Johnson.

The Committee will then report to the House in the usual way, and it will be for the House  not the Committee  to decide on this matter.

Boris Johnson pictured at a lockdown-busting gathering in No 10 for the departure of a special adviser (Sue Gray Report/Cabinet Office/PA)

The panel of MPs, chaired by Labours Harriet Harman but which has a Tory majority, can make a recommendation on any punishment but the ultimate decision will lie with the full House of Commons.

Sanctions could range from a simple apology to ordering that Mr Johnson be suspended from Parliament.

Any suspension of 10 sitting days or more could trigger a recall by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat, putting his parliamentary career in jeopardy.

The panels deliberations have been slightly delayed after it was last month passed concerns from UK Cabinet Office officials that Mr Johnson may have also breached coronavirus lockdown rules with events in Chequers and Downing Street.

Entries in the former prime ministers official diary, which came to light during a review by taxpayer-funded lawyers ahead of the Covid public inquiry, reportedly revealed visits by friends to Chequers during the pandemic and new allegations about his behaviour in Downing Street.

Mr Johnson, who believes he is the victim of a stitch-up, endured more than three hours of questioning by the Privileges Committee in March.
Pope Francis is in a good general condition, alert and breathing on his own after a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall, the Vatican said.

The 86-year-old rested extensively during a peaceful night and is spending his first day after the surgery observing the necessary post-operative rest, the Vatican said in a statement.

The Pope is informed of the messages of closeness and affection that have come in the last few hours and expresses his gratitude, while asking for continued prayers for him, the statement said.

Francis was admitted to Romes Gemelli hospital on Wednesday for his second major abdominal operation in two years following a 2021 procedure to remove part of his colon.

Pope Francis on Wednesday before his operation. Photo: Andrew Medichini/AP.

Doctors revealed that in addition to that 2021 operation, Francis had undergone previous abdominal surgeries sometime before 2013 in his native Argentina, which had also caused intestinal scarring.

Advertisement

During the operation on Wednesday, doctors removed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that had caused a partial blockage.

To repair a hernia that had formed over a previous scar, a prosthetic mesh was also placed in the abdominal wall.

Dr Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences who performed the surgery, said the operation was a success and that Francis was suffering from no other pathologies, that the tissue removed was benign and that after he recovers, he should be fine.

A feared protrusion, or bulging of the intestine through the hernia tear, was apparently not found.

Dr Alfieri, who also removed part of Franciss colon in 2021, told an evening press conference the Pope was awake, alert and even joking.

Reporters work in front of Romes Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic. Photo: Andrew Medichini/AP.

When will we do the third one? he quoted Francis as saying.

The pontiff is expected to remain in the 10th floor papal suite at Gemelli for several days and all papal audiences are cancelled through June 18.

The operation was scheduled after Francis complained about increasing bouts of pain and intestinal blockages.

World Pope awake after spending first night in hospital... Read More

After going to Gemelli on Tuesday for checks, he was admitted on Wednesday following his general audience and underwent the procedure a short time later.

Advertisement

The surgery was likely scheduled for now to give Francis plenty of time to recover before embarking on planned travel later this summer: an August 2-6 trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, an August 31-September 4 trip to Mongolia and a September 23 day trip to Marseille, France.

Francis remained in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church even while unconscious and in the hospital, according to canon law.
Russian forces have shelled a southern Ukrainian city inundated by flooding in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky went to the area to assess the damage.

The fresh fighting returned security issues to the region, two days after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River set off a scramble to evacuate residents in dozens of flooded areas and get aid to those still there.

Officials on both sides said at least 14 people were killed in the flooding, thousands are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the collapse.

Kyiv accused Moscow of blowing up the dam and its associated hydropower plant, which the Kremlins forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

Advertisement





The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage, and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages.

Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press (AP) showed the ruined dam falling into the river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church.

Upriver from the dam, a supply of water used to cool Europes largest nuclear power plant was nearing critically low levels, Ukraines state hydroelectric company said.

But the UNs atomic energy watchdog said on Wednesday that work was under way to ensure the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant had enough water in reserve to cool its shut-down reactors, in case supplies fell too much.

Mr Zelenskys office said Moscows forces also continued to shell Ukrainian-held areas near the nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.

The high water brought new misery and death to a country suffering uncounted casualties after 15 months of war.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied city adjacent to the dam, told Russian state TV that five residents there had died in the flooding.

And Mykolaiv regional governor Vitalii Kim said one person had died in that region north west of the city of Kherson.

Advertisement



Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam in Nova Kakhovka, in Russian-occupied Ukraine, on Wednesday (AP)

Yevhen Ryshchuk, the mayor of Oleshky to the south who fled the town after the Russians took over, told the AP that residents told him eight people had died so far in the flooding, with corpses floating to the surface.

His tally could not immediately be verified.

Residents of Oleshky have accused Russian authorities in the town of not doing enough to help civilians, and they have formed a group of more than 8,000 that is sharing messages about information such as stranded and trapped locals.

In the city of Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid.

Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policeman, a doctor and volunteer from Germany.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Mr Zelensky had visited only hours earlier, officials told AP.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the Internal Affairs Ministry said.

Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Advertisement



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the flood-hit areas in Kherson, Ukraine (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Mr Zelensky visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility in Kherson, ordering officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to compensate residents, his office said in an update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Regional governor Vladimir Soldo, who was installed by Moscow to oversee the area that Russia occupies, accused Ukrainian troops of firing at an evacuation point in Hola Prystan, a Russian-occupied town.

Mr Soldo said in a Telegram post that two people, including a pregnant 33-year-old woman, were killed and that two others were wounded.

It was not immediately possible to verify his account.

Fighting has intensified along the more than 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraines border with Russia  in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Kyiv has said it will not announce the start of any such campaign.

The destruction of the dam prompted the United Nations and local officials to say that the most immediate concerns for affected areas were access to fresh water and avoiding contact with floodwaters contaminated by explosives and industrial chemicals.

Advertisement



Rescue workers evacuate people in a flooded neighbourhood of Kherson, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that was once home to more than 60,000 people.

In areas they control, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been admitted to hospital, 4,280 people have been evacuated and 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the dams destruction will eventually halt fresh water supplies to southern Ukraine and Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now, with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off water supplies to Crimea after Moscows illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Mr Putin cited the need to restore them as a main reason for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said about 600 square kilometres (231 square miles) of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper.

People are tired  (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Mr Prokudin said.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the dams destruction was an attack and an atrocious act, without assigning blame.

Advertisement

Paris said it was providing aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits.



Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam in Nova Kakhovka, in Russian-occupied Ukraine (AP)

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key Putin ally, said Kyiv blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched attempt to launch its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent battlefield developments amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In a podcast on Wednesday, Michael Kofman of the Centre for Naval Analyses, a US research group, said fighting had taken a more qualitative turn with Ukrainian forces appearing to mount offensive operations near the eastern town of Velyka Novosilka and other points in southern parts of the Donetsk region, as well as on its border with Zaporizhzhia province.

These attacks I dont believe to be the main offensive effort, but they mark what I think is the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, he said.

This is now beyond shaping operations  they are attacks with multiple brigades, they have dented Russian lines in and around Velyka Novosilka.

In the eastern Donbas, a battle continued for the largely devastated city of Bakhmut  one of the epicentres of the war.

Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post, said it was advancing on the citys flanks.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said his countrys forces drove back Ukrainian troops trying to punch through defensive lines in the Zaporizhzhia region after a two-hour battle involving what he said was up to 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers and 150 armoured vehicles.

The enemys reserve forces specially trained for realising this breakthrough did not fulfil their task, Mr Shoigu said.

He did not immediately give evidence for his claims.

Ukrainian armed forces spokesman Valerii Shershen acknowledged increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, but added he would not call it something serious.
Russian forces have shelled a southern Ukrainian city that was inundated in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue work hours after president Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to the area to assess the damage.

At least five people have died, many are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the Kakhovka dams destruction.

Ukraine accused Russia of blowing up the facility, which Moscows forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages.

In Kherson city, the largest municipality affected, repeated Russian shelling echoed overhead in the early afternoon on Thursday not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid.

Advertisement

Some evacuation points in the city were hit, wounding eight people, according to Ukraines Ministry of Internal Affairs.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescue workers temporarily suspended efforts to retrieve stranded residents and pets in an area that Mr Zelenskiy had visited only hours earlier.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the ministry said.

Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of the Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Volunteers evacuate a disabled elderly woman from a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The dam lay along Dnieper River, a pivotal waterway that forms part of the frontline between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

In recent weeks, Ukraine intensified shelling of Russian positions, signalling a long-expected counteroffensive could finally be getting underway.

Kyiv has been silent about the start of any such campaign.

Amid the fighting, both sides were coping with the fallout from the burst dam.

On Thursday, Ukrainian rescue workers stepped up efforts to get drinking water, medical care and other support to beleaguered residents.

Mr Zelenskiy travelled to Kherson to see the efforts firsthand.

He visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility and ordered Ukrainian officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to help compensate residents, his office said in an online update.

Advertisement

Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam (AP)

Russian president Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Five residents of the Russian-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka have died, its Kremlin-appointed mayor said on Thursday.

Vladimir Leontyev said on Russian state TV two other people who had gone missing have been found.

The collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and emptying of its reservoir on the river have added to the misery that the region has suffered for more than a year from artillery and missile attacks.

The United Nations and local authorities say access to fresh water and avoidance of contact with water contaminated by explosives, chemicals from industrial sites were among the most immediate concerns.

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated from dozens of inundated cities, towns and villages on both sides of the river.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that was home to more than 60,000 people.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, left, visits the flood-hit areas in Kherson (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/AP)

In areas that they administer, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been admitted to hospital, 4,280 people have been evacuated and some 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the destruction of the dam, which created a giant reservoir of water used for irrigation and drinking water, will eventually halt fresh water supplies to Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now  with its reservoirs 80 per cent full.

Advertisement

Ukrainian authorities cut off fresh water supplies to Crimea after Moscows illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Mr Putin cited the need to restore them among the main reasons for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said the average level of flooding on Thursday morning in the region was more than 18 feet and roughly 231 square miles of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank.

People are tired  (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Mr Prokudin said.

French president Emmanuel Macron tweeted to say the destruction of the dam was an attack and an atrocious act without saying who is to blame.

Paris said it was sending aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits to help people displaced by the disaster.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of purposely destroying the dam.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key ally of Mr Putin, backed the Russian claim that Ukraine blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched Ukrainian attempt to launch a counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent development on the battlefield amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

Advertisement

In the eastern region of Donbas, the battle for Bakhmut was continuing with Ukrainian troops advancing on the flanks of the city, which was devastated in months of fighting  one of the epicentres of the war.

Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post on Thursday, said Ukrainian forces have advanced three-quarters of a mile.
Pizza giant Dominos faces more pressure after a US franchise operator snapped up its biggest competitor at a time when the listed company has been struggling to manage rising costs.

On Thursday, Bloomberg reported franchise operator Flynn Restaurant Group was acquiring Pizza Hut Australia, marking the US companys first international acquisition.

US franchise operator Flynn Restaurant Group will acquire 260 Australian Pizza Hut stores. Credit: Oscar Colman

Flynn is buying the Australia franchising licence from Sydneybased private investment firm Allegro Funds, adding the 260 Pizza Hut restaurants in the country to its line-up, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The San Francisco-based group already owns 945 Pizza Huts in its home market. Flynn didnt disclose the terms of the deal.

The acquisition comes as Dominos has struggled to pass on inflationary pressures, with chief executive Don Meij admitting in February that the company failed to get the balance right when it increased its delivery prices. Despite the increase, the businesss profits dropped by more than 20 per cent in the first half after sales slipped by 4 per cent.
Russia accuses Ukraine of blowing up key ammonia pipeline

Xinhua) 14:14, June 08, 2023

MOSCOW, June 7 (Xinhua) -- "A Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group" blew up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in Kharkov region on Monday night, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry in a statement called the explosion of the ammonia pipeline "a terrorist act," which has caused civilian victims.

"Currently, ammonia is bleeding from the damaged sections of the pipeline in the Ukrainian territory. There are no casualties among the Russian military personnel," the ministry added.

Several explosions were heard near the ammonia pipeline in Kharkov region's Kupyansk district, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Tuesday.

The facility, running from the Russian city of Togliatti to the Ukrainian port of Odessa, is one of the world's longest pipelines for ammonia transportation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)




NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he will chair a meeting Thursday of an emergency coordination panel with Ukraine on the "outrageous destruction" of a frontline dam.







The wrecking of the Kakhovka dam in the southern Kherson region unleashed waters "displacing thousands of people and causing an ecological catastrophe in Ukraine," he said in a tweet on Wednesday.







He added that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba would participate by video link in Thursday's meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.







Kuleba tweeted that the meeting was called at his request, and said Stoltenberg had promised "NATO mechanisms will be used to provide humanitarian assistance".







A NATO spokeswoman said no more details on the meeting, including the time it would be held, were available to share with the media.







Kuleba reiterated Kyiv's accusation that the "crisis" was "caused by Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka dam".







Russia has blamed the demolition of the dam on Ukraine.







NATO member Britain said it would wait for more facts before apportioning blame for the dam's destruction.







France, another key Ukraine ally in NATO, said it would send aid to Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron, writing on Twitter after speaking by telephone with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemned "this atrocious act". (AFP)


Jack Dikian of Mosman had the pleasure of being assisted by My Vodafones new resident AI chatbot, TOBi this morning. After I requested to speak to a person at least three times, I got the message Internal error, task failed successfully.

Being exhausted after moving house, Jenny Stephenson of Wollongong went to the bottle shop for a bottle of red to go with the takeaway pizza. Of course the corkscrew (C8) was nowhere to be found, so I went back to the bottle shop to buy one. While erratically telling my sorry story, I recall seeing the shop owner talking but was unable to hear anything. I bought the corkscrew and went home, only to realise they were trying to tell me the bottle had a screw top.

Refuting any of that archaic chest-thumping nonsense that a man sleeps on the side closest to the door (C8) to protect his wife, Sally James of Russell Lea has always believed the side of the bed closest to the door belongs to the partner who gets up to feed the baby during the night. Or, as Marjie Wiliamson of Blaxland says, As a mum, I have always taken the side of the bed that enables me to move quickly, when half-asleep, if a child calls in the night.

Warren Menteith of Bali also says some important research was not canvassed in the side of bed sleeping theories(C8). Does left/right handedness play a part? Who is the go-to person and position for the light and electric blanket switches? On what side is the telephone or the remote control? And the most important question: How do you handle a centre sleeper?

Heavens! Jo Rainbow only has a drawer (C8)? exclaims Peter Wotton of Pyrmont. We had a Mr Maker cupboard full of cardboard, boxes, glue, crayons, sticky tape, pencils and scissors for the multitude of making projects by the grandchildren. A drawer would hold only a fraction of the needed treasures.
Seven Network has lost a trademarks battle with convenience store giant 7-Eleven, in a costly Federal Court fight over competing logos bearing the phrase 7NOW.

The international franchise is now a step closer to registering the trademark 7NOW in Australia, allowing it to roll out a delivery app bearing that name. The app is already available overseas.

The Seven Network logo, top, and 7-Elevens logo below.

7-Elevens delivery service launched overseas in July 2020 and was promoted at 7now.com, a website that is no longer accessible in Australia.

Seven West Media uses the 7NOW logo and phrase on a site linking to a suite of Seven products including its video-on-demand offering 7PLUS.
The City of Melbourne could ban e-scooter hire companies if they cannot stop customers riding the devices on footpaths and leaving them parked haphazardly around the inner-city, Lord Mayor Sally Capp says.

Hire companies Lime and Neuron have deployed 2500 e-scooters across the Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip and Ballarat council areas since February 2022 as part of a state government trial of the new technology.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp supports e-scooter use in Melbourne but says stronger rules and enforcement is needed. Credit: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg

By March, customers had taken 3.7 million trips on the scooters  which can be picked up and left anywhere in the participating areas  but have been criticised as a safety hazard.

Capp said she remained a strong supporter of e-scooters, but could not ignore the resounding chorus of pedestrians, residents and traders concerned about the devices being ridden illegally on footpaths or left blocking walkways.
Greens senator Dorinda Cox is considering pressing charges against a former Greens Senate candidate after an airport incident that sparked duelling federal police complaints and underscored tensions over the partys support for the Voice to parliament.

The flare-up between Cox and Tjanara Goreng Goreng last month came after former allies of ex-Greens senator Lidia Thorpe expelled Cox from the partys influential First Nations group known as the Blak Greens.

Senator Dorinda Cox (left) and former Greens senate candidate Tjanara Goreng Goreng. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen/Supplied

An official police complaint obtained by this masthead shows Goreng Goreng, the partys ACT Senate candidate at the 2022 federal election, made a report to federal police three days after the episode on May 6.

In Goreng Gorengs version of events, the Canberra-based Greens member ran into Cox, a West Australian senator, in a Perth airport queue, where the senator berated her and asked who provided permission for her to come to the Indigenous country Cox hails from.
Digital revolution in Australian banking has continued to progress by leaps and bounds, with a new report showing that 98.9% of customer interactions were now taking place via apps or online, and cash being used for just 13% of payments (down from 70% in 2007).

The Australian Banking Association (ABA), in partnership with Accenture, has published the Bank On It  Customer Trends 2023 report, which revealed just how fast Australian banking is evolving.

Australia has witnessed a phenomenal shift in customer banking and payment preferences in recent years, said Anna Bligh (pictured above), ABA CEO. As a nation, we are early adopters of new payment options. Globally, Australians are now at the forefront of adopting cashless payment methods and its clear these recent technology leaps are now permanent consumer preferences.

Rapid shift to digital banking

Findings showed that cards have rapidly replaced cash, with 75% of payments occurring with cards compared to just 26% in 2007. The use of cheques, too, has dropped, from 1% of all payments in 2007 to a mere 0.2% last year.

The use of mobile wallets has also quickly increased. In 2022, more than 15.3 million cards were registered to mobile wallets, up a massive 760% from just more than 2 million cards in 2018. At the same time, the number of mobile wallet transactions skyrocketed by 8,200% to 2.4 billion from 29.2 million. Mobile wallet transactions had a total value of $93 billion in 2022, up from $746 million in 2018  thats a 12,400% jump.

The report also found 98.9% of interactions have taken place digitally. Between 2019 and 2022, online banking transactions rose 21%, app interactions increased 31%, and branch interactions fell 46%.

Despite the decline in the numbers of branches in Australia over the past two decades, the nation has a notably higher branch density, at 24 bank branches per 100,000 adults, than New Zealand and Finland, the two-most comparable OECD countries by urbanisation.

Bligh said banks are responding to customers growing demand for digital banking with an eight-fold increase in technology investment since 2005, up from $3.5 billion to $28.5 billion.

As customers increasingly shop, pay, or are paid digitally, they also expect their banking and payment services to be available digitally in a format that is convenient, fast, cost-effective, and secure, she said.

Despite the rapid shifts to digital banking and payments, Bligh said face-to-face banking services will continue to have its role.

Branch density remains higher in Australia than in most comparable countries globally, she said. For banks that participate in [email protected], the report shows that 98% of branch closures occurred within three kilometres of a branch of the same brand or one of the 3,540 [email protected] locations across the country  a service that is funded by Australian banks.

Hessel Verbeek, a managing director at Accenture, said the Bank On It  Customer Trends 2023 report showed the unprecedented nature of the customer-led shift to digital channels.

We know that customers are choosing digital interactions in many aspects of their lives, well beyond banking, Verbeek said. This report shows the scale and pace of the customer shift to digital banking, and the digital transformation by Australian banks.

Major overhaul of Australias payments system

ABA also welcomed Treasurer Jim Chalmers announcement of a major overhaul of Australias payments system  an overhaul Bligh said was long overdue.

Speaking at ABAs annual conference in Sydney, Chalmers said the federal governments major payments initiatives are as follows:

strategic plan for the payments system, which includes a phase out of the bulk electronic clearing system (BECS) and a full transition to the safer and more productive new payment platform (NPP), and a reduction in the governments use of cheques

reform of the payments regulatory architecture, including an expanded mandate for the Reserve Bank

proposed list of the payments functions that can be regulated under a new payments licensing regime

Bligh said the announcement sets out the strategic direction to move the economy away from the current 60-year-old system and transition fully to the real-time payments platform.

This strategic direction will help focus investment in payments technology and infrastructure that will benefit customers into the future, she said.

Bligh also backed proposed regulatory reforms that will give the Reserve Bank greater oversight and standard-making powers over digital wallets and other forms of payments infrastructure, saying this will help ensure clear consumer protections apply no matter who is processing your payment, and that the security of customers personal and financial information is maintained.

Use the comment section below to tell us how you felt about this.
UB School of Management names Nonprofit Board Fellowship to honor Jordan A. Daniels

BUFFALO, N.Y.  The University at Buffalo School of Management has named its Nonprofit Board Fellowship in honor of the late Jordan A. Daniels, MBA 22. The program is now known as the Jordan A. Daniels Nonprofit Board Fellowship.

In her time as a Nonprofit Board Fellow, Daniels served on the board of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. She also supported the City of Buffalo Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion in her role as a UB Social Impact Fellow, along with many other professional and academic achievements, including work with Habitat for Humanity and as a graduate assistant in the School of Managements Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness.

Jordans contagious enthusiasm had a profound effect on everyone she met, says Carrie Gardner, director of internships and experiential learning in the UB School of Management. She impressed others with her ability to take risks and put herself in new and, at times, uncomfortable situations, all in the name of growth and service. She was funny, smart and caring  all qualities we want in our students.

The Jordan A. Daniels Nonprofit Board Fellowship introduces MBA students to the intrinsic value of board service, through a foundational curriculum that blends the concepts of board governance, servant leadership, and diversity and inclusion with an academic year of service as non-voting board members with local nonprofit organizations.

The fellows attend monthly board meetings and committee meetings, and are involved in projects that make a direct impact on their organizations. The program is a collaboration between the schools Career Resource Center and its Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness.

I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this honor, this privilege, said Janessa Daniels, Jordans mother and UBs senior associate director of financial aid, at a recent dedication ceremony. For Jordan it was faith, family and community, and her legacy must be continued. As a member of the UB community I am overwhelmed with the support, love and prayers people have shown us over the last few months.

The entire UB community was shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Jordan, her sister, Jensen, and her father, Dr. Jonathan Daniels, in a house fire last July. Jonathan served as associate director of admissions in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.


According to media reports, the flight from New Delhi to San Francisco was diverted on June 6 owing to a mid-air glitch. Tata Group-owned Air India on Thursday announced that it will issue a full refund to all the passengers who were affected by the Delhi-San Francisco flight diversion.



Air India's flight AI 173 operating Delhi-SFO on June 6, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew on board, was diverted to the Magadan port city in far east Russia following a mid-air glitch in one of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft engines. The airline, media reports said, had told the passengers, who reached their destination after nearly 56 hours of departing from Delhi, "We will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India".



The airline expressed regret and also apologised to the passengers for the 'extended delay' in taking them to their destination. On Wednesday, the airline dispatched a ferry flight to the Magadan port city to bring back the stranded passengers and crew from there to San Francisco. The replacement aircraft, which landed at Magadan at 06.14 am (local time) had got airborne at 1027 hours (local time) on June 8, for San Francisco, where it touched down at 12.07 am on June 8, the report added.

Also Read Glitch on metro's yellow line: The monkey business of Delhi's monkeys US-bound Air India flight diverted to Magadan in Russia after engine glitch Overcast morning in Delhi with 25.4 deg C minimum temp, air quality drops Hold longs in Nifty with stop loss of 18500; Hikal, Nesco bullish on charts Deogarh-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi diverted to Lucknow over bomb threat Mother Dairy reduces MRP of Dhara edible oil by Rs 10 per litre Zydus receives final approval from USFDA for esomeprazole magnesium TCS records higher attrition rate among women than male colleagues in FY23 Vistara to add 10 planes, 1,000 people this FY; shelves plan to fly to US McDonald's joins hands with Simpl to provide 1-tap payment facility




President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that international aid groups must take immediate action to tackle the aftermath of the destruction of a hydropower dam in Ukraine and any group not on the spot helping was simply incapable.







"It is necessary for international organizations, like the International Committee of the Red Cross, to get immediately involved in the rescue operation and help people in the occupied part of Kherson region," Zelenskyy said in his daily video address.







"If an international organization is not present in the disaster zone, it means it does not exist at all or is incapable."







Zelenskyy said residents in areas of southern Ukraine occupied by Russian troops were without water, food or medical help and it was impossible to determine how many people in this area might die. (Reuters)








Shares of Biocon, on Thursday, fell nearly 1% at Rs 241.40 on BSE. Biocon Ltd, on Thursday, said that its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Bangalore received a certificate of GMP Compliance from competent authority of Germany.



In May, the companys revenue from operations increased by 57 per cent to Rs 3,774 crore as compared to Rs 2,409 crore during the same quarter the previous financial year. In a regulatory filing, the company said, Our active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility located in Bangalore has received a certificate of GMP compliance from the competent authority of Germany, following an EU GMP inspection that was conducted in February 2023.



During the January to March quarter of 2022-23, the companys revenue from operations increased by 57 per cent to Rs 3,774 crore as compared to Rs 2,409 crore during the same quarter the previous financial year. The companys board has recommended a final dividend at the rate of 30 per cent or Rs. 1.50 per equity share of face value of Rs 5 each for the financial year ended March 31, 2023, subject to shareholders approval. Bengaluru-based biotech firm Biocon has posted a 31 per cent rise in fourth-quarter net profit to Rs 313 crore in 2022-23. This is compared to Rs 239 crore during the same period in 2021-22.

Also Read Serum Institute to double its investment in Biocon's unit to $300 million Serum Institute of India doubles Biocon investment to $300 million Podcast: Will Viatris deal inject fresh momentum into Biocon biz? Stocks to watch: Wipro, Vedanta, HPCL, RIL, Kalpataru Power, Biocon Mehul Kothari recommends Biocon, Aurobindo Pharma for trading gains Torrent Power raises Rs 600 cr through non-convertible debentures RBI warns tech firms against unauthorised trading platforms on app stores L&T Finance Holdings declares final dividend Rs 2 per share; stock falls 1% Crackdown on FDCs continues, latest ban to affect Rs 824 cr market: Study Air India to issue a refund to those affected by flight diversion on June 6



During the year, revenue from generics business increased by 13 per cent to Rs 2,637 crore from Rs 2,341 crore last year. On the other hand, revenue from biosimilars was seen up by 61 per cent to Rs 5,584 crore and research services by 23 per cent to Rs 3,193 crore during the year.Generics business posted a marginal rise in profit before tax by 1 per cent to Rs 264 crore, while the biosimilars business posted a 26 per cent dip in profit to Rs 403 crore and the research services posted an increase of 15 per cent to Rs 594 crore during the year. For the entire financial year, the companys net profit saw a decline of 29 per cent to Rs 462.7 crore, as compared to Rs 648.4 crore in 2021-22. This was mainly owing to a dip in exceptional items to Rs 219 crore. This mainly owing to the deal-related expenses of the Viatris transaction. During the year under review, the companys revenue from operations increased by 86 per cent to Rs 1,117 crore against Rs 8,184 crore in 2021-22.

FY23 has been a transformational year led by the acquisition of our partnered biosimilars business from Viatris, which has significantly contributed to Biocons robust consolidated financials. We ended FY23 with a strong Q4 performance where revenues grew and EBITDA also increased by 75 per cent to Rs 1,152 crore. Biosimilars continue to be the largest business segment for Biocon, with revenues of Rs 2,102 crore, a growth of 114 per cent, exiting the year on a $1 billion revenue trajectory, said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics.


The Tata Group has recently called off a proposed joint venture between its Voltas and Chinese compressor maker Highly International as "regulatory approvals were not forthcoming". The JV was supposed to invest Rs 500 crore in manufacturing AC compressors. The delays in granting visas to Chinese nationals and clearing investment plans for Chinese companies by the Centre are impacting Indian businesses, The Economic Times (ET) reported on Thursday. Several Indian projects where Chinese companies or individuals were involved have been delayed or even scrapped.



Apart from new projects, in several cases, companies do not have their India chief executive officers in the country for several months now. It is because they have not been able to get visa approvals to enter India. These include Vivo India CEO Jerome Chen, Oppo India CEO Elvis Zhou and sales director Chen Min, and Xiaomi's India head Alvin Tse. Another such project was a new Rs 400 crore unit for manufacturing refrigerators by Dixon Technologies. It has been delayed owing to delays in visa approvals for Chinese engineers.



Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of mobile phone and electronics manufacturers body India Cellular and Electronics Association, was also quoted in the report as saying, "Delay and restrictions in issuing business and employment visas is a major bottleneck in ensuring expansion and increasing value addition." Madhav Seth, Realme's president of international business, was quoted in the report as saying that the Centre is evaluating all the Chinese visa applications individually. He said that the Centre wants businesses to operate independently in India, but it would take time to build skills, and domestic companies need support from foreign professionals, including from China and Taiwan.

Also Read EB-5 visa: What is it, who can apply and how it is different from H1-B visa Tata Electronic plans to bolster presence in electronics, semiconductor biz US extends visa walk-in interview waiver for more applicants; check here US visa threat before B'desh elections: Warning to faltering democracies One year since Tatas took over Air India, here's how the journey has been Byju's lenders, their advisers weigh options after missed interest payment Byju's schedules call for lenders to discuss loan amendment proposal Airbus deliveries shoot up in May, Go First orders fall by 16 units Hero MotoCorp to drive in mid, budget-range EVs in FY25: CEO Gupta Global investors in race for student housing company Good Host Spaces

The relationship between the two countries has soured, especially since the Galwan clash in 2020.


According to The Morning Context report, Byjus intends to lay off 1,000 employees. This number, however, could not be confirmed by Business Standard independently. With debt woes and a legal case in the US courts, educational technology (edtech) giant Byjus is expected to be laying off more employees, according to media reports.



Media reports suggest these employees are contractual and part of the sales team. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the reports.



The Bengaluru-headquartered firm has also reportedly sacked many top executives, including senior vice-presidents who were taking salaries of Rs 1 crore and above, per annum. Earlier this year, the company had laid off 900-1,000 employees. The job cuts have taken place across several verticals, such as product, content, media, and technology teams.

Also Read Disney to give pink slip to 2,500 employees in third round of layoffs Meesho fires 251 more in 3rd round layoffs; cites judgement error in hiring Meesho lays off 251 employees, CEO admits 'judgement errors in over-hiring' Edtech giant Byju's 'skips' interest payment on $1.2-billion loan ShareChat, Dunzo to join list of startups planning mass layoffs in India Slowdown in hiring by 7% witnessed in May, tier-2 cities shine: Report Meesho revamps brand identity to enhance positioning as inclusive We will bounce back, it is a matter of two quarters: PVR Inox's Ajay Bijli From Goa to Kerala, 4 states breach 10% adoption in electric 2-wheelers For jobs in OpenAI, email Sam Altman; firm open to hiring undergraduates



Byjus has raised $6 billion in total from investors like Qatar Investment Authority, BlackRock, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Sequoia, Silver Lake, Bond Capital, Tencent, General Atlantic, and Tiger Global. The pink slips come at a time when the company has defaulted on payment of $40 million to lenders in the US and also filed a case in the New York Supreme Court as lenders accelerated demand for a $1.2-billion Term Loan B. The case also petitions to disqualify investment management firm Redwood who, contrary to the terms of TLB, purchased a significant portion of the loan while primarily trading in distressed debt.
In 2019, no state had more than 1 per cent penetration. However, a state-wise breakup shows some states vastly outperforming others and some others showing swathes of low penetration, especially the Nor

Overall, India reached an e2W penetration of 5.63 per cent as of May 31, up from 4.05 per cent in 2022, with 392,681 e2Ws sold in the first five months of this year out of the total two-wheeler sales of 6.98 million, the data showed. This augurs well for the governments target of increasing the penetration of e2Ws to 80 per cent by 2030.


In a statement, the cash-stripped airlines expressed regret for the flight cancellations and apologised for the inconvenience caused. Crisis-hit Go First on Thursday announced an extension in the cancellation of its services until June 12, 2023, citing "operational reasons".



"We acknowledge the flight cancellations might have disrupted your travel plans and we are committed to providing all the assistance we can," the statement read while mentioning that the company has filed an application for immediate resolution and revival of operations. Go First has offered a full refund to the original mode of payment for the cancelled flights.



Currently, under the administration of insolvency resolution professional Abhilash Lal, the airline has been inoperational since May 3. Before the cash-strapped airline went under, it used to operate 200 daily flights (until April). Earlier on Monday, Go First apprised the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of being able to operate 152 daily flights as soon as its resumption plan hits the tarmac, company executives informed Business Standard.

Also Read Go First extends flight cancellations till May 12, awaits NCLT's order Go First may be grounded, but IndiGo is in no hurry to expand capacity Flyers gone rogue can throw aircraft ops in peril, DGCA tells airlines Analysts see upto 38% upside in IndiGo; suggest tracking costs, airfare cap Go First airline asks NCLT to pass urgent order on insolvency plea Indian GCC market size to grow 144% to $110 billion by 2030: EY report Zomato working on AI-based features for enhancing customer experience SpiceJet partners with FTAI to restore fleet, to lease up to 20 engines Delay in visa approvals for Chinese hurting Indian businesses: Report Byju's lenders, their advisers weigh options after missed interest payment



We have told the DGCA that these 152 daily flights will be operated using 22 active planes. The remaining four will stay on the ground as spare aircraft to be used to ensure schedule consistency in case one of the 22 planes is grounded due to technical issues, said one of the executives. In a resumption plan submitted to the DGCA earlier this month, the airline said it has the requisite number of employees  approximately 675 pilots and 1,300 cabin crew members  to operate the 26 operational planes in its fleet.


Oza has left for career retirement, said one of the sources. Nomura Holdings' India Head of Investment Banking Utpal Oza has stepped down from the firm, sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.



The company declined to comment on Friday, and Oza did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Amit Thawani, managing director and head of coverage investment banking has taken over from Oza, the sources said.



Oza does not plan to join a rival firm and will oversee the transition at Nomura over the next few months, the sources said. In the last few years, Oza has, among other deals, helped Nomura sell ASK Group to Blackstone and diagnostics firm Thyrocare to healthcare firm PharmEasy.

Also Read Nomura hires ICICI banker Mahesh Natarajan to head India ECM biz: Report Nomura hires ICICI Securities' Natarajan to head India ECM business: Report India's fiscal deficit target of 5.9% for FY24 at risk, warns Nomura Indian markets have limited upside in the near-term; buy the dips: Nomura Nomura Holdings' profit sinks 76% as banking turmoil hits trading Margins remain a pain point for organised FMCG supply-chain companies Edtech giant Byju's likely to lay off 1,000 more employees, say reports Slowdown in hiring by 7% witnessed in May, tier-2 cities shine: Report Meesho revamps brand identity to enhance positioning as inclusive We will bounce back, it is a matter of two quarters: PVR Inox's Ajay Bijli

This is the second top level rejig at Nomura India this year, after it hired a new head of Equity Capital Markets in January.




State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) has proposed to raise funds from the sale of up to 15 crore shares under its Employee Stock Purchase Scheme (ESPS).

At the current market price, PNB would raise up to Rs 780 crore from the scheme.

The bank proposes to issue and allot up to 15 crore new equity shares of the face value of Rs 2 each, ranking pari passu with the existing equity shares for all purposes and in all respects, including payment of dividend, under an ESPS in one or more tranches, PNB said in a notice regarding the annual general meeting.

The meeting will be held on June 30, according to the bank.

PNB-ESPS would be issued at such price or prices, and on such terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the board in such a way that the government shareholding does not come below 52 per cent.

The government holding in the bank stood at 73.15 per cent as on March 31, 2023.

Also Read PNB Q4 results: Net profit jumps over five-fold to Rs 1,159 crore PNB, IOB, DCB bank to offer AT1 bonds; may have to offer premium rates Nirav Modi loses bid to go to UK Supreme Court against extradition to India PNB hikes FD interest rates by up to 30 basis points; check latest rates TCS bags 10-yr contract for managing Teacher's Pension Scheme in Eng, Wales Expects profitability to improve as operating cost normalise: Dalmia Bharat Nomura India's Head of Investment Banking Utpal Oza steps down: Report Margins remain a pain point for organised FMCG supply-chain companies Edtech giant Byju's likely to lay off 1,000 more employees, say reports Slowdown in hiring by 7% witnessed in May, tier-2 cities shine: Report

In 2018, the bank raised Rs 500 crore from its employees under the staff stock purchase scheme.

As part of the scheme, the bank issued up to 10 crore new equity shares to its employees at a discounted price of Rs 53.95 per share.
Unsubscribe to continue

This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp


Last month, the central bank decided to withdraw the Rs 2,000 notes citing clean note policy and lack of use. The withdrawal process, which began on May 23, will continue till September 30. The Rs 2,000 bank note, which was introduced during the demonetisation exercise of 2016, continues to be a legal tender. Around 50 per cent or Rs 1.8 trillion of the Rs 3.62 trillion worth Rs 2,000 notes have returned to the banks, of which 85 per cent are deposits, Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Thursday.





As far as Rs 2,000 bank notes are concerned, you would recall that we had said as on March 31, totally Rs 3.62 trillion worth Rs 2,000 notes were in circulation. After the announcement that we made, totally so far around Rs 1.8 trillion of Rs 2,000 notes have come back. This is roughly about 50 per cent of the Rs 2,000 notes, which were in circulation on March 31, Das said.



Broadly on a provisional basis, I can say that about 85 per cent of the Rs 2,000 notes are coming back as deposits into bank accounts. This is in line with our expectations and the good thing is that there has not been any rush in any of the banks, he said. There were 1.81 billion pieces of Rs 2,000 bank notes in circulation as on March 31, comprising 1.3 per cent in total circulation in volume terms.

Also Read 50% of Rs 2,000 notes returned to banks since announcement: RBI Guv Das RBI asks banks to keep daily data on exchange, deposit of Rs 2,000 notes Provide adequate infra at branches for Rs 2,000 note exchange: RBI to banks India was close to printing Rs 10,000 notes in 2016: All you need to know Explained: What are the tax implications of depositing Rs 2,000 notes? Hiring slows down by 7% in May YoY, as companies cut expenses: Report Robust trade ecosystem crucial to achieve $2 trn exports by 2030: DGFT Inflation may inch down in May-June, indicates Monetary Policy Committee India's May fuel demand rises 8% month-on-month to about 20.03 mn tonnes Govt wants petrol & diesel prices slashed; OMCs cite Covid losses



Das said those who have the Rs 2,000 note should not wait till the last day to return those. The RBI had stopped printing Rs 2,000 notes in 2018-19. The total value of these banknotes in circulation has declined from Rs 6.73 trillion at its peak as on March 31, 2018, (37.3 per cent of notes in circulation) to Rs 3.62 trillion, constituting only 10.8 per cent of notes in circulation as on March 31.

I would appeal to everyone not to go to the bank in a panic. One more request, generally the habit is that we do things at the last moment. So, please avoid last-minute rush in the last 10-15 days of September, he said.


Fifty new medical colleges have been approved this year, adding 8,195 more undergraduate seats and taking the total number of such seats in the country past 1,07,658, official sources said on Thursday.

With the addition of these 50 colleges (30 government and 20 private), the number of medical colleges in the country now stands at 702, they said.

The 50 medical colleges have been approved in Telangana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Assam, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the sources said.

The recognition of 38 medical colleges across the country was withdrawn in the last two-and-a-half-months during inspections by the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board of the National Medical Commission (NMC) for allegedly not following the prescribed standards, the sources said.

Further, show-cause notices have been issued to 102 medical colleges, they added.

Of the 38 medical colleges, 24 have appealed to the NMC while six have now approached the health minister.

Also Read 30 medical colleges derecognised in two months for flouting NMC norms Bihar Cabinet approves Rs 309 cr for construction of AIIMS-Darbhanga Centre has sanctioned 11 new nursing colleges for Tamil Nadu: Subramanian Government yet to come up with satisfactory answers on AIIMS server attack NGT forms committee to verify facts about air pollution around AIIMS, Delhi For jobs in OpenAI, email Sam Altman; firm open to hiring undergraduates UGC NET rolls out June 2023 Phase-I exams: Dates and details here IELTS takers not required to score 6 band in individual sections for Canada Kerala govt increases working days in state-run schools to 205 from 198 DU sanctions Rs 110 cr for expansion of central library: VC Singh

The colleges that have lost recognition are allowed to appeal once with the NMC and then with the health ministry after rectifying the deficiencies and inadequacies.

The sources said the colleges were not found to be complying with the set norms and several lapses related to CCTV cameras, Aadhaar-linked biometric attendance procedures and faculty rolls were noticed during the inspections carried out by the UG board of the commission.

According to government data, the number of medical colleges in the country has increased significantly since 2014.

There has been a 69-per cent increase in the number of medical colleges, from 387 before 2014 to 654 as of now, Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar told the Rajya Sabha in February.

Further, there was a 94-per cent increase in the number of MBBS seats, from 51,348 before 2014 to 99,763 as of now, and a 107-per cent increase in the number of post-graduate seats, from 31,185 before 2014 to 64,559 as of now.

To boost the number of doctors in the country, the government has increased the number of medical colleges and subsequently, that of MBBS seats, Pawar had said.


Speaking at a press conference after the announcement of the monetary policy committee, Das said, "As of March 31 this year, Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 3.62 trillion were in circulation. After the announcement, so far about Rs 1.8 trillion worth of Rs 2,000 notes have come back." Around 50 per cent of the Rs 2,000 notes in circulation in the economy have been returned to the banking system since the announcement of their withdrawal last month, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Thursday.



On May 19, the RBI announced its plan to withdraw Rs 2,000 notes from circulation based on a review. However, the banknotes in Rs 2,000 denomination will continue to be legal tender, the RBI said in a release. Das added that out of all the notes that have been coming back, 85 per cent have returned in the form of bank deposits. The rest have been exchanged at various bank branches.



The RBI had advised members of the public to deposit Rs 2,000 banknotes in their bank accounts or exchange them for banknotes of other denominations at any bank branch. "In view of the above, and in pursuance of the 'Clean Note Policy' of the Reserve Bank of India, it has been decided to withdraw the Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation," the RBI said.

Also Read RBI Monetary Policy: Repo rate up by 25 bps, FY23 inflation pegged at 6.5% RBI MPC: When and where to watch policy announcement by Shaktikanta Das RBI MPC: When and where to watch policy announcement by Shaktikanta Das India was close to printing Rs 10,000 notes in 2016: All you need to know Provide adequate infra at branches for Rs 2,000 note exchange: RBI to banks Banks to issue Rupay prepaid forex cards for Indians travelling abroad: RBI RBI Policy: Repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, RBI cuts FY24 inflation projection RBI policy 2023: A look at the existing repo rate, trends and other figures Sebi likely to change rules to track investments in PE and VC funds Indian rupee poised to open lower tracking yuan slide, eyes on RBI outcome
Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said cooperative lenders will soon be able to do technical write-offs and execute compromise settlements with defaulting borrowers.

RBI has decided to widen the scope of the framework for resolution of stressed assets, under which all the regulated entities including cooperative lenders will now be able to execute "compromise settlements and technical write-offs" to resolve non-performing assets, Das said.

Till now, this avenue for dud asset resolutions was available only with scheduled commercial banks and select non-bank finance companies, Das said, adding that comprehensive guidelines on the same will be released soon.

It can be noted that the cooperative lending sector frequently makes headlines for lack of governance practices and conflicts of interest.

Das also said that it is proposed to rationalise the extant prudential norms on restructuring of borrower accounts affected by natural calamities.

The Governor also acknowledged that a need has arisen to ease the implementation challenges faced by other UCB (urban cooperative banks) on the priority sector lending targets, and announced to extend the timelines for achieving the targets by two more years up to March 2026.

Also Read TS Inter Results 2023 for 1st, 2nd year announced today at 11 am RBI's MPC meet begins amid expectations of yet another rate hike UK phones to get emergency alert system to warn of life-threatening events TS Inter Exams 2023 to begin today: check every detail with instructions Credit Suisse under pressure to merge with UBS, meets to weigh options 50% of Rs 2,000 notes returned to banks since announcement: RBI Guv Das Banks to issue Rupay prepaid forex cards for Indians travelling abroad: RBI RBI Policy: Repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, RBI cuts FY24 inflation projection RBI policy 2023: A look at the existing repo rate, trends and other figures Sebi likely to change rules to track investments in PE and VC funds

Lenders which have met the targets as on March 31, 2023 shall be suitably incentivized, he added.

To further facilitate orderly development of the digital lending ecosystem and enhance credit penetration in the economy, the RBI has decided to introduce default loss guarantee arrangements in digital lending.

"With a view to further promoting responsible innovation and prudent risk management, it has been decided to issue guidelines on Default Loss Guarantee arrangements in Digital Lending," Das said.

RBI has decided to rationalise and simplify the licensing framework for authorized persons under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, to improve the efficiency in the delivery of foreign exchange facilities to various segments of users including common persons, tourists and businesses, Das said.

To further enhance the efficiency of the Bharat Bill Payment System and to encourage greater participation, RBI has proposed to streamline the process flow of transactions and membership criteria for operating units, Das said.

With a view to providing greater flexibility for managing liquidity, it has been decided that scheduled commercial banks excluding Small Finance Banks can set their own limits for borrowing in Call and Notice Money Markets within the prescribed prudential limits for inter-bank liabilities, Das said.
Leading non-bank lender IIFL Finance is raising up to Rs 1,500 crore through a public issue of secured redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs) to fuel credit growth and debt management, a senior company official said on Thursday.

The public issue of the IIFL NCDs will open on Friday and has a base offer of Rs 300 crore. However, the company has a green shoe option to retain an over-subscription of up to Rs 1,200 crore.

With the Reserve Bank of India pausing its rate hike cycle, IIFL remains optimistic about raising the entire Rs 1,500 crore in this tranche of issues with an attractive 9 per cent coupon rate.

"We expect to raise the full subscription amount in this issue due to the attractive coupon rates. Credit growth is robust after the Covid-19 pandemic, IIFL Director Gaurav Mishra said.

The IIFL bonds offer a coupon rate starting at 8.35 per cent for 24 months and the highest effective yield of 9 per cent per annum for a tenor of 60 months.

IIFL has kept the highest coupon rate at 9 per cent, the same as its last NCD issue in January, in which it announced raising up to Rs 1,000 crore.

Also Read Banks tier II bond issuance surges 3.5 times in FY23, shows data IIFL Finance Q4 profit rises 16% to Rs 269 cr, total income at Rs 1,079 cr SBI board approves Rs 10,000-cr AT1 bonds offering to support biz growth Axis Bank in talks to issue 10-year infra bonds, taps insurance firms What are municipal bonds, and why do investors prefer them over corp bonds? Fund pick: Aditya BSL Medium Term Plan A snapshot of term insurance plans with 2 riders offered by various firms Opt out of pesky calls, then don't come to us for products: Sanjiv Bajaj MPC won't cut repo rate anytime soon, not before US Fed, says experts RBI monetary policy: Repo rate unchanged, what do experts say about it?

The NCDs are available in tenors of 24 months, 36 months and 60 months. The face value of the NCDs is Rs 1,000 each and the minimum application size is Rs 10,000. The NCDs will be listed on the BSE and NSE.

The credit rating has been AA by CRISIL Ratings and ICRA. In Q4 FY23, Moody's upgraded IIFL Finance's rating from B2 to B1 (stable).

IIFL Finance, through a strong physical presence of over 4,000 branches across India and a well-diversified retail portfolio, caters to the credit needs of underserved populations.

Our current asset under management is nearly Rs 65,000 crore and the gold loan remains our largest loan book with Rs 27,000 crore, followed by home loan of Rs 21,800 crore as on March 2023, Mishra said.

He said credit growth to micro and SMEs stood at 59 per cent in FY23 with an outstanding loan of Rs 9,780 crore.

The NBFC opened 700 branches to expand its reach in gold loans, which grew 28 per cent in FY'23 over the previous year.

IIFL Finance has a 95 per cent retail book focused on small-ticket loans.

IIFL Finance's gross NPA was 1.8 per cent and its net NPA of 1.1 per cent. As on March 31, about 73.53 per cent of the company's consolidated loan book is secured with adequate collaterals, which helps mitigate risks further, the company said.

In FY23, IIFL Finance reported a profit after tax of Rs 1,607.5 crore, a 35 per cent year-on-year growth.
Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 3.62 trillion were in circulation at the end of March 2023. Notes worth Rs 1.8 trillion have come back, the RBI Governor said while addressing the press conference.
Around 170 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrived here in Pakistan on Thursday to attend the festivities of the Jorr Mela, marking the death anniversary of the fifth Sikh Guru Arjun Dev Ji.

Evacuate Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary Shrines Rana Shahid Saleem and Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Pardhan (President) Amir Singh greeted the pilgrims at the Wagah border.

"As many as 170 Indian Sikhs, including women, arrived here via Wagah Border on Thursday to take part in Jorr Mela to be held at Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Hasanabdal," Amir Hashmi, spokesperson of ETPB, which looks after minority worship places in the country, told PTI.

He said the visiting pilgrims were offered langar (food) at Wagah and later transported to Hasanabdal city of the Punjab province for the main event.

Sardar Gaurbachan Singh, leading the visiting Yatrees (pilgrims), expressed his delight in being in the land of the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak.

He said the Yatrees, during their 10-day stay, would also visit some other gurdwaras in the Punjab province. They will also visit the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur town.

Also Read Sale of petroleum products halves in Pakistan, high inflation to blame Historical trail of Pakistan's powerful military enterprise: Explainer Ex-Pak Prez Zardari rules out possibility of contesting elections with PDM Pakistan issues 2,856 visas to Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi from April 9-18 Two Punjabs: Contrasting fate of Sikhs on either side of Indo-Pak border World's biggest cos made no progress on limiting global warming since 2018 TN govt collaborates with Tata to provide Industry 4.O skilling to youth Wrestlers express intent to take part in Asian Games selection trials MSP announced by Modi govt inflicting losses on farmers, says AIKS Conversion via gaming app: Tech-savvy accused changing locations frequently

Sikhs from across the country and abroad gather at the third holiest site in the Sikh religion- Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasanabdal city, to mark Shaheedi Jorr Mela, the death anniversary of their guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji.


While the army was successful in achieving its goals, some Sikhs were outraged as they saw the operation as an attack on their faith and it is still a contentious episode in Indian history. An Indian Army operation known as Operation Bluestar was conducted in June 1984 at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, to expel militants who were led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a former head of the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal and a key figure in the then-emerging separatist Khalistan movement.

The history

After India was divided into West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (current-day Bangladesh), the concept of Khalistan emerged. Due to the newly established border, Punjab, where the majority of the Sikh community resides, was also split. Important cities for Sikh culture and religion, like Lahore and Nankana Sahib, became a part of Pakistan.



In response to demands for autonomy, in 1966, the former state of Punjab was split into the Hindi-speaking, Hindu-majority states of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and the Punjabi-speaking, Sikh-majority Punjab. The separatist Khalistan movement gained momentum by the 1970s both in India and abroad. There was also some unrest over a few administrative matters, such as the sharing of river water with other states, which sparked calls for autonomy and later for the establishment of a sovereign Sikh state in some quarters. Pakistan is also believed to have provided the movement with funds and arms.

Also Read The Kerala Story gets 'A' certificate from censor board, 10 scenes deleted The Kerala Story: All you need to know about the raging controversy Why has the upcoming movie 'The Kerala Story' courted controversy? World TB Day: PM Modi launches initiatives to eliminate disease by 2025 Shirdi Saibaba Temple to close from today? Here's what the trust says Gitanjali Aiyar, Doordarshan's legendary voice in English news dies at 71 New gen ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' successfully flight-tested by DRDO Centre's fact-check unit: What is it and how does the Union govt defend it? Bombay HC extends Wankhede's interim protection from arrest till June 23 Monsoon arrives in Kerala; conditions favorable for rains' advance: IMD

The buildup

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a fiery preacher who positioned himself as "the authentic voice of the Sikhs" during a time of political unrest, emerged.





Also Read: Pro-Khalistan slogans raised on 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar

He joined the Dharam Yudh Morcha, a civil disobedience movement organised by the Akalis, in 1982 and relocated to the Akal Takht inside the Golden Temple complex to avoid being apprehended by law enforcement. Bhindranwale was initially courted by the Congress to counter the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD's) influence in the state, but by the early 1980s he had turned into "a problem" as he had attracted a captive audience among the youth. Bhindranwale himself was engaging in aggressive rhetoric.



The late KPS Gill, the DGP of the Punjab Police who is credited with putting the Punjab militancy under control, later penned the following: Ugly as the Atwal murder was, however, it was only a beginning This became a regular feature; bodies, mutilated, hacked to pieces, stuffed into gunny bags, kept appearing mysteriously in the gutters and sewers around the Temple. In 1983, AS Atwal, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), was shot dead after visiting the Golden Temple to pray.



The operation In 1984, the government decided to intervene and dispatch armed forces to expel Bhindranwale and his adherents from their hideout inside the Golden Temple.



Additionally, Bhindranwale's men received extensive military training under the leadership of Major General Shahbeg Singh, who had been dismissed by the Indian Army over corruption charges. The Golden Temple complex was now nothing less than a fortress. Bhindranwale's men had smuggled in a huge cache of arms and ammunition over a period of months, placing guns strategically for defence.



On June 3, the state of Punjab was placed under a 36-hour curfew, with all forms of public transport and communication prohibited, electricity lines cut, and complete media censorship. On June 1, the CRPF fired the first shots at the Golden Temple, four days before the army actually entered the complex to "assess the training and strength of the militants inside," according to reports.



The army was still hoping for a quick surrender as the outer defences of the temple complex fell. Finally, on the night of June 5, the army started the operation. The mission's initial focus was to destroy the fortified defences Bhindranwale's men had erected in the Golden Temple complex, which were perched high above the ground. The army believed that if they were still in play, any assault on the temple compound would fail.



The Akal Takht, one of the five seats of power according to Sikh belief, was shelled by the army's Vijayanta tanks over the course of the following twelve hours. The most resistance came from the area where Bhindranwale resided. Tanks were initially avoided due to concerns about potential structural damage to the complex, which would further enrage the Sikh community. The unexpected resistance encountered by the troops prompted the commanders to call for tank support. Tanks began entering the temple complex around 10 pm on June 5, temple priest Giani Puran Singh was reported as saying by the Indian Express.



As dawn broke on June 6, the main defences, which consisted of machine guns and RPGs, had been largely neutralised. At around 11 am, 25 militants burst out of the building, firing at random and sprinting right towards the troops, who shot and killed the majority of them. However, they proved to be incredibly efficient once they were brought in.



The aftermath Bhindranwale was reportedly found dead among "about 40 corpses" as the troops finally entered the now-destroyed Akal Takht. The last remaining militants either surrendered or were killed by June 10.



Although the army has consistently insisted that it took all necessary precautions to protect civiliansincluding issuing announcements over loudspeakers before the attackits actions have been called into question. A sessions court in Amritsar ruled in 2017 that there was no proof of such warnings. While the army initially estimated that there had been a total of 554 militants and civilians killed, 83 troops dead (4 officers, 79 soldiers), and 236 government forces wounded, other estimates place the death toll higher.

Beyond the casualties, there were effects all over the nation. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, who blamed her for the attack.


India on Thursday hit out at Canada for giving space to separatists and extremists elements after visuals surfaced on social media of a float in the Canadian city of Brampton that reportedly celebrated the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Canada allowing anti-India elements to operate from its soil is not good for the bilateral relationship as well as for itself.

"I think there is a bigger issue involved. And the bigger issue involved really is the space that Canada has continuously and frankly we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this," he said.

"Because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history. It is not only one incident, however, egregious it may be," Jaishankar said.

"I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence and I think it is not good for relationships and not good for Canada," he added.

A video has emerged on social media that showed a float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It was reportedly part of a parade that was organised by some Khalistani elements in Brampton.

Also Read Cong asks EAM to take up with Canada 'Indira assassination float' in parade Nation saw Indira, Rajiv bleed for India: Sibal to PM for royal family dig 39 years of Operation Bluestar: What happened in Punjab and the aftermath Rahul Gandhi visits memorials of former Prime Ministers, Mahatma Gandhi Asia's largest Tulip garden in Kashmir to open for visitors from March 19 Property prices rise in 43 out of 50 cities in Q4 of FY23: NHB data NCB had hidden motive of giving Aryan clean chit in drugs case: Wankhede Samudrayaan project on track, vehicle will be ready soon: Kiren Rijiju Delhi police step up sexual harassment probe of wrestling chief Bhushan Automobile emission leading cause of recorded air pollution: IITR study

Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay tweeted that there is no place in Canada for "hate or for the glorification of violence".

"I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," he said.

On some Indian students facing difficulties in Canada over charges that they did not study in the colleges they applied for, Jaishankar said India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities.

"If there were people who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said.

The external affairs minister said the Canadian prime minister has also made a statement in the House of Commons on the issue.

"We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said.


The content labelled as such by the FCU will have to be taken down by online intermediaries if they wish to retain their "safe harbour", which is the legal immunity they enjoy against third-party content online. In order to track fake and misleading news online related to the government on online platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, the Centre has decided to create a fact-check unit (FCU).



In January this year, the ministry stated that any news item identified as "fake" by the fact-checking unit of the Centre's nodal agency to disseminate information, Press Information Bureau (PIB), will not be allowed to go online on any platform. However, the final draft has removed the reference to the PIB. The ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) notified amendments to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which will allow the IT ministry to appoint a fact-checking body that will take a call on whether online information related to the Union government is accurate.



The new rules The proposal had earlier drawn a lot of criticism. The Editors Guild of India had said that the "determination of fake news cannot be in the sole hands of the government and will result in censorship of the press". The News Broadcasters & Digital Association said it would "have a chilling effect on the media" and should be withdrawn.

Also Read New IT Rules: 16 groups join hands against govt-run fact-checking unit Editors Guild files petition challenging the Centre's fact-check rule Govt to hold public consultation on fact-checking rule for online content Fact-checking unit will not be notified until July 5, says Centre Rajeev Chandrasekhar denies reports of mandatory lab testing of OS updates Bombay HC extends Wankhede's interim protection from arrest till June 23 Monsoon arrives in Kerala; conditions favorable for rains' advance: IMD Many WB universities decide to introduce exit option after 3 yrs in UG Educations loans cannot be denied due to low CIBIL score: Kerala HC PM Modi instrumental in fulfilling demands of Sikhs: Sikh American leader



The new rules state that an online intermediary  including social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube and internet service providers such as Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea  should make "reasonable efforts" to not host content related to the central government that is "identified as fake or misleading" by an FCU that the IT ministry may notify. On April 6, the Union government promulgated certain amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, including a provision for FCU to flag fake, false and misleading online content related to the government.



In essence, if any piece of information is marked as fake by the FCU, social media sites will have to take down such posts, and internet service providers will have to block URLs of such content. The rule requires intermediaries to exercise due diligence once the FCU identifies content as "untrue", or they can lose "safe harbour" protection under Section 79 of the IT Act from liability of facing prosecution in certain cases over what third parties post on their platforms.

The concerns

Civil society groups have said that the new rules can hamper speech on online platforms.



"The fact-check unit could effectively issue a takedown order to social media platforms and even other intermediaries across the internet stack, potentially bypassing the process statutorily prescribed under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000," IFF said. Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a non-governmental organisation that conducts advocacy on digital rights, said that the new rules would hamper the fundamental right to speech and expression, particularly for journalists, activists and news publishers.



The Editors Guild of India and the Association of Indian Magazines have filed petitions in the Bombay High Court (HC) claiming that the Rules are arbitrary and unconstitutional. Access Now, a non-profit organisation that defends the digital civil rights of people worldwide, said that while the notified amendment, unlike the previous proposal, does not designate the PIB as the main fact-checking agency, its ultimate effect is the same. "It renders government agencies, as chosen by the IT ministry, the final arbiters of truth online," it said.

The Centre on censorship

Minister of state for electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, "assured" that the government-backed fact-checking body will work in a credible way in a bid to address the concerns.



The intermediaries, he said, who choose to keep the content declared as misleading will have to deal with the person who is aggrieved in a court of law. He explained that it is not mandatory to take down what the notified organisation says but then deal with it in a court of law. He said that doubts in people's minds that power will be misused by the agency assigned to fact-check would be cleared, and the assigned agency would be given a list of dos and don'ts that they will have to adhere to.



The Centre said the FCU would only identify "fake or false or misleading information" and not any opinion, satire or artistic impression. "Therefore, the aim of the government regarding the introduction of the impugned provision is explicitly clear and suffers from no purported arbitrariness or unreasonableness," the Centre said. The Union government said that the "role of the fact-checking unit is restricted to any business of the Centre, which may include information about policies, programmes, notifications, rules, regulations, implementation thereof, etc."
A Delhi court is likely to decide on July 10 the maintainability of an application filed by AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha against an order cancelling the allotment of a bungalow to him.

Chadha has challenged a letter dated March 3, 2023, whereby the accommodation allotted to him by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat was cancelled.

In response, the counsel appearing for the secretariat objected to the maintainability of the application before the court.

Additional District Judge Sudhanshu Kaushik on June 1, after hearing arguments on the issue of maintainability from both sides, fixed the matter for July 10 for order.

The court had in April directed the secretariat not to dispossess Chadha from the bungalow till the pendency of the application without due process of law.

At this stage, I do not deem it expedient to comment on the arguments raised by the plaintiff that the allotment once made by the secretariat cannot be cancelled under any circumstances during the entire tenure of a Member of Parliament, the judge had said.

Also Read Delhi excise case: Raghav Chadha, Sanjay Singh named in ED charge sheet Raghav Chadha releases his Rajya Sabha report card, bags 100% attendance Parliament winter session: Rajya Sabha adjourned twice amid uproar Houses adjourned to stop Oppn from raising Adani issue, says Jairam Ramesh AAP calls SC verdict on services row 'tight slap' on mission to topple govt Modi-led BJP govt overhauled India's health infrastructure: Amit Shah Manipur rights panel asks govt to consider restoration of internet services India in talks with US on steel, aluminum tariff exemption: Report 19 Bihar passengers missing, 50 dead in Odisha train accident, says DMD Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD warns of severe cyclone storm in next 12 hours

However, I do find force in the second limb of the argument advanced on behalf of the plaintiff that a person cannot be dispossessed except by following the due process of law, the judge said.

"Since, the plaintiff (Chadha) is occupying an accommodation, which falls under the category of public premises, the defendant (Rajya Sabha Secretariat) is obligated to follow the due process of law, he said.

The judge noted Chadha's submission that the secretariat was acting in haste and that there was a strong likelihood that he might be dispossessed without due process of law.

"In view of these circumstances, a prima-facie case is made out for issuing directions to the effect that plaintiff shall not be dispossessed from the bungalow without due process of law, the judge said.

He had further observed that the balance of convenience also was in favour of Chadha as he was residing in the accommodation along with his parents.

Plaintiff would indeed suffer irreparable injury, in case, he is dispossessed without the due process of law. Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, the defendant is directed not to dispossess the plaintiff from bungalow without due process of law, the judge said.

Chadha's counsel had urged the court to grant an ex-parte ad-interim injunction against the secretariat, submitting that it was hellbent to dispossess Chadha from the allotted accommodation.

He contended that Chadha would suffer irreparable injury, in case, the injunction was not granted.

No orders have been passed by the estate officer and the eviction proceedings have not been initiated, the court noted.

Chadha was on July 6 last year allotted a 'type 6' bungalow at Pandara Park here but he made a representation to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha on August 29 requesting a 'type 7' accommodation.

He was then allotted a new bungalow on Pandara Road from the Rajya Sabha pool.

However, in March this year, the allotment was cancelled.

Chadha sought an injunction to the effect that the secretariat be restrained from taking any further action in consequence of the March 3 letter and it also be restrained from allotting the bungalow to some other person.

The AAP MP also sought damages to the tune of Rs 5.5 lakh from the secretariat for causing him mental agony and harassment.


According to IMD, a severe storm is expected over the east-central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during the next 12 hours. IMD also stated that the cyclone could also move to the north-northwest. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday informed that cyclone "Biporjoy" will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. IMD has warned nearby fishermen in Karnataka to avoid fishing due to dangerous weather conditions and rough sea conditions.



The department also issued a warning of thunderstorms with lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30-40 KMPH over the district of coastal Karnataka till June 10. The department also predicted heavy rain with lightning and thunderstorms in coastal Karnataka, the situation might remain unchanged till June 12.

The weather office IMD shared the information via tweet, the office tweeted, VSCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, lay centered at 0530hrs IST of 08thJune, near lat 13.9N & long 66.0E, about 860km west-southwest of Goa, 910km southwest of Mumbai, would intensify further & move north-northwestwards."

ALSO READ: Cyclone Biparjoy: Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies into severe cyclonic storm

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) also has issued a sea alert of high waves predicted in the range of 2.3 to 3.2 metres along the coast off Karnataka from Mangaluru to Karwar.

Also Read Cyclone Biparjoy: Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies into severe cyclonic storm Cyclone 'Biparjoy' likely to intensify into severe cyclonic storm today Cyclone Mocha likely to hit India's eastern coast next week, details here Cyclonic storm moves north in Arabian Sea, may pass near Mumbai: IMD Very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy to intensify, move northwards: IMD Madhya Pradesh govt to withdraw cases of Covid-19 norm violations Air India flight carrying stranded passengers from Russia lands in US 39 years of Operation Bluestar: What happened in Punjab and the aftermath Gitanjali Aiyar, Doordarshan's legendary voice in English news dies at 71 New gen ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' successfully flight-tested by DRDO
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday visited a Gurdwara in the national capital and met Afghan Sikhs who raised the issue of obtaining Indian citizenship and getting visas.

"I wanted to meet the Sikhs who have come to India from Afghanistan and understand their issues. They have some problems regarding visas and citizenship," said Jaishankar.

Jaishankar assures help to Afghan Sikh refugees and said that he will address the issues that they have discussed with him.

"We will address the issues that they have discussed with us. Some people are still waiting to get their citizenship. We will provide all possible help regarding citizenship and visas. It is our responsibility to help them out," he said.

Furthermore, Jaishankar added that the government will provide all possible help regarding citizenship and visas and its government's responsibility to help them out.

The EAM also offered prayers at the Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurudwara in Delhi.

Also Read Afghan Americans protest against Taliban ban on women's education BJP's outreach in Delhi: EAM to meet Afghan Sikhs, students from Ukraine UN report urges Afghanistan's Taliban to end floggings, executions China pulls off its Afghan investment gambit after a delayed start Mike Pompeo slams Ashraf Ghani in his book, calls him a total fraud' PM thanks Saudi Prince for support during evacuation of Indians from Sudan Girl stuck in borewell pulled out after 52 hours, declared dead at hospital Air India flight with stranded passenger from Russia lands at San Francisco Assam govt announces 10 mn sapling planting drive with cash prize Police close on heels of 3 accused of molesting female students in JNU

Speaking on the Citizenship Amendment Act, the EAM said, "Because of that law (Citizenship Amendment Act) these people had faith that we would come. What would have happened to these people if that law had not been there?"

"Sometimes we politicise everything, this is not a matter of politics but a matter of humanity," Jaishankar added as he addressed the media queries on Thursday, after meeting the Afghan Sikhs at a Gurdwara in Delhi.

Regarding the restoration of the Gurdwara in Kabul, the EAM said, "We are trying to help in the restoration of Gurudwara in Kabul."

Furthermore, EAM Jaishankar, during his visit to the Gurdwara was honoured with a Sharopa at Delhi Gurudwara as he met Afghan Sikhs.

Jaishankar also explained at Delhi Gurudwara the help the Indian government provided to minorities after the Taliban takeover of Kabul, and added by saying, "We did what we had to do.


This ruling has left banks in a bind as education loans have a history of poor performance within the banking system. This is primarily due to factors such as the absence of collateral, interest repayment moratorium until the course completion, and the inability of parents to repay the loan in many cases reported the Financial Express. Kerala High Court, in May, ruled that education loan applications could not be rejected due to low CIBIL scores by lenders. The court emphasised the need for a more compassionate approach when evaluating such applications.



In addition, as interest accrues during the loan period, increasing the repayment amount over time, lenders exercise caution and often rely on the parent guarantors. In the report, bank officials stated that while they carefully assess education loan applications, looking for strong evidence that the education pursued will lead to good employment prospects and subsequent loan repayment, it is usually the parents who have to ensure the repayment. This is because most students do not have an independent income.



While banks want to exercise caution, Kerala HC has a different perspective on the matter. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan told LiveLaw that a loan application should not be rejected solely based on a low CIBIL score as students will be leading the future of the country. Ultimately banks stated that they have a responsibility to ensure that loans are likely to be repaid within the normal course of business.

Also Read RBI policy: How a repo rate hike/cut impacts your home loans and EMIs Sensex slips 347 pts on profit-taking, Nifty holds 18,500; RIL, SBI dip 2% Sensex ends 194 pts lower owing to late selling; Broader indices outperform Auto, metal, FMCG shares lift Sensex 119 pts up; Broader markets outshine RIL, ITC, HDFC twins lift Sensex 345 pts up; Bank Nifty hits new peak PM Modi instrumental in fulfilling demands of Sikhs: Sikh American leader Editors Guild files petition challenging the Centre's fact-check rule PM Modi to address invite-only Indian Americans in Washington on June 23 Protesting farmers give ultimatum to Haryana govt, warn of massive rally India, US need to have much stronger relationship: Congressman Thanedar

The case

According to media reports, Noel Paul Fredy, a 23-year-old student, was denied a loan due to his low CIBIL score of 560. Fredy had completed his course on May 31 and secured a job in Oman. However, he had taken out two loans, with one of them being overdue for Rs 16,667, which has caused the low score.



After hearing the arguments presented, Justice Kunhikrishnan stated that while banks may be overly technical, a court of law cannot ignore the practical realities of the situation. Consequently, the court directed the bank to sanction and disburse an education loan of Rs 4,07,200 to the petitioner's college. Advocate George Poonthottam, who represented the petitioner, emphasised the urgency of receiving the loan and argued that the job offer would repay the entire loan amount.

What is a CIBIL score?

A CIBIL score is a credit score used to evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. CIBIL stands for Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited, which is one of the four credit bureaus authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain credit records and generate credit scores.



Lenders, such as banks and financial institutions, use the CIBIL score as a crucial factor when assessing an individual's creditworthiness. The CIBIL score is a three-digit numeric summary ranging from 300 to 900, with 900 being the highest score. It is based on an individual's credit history, which includes information about their borrowing and repayment activities such as loans, credit cards, and outstanding debts. The score is calculated using various factors, including the individual's payment history, credit utilisation, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent credit inquiries.

Other than the CIBIL score, lenders must also take into account income and employment history, as well as additional documentation requirements depending on the type of loan.
: YSR Congress MP Y S Avinash Reddy was arrested by the CBI in connection with the murder of his uncle and former minister Y S Vivekananda Reddy, but he was immediately released as per a Telangana High Court order that had earlier granted him anticipatory bail.

Avinash Reddy, who appeared before the central agency on June 3, was arrested by the CBI and released on bail the same day after fulfilling certain formalities, sources said. The Lok Sabha member from Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, who was granted anticipatory bail by the Telangana High Court on May 31, was directed to cooperate with the investigation and to appear before the CBI every Saturday till the end of June 2023 in connection with the case. The high court in its order had said that the petitioner shall be released on bail in the event of his arrest by the CBI on execution of a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh, with two sureties for a like sum each, to the satisfaction of the CBI.

The MP is learnt to have fulfilled those conditions.

The court had also asked him not to leave the country without prior permission of the CBI until the investigation is complete, and ordered that he shall not tamper with the prosecution witnesses or alter any evidence.

Avinash Reddy, who is the cousin of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is under the CBI scanner and has been examined several times by the central agency this year.

His father Y S Bhaskar Reddy was arrested by the CBI on April 16 in relation to the murder, following which Avinash moved the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Also Read Viveka murder case: CBI issues fresh notice to Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy Murder of Ex-Andhra minister: SC stays HC order granting bail to accused CBI arrests Andhra CM Jagan Reddy's uncle Y S Bhaskar Reddy in murder case 1.45 cr households participate in YSRCP's survey on AP govt's governance Neighbour reveals how he discovered gruesome Mumbai murder by Manoj Sane India, France, UAE begin two-day mega wargame exercise in Gulf of Oman Will the daughters get justice in this atmosphere of fear: Vinesh Phogat 170 Indian Sikh pilgrims reach Pakistan to attend festivities of Jorr Mela World's biggest cos made no progress on limiting global warming since 2018 TN govt collaborates with Tata to provide Industry 4.O skilling to youth

Meanwhile, a CBI special court here is expected to pronounce its orders on June 9 in the bail application that Bhaskar Reddy had filed on health grounds.

The CBI while opposing the bail plea of Bhaskar Reddy had reportedly named Avinash Reddy as one of the accused in the case.

Vivekananda Reddy, one of the brothers of the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, was found murdered at his residence in Pulivendula in Kadapa district on the night of March 15, 2019, weeks before the Assembly elections in the State.

The case was initially probed by a special investigation team (SIT) of the state crime investigation department, but was handed over to the CBI in July 2020.

The CBI filed a charge sheet in the murder case on October 26, 2021 and followed it up with a supplementary charge sheet on January 31, 2022.
On Friday, the cremation will take place. As per dear friend and journalist Sumita Paul, Aiyar has started to recover. Paul, who worked with Aiyar at All India Radio stated that she was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday but died there. Netta D'souza, acting president of the Congress Mahila tweeted the news of her passing away.

"This is news from Doordarshan. Good evening and welcome. The headlines " With this welcome, newsreader Gitanjali Aiyar opened the prime-time news at 9 pm, going into the living rooms of a country in awe of its newly acquired TVs at home. In the late 1970s, when India progressed from radio to grainy television screens changed by moving the terrace antenna, Aiyar and her bunch of partners like Salma Ruler, Neethi Ravindran and Shammi Narang, among a few others read the news on the state-claimed Doordarshan (DD). It was just news, which is how news should be.
The main litigant in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex case has sought "permission for euthanasia" from President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that her fellow petitioners are spreading false propaganda to defame her.

Rakhi Singh said claims that she is withdrawing from the case are false.

Lawyer for the Hindu litigants in the case, Harishankar Jain, however, refuted Rakhi Singh's allegations, saying these were baseless.

In her letter to President Murmu, Rakhi Singh said, "I request you to grant me permission of euthanasia and help me getting rid of the mental pain and agony so that I can get peace and sleep eternally." She also said she would wait for a reply till June 9 till 9 am and after that she would take her own decision.

Rakhi Singh, along with four other Hindu women, had filed the case in the court of the civil judge (senior division), Varanasi, in August 2021, seeking the right to daily worship at the Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal in the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

"Four of my associates, including Lakshmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas, Rekha Pathak, along with (senior) advocate Harishankar Jain, his son and advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and their few colleagues are doing a false propaganda to defame me and my uncle and aunt Jitendra Singh Visen and Kiran Singh since May 2022," Rakhi Singh said in her letter.

Also Read Centre notifies appointment of Chief Justices for four high courts Two HC judges elevated to SC, total strength of apex court reaches 34 SC dismisses plea seeking action against VP over remarks on judiciary As vacancies pile up in high courts, gloves are off in Centre-SC showdown Without preparing judgment, judge can't pronounce concluding portion: SC 10 mn saplings to be planted on Gandhi Jayanti in Kamrup district: Himanta Zomato deletes ad depicting 'Lagaan' character as recycled waste items Students scared to join school which turned into morgue for train accident Why flying is expensive right now and likely to stay this way for some time Allowing anti-India elements not good for relationship: EAM to Canada

They have made a "false claim that I am withdrawing from the case despite the fact that no statement or information regarding the same was issued by me or my uncle Jitendra Singh Visen", she said.

"This has put us under mental pressure from Hindu society and they are trying to present as 'gaddar' (traitor) among the community," Rakhi Singh said.

The four women have "destroyed" the case and due to them "our efforts for temple worship went in vain", she claimed and added that she was "upset and hurt with this".

Harishankar Jain dismissing the accusations said he did not want to waste time on reacting to such baseless allegations.

The case is currently being heard in the Varanasi district court.

Citing lack of resources and harassment as reasons, Visen had last week announced that he and his family members are disassociating themselves from all cases related to Gyanvapi mosque complex issue.
The two-day exercise will involve a wide range of naval operations, including surface warfare, helicopter cross-deck landing operations, advanced air defense exercises, and boarding operations, the ministry said. The exercise will also include cross-embarkation of personnel to exchange best practices.

The first India-France-UAE Maritime Partnership Exercise began on Wednesday in the Gulf of Oman, the Ministry of Defence said today. The exercise involves the Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash, the French Navy ship Surcouf along with Rafale fighter jets, and UAE Navy maritime patrol aircraft.
By Neha Arora, Shivangi Acharya and David Lawder

NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON - India is in talks with the United States to seek an exemption on steel and aluminum tariffs that were imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, while offering withdrawal of some retaliatory tariffs, three Indian sources told Reuters.

Negotiators in New Delhi and Washington are hoping to reach an agreement during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S. later this month, two Indian government officials and one industry source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

India has offered to withdraw retaliatory tariffs on some agricultural goods such as almonds and walnuts in exchange for exemption on steel tariffs, both government sources said.

However, U.S. negotiators were not "flexible", leading to doubts over a possible exemption on tariffs on steel, one of the sources said.

"We are discussing, (but) they are not very flexible whether there will be any substantial outcome," the government source said, declining to be identified.

Also Read More initiatives on anvil to boost steel sector in 2023: Union Minister PLI scheme qualifiers, steel ministry to ink pacts for investment proposals JSPL to invest Rs 7,930 crore under PLI scheme for steel: MD Bimlendra Jha India steel imports from Russia rise to eight-year high in April-Jan: Data Agreements with 26 cos signed under PLI scheme for specialty steel: Scindia 19 Bihar passengers missing, 50 dead in Odisha train accident, says DMD Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD warns of severe cyclone storm in next 12 hours Madhya Pradesh govt to withdraw cases of Covid-19 norm violations Air India flight carrying stranded passengers from Russia lands in US 39 years of Operation Bluestar: What happened in Punjab and the aftermath

India's trade ministry, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Commerce did not reply to mail seeking comment.

The Indian officials did not want to be named as they were not authorised to speak to media.

"PM (Modi) is visiting and by that time, they (U.S.) want to come up with something good, which looks positive for both sides," one of the government source added.

India is willing to discuss other possible trade measures that the U.S. officials may propose, the second government source said.

A top executive at a U.S. industry group said he was not aware of "any serious contemplation" on the part of the U.S. government on the tariff issue and said it was unlikely that they would consider such a request.

"I really don't think the U.S. government would do that, quite frankly," said Kevin Dempsey, president of the industry trade group American Iron and Steel Institute.

Trump had imposed 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum in 2018, using Section 232 of a 1962 act that allows the president to restrict imports.

In retaliation, India had imposed tariffs on 28 U.S. products, including almonds, apples, and walnuts.

Last December, The World Trade Organization ruled that U.S. tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium imports by Trump contravened global trading rules, a judgment criticised by Washington.

Separately, at a U.S. Congressional Steel Caucus hearing on Wednesday, several steel industry leaders expressed support for keeping the tariffs in place.

(Reporting by Neha Arora, Shivangi Acharya in New Delhi and David Lawder in Washington; Editing by)
Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said that the 'special Russia-India strategic partnership' has shown strength and is 'growing stronger as ever''.

"There have been lies about Russia on a daily basis and on a global scale. Efforts are being made to disrupt Russia - India relations," Envoy Alipov said during the state reception hosted in the national capital that was dedicated to the National Day of the Russian Federation.

Lauding the 'special Russia - India strategic partnership', the envoy said, "The indispensable truth however is- the special Russia-India strategic partnership has shown strength and we keep growing stronger than ever".

From the Indian side, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh attended the event along with other senior officials of the government of India.

Ambassadors and military attaches of other countries were also present on the occasion. During the celebrations, Ratheesh Nair, Honorary Consul of Russia in Trivandrum was awarded the 'Order of Friendship' in recognition of his exceptional work in the promotion of Russia-India bilateral ties.

Ambassador Alipov also underscored the commitment to "enriching achievements of the Russian-Indian special and privileged strategic partnership" while also highlighting Nair's considerable contribution to the promotion of bilateral ties.

Also Read With $30 bn bilateral trade turnover, India, Russia plan big for 2023 EAM Jaishankar meets Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov UK announces new tranche of sanctions against Russia over Ukraine war Gangster-terrorist case: Khalistani terrorist among six arrested by NIA Aero India 2023: India is our partner of choice, says US envoy Jones Award-winning Doordarshan news anchor Gitanjali Aiyar passes away J-K govt to provide land, houses to poor landless: LG Manoj Sinha Health ministry unveils food safety index, Kerala secures top ranking Think tank to mark 100th birth anniversary of PM Narendra Modi's mother India recognised as responsible partner, voice of Global South: Murmu

The Moscow Cossack Choir's performance with Russian folk songs and rousing dances, supported by the Government of Moscow, became a bright decoration of the evening that ended with festive fireworks.
India has successfully carried out a night launch of new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' from the Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, marking a boost to the country's strategic weaponry.

The first pre-induction night launch of the missile with a strike range of 1,000 to 2,000 km was carried out on Wednesday by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the elite strategic forces command, officials said.

The defence ministry said the test-firing met all the desired objectives and that it paved the way for induction of the system into the armed forces.

The test-firing of the missile came amid India's lingering border row with China.

"New generation ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 7," the ministry said.

"This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system," it said in a statement.

Also Read North Korea fires missile that may have been a new type of weapon China says it successfully conducted mid-course missile interception test North Korea confirms ICBM test, warns of more powerful steps against rivals North Korea fires ballistic missile days after US-South Korea joint drills North Korea performs key test to build more agile strategic weapons system Punjab gov pitches for surgical strikes as he slams Pak for pushing drugs Lawyers' body calls for changes in elevation process of judges to SC, HC Punjab to give legal aid to 700 students facing deportation from Canada MCD poll: AAP, BJP get 3 seats each in standing committee, after HC verdict Around 600 delegates to attend G-20 meet on crime, security at Gurugram

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and the armed forces for the success as well as the "copy-book" performance of the new generation ballistic missile.

The ministry said "range instrumentation like radar, telemetry and electro optical tracking systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle".

"Senior officials from the DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight-test, which has paved the way for induction of the system into the Armed Forces," it said.

Chairman of the DRDO Samir V Kamat appreciated the efforts put in by the teams of DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch.

In December, India successfully test-fired Agni-V missile that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km.

Agni-V can bring almost the entire Asia including the northernmost part of China as well as some regions in Europe under its striking range.

The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km and they have already been deployed.

In April, India successfully carried out the maiden flight trial of an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a ship off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal as part of its ambitious ballistic missile defence programme.

The purpose of the trial of the sea-based missile was to engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat thereby elevating India into an elite club of nations having such a capability.

India has been developing capabilities to intercept hostile ballistic missiles both inside and outside the earth's atmospheric limits.
By Mihir Sharma



We are still not sure exactly why Indias storied Coromandel Express plowed into a stationary freight train late on Friday night last week, setting off a three-train pileup that cost almost 300 people their lives. But it seems likely that something as mundane as a signaling fault could have been to blame, sending the express down the wrong tracks toward the parked goods carriages loaded down with iron ore.

The tragedy shocked Indians not just because so many died, but because we have grown accustomed to the idea that railroad travel in this country has gotten much safer. A few years ago, we celebrated when nobody was killed in accidents for two successive years. The government has widely publicized its investments into Indian Railways; swanky new trains have been regularly flagged off, and the prime minister has himself been awkwardly photographed on one of the new Vande Bharat expresses. Some have argued that the focus on new trains has meant safety has been ignored. We are still not sure exactly why Indias storied Coromandel Express plowed into a stationary freight train late on Friday night last week, setting off a three-train pileup that cost almost 300 people their lives. But it seems likely that something as mundane as a signaling fault could have been to blame, sending the express down the wrong tracks toward the parked goods carriages loaded down with iron ore.



But it is also an understandable impression. Since the hard work of upgrading safety (and improving customer experience, or increasing on-time arrivals) isnt very glamorous, the government does focus more on showing off its new trains and other snazzy innovations. That may not be entirely true. Over the past decades, a lot of work has been put into upgrading signaling, shutting down level crossings, and other ways to make Indian railroads safer.



Thats why populists love big projects. Boris Johnson planned to spend 5 billion on an infrastructure plan he described as build, build, build. He also famously wanted to spend hundreds of billions on a bridge to Northern Ireland. Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gone through dozens of strange ideas, from a new amusement park in Ankara to a canal that would bypass the Bosporus. This is one of the greatest pitfalls when it comes to infrastructure policy. Repair, restoration and maintenance just doesnt give voters the endorphin rush a shiny new train does. And politicians  particularly populist politicians  really want to give their voters something new to cheer about every few weeks.

Also Read Odisha train tragedy: 51 hours later, train movement restored on tracks IRDAI asks insurers to suo motu settle claims of Odisha rail mishap victims Odisha train crash: Railway Minister Vaishnaw holds meetings with officials Budget 2023 to increase capex for infra projects for growth: Experts How to book train insurance for less than a rupee, claim up to Rs 10 lakh Oppn meet on June 23 in Patna; Rahul, Kharge, Mamata among those to attend NDCs need not necessarily encompass all sectors: India at Bonn climate meet Security forces recover 29 automatic weapons during combing ops in Manipur Wrestlers' protest: SIT to submit investigation report in court next week India-Russia strategic partnership growing stronger: Russian Envoy Alipov



Its far better to think small than to think big. Working on the plumbing is less glitzy than building a fancy facade, but it can be far more rewarding in the long run. Really successful projects are the ones that change the lives of a significant fraction of the electorate. Modi himself has promised a new bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the capital of his home state of Gujarat. The government also has grandiose (and dangerous) plans, due to cost $168 billion, to link all of Indias rivers together.



It is particularly important to guard against the big-project temptation when you have a large reservoir of money to spend. In India, spending on the railways has increased manifold over the past years. This years federal budget set aside Rs. 10 trillion ($120 billion) for capital investment, about half for transport infrastructure. And about half of that, in turn  $29 billion  is due to go to Indian Railways. But only a small fraction of the money was earmarked for a special safety fund  which, in any case, was failing because the railways werent living up to their promise to match federal funds. Modi, of all politicians, should know this. His governments efforts to get more households using gas cylinders to cook, or to put them on the electricity grid, have been vote-winners. Certainly, his toilet-building program  literal plumbing  will help a thousand times more Indians than will ever ride the bullet train.



Grandiose projects might not work out. Johnson had to ignominiously scale back his plans for high-speed rail links to Britains north, and Erdogans dinosaur park turned into a desolate wasteland full of abandoned toys. Modis bullet train was supposed to be built in time for general elections next year. We will be lucky if it is completed before the next elections after that, in 2029. As multiple Western countries ramp up their spending on infrastructure  the US set aside $1.2 trillion in 2021  they should keep the big-project trap in mind.
The makers of 'Jaipur foot' has offered to provide prosthetic limbs to those who have lost their legs in the recent Odisha train accident



Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) founder D.R. Mehta, in a letter to the Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav, has offered to serve the amputee free of cost, a release said.

In his letter, Mehta said the artificial limb fitment facility will be provided at its Khrodah centre near Bhubaneswar free of cost.

All such passengers, who lost their limbs in the tragic rail accident, would be able to get the fitment three months after the amputation as it takes about months for the wounds to heal, he said.

Alternatively, the BMVSS mobile workshop at Khodarh would reach the various towns and villages in Odisha to serve the amputees, thus they would be able to get the limb fitment at their doorsteps, he added.

Also Read Odisha train tragedy: 51 hours later, train movement restored on tracks Jaipur-based Prosthetic leg fitment centre set up in Equatorial Guinea IRDAI asks insurers to suo motu settle claims of Odisha rail mishap victims Claim process norms for Odisha train accident victims eased: LIC chairman Odisha train accident: PM Modi distressed, speaks to railway minister World Ocean Day: Volunteers take part in beach clean up drive in Vizag India, France, UAE begin maiden joint maritime exercise in the Gulf of Oman Hoax bomb threat delays Delhi-Mumbai flight by 2 hours at IGI Airport PACS can be roped in as drone traders for spraying fertilizers: Coop Min Greenhouse gas emissions at 'all-time high', global warming at rapid rate
: In the wake of protests over the alleged suicide of an engineering student of a private college in Kottayam district, the Kerala government on Thursday announced the formation of 'grievance redressal cells' to look into complaints lodged by students in colleges and universities in the state.

Shraddha, a second-year student, was found hanging inside her hostel room on June 2. Students had alleged that some teachers were harassing them in the name of internal tests. But, the college management rejected the charges and said they didn't know why the student committed such an act.

Student outfits including the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and KSU had held separate protest marches to the private engineering college in Kanjirappally against the 'suicide' of the student.

The proposed panel would be headed by principals in colleges and heads of the departments in universities respectively.

Higher Education Minister R Bindu, who made the announcement during a press conference here, said besides the two teachers recommended by the panel chairpersons, representatives of student unions and nominees of Parent Teachers' Association (PTA) and university syndicate would also be part of the new committee.

One of the representatives of the teachers and students of the grievances cell would be a woman.

Also Read The Kerala Story gets 'A' certificate from censor board, 10 scenes deleted LDF Govt comes out with "Real Kerala Story" ad on 2nd anniversary day Kerala Police spars with state electricity board over non-payment of dues Monsoon rains over Kerala likely in next 48 hours, says IMD forecast PM to lay foundation stone of India's first Digital Science Park in Kerala Equity, CBDR must be central to discussion on transition pathways: India IMD issues heatwave alert for some states; other states may see excess rain Neighbour reveals how he discovered gruesome Mumbai murder by Manoj Sane Railways reports Rs 14,642 cr in earnings from freight loads in May 2023 Pakistan HC grants Imran Khan protective bail in SC lawyer's murder case

"Seven members will be the quorum of the meetings of the grievance redressal cell and the chairpersons have the moral responsibility to implement the decisions taken by the majority members," the minister said.

Noting that the powers of the panel have been fixed, she said the students can approach it regarding various issues including the denial of certificates without any valid reason, imposition of exorbitant fees, exam-related complaints and division in the name of caste, religion and sex.

Any kind of physical and mental torture from college/university authorities', teachers, other staff or co-students can be brought to the new panel.

If the students have not got justice from the existing forums in the respective institutions, they can approach the grievance redressal cell with their complaints, the minister said.

If the student has any complaint regarding the decision of the cell, he or she can approach the appellate committee or the existing tribunal with an appeal and its decision would be final.

Each institution has the legal responsibility to implement this final decision and those who violate it would face stringent action including imposition of fine, cancellation of affiliation, withdrawal of government funds and so on, the minister warned.

On the complaints regarding internal marks, Bindhu said they were envisaged for the constant evaluation of students' abilities and should not be used as a tool to control and threaten students in educational institutions.

Directions would be issued to universities to ensure clear-cut criteria for giving internal marks, she added.
The Kuki tribals in Manipur have again reiterated their demand to create a separate administration, equivalent to a separate state for them, even though the Central and state governments, on a number of occasions, rejected any division of the northeastern state.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), an apex body of the Kuki tribals, in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claimed that the ongoing violence in Manipur was a pre-planned ethnic cleansing campaign against the Kuki community by the majority Meiteis and this has become clearer day by day.

KIM General Secretary Khaikhoradh Gangte, in the letter, alleged that during a recent interview to media, Meitei Leepun chief Pramot Singh made a damning revelation that he and his organisation were in the know about the "genocide" being planned against the Kuki people.

"How the hate campaign against the Kuki people transformed into ethnic cleansing under a very communal government was also very clear through the contents of the interview given by Meitel Leepun chief Pramot Singh," Gangte said and demanded to declare the Meitei Leepun as outlawed organisation.

The KIM said that in the interview, "filled with hatred and malice against the Kuki people, Pramot Singh categorically issued a stern warning to the Kuki people that the Meiteis are still discussing among themselves on how to go about annihilating the Kuki people".

Demanding arrest of Pramot Singh, the KIM said: "The enemy to them is the Kuki community and living together with a group of people who want to annihilate us is impossible. Hence, the urgent need for total separation from Manipur where the Kuki community can live peacefully as dignified Indian citizens, living in their ancestral lands under the Constitution of India."

Also Read Tribal protest in Manipur turns violent; curfew imposed, internet suspended As Manipur reels from violence, home minister Shah to visit the state today Shielding governance failure will not resolve Manipur's problems Northeastern Railway cancels all Manipur-bound trains following violence 54 dead in Manipur violence, Imphal peaceful, most shops, markets open India successfully test-fires night lauch of ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' Punjab gov pitches for surgical strikes as he slams Pak for pushing drugs Lawyers' body calls for changes in elevation process of judges to SC, HC Punjab to give legal aid to 700 students facing deportation from Canada MCD poll: AAP, BJP get 3 seats each in standing committee, after HC verdict

A week after the ethnic violence started in Manipur, 10 MLAs belonging to Kuki tribals (including seven ruling BJP members) demanded a separate administration equivalent to a separate state for the tribals in Manipur.

After the May 3 and the subsequent ethnic violence, all the 10 MLAs belonging to the Kuki community have accused the N. Biren Singh government of "failing miserably" to protect the community. Therefore, they have resolved to pursue a "separate administration under the Constitution of India and live peacefully as neighbours with Manipur".

Both Biren Singh and Amit Shah, after his four day Manipur visit, categorically rejected the separate state demand for the tribals.

The tribals constitute around 37 to 40 per cent of the total 2.72 million population (as per the 2011 census) of Manipur.

--IANS

sc/vd
A delayed monsoon is, however, no indication of the trajectory the rains will take in the coming months. In the first eight days of this year, rain in the country has been almost 60 per cent less than normal. A late start to the monsoon could delay the sowing of major kharif crops such as paddy, oilseeds, and pulses.

The monsoon arrived in Kerala on Thursday seven days after its usual onset date of June 1, which, according to some reports, is the longest delay in four years.
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on Thursday slammed the Centre over the recently announced MSP for the Kharif Season, and alleged that it is inflicting "huge losses" on farmers.

The Union government on June 7 announced the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the Kharif Season 2023-24.

"The MSP announced is unfair, belies the hopes of the farmers and inflicts huge losses on their incomes. Rather than doubling farmers' incomes as claimed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rising input costs coupled with unfair MSP will push large sections of the farmers, especially the small, marginal, middle farmers as well as tenants into indebtedness," the AIKS said in a statement.

AIKS President Ashok Dhawale said the government has not kept its promise that the MSP will be given according to the Swaminathan Commission recommendation of C2 (production cost definition) plus 50 per cent.

"It still remains a 'chunavi jumla' (unfulfilled election promise). Not a single crop has its MSP fixed as per this formula," he said.

The AIKS said loss suffered by paddy farmers because of the government not implementing C2 plus 50 per cent is about Rs 683.5 per quintal.

Also Read PM Kisan Yojana's 14th instalment likely soon: Check if you are eligible PM-Kisan grows from strength to strength amid calls for raising the amount Thousands of farmers to descend at Ramlila Maidan for 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' 29% uptick in Madhya Pradesh farmers registering to sell wheat at MSP About 300k women farmers benefited from PM-KISAN, Rs 54,000 cr transferred World's biggest cos made no progress on limiting global warming since 2018 TN govt collaborates with Tata to provide Industry 4.O skilling to youth Wrestlers express intent to take part in Asian Games selection trials Conversion via gaming app: Tech-savvy accused changing locations frequently Father of minor wrestler admits filing false allegations against WFI chief

It added that at an estimate of about 4 tonnes per hectare productivity, the losses suffered will be to the tune of Rs 27,340 per hectare if C2 costs are taken into account.

"In Arhar, Moong, Urad, Sunflower, Sesamum, Nigerseed and Cotton, the losses per quintal range from around Rs 2,000 per quintal to even higher than Rs 3,000 per quintal," said AIKS General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan.

According to calculations by the AIKS, the losses for Jowar crop are to the tune of Rs 1,069 per quintal, for Bajra Rs 216 per quintal, for Arhar Rs 1989 per quintal, and Rs 2,408 for Urad among others.

AIKS added that the estimates of the projected cost of production for paddy by Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal are higher than projections of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

"Similarly, in most crops, the state projections are much higher than the CACP projection. AIKS demands that the Union government led by the BJP revise the MSP and enhance it according to the C2+50 per cent formula and also assure procurement," it said.

The AIKS said Jammu and Kashmir, after the abrogation of Article 370, is no longer being featured in the collection of CS data.

"The BJP government should include J&K and also undertake procurement from farmers there. AIKS calls upon all its units to rise up in protest against the betrayal of farmers by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government and expose their fraudulent claims," it added.

The government on Wednesday announced an increase of Rs 143 in the MSP of paddy to Rs 2,183 per quintal for this year, the second steepest increase in the last decade.

For 2023-24 Kharif crops, the MSP has been increased in the range of 5.3 to 10.35 per cent, and in absolute terms, it has been increased by Rs 128 to Rs 805 per quintal.
Nationally Determined Contributions should not necessarily include all sectors or gases, India said at the ongoing Bonn climate conference, opposing a call by some developed countries, notably the US, for comprehensive, economy-wide NDCs aligned with the 1.5-degree Celsius target.

NDCs are national plans aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

India also voiced skepticism regarding the existing models and scenarios used in climate science.

Referring to the IPCC scenarios on global mitigation pathways, it said, "The models and scenarios currently in the scientific literature have not received the close scrutiny necessary to determine whether developing countries' needs, rights and aspirations are anywhere close to being met by their projections."



"These models provide pathways that are based on constraining energy consumption and income growth in developing countries, and project a future for us that we do not want," it said.

During the third and final meeting of the first technical dialogue of the first global stocktake (GST), a two-year UN review to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Paris Agreement, India emphasised the need to operationalise equity in the dialogue, address pre-2020 implementation gaps and tackle the disproportionate use of the global carbon budget by a minority of nations, pointing out that such practices impose severe constraints and costs on low-carbon development in developing countries.

Led by two bodies within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), the Bonn climate conference serves as a precursor to the 28th UN Conference of Parties (COP28) to be held in Dubai later this year.

Also Read No excuse for high methane emissions: Energy agency chief Fatih Birol India's G-20 presidency: Opportunity for developing world's climate agenda Climatic change doesn't necessarily bring evolution in species: Study Resorts within one-km of Rajaji National Park not necessarily legal: NGT INOX invests in Tata Steel's Dhenkanal plant to set up air separation units Security forces recover 29 automatic weapons during combing ops in Manipur Wrestlers' protest: SIT to submit investigation report in court next week India-Russia strategic partnership growing stronger: Russian Envoy Alipov Award-winning Doordarshan news anchor Gitanjali Aiyar passes away J-K govt to provide land, houses to poor landless: LG Manoj Sinha

During the GST meeting, developing nations, represented by the G77 and China, emphasised the importance of assessing implementation gaps and challenges, including those related to the pre-2020 timeframe and historical responsibilities of developed countries for emissions since the pre-industrial era. They called for an equitable sharing of the carbon budget to limit temperature rise.

If some countries use more than their fair share of the carbon budget, it means they are disproportionately responsible for damages caused by global warming and also that other countries must effectively forgo the full use of their own fair share to keep the world on track for 1.5 degrees Celsius, mitigating more rapidly than would otherwise be required.

Climate science defines carbon budget as the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted for a given level of global warming (1.5 degrees Celsius in this case).

India said it shares the concerns raised by others regarding the "lack of operationalising equity in our dialogue so far, on pre-2020 gaps, the depletion of the global carbon budget due to disproportionate use by a minority, and the severe constraints and costs that this imposes on low-carbon development in developing countries".

It said that it would not support any prescriptive messages from the GST on what the content of NDCs should be.

"Parties under PA retain the sovereign right to determine their climate targets in pursuit of their goals, and reflect them in their NDCs. In this context, we do not support that NDCs necessarily should be economy-wide, comprising all sectors or gases. Those that would like to frame their NDCs in this manner voluntarily have our full support," it said.

The United States rejected calls for the assessment of the pre-2020 period and equitable access to sustainable development, stating that the GST is an assessment of the Paris Agreement and not the convention itself.

Filling the gaps identified through the technical assessment is not solely up to developed countries, it said, adding the next round of NDCs should be comprehensive, encompassing all sectors and trajectories, in line with the 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

On equity, the US said that it is reflected in the Paris Agreement and that there is no "singular" definition as there are "multiple dimensions" of equity.

The European Union stressed the need for immediate, deep and rapid reductions to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and said that for transforming economies, making financial flows consistent with the Paris Agreement is key.

South Africa, speaking for Brazil, South Africa, India, China (BASIC), said their central concern is that no space has been provided for an in-depth technical discussion and information gathering on pre-2020 issues, which is "unacceptable when we are undertaking a stock-taking exercise".

Securing a definitive account of the pre-2020 period is a critical part of the GST, as it will allow us to assess its achievements, progresses and gaps, with a view to providing the equity basis towards achieving the long-term global goals of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday said that they have arrested a close aide of two foreign-based operatives of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).

Gagandeep Singh, alias Miti, was nabbed by the NIA on Tuesday during the agency's raids in Haryana and Punjab.

He is the fifth person to be arrested as part of the NIA's sustained crackdown on the organised crime syndicate and network being operated by the two KTF terrorists -- Arshdeep Singh, alias, Arsh Dala; and Manpreet Singh, alias Peeta -- in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan.

While Arsh Dala is based in Canada, Peeta is in the Philippines.

The case which pertains to the terror activities of chiefs and members of proscribed pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations, was registered suo-moto by the NIA on August 20, 2022.

The NIA had earlier arrested Lucky Khokhar in February, while Jassa Singh, Amritpal Singh and Amrik Singh were taken into custody in May.

Also Read Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh on run, will be arrested soon: Police One month on, no sight of radical preacher Amritpal except in CCTV footage Fugitive Amritpal Singh's 'close aide and financer' arrested: Report Khalistan a dangerous ideology, threat to national security: Report 'Don't spread rumours': Punjab Police denies news of Amritpal's surrender Court to decide maintainability of Chadha's plea on bungalow allotment Modi-led BJP govt overhauled India's health infrastructure: Amit Shah Manipur rights panel asks govt to consider restoration of internet services India in talks with US on steel, aluminum tariff exemption: Report 19 Bihar passengers missing, 50 dead in Odisha train accident, says DMD

Peeta and Arsh Dala were declared Proclaimed Offender by an NIA court in Mohali, on Monday in a priest's murder-conspiracy case.

According to the NIA investigations, Gagandeep Singh had been working for Dala and Peeta and was supporting them in smuggling weapons from across the border.

Gagandeep Sing was also part of an extortion racket for raising funds for KTF.

Dala and Peeta have been continuously recruiting new cadres in India to carry out the activities of KTF. They are working at the behest of Harjit Nijjar, KTF's self-styled chief in Canada, who was also designated as an 'individual terrorist' by the Centre in July 2020.

They were raising funds through extortion and other means, and carrying out smuggling of arms, ammunition and explosives across the border.

KTF, as well as other proscribed terrorist organisations, such as Khalistan Liberation Force, Babbar Khalsa International, International Sikh Youth Federation, Khalistan Tiger Force, have been engaged in promoting terror across India.

Their activities include smuggling of terrorist hardware, such as arms, ammunition explosive, IEDs across international borders, for carrying out terrorist acts like bomb explosions, targeted killings.

--IANS

atk/ksk/
A Pakistan high court on Thursday granted protective bail to former premier Imran Khan in a case registered against him for the murder of a senior lawyer and reserved its verdict on bail petitions filed by Khan in eight other cases.

Khan, 70, was named in the killing of Supreme Court lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar, who was shot dead in Quetta on June 6 by unknown gunmen.
The Delhi Police is looking for three associates of a 22-year-old man who was arrested in connection with alleged molestation and attempted kidnap of two female students inside the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus, an officer said Thursday.

The JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) had on Wednesday alleged that some inebriated men in a car had come to the campus Tuesday night and attempted to kidnap two students. They also got into a fight on campus, it said.

Two cases were registered in the matter after students approached the police, one for physical assault and another for molestation-kidnapping bid, the student group said.

The arrested youth has been identified as Abhishek, a resident of Gurgaon, police had earlier said.

Abhishek used to live in Munirka village and had shifted to Gurgaon around four to five months ago. He has completed his graduation and is currently preparing for the MBA, sources said.

According to sources, Abhishek was driving the car when the alleged incidents took place.

Also Read Police withdraw case against 36 involved in protest at Gateway of India Inebriated persons attempt to kidnap JNU students from campus, one caught New JNU rules: Up to Rs 50,000 fine for violence, dharna on campus BBC series screening: Left students stage protest at JNU against ABVP Swede held for molesting crew member onboard Bangkok-Mumbai flight Women now behind the wheel of MSRTC buses for first time in 75 years J&K secures top rank in Food Safety Index for third consecutive year Record use of Rs 800 cr for rural infra projects by NABARD: Punjab FM India's fuel consumption rises 9% in May to 20 million tonne, shows data Ex-minister murder case: YSRCP MP Avinash Reddy arrested by CBI, released

Initial investigation has revealed that four people had come to the campus to meet a person and also to eat. It has also been revealed that they were not known to the victims.

The three other persons who were with Abhishek at the time of the incident, all residents of Munirka village, have been identified and raids are being conducted to nab them, sources said.

According to police, Abhishek has said he had come to the campus twice on Tuesday to meet a student, however, his versions are being verified.

"Two complaints -- one regarding physical assault and another on molestation, attempt to kidnap -- have been received from JNU students. Cases have been registered.

"In both cases, the accused and the vehicle are the same and have been identified," Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Manoj C had said Wednesday.

Hours after the incident, the security department of JNU announced that the entry of outside vehicles into the campus will be restricted from 10 pm to 6 am.
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday said surgical strikes should be conducted against Pakistan to teach it a lesson as he accused the neighbouring country of pushing drugs into the Indian territory.

Purohit also praised the Punjab government over the issue of drug seizure and tackling drones that are being used to send narcotics from across the border.

The governor was on a two-day visit to the border districts of the state.

He said the next generation must be stopped from becoming addicts at any cost and added that if Pakistan is playing mischief with India, "one or two surgical strikes should be conducted against it".

Purohit expressed satisfaction over the coordination among central agencies, such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Army and Intelligence Bureau, and the Punjab Police.

Addressing the media here, the governor came down heavily on Pakistan for launching a "hidden war" against India, saying it is doing so as it could not engage in a direct fight against the country.

Also Read Blinkit shuts some Gurugram dark stores for good as delivery workers strike Sale of petroleum products halves in Pakistan, high inflation to blame Historical trail of Pakistan's powerful military enterprise: Explainer Pakistan HRC 'deeply concerned' by random cases, arrests of PTI workers Pak's Punjab Assembly dissolves; caretaker CM nominations asked by Jan 17 Lawyers' body calls for changes in elevation process of judges to SC, HC Punjab to give legal aid to 700 students facing deportation from Canada MCD poll: AAP, BJP get 3 seats each in standing committee, after HC verdict Around 600 delegates to attend G-20 meet on crime, security at Gurugram Summer vacation in Uttar Pradesh extended till June 26 due to heatwave

He also expressed concern over the use of drones by Pakistan for pushing drugs and weapons into India and laid an emphasis on effectively countering the same.

"Pakistan has started a hidden war (against India)," Purohit said while expressing concern over a large number of drones being sent by the neighbouring country to smuggle drugs.

He said he was 101 per cent confident that the use of drones was not be possible without the involvement of the Pakistani government or its army.

"They have their involvement in it and they want to destablise us," he said.

Purohit accused the Pakistani establishment of trying to "make our next generation drug addicts", adding that he had received complaints that drugs had reached schools and students were becoming addicts and stealing money from home to support their addiction.

"Come what may, it (drugs) has to be stopped," the governor asserted.

He said surgical strikes should be conducted against Pakistan.

"Till now, India has not retaliated. I am not the authority, but it comes to mind that Pakistan is playing mischief with us. One or two surgical strikes should be conducted against it. It should be taught a lesson to set it right. Something must be done," Purohit said.

India had conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 29, 2016 as a response to a terror attack on an Army base in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector.

Purohit appreciated the efforts of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and also of central agencies in tackling cross-border drugs smuggling.

"As a government, on this issue, it is making an effort that is commendable. The entire team is working with dedication. DCs (deputy commissioners) and SSPs (senior superintendents of police) are working with full dedication," he said.

"Overall, after pursuing a lot of things, I must appreciate the state government and its officers," the governor added.

Replying to a question on some AAP leaders questioning his visit to the border districts, Purohit said he is a governor who is never involved in politics.

"What I feel is good, I appreciate. I again say that I praise police and the state government. The way (radical preacher) Amritpal (Singh) was arrested, it is appreciable," he said.

"What is the meaning of criticism? My job is to appreciate. I do not criticise," Purohit said.

However, he also said if the state government deviates from the Constitution, he will point it out and "whether they are happy or upset, I do not bother".

"It is my duty (to point out) if the government goes out of the ambit of the Constitution. It is my job and I swore to protect the Constitution. By all means, I will protect the Constitution. Whether the government likes it or not is immaterial for me. I do not have to see their faces. My job is to see whether the government is run as per the Constitution," he said.

But as of now, with regards to drug seizure, border security and tackling the issue of drones, a lot of efforts are being made, he added.

Purohit also emphasised that village defence committees are being formed in all the six border districts and they would be operational within a 10-kilometre area with the help of the state police.

He said the committees will work on a war footing to stop drugs smuggling from Pakistan.

Purohit further said on next year's Republic Day, a reward will be given to three members each from the village defence committees of the six border districts.

A reward of Rs 3 lakh will be given for the first position, Rs 2 lakh for the second and Rs 1 lakh for the third position, he said.
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal Thursday said the state government will provide free legal assistance to around 700 Indian students who are facing deportation from Canada.

The Indian students, mostly from Punjab, are facing deportation after the authorities in Canada found admission offer letters to educational institutions to be fake. The matter came to light in March when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada.

In a statement, Dhaliwal said most of these students belong to Punjab and they will be assisted by lawyers who are experts in immigration laws in Canada.

Besides, Dhaliwal has also written to all MPs of Punjab origin in Canada to solve the issue of these students so that the future of the children can be secured.

On Tuesday, Dhaliwal had sought intervention of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the matter.

Presiding over a meeting with civil and police officers associated with the NRI department here, Dhaliwal issued instructions to all deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police to scrutinize documents of travel agents and immigration agencies and send a report by July 10.

Also Read Canada forest fires intensify, worsen air quality in Canada, United States Canada sets goal to conserve 30% land-water by 2030 for sustainability Canada's immigration backlog shrinks to 2.2 mn, reveals IRCC data Canada to deport 700 Indian students as visa documents found to be fake Canada's economy edges up 0.6% in Q1, good, services industries up MCD poll: AAP, BJP get 3 seats each in standing committee, after HC verdict Around 600 delegates to attend G-20 meet on crime, security at Gurugram Summer vacation in Uttar Pradesh extended till June 26 due to heatwave Traders not facing problem in exchanging Rs 2,000 notes: Union minister World used Article 370 to keep India off balance, says EAM Jaishankar

He expressed concern that many travel agents are running immigration agencies illegally.

Dhaliwal said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already given clear instructions to improve the system.

He said if the system is transparent and clean, then there will be less scope for human trafficking by illegal travel and immigration agencies.

A special campaign against fake travel agents and immigration agencies would soon be launched in Punjab so that nobody could be involved in human trafficking, he said.

Dhaliwal also said in the last 10 years, if any immigrant Punjabi has been deliberately implicated in a wrong case, then it should be brought to the government's attention.

Such cases will be investigated and the victims will get justice, he said.

He further said NRI meetings will be held for the first time in those villages of Punjab whose immigrants have done good work in their villages or earned the name at the national or international level.

Dhaliwal also said that the NRI meetings will be held at the district level from July 15 to August 30.

He invited all NRI Punjabis to come with their problems during such meetings and efforts will be made to solve them on the spot.

He instructed police and civil officials that the grievances of the migrant Punjabis, which have not been resolved so far, should be settled by June 30.

A total of 609 complaints were received in the first NRI meeting, out of which 522 have been resolved while 87 complaints are pending, the statement said.

Dhaliwal also said there is a plan to bring a new NRI policy by September 30 to resolve all kinds of problems and complaints of NRI Punjabis.
Security forces seized automatic weapons and recovered warlike stores on Wednesday during a joint combing operation in sensitive areas both in the Hills and Valley sector of Manipur following violence in the state.

"29 weapons (mostly automatic), mortar, hand grenades, ammunition and warlike stores were recovered by security forces during joint combing operations in Manipur on June 7," Spear Corps of the Indian Army said in a tweet.

Security forces deployed in the troubled state launched a joint operation on Wednesday to comb out weapons and ammunition hidden away by miscreants.

"Operations were conducted across Manipur in both Valley and Hill areas under the cover of UAV and Quadcopters," it further said in another tweet.

Notably, during home minister Amit Shah's recent visit to Manipur, he appealed to the public to hand over all weapons and ammunition to the administration for maintaining peace and order.

Also Read As Manipur reels from violence, home minister Shah to visit the state today Tribal protest in Manipur turns violent; curfew imposed, internet suspended Shielding governance failure will not resolve Manipur's problems Kim Jong-un wants North Korea to make more nuclear material for bombs Centre's approval required to introduce NRC in Manipur: CM Biren Singh Wrestlers' protest: SIT to submit investigation report in court next week India-Russia strategic partnership growing stronger: Russian Envoy Alipov Award-winning Doordarshan news anchor Gitanjali Aiyar passes away J-K govt to provide land, houses to poor landless: LG Manoj Sinha Health ministry unveils food safety index, Kerala secures top ranking

The appeal came with a warning about a 'search-and-combing operation' plan, which also mentioned that anyone found to possess weapons during the operation would be prosecuted.

Earlier in the day, advisor (Security) to the Manipur government Kuldeep Singh said that a total of 868 arms and 11,518 pieces of ammunition have been recovered to date from different areas in violence-hit Manipur.

He also said a total of 57 arms, 318 ammunition, and 5 bombs were also seized by the authorities in the last 24 hours.

The recoveries of arms and ammunition were made from Porompat Police Station in Imphal East and Sugnu police station in the Kakching districts of Manipur.

Singh said curfew has been relaxed for 12 hours in five valley districts and for 10 hours and 8 hours in neighbouring hill districts of Manipur.

"There is no curfew in six other hill districts. Movement of essential items along NH-37 is ensured. 244 empty vehicles have left Imphal for Jiribam today. A total of 212 loaded vehicles have left Noney and 212 loaded tankers and trucks left Jiribam today," said Singh, who was appointed the security advisor to the Manipur government in the beginning of May in view of the spiralling violence in Manipur.

"The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2023 for entrance to MBBS/BDS Course was conducted yesterday (June 6, 2023) at 22 centres (12 in Imphal West and 10 in Imphal East)," former Central Reserve Police Force chief said, adding, the examination was conducted in a peaceful manner and the attendance was normal."

He further mentioned that ministers and MLAs of the state are visiting different areas in Manipur and appealing for peace.


The issue was brought to light when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada in March. Scores of Indian students, primarily from Punjab, who entered Canada on study visas three to four years ago now face deportation after their college admission offer letters were discovered to be forged, according to media reports.

Fear of deportation

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently served deportation notices to over 700 Indian students. The letters were sent after the CBSA discovered that the students' admission offer letters were fake, reported India Today.



Many of the students protesting claim to have arrived in Canada in 2018, but that their application for permanent residency was denied after it was discovered that they had submitted forged letters, a ruse they claim was orchestrated by travel agencies back home. Students have gathered on Airport Road in Mississauga, outside the CBSA headquarters, for an "indefinite sit-in" since May 29.

Also Read EB-5 visa: What is it, who can apply and how it is different from H1-B visa US extends visa walk-in interview waiver for more applicants; check here Will immerse medals in Ganga, fast unto death: Protesting wrestlers H1-B visa deadline likely to get extended as users face technical glitches US visa threat before B'desh elections: Warning to faltering democracies NIA arrests close aide of foreign operatives of pro-Khalistan terrorists Maharashtra: A day after violence, Kolhapur calm but edgy; 36 booked 'Modi, Modi' slogans interrupt Kejriwal's speech at IP uni campus launch Court to decide maintainability of Chadha's plea on bungalow allotment Modi-led BJP govt overhauled India's health infrastructure: Amit Shah



We changed colleges and finished our studies but three-four years later, we were told by the CBSA that the admission letter on the basis of which we had received our visas was fraudulent, he added. "When we arrived in Canada our agent told us that the seats were full in the colleges where we had received admission letters. He told us that universities were overbooking so he can transfer us to another college. Since we did not want to lose a year, we agreed," Chamandeep Singh, a protesting student, told NDTV.



The unrest was sparked by an expulsion order received by Lovepreet Singh, a resident of Punjab's Mohali. He has been told to leave the country by June 13. According to Wion News, the victims wrote an open letter in March, in which they stated: "We are desperate for justice; we are victims of fraud; we have no criminal level but are facing a removal order."

The fraud uncovered

The majority of those affected were represented by Brijesh Mishra of the Jalandhar-based counselling firm EMSA Education and Migration Services Australia, said a report by India Times.



According to Indian Express, Mishra allegedly forged the offer letters to ensure their acceptance to institutions when they arrived in Canada. Students got jobs after finishing their courses. The fraud was not discovered until they applied for permanent residency and the CBSA reported the fake letters. He charged each student more than Rs 16 lakh, including the admission fee for prestigious Humber College, but not for airline tickets or security deposits.

So, what happens next?

The Minister of NRI Affairs for Punjab Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has requested assistance from S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs (EAM).



Speaking about the matter, EAM Jaishankar told NDTV, From the very start, the MEA and the high commission have taken up their case. The culpable parties should be punished." These (700) students are innocent and have been cheated by the clique of fraudsters. I shall be highly grateful if you again look into the matter personally and take up the matter with concerned agencies including the High Commission of Canada and the government of Canada so that these students can be saved from being deported, reads a letter from Dhaliwal to Jaishankar.



Sean Fraser, the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, also tweeted, We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country & remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case, which further fueled these students optimism that the government will positively respond to the issues they are currently facing. "The latest report is that Canadians accept that it would be unfair if the student has done no wrong, they accept the idea that they have to find a solution to it. I feel the Canadian system is fair in that regard," he added.

Meanwhile, the all-party immigration committee unanimously voted on Wednesday to ask the border agency to waive the affected students' inadmissibility and offer them an alternative route to permanent residence based on humanitarian considerations or through a "regularisation" programme.
Union Minister Som Prakash on Thursday claimed businesspersons and traders were not facing any problem in depositing or exchanging Rs 2,000 notes which were withdrawn from circulation by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) last month.

He said enough time has been given to people to deposit or exchange the high-value currency, which was introduced in November 2016.

I have spoken to a number of traders and industrialists over the decision to withdraw the Rs 2,000 notes. Anyone can go to a bank and get them exchanged. None of them have a problem," the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry told reporters here while responding to a question.

On May 19, the RBI announced the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes and set September 30 as the deadline for exchanging and depositing them with banks.

On May 26, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said the RBI must put in place a standard operating procedure (SOP) for banks for deposit and exchange of the withdrawn bills.

CAIT president BC Bhartia had told reporters here, Every bank has its own way to exchange or deposit Rs 2,000 bills, which is causing hardship to housewives and traders. The RBI must have a common SOP for all banks."



Minister Prakash said the government is continuously taking action against the use of fake bills for availing input tax credit under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) mechanism and people involved in such frauds were facing action and arrest.

Also Read India was close to printing Rs 10,000 notes in 2016: All you need to know Explained: What are the tax implications of depositing Rs 2,000 notes? Nearly 80% Indians depositing Rs 2,000 notes instead of exchanging: Report RBI asks banks to keep daily data on exchange, deposit of Rs 2,000 notes 50% of Rs 2,000 notes returned to banks since announcement: RBI Guv Das World used Article 370 to keep India off balance, says EAM Jaishankar Manipur situation peaceful, govt clears Rs 101 cr for displaced people Jaipur Foot offers prosthetic limbs to victims of Odisha train accident Govt seeks applications for 15 judicial, technical jobs at NCLT, NCLAT World Ocean Day: Volunteers take part in beach clean up drive in Vizag

Speaking about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government which completed nine years in office last month, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy in the world.

Prakash is in Indore to attend a special public connect programme launched by the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, where Assembly polls are due by the year-end.
India's weather department on Thursday predicted that heatwave conditions are likely to prevail over certain parts of the country this week.



India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s prediction comes at a time when the southwest monsoon made its entry in Kerala today, after witnessing the longest delay in seven years, and the western coast braces for a cyclone, a LiveMint report said.



According to the report, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions can prevail over Bihar between June 8 and June 12, whereas over Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand, it is expected to prevail from June 8 onwards till June 11.



Heatwave conditions are also expected to prevail over Odisha the sub-Himalayan West Bengal region between June 8 to June 10, over Telangana on June 8,9, and over several parts of Uttar Pradesh till June 11, the report added.



IMD Scientist, Naresh Kumar told ANI, "In North-West India, temperature likely to rise, temperatures can go up to 40-42C but there won't be any heat wave scenario for next four to five days. Heatwave conditions prevailing in East India, adjoining North-West India, East UP."



This comes at a time when eastern India is already reeling under extreme heat conditions, while several other parts of the country have witnessed excessive rains and hailstorms.



The weather department also issued a warning on Thursday that hailstorms could occur in isolated places of Uttarakhand on June 11 and June 12.



The excess rainfall and below-normal temperatures that were witnessed in this pre-monsoon season (March-May) have been attributed to higher-than-usual western disturbances (weather systems that originate in the Mediterranean region and bring unseasonal rainfall to parts of northwest India), the report added.


Fallout from Go First's insolvency Airfares in India have witnessed a significant increase, particularly during this year's summer travel season with Go First out of the picture. Factors such as rising demand and capacity constraints, as well as the insolvency of Go First have contributed to the soaring ticket prices.



A demand-supply mismatch Go First, an airline operating under the Wadia group, declared insolvency in May, causing a sudden reduction in capacity. This further strained the already affected market leaders IndiGo and SpiceJet, who had already faced capacity constraints due to fleet grounding. Despite high airfares, the demand for air travel surged, with May witnessing a significant increase in domestic flyers compared to the pre-pandemic period.



Such surges were more common for bookings made closer to the travel date. The higher load factors benefited other airlines but caused inconvenience for last-minute or close-to-travel date bookings due to limited available inventory, reported Indian Express (IE). Even though other airlines increased their capacities on routes previously served by Go First, the demand-supply mismatch persisted. Abnormal surges in airfares were primarily observed on routes with a strong Go First presence and others experiencing rapid growth in demand. This was especially on routes like Leh, Goa, and Ahmedabad which were some of the top destinations for airlines.

Also Read Go First likely to resume flights on May 24 with fewer aircraft: Report Go First seeks interim moratorium, NCLT says no such provision under IBC DGCA asks Go First to refund passengers; airline scraps flights till May 9 Go First airline asks NCLT to pass urgent order on insolvency plea Petrol, diesel prices remain largely unchanged, check prices in your city Allowing anti-India elements not good for relationship: EAM to Canada Property prices rise in 43 out of 50 cities in Q4 of FY23: NHB data NCB had hidden motive of giving Aryan clean chit in drugs case: Wankhede Samudrayaan project on track, vehicle will be ready soon: Kiren Rijiju Delhi police step up sexual harassment probe of wrestling chief Bhushan

Role of aviation turbine fuel

The cost of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, plays a significant role in airfares. While it may not be the sole reason for month-on-month or year-on-year increases, it can contribute to airfares rising. However, fuel prices reported by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have been going down steadily in the last two months.



Despite the decrease in prices, flight tickets did not go down during the summer travel season. However, should the prices continue to go down, airlines may lower airfares in the coming months. The current price of ATF prices in Delhi sits at Rs 89,303.09 per kl, down by Rs 9,046.5 from its previous month. In March the prices in the national capital were Rs 1,07,750.27 per kl, which decreased by Rs 9,400.7 per kl in April at Rs 98,349.59 per kl.



Although jet fuel prices have reduced from their peak during the pandemic, they remain significantly higher than the levels seen in 2019 and early 2020. For instance, the price of jet fuel in January 2019 was Rs 58,060.97 per kl in the Delhi. The fuel prices had reached their peak in June 2022 at Rs 1,41,232.87 per kl in Delhi.

Risk of gouging

In an interview with PTI, the CEO of Akasa Air, Vinay Dube warned against gauging. When it comes to pricing, this term is used to explain situations where prices are increased to take advantage of micro-environmental situations. Dube stated that this was also a major concern for the government.



Government speaks to airlines about rising fares He said, "Gouging is just not a good thing. The airfares on average in India are the most customer friendly in the world in any kind of sizable aviation economy. The Indian consumer average has one of the best airfare regimes you can find anywhere in the world. That is a fact and we have some of the cheapest average fares anywhere in the world."



While temporary relief may come when travel demand subsides after the peak summer season, long-term price stability and affordability depend on various factors. The government had taken notice of the abnormal surge pricing on certain routes and has urged airlines to self-monitor and ensure reasonable pricing on Monday, June 5. PTI reported that during a meeting of the airline advisory group, the civil aviation minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, stated that a mechanism to ensure reasonable airfare should be devised and monitored by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).



Scindia had also informed the Lok Sabha on March 16 that airfares are not established nor regulated by the government. In a written reply, he added, "The airline pricing system runs in multiple levels (buckets) which are in line with practices being followed globally. The prices are fixed by airlines keeping in mind the market, demand, seasonality, and other market forces. The airfare increases with a rise in demand for seats as the lower fare buckets get sold out fast when bookings are offered by airlines." The ministry also stated that in light of the Odisha tragedy, airlines should provide free cargo to the families of the deceased.

Which locations were most impacted by this?

Popular travel locations with airports like Leh, Srinagar, Goa, Bagdogra, Ahmedabad, Pune, Andamans, and Kerala have faced some of the highest airfares.
TaMo has outlined a plan to introduce six/seven models across alternative powertrains over the next three to four years. Moreover, with a strong commitment to the EV sector, TaMo plans to invest approximately $2 billion in the next four years, primarily directed towards the developmen

Most brokerages have maintained a bullish stance on the stock, mostly giving it a buy rating. Some like Kotak Institutional Securities gave a reduce rating. The stock, however, has fallen marginally by 1.46 per cent on the BSE, ending the days trade at Rs 559.65 apiece.


The REs should frame board-approved policies for compromise settlements, also known as negotiated arrangements, with the borrower to fully settle claims against the borrower in cash. This may involve some sacrifice of the amount due from the borrower. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday prescribed a comprehensive regulatory framework for regulated entities (REs) for compromise settlements and technical write-offs to provide further impetus to resolving stressed assets and rationalising and harmonising instructions.



Technical write-offs would refer to cases where the non-performing assets remain outstanding at the borrowers loan account level but are written off (fully or partially) by the RE only for accounting purposes. This is without involving any waiver of claims against the borrower. Any arrangement involving part settlement with the borrower will be treated as restructuring. Also, where the time for payment of the agreed-upon settlement amount exceeds three months will be treated as restructuring.



The board-approved policy should lay down the process for compromise settlements and technical write-offs, with specific guidance on the necessary conditions precedent, such as minimum ageing, deterioration in collateral value, etc. The policies should have a graded framework to examine staff accountability with reasonable thresholds and timelines, the RBI said. Atul Kumar Goel, managing director and chief executive officer, Punjab National Bank, said proposing the framework for widening the scope of resolution of stressed assets indicates that the RBI is on track to instilling harmonisation across REs.

Also Read MPC lowers projection for inflation, raises growth outlook a bit in FY24 RBI Monetary Policy: Repo rate up by 25 bps, FY23 inflation pegged at 6.5% Banks' net NPA ratio at 10-yr low, GNPAs continue downward journey: RBI RBI MPC: When and where to watch policy announcement by Shaktikanta Das RBI MPC: When and where to watch policy announcement by Shaktikanta Das RBI monetary policy review: Focus back on primary target; inflation at 4% Monetary policy review: CBDC QR codes likely to be interoperable with UPI FAME-II subsidy block: SMEV reaches out to govt for Rs 3K-crore rehab fund Half of Rs 2,000 banknotes in circulation back in system: RBI Guv Das Hiring slows down by 7% in May YoY, as companies cut expenses: Report



Referring to compromise settlements, the RBI said the policy should contain rules for permissible sacrifice for various exposures, after prudently reckoning the current realisable value of security/collateral. REs may undertake compromise settlements or technical write-offs in accounts categorised as wilful defaulters or fraud without prejudice to the criminal proceeding underway against debtors. The board approval will be required for compromise settlements or technical write-offs for accounts categorised as wilful defaulters or fraud.



The banking regulator said in compromise settlements in non-farm credit cases, REs will maintain a cooling period of at least 12 months before they take fresh exposures to such borrowers. They can prescribe higher cooling, based on board-approved policies. The cooling period for farm credit exposures will be based on board-approved policies. REs should enter into a compromise settlement to maximise the possible recovery from a distressed borrower at minimum expense, in the best interests of the RE, the RBI said.

In cases REs had commenced recovery proceedings under a judicial forum and is pending before that forum, any settlement with the borrower will be subject to a consent decree from the judicial authorities concerned, the RBI added.


The RBI had barred the first loss default guarantee arrangement under the digital lending norms. Under this credit-risk sharing agreement, a certain percentage of the default loan portfolio of banks and NBFCs (registered entities) are guaranteed by a third party, a fintech or lending service provider (LSP). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday came out with a regulatory framework to permit default loss guarantee arrangements in digital lending. This is considered as a major relief to financial technology (fintech) companies that were seeking clarity on their lending arrangements with banks and non-banking financial companies.



The registered entities will ensure that a default cover could be provided for up to 5 per cent of the loan portfolio. In case of implicit guarantee arrangements, the DLG provider will not bear performance risk of more than the equivalent amount of 5 per cent of the underlying loan portfolio, the framework said. According to the guidelines, the registered entities will invoke default loss guarantee within a maximum overdue period of 120 days, unless made good by the borrower before that. According to the new guidelines, the entities may enter into default loss guarantee arrangements only with a lending service provider or other entities with which it has entered into an outsourcing arrangement. Further, the LSP providing default loss guarantee must be incorporated as a company under the Companies Act, 2013. It indicates that entities can accept default loss guarantee in forms like cash deposited with the entities, fixed deposits maintained with a scheduled commercial bank with a lien marked in favour of the entities and bank guarantee in favour of the registered entities.



Followed by the RBI decision, fintech companies were forced to look at alternate options like co-lending small ticket loans, co-branded partnerships and revenue-sharing models. Based on extensive consultations with various stakeholders, and in tune with our objective of maintaining a balance between innovation and prudent risk management, it has been decided to put in place a regulatory framework for permitting default loss guarantee arrangements in digital lending. Detailed guidelines on the matter will be issued separately, the RBI said in its statement on Thursday.

Also Read RBI MPC: When and where to watch policy announcement by Shaktikanta Das RBI MPC: When and where to watch policy announcement by Shaktikanta Das RBI Monetary Policy: Repo rate up by 25 bps, FY23 inflation pegged at 6.5% 50% of Rs 2,000 notes returned to banks since announcement: RBI Guv Das RBI MPC LIVE updates: Roughly 50% of Rs 2000 notes have come back, says Das Will banks become risk-averse in the quest to seek a governance premium? YES Bank aims to expand margins by 100 bps in next 3 years, says MD Rupee trade volumes likely to get a fillip after RBI's IFSC ruling State-owned BoM raises Rs 1,000 cr via qualified institutional placement YES Bank aims to expand margins by 100 bps in next 3 years, says MD



Streamlining Bharat Bill Payment System will help integrate backend systems efficiently for a seamless experience, which could also bring new players to the table and improve the ad-hoc payment system. It will be an advantage to bolster fraud monitoring and risk mitigation systems to ensure smooth online transactions, said Pranay Jhaveri, managing director (India and South Asia), Euronet Worldwide, a provider of global electronic payment services. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the RBI was also streamlining the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) and its membership criteria for operating units. BBPS has been operational since August 2017 and its scope was further expanded in December 2022. He said the move was to enhance the efficiency of the BBPS system and to encourage greater participation. Currently, BBPS has onboarded over 20,500 billers and processes over 98 million transactions every month.

In an effort to broaden the issuance of e-RUPI vouchers, Das said non-bank companies could also issue e-RUPI vouchers now.


DigiYatra allows passengers to enjoy the benefits without having to download the mobile application, reported LiveMint. The initiative has been launched at Terminal 3 and it simplifies the registration process for the passengers into three steps. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Thursday announced that a new facility DigiYatra has been introduced to make travel easier.



DigiYatra was launched last year on December 1. According to newdelhiairport's website, DigiYatra is an initiative that uses facial recognition technology to make terminal entry & security clearance at the airport a seamless, hassle-free, and paperless process. The platform uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of flyers. It is a decentralised mobile-based ID storage platform where air passengers can save their IDs and travel documents. Citing a statement from IGI Airport, the report said that passengers can use this facility by scanning the boarding pass and face along with presenting identification proof to the security staff deployed near the registration desk. Once registered successfully, passengers will be able to experience seamless travel within the terminal, which includes the security check area and the boarding gates.



Currently, the facility is available at Terminals 2 and 3 of the IGI Airport, the report added. DigiYatra was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and Digi Yatra Foundation. The platform also provides air travellers with the benefit of reduced wait time and makes the boarding process faster and more seamless, the website added.

Also Read Aviation ministry lists five-point action plan to decongest Delhi airport Ashneer Grover slams Delhi's IGI airport for long wait, shares suggestions One year since Tatas took over Air India, here's how the journey has been With 59 mn travellers, Delhi's airport was 9th busiest in the world in 2022 Unmanned check-in counters causing congestion at airports, says govt Govt undertaking energy transition to achieve Net Carbon Zero by 2070: Puri Realtors hopeful of sustaining strong sales with RBI keeping rate unchanged Zomato working on AI-based features for enhancing customer experience Patanjali preparing to regain toothpaste mkt, expand distribution channels Rupee trade volumes likely to get a fillip after RBI's IFSC ruling

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited said, We have been relentlessly working towards improving the passenger experience at Delhi Airport. This latest initiative will allow even those who are less familiar with technology to make full use of DigiYatra and travel seamlessly. DigiYatra is a faster, safer, and smoother way of travel, which aims to allow passengers to spend more time with their family and friends at the Airport."
Also Read Toll operators in India to see a revenue jump of 16-18% in FY23: CRISIL Apollo focusing on prevention to tackle the NCD crisis: Preetha Reddy CRISIL SME Tracker: Strong domestic demand to drive pharma growth in FY23 Commercial spaces re-open vistas for security service firms: CRISIL Global environment gloomier, India to grow at 6% next year: CRISIL Paytm rallies 8% to hit over 9-month high on BofA Securities 'buy' call Aether Inds soars 10% on inking pact with US-based Oil Field Services firm SBI, DLF: Trading strategies for rate sensitive stocks post RBI policy Indian shares rise after RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5% in MPC meet Rate sensitive shares trade mixed after RBI keeps repo unchanged at 6.5%

Shares of Apollo Pipes (APL) rallied 6 per cent to hit a new high of Rs 718.70 on the BSE in Thursdays subdued intra-day trade on healthy business outlook. In comparison, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 0.17 per cent at 63,038 at 02:40 pm.Thus far in the current calendar year 2023, the stock has rallied 42 per cent, as compared to a 3 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex.APL manufactures pressure pipes (PVC, ring-fit and self-fit pipes), column pipes, casing pipes, plumbing pipes, soil-waste-rainwater pipes, fittings, and water tanks.APL said the Indian PVC pipes and fittings market expected to register 15 per cent CAGR during FY22 - FY26. Key growth drivers are the governments push for cleanliness and sanitation to boost water management sector, increased building of affordable houses and growing housing demand and requirement for infrastructure for irrigation and water supplies.Meanwhile, APL witnessed revenue growth of 17 per cent in fiscal 2023 driven by volume growth of 24 per cent, but realisations fell year-on-year owing to decline in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin prices.Sharp correction in PVC resin prices resulted in inventory loss in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2023, impacting profitability. As a result, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) margin declined to 7.5 per cent in fiscal 2023 from 12.1 per cent in fiscal 2022.CRISIL Ratings expects APLs revenue to grow by 11-12 per cent in the current fiscal 2024 supported by healthy demand, with Ebitda margin improving to 10-12 per cent. The company is in the process of adding 25,000 tonne capacity in fiscal 2024, which will be funded through a mix of equity infusion (warrants) of Rs 260 crore over the next 18 months and internal accrual. The rating agency believes APL will continue to benefit from increasing geographical presence and diversified product profile while maintaining a healthy financial risk profile.Looking ahead, the management said various pro-growth measures undertaken by the government, especially in the rural, infrastructure and agricultural space should lead to better demand and consumption of the companys products in the domestic market over the medium-to-longer term.With the improvement in operation/capacity utilization of Raipur plant, the management is confident to open up the untapped and high potential markets of Central and Eastern India supported by the expected positive trend in industrial growth for years ahead.
Also Read Stocks to Watch today, June 7: Adani Green, Mazagon Dock, Torrent Power Power stocks to stay charged as heat wave sweeps India, say analysts One year since Tatas took over Air India, here's how the journey has been Torrent wins race to acquire RCap with Rs 8,640 crore offer to lenders Torrent Pharma Q3 PAT up 14% to Rs 249 crore riding on India, Brazil Zen Technologies surges 10% on order win worth Rs 202 from Defence Ministry Stocks to Watch today, June 8: Banks, Auto, Lemon Tree, Adani Ent, Titagarh MARKETS: Sensex up 150 pts; RBI lowers inflation estimate to 5.1% in FY24 Book profits as Nifty Auto, Nifty Financial index trade in overbought zone FMCG stocks get a boost from improving prospects; analysts are bullish

Shares of power generation and utilities companies were in focus with the S&P BSE Power index gaining nearly 2 per cent on the BSE in Thursdays intra-day trade on expectations of higher electricity demand.At 10:06 AM; the S&P BSE Power index, the second largest gainer among sectoral indices after Utilities index, was up 1.64 per cent, as compared to 0.14 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex.NTPC, Adani Power NHPC, Torrent Power and Tata Power from the index traded higher by 3 per cent each. KPI Green Energy, NLC India, Nava, Inox Green Energy Services, Power Grid Corporation and CESC among power and its related companies were up 1 - 4 per cent.Ratings agency ICRA projects the full-year demand growth for FY24 at a modest 5.0-5.5 per cent, slightly lower than its expectation for the GDP growth for this fiscal (6.0 per cent), with unseasonal rains having dampened demand over the past two-and-a-half months.Moreover, the likelihood of El Nino in FY24 may have a positive impact on electricity demand. While the estimated demand growth for FY24 is higher than the historical average seen over the past 10 years, it is lower than the peak of 9.6 per cent reported in FY23, which was supported by a severe heat wave, favourable base, and a revival in economic activity.The rating agency expects a sustained growth in electricity demand to improve the visibility on the signing of new power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the thermal IPPs.ICRA projects the all-India thermal plant load factor (PLF) level to improve to 65.1 per cent in FY24 from 64.2 per cent in FY23, led by the growth in electricity demand and limited thermal capacity addition.ICRAs outlook for the thermal power segment is Stable, supported by the healthy improvement in the thermal PLF, coupled with the reduction in dues from state distribution utilities (discoms), following the implementation of the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) scheme. Amid marginal tariff hikes approved for the discoms for FY24, ICRAs outlook for the power distribution segment remains Negative.Among individual stocks, NTPC hit over five-year high at Rs 184.30, and rallied 4 per cent amid heavy volumes. The stock of state-owned power generation company was trading at its highest level since November 2017. It surpassed its previous high of Rs 182.80, touched on November 1, 2022.Shares of Torrent Power hit a new high of Rs 745, surged 7 per cent in intra-day trade today. In past two trading days, the stock of integrated power utilities company zoomed 22 per cent after the company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government for setting up three Pumped Storage Hydro Projects of 5,700 MW capacity in Maharashtra.The projects would entail an investment of about Rs 27,000 crore. Torrent plans to execute these projects over a period of five years. All the sites are off-stream and the projects are planned to provide a minimum of six hours of energy storage on a daily basis.The projects would be executed at three sites identified by Torrent namely Karjat (3,000 MW) in Raigarh District, Maval, (1,200 MW) and Junnar (1,500 MW) in Pune District. All the sites are off-stream and the projects are planned to provide a minimum of six hours of energy storage on a daily basis.
The government has gone overboard in creating a "hype" that the Railways has become a smart and speedy mode of transport but all is not well with the system and the Odisha accident is a wake up call, the CPI-M has said.

The Left party also said a "legitimate" question is being raised on why Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has not resigned following the June 2 train crash in Odisha's Balasore. Several opposition parties have asked for Vaishnaw's resignation since the accident.

The crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train killed 288 people and injured over 1,000.

"At the political level, a legitimate question raised is why the Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has not resigned owning moral responsibility for this worst railway accident in the last two decades," the latest editorial of the party's mouthpiece 'People's Democracy' said.

"In 1956, Lal Bahadur Shastri had resigned as railway minister from the (Jawaharlal) Nehru cabinet after a train accident in Tamil Nadu. Later in 1999, Nitish Kumar had quit as railway minister from the (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee government after a terrible rail accident in West Bengal. Neither Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, nor his railway minister, feel the need to be accountable for this disaster," it said.

The CPI-M also accused the Modi government of creating an impression that the Indian Railways had been converted into a smart and speedy transport system, with latest technology being used for safety and comfort, while the accident has claimed so many lives.

Also Read Odisha train tragedy: 51 hours later, train movement restored on tracks IRDAI asks insurers to suo motu settle claims of Odisha rail mishap victims Retail inflation eases marginally to 6.44% in February from 6.52% in Jan January retail inflation rises to 6.52%, highest since October 2022 Odisha train accident: PM Modi distressed, speaks to railway minister Kejriwal promises better education, healthcare facilities to Haryana people Oppn parties' wish for 2024 polls will wash away like Bihar bridge: BJP Undecided about contesting LS polls, aim to serve people: MP D K Suresh Karnataka BJP holds meeting to introspect on Assembly election defeat Rahul Gandhi has habit of criticising India abroad: EAM Jaishankar

"The Modi government has gone overboard in creating this hype, with the prime minister himself inaugurating Vande Bharat trains all over the country. Over Rs 2.4 lakh crore were allocated in this year's budget for capital outlay in railways, mostly for these semi-high speed Vande Bharat trains and also 'upgradation' of 1,275 stations, etc," it said.

"So, the Balasore crash has come as a heart-rending wake up call for the people all is not well with the gigantic railway system," the editorial said.

The CPI-M also called the CBI inquiry into the accident a "diversionary move".

"This seems a diversionary move. Why not wait for the Commissioner of Railway Safety's enquiry before concluding there is need for investigating any criminality in the accident that occurred," it said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said the whole country is worried over the "one-sided" action being taken by central probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.

These agencies should do their work but the rule of law should prevail, he said.

His remarks came days after the ED conducted searches at multiple locations in Rajasthan on Monday in connection with a money laundering investigation into allegations of exam paper leaks for recruitment of teachers in the state.

"They (BJP government) send the ED before elections but we are not afraid. Let the ED do its work, we do not have any problem. The ED, the Income Tax department and the CBI should do their work but the rule of law should prevail," Gehlot told reporters at the Rajasthan Police headquarters here after holding a meeting to review the law and order in the state.

Chief Secretary Usha Sharma, Director General of Police Umesh Mishra and other senior police officials also attended the meeting.

"Whether it is the CBI, the Income Tax, or the ED, we will welcome them if they work impartially. But you are taking one-sided action and the whole country is worried," Gehlot said.

Also Read 14 parties move SC over action of probe agencies against Oppn leaders Rains, high-velocity winds across Punjab leave wheat farmers worried Pragati Maidan slum demolition: 'Worried about children,' say residents Decision will be taken in party's interest: Cong Prez on Gehlot, Pilot Will BJP order CBI probe into paper leak incidents in MP: Ashok Gehlot Oppn meet in Patna on June 23; Rahul, Mamata, Stalin to attend: Tejashwi Farooq Abdullah meets Deve Gowda, emphasises on unity of regional parties Winnability is criteria: Cong's Rajasthan chief on ticket distribution Centre's ordinance on control of services in Delhi: All you need to know SP announces support to AAP over Central ordinance on services in Delhi

He said the state government has been requesting the ED to attach properties of the accused in the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam but nothing has been done.

Action has been taken against the accused in the paper leak cases in the state and papers are leaked in other states as well, but it is Rajasthan where stern action has been taken, the chief minister said.

The ED raided around three dozen premises in Jaipur, Ajmer, Dungarpur and Barmer as part of its money laundering investigation into allegations of exam paper leaks for recruitment of teachers in the state.

The state has witnessed a few instances where it was alleged that exam question papers for recruitment of teachers were leaked to aspirants, including in 2021 during the hiring of teachers by the state education board and last year in a test conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC).

The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police, which is investigating the paper leaks, had arrested former RPSC member Babulal Katara, his nephew and driver in April in connection with the senior teacher paper leak case of 2022.

The exam was cancelled after the paper was widely shared on social media before the commencement of the exam.
After a patch up meeting held in Delhi recently, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for the first time has reacted, and said that 'reconciliation with Sachin Pilot is permanent'.

"Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Organisation General Secretary K.C. Venugopal made us sit and talk," he said further.

"The question is not personal, but it is of the country. Today Congress is the need of the country," he explained further.

Regarding the Manesar case, the CM said, "I have forgiven everyone. As soon as I left the hotel in Jaisalmer, I said "forget it, go ahead."

The CM said that he has known Pilot since the age of two and a half years. Pilot himself told this to him during the reconciliation meeting held in Delhi, he added.

In an interview to a media house going viral on social media, he said, he also spoke on the demand of Pilot, and said, "RPSC committee is constitutional and hence cannot be dissolved.

Also Read Sachin Pilot may launch his 'Pragatisheel Congress' on June 11: Report Explained: Why is Sachin Pilot holding a day-long protest in Rajasthan Cong projected unity but 'issues' between Gehlot, Pilot unresolved: Rpts Decision will be taken in party's interest: Cong Prez on Gehlot, Pilot Seems Ashok Gehlot's leader is Raje not Sonia Gandhi: Sachin Pilot BJP's outreach in Delhi: EAM to meet Afghan Sikhs, students from Ukraine Shah, Nadda hold meeting; BJP likely to make changes in party organisation Country worried over one-sided action by central probe agencies: Gehlot Oppn meet in Patna on June 23; Rahul, Mamata, Stalin to attend: Tejashwi Farooq Abdullah meets Deve Gowda, emphasises on unity of regional parties

"He is a member of our party, so his words carry more weight. We had inquired after his demand but there is no such provision that we should dissolve the RPSC committee. This is a constitutional matter," he added.

Speaking on the issue of Congress's MLAs calling a parallel meeting on September 25, 2022, he said, "It was unimaginable for me not to pass the resolution given by the then Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Then after visiting Tanot Mata temple, I had also told the media that the two-line proposal has to be passed."

"When we reached Jaipur, we came to know that MLAs had gathered at Dhariwal ji's house. Perception was made that why I am getting this done. Even though I didn't know. I want to say that the Congress of Rajasthan has always been with high command. I would do anything for that family. Whatever be the situation, I am ready to do anything for this family," he added.

--IANS

arc/dpb
A video of Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra threatening to restrict the movement of central agencies in West Bengal, has gone viral.

In the video, he was reportedly addressing meeting at Kamarhati in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday evening.

"Whenever central agency officials move for any operation they inform the traffic department of the police so that the roads are kept free for their easy movement. In future before any such movement by the central agency officials there will be such a public rally on the way that the central agency officials will not get the traffic clearance for easy movement. This will not be applicable just for ED or CBI. This will be applicable for all central agencies be it Army or Navy or RAW," Mitra can be heard saying in the video.

Responding to the remarks, state BJP leader and Kolkata Municipal Corporation councilor Sajal Ghosh said not to heed to such statements.

"The question is when actually Mitra said this. It seems it is after sunset. In that case his comments have no relevance," Ghosh said.

Meanwhile, another video has gone viral where veteran Trinamool Congress leader Seagate Roy was seen and heard abusing the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

Also Read Kuntal Ghosh files complaint alleging pressure from central agencies Mamata Banerjee to leave for three-day tour to West Bengal districts TMC's Abhishek welcomes SC decision on reassigning hearings in school scam Legal crisis erupts in Bengal over slander campaign against HC judge Won't answer to legal notice from non-existent 'TMC': Suvendu Adhikari India does not get swayed by coercion, false narratives: Jaishankar Cong asks EAM to take up with Canada 'Indira assassination float' in parade Are you not worried, we are: Sibal to Shah after Lucknow court shooting Leave fascination for chair: Randhawa to senior Rajasthan Cong leaders Oppn using wrestlers as weapon; we won't protect guilty: West UP BJP chief

"Suvendu has accused Trinamool Congress of being responsible for the the derailment of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express train near the Bahanaga railway station in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday evening. Had I been young I would have hit Suvendu with my shoes for such comments," Roy said in a meeting at Baranagar late Wednesday evening.

Reacting to Roy's statement, senior state BJP leader Rahul Sinha said it is most unfortunate when such comments come from a retired professor of physics like Roy.

"Actually, Trinamool Congress is nothing better than a gutter and anyone getting in the gutter gets acclimatised to its ambience," Sinha said.

--IANS

src/ksk/
The lone Congress Lok Sabha member from Karnataka D K Suresh on Thursday expressed doubts about him contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and said he is still undecided about it, and is feeling enough about politics.

Suresh, MP from the Bangalore South segment, is the brother of state Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

"Taluk and Zilla Panchayat elections are coming in six months, there is not much time, we have to prepare for it. Some people are speaking about my election, Lok Sabha election. I have not yet decided whether I will contest or not, I'm still in confusion, because I'm feeling enough about politics," Suresh said.

Addressing a party meeting here, he said, "So in the days to come based on your advice I will decide. My next aim is to serve the people and work for the development of the constituency."



Amid talks to field him from the Ramanagara segment to contest the Assembly polls recently, Suresh had said that he was not interested in coming to state politics.

The Congress which had won just one of the 28 seats in the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, has now set a target of winning 20 constituencies in the 2024 elections, riding on the success of an emphatic win in the recent Assembly polls.

Also Read Karnataka govt: Kharge to invite Oppn leaders for swearing-in ceremony BJP CEC meeting today to finalise candidates for Karnataka Assembly polls High-voltage campaigning for Karnataka elections to end today at 5 pm Karnataka elections: AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge wins back Gulbarga Karnataka Election Results 2023: Here is how tally looks like at 11:30 am Karnataka BJP holds meeting to introspect on Assembly election defeat Rahul Gandhi has habit of criticising India abroad: EAM Jaishankar TMC MLA threatens to restrict movement of central agencies in Bengal India does not get swayed by coercion, false narratives: Jaishankar Cong asks EAM to take up with Canada 'Indira assassination float' in parade
Google on Thursday launched four new generative AI consulting offerings designed to help customers activate their AI deployments.

The offerings will help customers use AI to discover trends within their company data using AI-enhanced search engines and assistive experiences, summarise information from large volumes of content, automate time-consuming and expensive business processes, and assist in creating new content that's more personalised.

"These new offerings can give customers hands-on experiences with production-ready AI solutions using their own data and aligned with practical use cases for their organisations. They are designed to help organisations quickly implement generative AI solutions relevant to their businesses," Google said in a blogpost.

Moreover, Google Cloud Consulting is launching a series of learning journey targeted at different audiences available at no cost.

According to the company, these high-touch training will help c-suite leaders of top global companies reap the full, transformative benefits of generative AI while maintaining responsible development and deployment.

In addition, the tech giant is launching their first set of new sample reference architectures and business-oriented workflows for a variety of business processes and industry-specific use cases.

Also Read Need local AI models to improve Indian education system: Flipick Founder Amazon enters generative AI space with AI startup accelerator Wadhwani AI Showcases solutions for Healthcare at 3rd G20 HWG meet AI chatbots to help recruiters automate screening, cut onboarding workload UK to lead way on AI safety with first global summit: PM Rishi Sunak Mark Zuckerberg announces WhatsApp Channels: What is it, how does it work OpenAI not training GPT-5 for now, will take a lot of time: Sam Altman Jio launched JioTag Bluetooth tracker in India, available at Rs 749 Windows games on Macs: Know everything about Apple's Game Porting Toolkit Google improves logical and reasoning skills of its AI chatbot 'Bard'

The initial blueprints are intended to help customers jumpstart their generative AI work, and include frameworks for business processes such as improving developer efficiency and accelerating content creation in marketing, as well as industry, use cases in financial services, retail, automotive, healthcare and media.

--IANS

shs/khz/
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the creator of AI chatbot ChatGPT, has said that the company is not presently training GPT5 -- the successor to GPT4.

"We have a lot of work to do before GPT5. It takes a lot of time. We are nowhere close to it," Altman said at a conference hosted by The Economic Times in Delhi on Wednesday.

"We're working on the new ideas that we think we need for it, but we are nowhere close to the start. There need to be more safety audits: I wish I could tell you about the timeline of the next GPT," he added.

Altman's comments come amid growing concern among AI researchers and Big Tech executives about the alarming pace at which the technology is developing.

In March, several top entrepreneurs and AI researchers, including Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, Co-founder of Apple, wrote an open letter, asking all AI labs to immediately pause training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4 for at least six months.

Over 1,100 global AI researchers and executives signed the open letter to pause "all giant AI experiments".

Also Read After ChatGPT, Sam Altman looks to disrupt crypto world through Worldcoin Microsoft backed OpenAI closes $175 mn fund to empower other AI startups Chinese authorities arrest man for generating fake news via ChatGPT Bard, Bing and Baidu: How big tech's AI race will transform searches If AI goes wrong, it can go quite wrong: OpenAI CEO tells US lawmakers Jio launched JioTag Bluetooth tracker in India, available at Rs 749 Windows games on Macs: Know everything about Apple's Game Porting Toolkit Google improves logical and reasoning skills of its AI chatbot 'Bard' Realme 11 Pro series smartphones launch at 12pm: Livestream, expected specs Amazon plans advertising tier for Prime Video streaming service: Report

After a few weeks, Altman acknowledged that the letter lacked the most technical nuance, but asserted that OpenAI hadn't started training GPT-5 and wouldn't do so for "some time".

In May, Altman admitted that if generative AI technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong, as US Senators expressed their fears about AI chatbots like ChatGPT.

Altman, who testified at a hearing in the US Senate in Washington, D.C., said that the AI industry needs to be regulated by the government as AI becomes "increasingly powerful".

The Senators grilled him about the potential threats AI poses and raised fears over the 2024 presidential election.

--IANS

shs/prw/ksk/
Realme is set to launch in India the Realme 11 Pro series smartphones on June 8. The Chinese smartphone maker is hosting an in-person launch event in Delhi that will kick off at 12 pm. The event will livestream on the companys official YouTube handle and live updates from the event would be available on its social media handle. You can watch the Realme 11 Pro series launch event live stream through the video embedded towards the end of this article.

The Realme 11 Pro series is likely to come in two variants  the Realme 11 Pro and the Realme 11 Pro+. Both the 5G smartphones are expected to feature similar design, but different camera setups. Check out the expected specifications and features of the two models below:

Realme 11 Pro+: Specifications

Top-end model in the series, the Plus variant would feature a 200-megapixel-based triple-camera set-up on the back. The other two sensors are expected to be an 8MP ultra-wide-angle and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, the phone is expected to sport a 32MP camera sensor. The phone would be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7050 system-on-chip, paired with up to 12GB RAM and up to 256GB on-board storage. It would sport a 6.7-inch two-side curved AMOLED display of 120Hz refresh rate. The phone would be powered by a 5,000 mAh battery, supported by Realmes SuperVOOC fast wired charging. It is likely to boot Android 13 operating system-based Realme UI 4.0.

Realme 11 Pro: Specification

This vanilla variant is expected to be similar to the elder sibling with two-side curved AMOLED screen of 120Hz refresh rate, 5,000 mAh battery, MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, and Reame UI 4.0. However, it is expected to carry a different camera configuration. The phone is expected to sport a triple-camera array on the back, featuring an 108MP primary sensor paired with 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, it is expected to feature a 16MP camera sensor.
The leadership of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), the governing party in Venezuela, is moving towards the decisive phase of its plan to undermine the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV). On 21 May, a group of hired agents held a fraudulent Extraordinary Congress of PCV branches in Caracas, usurping the acronym and symbols of the Communist Party and preparing the ground for future attacks on the party by the state.

This shameful act, clearly carried out on the orders of the PSUV leadership, has been repudiated by broad layers of the left nationally and internationally, including by members and figures from the governing party itself. The widespread backlash towards the threat of intervention in the PCV since the beginning of this controversy has caused the PSUV to move cautiously.

Perfecto Abreu  legitimate president of the PCV  declared in an interview with Union Radio, that no active PCV member took part in this media circus. The PCV gave a list of attendees, demonstrating the real credentials of the paid political mercenaries who led the fake congress. These included known PSUV members, and one individual who was expelled from the PCV over a year earlier.

It is abundantly clear that the aim of this manoeuvre is to hijack the legal banner of the PCV or, failing that, to paralyse the party by preventing it and the Popular Revolutionary Alternative (APR, a left-wing coalition of which the PCV is a member) from participating in future elections.

The PSUV leadership fears that a left-wing opposition with mass support could emerge. This is why it has resorted to authoritarian measures aimed at curtailing the political activity of the APR in general and the PCV in particular.

Background

The attacks by the PSUV leadership against the PCV began in 2020, following the latters break with the governments anti-worker policies. The decisive turning point came when the PCV, having broken with the GPP (Great Patriotic Pole, the PSUV-led coalition of parties) joined with others to form the APR in August later that same year. In the APR, the PCV  along with various revolutionary organisations including Lucha de Clases, the Venezuelan section of the International Marxist Tendency  formed a new electoral alliance to the left of the PSUV.

The state responded with a judicial coup against the leadership of the Patria Para Todos party (PPT), a party which had been involved in forming the APR. In its place, control of the party was handed to a new leadership, coming from the right-wing minority faction opposed to participation in the APR. As such, the APR was only able to run candidates for the parliamentary elections of 2020 and the regional elections of 2021 on the ticket of the PCV.

Since then, senior PSUV leaders have called for censorship of the APR at election time, and there have been a series of smear campaigns and threats against the PCV. These attacks have been carried out alongside failed attempts to buy off PCV leaders or members. These were similar methods to those used in what was called Operation Scorpion, during which PSUV leaders and businessmen bought off right-wing deputies at the end of 2019, so that they would not recognise Juan Guaido.

In this whole shameful story, the presidential speech of November 2020 stands out, during which Nicolas Maduro covered the PCV symbol with his hand while showing the voting card for the parliamentary elections of that year.

The anti-communist onslaught intensified from November 2021. At that time, vice-president of the PSUV Diosdado Cabello, made the claim on television that he had received letters from supposed PCV members. These imaginary PCV members questioned the partys leadership and continued to support the national government, and supposedly therefore rejected the partys opposition to and dissociation from the government policy  a policy adopted by the party in 2020 and ratified at its XVI Congress in 2022.

On 4 February, at a march in Caracas called by the PSUV to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the military uprising led by Hugo Chavez in 1992, agents provocateurs from the State of Monagas, disguised in PCV shirts and symbols, announced that they would initiate a process of rescuing the PCV, returning it to the Great Patriotic Pole (GPP)  the electoral alliance led by the PSUV.

With this aim in mind, on 11 February, a meeting was held of supposed PCV members from various states in the centre and east of the country in a well-known hotel in the city of Maturin. These supposed members denounced their alleged exclusion by the party leadership, which, they claimed, had put itself at the service of US imperialism.

The national leadership and the Monagas Regional Committee of the PCV immediately denied that those attending the meeting belonged to their party, and presented evidence that these individuals had previously worked with the PSUV. They also demonstrated that serving officials of the National Electoral Council participated in this fraudulent meeting. That the deployment of political mercenaries began in the state of Monagas is indicative of the fact that the assault against the PCV is being coordinated by Diosdado Cabello  vice president of the PSUV whose home state is Monagas.

Weeks later, a recording of Jesus Faria Tortosa, former member of the PCV and current member of the PSUV  widely known for his scandalous defence of the governments economic policy  was leaked on social media. The leak indicated that he was coordinating assemblies of political mercenaries in several states, as well as attempting to recruit PCV members and the children of former PCV leaders for the attack on the party.

That the deployment of political mercenaries began in the state of Monagas is indicative of the fact that the assault against the PCV is being coordinated by Diosdado Cabello / Image: Luigino Bracci, Wikimedia Commons

Eventually, the fake congress was held on 21 May. Little is known about the decisions and resolutions that were made. This is because it was a mere media circus designed to prepare public opinion for the states intervention in the party.

Options to complete this plan include use of the Supreme Court of Justice, a ruling from which could derecognise the legitimate leadership of the PCV and grant legal ownership of the party to a junta of PSUV mercenaries. Alternatively, the organisation could be paralysed through use of an appeal to the National Electoral Council.

State interventionism

Government intervention in political parties, especially those of the left, is typical of the right-wing tactics of the PSUV leadership, and draws from the methods of Bonapartism. This leadership, making use of the state, initially hijacked the symbols and legal banner of right-wing parties such as Accion Democratica (AD), Primero Justicia (PJ), Voluntad Popular (VP), among others, in a failed attempt to build a tailor-made opposition, which never took off.

This is no different from the anti-democratic attitude of the countrys right wing, which, despite having failed in its attempts to seize power, has always demonstrated its coup-plotting tendencies and its desire to persecute and proscribe the left. The coup of April 2002 showed in just a few hours how little political and democratic rights mean to the national bourgeoisie and imperialism. The constant whining of these layers about the lack of democracy in Venezuela is nothing but pure hypocrisy.

After having been used to attack the right, the interventionist tactics were replicated against left-wing parties, such as PPT, Tupamaros, Unidad Popular Venezolana (UPV) and others. This was executed with the clear aim of handing control of the parties over to individuals and tendencies sympathetic to Maduro, in blatant disregard for their internal democratic processes and the will of their members.

In the case of those parties of the left in which it has intervened, the PSUV leadership wishes to have absolute control of the GPP and those parties constituting it. This undemocratic intervention in political parties is the means by which the government resolved in its favour the continuous struggle of party tendencies, so that it might issue direct orders without question. Today, the GPP is thus nothing more than a coalition around the PSUV bringing together a set of hijacked parties, without a life of their own. Fear of the most lukewarm criticism or of even the germ of a left-wing opposition emerging is the basis of their entire existence.

Anti-worker policies and the elimination of the left

With the development of the world capitalist crisis and its severe impact on Venezuela  aggravated by its rentier economy and the contradictions of a revolution derailed by its leadership  the government has set itself upon a bourgeois and anti-worker solution. Burying almost all the gains of the first stage of the Bolivarian Revolution, Maduro embarked on an austerity package that has pulverised wages and labour rights. The government has privatised numerous state enterprises, and is promising the creation of Special Economic Zones, while imprisoning workers and trade unionists who protest or attempt to organise working-class resistance.

Maduro embarked on an austerity package that has pulverised wages and labour rights / Image: Nicolas Maduro, Twitter

On the basis of the most obscene corruption, the PSUV leadership has favoured the emergence of a caste of nouveau riche, as parasitic as the traditional bourgeoisie, anchored to an economy based on bodegones, (expensive shops selling imported goods) and the deepest social inequality.

The future of Venezuela is being negotiated behind the backs and to the detriment of the working class. The PSUV leadership  representing the nouveau riche and backed by Russia and China  is engaged in a dialogue with the bourgeoisie: the bosses union, business organisations, etc. backed by the United States. The destruction of the left forms one corner of this agreement under construction between them.

With the planned assault on the PCV, the PSUV bureaucracy is telling the traditional bourgeoisie and the various imperialist powers that there is nothing to worry about, that Chavez's policies are dead, and that the states demagogic allusions to socialism are just empty rhetoric.

One of the reasons for this offensive against the left is the contradiction that exists in Venezuela today. While the political leadership cynically exploits the legacy of Chavez and the revolution in words, it is simultaneously executing ferocious attacks on the working class. This contradiction makes the government vulnerable to a left alternative.

Solidarity with the PCV

As Marxists, we oppose all attempts to undermine democratic freedoms, and rights to politically organise that favour the bourgeois state. Leon Trotsky, in his article Freedom of the Press and the Working Class (1928), pointed out: Theory, as well as historic experience, testify that any restriction to democracy in bourgeois society, is eventually directed against the proletariat, just as taxes eventually fall on the shoulders of the proletariat. Venezuela today is the greatest proof of these words.

As we have explained throughout our recent analysis, the Bolivarian Revolution was stopped halfway and then derailed by its petty-bourgeois leadership. After burning its fingers trying to implement the chimaera of a mixed economy it has, since 2018, embraced a liberal and monetarist policy in the economic sphere, and Bonapartist methods in the social and political spheres. The terrible crisis that Venezuela is going through is not the result of socialism, which was never established. Rather, it is the result of the rentier capitalism that the PSUV leadership has maintained with ignorant stubbornness.

Despite the differences in our politics and traditions between the IMT and the PCV, it is the duty of revolutionaries to support this party, which is under siege by a government determined to violate political and democratic rights in its rush to impose anti-worker economic policies at all costs. It is a government that, while trying to ingratiate itself with the traditional oligarchy and imperialism, does not blush at criminalising workers struggles and persecuting the left. The PSUV leadership has dropped the facade that linked it to the left.

#AlanWoods dirigente de la Corriente Marxista Internacional, expresa su solidaridad con el @PCV_Venezuela y su rechazo a los ataques que buscan desconocer su legitima direccion y arrebatarle su tarjeta electoral.



Ver completo:https://t.co/0eTCaDj6qx#SolidaridadInternacional pic.twitter.com/5EXYgS3eNq  CMI Venezuela (@LdcVenezuela) February 27, 2023

The comrades of the IMT in Venezuela offer our support and solidarity to the membership of the PCV in these difficult days. The political commitment of the partys cadres must prevail and remain steadfast. The most effective way to confront the anti-democratic policies of the government is to continue to appeal to the revolutionary solidarity of the working class. The PCV must appeal to working class organisations in Venezuela and around the world, as it confronts the governments policies on the streets, in the fields, in the factories and in the workplaces.

It is the duty of all revolutionaries  and even of consistent democrats  around the world to speak out against the assault on the PCV. By uniting in solidarity, we must exert the necessary pressure to give the government pause to question the step it is about to take. Solidarity with the PCV has so far succeeded in slowing the progress of the governments plan.

Now is the time to double down! Struggle, resistance and solidarity are the only way forward!


The man at the centre of a debate on AI across the world is Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and creator of ChatGPT. ChatGPT created quite a stir on its release as it opened a whole new era in the tech world. Multinational companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Google are also trying to make it big in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. Though AI has been in use for quite some time, ChatGPT has created a global AI revolution.



Even while OpenAI has a valuation of around $29 billion, Sam Altman does not have an equity stake in the artificial intelligence-powered start-up behind the popular ChatGPT tool and digital image creator DALL-E. In 2015, Sam Altman co-founded OpenAI with Tesla chief executive and Twitter owner Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Born in 1985 in Chicago, Altman went to John Burroughs School in St. Louis, Missouri. Altman had a keen interest in the tech industry from the beginning. He studied computer science at Stanford University but dropped out to start Loopt, a location-based social networking company in 2005. His company was acquired by Green Dot Corporation for $43.4 million in 2012. He then became the president of Y Combinator, a US-based technology startup accelerator, in 2041. He joined the company as a partner in 2013 and became its president a year later.



Musk resigned from OpenAI in 2018 as his other companies, SpaceX and Tesla, were also working on AI technologies. In 2019, OpenAI declared itself as a for profit company and partnered with the likes of Microsoft and other big corporations. After his stint in Y Combinator, Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with a group of tech entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, Greg Brockman. OpenAI is a research and deployment organisation in artificial intelligence (AI).

Also Read ChatGPT adds real-time web browsing feature to compete with Google Bard After ChatGPT, Sam Altman looks to disrupt crypto world through Worldcoin ChatGPT arrives on Apple App store for iPhones: Everything you need to know India could lead global conversations around AI regulation: Sam Altman ChatGPT vs humans: What it can and cannot accomplish Google launches 4 generative artificial intelligence consulting offerings Mark Zuckerberg announces WhatsApp Channels: What is it, how does it work OpenAI not training GPT-5 for now, will take a lot of time: Sam Altman Jio launched JioTag Bluetooth tracker in India, available at Rs 749 Windows games on Macs: Know everything about Apple's Game Porting Toolkit



Even while OpenAI has a valuation of around $29 billion, Altman does not have an equity stake in the AI-powered start-up behind the popular ChatGPT tool and digital image creator, DALL-E. Since its inception, OpenAI has developed several AI tools such as ChatGPT and DALL.E.



Altman believes that entrepreneurship and innovation are critical economic growth and societal progress drivers in the present times. In 2008, Businessweek magazine recognised Altman as one of the "Top Young Tech Entrepreneurs". He also received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo in 2017.

In one of his recent interviews, Altman said that AI is a disruptor but it is not a permanent job killer. He said that AI might kill jobs but the good part is that tech-induced paradigm shifts also create new jobs.
Canada-based software company FreshBooks said that small business owners are less convinced that AI is coming after the jobs of their employees, reported IANS. Nearly two-thirds of the business owners disagreed that AI will replace them.

Nearly 44 per cent of small business owners across the United States and Canada said that they expect to hire fewer people in the future owing to the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), a new report revealed Thursday.
An Air India flight carrying over 200 passengers stranded at Magadan in far east Russia since Tuesday, after the original aircraft had to be diverted there following a technical glitch, landed safely at San Francisco on Thursday.

"All our passengers are being extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and provided other necessary support," Air India said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Air India had sent a ferry flight to Magadan, in Russia to fly 216 stranded passengers and 16 crew members onwards to their original destination -- San Francisco.

"Flight AI173D landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 0007 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time)," the carrier said.

"Air India thanks government agencies, regulatory authorities, our staff and partners involved in supporting our endeavour to bring our passengers to SFO as soon as possible and in providing them care while they waited in Magadan, Russia," the carrier said.

Also Read Air India passengers stranded in Russia forced to sleep on school floor Diverted Air India Delhi-US flight lands in middle of Russia airspace row India emerging as key aviation market, air travel grows: IATA report Monitoring situation: US after Air India flight diverted to Russia India's airline sector on to a smooth flight despite air pocketsr 300 children rescued from Sudanese orphanage after 71 others died: UNICEF PM Modi instrumental in fulfilling demands of Sikhs: Sikh American leader Biden, Sunak to focus on Ukraine, economic security UK PM's first WH visit Less than 50 US citizens on flight that made emergency landing in Russia Will evaluate each case: Trudeau on Indian students facing deportation
The Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco, which made an emergency landing in Russia's remote town of Magadan after it developed an engine glitch, on Thursday took off for its destination with all the 232 passengers that were on board, according to an official.

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement.

The Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew, landed safely.

Flight AI173 was diverted to Magadan on Tuesday due to an engine glitch in the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft.

On Thursday, a senior official of Air India said that Flight AI173D from Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne for San Francisco (SFO), carrying all passengers and crew.

The flight departed GDX at 1027 Hours on June 8 (local time) and is expected to arrive at SFO at 0015 Hours on June 8 2 (local time), he said.

Also Read Nepal plane crash: Singapore's Transport Ministry to analyse black boxes UK phones to get emergency alert system to warn of life-threatening events Govt set to make an equity infusion of Rs 300 crore in Alliance Air Air India increases number of daily flights to Dubai from Delhi, Mumbai How secret talks in London led to Air India's gigantic plane order Case against ex-Italian PM Conte over mismanagement of pandemic, dropped US Justice Dept informs Trump he's a target in classified documents probe Pursuing solution for Indian students fearing deportation: Canada minister Instagram algorithms promoting pedophiles, Musk says 'extremely concerning' Pence launches 2024 campaign, says Trump 'should never' be president again

Air India has mobilised additional on-ground support at SFO to carry out the clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival.

The team at SFO is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including but not limited to medical care, ground transportation, and onward connections in applicable cases.
8 June Emily Flitter & Matthew Goldstein



In court filings, the SEC accountant, Sachin Verma, detailed a tangle of transactions that companies associated with the giant cryptocurrency exchange had made through two banks: Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank, both of which failed this year.



The filing showed that Binance officials, including the companys founder and chief executive Changpeng Zhao, moved hundreds of millions and in some cases billions of dollars through the regional banks to accounts associated with companies in places like Kazakhstan, Lithuania and the Seychelles. Binance, the giant cryptocurrency exchange accused of mishandling customer funds, used two American banks to move billions of dollars around the world, the Securities and Exchange Commission said on Wednesday, detailing how huge sums of cash flowed in and out of the accounts sometimes within a span of days.



This week, the SEC sued Binance in federal court in Washington, accusing the company of mishandling customer funds, lying to regulators and investors about its operations and engaging in manipulative trading. US regulators have asked a federal judge to temporarily freeze assets tied to Binances subsidiary in the United States, and Wednesdays filing was in support of that request. The SEC separately said it estimated unpaid taxes by Binance over the past four years carried an interest penalty of more than $13 million. Though it estimated that Binance earned almost $225 million from 2019 to 2023, the regulator didnt say how much the company paid in taxes over the period, or how much it should have paid.

Also Read Crypto industry wants 0.1% TDS, Sebi-like regulator in Budget 2023 Allegations made by Binance 'false and unsubstantiated', says WazirX Crypto wrap: Market trading flat amid regulatory crackdown on Binance Crypto market cracks 5%, Bitcoin at 3-month low after US SEC sues Binance Binance CEO says deposits returning after mega $1.14 bn withdrawals Video game retailer GameStop stock falls nearly 19% after CEO fired Power shock: Euro zone saw winter recession, more challenges ahead Noose tightening around Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago documents investigation Instagram main platform for child sex abuse networks: WSJ report 44% of small biz in US, Canada to hire fewer people owing to AI: Report


Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, flagged wildfires impacting everyday lives, routines, livelihoods and air quality. The air quality in Canada and the United States worsened due to smoke and haze from wildfires as over 400 forest fires are still active, and most of them are out of control, reported Hindustan Times.



Justin Trudeau further added to the tweet, "We're seeing more of these fires because of climate change. We will keep working - here at home and with partners around the world - to tackle climate change and address its impacts." After talking to the US president, Justin Trudeau tweeted, "Hundreds of American firefighters have recently arrived in Canada, and more are on the way. On the phone today, I spoke with @POTUS Biden about this critical support  and I thanked him for all the help Americans are providing as we continue to fight these devastating wildfires."



IQAir.com tracking air quality around the world, said that New York was enduring the worst air quality index of any major city in the world. The United States has deployed more than 600 firefighters to support Canada to fight a forest fire that is intensifying due to the climate crisis. The US president in his tweet also showed concern for Americans experiencing dangerous air pollution especially those with health conditions. He through his tweet urged people to listen to local authorities to protect themselves and their families.

Also Read Wildfire on Canada's Atlantic coast spurs evacuation of 16,000 people Smoke from Canada wildfires deteriorates NY air quality; worse than Delhi's Excessive methane emitted from mega wildfires fuels vicious cycle: Study Climate change sparks disaster fears in Anchorage Hillside, Alaska 21 dead from wildfire in Russia's Ural Mountains; death toll may rise EU makes fresh attempt to overcome yearslong crisis over migrants Nasa to invest $45mn in small biz to develop tech for future missions Air India flight carrying stranded passengers from Russia lands in US 300 children rescued from Sudanese orphanage after 71 others died: UNICEF PM Modi instrumental in fulfilling demands of Sikhs: Sikh American leader

New York distributing masks



New York is distributing free masks as New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday that New York would distribute one million masks to state residents on Thursday. Kathy said it is a temporary situation and not a covid. According to the officials, the situation will persist into the weekend and people are advised to remain indoors. Millions of North Americans have been advised to wear N95 masks to stay protected from poor air quality.

According to US Environment Protection Agency, more than 100 million people across the northeastern US, extending west to Chicago and south to Atlanta, were under pollution warnings as the smoke drifted to miles from Canada.


A court in Italy has dropped a case against former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and former Health Minister Roberto Speranza into the alleged mismanagement of the country's first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in the northern city of Bergamo.

The Court of Ministers in Brescia on Wednesday dismissed the positions of Conte and Speranza in the Bergamo Public Prosecutor's probe, reports Italy's state-run ANSA news agency.

According to judicial sources, the probe was looking into the management of the first phase of the pandemic in Bergamo's Val Seriana, where the two former Minisers were accused of not extending a lockdown to two outlying areas and thereby causing unwarranted deaths.

In their defence, Conte and Speranza have always maintained of acting in accordance with the available scientific data and the opinions of experts.

Bergamo located in Lombardy region was Italy's (and Europe's) first large pandemic hotspot between February and March 2020, reports Xinhua news agency.

The city of around 120,000 inhabitants accounted for at least 670 victims, and the province, also known as Bergamo with a population of 1.1 million, tallied some 6,000 fatalities.

Also Read Andy Murray's exhausting Australian Open ends after losing to Roberto More questions than answers as EU-Qatar corruption scandal unfolds Govt forms cabinet secretary-led panel to monitor Mission Karmayogi Union cabinet meeting chaired by PM begins ahead of Budget presentation Countries eager to sign FTAs with India: Piyush Goyal in Rajya Sabha US Justice Dept informs Trump he's a target in classified documents probe Pursuing solution for Indian students fearing deportation: Canada minister Instagram algorithms promoting pedophiles, Musk says 'extremely concerning' Pence launches 2024 campaign, says Trump 'should never' be president again China-Pakistan collab in Shaksgam Valley poses threat to India: Report

On March 18, 2020, long columns of army vehicles plied across the streets of Bergamo carrying hundreds of coffins to various cemeteries.

Lombardy was where the virus first started spreading in Europe and more than half the victims in Italy died in the region.

In April 2020, Conte had denied claims that he underestimated the crisis.

He said that if he had ordered a lockdown at the beginning, when the first virus clusters were detected, "people would have taken me for a madman".

The then Prime Minister had also dismissed a suggestion that Italy could have rapidly imposed a big lockdown.

--IANS

ksk/
China has invested in the construction of military infrastructure in the Shaksgam Valley which could, in the medium term, pose a military threat to Indian forces in Ladakh, Pardafas reported.

In the last several years, China has kept up military pressure on India, through its incursions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While this fact has been recognized by the international community, a recent study by Northwestern University shows that China's incursions are strategically planned with the objective of making a permanent Chinese presence in these areas, Pardafas reported.

Border transgressions and incursions are well documented in all three sectors of the 3,488 km long border that India officially shares with China. However, far more sinister military aggression has been underway in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), Pardafas reported.

Epardafas.com is a Nepal-based online magazine.

The reference here is to the construction of military infrastructure and roads by China in the Shaksgam Valley, a trans-Karakoram tract ceded by Pakistan under the terms of the 1963 Boundary Agreement, Pardafas reported.

China's traditional aggression across the LAC in fact diverts India's attention from China's illegal land grab in PoK, this is a strategic reality to be faced with in the medium future.

Also Read Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will be ready by next week, check details here US 'closely monitoring' India-China border situation: State Department India, China agree to speed up Ladakh standoff resolution: Chinese ministry It remains very fragile: Jaishankar on situation at LAC in eastern Ladakh Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen begins US visit to shore up support PM Modi, Prez Biden to discuss Indo-Pacific tech partnership: White House Smoke from Canada wildfires deteriorates NY air quality; worse than Delhi's US lawmakers ask admin to address India visa wait time issue on priority LIVE: Gujarat, Mumbai, Goa brace themselves as VSC Biparjoy intensifies Standard Chartered to trim more than 100 roles as part of cost cuts

The China-Pakistan concert on the boundary in the Karakoram area of PoK (covering a distance of over 590 km) violates India's traditional and legal rights in PoK. China has gone a step ahead and developed military infrastructure and roads in the disputed region, presenting a clear and present danger to India, Pardafas reported.

Google Earth satellite imagery of September and October 2017, and earlier, suggest that the road construction started probably after the Doklam stand-off in the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction area, starting in mid-June 2017.

Chinese Border Defense personnel have also been observed patrolling the area along the newly constructed road in the Shaksgam region. At least two military posts are also visible now. Older satellite imagery of 24 October 2016 shows no roads or posts in this entire area of Shaksgam Valley.

Area maps clearly show that Rimo Glacier, Teram Shehr Glacier and the Siachen Glacier are located within the Indian Union territory of Ladakh. The adjoining areas of these glaciers are the PLA-dominated territories like Shaksgam Valley and Yarkand Valley in the north and PoK in the west.

The satellite image from 2018 shows that this new road is linked to two Chinese military posts outside the Shaksgam Valley. One of the posts is the headquarters of the PLA unit operating in the area. These two posts have a dugout fighting trench overlooking the river, and a training area in the rear.

There are also at least two military posts seen in the Shaksgam Valley. One of them has double wire fencing as well as a double bund around it, with the wire fencing extending right up to the river, Pardafas reported.

The first post is at the northern end of the Shaksgam Valley and the second is 20 km to the south, along the new road. The base structure for a third post is apparently being prepared about 1.5 km southeast of the second post along the new road.

Earth-moving and road construction equipment are observed very close to this third post. By early 2019, the Indian media reported that the length of the road constructed in Shaksgam Valley had reached 70 km.

Recent reports indicate that China and Pakistan are planning another road through the Shaksgam Valley. Reports surfaced in January 2022 about the plans to construct a road connecting Yarkand in Sinkiang to Muzaffarabad in PoK through the Shaksgam Valley.

Pakistan media had earlier reported that the Gilgit-Baltistan's Works Department, through a letter on 8 January 2021, was asked to prepare the 'concept clearance proposal' for the new route of CPEC, for "Construction of 33 feet wide truckable road from Yarkand (China border) to Gorikot in Astor via Shagarthang, Skardu" at the earliest, Pardafas reported.

This new route would be around 350km shorter than the existing land route between Pakistan and China.

The opening of a possible new front by Beijing in the western Himalayas follows the confrontation between Indian and Chinese forces further east on the border in Doklam (Bhutan) and Tuting (Arunachal Pradesh) in 2017.

These new posts and the new road in the Shaksgam Valley open up an additional route for Chinese troops along the LAC. The alignment of the new road is along the northern edge of the Shaksgam River, Pardafas reported.

Although Chinese activity in the Shaksgam Valley is not a direct military threat yet to Indian troops holding the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world, the People's Liberation Army's actions could be considered "provocative".

The PLA has a history of aggressive transgressions into what the Indian Army calls sub-sector north and has consistently blocked their patrols in Depsang Bulge, south of DBO with massive brigade-level deployments at Tein Wein Dein (TWD) across the LAC.

Opposite this sector, PLA troops from the Xinjiang Military District have carried out high-altitude live-fire assault ammunition training and military exercises in the Karakoram mountains at regular intervals. Satellite images also showed that Xinjiang's Malan airbase is hosting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) base, Pardafas reported.

There is thus a clear and present danger posed by China in collusion with Pakistan to India's national security. This has taken the form of diplomatic connivance in the signing of the 1963 border agreement which has prevented India from asserting its territorial rights up to Afghanistan.
By Hannah Lang, Manya Saini and Niket Nishant

(Reuters) -Coinbase Chief Executive Brian Armstrong on Wednesday hit back at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler over the agency's lawsuit against the crypto exchange, calling him an "outlier," while also reassuring customers that their funds were safe.

The SEC on Tuesday alleged Coinbase traded at least 13 crypto assets that are securities that should have been registered, including tokens such as Solana, Cardano and Polygon. The agency also said Coinbase was operating as an unregistered exchange, broker and clearinghouse.

Armstrong, an outspoken critic of the SEC who has led a push in Washington for clearer crypto rules, said at a Bloomberg conference that the company had approached the regulator about becoming registered, but received an "icy reception" from Gensler at their first meeting.

Gensler has long said most tokens constitute securities and has steadily asserted the SEC's authority over the crypto market. U.S. President's Working Group on Financial Markets has also said some coins linked to fiat currencies may be securities.

Crypto companies, including Coinbase, dispute that crypto tokens are securities and have repeatedly called for the SEC to create clear rules.

Also Read US serves notice to Coinbase for allegedly breaking securities laws Coinbase execs defend platform against lawsuit, call for clear crypto rules US SEC sues crypto exchange Coinbase post suing Binance for not registering Crypto wrap: SEC's fine on Kraken poses wider threat to market, say experts Fox Corp expects no operational impact from defamation lawsuit settlement Erdogan discusses Ukrainian crisis with Putin, grain export key highlight CNN ousts CEO Chris Licht after a brief, tumultuous tenure of a year LA Times announces 74 job cuts due to economic challenges amid overhaul US trade deficit widens to 6-month high, expected to dent economic growth Minibus crash kills 25 people, nine children in northern Afghanistan

"The SEC chair is really an outlier," Armstrong said, adding that several lawmakers he had talked to were supportive of developing a clear regulatory framework for the technology.

Coinbase shares rebounded on Wednesday to rise nearly 3.1% to $53.2.

A spokesman for the SEC declined to comment.

The SEC on Monday sued Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, likewise accusing it of selling cryptocurrency products without registering them as securities. It also alleged Binance artificially inflated trading volumes, diverted customer funds and failed to restrict U.S. customers from its platform.

Armstrong was quick to draw distinctions between the two cases, which he told CNBC "could not be more different."

"In Coinbase's case, for instance, there hasn't been any allegation of misappropriation of customer funds," he added.

Speaking to Reuters late on Tuesday, Paul Grewal, the company's chief legal officer, also said he was "confident" the SEC would not try to freeze Coinbase's assets, as it has done in the case of Binance. "The standards that are required for such an asset seizure simply don't apply in our case," he said.

Binance did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement on Monday, Binance pledged to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit, which it said reflected the SEC's "misguided and conscious refusal" to provide clarity to the crypto industry.

SETTLEMENT BREAKDOWN

It was not the first time Armstrong, who co-founded Coinbase in 2012 after a stint as a software engineer at Airbnb, has taken aim at the SEC. In 2021, he accused the agency in a series of tweets of "really sketchy behavior" after it warned Coinbase it would sue the company if it went ahead with a planned lending program. Coinbase subsequently spiked the product.

Last July, Coinbase disclosed an SEC probe into its asset listing processes, staking programs and yield-generating products. In the first quarter of this year, Coinbase lawyers had been discussing a potential settlement with the SEC that would involve the company paying a penalty, and provide a path to registering with the agency, a source with knowledge of the discussions said.

But those talks broke down in March when the SEC made its position clear that fundamental aspects of the firm's business model were essentially illegal, the source said. Coinbase received a notice from the SEC that it planned to bring an enforcement action against the company the same month.

Coinbase has been pushing the SEC to formulate new crypto-specific regulations since last year and in April asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to compel the regulator to respond. That court on Tuesday ordered the SEC to provide a response within a week.

Grewal said despite the lawsuit, Coinbase would still be interested in a dialogue with the SEC about how to bring cryptocurrency into the regulatory perimeter.

"If there were an opportunity for a real conversation, of course we would take it up, but I want to be very clear: Coinbase is absolutely committed to defending itself in court," he said.

(Reporting by Hannah Lang in Washington and Manya Saini and Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta, Michelle Price and Diane Craft)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, during a telephonic conversation, discussed about the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Erdogan stressed that the continuation of consultations with the United Nations to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertiliser would be beneficial, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement published on Wednesday by Erdogan's office.

The Turkish President said that the whole world attaches importance to the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets, underlining that the agreement they established through joint efforts plays a vital role in tackling the global food crisis.

Erdogan emphasised that Turkiye is determined to continue to make necessary efforts to establish a just peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering aid to investigate the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in southern Ukraine.

In July 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkey and the United Nations on grain and fertiliser exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis.

Also Read India for finding permanent solution to food stockholding at WTO meet Turkey's Erdogan calls on Russian prez Putin to establish Syrian corridor Global food prices in 2022 hit record high amid drought, war: FAO Russia threat to exit Ukraine grain deal adds risk to global food security 100 Ukrainian captives released in prisoner swap with Russia: Authorities CNN ousts CEO Chris Licht after a brief, tumultuous tenure of a year LA Times announces 74 job cuts due to economic challenges amid overhaul US trade deficit widens to 6-month high, expected to dent economic growth Minibus crash kills 25 people, nine children in northern Afghanistan Coinbase execs defend platform against lawsuit, call for clear crypto rules

The memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations on the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertilizer is a parallel agreement with the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

While the exports of Ukrainian grain have made strides, Russia has constantly expressed displeasure with the lack of progress in the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertiliser.

The initiative, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for another 120 days till March 18, 2023. At that point, Russia only agreed to extend the deal for 60 days, till May 18, 2023. On May 17, Russia agreed to extend the deal for another 60 days.

--IANS

int/sha
India and the US must work on making bilateral ties stronger and focus on collaboration on education and cultural fronts, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has said.

He expressed hope that the two sides will talk about cooperation in the education and business sectors and find ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US this month.

As an Indian American Congressman, I am excited to welcome him to the United States Congress and to this country as a leader of the largest democracy in the world, Thanedar told PTI on Tuesday ahead of Modi's visit.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22.

Not only was I born there in India, but I also grew up in India. I believe that the United States and India, the two large democracies, need to have a much stronger relationship," said Thanedar, who grew up in Belgaum.

We should also talk about the immigration issues, the visa issues, the Green Card backlogs. I think it's about time that the two nations worked on making the relationship even stronger, said the US representative from Michigan's 13th congressional district.

Also Read My career of 280 years': Biden jokes off 2024 US prez poll age concerns Kamala Harris faces new test of political skills in US poll 2024 campaign India-US ties is 'important for security, prosperity of world': US lawmaker US President Joe Biden condoles death of PM Narendra Modi's mother PM Modi's state visit sends message that India-US are aligned: USISPF prez Hypocrisy not new in sports, PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger just more obvious Air India flight heads to San Francisco after emergency landing in Russia Case against ex-Italian PM Conte over mismanagement of pandemic, dropped US Justice Dept informs Trump he's a target in classified documents probe Pursuing solution for Indian students fearing deportation: Canada minister

He said the country is currently having a broken immigration system that needs to be fixed.

We need a bipartisan resolution of this issue and our immigration system is broken. That needs to be fixed. We haven't really worked on immigration reform for quite some time now .. since the mid-90s. It's time that the two parties put their heads together and make a meaningful immigration reform including legal immigration, he said.

Currently, some countries have a long backlog of 10-12 years that is creating a lot of hardship for families, Thanedar said.

"Businesses are looking for a skilled workforce. Our economy cannot grow without a skilled workforce. We need to train Americans as much as we can in terms of giving them the skills to get good-paying jobs, he said.

At the same time, we have a larger population of South Asians and other science graduates and postgraduates and they are essential for America's economic growth. "I want to do whatever I can to facilitate that, so the American economy can continue to grow, our GDP can grow even at a higher rate and we create more jobs for Americans, Thanedar said.
In a bid to address the forex crisis and ensure a steady supply of fuel, Sri Lanka on Thursday signed a deal with an American oil firm, allowing it to become the fourth player in the island nation's fuel retail business, which used to be a state monopoly.

According to a statement, the US firm, RM Parks, in collaboration with Shell, will be involved in a long-term contract for the importation, storage, distribution and sale of petroleum products.

An agreement was signed on Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat, between the Government of Sri Lanka and RM Parks Inc., a prominent international company operating in collaboration with Shell, marking a significant step towards securing a long-term contract for the importation, storage, distribution, and sale of petroleum products in the country.

This development comes after the Ministry explored various strategies to overcome the challenges posed by the foreign exchange crisis and guarantee a continuous fuel supply to consumers, an official statement said.

The Ministry of Power and Energy, Sri Lanka took the decision to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the island nation.

RM Parks Inc., in collaboration with Shell, aims to commence operations in Sri Lanka within 45 days after the issuance of the license. According to local media reports, this agreement marks a significant milestone in ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted supply of fuel to meet the country's energy needs amid challenging economic circumstances.

Also Read India will help Sri Lanka in oil sector despite recent changes: Officials Sri Lanka concludes debt restructuring talks with Japan: Wickremesinghe EAM likely to visit Lanka on Jan 19; talks on debt restructuring expected Sri Lankan rupee shows appreciation against US Dollar in recent months IND vs SL 1st T20I: Toss update, India Predicted XI vs Sri Lanka in Mumbai Cash-strapped Pakistan's economy shows 0.29% GDP growth, inflation over 29% Bombing in Afghanistan at memorial ceremony for Taliban kills 11 people US weekly unemployment benefit claims surges more than expected to 261,000 Eurozone slips into recession after GDP shrinks 0.1% in Jan-Mar: Report Nasa's telescope detects complex molecules in galaxy 12 bn light-years away

The statement said the current economic situation hindered the state Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) from importing fuel shipments as planned.

Insufficient foreign exchange when opening Letters of Credit and settling bills has exacerbated the issue.

The Ministry, having sought solutions to mitigate these challenges, had invited Expression of Interest (EOIs) from reputable petroleum companies.

In mid-May, the Chinese company Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka (Private) Limited was awarded a similar contract following successful negotiations.

RM Parks Inc., in collaboration with Shell, aims to commence operations in Sri Lanka within 45 days after the issuance of the license.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted supply of fuel to meet the country's energy needs amid challenging economic circumstances.

Debt-ridden Sri Lanka is still struggling to normalise its crisis-hit economy after it declared its first-ever debt default in April last year.

In April 2022, Sri Lanka declared its first-ever debt default, the worst economic crisis since its independence from Britain in 1948, triggered by forex shortages that sparked public protests.

The shortage has hampered the import of fuel and other essentials in the country reeling under the worst economic crisis in seven decades.

Months-long street protests led to the ouster of the then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in mid-July. Rajapaksa had started the IMF negotiations after refusing to tap the global lender for support.
The US department of State has said that there were less than 50 American citizens on board the San Francisco-bound Air India flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russia's remote town of Magadan.

"We understand that there were less than 50 US citizens aboard that flight. We also understand that a relief aircraft is expected to arrive later today to assist the Air India flight and the passengers continue on with their route, Vedant Patel, the deputy spokesperson of the State department, told reporters on Wednesday at his daily news conference.

The Flight AI173 was diverted to Magadan on Tuesday due to an engine glitch in the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft.

The flight, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew, landed safely, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement Tuesday evening.

Responding to a question, Patel deferred to Air India to speak to any other specifics about their further movements and any of the technical issues.

"We are not aware of any outreach from some of these American citizens to our embassy and consular officials in Russia and so don't have anything additional to offer," Patel said.

Also Read Fine or imprisonment: What happens if you open emergency door of a flight? Air India flight heads to San Francisco after emergency landing in Russia Lucknow-bound flight makes emergency landing after takeoff from Bengaluru Monitoring situation: US after Air India flight diverted to Russia Air India Express safety woes linger as jet makes emergency landing Will evaluate each case: Trudeau on Indian students facing deportation PM Modi to address invite-only Indian Americans in Washington on June 23 India, US need to have much stronger relationship: Congressman Thanedar Hypocrisy not new in sports, PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger just more obvious Air India flight heads to San Francisco after emergency landing in Russia
Federal prosecutors formally informed Donald Trumps lawyers last week that the former president is a target of the criminal investigation examining his retention of national security materials at his Mar-a-Lago resort and obstruction of justice, according to two people briefed on the matter.

The move dramatically raises the stakes for Trump, as the investigation nears its conclusion after taking evidence before a grand jury in Washington and a previously unknown grand jury in Florida.

The development comes as prosecutors have obtained evidence of criminal conduct occurring at Mar-a-Lago and decided that any indictments should be charged in the southern district of Florida, where the resort is located, rather than in Washington.

Trumps lawyers were sent a target letter days before they met on Monday with the special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the Mar-a-Lago documents case, and the senior career official in the deputy attorney generals office, where they asked prosecutors not to charge the former president. Trump has reportedly said he had not been personally informed by the justice department that he was a target when asked directly by a New York Times reporter, but demurred when asked whether his legal team had been told about the designation.
After months of speculation, former US Vice President Mike Pence has finally launched his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and said that Donald Trump "should never" be the President again for his actions in the aftermath of the 2020 polls.

At his formal campaign launch on Wednesday in Ankeny, Iowa, the 64-year-old recalled how his former boss, who he served under in the White House from 2017-21, had asked him to block the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 election win as Pence presided over Congress on January 6, 2021 -- the day of the Capitol riot, reports CNN.

"The American people deserve to know, on that day, President Trump also demanded I choose between him and the Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution, and I always will," Pence said to applause from the crowd at Des Moines Area Community College.

"I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States. And anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be President of the United States again," Pence said of Trump who is currently the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination.

This was Pence's most forceful repudiation of Trump to date.

"The former President continues to insist that I had the right to overturn the election. President Trump was wrong then, and he is wrong now. I will always believe, by God's grace, I did my duty on that day, I kept my oath, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution and the laws of this country," he said.

Also Read Appeals court rejects Donald Trump effort to block Pence testimony 'Different times call for different leaderships': Pence's US President bid US Senator Tim Scott announces his candidacy for 2024 US presidential run US Prez polls 2024: Trump lauds rival Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy Donald Trump faces setbacks in other probes as New York case proceeds China-Pakistan collab in Shaksgam Valley poses threat to India: Report PM Modi, Prez Biden to discuss Indo-Pacific tech partnership: White House Smoke from Canada wildfires deteriorates NY air quality; worse than Delhi's US lawmakers ask admin to address India visa wait time issue on priority LIVE: Gujarat, Mumbai, Goa brace themselves as VSC Biparjoy intensifies

The former Indiana Governor also took shots at President Biden, arguing that neither he nor Trump are similar to average Americans who know how to "treat each other with kindness and respect even when we disagree", the BBC reported.

Also hitting out at another Republican 2024 rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his recent remarks about the war in Ukraine, Pence said: "Donald Trump and others who would seek the presidency would walk away from our traditional role on the world stage."

At a CNN town hall later in the day in Des Moines, Pence repeated his criticism, but on the subject of Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents, he said it would "be terribly divisive to the country" if the former president were to be indicted by federal investigators over his actions and a possible obstruction of justice.

"This kind of action by the Department of Justice (DOJ) I think would only fuel further division in the country... I hope the DOJ thinks better of it and resolves these issues without an indictment," he added.

Pence joins a growing field of Republican hopefuls, which so far has been dominated by Trump and DeSantis.

On Tuesday, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a onetime Trump ally who helped him prepare for the 2020 presidential debates, announced his candidacy.

The other in the running are former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

On Wednesday, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum also announced that he was entering the race.

--IANS

ksk/
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, an influential Sikh American leader has said.

Jassee Singh, Chairman of the 'Sikhs of America' oraganisation founded to raise awareness about the community, said the official state visit of Modi to the US later this month is a "historic moment" for India.

Prime Minister Modi will embark on his first state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden this month. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22.

This is a very, very historic moment for India that the Prime Minister is coming, said Singh, who has been a part of all the Sikh delegations that the prime minister has met during his visits to the US since 2015.

Singh said the Sikh delegations have always presented a memorandum to Modi and almost all of their wishes were met by the prime minister. This time again, a delegation of the Sikh community is planning to meet the prime minister to thank him for his contribution to the community, he said.

I think the first time we met with Prime Minister Modi was in 2014. This was the first time after a long time, a Sikh delegation met an Indian Prime Minister. The response that we got was very positive from Prime Minister Modi," Singh told PTI.

Also Read 40-year-old Sikh man charged for wife's murder in Canada's British Columbia Hindus among healthiest, Sikhs most likely to own homes: UK census data PM Modi has done a lot for Sikhs and Sikhism: Former pro-Khalistan leader Khalistan a dangerous ideology, threat to national security: Report Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh on run, will be arrested soon: Police Biden, Sunak to focus on Ukraine, economic security UK PM's first WH visit Less than 50 US citizens on flight that made emergency landing in Russia Will evaluate each case: Trudeau on Indian students facing deportation PM Modi to address invite-only Indian Americans in Washington on June 23 India, US need to have much stronger relationship: Congressman Thanedar

"He understood the problems of the Sikhs. He has a genuine heart for the SEC community, which shows when he speaks, talks and meets the Sikh community, he said.

Prime Minister Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, he said.

Singh said in recent times, no other prime minister has done for the Sikh community what Prime Minister Modi did.

He recalled the steps the Modi government has taken for the Sikh community.

Be it celebrating December 26 as the Veer Baal Diwas, Gurunanak Dev Ji's 550th birth celebrations, the opening of the SIT for the 1984 riots and putting Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler behind bars, or the repealing of the blacklist of Sikhs living overseas who would not able to go back to India, or repealing the agriculture laws, the prime minister has always been with the Sikhs, he said.

We are very thankful to him. There is still more to be done. We will always reach out to Prime Minister Modi and his government to look after the needs of the Sikh community, Singh said.

He has done a lot. This time, we would like to let him focus on what he's coming for, which is the bilateral talks that are happening. If we get the opportunity, we will thank him for all that he has done. We have other Sikh demands, which we will bring up at a later time, he added.

Singh said when Modi and President Biden meet at the White House, he would like the two leaders among other things to discuss the immigration issue that is impacting the Indian Americans.

The main issue that is affecting the Indian community right now is the immigration, the H-1B visas. There are families, there are people on H-1B visas who've been here for 20 years, their permanent residency has been approved, but their files are not moving, he said.

There are people in India who want to come here to do business and trade, and they have to wait for a year to get an appointment for a visa, he said.

"So, I think, it's mostly on the American side that there's delay and there are issues going on. That should be a big discussion so that the talented Indians who are here on H-1B visas and other visas should be expedited in getting their residency and people in India should be able to get visas a little bit more quickly, Singh said.

Everybody wants to meet Prime Minister Modi. They want it to do a big Howdy Modi-like event or like the one that happened in New York... There are so many cultural programmes that are gonna happen before Prime Minister Modi arrives. We are all very excited, he said.

This time there is a big welcome by President Biden... A lot of people have been invited to that event. They say after Pope, when last time the Pope came to the White House, this is going to be as big, or maybe bigger than that. So, a lot of excitement, Singh said.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United States, discussions between him and President Joe Biden will center around strengthening their commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders will also emphasize their shared determination to enhance the strategic technology partnership, with a specific focus on defense, the White House said on Wednesday.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US on June 22 following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

"The PM and the President will discuss ways to strengthen our two countries, shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including defence," Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said when asked if the defence would be a major part of the discussion between the two leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the first Indian Prime Minister who will address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time during his upcoming official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24.

"I don't have anything more to say at this time about the visit. As we get closer, certainly we will have more to share. What I've said is the upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link the Americans and Indians together," she said.

"So that certainly will be talked about in clean energy and space, but I'm just not going to get into details on what the particulars will be. And as we get closer to June 22, we certainly have more to share," she added.

Also Read Biden falls onstage at graduation ceremony; White House says he's 'fine' Biden surprised over records at old office post calls for damage assessment Prez Biden, top lawmakers to discuss debt limit at White House May 9 Quad committed to supporting Pacific Island countries: Joint statement Quad leaders to meet in Sydney on May 24, Prez Biden to join: White House Smoke from Canada wildfires deteriorates NY air quality; worse than Delhi's US lawmakers ask admin to address India visa wait time issue on priority LIVE: Gujarat, Mumbai, Goa brace themselves as VSC Biparjoy intensifies Standard Chartered to trim more than 100 roles as part of cost cuts Russia accuses Ukraine of blowing up key Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline

US and India have a strategic alliance. In their last in-person meeting in Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden took into account areas like crucial and emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

In the meeting, both sides discussed close cooperation in future-oriented sectors such as critical and emerging technologies, advanced computing, and artificial intelligence, an official statement by Prime Minister's office read.

The two leaders also exchanged dialogue on topical global and regional developments.

Earlier, PM Modi visited the United States on September 23, 2021.

In 2022, on the sidelines of the QUAD Leaders Summit, PM Modi and President Biden announced the India-US initiative of critical and emerging technology, known as iCET.

Ahead of Modi's state visit, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was in India on a two-day visit to explore ways to lay the groundwork for highly anticipated agreements on bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware, Modern Diplomacy.eu reported.
Giving a new hope to hundreds of immigrant students, largely from Punjab, who have been facing deportation from Canada, the country's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser has announced that authorities have been actively pursuing a solution for international students who are facing uncertainty after being admitted with fraudulent college admission letters.

"Those who have taken advantage of people genuinely hoping to study here will face consequences for their actions," Fraser said in a tweet on Wednesday.

The Canadian minister was categorically clear in saying that the innocent victims (students) will be given every opportunity to have their case considered fairly. "Due to the complexity of the situation, we remain committed to working with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) to determine a fair outcome."

In another tweet, Fraser congratulated the individuals who have officially become proud Canadians on Wednesday. "Your diverse backgrounds and stories enrich our nation, and we're thrilled to welcome you to the Canadian family."

Several lawmakers like Indo-Canadian Iqwinder S. Gaheer and Jenny Kwan are standing behind nearly 700 students to get justice for them as they were unknowingly defrauded by immigrant consultants who used inauthentic college admission letters for their student visa applications.

Also Read PAN-Aadhaar link status: Are your cards already linked? Learn how to check US expands premium processing of various visa and green card categories EB-5 visa: What is it, who can apply and how it is different from H1-B visa Canada launches category-based selection for Express Entry candidates US to start student visa application process for Fall session from mid-May Instagram algorithms promoting pedophiles, Musk says 'extremely concerning' Pence launches 2024 campaign, says Trump 'should never' be president again China-Pakistan collab in Shaksgam Valley poses threat to India: Report PM Modi, Prez Biden to discuss Indo-Pacific tech partnership: White House Smoke from Canada wildfires deteriorates NY air quality; worse than Delhi's

The CBSA has issued deportation notices to over 700 students whose admission offer letters to educational institutions were found to be fake.

They filed visa applications 2018 onwards till 2022 through Jalandhar-based Education Migration Services headed by one Brijesh Mishra, who is on the run and has shut all his operations operating from Jalandhar.

He's also accused of cheating students of tens of thousands of dollars.

The students had gone to Canada on a study visa but the fraud came to light after they applied for permanent residency (PR) recently.

One of the aggrieved elderly parents, Joginder Singh (name changed) from Jagraon told IANS the agent offered admission to Sheridan College without their consent by preparing a fake acceptance letter from the college. They had paid 14,000 CAD to cover two semesters of tuition.

He said when his daughter reached Canada, Mishra told her not to go to Sheridan until further notice. After two-three week, she got admitted to some other college (the name withheld).

"Since we have spent a major chunk of the hard-earned income on the tuition fees, we preferred to keep mum. During the study and later on three years of work permit, our daughter worked in Canada as per work rules and part of Canada's success story. Now after five years when she's entitled for PR (permanent residency), the local authorities have been saying your entry to the country is on fake documents. We have not cheated the Canadian authorities? We are victims of fraud," an emotional Singh said.

"If those documents were fake they should have told them back in 2018. Why now?" he added.

Immigrant Lovepreet Singh is scheduled to be deported on June 13 in the fake offer letter case.

"My parents have spent their whole life savings to sponsor my education in Canada so that I could have a better future here. Now the dream is shattered. I'm so ashamed," he has been quoted as saying.

Since last week, crowds of international students fearing deportation have been camping in front of the CBSA's office in Mississauga with placards saying, "We are victims, not culprits" and "Why do we need a fake offer letterS?".

Standing behind the immigrants facing deportation, Member of Parliament for Vancouver East, Jenny Kwan, on Wednesday moved two motions at the immigration committee in support of the international students subjected to exploitation scheme.

She questioned how this situation was allowed to happen and why fraudulent documents were not detected until years later when the students began to apply for permanent status.

Favouring a pathway on humanitarian grounds, she said, "The significant harm experienced by students, including financial loss and distress, and measures necessary to help the students to have their deportation stayed, inadmissibility on the basis of misrepresentation waived and provide a pathway to permanent status."

She asked the immigration committee to examine how to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

On Twitter last week, immigration minister Fraser said the government recognizes the "immense contributions international students bring to our country" and is committed to supporting victims of fraud.

"To be clear: Our focus is on identifying culprits, not penalizing victims. Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situation & present evidence to support their case," Fraser wrote.

Back to Punjab, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal this week urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to save the future of hundreds of Punjabi students who were facing deportation by taking up their case with the Canadian authorities.

Kaur, in a missive to the Union minister, said the emphasis should be on taking action against dubious institutions as well as authorised agents who had played with the future of the students.

"Unsuspecting students, who are victims to this scam should be treated sympathetically as they have fulfilled all needed criteria for securing permanent residency after up-skilling themselves and should be granted the same without any hindrance."

Echoing similar sentiments, AAP Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahney has demanded a thorough investigation into the case of issuance of fake college acceptance letters and admission fee receipts by unscrupulous agents, granting of valid visas and immigration clearance.

"They went to Canada on fake admission letters, got visas and immigration clearance, studied in Canada and are now doing jobs...they cannot be deported as they are innocent and are victims of a bigger conspiracy," Sahney wrote to immigration Minister Fraser.

He also appealed that it is very difficult for individual students to fight their cases in Canadian courts, a few of them got success recently. The Canadian government must take a sympathetic collective view of all students suffering under these unfavourable circumstances.

State's NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh has written to the External Affairs Minister to resolve the matter of students trapped in immigration fraud and demanded they should be given work permits considering their visas.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com)

--IANS

vg/dpb
"A Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group" blew up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in Kharkov region on Monday night, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

The ministry in a statement on Wednesday called the explosion of the ammonia pipeline "a terrorist act", which has caused civilian victims, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Currently, ammonia is bleeding from the damaged sections of the pipeline in the Ukrainian territory. There are no casualties among the Russian military personnel," the ministry added.

Several explosions were heard near the ammonia pipeline in Kharkov region's Kupyansk district, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Tuesday.

The facility, running from the Russian city of Togliatti to the Ukrainian port of Odessa, is one of the world's longest pipelines for ammonia transportation.

--IANS

Also Read Ukraine needs more than a $30 billion arsenal for counterstrike on Russia Over 1.5 million people left without power in Ukraine's port city Odesa Setting up green ammonia plant in India: Essar group's Prashant Ruia India mulls issuing green ammonia tender to curb fertilizer emissions ACME, IGL ink initial pact to explore biz avenues in Green Hydrogen Coinbase CEO hits back at SEC chair after lawsuit, says user funds are safe Erdogan discusses Ukrainian crisis with Putin, grain export key highlight CNN ousts CEO Chris Licht after a brief, tumultuous tenure of a year LA Times announces 74 job cuts due to economic challenges amid overhaul US trade deficit widens to 6-month high, expected to dent economic growth

int/sha
The air quality of New York city has deteriorated as smoke from the Canadian wildfires poured into the US East Coast and Midwest, with data showing that the pollution level in the metropolitan city was highest among significant cities worldwide, even surpassing New Delhi.

Situation was such that the picturesque and renowned skyline of New York City became invisible on Wednesday behind a hazy veil of smoke from the Canadian wildfires flowing into the region.

According to IQAir, New York City had the highest levels of air pollution among significant cities worldwide on Wednesday morning, surpassing even New Delhi.



Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline.



Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible.



More: https://t.co/ChRuWv7X6E pic.twitter.com/mtKtLun8lN

Also Read Overcast morning in Delhi with 25.4 deg C minimum temp, air quality drops New Haryana rules on stone crusher units may blunt the war on air pollution Delhi-NCR hit by summer ozone crisis once again, shows CSE analysis Delhi to expect a dry morning as humidity levels drop to 57%, says IMD Excessive methane emitted from mega wildfires fuels vicious cycle: Study US lawmakers ask admin to address India visa wait time issue on priority LIVE: Monsoon reaches Indian mainland, IMD declares onset over Kerala Standard Chartered to trim more than 100 roles as part of cost cuts Russia accuses Ukraine of blowing up key Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline Coinbase CEO hits back at SEC chair after lawsuit, says user funds are safe

The weather forecasters expect hazy weather to continue in New York through the rest of the week.

AccuWeather forecasters expect very unhealthy" levels to continue through the rest of the week.

The air quality in New York City was listed as unhealthy as of Wednesday morning.



???????????? Smog City, New York USA ????????????



Authorities are blaming the air quality & smog on wild fires started all the way in Canada.



The world becomes increasingly insane with each passing day. pic.twitter.com/OF3Br8L4F3

A ground stop was issued at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Wednesday afternoon due to low visibility from the smoke and haze, according to the Federal aviation Administration.

In addition to New York, strong smell of smoke, dark skies and breathlessness caught the attention of residents in other cities and towns from Maryland to New Hampshire, reporting low visibility and hazy skies.

Some of the worst air quality levels were found in Delaware. Wilmington, Delaware, which is located about 24 miles southwest of Philadelphia, spiked an air quality index of 199, which is considered very unhealthy.



The George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey pic.twitter.com/F3MlxmqTCi

The unusually poor air quality in the Northeast is extremely rare in modern times, according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter, and is like the levels of air pollution frequently observed in other parts of the world without the same air pollution standards and restrictions, including China, India, Southeast Asia, and even into South America.

As bad as the smoke and air pollution was on Tuesday, the air quality can be even worse at times across parts of the Northeast on Wednesday and poor air quality is expected to linger in some areas into the weekend, Porter said.



Porter recommended that if one must spend time outside, to use a high-quality N95 or KN95 mask.

Sleeping with the windows closed and using an air conditioner or fan can be helpful, he said, adding that a HEPA filter can reduce the number of these small particles in the air.

Dr. Boris Quennehen, an air quality scientist with Plume Labs, said: "Smoke is made of gases and particles, the same pollutants which are responsible for poor air quality.

As the smoke is forecast to continue spreading across parts of the East this week, air quality alerts have been issued along a nearly 850-mile-long path from South Carolina to New Hampshire



"Intense wildfires have been burning in Alberta, Canada, for more than a month now. Depending on the weather conditions, the smoke from these wildfires can be transported on very large distances, in different directions and at different altitudes, Quennehen said.



Denver, Colorado, was impacted by smoke from the Canadian wildfires two weeks ago and now it's the northeast US, he said.

New York City Major Eric Adams urged all residents on Tuesday night to limit outdoor activities this week.

Adams said New York City public schools will remain open but not offer any outdoor activities on Wednesday".

New Jersey officials urged residents to limit their time outside due to the poor air quality.

For those who must work outside, the state recommended that people wear an N95 mask, several schools in New Jersey cancelled recess and other outdoor activities, due to the air quality across the state.

People should frequently check the AccuWeather exclusive Plume Labs air quality maps and limit their time outdoors, said Porter, who recommended that if one must spend time outside, to use a high-quality N95 or KN95 mask.

Sleeping with the windows closed and using an air conditioner or fan can be helpful, he said, adding that a HEPA filter can reduce the number of these small particles in the air.

AccuWeather forecasters say the wildfire season in Canada got off to a devastatingly early start.

As of early June, more than 8 million acres of land have been scorched by wildfires across Canada, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC). The CIFFC was tracking more than 400 active fires across the nation Monday.

This alert means air pollution concentration in the region will be unhealthy for people with heart or lung disease, children, and adults over 65. The alert warned these people to limit their time outdoors.

Exposure to elevated levels of fine particles such as wood smoke can increase the likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals and aggravate heart or lung disease, the National Weather Service alert said.





(With inputs from agencies)
Toyota says it will spend nearly USD 50 million to build a vehicle battery testing laboratory at its North American research centre in Michigan.

The company said Thursday that the lab in York Township south of Ann Arbor will test batteries made for hybrid and electric vehicles at a new factory in North Carolina, as well as from battery suppliers.

No new jobs will be created because Toyota will reassign workers from other areas and provide training as needed.

The company says the lab is expected to begin work in 2025 and could be expanded as more electric vehicles are made.

The lab will do performance, quality and durability testing, as well as testing of charging capabilities.

This new facility also enables us to experiment and pursue new opportunities as technology and business needs advance, Jordan Choby, group vice president of powertrain, said in a statement.

Also Read Vikram Kirloskar's daughter Manasi takes over as Toyota Kirloskar Motor VC Toyota Kirloskar commences 3rd shift at K'taka plant to enhance production Toyota Motor's new Innova HyCross priced at Rs 18.30 lakh onwards Toyota Kirloskar Motors restarts booking for Hilux utility vehicle Tesla recalls 1.1 million electric cars from China over braking defect Lanka signs petroleum pact with US fuel firm to ensure steady fuel supply Cash-strapped Pakistan's economy shows 0.29% GDP growth, inflation over 29% Bombing in Afghanistan at memorial ceremony for Taliban kills 11 people US weekly unemployment benefit claims surges more than expected to 261,000 Eurozone slips into recession after GDP shrinks 0.1% in Jan-Mar: Report

Last month Toyota said it would invest another USD 2.1 billion in the battery factory that's under construction near Greensboro, North Carolina. It brings the total investment in the Randolph County plant to USD 5.9 billion to meet the company's goal of selling 1.8 million electric or hybrid vehicles in the US by 2030. Toyota broke ground on the plant in 2021.

To start, it will supply batteries to Toyota's huge complex in Georgetown, Kentucky, which will build Toyota's first US-made electric vehicle, a new SUV with three rows of seats.

Toyota's new President Koji Sato has promised what he called an aggressive shift on electrification of vehicles including hybrids.

The company has been criticized by environmental groups for falling behind in electric vehicle sales and relying on hybrids, which burn gasoline, for future sales.
The UK government has laid out plans to publish a timeline for the removal of Chinese surveillance equipment from sensitive sites as part of stepped-up national security measures, weeks after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said China posed the "biggest challenge" to global security and prosperity.

In amendments tabled to the government's Procurement Bill ahead of its Report Stage in Parliament next week, the UK Cabinet Office said on Wednesday that it is committing to publishing a timeline for the removal of surveillance equipment produced by companies subject to China's National Intelligence Law from sensitive central government sites.

It says the move builds on action taken last year to halt the installation of new equipment on the government estate and will provide "reassurance" that departments are removing surveillance equipment from sensitive sites.

These new measures will protect our sensitive sectors from companies which could threaten national security and are a firm deterrence to hostile actors who wish to do Britain harm, said Jeremy Quin, UK Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General.

At the G7 summit in Japan last month, British Prime Minister Sunak said that China posed the "biggest challenge" in the world to global security and prosperity.

Under his government's new bill, a National Security Unit for Procurement is set to draw on a full range of expertise within the government and respond swiftly to emerging threats, such as companies looking to win public contracts in order to gain access to sensitive information or sites which could be used to compromise government and society.

Also Read 2023 may see an M&A surge in insurance sector: Shriram General Insurance MD Composite insurance licence regime may trigger M&A activity: HDFC Life CFO UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to arrive in Bengaluru for G20 finance meet Rishi Sunak scores as UK vote winner over Boris Johnson in new survey LIC may look at composite licence post amendment in Insurance Laws Zelenskyy visits flooded area as five dead in Russian-occupied town Knife attacker injures several people, including children, in France NASA's Parker Solar Probe detects fine structure of source of solar wind UNICEF concerned by Taliban move to bar int'l NGOs from education sector UK to lead way on AI safety with first global summit: PM Rishi Sunak

The specialist team will work across the government, including liaising closely with intelligence agencies.

It also provides new powers to ban suppliers from specific sectors, such as areas related to defence and national security, while allowing them to continue to win procurements in non-sensitive areas.

The UK government said it is introducing new, context-specific mandatory debarments on national security grounds.

This will mean that the government will be able to ban suppliers which pose a risk to national security from specific types of contracts.

It's absolutely right we continue to look at ways to strengthen central government rules when it comes to national security and I have no doubt these additional measures will ensure the bill delivers on its objective to have a robust, modern procurement process which delivers for the British people, said UK Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart.

The bill also introduces new rules to help the government procure in emergency situations, such as during health pandemics, ensuring that contracting authorities can act quickly and transparently to buy vital goods.
UNICEF said on Thursday it is deeply concerned by reports of the Taliban pushing out international organizations from Afghanistan's education sector and ordering them to hand over their activities to local nongovernmental groups.

It's the latest restriction on NGOs operating in the country after the ban imposed in December on Afghan female staff, allegedly because they weren't wearing the Islamic headscarf, or hijab, correctly and weren't complying with gender segregation in the workplace. In April, the ban was extended to the UN.

A WhatsApp voice note, purportedly from a senior education official in Kabul, says all international organisations have a one-month deadline to transfer their education work to local groups.

The Education Ministry was not immediately available to verify the voice note, but aid agency officials told The Associated Press they are aware of the message and are taking it seriously.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

The ban on Afghan female staff working at the UN was also relayed through a WhatsApp voice note, purportedly from a senior Taliban figure.

Also Read UN report urges Afghanistan's Taliban to end floggings, executions Terror strikes in Pakistan surged after Taliban takeover of Afghanistan Taliban asks int'l community to recognise 'Islamic Emirate' of Afghanistan No obstacles for United Nations to function in Afghanistan: Taliban Afghan Americans protest against Taliban ban on women's education UK to lead way on AI safety with first global summit: PM Rishi Sunak Canada forest fires intensify, worsen air quality in Canada, United States EU makes fresh attempt to overcome yearslong crisis over migrants Nasa to invest $45mn in small biz to develop tech for future missions Air India flight carrying stranded passengers from Russia lands in US

As the lead agency for education in Afghanistan, UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports that over 500,000 children, including over 300,000 girls, could lose out on quality learning through community based education within a month if international non-governmental organizations working in the field of education are no longer allowed to operate and if handovers to national NGOs are done without comprehensive assessment and capacity building, the agency said in a statement.

UNICEF is seeking to better understand the reported directive, and what it could mean for the nationwide program that provides learning opportunities for children in some of the most remote and rural areas of Afghanistan.

Around 17,000 teachers, including 5,000 women, work in UNICEF's education activities.

UNICEF is meeting the Education Ministry in Kabul for further information.

Aid sources said some provinces have ordered the immediate suspension of all foreign-led education activities after officials reportedly told Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada that foreigners are creating their own Education Ministry and not coordinating their work with the Taliban.

The latest voice note says the new measure affects all international organizations, even if they are Islamic, and that only ministry-approved Afghan NGOs that agree to ministry conditions can take on education work. The order also affects school construction.

In April, the Taliban closed education centres and institutes supported by NGOs in the country's south until further notice. The centres were mostly for girls, who are banned from going to school beyond sixth grade.

The ministry did not provide an explanation for the closures at the time. But an education department spokesman in Kandahar said the decision was made in response to complaints.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has allegedly informed former President Donald Trump that he was the target of a criminal probe into the possible mishandling of classified documents following his exit from the White House, the media reported on Thursday.

Informed sources told CNN on Wednesday that Trump, who is leading in opinion polls to be the Republican Party's 2024 candidate for president, had been sent a letter, the contents of which have not been made public.

Trump's legal team met DOJ officials, including special counsel Jack Smith who is heading the probe, about the investigation on Monday, the sources said, adding the meeting focused on the team presenting their allegations of misconduct by prosecutors.

DOJ regulations allow for prosecutors to notify subjects of an investigation that they have become a target.

Often a notification that a person is a target is a strong sign an indictment could follow, but it is possible the recipient is not ultimately charged.

Prosecutors have the discretion to notify subjects that they have become a target. Once informed, a target has the opportunity to present evidence or testify to the grand jury if they choose.

Also Read Donald Trump invited to testify before New York grand jury: Report Trump to appear on CNN town hall a day after sex assault verdict Georgia special grand jury wraps up probe of Donald Trump, allies Trump probe: Justice Department seeks to pierce attorney-client privilege Appeals court rejects Donald Trump effort to block Pence testimony Pursuing solution for Indian students fearing deportation: Canada minister Instagram algorithms promoting pedophiles, Musk says 'extremely concerning' Pence launches 2024 campaign, says Trump 'should never' be president again China-Pakistan collab in Shaksgam Valley poses threat to India: Report PM Modi, Prez Biden to discuss Indo-Pacific tech partnership: White House

The special counsel's iprobe has scrutinised Trump's handling of classified documents he brought with him to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after leaving the White House in January 2021, including actions that were taken after the former President received a subpoena in May 2022 to return all classified materials in his possession, reports CNN.

Last August, FBI agents raided the beachside property and seized some 11,000 documents, including around 100 marked as classified of which some were labelled top secret.

Prosecutors have questioned dozens of witnesses over the past several months, including senior Trump aides and employees at his Florida resort.

In a New York Times interview on Wednesday, Trump denied that he had been told he faces an indictment over his handling of the documents, the BBC reported.

When asked if he had been told he is a target of a federal investigation, he told the Times "you have to understand" that he was not in direct touch with prosecutors.

Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has criticised the DOJ's investigation as "politically motivated" and a "witch-hunt".

Any indictment over his handling of classified documents would come after Trump became the first former President to be charged with a crime, after he pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records over a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

He faces a trial in that case in New York next year.

--IANS

ksk/
Assuring the 700 Indian students who are facing deportation from Canada over fake admission letters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said they will evaluate each case and the victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situation and present evidence to support their case.

The remarks came as hundreds of Indian students, mostly from Punjab, have been taking on to the streets in Canada saying they were cheated by their immigration consultation agency in India that provided them fake documents, of which they were unaware of.

"We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters. To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits not penalising the victims," Trudeau said during a parliament debate on Wednesday.

"Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situation and present evidence to support their case," the Prime Minister said, while responding to Sikh-origin NDP leader Jagmeet Singh's concerns on the state of defrauded students, who are set to be deported his month.

"We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country, and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case," Trudeau said.

Singh's NDP is reportedly preparing to introduce a unanimous consent motion in Parliament to cancel removal orders to support these students while also facilitating a pathway to permanent residency for them.

Also Read Prime Minister Trudeau says Canadian healthcare isn't living up to promise Canada to commercialise world's first photonic-based quantum computer Justin Trudeau expresses grief over loss of lives in Odisha's train mishap Canada summons Chinese envoy over political interference allegations Canada lawmaker quits Justin Trudeau's party amid China allegations PM Modi to address invite-only Indian Americans in Washington on June 23 India, US need to have much stronger relationship: Congressman Thanedar Hypocrisy not new in sports, PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger just more obvious Air India flight heads to San Francisco after emergency landing in Russia Case against ex-Italian PM Conte over mismanagement of pandemic, dropped

It will also assist students who could face deportation due to bogus enrollment offers.

"So my question is... will the Prime Minister stay the deportation of all these students that are impacted and provide a pathway to permanent residency for these students?" Singh asked Trudeau, presenting the case of victims.

According to the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA), more than 700 Indian students are reportedly facing deportation after finding that their educational institution's admission offer letters were fake.

Most of these students had come to the country to study in 2018 and 2019.

The fraud was discovered when the students applied for permanent residency in Canada.

Brijesh Mishra, a Jalandhar-based agent, was responsible for providing fake admission letters, charging students thousands of dollars.

He charged more than Rs 16 lakh per student in addition to admission fees claiming to get them to prestigious colleges.

Meanwhile, students have been continuing with their sit-ins since May 29 at Airport Road of Mississauga, outside the CBSA's head office, holding banners saying, 'Unite against deportation', 'Stop deportation' and 'We want justice'.

--IANS

mi/ksk/
Aleph Farms, a cellular agriculture company designing new ways to grow quality animal products, today announced that Chef Marcus Samuelsson is joining the company as an investor, culinary advisor and launch partner. Through much of his rise to fame as the celebrity chef behind 13 restaurants around the world, a New York Times best-selling author and a TV personality, Samuelsson has been using his unique background to elevate diversity in the culinary world. As part of this designation, he will work closely with Aleph Farms as it approaches commercialization of Aleph Cuts, the worlds first cultivated steaks, providing a new take on steak.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230607005267/en/

Marcus Samuelsson x Didier Toubia (Credit: Noi Einav)

Aleph Farms builds partnerships based on shared values. Like us, Chef Marcus believes in making a positive impact on our food systems with creativity, courage, and care, said Didier Toubia, CEO and Co-Founder of Aleph Farms. With his vast experience and focus on creating accessible and inclusive cuisine, Marcus insights and expertise are perfectly suited for developing and promoting Aleph Cuts to a wider global audience. Additionally, his reputation for celebrating food cultures that embrace high-quality ingredients aligns with our local approach to promoting food security in ways that can deliver broad social, economic and environmental benefits.

In his role with Aleph Farms, Samuelsson will advise the company in a culinary capacity, including product development and go-to-market strategies. He has also invested in the company. Chef Marcus will work closely with Aleph Farms as it brings Aleph Cuts to Singapore and Israel later this year and to the United States next year, upon receiving regulatory approvals.

Its essential that we look for new ways to feed our planet sustainably, which is why I was attracted to the mission of Aleph Farms and being part, both as a chef and as an investor, in bringing delicious, cultivated meat to the table, said Samuelsson. Right now, its a pioneering movement and one that I think will only grow to be more important and increasingly commonplace in our lives. What once felt futuristic -- like electric cars -- soon becomes familiar. This is a game-changing moment in the industry to invest in the future, and Im excited to partner with an innovative company like Aleph Farms.

In his career, Samuelsson has won eight James Beard Foundation awards as a chef, author and TV personality, including for hosting No Passport Required on PBS. He appeared as an Iron Chef on Netflixs hit Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend. His restaurants worldwide include Red Rooster Harlem (New York City) and Red Rooster Overtown (Miami), MARCUS Montreal, Marcus B&P in Newark, Streetbird at Yankee Stadium, Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House in the Bahamas, the recently opened Hav & Mar in Chelsea (New York City) and Marcus Bar and Grille in Atlanta. As a committed philanthropist, Samuelsson is co-chair of Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), which helps underserved youth, and he converted Red Rooster Harlem and Red Rooster Overtown into community kitchens during the COVID-19 pandemic in partnership with World Central Kitchen.

Aleph Farms is working closely with regulatory agencies around the world as it prepares for the commercial launch of its first product under the Aleph Cuts brand, the Petit Steak, grown from non-modified cells of a premium Black Angus cow. As with all its products, there is no slaughter involved in production; instead, from a single fertilized egg, Aleph Farms can grow thousands of tons of cultivated meat, serving as part of a just and inclusive transition to sustainable and secure food systems. The company also has a Whole Animal approach by which it plans to produce different cuts of steak as well as other products based on animal cells, such as cultivated collagen, through additional proprietary capabilities.

About Aleph Farms

Aleph Farms is an Israel-based cellular agriculture company active in the food technology space. It designs new ways to grow quality animal products that improve sustainability, food security and animal welfare in our food systems. Founded in 2017, the company unveiled the worlds first cultivated thin-cut beef steak in 2018, the worlds first cultivated ribeye steak in 2021, and cultivated collagen in 2022. Under its product brand, Aleph Cuts, the company will launch its first product, the Petit Steak, grown from non-modified cells of a premium Black Angus cow. For its contributions to climate leadership including a net zero commitment made in 2020, it has received top accolades from the World Economic Forum and the United Nations.

For more information, follow Aleph Cuts on Instagram and Facebook, Aleph Farms on Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit www.aleph-farms.com. Access our press kit here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230607005267/en/
China urges UN team investigating IS crimes in Iraq to develop completion strategy

Xinhua) 14:28, June 08, 2023

UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged the UN team investigating crimes committed by the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq to hand over the extremist group's criminal evidence as soon as possible.

China appreciates progress made by the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State (UNITAD) in the past six months, especially the new discoveries regarding the alleged development and use of chemical and biological weapons as well as the destruction of cultural heritage by the IS, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

China also appreciates the active assistance provided by UNITAD in strengthening the capacity building of Iraqi judiciary and supporting the digitization work of Iraqi courts, he told the Security Council.

"While acknowledging the progress, we also hope that the substantial amount of evidence collected by UNITAD will translate into concrete actions to hold terrorists accountable at an early date," said Geng.

When sharing evidence with third countries, UNITAD should obtain prior consent from the Iraqi government and adhere to the principles of transparency and nondiscrimination, he said, adding that China hopes the team will engage in full consultations with Iraq to promptly develop a completion strategy including a timeframe to be submitted for review by the Security Council.

As Iraq continues to be at the forefront of international counterterrorism efforts, the international community should continue to support Iraq in combating terrorism and holding terrorist forces accountable, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
South Africa has extended the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) by a further six months, to allow the holders to apply for one or more other visas and waivers provided for in the Immigration Act.

The permits were due to expire on June 30 and a number of Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa had started expressing their desire to be assisted to come back home.

The Government had put in place measures to allow for their seamless return.

But in a statement seen by The Herald last night attributed to South Africas Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the exemption permits have been extended to December 31.

Dr Motsoaledi said during the next six months, no holder of the ZEP may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for purposes of deportation, or deported in terms of the Immigration Act for any reason related to him or her not having any valid exemption certificate.

A number of Zimbabweans had been arranging to come home ahead of the anticipated expiry of their special three-year permits.

Zimbabwes Ambassador to South Africa Mr David Hamadziripi yesterday said 10 000 people had registered with the embassy to facilitate their smooth return.

At the moment the Department of Immigration at Beitbridge Border Post is processing documents for an average of 200 returning residents a day who are holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP).

Over 170 000 Zimbabweans are based in South Africa under the special permit. In November 2021, the South African Cabinet indicated that they were not make further concessions for the ZEP holders, who were then given a grace period to migrate to other mainstream permits or return home.

As such, Zimbabwe has been putting measures in place to facilitate a smooth return of the affected Zimbabweans. Among other things, the returnees will enjoy a free import rebate including the shipping of one vehicle owned on the date of arrival in Zimbabwe.

Individuals have registered through the online platform established by the embassy and the consulates, said Mr Hamadziripi. Some have done so directly to the embassy and the two consulates and others have contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade directly.

The regional Immigration officer in charge of Beitbridge Mr Joshua Chibundu said they were ready to assist the fellow countrymen.

We are ready to assist our fellow countrymen and we have been processing at least 200 entries for ZEP holders on a daily basis, he said.

The district civil protection committee chairperson, Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu Moyo said recently that they had identified the Government run reception and support centre and the National Social Security Quarantine and Support centre to house those who would need accommodation upon getting to Beitbridge.

The two centres have a combined carrying capacity of 1 600 people including adults and children.

We have identified two places to accommodate the returnees as the receiving town of Beitbridge and we are using the whole of government approach so that the whole process becomes seamless, she said.

All the sub committees have been activated to outline plans on health, transport, health, resource mobilisation and social protection.

From what we are seeing on the ground, everyone is playing their role effectively. In fact, we have handled more human traffic before and we will continue using the same strategies.

She said more resources were being mobilised through various Government and non-government agencies.

Mrs Mafu made the remarks during a stakeholders meeting held in the border town and was attended by stakeholders from the district up to the national level.

The local head of the social services department in charge of the reception and support centres, Miss Mellissa Zimuto, said already they had made requisitions for more manpower from their employer to handle the huge traffic volume.

We have divided the period into three categories, that is pre-arrival, arrival and post arrival, she said.

What it means is that our fellow countrymen would need varied services in those three periods and we are making the necessary arrangements to ensure we take care of all social protection issues.

At the moment, while we are attending to all logistical issues, we have teams on the ground raising awareness on integration issues in the known sending and receiving migrants areas.

She said they were also training more people on case management issues, to handle cases relating to the arrival of unaccompanied minors or separated family members.

Miss Zimuto said they were also mobilising resources for transport and reunification of specified family members.

We are also engaging community leaders to ensure that some of the children who are likely to return are catered for under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), she added.

In 2009, the South African government launched the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Project with the main objective of providing amnesty to undocumented Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa to regularize their stay.

In 2018, the permit dispensation was extended and renamed to the ZEP, for four years which was due to expire at the end of last year. This was extended to the middle of this year. Herald
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.
APRJC CET Result 2023: The APREIS RJC CET Result 2023 will be released by the Andhra Pradesh Educational Institutions Society on its APRJC Admission Portal, https://aprs.apcfss.in.

Candidates who have appeared the Andhra Pradesh RJC Common Entrance Test can check details and download result from the CET official website by using login details.

If you are a student who has appeared for the Andhra Pradesh Residential Junior College Common Entrance Test (APRJC CET) 2023, then you must be eagerly waiting for the result to be declared.



What is APRJC CET?

APRJC CET is a state-level entrance exam held by the Andhra Pradesh Residential Educational Institutions Society (APREIS) for admission to the Junior Colleges in Andhra Pradesh. This exam is conducted every year, and thousands of students appear for it to secure a seat in a Junior College.



Steps to check the APRJC CET Result 2023?

AP General Gurukul Society has released APRJC common entrance exam result on the official website after completion for lottery method. Students who appeared for the AP General Gurukul RJC entrance exam stream can check details and download result from the result web portal.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology is an undergraduate degree programme that focuses on the study of human civilizations, cultures, and their evolution over time. It gives insights on a variety of facets of human existence, including social structures, ideologies, customs, and language, as well as the effects of numerous variables on behaviour. This article will look at the scope of a BA in Anthropology, highlight some of the best universities that offer the programme, and provide admission information for potential students.

What's the course BA in Anthropology all about?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of human societies, cultures, and their development over time. Anthropology is a multidisciplinary field that explores various aspects of human life, including social structures, beliefs, traditions, language, and the impact of cultural, historical, and environmental factors on human behaviour.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical research, students delve into the rich diversity of human societies across the globe. They learn about different branches of anthropology, including cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of human culture, evolution, and social dynamics.

In a BA in Anthropology program, students study a wide range of topics, such as cultural diversity, kinship systems, religious practices, economic structures, political organisations, and symbolic meanings. They explore research methodologies, conduct fieldwork, and engage in analysing and interpreting data to gain insights into human behaviour and social patterns.

The curriculum often includes courses on anthropological theories, ethnographic research methods, archaeological techniques, human evolution, language and communication, and cultural heritage. Students also develop critical thinking, analytical, and cross-cultural communication skills that are valuable in various professional settings.

Career Scope after pursuing BA in Anthropology

After pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology, graduates have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Here are some potential career scopes for BA in Anthropology graduates:

Researcher: Graduates can work as researchers in academic institutions, think tanks, or research organisations. They can conduct fieldwork, analyse data, and contribute to the advancement of anthropological knowledge in areas such as cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, or linguistic anthropology.

Cultural Resource Management: Graduates can work in cultural resource management firms or government agencies, where they contribute to the preservation and documentation of cultural heritage. They may be involved in conducting surveys, excavations, or assessments of cultural sites, and ensuring their protection and conservation.

Museum Curator: Graduates with a specialisation in museum studies or cultural anthropology can work as curators in museums, art galleries, or cultural institutions. They curate exhibitions, conduct research on artefacts or cultural objects, and educate the public about different cultures and their significance.

Community Development: Graduates can work in community development organisations, NGOs, or government agencies, focusing on empowering communities, promoting social justice, and addressing cultural and social issues. They can contribute to projects related to community health, education, women's empowerment, or sustainable development.

International Development: Anthropology graduates can work in international development organisations, assisting in projects that aim to improve the lives of marginalised communities around the world. They can be involved in cultural sensitivity training, program design, and evaluation, and ensuring that development initiatives respect local cultures and traditions.

Human Resources: Anthropology graduates possess strong interpersonal skills, cross-cultural understanding, and the ability to navigate diverse environments. They can work in human resources departments, helping organisations foster inclusive work cultures, diversity management, and intercultural communication.

Education: Graduates can pursue teaching careers in schools, colleges, or universities. They can teach anthropology, social sciences, or related subjects, sharing their knowledge and passion for understanding human cultures and societies.

Applied Anthropology: Anthropology graduates can apply their knowledge and skills in various professional contexts, such as market research, user experience design, public policy analysis, or consulting. They can contribute valuable insights into consumer behaviour, cultural dynamics, or social impact assessments.

List of Top 5 Best Universities for BA in Anthropology

Here are some esteemed colleges offering a BA in Anthropology:

1. University of Delhi

Establishment/About : Delhi University, often known as the University of Delhi, is a public central university in Delhi, India. Delhi University, which was founded in 1922, has been accredited by the NAAC with a "A+" grade and designated by the UGC as a "Institute of Excellence."

Rankings: National and international groups have ranked DU in a number of categories. In terms of global rankings, DU is ranked between 521 and 530 in the 'University' category by QS Global Rankings 2023-2024; meanwhile, DU's overall ranking by NIRF is 23 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022, while it was 19 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. The Week's overall ranking for DU in India is 3 out of 81 colleges in 2022, compared to 3 out of 79 in 2021.

Application Start Date: Admission to DU's UG programmes for the class of 2023 will soon begin using the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). All UG programmes at Delhi University are accepting applications based on CUET results. The CUET UG 2023 exam will be conducted in a few cities on June 1, 2, 5, and 6 and from May 21 to May 31.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 4,890/- per Sem.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: The primary requirement for admission to UG programmes is completion of 10+2 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 45%. Admission to all UG programmes at DU will take place in 2023 via the NTA-conducted Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG), followed by e-counselling.

Official Website: www.du.ac.in

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

Establishment/About : Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was established on September 22, 1969. It is a public central university located in New Delhi, India. The university was named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had a vision of establishing a world-class institution for higher education and research.

Rankings: JNU Overall ranking by NIRF is 10 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 9 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. JNU Overall ranking by The Week is 1 out of 81 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 1 out of 79 colleges in India in 2021. JNU Overall ranking by QS World University is 601 out of 1400 colleges in International in 2023 and it was 1001 out of 5500 colleges in International in 2021. JNU Overall ranking by Times Higher Education is 601 out of 1799 colleges in International in 2023 and it was 601 out of 1201 colleges in India in 2022. JNU Arts ranking by Times Higher Education is 301 out of 400 colleges in International in 2020.

Application Start Date: JNU admission 2023 is open for all UG programs through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). CUET UG exam 2023 exam will be conducted from May 21 to June 06, 2023.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 648.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Candidates appearing for the CUET will also have to apply separately on the official website of JNU after the CUET result declaration.

Official Website: jnu.ac.in

3. University of Hyderabad

Establishment/About : The University of Hyderabad, often known as Hyderabad University, is a central university founded in 1974. The university has received "A" grade accreditation from NAAC and UGC approval.

Rankings: It has been ranked at 10th position under the University category and ranked at 20th position under the overall category by NIRF 2023 Ranking framework. Ranked at 204 in Asia and 751-800 in the world by QS Ranking 2023.

Application Start Date: University of Hyderabad admission 2023 will be conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for UG programs. CUET UG exam 2023 exam will be conducted from May 21 to June 06, 2023.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 8720 for three years.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Admissions to the programs are based on CUET UG scores. Candidates further need to undergo the Counselling process for admission.

Official Website: uohyd.ac.in

4. St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

Establishment/About : St. Xavier's College, which was founded in 1869, has a long tradition of offering its students a top-notch education. The college is associated with the University of Mumbai and is noted for its challenging curriculum, experienced teachers, and cutting-edge facilities. A wide variety of courses, including those in the arts, sciences, business, management, and mass communication, are available at St. Xavier's College. The college's prestigious Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme draws applicants from around the nation.

Rankings: St. Xavier's College Mumbai Overall ranking by NIRF is 87 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 101 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. St. Xavier's College Mumbai Arts ranking by The Week is 8 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020 and it was 6 out of 50 colleges in India in 2019. St. Xavier's College Mumbai Arts ranking by India Today is 19 out of 171 colleges in India in 2022.

Application Start Date: The XET 2023 is going to be held on June 7, 8, and 9 for the centre in Mumbai and on June 10 and 11 for centres outside Mumbai. The Last Date to Apply for BA programs is June 2. Interested candidates may visit the official website.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 5537 annually

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: St. Xavier's College Mumbai Admission 2023 is open for BA programs. Selection for admission to these programs will be based on Xavier's Entrance Test (XET) scores.

Official Website: xaviers.ac

5. Miranda House College, Delhi

Establishment/About : Miranda House, which was founded in 1948 in New Delhi, is well-known for supporting superior education for women. The institution, which is associated with DU, provides a wide range of courses in the arts and sciences. Over the past few years, Miranda House has continuously attained outstanding rankings.

Rankings: Miranda House, New Delhi Overall ranking by NIRF is 1 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 1 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. Miranda House, New Delhi Arts ranking by Outlook is 2 out of 115 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 2 out of 120 colleges in India in 2021. Miranda House, New Delhi Arts ranking by The Week is 5 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020 and it was 7 out of 50 colleges in India in 2019. Miranda House, New Delhi Arts ranking by India Today is 3 out of 171 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 3 out of 162 colleges in India in 2021.

Application Start Date: The Common Seat Allocation Portal (CSAS) of Delhi University will soon begin accepting applications for Miranda House admissions for all UG programmes in 2023. CUET scores will be used to determine admission to all UG programmes. From May 21 to May 31, 2023, the CUET UG examination will be conducted. However, due to the high volume of applications, the CUET UG 2023 exam dates have been moved to June 1, 2, and 5 in several cities.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 14160 per annum.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Candidates who meet the requirements for all UG programmes must register on Delhi University's Admission Portal, after the CUET results are released. They must also fill out information about their selected college and programme. Qualifying applicants from the CUET UG exam must register on the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), and seats will be assigned using the CSAS portal, in order to be considered for undergraduate admissions.

Official Website: www.mirandahouse.ac.in

Note: Please note that the specific application dates, fee structures, and admission requirements may vary each year. It is recommended to visit the official websites of these universities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process and admission requirements.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Communications is a degree program that focuses on the study of various forms of media, communication theories, and the role of media in society. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the dynamic field of media and pursue a wide range of career paths. In this article, we will explore the scope of a BA in Media Communications, highlight some of the best colleges offering the program, and provide admission details for prospective students.

What's the course BA in Media Communications all about?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Communications is an undergraduate degree program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic field of media and its role in modern society. The program explores various aspects of media, including mass media, digital media, journalism, advertising, public relations, and new media technologies. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students gain insights into the processes, effects, and cultural implications of media communication.

They study media theories, audience analysis, media ethics, media research methods, and media law to develop a critical understanding of how media shapes our perceptions, influences public opinion, and facilitates social and cultural interactions. The curriculum covers a wide range of media platforms, including print, broadcast, digital, and social media. Students learn about media production, writing for different media formats, digital storytelling, media design, and multimedia content creation. They acquire practical skills in media planning, media management, media campaigns, and media analysis.

Career Scope after pursuing BA in Media Communications

After completing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Communications, graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of media. Here are some potential career scopes for BA in Media Communications graduates:

Journalism: Graduates can pursue careers in journalism, working as reporters, news anchors, or editors in print, broadcast, or digital media outlets. They can cover news stories, conduct interviews, and write engaging articles or produce multimedia content.

Digital Media Production: With a strong understanding of digital media platforms, graduates can work in digital media production, creating content for websites, social media platforms, online publications, or video streaming services. They can produce videos, podcasts, articles, and interactive multimedia content.

Public Relations: Graduates can pursue careers in public relations, working with organisations to manage their public image, develop communication strategies, and maintain positive relationships with the media and the public. They can work for corporations, non-profit organisations, or PR agencies.

Advertising and Marketing: Graduates can work in advertising and marketing, developing creative campaigns, crafting compelling messages, and managing brand communication across various media channels. They can work for advertising agencies, marketing departments, or digital marketing firms.

Social Media Management: Graduates can specialise in social media management, helping organisations build and maintain their online presence, engage with audiences, and create impactful social media campaigns. They can work as social media managers or digital content strategists.

Media Research and Analysis: Graduates can work in media research, analysing audience behaviour, media consumption patterns, and market trends. They can contribute to media planning, audience measurement, and media impact assessment for media organisations or market research firms.

Content Writing and Editing: Graduates can pursue careers as content writers or editors, creating engaging written content for various media platforms such as websites, blogs, magazines, or online publications. They can also work as copywriters or scriptwriters for advertising agencies or media production companies.

Media Consulting: Graduates can work as media consultants, providing expertise and strategic guidance to organisations on media-related matters, including media planning, communication strategies, and digital transformation.

Media Education and Training: Graduates can pursue careers in media education, working as instructors or trainers in educational institutions, media organisations, or professional development programs. They can teach media production, journalism, communication theory, or media studies.

Freelance and Entrepreneurship: Graduates can choose to work as freelancers, offering their services in areas such as content creation, digital marketing, social media management, or video production. They can also start their own media-related ventures, such as media production companies, digital marketing agencies, or content creation platforms.

List of Top 5 Best Universities for BA in Media Communications

Here are some esteemed colleges offering a BA in Media Communications:

1. Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), Delhi

Establishment/About : Lady Shri Ram College is a public women's college. It was started in 1956 and was founded by Lala Shri Ram. It provides professional programmes such as a bachelor's degree in mass communication and English journalism. With the help of engaging and entertaining lecturers, students can discover the world of literature at this college.

Rankings: LSR Overall ranking by NIRF is 5 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 2 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. LSR Arts ranking by The Week is 2 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020 and it was 1 out of 50 colleges in India in 2019. LSR Arts ranking by India Today is 4 out of 171 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 4 out of 162 colleges in India in 2021.

Application Start Date: All UG programme admission to Lady Shri Ram College for the class of 2023 will shortly begin via the Common Seat Allocation Portal (CSAS) of Delhi University. CUET scores will be used to determine admission to all UG programmes. Exam CUET UG 2023 will be conducted between May 21 and May 31, 2023. However, due to the high volume of applications, the CUET UG 2023 exam dates have been moved to June 1, 2, and 5 in several cities.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 21290.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: The basic eligibility criteria for admission to these programs is 10+2 with at least 45% marks in aggregate. Admission will be based on the CUET marks followed by e-counselling.

Official Website: lsr.edu.in

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

Establishment/About : Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was established on September 22, 1969. It is a public central university located in New Delhi, India. The university was named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had a vision of establishing a world-class institution for higher education and research.

Rankings: JNU Overall ranking by NIRF is 10 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 9 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. JNU Overall ranking by The Week is 1 out of 81 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 1 out of 79 colleges in India in 2021. JNU Overall ranking by QS World University is 601 out of 1400 colleges in International in 2023 and it was 1001 out of 5500 colleges in International in 2021. JNU Overall ranking by Times Higher Education is 601 out of 1799 colleges in International in 2023 and it was 601 out of 1201 colleges in India in 2022. JNU Arts ranking by Times Higher Education is 301 out of 400 colleges in International in 2020.

Application Start Date: JNU admission 2023 is open for all UG programs through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). CUET UG exam 2023 exam will be conducted from May 21 to June 06, 2023.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 648.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Candidates appearing for the CUET will also have to apply separately on the official website of JNU after the CUET result declaration.

Official Website: jnu.ac.in

3. The Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University

Establishment/About : The Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University, which is situated in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, was founded in 1990. Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi, a legendary editor, poet, literary critic, and independence fighter in his time, was honoured with the university's name. It is also known as Makhanlal University and is a public educational institute that promotes media education among youth and pushes them to take journalism and mass communication to new heights.

Rankings: MCRPSV Overall ranking by The Week is 80 out of 81 colleges in India in 2022. MCRPSV Mass Communications ranking by The Week is 8 out of 27 colleges in India in 2022. MCRPSV Arts ranking by India Today is 126 out of 171 colleges in India in 2022.

Application Start Date: Online application started on 26 Apr 2023 and last date to fill is 15 June 2023

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 89,270 for three years.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Applications are released online through the official university website following an official notification from the university. A pass in any stream at the 10+2 level from a recognized board in the country, i.e. CBSE / ISC / State Board or the equivalent.

Official Website: www.mcu.ac.in

4. University of Delhi

Establishment/About : Delhi University, often known as the University of Delhi, is a public central university in Delhi, India. Delhi University, which was founded in 1922, has been accredited by the NAAC with a "A+" grade and designated by the UGC as a "Institute of Excellence."

Rankings: National and international groups have ranked DU in a number of categories. In terms of global rankings, DU is ranked between 521 and 530 in the 'University' category by QS Global Rankings 2023-2024; meanwhile, DU's overall ranking by NIRF is 23 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022, while it was 19 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. The Week's overall ranking for DU in India is 3 out of 81 colleges in 2022, compared to 3 out of 79 in 2021.

Application Start Date: Admission to DU's UG programmes for the class of 2023 will soon begin using the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). All UG programmes at Delhi University are accepting applications based on CUET results. The CUET UG 2023 exam will be conducted in a few cities on June 1, 2, 5, and 6 and from May 21 to May 31.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 4,890/- per Sem.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: The primary requirement for admission to UG programmes is completion of 10+2 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 45%. Admission to all UG programmes at DU will take place in 2023 via the NTA-conducted Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG), followed by e-counselling.

Official Website: www.du.ac.in

5. Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune

Establishment/About : Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce is located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. SCAC was founded in 1983 and is a private institution. The NAAC has accredited the college. The Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce offers a wide range of courses in different fields.

Rankings: The College has consistently placed in the top ten colleges in India and as the best in Pune City over the past ten years, according to a poll by India Today, Neilson-Org Marg.

Application Start Date: The Pre-Merit application form has started from 18th May,2023 at 3.00 p.m. and will continue to 4th June,2023 11.59 p.m.

Fee Structure: Rupees 28200- 35300 per Sem.

Admission Requirements: Prospective students may need to appear for an entrance exam conducted by the university. Counselling or interviews might also be part of the admission process. 12 standards passed with 50% marks are required.

Official Website: symbiosiscollege.edu.in

Note: Please note that the specific application dates, fee structures, and admission requirements may vary each year. It is recommended to visit the official websites of these universities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process and admission requirements.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Administration is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of government institutions, policies, and public management. It equips students with the knowledge and skills required to understand and analyse public administration processes, public policy formulation, and implementation. In this article, we will explore the scope of a BA in Public Administration, highlight some of the best colleges offering the program, and provide admission details for prospective students.

What's the course BA in Public Administration all about?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Administration is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of government institutions, public policies, and the management of public resources. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the administrative processes involved in governing and delivering public services.

The BA in Public Administration program covers a wide range of topics, including public policy analysis, organisational behaviour, public finance, ethics in public administration, public personnel management, and strategic planning. Students learn about the structure and functions of government agencies, the decision-making processes, and the implementation of public policies. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical exercises, students develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, policy analysis, and effective communication. They learn how to navigate the complex landscape of public administration, including budgeting, program evaluation, public leadership, and intergovernmental relations.

The curriculum often includes case studies, simulations, and internships to provide students with real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities. Students also gain an understanding of the legal and ethical dimensions of public administration and the importance of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Career Scope after pursuing BA in Public Administration

After pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Administration, graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Here are some potential career scopes for BA in Public Administration graduates:

Government Agencies: Graduates can work in various government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. They can pursue careers in public administration, policy analysis, program management, budgeting, human resources, or public relations. They may work in departments such as health, education, transportation, finance, or social services, contributing to policy formulation, implementation, and public service delivery.

Nonprofit Organisations: Graduates can work in nonprofit organisations that serve public interests. They can contribute to program development, fundraising, project management, or advocacy efforts. Nonprofit sectors such as healthcare, education, environmental conservation, social services, and community development offer opportunities for graduates to make a positive impact on society.

International Organisations: Graduates can work in international organisations, such as the United Nations, World Bank, or international development agencies. They can contribute to projects focused on global development, policy analysis, humanitarian aid, or sustainable development goals. These organisations offer opportunities to work on a global scale and address complex societal issues.

Consulting Firms: Graduates with a strong understanding of public administration principles and practices can work in consulting firms that provide services to government agencies or nonprofit organisations. They can assist in areas such as organisational development, policy evaluation, strategic planning, or performance management.

Research and Policy Analysis: Graduates can pursue careers in research institutions, think tanks, or policy research organisations. They can conduct research, analyse data, and provide insights into public policy issues. Their expertise in public administration can inform evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the development of effective policies and programs. Public Relations and Communications: Graduates can work in public relations or communications departments of government agencies, nonprofit organisations, or consulting firms. They can engage in public outreach, media relations, strategic communications, or public affairs, ensuring effective communication between organisations and the public.

Local Governance and Community Development: Graduates can work in local government offices, community development agencies, or civic organisations. They can contribute to initiatives focused on community empowerment, urban planning, sustainable development, or citizen engagement. They may work closely with local communities to address their needs and enhance the quality of public services.

Academic and Research Institutions: Graduates can pursue further studies at the postgraduate level and pursue academic or research careers in public administration, public policy, or related disciplines. They can contribute to knowledge generation, teach aspiring public administrators, and engage in advanced research on public governance and policy issues.

List of Top 5 Best Universities for BA in Public Administration

Here are some esteemed colleges offering a BA in Public Administration:

1. St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

Establishment/About : St. Xavier's College, which was founded in 1869, has a long tradition of offering its students a top-notch education. The college is associated with the University of Mumbai and is noted for its challenging curriculum, experienced teachers, and cutting-edge facilities. A wide variety of courses, including those in the arts, sciences, business, management, and mass communication, are available at St. Xavier's College. The college's prestigious Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme draws applicants from around the nation.

Rankings: St. Xavier's College Mumbai Overall ranking by NIRF is 87 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 101 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. St. Xavier's College Mumbai Arts ranking by The Week is 8 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020 and it was 6 out of 50 colleges in India in 2019. St. Xavier's College Mumbai Arts ranking by India Today is 19 out of 171 colleges in India in 2022.

Application Start Date: The XET 2023 is going to be held on June 7, 8, and 9 for the centre in Mumbai and on June 10 and 11 for centres outside Mumbai. The Last Date to Apply for BA programs is June 2. Interested candidates may visit the official website.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 5537 annually

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: St. Xavier's College Mumbai Admission 2023 is open for BA programs. Selection for admission to these programs will be based on Xavier's Entrance Test (XET) scores.

Official Website: xaviers.ac

2. Banasthali Vidyapith

Establishment/About : Banasthali Vidyapith is a university in the Tonk district of Rajasthan, India. It is a considered institution of higher learning that offers courses leading to secondary, senior secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees.

Rankings: Banasthali Vidyapith Overall ranking by NIRF is 58 out of 201 colleges in India in 2023 and it was 87 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022. Banasthali Vidyapith B.Tech ranking by NIRF is 68 out of 201 colleges in India in 2023 and it was 59 out of 300 colleges in India in 2022. Banasthali Vidyapith Overall ranking by The Week is 13 out of 81 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 2 out of 44 colleges in India in 2021. Banasthali Vidyapith Overall ranking by India Today is 11 out of 146 colleges in India in 2021. Banasthali Vidyapith Commerce ranking by India Today is 88 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021.Banasthali Vidyapith Overall ranking by Outlook is 93 out of 100 colleges in India in 2019. Banasthali Vidyapith Law ranking by Outlook is 15 out of 30 colleges in India in 2022.

Application Start Date: Application process is ongoing.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 48000 Annually.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: For admission to BA, the candidate must be an intermediate graduate with Arts/ Science/ Home Science. Admission to the same is done based on merit scored in qualifying examination, however, for some courses, an aptitude test is also conducted at the university level.

Official Website: www.banasthali.org

3. Jyoti Nivas College

Establishment/About : Jyoti Nivas College is a women's autonomous college in Koramangala, Bangalore, India. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes founded it, and it was formed in 1966. It is affiliated with Bengaluru City University.

Rankings: Jyoti Nivas College Arts ranking by The Week is 44 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020 and it was 42 out of 50 colleges in India in 2019.

Application Start Date: Applications are now Available.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 20492 annually.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Jyoti Nivas College offers undergraduate admission based on performance in the prerequisite exam. A recognised board's 10+2 exam or its equivalent must have been passed by candidates. Both online and offline methods are used for the application procedure. Candidates have the option of purchasing or downloading the application form from the college office.

Official Website: www.jyotinivas.org

4. Christ (deemed-to-be-university), Bangalore

Establishment/About : Christ University is a deemed-to-be-university in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Christ College, which was founded in 1969 as Christ College, was granted autonomy by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India in 2004. approximately 20,000 students attend the university, and there are approximately 800 academic members. Around 700 international students from 58 different countries attend this university. The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and research programmes that are accredited both domestically and abroad.

Rankings: Christ is ranked 20-25 in the QS India rankings for the year 2020. Christ was ranked 19 in 2019. Its position among Asian institutions is 501-550. Christ University is ranked second in the general (private) university category in India Today's Best Universities Survey 2022. According to India Today MDRA Survey of Excellence National Rankings, Christ University is ranked first for BCA Programme, fourth for BBA, seventh for Commerce, seventh for Media and Social Work, and ninth for Arts.

Application Start Date: Open From : 28-May-2023, Open Until : 11-June-2023, Applicants may apply online for the programme from January 2023 on the University website till the date of applications officially closing.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 75,000 INR P/A for Karnataka domicile students and 95,000 INR for students from other states students. The university provides comprehensive information on the course fees through their official website.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Minimum Eligibility will be PUC/10 +2 from across Boards ((Karnataka PUC, ISCE, CBSE, NIOS, other State Boards), and recognized bodies in India.). Candidates writing the +2 examinations in March-May 2023 may apply with their class X and XI marks. The selection process will include auditions, skill assessments, personal interview and reviewing of previous academic performance.

Official Website: christuniversity.in

5. Loyola College, Chennai

Establishment/About : Loyola College is a private institution located in Chennai, India. It was founded in 1952. Loyola College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras, is ranked among the top five institutions in India for degree programmes in business, arts, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Rankings: Loyola College ranking has been released by national agencies such as NIRF, Outlook ICare, The Week and many more. As per latest NIRF 2022 rankings, Loyola College Chennai has been ranked 4th in College Category while in 2021, the institute was ranked 3rd under College Category. Also The Week ranked Arts stream of Loyola College at 6th while science stream was ranked 4th and Commerce was ranked 5th. Loyola College Chennai has been ranked 3rd by India Today Ranking 2022 for BBA course under India's Best BBA Colleges 2022, also the institute is ranked 7th for Arts stream and 6th for Science stream. Also it is ranked 4th under India's Best BCA Colleges 2022.

Application Start Date: Applications for admission are now open.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 11900 annually.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Candidates are shortlisted to the UG program on the basis of merit as well as interviews conducted by the Loyola College. Minimum eligibility for UG courses is to pass in HSC or Plus two examinations in any relevant stream from a recognized board. Selection to UG courses is done on the basis of merit in the qualifying examination followed by interview.

Official Website: www.loyolacollege.edu

Note: Please note that the specific application dates, fee structures, and admission requirements may vary each year. It is recommended to visit the official websites of these universities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process and admission requirements.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Rural Studies is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of rural communities, their development, and the various aspects related to rural life. It equips students with knowledge and skills in areas such as rural development, agriculture, rural economics, rural sociology, and rural policy-making. In this article, we will explore the scope of a BA in Rural Studies, highlight some of the best colleges offering the program, and provide admission details for prospective students.

What's the course BA in Rural Studies all about?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Rural Studies is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of rural communities, their development, and the various aspects related to rural life. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of sociology, economics, geography, agriculture, environmental studies, and community development.

The BA in Rural Studies program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in rural areas. Students explore topics such as rural economies, agricultural practices, land use, rural policy, community development, sustainable practices, and rural-urban dynamics.

Through a combination of theoretical coursework, fieldwork, and practical experiences, students gain insights into the social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors that shape rural communities. They learn about the diverse needs and characteristics of rural populations, as well as the strategies and policies required for their well-being and sustainable development.

The curriculum often includes courses on rural sociology, rural economics, rural development, community engagement, agricultural practices, environmental sustainability, and rural policy analysis. Students may also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through internships, field studies, or research projects, where they can apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world rural issues.

Career Scope after pursuing BA in Rural Studies

After pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Rural Studies, graduates have various career opportunities that allow them to work in rural development, community engagement, and sustainable practices. Here are some potential career scopes for BA in Rural Studies graduates:

Rural Development Officer: Graduates can work as rural development officers in government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or community development organisations. They can contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development projects focused on improving the quality of life in rural communities. This may include initiatives related to infrastructure development, healthcare access, education, agriculture, and livelihood enhancement.

: Graduates can work as community outreach coordinators in Community Outreach CoordinatorNGOs or nonprofit organisations. They can engage with rural communities, assess their needs, and develop programs that address social, economic, and environmental issues. They may work on initiatives related to community health, women's empowerment, environmental conservation, or sustainable agriculture.

Rural Entrepreneurship: Graduates can explore opportunities for rural entrepreneurship and start their own ventures aimed at supporting rural communities. This can include initiatives such as agribusiness, eco-tourism, artisanal products, or rural-based services. They can contribute to local economic development, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable practices.

Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts in research institutions, government agencies, or think tanks. They can analyse policies related to rural development, agriculture, or rural sustainability, and provide insights to inform decision-making processes. They may assess the impact of policies on rural communities and suggest improvements or alternatives.

Land and Resource Management: Graduates can work in land and resource management roles, focusing on sustainable practices and environmental conservation in rural areas. They may work in government agencies or environmental organisations, ensuring responsible land use, conservation of natural resources, and promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices.

Rural Health Worker: Graduates can work in healthcare organisations or community health projects, focusing on rural health issues. They may provide health education, coordinate healthcare services, and promote preventive healthcare practices in rural communities. This can involve working in collaboration with local healthcare providers and organisations to improve access to healthcare in remote areas.

Education and Extension Services: Graduates can work as educators or extension officers, providing educational programs and support services to rural communities. They may work in schools, colleges, or extension agencies, promoting agricultural techniques, sustainable farming practices, rural entrepreneurship, or other skills necessary for rural development.

Research and Academia: Graduates can pursue further studies at the postgraduate level and engage in research or academic careers. They can contribute to research institutions, universities, or think tanks, conducting studies on rural issues, community development, or sustainable practices. They may also teach rural studies or related subjects, inspiring future generations of rural development professionals.

List of Top 5 Best Universities for BA in Rural Studies

Here are some esteemed colleges offering a BA in Rural Studies :

1. Hindu College, New Delhi

Establishment/About : Hindu College, located in New Delhi, India, is a constituent college of the University of Delhi. It is one of the oldest and most well-known colleges in the nation and was established in 1899.

Rankings: Hindu College, New Delhi Overall ranking by NIRF is 2 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 9 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. Hindu College, New Delhi Arts ranking by The Week is 3 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020 and it was 3 out of 50 colleges in India in 2019.Hindu College, New Delhi Arts ranking by India Today is 1 out of 171 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 1 out of 162 colleges in India in 2021.Hindu College, New Delhi Arts ranking by Outlook is 3 out of 115 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 3 out of 120 colleges in India in 2021.

Application Start Date: Hindu College admission 2023 for all UG programs will start soon through Delhi University's Common Seat Allocation Portal (CSAS). Admissions to all UG PG programs will be based on CUET scores. CUET UG 2023 exam will be conducted from May 21 to May 31, 2023. However, CUET UG 2023 exam dates have been extended to June 1, 2, 5, and 6 in selected cities, due to the large number of applicants.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 17560 Annually.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Once the CUET result is out, registration process for all UG and PG programs will start on Delhi University's admission portal. Candidates will then be required to fill program and college choices for seat allocation. Seat allocation for UG courses will be done through the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) portal.

Official Website: hinducollege.ac.in

2. Sabar Gramme Seva Mahavidyalaya

Establishment/About : Sabar Gramme Seva Mahavidyalaya is a prestigious institute founded in 1987. It is situated in Gujarat. Students may enrol in the Institute's reputable UG Humanities & Social Sciences degree programme.

Application Start Date: Applications are now open.

Fee Structure: Visit the official Website to know more about fees.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility:

Official Website: sabargram.org

3. Presidency University, Kolkata

Establishment/About : The UGC has designated Presidency University Kolkata, founded in 1817, as an Institution of National Eminence. In July 2010, the institution became a university after serving for more than a century as a prominent constituent college under Calcutta University. It is accredited by NAAC with a "A" Grade and is recognised by the UGC. The university contains 17 departments that offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes with a focus on the arts and sciences.

Rankings: Presidency University Kolkata Overall ranking by NIRF is 151 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 151 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. Presidency University Kolkata MBA ranking by The Week is 135 out of 179 colleges in India in 2022. Presidency University Kolkata Overall ranking by Outlook is 17 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020.

Application Start Date: Application process ended during feb and Exam Date is 3rd & 4th May 2023

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 2000 per annually.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: The minimum eligibility criteria for admission is 10+2 in the relevant subject group from a recognized university. 5% relaxation will be offered to the candidates belonging to reserved categories. Admission is offered on the basis of candidates' scores in PUBDET organised by WBJEEB. WBJEEB finalises the admission after conducting counselling rounds for the selected candidates as per the PUBDET merit list.

Official Website: www.presiuniv.ac.in

4. Fergusson College, Pune

Establishment/About : The Deccan Education Society founded Fergusson College in Pune in 1885. The college was granted Special Heritage Status by UGC in 2014 and College of Excellence status by UGC in 2017. It is affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).

Rankings: Fergusson College, Pune Overall ranking by NIRF is 57 out of 200 colleges in India in 2022 and it was 96 out of 200 colleges in India in 2021. Fergusson College, Pune Arts ranking by The Week is 11 out of 50 colleges in India in 2020 and it was 10 out of 50 colleges in India in 2019.

Application Start Date/ Important dates: Availability of Application forms online from 27/05/2023 11.00 AM Up to 10/06/2023 23.55 PM. Display of General list of applicants as per the subject choice (provisional) 14/06/2023 4.00 PM. Display of Merit List and Schedule for Admission 20/06/2023

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 9355 annually.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Online submissions are required for Fergusson College admissions applications. Applicants who have taken Higher Secondary Examinations in Science, Arts, or Commerce are eligible for admission to several undergraduate courses. According to university policies, admission to all UG degrees shall be based on merit.

Official Website: www.fergusson.edu

5. Loyola College, Chennai

Establishment/About : Loyola College is a private institution located in Chennai, India. It was founded in 1952. Loyola College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras, is ranked among the top five institutions in India for degree programmes in business, arts, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Rankings: Loyola College ranking has been released by national agencies such as NIRF, Outlook ICare, The Week and many more. As per latest NIRF 2022 rankings, Loyola College Chennai has been ranked 4th in College Category while in 2021, the institute was ranked 3rd under College Category. Also The Week ranked Arts stream of Loyola College at 6th while science stream was ranked 4th and Commerce was ranked 5th. Loyola College Chennai has been ranked 3rd by India Today Ranking 2022 for BBA course under India's Best BBA Colleges 2022, also the institute is ranked 7th for Arts stream and 6th for Science stream. Also it is ranked 4th under India's Best BCA Colleges 2022.

Application Start Date: Applications for admission are now open.

Fee Structure: Fee for UG Course BA is INR 11900 annually.

Admission Requirements/Eligibility: Candidates are shortlisted to the UG program on the basis of merit as well as interviews conducted by the Loyola College. Minimum eligibility for UG courses is to pass in HSC or Plus two examinations in any relevant stream from a recognized board. Selection to UG courses is done on the basis of merit in the qualifying examination followed by interview.

Official Website: www.loyolacollege.edu

Note: Please note that the specific application dates, fee structures, and admission requirements may vary each year. It is recommended to visit the official websites of these universities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process and admission requirements.
Remember the Mitsubishi Colt? Well, this is how it looks like right now thanks to an OE partnership with alliance member, Renault. The seven...
Moroccos cement deliveries up 26% in May

ICR Newsroom By 08 June 2023

Cement deliveries in Morocco saw a 25.7 per cent advance to 1,189,110t in May 2023 from 945,706t in May 2022, reported the countrys Ministry of National Territory Planning, Land Planing, Housing and City Policy, based on APC data.



In terms of market segments, the key retail sales were up 18.5 per cent YoY to 740,303t, followed by the ready-mix concrete sector received 221,378t, up 48.3 per cent YoY. Deliveries to the prefabrication segment were up 34.2 per cent You to 113,938t while dispatches to the infrastructure market saw a 36.6 per cent YoY to 66,363t. The off-take of the building segment increased by 23.2 per cent You to 47,128t.

January-May 2023

In the first five months of 2023 cement deliveries in Morocco slipped 2.3 per cent YoY to 5.153Mt from 5.276Mt.



Deliveries to the infrastructure sector were up 10.2 per cent YoY to 261,857t, but all other market segments reported decreases in off-take.



Deliveries to the largest market, retail, fell by 2.5 per cent YoY to 3.156Mt, while supply to the ready-mix concrete sector declined by 2.6 per cent YoY to 1.03Mt. The prefab segment saw its supply reduced by 1.4 per cent YoY to 496,882t while the countrys smallest market, building, reported a 13.3 per cent drop in deliveries from cement producers.





Published under
Although requested by several aggrieved anonymous residents in the now Speed Hump Heaven, it was not until two tragic incidents occurred on the northern and southern ends of the area named Braggs Folly that the disturbing crime tragedies were revealed.

In the Rant and Community section of the May 7, 2023 edition of the Scenic Citys surviving forerunner of the conservative New York Times newspaper it was reported that a neighbor was walking her beloved canine companion on the narrow sidewalks when a landscaping truck drove up onto the sidewalk, killing her 11-year old cattle dog right in front of her on the South end of the historical district. This crime should be a priority of our fearless law and order prosecution team, but as of now the crime has not been solved and evidently is a low priority matter.

Another serious criminal act has taken place on the North end of the district.

The most recent big storm took down several 150-160-year-old trees and one creative home owner - not satisfied with their view from their ranch style casa overlooking the beautiful Tennessee River - killed the 4-5 survivors of the November 1863 War to Suppress the Rebellion and hired local Paul Bunyan woodcutters to create a panoramic window.

Although naysayers may protest, 1) it was just a dog, and 2) they were just trees, other more sensitive citizens may differ in their outlooks on the tragedies.

(501(c)3 non-profit grants are being sought under the charitable umbrellas of the Ridgeside chapter of ASPCA and the Eastlake chapter of Woodsmen of the World - Stay tuned!)

* * *

You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com
State Representative Mike Cameron (R-Rossville) commended the state for awarding the Walker County Sheriffs Office with $558,697 in grant funding. With this grant funding, the sheriffs department will be able to purchase some of the latest law enforcement technology to help keep citizens safe and investigate crimes.

I would like to thank Governor Kemp and his staff for their assistance in the awarding of this grant, said Rep. Cameron. Sheriff Wilson and the WCSD officers make our county incredibly proud, and they are deserving of this grant award. The addition of the technology purchased through this grant will greatly enhance the departments ability to keep the citizens of Walker County safe.

This grant funding will go toward purchasing several FLOCK Cameras, which will be located strategically throughout the county in the highest 911 call areas. The project will also provide funds for a body and thermal scanner system and a multi-unit portable two-way radio system. The award also includes funds for modernizing the in-house digital intelligence system using a Cellebrite software system and universal forensics extraction device.

The Walker County Sheriff's Office patrols 465 square miles of urban, rural and mountainous areas along the Georgia-Tennessee border.
Pat Robertson, longtime TV host, religious broadcaster, educator, humanitarian and one-time presidential candidate died at his home in Virginia Beach early Thursday morning. Mr. Roberson graduated with honors from the McCallie School in Chattanooga in 1946. No cause of death was given. Mr. Roberson was 93.Perhaps best known for offering prayer and political commentary at the helm of The 700 Club, the flagship program of his media ministry, Mr. Robertsons rise to prominence is rooted in what he called a vision from God to create The Christian Broadcasting Network, which he founded in 1960.A prolific innovator, he also started a Christian university, a legal advocacy group and an international NGO specializing in disaster relief.Even while promoting a worldview that believes in the inerrancy of the Bible, both his approach to business and his on-air persona were considered unorthodox by some  if not ahead of his time. Today, his influence and legacy crisscross interests and industries that have broken barriers for countless Christian leaders and laypeople.Born Marion Gordon Robertson in Lexington, Va. on March 22, 1930, the nickname "Pat" was given to him by his older brother. Sticking with that moniker rather than his birth name was just the first of many conventions he would defy during his lifetime.In 1960, after moving his wife and kids to Virginia, he created what would become The Christian Broadcasting Network with no more than $70 to his name and a company bank account with a meager $3 initial deposit.Those humble beginnings, predicated on vision and seeds of faith, eventually grew into a global media ministry that would reach hundreds of millions of people across six of the seven continents.In 1966, Mr. Robertson began hosting a daily talk show, The 700 Club. Still on the air today, it is one of the longest-running programs in television history.
At TU Wien (Vienna), scientists use microscopy techniques to observe chemical reactions on catalysts more precisely than before yielding a wealth of detail. This made clear why some effects cannot be predicted.

Catalysis under the microscope TU Wien Nine different catalyst setups were used to turn hydrogen and oxygen into water. TU Wien

Catalysts composed from tiny metal particles play an important role in many areas of technology  from fuel cells to production of synthetic fuels for energy storage. The exact behavior of catalysts depends, however, on many fine details and their interplay is often difficult to understand. Even when preparing exactly the same catalyst twice, it often occurs that these two will differ in minute aspects and therefore behave very different chemically.

At TU Wien, scientists try to identify reasons for such effects by imaging the catalytic reactions taking place on various locations on these catalysts, applying several different microscopy techniques. Such an approach yields a reliable, microscopically correct understanding of the catalytic processes.

In doing so, it appeared that even relatively simple catalytic systems were more complex than expected. For example, it is not only the size of the employed metal particles or the chemical nature of the support material that define the catalytic properties. Even within a single metal particle, different scenarios can prevail on the micrometer scale. In combination with numeric simulations, the behavior of different catalysts could then be explained and correctly predicted.

Not all particles are the same We investigate the combustion of the possible future energy carrier hydrogen with oxygen, forming pure water, by using rhodium particles as catalysts, explains Prof. Gunther Rupprechter from the Institute of Materials Chemistry at TU Wien. Various parameters play an important role in this process: How big are the individual rhodium particles? Which support material do they bind to? At which temperature and which reactant pressures does the reaction take place?

The catalyst is made from supported rhodium particles, but it does not behave like a uniform object which can be described by a few simple parameters, as often tried in the past, highlights Gunther Rupprechter. It soon became clear, that the catalytic behavior strongly varies at different catalyst locations. A given area on a given rhodium particle may be catalytically active, whereas another one, just micrometers away, maybe catalytically inactive. And a few minutes later, the situation may even have reversed.

Nine catalysts at one sweep For the experiments, the first author of the study, which was published in the journal ACS Catalysis, Dr. Philipp Winkler, prepared a stunning catalyst sample, comprising nine different catalysts with differently sized metal particles and varying support materials. In a dedicated apparatus, all catalysts could therefore be observed and compared simultaneously in a single experiment.

With our microscopes, we can determine if the catalyst is catalytically active, its chemical composition and electronic properties  and this for each and every individual spot on the sample, says Philipp Winkler. In contrast, traditional methods usually just measure an average value for the entire sample. However, as we have demonstrated, this is often by far not sufficient.

Even more complex than anticipated Chemical analysis on the microscopic scale has shown that the catalyst composition can vary locally even more than expected: Even within the individual metal particles strong differences were observed. Atoms of the support material can migrate onto or in the particles, or even form surface alloys, states Gunther Rupprechter. At some point, there is even no clear boundary anymore, but rather a continuous transition between catalyst particle and support material. It is crucial to consider this fact  because it also affects the chemical activity.
The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) has partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Native American Youth Influencers (NAYI) to encourage Native American youth to say yes to a better tomorrow by saying no to underage drinking and non-medical use of prescription drugs.
History was made in 2021 when we swore in the first female vice president of the United States. Although America has yet to elect a female president, several women have run presidential campaigns.

Do you know who the first woman to run for president was?

Her name was Victoria Woodhull, and she was also a leader in the womens suffrage movement and the first female stockbroker to work on Wall Street.

Victoria was born in Ohio in 1838. She was the seventh of ten children and grew up in a brutal household where her father was abusive. Though she only received three years of formal education, she was still a very bright girl. Her family left her hometown when her fathers mill burnt down.

When she was only 15 years old, Victoria married 28-year-old doctor Canning Woodhull. Not long after they married, Victoria learned her husband was an alcoholic and often had to pick up jobs to support her family, which included their two children.

Victoria eventually divorced Canning in 1865 and began to support the free love movement, which promoted women being able to get married, have children, and get divorced without any interference from the government.

It was the beginning of her long history of fighting for womens rights. She married her second husband, Colonel James Harvey Blood, in 1866.

Victoria began working with her sister, Tennessee Claflin, and started a brokerage with her in 1870 on Wall Street, making them the first women ever to do so.

This was a very busy year for Victoria, as it was the same year she and her sister used some of their brokerage funds to start their own newspaper called Woodhull and Claflins Weekly. The newspaper published pieces relating to womens suffrage, the free love movement, and political ideas.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
As a pastor, most of my emails deal with the usual ministry matters: schedules for Bible study, comments about worship services, or misplaced Tupperware at a recent potluck. But lately, Ive had several church leaders asking me questions about artificial intelligence (AI).

Some have requested resources on how to leverage its capabilities and avoid its dangers. Others have asked me for advice on how they can help their congregations avoid AI scams, like automated voice clones of their pastors calling to solicit money.

As an author of Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits, a PhD candidate in digital ecclesiology, and a pastor, I think often about emerging technologies and the church.

My Lutheran church tradition is not known for being particularly futuristic or technologicalwe once looked askance at lightning rods as an impediment to divine providence. But its not only Lutherans who are suddenly curious about AI. It seems like everyone is interested in AI today, including many who are worried about its dangers.

Geoffrey Hinton, known as the godfather of AI, recently quit his post at Google based on concerns about the lack of policy surrounding it. The Supreme Court recently weighed in on a case about internet regulations of computer algorithms. And hundreds of scientists, tech experts, and industry leaders recently posted a statement warning that AI poses a grave risk to humanity, comparable to pandemics and nuclear war.

Evangelical leaders have also produced statements, and AI experts have weighed in on how it may impact the future of theology and biblical interpretation. As pastors, we can help our congregations think through the potential impact of generative AI, for good and for evil.

For years, various forms of simple AI have been used in ministry: Church workers use it for voice dictation when composing sermons, Bible studies, or emails. Staff use it with remote check cashing for tithes and offerings. And pastors use it when utilizing search engines such as Google or Bing for doing sermon preparation or research.

Previous iterations of machine-learning AI applications could search and learn massive datasets. But behind many recent headlines is a relatively new form of technology known as generative AI, which uses the same mechanisms to create original contentincluding text, images, videos, or audio. Consumer apps such as ChatGPT, Dall-E, and Murf are all popular generative AI applications, in addition to Bard, Googles new AI integration.

Article continues below

It is not difficult to imagine how pastors and church leaders can use these tools for the work of daily ministry.

Google products like Docs and Gmail can now assist users with a variety of basic writing tasks. For instance, church staff can type in a few prompts about an open staff position, and the generative AI will create a job description that is nearly ready to post. And since many churches cannot afford to pay for custom graphic design work, image creation applications like Dall-E can help create a logo or supporting images for a sermon series.

The same goes for video. While it once took weeks and a substantial budget to create video content, generative AI platforms like Synthesia enable churches to create this content quickly and with minimal cost. For instance, staff can easily produce high-quality small group Bible study videos with voice-over audio and customized graphics.

Most of these programs help facilitate the ministry of the local church. But others can be more problematic.

Church staff can use AI chatbots to generate content for email correspondence with visitors or congregational newsletterslike a welcome note after someone attends a service and provides an email address. On the other hand, some congregants might be offended if a church leader uses generative AI to create personal messages, particularly if the messages are about sensitive matters.

Pastors or staff members can use ChatGPT to create sermon illustrations or entire sermons based on Bible verses that emphasize specific themes. But doing so can raise questions about plagiarism, authenticity, the creative process of sermon development, and even the nature of preaching itself. As Russell Moore said, A chatbot can research. A chatbot can write. Perhaps a chatbot can even orate. But a chatbot cant preach.

There are also several potential scams church leaders should be aware of and warn their congregations about.

For example, a scammer can access audio content from livestream worship services or sermons posted online and upload the sample audio into a generative AI application (such as Murf, Speechify, or Resemble AI), which learns the tone, cadence, and inflection of a pastors voice. This is known as voice cloning. The scammer can then create audio that sounds like the pastor or church leader asking for money and use it to make calls to unsuspecting parishioners.

Article continues below

Some deeper concerns about generative AI are that it will cause massive problems through deepfakes or fabricated images and videos of public figures. Scammers out to harm church leaders could make them appear to say or do morally compromising things. Or the opposite problem is also possiblechurch leaders could engage in morally compromising activities and claim that the evidence is a fabrication.

Fears about massive workforce shifts prompted by generative AI are also emerging. Generative AI poses an existential crisis for fields such as journalism, graphic design, and even lawsince AI apps can easily compose legal briefs and judicial rulings. Such occupations, which were once impervious to technology, could someday be replaced by AI. This may prompt anxiety among your parishioners about the future of their careers.

Thus, pastors and church leaders should avoid extremes when engaging with their communities on this topic. Publicly eschewing all forms of AI in the church is problematic, especially since many could already be using some form of this technology unwittingly.

Conversely, church leaders should avoid furtive uses of AI: If youre unwilling to tell your church that something was composed using ChatGPT, then dont use it. The best course of action is to foster a proactive and transparent conversation within your congregation about the ethical usage of generative AI.

Pastors can also offer their parishioners some historical context to address some of the contemporary concerns about this emerging technology.

New technology has always been a source of fear, and sometimes more so by Christians. In the 15th and 16th centuries, for example, the printing press was a culturally disruptive technology that many within the church initially feared and rejectedand yet it had an incredible impact on global Christianity. Some argue that Bible software apps of the digital age have had a similar influence on the way we read Scripture today.

Im of the mind that the short-term panic surrounding generative AI (although not all AI) is overblown. But there will be many ethical implications to address in the long term.

According to media theorist Marshall McLuhans four laws of media, a balanced approach to any new technological medium involves considering four key questions: What human function will be enhanced by this technology? What could be made obsolete? What may be retrieved from the past? And if pushed to its limits, how might this new technology reverse previous progress? These four lenses can be helpful when thinking through the potential impact of generative AI as it relates to the church.

Article continues below

On the positive side, content creation done in service of the gospelwhich Christians have been doing for generationsmight be broadly enhanced by generative AI. Similarly, the church has a long history of relying on subject-matter experts and polymaths. And in some sense, AI retrieves this historical pattern by functioning as a savant in service to the church.

But composition and design worksomething churches have also been doing for millenniacould be made obsolete by this new technology. And some fear that if pushed to its limits, AI has the potential to do all our thinking for us and thus reverse the progress of human knowledge, ultimately making the world and the church less human.

Either way, it wont be long before generative AI technology is woven into the background of our church liveswhich is why its important to learn how to engage with it wisely rather than try to avoid it altogether.

A. Trevor Sutton is a Lutheran pastor in Lansing, Michigan. His most recent books include Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits (coauthored with Dr. Brian Smith, MD, Concordia Publishing House, 2021).
In his first sermon since the death of his daughter and five others at The Covenant School in Nashville, Chad Scruggs, senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, referenced Isaiah 40 to describe how his family is coping: We arent yet soaring on wings like eagles. We arent yet running without being weary. Were simply trying to walk without fainting.

His denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), is also grieving. The PCA planned its upcoming general assembly (GA) as a celebration of its 50th anniversary, but leading up to the event, the countrys largest evangelical Presbyterian body has suffered a string of losses, including the Nashville shooting and the deaths of two prominent pastors.

At the end of March, the Covenant attack shook the denominationno other US Christian school had ever been targeted in such a deadly crime. In the wake of the horrid loss experienced by our friends at the Covenant School, it is right and good and even Christ-like for disorientation and grief to feel stronger and more formidable than feelings of hope, wrote PCA pastor and author Scott Sauls in the hours after the shooting.

Six weeks later, Sauls was placed on indefinite leave from his position as pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville after the Nashville Presbytery received complaints that Sauls had created an unhealthy work environment. Sauls admitted to the allegations and is undergoing a restoration process set out by the presbytery.

Last month, Presbyterians were shocked to lose two nationally known pastors in a span of 24 hours. On May 18, Harry Reeder, senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, was killed in a car accident. The following day, Tim Keller, of Redeemer Church in Manhattan, passed away after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Reeder and Keller were two of the most influential pastors in the denomination, having joined the PCA at its inception in 1973 and going on to lead two of its largest churches.

The loss of two pastoral giants, fathers in our denomination, who disagreed on a lot but charitably so, should be a wake-up call to walk into [the general assembly] with the gravity it deserves, said Brad Edwards, pastor of The Table Church in Lafayette, Colorado.

Though Keller and Reeder shared many theological convictions, they represented different camps within their denomination.

Reeder was a leader in the Gospel Reformation Network (GRN), a group of church leaders within the PCA concerned about theological drift for the denomination away from biblical faithfulness. The GRN questioned involvement in the Revoice conference on sexuality and engagement with critical race theory.

Keller tended to put cultural controversies in perspective by reminding everyone how conservative the PCAs distinctives are.

The thought of recent contentiousness continuing unabated feels vain and superfluous in light of what is arguably the end of an era for the PCA, Edwards said. I pray we don't squander the opportunity to appreciate their decades of denominational leadership, nor take the very real vacuum of their absence for granted.

Bryan Chapell, the stated clerk of the PCA, has also called for a spirit of unity in the wake of the recent losses.

The events of this spring should help us place our differences in proper perspective and proportion so that the priorities of the gospel temper our rhetoric, unite our church, and ignite our witness, he said.

Like many denominational gatherings, the PCA general assembly is a mix of denominational business, seminars, and worship. The denominations seminaries and ministries hold luncheons, pastors network and connect with friends, and everyone dons their exhibit hall swag. Chapell will address the PCAs grief in his report to the assembly, and the GRN luncheon is expected include a time to mourn Reeders passing, as he planned to attend prior to his sudden death.

In recent years the assembly has spent hours debating the denominations approach to pastors who are gay and celibate and whether to leave the National Association of Evangelicals. This years assembly will again debate overtures about what terms a pastor can use in describing same-sex attraction without disqualifying himself from ministry. The gathering will also consider clarifying its position on critical race theory and the roles of women in corporate worship.

Some pastors have expressed feeling overture fatigue, a weariness of endless legislation to amend the PCAs Book of Church Order.

The Nashville shooting is really the first event in recent months  that sets the tone for the atmosphere of GA this year, said Jason Cornwell, a PCA pastor planting North Augusta Fellowship in South Carolina. Couple this with the fact that I think we're dealing with some overture fatigue, and this likely wont be as heated of an assembly as recent ones.

A hymn sing planned as part of the 50th anniversary celebration will take on a more somber dimension given the tragedies of the spring. The event features alumni from Reformed University Fellowship, the PCAs college ministry, whose chapter at Belmont University in the early 2000s led to the formation of Indelible Grace and helped launch the careers of songwriters like Sandra McCracken.

It is sobering to have experienced the shooting, the deaths of Tim and Harry, said Kevin Twit, RUF campus minister at Belmont, who is coordinating the hymn sing. But actually the goal of Indelible Grace has always been to help us sing songs that are more honest about struggle and more explicit about the gospel.

He told CT he has always chosen hymns that allow Christians to bring their full range of emotions before God. After a spring of sorrow, that might be what the denomination needs, leaders sayan opportunity to remember Gods faithfulness and look to the hope of the gospel to heal broken hearts and revive spirits for the next 50 years of ministry.

Just as local congregations express their griefs and pain in worship, I envision the larger church doing the same, said Robert Browning, chairman of the general assembly host committee in Memphis. As Christians cry out to God in their prayers of lament and petition, we too will have similar times to express the same.
Former youth pastor Daniel Mayfield filmed girls as young as 14 in church bathroom: police

A former youth pastor at a South Carolina church has been arrested on charges of voyeurism for allegedly secretly recording girls in the bathroom.

Daniel Kellan Mayfield, 35, a married youth pastor at First Baptist Gowensville in Landrum, who was fired after he was charged with voyeurism for secretly recording a woman from outside her bathroom window, also filmed young teenaged girls in the bathroom of his former employer, authorities said.

During the course of the Greenville County Sheriffs Office investigation, investigators discovered Mayfield had unlawfully filmed multiple girls, as young as 14 years old, while in the bathroom of Gowensville Baptist Church located at 5650 SC-14 Landrum, SC, authorities wrote in a press statement cited by Law & Crime.

Mayfield, who also previously served as a volunteer for the global Christian humanitarian aid agency Compassion International, which focuses its efforts on helping children, is now facing five counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of voyeurism. Investigators are currently trying to identify other victims.

Investigators have learned Mayfield set up and recorded video inside the womens restroom inside the church on at least three occasions, dating back to July 2022, authorities said. Investigators do believe Daniel Mayfield acted alone and do not have reason to believe anyone from the church had knowledge of the unlawful activity and will add has been completely cooperative with GCSOs investigation.

The charge of voyeurism Mayfield faces in Greenwood County stems from an incident that took place on May 27. When a woman showering at her mothers house in Greenwood saw a light outside the bathroom window, she checked to see what was happening. She and her sister reportedly discovered Mayfield standing alone in the backyard and confronted him about his actions.

While he initially denied any wrongdoing, he eventually confessed to recording the woman while she was showering and gave her his phone so she could view the video. A redacted affidavit cited by Law & Crime details how the recording allegedly documents Mayfield declaring Oh sh as he is caught before turning it off.

First Baptist Gowensville did not immediately respond to calls for comment from The Christian Post.

In an earlier statement posted on the home page of its website, the church indicated that Mayfield was dismissed from his role as a youth pastor as soon as they were informed of his behavior.

On May 27th, 2023, First Baptist Gowensville leadership was made aware of an incident of moral misconduct perpetrated by one of our staff members. Proper authorities were notified immediately, and the employee was terminated from his role, the church stated.

Due to the nature of the investigation, FBC Gowensville refers all questions to the law enforcement authorities involved. We remain dedicated to providing a safe worship environment and will be ever vigilant in protecting all persons involved in any of our events.

Tim Glenn, global public relations director for Compassion International, also told CP via email that the organization is aware of the allegations against Mayfield and that he listed Compassion as his employer on his now-deleted LinkedIn profile.

However, Mr. Mayfield has never been directly employed by Compassion International, Glenn added. He was employed by a company that Compassion contracted for marketing events, from 2013-2014.

He has also served as a volunteer at some Compassion marketing events until 2016. Though he applied for a position with Compassion, he was never hired. As a ministry with child protection at the very core of our mission, we are obviously distraught over these accusations against a former volunteer, and pray for justice and peace for the alleged victims in this matter.
Hundreds of Christians killed in 3 weeks of attacks in Nigerian county; 28 churches destroyed

At least 300 Christians have been massacred in one county of Plateau state, Nigeria, since mid-May, including the killing of two pastors on Sunday, sources said.

In Mangu County, Fulani terrorists killed the Rev. Shadrack Ayuba of the Assembly of God Nigeria church in Ntin Kombun village and the Rev. Mangmwos Tangshak Daniel of the Nigeria Baptist Convention in Kantoma village, said the Rev. Timothy Daluk, chairman of the Mangu Local Government Area Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Pastor Daluk said in an interview with Morning Star News in Mangu town on Tuesday that since mid-May, Fulani terrorists have killed 300 Christians, displaced 30,000 residents, destroyed 28 church buildings and 2,000 houses and looted 150 trailer loads of grains in the Mangu Local Government Area.

Residents of the countys Ajin village, near Panya town, said that on Sunday night, Fulani terrorists destroyed homes and a worship church building of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN).

Christians in this village who survived the attacks have been displaced, area resident Moses Ayuba said in a text message to Morning Star News.

The Rev. Emmanuel Haruna, chairman of the Mangu District Church Council of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), said that he knew of 49 Christians killed by terrorists and herdsmen in Mangu County on May 16.

Kindly pray with us for Gods intervention, Pastor Haruna said.

The Rev. Jacob Dashop, chairman of the Provincial Church Council, Gindiri, of the COCIN, said that from May 15 to May 17, more than 200 Christians were killed in Fulani herdsmen attacks on the Mangu LGA villages of Kubwat-Bwai, Fungzai-Bwai, Aloghom-Mangu, Ntam-Mangu, Ligit-lubang/Sabon Layi-Bungha, Jwakji- Panyam, Washna-Panyam, Jwak-Maitumbi-Halle, Murish-Halle, Kikyau-Halle Danhausa-Halle, Gongong-Halle, Gyambwas-Halle, Kyampuus, Ntul-Halle, Gwet-Pushit, Jwakchom-Pushit, Larkas-Pushit, Jwak Ras-Mangu, Kantoma and Gaude.

Christians killed in Fungzai-Mangu village by Fulani terrorists are mostly women and children; they were buried in a mass grave on Tuesday, 16 May, Pastor Dashop said.

The Rev. Amos Mohzo, president of the COCIN, visited displaced Christians in camps in Mangu town following the attacks.

This is our encouragement to you  dont be afraid, Pastor Mohzo told them. You that are alive, this is not the time to fear; follow the instructions of both community and spiritual leaders and be courageous. The Lord will be with you.

He encouraged survivors to let the devastating attacks test and strengthen their faith.

We as your church leaders are with you at this difficult moment. The Lord is your strength, and He alone can meet your needs and expectations during this period, Pastor Mohzo said.

He also told area COCIN pastors to encourage their churches, find strength in prayer and worship and pour out their hearts before the Lord.

Pray for protection, restoration and healing for your communities and for the local churches, he said. Let us not put our hope on how much weapons we can get to defend ourselves, because our weapon is in Christ. If God will make Samson, just with a jaw of a donkey, to destroy a whole community, that God is still alive. Hes the same yesterday, today and forever.

The Rev. Stephen Baba Panya, president of the ECWA, said that many Christians were still missing as a result of the attacks on Christians in Mangu County.

This is an unfortunate and mindless situation where innocent Christians are being killed, Pastor Panya said in a press statement. We, the church leaders and spiritual fathers, are calling on the government and all security agencies to immediately stop this ongoing massacre and its spread to more communities.

Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people.

In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year.

Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity.

Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a recent report.

They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.

Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
Charges dropped against preacher arrested at pride event; police 'inundated' with complaints

Prosecutors have dropped charges against a Pennsylvanian street preacher after he was arrested while reading from the Bible across from an LGBT pride event.

After a review of the arrest of Damon Atkins on June 3 in the city of Reading, located about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia, the Berks County District Attorney's Office said Wednesday that charges of disorderly conduct filed against Atkins were withdrawn.

"The charges were withdrawn after the District Attorney's Office reviewed the videos of the incident along with applicable case law," prosecutors said in a statement.

Video of the arrest went viral after Atkins, 41, was taken into custody on charges of disorderly conduct after he was involved in a conversation with Reading Police Officer Bradley McClure, according to court documents.

The now-viral video shows Atkins holding a sign which reads, "Jesus said go and sin no more" while telling McClure, "This is public property." Atkins responds, "It is public property  let them have their day," in an apparent reference to the marchers.

"This is public property," Atkins repeats.

"Okay, well, then, respect it," responds McClure. "Let them have their day."

"Know who's cheering for us? The people who are in Hell," Atkins replies. "So you do you, and I'm going to do me."

He then begins preaching from 1 Corinthians 14:33  which reads in part, "God is not the author of confusion"  and immediately McClure is seen in the video saying, "That's it, you're done," and starts to handcuff Atkins. In the video, the crowd involved in the pride march is heard clapping as McClure takes Atkins into custody.

Off camera, a man is heard saying, "I can't believe this is in Reading," as police put Atkins against a wall to secure his handcuffs.

"What an incredible providence that the Lord is allowing me to film this," Reading resident Matthew Wear, who took the video, is heard saying.

Reading Police Chief Richard Tornielli told local affiliate WFMZ-TV that Atkins' arrest was not connected to the content of his speech but rather because he was being disorderly.

"Our officers gave him warnings to cease that behavior as it was disrupting the event that was taking place," Tornielli was quoted as saying.

Since Atkins' arrest, the Reading Police Department communications center has been "inundated with phone calls from individuals voicing complaints about the arrest," Tornielli said in a statement shared with the news outlet Thursday,

Tornielli told the station the police department's Communications Center received "hundreds of calls on phone lines that are used for emergency and non-emergency requests for police assistance" and that these "harassing phone calls" distracted staff from fielding incoming calls to the center, which in turn "potentially creates a dangerous situation causing delays in police responses."

Many of the calls included "threats to police personnel" and "contained inappropriate and vile language," he said, adding that the department and other law enforcement agencies are investigating any threatening calls and may "pursue charges where appropriate."

The Christian Post has contacted a Reading Police Department spokesperson for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received.

As part of its pride recognition, the city of Reading raised a transgender flag at its City Hall building earlier this month. The pride festivities were reportedly the first-ever for the city.

Attendees at the event were encouraged by the local LGBT Center to "wear or display something supporting the Drag, BIPOC, and Trans community," including wigs, high heels and gowns.

Reading police also has an LGBT "Equality & Fairness" commission which works with the community "in helping to make Reading an inclusive, diverse, and fair city" and make Reading more LGBT "friendly."

In 2017, Reading was recognized by the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign, a prominent gay rights organization, for unanimously passing a measure to ban so-called "conversion therapy," which has traditionally been linked to Christian evangelism among homosexuals.
Dede Robertson, wife of televangelist Pat Robertson, dies at age 94

The wife of televangelist Pat Robertson, who with her husband was involved in the leadership of the Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University, has died at the age of 94.

Adelia Dede Robertson, who married Pat Robertson in 1954, died at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Tuesday, according to an obituary posted by Regent University in Virginia.

In addition to her husband of nearly 70 years, Dede is survived by four children  Timothy Robertson, Elizabeth Robinson, Gordon Robertson and Ann LeBlanc  14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

My mom was a rock, said Ann LeBlanc in a statement. She was a rock throughout our childhood. Dad had to travel a lot, but Mom was always there for us kids.  That gives great security to children.

Gordon Robertson, who recently took over lead anchor duties for the long-running CBN program The 700 Club, said his mother was essential for both the Robertson family and their parachurch efforts.

Mom was the glue that held the Robertson family together. She was always working behind the scenes. If it werent for Mom, there wouldnt be a CBN, Gordon Robertson said.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1927, Dede Elmer attended Ohio State University and Yale University School of Nursing, where she received a master of nursing and met her future husband, Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson.

While not a notable on-screen figure like her husband, Dede Robertson was a board member for CBN, Regent University and Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation.

A prominent Christian media organization, CBN has studios that operate in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Jerusalem, with broadcasts that reportedly reach people in over 170 countries and territories.

She also authored two books during the 1980s, titled My God Will SupplyandThe New You. She also wrote a monthly column for Christian Life Magazine.

In 1982, she was appointed the principal U.S. delegate to the Inter-American Commission of Women, working to elevate the status of women in Latin America. According to her obituary, Dede Robertson was selected Christian Woman of the Year in 1986.

Dede Robertson also actively campaigned for her husband during his run for the Republican presidential nomination in 1988, visiting over 52 cities from 1987 to 1988.

Dedes passing comes months after her husband stepped down as the host of The 700 Club after leading the conservative Christian program for 60 years.

Last October, Pat Robertson announced he would no longer be the show's regular host, handing that responsibility over to his son Gordon Robertson, who served as co-anchor for more than 20 years.

During his time hosting the series, Robertson interviewed many prominent faith and political leaders. He also garnered controversy at times for some things he and or his guests had said.
Funeral home performing assisted suicide services in showroom for $700

A funeral home in Canada provides clients with assisted suicide services in its showroom amid reports of an increased number of people seeking to end their lives prematurely.

Mathieu Baker, the owner of the Haut-Richelieu funeral home in Quebec, began offering what is referred to as a "turnkey" package, reported La Presse last month.

Under the package, clients pay $700 to hasten their deaths in the showroom, and then the funeral home prepares the body for burial.

While Quebec saw only 63 Medical Assistance in Dying deaths in 2015-2016, the number rose to 3,663 in 2021-2022, the Canadian French-language newspaper reported.

"We were a little cautious at the start, because it may seem opportunistic for a funeral home, but honestly, our approach to customers is always done in a state of benevolence," Marie-France Renaud, family counselor at the funeral complex, told La Presse.

The outlet reported on the stories of two clients who received assisted suicide services at the funeral home.

One man arrived in the morning with his family and met with Dr. Richard Dumouchel, who asked the client more than once whether he wanted to proceed, and the man answered that he did. The song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen played as the man died in one of the funeral home's rooms.

Another client shared a pizza with her daughter and a salon employee, listened to the movie "Maleficent" and smoked a cigarette before ending her life. The woman had been estranged from her family for years but reconnected with her daughter in those final moments.

Dumouchel shared with the outlet that he knows of a doctor who administered MAID in a hotel after a client requested it. As for Dumouchel, he does not see an issue with providing assisted suicide services at a funeral home.

"It is certain that each change leads to a reaction," he told La Presse. "Me, what I understand is that I give patients the options between the hospital, the home or other resources that offer this service. People choose. In my opinion, there is no problem with that."

The family doctor contested that the funeral home workers are "experts in grief" and they perform this service for the "right reasons."

"With all the hours they put into it, it's not the most profitable," he said.

The president of the Quebec Society of Palliative Care Physicians, Olivia Nguyen, believes that the situation in the Canadian province "raises complex ethical issues, including the monetization of death."

Dr. Claude Rivard, an expert practitioner of MAID at the Pierre-Boucher hospital in Longueuil, referred to the funeral home's latest service as a "business opportunity," stating that there is "a craze for this end-of-life mode."

Canada legalized doctor-assisted suicide in 2016 but was limited to citizens or permanent residents at least 18 years old with "a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability" that included "enduring and intolerable suffering."

Canadian Parliament expanded the law in 2022 to patients with non-threatening physical disabilities, intending to offer assisted suicide to people with mental illness by March before the Canadian government announced a temporary delay last December.

In a February 2023 op-ed published by the Canadian magazine Maclean's, MAID provider Dr. Madeline Li expressed concerns that the program has gone too far and is "missing fundamental safeguards for vulnerable people."

The doctor, who has overseen hundreds of patients hasten their deaths through the program, voiced disapproval towards offering assisted suicide to people with mental illnesses or patients with curable conditions that refuse care.

The provider recalled a cancer patient determined eligible for MAID despite his condition having a 65% chance of a cure. The MAID assessors approved his case just because the patient declined care and had a "grievous and irremediable condition."

"[I]t was irremediable because they didn't want the treatments available. That's what the law currently states: as long as the patient doesn't want the treatment, their condition is considered irremediable  even if there are effective treatments," Li wrote.

"But not treating a cancer with such a high chance of cure goes against medical practice standards. The doctors involved had a lot of moral distress about this person's request for MAID. This person signed consent for me to share their story, but I feel differently about it than they did. They saw it as an expression of their autonomy; I saw it as dystopian."

In March 2022, the Churchill Park United Church of Winnipeg became the first church in Manitoba to host an assisted suicide ceremony. The event was held for one of its members diagnosed with ALS, who requested to receive the lethal injection at the church in the presence of family and friends.
Girl Scouts offers LGBT patch for attending pride month celebrations, participating in activities

Girl Scouts can earn an LGBT-themed patch by participating in several activities, such as attending a pride parade or creating a rainbow-themed flag, with the organization encouraging members of all levels to celebrate the LGBT movement this month.

In a document directed to troop leaders and guardians, the youth scouting organization Girl Scouts of the USA detailed how child participants can earn the "LGBTQ+ Pride Month Fun Patch."

The Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scout levels, which consist of younger children, must participate in three pride-related activities to earn the patch. Older Girl Scouts at the Cadette, Senior and Ambassador levels must participate in six activities to earn the patch.

In addition to attending a pride parade with their troop or family, the document encourages all Girl Scout levels to identify five books by LGBT authors to read or create a painting of an LGBT artist.

Among the list of other recommended patch-earning activities for all levels are making a music playlist featuring 12 LGBT artists and drawing an admired figure in the LGBT movement.

The document also contains a glossary of LGBT terms, with definitions from the Human Rights Campaign, which the advocacy group designed for elementary school children.

The Girl Scouts' document defines gays and lesbians as individuals who love or are attracted to people of the same gender. It goes on to describe queer people as those who "identify with and celebrate people of all gender identities and all the ways people love each other."

However, the document warned troop leaders that the word "queer" can hurt people when used in a "mean way."

Regarding the terms "transgender" or "trans," the youth organization defined these as: "When your gender identity (how you feel) is different than what doctors/ midwives assigned to you when you were born (girl/boy or sex assigned at birth)."

According to the Girl Scouts' website, the purpose of allowing troop members to earn the LGBT-themed patch is to "celebrate" the diversity of LGBT individuals and acknowledge the community's contributions to the nation. The website also noted that "girls of all identities" are encouraged to participate.

The Girls Scouts of the USA did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

"The Girl Scout LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration Fun Patch is designed for Girl Scouts of all levels and their leaders to honor LGBTQ+ history, to celebrate the diverse cultures and identities of LGBTQ+ people, and to acknowledge the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community has made and continues to make across our nation," Girl Scouts of the USA states on a webpage for its multicultural community celebrations.

"Girls and leaders have plenty of activities to choose from to earn this fun patch, and we encourage girls of all identities to participate."

The youth organization received backlash years ago for entering the LGBT cultural war by announcing that it would allow boys who identify as girls to join to be Girl Scouts.

As CP reported in May 2015, the GSUSA's "Chief Girl Expert," Andrea Bastiani Archibald, wrote in a now-deleted blog post that the organization exists to serve "all girls," regardless of their biological sex.

"The foundation of diversity that Juliette Gordon Low established runs throughout Girl Scouting to this day," Archibald wrote. "Our mission to build 'girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place' extends to all members, and through our program, girls develop the necessary leadership skills to advance diversity and promote tolerance."

The American Family Association started an online petition urging GSUSA to change its policy, arguing that the organization has lost its "moral compass" and added, "this policy undermines the trust that parents place in the GSA's leadership to make wise decisions and the obligation the GSA has to protect their daughters."

"This means girls in the organization will be forced to recognize and accept transgenderism as a normal lifestyle," the petition stated. "Boys in skirts, boys in makeup and boys in tents will become a part of the program. This change will put young innocent girls at risk."

"Adults are willing to experiment on our kids  both the boys who are confused and the girls who will wonder why a boy in a dress is in the bathroom with them," the petition added.

The petition is no longer available online, but it garnered at least 35,000 signatures before it was taken down.
Is it crazy for Christians to believe in UFOs? Apologist responds

With unidentified flying objects (UFOs) increasingly making headlines, intrigue over the topic only seems to be growing, with one apologist noting this phenomenon is even invading some Christians' beliefs.

Jason Jimenez, who leads Stand Strong Ministries and hosts the "Challenging Conversations Podcast," recently broke down some facts he wants Christians who entertain UFOs and aliens to understand.

READ ALSO: NBA Star Who Refused to Take Knee During National Anthem Speaks Into Chaotic, Dark Culture With Pro-Faith and Freedom Clothing Line

"If you look at the belief that many people have had through the centuries, even if you go back as far ... as ancient Greeks, they believed and they even worshiped this idea of extraterrestrials among them," Jimenez said on his show. "And you see that in full display among many of those ancient cultures."

Even today, he said such beliefs are "going strong" among some factions, with UFOs increasingly breaking into the headlines and some claiming the phenomenon is attracting more popularity than ever.

Jimenez's episode on the matter specifically tackled three factors he believes refute the idea that UFOs and extraterrestrial life exist outside planet Earth: scientific explanations rebut claims of alien life, spiritual warfare is a biblical reality and demonic encounters have long been documented.

He started the podcast by noting most of the videos and photos of sightings reported have been determined by experts as having been "doctored up" in some way.

"The vast majority of stuff is a hoax," Jimenez said.

Listen to the apologist break down his position on aliens and UFOs:

But he noted there are some unexplained past events and times when things "outside of the natural where we cannot explain" have emerged, helping fuel the continued conversation about alien life.

"It piques people's interest and it never gets dull," Jimenez said. "And there's movies about it and there's documentaries about it, and so people love to talk about this stuff."

Yet the apologist said he doesn't believe in UFOs and aliens, explaining how Scripture offers no framework for such an ideal.

"The Bible doesn't mention anything of extraterrestrials," Jimenez said. "The Bible does talk about the spiritual realm [and] these spiritual beings known as angelic beings, and then in fallen Angels known as demons."

One explanation for some of these images is a spiritual manifestation of what we see described in the Bible  not alien life invading Earth, Jimenez said. It is an "interaction with spiritual beings" known as angels and demons that could be showing through.

"I wholeheartedly believe that there are times when we have witnessed or even captured the footage of a spiritual being interacting in the physical realm," he said. "Maybe it's a spiritual battle between an angel and a demon. Maybe it's demons messing around in using this type of influence to continue to strike fear or curiosity to lead people away from God."

The apologist discussed the fact one doesn't see any debris nor are their sonic booms or other evidence of aircraft coming into the earth's atmosphere  something he argued would be discernible in the many cases in which people claim to have observed UFOs in the skies.

Jimenez cited astrophysicist Hugh Ross, a Christian who has cast doubt on aliens and UFOs, noting the way these aircraft are said to move defies gravity.

READ ALSO: Missionaries Report Muslims Meeting Jesus in Dreams in Levels We Have Never Seen in 1,400 Years!

While he believes "science can explain away a lot of these UFO sightings," he circled back to the reality that there are undoubtedly unexplainable phenomena. And, if something is clearly being seen, witnessed, or experienced and it's authentic, one must answer to what is practically happening.

"If we know that aliens don't exist out there, the Bible doesn't mention life outside the Earth ... then how can we explain this?" Jimenez asked.

He noted the Bible's explanation of angels as ministering spirits to guide and protect humans. The existence of a spiritual realm is further addressed throughout Scripture, with Ephesians 6:12 discussing a massive spiritual battle unfolding and bubbling underneath the surface.

The verse (NIV) reads: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

"I think when we're having these discussions, when people go the realm of the UFOs, notice what's happening is this idea of turning the discussion on something that does not exist," Jimenez said. "And ... therefore not talking about spiritual warfare, spiritual activity."

He continued, "These are angels and demons. These are spiritual beings that come from a non-physical realm that interact in our physical."

Jimenez said he hopes the episode of the "Challenging Conversations Podcast" helps Christians better engage with fellow believers who might entertain UFOs and aliens while also helping them "stand strong with the armor of God."

He believes Satan is using UFOs and extraterrestrial life as a distraction.

"One way he's doing that is for our fixation  for us to focus in on extraterrestrial life," Jimenez said. "So, we're looking beyond and not noticing what he's up to."

Listen to the full episode for more on this fascinating topic.

This story originally appeared on CBNs Faithwire.com.
Pat Robertson steps down from 'The 700 Club' to focus on teaching at Regent University

One of America's longest-standing television hosts, televangelist Pat Robertson is stepping down as the host of the Christian Broadcasting Network's "The 700 Club."

In an announcement Friday, the 60th anniversary of the first live CBN broadcast, the 91-year-old founder of the network said he will focus his efforts teaching students at Regent University, the evangelical university he founded in 1977.

Robertson is widely known as a political commentator, former Republican presidential candidate and former Southern Baptist minister.

Robertson announced that his son, Gordon Robertson, who has served as co-host of "The 700 Club"for the past 24 years, will become the full-time host of the news-based program that has been around since 1966.

"Today's show will be my final, as host," Robertson declared. "My replacement will be my very capable son."

"'Good and faithful' doesn't even begin to describe my father's service to C.B.N. for 60 years," Gordon Robertson, who has two decades of experience as executive producer for "The 700 Club," said in a statement.

Despite no longer being the host, the elder Robertson will not put "The 700 Club" entirely behind him.

He plans to make occasional appearances starting in October 2021. Every month, Robertson will be featured in interactive episodes to answer viewer emails. Additionally, he will occasionally serve as a senior consultant on international news affairs for the program.

CBN has studios in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Jerusalem and broadcasts reach 174 countries and territories in 70 languages and dialects.

"The 700 Club" has premiered various interviews with numerous world leaders, cultural influencers, religious leaders and celebrities. Over the years, Robertson has interviewed U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, George W. Bush and Donald Trump.

To commemorate its 60th anniversary, CBN released a nearly two-hour documentary narrated by Kevin Sorbo showing the network's transformation and global impact through the years.

Robertson said he will now focus on "serving, training and equipping" the 11,000-plus students at Regent University.

"His legacy and the example of his prayer life will continue to lead The 700 Club in the years to come," his son said. "And the best part is, he is just going across the street to Regent University and will be on The 700 Club regularly in the future."

According to Regent University's website, the 70-acre campus in Virginia offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from a Christian perspective in more than 150 areas of study.

Regent University placed as one of the top colleges in Virginia on different occasions. The school is also ranked among top national universities by the U.S. News & World Report for two consecutive years: 2019 and 2020.
Street preacher arrested for reading Bible verses at LGBT pride event

A Pennsylvania man was arrested after he began preaching from the Bible on public property during a protest against a nearby pride event.

The incident happened June 3 at a pride month rally in the city of Reading, located more than 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia, where a crowd that included drag performers and small children gathered in front of the City Hall building.

Video from the event showed a couple of protesters standing on the opposite side of the street as marchers held LGBT-themed flags while Reading police officers looked on.

By early afternoon, Damon Atkins, 41, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct after he was involved in a conversation with Reading Police Officer Bradley McClure, according to court documents.

The now-viral video shows Atkins holding a sign which reads Jesus said go and sin no more while telling McClure This is public property." Atkins responds, It is public propertylet them have their day, in an apparent reference to the marchers.

This is public property, Atkins repeats.

Okay, well, then, respect it, responds McClure. Let them have their day.

Know whos cheering for us? The people who are in Hell, Atkins replies. So you do you, and Im going to do me.

He then begins preaching from 1 Corinthians 14:33  which reads in part God is not the author of confusion  and immediately McClure is seen in the video saying Thats it, youre done and starts to handcuff Atkins. In the video, the crowd involved in the pride march is heard clapping as McClure takes Atkins into custody.

Off camera, a man is heard saying, I cant believe this is in Reading as police put Atkins against a wall to secure his handcuffs.

What an incredible providence that the Lord is allowing me to film this, Reading resident Matthew Wear, who took the video, is heard saying.

Bail was set at $5,000, but its unclear whether Atkins posted the bail amount. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 16, according to court documents.

Wear later said he was sharing the Gospel prior to Atkins arrest when McClure  the same officer who arrested Atkins  approached Wear and said, If you don't stop shouting insults across the street, I will arrest you. Do you understand?

According to Wear, when he responded, Im concerned about their souls, McClure replied, Well, get over it.

The Christian Post reached out to the city of Reading for comment Wednesday. This story will be updated if a response is received.

As part of its pride recognition, the city of Reading raised a transgender flag at its City Hall building earlier this month. The pride festivities were reportedly the first-ever for the city.

Attendees at the event were encouraged by the local LGBT Center to wear or display something supporting the Drag, BIPOC, and Trans community, including wigs, high heels and gowns.

Reading police also has an LGBT Equality & Fairness commission which works with the community in helping to make Reading an inclusive, diverse, and fair city and make Reading more LGBT "friendly.

In 2017, Reading was recognized by the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign, a prominent gay rights organization, for unanimously passing a measure to ban so-called conversion therapy, which has traditionally been linked to Christian evangelism among homosexuals.

A fundraising campaign for Atkins legal defense had raised nearly $1,100 as of Wednesday.

The arrest was reminiscent of a Seattle street preacher who was also arrested for reading the Bible near a pride event last summer.

Matthew Meinecke was arrested twice in June 2022 while he read his Bible near a pro-abortion rally. Meinecke, who identifies himself as The Seattle Preacher on Twitter, said some protesters vandalized his Bible before fleeing.

Another U.S. street preacher and activist, Rich Penkoski, claims he was locked out of his Cash App account because the mobile payment service does not approve of his protests against LGBT events.

Penkoski, who founded the online organization Warriors for Christ and travels the country to protest drag queen and LGBT pride events, told The Christian Post that he lost access to his Cash App account last week.
China is a source of much-needed stability and certainty: Chinese ambassador to U.S.

Xinhua) 14:45, June 08, 2023

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivers a keynote speech at an event hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America)

Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng stressed that dialogue should be based on mutual respect and aim at real results. It surely is not the right way to seek dialogue and cooperation while putting the other on the sanction list. Dialogue conducted only for its own sake will not work either, he added.

WASHINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said here Wednesday that China is a source of rare stability and much-needed certainty in this chaotic world, and Beijing is always open to dialogue with Washington.

Xie made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech at an event hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council to welcome him as China's new ambassador to the United States.

He said that China's policy is open and transparent, and its pathway clear. "It is not in our DNA to invade others or seek hegemony. Nor do we have the intention to dominate the world, or challenge anyone else," he added.

Xie also said that China's economic recovery is robust, with bright prospects. China's huge market, well-functioning industrial system, high-quality workforce, and predictable business environment make it irreplaceable, he noted, adding that Airbus recently announced its plan to build a second production line in Tianjin; Tesla is to build a Megafactory in Shanghai.

China's commitment to opening-up is firm, which will bring unprecedented opportunities, Xie stressed, adding China is at the same time the world's largest trader of goods, the top destination for foreign direct investment, and a global manufacturing center.

As the primary export market of over 50 countries and regions and a major trading partner of over 140, China is deeply integrated into the international industrial and supply chains, he said, highlighting that China simply has no reason whatsoever to close its doors.

Noting that China keeps to a path of peaceful development, and has played a key role in the world, Xie said China continues to pursue an independent foreign policy for peace, adding that China is dedicated to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

He also mentioned that President Xi visited Russia and spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone, and Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui visited Ukraine and four other countries.

China is glad to have played a part in the restoration of the Saudi-Iran relationship. The first China-Central Asia Summit was a success, he said, adding the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative are well received.

When it comes to China-U.S. bilateral relations, the Chinese ambassador said that Beijing has always been open to dialogue with Washington, adding what is essential is a whole-process management of the bilateral relationship.

Xie noted that China and the United States once had 100-plus dialogue mechanisms, but they have been shelved for reasons known to all. The United States has recently expressed its intention to increase high-level contact and return to the Bali agenda. It has also expressed the hope to find a way to lower risk and stabilize and improve the relationship, he added.

Noting that the Chinese side takes these statements seriously and has made a positive response, Xie said that Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo respectively, adding that each of these meetings was candid, in-depth, substantive, and constructive.

Xie stressed that dialogue should be based on mutual respect and aim at real results. It surely is not the right way to seek dialogue and cooperation while putting the other on the sanction list. Dialogue conducted only for its own sake will not work either, he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Pat Robertson says God is not a Republican,' discusses the 'trouble' with 'partisan politics'

Notable televangelist Pat Robertson, who is known for mobilizing conservative Christians to vote, said during a Fox News interview Sunday that "God is not a Republican."

On the Oct. 17 episode of "Fox News Sunday," host Chris Wallace featured Robertson on the "Power Player of the Week" segment, which included an overview of the 91-year-old's public career mixed with recent interview comments.

The feature comes just weeks after Robertson announced that he is retiring from hosting the Christian Broadcasting Network daily talk show "The 700 Club," a program he started in 1966.

Regarding Robertson's history of rallying conservative Christians to vote for Republican candidates, Wallace asked if there were any downsides to tying evangelical Christianity to the GOP.

Roberston, who ran for the Republican nomination for president in 1988, also founded the Christian Coalition, a lobbying organization that sought to mobilize the Christian vote and distributed voting guides to churches.

"Well, I became to realize without question that God is not a Republican, that God loves everybody," Robertson said.

"The trouble with, you know, getting involved in partisan politics is that half the electorate you're going to make mad at you. And I should be dealing with eternal matters and not secular politics."

Robertson admitted that one of his biggest accomplishments in life was mobilizing Christians "into the political arena."

"It was thought before those politics was something dirty," he said. "We had enormous amount of influence and I think it was important."

Robertson founded the Christian Broadcasting Network in 1960, funded by small donations. In 1966, "The 700 Club" daily news magazine program was launched. The show has become one of the longest-running shows on television in the U.S.

Wallace asked Robertson why he decided to change programming from more formal sermons and revival meetings to a talk-show format.

"People would call in and the things that were going on in their life, people would call in prayer and they would call in answers," Roberston said. "And the interactive format is what we've been using ever since."

Wallace also asked Robertson about some of his past controversial remarks, specifically the televangelist's history of blaming natural disasters on immorality.

"I did say that we had the power to speak to those storms and tell them to go away, like Jesus commanded the waves to cease," he said. "And we commanded them in His name and  and they went away."

Earlier this month, Robertson announced that he is stepping down from hosting the program after decades of serving in that role.

He plans to continue making periodic appearances on the "The 700 Club" and teach at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a school he helped to found.

"His legacy and the example of his prayer life will continue to lead The 700 Club in the years to come," stated his son, Gordon Robertson, who is tapped to be the show's new host.

"And the best part is, he is just going across the street to Regent University and will be on The 700 Club regularly in the future."

Robertson's long tenure as host was often marked by controversy surrounding comments either he or guests of the program made on various hot-button political and religious issues.

Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, for example, Robertson interviewed the Rev. Jerry Falwell on the program. Falwell placed some blame for the tragedy on the U.S.' acceptance of homosexuality and liberal activists. Robertson simply replied: "I totally concur."

Right after the broadcast, Robertson released a statement clarifying that he held "no one other than the terrorists and the people and nations who have enabled and harbored them responsible for [the] attacks on this nation."
Canadas healthcare system isn't free  it costs lives

Canadas healthcare system isnt free. It comes at a high cost  the cost of human lives.

Medically assisted murder is the wages of Canadas socialist healthcare system.

In 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal Party passed a euthanasia bill (Bill C-14) called medical assistance in dying (MAID). It legalized the murder of adults with terminal illnesses or disabilities by so-called healthcare professionals.

The following year in 2017, the Canadian Medical Association Journal published a report saying:

Medical assistance in dying could reduce annual health care spending across Canada by between $34.7 million and $138.8 million  Health care costs increase substantially among patients nearing the end of life, accounting for a disproportionate amount of health care spending. For example, in Manitoba, more than 20% of health care costs are attributable to patients within the 6 months before dying, despite their representing only 1% of the population.

In other words, Canadians with deadly diseases are a major burden on Canadas government-controlled healthcare system. The author of the report also said:

Canadians die in hospitals more often than, say, our counterparts in America or Europe and  we have a lack of palliative care services even though we are trying to improve that. And therefore people end up spending their final days in the hospital.

So as the report predicted, MAID has become extremely cost-effective for Canada. Actually, its presumably exceeded their expectations.

In 2016, the number of Canadians killed by MAID was 1,018. By 2020, however, it was 7,603 people.

These murders have been highly profitable for Canadas healthcare system. For instance, Canada became the worlds leader in organ transplants immediately after it legalized medical assistance for dying.

In fact, Canada performed almost half of the worlds organ transplants the year it legalized MAID.

So with that in mind, its especially alarming that in 2021 Trudeaus government passed an amendment (Bill C-7) to expand the list of people who could be killed by the healthcare system. Essentially, the bill added Canadians with any disabilities, any diseases  and starting on March 2024  any mental illnesses to the kill list.

Meaning, adults with any physical or mental health conditions are eligible to be murdered by healthcare professionals in Canada. To be clear, this means every adult can apply to get killed for any reason  especially if theyre considered undesirable or burdensome by Canadas healthcare system.

However, theres nothing new under the sun. This isnt the first time the Canadian healthcare system has widely violated the basic human rights of supposedly undesirable or burdensome people.

Almost 100 years ago the eugenicists movement in Canada prompted provinces like Alberta and British Columbia to pass laws that sterilized people with disabilities.

One of the biggest advocates for euthanasia in the country was the father of Canadas socialist healthcare system: Tommy Douglas.

Like other socialists at the time, Douglas supported euthanasia as a means to improve the social and economic outcomes for proletariats or the working class. Therefore in his thesis, "The Problems of the Subnormal Family," he says:

the ethics of the medical profession have always been of a very high order, and we have entrusted to them many duties just as delicate and as capable of misuse. The matter would have to be handled carefully. Only those mentally defective and those incurably diseased should be sterilized.

Almost a century later, Tommy Douglas socialist healthcare system is implementing a new version of eugenics in Canada. This time, however, the healthcare system isnt sterilizing people with disabilities and diseases: its murdering them.

We shouldnt ignore the relationship between our healthcare system and medical assistance in dying. Our healthcare system is just as committed to killing some patients as it is to treating other patients.

Originally published at Slow to Write.
More money and less Jesus - which would you pick?

Bread (physical food) is very important for our sustenance, but that is not all that we need to be alive. Jesus also said, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

There is more to life than food, money, and satisfaction of the flesh. The Word of God plays an important role in the well-being of our lives here on earth. Unfortunately, many of us are neglecting the spiritual conditions necessary for our survival and are pursuing physical things to the detriment of our faith.

Many of us today are undergoing the same kind of temptation that Jesus went through. Even those of us in ministry are faced with the challenges associated with taking a stand and saying what the Bible says. Some have shifted a little to create room for acceptance by the world. A close look at some of the conditions which employers and donor agencies give Christians and ministries to fulfill before getting funds, clearly shows that the world wants to control our belief system and our way of life.

Someone once introduced to me an international medical organization that wanted to partner with us. An arrangement was made for a medical mission. However, on the day before the outreach, I received a message that we are not allowed to preach Christ during the visit to our mission fields. The partnership was quickly dissolved. We couldnt go through with it knowing that our vision is to reach the unreached with the Gospel. On another occasion, a very wealthy man in Nigeria offered millions of Naira to my ministry with the condition that we deemphasize Christ in our missions. Obviously, again, we simply couldnt go through with it.

The governments of this world are embracing all manners of demonic ideologies but hate everything about Jesus and His Gospel. They pursue these agendas by denying Christians employment and access to funds, hoping to pressure us to accept their ways. But if Christ did not compromise when tempted by the devil, Christians should be ready to reject the type of financial help that will compromise their faith. With or without funds, man must live to the glory of God and preach the Gospel.

What surprises me is that Christians are now joining the world in condemning their fellow Christians who stick by the Word of God unflinchingly. We are now finding it difficult to speak out and condemn the schemes of the devil to turn this present world into Sodom and Gomorrah. Many governments, organizations, and donor agencies are promoting the LGBTQ agenda and want to force Christians to embrace it by creating environments that victimize anyone who opposes their ideology.

It is obvious that many Christians and ministries will be denied opportunities and funds because they have refused to compromise on biblical standards, especially on same-sex marriage and transgenderism. Even some of my partners have withdrawn their support from my ministry for writing an article opposing homosexuality and lesbianism.



We should not be oblivious to the fact that Christ has forewarned us of these before now. (Mathew 10:22). I know the importance of financial resources in running a ministry, but will we do what Esau did and sell our inheritance for worldly gain? Let us stand firm and condemn what is evil and risk rejection, persecution, and denial knowing that it is Christ, and Christ alone, who is our greater reward. Earthly goods will never compare.
Rethinking the need to prove that God exists

Do we need to prove that God exists? In a recent Christian Post op-ed, one author emphatically says no. The author says that many think evidence against Gods existence is too overwhelming and despite all epistemological and ontological evidence to prove the existence of God, many remain unconvinced. He personally finds long debates about God pointless and believes they could even lead some to anger and sin against God. Some would make the case that the Scriptures themselves seem to direct us away from such arguments. As the author rhetorically asks, Should we really lose time trying to convince [skeptics]?

The many struggle

As my professor and co-founder of Southern Evangelical Seminary, the late Dr. Norman Geisler used to say when students complained that something was over their heads, you can either put the cookies on a lower shelf or get them to stand on their tiptoes. I agree that many, including myself, struggle with arguments for Gods existence. But my research has led me to conclude that the problem does not reside with the arguments themselves but with at least three often overlooked issues.

First, as Thomas Aquinas in his Summa contra Gentiles rightly observed of people, most will not or cannot put the intellectual effort into understanding arguments for Gods existence. As such, many will accept Gods existence by faith, that is, by the authority of another such as a pastor, parent, or Scripture apart from demonstration. That is a legitimate position, but it does not remove the truth that the existence of God can be proved by human reason apart from Scripture, as we find in the study of natural theology.

Second, Aristotle rightly recognized that rhetoric plays a significant role in society. However, if one simply gets caught up in rhetoric, it often leads to a misuse of rhetoric and a misunderstanding of the arguments for God. The extensive intellectual work by many Christian thinkers put forward throughout time is meant to address such misuses. Hence, many people may only be exposed to a superficial social-media-type version of these arguments that pales in comparison to the rich ancient and medieval intellectual history behind such arguments.

Third, for those who ask for a demonstration of Gods existence, the issue becomes much more complicated given the West has largely abandoned the classical thinking that laid the foundation for an intellectually robust view of Christianity, as well as morality, science, politics, and theology in general. Our modern society has not passed down to its generations the contributions of Aristotle, as well as those who took his mantle, to logic, ethics, and more. This has produced a culture with gaps in modern knowledge and challenges to overcome when it comes to peoples ability to fully understand and process lines of reasoning and the weight of evidence. As others have noted, it is not always the arguments for God themselves that are difficult. Rather, the difficulty arises with the necessity of removing the decades, and even centuries, of bad philosophy that is ingrained in our culture which obscures the arguments.

Hence, given that many cannot or do not want to pursue such knowledge and society has largely abandoned the foundation of Western thought, it is no wonder we are left with many struggling and remaining unconvinced concerning arguments for Gods existence and even the nature of reality itself. The good news is that none of this affects, alters, or diminishes the nature of reality or the arguments themselves that can be put forward for Gods existence.

Is the evidence for God unconvincing?

Arguments for Gods existence should be divided into two broad categories: those that demonstrate the existence of God and those that strongly suggest the existence of God. Only a philosophical argument can fit the first category. A sound argument for God leads to a necessary conclusion that is a kind of demonstration, not only that God exists, but that God must exist in a certain way and not any other way. The kind of demonstration offered is not evidential. Rather, it looks at effects and reasons that they must have a cause that is necessary and eternal (something quite unlike the effects). As scholar Joseph Owens says in his article Aquinas and the Five Ways, Other [evidential] arguments may vividly suggest the existence of God  But on the philosophical level these arguments are open to rebuttal and refutation, forthey are not philosophically cogent.

Does Scripture direct us away from arguments for God?

Like the Apostle Paul, we should distinguish between good reasoning and evidence used in arguments from foolish or sinful arguing. The Apostle readily engaged in reasoning and evidence to give arguments. Acts is replete with descriptions of Pauls defense of the Gospel that involved reasoning (Acts 17:2, 17, 18:4, 19, 19:8, 9, 26:23) and persuasion (Acts 17:4, 19:26, 18:24). To the pagans, he could appeal to creation as to why there is only one God. He appealed to Christs death, burial, and appearances as evidence and proof for the miracle of the resurrection and divinity of Christ (Acts 14:15-17, 17:22-34). Even still, not everyone believed.

We should expect similar results as Pauls  not everyone will believe. Valid and sound reasoning and arguments are not done because they work and not abandoned because they dont work. Rather, they are done because they are true. As 1 Peter 3:15 tells us, an honest inquiring skeptic deserves, and God expects Christians to be prepared to give a well-reasoned answer.

Nowhere in Scripture does it say or insinuate that it is folly to offer an argument for the existence of God. Indeed, the apostle Paul not only opens the gate to natural theology in practice, but he leaves it open in teaching. He lays out in Romans 1 his understanding of why pagans know the true God via creation (not Scripture), but because of their sin, they have exchanged this truth for a lie. Even though Paul held that pagans had exchanged knowledge of the true God for a lie, he still appealed to creation as the reason for their knowledge of the true God.

As long as human beings think and reason and are unable to know God directly, then it is not foolish to use arguments for the existence of God whenever and wherever needed, regardless of the response. Do we really need to prove the existence of God? I will follow Paul, Peter, and the rest of the apostles and answer, Yes, now perhaps more than ever!
Arnold Schwarzenegger says seeing loved ones again in Heaven is 'fantasy'

(CP) While nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults, including large majorities of Christians, say they believe in Heaven, famous actor and former Republican California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the idea that people will see each other again after death is only a "fantasy."

The 75-year-old, who recently debuted in a leading role in the family-friendly Netflix spy series "FUBAR," shared his thoughts on the afterlife during a conversation with fellow actor Danny DeVito, which was published in Interview.

Responding to a question from DeVito about whether or not he thinks humanity will endure, Schwarzenegger recalled a similar question he was asked during an interview with radio and television personality Howard Stern.

"It reminds me of Howard Stern's question to me: 'Tell me, governor, what happens to us when we die?' I said, 'Nothing. You're 6 feet under. Anyone that tells you something else is a f liar,'" Schwarzenegger recalled.

When DeVito pushed back, stating that "you don't know," Schwarzenegger clarified that he was referring to people and their physical bodies, not their souls. He also made it clear that he is uncomfortable with death and would prefer not to die.

"I said, 'We don't know what happens with the soul and all this spiritual stuff that I'm not an expert in, but I know that the body as we see each other now, we will never see each other again like that," he said.

"Except in some fantasy. When people talk about, 'I will see them again in Heaven,' it sounds so good, but the reality is that we won't see each other again after we're gone," he added. "That's the sad part. I know people feel comfortable with death, but I don't."

Schwarzenegger said he's not looking forward to dying because he will miss "everything."

"To have fun and to go to the gym and to pump up, to ride my bike on the beach, to travel around, to see interesting things all over the world," he said.

While Schwarzenegger sees the idea of reuniting with loved ones in Heaven as a "fantasy," Got Questions Ministries cites biblical evidence stating that this will be a reality for believers in the afterlife.

"Our ability to recognize people in the afterlife is suggested in several passages of Scripture. At the transfiguration of Christ, Moses and Elijah made an appearance, and they were recognizable (Matthew 17:34). Though they had departed this world centuries prior, both Moses and Elijah remained distinct persons who had not lost their identity. In Luke 16:1931, Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man are all recognizable after death," the ministry states.

"The Bible declares that, when we arrive in Heaven, we will 'be like him [Jesus]; for we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2). Just as our earthly bodies were of the first man, Adam, so will our resurrection bodies be like Christ's glorious body (1 Corinthians 15:47; Philippians 3:21). 'And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality' (1 Corinthians 15:49, 53)," researchers add.

"Jesus was recognizable after His resurrection (John 20:16, 20; 21:12; 1 Corinthians 15:47), so it stands to reason that we also will be recognizable in our glorified bodies."

 The Christian Post
Bart Barber, Mike Stone  two conservative pastors  to square off for SBC president

Two years ago, Georgia pastor Mike Stone received nearly 6,300 votes for president during the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee  more than any candidate in a contested election in nearly two decades.

Except for one.

His opponent, Alabama pastor Ed Litton, got more than 6,800 votes, winning by a narrow margin of 4%.

The loss was difficult for Stone. Not long after the SBC's annual meeting, Litton got in hot water after critics discovered he'd used parts of another pastor's sermons without attribution, in a controversy that became known as "Sermongate." He'd later apologize and decide not to run for a second year in office. Stone also ended up suing former SBC ethicist Russell Moore, a longtime rival, for allegedly ruining his reputation and costing Stone the election. That suit was later dropped.

Next week, at the SBC's annual meeting in New Orleans, set for Tuesday and Wednesday (June 13-14), Stone will be nominated for president again. He told Religion News Service earlier this year that he'd had no intention of running again but was asked to do so by supporters, despite the precedent of current SBC presidents running unopposed for their second terms.

With his church's approval, he agreed to jump in the race.

"I did not see this coming," Stone said earlier this year.

The SBC presidential election, set for about 3 in the afternoon on Tuesday, will pit Stone against incumbent President Bart Barber, a Texas pastor known for his expertise on denominational governance and his folksy videos filmed from his cattle ranch, featuring a cow named for famed SBC missionary Lottie Moon.

At first glance, little separates the two candidates. Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, believes the Bible is inerrant, champions the SBC's missionaries and defends the long-held Baptist beliefs that homosexuality is a sin, abortion is evil and only men should be pastor. He prefers to dress in a suit while preaching.

Stone, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Georgia, has the same view on the Bible and theological issues as Barber, also supports missions  his daughter is overseas on a short-term mission to Madrid  and, like Barber, prefers a formal look when preaching.

Despite their similarities in doctrine and practice, the two pastors represent an ongoing dispute over the SBC's current direction and future. That dispute has been fueled by the rise of the Conservative Baptist Network  a group with close ties to disgraced former SBC leader Paige Patterson  along with allies such as Florida-based Founders Ministries. This faction, which helped ignite the national debate over critical race theory, argues the SBC has become too liberal, in particular on issues of race and sexuality  and for a while, had referred to itself as a group of pirates striving to take control of the denomination. Leaders allied with the CBN have also resisted sexual abuse reforms.

Candidates backed by the CBN have lost the last two SBC elections.

Their opposition, which lacks a brand name, largely believes the SBC, which has experienced turmoil and membership decline in recent years, is generally headed in the right direction on issues of doctrine and mission.

The sharpest disagreement between the two candidates is seen in their views of abuse reform. Barber, in his role as president, appointed a task force charged with implementing a series of reforms, including setting up the "Ministry Check" website that will include the names of abusive pastors, providing more staffing to help the committee that deals with churches accused of mishandling abuse and creating resources to help churches better deal with the issue of abuse.

Those reforms came on the heels of a major 2022 report on an investigation done by the consulting firm Guidepost Solutions, which found that Baptist leaders had mistreated abuse survivors for years and tried to downplay the issue of abuse in the SBC. That investigation and report had been authorized a year earlier by a vote of local church representatives, known as messengers, during the SBC annual meeting.

Among the leaders named in the report was Johnny Hunt, a former SBC president and megachurch pastor, who allegedly assaulted another pastor's wife about a decade ago, according to Guidepost. Investigators from Guidepost interviewed Hunt as well as other witnesses and found the allegations credible. Hunt took time off from ministry and then made a comeback earlier this year, which Barber denounced.

Hunt has admitted misconduct but denied any abuse. He has since sued the SBC and Guidepost for mentioning his name in the report. A former seminary professor named in the report has also sued.

Complicating matters, Stone's feud with Moore played a role in the creation of the Guidepost report. Local church pastors began calling for an investigation of SBC leaders after a letter from Moore, which detailed behind-the-scenes conflicts between those leaders, including Stone, over issues of race and abuse, became public.

Stone, a former chairman of the denomination's Executive Committee, has argued that the Guidepost investigation was a mistake and the report flawed and unbiblical. The report, which mentions his name in connection to Moore's letter, also includes complaints that Stone did not respond appropriately when made aware of another pastor's alleged misconduct. Stone argues the report opened up the SBC to lawsuits and includes false information and argues the SBC should help churches handle cases of abuse instead of taking national action.

Stone has also denied any wrongdoing in regard to how he responded to alleged misconduct by his friend, who pastored at a different congregation.

Stone, along with other SBC leaders, especially at state conventions, has been critical of Guidepost's support of LGBTQ rights. The task force charged with implementing abuse reforms had planned to use Guidepost to set up the Ministry Check website but later announced it was looking for other options.

In a recent interview with a Georgia Baptist newspaper, Stone did say the Guidepost report made people more aware of abuse.

"But overall, there is no question in my mind that we are worse off for engaging with Guidepost as we have," he added.

If elected president, Stone has said he would appoint a new task force to address the issue of abuse that would focus more on empowering local churches.

Barber has said on several occasions that he asked the implementation task force not to choose Guidepost, given the concerns of some Southern Baptists. He recently told a Georgia Baptist newspaper that he wanted to find solutions everyone could support.

"It is my prayer that, through all of these twists and turns, God will lead us to the best solutions to assist our churches in preventing abuse," he said.

A report from the abuse task force is set for late Tuesday afternoon at the SBC annual meeting, after the presidential election. That task force is expected to announce the initial launch of the Ministry Check website and to ask for additional time to do its work.

While the role of SBC president is largely ceremonial  the position is unpaid and the job requires the president to spend a great deal of time promoting the SBC's mission and message  the role does have some power. In the SBC, the president can influence which leaders get nominated to key committees and the president moderates the denomination's annual meeting.

 Religion News Service
French park attacker shouted 'in the name of Jesus Christ'

There are media reports that the suspect in a stabbing rampage in France shouted "in the name of Jesus Christ" during the attack that has left several children seriously injured.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has confirmed that the man is a Syrian national who had refugee status in Sweden.

The attack took place in a lakeside playground in Annecy on Thursday morning.

Four young children, one of them a British girl, were stabbed in the attack and are being treated in hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Two of the children are French, while the third is Dutch. They are all aged between 22 months and three years ]

Two adults were also injured in the attack. One of the children was repeatedly stabbed in his pram.

It has been reported that the man shouted "in the name of Jesus Christ" twice during the rampage. The Daily Mail reports that he was seen clutching a crucifix necklace before carrying out the attack.

The Catholic Archbishop of Annecy, Yves Le Saux, said that a mass for victims and their families will be held in Annecy Cathedral on Friday.

He said: "This tragedy poses questions about violence that is running through our society and pushes us to work ever harder, together, to fight it."

The suspect is reported to have entered France legally but had his asylum application rejected by the country four days ago.

Authorities said that there is no terrorist motive for the attack at present, and Ms Borne said that the suspect had no criminal or psychiatric history.
Pope Francis undergoes hernia surgery, will stay at hospital several days

Pope Francis is resting at the hospital after a three hour abdominal surgery on Wednesday to repair a hernia in his abdomen that had been causing him recurring pain, according to a Vatican statement.

The procedure is related to the surgery Francis underwent in early July 2021 to remove diverticular stenosis in his colon. He stayed at the hospital for 10 days that time.

"The operation, arranged in recent days by the medical team assisting the Holy Father, became necessary due to an incarcerated incisional hernia that is causing recurring, painful and worsening sub-occlusive syndromes," the Vatican statement read.

The surgery took place "without complications," the Vatican announces, but the pope's agenda has been cleared until June 18.

The 86-year-old Francis had gone to the hospital on Tuesday for a routine checkup, where it was determined that the operation was necessary. In late May, the pope had canceled all his meetings, citing poor health.

After his usual Wednesday audience in St. Peter's Square, Francis was taken to the Il Gemelli Hospital in Rome to undergo surgery under general anesthesia.

News of the pope's operation was first broken by the Italian media and later confirmed by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.

Francis will stay at the health facility for "several days," the Vatican said, "to allow for the normal post-operative course and full functional recovery."

Francis has seen his health decline in recent years. Sciatica in his lower back and leg has forced the pope to use a cane or wheelchair and limit his foreign travel.

Last March, the pope was taken once again to Il Gemelli to treat bronchitis that had caused him to struggle to breathe.

The Vatican did not say whether the pope's surgery would affect his plans to go to Portugal in August for World Youth Day.

 Religion News Service
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
5. IT management

In the past decade, the IT department has grown to become a key department in any organization, bolstering the need for IT management professionals such as CTO, CIO, and vice president of IT. The average salary for IT management professionals has grown just over 8% since 2021. Companies need qualified CTOs, CIOs, vice presidents, and directors who are focused on developing and overseeing the business overall technology strategy and goals. Skills and responsibilities vary depending on the position, but anyone in an IT management role, especially at the executive level, will need a strong understanding of leadership skills  such as transformational leadership  to properly lead successful IT teams and strategies.

Average salary: US$164,814

Increase since 2021: 8.4%

6. Cybersecurity engineer/architect

Cybersecurity is at the forefront of every modern business, ensuring that company and client data stay private and secure. Cybersecurity engineers and architects are at the helm of IT security, tasked with designing and implementing protective cybersecurity solutions to keep systems, data, and networks safe from potential threats. Companies increasingly rely on technology for every aspect of daily business, and as the demand has grown, salaries for cybersecurity engineers and architects have also grown nearly 8% since 2021, according to Dice. Relevant skills include security architecture design, threat modeling, compliance and regulations, security operations, risk assessment and management, and security infrastructure implementation.

Average salary: US$145,512

Increase since 2021: 7.7%

7. Systems engineer

For organizations running complex hardware, software, and network systems, the role of a systems engineer is a vital part of daily operations. Systems engineers are tasked with designing projects, collaborating with key stakeholders to identify necessary requirements and potential constraints, and ensuring that the companys IT systems are functioning effectively. This role helps oversee the development of new systems, working alongside software developers and hardware engineers with an eye on quality control measures and maintaining a steady pace toward established milestone goals. These IT pros also have a hand in system testing, ensuring that the final product meets expectations, and analyze test results to identify issues or discrepancies. Its a vital technical role for organizations in the digital age, with the average salary for systems engineers growing nearly 8% since 2021, according to Dice.

Average salary: US$120,800

Increase since 2021: 7.5%

8. Help desk technician

Help desk technicians are responsible for supporting end-users and helping them work through software and hardware related issues. These IT pros provide technical support, with a strong knowledge of hardware and software maintenance, whether its about updates, bug-fixes, configuring computer systems, or managing hardware and software installations. This pivotal customer service role has grown in demand, with the average salary growing 7% since 2021, according to Dice. While help desk technicians need strong technical skills to help end-users troubleshoot and solve problems, its a role that also requires a lot of communication and collaboration skills. As a main, and often first, point of contact for end-users, help desk technicians need the right skills to interact with customers and clients.

Average salary: US$55,872

Increase since 2021: 6.9%

9. Application support engineer

A lot goes into maintaining an organizations software applications, and ensuring that they remain stable and available for end-users, which is where application support engineers come in. Its a crucial role for businesses to ensure they have the right IT pros to handle troubleshooting, incident and risk management, application maintenance and monitoring, and maintaining proper documentation of issues. Its a role that requires regular collaboration with developers, vendors, infrastructure teams, QA teams, and other key stakeholders to escalate problems to the correct point of contact, while also suggesting potential solutions and improvements for the user experience. The role helps ensure that end-users have a positive user experience, whether theyre internal users or external clients, and the average salary for application support engineers has grown just over 6% since 2021, according to Dice.

Average salary: US$96,961

Increase since 2021: 6.3%

10. Network engineer

Ensuring that an organizations IT and network infrastructure is reliable, efficient, and secure falls on the shoulders of network engineers. Its a role that requires a wide set of technical skills, including knowledge of network design, implementation, maintenance, security, documentation, and monitoring. Network engineers work closely alongside system administrators, developers, and security analysts to ensure that all network infrastructure seamlessly functions and blends into the organizations IT systems and applications. The role has grown in popularity, with salaries for network engineers increasing by just over 6% since 2021, according to Dice.

Average salary: US$99,103

Increase since 2021: 6.1%
Anunt de selectare a expertilor/ telor sau a unei echipe de experti/e cu scopul de a elabora 2 note analitice cu privire la transpunerea in legislatia nationala a doua Directive UE
The latest National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) forecast suggests that the cost-of-living crisis will create significant income challenges for the charity sector. A shortfall in funding will, in turn, have a serious impact on charities ability to complete their essential work. As everyone involved already knows, the sector isnt simply about doing good; its an increasingly critical provider of frontline services.

The widening gap between income and necessary spending means that sustainable fundraising is more important than ever. It is essential that fundraising reflects and uplifts the beneficiaries that the charity supports, while at the same time ensuring that fundraisers are paid appropriately to do this vital work. Charities need to know about participatory, inclusive and truly collaborative fundraising to ensure it is sustainable in the long term.
Freedom from Torture has won the Overall Award for Excellence at this years Charity Awards for its #StopTheFlights campaign, which convinced four commercial airlines to rule themselves out of the running for government contracts to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Freedom from Torture was chosen as the Overall Winner by this years judges from a total of 10 category winners; it also took the top prize in the Campaigning & Advocacy category. The charity was presented with the two awards at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London last night.

While other NGOs focused on challenging the legality of the policy, Freedom from Torture decided to target the six airlines that were in the running for contracts to fly refugees to Rwanda. Its chief executive Sonya Sceats said: We decided we needed to take a new approach to campaigning because conventional policy-focused parliamentary campaigning in this political context was no longer sufficient. We thought that the corporate actors would be more susceptible to public pressure than this government, which has such populist authoritarian leanings, and has proven itself over many years to be largely impervious to civil society-generated pressure.

#StopTheFlights aimed to compel the airlines to rule themselves out of the deportation scheme by damaging their reputations locally and internationally. The multi-channel strategy comprised digital and traditional media, petitions and email campaigns alongside headline-grabbing direct actions. A concerted effort to bring humour and playfulness to the issue resulted in spoof websites and social media posts, the presentation of a worst airline of the year award, and the handing out of one-way tickets to Rwanda at the Conservative Party conference.

Torture survivors contributed directly to the design and implementation of the campaign and many signed up to a campaign leadership programme launched by the charity, learning the components of organising and campaign strategy.

Freedom from Torture says it would have opposed the policy whichever country had been chosen as the destination. Whats at stake here is the legacy following the Holocaust  the Refugee Convention that says people can get somewhere safe by any means necessary and claim asylum on arrival, said Sceats. This is a StopTheFlights campaign, not a StopRwanda campaign  this is not about Rwanda. Its about whatever country this government is trying to circumvent its obligations through.

After six months of campaigning, four of the six airlines had ruled themselves out of the scheme, including Privilege Style, the Spanish airline that had been due to make the first flight to Rwanda. Freedom from Torture is now continuing pressure on the two remaining airlines, Iberojet and Hi Fly.

Judges comments

Charity Awards judge Ruth Davison, chief executive of Refuge, said: This is what happens when you embed a genuine commitment to lived experience throughout your organisation, as Freedom from Torture has done for over a decade. And even if they haven't yet permanently stopped this policy, they have shifted the public debate  you see it coming up again and again, the questioning of whether this is an OK way to behave as a nation, as a society.

Awards judge Karin Woodley, chief executive of Cambridge House, was impressed by the charitys masterstroke tactic of embarrassing the government by shaming their private-sector partners, as well as its efforts to highlight that many of those being targeted for deportation were survivors of torture and not illegal immigrants. She described the campaign as a very contemporary, 21st century approach.

The awards judges were as impressed by the campaigns success in facing down recent government efforts to stifle charity campaigning, as by its achievement in stalling the execution of such an inhumane and authoritarian policy.

Awards judge Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award, said the government has been trying to shut down the voice of charities by claiming that their campaigns are too political, but when you are talking about the lives of human beings, it is not political.

By awarding Freedom from Torture, we are saying that the charity sector recognises the wrongness of the governments action, and we will not be shut down.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of RSPCA, said the government is weaponising certain groups, including refugees, as a way to promote its political agenda. I know that other governments have done that too, but recently its gotten much nastier, and what we are talking about here is individuals lives. This campaign is facing into that front-on, because sometimes you just have to take a stand.

Paul Streets, chief executive of Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, said Freedom from Tortures win would give a boost to the wider refugee sector.

We fund 60 or 70 refugee organisations, and you cant overstate how difficult it is to run a refugee charity at the moment with the political environment we have. So the message this will send to those groups that, actually, we do think they have a right to be here  thats really powerful.

Judge Cathy Phelan-Watkins, owner and chair of Civil Society Media, said: I am proud that we continue to celebrate and champion the sector as a powerful force for change in a world where we can sometimes feel disenfranchised and powerless.

Freedom from Torture: We can move mountains

Accepting the award last night, Freedom from Tortures director of survivor engagement, Kolbassia Haoussou said: This campaign is a testament to all of us that we can move mountains when we put our hearts, when we put our energy, when we put our humanity in front and above anything else.

There are no challenges bigger that we cannot achieve. And every charity that is here is doing tremendously well in supporting whatever category that you are working on.

Haoussou thanked colleagues at Freedom from Torture, partner organisations and refugees with whom the charity works.

Now were able to defend other refugees and make sure that this country is a country which treats people with respect, dignity, and a country where above everything else, we are welcoming people. And thats why we are here, he said.

We did it again people together we are a force. This is your hard work. We won the #charityawards23 for Campaigning and Advocacy charity of the year. pic.twitter.com/NrX9BbB1Rb  Kolbassia Haoussou MBE (@haoussou) June 7, 2023

Charities have never been under so much pressure to shut up and stick to service delivery.



Last night a huge panel of civil society leaders threw their weight behind our refusal to sit back while this government tries to trade humans for cash with Rwanda. https://t.co/gwlKozQimr  Sonya Sceats  (@SonyaSceats) June 8, 2023

Other winners

Alongside the nine other category winners and the recipient of the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, Freedom from Torture was presented with its two trophies at the ceremony hosted by writer, comedian and political commentator Ayesha Hazarika.

Dr Hany El-Banna, founder and president of Islamic Relief Worldwide, won the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement. Click here to read why .

Click here to read more about Freedom from Torture on the Charity Awards website .

Click here to read the full list of Charity Awards 2023 winners .
Dr Hany El-Banna OBE, who co-founded and built Islamic Relief Worldwide into the worlds biggest Western Muslim aid and development agency, has been awarded the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement at this years Charity Awards.

Dr El-Banna was presented with his prize at the Charity Awards ceremony last night by Cathy Phelan-Watkins, director of Civil Society Media and wife of the late Daniel Phelan, creator of the Charity Awards.

He was honoured for nearly 40 years of leadership in the humanitarian sector, the early years of which were spent in a part-time role alongside his work as an NHS doctor in Birmingham. But his natural talent for fundraising and advocacy finally convinced him to leave the medical profession and concentrate on building Islamic Relief full-time. Today, the organisation operates in 40 countries with 450 staff, and is one of the 30 biggest UK charities by income. Millions of people each year are touched by its work.

He remained at the charity until 2008 when he left to focus on new capacity-building and cross-border coordination activities, which led to the creation of the World Humanitarian Action Forum (WHAF) and the Muslim Charities Forum, among numerous smaller initiatives.

Nowadays, Dr El-Banna continues to chair WHAF and still travels constantly. He was in Jordan when the earthquake struck Turkey and Syria in February, and joined teams in the field to coordinate relief efforts.

Cathy Phelan-Watkins said Dr El-Banna had been a great inspiration to many young British Muslims who were inspired to pursue a humanitarian pathway themselves, and had come to be regarded as the godfather of the Muslim charity sector.

She added: As the then heir to the throne, Prince Charles, said when he attended Islamic Reliefs 25th anniversary, none of the charitys achievements would have been possible without the vision, passion and sheer dedication of this truly extraordinary man.

Dr El-Banna responds

Dr El-Banna collected his award alongside 10 category winners and the winner of the Overall Award for Excellence, Freedom from Torture, at a black-tie ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London, hosted by writer and broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika.

At the event, Dr El-Banna asked the audience its permission to say that he deserved the award before accepting it.

He said: The journey is not the flashlight, is not the award, it is not the prestige, it is the length of the challenges we face wherever we go.

Dr El-Banna warned that the UK was losing sight of its values in its recent responses to refugee crises in Syria, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen.

"We should not forget our homemade British values, which we are losing badly, he said.

Read Tania Masons profile of Dr El-Banna here .

About the Daniel Phelan Award

The Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement is the only individual award given out, and the recipient is selected by Civil Society Media and approved by the judging panel. Dr El-Banna joins an illustrious list of winners, including Sir Roger Singleton, Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, Dame Julia Unwin, Sir Nicholas Young, and Sir Harpal Kumar.

Daniel Phelan founded the Charity Awards in 2000. After he died in 2015, the organisers at Civil Society Media changed the name of the Outstanding Achievement Award to honour his memory.

Click here to read the full list of Charity Awards 2023 winners .
In 2020, the Australian government proposed a law called the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code, which forced large tech companies such as Google and Meta to negotiate payment deals with news publishers. In response, Meta not only blocked users in Australia from seeing news content on Facebook but prevented them from posting links to any news stories, regardless of where they were published. The platform also blocked pages belonging to hospitals and emergency services, which Meta described as a mistake but insiders alleged was a deliberate negotiating tactic. Fast-forward two years, and Meta says that it is now prepared to block news in Canada in response to a bill in that country that is based on Australias bargaining code. (I wrote about the bill back in March.) Although Meta is not currently blocking all news from its platform in Canada, it is blocking access for what it described as a small percentage of usersand if the law is passed, the company said that it intends to end the availability of news content in Canada permanently.

In a statement earlier this month, Meta described Canadas bill, which is called the Online News Act, as fundamentally flawed legislation that ignores the realities of how our platforms work [and] the value we provide news publishers. In a more in-depth statement last fall, Marc Dinsdale, the companys head of media partnerships in Canada, said that the bill is unacceptable, in part, because it misrepresents the relationship between platforms and news publishers. The legislation is based on the presumption that Meta unfairly benefits from its relationship with publishers, Dinsdale wrote, when in fact the reverse is true. Meta says that its internal data shows that posts with links to news articles make up less than 3 percent of what people see in their Facebook news feeds, and that the majority of links to news content are posted by the publishers themselves.

Rachel Curran, the head of public policy for Meta Canada, said that users will be included in the current news-blocking test on a random basis, and will only be informed that they are blocked from sharing news if they try to post a link to a news story. According to a report from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the number of news publishers whose content will be affected by the test will not be made public, with inclusion in the test also randomized. We believe that news has a real social value, Curran told the Canadian Press news agency. The problem is that it doesnt have much of an economic value to Meta. So we are being asked to compensate news publishers for material that has no economic value to us. In the past, Meta said that it cared about funding journalism. As I noted in a recent piece for CJR, it seems to have changed its mind.

Meta isnt the only company experimenting with blocking the news in Canada: in February, Google said that it was removing links to Canadian news content for a percentage of its users for a period of five weeks. In testimony before the Canadian Senate, Richard Gingras, the vice president of news at Google, said that if the law passes, it might have to remove links to news articles from search results. Forcing Google to negotiate with news publishers to compensate them for their content, Gingras said, would represent an uncapped financial liability for the company. Google has also complained that the law defines eligible news businesses in an overly broad way, meaning that it would effectively subsidize any outlet that explains current issues or events of public interest.

Like Meta, Google has made the argument that it doesnt benefit financially from hosting links to news content but rather sends billions of clicks to news sites, which are then free to monetize those clicks. But the platforms rarely mention that they dominate the online advertising market. And their arguments dont seem to have swayed those pushing the Canadian bill. Justin Trudeau, Canadas prime minister, has described Googles decision to remove links to news content from its search results as a terrible mistake. The law is currently being considered by the Canadian Senate, which rarely challenges legislation once it has been passed by the lower house of Parliament. Paula Simons, a senator who sits as an independent, told the Toronto Star last week that the timing of Metas threats to cut off accesscoming just as the Senate was holding hearings on the billcould be considered by some to be uncomfortable, though she added, If theyre trying to intimidate me, I dont intimidate very easily. (Simons is a former colleague of mine who was appointed to the Senate after a career as a journalist.)

In addition to its moves in Canada, Meta has recently made similar threats to cut off access to news in California, which is considering a similar law that would force the digital platforms to pay for linking to news articles. Instead of requiring them to negotiate payment terms with individual publishers, as the Australian and Canadian bills mandated, the California lawcalled the California Journalism Preservation Actwould impose a state-imposed journalism usage fee on the platforms; the proceeds would then be distributed to news publishers, which would be required to spend at least 70 percent of the money creating new journalism jobs. Meta said last week that it plans to block access to all news articles in California on both Facebook and Instagram if the law passes as written.

Sign up for CJR 's daily email

Andy Stone, a spokesperson for Meta, said on Twitter that if the California law passes, the company would be forced to remove news from Facebook and Instagram, rather than pay into a slush fund that primarily benefits big, out-of-state media companies. Stone added that its pay or remove the news. Our hand is being forced. Other states will likely be watching to see how Californias proposed law fares and whether Meta follows through on its threats as a result, just as other countries are likely watching the outcome of Canadas proposed legislation. We are now in a no-holds-barred battle for revenue, with many news companies, emboldened by the settlement in Australia, becoming quite vocal and aggressive in arguing this case, John Wihbey, a journalism professor at Northeastern University, told NPR.

Thats at least in part due to the fact that, in the end, Metas threats in Australia turned out to be a negotiating tactic: the company relented after the countrys news bargaining code was modified to allow the platforms to strike financial deals with Australian publishers directly, rather than paying for every use of a publishers content. As Bill Grueskin, a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, noted in a piece for CJR last year, the deals that the platforms struck led Australian publishers to receive more than a hundred and fifty million US dollars in the year after the law was passedalthough some members of the media expressed concern about becoming so financially reliant on tech platforms.

If Meta and/or Google are using the threat of a news blockade to extract concessions from either Canada or California, its unclear what kinds of favors they might be looking for. Canadas proposed law already allows the platforms to negotiate deals with publishers, rather than forcing them to pay for every news link they publish. It also gives Canadas communications regulator the power to exempt the platforms from the law if the agreements they strike with publishers meet certain criteria, one of the concessions that led Meta to relent in Australia. And, while the Canadian law requires the platforms to disclose the terms of their dealsunlike in Australia, where, Grueskin wrote, key details of the arrangement between the government, the platforms, and publishers have been guarded like theyre nuclear launch codesthey only have to disclose them to the government. Keeping the details of its agreements functionally secret ultimately benefits the platforms, because it makes it less likely that other publishers can then use those terms as leverage.

In the meantime, blocking access to the news for millions of users could theoretically goad the Canadian government or the state of California into taking punitive action against the platforms, which could be even more costly than any payments for linking to news. In any case, news consumers in Canada and California can take some comfort in the knowledge that every time Google or Facebook has blocked access to the news on their platform, they have eventually reinstated italthough in some cases it has taken a long time for that to happen. In Spain, for example, Google cut off access to its Google News platform for more than eight years, only restoring it last year after the Spanish government changed the laws that cover paying for links to news. The news, of course, was still available elsewhere.



Other notable stories:

Chris Licht is out as chairman and CEO of CNN a little over a year since taking the job and less than a week after a widely read profile in The Atlantic painted a devastating portrait of dysfunction and newsroom unrest under his leadership as he tried and failed to execute on bosses wish that the network dial down Trump-era outrage and move closer to the political center. (CJRs Jon Allsop wrote about the profile and Lichts tenure in Mondays newsletter .) Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, and Eric Sherlinga trio of veteran CNN executiveswill lead the network until Warner Bros. Discovery, its parent company, picks a successor to Licht, a process that could take awhile. According to Oliver Darcy, CNNs media reporter , network staffers breathed a sigh of cathartic relief when Lichts firing was confirmed, but still feel apprehensive as to what might come next.



The LA Times laid off seventy-four newsroom staffers ; reporters were mostly spared, but editors, producers, and photographers were not. The papers union accused bosses of failing to first offer buyouts, and called the layoffs outrageous and reckless. (Bosses denied any wrongdoing.) Meg James, an LA Times reporter, notes that the paper had been spared significant cuts since Patrick Soon-Shiong acquired it five years ago.

On Tuesday, Tucker Carlson, who was ousted from Fox in April , debuted a new show on Twitter. Yesterday, Fox wrote to Carlson accusing him of breaching non-compete provisions in his contract with the network. Carlson is said to believe that Twitter is not a direct competitor of Fox and that his show on the platform is protected by his First Amendment rights, but its not clear if this defense will work. Axios has more details .



In the UK, the right-wing Daily Telegraph , its Sunday sister title, and The Spectator magazine will be put up for sale after a bank seized them from their current owners, the Barclay family, in a dispute over unpaid debts. Per The Guardian , the Murdochs, the owners of the rival Mail , and Axel Springer could be interested in the titles; Jeff Bezos was linked to a possible takeover of the titles in the past, but is now seen as a long shot.



And OutVoice, a platform that specializes in freelancer management and payment, is acquiring Study Hall, a newsletter and virtual community for freelance journalists, Sara Fischer reports for Axios . Kyle Chayka, a New Yorker writer who cofounded Study Hall, said that the acquisition will make the community sustainable and provide opportunities for its freelance members to connect with media companies that contract with OutVoice.

ICYMI: Chris Licht, Chuck Todd, and a tale of two Sunday shows

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
DALLAS (AP)  Airline unions are fighting a request by SkyWest Airlines to operate some flights as charters, accusing the company of trying to evade safety rules for passenger airlines.

SkyWest is not a familiar name to most air travelers, but it is one of many small carriers that operate flights for American Eagle, United Express and Delta Connection. The Utah-based company asked the U.S. Transportation Department for permission to operate new flights under less-restrictive charter-airline rules if it limits planes to 30 seats.

Significantly, charter pilots do not need as much experience as pilots on scheduled airline flights. Under a rule that Congress passed after a 2009 crash that killed 50 people, most candidates for airline jobs need 1,500 hours of flight time  fewer hours only if they have military experience or a degree from an accredited aviation school. Charter pilots also arent required to retire at 65, like airline pilots.

If approved, the SkyWest scheme would gut the safety rule, make flying less safe, and reward them with taxpayer funding, Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said Tuesday.

SkyWest says it plans to use pilots who hold airline-standard licenses for the charter flights. The company says charter service is the only way to preserve flights to many smaller communities that major airlines no longer serve. SkyWest says 82% of communities in the taxpayer-subsidized Essential Air Service program are served only by charters.

We share your priorities of providing these flights with safety, security, service, and reliability as our highest concerns, the airlines CEO, Russell Childs, wrote in a letter last week to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Childs vowed that SkyWest will surpass other charter operators  and some low- cost airlines  in pilot training, rest rules and other practices.

Several smaller cities served by SkyWest support the companys plan. In a typical one, Salina, Kansas, Mayor Michael Hoppock wrote that SkyWests charter operation represents the best opportunity to maintain the level of service our airport requires and deserves.

The Transportation Department has not indicated when it will rule.

Unions representing pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants and ground workers oppose the SkyWest bid. They have enlisted Peter DeFazio, a former congressman who oversaw the Transportation Department as a longtime House committee chairman. He said the SkyWest plan would roll back the clock for safety rules setting maximum working hours and minimum rest time between flights for airline pilots.

I dont see this as a way to perpetuate safe service to those (smaller) cities, and I see it as a huge step back from one level of aviation in this country, DeFazio said. I dont see anything good coming of this.

SkyWest has 13,100 employees, including 4,400 pilots, and 491 planes, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. The planes range from 50 to 76 seats. The charter operation would use Bombardier regional jets with 30 seats.

Small, so-called regional airlines have struggled with a pilot shortage. Last year, SkyWest indicated that it planned to drop 29 United Express destinations under the Essential Air Service program because it lacked pilots.

Bigger airlines have mostly been silent about the SkyWest charter plan.

American Airlines questioned whether SkyWest could enjoy a price advantage over regular airlines by following the example of JSX, another charter operator. JSX passengers dont pay the Transportation Security Administration fee of $11.20 per round trip because they dont go through TSA checkpoints while leaving from private terminals.

SkyWest promises to use TSA security.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
ORANGE, Ohio -- A designated outdoor refreshment area will be created at Pinecrest this summer.

On Wednesday (June 7), Village Council passed an ordinance on second reading, creating the DORA and establishing requirements to ensure public health and safety within the area.

According to the villages website, this initiative will authorize patrons of liquor-permitted businesses within the DORA to purchase alcoholic beverages and consume them within the boundaries of the area.

Council typically passes ordinances on third reading, but the administration requested suspension of the rules so that council could move this forward.

Im eager to get it going, Mayor Kathy U. Mulcahy said.

As required by the Ohio Revised Code, a public hearing was held on this application before council voted. There were no comments during the hearing.

Mulcahy submitted the application to council April 28 -- with assistance from Rob Clarke, general manager of Pinecrest -- to have the property designated as the Pinecrest Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.

Pinecrest is a 58-acre mixed-use district off the Harvard Road exit of Interstate 271.

The proposed DORA boundary encompasses 43.5 acres, which is within the requirement of the area being 150 acres or less.

Clarke submitted a written proposal for the DORA to council May 3, when he made a presentation about the plan.

According to the ordinance, the creation of a DORA will provide the village with economic development, business revitalization, tax revenues and new jobs and provide the patrons of Pinecrest an amenity that has been requested by Pinecrest and its restaurants.

Clarke told council May 3 that Pinecrest hopes to have the DORA in effect in July and that it would be in place year-round.

The document provided to council indicates the proposed boundaries for the DORA and qualified permit holders, or a listing of venues at Pinecrest that have a liquor permit that would be within the boundaries.

It indicates that the village has identified 14 establishments -- mostly restaurants -- that qualify as permit holders that will likely be included in the DORA.

These establishments are Saucy Brew Works, AC Marriott Hotel, RED the Steakhouse, The Last Page, The Candle Studio, Sand Pebbles, Silverspot Cinema, Condado, Lau Sze Chuan, Pinstripes, Firebirds, Kitchen Social, Shake Shack and Zen Nail Spa.

The document also includes a land use and zoning map and plans for safety, signage and sanitation.

Hours of operation for the DORA will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 8 p.m. Sundays.

There may be extended hours outside of these times for special events, with approval from Village Council.

Beer, wine and intoxicating liquor shall only be served and consumed within the DORA in specifically designated plastic cups approved by the village.

On Wednesday, Councilwoman Staci Adelman Vincent asked Clarke if a business within the DORA leaves and another establishment moves into that space, is the new tenant responsible for picking up the same plan that the previous one had.

No, its their election to participate, he said.

Vincent also asked Clarke if the guidelines that were put in place a year ago at Pinecrest to restrict some teenagers from using the shopping center are still in effect and how that will affect the DORA.

Clarke said yes, all Pinecrest patrons under age 18 must still be accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old after 4 p.m. But that should not affect the DORA, he said.

Our hours of operation for DORA start at 4 p.m., he said. So it becomes almost adults only at that point in time.

Ohio and village laws regarding public intoxication and impaired driving will continue to apply within and around the outdoor refreshment area, the ordinance states.

Woodmere introduced a DORA last year at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. Such districts also have been enacted in recent years at the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights and Legacy Village in Lyndhurst.

Special counsel hired

In other action, council passed an ordinance on first reading to engage the Zashin & Rich law firm of Cleveland to provide special counsel to the village in employment-related matters.

Again, the administration requested suspension of the rules, as Mulcahy said the village needs to pay some bills owed to the law firm.

She then introduced attorney Sarah Moore, of Zashin & Rich, who attended the meeting.

The ordinance states that council has determined it is necessary to engage special counsel to represent the village in negotiations, administrative proceedings and court actions for labor and employment-related matters.

Mulcahy said these negotiations and employment-related matters involve the Orange Village Police Department.

The Village will pay Zashin & Rich at the rate of $200 to $260 per hour for services provided by an attorney and $110 per hour for services provided by a paralegal.

According to its website, Zashin & Rich specializes in workplace and family law.

Change order approved

Also on Wednesday, council authorized a change order to the agreement with CA Agresta Construction Co. of South Euclid to increase the previously approved amount of $247,744 for the villages concrete repair program by no more than $40,000.

Village Engineer Brian Mader said he was requesting up to $40,000 to cover some additional repairs that are needed.

The $40,000 is leaving us a cushion in case we do uncover some (more) additional repairs, he said. This is mostly along Lander Road, which the contractor has not been to yet.

Council approved the original bid for this years concrete repair program on May 10.

Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun.
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- A man, 20, reported at 7:39 p.m. June 3 that he was assaulted at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 13971 Cedar Road, while waiting for his order.

He said a man, who appeared to be in his late 20s, punched him in the throat for an unknown reason and chased him around the restaurant.

As he exited the business to escape the man, he said two other unknown men were in a vehicle with guns pointed at him. That vehicle fled from the area when he called police.

He told responding officers that he did not know any of the suspects or why they were targeting him.

The incident is under investigation.

Read more news from the Sun Messenger.
CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland Heights woman sued the makers of a popular wood stain after she said the product spontaneously combusted and burned her house down.

Erica McCloud sued Rust-Oleum over its Varathane Wood Stain product and Home Depot stores for selling the product knowing that it could cause fires.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in federal court in Cleveland, says McCloud is seeking at least $143,000, according to court records.

The lawsuit is one of several filed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio involving the product. It accuses Rust-Oleum of failing to provide a proper warning on the label of the Varathane containers.

cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached out to Rust-Oleum and Home Depot for comment.

The spontaneous combustion occurs under specific conditions. If rags used to apply the oil-based product are piled up after use and are dried together, the circumstances can prompt a chemical response that causes the rags to ignite.

Varathane containers have a warning on its labels, but McClouds attorneys, Ken Levine and Matthew Connolly, wrote in the lawsuit that the warning labels do a poor job of alerting customers to the possibility of spontaneous combustion.

The attorneys also accused Home Depot of negligence in selling the product without warning customers.

The lawsuit says McCloud used Varathane on Aug. 28, 2022, at her home on Bainbridge Road, east of Taylor Road.

McCloud put the rags used to stain her third-floor floors in a container near the stairs, according to the lawsuit.

Later that day, a fire erupted at the home, engulfing the third floor in flames, according to the lawsuit and a Cleveland Heights fire department report provided by McClouds attorneys.

Firefighters found the fire started on the third-floor stairs and caused an estimated $225,000 in damage to the home.

McClouds attorneys also provided a email written by Cleveland Heights Fire Inspector Jim Streb to city officials four months after the fire that said Streb contacted Rust-Oleum officials and asked if the company could put the warning on the top of the container to make it more easily accessible to customers.

He said he asked if the company could put the danger label on the lid because its more likely to be seen by users and would be more likely to stay clean during a project.

Adam Ferrise covers federal courts at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. You can find his work here.
GROVE CITY, Ohio  An Amber Alert has been canceled when a 10-year-old girl was found safe after she was taken from a Grove City residence by her mother late Wednesday night, police say.

The Grove City Police Department confirmed early Thursday morning that the girl had been found, but released no other details, WJW Channel 8 reports.

Police issued the Amber Alert when they said they were concerned the girl was in immediate danger after she reportedly was taken by her mother. Its unclear if the mother is in custody.
WASHINGTON  A federal grand jury investigating Donald Trump in Florida heard from at least one additional witness Wednesday amid signs that the Justice Department was moving toward a possible indictment over the former presidents mishandling of classified documents.

In the last week, his lawyers have met with Justice Department officials to argue against an indictment; Trump has issued social media posts in which he suggested he anticipated that he might be charged; and a former top aide appeared before a grand jury in Miami  an indication, legal experts said, that prosecutors had settled on Florida rather than Washington as an appropriate venue for charges.
COLUMBUS, OhioOhio lawmakers are again trying to patch financial holes the states long-ailing unemployment benefits system  this time, by significantly cutting benefits.

Senate Bill 116, introduced by two Senate Republicans, would cut the number of weeks jobless Ohioans can receive benefits from 26 weeks to a range of 12 to 20 weeks, depending on what the states unemployment rate is at the time.

It also would stop allowing Ohioans who qualify for the maximum unemployment payout of $561 per week to get an additional $119 to $204 per week if they have dependent children.

Overall, if SB 116 passes, total benefit payouts would decrease by nearly 39%, saving over $7 billion through 2036, according to estimates from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The share of recipients who exhaust all their available benefits would likely increase from an average of 23.3% to 51.8% from 2024-2036, and the average claim length would drop during that same period from 13.6 weeks to 8.8 weeks, ODJFS estimated.

SB116 also would, in theory, require employers to pay more, too, as the state would charge unemployment taxes on the first $9,500 of each employees income starting in 2024, rather than $9,000 under current law.

However, with fewer benefits being paid out, employers unemployment tax rate would fall from 2.4% to an estimated 1.4% by 2027, ODJFS predicted. Even with the higher taxable wage base, Ohio employers would pay about 31% less  or nearly $4.9 billion  in total between 2023 and 2036 compared to current revenue projections, the ODJFS analysis stated.

Ohios unemployment insurance program has teetered on insolvency for years. The program is funded by taxes charged to employers, but there have long been concerns that that money wont be enough to cover payments if the economy takes a nosedive.

During the last two economic crises, the Great Recession and the coronavirus crisis  the state had to borrow billions of dollars from the federal government to cover payments. In the former case, state employers had to pay hundreds of millions of dollars more in interest payments; the DeWine administration avoided a similar situation during the coronavirus crisis by immediately repaying the loan with a large chunk of Ohios share of federal COVID-19 relief money.

The ODJFS analysis concluded that the states unemployment system is likely headed for insolvency if no changes are made, and that SB116, overall, would likely reduce the potential for insolvency for the next 10-13 years. However, it added: With so much of this gain in the Trust Fund coming from benefit reductions, (SB116) would leave fewer options in the future for cuts in benefits, likely leaving steep tax increases as the only option.

In general, there are two ways to shore up the finances of Ohios unemployment system: cut benefits or require employers to pay more. However, business groups and labor unions have, for years, been unable to reach an agreement on which of those two solutions  or some combination of the two  should be implemented.

State Sen. George Lang, a Butler County Republican cosponsoring SB116, said in an interview that theres never been a better time than now to overhaul the states unemployment system, as Ohios 3.7% unemployment rate last month was the lowest in the state since 1976.

I think its irresponsible of us to allow our funds to go insolvent again, so we have to address whats right for the business community and whats right for the workers, Lang said. And allowing our fund to go insolvent is not an acceptable solution.

Asked about ODJFS projections that SB116 would cut benefits for unemployed workers while saving businesses money, Lang said Ohioans getting unemployment benefits, on average, receive them for 14 weeks.

Ohio is one of the most generous states in the nation when it comes to unemployment benefits, Lang said. He added that cutting the maximum time people can get benefits from 26 weeks would only affect those people that are using it in a way that it was not intended to be used. And the reality today (is that) anyone that wants a job can go and get one  the demand is that high.

However, Lang said he would be open to amending his bill to set the maximum number of weeks at 20 weeks, rather than have a sliding maximum based on the states unemployment rate.

Its unclear so far whether SB116 stands any better chance of passage than other, unsuccessful attempts in the past to reform Ohios unemployment system.

Kevin Shimp, general counsel for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said his organization supports SB116. Its a long standing priority of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce to address the financial strength of the unemployment system, because employers pay more when the system goes insolvent, Shimp said in an interview.

When asked about the conclusions of the ODJFS analysis, Shimp replied, The chamber is willing to look at other legislation. Senate Bill 116 is whats before us today.

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga said SB116 is a non-starter for him, as his union wont support any proposal that improves the systems finances by reducing benefits.

We have no interest in exploring an unemployment compensation bill that doesnt really address the core and key issue  which is that employers have been shortchanging the system now for decades, he said.

Jeremy Pelzer covers state politics and policy for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
ROME (AP)  Pope Francis was in good general condition Thursday, alert and breathing on his own, following a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall, the Vatican said.

The 86-year-old Francis rested extensively during a peaceful night at Romes Gemelli hospital and was spending his first full day after the surgery observing the necessary post-operative rest, the Vatican said in a statement.

The pope is informed of the messages of closeness and affection that have come in the last few hours and expresses his gratitude, while asking for continued prayers for him, the statement said.

Francis was admitted to Gemelli on Wednesday for his second major abdominal operation in two years, following a 2021 procedure to remove part of his colon. During the procedure, doctors removed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that had caused a partial blockage. They also repaired a hernia that had formed over a previous scar, placing a prosthetic mesh in the abdominal wall.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences at Gemelli who performed the surgery, said the operation was a success, that there were no complications and that Francis was suffering from no other pathologies. He said the tissue removed was benign and that after he recovers, Francis should be fine.

He revealed that in addition to that 2021 operation, Francis had undergone previous abdominal surgeries sometime before 2013 in his native Argentina, which had also caused intestinal scarring.

Alfieri, who also removed part of Francis colon in 2021, told an evening press conference that the pope was awake, alert and even joking. When will we do the third one? he quoted Francis as saying.

The pontiff was expected to remain in the 10th floor papal suite at Gemelli for several days, and all papal audiences were canceled through June 18.

The operation was scheduled after Francis had complained about increasing bouts of pain and intestinal blockages. After going to Gemelli on Tuesday for checks, Francis was admitted Wednesday following his general audience and underwent the procedure a short time later.

The surgery was likely scheduled now to give Francis plenty of time to recover before embarking on planned travel later this summer: an Aug. 2-6 trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, an Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to Mongolia and a Sept. 23 day trip to Marseille, France.

A feared protrusion, or bulging of the intestine through the hernia tear, was apparently not found.

It appears they operated on him in a timely fashion with no compromise to his intestine, said Dr. Walter Longo, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, who did not participate in the surgery and commented after consulting the Vatican statement on the procedure.

Dr. P. Ravi Kiran, chief of colorectal surgery at Columbia University, said the fact that there were adhesions removed suggests that the small intestine might take some time to recover.

It is good news that bowel did not need to be removed and the surgeon was able to place prosthetic mesh to bridge the defect in the abdominal muscle, Kiran said in an email. There is always a risk of mesh infection when placed in a situation such as this, but factors such as any contamination seen at surgery, type of mesh and antibiotics used also impinge on this risk.

Francis remained in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while unconscious and in the hospital, according to canon law.

In July 2021, Francis spent 10 days at Gemelli to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine. In an interview with The Associated Press in January, Francis said the diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall, that prompted that surgery had returned.

Dr. Manish Chand, a professor of surgery at University College London who specializes in colorectal surgery, said the greatest issue going forward will be pain management and making sure the wound heals properly.

In the first six weeks after this type of surgery, youre at risk of getting a recurrence again, he said. To avoid that, patients are advised not to do anything strenuous.

One of the last people to see Francis on Wednesday before he left the Vatican for the hospital was the Rev. Enzo Fortunato, spokesman of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

He was very serene, very tranquil, and he encouraged us to go on, Fortunato recalled. This really hit me because it means he is not a man who is self-centered but focused on others. We said to him Courage, and we will support you with our prayers.

__

Trisha Thomas in Rome and Maria Cheng in London contributed.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  If you still have some high-quality protective masks laying around from your battles with COVID-19, you might want to strap one on if you go outside Thursday.

The smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to create unhealthy conditions outdoors, especially for older people, children and those with conditions such as asthma and COPD. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency along with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and others has extended an air quality advisory through midnight.

Not just any mask will do, however. Dr. David Rosenberg, pulmonologist with University Hospitals, recommends wearing a KN-95 mask, which can be easily acquired online, or an N-95, which is designed for healthcare workers.

Those masks will filter out most of the small particles in the smoke that can get down into the lungs and create inflammation that can create health problems, he said. Larger particles get filtered out by the nose and throat.

If small particulates from the wildfire smoke gets into the lungs it can increase the risk of an asthma flare-up, make people cough and wheeze and place greater strain on the heart, said Dr. Maeve MacMurdo, pulmonologist with Cleveland Clinic.

Lesser masks, such as the surgical variety or those made of cloth, wont prevent the smaller particles from getting into the lungs, but they could prevent the larger particles from irritating the nose and mouth.

It also may be advisable to change out your mask if you wear if for a long period of time, Rosenberg said. If the air is really bad they could get clogged up.

Related: Air purifiers for relief from Canadian wildfires smoke: Where to buy

Rosenberg said anybody who goes out may want to consider wearing a mask given that the air in the Cleveland area has been in the unhealthy range at times.

Id error on the side of caution, he said.

By late morning Thursday, the air quality index reading for the Cleveland-Akron-Lorain region was 154 for fine particulates. A measurement of 101-150 is rated unhealthy for sensitive groups while 151 to 200 is considered unhealthy for everybody. A reading of 201 to 300 is considered very unhealthy while 301 and up is considered hazardous.

MacMurdo said people should monitor the local air quality index and if it gets above 150, those compromised by age or health conditions should wear a mask if they need to go outdoors. If the index gets above 200, she recommends everybody should wear a mask if they have to be outside for a long period of time. People should also avoid strenuous activity while outdoors that will make them breath harder.

But the best course of action, she said, is just to stay inside.

By comparison, in Pennsylvania, the readings for fine particulates were 137 in Pittsburgh, 243 in Philadelphia, 278 in the Lehigh Valley and 353 in the Susquehanna Valley.

The National Weather Service reports that Northeast Ohio could start getting relief from the smoke Friday night as winds start to shift. They have been coming out of the north but are expected to start coming out the west Friday night and then out of the south by Sunday, said NWS meteorologist Kirk Lombardy.

Theres also the chance of rain Sunday morning that improves by Sunday night, with rain then overnight before tapering off Monday, he said.

Most of Greater Cleveland and Ohio officially is in a drought, after going weeks without rain. It last rained in Cleveland on May 20.
South Africa: President Ramaphosa apologises to Hammanskraal residents

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sincere apology to the residents of Hammanskraal for governments failure to provide clean drinking water to residents.

President Ramaphosa visited the community of Hammanskraal on Thursday, following the Cholera outbreak.

The President started the visit to Hammanskraal with a stopover at the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment plant, which was followed by a community meeting at Temba Stadium in Hammanskraal, where he interacted with the community on the measures government is implementing.

Addressing the community, the President acknowledged that government has failed the residents, who have been without quality water for many years.

We are sorry that we have not been able to provide you with the basic human right of clean water, and that it has taken the lives of people. We have not lived up to your expectation, and we are now going to do things right, President Ramaphosa said.

The President reported that during the visit at Rooiwal, he discovered that the plant is too old since it was built in the 1950s and has not been maintained for quite some time, has rusty pipes and the machine is not in a good working condition.

President Ramaphosa also called for an end to the awarding tenders for the building of infrastructure, to unskilled people.

He noted that the tenders, which were issued by the City of Tshwane for repairing and extension of the water works, was left uncompleted, due to irregularities.

They issued big tenders and the work was half done up to 68% and the tender had to be cancelled because there was irregularities in the award of a tender. Had the work been done properly at that water works, the provision of clean quality water would have been there," President Ramaphosa said.

Adopting a culture of maintenance

The President also emphasised the importance of infrastructure maintenance, noting that the culture of maintenance throughout the country is very low.

We build installations, some of them the most beautiful, and when we finish building them, we forget about them and about maintaining them. The right approach and culture is, once you build a facility or an installation, you must from day one, start maintaining so that it functions well, and way into the future.

When you dont maintain the machines, which works day and night, it will definitely break down one of these days. Weve seen it now in electricity and we are now also seeing it in another vital area, which is water, and this must come to an endwe must start maintaining our infrastructure, as South Africans, the President said.

Short-term interventions

The President noted that the maintenance and expansion of Rooiwal Wastewater Works and Temba Water treatment will cost R4 billion, with the final completion of work expected to take three years.

President Ramaphosa said while the maintenance and expansion of Rooiwal Wastewater and Temba Water Plants is underway, the City of Tshwane will continue to provide tankered water.

He also announced that government has invited Magalies Water, who will come to Hammanskraal and assist with the building of small water works.

They [Magalies] would be able to complete the work in the next six months. You will carry on using tankering water supplying clean water, but it wont go on for a long period, President Ramaphosa explained to residents.

He reiterated the warning against using unboiled water for consumption, as it is currently not in good quality.

Water wardens training

Meanwhile, the President challenged Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lusufi to recruit young people and train them to become water wardens.

This is what we have to do  to skill our people to make sure that we have more people to look after our facilities, the President said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-06-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Bilateral FTA with China boosts Cambodia's exports: PM

Xinhua) 14:51, June 08, 2023

KAMPONG CHHNANG, Cambodia, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Thursday that the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), which took effect on Jan. 1, 2022, has given a boost to the kingdom's exports to China.

"More and more Cambodian products have been shipped to China," he said in a speech during a get-together with more than 18,000 garment factory workers here in central Kampong Chhnang province.

"Our agricultural products such as mangoes, longans, bananas and fish, which had no market in the past, have gained access to China under the CCFTA," he added.

Recently, the General Administration of Customs of China has also allowed the Southeast Asian country to export its pepper and 12 kinds of wild aquatic products, including shrimp, fish, eel and river snails, to China.

Im Rachna, undersecretary of state and spokeswoman for Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said China is a huge market for Cambodian potential agricultural products including milled rice, yellow bananas, fresh mangoes and longans.

"The export of our agricultural products to China has importantly promoted the development of Cambodian agriculture and brought a lot of benefits to Cambodian people, particularly farmers," she told Xinhua.

According to a report from Cambodia's General Department of Customs and Excise, the kingdom exported products worth 439.5 million U.S. dollars to China from January to April 2023, up 3.7 percent from 423.7 million dollars over the same period last year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
SEC Chair Gary Gensler mocks putting a gun to his head in response to a "Blazing Saddles" reference by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., during the House Financial Services Committee hearing titled "Oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission," in Rayburn Building on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who is in the midst of a hefty crackdown on crypto companies, offered to serve as an advisor to Binance's parent company in 2019, according to the lawyers for Binance and founder Changpeng Zhao.

Documents filed by the SEC on Wednesday indicate that attorneys from Gibson Dunn and Latham & Watkins, two of Binance's law firms, allege that Gensler offered to serve as an advisor to the crypto exchange in several March 2019 conversations with Binance executives and Zhao. He eventually met Zhao in Japan for lunch later that month, the filing claims.

At the time, Gensler was teaching at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management. He was appointed head of the SEC in 2021 by President Biden, and over the past year has come down hard on the crypto industry, suing numerous companies for allegedly selling unregistered securities.

Earlier this week, the SEC filed 13 charges against Binance and Zhao, alleging the company failed to register as an exchange and broker-dealer, improperly commingled funds and lacked critical internal controls over its businesses.

Before Gensler started going after Binance, he was trying to cozy up to the company, the lawyers say. The Wall Street Journal previously reported on Gensler and Binance's relationship, citing internal Binance messages and a person close to the SEC chair. Both suggested that Binance approached Gensler.

In the latest filing, the Gibson and Latham attorneys say that Zhao continued to stay in touch with Gensler after the March meeting. And at the future SEC chair's request, Zhao sat down for an interview with Gensler as part of a cryptocurrency course he was teaching at MIT.

The SEC on Tuesday described Zhao, who reportedly resides in the UAE, as a "foreign national" with a tendency for "geographic elusiveness." Zhao's lawyers now say that the Zhao understood that Gensler was "comfortable serving as an informal advisor."

Later in 2019, the letter said, Gensler was slated to testify before the House Financial Services Committee, and he sent Zhao a copy of his intended testimony ahead of the hearing.

In July of that year, Gensler testified before the House over Facebook's proposed and later canceled cryptocurrency Libra and its planned Calibra wallet.

"I do not advise any financial, technology, blockchain or other companies, nor do I own any cryptocurrencies," Gensler's prepared testimony read.

Gensler's advice to lawmakers at the time was largely the same as his public statements today. He said that, with Facebook envisioning a wallet to store customer assets, rules needed to be in place "to guard against Calibra's use or potential abuse of such customer funds."

He also testified more broadly in language that's resembles his latest pronouncements.

"We must guard against illicit activities, such as tax evasion, money laundering, terrorist financing and avoiding sanctions," he said at the time. "We must protect individuals' privacy."

Because of Gensler's ties to Zhao, Binance's lawyers said they'd asked for his recusal from any actions regarding the company. They say they got no acknowledgement from SEC staff.

An SEC spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC that, "the Chair is very familiar with and in full compliance with his ethical obligations including any recusal obligations."

The SEC's probes into Binance.US and Binance began in 2020 and 2021, respectively, well after Gensler and Zhao's last alleged contact.

WATCH: SEC wages war against crypto industry
The AirCare app shows air pollution, active fires, wind conditions and pollen levels on a map. CNBC

While air quality in North America and Europe improved over the last decade thanks to stricter environmental regulations, extreme weather and record wildfires have raised new air pollution concerns. This week, smoke from wildfires in Quebec and Ontario drifted across the Northeast U.S., with an orange haze descending over New York City and unhealthy air quality levels persisting in the region. As a result, more people are turning to mobile apps to understand when air quality is improving or worsening, wherever they may be. As of Thursday, the Airnow mobile app ranked as the sixth most downloaded free app on the App Store for iPhone, outranking TikTok, WhatsApp and Instagram. Use of these apps and new installs are often driven by regional events. Generally, air quality tracking apps use a mix of data from government-operated satellites, weather, fire and ambient air quality stations, as well as sensors and systems run by private sector entities to track smoke and pollution levels. Some apps run on data crowdsourced from relatively affordable air quality sensors sold by companies such as PurpleAir and IQAir.

Air quality apps and maps

Outdoor air quality-monitoring apps like AirNow, AirCare and AirVisual have been among the nation's most used apps in past years when wildfires raged in Oregon and California. Here's what those three apps do: AirNow, created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, allows users to search for air quality levels by ZIP code, or view Fire and SmokeMaps of the whole country with some data available on fires and smoke that may impact the U.S. from Mexico and Canada. Like most air pollution trackers, it uses a color-coded visual system to indicate whether air pollution levels are good to hazardous, or whether there is not enough data to issue a rating. AirNow also has online maps to give the public actionable information about air pollution at any U.S. ZIP. These include a Fire and Smoke Map, which provides information on fire locations, smoke plumes and air quality, and the AirNow Interactive Map shows ozone and particulate matter from air quality monitors across the country. While particulate matter (also called "PM 2.5" or "particle pollution") is the key pollutant in smoke, ozone also can be elevated during wildfires. AirCare, made by developers in northern Macedonia, is available for iOS and Android mobile devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch and Huawei smartphones, among many others. Tiers include a free, ad-supported version and a pro version that costs $39.99 a year. The app includes kid-friendly air pollution information, charts and maps that show pollutant levels derived from government-run sensors and stations, alongside volunteers' PurpleAir and other sensors throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia. In some major metro areas, the app also tracks ultraviolet and pollen levels. AirVisual, made by the Swiss air quality company IQAir, tracks air pollution in more than 10,000 cities and 80 countries drawing on data from tens of thousands of sensors, some positioned at U.S. embassies overseas. The company's free mobile apps are also ad-free and available for iOS and Android devices. Besides real-time maps that show levels of six different types of major pollutants, IQAir's AirVisual and mobile website provide seven-day air pollution and weather forecasts, along with air pollution-related news and health information. The apps can pair with the company's own sensors, including the portable AirVisual Pro sold for $299.

The South Coast AQMD app shows air pollution levels in Greater Los Angeles. CNBC

How air pollution impacts health

Air quality monitoring and measurement are critical for public health, according to Yanelli Nunez, an environmental health scientist who conducted her postdoctoral research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. She notes that robust studies have shown that air pollution contributes to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections  and even impacts mortality, pregnancy outcomes and cardiovascular disease. Working in an environmental health sciences laboratory with scientist cohort Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, Nunez said, their research also found long-term exposure to air pollution can affect the nervous system and may influence functions such as memory or cognitive capabilities. The scientists wrote in an e-mail to CNBC in 2021 that: "Americans living in poor air quality areas tend to be people of color or low-income communities. We are finally starting to pay more attention to these issues, which hopefully will lead to change. The air pollution composition is also changing." In one example, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation declined in New York City from 2014 to 2017, while commercial cooking emissions rose. With increased wildfires, the scientists wrote, "The sources and composition of the air pollution mixture that we are experiencing could differently impact our health, so we need to better understand source-specific effects, especially for these newly prominent sources."

Indoor air matters, too

While outdoor air quality is important, society doesn't talk or do enough about indoor air quality, said Richard Corsi, University of California, Davis' incoming dean of the college of engineering, currently a professor and dean at Portland State University. Using pre-pandemic numbers, Corsi explained that the average American would spend almost 70 out of 79 years of their life domiciled inside of buildings. "Because we spend so much time indoors, even our exposure to pollutants of outdoor origin is dominated by what we breathe there, especially in our homes," he said. Pollutants of outdoor origin, which come from the likes of internal combustion engine vehicles, photochemical smog, refineries and wildfires, can get into homes and buildings when doors and windows are opened, when heat and air conditioning systems are used, or through other cracks in the building envelope. Consumer apps and devices today don't give users an absolute, precise measurement down to micrograms per cubic meter of a given pollutant, Corsi noted. But they're very valuable for spotting trends and relative changes in air quality. In addition, sensors set up indoors can work well to check whether protective measures are working to improve the air inside of a house, school or other building. Especially during wildfire season, Corsi said, some other simple actions that can protect or improve air quality indoors include: wet-mopping floors and wiping surfaces so pollutants don't accumulate, using HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filters, and increasing the MERV or minimum efficiency reporting value of filters in central air systems in a house.
Just as the periodic table is foundational to chemistry and the Human Genome Project revolutionized modern genetics, researchers at the Allen Institute for Brain Science have teamed up with Amazon Web Services to create what could become a "transformative" new resource for the field of neuroscience.

AWS on Wednesday announced its technology will support the Allen Institute as it builds a map of the human brain, called the Brain Knowledge Platform. This platform, the first of its kind, is designed to be a complete reference of individual cells in the brain, and should eventually serve as the world's largest open-source brain cell database.

To build the new platform, the Allen Institute is using single cell genomics technologies. Researchers measure the genes used by individual brain cells to create a "cell fingerprint," and cells with similar fingerprints will be grouped into "cell types," resulting in a high-resolution map of the entire brain.

Once the reference is complete, scientists should better understand links between genetics and different cognitive functions. Researchers believe the platform could provide insights into why diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's occur.

"This really is like the periodic table for the brain," Dr. Ed Lein, senior investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, said Wednesday during a presentation about the platform in Washington, D.C. "It's revealed in dramatically higher complexity than we've ever had access to before."

The Allen Institute is a nonprofit research institute based in Seattle. It's made up of several different institutes, including one that focuses on neuroscience, and is perhaps best known for creating a number of different large-scale data resources.

But even though the Allen Institute is no stranger to data, there are hundreds of billions of cells in the brain  so creating a reference like the Brain Knowledge Platform means researchers will have to contend with massive amounts of data.

"We're just running into these enormous, enormous problems of data size," Lein said during a briefing with reporters Wednesday. "The scale of data just keeps getting bigger and bigger."

As such, the Allen Institute is leveraging AWS' cloud computing and machine learning to standardize and consolidate complex brain data into one place.

When carrying out research involving genetics and imaging, scientists are often working with petabytes and even exabytes of data. Dr. Rowland Illing, director of international public sector health at AWS, said at the briefing that consuming 40 petabytes of data would require someone to watch 4K video for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for 100 years.

The amount of data available to researchers is expected to keep growing in coming years, but Lein said there is also a lot of existing brain data in the neuroscience field. The problem, he said, is that much of it is disorganized and decentralized, which makes it difficult for researchers to access.

The Allen Institute plans to use AWS' technology to successfully interpret this disparate data even if it's stored across different formats and locations, which Lein said will hopefully further democratize access to knowledge and bring parts of the neuroscience community together.

"While this is really in its early phases now, the goal of the Brain Knowledge Platform is to transform this fragmented landscape of neuroscience information into a unified ecosystem," he said.

The Allen Institute will work to build the Brain Knowledge Platform over the next five years. Lein said it is still in its early phases, but the potential for the tech is immense.

"If we can do this, imagine the impact on the field," he said. "We can unify the disparate parts of the field that can't talk to one another at the moment. We can accelerate our understanding of brain function, as well as new approaches for treating diseases."
Close-up of the uniform logo of the French gendarmerie forces.

Eight young children and an adult have been injured in a knife attack in Annecy, a town located in the French Alps, French police told Reuters on Thursday.

The children were about three years old, police said.

French Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that adding the attacker had been arrested.

BFM TV reported that the attack had happened in a park and that the assailant had been a Syrian asylum seeker.
El Nino is the warm phase of the El Nino La Nina Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, that occurs across the tropical Pacific Ocean roughly every five years. The ENSO affects weather systems across the world, bringing extreme weather such as floods and droughts. El Nino generally causes drier conditions in Australia and Southeast Asia, and wetter and warmer conditions in the Americas.

A climate pattern called El Nino, which has the potential to bring warmer temperatures and more extreme weather conditions, has arrived and is expected to get stronger over the winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"El Nino conditions are present and are expected to gradually strengthen into the Northern Hemisphere winter," NOAA's Climate Prediction Center said in an advisory published Thursday.

El Nino ("little boy" in Spanish) and La Nina ("little girl" in Spanish) are weather patterns in the Pacific Ocean that can impact weather conditions around the globe.

In the United States, a moderate to strong El Nino in the fall and winter correlates with wetter-than-average conditions from southern California to the Gulf Coast, and drier-than-average conditions in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley, NOAA said. It also increases the chance of a warmer-than-average winter across the northern part of the U.S.

"We've been anticipating this for a few months and we are still waiting to see how big an event it will be," Gavin A. Schmidt, the director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, told CNBC. The first advisory watch for El Nino was issued on April 13, according to NOAA.

"El Nino tends to peak around December/January and it could be a minor event or a major one and the impacts that we'll see will depend on that," Schmidt told CNBC.

NOAA said there is an 84% chance of an El Nino with a greater than moderate strength and a 56% chance of a strong El Nino developing by the winter.

Globally, "we'll see more drought and fire in Indonesia/Australia, more flood damage/extreme rainfall in eastern South America," Schmidt said.

Regions that may see higher temperatures run from the Tropic of Cancer to 60 degrees north of the equator, a band that includes the U.S. and most of Eurasia, Schmidt said. While these regions may see warmer temperatures, Schmidt was careful to point out that El Nino does not guarantee a heat record in any region.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index provisionally closed flat, with sectors spread across positive and negative territory. Telecoms stocks led losses with a 1.1% downturn, while gains were led by a 1.2% uptick in auto stocks.

Equity markets largely shook off figures published mid-morning showing the euro zone entered a technical recession in the first three months of the year, with revisions to gross domestic product showing a 0.1% contraction in the previous two quarters.

Asia-Pacific markets slid as Wall Street saw a pause in its market rally, with U.S. stocks were modestly higher.

Markets seem to be in a holding pattern while awaiting the Federal Reserve's policy meeting on June 13 and 14. Economic signs suggest that inflation is inching downward, even though it remains above the central bank's 2% target.

Markets are pricing about a 66% chance that the Fed keeps rates steady at the next meeting, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
A panel of independent advisors to the Food and Drug Administration unanimously recommended Thursday that the antibody nirsevimab be approved for use to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus, the leading cause of hospitalization among newborns.

If the FDA approves nirsevimab, the antibody would become the first medical intervention available in the U.S. that can protect all infants from RSV. The FDA, which is not obligated to follow the recommendation of its advisory panel, is expected to make a final decision on nirsevimab in the third quarter.

Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody made by AstraZeneca. The medication would be marketed by Sanofi .

The advisory panel voted 21-0 to recommend its approval.

In a separate vote, the advisors also recommended nirsevimab's use in children up to 2 years old who remain vulnerable to the virus in their second RSV season. That vote was 19-2.

RSV kills nearly 100 babies in the United States every year, according to scientists.

Infants hospitalized with RSV often require oxygen support, intravenous fluids and are sometimes placed on a ventilator to support their breathing.

The virus is a major public health threat. A surge in RSV infections last year overwhelmed children's hospitals leading to calls for the Biden administration to declare a public health emergency in response.

RSV circulates at the same time as the flu and Covid-19, which puts added pressure on hospitals.

There is a second monoclonal antibody used against RSV called palivizumab. But this antibody is only for preterm infants and those with lung and congenital heart conditions that are at a high risk of severe disease. Palivizumab also has to be administered monthly.

Nirsevimab, by contrast, would also be administered to healthy infants, who make up a majority of the hospitalizations. It is also given as a single dose, which would make administration easier.

Nirsevimab is not considered a vaccine because it is a monoclonal antibody.

It is unclear whether the federal Vaccines for Children program will provide nirsevimab for uninsured and underinsured children for free because the antibody is regulated as a drug.

Nirsevimab is already approved in Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Nimish Patel, an expert on medications for infectious disease, said nirsevimab performed "extraordinarily well" in both premature and term babies.

"The once-seasonal dosing is a huge advance and this is probably the closest thing to an RSV vaccine that we have and it really moves the field forward," said Patel, a member of the FDA committee and a professor of clinical pharmacy at University of California, San Diego.
Google plans to crack down on employees who haven't been coming into its offices consistently, CNBC has found.

The company updated its hybrid work policy Wednesday and it includes tracking office badge attendance, confronting workers who aren't coming in when they're supposed to and including the attendance in employees' performance reviews, according to internal memos viewed by CNBC. Most employees are expected in physical offices at least three days a week.

Google's chief people officer, Fiona Cicconi, wrote an email to employees at the end of the day on Wednesday, which included doubling down on office attendance, reasoning that "there's just no substitute for coming together in person."

"Of course, not everyone believes in 'magical hallway conversations,' but there's no question that working together in the same room makes a positive difference," Cicconi's email read. "Many of the products we unveiled at I/O and Google Marketing Live last month were conceived, developed and built by teams working side by side."

Her note said the company will start including their three days per week as a part of their performance reviews and teams will start sending reminders to workers "who are consistently absent from the office."

Cicconi even asked already-approved remote workers to reconsider. "For those who are remote and who live near a Google office, we hope you'll consider switching to a hybrid work schedule. Our offices are where you'll be most connected to Google's community."

A separate internal document showed that already-approved remote workers may be subject to reevaluation if the company determines "material changes in business need, role, team, structure or location."

In the U.S., the company will periodically track whether employees are adhering to the office attendance policy using badge data, and executives are currently reviewing local requirements to implement in other countries, one of the documents states. If workers don't follow the policy after an extended period of time, human resources will reach out about "next steps."

Going forward, Cicconi said, new fully remote work will only be granted "by exception only."

In a statement to CNBC, Google spokesperson Ryan Lamont said, "our hybrid approach is designed to incorporate the best of being together in person with the benefits of working from home for part of the week. Now that we're more than a year into this way of working, we're formally integrating this approach into all of our workplace policies."

Lamont added that the badge data viewed by company leaders is aggregate data and not individualized.

These policy updates represent the company's most stringent attempt to bring employees back into physical offices.

In 2021, after facing backlash for returning to offices, the company relaxed remote work plans and said it expected to let 20% of employees telecommute. However, most employees have been expected in physical offices at least three days a week as of April 2022 and at the time, the company tried to woo workers by throwing a private Lizzo concert, hiring marching bands and bringing in city mayors to celebrate the returns.

In April, CNBC reported Google dropped its Covid vaccine requirement to enter buildings.

The crackdown comes as the company is in the middle of an artificial intelligence arms race by which it has at times called all hands on deck to rapidly position itself against rivals like Microsoft and OpenAI, whose success has grown in recent months. Google has also made more attempts in recent weeks to crack down on leaks coming from within the company.

However, the crackdown also comes as the company downsizes its real estate footprint amid broader cost-cutting. In February, CNBC first reported Google's cloud unit told employees that it will transition to a desk-sharing workspace in its five largest locations. CNBC also reported Google indefinitely paused construction on its massive San Jose, California, campus.

Correction: In February, CNBC first reported Google's cloud unit told employees that it will transition to a desk-sharing workspace in its five largest locations. An earlier version misstated the month.
Two resort and gambling stocks are less attractive now that the market has better priced in a popular gambling destination's recovery, according to Jefferies. Analyst David Katz downgraded Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts to hold from buy. Katz shaved Las Vegas Sands' price target by $4 to $65, still representing an 11.1% upside from where the stock closed Wednesday. He also pulled back Wynn's target share price by $21 to $114, now implying a 10.4% upside. Both mark a reversal from upgrades in September. Katz said while it's early in the recovery story in Macao, recent checks show activity levels have moderated while a tight labor market has eased. "We believe the bull case arguments for growth in both cases remain," he said in a note to clients Thursday. But "while the recovery in Macau remains early stage, we believe these dynamics are relatively well understood by the market and approximately priced in at present levels." It's unclear how important gross gambling revenue and mix matter in a post-junket market, he said, though revenue levels were lower than in 2019 with higher margins. He said gross gambling revenue is at 60% of 2019 levels through May 2023, as 2019 saw 46% of its total market come from the VIP-focused junket business. For 2024, he said to expect EBITDA margin growth of 29% for Las Vegas Sands and 52% for Wynn. Katz added estimates have basically caught up to shares, making valuation more important to watch. Despite downgrading the stock, Katz noted investors should continue owning without adding. He said the upside is just less compelling now than it was in September with Macao's recovery more priced in, though both companies should continue to be helped by the development and are set up for strong capital returns. Outside of Macao, Katz said Las Vegas business should continue to help Wynn, while Singapore is a strong performing area for Las Vegas Sands. Wynn shares were down 2.6% in premarket trading Thursday.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
Meta plans to debut a new broadcasting feature dubbed Channels for its WhatsApp messaging service.

The social networking giant said Thursday that the new Channels feature is akin to a "private broadcast service" in which people and organizations can send messages and updates to followers that are separate from the kinds of interpersonal communications that occur between WhatsApp users.

Admins who oversee a WhatsApp channel will be able to send text, photos, videos, stickers and polls to their followers, who will not be able to reply to the messages. The Channels admins won't be allowed to add followers to their channels, which will store messages for 30 days before they are deleted.

Unlike more conventional WhatsApp messages, Channels will not use end-to-end encryption so that they can "reach a wide audience," WhatsApp said in a blog post. WhatsApp added that end-to-end encrypted channels may eventually debut in the future for groups like nonprofits or health organizations that want their communications to be more secure.

WhatsApp users will eventually be able to find Channels they want to join in a searchable directory. They will be able to access the Channels they follow via a new "Updates" tab. WhatsApp said the tab would be "separate from your chats with family, friends, and communities."

WhatsApp said it is working with various groups like the Singapore Heart Foundation and Colombia Check nonprofit as part of its plans to debut Channels in Colombia and Singapore before a broader launch in other countries later this year.

WhatsApp plans to eventually let anyone create a WhatsApp channel, besides its current launch partners that also include the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization.

Meta, when it was known as Facebook, acquired WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently told CNBC's Jim Cramer that WhatsApp will be the "next chapter" for the social networking company, representing an opportunity for Meta to build a lucrative business akin to Instagram and the core Facebook app.

Although Meta derives the bulk of its billions of dollars in annual sales from online advertising, it's thus far avoided adding ads to WhatsApp akin to Facebook and Instagram. Instead, Meta has been pushing business-messaging features as a way to monetize WhatsApp, hoping to offer more compelling ways for companies to engage with users.

Indeed, Meta said in the blog post that the company thinks "there is an opportunity to support admins with a way for them to build a business around their channel using our expanding payment services as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to help increase awareness."

Watch: YouTube and Instagram would benefit most from a ban on TikTok
Carrier Global 's long-term potential is currently overshadowed by a catalyst-free near term, Morgan Stanley warned. Analyst Joshua Pokrzywinski downgraded the HVAC stock to equal weight from overweight and cut his price target $2. Pokrzywinski's new price target of $47 implies a 3.1% upside over Wednesday's close. "We believe CARR's portfolio transition will ultimately create a faster growing purer HVAC company and remain constructive on the business longer term," he said in a note to clients Thursday. "But view the lack of near-term catalysts and relative resilience vs. other HVAC names as an opportunity to focus elsewhere for the next few quarters." Shares fell more than 3% in Thursday premarket trading following the downgrade. Pokrzywinski said recent portfolio announcements put the company on track for "significant growth acceleration and rerating potential" in the next one to two years. He pointed specifically to the $13 billion acquisition of Viessmann and the plans to sell Fire & Security and most of its commercial refrigeration business. However, he said shares are likely to be range bound until the acquisition close is more within short-term view and divesture procedures are clearer. The deal and other portfolio moves should be dilutive in 2024 before becoming accretive. Recent portfolio announcements have tended to underperform in the six months following the news, with Pokrzywinski listing Trane Technologies , General Electric , Fortive and Emerson among examples. While Pokrzywinski said most of the companies re-rated around the closing of their transactions, he noted Carrier shares have performed in line with the HVAC group and below the S & P 500 since the announcements. Still, he said a pure-play HVAC business could re-rate as high as Trane levels, which would mean an upside of 18% to Carrier's valuation. That upside to the multiple, which Pokrzywinski said should come when future actions and revisions are clearer, should be positive for long-term investors and ones with lower confidence in the macro environment who want 2024 re-rated names early. Elsewhere, Pokrzywinski said he's constructive on the European heat pump market, one the European Commission sees growing at a 14% compound annual rate through the end of the decade. Carrier anticipates about 25% growth through 2027. He's also watching near-term residential trends, given the potential challenges due to elevated inventory and cooler weather.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
Pat Robertson, a religious broadcaster who turned a tiny Virginia station into the global Christian Broadcasting Network, tried a run for president and helped make religion central to Republican Party politics in America through his Christian Coalition, has died. He was 93.

Robertson's death Thursday was announced by his broadcasting network. No cause was given.

Robertson's enterprises also included Regent University, an evangelical Christian school in Virginia Beach; the American Center for Law and Justice, which defends the First Amendment rights of religious people; and Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian organization.

For more than a half-century, Robertson was a familiar presence in American living rooms, known for his "700 Club" television show, and in later years, his televised pronouncements of God's judgment, blaming natural disasters on everything from homosexuality to the teaching of evolution.

The money poured in as he solicited donations, his influence soared, and he brought a huge following with him when he moved directly into politics by seeking the GOP presidential nomination in 1988.

Robertson pioneered the now-common strategy of courting Iowa's network of evangelical Christian churches, and finished in second place in the Iowa caucuses, ahead of Vice President George H.W. Bush.

His masterstroke was insisting that three million followers across the U.S. sign petitions before he would decide to run, Robertson biographer Jeffrey K. Hadden said. The tactic gave him an army.

He asked people to pledge that they'd work for him, pray for him and give him money," Hadden, a University of Virginia sociologist, told The Associated Press in 1988. Political historians may view it as one of the most ingenious things a candidate ever did.

Robertson later endorsed Bush, who won the presidency. Pursuit of Iowa's evangelicals is now a ritual for Republican hopefuls, including those currently seeking the White House in 2024.

Robertson started the Christian Coalition in Chesapeake in 1989, saying it would further his campaign's ideals. The coalition became a major political force in the 1990s, mobilizing conservative voters through grass-roots activities.

By the time of his resignation as the coalition's president in 2001  Robertson said he wanted to concentrate on ministerial work  his impact on both religion and politics in the U.S. was "enormous," according to John C. Green, an emeritus political science professor at The University of Akron.

Many followed the path Robertson cut in religious broadcasting, Green told the AP in 2021. In American politics, Robertson helped "cement the alliance between conservative Christians and the Republican Party."

Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson was born March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia, to Absalom Willis Robertson and Gladys Churchill Robertson. His father served for 36 years as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from Virginia.

After graduating from Washington and Lee University, he served as assistant adjutant of the 1st Marine Division in Korea.

He received a law degree from Yale University Law School, but failed the bar exam and chose not to pursue a law career.

Robertson met his wife, Adelia "Dede" Elmer, at Yale in 1952. He was a Southern Baptist, she was a Catholic, earning a master's in nursing. Eighteen months later, they ran off to be married by a justice of the peace, knowing neither family would approve.

Robertson was interested in politics until he found religion, Dede Robertson told the AP in 1987. He stunned her by pouring out their liquor, tearing a nude print off the wall and declaring he had found the Lord.

They moved into a commune in New York City's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood because Robertson said God told him to sell all his possessions and minister to the poor. She was tempted to return home to Ohio, "but I realized that was not what the Lord would have me do ... I had promised to stay, so I did," she told the AP.

Robertson received a master's in divinity from New York Theological Seminary in 1959, then drove south with his family to buy a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth, Va. He said he had just $70 in his pocket, but soon found investors, and CBN went on the air on Oct. 1, 1961. Established as a tax-exempt religious nonprofit, CBN brought in hundreds of millions, disclosing $321 million in "ministry support" in 2022 alone.

One of Robertson's innovations was to use the secular talk-show format on the network's flagship show, the "700 Club," which grew out of a telethon when Robertson asked 700 viewers for monthly $10 contributions. It was more suited to television than traditional revival meetings or church services, and gained a huge audience.
Small stocks are making big moves this month, which could signal good news is ahead for Wall Street. The Russell 2000 , which is made up of small-cap names, is 7% higher in June. In contrast, the S & P 500 is up only 2% in that time. This would also be the Russell 2000's first monthly advance since January, when it climbed 9.7%. A chunk of this month's gains came Friday, when the index popped more than 3% for its best day since November. The small-cap benchmark's rally comes as investors worry about only a few artificial intelligence-related stocks rising while the rest of the market struggles. A breakout in small caps could point to broader market participation. These moves have "offered hope, and lent a hint of support, that market breadth was on the cusp of broadening," LPL Financial chief global strategist Quincy Krosby said in a note. .RUT 1M mountain Russell 2000 in past month "Moreover, small-caps have traditionally served as a bellwether in terms of the broader economic landscape," Krosby added. "With all the ongoing debate regarding the state of the economy, and concerns about an impending recession, steady interest in small-caps suggests the economy is more resilient than the headlines imply, or that a recession could be milder than initially projected." Indeed, recent data points toward an economy that's on more solid footing than many expected at the start of the year. Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the U.S. economy added 339,000 jobs in May  way more than expected. There are some risks surrounding small-cap stocks, including the potential for more Federal Reserve rate hikes, which could put more pressure on the group relative to large-cap names. On top of that, Wolfe Research strategist Rob Ginsberg warned the Russell 2000 could run into some technical resistance after the recent rally. "On the cusp of overbought, the RTY is approaching heavy resistance in the 1900-1950 zone," Ginsberg added. "Longer-term, we could see them working on a relative basis, but if small caps are going to reverse short-term and consolidate, this is the spot." That said, there are ways investors can try to capitalize on the small-cap rally. How to play it CNBC Pro screened the Russell 2000 for stocks that met the following criteria: Buy ratings from at least 60% of analysts covering them. Average potential upside of 40% or more. Market cap of at least $1.5 billion. Close at, or above, $10 per share in the previous session. Here are the names that made the list. Solar energy stock Sunnova Energy made the list. The stock is down slightly year to date but has rallied more than 13% in the second quarter. More than three-quarters of analysts rate it a buy, and the average analyst price target implies upside of nearly 90%. NOVA YTD mountain NOVA in 2023 Another name that made the cut is educational software company PowerSchool . The stock has buy ratings from 71% of analysts. On average, it's expected to rally 41%. PowerSchool shares have struggled this year, losing more than 19%. However, they are still up nearly 42% over the past 12 months. A slew of health-related stocks also made the list, including Beam Therapeutics, Rocket Pharmaceuticals and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals.
Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Thursday. Wells Fargo initiates Amazon as outperform Wells Fargo said in its initiation of Amazon that the firm sees a margin inflection sooner than investors realize. "Top pick AMZN on North American Retail margins inflecting ahead of expectations, reaching 2019 levels in 2025, one year ahead of Street expectations." Read more about this call here. Jefferies downgrades Las Vegas Sands and Wynn to hold from buy Jefferies downgraded several casino stocks, mainly on valuation. "We are downgrading WYNN, LVS to Hold from Buy because we believe the upside/downside is more balanced than at our upgrade." Read more about this call here . Citi opens a positive catalyst watch on Wayfair Citi said it sees "improving demand trends for Wayfair. " "We also open up a 90-day positive catalyst watch on the improving demand trends." Oppenheimer initiates Zscaler as buy Oppenheimer said in its initiation of the IT security company that it has a "large and expanding total addressable market." " Zscaler offers secure user access to the Internet, SaaS, and internal-hosted applications, through its network of 150 data centers. Its product suite also includes real-time user monitoring and cloud workload/application security." Jefferies reiterates Apple as buy Jefferies said it stands by its buy rating on the Mac maker but is concerned about the lack of social experience with Apple's virtual reality technology. "We have long believed VR has two issues. 1) technology  Apple simply solved this. 2) loneliness: Apple tried to make the case it can solve this with its spatial awareness. Yet  in every demo  there is little to no sharing.  This worries us for now, considering every trend we see in our coverage is about social experiences with others." Jefferies reiterates GameStop as hold Jefferies said the revolving door of GameStop executives is "more of the same" for the company. "It's hard to have an opinion with no earnings call, little-to-no investor communication, and lack of consistent strategic vision. One consistency remains, changes at the top. Over the last 5 years, GameStop has had 5 CEOs and 3 CFOs." Wolfe upgrades T-Mobile to outperform from peer perform Wolfe said in its upgrade of the cell service provider that the "outlook for intrinsic value growth per share remains fairly bright." "After 21% YTD underperformance and with 26% upside to our PT of $160, we upgrade TMUS to Outperform." Read more about this call here. Goldman Sachs reiterates Salesforce as buy Goldman said Salesforce is a key artificial intelligence beneficiary. "We reiterate our Buy rating (CL) and $325 PT as Salesforce begins what we expect to be a slew of generative AI product innovations over the coming months that can support revenue re-acceleration past FY24." Wolfe upgrades Aptiv and Visteon to outperform from peer perform Wolfe said in its upgrade of Visteon that it's a "key enabler of consolidation of compute within the car." The firm also upgraded Aptiv and said it keeps "racking-up wins in Smart-Vehicle Architecture." "We believe that Investors have largely bought-in to APTV' s growth narrative, currently running 8-10 points greater than overall production growth. Indeed, Aptiv's outgrowth has been in the 9-10+ ppt range since 2018.  At a high-level, we see Visteon as a key enabler of consolidation of compute within the car." Citi upgrades Rio Tinto to buy from neutral Citi said in its upgrade of the metals and mining company that it sees upside potential. "All that said, we see clear upside risks regarding potential China stimulus and there has been 3 months of underperformance by the iron ore names. We upgrade our rating on RIO.L to Buy from Neutral." UBS reiterates Amazon as buy UBS raised its price target on the stock to $150 per share from $130 and said it sees the shares moving higher. "We see room for AMZN shares to move higher as AWS reaccelerates in 4Q as Bedrock expands." Morgan Stanley downgrades Carrier Global to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley said in its downgrade of the air-conditioning company that it sees a lack of near-term catalysts. "We believe CARR's portfolio transition will ultimately create a faster growing, purer HVAC company and remain constructive on the business longer term, but view the lack of near-term catalysts and relative resilience vs. other HVAC names as an opportunity to focus elsewhere for the next few quarters." Read more about this call here. UBS reiterates Skechers as buy UBS said the stock is underappreciated. " Skechers is the world's 3rd largest footwear brand and an underappreciated growth stock, in our view." Bank of America reiterates Lowe's as a buy Bank of America said investors should buy the stock "when the market is fearful." "We believe a healthy consumer backdrop (and particularly strong homeowner balance sheets) will provide support to LOW in the medium term, particularly as it continues to see the benefits of its restructuring initiatives over time." Goldman Sachs initiates NextEra Energy and Xcel Energy as buy Goldman initiates several utility and clean energy companies Thursday and says it sees an "attractive investment opportunity." "Buy NextEra Energy (NEE) for Renewables growth. Buy Xcel Energy (XEL) and American Electric Power (AEP) for Grid Reliability investments." Bernstein initiates Lufax as outperform Bernstein initiated the China financial services platform company at an outperform and says "higher risk yields higher returns." " Lufax stock tells what happened in China in the past 3 years  macro weakness, Covid downturn, geopolitics uncertainty, and regulatory tightening on the fintech industry  a fatal blow to profitability in 2023E." Barclays reiterates FedEx as overweight Barclays said it sees a "significant alpha opportunity for long-term investors" heading into earnings later this month. " FedEx 4QFY23 results likely challenged by fundamentals, but we see air capacity reduction potentially exceeding 15%, which could equal over $1.5bn in annual savings."
Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a Team Trump volunteer leadership training event held at the Grimes Community Complex on June 01, 2023 in Grimes, Iowa.

Follow our live coverage of Donald Trump's indictment in the classified documents case.

Former President Donald Trump has been informed he is a target of the federal criminal probe into his retention of hundreds of classified government records after leaving the White House, NBC News reported Wednesday evening.

Such notification typically occurs before prosecutors decide whether to lodge criminal charges against a target.

Trump's attorneys were told at a meeting Monday at the Department of Justice with special counsel Jack Smith and other DOJ officials that he is a target of the classified documents investigation, according to two sources briefed on the meeting, NBC reported. It was not clear if they previously had been notified of that status for him.

Targets are people who prosecutors believe committed a crime. Targets often end up being indicted.

DOJ regulations say that a prosecutor, "in appropriate cases, is encouraged to notify such person a reasonable time before seeking an indictment in order to afford him or her an opportunity to testify before the grand jury."

A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment.

Disclosure of Trump's status in the investigation came as Taylor Budowich, a top aide of his, testified to a grand jury in U.S. District Court in Miami, which has been gathering evidence for the case.

Smith is probing Trump both for keeping classified records at his residence in his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, and his suspected efforts to hide those documents and keep them from government officials seeking their return. By law, presidents must surrender government records when they leave office.

A raid on Mar-a-Lago last August by the FBI uncovered hundreds of classified documents and other government records.
Mines uprooted and dispersed by floodwaters surging downstream from the breached Kakhovka dam across swathes of southern Ukraine could pose a grave danger to civilians for decades to come, the Red Cross said.

The vast Soviet-era Kakhovka dam, under Russian control, was breached in the early hours of Tuesday, unleashing floodwaters across a swathe of the war zone and endangering the lives and welfare of tens of thousands of people.

Ukraine blamed Russia for blowing it up. Russia said Ukraine sabotaged the dam at the behest of the West to constrict water supplies to Crimea and to distract from a faltering offensive. Some Russian-backed officials said the dam may have collapsed.

The waters have also washed over countless land mines sown during the 15-month war and nobody now knows where they are: they could still be in the minefields or could be stuck in the river mud or in fields, gardens and roads across a vast area.

"In the past we knew where the hazards were. Now we don't know. All we know is that they are somewhere downstream," said Erik Tollefsen, head of the Weapon Contamination Unit at the International Committee of the Red Cross.

"It is with a certain horror that we look at the news coming out," said Tollefsen in an audio clip, adding that World War Two mines found underwater in Denmark in 2015 were still active.

The war in Ukraine, the largest in Europe since World War Two, has left a vast amount of mines and unexploded ordnances across swathes of the country - a risk campaigners have been warning about since Russia sent in troops in February last year.

Besides anti-personnel mines, both sides have used vast amounts of artillery shells and anti-tank mines. The exact number of mines in Ukraine is unclear, said Tollefsen.

"We just know the numbers are massive," said Tollefsen.

 Reuters
DPIIT added that the road will boost connectivity to tribal areas, and industrial clusters, & facilitate the movement of raw materials, freight, rubber, textiles and bamboo in the North-East.

The Union Government has proposed the improvement & widening of a 134.9 km long section of NH-208 from Khowai to Harina in Tripura to connect North-East India to Chittagong port in Bangladesh.

The brownfield project with a cost of Rs. 2,486 crores is on an Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) basis under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan, and aims to enhance inter-state connectivity within the North-East as well as ensure connectivity for trade via Bangladesh.

At the 49th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting of PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), DPIIT said that the alignment of the road was superimposed with data layers of railway lines, forests, power lines and water bodies on the PM Gati Shakti NMP portal to minimise carbon footprint and environmental disruptions as well as optimise alignment and logistical efficiency.
Imran Khan will appear before Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq who will hear seven bail petitions filed by Khan in multiple cases.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan arrived at the Islamabad High Court on Thursday for hearing his bail petitions in over a dozen cases linked to violent protests after his arrest on May 9 and the Toshakhana graft case.

A video posted on his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's: official Twitter account showed the PTI chief's black SUV entering the premises of the court as his security personnel stood guard with bulletproof shields.

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will hear seven bail petitions filed by Khan in multiple cases. A division bench of the IHC will hear Khans bail plea in a case registered against him for the murder of senior Supreme Court lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar  who was shot dead in Quetta earlier this week, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Top Pakistan military sources told News18 that the Pakistan military has enough evidence and testimonies from detained military officers that helped former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party workers and politicians during the May 9 clashes.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is possibly going to be tried under the Official Secrets Act and Pakistan Army Act in a military court for his alleged involvement in the clashes that occurred on May 9 where his party workers allegedly attacked state and military installations, top Pakistan military sources told News18.

The sources said the decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the country's army chief general Syed Asim Miunir in Rawalpindi.

The militarys top brass has said that unfounded and baseless allegations against security forces are aimed at misleading the people and maligning armed forces. Its time to fix and tighten up the noose of law around masterminds who rebelled against the state, the top military brass vowed, News18 quoted the source as saying.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  Newly installed Defense Secretary Gilbert 'Gibo' Teodoro said he believes that soldiers will not seek retirement with the right approach in introducing reforms to the pension system of military and uniformed personnel (MUP).

Kung mag-i-invest tayo sa skills upgrading, sa healthcare, hindi lang ng kasundaluhan pati pamilya, and other non-monetary opportunities, tingin ko maiiwan sila, he said during a Palace briefing.

[Translation: If we invest in skills upgrading, in healthcare not only for our soldiers but also for their families, and other non-monetary opportunities, I think they will stay.]

In May, former defense officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr. said that around 70% of enlisted personnel may retire as the Marcos administration is pushing to reform the current pension system.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno also warned that if the existing pension scheme continues, the Philippines may witness a fiscal collapse as it is fully funded by the national government.

READ: Diokno pushing for military, uniformed personnel pension reform

Teodoro gave assurance there will be transitioning in the implementation of the proposed reforms.

I think its a matter of explaining the necessity of introducing," he said. "Galing din naman ako sa financial sector, hindi naman biglaang mangyayari ito. Mababawasan lamang ang pagdudugo ng ating gobyerno hanggang sa ma-self-sustain ang sistema na ito."

[Translation: I also come from the financial sector, and this will not happen suddenly. The (financial) bleeding of our government will be reduced until this system is self-sustaining.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  New Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said he would push for the purchase of more bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, saying the more than 390,000 shots delivered earlier were not enough.

Kulang yung 390,000 (The 390,000 [vbivalent vaccines] are not enough), we need to get more, he said during an ambush interview with reporters Thursday.

Herbosa said the Philippines would acquire more, especially for the vulnerable sectors and healthcare workers.

He added the government would start distributing the initial batch of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines today, with Metro Manila securing the bulk of the shots.

The first batch arrived in the Philippines on June 3. The DOH earlier said the bivalent vaccine covers both the original coronavirus strain and its Omicron variant.

READ: First batch of donated bivalent COVID-19 vaccines arrives in PH

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/3/first-batch-bivalent-vaccines.html

The supply would be administered to health workers and senior citizens.

Other sectors of the population will come next in the succeeding rollout of the bivalent vaccines.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  The son of former Surigao del Norte governor Francisco Matugas rejected the plunder allegations against his father and claimed their camp has proof the use of at least 50 million of the province's funds to purchase children's story books was legitimate.

"We have documents from three national government agencies to prove that the purchase of the books was above board and followed the law," Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas said in a social media post on Wednesday.

Oscar Pospia Jr., a resident of Surigao del Norte and head of the provincial environment department, had filed the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman. He claimed the former governor misused the province's disaster funds  worth around 50 million  which was intended for residents affected by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021.

Pospia, who is also the chief of staff of incumbent governor Robert Barbers, accused Matugas of plunder, technical malversation, graft, and violating the procurement act.

"To be clear: Yesterday's allegations against Papa are absurd and obviously politically motivated," the younger Matugas also said.

The congressman also accused Barbers' camp of acting in "bad faith to attempt to hurt us and is dismissing the fact that our students needed those books."

"To Governor Barbers: I suggest you tell your staff to remember that our fellow Surigaonons are your real bosses here. Tell them to remember that their time is paid for by Surigaonon taxpayer money. Because in the one year you've held office, your administration has done nothing substantial to change their lives for the better," Rep. Matugas said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  The government is ready for a possible eruption of Mayon Volcano, which is now under Alert Level 3, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

READ: Phivolcs raises Mayon Volcano's alert to Level 3

"Should the time come, I hope it doesn't happen but unfortunately the science tells us na parang ganun na ang mangyayari [that it might happen] because the lid or cap on top of the lava is now so slowly rising at baka puputok nga [and it might erupt]. Kayat naka-abang tayo ng husto at naka-ready naman tayo [So we're monitoring it closely and we're ready]," Marcos told reporters.

The president said authorities are watching the situation and will "make sure that any of the communities that could be affected are evacuated and are given assistance while they are evacuated until the time that they can return to their homes."

READ: Albay orders mandatory evacuation, class suspension in Mayon danger zone

He added that the government is also closely monitoring Taal Volcano, which is under Alert Level 1.

Taal is emitting sulfur dioxide, a hazardous gas. Over 100 residents living near the volcano have fallen ill as a result.

READ: Over 100 residents near Taal fall ill as the volcano emits harmful gas

"May toxic gas na medyo naramdaman na ng mga ibang taga-doon at 'yun the DOH (Department of Health) [People nearby are feeling the toxic gas and the DOH] is looking after those people and we have analyzed the problem and we know where the wind is blowing," Marcos said.

The president also said the government is prepared to evacuate affected residents.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  The Marcos administration will remain firm in its "neutral" foreign policy as the Philippines won't take sides with foreign powers like the United States, but it is also not shifting away from China.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned this during his meeting with Filipino ambassadors in Malacanan Palace on Wednesday, where he urged them to secure more partnerships that could pump up the countrys economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

We do not subscribe to any notion of a bipolar world. We only side, of course, to the Philippines, not to the US, not to Beijing, not to Moscow, Marcos said.

Thats very much being independent in what we do, he added.

In January, Marcos expressed a similar sentiment during a dialogue with World Economic Forum officials, stressing that he only promotes the national interest of the Philippines.

READ: Marcos on PH foreign policy: I dont work for Beijing and Washington

Despite acknowledging the intimidation by Chinese forces in the West Philippine Sea, Marcos said that disengagement with China was not really an option.

The president also said the Philippines is not shifting away from China despite Beijing's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, and stronger defense ties between Manila and Washington.

"Some people have said the Philippines has shifted its policy away from the People's Republic and to other powers. That is certainly not true. We have not shifted away from China in any way whatsoever," Marcos told the media on Thursday.

He stressed that the ties should not be defined by the "differences" between the two nations.

Marcos, however, said during his meeting with US President Joe Biden early in May that it is only naturalfor the Philippines to look to its sole treaty partner in the world amid rising conflicts in the South China Sea and Taiwan.

The Philippine president also directed his ambassadors to look for non-traditional partners in trade, security, and defense.

We are constantly nowafter all the changes that have been imposed upon us, like the pandemic economy and the world situationlooking for what we sometimes referred to as non-traditional partners in trades, in any kind, in security and defense issues. All these things, we are always looking for partners, he said.

Im sure you have heard that we are prioritizing agriculture, energy, all of the infrastructure development, and digitalization. Now, if there are opportunities that would come up, you should explore them and if they're promising enough, then well take it up. Well try to see if something can come up. Theres no harm in trying at least we tried, he added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8)  Senator Mark Villar, the sponsor of the Maharlika Investment Fund bill, on Thursday said the proposed measures implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will provide clarity on who can really put money in the controversial fund.

Lets wait for the IRR to clarify, Villar told CNN Philippines The Source. I would not say there is a disconnect. I think its just, dapat lang hintayin kung ano yung mga plano kung ano yung (we should wait for the plans and what will be the) IRR and Im sure once that happens that we have an IRR, things will become much clearer.

Senators approved on May 31 the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023, which was immediately adopted by the House of Representatives during the bicameral conference of both chambers.

The bill has received criticisms from concerned groups and the public after its initial version included agencies like Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) as sources for the Maharlika funds 125-billion seed money.

The Congress-approved version clearly states that pension money as well as health insurance cannot be used to bankroll the proposed sovereign wealth account, Villar said.

As far as the law is concerned, its clear, it says there in the law that those SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation), Pag-IBIG, OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), and Philippine Veterans [Affairs Office] are absolutely prohibited whether mandatory or voluntary, Villar said.

He was referring to a provision under Article, Section 6 of the bill, which prohibits those agencies from putting money into the Maharlika fund.

The bill says agencies "providing for the social security and public health insurance of government employees, private sector workers and employees, and other sectors and subsectors, such as but not limited to the SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, Pag- IBIG Fund, OWWA, and PVAO Pension Fund shall be absolutely prohibited, whether mandatory or voluntary, to contribute to the capitalization of the fund.

In another line, it says they will be prohibited "to invest in the MIF."

Villars latest statement is contrary to what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on May 31 that the pension funds can invest if they decide to do so. Finance Sec. Benjamin Diokno on June 5 also said the same, but noted they can only participate on a project basis to tap better returns.

Dioknos statement was echoed by National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon.

Villar maintained that the latest version is clear enough in prohibiting government social security and health insurance agencies from investing in the fund.

The Congress-approved version is currently being fine-tuned by the Senate secretariat and will be transmitted to Marcos soon for his signature, Villar said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8) -- The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its decision finding former Maguindanao governor Sajid Islam Ampatuan guilty of graft and malversation over ghost purchases of seeds and fertilizers worth over 98 million in 2009.

In its decision dated June 7, the anti-graft courts Third Division said Ampatuans motion for reconsideration lacks merit.

The motion for reconsideration filed by Ampatuans co-accused former provincial agriculturist Mosibicak Guiabel was denied as well.

Much of the arguments raised by both accused-movants are a mere rehash of the issues and positions earlier raised by them which were already passed upon, duly considered and resolved by this Court, the anti-graft court said in its decision.

In his appeal, Ampatuan argued state prosecutors failed to establish that he favored a particular supplier for the project.

However, the court maintained that Ampatuan committed graft through gross inexcusable negligence.

There was a clear and deliberate failure on the part of accused-movant Ampatuan to exercise oversight powers and control in the implementation of the project until its ultimate completion, especially considering the amount of public funds involved, the court stated.

Ampatuan also insisted that his signatures on disbursement vouchers, purchase requests, and orders submitted by the prosecution were forged.

However, the Sandiganbayan said sample signatures provided by Ampatuan did not come from issuing government agencies as required by court rules.

Also, only two of the documents subjected to examination were from 2009, while the rest were dated 2015 onwards, contrary to the acceptable five-year-before and five-year-after practice, the court said.

Ampatuan was sentenced to eight to 12 years imprisonment for graft and another 40 years maximum for the malversation charge.

The Ombudsman accused Ampatuan and Guiabel of working together to make it appear palay, corn seeds, and fertilizers had been delivered for an agricultural project.

Ampatuan is facing other convictions for various anomalous transactions during his time as governor.
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.
Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form
Everybodys talking about ChatGPT, the OpenAI tool that writes poetry, prose, and even software code like a human.

The chatter mostly gravitates toward amazement, fear, and warning  amazement at what it can do, fear of cheating and replacement by robots, and warnings about the perils to humanity of outsourcing creativity to machines.

All that chatter misses the moment. In fact, ChatGPT (The GPT bit stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is less amazing, less scary, and needs fewer warnings than claimed by most of the media coverage. ChatGPT is an AI language model from San Francisco-based OpenAI. It can converse with a person via text and generate a wide range of content upon request.

Generative AI is by far the biggest trend in technology of this decade so far. So, lets understand it better by taking a look at six ChatGPT facts you probably havent heard.

1. ChatGPT isnt uniquely capable

ChatGPT is special only because its public. There are other AI projects just as capable, or even more capable, that youve never tried.

Major tech companies, especially Google, Meta, and others  plus myriad startups and university departments  have developed generative AI tools at least as capable as ChatGPT. In some cases, competitors released limited versions of their AI; in others, they didnt release their technology for public use.

Meta did release a chatbot called Blenderbot even before ChatGPT. But the bot was so cautious in how it was moderated that users found it boring to use.

All that caution stems from real-world misadventures. Microsoft released a chatbot called Tay years ago. It was trained on social media posts. The AI hoovered up content from online haters and trolls and spewed racism and vitriol to Microsofts embarrassment.

Google fired an engineer last year for publicly (and falsely) proclaiming that Googles LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications) was sentient.

ChatGPT is techs current flavor of the month because of OpenAIs boldness in releasing the tool to the public and some boldness in allowing the bot to address some, but not all, controversial subjects. Other companies are too cautious. But now that ChatGPT is getting so much attention, theyre scrambling to prepare their wares for everyone to use.

Google reportedly issued an internal code red to rush its AI offerings to public availability. The company plans to release some 20 new AI tools this year. Even Chinas Baidu is set to release a ChatGPT competitor in March.

Meanwhile, a site called Futurepedia lists hundreds of AI tools you can try; many are based on ChatGPT, but others that are powerful competitors.

ChatGPT isnt uniquely powerful. Its just unique among the powerful AI systems for its boldness and availability.

2. Microsoft controls OpenAI

The for-profit OpenAI LP company that makes ChatGPT is a subsidiary of the non-profit company OpenAI Incorporated. But OpenAI Incorporated does not own OpenAI LP.

Microsoft is the biggest investor, and the company is working on throwing another $10 billion at OpenAI LP, giving Microsoft a 49% stake. Only 2% of the company will be owned by its nonprofit parent company; all other investors will share the remaining 49%.

Microsoft is also actively working on building ChatGPT capability in Bing, Azure, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other products.

The bottom line is that Microsoft controls OpenAI.

3. Most ChatGPT criticism isnt really about ChatGPT

The three biggest concerns about ChatGPT are that it 1) enables students to cheat; 2) will be used for unethical purposes, such as plagiarism and social engineering; and 3) sometimes gives false information.

We can dismiss the first two. Every new generation of generative AI that works like ChatGPT will be attended by tools that can detect AI-generated content. AI chatbots like ChatGPT are perfectly inevitable and will only get better. We were always going to have to deal with their unethical use.

In any event, the moral failings of humans arent the fault of AI tools.

The third criticism is misguided. When ChatGPT or other chatbots say false things, its only because the training datasets contained that false information haven't been caught yet by an extensive vetting process, which includes the current public beta. Slamming ChatGPT for bad data is like slamming movies as a medium because you saw a bad movie. And it misses the point.

In the future, companies will use generative AI either with their own data, or with thoroughly vetted data. In other words, the technology is one piece and the data is another.

Imagine an organization like the CIA pouring all its intelligence reports, political analysis and the transcript of millions of phone calls into something like ChatGPT. The power to quickly gain insights will be unimaginably high. The technology has breathtaking potential. But todays ChatGPT training data is irrelevant.

4. ChatGPT is made of people

Its tempting to perceive the use of text-based AI as interacting with a computers thoughts instead of a humans. In fact, projects like ChatGPT use human programming to harvest human-made content, which is then vetted and prioritized by humans. It therefore contains human errors, human biases and human conclusions.

5. ChatGPT takes user skill to realize its full potential

In fact, all text-input generative AI tools need skillful inputs for maximum effect. The newish skill of prompt engineering  the art and science of knowing how to talk to each AI tool, will be akin to SEO  a cottage industry of tools and consultants will emerge for developing and using knowledge about which words products what result.

Prompt engineering is a new speciality. But its also something most of us will dabble in. You can get started by checking out this so-called cheat sheet.

6. Some industries already depend on ChatGPT

Some types of professional writing is robotic, automatic, and formulaic  whether AI does it or not. Some professionals have already discovered that AI does this dull chore faster and cheaper.

One profession already addicted to ChatGPT is the real estate industry. When listing a property, there are only so many parameters one can use to describe a home for sale. The fundamentals include numerical data (square footage, total acreage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, etc.) and descriptive and factual terms, such as renovated, open concept, formal dining room, etc.

Real estate agents now just plug all that data into ChatGPT and let the AI write the overview for the listing websites.

Real estate professionals arent unique, theyre just ahead of the curve. Many professionals will become totally dependent on AI tools.

ChatGPT is getting everyones attention. But the reality is that were in the earliest of the early days of generative AI. And understanding the reality of whats happening with this technology is everybodys business.
Joining the generative AI gold rush, Google last month announced plans to bring several AI-powered tools, collectively called Duet AI, to its Workspace office suite. These features will include automated project planning in Google Sheets, the ability to create images from text prompts in Google Slides, and an automated writing tool in Gmail and Google Docs called Help Me Write.

The AI tools in Slides and Sheets are not yet available, but Help Me Write is in limited preview; you can try it out in Google Docs or Gmail on the web by signing up for access to Workspace Labs with your Google account. (Youll be put on a waitlist before being granted access.) Like the well-known ChatGPT, Help Me Write is a chatbot tool that generates written text based on prompts (instructions) that you give it.

Whether youre a professional writer or someone who dreads having to write for your job, the potential of AI assistance for your writing tasks is appealing. Help Me Write can indeed write long passages of text that are reasonably readable. But its results come with caveats including factual errors, redundancy, and too-generic prose.

This guide covers how to use Help Me Write in both Google Docs and Gmail to generate and rewrite text, and how to overcome some of the tools shortcomings. Because its in preview status, keep in mind that there may be changes to its features, and the results it generates, when its finally rolled out to the public.

(On a meta note, no part of this article was written by Help Me Write. Many articles about AI include a twist in which the author reveals that what youve been reading was, in fact, written by an AI. Thats not the case here. A major reason is the question of copyright  who owns the words that are generated by AI, especially if its service is free for public use?)

Use Help Me Write to generate text

Once youve been granted access to Workspace Labs, start a new blank document in Docs. At the top of the document is a button that includes a pencil with a + sign and the words Help me write. Or, if you open an existing document, youll see a small button with the pencil + icon at the left edge of your document page. In Gmail, the same icon appears on the toolbar along the bottom of the compose window.

IDG From left to right, the Help me write button as it appears in a new Google Doc, an existing Google Doc, and in Gmail. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Click this Help me write button. In Docs, the Help me write panel opens. In Gmail, a text entry bar appears at the bottom of the compose window.

Inside the panel or bar, youll see several suggestions for prompts  words that describe the subject and kind of writing you would like Help Me Write to generate  scroll through. These suggestions, such as Pitch for a product that allows people to create holograms of themselves or An introduction for someone I met at the conference, give you an idea as to how a prompt is worded.

IDG In both Docs and Gmail, Help Me Write provides ideas for prompts you can ask it. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Type in a prompt. For this guide, we entered A step-by-step plan for starting a small catering and events coordinator business as a side gig in Google Docs to prompt a planning document. And in Gmail we requested a business letter with this prompt: Follow-up to the client recipient asking how satisfied they are with our service, and invite the recipient to respond to me with more questions.

IDG Type in your prompt for Help Me Write. (Click image to enlarge it.)

After you type in your prompt, click Create. Help Me Write will process your prompt, which may take several seconds; it depends on how complex the wording of your prompt request is. Then another panel will open displaying the text it generated, which might be sentences or whole paragraphs.

IDG The generated results appear in a new panel. You can refine the text before inserting it. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Below these results are options for starting over or refining the generated text:

Recreate: If youre not satisfied with the text that Help Me Write generated, clicking this will instruct it to try again using your prompts.

Refine: Selecting this opens a small menu with further options:

Formalize: Help Me Write rewrites the generated text with wording at a higher academic reading level. (Be warned: this may result in prose thats stilted or excessively wordy.)

Shorten: Help Me Write rewrites the generated text with fewer words.

Elaborate: Help Me Write will generate additional text to provide more details based on your prompts.

Rephrase (in Docs): Help Me Write will paraphrase the text it generated. This action is different from Recreate. When you click Recreate, Help Me Write starts the text generation process over again based on your prompts, but when you select Rephrase, Help Me Write will rewrite the text it already generated.

Im Feeling Lucky (in Gmail): This is like rolling the dice, where Help Me Write will randomly rewrite your email draft in any number of ways, such as making it longer or more formal, or even arranged as song lyrics.

IDG A client letter in the form of song lyrics is just one of the random results you might get with the Im Feeling Lucky option.

When youre happy with the text that Help Me Write generated for you, click Insert to add it to your document or email. After you insert the generated text, it becomes regular document text that you can edit as you see fit.

Use Help Me Write to rewrite text

You can use Help Me Write to rewrite your document or email, whether it was originally written by you or generated by Help Me Write.

To use Help Me Write to rewrite in Docs, highlight the text (phrases, sentences, or paragraphs) that you want Help Me Write to rework. Then click the Help me write icon to the left of the highlighted text.

IDG In Docs, you can have Help Me Write revise selected text. (Click image to enlarge it.)

A menu opens with the same Refine rewriting options we saw earlier: Formalize, Shorten, Elaborate, Rephrase. Theres also a fifth option on this menu: a Custom entry box where you can type in a prompt such as in an informal voice or use simpler wording.

IDG Help Me Write elaborating on the selected text in Docs. (Click image to enlarge it.)

In Gmail, you can use Help Me Write to rewrite your entire email draft  but unlike in Docs, you cannot have it rewrite individual phrases, sentences, or paragraphs. Click the Help me write icon on the toolbar, and on the menu that opens, you can select Formalize, Elaborate, Shorten, or Im Feeling Lucky.

Keep caveats in mind and finesse the results

While Help Me Write can give you a head start on your business writing, the text it generates is far from perfect, so its important to review and edit its output. Here are some shortcomings to look out for in the results that Help Me Write generates:

Generic content: A lot of the passages that Help Me Write generates read generically, providing only very basic information. Even if you phrase your prompts very specifically, the results may still sound canned.

IDG Help Me Write often delivers generic prose. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Redundant content: Help Me Write may generate text that basically says the same thing as text it generated before. This can happen when you have it generate several paragraphs and then instruct it to elaborate on a specific sentence or paragraph. The additional text Help Me Write generates may read similarly to other passages that its already generated for you. It may also choose to present this redundant content in a list format.

Similar results for different Google users: Other people using the same or similarly worded prompts with Help Me Write could receive similar results. This is likely to happen if you prompt it to write about a general topic  so two Google users who both prompt Help Me Write to generate text describing how to create a business plan, for example, will probably get results that read nearly alike. The more specific your request, the more likely youll be to get unique results.

Factual errors: If you prompt Help Me Write to write about subjects that are based on factual information (such as current business analyses or trends) or of a technical nature, you should scrutinize its results, regardless of how correct they may sound. You should conduct further research, searching the web for reliable resources to confirm what Help Me Write has generated.

In addition to fact-checking, you should perform general editing on all the passages that Help Me Write generates. This process includes reading through everything, then adding, rearranging, removing, and rewriting text as you feel is necessary. Practicing the craft of editing on Help Me Writes output will help you shape your document or email into a final draft that is informative and appealing for other people to read.

A useful collaboration tool

Although you can have Help Me Write generate documents or emails from scratch, it can serve you better if you approach it as a writing assistant. For example, you can prompt Help Me Write to assemble a rough outline for a business proposal or marketing plan that you then flesh out with your own writing.

It can also be useful for collaboration  as a brainstorming tool, for instance. Try collaborating with your co-workers on a shared document, where each person prompts Help Me Write to generate ideas for all to build on.

In fact, your interaction with Help Me Write is itself a form of collaboration. You prompt Help Me Write to generate text, its results may in turn give you ideas for how to approach a topic, and you keep working with the AI to refine those results in your final draft  thus, Help Me Write becomes your collaborator.

AI writing is simply the latest tool in the always-evolving working relationship between people and technology. As long as you understand its rules and limitations, Help Me Write (and other AI-powered writing tools) can be an invaluable aide to kickstarting your writing process or refining what youve already written.
Its a horror movie opening so perfunctory that you could probably take the time to grab popcorn and have missed nothing. Were shown a person or people, in any number from one to the dozens, who the movie clearly establishes are dead. Full doornail status, doctor confirmed. Yet, the cameras not quite ready to pan away from the presumed corpse, staying on them just a beat too long, like the loaded gaze of a secret necrophiliac.

Suddenly, some section of the expired stirs, and we would be shocked if we hadnt just walked into a movie titled some variant of The Dead Become Alive!. Its bad news for everybody on that side of the screen, as theyre about to have to quickly brush up on their marksmanship and general engineering skills, and hope to god they didnt decide on shorts and sandals today.

Now, zombies, at least the cerebrum-starved shufflers of cinema, arent real. The idea of someone dead coming back to life, though, is a whole lot more common than anyone would like. Here are five examples of real-life zombies who trudged back onto this mortal coil

Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.

Advertisement

5 Carlos Camejo Public Domain Doesn  t look very comfortable, but then again, I guess it doesn  t have to be. If youre undergoing an autopsy, its because something has gone very wrong. Its also a general rule that, by definition, you cannot be aware of your own autopsy. Unless, of course, the only person who realizes youre not dead is you. That can present the fascinating situation of doctors starting to cut into an alive man in an attempt to figure out why they died. Thats the exact situation a Venezuelan man named Carlos Camejo found himself in after a car accident. After the vehicular misfortune, he was declared dead and everything that came with it: transport to the morgue, cold steel table, even calling his wife to identify his body. As soon as they started to cut into his face, though, they realized that he was bleeding, something thats the behavior of a very alive body. Carlos then woke up from what was the worst nap of his life, and when his wife arrived to identify his body, ran into her presumed-dead husband standing in the hallway outside. 4/num]Guo Liu Pixabay Uh guys? Some deaths feel like they come out of nowhere. Theyre an unwelcome, unpredicted demonstration of the fragility of life, something that reminds us how little is guaranteed. Other deaths, well, lets just say the logic was there. If a guys running through two packs of cigarettes a day, its pretty obvious where the nails for his coffin are going to come from. So when Guo Liu collapsed one day, presumably in a plume of smoke, nobody was particularly shocked. Until they had him boxed up, that is. Liu was in the coffin, ready to be buried, when his family reportedly heard wheezing and crying from inside the casket. Now, either Lius ghost had already returned with the unfinished business of smoking a full 7-Elevens shipment of smokes, or they needed to do a little more examination before putting him below ground. It turned out Liu wasnt, in fact, dead, despite his efforts to the contrary.

3 Valdelucio Goncalves Ralf Roletschek A jump scare waiting to happen. I dont know if Ive just been trained by years of movies, TV and video games, but if Im ever in a room with a body bag, you can bet Im keeping that sucker in my peripheral. Body-bag jump scares have brought back enough of my Resident Evil protagonists for me to never trust one of those corpse-filled dust covers. Even if he was giving it the same wide berth, though, one presumed dead mans brother must have had an extremely bittersweet blood pressure spike when the bag containing his brothers body started, in his words, wriggling. When they figured out that Valdelucio Goncalves was still alive, Im sure they considered it a miracle. A bit of an inconvenient one, though, given that theyd already paid for his funeral. Most shocking is that the not-so-late Goncalves managed to stay convincingly dead even while they were packing his nose and ears with cotton. Waking up a little earlier could have saved everyone not only a lot of heartache, but also a lot of labor and paperwork.

2 Brighton Dama Zanthe Pixabay Thing's really bouncing around in there, huh? This entry is a medical oversight that sounds like the master plan of a complete narcissist. A Zimbabwean man named Brighton Dama Zanthe, widely considered dead, made it all the way to his funeral before returning to consciousness. His body, which also still contained his soul, was on display and was actively being paid respects to when attendees noticed it beginning to move. They, in a move that horror movie protagonists could really learn from, immediately got the fuck out of there. Once everybody calmed down, they called an ambulance. They loaded the body from the coffin into the ambulance, which is the absolute opposite of how thats supposed to go, and took Zanthe to the hospital to figure this whole thing out. It turned out they had a very much alive and very much confused Brighton Dama Zanthe on their hands, and after what had to be one of the worlds most exasperated shrugs, sent him home. Advertisement Advertisement
European business leader cautions against economic consequences of decoupling from China: Reuters

People's Daily Online) 14:59, June 08, 2023

Belen Garijio, the CEO of the German technology group Merck KGaA, has warned that severing trade ties with China would come at great economic cost, stressing the importance of dialogue in easing tensions between China and western powers, Reuters reported.

Gorijio made the remark on Monday during a journalist club event in Frankfurt. The backdrop for her comments is the increasing calls from U.S. and German lawmakers to reduce trade dependency on China.

"Dependencies between the powers were huge, said Gorijio. When I hear politicians say we have to decouple, I don't think this is feasible."

"We are risking a global world that has brought wellbeing, more innovation, more collaboration, said Gorijio.

Despite the headwinds of decoupling, Mercks finance chief announced last month that the company plans to invest further in China. Merck aims to establish domestic supply chains in China to mitigate the risk of disruptions in the import of key raw materials during any trade disputes, the Reuters report said.

Merck KGaA, a German pharmaceutical company specializing in lab equipment and semiconductor chemicals, has been present in China for nearly 90 years. According to the report, last year China accounted for 3.2 billion euros ($3.4 billion) of 22.2 billion euros in group sales, with products including bioreactor gear as well as chemicals for making microchips and flat screens.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Wu Chengliang)
Cybersecurity vendor Guardz has announced the release of a new AI-powered phishing protection solution to help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and managed service providers (MSPs) prevent phishing attacks. It uses AI to provide small businesses and the MSPs that support them automatic phishing detection and remediation capabilities by combining email security, web browsing protection, perimeter posture, and awareness into one native solution, according to the firm.

The release comes in the wake of the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, which cited phishing as the second most common way threat actors infiltrate organizations, behind stolen credentials. It also found that three-quarters of all data breaches observed in the past year involved some form of human element, with the number of recorded business email compromise (BEC) attacks doubling. Meanwhile, the emergence of sophisticated generative AI chat technology built on large language models (LMMs) has changed the phishing game significantly, with researchers already demonstrating how OpenAIs ChatGPT can enhance phishing attacks by making them harder to detect and easier to pull off.

Platform verifies emails against authentication protocols like DMARC

Guardzs new phishing protection platform automatically verifies emails for authentication protocols including Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), Sender Policy Framework (SPF), and checks for malicious forwarding rules, the firm said in a press release.

It also initiates detection through AI-powered anti-phishing and anti-malware engines, removes risky emails from users inboxes and automatically sends them to quarantine, and monitors internet browsing to detect potential phishing attempts with real-time alerts for system admins, Gaurdz added. Other features include the delivery of active cyber awareness training and tailored phishing simulations for employees to help foster a culture of caution and vigilance, the company said.

Phishing used in 44% of social engineering incidents

Social engineering remains a major threat to businesses with phishing making up 44% of social engineering incidents detected in Verizons latest data breach research. The report encouraged companies to step away from the phishing exercises will continue until click rates improve stance and adopt a more collaborative approach to security. There are a fair number of controls to consider when confronting this complex threat, and all have pros and cons, the report added. Due to the strong human element associated with this pattern, many of the controls pertain to helping users detect and report attacks as well as protecting their user accounts in the event that they fall victim to a phishing lure.
Google Cloud has launched its Cryptomining Protection Program for Security Command Center (SCC) Premium customers with up to $1 million to cover unauthorized Google Cloud compute expenses associated with undetected cryptomining attacks. SCC Premium customers will have access to the new product for free. SCC Premium works with a pay-as-you-go pricing, and as one-year and multi-year fixed-price subscriptions.

According to Google Cybersecurity Action Team (GCAT) September 2022 Threat Horizons Report, threat actors frequently targeted weak and default passwords to access Google Cloud accounts. Once inside the compromised cloud accounts, they performed cryptomining 65% of the time.

Security Command Center has rapidly become one of the most common tools for protecting Google Cloud environments, Jess Leroy, senior director of product management, Google Cloud, tells CSO. Fortune 10 companies through SMB organizations globally rely on Security Command Center Premium to protect their Google Cloud environments.

How Google Clouds Cryptomining Protection Program works

Why is the Cryptomining Protection Program only available to SCC Premium? SCC Premium includes comprehensive threat detection capabilities that are engineered into the Google Cloud infrastructure. This includes cryptomining attack detection, the technology that underpins Google Clouds financial protection program.

To detect such attacks, SCC Premium scans virtual machine memory for malware. The cloud provider says its approach enables it to detect attacks that could be missed by bolt-on security tools that rely on analysis of cloud logs and information gathered from APIs. The ultimate result would be Google identifying possible threats before they get explored. The full set of advanced detection capabilities for cryptomining can only be delivered by a product built into the cloud infrastructure.

Another function of SCC Premium is to detect compromised identities, which are usually the entry point for attackers. It does this by detecting excessive failed attempts, anomalously long impersonation chains, dormant service account activity, and by using other functionalities.

How the cover works and how to access

All SCC Premium customers are eligible for this financial protection program as long as they follow the program terms and conditions including Cryptomining Detection Best Practices. If Google or Security Command Center Premium fail to detect and notify the customer of a cryptomining attack in the customers compute engine VM environment, and the customer experiences compute engine costs resulting from the undetected attack, the customer can request cloud credits within 30 days from when the attack began to cover the unauthorized compute engine costs, Leroy explains.

Once a customer has raised the issue, Google will work with them to determine the compute engine costs incurred due to the cryptomining attack. The maximum number of credits issued under the program to any customer is up to US$1 million in any 12-month period.
Researchers warn of a social engineering campaign by the North Korean APT group known as Kimsuky that attempts to steal email credentials and plant malware. The campaign, focused on experts in North Korean affairs, is part of this group's larger intelligence gathering operations that target research centers, think tanks, academic institutions, and news outlets globally.

"Kimsuky, a suspected North Korean advanced persistent threat (APT) group whose activities align with the interests of the North Korean government, is known for its global targeting of organizations and individuals," researchers from security firm SentinelOne said in a report. "Operating since at least 2012, the group often employs targeted phishing and social engineering tactics to gather intelligence and access sensitive information."

Impersonating a trusted source of North Korean news and policy analysis

In the campaign that SentinelOne analyzed and which serves as an example of the depth of Kimsuky's social engineering, the group impersonated the founder of NK News, an American subscription-based news website focused on North Korean affairs. This is part of the Kimsuky's increasingly common approach of establishing a rapport with its targets before delivering a malicious payload.

In this case, the rogue email was sent to victims from a domain name that closely resembles that of NK News and asked them to review a draft article about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. If the victims responded and replied to the message, the attackers followed up with an URL to a document hosted on Google Docs that then redirected them to a page designed to capture Google credentials.

"The URLs destination is manipulated through the spoofing technique of setting the href HTML property to direct to a website created by Kimsuky," the researchers said. "This method, commonly employed in phishing attacks, creates a discrepancy between the perceived legitimacy of the link (a genuine Google document) and the actual website visited upon clicking the URL."

In fact, the displayed URL does indeed lead to an article on Google Docs with the topic North Korean nuclear threat that includes edits and comments to make it look like it is indeed a work in progress. This highlights that the attackers took the time to make their attack as believable as possible. In fact, the phishing page that users land on when clicking on the URL mimics the page that Google Docs normally shows when someone needs to request access to a document.

For certain targets who engage in conversation with the attackers, the group decides to send weaponized password-protected Word documents that deploy a reconnaissance malware payload called ReconShark. This program probes systems for the presence of known security software and collects information about the target's computer that can be used to plan a future attack.

In a separate campaign, the group also sent out fake emails with the goal of stealing login credentials for PRO subscriptions to the NK News website itself. The rogue emails instruct users to review their accounts for security reasons following misuse by supposed attackers. Users are then taken to a phishing site that mimics the real NK News login page.

"Gaining access to such reports would provide Kimsuky with valuable insights into how the international community assesses and interprets developments related to North Korea, contributing to their broader strategic intelligence-gathering initiatives," the SentinelOne researchers said.

A larger focus on policy analysts

This latest campaign overlaps with North Korean social engineering activity documented in a joint threat advisory released last week by the US and South Korean governments. In the advisory, Kimsuky activity is attributed to the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), North Korea's intelligence agency, which is believed to operate multiple such cyberattack teams.

Kimsuky seems particularly focused on stealing data and gathering valuable geopolitical insight for the North Korean government. "Some targeted entities may discount the threat posed by these social engineering campaigns, either because they do not perceive their research and communications as sensitive in nature, or because they are not aware of how these efforts fuel the regimes broader cyber espionage efforts," the report's authors note. "However, as outlined in this advisory, North Korea relies heavily on intelligence gained by compromising policy analysts. Further, successful compromises enable Kimsuky actors to craft more credible and effective spearphishing emails that can be leveraged against more sensitive, higher-value targets."

It's worth noting that APT groups associated with the Iranian government use similar tactics of targeting academic researchers, policy analysts, and think tanks using impersonation and well-crafted emails.












Governor Newsom Works to Limit 2nd Amendment

Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to enshrine fundamental, broadly supported gun safety measures into law. While leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting America's gun-owning tradition, the Governor's proposal guarantees common sense constitutional protections and gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, independent voters, and gun owners overwhelmingly support  including universal background checks, raising the firearm purchase age to 21, instituting a firearm purchase waiting period, and barring the civilian purchase of assault weapons.

fundamental, broadly supported gun safety measures into law. While leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting America's gun-owning tradition, the Governor's proposal guarantees common sense constitutional protections and gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, independent voters, and gun owners overwhelmingly support  including universal background checks, raising the firearm purchase age to 21, instituting a firearm purchase waiting period, and barring the civilian purchase of assault weapons.

fundamental, broadly supported gun safety measures into law. While leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting America's gun-owning tradition, the Governor's proposal guarantees common sense constitutional protections and gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, independent voters, and gun owners overwhelmingly support  including universal background checks, raising the firearm purchase age to 21, instituting a firearm purchase waiting period, and barring the civilian purchase of assault weapons.

"Our ability to make a more perfect union is literally written into the Constitution," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "So today, I'm proposing the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to do just that. The 28th Amendment will enshrine in the Constitution common sense gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and gun owners overwhelmingly support  while leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting America's gun-owning tradition."

The 28th Amendment will permanently enshrine four broadly supported gun safety principles into the U.S. Constitution:

Raising the federal minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21;

Mandating Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to enshrine universal background checks to prevent truly dangerous people from purchasing a gun that could be used in a crime;

Instituting a reasonable waiting period for all gun purchases; and

Barring civilian purchase of assault weapons that serve no other purpose than to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time  weapons of war our nation's founders never foresaw.

Additionally, the 28th Amendment will affirm Congress, states, and local governments can enact additional so called common-sense gun safety regulations that save lives. Passage of the 28th Amendment will require a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution, also known as an Article V Convention or amendatory convention. Working in partnership with members of the California State Senate and Assembly, California will be the first state in the nation to call for such a convention with a joint resolution being introduced by California State Senator Aisha Wahab and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer. The Governor will work with grassroots supporters, elected and civic leaders, and broad and diverse coalitions across the nation to fight for the passage of similar resolutions in other state legislatures to ensure the convening of a constitutional convention limited to this subject. 33 other states, in addition to California, would need to take action to convene such a convention.

"A man of action, Governor Gavin Newsom has the backbone to actually do something about the gun fetish culture around weapons of war, and tackle the relentless problem of gun violence and mass shootings," said Senator Aisha Wahab. "As someone impacted by gun violence, I have an obligation to elevate the voices of victims and those of us left behind in the wake of tragedy."

"I am proud to introduce this resolution to protect the commonsense gun reform legislation our Assembly Public Safety Committee has championed over the years," said Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer. "We cannot stand idly while courts roll back our work and diminish the ability of our Legislature to keep Californians safe. This bold but fair resolution calls on other states to join us in protecting some of the most effective ways of reducing gun violence."

With gun violence claiming the lives of over 110 Americans a day, California's nation-leading gun safety laws serve as a valuable blueprint for other states and Congress to save lives. California's gun safety laws work. In its most recent scorecard, California ranked as the #1 state for gun safety by the Giffords Law Center, and according to the most recent data, the state saw a 37% lower gun death rate than the national average. According to the CDC, California's gun death rate was the 44th lowest in the nation, with 9 gun deaths per 100,000 people  compared to 16.36 deaths per 100,000 nationally, 33.9 in Mississippi, 21.2 in Oklahoma, and 15.6 in Texas.

###
The Meat Hook, 397 Graham Ave., Williamsburg; 718-609-9300; themeathook.com

When the meat hook opened in 2009, it joined a just-starting-to-open bunch of New Williamsburg specialty shops that would lure in people from other neighborhoods (Marlow & Sons was a few years old; Saltie was brand new). The once-small counter space is now a 900-square-foot emporium with a classroom for instruction on how to cook offal or butcher a pig. Chef and author Natasha Pickowicz shops there for backyard gatherings. Their large-format things are great for that, she says, citing the in-house brined and smoked ham, which feeds 15 to 20. Other meant-for-a-crowd dishes include an entire rib roast and a pork loin with belly attached. For Ted Allen, host of Chopped, what really sealed the deal for us was the incredible job they did catering a birthday party. Not just top-notch steak, ribs, and chicken but really creative sides and super-nice, friendly service. The staff also welcomes collaboration, which drew in author Carla Lalli Music. I can roll in with a rough idea of what Im in the mood for or how many people Im cooking for, and whoever is behind the counter will game it out with me, she says. We talk methods and prep, they show me some cool cuts that Ive never heard of, then I get to watch them fabricate my order right in front of me.
Oregon Nurses Association held a protest outside of the downtown PeaceHealth hospital on Wednesday evening, voicing their want for safe staffing, better retention of nurses and the recruitment of more nurses to fill the hospitals needs.

ONA is the PeaceHealth nurses labor union that sets contracts with the hospital to get better wages, rights, and benefits.

According to Allison Hyder, an after hours admission nurse in hospice, PeaceHealth has been negotiating with ONA since February of this year. The two sides failed to reach a deal by a April deadline.

There's 300 open nurse positions at the hospital. There's open positions everywhere, and they want to cut labor, and they want to cut supplies, said Hyder.

Hyder added that PeaceHealth has not delivered on promises made during the pandemic. She sighted retention bonuses and hazard pay that hasn't been distributed by PeaceHealth.

It's taking a toll on our mental health and our emotional well-being, and they're making us do unrealistic staffing assignments. They're telling hospice nurses to work harder, work faster, said Hyder.

Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis appeared at the protest, voicing her support for the nurses and their labor union.

Vinis said it is important for the PeaceHealth hospital in Eugene to be properly staffed. Vinis said she wanted to show her support for the nurses.

They live in this city. I want to make sure they are treated well as essential workers. A community without a well-staffed hospital is a community in deep trouble, said Vinis.

ONA members said they hope to strike a new deal with PeaceHealth to better staff the hospital and prevent unsafe staffing and working conditions.
On Thursday, the Eugene Police Violent Crimes Detectives arrested Morgan Christopher Immesoete and charged him with arson in the first degree for allegedly causing the fire at the Valley River Inn on February 28.

Immesoete, 47, from Cheshire, Oregon, was located by detectives today in West Eugene and was arrested without incident, according to an EPD press release. He is being held at the Lane County Jail.

The fire in February began on the second floor of the inn on the south side of the building and spread to the third floor and attic, according to Eugene Springfield Fire Department. No one was injured in the fire, but the building suffered from a roof collapse and other damages.

A warrant went out for Immesoetes arrest on May 2, according to court records. He has previously been charged with the possession of drugs and unlawful use of a weapon.
GOLD (XAU/USD) PRICE FORECAST:

Recommended by Zain Vawda How to Trade Gold Get My Guide

READ MORE: Bank of Canada Comes Out Swinging with 25bps Hike, USD/CAD Slides

Gold prices fell around $30 from its high during yesterdays US session as a surprise hike by the Bank of Canada (BoC) had a ripple effect across the markets. The Bank of Canada followed in the footsteps of the RBA with a surprise 25bps hike with swaps now completely pricing in the probability of a 25bps rate hike from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in July. However, the probability for a rate hike at next weeks Fed meeting rose as well but remains below the 40% mark.

Source: CME FedWatch Tool

The impact of yesterday's decision also impacted US Treasury Yields which saw a sharp upward move as the possibility of higher rates for longer grows. The greater the likelihood of further increases from the Fed the more support we are likely to see for US yields which in turn could continue to cap any attempt by Gold prices to push higher.

Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team Subscribe to Newsletter

CLIENT SENTIMENT DATA AND DAY AHEAD

Taking a look at the IG client sentiment data and we can see that retail traders are currently net LONG on GOLD with 73% of traders holding long positions (as of this writing). Not surprising at all given that Gold has been unable to follow through on recent moves with market participant likely expecting support at $1940 hold firm. At DailyFX we typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment meaning we could see Gold prices continue to decline.

Looking ahead to the rest of the day and the calendar remains relatively quiet with jobless claims data out of the US the only highlight. For now, it appears Gold prices may continue looking for guidance from US Treasury yields and the DXY ahead of next weeks CPI release and Federal Reserve meeting.

For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the DailyFX Calendar

GOLD TECHNICAL OUTLOOK AND FINAL THOUGHTS

Form a technical perspective, Gold price action has been messy of late. Prior to yesterday's drop, price action hinted at a new high looking toward the $1990 handle and the 50-day MA. The pair has once again found support at the 100-day MA overnight and continuing to push higher into the European session, trading just shy of the $1950 handle.

Gold (XAU/USD) Daily Chart  June 8, 2023

Source: TradingView, Chart Prepared by Zain Vawda

Dropping down to a smaller timeframe and looking at the H1 chart we are printing higher highs and higher lows since bottoming out around the $1940 handle. A push higher and deeper retracement could be in store if the recent H1 higher low around $1944.73 holds firm. A 1-hour candle close below obviously invalidating the bullish structure and could see a retest of yesterdays lows and a potential push toward the $1925 support handle.

Gold (XAU/USD) Daily Chart  June 8, 2023

Source: TradingView, Chart Prepared by Zain Vawda

The 100-day MA on the daily timeframe resting around $1940 will be from a bigger picture perspective, with a daily candle close below opening up the possibility of a freefall in gold prices. We do not have a lot in the way of support between the 100-day MA and the $1900 psychological level. It is important to note that given next weeks US CPI release and Federal Reserve meeting there is a real chance we could continue to see rangebound price action between the 100-day MA ($1940) and 50-day MA ($1990).

Key Intraday Levels to Keep an Eye On

Support Levels:

Resistance Levels:

1950

1956

1970

Introduction to Technical Analysis Moving Averages Recommended by Zain Vawda Start Course

Written by: Zain Vawda, Markets Writer for DailyFX.com

Contact and follow Zain on Twitter: @zvawda
Deep breath. Are you OK? The Duke of Sussex was back in court on his second and final day of giving evidence. He entered the witness box just before 10.30am, did a little neck roll, took a sip of water and prepared for the ordeal ahead.

The prince was still in his smart suit and had swapped Tuesday's purple tie for a snazzy silver one  but something else was different, too. Something more elusive. Did I detect a new spritz of lemon in his cocktail of complaint, a rousing grind of pepper on his ongoing beef?

It was almost as if he'd been instructed overnight to answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no' and stick to the script, for God's sake. For example, he had a better response to the important question of when he had read the newspaper articles in question.

On Tuesday he repeatedly told the court he couldn't remember, end of. Yesterday it was: 'I can't remember but that is to suggest that the stress has been reduced and it hasn't been.'

Soon we were roving over evidence about his wild and crazy younger life, including an injured knee that delayed his entry to Sandhurst, his trips to lap dancing clubs, his 'boozy playboy lifestyle' and his relationship with Chelsy Davy.

JAN MOIR: The Duke of Sussex was back in court on his second and final day of giving evidence

Barrister Andrew Green, representing Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), leaves the Royal Courts of Justice after Prince Harry

Prince Harry  so very vague about so very much that happened back then  had a sudden illuminating jolt of memory. He argued that he did not go to a London nightclub called Amika once a month ('I don't believe I was there that often') and doubted the newspaper's version of events ('I don't see any quotes from the Lithuanian lapdancer who sat on my lap').

However, we all know Harry by now. Give our guy a public platform and it won't be long before he is complaining about his privacy. Although to be scrupulously fair, this IS a phone hacking trial and not an exercise in vengeance. Or is it?

During his cross-examination by Andrew Green KC, acting for Mirror Group Newspapers, Prince Harry revealed that he decided to bring the case after meeting lawyer David Sherborne in the south of France, sometimes known as a sunny place for shady people, but of course that is not relevant here.

Harry also revealed that part of his impetus for the lawsuit was a desire to do something about the 'abuse and hate that was coming towards me and my wife' in recent years. So an exercise in revenge and punishment rather than one in justice and ethics?

In his witness statement, Prince Harry grandly described himself as someone who wants to 'save journalism as a profession' and 'a soldier upholding important values'. It would be simply crushing to discover that this warrior of morality was motivated, even a little bit, by less noble sentiments.

Despite his new focus, it wasn't long before the prince was drifting far from shore again, answering the questions in his head rather than the ones he had just been asked and taking any opportunity to expound on his general grievances to the judge. 'Doesn't mean it is true, my lord,' he would say. 'I highly doubt that, my lord,' he would add. Mr Green got a little exasperated at one point. 'Could I just repeat what I said yesterday  this is about me asking you questions, not you asking me questions,' he said.

'So be it,' sighed the KC, after another dead-end exchange with the prince. There was a discussion, yet again, about what was and what was not in the public interest. Prince Harry was asked to define the former, and gave the matter some thought. 'A life-threatening injury?' he suggested. 'I'm sure there are others.'

I'm sure there are. Again and again we got a glimpse of the unique struggles of the young prince's cloistered life, a miserable-sounding existence constrained by suspicion and privilege. He was chary of everyone and inside this corral of distrust he was ministered by people he variously described as 'my security', 'my point person' and even 'my police'.

A court artist's sketch of Prince Harry being cross-examined by Andrew Green KC, acting for Mirror Group Newspapers

Sometimes you have to wonder, who on earth was looking after this lost, motherless boy? At other times, his lack of acuity is gasping.

Towards the end of the day the focus switched onto a news story about his break-up with Chelsy Davy, printed with the headline, 'Hooray Harry's Dumped'. 'My Lord, this was hurtful to say the least,' said the prince, adding that he found it 'a little bit mean' that such a private moment was 'turned into a bit of a laugh.'

'You are not suggesting that they [the newspaper] were celebrating you had been dumped,' said Green, incredulous. 'Yes, I am. For me,' said Harry, touching his heart with fluttering fingers, 'as the subject or victim of this, to see that word used in this term is hurtful.'

If only a newspaper sub-editor  or anyone with a rudimentary grasp of grammar  had been on hand to explain the difference between Hooray Harry's Dumped and Hooray, Harry's Dumped.

How can a man come through an expensive education without knowing the basic rules of punctuation? Or expect to single-handedly 'save journalism' if he doesn't even know how a comma works?

When he had finished giving his evidence, Prince Harry took a seat in the courtroom for the rest of the day. How had it all gone? That morning, Mr Green had asked him if it was true he was brought back early from his tour of duty in Afghanistan. 'I was evacuated, yes,' said Prince Harry.

You could say much the same about his hours in the witness box.
The King is 'completely at home' in Transylvania, as he once put it. 'It's in my blood.'

No doubt he felt the same way in the past few days as, looking happy and relaxed, he met villagers and inspected his rural estate.

Charles owns several properties in the region, tucked away in remote settlements where he can paint, walk, read, and rest, completely undisturbed.

What is less well-known is that many generations of his maternal ancestors lived in Transylvania which, for a long period, was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

The locals Charles sees on his walks, quietly nodding to him as they pass by with a horse and carriage, or walking their cows back to their farms are quite literally his own people.

King Charles greets the people of Viscri on his recent visit to Transylvania

The King is said to be fascinated by his three times great grandmother, Countess Claudia Rhedey (pictured)

It is the Transylvanian side of the family which would eventually lead to Queen Mary of Teck, Charles's great grandmother

The King is a great admirer of Transylvania's traditional rural life

One ancestor with whom the king is particularly fascinated is his three times great grandmother, Countess Claudia Rhedey, the grandmother of Queen Mary of Teck (wife of George V). his own great-grandmother.

In 2008 Charles visited her birthplace  at the time it was a school but has now been turned into a museum - in the village of Sangeorgiu de Padure, as well as the nearby church where she is buried.

The then Prince of Wales was shown around by the village priest Gyorgy Gaspar. His son, Peter is the guide at the Rhedey Castle, and an authority on the life of Claudia. I recently interviewed him while researching a book on the king's ancestry.

'The castle was the Rhedey family's summer residence, and Claudia, whose full name included Claudine as a tribute to her ancestor, was born here in September 1818, and baptised in the parish church when she was four days old.

'Her diaries have recently been discovered in an archive and show that she was a deeply religious person. Her faith is also evident in her personal coat of arms which has the motto: 'Believe in God'.

'Most of the year was spent at the family's main residence in, in what is now, Cluj-Napoca. Here she learned to dance, sing, play the piano, to draw and to learn languages  she spoke French, Latin, German and Italian. '

'She was famously beautiful and had many suitors, especially when she attended the Austrian court in Vienna

It was while she was out riding in the hills around Vienna that she met Duke Alexander of Wurttemberg.'

From contemporary lithographs we can see that Alexander was also attractive - tall, slim and uniformed with the stylish floppy dark hairstyle that is reminiscent of Prince Albert.

Countess Claudia Rhedey married Duke Alexander of Wurttemberg, pictured, even though her lack of royal status meant the union was seen as unsuitable

The Countess was famously beautiful and had many suitors, especially when she attended the Austrian court in Vienna

According to Peter Gaspar, 'It was love at first sight. They wanted to marry the very next day, but it was forbidden because of her non-royal lineage. Alexander lost his inheritance.'

The couple had two daughters and a son, Francis, the father of Queen Mary of Teck. They grew up without royal titles or status, though Francis became Duke of Teck upon his marriage.

Alexander and Claudia could never bear to be apart. When in 1841 he was serving with the Austrian military at Pettau (modern day Ptuj in Slovenia), Claudia, who was pregnant with her fourth child, decided to make the 100km journey from Graz to see him.

During her journey her carriage overturned. Claudia was injured but refused treatment. Determined to carry on, she made the rest of the journey on horseback. Arriving at the military camp, she collapsed and miscarried.

She survived another eight days but died from internal bleeding on October 1, 1841. She was only 29 years of age.

It was Claudia's dying wish was to be buried with her parents near their summer residence in Transylvania, where Charles now has summer homes

In 2008 Charles visited her birthplace in the village of Sangeorgiu de Padure. At the time it was a school but has now been turned into a museum

Alexander was bereft. It was Claudia's dying wish was to be buried with her parents near their summer residence and so he supervised the return journey, driving the carriage himself for the twenty days it took.

Before the funeral he had her heart removed and placed in a gold casket which he kept with him for the forty years of widowerhood, after which it was buried with him in Vienna.

Claudia's tomb was inscribed with the words of Alexander: 'Here lies a woman who has never given me any sorrow only happiness. Sorrow and tears only now when she left me alone on this earth.'

The marriage had repercussions down the generations.

The Teck family were regarded as second-class royals.

The impoverished Francis was barred from marrying any rich German princess and settled for Britain's Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, a first cousin of Queen Victoria's.

The Queen thought Teck 'handsome and gentlemanlike' when she first met him in 1865. Aware of the chip on his shoulder from his non-royal parentage, she gave him the status of a British 'Highness' at the time of her Golden Jubilee in 1887.

A photograph of King George V and Queen Mary of Teck with their first child, who became Edward VIII

Four generations of the monarchy in Buckingham Palace after Princess Anne's christening in November 1950. Pictured: King George VI, Prince Philip, Queen Mary, Princess Elizabeth holding Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth

His daughter, Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, was always conscious of her lowly royal standing. She, too, was ineligible for marriage to a German prince.

Her granddaughter, Princess Margaret, told the writer Gore Vidal: 'I detested Queen Mary. She was rude to all of us except Lilibet [the future Elizabeth II]. Of course, she had an inferiority complex.

'We were royal and she was not.'

In the end Mary had the last laugh. She married the future George V, becoming Queen Empress, while her ancestral kingdom of Wurttemberg became extinct along with all the other German monarchies at the end of the First World War.

Mary never visited Transylvania, though she maintained a link with the family. As Princess of Wales, she asked for a plaque to be placed in the church honouring her grandmother's name. Thirty years later, in the Silver Jubilee year of 1935, she paid for the church, where her ancestors are buried, to be restored.

A young Prince Charles is held by his great-grandmother, Queen Mary of Teck

The King owns several properties in Transylvania, tucked away in remote villages where he can paint, walk, read, and rest, completely undisturbed

On his 2008 visit, Charles, inspected the two plaques commemorating Queen Mary's generosity and saw the signed photo she had also sent.

He was shown the Rhedey family arms on the church wall and was presented with a specially carved wooden root to represent his own roots in Transylvania.

Peter Gaspar recalls: 'he looked visibly touched when he walked into the church, and he was very humble.'

He left a bouquet of flowers in her memory of the ancestor who was so wronged during her lifetime but is still remembered when most of her generation is forgotten.

With it was a card bearing his cypher and the handwritten message: 'In loving memory of my great, great, great grandmother. Charles.'
Francoise Gilot - the former love and muse of Pablo Picasso - died aged 101 on Tuesday in New York City.

She was a prolific and acclaimed painter who produced art for well more than a half-century but was nonetheless more famous for her turbulent relationship with Picasso - and for leaving him.

Gilot's daughter, Aurelia Engel, told The Associated Press her mother had died at Mount Sinai West hospital after suffering both lung and heart problems.

'She was an extremely talented artist, and we will be working on her legacy and the incredible paintings and works she is leaving us with,' Engel said.

The French-born Gilot had long made her frustration clear that despite acclaim for her art, which she produced from her teenage years until five years ago, she would still be best known for her relationship with the older Picasso, whom she met in 1943 at age 21, his junior by four decades.

Francoise Gilot - the former love and muse of Pablo Picasso (pictured together in the 1950s) - died aged 101 on Tuesday in New York City

The union produced two children - Claude and Paloma Picasso. But unlike the other key women in Picasso's life - wives or paramours - Gilot eventually walked out.

'He never saw it coming,' Engel said of her mother's departure. 'She was there because she loved him and because she really believed in that incredible passion of art which they both shared. (But) she came as a free, though very, very young, but very independent person.'

Gilot herself told The Guardian newspaper in 2016 that 'I was not a prisoner' in the relationship.

'I'd been there of my own will, and I left of my own will,' she said, then 94. 'Thats what I told him once, before I left.

'I said: "Watch out, because I came when I wanted to, but I will leave when I want." He said: "Nobody leaves a man like me." I said: "We'll see."'

Gilot wrote several books, the most famous of which was 'Life with Picasso,' written in 1964 with Carlton Lake. An angry Picasso sought unsuccessfully to ban its publication.

'He attacked her in court, and he lost three times,' said Engel, 66, an architect by training who now manages her mother's archives.

But, she said, 'after the third loss he called her and said congratulations. He fought it, but at the same time, I think he was proud to have been with a woman who had such guts like he had.'

The artist (pictured in 2015) was a prolific and acclaimed painter who produced art for well more than a half-century but was nonetheless more famous for her turbulent relationship with Picasso - and for leaving him

The French-born Gilot (pictured with Picasso) had long made her frustration clear that despite acclaim for her art, which she produced from her teenage years until five years ago, she would still be best known for her relationship with the older Picasso, whom she met in 1943 at age 21, his junior by four decades

The union produced two children - Claude and Paloma Picasso. But unlike the other key women in Picasso's life - wives or paramours - Gilot (pictured in 1950 with Picasso in France) eventually walked out

Born on November 26, 1921, in leafy Neuilly-sur-Seine in suburban Paris, Gilot was an only child. 'She knew at the age of five that she wanted to be a painter,' Engel said.

In accordance with her parents' wishes, she studied law, however, while maintaining art as her true passion. She first exhibited her paintings in 1943.

That was the year she met Picasso, by chance, when she and a friend visited a restaurant on the Left Bank, amid a gathering that included his then-companion, Dora Maar.

'I was 21 and I felt that painting was already my whole life,' she writes in 'Life With Picasso.'

When Picasso asked Gilot and her friend what they did, the friend responded that they were painters, to which Picasso responded, Gilot writes: 'That's the funniest thing I've heard all day. Girls who look like that can't be painters.' The two were invited to visit Picasso in his studio, and the relationship soon began.

Not long after leaving Picasso in 1953, Gilot reunited with a former friend, artist Luc Simon, and married him in 1955. They had a daughter - Engel - and divorced in 1962.

Born on November 26, 1921, in leafy Neuilly-sur-Seine in suburban Paris, Gilot (pictured in 1951 with Picasso) was an only child. 'She knew at the age of five that she wanted to be a painter,' Engel said

In accordance with her parents' wishes, she studied law, however, while maintaining art as her true passion. She first exhibited her paintings in 1943. Pictured in 1982 in New York City

Dr. Jonas Salk, right, developer of the polio vaccine, and artist Francoise Gilot appear following their civil wedding at Paris Neuilly Town Hall on June 30, 1970

Artist Francoise Gilot appears during an interview with Reginald Bosanquet in London on March 3, 1965, in connection with the publication of her book, 'My Life With Picasso'

In 1970, Gilot married Jonas Salk, the American virologist and researcher famed for his work with the polio vaccine, and began living between California and Paris, and later New York.

When he died in 1995, Gilot moved full-time to New York and spent her last years on the Upper West Side.

Her art only increased in value over the years. In 2021 her 'Paloma a la Guitare' (1965) sold for $1.3 million at a Sothebys auction.

Her work has shown in many prominent museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

Her life with Picasso was illustrated in the 1996 movie 'Surviving Picasso,' directed by James Ivory.

Simon Shaw, Sothebys vice chairman for global fine art, said it had been gratifying to see, in the past decade, Gilot's paintings 'achieve the recognition they truly deserved.'

In 1970, Gilot (pictured in 2012) married Jonas Salk, the American virologist and researcher famed for his work with the polio vaccine, and began living between California and Paris, and later New York

'To see Francoise as a muse (to Picasso) is to miss the point,' Shaw wrote in an e-mail. 'She was established on her course as a painter when first she met Pablo.

'While her work naturally entered into dialogue with his, Francoise pursued a course fiercely her own - her art, like her character, was filled with colour, energy and joy.'

Engel noted that although the relationship with Picasso was clearly a difficult one, it gave her mother a certain freedom from her parents and the constraints of a bourgeois life - and perhaps enabled her to pursue her true dream of being a professional painter, a passion she shared with Picasso above all else.

'They both believed that art was the only thing in life worth doing,' she said. 'And she was able to be her true self, even though it was not an easy life with him. But still she was able to be her true self.'

For Engel, her mother's key legacy was not only her creativity but her courage, reflected in her art, which was always changing, never staying safe.

'She was not without fear. But she would always confront her fears and jump in the void and take risks, no matter what,' Engel said.
A relentless sperm donor who's fathered 65 children - with another seven on the way - says he's giving up the act because he's ready to find love.

Kyle Gordy, 32, from Los Angeles, California, has been charitably sowing his seeds for nearly a decade.

He first shocked the world back in 2014 when he revealed he anonymously had sex with women in secret as a 'free sperm donor'.

He admitted to preferring the casual romps over masturbation because it felt like a 'chore', but has also donated to women by providing his sperm for them to use for artificial insemination.

The spermpreneur quickly grew a fanbase from his deeds and soon begun promoting his services via social media, enabling women to forego a sperm bank.

Kyle Gordy, 32, from Los Angeles, intends to minimize his sperm operations in favor of finding love with the 'right woman'

Angela (pictured), the mother of one of Kyle Gordy's children. Kyle Gordy who runs donor site Be Pregnant Now, has fathered 65 children and has another seven on the way

Alina (pictured), the mother of one of Kyle Gordy's children. It all started nearly 10 years ago when he revealed he anonymously had sex with women in secret as a 'free sperm donor'

But now hes in search of a 'meaningful' relationship and doesn't mind snipping the act so he can find the right woman.

He said: 'Im not that active right now, as its no longer a focus for me.

'I want a relationship with someone and thats the most important thing to me at the moment.

'Im going to stop donating  except for a select few.

'I wont be helping so often, as I need to look at building that meaningful connection with someone who likes me, for me.

'Its okay for people to contact me if theyd like a relationship, but where donating is concerned, Ill only be helping those who really want a baby'.

A recent attempt at love with one of his beneficiaries sadly folded in under two months.

Kyle, who runs donor site Be Pregnant Now, says the woman couldnt accept the fact that he was still donating so he knew it wouldnt work long-term.

He plans to travel the world in search of women deserving of both is sperm and his heart

He continued: 'I need to find someone special who can accept me and what I have done in the past, but I dont want that to get in the way anymore.

'Maybe in a few months, if I dont find anyone, I'll be my old self. But if I do find someone, Ill re-evaluate my hobby entirely'.

'If my girlfriend only wants me to donate once or twice a month or perhaps even pick the people who I donate to, then I would need to have a long discussion with them about my situation.

'Ill agree to certain rules and make sacrifices for the right woman who I can make a wife'.

Kyle intends to live out the rest of his operation travelling countries he's never visited before.

Kyles says of his romantic life: 'I dont have a sex life outside of donating, its completely non-existent'

He hopes new territories will help spice up his dwindling sex life.

He added: 'I dont have a sex life outside of donating, its completely non-existent.

'One of the reasons I dont go out and have sex is because I want to save it up and give the best possible chance of pregnancy.

'Before, I used to date and have sex, but I chose to give this up to help other women and their families.

'I prefer travelling and that, alongside finding a girlfriend, are my main hobbies'.

Still, the part-time sperm donor takes pride in his work and once revealed his admiration for another prolific father, Nick Cannon.

He said hed be open to arranging a competition show with the media personality where women could win his sperm.

Nick Cannon has so far fathered 12 children with six different women, including twins with Mariah Carey.
The US-based star, 30, is staying at the exclusive and lavish Casa Xixim villa

Influencer Mia Khalifa has given fans a glimpse inside her fun-filled holiday to Mexico where she is staying in a luxurious villa.

The US-based star, who used to work in the porn industry but has recently begun speaking out against it, posted clips on her Instagram story of herself and her pals twerking in the Casa Xixim villa.

Mia opted for a fuchsia frock with a plunging neckline and frill detail as she had a night in with her friends - but it was by no means a quiet evening.

As music blares in the background, the influencer, 30, takes on her friend in what appears to be a twerking contest, The Sun reported.

She captioned the story: 'Photos, or it didnt hap omg.'

Social media influencer and former porn star Mia Khalifa posted videos on Instagram of herself taking on her pal in a twerking battle during a holiday in Tulum, Mexico

Mia appears to be loving her time in Mexico as she posted a round-up of photos and videos on her Instagram grid yesterday from her fun night.

She wrote: 'Mexico, te amo con todo mi corazon' which translates to 'Mexico, I love you with all my heart'.

Mia continued: 'This country, the people, the food, the history its pure magic.'

The Lebanese-born star concluded: 'Tengo tanto suerte en esta vida' which translates to: 'I am so lucky in this life.'

The group is staying in the exclusive Casa Xixim villa, which costs around 2,000 a night to rent and comes with a private chef.

Mia, whose real name is Sarah Joe Chamoun, spends much of her time calling out the porn industry following her three-month stint forming pornographic films in 2014.

The star, who now speaks out about her time in the porn industry, took to the floor and showed her best moves

She became a controversial figure after filming sketches while wearing a hijab, and revealed in 2019 that she had received death threats over her work.

In an interview with Stephen Sackur on BBC's HardTalk, she was asked to explain what drove her to star in adult films fresh out of college after being approached by a man on the street.

'I don't think low self-esteem discriminates against anyone,' she said. 'It doesn't matter if you come from a great family or if you come from a not-so-great background.

Mia explained that her self-esteem issues started at an early age, and part of her interest in porn stemmed from wanting to feel attractive.

Mia was in Miami when a man approached her about joining the adult film industry, but she explained he wasn't immediately forthcoming about what he was really asking.

'It wasn't just, "Hey, do you want to come do porn?"' she recalled. 'It was more, "Oh, you're beautiful. Would you like to do some modeling? Oh, you know, you have a great body, I think you would be great in nude modeling." Things like that.'

Elsewhere, Mia posed on the beach in her frilled fuchsia dress which had a plunging neckline

She said the studio was 'very respectable' and in a 'gorgeous location.' It was clean, the people were friendly, and employees' cubicles were decorated with family photos. There was nothing that made her feel uncomfortable.

'I don't really see myself as a victim. I don't like that word,' she said. 'I did make my own decisions, even though they were terrible decisions. I think that something needs to change in the way women are approached.'

Mia stressed that producers can't force film stars to do a sex act they don't want to do, but she admitted she had 'very little say' during filming when it came to the theme and location.

She explained that she doesn't even really remember what it was like to film sex acts because her adrenaline was running so high at the time.

'I shocked even myself,' she said of the decision that not only changed her life but also destroyed her relationship with her family.

'They disowned me when they found out. I felt completely alienated by not just the world, but my family and the people around me,' she said. 'Especially after I quit, when I was still alone, even though I left. And I just realized some mistakes aren't forgivable. But time heals all wounds, and things are getting better now.'

When asked if she had any qualms about filming in a hijab, Mia said she told the producers they were going to get her killed, but they just laughed.

Though it was ultimately her choice to film it, she admitted she felt too nervous to tell them she wasn't willing to do it, especially after the reaction she got when she voiced her concerns.

'When there are four white male producers in the room and you say something like to them and they all just laugh, I mean, it's kind of devastating,' she said. 'It makes you not want to speak up and say anything again.'

Mia said the video, which launched her to viral stardom, 'shattered' her world. She never intended to be a famous porn star, far from it.

'The reason I thought it was okay for me to do porn was because I thought no one would ever find out about it,' she said. 'There's millions of girls who film themselves having sex and do things like that and no one knows their name. No one knows who they are. No one recognizes them.

'I wanted to do it as my dirty little secret, but it blew up in my face.'
Sarah Ferguson revealed she cried after finding out Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's son was named after her father in her new podcast.

The mother-of-two, 63, opened up about the birth of her third grandchild, Ernest George Ronnie, on the latest episode of Tea Talks, with co-host Sarah Jane Thomson.

Born last Tuesday weighing 7lbs 1oz, Ernest's middle name also pays tribute to his late grandfather, Jack's dad George, who died aged 72 in 2021, and Fergie's father Major Ronald Ferguson, as well as King George V, the grandfather of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

'He is a very, very, seriously beautiful little boy. Of course everyone says that, but of course he is,' she said. 'He's called Ernest George Ronnie. He's Ernest because George III's middle name was Ernest and also because it's a fabulous name.

'And then George after Jack's father and Ronald - Ronnie - after my father. [I was] really touched. When Jack and Eugenie told me, it was so moving that they put my dad in there. It was very kind, I thought, made me cry of course.'

Sarah marked the birth of her latest grandchild, Ernest Brooksbank, with a gushing post on her Instagram account. The royal tot, pictured, was born on May 30 at the private Portland Hospital in London

Sarah Ferguson revealed she cried after finding out Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's son was named after her father in her new podcast

Major Ronald, who died in 2003 aged 71 in London, was polo manager to the late Prince Philip before working for King Charles.

He was educated at Eton, and followed up with a 19-year military career via Sandhurst and a commission in the Household Cavalry.

At the height of his career, he captained the Sovereign's Escort during the Queen's Trooping the Colour birthday parade.

He was known to be a colourful figure of London's society, especially due to his marital affairs.

Elsewhere in the podcast Sarah revealed she was in a children's shop in Florence when she heard about the birth of her grandchild.

She said: 'I went to a dear friend's mass in Florence. He died at 59. We all went to celebrate his life and afterwards I popped into a little children's shop and bought some little blue booties.

'And that's when she told me. But I also love that sense when we were celebrating death of Manfredi, here comes a new life. So that's very good news, isn't it.'

Major Ronald, who died in 2003 aged 71 in London, was polo manager to the late Prince Philip before working for King Charles (pictured at Sarah's wedding day in 1986)

Princess Beatrice with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were among the guests who attended Crown Prince Hussein's lavish nuptials

Fergie went onto discuss Beatrice's holiday to Jordan with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi for Crown Prince Hussein's wedding.

She revealed that her daughter donned the York Diamond Tiara that was gift to Sarah from the Queen and Prince Philip on her wedding day to Prince Andrew in 1986.

She said: 'I was very very proud of her. I do keep it in the safe. It is a beautiful gift from the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on my wedding day.

'It was very clean before. I do shine it up. I was very proud she wore it. I was so deeply honoured she was wearing my tiara, which was a beautiful gift and Eugenie having baby Ernest. It's been an extraordinary week.'

Sarah's father was known to be protective of his family, especially his daughter Sarah, and valued his privacy.

He once told a journalist: 'I am nobody. Nobody at all. I just happen to be the father of the Duchess of York. I mean, that doesn't make me terribly important, does it?'

His 1974 divorce from Fergie's mother Susan Barrantes was highly publicised after she eloped with Argentinian polo player Hector Barrantes.

Sarah revealed that her daughter Beatrice donned the York Diamond Tiara that was gift to her from the Queen and Prince Philip on her wedding day to Prince Andrew in 1986

Sarah said her father Sir Ronald Ferguson, pictured in 1986. He died in 2003 from a heart attack

He lost his position as polo manager in 1988 after the defunct News of the World published a story linking him to the Wingmore Club, described as 'a health club and massage parlour in London staffed by girls who, dressed in starched white "medical" gowns, allegedly offered a la carte sexual services to members.'

Major Ferguson always denied he used the club for sexual purposes, but the scandal impacted his reputation.

In 1994, his tell-all memoirs, the Galloping Major The Galloping Major: My Life in Singular Times was published, where he made bold claims about the royal family.

At one point, talking of how he was dismissed as polo manager by Prince Philip, Ferguson wrote: 'The impression was that [Prince Philip] had been advised to perform a royal version of ethnic cleansing by getting rid of the Ferguson family from his circle.'

In 2021, Fergie expressed regrets about the memoirs, admitted she'd rather her father hadn't published it.

Speaking to Town & Country for a special digital cover story, Sarah admitted she did not want her fathers book to be published.

She said: 'I never read that book. I felt that it would have been better that he hadnt written it.'

Major Ferguson died in 2003 following a heart attack in Basingstoke, Hampshire. He was reinstated into the Guards Polo Club shortly before he died.

Meanwhile, George Brooksbank, Jack's father, died just three days before the christening of his nine-month-old grandson August at the All Saints Chapel in Windsor Great Park.

The Brooksbank family paid tribute to the old Etonian, 72, in a notice placed in the Daily Telegraph at the time, saying he 'loved all the good things in life', most of all his family.

George is also a reference to George V, the late Queen Elizabeth II's grandfather, whose middle name was Ernest and who died in 1936.

The second son of King George IV, he was destined to serving in the navy, until his brother Prince Albert Victor, the heir-to-the-throne, died suddenly in 1892.

Following this untimely death, George married his dead brother's fiance Mary of Teck, who became Queen Mary, and with whom he had six children.

In spite of their union being an arranged marriage, the couple had a loving relationship, and the gate of the royal Balmoral estate bares their monogram - 'GR' for 'George Rex,' and 'MR' for Mary Regina.

He ascended the throne as King Emperor in 1910 following his father's death and his Coronation took place 22 June 1911.

The King reigned through the first World War as well as the first global financial crisis of 1929.

Sarah, pictured on the night of the Coronation Concert on May 7, noted the reference to the Oscar Wilde's play, The Importance of Being Ernest

Jack and a very pregnant Eugenie pictured in April, at the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

In 1932, he delivered the first ever royal Christmas speech to the nation and Commonwealth, which became an annual tradition hereafter.

A heavy smoker, the King suffered from several smoking-related health issues in the later years of his reign.

George V was the father of Edward VIII, who succeeded him following his death, but abdicated before his coronation to marry US divorce Wallis Simpson within a year, leaving his brother, Albert, who became King George VI, to take over the throne.

Both Princess Eugenie, 33, who is an HRH, and Jack, 37, have jobs outside of the Royal Family and do not undertake official duties. It is expected that their sons will follow suit.

It comes after Sarah made a cheeky reference to Oscar Wilde as she celebrated the official arrival of her grandson on social media earlier this week.

She took to Instagram to reshare a picture of Ernest who was born via C-section on May 30 at the private Portland Hospital in London.

The snap, which was originally shared with the public by Eugenie, shows the angelic newborn sound asleep, wearing a blue and white hat in his cot.

As the doting grandmother-of-three shared the snap with her followers, she made a reference to the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, and praised her 'clever' daughter and son-in-law.

A sweet snap shared to Instagram shows proud big brother August admiring his baby brother, who was born last Tuesday

The youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York took to Instagram to announce the birth of Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank on 30th May 2023

'Amazing... The importance of Ernest... Thank you so so much, clever Eugenie, Jack and August Brooksbank,' Sarah captioned her gushing post this afternoon.

She shared it as a reel with a heart emoji to convey the joy of becoming a grandmother for the third time to her followers.

Wilde premiered The Importance of Being Earnest in 1895. The tongue-in-cheek comedy centres on two friends using the pseudonym 'Ernest' to skip obligations they find bothersome.

But the move comes back to bite them when the men fall in love with two ladies, and their deception is exposed, landing them in hot waters until the play reaches a happier resolution.

Ernest was born last week at the private Portland Hospital in London like his brother - and his mother before him.

A sweet snap shows her older son August watching over his little brother asleep in his Moses basket, which the new mother captioned: 'Augie is loving being a big brother already.'

The new arrival is 13th in line to the throne, pushing Prince Edward into 14th place.

Buckingham Palace said: Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their son, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank. 

Ernest will not receive a title, however, and  according to rules laid down by George V in 1917 - is not entitled to be called His Royal Highness.

He is the first of Elizabeth II's great-grandchildren to be born since her death last September.
The Prince of Wales is President of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Prince William was thrilled to be reunited with a Matron he first met as a work experience student in a Royal Marsden hospital when he was 23 years old.

The royal, 40, travelled to Sutton today to open the 70m Oak Cancer Centre.

In his capacity as President of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Prince William launched the appeal for the much-needed facility back in 2015.

Building on the 70m state-of-the-art research and treatment facility began back in 2020 - with Prince William being asked to lay the foundation stone.

Three years on, doctors based at the centre will now have new outpatient facilities, a medical day-care and collaboration space for clinical researchers.

Prince William pictured laughing with two elderly patients and a nurse in the outpatient area of the building

To mark the opening of the new building, Prince William delivered a heartfelt speech before then taking a tour of the premises.

As he entered the Day Care Unit, footage captured by the Daily Mail's Royal editor Rebecca English showed the moment Prince William was reunited with his old mentor Matron Lorraine Hyde.

After being introduced to Lorraine by the Head Nurse, Prince William said: 'We have met before.

'18 years ago I think it was. I was on work experience.'

In 2005, Prince William completed several work experience placements - including one at the Royal Marsden Hospital Trust.

Looking back fondly at that time, the royal added: 'The good old days back at university!'

The Prince studied Geography at St Andrews University in Scotland, which is where he met his future wife Kate Middleton, and graduated with a 2:1 in 2005.

Earlier in the day, the father-of-three said in his speech: 'As President of The Royal Marsden, I am delighted to be here with you today to celebrate the opening of a remarkable treatment and research facility, that will transform the lives of cancer patients.

Prince William meets outpatients during a visit to open the the Oak Cancer Centre research and treatment facility at the Royal Marsden Hospital

Prince William talks to a patient as he attends the official opening of the Oak Cancer Centre at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London

Prince William happily speaks to a group of schoolchildren outside the new Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton

Prince William was delighted to be reunited with Matron Lorraine Hyde (far left), who oversaw his work experience when he was 23 years old

'The Oak Cancer Centre is a major milestone in both The Royal Marsdens history and the future of early diagnosis. I was delighted to launch the appeal for this facility eight years ago and lay the foundation stone in 2020, so I am incredibly proud to be standing here with you all today in this beautiful building.

'For the first time, this state-of-the-art Centre brings together hundreds of researchers alongside patients.

'This will deliver truly integrated bench to bedside studies that will speed up the development and translation of new personalised treatments  not just for Royal Marsden patients here, but for cancer patients worldwide.

'I was so pleased to hear first-hand from patients this morning what a difference this building will make to them.'

The royal then went on to thank the fundraising team and the 'many generous individuals from across the world' who had played a part in building the new centre.

He concluded: 'On behalf of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, thank you to everyone who contributed to the Appeal, specifically Mike Slade as Chair of the Appeal Board and every one of you here, who has helped to make this transformational building a reality.

Prince William pictured at the official opening of the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton. The royal said he was 'delighted' to see it open its doors to patients

During the engagement, Prince William delivered a heartfelt speech and said he was 'delighted' to have launched the appeal for the facility in 2015

Prince William pictured sharing a laugh with two women receiving care at the newly opened Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton

'It is this deep-rooted history of philanthropic giving that enables The Royal Marsden to continue their extraordinary efforts to transform the lives of cancer patients.

Afterwards, the Prince of Wales beamed as he spoke with patients and learned about how the new facilities will impact their treatment.

During the visit, the royal was seen sharing a laugh with a woman who is being treated by medical professionals at the Oak Cancer Centre.

Although Prince William wore a suit for the tour of the facilities, he appeared more casual in just a shirt and tie as he spoke with patients.

He was then pictured laughing with two elderly patients and a nurse in the outpatient area of the building.

An artist's illustration of what the 70m Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton would like when building began in 2020

Earlier this week, the Prince and Princess of Wales offered to replace all the food stolen from a foodbank based at a church in South Wales.

In September 2022, Kate, 41, and Prince William, 40, visited St Thomas Church in Swansea. They hailed the church-run foodbank as a 'lifeline' for struggling people.

But the site was broken into and all the food supplies stolen meaning hungry people had to be turned away following the overnight raid, in which baby toys and an orange bike were also taken.

Earlier today, the Prince and Princess contacted Reverend Steve Bunting to 'offer their love and support'. They also said they would like to replace the food that was stolen, Rev Bunting told ITV News.

He said he believes the thief may have been a 'desperate' previous user of the foodbank, who now needed help.
Read More: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde paid their respects to the Queen

Queen Mathilde of Belgium joined King Philippe for the Founder's Day ceremony

Queen Mathilde of Belgium looked typically elegant in a chic dress alongside King Philippe in London on Thursday.

The royal, 50, showed off her style credentials in the smart white cape dress which featured a green floral print for the Founder's Day ceremony.

The royal couple stepped out to celebrate the founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which has taken place almost every year since the hospital opened in 1692, and is more commonly known as Founder's Day.

The ceremony was attended by all Chelsea Pensioners to celebrate the founding of the Royal Hospital by King Charles II.

The mother-of-four completed her outfit with green heels and a matching clutch bag.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium looked typically elegant in a chic dress alongside King Philippe in London on Thursday

Her Majesty, who is first queen consort of native Belgian nationality, wore her blonde locks pinned up under a chic green hat.

Meanwhile, King Philippe, who is a distant cousin to the Queen, opted for a military uniform.

The royal is to carry out the duties of Reviewing Officer for the Founder's Day ceremony.

The Royal Hospital Chelseas Founders Day, is also known as Oak Apple Day, in a nod to the escape of King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester - when he hid in an oak tree to avoid capture by the Parliamentary forces.

The symbol of the oak is expressed through all Chelsea Pensioners wearing oak leaves on their famous scarlet uniforms.

It comes after King Philippe and his wife paid their respects to the late monarch at Westminster Hall last September.

King Philippe and the Queen share several common ancestors, including Franz, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, who was the grandfather of Queen Victoria and the father of King Leopold I of the Belgians.

The royal, 50, showed off her style credentials in the smart white cape dress which featured a green floral print for the Founder's Day ceremony

The royal couple stepped out to celebrate the founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which has taken place almost every year since the hospital opened in 1692, and is more commonly known as Founder's Day

The mother-of-four completed her outfit with green heels, a matching clutch bag and a chic hat

Meanwhile, King Philippe, who is a distant cousin to the Queen, opted for a military uniform

Her Majesty, who is first queen consort of native Belgian nationality, wore her blonde locks pinned up under a chic green hat

The Belgian royal couple appeared with sombre expressions as they visited the Queen's coffin at her Lying-in-State.

They are also related via King Christian IX of Denmark, known as the 'grandfather of Europe' due to his far-reaching family tree.

The Queen is King Christian IX's great-great-granddaughter. Philippe is his great-great-great-grandson.

In a statement released shortly after the Queen's death, the couple said: '[The Queen] was an extraordinary personality.

The King is to carry out the duties of Reviewing Officer for the Founder's Day ceremony

'We will always keep fond memories of this great Lady who throughout her reign showed dignity, courage and dedication.

'Each of our meetings will remain forever etched in our memories.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the British people.

'Rest in peace, Your Majesty, with your beloved husband.'
Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix has opened up about her relief at ending her nine-year relationship with Tom Sandoval in the wake of his affair with their co-star Raquel Leviss - because she no longer has to give him 'constant validation.'

In a thinly veiled jab at her ex, whose affair with Raquel, 28, has prompted a furious wave of controversy dubbed 'Scandoval,' Ariana, 37, admitted that she 'feels a sense of freedom' about their split, having spent almost a decade 'worrying about' him and serving as his 'adviser.'

'I definitely feel this sense of freedom because I was the adviser, the sounding board. And he didn't like that he wasn't getting constant validation from his adviser,' she told Glamour in a candid interview to accompany a cover shoot for the publication.

'Now I feel like I don't have to worry about anybody but myself.'

Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix has opened up about her relief at ending her relationship with Tom Sandoval while appearing on the cover of this month's Glamour magazine

The 37-year-old split from her boyfriend of nine years after discovering that he had been having a months-long affair with her co-star and former friend Raquel Leviss

In addition to her new-found sense of 'freedom' following the breakup, Ariana has also found herself with a host of very lucrative opportunities from brands and companies that are attempting to capitalize on the furious intrigue surrounding her March break-up and the subsequent Scandoval fallout.

To date, it's been reported that Ariana has racked up a fortune of more than $1 million thanks to sponsorship opportunities and brand deals - and she says she has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

'We have no generational wealth in our family,' she explained. 'I want to make enough money to be able to take care of my mom and my brother and any other family members who may or may not need it. I never want to worry about it ever, ever, ever. So I will work as much as possible to not have to.'

In the months since Tom and Raquel's sensational affair was revealed to the world, numerous revelations have come to light about how the pair carried out their illicit romance behind Ariana's back.

One of the most shocking came during the third part of the Vanderpump Rules reunion, which aired last night and saw Raquel admitting that she and Tom had sex in the home he shared with Ariana while the latter was at her grandmother's funeral.

Ariana has publicly railed against 'rotten' Raquel and Tom throughout the three-part reunion - however she told Glamour that in the moments after she confronted her former partner over his affair, she was actually incapable of feeling anything but 'shock.'

'I think the shock prevents you from being sad immediately,' she explained. 'It was like the air was sucked out of my lungs. It was shock, disbelief on some level, but then also anger.'

As for Tom's reaction, Ariana revealed that he initially got 'mad' at being found out, because he realized his 'house of cards was crumbling.'

Ariana has also found herself with a host of very lucrative opportunities from brands and companies

To date, it's been reported that Ariana has racked up a fortune of more than $1 million

'We have no generational wealth in our family,' she explained. 'I want to make enough money to be able to take care of my mom and my brother and any other family members...'

'When you've been caught red-handed like that, there's no denying it. It's cold, hard evidence. So I think he was struggling. I think he was really mad that his little house of cards was crumbling,' she said.

And while she wasn't able to confront Raquel, who was in New York filming Watch What Happens Live, immediately, she sent her a cutting four-word text: 'You're dead to me.'

The pair then got on a phone call, with Ariana describing her ex-friend's response as 'somewhat emotionless.'

'And I was devastated,' the 37-year-old added.

Ariana also spoke out against the conversation being had about the lack of sex in her relationship.

She said she was a person who craved intimacy outside of sex and it was 'something that I was deprived of for so long.'

Raquel Leviss, Tom Sandoval and Brittany Cartwright Cauchi pictured in 2022

Ariana also spoke out against the conversation being had about the lack of sex in her relationship. She's pictured here with Tom in 2022

The explosive Vanderpump Rules reunion episodes have captured the nation's attention

'As women, we might bring something up a bunch of times and then we just stop. That's where I was at. I was like I cannot keep nagging this man to want to come home and spend time with me,' Ariana said.

She also slammed men who acted like they were entitled to a woman's body and to sex because they were in a relationship with them.

'I am not your [sex toy]. I spelled out what I needed, but hello. It's a two-person situation,' Ariana added.

As for why she thinks that people are so hooked on Scandoval, she believes it's because they were able to relate to it.

'There are layers to it. The best-friend layer, the fact that [he] and I were together for so long and so many people, including myself, saw us as endgame,' she explained.

'It's the deception, the trying to manipulate a narrative, the fact that so many people have been through this themselves and they recognize parts of it.'
Ariana Madix has revealed she was 'deprived' of intimacy during her relationship with ex Tom Sandoval - and suggested that he treated her like nothing more than a sex toy in the bedroom.

In a candid new interview with Glamour, the 37-year-old Vanderpump Rules star at the center of the 'Scandoval' controversy said she felt like she was a person who craved 'intimacy outside of just penetrative sex.'

'And that was something that I was deprived of for so long. As women, we might bring something up a bunch of times and then we just stop,' she explained.

'That's where I was at. I was like I cannot keep nagging this man to want to come home and spend time with me.'

Ariana Madix has revealed she was 'deprived' of intimacy during her relationship with ex Tom Sandoval

In a candid new interview with Glamour, the 37-year-old Vanderpump Rules said she felt like she was a person who craved 'intimacy outside of just penetrative sex'

Ariana also slammed men who acted like they were 'entitled' to a woman's body and to sex because of their relationship.

'I am not your [sex toy]. I spelled out what I needed, but hello. It's a two-person situation,' she added.

In the latest season 10 reunion episode on Wednesday, Sandoval shocked his co-stars and fans with a 'disgusting' remark about his sex life with Ariana.

The drama started when host Andy Cohen asked the 40-year-old reality TV star if he had slept with anyone else since his affair with co-star Raquel Leviss, 28  which caused the end of his longtime relationship with Ariana  began.

He said there was nobody else  a statement Ariana didn't agree with, as she replied: 'You know who he did sleep with after him and Raquel started sleeping together? Me.'

Sandoval  who previously complained about the pair's intimacy issues during an interview with Howie Mandel in April  replied: 'Yeah, she kept her T-shirt on. It was really hot.'

Everyone appeared shocked by the remark, with Ariana replying, 'He is disgusting.'

However she later took to her Instagram to make fun of the situation as she shared a photo of a tee with the slogan 'f*** me in this T-shirt.'

'I am not your [sex toy]. I spelled out what I needed, but hello. It's a two-person situation,' she added. The couple are pictured in 2021

A tearful Raquel during part three of the Vanderpump Rules reunion episode, which aired on Wednesday

In the latest season 10 reunion episode on Wednesday, Sandoval (left) shocked his co-stars and fans after confessing he had sex with Ariana (center) following his tryst with Raquel (right)

Lala Kent called him out by saying, 'You're such a f***ing d***!'

Even his close friend Tom Schwartz questioned the move, telling him, 'Don't say that. Don't say that.'

'I'm sorry,' Sandoval replied.

Meanwhile boss Lisa Vanderpump also gave her opinion, warning Raquel that this was the type of behavior she should expect from Sandoval in the future.

'This is your future, Raquel. He's gonna talk to you like this, too,' Lisa said.

Outraged fans quickly took to social media after hearing Sandoval's remark, with one person writing, 'She should've put the t-shirt over your head - so she wouldn't have to look at you.'

'I cannot believe Tom just f***ing said that what a disgusting pig,' another added.

Previously the 40-year-old described his relationship with Ariana as 'more of a best friend/family/sometimes roommates situation' on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast.

The Missouri native said their relationship overall was 'just lacking intimacy' and 'connection.'

He felt that they were remaining together to 'keep the optics up that [they] were solid' for their reality show and other business endeavors.

'We did have each other's backs, for sure, and that was nice. There was a safety to it and a stability,' he said of Madix.
The family of an influencer who had a brain aneurysm one week before her due date has given an update on her condition.

Jackie Miller James, 35, from California, was rushed to hospital after being found collapsed at home by husband Austin.

The couple's daughter was born by emergency caesarean and spent her first 12 days in the NICU as Jackie underwent five separate brain procedures.

Her family have since issued an update on her condition as they promised to secure 'the highest quality of life for Jackie following this tragic event.'

Jackie Miller James, 35, from California, was rushed to hospital after being found collapsed at home by husband Austin

Jackie's daughter was born by emergency caesarean and spent her first 12 days in the NICU as the new mom underwent five separate brain procedures

Her sisters Natalie and Nicelle took to Instagram on Wednesday with an update that read: 'As many of you know, Jackie recently suffered an aneurysm rupture one week from her due date and is currently in a medially induced coma.

'While her baby girl is now healthy and home from the NICU, Jackie will remain in the hospital for the foreseeable future.

'The past few weeks have been incredibly heartbreaking, however the immense outpouring of love, support and generosity from family, friends followers and strangers have been wildly touching and meaningful for Jackie's family.

'The family remains dedicated to securing optimal care for the highest quality of life for Jackie following this tragic event.'

Elaborating further, the caption added: 'Once Jackie is awake, we know this community will be a source of strength for our sister.

'Jackie is the kindest, funniest, most caring and special soul she deserves to be a mom. Her daughter needs to know her. Her husband needs to hold her.

'Jackie was so excited to be a mom and start a family, and we are determined to help her fulfill that dream.'

The family are also now fundraising to cover the cost of the influencer's medical care.

Her family have since issued an update on Jackie's condition as they promised to secure 'the highest quality of life for Jackie following this tragic event'

Miller, who has over 27,000 followers on her Instagram and has earned nearly 120,000 likes for her videos on TikTok, had been documenting the pregnancy

'If Jackie and the baby arrived a few minutes later at the hospital, we likely would have lost both of them,' they wrote previously on the GoFundMe page.

'But instead, Jackie is continuing to fight for her life each day and we are optimistic she can beat the odds by surrounding her with the right specialists and methods of therapy.

'While the road will be long, we are committed to bringing Jackie home to her daughter and husband.'

Miller most recently posted on her Instagram page on May 18, showing a series of glamorous pregnancy photos followed by one showing her comically lying with a hamburger on her stomach.

She said in the caption that she was 39 weeks pregnant.

On the same day, Miller posted a series of photos showing the 'pregnancy symptoms [she] was not expecting.'

Among those was snoring so bad that her husband couldn't sleep and 'hysterically crying no reason at all.'

Miller James became an influencer full time in 2021 and charted her dating dramas before meeting Austin online in 2019

The pair (pictured in South Lake Tahoe, California, in January) married in a lavish Napa Valley ceremony in April 2022 that was described as a 'little bit Cali and a little bit country'

Miller has amassed more than 27,000 followers on her Instagram and has earned nearly 120,000 likes for her videos on TikTok.

Miller James became an influencer full time in 2021, after five years as a professional backup dancer in New York, and six years working for a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon.

She said she was always fascinated by Botox, cosmetics and beauty and wanted a forum to discuss them honestly.

She also charted her dating dramas, and met Austin James online in 2019.

The pair married in a lavish Napa Valley ceremony in April 2022 that was described as a 'little bit Cali and a little bit country.'
The singing prodigy took home the grand prize on Indonesia's Got Talent in 2014

The native of Indonesia inspired similar reactions in countless fans of the show

The United States was introduced this week to singing sensation Putri Ariani after her show-stopping, triumphant performance on America's Got Talent.

It was an act that brought tears to the eyes of countless viewers.

Even the usually stoic judge Simon Cowell, 63, appeared to briefly well up at the top of Putri's act.

The 17-year-old multihyphenate musician has lofty ambitions - with her heart set on Juilliard for college.

Putri Ariani, 17, wowed on this week's America's Got Talent, bringing countless viewers to tears

After her first number concluded, judge Simon Cowell ran onto the stage to personally ask her to perform a second song

Having the voice of a 'angel,' as judge Sofia Vergara put it, certainly hasn't hurt.

Playing her own acoustic piano accompaniment, Putri, who is blind, passed to the next round with flying colors after garnering a golden buzzer from Cowell.

Putri began her act singing what turned out to be an original number, stunning viewers.

As one audience member could later be overheard gushing: 'I thought it was a pop song - it was so good!'

After Cowell traipsed on stage to personally request she play a second song, Putri launched into a chills-inducing rendition of Elton John's Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

'A lot of people don't believe in angels - and I think one just landed on our stage,' fellow judge Howie Mandel quipped in praise of Putri's talent.

Viewers at home seemed to agree.

'She brought me to tears; she definitely has talent,' one fan tweeted.

Putri's (left) appearance on AGT coincided with the teen's first visit to the US. She won Indonesia's Got Talent in 2014 aged eight (right)

Putri's performance apparently triggered the waterworks for many an AGT viewer

Even the US Ambassador to Indonesia joined in on showering Putri with praise

'Can sing unbelievably... Writes her own songs and is blind and can play the piano and other instruments and she's only 17 I believe Ya she's unbelievably talented,' another chimed in.

As a third succinctly put it: 'She got me in tears.'

Even the US Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Sung Y. Kim, joined in on the accolades, tweeting: 'Congratulations to Putri Ariani for her amazing performance in the United States!  You are an incredible talent.'

While her appearance on AGT coincided with her first visit to the United States, this isn't the first time Putri has seen triumph on the Got Talent franchise.

Back in 2014, the singing prodigy, at the tender age of 8, appeared on Indonesia's Got Talent, ultimately winning Season 2 of the talent competition show.
Princess Madeleine of Sweden has celebrated her wedding anniversary with sweet throwback pictures on social media.

The royal, 40, who is the youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, marked 10 years of marriage with US financier Christopher O'Neill with 'private' photos from their big day on Instagram.

Shared today, the snaps offer a behind-the-scene glimpse of the couple's lavish ceremony, as well as Madeleine getting ready with her mother Silvia, and Chris stealing a kiss from his bride during the reception.

The pair tied the knot on 8 June 2013, at the Royal Palace chapel in Stockholm, before moving to New York in 2015, followed by London and later Florida, where they currently live with their three children.

This comes as the Swedish royal household announced earlier this year that Madeleine and Chris will return to Sweden 'indefinitely' from August.

Princess Madeleine of Sweden, 40, marked her 10 year wedding anniversary with US financier Chris O'Neil, which took place on 8 June 2013 in Stockholm

In snaps shared today by Madeleine, the mother-of-three looked back on her wedding day, where she stunned in a gown from Valentino, made from silk with applications of ivory Chantilly lace.

She wore it with a six-metre long veil which was also made from silk organdies, edged with tulle and embellished with Chantilly lace flowers.

Two stylish white and black portraits showed the bride's glamourous makeup and her glitzy choice of accessories.

Her hazel locks were swept in a low bun and held in place by her royal tiara, which was decorated with a delicate garland of fresh orange blossoms.

One picture revealed how she was escorted to her ceremony by her mother Queen Silvia, who wore a blue dress adorned with gems.

The snaps also captured a jubilant Chris and Madeleine as they took to the dancefloor during their wedding reception.

Another photo pictured the couple arriving at the reception, and another captured the groom addressing his bride and wedding guests at the dinner table in front of a wall decorated with hundreds of pink and white roses and peonies.

One picture captured Chris stealing a kiss from his bride during the reception during toasts at their wedding

Another picture showed Madeleine holding hands with her mother, Queen Silvia, ahead of her ceremony

Mother-of-three Madeleine shared the pictures with a sweet caption and a heart emoji on Instagram

Madeleine also shared a sweet picture of her and her husband sharing a kiss, with a glass of champagne in hand.

'A look back to some private moments that I cherish from our wedding, ten years ago today,' the royal wrote with a heart emoji on her Instagram account.

The nuptials were attended by several famous faces, including Duran Duran's John Taylor, Prince Nikolaos of Greece, Karl-Johan Persson - the chief executive of fashion company Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), and Roxette stars Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson.

The couple met after Princess Madeleine fled to the U.S. in 2010 with a broken heart.

She crossed the Atlantic following the breakdown of her first engagement to Swedish attorney Jonas Bergstrom amid speculation that he had cheated on her.

A stunning white and black portrait showed the bride on her big day wearing a tiara and diamond earrings

Madeleine's lace gown was created by Valentino and made from silk organdies with applications of ivory Chantilly lace

The bride wore her gown with a six-metre long veil also made of silk organdies and embellished with Chantilly lace flowers

Madeleine is set to return to Stockholm in August with her family. The couple share three children, Leonore, nine, Nicolas, seven and Adrienne, four.

The children lost their Royal Highness titles after King Carl XVI Gustaf removed the title and membership in the Royal House in 2019, to allow the grandchildren more freedom as they grow up.

While for many years she has lived a much quieter royal life, Princess Madeleine, 40, is still patron of many charities in her home country.

Just a couple of weeks ago the mother-of-three shared a snap of eldest daughter Leonore as she celebrated her ninth birthday.

She posted a photo of the young royal on Instagram with her blonde hair pulled back, showing off a dainty pair of stud earrings.

She wore lilac shorts paired with a white shirt, with ruffle collar and pink and green floral print.

A snap captured the happy couple as they arrived at their wedding reception together

A jubilant Chris and Madeleine were also captured taking to the dancefloor for their first dance

Chris addressed his guests and his bride with a speech during the reception. The room was decorated with roses and peonies

Underneath the photo, Princess Madeleine wrote: '9 years old today! A very happy birthday to our sweet Leonore who shines everyday!'

Royal fans went wild for the snap, which quickly rounded up over 13k likes and over 300 comments.

Despite the family currently living in Miami, Florida, until August, Leonore was born in New York and holds dual American and Swedish citizenship.

Princess Madeleine, Christopher O'Neill and the children also adopted a rescue dog Oreo into the family last year, who will likely be making the move to Stockholm too.

Sharing photos of Oreo on Instagram last year, the Princess said Oreo 'was not treated well and was tied up outside, under the Florida elements, for most of the day and night'.

She added: 'But today, he gets to make us laugh and show us what a tender and loving soul he has.'
Hoda Kotb has shared a rare photo of her four-year-old daughter Hope nearly four months after her hospitalization.

The Today co-anchor, 58, gave fans a glimpse into her youngest child's recovery on Tuesday when she posted a heartwarming family snapshot on Instagram.

Kotb and her two daughters  Hope and six-year-old Haley  were joined by her best friend and fellow journalist Karen Swensen and her daughter, Catherine.

The two moms and their children were photographed sitting on the floor, with Hope and Haley happily cuddled up on Catherine's lap.

Hoda Kotb, 58, shared a sweet family photo of herself with her daughter, Haley and Hope, on Tuesday. They were joined by her friend Karen Swensen and her daughter, Catherine

Four-year-old Hope battled an undisclosed health issue in a New York City hospital in late February. Kotb shared a snapshot of their Mother's Day celebrations last month

Kotb's young daughters were barefoot and dressed in T-shirts and leggings as they smiled for the camera.

The NBC star captioned the photo with a heart emoji, tagging Swensen, Catherine, and her pal's brand Life's About Change.

The post comes three weeks after Kotb shared a snapshot of herself celebrating Mother's Day with Hope and Haley, who gifted her handprint paintings.

Hope spent a little over a week battling an undisclosed health issue in a New York City hospital in late February, including several days in the intensive care unit.

Kotb has been sharing updates about her youngest daughter's health, telling People last month that 'Hope is doing much, much better.'

'I think it's going to be a longer road, but she is doing great,' she added.

Kotb also recently reflected on the incredible impact one nurse made while caring for her daughter in honor of National Nurses Week.

'I was just thinking about when Hope was in the hospital for one of those days... It was 3 a.m., and I was just sitting in this chair,' she told her Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager on the morning show.

Kotb has been sharing updates about her youngest daughter's health, telling People last month that she thinks 'it's going to be a longer road' for Hope, 'but she is doing great'

Kotb missed two weeks of work while caring for Hope in the hospital. The little girl spent several days in the ICU

Kotb recently recalled how a nurse kindly put her hand on her back to comfort her while she was caring for Hope in the hospital

'This nurse walked in and  I still remember  put her hand on my back. Didnt even say anything. Just sat there for a minute. I was like, "Oh my God,"' she continued.

'A lot of what [nurses] do isnt just about giving the IV and the needles and the stuff and the tests and all those things. Its more than that.'

Kotb recalled how she turned to the nurse for help when she wanted to make her daughter more comfortable.

'I remember I was there, and I asked for a bath for [Hope]. I wanted to give her a bath, and they could only sponge her, and I said, "Please, Im begging you, I just want a bath here for my child,"' she explained.

'I remember we got this little plastic thing, and we put it in the shower and put Hope in it. And I remembered like that tiny thing, but it was everything at that time.'

Kotb's absence from the Today show in February sparked concern among fans. After more than a week off air, her co-star Craig Melvin reassured viewers on March 1 that she was 'OK' but was dealing with a 'family health matter.'

The mom was full of gratitude when she returned to work on March 6. Prior to the episode, she hadn't been on air since February 17.

'My youngest Hope was in the ICU for a few days and then the hospital for a little more than a week,' she told her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. 'I'm so grateful she is home, she is back home. I was waiting for that day to come. And we are watching her closely. I'm just so happy.

Kotb first opened up about Hope's hospital stay with her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie when she returned to work on March 6. She hadn't been on the air since February 17 until that point

'I'm grateful for the doctors at Weill Cornell who were amazing and the nurses and I'm grateful to my family and I'm grateful to friends like you who were there every single day,' she said

'And you know what I realized too, Savannah? When your child is ill, the amount of gratitude you can have for people who have helped you out,' she continued.

'I'm grateful for the doctors at Weill Cornell who were amazing and the nurses and I'm grateful to my family and I'm grateful to friends like you who were there every single day.

'I want to say thank you for that. I love you.'

Kotb also reflected on how her daughter's health scare had given her a newfound perspective.

'I feel like, life is one way on a Monday  and we all have our Mondays and we complain about them. We're like, "Oh, what a crummy Monday," and then Tuesday rolls around and something really hits hard, and you realize that Monday was actually pretty awesome,' Kotb told Bush Hager.

'So for us, it was little Hope had to go to the hospital, and she was in the ICU for a few days and then the hospital for another week and it was really scary. And she's vibrant and brilliant.'

Kotb added that her youngest daughter has remained selfless and generous during her illness.

'The other day, she just got up from bed, and she was so sweet and cute, and she wasn't feeling great,' the mom explained. 'She had in her hand two little confetti stars.

And I looked at her, 'cause I had just gotten out of the shower, and I turned, and she was sitting there. And she said, "I got two, Mom."

'And I said, "Oh my gosh." She goes, "One for me and one for you." And I thought to myself, "This child, even when she's not feeling good, she [is] still giving everything away."'
The NBC News correspondent advised running the fan with the windows closed

Jacob Ward demonstrated how to attach a furnace filter to a box fan on TikTok

A California tech reporter has demonstrated how to make an inexpensive air filter using a box fan as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the East Coast.

Jacob Ward, an NBC News correspondent and author based in San Francisco, took to TikTok on Wednesday to share his hack for combatting poor air quality as health experts warn millions of people to remain indoors to avoid exposure.

'New York friends, here's how we deal with bad, smoky air in California. You do not need an expensive air filter,' he explained. 'What you need is this: your box fan.'

Ward assumed that many viewers had box fans at home and encouraged them to grab them out of storage. He then took his fan and turned it around so that the cord was facing him.

Jacob Ward, an NBC News correspondent and author based in San Francisco, demonstrated how to make a DIY air filter on TikTok

Thick smoke from the Canadian wildfires has blanketed much of the East Coast, including New York City (pictured Wednesday), triggering air quality alerts

'You strap to it one of these, he said, holding up a furnace filter.

The journalist noted that the filters can be bought at most neighborhood hardware stores for those who don't have one lying around.

To put them together, you simply puncture a hole in the center of the filter and pull the fan's cord through.

You then secure the filter to the back of the fan using either twine, tape, or large rubber bands. Ward opted for box fan filter grips that he bought on Amazon.

'You keep all your windows closed in your house, and you blow this thing so that all the air in your apartment periodically pulled through here,' he advised. 'Eventually, this filter will turn gray and then black.'

Ware explained that the DIY air filter doesn't cost much to make, and he keeps a stack of furnace filters in his basement to pull out whenever there is wildfire smoke.

'You'll be fine. You won't even have to replace this for a week or more, and by that time, your air will be fine. So, you're gonna be okay, he assured viewers.

'Smoky air? A box fan, a furnace filter, and some twine is all you need. Love, California,' he added in the caption.

The tech reporter explained that all you have to do is secure a furnace filter to the back of a box fan using either twine, tape, or large rubber bands

'You keep all your windows closed in your house, and you blow this thing so that all the air in your apartment periodically pulled through here,' he advised

Ward's video has gone viral and hundreds of people have flocked to the comments section to thank him for the helpful tip

Ward's video has been viewed more than 460,000 times in less than 24 hours, and hundreds of commenters thanked him for the tip.

'This is literally the most reassuring thing I've seen in days. Thank you West Coast! NY, we gotta send him a pie,' one person responded.

'Yes! Research shows this is literally as good as fancy air filtration systems - I just duct tape the filter to the back,' someone else added.

'This really works,' another shared. 'I used blue painters tape to attach mine.'

However, one TikTok user couldn't resist pointing out that most New Yorkers don't have a 'storage unit in the basement.'

'As a former New Yorker I regretted it the moment I said it, but I have a policy of only recording once, no edits,' Ward responded.

New York City has become one of the worst polluted cities in the world due to the smoke, which is the result of over 400 untamed wildfires burning over the Canadian border.

The smoke is made up of dangerous nanoparticles small enough to penetrate into the bloodstream, and people have reported side effects including irritation to the eyes and throat and breathing problems.

A map of the impact the wildfire smoke has had upon air quality levels across the East Coast. Purple sections are deemed 'hazardous,' red is 'unhealthy,' orange is 'unhealthy for sensitive groups,' and yellow is 'moderate'

The level of air pollution has caused some Americans to breathe air equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. Figures saw 64 AQI points equal one cigarette, correct as of Thursday morning

A jogger braved the poor air quality in New York on Thursday morning as health experts warned people to remain indoors to avoid smoke exposure

A study from Berkeley University found that increased air pollution levels can be catastrophic, with some Northeast residents currently breathing air that is equivalent to smoking an entire pack of cigarettes throughout the day.

After first descending on New York City on Wednesday morning, the smoke continued spreading through the evening across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Meteorologists are forecasting that the smoke, which has touched at least 16 states, could be set to last into the weekend in some places.

Speaking during a state visit from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, President Joe Biden said he is sending over 600 firefighters and personnel to Canada to help battle the wildfires.

'Yesterday I spoke with Prime Minister Trudeau and offered any additional help Canada needs to rapidly accelerate the effort to put out these fires, particularly those in Quebec, where the fires are having the most direct impacts on American communities,' he said in a statement.

'I have directed the National Interagency Fire Center to respond promptly to Canadian requests for additional firefighters and fire suppression assets such as air tankers.

'Ive asked Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg to keep me informed about his progress in ensuring that we proactively manage the air traffic implications of the deteriorated air quality based on lessons learned from prior incidents.

'Stay safe and follow the guidance of your local officials.'
Read More: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde paid their respects to the Queen

King Charles and Queen Camilla have hosted a reception at Windsor Castle in honour of the visiting King and Queen of Belgium.

A photograph released this evening showed the four well-dressed royals standing side-by-side while at the lavish occasion at the Berkshire residence.

Queen Mathilde, 50, who earlier in the day sported a chic white cape dress with green floral detailing, looked effortlessly elegant for the reception in a bright pink pleated frock.

The attention-grabbing garment was cinched at the waist with a statement matching belt and featured longs sleeve and a billowing skirt.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla, 75, donned a blue and white patterned dress, which matched her husband's navy suit. Charles, 74, completed his smart outfit with a lilac tie.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have hosted a reception at Windsor Castle in honour of the visiting King and Queen of Belgium (pictured together)

Earlier today, Queen Mathilde, showed off her style credentials in the smart white cape dress which featured a green floral print for the Founder's Day ceremony in London.

She stepped out with her husband to celebrate the founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which has taken place almost every year since the hospital opened in 1692, and is more commonly known as Founder's Day.

The ceremony was attended by all Chelsea Pensioners to celebrate the founding of the Royal Hospital by King Charles II.

Queen Mathilde completed her outfit with green heels and a matching clutch bag. She wore her blonde locks pinned up under a chic green hat.

Meanwhile, King Philippe, who is a distant cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, opted for a military uniform. The royal carried out the duties of Reviewing Officer for the Founder's Day ceremony.

The Royal Hospital Chelseas Founders Day, is also known as Oak Apple Day, in a nod to the escape of King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester - when he hid in an oak tree to avoid capture by the Parliamentary forces.

The symbol of the oak is expressed through all Chelsea Pensioners wearing oak leaves on their famous scarlet uniforms.

It comes after King Philippe and his wife paid their respects to the late monarch at Westminster Hall last September.

Earlier today, Queen Mathilde of Belgium looked typically elegant in a chic dress alongside King Philippe in London

The royal, 50, showed off her style credentials in the smart white cape dress which featured a green floral print for the Founder's Day ceremony

The royal couple stepped out to celebrate the founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which has taken place almost every year since the hospital opened in 1692, and is more commonly known as Founder's Day

Meanwhile, King Philippe, who is a distant cousin to the late Queen, opted for a military uniform

King Philippe and Queen Elizabeth II shared several common ancestors, including Franz, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, who was the grandfather of Queen Victoria and the father of King Leopold I of the Belgians.

The Belgian royal couple appeared with sombre expressions as they visited the late Queen's coffin at her Lying-in-State.

They are also related via King Christian IX of Denmark, known as the 'grandfather of Europe' due to his far-reaching family tree. Queen Elizabeth II was King Christian IX's great-great-granddaughter. Philippe is his great-great-great-grandson.

In a statement released shortly after the late Queen's death, the couple said: '[The Queen] was an extraordinary personality.

'We will always keep fond memories of this great Lady who throughout her reign showed dignity, courage and dedication. Each of our meetings will remain forever etched in our memories.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the British people. Rest in peace, Your Majesty, with your beloved husband.'
A curious sea lion has been pictured getting up close and personal with Queen Sofia of Spain during her visit to Madrid Zoo Aquarium.

Queen Letizia's mother-in-law, 84, was photographed leaning over the wooden fencing of the creature's home to pet the marine mammal and offer it some attention.

The sea lion seemed equally eager to meet the royal, who is the wife of the former King of Spain, Juan Carlos I. He abdicated in favour of his son King Felipe VI of Spain in 2014.

Leaning its face close to Sofia's, the cheeky creature appeared to almost try and give the royal a peck on the cheek during their interaction at the zoo.

Dressed in a smart blue patterned blazer and black trousers, the grandmother appeared to be in great spirits upon her visit to the site in order to mark World Oceans Day.

A curious sea lion has been pictured getting up close and personal with Queen Sofia of Spain during her visit to Madrid Zoo Aquarium

The international day takes place annually on 8 June and aims to inform the public about the impact human actions have on the ocean.

Last month, Queen Sofia joined the Spanish Royal Family as they put on a glamorous display at Princess Sofia's Confirmation ceremony in Madrid by opting for outfits in varying shades of pink.

Princess Sofia, 16, proved she's a fashion force in the making as she dazzled in a fuchsia jumpsuit for the religious ceremony.

The European royal opted for a show-stopping hot pink outfit to attend the ceremony at the Church of la Asuncion de Nuestra Senora in Madrid.

Queen Letizia and King Felipe's youngest daughter chose a wide-legged one-piece for her big day.

The vibrant sleeveless jumpsuit featured a small cut-out right above the waist and had an elegant criss-cross top.

The stunning young royal completed her ensemble with a pair of nude Mary Jane-style flats and a light pink clutch bag with gold studs.

Sofia styled her long brown hair in loose waves and opted for minimal makeup for the religious service. Along with a few coats of mascara, Sofia added a sweep of rosy pink lipstick.

Queen Letizia's mother-in-law, 84, was photographed leaning over the wooden fencing of the creature's home to pet the marine mammal and offer it some attention

The sea lion seemed equally eager to meet the royal, who is the wife of the former King of Spain, Juan Carlos I. He abdicated in favour of his son King Felipe VI of Spain in 2014

Meanwhile, Queen Letizia, 50, looked every inch the proud parent for her daughter's Confirmation.

Matching with her youngest daughter, the mother-of-two donned a chic light pink crepe top with voluminous sleeves.

She then tucked this into some white culottes and finished off her outfit with some matching espadrille wedges.

Oozing effortless glamour, Letizia was pictured with a brown smokey eye and a nude lip.

The Queen completed her sophisticated look with some gold dangly earrings and a white leather handbag with a gold chain.

What's more, Letizia's mother-in-law Sofia also appeared to get the fashion memo as she opted for a pretty light pink blazer with an intricate floral pattern.

Meanwhile, Letizia's eldest daughter Princess Leonor, 17, wore a sophisticated red floral dress with blue suede espadrilles.

Tying into the dress code, Letizia's mother Paloma Rocasolano, 71, looked elegant in a salmon tweed jacket and skirt which she paired with a grey velvet clutch.

King Felipe, 55, looked dapper in a dark grey suit while Letizia's father Jesus Ortiz was suitably smart in a navy style.

Following the ceremony, Letizia, Paloma and her mother-in-law Sofia walked out of the church arm-in-arm.
Thousands of students and schoolkids are said to use them.

Yet their parents can be completely unaware that their children are using powerful 'smart drugs' to get them through dreaded exam seasons.

This is because there are often no obvious clues that a youngster is taking pills like Ritalin and Adderall, which can cost as little as 2 and have dangerous side effects, such as increased heart rate, anxiety and weight loss.

But Dr Samantha Miller, an NHS doctor based in Scotland, has told MailOnline how parents can spot whether their child is taking the addictive medications.

A change in eating habits, energy levels and focus on studying could all be warning signs, she said.

A 2021 survey from the Office for National Statistics revealed that 37% of first-year students reported depression and anxiety symptoms in England

Dr Miller, also a medical contributor at DrugHelpline, said parents who notice a drop in their child's appetite, such as eating smaller portions at mealtimes or not wanting food at all, should broach the subject of study drugs 'without judgement'.

This is because a class of study drugs called amphetamines are known to have this affect, she said.

They inhibit the release of neuropeptide Y  a chemical messenger released by the brain  which normally stimulates a person's hunger.

Another visible change could be that they have lost weight.

However, it can be normal for weight and appetite to vary.

Another warning sign of stimulant use is a child having more energy than normal, Dr Miller said.

What are study drugs? Study drugs are prescription medications that are being used, often by students, to enhance their performance and focus. They are typically stimulant medications such as amphetamines (Adderall) or methylphenidate (Ritalin). These medicines are usually prescribed to those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to help them concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. Some surveys indicate that around one in the students in the UK and US have used study drugs. The stimulants work by altering levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin, which make it easier to remain focused for longer. Study drugs also enhance cognitive processing  enabling users to understand or learn more complex topics in a shorter period of time, it is claimed. However, they haven't been thoroughly researched for their supposed brain-boosting powers and are known to have multiple negative effects. Both Adderall and Ritalin can potentially lead to an increased heart rate, palpitations, elevated blood pressure, anxiety and drastic weight loss. And when taken to boost academic performance, the medication can become addictive, while also raising the risk of triggering sleep problems, anxiety and even heart damage. Advertisement

She said: 'Stimulant medications increase a person's alertness and wakefulness.

'If you have noticed your child staying up later at night, or getting up earlier in the morning to study, particularly in a child who would not usually be awake at these times, it may raise the possibility of illicit drug use.'

An excessive focus on academic pursuits is another red flag that could signal that a child is taking substances designed to boost concentration, like methylphenidate, or Ritalin.

While many kids tend to study more during exam season, it's important to recognise if they are studying for long periods without taking a break, according to Dr Miller.

Stimulant drugs alter levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin, which make it easier to remain focused for longer, she said.

This is why they are dished out to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Study drugs also enhance cognitive processing  enabling a child to understand or learn more complex topics in a shorter period of time, it is claimed.

A child may, therefore, be able to sit at their desk and study for hours on end, when previously they would eventually feel tired, according to Dr Miller.

She warned that study drugs haven't been thoroughly researched for their supposed brain-boosting powers and are known to have multiple negative effects.

Both Adderall and Ritalin can potentially lead to an increased heart rate, palpitations, elevated blood pressure, anxiety and drastic weight loss.

When taken as recommended, these drugs are not addictive.

But many of those who abuse them are taking significantly higher doses or crushing the pills and snorting them, making them more potent.

When taken in this way, the medication can become addictive, while also raising the risk of triggering sleep problems, anxiety and even heart damage.

Mental health problems among students in the UK is on the rise, with performing well in coursework and exams, keeping up with studying and managing time labelled as the biggest sources of stress, charities say.

In a bid to boost their performance, record numbers of students are turning to study drugs.

The pills have been popular since the 1990s in the US.

Dr Miller warned the added stress caused by exam season can lead many students to become reliant on drugs in order to cope.

But she advised parents to help their children 'without judgement'.

She said: 'Talk openly about any perceived exam stresses and discuss alternative strategies for improving focus, for example, peer revision or study groups.

'It may be useful to involve your child's school and primary care physician if necessary.'
Fox News, June 6, 2023

By Jessica Chasmar

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., is slamming the Afghanistan dissent cable to which Secretary of State Antony Blinken allowed congressional access Tuesday as "embarrassing" and saying that it debunks the Biden administration's narrative that it was caught off guard by the country's swift collapse in 2021.

Issa, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Fox News Digital that he was the first committee member to view the dissent channel cable from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and Washington's response.

The State Departments "dissent channel" allows for contrary views to be expressed by officials. The document, signed by 23 staffers and diplomats, warned about the possibility of a rapid Taliban advance as the U.S. left the country, which President Joe Biden and other top officials downplayed at the time.

"What we saw was their prediction, with great accuracy, of exactly what was going to happen and what the outcome would be if they did not change their directions," the congressman said. "We saw a response from the office of the State Department saying, We hear you, and we agree, basically, we don't take it lightly. And then, obviously, we know what they did and didn't do, which was totally insufficient for the warning that was given."

"They redacted the specific names, but we now know that many of them were senior executive surrogates, meaning people that are paid at the highest level in the State Department," he continued. "They knew and understood that there was no way that the Afghan military was going to defend successfully. They did not disagree with that, and as a result, they knew that Kabul would fall within weeks, that the Taliban would do what they have done, which is to continue to kill and persecute individuals, and they allowed it to happen."

Issa said the cable also revealed that "there was no expectation by the State Department that there would be sustainability" in the region and knew that the billions of dollars of U.S. military equipment that was left behind was going to fall into the Taliban's hands.

Issa said the cable went out on July 13, 2021, the response came back a week later on July 20, and Kabul officially fell weeks later on Aug. 15.

"Every prediction came through, including the quick collapse of the Afghan army," he said.

Issa said his next course of action is trying to get the document declassified so that the families of the 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the chaotic withdrawal can get to the bottom of what happened.

"Redacting only a portion of a portion of a sentence takes this from a secret document to a confidential document, and confidential, quite frankly, in this case is even inappropriate," he said.

"This is classified because it's embarrassing," he added. "Theres absolutely no reason the American people shouldn't see it, and I will not rest until they do."

"The bottom line is nothing ends here," added Issa's communications director, Jonathan Wilcox.

"This obliterates the administration's big lie on Afghanistan  that this could not have been foretold, nobody could have seen this coming, nothing could have done to prevent it," he said.

"We know it was received. We know it wasn't followed," he continued. "Their personnel on the ground saw this, reported it, warned them and were ignored."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the State Department accused Republicans of distorting the truth.

"We strongly disagree with the characterizations from some Members of Congress on the contents of the Afghanistan dissent cable," a spokesperson said. "As Secretary Blinken previously stated in public testimony before Congress, the cable did not suggest the Afghan government and security forces were going to collapse prior to our departure. As the Secretary also said publicly, the Department agreed with the concerns raised in the cable, and in fact, a number of the recommendations the cable made were already in motion. The Secretary personally read and oversaw a response to the dissent cable, and its contents were factored into his thinking."

"Taking the step of allowing Members of Congress to view the cable, despite the risk that it compromises the purpose of the Dissent Channel, was an extraordinary accommodation and its disappointing some Members are choosing to distort the content of the confidential cable," the spokesperson added.

The State Department referred Fox News Digital to Blinken's testimony in September 2021 referring to the cable.

"With regard to the so-called dissent channel cable, it's something I'm immensely proud of," he said at the time. "It's a tradition that we have and you're right, I read every such cable, I respond to it, I factor into it my own thinking and actions, and that cable did not predict the collapse of the government or security forces before our departure. It was very focused and rightly focused on the work we were doing to try to get Afghans at risk out of the country and pressing to speed up that effort."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, had announced Monday that he had secured an agreement with Blinken that would allow all members of the committee a reasonable opportunity to view the cable.

In response, McCaul agreed it would be a satisfactory accommodation to his earlier subpoena and would take contempt off the table. This is the first time in U.S. history that a dissent channel cable has been provided to Congress.

"This is an unprecedented step forward in our committees investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal," McCaul said Monday. "For the first time in history, the State Department has agreed to allow Congress to view a dissent channel cable. This cable contains first-hand information from Embassy Kabul employees who were on the ground prior to the collapse as well as Secretary Blinkens response to their concerns. I want to thank Secretary Blinken for negotiating with me in good faith on this."

McCaul had subpoenaed the document multiple times in the early months of this year, but Blinken failed to provide it, prompting McCaul to threaten to charge Blinken with contempt of Congress.

Bidens decision to pull troops from Afghanistan faced widespread global backlash after Taliban insurgents retook the country in a matter of days on Aug. 15, 2021, essentially winning the war 20 years after their ouster by U.S.-led forces. Just a month earlier, Biden told Americans that the likelihood of a Taliban takeover was "highly unlikely."

On Aug. 18, 2021, three days after the Taliban seized the capital of Kabul and forced the U.S. Embassy there to evacuate, Biden told ABCs George Stephanopoulos that intelligence did not indicate the Afghan government would quickly collapse  despite reports stating that is exactly what the intelligence predicted. The president also falsely claimed that "no one's being killed" in Afghanistan despite reports at that time of at least seven deaths amid the chaos at Kabul's airport.

On Aug. 26, 2021, during the U.S. military's mass evacuation at the Kabul airport, suicide bombers killed 183 people, including 13 U.S. service members. The U.S. retaliated by launching two drone strikes against suspected ISIS-K terrorists, one of which ended up killing 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children.

Critics immediately demanded that heads roll for the Afghanistan debacle, with calls for the firings of Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, but no one was fired.

Despite telling Americans after Afghanistans fall that "the buck stops with me," Biden repeatedly blamed former President Donald Trump and the Afghan military for the countrys swift collapse. While Biden admitted that the Talibans takeover had caught the U.S. off guard, he has insisted he made the right decision in ending the war and has declined to fire a single official over the pullout.

However, critics have often compared the withdrawal to the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War and have said Bidens foreign policy blunders have given the green light to authoritarian leaders to act aggressively across the globe.

For instance, two months after the Afghanistan withdrawal, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed a major buildup of troops near the Ukrainian border in October 2021, which eventually led to its invasion of the country in February 2022 that continues today.
Nineties television star Shannen Doherty has revealed that her stage four breast cancer has spread to her brain.

The Beverly Hills 90210 alum's cancer returned in late 2020 and 'metastasized', a situation in which cancer cells multiply and replicate in excess before spreading to other areas of her body  with scans in January showing it had now spread to her brain.

Revealing the diagnosis, Ms Doherty shared intimate scenes of herself with a cadre of medical professionals preparing for radiation treatments that blast cancer cells with high-powered X-rays to kill them.

In a candid comment, she said: 'This is what cancer can look like' and explained that her extreme claustrophobia made it difficult to get the treatment.

Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, says Breast Cancer Now. Meanwhile, roughly 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in women every year in the US.

But not everyone knows how to spot tell-tale symptoms of the disease, which can be vital in boosting survival chances.

Here, MailOnline shares the six tell-tale warning signs of breast cancer to look out for.

The Beverly Hills 90210 alum's cancer returned in late 2020 and 'metastasized', a situation in which cancer cells multiply and replicate in excess before spreading to other areas of her body  with scans in January showing it had now spread to her brain

The actress, 52, had a CT scan done on January 5 that revealed cancer cells had spread from their original site to her brain  which is known as 'brain metastases'

Shannen Doherty is shown on the set of 90210 with her co-star Luke Perry

Lump in the breast

Finding a lump in your breast can be terrifying, especially knowing it's one of the most common signs of cancer.

But most masses are merely benign and nothing to worry about, Cancer Research UK notes.

Some lumps are simply cysts buried underneath the skin. Others can be triggered through injuries and infections.

Doctors urge women to be particularly aware of lumps that are painless, hard and irregularly-shaped. Such lumps might not even be visible on the skin itself, yet they can be typically be felt by checking the breasts.

Symptoms of breast cancer to look out for include lumps and swellings, dimpling of the skin, changes in colour, discharge and a rash or crusting around the nipple

Swelling or lump in the armpit

You cant usually feel your lymph glands  pea-sized lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells. They can be found under your chin and in the neck, as well as in your armpits and groin.

When you get infected, they can become swollen.

Yet lymph glands in the armpits which feel hard or are swollen may also be a signal that the cancer has spread, Cancer Research UK says. This is one of the first places that the disease spreads to.

You should arrange to see a doctor if the lump doesnt disappear on its own within a couple of weeks, or if it appears to be getting worse.

How cancer can spread Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. There they can start to grow into new tumours. Cancers are named according to where they first started developing. For example, bowel cancer that has spread to the liver is called bowel cancer with liver metastases or secondaries. It is not called liver cancer. This is because the cancerous cells in the liver are cancerous bowel cells, as opposed to liver cells that have become cancerous. In order to spread, some cells from the primary cancer must break away, travel to another part of the body and start growing there. Cancer cells don't stick together as well as normal cells do. They may also produce substances that stimulate them to move. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement

Change in size or shape of breasts

As well as lumps and swelling, breast cancer can cause changes in the appearance of your bosoms.

For example, the disease might make one of your breasts look bigger. Or, according to Cancer Research UK, it may morph its shape slightly.

But cancer is not the sole cause of such changes. It can happen during pregnancy, too.

Sometimes a lump or another breast cancer symptom could be confused with this, Macmillan Cancer Support advises.

'If you are pregnant and have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor,' it adds. 'Your symptoms should be checked in the same way as in women who are not pregnant.'

Discharge of fluid from the nipple

Discharge of fluid from one or both nipples could also be a key indicator of the disease.

'Lots of women have nipple discharge from time to time. It may just be normal for you,' the NHS advises.

However, 'nipple discharge in men is not normal', it adds.

The colour of your discharge is not a good way of telling if it's anything serious, as normal discharge can be lots of colours.

If discharge occurs either regularly, it only comes from one breast, it's bloodstained or smelly, you're not breastfeeding and it leaks out without any pressure on your breast or you're over the of 50, it is always best to get it checked, experts say.

Dimpling, a rash or redness on skin

A breast rash can happen for many reasons.

But if a rash occurs with swelling or a thickening of the skin, it may be a sign of breast cancer.

A change in the colour of the breast is also a warning sign to get checked out, says Breast Cancer Now.

Dimpling skin is often compared to orange peel and can be associated with inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare but aggressive form of cancer.

But it is important to note these skin changes can also be caused by other breast conditions.

Crusting, scaly or itchy skin on the nipple

Crusting of the skin, scaly or itchy skin could look like eczema, according to the NHS.

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of breast cancer that can cause skin changes in your breast.

With this type of cancer, the breast or part of the breast can become red, inflamed, painful and swollen. It can also cause itching of the breast.

Sometimes pain or discomfort in the breast that does not go away is also experienced by those with breast cancer.

But this is rare, Macmillan Cancer Support notes.

Checking your breasts should be part of your monthly routine so you notice any unusual changes. Simply, rub and feel from top to bottom, feel in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to feel for any abnormalities

The ultimate DIY guide to checking your breasts

Checking your breasts for lumps could save your life.

But, despite years of pleas from cancer charities, more than a third of women in the UK still do not regularly assess theirs.

Thousands of women say they simply don't know how. Others forget.

So, with that in mind, here MailOnline shares a DIY guide to help you spot any changes to your breasts.

When should you check?

It should be part of your monthly routine so you notice any unusual changes, charity CoppaFeel says.

You can check in the shower, when you are lying down in bed or in the mirror before you get dressed.

Because breast tissue isn't just found in your boobs, it's also important that men and women check the tissue all the way up to their collarbone and underneath their armpit.

How do you check?

There is no right or wrong way to check your breasts, as long as you know how your breasts usually look and feel, says the NHS.

But one of the most popular methods online involves using the pads of your fingers.

Examining your entire breast and armpit area, simply, rub and feel from top to bottom of the breast.

You should also feel in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to feel for any abnormalities, according to a guide shared in a blog post by the University of Nottingham.

Then look in the mirror for any visual lumps, skin texture and changes and changes in nipple shape or abnormal discharge.

If you spot any changes you should get it checked out by your GP.

Women aged between 50 and 70 should also be attending routine breast cancer screening.
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing 60 diseases, a major study suggests.

Liver cirrhosis  scarring caused by continuous, long-term liver damage  strokes and cancer are already well-established risks of excess boozing.

But Oxford University researchers, who analysed data from half a million men living in China, have now found it can raise the risk of gout and cataracts.

Other disorders never-before-linked to booze in the study include fractures, lung cancer and circulatory diseases.

Some of the links were apparent for low amounts of alcohol, even intake below NHS guidelines.

Experts said the findings show that drinking alcohol is liked to a 'much wider range of diseases' than previously thought.

Researchers in the UK and Australia noted that while alcohol is responsible for 'substantial disease' around the world, their findings suggest it 'may actually be beneficial' for inflammation

Excessive alcohol consumption is estimated to be behind around 3million deaths worldwide each year.

The NHS advises men and women drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, with one unit being half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine.

But the World Health Organization (WHO) says that no amount of alcohol is safe.

However, this is fiercely debated. Studies have suggested that a glass of wine or pint of beer a day can stave off a host of illnesses.

Researchers from Oxford teamed up with academics at both Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences for the study.

How much alcohol is too much? To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, the NHS advises men and women not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week. A unit of alcohol is 8g or 10ml of pure alcohol, which is about: half a pint of lower to normal-strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 3.6%) a single small shot measure (25ml) of spirits (25ml, ABV 40%) A small glass (125ml, ABV 12%) of wine contains about 1.5 units of alcohol. But the NHS warns the risk to your health is increased by drinking any amount of alcohol on a regular basis. Short-term risks include injury, violent behaviour and alcohol poisoning. Long-term risks include heart and liver disease, strokes, as well as liver, bowel, moth and breast cancer. People who drink as much as 14 units a week are advised to spread it evenly over three or more days, rather than binge drinking. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised not to drink to reduce risks for the baby. Source: NHS Advertisement

They examined data from a Chinese database containing the health information of more than 512,000 adults, aged 52 on average. It included details on their drinking patterns.

About a third of men drank alcohol regularly  at least once a week  while the rate was just two per cent among women.

As a result, women were used as a control group to confirm that excess disease risk in men were caused by alcohol drinking, rather than a mechanism related to genetic variants.

They analysed hospital records of 12 years to assess how alcohol affected the risk of developing 207 different diseases. Some weren't medical diseases as such, with transport accidents and injuries also included.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, show alcohol use increases the risks of 60 diseases in men in China.

This included 28 diseases previously established by the World Health Organization as alcohol-related, such as liver, bowel and rectal cancers.

However, they also identified 33 not previously established, such as gout, cataract, some fractures and gastric ulcers.

Certain drinking patterns  such as drinking daily, binging or drinking outside mealtimes  particularly increased the risks of certain diseases, including liver cirrhosis.

The team also identified dose-dependent links, with every four drinks per day associated with a 14 per cent higher risk of having an alcohol-related disease.

Drinking this much alcohol also carried a six per cent increased risk of developing the 33 newly-identified alcohol-related diseases.

Additionally, every four drinks per day was linked with a more than two-fold higher risk of liver cirrhosis and gout.

Men who drank alcohol regularly had a higher risk of admission and of developing any diseases, compared to men who only drink occasionally.

The study demonstrates the influence that alcohol intake may have on risk of disease in populations around the world, the team said.

Pek Kei Im, study author, said: 'Alcohol consumption is adversely related to a much wider range of diseases than has previously been established, and our findings show these associations are likely to be causal.'

Professor Liming Li, a senior author and CKB co-PI from Peking University, said: 'Levels of alcohol consumption are rising in China, particularly among men.

'This large collaborative study demonstrates a need to strengthen alcohol control policies in China.'

Iona Millwood, associate professor at Oxford Population Health and a senior study author, said: 'It is becoming clear that the harmful use of alcohol is one of the most important risk factors for poor health, both in China and globally.'

Fellow researcher Professor Zhengming Chen said: 'This study provides important causal evidence of the scale of alcohol-related harms, which is critical to inform prevention strategies in different countries.'

Puja Darbari, managing director of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, said: 'The main analysis of study has a significant limitation as it does not differentiate between light or moderate drinking and heavy drinkers and doesnt include a comparison with abstainers.

'The average consumption of those studied was 280g a week, which is more than double the UK guidelines and double guidelines for men in the US.

'In further analyses the authors own findings support the hundreds of peer-reviewed studies since the 1970s reporting that light and moderate drinkers tend to live at least as long as non-drinkers, and generally live longer than those who drink heavily.

'For most adults, any risk posed by the moderate consumption of alcohol is low; everyone should avoid drinking to excess, and for some people the better choice may be not to drink at all.

'Anyone with questions about their drinking should speak to their healthcare professionals to better understand the impact of drinking on their individual health.'
She was found in contempt of court after riding a bus to a casino in March

The woman was first diagnosed and ordered to isolate back in January 2022

An infectious woman who refused to isolate or get treated for tuberculosis (TB) for more than a year has finally been arrested.

The patient, who has not been named, was taken into custody in Tacoma, Washington state, last week and will remain in Pierce County jail for 45 days.

Officials hope to persuade her to receive treatment because she must give consent.

The woman was deemed a public health and safety risk by a judge in March after repeatedly refusing to quarantine. She was spotted defying court orders in one instance by riding a bus and hanging out in a casino.

Tuberculosis  one of the world's most infectious and deadly diseases  can be easily passed on through coughs, sneezes, and even singing and laughter.

Patients who do not receive treatment can remain infectious for years, experts have said.

The patient from Tacoma, Washington state, had refused to isolate or take medication since being diagnosed with the contagious bacterial infection over a year ago

Laws allowing the courts to order a person to stay home or isolate from others after they are deemed a public health risk are on the books in 38 US states, including the three most populous - California, Texas and New York (red)

Deaths from tuberculosis dropped significantly over the past three decades. They have fallen from around 1,800 in 1993 to about 600 in 2020, the CDC reports, though they have now started to rise again

The woman was detained in her home on June 1 and booked into a negative pressure room in Pierce County Jail.

The room is specially equipped for isolation, testing and treatment to reduce the risk of transmission within the jail.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said in an update: 'We are hopeful she will choose to get the life-saving treatment she needs to treat her tuberculosis.

'Thank you to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department and the deputies who supported public health with this necessary intervention.'

It added: 'We are working with her and her family to try to persuade her to get the treatment she needs to help cure the TB so she can protect herself and others.'

Nigel Turner, division director at the Pierce County Health Department, said it always looks for alternatives to detainment, but 'in this case it wasn't possible'.

Deputies took the woman into custody on Thursday after a judge issued a civil warrant detaining her for up to 45 days.

The woman was diagnosed with TB in January 2022, after reportedly being a passenger in a car crash and going to an emergency room with chest pains.

X-rays showed progressing TB. She had also tested positive for Covid.

She was given her first order to isolate in mid-January but refused and has received more than 20 orders since.

In March, she was found in contempt of court and an arrest warrant was issued.

The March order called for her to be detained in the Pierce County Jail to undergo testing and treatment for TB until medical tests show 'she no longer presents a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare.'

In April, she was found in contempt of court for flouting quarantine orders for taking a city bus while positive for TB.

It was not clear why the woman refused to isolate, but in previous cases, this has been linked to personal beliefs or someone refusing to believe that they are infected.

TB is a bacterial infection that spreads through the air from person to person and usually affects the lungs. It can be dangerous and even deadly if left untreated.

BCG vaccination gives up to 80 percent protection in babies and young children, but the shot is less effective against TB in the lungs in adults.

The BCG vaccine is not used widely in America and does not prevent infection.

Symptoms depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing but include chest pain, no appetite, chills and fever.

It is spread when someone infected with TB of the lungs coughs, speaks or sings, but you would have to spend several hours in close contact to catch it.

According to the World Health Organization, about 45 percent of TB patients die without proper treatment. The TB mortality rate was 0.2 deaths per 100,000 persons in 2020, 13 percent higher than in 2019.

Treatment includes a three to nine-month course of antibiotics, isoniazid and rifampicin. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, the drugs can be used anywhere from daily to weekly.

Documents filed early in the case's history stated that the woman began, but did not complete, prescribed treatment for tuberculosis.

Pierce County typically sees around 20 cases of active TB a year.

About 8,000 Americans are diagnosed with TB annually  although this figure continues to trend downwards amid vaccinations and treatments.
Sufferers find relief from scalding hot showers, but some then suffer skin burns

Brian Smith suffered from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and died at the age of 17

Doctors have reported rising cases of a rare but fatal condition linked to significant marijuana use, which causes intense vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain.

Daily marijuana smokers are at risk of developing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which researchers warn could become more common as marijuana becomes increasingly legal. It can be used recreationally in 22 US states.

Brian Smith, 17, died in Indiana in October 2018 from dehydration due to CHS.

Smith is one of four known deaths linked to CHS - the others are a 27-year-old female, a 27-year-old male, and a 31-year.

However, there are numerous cases of people with the condition being hospitalized for weeks.

One woman from Boston, who deemed herself an 'Olympic smoker', spent more than two weeks in the hospital.

ER doctor Sam Torbati said CHS is a 'relatively unique condition that we see with patients who use relatively large amounts of marijuana - at least 20 times in a month.

'Patients who suffer from this condition have recurrent bouts of vomiting and abdominal pain.

'They're terrifically symptomatic and can get very sick.'

CHS is a rare illness that comes as a result of chronic and prolonged usage of cannabis. Symptoms of CHS include extreme vomiting, nausea, dehydration, stomach pain and death in rare cases.

In the brain, marijuana often helps to prevent nausea and vomiting. However, in the digestive tract, marijuana has the opposite effect and makes nausea and vomiting more likely to occur.

Some doctors believe CHS is due to overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors in the body that respond to compounds in cannabis.

Dr Torbati said he has seen increasing CHS cases at Cedars-Sinai Hospital.

Marijuana can be used recreationally in 22 US states

Some doctors believe CHS is due to overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors in the body that respond to compounds in cannabis

But diagnosing the condition is difficult.

Dr Torbati said: 'There's no test that we can do. There's no blood test. It doesn't show up on a CAT scan. I can't really show you an image to say, this is what CHS looks like.

Mr Smith, who died in 2018 from CHS, first went to the hospital with his mother, Regina Denney, to complain about severe vomiting and abdominal pain and, at the time, had lost about 30 pounds in a single month.

His mother, Regina Denney, told ABC News: 'The first time I noticed the vomiting was April 7. He was vomiting so much that he said he felt tingling in his face and hands.'

She said: 'The doctors took Brian ahead of me. I came in, and he had IVs in both arms; he was on oxygen. They said that the muscle contraction was an anxiety attack from the vomiting.

'They did say he was dehydrated. His kidneys went into failure.'

Mr Smith agreed to give up marijuana for 45 days, but when the symptoms did not stop, he got annoyed and began smoking again.

His death came as a shock to his mother six months after his diagnosis.

'He said, 'Mom, I can't breathe.' I rolled him over, and my son was gone,' Ms Denney told RTV6.

Erica Hagler started a support group on Facebook for those who are recovering to share their symptoms

Ms Denney said: 'I had to process that because weed doesn't kill you. But it did.'

She added: 'I don't want another family to go through what we have.'

A Canadian study found that CHS-related ER visits shot up 13-fold over seven years between 2014 and 2021.

Commercial sales skyrocketed in Canada, as did the choice of cannabis products on the market.

Dr Torbati said more research is essential.

CHS sufferers report serious burns from the scalding hot showers they take to get relief from their symptoms

He said: 'We became more and more aware of this condition because more and more people are now using marijuana products. They now have far more THC, which believe is the main chemical compound responsible for this.'

In America, cannabis samples seized by the DEA showed that potency tripled from 4 percent THC in 1995 to 12 percent in 2014.

The ratio of THC to CBD also increased from 14 to 80 times greater.

For years, marijuana has been used recreationally and medically to treat chronic pain and nausea, but for some, it causes the opposite, which is why the condition is sometimes misdiagnosed.

Erica Hagler, 38 from Boston, said she used so much marijuana she thought of herself as an 'Olympic smoker'.

She walked around her house with a bong in hand and would even wake up in the night to have a drag.

Ms Hagler first became sick in August 2018 and told ABC: 'I ended up in the hospital. I was there for two and a half weeks, constantly vomiting.'

She told Salon: 'I could not stop vomiting or shaking. I was getting to the point where I couldn't walk because I was so weak. I lost 30 pounds in three weeks.'

She said: 'They tested me for everything else underneath the sun and they couldn't find a diagnosis.'

Ms Hagler did her own research and came across CHS. A doctor confirmed her diagnosis and she gave up marijuana instantly.

She said: 'Once I knew it was killing me, it was immediate. But for most people, it's not that easy.'

Ms Hagler started a Facebook support group for those recovering from CHS, creating a place to share their symptoms.

Many in the group suffer horrific burns from scalding hot showers, as the water relieves CHS symptoms, at least temporarily.

One poster said: 'During my last episode I spent hours and hours in the hot steamy shower through the course of about 10 days and I used such hot water and I was in there for so long that I scalded my back and ended up in the ER.'

Doctors believe that when THC and CBD bind with certain receptors in the body over and over, it can set off serious nausea and vomiting.

It's thought that using high heat might trigger something in the same receptors that helps symptoms.

CHS has no cure, but doctors say patients must give up marijuana.

Dr Torbati said: 'Patients will say, well I stopped for two weeks and I didn't get better, so it must not be this condition that you're labeling me with.

'And we educate and say, really, you're gonna need to stop for months.'
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE AT RISK? Email caitlin.tilley@mailonline.com

Lauren Robinson, 29, traveled to Matamoros in February for her procedures

TikTok videos shared by a now-dead Texas woman suggest the mother-of-four contracted the fatal fungal infection after receiving liposuction, a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and a boob job in Mexico.

Lauren Robinson, 29, died last week after undergoing cut-price cosmetic surgeries in the Mexican city of Matamoros.

While her cause of death was reported as meningitis, it was not known what types of procedures she had.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned anyone who was given epidural anesthesia (injection into the spine to numb part of the body) during surgery is at risk.

These are used in procedures such as the ones Ms Robinson underwent, which can be more than $16,000 cheaper than in the US.

Ms Robinson traveled to Mexico for liposuction, a BBL and breast augmentation done by Dr Luis Manuel Rivera De Anda. She is pictured pe-op (left) and post-op (right)

The mother-of-four was diagnosed with meningitis after her plastic surgeries, which eventually killed her

Ms Robinson had her surgery on February 27. On March 3, she said in a TikTok comment: 'I am doing great! Just a little sore with movement but nothing I cant handle.'

Dr Luis Manuel Rivera De Anda, who is listed as a gynecologist online, carried out her operation.

His Instagram shows a plethora of before and after surgery photos for liposuction, BBLs, and breasts and promotes an offer of full liposuction, a BBL and breast augmentation for 5,000 USD.

It is not known whether Ms Robinson's infection had anything to do with Dr Rivera De Anda's actions.

Dr Rivera De Anda did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

Soon after her surgery, Ms Robinson began experiencing severe headaches.

Her husband, Garret Robinson, told 12News: 'She was great, the results were great, everything was good, she started going back to work, then she started constantly telling me, "I have a headache, something is not right,".'

After attending multiple hospitals in Galveston, Texas, doctors took spine fluid and blood from Ms Robinson and sent it off for testing.

The mother of four was then diagnosed with meningitis.

Health officials believe the fungal meningitis can be contracted if medical devices such as the needle used during an epidural or medications such as morphine are contaminated with fungi or if proper infection prevention control practices are not taken.

In her final weeks in the hospital, Ms Robinson suffered four strokes. She is one of the three American victims who have died after the cosmetic surgery in Matamoros.

Mr Robinson said: 'I can't explain how it feels to go through this, and I can't tell everyone enough, don't do it.'

Three Texans have died after receiving cosmetic surgery, including liposuction in Mexico. Health officials say the women received treatment at clinics in Matamoros, Mexico, including River Side Surgical Center (left) and Clinica K-3 (right)

Recruiters lured hundreds of patients from across the world and 24 US states to the River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Mexico, both of which have now been closed.

It comes after mounting warnings over medical tourism, which offers highly discounted prices but poses dangers because procedures are not as well regulated as in the US.

The CDC is monitoring the condition of 184 more people who were given epidural anesthesia (injection into the spine to numb part of the body) during plastic surgeries carried out since January.

Ms Robinson showed her results two days post-op. FUPA stands for 'fatty upper pubic area' and a 'faja' is a garment worn after a BBL and liposuction to reduce swelling

But hundreds more may have been affected due to Mexico's booming medical tourism industry, which sees around 1.2 million Americans travel south for affordable care each year, and an even greater number of international patients.

Ms Robinson in the hospital, where she suffered four strokes

The CDC and its equivalent in Mexico have asked the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the situation a health emergency, which could see the global agency deploy resources to track and isolate cases, quarantine contacts and screen passengers at the border.

Recruiters lured hundreds of patients from across the world and 24 US states to the River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Mexico, both of which have now been closed, for procedures like liposuction, breast augmentation or Brazilian butt lifts.

Two of the cases were confirmed after the fungus was detected in samples.

Fourteen of the cases are suspected fungal meningitis  infections of the brain and spinal cord  and 11 are probable.

The patients reported symptoms including headaches, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light.

The infection causes swelling of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges.

The above map shows the location of Matamoros, where the procedures took place. People are being urged not to go there for plastic surgeries

Some 1.2million US residents travel to Mexico annually to undergo elective surgery at a discount, according to Medical Tourism Mexico, which advertises that patients can save up to 80% on a comparable procedure in the US

The CDC warned that once symptoms kick in, meningitis can rapidly become life-threatening.

Test results from Mexican authorities set off worries that a deadly fungal outbreak connected to clinics elsewhere in Mexico which happened earlier in the year will be repeated. Almost half of all patients diagnosed with meningitis died in that outbreak.

The CDC urged anyone with a treatment booked in Matamoros that involved an epidural injection to cancel the procedure.

All but 17 people being monitored by the CDC live in Texas, and the majority are female.

One of the two patients who died was also an organ donor, putting five different recipients nationwide at risk.

US health bosses called for the deadly fungal outbreak to be declared an international health emergency by the World Health Organization.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked authorization of Johnson & Johnsons Covid vaccine after it was paused over rare blood clot concerns, which sent demand plummeting.

The move was not unexpected because J&Js parent company Jannsen had requested that federal regulators at the FDA withdraw authorization for its vaccine after it was revealed that the last tranche of doses  about 12.5 million  had expired.

As of year three of the Covid pandemic, nearly 231 million Americans have received either one J&J shot or two doses of an mRNA vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna.

Vaccination fatigue has swept the US, with millions of Americans frustrated by the fact that a shot does not guarantee immunity from the virus but rather protects against severe illness, and all those who had planned on getting fully vaccinated are believed to have done so by now.

With a renewed wave of demand for J&Js single-dose vaccine highly unlikely, coupled with a beleaguered history of production hiccups and health concerns that severely eroded public trust, the pharmaceutical company has opted to step away from the Covid vaccine field.

J&J's single shot vaccine faced myriad manufacturing hiccups early on, resulting in the disposal of about 60 million doses

A paucity of Americans have received J&J's vaccine compared with the numbers who got one of the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna

Citing ever-shrinking demand, J&J told the FDA it would not update formulations of its shot to confront emerging strains better, a step that Moderna and Pfizer took last year to address the devastating omicron variant.

Dr Peter Marks, Director of the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said: Because FDA understands that Janssen Biotech, Inc. has requested that FDA withdraw the EUA for the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, FDA has determined that it is appropriate to protect the public health or safety to revoke this authorization.

A fraction of Americans have received J&Js vaccine compared to the other vaccines approved for use in the US.

Nearly 367 million Americans have received a Pfizer shot while over 232 million have received a dose of Modernas vaccine. A paucity of the total shots administered in the US since early 2021  just over 19 million  were made by J&J.

Johnson & Johnsons vaccine was plagued by controversy since it entered the market in February 2021. By that time, more than 2.1 million mRNA shots had already been administered and those from Pfizer and Moderna became the gold standard.

Less than a month after the J&J vaccine was granted emergency use authorization from the FDA, it became mired in controversy over a small but growing number of severe blood clotting disorders called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in people who got the shot.

Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome is a severe condition characterized by thrombosis formation, or blood clots, combined with thrombocytopenia, a severely low platelet count that hinders the body's ability to stop a wound from bleeding.

Symptoms of TTS, also known as Vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) or vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), typically come on between four and 42 days following vaccination.

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a sweeping pause on administering the shots in April 2021, citing six cases of the rare clotting disorder.

The agencies performed an investigation into the cases and re-assessed the risk-to-benefit ratio, concluding that they have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 and that the available data show that the vaccines known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older.

Meanwhile, it had been revealed that the Baltimore-based Emergent BioSolutions manufacturing plant making the J&J vaccines had inadvertently ruined about 15 million doses after cross-contamination between that vaccine and a similar one from AstraZeneca meant for the UK.

US regulators stripped Emergent of its responsibility to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine and granted J&J full control over the manufacturing process of its shots at the Baltimore plant. When all was said and done, J&J was ordered to toss out 60 million doses of its vaccine out of contamination concerns.

By year three of the pandemic, public enthusiasm for vaccines has shrunk and those who have not gotten a shot by now are not likely to do so

Despite the federal government lifting the recommended pause on J&Js shot after about a week and a half, the damage to its reputation had been done. Public trust in the single-dose vaccine eroded drastically and it soon became the object of derision.

Comedy superstar Dave Chappelle, for instance, quipped that he chose the third best option when it came time to get vaccinated, adding, I'll have what the homeless people are having.

The J&J vaccine was widely expected at first to be a boon for people experiencing homelessness and other disenfranchised people who could not guarantee to be able to get the requisite second shot of Moderna or Pfizer.

One online jokester quipped, Johnson and johnson made the temporary tattoo of vaccines, and another said: Johnson and Johnson is The Godfather Part 3 of vaccinations.

In December 2021, the panel of vaccine experts at the CDC voted to recommend the use of the Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines over the J&J amid growing reports of TTS. They pointed out that the problem is rare, occurring in about one case in every 100,000 doses given to women aged 30 to 49, the group at highest risk for TTS.

Subsequently, in May of 2022, the FDA limited its use to adults 18 and older who were unable to get an mRNA vaccine due to an allergy to it or lack of availability.
A deadly bacteria that kills up to 50 percent of people it infects was recently detected at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Three laboratory workers were exposed to the Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria while testing samples from a 58-year-old man who had come in with an artery infection.

The employees were swabbed for the bacteria at the Phoenix hospital for three weeks to ensure they had not become infected. All three tested negative on every test.

The bacteria is native to Australia and parts of South East Asia but has made waves in the US after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned it was now endemic to the Gulf Coast.

Lab staff were exposed to the bacteria at the Mayo Clinic center in Phoenix, Arizona (pictured)

In the case report, one employee  with an underlying condition that was not detailed  was described as being at 'high risk' of infection.

The individual grabbed samples of the bacteria from a petri dish and placed them into a machine for testing.

It was unclear how they were picked up, but this was likely done using an object like a pipette. They were likely also wearing protective equipment.

The individual had also tested the bacteria on an open worktop outside of the biological safety cabinet, which can prevent the organisms from spreading.

The other two staff members were considered to be at 'low risk' of catching the disease.

They had both been repeatedly inspecting petri dishes where the bacteria were growing but were not reported to have picked up the bacteria, which would have brought them into closer contact.

All the potentially infected employees had to check their temperature twice a day for three weeks. They were also asked to report any symptoms.

Two of the three also agreed to serological monitoring for six weeks, where blood samples are collected and tested for antibodies against the bacteria.

At every test, the employees showed no signs of disease. The blood tests also did not reveal any antibodies against the bacteria.

The exposures occurred in mid-January 2021, but have only just been revealed in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

A total of 30 potential contacts were identified.

The staff was accidentally exposed to the bacteria because it was initially believed that the samples did not contain the potentially deadly organism.

It was unclear what happened to the patient diagnosed with a mycotic aneurysm or an artery infection.

Dr Lisa Speiser, an infectious disease physician at the clinic, and others who contributed to the report said: 'Lack of clinical and laboratory suspicion for Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei) resulted in incidental laboratory exposure of three employees.

'US laboratories should remain vigilant for and aware of the growth characteristics associated with B. pseudomallei to help avoid occupational exposure.'

Lab exposure to the bacteria is extremely rare in the United States because infections are not commonly reported. Only two cases have been recorded in US medical literature, with the last being in 1981.

Estimates suggest that about 12 Americans are diagnosed with the infection every year, although these are almost always linked to travel.

The patients are diagnosed with melioidosis, a disease resembling tuberculosis or pneumonia.

The above map shows countries where the bacteria has been detected and the states in the US where the CDC says it is now endemic

B. pseudomallei is often found lurking in soil and fresh- or brackish waterways.

Humans can become infected after coming into contact with a contaminated area and then ingesting the bacteria.

It is also possible for an infection to occur via inhaling dust or water droplets that are contaminated.

In most cases, the bacteria do not trigger symptoms because the immune system can can fight it off.

But when an infection begins, patients may suffer from symptoms including joint pain, fever and headaches in the early stages.

This can then progress to melioidosis, with the CDC warning that between 10 and 50 percent of cases are fatal.

Individuals who live along the Gulf coast and have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and chronic lung disease are particularly at risk.
BOOK OF THE WEEK

Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad

by Daniel Finkelstein (William Collins, 21.25, 496pp)

It must be a publishers dream to produce a book with the title Hitler, Stalin, Mum And Dad. But this family history by The Times columnist Daniel Finkelstein is about a nightmare.

Its title is justified by the fact that his mother Mirjam  a schoolfriend of Anne Frank in Amsterdam  was a survivor of Belsen concentration camp, while his father, Ludwik, had, as a child, endured the horrors of the Soviet gulag.

A single historic event links these monstrosities and is the fulcrum of the book. This was the Nazi-Soviet pact of 1939, in which Hitler and Stalin carved up Eastern Europe between them.

Adolf (Dolu) Finkelstein was the steel king of Lvov, then part of Poland  and Ludwik was his son.

Survivors: Daniel Finkelsteins paternal grandparents, Luisa and Dolu, in 1930s Lvov. His family suffered under both Hitler and Stalin following the Nazi-Soviet pact of 1939

The family were to become, as Daniel writes, victim of one of the wars greatest crimes: Stalins attempt to eradicate the Polish nation by murdering its elite and scattering its entire leadership . . . deported to become slave labourers. Its a story little told, often denied and, even now, to most people, entirely unknown.

There is a ghastly symmetry in this unforgettable epic of a book, with Daniels maternal grandmother and her three daughters being packed off in trains, which were themselves death traps, to Belsen, while Ludwik and his mother, Lusia, endure a similarly infernal rail journey to Siberia.

Ludwik, ten at the time, became covered with ulcers and boils from vitamin deficiency.

A recording exists of Daniels father  played on the BBC recently  describing how these were known as Soviet visas, and had stayed on his body for years afterwards.

Dolus health was broken down by continued interrogation by the NKVD.

As Daniel records, in deadpan style: The object was to prove Dolu guilty of strengthening the might of capitalist Poland. Something that was not hard, because he absolutely was guilty of strengthening the might of capitalist Poland.

Somehow, he and his family survived, becoming part of the relatively small number of Poles whom Stalin agreed to release at the end of the war, in a tortuous journey to the UK via Iran (then, as Persia, part of the British sphere).

But the British government, at the administrative level, was far from enthusiastic about the arrangement.

The author tells the story of how his family became victim of one of the wars greatest crimes'. The crime in question is 'Stalins attempt to eradicate the Polish nation by murdering its elite and scattering its entire leadership . . . deported to become slave labourers.' It is a story that is little told, even today

Daniel records an extraordinary diplomatic telegram: To put matters brutally, if these Poles die in Russia the war effort will not be affected. If they . . . pass into Persia, we, unlike the Russians, will not be able to allow them to die and our war effort will be gravely impaired.

Winston Churchill, eventually, took a different view.

The survival of the authors mother was even more in doubt: she, her two sisters and their own mother, Margarethe (Grete), were in Belsen as typhoid and starvation culled the inmates.

Daniel describes finding in his mothers papers, after she died, the recipes that Grete had written out on scraps of paper while in Belsen. As he explains: The more the inmates of Belsen starved, the more they talked about food, dreamt about food, even wrote about food.

Daniels mother and aunts survived, not because of the ultimate liberation of Belsen by the British, but through an extraordinary scheme in which, thanks to the efforts of Gretes husband, Alfred Wiener  who had been in New York on anti-Nazi work when the Reich overran the Netherlands  they had obtained forged Paraguayan passports.

But Grete perished days after she brought her daughters out to freedom in Switzerland.

The telegram Alfred receives through the Red Cross begins: YOUR WIFE MARGARETHE WIENER WITH CHILDREN RUTH EVA MIRJAM WIENER FROM CAMP BERGENBELSEN GERMANY ARRIVED SWITZERLAND CHILDREN IN GOOD HEALTH, but then, in a misspelled conclusion, continues: MARGARET WIENER PAST AWAY AFTER ARRIVAL ON WEAKNESS JEWISH FUNERAL ON 26 JANUARY AT KREUZLINGEN.

Yet they had actually been fortunate to have been sent to Belsen: almost all of the other Jewish families in their street in Amsterdam were gassed at Auschwitz or Sobibor: that was the fate of Gretes only sister, Trude, and her family.

Daniel's mother and aunts survived Belsen, one of Hitler's concentration camps. Almost all of the other Jewish families in their street in Amsterdam were gassed at Auschwitz or Sobibor

Daniels parents met when Mirjam was 22 and Ludwik 26, in a meeting of a Jewish youth organisation in Seymour Place, London.

By then they had lived, between them, in ten countries, before finding a permanent home and security in Britain, and producing three brilliant children: Daniels brother, Anthony, was knighted as this countrys chief scientific adviser on national security and his sister, Tamara, is at the apex of the civil service, as a permanent secretary.

The author himself is a member of the House of Lords, as a Conservative life peer. And, as he writes of the three children of Ludwik and Mirjam: How could any of us think that politics didnt matter?

Politics had murdered my grandmother and dozens of other members of my family . . . politics had almost starved my mother to death and frozen my father in the Siberian wastelands . . . politics had stolen my parents youth . . . it had robbed them of their education and murdered their school friends.

Still, it perplexes me that Daniel says he needed to write this book because although what happened to my parents isnt about to happen to me, it absolutely could happen to his own children.

That is, in the England where, as he writes of his own childhood: We were brought up . . . going camping with the 7th Hendon Scout Troop . . . learning about British kings and queens; having Mum read us Paddington and Winnie-the-Pooh.

But then his grandfather, Alfred, had been among the very first to warn publicly about the threat (a mighty anti-Semitic storm) to the Jews in Germany  in 1919, before anyone had heard of Adolf Hitler.

With such a family history, who would not feel as Daniel does?
A Government go-slow on pushing heat pumps could result in the UK forking out an additional 9billion on gas imports from abroad between 2024 and 2035, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit claims.

Delaying or scrapping policies supporting heat pump installations would leave the UK less energy secure, the think tank claimed, highlighting dwindling North Sea oil and gas production.

The huge drive for heat pumps, which is not without its critics, stems from the Government's legally binding target of reaching net zero by 2050.

But this week, boiler manufacturers have pushed back against plans to fine them if they fail to meet strict quotas for heat pump production and installations from next year.

Get going: The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit wants to see the installation of heat pumps ramped up

Under current guidance, the sale of new boilers will be banned from 2035 and households will be pushed into installing heat pumps instead under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The Government is currently offering households a grant of 5,000 to install an air source heat pump, or 6,000 for a ground source heat pump.

According to the ECIU, a less ambitious 'heat pump mechanism' requiring manufacturers to supply heat pumps, but also allowing gas connections to new homes, could see the UK buying an additional 200TWh of foreign gas, from countries such as Qatar, between 2024 and 2035.

This is the equivalent of over 16million homes' annual gas use.

The ECIU added: 'A new build home that is built in the next few years with a gas boiler could expect to spend around 3,500 more on gas by 2035 than a new home with an electric heat pump, and an existing home that continues to use a gas boiler could spend around 4,000 on gas by 2035.'

The Government has not yet confirmed its position on whether new homes will be allowed to be connected to the gas grid, after the sale of new gas boilers is banned.

Jess Ralston, an energy analyst at the ECIU, said: 'Those calling to slow down the production of heat pumps are essentially locking the UK into greater foreign gas dependence and the kind of price volatility that we've seen over the past year. This worked out really badly for UK bill payers.

'The Government faces a choice; continue subsidising oil and gas, and leave households exposed to volatile gas prices, or direct investment through bold policy into renewables instead.

'Electric heat pumps sales are booming in Europe and the US, who are dubbing them "freedom pumps" in the light of Russia's interference in the international gas market.

'Every heat pump we install means less gas needs to be bought from places like Qatar, with the income going to renewables on British soil or seabed instead.'

According to the ECIU's findings, by 2035, the cost of extra gas imports for heating could reach over 9billion, on the basis of current predictions that suggest gas prices will remain at two to three times pre-energy crisis levels for the rest of the decade.

MP Craig Mackinlay told This is Money that he believes heat pumps are 'expensive, noisy and inefficient'

Heat pumps are 'noisy and expensive', MP says

Heat pumps remain a bone of contention and concerns about cost, maintenance matters and their complexity remain.

Speaking exclusively to This is Money, Craig Mackinlay, Conservative Member of Parliament for South Thanet, said: 'The latest attempt by Net Zero groups to "nudge" households into heat pumps is to link gas use to the further enrichment of foreign jurisdictions on the back of gas imports.

'This begs the question - the UK has ample North Sea and shale gas reserves to be self-sufficient and even become a medium-term net exporter of natural gas once more; there is no necessity to expand reliance on imported gas, whether fracked from the USA or from more traditional means from Qatar and we should be focusing on a domestic supply first policy.

'I am fully in favour of insulation and have no ideological objection to heat pumps or any other low or zero carbon energy source, but heat pumps are expensive, noisy and inefficient requiring high electricity input that can increase overall bills.'

He added: 'Additionally, and perversely, installing a heat pump can adversely affect EPC ratings, which merely highlights the deficiencies of the EPC rating system, upon which the potential for a property rental or even sale may increasingly rely.

'If heat pumps can prove themselves over time both on cost and performance households will buy them. Threats of bans of existing proven technology doesn't prove that untried ones are naturally better, that is for the market and consumer choice to decide.'

Cost and practicality questions

In February, the Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee published a report following an enquiry into the effectiveness and viability of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The committee stated: 'Upfront costs are too high for many households, even with the help of the grant, making it impossible for low-income households to benefit from the scheme.'

The committee also said that while heat pump running costs were becoming competitive, progress was urgently needed through electricity market reform to ensure running costs became affordable.

It said the Government's 2028 target of 600,000 installations per year was very unlikely to be met. Less than 9,000 heat pumps were installed in the first three months of this year.

This week, boiler manufacturers began to push back against plans by the Government to fine them if they fail to meet strict quotas for heat pump production and installations from next year.

Some boiler manufacturers affected argue that the penalty of 5,000 per missing heat pump could push up costs for consumers and put investment and jobs at risk.

Valliant UK, which has ploughed 4million into a new heat pump production line in Derbyshire, claimed it would review its UK investment plans if the penalty proposal kicked in, according to the Financial Times.

Heat pumps generally cost between 8,000 to 30,000 to buy and fit, with the hefty price range reflecting different models and ease of installation at someone's home.

However, in February Octopus Energy unveiled an air source heat pump that can be fitted for as little as 2,500. Octopus said its heat pumps might cost as little as 2,500 per household, and no more than 4,000 for most homes

Poll The UK should ramp up the installation of heat pumps I agree I disagree The UK should ramp up the installation of heat pumps I agree 16 votes

I disagree 255 votes Now share your opinion





Last month, This is Money revealed that the average cost of an air source heat pump service is between 125 and 150. The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council puts this figure at 200 for an air source heat pump and 250 for a ground source heat pump.

Meanwhile, the average cost of a boiler service for a gas boiler is around 80 according to Checkatrade. As heat pumps are located outside, they could be at greater risk of damage from the elements.

Heat pump repair costs also remain something of an unknown. If your air source heat pump is more than 20 years old and it is no longer functioning properly, a replacement pump might be needed.

In response to cost and practicality concerns, Ralston, of the ECIU, told This is Money: 'Heat pump units now start at 2,500 including the Government grant, and could fall further as the UK industry grows.

'Those arguing against heat pumps are essentially arguing for more dependence on gas - which will increasingly be from abroad as the North Sea continues its decline.

'Two in three heat pump owners are satisfied with their running costs, which is more satisfied than gas boiler owners are, and over 85 per cent are happy with their reliability and safety.'

She added: 'The UK could look foolish if it continues to go slow on heat pumps, with 20 million installed in Europe already as other countries look to end their dependency on gas for heating.'
They say luck comes in threes. And so it seems. After the news that Turkish soda ash producer, WE Soda, is listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) comes the decision by tech unicorn, CAB Payments, to head for the capitals main market.

The third boost is that US tech giant Palantir has chosen the UK as its European HQ for AI developments.

Rishi Sunak will have been delighted to hear Palantirs chief executive, Alexander Karp, wax lyrical about how Britains pragmatism about technology was one of the main attractions in choosing London  as well as being a magnet for so much talent.

We are not used to so much praise but it will have gone down well, particularly as the Prime Minister is pushing for London as the site of a new global AI regulator  a body modelled on the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The decision by Sutton-based CAB Payments  otherwise known as Crown Agents Bank  to float in London is significant.

London calling: Turkish soda ash producer, WE Soda and UK tech unicorn, CAB Payments, have bot chosen the City for their IPOs

Its a sophisticated business, one that handled around $30billion (23.9billion) of payments last year, providing B2B cross-border payments and foreign exchange services between 150 countries.

Unusually for so many fintech companies, its profitable too and likely to be valued at over 1billion. Yet much of the recent criticism of London was that its public markets were less well-suited to tech companies than the New York exchanges.

Supposedly, this was because of the lower valuations put on tech businesses in the UK by investors than in the US.

Indeed, it was given as one of the main reasons why SoftBank opted to float the semiconductor giant Arm in New York rather than London.

Londons lack of liquidity compared to New York is often cited as another hindrance. CABs chief executive Bhairav Trivedi does not appear to share such fears. Quite the reverse.

The Wharton and Stanford-educated engineer, who has spent more than three decades in the finance industry, says that while CAB did look at other markets, it decided the LSE was the best option on several fronts, including being close to home and having great pools of liquidity.

And heres one for the declinists: Trivedi added that he is extremely bullish for the UK economy and has confidence in Britain as the home for innovative and growing global businesses.

But are the floats by WE Soda and CAB just part of a lucky streak?

Or a sign of a big mood shift?

One IPO may be pure chance but two coming together one day after the other like this rather suggests that we are at last seeing proper signs of a resurgence of confidence in Londons capital markets.

Admittedly, its had a bad run: IPOs fell to their lowest level in a decade last year, with only 41 firms listing on the main market.

Yet there does seem to be a shift in mood, spurred on by the huge efforts of regulators and politicians to speed up reforms, such as Jeremy Hunts recent Edinburgh ones to improve access to the markets.

The decision to permit companies to sell fewer shares for a free float also seems to be having its effect. WE Soda and CAB have indicated they will sell between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of their shares, a decent enough chunk to show their commitment.

And both have indicated more might be made available.

City minister Andrew Griffith is right to say the armchair generals should stop sniping. They should start celebrating instead. Its better for the soul.

More homes

The housing market is in trouble. Prices are falling, there are not enough being built and mortgage payments are about to rise.

Now the boss of Crest Nicholson wants the Government to step in to support the market  as it did for first-time buyers with Help to Buy  because of this weakness.

This is upside-down thinking, a policy that distorts the market rather than improves supply.

Instead, Crests Peter Truscott and fellow housebuilders should be urging ministers to give up the ridiculous pandering to NIMBYs and force councils to allow more building. Even then, the private sector does not have the capacity to build anywhere near enough homes for our children and grandchildren.

Theres only one way to achieve critical mass: to restore some form of state scheme last seen in the 1970s, when more houses were built each year than now.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Wizz Air's losses narrowed modestly last year after the low-cost airline achieved record turnover and passenger numbers.

The Budapest-headquartered group posted a 535.1million (460million) loss for the 12 months ending March, compared to a 642.5million loss the previous year, as revenue improvements were offset by higher costs.

However, it told investors on Thursday that it now anticipates posting a net profit of 350million to 450million for the current financial year.

Results: The Budapest-headquartered group posted a 535.1million loss for the 12 months ending March, compared to a 642.5million loss the previous year

Soaring oil prices following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the loosening of pandemic curbs sent the airline's fuel costs tripling to nearly 2billion over the period.

Wizz was further impacted by significant disruption last summer from staff shortages that left airlines struggling to cope with the resurgence in demand following the end of Covid-related travel restrictions.

Widespread industrial action and capacity limits by airports such as London Gatwick, one of Wizz Air's two UK bases, further slowed the recovery in overseas travel.

Consequently, Wizz terminated much of its flight schedule during the peak holiday season, while many of its customers were victims of long delays or cancellations.

Passenger numbers still surged by 88.3 per cent to 51 million as many families took their first foreign holiday since before the pandemic.

During the Covid crisis, the Hungarian airline embarked on a risky strategy of buying more planes and expanding its route network in an attempt to grab market share from rivals when the inevitable recovery in travel happened.

This helped its revenue soar by 134.2 per cent to a record 3.9billion, with sales additionally benefiting from higher ticket prices and a doubling of ancillary revenue.

Wizz expects an even stronger performance this year, having noted that the proportion of seats filled on its planes exceeded 90 per cent in the first quarter and average passenger fares surpassed last year's levels in the following three months.

However, chief executive Jozsef Varadi said its annual performance would be dependent on the impact of events like the Ukraine war and trading over the summer period.

The FTSE 250 company has sought to better prepare for the peak travel season with 'significant investments and improvements in operational processes.'

Varadi said: 'We are now well placed to continue to drive profitable growth through the rest of the decade and beyond.

'The airline industry remains exposed to externalities such as air traffic control disruptions and continuing operational issues within the airports sector, but today we are a more resilient business and expect this year to deliver a new set of record operational and strong financial results.'

Wizz Air's results come three days after the International Air Transport Association (IATA) more than doubled this year's profit forecasts for the global airline sector from 3.8billion to 8billion.

Travel restrictions left the industry nursing an estimated 145billion in losses from 2020 to 2021 and caused the collapse of operators like Flybe and the Italian flag carrier Alitalia.

IATA additionally forecasts that revenues and passenger volumes will almost return to pre-pandemic levels, partly helped by the reopening of China.

Wizz Air Holdings shares were 4.6 per cent down at 26.50 on Thursday afternoon, meaning their value has still grown by approximately 46 per cent so far this year.

Mark Crouch, an analyst at eToro, said: 'While Wizz Air is still loss-making on an operating basis, its recovery is in full flight.'

He added: 'This airline is in a very different position to what it was a year ago  and, given the rapid ascent of its share price this year, investors are clearly buying into that.'
Royal Mails plans to axe Saturday deliveries have been blocked by ministers despite the firms widening losses and concerns about the spiralling price of first-class stamps.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake has told the 507-year-old company that the Government has no plans to review its universal service obligation (USO), which requires it to deliver six days a week.

Hollinrake said in a letter to MPs on the business select committee: Postal services have long played a key role in our society.

Saturday post: The Government said there were no plans to review Royal Mail's universal service obligation, which requires deliveries six days a week

The ability to send and receive letters and parcels is important both socially and economically.

This is particularly true for consumers who might be more vulnerable, such as those who are geographically or digitally isolated from their friends and family.

It came after Keith Williams, chairman of Royal Mails parent company International Distributions Services (IDS), said urgent changes were needed to the USO to keep the firm afloat.

It says the public no longer needs a six-day-a- week service as fewer letters are being sent.

About 7bn letters were sent last year  down from 20bn in 2004.

And estimates suggest Royal Mail could save as much as 250million per year if deliveries were cut to five days.

Williams has warned that if the Government does not budge, Royal Mail would be forced to make considerable increases to the cost of a first-class stamp.

Royal Mail broke the 1 barrier for the first time in April, raising the price from 95p to 1.10.

Royal Mail lost 1.04billion for the 12 months to March 26, having made a profit of 250million the previous year.

It said: It is clear that when letter volumes have declined by more than 60 per cent since their peak, in order to be financially sustainable, the Universal Service requires urgent reform.
The photos came from Hunter's abandoned laptop and along with the lewd images include sweet family photos of Hunter with his dad Joe and the rest of the Biden clan

Advertisement

Almost 9,000 photos from Hunter Biden's laptop have been published online by right wing nonprofit Marco Polo.

The 8,864 pictures posted on bidenlaptopmedia.com include hundreds of images of the First Son taking drugs and having sex with prostitutes, as well as family photos and everyday snaps.

The photos include 7,032 mostly from Hunter's MacBook Pro iPhoto app, 1,832 from a backup of his iPhone XS, 428 'live photos' (short videos taken on an iPhone), 674 images sent in text messages, 579 screenshots, 40 sent via WhatsApp, and 111 others.

The images are dated between 2008 and 2019. Some have geographic coordinates attached, showing Hunter took photos in Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Kosovo, the Dominican Republic, western China, London, Paris, Rome, Belgrade and across the US.

All photos seen by DailyMail.com match photos from a copy of Hunter Biden's laptop obtained by DailyMail.com and authenticated by cyber forensics experts in early 2021.

Right wing nonprofit Marco Polo posted 8,864 pictures on bidenlaptopmedia.com that include hundreds of images of Hunter Biden taking drugs and having sex with prostitutes. Hunter is pictured holding up what appears to be a smoking pen with marijuana oil inside

The photos include 7,032 mostly from Hunter's MacBook Pro iPhoto app, 1,832 from a backup of his iPhone XS, 428 'live photos' (short videos taken on an iPhone), 674 images sent in text messages, 579 screenshots, 40 sent via WhatsApp, and 111 others

Another photo shows Hunter in foreground while one woman lays on the bed in the background and another stands. Some of the photos from the laptop have geographic coordinates attached, showing Hunter took photos in Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Kosovo, the Dominican Republic, western China, London, Paris, Rome, Belgrade and across the US

The photos came from Hunter's abandoned laptop and along with the lewd images include sweet family photos of Hunter with his dad Joe and the rest of the Biden clan. The family is pictured at the Colosseum in Rome in this undated photo

The picture dump may still come as a shock to the Bidens, as they include photos of family members as minors and others in intimate moments. Beau, a young Ashley, Joe, Jill and Hunter and pictured in this undated photo

Marco Polo redacted the most explicit nudity in the shocking photos, as well as account numbers on bank statements, credit card and social security numbers, and other sensitive information.

Marco Polo was founded by former Trump White House staffer Garrett Ziegler, 28, and describes itself as 'a nonprofit research group exposing corruption & blackmail'

But the picture dump may still come as a shock to the Bidens, as they include photos of family members as minors, and others in intimate moments.

Marco Polo was founded by former Trump White House staffer Garrett Ziegler, 28, and describes itself as 'a nonprofit research group exposing corruption & blackmail'.

'If the American people want to know what their first family is like, they're going to get it. And we're not going to be taking out photos that paint the Bidens in a good light,' Ziegler said.

But he added that it took around two months to 'redact the genitalia' in all the pictures.

Ziegler said that the trove his organization uploaded last week contains '98% of the photos on the device', after removing some images such as 'screenshots of Candy Crush games'.

The ex-Trump staffer's provocative publications have also included a 645-page report on Marco Polo's investigation into the contents of Hunter's laptop, published last fall.

The incendiary report accused Hunter of 459 crimes including prostitution offenses, distribution and possession of drugs, defrauding government agencies, illegal foreign lobbying and money laundering.

It also used emails and other documents from the laptop to claim that President Joe Biden was complicit in tax evasion, violated the Presidential Records Act, and used nonpublic information for financial gain in six incidents from June 2010 to December 2016.

Ziegler has also published more than 120,000 emails from the laptop on his website, BidenLaptopEmails.com, as well as transcribing and publishing pages from Hunter's sister Ashley Biden's diary.

Ziegler drew the wrath of Hunter's lawyers after a Marco Polo operative posed as a potential ally to the First Son's criminal defense team in a text conversation with Hunter's Hollywood lawyer Kevin Morris.

Hunter poses for photos at a hotel with a tattooed model who denied she was a prostitute. Ziegler said that it took around two months to 'redact the genitalia' in all of Hunter's pictures

Hunter spent a total of 17,846.40 at fine Italian clothing store Riflessi in New York City in 2018, according to a photo of a receipt found on his laptop

All photos seen by DailyMail.com appear to match photos from a copy of Hunter Biden's laptop obtained by DailyMail.com and authenticated by cyber forensics experts in early 2021

One photo was taken from behind the driver's seat of a Porsche, speeding down a highway at 172mph

This photo shows Hunter on Facetime with his late brother's widow Hallie Biden, with whom he had an affair

When Morris learned the trickster was in fact from Marco Polo, he called the member a 'f***ing moron,' said 'I'm going to take all your money' and 'I know where you live'.

Another text said, 'You're going to enjoy being a buttboy for 20 years dude. Lube up' and 'I'm coming to get you'.

Ziegler drew the wrath of Hunter's lawyers after a Marco Polo operative posed as a potential ally to the First Son's criminal defense team in a text conversation with Hunter's Hollywood lawyer Kevin Morris (pictured)

Morris sued Ziegler and his charity in a Los Angeles court in April for alleged harassment, invasion of privacy and 'criminal impersonation'.

The complaint calls the 27-year-old, 'a right-wing extremist and provocateur who has made a reputation harassing people connected to President Joe Biden or his son, Hunter Biden.'

Morris accuses Ziegler of posting his personal data including property addresses and phone numbers on social media, orchestrating a 'harassment campaign', and 'posting picture[s] of Morris' family members on [Marco Polo's] social media channels while making derogatory comments about them.'

He claims 'several of the right-wing extremists who follow Ziegler on social media and the Website made veiled threats of violence against Morris, called Morris, and even drove by Morris' property.'

In a statement, Ziegler told DailyMail.com the lawsuit was 'utterly ridiculous' and 'false'.

To the fury of Hunter's legal team, Ziegler has also been hired as an expert on Hunter's laptop by a lawyer for Lunden Roberts, the mother of Hunter's child, in her courtroom wrangle over how much child support he should pay for their four-year-old daughter, Navy Joan Roberts.

Roberts's Arkansas attorney, Clint Lancaster, hired Ziegler to help unpick Hunter's finances and help her argue for more money from the First Son  who at first denied Navy was his, until a paternity test proved it.

Hunter's lawyer in the child support case, Brent Langdon, argued that Ziegler had 'no work experience as an accountant or finance expert of any kind' and posed a 'security and confidentiality risk' if given Hunter's confidential financial documents and tax filings.

A much younger Hunter and brother Beau Biden are pictured in an undated photo stored on Hunter's laptop. Beau died at age 46 from brain cancer in 2015

This undated photo of a younger Hunter and Beau is one of nearly 9,000 photos recovered from Hunter's abandoned laptop and published online

A family photo of Hunter Biden, his and his late brothers kids, sister Ashley and parents Joe and Jill was obtained from his laptop

One photo shows Hunter posing in a hotel room with a woman for a mirror selfie. The images from his laptop are dated between 2008 and 2019

Hunter's legal team have also demanded that Congress launch an investigation into how Marco Polo obtained Treasury Department Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), part of the evidence Republican lawmakers are using for their probes into alleged corruption in the Biden family.

The First Son's hotshot lawyer Abbe Lowell wrote to the House Ethics Committee and Treasury Department's Office of Inspector General in April asking for the former White House staffer to be investigated for allegedly breaking banking laws by publishing the confidential reports.

'Ziegler has used Mr. Biden's SARs and other financial records to craft a false narrative that Mr. Biden is associated with a human trafficking ring,' the letter said.

'In his persistent and continued broadcast of this fictitious tale, Ziegler has called upon House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer to disseminate Mr. Biden's private information to an even wider audience.'

Some of the SARs, generated by JP Morgan bank, detail money flowing to accounts associated with Hunter and other Biden family members, stemming from his business deals with Ukrainian and Chinese companies.

Others SARs say Hunter made payments of thousands of dollars to suspected prostitutes and pimps.
America's largest Muslim advocacy group has hit back at the City University of New York for turning on its own student.

During her graduation speech in May, CUNY law graduate Fatima Mohammed called the NYPD 'fascist' and accused the Israelis of 'settler colonialism' - causing the university to later accuse her of 'hate speech'.

Now, the Council on American-Islamic Relations in New York, CAIR-NY, has accused the university of being 'dishonest, cowardly, and dangerous' in its decision to condemn Mohammed.

It also undermined the university by claiming that it pre-approved the speech and only turned on Mohammed after two weeks of sour reaction from 'far-right media' and 'Mayor Eric Adams'.

Mohammed also said during her controversial speech that black and brown prisoners are murdered daily in US jails, and turned on her own university for 'cooperating with global violence.'

CAIR-NY's executive director Afaf Nasher (pictured in 2017) said that in calling Mohammed's address 'hate speech' it was being 'dishonest, cowardly, and dangerous'

Fatima Mohammed is pictured during a speech in which she called the NYPD 'fascist' and accused the Israelis of 'settler colonialism'

Soon after her speech New York Mayor Eric Adams condemned Mohammed for her 'negativity and divisiveness'.

Within two weeks of the graduation ceremony, on May 30, CUNY's chancellor and board of trustees released a statement that condemned Mohammed's address as 'hate speech' and said her comments 'were a public expression of hate toward people and communities based on their religion, race or political affiliation'.

CAIR-NY's executive director Afaf Nasher wrote in a statement that the group 'strongly condemns the City University of New York (CUNY) for joining dishonest, cowardly, and dangerous attacks on their own student leader, Fatima Mohammed, who has been relentlessly harassed by far-right media, Mayor Eric Adams, and multiple members of Congress and City Council.

'As an institution of higher education, CUNY has a responsibility to protect its students, even in the face of disagreement or discomfort, and its failure to do so is unacceptable.'

'Fatima's speech was submitted, examined, and pre-approved by CUNY in written form and a verbal recording. Furthermore, the speech was celebrated by the audience,' said Nasher.

'CUNY student leaders, including the Jewish Law Students Association, have spoken up in her defense. Moreover, CUNY's mischaracterization of Fatima's speech as 'hate speech' is false and defamatory.'

Mohammed's speech was the second time in two years that CUNY, which receives more than half its funding from government - allowed pro-Palestine, anti-Israel remarks at the graduation ceremony.

The 2022 speaker was activist Nerdeen Kiswani, who made similarly fired-up comments.

Afaf Nasher (center) said that since her address at the graduation ceremony, Mohammed had become the victim of bullying from elected officials

Within two weeks of the graduation ceremony, on May 30, CUNY's chancellor and board of trustees released a statement that condemned Mohammed's address as 'hate speech'. Pictured is the Law School

The 2022 speaker was activist Nerdeen Kiswani (pictured), who made similarly fired-up comments

Mohammed, who was born in Yemen and raised in Queens, began her speech by saying she chose CUNY because it was one of the 'few legal institutions to recognize that the law is a manifestation of white supremacy that continues to oppress and suppress people in this nation and around the world.'

'I want to celebrate CUNY Law as one of the few, if not the only, law schools to make a public statement defending the right of its students to organize and speak out against Israeli settler colonialism,' she said.

She went on to celebrate pro-Palestine causes championed by the school.

Mohammed went on: 'This is the law school that passed and endorsed BDS [a Palestinian-led movement] on a student and faculty level, recognizing that absent a critical-imperialism-settler-colonialism lens, our work and the school's mission statement is void of value.

'That as Israel continues to indiscriminately rain bullets and bombs on worshippers, murdering the old the young, attacking even funerals and graveyards, as it encourages lynch mobs to target Palestinian homes and businesses, as it imprisons its children, as it continues its project of settler colonialism, expelling Palestinians from their homes, carrying the ongoing Nakba that our silent - that our silence is no longer acceptable.

William Thompson (pictured) was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2016 as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CUNY

Felix V. Matos Rodriguez (pictured) has served as the eighth Chancellor of CUNY since May 2019

Mohammed (pictured) was born in Yemen and raised in Queens

But she went on to attack wide CUNY as a whole and labeled the NYPD fascist.

'We did all of this in spite of the racism, in spite of the selective activism, the self-serving interests of CUNY Central, an institution that continues to fail us, that continues to train and cooperate with the fascist NYPD, the military, that continues to train IDF soldiers to carry out that same violence globally,' she said.

CAIR-NY also noted that Mohammed had become a victim of cyberbullying and harassment by elected officials.

'Due to [the elected officials'] online targeting of her, along with the far-right media, Fatima has received death threats and a torrent of anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-immigrant threats,' read the statement.
A Coles trial of making one of its supermarkets entirely self-service by removing all the conventional checkouts has outraged a rival local grocery chain in South Australia.

The trial at a Coles outlet in Northpark, Adelaide, has been slammed by John-Paul Drake, director of Drakes Supermarkets, who said its shops will not follow suit.

'I don't know why anyone would want to put a whole shopping load through a self-scanner. There's no way I'd want to do that,' he told 7NEWS.

'We are definitely not even thinking about going 100 per cent self-scanners.'

Mr Drake, who has worked in the family business for more than three decades, said his chain wants to keep a personal connection between shoppers and staff.

A Coles trial making one of its supermarkets entirely self-service by removing all the conventional checkouts has outraged a rival local grocery chain in South Australia. A woman is pictured in a supermarket

He said what he calls the 'front end team' are the people who have the last point of contact with the customer and that communication is vital.

'When you go and speak to a checkout, it really doesn't do anything other than beep, beep, beep  does it?'

But a Coles spokeswoman said the supermarket giant made the change to help customers 'check out more quickly'.

'Self-service check-outs are a great option for customers because they offer convenience and efficiency when shopping in our stores,' she told the Advertiser.

Poll Are you in favour of supermarket checkouts becoming entirely self-service? Yes No Not sure Are you in favour of supermarket checkouts becoming entirely self-service? Yes 62 votes

No 929 votes

Not sure 11 votes Now share your opinion





She added that nobody would lose their job over the change.

Shoppers given no choice but self-service at Northpark were less convinced about the lack of choice, though.

Dennis Galea, 76, from Clearview tried it out, but was not happy with the outcome.

'It's confusing and I don't know how to do it ... I don't think I'll come back.'

Woolworths, too, has been has recently come under fire for checkout technology that's 'treating every customer as a suspect'.

Its self-service system uses cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect when items aren't scanned correctly or have not been scanned at all.

If the technology catches a customer performing a 'mis-scan', such as scanning fruit as a cheaper type, a video shows the product and they are asked to rescan it.

'While most customers do the right thing at our self-serve checkouts, we're all busy and mistakes can easily happen,' a Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'It helps reduce mis-scans and is one of a number of initiatives we've rolled out across our checkouts to make shopping more convenient and seamless.'

John-Paul Drake (pictured), director of Drakes Supermarkets in South Australia, has slammed Coles

But Samantha Floreani of the Digital Rights Watch group said the technology could make shoppers feel 'like they are constantly being watched and recorded'.

She said the checkout changes are promoted as an improvement for customers, 'But in reality, it is a punitive use of automation technology to cut costs on staffing for large corporations while treating every customer as a suspect.

'This kind of normalisation of surveillance makes space for the growing use of invasive technologies in everyday life to access everyday essential services,' said Ms Floreani.

The checkout changes were trialled at Woolworths in the Sydney suburb of Seven Hills a year ago and are now being used at more than 250 stores in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

The technology uses AI and is not viewed live by humans.

The company said faces detected are blurred when the footage is reviewed by a person so customers cannot be identified, while PIN pads are also blacked out.

The recordings are also used as a training tool for Woolworths team members.

Mis-scans can include products being left in baskets or trolleys, or items not being purchased because they're being held in the hand.

Woolworths - Australia's biggest supermarket chain - is under fire for new checkout technology that is 'treating every customer as a suspect'. Pictured is an example of what happens when a product is 'mis-scanned'

One Woolworths customer in Sydney said this had happened to him twice already.

'I was using the self-service checkout in my local Woolies and had some of the trolley cleaning wipes you get at the entrance in my hand.

'Suddenly on the screen, a message flashed up asking if I'd forgotten to pay for something. I had to get a staff member to press some buttons to allow me to continue,' he said.

'It happened a second time when I had a bag from another shop in my trolley and the screen again asked me if I'd forgotten to pay for something. It's very embarrassing.'

Coles has been approached for comment.
Parents' rights organizations including Florida-based Moms for Liberty are the latest to be added to a list of 'hate and anti-government groups.'

A new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center has added it, among others, to their 'Hate Map' as part of the release of their 'Year In Hate and Extremism 2022' report.

In previous years, groups to be included on the list were akin to neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan the addition of anti-government groups the list has increased from 733 'hate groups' in 2021 to 1225 'hate and anti-government extremist groups' for 2022.

Moms for Liberty was founded in early 2021 by conservative women in Florida, has quickly expanded its presence across the country.

It has landed national media attention for its efforts to fight COVID safety measures in schools, ban books, limit discussion about race and LGBTQ identities and populate local school boards with conservatives.

Moms of Liberty co-founders Tiffany Justice (left) and Tina Descovich (right) blasted the decision to label their organization as a 'hate group' by the Southern Poverty Law Center

A new report from SPLC added Moms for Liberty - among 11 others - to their 'Hate Map' as part of the release of their 'Year In Hate and Extremism 2022' report

According to the new SPLC report schools have been on the 'receiving end of ramped-up and coordinated hard-right attacks.'

Parental rights groups appear to have had an exponential growth according to SPLC 'spurred by the right-wing backlash to COVID-19 public safety measures.'

They've been described to have 'grown into an anti-student inclusion movement that targets any inclusive curriculum that contains discussions of race, discrimination and LGBTQ identities.'

'At the forefront of this mobilization is Moms for Liberty, a Florida-based group with vast connections to the GOP that this year the SPLC designated as an extremist group,' the report reads.

'They can be spotted at school board meetings across the country wearing shirts and carrying signs that declare, 'We do NOT CO-PARENT with the GOVERNMENT.'

'The group hijacks meetings, preventing officials and parents from conducting their normal proceedings.'

The report goes on to claim that groups like Moms for Liberty have 'similar rallying cries' to those who 'opposed school desegregation.'

'Galvanizing supporters around supposed 'parental rights' and 'family values' is nothing new  similar rallying cries were adopted by those who opposed school desegregation during the civil rights movement and by the Moral Majority of the 1980s,' it said.

Moms for Liberty was founded in early 2021 by conservative women in Florida, has quickly expanded its presence across the country

Moms for Liberty landed national media attention for its efforts to fight COVID safety measures in schools, ban books, limit discussion about race and LGBTQ identities and populate local school boards with conservatives

'These political slogans have been used repeatedly because they are effective, framing the organizing of far-right activists as something done solely out of real concern for children.'

It added: 'But Moms for Liberty activities make it clear that the group's primary goals are to fuel right-wing hysteria and to make the world a less comfortable or safe place for certain students  primarily those who are Black, LGBTQ or who come from LGBTQ families.'

President and CEO of the SPLC and SPLC Action Fund, Margaret Huang, celebrated the report as a way of 'taking on' and 'exposing' extremists.

'Taking on the most hateful factions in our country is critical to dismantling white supremacy and advancing the civil rights of all people,' Huang said.

'We are exposing a concerted effort by hate groups and extremist actors to terrorize communities and gain control of public institutions by any means necessary.

'These groups are descending on Main Street America and disrupting people's daily lives, too often with dire consequences for communities of color, Jewish people, and the LGBTQ+ community.'

The SPLC is one of the most widely recognized research organizations tracking hate and extremism in the United States.

But have been criticized for designating some groups as extremists when they're merely taking a political position.

Moms of Liberty co-founders Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich blasted the decision to label their organization as a 'hate group' and told Fox News that they're dedicated to empowering parents.

President and CEO of the SPLC and SPLC Action Fund, Margaret Huang, celebrated the report as a way of 'taking on' and 'exposing' extremists

'Two-thirds of Americans think the public education system is on the wrong track today. That is why our organization is devoted to empowering parents to be a part of their child's public school education,' they said in the statement.

'That is our fundamental goal, which began just two years ago when teacher's unions locked students out of schools during the pandemic.

'Empowering parents continues to be our mission today and that has fueled our organization's growth - like wildfire to now 45 states in the country.'

The co-founders went on to say that 'name-calling' parents who want to be part of their children's education as 'hate groups' or 'bigoted' further exposes 'what the battle is all about.'

'Who fundamentally gets to decide what is taught to our kids in school - parents or government employees?' they said.

'We believe that parental rights do not stop at the classroom door and no amount of hate from groups like this is going to stop that.'

Moms for Liberty joins 11 other right-wing parents rights' groups in the annual report.
The boyfriend of a mother who died in a horror crash alongside her two sons and nephew moments after he allegedly 'broke into her home and threatened her' has been slapped with additional domestic-violence related charges.

Tania Murphy, 36, was driving along Research Road in Yanco, near Leeton in southern NSW, on April 4 when her car smashed into a telegraph pole and rolled down an embankment.

The mum-of-six and all of her passengers - her sons Nathaniel, 11, Jeremiah, 10, and 12-year-old nephew Malakai Murphy - were killed instantly.

Ms Murphy's partner Dean Cluney, 32, who also uses the surname Ingram, was charged the following day with a string of domestic violence offences police will allege took place in the lead up to the tragedy.

On Thursday, police announced Cluney - who has remained in custody since his arrest - had been charged with allegedly choking a teenage girl around a month before the crash.

Tania Murphy (pictured, centre), 36, was driving with her two sons and her nephew when she crashed her car into a telegraph pole and rolled it into an embankment

Rescue workers at the scene of the tragic crash near Leeton on April 5

Police will allege they were called to a Yanco home on Cudgel Street - the same street where Ms Murphy lived - about 12am on Thursday March 9 after Cluney allegedly assaulted and threatened an 18-year-old girl.

After extensive inquiries, detectives visited Cluney at Junee Correctional Centre on Wednesday and charged him with choking, assault and stalking.

He is due to appear in Griffith Local Court later on Thursday for both the fresh and existing charges.

Court documents previously obtained by Daily Mail Australia reveal allege Cluney committed domestic violence acts at Ms Murphy's home sometime in the 10 minutes before she crashed her car 3km away.

Cluney allegedly kicked in the back door of Ms Murphy's home sometime between 11.09 and 11.20pm on April 4 before stalking or trying to intimidate his former partner and a young girl, who is believed to be a child.

He has been charged with two counts of stalking with intent to cause harm, and one count of aggravated break and enter in relation to that alleged incident.

Dean Cluney (pictured) was hit with additional charges behind bars on Wednesday

Nathaniel, 11, (left) and his brother Jeremiah, 10, (right) died in the crash with their mother, Tania Murphy, and her nephew Malakai Murphy

Cluney's mother Wendy Chattaway, 50, was also arrested as part of initial police investigations into the crash but was released without charge.

The quadruple fatality rocked the tight-knit community, with close friend Tania Ingram remembered Ms Murphy and the boys as 'four shining stars'.

'I can still hear her infectious laugh - she just made you happy just being around her,' Ms Ingram wrote at the time.

'She just didnt realise she deserved more and could do so much better then she had. Such a sad, tragic loss. We are struggling with loosing such a beautiful woman and those beautiful, cheeky boys.'

Another friend said the impact of the four deaths would impact the community 'for a very long time'.

'Its just such devastation for so many people and for what? Like, why? Its just unnecessary,' they wrote.
A teenager who allegedly stole a car from a father after threatening him has reportedly taken to social media to mock police after he was released on bail.

Queensland Police allege the 17-year-old and another male approached Angelo Justos in his Audi A3 at Bulimba, in Brisbane, at about 2:20pm on Sunday.

Mr Justos was reversing out of his driveway when the duo allegedly told him to get out of the car while brandishing a shovel and knife.

The pair then allegedly took the car and dumped it about 15 minutes away in Stones Corner before stealing other cars.

The 17-year-old was arrested at a home in Gleneagle on Tuesday night and charged with a slew of offences.

One count each of armed robbery, possessing dangerous drugs and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle were among the charges.

He was released on bail after appearing in Brisbane Children's Court on Wednesday despite police opposing the bid.

Soon after being released, he was reportedly mocking police by posting images to social media app Snapchat.

A teenager accused of a violent carjacking has reportedly taken to social media app Snapchat to mock police within hours of him being released on bail (pictured)

In his posts he claims he is innocent of the crime and had described his arrest footage as 'cute'.

Police released bodycam footage of the moment he was arrested while a woman could be heard wailing in the background.

One of the Snapchat images reportedly shows the teen holding up a peace sign while claiming police had no evidence, Courier Mail reported.

'DW (Don't worry) guys daddy is out just getting harraised for nothing no evidence no CCTV no nothing (sic),' the post reads.

'That's a cute video guys ... F**k QPS (Queensland Police Service),' a second post reads.

Mr Justus said he and his family were more 'upset' seeing the social media posts than they were the day his car was allegedly stolen.

'We were slowly trying to get back to a normal life and the amount of anxiety it created last evening looking at the visuals just horrified me,' he said.

'Its a huge let-down. It makes me even more anxious about how this is going to all go. I think more people are going to suffer.'

The teenager and another male allegedly blocked Mr Justus' driveway and approached him wearing balaclavas while wielding a knife and a shovel.

Mr Justus claimed three others stayed in the car while the duo yelled at him to get out of the vehicle.

The 17-year-old was arrested two days following the incident with footage showing the moment he was escorted out of the house by police.

'You are under arrest at the moment, you have got multiple warrants out and youre wanted for questioning as well for burglary,' an officer said.

The 17-year-old was arrested on Tuesday night after he allegedly stole an Audi A3 from a man while he was reversing out of his driveway on Sunday night

He was granted bail on Wednesday after facing Brisbane Children's Court, and within hours he was proclaiming his innocence and describing his arrest footage as 'cute'

Police opposed the teenager be granted bail due to the 'violent' nature of his alleged crimes and are appealing the decision by the court to let him walk free.

'We have an avenue to appeal ... if the court doesn't support our position,' acting chief superintendent Andrew Plotto said.

'If we're not happy we will use the special prosecutor, we have on this occasion.'

They are also still looking for the teenager's alleged accomplice in the crime who is known by police.

'We know your name, we are out actively hunting you,' Plotto said.

'I'd ask you (to) go into a police station, announce yourself, and we'll take you into custody and deal with you quickly and fairly.'

Anyone with information for police is urger to contact contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
A woman has been slammed online after she was filmed riding an e-scooter with a young child across a busy road - an illegal act that has sparked fierce debate on social media.

Vision of the woman with the child on the purple electric scooter was taken as they crossed the intersection of Liverpool and Barrack Streets in Hobart on Monday.

City of Hobart Councillor Louise Elliott happened to film the pair slowly crossing the road on the device and posted it to social media.

'I'm all for individual choice and responsibility but this is not cool. Actually, it's really cool to the point that there's frost on the ground,' she said on social media.

'The streets were frosty and especially dangerous, I don't want to see this viewed as acceptable.

The woman with the child (pictured) on the purple electric scooter was taken as they crossed the intersection of Liverpool and Barrack Streets in Hobart on Monday

'I watched them get on [I was too far away to say anything] and looked like they'd definitely done this before.'

The pair slowly rode across the street with a large black backpack hanging off the front of the bike - but stopped awkwardly when they reached the footpath.

They then appeared to lose some control over the scooter as the backpack was tossed about - forcing the bike to manoeuvre towards busy Liverpool Road.

Both were seen placing a foot on the ground to get their balance back on track before moving on.

'I was really worried about the little kid ... [the e-scooters are] heavy and hard to manoeuvre and it was slippery as,' Cr Elliott said.

'I just don't want to see kids hurt or killed or the mum to cop a big fine.'

Operating a personal mobility device (PMD) - which includes e-scooters and e-skateboards - is tightly regulated across the country and attracts heavy fines.

The woman in the vision could cop two $135.75 fines under Tassie law for not wearing a securely fitted helmet and for riding with another person on a PMD.

The post went viral on social media drawing fiery debate as some accused the councillor of 'crossing the line' and for being a 'nanny state' advocate.

'Youve crossed a line here posting your video ... You dont know her circumstances,' one woman said.

'It's dangerous and illegal and I was concerned for both of their safety, especially the young child's,' the councillor shot back.

'I [have] seen first-hand horrific and life-changing injuries from these hire e-scooters in Hobart.'

'Please dont turn into a proponent of a nanny state. Shame on you,' another critic fired at her.

Cr Elliot told Daily Mail Australia she was happy to cop criticism for being a 'nanny'.

'I'd rather discourage dangerous behaviour than say nothing,' she said.

The cancer survivor and mum of two said she knows how precious life is.

'Maybe I worry too much but ... given these are hire e-scooters allowed by the Hobart City Council - that I'm a member of - I felt compelled to say something,' she said.

Meanwhile, another commenter agreed with Cr Elliott.

'It is unsafe and illegal to ride the scooters like that. Unsafe for the child and the mum who are unrecognisable in the clip,' they said.

But others praised the woman on the bike while taking aim at the authorities.

'Go Mumma! What a legend,' one wrote.

'Leave them alone ... we are all struggling with the costs of living,' another said.

'Look back over the years of no seatbelts or a bassinet in the back of a car was all good enough. Well done mum for making the effort to get the kid to school.'

'I think the mum is capable of making the safety call and its not good to shame her and her child on social media,' one Tasmanian said.

'Your "obey the rules" mentality is the slippery slope to serfdom,' another person said, while another told Cr Elliot to 'mind youre own business'.

'It's exactly my business. I don't want to see deaths, especially of a young child, from dangerous and illegal behaviour,' the councillor said.

'If you never did things like this as a child then you didn't have childhood,' another argued.

Cr Elliott hit out at those who played down the 'illegal' act.

'The number of people who have said there's no issue proves how much more education needs to be done,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'There's no problem until someone gets badly hurt or killed I don't want that on my conscience.

'Everyone makes mistakes and no one's perfect but this is clearly dangerous and illegal.'

PMD users in Tasmania can ride up to 25km/h along bike lanes, shared paths and roads where the speed limit is no more than 50km/h.

The speed limit on footpaths is 15km/hr and riders are not allowed to carry another person on the bike or an animal.

Beam Mobility which hires out e-scooters in the City of Hobart agreed with Cr Elliot.

'The photograph of the rider presented by Councillor Elliott is clearly in breach of two Tasmanian Government regulations,' a Beam spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'[These] are also reflected in Beam's terms and conditions of use: namely, riding with a passenger and not wearing a helmet.'

The spokesperson said Beam operates a strict 'three-strikes' policy for breaches of the riding rules.

'A first offence results in engagement with the rider by our team, and they are reminded of the correct behaviour,' their statement said.

The pair appear to lose some control over the device once they get to the pavement - forcing the bike to manoeuvre towards busy Liverpool Road (pictured)

City of Hobart Councillor Louise Elliott (pictured) said she feared for the safety of the child and adult on the bike amid Hobart's frosty morning roads that were 'slippery as'

PMD users in Tasmania can ride up to 25km/h along bike lanes, shared paths and roads where the speed limit is no more than 50km/h

'A second offence results in a further reminder and advice a third offence will result in suspension of the rider's account.

'A third offence results in suspension.'

More serious offences, such as intoxicated and/or dangerous riding are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and may result in immediate suspension, the spokesperson added.

'We encourage members of the public to report instances such as these to Tasmanian Police and to Beam so that community safety is maintained,' they said.

Tasmanian Police told Daily Mail Australia people are reminded to use e-scooters responsibly.
Australians who display Nazi insignia will face up to a year in jail as a new ban on the fascist symbols is brought in - but the Hitler salute will not be outlawed.

The federal government will introduce new legislation to parliament next week banning the Hakenkreuz or swastika symbol, along with the insignia of the Schutzstaffel (SS) - the paramilitary wing of the Nazi party.

The Australia-wide ban will outlaw the display of these symbols on flags, armbands, clothing, and will extend to posting the insignia online.

The federal government cannot prohibit Nazi salutes, as that falls under the jurisdiction of states and territories.

A new ban on Nazi insignia is set for Australia which will include flags, armbands, T-shirts, and will extend to posting the symbols online (stock image)

But under the new legislation Nazi salutes will not be captured under the prohibition as they fall under the jurisdiction of the states and territories (pictured, Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell at an anti-trans protest in Melbourne in March)

Selling Nazi memorabilia will be made an offence, and will be banned in retail and online stores.

The proposed law will not prevent private ownership, including items taken as war souvenirs, or artefacts displayed in museums.

But anyone seeking to pass on items will not be allowed to accept payment in return.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, whose Jewish father George fled Nazi Germany, said the new laws will send a strong message about the 'evil symbols'.

'There is no place in Australia for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust,' he said.

'The Albanese government is sending the clearest possible signal to those who seek to spread hatred, violence and anti-Semitism that we find these actions repugnant and they will not be tolerated.'

Executive Council of Australian Jewry chief executive Peter Wertheim welcomed the move, but was concerned that fascist groups will get around the legislation by using other symbols associated with the Nazi regime such as the death's head and sun wheel.

'We have urged the government to review the legislation periodically so that if our concerns are borne out, the prohibitions may in due course be extended to the display of other Nazi symbols,' he said.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus (pictured) said the new laws will send a strong message to those seeking to profit from the 'evil symbols' or use them to promote hatred

Mr Wertheim said the council was also worried about the lack of any prohibitions on the performance of Nazi gestures such as the salute.

'This will leave a gap that will need to be filled by state and territory legislation,' he said.

Displaying symbols for religious, educational, or artistic purposes are among a range of exclusions from the ban.

It will not affect the use of the swastika for people observing Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - the original symbol from which the Nazi flag was derived.

Mr Dreyfus said the government had been responsible in taking the time to get the bill right, describing it as 'well-targeted and effective'.

Labor MP Josh Burns, who is Jewish, said recent demonstrations of the Nazi salute outside Victorian parliament showed the need to act on the laws.

'To see the displays in our city and outside our parliament of these neo-Nazi thugs, parading with a sort of renewed brazen confidence, was really confronting,' he told Sky News.

'What has happened since is the governments around the country have really been galvanised into finding the laws and ensuring that this sort of brazen display of neo-Nazism can't happen in Australia.'
The dad said the school ignored his son's complaints of bullying for months

Gianlukas 'Lukas' Illescas of Westchester, New York died on May 25

Police are investigating the possible suicide of a 10-year-old New York boy who was bullied so badly he didn't want to go to school for several months.

Gianlukas 'Lukas' Illescas, from Westchester, died by asphyxiation on May 25 after what his dad said was months of taunting that went completely ignored by Hillcrest Elementary officials.

Christian Illescas, Lukas' father, appeared alongside other distraught parents on Tuesday to call out the school district for not listening to their concerns.

'You didn't have time? Five minutes,' the grieving father asked, sharing that he had reached out for help. 'I don't know how you can sleep. I don't know how.'

Family members said that prior to Lukas' death, the 10-year-old boy had begged to allow him to miss school, they told local media outlets.

Police are investigating the suicide of 10-year-old Gianlukas 'Lukas' Illescas who was reportedly bullied so badly he didn't want to go to school for several months

Christian Illescas, Lukas' father, appeared alongside other distraught parents at a Tuesday school board meeting t0 call out the district for not listening to their concerns

In a post shared on Tuesday, the Peekskill Police Department's chief confirmed they are looking into the 'tragic' death of the young boy

In a post shared on Tuesday, the Peekskill Police Department's chief confirmed they are looking into the 'tragic' death of the young boy.

'This tragic event is still actively being investigated, and no definitive conclusions have been made,' Chief Leo Dylweski shared.

'Please continue to support the Illescas family during this difficult time,' he wrote.

The post did not stop dozens of angry parents and family members from showing up to Tuesday's school board meeting to demand answers.

At one point, Lukas' father took the podium and yelled at school board members while showing a picture of his son on his phone.

'Look! Look!' the father pleaded with to the board members passionately.

Other parents stepped in to back up the father and voice their own concerns over their children's safety at the school and in the district.

'All these parents are here. There are witnesses,' one mother said.

'And we are not taking that anymore. A 10-year-old child had to suffer because of negligence? Because you didn't take time?' she continued.

Local families piled into the meeting and stood outside wearing tee-shirts with the boy's face on them and holding signs reading 'Justice For Lukas.'

The Westchester Medical Examiner ruled that Lukas' cause of death was accidental asphyxiation.

Family members said that prior to Lukas' death, the 10-year-old boy had begged his family members to allow him to miss school, they told local media outlets

Dozens of angry parents and family members showed up to Tuesday's school board meeting to demand answers from the district in regard to Lukas' death and his bullying

Local families piled into the meeting and stood outside wearing tee-shirts with the boy's face on them and holding signs reading 'Justice For Lukas'

A sign outside of the Peekskill City Schools' building reads: 'We are a caring school community'

A GoFundMe was started by Christian and seeks to help cover the cost of Lukas' funeral and other memorial plans.

Since going online on May 29, the fundraiser has brought in over $14,000.

Several people who have donated have left comments sharing their heartbreak over Lukas' death and the situation surrounding it.

'I am so sorry for the loss of you Beautiful Boy,' one person wrote. 'I remember his smile from school shows. I can only send you hope and love to make it through these difficult days without him.'

Family members who spoke with WABC said they will remember Lukas as a loving and energetic boy who shared his light with the world.

'He was waking up at 5:30 in the morning every day to give me a kiss before I go to work,' his father told ABC News.

'When I was coming, he was waiting for me at the station. He loved to swim,' he said.

Christian said he could see the change in Lukas' once the bullying began and now he is just looking for justice for his son and protections for other children.

'I have nothing to lose. My son is gone. So, all I want now is justice for other kids,' Christian told the local outlet.

'I have nothing to lose. My son is gone. So, all I want now is justice for other kids,' Christian said

Family members who spoke with WABC said they will remember Lukas (pictured) as a loving and energetic boy who shared his light with the world

'All these parents are here. There are witnesses,' one angry mother said during the meeting

In a letter to the school community, the Peekskill School District superintendent said he is aware of the situation and is working diligently to address concerns.

'I believe it is important for me to respond to allegations of inappropriate behaviors in our schools,' wrote Dr. David Mauricio. 'As a district, we work closely with our students and families to address inappropriate behaviors.'

'We are carefully reviewing school records, communications, and any other interactions to ensure allegations of misconduct are responded to properly and in a timely manner,' Mauricio continued.
Sky News Australia host Sharri Markson has joined the chorus questioning why the government rushed to pay Brittany Higgins 'millions of dollars' in compensation following her rape allegation that was never proven.

Ms Higgins received a multi-million dollar payout for her personal injury claim against the Commonwealth over her treatment after her alleged rape, following mediation talks in December which lasted just one day.

As questions mount about the role of senior Labor figures in politicising the rape accusation, there are also renewed queries over the apparent haste of the government to finalise a financial deal with Ms Higgins.

The payout was settled without even hearing from key witnesses, such as her employer at the time, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.

Both the payout, and leaked texts about the Higgins matter have turned into a political nightmare for the Albanese government this week.

The texts show people around Ms Higgins - her boyfriend David Sharaz and journalist Lisa Wilkinson - boasting of having the assistance of senior Labor figures (including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) in turning the rape accusation against the previous Morrison government.

Explosive texts between Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz have now revealed the pair plotted how they would 'f*** over' then-PM Scott Morrison.

'Just wait,' Ms Higgins messaged Mr Sharaz. 'We've got him.' Mr Sharaz replied: 'I still hate the c***.'

Now Ms Markson has demanded: 'The question is why was Brittany Higgins paid millions of dollars reportedly, in relation to claims that were never proven in court?'

Explosive texts between Brittany Higgins and her boyfriend David Sharaz (pictured together) have now revealed the pair plotted how they would 'f*** over' then-PM Scott Morrison

Senator Reynolds (pictured with Scott Morrison in 2019) said she plans to flag the settlement to the new federal anti-corruption commission, saying the speed of the process raises concerns about 'fairness'.

'Just wait,' Brittany Higgins messaged boyfriend David Sharaz in the text messages. 'We've got him.' Mr Sharaz replied: 'I still hate the c***'

On her show on Wednesday, she added: 'People seem to forget this is ultimately taxpayer money that has been paid.

'It's curious why Labour's so keen to avoid transparency here.'

Ms Reynolds has said she will demand the deal is probed by the new National Anti-Corruption Commission.

She's accused Mr Albanese, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus of a serious 'potential conflict of interest' in voicing their support for Ms Higgins when the compensation matter was being decided.

Ms Reynolds said she would be 'raising serious questions about how this significant sum of public money was determined and allocated' in an 'unusually swift' manner.

Ms Higgins was a Liberal political staffer for Ms Reynolds and alleged fellow staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped her in Ms Reynolds' office after a boozy night out in 2019.

Mr Lehrmann has strenuously denied all the allegations and his rape trial was abandoned because of juror misconduct in October 2022.

All charges against Mr Lehrmann were later dropped completely over concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health on December 2.

Two days later it was revealed Ms Higgins was suing Ms Reynolds, former Attorney-General Michaelia Cash - who she worked for after the alleged rape - and the Commonwealth for $3million.

Her lawyers said Ms Higgins had suffered sexual harassment, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence and victimisation.

She was claiming $2.5 million for future economic loss, past economic loss approaching $100,000, general damages of $100,000, future assistance with domestic duties of some $200,000, and past and future out-of-pocket expenses of a further $150,000 approximately.

Less than 10 days later, it was revealed the Commonwealth had settled the case on December 13 after the first day of mediation, without a court hearing.

The final payout figure was kept confidential under the terms of the deal although Ms Higgins denies she was awarded the full $3million she had been demanding.

But now Ms Reynolds is questioning why the pay off deal was agreed without even speaking to her or including her at mediation talks.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) has fiercely denied colluding with Ms Higgins while in Opposition to 'weaponise' the accusations and damage Scott Morrison's Coalition government

Four days before Ms Higgins' allegations went public Mr Sharaz wrote of how Senator Katy Gallagher (pictured left) was 'really invested' in the saga. Labor's attorney-general Mark Dreyfus (right) finalised the deal after allegedly excluding Ms Reynolds and Ms Cash from the process

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus finalised the deal after excluding any testimony from Ms Reynolds or Ms Cash from the process.

'I was initially granted legal assistance to defend the civil claim made by Ms Higgins against me (as well as Senator Cash and the Commonwealth),' said Ms Reynolds in a statement.

'But, on December 6, 2022, I was advised that the Commonwealth has a discretion to control the conduct of my defence and that the Attorney-General had decided to exercise that discretion.

'The result of this was that the Attorney-General did not want me to attend the mediation or make any public comments about the mediation or the civil claim made by Ms Higgins.

'This raises further questions about the fairness, transparency and impartiality of the entire process.'

Questions over the handling of the compensation payment come as Opposition leader Peter Dutton demands the PM comes clean on why it was settled so quickly, and to disclose what conversations he had with Ms Higgins or people acting on her behalf.

'It's clear some people haven't been telling the truth,' Mr Dutton told 2GB's Ray Hadley.

'The Prime Minister obviously has to front up and provide a true factual explanation of whats going on here because there are different accounts.

'It seems that some of that may be conflicting now. So I think the prime minister just needs to be honest.'

Daily Mail Australia revealed Mr Sharaz boasted of his friendship with Labor Senator Katy Gallagher and planned to brief her to ask questions in Parliament.

Earlier leaked texts showed Ms Wilkinson had boasted that she could call upon her contacts with Mr Albanese and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to get the Higgins matter raised in parliament as a way to attack Mr Morrison's government.

On April 16, 2021, two months after Ms Higgins' claims were made public, Mr Sharaz texted Ms Higgins saying: 'So Albo gave me his number  he just came in to do the breakfast show  and says if you meet with Scomo to let him know and he'll fly to Canberra to be there if you want to meet with him too.'

Ms Higgins replied: 'For sure. I have no qualms meeting with Albo.'

Six days later, Mr Sharaz wrote: 'Friday 9am with Albo locked in at CPO. Details to come Tanya [Plibersek] too.'

On Thursday, the PM hit back at suggestions of impropriety in the handling of the compensation agreement and role played by the Finance Minister, as well as trying to distance himself from Ms Higgins.

'I have absolute confidence in Senator Gallagher,' Mr Albanese said.

'I had not met Brittany Higgins until I met her publicly - publicly - on the same day that she met Scott Morrison.'

As the compensation deal is set to be examined by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, he said he would not comment further.

'It could be regarded as an entirely inappropriate action by the Prime Minister or any other politician to try to direct the Anti-Corruption Commission into what to do,' he said.

An ACT Board of Inquiry led by Justice Walter Sofronoff is currently underway in Canberra to probe the investigation and failed prosecution of Mr Lehrmann.

The questions come after Daily Mail Australia revealed Mr Sharaz boasted of his friendship with ACT Labor senator Katy Gallagher and planned to brief her to ask questions in Parliament

New leaked text messages between Brittany Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz (pictured together) appear to suggest that Anthony Albanese and other Labor heavyweights had 'direct contact' with the couple as part of a plot to publicise her alleged sexual assault inside Parliament House

The leaked texts between Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz read: 'You may as well feed everything you have to Katy.' Mr Sharaz added in another text exchange: 'She's pretty savage politically.'

Ms Gallagher is now Finance Minister but has insisted she had nothing to do with the final compensation claim deal.

Four days before Ms Higgins' allegations went public Mr Sharaz wrote to her of how Sen. Gallagher was 'really invested' in the saga.

'Katy Gallagher messaged me. She's angry and wants to help.'

Now, Sen. Gallagher was trying to downplay her role both in the compensation agreement and the political efforts to attack the previous Morrison government.

'In relation to a settlement or a compensation package in relation to Ms Higgins and that I had absolutely no role in that at all, and I think thats all I need to say,' she told ABC's Radio National this week.

One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts has been looking into Ms Higgins' compensation deal and said he had been stonewalled by Sen. Gallagher's office.

'She was stifling me,' senator Roberts told Sharri Markson on Sky News Australia.

'She was trying to suppress, she was trying to dodge. They were just wanting me to shut up and go away.

'I'm not going to go away on this.'

He said the case needed to be investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission after the settlement was made before court papers had even been filed.

'We also need to note that the such a payment is only made if a government thinks that a verdict is likely to go against the government,' he said.

'There's no claim laid. How can they make any assessment like that?'

He added: 'We've got the Sofronoff inquiry going on and he's a very, very capable judge and lawyer. So we'll wait for that and we'll see what happens.

'But I think there's definitely some very serious questions to be asked here.'

Senator Malcolm Roberts (pictured) claimed he has been stonewalled in his bid to find out more about Ms Higgins' compensation deal

Mr Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to raping Ms Higgins at his criminal trial in October last year.

The case however was abandoned after a jury member brought unauthorised material to the jury room.

A second trial was set to go ahead in February but the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold discontinued the matter citing the 'significant and unacceptable' risk to Ms Higgins' mental health.
The Canadian wildfires that sent a thick blanket of smoke down America's East Coast have been raging for at least six weeks, destroying 12,741sq miles of forest and land, and prompting thousands to be evacuated from their homes.

Now, many have argued that the blazes and ensuing smoke-choke could have been avoided with better forest management.

They say too few controlled burns are being performed to clear the forest of flammable surplus.

Smoke is seen billowing from the Donnie Creek Complex fire, south of Fort Nelson, British Columbia, on June 3

Smoke billows upwards from a planned ignition by firefighters tackling the Donnie Creek Complex wildfire south of Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada June 3, 2023

In 2020, four scientists wrote a paper published in Progress in Disaster Science in which they said not enough money was being spent by Canada on managing forests.

'Wildfire management agencies in Canada are at a tipping point,' they wrote. 'Presuppression and suppression costs are increasing but program budgets are not.'

In July 2021, the editorial board of Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper warned that more needed to be done to hold controlled burns, and reduce the problem of out-of-control wildfires.

But others say that climate change is directly responsible, due to the warming planet.

A swimmer in Cameron Lake in front of the Cameron Bluffs wildfire near Port Alberni, British Columbia, on Tuesday

Canada had an extremely dry and snow-free winter, which has left all 10 provinces currently facing conditions termed abnormal dryness, moderate or severe drought, according to the Canadian government's drought tracker.

In June 2021, Canada experienced its hottest day ever when the town of Lytton, in British Columbia, hit 121 degrees Fahrenheit, smashing the previous record of 113 degrees.

It tied California's Death Valley as the hottest place in North America that day. And this year, the wildfire season has begun incredibly early.

More than 1,400 percent of the normal amount of acres has burned for this time of the year - 8.7 million acres so far in 2023, an area the size of Vermont. In an average year, 6.2 million acres will burn due to wildfires.

Dry, hot weather also breeds more lightning. Half of Canada's wildfires are started by lightning; the other half by humans.

Lightning-sparked fires are more destructive than human-caused, however: they account for more than 85 percent of wildfire destruction.

Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, tweeted: 'This wildfire season has already been devastating for communities across the country.

'We're taking action to keep people safe, to support those affected, and to make sure the provinces and territories have the assistance they need.'

Huge swathes of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec are currently ablaze, as well as British Columbia.

Smog hangs low over the George Washington bridge in New York on Wednesday

A water bomber is seen over Port Alberni, British Columbia, on Tuesday

A helicopter waterbomber drops water onto the Cameron Bluffs in British Columbia on Tuesday

All 10 provinces in Canada are currently affected by abnormally dry conditions, thanks to an exceptionally dry winter

On Wednesday, Joe Biden said that the United States was sending firefighters to help.

'We've deployed more than 600 U.S. firefighters, support personnel, and equipment to support Canada as they respond to record wildfires  events that are intensifying because of the climate crisis,' he tweeted.

Donald Trump repeatedly blamed wildfires on poor land management rather than seeing it as an effect of climate change.

Wildfires are not started by climate change, and naturally occur. But the changing climate, with drier conditions, provides more kindling and makes their impact more severe.

Some scientists believe rising global temperatures can affect the jet stream's flow, making it weaker. That allows air to sit stagnant for longer, and heat up.

Canada's natural resources agency says climate change could potentially double the amount of area burned by the end of this century.

For Canada, that means a possible problem for the timber industry, as well as destruction of valuable ecosystems.

The Canadian government on Monday said the outlook for the rest of 2023 was deeply troubling, with the fires expected to worsen.

'Current June projections indicate the potential for continued higher-than-normal fire activity across most of the country throughout the 2023 wildland fire season due to ongoing drought and long-range forecasts for warm temperatures,' they said.

'For June, warm and dry conditions will increase wildfire risk in most of Canada from British Columbia and Yukon eastward into western Quebec and the Atlantic region.

'During July, wildfire potential is expected to expand into Yukon, although the eastern edge will recede from western Quebec into central Ontario.'

Dramatic time-lapse shows wildfire smoke consume the NYC skyline - as cities from Chicago to DC are engulfed in toxic cloud that has prompted stay-at home warnings for MILLIONS

An incredible time-lapse video shows the moment that New York City became engulfed by glowing orange smog caused by 400 Canadian wildfires.

The footage shows a view of the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan slowly becoming almost impossible to see over four hours.

Images initially show a grey and slightly opaque smoke over the city, which quickly descends into a bright orange haze from 11am to 2pm on Wednesday.

A sheet of smoke from the wildfires first descended on New York on Tuesday before thickening throughout the afternoon.

It quickly left those in Manhattan unable to see the New Jersey skyline across the Hudson River - sparking air quality alerts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia and the Carolinas.

NEW YORK

In the morning of June 7 the sky was covered in a thick greys mog, which quickly turned orange as tourists tried in vain to see the sights on the Rockefeller Centre

The Statue of Liberty also quickly became engulfed and barely visible because of the hazardous smog

Big Apple residents have been advised to remain indoors while the smoke envelops the city

The smoky yellow haze enveloped the city and is forecast to linger into the coming days

An orange mist blanketed the entire city Wednesday as health officials warned against exposure to the pollution

In the Big Apple, Mayor Eric Adams urged people to stay inside as the smog hit, as the FAA grounded flights from LaGuardia Airport and Newark Airport.

Adams urged vulnerable residents to be cautious amid the crisis, as he also blamed climate change for the yellow skies.

'This may be the first time we've experienced something like this on this magnitude,' he said. 'Let me be clear, it's not the last.'

Manhattanites were barely able to see the Statue of Liberty across the Hudson River due to the poor visibility

The city briefly topped the list of the metros with the worst air pollution in the world, overtaking the Indian capital of Delhi

A man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, N.J., Wednesday, June 7, 2023

The acrid smoke pictured covering buildings in the Bronx borough of New York City

WASHINGTON DC

Washington DC was covered in the smog throughout Wednesday, and it is expected to continue to linger for several days

A view of smoky sky as air quality fell to dangerous levels due to Canada's wildfires, according to reports

DC's deteriorating air quality was shared with a 'code red' by the National Weather Service

Residents in Washington reported seeing a grey veil shrouding the city on what should have been a blue-sky day

Abraham Lincoln's memorial building was as busy as ever despite the high levels of smoke and smog

Residents in Washington reported seeing a grey veil shrouding the city on what should have been a blue-sky day.

Those in DC will see the smog hang around for a few more days, with pupils in schools being told to remain indoors throughout the day.

A school administrator in Chevy Chase said: 'Many staff and parents are concerned about the wildfires in Canada and the resulting poor air quality that we are experiencing here.'

CHICAGO

Many are calling for the Yankees and White Sox game to be called off because of the air quality alerts

The Chicago White Sox still traveled to the New York Yankees for a game in the Bronx, with many describing the scenes as post-apocalyptic

High ozone levels in Chicago, combined with the smoke from the wildfires, which led to air quality alerts on Monday, with the smoke across the city dissipating slowly by Wednesday.

The Chicago White Sox still traveled to the New York Yankees for a game in the Bronx, with many describing the scenes as post-apocalyptic.

PHILADELPHIA

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline are shrouded in haze

Masons work despite the hazy conditions in Philadelphia, caused by the 400 wildfires in Canada

Philadelphia is filled with smoke amid large wildfires burning across Canada

A jogger checks her phone as the skyline of Philadelphia is seen to be covered in a thick smog

The smoke that hit Philadelphia is likely to remain due to the persistent wind blowing through the north, with the air quality alert hitting a 'Code Red'.

Smoke from a fire in the Bass River State Forest last week and another in Nova Scotia also blew down smog, which has now combined with the 400 wildfires to cover the area.

Tuesday night, local 911 centers received calls from residents who reported smelling smoke and others who reported respiratory distress.

DETROIT

But by the afternoon the air quality was improving  as Detroit had dropped to the No. 13 worst air quality in the world

As of Wednesday Morning, Detroit had the second-worst air quality on Earth, before being overtaken by New York.

But by the afternoon the air quality was improving  as Detroit had dropped to the No. 13 worst air quality in the world.
Google has told workers on the East Coast to work from home as wildfires continued to smother New York City and other cities.

In a memo, the tech giant said due to the ongoing smoke shrouding the north east they would be advising staff to stay home.

In a notice seen by CNBC, the company said: 'We are advising Googlers to work from home if possible, and limit their exposure to outdoor air.

'Terraces across our New York campus will remain closed today.'

NBC reported that the company then issued advisory notices to workers in the Detroit area, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina.

In a memo to workers, the company said due to the smoke they would be advising workers to stay home

People walk across Brooklyn Bridge in smoky conditions caused by Canadian wildfires

In Canada, which is on track to experience its worst-ever wildfire season, Google notified employees in the Ontario cities of Toronto and Waterloo.

The memo on Wednesday advised employees to remain indoors, 'avoid vigorous physical activity' and run their air conditioners with clean filters, according to NBC.

The site leads assured those who are already working on site that their campuses' HVAC and air filtration systems 'maintain a high quality of air inside our offices even in these circumstances.'

A sheet of smoke from the wildfires first descended on New York on Tuesday before thickening throughout the afternoon and into Wednesday, leaving those in Manhattan unable to see the New Jersey skyline across the Hudson River.

As well as sending New Yorkers inside, air quality alerts were also introduced in states including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia and the Carolinas, according to the National Weather Service.

Health experts have warned breathing the fog can be as damaging as smoking 22 cigarettes a day.

Nanoparticles from the smog are so small they can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, with side effects also including irritation to the eyes and throat as well as breathing problems.

The Manhattan skyline is shrouded in smoke as people ride the Staten Island ferry during smoky conditions caused by the Canadian wildfires

A family cross the road after leaving a wedding during smoky conditions on Wednesday

The Federal Aviation Administration paused some flights bound for LaGuardia Airport and slowed planes to Newark Liberty and Philadelphia due to limited visibility

At around 10pm Tuesday and again on Wednesday afternoon, New York was recorded as having the worst air pollution in the world, overtaking the Indian capital of Delhi.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged vulnerable residents to be cautious amid the crisis, as he also blamed climate change for the yellow skies.

'This may be the first time we've experienced something like this on this magnitude,' he said. 'Let me be clear, it's not the last.'

The city's health advisory warning has since been extended until 8pm Thursday, as officials warned residents to avoid strenuous activity outside and to stay indoors when possible.
Extraordinary footage has emerged of contractors standing their ground after they were confronted by a conspiracy theorist while setting up 5G in a suburb.

The men were installing a small 5G Telstra cell in Murrumbeena, in Melbourne's south-east on Wednesday morning.

A woman approached them to express her concern about the close proximity of the cell to nearby homes and a school.

She filmed the heated confrontation where she launched into a bizarre rant falsely claiming the residents would be exposed to the highest level of radiation.

The workmen were interrupted by a conspiracy theorist while installing a small 5g cell in a Melbourne street on Wednesday

Armed with paperwork, she calls out to the workmen and asks if they're 'happy' to be participating in installing the 5G cell.

'We sure are,' a contractor replied.

The woman accuses the contractor of 'assault' after he asked if she'd thought about a tin foil hat to keep out radiation.

'Tin foil hat' is a term used to refer to someone who believes in conspiracy theories.

'You don't have the right to laugh at me when I'm concerned,' the furious woman said.

'Are you going to laugh now? Are you still laughing at me and telling me I'm a tin foil hat?''

The contractor replied: 'I am!'

The angry woman notes the man's workplace on his uniform and threatens to contact his company to make a complaint while accusing him of being 'complicit of an offence'.

'I think you should,' the man suggested.

As the woman unleashed into a tirade about 5G, most of the contractors continued working

The contractor who stood his ground during the fiery encounter with the woman has earned online praise for his handling of the situation

The no-nonsense contractor continues to stand his ground and clap back at the woman as his colleagues get on with the job.

'We're here doing our job legally and we're being accosted by you,' he firmly told her.

'You shouldn't even be here on our job site. We're not here to cause you grief. You're here to cause us grief. You're very worked up for no apparent reason.'

The woman disagreed and refused to leave the site.

'No, I am on public land,' she argued.

'I'm not causing grief. I am emotional but don't twist my words. Asking a question isn't a crime. I'm really respectful to you.'

The woman continues on her rant as the workers continue with their job.

'You don't have to bring security down when a lady is asking a question,' she continues arguing.

'I'm really respectful to you. This document is showing you the radiation approved by Telstra and the body regulator is 26GHz'.

Contractors were working in a Murrumbeena street in Melbourne's south-east when they were confronted by a conspiracy theorist

Footage of the confrontation was shared on Twitter and has since gone viral.

'Another 'Buy this man a Beer' moment! A Cooker approaches contractors installing a small 5G installation in Melbourne's Murrumbeena, and is politely told to 'go away' (and a little more),' the clip is captioned.

The video was inundated with praise for the contractors on how they handled the encounter.

'This was my day job dealing with people like her on construction sites and he handled it perfectly!' one viewer commented.

Another added: 'Whoever casually dropped the 'tinfoil hat' line definitely gets a beer from me!'

While high-frequency waves from the likes of X-rays and ultraviolet rays can be damaging over time, 5G is a non-ionising, low-frequency wave, meaning it does not cause any internal damage to cells.

The roll-out of 5G networks in Australia began in June 2019, with technology using a similar frequency to existing 3G and 4G networks.

The only difference with 5G is it can work at faster speeds as it uses a higher band.

Sydney University Emeritus Professor Simon Chapman, an expert in the development of cancers, said there is no evidence whatsoever that 5G - or any mobile network - causes serious illness.

'With every generation of technology rolled out we hear the same claims  for internet or radio or mobile signals. It is predictable this group would protest against 5G,' he said.

Armed with paperwork (pictured), the woman claimed the 5G cell was approved to produce the highest level of radiation
A woman who vanished two days ago after leaving hospital remains missing as a desperate search for her whereabouts continues.

Carrie Brennan, 42, was last seen leaving a hospital on Gray Street in Kogarah, south Sydney, at 1:30 pm on Tuesday.

Family and friends were unable to contact her prompting them to seek help from police.

Carrie Brennan, 42, was last seen at 1:30 pm on Tuesday as she was leaving a hospital on Gray Street in Kogarah, Sydney

Officers have spent the past two days looking for the missing woman and have appealed for the public for help to find her.

Ms Brennan was last seen wearing a white dress and white sneakers and is known to frequent the neighbouring suburb of Surry Hills.

She is described as Caucasian in appearance and between 160 cm to 165 cm tall, with a medium build, blonde hair, and green eyes.

Police have said that she may be using public transport.

Anyone with information of her whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The scale of the devastation caused by the explosion at the Kakhovka dam  described as Europe's worst environmental disaster since Chernobyl  was laid bare yesterday.

Close to 20,000 people had been rescued from the resulting deluge, Kyiv confirmed last night. Another 40,000 face evacuation.

Teams of rescuers were constantly ferrying people, mainly children and the elderly and their pets, through the flooded streets. Officials used small boats and amphibious vehicles to get to stranded locals, some of whom had to swim through the water.

Meanwhile Ukraine's farming and food ministry warned that grain fields in the south of the country 'may turn into deserts as early as next year'  starved of their water source.

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who live close to the Dnipro River now face the threat of hazardous chemicals and disease following the blasts that broke open the Soviet-era dam in the early hours of Tuesday. In a sickening move yesterday, Russia launched air strikes on areas hit by flooding. A block of flats in the city of Kherson was apparently hit five times.

Writing on twitter, the deputy foreign minister Andrij Melnyk compared the flood to the 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant that sent a radioactive cloud across Europe.

The scale of the devastation caused by the explosion at the Kakhovka dam was laid bare yesterday. Close to 20,000 people had been rescued from the resulting deluge. Another 40,000 face evacuation. Pictured: Flooded streets in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

A local resident swims by a house in a flooded area in Kherson yesterday

A volunteer helps a cat trapped in a flooded home in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who live close to the Dnipro River now face the threat of hazardous chemicals and disease following the blasts. Ukrainian emergency workers are seen wearing radiation protection suits attend training in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine yesterday

Teams of rescuers were constantly ferrying people, mainly children and the elderly and their pets, through the flooded streets. Pictured: Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

Deputy foreign minister Andrij Melnyk compared the flood to the 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant that sent a radioactive cloud across Europe. The Chernobyl Nuclear power plant is pictured three days after the blast

'The worst environmental disaster in Europe since the Chernobyl disaster. Only this time Moscow deliberately used this weapon of mass destruction against the Ukrainians. Who else wants to negotiate with Putin?' he wrote.

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded with the world to respond to the 'environmental bomb of mass destruction' unleashed by Vladimir Putin.

He said: 'This crime carries enormous threats and will have dire consequences for people's lives and the environment.

PUTIN 'MAY TRY TO BLOW UP LARGEST NUCLEAR PLANT IN EUROPE': READ MORE Advertisement

'We can only help on the territory controlled by Ukraine. On the part occupied by Russia, the occupiers are not even trying to help. This again demonstrates the cynicism with which Russia treats people whose land it has captured.'

On a visit to Washington DC to meet US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 'We don't know definitively the source of the attack. But look, Russia throughout this war has used a deliberate strategy to target civilian infrastructure.'

Ukraine's farming minister said 94 per cent of agricultural irrigation systems in Kherson, 74 per cent in Zaporizhzhia and 30 per cent in Dnipropetrovsk would be left without a water source.

These areas have helped to make Ukraine one of the world's largest grain exporters. Increases in international grain prices due to a supply reductions will hit African countries particularly hard but could impact Britain too.

There were also reports of Russian military personnel being swept away in the floods, suggesting they were not warned the dam was to be blown up.

Authorities rushed to rescue hundreds of people stranded on rooftops and supply drinking water to flooded areas.

With humanitarian and ecological disasters still unfolding, it's already clear that tens of thousands of people have been deprived of drinking water, many are homeless, crops are ruined, land mines have been displaced, and the stage is set for long-term electricity shortages.

Pictures captured the suffering in Kherson where residents have already endured the cruelties of a nine-month Russian occupation and months of shelling.

Residents slogged through flooded streets carrying children on their shoulders, dogs in their arms and belongings in plastic bags while rescuers used rubber boats to search areas where the waters reached above head height.

A man is seen swimming in the flooded streets of Korsunka in the Kherson region yesterday

A woman assists another local up a steep slope while they walking near some flood waters at Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

A cat is pictured hanging on a gas pipe as she tries to escape from a flooded area of Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

Volunteers are seen rescuing the cat that had been clinging to the drain pipe

Rescuers evacuate a woman with her dog in the flooded area of Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

Rescuers and volunteers help elderly locals evacuate from a flooded area yesterday after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached

A rescuer carries a woman through flooded waters in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday after explosions destroyed a critical dam and hydroelectric power plant on the Dnipro River

A dog wades across an inundated street on Tuesday amid flooding caused by the Nova Kakhovka dam collapse in Kherson, Ukraine

Members of Russia's emergencies ministry yesterday pushed an inflatable boat along a road that had submerged in water following the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam

Despite the evacuations, officials said Russian forces had kept shelling the residential neighbourhoods.

'We're used to shooting, but a natural disaster is a real nightmare,' said Nataliya Korzh, 68, who had to swim part of the way to escape from her house.

'I wasn't expecting that,' she said as she emerged from a rescue boat barefoot, her legs covered with scratches, her hands trembling from cold.

'We no longer have a home,' said Dmitry Melnikov, 46, who was evacuated with his five children. 'We have been here since the beginning of the war, we survived the occupation.

'But now we have no home, no nothing, no work. We don't want to leave, but what can we do?'

Due to the pollution threat, emergency workers wore hazmat suits as they began the enormous task of clearing up. Officials have warned the landmines are being unearthed and detonated by the flood water.

In Kherson, Ukraine's deputy premier Oleksandr Kubrakov, said: 'Infectious diseases and chemicals are getting into the water.'

In the Moscow-controlled city of Oleshky, a military checkpoint remains, and boats with people trying to leave have come under fire from soldiers, locals allege.

Lera, 19, who declined to give her last name for fear of reprisals, said: 'Everything around us is floating. People are standing on rooftops and asking for help, but no one is evacuating them.'

Thousands fled their homes yesterday after the destruction of a Russian-held dam in Ukraine flooded dozens of villages and parts of a nearby city, sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster

Dead fish are seen yesterday on the drained bottom of the Nova Kakhovka reservoir after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached

A close up image of dead fish on the drained bottom of the Nova Kakhovka reservoir yesterday

Residents wave from a rubber boat as they evacuate from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

A local resident is seen on an inflatable mattress in a flooded area in Kherson yesterday

A man carries a large, wet dog during evacuation from a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

Residents are evacuated from their building in a flooded area of Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

A woman holds a cat after being evacuated from a flooded area in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

Residents in a rubber boat evacuate from a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson yesterday

Volunteers evacuate a dog, previously sedated, from a flooded area in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached

Two rescue workers help an elderly woman into a rubber boat during evacuations in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

A view from the roof of residential building on flooded area of the city of Kherson yesterday

TERRIFYING MOMENT BBC NEWS CREW ARE FORCED TO FLEE WHEN RUSSIAN SHELLING HITS THE AREA DURING KHERSON FLOODS: READ MORE Advertisement

Mayor Yevhen Ryschuk, who left the city after the Russians took control last year, reported three dead and said hundreds of residents need to be evacuated from their roofs.

He said 90 per cent of Oleshky is flooded and facing a humanitarian crisis without electricity, potable water and food, as well as possible groundwater contamination.

Animals weren't spared, with some pets trapped. Officials said the Kazkova Dibrova Zoo in Nova Kakhovka was under water and that 'only swans and ducks could escape.'

Mayor Vladimir Leontyev said that the flooding killed thousands of animals in a nature preserve. Hundreds of animals trapped in Oleshky require urgent rescue, volunteers helping a local shelter have claimed.

Russia has continued to deny responsibility. However, Western observers are convinced the Kremlin sabotaged the hydro-electric dam with mines put in place early last year. Ukraine is poised to begin its big push into Russian-occupied territories and its commanders were not entirely surprised by the attack on the dam.

Addressing blame, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said Russia has 'a greater and clearer interest in flooding the lower Dnieper despite the damage to their own prepared defensive positions.'

Ukrainian emergency workers wearing radiation protection suits attend training in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine yesterday

Locals sail on a boat at a street during an evacuation from a flooded area in Kherson yesterday after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached

A man with his dog uses a rubber boat to move on flooded streets of Kherson yesterday

A residential area is completely submerged in water yesterday following the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam

People yesterday walk along a road that had been submerged in water after the dam collapsed

Tamila, 60, holds her cat and waits for her daughter to evacuate flooding in Kherson yesterday

Rescue workers in a boat evacuate locals from a residential area of Kherson yesterday

Angelina Kopayeva, 12, holds her cat Ryzhyk whilke waiting for rescue in Kherson yesterday

Emergency workers evacuate residents on a rubber boat from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

Residents wore warming blankets yesterday after the explosion at the Kakhovka hydropower plant unleashed floodwaters in Kherson

With some indications emerging that Ukraine might already have begun its long-anticipated counteroffensive, the ISW said Russian forces may think breaching the dam could cover a possible retreat and delay Ukraine's campaign.

Experts noted that the 1950s-era dam, was believed to be in disrepair and vulnerable to collapse because water was already brimming over when the wall gave way. It hadn't been producing power since November, according to officials.

The UK Defence Ministry said the Kakhovka reservoir was at record high levels before the breach and that the dam 'is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding.'

The scale of the damage to the dam was unknown, but officials hoped to rebuild the complex once the Russians leave, said Ihor Syrota, general director of the Ukrainian national hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo.

Workers, meanwhile, are holding water in other upstream reservoirs to compensate in part for the loss of the dam, he said.
A teenager appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of a man in Aberdeenshire.

Michael Jenkins, 24, from Cumbria, died in Fraserburgh's Watermill Road on Sunday, after police were called to reports of a disturbance at around 6pm.

An air ambulance crew was pictured at the scene after responding to the incident, while officers were seen sealing off the area between Hamilton Road and Gallowhill Terrace.

Alfie Whelan, 19, of Sutton, South London, appeared before Peterhead Sheriff Court on Wednesday accused of Mr Jenkins' murder.

Mr Whelan also faces two other charges, one under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and one of communicating indecently under the Sexual Offences Scotland Act.

Alfie Whelan (pictured), 19, of Sutton, South London, appeared before Peterhead Sheriff Court on Wednesday accused of Mr Jenkins murder

Mr Whelan also faces two other charges, one under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and one under the Sexual Offences Scotland Act

Mr Jenkins was in the town for work before his death, Police Scotland said.

His brother, who police did not name, paid tribute to the alleged victim.

'I'd like to tell people the amazing side of Michael, the lad who devoted his time and love to the people he cared for, he would come running whenever you called his name, he would pick you up when you fell, and he was always there to give you a great big cuddle, whenever you needed one,' he said in the statement.

'Mike will be missed by so many, a son, a brother, an uncle, a partner, a friend, a grandson, and a friendly smile even to those that didn't know him.'

Area commander, Chief Inspector Sam Buchan, said after the incident on Sunday: 'Our thoughts are with the deceased man's loved ones at this difficult time.

'We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation to establish the full circumstances.

'I understand this incident will be concerning to people but I would like to reassure everyone, from our enquiries so far, there is no wider risk to the public.

'A visible police presence will remain in the area over the coming days to reassure everyone and I would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to any of our officers.'

Mr Whelan was committed for further examination after making no plea and was remanded in custody.

He is expected to make a second court appearance within eight days.
An 'all ages drag show' slated for next week appeared to take a shot at Bud Light by touting the brand as one of its sponsors - before backtracking the next day as publications started to report on the supposed partnership.

Organized by Flagstaff Pride, the June 17 event is still set to be held in small-town Arizona next Saturday - but contrary to signage posted to social media, will not be funded by the embattled beermaker.

That revelation came Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the 27-year-old LGBTQ group posted promotions that erroneously billed Bud Light as a sponsor, spurring reports from publications such as The Washington Free Beacon.

Organizers at that point, however, released an amended poster - this one without the 'presented by Bud Light' tagline. It also included vague explanation as to why they included the company as a sponsor in the first place.

The event, meanwhile, features several drag performers with scantily themed social media accounts, and is still open to 'all ages' - but asks attendees under the age of 16 to bring a guardian. The debacle looked to be a lampoon on the backlash seen since the firms' disastrous flameout with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer.

BEFORE/AFTER: Flagstaff Pride on Tuesday released signage, seen on the right, touting Bud Light as the sponsor for the drag event in small-town Arizona next Saturday. As the partnership started to draw news coverage, the organization backtracked and released the poster on the right, as well as post that claimed the initial sign to be a 'mistake'

As the prospective partnership drew news coverage, the 27-year-old group released an amended poster - this one without the 'presented by Bud Light' tagline. It also included vague explanation as to why they included the company as a sponsor in the first place

The debacle looked to be a lampoon on the backlash seen since the disastrous partnership with Dylan Mulvaney

'We put out an incorrect promotional poster which included Bud Light as a sponsor,' a post to Flagstaff Pride's Facebook read Wednesday evening, as Modelo Especial dethroned Bud Light as the top-selling beer in America after 22 years.

'Attached is the correct poster,' the org added, attaching a near identical sign - sporting several men in drag - without the Bud Light callout.

A spokesperson for Bud Light parent Anheuser-Busch - which also owns Modelo - further confirmed to DailyMail.com the partnership was not on the level, writing that 'Bud Light was mistakenly listed as a sponsor.'

The rep wrote Wednesday evening, 'Bud Light is not a sponsor of this event' - while pointing to the new, 'corrected' version of the poster.

Before both parties classified the change as a 'correction', outlets such as the Beacon, Fox News and The Washington Examiner picked up the story.

Both flyers tout the event's mission to 'support, unite, and strengthen our LGBTQIA2S+ community,' while Instagram posts from the performers billed on the posters contain countless scantily clad photos of them in 'costume'.

The beer brand has not sponsored drag performances in the past, but recently has been subject to a burgeoning boycott following a partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

The partnership was first made public in April, and has since flamed out in pronounced fashion.

As sales dwindle, Anheuser-Busch lost a staggering $27 billion in market capitalization as a result of the backlash.

Months later, conservatives have continued with the boycott, leading to the Belgian based brewer to place two executives responsible for partnership Alissa Heinerscheid, the vice president of marketing, and her boss, Daniel Blake  on leave in April.

Heinerscheid was hired to overhaul Bud Light's marketing in June 2022 with the vision of freshening up its image, while Blake had worked at Anheuser-Busch for nearly nine years.

Heinerscheid's short-lived tenure reportedly included a widely-lauded Super Bowl ad featuring Miles Teller and wife Keleigh Sperry, as well as 'the Bud Light Carry' campaign that showed a woman carrying a round of beers to a table of friends without spilling a drop.

Instagram posts from the performers billed on the posters contain countless scantily clad photos of them in 'costume'

'We put out an incorrect promotional poster which included Bud Light as a sponsor,' a post to Flagstaff Pride's Facebook read Wednesday evening, as other Bud Light lost its lnogheld distinction as the top-selling beer in America after 22 years

The partnership sparked protests and backlash and parent company Anheuser-Busch has shed $27 billion in value in mere months

AB placed two executives responsible for partnership Alissa Heinerscheid, the vice president of marketing, and her boss, Daniel Blake  on leave in April, as backlash continues

Those ads, statements from the beer brand revealed, were part of Heinerscheid's vision to make the brand more female friendly - something she described only a few months ago as a 'passion point'.

But that vision was swiftly cut down on April 3 with the brand's partnership with Mulvaney, a controversial trans activist with a mass following on social media, which proved to be a step too far for Bud Light's loyal customers.

After the outcry, the Belgian-based company insisted to distributors that Mulvaney's beer can was not their work, but that of a then-unnamed 'third-party' ad agency responsible for the video and several others touting the partnership.

A recent report revealed the company responsible to be an eight-year-old marketing firm out San Francisco, which at some point introduced Anheuser-Busch to the 26-year-old transgender activist

Republican senator Ted Cruz has since launched a probe into the company, looking into whether the company targeted an underage audience through its Mulvaney partnership.

A former Anheuser-Busch InBev executive Anson Frericks also spoke about the ripple effect.

'Good people are going to start leaving because they aren't making money,' former Anheuser-Busch InBev executive Anson Frericks told ABC News.

Some stores are reportedly giving Bud Light away for free with the the company possibly resorting to purchase expired unsold beer from wholesalers, The Wall Street Journal reported.

A president of a distributor in the Midwest tried to reassure his employees at a meeting with Bud Light salespeople and remain hopeful that the boycott will end soon.

'I'm frustrated that this has [dragged] on as long as it has,' he said.

'None of this is your fault and none of this is my fault.'

Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light and Modelo Especial, has seen market cap value plummet $27 billion following a disastrous team-up with Mulvaney

Bud Light truck driver makes a delivery - some of its drivers have been subjected to an onslaught of homophobic remarks, including 'gay beer salesmen,' while others are getting flipped the bird

Nearly seven-weeks since the fiasco, members who work in sales at the roughly 500 independent wholesalers that sell Anheuser-Busch products to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores have had their commission cut.

Some of the sales team have reported losing $2,000 last month compared to the typical May because of the backlash.

Many of its truck drivers have been subjected to an onslaught of homophobic remarks, including 'gay beer salesmen,' while others are getting flipped the bird, during their deliveries, ABC News reported.

Aheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris told the news outlet that the boycott was having an impact across all channels.

'This situation has impacted our people and especially our frontline workers: The delivery drivers, sales representatives, our wholesalers, Bud owners and servers.'
Donald Trump has been told he is the target of a criminal probe into his handling of classified documents, according to multiple reports Wednesday night.

The Justice Department told Trump's lawyers of the development in a letter several days ago, Politico reported - although Trump himself wrote on Truth Social that he had not been informed he was being indicted. He did not mention whether he had been informed he was a target.

Two sources told Fox News the attorneys had been notified of his change in status.

The formal notification is seen as a sign that Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed to investigate Trump's handling of classified documents, is close to a decision as to whether to recommend charges against him.

Trump's lawyers met with Smith's team on Monday.

Prosecutors are said to be wrapping up their investigation of Donald Trump

Trump attorneys Lindsey Halligan, from left, John Rowley and James Trusty exit the Department of Justice on Monday after meeting with federal prosecutors

The Justice Department manual states that prosecutors may send a 'target letter' to those who are likely to be charged in connection with a grand jury probe.

The move is designed to give them an opportunity to testify before an indictment comes down. It is not a guarantee that charges will be filed.

Prosecutors consider a target a person for whom there is 'substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime and who, in the judgment of the prosecutor, is a putative defendant.'

Trump denied he had been told he was being indicted but said he assumed for years he would be a target.

He wrote on Truth Social: 'No one has told me I'm being indicted, and I shouldn't be because I've done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the 'No Collusion' Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX, Impeachment HOAX, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS.

'A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE.

'REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!!'

Jack Smith was appointed in November as special counsel to investigate Trump's handling of classified information

Documents found at Mar-a-Lago in an August raid are pictured on display

News of the official notification came days after it emerged that a storage room at Mar-a-Lago where surveillance camera footage was flooded.

The flooding happened as a swimming pool was being drained, it emerged on Monday.

Prosecutors wanted the footage to track how White House records were moved around Trump's Palm Beach residence.

It's unclear if the room was intentionally flooded or if it was a mistake.

Prosecutors are investigating whether there was any attempt by Trump or his associates to obstruct the Justice Department's investigation after Trump received a subpoena in May 2022 for classified documents.

Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing and claims to be the victim of a politically-charged investigation led by prosecutors who don't want to see him make another run for president.

Prosecutors have focused on Trump, his body man Walt Nauta and a maintenance worker who helped Nauta move boxes of classified documents ahead of federal agents searching the property last summer in their investigation.

The maintenance worker is the person who drained the pool that led to the flooding of the IT room where the surveillance footage was held, CNN reported.

A Mar-a-Lago employee drained the resort's swimming pool and flooded a room where computer servers containing surveillance video logs were kept

Donald Trump has denied any wrongdoing but took to his Truth Social platform to post a message that seemed to indicate his lawyers had discussed with him the possibility he might be indicted

Under the Presidential Records Act, all documents from a presidential administration are the federal government's property and go to the National Archives upon the end of a presidency.

Trump, it's been reported, believed they were his property.

The Justice Department has been investigating potential mishandling of classified material by Trump for about a year.

The attorney general, Merrick Garland, assigned Smith as special counsel on November 18.

But there are signs its investigation may be wrapping up.

A grand jury has been hearing testimony from dozens of witnesses in recent months at the federal courthouse in downtown Washington.

Smith is also investigating efforts by Trump and his allies to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election - the subject of a similar, ongoing inquiry by prosecutors in Atlanta.

New York prosecutors charged Trump earlier this year with falsifying business records.
Air New Zealand last provided earnings guidance for the 2023 financial year to the market on 27 April 2023, and is today providing an update to that guidance.

Since the previous update, the airline has experienced stronger ongoing demand than usually observed at this time of the year, which is typically considered the airlines off-peak period.

In addition to this, US dollar jet fuel prices have declined even further and have been consistently below those assumed in the earnings guidance provided in April.

On the basis of the updates above, and assuming an average jet fuel price for June of US $89 per barrel, the airline now expects earnings before other significant items and taxation for the 2023 financial year to be no less than $580 million. This compares with the prior guidance range given in April of $510 million to $560 million.

Air New Zealand continues to invest in our people, our customers and our digital capabilities. As indicated at the interim results in February 2023, over the next five years the airline is investing approximately $3.5 billion in aircraft and retrofitting alone.

Looking ahead to the 2024 financial year, the airline remains mindful of the uncertain economic environment it is facing into. With more capacity entering the market in the coming months, fares are expected to moderate from the current peaks.

Ends.

Air New Zealand provides earnings guidance update for FY23

Comments from our readers

No comments yet

Add your comment:

Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process.

Related News:

June 12th Morning Report

NWF - Aokautere Expansion - Fast-Track Consent Referral

BPG - PEARL DIVER MARKET UPDATE

Air New Zealand provides earnings guidance update for FY23

Meridian / NZAS demand response agreement unconditional

AIA - Auckland Airport FY23-27 price changes

Infratil successfully completes NZ$750 million placement

June 9th Morning Report

BPG - PEARL DIVER MARKET UPDATE

PCT - Confirmation of Stapling Effective Date


Oxfam could face an investigation by the Charity Commission after the furious reaction to a cartoon Pride video it released appearing to show JK Rowling as an 'anti-trans villain'.

The Government watchdog is said to be assessing concerns surrounding the charity and is considering its next move after the row which has engulfed it since the video shared on its social media accounts.

The video featured three figures with evil-looking eyes - two men, and a woman wearing a 'TERF' ([trans-exclusionary radical feminists) badge who appeared to look like the Harry Potter author.

The charity has insisted any likeness is coincidental and it quickly removed the footage from its social media - but campaigners say people with gender-critical views like Ms Rowling's could be marginalised at the organisation.

It comes as one former employee claims they were forced out of Oxfam over her support for the author and arguing its bookshops should continue to stock her published works.

JK Rowling, pictured here at the Broadway opening of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, is understood to have seen the cartoon and liked a tweet criticising the depiction of the cartoon character

The cartoon had been released by Oxfam International using the hashtag #ProtectThePride in support of Pride month, which celebrates LGBTQ people.

READ MORE HERE: Maria loved her job at Oxfam, but then stuck up for JK Rowling on a staff chatroom... cue a hate campaign and internal inquiry which destroyed her health and career Advertisement

Sources told the Times that the video itself was produced by the same arm of the charity, which is not under the jurisdiction of the Charity Commission.

A Charity Commission spokesman told the publication: 'We are aware of concerns in relation to Oxfam and are assessing information to inform any next steps.'

MailOnline has contacted the Charity Commission separately for comment.

Ms Rowling is understood to have seen the cartoon and liked a tweet criticising the depiction of the cartoon character. She declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.

Oxfam had insisted it was not supposed to be based on anyone and said it would re-release a cut version of the cartoon. The version it later published had completely removed the scene.



But speaking yesterday, Maya Forstater, the co-founder of the Sex Matters campaign, said it sent a terrible message to charity volunteers and customers.

She told Times radio: 'I was shocked. It cuts to a picture which clearly looks like JK Rowling. It looks like it was traced from a picture of her at a premiere.

'Imagine working in Oxfam and sharing the same views as JK Rowling and seeing that. The message would have been approved by Oxfam staff.

'People who are ringing up to complain are being told by Oxfam GB are being told this is broadly what their values are.

Ms Forstater and Ms Rowling are good friends and share similar views on women's rights

This picture of JK Rowling at the Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald premiere in Paris in 2018 appears to be very similar to the cartoon woman depicted

'Yes there is a right to offend but there is not the right to make the work place hostile. Anyone who thinks sex is real and sex is important will fear for their job.

'If you look at the volunteer in Oxfam shops they are often older women that would be described as TERFs in that video.'

The cartoon character in the original appeared to resemble Ms Rowling's usual haircut and style, as well as a green dress she has been pictured wearing. A memorial poppy she wore in the real image - taken at a 2018 film premiere - is replaced with a badge, bearing the word 'Terf'.

The acronym stands for Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist, a view the author has denied having.

It came on the same day the charity was accused of hounding out a volunteer for defending the writer. A former worker - calling herself Maria - said she was accused of transphobia before settling with the charity, which apologised for its handling of the process.

Philosopher Kathleen Stock criticised the advert on Twitter yesterday

The video is less than a minute long and was made for Oxfam by Bangalore-based Falana Films

Philosopher Kathleen Stock criticised the advert on Twitter yesterday, saying: 'This has shocked me - a still from an Oxfam video, made in support of Pride month.'

Other Twitter users called for a boycott of Oxfam, alleging they would no longer be making donations to the establishment. Many also urged others to make formal complaints against the firm.

Supporters of Ms Rowling said she should consider legal action against the charity over the video.

An hour after being by MailOnline about the similarities between the cartoon and the writer, Oxfam took the video down.

It then said: 'Oxfam believes that all people should be able to make decisions which affect their lives, enjoy their rights and live a life free of discrimination and violence, including people from LGBTQIA+ communities.

'In efforts to make an important point about the real harm caused by transphobia, we made a mistake. We have therefore edited the video to remove the term TERF and we are sorry for the offence it caused. There was no intention by Oxfam or the film-makers for this slide to have portrayed any particular person or people.'

Maya Forstater, a business studies and international development researcher, accused the charity of 'demonising safeguarding, demonising older women, promoting double-mastectomies to children, bulk harassment of gender -critical staff

JK Rowling, 57, is attacked online by pro-trans campaigners regularly over her views

The video, which was made by Bangalore-based Falana Films, is less than a minute long.

It tells the story of LGBTQIA+ people around the world and how they are deprived of basic safety.

The film says they are 'preyed on by hate groups online and offline' and shows depictions of social media sites.

Three individuals are then shown - the two men and a woman - pointing at the LGBTQIA+ people.

Falana Films did not respond when asked why the figure had been portrayed like that and it not address whether it had been specifically commissioned to appear that way.

The depiction was not unnoticed by Ms Rowling's supporters online.

One wrote: 'I hope JK Rowling sues Oxfam.'

JK Rowling has previously described former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon as a 'destroyer of women's rights'

Another said it was an 'utterly disgusting piece of propaganda... using the word TERF on what is obviously meant to be JK Rowling'.

It came as a volunteer at an Oxfam bookshop - known as Maria - received an apology from the charity after allegedly being 'hounded' out for defending the writer.

It prompted an investigation which saw Maria have a nervous breakdown and leave the job and the country.

She said members of an LGBTQ+ group encouraged colleagues to complain about the discussion, accusing her of transphobia.

Maria claimed constructive dismissal and belief discrimination. In July last year, both parties agreed to settle, with Oxfam issuing a public apology for its handling of the process.

JK Rowling has repeatedly been branded transphobic over her views surrounding the rights of trans people.

She came under fire in early June 2020 over tweets she posted.

Referring to an article that referenced 'people who menstruate', the author tweeted: 'I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?'

The stance prompted some Harry Potter stars such as Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe to speak out against her views.

The author has been campaigning for women's rights and female-only spaces amid fears predatory men could poses as trans women to use them.

Ms Watson made her remarks after Ms Rowling wrote an essay to address the controversy, revealing she was sexually assaulted in her 20s and still felt the scars of 'domestic violence' in her first marriage.

Ms Watson said at the time: 'Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.

'I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.'

Other Twitter users called for a boycott of Oxfam, alleging they would no longer be making donations to the establishment

She added that she was proud to donate to charities such as Mermaids and Mama Cash and encouraged her fans to do the same.

In Radcliffe's statement, he wrote: 'To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you.

'Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.

'While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.'
Passengers on a flight to Bali were forced to circle in mid-air for hours after the aircraft experienced technical difficulties, before being forced back to Adelaide.

Travellers keen to start their holiday were left in limbo during Virgin Australia flight VA113 to Denpasar on Tuesday evening.

At 6.50pm, just one hour into the five-hour journey, passengers were told the aircraft was experiencing issues with the hydraulics.

The plane circled for another two hours, before finally turning back and landing in Adelaide Airport just after 10:55pm.

Customers admitted they were scared it wouldn't be safe enough to land.

'We were all worried about if it was going to be safe to land... it was very scary, really,' one passenger told 7NEWS.

Dozens of passengers were left in limbo during Virgin Australia flight VA113 to Denpasar on Tuesday evening. The plane circled for two hours before returning to Adelaide Airport

At 6.50pm, just one hour into the five-hour journey, passengers were told the aircraft was experiencing issues with the hydraulics (pictured, a Virgin Airlines plane

Travellers were told another plane would be organised that would take them to the popular holiday destination - but some have had their vacation ruined.

Virgin Airlines said all impacted customers were rescheduled on the next available flights, with the majority jetting off again within 24 hours.

However, Adelaide couple Michelle and Ricky weren't so lucky with the airline unable to put them on a flight before the King's Birthday long weekend.

The couple had to give up their dreams of an overseas holiday, their first in 20 years, and opted for a road trip to Melbourne instead.

'At what point do you feel like you have to just give up and that this holiday is not going to happen?' Michelle said.

Ricky said that because of the long weekend, everything was 'triple the price'.

Virgin Airlines said all impacted customers were rescheduled on the next available flights, with the majority jetting off again within 24 hours

'So we decided to load the car up and head over to Melbourne, watch the footy and catch up with some people over there,' he said.

Virgin Airlines has apologised for the inconvenience and said the safety of customers was the airlines top priority.

'The flight crew made the decision to return the aircraft to Adelaide following a technical issue. This happened shortly after take-off,' a spokesperson said.

'The aircraft was required to circle to burn off fuel prior to landing.'

Virgin Australia is offering affected passengers travel credits or full refunds.
Jailed Comanchero boss Mick Murray has called for answers about a missing $200,000 Victoria Police seized in raids on his home, gym and tattoo parlour nearly a decade ago.

The 45-year-old is currently behind bars awaiting a murder trial over the alleged 2019 execution-style shooting of gangland figure Mitat Rasimi.

In the meantime Murray has brought the police to court to 'hold them accountable' for money they seized.

In February, 2014, police raided Comanchero properties, with the Echo Taskforce confiscating $105,650 from Nitro Ink Tattoo shop in Hampton Park, $77,434.15 from Nitro Gym in Hallam and $20,900 from Murray's home.

Comanchero boss Mick Murray (pictured) who is in jail awaiting a murder trial, has hauled Victoria Police before the courts over $200,000 seized from his home, gym and tattoo parlour a decade ago

The Comanchero boss's lawyer, Sonja Radovic, told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday the 'substantial' amounts of cash Echo seized have not been located, the Herald Sun reports.

'What I need, Your Honour is someone to hold their feet to the fire and hold them accountable,' Ms Radovic told Magistrate Gregory McNamara.

The money confiscated from Murray's home was allegedly put towards paying off his debt with the Australian Taxation Office but Ms Radovic said there was no record of it being handed over to the ATO and there was no information on what happened to the other $183,000.

'I don't dispute the garnishee order... My problem is, where's the money gone?' she said

Senior Sergeant Alex Austin, who fronted the court on behalf of Victoria Police, stated it was a matter for the ATO and the cash wasn't missing.

He elaborated that Echo was 'compelled' to hand over the $200,000 after being served an order from the ATO in August, 2014, and if they hadn't complied they would have been committing a criminal offence.

Murray is currently behind bars over the alleged 2019 execution-style shooting of gangland figure Mitat Rasimi (pictured: Mick Murray (left) with Allan Meehan (right))

He said $20,000 was held as credit by the ATO in a 'Michael Murray' debt account with the rest of the money in an account named 'Nitro Holdings Pty Ltd'.

'The money's all there in ATO accounts and it has been since October 2014,' he said.

In 2017, Murray and his former partner Debbie Pitman were ordered to pay $3.72million to the tax office.

Murray's lawyer said the cash from the gym and tattoo shop did not belong to Murray as it was business cash so it could not be put against any debt in his name.

'Victoria Police cannot act as debt collectors for the tax office,' she said.

Magistrate McNamara dismissed Murray's application for the return of the money as it was lodged under the wrong legislation and denied his request for Victoria Police to foot the legal bill.

Ms Radovic made her intention clear that she will refile the claim to get back the seized property.
Anthony Albanese has lost a newly-appointed press secretary just three months after she took the job.

Emma Dallimore joined the PM's office at the end of February after a 23-year career in television but has now exited after only a few months in the role.

Her departure came a week after the federal budget on May 9, long before the current crisis facing the PM over calls for a corruption probe into Brittany Higgins's rape allegations and her 'multi-million dollar' compensation deal.

On Thursday, the PM's Office confirmed Ms Dallimore had left, but said her job was only temporary, although they could not give details of her contract's length.

There was no mention of the temporary contract when she was first announced as one of Albanese's press secretaries, but it is understood to have only been until May.

Media reports on February 24 hailed the TV veteran's 'firepower' as she was appointed the PM's new press guru, and was tipped to bolster Labor support in north Queensland where she previously worked as a news reporter with Seven.

Just over three months later though, she left the role at the end of her contract.

Anthony Albanese has lost his newly-appointed press secretary Emma Dallimore (pictured) just four months after she took the job

PM Anthony Albanese (pictured) is fending off calls for a corruption probe into his part in Brittany Higgins's rape allegations and her 'multi-million dollar' compensation deal

Ms Dallimore has been linked with replacing Peter van Onselen as Ten's political editor, but its understood she has privately denied she is making that move.

She was formerly a foreign correspondent with Ten before leaving the network to join Seven where she rose to become deputy news director.

'After 23 years, Ive decided to move outside of a newsroom, and seek a new challenge,' she wrote when she left Seven last July.

'Its been a privilege to tell people's stories. Its been an honour to have a front row seat. But I find myself ready for a new challenge.'

Her LinkedIn bio still lists her as Anthony Albanese's press secretary but her exit was confirmed by the PM's Office to Daily Mail Australia.

The PM's Office is currently under siege over fiercely denied allegations the Prime Minister, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher colluded with Ms Higgins while in Opposition to 'weaponise' her rape accusations to damage the Coalition government.

Explosive texts between Ms Higgins and her boyfriend David Sharaz revealed the pair apparently plotted to 'f*** over' then-PM Scott Morrison.

'Just wait,' Ms Higgins messaged Mr Sharaz. 'We've got him.' Mr Sharaz replied: 'I still hate the c***.'

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has now told the PM to come clean and reveal all about his relationship with the Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz.

'The Prime Minister obviously has to front up and provide a true factual explanation of whats going on here because there are different accounts,' Mr Dutton told 2GB host Ray Hadley.

'Until we know the facts, we won't know the answers to all the questions that need to be answered and the Prime Minister and others given different statements at different points.

'It seems that some of that may be conflicting now. So I think the prime minister just needs to be honest.'

Hadley responded: 'Either David Sharaz is lying or exaggerating, or the PM is lying and so is Katy Gallagher ... these are the only two options.'

Addressing Ms Higgins' taxpayer-funded payout - believed to be around the $3million mark - Mr Hadley said: 'It never happens in a matter of hours before a settlement can be reached and both parties are happy.'

'It's clear some people haven't been telling the truth,' Mr Dutton replied.

On Thursday, the PM hit back at the suggestions and insisted: 'I have absolute confidence in Senator Gallagher.

'I had not met Brittany Higgins until I met her publicly - publicly - on the same day that she met Scott Morrison.'

Press guru Emma Dallimore has left her press secretary role with the PM mired in a row over his part in the Brittany Higgins (pictured) saga

Brittany Higgins messaged boyfriend David Sharaz in texts about how PM Scott Morrison was about to be f***ed over...Just wait. We've got him.' Mr Sharaz replied: 'I still hate the c***'

The PM refused to be drawn into questions about the case being referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, adding: 'The anti-corruption commission is independent of politics. That's the idea.

'If it's in with politics, then that itself is a problem.

'It could be regarded as an entirely inappropriate action by the Prime Minister or any other politician to try to direct the anti corruption commission into what to do.

'We set it up as an independent body.'

He refused to take further questions about Ms Higgins and walked out of the press conference about the new airport in Western Sydney.

Ms Higgins' former boss, ex-Coalition defence minister Linda Reynolds, has said she will demand the deal is probed by the new National Anti-Corruption Commission.

She's accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, finance minister Katy Gallagher and attorney-general Mark Dreyfus of a serious 'potential conflict of interest' after previously voicing their support for Ms Higgins.

Ms Reynolds said she would be 'raising serious questions about how this significant sum of public money was determined and allocated' in an 'unusually swift' manner.

Ms Higgins was a Liberal political staffer for Ms Reynolds and alleged fellow staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped her in Ms Reynolds' office after a boozy night out in 2019.

Mr Lehrmann has strenuously denied all the allegations and his rape trial was abandoned because of juror misconduct in October 2022.

All charges against Mr Lehrmann were later dropped completely over concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health on December 2.

Two days later it was revealed Ms Higgins was suing Ms Reynolds, former Coalition attorney-general Michaelia Cash - who she worked for after the alleged rape - and the Commonwealth for $3million.

Her lawyers said Ms Higgins had suffered sexual harassment, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence and victimisation.

She was claiming $2.5 million for future economic loss, past economic loss approaching $100,000, general damages of $100,000, future assistance with domestic duties of some $200,000, and past and future out-of-pocket expenses of a further $150,000 approximately.

Less than 10 days later, it was revealed the Commonwealth had settled the case on December 13 after the first day of mediation without a court hearing.

The final payout figure was kept confidential under the terms of the deal although Ms Higgins denies she was awarded the full $3million she had been demanding.

But now Ms Reynolds is questioning why the pay off deal was agreed without even speaking to her or including her at mediation talks.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) has fiercely denied colluding with Ms Higgins while in Opposition to 'weaponise' the accusations and damage Scott Morrison's Coalition government

Four days before Ms Higgins' allegations went public Mr Sharaz wrote of how Senator Katy Gallagher (pictured left) was 'really invested' in the saga. Labor's attorney-general Mark Dreyfus (right) finalised the deal after allegedly excluding Ms Reynolds and Ms Cash from the process

Labor's attorney-general Mark Dreyfus finalised the deal after allegedly excluding Ms Reynolds and Ms Cash from the process.

'I was initially granted legal assistance to defend the civil claim made by Ms Higgins against me (as well as Senator Cash and the Commonwealth),' said Ms Reynolds in a statement.

'But, on December 6, 2022, I was advised that the Commonwealth has a discretion to control the conduct of my defence and that the Attorney-General had decided to exercise that discretion

'The result of this was that the Attorney-General did not want me to attend the mediation or make any public comments about the mediation or the civil claim made by Ms Higgins.'

She added: 'This raises further questions about the fairness, transparency and impartiality of the entire process.'

Opposition leader Peter Dutton is now demanding the PM comes clean on the process and conversations he had with Ms Higgins.

'The Prime Minister obviously has to front up and provide a true factual explanation of whats going on here because there are different accounts,' Mr Dutton told 2GB's Ray Hadley.

'Until we know the facts, we wont know the answers to all the questions that need to be answered and the Prime Minister and others given different statements at different points.

'It seems that some of that may be conflicting now. So I think the prime minister just needs to be honest.'

An ACT Board of Inquiry led by Justice Walter Sofronoff is currently underway in Canberra to probe the investigation and prosecution of Mr Lehrmann.

But 2GB's Ben Fordham has now revealed Ms Reynolds will refer the compensation deal to the new National Anti-Corruption Commission if no-one else does.

The questions come after Daily Mail Australia revealed Mr Sharaz boasted of his friendship with ACT Labor senator Katy Gallagher and planned to brief her to ask questions in Parliament.

The questions come after Daily Mail Australia revealed Mr Sharaz boasted of his friendship with ACT Labor senator Katy Gallagher and planned to brief her to ask questions in Parliament

New leaked text messages between Brittany Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz (pictured together) appear to suggest that Anthony Albanese and other Labor heavyweights had 'direct contact' with the couple as part of a plot to publicise her alleged sexual assault inside Parliament House

Ms Higgins texted Mr Sharaz to tell him: 'You may as well feed everything you have to Katy.' Mr Sharaz added in another text exchange: 'She's pretty savage politically.'

Ms Gallagher is now finance minister but has insisted she had nothing to do with the final compensation claim deal and had been handling the case at arm's length.

'In relation to a settlement or a compensation package in relation to Ms Higgins and that I had absolutely no role in that at all, and I think thats all I need to say,' she told ABC's Radio National this week.

Senator Roberts claimed he has been stonewalled by Ms Gallagher in his bid to find out more about Ms Higgins' compensation deal.

'She was stifling me,' senator Roberts told Sharri Markson on Sky News Australia.

'She was trying to suppress, she was trying to dodge. They were just wanting me to shut up and go away.

'I'm not going to go away on this.'

He said the case needed to be investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission after the settlement was made before court papers had even been filed.

'We also need to note that the such a payment is only made if a government thinks that a verdict is likely to go against the government,' he said.

'There's no claim laid. How can you how can they make any assessment like that?'

He added: 'We've got the Sofronoff inquiry going on and he's a very, very capable judge and lawyer. So we'll wait for that and we'll see what happens.

'But I think there's definitely some very serious questions to be asked here.'

Senator Malcolm Roberts (pictured) claimed he has been stonewalled in his bid to find out more about Ms Higgins' compensation deal

On Thursday, the PM hit back at the suggestions and insisted: 'I have absolute confidence in Senator Gallagher.

'I had not met Brittany Higgins until I met her publicly - publicly - on the same day that she met Scott Morrison.'

The PM refused to be drawn into questions about the case being referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, adding: 'The anti-corruption commission is independent of politics. That's the idea.

'If it's in with politics, then that itself is a problem.

'It could be regarded as an entirely inappropriate action by the Prime Minister or any other politician to try to direct the anti corruption commission into what to do.

'We set it up as an independent body.'
A British soldier has drowned after falling into a river in Estonia on the way back from a night out with friends.

Israel Delanimati, 24, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, is believed to have fallen into the Emajogi River in the city of Tartu at the weekend.

His friends raised concerns when he did not return to their hotel before midday on Sunday and his body was later recovered that afternoon.

CCTV footage captured Delanimati, originally from Fiji, walking along the river at 3.40am on Sunday, according to local reports.

Witnesses reportedly tried to save him after he fell into the river.

Israel Delanimati (pictured), 24, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, is believed to have fallen into the Emajogi River in the southern city of Tartu at the weekend.

British Troops taking part in Exercise Hedgehog in Estonia

Delanimati, who is originally from Fiji, recently broke up with his long-term girlfriend, it is understood.

His family have been informed and his funeral is expected to take place in Fiji.

More than 1,500 UK troops were sent to Estonia last month to train alongside 14,000 personnel from 11 NATO alliance countries.

This includes troops from Estonia, Canada, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland and the United States.

They are all taking part in 'Exercise Spring Storm', an annual military exercise involving the UK-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup.

Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, howitzers, fighter jets, helicopters and patrol, minesweeping and landing vessels all take part in the two-week exercise, with various drills taking place across Estonian terrain.
Ron DeSantis has broken his silence on funding migrant flights from Texas to Sacramento, arguing states such as California and New York should bear the brunt of 'open borders'.

On Tuesday his team admitted to helping fly migrants from Texas to Sacramento, releasing footage of them being cheerfully transported on a private jet.

Speaking during a trip to the southern border on Wednesday, the presidential hopeful said he would continue to support states that would not provide sanctuary to migrants.

DeSantis said: 'If there's a policy to have an open border, then I think the sanctuary jurisdictions should be the ones that have to bear that.

'We are not a sanctuary in Florida, we know people want to come and so the more we can divert before we even have to get there is good for our state.

Governor DeSantis, pictured last week, said that he would continue to support states that would not provide sanctuary to migrants.

Migrants of various nationalities rest in a temporary camp in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, 22 May 2023

He continued: 'California, they have a big budget deficit and we have a big budget surplus and so we have an ability to do things like support police and help out Texas.

'If a sheriff asks for our support in Texas we view this as an American problem, we don't view it just as a Texas problem, we will send resources to Texas to do that if they want transport. We want to be helpful for that.'

The Florida Division of Emergency Management released footage of the migrants being transported on a private jet, listening to music, signing waivers and appearing to enjoy themselves.

'We made it to California,' said an alleged migrant in a selfie video which revealed behind him the turbo prop de Havilland plane he and the others arrived on.

'Thank God, very thankful to God,' he said in Spanish while standing on the tarmac at Sacramento Executive Airport.

In an accompanying statement, Alecia Collins, the communications director for the department, said the relocation was consensual. 'As you can see from this video, Florida's voluntary relocation is precisely that - voluntary,' she wrote.

It is not clear exactly who took the videos and pictures but some appear to have been captured by the alleged migrants themselves.

None of the people shown in the video were identified and the video was without any description.

Other parts show the alleged migrants cheering in the back of a bus, singing along to music and showing peace signs with their hands.

In a segment of the video, a man records himself disembarking from a plane and thanking God as he stands on the tarmac in what appears to be Sacramento Executive Airport

In a statement accompanying footage a spokesperson for the Florida Division of Emergency Management said the relocation was voluntary

Californian officials said on Tuesday the transport of the migrants had been facilitated by Vertol Systems Company

At one point as they appear to congregate in a briefing room they are asked in Spanish: 'At any point did you feel like you were treated poorly?'

'No, they treated us very well,' one person said in response.

The transport of some three dozen migrants to California by Florida's governor is the latest move in which asylum seekers that entered via the southern border have been relocated north to Democratic-led 'sanctuary cities'.

California, which is a sanctuary state, is investigating 'state-sanctioned kidnapping' after the 16 migrants were dropped on the doorstep of a Sacramento church without 'advance warning'.

Californian officials said on Tuesday the transport of the migrants had been facilitated by Vertol Systems Company, a private company that also arranged the planeloads of Venezuelan migrants from San Antonio to Martha's Vineyard last year.

More than a dozen Venezuelan and Colombian migrants who entered the US via Texas were transported by private plane to Sacramento, California, and left outside the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, pictured

California Gov. Newsom tweeted Monday at Ron DeSantis saying 'you small, pathetic man'

The migrants, mostly from Venezuela but also from Colombia, arrived to Sacramento, California's capital, on two flights - the first carrying 16 on Friday and another on Monday carried 20.

California Governor Gavin Newsom attacked DeSantis on Monday, calling him a 'small, pathetic man' and threatening on Twitter to bring kidnapping charges against his administration.

He said he was working with the California Department of Justice to establish if there was anything criminal about the orchestration of the flights.

In the statement on Tuesday Florida's Division of Emergency Management suggested that the criticism by Californian officials was unfair.

'From left-leaning mayors in El Paso, Texas, and Denver, Colorado, the relocation of those illegally crossing the United States border is not new,' read the statement.

'But suddenly, when Florida sends illegal aliens to a sanctuary city, it's false imprisonment and kidnapping.'
A pensioner has been left 'shattered' after receiving a $300 parking fine for refusing to leave his sick wife's side in hospital.

The 71-year-old, John Mayock, rushed his wife Deborah to the Gold Coast University Hospital on March 30 after she showed signs for suspected internal bleeding.

Mr Mayock refused to leave her side for four hours when the couple first arrived at emergency department in the hospital.

Upon returning to his car, he found a $287 fine from the hospital as he had left his car in a one hour parking space .

A 71-year-old pensioner, John Mayock (left), has been slapped with a $287 hospital parking fine after he stuck by his wife Deborah's (right) side while she was sick in hospital

The pensioner said he was 'shattered' after finding the fine pinned to his car, describing it as a 'kick in the teeth'.

The $300 fine was a big financial hit for the couple, who live on a limited income in a retirement village in Upper Coomera, north of the hospital.

He said he immediately appealed the fine on April 4, however after over a month's wait, the hospital replied on May 29 saying they could not waive it.

'They said "oh, we're sorry for the delay, at this point we cannot waive the fine",' Mr Mayock told 9News.

'I think they should be ashamed of themselves.'

He hopes speaking out would help force the hospital's hand into refunding the fine.

According to the Queensland Health Department, Mr Mayock is still able to appeal the fine on compassionate grounds.

He was 'shocked' to find the fine and immediately appealed it, but the Gold Coast University Hospital said they could not waive it

The hospital said the parking spaces outside of the emergency department clearly state the 60 minute limits and are for drop-off and pick-up only.

'The parking outside the Emergency Department of the Gold Coast University Hospital is for patient drop-off and pick-up only. A maximum limit of 60 minutes applies,' a Gold Coast Health spokesperson said.

'There is substantial signage in this area advising people that penalties apply and that the area is a tow-away zone.'

They also indicated they regularly waive fines for those who rush into hospital and are unable to move their car.

'We understand that in emergency circumstances, when people drive themselves to hospital, it is not possible for them to move their vehicle to an alternative carpark and we regularly waive fees on compassionate grounds,' the spokesperson said.
A fateful decision to relax with a few Long Island Ice Teas while on holiday in Thailand has changed a devastated Australian family's lives forever, with one woman's insurer refusing to pay her medical bills as she remains in 'a vegetative state' in hospital.

Pest control business owner Paul Enwright is pleading for help to bring his wife Kylee, 48, home from Thailand after a horrific accident left her with a catastrophic brain injury.

The Enwright family from Singleton, NSW, was shocked to find their travel insurance was invalidated with their insurer claiming his partner had drunk too much alcohol before the fall - leaving them with $250,000 of medical bills.

They were on the second day of a holiday in Khao Lak when tragedy struck on May 28, with Mr Enwright freely admitting they'd enjoyed a couple of drinks at their resort's poolside bar on what was a rainy day.

The insurer's investigators used CCTV footage and the couple's bar tab - showing nine Long Island iced teas ordered to their room number - to determine she could have had a blood-alcohol level of 0.35.

'Unbeknownst to us this decision would change our lives forever,' Mr Enwright wrote on a GoFundMe page which had raised more than $100,000 by Thursday afternoon.

A fateful decision to relax with a few drinks while on holiday in Thailand has changed a devastated Australian family's lives forever. Kylee Enwright (left) is fighting for her life in a Thai hospital

Kylee Enwright's family is facing a medical bill of more than $50,000 in addition to a $200,000 medical evacuation fee. (Pictured: Ms Enwright in hospital in Thailand)

'There are unfortunately no signs of Kylee entering consciousness and she remains in a vegetative state,' he said.

Disturbing footage showed the grandmother stepping off a wooden plank, seemingly mistaking it for stairs, falling 50cm and landing on her face.

But the family is now facing an enormous medical bill as their insurance provider won't cover costs due to an alcohol limit clause the Enwrights were not aware of.

According to consumer website Choice, most travel insurance policies have an exclusion clause that covers alcohol and drug consumption.

Typically, it will say something like: 'We will not pay under any circumstances if you were under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or drugs, except a drug prescribed to you by a medical adviser, and taken in accordance with their instructions.'

Choice warned that means 'there's a good chance your travel insurer will not pay out for any claims that arise as a result of you being under the influence of alcohol'.

But, like most people, the Enwrights were not aware of the existence of such a clause in their insurance cover.

Kylee Enwright (above) suffered a catastrophic brain injury after falling half a metre and landing on her face while holidaying in Thailand

The couple's travel insurance provider said it won't cover the incident because it believes Kylee (pictured with her grandson) was over its covered blood alcohol limit of 0.19

A guest at the hotel gave Kylee first aid while waiting 15 minutes for emergency services to arrive.

'She was basically bleeding from the head and ears. Her head hit the ground very hard, from what I've been told,' Mr Enwright said.

'As she stepped off the deck her body dropped into nothingness, with the full momentum of her body sending her face first into the pavement below. Kylee was knocked instantly unconscious.'

She was rushed to a local hospital before being transported to a larger facility in Phuket, where Mr Enwright was told he'd need to pay upfront for life-saving brain surgery.

Staff demanded more than $20,000 but the surgery proceeded after Mr Enwright managed to scrape together almost $13,000.

Since then Ms Enwright's medical bills have skyrocketed past $50,000, with another $5,000 being piled on each day.

Their insurer allegedly used the couple's bar tabs and CCTV footage to determine the grandmother was over its covered blood alcohol limit of 0.19.

But Ms Enwright's blood alcohol level was not tested.

'Like most Australians, we took up travel insurance at the level of coverage that we thought was going to be adequate. We thought we'd done everything right,' Mr Enwright said.

'I am begging and praying that we can come together as a community and country and help bring my wife and the mother/step mother of my kids home.'

Ms Enwright's (pictured) medical bills have skyrocketed past $50,000, with another $5,000 being piled on each day

Kylee's husband Paul (pictured together) wants to bring her back to Australia as soon as possible, noting her recovery has been slower than doctors expected

The couple's three adult children have all travelled to be with their mother in Thailand as the family struggles to find a way to bring her back to Australia.

Mr Enwright said he wants his wife back home as soon as possible, but the medical evacuation she needs will cost around $200,000.

'She can move her left arm and left leg. She can squeeze your hand. She hasn't moved her right side very much and they're a bit concerned that she's not more alert by now,' he said.

'We need to get her back to Australia and back in the Australian medical system, where I think she can get the best care.'
A respected dentist from Virginia Beach was allegedly stabbed to death by his transgender daughter in his home during what police say was a 'domestic dispute'.

On Saturday morning cops discovered Dr. Abbey Horwitz, 68, with multiple stab wounds and he was pronounced dead at the scene, Virginia Beach Police Department said in a press release.

His 34-year-old daughter, Norah Horwitz, was arrested and charged with second degree murder and stabbing charges and is being held at the Virginia Beach Jail.

She appears in jail records as Michael and was said by police to be transitioning.

The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office said they were monitoring her in the jail and that she had been placed on suicide watch, the Virginian-Pilot reported.

The dentist's 34-year-old daughter, Norah Horwitz, was arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder and stabbing charges

The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office said they were monitoring Horwitz and that she had been place on suicide watch

Dr. Abbey Horwitz (pictured), 68, was a respected dentist in Virginia Beach who was allegedly stabbed by his daughter on Saturday morning

Police were called to Horwitz's home at 1304 Wren Place in the Birdneck Point neighborhood of Virginia Beach at 8.54am on Saturday, according to the press release.

Around 20 minutes later, at 9.13am, they said he was pronounced dead by EMS.

Horwitz appeared in court on Monday morning via a video call and was appointed a public defender to take on her case by the judge, local station WTKR reported.

Footage obtained by the station shows Horwitz in her jail cell.

A bond hearing was scheduled for Tuesday but she reportedly withdrew the hearing while she worked out other legal counsel.

Abbey Horwitz was from the Bronx and studied at the Virginia School of Dentistry in Richmond before moving to Virginia Beach, according to a website dedicated to his dental practice The Art of Dentistry.

He was active in the local Jewish community and volunteered dental services in Israel, Romania, the former Soviet Union and Nicaragua.

Police were called to Horwitz's home at 1304 Wren Place in the Birdneck Point neighborhood of Virginia Beach (pictured) at 8.54am on Saturday

Norah Horwitz is pictured appearing in court on Monday via a video call and was assigned a public defender to take on her case

The suspect, Norah Horwitz appears in jail records as Michael and is said to be transitioning

Horwitz ran his dentistry practice less than two miles from his home.

A local business owner and long-term client of Horwitz told WTKR that his death would be felt throughout the Virginia Beach community.

'He was instrumental in helping us start here. He jumped right on board and gave us advice, came to our grand opening, without having to ask him,' said Michele Nielson.

'Just that kind of generous spirit and you just don't come across a lot any more,' she added.

He also served as the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, which described him as a statement as a 'wonderful man'.

A neighbor told the Virginian-Pilot that Horwitz would often host cookouts for his parents, children and grandchildren.

In Virginia Beach Horwitz ran a dentistry practice, The Art of Dentistry (pictured in March 2023), less than two miles from his home

Horwitz was from the Bronx and studied at the Virginia School of Dentistry in Richmond before moving to Virginia Beach

'What I will always remember is he was always having his whole family together, kind of like 'The Waltons,'' they said.

'He seemed like the consummate family guy.'

A neighbor across the street, who asked not to be named, told the newspaper they were a dental patient of Abbey's for five to 10 years.

'Pretty good dude, solid guy, no issues. Family kind of took care of themselves. They're good people it's just really sad,' the neighbor said.
Three of six women found dead in secluded wooded areas in Oregon, Washington are believed to have 'frequented the same places in the months prior to their deaths.'

Six women aged between 22 and 32 were found within a 100-mile radius between February 19 and May 7 sparking claims a serial killer is on the loose.

Law enforcement has been adamant that there is 'no connection' between the women but a source close to the investigation said the comment is premature.

Its been alleged investigators are now looking at potential connections between JoAnna Speaks, 32, Charity Lynn Perry, 24 and Bridget Leann Ramsey Webster, 31.

The three women 'had been known to frequent Southeast 82nd Avenue and an area near the Clackamans Town Center,' the source told Oregon Live.

Three of six women found dead in secluded wooded areas in Oregon, Washington are believed to have 'frequented the same places in the months prior to their deaths'

'It was premature to state that these deaths are unrelated or related,' the source said.

'Investigators always look for commonalities with unsolved homicides.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Portland police regarding the claims, but did not immediately hear back.

The 'personal histories' of Speaks, Perry and Webster 'share similarities' the source said to the outlet - declining to offer more information.

It remains unclear whether a single person is linked to the deaths of the three women, the source added but all died within three weeks of each other in April.

Speaks, a mother-of-three and recovering drug addict, was found dead in a barn on April 8, shortly after she vanished. She died of a blunt force trauma and has had her case ruled a homicide by investigators.

Her sister, Robyn, told NewsNation's 'Banfield' that authorities have been 'very helpful' in her sister's case but raised fears that 'women are dying'.

'I think that they (police) are trying to make sure that they keep the public from being too freaked out about a serial killer. Either way, women are dying. And the numbers are rising' she said.

Perry and Webster both died under 'suspicious circumstances,' detectives said and no other information has been released.

Oregon State Police Forensic Science & Pathology Bureau lead by Major Alex Gardner said in an email to the outlet that state police prioritize forensic work and DNA analyses in suspected homicides.

Gardner did not offered a timeline for completing them in these cases.

Six women aged between 22 and 32 were found within a 100-mile radius between February 19 and May 7 sparking claims a serial killer is on the loose

An unidentified woman was found the same day as Perry near an interstate, and authorities said she is of Native American or Native Alaskan descent. She had two distinctive tattoos: a black music note with the letter V, and a Buddha on her right upper back

Speaks was found April 8 inside a Clark County barn on an abandoned property in Ridgefield, Washington, about 22 miles north of Portland. She died of blunt head trauma and neck injuries.

Perry's body was found April 24 by Multnomah County sheriff's deputies in a culvert, which is a drain or waterway crossing under a road or railroad, at East Historic Columbia River Highway and Northeast Tumalt Road, near Ainsworth State Park in east Multnomah County.

Webster's body was found April 30 on Harmony Road near Mill Creek in northwest Polk County.

Little has been released about the circumstances of Perry and Webster, however police did say that Perry was known to frequent an area in downtown Portland known for open-air fentanyl dealing.

Three other women also turned up dead around the same time as Speaks, Perry and Webster.

An unidentified woman was found the same day as Perry near an interstate, and authorities said she is of Native American or Native Alaskan descent.

She had two distinctive tattoos: a black music note with the letter V, and a Buddha on her right upper back.

When she was found dead, she was wearing rings and bracelets, a green long sleeve shirt, a black and white zip-up jacket, jeans and black and white Adidas cleats.

Kristin Smith, 22, was found on February 19 after vanishing in late December. Her remains were uncovered in a wooded area near an intersection in Pleasant Valley.

Medical examiners have not yet ruled on a cause of death, and her family have been conducting their own searches for her and set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses.

The final body found by police was Ashley Real, 22, whose remains were spotted by a fisherman in a heavily wooded area in Eagle Creek on May 7.

Kristin Smith, 22, was found on February 19. She had been missing since December

The last body to be found was that of Ashley Real, 22. Her remains were spotted by a fisherman in a heavily wooded area in Eagle Creek on May 7. She was last seen on surveillance footage at a fast food restaurant on March 27 (right)

She was last seen on surveillance footage at a fast food restaurant on March 27.

Three local police departments are working together on the cases.

Paul Holes, an investigator who assisted with identifying the Golden State Killer and his arrest, has warned that the victims were 'in a vulnerable population.'

Speaking to Banfield, he said: 'Victimology is huge. It sounds like some of these victims were in a vulnerable population.

'And right now, in my experience that population is where the predators are going because they are trying to find the victims in order to be able to satisfy their own needs.

'Oftentimes, even very experienced homicide investigators have never worked that type of case.

'There are some subtleties that the offender may be leaving behind across multiple cases that are being missed.'

He added that cops need to find something that connects the killings and said authorities are typically 'ill-prepared' for serial killer cases.
A Grenada journalist's first-hand experience of Chinese modernization

15:22, June 08, 2023 By Suelin Low Chew Tung ( People's Daily Online

In February, I left home on a Friday evening and arrived in Beijing Monday morning, over 14,000 km later, to begin my sojourn with the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) visiting journalists program. My home country of Grenada is an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, known as the worlds second-largest exporter of the double spices of nutmeg and mace. Spread across three islands, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the State of Grenada is less than 350 square kilometers. It hosts a population of approximately 113,000 people, a droplet compared to the size and population of China.

Tower on Juyongguan Great Wall. (Photo/Suelin Low Chew Tung)

During field trips to districts in Beijing, and various provinces and cities, I have seen mind-blowing technology applied to agriculture, communications, construction, culture and heritage, film, finance, food processing, health, manufacturing, medicine, security and transport.

In Beijing, the daily use of payment platforms WeChat Pay and Alipay was my first introduction to Chinas rapid transition towards a cashless society.

Interior courtyard, Forbidden City, Beijing. (Photo/Suelin Low Chew Tung)

Grenada, as a member of the eight-nation Eastern Caribbean Central Banks Currency Union, participated in a recent pilot digital currency program, DCash. However, we have yet to see platforms with capabilities similar to WeChat and Alipay, most probably because of financial infrastructure and transport logistics challenges.

A scale model of an offshore windmill energy project exhibited at Shanghai Exhibition Center. (Photo/Suelin Low Chew Tung)

After my first week of sticking to cash-only transactions, I decided to use technology that appears to be fully integrated into everyday life. I used Alipays payment platform for online purchases and onsite items ranging from tickets to the zoo and a contemporary art exhibition, to shopping and public transport. I greatly depended on WeChats scan-to-translate Chinese-English feature. Though China has multiple e-commerce platforms, I was satisfied with using consumer-friendly Taobao and Meituan, with delivery times of one or two days or even hours, a wide range of items and price points. When I return home, I will miss the convenience of expanded e-commerce, communication and financial access on my phone.

Passengers use mobile payments to take the subway at the Dayanta Station of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua file photo)

Modernization is not only technology. Various routes lay the foundation for modernization in China, inspiring the next generation of innovators seeking to identify and solve real-world problems. It manifests itself in limiting vehicle density, using small delivery and maintenance vehicles, mass transit options (public transport, rented bicycles), and providing environments conducive to better living and better health (enhanced air quality, open spaces and parks with elements of cultural, tradition and built heritage), facilities that offer Western and Traditional Chinese medicine, agriculture and food security, rural and urban revitalization, and the creative industry generating foreign exchange. It is also present in the conservation of traditional culture and heritage systems, and landscapes, and in the many innovations of the peoples of the 56 ethnic groups who constitute China, to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Beijing Yeyahu Wetlands. (Photo/Suelin Low Chew Tung)

The most compelling summations of Chinese modernization, in my opinion, are bookended by the movie "Wandering Earth II and the 5D immersive displays at the National Museum showing The Long March, and the impressive compilation of vistas across the landscapes of China, including views underwater and from space, and various industrial and scientific accomplishments.

Installation about the convening of the first National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Memorial of the CPCs First National Congress, Shanghai. (Photo/Suelin Low Chew Tung)

Wandering Earth II, which I saw at the beginning of the program, showcased Chinese cinema technology, and within the film plot, Chinese long-term planning, preference for dialogue over violence, negotiator for global peace and security, and advocacy for the common good for all humanity. The 5D immersive displays at the National Museum showcased the historic struggle that led to contemporary innovations and achievements across various industries, and the applications of multiple forms of technology towards making China better for its people. These solid introductions to Chinese modernization should be on everyones must-see list.

Kunqu Opera, Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Centre. (Photo/Suelin Low Chew Tung)

The author is a journalist of Now Grenada, Grenada

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
by Vijay Prashad

On June 3, 2023, naval vessels from the United States and Canada conducted a joint military exercise in the South China Sea. A Chinese warship (LY 132) overtook the U.S. guided-missile destroyer (USS Chung-Hoon) and speeded across its path. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command released a statement saying that the Chinese ship executed maneuvers in an unsafe manner. The spokesperson from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Wenbin, responded that the United States made provocations first and China responded, and that the actions taken by the Chinese military are completely justified, lawful, safe, and professional. This incident is one of many in these waters, where the United States conducts what it calls Freedom of Navigation (FON) exercises. These FON actions are given legitimacy by Article 87(1)(a) of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea. China is a signatory to the Convention, but the United States has refused to ratify it. U.S. warships use the FON argument without legal rights or any United Nations Security Council authorization. The U.S. Freedom of Navigation Program was set up in 1979, before the Convention and separate from it.





In this file photo taken on Nov 6, 2018 a Chinese and US flag are displayed at a booth during the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai. [ Photo: AFP ]

Hours after this encounter in the South China Sea, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The Shangri-La Dialogue, which has taken place annually at the Shangri-La Hotel since 2002, brings together military chiefs from around Asia with guests from countries such as the United States. At a press gaggle, Austin was asked about the recent incident. He called upon the Chinese government to reign in that kind of conduct because I think accidents can happen that could cause things to spiral out of control. That the incident took place because a U.S. and Canadian military exercise took place adjacent to Chinese territorial waters did not evoke any comment from Austin. He emphasized the role of the United States to ensure that any country can sail the seas and fly the skies in international space.





Austins pretense of innocence was challenged by his Chinese counterpart, Defense Minister Li Shangfu. Why did all these incidents happen in areas near China, Li asked, not in areas near other countries? The best way to prevent this from happening is that military vessels and aircraft not come close to our waters and airspace Watch out for your own territorial waters and airspace, then there will not be any problems. Li contested the idea that the U.S. navy and air force are merely conducting FON exercises. They are not here for innocent passage, he said. They are here for provocation.





Tighten the Net





When Austin was not talking to the press, he was busy in Singapore strengthening U.S. military alliances whose purpose is to tighten the net around China. He held two important meetings, the first a U.S.-Japan-Australia trilateral meeting and the second a meeting that included their counterpart from the Philippines. After the trilateral meeting, the ministers released a sharp statement that used words (destabilizing and coercive) that raised the temperature against China. Bringing in the Philippines to this dialogue, the U.S. egged on new military cooperation among Canberra, Manila, and Tokyo. This builds on the Japan-Philippines military agreement signed in Tokyo in February 2023, which has Japan pledging funds to the Philippines and the latter allowing the Japanese military to conduct drills in its islands and waters. It also draws on the Australia-Japan military alliance signed in October 2022, whichwhile it does not mention Chinais focused on the free and open Indo-Pacific, a U.S. military phrase that is often used in the context of the FON exercises in and near Chinese waters.





Over the course of the past two decades, the United States has built a series of military alliances against China. The earliest of these alliances is the Quad, set up in 2008 and then revived after a renewed interest from India, in November 2017. The four powers in the Quad are Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. In 2018, the United States military renamed its Pacific Command (set up in 1947) to Indo-Pacific Command and developed an Indo-Pacific Strategy, whose main focus was on China. One of the reasons to rename the process was to draw India into the structure being built by the United States, emphasizing the India-China tensions around the Line of Actual Control. The document shows how the U.S. has attempted to inflame all conflicts in the regionsome small, others largeand put itself forward as the defender of all Asian powers against the bullying of neighbors. Finding solutions to these disagreements is not on the agenda. The emphasis of the Indo-Pacific Strategy is for the U.S. to force China to subordinate itself to a new global alliance against it.





Mutual Respect





During the press gaggle in Singapore, Austin suggested that the Chinese government should be interested in freedom of navigation as well because without that, I mean, it would affect them. China is a major commercial power, he said, and if there are no laws, if there are no rules, things will break down for them very quickly as well.





Chinas Defense Minister Li was very clear that his government was open to a dialogue with the United States, and he worried as well about the breakdown of communications between the major powers. However, Li put forward an important precondition for the dialogue. Mutual respect, he said, should be the foundation of our communications. Up to now, there is little evidenceeven less in Singapore despite Austins jovial attitudeof respect from the United States for the sovereignty of China. The language from Washington gets more and more acrid, even when it pretends to be sweet.





Source: Globetrotter





Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is an editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He is a senior non-resident fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest books are Struggle Makes Us Human: Learning from Movements for Socialism and (with Noam Chomsky) The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power.
Steve Bannon has been subpoenaed by the federal grand jury investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

The subpoena, for documents and testimony, was sent out in late May, NBC News reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Bannon, 69, co-founded Breitbart news and served as Donald Trump's chief strategist for the first seven months of his term. He now hosts a podcast, and remains one of the most influential voices in MAGA circles.

Bannon was found guilty in July 2022 of contempt of Congress for defying a demand to appear before a committee investigating the Capitol attack.

He has appealed that verdict and has yet to be sentenced.

Steve Bannon, 69, has been issued with a subpoena for documents and testimony relating to the January 6 riot, it was reported on Wednesday

Donald Trump is pictured on January 6, 2021 - speaking shortly before his supporters stormed the Capitol

On the eve of the January 6 riot, Bannon told his podcast listeners: 'All hell is going to break loose tomorrow'

Separately, Bannon is set to go on trial on May 27, 2024, on criminal charges over a push to fund Trump's wall along the U.S. southern border.

Bannon was vocal in his demand that Trump contest the November 2020 election results, and demanded patriots rise up to challenge the announcement.

On January 5, 2021, he told his podcast listeners: 'All hell is going to break loose tomorrow.'

Bannon also urged Trump in December 2020 to focus his attention on January 6, according to the book Peril, by authors Bob Woodward and Robert Costa.

The authors also reported Trump called Bannon after a contentious January 5 meeting with then-Vice President Mike Pence, where Pence told Trump he did not have the authority to block the certification of the 2020 election results.

Trump supporters are seen on January 6, 2021, storming the US Capitol

Jack Smith was appointed in November as special counsel to investigate Trump's handling of classified information and his actions around January 6

The circumstances surrounding January 6 are being investigated by Jack Smith, who was appointed special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November.

Smith is also investigating Trump's handling of classified documents.

Mark Meadows, Trump's former chief of staff, was revealed on Monday to have testified before Smith's team - although it was not clear if he discussed the classified documents, or January 6, or both.
Danny Masterson's former lawyers have been sanctioned for leaking confidential court materials to the Church of Scientology during the convicted actor's first, failed rape trial in 2021.

Found guilty of two counts of rape last week during a second stint in court, the disgraced actor ousted Tom Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum sometime this year - though their names resurfaced Wednesday during an explosive evidentiary hearing.

The 47-year-old former star of 'That '70s Show' had been on trial for a second time, after a first ended in a mistrial in December with a jury deadlocked on counts he raped three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003.

Last Thursday, Masterson was convicted of raping two of the three women, with jurors split on the charge relating to Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, 37, who was in a relationship with Masterson at the time of her alleged assault.

During a hearing on Wednesday investigating the source of a leak that included victims' emails with police, Judge Charlaine Olmedo revealed Meseareau and Applebaum to be the culprits, providing redacted material in the case to the church.

Found guilty of two counts of rape last week, the disgraced actor replaced his legal team this year - though the names of the puller lawyers resurfaced Wednesday during an explosive evidentiary hearing, held to address claims from his accusers that they are being harassed

During a hearing on Wednesday investigating the source of a leak that included victims' emails with police, Judge Charlaine Olmedo revealed Meseareau (far right) and Applebaum (middle) to be the culprits, providing redacted material in the case to the church

The criminal discovery related to claims from Mastersons accusers that they were being stalked and harassed.

'The court finds that the words used by the court repeatedly constituted an order and the defense violated that order, and the attorneys who violated that were Mr. Mesereau and Ms. Appelbaum,' the jurist said of the leak, which comes after Masterson's accusers claimed they were being stalked during proceedings.

Masterson's current attorneys Philip Cohen, Shawn Holley, and Karen Goldstein denied being involved in the leak, though Holley aired a belief that it stemmed from the actor's prior legal counsel.

'We base that on Mr. Cohen denied sharing it and didn't know how Ms. Podberesky obtained it,' Olmedo said during the evidentiary hearing - held as Masterson is set to receive sentencing on August 4 and faces 30 years to life in prison.

'Ms. Holley said it was a previous team, Ms. Goldstein didn't have knowledge of it.'

He added: 'Mr. Mueller said he shared the info with Mr. Mesereau and Ms. Appelbaum, so the court finds circumstantial evidence that they shared the material and will make sanctions.

According to The Underground Bunker, the first publication to report on the new court development, Mesereau and Appelbaum were ordered to pay $950 each for the offenses.

Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller, meanwhile, provided a rough timetable as to when the leaks occurred, saying the church obtained the documents between March and December 2021, when Mesereau - a high-powered lawyer who has represented Mike Tyson, Bill Cosby and Michael Jackson - was Masterson's head counsel.

Speaking days after Masterson was denied bail and led to a cell in handcuffs, Mueller urged the court to impose sanctions, arguing the lawyers engaged in the leak intentionally, with the goal of intimidating both law enforcement and the accusers.

Letting the leak slide, he argued, would have a 'chilling effect' on accusers in future cases.

'These are experienced lawyers,' he added, pointing to their familiarity with the discovery procedure as proof the leak was by design. 'They know this. These are rules they've been around for a long time.'

The day's proceedings also saw jurists reveal that Mesereau and Appelbaum shared the sensitive materials with Vicki Podberesky, an attorney who has long been associated with the church and represented it in a recent lawsuit.

Scientology was front and center during both criminal trials. All three women testified the reason they took so long to report him to the police was their fear of retribution from the church

Officials Wednesday provided a rough timetable as to when the leaks occurred, saying the church obtained the documents between March and December 2021, when Mesereau (pictured here in 2018) - a lawyer who has represented Mike Tyson, Bill Cosby and Michael Jackson - was Masterson's head counsel

Last Thursday, Masterson was convicted of raping two of the three women, with jurors split on the charge relating to Chrissie Carnell-Bixler (pictured), who was in a relationship with Masterson at the time of her alleged assault

Carnell-Bixler has publicly identified herself as a 'rape and cult survivor' and testified against Masterson in his 2022 mistrial. Carnell is seen with Masterson in 2000

Danny Masterson and wife Bijou Phillips arrive for court at the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse on Tuesday. Masterson has pleaded not guilty to raping three women at his home between 2001 and 2003

Inconsistencies in the women's stories are essential and should make it easy for jurors to have reasonable doubt of Masterson's guilt, his attorney Philip Cohen told jurors on Tuesday

Masterson is on rape trial for a second time after the first ended in a mistrial in December, with a jury hopelessly deadlocked on all counts

Masterson played wise-cracking Steven Hyde (top right) on That '70s Show from 1998 to 2006

The lawyer then used the obtained information to file a complaint in the trial, alleging prosecutors were soliciting false testimony to use against Masterson.

Last month, prior to Masterson's guilty verdict, Mueller told the court of his belief the attorney - long linked to the Clearwater-based church - had obtained sensitive information in the case.

'There was an email that was sent from Vicki Podberesky on May 2, 2023, to our assistant DA James Garrison as well as our bureau director.

'The subject is listed as 'False reports of stalking by the Church of Scientology,'' Mueller told the court last month before Masterson's guilty verdict.

Information included in the leak, jurists said, comprised of photos and texts that shared addresses and license plate numbers of the three female accusers.

Judge Olmedo claimed the action 'flies in the face of both statutory and caselaw authority,' while adding that she Podberesky 'made numerous statements during contested discovery hearings repeatedly telling the defense that the criminal discovery process would not be used for discovery in civil cases.'

Last week, Olmedo denied Masterson's motion to sever two of the rape counts against him, spurring her to ask for more briefing on the other motion.

The hearing resulted in Masterson's trial for that charge to be moved back from August 29 to October 11 - after it was revealed that Mesereau and Appelbaum are no longer on his defense team.

Mother-of-two Carnell-Bixler said she was 'devastated' by the result but 'encouraged' that he will face 'some criminal punishment' after a previous jury was deadlocked and resulted in a mistrial.

Masterson is set to receive sentencing for the other two charges, for which he was found guilty, in August.

Carnell-Bixler and the other two women, of whom Masterson was convicted of raping, are involved in a related civil case against him and the Church of Scientology.

A status hearing on that case is scheduled for June 28.

His third victim, known as Jane Doe 1, spoke out for the first time following his conviction, telling journalist Yashar Ali: 'This isn't about me. I just want people to do the right thing. Please tell the truth. Please tell the truth.'

During the trial, it was claimed that Masterson's victims and their families had been subject to harassment by representatives of the Church of Scientology.

Masterson is a long-time member of the church, which denied the allegations in a statement to DailyMail.com.

'There is not a scintilla of evidence supporting the scandalous allegations that the church harassed the accusers. Every single instance of supposed harassment by the church is false, and has been debunked,' they said.

Masterson was convicted of raping two women at his Hollywood Hills home and immediately denied bail and led to the cells in handcuffs.

The jurors delivered their unanimous verdicts on the charges and deadlocked on a count that he raped Carnell-Bixler between 2001 and 2003.

All three women who accused him of rape testified the reason they took so long to report him to the police was their fear of retribution from the Church of Scientology.

All three women were members of the Church at the time of the attacks, with Masterson attacking the women between 2001 and 2003.

The Church of Scientology said that bringing the religion into the rape trial was an 'unprecedented violation of the First Amendment and affects the due process of every American.'

It claimed that making reference to Masterson's religion in the trial was an effort by Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson to 'introduce prejudice and inflame bigotry.'

The guilty verdicts on Wednesday came on the eighth day of jury deliberations. Jurors found him guilty of raping victims Jane Doe One and Jane Doe Two.

Masterson looked stunned as jurors delivered their unanimous verdicts on two of the three charges and his wife broke down in tears.

She was inconsolable as he was led away in handcuffs and Judge Charlaine Olmedo ordered her to 'maintain her composure'  or go outside.

Immediately after the judge announced she was remanding the actor, a sheriff's bailiff pulled his arms behind his back and handcuffed him.

Masterson's attorney, Philip Cohen, argued his client should be allowed to remain on bail, wearing an electronic monitor and being kept on 24-hour house arrest.

But Judge Olmedo rejected his request saying Masterson's offenses were 'serious and violent felonies' and called him a 'potential flight risk.'

Reinhold Mueller, the deputy district attorney, told the court that he agreed with Judge Olmedo's decision to revoke Masterson's bail, echoing her comment and saying: 'These were serious and violent offenses.'
Two men have been fined thousands of dollars for uploading a video showing the pair four-wheel-driving through a protected area and destroying native vegetation.

On November 27, 2021, the pair uploaded an hour-long video to YouTube of their antics titled '4x4 session goes bad' which showed them driving through Plunkett Conservation Park and Wickham Timber Reserve at Yarrabilba in Logan, Queensland.

The men recorded themselves in a green four-wheel drive and a dune buggy passing multiple signs advising them they were in a protected area and that vehicles were prohibited from entering.

Footage shows the pair crushing small trees, driving up rock formations and through the culturally significant area.

Two men have been fined thousands of dollars for damaging native Queensland bushland (pictured) while filming their 4x4 adventures which was uploaded to their YouTube channel

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) found the video on YouTube in December, 2021 before it was removed after being viewed more than 6,600 times.

Park rangers who inspected the area following the video found damaged trees, tyre marks and a vehicle's side mirror.

In September, 2022 the men were charged with two counts of interfering with a natural or cultural resource of a protected area without authority and one count of interfering with forest products on a timber reserve without authority.

In Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday both men pleaded guilty to all three charges and were ordered to pay $7,500 each.

On November 27, 2021, the pair filmed their antics and uploaded an hour-long video titled '4x4 session goes bad' which showed them driving through Plunkett Conservation Park and Wickham Timber Reserve at Yarrabilba near Logan, Queensland

In a statement on Thursday, QPWS said: 'The outcome serves as an important reminder to always obey signage and road rules when entering national parks, conservation parks, State forests and timber reserves.

'Motor vehicles are not permitted to be driven off-road in such areas, and where vehicle entry is allowed all motor vehicles must be registered for use on a public road and drivers must hold a valid drivers licence.

'Rangers monitor social media for illegal activity in protected areas and will take strong action against those who disobey the rules or damage our protected areas and forests.'

The majority of social media users reacted to the pair's penalty by saying they got off lightly, some arguing their vehicles should have gone straight to the scrap yard.

'Confiscate and crush, first offence,' one person wrote.

But another commenter noted that the closure of four-wheel drive tracks in the area may have contributed to the pair's actions.

'I don't condone their actions but Gold Coast City Council has closed all local 4wding tracks,' they said.
Superman actor Dean Cain has become the latest Hollywood star to flee California for states that are friendlier to the film industry, such as Nevada, Texas and Louisiana.

Cain appeared on Fox and Friends on Wednesday to say he had been driven from his $7.25 million home in Malibu to Las Vegas, where he said there is less traffic and lower taxes, and added that his peers are leaving 'in droves'.

'I love California. It's the most beautiful state. Everything's wonderful about it except for the policies,' Cain told Fox News' Brian Kilmeade. 'The policies are just terrible. The fiscal policies, the soft-on-crime policies, the homelessness policies.'

Actor Mark Wahlberg has also left California for Nevada and last week lobbied state lawmakers to pass a bill that would increase tax credits for film production in order to create what he called 'Hollywood 2.0'.

Cain, who moved to California as a young child with his mother, is best known for playing Clark Kent in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman between 1993 to 1997.

Superman actor Dean Cain appeared on Fox and Friends on Wednesday to say he had been driven from California to escape the high taxes and poor policies

Cain listed his Malibu home (pictured) in March and sold the property for $7.25 million last month as part of an effort to escape California

'The things that our leaders in California have been doing have driven out anybody who can really afford to get out. People are flocking out of there in droves,' said Cain on Wednesday.

When asked if making the move was likely to affect his livelihood as an actor, he suggested the film industry had been spending money elsewhere for a while.

'The business has been leaving there for a long time. The prices to film there are astronomical, that's why people have been filming in Georgia and Louisiana and Texas and other states,' said Cain.

'The cost of doing business is so much less there, on every front,' he added.

'The hard part is because you've got such a great base of workers in California, but everybody that I know who's working there wants to get out as well. I've shot one movie in California in the last, I don't know, four or five years, everything else is somewhere else.'

Cain listed his Malibu home in March and sold the property for $7.25 million last month.

'I've been here for two weeks now, and I can tell you, smart move,' Cain said of his relocation to Nevada.

'My son is ten times happier here in Las Vegas. If I wanted to do anything out of Malibu, it took me 45 minutes to an hour to get anywhere. Here, the longest I'm driving is 20 minutes.'

Cain said he loved 'beautiful' California but had only filmed one film there in the last several years. Pictured is his old Malibu home

Cain's Malibu home had a private pool and waterfall spa. The property encompasses almost half an acre

In February Wahlberg sold his 12-bedroom, 20-bathroom Beverly Hills mansion for $55 million in the hopes of giving his children a 'better life' in income tax-free Nevada.

'I would love to see us building studios, creating jobs and just diversifying the economy,' Wahlberg told CNBC last week. 'I've moved my last film here. I'm shooting another film here coming up in the summertime.'

'I think there's so much more opportunity to be created here. There's so much growth and so much potential, it's a wonderful opportunity for everybody to prosper,' he said.

Boston native Wahlberg lived in his Beverly Hills mansion for more than a decade but said there wasn't even much work for him there.

'I moved to California many years ago to pursue acting and I've only made a couple of movies in the entire time that I was there,' he said.

Wahlberg has made at least two purchases in Nevada, a $15.6 million 2.5-acre block of land that he plans to build on, as well as a $14.5 million bungalow to live in as construction begins, according to Elite Agent.

Actor Mark Wahlberg, 51, is pushing to create a new Hollywood in Las Vegas months after he left his Los Angeles home to give his kids a 'better life'

Wahlberg's move to Nevada in October comes after he sold his 12-bedroom, 20-bathroom Beverly Hills mansion for $55 million in February

Wahlberg has already made two purchases in the Silver State, a $15.6million 2.5-acre block of land in an exclusive area that he plans to build out, as well as a $14.5million bungalow (pictured) to live in as construction begins

The huge, expensive plot of land in Nevada's exclusive Summit Club where Wahlberg hopes to begin construction

Last month, actor Dennis Quaid and other celebrities took part in a campaign for Texas to become the new filming capital.

Mathew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson also appeared in the spot advocating for projects to come to the Lone Star state.

'Texas did a really good job at taking a big share of the tech industry away from Silicon Valley. You go down to Austin and you can see that really clearly,' Quaid said.

'The same thing can be done with movies and television shows. It's a great place to shoot.'
The FBI has 'caved' into the House Oversight Committee's demands to release documents that claim Joe Biden was involved in a $5million bribery scheme when he was vice president.

The agreement ends a standoff that began on May 3, when Director Christopher Wray was issued with a subpoena to hand over the document.

A spokesman for the Oversight Committee told DailyMail.com members can start reviewing the document from today under lock and key inside a SCIF (sensitive compartmented information facility), but most members have gone home for the weekend.

Wray had refused to share the unverified document with anyone except the chair of the committee, James Comer, and the ranking Democrat, Jamie Raskin.

Comer came out from viewing the document and said it was troubling: Raskin said it was nothing.

Comer wanted all members of the committee to be able to see the document, unredacted: Wray refused. On Monday, Comer threatened to hold him in contempt.

But, on Wednesday, Comer called off the vote on contempt after Wray agreed to allow the full committee to access a redacted file.

FBI Director Christopher Wray had until May 30 to hand over the document to congressional Republicans: he refused, and James Comer threatened to hold him in contempt of Congress. On Wednesday Wray agreed to allow access to the document

A spokesman for the Oversight Committee told DailyMail.com members can start reviewing the document from today under lock and key inside a SCIF (sensitive compartmented information facility), but most members have gone home for the weekend

Comer praised the agreement, and crowed that Wray had 'caved' to his demands to allow viewing of the FD-1023 record.

The Biden document at the center of the new dispute was written up by a longtime FBI source whom both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible.

In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine.

Hunter Biden worked on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

'After weeks of refusing to even admit the FD-1023 record exists, the FBI has caved and is now allowing all members of the Oversight and Accountability Committee to review this unclassified record that memorializes a confidential human source's conversations with a foreign national who claimed to have bribed then-Vice President Joe Biden.

'Americans have lost trust in the FBI's ability to enforce the law impartially and demand answers, transparency, and accountability.

'Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people,' he added.

All committee members will now be able to view a redacted version of a confidential document.

It alleges a $5 million bribery scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national.

Raskin said he was happy Wray and Comer agreed to a deal about the document, which Raskin said was made in 'good faith'.

James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, on Wednesday said Wray had 'caved' to his threat to hold him in contempt of Congress

The unverified document, a FD-1023 record, was written up by a longtime FBI source whom both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible. In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine

But he said he was concerned about the events leading up to Wednesday's agreement.

'Holding someone in contempt of Congress is among the most serious actions our Committee can take and it should not be weaponized to undermine the FBI,' Raskin said.

The FBI has called the contempt vote unwarranted considering the bureau had 'continuously demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committee's request,' while protecting the safety of sources and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

But Comer had consistently said for the past month that the only way for the FBI to comply with the subpoena is to provide an unredacted copy of the document.

It is unclear what made him change course at the last minute.

FBI officials have already shown a redacted version of the several-page form to Comer and Raskin during a 90-minute briefing Monday.

The bureau described that briefing as an 'extraordinary accommodation' where both men were able to take notes on the document and ask questions.

The whole contempt fight over the document moved at an unusually rapid speed for the House.

Committees often battle for months with an agency or a witness before resorting to contempt proceedings, often haggling over an 'accommodation' that is considered compliance with a subpoena.

Republicans moved far faster, arriving at contempt a little over a month after issuing the subpoena to Wray on May 3.

It would have been the first time Republicans had used the contempt power against a federal official since taking control of the House in January but would be far from a rare occurrence in the House.

Democrats wielded the power of contempt memorably in the last Congress as part of the committee investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury on contempt charges last year after a referral from the House Jan. 6 committee.

Another former Trump official, Peter Navarro, is awaiting trial on a contempt charge as well. He has pleaded not guilty.
A top tech firm has sacked dozens of staff just weeks after being named one of the best places to work, as the CEO comes under fire for an 'infantilising' email he sent to all employees announcing the sackings.

Alex Zaccaria, the co-founder of Melbourne-based website aggregator Linktree, on Tuesday penned a 1,235-word open letter to employees, whom he patronisingly referred to as 'Linkies'.

Linktree, a 'link in bio' profile service with about 350 million users which is popular with influencers and OnlyFans stars, was dubbed a 'unicorn' last year after securing a $150million raise.

But buried in the fourth paragraph of Mr Zaccaria's mammoth email was the news that 27 per cent of staff in Australia and New Zealand - about 60 people - were being let go as the company intensifies its focus on the U.S. market.

Alex Zaccaria (pictured), co-founder of Linktree, penned a 1,235-word email to staff, whom he collectively called 'Linkies', announcing that over a quarter of them were being let go

Buried in the fourth paragraph of Mr Zaccaria's email (mock-up seen here) was the news 27 per cent of staff in Australia - or 60 people - were being let go as the company focuses on the U.S.

The company was founded by brothers Anthony and Alex Zaccaria and their business partner Nick Humphreys in 2016.

Just last month, the firm was voted the best place to work in tech by the Australian Financial Review.

It was heralded for its employee benefits, which reportedly include $6,000 for each employee to spend on their health and development - or for helping others.

Mr Zaccaria said shedding over a quarter of the workforce was a 'hard but essential operational decision'.

'To be able to hire for those roles and further our growth in the U.S., we will be reducing our overall team by about 27 per cent today, primarily impacting Linkies based in Australia and New Zealand,' he wrote.

Outgoing staff were told they would be 'gifted' their work laptops and offered 'outplacement support and consultation services, as well as generous financial support beyond legal requirements'.

Included in the news of the mass sackings was the announcement that Linktree had just acquired a competitor.

'Alongside today's more challenging news, I also want to share a piece of significant and strategically important news - Linktree is acquiring one of the newest, most visually stunning and powerful link platforms, Bento,' wrote Mr Zaccaria.

Linktree is popular with social media influencers, such as fitness guru Tammy Hembrow (Instagram account pictured)

Linktree allows social media users to create a single page that includes links to all of their online platforms, with the ability to accept payments (Ms Hembrow's landing page pictured)

He later spoke of his sadness at letting go so many staff and assured them 'your fellow Linkies care for you deeply and we will be doing everything in our power to support you'.

The tech boss acknowledged many employees would be struggling to deal with the loss of colleagues they 'care for deeply and respect' and the firm will hold an 'all-hands' meeting on Friday.

'Friday will be a day for all Linkies to use for processing this news in whichever way works best for them - be it together with colleagues or logged off and out of the office for the day - it is up to each individual,' he wrote.

Mr Zaccaria, who attended the prestigious Southwood Grammar School in Melbourne where fees are up to $20,000 a year, tried to spin the sackings as an opportunity for growth.

'Whilst we will be a leaner local team, I want those of you remaining to know how important you are to our next stage of growth. I guarantee you we will not lose our roots as we expand our U.S. presence,' he said.

He revealed they will be hiring product, engineering and marketing roles in America and are committed to having an 'evenly distributed team between Australia and the U.S. by the end of the year'.

Despite the importance of the U.S. market, Mr Zaccaria said he and the other two co-founders would remain in Australia.

Mr Zaccaria's LinkedIn post, which contained a link to his full email to staff, was inundated with recruiters keen to snap up the outgoing talent.

Others were more critical of his style and tone, however.

'I'm sorry, but why are people praising this post?' asked content manager Alice Elizabeth Allen.

'As a business owner, you clearly don't care about your employees. What a disgusting way to announce that you're laying off Aussie staff, by also announcing an acquisition?'

Linktree was founded by brothers Anthony (right) and Alex Zaccaria (left) and their business partner Nick Humphreys (centre) in 2016

Mr Zaccaria shared the email in a LinkedIn post, which was quickly inundated with recruiters trying to snap up the outgoing talent. The email also drew criticism for its style and tone

Another said sarcastically: 'Sorry, guys, we've laid off a quarter of our staff, but good news - we've acquired a competitor!'

Mark Di Stefano, the media and technology correspondent at The Australian Financial Review, savaged Mr Zaccaria's email in a recent column.

'For the T-shirt-and-chino class, sacking workers has become a personal branding event,' he wrote.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Linktree for comment.

Linktree allows social media users to create a single page that includes links to all of their online platforms, with the ability to accept payments.

Mr Zaccaria's post attracted criticism, with one senior tech figure mocking the email for announcing staff lay-offs and an acquisition at the same time

One marketing leader said his email made her 'immediately delete my Linktree account'

For example, fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow has it linked in her Instagram account, which is followed by almost 17 million people.

Clicking to her Linktree landing page takes you to a list of 13 different links, including her Tammy Fit app and YouTube account.

Mr Zaccaria referred to its 350 million users as 'Linkers'.

Linktree was founded in 2016 when the co-founders, who were running a digital strategy firm called Bolster in the music industry at the time, realised their clients had issues with managing and monetising their presence on different social media platforms.

They came up with the idea for one simple link where you can share everything.

The company has raised more than $200million and was last year valued at more than US$1billion.

But in August last year Linktree announced it was cutting 17 per cent of its workforce.

All ex-employees were offered incredibly generous leave packages, including 11 weeks of pay, just under three months of health insurance, mental health support and free Apple laptops.

Linktree came under further pressure last month when Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg announced Instagram users would be allowed five links in their profiles after previously allowing them only one.

The decision appeared to make Linktree redundant.

At the time, however, Mr Zaccaria rejected this and said on Twitter that users still wanted a separate site to collate all their links.

'Creators and brands need a space that is both independent of platforms and unifies them; a place where their relationship with their audience is theirs to own,' he tweeted.
Australians living in certain rich suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth could be considered poor by their wealthy neighbours if they earn less than $200,000 a year.

The Australian Taxation Office on Thursday revealed the most affluent postcodes and professions for 2020-21, based on individual earnings.

On the top 10 list of postcodes, eight of them had average taxable incomes of more than $200,000 based on salaries minus work expense claims - putting them among the top three per cent.

But to be among Australia's top one per cent of income earners, living in a rich suburb isn't enough.

Somebody needs to earn at least $377,553 a year, which means anyone earning an average income as a surgeon ($457,281) or an anaesthetist ($426,894) is automatically part of a very elite group.

Australians living in certain rich suburbs of Sydney (pictured), Melbourne and Perth could be considered 'poor' by wealthier neighbours if they earn less than $200,000 a year

Double Bay, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, was Australia's richest slice of harbour-front real estate with professionals there typically making $266,381 a year

Sydney was home to seven of the top 10 postcodes with Melbourne taking out two spots and mining-rich Perth having one place.

Double Bay, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, was Australia's richest slice of harbour-front real estate with professionals there typically making $266,381 a year in the exclusive 2028 postcode.

On the edge of Sydney Harbour, Vaucluse and Dover Heights had an average income of $230,597, in a postcode that has been home to socialite Roxy Jacenko, media personalities Hamish Blake and Larry Emdur, and dead conwoman Melissa Caddick.

Perth came in at number three with those in Peppermint Grove on the Swan River and Cottesloe Beach making $229,805, in an area where mining billionaire Andrew Forrest is a local.

Perth came in at number three with those in Peppermint Grove on the Swan River and Cottesloe Beach (pictured) making $229,805, in a suburb where mining billionaire Andrew Forrest is a local

Toorak, in Melbourne's inner east, entered the list in fourth place with a typical income of $222,967 in an exclusive area where media personality Eddie McGuire lives.

Portsea, a one-hour drive from Melbourne on the eastern mouth of Port Phillip Bay, was fifth with a taxable income of $221,236 in a beachside postcode that counts billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox as one of its own.

Sydney's eastern suburbs had five places on the top 10 with Bellevue Hill having an average taxable income of $218,902.

Darling Point and Point Piper were next on $218,528, counting former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond as residents, followed by Woollahra on $212,881.

Sydney's north shore, across the harbour from the eastern suburbs, had no postcodes where professionals on average made more than $200,000.

In Northbridge, where the late former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke lived, the average income was $191,225.

Toorak, in Melbourne's inner east, entered the list in fourth place with a typical income of $222,967 in an exclusive area where media personality Eddie McGuire lives

Sydney was home to seven of the top 10 postcodes with Melbourne taking out two spots and mining-rich Perth having one place

Nearby Mosman rounded out the top 10 list with an average taxable income of $188,224, in a harbourside suburb where outgoing Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has a mansion on the market.

To be among the top 0.8 per cent, an Australian needs to earn $377,553 or more.

These 117,011 people are the elite among Australia's 15,134,189 income taxpayers.

Anyone working in three professions with an average salary would automatically be among the top one per cent.

Surgeons have Australia's highest taxable income of $457,281, followed by anaesthetists on $426,894.

Finance dealers would also scrape into the top one per cent with a typical taxable income of $341,798, along with internal medicine specialists on $334,267.

Somebody needs to earn at least $377,553 a year to be among the top 0.8 per cent, which means anyone earning an average income as a surgeon ($457,281) or an anaesthetist ($426,894) is automatically part of a very elite group

To be among the top 1.5 per cent, someone needs to earn $267,368.

That would cover psychiatrists on $270,412.

Anyone earning more than $200,000 is part of the top three per cent, comprising 468,041 people.

This covered other medical practitioners on $251,722 but not mining engineers ($196,178), judges and legal professionals ($193,388), chief executives ($177,506) and financial investment advisers ($169,608).

Among all Australians, having a taxable income of more than $68,289 makes someone above average, leaving them with a typical tax bill of $20,226.

The average superannuation balance was also $170,191 in 2020-21 back when the compulsory rate was 9.5 per cent.

It is increasing to 11 per cent on July 1, going up by half a percentage point each year until it reaches 12 per cent in July 2025.
Adam DeVine has revealed he and his wife Chloe Bridges watched a man 'gunned down' and killed outside their neighbor's $1.8million Los Angeles mansion.

The Pitch Perfect star, 39, said they were sitting on the balcony of their $2.6million home watching 'Lamborghinis and Bentleys and Rolls Royces' pull up to the house.

He claimed they were taking part in a 'crazy poker game' at the Hollywood Hills house and some of the guests attending looked like they'd 'sleep with prostitutes.'

His comments, aired on the 'This Is Important' podcast late last night, came after police said Emil Lahaziel, 39, was shot dead just after 2am on Wednesday morning.

Despite his co-host's Blake Anderson, Anders Holm and Kyle Newacheck's, obvious discomfort, Adam DeVine launched into the moments leading up to Lahaziel's murder as part of the 'This Is Important' Live podcast

Adam DeVine has revealed the moment he and his wife Chloe Bridges watched a man 'gunned down' outside their neighbors $1.8 million home

Emil Lahaziel, 39, died just after 2am on Wednesday morning in Hollywood Hills West after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, police said

'This is a true scary thing that just happened. So across the street they were running this like crazy poker game, right?' he said.

'People were rolling up in like Lamborghinis and Bentleys and Rolls Royces and s*** and like old guys, who for sure f*** prostitutes and play cards.

'And I see these dudes and it's like fun to sit and watch, [so] me and my wife, we're sitting up on our balcony, and like, this looks crazy.'

DeVine then pauses telling the audience 'this is where it gets sad.'

'Someone was murdered there,' he continues, before Anderson asks him to repeat what he said but with the added effect of a sinister sound byte.

'Someone was murdered,' he repeats, as Newacheck responds 'that's a downer.'

'Yeah dude, I called that s*** I called that s***. I was like 'this is dastardly s*** going down here' and sure enough someone is gunned down,' he continued.

'That is sad,' Newacheck responds, when Holm quickly adds 'Yeah a real person, no longer with us.'

'Yeah but, that happens, people be dying,' says DeVine defending his retelling of the deadly shooting. This isn't Hollywood, this is a story about my actual life,' he said.

DeVine made his name alongside co-stars Blake Anderson, Anders Holm and Kyle Newacheck's in Workaholics and played a bumper role in the Pitch Perfect franchise - he recounted the horrors of Wednesday morning during their Live podcast event

'I mean its pretty Hollywood, you're like "I guess I live places where people get murdered pretty cool,"' Holm says before the group quickly change the subject.

DeVine was recounting the tragic events of early Wednesday morning, when a 39-year-old man was shot dead in the driveway of his neighbors home.

Police said a suspect fled the scene and is still on the loose. No description was given and a motive for the killing is still unclear, investigators say.

They believe he may have run off and got into a waiting vehicle, and say they do not think it is gang-related.

The Pitch Perfect star didn't appear too phased by the incident, posting pictures on his socials completing the cold plunge challenge with fellow podcast hosts.

DeVine can be seen talking about Anderson doing the cold plunge before Newacheck does the same.

On his wife's Instagram, DeVine is seen plunging into another body of water, this time for fun, as he and friends enjoy the sunshine just 12 hours after the incident.

Lahaziel was later identified to DailyMail.com by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Lahaziel was shot dead while standing in the driveway of a $1.8 million Hollywood Hills West home just after 2am on Wednesday morning.

Police responded to the incident immediately and saw a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds down in front of a rented residence.

DeVine was seen enjoying the sunshine with friends just 12 hours after the incident

The Pitch Perfect star didn't appear too phased by the incident, posting pictures on his socials with fellow podcast hosts competing in the cold plunge challenge

DeVine can be seen talking about Anderson (right) doing the cold plunge before Newacheck (left) does the same

Investigators said Lahaziel was attending a party when the suspect arrived.

The pair began to argue in the street and the suspect shot the victim several times before fleeing the scene.

Neighbor Kimberley Block said: 'During the party, the valet let one of the guests know that somebody had arrived and was outside and wanted to talk to him.

'So the guest left the party, left the house, came outside and there was a squabble. The guy in the car shot the guest.'

Police said the suspect may have gone into another vehicle and that there might be more than one suspect.

Officers performed CPR on Lahaziel but he died at the scene.

DeVine has been sitting with his wife, Chloe Bridges, in their $2.6 million mansion when the incident took place.

The pair were married in a romantic ceremony in Mexico in October 2021 and posted pictures from the lavish seaside nuptials to their socials.

Bridges and DeVine met in 2014 while both on a flight to Louisiana to film the movie The Final Girls.

During an appearance on the Tonight Show, DeVine shared that he didn't realize that that Bridges was his co-star.

After spending time together on set, Devine and Bridges started dating in February 2015.

The pair were married in a romantic ceremony in Mexico in October 2021 and posted pictures from the lavish seaside nuptials to their socials

After years of dating, DeVine proposed to Bridges on a boat ride in Newport Beach in 2019, the pair sharing the news on Instagram

Devine and Bridges also played alongside each other in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.

After years of dating, DeVine proposed to Bridges on a boat ride in Newport Beach in 2019, the pair sharing the news on Instagram.

He wrote: 'She said yes! Well actually she said 'ahh Adam' and then kissed me but I'm pretty sure that means YES! I love Chloe more than anything and I'm so excited to spend the rest of my life with her amazing self.'

DeVine made his name alongside co-stars Anderson, Holm and Newacheck's in Workaholics and played a bumper role in the Pitch Perfect franchise.

In the shooting of Emil Lahaziel, anyone with information on the case is urged to call 877-LAPD-247.
A man has angered fellow motorists by parking his car on a busy highway and meditating on its rear window in a bizarre protest.

He stopped his 2009 Nissan GT-R in the middle northbound lane of Aucklands Southern Motorway near Highbrook, New Zealand, at about 1pm local time.

What happened next caused utter chaos to the flow of traffic.

The man proceeded to sit cross-legged, statue-like on the rear window of his car.

The man stopped his 2009 Nissan GT-R in the middle northbound lane of Aucklands Southern Motorway near Highbrook, New Zealand, at about 1pm local time and sat meditating on his rear window

His actions forced cars in the middle lane of State Highway One to stop and drive around him causing traffic to slow to a crawl

His actions forced cars in the middle lane of State Highway One to stop and drive around him causing traffic to slow to a crawl.

The man sat cross-legged in a typical meditation pose before eventually driving off before police arrived.

A witness who spoke briefly to the man said he claimed to be staging a form of protest.

He was opposed to the NZ government's nationwide 'Road to Zero' plan, which was introduced in 2020 to reduce road deaths.

A video of the man's antics was posted to reddit.

'Anybody know what's up with the crazo on SH1 like 20 minutes ago?' asked the person who posted the video.

'[He was] sitting on his car causing traffic in the middle lane with matching hoodie to his license plate.'

Social media users judged the protester ruthlessly.

'Broken down? Just an idiot?' said a reddit user.

'After I passed him he got into his car and sped off, just an idiot I presume,' said another.

Another user claimed the man was suffering from 'Main character syndrome'.
Within hours, cops realized they made a mistake - with its police commissioner blaming the woman's daylong incarceration on 'discrepancies' in a fine payment

Convicted cop killer Jasmine Hartin walked free from custody Wednesday  after police admitted she had not broken any laws by trying to leave Belize, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The new development in the 34-year-old Canadian socialite's case comes after she was detained at a border post Tuesday after trying to leave the country, following a trial for killing local police officer Henry Jemmott in May 2021.

The 42-year-old police superintendent was shot in the head with his own gun as the two socialized near a hotel on the island of Ambergris Caye belonging to the billionaire dad of her British boyfriend, Andrew Ashcroft.

She has said she had been drinking with Jemmott and was being taught how to use his gun when it went off by accident, killing him. Since then, the mom-of-two has avoided jail time, asked only to pay a $37,000 fine for the manslaughter offense.

However, after sending the money to her lawyer over the weekend, a court official refused to return her passport  leading her to be issued an emergency travel document to cross from Santa Elena into Mexico Tuesday at 12:30pm.

While attempting to enter the country, she was quickly detained at a border post and locked up in a sweltering Belizean jail. Within 24 hours, officials conceded they made a mistake  with the country's police commissioner blaming the woman's brief incarceration on 'discrepancies' in her payment.

While attempting to enter the country, Convicted cop killer Jasmine Hartin was quickly detained at a border post locked up in a sweltering Belizean jail. Within 24 hours, police officials conceded they made a mistake - with the country's police commission blaming the woman's incarceration on 'discrepancies' with a fine she paid for the manslaughter offense

The 42-year-old victim, Belize Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott, was shot in the head with his own gun as the two socialized near a hotel on the island of Ambergris Caye in 2021

Having conducted the investigation, looking at the court order and the statements recorded, there in insufficient evident to prosecute Hartin for any offense, especially since the entire fine has been paid, Commissioner Chester Williams said.

While there were some discrepancies with the declaration it was clear she was acting on the advice of her attorney who she had all reason to believe.

Jailed for roughly a day, the Canadian national previously insisted she did nothing wrong when she tried to cross into Mexico on a Canadian-issued travel-document, but was still taken into custody.

Her lawyer said she had paid the fine and wished to 'express her sincere regret and remorse to the Jemmott family for the loss of their beloved Henry', who left behind a wife and five kids.

But after sending the money to her lawyer, a court official at first refused to return her passport, a spokesperson for Hartin said. She was then issued an emergency travel document and tried to cross from Santa Elena into Mexico at 12:30pm.

However, when Hartin produced documents demonstrating that she had wired the funds to her lawyer in accordance with the cour, authorities instead began to probe the travel document she obtained from the Canadian consulate, it is claimed.

Louisa Chiaramonte, Hartin's spokesperson, said the mother-of-two was taken to a room by a border agent to be questioned, accused of falsifying the travel document.

Local media suggested Belize's police commissioner, Chester Williams, had intervened to stop her from 'absconding' the country, according to The Times.

Her lawyers quickly hit back at the claims, with DailyMail.com obtaining copies of the Canadian travel documents that officials would later confirm to be legitimate.

In statements to the media, Hartin  who at the time of the killing was married to the son of British-Belizean billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft  had claimed she had been drinking with Jemmott and was being taught how to use his gun when it went off by accident, killing him instantly.

The incident took place at Ashcroft's then newly opened Alaia Belize Hotel Autograph Collection, and quickly grabbed headlines.

Jailed for roughly a day, the Canadian national previously insisted she did nothing wrong when she tried to cross into Mexico on a Canadian-issued travel-document, but was taken into custody

It comes as her lawyers hit back at officials' claims she was 'absconding' to another country, with DailyMail.com obtaining copies of the Canadian travel documents proving her actions were not illegal

Jailed for roughly a day, the Canadian national previously insisted she did nothing wrong when she tried to cross into Mexico on a Canadian-issued travel-document, but was still taken into custody

DailyMail.com revealed she had been locked up in this sweltering jail where she was forced to strip down to her underwear in an attempt to stay cool

Hartin is pictured in the Belize jail while she was locked up after her initial arrest, before being found guilty of manslaughter and released

Jasmine Hartin is seen shopping at a fruit stand in Belize last month

Jemmott was killed by a shot to the head while he and Hartin were drinking together late at night on a pier in 2021, near a luxury hotel owned by her then-partner Andrew Ashcroft on the island of Ambergris Caye.

Hartin's former partner Andrew Ashcroft has said Hartin was 'very drunk' on the night of the incident.

Hartin claimed Jemmott had offered to teach her how to use his Glock-17 pistol for her protection.

Hartin has said that Jemmott had urged her to get a gun for her safety, and that the officer had offered to teach her to load and unload his service weapon.

She says that while handing back the weapon it went off.

In April last year she pleaded guilty to manslaughter by negligence, and last week was sentenced to complete 300 hours of community service and to make a video about the dangers of drinking and handling firearms.

Hartin was also ordered to pay damages to the family, which a friend reportedly helped her settle.

Judge Ricardo Sandicroft had required Hartin to wire the fine to her lawyer.

But Ms Chiaramonte says even with an emergency travel document, Hartin was stopped from leaving the country on yesterday afternoon.

Hartins supporters opted to pay the fine in cash Wednesday to try to secure her release, describing her detention as unlawful and yet another instance of the glamorous mother-of-two being mistreated by Belizean authorities.

They supplied police with a receipt for the full amount but Hartin was still behind bars early Wednesday evening, charged with no crime.

They also supplied DailyMail.com with exclusive copies of the Canadian travel documents to illustrate their authenticity. Hartin surrendered her passport in the wake of Jemmotts killing but has not yet been handed it back.

In the meantime, police sources told DailyMail.com that Hartin was forced to strip down to her underwear this morning in an attempt to stay cool as temperatures in Corozal soared to 92F.

The tiny town jail has a handful of grim, concrete cells, several of which are currently occupied by suspects in the execution-style murder of a young father in nearby Libertad village.

Kurtis Usher was gunned down Monday on his doorstep as gangsters unloaded assault rifles into his home, grazing his three-year-old son Kayjay as he was bravely shielded by Ushers partner Jasmine Williamson.

The same crew are suspected of trying to murder another couple a day later when they sprayed their home and car with bullets. The couple managed to duck and survive the onslaught of .223 rounds.

The Corozal police department was also mired in scandal in August of last year when bungling officers forgot to unload a prisoner from their van in extreme heat.

But the time they realized their mistake  some 13 hours later  Derrick Uh, 20, who had been arrested for grabbing a womans buttocks, had died from heat stroke.

Henry Jemmott, the police chief who was shot by Hartin, pictured with his family, widow Romit Wilson and children from left: Henry, Jemarie and Keyannie

The receipt that Hartin's supporters say proves she paid her fine before attempting to leave to leave the Central American country

She wept in court as she entered a guilty plea to manslaughter by negligence at the last-minute before her trial was due to take place.

Jemmott's widow Romit Wilson, 39, criticized Hartin's behavior throughout the court case, accusing the socialite of conducting an 'international PR campaign'.

Wilson, who had three children with Jemmott, broke her silence to tell DailyMail.com Hartin had sought to portray herself as the victim.

She previously said: 'I have not given any interviews to any media houses since the day Henry was killed.

While on bail awaiting trial, Hartin gave several interviews in print and on camera. She has also featured in the documentary One Bullet in Belize on US streaming service Discovery+.

Hartin has described in graphic detail how she 'accidentally' shot the officer as they enjoyed a late-night drink. She said she 'wriggled out' from under the heavily built officer and was left covered in his blood.

Her former partner Ashcroft, the son of British billionaire Lord Michael Ascroft, has said Hartin was 'very drunk' on the night of the incident.

Ashcroft's claims contradicted Hartin's assertion she had only consumed a few drinks and was not intoxicated on the night Jemmott was killed.

The couple separated shortly after the incident and have since been embroiled in a bitter custody battle over their twin children.
Poland has requested four TARS (Tethered Aerostat Radar System) systems from United States. TARS is a tech pioneered by and heavily used by American forces since September 11, 2001. Israel and the U.S. are major developers of and suppliers of such systems. Systems like TARS have been around for decades but have become more useful since the 1990s as radar and other sensors became smaller, lighter, more capable and reliable. Poland wants a TARS using a very powerful radar and electronic countermeasures system. The Polish TARS has a radar with a range of about 400 kilometers and the aerostat carrying the radar aloft can carry about a ton of sensors. The Polish border with Ukraine is only about 520 kilometers but if you add the borders with Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kalinin grade, you have over 1,200 kilometers of potentially hostile borders to monitor. Russia is close enough to attack Poland with low flying cruise missiles or UAVs along all these borders. Poland first discussed obtaining TARS from the Americans five years ago and aerostat use in Ukraine convinced Poland aerostats were viable surveillance tech that could survive a surprise attack and remain operational.

Aerostats are helium-filled blimp-like vehicles designed to always turn into the wind and stay in the same place. The U.S. developed larger aerostat systems (JLENS) to detect cruise missiles but the U.S. Army, since 2004 used dozens of smaller and cheaper aerostat systems for local security in Iraq and Afghanistan. These aerostats operated at about 330 meters (a thousand feet) up, tethered by a cable that provides power and communications to the day and night cameras up there. Larger aerostats can hover at 3,000 meters altitude and carry up to two tons of sensors. These blimps can stay up for about 30 days at a time before being brought down for maintenance.

Often two radars are carried on larger systems like JLENS and TARS. One is a surveillance radar and the other is a precision track and illumination radar (PTIR). The surveillance radar provides long-range coverage (up to 500 kilometers) while the PTIR, which is a steerable system capable of tracking multiple targets, can focus in on items of interest. TARS will give Poland persistent surveillance of border areas.
A veteran San Francisco news anchor who was arrested twice this week, within the space of nine hours, has been on a downward spiral since his wife filed for divorce, it has emerged.

Frank Somerville, 65, was arrested on Monday after a fight with his brother regarding the care of their elderly father.

Somerville was taken to Santa Rita jail, and freed on a $32,500 bail.

Hours later, he was arrested again - this time for driving under the influence.

He was taken back to the jail, and freed on Tuesday on a $10,000 bail.

On Wednesday it emerged that Somerville's dramatic downfall coincided with the collapse of his marriage.

Ex-KTVU anchor Frank Somerville, 65, was taken into custody twice for allegedly assaulting his brother, on Monday, and then on Tuesday driving while under the influence

Somerville is seen with his wife, TV producer Donna Wright Somerville, and their two daughters

The 31-year KTVU veteran had anchored the station's 6pm and 10pm broadcasts for 13 years before they chose not to extend his contract in January 2022

In 2021, Somerville was suspended twice by KTVU - where he had worked for three decades.

He was suspended in May for slurring his words and stumbling live on air. He blamed it on Ambien, but went to rehab, and then returned to the show.

Several months later, Somerville made national headlines when he questioned the racial disparity between the coverage of missing woman Gabby Petito and black women.

Somerville's youngest daughter is adopted and is black.

The Mercury News reported he wanted to add a tag at the end of the station's coverage sharing the inconsistency. The network refused.

In December 2021, he then crashed his Porsche and rear-ended another car.

The collision was caught on video and showed one vehicle pushing the other through an intersection while the two cars were still attached.

He was charged with DUI.

Somerville's black Porsche is seen rear-ending an Audi in December 2021

Somerville was charged with DUI after the December 2021 crash

A month later, in January 2022, his wife of 25 years, TV producer Donna Wright Somerville, filed for divorce.

She cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the divorce and listed their date of separation as June 19, 2020.

The couple have two daughters, one who was adopted, and who was still a minor at the time of the filing, according to court documents obtained by The New York Post.

The divorce was finalized on May 1 this year.

At the time the divorce was filed, Somerville was told by KTVU that his contract was not being renewed.

On May 26, Somerville posted a picture of himself and his youngest daughter showing off their tattoos, and said it was a celebration of his liberation from television work.

'I've lived in the TV box for 40 years,' he wrote.

'Now I can finally express myself.  I get that tattoos have a negative impression with many.

'Well, I'm here to say, 'So what?' I think they're beautiful and they make me happy.'

Ten days later, he would embark on a wild spree that would see him arrested twice.

According to police, the first call came in around 6.36pm Monday from the 800 block of Indian Rock Avenue in Berkeley for reports of a male being subdued after a fight.

The home belonged to Somerville's father.

Upon arrival, officers determined Somerville was intoxicated and refused to leave the property after being told to by the homeowners.

While there, the former news anchor allegedly threatened his brother, which led to the violent interaction between the two, CBS Bay Area reported.

Somerville was arrested for criminal threats, public intoxication, assault, and a probation violation.

Officers transported the local celebrity to the Berkeley jail.

After his initial release, Somerville allegedly went back to the residence to retrieve his property around 3.26am on Tuesday.

There, he rang the doorbell and said he was looking for something he had left.

He continued to press the button until the victim called police again.

Prior to his KTVU exit, Somerville had been placed on suspension twice in 2021 for stumbling and slurring his words during shows, according to the Mercury News

Somerville (right) with his daughter in a picture posted to Facebook

Upon arrival the second time, officers say they found Somerville behind the wheel of his car. Police say they found signs of visible intoxication.

Officers also reported having seen Somerville drive while under the influence.

Somerville was arrested on suspicion of DUI and probation violation.

He was transported back to the Berkeley jail before he was transferred to the Santa Rita jail.

Somerville is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in Oakland.
The attorney-general has rejected claims the Albanese government has questions to answer about a compensation payment to Brittany Higgins amid accusations Labor has been telling 'half-truths' about the deal.

The former Liberal staffer reached a confidential settlement with the Commonwealth in December 2022 after she launched legal action against her employers in the previous coalition government.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the payment was 'entirely in accordance' with the law, but Opposition leader Peter Dutton condemned the government's 'trickery and duplicity'.

'What Australians don't like are tricky and deceptive politicians,' Mr Dutton said on Thursday afternoon.

'I think the Prime Minister and Katy Gallagher need to tell the truth.'

But Mr Dreyfus insisted he was 'absolutely' confident the government had nothing to hide.

'It's very common for the Commonwealth to settle claims on the basis of agreed confidentiality,' Mr Dreyfus told Nine's Today Show on Thursday.

Attorney-general Mark Dreyfus (pictured) has rejected claims the Albanese government has questions to answer about a compensation payment to Brittany Higgins

Brittany Higgins and her partner David Sharaz (pictured) discussed strategising with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher when she was in opposition

Opposition leader Peter Dutton condemned the alleged 'trickery and duplicity' behind the compensation deal for Brittany Higgins (pictured with Anthony Albanese and Grace Tame)

'It's very often in the Commonwealth's interests that there be confidentiality and, often in the case of sexual harassment claims, there is a desire on the part of the claimant to keep the matter confidential.'

Media reports suggest Ms Higgins and her partner discussed strategising with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher when she was in opposition.

But Senator Gallagher played no part in the mediation process, Mr Dreyfus said, adding that he made the decision as attorney-general.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also backed his finance minister, telling reporters he had 'absolute confidence' in her.

He said the first time he met Ms Higgins was on the public record at the time and happened on the same day she met with former prime minister Scott Morrison.

Former coalition minister Linda Reynolds - Ms Higgins' former boss - has indicated she could refer the compensation payment to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Mr Dutton backed the referral to the integrity watchdog, saying it could have an interest in looking at the sequence of events which led to the payout.

'There's a lot of serious allegations here,' he said on Thursday afternoon. 'There's a multimillion dollar payout.

'You can't be tricky and be telling half truths. The prime minister of our country needs to be honest with the Australian people about what's a very serious issue.

'I suspect there's more information to come out in relation to this matter. People want to know the facts and not to be misled,' he added.

'I'll just call on the Prime Minister to be honest and to fully disclose his involvement and Katy Gallagher's as the finance minister - her role in signing off on ex-gratia payments etc.

'All of that should be fully known to the Australian public and there should be transparency in the government's dealings here, but there's obviously been a lot of duplicity.

'A lot of deal making behind the scenes and a lot of trickery and I think the Prime Minister is the Australian public answers in relation to these very serious allegations.

'They need to be upfront and honest about their involvement and tell the truth and then let people decide the circumstances or the outcome from there.'

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) backed the referral to the integrity watchdog, saying it could have an interest in looking at the sequence of events which led to the payout

Mr Dreyfus said anyone was welcome to refer matters to the new commission, which begins operating on July 1.

'Just like we said at the election, we were aiming to have an anti-corruption commission running by July 1, and it will be,' he said.

'It'll be independent and a matter for the National Anti-Corruption Commission to decide what and how it will investigate.'

Ms Higgins alleged she was raped in 2019 by Bruce Lehrmann inside the Parliament House ministerial office of Senator Reynolds, for whom they both worked.

After the 2019 federal election, Ms Higgins worked as a media adviser for then-employment minister Michaelia Cash.

Mr Lehrmann has always denied Ms Higgins' allegation.

His rape trial in the ACT Supreme Court was derailed by juror misconduct. Prosecutors later dropped the charge citing concerns about Ms Higgins' mental health.
Sunseekers have packed out Britain's beauty spots to bathe in 24C sunshine while revellers flock to Download music festival ahead of a 30C this weekend.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office's warning covers six regions in England, London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West, and is in place from 9am on Friday until Monday morning.

Parts of the country are predicted to be hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife over the weekend as a 'plume of warm air' moves in from the south.

Revellers have been seen basking in the sun as they arrive at Download Festival, in Castle Donnington, while sunbathers were seen in Green Park, London. There were also people packing out beaches and lidos in Dorset.

Cloud, rain and thunderstorms are also set to sweep in, with the nights becoming humid.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, covering an area that covers all of Wales, Manchester and down to London.

LONDON: Sunbathers lying on the grass in Green Park today

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Revellers pose for a photo at the festival in Castle Donnington

A 30C heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales this weekend may also feature thunderstorms

DORSET: Jake Mowbray and Ella Bowden cool off at Shaftesbury Lido

The warning, which is in place from 2pm to 9pm, states: 'Whilst many places will be largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places on Saturday afternoon.'

There will 'likely' be some impacts across the health and social care sector if forecasted temperatures are reached, the UKHSA said, with over-65s and those with pre-existing health conditions most at risk.

Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA said: 'In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it's important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

If forecasts are correct then it is 'likely that there could be some impacts across UK

'Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

'If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them.

'You should ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.'

Most of Wales is set to see 'long sunny spells' on Friday, before temperatures climb to 25C over the weekend when there will be 'thundery' showers, the Met Office said.

DOWNLOAD: Crowns descend on Download Festival, enoying the rising temperatures

DORSET: A couple with a dog sitting outside a colourful seafront beach hut while enjoying the scorching hot sunshine in Lyme Regis

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Revellers posing for photos ahead of the festival

LONDON: Friends meet for a picnic in Green Park as Britain basks in hot weather

DORSET: Sunbathers on the beach enjoying the scorching hot sunshine and clear blue skies at the seaside resort of Lyme Regis

DOWNLOAD: A group of friends pose for a picture at Download Festival as they enjoy the baking heat

LONDON: Two friends enjoy ice cream as they sit on the grass in Green Park

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Crowds gathering for the festival in Castle Donnington

DOWNLOAD: Excited revellers ready for Download Festival pose for the camera

The Met Office warned last night that the temperatures could lead to uncomfortable sleeping

Northern Ireland and large parts of Scotland will be breezier and cooler than the rest of the country on Friday and Saturday, before heavy rainfall moves in on Sunday.

The Met Office defines a heatwave as when a location records a period for at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.

Poll How do you feel about the coming heat wave? Can't wait! Dreading it How do you feel about the coming heat wave? Can't wait! 409 votes

Dreading it 316 votes Now share your opinion





The threshold varies by UK county, ranging between 25C and 28C in areas in England and Wales.

Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south.

'Temperatures over the weekend could peak (at) around 30C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend.

'Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption for some from late on Friday and into the weekend.'

And experts have warned households to consider rocketing electricity prices when reaching for a fan as the year's first heatwave arrives.

The cost of keeping cool has risen by more than 75% in the past two years as prices have soared during the energy crisis.
A teenage boy was left stranded in Western Australia after the plane he was on failed to land at the scheduled stopover and instead went straight to the next destination.

Indie Oakley, 17, was on board the delayed Rex Airlines flight last Thursday from Perth to Carnarvon, via Monkey Mia, when passengers were told mid-flight the plane would not be making a stopover.

Indie and eight other passengers who were planning to stay in Monkey Mia were given the option to fly back to Perth or stay in Carnarvon - a whole 350kilometres away.

The teenager had come from his boarding school in Perth and because it was closed for the holiday break, returning to the city wasn't an option.

Instead his parents had to drive and pick him up, not returning home until about midnight.

Indie Oakley, 17, (left with family) was on board the delayed Rex Airlines flight last Thursday from Perth to Carnarvon, via Monkey Mia, when passengers were told mid-flight the plane would not be making a stopover

Indie's mother Donnelle Oakley said the Carnarvon Airport shut after Indie arrived so he had to wait at a nearby chicken shop.

'I was at work when I found out and it was just like ''are you kidding?'' Indie was a bit peeved off,' Ms Oakley told Daily Mail Australia.

She said a group of Rex Airlines customers who'd been affected were given an explanation of what happened after submitting a group complaint, but Ms Oakley said it was 'pretty ordinary'.

The email said that poor weather conditions meant the flight was delayed leaving Perth and there was insufficient lighting at Monkey Mia Airport.

The captain made an announcement telling passengers the plane would be stopping in Carnarvon and Indie was able to text his mother from the air.

Ms Oakley said passengers were offered a return flight to Perth and accommodation in Carnarvon, but Indie said he hadn't been made aware of the accommodation offer.

'The ticket cost $898, there's an expectation that when you book somewhere you're going to land there when you pay that much,' she said.

'We were lucky we could drive up and get him, not everyone is in that position to travel at five minute's notice.'

Rex Airlines said weather and lighting issues were to blame for the altered flight route

Two other passengers whose intended stop was Monkey Mia got a lift with Indie's family, while the other six arranged for a private shuttle to take them.

Ms Oakley said she heard from the other passengers there was an 11-year-old girl travelling alone on the flight who was in tears.

Ms Oakley said she believed her dad was able to collect her.

'Their response wasn't such an apology. Rex said attempts were made to source a rescue flight to Monkey Mia but if they could organise a flight we wouldn't have driven three-and-a-half-hours,' she said.

A Rex Airlines spokesperson told the ABC that they were not able to comment on regulated routes 'with regards to individual incidents'.

'Such matters are regularly discussed at the community consultative group held by the Department of Transport and we believe that is the right forum to be raising these questions,' they said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Rex Airlines for further comment.
The man responsible for the death of a gay American mathematician who had 'everything to live for' has been sentenced to nine years in jail.

Having already served part of his sentence, Scott Phillip White will be eligible for release in 2026 for punching Scott Johnson, leading him to fall to his death in the late 1980s in Sydney.

'Not much is known of the death beyond a punch on a cliff, a fall from a cliff and decades of pain and grief that followed,' Justice Robert Beech-Jones said during sentencing in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

On December 10, 1988, White met Dr Johnson at a hotel and the pair went for a walk around North Head which was known at the time to be a gay beat.

Scott Phillip White (above) has been sentenced to nine years in jail for killing American gay man Scott Johnson in the 1980s

White, then 18 years old, threw a punch at Dr Johnson in the heat of an argument causing the 27-year-old to stagger backwards and fall to his death over the cliff.

The American was close to receiving his doctorate from the Australian National University, which he has since been awarded posthumously.

'Dr Johnson was an American citizen ... he had everything to live for,' Justice Beech-Jones said.

'The offender left (him) to die.'

White was jailed for 12 years and seven months in 2022 after making a startling guilty plea to murdering Dr Johnson.

The accused killer successfully overturned his guilty plea and conviction in November before pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in February.

The 52-year-old had long denied murdering Dr Johnson, only to say 'guilty, I am guilty' in a surprise plea during a pre-trial hearing in Sydney in January 2022.

Dr Johnson (above) was killed when White punched him, causing him to fall off a cliff in Manly, Sydney in late 1988

He later told his confused lawyers at the time 'I didn't do it but I'm saying I'm doing it ... it's the only way, she's going to come after me' - suggesting his former wife would attack him.

White, who now has early onset dementia due to excessive alcohol abuse, was described as a Manly 'street kid' at the time of the killing.

'The offender was clearly a damaged albeit physically powerful young man,' Justice Beech-Jones said.

'However he was not broken as he is now.'

Originally thought of as a suicide, NSW Police eventually opened an investigation into what they thought was a gay hate crime in 2012.

In her now overturned judgment on the murder conviction, Justice Helen Wilson found there was not enough evidence to show the attack was motivated by Dr Johnson's sexuality.

Justice Beech-Jones said he could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the crime was a 'gay hate crime'.

'Answers to numerous other questions about how he died, why he died and what happened ... some of those answers will never be provided,' Justice Beech-Jones said.

Dr Johnson's brother spoke to reporters outside court on Thursday following the sentencing and called for reforms in how NSW Police handles LGBTQ+ crimes.

'A special commission said NSW Police has failed in its duty to investigate these historical gay hate crimes and they're still failing,' he said, Ten News reports.

'They can solve more. It's inescapable to me that the NSW Police needs some reform in how it deals with LGBTQ crimes.'
Some NATO countries may consider deploying troops in Ukraine if the embattled country is unable to win security guarantees from the likes of the United States, the alliance's former general secretary has claimed.

Anders Rasmussen, who held the post of NATO secretary general for five years between 2009-2014, said that Ukraine must garner written security guarantees from NATO states on intelligence sharing, military training and further supply of arms ahead of the alliance's summit in Vilnius next month.

Rasmussen said Poland would likely be willing to drum up military support for Ukraine among NATO nations should this not materialise - and added Ukraine would be legally entitled to seek this aid.

'If NATO cannot agree on a clear path forward for Ukraine, there is a clear possibility that some countries individually might take action. We know that Poland is very engaged in providing concrete assistance to Ukraine... I think the Poles would seriously consider going in and assemble a coalition of the willing if Ukraine doesn't get anything in Vilnius,' Rasmussen said in comments carried by The Guardian.

'We shouldn't underestimate the Polish feelings, the Poles feel that for too long western Europe did not listen to their warnings against the true Russian mentality.'

Rasmussen, who in recent months has acted as an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the topic of its accession to NATO would still feature on the agenda in Vilnius even if Ukraine were to win concrete security guarantees.

'Some NATO allies might be in favour of the security guarantees to actually avoid a real discussion on Ukraine's membership aspirations... I don't think that is possible,' he concluded.

Polish soldiers seen before a high-intensity training session using M1A2 Abrams tanks at Nowa Deba training ground, on May 6, 2023, in Nowa Deba, Poland

Ukrainian soldiers of the 80th brigade firing artillery in the direction of Bakhmut

Two Leopard 2 A6 heavy battle tanks and a Puma infantry fighting vehicle of the Bundeswehr's 9th Panzer Training Brigade participate in a demonstration of capabilities during a visit by Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht to the Bundeswehr Army training grounds

Former NATO Secretary-General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, talks to journalists during a news conference at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, in Copenhagen, Denmark May 15, 2023

US President Joe Biden, whose stance on Ukraine's security in Vilnius will have major implications for the scenarios set out by Rasmussen, today welcomes Rishi Sunak for wide-ranging talks in the Prime Minister's first visit to the White House as premier.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the 15-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine will be 'top of mind.'

The US and UK are the two biggest donors to the Ukraine war effort and play a central role in a long-term effort announced last month to train, and eventually equip, Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

'The two leaders will review a range of global issues including our economic partnership or shared support of Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's war of aggression, as well as further action to accelerate the clean energy transition,' Jean-Pierre said.

'The president and the prime minister will also discuss the joint US-UK leadership on critical emerging technologies as well as our work to strengthen our economic security.'

Biden will then hold talks with current NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg on Monday.

Ukraine is set to top the agenda for their talks which will take place one month out from the summit and will give other NATO countries an inkling of what to expect from Kyiv's most powerful western ally.

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said the pair would review preparations for the summit in Lithuania and 'discuss Allies' support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's brutal war of aggression.'

Stoltenberg's mandate as NATO chief is due to end in October. When asked about a possible extension of that term, Jean-Pierre did not want to comment, but said: 'The secretary has done an outstanding job... in this critical moment in history.'

The White House is 'very, very grateful for his leadership,' she told reporters.

But in his talks with Biden today, Sunak is expected to make the case for UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace to succeed Stoltenberg in September.

A firefighter examines the destroyed building of a medical facility, the site of a missile strike, in the city of Dnipro on May 26, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he speaks during a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart Alar Karis following their talks in Kyiv, on June 2, 2023

US President Joe Biden, whose stance on Ukraine's security in Vilnius will have major implications for the scenarios set out by Rasmussen, today welcomes Rishi Sunak for wide-ranging talks in the Prime Minister's first visit to the White House as premier

Sunak's visit to Washington comes as Russia and Ukraine trade accusations over who blew up the large Kakhovka dam in Kherson, which triggered devastating floods

A local resident swims by a house in a flooded area in Kherson yesterday

Sunak's visit to Washington comes as Russia and Ukraine trade accusations over who blew up the large Kakhovka dam in Kherson, which triggered devastating floods.

Any intentional targeting of the dam would represent 'the largest attack on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine since the start of the war, and just would demonstrate the new lows that we would have seen from Russian aggression,' Sunak told reporters aboard his plane from London.

The United States and Britain have not yet identified a culprit.

But in an interview with ITV News, Sunak said that Russia has pursued a 'deliberate strategy to target civilian infrastructure.'

'It is wrong, it's barbaric, and it's appalling. That's why we're providing such strong support to them and will continue to do so,' he said of the Ukrainians.

The scale of the devastation caused by the explosion at the Kakhovka dam  described as Europe's worst environmental disaster since Chernobyl  was laid bare yesterday.

Close to 20,000 people had been rescued from the resulting deluge, Kyiv confirmed last night. Another 40,000 face evacuation.

Teams of rescuers were constantly ferrying people, mainly children and the elderly and their pets, through the flooded streets. Officials used small boats and amphibious vehicles to get to stranded locals, some of whom had to swim through the water.

Meanwhile Ukraine's farming and food ministry warned that grain fields in the south of the country 'may turn into deserts as early as next year'  starved of their water source.
They suspected he had stolen goods from a Woolies

The guards approached him at a centre in South Bank

A man, 28, is accused of stabbing two security guards

The girlfriend of a man accused of stabbing two men in the middle of a busy shopping centre claims the couple were on a date before a brawl unfolded.

Jake Wayne Purcell, 28, fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court charged with knife possession and two counts each of wounding and contravening a direction on Thursday.

Police allege Purcell had stabbed two security guards after they approached him at a shopping centre in South Bank about 4pm on Wednesday.

The guards suspected he had stolen goods from a Woolworths Metro store.

A fight allegedly broke out between the trio after they confronted him over the matter.

Jake Wayne Purcell (left), 28, is accused of stabbing two security guards at a shopping centre. His girlfriend, Tiahna Wiles (right), claims the couple were on a date moments beforehand

One of the guards suffered a knife wound to the torso while the other was stabbed in his arm.

Purcell allegedly fled the scene by running up an escalator before heading towards South Bank train station.

He was eventually located by police and taken into custody. The knife allegedly used to stab the two men was also found.

Both security guards were rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba in a serious condition.

Purcell's girlfriend, Tiahna Wiles, revealed the couple had been together on a date moments beforehand, The Courier Mail reported.

'We went on a date, we had a few drinks, he was in a fine mood,' she told reporters outside court on Thursday after Purcell's matter was heard

'He was in a fine mood yesterday afternoon, like, we had a great day. I don't know.'

Ms Wiles explained that she had gone into Woolworths to buy cigarettes and 'didn't realise' Purcell had entered the supermarket afterwards.

She added that he 'just disappeared' and thought she'd 'meet him at home'.

Two security guards approached Purcell after they suspected he had stolen goods from a Woolworths. A fight broke out before one man was stabbed in the torso and the other was stabbed in the arm (pictured, police at the crime scene)

Purcell was arrested and charged with knife possession and two counts each of wounding and contravening a direction. He faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday

'I thought he had jumped on the train  10 minutes later I'm getting a call saying there's cops everywhere,' she said.

When asked about what her thoughts were when she found out he had been arrested, Ms Wiles said: 'I was gutted'.

She claimed the allegations against Purcell were 'out of character'.

Ms Wiles said she also felt sorry for the two guards who had been stabbed.

Purcell did not apply for bail at court.

His case was adjourned to June 12.
For centuries people have been enjoying layered, buttery, flakey, crescent-shaped pastries in various iterations.

The croissant we know and love today derives its roots from Austria in the 17th century when the country's military celebrated the defeat of the Ottomans with crescent-shaped yeasted bread known as the kipferl.

Later adopted and adapted by the French, the croissant has become the country's artisan standard and a mainstay on breakfast tables and bakery menus in Europe and beyond.

The tables were already turned when the cronut arrived on the scene around a decade ago - a hybrid croissant and donut.

But now the latest evolution of the pastry has arrived in the form of a Crubik - and it's already becoming a huge hit.

The Farmacia del Cambio bar in Turin is the home of the new cubed-shaped croissant

The Crubik is a cube-shaped croissant that was inspired by Erno Rubik's cube toy

The Farmacia del Cambio bar in Turin is the home of the new cubed-shaped croissant and its creator chef Matteo Baronetto.

READ MORE: A hot cross bun like you've NEVER seen it before Advertisement

Each day a long queue forms around Turin's Piazza Carignano to try and get their hands on the latest batch of the freshly baked pastries.

Baronetto says he named his culinary invention with a nod to the inventor of the Rubik's Cube, Erno Rubik.

The pastry chef says he has been left humbled by the Cubrik's success and is amazed that people are willing to stand in the long winding queues to get their hands on the goods.

'We produce between 120 and 150 a day and effectively we run out of them quickly, but the fact is that all our pastries run out in the course of the morning,' Baronetto told The Times.

He said he began making the new variant of the croissant in 2019 on the theme of an Italian cornetto - a layered Italian variation of the much loved French baked good.

Baronetto said the Cubrik symbolises the cobblestones of Piazza Carignano, near where to his bakery is located, with its crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior.

The Cubrik can be filled with either vanilla or chocolate custard. Baronetto said was the perfect complement to a cappuccino.

Later adopted and adapted by the French, the croissant has become the country's artisan standard and a mainstay on breakfast tables

The tables were already turned when the cronut arrived on the scene around a decade ago - a hybrid croissant and donut

The peculiar pastry has now become a hit online and, in the new age of food TikTok, has made a name for itself in a very crowded field.

But he Baronetto said he doesn't just want his Farmacia del Cambio bar to be typecast by online fame.

'I don't think customers come only for the Cube. The fact is that the Farmacia has become a breakfast destination for the city, and it's something that makes us very proud.

'We have created very valid standards, with products that get shouted about less but are equally good,' he added.

Unfortunately for Baronetto, he is unlikely to be able to patent his creation. Similar cube-shaped buttery pastries can be found across Europe as well as rivals at home in the form of the KuBo at Milan's Clea bakery.
Pope Francis awoke today after a good first night in the hospital following a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall, problems that developed following previous surgeries.

'The night went well,' Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement early Thursday, adding further updates would be released later.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences at Rome's Gemelli hospital, said Wednesday's operation was successful and there were no complications or other pathologies discovered.

Alfieri, who also removed part of Francis' colon in 2021, told an evening press conference that the pope was awake, alert and even joking.

'When will we do the third one?' he quoted Francis as saying.

The pontiff was expected to remain in the 10th floor papal suite at Gemelli for several days, and all papal audiences were canceled through June 18. The Vatican was expected to provide a medical update later Thursday.

Pope Francis (pictured yesterday at the Vatican) awoke today after a good first night in the hospital following a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall

The operation was scheduled after Francis had complained about increasing bouts of pain and intestinal blockages. After going to Gemelli on Tuesday for checks, Francis was admitted Wednesday following his general audience and underwent the procedure a short time later.

READ MORE: How Pope Francis has battled health problems over the years Advertisement

The surgery was likely scheduled now to give Francis plenty of time to recover before embarking on planned travel later this summer: an Aug. 2-6 trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, and an Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to Mongolia.

During the operation, doctors removed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that had caused a partial blockage. Alfieri revealed that in addition to the 2021 colon surgery, Francis had undergone previous abdominal surgeries sometime before 2013 in his native Argentina, which had also caused scarring.

To repair the hernia that had formed over a previous scar, a prosthetic mesh was placed in the abdominal wall, Alfieri said. He added that the pope was suffering from no other pathologies, that the tissue removed was benign and that after he recovers, he should be fine.

A feared protrusion, or bulging of the intestine through the hernia tear, was apparently not found.

'It appears they operated on him in a timely fashion with no compromise to his intestine,' said Dr. Walter Longo, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, who did not participate in the surgery and commented after consulting the Vatican statement on the procedure.

Francis remained in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while unconscious and in the hospital, according to canon law.

In July 2021, Francis spent 10 days at Gemelli to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine. In an interview with The Associated Press in January, Francis said the diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall, that prompted that surgery had returned.

Pope Francis waves as he leaves in the popemobile at the end of the weekly general audience on Wednesday ahead of his surgery

After that surgery, Francis lamented that he hadn't responded well to the general anesthetic. That reaction in part explained his refusal to have surgery to repair strained knee ligaments that have forced him to use a wheelchair and walker for over a year.

However, Alfieri said Francis had no clinically adverse reactions to the anesthesia in 2021 or Wednesday.

'Clearly no one likes to be operated on and put to sleep because the moment we're put under, we lose consciousness,' he said. 'But there was no physiological problem two years ago or today.'

Dr. Manish Chand, a professor of surgery at University College London who specializes in colorectal surgery, said the greatest issue going forward will be pain management and making sure the wound heals properly.

'In the first six weeks after this type of surgery, you're at risk of getting a recurrence again,' he said. To avoid that, patients are advised not to do anything strenuous.
Motorists have slammed fake speed bumps painted along a busy school-run to look like real ones an 'absolute waste of paint' as locals just ignore them.

The virtual 2D humps were designed to slow down speeding drivers along a road leading to two schools in Swanscombe, Kent, replacing concrete bumps that has damaged cars over the years.

But residents have blasted the new 'optical illusion' speed bumps because locals know they are not real.

Arriva bus driver Katie Bell drives along the road more than 50 times a day and claims the 2D road cushions, which act like an optical illusion, do little to slow down traffic.

The 46-year-old said: 'It is an absolute waste of white paint.

Residents called the virtual 2D speed bumps (pictured) a 'waste of paint' as locals know they are not real

Police close Stanhope Road which has the painted on speed bumps following a traffic incident

'People speed along there as they know there aren't bumps. I've heard drivers beep others because they are driving too slowly over them.

'I can't quite believe they came up with the idea in the first place.'

Traffic has increased over the last two months following a landslide on a nearby major road, which has forced it to close for 18 months.

With the amount of congestion she sees every day, Ms Bell believes there may be better ways to control the flow, such as erecting more signs warning of schools.

She added: 'That road gets crazy busy even at a standstill during school drop off/pick ups so it would make more sense to have more warning signs that there's a school and residential area to calm down the traffic a tad, but the 2D bumps are pointless.'

One resident, Joanne Hales, thinks there needs to be a proper zebra crossing where people can cross over the one remaining hump.

She said: 'The thing that concerns me is that many pedestrians assume the large hump is a crossing. They just step out without looking and expect all the cars to stop. One day it's going to cause an almighty accident.

'If it is a crossing then it should be signed so with black and white lines and orange flashing lights like you would see on a crossing. That way both parties know what to expect.'

However, she does not oppose the virtual bumps.

She added: 'They're good. I still find myself braking in preparing for the jolt even though the other bumps are gone. The trauma is still there.'

Some residents were even excited to hear about the plans to introduce the 2D humps after complaining about the ferocity of the old concrete bumps.

Ms Hales said: 'The bumps were dreadful. They were too high and did lots of damage to lots of people's cars over the years.'

Councilor Peter Harman, from Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents' Association and represents the area on Kent County Council, said residents are unhappy.

He said he had been relaying residents' concerns to County Hall for the past two years as the 10cm high speed bumps were leaving residents unhappy.

He was initially delighted at the proposed traffic calming measure but he now believes they are not enough.

Virtual speed humps were first introduced by Transport for London in 2014 to create an 'optical illusion, appearing raised to drivers as they approach, giving the impression that speed humps lie ahead'.

It is part of a strategy to control speeds without the use of bumps, humps and lumps.

They claim the physical interventions have a number of drawbacks, including an increase in traffic noise and pollution as drivers constantly change their speed.

Virtual speed humps (pictured: on Stanhope Road in Swanscombe, Kent) were first introduced by Transport for London in 2014

Damage to a car at Stanhope Road which has painted on speed bumps, in Swanscombe, after a traffic incident

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: 'Clearly, painting mock speed humps is significantly cheaper for any cash-strapped council than making physical changes to the road, but the risk is that drivers intent on speeding quickly realise they're not real and continue to break the speed limit.

'Having said that, with scant budget available to them arguably some intervention by a council like this is better than none at all - so long as the markings are kept painted.'

When they were first painted in 2019, a spokesman for Kent County Council (KCC) said: 'We anticipate more psychological traffic-calming measures being implemented at sites across the county which aim to encourage a reduction in vehicle speed through changing the driver's perception of the road environment.'

MailOnline has approached KCC for comment.
The Ukraine War saw a lot of innovations and many of them involved the innovative use of commercial UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) like the Chinese Mavic quadcopters. Ukrainians also designed and built their own UAVs or heavily modified commercial models like Mavic. Russian soldiers also use Mavic quadcopters when they can get them. Corruption in Russia makes importing Mavic quadcopters difficult. This isnt just about Mavic because corruption became more widespread in Russia after the Ukraine War and the subsequent sanctions disrupted the Russian economy. The government bureaucracy in Russia discourages and disrupts any private efforts to design and build not merely UAVs, but private efforts to build most anything which might compete with government ways of building or doing things. Because that will interfere with government corruption. Ukrainians have noticed that one of their assets in the war is the disruptive effect the Russian bureaucracy has on the Russian military.

While there is some corruption in Ukraine, there is also a lot more popular anger and active opposition to any corruption hurting the war effort. Less corruption in wartime Ukraine means there are a lot more opportunities for innovation without interference from some corrupt official or supplier. Russian troops still had a lot of UAVs but not as many as the Ukrainians and not with all the innovations found in many Ukrainian UAVs. This made a difference and still does, even though the Russians have been quick to use new forms of jamming to disrupt or destroy Ukrainian UAVs. Both sides suffer heavy (in the thousands) UAV losses each month and Ukraine, with NATO support and unencumbered by economic sanctions, is able to maintain a UAV edge on the battlefield.

Ukrainians were particularly adept at modifying quadcopters to carry explosives. If the operator found an enemy tank or lighter armored vehicle with a top hatch open, the vehicle could be destroyed when an explosive was dropped through the open hatch. The explosives were often used against Russian troops in foxholes or open trenches. This capability is bad for Russian morale and the Ukrainians made the most of it.

DJI quadcopters are popular with military customers worldwide, as well as with gangsters, drug smugglers and Islamic terrorists. American forces were banned from using DJI products from 2017 to 2020 because of fears that DJI, which thrives, and survives by cooperating with the Chinese government, might have hidden capabilities in the control software that would enable DJI quadcopters to be monitored by the Chinese, especially in wartime. Several years of trying to prove this failed to discover anything and the American ban was quietly dropped.

The ban on military use of DJI quadcopters was not universal, even among NATO countries. But many NATO members did avoid DJI and found that alternatives were more expensive and less capable. For example, in 2021 the French military ordered 300 ANAFI USA micro-UAVs from Parrot, a French firm that is the largest European designer and manufacturer of consumer and commercial UAVs. The ANAFI USA model was developed in response to a 2019 U.S. Army order for a militarized quadcopter that was similar to the banned DJI products. That was considered difficult to do because DJI had a huge head start, especially with flight control software and reliability.

The American military determined that Parrot was best suited for this contract because there were few Western firms as capable as Parrot. The French military spent $36 million not just for the purchase of 300 ANAFI quadcopters. The five-year deal includes Parrot developing new ANAFI features to meet specific needs of army, navy and air force users.

One of the first users will be French special operations units. The ANAFI quadcopter is a militarized version of a similar, but lighter (at 300 grams), consumer model. ANAFI weighs 500 grams (1.1 pound), has endurance of 32 minutes and standard equipment is a day/night vidcam using military-grade communications. Parrot carries two 4K (21 megapixel) vidcams with 32X zoom and the ability to identify man-sized targets two kilometers distant plus useful detail in general at up to five kilometers. There is also a thermal sensor on the Parrot that works with the 4k vidcam and enables the operator to see hot spots superimposed over the video image. The flight software is as capable as DJT models and uses no Internet access. An additional security feature is the flight control software being regularly audited to ensure that no new features have compromised security. ANAFI is very quiet and is inaudible when about 130 meters away. ANAFI can be ready for use in less than a minute and is designed to be used after brief training. For experienced quad-copter users, ANAFI is very familiar and training consists of explaining the unique security and military features.

ANAFI is also built to accept accessories that generate digital maps and thermal videos. This kind of flexibility is a major feature of Parrot commercial quadcopters and one reason for its market dominance in Europe. The ANAFI is being delivered to French forces as systems, each with two quad-copters, additional batteries and operator controllers.

Parrot does have some competition in the military market. Since 2015 Israeli firms have designed and built several quadcopters for military and police use. In 2016 the Israeli military bought some locally made Roetm L UAVs for their infantry to use in urban combat. Rotem L is a lightweight (4.5 kg/10 pound) quad-copter based on commercial designs, but modified so that it not only carries the usual day/night cameras but can also replace the cameras with two 450g (one pound) grenades which can be armed and released by operator command. With 30-minute endurance and easily learned operation, Rotem L can be carried (in a case) by one man, set up and ready to go in a minute or so and recovered for reuse. The controller has a range of up to 10 kilometers but in a dense urban environment, the max range is more like 1,500 meters. The major advantage of Rotem L is that it is quiet and can be flown through open doors or windows. Carrying one or no grenades allows Rotem L to stay airborne for up to 45 minutes. The grenades can be triggered while still aboard Rotem L to provide a self-destruct mechanism. If Rotem L lands with live grenades aboard, the operator can double-check the armed status of the grenades before recharging it for another mission. Rotem L can be used unarmed by police or carry tear gas and flash-bang grenades. Rotem L is expensive, costing over $10,000 each. Military users prefer to use it equipped with vidcams and use the cruise missile option only when forced to. Israel firms offer less expensive unarmed quadcopters for military and police use.

Parrot was competitive with the Israeli designs and offered to build ANAFI USA in the U.S. as well as demonstrating it could incorporate military-grade security features and a quad-copter that matched Israeli and Chinese designs in flexibility, features and price. Parrot had another advantage because France was a NATO member and this made it easier for French firms to meet NATO standards that enabled all NATO members to easily purchase Parrot UAVs.

NATO troops in places like Syria, Iraq, Mali and Afghanistan found that both Islamic terrorist and local security forces were eager users of high-end Chinese-made DJI commercial quadcopters. A particular favorite is the DJI Matrice 200/210. This is an industrial-grade quadcopter costing up to $20,000 each. The DJI 210 weighs 4.7 kg (10.3 pounds) and can carry up to 1.45 kg (3.2 pounds) of cameras, additional batteries or improvised weapons. Max endurance is about 30 minutes and top speed is 60 kilometers an hour. When under user control the 210 can operate up to eight kilometers away although five kilometers is more common. The 210 can be programmed to use its GPS/GLONASS navigation system to cover a specific route and return. If the control system is lost for any reason, the quadcopter will automatically return to where it started and land. While the 210 is mainly used for surveillance and reconnaissance, some have been equipped with an explosive dispenser. Anything from grenades to IEDs (improvised explosive devices) can be used. The 210 can be rigged as a one-way cruise-missile but that is expensive and increasingly common with groups backed by Iran as well as other well-funded Islamic terrorists. High-end models like the 210 are favored because they are rugged and can handle wind and incorporate obstacle avoidance. This is important when operating in urban areas, forests or at night using a night-vision camera.

While popular with Islamic terrorists, gangsters and less-well equipped police and military units, Western forces tended to avoid DJI products because of fears that China may have ordered the manufacturer to include secret features that would allow the Chinese military to disable or take-control of DJI products. No one has ever found such a back door in the quadcopter software and these Chinese quadcopters, especially those made by DJI, are the most popular models worldwide. Thats because DJI models offered are the best value as well as being the most reliable.

Sometimes these bans were issued after troops had already obtained and were using DJI quadcopters. For example, in early 2018 the U.S. Marine Corps announced a new squad and platoon organization, based on its experience so far this century, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the unique changes to the new 12-man squad was that each one would get a commercial quadcopter. These were smaller, more compact models costing less than two thousand dollars each. The Marines had already bought 600 and ordered another 200 when the U.S. Department of Defense ordered a ban on the use of Chinese quadcopters. The Marines did manage to get an exemption to the new ban and sought government approved to purchase commercial quadcopters. These are out there but none as inexpensive as the Chinese models. The complaints about the DJI ban from military users in the United States and other NATO countries played a role in the ban being lifted in 2020.

The U.S. Army banned the use of DJI quadcopters in 2017. The troops had been encountering these DJI quadcopters in combat zones for years and some troops had bought them with their own money to use (successfully) in combat. Its no secret that DJI quadcopters have been showing up in combat zones with increasing frequency since 2014. Initially the most popular of these was the DJI Phantom quadcopter. The Phantom 3 showed up in 2015. It costs about a thousand dollars, weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 pounds), can stay in the air about 20 minutes per flight and can go up to 2,000 meters from the operator. The operator can see (at 720p resolution) what is under the Phantom using a small display and capture a higher resolution video (2.7k or 1080p) on a 16 GB micro memory card on the UAV. The Phantom 3 was widely available. It is easy to operate and has flight control software that makes it easy to operate and keeps the video image stable. You can equip these with a night vision camera. Max altitude is over 500 meters (1,600 feet) but most Phantoms operate lower down because getting to higher altitude takes time. DJI kept upgrading its Phantom line of quadcopters from the moment the first one hit the market in 2013. The Phantom 1 was basically a quadcopter you could add your own GoPro wireless vidcam to. But every few months DJI added new features and major upgrades were introduced as a new model. Phantom 2 appeared at the end of 2013, Phantom 3 in early 2015 and Phantom 4 a year later. Phantom 3 was the most popular model and Phantom 4 was basically a Phantom 3 with lots more capabilities (4K video, video transmission range of five kilometers) and a higher price (about $1,500 each). New models of the Phantom continued to appear, sometimes just with a few new features and a lower price. New features include collision avoidance sensors and software. The Phantom line was replaced by the Mavic and Matrice which included low (Mavic) and high end (Matrice) models. Year by year the capabilities of the DJI quadcopters increased and the troops were not happy that they could not use them but the enemy could and did.

For combat troops cost is an important feature because something low-cost and capable in the combat zone equipment is quickly worn out. This is especially true with quadcopters. As a result, the troops have become accustomed to buying commercial products whenever they can get away with it.
A young Italian backpacker exploring rural Australia was killed in a horror car crash just one day before he was due to make his way back home.

Jacopo Martini, 23, died while on the way to his own farewell party on Friday night after three months of work at Sumich West Hill Farm, 140km north of Perth.

The red Mitsubishi Lancer he and three others were travelling in collided with a Toyota Hilux driving in the opposite direction about 6.40pm at the Lancelin Road intersection on Indian Ocean Drive.

Mr Martini, known to his friends at Apo, tragically died at the scene.

The driver of the Lancer, north Italian 24-year-old Luca Calliari, was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries.

Italian backpacker Jacopo Martini (above) was killed in a car crash while travelling to his own farewell party on Friday

Mr Martini (above) had spent the last three months working at Sumich West Hill Farm in WA and was due to fly to Bali with friends on Friday before returning home for his nephew's birth

'A further two adult passengers from the Mitsubishi sustained serious injuries in the crash and were conveyed to Joondalup Health Campus and Royal Perth Hospital for treatment,' WA Police said in a statement.

'A 29-year-old male driver of the Toyota Hilux and his two adult passengers sustained minor injuries.'

Mr Martini was due to fly out of Australia and head to Bali with friends on Saturday before returning home for the birth of his nephew.

His brother, Giuseppe, was working alongside Mr Martini at the WA farm and was forced to deliver the heartbreaking news of his death to their family.

His heartbroken aunt and uncle told Italian media the 23-year-old as 'always friendly, always available, always very sweet', The West Australian reports.

'He was our little one. He was happy and outgoing. He was about to close his adventure in Australia and was ready to go home; he wanted to be there for the birth of his future nephew,' they said.

A GoFundMe created by Mr Martini's friends raised more than $52,000 in just four days and has been closed to new donations.

Mr Martini's (above) aunt and uncle described him as 'always friendly, always available, always very sweet'

The red Mitsubishi Lancer Mr Martini and three others were travelling in collided with a Toyota Hilux travelling in the opposite direction at about 6.40pm (pictured, scene of the crash)

'We organised this fundraiser to help Jacopo's family, in particular to support the considerable costs involved in repatriation to Italy,' the organisers wrote.

'Parents, siblings, all loved ones, friends and people who care about him would like him to come home, we would like to have him back here with us.

'Every little help could really matter. Heartfelt thanks to all.'

Anyone with information or footage of the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.
All but one pub in a Cumbrian town has closed for the weekend as thousands of travellers gathered for the first day of the world-famous Appleby Horse Fair.

A total of 30,000 visitors are expected to arrive in Appleby-in-Westmorland over the next week for what is one of Europe's largest horse fairs, with 10,000 of them from the gypsy, Roma and traveller community.

Those who arrived today wasted no time enjoying themselves as they were seen taking their horses for a wash in the River Eden which runs through the town, while aerial photos showed fields packed with caravans as gypsies arrived in convoys of traditional horses and carts.

The 250-year-old four-day event is held just outside Appleby, which has a population of around 2,500 people and many of those living in the town have left for the weekend to avoid the crowds.

Local pubs have also closed their doors, with only one public house expected to remain open in Appleby and the surrounding villages over the next four days, with locals expressing concern over the threat of 'chaos'.

A woman rides her horse through the River Eden during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of travellers in Cumbria

A group of women were all smiles on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria

A girl is thrown from her horse which was startled as she washed it in the River Eden on the first day of the annual Appleby Horse Fair

Due to high temperatures expected over the weekend, visitors to the fair have been advised to make sure their horses get plenty of extra rest and rehydration

The tradition of gypsies and travellers washing their horses in the River Eden (pictured today) stems from the 20th century

Travellers have flocked to Appleby (pictured today) for the first day of one of Europe's largest horse fairs

People set up a large tent as they attend the first day of the annual Appleby Horse Fair

Fairgoers seemed to be in good spirits as the historic event started today

A boy rides a horse over a pedestrian crossing at the Appleby Horse Fair, in north west England

Fairgoers have been enjoying Thursday's warm temperatures on the first day of the fair

Travellers start to arrive at the Appleby Horse Fair. The fair began in 1775, but did not come to be primarily associated with the traveller community until more than a century later

By the 1900s the fair had evolved into a major traveller event that attracted families from across the UK and Europe

A family are pulled by a pony and trap on the 'flashing lane' outside Appleby on the first day of the Appleby Horse fair, which returned to its traditional early June dates this year having been put back to August in 2022 in order not to clash with the Queen's diamond jubilee

A group of police officers walk past a man on a horse during the Appleby Horse Fair

People ride their horses through the river during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers in Appleby, Cumbria

The gathering is sometimes known as 'the New Fair' because of Appleby's medieval borough fair, held at Whitsuntide, which last took place in 1885

A police officer holds a horse for a member of the traveller community in Appleby-in-Westmorland today

A man uses a car to exercise his horse after arriving in Appleby on Thursday, June 8

A youth rides a horse along the road in Appleby-in-Westmorland today

Cumbria Police has struggled in recent years to ensure the safety of the event, and some locals have alleged travellers were behind thefts from a local Co-op in a nearby town that left store staff 'badly shaken'.

Police are investigating reports that women from the travelling community walked out of a supermarket with three trolleys laden with goods on Tuesday night after using children to distract staff.

A campaign group has been pleading for tougher police action amid claims that officers are being hampered by 'political correctness.'

A witness told MailOnline: 'Travellers sent children into the supermarket first to run riot and distract the security guards, that are only employed during Fair time.

'They were followed by several men who started shouting and behaving aggressively toward the predominantly female staff.'

Yet the event began in traditional style on Thursday with horses being washed in the River Eden and raced along the 'flashing lane' behind the main field, where potential buyers gather to haggle over them.

Yesterday, travellers began arriving for this year's event. Many were sitting in traditional caravans, whilst others were in trailers, their horses pulling them along.

Despite the worries of the local community, travellers were enjoying the sunshine as they arrived for the first day.

Martina Wright was watering her horse Apache at the spot in the River Eden in the centre of Appleby where the tradition has gone on for generations.

Martina, 28, from Newcastle, said: 'It's going to be a great weekend, it always is but the weather this year seems to have brought more people out than ever.

'I always bring Apache down here and give him a swim in the river, he loves it and it helps keep him cool.

'You have to be careful because it drops off quite steeply into deeper water but he's a good strong horse and a good swimmer, he loves it.

'He's 18 years old and he's a wonderful horse, he won best horse of the year at Appleby four years in a row for best overall health and the safest swimmer.

'This is one of the fair's big traditions. They used to wash the horses in the river and then take them up to the flashing lane to be sold.

'These days I think people just do it for pictures to post on social media.'

Bridie Gallagher, 36, arrived in Appleby from southern Ireland with her three young children and wider family earlier in the week.

She said: 'I love this place, it's the highlight of the year in the gypsy calendar and it's a chance to meet up with people you haven't seen all year.

'The atmosphere and the community is unbeatable and it's a friendly place where everyone can have a craic and enjoy themselves.

'I can't remember so many pubs being closed before and for that reason it seems a little quieter, they've tried to force everyone outside of the town.

'The Crown and Cushion pub is normally full of travellers but this year it's closed.'

Martina Wright, 28, (pictured) from Newcastle, was watering her horse Apache in the River Eden in the centre of Appleby

A woman climbs out of a traditional Romany caravan during the annual horse fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland

An Elvis Presley tattoo is seen on the hand of a member of the traveller community at the fair

A member of the traveller community washes her horse in the river Eden during the annual horse fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy said: 'The weather plays a huge role in the fair and the forecast says it's going to be a hot one'

The RSPCA has advised that horses should not be worked too hard in the hot weather

The Appleby Horse Fair is expected to see 30,000 visitors to the town over the next week, with 10,000 of them from the gypsy, Roma and traveller community

Long queues formed at the entrance of the world-famous festival in Appleby today

Travellers in an intricately-adorned horse-drawn wagon arrive at the Appleby Horse Fair today

A boy sits inside a plush green wagon on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair today

The fair happens at a crossroads point on Gallows Hill, which was named after the public hangings that were once carried out there.

It was once thought the fair originated from a royal charter to the borough of Appleby from King James II of England in 1685, but research has found the charter was cancelled before it was ever enacted.

The gathering is sometimes known as 'the New Fair' because of Appleby's medieval borough fair, held at Whitsuntide, which last took place in 1885.

The 'New Fair' began in 1775 for sheep and cattle drovers and horse dealers to sell their stock.

By the 1900s it had evolved into a major traveller event that attracted families from across the UK and Europe.

The Appleby Horse Fair has been a mainstay of the gypsy calendar since the early 20th-century.

The tradition of gypsies and travellers washing their horses in the River Eden stems from the 20th century.

After the end of the Second World War, the fair received a further boost as the evolution of transport allowed gypsies and travellers to come from further afield with ease.

A man rides through the River Eden with a child as the horses take the opportunity to cool down

A member of the traveller community leads their horse to be washed in the river Eden during the annual horse fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland

Members of the traveller community drive their horse drawn buggies in the river Eden during the annual horse fair

A member of the traveller community sits on his horse in the river Eden

A traveller rides his horse through the river during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers in Cumbria

The fair has survived successive attempts to close it down, including in 1967, when the local authority cited poor sanitation.

Increased attendance has brought controversy as well, with homeowners in the area complaining about congestion and poor behaviour in the past.

A horse that drowned in the Eden as it was being washed in 2007 triggered an investigation by the RSPCA.

A man with a braided ponytail stands on a horse as he washes the animal in the River Eden

He then crouched on the animal's back as the horse waded through the river

A man with a tattoo of Jesus and the words 'Our Father' surrounded by stars hold the reins of a horse

A topless man in black shorts grimaced as he washed his horse in the River Eden

A young boy also washed his black horse in the river, which runs through the small town

Rodney, aged 11 months, is lifted onto the back of a horse-drawn wagon by his mother on the first day of the annual Appleby Horse Fair

A boy in matching top and shorts, wearing black socks and sliders, leads a small, white pony

Scores of caravans are adorning the fields outside Appleby, while horses have been seen out to pasture

Some travellers arrived in traditional horse drawn wagons while others came in more modern caravans

The 250-year-old event is held just outside Appleby, which usually has a population of around 2,500 people

Nine animal welfare charities  who are all members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) - work together at Appleby to support the protection and wellbeing of the horses at the event

Nine animal welfare charities  who are all members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) - work together at Appleby to support the protection and wellbeing of the horses at the event.

The NEWC advised that due to high temperatures expected at the event, visitors should 'make sure their horses get plenty of extra rest and rehydration to help them stay happy and healthy'.

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy said: 'The weather plays a huge role in the fair and the forecast says it's going to be a hot one.

'Just as it's important for us to drink plenty and not work too hard in hot weather, it's important for our horses.

'They need to have regular access to water, be drinking after being worked and be tied up in the shade.

'Owners may need to have more patience than normal as horses sometimes don't want to drink if they are in an overstimulating environment.

'Due to the nature of any horse fair, where animals are traded, and especially given that Appleby comes off the back of Kirkby Stephen, owners may not know how much their horse has been worked beforehand so we want to encourage people to err on the safe side and not overdo it, especially in the conditions.

'Day trippers should not be bringing their dogs to the Fair. Most people know by now that leaving a dog in a car on a hot day can be fatal but unbelievably some people still take the risk and we've had to rescue dogs at 14 of the past 15 events.

This morning, horses were seen enjoying a dip in the River Eden as the Appleby Horse Fair got underway

A woman rides her horse through the river on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair today

A woman rides a horse through the river on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair today

People ride their horses through the river during the Appleby Horse Fair, the annual gathering of travellers in Cumbria

People were seen smiling with glee as they rode their horses through the river at Appleby

People on the banks of the river watched on from the shore as a woman rides her horse in the rover

Horse drawn carriages were also seen being taken into the River Eden, which runs through Appleby

A man rides his horse through the river during the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair on Thursday

'This isn't the only danger though, we now know that exercising your dog on a hot day can be just as hazardous, so please don't put your pet or yourself in that position.'

Yesterday people were seen sat in the bow-top caravans being led by horses along a road in Appleby, ahead of Appleby Horse Fair which begins on Thursday.

A man in a grey vest and jeans was seen leading two decorated white horses pulling the caravan behind them.

Two horses were also pictured towing a caravan while two people sit in the caravan at the reins.

Travellers in traditional caravans were seen arriving in Cumbria ahead of one of Europe's largest horse fairs

People were seen sat in the bow-top caravans being led by horses along a road in Appleby, Cumrbia, ahead of Appleby Horse Fair which begins on Thursday

On Monday, a man, thought to be a traveller, trotted a pony into a pub ahead of the fair as stunned drinkers watched on in bewilderment.

The footage, captured at the Crown and Cushion Pub in Appleby, shows a white pony being trotted through the entrance and into a bar area filled with drinkers.

In the video, a man in a white T-shirt and shorts can be seen walking in with the pony as stunned drinkers watch on and children get up to stroke it.

It is thought the animal's owner was hoping to secure an impromptu sale so brought it through the bar of the pub to show it off.

People living in the area have likened it to the Wild West and said there have been numerous incidents of disorder and disruption.

One onlooker said: 'You can't believe the audacity of these people to bring a horse trotting straight into a pub.

The event is expected to see 30,000 visitors over the next week with 10,000 of them from the gypsy, Roma and traveller community

A horse tows a man in Cumbria ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair on Thursday

'No one blames the landlord, there's nothing he can do when his pub has been completely taken over, it's a question of mob rule and there's nothing he could have done.

'It was clear that the horse was being put up for sale and was being shown off to potential buyers.

'It's bad enough that the streets of the town are taken over for horse trading without it happening inside our pubs as well.

'Every year we go from a peaceful town to being overrun by drink-related disorder in the streets that make the place look like a town from the Wild West.'

A man races by in a one-horse shay in Appleby, Cumbria, ahead of Thursday's fair

A woman sits on top of a four-wheel horse carriage in Appleby, Cumbria

A man and two teenagers relax on a two-wheel horse carriage in Appleby, Cumbria

Two men ride a carriage drawn by a horse in Appleby, Cumbria, ahead of Thursday's fair

Appleby Primary School will be closed on the first full day of the fair following a risk assessment over the safety of children.

There have also been claims that a travelling families have slashed open hay bales to feed horses and a new bar area will be opened in a field adjacent to the showground despite the objections of locals.

Appleby Fair Community Group (AFCG), set up by local people to oppose the 'infliction' of the fair, says there have already been numerous concerns reported.

The AFCG said eggs were thrown at people and passing cars, liquid chucked at people or squirted from water pistols and drunken fights often broke out on the streets of Appleby and neighbouring Kirkby Stephen.
For decades, the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland has been a hive of horse-trading fun when it is visited for a few days in June by travellers from across Europe.

The Appleby Horse Fair, which begins today in Cumbria, has been a mainstay of the Gypsy calendar since the early 20th century - and its roots can be traced even further back.

But according to local historian Andrew Connell, it does not have its origins in a 1685 charter issued by King James II, as some have claimed.

Yet regardless of its origins, the scenes of majestic horses pulling carriages and caravans as travellers arrive for this year's event demonstrate its immense popularity.

Equally, decades-old photos show how the fair has changed very little from year to year.

For decades, the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland has been a hive of horse-trading fun, when it is visited for a few days in June by travellers from all across Europe. Above: A traveller showing off a horse for sale at the Appleby Fair in the 1980s

Decades-old photos show how the fair has changed very little from year to year. Above: A newly-married couple beam in front of their caravan at Appleby Fair in 1970

One image from the 1980s showing a traveller making his horse gallop in front of spectators as he looks to sell it reveals the business element at the heart of the fair: Many are there to trade.

Others are there to have fun, meet and mingle, as a shot of a Gypsy family around a camp fire in the 1930s demonstrates.

In his book, Appleby Gypsy Horse Fair: Mythology, Origins, Evolution and Evaluation, Mr Connell reveals how the story of the 1685 charter dates from 1945, when two Appleby councillors who disliked the fair tried to stop it.

'There's no evidence for it, the claim first surfaced in 1945,' Mr Connell told MailOnline.

The fair in fact began in 1775, but did not come to be primarily associated with the traveller community until more than a century later.

'It was a trading occasion for droved cattle and sheep, and of course horses. There's not much evidence of gypsy association with it,' Mr Connell said.

Gypsies are seen around a campfire at the Appleby Horse Fair in June 1934

'The main market was local farmers, buying and selling sheep and cattle at good prices.

'It morphed into a horse fair with the coming of the railway when cattle and sheep droving ended.

'By the 1880s it's more of a horse-trading event. Horse-dealing did have strong gypsy-traveller associations, because historically it was easier to own horses without owning land.

'As it became a horse fair in the 1880s, the links with gypsy-travellers became stronger and stronger because they were the main dealers in horses.

'So by the 1890s, certainly by the 1900s, it is seen as an occasion where the people who come are by a large extent gypsy and Romany travellers.'

So-called 'trotting' - the practice of running horses up and down to show them off to buyers - began in the inter-war years.

Similarly, the tradition of gypsies and travellers washing their horses in the River Eden stems from the 20th century.

After the end of the Second World War, the fair received a further boost as the evolution of transport allowed gypsies and travellers to come from further afield with ease.

The fair has survived successive attempts to close it down, including in 1967, when the local authority cited poor sanitation.

But increased attendance has brought controversy too, with locals complaining about congestion and poor behaviour in the past.

Travellers are seen steering their caravan as they make their way to the Appleby Horse Fair in 1965

Gypsy fortune tellers in their caravan at the Appleby Horse Fair in 1981

Farriers are seen at work shoeing horses at Appleby in 1990

A Gypsy encampment at Appleby in 1934, when the horse fair had become a mainstay of the traveller calendar

A horse which drowned in the Eden as it was being washed in 2007 triggered an investigation by the RSPCA.

Cumbria Police have struggled in recent years to ensure the safety of the event, as a town that ordinarily has around 2,500 residents is overwhelmed by up to 30,000 visitors.

Yesterday, travellers began arriving for this year's event. Many were sitting in traditional caravans, whilst others were in trailers, their horses pulling them along.

And this morning, horses were seen enjoying a dip in the River Eden.

On Monday, a man, thought to be a traveller, trotted a pony into a pub ahead of the fair as stunned drinkers watched on.

The footage, captured at the Crown and Cushion Pub in Appleby, showed a white pony being trotted through the entrance and into a bar area filled with drinkers.

It is thought the animal's owner was hoping to secure an impromptu sale so brought it into the pub to show it off.

But locals were furious. One onlooker said: 'You can't believe the audacity of these people to bring a horse trotting straight into a pub.

'No one blames the landlord, there's nothing he can do when his pub has been completely taken over, it's a question of mob rule and there's nothing he could have done.

'It was clear that the horse was being put up for sale and was being shown off to potential buyers.

'It's bad enough that the streets of the town are taken over for horse trading without it happening inside our pubs as well.

This morning horses were seen enjoying a dip in the River Eden as the Appleby Horse Fair got underway

A woman rides her horse through the river on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair today

Travellers and gypsies arrive in the village of Appleby for the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair

'Every year we go from a peaceful town to being overrun by drink-related disorder in the streets that make the place look like a town from the Wild West.'

Appleby Fair Community Group, set up by residents to oppose the 'infliction' of the fair, says there have already been numerous concerns reported.

The AFCG reports eggs being thrown at people and passing cars, liquid thrown at people or squirted from water pistols and drunken fights breaking out on the streets of Appleby and neighbouring Kirkby Stephen.

Appleby Primary School will be closed on the first full day of the fair following a risk assessment over the safety of children.

A farmer claims travelling families have slashed open hay bales to feed horses and a new bar area will be opened in a field adjacent to the showground despite the objections of locals.
A pair of naturists are 'deeply saddened' after a pub where they enjoyed a meal received a torrent of bad reviews and said they have visited more than 500 places without any problems.

Finance worker Neil Cox, 34, and healthcare worker Danielle Quiggan, 35, sparked uproar after stopping off at The Railway pub in Burnham-on-Sea on Friday evening.

Their visit to the pub prompted outraged diners to leave negative reviews on TripAdvisor, as punters claimed they were 'shocked' the seaside boozer allowed them to sit down and enjoy a dinner in the buff.

The couple - who are friends - have spoken out against the barrage of criticism the Somerset pub has faced, saying it is 'deeply saddening' that individuals would attack 'a small business that is trying to demonstrate acceptance and tolerance.'

Mr Cox said he has visited more than 500 shops, bars and restaurants while nude, without receiving a single complaint.

Naturists Neil Cox, 34, (left) and Danielle Quiggan, 35, (right) enjoyed a meal in a Somerset pub last Friday

Finance worker Neil Cox (left) and healthcare worker Danielle Quiggan, say naturism helps improve their mental health

Pub owners later defended their decision to serve the two friends, stating the establishment prides itself on 'inclusivity and welcome everyone's individuality and differences.'

In speaking out against the online criticism, Mr Cox, from Cheshire, said the the bad reviews failed to reflect the reality of their visit.

Is naturism allowed in the UK? The law explained Public nudity is not, in itself, illegal in the UK, unless the nude individual is causing alarm or distress to others. However, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service says that in the absence of any sexual context or intention to cause alarm or distress to others, no action should be taken against naturists. It adds that in considering the legality of naturism, a balance must be struck to ensure nudists rights to freedom of expression are considered. The CPS says every case of naturism should be considered according to its own facts and merits. Advertisement

'I've made over 500 visits to shops, bars and other businesses whilst naked. And as far as I'm aware not one of those visits has ever resulted in a single negative review.'

'Danielle and I find it deeply saddening that in 2023 an individual has attacked a small business that is trying to demonstrate acceptance and tolerance.'

'The reaction in the pub when we arrived was initially one of surprise but quickly moved to quiet acceptance.

'After all, two naked people sitting in a corner of a pub having a beer and burger quickly becoming boring.

'Several people came over to us whilst we were there to have a chat and ask questions or request a photo.

'We weren't aware of anyone leaving the pub and there were no angry or upset comments directed at us.

'We felt welcome and comfortable in the Railway and would like to say thank you to the its owners, staff and customers for accepting us.'

It is not an offence in itself to be naked in public in England and Wales, unless it can be proven a person took their clothes off to upset or shock other people.

Many naturists will restrict their activities to specially designated areas with traditions of naked activity, such as nudist beaches.

Ms Quiggan, who is originally from Australia but now lives in London, said: 'That was the first time we've gone into that pub - but that was also the first time we gathered that sort of backlash and seeing the Facebook reactions blow up.'

The duo previously walked naked through Bristol's Clifton Downs park to look at the city's suspension bridge

The Railway in Burnham-on-sea was hit with a barrage of negative reviews following the couple's visit as punters said they were 'outraged' and 'appalled'

Their visit to the pub prompted outraged diners to leave negative reviews on TripAdvisor

Mr Cox and Ms Quiggan, who are both in separate relationships and have been naturists for 10 years and five years respectively, previously enjoyed a nude drink in a pub in Bristol the night before.

The pair, who enjoy an entirely non-sexual friendship and say their partners are 'happy' for them to spend time together, later walked naked through Bristol's Clifton Downs park and Harbourside area, before stopping in nearby Burnham-on-Sea for a meal on June 2.

READ MORE: Bargains in the buff! Seaside homes are dropping in price as picturesque beaches become havens for nudists Advertisement

The naturist duo stopped off in the seaside town in Somerset while en-route to Cornwall for a break.

Having contacted The Railway in Burnham-on-Sea ahead of calling in, the pair were soon seated by staff 'in the corner' of the establishment.

They claimed to have felt 'very comfortable in Bristol' but 'less comfortable' in the Somerset pub.

Following their visit to the 'family run' pub in the seaside Somerset village, a number of patrons took to the review website Tripadvisor with complaints about the duo and their meal.

Mr Cox, who previously did a 1,000-mile naked cycle last year for charity, said he practices naturism to help him destress from his 'high-pressure career'.

He says he 'rarely' gets dressed, due to the face he is able to work from home, and that he is 'very comfortable' being naked.

'I live this way all the time and most people are used to me. I'm very comfortable and used to this and yes, you still get attention and you can feel on show, but it's usually curiosity rather than bad attention,' Mr Cox said.

'I work in a finance job that you could describe as a high-pressure career and being able to run in the countryside naked is freeing and the opposite of sitting in a suit.'

The naturists (pictured) stopped in the pub while on their way to Cornwall for a naked break

Ms Quiggan said being naturist benefits her mental health, and boosts her sense of body positivity.

I'm proud to be continually exploring this and proud of myself for persevering. I think I would see a change in my mental health If I stopped,' she said.

'More and more as I reflect on it, I find it's really beneficial for my mental health. It's increased my body positivity and the confidence I feel in my body.

'I'm less worried how I appear when I'm naked that when I'm wearing clothes. You don't think about you look, and the less time you spent thinking about that, the less time you spent worrying overall.'

Mr Cox agreed, citing a a House of Commons report from 2020 that revealed more than half of British people people feel negatively about their body.

'Body comfort is such a big issue in the UK. Sixty-one percent of people feel negatively about their body,' Mr Cox said. 'In the same study they asked people to describe words they thought about their bodies.'

'Two-thirds of people said they'd been anxious about their bodies and nine percent of people said they'd had suicidal thoughts about their body in that year. There's lot of studies to show that people who have been introduced to naturism and nudity come away positively about their bodies and their mental health.'

Staff at The Railway later defended their decision to serve the naturists as they claimed to have researched the rules on naturism and accepted the booking, describing it as a 'learning experience'.

A spokesperson for the Railway Inn said: 'We have received both negative and positive comments which we have taken on board, however naturism is legal within the UK and we pride ourselves on inclusivity and welcome everyone's individuality and differences.'

Margaret Lishmund, who was in the pub when the couple arrived, quickly decided to find somewhere else for dinner. Posting on the review site she wrote: 'We visited the pub this evening at 6pm to have dinner.

The naked pair walked in the nude around Bristol's Clifton Down's park (pictured) the day before going to the Burnham-on-Sea pub (File photo: Clifton Downs and houses on Sion Hill)

The Railway Inn has received mixed reviews since the couple visited last Friday, with some hailing the 'accepting pub' but others saying letting the naturists dine was 'not appropriate'

'Whilst ordering drinks a couple walked up to the bar naked which was a shock for all in the pub.

'We expected the bar man to refuse to serve them. There were several families with children in the pub, including ourselves, therefore it was not appropriate for them to be served.

We decided to leave the pub and find somewhere else for dinner in town. Unfortunately another family were not able to as they had already ordered food. If you advertise as a family pub you should maintain these values.

READ MORE: Private dinner for 22 naturists in pub is cancelled after locals complain the sight of naked people through the windows may distract passing drivers Advertisement

'Locals who frequent the pub apologised to us, but the staff seemed to think this was okay. Very disappointing,' she concluded.

One customer called Sarah had taken her parents to the pub on Friday night and said she was 'outraged' to see the pair in the bar.

In a one-star review of the pub, she said: 'Appalling. If you want to go to a family pub with average food and staff serving a naked man accompanied by a naked woman then this is for you.'

Another customer described the experience 'shocking', as they vowed never to return to the pub again.

'We found food and staff pleasant. We went for the second time last night, were shocked to see naked couple arrive and be served,' Euroexp123 said.

'We were concerned as there were families and young children there. I heard one customer mention this to the staff. As other people have said, staff seemed unconcerned. We will not be going again.'

Mr Cox previosuly told SomersetLive: 'During our break away we were naked most of the time. Where I live there are shops, grocery stores and pubs where I go in regularly that accept I am a naturist.'

'We don't think the reaction on TripAdvisor was reflective of what actually happened in the pub in Burnham-on-Sea.

'It was a new place and people were not expecting it and there was an element of surprise when we first walked in. We sat in the corner of the pub and had our meal. People quickly went back to their drinks and got on with their day.

'After all two naked people sitting in a corner of a pub having a beer and burger quickly becomes boring.

'Several people came over to us whilst we were there to have a chat and ask questions or request a photo. We had checked with the pub first and got their permission to visit.'

'We also stopped off in Bristol on Thursday night and went to a pub there and received no reaction to us being naked at all,' Mr Cox added.

'We spent the day walking around Clifton Downs and the Harbourside. We felt very comfortable in Bristol but less comfortable in the pub in Somerset.

The Crown Prosecution Service says: 'In the case of naturism a balance needs to be struck between the naturist's right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress.'

'In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress.'
A British man who travelled to Tobago to attend the funeral of his aunt and her husband who both died in an accident has drowned at a waterfall on the Caribbean island.

Justin Arthur, 24, travelled from London to attend the funeral of his aunt Teresa Adams and her husband Christian Adams who died in a motor vehicle accident on May 18.

According to reports, the couple was driving when their vehicle collided with a truck, which emptied its cargo onto the Adams' car.

They were then taken to hospital and were both pronounced dead. Mr. Adams was a fireman who worked with the Tobago fire division.

Justin Arthur, 24, travelled from London to attend the funeral of his aunt and her husband

Tobago police said in a statement that Mr Arthur, who came specifically for the funeral, got into some difficulty while swimming at a waterfall on the island sometime after 3pm on Tuesday.

His body was recovered soon afterwards with the assistance of divers from the area along with the Tobago Emergency Management Agency responders.

'He came to bury his aunt and husband and now he will be getting interned himself. That is so sad as he had to travel all this way from England to attend and he had to die this way.' said a family member of Mr Arthur.

'We will miss him here in Tobago and so will the family in the UK. This is so sad'

His cousin Chavy M Arthur said: 'One of my best cousins Justin Arthur and he was like my real blood brother. He use to live with us when he was 2 years old.

'I can't believe that You are gone. Justin, please wake up.

'You came to Tobago for your Aunt Teresa Alleyne and her hubby Christian funeral. You were supposed to leave Tobago on Thursday to go back to England with your beautiful girlfriend and your Family.

'You came by me for your jacket last night. I'm so loss for words I feel very numb sight my heart hurts.'

The 24-year-old travelled from London to the Caribbean island of Tobago (pictured) for a family funeral

The body is expected to be flown back to the UK where he will be buried.

A spokesman from the Tobago police department said that they are investigating this tragic incident.

'We are currently looking into it,' the spokesperson said. 'We are collecting information and will keep all parties informed.' said the spokesman.
Rishi Sunak is preparing to woo Joe Biden over trade and military cooperation in talks at the White House today.

The PM will meet the US president in the Oval Office on his first visit to Washington, with economic issues and Ukraine high on the agenda.

Mr Sunak has put a lot of effort into improving Transatlantic ties, with the Special Relationship seen as having been battered by rows over Norther Ireland Brexit rules.

However, there still appears to be no immediate prospect of a trade deal - which was very much on the cards when Donald Trump was commander-in-chief.

Former UK ambassador to the US Lord Darroch has voiced concerns that 'for all the inevitable smiles and pats on the back' there 'doesn't look to be much real warmth in the Anglo-American relationship'.

A poll for MailOnline shows that Brits regard Mr Biden as more pro-EU than pro-UK, although he is also rated more favourably than his predecessor.

Rishi Sunak (left) is preparing to woo Joe Biden (right) over trade and military cooperation in talks at the White House today

A poll for MailOnline shows that Brits regard Mr Biden as more pro-EU than pro-UK, although he is also rated more favourably than his predecessor

PM to give Joe Biden book written by his British ancestor Rishi Sunak will give Joe Biden a personalised copy of a book written by the US president's great-great grandfather when the two leaders meet on Thursday. The book, Naval Discipline, was written by Christopher Biden in the mid 19th century and covers the Royal Navy's rules on mutiny. The president made a somewhat confused reference to his ancestor during his visit to Northern Ireland in April. In his speech in Belfast's Ulster University, Mr Biden referenced a George Biden who in '1842, could have been 1828; I can't remember  it's one of those two dates  had written the rules  the rules of mutiny for the British Navy'. Mr Biden, who is proud of his Irish ancestry, joked: 'Well, at least that part is consistentthe mutiny.' Mr Sunak will also present Mr Biden with a personalised Barbour jacket, made near his Richmond constituency. The Bedale-style jacket is embroidered with the words 'Mr President' on the front pocket instead of the Barbour branding. Advertisement

The president was accused of a series of 'anti-British' snubs when he visited the island of Island recently, spending just a few hours in Belfast before a lengthy stay in the Republic - where he often boasts of having heritage.

Downing Street has secured an early win by getting Mr Biden to agree to hold a rare joint press conference this evening after the talks.

But Mr Sunak was forced to deny breaking a manifesto promise to get a trade deal as he faced journalists in Washington this afternoon.

He argued that the war in Ukraine and the pandemic meant that the 'macroeconomic situation' had changed.

'Since then we've had a pandemic, we've had a war in Ukraine, and that has changed the macroeconomic situation. The right response to that is ensure that we're focusing our engagement economically on the things that will make the most difference.'

He added: 'Actually, what I'll be talking to President Biden about today is how can the UK and the US work together to ensure security for our citizens? I think that's the thing that we should be focusing on right now.'

Mr Sunak will try to forge a joint stance with Mr Biden on AI, after declaring that the UK will host a major summit on the tech in the coming months.

He could also take the opportunity to push for Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to be handed the job of leading Nato when secretary general Jens Stoltenberg steps down at the end of September. Mr Biden has been pictured cosying up to Mr Wallace's likely Danish rival.

En route to Washington DC, Mr Sunak told reporters that a trade deal was not happening any time soon.

'I think that for a while now, that has not been a priority for either the US or UK,' he said.

'Because what we're both focused on is making sure that our economic partnership reflects the particular challenges and opportunities of the time that we're in right now.

'And that is the conversation that I will be having with President Biden. That involves not just trade but also economic security, which is increasingly important, but when it does come to trade, you know, what we have been doing with the US are looking at specific and targeted ways to improve trade between our countries.

'It's also worth saying that we already have an unbelievably strong trading relationship with the US. I mean, we're the largest investors in each other we employ over a million people in each other's countries.'

Mr Sunak said the UK-US trading relationship is 'already worth hundreds of billions of dollars' and is growing.

'There's lots of things for us to discuss, but I think it's important that our economic relationship reflects the particular challenges and opportunities at the time were in.'

Asked if a free trade deal was an unrealistic promise, Mr Sunak replied: 'All I said is since I've been Prime Minister, we've been focused, as have the US on making sure that our economic partnership reflects the opportunities and challenges of the time that we face now.'

It had been hoped that Mr Sunak's 'Windsor Framework' with the EU on post-Brexit rules for Northern Ireland might clear an obstacle to a free trade deal with America.

Mr Biden had frequently intervened over Britain's bitter row with Brussels over the Northern Ireland Protocol prior to the signing of the Windsor Agreement.

But the US President has previously made clear that a free trade deal was not a priority, and progress has stalled since he replaced Donald Trump in the White House.
The war in Ukraine has fuelled a crime wave in rural Britain as gangsters steal farm machinery to smuggle into Russia.

Police say the conflict has contributed to a 300 per cent rise in machinery theft in England and Wales in the first quarter of the year.

Particularly prized are agricultural and construction machines - such as excavator and GPS units for mapping fields - which are shipped to Eastern Europe before being taken across the border.

While Western sanctions against Russia and Belarus have sought to spare the agricultural sector to avoid global food insecurity, major manufacturers including John Deere have halted shipments to both countries.

The Russian army raided a John Deere factory in Ukraine during the first weeks of the war as farmers struggled to obtain vital spare parts.

Police say the Ukraine war has helped fuel a 300 per cent rise in machinery theft in England and Wales in the first quarter of the year. This is a stock photo

'In my professional opinion, without doubt the war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia are having an impact on rural crime in the UK,' Supt Andy Huddleston, the head of the National Rural Crime Unit, told the Telegraph.

READ MORE - Obscure rural farm track that has become a Mecca for True Crime fans Advertisement

'We would normally expect to see around 70 high-value agricultural vehicles being stolen across the country each month but in March we recorded the theft of 180.'

Gangs previously targeted rural regions in eastern England but are now also raiding farms in the North and Scotland, police say.

New research from NFU Mutual revealed the cost of GPS theft in the first four months of 2023 exceeded 500,000, more than double compared to the same period last year.

Some criminal groups are using drones to identify expensive equipment before swooping at night.



It comes as members of the National Farmers' Union and representatives from 40 police forces met yesterday to discuss the problem of crime in rural areas.

The Russian army raided a John Deere factory in Ukraine during the first weeks of the war as farmers struggled to obtain vital spare parts. Pictured: Vladimir Putin

NFU Vice President David Exwood, who hosted the event, said: 'Highly organised gangs of criminals continue to plague the great British countryside, stealing livestock and expensive GPS equipment, trespassing on private land and regularly fly-tipping tons of rubbish; their actions significantly impact farm businesses, farming families and rural communities, both financially and emotionally.'

The National Rural Crime Unit was formed recently to help police forces crack down on organised criminal gangs operating in the countryside.
Former Hells Angels bikie Dayne Brajkovich hasn't disappointed in court, sporting his trademark gold jewellery worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The ex-enforcer and gold fan appeared before the Western Australian Residential Tenancy Court on Thursday morning in a civil matter.

Around his neck was his signature gold chain and on his left wrist a hefty gold bracelet - worth about $216,000 and $103,000, respectively.

On his hands were the other items he's rarely seen without: eight 16-karat gold rings, spelling CINA on one hand (short for Jacinta, his wife) and HATE on the other (because "hate is hate" as he once told The West Australian newspaper).

Also sporting a red tracksuit, accompanied by wife Jactina Hill in a striking electric blue pants suit, Mr Brajkovich was only before the court briefly and left soon after his appearance.

Matters before the tenancy court are closed, and therefore the details of the matter are unknown.

Former Hells Angels bikie Dayne Brajkovich (pictured right) exits Western Australian Residential Tenancy Court with wife Jactina Hill on Thursday

Mr Brajkovich was displaying his signature gold chain, which is worth around $216,000

Mr Brajkovich is known to own at least one investment property.

He's currently before the courts on a criminal matter relating to allegedly storming the Cloverdale property in October, threatening the tenants with a knife as they were trying to move back, and demanding a bond payment.

Prosecutors in previous appearances on those matters argue the bond had already been paid.

In January he was acquitted of two charges relating to alleged display of gang insignia, with WA Police having to pay him $4000 in court costs.

He made headlines again in March in the fallout from the Perth Mint gold doping scandal.

The ABC had revealed Perth Mint had gold bars they were trying to sell to the Shanghai Gold Exchange knocked back because they didn't meet purity requirements.

Part of the Four Corners investigation alleged Mint employees hadn't carried out background checks on Mr Brajkovich when he walked in and bought $27,000 in gold with cash.

Mr Brajkovich was appearing at a civil court about a property matter but faces separate criminal charges over allegedly threatening a tenant

Mr Brajkovich was named in a media report in the Perth Mint gold doping story in March

Its unclear if Thursday's civil matter before the tenancy court was related to that Cloverdale property.

Mr Brajkovich is due back before Perth Magistrates Court in August on seven charges relating to that alleged October incident.

He and Ms Hill, 31, who isn't accused of any wrongdoing, made no comment to the media leaving court on Thursday.

Mr Brajkovich was kicked out of the Hells Angels in January 2022, The West Australian reported on Thursday because he'd allegedly assaulted the club president at the time.
A father who couldn't swim died trying to save his son at a Santa Cruz beach after the 13-year-old was hit by a large wave and then dragged out into the ocean.

Tragedy struck when Srinivasa Murthy Jonnalagadda took his family, including his son and 10-year-old daughter, to Panther Beach on Memorial Day.

A large wave knocked the teen off balance and subsequent waves began to drag him out into the ocean.

Jonnalagadda saw his son struggling in the water and ran in to try to save him as the waves pulled him out further to sea.

A good Samaritan entered the water and was able to rescue the boy.

Tragedy struck when Srinivasa Murthy Jonnalagadda (pictured) took his family, including his son and 10-year-old daughter, to Panther Beach in Santa Cruz on Memorial Day

Pictured: Srinivasa Murthy Jonnalagadda and his family. Loved ones honored his life on Wednesday at the Chapel of Angles funeral home in Fremont

Jonnalagadda, however, was unfortunately dragged by the riptide into deeper waters and drowned as his family 'helplessly bore witness,' according to his GoFundMe page.

First responders were able to recover him and he was airlifted to Stanford Hospital Emergency Department in Palo Alto, where he was pronounced dead.

Jonnalagadda is survived by his wife and two children.

Loved ones honored his life on Wednesday at the Chapel of Angles funeral home in Fremont.

The GoFundMe page has so far raised more than $200,000.

Pictured: Emergency services on Panther Beach. First responders were able to recover Jonnalagadda and he was airlifted to Stanford Hospital Emergency Department in Palo Alto, where he was pronounced dead

Jonnalagadda is described as a 'man of action, always putting his family first, and a fun-loving soul with a highly positive outlook'.

The GoFundMe page also notes: 'His willingness to help others knew no boundaries and he never refused anyone needing assistance of any kind.

'Srinivasa and his wife were actively involved in community service and positively impacted many lives with their support and kindness.'

Every year in the United States there are more than 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC also notes that nearly 80 per cent of people who die from drowning are male.
An Albanian man accused of raping a British tourist in the sea and attempting to do so again at her hotel in Rhodes has been freed from custody but barred from leaving Greece.

The British woman, 20, told police the 23-year-old man raped her on Saturday after they went for a swim at Glystra beach on the east coast of the island.

The young woman said the man then took her back to her hotel room in Kiotari where he attacked her and tried to rape her a second time, reports the Vradini newspaper.

The tourist, who has not been named, testified that she had met the man two weeks ago and that they exchanged messages on WhatsApp before meeting up in person last week.

The Albanian national insisted to investigators that the pair had consensual sex before they ate together and then went to her room to have sex again, the Dimokratiki newspaper reports.

A British woman, 20, told police the 23-year-old man raped her on Saturday after they went for a swim at a beach on the east coast of Rhodes (file image)

The British tourist told police that she had met the suspect at her hotel room in the afternoon of June 3 before they agreed to ride on his brother's motorbike to Glystra beach where they went swimming.

She said that the man then attacked her while they were in the sea and raped her.

The victim walked onto the beach and put on her clothes before begging the suspect to drive her back to her hotel room.

But when they arrived at the hotel at 4pm local time, the 23-year-old man followed her back to her room where he took off her clothes and tried to sexually assault her again.

This time, the woman was able to push him away from her and forced him to leave the room. The victim then left the hotel and reported the rape and assault to Rhodes police.

Detectives launched a manhunt for the Albanian man. He was found hours later and taken to the police station. A case has been filed against him for rape, for which he could face up to ten years in prison.

He has now been released from custody on the condition that he does not leave the country. The investigation continues.
The U.S. Marine Corps is reorganizing and improvising to make itself useful in a future war in the Pacific. The latest innovation is a LRUSV (Long-Range Unmanned Surface Vessel) that does not carry aircraft but a large number of the Hero-120 loitering munition. Hero 120 weighs 12.5 kg (27.5 pounds) including a 4.6 kg warhead. Max endurance is 60 minutes and max range of the control signal is 40 kilometers. Because the LRUSV has to remain silent (no transmissions) to avoid detection, the Hero-120 will be modified to home on enemy transmissions.

The LRUSV is a 12.5 meter (40-foot) autonomous (unmanned) boat designed to operate at ranges of nearly 2,000 kilometers and launch loitering munitions to engage enemy targets afloat and ashore. The LRUSV must maintain accurate knowledge of position and time for navigation. During hostilities, GPS availability may be disrupted, degraded or denied by jamming. There is also the risk of spoofing (a form of jamming that changes the GPS data received). LRUSV has a backup INS (Inertial Navigation System) which requires position updates from GPS or an automated celestial navigation system to survive potential enemy jamming and spoofing efforts. Celestial Navigation (CELNAV) is a technique which has been around for hundreds of years and there is new technology that allows CELNAV to be performed without human intervention. This system still has reliability problems, which will delay a fully protected from uninterrupted accurate navigation system for the LRUSV. This means that initially LRSUV will enter service without a dependable, under all conditions, navigation system.

The primary mission of LRUSV is surveillance and reconnaissance. The Hero-120 missiles are an optional accessory for special operations that require a missile weapon. The marines already have some experience with Hero-120. Earlier experiments included converting some of their marine LAV-M 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles to carry an eight cell MCL (Multi-Canister Launcher) that will use the Hero-120, modified for USMC command and control systems. Hero-120 is one of many similar loitering munitions that Israeli firm Uvision has been developing and selling since 2011. The smallest Hero system is a family of small loitering munitions. The latest and largest of them is the Hero 20, which weighs 1.8 kg (four pounds) including a 200-gram (7 ounce) warhead, Endurance is 20 minutes and operator range is 10 kilometers. Hero 30 weighs 3 kg (6.6 pounds) with a .5 kg (1.1 pound) warhead, and 30 minutes endurance. Hero 70 weighs 7 kg (14.4 pounds) with a 1.2 kg (2.6 pound) warhead and 45 minutes endurance. All these weapons are stored and fired from a canister and the smaller three are designed to be carried by infantry. All use the same controller and digital camera. All use fold-out wings and an electric motor with the propeller in the rear that provides speeds of up to three kilometers a minute. Cruising speed, to obtain max endurance, is about half that.

The marines planned to use the MCL launcher on other vehicles or on ships. The Hero-120/MCL combination gave the marines a recon/attack UAV that can find and hit boats and other small craft as well as a wide variety of land targets. The MCL can be reloaded with different size canisters carrying more of the smaller Hero 30s or fewer of the Hero 400.

Uvision has developed and produced numerous Hero munitions in different sizes. All are battery powered except the largest one; Hero 900. This one uses a gasoline engine; weighs 97 kg (213 pounds) and carries a 20 kg (44 pound) warhead. This Hero has seven-hour endurance and a max range (from the operator) of 250 kilometers. In 2015 the Hero 400 was introduced with four-hour endurance, weight of 40 kg (88 pounds) with an 8 kg (18 pound) warhead. This UAV is battery powered and can operate up to 150 kilometers from the operator. In 2017 a new version, the Hero 400EC was released that had improved software and a return and land (using a parachute) capability. All Hero models are reusable and can be sent on longer range missions against a target using the GPS location. This is what made Hero-120 so attractive for the marines: a portable, inexpensive guided weapon with a max range of over 100 kilometers.

The marines have been using the 13-ton 8x8 LAV25 since 1983 and most are personnel carriers (11 crew and passengers) but some have been converted to carry heavy weapons, like the LAV-M mortar carrier equipped with an 81mm mortar.

The marines have already tested use of M142 HIMARs (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) guided rocket vehicles on the flight deck of an amphibious ship. In 2017 the marines found that, with a few modifications to the HIMARS fire control software, the vehicle could accurately fire GMLRS (GPS guided MLRS) rockets from the flight deck of one of an LHA or LHD ships. This is nothing new as during World War II U.S. forces fired unguided rockets from ships in support of amphibious operations. But the use of GMLRS meant HIMARS could provide precision fire support from a ship at sea and hit targets up to 85 kilometers away.

Innovations like LRUSV and the use of Hero-120s or GMLRS missiles from a flight deck are the sort of moves the marines have made before to remain useful. This is because the marines have opposed becoming too large and treated like an elite ground combat force. In 2010 the marines proposed a sharp reduction in the Corps size. Senior marine commanders expressed a preference for a smaller force, one that concentrated on its main mission; amphibious operations. The current proposals take that further and want the marines to become soldiers in a new Army Amphibious Corps. That misses the point about what makes the marines special.

Currently the marines were still dissatisfied with the way they have been used as an army auxiliary since 2001. The marines consider themselves specialists, while the army proved adaptable in major wars. It was the army, for example, that carried out more amphibious operations than the marines did during World War II. A 1956 law specified the minimum size of the Corps as three divisions and three air wings. While this law could be changed by Congress, it also allows the marines to reorganize themselves. For over a decade the marines have been asking for the 1956 law to be amended to allow a smaller minimum size of the marine corps. The marines point out that they have come to comprise a quarter of America's ground combat forces. That's active duty, when you count the much larger army reserve force, the marines were 18 percent of ground combat forces in 2010 and that has not changed much since then. The marines never wanted to be just another part of American ground combat forces, even if they were still marines. Among many liberal politicians, efforts to eliminate the marine corps entirely is always a good way to get some attention.

For over a decade the marines were also concerned about their relationship with the U.S. Navy, which formed another ground combat force in 2005. To understand how this came about, you have to understand the relationship between the navy and the marines. The marines are not part of the navy, as they are often described. Both the navy and marines are part of the Department of the Navy. The Department of the Army and Department of the Air Force each have only one component.

Over the years, the marines have acquired more and more autonomy from the navy. When the U.S. Marine Corps was created at the start of the American Revolution, marines were sailors trained and equipped to fight as infantry, and they were very much part of the navy, and a standard component of ship crews. This changed radically in the late 19th century, when all-metal steam ships replaced wooden sailing ships. The new "iron ships" really didn't need marines, and there were proposals to eliminate them. In response, the American marines got organized and made themselves useful in other ways. For example, the marines performed very well as "State Department Troops" in Latin America for half a century, from the late 19th century to just before World War II. This was a period when American troops were frequently used to deal with civil disorder abroad, and attempts at nation building. During World War I (1914-18), they provided a brigade for ground combat in Europe, where they demonstrated exceptional combat skills.

During the 1930s, as World War II approached, the U.S. Marine Corps saw an opportunity because the navy realized they would have to use amphibious assaults to take heavily fortified Japanese islands in any future war. Thus, once the U.S. entered World War II, the marines formed their first division size units, and ended the war with six divisions, organized into two corps.

At that point the Marine Corps was no longer just a minor part of the navy, but on its way to being a fourth service. Over the next half century, it basically achieved that goal. But in doing that, the navy lost control of its ground troops. Navy amphibious ships still went to sea, each with a battalion of marines on board. But because the marines are mainly an infantry force, and the war on terror was basically an infantry scale battle, the marines spent a lot more time working alongside the army in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In effect, the American marines want to be more like the British marines. That's interesting, because British marines are called Royal Marine Commandos, and are quite different. Britain, which invented the modern concept of the commando, disbanded it's ten army commandos, as the battalion size commando units were called, at the end of World War II. The Royal Marines, however, saw the commando concepts as a welcome addition to their own amphibious doctrine and retained three of their nine Royal Marine Commandos. Since World War II, the Royal Marines have maintained at least three commando battalions. Artillery and engineer units are supplied by the army.

Like the U.S. Marines, the Royal Marines realized that assault from the sea was always a commando operation, requiring special training, bold leadership and an aggressive spirit. The Royal Marines, like their American counterparts, continued to innovate. In 1956, it was a Royal Marine Commando that launched the first helicopter assault from ships against a land target during the invasion of Egypt. The Royal Marine Commandos were used extensively to keep the peace in Ireland during the 1970s and 80s. In 1982, it was two Royal Marine Commandos and one parachute battalion that did most of the fighting to retake the Falkland Islands from Argentina. The Royal Marines have performed peacekeeping duty in the Balkans and Africa, and served as an amphibious fast reaction force.

While the U.S. Marines made a name for themselves with multi-division amphibious operations in the Pacific during World War II, the Royal Marines stuck with the commando type operations that characterize what marines spend most of the time doing between major wars. An important aspect of this is that the last large scale amphibious operation took place seventy years ago when American marines, accompanied by South Korea marines they had trained, led a daring operation to seize Inchon, Korea in 1950. That was deemed impossible by the invading North Koreans, who did not leave a large force to defend Inchon from such an attack. Because of the marines, and the army divisions who came in behind them, the North Korean forces further south were cut off from supplies and reinforcements and soon defeated. As remarkable as the Inchon operation was, since then the typical marine mission has been a quick assault using a small (usually battalion size) force.

In anticipation of this, the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was created in 2006. Over the next four years MARSOC sent some of its 2,400 personnel on over thirty deployments to South America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. MARSOC is organized into a headquarters, a two battalion Special Operations Regiment, a Foreign Military Training Unit, and a Marine Special Operations Support Group. There are 3-4 Special Operations companies in each battalion. The marines basically lost two of their four Force Recon companies in order to build MARSOC. Meanwhile, more troops have been added to division level reconnaissance units, to take up some of that slack. The marine Special Operations troops provide a combination of services roughly equal to what the U.S. Army Special Forces and Rangers did, as well as some of the functions of the marine Force Recon units.

All the other services, except the marines, contributed to the formation of SOCOM in the late 1980s. The marines finally got around to working with SOCOM in 2005, when it was agreed that they would create a marine special operations command (MARSOC). The Marine Corps had long resisted such a step, largely because of its belief that marines are inherently superior warriors, capable of highly specialized missions. This attitude began to change during the fighting in Afghanistan, when marines were assigned to support SOCOM troops there.

As a result of that experience, marines were attached to SOCOM for liaison and observation purposes. In 2004, the marines organized a company sized unit of commandos, "Detachment One", using volunteers from their Force Recon troops, the closest thing the marines had to commandos. Detachment One was sent to Iraq, where it's performance convinced SOCOM that marines could operate at the SOCOM level.

The marines see their future as a smaller, by up to a third, or more and even more elite force that is better equipped. The marines want to get back to sea, and that can be done without losing a lot of the valuable combat experience the marines have gained in the recent wars. The marines continue the more extensive training marines have been getting for several decades now. This makes the marines an even more elite and very resourceful force, which is what many marines are fine with. That does not impress many peacetime critics who forget how marine attitudes and improvisations proved invaluable time and again in wartime.
A British waitress has been dragged into a high-profile Italian murder case after it was revealed she was dating a man who has admitted to murdering his heavily pregnant girlfriend.

The unnamed British-Italian waitress, 23, had been in a relationship with Alessandro Impagnatiello, 30, for around a year, with the pair having met while working at a Milan bar.

Impagnatiello has confessed to stabbing Giulia Tramontano, 29, who was seven months pregnant, as well as discarding her body in an abandoned area near the home they shared in Milan.

It has now been revealed that prior to the attack on May 27, the British waitress phoned Ms Tramontano after discovering Impagnatiello's double life, and the two confided over what the waitress described as his 'psychological mistreatment'.

Despite already being aware of the secret girlfriend, it is understood Ms Tramontano decided to continue living with Impagnatiello for 'as long as necessary' for the sake of their newborn.

Italian media claimed that just hours before Ms Tramontano's murder, the waitress had become suspicious after receiving peculiar texts from Ms Tramontano - later alleged to be sent by Impagnatiello.

DO YOU KNOW THE BRITISH WAITRESS? Email Christian.Oliver@mailonline.co.uk or tips@dailymail.com

Impagnatiello has confessed to stabbing Giulia Tramontano, 29, (pictured) who was seven-months pregnant, as well as discarding her body in an abandoned area in Milan

The unnamed British-Italian waitress, 23, had been in a relationship with Alessandro Impagnatiello, 30, (pictured) for around a year

Carabinieri Forensics search the home of Alessandro Impagnatiello after he confessed to the murder of Giulia Tramontano, June 6, 2023

'We talked and [I] confided with Giulia', the waitress told Italian police earlier this week, saying they agreed that Impagnatiello 'lied to us both'.

She said she had already discovered photos of Impagnatiello and a pregnant Ms Tramontano on holiday.

After being in contact with Ms Tramontano for a while, she said the two had jointly tried - unsuccessfully - to ask Impagnatiello for answers and to clarify the situation.

The woman had been in contact with Ms Tramontano right up until her death, and was alarmed when she was responding unusually to texts.

'She was writing messages in a different way than she had done before', the waitress told carabinieri, ANSA reported.

Italian media reported that the waitress was so worried about Ms Tramontano that she had asked her to stay with her the evening of her murder.

The same evening, the Brit had received an odd message from Ms Tramontano's phone with the words 'I lied to you, leave me alone' - which, unbeknownst to the waitress, were the words of Impagnatiello.

Impagnatiello murdered Ms Tramontano between 7pm and 8.30pm on May 27, police determined. He later texted the waitress that he was now a 'free man'.

Giulia Tramontano, 29, (pictured) was stabbed to death by boyfriend Alessandro Impagnatiello, 30, while seven months pregnant

Giulia Tramontano was murdered on the evening of May 27 between 7pm and 8.30pm by her boyfriend

Alessandro Impagnatiello accompanied by law enforcement prior to his confession, May 31, 2023

Alessandro Impagnatiello walks with law enforcement after reporting his girlfriend missing, May 31, 2023

Giulia Tramontano's documents were found by the Fire Department in a manhole near the terminus of the Metro Gialla Comasina, Milan

A driving licence and bank card belonging to Giulia Tramontano were found by the Fire Department in a manhole, Milan

The fire department rummage through the manhole in search of the documents, Milan, June 6

Impagnatiello then tried to show up to her home to declare his love for her, but she was so scared that she did not let him in, Italian media reported.

'I spoke to him through the bars of the balcony window,' she told police, at which point Impagnatiello tired to claim Ms Tramontano had psychiatric problems.

Upon their meeting, the waitress spotted a pair of blue latex gloves hanging out of Impagnatiello's backpack and became suspicious, reported ANSA. She told police he had already been acting in a strange manner.

The relationship between the waitress and Impagnatiello is understood to have lasted until just a few weeks ago. She had also become pregnant with Impagnatiello's child in December 2022, but she told police she had an abortion 'by mutual agreement with him'.

It comes after it was revealed Impagnatiello tried to burn Ms Tramontano's body twice on the night of the murder - first in their flat's bath and then outdoors nearby.

The following day Impagnatiello reported his girlfriend missing and attempted to conceal her body. He had tried to claim Ms Tramontano had left him after discovering his secret relationship but that he was worried she had disappeared.

Italian police launched a search to find the seven-months pregnant woman only for Impagnatiello to confess to the murder and to hiding the body days after.

Police carry out investigations after Giulia Tramontano was reported missing by her boyfriend

Alessandro Impagnatiello, accompanied by law enforcement, walk into the building where Giulia Tramontano prior to his confession

Italian police launched a search to find the seven-months pregnant woman only for Impagnatiello to confess to the murder days later

Authorities said Impagnatiello had even sent Ms Tramontano texts asking her to come home each day as if she were still alive, in order to cover his tracks.

'Baby where are you? We're all worried,' a text read the day after Impagnatiello murdered his girlfriend.

The day after that he texted: 'Earlier I was looking at our photos from Ibiza (a recent holiday). I know I've not been the ideal boyfriend in the past few months.

'Just tell us you've escaped to some far-away country,' another text read.

Prosecutors say Impagnatiello had googled how to burn a body and remove blood stains days before the murder, as well as how to get a negative paternity test in an attempt to convince his girlfriend that the baby was not his.
The suspect, identified as Abdalmash H, was subdued at the scene and arrested

Witnesses said they saw a man attacking a group of children at a park in Annecy

A Syrian refugee screamed 'in the name of Jesus Christ' as he repeatedly stabbed a toddler in his pram in front of his screaming mother in a frenzied attack at a French playground that saw four children knifed.

The attacker, identified as Abdalmash H, 31, clinched onto a necklace with a crucifix on it before he launched his 'abominable' rampage in a lakeside park in the town of Annecy, a tourist hotspot in southeastern France, at around 9.45am.

A total of six people - four young children and two adults - were rushed to hospital after being hurt in the rampage, some of whom are fighting for their lives tonight.

French officials say the attack does not appear to be related to terrorism, but revealed the suspect had recently been denied Swedish citizenship and split up from his wife.

Shocked locals congregated in the park on Thursday night to lay floral tributes and light candles as they paid their respects to the victims - one of whom is a young British girl.

Horrific footage shows a Syrian refugee repeatedly stabbing a toddler in its pram in front of his screaming mother in a frenzied attack at a French playground that saw four children knifed

Video shows the the attacker running into the small playground and repeatedly stabbing a toddler in his pram while his screaming mother tries to protect him from the attack.

The attacker, identified as Abdalmash H, 32, (pictured holding the knife in the playground) launched his 'abominable' rampage in a lakeside park in Annecy, an alpine town in southeastern France , at around 9.45am

Witnesses of the horrific knife attack run at the scene in Annecy on Thursday

Distressing video shows the attacker running into the small playground and repeatedly stabbing a toddler in his pram while his screaming mother tries to protect him from the attack.

Further dramatic footage shows the attacker, a recently divorced Syrian refugee who has declared himself a Christian, later being chased across the park by locals and cops before he was shot in the legs by a police officer and pinned to the ground.

Horrified witnesses say mothers ran past them screaming 'run, run' in the aftermath of the frenzied attack, which was condemned by President Emmanuel Macron as 'absolute cowardice'.

Four children aged between 22 months and three were are in a 'very severe state' and are in intensive care at a hospital, according to a local prosecutor.

The victims include a British girl who is now in hospital in Grenoble, around an-hour-and-a-half away, the Telegraph reports. A 22-month old Dutch boy and a brother and sister from Annecy aged two and three were also targeted.

Two pensioners were also injured in the attack, one of whom - a 78-year-old man - is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being stabbed six times, including at least once in the neck by the attacker and then accidentally being shot by police in the chaos.

Francois Astorg, the mayor of Annecy, said the two more seriously injured children were 'out of the operating room' last night, adding: 'For the moment, their condition seems stable.'

He added that the elderly man was still fighting for this life and remained in surgery.

Dozens of tributes including flowers, teddy bears, candles and written messages were left at the park on Thursday night, with messages including 'Love Annecy', and 'Children I don't know you but in this hour you are fighting'

Witnesses said the knifeman, who a local prosecutor said did not appear to have 'terrorist motives', had begun attacking the preschool children while they were playing at a small playground in a scene of utter 'carnage'. They said he had launched his onslaught on the toddlers because they were 'easy targets'.

Witnesses said they heard the man, who was rejected for asylum in France four days before the attack, shouting before he began attacking the small children in the playground with a blade around four inches long. One of the injured children was in a stroller.

What do we know so far about the attacker? A Syrian refugee, identified as Abdalmash H, 31, screamed 'in the name of Jesus Christ' as he repeatedly stabbed children in a frenzied attack in Annecy, France. Investigators are scrambling to understand who Abdalmash is and what his motives are for the attack. Here, MailOnline uncovers what we know so far about the attacker. RECENTLY DIVORCED AND FATHER Abdalmash H, originally from the Syrian town of Al-Hassake, is recently divorced from his 26-year-old wife who he shares a three-year-old daughter with. The couple, who had lived in Trollhattan in Sweden together, separated eight months ago and had not been in contact for four months. His ex-wife, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: 'He called me around four months ago. He was living in a church.' She added he had been unable to get Swedish nationality. An investigating source said Abdalmash H is a devout Christian. The source said Abdalmasih H. was a 'declared and devout Christian' who carried a prayer book and a cross at the time of his arrest. ASYLYUM GRANTED IN SWEDEN Abdalmash had been living in Sweden for ten years after being granted asylum, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said. At the time of his application, he stated he was a Syrian Christian. During those ten years in Sweden, the knifeman had lived an 'orderly life', according to documents seen by Aftonbladet. He studied both Swedish and English at a secondary school there and was training with his wife to become a nurse. But he was convicted for illegally claiming benefits in Sweden. He was handed a suspended sentenced and a fine. Abdalmash H had applied for Swedish citizenship four years after receiving a permanent residence permit in Sweden but he was rejected. In summer last year, his third attempt at getting Swedish citizenship was rejected so he decided to travel to France where he applied for asylum. APPLICATION FOR ASYLUM IN FRANCE Abdalmash H had applied for asylum in France in November last year but was rejected four days before launching his barbaric attack due to him already having refugee status in Sweden. The attacker had been able to travel to France legally due to his refugee status in Sweden. A refugee can move freely in the EU. France's Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said he was carrying Swedish identity documents and a Swedish driving license at the time of his arrest. Borne said the suspect was 'not known by any intelligence service' and did not have 'any history of psychiatric problems'. Advertisement

Abdalmash H, who was recently divorced, had previously lived for 10 years in Sweden where he was granted refugee status in April, security sources and his ex-wife said.

'He called me around four months ago. He was living in a church,' his ex-wife said on condition of anonymity, saying he had left Sweden because he had been unable to get Swedish nationality.

He had applied for asylum in France but was rejected four days before launching his barbaric attack due to him already having refugee status in Sweden.

Horrific video of the attack shows Abdalmash H carrying a knife and clinching a necklace around his neck, which reportedly had a crucifix on it.

Wielding the knife, the Syrian refugee shouted 'in the name of Jesus Christ' as he ran towards a screaming mother whose little boy is in a stroller before a local man hits the attacker with his rucksack and chases him away.

But the knifeman jumps into the playground again and runs towards the mother and her toddler. The woman screams and tries to protect her son with her body but Abdalmash quickly moves around her and stabs the little boy twice.

The toddler can be seen screaming in pain as the mother and terrified parents scream for help as the attacker runs away again.

But the carnage continues. Abdalmash H runs back towards the child in the pram and stabs him again in front of his horrified mother before he is chased away by a local man who throws his bag at him.

Further video taken minutes after the stabbing shows the attacker being chased by locals across the park. Parents can be heard in the background screaming for help for their injured children.

Soon afterwards, armed police arrived at the scene and chased the suspect before a shot is heard and the attacker falls to the ground before a desperate struggle with the cops.

Abdalmash H was subdued and arrested for the attack that left four children and an adult seriously injured. The attacker was slightly injured by police and taken to hospital.

A class of secondary school children witnessed the atrocity. They are now receiving counselling following the traumatic incident.

Mathilde Fuzat, 18, who was in a sports class at the school nearby said: 'I saw a mother picking up a child from the ground.'

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly confirmed that a British girl is among the injured. The Annecy prosecutor said another child who was injured was a Dutch national.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the incident an 'unfathomable attack'.

Mr Sunak, speaking during a joint White House press conference with US President Joe Biden, told reporters: 'All our thoughts are with those who were affected in this unfathomable attack, including a British child, and their families.

'I have been in touch with President Macron. We stand ready to offer any assistance that we can.'

Police sources told BFMTV that a two year-old boy and his sister, three, are in a critical condition. A two-year-old British girl and a 22-month-old German boy was also injured in the attack, according to C-News.

A 70-year-old man, who was sitting on a bench when the knifeman launched his attack, was reportedly stabbed in the neck and rushed to hospital.

Describing the attack, a witness who gave his name as Ferdinand told BFM TV: 'He jumped (in the playground), started shouting and then went towards the strollers, repeatedly hitting the little ones with a knife.

'Mothers were crying, everybody was running,' said George, another witness and owner of a nearby restaurant.

Another witness, who asked not to be named, said: 'The man was shouting in English, and caused absolute panic when he started attacking the little ones.

'He wanted to hurt as many people as he could. He caused carnage. The young children were just easy targets.'

A bouquet of flowers left by a well wisher at the children's park in Paquier park after the knife attack

A girl lights candles at the playground in Annecy in respect of the victims of Thursday's knife attack

Roses left by well wishers at Paquier Park hours after the attack which injured six people

Police officers work inside a cordoned-off area at a playground following a knife attack in Annecy

Further video taken minutes after the stabbing shows the attacker being chased by locals across the park. Parents can be heard in the background screaming for help for their injured children

Soon afterwards, armed police arrived at the scene and chased the suspect before a shot is heard and the attacker falls to the ground before a desperate struggle with the cops

Video shows police officers pinning the suspect on the ground after a shot was heard

Armed police arrived at the scene and quickly subdued the knifeman (pictured), a Syrian asylum seeker, before he was arrested and taken to hospital for injuries, the French newspaper reported

Four children aged around three years old were stabbed by a knifeman in a French playground this morning before the attacker was subdued by police. Pictured: Armed police at the scene

Paramedics treat victims at the scene of the attack in Annecy on Thursday, with one victim in a pram

Two children and an adult are now in a critical condition and fighting for their lives at a nearby hospital following the attack. Pictured: The scene

Police officers work inside a cordoned-off area following a knife attack in Annecy

Another witness told Le Dauphine: 'We saw a person attacking children playing games, small ones, obviously that was his target. After people tried to scare him, he walked away and the police intervened.'

Former Liverpool footballer Anthony Le Tallec said he saw a group of people running at him before a mother shouted at him: 'Run, run, there is someone who is stabbing everyone all along the lake. They are stabbing children, run run!'

He continued: 'I was so surprised, I continued and then suddenly the guy appeared in front of me, then I saw the police who were ten metres behind him but they hadn't managed to get him yet. He was so near to me so I got out of the way.'

Le Tallec, who had been running in the park at the time of the attack, added: 'He wanted to attack everyone. I moved away and he lunged at an old man and woman and stabbed the old man.'

Tallec claimed that police shot the suspect in front of him in order to subdue the attacker.

He said: 'I said to the police, shoot him, he is stabbing everyone! He attacked, once, twice and then they started to shoot, they shot in front of me, at the person, he fell to the ground.

'After I continued on my way then I saw in front of the lake, children on the ground - so very sad. But the police, the slowness, that's what I noticed, the slowness was incredible, the slowness to trigger something (shoot). The guy had the time to stab the dad twice.'

'He spoke English. At the beginning, we all thought it was staged, but with the cries of people, we realised it was reality.'

A man told broadcaster BFMTV he saw first aiders working on 'little bodies, three or four years old, perhaps'.

'Mothers were crying, everybody was running,' said George, owner of a nearby restaurant.

An ice cream seller who works in the waterside park said he'd seen the attacker there several days earlier, looking out at the lake ringed by mountains.

'I had already seen him, he had been sitting on a bench for two to three days', he told BFMTV.

'He was looking at the lake like anyone else was looking at the lake,' the witness said but added the suspect was sitting with 'a trembling leg and a big black bag'.

France's Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who travelled to Annecy, said Abdalmash H is a Syrian national who had been granted asylum in Sweden ten years ago. At the time of his application, he stated he was a Syrian Christian.

He had entered France legally, Borne said, and was carrying Swedish identity documents and a Swedish driving license.

He was not known to security agencies and has no criminal or psychiatric record, Borne said.

The local prosecutor leading the investigation said man's motives were unknown but did not appear to be terrorism-related. He is under investigation for attempted murder.

Abdalmash H had applied for asylum in France in November last year but police sources said his application was rejected four days ago on the grounds that he already had refugee status in Sweden.

An investigating source said: 'The attacker was a Syrian asylum seeker who has spent a lot of time in Annecy.

'He was in a park square when he started the attack at about 9.45 in the morning. He targeted children indiscriminately, and also wounded an adult.'

An investigating source said Abdalmash H is himself a married father of a three-year-old girl, and a devout Christian.

'He married a Swedish woman, and they have a child together,' said an investigating source. 'He entered France legally from Sweden at the end of last year.'

The source said Abdalmasih H. was a 'declared and devout Christian' who carried a prayer book and a cross at the time of his arrest.

It was claimed that the suspect and his ex-wife, who lived in Trollhattan, north of Gothenberg, separated eight months ago and had not been in contact for four months. The pair had reportedly been training to be nurses.

Verified pictures posted on social media showed Abdalmasih H. approaching the children wearing shorts, sunglasses, and a scarf around his head before he launched his attack.

The knifeman was arrested soon afterwards following a brief struggle. Video shows three two armed police officers and a man pinning the attacker down on the grass before he was taken away.

Abdalmasih H. was himself seriously wounded by police, and was rushed to hospital, along with his five victims.

Witnesses told Le Dauphine that a man began attacking the group of young children while they were playing at a small playground in Annecy, an alpine town in southeastern France, at around 9.45am

Paramedics run to treat victims of the savage attack in the town of Annecy, France, today

Paramedics and police officers are seen at the scene of the frenzied knife attack in Annecy

Police officers investigate at the scene after a knife attack on Thursday in Annecy

French scientific police work on the area after several children and adults have been injured in a knife attack at the Le Paquier park near the lake in Annecy

France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin tweeted: 'Several people including children were injured by an individual armed with a knife in a square in Annecy.

'The individual was arrested thanks to the very rapid intervention of the police.'

Mr Darmanin confirmed that five people were wounded, including four young children, two of whom are in intensive care.

Mr Darmanin said the suspect entered France legally, adding: 'For some reasons we don't really understand, he applied for asylum in Switzerland, in Italy and in France, which he didn't need to do as he already had asylum in Sweden for the past 10 years

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: 'Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are between life and death.

'The Nation is in shock. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services that mobilised.'

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne is now travelling to the scene of the attack, according to her aide.

Local politician Antoine Armand said in a tweet that children were targeted in a playground in an 'abominable' attack.

He wrote: 'We still know very little but all my support for the victims, relatives, law enforcement and rescue.'

Mr Astorg said: 'Appalling attack this morning on the Paquier park in Annecy. All my thoughts to the victims and families.'

Chantale Farmer, Deputy Mayor of Annecy, told BBC News that support has been put in place for witnesses and a class of schoolchildren who were in the park at the time of the attack.

She said: 'We've put in place psychological help, a free phone number that people can phone.

'We also took into account the witnesses and the victims with the hospitals (and) with some doctors so they could speak out.

'We've done it also in a school because there was a class that was doing sport on the field during the attack and so we've put the psychological help also in that school to help people to express and to try to find a way to help them, as we can.

'The phone number is on our website for people.'

When asked how people living in the town are, she said: 'They are shocked and devastated.

'They're really sad and they feel also some anger so we share this with them.

'We try to answer some questions that we can.

'We try to protect the children because we had schools around so we locked them down for a while and so we (could) also give information to the parents and also to the people working in those schools.

'All the people in Annecy are very shocked right now.'

Politicians inside the National Assembly in Paris interrupted a debate to hold a minute of silence for the victims of the knife attack this morning.

Several witnesses described Le Paquier park as an usually tranquil place popular with tourists for its stunning views of Lake Annecy and the mountains.

'It's a place where babysitters and parents take young children to play. I often see around 15 toddlers there in the morning, and the atmosphere is fantastic,' said Yohan, who works at an ice-cream parlour just opposite the park.

Eleanor Vincent, an American author who is on holiday in Annecy, told of her shock at seeing an emergency helicopter descending to the picturesque park.

'As soon as I heard the sirens and saw police running, I knew something horrible was happening. I am in shock. It's a park where they take children out to walk,' Vincent said.

Crowds stood in 'absolute silence,' dumbfounded as the tragedy unfolded, she said.

'As a parent who has lost a child, I know what these parents are experiencing. It's a horror beyond belief,' Vincent added.

Politicians inside the National Assembly in Paris held a minute of silence for the victims of the knife attack this morning

A paramedic runs to treat the victims of the attack in Annecy today in an attack that left several children injured

Police officers investigate at the scene after a knife attack on Thursday

France has been shocked by a number of violent incidents over the past few months, including the fatal stabbing last month of a nurse in the northern town of Reims. Also last month, a drunk driver accidentally killed three policemen.

Macron has denounced what he calls a 'de-civilisation process' in the country, while opposition lawmakers say his government has been too lax on law and order.

'Nothing more abominable than to attack children,' National Assembly speaker Yael Braun-Pivet said on Twitter. Parliament observed a minute of silence to mark the incident.

In recent years, France has suffered a series of traumatic attacks.

In 2012, a Franco-Algerian Islamic extremist named Mohamed Merah killed seven people including three children and a rabbi at a Jewish school during a shooting rampage in the southern city of Toulouse.

Most recently, the beheading of a teacher in broad daylight in 2020 near his school in a Paris suburb by a radicalised Chechen refugee led to shock and grief, as well as a national debate about the influence of radical Islam in deprived areas of the country.

Thursday's attack is likely to spur greater scrutiny of France's immigration and asylum policy, with right-wing politicians seizing on the suspected culprit's identity as a refugee.

'The investigation will determine what happened, but it seems like the culprit has the same profile that you see often in these attacks,' the head of the right-wing Republicans party, Eric Ciotti, told reporters at parliament.

'We need to draw conclusions without being naive, with strength and with a clear mind,' he said.

The leader of the far-right National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, wrote that she had learned the news with 'dread and horror'.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he opposes 'in the strongest possible terms' any Home Office plans to moor another barge housing asylum seekers at the city's Royal Docks.

The east London docks, beside City Airport, was named in reports this week as a potential new site to house asylum seekers as part of Government efforts to crack down on Channel crossings.

The Home Office has not confirmed any such plan, but Mr Khan said his office had been 'recently made aware of Home Office proposals to use the Royal Docks'.

The mayor, a major critic of the government's immigration clampdown, said he opposed such plans 'in the strongest possible terms'.

The barge would join one due to be moored off Portland in Dorset, and two former cruise ships expected to be moored off Liverpool and Teesside.

He said: 'I am proud of London's history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge, and I am concerned that vulnerable people fleeing appalling circumstances would not have access to the support they need, with their safety, health and wellbeing being put at serious risk.

'The Government's approach to asylum seekers is cruel and unworkable, and will be made worse by the Illegal Migration Bill.

The east London docks, beside City Airport, was named in reports this week as a potential new site to house asylum seekers as part of Government efforts to crack down on Channel crossings.

The Home Office has not confirmed any such plan, but Mr Khan said his office had been 'recently made aware of Home Office proposals to use the Royal Docks'.

The barge would join one due to be moored off Portland in Dorset (pictured), and two former cruise ships expected to be moored off Liverpool and Teesside.

'Instead councils and relevant partners need to retain the legal powers and the funding to support asylum seekers humanely and with dignity. We all have a responsibility to help those escaping oppression and violence, and ministers need to completely rethink their plans as a matter of urgency.'

Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to 'stop the boats' was 'starting to work', as he revealed two more giant vessels will be used for migrant accommodation.

The Prime Minister declined to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there is speculation that barges could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

The Guardian also reported the Royal Docks, which are managed by the Royal Docks Management Authority Limited, was among a number of other locations being discussed as part of plans to acquire more barges and former cruise ships.

The Home Office on Thursday declined to confirm whether the London docks was part of discussions.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

'This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.

'We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.'

The Government's Illegal Migration Bill is currently in the Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and close scrutiny from peers.

The Bill would require the Home Secretary to remove from the country any migrants who arrive irregularly to one of the countries on the safe list, although they currently only have agreements to this effect with Rwanda and Albania.
A British Army corporal who raped a colleague after celebrating her promotion and then told her 'trust me you're fine, I was wearing a condom' has been jailed for more than seven years.

Corporal Daniel Conway attacked the female soldier in his room after a night out despite her 'making it clear nothing was going to happen' before she went to sleep, a court martial heard.

Confused and disorientated, she woke to find Cpl Conway performing oral sex on her and ordered him to stop before falling asleep again.

The woman then awoke to a 'sensation like when you're having sex' and jumped out of bed in horror.

She ran to the bathroom and when she came back, Cpl Conway had gone.

Corporal Daniel Conway raped a female soldier in his barracks in Catterick, North Yorkshire, after a night out celebrating her promotion

The female soldier later messaged him on WhatsApp, asking if he'd worn a condom and he said he had, but when she accused him of rape he then claimed he hadn't actually had sex with her at all.

Cpl Conway, of Regiment 1, Royal Logistics Corps, denied charges of rape and assault by penetration but was convicted of both offences at Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire.

He has now been dismissed from the armed forces and sentenced to seven years and six months in jail.

The trial had heard the attack took place at Cpl Conway's barracks in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Prosecuting, Jane Carpenter told the court the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had arranged to stay in Cpl Conway's room beforehand and he asked if he could stay there with her.

Describing what happened when they went to the room after the party, Ms Carpenter said: 'Cpl Conway began groping her bottom and she told him to stop. He did stop. They then spooned before going to sleep.

'She woke and felt him penetrate her with his tongue. She wasn't sure where to go or what to do. She went back to sleep.

'She woke again and jumped up and felt something leave her. She went into the bathroom and when she came back in, he had left.

Cpl Conway denied charges of rape and assault by penetration but was convicted of both offences at Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire

'She messaged her friends to see if anyone was awake but no one replied.

'In the morning when she said goodbye to everyone, he said nothing and left immediately. She messaged on WhatsApp saying his behaviour was unacceptable.

'He replied "trust me you're fine, I was wearing [a condom]". When she accused him of rape, he denied having sex with her.

'When he was arrested he said 'I know why you're here. I didn't even sleep with her'.'

DNA analysis of her underwear found saliva matching Cpl Conway's but no semen.

The woman told the court: 'I said "it wasn't going to happen" and we had a conversation about that. I told him I'm not into one-night stands, and that I was interested in someone else. He's a lot younger than me too.

'He was groping my bottom... I was surprised. I told him to stop, and we went to sleep.'

In a video interview played to the court, the woman said: 'I woke up and he was behind me and his face was between my legs. I told him to stop and he did.

'Another time I woke up suddenly with the sensation like my body was being moved like when you're having sex.

'There was a sensation like I had been entered.

'I jumped away - I was confused. I don't know what was done to me... I went to the bathroom and when I went back he was gone.

At Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire, Cpl Conway was jailed for seven and a half years for the two offences

'In the morning I had a shower, went to say goodbye to everyone and he was there. He left within a couple of seconds.'

The woman told the hearing: 'I feel violated. The not knowing what he did is the worst part.'

The next day, after a conversation with a friend, she messaged Conway on WhatsApp to confront him.

She texted: 'You need to be more aware of what is wanted and what is not'.

He replied 'Very sorry. Being pissed isn't an excuse. Apologies'.

The following day, she messaged 'I know you had sex with me before I woke up. Were you wearing anything? I need to know if I was protected'.

He said 'Trust me, you're fine. I was wearing [a condom] I was steaming. I'm sorry, end of'.

The female soldier told him 'it was rape' and he replied: 'We didn't have sex, I can assure you'.

Confused, she pointed out he admitted to wearing a condom, the court heard.

He replied: 'We never had sex, I never entered you. I don't know why I said that.'
Unions have slammed the airline over its hiring practices

The airline is seeking 300 new staff over the next five years

Qantas is searching overseas for new pilots and engineers to add to its domestic fleet, sparking backlash from unions who say the airline is trying to stifle wages.

The national carrier unveiled its plan to recruit 300 engineers and pilots - including 10 officers and training captains for its A220 fleet - over the next five years.

It also encompasses 75 pilots and simulator instructors for its Eastern Australia Airlines and Sunstate Airlines regional subsidiaries.

Qantas claims its search for crew members overseas is due to a shortage of workers to fill roles in Australia and a significant boost in domestic travel post-pandemic.

The airline stressed that the number of foreign workers who were being hired was minimal compared to the number of jobs for Australians.

Qantas is looking to hire 300 new pilots and engineers from overseas to add to its domestic fleet over the next five years (stock image)

'We're creating thousands of new Australian jobs over the next five years, which is in contrast to the roughly 60 a year we're looking to recruit overseas under this agreement,' a spokesperson explained.

Qantas has already committed to creating 8500 skilled jobs to be filled by Australians over the ten years.

The government is considering Qantas' application to hire overseas to remedy short-term labour shortages.

Qantas has also called on the government to raise the maximum age for applicants who apply for positions from 45 to 55.

It comes as the airline is blasted by a number of unions over its hiring practices this week.

The Australian and International Pilots Association claimed there was already enough qualified pilots in Australia to fill Qantas' worker shortage.

AIPA president Captain Tony Lucas said Qantas was looking to suppress wages and should instead be hiring locally and improving working conditions.

'There is no shortage of Australian pilots, with more than 300 highly qualified pilots on the waiting list for jobs at the Spirit of Australia,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald

'All Qantas would have to do to attract them to the new A220s is lift salaries to a competitive level, rather than offering pay as low as half the major US airlines.'

However, the Flying Kangaroo said there aren't enough qualified pilots who could fly its new A220 airliners.

'Most of these roles take years of training to become qualified, which is why we're building a long-term talent pipeline through a new Engineering Academy, in addition to our Pilot Academy,' a spokesperson said.

The Australian and International Pilots Association said there was already enough qualified pilots in Australia to fill Qantas' shortage, but the national carrier claimed there weren't enough who were trained in operating their A220 airliners (stock image)

Qantas has already committed to creating 8500 skilled jobs, which includes 1600 new pilots, that will be filled by Australians over the next decade (stock image)

The Australian Council of Trade Unions also lambasted the national carrier for relying heavily on labour hire.

It accused Qantas of using 14 labour hire companies - including internal firms - to employ cabin crew across its domestic, international and Jetstar operations.

These workers are usually paid less than those who are employed by the airline directly.

ACTU head Sally McManus accused Qantas of 'gaming the system' by relying on labour hire firms.

Workplace relations minister Tony Burke did not criticise Qantas, saying the airline were 'acting legally' but suggested that the government should close a 'loophole' that was evidently there.

Qantas fired back at the criticism of utilising labour hire companies in a statement.

'There appears to be a concerted effort to paint Qantas as doing something nefarious despite the high wages we pay, the training we invest in and the highly competitive sector in which we operate,' the airline said.

'Other companies, including airlines, have arrangements with similar outcomes but dont seem to generate the same criticism.'
The shattered husband of an Australian woman battling a severe brain injury in Thailand claims their travel insurance firm's allegation she was 'too drunk' to be covered is false.

Kylee Enwright, 48, has been fighting for life in a coma since May 28 after she slipped and fell on the second day of their holiday in Khao Lak, in the south of the country.

Insurer Cover-More claims Mrs Enwright's injury was caused by her excessive drinking, even though her blood alcohol level was never tested in hospital.

Instead, the company used the couple's bar tab and estimated Mrs Enwright's bodyweight to calculate a blood alcohol level of 0.35 at the time of her fall - more than seven times Australia's legal driving the limit.

The couple's bar tab shows they'd paid for nine Long Island Ice Teas and 14 beers but her husband, Paul Enwright, claims the tab had been left open when he heard his wife had been hurt and believes other guests added their drinks onto the bill.

Paul Enwright said travel insurance Cover-More is refusing to cover his wife Kylee's (pictured together above) severe brain injury after finding she was 'too drunk' at the time of her fall

The couple had been enjoying drinks at their resort's pool bar when she left to use the bathroom and seemingly mistook a balcony ledge for a set of stairs.

The grandmother fell half a metre onto concrete, landing face first, and was left bleeding from the head and ears.

She was rushed to a hospital in nearby Phuket where Mr Enwright was told he'd need to pay $20,000 upfront for life-saving brain surgery. He could only pay $13,000.

Mrs Enwright's hospital bill has already surpassed $50,000 with the family told they will need to pay another $200,000 on top of that for a medical evacuation back to Australia.

The couple thought the horrific incident would be covered by Cover-More, but a fine-print loophole has left them to front the bills themselves.

'I think we'd be a dribbling mess (if we had the amount on the bar tab). I don't think she'd drunk excessively enough to not be able to walk properly,' Mr Enwright told A Current Affair on Thursday.

'Otherwise, as a husband, I would've walked her (to the bathroom) and helped her there.'

Mrs Enwright (pictured in hospital) seemingly mistook a balcony ledge for a set of stairs and fell half a metre, landing on her face and causing a brain injury

Mrd Enwright's (above) medical nill has already passed $50,000 with an emergency evacuation flight back to Australia set to cost another $200,000

Mr Enwright claims the insurer's finding is just an excuse to avoid paying his wife's massive medical bill.

'I think they've always had it in their minds, from the get go, to find a way out of this policy,' he said.

However, the insurer said it came to the conclusion Mrs Enwright was over its coverable limit, 0.19, after looking carefully at the evidence it gathered.

'Cover-More is fair and reasonable in our claims processes and we make our decisions after thoroughly assessing all available details and medical information,' Cover-More said in a statement to 7News on Thursday.

'We gave Kylee's husband, Paul, a detailed and transparent explanation for declining this claim.

'This is a sad case and we will continue to offer Paul and Kylee and their families all the non-financial assistance Cover-More can.

'This includes help with arranging repatriation to Australia, assisting with hospital admissions and a ground ambulance in Australia, travel arrangements and making appointments with local medical practitioners overseas or in Australia.'

The couple, who come from Singleton in NSW's Hunter region, have started a GoFundMe to help cover the medical bill which is growing by $5,000 each day.

Mr Enwright said they decided to holiday to Thailand after their small pest control business barely survived Covid.

Cover-More said it used a 'fair and reasonable' process to find Mrs Enwright had drunk too much to be covered at the time of her fall (above)

Mr Enwright (pictured with his wife) said the couple thought they'd 'done everything right' be insuring their trip and is devastated Cover-More won't cover Mrs Enwright's medical bill

'Like most Australians, we took up travel insurance at the level of coverage that we thought was going to be adequate. We thought we'd done everything right,' Mr Enwright told 7News.

'She can move her left arm and left leg. She can squeeze your hand. She hasn't moved her right side very much and they're a bit concerned that she's not more alert by now.

'We need to get her back to Australia and back in the Australian medical system, where I think she can get the best care.'

The couple's three adult children have all travelled to Thailand to be with their mother.
At least one person dead and three injured after Russian bombing, Kyiv has said

Russia has bombed residential buildings and evacuation points in Kherson as people fled their flooded homes, with shelling leaving three injured and at least one person dead, according to Ukraine.

The cruel bombardment by Vladimir Putin's forces comes as the region deals with devastating flooding after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Russian-held territory, which Kyiv labelled a 'terrorist act' by Moscow.

Evacuation points - including the one visited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier in the day - were reportedly targeted by shelling, with civilians, journalists and rescuers taking shelter and operations being put on hold.

'The shelling began precisely during the evacuation of citizens whose homes were flooded,' Ukraine's Interior Ministry said in a statement.

It reiterated accusations that Russia has abandoned people in the territory it has occupied in the region, adding that it 'continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable - human lives.'

Videos show terrified residents running for their lives as their homes, surrounded by floodwater, appear to come under attack. Further footage showed smoke rising from a water-logged town near what appears to be an evacuation boat.

Footage showed a column of water after bombing near what appears to be an evacuation boat in Kherson

The explosion of a Russian artillery shell near an amphibious ATV during flood evacuations

At least three people, a civilian woman, a policeman and a rescuer, were injured in the shelling of evacuation sites in Kherson

Evacuation points were reportedly targeted by shelling, with civilians, journalists and rescuers taking shelter and operations being put on hold

'The shelling began precisely during the evacuation of citizens whose homes were flooded,' Ukraine's Interior Ministry said in a statement

Emergency workers lay down during a Russian military strike while they evacuate people

Rescuers were forced to seek shelter as artillery fire could be heard around the area of Kherson

Burning buildings were also filmed, with reports that fire and rescue crews were unable to reach bombed sites due to the high floodwaters.

Volunteers with boats have shared footage from inside the flooded city, showing residents looking out of their dilapidated homes as they await rescue.

One rescuer, Andry Boxer, posted videos on Instragram documenting missions he carried out on a small motor boat, helping to save people as well as helpless pets.

Among those he helped to evacuate was an elderly man, who had suffered a severe injury and had blood streaming out of his head. The cause of his injury is unknown.

As artillery fire rang out over Kherson, rescue workers were seen taking shelter wherever they could, halting their crucial work.

In a video shared by Sky's Alex Crawford, who is on the ground in the city, rescuers and civilians are seen running in panic as they could hear of shelling.

'There are some civilians wounded and dead as a result of Russian shelling in the centre of Kherson, the number is being clarified,' military spokesman Sergiy Sergeyev said earlier this afternoon. At least three people were wounded, police said.

A column of water from the explosion during a Russian military strike is seen during an evacuation local residents from a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached

People at one evacuation point in Kherson were filmed running in panic as they could hear the sound of distant fire

Moscow has itself blasted Kyiv for what it said were attacks on rescue workers in Russian-held territory on the east bank of the Dnieper river.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: 'The difficulty is that in a lot of places they [the rescuers] are forced to work in conditions of ongoing shelling from Ukraine, and this complicates their work.'

Kyiv also accused Moscow of hampering the evacuation effort with shelling yesterday.

Volunteers evacuate a dog from a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached

Residents and rescue workers use boats to move through a flooded area in Kherson

'Evacuation continues. Under fire!' President Zelensky said. 'Russian artillery continues to fire, no matter what. Savages.

'Our military and special services are rescuing people as much as it is possible, despite the shelling.'

Routes out of the flooded city were bombed today shortly after Ukrainian President Zelensky was seen at an evacuation point in the city earlier today.

Residents of Kherson wait in line for drinking water being passed out by volunteers

Zelensky appeared to be holding back his emotion as he surveyed the flooded area. He was visiting a crossing point where people are being evacuated

Aerial photographs show houses submerged by the high water, with people's homes, livelihoods, belongings and pets now abandoned

The devastation caused by the dam breach was reflected in the sombre expression of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as he visited the region today, where thousands continue to flee their homes.

The battle-hardened leader appeared uncharacteristically emotional as he took in the scale of the flooding  described as Europe's worst environmental disaster since Chernobyl.

Close to 20,000 people have been rescued from the resulting deluge, Kyiv confirmed last night. Another 40,000 face evacuation as streets across dozens of settlements have turned into rivers.

As Ukrainians continue to be evacuated from affected areas, the Russian-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka said on Russian state TV that five people have died.

Moscow-backed mayor Vladimir Leontyev said those who had died were among seven local residents declared missing following the dam collapse. The two others were found, he said, and efforts were being made to evacuate them.

Zelensky was flanked by army protection and and military leaders as he assessed the destruction

Chilling aerial photographs show houses submerged by the high water, with people's homes, livelihoods, belongings and pets now abandoned.

Rescuers were using boats and amphibious vehicles to pluck people from flooded areas.

President Zelensky thanked the brave rescuers and volunteers and said 'our task is to protect lives and help people as much as possible'.

One woman, Tetiana Omelchenko, 65, said she had waited two days for evacuation from her block of flats and had to climb through a broken window to reach a rescue boat.

'In my building, the water has reached the third floor and there are still people in there,' she said.

An employee at Kherson's meteorological agency, Lora Musiyan, waded into the water to mark the current level: 5.33 metres above the norm.

'That's the height of two storeys - you can only survive this on a roof,' she said.

The Russian state-owned news agency Tass, citing emergency services in the occupied region, said that up to 14,000 homes have been flooded and nearly 4,300 people evacuated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (centre) speaks to Ihor Klymenko (centre right), head of the National police of Ukraine, during a visit to Kherson

Grain storage sits underwater after the collapsed of the Kakhovka Dam in the Kherson region

Twenty-three people were seen by doctors of which 21 were hospitalised, medical services reported.

President Zelensky also met with advisors to consider how to move forward following the widespread flooding.

He wrote on Telegram: 'Many important issues were discussed. The operational situation in the region as a result of the disaster, evacuation of the population from potential flood zones, elimination of the emergency caused by the dam explosion, organization of life support for the flooded areas,' he said on his Telegram channel.

'Also, the prospects for restoring the region's ecosystem and the operational military situation in the man-made disaster area.'

Rescuers ride an all-terrain vehicle during an evacuation from a flooded area in Kherson

The destruction of the dam on the Dnieper River, which separates Russian and Ukrainian forces in southern Ukraine, is set to displace tens of thousands of people.

Writing on twitter, the deputy foreign minister Andrij Melnyk compared the flood to the 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant that sent a radioactive cloud across Europe.

'The worst environmental disaster in Europe since the Chernobyl disaster. Only this time Moscow deliberately used this weapon of mass destruction against the Ukrainians. Who else wants to negotiate with Putin?' he wrote.

Homes and industrial buildings are barely visible over the expansive floodwaters in the region

The scale of the devastation caused by the explosion at the Kakhovka dam was laid bare yesterday. Close to 20,000 people had been rescued from the resulting deluge. Another 40,000 face evacuation. Pictured: Flooded streets in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

A local resident sails on a sup board during an evacuation from a flooded area in Kherson

A local resident swims by a house in a flooded area in Kherson yesterday

A volunteer helps a cat trapped in a flooded home in Kherson, Ukraine yesterday

The cause of the blasts which destroyed the dam are not yet clear, however Ukraine warned late last year that Russian forces had mined the dam as they retreated from Kherson

Ukraine's state hydroelectric company said the Kakhovka plant was destroyed by an explosion in the engine room - suggesting it was attacked from within rather than by external strikes.

Ukrainian authorities said 17,000 people were being evacuated and a total of 24 villages had been flooded.

'Over 40,000 people are in danger of being flooded,' Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said, adding that 25,000 more people needed to be evacuated on the Russian-occupied side of the Dnieper.

'The evacuation will continue tomorrow and in the coming days - by bus and train,' presidential adviser Oleksiy Kuleba said late on Tuesday.

Terrifying video shows houses being swept away and entire towns submerged by the deluge.

Village streets and fields near to the dam have been swamped by flooding as a Russia-installed local mayor warned that the water level would continue to rise for another 72 hours and claimed he expected 40ft high floods in some places.

Last October, Zelensky accused Russia of planting mines at the dam, warning that its destruction would spur a new wave of refugees into Europe.
An RAF veteran has lost one of the oldest employment tribunals ever brought after suing the Ministry of Defence for discharging him over the false accusation he was gay and had 'seen a transvestite in Singapore'.

Corporal Sean Walsh launched the historic lawsuit over his dishonourable discharge from the air force in 1975 - almost 50 years ago - and says the treatment he received was 'extremely degrading and humiliating'.

Mr Walsh, 75, says he was discriminated against as his RAF career was cut short because he was falsely accused of having 'homosexual tendencies' and ordered to leave after more than 10 years' service. At the time, there was a ban on gay men and women serving in the armed forces.

However, 48 years on, Mr Walsh has now lost his unique sexual orientation discrimination case after the tribunal ruled it 'does not have jurisdiction' because it happened so long ago and was lawful at the time.

Corporal Sean Walsh launched the historic lawsuit over his dishonourable discharge from the air force in 1975 - almost 50 years ago

Married grandfather-of-seven Mr Walsh's claim is thought to be one of the oldest in British legal history.

His case comes at the same time the long-awaited LGBT Veterans Independent Review is due to be released, which will examine historic treatment of LGBT+ and could have significant consequences over compensation.

READ MORE - Woman who was hugged without her consent at a work Christmas party is awarded 19,000 Advertisement

Mr Walsh - a telegraphist in the RAF who was entrusted with 'top secret' duties and had an Aden terrorist campaign medal - served from September 26, 1963, until he was discharged on August 3, 1975.

He said after returning to now closed base RAF Gan in the Maldives in the Indian Ocean in 1975, he was awaiting promotion to Sergeant and a higher security clearance.

However, he found himself at the centre of false allegations that he'd seen a 'transvestite in Singapore'.

Mr Walsh said: 'I was interviewed by a Sergeant from the RAF's Special Investigation branch and was advised that an allegation had been made against me, and that I was now suspected of having homosexual tendencies which I denied, and still continue to do so.

'I was accused of having homosexual tendencies because a former colleague said I went with a transvestite in Singapore. [It is] not true.'

Mr Walsh said he was subjected to three or four 'exceptionally intrusive' and was never offered legal assistance.

Mr Walsh, 75, says he was discriminated against as his RAF career was cut short because he was falsely accused of having 'homosexual tendencies'

He continued: 'The Sergeant, accompanied by two other military policemen then carried out an unlawful search of my room while I was not allowed inside, and personal letters were confiscated.

'In addition, a stock tourist photo of a Singaporean transvestite, which many serving personnel who served there had as souvenirs, was confiscated. None of the items [were] ever returned to me.'

He was transported back to RAF Innsworth, Gloucs, and told he faced jail-time.

Mr Walsh said: 'I was advised by the Officer Commanding RAF Innsworth that the allegations into my sexuality were sufficient to warrant my discharge, and I was given the following two choices.

'Accept the findings and subsequent judgement of the investigating (RAF) authority, or be tried by court martial, with the possibility of a custodial sentence in a military prison.

'I felt I had no choice other than the former, and was given a dishonourable discharge, annotated on my RAF Records as 'Services No Longer Required'.

'I was further humiliated after learning that two of my friends, one of whom had left the RAF, were questioned quite aggressively by the Military Police concerning my sexuality.

'At that time, I was not given any advice, nor did I have any means of appealing against the RAF's decision, and because it was legal at that time, I did not have an effective domestic remedy.

'I married my second wife in 1981, and kept secret from her the real reason for my discharge from the RAF, as I did with other veterans and ex colleagues, suffering from social anxiety and never attending a reunion or social gathering, fearing their judgements of my sexuality.'

Mr Walsh with the RAF Parachute Rescue Team at RAF Akrotiri Cyprus in 1972. He is second on the left in the group of four at the back

In 2000 the MoD gay ban was lifted.

In 2003, Mr Walsh Mr Walsh decided to seek justice by instructing solicitors - but it meant telling his wife the truth behind his dishonourable discharge, a secret he'd kept for over 20 years.

However, Mr Walsh's attempts to achieve justice in the past 20 years have all failed.

Solicitors told him he 'he stood no reasonable prospect' of success as the laws did not cover the discrimination he alleged happened.

After getting prostate cancer in 2020, Mr Walsh filed a claim for compensation against the MoD which was treated as 'historic' and the investigating officer said nothing could be done.

The officer said his 'discharge appeared to have been unfair' but said: 'In 1975 your discharge was considered to be reasonable as well as lawful, even though what you experienced would not be countenanced today.'

Mr Walsh, from East London, decided to try to sue the MoD for sexual orientation discrimination at London Central Employment Tribunal.

He represented himself at the hearing last month, while the MoD was represented by a highly-qualified barrister and contested his claims.

But now, Employment Judge Holly Stout has dismissed his case - saying the tribunal had no jurisdiction over it.

Under the Sexual Orientation Regulations that came into force in 2003, unlawful discrimination could be brought to an employment tribunal.

Therefore, Judge Stout explained, that as the tribunal's jurisdiction was limited to discrimination that was unlawful, Mr Walsh's claim could not be heard as it was lawful at the time.

Judge Stout said: 'The Employment Tribunal is a creature of statute and only has jurisdiction to hear matters that the legislature has given it power to hear.'

Additionally, it was ruled that Mr Walsh's claim could not succeed anyway as he did not follow an MoD complaints procedure at the time and employment tribunal cases can only be brought if that procedure is followed.

The tribunal heard as well as seeking action against the MoD through a British tribunal, this year Mr Walsh 'submitted an application to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg against the UK Government', claiming a 'violation of his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights'.

Mr Walsh, who during his career also served at RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, has been married for 42 years.
Oxfam is facing its day of reckoning over its treatment of women worried about their rights, it was warned today.

The charity is embroiled in a scandal following a video which appeared to brand JK Rowling a 'Terf' - a trans-exclusionary radical feminist. It also stands accused of hounding out a volunteer, who was falsely accused of transphobia, for defending the writer.

Now the charity, which was founded in Oxford in 1942, has been told it risks destroying its reputation with its pro-trans rights stance.

It has been likened to the infamous 1991 speech from Gerald Ratner, whose description of his jewellery products as 'crap' saw stocks plunge by 500million.

Today the co-founder of the Sex Matters campaign Maya Forstater said Oxfam was at a similar fork in the road.

She told MailOnline: 'I think this could be Oxfam's Ratner moment if they don't start standing up for women's rights.

Ms Forstater and Ms Rowling are good friends and share similar views on women's rights

'A lot of their volunteers are women, a lot of their shoppers are women. Oxfam appears to be just listening to these big international foundations, rather than the woman in the street.

'I think Britain is standing up for this a bit more in a way no one really else is.

'I have been following this for a long time and have spoken to people inside Oxfam about it. The message is clear from Oxfam on women's rights being different from trans rights  keep quiet about it or leave. I think these views are particularly coming from international organisations, donors, NGOs, they have all adopted it and pushed it.

'On that video, Oxfam hardly made an apology on it.'

The crisis was sparked by a Pride video shared online featuring an evil-eyed woman with anti-trans views, which some believe was based on Rowling.

In 1991 Gerald Ratner described his jewellery products as 'crap' and saw stocks plunge by 500million

This picture of JK Rowling at the Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald premiere in Paris in 2018 appears to be very similar to the cartoon woman depicted in Oxfam's video

Ms Rowling is understood to have seen the cartoon and liked a tweet criticising the depiction of the character. She declined to comment when approached by MailOnline on Tuesday.

Oxfam insisted the cartoon character was not supposed to be based on anyone and said it would re-release a cut version of the cartoon. The version it later published had removed the scene.

The character in the original appeared to resemble Ms Rowling's usual haircut and style, as well as a green dress she has been pictured wearing. A memorial poppy she wore in the real image - taken at a 2018 film premiere - is replaced with a badge, bearing the word 'Terf'.

The acronym stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist, a view the author has denied having.

It came on the same day the charity was accused of hounding out a volunteer for defending the writer. A former worker - calling herself Maria - said she was accused of transphobia before settling with the charity, which apologised for its handling of the process.

Philosopher Kathleen Stock criticised the advert on Twitter today

The video is less than a minute long and was made for Oxfam by Bangalore-based Falana Films

Philosopher Kathleen Stock criticised the advert on Twitter, saying: 'This has shocked me - a still from an Oxfam video, made in support of Pride month.'

Other Twitter users called for a boycott of Oxfam, alleging they would no longer be making donations to the charity.

Supporters of Ms Rowling said she should consider legal action against the charity over the video.

An hour after being contacted by MailOnline on Tuesday about the similarities between the cartoon and the writer, Oxfam took the video down.

It then said: 'Oxfam believes that all people should be able to make decisions which affect their lives, enjoy their rights and live a life free of discrimination and violence, including people from LGBTQIA+ communities.

'In efforts to make an important point about the real harm caused by transphobia, we made a mistake. We have therefore edited the video to remove the term TERF and we are sorry for the offence it caused. There was no intention by Oxfam or the film-makers for this slide to have portrayed any particular person or people.'

Maya Forstater, a business studies and international development researcher, accused Oxfam of 'demonising safeguarding, demonising older women, promoting double-mastectomies to children, bulk harassment of gender-critical staff'

The video, which was made by Bangalore-based Falana Films, is less than a minute long.

It tells the story of LGBTQIA+ people around the world and how they are deprived of basic safety.

The film says they are 'preyed on by hate groups online and offline' and shows depictions of social media sites.

Three individuals are then shown - two men and a woman - pointing at the LGBTQIA+ people.

Falana Films did not respond when asked why the figure had been portrayed like that and it not address whether it had been specifically commissioned to appear that way.

The depiction was not unnoticed by Ms Rowling's supporters online.

One wrote: 'I hope JK Rowling sues Oxfam.'

JK Rowling has previously described former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon as a 'destroyer of women's rights'

Another said it was an 'utterly disgusting piece of propaganda... using the word TERF on what is obviously meant to be JK Rowling'.

It came as 'Maria', a volunteer at an Oxfam bookshop, received an apology from the charity after allegedly being 'hounded' out for defending the writer.

It prompted an investigation which saw Maria have a nervous breakdown and leave the job and the country.

She said members of an LGBTQ+ group encouraged colleagues to complain about the discussion, accusing her of transphobia.

Maria claimed constructive dismissal and belief discrimination. In July last year, both parties agreed to settle, with Oxfam issuing a public apology for its handling of the process.

JK Rowling has repeatedly been branded transphobic over her views surrounding the rights of trans people.

She came under fire in early June 2020 over tweets she posted.

Referring to an article that referenced 'people who menstruate', the author tweeted: 'I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?'

The stance prompted some Harry Potter stars such as Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe to speak out against her views.

The author has been campaigning for women's rights and female-only spaces amid fears predatory men could poses as trans women to use them.

Ms Watson made her remarks after Ms Rowling wrote an essay to address the controversy, revealing she was sexually assaulted in her 20s and still felt the scars of 'domestic violence' in her first marriage.

Ms Watson said at the time: 'Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.

'I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.'

Some Twitter users called for a boycott of Oxfam, alleging they would no longer be making donations to the charity

She added that she was proud to donate to charities such as Mermaids and Mama Cash and encouraged her fans to do the same.

In Radcliffe's statement, he wrote: 'To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you.

'Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.

'While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.'
This is the moment a police officer catches a suspected teenage drug dealer after hurdling a park fence and chasing him on the bike that he had abandoned.

The officer had been pursuing the suspected drug dealer while on patrol in Jesus Green, Cambridge, on Sunday.

Bodycam footage shows the action-man like cop, hurdling a green park fence before picking up a blue bike.

The bike had been abandoned by the alleged criminal.

The officer is then seen furiously peddling through the park until he eventually reaches the suspect and ploughs into him, grabbing him by his jacket.

The teenager has now been arrested and charged with multiple drug offences.

The officer had been pursuing the suspected drug dealer while on patrol in Jesus Green, Cambridge, on Sunday

He picked up the suspected criminal's abandoned bike and then rode it through the park to meet him

The officer is then seen chasing the criminal through the park after he jumped the fence

He is due to appear in court.

A post on a force Facebook account said: 'On Sunday night we were on patrol in Jesus Green, Cambridge when we came across a suspected drug deal.

'Upon seeing us, a teenage boy attempted to run away, so using his bike we chased after him.

'Hes since been charged with multiple drugs offences and going through the courts.'

Cambridgeshire Police force encourages anyone who suspects drug dealing to get in touch via this web page.
Spanish police have found the remains of a young woman who had been missing for nine years behind a wall at her old flat.

Sibora Gagani, 22, went missing nine years ago shortly after breaking up with her boyfriend, but Torremolinos police gave up their search for her after finding nothing.

However, the former partner was detained last month for the murder of a more recent love-interest, known only as Paula.

On arrival at Torremolinos police station he saw the Italian-Albanian woman's picture on a noticeboard, and reportedly confessed to her murder, including saying that he had dissolved her remains in acid.

Shortly after, the police reopened the investigation into Italian-Albanian Sibora.

Italian-Albanian Sibora Gagani had been missing since 2014 before police dicovered her body on June 6

Sibora went missing shortly after breaking up with boyfriend Marco Gaio Romeo

Romeo reportedly confessed to Sibora's murder after seeing here photo still up in the local police station

Police seached between two walls after noticing an inconsistency between floor tiles

Marco Gaio Romeo, Sibora's boyfriend shortly before her disappearance, was detained on May 17 in relation to the murder of Paula, a 28-year-old from Italy, after being seen entering and leaving her home.

Paula was allegedly stabbed 14 times by Romeo; father to one of her three children.

Despite not admitting to Paula's murder, the 45-year-old reportedly spontaneously confessed to the earlier crime after just seeing Sibora's picture still on the wall after she went missing on July 7 2014.

According to a central government official's statement, he claimed to have dissolved Sibora's remains in acid before walling them up in a box.

Members of the Specialized and Violent Crime Unit of the National Police inspected the attic apartment where the couple lived together before the disappearance.

The flat, which had already been searched in the original investigation, was located in the neighborhood of El Calvario in Torremolinos.

After noticing that the lines through floor tiles either side of what was believed to be just one wall were inconsistent, officers used an X-ray system to detect a wooden crate hidden between two walls.

Inside the box the body was distributed between bin bags, with police also finding a bouquet of flowers.

Sibora lived in an attic apartment in El Calvario, Torremolinos, with Romeo before they split

Margarita del Cid, mayor of Torremolinos said on Twitter: 'Overwhelmed after learning of the discovery of the body of the young Sibora. 'My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sibora, and like Paula, may she find the peace that she was denied on earth'

Human remains found inside and taken for autopsy and identification are yet to have their identity confirmed by DNA tests.

The new tenants of the apartment are said to be cooperating with the investigators while the case continues.

Margarita del Cid, mayor of Torremolinos said on Twitter: 'Overwhelmed after learning of the discovery of the body of the young Sibora.

'My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sibora, and like Paula, may she find the peace that she was denied on earth.'

The statement coincided with a day of mourning being decreed in the town.
The Conservative Party raised more than 12 million in donations in the first three months of the year, according to figures from the Electoral Commission.

Donations to the Tories published on Thursday far outstripped those to other parties, with Labour raising only 4.4 million and the Liberal Democrats 1.3 million.

In total, the Conservatives received 12.3 million in the first quarter of 2023, with public funding taking Labour and the Liberal Democrats' totals to 5.9 million and 1.7 million respectively.

The total for the Tories was boosted by a 5 million donation from Mohamed Mansour, the party's senior treasurer and a former minister in the government of Egyptian autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

The party also received 2 million from Indian-born textiles tycoon Amit Lohia and another 2 million from party treasurer and businessman Graham Edwards.

Labour's biggest donation was a 500,000 gift from Gary Lubner, former chief executive of the company that owns Autoglass.

But is also received 3.3million from trade unions including Aslef and the Commercial Workers Union, whose members have engaged in lengthy strikes over the past year on the railways and in the Post Office.

Meanwhile the SNPs financial woes continue as it attracted just 4,000 in donations amid a police probe into how previous gifts were spent.

Donations to the Tories published on Thursday far outstripped those to other parties, with Labour raising only 4.4 million and the Liberal Democrats 1.3 million.

Mr Mansour last month backed Rishi Sunak as a 'capable' PM who can restore the country's economy.

Meanwhile the SNPs financial woes continue as it attracted just 4,000 in donations amid a police probe into how previous gifts were spent.

Mr Mansour last month backed Rishi Sunak as a 'capable' PM who can restore the country's economy.

His seven-figure donation is the largest single lump sum the party has received in more than two decades, since it was given the same amount by Sir Paul Getty in 2001.

Writing in the Telegraph, Mr Mansour said he left Egypt for Britain due to it being 'a place where the rule of law is paramount, property rights are respected and with an enviable record of political stability'.

Mr Lubner, whose grandparents fled to South Africa to escape Russian pogroms, is expected to donate 5 million to the party before the next election and told the Financial Times he had been impressed with Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to root out antisemitism from Labour.

In total, UK political parties received 20.9 million in donations and public funds in the first three months of 2023, compared to 12.8 million in the first three months of 2022.

Louise Edwards, of the Electoral Commission, said publishing the figures was vital to ensure transparency but called on the Government to do more to raise confidence in the system.

She said: "We publish details of these donations so that voters understand how political parties are funded.

"We know transparency of party and campaigner finance is important for people, but our research tells us that only 24 per cent of people believe party funding is transparent.

"It's clear that publishing this information is not enough. We continue to recommend to the UK Government that it reforms the system, to help protect parties from those who seek to evade the law, and give voters more confidence."
Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of a 'staggering' lack of self awareness after advocating anti-car policies  while she is learning to drive.

In a column for a local newspaper yesterday, Ms Sturgeon supported Glasgow's controversial Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and railed against a coffee shop being allowed to serve drivers in special takeaway lanes.

She claims the plan for the drive-through in the city's Gorbals area should be 'rejected' as there is already one at a nearby Costa, and it would undermine the aims of the LEZ.

Her backing of the LEZ policy, which has seen thousands of motorists effectively banned from Glasgow city centre, comes despite her taking driving lessons since she quit as First Minister in March.

The former SNP leader wrote in the Glasgow Times: 'It makes no sense to give the go ahead to yet more outlets that encourage people into cars rather than out of them, cause local congestion, add to pollution, and offer no obvious benefits.'

Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) arrives home in Uddingston, Glasgow after a driving lesson, April 24 2023

Sturgeon has been accused of a 'staggering' lack of self awareness after advocating anti-car policies...while she learns to drive

As First Minister, she pushed through anti-car policies that opened the door for the workplace parking levy and the banning of older cars from city centres through LEZs.

The Glasgow MSP, who was renowned for ignoring feedback during her time as first minister, was also mocked for using the column to urge the Scottish Government to 'respond constructively to criticism and concerns'.

Just before stepping down, she faced the wrath of women's groups for dismissing fears about her gender reform Bill and repeatedly defended her government's bungled ill-fated Deposit Return Scheme. Tory MSP Annie Wells said: 'Nicola Sturgeon's lack of self-awareness is staggering.

In a column for a local newspaper, Ms Sturgeon supported Glasgow's controversial Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

A source close to Ms Sturgeon said: 'Nicola used her column to discuss an issue many constituents reached out to her about'

'As First Minister she displayed a tin ear to any criticism, not least when she arrogantly dismissed concerns about her gender reform Bill as 'not valid'.

'She spent her entire time in office dividing the country on the constitution, so she has some nerve talking about the need for the Government to act constructively.'

A source close to Ms Sturgeon said: 'This is utter nonsense. Nicola used her column to discuss an issue many constituents reached out to her about.'

It was revealed that the ex-SNP leader had started driving lessons earlier t his year in order to prepare for the 'next phase of life'.

A friend has also confirmed that she has taken up driving lessons to prepare her for civilian life after years on the front line of politics.

Ricky Bell told the BBC's Nicola Sturgeon podcast that she was just beginning to learn.

He said: 'Anyone who knows Nicola knows she has been signalling for a wee while she was likely to go.

'And I think the big thing was she said she was taking driving lessons.

'You don't need driving lessons if you are going to be chauffeur driven about as the First Minister.'

He added: 'She said to me many years ago she didn't want to sit her driving test in case she failed, because up until that point in her life she had never failed an exam.'

Ms Sturgeon told the podcast the driving lessons are 'in the early stages'.

She said getting behind the wheel is about 'achieving a bit of personal freedom that I have chosen not to have to the same extent' while pursuing a political career.

'It's just part and parcel of the next phase of life,' Ms Sturgeon added.
Tributes have poured in for American actress Shannen Doherty as she reveals she is now battling terminal brain cancer.

The Beverly Hills 90210 star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and, in a video shared online Wednesday, revealed the disease had spread to her brain.

She narrated a video of herself beginning radiation therapy back in January: 'My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life.'

Showbiz friends and fans turned out to share tributes and warm wishes. Sarah Michelle Geller wrote 'you are a warrior', as Selma Blair said: 'I am wishing for all the wise peace you have learned to find you in the terror moments... Love. All love.'

Fewer than 15 percent of breast cancer patients will see it spread to the brain. Doherty announced she was in remission in 2017 but her cancer returned in 2019.

That year, she also shared the tragic reason she was unable to have children as hormones 'threw my body into menopause instantly' and taking estrogen to reverse it could increase her risk of cancer coming back.

Sarah Michelle Gellar left a message for Shannen Doherty under her video on Instagram

Fellow actor Selma Blair shared words of 'love' on Shannen's profile after sharing the video

American filmmaker and actor Kevin Smith shared kind and personal words with Shannen

Shannen shared videos of her starting treatment in January on her page, prompting kind messages of support

This week, the actor shared a video of herself on Instagram receiving treatment.

On Wednesday she shared a second, with intimate scenes of her crying as she underwent a CT scan.

READ MORE: Six tell-tale signs of breast cancer revealed as Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty reveals disease has spread to her brain Advertisement

She described the scene: 'January 12, the first round of radiation took place.

'My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life.

'I am fortunate as I have great doctors like Dr Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at cedar sinai.

'But that fear. The turmoil.. the timing of it all. This is what cancer can look like.'

Fans on Twitter also went online to share their thoughts.

Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, indicating that it had reached stage two or three and spread to her lymph nodes.

She underwent a mastectomy and when that did not resolve the issue completely, received chemotherapy and radiation treatments until announcing in 2017 that her cancer was in remission.

She announced on Tuesday that in early January she had undergone a CT scan that showed brain metastases.

Each year in the US, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men. And those rates are on the rise.

In recent years, incidence rates have increased by 0.5 percent per year, which experts suggest could be a result of a rise in excess body weight in women overall, as well as a drop in fertility rates and rising ages of women at their first birth.

Brain metastases, or the condition in which cancer has spread to the brain, is rare among breast cancer patients affecting about 10 to 15 percent.

Shannen Doherty cries as she starts radiation therapy in January, in a video shared in June

Shannen Doherty is pictured with fellow 90210 star Luke Perry in Beverley Hills

Twitter users also wrote kind words on their profile following the updates on Shannen's page

A user on Instagram empathized with Shannen, leaving a kind note under the latest video

Health writer Benjamin Ryan wrote a tribute to the actor on Twitter following the update

Twitter users also shared fond memories of Doherty's performances and sent best wishes to the star.

One user, Dilian Esper, stressed the importance of getting screened and catching cancer early.

A leading health panel this year recommended the age at which women are regularly screened for breast cancer should be cut from 50 to 40.

The change would save 20 percent more lives, according to the USPSTF, which has drafted the proposal in response to rising rates among middle-aged women.
A man has faced court accused of stalking and harassing Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

Bradley Carter appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday for a bail application after what police allege was a 'siege situation' at his Frankston North home.

Detective Senior Constable Thomas Crocket told the court he, alongside other officers from the Counter Terrorism Command, attended Mr Carter's home on May 3.

He said Mr Carter had allegedly failed to attend court on several occasions, leading a magistrate to issue an arrest warrant.

The court heard Mr Carter was allegedly 'threatening and abusive' and barricaded the home.

Senior Constable Crocket said officers forced entry as Mr Carter allegedly 'waved a metal lamp stand threateningly', before retreating to the kitchen.

He said they next saw him holding a camping stove.

'I'm ready to go, I'll be a martyr and kill us all,' he allegedly said.

Bradley Carter, accused of stalking and harassing Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court (pictured) on Thursday for a bail application

Senior Constable Crocket said officers withdrew and evacuated nearby homes amid concerns the home would be set on fire.

About an hour later, he said, Mr Carter surrendered peacefully and was charged with offences including assaulting a police officer, reckless conduct and threatening injury to resist arrest.

The court heard Mr Carter was arrested more than a year earlier, on February 10, 2022, after allegedly making threatening phone calls to the premier.

Senior Constable Crocket said on four occasions Mr Carter allegedly left voicemails or spoke to staff at Mr Andrews' office.

'You tell Danny boy my proxies are on the way, it's up to him whether they're wearing white or black hats,' one message allegedly read.

'You stole justice from the wrong man you little twerps.'

'They were informed of the virus three years before the virus.'

Mr Carter allegedly left threatening voicemails or spoke to staff at Mr Andrews' (pictured) office on four occasions

Under questioning from Mr Carter's lawyer, Senior Constable Crocket said the premier's office passed on all calls of concern to the security investigations unit.

The unit, he said, investigates threats against the premier and Cabinet, as well as matters of national security.

He said Mr Carter's messages were assessed as posing a 'risk' leading to him being charged with allegedly stalking the Premier and using a carriage service to harass.

Opposing bail, prosecutors alleged Mr Carter posed a 'grave' risk of reoffending, as well as failing to attend court and endangering the safety of the community.

His lawyer countered her client had some mental health issues he was receiving treatment for, and said the way police dealt with Mr Carter did not help.

'It strikes me there have been some issues with how police have decided to deal with Mr Carter that have not assisted,' she said.

Mr Carter was granted bail by Magistrate Pauline Spencer on conditions including that he does not contact any members of the Victorian Legislature.

She said while the allegations were 'concerning', it was clear his interactions with police would have been frightening.

He will return to court at a later date.
Matt Hancock felt 'very intimated' and was nearly 'shoved down an escalator' on the London Underground by an anti-vaccination protestor, a court heard.

Geza Tarjanyi, 62, of Leyland in Lancashire is accused of shouting 'ridiculous conspiracy theories' on two separate occasions.

He was charged with common assault and a public order offence for a clash on January 24, as well as a second public order offence for an earlier confrontation on January 19.

He denies causing harassment without violence to the former health secretary.

On the first occasion, Mr Hancock, along with a member of his staff, passed an anti-vaccination protest near Parliament, before Tarjanyi filmed him, asked him why he had 'killed so many people' and shoulder-barged him during a five-minute interaction.

Mr Hancock told a trial at Westminster magistrates' court: 'As a public figure, I can't recall a time when I felt as intimidated as this.'

Geza Tarjanyi (left), 62, of Leyland in Lancashire is accused of shouting 'ridiculous conspiracy theories' on two separate occasions (outside court on Wednesday)

The former health secretary was 'shaken up' by the confrontation, during which he was asked why he had 'killed so many people'

Appearing in person as a witness, the MP told the court: 'I felt physically intimidated and felt like I needed to get to a place of safety. He was being completely unreasonable.

'I didn't know what further unreasonable actions he would take.

'It made me feel unsafe going about my place of work, it made me feel frustrated that instead of engaging in a normal debate, someone was trying to intimidate me. I thought that was unacceptable.'

He added: 'I had a pretty good impression he had been taken over by these ridiculous conspiracy theories.'

A few days later, at around 8am, after Mr Hancock had had breakfast with the Prime Minister, Tarjanyi followed the MP through Westminster underground station and onto a train for around ten minutes, again accusing him of murdering people.

Mr Hancock said he recognised the defendant and felt 'more intimidated' because he was on his own and tried to get Transport for London (TfL) staff to intervene.

But he told the court that Tarjanyi began harassing 'anybody who was going to come to my aid' and continued following him through the station.

Mr Hancock said he then stopped at the top of an escalator to 'resolve the situation' but felt the defendant pushing him towards it.

He said: 'Obviously I was extremely worried at this time. If I had lost my balance at that point, I would have tumbled down the escalator.

'It's a long escalator, I could see a long escalator moving away from me, and I was being pushed from behind.

'I had to work to maintain my balance and stop myself falling down the escalator.'

The court heard Tarjanyi shouted at Mr Hancock: 'I've been arrested 16 times before; I want to go to court.'

Geza Tarjanyi leaves Westminster magistrates' court today, where he is charged with one count of common assault and public order offences

Video footage taken by Tarjanyi was shown in court and showed him calling Mr Hancock a 'murdering scumbag' as well as a 'lying, murdering son of a b***h' (outside court on Thursday)

Mr Hancock being confronted in Whitehall during the earlier incident. He told the court he felt 'physically intimidated' during the January 19 clash

He added: 'One of the reasons I hadn't reported the incident on January 19 was because I don't want these people with these untrue beliefs to get further publicity from harassing me.'

Tarjanyi then got onto the Jubilee Line train with Mr Hancock and accused him of murdering 'millions of people' before they were separated at Bond Street station.

Mr Hancock, accompanied by TfL staff member Sinead Grimes, was followed by Tarjanyi on the Jubilee line train for the two stops to Bond Street station.

'He carried on shouting at me and members of the public on the train tried to persuade him to desist.

'One person, on my right, said, "I'm a doctor and I thought you did a good job in pandemic," and "Don't worry about all this rubbish this man is saying,"' Mr Hancock told the court.

He said Tarjanyi was about five yards behind him in Bond Street station, shouting: 'I'll keep coming for you and I'll get that Sajid Javid too.'

Video footage taken by Tarjanyi was shown in court.

It showed Tarjanyi calling Mr Hancock a 'murdering scumbag' as well as a 'lying, murdering son of a b***h'.

The former Health Secretary told the court: 'I didn't do anything about the first incident [on 19 January] because it was just one incident, after the second incident [on 24 January] by the same person I felt it would be a risk to my personal safety to go about my normal place of work around Parliament.'

He said the second incident was reported to police by Ms Grimes after they left Bond Street station.

Parveen Mansoor, defending, suggested Tarjanyi had 'accidentally' bumped into Mr Hancock at the top of the elevator, rather than it being a deliberate barge.

Mr Hancock replied: 'Oh please, accidentally? I was walking towards an escalator as you can see it was the third set of escalators and you saw [on the video] I stopped and turned towards him.

'The idea it was therefore my fault he walked into me is ridiculous, that isn't what happened.'

Ms Mansoor said: 'Mr Hancock, at no point did you, in [your] statement did you say he pushed [you]?'

Geza Tarjanyi, 62, of Leyland in Lancashire, has denied harassing former health secretary Matt Hancock

Tarjanyi is accused of sitting next to Mr Hancock on the Tube and ranting at him as a Transport for London employee monitored the situation

Mr Hancock replied: 'It is clear from video footage, and it is my clear recollection that I was pushed, it turns out from video footage in fact that happens twice on top of the first and third escalators.'

Ms Mansoor said: 'I'm going to suggest you weren't pushed at all.'

The Tory MP replied: 'Then you haven't been seeing the same video as I have...'

Nutan Fatania, prosecuting, said: 'Mr Hancock felt shaken up by both incidents and concerned for his personal safety.'

Parveen Mansoor, defending, said Tarjanyi denies any physical contact and believes it was Mr Hancock who 'barged into him'.

She added: 'He denies assaulting him in any way shape or form.'

Matt Hancock's press officer James Davies, who was with the MP in Westminster on January 19, said Tarjanyi was 'bullish' and 'aggressive'.

'I realised that an individual had approached us. It wasn't clear at that point what was about to happen.

'The next thing Tarjanyi started making comments that were quite aggressive and a bit intimidating in nature and in tone about Andrew Bridgen and Midazolam.

'He started saying that Mr Hancock was responsible for the murder of lots of people.'

He said that after they walked past the Red Lion pub Tarjanyi 'barged' into the former Health Secretary.

'It's obviously unpleasant. It's not nice and I could see Matt wanting to get away from the situation as quickly as possible. Ultimately we didn't know who that man was.

'When there was that clash of bodies it was clear that the situation would get out of hand.'

Mr Davies said that he tried to get into the gates at Portcullis House after Hancock had gone in, but his press pass didn't work.

'I told the security guys what had happened, and would they mind helping me get in as I don't know who this man is, I don't know what he's capable of, and frankly I didn't want to be very close to him.'

Cross-examined by Parveen Mansoor, defending, he was asked why he did not report the incident to the police straight away.

'Isn't the truth that there was nothing to report apart from a man asking you questions that you found uncomfortable?'

'We were approached by a man who was hostile and bullish and intimidating, verbally and physically,' the press officer replied.

'It isn't part of my job. I've got lots of other things to do.'

Mr Davies said that he initially thought Tarjanyi might want a selfie with Hancock.

He was asked if this happened after Hancock appeared on 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'

'No, it happened long before that,' he said.

Mr Hancock, 44, was health secretary when the coronavirus pandemic struck and was a key figure in the lockdown restrictions and vaccine rollout that followed.

He resigned after leaked CCTV images showed him kissing an adviser in his office, in breach of his own social distancing guidance.

Mr Hancock later angered colleagues and constituents by flying to the Australian jungle to appear on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in November 2022.

He was paid more than 300,000 for the TV stint and made it to the final.

Having been stripped of the Conservative whip over the appearance, he said he will not contest his seat at the next election and will step down.

The trial was adjourned until July 4.
Fury has erupted in France after dozens of seven-thousand-year-old standing stones erected by prehistoric humans were destroyed to make way for a DIY store.

Some 37 stones standing between half-a-metre and a metre were each destroyed by the development of the large construction for a Mr. Bricolage outlet in Carnac, in Brittany, northwest France.

According to local amateur archaeologist Christian Obeltz, the site had been on France's National Archeological map since 2015, as well as being on the town's official list of local megaliths.

They say the site was also going to be submitted to France's Ministry of Culture with a view to listing it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Carnac is famous for its ancient menhir - heavy raised standing stones - which spread across three alignments: Menec, Kermario and Kerlescan.

Some 37 stones standing between half-a-metre and a metre were on the site before it was destroyed, in Carnac, in Brittany, northwest France

Dozens of seven-thousand-year-old standing stones erected by prehistoric humans were destroyed to make way for a DIY store. The construction work is pictured

Obeltz, like many locals was left furious over the building work on the site. 'There is nothing left at all,' he said.

'Three weeks ago, I drove by. That's when I saw that everything had been destroyed. Overnight a bulldozer came and it was over. It is unheard.

'The worst thing is that the site could have been preserved because it was not under the building that is being built, but behind it.'

Obeltz originally raised concerns over 'brutal developments' threatening the prehistoric site.

'The Chemin de Montauban site included two intersecting rows of small granite stelae, each spreading out over fifty meters in length. One had been exactly in its original place for 7,000 years,' Obeltz wrote in a blog post.

'The small menhirs of the Chemin de Montauban were undoubtedly one of the oldest sets of stelae in the town of Carnac' believed to date between 5480 and 5320 BC, 'the highest dating obtained for a menhir in the west of France'.

The Brittany region has a dense collection of megalithic sites that include around 3,000 prehistoric standing stones erected by the pre-Celtic people.

The area also has a selection of stone tombs and burial mounds and are believed to form the largest such collection in the world

Carnac is famous for its ancient menhir - heavy raised standing stones - which spread across three alignments: Menec, Kermario and Kerlescan (file image)

Ouest-France reported that the local Koun Breizh association has decided to lodge a complaint with the public prosecutor of Vannes for willful destruction of sites that relate to archaeological heritage.

The group said: 'The object of the complaint is less intended to harm our city councilors than to try to understand how such a decision could germinate and succeed, despite all the forms of protection provided by law.

'The fate of our menhirs is of capital importance for the Breton people, insofar as it concerns our historical and human heritage. We also come more or less from this civilization.'
Dozens of sharks have washed up on a UK beach in a baffling mystery described as 'worrying' by sea life experts.

Almost 30 starry smooth-hound sharks were discovered on the shores of Prestatyn in Denbighshire, North Wales on Tuesday morning.

Pictures shared online showed the creatures, often referred to as gummy sharks, scattered along the beach.

Shark experts today told MailOnline that the incident was likely related to nearby commercial fishing.

Managing Director of Shark Trust Paul Cox told MailOnline: We do, from time to time, see these sharks washed up in these numbers and have had a few similar reports around this area.

Pictures shared online showed the creatures, often referred to as gummy sharks, scattered along the beach in North Wales on Tuesday

Almost 30 starry smooth-hound sharks were discovered on the shores of Prestatyn in Denbigshire, North Wales on Tuesday morning

'Its likely to be related to commercial fisheries. As theyre a non-quota species, these sharks can be targeted and legally discarded by fishermen.'

Marine expert Gem Simmons told the BBC that she had tried to take samples from the animals but they had unfortunately 'fallen prey to herring gulls.'

'What we wanted was to take samples of the gills, to see if this has happened as a result of by-catch (in fishing nets),' she said.

It comes after reports of illegal fishing in the area in recent months, although it remains unknown if they are linked to the beached sharks.

Ms Simmons added: 'To find one or two is normal, but so many is worrying.'

The expert, who works with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said it was not yet possible to reach any official conclusions.

Investigators are now looking into other reports of washed up sharks along the same stretch of coast to try and find patterns.

Investigators are now looking into other reports of washed up sharks along the same stretch of coast to try and find patterns

A dog investigates one of the dozens of sharks that washed up on a beach on Tuesday

Natural Resources Wales and Project Siarc have been made aware of the incident

The gummy sharks are seen scattered along the beach in a mystery that has left marine experts baffled

Natural Resources Wales and Project Siarc have been made aware of the incident, Ms Simmons said.

MailOnline has contacted both organisations for comment.

Smooth-hound sharks are a common species in UK waters and mainly survive on crustaceans and shellfish.

Measuring up to 150cm in length, they live in coastal waters at depths of between 5 and 200 metres. They typically weigh up to 4.8kg.

It comes after another similar mystery in February when hundreds of dead fish washed up on Porthgwidden Beach in St Ives, Cornwall.

Commenters on Facebook suggested the fish could have been killed by sewage being pumped onto the coastline, or that they were pushed ashore by dolphins.

In October 2021, thousands of crabs and lobsters washed up dead along the coast in the North East, and the cause of it is still being speculated.

A video circulating social media this morning shows hundreds of dead fish washed up on Porthgwidden Beach in St Ives, Cornwall

A recent report from the Department for the Environment (Defra) pinned the crustacean deaths on a disease previously unknown to science.

Another scientific report said it may have been caused by dredging mud from the mouth of the Tees at Middlesbrough stirring up long-buried toxic chemicals.

Storms are another common cause of mass fish stranding, as the rough waters can wash marine life on to the beaches.

This was thought to have happened in December 2016, when thousands of dead mackerel and herring washed up on Pentewan Beach in Cornwall.
Convicted felon Casey White has made a bombshell claim that he killed a woman and a baby girl while on the run with his prison guard lover  but cops have dismissed the confession as a lie.

The 38-year-old had been serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other offenses at the time of his escape from Lauderdale County Detention Center in Florence, Alabama, in April 2022.

He fled the jail with his lover and prison guard Vicky White, 56, sparking a two-week manhunt, which resulted in Vicky turning a gun on herself amid a police chase.

The violent felon pleaded guilty to an escape charge after having his murder charge in relation to his lover dropped and is set to be sentenced later today.

But hours before appearing in court, White's claims he killed a woman and baby during the escape were aired by NewsNation's Brian Entin  but cops say it is just a ploy to try to get a prison transfer as he faces a potential death penalty.

Casey White (pictured), who escaped from Lauderdale County Detention Center in Florence, Alabama, in April 2022, now claims he killed a woman and baby girl while on the run

White had been serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other offenses when he escaped with his prison guard lover Vicky White (pictured)

'I have a little confession to make. I got a woman and a baby girl buried up in Evansville, Indiana,' he said in the recording made in December.

'And I won't talk to nobody but the FBI who handled my case that day. I don't have none of the details but l know I'm alive and well.

'I'm sober. I'm clear thinking. I ain't suicidal. I'm not homicidal. I had to get it off my chest. I had to do the right thing. Get it off my chest.'

White claims he killed the woman while he and his lover were hiding at a motel in Indiana, saying that the body 'wasn't buried yet'.

But authorities say he is lying and has a history of making false confessions  with cops at the Evansville Police Department saying there were no missing women.

White may be attempting to muddy the waters before his murder trial later this year, investigators said.

According to NewsNation there are no missing people that line up with Whites' escape timeline with the prison guard.

Robert Tuten, one of the attorneys representing White, told the broadcaster: 'I think that is highly unlikely.

The escaped prisoner, standing 6ft 9 tall, towers over the Indiana officers who arrested him after the car he was driving was run off the road

Sheriffs in Indiana are seen investigating the crumpled wreck of the car, in which Vicky White killed herself

'We know of at least one other instance maybe more where has confessed to things like that, we believe, in hopes of being transferred out of prison.'

White and Vicky evaded authorities using wigs and other disguises for two weeks before they were tracked down to a motel in Evansville in May 2022.

Investigators believe the pair spent about six days holed up at a motel in Evansville after arriving on May 3, and discovered a variety of wigs as a way to disguise themselves.

Dave Wedding, sheriff of Vandenburgh County, said investigators do not believe the two had relatives or other contacts in the city of 120,000.

Authorities closed in on them after the manager of a car wash reported that a man closely resembling the 6-foot-9, 260-pound White had been recorded by a surveillance camera getting out of a pickup truck.

Investigators said they located the pickup, then learned that the pair may have switched to a Cadillac, which was then spotted outside a motel nearby.

Prior to the pair's car being run off the road by police during the pursuit, Vicky can be heard on tape saying, 'Airbags are gonna go off and kill us.'

Casey White, who faces a possible death sentence if convicted of a 2015 murder, had additional charges of fleeing added to his rap sheet as well as the murder charge

These are all of the weapons the couple had in their Cadillac when they were rammed into a ditch by police, before Vicky died

The couple had just $29,000 of the $90,000 Vicky had withdrawn when they were caught by officers

'Airbags are going off. Lets get out, and run,' she says to her partner.

She is then heard shrieking during what sounds like a crash. Sirens are blaring in the background.

The remainder of the file sounds like law enforcement is tending to the crash site and to Vicky, who is still holding onto her gun.

Someone at the scene can be heard saying: 'hes got a gun in her hand, and shes breathing. Shes got her finger on the trigger.'

Investigators say that Vicky turned a gun on herself, with White initially being charged with her murder.

But the prosecution dropped the case last month in a plea deal, after White pleaded guilty to first-degree escape and is facing life in prison.

At the time of his escape, White was being held at the Lauderdale County Detention Center for allegedly stabbing a woman named Connie Ridgeway to death in 2015.

He confessed to that killing, but later recanted, and the trial is set to begin in August. If convicted, he could get the death penalty.
A disgraced police officer has been sacked after lying that her sergeant lover had subjected her to an abusive relationship, which saw him spend two months in jail.

Amanda Aston, who was based at Guildford police station in Surrey, avoided prison two weeks ago after being convicted in March of perverting the course of justice.

The 44-year-old single mother and police constable was also convicted of defrauding the Surrey Police Welfare Fund out of 5,000 by lying she had suffered financial difficulties as a result of her relationship with Matthew Taylor, 35.

Now, Aston - a trained domestic violence mentor - has been dismissed from the force after she was found to have breached its standards of professional behaviour.

At her sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on May 22, she was given a suspended prison term of 21 months and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Amanda Aston, pictured outside Maidstone Crown Court in Kent in March, avoided prison

Judge Mr Justice Cavanagh said the only reason he did not send Aston to jail was because of the 'traumatic' impact it would have on her three-year-old daughter.

Yesterday, Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, who chaired the disciplinary hearing at the force's headquarters, found that Aston's behaviour had discredited the police service and undermined public confidence in the force and the police service as a whole.

He also found her behaviour to be dishonest and lacking integrity, and that she had compromised her position as a police officer.

Chief Constable De Meyer determined that Aston's behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and that she should be dismissed without notice. Her details will also be placed on the College of Policing barred list.

During the trial, the court heard how Aston had lied about being a victim of domestic abuse which led to the imprisonment of Mr Taylor.

The trial heard Aston had 'embellished' difficulties in her relationship with Mr Taylor knowing the serious repercussions for him 'better than anyone else'.

Former Surrey Police sergeant Matthew Taylor outside Maidstone Crown Court on March 8

He was arrested at work and subsequently charged with the offence of controlling coercive behaviour, and also later remanded in jail for two months and eventually lost his job with Surrey Police.

It was only 'diligent' detective work by his mother Elizabeth Bond trawling thousands of messages between them that led to his release from Winchester Prison, where he had spent 23 hours a day locked in a cell, and the Crown Prosecution Service immediately dropping the case against him.

The trial also heard that her false allegations of his 'control, abuse, harassment, stalking, intimidation, degradation and gaslighting' ran to a lengthy 57-page witness statement and took her three weeks to write.

The divorcee also gave a video recorded interview as part of the six-month police investigation into Mr Taylor and completed a Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment questionnaire assessing what risk she was in.

She claimed the sergeant, also based at the time in Guildford, put her in fear of both physical and sexual violence.

Aston lied that he would grab her around the throat during sex, and had left her 'tortured and traumatised'.

Amanda Aston, pictured in January 2022, said she stopped eating and cried herself to sleep

She also accused martial arts fighter Mr Taylor of 'relentless bullying' and describing his behaviour as 'scary'.

She said she stopped eating, began losing hair and frequently cried herself to sleep as he made her feel 'a lesser person'.

Giving evidence at her trial, Aston denied a suggestion she was 'a conniving puppet-master who liked being the centre of attention'.

But Mr Taylor he had been 'the victim of a monumental miscarriage of justice'.

During the investigation it was also established that Aston had made a false application for a 5,000 grant from the Police Welfare Fund in June 2018.

She had claimed she had suffered financial hardship as a result of having to move home several times due to the other officer's alleged behaviour.

After the hearing, Mr De Meyer said: 'For a police officer to make false allegations, which led to another officer being incarcerated, and to make false representations to benefit from an official fund reserved for hardship, is so serious that it leaves me with no option but to dismiss her without notice.

'Her conduct obviously undermines public confidence in the police service and her actions clearly caused distress, inconvenience, and public expense.'
            
Leaked texts from Brittany Higgins' partner David Shiraz reveal he was basking in the fame and power the couple were 'exuding' after her rape allegations were made public.

Ms Higgins' claims she was sexually assaulted by Bruce Lehrmann in a ministerial office in March 2019, while they were both working as Liberal staffers, were publicly aired in her interview with Lisa Wilkinson on The Project, February 15, 2021.

Mr Lehrmann strenuously denies the allegations and pleaded not guilty during his aborted criminal October trial.

Following the bombshell revelations, Mr Shiraz sent Ms Higgins repeated texts eagerly asking if she noticed her growing public profile.

'Are you getting spotted? Are people noticing you? Anyone recognise you?' he texted.

Then, roughly one month after the interview broadcast on Channel 10 Mr Sharaz sent texts to Ms Higgins that read: 'Don't ditch me now you're famous' and 'We exude power'.

More leaked emails between Brittany Higgins (pictured left) and her partner David Shiraz (pictured right) have revealed the couple were basking in the fame and power the couple were 'exuding' after her rape allegations were made public

Texts sent to Ms Higgins by Mr Shiraz eagerly asked her if she noticed her growing public profile

Around this time Mr Sharaz also sent Ms Higgins messages boasting of invites they received from former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull, who were Labor and Coalition leaders respectively.

Of being invited to tea at Dr Rudd's Brisbane apartment Mr Shiraz gloated: 'It's not exactly a shack. A $10m penthouse haha'.

The stream of leaked texts has become a political crisis for the Albanese government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher all face accusations they colluded with Mr Sharaz, Wilkinson and Ms Higgins to 'weaponise' the rape allegations and damage the then Morrison Government.

Senator Gallagher has gone to ground after the texts suggested she misled Parliament about whether she had been tipped off about the case before it featured in the media.

Former defence minister Linda Reynolds, whose office the incident was alleged to have occurred in during the early hours of March 23, 2019, made the accusation during a Senate hearing on June 2021.

Another text sent a little over a month after Ms Higgins went public with her rape allegations gloated about the couple's status among the nation's political movers and shakers

Mr Sharaz was also very pleased to be invited to a Brisbane tea hosted by former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd

'No-one had any knowledge. How dare you!' It's all about protecting yourself,' was Senator Gallagher's response.

However, Mr Sharaz's leaked text messages from February 11, 2021, four days before Ms Higgins' interview broadcast, state Senator Gallagher was fully aware of the allegations and was 'really invested' in Ms Higgins' story.

In the months following the interview Mr Sharaz and Ms Higgins sent repeated texts about the senior Labor politicians they were recruiting to press their claims, including then opposition leader Mr Albanese.

On April 16, 2021 Mr Sharaz texted Ms Higgins saying: 'So Albo gave me his number  he just came in to do the breakfast show  and says if you meet with Scomo to let him know and he'll fly to Canberra to be there if you want to meet with him too.'

Ms Higgins replied: 'For sure. I have no qualms meeting with Albo.'

Just six days later, Mr Sharaz wrote: 'Friday 9am with Albo locked in at CPO. Details to come Tanya [Plibersek] too.'

When asked whether Ms Higgins approached him to help her cause, Mr Albanese on Tuesday simply said 'no'.

Ms Plibersek has also rejected the claims.

It is understood Ms Higgins was furious with the then Prime Minister Mr Morrison after hearing whispers his office had been 'backgrounding' against her.

Four days before Ms Higgins' allegations went public Mr Sharaz wrote of how Senator Gallagher (pictured) was 'really invested' in the saga

'He's about to be f***ed over. Just wait. We've got him,' she wrote to Mr Sharaz on March 26, 2021.

Mr Sharaz also made a made critical comments about Mr Morrison.

'I still hate the c...' he wrote.

On Thursday Opposition leader Peter Dutton demanded Mr Albanese 'be honest' over his dealings with Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz.

'The Prime Minister obviously has to front up and provide a true factual explanation of what's going on here because there are different accounts,' Mr Dutton told 2GB host Ray Hadley.

'Until we know the facts, we won't know the answers to all the questions that need to be answered and the Prime Minister and others given different statements at different points.

'It seems that some of that may be conflicting now. So I think the prime minister just needs to be honest.'

Senator Reynolds (pictured with Scott Morrison in 2019) said she plans to flag the settlement to the new federal anti-corruption commission, saying the speed of the process raises concerns about 'fairness'.

Hadley responded: 'Either David Sharaz is lying or exaggerating, or the PM is lying and so is Katy Gallagher ... these are the only two options.'

Addressing the taxpayer-funded payout awarded to Ms Higgins after just one day of mediation talks in December Mr Hadley said: 'It never happens in a matter of hours before a settlement can be reached and both parties are happy.'

'It's clear some people haven't been telling the truth,' Mr Dutton replied.

Ms Higgins sued the Commonwealth for compensation over her allegations and how they were handled for the reported sum of $3million.

December's settlement was designated a confidential but in February Ms Higgins denied that she received $3million.

Senator Reynolds on Wednesday said she plans to flag the settlement for investigation by the new federal anti-corruption saying the speed of the process raises concerns about 'fairness'.

The Senator said the speed of the decision raises 'serious questions about how this significant sum of public money was determined and allocated'.

Senator Reynolds, who was boss to both Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins boss at the time of the alleged rape, claimed Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus forbade her to make public comment on the case or attend mediation sessions.

'I was initially granted legal assistance to defend the civil claim made by Ms Higgins against me,' she said in a statement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) has fiercely denied colluding with Ms Higgins while in Opposition to 'weaponise' the accusations and damage Scott Morrison's Coalition government

'On 6 December 2022, I was advised that the Commonwealth has a discretion to control the conduct of my defence and that the Attorney-General had decided to exercise that discretion.

'The result of this was that the Attorney-General did not want me to attend the mediation or make any public comments about the mediation or the civil claim made by Ms Higgins.'

Reynolds claimed that Mr Dreyfus, Senator Gallagher, and Mr Albanese, had a 'potential conflict of interest' based on their previous public statements about the matter.

On Thursday Mr Albanese hit back at the suggestions Senator Gallagher has acted in any way inappropriately over the matter while again denying any impropriety on his part.

'I have absolute confidence in Senator Gallagher,' he said.

'I had not met Brittany Higgins until I met her publicly - publicly - on the same day that she met Scott Morrison.'

Mr Albanese refused to be drawn into questions about the case being referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, arguing as it was an independent body it would inappropriate for him to comment.

As reporters kept firing more questions about Ms Higgins the prime minister cut the press conference short, which was intended to focus on a new airport for western Sydney, and walked out.

It is not known who is leaking the texts between Mr Shiraz and Ms Higgins, with audio files of meeting they held with Channel 10 reporters and producers also being leaked.

Sources have told media outlets the material was included in evidence provided to defence lawyers, the ACT office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as well as investigating police officers to prepare for Mr Lehrmann's criminal case.

The criminal trial last held in the ACT last October was abandoned after a jury member brought unauthorised material to the jury room.

A second trial was set to go ahead in February but the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold discontinued the matter citing the 'significant and unacceptable' risk to Ms Higgins' mental health.

The handling of the case by the Australian Federal Police and Department of Public Prosecutions in now under review by an independent inquiry.
The main suspect in the disappearance of Alabama student Natalee Holloway was seen grinning in Peru moments before FBI agents took him into custody to extradite him to the U.S.

Joran van der Sloot is accused of killing the American student on the Caribbean island of Aruba, and is wanted on one count of extortion and wire fraud.

The crimes are the only charges to have ever linked the Dutch citizen to Holloway's disappearance in May 2005.

Van der Sloot grinned in the back of a police car and before getting on the plane with Interpol officials, after leaving a prison in Lima before being placed in US custody.

The 35-year-old had been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing.

Joran van der Sloot smiled before he boarded a plane back to the US, and is accused of killing Natalee Holloway

Natalee disappeared in 2005 and her body has never been found, leading authorities to declare her legally dead in 2012

Van der Sloot did not appear to have any physical injuries, despite his lawyer claiming earlier this week that he was 'severely beaten' by other inmates at his Peruvian prison.

Authorities moved him from a maximum-security prison in the Andes over the weekend before he was taken to Lima and then the airport this morning.

It is currently unclear when he will make his first appearance in court on U.S. soil, but he is expected to be flown to Birmingham, Alabama.

The accused killer filed a last-ditch attempt to block his extradition to the U.S. two days ago, but a Peruvian judge overruled the filing.

The petition seems to contradict previous statements by his lawyer, Maximo Altez, who had claimed van der Sloot wanted to clear his name and welcomed extradition.

Holloway, who lived in Birmingham, Alabama, was 18 when she vanished during a trip with classmates to Aruba.

She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island.

Van der Sloot was identified as a suspect and detained weeks later, along with two Surinamese brothers.

Joran van der Sloot is accused of killing Natalee Holloway on the Caribbean island of Aruba, and is wanted on one count each of extortion and wire fraud

Van der Sloot did not appear to have any physical injuries, despite his lawyer claiming earlier this week that he was 'severely beaten' by other inmates at a Peruvian prison

Natalee was 18 when she disappeared from the Caribbean island of Aruba during a trip with school friends in 2005

He was indicted by a grand jury in 2010 on one count each of wire fraud and extortion, each of which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors allege that he reached out to the teenager's mother asking for $25,000 to disclose the location of her daughter's body.

He then allegedly demanded a further $225,000 if the body was found, and a sting operation saw van der Sloot initially single out a house he claimed her body was buried in.

In later emails, the suspect admitted to lying about the location, an FBI agent claimed in an affidavit.

A DailyMail.com investigation revealed he is expected to protest his innocence and make the extraordinary accusation that it was actually Natalee's mother, Beth, who approached him offering money if he took her to her daughter's body.

Altez said: 'He was living his life in Aruba and got a call from Beth Holloway, who tricked him.

Natalee was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island.

The 35-year-old had been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing

'She said: "Joran, tell me where the body is and I'll give you $250,000." He never asked for money, she's the one that offered.

'She even gave him an advancement and he never asked for the rest. He only got $25,000.'

Altez explained that his client is a 'sick person' and 'compulsive gambler', who 'needed the money to play at the casino'. However, he claimed Mrs Holloway 'took advantage of him'.

In his 2007 book, 'The Case of Natalee Holloway: My Own Story about her Disappearance on Aruba', van der Sloot admitted lying to police and apologized to the Holloways.

'I understand that my lies in the past seriously tarnished my credibility,' he wrote.

The 35-year-old had been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing

Prosecutors allege that he reached out to the teenager's mother asking for $25,000 to disclose the location of her daughter's body

Throughout the book he maintained his innocence, explaining that he had left an intoxicated Natalee on the beach, where he said she wanted to 'watch the stars'.

Van der Sloot was found guilty of murdering Stephany Flores, 21, in 2010 - who was killed five years to the day after Natalee's disappearance.

Peruvian prosecutors said van der Sloot killed Flores, a business student from a prominent family, while trying to rob her after learning she had won money at the casino where the two met.

They said he killed her with 'ferocity' and 'cruelty,' beating then strangling her in his hotel room. He pleaded guilty in 2012.
Church leaders agreed that new windows showing Jesus depicted in multiple ethnicities could now be installed at St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol.

The decision by the Consistory Court of The Diocese of Bristol came three years to the day since the toppling of Colstons statue in the city on June 7, 2020.

The Grade I-listed church had removed the Colston panels in 2021. They were replaced with temporary plain panels before the church launched a competition to design new permanent replacement stain glass panels, won by local artist and junior doctor, Earlish (CORR) Swift.

In her submission for the competition, Ms Swift said the image portrays the current refugee crisis, and Jesus as a child refugee fleeing to Egypt.

The old windows shared Colstons family motto go thou and do likewise - a biblical quote from the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the new windows share a different quote from the same passage: And who is my neighbour?

In her submission for the competition (pictured), Ms Swift said the image portrays the current refugee crisis, and Jesus as a child refugee fleeing to Egypt

Pictured is the original stained glass windows dedicated to Colston St Mary Redcliffe - which will be replaced

A spokesman for St Mary Redcliffe Church - the tallest building in Bristol thanks to its 292ft high spire - said the new panels referenced Bristols rich multicultural past and present.

'The new panels depict Jesus in multiple ethnicities to counter the anglo-centric narrative of "white Jesus", he said.

In order to actually install the new windows, the church had to get permission from The Consistory Court of The Diocese of Bristol.

As part of its submission of evidence the church presented information about Edward Colston and made the case that continued commemoration of a slave-trader though stained glass containing the phrase go thou and do likewise was inappropriate, he added.

In his judgement, Justin Gau, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Bristol, said: 'The Church of England and the historical behaviour of this parish church in excusing the life of Colston have a journey of repentance to make. To excuse or ignore the slave trade is a sin.

READ MORE: Picture of 1963 bus boycott will replace stained glass tribute to slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol church Advertisement

'To encourage parishioners to look at a memorial to a slave trader and to be encourage to "Go thou and do likewise" is not only grotesque but entirely contrary to the Gospel command to love one another,' he added.

St Mary Redcliffe was described by Queen Elizabeth I upon visiting in 1574 as 'the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England'.

One of the other panels in Miss Swifts winning submission celebrates the Bristol Bus Boycott - which paved the way for the Race Relations Act of 1965 - with Jesus as a fellow protester and radical.

Roy Hackett, one of the leaders of the boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company over its ban on black and Asian drivers in the early 1960s, died last August at the age of 93.

Pictured are protesters throwing a statue of Edward Colston into Bristol harbour during a Black Lives Matter protest rally in June 2020

The other two panels show a Bristol ship on a slaving voyage, referencing the story of Jesus calming the storm, and a diverse group of 'neighbours' facing the future 'in a display of hope and togetherness', the artist - who lives in Redcliffe - said.

The church has said previously that although the replacement of the Colston windows were prompted by the toppling of Colstons statue - which itself came amid an ongoing debate about the Colston legacy in Bristol - the decision was also part of a larger process of exploration of and engagement with contested heritage which will continue.

Colston was born in Bristol in 1636 and grew up in the city. He made the bulk of his fortune after joining the Royal African Company, which had a monopoly on the west African slave trade, in 1680.

He later began to develop a reputation as a philanthropist who donated to charitable causes such as schools and hospitals in Bristol and London.
Beijing is set to build an electronic eavesdropping facility on Cuba, just 100 miles from the coast of Florida, that will be able to gather US military secrets.

Citing officials 'with highly classified intelligence', The Wall Street Journal said China and Cuba have reached a secret agreement to establish the base.

The newspaper reported its sources as saying Beijing had agreed to pay cash-strapped Havana several billions of dollars to allow it to build the facility, and that at this stage an agreement had been reached 'in principle'.

Such a facility would allow China to monitor the south of the US, home to many military bases, as well as ship traffic in the region.

This presents a new geopolitical challenge for Washington to deal with, as it grapples with China's growing global influence.

Beijing is building an electronic eavesdropping facility on Cuba, just 100 miles from the coast of Florida, that will be able to gather US military secrets. Pictured: A police officer stands guard across the street from the US embassy in Havana on May 26, 2023

Beijing is considered by Washington to be its most significant rival when it comes to both its military and its economy, and a Chinese base with military and spying capabilities so close to the United States would pose an unprecedented threat. Left: Chinese president Xi Jinping. Right: President Joe Biden

John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, said that while he could not speak about the specific report, he pointed to the many times US officials have covered China's 'efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere,' the WSJ reported.

'We monitor it closely, take steps to counter it, and remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home, in the region, and around the world.'

The intelligence - described as 'convincing' by anonymous US officials cited in the report - has caused alarm within the Biden administration because of Cuba's proximity to the US mainland, the WSJ said.

Beijing is considered by Washington to be its most significant rival when it comes to both its military and its economy, and a Chinese base with military and spying capabilities so close to the United States would pose an unprecedented threat.

Such a facility would enable Beijing to monitor a range of communications, including emails, phone calls and satellite transmissions, the WSJ said.

The newspaper said officials did not go as far as providing the exact location of the base, or whether construction had begun. It was also not clear if Washington could do anything to stop the base from being completed.

Pictured: The southern-most point of the US, Key West, is shown on a map. It is less than 100 miles away from the nearest point of Cuba

In May, it was reported that the Pentagon was becoming increasingly concerned with China's growing influence in Latin America.

From tens of billions of dollars in funding for key infrastructure projects across the region to its own secretive, military-run space station in Argentina that could target American satellites, China's presence has grown.

Some 21 countries in Latin America are signed up to Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative - a defining policy introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2013 that wins power and influence by funding global infrastructure projects.

Chinese state banks have loaned $136 billion to Latin American countries since 2005 with terms US officials have dubbed a 'spiraling trap'. The cash has funded everything from major energy projects to roads, sports stadiums and covid vaccines.

Meanwhile, private Chinese firms control major ports on the Panama Canal which US officials say 'could be turned quickly toward military capabilities'.

China also supplies the majority of Mexico's telecoms equipment and mine vast amounts of crucial minerals on the continent.

And away from Latin America, the Pentagon admitted in March that it was worried about growing Chinese influence in Mauritius amid warnings that plans by the United Kingdom to return a chain of islands to the Indian Ocean nation could undermine the security of the vital military base on Diego Garcia.

But an intelligence gathering facility in Cuba would present the most obvious threat the US security interests.

The United States has taken steps before to stop foreign super powers from expanding into the Western Hemisphere, including in Cuba.

The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was a 13-day confrontation between the US and the Soviet Union when Washington deployed missiles in Italy and Turkey, which were matched by Moscow stationing ballistic missiles in Cuba.

From tens of billions of dollars in funding for key infrastructure projects across the region to its own secretive, military-run space station in Argentina that could target American satellites, China's presence in Latin American and the Caribbean has grown huge

The US navy quarantined the island, while America and the USSR were brought to the bring of a nuclear war - the closest the world has ever come to such a disaster.

Eventually, the Soviets backed down and removed the missiles from the island, while the US quietly did the same from Italy and Turkey a few months later.

A year earlier, the US had also backed a failed military landing operation on Cuba, known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, by Cuban exiles who opposed Fidel Castro's Cuban Revolution. The invading forces were defeated within three days.

It also solidified Castro's rule, and pushed Cuba closer towards the USSR - ultimately leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Independent swing voters think that Joe Biden's age and health are impacting his ability to serve as president, with nearly half of all surveyed saying these factors are 'severely limiting' the chief executive.

With increased verbal gaffes, mumbles and physical fumbles  including falling to the ground during commencement at the Air Force Academy last week  Americans are expressing concern over the 80-year-old president who is running for reelection.

A new Economist/YouGov poll conducted June 3-6 shows 48 percent of independent voters think Biden's age and declining health 'severely limits' him, and only 8 percent of this same voting bloc think his age isn't a factor.

Additionally, a whopping 77 percent of Republicans think age is limiting the president, along with just 13 percent of Democrats.

President Joe Biden tripped and fell to the ground on stage at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on June 1

A new Economist/YouGov poll shows that nearly half of independents are worried that Biden's age and health are 'severely impacting' his ability to serve as president

Fifty-six percent of Democrats felt his octogenarian status has somewhat of an effect on his performance in office.

Of the nearly 1,500 people surveyed, 45 percent believed Biden's age is impacting his ability to do the job.

Fifty-one-year-old presidential hopeful Nikki Haley, a former Ambassador to the United Nations under President Trump, has proposed that there be a 75-year-old age limit set for those wishing to run for U.S. president.

The two frontrunners in the 2024 presidential election  Biden and Trump  are both above that age range, 80 and 76 respectively.

Trump's main competitor in the Republican primary race is Ron DeSantis, 44, but the Florida governor still sits at least 20 points behind the former president in most national polling.

Biden is the oldest-ever person elected President of the United States and if reelected would break his own record by being the oldest president at the date of inauguration.

There are several political leaders in the U.S. who are elderly, including Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, 72, and Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81.

Biden delivered the commencement address at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 1, 2023  where he tripped over a sandbag and fell to the floor of the stage, requiring help from several nearby to get back on his feet

Biden's verbal and physical stumbles have worried voters and Democratic politicians as he runs for reelection. Pictured: Biden fell off his bike during a ride in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in June 2022

Biden has been captured on video falling up the stairs when boarding Air Force One on at least two separate occasions

Biden's recent fall at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony has renewed criticism amid his bid for a second four-year term in the White House.

The president laughed off his latest embarrassing fall as he arrived back at the White House Thursday, joking with reporters: 'I got sandbagged' - referring to his claim that he had tripped over a large sandbag on the stage.

But as he got off the plane Thursday evening, the 80-year-old commander-in-chief was seen bumping his head on the doorframe.

During a trip to his Rehoboth, Delaware beach house last summer, Biden was captured falling off of his bike during a ride one June morning.

The president was trying to dismount his bike in front of a small crowd of reporters and onlookers, but said his foot got caught in a toe clip  causing him to tip over after coming to a stop.

He has also been captured falling up the steps when boarding Air Force one.

Those stumbles may mar the president's hopes for re-election, as many are already concerned about the president's age and health.

If he wins in 2024, Biden would be 86 years old at the end of his second term.

The president has raised eyebrows several times by tripping, taking stairs or ramps carefully or shuffling his feet when he walks  exhibiting his age and likely decline in agility with each fumble.

Many have also raised concern over his speech, noting he often mumbles, completes incoherent sentences or gets confused during public remarks.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is shrugging off the blame for the ferocious wildfires wreaking havoc on the northeast, attributing them entirely to climate change and ignoring any suggestion that poor forest management may have played a role.

Biden yesterday sent 600 American firefighters to Canada to help battle the fires that have been raging for six weeks north of the border.

Those fires came into sharp focus yesterday when a choking blanket of smoke blew south, giving New York City the unhealthiest air of anywhere on earth and sparking chaos in many other states.

Outdoor events were canceled, all New Yorkers were told to stay indoors (or wear masks outside) and flights bound for LaGuardia Airport were grounded. They were grounded again today, triggering a ripple effect of cancelations and delays that will wreak havoc in airports both in the US and further afield.

The origins of the fires are yet to be definitively identified, but Canadian officials have for years been warned that better forest management is required to avoid such a catastrophe.

After the 2017 wildfires, multiple scientific reports recommended enhanced forest management in Canada - and increased spending - to combat the risk.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday spoke at a diplomacy event in Ottawa. He has shrugged off blame for the wildfires, blaming them entirely on climate change, while calling in help from the US

Hundreds of American firefighters are now in Canada to battle the blaze that is choking US cities. Trudeau, thanking President Biden, blamed the catastrophic fires on climate change - ignoring any criticism of his government's handling of forest management

But Parks Canada had only scheduled 23 controlled burns this year. By comparison, there were 150,000 in America in 2019.

Controlled or 'prescribed' burns are a crucial component of forest management that have been proven to offset deadly, uncontrollable blazes.

The purpose is to clear the forest of tinderbox-like understory of young trees, dry shrubs and grass in a controlled setting.

In 2016, Mark Heathcott, who ran the Parks Canada burns division for 23 years, said Canada was 'way behind American counterparts' when it came to controlled fires.

'A lot of lip service is paid to it but very few agencies do it. People dont understand the benefit of fire,' he said.

Indigenous groups in Canada say they have been stopped from carrying out the crucial, controlled fires by government officials too.

Trudeau, ignoring that, blamed the fires on climate change and climate change alone.

New York City had the worst air quality of anywhere in the world yesterday as a result of the fires, which many now say could have been prevented or at least reduced with better forest management

Smoke billows upwards from a planned ignition by firefighters tackling the Donnie Creek Complex wildfire south of Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada June 3, 2023. Canada planned only 23 prescribed fires this year - the US had more than 150,000 in 2019

'Were seeing more and more of these fires because of climate change.

'These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality.

'Well keep working  here at home and with partners around the world  to tackle climate change and address its impacts,' he said on Twitter.

In 2021, indigenous groups and forest experts in British Columbia were still calling for more to be done.

'It's as simple as lighting a match. But the way the province deals with things, they want heavy equipment on the site.

'They want big hoses, they want a lot of equipment and high-priced personnel,' former Yunesit'in government chief Russell Myers Ross, told CBC in a 2021 interview.

In September 2019 in the town of Nowa Nowa in Australia, hazard reduction burns had to be abandoned because of protests about the damage done to wildlife (pictured), despite authorities insisting it is a necessary tool in limiting bushfires

Protesters (pictured) in the tiny Victorian town of Nowa Nowa saw a planned hazard reduction burn reduced from 370ha to nine hectares last September. Two months later the town had to be evacuated when the East Gippsland mega blaze closed in

Pictured are the East Gippsland fires shortly after they erupted on December 31, 2019, burning 1million hectares and destroying hundreds of homes

In the aftermath of the apocalyptic Australian bushfires of 2019 and 2020, many green activists were slammed for lobbying against prescribed burns.

An acute example is the town of Nowa Nowa in Australia, where hazard reduction burns had to be abandoned because of protests about the damage done to wildlife despite authorities insisting it is a necessary tool in limiting bushfires.

Just two months later, the town's 200 residents would have to be urgently evacuated as the East Gippsland bushfire - which killed four people, destroyed 340 homes and burnt 1 million hectares - raged.

Canada is yet to answer to how many prescribed burns were carried out this year ahead of the fire season, or how many were recommended.
An Eton-educated aristocrat has been fined 15,000 after a 'frenzied' herd of cattle attacked two dog walkers on his country estate.

Sir Charles Hobhouse, 60, was fined today at Bristol Crown Court after admitting two health and safety failings on his land in Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire. The herd of 17 cattle and 18 calves had carried out two attacks on the land in 2021.

The first incident, which occurred in June, left a woman with a fractured shoulder and suspected broken ribs. Her husband, who told the court his military post-traumatic stress disorder had been worsened by the incident, described it as a 'frenzied and intense attack'.

Two months later the cattle cornered another dog walker who was left with snapped vertebrae and said he 'thought he would be killed.'

Hobhouse, a baronet and former High Sheriff, had taken inadequate steps to prevent cattle from attacking members of the public who crossed his land on public footpaths, the hearing was told.

Sir Charles Hobhouse, 60, pictured today, has been fined 15,000 after admitting two health and safety failings on his land in Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire.

He was fined after a 'frenzied' herd of cattle attacked two dog walkers on his country estate on separate occasions. Pictured above are cows on his property in Wiltshire

Hobhouse had taken inadequate steps to prevent cattle from attacking members of the public who crossed his land on public footpaths, the hearing was told. He is pictured on his estate

Michael Booley, Joanne Booley and Josian Gauld were walking three dogs through a field on Hobhouse's Monkton Farleigh Estate on a public path not fully bounded by electric fencing on June 5, 2021.

The herd gave chase to the walkers, trampling Mrs Booley after throwing her into the air before being fought off with a rucksack by Mrs Gauld.

Mrs Booley suffered a fractured right shoulder, suspected broken ribs, severe bruising and injuries to her right hand and wrist.

In a statement, Mr Booley, 57, told the court how the 'frenzied and intense attack' had exacerbated his PTSD from service in the British Army.

After the sentencing, the retired British Army officer said that the aggressive herd left him feeling 'powerless'.

He said: 'Experiencing battle as a soldier is different to being attacked out in the countryside when on a leisure walk on a public right of way.

'I witnessed my wife being relentlessly stamped on and head butted by the cows and at one stage she was not responding.

'I also witnessed my friend desperately trying to find cover behind a tree and fighting the attacking cows with her rucksack as they attacked her from both sides. I still have nightmares about it.'

Prosecutor Alistair Haggerty told the court the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited Hobhouse's estate in the aftermath and advised him to keep the herd in fields with fully fenced footpaths or no footpaths at all.

He was told: 'You need to treat the herd involved in the incident as aggressive and must take all reasonable precautions.'

However, on August 11 that year, the same herd was moved to an area called The Avenue. Hobhouse was unaware of the move, the court heard.

Around 6am on August 19, another dog walker was severely injured by the same herd while walking along an unfenced public footpath in a different field.

The court heard James Johnson, a builder, was walking with his dog at 6am along a path when he was chased by the herd, knocked down and trampled.

The judge ruled Hobhouse had not heeded the law in both incidents and in the second had not followed advice given to him by the HSE to not allow the herd to be in a field with unfenced public footpaths in any circumstance. Hobhouse is pictured with guests at the property

Surrounded by cattle, Mr Johnson managed to crawl to a tree and climb its lowest branch only to fall to the ground and be trampled again by the herd which had by then completely encircled him.

In a statement read to the court, he said: 'I genuinely felt like I was going to be killed at this point.'

Mr Johnson managed to get to his feet, strike a cow and escape through a gap in the herd, climbing out of the field over a stile and falling to the ground on a road, where a passing member of the public called an ambulance.

The prosecutor said Mr Johnson sustained concussion, a cut to his head, two dislocated shoulders, three broken ribs and three snapped vertebrae in the incident. He was hospitalised for several days and in the aftermath suffered nightmares and memory loss.

Mr Haggerty added that Hobhouse 'was clearly aware of the risks' of that herd being in a field with unfenced paths.

Mr Johnson, 42, said after the sentencing: 'I remember the incident clearly. There were two groups of cows, one of which was running fast towards me and the other coming from a different direction.

'When I realised what was happening I let the dog go and started to run. The cattle ran into me and knocked me onto the ground, where I was trampled, pushed and head butted.

'Every time I attempted to get back up, they pushed me back down. Near the end, when I was exhausted and hurt, I fell to the ground one more time and remember thinking, 'This is it  this is where I die'.'

The judge told Hobhouse: 'As a person with overall responsibility, the law requires you to properly assess the risk posed by the cattle and calves at foot near public footpaths'. Hobhouse is pictured today at the court

Malcolm Galloway, defending, told the court his client 'takes responsibility for what happens in the estate' but had not himself decided to move them into the field where the second incident occurred.

He said: 'Plainly he has shown remorse. He has taken personally what has happened.

'That is why I start with a genuine apology to those people who did nothing wrong but walk in the countryside.'

Mr Galloway said the herd had been inspected daily between the first and second incidents by the farm's foreman, Andrew Tucker.

Mr Tucker observed 'no indication of any aggressiveness in the herd whatsoever' and he alone then took the decision to move them into the field where the second incident took place, the court heard.

'The court must look at the actions and knowledge of Hobhouse and not the partnership and its employees as a whole,' Mr Galloway said.

Mr Galloway said the estate had been in Hobhouse's family since 1873. He stressed no incidents like this had happened before and people were welcome to cross the rights of way.

Hobhouse was appointed High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 2021 , the court heard. His duties took him to Devizes, Swindon, Bath and Salisbury and, before the second trampling, he was making daily visits around Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Mr Galloway said Hobhouse was not aware of the decision to move the herd in question to the field where the second incident took place. Mr Galloway said: 'He was exceptionally busy at that time. He takes responsibility for that decision.'

Hobhouse was today ordered to pay a 15,000 fine and 8,000 costs at Bristol Crown Court (pictured)

In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Saini accepted Hobhouse had not been aware the herd had been moved to the second field.

But he ruled the defendant had not heeded the law in both incidents and in the second had not followed advice given to him by the HSE not to allow the herd to be in a field with unfenced public footpaths in any circumstance.

The judge said: 'As a person with overall responsibility, the law requires you to properly assess the risk posed by the cattle and calves at foot near public footpaths.

'You accept by your admissions that you failed to put in protective and preventative measures to mitigate the risk.'

Hobhouse was today ordered to pay a 15,000 fine and 8,000 costs at Bristol Crown Court.

HSE inspector Leo Diez said after the sentencing: 'Large animals can be a risk to people. Even a gentle knock from a cow can result in injury.

'Seemingly docile cattle can pose a risk to walkers when they are under stress or feel threatened and can exhibit instinctive maternal or aggressive behaviour.

'Where possible cows with calves should not be grazed in fields where there is a public right of way. Where this is not possible they should be segregated from the footpath by appropriate fencing where it is reasonable to do so.'
A rogue trader who tried to swindle cash from a vulnerable pensioner was found out thanks to the victim's Ring doorbell camera.

Tommy Taylor, 31, targeted the 74-year-old resident by demanding money for roofing work that had never been carried out.

The victim's son had installed a video doorbell on his father's home in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, after concerns he was being targeted by fraudsters.

Mr Taylor was then filmed repeatedly banging on the pensioner's front door and living room window on November 12, 2022, and is heard demanding payment for the non-existent work, saying: 'I'm from the thingy, you haven't paid me. You probably gave the money to someone else.'

The conman was jailed for 26 weeks after doorbell footage was shared with the police and will pay a 150 victim surcharge.

Tommy Taylor, 31, targeted the 74-year-old man but was caught on camera chasing the pensioner for money he didn't owe

Police are now encouraging others to install video doorbell cameras to prevent other fraudsters targeting them

The crook was jailed for 26 weeks after doorbell footage was shared with the police and will pay a 150 victim surcharge

Video shows the victim open the door and Taylor is heard demanding payment for the non-existent work.

The victim tells him: 'I've paid you.'

Taylor replies: 'You haven't mate. I'm the manager. I'm from the thingy, you haven't paid me.

'You probably gave the money to someone else. I'm the manager look. I've got ID [points to a logo on his fleece].'

The pensioner then says he is going to call the police and Taylor flees, telling the man: 'Well I'll send the thingy then.' It is not clear what the 'thingy' refers to.

The pensioner's son sent the video to West Mercia Police who arrested Taylor at his home in Sandy Lane, Stourport, Worcestershire.

He denied being involved and claimed he had been sent to the address by other people who had completed the work.

Taylor was found guilty of fraud by making false representations, acting dishonestly, and intending to make a gain for himself or another.

He was jailed for 26 weeks and ordered to pay a 150 victim surcharge following the trial at Worcester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Police are now urging people to install similar systems to protect their own homes and those of their family, particularly if they are elderly.

Detective Constable Simon Lloyd said: 'I'm pleased to see this verdict and hope this offers some closure and reassurance to the victim and his family.

'The criminal targeting of vulnerable persons in West Mercia will not be tolerated and we will investigate every avenue to bring those offenders to justice.

'This case is a shining example of how people's homes can be protected with the use of home security cameras and I am sure the evidence gained played a very large part in the magistrates' verdict.'
Rehburg was suspended after parents complained about the 'obscene and perverse' lesson - but students leapt to her defense using the #freejudy hashtag

A Southern California high school anatomy teacher has been suspended following a backlash from parents over a 'sexually explicit' anatomy lesson which one parent blasted as 'obscene'.

The physiology and environmental science teacher, named in reports as Judy Rehburg, was captured on camera last week teaching seniors about anal sex, vibrators, the g-spot, and how to derive pleasure from the prostate.

In the one-minute-20-second clip, the teacher from Alta Loma, CA, can be seen using diagrams to educate final-year students at El Dorado High School in Placentia, Los Angeles, about stimulating the prostate gland and 'male-on-male anal sex'.

Rehburg, who has worked at the school for at least seven years, also tells her students - who are aged 17 and 18 - that sex toys can be found at general retailers, including Target.

After the video circulated widely online, parents at a Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) board meeting expressed their anger over the class - while students leapt to her defense online.

A Teacher at El Dorado High School (EDHS) explains to students why sodomy is pleasurable and why sex toys available at Target are designed a certain way.



The teacher is Mrs. Judy Rehburg, a Physiology/AP Environmental Science Teacher at El Derado High School in Placentia, CA. pic.twitter.com/2XRyjIxnna  Markus Harris (@BlackOakPanda) June 1, 2023

El Dorado High School teacher Judy Rehburg has reportedly been suspended over a 'sexually explicit' physiology lesson which was caught on camera and widely shared online

Rehburg's lesson has been described as 'obscene and perverse' by one parent - while another said she was 'everybody's favorite teacher who 'loves nature, plants, birds and all biology'

One PYLUSD mother, Lisa Aultman, branded Rehburg as a 'political activist' who she said was discussing 'completely inappropriate, obscene and perverse' material with teenagers.

'I have a few comments regarding the El Dorado teacher caught on hidden camera teaching kids about male-on-male anal sex, sexual pleasure of the prostate, the g-spot, booty holes, vibrators, and how to use them and where to buy them,' she told the board's live-streamed meeting on Tuesday:

'This was a completely inappropriate, obscene and perverse discussion being had by this teacher with high school students, paid for by our tax dollars.

'Why is sexually explicit material being taught in our public schools with our tax dollars? Who approved this material?'

Altman added: 'I'm not sending my kids to school each day to learn this garbage being introduced by some political activist teacher...

'These activist teachers are abusing their positions of authority to try to sexualize and indoctrinate our kids. Please do something about it.'

Rehburg was captured on camera teaching students about anal sex and vibrators in her anatomy class which students said was taught to final year pupils

Rehburg's students have leapt to her defence on social media, with some using the hashtag #freejudy

Alyssia Griffiths, PYLUSD communications director, said the teacher had been placed on administrative leave after parents filed an official complaint.

'District employees are trusted to exercise professional judgment when deciding whether or not a particular issue is suitable for study or discussion,' she told Fox News.

'In the classroom, employees act on behalf of the district and are expected to follow the adopted curriculum, and they should not advocate personal opinions or viewpoints.

'With that being said, PYLUSD and EDHS will continue to work diligently to ensure that all students are afforded the opportunity to learn in a safe and respectful environment.'

In the wake of Rehburg's suspension, students have leapt to her defense online, including through social media pages and the hashtag #freejudy.

Via an Instagram account of the same name, an unnamed student who said they appear in the left of the original video, said her words were taken out of context.

They said: 'I would like to say that everything taught by our teacher is educational.

'This is an anatomy/physiology class.

'At the time this video was posted, Mrs Rehburg was simply answering a student's question anatomically, not in any means of harm.

'The question she was responding to was regarding the male prostate, and she gave the appropriate response in a way a teenager would understand it.'

Students have rallied to support Rehburg via an Instagram account called @savejudy

Pupils have said Rehburg fully outlined what her course would involve at the start of the academic year

Rehburg, from Alta Loma, CA, has not yet commented on her suspension, which is sparking conversations online

Others also defended Rehburg in the comments, including one who agreed there was 'nothing promiscuous or suggestive in her tone'

They added: 'I am more than certain not a single student felt uncomfortable in the class.

'She made sure to tell us about the whole curriculum at the beginning of the year, and students and parents were required to sign a syllabus at the beginning of the year.'

The pupil added that Rehburg had 'never encouraged us to do anything bad' and 'made sure to clarify that students should drop the class if they are not prepared for the topics covered'.

'To censor this at the high school level while allowing all sorts of liberal indoctrinations is hypocritical at best,' they added.

One person criticized the parents who had complained, saying they 'need to grow up and learn for themselves'.

Another commented: 'People would rather their kids learn from other kids and the internet than have a safe space to ask a knowledgeable educators questions theyre afraid to ask out loud.'

Meanwhile, Molly Kurzbard a parent of an El Dorado High student, said that Rehburg is 'everybody's favorite teacher'.

'She's kind,' Kurzbard told The Orange County Register. 'She loves nature, plants, birds and all biology.'

She has been a teacher at El Dorado High in Placentia, Los Angeles, California, for at least seven years

In 2016, The California Board of Education approved comprehensive sex education laws to include inclusivity for health education through the California Healthy Youth Act.

This Act states that 'instruction shall affirmatively recognize that people have different sexual orientations and, when discussing or providing examples of relationships and couples, must be inclusive of same-sex relationships'.

The Association of Placentia-Linda Educators, which represents Rehburg, declined to comment, and Rehburg could not be immediately reached.

Board members and El Dorado High Principal Joey Davis shared the district's statement.
Hundreds of Air India passengers, including some Americans, who were left stranded in Russia after their plane diverted have landed safely in San Francisco, ending a 56-hour ordeal.

The plane left India on June 6 and was traveling over Russia when pilots on the Air India flight 173 received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine, forcing them to land at a nearby airport in Magadan, Russia, Tuesday, the airline said.

The 216 passengers - including less than 50 Americans - and 16 crew were stranded for a day amid concerns of them being taken hostage over fears of Russia's relations with the West because of the Ukraine War.

While stranded in Russia, passengers were housed inside a makeshift accommodation at what appeared to be a school, where they slept on cots on the floor, while they waited for Air India's replacement flight from Mumbai to arrive.

That led to complaints from some, though one passenger said Russian officials provided necessary care.

The 230 left stranded were able to board a new plane the next day and it left Russia around 10.30am local time and landed in San Francisco shortly after midnight local time on June 8.

The 216 passengers - including less than 50 Americans - and 16 crew members took off from Delhi around 4am local time on June 6 and was later diverted to Magadan, where passengers would stay for more than a day. The flight would then leave Russian around 10.30am local time on June 8 and land in San Francisco shortly after midnight local time on June 8

One unidentified passenger (pictured) said they were well taken care of, saying: 'They have cooked food for 200 people three times in a day. So we're good. We got coffee, we got warm milk, we got eggs. So everybody is safe.'

However, others complained of the 'bitter cold' and poor accommodations

Air India admitted in a letter to customers the accommodations 'may not have met the standard' it aims to provide its customers, but due to the location, it was unable to provide hotel rooms.

'We will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India,' the airline told passengers, according to Mint.

Angry passengers complained Wednesday about inadequate food at their accommodation, which they said looked like a school.

Girvaan Singh Kahma, a passenger, said 'none of us' were used to Russia's cold climate, saying it was 'bitter cold for all of us' while they were stranded.

'There are toddlers,' he told ABC 7. 'There are elderly people who need medicine, toddlers who need diapers which are not provided to them right now.'

Chhaya Agarwal told the outlet her parents were 'sleeping on the floor on a mattress' and had been 'given bottles of water.'

'Luckily, my parents had the presence of mind to carry their medications in their handbags,' she said.

However, one unidentified passenger told ABC 7 they were well taken care of, saying: 'They have cooked food for 200 people three times in a day. So we're good. We got coffee, we got warm milk, we got eggs. So everybody is safe.'

Many were worried about Russia's no fly zone and fears began to spread that some passengers would be held hostage from flying back to the US.

Air India will be refunding all passengers for their trip

It comes amid a global debate over the use of Russian airspace by some carriers, with the chief of United Airlines warning on Monday of the dangers of a plane being forced to land in Russia with American citizens on board.

Russia has barred US airlines and other foreign carriers from using its airspace in retaliation for Washington banning Russian flights over the United States in March 2022 after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.

However, senior pilots for the airline defended its choice to land in Russia, saying: 'We have designated alternate airports across the route that that an aircraft takes. The Russia route is the shortest way between India and North America. Taking this route in no way compromises safety,' according to the Times of India.

The diversion also raises questions over how quickly the $200million Boeing 777, a high-profile US-built plane whose engines are made by General Electric, can be repaired amid US and European Union sanctions on exports of aviation items to Russia.
MBABANE  Eswatini Woolworths store will not endure the backlash following that South Africa (SA) has been criticised for running the Woollies Pride campaign through its merchandise.

This is because the clothing retailer will not run the campaign in Eswatini. Woolworth stores in SA came under fire from some people online after launching its Pride Month campaign, with some customers threatening to boycott the store over its new lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI)+ community merchandise which was displayed.

Celebration

The retailer is currently running the Woollies Pride campaign in celebration of the International Pride month in support of the LGBTQI+ community in SA. According to SA online news outlet 702, the pride campaign, using the tagline Be an Ally, includes T-shirts, sweatpants, socks, bags and hats. A portion of the sales will go towards a number of LGBTQI+ charities in SA, as stated in the news outlet. It quoted Woolworths having said; We know that theres always more to be done, and well keep looking for ways to enable, uplift and celebrate the LGTBQIA+ community.

It further reads that while the campaign got the nod from many South Africans, others took to social media to blast Woolworths and boycott the retailer for the campaign. A local customer, who asked the Eswatini branch if there were plans to run the campaign, said the store was not conducting the campaign, although they would have liked to participate. The customer was informed that the store did not participate in some of the international campaigns and promotions. When questioned whether the campaign was conducted across all Woolworths retail stores internationally, the Woolworths Press Office in SA stated that it was limited to SA because the LGBTQI+ rights were protected under the Constitution of South Africa. We are cognisant of the laws of each country within which we operate, reads a statement from the press office.

According to the statement, the Woollies Pride campaign was conducted annually in June, which is the International Pride Month, further stating that it formed part of the Woolworths Inclusive Justice Initiative, a group-wide position that they had taken against marginalisation and a strategy towards embracing diversity and inclusion. The Inclusive Justice Initiative sets out to acknowledge the extent to which certain groups in our society are marginalised and to help shift their marginalisation to inclusion and belonging, the statement reads in part.

Regarding the backlash, the press office stated that Woolworths had always appreciated and valued the feedback from its customers and that while the response to the Woollies Pride campaign had been largely positive, they were deeply saddened that the campaign had been felt to be offensive and negatively received by some people within their communities. It was never our intention to cause division. To the contrary, the overarching objective of the campaign, and our broader Woolworths Inclusive Justice Initiative, is to contribute to a world where everyone feels they belong.

Relevant

This, they stated, was particularly relevant in a country like theirs, with a number of people with different belief systems and from all walks of life. Furthermore, they stated that the Woolies Pride campaign was not the first for them. Last year, they said they focused on issues of gender equity during Womens Month in August and in December their #EndTheSilence campaign, which honoured 16 Days of Activism. It should be noted that social media users were actually divided about the campaign, with some finding nothing offensive about it, in particular because SA embraced and was welcoming towards the LGBTQI+ community.

WE WELCOME MOVE

MBABANE  We welcome support from capitalist organisation movements and profit making organisations to stand with them to ensure that there is protection for all. These sentiments were shared by Melusi Simelane from the Southern Africa Litigation Centre. Simelane is also the founding Director of Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities. He said, however, they saw a hijack by the capitalist for their own gain, where organisations like Woolworths and other big brands paraded clothing with LGBTQI+ colours for the marketing of their merchandise. The problem with this is that they use the campaigns like the LGBTQI Pride month and womens month, among others, to promote themselves for profit, he alleged.
An actor has told how he was 'coerced into performing simulated sex acts' in a fake Skype audition by the 'con queen of Hollywood' - who was posing as a female film producer.

Hargobind Tahilramani, 43, is facing extradition to the US accused of being the mastermind of a 800,000 scam against more than 300 victims between 2013 and 2020.

He is said to have used fake accents and altered his voice to sound like female film executives to fool industry professionals, including actors, screenwriters and photographers.

Actor and writer Eoin O'Brien, 45, said he was left 12,000 out of pocket after he was contacted by someone posing as Hollywood producer Deborah Snyder - who is known for working with her director husband Zack Snyder on films including 300 and Watchmen.

Convinced he was in the running for a 'breakthrough role' in a DC Justice League film, Mr O'Brien, who is from Dublin, said he was pressured to 'go all out' in a one-way video audition.

Eoin O'Brien, 45, said he was left 12,000 out of pocket by the film scam

Hargobind Tahilramani, 43, faces extradition accused of being the mastermind of the scam

'I was coerced into performing simulated sex acts over Skype by the con queen in the guise of an audition,' he said.

'When I discovered it wasn't who he claimed and also a male I felt violated.'

Mr O'Brien flew to Jakarta at his own expense having been promised a 4,000 fee before handing over thousands of dollars for 'shooting permits', which he was assured would be reimbursed.

But after four days of being driven to remote locations, Bangkok-based Mr O'Brien realised he had been scammed and fled Indonesia in the middle of the night.

He has now written an upcoming film, Kiss Of The Con Queen, based on his experience, which is currently in production.

Directed by Tom Waller, Mr O'Brien stars alongside Sleeping With the Enemy star Patrick Bergin and Ravi Patel as the con queen.

Tahilramani is said to have used fake accents and altered his voice to sound like female film executives

'This guy would just crush people for fun and sexually harass people, including myself, for his personal gratification,' said Mr O'Brien.

'Posing as a female Hollywood producer, the con queen used my dreams as bait, defrauded me of thousands, coerced me into simulated sex acts over Skype in the guise of an audition, and got me to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

'Ironically, by overcoming this experience I've earned what he used as bait - my dream of playing a lead role in a big film.'

Tahilramani was arrested following an FBI investigation in November 2020 in a 60-a-night Aparthotel, in Manchester, where he had allegedly claimed to be a 'writer for Netflix' and said he needed 10 rooms because he was working for The Bourne Identity director Doug Liman.

He faces an eight-count indictment in California including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment, and five counts of aggravated identity theft, carrying a maximum penalty of two years each.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring this week approved his extradition to the US and sent the case to Home Secretary Suella Braverman for a formal decision following an extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Tahilramani entered the UK in late 2016 and has claimed asylum, having lived in the country illegally after his entry visa expired, and his claim will have to be determined before he is extradited.

The court heard there are a 'large number of victims', including 'some UK victims' who are not subject to the US indictment or prosecution and his lawyers claimed a substantial amount of the alleged conduct took place while he was in the UK.

But he has not been charged with any offences in the UK and Mr O'Brien said: 'I want him to face justice for what he did to all of his victims, not just those in the US.

'He was living in Britain and committed a lot of his scams there, so why is he only being tried in the US for US victims?

'What about all the British and Irish victims?

'Once he had been arrested in Manchester I thought he would be charged.

'But the British authorities have washed their hands of fraud and sex crimes by sending him to the US.

'The one thing I agree with him about is that a UK courtroom would be a great place for us to meet and see him face justice for every victim he abused, especially in the UK from where he ran his operation.

'The Home Secretary must hold him to account here first.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We do not comment on individual cases.'
An angry warning was sent to firm's employees

FNZ Group will fire workers who don't come into the office

A global financial tech company has threatened to fire workers who don't come into the office at least three days a week.

FNZ Group sent an email to workers in its 30 international locations - including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne - earlier this week to warn them it will be keeping track of office attendance.

The company offers flexible work arrangements that let employees work from home two days a week and come into the office three days a week.

However, FNZ claims a number of its staff haven't been coming into the office enough to meet its three-day requirement.

The email, which was leaked online on Thursday, reads: 'On review of key offices worldwide, it is obvious there are significant numbers of people that have ignored our hybrid working policy.

FNZ Group sent an email (above) to its employees this week to warn them it will be firing those who don't come into the office at least two days a week

The email said 'significant numbers of people' who have chosen to work from home more than the company allows will be fired with the message to be considered a 'final warning'

'This is therefore the final warning, which is unfortunate, as no-one actually raised any challenges or issues in the lengthy discussion we have had on this subject for over a year.

'Working from home for more than two days per week is in violation of your employment contract. It is against the firm's policy.'

The email continues to say all staff who do not spend at least two days of the week in the office, from this week on, will be fired.

'Next week, and weekly thereafter, we will source all building access records worldwide,' the email reads.

'In relation to anyone in breach of this policy, we reserve the right to terminate their employment without notice, without settlement, without references and without any further warnings.

'An amnesty will be granted up to and including the current week, ending on June 9, but no further.'

The ominous email rubbed several Aussie workers the wrong way with the majority of Australia's office workforce now preferring to work from home rather than in the office.

'I'll remember not to do business with you, nor apply for any jobs there. What a joke!,' one person wrote on Twitter.

'You don't deserve the 'tech' in fintech with that attitude,' Instagram page The Aussie Corporate wrote.

Recent data found 73 per cent of Australia's big bosses prefer an in-office workforce while 57 percent of Aussie workers value flexibility more than other workplace perks

Recent data from LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends found 77 per cent of Australia's big bosses agreed working from home will remain a workplace norm for many years to come but 73 per cent said they prefer an in-office workforce.

However, the same research showed 57 per cent of employees who can work from home consider flexibility more important than other workplace perks, like compensation.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted FNZ Group for comment.
Marks & Spencer has agreed a settlement with sweetmaker Swizzels after accusing them of copying their much-loved Percy Pigs.

The supermarket chain said it had reached an 'amicable resolution' with the Derbyshire-based confectionery business, who had agreed to change the design of its Pigs Mugs treats.

The retailer's lawyers had claimed that the sweets were so alike that customers might have ended up buying the wrong ones.

A 37-page document filed at the High Court in London in November said the Percy Pig brand had generated a 131.7 million turnover since its launch in 1993 and currently 271 bags were sold a minute.

In their legal submission, an example was used of a customer who loved the sweets so much they had a tattoo of Percy's face.

Sweet wars: M&S accused Swizzels of copying their Percy Pigs (left) for the design of their Pigs Mugs (right). Today they reached an 'amicable resolution'

Last month, family-run gelato shop, Fabio's Gelato, was forced to change the name of its Percy Pig ice cream after it received a cease and desist letter from the retailer

An M&S spokesman said: 'M&S has a proud history as a leading innovator and for almost 140 years customers have turned to M&S for unique, original, quality products - conceived, created and developed alongside trusted suppliers and produced to the highest standards.

'M&S has made a significant investment in building a strong Percy Pig brand over the past 30 years and believe it is important to protect the registered trademarks relating to Percy Pig's appearance.'

Founded in 1928, Derbyshire-based Swizzels is well-known for classics such as Refreshers, Parma Violets and Drumsticks and has been selling its Pigs Mugs sweets since 1996.

M&S has previously taken well-publicised legal action against retailers for infringing their trademarks, but in this case they have taken action against a manufacturer.

Earlier this year, Aldi lost a court battle against Marks & Spencer after being accused of copying its light-up Christmas gin bottles.

The High Court ruled that Aldi infringed the design of its rival's product, in a major blow to the German discounter, which had denied the accusations.

The row was over the design of M&S' 'light-up gin bottles' which were sold during Christmas 2020, claiming that Aldi's 2021 gold flake blackberry and clementine gin liqueurs were 'strikingly similar' to its own products.

The case was the latest legal wrangle between the companies, after M&S had previously accused the discount supermarket chain of copying the design of its Colin the Caterpillar cake with its rival Cuthbert.

Marks & Spencer ended the supermarket cake wars after calling a truce with Aldi in February last year.

M&S sued Aldi for allegedly infringing the design of its 'light-up gin bottles' which were sold during Christmas 2020, claiming that Aldi's 2021 gold flake blackberry and clementine gin liqueurs were 'strikingly similar' to its own products

Marks & Spencer has settled an intellectual property claim with the German discounter Aldi after it accused them of copying the design of its famous Colin the Caterpillar cake (pictured) for their rival Cuthbert

Details of the 'confidential' deal have not been revealed, but it is understood that Cuthbert (pictured) will not appear again in quite the same form

Lawyers had been brought in on the intellectual property claim, which even made it to the High Court last year.

Both supermarkets confirmed an agreement has been struck to resolve the conflict over the cake.

Details of the 'confidential' deal have not been revealed, but it is understood that Cuthbert will not appear again in quite the same form.

Last month, a family-run gelato shop was forced to change the name of its Percy Pig ice cream after it received a cease and desist letter from Marks & Spencer.

Fabio's Gelato, based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, received the letter which included a pack of sweets on May 11, a week after the new flavour was announced on its Facebook page.

M&S claimed the owner, Fabio Vincineti, could not use the name of the product - because since 1992 Percy Pig can only be used on 'official M&S products'.

Mr Vincineti, who owns the business with his wife Hannah, said: 'Just before the King's coronation we made the ice cream and advertised it.

'The day we actually started selling it was the day we were sent the letter. It said we were more than welcome to use the product but not the name.
A police force today issued a humiliating apology in the High Court to a black Royal Marine they tried to have dismissed from the Armed Forces.

West Yorkshire Police (WYP) sent an email to the Marine's Warrant Officer repeating allegations made by his former partner with whom he was locked in a custody dispute. The marine has accused the police of 'racism'.

The email, written by PC Cathryn Harrison, ended with the words: 'I ask that you look into an internal investigation into X, as if in the case a criminal charge is unable to be brought against him, his behaviour, threats and blatant lies to (his former partner) are far below the standard expected of a member of the armed forces.'

It included attachments which named the child, thereby breaching the Family Court's strict rules of confidentiality.

Incredibly, the email was sent before police had approached the then 25-year-old Marine, who serves with Britain's elite special forces, for his side of the story.

West Yorkshire Police (WYP) sent an email to the Marine's Warrant Officer repeating allegations made by his former partner with whom he was locked in a custody dispute. The marine has accused the police of 'racism'. (Pictured: West Yorkshire Police headquarters)

When they arrested him the following day, he explained that he had copied the Family Court judge into the emails sent to his former partner to keep everything above board.

But that was far from the end of the matter.

For the next 16 and a half months, WYP kept the Marine on bail, forcing him to make 600-mile round trips to sign in at Halifax police station, while claiming they were awaiting a decision from the Crown Prosecution Service.

However, it later emerged that it was 14 months before they even submitted a file to the CPS who then dismissed it as without merit.

Today, a barrister representing the Force's Chief Constable, told the High Court: 'The Defendant (WYP) is accordingly here today to publicly set the record straight, and to apologise to the Claimant for all the distress and embarrassment that he accepts that the false and insupportable defamatory Statement, together with the breach of his privacy, has caused to him.'

It followed on from a defamation hearing last year when WYP became the first police force to be found to have committed a Chase Level One libel, the highest level of defamation.

In his judgement, Mr Justice Johnson said the email, 'does not merely repeat but in effect endorses the allegations made by the claimant's former partner.

'It follows, in my judgment, that the bulk of the email, including the reference to two criminal offences, is at Chase Level 1. In substance, it states that the claimant has committed those two criminal offences.' He held that 'this meaning is defamatory at common law; it amounts to fact rather than opinion.'

Of the claim the Marine's behaviour was 'not compatible with service in the armed forces', the judge concluded that amounted to WYP's defamatory opinion.

Now WYP's catastrophic investigation has led them to be accused of both racism and wokery.

The Marine, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he had been driven to paranoia and depression during the lengthy police investigation.

He said: 'Without even speaking to me, West Yorkshire Police chose to believe everything my former partner said about me namely that I was a dangerous man, a liar, mentally unstable and controlling and coercive.

'I don't think they even thought I was a Marine, just a crazy black Walter Mitty character, who was harassing his ex.

A police force today issued a humiliating apology in the High Court (pictured) to a black Royal Marine they tried to have dismissed from the Armed Forces

'I will never know how many people in the Armed Forces saw the email and attachments that they sent. It was a reckless thing for them to do and I believe that racism played a big part in the way they acted.

'They then lied to the Family Court about the matter being with the CPS and had my character assassinated in crucial child arrangement hearings.

'I would urge the Chief Constable to explain how his force were able to extend my bail over 16 and a half months while doing nothing with my case.'

His lawyer, Yair Cohen of Cohen Davis Solicitors who took the case on a no-win, no-fee basis, said: 'There needs to be an investigation into why West Yorkshire Police acted as they did. It should not be normal for the police to make up their minds that a man is guilty and try to ruin his life without even speaking to him.

'Was it racism or was it because of some sort of wokery where they are hard-wired to believe everything that a female 'victim' tells them?'

WYP fought and lost at every stage of the proceedings and will now be forced to pay the Marine's two years of legal costs as well as his insurance and damages.

Legal experts said the cost to the taxpayer would be well in excess of 250,000.

The Marine, who now has a shared custody arrangement in place for his daughter, added: 'I think there is a real cultural problem within West Yorkshire Police.

'I was left with no choice but to take legal actions to enforce my rights but there will be other fathers out there who do not have the access I had to support from the Royal Navy and individuals with exceptional knowledge.

'I have no doubt similar cases have taken place where fathers have taken their own lives.'

Mr Cohen added: 'At every stage, WYP acted as though their behaviour was natural and normal and kept fighting this case.

'They ended up lying to my client, lying to the Family Court that the case was with the CPS and this should concern everyone.

'The fact remains that no-one has been reprimanded and if nobody is at fault in a case like this then what does it say about the organisation itself?'
He stormed into monastery in May accusing prioress of adultery with a priest

The saga of a Texas bishop who accused a wheelchair-bound prioress of adultery with a priest has taken a new twist, as police confirmed they are investigating the matter for potential criminal offenses.

Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson last week ejected Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach from the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, declaring her guilty of violating her vow of chastity with a priest.

It came after Gerlach filed a $1 million lawsuit accusing Olson of storming into the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in April, 'interrogating' the nuns over his suspicions, and seizing phones and other devices they use to run the convent in Arlington.

In a statement to DailyMail.com on Wednesday, the Arlington Police Department confirmed that in response to a complaint filed by an attorney, detectives were probing Olson's conduct to 'determine whether any criminal offenses have occurred.'

In response, a spokesman for the bishop fired back, accusing the nuns of using 'marijuana and edibles at the monastery' and saying the diocese had filed its own police complaint.

Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson (center on a recent trip to India) is under criminal investigation after storming into a monastery to confront nuns, police confirmed

Olson last week ejected Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach from the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, declaring her guilty of violating her vow of chastity with a priest

Olson's spokesman Pat Svacina shared two photos with DailyMail.com that he said were from inside the monastery, showing a clutter of containers labeled as edible TCH products, as well as what appear to be a bong and grinders for smoking.

Svacina said the photos 'were provided by a confidential informant within the monastery' and raise 'serious questions that the Bishop is tirelessly working to address.'

The office of Michael Bobo, the attorney representing the nuns, responded in a scathing statement calling the photos a 'mere obfuscation ploy and a juvenile, low-level public relations stunt by the diocese.'

'The absolutely ridiculous allegations by the diocese including anonymously-sourced photos that could have easily been staged and doctored by anyone, and from anywhere, are without merit,' the statement said.

Medical marijuana is legal in Texas to treat a range of physical and psychiatric conditions, but Bobo declined to comment on whether any of the nuns have a compassionate use authorization.

Gerlach, the nun Olson ejected from the order, has severe chronic gastrointestinal issues that confine her to a wheelchair and require the use of a feeding tube and daily IV, her attorney has said.

She strenuously denied the bishop's allegations of committing a sexual sin with a priest, and will continue living in the Arlington convent at least until the June 30 deadline to appeal his decree banishing her from the order.

Olson's spokesman shared two photos with DailyMail.com that he said were from inside the monastery, showing a clutter of containers labeled as edible TCH products, as well as what appear to be a bong and grinders (center rear) for smoking

Svacina said the photos 'were provided by a confidential informant within the monastery' and raise 'serious questions that the Bishop is tirelessly working to address'

Bobo, the attorney representing the Carmelite nuns, first revealed the police investigation in a media statement on Wednesday night, saying that 'multiple law enforcement agencies are involved' in reviewing Olson's actions, including the Arlington police.

'We are thankful that these law enforcement agencies have decided to undertake this criminal investigation and are confident that the nuns will receive justice under the law of the State of Texas that they deserve,' said Bobo.

'No onenot even a sitting Catholic bishopis above the law,' he added.

The police investigation is believed to relate to Olson's actions in April, when according to court filings, the bishop repeatedly entered the convent -- which is owned by the nuns -- and confiscated their phones and other devices.

Arlington police confirmed the criminal investigation, saying in a statement: 'On May 31, the Arlington Police Department received a letter from a local law firm raising allegations about recent actions taken at the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity here in our city.'

'In response, the department has launched an investigation to determine whether any criminal offenses have occurred, which is standard anytime a criminal complaint is made. Detectives are in the early stages of the investigation,' the department said.

Svacina, the diocese spokesman, fired back, telling DailyMail.com: 'Attorney Bobo's press release is yet another transparent attempt to spread baseless and outrageous accusations regarding Bishop Olson's legitimate investigation of the Carmelite Monastery.'

'Bishop Olson and the Diocese have taken the approach that this is an internal matter and should not be played out in the press,' he said, calling Bobo's public statements an 'attempt to embarrass Bishop Olson and undermine his authority.'

'To be perfectly clear, neither the Bishop nor anyone at the Diocese have been involved in any criminal activity regarding the Monastery,' added Svacina, calling the suggestion 'preposterous'.

Gerlach oversaw the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity (above) in Arlington, Texas, which sits on roughly 72 acres owned by the Discalced Carmelite Nuns religious order

The Mother Superior made extraordinary allegations in a sworn affidavit last month, accusing Olson of barging into the convent to interrogate nuns and confiscate phones

Last week, acting on sweeping new powers granted by the Vatican a day earlier, Olson issued a decree ejecting Gerlach from the Carmelite order, in which she has lived for 25 years under vows.

Olson said that, following an investigation, he found Gerlach 'guilty of having violated the sixth commandment of the Decalogue and her vow of chastity with a priest from outside the Diocese of Fort Worth.'

In the Catholic Church, the Sixth Commandment is 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' and forbids sex outside of marriage. Catholic priests and nuns are forbidden to marry and take vows of celibate chastity.

Gerlach's attorney Bobo slammed the bishop's decision as 'absolutely unjust and unconscionable in the light of moral, canonical and natural law.'

'Mother Superior will be appealing this immoral and unjust decision that is not subject to canonical action. In addition, the civil lawsuit will continue full speed ahead,' Bobo added in a statement to DailyMail.com.

Olson's move to eject Gerlach from the Carmelites came a day after the Vatican issued a degree granting him 'full governing power' over the order of nuns, who typically report directly to the pope.

The May 31 decree was issued by the Catholic Church's Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which oversees religious orders, including monastics such as monks and nuns.

It names Olson as 'Pontifical Commissary' to the Carmelites, installing him as the pope's representative in matters relating to the nuns.

Gerlach's ejection from the order comes after Olson repeatedly and publicly shared allegations that she had violated her vow of chastity with a priest, who has never been named by the diocese.

Olson's spokesman has not responded to questions from DailyMail.com regarding the identity of the priest, and whether he faces an investigation or sanctions.

Olson's move to eject Gerlach from the Carmelites came a day after the Vatican issued a degree granting him 'full governing power' over the order of nuns

The May 31 decree was issued by the Catholic Church's Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which oversees religious orders

At the heart of the dispute lies the allegation that Gerlach violated her vow of chastity with a priest, although the specific details of that claim remain shrouded in mystery.

The Diocese of Fort Worth has repeatedly claimed, in public statements and court documents, that Gerlach admitted to violating her vow of chastity.

But Bobo has slammed that assertion as false, saying that the Mother Superior never admitted to such a violation, and that she is not even aware of the specific nature of the allegation she faces.

'The bishop just decided to lob this bombshell out there, and for the life of us, we don't even know what the specifics of the allegation are. But I can absolutely tell you, she's never had sex with a priest,' Bobo told DailyMail.com in a recent phone interview.

In a report on the case, Catholic news outlet The Pillar shed some light on the mystery, citing sources who said the allegation against Gerlach may stem from vague statements she made in December 2022, while she was heavily medicated following a hospital procedure.

A person close to the matter told the outlet that while Gerlach was 'in-and-out of lucidity,' she made tearful, incoherent remarks to the nun who serves as her caregiver and the diocesan vicar general, saying she had committed some sin against the Sixth Commandment.

'She was crying and upset, but she didn't give any details about any of this, and we didn't really know what she was talking about,' the person said.

'And sometimes she said that it was a violation against chastity which she committed on the phone. So it didn't make a whole lot of sense,' the source added.

The person noted that since Gerlach requires a round-the-clock caregiver for her medical issues, 'the notion that she committed some secret sexual sin with a priest  even on the phone  doesnt stand up to scrutiny.'

'It is much more likely that this whole thing was a hallucination,' the person said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to restrict gun ownership, following a record year of mass shootings.

The Democrat's plan would leave the 2nd Amendment unchanged and 'respect' America's 'gun-owning tradition'.

But he has demanded 'common sense constitutional protections and gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, independent voters, and gun owners overwhelmingly support'.

It would include 'universal background checks, raising the firearm purchase age to 21, instituting a firearm purchase waiting period, and barring the civilian purchase of assault weapons.'

All of those are hot political topics that have divided Congress as well as state legislatures. They haven't been able to clear Congress, where Republicans have successfully filibustered gun control measures in the past,

Last June, the House while under Democratic control passed a gun package to raise the age for certain gun purchases, limit the size of gun magazines, and codify 'bump stock' regulations. It died in the Senate.

A new amendment to the Constitution needs to be passed by a two-thirds in Congress or an application by two thirds of the states.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to restrict gun ownership

Courts have shot down many legislative gun remedies. Last year, the Supreme Court struck down a New York restriction limiting people who could carry concealed firearms in public, ruling people had the right to carry for self defense.

Those won't be the end of Newsom's proposed remedies. 'Additionally, the 28th Amendment will affirm Congress, states, and local governments can enact additional common-sense gun safety regulations that save lives,' said his release.

Newsom is a prominent figure in his party who stepped back from a potential run for president.

His high-profile gun control effort will put pressure on Democratic and Republican lawmakers and candidates to weigh in on whether they would back an effort that would establish nationwide gun restrictions, including states where resistance to new restrictions runs deep.

Biden has faced increased pressure to respond to a seemingly endless string of mass shootings. There have been more than 200 so far this year, including a shooting at a high school graduation in Richmond this week.

Newsom pitched his amendment on NBC's 'Today' show

Residents leave flowers and comfort each other at a memorial outside the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, CA. Multiple people were killed at the ballroom dance studio late as the community started Lunar New Years celebrations

Vice President Kamala Harris leaves flowers at a makeshift memorial at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California, on January 25, 2023

People work at one of the crime scenes, following a mass shooting at two locations in Half Moon Bay, California in January

The White House has responded by pointing to Biden's repeated calls for congressional action, including his call to renew a ban on assault-style weapons like the AR-15, which has been the weapon of choice in mass shooting events in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.

Biden himself has said the 2nd Amendment's gun protections aren't limitless, as he did in 2021 while announcing a series of administrative actions that didn't require congressional approval.

'But no amendment  no amendment to the Constitution is absolute. You cant yell crowd  you cant [yell] fire in a crowded movie theater and call it freedom of speech. From the very beginning, you couldnt own any weapon you wanted to own. From the very beginning that the Second Amendment existed, certain people werent allowed to have weapons. So the idea is just bizarre to suggest that some of the things were recommending are contrary to the Constitution,' said Biden.

Last June Biden signed the first gun safety legislation into law in decades following the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two adults dead.

It included incentives for state 'red flag' laws and expanded background checks for those 18-21, and was the product of tense negotiations between Republicans and Democrats. But it stopped short of Biden's broader goals of new gun restrictions.
Prosecutors claim she tricked a girl into sex by making her think she was a boy

Georgia Bilham, 21, is on trial at Chester Crown Court accused of sexual assault

A woman accused of duping a teenage girl into sex by posing as a boy called George insisted she was 'not a lesbian' and didn't 'like girls' after she was confronted over the alleged deception, a court heard today.

After Georgia Bilham's alleged victim discovered her real identity and branded her 'one ugly girl', the 21-year-old apologised to her own mother for making a 'stupid mistake' but said it was 'never meant to go that far'.

The exchange followed a Facebook message which the teenager sent Bilham's father Peter spelling out how she allegedly learnt she had been tricked after researching her on social media.

Today jurors heard a message Bilham sent her mother, Michelle Fisher, later that day in which she insisted she was 'not a lesbian' and 'got nothing out of it', adding: 'I actually don't like girls'.

In the message, Bilham mentions 'boxers and socks'  the alleged victim told the trial she felt a 'willy-like' object in 'George's' trousers, but Bilham's barrister has said she denies using an object to mimic a penis.

Georgia Bilham, pictured here outside Chester Crown Court today, messaged her parents after the alleged victim uncovered the deception

In messages to her mother Michelle Fisher, Georgia Bilham said she had 'got too deep into it' and 'lost control'. Pictured: A mock-up of messages sent between Bilham and her mother

She also acknowledged 'this happened more than once' without going into further detail on what that meant.

The message  sent on the evening of August 20, 2021  was in response to one from her mother which read: 'This is serious. You need to come home now.'

In response, Bilham begins by writing: 'It was never meant to go that far.'

Bilham  who the court has heard set up a Snapchat account in the name of George Parry  went on to say she had made 'a stupid mistake'.

'I didn't think nothing of it,' she added, saying she and the alleged victim immediately 'clicked'.

'It was just lie after lie, I couldn't see a way out.

'We'd always somehow end up speaking.

'I knew I could have easily have cut it all off.

'I know myself it was wrong. I wanted it to stop, I wanted to just be me.'

Bilham told her mother she 'got in way too deep' and felt 'trapped', and that 'when it came out I was relieved in a way'.

'I'm not a lesbian, like I'm genuinely not, if that hadn't have happened I would never go near a girl, I wouldn't have had the boxers, none of it.'

Bilham wrote 'I know I f***e*d up mum but I'll do what I can to make it right'.

'The boxers and socks you already know the truth behind that,' she added.

'I'm not a lesbian like I got nothing out of it and I know this happened more than once but I actually don't like girls.

'All I want to do now is make it right and make my life better.

'I hate myself for what I've done and I always will.'

In the message, Bilham  who had earlier been told by her alleged victim that she should be put in a mental institution 'or drop dead'  admitted 'maybe I do need help'.

She concluded: 'Please help me mum, please forgive me I'm so sorry for everything I've done, the money, the lying, things I've said, actions I've made.

'I'm sorry for everything and especially putting you through it all. I love you.'

Nikita Hughes (pictured), 22, was befriended by what she believed was a young man who she knew as 'Brummie George' over Snapchat, she told a jury

Georgia Bilham leaving Chester Crown Court yesterday - where she is on trial charged with 17 sexual assaults on a 19-year-old female victim

Messages from Georgia Bilham to her mother in full Michelle Fisher to Georgia Bilham at 9.43pm on August 20, 2021: This is serious. You need to come home now. Georgia Bilham: It was never meant to go that far. I made a stupid mistake and was stupid years ago and made that account. I didnt think nothing of it. Me and her since the start clicked. I know its stupid of me but before that we had been messaging and we was closer. The whole thing wasnt me (crying emoji) I couldnt see a way out of it. It was just lie after lie, I couldnt see a way out. Wed always somehow end up speaking. If I didnt have feelings I would never have carried on but I cant deny I didnt. I knew I could have easily have cut it all off. I know myself it was wrong. I wanted it to stop, I wanted to just be me. I know I should have cut it off but like if I didnt feel the way I did it would have been a million times more easier The whole situation I just got in way too deep. I would have just stopped without thinking about it I felt trapped and didnt see a way out when it came out I was relieved in a way That isnt what I want in life. I never wanted it to go this far mum, please believe me. Im not a lesbian like Im genuinely not if that hadnt have happened I would never go near a girl I wouldnt have had the boxers none of it. I just got too deep into it and I lost control. The boxers and socks you already know the truth behind that. I just didnt know how to break it off without being questioned. Im not a lesbian like I got nothing out of it and I know this happened more than once but I actually dont like girls. Ill never forgive myself but Im glad its not a secret. I will genuinely do anything to make it right. I hate myself for what Ive done and I always will. I know I f***ed up but I cant do any of it without you mum. When Ive grown up and sorted my head out all I want to do is make it right and repay you and dad. Please help me mum, please forgive me Im so sorry for everything Ive done, the money, the lying, things Ive said, actions Ive made. Im sorry for everything and especially putting you through it all. I love you. Advertisement

It came the same day prosecutors alleged Bilham had also used the same deception on a female McDonald's worker.

Nikita Hughes, 22, was befriended by who she thought was a young man known as 'Brummie George' over Snapchat, she told a jury.

After exchanging multiple messages, 'George' picked her up from work and took her for a drive, wearing a tracksuit and keeping his hood up the whole time, she said.

But Miss Hughes claims she did not get more than a 'glimpse' of 'his' face before 'George' pushed her away with his arm.

Asked if she believed him to be male or female at the time, she answered: 'Male.'

Weeks later, Miss Hughes was contacted 'out of the blue' by a teenage girl who was in a relationship with 'George' and wanted to know more about 'him'.

Georgia Bilham, 21, is on trial accused of deceiving the teenager into believing she was 'George' to trick her into sex.

Rendering the short-sighted teenager 'essentially blind' by taking away her glasses, Bilham hid her long, blonde hair under her hood at all times, jurors have been told.

The girl only learnt the truth after her mother became suspicious, and as a result began researching 'his' real identity on social media, the trial has heard.

Bilham, from Alpraham, Cheshire, is charged with nine counts of sexual assault and eight counts of assault by penetration, all of which she denies.

Giving evidence today at Chester Crown Court, Miss Hughes said she was contacted by someone called 'Brummie George' when she was around 16 years old.

She said 'George' told her his mother had died, that he was close to his 'nan' and had two dogs. The pair messaged 'quite a lot'.

In May 2021, she said 'George' arranged to pick her up from the McDonald's where she worked in Abergele, North Wales  the first and only time they met.

Collecting her in 'his' car  which she thought was a Ford  they drove to the Great Orme beauty spot near Llandudno, she said.

'He had his hood up the whole time,' she said.

'How much of his face could you see?' asked Anna Pope, prosecuting.

'None,' Miss Hughes answered.

'I caught a glimpse at one point but then my face got pushed away.'

She confirmed that 'George' had used his arm to push her away.

'Did you understand 'George' to be male or female?' Ms Pope asked.

'Male,' she replied.

Miss Hughes said she never heard from 'George' again.

Jurors heard that in her witness statement, she said the way 'George' behaved was 'strange' so she decided she 'didn't want to see him again'.

In July of that year she was contacted by the teenage girl who is Bilham's accuser in this trial.

She wanted to know more about 'George'.

Georgia Bilham arrives at Chester Crown Court today. Bilham is accused of tricking a teenage girl into sex by posing as a boy called 'George'

Georgia Bilham (pictured today), 21, is on trial accused of deceiving a teenager into believing she was a boy in order to trick her into sex

Miss Hughes replied that they had been 'mates for years' but she had 'only ever met him once'.

The following month, jurors were told the pair exchanged further messages about the teenager's discovery that 'George' was really Georgia Bilham.

Bilham allegedly set up a fake Snapchat profile under the name 'George Parry' and began messaging the alleged victim online when she was still at school.

In 2021 they progressed to meeting up for sexual activity in 'George's' car, with Bilham taking away the extremely short-sighted girl's glasses, leaving her 'essentially blind', the court heard.

'George' told her he was too afraid to take off his top or even lower the hood because he was working for an Albanian criminal gang.

The trial continues.
A baby boy born on Christmas Day died after being placed in a sleeping pod on his parents' bed, an inquest heard today.

Little Leonidas Ramsden was just four months old when he was found unresponsive at his home in Buckfastleigh, Devon, on April 28 last year.

A hearing on Thursday was told he had been 'fed and placed in a sleeping pod upstairs on his parents' bed before being found unresponsive some hours later.

There are no suspicious circumstances and a post mortem could not ascertain the cause of death.

It is not yet known what type or brand of sleeping pod Leonidas was placed in on the night he died.

Little Leonidas Ramsden (pictured) was found unresponsive at his home in Buckfastleigh, Devon, on April 28 last year, at just over four months old.

Four years before his death in 2017, Tesco and Mothercare were among a string of British retailers to stop selling the products due to safety concerns.

They are still widely available on Amazon.

In a previous warning to parents, children's charity the Lullaby Trust wrote in an open letter: 'Items such as cushioned sleeping pods, nests, baby hammocks, cot bumpers, pillows, duvets and anything that wedges or straps a baby in place can pose a risk to babies under 12 months.

'Evidence shows that sleeping a baby on anything but a firm, flat surface, or using soft, heavy bedding, can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

How should my baby sleep? The Consumer Product Safety Commission has previously told parents they should follow this guidance: Best place for an infant to sleep is on a firm, flat surface such as that in a crib;

Parents and caregivers should use a fitted sheet only and never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers or other items;

Infants should always be placed to sleep on their back;

Infants who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment. Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission. Advertisement

'They can lead to overheating or potentially obstruct a baby's airway if they roll or their face becomes covered by loose bedding.'

A spokesperson for The Lullaby Trust previously said: 'As a SIDS charity, we have watched with concern as products that go against safer sleep advice gain popularity.

'It is hard for parents when they are trying to choose from the overwhelming number of baby products on offer and many people make the reasonable assumption that if an item is sold on the high street or made by a recognised brand it is safe for their baby.'

Leonadis's young mother Akita wrote a heart-wrenching appeal for funds to help pay for a memorial in the wake of her son's death last year.

She said: 'We are devastated and lost, feeling stuck in a reality that shouldn't exist. We will never feel complete again.

'I'm 21 years old. I have made two perfect, beautiful children. My daughter Azaylea and my son Leonidas-Aurelius . We fell in love the moment I met them...

'Our son Leonidas-Aurelius was 4 months and 3 days old when he rolled over in the middle of the night while his family slept. He didn't cry.. he didn't wake up.. he just slipped away in his sleep with small sweet smile on his face.

'The moment me and my partner woke from a couple hours napping. We had to face the most reality shattering and horrific realisation... that Leonidas-Aurelius, the perfect soul had left the beautiful vessel we had created.'

She added: 'Leo had the most beautiful low tones to his voice and he loved the sound of it.. he was always showing off his lovely cooing sounds but most of all he loved to roar.

'When you held his hands he would hold on and lift himself into the air... Always smiling and holding his head high. He was such a beautiful sight... 4 months and 3 days of showering him in love and kisses was the best moments of my life.'

A full inquest will be held a later date.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said he was 'glad' to arrest Lorincz - who had a bitter feud with Owens over a two-year period

Lorincz appeared in court today charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault

Susan Lorincz, 58, is accused of shooting Ajike 'AJ ' Owens, 35, dead in front of Owens' children on June 2 in Ocala, Florida

A white Florida woman has appeared in court in a suicide-prevention vest to be accused of shooting dead her black neighbor after a dispute over her children playing in her front yard.

Susan Lorincz, 58, is accused of shooting mother-of-four Ajike 'AJ ' Owens, 35, dead in front of Owens' young son after a bitter two-year dispute between the pair came to a tragic end on June 2.

She spoke to confirm her name and date of birth before telling the court that she was unemployed and had filed for disability two weeks ago after leaving her job. She did not enter a plea to any of the charges.

Lorincz is charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault after shooting dead Owens in Ocala, Florida.

She was arrested four days after the fatal confrontation and admitted to cops that she shot Owens through her front door when the mom approached her property amid a row over her children 'trespassing' and arguing with Lorincz.'

Susan Lorincz, 58, is accused of shooting mother-of-four Ajike 'AJ ' Owens, 35, dead in front of Owens' young son after a bitter two-year dispute between the pair ended in tragedy on June 2

Lorincz wore a suicide-prevention vest and spoke to confirm her name and date of birth before telling the court that she had filed for disability two weeks ago

Owens, 35, (pictured) was shot dead in front of her son, 10, after a bitter two-year dispute between the pair ended in tragedy in Ocala, Florida

Appearing at Marion County Courthouse, Lorincz said she has 'no savings', does not own her home and owed $22,000 on her vehicle.

Prosecutors had not yet filed a motion for pretrial detention, so the judge was unable to set bond in the case. The law states it must be submitted within five days of a first appearance.

Sullen-looking Lorincz told the hearing she had been working for United Healthcare until two weeks ago, and assists her sister around the house who lives in the same area.

Represented by a public defender, Lorincz will next appear in court on June 9, with the judge setting a motion hearing for July 11.

Lorincz, who has lived in the area for 15 years, told officers that she 'feared for her life' during the incident.

But Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods dismissed her version of events as 'BS' on Thursday, adding video captured on security cameras at neighboring properties 'were the final nail.'

Woods said accounts from Owens' children were backed up by the surveillance footage seen by cops.

'There are things that people say that we're able to prove is a yellow flag  a b******t flag  and say no that is wrong,' he told WFTV.

'She couldn't see through the door, she couldn't see the individual. So her comments that she was in fear of her life raises the hair on the back of our neck.'

Lorincz is charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault

Owens went over to Lorincz's home to confront her over allegations she threw a rollerblade at one of her children earlier in the day and smashed a tablet, before swinging an umbrella

Lorincz, an insurance agent, told police during her interview that Owens' children had been 'trespassing' on her property in Ocala, Florida, and one threatened to 'beat her up'

The affidavit shows there were two surveillance cameras inside Lorincz's home, with one facing the patio and the other attached to the sliding door.

Lorincz, an insurance agent, claimed that the cameras were functional but only record motion and 'at night sometimes do not capture anything.'

The cameras are accessible through her phone, and after initially declining to give the passcode, Lorincz handed over the phone.

Officers could not see any recording after 8.40pm the night of the incident, but Lorincz denied deleting any recordings.

Lorincz was left in possession of her phone for two hours after being placed inside of a police car  and footage shows her accessing it briefly.

However, it is unclear what she did on the phone from the view of the camera, and it was subsequently taken into evidence.

Susan Lorincz, 58, is pictured in her mugshot

Lorincz told cops that Owens' children had been 'trespassing' on her property, with neighbors revealing that she 'had a problem with kids' and would record them before taunting them with slurs as well as waving her guns around in their direction.

Phyllis Wills, 33, told NBC that Lorincz would 'harass' her kids, adding: 'Everybody in this neighborhood has feuded with this lady over our children.'

Other parents said they called her a 'Karen' after she repeatedly filmed their children and called the police about their antics.

'It's an apartment complex. These are children who, you know, they're, they're going to do things,' Willis said.

'Every time they've went even in the patch of grass over there, she would be like, "Get off of my lawn, you b****** or you retards or you N-word." She would wave guns at them.'

When interviewed by police, one of Owens' sons claimed that Lorincz had previously called them 'B******' and 'jack****s' as well as saying: 'This isn't the underground railroad, slave.'

Owens went over to Lorincz's home to confront her over allegations she threw a rollerblade at one of her children earlier in the day and smashed a tablet, before swinging an umbrella at them.

A patched bullet hole, upper right, is seen on the front door of Lorincz's home after she fired her Remington 380 gun and fatally struck Owens who came knocking

The women lived across the road from each other and Lorincz had called 911 at 8.54pm on June 2 to complain that the children were trespassing and shouting outside her door

An arrest affidavit revealed Lorincz told 911 that a 'female tried to break down her door while yelling' so she shot her

An arrest affidavit revealed that Lorincz had called 911 at 8.54pm on June 2 to complain that the children were trespassing, telling officers that they were shouting outside her door.

Minutes later, officers then received several other emergency calls advising shots heard in the area, with Lorincz calling again to say that a 'female tried to break down her door while yelling' and she shot her.

Owens reportedly told her son, 12, to call 911 after she was hit by the bullet, with the young boy telling officers she 'was only knocking on the door'. She was rushed to hospital, where she later died.

Lorincz said that she fired the Remington 380 gun and admitted to owning a 22 Ruger  claiming she only purchased the gun 'for protection after an altercation' with Owens.

She told cops that she felt like she was in 'mortal danger' and was 'fearful for her life', before claiming she 'never intended to hit the victim' and she 'hit really high'.

Authorities had come under pressure to arrest and charge Lorincz in a case that has put Florida's divisive stand-your-ground law back into the spotlight  with Sheriff Woods describing it as 'simply a killing.'

Lawyers for Owens' family are now calling for the charges to be increased to murder, as well as an additional case for 'racially abusing' the children.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said: 'There's evidence there to increase the charges. Especially when you think about what happened, with her harassing the children with racial epithets and profanity.'

Owens' children appear with family members at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Monday after the mother-of-four died in hospital

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said Lorincz's version of events was 'BS' as accounts from Owens' children matched surveillance footage from a neighbor's home

Owens' family lawyer Ben Crump is calling for the charges to be increased to murder, as well as an additional case for 'racially abusing' the children

A GoFundMe page has since been set up for Owens' family - helping to support funeral and memorial costs, the children's education, and housing and living expenses for the family.

So far close to $149,000 has been raised to support the bereaved family with a target of $500,000.

Tributes have also been left near to the area where Owens was shot, and protestors have been demonstrating outside the courthouse and police station.

During a vigil with the family later Monday, Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, said that she was seeking justice for her daughter and her grandchildren.

'My daughter, my grandchildren's mother, was shot and killed with her 9-year-old son standing next to her,' Dias said. 'She had no weapon. She posed no imminent threat to anyone.'
Shoppers can use a phone to pay for a sausage sandwich

Bunnings customers will now be able to pay for a snag at the store's iconic sausage sizzles using their phone.

The hardware giant announced this week that a mobile payment option would be available for shoppers wanting to buy food or drink.

Before the change, shoppers were only able to pay for a sausage sandwich using cash.

Customers can use their phones to pay for a snag via a QR code, or go with the traditional cash method.

It's understood there will be no extra fees for those wanting to pay using their phone, with Bunnings incurring all transaction fees.

Shoppers can now use their mobile phone to pay for a sausage sandwich or drink at Bunnings (stock image)

'We offer a free mobile payment option to community groups fundraising through sausage sizzles at our stores, providing an easy way for them to maximise fundraising and offering customers a cashless way to pay for their snag and support their local community group,' Bunnings general manager of operations Matt Tyler said in a statement.

One shopper said they were thrilled by the announcement from Bunnings.

'I couldn't believe it,' she told 7News.

'So many times I've had to give the sausage sizzle a miss because I didn't have any change or notes on me.

'So I was really excited to see that you can now pay with your phone. It was really easy. One tap and I was done.'

The decision to offer a mobile payment option is at the discretion of each community group.

The Bunnings sausage sizzle has provided community groups raise funds for more than 25 years.

Customers can use their phones to pay for a snag via a QR code. It's understood there will be no extra fees for those wanting to pay using their phone

Bunnings is set to become the first Aussie retailer to trial the four-day work week. Employees will also receive a 10.5 per cent pay rise that will roll out over the next three years

It comes just weeks after the hardware chain revealed it would become the first Australian retailer to trial a four-day work week.

The agreement with Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) will see the four-day working week become a reality for thousands of retail workers

Full-time Bunnings staff will be given the option to work their 38-hour weeks over four days instead of five, or a nine day fortnight.

The chain's 40,000-strong staff will also be awarded with a 10.5 per cent pay rise that will roll out over the next three years.

Employees are set to receive 4.5 per cent this year and 3 per cent in 2024 and 2025, the Australian Financial Review reports.
MBABANE - Two men from Botswana failed to beat the intelligence of the police when they allegedly entered with undeclared money amounting to E91 000 at Oshoek Border Gate.

Batsalelwang Kealeboga Boy Boy (31) and Matlhaku Rorisang Meomedi were arrested on the Eswatini side of the border gate. Worth noting is that the standard procedure is that every person entering Eswatini with money above E15 000 has to declare it to the customs officials. Failure to declare the money is deemed as contravening Section 41 (1) (a) as read with subsection 2 of the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act of 2011. Information gathered was to the effect that the duo was caught after a sniffer dog used by the police kept barking at the vehicle the duo was traveling in. It is said that the sniffer dog did this after the police had conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. The money was confiscated by the police together with a cellphone and the duo was taken to the Mbabane Police Station. Appearing before Acting Mbabane Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati, also charged with contravening Section 41 (1) (a) as read with subsection 2 of the Money Laundering and Financing of a Terrorism Act of 2011, the Crown applied that they be remanded in custody until, June 19, 2023 pending setting of a trial date.

Detention

The Crown also applied for the detention of the money and the cellphone found in the duos possession upon arrest. Their lawyer, Sabelo Chicken Dlamini, had no objection to the detention of the money. Dlamini submitted that there was no way he could stop the detention of the money since it was procedural. He then applied that his clients be released on their own recognisance. Dlamini stated that if detained, the amount of money was enough to induce the duo to return to court for trial. We humbly apply that the Crown will suffer no prejudice by the release of my clients in their own recognisance, he submitted. Dlamini offered E500 for bail should the Crown insist in the payment of bail. The lawyer implored the court to consider the fact that his clients were left with no cent after the money was detained by the police. He stated that his clients had to scout for the E500 if granted bail at that amount.

However, the Crown objected to the release of the duo in their own recognisance. The Crown submitted that even though the money was detained, it will be in the interest of justice to order for the payment of bail that would compel the accused to return to court for trial. It was the Crowns submission that even though the money was detained, the wealth of the accused was unknown since they came from a foreign country. Dlamini interjected, stating that the position of the law was clear that all people should be treated the same, irrespective of their country of origin if not facing additional counts. He stated that his clients entered the country through legal means, meaning they did not contravene the Immigration Act.

Released

Acting Mbabane Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati released the duo in their own recognisance. Vilakati stated that the detained E91 000 was enough to induce the accused persons to return to court. Vilakati stated that the Crown would suffer no prejudice if the duo was released in their own recognisance. The duo was warned against committing a similar offence. They were warned to attend all remands and hearings whenever ordered to do so. They were remanded out of custody until June 19, 2023 pending setting of their trial date.
A Times Square billboard backing Pete Davidson in his fight against PETA has been removed within 24 hours, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

The Center for Organizational Research and Education unveiled its new billboard featuring comedian Pete Davidson using his phrase 'BDE'  this time to mean 'Buy a Dog Energy'  in the heart of New York City early Wednesday morning.

It noted on the billboard that it is standing behind Davidson after the animal rights group criticized the Saturday Night Live star for buying a new dog for his mother from a breeder at a shop in the Big Apple rather than adopting a dog from a shelter.

But by Thursday the billboard was taken down, with sources at CORE telling DailyMail.com that the company that owns the billboard was bombarded with calls from the animal rights group and eventually caved into pressure from PETA representatives to take it down.

'PETA was bullying them, tying up their phone lines and preventing them from normal business operations,' spokesman Will Coggin told DailyMail.com.

He claimed their behavior was 'very disruptive to the business,' which ultimately decided to take it down.

But a spokeswoman for PETA told DailyMail.com that the calls to the billboard company came from its supporters 'who were furious about this billboard's attempt to distort PETA's lifesaving work.'

The Center for Organizational Research and Education unveiled its new billboard featuring comedian Pete Davidson using his phrase 'BDE'  a play on words to mean 'Buy a Dog Energy'  in the heart of New York City early Wednesday morning. But it was taken down the next day

Davidson, 29, had come under fire from PETA executives for buying a dog from a breeder rather than adopting a dog last month. He is pictured here at the store with his girlfriend, Chase Sui Wonders

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Coggin accused the animal rights organization of not being able to take criticism.

'They dish it but they can't take it,' he said, citing its previous ad campaign comparing eating chicken to the Holocaust.

The organization is now standing with Pete Davidson, he noted, because it believes his new dog stands a better chance of survival with him than at a shelter and that all dogs deserve a loving home.

'It seems that PETA doesn't believe that,' he said.

But in a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokeswoman for PETA said: 'This attack ad was from a front group for the puppy mill industry and other animal abusing industries that have a financial interest in propagating misinformation about PETAs rescue team, which is on call 24/7 to offer relief to abused and suffering animals and provide end-of-life services for people who cant afford to pay for their sick and dying animals to be put to sleep.'

She added that the organization's offices 'were inundated with calls from people who were furious about this billboards attempt to distort PETAs lifesaving work, and many of them surely called the billboard company, as wellespecially since New York State lawmakers have taken lifesaving measures to end the sales of dogs from puppy mills (effective next year).

'This billboard and anyone who supports it is on the wrong side of historyand that the best way to help dogs is to adopt from shelters, and never buy from breeders or pet stores.'

PETA's Senior VP of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch expressed her disappointment at his decision not to adopt in a statement

It is unclear whether the shop where Davidson purchased his mother's new dog is a puppy mill  which kills dogs over a certain age.

Davidson, 29, was spotted picking up the new dog from a breeder at a shop in New York City alongside his actress girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders last month.

PETA's Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch later expressed her disappointment at his decision not to adopt in a statement.

'It's tragic that Pete didnt seek out a borough-born mutt from a city animal shelter, because a scrappy New Yorker with charm, personality, and unconventional handsomeness could have been his perfect match,' she said.

'Since shelters in New York and across the country are overflowing with homeless animals, PETA urges Pete to show some big heart energy by adopting, not shopping, in the future.

The star replied to PETA's criticism by leaving an unhinged voicemail to the group in which he screamed 'f*** you, suck my d***' as he explained that he had to get a specific dog breed because he is 'severely allergic.'

He said he had to get the cavapoo  a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a poodle  because it is considered safe for allergy sufferers due to its low-shed coat.

'Hi my name is Pete Davidson, this message is for Daphna,' he began.

'Thank you so much for making comments publicly that I didn't adopt a dog. I just want to let you know I am severely allergic to dogs so I have to get a specific breed.

'I am only not allergic to cavapoos and those type of dogs.'

And then he explained the new pet was in fact for his mom after her previous dog died at the age of two.

The comedian continued: 'My mom's f****** dog who was two years old died a week prior and we're all so sad so I had to get a specific dog.

'So why dont you do your research before you f****** create news stories for people because youre boring... '

And he angrily ended the message with 'F*** and suck my d****.'

Davidson later left the PETA executive a voicemail explaining that he needed a hypoallergenic dog and that the new pet is for his mother

The animal rights charity said there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog and that the specific breed Davidson purchased can be adopted from shelters.

'Our hearts go out to Pete and the rest of the Davidson family for the loss of their beloved dog, but theres no excuse for promoting the puppy mill industry by buying a dog from a pet store when millions of wonderful dogs await loving homes in animal shelters,' a spokesman said.

'We know Pete cares about animals and was trying to do a nice thing for his family, but he has millions of impressionable fans and his choices matterso the next time hes ready to welcome an animal into the family, we hope he makes the compassionate choice to adopt, not buy.'

Davidson has admitted he was unware he could 'adopt a specific hypoallergenic dog' and was told 'it wasn't an option, and if it was, it was rare'.

He pointed to how his family were struggling following the death of his mom's dog.

'I haven't seen my mom and sister cry like that in over 20 years. I was trying to cheer up my family. I was already upset that the store had filmed me without my permission or acknowledgement,' he told TMZ.

'Then this organization (PETA) made a public example of us, making our grieving situation worse. I am upset. It was a poor choice of words. I shouldn't have said what I said, but I am not sorry for standing up for myself and my family.'
Ever wonder what it would be like to wake up and be an instant millionaire?

A Brazilian bus driver got scared for a moment at the sight of six extra digits flashing across his mobile account before he noticed it was all a mistake and decided to return the money to his bank.

A father of four and grandfather of 14 grandchildren, Antonio Pereira figured the only way he could ever attain such fortune was if he played the lottery, which he does not.

Pereira, who works driving tourists around in the central Brazil city of Palmas, acknowledged he was initially scared when he saw his available balance increase from 227 reais ($46) to 131,870,227 reais ($26.7 million).

'So many zeros appeared that I was scared  I've never seen money like that in my life,' the 58-year-old told TV Anhanguera this week. 'And I'll never get it in my life, only if I win in the Mega Sena, and I don't play.'

Antonio Pereira was a millionaire - for a few hours though - after his bank mistakenly deposited $26.7 million reais into his account. The Palmas, Brazil resident broke the news to his wife they they were 'rich' before she advised him to alert the bank and return the money

Antonio Pereira said he was scared when he noticed his bank account balance had increased overnight from 227 reais ($46) to 131,870,227 reais ($26.7 million). The 58-year-old, who has four children and 14 grandchildren, told TV Anhanguera: 'I've never seen money like that in my life'

The unexpected financial windfall in his account was the result of an errant transfer that should have been deposited into the account of another bank.

Pereira never thought about withdrawing any of the cash because he considered himself someone who is trustworthy.

'I went to my house and told my wife, 'We got rich.' But immediately my wife also said, 'Let's give it back,' Pereira recalled.

He visited a neighborhood branch of the bank that he has been a customer of 25 years and had the money removed from his account.

Under law, Antonio Pereira (pictured) had to return the money that was erroneously deposited in his bank account

'At nine o'clock at night, the money left my account for their account,' he said.

Brazilian lawyer Paula Dangelo explained that under law, Pereira was required to return the entire amount even if it was a mistake by the bank.

'So, although you are happy with the situation, with the surprise, a miracle happened, using that money is a crime,' Dangelo said. He added that a person could face civil and criminal penalties if they used the money.

The rule in Brazil is similar to the U.S., where failing to report a bank error can result in someone being forced to repay the money or face criminal charges.
Migrants found a loophole in Joe Biden's CBP One app that allows them to bypass the requirement to set up an online appointment to receive an asylum interview.

The new Department of Homeland Security policy created under a program implemented by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and President Joe Biden requires migrants to go online to make an appointment to have their asylum claims heard.

But a few dozen migrants found in the fine print that those with 'language barriers, illiteracy or technical issues' can instead show up in person to request an interview.

'I tried many times to set up an interview on the app but it never worked,' Venezuelan migrant Cesar Segura told Border Report last week.

Meanwhile, despite this loophole, the Biden administration is planning to dramatically expand the asylum-seeking process at the U.S.-Mexico border to nearly double the amount of people permitted into the country.

Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis made an impromptu visit to the border in Arizona on Wednesday as he previewed a new coalition of governors and sheriffs to fight the migration crisis.

A few dozen migrants have found and taken advantage of a loophole in the CBP One app that allows them to bypass making an appointment online for asylum claim interviews and instead request one at a port of entry along the border

He helped Texas transport migrants to California, leaving them outside a church in Sacramento and prompting Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom to launch an investigation and accuse his Florida counterpart of 'state-sponsored kidnapping.'

Starting this month, the U.S. will admit roughly 40,000 migrants into the country every month at ports of entry along the border, DHS told CBS News.

Previously, the number of migrants who secured asylum appointments through the CBP One app was at 20,000 per month  but now 1,250 appointments will be awarded each day to allow migrants the chance to gain entry and claim asylum.

The Biden administration wants CBP One to serve as the main way for migrants to claim asylum in the U.S.

CBP One was unveiled by Biden in January and is meant ti discourage migrants from illegally entering the U.S. between ports of entry  and instead come to the legal entry points to claim legal asylum.

But Segura and other migrants have found that they don't have to go through this application if they just claim that they had technical difficulties or couldn't understand the process.

President Joe Biden's administration increased the number of monthly asylum appointments at the border  going from 20,000 per month to roughly 40,000

Last Monday, Segura walked up to officers with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the San Ysidro Port of Entry to request an appointment as the number of migrants at his port of entry has grown in the last week to 400.

Dozens of other migrants had this same idea.

'It was our trump card to play,' Segura said in Spanish to Border Report. 'I want to pinch myself to make sure this is really happening.'

The migrant has spent 'four cold nights' in line waiting to speak with CBP officers and be let into the U.S.

Segura was allowed into the country and is flying to Miami to meet up with his sponsor. The Venezuelan migrant is not due in asylum court until June 26, 2026  meaning he will be permitted to live in the U.S. with undocumented status for at least three years.
An eerie photo from 2018 appears to show Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger sitting in the front row of a packed 2018 lecture by dystopian Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood at a Pennsylvania college.

Kohberger is pictured smirking as he is holding a copy of Atwood's 1985 bestselling book, surrounded by a roomful of eager attendees at his alma mater at the April 2018 event.

DailyMail.com confirmed the authenticity of the photo.

Kohberger was a 2018 graduate of the college before he moved to the western US.

The picture resurfaced more than four years after the criminology student was accused of the brutal stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20 and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20. The four were found dead in a Moscow, Idaho, home on November 13, 2022.

A judge has entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

A photo from the Northampton Community College magazine appears to show Idaho murder suspect sitting in the front row of a Margaret Atwood lecture. She is known for writing The Handmaid's Tale

Four years after the lecture, Kohberger was arrested in connection to the brutal slaying of four University of Idaho students

Maddie Mogen (top) Kaylee Goncalves (left) Xana Kernodle (right) and Ethan Chapin (center) - all students at the University of Idaho - were knifed to death on November 13, 2022, in the quiet college town of Moscow

The 2018 lecture was open to students, staff and faculty was held at the Bethlehem campus at Northampton Community College in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania in Northampton County.

A college spokesperson told DailyMail.com they had 'no way to confirm his attendance at the event though a photo with Kohberger was featured in the summer 2018 edition of the college's NCC Magazine. After the author's lecture, a 90-minute Q&A session followed, though it

is unclear the reason Kohberger was in attendance and if he asked the author any questions.

The Handsmaid's Tale is a futuristic novel -set in a totalitarian society where women, known as 'handmaids,' are assigned to produce children for the 'commanders', and ruling class for the Republic of Gilead that was made into a series on Hulu in 2017.

Atwood spoke about her novel and shared her insights on writing and publishing as part of the college's annual humanities lecture.

Kohberger was a student at the college and graduated that same year with an Associate of Arts and Psychology degree. In the spring 2018 semester, he made the dean's list. Later he got his master's degree at DeSales University.

At the time of the Idaho murders, Kohlberger was getting his doctorate in criminology at Washington State University.

A motive for the Idaho killings has not yet been disclosed as a judge entered a not guilty plea on Kohberger's behalf

The four University of Idaho students were found dead in the home, where blood was still dripping down the walls the day after the killings

Best friends Madison and Kaylee, both 21, and young couple Xana and Ethan, both 20, died in the horror attack, which was so brutal, blood could still be seen dripping down the walls of their rental home days after the killing.

Police eventually apprehended Kohberger during a raid on his parents' Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania home on December 30 and he was flown back to Idaho in a small Pilatus PC-12 turboprop plane on January 4.

A motive for the killings has not yet been disclosed but those who knew Kohberger described him as someone who appeared to discriminate against women, per reports.

In his early years, he was reportedly bullied by some of his female classmates. He was overweight and had a heroin addiction, but eventually slimmed down to the point that he became obsessed with his vegan lifestyle.

Investigators from the Idaho State Police remove bloodied mattresses, bed frames and other possessions from the Moscow, Idaho, home after the killings

John Kelly, a criminal profiler and psychoanalyst who has interviewed numerous serial killers, told Fox News Digital that he looked at the 2018 lecture photo and Kohberger 'didn't come here for the author.

'He came here for the audience,' he said.

Kelly took note that Kohberger in the photo was surrounded mostly by women and that there were only a few men in the crowd.

'In other words, he's an incel, he doesn't like women, but how come he still has to have some kind of distant relationship?' he said.

'I totally believe this guy was always looking.'
The coroner could not determine how the pair had died

The deaths of a mother and daughter, who died in their flat and were found at least six months after anyone had last heard from them, remain a mystery, an inquest heard.

Zarin Adatia, 84, and her daughter Tasneem, 48, were discovered in their council flat in East Finchley, north London, by gas engineers on November 24. They were last heard from in April.

The coroner admitted to being 'at a loss' as to how the pair died, with a toxicology report unable to be carried out due to the passage of time.

Despite the pair having not been heard from in six months, the rent on the flat was always paid. A red sticker warning people not to enter the property also appeared on the door days before their bodies were discovered.

Tasneem had type 2 diabetes and her sister Farah Mehta told the court she had stopped collecting her medication in April and may have fallen into a diabetic coma.

Zarin Adatia, 84, and her daughter Tasneem, 48, were discovered in their council flat in East Finchley, north London, by engineers on November 24

An inquest at North London Coroner's Court heard Tasneem was also a carer for her elderly mother who was 'pretty much immobile' and had 'ailments' but 'nothing that was life threatening'.

The coroner recorded an open verdict, saying: 'It is very difficult to construct a reasonable explanation for what happened. I am at a loss. I don't know what to say.'

Neighbours became concerned for the welfare of the Kenyan-born pair in April last year, but it was initially assumed they had gone on holiday.

Jeanette Winters, 88, who has lived in her ground floor flat for 55 years, said her mobility issues prevented her from checking on the pair. She asked the caretaker to report it to the council, but no one came to visit Zarin and Tasneem.

Ms Winters said: 'The council eventually said they sent letters. But if they're dead they're not going to answer the letters. Apparently that was in March or April last year. There was no sign or anything, and nobody seemed to do anything.'

Meanwhile, Ms Mehta and Tasneem's best friend had been sending her emails trying to get in touch.

Ms Mehta, Zarin's only surviving daughter, told the court that they spoke every day over the phone, particularly after Tasneem had recently been hospitalised for her diabetes.

Contrary to her doctors' recommendations, she discharged herself from hospital after presenting with fatigue and suspected diabetic ketoacidosis, saying her mother could not be left alone overnight.

However, Mr Straker had no evidence that this caused her death, particularly given that she was medicated.

Ms Mehta, who has lived in Scotland for several years and did so at the time of her mother and sister's deaths, told the court she suspected Tasneem could have fallen into a diabetic coma given her medical history.

However, she was distressed that there was no evidence about how her mother died.

Mr Straker suggested it could have coincidentally been two 'simultaneous' unexpected deaths, but said that was purely speculative.

Elliott Sweetman, group director for operations and property at Barnet Homes, which managed the flat, said he was initially not suspicious but later checked the property on the outside, finding nothing to suggest they were at home.

The rent on the flat was being paid every month that they were not seen.

An inquest at North London Coroner's Court (pictured) heard Tasneem had type 2 diabetes and was a carer for her elderly mother who was almost immobile and had 'ailments' but did not suffer from any known medical conditions

Gas inspectors sent six letters, made three phone calls and knocked on the door three times between last September and the day they were found.

PC Asad Iqbal of the Metropolitan Police said gas engineers had obtained a court warrant to force entry into the property.

On arrival, the inspectors found the lifeless remains of the mother and daughter.

A fan was whirring in the living room and Zarin was lying near a knotted bag containing three empty sachets of the painkiller co-codamol.

Mr Iqbal said Zarin's iPhone was also charging next to her on a small bedside table.

No suicide note was found, nor were there any signs that someone had tried to break in.

Giving evidence via video link, Mr Iqbal said there was very little food in the fridge.

Mr Iqbal called in the Criminal Investigations Department, but on investigation they ruled the deaths non-suspicious.

Officers could not initially establish whether carbon monoxide may have played a part in their deaths because of the smell of the bodies, but it was later ruled out.

Further investigations, summarised in evidence provided to the coroner's court, came no closer to revealing how the pair died.

Assistant coroner Peter Straker told family members in court: 'It is an incredibly difficult case to get any handle on, to get any understanding on.

'I am left purely with speculation and I am not entitled to speculate as to what may have happened.'

He added: 'I had a glancing thought towards suicide but found nothing to suggest that was a reasonable explanation.

'It is very difficult to think of anything that is not speculation and even natural causes might be speculation.'

Ms Mehta and two other family members who attended did not wish to comment after the hearing.
Bank clerk Eric Roberts was secretly a spy for MI5

At home, he was the loving father who told exciting bedtime stories to his children.

Bank clerk Eric Roberts was, to all who might have had a passing interest in him, a humble bank clerk.

But, as secret files which were released in 2014 showed, the father-of-three was also an MI5 spy who played a crucial role in smoking out hundreds of Nazis living in war-time Britain by posing as an undercover Gestapo officer.

Now, a new BBC podcast has revealed the extent of the double life led by Roberts, who used the alias Jack King.

His daughter, Crista McDonald, said in a recent episode of History's Secret Heroes that her father once had a narrow escape from what he believed was a gunman targeting him from a passing car.

While walking home from the railway station, a car came 'zooming' around the corner at 'very high speed,' she said.

'He thought it was obviously aiming at him.

'He was walking by a brick wall and there happened to be just an opening in this wall, and he jumped into it.

'And he did tell my mother... that he thought somebody was aiming at him to kill him.'

Roberts was recruited in 1934 to spy on the increasingly powerful British Union of Fascists, which was led by Oswald Mosley (pictured during a rally in the Royal Albert Hall in 1934)

Born in 1907 and educated in Penzance, Cornwall, Roberts had his first stint as a spy when still a teenager, when he met Maxwell Knight, who went on to become one of the most well-known figures in MI5.

At the time, Knight was spying on a fascist party which Roberts had joined. He was recruited to spy on communists.

Robert went on to marry his wife Audrey and spent 15 years working for Westminster Bank before he got bored and wrote to Knight.

The spy, who now worked for MI5, recruited him in 1934 to spy on the increasingly powerful British Union of Fascists, which was led by Oswald Mosley.

He rose through the ranks of the BUF to the rank of inspector before the Security Service asked Westminster Bank in 1940 if he could be released from his employment.

Staff at the bank are said to have expressed surprise at the request, asking why they wanted the apparently unspectacular employee.

Once liberated from the bank's Euston Road branch, Roberts was ordered to infiltrate groups of traitors by security chiefs alarmed at the strength of support for Hitler in parts of England.

In his guise as an undercover Gestapo officer, he controlled groups of 'Fifth Columnists' who were trying to aid the Fascist cause.

Information he prevented ever reaching Nazi Germany included the need for a 'renewed Blitz, with more bomb damage aimed at undermining public morale', according to MI5 files.

Whilst the Nazi sympathisers believed they were passing secrets to Berlin via Roberts, their information was instead going straight to MI5.

By the time the Second World War ended in 1945, Roberts had monitored or controlled the activities of hundreds of traitors.

Author Robert Hutton told the BBC podcast how, in 1946, Roberts presented key Nazi sympathiser Marita Perigoe and one other plotter with German medals for non-combat gallantry.

'I believe that these were the last German medals awarded from World War Two, and they were awarded to two British citizens, by MI5.'

Perigoe and other traitors spent the rest of their lives believing they had helped Hitler.

The traitors were never prosecuted to avoid the risk of compromising future operations.

The Nazi sympathisers had used invisible ink and other ruses to pass information that included details of Home Guard operations and intelligence on jet propulsion and radar systems.

If Roberts had not penetrated the network, the groups could have significantly harmed the British war effort.

Oswald Mosley, founder and leader of the British Union of Fascists and the Blackshirts, inspects female supporters before a march on Victoria Embankment

The files released in 2014 contain dozens of accounts of King's meetings with Nazi sympathisers.

One, from April 1943, reveals his conversations with three women who were discussing a recent German air raid.

He wrote: 'A nearby school clinic was hit and Nancy Brown said with a grin that one expectant mother was killed, two girls badly injured, a clerk and two children killed.

'I looked in vain at the faces of these three women for signs of contrition. Nancy Brown looked a fine, healthy specimen of an Englishwoman, but it was obvious the deaths of these people meant absolutely nothing to her.'

Back at home, Roberts was a loving father to his two children.

Ms McDonald said: 'I knew just instinctively from early childhood to be quiet and if anybody asked what our father did for a living to ask our parents. And definitely knew not to seek out attention for ourselves.

'We were told to stay away from the phone for various reasons. Which is probably obvious, our phone was bugged.

'If the phone rang then to pass it over to my father or mother.'

Roberts was also always careful about household security. He locked the doors and drew the curtains when the sun went down.

In 1956, he decided to retire with his family to Salt Spring Island in Canada.

'I think he felt safer. He wanted to lead a different life, just get away from it all,' Ms McDonald added.

'When we went to bed he always told us bedtime stories.

'So for my brothers, it was Teddy's gang, and for me it was about a girl called Heidi who got up to all kinds of daring things.'

'I don't know how he kept his sense of humour, because he was under such stress all the time.

'He was so good at telling stories, he always had people mesmerised and just totally caught up in the story.'
A mother who forged contracts, tenancy agreements and utility bills to try and get her son into one of the borough's most sought-after schools has been spared jail.

Bhakti Shah, 38, was a trainee conveyancer who also worked as a tax recovery officer for Bromley Council, when she pretended she was living at a home owned by an elderly couple.

She chose the location because it was within the catchment area of Mill Hill County High School in north London.

She created fake energy and council tax accounts for the house as part of the con and even brazenly collected her post from the real owners, knocking on their door and explaining it had been delivered to them by mistake.

Angela and Christopher Cole, both 82, were astonished to find they were building up council tax arrears when they had always paid their bill promptly.

Shah who was working as a paralegal while training to become a conveyancer, admitted eight counts of using a false instrument with intent between 29 October 2021 and 20 May 2022.

Fraudster Bhakti Shah is seen arriving at Willesden Magistrates Court

The home of Chris and Angela Cole in Mill Hill, North London

Wearing a red dress with her hair in a ponytail, Shah was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months at Willesden Magistrates Court today.

She must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work and participate in 10 days of rehabilitation activity.

District Judge Lorraine McDonagh told Shah: I do find this case clearly demonstrates a higher culpability due to the sophisticated nature of the fraud. You used your skills as a trainee conveyancer to commit this fraud.

Whilst I acknowledge the stress and anxiety caused to the residents, I do not find greater harm to be present in this particular case.

I do take into account that you are very remorseful. I do find however, that these offences do cross the custodial threshold.

I am satisfied there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in this case.

The judge told Shah, who is now unemployed, she must also pay 2,500 in costs with a 128 surcharge.

Prosecutor Parina Patel told the court: There was some planning involved. She has used parts of her knowledge as having both a role within the council as a council tax recovery officer and a trainee conveyancer.

Chris and Angela Cole eventually helped convict Shah of eight counts of scamming

Shah attempted to claim she lived 1.1 miles from the school in Edgware as opposed to where she actually lived

I would say that this potentially falls within the high-level of culpability, due to the fact it was conducted over a period of time, albeit not a significant period of time.

There was a direct impact on the residents. You have seen the impact on Mr Cole about the anxiety this has caused him and his wife.

Ms Patel earlier explained that Barnet Council coordinates the admissions for all the schools in Barnet and receives 15,000 applications a year.

Ms Shahs application was for her son to attend Mill Hill County school, one of the most popular schools in the borough.

In 2022/23 they received 1,303 applications for 273 places.

Shah lives in Hendon and her ex-partner had purchased a piece of land at the rear of a property in Beech Walk in Edgware.

She applied for a school place on the basis that she was planning to build a property on the land and move in.

But the plot was landlocked and had no access to a road.

Beech Walk is 1.1 miles from the school while Shahs home was 3.4 miles away. 158 places at the school were allocated to those who lived within 1.3 miles.

The councils admissions team rejected the application, saying it could only be based on her current address.

Shah had claimed she had purchased a spot of land close to the couple's Mill Hill home

Shah admitted eight counts of using a copy of a false instrument between October 2021 and May 2022

But Shah complained to the council and the school that her son had not been offered a place.

She changed her story and said she did in fact live at the property in front of her piece of land.

It was owned by the elderly couple who had never met her before.

Shah registered a water and council tax account at the property.

She edited an email from EDF energy to contain the postcode of the other property, produced a fake water bill and used her skills as a conveyancer to create a false contract of sale and land registry form.

The court heard that Mr and Mrs Cole had lived there for ten years and had no intention of moving out.

Shah initially put the wrong house number on the fake contract of sale and had submitted another one leading to a further offence.

When the council did not believe she had moved house, she created a false tenancy agreement showing she was renting out her property in Hendon.

She was actually a tenant herself and her landlord confirmed she lived at the address throughout.

Ms Patel said: Had the council accepted she had moved in to and had not discovered discrepancies her son would have secured a place at Mill Hill County School.

99 per cent of the time documents are uploaded and taken at face value but here there were discrepancies which warranted further investigation.

Had it not been for the diligence of the school admissions team in verifying the documents and asking questions, the application would have gone through.

The council tax account resulted in costs mounting up for the real occupiers and them having to pay more each month.

Unnecessary distress was caused to them. They were visited by Ms Shah for her to collect postage addressed to herself.

The owner had to contact the water company after discovering his customer account showed he had moved out of the property.

This was not a one-off error of judgement- there was premeditation and planning to submit a variety of documents over a seven month period.

Shahs lawyer Daniel Cavaglieri said her son had failed to get into a different school because he failed the entrance exam.

She felt he had been through a difficult time and didnt do as well as he might have.

Her plan was to move into a property on that land but she was informed her application had no hope.

She wholeheartedly accepts that what she did was wrong.

Mr Cavaglieri added: The utter shame she feels, having to leave her home temporarily, has shocked her to her core.

Theres devastation shes caused to her children, who are all old enough to be aware of this. Shes really going to struggle to find a decent career.

What she doctored wasnt technically difficult to do. Deleting some of the details - I would submit that its perhaps not sophisticated.

She was a trainee conveyancer at the time. Her knowledge and experience was greater at the time than the average individual, but no more than anyone who buys or sells a property.

She wasnt motivated by personal gain. I think that has to be accepted in this case.

The intention was to provide the best opportunity for her son, it wasnt about anything to provide for the mother.

They [Mr and Mrs Cole] were unintentionally and unexpectedly caused distress and this is something that Ms Shah deeply regrets.

Shes had two jobs for a considerable period of time. For the last year or so shes worked as a trainee conveyance and with Bromley council.

I dont see the link between working for a council tax department and offending in this case.

At present shes in a little bit of debt. Shes into her overdraft and [has] a credit card bill of 946. Shes lost her two primary sources of income.

Shah, of Cheyne Close, Hendon, admitted eight counts of using a copy of a false instrument with intent it be accepted as genuine. The prosecution was brought by Barnet Council.

Cllr Pauline Coakley Webb, Barnet Councils Children, Education and Safeguarding Committee Chair, said: This outcome reinforces our dedication to combating fraud and upholding the integrity of our education system.

Our anti-fraud team worked incredibly hard gathering all of the information needed for this case and so Im very pleased that the perpetrator has been brought to justice.

Barnet remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent admissions process is available to all.
The View star Alyssa Farah Griffin has been questioned by prosecutors investigating Donald Trump's involvement in January 6 and his bid to overturn the election.

The former White House communications director sat for a voluntary interview to discuss Trump's 'state of mind' during and after the Capitol riot.

Griffin was shocked at how much prosecutors were focused on Trump's mentality in the probe, CNN reported.

It is the latest development in the legal troubles circling the former president.

He was informed on Wednesday night that he is the target of a criminal investigation into his handling of classified documents.

The View star Alyssa Farah Griffin has been questioned by prosecutors investigating Donald Trump's involvement in January 6 and his bid to overturn the election

Prosecutors also asked Farah Griffin about efforts to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 election and inquired about the role of former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows  who was the one who brought her into the Trump White House, sources told CNN.

She previously told the House committee investigating the January 6th insurrection that Trump appeared to acknowledge that he lost the presidential election roughly one week after it was called for Joe Biden.

'I popped into the Oval (Office) just to, like, give the president the headlines and see how he was doing. And he was looking at the TV and he said, 'Can you believe I loss to this effing guy?' And then just kind of moved forward. But in that moment I think he knew he lost,' Farah told the House panel.

She resigned her role as White House communications director in December 2020, one month after the election.

When the January 6th insurrection took place, she criticized Trump and said he should consider resigning from office.

Donald Trump has been told he is the target of a criminal probe into his handling of classified documents

Griffin was shocked at how much prosecutors were focused on Trump's mentality in the probe, according to a report

Meanwhile, Trump has been told he is the target of a criminal probe into his handling of classified documents, according to multiple reports Wednesday night.

It is one of three other probes the former president is facing - including the Justice Department investigation into his efforts to overthrow the election, Georgia's investigation into efforts to overturn election results in that state, and New York's probe of his 'hush money' payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Reports indicate Trump could be charged soon in the second DoJ probe - the one involving the classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago.

The Justice Department told Trump's lawyers of the development in a letter several days ago, Politico reported - although Trump himself wrote on Truth Social that he had not been informed he was being indicted. He did not mention whether he had been informed he was a target.

Two sources told Fox News the attorneys had been notified of his change in status.

The formal notification is seen as a sign that Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed to investigate Trump's handling of classified documents, is close to a decision as to whether to recommend charges against him.

Trump's lawyers met with Smith's team on Monday.

Trump attorneys Lindsey Halligan, from left, John Rowley and James Trusty exit the Department of Justice on Monday after meeting with federal prosecutors

The Justice Department manual states that prosecutors may send a 'target letter' to those who are likely to be charged in connection with a grand jury probe.

The move is designed to give them an opportunity to testify before an indictment comes down. It is not a guarantee that charges will be filed.

Prosecutors consider a target a person for whom there is 'substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime and who, in the judgment of the prosecutor, is a putative defendant.'

Trump denied he had been told he was being indicted but said he assumed for years he would be a target.

He wrote on Truth Social: 'No one has told me I'm being indicted, and I shouldn't be because I've done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the 'No Collusion' Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX, Impeachment HOAX, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS.

'A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE.

'REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!!'

Jack Smith was appointed in November as special counsel to investigate Trump's handling of classified information

Documents found at Mar-a-Lago in an August raid are pictured on display

News of the official notification came days after it emerged that a storage room at Mar-a-Lago where surveillance camera footage was flooded.

The flooding happened as a swimming pool was being drained, it emerged on Monday.

Prosecutors wanted the footage to track how White House records were moved around Trump's Palm Beach residence.

It's unclear if the room was intentionally flooded or if it was a mistake.

Prosecutors are investigating whether there was any attempt by Trump or his associates to obstruct the Justice Department's investigation after Trump received a subpoena in May 2022 for classified documents.

Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing and claims to be the victim of a politically-charged investigation led by prosecutors who don't want to see him make another run for president.

Prosecutors have focused on Trump, his body man Walt Nauta and a maintenance worker who helped Nauta move boxes of classified documents ahead of federal agents searching the property last summer in their investigation.

The maintenance worker is the person who drained the pool that led to the flooding of the IT room where the surveillance footage was held, CNN reported.

A Mar-a-Lago employee drained the resort's swimming pool and flooded a room where computer servers containing surveillance video logs were kept

Donald Trump has denied any wrongdoing but took to his Truth Social platform to post a message that seemed to indicate his lawyers had discussed with him the possibility he might be indicted

Under the Presidential Records Act, all documents from a presidential administration are the federal government's property and go to the National Archives upon the end of a presidency.

Trump, it's been reported, believed they were his property.

The Justice Department has been investigating potential mishandling of classified material by Trump for about a year.

The attorney general, Merrick Garland, assigned Smith as special counsel on November 18.

But there are signs its investigation may be wrapping up.

A grand jury has been hearing testimony from dozens of witnesses in recent months at the federal courthouse in downtown Washington.

Smith is also investigating efforts by Trump and his allies to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election - the subject of a similar, ongoing inquiry by prosecutors in Atlanta.

New York prosecutors charged Trump earlier this year with falsifying business records.
A drill rapping ISIS supporter purchased chemicals and planned to launch a bomb attack against non-believers in central London, helped by a 15-year old fan of his music, a court has heard.

Al-Arfat Hassan, 20, from Enfield, North London and the teenager, from Roundhay, Leeds, were said to have shared a 'hatred' of disbelievers who were regarded as enemies of Muslims and were to be 'attacked and slaughtered.'

Both also demonstrated a 'desire for martyrdom' in the cause of Islam and supported extremist groups, in particular, ISIS, Jonathan Sandiford KC, told Sheffield Crown Court.

'Those beliefs and desires manifested themselves in the defendants making preparations to commit one or more terrorist attacks using knives or machetes or improvised explosive devices,' he added.

Their preparations included identifying potential targets for attack and meeting and communicating for the purpose of planning or training for a terrorist attack.

Al-Arfat Hassan, 20, was planning a bomb attack in central London with a teenage supporter, a court heard

The men were said to have taken inspiration from a video produced by the media wing of ISIS

They were also said to have researched and purchased materials and components to manufacture explosives as well as knives and machetes, and clothing such as balaclavas, headbands and tactical gloves.

The men were said to have taken inspiration from a video produced by the media wing of ISIS which was described as a 'slick and professional production' containing a mixture of propaganda, encouragement and instruction.

'The purpose of the video is to encourage Muslims in the West to launch terrorist attacks in their own countries,' Mr Sandiford said.

'To that end, the video provides instruction on how to use a knife to attack and kill, including a gruesome demonstration by murdering a live prisoner.'

It also included instruction on how to manufacture the high explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and how to make a viable homemade bomb, along with a demonstration on a live prisoner who was blown up when the bomb was strapped to his back in a rucksack.

The teenager referred to the ISIS video as 'the cupcake tutorial' which was said to be codeword the defendants used for a homemade bomb.

Mr Sandiford told the jury: 'The defendants' cause was the extremist Islamic ideology that they had become steeped in, an ideology that justified and glorified murderous attacks on those living in the West.

'The Crown says that they were preparing to commit attacks using knives or bladed weapons and IEDs, as and when the opportunity arose and they were ready to do so.'

Hassan was said to have purchased acetone and hydrogen peroxide, two of the ingredients of TATP and the prosecution said he intended to manufacture TATP to be used in a terrorist attack.

Hassan was a drill rapper, known as TS, who wrote and performed drill raps that were uploaded to social media sites, primarily YouTube, and made available on streaming services such as Spotify.

In the raps, he portrayed himself as a violent person who had changed his ways due to the influence of Islam, the court heard.

One, called Noor [Light], posted on May 22 2021, had attracted 758,205 views on Youtube and had been streamed 1,577,674 times on Spotify.

It included the lyrics: 'Demons creep on my left n right, I'm out here tryna make things right. I got pain in my heart n mind.

'Swing my shank man I loved them knives. Now I kick back and reflect my life.'

The teenager was a fan of TS and told his mother he was 'The guy who's [sic] music brought me closer to Islam and the guy who sends Islamic reminders to everyone daily.'

By February 2022, Hassan was using his rap music to glorify ISIS terrorist killings 'in no uncertain terms,' Mr Sandiford said.

One particular set of lyrics, referred to as The London Verse, made reference to the victims of the ISIS executioner Jihadi John, including David Haines and Alan Henning, as having been 'put in a box.'

It finished with the words 'central London explosion' and Mr Sandiford said that was 'significant because we say central London was one of his targets.'

The theme of central London as the target for an attack also featured in a number of messages, the jury heard.

In a WhatsApp chat with his girlfriend in November 2021, suggested Hassan had identified a target for an attack, the prosecutor said.

In a voice message, he told her: 'I don't want to say the full word, but kaboom! If you know what that is, yeah that's my plan.

'I did want that life before when you just, you know get a good job, career, grow up have a family, have good offspring what not, get married but I lost hope for that s**t init.

Sheffield Crown Court (file image) heard that Hassan and the teenager both deny preparing acts of terrorism and Hassan denies possessing explosive substances

'It didn't seem right, it didn't feel right, so hence why I became like this, and some people say radical or what not or just tapped [crazy], that's why a lot of people leave from my life because they can't handle it.

'Ima software engineer while I attempt in doing it because I don't know, recently I just been having thought process telling me, you know what, nah I should go ahead and do it.

'The plans have been made already wallahi [I swear] I just need to go and do it inshallah [god willing] it won't be long because I have this rage inside of me, I have to get done.

'I know the perfect spot where millions of people are, of course the radius wouldn't reach a million people but inshallah it does at least a thousand, minimum.'

Mr Sandiford said Hassan was 'describing a conflict inside self but also saying has identified an aspirational target where there will be a number of victims.'

On November 3 he told the girlfriend: 'I've been scouting' and added: 'Wednesday and Friday r v busy.'

Three days later, he added: 'I'd raise the carnage to a level way worse. Like i said central London. Multiple multiple kuffs [infidels] who 99 per cent of them commit adultery on a daily basis. Win win situation. Sin punished for + 4 lions fast track to jannah' [paradise].

Mr Sandiford told the jury: 'We say he is talking about a suicide attack having killed multiple disbelievers in the process and four lions is evidence he was part of a group.'

When his girlfriend threatened to leave him, he made further threats which 'seems to have been a trigger for activity in early 2022,' Mr Sandiford said.

Hassan and the teenager both deny preparing acts of terrorism and Hassan denies possessing explosive substances. The teenager also denies possessing the bomb-making video and the trial continues.
Neonatal nurse Lucy Letby denies 'sabotaging' a day-old baby boy so she could get the attention of a male registrar with whom she is said to have flirted, a jury heard today.

She and the doctor swapped Facebook messages on the day Baby O  one of a set of naturally-conceived triplets - died following three separate collapses at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Letby, of Hereford, denies the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of ten others in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital, in Chester, between June 2015 and June 2016.

The court today heard Letby had been on a break to Ibiza with a group that included her best friend on the unit, and the day in question  June 23, 2016  was her first day back at work. The day before, she had texted a colleague to say she would be ''back with a bang lol'.

Neonatal nurse Lucy Letby denies 'sabotaging' a day-old baby boy so she could get the attention of a male registrar with whom she is said to have flirted, a jury heard today

Lucy Letby and the doctor swapped Facebook messages on the day Baby O  one of a set of naturally-conceived triplets - died following three separate collapses at the Countess of Chester Hospital, the court heard. Letby is pictured in a court sketch on May 2 giving evidence in the dock at Manchester Crown Court

Lucy Letby, of Hereford, denies the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of ten others in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital, in Chester, between June 2015 and June 2016

She sent her first message to the doctor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at 9.32am, simply saying 'Boo'.

As the day progressed their conversation continued, with him telling her that he was on the paediatric ward but would be returning to the neonatal unit (NNU) in the afternoon.

At one point he offers to bring her some lunch, while she jokes about being so distracted by her time in Ibiza that she has left a handover sheet in the milk freezer.

Nick Johnson KC, prosecuting, asked Letby: 'Were you disappointed that he wasn't there on the unit?'

'Yes,' she replied. 'I enjoyed working with [the doctor], yes'.

Mr Johnson asked: 'Did you want to get his attention?'

The nurse replied: 'No.'

The barrister pressed again: 'Is that the reason you sabotaged [Baby] O?'

'No,' the defendant said.

In the Facebook conversation Letby goes on to tell the doctor that she has a student nurse 'glued to her' as she works on the unit.

She then complains that it's 'a bit rubbish that you couldn't stay on the NNU'.

Mr Johnson asked: 'Were you missing him?'

Letby replied: 'No, this was my first day back at work.'

Letby agreed that Baby O had been well until that lunchtime.

Letby sent her first message to the doctor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at 9.32am, simply saying 'Boo'. As the day progressed their conversation continued, with him telling her that he was on the paediatric ward but would be returning to the neonatal unit in the afternoon. Pictured is the corridor within the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit

In the Facebook conversation Letby goes on to tell the doctor that she has a student nurse 'glued to her' as she works on the unit. She then complains that it's 'a bit rubbish that you couldn't stay on the NNU'. Letby is pictured in a court sketch on May 18

The nurse looking after the infant overnight reported that there was 'nothing concerning about his presentation', while a colleague thought he would 'sail through' the unit.

Mr Johnson highlighted a WhatsApp that Letby sent her friend, Jennifer Jones-Key, a nursing assistant on the unit, shortly after 9pm on June 22: 'Yep, probably be back with a bang lol'.

The barrister then put it to the defendant: 'Within 72 hours of that message two of the triplets were dead and [Baby Q] had collapsed, and it all happened while you were there?'

'Yes,' she replied.

Letby denied having lied to the same doctor about an aspirate she had taken from the baby shortly before he examined him.

She also denied the suggestion that she summoned him back shortly after a second collapse at 2.40pm in order to seek his 'personal attention'.

'No, (the doctor) was the registrar for the unit that day'.

Letby's interaction with the male registrar came under further scrutiny when Mr Johnson cross-examined her over the death of Baby O's fellow triplet, Baby P.

The barrister suggested that in this case, too, she had been trying to attract the doctor's attention.

He asked: 'Did you enjoy being in these crisis situations with (the doctor). Did it give you something to talk about and message about, something common you could share?'

'No,' said Letby, '(the doctor) and I were friends'.

Mr Johnson reminded her of the 'totally inappropriate' remark she is said to have made at the height of the efforts to save Baby P during his final collapse: 'He's not leaving here alive, is he?'

'That text was a portent of doom, wasn't it?' he asked. 'Did you enjoy making predictions when you knew what would happen'.

When Letby said no, he went on: 'You got very excited in the aftermath of P's death, didn't you? Two babies killed within 24 hours of each other, and you acting in a totally inappropriate way with (the woman doctor), just as you did with (the mothers of Baby I and Baby C?'

'No, I didn't,' said Letby.

Mr Johnson put it to her that when Baby P died 'your portent of doom had fulfilled itself, hadn't it?

'No,' said Letby.

The barrister persisted'At your hand'.

Letby texted her friend to say she would be 'back with a bang lol' after a break in Ibiza

Earlier, Letby denied lying to her best friend  the nurse with whom she had gone to Ibiza  and sending her a WhatsApp that helped set up 'a false narrative' about Baby P's collapse.

The message suggested the infant's abdomen 'blew up' and that he might have sepsis. A subsequent one made a link to his fellow triplet's condition, with Letby telling her friend: 'Worry as identical'.

Letby denied attempting to kill Baby Q by pumping a clear liquid into his body 'because milk wasn't an option' at that time. She had been interrupted by a fellow nurse, Mary Griffith, said Mr Johnson, and then tried to lay possible blame with both Nurse Griffith and another nurse.

The prosecutor put it to her: 'You were worried about it, weren't you, because the net was closing in on you, wasn't it Lucy Letby?'

She replied: 'No, I was concerned at being held responsible for something I hadn't doneI was keen to make the point that I'd not been neglectful in leaving the nursery and leaving Q unattended'.

Mr Johnson said: 'The truth, though, is that you had pumped him with liquid and with air, and that you had tried to kill him'.

'No, that's not right,' said Letby.

Letby, 33, originally from Hereford, denies murdering seven babies on the unit and attempting to kill a further ten. Her trial at Manchester Crown Court continues.

The trial continues.
MANZINI  The lowest paid textile worker will now get a basic salary of E1 377 per month following the completion of the negotiations in the Wages Council of this sector.

The negotiations, which started in April, saw the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA), which negotiates on behalf of about 22 000 workers in the textile industry and others in the manufacturing and processing sector, presenting its position paper. The union had submitted a demand that the least paid workers in the textile and apparel sector should earn E3 232 per month. Subsequent to this, the negotiations ensued, wherein the employers stated the challenges they were facing as a sector. These challenges, according to sources within the textile industry, included the impact of the load-shedding by South Africas utility - ESKOM - which was purportedly hitting hard on them as it resulted in malls limiting their operating hours. This was said to translate to limited activity in selling of textile and apparel products, some of which are produced in Eswatini.

Powerhouses in the sector, who are clients of local firms, such as the Foschini Group (TFG), reported a loss of more than 100 000 trading hours over January and February due to load-shedding, contributing to an estimated E1 billion. The local industry players reportedly said the challenge was not unique to Eswatini but also South African factories were experiencing it.

They said what was hitting them hard was that, unlike South African factories, their sector was not subsidised.

Complement

The aforementioned challenges were said to have mitigated in the negotiations, such that ATUSWA and the employers concluded the negotiations by awarding 7.39 per cent to factories with a staff complement of not more than 20. These are small-scale firms which are said to be still breaking into the industry. The award of the 7.39 per cent according to all categories equates to the least paid employee earning 55 cents more per hour. The beneficiaries of this agreement are in the textile and apparel sector under Category I. These are casual labourers, learners, learner mechanics A and learner sewing machinist A. They were currently paid E7.11 per hour and it shall now be increased to E7.65 per hour once the adjustment has been gazetted by the Minister of Labour and Social Security. Their salary would increase from E1 279.80 to E1 377 per month.

In fact, the union, in its position paper, had demanded that this category should be removed such that the entry level of the sector was category II. However, based on the agreement by the parties, category I was not removed as small-scale factories submitted that they relied on it for their human resource. Meanwhile, an employee in category II currently earns E9.51 per hour. Employees recruited in this category are cleaners, learner mechanics B, fusers, labourers, hand trimmers, inline examiners, layer-ups, packers, inline pressers and sorters. The category also includes screen printers, washers, soberers and learner sewing machinist B. Following the negotiations, an employee recruited by a small-scale factory in this sector would have his/her salary hiked by 70 cents. This translates to E10.21 per hour and a basic monthly salary of E1 837.80. When effected through the gazette, it shall be an increment of E126.

On the other hand, both categories in the cut, make and trim (CMT) factories, the stakeholders agreed on a 10 per cent salary hike. The CMT in apparel manufacturing are factories that cut fabric into patterns, sew the cut pieces into garments and trim excess threads from the garment as the final step of quality control. These factories are provided with the fabric and all accessories by their client while they provide the infrastructure along with the human resource.

Increased

In category I in this sector, they are currently earning E7.11 per hour and it shall be increased by 71 cents to E7.82 per hour. This shall mean once the collective agreement by the parties has been gazetted, they shall earn a basic monthly salary of E1 407.60. It is an increment of E127.80 per month as their current monthly salary is E1 279.80. Those in category II in the CMT factories shall have their salaries revised from E9.51 per hour to E10.45 within the same period. This is a hike of 95 cents per hour and translates to a basic monthly salary of E1 881. They are currently earning a basic monthly salary of E1 711.80. This means they shall now earn E169.20 more per month. On the other hand, all categories in the free on board (FOB), which means the factory is responsible for the price for the garment inclusive of fabrics, trims, accessories, cost of labour and profit from A to Z, shall have an increment of 12 per cent.

In category I in this sector, they are currently earning E7.11 per hour and it shall be increased by 85 cents to E 7.96 per hour. This means that once the collective agreement by the parties has been gazetted, they shall earn a basic month salary of E1 432.80. This is an increase of E153 per month as their current monthly salary is E1 279.80. Those in category II in the FOB factories shall have their salaries revised from E9.51 per hour to E10.65 within the same period. This is a hike of E1.14 cents per hour and it translates to a basic monthly salary of E1 917.

Earning

They are currently earning a basic monthly salary of E1 711.80. This means they shall now earn E 205.20 more per month. It is worth noting that the demands listed by ATUSWA were against the backdrop of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezis pronouncement that the wages councils of the various sectors had a mandate to increase the minimum wages in the industries, in such a way that an individual would be able to survive in the rapidly increasing cost of living. The minister said this after doing site visits to some of the sectors and learnt that after government, through the wages councils, had published gazettes for minimum wages, employers did not engage their employees on what they could add on top of the minimum wage. Instead, he said some employers stuck to the minimum wage, yet they were to negotiate with the workers, in terms of their affordability.

Different

Basically, by setting the minimum wage, he said government was saying workers in the different sectors should not be paid less than that (gazetted minimum wage).
A man accused of killing an American student on the Caribbean island of Aruba almost two decades ago is being extradited to the United States.

Natalee Holloway, an 18-year-old from suburban Birmingham, vanished during a high school graduation trip to Aruba in May 2005.

Holloway's remains have never been found though an Alabama judge declared her legally deceased in 2012, without settling the case.

The young student was last seen in Aruba with a convicted murderer named Joran van der Sloot - who is being extradited to the US - and another man. Van der Sloot is wanted on one count of extortion and wire fraud.

Here, DailyMail.com looks at what we know about Holloway and her disappearance:

Natalee Holloway, an 18-year-old from suburban Birmingham, vanished during a high school graduation trip to Aruba in May 2005. Her body has never been found and she was declared legally dead in 2012

Who is Natalee Holloway?

Natalee was a bright 18-year-old student who mysteriously disappeared on May 30, 2005, in Aruba.

She had lived in Mountain Brook, Alabama and graduated from Mountain Brook High School on May 24, 2005, just days before taking the Caribbean trip.

Natalee was the first of two children to parents Dave and Elizabeth 'Beth' Holloway (1960) in Memphis, Tennessee. They divorced in 1993, and Holloway and her younger brother went on to be raised by their mother.

Seven years later, in 2000, Beth married George 'Jug' Twitty, a prominent Alabama businessman, and the family moved together to a suburb of Birmingham.

Natalee graduated with honors from her high school. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, and was on the school's dance squad.

The teenager was set to attend the University of Alabama on a full scholarship, where she planned to pursue a pre-med trac, an educational track followed by undergraduate students prior to going on to study medicine.

However, these dreams tragically came to an end when she and 124 fellow graduates from the high school flew in Aruba for a five-day, unofficial graduation trip.

What happened to Natalee Holloway?

Natalee and her fellow high school graduates were accompanied to Aruba by seven chaperones, who - according to one - met the students each day to check in.

Jodi Bearman, the organizer of the trip, said 'the chaperones were not supposed to keep up with their every move.'

It soon emerged that the high school graduates had been drinking heavily during the trip, including Natalie, with an investigator later saying 'she drank all day every day'.

'We have statements she started every morning with cocktailsso much drinking that Natalee didn't show up for breakfast two mornings,' they said.

Natalee was 18 when she disappeared from the Caribbean island of Aruba during a trip with school friends in 2005

Natalee's mother Beth (pictured) was able to track down the name of van der Sloot after being told her daughter left the nightclub with him, and gave his name to the police

The investigator called the partying 'wild,' saying there was 'lots of room switching every night' and that the Holiday Inn said the students were not welcome back the following year.

Natalee was last seen by her classmates at around 1.30 a.m. on Monday, May 30 - the morning of their flight home back to the United States.

She was leaving a bar at the time in a car with a 17-year-old Dutch honors student by the name of Joran van der Sloot - who was living in Aruba and attending the International School of Aruba, and his two Surinamese friends, brothers 21-year-old Deepak Kalpoe (who owned the car) and 18-year-old Satish Kalpoe.

Natalee did not arrive to board her flight home later that day.

Her packed luggage and her passport were found in her Holiday Inn room, prompting Aruban authorities to launch searches across the island and its surrounding waters. Despite their efforts, they found no further trace of her.

Immediately following Natalee's missed flight, her mother and stepfather flew with friends to Aruba by private jet, and a huge search was launched.

Hundreds of volunteers from the island helped scour it for any evidence, and the local government gave civil servants the day off to assist with the search. Fifty Dutch marines searched the shorelines, and local banks raised $20,000 to help.

Prosecutors allege that prime suspect van der Sloot (pictured) reached out to the teenager's mother asking for $25,000 to disclose the location of her daughter's body

Joran van der Sloot is accused of killing the American student on the Caribbean island of Aruba, and is wanted on one count each of extortion and wire fraud. He is seen here in the back of a car on June 8, 2023 leaving a maximum security prison in Peru

Natalee's mother Beth was able to track down the name of van der Sloot after being told her daughter left the nightclub with him.

Beth provided the Aruban police with his address, and he eventually told them that he had driven with Natalee to the California Lighthouse area of Arashi Beach because she wanted to see sharks.

He said they later dropped her off at the hotel at around 2 a.m. He said the American fell down as she got out of the car, but refused his help.

Van der Sloot said that as he and Kalpoe were driving away from the hotel, Natalee was approached by a man in a black shirt - similar to those won by security.

On September 3, 2005, one week after the Kalpoes were re-arrested, the brothers and van der Sloot were released from prison on the condition that they remained available to the police.

'The investigation continues,' the lead officer told The Associated Press. 'The case of Natalee Holloway has not concluded with these releases.'

In a lengthy interview with Greta Van Susteren that aired over the course of three nights, from March 1 to 3, 2006, van der Sloot recalled the details of his time with Holloway, from drinking with her at the bar to leaving her behind on the beach, addressing some of the unusual elements of his story, such as why his shoes went missing that night.

On November 21, 2007, van der Sloot and the Kalpoes were arrested again. However, the evidence failed to move the case forward and all three suspects were released by December 7.

On January 12, 2012, at the behest of Holloways father, and against the wishes of her mother, Holloway was formally declared dead by an Alabama judge.

What is the latest on the Natalee Holloway case?

Holloway's mysterious disappearance sparked years of news coverage and countless true crime podcasts, but has never been solved.

Several arrests have been made over Natalee's disappearance. Two former security guards were arrested in June 2005, but they were released quickly without charge.

On June 9, Van der Sloot and the Kalpoe brothers were arrested on suspicion of the kidnapping and murder of Holloway.

However, they were also released in September.

Holloway's body was never found, and no charges were filed in the case. A judge later declared Holloway dead.

Van der Sloot (pictured in September 2005) has been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman. Authorities in early June 2023 moved him from a maximum-security prison in the Andes to the detention facility in Lima

Van der Sloot has been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman. Authorities in early June 2023 moved him from a maximum-security prison in the Andes to the detention facility in Lima.

Van der Sloot in 2012 pleaded guilty in Peru to murdering 21-year-old Stephany Flores, a business student from a prominent Peruvian family. She was killed in 2010 five years to the day after Holloway's disappearance.

The federal charges filed in Alabama against van der Sloot stem from an accusation that he tried to extort the Holloway family in 2010, promising to lead them to her body in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Whether Van der Sloot or anyone else will ever face charges over Natalee's disappearance remains to be seen.
The sole crew member in charge of the cargo ship Thunder was 'distracted by his cell phone' moments before it collided with another vessel in the Gulf of Mexico - causing $12 million worth of damage.

The Bunun Queen, a 600 foot bulk carrier traveling at 14.8 knots, crashed into the Thunder, which measures 250-feet and was traveling at nine knots, in 'good visibility, daylight and fair-weather conditions,' the National Transportation Safety Board report states.

The accident occurred at 1pm local time in July 2022, around 60 miles off of Port Fourchon, Louisiana.

Pictures released by the NTSB show a gaping hole in the portside hull of the Thunder which allowed water to flood in from the 1,400 feet deep gulf. The damage cost over $11 million to fix, while the repairs to the Bunun Queen totaled $680,000.

The watch officer was alerted to the presence of the Bunun Queen when a member of the crew saw the ship out of a porthole and notified the bridge. Most of the other crewmembers were having lunch in the mess at the time.

A picture from the NTSB report on the collision shows the gaping hole in the portside hull of the Thunder

The significantly less-impacted bow of the Bunun Queen - though despite the largely superficial damage, the ship also took on water

The report concluded that the watch officer's use of a cellphone caused the accident. Investigators said the officer took a minute long personal phone call and dictated several text messages using an app at the time.

Despite sustaining 'substantial damage,' there were no injuries among the 18-member crew of the Thunder, nor was anyone hurt onboard the Bunun Queen. The Thunder was evacuated with numerous nearby boats responding to its distress call.

The damage suffered by the Bunun Queen included dents and a crack, and some water was taken on board. There were 20 crew members on board.

Thunder was returning a group oil workers from a nearby rig at the time.

The Thunder tried to turn away to no avail with the initial crash causing the electronics on board to flicker while ripping a hole in the hull.

The NTSB did not absolve the Bunun Queen's crew of wrongdoing, accusing its watch officers of being distracted with 'non-navigational tasks' at the time.

There was only one watch officer on the bridge of the thunder when the crash occurred

The NTSB report did not absolve the crew of the Bunun Queen of wrongdoing, also blaming them for the incident because they were distracted

An illustration showing the path to collision that both ships took

The crash occurred 66 miles south of Port Fourchon in Louisiana

'Using cell phones and other personal electronic devices has been demonstrated to be visually, manually, and cognitively distracted.

'Nonoperational use of cell phones and other wireless electronic devices by on-duty crewmembers in safety-critical positions has been a factor in accidents in all transportation modes,' one section of the report read.

The officer's role was to monitor for potential collision threats, such as vessels or oil rigs, as the Thunder cruised on autopilot.

'The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea requires "every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate,"' the report reads.

Cell phones have been at the center of several transport accidents in the past.

In 2008, a commuter train driver in California was found to have been texting prior to his train colliding with a freight train after running a red light, causing the deaths of 25 people and injuring dozens more.

As a result of that crash, train operators were banned from using cell phones at work. The pilot of cargo ship that ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay in March 2022 was found to have been on a call and sending text messages just before that incident.
Talija said there was no sense of urgency so she drove to the location and found her husband and another man dead in his vehicle. Police arrived around 2pm

A Colorado Springs woman who received a desperate text from her husband indicating he was being held hostage called 911 for help - but when police responded to the scene an hour later, he was dead.

Talija Campbell, 35, said her husband Qualin Campbell, 32, sent her texts that read '911' and 'Send Please!' He also shared his location and a photo of a man sitting next to him in his car.

She called 911 just after 1 p.m. with the information and told the dispatcher she feared her husband, who was a father of two, was being held hostage.

When Colorado Springs police responded an hour later to a separate shooting call in a parking lot on South Nevada Avenue, the same location provided earlier by Talija, two men were found dead, according to the department's online police blotter.

Her husband Qualin was one of the victims but Talija did not find out until she went to the location herself, reportedly arriving before police.

The other man was identified by the El Paso County Coroner's Office as David Karels, 44. Both men were shot to death but only Campbell's death is being investigated as a homicide, police said. Karelss death is being investigated as a suicide.

Talija Campbell, 35, said she called 911 Friday after her husband Qualin Campbell, 32, texted '911' and 'Send Please!' but cops did not respond until an hour later, and he was found dead

Qualin Campbell, a Colorado father of two told his wife Talija he was being held hostage by a stranger in his car was later found dead in a parking lot

Law firm claims Colorado Springs police didn't respond to hostage situation soon enough Law firm claims Colorado Springs police didn't respond to hostage situation soon enough. https://www.kktv.com/2023/06/05/law-firm-claims-colorado-springs-authorities-didnt-respond-hostage-situation-that-turned-deadly-incident-remains-under-investigation/ Posted by KKTV 11 News on Thursday, June 8, 2023

She had earlier called 911 and told one dispatcher that she believed her husband had been taken hostage and described his car and his location, which was about a mile away from the headquarters of the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Talija was then transferred to a dispatcher responsible for taking Colorado Springs calls.

The first dispatcher briefed the second dispatcher on what she reported, she said, before she had to explain everything she knew again to the second dispatcher.

The second dispatcher said an officer would check it out and get back to her but there was no sense of urgency, Talija said, so she drove to the location herself.

She arrived at the location her husband had given her and immediately recognized his company car in a parking lot. He had been on his job as a mobile printer-equipment repairman.

Talija said when she saw her husband slumped over inside the car alongside another man, she fell to her knees and started screaming.

Talija said when she saw her husband slumped over inside the car alongside another man, she fell to her knees and started screaming

Talija and Qualin were married for seven years and had two daughters together (pictured)

As other people gathered around, they debated whether they should open the car door after seeing a gun on the lap of the other man, who appeared to be unconscious but did not have any visible injuries, she said.

Talija said she decided to open the door to try to save her husband, who had been bleeding, but found no pulse on his neck or wrist.

'I shouldn't have been the one there, the first person to respond,' she said.

Talija said her husband's uncle, who also went to the scene, called police to report that Qualin was dead.

When asked about Talija's 911 call and the police response to it, police spokesman Robert Tornabene said he couldn't comment because there was an 'open and active criminal investigation' into the deaths.

Talija's lawyer, Harry Daniels, said she wants answers from the department about why it did not respond to her call, saying Qualin might still be alive if they had.

The other man was later identified by the El Paso County Coroner's Office as David Karels, 44. Both men were shot to death but only Campbell's death is being investigated as a homicide

The dispatcher said an officer would check it out and get back to her but there was no sense of urgency, Talija said, so she drove to the location herself

Talija's lawyer, Harry Daniels, said she wants answers from the department about why it did not respond to her call, saying Qualin might still be alive if they had

'I can't think of anything that could take higher precedence than a hostage situation, except maybe an active shooter,' he said.

Daniels told KKTV that police failed to help someone who was 'begging for his life.'

'The Colorado Springs Police Department and El Paso County can make all the excuses they want, but the facts are simple,' Daniels said.

'This was a hostage situation where Qualin Campbell was begging for his life, his wife called 911, the police were less than a mile away but they never responded. Let's be clear. If the police don't respond to a hostage situation, none of us are safe.'

A GoFundMe has been organized for the heartbroken family to help with expenses in the wake of the death of Qualin, who was their provider

Qualin was a 'loving husband, dedicated father, son, brother, and employee. His heart for others was selfless and his commitment to serving others was unmatched'

A GoFundMe has been organized to help with expenses in the wake of the death of Qualin, who had worked with All Copy Products (ACP) to provide for his family.

According to the fundraising site, Talija and Qualin were married for seven years and had two daughters together.

Qualin was a 'loving husband, dedicated father, son, brother, and employee. His heart for others was selfless and his commitment to serving others was unmatched.'

Qualin's death is the 10th homicide in the city of Colorado Springs in 2023. At this time last year, there were 24 homicides.
The Supreme Court ordered Alabama to redraw its voting maps because they discriminated against black Americans in a shock ruling on Thursday.

The justices voted 5-4 to strike down congressional districts drawn up by Republicans because they don't represent the state's racial population breakdown.

Alabama had only one seat out of seven where the majority of voters were black, even though one in four residents is African-American. That district reliably elected a Democrat while the other six have been dominated by Republicans.

The nation's highest court ruled that is was a likely violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a landmark civil rights bill, and ordered the maps be redrawn.

The surprising decision was made possible by conservatives Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joining sides with the courts four liberals.

Distict 7 is the only majority black district in Alabama

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a surprising 5-4 ruling in favor of black voters in a congressional redistricting case, ordering the creation of a second district with a large black population. Evan Milligan, the plaintiff, speaks outside the court

The case had been closely watched for its potential to weaken the landmark voting rights law.

It was part of a larger battle over redistricting across the country, where civil rights advocates say the process disadvantages minority communities while Republican state officials say the Constitution only allows a limited consideration of race in drawing voting districts.

Roberts wrote that there were legitimate concerns that the Voting Rights Act 'may impermissibly elevate race in the allocation of political power within the states,' but, he added: 'Our opinion today does not diminish or disregard these concerns. It simply holds that a faithful application of our precedents and a fair reading of the record before us do not bear them out here.'

The court had allowed the challenged map to be used for the 2022 elections and at arguments in October, the justices appeared willing to make it harder to use the voting rights law to challenge redistricting plans as racially discriminatory.

The Supreme Court ordered Alabama to redraw its voting maps because they discriminated against black Americans in a shock ruling on Thursday

The chief justice himself suggested last year that he was open to changes in the way courts weigh discrimination claims under the part of the law known as section 2.

But on Thursday, Roberts wrote that the court was declining 'to recast our section 2 case law as Alabama requests.'

Roberts was part of conservative high-court majorities in earlier cases that made it harder for racial minorities to use the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in ideologically divided rulings in 2013 and 2021.

The other four conservative justices dissented Thursday. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the decision forces 'Alabama to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the States population. Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it.'

The current case stems from challenges to Alabama's seven-district congressional map, which included one district in which black voters form a large enough majority that they have the power to elect their preferred candidate.

The challengers said that one district is not enough, pointing out that overall, Alabama's population is more than 25 percent black.

A three-judge court, with two appointees of former President Donald Trump, had little trouble concluding that the plan likely violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the votes of Black Alabamians. The panel ordered a new map drawn.

But the state quickly appealed to the Supreme Court, where five conservative justices prevented the lower-court ruling from going forward. They allowed last years congressional elections to proceed under the map that the lower court had said is probably illegal.

At the same time, the court decided to hear the Alabama case, and arguments were held in early October.
Shortly after their divorce announcement, Mulaney went on to date Olivia Munn and quickly had a child with her, who was born in November 2021

Comedian John Mulaney's ex-wife revealed she was hospitalized for 'depression, self-harm, and severe suicidal ideation' after their seven-year marriage crumbled.

Anne Marie Tendler, 37, revealed that she was hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation in the first two weeks of 2021, roughly a year after her marriage started to crumble, she said in an essay about her dog's death in Elle magazine.

'Petunia and I moved to Connecticut in December 2020, in the wake of my severe mental health breakdown and what appeared to be the impending end of my marriage,' she wrote. 'We fused even more deeply together in an attuned and totally symbiotic relationship.'

As she went through the mental health system, doctors asked her to make a list of things to live for and the artist said that 'Petunia was the one and only thing on that list.'

Her hospitalization would come six months before Mulaney, 40, would ask for a divorce following a 60-day stint in rehab. He had entered a treatment facility for cocaine addiction and alcoholism in December 2020, Page Six revealed.

Mulaney quickly started to date actress Olivia Munn and the couple had a child in November 2021.

Anne Marie Tendler, 37, revealed that she was hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation in the first two weeks of 2021, roughly a year after her marriage started to crumble with John Mulaney, 40

Her ex-husband also spent 60 days in a rehab facility starting in December 2020. Afterward, he asked for a divorce from Tendler

Shortly after their divorce announcement, Mulaney went on to date Olivia Munn and quickly had a child with her, who was born in November 2021

John proposed to Tendler, a makeup artist, in 2013 and they tied the knot in July 2014 in a ceremony officiated by Dan Levy of Schitt's Creek fame. Their divorce was finalized in January 2022.

At the time, Tendler released a statement saying she was 'heartbroken' by Mulaney's decision but wished him 'support and success.'

A few days after the split was announced, a People source alleged that John had become romantically involved with Munn.

'This is very new, they're taking it slowly. They met at church in Los Angeles,' an insider in his camp told the magazine.

The speculation was sent into high gear when Munn was glimpsed leaving John's home in Los Angeles near the end of June.

As she went through the mental health system, doctors asked her to make a list of things to live for and the artist said that 'Petunia was the one and only thing on that list.'

Shortly after their relationship was announced, Munn announced on Late Night with Seth Meyers that she was pregnant with their first child.

Mulaney went public with the pregnancy this September on Late Night With Seth Meyers, whose host had been part of his intervention last year. Their son, Malcolm Hiep, was born in November 2021.

Mulaney also showered praise on Olivia for having 'dealt with' his newly sober self and said, 'She's kind of held my hand through that hell, and we're having a baby together.'

He gushed about their 'incredible' new relationship, saying: 'Olivia and this baby have helped save me from myself in this early journey out of recovery.'

During the interview, Mulaney revealed that the first time he was introduced to Olivia was at Meyers' wedding on Martha's Vineyard in 2013.

Their son, Malcolm Hiep, was born in November 2021. Mulaney gushed about their 'incredible' new relationship at the time, saying: 'Olivia and this baby have helped save me from myself in this early journey out of recovery'

The couple have since posted several photos of their little one including an image where Mulaney pretended to cook their boy.

Munn wrote on the photo, 'LOL Daddy's New Banh Bao Recipe.'

While Munn and Mulaney seem happy with Malcolm, Tendler opened up about what she called a 'harsh and punishing' year.

'My own brain is well acquainted with the elusiveness of hope that materializes in sporadic and ephemeral waves. I suppose, in part, this is what it means to live with depression and anxiety,' the Connecticut-born artist wrote on Instagram in December 2021.

'That said, melancholia is oft amplified by circumstance and the circumstances of my year have been harsh and punishing. I find myself asking: "When will I feel normal?" But in reality, I recognize that the normal from before has expired; "normal" is an impossibility, there is only "new."'
A tram driver sobbed as he told a court that the crash which caused the death of seven passengers has left him a broken man.

Alfred Dorris, 49, from south London, took a bend near Sandilands at 40mph when the speed limit was 12mph on the Croydon tramlink on November 9, 2016.

Windows smashed and doors were ripped off as the tram fell on its side and those who died were thrown out and trapped between the overturned vehicle and the track.

One passenger said it was like being 'inside a washing machine'.

The crash resulted in the deaths of Dane Chinnery, 19, Philip Logan, 52, Philip Seary, 57, Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, and Robert Huxley, 63, all from New Addington, and Mark Smith, 35, and Donald Collett, 62, who were both from Croydon.

Tram driver Alfred Dorris (pictured in June 2022), 49, broke down in court today as he told the court about the 2016 crash in Croydon

Jurors have heard 69 passengers were on board and only one escaped injury while 19 suffered serious injuries (pictured: investigators at the scene)

Dorris is on trial at the Old Bailey for failing to take 'reasonable care' of the health and safety of himself and his passengers on Tram 2551.

Experts have told the court he may have had a 'micro-sleep' before the derailment.

Jurors have heard 69 passengers were on board and only one escaped injury while 19 suffered serious injuries.

Dorris denies failing in his duty to take reasonable care of passengers.

He broke down in tears when his barrister Miles Bennett said he was going to ask him about being arrested a few hours after the incident.

Dorris said: 'I was told I was being arrested for manslaughter because of multiple fatalities.

'I was broken. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I broke down in the police station.

'I was feeling sick, and as the adrenaline started to wear off I started to feel pain on my right side.'

The victims: Dane Chinery, 19, Mark Smith, 35, and Robert Huxley, 63

He said that after being released he stayed in a hotel for four weeks with his wife and 12-year-old daughter because of press outside his house.

Wiping away tears, Dorris said: 'I was all over the place. Just broken - in disbelief at what happened.

'I couldn't understand why it happened and there wasn't anything I was able to do to stop it from happening.

'In some ways I held myself responsible for what happened. I could not explain how it happened.'

The defendant said lighting in the tunnel on the approach to the sharp turn where the derailment happened was 'inconsistent', and in the dark he had to rely on his 'route knowledge and experience as a driver'.

He told the court he became 'disorientated' as he approached the Sandilands bend and believed he was travelling in the opposite direction.

'I was just driving as normal, then all of a sudden I just thought "what's going on."

'I felt confused, I wasn't sure where I was.

Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, and Donald Collet, 62 were killed in the crash

The final two victims were Phil Seary, 57, and Philip Logan, 52

'The sensation was weird because I felt disorientated but it almost came and went.

'After it went I thought I was alright, I was convinced at that stage I was going toward Lloyd Park, that's what was in my head.'

He said that if he knew he was approaching the Sandilands curve he would have started to brake.

He said he did not know the curve was approaching until he saw it and he did not notice the 20kph sign that day.

'I saw the curve and it was like I went into shock and I couldn't do anything. I wanted to reach for the brake but by that stage the tram was already going over and I was thrown out from the car and I couldn't do anything.

'I can remember being thrown from the chair onto the side of the cab and my shoulder took the bulk of the impact.

'I remember lying on the floor but I think I passed out then because I can't remember the tram sliding or becoming stationary.

'The next thing I remember is hearing voices and I think people were kicking or trying to open the cab door and I can remember lights, I think people were using their mobile phone lights.

The bend near Sandilands in Croydon where the speed limit was 12mph

The trial will continue at the Old Bailey this week. Pictured: Investigators at the scene in 2016

Defence barrister Miles Bennett said: 'You said one of the issues causing you upset just after the event and into 2017 was you could not piece together in your mind what had happened and how you got to this state.

'Even with the passage of time now are you able to tell the jury how it is you became disorientated?'

The defendant replied: 'No.'

Dorris said he had got 'confused' before the crash but not due to a lack of concentration as it had been a 'normal average' day up until that point.

He went on to describe how he continued to 'struggle' with what happened and reached his 'lowest point' during the lockdown when he was unable to start treatment for 'severe case of PTSD'.

He said: 'For me being in lockdown with my family suffering as I was I just got worse and worse, a ticking timebomb waiting to go off and the family was in the firing line.

'One day I just lost control and me and my wife at the time had an altercation and I became very aggressive towards her and that was the beginning of the end of my marriage and we separated.

'That was the last time I saw my family, the last time I saw my daughter.'

The tram was allegedly going 40mph round the bend near Sandilands, Croydon

The defendant said he was excused from taking part in the inquest into the victims' deaths.

Dorris said he prioritised the comfort of passengers in his driving style.

'It was about safety and comfort. I wanted my passengers to feel that they had a comfortable ride and it was always smooth, that was my driving style.

'I would make sure there was no sudden braking movement. I enjoyed driving and took pride in what I was doing. It was important to me.

'I was always on time and smartly dressed. I was representing the company I worked for and wanted to give a good impression and show I was proud of the job and who I'm working for.'

Dorris worked as a bus driver from 1999 until 2007 then as a milkman for a year before becoming a tram driver in 2008.

He wanted to use the job as a stepping stone to become a train driver.

Dorris worked permanent early shifts as a bus driver and a tram driver at his own request to fit with this family life.

He claimed he never had problems with fatigue or felt sleepy at work despite getting up at 2am as a milkman.

Dorris said that on the weekend before the accident he had been to an Indian wedding and he had not felt tired during the week.

He said that on the night of the accident he went to bed between 9 and 10pm.

'For me it's a regular routine, that would always normally be the time I would go to sleep so I wouldn't have any issues falling asleep at that time.

He said he did not remember using his phone to look at his schedule for the next day at 10.59pm as phone evidence shows.

His alarm was set for 3.20am.

He said that he did not feel tired and if he did he would have called in and said he was not fit to go into work.

The driver said he never worked overtime.

Dorris told the court he has never drunk alcohol and had never taken a day off sick.

The driver, of Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham, south London, denies failing in his duty to take reasonable care of the health and safety of passengers.

The prosecution is brought by the Office for Rail and Road (ORR).

The trial continues.
A British woman has been found dead in Cyprus in the home she shared with her partner - with investigators ordering an autopsy to shed light on the fatality.

The 38-year-old woman, who has not been named, is understood to have been found 'with bruises all over her body,' according to local media.

The Cyprus Mail reported that the woman's partner informed local authorities of the death.

He told police that he found the woman when he returned to their home on Wednesday afternoon.

She was found at around 4.30pm at their apartment in Kato Paphos, western Cyprus, police said.

The 38-year-old woman is understood to have been found 'with bruises all over her body', local media reported, at an apartment in Kato Paphos, western Cyprus (pictured)

Investigators, including forensic officers, collected evidence from the scene for scientific examination, head of Cyprus police Michalis Nikolaou said.

Cyprus Mail said initial examinations found the woman had bruises all over her body and periocular hematomas (otherwise known as a black eye) in both eyes.

Her body has been transferred to the Nicosia general hospital morgue, where an autopsy was set to take place at 1.30pm on Thursday.

Investigators are hoping that the results will shed light on how the woman died.

Police are continuing their investigation.

MailOnline has contacted the British foreign office for comment.
Julian Assange has lost his appeal against extradition to the US on espionage charges.

The judgment was handed down privately on Monday at the High Court.

WikiLeaks founder Assange, 51, launched the appeal last June after then-Home Secretary Priti Patel signed an order authorizing his removal.

Yesterday his wife Stella said that he will appeal the decision. It will be Assange's last chance to overturn the ruling before his options in the UK courts are exhausted.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation said it was 'highly disappointed by the UK High Court's rejection of Julian Assange's appeal of his extradition to the United States on Espionage Act charges.'

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, 51, launched the appeal last June after then-Home Secretary Priti Patel signed an order authorizing his removal

Stella Assange, wife of imprisoned journalist and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, speaks during the Free Assange Quad Rally last month in Sydney, Australia

Director of Advocacy Seth Stern said: 'The idea of Assange or anyone being tried in a U.S. court for obtaining and publishing confidential documents the same way investigative reporters do every day should be terrifying to all Americans.

'If [President Joe] Biden lets this case proceed, future administrations will surely use the precedent of the Assange prosecution, and the unconstitutional authority to criminalize newsgathering that Biden is claiming, to go after journalists they don't like.

'It's time for Biden to drop this case and show the world he's serious about press freedom.'

There is still a chance that his extradition could be blocked by a last minute intervention from judges in Europe.

In December, Assange appealed to the European Court of Human Rights.

To halt his extradition now, the European Court would have to issue an emergency injunction known as a Rule 39 order.

This allows a judge to effectively block any action until further legal proceedings to decide on the merits of a case.

These so-called 'interim measures' are typically used to suspend an extradition, often by asylum seekers who fear persecution if they are returned to their home country.

Between 2020 and 2022, the ECHR granted 12 of 161 applications for 'interim measures' against the UK government.

Most recently, the order was used to stop the deportation of illegal migrants to Rwanda.

Such an order would be extremely controversial and likely be seen as another attack on British sovereignty, fuelling calls for Britain to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.

Protesters wave banners during the Free Julian Assange Quad Rally on May 24 in Sydney, Australia

Julian Assange's supporters recently demonstrated at Hyde Park, Sydney, while demanding his freedom

Meanwhile, Home Office officials are preparing the paperwork needed to extradite Assange at short notice.

If there are no further legal challenges, his extradition could take place in the next few weeks.

The case is thought to be one of the longest extradition battles in the last decade.

In 2019 he was charged by US authorities over almost 500,000 documents leaked in 2010 and 2011 about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

If convicted in the US, Mr Assange faces a possible penalty of up to 175 years in jail, his lawyers have said.

However the US government has said the sentence was more likely to be between four and six years.

In a long-running legal battle, a district judge at Westminster Magistrates Court initially blocked his extradition in January 2021 due to a real and 'oppressive' risk of suicide.

But this decision was overturned at the High Court after US authorities provided assurances that Mr Assange would be spared highly restricted prison conditions.

Yesterday Assange's lawyers, Birnberg Peirce said no one was available to comment on the ongoing case.

Assange's wife, human rights lawyer Stella, tweeted: 'On Tuesday next week my husband will make a renewed application for appeal to the High Court.

'The matter will then proceed to a public hearing before two new judges at the High Court and we remain optimistic that we will prevail and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the US government.'
Armed police in inflatable boats were today seen practising storming a ship in a Dorset harbour that is set to host a barge housing 500 asylum seekers.

Dozens of marine police were pictured running drills in full combat gear at Portland Port, where the controversial Bibby Stockholm is set to arrive in around two weeks.

RFA Sir Tristram served as a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship in the Falklands War but is now permanently based in Portland and used to train Royal Marines.

During this morning's exercise, officers in boats marked 'police' were seen climbing aboard the 450ft-long ship using rope ladders before sweeping the deck.

Dorset Police told MailOnline it was not involved in the exercise, but ignored enquiries about which force was involved and the nature of the training.

Dozens of marine police were pictured running drills in full combat gear at Portland Port this morning

Officers in combat gear were seen boarding two inflatable boats before racing towards a former Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship

A scene from the dramatic exercise taking place in Portland Port this morning

As the local police service it would have been informed in advance of any training exercises that were due to take place.

The Ministry of Defence - which owns the ship - had not responded to a request for comment by the time of publication.

Portland Port said it did not comment on 'security matters'.

This morning, people watched on as police boarded two speed boats and raced out to the RFA Sir Tristram before scaling its hull in what appeared to be a rehearsal for taking a vessel by force.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'The officers were dressed all in black and they all emerged from an old warehouse that looked like it had been abandoned.

'They marched to their boats in full gear and then they sped off towards the harbour entrance like they were practicing approaching from that side.

RFA Sir Tristram served as a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship in the Falklands War but is now permanently based in Portland and used to train Royal Marines

Officers scaled the ship using rope ladders in what appeared to be a rehearsal for taking a ship by force

Dorset Police told MailOnline it was not involved in the exercise, but ignored enquiries about which force was involved and the nature of the training

'I couldn't see them for a moment and then they zoomed at the ferry at full speed and surrounded it. It looked like they were practicing raiding it.'

It comes as local residents packed out a public meeting in Portland to express their concerns about 500 young male asylum seekers arriving in the area.

Attempting to reassure locals, Home Office official Roy Payne said: 'Cultural awareness will be important, and we will explain to asylum seekers that a lot of young men in groups can be intimidating.

'We will teach British social behaviours and cultural norms and they will have to conform to them.

'We have seen evidence that this worked at the Napier facility in Kent where the asylum seekers do not pose a problem when they do go into town.'

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'The officers were dressed all in black and they all emerged from an old warehouse that looked like it had been abandoned'

The Bibby Stockholm is set to arrive in Portland Port in around two weeks

The Bibby Stockholm was previously used to house offshore workers

The Bibby Stockholm is expected to be used for 18 months to help the government deal with the huge backlog of asylum claims.

Currently thousands of asylum seekers are being housed in hotels while their applications are processed, costing the taxpayer billions of pounds a year.

The Bibby Stockholm will be checked by inspectors from Portland town council before any migrants are allowed on board.

Superintendent Dean O'Connor, of Dorset police, told the meeting: 'This is not 500 criminals.

'If we see a change in crime levels, we will respond to that and deal with it as we always do.

'Everyone who will be on the barge will have been checked against a crime and immigration database and we will ensure we know who everyone is on that barge.'
A Russian man was heard screaming 'papa' as he was mauled to death by a shark today in the Egyptian resort of Hurghada.

Tourists watched in horror from the shore as the beast wounded the man before dragging him under the water. His distraught girlfriend managed to escape.

The tourist - believed to be 23 - was on a long stay in Egypt. He was named in Russia by Baza news outlet as Vladimir Popov, and had moved to the resort with his father several months ago.

His father watched the fatal attack in horror, which was also filmed from the shore.

A Russian man was heard screaming 'papa' as he was mauled to death by a shark today in Egyptian resort Hurghada. Pictured: A still grab from a graphic video showing the attack. The shark's fin can be seen just feet away from the man as he attempts to swim away from the beast

Tourists watched in horror from the shore as the beast wounded the man before dragging him under the water. His distraught girlfriend managed to escape

The video shows that the man desperately shouted 'Papa, Papa' as the predator hunted him in the water, circling him before launching the attack.

The man can be seen desperately trying to swim towards the shore, but appears to be attacked by the shark while still in deeper waters.

His body is seen spinning in the water, and his legs raise above the surface - as horrified onlookers scream and shout for the man to swim.

'Swim away, swim away! Quick! A shark!' people can be heard shouting.

The splashing in the water stops, and the man's head returns to the surface. He appears in the video to be moving around in the water again, but only slowly.

He can be heard screaming 'Papa', pleading for help, as some of the water turns red.

As he does so, the shark's body is seen clearly at the surface this time. The long black shape circles around the man, and its fin and tail are seen near the surface.

The woman filming the horrific attack can he heard repeating 'oh my god' as it unfolds. As she does so, the shark turns around for another attack and swims at the man again, clamping its jaws around him, pulling him under the water.

The man's head appears above the water one last time, and the shark's body is seen writhing in the ocean as it appears to eat the man's body and drag it further down.

One witness said: 'The shark's eating his remains now. There she is, eating his remains.' Another said: 'Right in front of my eyes, the shark ate the guy, the girl managed to escape. He took the blow from the shark.

'It's a terrible thing, the remains of this man are lying there.'

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of a citizen from a shark attack.

An unnamed Russian woman tourist said: 'The rescuers reacted very quickly. I immediately felt that it was a shark.

'I immediately jumped up and started shouting: 'Sharks! Save yourself!'.'

A witness said: 'It was about seven meters from the shore.'

Another onlooker said: 'The girl was saved, she screamed very much on the beach.

'She was so shocked, screaming. I don't know where they took her.'

The incident was reported to be on Dream Beach in Hurghada.

Russian tourists were told to be vigilant in the popular resort and follow the instructions and prohibitions of hotel staff.

The Russian man is not the first to have been killed by a shark at the resort.

In July last year, 68-year-old Austrian Elisabeth Sauer was attacked in front of horrified onlookers - 15 minutes after English speaking guests warned Egyptian lifeguards about sharks. Their warnings had been laughed off.

A second woman - identified only as a Romanian national in her 40s - is thought to have been killed in a similar attack just 650ft away from where Sauer died, with her badly disfigured remains found on a nearby reef the same day.

The tourist - believed to be 23 - was on a long stay in Egypt. He was named in Russia by Baza news outlet as Vladimir Popov (pictured), and had moved to the resort with his father several months ago

Ms Sauer lost an arm and a leg in an attack that was caught on film, as onlookers tried to distract the shark and get her to safety.

She reached the shore with the help of a flipper, but died a short time later.

Reports at the time - from news agency AFP and Austrian news outlets - pointed to the attack being committed by a Mako shark, while local Egyptian newspapers named the animal as an Oceanic whitetip shark.

It was not immediately clear what species of shark carried out Thursday's attack.
LOBAMBA  Young people between the ages of 16 and 17 years may soon be allowed to register for the national elections.

This was said when the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Pholile Shakantu, was presenting the Voters Registration Amendment Bill of 2023. During her preamble, where the minister was taking senators through the Bill, she stated that it (Bill) was also aimed at allowing young people between the ages of 16 and 17 to register for elections. Under the current legislation, only people from the age of 18 years can register to vote in the national elections. With the proposed amendments, those who will be turning 18 years in the course of the incoming 12th Parliament will be allowed to register and vote should the need arise.

By-elections

This category will be allowed to vote once they turn 18, if the need for by-elections arise. The minister explained that the reason they proposed this amendment was to broaden the participation of people in the national elections. She said this was also proposed to enable young people, who would have not turned 18 during the entire exercise of the national elections, to practise their right to vote during by-elections. Shakantu explained that the proposal did not mean the 16 and 17-year-olds, upon registering, would be allowed to vote this year. She said they would not vote this year because they would have not reached the eligible age, which is 18 years and would only exercise their right should by-elections be held in the future within their constituency.

Resignation

The minister noted that some constituencies, during the course of the elected Parliamenta five years, lost their elected candidates through resignation or passing away, two years in office.

She said this scenario would call for by-elections and by extension, this youth bracket would then be eligible to vote as they would have turned 18 years, hence the proposal to allow them to register now. The minister urged the senators to pass the Bill urgently to so that the proposed amendments could come into effect after being gazetted. The registration for the 2023 National Elections will end next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Senator Prince Magudvulela said the proposed amendment would encourage youth participation and lauded the minister for the suggestion. That would encourage young people to participate in national elections because the people elected to these seats would be formulating laws that would improve their wellbeing in the future and develop the country, he said. During the sitting, Senator Chief Mshengu raised concerns about the timing of the Bill. He said such amendments should have made it to Parliament well on time. The senator said this would enable both Houses of Parliament to have enough time to scrutinise each clause and ensure that they passed a sound legislation.
Piers Morgan used to 'inject' snippets of information into royal stories, Prince Harry's hacking trial heard today.

The former Daily Mirror editor, 58, has consistently denied claims he presided over a phone hacking empire.

The High Court has been told Mr Morgan was captivated by showbusiness stories and heard claims that he knew many came from listening to famous people's voicemail messages.

On Thursday the paper's royal correspondent in the 1990s and 2000s, Jane Kerr, said the editor had taken a 'really genuine interest' in the coverage, and would occasionally add snippets of information into stories she had authored.

In her written witness statement, she said Mr Morgan 'engaged with the Palace press offices and would occasionally direct or inject information into a story'.

Piers Morgan (pictured on Wednesday) used to 'inject' snippets of information into royal stories, Prince Harry's hacking trial heard today

David Sherborne was cross-examining royal correspondent Jane Kerr, whose byline appears on several of the 33 articles cited by the Duke of Sussex as examples of unlawful intrusion by publisher Mirror Group Newspapers (Pictured: Jane Kerr arrives at the High Court in London, Thursday, June 8, 2023)

Prince Harry's barrister David Sherborne suggested Mr Morgan had gleaned the extra information from hacked voicemail messages.

His paper was said to have been hacking Princess Diana's messages from Harry when he was a schoolboy and, earlier in the case, former No.10 spin doctor Alistair Campbell accused 'two-faced' Mr Morgan of hacking into his bank account.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the trial, Mr Morgan insisted: 'I've never hacked a phone. I've never told anybody to hack a phone.'

He has poured scorn on Prince Harry's decision to go to court, telling reporters: 'I wish him luck with his privacy campaign and look forward to reading about it in his next book.'

The Duke of Sussex has used the trial to accuse Mr Morgan of 'a barrage of horrific personal attacks and intimidation' against himself and his wife Meghan in response to him suing the Mirror's publisher.

Harry vowed to 'hold him properly accountable for his unlawful activity towards both me and my mother during his editorship'.

Mr Morgan, who was editor of the Daily Mirror from 1995 to 2004, has always denied phone hacking, saying he will not take lectures on privacy invasion from 'somebody who has spent the last three years ruthlessly and cynically invading the Royal Family's privacy for vast commercial gain'.

After Prince Harry's historic day and a half in the witness box, today the case moved on to other claimants who are also suing Mirror Group Newspapers.

Harry, who flew from his home in California to testify earlier in the week, was not at the High Court on Thursday (Pictured: Prince leaving the court on Wednesday)

David Sherborne, Prince Harry's lead lawyer, arrives at the High Court in London, Thursday, June 8, 2023

The Hollyoaks and former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson was in court as Mr Sherborne outlined how her personal life had been 'splashed over the papers', telling Mr Justice Fancourt she had said: 'This isn't celebrity gossip - it's my life.'

The 39-year-old actress, who played Candice in Coronation Street between 1995 and 2005, and has played Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks since 2012, was particularly hurt by an article about her father 'headlined 'Corrie Candice's Dad is secret love rat', said to have been obtained by unlawful means.

The publisher of the Mirror denies all the claims against it.

The case continues.
Rishi Sunak arrived at the White House tonight on a mission to woo Joe Biden over trade and military cooperation.

The PM met the US president in the Oval Office on his first visit to Washington, with economic issues and Ukraine high on the agenda.

Mr Sunak has spent a great deal of political capital on improving the so-called 'Special Relationship', seen as having been battered by rows over Norther Ireland Brexit rules.

However, there still appears to be no immediate prospect of a trade deal - which was very much on the cards when Donald Trump was commander-in-chief.

Asked by reporters about the special relationship between the UK and the US, Mr Biden gave a thumbs-up and said it was 'in real good shape'.

Former UK ambassador to the US Lord Darroch has voiced concerns that 'for all the inevitable smiles and pats on the back' there 'doesn't look to be much real warmth in the Anglo-American relationship'.

A poll for MailOnline shows that Brits regard Mr Biden as more pro-EU than pro-UK, although he is also rated more favourably than his predecessor.

The PM met the US president in the Oval Office on his first visit to Washington, with economic issues and Ukraine high on the agenda.

Rishi Sunak arrived at the White House tonight as he woos Joe Biden over trade and military cooperation

Rishi Sunak (left) is preparing to woo Joe Biden (right) over trade and military cooperation in talks at the White House today

A poll for MailOnline shows that Brits regard Mr Biden as more pro-EU than pro-UK, although he is also rated more favourably than his predecessor

PM to give Joe Biden book written by his British ancestor Rishi Sunak will give Joe Biden a personalised copy of a book written by the US president's great-great grandfather when the two leaders meet on Thursday. The book, Naval Discipline, was written by Christopher Biden in the mid 19th century and covers the Royal Navy's rules on mutiny. The president made a somewhat confused reference to his ancestor during his visit to Northern Ireland in April. In his speech in Belfast's Ulster University, Mr Biden referenced a George Biden who in '1842, could have been 1828; I can't remember  it's one of those two dates  had written the rules  the rules of mutiny for the British Navy'. Mr Biden, who is proud of his Irish ancestry, joked: 'Well, at least that part is consistentthe mutiny.' Mr Sunak will also present Mr Biden with a personalised Barbour jacket, made near his Richmond constituency. The Bedale-style jacket is embroidered with the words 'Mr President' on the front pocket instead of the Barbour branding. Advertisement

The president was accused of a series of 'anti-British' snubs when he visited the island of Island recently, spending just a few hours in Belfast before a lengthy stay in the Republic - where he often boasts of having heritage.

Mr Sunak waved as he was driven up to the door of the residence, but did not respond to shouted questions.

Speaking to Mr Biden in the Oval Office, the PM said: 'It's daunting to think of the conversations that our predecessors had in this room when they had to speak of wars that they fought together, peace won together, incredible change in the lives of our citizens.

'And again, for the first time in over half a century, we face a war on the European continent.

'And as we've done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will.

'But also I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing, perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm.'

Earlier, he told business leaders that Transatlantic ties are 'very strong'.

Downing Street has secured an early win by getting Mr Biden to agree to hold a rare joint press conference this evening after the talks.

But Mr Sunak was forced to deny breaking a manifesto promise to get a trade deal as he faced journalists in Washington this afternoon.

He argued that the war in Ukraine and the pandemic meant that the 'macroeconomic situation' had changed.

'Since then we've had a pandemic, we've had a war in Ukraine, and that has changed the macroeconomic situation. The right response to that is ensure that we're focusing our engagement economically on the things that will make the most difference.'

He added: 'Actually, what I'll be talking to President Biden about today is how can the UK and the US work together to ensure security for our citizens? I think that's the thing that we should be focusing on right now.'

This afternoon Mr Sunak addressed a gathering of chief executives of major companies in Washington, urging them to invest in the UK.

At the Business Roundtable forum he said: 'My job is to convince you that that's the right decision,' he said.

'Not just for today, but for years into the future as well.'

Mr Sunak will try to forge a joint stance with Mr Biden on AI, after declaring that the UK will host a major summit on the tech in the coming months.

He could also take the opportunity to push for Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to be handed the job of leading Nato when secretary general Jens Stoltenberg steps down at the end of September. Mr Biden has been pictured cosying up to Mr Wallace's likely Danish rival.

En route to Washington DC, Mr Sunak told reporters that a trade deal was not happening any time soon.

'I think that for a while now, that has not been a priority for either the US or UK,' he said.

'Because what we're both focused on is making sure that our economic partnership reflects the particular challenges and opportunities of the time that we're in right now.

'And that is the conversation that I will be having with President Biden. That involves not just trade but also economic security, which is increasingly important, but when it does come to trade, you know, what we have been doing with the US are looking at specific and targeted ways to improve trade between our countries.

'It's also worth saying that we already have an unbelievably strong trading relationship with the US. I mean, we're the largest investors in each other we employ over a million people in each other's countries.'

This afternoon Mr Sunak addressed a gathering of chief executives of major companies in Washington, urging them to invest in the UK

Mr Sunak said the UK-US trading relationship is 'already worth hundreds of billions of dollars' and is growing.

'There's lots of things for us to discuss, but I think it's important that our economic relationship reflects the particular challenges and opportunities at the time were in.'

Asked if a free trade deal was an unrealistic promise, Mr Sunak replied: 'All I said is since I've been Prime Minister, we've been focused, as have the US on making sure that our economic partnership reflects the opportunities and challenges of the time that we face now.'

It had been hoped that Mr Sunak's 'Windsor Framework' with the EU on post-Brexit rules for Northern Ireland might clear an obstacle to a free trade deal with America.

Mr Biden had frequently intervened over Britain's bitter row with Brussels over the Northern Ireland Protocol prior to the signing of the Windsor Agreement.

But the US President has previously made clear that a free trade deal was not a priority, and progress has stalled since he replaced Donald Trump in the White House.
President Joe Biden said the 'Special Relationship was in 'real good shape' as he welcomed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to a smoke-shrouded White House on Thursday.

It is the fifth time the two leaders have met since Sunak took office in October.

But 80-year-old Biden still managed to botch the introductions.

'Well Mr. President,' he began before correcting himself. 'Mr President? I just demoted you.'

Sunak laughed off the gaffe as Biden continued: 'Mr Prime Minister, it's great to have you back.' Sunak is making his first visit to the White House.

Biden brought up the history of the Oval Office, including the famous wartime meetings between wartime president and prime minister.

'You know, Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over seventy years ago,' he said. 'And they asserted that the strength of the partnership between Great Britain, the United States was the strength of the free world.'

He said there were dozens of stories about Churchill's time visiting, and his habit of taking baths.

President Joe Biden welcomed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to the White House on Thursday. They were due to discuss economic ties, Ukraine and artificial intelligence

Sunak continued: 'Wandering around at three in the morning ... Winston Churchill bothering Mrs. Roosevelt.'

'Don't worry. You won't see me that bothering you and the first lady.

Biden has been accused frequently of snubbing the United Kingdom in favor of Ireland, the land of his ancestors, and has botched the pronunciation of Sunak's name in the past.

Sunak arrives on a mission to build better ties as his country seeks to find its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

He came armed with gifts, presenting the president with a personalized waxed jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale Barbour jacket was made near Sunak's parliamentary constituency in north-east England.

He also presented the president with a copy of a book written by his British great-great grandfather.

'Naval Discipline,' was written by Christopher Biden in the mid 19th century and covers the Royal Navy's rules on mutiny.

Sunak is making his first visit to the White House since taking office in October

Sunak was guest of honor at UK-US friendship night at the Washington Nationals game on Wednesday evening. It included a fly past of US and UK aircraft

The president mentioned it in a speech during his visit to Northern Ireland in April.

However, U.S. officials have dashed hopes of a free trade agreement between Washington and London.

Instead their talks will focus on other forms of economic ties, the dangers of artificial intelligence and Ukraine.

'And as we've done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will,' said Sunak.

'But also I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing, perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm.'

Sunak came armed with gifts, presenting the president with a personalized waxed jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale Barbour jacket (similar pictured above) was made near Sunak's parliamentary constituency in north-east England

Prime Minister Winston Churchill (L) and President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House

His government is keen to build better relations with Washington, forging closer economic ties as London finds its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

After the turbulence of recent years  when Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss all came and went from Number 10 in quick succession  Sunak is intent on portraying a more stable presence.

British officials and ministers have also quietly been trying to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine, amid fears that America First Republicans in Congress could cut off the supply of arms and ammunition.

At the same time, Sunak's defense secretary Ben Wallace is among the possible contenders to take over as N.A.T.O. secretary general when Jens Stoltenberg steps down. Sunak will know that U.S. backing is essential to win the post, raising questions about whether the prime minister plans to use his White House visit to lobby Biden.
Video of the chilling moment a gunman shot dead Met Police Sergeant Matt Ratana in a custody block cell with an antique revolver he had hidden in a holster under his armpit was shown to the officer's murder trial.

Louis De Zoysa, 25, is accused of murdering Sgt Ratana, 54, at a custody block in Croydon, south London, on September 25 2020 while he was handcuffed.

The prosecution alleges De Zoysa 'pulled the trigger on purpose four times' while he was handcuffed, with the first and second shots hitting Sgt Ratana, the third hitting the wall during a struggle with officers and a fourth hitting De Zoysa himself.

They say the gun and holster were 'probably concealed under one of his armpits'.

De Zoysa, of Banstead, Surrey, denies murder. The defence told the trial yesterday that the defendant was suffering an autistic meltdown at the time of the shooting and 'did not mean to or want to kill Sgt Ratana, or to cause him really serious harm'.

CCTV footage showed Louis De Zoysa being put into a police van before the incident

The jury trying the murder of Met Police Sergeant Matt Ratana was shown the moment the gunman shot him dead with an antique revolver hidden in a holster under his armpit

Sgt Ratana (right) was shot in the chest inside a custody block holding cell in Croydon, south London on September 25, 2020

The footage released by the Met today has been cut down to eight minutes and 47 seconds and includes body-worn camera video showing De Zoysa being stopped and searched on London Road, Norbury, south London, by officers in the early hours of September 25 2020.

He is then put into the back of a police van and taken to the custody block in Windmill Road, Croydon.

It also shows the moments before Sgt Ratana, who was 54, was fatally shot just after 2am, before cutting to immediately after, with De Zoysa being wrestled to the floor and the gun kicked away.

De Zoysa, who was still handcuffed when Sgt Ratana was shot, is said by the Crown to have deliberately fired the weapon without warning into the officer's chest.

The prosecution alleges that De Zoysa made bullets for an antique revolver which he concealed in a holster and 'got hold of' after he was arrested, handcuffed and put in a police van.

Prosecutor Duncan Penny KC told the court yesterday that the footage showed that De Zoysa stood up, twisted his body round to the right and brought his hands from behind his back to his right side in one movement.

He also submitted that De Zoysa knew he was using a gun which worked.

Mr Penny told the court: 'Louis De Zoysa was holding the gun in his right hand. He fired the gun directly at the chest of Sergeant Ratana.'

A second shot, fired a second after the first shot, hit Sgt Ratana in the leg but was not the fatal wound, the court heard.

Moments after the fatal first round was fired, Mr Penny said, another police officer was continuing to pull De Zoysa backwards.

The prosecution alleges Louis De Zoysa 'pulled the trigger on purpose four times' while he was handcuffed, with the first and second shots hitting Sgt Ratana, the third hitting the wall during a struggle with officers and a fourth hitting De Zoysa himself. De Zoysa is pictured arriving at Northampton Crown Court in a wheelchair yesterday

Su Bushby was pictured leaving Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday after the jury was shown CCTV of the moment her husband Matt Ratana was killed

The Crown's barrister added: 'At the time, the gun was in Louis De Zoysa's right hand. At the same time, Louis De Zoysa's right hand was lifted up towards the right side of Louis De Zoysa's head.

'The actions of Louis De Zoysa and (the male officer struggling with him) both affected where the gun was pointing. Their actions combined to make the gun point up towards the left wall of the cell.

'As the gun was raised, Louis De Zoysa fired the gun a third time. The shot hit the left wall of the cell.'

Mr Penny said the male officer then wrestled De Zoysa to the ground while a female officer took hold of her taser and tried to fire it twice.

In the 16 seconds after the shot hit the wall, the jury was told, De Zoysa was on the floor on his left side - with his gun underneath him.

A muffled bang was then heard, which the prosecution say was the fourth shot which caused the injuries to De Zoysa.

Mr Penny said: 'Any electrical charge from the taser cannot have caused Louis De Zoysa to fire the fourth shot because the gunshot can be heard before the taser.'

The jury were allowed to hold the gun and fire it at Northampton Crown Court today.

Sgt Ratana was allegedly two months from retirement when he was killed at the police station

De Zoysa had his hands were cuffed behind his back when he fired the gun, which he had bought at an antiques auction. He allegedly pulled the trigger four times and one bullet hit sergeant Ratana in the chest, before trying to kill himself with the last round. De Zoysa is pictured in a court sketch on March 28

Forensic scientist and ballistics expert Anthony Miller explained that the gun was loaded with dummy bullets and was completely safe to be used in the court room, although it was aimed at the ceiling while being fired as an extra precaution.

Mr Miller told the court he had examined the revolver and the ammunition that was recovered after the incident.

Asked by prosecutor Mr Penny if the gun went off by accident during his rigorous testing, Mr Miller said it did not.

Speaking in short and simple sentences so De Zoysa, who suffered brain damage after being hit in the neck by a bullet during the incident, could follow proceedings, Mr Miller said: 'I dropped it on the ground, I struck it with a cloth-faced hammer and I generally treated it roughly.'

The defendant was 23 when the shooting happened and was living in a flat at a farm in Banstead, Surrey, having bought the gun, which was legal to own due to its antique status, on the internet in June 2020.

The gun had not been discovered during the stop and search of De Zoysa before he was taken to the custody block.

De Zoysa, who appeared in the dock for the third day in a row today in a wheelchair and with his right arm in a sling, denies murder.

The trial continues.
Wildfires like the current blazes in Canada are preventable but will continue to happen for as long as governments neglect our forests, former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke tells DailyMail.com.

The fires ravaging Canada have been burning for six weeks but have fallen under much harsher scrutiny this week thanks to the choking cloud of smoke they sent south over the border.

Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizbeth Warren are echoing Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's claim that climate change and climate change alone is to blame, while Republicans say proper forest management would have drastically reduced the problem.

The US has sent 600 firefighters to Canada to help battle the blazes.

In an interview on Thursday, Zinke, who served in Trump's cabinet and is now the Republican Representative for Montana's First District, said both sides need to get on the same page.

'I dont have a lot of sympathy. This is what Montana goes through every summer. Its another example of why we have to manage our forests.

Former US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke tells DailyMail.com wildfires such as those ravaging Canada will persist unless governments prioritize appropriate forest management and stop listening to environmental extremists. He is shown assessing the damage from the Paradise fire in 2018

'Whether youre a climate activist or climate denier, it doesnt relieve you of the responsibility to actively manage our forests,' he said.

Zinke served as Interior Secretary during the catastrophic 2018 Paradise Fire in California.

Both he and President Trump believe poor forest management could have curbed the disaster significantly.

But he says Democrats like Gov. Jerry Brown - who was in charge of California at the time - are beholden to climate change 'extremists' who refuse to talk common sense.

'When we were in the car privately, there wasnt much that we disagreed on.

'The moment he stepped out the car, he had a different tone and unfortunately, its not one that is based on science. It is based on emotion,' he said.

A combination of factors is stopping the necessary work from being done, he said.

Chief among them is the extensive red tape that communities, landowners and even the government has to go through in order to carry out prescribed burns - controlled fires - and cutting trees.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the fires are down to climate change

The US has sent 600 firefighters to Canada to help battle the blazes which have now raged for weeks

The fires ravaging Canada have been burning for six weeks but have fallen under much harsher scrutiny this week thanks to the choking cloud of smoke they sent south over the border

Then, there are eco-warriors leveling what he considers to be baseless, agenda-driven lawsuits to stop any trees from coming down.

'There are extremists who believe that the only way to protect forests is to limit public access and let it manage itself, let nature take its course. Now thats fine in the terms of eons of history.

'But as far as human experience goes, I want my children to see the same healthy forest as I did.

The shared goal is healthy forests but some extremists view of how to arrive there is that it should be nature without interference or human presence. Its nuts.

'I'm sorry that the East Coast has to endure the same smoke that the west as bee bearing for decades but lets all work together.

'This is preventable but the goal should be healthy forests, actively managed and not neglected.

'I am absolutely not satisfied [with the US response]. Its difficult to criticize Canada when we dont have our forests in the shape they should be.

There is no doubt Americans are in for more of this  we need to take action. I would like to manage our forests much more actively.

'The law needs to be changed so we dont have these frivolous lawsuits.

'Congress needs to do their job and the states need to be more active in management decisions,' he said.


America has shifted to the right since Joe Biden became president, polling shows.

The share of adults who identified as conservative climbed from 30 percent in 2021 to 38 percent this year, annual Gallup surveys reveal.

That's the biggest share of social conservatives the country has seen in a decade.

Meanwhile, the share of self-described liberals fell from 34 percent to 29 percent.

Though conservatives tend to vote Republican, and liberals for the Democrats, the terms describe a set of values and beliefs that don't always line up with the two main parties.

The share of adults who identified as conservative climbed from 30 percent in 2021 to 38 percent this year

A pro-choice activist argues with a pro-life counter-protester during a rally over the divisive issue of abortions

The shift from liberal to conservative comes as the nation appears increasingly divided along culture wars front-lines, the pollsters said.

These include 'transgender matters, abortion, crime, drug use and the teaching of gender and sexuality in schools,' Gallup said in a statement.

The move toward traditional values can be seen across all parts of US society.

Poll What best describes you? A liberal A moderate A conservative None of the above I'm not sure What best describes you? A liberal 1 votes

A moderate 3 votes

A conservative 3 votes

None of the above 0 votes

I'm not sure 0 votes Now share your opinion





But the biggest shift was among middle-aged adults, between the ages of 30 and 64.

In that age bracket, the number of people calling themselves a conservative has jumped by double digits since 2021.

Ben Grinspan, a New York-based strategist, said the results were a wake-up call.

'Way more US millennials now identify as conservative or very conservative,' the social media user posted.

'We all need to update our assumptions about this generation.'

Political independents and Republican voters both became more conservative these past two years.

Democratic voters saw no change  they had as many liberals and conservatives this year as they did in 2021.

The biggest shift towards conservative views was among middle-aged adults, between the ages of 30 and 64

Political independents and Republican voters both became more conservative these past two years

The results come as Republican-led states have advanced various initiatives on social issues this past year, including abortion bans after the overturn of Roe v. Wade and crackdowns on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

For some, the lunge toward conservatism accounts for the popularity of the social policies pushed by such Republican presidential candidates as Florida Gov Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump.

Nowadays, there is a 'more obvious conservative advantage' in rows over social policy, Gallup said.

'The shift is mostly due to increasing social conservatism among Republicans, at a time when social issues such as transgender rights, abortion, and other hot-button concerns are prominent in the national public debate.'
'Now is the time to recognize that energy security is national security' Haley says

The former governor said Biden started 'demonizing' energy producers, which is 'the wrong thing to do'

2024 GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has slammed the President Biden for 'demonizing' energy producers - and has vowed to return the U.S. to world dominance by making the nation energy independent.

DailyMail.com followed Haley on a tour of a massive oil rig just outside of Midland, Texas, Thursday.

The ex-South Carolina Governor said oil is 'hugely important' for national security and criticized Biden for 'demonizing' energy producers.

'I mean, look at this beautiful rig,' she told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview following the tour, pointing behind her.

Haley, who served as the former Ambassador to the United Nations under the Trump administration, said that while she was at the U.N., enemies of the U.S. didn't want 'us to have a strong military' and 'they didn't want us to be energy independent.'

DailyMail.com accompanied Haley on a tour of a massive oil rig just outside of Midland, Texas, Thursday

The former South Carolina governor discussed a top criticism she has of the Biden administration which she says has pushed its green policies over promoting national security through strong independent energy policies.

When Biden took office in 2021, he immediately stopped the Keystone XL pipeline, and then added a ton of green subsidies on federal lands, Haley stated.

The White House, she claims, then made sure any domestic energy production was tightly controlled.

'In my administration, we would stop criminalizing these energy producers and we would make sure that we are partners with them and do whatever it takes to be energy independent,' Haley pledged.

'We would make sure we stopped controlling where they produce and how much they produce. We would roll back the green subsidies that we see today. And we would make sure that we're focused on speeding up the permitting process for the pipelines and getting the EPA out of the way.'

'A full strong foreign policy is good for energy policy,' she reiterated during the interview with DailyMail.com.

'That's why we came here to Midland today. And I hope every American can see what we saw today.'

Her remarks came hours after it was reported that China is funneling billions of dollars into Cuba to establish a 'spy base' just 100 miles off the coast of Florida.

DailyMail.com got her first reaction to the hostile move by China.

'Why is everybody surprised that China's putting a spy base in Cuba?' she replied. 'I mean, this is the same country that had a spy balloon go over America.'

'I mean, it didn't go over South Carolina because we have beautiful beaches, which we do. It went over South Carolina because we have we're a military state,' Haley added.

China is stealing '$600 billion in intellectual property from us every year,' she continued, and said the Biden administration is doing absolutely nothing about it.

'We have to put an end to it. We've got to let them know that we're onto them. We've got to stop all of this,' Haley said.

The presidential hopeful added that if Cuba moves forward with helping the Chinese establish the spy center she would ensure 'they'll feel even more pain and they feel today' and China should be slapped with sanctions.

'Let's build up a strong military and become energy independent so that we're back on the leader side and not allowing China to have have havoc with us,' Haley said, also mentioning that it would diminish Russia's power as it continues its war against Ukraine.

During the tour of the rig, Haley interacted with workers and discussed their day-to-day operations, challenges and learned about the constraints energy producers are enduring based on administration policies.

'It's beautiful to see up close,' she remarked during the tour at the top of the rig in the so-called 'dog house' where operations stem from.

The Helmerich & Payne (H&P) Rig 480 is located in Stanton, Texas, about a 20 minute drive from Midland and employes roughly 1,000 workers in total servicing six large wells that will garner about $60 million every seven months.

'I mean, look at this beautiful rig,' she told DailyMail.com pointing behind her

Workers on the rig told DailyMail.com that they work 12 hour shifts for 14 days straight and then have 14 days off to spend with their families

On Thursday, the Haley campaign put out a five-point plan for 'American energy dominance'

Workers on the rig told DailyMail.com that they work 12 hour shifts for 14 days straight and then have 14 days off to spend with their families. There are living accommodations for the rig staff onsite.

In addition, many of the employees live in neighboring states including Louisiana and make 9-plus hour drives to Texas every two weeks.

They say its an excellent job - extremely labor intensive hard work but rewarding.

'I've never felt like I've earned a dollar more in my life than in this job,' one worker remarked to DailyMail.com.

Rig workers can make a high six-figure salary and are still able to ranch their own land due to the shift schedule, which runs day and night for a full 24-hour operation, seven days a week.

Rig managers say that there has been a 'lack of understanding' from the Biden administration on energy, and that they are committed to safety and protection of environmental standards and shouldn't be punished.

The instability of not knowing the next administration's energy policies, especially as the oil industry is still grappling with a massive decline in the number of workers since the COVID-19 pandemic, is especially difficult.

On Thursday, the Haley campaign put out a five-point plan for 'American energy dominance,' which includes getting the government out of the way and speeding up permitting for pipelines.

Standing up to 'energy dictators in Russia, Iran, and Venezuela' is also critical, she states.
A heat health warning over the weekend for parts of England has been upgraded from yellow to amber by the UK Health Security Agency.

It comes as temperatures are expected to hit 30C - making it hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife as a 'plume of warm air' moves in from the south - while some thunderstorms are also expected.

The initial alert was issued on Wednesday for six regions of England, London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.

On Thursday the warning was escalated for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.

The amber level means the impact of the weather is 'likely to be felt across the whole health service... and the wider population, not just the most vulnerable'.

A heat health warning over the weekend for parts of England has been upgraded from yellow to amber by the UK Health Security Agency

The UKHSA further issued a yellow alert for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions. Teamed with the Met Office, it analyses the weather conditions to predict the heat risk to the nation.

All alerts are in place between 9am on Friday and 9am on Monday June 12. Saturday in particular is expected to be the hottest day of 2023 so far.

It comes as sunseekers have packed out Britain's beauty spots to bathe in 24C sunshine while revellers flock to Download music festival ahead of this weekend's hot weather.

Revellers have been seen basking in the sun as they arrive at Download Festival, in Castle Donnington, while sunbathers were seen in Green Park, London.

There were also people packing out beaches and lidos in Dorset.

Cloud, rain and thunderstorms are also set to sweep in, with the nights becoming humid.

LONDON: Sunbathers lying on the grass in Green Park today

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Revellers pose for a photo at the festival in Castle Donnington

A 30C heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales this weekend may also feature thunderstorms

DORSET: Jake Mowbray and Ella Bowden cool off at Shaftesbury Lido

The warning, which is in place from 2pm to 9pm, states: 'Whilst many places will be largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places on Saturday afternoon.'

There will 'likely' be some impacts across the health and social care sector if forecasted temperatures are reached, the UKHSA said, with over-65s and those with pre-existing health conditions most at risk.

Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA said: 'In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it's important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

If forecasts are correct then it is 'likely that there could be some impacts across UK

'Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

'If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them.

'You should ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.'

Most of Wales is set to see 'long sunny spells' on Friday, before temperatures climb to 25C over the weekend when there will be 'thundery' showers, the Met Office said.

DOWNLOAD: Crowns descend on Download Festival, enoying the rising temperatures

DORSET: A couple with a dog sitting outside a colourful seafront beach hut while enjoying the scorching hot sunshine in Lyme Regis

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Revellers posing for photos ahead of the festival

LONDON: Friends meet for a picnic in Green Park as Britain basks in hot weather

DORSET: Sunbathers on the beach enjoying the scorching hot sunshine and clear blue skies at the seaside resort of Lyme Regis

DOWNLOAD: A group of friends pose for a picture at Download Festival as they enjoy the baking heat

LONDON: Two friends enjoy ice cream as they sit on the grass in Green Park

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Crowds gathering for the festival in Castle Donnington

DOWNLOAD: Excited revellers ready for Download Festival pose for the camera

The Met Office warned last night that the temperatures could lead to uncomfortable sleeping

Northern Ireland and large parts of Scotland will be breezier and cooler than the rest of the country on Friday and Saturday, before heavy rainfall moves in on Sunday.

The Met Office defines a heatwave as when a location records a period for at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.

Poll How do you feel about the coming heat wave? Can't wait! Dreading it How do you feel about the coming heat wave? Can't wait! 410 votes

Dreading it 320 votes Now share your opinion





The threshold varies by UK county, ranging between 25C and 28C in areas in England and Wales.

Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south.

'Temperatures over the weekend could peak (at) around 30C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend.

'Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption for some from late on Friday and into the weekend.'

And experts have warned households to consider rocketing electricity prices when reaching for a fan as the year's first heatwave arrives.

The cost of keeping cool has risen by more than 75% in the past two years as prices have soared during the energy crisis.
Portland has banned daytime camping in most public places with offenders facing fines and 30 days in jail as the city battling a historic homeless crisis attempts to clean up its streets.

The city council voted 3-1 Wednesday, passing an ordinance that will prohibit camping on public property from 8 am to 8 pm.

The ordinance will prohibit camping near schools, parks and busy streets, among other locations. Leaving litter and lighting fires at campsites will be banned as well.

Those who violate the rules will receive citations - a third citation could result in $100 ticket or up to 30 days in jail.

Mayor Ted Wheeler, introduced the measure which was backed by Commissioners Dan Ryan and Rene Gonzalez, along with local business and property owners.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler introduced the measure which was backed by Commissioners Dan Ryan and Rene Gonzalez, along with local business and property owners

The city council voted 3-1 Wednesday, passing an ordinance that will prohibit camping on public property from 8 am to 8 pm.

Advocates for the homeless argue against the ordinance, which they say will further burden the struggling population, increasing mental and physical distress.

Opponents also say it's an unrealistic expectation for people experiencing homelessness, which may have legal challenges.

Civil rights attorneys warned city commissioners that the new policy may open the city up to legal difficulties as it might violate state and federal law, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

'These reasonable restrictions are a step in the right direction towards a revitalized Portland,' Wheeler said before voting Wednesday.

'The next few months will be focused on education and outreach  with an emphasis on ensuring the homelessness navigation outreach teams have clear and thorough information on this new ordinance,' Wheeler said.

The ordinance will be implemented in phases with enforcement that could begin in late July, Wheeler said.

Commissioner Carmen Rubio voted no and said the city should not have approved the measure until it builds more shelters, expands its current services which help homeless people find food and accommodation, and trains police on how to enforce the new rules in a dignified manner.

Multnomah County's homeless population reached 5,228 last year  a rise of more than 1,200 against 2019

'I need to make sure this ordinance does not cause harm,' Rubio said.

Some non-profit organizations are echoing the same sentiments, calling for extra resources as they expect an increase in participants looking for help.

Blanchet House, a non-profit that helps feed and provide recourses to homeless people in Oregon said it's difficult to secure funding for daytime services, according to KOIN6.

'I think the camping ban is going to hit the people that we serve very hard. I think the question is: where are people going to go?' executive Director Scott Kerman said.

'Well, what they'll probably do what they currently do is they'll come to organizations like Blanchet House, and Rose Haven, and JOIN and Portland Rescue Mission who provide these critical daytime, daylight services.'

This camping ban comes a week after Portland residents said homelessness was an 'out of control disaster.'

The survey found that two thirds of voters wanted to clear the streets by forcing homeless people into rehab.

Most said the liberal Oregon city 'has lost what made it a special place to live'.

The ordinance will prohibit camping near schools, parks and busy streets, among other locations. Leaving litter and lighting fires at campsites will be banned as well.

The ordinance will be implemented in phases with enforcement that could begin in late July, meaning tents which line the sidewalk on SW Clay St will have to go

There are more than 6,000 people experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County and of those, nearly 4,000 are unsheltered, according to this year's federally required tally of unhoused people.

The county has about 2,000 shelter beds, Oregon Live reported.

Oregon has particularly high interest and mortgage rates which also make it more difficult for residents to find housing.

The city's median home sale price has been 26 percent higher than the national average and the cost of living is 24 percent higher than the national average, according to Real estate brokerage firm RedFIn.

Portland is seeking to open a series of large city-regulated outdoor camps with the first slated to open this summer. But it's unclear when others may open.
An attack ad released by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign used AI-generated images of former President Donald Trump hugging Dr. Anthony Fauci.

AFP reported Wednesday that three of the images in the 44-second attack ad are fakes.

Those images show Trump hugging and kissing Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who became synonymous with the U.S.'s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ad shows Apprentice-era Trump firing a number of individuals, but then refusing to ax Fauci, who conservatives blamed for COVID lockdowns, school closures and masking.

As audio of Trump explaining why he never fired Fauci plays, a collage of six images of the two men together are shown - with three real pictures and three deep fakes.

The top left and bottom middle and right images in a Ron DeSantis ad appear to be AI-generated deep fakes

On closer inspection, what should say 'The White House: Washington' in the press briefing room is jibberish and Trump's hair has 'inconsistent textures' said one expert

The words 'Real Life Trump' were placed over the collage.

'It was sneaky to intermix what appears to be authentic photos with fake photos, but these three images are almost certainly AI generated,' Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley and expert in digital forensics, misinformation and image analysis told AFP.

Farid and two other experts interviewed by AFP noted that the images had unusual characteristics, which often expose photos as being AI creations.

'These images contain many signs indicating that they were AI-generated,' Matthew Stamm, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Drexel University, who specializes in detecting falsified images and videos, told AFP.

Trump's hair, Stamm said, gave it away.

'For example, if you look closely at Donald Trump's hair in the top-left, bottom-middle, and bottom-right images, you can see that it contains inconsistent textures and is significantly blurrier than other nearby content such as his ears or other regions of his face,' he said.

The photo on the upper lefthand side of the collage also appears to show Trump kissing Fauci on the face in the White House briefing room.

However, on closer inspection, the words behind the two men are jibberish - and not 'The White House: Washington' - what a real photo would show.

When questioned about the use of AI-generated imagery, allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pointed out how the Trump campaign has used deepfakes and fabrications

Neither the DeSantis nor Trump campaigns initially responded to AFP's request for comment.

Instead a back-and-forth over the use of the images played out on Twitter.

DeSantis' Rapid Response Director Christina Pushaw tweeted out Thursday a Truth Social post from Trump that showed DeSantis riding a rhinoceros.

A RINO - a 'Republican in name only' - is a dig against Republicans who are too moderate or not aligned enough with Trump.

'I think this might be an AI-generated image. Who knows?' Pushaw commented about the clearly fake image.

Matt Wolking, a spokesperson for the Never Back Down PAC, which is supporting DeSantis, told The Verge that the Trump campaign's use of deepfakes has been more problematic.

'No campaign has pushed more misleading deepfakes, false photoshops, and outright fabrications than the Trump campaign,' Wolking said. 'It is 100 percent true that Donald Trump empowered and embraced Fauci  he even gave him a presidential commendation,' he added.

Wolking declined to answer whether the DeSantis campaign used AI technology on the ad.

'You'll have to ask the campaign,' he said.

Trump spokesperson Jason Miller highlighted the reports about the images on Twitter Thursday.

'DeSanctimonious!!!' Miller exclaimed.

Donald Trump Jr. responded directly to Pushaw's rhino posting.

'It's also hilarious to watch the DeSantis campaign actually try to justify getting caught red-handed using Deep Fake images in their ad with the caption "real life Trump," by comparing it to my dad posting a joke meme of Ron riding his favorite animal,' Trump Jr. said.

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who has already endorsed Trump, was disturbed by the use of the fake images.

'Smearing Donald Trump with fake AI images is completely unacceptable,' Vance tweeted. 'I'm not sharing them, but we're in a new era. Be even more skeptical of what you see on the internet.'
China expresses concern at destruction of Ukraine dam

(People's Daily App) 15:23, June 08, 2023

China on Wednesday expressed serious concern at the destruction of a hydroelectric power plant dam in Ukraine.

"We have expressed our grave concern about the damage to the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and the resulting humanitarian, economic and ecological consequences," Wang Wenbin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said at a routine press briefing in Beijing. "We call on all parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and do their utmost to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

"China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. Under current circumstances, we urge all parties to deescalate the situation and achieve a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis."

The Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. The collapse of the dam has caused flooding.

According to Ukraine's state-run nuclear energy operator Energoatom, the dam's destruction may negatively affect southern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations over the attack on the hydroelectric power plant.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced that it has signed an agreement with Egypts New and Renewable Energy Authority to secure land for the construction of a 10GW capacity onshore wind farm in the country.

One of the worlds leading clean energy companies, Masdar said the project is being developed as a consortium along with its partners - Infinity Power, Masdars joint venture with Egypts Infinity and Africas largest pure play renewable power company; and Hassan Allam Utilities, a sustainable infrastructure focused investment platform.

The landmark facility, which is set to be one of the largest in the world, will boast a project value of over $10 billion.

The signing in Cairo was witnessed by Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr Mohamed Shaker El Markabi, Minister for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, Nayer Fouad, Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Power, and Hassan and Amr Allam, CEOs of Hassan Allam Holding.

It will produce 47,790 GWh of clean energy per year and cut around 9% of Egypts annual carbon emissions by displacing 23.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

The wind farm will also help Egypt meet its strategic objective of sourcing 42% of its energy from renewables by 2030. The 10 GW plant will save the North African nation an estimated US$ 5 billion in natural gas costs a year.

Masdar said the original agreement to develop the 10GW wind farm was signed by the company on the sidelines of the UN climate change conference, COP27, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt last year, along with Hassan Allam Utilities and Infinity Power and the Egyptian Electricity Transmission company in the presence of presidents of the UAE and Egypt.

As the UAEs flagship renewable energy company, Masdars role demonstrates its deep and lasting commitment towards supporting African nations such as Egypt to meet their ambitious renewable energy objectives.

Dr Al Jaber said: "This 10GW onshore wind project is set to be one of the largest wind farms in the world, and largest on the African continent. It is a sign of the strong partnership between the UAE and Egypt, with great potential to create jobs, cut emissions and power homes with clean electricity at competitive economical costs."

"The world needs to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Projects like these will support the global efforts to reduce the impact of climate change and help keep the ambition of 1.5 intact while enabling significant socio-economic growth," he stated.

"The UAE looks forward to hosting COP28, we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Global South in their efforts to decarbonize and secure a just energy transition," he added.
White addressed the court to defend the honor of Vicky, who took her life when police eventually cornered the pair after a nation-wide manhunt

He broke out of Lauderdale County Detention Center on April 29 with his prison guard lover Vicky White

Case White, 38, was sentenced to life in jail in Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, Alabama , on Thursday,

Casey White has been sentenced to life after he broke out of jail with the help of his prison guard lover  and led cops on a two-week-long manhunt.

White, 38, appeared at Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, Alabama, on Thursday, charged with first-degree escape after breaking out of the Lauderdale County Detention Center on April 29, 2022.

The convicted felon was given life in prison, the maximum sentence possible for the offense, after a plea deal saw a murder charge over the death of his lover Vicky White, 56, dropped.

White, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and with handcuffs, addressed the court to defend the honor of Vicky, who took her life when police eventually cornered the pair after a nation-wide manhunt.

'I feel like the most hated man in the world. I loved Vicky and I wouldn't drag her name through the mud for anyone in this courtroom,' he said.

Casey White, 38, appeared in Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, Alabama, on Thursday where he was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree escape

White and his prison guard lover broke out of the Lauderdale County Detention Center on April 29, 2022

Vicky White, 56, helped the convicted felon, who was serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other crimes, escape and planned to start a new life with him

'We just wanted a new life together because she knew the truth. I can handle the truth because I know who I am.

'I chose this road. It's cost me my life and freedom. I apologize to her family because she said that's the only thing she regretted - leaving her family.'

Vicky, 56, was the Assistant Director of Corrections for Lauderdale County Detention Center at the time and helped White hide from authorities for more than two weeks.

Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Benjamin Graves told White: 'It's not my place to give you Grace. But I hope that for you. You are not the most hated man in America, but you have taken legal responsibility for this crime.'

He imposed an order which means White cannot get any financial gain from his crimes - for example a book or a movie deal.

Attorneys for White told the judge that 'as good and kind' as Vicky was, 'she had a key to get him out, ' adding 'he wasn't responsible for everything.'

Vicky's mother wanted to address the court but was 'too emotional', with White saying: 'Vicky took me out because she said, 'right was right. Wrong is wrong.'

'She was the first person to show me affection. First person to give me a hug in six years.'

White was initially charged with Vicky's murder, after she turned the gun on herself as they were attempting to flee police on May 9, 2022.

The couple evaded authorities using wigs and other disguises for two weeks before they were tracked down to a motel in Evansville, Indiana.

Authorities closed in on them after the manager of a car wash reported that a man closely resembling the 6-foot-9, 260-pound White had been recorded by a surveillance camera getting out of a pickup truck.

White was given life in prison, the maximum sentence possible for the offense, after a plea deal saw a murder charge over the death of his lover Vicky, dropped.

White, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and with handcuffs, addressed the court to defend the honor of Vicky,

Investigators said they located the pickup, then learned that the pair may have switched to a Cadillac, which was then spotted outside a motel nearby.

Prior to the pair's car being run off the road by police during the pursuit, Vicky can be heard on tape saying, 'Airbags are gonna go off and kill us.'

'Airbags are going off. Let's get out, and run,' she says to her partner.

She is then heard shrieking during what sounds like a crash. Sirens are blaring in the background.

The remainder of the file sounds like law enforcement is tending to the crash site and to Vicky, who is still holding onto her gun.

Someone at the scene can be heard saying: 'She's got a gun in her hand, and she's breathing. She's got her finger on the trigger.'

White's initial charge of murder was based on the idea that Vicky's death occurred while he was committing a crime  escaping from jail.

At a hearing on May 4, this year, White acknowledged and apologized to Vicky's mother when entering his plea before telling her: 'It wasn't supposed to go that way'.

He added that they were 'in love' and had 'planned to start a new life together if the escape had been successful.

Vicky had put in for retirement ahead of the escape, and the day of the breakout, April 29, was her last day of work.

The escaped prisoner, standing 6ft 9 tall, towers over the Indiana officers who arrested him after the car he was driving was run off the road

White can be seen looking over his shoulder, as Vicky lay dying in the car

Sheriffs are seen pulling Vicky from the car after the ran the Cadillac off the road

Video surveillance from April 29, 2022, showed White and Vicky getting into a patrol car that they would later ditch a few miles away in a parking lot.

She had claimed that she was taking him for a mental health valuation, and they fled across three states before being tracked down.

Dashboard and body camera footage from Indiana showed the dramatic moment that fugitive Casey White was taken into custody and Vicky's body was dragged dying from their car.

It shows Casey being dragged out of the crumpled car by his hands, as officers kneel on him to handcuff him.

His denim shirt is ripped, but he appears otherwise unharmed, with his black sunglasses still on his face.

As police approach the car, one officer says: 'We need to clear some of this s***' to get to her.'

Another officer, kneeling by the overturned car, says: 'She's still got the gun in her hand.'

One adds: 'She's still breathing. I can see her chest rising. Finger still on the trigger. She could pull that trigger again.'

A third video released by the police showed them searching a Ford truck, which the couple abandoned before switching to their Cadillac.

The couple had just $29,000 of the $90,000 Vicky had withdrawn when they were caught by officers

These are all of the weapons the couple had in their Cadillac when they were rammed into a ditch by police, before Vicky died

An officer searches the vehicle, then tells his colleague: 'There's no paperwork. A little bit of trash and a charger and a Glock magazine loader.'

An Indiana sheriff said the pair were carrying $29,000 in cash, four handguns and an AR-15 rifle and were prepared for a shootout when they were captured.

Authorities said the plan appeared to have been in the works for some time, with Vicky selling her house for about half its market value and buying an SUV that she stashed at a shopping center without license plates.

Vicky used some of the cash and an alias to purchase the bronze 2007 Ford Edge in which they initially fled before abandoning it on a rural road in Tennessee about two hours north of the Florence, Alabama, jail from which White was sprung.

According to US Marshalls the couple then spent $6,000 on a Ford F-150 which was spotted parked at an odd angle at an Evansville carwash.

It comes after White claimed to NewsNation's Brian Entin that he killed a woman and baby during the escape  but cops say it is just a ploy to try to get a prison transfer as he faces a potential death penalty.

'I have a little confession to make. I got a woman and a baby girl buried up in Evansville, Indiana,' he said in the recording made in December.

'And I won't talk to nobody but the FBI who handled my case that day. I don't have none of the details but l know I'm alive and well.

'I'm sober. I'm clear thinking. I ain't suicidal. I'm not homicidal. I had to get it off my chest. I had to do the right thing. Get it off my chest.'

White claims he killed the woman while he and his lover were hiding at a motel in Indiana, saying that the body 'wasn't buried yet'.

But authorities say he is lying and has a history of making false confessions  with cops at the Evansville Police Department saying there were no missing women.

White may be attempting to muddy the waters before his murder trial later this year, investigators said.

According to NewsNation there are no missing people that line up with Whites' escape timeline with the prison guard.

Robert Tuten, one of the attorneys representing White, told the broadcaster: 'I think that is highly unlikely.

'We know of at least one other instance maybe more where has confessed to things like that, we believe, in hopes of being transferred out of prison.'

At the time of his escape White had been serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other offenses.

White was being held at the Lauderdale County Detention Center for allegedly stabbing a woman named Connie Ridgeway to death in 2015.

He confessed to that killing, but later recanted, and the trial is set to begin in August. If convicted, he could get the death penalty.
Nikki Haley is questioning who truly is running the White House as President Biden's cognitive health declines in his old age, and setting the stage for taking on Kamala Harris in 2024, saying the president 'won't make it' another four years.

'I think everybody questions' who calls the shots in the White House since Biden's cognitive health has declined, Haley told DailyMail.com during an exclusive interview Thursday at a Midland, Texas, oil rig.

'I will continue to say that a vote for President Biden is really a vote for president Kamala Harris,' she added.

'Everybody knows that. Everybody knows that at 82 years old, if you watch him, and you see how far he's declined in the last couple of years he's not going to make it through an entire term.' Biden would be 82 by the time he is sworn-in for his second term if he wins the general election.

'So I am running against Kamala Harris. That's who I see it as. That's who the American people see it as.'

Haley questioned what, if anything, Harris has done as vice president.

'She was named the border czar - well, that didn't go very well. She had now been named the artificial intelligence (AI) czar. Well, we're just literally doing nothing on that.'

'I will continue to say that a vote for President Biden is really a vote for president Kamala Harris,' she told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview

Haley toured an oil rig in Midland, Texas, Thursday

'I've yet to see anything that Kamala Harris has done in the Biden administration.'

'So the idea that she would be president makes us wonder what exactly what happened to us.'

She laid out a version of America under a Harris presidency.

'What I know is, foreign policy would be in shambles because dictators would do whatever they wanted with the U.S.,' said Haley.

Kamala would focus on abortion and 'open borders' rather than transparency in the classrooms, she continued.

'That's not what we want. It's not good for America. We've got to turn this around.'

'We've got one chance to do it,' warned the former South Carolina governor. 'And that's why this primary matters so much.'

Three more presidential hopefuls joined the 2024 GOP primary this week - former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

As for whether Christie and Pence are formidable challengers to her, Haley told DailyMail.com she welcomes them to the race.

As for whether Christie and Pence are formidable challengers to her, Haley told DailyMail.com she welcomes them to the race

'We're going to continue doing what we are no one can outwork me in this,' she said.

'We're in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina all the time. We are doing town halls, we're answering every question we're touching every hand. We're staying till the last person's gone. I'm going to continue to do this.'

'I think the American people want to see hard work. They want their support earned, and they want to make sure that you're going to have solutions that will take us off and make our children's lives better. I'm determined to do that.'

Haley is polling around

The former U.N. ambassador joins a growing field of GOP hopefuls including her old boss former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
The ex-Marine accused of manslaughter in the choking death of Jordan Neely has spoken of his moral obligation to intervene when the homeless man began acting erratically and threatened the lives of his fellow commuters.

Daniel Penny, 24, made his remarks in a new interview with Fox News, in which he discussed hearing civil rights activist Eli Wiesel speak while in high school.

'One of the overall messages that he talked about was that good people did nothing. Its a lesson that I carry with me to this day,' Penny told the network. This is the second interview that Penny has given.

Neely, who had been struggling with mental illness and homelessness in recent years, died after being put in a chokehold by Penny, who restrained him with the help of other riders. The May 1 incident was captured on video.

Daniel Penny was charged with manslaughter by the Manhattan district attorney less than two weeks later. His lawyers maintained that the Long Island-native acted in self-defense after being threatened by Neely. If convicted Penny could face up to 15 years in prison.

Daniel Penny, 24, is facing 15 years in prison for putting Jordan Neely, 30, in a fatal chokehold

Penny, 24, turned himself in earlier this month after the District Attorney's office announced he would be charged with second degree manslaughter

In his newest interview, Penny said that had Neely continued 'he would have killed somebody.' Since the incident, Penny said he is too traumatized to ride on the subway.

The Ex-Marine went on to tell Fox News that he was inspired to join the Marines after seeing an advert on TV. 'They were going out and helping the world, and I wanted to be a part of that.'

He described his time in the service as 'awesome' and opening his mind to new perspectives, seeing parts of the world that many don't get do see thanks to his tours in Spain, Greece, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Japan.

Penny also spoke growing up around patriotism as many of his neighbors were first responders on 9/11.

When his service was up, he went backpacking throughout Mexico and Central America. Once back in the US, he moved to New York City to live with his sister, teaching swimming and bussing tables to make ends meet after he enrolled in an architecture program.

Speaking about the fateful day he boarded an F train to go to the gym, Penny said: 'Between stops, youre trapped on the train, and theres nowhere to go. You can try to move away, but you can only do so much on a packed car. I was scared. I looked around, and I saw older women and children, and they were terrified.'

That's when Penny stepped in, holding Neely in a chokehold until the train arrived at the Broadway-Lafayette station where police found him laying motionless.

His lawyer, Steven Raiser, agreed with his client's version of events telling Fox: 'Danny could have gone to the corner of the train and waited for Neely to come to him. But it might have been too late for the little girl that was sitting in the middle of the train that [Neely] was screaming at.'

This week it was reported that a New York grand jury was hearing evidence in the case. It is not known if Penny will testify.

Jordan Neely was known as a Michael Jackson impersonator in his youth

Jordan Neely pictured with his aunt, Carolyn. His aunt is preparing to launch a wrongful death suit against Daniel Penny

Penny also thanked those who have contributed to his legal fund through GiveSendGo. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised over $2.8 million.

'I was working two jobs as a student. My family doesnt come from money so Im incredibly thankful for this fund and all the people who have supported me,' Penny said.

'Funds are being raised to pay Mr. Pennys legal fees incurred from any criminal charges filed and any future civil lawsuits that may arise, as well as expenses related to his defense,' the page reads in part.

Rocker Kid Rock wrote on the page: 'Mr. Penny is a hero. Alvin Bragg is a POS. Kid Rock.' Penny's actions were also celebrated by 2024 presidential hopeful Governor Ron DeSantis.

Last week, Jordan Neely's aunt, Carolyn, announced her intention to file a wrongful death suit against Penny in a letter that was sent from her attorneys, the Manhattan-based Mills & Edwards, to Penny's lawyer.

'Please be advised that this office has been retained . . . to pursue a claim for personal injuries and wrongful death. . . . Your action resulted in the death of Jordan Neely,' the letter reads in part reports the New York Post.

According to the Post's report, Neely's aunt is also seeking Penny's insurance information.

Penny said that he often thinks of Neely's family, members of which have said that he should be charged with murder.

'Theyve been in my prayers. I feel for their loss. Like Jordan, theyre also victims of a failed system,' he told Fox.

Responding to those who have called him a racist, Penny pointed out that many of those on board the train that day were minorities. 'It definitely hurts a lot. It has obviously taken a toll.'
President Joe Biden shrugged off a question about allegations of his family's corruption on Thursday, saying: 'Where's the money?'

The moment came at the end of a joint White House press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Reporters shouted questions as the two prepared to leave the stage after spending 40 minutes responding to four pre-selected journalists.

As the hubbub died away, Biden was asked about Republican claims that a secret F.B.I. document contains evidence that Biden was caught up in a $5 million bribery scheme when he was vice president. What would he say to congressional Republicans?

'Where's the money?' he said.

'I'm joking. It's a load of malarkey.'

President Joe Biden shrugged off a question about allegations of his family's corruption on Thursday at the end of a press conference, saying: 'Where's the money?'

His supporters insist the claims are part of a political smear, and point out that the F.B.I. decided not to pursue the allegations.

But Rep. James Comer, Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has pushed for the document to be released and last month subpoenaed the F.B.I. for it.

He and Sen. Chuck Grassley, claim it 'describes an alleged criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreign national relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions.'

They have also said it relates to Ukraine.

Biden's flippant response infuriated Rep. Nancy Mace, who sits on the Oversight Committee.

'We don't find selling out your country funny,' she tweeted

'Prove us wrong by releasing your and your family's unredacted bank records. The F.B.I. can't protect you forever.'

White House officials have repeatedly expressed frustration at being asked about what they say are unfounded allegations, and the F.B.I. has cautioned that the information is unverified.

Biden was also asked what he was doing to protect the independence of the Justice Department, after years of attacks by Donald Trump when he was in and out of office.

You'd notice, I have never once  not one single time  suggested [to] the Justice Department what they should do or not do relative to bringing a charge or not bringing a charge,' he said. 'I'm honest.'

Rep. James Comey, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has led the charge, subpoenaing the FBI for a document he says contains damning allegations

Biden and his son Hunter are accused of being ensnared in a cash-for-policy scandal

Earlier Biden managed to botch the introductions as he welcomed Sunak to the White House.

'Well Mr. President,' he began as they sat down in the Oval Office before correcting himself. 'Mr President? I just demoted you.'

Sunak laughed off the gaffe as Biden continued: 'Mr Prime Minister, it's great to have you back.'

Sunak is making his first visit to the White House.

Biden, 80, has been accused frequently of snubbing the United Kingdom in favor of Ireland, the land of his ancestors, and has botched the pronunciation of Sunak's name in the past.

Sunak arrives on a mission to build better ties as his country seeks to find its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

He came armed with gifts, presenting the president with a personalized waxed jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale Barbour jacket was made near Sunak's parliamentary constituency in north-east England.

President Joe Biden welcomed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to the White House on Thursday. They were due to discuss economic ties, Ukraine and artificial intelligence

He also presented the president with a copy of a book written by his British great-great grandfather.

'Naval Discipline,' was written by Christopher Biden in the mid 19th century and covers the Royal Navy's rules on mutiny.

The president mentioned it in a speech during his visit to Northern Ireland in April.

However, U.S. officials have dashed hopes of a free trade agreement between Washington and London.

Instead their talks will focus on other forms of economic ties, the dangers of artificial intelligence and Ukraine.

Sunak is making his first visit to the White House since taking office in October

Sunak was guest of honor at UK-US friendship night at the Washington Nationals game on Wednesday evening. It included a fly past of US and UK aircraft

'And as we've done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will,' said Sunak.

'But also I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing, perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm.'

Biden brought up the history of the Oval Office, including the famous wartime meetings between wartime president and prime minister.

'You know, Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over seventy years ago,' he said. 'And they asserted that the strength of the partnership between Great Britain, the United States was the strength of the free world.'

He said there were dozens of stories about Churchill's time visiting, and his habit of taking baths.

Sunak came armed with gifts, presenting the president with a personalized waxed jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale Barbour jacket (similar pictured above) was made near Sunak's parliamentary constituency in north-east England

Prime Minister Winston Churchill (L) and President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House

Sunak continued: 'Wandering around at three in the morning ... Winston Churchill bothering Mrs. Roosevelt.'

'Don't worry. You won't see me that bothering you and the first lady.

His government is keen to build better relations with Washington, forging closer economic ties as London finds its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

After the turbulence of recent years  when Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss all came and went from Number 10 in quick succession  Sunak is intent on portraying a more stable presence.

British officials and ministers have also quietly been trying to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine, amid fears that America First Republicans in Congress could cut off the supply of arms and ammunition.

At the same time, Sunak's defense secretary Ben Wallace is among the possible contenders to take over as N.A.T.O. secretary general when Jens Stoltenberg steps down. Sunak will know that U.S. backing is essential to win the post, raising questions about whether the prime minister plans to use his White House visit to lobby Biden.
Tens of thousands of music fans have pitched up their tents as Download gets underway - after the festival's boss apologised for major travel chaos getting to the venue.

Severe delays were reported around the site at Castle Donington, Leicestershire, throughout Wednesday and continued as more revellers endured hours of traffic ahead of arriving today.

John Probyn, the festival manager, said its organisers were working with the local council and transport agencies to minimise the disruption that also caused passengers to miss flights at nearby East Midlands Airport.

Warnings of further travel chaos have been issued as thousands more revellers are set to arrive with single-day tickets over the weekend.

And festival-goers are also facing the threat of thunderstorms this weekend, with heavy rain and hail set to batter the UK amid soaring temperatures.

Tens of thousands of revellers arrived at Download Festival today ahead of a weekend of live performances

Festival-goers walk along a path surrounded by tents after enduring travel chaos just to get to the event

Severe delays were reported around the site at Castle Donington, Leicestershire, throughout Wednesday and continued as more revellers endured hours of traffic ahead of arriving today

Revellers were left furious by the chaos they faced getting to the festival, describing the situation as an 'absolute shambles'.

One said: 'Traffic was definitely not moving steadily. It was gridlock. We sat in a traffic jam for 4 hours before we called it and left. So disappointing but we would never have made it.'

Another added: 'The whole area is gridlock for more than 12 miles thanks to you.'

Mr Probyn apologised for the travel mayhem, saying: 'We apologise for the delays for customers coming on site today.

'We have been working continuously since first reports this morning with the local authority and transport agencies to minimise these delays,'

National Highways said there were 'severe delays' on both the M1 and A453 today.

It comes as those who have arrived and erected their tents have been able to bask in the sun as temperatures reached 24C.

A reveller in fancy dress poses with a can in their left hand as they enjoyed the start of the festival today

Revellers were left furious by the chaos they faced getting to the festival, describing the situation as an 'absolute shambles'

A 30C heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales this weekend may also feature thunderstorms

DOWNLOAD: Crowns descend on Download Festival, enoying the rising temperatures

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Crowds gathering for the festival in Castle Donnington

DOWNLOAD: Excited revellers ready for Download Festival pose for the camera

Two men drag a suitcase and what appears to be a loose tent as they decide on a place to pitch up for the weekend

The festival is also located in one of six regions covered by a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office warning in place from 9am on Friday until Monday morning.

Parts of the country are predicted to be hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife over the weekend as a 'plume of warm air' moves in from the south.

But cloud, rain and thunderstorms are also set to sweep in, with the nights becoming humid.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, covering an area that covers all of Wales, Manchester and down to London.

A man carries an inflatable bed as he opts for a rather more comfortable sleeping option for the festival

Two revellers arrive with two bags and a pop-up tent in tow

Cloud, rain and thunderstorms are set to sweep in this weekend, with the nights becoming humid

Tens of thousands arrived for the festival today, with thousands more set to attend with day passes over the weekend

A festival-goer adjusts their make-up in a deck chair outside a tent as proceedings got underway today

Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south.

'Temperatures over the weekend could peak (at) around 30C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend.

'Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption for some from late on Friday and into the weekend.'
Often a partner's most important role is that gentle whisper into the ear  or sometimes a knowing glare, gentle punch in the ribs or harshly honest private conversation  insisting: Just stop, now!

Since the beginning of the year, Prince Harry has entered self-destruct mode.

Having thrown virtually every blood relative under the bus and cut himself off from most close friends from his pre-Meghan era, it would seem the only person in the world who can save him from himself is his wife.

But, barring their seriously misjudged joint statement on the 'near catastrophic' New York car chase that wasn't, the Duchess of Sussex has chosen to completely withdraw from her husband's public business.

And the missteps of his kamikaze mission are spiralling out of control, destroying what little credibility the Sussexes had left.

Barring their seriously misjudged joint statement on the 'near catastrophic' New York car chase that wasn't, the Duchess of Sussex has chosen to completely withdraw from her husband's public business

Now Harry has the indignity of having to admit under oath in court that he has no evidence of phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers

The horrific consequences of his autobiography Spare continue to stack up, from being shamed for revealing private conversations with the late Queen to having his American citizenship questioned in a US court, with the threat of deportation even a possibility because of his revelations of extensive illegal drug use.

And now the indignity of having to admit under oath in court that he has no evidence of phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers, despite going through the palaver of becoming the first senior royal to give evidence in 130 years claiming just that.

This was all so painfully inevitable.

What has been needed more than ever was the woman who claims she puts Harry's best interests first to step in.

'H,' Meghan could have said, 'none of this is worth the toll it's taking on our lives. You don't have the proof to win this court case  you look stupid, it's damaging our business interests and making it almost impossible to create the happy Californian utopia we envisioned.'

Instead, she left him in the hands of a ghostwriter who has helped him destroy every family relationship Harry had left and the Hacked Off cabal, a rabid group of the rich and powerful mixed in with attention-seeking reformed phone hackers who have been on a decade-long mission to bring down the British Press.

The consequences of all of this have been, just as King Charles warned, a 'suicide mission' in terms of credibility.

Harry's two days in the witness box were a mortifying spectacle, as the dim Duke became aware with the world watching that the vast majority of articles he had been assured just must have come from phone hacking were already in the public domain.

The victimhood woe-is-me narrative that Harry believes can save him from any tricky question when challenged by woke pals like Oprah Winfrey and Tom Bradby didn't work when presented with actual facts by the Mirror's sharp KC Andrew Green.

And, while no one belittles the pain of losing his mother in front of the world as a youngster, we're all just exhausted by now of a man born with every imaginable privilege in the world constantly moaning about his lot in life.

It's hard to pick the most ludicrous moment of Harry's evidence, but I think for me it's his claim that the only reason he became a prolific drug user and playboy prince was because the media reported on his activities.

He whinged: 'I ended up feeling as though I was playing up to a lot of the headlines and stereotypes that they wanted to pin on me mainly because I thought that, if they are printing this rubbish about me and people were believing it, I may as well 'do the crime'.'

Oh, come on, surely even his woke mates aren't swallowing that baloney.

The victimhood woe-is-me narrative that Harry believes can save him from any tricky question when challenged by woke pals like Oprah Winfrey

The horrific consequences of his autobiography Spare continue to stack up, from being shamed for revealing private conversations with the late Queen to having his American citizenship questioned in a US court, with the threat of deportation even a possibility because of his revelations of extensive illegal drug use

In fact, I think the inclusion of that statement alone in his witness statement proves Harry doesn't have the right people looking after his best interests.

Prince Harry should also work harder to protect his marriage, which has come under increasing pressure in recent months, writes DAN WOOTTON

I fear that, in Meghan's strategic mind, the worse things get for Harry the better positioned she becomes to take the lead in their relationship.

What else explains his solo meltdown this year?

If Meghan were a responsible wife, not attempting to lean into Harry's extreme if, at times, understandable paranoias, she would have spoken to him about the reality of the media.

After all, just like Harry's mother Diana, before Meghan entered the Royal Family she was one of the many celebrities who used journalists and photographers on a regular basis to promote her image, meeting with showbiz columnists to ask them to print stories about her private life and arranging paparazzi to be available to shoot her when arriving at certain locations.

But Harry should also work harder to protect his marriage, which has come under increasing pressure in recent months.

There's nothing positive to be gained from focussing so incessantly on a romantic relationship that ended over a decade ago.

Harry's ex Chelsy Davy has moved on; she lives a happy life out of the public eye with a devoted husband, gorgeous child and successful businesses.

But for Harry, the woman who his friends considered to be the love of his life will always be the one who got away.

And, because Harry believes he lives a blameless existence, it will never be his own immature behaviour, including those visits to strip clubs, that precipitated the split, but rather the media coverage Chelsy had to endure.

So, as a result, Chelsy was named in his witness statement 118 times, while Meghan received just five mentions.

Now, of course, Harry would say that's because the Mirror's apparent bad deeds were going on during his relationship with Chelsy and not Meghan.

But isn't that the point about why it's time to move on now; this is all ancient stuff.

There's a real toxicity in Harry's constant desire to rewrite history and right wrongs that often didn't exist in the first place that might make Meghan reluctant to step in.

But someone has to now.

Because Harry is wallowing in victimhood and unhappiness in an aimless battle that will end up helping no one, certainly not himself.

Meghan might think Harry's campaigning against a free Press will burnish her political ambitions and keep him busy, but I think the consequences will end up being far more destructive to him as a person and their marriage.

Not to mention the awful position in which it continues to put King Charles and Prince William, who is increasingly encouraging his father to take a harder line against Harry, perhaps finally stripping him of his formal titles.

For the sake of Harry's health and happiness, Meghan needs to stage an intervention and assist her husband in focussing his energies on a positive cause.
Police bodycam footage has captured a suspected UFO sighting in Las Vegas after residents reported seeing '10ft aliens with large shiny eyes.'

A Vegas officers camera picked up the object at about 11:50 pm on April 30 after a resident reported something '100 percent not human' on their property, local TV channel 8 News Now reported.

The footage shows a bright blue ball of light travelling through the dark sky at speed.

Approximately 39 minutes after the first call, another resident contacted 911, saying that there were two unknown entities in his backyard after he saw an object fall from the sky.

'Theres like an 8-foot person beside it and another one is inside us [sic] and it has big eyes and its looking at us  and its still there,' the homeowner told police in audio obtained by the TV channel.

The potential UFO sighting has been caught on Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department bodycam footage

Witnesses described something '100 percent not human' falling from the sky

'In my backyard. I swear to God this is not a joke, this is actually  were terrified,' the caller claimed.

'Theyre very large. Theyre like 8 foot, 9 feet, 10 foot. They look like aliens to us. Big eyes. They have big eyes. Like, I cant explain it. And big mouth. Theyre shiny eyes and theyre not human. Theyre 100 percent not human,' he claimed.

The responding officers expressed their trepidation at the odd events.

'Im so nervous right now,' one officer can be heard telling his partner.

'I have butterflies, bro  saw a shooting star and now these people say theres aliens in their backyard.'

'I dont believe in it but what I saw right now, I do believe in it,' one of the reported witnesses said to police.

The area of the alleged sighting was searched and the witnesses interviewed but no new information was found.

The LVPD has since closed the case, 8 News Now reported.

Responding officers expressed their trepidation at attending the scene

Police searched the area and interviewed witnesses but no new information was found

It comes after a former intelligence officer turned whistleblower has recently claimed the US has a trove of parts and equipment from 'non-human origin' UFOs which have crash landed on earth.

David Charles Grusch said the US and other nations are also engaged in top-secret operations that attempt to 'reverse-engineer' the pieces to create weapons.

But Grusch also claims that the information has been illegally withheld from Congress as the government tried to hide the finds, which are involved in an '80-year arms race' to take advantage of the technology.

He told The Debrief: 'We are not talking about prosaic origins or identities. The material includes intact and partially intact vehicles.

'The existence of complex historical programs involving the coordinated retrieval and study of exotic materials, dating back to the early 20th century, should no longer remain a secret.'

Grusch, who served in Afghanistan and worked for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), has handed over details of the alleged operations to Congress and the Intelligence Community Inspector General.

He has also filed a complaint against the Department of Defense and claims he's been ostracized for his decision to blow the whistle.

The 36-year-old worked on the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force from 2019-2021.
An Oregon man who booby-trapped his home after he lost the property in a lawsuit has been found guilty of assaulting an FBI agent who was blasted by a shotgun-rigged wheelchair.

Gregory Lee Rodvelt, 71, was accused of using Indiana Jones-inspired traps to keep the government from taking his home in the small town of Williams in September of 2018.

After learning that a receiver had been appointed to sell the property, Rodvelt placed traps like a wheelchair that discharged a shotgun and a hot tub that would roll down a hill when triggered.

A real estate lawyer tasked with selling the property had requested the police after finding a sign warning that the home was 'protected by improvised devices.'

When bomb technicians from Oregon State Police and the FBI arrived at the property, they noticed steel animal traps affixed to a gate post, as well as under the hood of the minivan that was blocking the gate.

Gregory Lee Rodvelt, 71, was found guilty of of assaulting an FBI agent with a rigged wheelchair

Rodvelt was accused of using Indiana Jones-inspired traps to keep the government from taking his home in the small town of Williams (pictured)

FBI agents encountered a hot tub that had been rigged so that when a gate was opened, it would activate a trigger causing the spa to roll toward the person who had opened the gate

After disarming the traps, the FBI agents and bomb squad moved towards the residence.

'They observed a hot tub that had been placed on its side and rigged in a manner that when a gate was opened it would activate a mechanical trigger causing the spa to roll toward the person who had opened the gate,' said the U.S. attorney's office for Oregon.

Police compared the scene to one from the film 'Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark' that sees Harrison Ford forced to outrun a giant stone boulder that he inadvertently triggered by a booby trap switch.

After making it past the hot tub, a bomb squad and FBI agents approached the property's manufactured home and blasted open the fortified front door.

Then they encountered a rigged wheelchair Rodvelt placed in the front entryway of the home was designed to trigger a homemade shotgun device.

As the agents entered the home, the wheelchair discharged a .410 shotgun shell that struck the unidentified FBI bomb technician below the knee.

The agent reportedly yelled 'I'm hit!' when blood started gushing from his leg. He was taken to the hospital and treated for the leg injury.

And Rodvelt had left even more booby traps.

In the garage, agents found a rat trap modified to accept a shotgun shell.

The trap was unloaded but it connected to the main garage door so it would be tripped when the door was opened.

Rodvelt was also found guilty of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

He had lost the home in an elder abuse case involving his mother.

At the time of thee incident, Rodvelt had been in an Arizona jail since April 2017 on charges of unlawful possession of explosives, but courts had released him for two weeks so he could prepare to turn over the property.

Rodvelt now faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced.
The family of 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury, the Minnesota mom missing for two months confirmed the remains found along a highway this week are her.

The young mother went missing on March 31 after dropping off her kids at daycare, sparking a massive manhunt.

The children's father, Adam Fravel, 29, was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to charges listed by Winona County Detention Center.

'Were relieved that Madeline has been found after months of intensive searching and grateful for the extraordinary efforts by law enforcement, other first responders and volunteers,' said Megan Kingbury, Madeline's sister, according to KTTC.

'Were certain that the correct person has been arrested, will be appropriately charged, and convicted of his crimes. Things are moving in the right direction there and we look forward to getting justice for Madeline. For right now we will mourn as a family and properly and respectfully lay her to rest.'

The body of Madeline Kingsbury, 26, a mother of two that has been missing for almost two months has been confirmed by her devastated family members on Thursday

Human remains were found on the side of a highway in the hunt for missing the Minnesota mom as the father of her two children, Adam Fravel, 29, is arrested on suspicion of murder

Adam Fravel, 29, was in custody and booked for suspicion of second-degree murder and is being held in Winona County Jail

During a Thursday press conference, Winona Minnesota Police Chief Tom Williams announced that the human remains found on the side of the highway in Mabel was Madeline 'Maddi' Kingsbury.

'This morning the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office performed an autopsy law enforcement confirmed that those remains are of Maddi Kingsbury,' Williams said.

As he announced the young mother's name an unidentified woman was overheard wailing in the background.

'Unfortunately, while this discovery is not what we had hoped for we are thankful that we are able to bring Maddi home to her family.'

The police chief said Kingsbury's body was found in a wooded area off of a gravel road around 1:30pm Wednesday by an investigator, who was following up on an electronic tip.

He said the area had been previously searched but it has been covered and concealed in such a manner that she was not visible.

'To say the least, the last 69 days have been frustrating, full of heartache and pain for the family, law enformcement and the community, but during this time the family never gave up, law enforcement never gave up and the community never gave up.'

'We are asking everyone to respect the family and give them the time to grieve to mourn Maddi,' he said

Law enforcement personnel have arrested Adam Fravel on probable cause in connection to her disappearance.

Search crews and volunteers searched for the 26-year-old mother of two

Kingsbury had dropped her children at daycare in March prompting a frantic search that began with her panicked mother.

Last month, special prosecutor, Phil Prokopowicz, pulled out of retirement to investigate her disappearance Kingsbury's sister confirmed to local outlets.

The children were staying with Kingsbury's father and a custody hearing was scheduled in Winona County for June 6. It remains unclear what Fravel's arrest will mean for the ongoing case.

Fravel, the father of the Minnesota woman's children, was the last person to see her alive on the morning of March 31.

In April, through the help of his attorney, Fravel released a statement proclaiming his innocence.

He said at the time: 'Over the course of the last 12 days my family and I have been subject to a myriad of accusations regarding the disappearance of the mother of my children, Maddi Kingsbury.

'During these last 12 days I have cooperated with law enforcement at every turn, including sitting down for multiple interviews with Winona County law enforcement.

'I did not have anything to do with Maddi's disappearance. I want the mother of my five-year-old and two-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything.

He went on to say that law enforcement had advised him not to attend press conferences or assist in searches 'due to safety concerns.'

'However, my non-attendance and silence has been inferred by many as a sign of apathy, or worse,' he continued.

'That could not be further from the truth. I want Maddi home and for her to be able to be with our two children. God Bless the Kingsbury family and please bring her home safely.'

Megan Kingsbury said there was very little detail about the whereabouts of her sister. In a court filing, Kingsbury's family argued that concerns were sparked over Fravel having been the last person to see Madeline alive

This is Kingsbury's home in Winona, Minnesota, she hasn't been seen in two months

Kingsbury disappeared after dropping her kids off at daycare and a massive search for the missing mom quickly ensued

Fravel proclaimed his innocence in a statement that he made through his attorney in April

Fravel, who is also the father of the Minnesota woman's children, was the last person to see Kingsbury alive the morning of March 31

The family previously spoke of the mental toll losing their loved one had been having on them.

'Eating is a mechanical act we force ourselves to do in order to keep our strength up so we can continue to advocate and search for Madeline,' the statement continued.

'Sleep, if it comes, is fitful and fleeting. I have to think that the only thing that could come close to what we experience is the stress of combat, day after awful day.

'Initially, we were so overwrought that we couldn't bear to look at each other but couldn't bear to look away.

'There were no words we could say to comfort each other and we felt alone and frantic. In the days since the family has circled the wagons and gathered from near and across the world. We will find Madeline. This is our mission and we will not falter.'

The family said being thrust in the 'national limelight' during a 'traumatic time' was only made worse by having little to no detail about Kingsbury's whereabouts.

'Members of our family and close friends coordinate closely with law enforcement and send out search teams day after day, every day,' they said in the statement.

'From time to time and as we see the need we use social media to encourage and inform the large groups of volunteers helping us search for Madeline.

'We're overwhelmed by the dedication and tangible expressions of love demonstrated by the huge circle of warriors she unknowingly gathered around her  her sorority sisters, coworkers at Mayo Clinic and other places, fellow students from her days at Winona State, other moms and her many, many friends, acquaintances and people whose lives she's touched.'
A terrorist who hatched a bomb plot alongside London Bridge attacker Usman Khan could walk free from prison within weeks.

The Parole Board said Nazam Hussain, who was jailed in 2012 for his part in plans to blow up the London Stock Exchange, was suitable to be released.

Hussain, 35, and his gang were behind an al-Queda-inspired plot to blow up the stock exchange on Christmas Eve.

The plans involved a coordinated bomb-and-gun attack similar to the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, which killed 175 people and injured more than 300.

Hussain was initially freed from prison in 2019 but put back behind bars just months later when police found two knives taped together inside a suitcase at his house, in the wake of Khan's Fishmonger's Hall attack.

Terrorist Nazam Hussain could be walking free from prison within weeks

Nazam, 35, is a close friend and ally of London Bridge attacker Usman Khan (pictured)

In a document detailing the decision, published on Thursday, the Parole Board said: 'The panel directed re-release as it was satisfied that it was no longer necessary for the protection of the public that Mr Hussain be confined.'

A police probe found 'no connection between Mr Hussain and the knives or an electronic tablet also found at the premises.

'None of the items were linked forensically or in any other way to Mr Hussain. Mr Hussain was not the sole occupier, the items were not found in his room, and the police accepted another resident's claim to ownership,' the papers said.

The panel - who considered more than 1,600 pages of evidence and heard from 13 witnesses, found 'nothing in the circumstances that would justify any increase in Mr Hussain's assessed level of risk' and that his initial period of release from prison was 'very successful'.

The document said: 'He spent time with his family and made considerable progress, improving his work prospects and finding work. There was no evidence that he had sought to proselytise, fundraise or network in further pursuit of any terrorist cause.'

The Parole Board said: 'Having considered the evidence in respect of Mr Hussain's conduct since his automatic release in March 2019, the panel concluded that his recall was an unfortunate but necessary consequence of the events at Fishmonger's Hall that triggered the search of the address where he was residing and the discovery of items of initial concern...

'In the panel's view, there is no persuasive evidence that Mr Hussain continues to have an extremist mindset, nor is there any persuasive evidence to support the view he is intent on radicalising others or seeking to support extremist causes either in other jurisdictions or the UK.

'He has engaged in every course and assessment he has been required to take and as a result has placed himself under intense personal scrutiny.'

Mohammed Shahjahan (pictured), from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on December 20, 2010, alongside Hussain and Khan

Usman Khan, 28, went on to kill Jack Merritt (left), 25, and 23-year-old Saskia Jones (right) at Fishmongers' Hall in central London in November 2019

There is 'no evidence suggesting he sought to radicalise others whilst he was back in the community in 2019' and 'no evidence whatsoever that he has sought to capitalise on his earlier association with Mr Khan'.

When he is released, Hussain will be 'closely involved with his family who appear able to serve as a strong protective factor' and will be subject to a series of licence conditions, including being monitored by police and other public bodies.

Hussain will have to take lie detector tests and wear a GPS tag as well as live at a specified address, adhere to a curfew, disclose any developing relationships as well as face restrictions on who he contacts and what he does.

At the time of his jailing, Hussain was considered as dangerous as his co-conspirator Usman Khan, 28, who went on to kill Jack Merritt, 25, and 23-year-old Saskia Jones at Fishmongers' Hall in central London in November 2019.

Hussain, Khan and Mohammed Shahjahan, all from Stoke-on-Trent, were arrested on December 20, 2010.

The trio were part of a self-contained radical cell preaching an extreme version of Islam on the streets of Tunstall and Cobridge, in Staffordshire.

The intelligence services recorded them talking about blowing up pub toilets in Stoke-on-Trent and also discussing how they would raise funds for their terrorist training.

The three men - all British-born and of Pakistani origin - were also part of a terrorist network, which also involved cells in London and Cardiff who were planning to attack the London Stock Exchange.

The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India, killed 175 people and injured more than 300

Bugs hidden in their cars and other covert recording techniques allowed MI5 to listen in on many of their conversations after the three cells met up in Cwn Carn Country Park in Newport, Wales, in 2010.

On January 31, 2012, Hussain, Khan and Shahjahan pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.

Judge Mr Justice Wilkie said at the time these three were 'the more serious jihadists' and said they should not be released until they were no longer a threat to the public.

Passing sentence, he added this was a 'serious, long-term venture in terrorism' that could also have resulted in atrocities in the UK.
Australian gov't to outlaw Nazi hate symbols

Canberra, June 8 (UNI) Australia's Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus on Thursday announced the government will introduce legislation next week to criminalize public displays of the Nazi hate symbols and ban the trade of items with the symbols imprinted.

Under Australia's Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill, anyone caught breaching the new laws could face up to 12 months in jail.

The ban includes, but is not limited to, the trade and public display of flags, armbands, t-shirts, insignia and the publication of symbols online promoting Nazi ideology.
Mexican President Andre Manuel Lopez Obrador has vowed that a group of soldiers who were caught on camera 'executing' five alleged members of a criminal organization will be prosecuted.

The shocking video from May 18 showed the victims' black pickup truck crashing at a high speed into the wall of a store in the border town of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, across from Laredo, Texas. The military truck that was chasing it then crashed into the right side of the truck near the passenger door.

The men were forced out of the pickup, beaten, dragged across the dirt-covered ground, forced to kneel facing the wall and later shot before the soldiers tried to cover-up the scene.

'Apparently this was an execution, and that cannot be permitted,' Lopez Obrador said Wednesday during his daily morning briefing at the National Palace in Mexico City. 'Those responsible are about to be turned over to the appropriate authorities.'

The victims were identified as Jose Angel, 27; Jose Antonio, 32; Edgar Chavarria, 38; Jose Isabel, 23; and Clinton Alex, 25. The government didn't release their surnames.

Mexican soldiers aim their weapons as they approach the pickup truck carrying five alleged members of the Northeast Cartel the afternoon of May 18. The suspects, all men, were dragged out of the vehicle, beaten and forced to kneel facing a wall before they were shot

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday the soldiers who were involved in the killings of five alleged drug traffickers will be prosecuted

The day of the incident leading up to the massacre, multiple shootouts and road blockades were reported to authorities although no injuries or deaths were registered. Nuevo Laredo Mayor Carmen Cantun took to social media to advise residents to shelter at their homes and places of employment until authorities had a better sense of the reported events.

According to the Mexican newspaper Proceso, lieutenant Jose Nava filed an incident report with the Ministry of National Defense and noted that his infantry had come under fire by purported members of the Cartel del Noreste (Northeast Cartel) while his troops inspected a pickup truck that was carrying the five victims. During the search, Nava said that the suspects tried to recover their weapons and were killed in a crossfire.

At 1:36 pm, the pickup truck transporting the alleged drug traffickers was spotted by the security camera passing over the median and almost crashing head-on into two vehicles before it slammed into the building wall.

A minute later, the soldiers arrive and pull the five men from their vehicle. Two minutes would pass when one of the soldiers removes a Barrett .50 caliber semi-automatic rifle, the same one used by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in the June 2020 botched assassination plot of Omar Garcia, Mexico City's security chief.

The cartel members are then dragged away from their vehicle.

A serviceman, who appears to be the one in charge, can be seen instructing soldiers to line up the suspects and have them kneel facing the wall.

A black pickup truck carrying five alleged members of the Northeast Cartel slams directly into the wall of a store after it was being chased by the military in the Mexican border town of Nuevo Laredo, across from Laredo, Texas, on May 18

Soldiers drag one of the five alleged cartel suspects who they killed on May 18 after their pickup truck crashed into a wall

A Mexican soldier aims his gun at one of the five cartel suspects who were executed May 18

At 2:41 pm, the military truck leaves the scene and the soldier who was yelling instructions is seen telling his men where to stand before the truck returns. He then boards the truck left while the soldiers remain behind and start beating the suspects.

The troops then set themselves next to the pickup truck when one of them fires two shots towards the ground near where the suspects were held.

They subsequently open fire but their apparent attackers are nowhere to be seen. Later, the soldiers step up to the suspects and aim their weapons at them.

After shooting the five men, the soldiers are seen placing the weapons next to their bodies. Four of the suspects were declared dead on the scene and a fifth died while he was being transported to a local hospital. He had three bullet wounds.

Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, an associate professor at George Mason University who studies the border, said the soldiers were apparently trying to alter the crime scene to make it look like there had been an armed confrontation.

'It seems that the intention was to leave these bodies with weapons to make it look like a confrontation between armed groups of civilians, as has happened before,' said Correa-Cabrera.

The killings appear to call into question Lopez Obrador's strategy of relying almost exclusively on the military for law enforcement.

'It is clear that the armed forces have been participating in security in this city, and also that this city has never been made safe,' she said. 'As long as we have soldiers doing (law enforcement) duties in the streets, this is going to keep happening.'

The incident would be at least the second case of apparently extrajudicial killings in Nuevo Laredo this year.

On February 26, soldiers killed five young men who were riding inside a vehicle.

The men were apparently unarmed and in a report, Mexico's governmental human rights agency said the soldiers had fired into the vehicle without giving verbal orders for it to stop. Angry neighbors attacked the soldiers, beating some of them.

In April, federal prosecutors charged four soldiers involved with homicide.
AGA has denied any mishandling of the bodies and said it was Dale's job as a transportation coordinator to deal with the bodies

A non-profit worker, who works with medically donated bodies, claimed he found three severed heads at his desk in his Chicago office after he complained about the 'deplorable' conditions.

Dale Wheatley has worked as a transportation coordinator at the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois for five years and often deals with the bodies donated to the organization.

On several occasions, he has found rats in the body bags and bodies decomposing prematurely, and claimed if someone is inside the building for 'more than five minutes,' they start to 'stick to the floor.'

'The place is deplorable. Its in shabby conditions,' Dale said at a press conference. 'Theyre sending donors back because of mold and rot, bugs.

'There's been instances where I've pulled donors from our storing room out of the racks, and rats have chewed through the bottom of the bag, through the feet,' he continued. 'Sometimes we do brain removals, and theyre not sewn up correctly.

'There are people that are in our cooler now that need their body parts back and they have been there for three years or more. ight now at AGA, we have a number of cremains that need to go back to the families, over hundreds of cremains, sitting at our AGA right now.'

Scroll down for video

Dale Wheatley found three severed heads at his desk at the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois in late-May after he complained about the company mishandling donors' bodies. 'The place is deplorable. Its in shabby conditions'

Dale reported his concerns, as well as several others organizations that receive the bodies such as universities, about the mishandling of the bodies. Following his complaint, he said he came into work to sage burning and three severed heads sitting on top of a blue storage container at his desk in May.

'My boss walked by, I asked him why the heads were at my desk. He said they need to get back with their bodies so we can send them to cremation. I said: "I understand that. Why are they at my desk?" and he said: "I don't know Dale, there's a lot of strange things happening."'

Dale, who has since filed complaints with state and local authorities, believes the surprise gift was in retaliation to his complaints.

'Ive never seen a situation where heads were left at somebodys desk. That is unspeakable,' Dale's lawyer, David Fish, told the Chicago Tribune. 'Those are peoples family members. Theyre not a joke  They gave their body to donate it to science.'

AGA Executive Vice President William O'Connor denied that the non-profit mistreats bodies and said some bodies come in 'twisted' or 'emaciated.' He also said it was part of Dale's job to handle the donated bodies. Part of Dale's job is to manage the 'rack room' - where the bodies are stored - and to deliver the bodies to medical institutions.

Dale, who has since filed complaints with state and local authorities, believes the surprise gift was in retaliation to his complaints

Universities have complained that some of the bodies come contorted (pictured), rendering them useless. AGA has denied mishandling the bodies

However, he wasn't the only one to have filed complaints about the decomposing bodies.

Casey Tilden, the anatomy lab manager at Northwestern University, said she had sent a complaint email a day before the heads appeared on Dale's desk. The email, obtained by Fox 32, said some of the bodies couldn't be used because there were 'flies were crawling on the bodies, that the limbs contained mold and rot, and that its students had become sick after being exposed to the bodies during the course of their studies.'

'There are a handful of donors that were recently delivered with feet and hands that show signs of decomposition,' Casey wrote.

Dale said he had told the lab manager that the bodies were not being properly embalmed because AGA doesn't own a scale. 'The embalming method requires that the bodies are weighed and the weight is applicable to the formula, and we dont have a weight scale at AGA, so the bodies are being eyeballed, the weights not accurate and its leading to those conditions,' he said.

Other universities have also complained about the bodies provided to them, according to Dale, who still works for AGA.

Dale hasn't returned to work since May 30, opting to use his paid time off, and said he won't return until he feels better.

'Im beat up,' he told the Tribune. 'This job has severely weighed on me over the years.

'I cant even sleep. Just the only thing I can think about, running it over and over in my head. I cant believe this is happening.'

Dale does not plan on taking legal action against the company, but hopes AGA 'cleans up its act' first,' according to Fox 32.
A video showing members of San Francisco's law enforcement community raising a Pride flag over a county jail in the district has caused outrage after it was posted on TikTok.

'Our enemies are laughing at us,' wrote conservative activist Graham Allen on Twitter when posting a link to the clip.

The footage shows two deputies bringing out the Progress version of the Pride flag alongside Old Glory to be flown above county jail three. Members of both the San Francisco Sheriff's Department and the San Francisco Police Department are shown saluting.

The Progress flag includes black and brown stripes to represent people of color and blue, pink and white stripes to represent the trans community.

Then, a patch San Francisco Sheriff's Department in Pride colors flashes up on the screen with the caption: 'A call for Unity Visibility Equality' set to the soundtrack of Born this Way by LGBTQ activist Lady Gaga.

A deputy holds the Progress version of the Pride flag in the same manner that another officer holds the American flag

Some of the smiling officers shown in the sheriff's office video

The caption 'A call for Unity Visibility Equality' is sprawled across the video

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department first raised the flag over the jail, which is located in San Mateo County, not San Francisco County

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department first raised the flag over the jail, which is located in San Mateo County, not San Francisco County, in 2021, reports The Bay Area Reporter.

'When I was 18 I remember coming to San Francisco and going to my first Pride event and I was very moved to see not only law enforcement but also firefighters marching in the parade and it gave me courage,' Deputy Sheriff Danilo Quintanilla, who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, told the Reporter on Tuesday.

The deputy went on to say he hoped the presence of the flag would 'help another young person's life to feel validated.'

San Francisco Police Department Sgt. Kathryn Winters, a trans woman, also spoke about the event.

'It's an honor to be able to join the sheriff's department at this small, but important, event. It wouldn't have happened 20 years ago. It might seem like a small thing but it's a huge thing,' Winters said.

Many, however, are deeply unhappy with the video. Our enemies are LAUGHING AT US. Absolutely DISGUSTING!,' wrote Turning Point USA's Graham Allen.

'One of the dumbest things I have ever seen. You guys should be embarrassed,' Pennsylvania cop Mike Shaw wrote on Instagram.

'WTF is SF Sheriff doing celebrating someones sexual preference?,' wrote another commenter. 'That's why everyone is leaving,' said another.

'The only flag we salute and wear on our uniform is the American flag. The core values of the San Francisco Sheriffs Office are service, professionalism and pride. We take pride in our commitment to service, and in our deputies who reflect the diversity of the city in which we serve,' the San Francisco Sheriff's Office responded.

'Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric does nothing but propagate more hate and undermine our commitment to inclusivity. We will continue to raise the Rainbow flag at our County Jail each year as a way to support and amplify the voices of our LGBTQ+ members.'

An article published this week by CNN noted how a changing climate for corporations and organizations in America is forcing them to think twice about embracing Pride month.

Earlier this month, Pentagon leaders canceled a Pride drag show at a Nevada Air Force base.

There were reports that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley shut down the event while claiming such events are 'not a suitable use of federal funds and resources.'

The event  which encouraged friends and neighbors to attend, with no minimum age requirement  was initially approved by Air Force officials before getting shot down by the nation's top brass.

'Companies have long embraced Pride Month in June as an uncomplicated way to market to members of the LGBTQ+ community while telegraphing progressive values,' wrote CNN's Danielle Wiener-Bronner.

'This year won't be nearly so straightforward,' she added.

In the last months, Bud Light and Target were among a handful of companies that found themselves at the center of controversies over LGBT-friendly marketing campaigns that were attacked by conservatives.

Those marketing strategies have been costly, knocking billions off their market caps.

As a result, companies 'are becoming much more skittish about taking these stands and making strong statements,' Daniel Korschun, an associate professor of marketing at Drexel University told CNN.

'The pendulum is swinging a bit back toward a more conservative approach, where they'll be less vocal.'

The new video comes as San Francisco continues to grapple with its untamed crimewave.

According to the SFPD's crime statistics, there has been a staggering 25 percent increase in homicides in the city compared to 2022.

Robberies and arsons have both increased 17 and seven percent respectively, as thousands of homeless people fill the streets and drug taking continues to plague the struggling population.

Many critics of the situation point to the pandemic for the city's decline, after the California hub's high concentration of tech employees leaving the city in droves during lockdowns.

San Francisco has been plagued by rampant homelessness, drug taking and crime in recent years

Most have not returned, thanks to the option of remote work and signs of urban decay on the streets, including a sharp uptick in overdose deaths for the city's homeless.

The city saw a staggering 41 percent surge in the number of drug-related deaths in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same time last year, as fentanyl ravaged the city's homeless population.

The Californian coastal hub saw 200 people die due to overdoses between January and March, compared to 142 deaths in 2022, according to recent data from the city's medical examiner.

That amounts to one overdose death every 10 hours in a city that has seen its reputation as a coastal gem ravaged by worsening crime, drugs, and homelessness.

In an attempt to counteract its new reputation for crime and lawlessness, San Francisco officials recently poured $6 million into a sweeping marketing campaign to lure tourists back to the city.

The campaign, called 'Always San Francisco', includes the city's first ever television commercial of a music video highlighting the metro's quirkiness and diversity.

In 2019, the city welcomed 26.2million visitors, according to the SF Travel Association. That number bottomed out in 2020 due to the pandemic, and it has yet to return to its former glory days.

According to one analysis, San Francisco is suffering from the slowest downtown recovery of any of the 62 largest cities in the US and Canada post-pandemic.

Just two days after the video was released, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto announced that his office was deploying its Emergency Services Unit to deal with the Bay Area's out of control fentanyl problem.

The team would tackle 'open-air drug dealing and [areas where] drug use runs rampant,' Sheriff Miyamoto said.
Permission to berth a barge housing asylum seekers at an east London docks has been rejected, it has been confirmed.

London's Royal Docks said it had informed the Home Office last month that water beside City Airport would not be appropriate as a potential location to moor one of its floating accommodation vessels for refugees.

The use of barges is part of government efforts to deter migrants from embarking on dangerous Channel crossings in small boats and to reduce the amount spent on hotels for those arriving in Britain via unlawful routes.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan had set out his objections publicly to the suggestion a location in the capital could be chosen for such a vessel.

He has since written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to express his support for the Royal Docks' decision to deny permission for a barge.

London's Royal Docks said it had informed the Home Office last month that water beside City Airport would not be appropriate as a potential location to moor one of its floating accommodation vessels for refugee

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has since written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to express his support for the Royal Docks' decision to deny permission for a barge

'I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum,' he told the Cabinet minister in a letter.

'I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the Government's policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.'

London's Royal Docks Managing Director Scott Derben said: 'London's Royal Docks were approached by the Home Office to look at the feasibility of berthing a cruise ship to house asylum seekers.

'After investigation, it was concluded that this would not be an appropriate use for the Royal Docks.

'The Home Office were informed of this decision in May.'

Mr Khan said the UK's capital had a 'proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge' as he set out his 'deep concerns' about the Conservative Government policy of housing asylum seekers on barges.

He told Mrs Braverman there was 'no evidence' that barge accommodation would act as a deterrent to those seeking to come to Britain and argued it would 'leave large numbers of people in wholly unsuitable conditions'.

The former MP also said the boats would be 'highly visible' and that those being housed in them could be at 'significant risk' from targeting by far-right protests.

He added: 'I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Government's plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels.'

Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to 'stop the boats' was 'starting to work', as he revealed two more giant vessels will be used for migrant accommodation.

The Prime Minister declined to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there has been speculation that the vessels could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

The Guardian also reported the Royal Docks was among a number of other locations being discussed as part of plans to acquire more barges and former cruise ships.

A Home Office spokeswoman, asked about Royal Docks' stance, said: 'The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

'This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.

'We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.'

It comes as Labour accused ministers of 'quietly ditching' the two-tier refugee system, which was introduced under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

In a written ministerial statement to MPs, immigration minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the differentiation policy would be paused from July.

'This means we will stop taking grouping decisions under the differentiated asylum system after these rules changes and those individuals who are successful in their asylum application, including those who are granted humanitarian protection, will receive the same conditions.

'Our ability to remove failed asylum applicants remains unchanged.'

Mr Jenrick also said that the policy, which created two separate approaches to refugees depending on their route to the UK, had been the 'right approach' when it came into force last June.

He added that the Illegal Migration Bill now 'represents a considerably stronger means of tackling the same issue that the differentiation policy sought to address'.

The Government's Illegal Migration Bill is currently in the Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and close scrutiny from peers.

But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said that Labour had warned that the policy would only make 'the bureaucracy and chaos worse'.

'Even worse, they have slipped out the announcement in a written statement to avoid publicity or scrutiny by Parliament or the press.

'This is a damning indictment of the Conservatives' flagship immigration Bill, and of their entire record on small boats, and shows ministers have no idea what they are doing to fix the Tory small boats chaos.

'Labour will fix the asylum system that has been broken under 13 years of the Tories.'

Chief executive of the Refugee Council Enver Solomon said: 'The Government is now admitting that its flagship Nationality and Borders Act has failed to deliver.

'As was predicted by us and other refugee organisations, it hasn't deterred desperate men, women and children from taking dangerous journeys but has simply led to unnecessary misery for many refugees, leaving them stuck in limbo unable to move on with their lives.'
The Supreme Court has sided with Jack Daniels and against a pet company selling poop-themed dog toys in the shape of the brand's iconic whiskey bottle in a trademark dispute that attracted the attention of the nations most recognized brands.

Jack Daniel's Properties Inc, owned by Brown-Forman Corp, argued that the toy, which resembles the distiller's widely recognized black-label whiskey bottle but replaces the label with 'Bad Spaniels', could confuse consumers about who created the product and potentially tarnish the company name.

VIP Products, an Arizona-based dog toy company, defended themselves, claiming the toy is a 'parody,' and qualifies as an 'expressive work' which is protected by the US Constitution's First Amendment and entitled to free speech under the law.

The whiskey maker in return said that there is a likelihood of confusion, meaning the poop themed product violated trademark law.

In a unanimous 9-0 decision Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled against VIP Products, and rejected the ruling from a federal appeals court that had backed the dog toy company and sent the case back to a lower court for additional review.

VIP Products, which makes whiskey shaped poo-themed dog toys, is at the center of a trademark dispute that the US Supreme Court ruled against on Thursday in a case that could redefine how the judiciary applies constitutional free speech rights to trademark law

Jack Daniel's Properties Inc argued that the toy, which resembles the distiller's widely recognized black-label whiskey bottle, could confuse consumers about who created the product and potentially tarnish the company name

The Supreme Court said lower courts must now consider whether VIP Products' dog toys look too similar to the iconic Jack Daniels bottle, causing confusion for consumers.

Justice Elena Kagan, who authored the decision, said that VIP's alleged infringement of the Jack Daniel's trademark 'falls within the heartland of trademark law, and does not receive special First Amendment protection.'

The Lanham Act, is the law which prohibits using a trademark in a way that is likely to cause confusion about its origin, and Jack Daniels claimed the dog toy likely confused consumers and therefore infringed on their copyright.

'We hold only that it is not appropriate when the accused infringer has used a trademark to designate the source of its own goods  in other words, has used a trademark as a trademark,' Kagan wrote.

'A parody must 'conjure up' 'enough original to make the object of its critical wit recognizable,'' Kagan wrote. 'Yet to succeed, the parody must also create contrasts, so that its message of ridicule or pointed humor comes clear.'

'And once that is done (if that is done), a parody is not often likely to create confusion. Self-deprecation is one thing; self-mockery far less ordinary,' she added.

Well-known brands, including Campbell Soup Co., Nike Inc., and Levi Strauss & Co., backed Jack Daniel's and filed briefs claiming the appeals court's interpretation of the law threatened trademark protections that shield the value of iconic brands.

Free speech advocates, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, filed briefs backing VIP, citing the importance of freely making a joke.

The chewy toy, features poop gags, one in which displays the phrase 'Old No. 2' in reference to 'Old No. 7' label on the whiskey bottles. Another says 'the Old No. 2, on your Tennessee Carpet' in reference to the 'Old No. 7 Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey' main label featured on the whiskey bottles.

References to alcohol content on a Jack Daniel's bottle, '40% ALC. BY VOL. (80 PROOF),' became '43% POO BY VOL.' and '100% SMELLY.'

'The parody is to make fun of marks that take themselves seriously,' said Bennett Cooper, who represented VIP Products.

Dr. Alex Simonson, a survey expert with 30 years of experience conducting trademark infringement surveys, said that while the court didn't allow the parody product to claim the First Amendment protection, they also didn't say that the toy could not be sold.

'The court didn't accord the parody special first amendment protection but the court did not opine that the parody product infringes,' said Simonson, president of survey research firm 'Simonson Associates.'

Justice Elena Kagan (pictured) said that VIP's alleged infringement of the Jack Daniel's trademark does not receive special First Amendment protection and the Supreme Court sided with the alcohol company 9-0 and sent the case back to the district court to settle

The case had worked its way up the San Francisco judicial system before reaching the Supreme Court, with well-known brands including Campbell Soup Co., Nike Inc., and Levi Strauss & Co. backing Jack Daniel's

The case had worked its way up the San Francisco judicial system before reaching the Supreme Court, only to be sent back down to the lower courts.

The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in 2020 ruled in favor of VIP Products on two separate grounds.

The 9th Circuit said the Bad Spaniels toy was an 'expressive work' and thus potentially shielded under the First Amendment from Jack Daniel's trademark infringement claim.

On this point, the 9th Circuit returned the case for further proceedings to a federal judge in Arizona with instructions to apply a legal test stemming from a landmark 1989 trademark dispute between actress Ginger Rogers and film director Federico Fellini.

The judge ruled for VIP Products after applying the so-called 'Rogers test,' which lets artists lawfully use another's trademark when doing so has artistic relevance to their work and would not explicitly mislead consumers about its source.

The 9th Circuit also ruled that VIP Product's use of the Jack Daniel's trademark was noncommercial because it was used not only to sell dog toys but also 'to convey a humorous message,' and thus had not tarnished the distiller's distinctive mark.

The product remains on shelves, until a decision is made at a district court level, which according to the experts, might be more difficult reach than it seems.

President Joe Biden's administration supports Jack Daniel's appeal. A ruling is expected by the end of June.
A Greek pilot who killed his British wife in front of their nine-month-old daughter has dropped his appeal against his life sentence for her murder, according to reports.

Charalambos Babis Anagnostopoulos brutally killed Caroline Crouch, 19, by smothering her with a pillow at their home in Athens two years ago before trying to claim she was murdered by burglars.

However, in May 2022 he was convicted of her murder and sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison - meaning he would be eligible for release in his 50s.

The 35-year-old sparked fury among Caroline's family when he announced he would appeal the ruling, claiming he harmed his wife after fearing she would hurt their daughter.

But it has now dramatically been reported he is dropping his appeal, although her father has revealed he's struggling to take the announcement 'at face value'.

Caroline Crouch (left) was brutally murdered by her husband Charalambos Babis Anagnostopoulos (right) in front of their nine-month-old daughter (centre)

The Greek pilot, pictured here outside the Athens Court of Appeal in May, has dropped his appeal against his life sentence

Since the start of his appeal in February 2023, multiple dates have been postponed due to the defendant's lawyer being unavailable or the convict claiming he is 'ill'.

One such delay at the end of May sparked the Crouch family's lawyer to accuse the pilot of 'play acting', while her father called it 'a farce'.

READ MORE HERE: Former airhostess and beauty model called as key witness in Athens appeal trial of businessman who murdered his wife and strangled his dog to death Advertisement

On Wednesday Anagnostopoulos's lawyer, Alexandros Papaioannidis, confirmed the appeal was no longer going ahead, The Guardian reports.

He said: 'My client has decided for extremely serious reasons, which cannot be announced, to waive all legal means, specifically the appeal he filed against the judgment of the mixed jury court in Athens.'

He added: 'I will today proceed with all the [requisite] procedures so that the trial at a secondary level does not continue.'

The news was met with relief by Caroline's father, David, a retired oil executive who raised her on Alonissos after moving to Greece with her Philippine-born mother, Susana.

He told The Guardian, he said he was 'astounded' by the decision but that if true it was 'wonderful news for my family and me'.

But he told The Sun: 'I am reluctant to take this announcement at face value knowing what a duplicitous b****** Anagnostopoulos is.

'I can't believe that he is prepared to drop his appeal and calmly return to prison to serve out his life sentence plus eleven and a half years, he is not that kind of person.'

Anagnostopoulos had created a web of lies after murdering his wife, claiming burglars had killed Caroline after breaking into their upmarket apartment in a suburb of the Greek capital.

The state coroner has said that Crouch would have suffered 'a long and agonising death'.

She was pinned down by the pilot in the couple's Athens maisonette, resisting as she attempted to fight back as he suffocated her for five minutes with a pillow.

He even callously killed the couple's dog, Roxy, to make the story more realistic before smothering Caroline in her sleep and then tying himself up.

Detectives cracked the case after noticing data on fitness apps on Caroline's smart watch didn't tally with his story and he was held after crying crocodile tears at his wife's funeral on the island of Alonissos.

Babis Anagnostopoulos (left) is pictured with Caroline Crouch (right). He strangled her to death at their rented maisonette in Athens in May 2021

Anagnostopoulos told the court that he regretted what he did. Pictured in Athens on May 8

Anagnostopoulos was found guilty of the pre-meditated murder of his wife and sentenced to 27 and a half years in prison in 2022 for the crime.

This included a jail term of 11 years and six months for the killing of Roxy, as well as a 21,000 euro fine (18,316).

For the murder of his wife, he received a life sentence.

After the sentencing was passed, his lawyer said the outcome was 'expected'.

But Agnostopoulos has sought to reduce the sentence on the basis that, he claimed, the killing was not premeditated.

Speaking in February, Mr Crouch had branded Agnostopoulos as 'despicable' for trying to get his sentence reduced.

'The crime committed by the murderer, that of femicide, is a heinous crime that should deserve particularly severe punishment,' he said.

'In my opinion, men who kill their wives, for whatever reason, are the lowest of the low, ranking alongside paedophiles.'

Agnostopoulos called his parents and another four witnesses to take the stand in his defence during an appeal hearing in early May.

Defence lawyer Alexandros Papaioannides said beforehand: 'There are going to be quite a lot of new witnesses and documents that will contain elements that will help reverse this case.

'I think there will be a more correct assessment [by the court] of the circumstances that prevailed that day in regards to the crime he committed and whether it was committed in the heat of the moment.'

After his imprisonment custody of the couple's daughter, Lydia, who is now three year's old, was given to Susana, who took her to the Manila in the Phillippines.
A six-year-old Detroit child has shot their baby brother in the face and shoulder while playing with their father's gun.

The baby was jumping in his bouncy seat when their older sibling fired two shots from the unregistered semi-automatic at around 7.40pm Wednesday.

Detroit Police Department Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald said the children's father was in the backyard of their home on Tennessee Street in the city's east side with an uncle at the time, while their mother was at a relative's house nearby.

Speaking at a press conference from the scene, Fitzgerald said the baby is now in a stable condition.

The shooting took place on the 600 block of Tennessee Street in Detroit, Michigan, on Wednesday evening

Visibly shaken, he said: 'Here we are again. Once again another senseless, preventable, horrible incident for this young kid. It's a baby - one year old.

'The baby was in his bouncy, the preliminary information is that another family member, a young child, got a hold of a gun and shoots his sibling, not once but twice.

'The one-year-old was shot through the cheek and through his left shoulder.

'We're very very fortunate that that child is still with us.'

'We're here far too often talking about securing the weapons,' he added.

'There are gun locks. There are gun safes. The highest shelf you can find in your house  put the gun up as high as you possibly can.'

Detroit Police Department Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald was visibly shaken by the incident as he gave a press update from the scene at Tennessee Street, Detroit, Michigan

The assistant chief said the six-year-old is also likely 'traumatized' by the incident.

Syreeta Wilson, a member of the east side neighborhood in Michigan, said the local community is shaken by the incident but not surprised.

'It's happening too much. We losing too many people over this. These weapons,' she told WXYZ Detroit.

'Get a lock, a safe deposit box. Lock it up in a closet so they can't reach it. We need to really stop this. We're adults, they're children. They're innocent,'

Investigators remain on scene and Detroit Police has said evidence will be presented to a prosecutor.

Fitzgerald said on Wednesday that everyone involved is cooperating with police.

Dailymail.com has approached Detroit Police for an update.
The main suspect in the disappearance of Alabama student Natalee Holloway has arrived in the US after he was extradited from Peru with help from FBI agents.

Joran van der Sloot is charged over the disappearance of the American student on the Caribbean island of Aruba.

He faces one count of extortion and another of wire fraud after allegedly offering to reveal the whereabouts of Holloway's in exchange for $250,000 from her family.

Van der Sloot's extradition flight landed in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday afternoon - hours after he was seen grinning in a Peruvian police car driven by officers who delivered him to Interpol officials.

After landing, officials from the FBI took van der Sloot to Hoover City Jail, located about 30 minutes south of the airport. His arraignment is expected to take place Friday, June 9, in the Hugo L. Black Federal Courthouse where he will plead guilty or not guilty.

The crimes are the only charges to have ever linked the Dutch citizen to Holloway's disappearance in May 2005. While he is not charged with murder, he remains the chief suspect in the case.

Van der Sloot's extradition flight landed in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday afternoon and he was escorted by law enforcement officials to a waiting convoy of blacked-out SUVs

The crimes are the only charges to have ever linked the Dutch citizen to Natalee Holloway's disappearance in May 2005. While he is not charged with murder, he is the main suspect

Natalee disappeared in 2005 and her body has never been found, leading authorities to declare her legally dead in 2012

Van der Sloot, who was brought to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, had been held in a prison in Lima before being placed in US custody.

The 35-year-old has been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing.

Van der Sloot did not appear to have any physical injuries, despite his lawyer claiming earlier this week that he was 'severely beaten' by other inmates at his Peruvian prison.

Authorities moved him from a maximum-security prison in the Andes over the weekend before he was taken to Lima and then the airport this morning.

It is currently unclear when he will make his first appearance in court on U.S. soil.

The accused killer filed a last-ditch attempt to block his extradition to the U.S. two days ago, but a Peruvian judge overruled the filing.

The petition seems to contradict previous statements by his lawyer, Maximo Altez, who had claimed van der Sloot wanted to clear his name and welcomed extradition.

Holloway, who lived in Birmingham, Alabama, was 18 when she vanished during a trip with classmates to Aruba.

She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island.

Van der Sloot was identified as a suspect and detained weeks later, along with two Surinamese brothers.

It's currently unclear when van der Sloot will make his first appearance on US soil on charges linked to the disappearance and murder of Holloway

Joran van der Sloot smiled before he boarded a plane back to the US. The Dutchman, who is accused of killing Natalee Holloway, landed in the US on Thursday

Joran van der Sloot is accused of killing Natalee Holloway on the Caribbean island of Aruba, and is wanted on one count each of extortion and wire fraud

Van der Sloot did not appear to have any physical injuries when he was pictured en-route to the airport, despite his lawyer claiming earlier this week that he was 'severely beaten' by other inmates at a Peruvian prison

Natalee was 18 when she disappeared from the Caribbean island of Aruba during a trip with school friends in 2005

He was indicted by a grand jury in 2010 on one count each of wire fraud and extortion, each of which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors allege that he reached out to the teenager's mother asking for $25,000 to disclose the location of her daughter's body.

He then allegedly demanded a further $225,000 if the body was found, and a sting operation saw van der Sloot initially single out a house he claimed her body was buried in.

In later emails, the suspect admitted to lying about the location, an FBI agent claimed in an affidavit.

A DailyMail.com investigation revealed he is expected to protest his innocence and make the extraordinary accusation that it was actually Natalee's mother, Beth, who approached him offering money if he took her to her daughter's body.

Altez said: 'He was living his life in Aruba and got a call from Beth Holloway, who tricked him.

Natalee was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island.

The 35-year-old had been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing

'She said: "Joran, tell me where the body is and I'll give you $250,000." He never asked for money, she's the one that offered.

'She even gave him an advancement and he never asked for the rest. He only got $25,000.'

Altez explained that his client is a 'sick person' and 'compulsive gambler', who 'needed the money to play at the casino'. However, he claimed Mrs Holloway 'took advantage of him'.

In his 2007 book, 'The Case of Natalee Holloway: My Own Story about her Disappearance on Aruba', van der Sloot admitted lying to police and apologized to the Holloways.

'I understand that my lies in the past seriously tarnished my credibility,' he wrote.

The 35-year-old had been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing

Prosecutors allege that he reached out to the teenager's mother asking for $25,000 to disclose the location of her daughter's body

Throughout the book he maintained his innocence, explaining that he had left an intoxicated Natalee on the beach, where he said she wanted to 'watch the stars'.

Van der Sloot was found guilty of murdering Stephany Flores, 21, in 2010 - who was killed five years to the day after Natalee's disappearance.

Peruvian prosecutors said van der Sloot killed Flores, a business student from a prominent family, while trying to rob her after learning she had won money at the casino where the two met.

They said he killed her with 'ferocity' and 'cruelty,' beating then strangling her in his hotel room. He pleaded guilty in 2012.
Louisiana has passed a bill that bans children under the age of 18 from signing up for their own social media accounts without parental consent.

The legislation is known as HB61 and has now been sent to the State's Governor John Bel Edwards to sign. If he does, it will take effect in August 2024.

Online platforms - including video games, video-sharing apps, and social media networks - would use a third-party service to get a parent's consent before the child could use it.

The legislature includes 'interactive computer services' - an incredibly broad term - which would therefore bar under 18s from accessing games like Roblox and Fortnite, and setting up Instagram, Twitter or YouTube accounts.

It could even stop minors from setting up their own email accounts without permission from their parents.

The far-reaching age verification legislation is known as HB61 and now has been sent to the State's Governor John Bel Edwards (pictured) to sign. If he does, the legislation will take effect in August 2024

The bill would also work historically. This means parents could go back and cancel terms-of-service contracts their children signed up for before the legislature even went into play.

The Louisiana bill does not explicitly require social media sites to verify users' ages with photo ID.

Louisiana was already one of the first states to pass age verification requirements for adult pornography websites - and now this legislation will go a step further and attempt to protect minors from other edges of the internet.

The unanimous 97 to 0 vote in both chambers of the Louisiana state legislature has shown the immense support for child safeguarding among lawmakers.

Republican Laurie Schlegel is the spearhead of the new bill - after she championed the passing of the Louisiana pornography verification law last year.

Campaign groups who have spoken out against taking harsher stances on online safety say that social media can have a positive impact on young people, especially those who may be marginalized.

Louisiana would follow Utah and Arkansas, who signed similar bills into action this year.

A handful of other states are also considering less restrictive, but similar safeguarding bills - including New Jersey, Minnesota, Texas, and Maryland.

NetChoice vice president and general counsel Carl Szabo is staunchly against the bill - which he says violates the first amendment.

He said that being anonymous online - and not having to hand over your data to prove your identity for mundane activities - is fundamental for people like whistleblowers and victims.

Szabo said in a statement: 'It will decimate anonymous browsing and gaming  requiring citizens to hand over data to prove their identity and age just to use an online service.

The legislature includes 'interactive computer services' - an incredibly broad term - which would therefore bar under 18s from accessing games like Roblox and Fortnite, and setting up Instagram or Twitter accounts

The unanimous vote in both chambers of the Louisiana state legislature has shown the immense support for child safeguarding among lawmakers

'Anonymity can be important for individuals using social media services for things like whistleblowers, victims, and those identifying crime in the neighborhood who fear backlash.

'Whats worse is that it fails to really address the underlying issues.

'Instead, Louisiana policymakers could actually help teens and parents by following the educational approaches of Virginia and Florida.

'We are hopeful that Governor Edwards will veto this bill. It violates First Amendment rights, takes away parental rights for their families and requires massive data collection on all Louisiana citizens.'

Utah's law, which was signed in March this year, prohibits social media companies from displaying ads, showing accounts held by minors in search results and collecting info on children.

The apps will also be unable to suggest or target content and ads to minors.

One of the most notable features is the curfew that automatically locks children out of their accounts at 10.30pm and does not allow them back on until 6.30am.

The locks are activated by the location of a user's phone and the feature can be adjusted with parental consent.

Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook now have until March 1, 2024 to comply.

If they do not adhere to the new laws, they may be punished in civil or criminal court.
Washington State's first equity director has been fired after an investigation found she made racist comments towards Hispanic colleagues and even fat-shamed one employee.

Karen Johnson, the first director of the state's Office of Equity, was terminated from her position on May 17 after an independent investigation revealed several of her employees had complained about her 'biased and insensitive conduct.'

One Mexican employee told investigators how Johnson once said she had a 'distrust of Mexican people,' while another said the director attacked her for her weight.

Johnson has denied these allegations, and is said to be considering bringing a wrongful termination suit against the State.

But when asked about his decision to fire Johnson, Gov. Jay Inslee told KING 5 News the office 'required leadership to be able to manage the agency appropriately' and 'we needed some more leadership there.'

Karen Johnson, Washington's first equity director, was fired from her position on May 17

She has been succeeded in her position by Megan Matthews, who is serving as the acting director.

As MFR Law Group PLLC investigated Johnson's helm at the newly-formed Office of Equity, it uncovered reports from staffers who claimed Johnson was racist against Hispanics.

In one instance, she allegedly told a Mexican employee: 'This may take some time for me because I generally distrust Mexican people.'

She then allegedly said, 'Mexican people have the option of being white when it's convenient for them,' according to documents obtained by KING 5 News.

Another employee also said Johnson had an 'us versus them' mentality when it came to her Hispanic co-workers, often calling them out for not having 'lived experiences' of racism.

Her management style was also brought up in interviews with the investigators, which found that she micromanaged staff, was disorganized and lacked adequate structure and processes and made unreasonable requests.

One employee told investigators Johnson once proclaimed she 'rules with brass knuckles and a velvet glove,' which the staffer argued was a 'metaphor associated with white supremacy because of its violence.'

And others said she would stereotype on the basis of race and gender, with one white female employee claiming Johnson once told her not to braid her hair because it was 'cultural appropriation.'

Another said Johnson attacked them because of their weight, asking her: 'You want to be married and have a family, didn't you? If so, you have to take care of yourself.'

The investigation also found that the Office of Equity had an overall attrition rate of 29 percent since it was created.

Five employees resigned between 2022 and 2023, and all of them cited Johnson's 'chaotic, overburdened and disrespectful workplace culture.'

She has denied being biased toward any of her employees, and told KING 5 News she remembered some of those conversations differently.

Former employees of the newly-founded Office of Equity claimed to investigators that Johnson (pictured) would make racist and otherwise 'insensitive' remarks to her staffers

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee told KING 5 News the office lacked leadership under Johnson

But after speaking with these employees about their experiences, KTTH reported, investigators also met with Johnson, during which she allegedly complained that 'the staff she was given did not have the skill set needed to operate with emotional maturity.'

She also allegedly claimed they were 'passive aggressive' and withheld information from her.

Johnson then allegedly declined to do a follow-up interview, saying it was 'non-negotiable' and she would not participate in 'triangulating behavior' where she cannot work through conflict directly with employees.

Eventually, KING 5 reports, she was given the option to either resign or be terminated  and chose termination.

Speaking of the decision, Inslee said: 'We've had some concerns at the agency about not being able to fill the positions. We've had some concerns about not being able to use the budget.

He added that the office 'required leadership to be able to manage the agency appropriately and we need some more leadership there.'

Still, he said, 'We appreciate her getting the agency started.'

Inslee had signed legislation creating the office in April 2020 and named Johnson the director the following year

Inslee had signed legislation creating the office in April 2020 to work with other state agencies to increase access to 'equitable opportunities in order to bridge opportunity gaps and reduce disparities' as well as develop a five-year equity plan.

He announced that Johnson would helm the new office a year later, praising her work as the equity and inclusion administrator for the state Department of Corrections.

She had previously worked for the US Department of Veterans Affairs serving in roles ranging from regional equal employment opportunity manager to chief administrative officer of the James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center, and served as the director for Tri-Love Ministries in Seattle.

In that position, she worked to ensure equitable access to resources and services for black children and their families.

'Karen brings extensive experience working to transform local and state government systems to more equitably serve Washingtonians,' Inslee said in a statement at the time.

'She has oriented her entire career around helping disadvantaged communities and institutional change for generations to come,' he noted, adding, 'I have every confidence that she will be an excellent, effective director.'

A few months later, she told KING 5 News: 'No black person in their right mind... wants to be leading this kind of work, while convincing white people they want to do something they have no intention of doing.'

But looking back, she called her tenure as director 'the time of my life.

'I received many emails from staff across the state who said, "Thanks to you Dr. J, I know who I am. I found my voice and I'm using it."

'That's what I'm most proud of.'

She also wrote on social media: 'I am absolutely blessed that I got this job, and I stand by the community that I was trying to help in my tenure at the Office of Equity.

'I would hope that [Inslee] continues to provide employees across the state with the opportunities that they deserve and continue the work of accountability to make everyone's lives better.'
Two army officers killed in IS attack in Iraq 11 Jun 2023 | 6:21 PM Baghdad, June 11 (UNI) Two Iraqi army officers were killed, and three others wounded in an attack by Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk, the Iraqi military said on Sunday. see more..

Kazakh prez declares June 12 day of national mourning for victims of wildfires 11 Jun 2023 | 5:06 PM Astana, June 11 (UNI) Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared June 12 a day of national mourning for the victims of massive wildfires in the eastern part of the country. see more..

6 2-magnitude quake jolts Japan's Hokkaido 11 Jun 2023 | 4:06 PM Tokyo, June 11 (UNI) An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 struck parts of Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido, the weather agency said on Sunday. see more..

Russia seeing no foundation for peace talks with Ukraine 11 Jun 2023 | 3:55 PM Moscow, June 11 (UNI) There are not conditions in place for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, with Moscow not seeing even "flimsy" grounds to build dialogue upon, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday. see more..
President Joe Biden on Thursday warned of challenges posed by 'staggering' advances in Artificial Intelligence technology as he met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House.

Sunak is positioning the United Kingdom as a leader in the field, and also wants London to be the base for an A.I. regulator.

He and Biden agreed to strengthen economic ties and work on A.I. safety.

At a joint news conference, the president said: 'I don't think ever in the history of human endeavor has there been as fundamental potential technological change as is presented by artificial intelligence.

'It is staggering.'

President Joe Biden listens as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday

But that came with risks, he said.

'How do we deal with this?' he asked. 'It has not only the potential to cure cancer, and many other things that are just beyond our comprehension, but it has the potential to do great damage if it's not controlled.'

Sunak announced that his government will bring together politicians, scientists and tech executives for an A.I. safety conference later this year.

He said it was essential to ensure that 'paradigm-shifting new technologies' were harnessed for good causes.

The pair also signed the 'Atlantic Declaration,' setting out greater cooperation on urgent economic challenges in fields such as clean energy and critical minerals as well as A.I.

At the end of the press conference Biden faced awkward questions about Republican allegations of corruption.

Reporters shouted questions as the two prepared to leave the stage after spending 40 minutes responding to four pre-selected journalists.

As the hubbub died away, Biden was asked about Republican claims that a secret F.B.I. document contains evidence that Biden was caught up in a $5 million bribery scheme when he was vice president. What would he say to congressional Republicans?

'Where's the money?' he said.

'I'm joking. It's a load of malarkey.'

President Joe Biden shrugged off a question about allegations of his family's corruption on Thursday at the end of a press conference, saying: 'Where's the money?'

His supporters insist the claims are part of a political smear, and point out that the F.B.I. decided not to pursue the allegations.

But Rep. James Comer, Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has pushed for the document to be released and last month subpoenaed the F.B.I. for it.

He and Sen. Chuck Grassley, claim it 'describes an alleged criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreign national relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions.'

They have also said it relates to Ukraine.

Biden's flippant response infuriated Rep. Nancy Mace, who sits on the Oversight Committee.

'We don't find selling out your country funny,' she tweeted

'Prove us wrong by releasing your and your family's unredacted bank records. The F.B.I. can't protect you forever.'

White House officials have repeatedly expressed frustration at being asked about what they say are unfounded allegations, and the F.B.I. has cautioned that the information is unverified.

Biden was also asked what he was doing to protect the independence of the Justice Department, after years of attacks by Donald Trump when he was in and out of office.

You'd notice, I have never once  not one single time  suggested [to] the Justice Department what they should do or not do relative to bringing a charge or not bringing a charge,' he said. 'I'm honest.'

Rep. James Comey, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has led the charge, subpoenaing the FBI for a document he says contains damning allegations

Biden and his son Hunter are accused of being ensnared in a cash-for-policy scandal

Earlier Biden managed to botch the introductions as he welcomed Sunak to the White House.

'Well Mr. President,' he began as they sat down in the Oval Office before correcting himself. 'Mr President? I just demoted you.'

Sunak laughed off the gaffe as Biden continued: 'Mr Prime Minister, it's great to have you back.'

Sunak is making his first visit to the White House.

Biden, 80, has been accused frequently of snubbing the United Kingdom in favor of Ireland, the land of his ancestors, and has botched the pronunciation of Sunak's name in the past.

Sunak arrives on a mission to build better ties as his country seeks to find its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

He came armed with gifts, presenting the president with a personalized waxed jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale Barbour jacket was made near Sunak's parliamentary constituency in north-east England.

President Joe Biden welcomed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to the White House on Thursday. They were due to discuss economic ties, Ukraine and artificial intelligence

He also presented the president with a copy of a book written by his British great-great grandfather.

'Naval Discipline,' was written by Christopher Biden in the mid 19th century and covers the Royal Navy's rules on mutiny.

The president mentioned it in a speech during his visit to Northern Ireland in April.

However, U.S. officials have dashed hopes of a free trade agreement between Washington and London.

Instead their talks will focus on other forms of economic ties, the dangers of artificial intelligence and Ukraine.

Sunak is making his first visit to the White House since taking office in October

Sunak was guest of honor at UK-US friendship night at the Washington Nationals game on Wednesday evening. It included a fly past of US and UK aircraft

'And as we've done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will,' said Sunak.

'But also I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing, perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm.'

Biden brought up the history of the Oval Office, including the famous wartime meetings between wartime president and prime minister.

'You know, Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over seventy years ago,' he said. 'And they asserted that the strength of the partnership between Great Britain, the United States was the strength of the free world.'

He said there were dozens of stories about Churchill's time visiting, and his habit of taking baths.

Sunak came armed with gifts, presenting the president with a personalized waxed jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale Barbour jacket (similar pictured above) was made near Sunak's parliamentary constituency in north-east England

Prime Minister Winston Churchill (L) and President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House

Sunak continued: 'Wandering around at three in the morning ... Winston Churchill bothering Mrs. Roosevelt.'

'Don't worry. You won't see me that bothering you and the first lady.

His government is keen to build better relations with Washington, forging closer economic ties as London finds its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

After the turbulence of recent years  when Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss all came and went from Number 10 in quick succession  Sunak is intent on portraying a more stable presence.

British officials and ministers have also quietly been trying to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine, amid fears that America First Republicans in Congress could cut off the supply of arms and ammunition.

At the same time, Sunak's defense secretary Ben Wallace is among the possible contenders to take over as N.A.T.O. secretary general when Jens Stoltenberg steps down. Sunak will know that U.S. backing is essential to win the post, raising questions about whether the prime minister plans to use his White House visit to lobby Biden.
He will also be separately charged with killing his daughter, Harmony Montgomery, 5, whose case captivated the nation

The father of murdered five-year-old Harmony Montgomery who vanished in 2019 and whose body still has not been found has been convicted on unrelated gun charges.

Adam Montgomery, 33, was found guilty of six weapon charges, two counts of being an armed criminal, receiving stolen property, and theft by unauthorized taking. The most serious charge of being an armed criminal, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

In January, Adam was indicted and separately charged for the alleged murder of his daughter, Harmony Montgomery, who disappeared in 2019, but the authorities did not know she was missing until November 2021.

He's also facing charges of abuse of a corpse, falsifying evidence, and witness tampering.

He is scheduled for the trial on his daughter's alleged murder in November.

Adam Montgomery, 33, was found guilty of all weapon charges, two counts of being an armed criminal, receiving stolen property, and theft by unauthorized taking. The most serious charge of being an armed criminal, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

Adam Montgomery has been accused in the heinous murder of his five-year-old daughter Harmony Montgomery

On Thursday morning, the Hillsborough County jury - nine women and two men - deliberated for five hours and uninamously found Montgomery guilty on each charge that related to a rifle and a shotgun.

He was accused of having a shotgun and a rifle, even though he has multiple felony convictions in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the Associated Press reported.

The shotgun has never been recovered.

Montgomery appeared stoic as each juror read their verdict. He will be sentenced in about five weeks.

Kayla Montgomery, Adam Montgomery's estranged wife, who is serving an 18-month prison sentence, and pleaded guilty to charges that she lied to a grand jury about her whereabout the day she last saw Harmony, was one of the prosecutions witnesses.

She said during her testimony that Montgomery told her to take the guns.

Now, Adam Montgomery will await sentencing in the gun case and trial for the alleged murder of Harmony.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati told WMUR 'finding her remains is a top priority.'

We still dont know where she is and we are still looking for help, said Agati, according to Boston 25 News.

Harmony is believed to have been killed around December 2019, but it took two years before authorities were made aware of her disappearance

Adam Montgomery will await sentencing in the gun case and trial for the alleged murder of Harmony

The dad was stoic as the verdict was read in the unrelated gun case, where he will be sentenced in weeks

Harmony vanished and is believed to have been killed around December 2019. Cops were only made aware of her disappearance two years later.

An FBI investigation later ensued - and led cops to arrest Adam Montgomery in January 2022, in connection with a second-degree assault charge involving his daughter prior to her disappearance.

Harmony had lived with her father, and his criminal wife, Kayla Montgomery, in the weeks leading up to her disappearance.

The young girl, who was blind in one eye, was in her father's care at the time of her disappearance after her mother, Crystal Sorey, lost custody in July 2018 due to substance abuse.

Investigators revealed earlier this year that Harmony had been homeless and living out of a car with her family in the days before her disappearance.

The family had been evicted from their Union Street apartment in Manchester, New Hampshire, on November 27 - a date that falls within the span of the girl's disappearance.

Kayla Montgomery (pictured), 31, Adam Montgomery's estranged wife, is serving an 18-month prison sentence, and pleaded guilty to charges that she lied to a grand jury about her whereabout the day she last saw Harmony, was one of the prosecutions witnesses

A map showing where police have been searching for Harmony's remains. She has not been found

Earlier this year, Montgomery was charged with the murder of his daughter - nearly three years after her disappearance.

Kayla, Montgomery's wife and the missing child's stepmother, agreed to cooperate with New Hampshire law enforcement last year, according to court records.

She is currently incarcerated in the New Hampshire Correctional Facility for Women with a release date of 2029 after pleading guilty to perjury charges.

The search for Harmony's body continues with pictures from the last known residence of Harmony being stormed by the FBI who were seen hauling out evidence, including a fridge, from the apartment.

Authorities investigating the highly-publicized case made waves in August when they declared they were investigating the New Hampshire girl's disappearance as a homicide, after learning of it just months before, despite her disappearing more than two years earlier.

At the time, without elaborating, authorities said they believed Harmony was murdered in Manchester in early December 2019.

Those assertions seemed to be linked to the aforementioned search of the rental apartment Montgomery, Kayla and their children called home just days before Harmony's proposed disappearance.

Cops had then been seen removing evidence, including a full-sized refrigerator, from the Manchester home, as well as a plethora of other items that were covered up in various packaging.

Authorities did not disclose what sparked the search - the second in a matter of months of the property.

Officials at the time, however, did concede that the Union Street home had become 'the focus of the investigation.'

Earlier today the search for Harmony continued as police scoured the Revere wetlands. No new evidence has been made public at this time.
'[McCarthys] got to resolve those issues with those members who have those feelings'

In a notable non-defense of McCarthy, Scalise said l 'I don't know' when asked if the speaker had broken promises to Freedom Caucus members

House Republicans have resorted to in-fighting after an 11-member right-wing faction of their party ground floor business to a halt this week over dissatisfactions with leadership.

It was a light week on Capitol Hill this week all-around: the House canceled remaining votes for the week on Wednesday, after a rules vote failed Tuesday to advance gas stove legislation. In the upper chamber, senators gaveled out for the weekend on Thursday after only two days in session.

And in a notable non-defense of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise told Punchbowl News 'I don't know' when asked if the speaker had broken promises to Freedom Caucus members that he made during the speaker's race.

'I don't know what the promises were. I wasn't part of that.  So I still don't know what those agreements were. Whatever they are, [conservatives] feel that the agreements were broken. That's got to get resolved. Hopefully it does.'

McCarthy name-checked Majority Leader Steve Scalise when asked if those who opposed the gas stove rule were upset about the debt limit deal. 'I think there's a lot of different things. I just think sometimes it's personalities too, everybody has different things they're upset with. With the Clyde thing that was about Scalise, that's what started it,' the speaker told reporters

The majority leader was admitting he had not been a part of the negotiations that got McCarthy the gavel in January - just as he was essentially frozen out of negotiations over the debt limit.

Instead of Scalise, fellow Louisiana Rep. Garret Graves, a longtime friend of McCarthy, and Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., took the lead on negotiating with the White House.

'[McCarthys] got to resolve those issues with those members who have those feelings. You know, Im working on getting the pistol-brace bill passed, and were bringing it next week,' Scalise said, noting their was 'a lot of anger on a lot of sides of our conference.'

Scalise's comments came after the speaker laid blame on him for the surprise rule vote drama, where 11 GOP members voted 'no' as a sign of protest against McCarthy and his negotiated debt deal - which they said violated 'fundamental commitments' he had made during the 15-ballot speaker's race.

The legislation banning President Biden from regulation gas stoves is widely popular within the GOP conference and was expected to sail through the House before dying in the Senate.

Now, they've threatened to hold up all legislation until they get it in writing that McCarthy will return to the commitments he made to them, but McCarthy's allies say they still aren't exactly sure what the 11 members want.

Rep. Scott Perry, who is not part of the 11 but chairs the Freedom Caucus, brushed off concerns about not passing any legislation this week.

'When we pass things around here that are messaging bills that dont do anything, is it really a loss that we arent passing anything?' he asked reporters.

McCarthy gave his own comments about the protest Wednesday: 'I think there's a lot of different things. I just think sometimes it's personalities too, everybody has different things they're upset with. With the Clyde thing that was about Scalise, that's what started it.'

Asked whether he was blindsided, McCarthy again pointed to Scalise: 'We put different roles out there and the Majority Leader runs the floor. Yesterday was started on something else. It was a conversation that the majority leader had with Clyde and I think it was a miscalculation  or misinterpretation of what one said to another.'

It all started with a blow-up over a claim from Rep. Andrew Clyde that he'd been threatened with retaliation for his 'no' vote on the debt limit deal.

The hard-right lawmakers, mostly from the House Freedom Caucus, specifically accused leadership of threatening to hold up the pistol brace bill led by Clyde.

Clyde's resolution to repeal a regulation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) will get a vote next week, but the Freedom Caucus defectors are not satisfied.

Scalise, meanwhile, denied making any threats and said instead Tuesday he had only informed Clyde he was having difficulty getting the votes together for that bill. He blamed 'broken promises' for the Freedom Caucus blockade.

'Clearly there was some anger expressed about the debt ceiling deal and even some perceived broken promises going back to the speakers race in January.... Other things came up too.'

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, who with Scalise huddled with the 'no' voters on the back of the House floor on Tuesday, said he was surprised by their move and it had been 'spontaneous.'

He told DailyMail.com he wasn't involved in any threats that could have been made.

Boebert complained that leadership did not allow the debt ceiling deal to come to the floor under open rule - meaning rank-and-file members were not allowed to put amendments up for a vote. Some members said McCarthy promised them he would bring forth all legislation under open rule.

Others were upset that more Democrats had voted for the final package than Republicans, 171 versus 149. McCarthy however touted that two thirds of the Republican conference backed the bill.

'McCarthy lied, the rule died,' Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., wrote on Twitter after Tuesday's vote.

'House Leadership couldn't Hold the Line,' Gaetz tweeted Wednesday ahead of the second rule vote. 'Now we Hold the Floor.'
Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice hit back at the Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling the parents' rights organization an 'extremist' group.

The Florida-based parental rights organization was added to the SPLC's 2022 list of 'hate and antigovernmental groups.'

Justice told 'Fox News Tonight' Wednesday the 'extremist' label is 'absolutely absurd.'

'We are a group of moms and dads and grandparents and aunts and uncles, community members that are very concerned about the direction of the country,' she said.

According to the SPLC, schools have been on the 'receiving end of ramped-up and coordinated hard-right attacks' that has included trying to get certain books removed from school libraries.

'At the forefront of this mobilization is Moms for Liberty, a Florida-based group with vast connections to the GOP that this year the SPLC designated as an extremist group,' read the group's report.

'Galvanizing supporters around supposed 'parental rights' and 'family values' is nothing new - similar rallying cries were adopted by those who opposed school desegregation during the civil rights movement and by the Moral Majority of the 1980s,' the report continued.

'These political slogans have been used repeatedly because they are effective, framing the organizing of far-right activists as something done solely out of real concern for children.'

Moms for Liberty co-founders Tiffany Justice, left, and Tina Descovich, founded the group during the pandemic but was recently labeled a 'hate and antigovernmental group' by the Southern Poverty Law Center

The SPLC listed 1,225 hate groups in its 2023 list of 'hate and antigovernmental extremist groups'

The Southern Poverty Law Center added the organization, among others, to their 'Hate Map' as part of the release of their 'Year In Hate and Extremism 2022' report.

They wrote that members of the non-profit can be 'spotted at school board meetings across the country wearing shirts and carrying signs that declare, We do NOT CO-PARENT with the GOVERNMENT.''

The report said that the group 'hijacks meetings, preventing officials and parents from conducting their normal proceedings.'

They were called 'far-right' and an 'antigovernment' organization that engages in 'anti-student inclusion activities.'

In previous years, groups included on the list were comparable to neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. The addition of antigovernmental groups to the list has increased its length dramatically, shooting from 733 'hate groups' in 2021 to 1,225 'hate and antigovernmental extremist groups' in 2022.

Margaret Huang is the president and chief executive officer of the SPLC and the the organization said Moms for Liberty's 'galvanizing supporters around supposed 'parental rights' and 'family values' is nothing new'

Justice recently appeared on Fox News to call the SPLC's label 'absurd'

Moms for Liberty was founded in early 2021 by concerned mothers in Florida and has quickly expanded its presence across the country.

It has attracted national media attention for its efforts fighting COVID restrictions in schools and limiting discussions about race, sexuality, and gender in elementary school classrooms.

Justice said Wednesday night that the group is 'upsetting the balance of power in public education' and that the SPLC is conducting an 'orchestrated attempt' to silence their voices.

According to the organization's mission statement, Moms for Liberty was founded in 2021 to 'unify, educate and empower parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government.'

Members have fought against mask mandates and critical race theory curricula in schools.

Undeterred by the label, Justice said: We're going to keep doing the work that we do across the country. We're set up by chapters. We have over 120,000 members. And if you talk to the moms and dads on the ground, they're concerned about some of the things that they're seeing taught in schools. They're concerned about the fact that not every American child is learning to read in school.'

'So we're going to keep focused on our mission of getting liberty-minded individuals elected to school board[s] and ensuring that parental rights are protected at every level of government.'

Despite opposition from groups like the SPLC, Justice said that she and her fellow Moms for Liberty are not discouraged and plan to keep up the energy.

'We are joyful warriors. We're not going to stop. I mean, no one's going to fight for anything like a parent's going to fight for their child. And, you know, we are moms and dads that are concerned about the future of the country,' she said.

'We are a group of moms and dads and grandparents and aunts and uncles, community members that are very concerned about the direction of the country,' Justice said

The SPLC report said: 'Moms for Liberty activities make it clear that the group's primary goals are to fuel right-wing hysteria and to make the world a less comfortable or safe place for certain students  primarily those who are Black, LGBTQ or who come from LGBTQ families.'

President and CEO of the SPLC and SPLC Action Fund, Margaret Huang, claimed the goal of the report is to take 'the most hateful factions in our country' and ultimately dismantle white supremacy.

We are exposing a concerted effort by hate groups and extremist actors to terrorize communities and gain control of public institutions by any means necessary.

'These groups are descending on Main Street America and disrupting people's daily lives, too often with dire consequences for communities of color, Jewish people, and the LGBTQ+ community.'

Justice and fellow Moms of Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich blasted the decision to label their organization a 'hate group'

'Two-thirds of Americans think the public education system is on the wrong track today. That is why our organization is devoted to empowering parents to be a part of their child's public school education,' they said in a statement to Fox News.

'That is our fundamental goal, which began just two years ago when teacher's unions locked students out of schools during the pandemic.

'Empowering parents continues to be our mission today and that has fueled our organization's growth - like wildfire to now 45 states in the country.'

'We believe that parental rights do not stop at the classroom door and no amount of hate from groups like this is going to stop that.'

Moms for Liberty joins is one of 11 other right-wing parents rights' groups listed in the annual report.
A California woman is pleading to United States President Joe Biden and Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to help find her mother, who was kidnapped in the western Mexican state of Colima in February

Maria del Carmen Lopez was abducted by armed men wearing hoods from her home on February 9.

One of the 63-year-old woman's seven daughters, Zonia Lopez, held a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday and revealed they had received an audio recording eight weeks ago from the kidnappers in which her mother can be heard begging to be rescued.

'She is pleading for her life and she names a few of my brothers and sisters,' Zonia Lopez said. 'And she's saying, 'Please hurry, act quickly, my children, and give them what they want. My life depends on it.'

The missing woman, who has 19 grandchildren, has U.S.-Mexico dual citizenship and raised her family in the Los Angeles County town of Maywood before moving to the Colima municipality of Pueblo Nuevo about 10 years ago.

Maria del Carmen Lopez, who has U.S.-Mexico dual citizenship, has been missing since February 9 when was kidnapped from her home in Colima, Mexico.

Zonia Lopez held a press conference in Los Angeles Thursday to urge Joe Biden and Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to get more involved in the search of her mom Maria del Carmen Lopez, who was kidnapped from her home in western Mexico in February

The family learned Maria del Carmen Lopez had an exchange of words with the kidnappers and told them that she was not going to leave with them before they forced her into their escape vehicle.

During the news conference, Zoe Lopez said that authorities on both sides of the border are 'disconnected' when it comes to providing timely information on the investigation.

She and her siblings are calling on Biden and Lopez Obrador to be more hands on with the law enforcement agencies tasked with helping locate their mother.

They have not given up hope and long for the day when they are reunited with her.

'I implore you to hear my word, to feel my anguish,' Zonia Lopez said.

'My family has endured unimaginable pain and suffering, desperately clinging for hope as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months without any sign of my mother's safe return.'

The family learned Maria del Carmen Lopez had an exchange of words with the kidnappers and told them that she was not going to leave with them before they forced her into their car

The missing 63-year-old, who moved from Los Angeles County to Mexico about 10 years, was heard crying and asking to be rescued in an audio her seven children received from her captors eight weeks ago

The family says authorities on both sides of the border are 'disconnected' when it comes to providing timely information on the investigation of the missing matriarch

Her children believe Lopez, seen here with daughter Zonia and her husband, is being held by a low level criminal organization that is requesting a ransom they can't pay

Still missing after several months, Lopez is a mother of seven children and grandmother to 19 grandchildren

Lopez raised her family in the Los Angeles County town of Maywood before moving to the western Mexico municipality of Pueblo Nuevo about 10 years ago

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Maria del Carmen Lopez whereabouts

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Maria del Carmen Lopez whereabouts.

Her children believe she is being held by a low lever criminal organization that is requesting a ransom they can't pay.

DailyMail.com was unable to confirm the amount.

'In her we find strength, love and boundless compassion,' Zonia Lopez said. 'She possesses beauty that transcends the superficial, radiating from the depths of her soul and touching everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Our world is falling apart without her light.'
Both parents were drinking at child's birthday when it occurred

He was on a suspended sentence for domestic violence

A convicted domestic violence offender who was free on a suspended sentence allegedly struck a baby with a glass bottle during her first birthday party, fracturing her skull.

The one-year-old from the outback town of Tennant Creek, in the Northern Territory, remains in hospital after undergoing surgery following the attack 12 days ago.

Just before 9pm on May 28, it is alleged a 26-year-old man threw a glass bottle which struck the baby's head.

A baby girl was rushed to hospital with a fractured skull after being struck in the head with a glass bottle by a convicted domestic violence offender during her first birthday party on May 28 (pictured: Tennant Creek Police Station)

The Royal Flying Doctor Service was called to fly the infant to the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital, accompanied by her grandmother, as her parents were declared unfit to fly due to being intoxicated.

On Thursday NT Police confirmed the child remained in hospital in Adelaide receiving ongoing medical treatment but is in a stable condition.

The day after the attack, police charged the 26-year-old man with aggravated assault, unlawfully causing serious harm and recklessly endangering serious harm.

Police will allege he was intoxicated when he struck the child with a 'blunt weapon' at the remote community, 500km north of Alice Springs.

The case was briefly mentioned at Alice Springs Local Court last week where it was revealed the alleged offence put him in breach of his suspended sentence.

Court documents state the man was serving a suspended sentence for breaking his partner's jaw in a drunken assault in May, 2021, after a night of downing rum and Jim Beam, The Australian reported.

The documents stated he punched the mother of his children with a closed fist in a 'backhand swing' while in bed.

In February, 2022 he pleaded guilty to unlawfully causing serious harm and was handed a wholly suspended sentence of two years and three months.

During sentencing, Justice Stephen Southwood relayed that the offence carried a maximum penalty of 14 years but decided to wholly suspend his sentence due to his relative youth, guilty plea and because he was participating in counselling.

Police will allege the 26-year-old was intoxicated when he struck the child with a 'blunt weapon' at the remote community, 500km north of Alice Springs.

'It is apparent that the offender is genuinely remorseful and this is the first violent offence he has ever committed,' Justice Southwood said.

'He does not have a predisposition to engage in domestic violence... In my opinion, given what the court has been told, he has good prospects of rehabilitation.'

At the time his partner was expecting a child and the judge noted it would be hard for her to visit him in jail due to the Covid restrictions in place at the time.

At his sentencing Justice Southwood acknowledged the man had issues with alcohol and therefore conditions of his suspended sentence included him abstaining from alcohol.

'If you commit another domestic violence offence, in addition to any sentence that is imposed on you for that offence, I will restore the whole of the two years and three months and you will serve that time in prison,' Justice Southwood said during his sentencing.

The 26-year-old will remain in custody. He will next appear before court on July 20.
Donald Trump on Thursday asked for a new trial in the civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll, in which a jury in Manhattan last month found the former U.S. president liable for sexually abusing and defaming the writer and awarded her $5 million in damages.

In a filing in federal court in Manhattan, Trump's lawyers said the jury's $2 million award for the sexual abuse portion of the verdict was 'excessive' because the jury had found that Carroll was not raped, and that the conduct she alleged did not cause any diagnosed mental injury.

They also said the $2.7 million award for the defamation claim was 'based upon pure speculation.'

'The Court should order a new trial on damages or grant remittitur because contrary to Plaintiff's claim of rape, the Jury found that she was not raped but was sexually abused by Defendant during the 1995/1996 Bergdorf Goodman incident,' according to the defense lawyers.

'Such abuse could have included groping of Plaintiff's breasts through clothing, or similar conduct, which is a far cry from rape,' the lawyers wrote.

'Therefore, an award of $2 million for such conduct, which admittedly did not cause any diagnosed mental injury to Plaintiff, is grossly excessive under the applicable case law.'

They put forward their own numbers, saying the award shouldn't exceed $400,000 for sex abuse, $100,000 for defamation and $368,000 for reputational harm.

Former President Donald Trump's lawyers asked a judge to toss out a $5 million jury award for damages to E. Jean Carroll. Carroll last month amended a separate defamation suit after Trump at a CNN town hall called her a 'whack job' and said the civil trial was 'rigged'

Trump's team has already sought to appeal the ruling.

The legal move comes as Trump faces the possibility of new federal charges over handling of national security documents after prosecutors were spotted at a federal courthouse in Miami where a grand jury has been meeting.

Carroll last month amended a separate defamation suit after Trump at a CNN town hall called her a 'whack job' and said the civil trial was 'rigged.'

A lawyer for Carroll, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement that Trump's arguments are 'frivolous.' Trump, the front-running Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential campaign, denies the allegations and has appealed the verdict.

Trump previously accused writer E. Jean Carroll of 'hanky panky' in her lawsuit against him

Trump claimed that E. Jean Carroll (second from left) used to call her husband John Johnson (center) an 'ape.' The ex-President is pictured with the couple and his first wife Ivana (right) at a party in the 1980s

Trump denied knowing Carroll. His videotaped deposition featured Trump mistaking him for his former wife, Marla Maples

Carroll's lawsuit, filed in 2022, said Trump raped her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York in the mid-1990s, and defamed her by denying it happened. Trump has called Carroll's claims a 'hoax.'

Two of Carrolls friends testified at trial that she told them about the rape after it occurred.

The trial also featured testimony from two women who alleged Trump assaulted them many years ago under similar circumstances, as well as taped deposition testimony by Trump in which he denies ever meeting Carroll.

Trump's lawyers told jurors that Carroll's narrative was implausible and said she had not provided evidence to back up her damages claims.

Carroll, a former Elle magazine advice columnist, filed a separate lawsuit in November 2019 for defamation only. That case has been bogged down in appeals over whether Trump was immune from being sued because he had been president when he spoke.

She filed her second lawsuit for both defamation and battery in 2022 after New York passed a law giving sexual assault victims a new window to sue even if the statute of limitations had passed.

Carroll in May sought to amend the first lawsuit with a claim for $10 million in additional damages over Trumps comments on CNN after the verdict, where he called the case a 'complete con job.'

Trumps lawyers said in the filing on Thursday that Carroll is seeking 'double recovery' with the second lawsuit.

They also argued that the jury's awards were out of proportion to similar cases, asking U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan to reduce them if he rejects the bid for a new trial. Kaplan is not related to Carroll's attorney.

Trump once again blasted Carroll's allegations last month after she amended her suit following his CNN appearance.

'I dont know E. Jean Carroll, I never met her or touched her (except on a celebrity line with her African American husband who she disgustingly called the Ape,), I wouldnt want to know or touch her, I never abused her or raped her or took her to a dressing room 25 years ago in a crowded department store where the doors are LOCKED, she has no idea when, or did anything else to her, except deny her Fake, Made Up Story, that she wrote in a book,' Trump posted on his Truth Social website.

'IT NEVER HAPPENED, IS A TOTAL SCAM, UNFAIR TRIAL!'
Leidy Figueroa is the wife of Joran van der Sloot, who is accused of killing the American student Natalee Holloway on the Caribbean island of Aruba and is wanted on one count of extortion and wire fraud.

The crimes are the only charges to have ever linked the Dutch citizen to Holloway's disappearance in May 2005.

Joran van der Sloot had been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing.

On June 8, 2023, he was pictured in Peru moments before FBI agents took him into custody to extradite him to the US.

Holloway, who lived in Birmingham, Alabama, was 18 when she vanished during a trip with classmates to Aruba.

Joran van der Sloot, the suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, is divorcing his wife of nearly nine years, Leidy Figueroa (pictured here in 2014), his attorney said

She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island.

Van der Sloot was identified as a suspect and detained weeks later, along with two Surinamese brothers.

He was indicted by a grand jury in 2010 on one count each of wire fraud and extortion, each of which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Here is everything you need to know about his wife, Leidy Figueroa.

How did Joran van der Sloot meet and marry Leidy Figueroa?

Van der Sloot married accountant Leidy Figueroa in a private ceremony at Piedras Gordas prison in July 2014, when Figueroa was seven months pregnant with their daughter.

Just months after tying the knot, she gave a gushing interview to MailOnline claiming her new husband was 'gentle, sensitive, kind' and 'no monster'.

The couple met while Figueroa was selling candy and cigarettes to inmates at another of van der Sloot's former prisons - Miguel Castro Castro, in Lima.

Lax prison rules meant Figueroa began visiting him twice a week and the pair exchanged a stream of saccharine love letters.

On September 28, 2014, Figuero, from Peru, gave birth to an eight-pound girl at Lima's Perinatal and Maternity Hospital and the couple named the child Dushy in honor of van der Sloot's grandmother.

What has happened to Joran van der Sloot now?

Joran van der Sloot had been serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman in 2010, who was killed exactly five years after Holloway went missing.

On June 8, 2023, he was pictured in Peru moments before FBI agents took him into custody to extradite him to the US.

The extradition ruling in June 2023 was made by a Peruvian judge just 24 hours after van der Sloot's lawyer attempted to block the custody transfer to Birmingham, Alabama, where he is charged with extorting Holloway's family.

Figueroa had previously given a gushing interview to MailOnline, telling how her killer husband was 'gentle' and 'no monster'

When did Joran van de Sloot ask for a divorce from his wife?

Joran van der Sloot's attorney, Maximo Altez, said Figueroa flew into a rage when he informed her about the divorce being filed.

The couple's unlikely romance began to fall apart in 2020 after van der Sloot was accused of bringing drugs into jail with a girlfriend, Eva Pacohuanaco, Altez said.

'Leidy continued seeing him for a while,' the lawyer added.

'Joran had a bunch of girlfriends...lots of girls used to visit him...but Leidy was the most loyal.'

Despite his infidelity, it was van der Sloot who asked for a divorce in 2022 because he was now in a relationship with 'prettier and younger' Pacohuanaco, 24, according to Altez.

What has Leidy Figueroa said about Joran van de Sloot in the past?

In a 2014 interview with MailOnline Figueroa said: 'Many people judge Joran and criticize him saying he is a monster and an assassin, but when you get to know him, you know he is different.

'I want to show he's not a monster, he's changed a lot. He's a gentle, sensitive, kind person and I love him. I know he has killed, but he is now paying for what he did. He is asking God for forgiveness and praying every day.'

Figueroa added: 'I have never been scared of Joran hurting me. He has never mistreated me, harmed me or hit me. I don't think he's capable of hurting me. He loves me too much.'

She continued: 'The first time I saw him I was a little scared because he's such a big man and the newspapers were saying he is a bad person. But when I started talking to him I discovered a different person. He was lovely and we used to talk a lot.

'I was studying to be an accountant and he was studying international business. We had a lot in common. We would talk about making a better future and about family.

'He liked to smoke so I would bring him Marlboro Red and Lucky cigarettes and candy and snacks. Sometimes I would take him home cooked meals and he always needed toilet paper.'

Smiling as she recalled her big day, she told MailOnline: 'It was a wonderful ceremony, it was perfect. Joran looked so handsome. We had a wedding reception afterwards with all my family and friends. We danced and laughed. It was just a shame Joran couldn't be there.

She added that before the ceremony 'he had picked out the rings himself and was very excited about the wedding'.
A tech expert has made an iPhone Shortcut that protects against thieves disabling Find My iPhone even in the nightmare scenario when a phone is stolen while unlocked.

The hack involves enabling Airplane Mode Lock V4, which prevents them from switching the device to Airplane Mode - a feature that deactivates Find My app stops working.

However, users will need to iOS 16.5 to access the Shortcut.

Diego Jimenez, a Spanish entrepreneur and Product Designer that lives in New York City, told DailyMail.com that the shortcut he posted on his Twitter automatically locks the phone, turns on connectivity and shares its location.

Even if your phone is stolen and you physically lose the device, this automation prevents the thief from accessing your personal data and apps, which in this day and age is very sensitive content, if they try to turn Airplane mode,' Jimenez said.

'Its definitely not a silver bullet, just an additional security layer that can help in that situation. So much so that I made three more versions after that!

The shortcut was designed by Diego Jimenez, who works in product design for Instagram

Jimenezs hack gives phone users time to locate the phone or remotely lock the device using Find My iPhone.

Jimenezs hack went viral on Twitter, with more than eight million views, and other experts contributed ideas on how to make the Shortcut better.

Jimenez said on Twitter, Version four fixes all reported issues and is faster. We re-arranged some steps and removed the ability to take a picture since it was causing errors and slowing everything down. Give it a try!

You can access the Shortcut via this link.

To enable it, click the link, go to the Shortcuts app and enable Airplane Mode Lock v4 (youll need the latest iOS 16.5 and the updated Shortcuts app).

To make the Shortcut run when Airplane mode is switched on, go to Shortcuts and select Automation at the bottom.

Thieves might use Airplane Mode to disable 'Find My iPhone' (Apple)

From the list of events that now appears, select Airplane Mode, then on the next screen, select Is Turned On.

Then hit Next, type Run Shortcut in the box, tap Shortcut, and select Airplane Mode Lock V4.

It should run whenever Airplane Mode is switched on.

If your phone is stolen, log into your Apple account via the Find My page on iCloud here.

You can erase your device from that page or put it in Lost Mode, which protects your personal information.

You can also force the machine to make a sound.

It works whenever Airplane Mode is enabled

Jimenez also advises users to turn off Control Center access without Face ID or a passcode, which means that its more difficult for thieves to put your phone in Airplane Mode if the handset is stolen.

To do this, launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and select Face ID (or Touch ID) and Passcode.

In the menu, disable the switch next to the Control Center.

Jimenez admits that the Shortcut offers no protection if a phone is switched off but points out that Find My still works on the latest models even if a phone is switched off.

Switching off the phone also means that criminals cannot access apps such as banking and email.
Greenhouse gas emissions have hit 'an all-time high' - and are causing an unprecedented rate of global warming, a study has warned.

Scientists calculate that 54 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide have been emitted each year over the past decade.

Human-caused global warming has continued to increase at an 'unprecedented rate' since the last major assessment of the climate system published two years ago, say 50 leading scientists.

The failure to reduce emissions means that within less than five years, the Earth has a 50 per cent chance of exceeding the limit of 2.7F (1.5C) global warming set by the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Writing in the journal Earth System Science Data, the scientists have revealed how key indicators have changed since the publication of the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Working Group 1 report in 2021.

Greenhouse gas emissions have hit 'an all-time high' - and are causing an unprecedented rate of global warming, say scientists (stock image)

Key findings Human-induced warming, largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels, reached an average of 2F (1.14C) for the most recent decade (2013 to 2022) above pre-industrial levels. This is up from 1.9F (1.07C) between 2010 and 2019.

Human-induced warming is now increasing at a pace of over 0.36F (0.2C) per decade.

Greenhouse gas emissions are 'at an all-time high', with human activity resulting in the equivalent of 54 (+/-5.3) gigatonnes (or billion metric tonnes) of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere on average every year over the last decade (2012-2021). Advertisement

The researchers say that while there has been a positive move away from burning coal, this has come at a short-term cost in that it has added to global warming by reducing particulate pollution in the air, which has a cooling effect.

The Indicators of Global Climate Change Project is being co-ordinated by Professor Piers Forster, Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at Leeds.

He said: 'This is the critical decade for climate change.

'Decisions made now will have an impact on how much temperatures will rise and the degree and severity of impacts we will see as a result.

'Long-term warming rates are currently at a long-term high, caused by highest-ever levels of greenhouse gas emissions. But there is evidence that the rate of increase in greenhouse gas emissions has slowed.

'We need to be nimble footed in the face of climate change. We need to change policy and approaches in the light of the latest evidence about the state of the climate system. Time is no longer on our side. Access to up-to-date information is vitally important.'

One of the major findings of the analysis is the rate of decline in what is known as the remaining carbon budget - an estimate of how much carbon can be released into the atmosphere to give a 50 per cent chance of keeping global temperature rise within 2.7F (1.5C).

In 2020, the IPCC calculated the remaining carbon budget was around 500 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide.

But by the start of 2023, the figure was roughly half that at around 250 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide.

Human-induced warming is now increasing at a pace of over 0.36F (0.2C) per decade. Pictured: a dry bed of a pond during a heatwave in New Delhi in 2022

The reduction in the estimated remaining carbon budget is due to a combination of continued emissions since 2020 and updated estimates of human-induced warming.

Professor Forster said: 'Even though we are not yet at [2.7F] 1.5C warming, the carbon budget will likely be exhausted in only a few years as we have a triple whammy of heating from very high CO2 emissions, heating from increases in other GHG emissions and heating from reductions in pollution.

'If we don't want to see the [2.7F] 1.5C goal disappearing in our rearview mirror, the world must work much harder and urgently at bringing emissions down.

'Our aim is for this project to help the key players urgently make that important work happen with up-to-date and timely data at their fingertips.'

The global stocktake will be a key focus of the Cop28 climate talks later this year in Dubai  and how countries can curb emissions to stop the world burning through the carbon budget.

The scientists also announced that they would be releasing greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis to address an 'information gap'.

In an initiative being led by the University of Leeds, the scientists have developed an open data, open science platform - the Indicators of Global Climate Change and website. It will update information on key climate indicators every year.

Professor Maisa Rojas Corradi, Minister of the Environment in Chile, IPCC author and a scientist involved in the study, said that the Paris Agreement agreed a 'ratchet mechanism', where countries would increase their commitments to cutting carbon emissions.

She said: 'We need scientific information about emissions, concentration, and temperature as often as possible to keep international climate negotiations up to date and to be able to adjust and if necessary correct national policies.'
Kampala, June 8 (UNI) Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has tested positive for coronavirus but remains in "robust health" and continues to perform his duties, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine said late on Wednesday.

"Today June 7, 2023 H.E The President tested positive for covid-19. This was after developing mild flu-like symptoms. However he is in robust health and continues to perform his duties normally while adhering to SOPs [standard operating procedures]," Atwine said on Twitter.

Earlier on Wednesday, the president said in his address to the nation that one of three COVID-19 tests he took turned out to be positive.
These views come after the first female crocodile gave birth to fertilized eggs

Every December, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of a baby to a woman who never had sex.

We've seen the phenomenon of 'virgin births' among pythons, turkeys and even flies.

And just this week, a female crocodile gave birth to 14 fertilised eggs in Costa Rica, despite living alone for more than a decade.

But are 'virgin births' really possible in humans?

MailOnline spoke to an expert to find out if this really is the beginning of the end for men.

Virgin births can occur among reptiles, fish and even flies, but what about humans? (stock image)

How does a 'virgin birth' work? 'Virgin birth' is a natural process called facultative parthenogenesis, meaning a female is able to produce young without any involvement from a male. It's extremely rare in nature, although it is found in some other species, most notably mayflies, turkeys, pythons, and boa constrictors. The case of the crocodile involved a mechanism called 'terminal fusion automixis', meaning the female fertilizes her own eggs using a genetic by-product called the second polar body. This means that both parents are the mother and they have two pairs of the mother's DNA. Animals in the wild generally do not reproduce in this way, however, some research now suggests that endangered animals might do so more frequently as finding a mate becomes harder. Advertisement

A virgin birth, or facultative parthenogenesis, is a rare ability among some animals that allows for the production of offspring without sex.

This is common among fish and reptile species, but scientists are still unsure what makes it possible.

'We actually still don't know exactly what it is that makes virgin birth possible in some animals but not in others,' Professor Russell Bonuriansky, an ecologist at the University of South Wales in Australia, told MailOnline.

'But we do have some idea of what is required. A normal cell in your body has 46 chromosomes, 23 from the egg and 23 from the sperm. Other animals have different numbers, but half of the chromosomes typically come from the mother and half from the father.'

For humans to form a viable embryo without sperm, the egg would need to replicate its chromosomes to end up with the 'normal' number.

The egg would also need to trigger a process of fertilisation - which is usually the role of sperm - and develop the embryo.

But the chances of this occurring are perhaps one in a billion, according to State - making it virtually impossible.

Professor Bonduriansky believes this inability could also be linked to a protective mechanism.

'Some animals can do this but, for some reason, most can't,' he said.

'[It] functions to prevent eggs from developing into embryos inside the ovaries, which would be lethal to female mammals,' he continued.

'However, scientists have devised ways to modify development in mammals so as to allow unfertilised eggs to develop.

'The most famous example is Dolly the cloned sheep. Artificial cloning is probably possible in humans as well, but of course it presents complex ethical issues.'

Scientists have found the first known crocodile to produce fertilized eggs on its own (stock image)

Despite its rarity, one strange case took place in 1995, with a young boy that was believed to have been partially derived from an unfertilised egg.

As a result, the boy reportedly had a strange number of chromosomes which would typically signify that he was female, according to the New Scientist.

READ MORE: Shark's virgin birth: Lone female in aquarium gives birth to a pup without ever coming into contact with a male Imprisoned in a tank hundreds of miles from a mate, Ibolya the female shark resorted to desperate measures Advertisement

But Professor Bonuriansky says this was not a real example of a virgin birth.

He told MailOnline: 'This boy is an example of an extremely rare type of genetic mosaic. In people, different body parts sometimes end up being genetically different as a result of accidents in cell division early in embryonic development, or as a result of the fusion of two embryos in the womb. For example, some cells might have an extra chromosome.

'This boy is very unusual in that some of his cells have no paternal genes at all. This might have occurred because the sperm entered the egg after the first cycles of cell division had already occurred spontaneously.

'As a result, some of his cells only contain genes from his mother. Nonetheless, his body does have some cells with both maternal and paternal genes, so he is not a true example of virgin birth.'

The British Medical Journal has also recorded around 45 bizarre 'virgin pregnancies' in the US since the mid-90s.

While the women did not directly claim to have experienced this, they reported characteristics that were synonymous.

This followed a survey of questions that enquired about vaginal intercourse and sexual history.

'We weren't looking for virgin births at all,' Professor Amy Herring at Gillings School of Global Public Health in North Carolina, said.

'While analyzing data for a separate project that examined correlates of virginity in adulthood, we were surprised to discover that a number of these individuals who stated they were virgins also reported pregnancies.

'Once we confirmed these were not programming errors, we became interested in understanding factors related to this type of response pattern.'

Of 7,870 women, 0.8 per cent of those who conceived without sex said they had not used birthing technology to assist their pregnancies.

But, importantly, these results were not medically validated, which could point to biases among respondents.

So what's the biological point of sex if there's an option to give birth alone?

Professor Jenny Graves at Australia's La Trobe University, told The Conversation that parthenogenesis is actually worse in the long run due to risks of disease.

She said: 'The answer seems to be that although parthenogenesis works fine in the short term, it will always lose out in the long run because recombining two genes each generation is a great way of scrambling the combinations of proteins that pathogens see.

'A pathogen that can infect one individual can also infect others with the same genes, so it's no point in having many cloned copies. For instance, the female-only Australian gecko is very susceptible to mite infestation.

'So the answer to the question of whether virgin birth is a real possibility is: yes, unless you are a mammal.'
When you think of Hobbits, a vision of Bilbo or Frodo Baggins might spring to mind.

But Hobbits were once very much real, in the form of an ancient species called Homo floresiensis.

Homo floresiensis was discovered in 2003, when its skeleton was found in a cave on the island of Flores, Indonesia.

Now, equipped with a digital model of the skull, a multinational team has rebuilt the skeleton's face using data drawn from both modern humans and chimpanzees.

Brazilian graphics expert Cicero Moraes, who co-authored the new study, described some of the differences between the species and humans today.

Homo floresiensis  an extinct species of human nicknamed the 'Hobbit'  was discovered in 2003, when its skeleton was found in a cave on the island of Flores, Indonesia

Equipped with a digital model of the skull, a multinational team has rebuilt the skeleton's face using data drawn from both modern humans and chimpanzees

WHO WERE THE FLORES HOBBITS? Standing a little over 3ft (0.9 metres) tall, the inhabitants of Liang Bua cave on the remote Indonesian island of Flores are known from just a few fragmented remains. The first remains were found in 2003 and since then partial skeletons of nine individuals, including one complete skull have been unearthed. Researchers believe the species were descendants of prehistoric humans, who became isolated on the island around one million years ago. There are various theories for how they got there. Some believe they may have walked across a landbridge from the mainland Asia and as sea levels rose they became cut off. Others suggest they were swept to the island following a tsunami. Once cut off, these hominins then had to survive on what food they could find, they evolved a small stature. Advertisement

He said: 'Roughly speaking, they probably had a less protruding nose than modern men, the mouth region was a little more projected than ours, and the brain volume was significantly smaller.'

They were also much shorter.

Mr Moraes said: 'When the skull was presented to the public in 2004, the Lord of the Rings movie was a great success.

'Due to the height of Homo floresiensis being estimated at 1.06 meters, the "Hobbit" nickname matched perfectly.'

When rebuilding a human face from a skull, scientists typically use data from living people to guide how thick the tissue should be in a given place.

But reconstructing the face of an extinct human species meant a new approach was required.

Cicero said: 'In this work, we did not use this approach, as such markers are based on human data and not on individuals belonging to the Homo floresiensis group.

'So what we did was: we took two CT scans, one from a human, the other from a chimpanzee.

'Then we deformed both to adapt them to the structure of the skull of Homo floresiensis, and interpolated the data to get an idea of what his face could look like.'

It's the first time that the face of the 'Hobbit' has been rebuilt using data from both humans and chimpanzees.

A previous reconstruction from 2015 used only the latter.

The result is a face that's more human in its aspect.

It's the first time that the face of the 'Hobbit' has been rebuilt using data from both humans and chimpanzees

When rebuilding a human face from a skull, scientists typically use data from living people to guide how thick the tissue should be in a given place

Mr Moraes said: 'It was more work, however, we were also greatly pleased to proceed with this challenging work.

'The result was quite satisfactory, since it revealed a face endowed with elements that remind us of both modern men and our evolutionary ancestors.'

Upon discovery, Homo floresiensis was thought to be under 20,000 years old, however the skeleton is now believed to be 60,000 years old.

Cicero and his colleagues, Italian archaeologists Luca and Alessandro Bezzi, will publish their study in the 3D computer graphics journal OrtogOnLineMag.

Upon discovery, Homo floresiensis was thought to be under 20,000 years old, however the skeleton is now believed to be 60,000 years old
Smoke from more than 400 Canadian wildfires is causing a massive plunge in air quality across the US.

Breathing in is not just gross - poor air quality can cause several health problems like asthma, allergies and heart disease. Anyone with health issues should limit their time outside.

DailyMail.com has uncovered free online tools and apps that let you know how polluted the air is in your area, allowing you to see if it is safe to go outside.

Numerous service share real-time air quality information for hundreds of cities.

Below are the tools you might need for the next week.

Smoke from more than 400 Canadian wildfires is causing a massive plunge in air quality across the US. New York City (pictured) had the worst air quality levels in the world

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning the public of headaches, stinging eyes and other health issues that may arise after being outdoors.

Tiny particulates from wildfire smoke can enter the lungs and then the bloodstream

It would help if you watched what youre breathing in right now.

Purple Air

This web-based service gets you real-time air quality data from sensors located all around the globe.

Purple Ai uses a laser particle counter that can count suspended particles in sizes that are processed by the sensor using an algorithm to calculate the PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 mass concentration.

The smoke from the Canadian wildfires is filling the air with tiny particles called PM2.5, measuring around 2.5 micrometers.

PurpleAir is a web-based service gets you real-time air quality data from sensors located all around the globe

About Kim Komando Sound like a tech pro, even if youre not! Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter. Advertisement

In comparison, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single human hair is about 70 micrometers, and the human eye can't see anything smaller than 25 micrometers.

Here is the link to PurpleAir.

AirNow

And the US government runs the app Air Now, which provides real-time air quality information for over 500 cities.

The app, developed by the EPA, automatically displays the current AQI (Air Quality Index) for your local area or any area you wish to check and allows you to store multiple locations for quick reference.

AirNow is available on iPhone and Android.

Google Maps

This is a great service for those who do not want to download an app just to check the air quality.

The tech giant launched the feature in 2017 at a street level and rolled it out to Maps in 2022 in the app and the desktop version.

Using data gathered from agencies like the EPA, Google Maps displays an AQI overlay on the map grid to show how healthy the air in the area is.

The US government runs the app Air Now, which provides real-time air quality information for over 500 cities. Google Maps overlays air quality data in Maps

An online calculator takes the AQI + hours of exposure and tells you the impact on your health in terms of cigarettes

AQI to Cigarettes Calculator

An online calculator takes the AQI + hours of exposure and tells you the impact on your health in terms of cigarettes.

The calculator uses PM 2.5 particle concentration  the number of particles in the air that are a specific size.

The health impact of a particle concentration of 22g/m3 per 24 hours is equivalent to about one cigarette.

Breathing in the air in New York on Wednesday was like smoking 22 cigarettes.

New York City had the worst air quality of any major metro area  ahead of New Delhi, India, Doha, Qatar and Baghdad, Iraq.

Most of New York state and all of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont are under an air quality alert. Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, Providence and Montpelier, Vermont are being hit hard, too.

Kids, older adults, and pregnant people with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases must be especially careful.

Rule of thumb: You're exposed if you can see or smell smoke.
A British holidaymaker was left fuming after being forced to spend 144 on car insurance for a hire car in Spain - even after he explained that he was already covered.

John White, 62, hired a green Citroen Grand Picasso to use on a one-week holiday to Alicante with his wife.

The pair had already purchased Axa's 'Platinum Excess Waiver' insurance policy for 34 (29), via the 'DoYouSpain' price comparison website.

They then used the same site to hire the car with a separate company called OK Mobility.

The couple needed the car to make the hour-long drive from Alicante Airport to their friends' apartment in Lo Pagan, where they were staying.

British holidaymaker John White was left fuming after being forced to spend 144 on car insurance for a hire car in Spain - even after he explained that he was already covered

But when they went to collect the car at the airport, Mr White claims staff refused to hand him the keys unless he took out another insurance policy with them - which was five times more expensive.

He told MailOnline: 'It was our first break for ages so we were really looking forward to it.

'When we arrived at Alicante airport, we went to OK Mobility car rental to collect the car.

'We were told that the insurance through DoYouSpain was not enough cover and to have the car, we needed OK Mobility's insurance, which was 167 (144), before they would let us have the car.'

Mr White, from Swindon, Wiltshire, showed OK Mobility staff evidence of his Axa insurance policy, which covered him for the eight-day holiday from April 22 to 29.

But his efforts were in vain and he was given two options - take out the extra insurance policy or lose the hire car entirely.

'When I showed the girl our paperwork including the insurance, she dismissed the insurance document straight away and told us it was no good,' Mr White said.

'It was their insurance or no car really. As it was the first time we have hired a car in Spain, we paid it. Although not happy about it, we felt we had no choice. Not happy.

OK Mobility is listed as a 'bad' company on Trustpilot. Forty-nine per cent of the scores from customers are one-star ratings

Above: A scathing review of OK Mobility that has been posted on Trustpilot

Mr White added: 'The lady we dealt with at the airport also said that if we did not have their insurance and the car got a scratch, we would be liable for a minimum of 1,200 euros (1,032).'

Emails from DoYouSpain confirm that Mr White should have been given the option to leave a security deposit with OK Mobility and use his own insurance.

The deposit would have been returned to him as long as he brought the car back 'undamaged at the end of the rental', the company explained.

But Mr White said no such option was presented by OK Mobility.

OK Mobility has attracted a string of scathing reviews on Trustpilot, where 49 per cent of a total of 6,734 customers gave it a one-out-of-five rating.

Commenting on the site, Elly Nunn said: 'I rather think the staff are on commission to sell extras and charge for pre-existing damage.'

Customer Daniel Astete, meanwhile, said using OK Mobility was 'the worst experience ever renting a car'.

John White's frustrating experience took place at Alicante Airport (above)

They added: 'I returned the car in perfect conditions, barely dusty in Munich airport...

'That same day I took a flight to France and just after that they charged me with 460 euros for non-existing damage to the front bumper and windshield.

'I have video and pictures of the car at the moment I returned it and it was spotless.

No one should be denied the keys to their rental vehicle because they refuse to purchase extra insurance at the desk  by law, all rental vehicles in Europe are sold with basic insurance included Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel

'It's unbelievable, and nobody answers my questions. What a scam!!! Be aware!!! Choose another rental!!!'

Which? said customers feeling pressure to buy unnecessary insurance when hiring a car is a complaint they receive time and time again.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: 'It's distressing to hear a customer felt pressured into buying unnecessary insurance at the rental desk, a tactic that we hear repeated complaints about.

'No one should be denied the keys to their rental vehicle because they refuse to purchase extra insurance at the desk  by law, all rental vehicles in Europe are sold with basic insurance included.

'Securing excess waiver insurance is recommended but it's optional - and you have no obligation to purchase it from the car hire company. In fact, using a third party will almost always provide you with more comprehensive cover at a lower cost.

'Whether or not you've already purchased an excess waiver policy ahead of travelling, don't be afraid to stand your ground if you're being pressured into purchasing extra insurance - and remind pushy sales agents that you understand your rights.'

MailOnline approached OK Mobility for a comment but none was forthcoming. For Which?'s car-hire tips click here.
A travel influencer has revealed a clever hack for taking large toiletries abroad when you only have hand luggage.

Steph Gibbs, 28, from London, took to her TikTok account to explain how to get away with the brilliant ruse, which means you don't have to cram all your liquids into one small plastic bag.

Steph, a hotel product and commercial executive who regularly travels for work, says she's only tried the hack once, which involves placing a click and collect order from Boots at the airport.

But the results were so magical she decided to share it with friends who she says experienced the same result without 'encountering any problems'.

The video has since gone viral, with the clip racking up almost 4 million views as some commenters have claimed it's the 'best idea ever'.

Steph Gibbs, 28, from London, has shared a genius trick for taking large toiletries abroad without having to use hand luggage

The travel influencer took to her TikTok account to reveal the tip that can save you both time and money

The hack has been a huge hit on TikTok, and has garnered nearly 4 million views

She unveiled the secret in a video posted to her TikTok account, writing: 'Airport hack for when you have hand luggage only.

'Place an order for toiletries on the Boots website around a week before you travel - this means you pay the normal price instead of the airport price.

'Make sure you select the "after security" option.

'Collect your order once you have cleared security.

'Now you don't have to worry about fitting all your liquids in the world's smallest plastic bag!'

The traveller says the hack works wonders and even took time out to explain the genius idea.

Steph said: 'I travel regularly for work and have always struggled to fit my toiletries in the plastic bag provided at security when travelling with hand luggage only.

'I booked a last-minute trip with my partner and I didn't have much time to prepare, so I went online to order our toiletries.

Steph is a hotel product and commercial executive who regularly travels for work

She discovered the amazing idea while shopping online for toiletries. She then noticed the option to pick them up at London Gatwick airport after security

Steph says she used to have trouble fitting all her toiletries into the 'world's smallest plastic bag' handed out at airports

'We were supposed to pick them up at my local Boots when I noticed the option to pick up at London Gatwick after security.

'I selected my pick-up date on the Boots website and made sure the store was going to be open at the time I would arrive at the airport.

'I've only used it once, but since I posted the TikTok, my friends have begun using it and haven't encountered any problems.

The hack has proven to be such a hit, that fellow users flocked to the comments section to share their own tips.

One person shared: 'I kept an old duty free bag and reuse it'.

The video has since gone viral, with some commenters claiming it's the 'best idea ever'

Another said: 'We've been doing this for years. We used to order nappies and baby milk to collect'.

Someone else said: 'You just saved me like 10kg off my check-in bag'.

One person described it as the 'best idea ever'.

'Such a good tip' said another.

And another person said: 'So smart'.
A British woman saved her family more than 600 on a half-term holiday to Center Parcs by going to one in Europe instead of Britain.

Rebecca Kellett, 36, travelled with her family from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, to De Vossemeren in Belgium and still saved 635 - including travel costs - on the holiday.

The travel blogger and company director drove to Belgium - via the Eurotunnel - with her partner JP, 42, and his two children where they enjoyed their half-term holiday.

Rebecca paid 445 for a week at Center Parcs in De Vossemeren and claims that the same week at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in Nottingham was 1699 - almost four times higher.

Including the costs of petrol and the Eurotunnel, 150 and 220 respectively, as well as 249 for three nights in a hotel to break up the journey, Rebecca claims the family still saved 635.

Rebecca Kellett, 36, travelled with her family from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, to De Vossemeren in Belgium (pictured) and still saved 635 - including travel costs - on the holiday

Rebecca went to Center Parcs in De Vossemeren, Belgium, with her partner and his two children (pictured)

Rebecca (pictured) paid 445 for a week at Center Parcs in De Vossemeren and claims that the same week at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in Nottingham was 1699 - almost four times higher

Rebecca also praised the reduced prices of activities at the Center Parcs in De Vossemeren.

Price breakdown of trip UK Price for week at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest - 1,699 BELGIUM Price for week at Center Parks in De Vossemeren - 445 Eurotunnel - 220 Petrol - 150 Accommodation en route - 249 Total - 1,064 Total savings - 635 Advertisement

She said the aerial adventure at the Belgian Center Parcs was 19 compared to 49 at the Sherwood Forest site.

Rebecca told her followers in a video: ''For the same week in the UK it was 1700 but for this one in Belgium, it was 519 Euros, which is about 445.

'The Euro Tunnel was 220, we spent about 150 on fuel. We added on about three nights in hotels to break up the journey, which you don't have to do.

'Even with all of that added on, it was still 635 cheaper than the UK. Not to mention that the activities here are so much cheaper, like a lot cheaper.

'Definitely consider Center Parcs Europe for your next half-term trip.'

Rebecca spent a week in Center Parcs Sherwood Forest over the Christmas period and spent close to 900.

Knowing that the children had a great time, she was inspired to go again when the weather warmed up.

Rebecca said: 'It was out of principle that we didn't spend 1700 on the trip. I prefer quantity over quality and would much rather spend 10 nights in a half-decent hotel than less in a nice one.

The travel blogger and company director drove to Belgium (left)- via the Eurotunnel - with her partner JP, 42, and his two children where they enjoyed their half-term holiday at the Belgian Center Parcs which featured flamingos (right)

'I did a bit of an investigation into Center Parcs EU and saw the French version had the De Vossemeren site on there.'

Rebecca said that the activities that the kids were able to do at the Belgian site were a massive factor in their decision-making on top of the price saving.

Rebecca added: 'The cabins were exactly the same in Belgium as they are in the UK. You could tell they were part of the same company.'

Rebecca is known for her cost-cutting holidays and has gone viral in the past for her solo travelling on a budget, with 15 return flights to Portugal and 11 flights to Italy.

The footage was captured during half term in between May 29 and June 2.
READ MORE: Inside a lovely Lake District hotel on the shore of lake Windermere

Talk about a deep sleep.

A hotel that claims to be the deepest in the world has opened 1,375ft (419m) below the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales.

This subterranean bolthole, with stays costing up to 550, is set deep within a chamber of the abandoned Cwmorthin slate mine and can only be accessed via a steep and challenging route through the old workings.

Called 'Deep Sleep', it's comprised of four private twin-bed cabins and a romantic grotto room with a double bed, a dining area and loo facilities with simple toilets and sinks.

The hotel, which describes itself as a remote-camp adventure experience and is run by the outdoor activity company Go Below, only opens one night a week  Saturday night. Guests experience begins on Saturday evening at 5pm at Go Below's base near the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, where they meet the guides that will lead them to the hotel.

The worlds deepest hotel has opened 1,375ft (419m) below the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales

Called 'Deep Sleep', this subterranean bolthole opened its doors to intrepid guests in April

The hotel can only be accessed via a steep and challenging route through the old workings of the Cwmorthin mine

First, they must trek 45 minutes into the mountains on a route thats steep at times but said to offer beautiful views.

They stop at a cottage to kit up for their descent into the netherworld with a helmet, a light, a harness and Wellington boots.

Whats next? The hotel website says: Then its time to say goodbye to the outside world and head into the depths of the worlds largest and deepest abandoned slate mine.

Tackling the challenging route through the mine - which was worked from around 1810 to 1939 - guests will navigate ancient miners' stairways, decaying bridges and scrambles.

The guide will provide plenty of historical information about the lives of the men and boys who worked in the mine en route, with the descent to the hotel taking around an hour.

Tackling the challenging route through the mine, guests will navigate ancient miners' stairways, decaying bridges and scrambles

The hotel is comprised of four private twin-bed cabins (above) and a romantic grotto room

Guests enjoy a complimentary expedition-style dinner on the hotels picnic table

The hotel describes itself as a remote-camp adventure experience and is run by the outdoor activity company Go Below

Breakfast at the hotel, served at 8am, consists of simple snacks and a warm drink

A guide will provide plenty of historical information about the lives of the men and boys who worked in the mine during the descent to the hotel

When they arrive at Deep Sleep  its entrance marked by a large steel door  guests are welcomed with a warm drink and can enjoy a complimentary expedition-style meal on the hotels picnic table.

Then you are welcome to retire to your bed for a very deep sleep, the hotel notes.

Year-round, the hotel sits at a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit), but the cabins are quite cosy thanks to the thick insulation that lines their walls.

All electric lighting is low-voltage and powered by 12v batteries. Surprisingly, it does have Wi-Fi, provided through a one-kilometre-long ethernet cable from a 4G antenna on the surface. Theres even running water from a spring within the mine.

A private cabin for two is 350 and a nights stay for two in the grotto (pictured) is 550

The cabins are said to be quite cosy thanks to the thick insulation that lines their walls

Guests can retire to their beds for a 'very deep sleep', the hotel notes

The guide and a member of technical staff stay overnight in the hotel along with the guests

Surprisingly, the hotel does have Wi-Fi, provided through a one-kilometre-long ethernet cable from a 4G antenna on the surface

The guide and a member of technical staff stay overnight in the hotel, with breakfast  simple snacks and a warm drink - taking place at 8am the following morning.

Then, its time to make the ascent to the surface of the mine, reaching daylight once again.

The idea for the experience, which launched in April, came from Go Belows founder, Miles Moulding. It takes the crown of the world's deepest accommodation from a hotel suite that lies 508ft (154m) underground in Sweden's Sala Silver Mine.

A private cabin for two is 350 and a nights stay for two in the grotto is 550. Visit go-below.co.uk/deep-sleep.asp.
An open-air swimming pool in Scotland has been praised for making people feel like they are 'in the Caribbean'.

Gourock pool is located in Inverclyde and can be found sits right next to the Clyde estuary, offering breathtaking views across the sea.

It is the oldest heated swimming pool in Scotland, at 28.8C, which gives visitors the feeling they are swimming in the azure blue waters of the Caribbean.

The pool allows swimmers to bathe in saltwater whilst taking in the open air, accompanied by views of Holy Loch, Loch Long and Gare Loch on the other side of the estuary with the picturesque hills in between.

It has been revamped to include modern changing facilities, accompanied by a terrace to allow visitors to sunbathe.

An open-air swimming pool in Scotland has been praised for making people feel like they are 'in the Caribbean'

Gourock pool is located in Inverclyde and can be found sits right next to the Clyde estuary, offering breathtaking views across the sea

You can swim in heated saltwater whilst taking in idyllic views of the sea from your spot

Inverclyde Leisure, which is in charge of maintaining the stunning lido, says: 'There's no better way to make the most of fresh, crisp summer evenings than with a starlight swim under a clear sky and glistening stars

As well as the chance to swim in the daytime, you can swim beneath the night sky as part of its 'starlight swims' scheme.

Inverclyde Leisure, which is in charge of maintaining the stunning lido, says: 'There's no better way to make the most of fresh, crisp summer evenings than with a starlight swim under a clear sky and glistening stars

'Take a night-time dip in our open air pool and let the warmth of the pool create the perfect atmosphere.'

A University of Glasgow student described it as 'hands down the best pool in Scotland'.

TripAdvisor have heaped praise on the beautiful pool, with some even saying they felt like they were on a foreign holiday rather than the west coast of Scotland.

One user wrote: 'I could have been in the Caribbean or Italy, where I was just back from.

'It was glorious, sun was shining and when you look up at the sky you could be anywhere in the world.'

Another stated: 'Chilling out on the sun loungers after my swims made me think this could have been mistaken for somewhere abroad.

'I loved it and will make this a part of my routine now!'

The pool also made The Guardian's list of the country's best lidos in the summer of 2022.
A sailor has successfully circumnavigated all 262 islands around England and Wales and said his lasting memory from four years completing the 1,300-mile challenge will be the 'genuine human kindness' he saw along the way.

Ken Fowler, from Mudeford, Dorset, began the challenge in 2019, taking time out around his job as a former air traffic controller to complete the mission in stages in an RS Aero sailing dinghy named Yoda  which he said was 'the size of two bathtubs' and 'about as wet as one'.

Having raised more than 66,000 for Cancer Research and Oakhaven Hospice Trust, on Wednesday the 57-year-old undertook his final voyage: a 13-hour, 70-mile sail around the Isle of Wight finishing at his home in Mudeford.

Mr Fowler, a father-of-two, told the PA news agency: 'Yesterday I launched about 5:15am and landed about 6:45pm and that was my 262nd and last island  so that's every island in England and Wales sailed.

Ken Fowler in his RS Aero sailing dinghy, which has taken him around all 262 islands surrounding England and Wales (Snap Photography)

'It's been an amazing adventure, I've met some wonderful people who have been so supportive, I've seen incredible wildlife  having dolphins riding on the bow of your little dinghy, I've sailed past a walrus in the Scilly Isles, I've had puffins around me  and I've seen some of the most amazing scenery.

'It's been fantastic, and being in the busy country we live in, being out on the water in these places is very, very quiet and very magical and wonderful.

'Equally, I'm really relieved it's over. It's been nearly a four-year challenge to get it all done. It's been a brilliant fundraiser.'

Mr Fowler raised money for two charities close to his heart: Cancer Research and Oakhaven Hospice Trust  a small hospice local to him  after he said cancer had 'completely devastated' his family.

'My dad died of cancer when I was only 24 and he was one of six siblings  five of them died of cancer,' he said.

Ken Fowler arriving back in Mudeford, Dorset, on Wednesday, marking the end of his four-year challenge

'It's completely devastated my family. My mother-in-law died from it as well.

'I had a picture of her and of my father in the boat and they travel with me everywhere and they were inspirations to keep me going.

'That's why we set out to do it, to raise a lot of money for charity, and it's been just incredible.'

In 2017, Mr Fowler raised more than 37,000 for the two charities by sailing from Land's End in Cornwall to John o'Groats in Scotland, but said he 'wanted to raise the missing 13,000' to make it to 50,000  which inspired his latest challenge.

'For anyone facing cancer, you don't get to stop halfway through cancer treatment or facing it, you have to come out the other end,' he said.

'And I thought, if they can do that, which is way braver than what I'm doing in my dinghy, I need to find something that would raise the missing 13,000.'

Mr Fowler added that he has been 'blown away' by the support he has received for his fundraising efforts.

Ken Fowler said his sailing dinghy was 'the size of two bathtubs' and 'about as wet as one'

'It feels really, really wonderful. I've just been blown away by people's generosity,' he said.

'I think the main thing, a lot of it has come from people who have only met me when they've seen me sailing or I've met them on the beach when we've landed or launched.

'When you get complete strangers, who I've never met, being so kind and generous, that keeps you going.

'They are really long, tough days, driving to different parts of the country.'

He added: 'The genuine human kindness I've experienced along the way has been one of the most memorable parts of the whole adventure.'

Mr Fowler said it took him '13 hours in total' and about 70 miles on Wednesday to journey around the Isle of Wight, which brought him back home to Mudeford.

'To sail home, I've been away from home so much in this adventure, and all the kind people local to me could come down and see it, and walk me home, that was just wonderful,' he said.

'A super fantastic end to a long, long adventure.'

Ken Fowler said he is now looking forward to a relaxing after his four-year challenge

He added that his wife, Fiona, had been 'absolutely amazing' throughout his challenge as he said it had 'involved a lot of sacrifice on her behalf and she's been so supportive'.

He said: 'I came out of the water yesterday and just hugged her in my stinky wet suit. It was wonderful, she thought it was wonderful, it was absolutely magical.'

Mr Fowler is now looking forward to resting after his long adventure.

'It's been magical, but it's definitely sucked everything out of me,' Mr Fowler said.

'I've given it everything I have, and probably more than I ever realised I have, but we've made it.'

To find out more about Ken Fowler's challenge and to visit his fundraising page, visit: yodare.co.uk.
Madeleine West has poured scorn on the claim by her ex-partner Shannon Bennett's father that he fears her - saying his AVO against her is just part of the celebrity chef's 'continuous battle' following their 'toxic' break-up.

The former Neighbours star is fighting an Apprehended Violence Order granted two months ago by a magistrate, who described the mother of Bennett's six children as 'evasive, almost aggressive and frightening'.

After being granted a temporary stay on the two-year order, which bans her from Bennett's Byron Bay mansion when her father-in-law is visiting her children who live there, West is appealing in the NSW District Court.

In a hearing before Judge Jonathon Priestly in Coffs Harbour on Thursday, West's barrister claimed the reason Benny Bennett complained to police about his former daughter-in-law 'was because his son told him to go and take action'.

Andrew Fernon, SC, told the NSW District Court the reason 75-year-old Mr Bennett said 'I don't speak with her' was not because he feared her, but a result of the 'continuous battle between... Madeleine and Shannon'.

In Mr Bennett's Domestic Violence Evidence in Chief statement, the court heard he had described West's actions at the Byron Bay house on May 4 last year as, 'She pushed me on the arm, she pushed me out of the way, she just pushed me,' and, '[She] barged through the fence'.

But Mr Fernon argued there was no evidence of harassment since the incident and an AVO could only be installed on the basis of 'repetitious... persistent behaviour and that evidence is just missing'.

Madeleine West (seen near Byron Bay before her court appearance in March) has challenged a two-year AVO effectively banning her from ex-partner Shannon Bennett's Byron Bay mansion

West's lawyer claimed the reason the 75-year-old father of Shannon Bennett (above, the chef) was because the celebrity had told him to as part of the estranged couple's 'continuous battle'

West's lawyer said Mr Bennett had stated he 'never really had bad words for her' but the reason he didn't speak with her was because of the hostile 'marital relationship' between her and his son.

Mr Fernon said it was that and not the so-called 'barging' incident Benny Bennett had been referring to when he told police of his grandchildren: 'I won't do it anymore. I'll tell my son. At my age it's very stressful, I don't want to see the kids put through what's happening. It's affecting them.'

When Benny Bennett said 'I can't be the meat in the middle', Mr Fernon argued it was not as a result of West pushing her way into the Byron house uninvited.

Video of the incident was played to Judge Priestley of the moment when West went to collect her daughter from Benny Bennett while Shannon was overseas.

Different views of the encounter from five CCTV cameras on the chef's property show West pushing her way into the estate, Benny Bennett throwing up his hands as she marches into the house, and her half-dragging her daughter out to the car.

Mr Bennett follows the pair outside, then speaks with Ms West before she drives off.

West's lawyer said Benny Bennett (pictured) did not have any ongoing fears of his ex-daughter-in-law Madeleine West, and that his son had told him to go to police and complain

The District Court heard the Neighbours star and her celebrity chef ex (the former couple is pictured in March 2016) had a continuing battle, which included their six children

In confirming the AVO in Byron Bay Local Court in March this year, Magistrate Karen Stafford said the CCTV 'shows her almost dragging that child off that property. She did barge her way through door, when it appears she had [been] refused entry.'

Magistrate Stafford said that but for one inconsistency she found Benny Bennett 'to be a reliable witness. I did not find [West] to be a reliable witness'.

A stay order on the AVO was granted on April 13 and remains in place until June 26.

Mr Fernon argued the magistrate had made 'factual and legal' errors and that Benny Bennett's statement to police was 'inconsistent ... with what happened'.

'He lives in Victoria, his son lives in Byron Bay and they [West and Benny Bennett] have very little to do with each other'.

Judge Priestley responded that it was 'a bit of a stretch to read it the way you are suggesting. His fear found by [Magistrate Stafford] is based on the fact every time he goes to visit, he is fearful if [Shannon Bennett] isn't there, he fears he is going to be invaded by her'.

Public prosecutor Ms Nicola Breward briefly argued that Benny Bennett 'didn't welcome [West] inside... she made the decision to access the door, enters the property without invitation.

'He's obviously feeling some kind of stress. He's elderly and hearing-impaired, she's turned up unannounced, that's it.'

Judge Priestley said he would deliver his findings on June 26, or earlier if a vacancy in the court schedule should arise.

Mr Fernon said if he won, he would apply for costs, to which His Honour said he thought the sides would be 'copping it sweet'.

West launched her appeal immediately after the March AVO ruling at which Magistrate Stafford warned the actress to comply with the ban or face up to two years in jail.

A magistrate has now granted a two-year AVO against West (pictured), warning her that if she approaches and harasses Shannon Bennett's father she could be jailed for up to two years

Ms Stafford warned West not to 'physically harm' Mr Bennett and to refrain from 'threatening him or harassing him, damaging his property or harming his animals' and that she 'must not go into any place he's living or working including [Shannon Bennett's Byron Bay property].

'If there is a breach, the police may charge you with the criminal offence of contravene Apprehended Domestic Violence Order and you could face up to two years in jail.'

Shannon Bennett, who rose to fame on MasterChef Australia, revealed in May last year how the separation process between he and West had 'turned love toxic'.

In 2020, West left Melbourne and moved to Byron Bay to be near her children, buying her own $4.6million mansion in Suffolk Park.

More recently, the actress and podcaster revealed she was a child sexual abuse victim.

Speaking publicly for the first time about her battle with anorexia, she said the trauma of being abused caused her to become obsessed with looking 'perfect' - a task that was both 'punishing' and never-ending.

'For every sexually abused person, what has happened to them will manifest in their life in some self-destructive behaviour,' she said earlier this year.

Last year, Shannon Bennett said West saw their children fortnightly, while they spend the remainder of the time with him.

'The kids live with me full time and they visit their mother every fortnight for a few days,' he revealed.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
After teasing her supposedly new man last week, Kim Kardashian offered a few more details about 'Fred' in this week's episode of Hulu's The Kardashians.

The mystery man was dubbed 'Fred' by Scott Disick during a dinner with him and Kim, 42, in the episode entitled Everything Is My Fault!

While the mystery man was not revealed, Kim did confess that she dined with him at the same place in New York City where she had her secret dinners with her ex Pete Davidson... though that exact location was censored from the episode.

The episode begins with Kim having dinner with Scott Disick, taking a break from her work on the Dolce & Gabbana campaign, where she serves as creative director.

'I've been so busy with the Dolce & Gabbana campaign. There's so much to do before Milan, but I need some fun, and to just get out of the house,' Kim says in confession.

The Kardashians airs on Hulu in the US and streams on Disney+ in UK and Australia

Tease: After teasing her supposedly new man last week, Kim Kardashian offered a few more details about 'Fred' in this week's episode of Hulu's The Kardashians

Dined: While the mystery man was not revealed, Kim did confess that she dined with him at the same place in New York City where she had her secret dinners with her ex Pete Davidson... though that exact location was censored from the episode

'I love hanging out with Scott. We're both single right now so I feel like there's a lot to talk about and a lot to navigate,' Kim adds in confession, while, at dinner, Kim asks Scott how his back is, after his car accident.

Scott says he hasn't seen her out, 'on dates or anything,' since her split with Pete Davidson, with Kim adding, 'It's hard because, what do those first dates look like?'

Scott adds that he 'can't imagine' what a first date with her would be like, as she says it would have to be 'behind doors' and they 'couldn't go out.'

'It's kind of awkward,' she adds, as Scott compares it to the 1990 movie Pretty Woman, joking she must be like 'a dirty little secret, but you're not, you're just a dirty little girl,' as Kim laughs.

She adds: 'If you are seen with someone then, if it's starting to not work out, you almost have to try to make it work a little longer because you're so embarrassed that it was so quick.'

Scott adds the headlines would read, 'Kim K fails another relationship,' as Kim adds in confession that she learns something from every relationship.

'The one thing I learned from my last situation was the media made me feel like I was in a real serious relationship like so quickly. I just want to sneak around a little bit, like there's nothing wrong with wanting to sneak,' she added in confession.

She tells Scott at dinner that she doesn't want to date just one person, but she's never done that before.

No dates: Scott says he hasn't seen her out, 'on dates or anything,' since her split with Pete Davidson, with Kim adding, 'It's hard because, what do those first dates look like?'

Embarrassed: She adds if she is seen with someone, 'then, if you are seen with someone then, if it's starting to not work out, you almost have to try to make it work a little longer because you're so embarrassed that it was so quick'

Last situation: 'The one thing I learned from my last situation was the media made me feel like I was in a real serious relationship like so quickly. I just want to sneak around a little bit, like there's nothing wrong with wanting to sneak,' she added in confession

Scott asks if she's ever seen Sex and the City and Kim says, 'I watch it every night to fall asleep,' as Scott jokes, 'They were in the streets. They were catching sausage all over town.'

Kim adds that her friends wanted her to meet someone recently, and they went to New York though they censored the name of Kim's, 'spot' that she goes to that has, 'a private room downstairs.'

They show headlines speculating Kim was spotted sneaking out of a New York City hotel after visiting with her ex Pete Davidson, but she insists Pete wasn't there.

'But it was the place I would go and have my secret dinners with Pete and he's probably like, I know what she's up to,' Kim jokes.

Scott says he won't even ask who the man is, instead calling him, 'Fred,' asking if he, 'meets the standards?'

'Oh, so meets the standards, yeah,' Kim says, as they show Kim in confession, smiling while texting someone that she ultimately confirms is, 'Fred.'

'That's a lot of smiling, young lady,' a producer is heard saying, and after Kim confirms it's Fred, the producer says, 'Two years, my a**!'

The producer was referring to Kim's comments on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Podcast in late December where she said, 'I'm taking my time. I really do want to be single for a few years.'

Spot: Kim adds that her friends wanted her to meet someone recently, and they went to New York though they censored the name of Kim's, 'spot' that she goes to that has, 'a private room downstairs'

Fred: Scott says he won't even ask who the man is, instead calling him, 'Fred,' asking if he, 'meets the standards?'

Two years: 'That's a lot of smiling, young lady,' a producer is heard saying, and after Kim confirms it's Fred, the producer says, 'Two years, my a**!'

Kim insisted, 'No, I'm going to be (single),' though one of the other crew members insists, 'I know that smile.'

Back at dinner with Scott, he tells Kim she needs to find her, 'Mister Big, and hope he doesn't die on a bike some day.'

'I just see you with an older, Italian businessman,' Scott says, though Kim clearly doesn't want to date anyone older.

'But they can't be too old. I don't like the old thing but I don't like the real young thing either,' Kim says over her tea.
Kim Kardashian insisted that her nine-month relationship was Pete Davidson was far less serious than apparently 'the media' made it out to be.

The 42-year-old reality star started dating 29-year-old Davidson in November 2021, just a month after meeting him on the set of Saturday Night Live when she made her hosting debut.

Davidson would end up getting four tattoos dedicated to Kim - which Davidson would later get removed - with the couple attending the Met Gala in 2022 together and even wearing matching PJs at one point.

Davidson also reportedly had a great relationship with Kardashian's four children - North, 9, Saint, 7, Chicago, 5 and Psalm, 4, and there were even reports that Kim and Pete had discussed having a baby together.

Still, despite all of that, Kim ultimately blamed the media for supposedly making her relationship with Pete bigger than it really was.

Less serious: Kim Kardashian insisted that her nine-month relationship was Pete Davidson was far less serious than apparently 'the media' made it out to be

Dating: The 42-year-old reality star started dating 29-year-old Davidson in November 2021, just a month after meeting him on the set of Saturday Night Live when she made her hosting debut

Just casual? The pair paraded their love on Instagram, posing in matching tattoos and sharing plenty of loved up snaps

Crazy ink love: Pete proudly had his 'my girl is a lawyer' tattoo on show while holidaying with aspiring lawyer Kim on holiday in June last year

Remember this, Kim? Pete had Kim's first name branded on his chest just months into their fling and later revealed his close bond with her kids by getting KNSCP (Kim, North, Saint, Chicago, Psalm) inked on his neck

The episode begins with Kim having dinner with Scott Disick, taking a break from her work on the Dolce & Gabbana campaign, where she serves as creative director.

Ive been so busy with the Dolce & Gabbana campaign. Theres so much to do before Milan, but I need some fun, and to just get out of the house, Kim says in confession.

I love hanging out with Scott. Were both single right now so I feel like theres a lot to talk about and a lot to navigate, Kim adds in confession, while, at dinner, Kim asks Scott how his back is, after his car accident.

Scott says he hasnt seen her out, on dates or anything, since her split with Pete Davidson, with Kim adding, Its hard because, what do those first dates look like?

Scott adds that he, cant imagine what a first date with her would be like, as she says it would have to be behind doors and they couldnt go out.

Its kind of awkward, she adds, as Scott compares it to the 1990 movie Pretty Woman, joking she must be like, a dirty little secret, but youre not, youre just a dirty little girl, as Kim laughs.

She adds if she is seen with someone, then, if you are seen with someone then, if its starting to not work out, you almost have to try to make it work a little longer because youre so embarrassed that it was so quick.

Scott adds the headlines would read, Kim K fails another relationship, as Kim adds in confession that she learns something from every relationship.

Scott: The episode begins with Kim having dinner with Scott Disick, taking a break from her work on the Dolce & Gabbana campaign, where she serves as creative director

So busy: Ive been so busy with the Dolce & Gabbana campaign. Theres so much to do before Milan, but I need some fun, and to just get out of the house, Kim says in confession

No dates: Scott says he hasnt seen her out, on dates or anything, since her split with Pete Davidson, with Kim adding, Its hard because, what do those first dates look like?'

The one thing I learned from my last situation was the media made me feel like I was in a real serious relationship like so quickly,' Kim said.

'I just want to sneak around a little bit, like theres nothing wrong with wanting to sneak, she added in confession.

She tells Scott at dinner that she doesnt want to date just one person, but shes never done that before.

Scott asks if shes ever seen Sex and the City and Kim says, I watch it every night to fall asleep, as Scott jokes, They were in the streets. They were catching sausage all over town.

As for Pete, he got four tattoos devoted to Kim during their relationship, the first being, 'My girl is a lawyer,' on his clavicle.

He also got another tattoo near his neck that read, 'KNSCP,' which reportedly stood for, 'Kim, North, Saint, Chicago, Psalm.'

Davidson also got a tattoo below that KNSCP tattoo that read, 'Aladdin + Jasmine,' referring to their Aladdin sketch on SNL where they shared their first kiss.

Quickly: The one thing I learned from my last situation was the media made me feel like I was in a real serious relationship like so quickly,' Kim said

Sex and the city: Scott asks if shes ever seen Sex and the City and Kim says, I watch it every night to fall asleep, as Scott jokes, They were in the streets. They were catching sausage all over town'

The fourth and final tattoo simply read, 'Kim' on his chest, but as of January 2023, they were all removed.

Then back in July, reports surfaced that Kim and Pete were considering having a child of their own, with sources claiming Kim's four kids had grown close to Pete.

'Kims kids think Pete is so funny, playful and adore him. Pete definitely wants to be a dad and him and Kim have spoken about that, but they are focused on building their relationship right now,' a source revealed.

During Pete's birthday celebration in November, both Kim and Pete were seen wearing matching PJs while pictured alongside Kris Jenner and Flava Flav.
Khloe Kardashian opened up about failing to connect with her newborn son Tatum, three months after he was born via a surrogate on Hulu's The Kardashians.

While Kim was jetsetting to Milan and Kourtney and Kendall were in New York City, Khloe was back home in Los Angeles with Tatum.

Her mother Kris Jenner pays her a visit early on in the third episode of The Kardashians Season 3 - entitled Everything Is My Fault!

Khloe - who was awkwardly asked out on a date by Scott Disick in last week's episode - admitted to Kris, 'I feel guilty,' since she hasn't been able to 'connect' with her son yet, three months after his birth.

Khloe also revealed to Kris that she has set new boundaries for her ex/baby's father Tristan Thompson, insisting she's not getting back together with him.

Guilty: Khloe Kardashian opened up about failing to connect with her newborn son Tatum, three months after he was born via a surrogate on Hulu's The Kardashians

Guilty: Khloe - who was awkwardly asked out on a date by Scott Disick in last week's episode - admitted to Kris, 'I feel guilty,' since she hasn't been able to 'connect' with her son yet, three months after his birth

Kris asks how Khloe feels - three months later - about the whole surrogacy process and Khloe says, 'When you compare it between True and him, it's a very different experience, the connection.'

'With True, it took me a couple of days, to be like, 'OK, this is my daughter and I was super into it,' but just days. With him, it's taking me months. I love him and I love kids, but I definitely still don't have that complete bond, but so many people say it takes time,' Khloe says.

Kris adds, 'I think that for you, you've been through a lot. Your emotions are spent on trying to deal with trauma and all the stuff that you've been through and I think you have to remember that. I mean, you have to give yourself a little bit of credit.

Khloe agrees but says she feels, 'guilty' because it's not the same, adding she doesn't treat him differently but she just questions herself sometimes.

Kris adds that she should give herself a break because every time she comes over Khloe is, 'mother of the year, always feeding someone or entertaining someone or doting on your kids. You're the most attentive person to all of us.'

Khloe adds in confession that she wishes she wasn't, 'so critical of myself because I'm very kind to everyone else, I'm just not kind to myself.'

'Being a mom is truly one of the most magical experiences ever,' Khloe adds in confession, as Kris asks to hold the baby, but Khloe warns he might throw up on her.

Kris is holding the child and she starts crying as Kris adds, 'See your mom jumps up. Who is connected? Who's connected?'

Earlier in the episode, Kris asked how everything is going with Tristan Thompson, as Khloe takes a breath before adding, 'We always get along great. Him and I have a great friendship relationship, we get along fine and for my kids, I will put anything to the side. What's done is done, so what would I still be holding on to something for. I don't need to 'punish him' because I'm not getting back with him.'

Kris adds that she came over the other day and Tristan was there feeding their five-year-old daughter True and it was, 'really cute.'

'And if I'm not here and not around, he's here and I would rather him be here than a nanny. I mean, there are still boundaries. Like, I've definitely put my foot down around a lot of things. Like, no one is just here chilling if there are no kids involved,' Khloe tells Kris.

Kris: Kris adds, 'I think that for you, you've been through a lot. Your emotions are spent on trying to deal with trauma and all the stuff that you've been through and I think you have to remember that. I mean, you have to give yourself a little bit of credit.

Guilty: Khloe agrees but says she feels, 'guilty' because it's not the same, adding she doesn't treat him differently but she just questions herself sometimes

Khloe adds in confession that the boundaries are important because, 'we've done this song-and-dance a handful of times already.'

'I've gotten back with him after a cheating scandal, so I don't know if Tristan is under the impression of, 'Oh wow, let's just ride this out and eventually she'll get back with me.' I get why he would think that. So it's my job to set boundaries that my actions show otherwise,' she says.

Khloe tells Kris that they are not there just hanging out by themselves or watching TV together, adding in confession that she makes sure he knows, 'it's all about the kids.'

'I can't let those old habits just easily come into my life. It's just not what I want,' she adds in confession, while Kris says that makes her happy.
Emily Blunt has revealed she doesn't want her two daughters to follow her acting footsteps because the industry can be 'very disappointing' for women.

Gracing the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK's July/August issue, the actress, 40, said that the industry is 'completely personal' as women are judged on their appearance far more than men, something she has to 'endure.'

Emily, who married actor John Krasinski in 2010, added that her huge Hollywood success still isn't 'exciting' for her children, and she's 'completely disassociated' with her fame.

It comes as Emily prepares to star in Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated blockbuster Oppenheimer, who helped to develop the first nuclear weapons in history.

The star explained that she found the role 'interesting' to play as she took on the part of a talented scientist whose role in society was conformed to that of a 1950s housewife.

Candid: Emily Blunt has revealed she doesn't want her two daughters to follow her acting footsteps because the industry can be 'very disappointing' for women

Emily explained that despite her huge success she feels that her daughters don't feel much connection to her fame.

She said: 'When I see myself up on a billboard, I have this complete dissociation with it... I'm like, who's that?

'And I can see my children doing the same  they might say, oh, there's Mama, but it's not exciting for them. What's exciting for them is when I can pick them up from school and take them swimming.'

The Jungle Cruise star, who shares two daughters with her husband John, added that thanks to her own experience with Hollywood, she tries to discourage others whose girls want to pursue acting.

She continued: 'My toes curl when people tell me, ''My daughter wants to be an actress.'' I want to say, ''don't do it!''

'Because it's a hard industry and it can be very disappointing. A lot of people tell you not to take things personally  but it's completely personal, especially when you're being judged on how you look. So you just have to endure that side of things.'

Of her role in the upcoming Oppenheimer, Emily said: 'She wasn't an easy woman  she definitely didn't conform to the 1950s housewife ideal, and yet she found herself confined to an ironing board in Mexico's Los Alamos, which must have driven her mad.'

'I found her so interesting to play, because she was a great scientist herself, but limited by the era she lived in.

Stunning: Gracing the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK, the actress said that the industry is 'completely personal' as women are judged on their appearance far more than men

Familiar face: It comes as Emily prepares to star in Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated blockbuster Oppenheimer, who helped to develop the first nuclear weapons in history

'A lot of women a few generations ahead of me weren't allowed the juggle of a career and children  there was an expectation they should choose, and if they did choose their career, they were frowned upon.

'Even now, I see women in their seventies whose whole identity has been caught up in motherhood, and then once that's done, there's this sense of, well, who am I and how do I reclaim myself?'

Emily went onto say she backs the viewing of films on the big screen despite the rise in streaming services.

She added: 'Of course I'm hugely supportive of streaming, but when it first became part of the ecosystem, I was afraid we were losing the sense of event and ceremony  that thing of going out and putting your phone down and getting immersed in a world with a roomful of strangers. .

'I'm very nostalgic about [cinema], because I have so many distinct memories of it from my upbringing.'

Oppenheimer centres on the life of American theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was director of the Los Alamos Laboratory responsible for the creation of the first atomic bomb in the Manhattan Project.

The July/August issue of Harpers Bazaar UK is on sale from 8th June

In August 1945 the bombs were detonated on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - the only use of nuclear weapons in war to date - to end the Second World War.

It is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and the late Martin J. Sherwin.

Recently Emily has spread her wings by acting as an executive producer on her BBC period drama The English.

She said: 'I've always adored the genre of the Western  it's built on brutality, toxic masculinity and revenge, and the loneliness of the environment is terribly cinematic.

'This idea was brought to me in its embryonic stage, and I lived with it and partnered with Hugo [Blick, the writer and director] every step of the way.'

'Things become passion projects when you have authorship over what you're building  The English felt like a baby to me, and that made it all the more frightening when it came out, because I didn't have any distance from it.

'You have this thing where you want to protect it and love it, but you don't know what the wolves are going to think.'

The July/August issue of Harpers Bazaar UK is on sale from 8th June.
She's a fan favourite on Channel Seven's Home and Away, known for keeping the peace and always doing the right thing by her family.

And now David Koch has revealed that Irene, a fictional character played by actress Lynne McGranger in the hit soapie, was the role model for the Sunrise team's 'ideal viewer'.

Koch, 67, who is set to retire from the Channel Seven breakfast show on Friday, says that even after 21 years doing Sunrise, he stills calls the audience 'Irene'.

'Very early on we talked about who our viewer was, the most important viewer that we were going to build the show around,' Koch explained in an interview with TV Tonight on Thursday.

'Funnily enough, she's still there today: we came up with Irene from Home and Away. Even now, we still refer colloquially and lovingly to our viewers as 'Irene'.

David Koch has revealed the role model for the Sunrise team's 'ideal viewer'

Koch said the Sunrise team referred to the breakfast show's audience as Irene, a fictional character played by actress Lynne McGranger (pictured) in the hit soapie

Mum's control the remote control in the family, Koch told TV Tonight on Thursday Pictured: Lynne MacGranger as Irene in Home and Away. The character is known as a 'peace keeper' who always makes the best decision for her family

'Because mums control the zapper of a morning,' he continues. 'You've got to get mums to turn you on, but that can't spark an argument with the rest of the family.

It's got to be a good decision that mum can live with...We have the sport for Dad and a bit of news, but primarily, we had to get Irene to turn us on and make that a good decision for the family.'

The approach certainly paid off, with the team taking Sunrise to the top of the TV ratings ahead of rival Today.

Elsewhere in the chat, Koch, who is widely known by his nickname, 'Kochie', talked about the highlight's of his 21-year-long career on the high-rating breakfast show.

The veteran included his broadcast from Antartica, an Anzac Day special from the Kokoda trail and coverage of the devastating cyclone in Far North Queensland in 2006 as major milestone's.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday Koch revealed his new career move on Wednesday.

The Australian television juggernaut said he would be is publishing a finance advice newsletter called Your Money & Your Life.

Announcing the news to his Instagram followers, he said the bulletin will 'filter' all the financial news into an 'easy to understand' publication.

David Koch (second-from-right) is set to make an emotional exit from Sunrise on Friday after co-hosting the high-rating breakfast show for 21-years

'Every Friday, I publish a newsletter. It's called Your Money & Your Life,' he said in the video post.

'I filter all the important money news that I think you should know about into one easy to understand newsletter that could actually change your life.'

In the caption of the post, Kochie suggested his newsletter could help readers make 'smarter money moves' as they 'build a prosperous financial future'.

It appeared the publication will be an aspect of the finance news reporter role he will move into for the final 18 months of his Channel Seven contract.
Pat Cooper, stand-up comedian and actor, has died at 93.

Cooper passed away on Tuesday night at his home in Las Vegas. The death was announced in a statement by his wife, Emily Conner.

The fast-talking funnyman  born Pasquale Vito Caputo  was known for his acerbic style of comedy and appeared on shows like Ed Sullivan in the 1960s, and later on Howard Stern in the 1980s.

He also branched out into acting later in his career, and co-starred alongside Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal in the 1999 comedy film Analyze This  where he played Salvatore Masiello, a member of the De Niro character's mob crew  and its 2002 sequel, Analyze That, and appeared on an episode of Seinfeld, where he played himself.

He is survived by his son Michael Caputo; daughters Louise Caputo and Patti Jo Weidenfeld; and several grandchildren.

Sad news: Stand-up comedian and actor Pat Cooper has died at 93. He passed on Tuesday night at his home in Las Vegas; Pictured 2005 at CineVegas Film Festival in Las Vegas

Cooper was born in 1929 to an Italian family in Brooklyn, New York. He admitted he did not have a happy childhood, recalling once, 'I think I broke a record in my neighborhood  I think I must have run away 14 times. People dont run away from good homes.'

He started out his career by playing at local New York clubs.

He began working on The Jackie Gleason Show in 1963, and later started performing at the Copacabana, opening for acts such as the Four Seasons and Jimmy Roselli.

As his career progressed, he went on to perform in various clubs across the United States, and worked with artists including Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr., George Burns, Sergio Franchi, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick and more.

He was known for his outrage comedy, and for over 50 years he frequently mocked Italian American families like his own and hilariously ranted about anything that irked him, including a number of stars he had worked with.

In 1965 he released a comedy album titled Our Hero, which was one of the first to feature Italian American humor.

He then followed it up with Spaghetti Sauce and Other Delights, which was a parody of the Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brasss 1965 'Whipped Cream and Other Delights' album.

He also parodied the cover. While the original featured a nude woman covered in whipped cream, his cover featured him with marinara sauce smeared all over his body and covered in a mound of spaghetti.

He brought the laughter: The fast-talking funnyman  born Pasquale Caputo  was known for his acerbic style of comedy and appeared on shows like Ed Sullivan in the 1960s, and later on Howard Stern; Pictured (R) performing alongside Frankie Vaughan and Liza Minnelli in 1970

Famous role: He also branched out into acting later on, and co-starred alongside Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal in the 1999 comedy film Analyze This

His career: He also appeared on an episode of Seinfeld, where he played himself; Pictured with Jerry Seinfeld in New York City in 2015

Italian-American humor: He was known for his outrage comedy, and for over 50 years he frequently mocked Italian American families like his own and hilariously ranted about anything that irked him

Retired: The comic retired in 2013, following his performance at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in New Jersey; Pictured with Tony Danza

Cooper's act was a novelty at the time, when there were many more Jewish than Italian American comedians who made jokes about their background and culture.

Unfortunately his act came at a heavy personal price, as he became estranged from his parents and siblings. Later on he also became estranged from his first wife, Dolores Nola, and his children.

He claimed that they had a difficult time accepting his success.

Cooper even had a falling out with Howard Stern due to the tense relationship with his family, after Stern put Coopers estranged son, Michael, and his former wife on the air, and Cooper chose not to interact with them and later berated Stern, according to The New York Times. Afterwards Stern decided to cut ties with the comedian.

Cooper resealed his autobiography, How Dare You Say How Dare Me! in 2010.

The comic retired in 2013, following his performance at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in New Jersey.

At the time he complained about the treatment he received from the industry, saying, 'They dont want me because I say whats on my mind, and they punish it.'
Departing Sunrise host David Koch has opened up about his time on the morning show ahead of his final episode.

Kochie, whose last day is on Friday, told TV Tonight that Channel Seven boss David Leckie once compared the Sunrise cast to the infamous Manson family because of how transgressive they were in the buttoned-up world of breakfast television.

'He used to refer to us as "The Mansons," because we were our own cult within Seven and we didnt give a f*** about anybody!' the 67-year-old explained.

'Back in those days, when we changed the intro from "Melissa Doyle and David Koch" to "Mel & Kochie", the-then news director stormed out and told us to change it back because, we were demeaning the news brand of Seven.'

The financial journalist also said that one of the network executives wanted him fired in the early days because he was too opinionated.

Departing Sunrise host David Koch (pictured) has opened up about his time on the morning show and shared some insights into the behind-the-scenes drama in a new interview

Kochie claimed that Channel Seven boss David Leckie (pictured) once compared the Sunrise cast to the infamous Manson family

Elsewhere, Kochie admitted that he got some pushback from his own children for having Pauline Hanson on Sunrise.

'Id have massive arguments with my kids saying, "Do you want us to censor the views of different parts of the community? Shes an elected representative. She represents part of the community."

'I dont agree with her and Id rather have her on and disagree with it and shoot down a lot of the bulldust shed talk about,' he explained.

Kochie's final day on Sunrise will be this Friday.

For his next career move, he'll publish a finance advice newsletter called Your Money & Your Life.

'I filter all the important money news that I think you should know about into one easy to understand newsletter that could actually change your life,' he explained.

The announcement comes after Kochie and Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr were spotted having a handover lunch with his replacement Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington.

Kochie also admitted that he got some pushback from his own children for having Pauline Hanson on Sunrise

Matt Shirvington (right) will take Kochie's place alongside Natalie Barr as the new co-host of Sunrise

As the Olympic sprinter, 44, prepared to front Australia's No. 1 breakfast show, the trio eschewed a boisterous farewell bash in favour of a quiet lunch at Tapavino restaurant in Barangaroo earlier this week.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Shirvo shared the advice Kochie had given him before taking on the top job.

'Kochie said the two nicest things, which were: "You're going to have the time of your life, and you're a great fit for the role,"' Shirvo said.

The father-of-three was formally announced as Kochie's replacement on Monday - almost a week after Daily Mail Australia first reported the promotion.
Greggs: Secrets Of Their Best Bakes

Rating:

The Repair Shop

Rating:

There are questions that really must be asked of the food critic Grace Dent after Greggs: Secrets Of Their Best Bakes (Ch5).

First, how did she eat a sausage roll without getting crumbs round her mouth? Not a single one.

Then there was the chocolate sauce, the stuff they put on the doughnuts, which she tasted without leaving great smears down her chin. Is it the magic of television, or do they teach this at food critic school?

If Greggs were nervous about a feisty investigator subjecting their products to close scrutiny, they must have been reassured early on as Grace stepped into one of their branches and announced: 'What is it about the place which makes it so lovely?' One can only imagine the impotent fury of rival bakers.

And who can blame them? At one point, we watched hundreds of tasty doughnuts moving slowly across the screen on a conveyor belt. Chocolate was squirted on their tops. Mmm. Then they were covered in hundreds and thousands. Aah.

There are questions that really must be asked of the food critic Grace Dent after Greggs: Secrets Of Their Best Bake. Ms Dent is pictured on the show

Customers must have been queuing ten deep at Greggs branches this morning, their mouths still watering.

Food scientist Stuart Farrimond put some of the most popular products under his microscope. He even pushed a probe into a liquified Yum Yum, which sounds like Generation Z slang for something unspeakable but is in fact a doughnut twist. He wanted to find out how much salt it contained. Salt enhances the sweet taste, and the extra salt in a Yum Yum explains why it tastes sweeter than a doughnut. Good to have that cleared up. I expect.

Greggs produce 100 million doughnuts every year. According to my calculations, that accounts for about 24.5 billion calories nationwide. Which means Greggs doughnuts are theoretically responsible for making the UK seven million pounds heavier this year alone.

Never mind, though. Hot Yum Yum, anybody?

The Poet Laureate brought his elderly harmonium to The Repair Shop (BBC1) last night. I would have liked to mark the occasion in verse, but you try finding a decent rhyme for harmonium.

Is there a programme that brings more simple joy than The Repair Shop?

Simon Armitage was a chorister at the local church in his childhood home of Marsden, West Yorkshire, and the harmonium accompanied him as he sang, just as it did for his father and grandfather. It was destined for the skip, but Simon took it home instead. And wrote a poem in its honour, called Harmonium, which he read to the Repair Shop team.

Here is a handy tip to anybody who owns such a thing. You might care to give it a bit of a dust. When restorer David Burville opened up the instrument, which was last serviced in 1902, he found a dead spider inside the works and dust everywhere. Even the all-important reeds were weighed down with the dust of decades.

It was going to be a long job, said David, but 'without the monotony, you don't get the music'. Ah, the poet laureate of the pump organ. Armitage was overjoyed to see the harmonium in perfect working order again, and read another poem to its musical accompaniment.

Is there a programme that brings more simple joy than The Repair Shop? Even that moment in The Antiques Roadshow where somebody discovers their cracked chamberpot is worth half a million can't compare with the delight on people's faces as a newly-restored heirloom is unveiled.

And, of course, where else would you learn how to fix a dusty harmonium?
Jackie 'O' Henderson has spoken candidly about her love life and how her daughter Kitty is helping her on her quest to find 'the one'.

The radio host, 48, was grilled about dating by host Natalie Barr while appearing on Sunrise on Wednesday.

A beaming Jackie admitted she's been using the apps following her split from hunky photographer husband, Lee Henderson.

'I've only been on for a couple weeks or so and yeah it's nice to meet and talk to people,' the blonde said, brimming with confidence.

Jackie said she's taken a relaxed approach to finding love online.

Jackie 'O' Henderson told Sunrise's Natalie Barr that she's using dating apps to find love again

Jackie 'O' Henderson has spoken candidly about her love life and how her daughter Kitty is helping her on her quest to find 'the one'. The radio host said Kitty found the man she is going to 'marry' at a Sydney Mecca Cosmetica store

'Sometimes it can be a very light-hearted conversation and then you can go nah,' she added.

Jackie went on to say even daughter Kitty has been helping her.

'She's great. We were going to Mecca, the make-up store, and as we were walking in this guy was walking out and she says to me, "Mum, you should have seen the way he looked at you. It was like he wanted to marry you",' Jackie recalled.

Laughing at the near encounter, Jackie said Kitty even offered to 'run after him' as he could have been 'the love of her life'.

A slimmed-down Jackie revealed she was on dating app Hinge back in May

Jackie was married to British photographer Lee Henderson from 2003 to 2018. The former couple share custody of 12-year-old daughter Kitty (all pictured)

Jackie revealed in May she had joined dating app Hinge following her recent slim down.

She told her KIIS FM co-host Kyle Sandilands that she had spent the previous night chatting to 'three or four' different men that she'd matched with.

The star went on to reveal that she was open to dating a younger man, and had set her age range on Hinge from 35 to 55.

Jackie was married to British photographer Lee Henderson from 2003 to 2018. The former couple share custody of 12-year-old daughter Kitty.

Before meeting Lee, she was briefly married to 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil in the late '90s.
Love Island is well into its first week and viewers are already gripped by the action in the villa as it gets into the swing of its tenth series.

There has been no shortage of drama so far, as the series has already seen two bombshell arrivals in the form of Zachariah Noble and Whitney Adebayo.

Both newbies are making waves in the villa, as Zachariah romanced his partner Catherine Agbaje with a strawberry-eating date during Wednesday's episode.

Elsewhere, Whitney had set her sights on Andre Furtado and they also went on a date, however viewers were left convinced that he was 'scared' of her.

Andre, who is still pining for Catherine, spent most of the episode sulking while Jess Harding was placed firmly in the friend zone by Tyrique Hyde.

Here's everything you may have missed from episode three:

Sealed with a kiss: Love Island is well into its first week and viewers are already gripped by the action in the villa as it gets into the swing of its tenth series

New arrival: There has been no shortage of drama so far, as the series has already seen two bombshell arrivals in the form of Zachariah Noble and Whitney Adebayo (pictured)

Fans convinced George is playing a game

Viewers have claimed that they have been put off contestant George Fensom because they are convinced he is using game-playing tactics.

After being given the brush off by his current partner Jess Harding, George appeared to have set his sights on Ruchee Gurung.

However, after previously insisting his type was 'blonde, blue eyed' girls, fans were unconvinced by his motive as he made moves on Ruchee.

During the show fans took to Twitter to air their thoughts on George making his move on Ruchee, who is currently coupled with Mehdi Edno.

One person said: 'Every time George speaks the ick grows #LoveIsland.'

Another agreed, and said: 'George gives me the ick so bad!'

A third said they believed his co-stars were also put off, writing: 'George was literally begging it this episode and Molly and Jess were getting the ick.'

Opinions: Viewers have claimed that they have been put off contestant George Fensom (pictured) because they are convinced he is using game-playing tactics

Moving on? After being given the brush off by his current partner Jess Harding, George appeared to have set his sights on Ruchee Gurung (pictured)

Many urged Ruchee to steer clear of 'game playing' George, writing: 'Ruchee pls just move to Andre, George is desperate to stay in.'

One other said: 'George everyone sees right through you.'

A different person said: 'Bffr George don't do my gyal Ruchee like that.'

Noting what George had said previously about his type, one person said: 'Yeah George doesn't have a type after he deeped the blondes doesn't want him.'

Some argued that Ruchee was also using George as a safety net after she failed to find a connection with Medhi.

Chasing her: However, after previously insisting his type was 'blonde, blue eyed' girls, fans were unconvinced by his motive as he made moves on Ruchee

Reaction: During the show fans took to Twitter to air their thoughts on George making his move on Ruchee, who is currently coupled with Mehdi Edno

Fans laud busty new bombshell Whitney

Fans were full of praise for the confident new bombshell Whitney Adebayo as she made her debut during Wednesday's episode.

The London-born entrepreneur wasted no time making a huge splash in the villa as she chose single hunk Andre Furtado for her first date.

Whitney's brazen nature earned plenty of praise from fans who insisted she's going to struggle to find a man to match her energy.

While relaxing on the sunloungers, Andre received a text which read: 'Andre, Whitney is waiting for you at the beach for a champagne date!

Sensational! Fans were full of praise for the confident new bombshell Whitney Adebayo as she made her debut during Wednesday's episode

Gorgeous! The London-born entrepreneur wasted no time making a huge splash in the villa as she chose single hunk Andre Furtado for her first date

'Please get ready to leave the Villa. #BigDayForDre #BaeWatch'

'Why did she dump you?': Whitney grills Andre on their first date

Unable to hide his excitement, he exclaims in the beach hut: 'You've made my day!'

Huddling together with the boys, they give him one final pep talk. Tyrique says: 'You got this. You're the man, be yourself. Bring it home for the lads.'

Whitney wasted no time getting to know Andre, and displayed her no-holds barred nature by immediately questioning why he was a single man already.

She said: 'I like every flavour, vanilla, chocolate, blue, pink, as long as you're giving then you're giving.

'Definitely tall, nice smile, good hands. Nice personality. But other than that. I'd give for the both of us, do you know what I mean?'

Catherine later commented: 'I wasn't jealous but I was intrigued. If Andre is her type...'

The north London beauty was a huge hit with fans, who took to social media to praise the new arrival.

One wrote: 'Yeah I love Whitney she is giving so much energy,' while another added: 'Whitney gives Maura and Queen Ekin energy - fearless, confident, ready to play... I'm obsessed.'

Cheeky! Whitney's brazen nature earned plenty of praise from fans who insisted she's going to struggle to find a man to match her energy

Naughty! Whitney wasted no time getting to know Andre, and displayed her no-holds barred nature by immediately questioning why he was a single man already

We love her! The north London beauty was a huge hit with fans, who took to social media to praise the new arrival

A third posted: 'Whitney is funny, I like her already. Andre deffo can't handle her.'

One fan also lauded: 'Whitney babe, I can feel the drama and fire coming out of you already and I am HERE for it!'

Whitney is an entrepreneur from London and when asked what she'll bring to the villa, the bombshell said: 'Good vibes, I can be really silly and funny but I can also get deep.

'It depends on the person and the situation but I am a very adaptable person, I know how to read the room.'

Catherine feeds Zachariah strawberries on their first date

Fans were quick to give new couple Catherine Agbaje and Zachariah Noble their seal of approval, as they enjoyed their first date.

The pair were sent to the balcony for a low-key evening together after Zachariah stole Catherine from Andre in the last episode.

From the start it was clear that Zachariah and Catherine had hit it off, with the personal trainer admitted he was always going to couple up with her.

Things took a turn when Catherine fed him a chocolate-covered strawberry, with viewers quickly clocking their chemistry.

Despite the fact that it meant Andre was now single and at risk of a dumping, fans praised Catherine and Zachariah's budding romance, with one insisting he was clearly 'head over heels for her.'

Cheeky! Fans were quick to give new couple Catherine Agbaje and Zachariah Noble their seal of approval, as they enjoyed their first date

Cute! The pair were sent to the balcony for a low-key evening together after Zachariah stole Catherine from Andre Furtado in the last episode

Sweet! From the start it was clear that Zachariah and Catherine had hit it off, with the personal trainer admitted he was always going to couple up with her

In the date, Catherine asked: 'Did you go in knowing you were gonna pick me?' and he confirmed: 'Yes, for sure. I'd be silly not to.'

Catherine asked: 'So it wasn't a hard decision?' and Zachariah said: 'This was just completely 100% natural.'

Viewers seemed to agree, as they took to social media to praise the pair's chemistry.

One wrote: 'This is why men should put in the work from the STARTTT,' while another added: 'Zach and Catherine got me smiling so hard. But it's only day three.'

A third posted: 'I know Andre didn't like Catherine as much as he put on. Zachariah is head over heels for her, it was such a good choice.'

'Yeah I can watch Catherine and Zach any tim, any day', one fan said, while another added: 'Not me smiling like a mad woman Zach and Catherine stoppp.'

Viewers baffled by Andre's heartbroken reaction

Viewers watched as Andre Furtado's partner Catherine Agbaje was swiped from under his nose by new bombshell Zachariah Nobel on Tuesday night.

And after being ditched by the estate agent, 22, viewers were left questioning Andre's heartbroken reaction after only knowing her for two days.

The morning after Zachariah picked to couple up with Catherine, Andre was seen moping around the villa as she cracked on with the newcomer.

He also told his co-stars that sleeping alone felt like 'being at home', as he sulked that he has been single for the past few months.

Andre's spirits were lifted when he was asked out by new arrival Whitney Adebayo, 25, who he joined on a date at the beach.

Sad times: And after being ditched by the estate agent, 22, viewers were left questioning Andre's heartbroken reaction after only knowing her for two days

However after returning from their meeting, Andre confided in the boys that his sights were still set on his former flame, Catherine.

After watching the scenes unfold, viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts about Andre's reaction to being dumped.

One viewer said: Andre's feeling sorry for himself wayyy too much man. And this is him after 2 days... DO NOT BREAK HIM AT CASA AMOR or we will never hear the end of it.'

Another person said: 'Andre needs to get a GRIP omg [crying laughing emoji].'

A third added: 'Why's Andre taking this so hard, it's been two days.'

A different person, joked: 'Zach advising Andre knowing Catherine has been bagged regardless. Stop giving him hope.'

One other, said: 'Bro Andre allow it Catherine doesn't want you, rest.'

Another agreed, and said: 'Andre give it up about Catherine.'

One other said: 'Andre give it up man. Cat don't want yooooou!

New match: The morning after Zachariah picked to couple up with Catherine, Andre was seen moping around the villa as she cracked on with the newcomer

Reaction: After watching the scenes unfold, viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts about Andre's reaction to being dumped

One other said: 'Andre give it up man. Cat don't want yooooou!'

While Andre may not have been bowled over by Whitney's entrance, viewers at home were loving the new arrival on the reality dating show.

Fans were full of praise for the confident new bombshell Whitney as she made her debut.

The London-born entrepreneur wasted no time making a huge splash in the villa as she chose single hunk Andre for her first date.

Whitney's brazen nature earned plenty of praise from fans who insisted she's going to struggle to find a man to match her energy.

Tyrique sticks Jess in the friend zone

Love Island hunk Tyrique wasted no time in his mission to find his dream girl, as he quickly stuck Jess in the friend zone during Wednesday's episode.

Despite the fact they weren't coupled up by the public, it was soon clear that Tyrique was more interested in Ella, and told Jess she 'wasn't really his type.'

He originally admitted he did have an interest in Ella, telling Jess: 'Obviously, it's going well but I'm not closed off, I've said that from the jump to everyone' before telling her: 'You looked sexy this morning.'

Jess laughed before admitting: 'Do you say that to every girl?'

Nope! Love Island hunk Tyrique wasted no time in his mission to find his dream girl, as he quickly stuck Jess in the friend zone during Wednesday's episode

Tyrique replied: 'I'm honest! I say how I feel' before going on to add: 'You're a good kisser.'

But later, he finally came clean by saying that she wasn't the girl he was looking for.

While visibly deflated, Jess agreed that there was no spark, and they decided that their current couple would be solely on the friendship basis.

She also made it clear that they couldn't carry on with their current flirting, especially if he was keen to pursue other girls.

And Tyrique was quick to move on from Jess, admitting his feelings for Ella, and the pair enjoyed a steamy kiss to the delight of the other girls.

Viewers convinced Andre is 'scared' of Whitney

Viewers were left unconvinced by the chemistry between Andre and Whitney Adebayo following her arrival in the Majorcan villa.

Some fans claimed that the bombshell arrival was 'too much' for Andre, who has recently been ditched by his former couple Catherine Agbaje.

Andre was initially excited by the prospect of his date with Whitney, however following their meeting he confirmed his heart was still with Catherine.

During the date, Whitney sassily remarked about 21-year-old Andre's age and told him she refused to stand up and hug him.

Later in the evening she also demanded to know why Andre hadn't complimented her appearance during their beachside date.

Not impressed: Viewers were left unconvinced by the chemistry between Andre Furtado and Whitney Adebayo following her arrival in the Majorcan villa

Opinion: Some fans claimed that the bombshell arrival was 'too much' for Andre, who has recently been ditched by his former couple Catherine Agbaje

Quick-thinking Andre responded that she 'already knew' he thought she looked good, however fans remained certain they weren't meant to be.

Taking to Twitter, one fan even joked that they were 'scared' by Whitney's approach.

Another said: 'Whitney is way too confident for this likkle man. He can't firm it.'

A third penned: 'There's no way Whitney came to talk to Andre like that.'

One other said: 'Nah Whitney is enjoying laughing at this man and I respect her for that - "Why did Catherine leave you".

A different viewer said: 'Whitney sounds like she's going to be a problem. I AM HERE FOR IT.'

'Turn off their mics! PLEASE!'

Fans cried out in horror as one of the show's most toe-curling additions made its return in the new series.
Actor Charlie Lawson has described Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear as a 'Queen in every sense of the word' as it emerged she is suffering from dementia.

The actress, 81, is famed for playing leopard-print loving Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch in the ITV soap for over 25 years, starting in the role in 1966.

Her husband Scott Brand revealed the 'heartbreaking' diagnosis in a statement released on Wednesday, saying the couple have been 'seeking medical advice and assistance'.

And as Coronation Street fans and former colleagues quickly gave messages of support, Lawson told The Mirror: 'Its an impossible situation for her but I send her all my fondest love and greatest memories of her.

'She was great craic, we did the Rovers scenes on a Thursday and Friday afternoon and I always had real beer under the counter and Julie would pour me a nice pint of the real stuff between takes.

The actress (pictured) is famed for playing leopard-print loving Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch

Julie Goodyear pictured attending the launch of Virgin Media TiVo at The House of St Barnabas in London on March 30, 2011

Actor Charlie Lawson (pictured) has described the Coronation Street icon as a 'Queen in every sense of the word'

'She was great fun, we had one disagreement and then we never had a cross word in the next 10 years in the 90s. We respected one another.

'Julie was a queen in very much the sense of the word because in those days, in the 90s when I was there, the celebrity was only just being born, there was Kylie and Jason but the top shelves were still you-know-what magazines.

'But Julie had been queen of the Rovers for a very long time and was very good at playing the dame.'

His well-wishes come after Julie's husband confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday.

He said: 'My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis. Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance.

'But we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation  and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.

We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out.

'Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her - and she them - but she can get confused particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand.

Julie remains a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester and has said she wishes to highlight the wonderful work of the hospices who do so much to support patients and families with dementia.

Heartbreaking: Scott released this statement on behalf of his wife

'No hope of a reversal in the situation': Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear, 81, revealed on Wednesday she is suffering from dementia as she shared her heartbreaking diagnosis (pictured as Bet Lynch in a still from the ITV soap)

Her love: Julie's fourth husband Scott Brand, 55, released the statement on Julie's behalf on Wednesday - the couple pictured in 2004

Hilary Evans, the chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'Our hearts go out to Julie Goodyear and her family, following the announcement that she is living with dementia.

'So many of us have such fond memories of watching Julie on screen, playing the iconic role of Bet Lynch.

'It is incredibly brave of Julie's husband to share this news and help raise much-needed awareness of dementia, a condition affecting almost one million people in the UK today.

'With no treatments to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia, a diagnosis is truly heartbreaking.'

In December 2020, Julie paid tribute to fellow soap actress, EastEnders star Dame Barbara Windsor, who died following her own battle with Alzheimer's disease, aged 83.

She wrote on Facebook: 'Last night was so devastating for everyone in the industry who was ever lucky enough to meet Barbara let alone work along side her.

'She was a national treasure. That word is thrown around too casually nowadays. But with Barbara it was well and truly meant. Thoughts are with her family and friends.

'From one former landlady to another I raise a glass to the one and only and truly irreplaceable Barbara Windsor.

'The laughs your gave over the years and the stellar performance you executed week in week out in your pub in the East End of London lives on.'

Julie's last TV appearance is thought to be on The Big Soap Quiz in 2018

Soap icons: In December 2020, Julie paid tribute to fellow soap actress, EastEnders star Dame Barbara Windsor, who died following a battle with Alzheimer's disease, aged 83

Lovely in leopard: Actress Barbara pictured in the role of landlady Peggy Mitchell in 1993 - she was survived by her husband Scott MItchell

They go way back! Barbara (right) and Julie, (centre), on Russell Harty's chat show in 1977

Meanwhile, Julie has been very open with her life and appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories back in 2013.

She revealed that her husband Scott proposed to her every day for 11 years before she accepted him.

She said: 'I might renew his contract. Hes been the best of a bad bunch, he really has. Asked if she was happily married, she responded: Very.

Asking about her sexuality, the chat show host said: Youve had relationships with men and women. Miss Goodyear replied: A relationship can be a friendship. A soul mate, whatever. You dont have to have sex all the time.

There are many gay people, who work in the industry we work in. Have you no gay friends? Whats it like having sex with them?

Superstar: Julie was a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother 10 in 2012 and came in seventh place alongside the likes of Julian Clary, MC Harvey, Martin Kemp and Coleen Nolan

Honest: Julie appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories back in 2013, where she revealed that Scott proposed to her every day for 11 years before she accepted him

Friend: Piers was one of the first celebrities to pay tribute to Julie, writing: 'What sad news'

When Piers responded that he didnt, Miss Goodyear continued: Neither do I. Let me tell you, there was a time when I thought it might be worth a try. No good at it. Because I cant stop laughing.

When he fired back: Are we talking men or women? she responded: Anybody. Which is why they only ever gave me one bed scene in Coronation Street. Because it makes me laugh.

Sex does? asked Morgan. Even being in bed, she replied.

The actress wed her first husband, draughtsman Ray Sutcliffe, in 1960. The pair had a son, Gary, when she was 17, but the marriage ended three years later when her husband walked out.

In 1973 she married secretary Tony Rudman, but the couple had been married for only a few hours when he ran off with the best man.

The heartbreak left her so distraught she spent a month in a mental health clinic.

In 1979, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and given just one year to live.

She was then married to airline executive Richard Skrob between 1985 and 1987. The actress wed Mr Brand in 2007.

They first met in 1996 when he delivered plaster to a house she was renovating.

The larger-than-life star first joined the ITV soap in 1966 as barmaid Bet, but left after being advised by senior cast member Pat Phoenix - who played Elsie Tanner - to get some more acting training.

After joining Oldham's Repertory Theatre, Julie returned in 1970 and was a permanent fixture on the cobbles for 25 years until she left in 1995, when 22million viewers tuned in to watch her last episode.

Julie made three returns as Bet, firstly in 1999 for the home video spin-off The Rover Returns and then again in 2002 and in 2003 for scenes shot in Blackpool as part of a storyline focusing on Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and her husband Jim (Charles Lawson), who had recently escaped from prison.

In 2012, she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother alongside the likes of Julian Clary, MC Harvey, Martin Kemp and Coleen Nolan and came in seventh place.

Dementia UK CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse Hilda Hayo said: 'Were sorry to hear that Julie Goodyear has been diagnosed with dementia, and hope that she and her family are receiving the support and assistance they need at this time.

'By choosing to speak publicly about her diagnosis, Julie and her family will raise vital awareness of dementia and we hope that this will encourage others to seek advice if they have concerns for their brain health.

'We urge families affected by dementia to reach out to our specialist Helpline. Staffed by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, our Helpline offers support and guidance on all stages of dementia, including grieving for a loved one. Anyone affected by dementia can contact the Helpline by calling 0800 888 6678 or emailing helpline@dementiauk.org.'

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimers Research UK, said: 'Our hearts go out to Julie Goodyear and her family, following the announcement that she is living with dementia. So many of us have such fond memories of watching Julie on screen, playing the iconic role of Bet Lynch. It is incredibly brave of Julies husband to share this news and help raise much-needed awareness of dementia, a condition affecting almost one million people in the UK today.

'With no treatments to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia, a diagnosis is truly heartbreaking. Tragically many more families like Julies will go on to experience the devastation it causes because, if nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia. They will either develop the condition themselves, care for someone with it, or both. As the UKs leading dementia research charity, we have vowed to put a stop to dementia by finding a cure.'

If you have questions about dementia, you can contact our Dementia Research Infoline on 0300 111 5 111 between 9.00-5.00pm Monday to Friday or send an email to infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org
Sydney socialite Ellie Aitken has been pictured for the first time since it was revealed she is dating Bahamas-based fund manager Mark Holowesko.

Ms Aitken's life was turned upside down in late 2021 when her husband Charlie Aitken, a high-profile investment banker, ran off with her best friend Hollie Nasser - ending two marriages in the process.

The couple confirmed their split several months later, in May 2022.

In her first public sighting since she attended a fashion event in London in November with former foreign minister Julie Bishop, Ms Aitken was seen outside her estranged husband's home in Vaucluse, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

With her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, she wore a 'Life' T-shirt, black leggings and sneakers, and accessorised with a gold bracelet and diamond earrings.

Ms Aitken stepped out of her luxury car and headed inside the house carrying a designer handbag and a plastic bag filled with groceries.

It's unclear why she was visiting her ex's home, but it is not believed the couple, who share two children, have reconciled.

Sydney socialite Ellie Aitken has been pictured for the first time since it was revealed she is dating Bahamas-based fund manager Mark Holowesko

Ms Aitken's life was turned upside down in late 2021 when her husband Charlie Aitken, a high-profile investment banker, ran off with her best friend Hollie Nasser - ending two marriages in the process. (Pictured L-R: Christopher and Hollie Nasser, and Ellie and Charlie Aitken)

In her first public sighting since November, Ms Aitken was seen outside her estranged husband's home in Vaucluse, in Sydney's eastern suburbs

It comes as Ms Aitken is said to be romancing Mark Holowesko, the founding partner and CEO of Holowesko Partners Ltd, a premier global equity firm.

The two were seen enjoying a cosy meal at China Doll in Woolloomooloo in late March.

Mr Holowesko, who is a former Olympian and champion sailor, has also made frequent visits to Sydney over the past six months.

A source told the Australian Financial Review the pair are 'loved-up and smitten'.

Ms Aitken and Mr Holowesko have known each other for years, the insider said, but grew closer over the past year while she has been building her own funds-distribution business in the Bahamas.

With her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, she wore a 'Life' T-shirt, black leggings and sneakers, and accessorised with a gold bracelet and diamond earrings

Ms Aitken stepped out of her luxury car and headed inside the house carrying a designer handbag and a plastic bag filled with groceries

It comes as Ms Aitken is said to be romancing Mark Holowesko (pictured), the founding partner and CEO of Holowesko Partners Ltd, a premier global equity firm

Ms Aitken marriage fell apart towards the end of 2021 when it was revealed her husband Charlie was having an affair with her close friend Hollie Nasser.

The move caused scandal in the tight-knit eastern suburbs, particularly since Hollie was not only Ellie's best friend, but married to Charlie's business partner Christopher.

'The truth is that despite the support of friends and family I have not coped well with the deeply hurtful lies, gossip and innuendo that has surrounded the breakdown of my relationship,' Ellie said in a statement in December that year.

At the time, she announced she would be 'taking a break from social media' and public view while she and her family adjusted to the separation and her estranged husband's new relationship.

'I had attempted to put on a brave face and tried to manage my feelings and wellbeing despite the fact that I have not had any control over the reasons for my sorrow,' she said.

The Aitkens and the Nassers, once inseparable friends, are seen dining in New York City before the Covid pandemic

Despite the drama, the Aitkens tried to remain on good terms throughout the separation for the sake of their two children.

In May 2021, Daily Mail Australia revealed Hollie and Charlie had quietly parted ways, noting the public pressure was too much for them to bear.

Hollie later confirmed the news to Sunday Confidential, saying in a statement the relationship was over and she was focusing on her children.

'With regards to my private life, my focus is my daughters [and] I have chosen not to be in a relationship,' she said.

Despite the drama, the Aitkens tried to remain on good terms throughout the separation for the sake of their two children. (Pictured: the Aitkens before their split)

She went on to praise her estranged husband Christopher Nasser, saying the two were working together to co-parent their children.

'Chris has always been a loving and devoted father. We are working together to co-parent our children,' she said.

She also reflected on having her affair thrust into the spotlight.

'The past nine months have been very difficult and I have expressed my apologies to my family and others involved,' she said.
Naomi Watts and husband Billy Crudup looked every inch the beaming newlyweds as they stepped out in New York City, one day after tying the knot during an intimate courthouse ceremony . Following her walk down the aisle in a $7,400 white Oscar de la Renta gown, the 54-year-old Oscar nominee smiled, alongside her longtime love, as she toted a large red purse and shopping bag from The Greenwich Hotel. For the laid-back occasion, she rocked a semi-sheer, lace jacket, complete with billowy sleeves, light-wash denim bottoms and a pair of beige Birkenstock sandals. Both she and spouse, who currently stars in The Morning Show, were wearing their wedding bands, less than 24 hours after she confirmed they got 'hitched' to her 1.7 million Instagram followers. Crudup, 54, cut a casual figure in a fitted blue t-shirt, grey baseball cap, jeans and sneakers with white stripes on the sides.
Samantha Armytage crossed paths with her former Sunrise co-stars at a lavish Crown event in Sydney on Wednesday.

But the Farmer Wants a Wife host failed to mention her former colleagues when she shared pictures from the event on Thursday.

Sam, 46, shared a loved-up selfie of herself with her equestrian businessman husband Richard Lavender from the event and re-shared Julie Bishop's reel.

Noticeably absent from her feed were Sunrise stars David 'Kochie' Koch, Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta who also attended the ritzy event.

'Thanks Crown Sydney for a fun night out at Vivid,' Sam captioned her post.

Samantha Armytage shares loved-up selfie with husband Richard Lavender from her night out at Crown - but fails to mention her former Sunrise co-stars she crossed paths with after Kochie revealed the truth of their 'feud'

On the evening, held at Crown's luxurious rooftop, CIRQ, Sam looked incredible in a blue floral frock which she teamed with a stylish pair of beige knee-high boots.

The glittering event proved to be a who's who of the Sydney media scene, attracting the likes of the Today show's Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, TV presenter Erin Holland and model Francesca Hung.

David Koch, who recently announced his departure from Sunrise, also looked dapper on the night in a navy check suit, paired with a white shirt and blue floral tie.

Sam, 46, shared a loved up selfie of herself with her equestrian businessman husband Richard Lavender from the event and re-shared Julie Bishop's reel

However, noticeably absent were Sunrise stars David 'Kochie' Koch, Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta who also attended the ritzy event

The TV veteran, 67, completed his look with a pair of black shoes, as he posed alongside co-host, Natalie Barr, 55, who looked radiant.

Earlier in the day, Kochie decided to clear the air on the much-speculated feud with his former co-host Sam on The Kyle And Jackie O Show.

In a surprise revelation, Kochie dismissed the feud rumours stating, 'No, we didn't end on bad terms,' seemingly taken aback by the question.

However, when prodded further by host Jackie 'O' Henderson about their communication post Sam's departure from Sunrise, Kochie played it coy.

On the evening, held at Crown's luxurious rooftop, CIRQ, Sam looked incredible in a blue floral frock which she teamed with a stylish pair of beige knee-high boots

Instead of answering directly, he pointed out that Sam had publicly stated her wish to get 'out of media'.

'Don't forget Sam said quite publicly she wanted to get out of the media, that scrutiny [altogether],' he said.

Kochie did say Sam sent him a 'really nice note on the announcement' of him retiring as anchor of the show.

'She sent me a really nice note, as did ex co-host Mel [Doyle],' Kochie said.

Rumours of a feud have dogged the pair since Sam left the top-rated Seven breakfast show, but have never been substantiated.

After Kochie quit, Sam shared a throwback photo to Instagram last month of herself and her former colleague alongside a sweet but simple message.

'I want to wish Kochie all the best in his future. And to many well-deserved sleep-ins ahead,' she wrote.
Gina Rodriguez looked stunning at Variety TV FYC Fest in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old actress showed off her curves in a plunging baby blue, patterned maxi dress as she posed on the red carpet at the event held ahead of Emmy nominee announcements.

The Jane The Virgin alum  who welcomed her first child with her husband, Joe LoCicero, in March  teamed the flowing and boho-chic dress with a camel suede blazer.

For accessories, the Golden Globe winner wore her gold wedding band and a pair of dainty hoop earrings with delicate, dangling gems.

The Not Dead Yet star looked elegant as she swept her raven black tresses in silky waves to one side.

Dazzling: Gina Rodriguez looked stunning at Variety TV FYC Fest in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 38-year-old actress showed off her curves in a plunging baby blue, patterned maxi dress as she posed on the red carpet at the event held ahead of Emmy nominee announcements

For makeup, Rodriguez rocked a minimal glam to showcase her radiant and natural beauty.

She looked lovely in a warm brown smoky eyeshadow look complete with dark eyeliner and full, fluttering eyelashes.

She finished off the look with a subtle touch of peach blush and a glossy pink lip.

Earlier this year, she welcomed her first child  son Charlie Ray, now three months old  with her husband of four years.

The Chicago native also posed on the red carpet with Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), and Elle Fanning (The Great).

At the event, she spoke on the Disney Women of Comedy panel with the aforementioned leading actresses.

According to Variety, Rodriguez was asked how she trusts her comedy at one point and responded honestly that she has a hard time doing so.

'I don't,' she answered. 'I just became a mother, so trusting myself is very difficult.'

Effortlessly stylish: The Jane The Virgin alum  who welcomed her first child with her husband, Joe LoCicero, in March  teamed the flowing and boho-chic dress with a camel suede blazer

Radiant: The Not Dead Yet star looked elegant as she swept her raven black tresses in silky waves to one side. For makeup, Rodriguez rocked a minimal glam to showcase her radiant and natural beauty

Delicate jewelry: For accessories, the Golden Globe winner wore her gold wedding band and a pair of dainty hoop earrings with delicate, dangling gems

Women in Comedy: The Chicago native also posed on the red carpet with Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), and Elle Fanning (The Great)

Leading ladies: At the event, she spoke on the Disney Women of Comedy panel with the aforementioned leading actresses

Opening up: According to Variety, Rodriguez was asked how she trusts her comedy at one point and responded honestly that she has a hard time doing so. The new mom  who was pregnant for the majority of filming of the ABC sitcom  also joked: 'I thought this was a For Your Consideration for my baby for best performance in utero'

The new mom  who was pregnant for the majority of filming of the ABC sitcom  also joked: 'I thought this was a For Your Consideration for my baby for best performance in utero.'

'It was really exciting being able to see somebody who is striving and failing and learning from our failures,' she also said about playing her character, Nell Serrano, a 37-year-old woman whose life is, by her own definition, a complete disaster. 'Because that's all I do.'

She added: 'I only learn from my failures.'
Mikaela Testa has broken her silence about her breakup with her ex-boyfriend Atis Paul, describing the split as 'hell'.

The OnlyFans star, 22, parted ways with the popular influencer last May after several years of dating.

'It was seriously hell  like I had never been through something so bad ever,' the TikTok star said in an interview with White Fox After Hours.

'No one's allowed to say anything because it will open up a wound but it's healed.'

Mikaela said she managed to work through the pain of the split, but it was difficult because she had become close with his family.

Mikaela Testa has broken her silence about her breakup with her ex-boyfriend Atis Paul, describing the split as 'hell'

Testa has been open in the past about losing contact with her own family after they disagreed with her career choices.

In an Instagram Q&A with fans, she added that the pair will never stop loving each other.

'Will always be in love with each other, we never stopped,' she said.

Atis was first to break news of the split in June last year after much fan speculation.

The OnlyFans star, 22, parted ways with the popular influencer last May after several years of dating

'I've been getting asked so much if Mik and I are still together. We love each other so much and decided to be friends now,' he said at the time.

'Everything is perfect between us. We both agree it's better that way.'

Testa, who was on a girls' trip to Bali, was less forthcoming about the split, but said the supportive messages from fans were making her 'so emotional'.

'For the fifth time, Atis and I are fine... you guys are making me so emotional. I wish I could hug every single one of you,' she wrote.

'It was seriously hell  like I had never been through something so bad ever,' the TikTok star said in an interview with White Fox After Hours

'Everything is going to be okay... the answer [to heartbreak] is love and self-care.'

Atis, who was born in Germany before moving to Australia as a child, is an influencer who made his fortune as a cryptocurrency investor.

He is the brother of Anna Paul, who has been called Australia's No. 1 OnlyFans star.

Testa is also an OnlyFans creator with an estimated monthly income of $162,000, as well as a model, influencer and occasional viral celebrity.

Mikaela made headlines in 2019 when she posted a video of herself crying hysterically after Instagram took away the 'like counter' on posts

She made headlines in 2019 when she posted a video of herself crying hysterically after Instagram took away the 'like counter' on posts.

Her racy photos have also resulted in several bans on Instagram and TikTok.

In 2020, she was kicked off TikTok for breaching 'multiple community guidelines'.

She publicly disputed the ban, telling News Corp she hadn't done anything wrong and had been unfairly penalised by TikTok's 'automatic scanner'.
David 'Kochie' Koch wife Libby has revealed the real reason why the TV star decided to leave Sunrise after 21 years of hosting the morning show.

Appearing on the Channel Seven breakfast program on Thursday, Libby Koch said it is sad to see her husband hang up his presenting hat, but it's the right time.

Libby, who shares four grown up children with Koch, explained it got harder for her husband to put his all into his television gig while also spending time with his children and grandchildren.

After noticing how tired he was she sat him down to have a chat and they decided it was time for him to leave his much-loved television gig.

'As much as he loved Sunrise he realised it's time to start cutting back and we talked about that together, he was getting really tired,' she said.

David 'Kochie' Koch wife Libby has revealed the real reason why the TV star decided to leave Sunrise after 21 years of hosting the morning show

'Its really quite sort of sad (to see him leave) but then itll become exciting, but Im never very good with goodbyes.'

It was an emotional morning on the Sunrise set on Thursday as a montage of Kochie's best moments were played before Libby surprised her husband with the sweet message.

Libby said she is most proud of her husband for always making time for her and their four children, despite his busy job.

Libby, who shares four grown up children with Koch, explained it got harder for her husband to put his all into his television gig while also spending time with his children and grandchildren

Kochie (pictured) is the longest-standing presenter on Australian breakfast TV

'Dave had a great role model in his dad Dean and that's what he copied with our children, no matter what if he was tired the weekend was family time and he has gone on like he did with putting the family first, even though he did have this big gig on Sunrise and people knowing him,' she explained.

'The fact that hes worked hard to just box (Sunrise) off and then have the weekend as family time. I think his dad would be really proud of that.'

Libby also reminisced about his exciting career and looked back on the times she was by his side, during the good times and the bad.

'When he introduced his joke of the day there was a lot of pushback from certain sectors about what cheeky things hed say,' she said.

'But then the viewers started really responding and he was really relaxed in his style, often put his foot in it.

'Viewers respond to that because they very quickly realised hes just a regular bloke.'

Libby said she was proud of her husband's spectacular and busy career, and the fact he still always made time for her and their four children (both pictured with their grandchildren)

Libby said she was also very proud of her husband's coverage on the 2006 Beaconsfield mine disaster.

A small earthquake caused a tunnel to collapse in Tasmania, tragically killing miner Larry Knight and trapping miners, Brant Webb and Todd Russell.

When Brant and Todd were found to be alive on the sixth day, Kochie and Melissa Doyle were reporting on the sidelines until they were rescued after 14 days underground.

'What I was really proud of that viewers didnt know is that he and Mel would go round to Todd Russells parents and his wifes house and sit down and have a cup of tea and have dinner and talk with the kids,' she said.
ABC Radio National's ratings were released this week and the results were not good news for one veteran presenter.

RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas, 42, saw her audience plunge to an all-time low, attracting an average of just 1000 listeners a day in the capital city of Perth.

In fact, Karvelas' once popular breakfast program is haemorrhaging listeners across all states.

Media commentator Tim Burrowes noted the station's breakfast audience was now below 50,000 listeners and questioned when the ABC would take action.

'You have to wonder how low an audience needs to get before something changes. Patricia Karvelas' share of the breakfast audience has shrunk again,' he said.

ABC Radio National's ratings were released this week and the results were not good news for one veteran presenter. RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas, 42, saw her audience plunge to an all-time low, attracting an average of just 1000 listeners a day in the capital city of Perth

'She now commands just 1.5 per cent of Sydney listeners, 3.1 per cent in Melbourne, 2.7 per cent in Brisbane, 1.6 per cent in Adelaide, and 0.4 per cent in Perth.'

He said the network needed to have an 'urgent review' into its operations to determine if anything could be done to rectify the matter.

However, a spokesman for the ABC clapped back at research company GfK's ratings data and claimed the ratings do not accurately represent the whole picture.

In fact, Karvelas' once popular breakfast program is haemorrhaging listeners across all states

'To judge RN Breakfast's performance solely on its average audience figure, based on a quarter hour, grossly misrepresents its listenership. It continues to be hugely influential, reaching over 300,000 listeners in five capital cities across each week,' they said in a statement.

Meanwhile, ABC Radio Melbourne presenter Virginia Trioli has been dealt another crushing blow after recently returning to work following a family crisis.

On Tuesday it was confirmed the veteran radio host, 57, has lost almost half her listeners in the past 18 months, with the Herald Sun reporting the ratings slide would be of 'particular concern' to ABC management.

Meanwhile, ABC Radio Melbourne presenter Virginia Trioli (pictured) has lost almost half her listeners in the past 18 months

Trioli's audience share for her once popular Melbourne Morning show dipped 0.3 percent to an all-time low of 7.7 percent.

Research company GfK released ratings data showing that ABC Radio Melbourne had fallen to seventh place across the timeslots, from number four 18 months ago.

Further, the station's total audience share in Melbourne fell by 0.2 percentage points to 6.0, as listeners turned to commercial radio stations.

In total, ABC Radio Melbourne shed 26,000 listeners - four per cent of its total audience - during the span of the survey, from February 26 to May 20.
Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix will play the role of a police officer in a Lifetime film titled Buying Back My Daughter, and promotional shots have been released of her efforts in the movie.

The film role for Madix, 37, comes as she's been in the headlines for months after her longtime boyfriend Tom Sandoval, 39, cheated on her with her costar on the Bravo reality series, Raquel Leviss, 28.

The Melbourne, Florida native was seen in a pair of photos released by Lifetime Wednesday promoting the movie, which is set to be released this autumn, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Joining Madix in the cast of the forthcoming film directed by Troy Scott include Meagan Good, Roger Cross and Faith Wright.

The storyline of the motion picture is centered around a married couple (Good and Cross) searching for their 16-year-old daughter Alicia (Wright) who goes missing.

The latest: Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, 37, will play the role of a police officer in a Lifetime film titled Buying Back My Daughter, and promotional shots have been released of her in the movie

Alicia sneaks out of the home to attend a party and winds up ensnared in a human trafficking ring.

Madix's character, Officer Karen, is involved in the probe to locate Alicia, and is personally tied to the investigation.

Barbara Marshall penned the script for the Lifetime film, which Good, Orly Adelson and Allen Lewis are executive producing, with Charles Cooper as a producer.

Madix has been able to capitalize on the publicity resulting from the scandal, as she's inked promotional sponsorships with companies such as BIC, SoFi, Lays and Bellesa Boutique, THR reported.

Madix has been a regular on Vanderpump Rules since 2013, appearing on 146 episodes of the Bravo hit.

Her past acting credits consist of roles on shows such as Waking Up with Strangers, Anger Management, Paradise City and The Other Two, as well as the 2018 Vivica A. Fox film Dead End.

The promotional images were released of Madix in police uniform as the third installment of the Vanderpump Rules season 10 reunion aired Wednesday, showing Madix air her grievances toward Sandoval and Leviss.

The promotional images were released of Madix in police uniform as the third installment of the Vanderpump Rules reunion aired Wednesday

Madix aired her grievances toward Sandoval and Leviss in the special, saying, 'I can't think of two worst people, I can't'

Elsewhere in the reunion special, Madix described Leviss as 'diabolical, demented [and] sub-human' for her actions involving Sandoval, adding that 'selfish doesn't cover it'

In the special, Madix said of the pair: 'I can't think of two worst people, I can't.'

Elsewhere in the reunion special, Madix described Leviss as 'diabolical, demented [and] sub-human' for her actions involving Sandoval, adding that 'selfish doesn't cover it.'

She added: 'You're a f***ing psychopath. You are terrifying to me as a person. The fact that you are capable of this s***, unf***ing believable. You're a dementor.'
Kayla Itsines has hit back at claims she hired a makeup artist and hairdresser to get her daughter Arna , four, ready for her preschool photos.

On Thursday, the Adelaide Advertiser claimed the millionaire fitness star enlisted a 'full glam squad' to tend to the little girl while she was 'hand fed brownies'.

The fitness star, 32, took to Instagram on Thursday to slam the alleged extravagant expense.

'Wow absolutely not. Zero. Never,' Kayla wrote over the article.

The influencer explained Arna had come to work with her the morning prior to her being dropped off from school, and while her hair and makeup team were getting Kayla ready for a shoot they decided to help get her daughter ready for the photos.

Kayla Itsines has hit back at claims she hired a makeup artist and hairdresser to get her daughter Arna , four, ready for her preschool photos

Award-winning hairdresser Massimo Tirimacco tied Arna's hair back, and famed makeup artist Ali Buss brushed her brows.

'Arna came with me to work this morning and my hair and makeup artist were so excited, when I started doing her hair for school photos, they wanted to do it,' Kayla explained.

'No one is hiring a hair and makeup team for preschool photos for their kid. Arna is just lucky everyone loves her.'

The fitness star, 32, took to Instagram on Thursday to slam the alleged extravagant expense

The influencer explained Arna had come to work with her the morning prior to her being dropped off from school, and while her hair and makeup team were getting Kayla ready for a shoot they decided to help get her daughter ready for the photos

Arna's hair was styled in a high ponytail for her school photos, similar to the one her famous mother usually rocks.

Kayla received the lion's share of the AU$400million sale of her fitness empire Sweat, which took place in 2021.

She is said to have earned US$225million (AU$300million) following the sale of Sweat to an American software giant, according to The Australian.

'No one is hiring a hair and makeup team for preschool photos for their kid. Arna is just lucky everyone loves her,' she said

Arna's hair was styled in a high ponytail for her school photos, similar to the one her famous mother usually rocks

Kayla and her ex-husband Tobi Pearce, who were together for eight years, co-founded the Bikini Body Training Company - later renamed Sweat - after meeting in late 2012.

More recently, the Adelaide-based star gave birth to her second child, a son named Jax, with fiance Jae Woodroffe in January this year.

Kayla and Jaye were engaged last July.
A Talk on Domestic Abuse, Rachel Williams returns to Gibraltar

The Ministry of Equality has announced that it is holding a second event in its series of fireside chats and the next one will focus on domestic abuse.

It will be held on Monday 12th June at the Elliot Hotel from 5pm to 7pm.

The topic for the fireside chat has been selected to coincide with the changes that have been brought about by the new legislation that was passed in Parliament earlier this year. Training and awareness around domestic abuse and the new legislation are being organised as key components of the new Domestic Abuse National Strategy.

This fireside chat aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and will hear first hand from domestic abuse survivor and campaigner Rachel Williams who will be back in Gibraltar next week and will also be delivering a number of training workshops to frontline staff at key stakeholder departments.

In particular, the presentation aims to highlight the impact of coercive control, a new criminal offence in our Domestic Abuse Act.

Rachel was one of the key speakers at the Ministry of Justices domestic abuse conference for public servants held in November 2022 and also spoke at the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival last year. Her testimony which is a powerful indictment of domestic abuse was extremely well-received on both occasions.

Rachel, who was in an abusive relationship for 18 years, was shot and severely injured by her violent partner in 2011. He then took his life, as did her 16-year-old son, Jack, shortly after the attack. Rachel will be delivering a presentation where she will recount her lived experience of domestic abuse.

Now a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Adviser, Rachel campaigns tirelessly and is committed to ending domestic abuse. In 2020 she received the St. Davids award in recognition of her longstanding efforts and work in this field. Rachel has also been recently shortlisted for Crime Fighter of the Year in the UK.

This presentation is open to the public but anyone interested in attending must register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minister for Equality, the Hon Samantha Sacramento, said: We are fortunate that Rachel has been able to return to Gibraltar to assist us with our awareness campaign, learning about the impact of domestic abuse and awareness is a key part of the preventative strand of our Domestic Abuse Strategy. Members of the public who were not able to attend her talk last year will have another opportunity to listen to her powerful account. Rachel is a survivor of terrible abuse and violence. She is a remarkable woman whose story is incredibly moving but uplifting and inspiring at the same time. Rachel will also talk about the huge impact of coercive control which is now an offence covered by the Domestic Abuse Act 2023. I would encourage everyone who may be affected by a situation of domestic abuse, including friends and family, to attend.
Ariana Madix has found a way to turn her heartbreak into a business opportunity.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 37, received a cruel jab from cheating ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval, 39, during the last season 10 reunion episode on Wednesday, when he complained that she kept her t-shirt on during sex.

Everyone in the cast appeared shocked by the remark, with Ariana saying, 'He is disgusting' and co-star Lala Kent calling him out by saying, 'You're such a f*****g d**k!'

However, soon after the episode aired the star took to her Instagram Stories to promote a new piece of merch from her and co-star Katie Maloney's online store, which was inspired by Sandoval's comment.

The merch was a $34.99 grey cotton t-shirt with what appeared to be Ariana's face and hands holding a grilled cheese sandwich, and a slogan that read, 'F**k me in this t-shirt.'

Cashing in: Ariana Madix, 37, found a way to turn her heartbreak into a business opportunity on Wednesday, after receiving a cruel jab from cheating ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval, 39

Distasteful: Sandoval complained that she kept her t-shirt on during sex in the last season 10 reunion episode, adding sarcastically, 'It was really hot'

New merch: Soon after the episode aired Ariana took to her Instagram Stories to promote new merch from her online store. It was a t-shirt with a slogan that read, 'F**k me in this t-shirt'

The drama started when host Andy Cohen asked Tom if he had slept with anyone else since his affair with co-star Raquel Leviss, 28  which caused the end of his longtime relationship with Madix  began.

He said there was nobody else  a statement Madix didn't agree with, as she replied: 'You know who he did sleep with after him and Raquel started sleeping together? Me.'

Tom  who previously complained about the former pair's intimacy issues during an interview with Howie Mandel in April  replied, 'Yeah, she kept her T-shirt on. It was really hot.'

Sandoval's eyebrow raising remark caused his co-star James Kennedy to say, 'f*****g disgusting.'

Even his close friend Tom Schwartz questioned the move, telling him, 'Don't say that. Don't say that.'

'I'm sorry,' Sandoval replied.

Meanwhile boss Lisa Vanderpump also gave her opinion, warning Raquel that this was the type of behavior she should expect from Tom in the future.

'This is your future, Raquel. He's gonna talk to you like this, too.'

Outraged fans quickly took to social media after hearing Sandoval's remark, with one person writing, 'She should've put the t-shirt over your head - so she wouldn't have to look at you.'

Drama: It all started when host Andy Cohen asked Tom if he had slept with anyone else since his affair with co-star Raquel Leviss, 28  which caused the end of his longtime relationship with Madix  began

He said there was nobody else  a statement Madix didn't agree with, as she replied: 'You know who he did sleep with after him and Raquel started sleeping together? Me'

Yikes: Tom  who previously complained about the former pair's intimacy issues during an interview with Howie Mandel in April  replied, 'Yeah, she kept her T-shirt on. It was really hot'

Cast Outage: Everyone in the cast appeared shocked by the remark, with Ariana saying, 'He is disgusting' and co-star Lala Kent calling him out by saying, 'You're such a f*****g d**k!'

'I cannot believe Tom just f*****g said that what a disgusting pig,' another added.

'Raise your hand if you want to lay hands on Sandoval,' another meme read.

'Tom better not be implying Ariana's t-shirt was a turn off while he's been walking around with that creepy mustache all season,' someone else wrote.

The reactions continued to pout in, with another reading, 'Tom leaving his mustache on during sex seems 10x worse than a t-shirt.'

'When Andy's face proves Sandoval went even lower than we ever thought he could go,' read a meme of Andy Cohen with an awkward face expression.

Another fan chimed in: 'He complains Ariana wore a t-shirt when intimate. Yes, he is horrible.'

Another reaction featured a burning car and the words, 'Light him on fire!!!!'

A Twitter user also pointed out how 'vile' it was of Tom to say those words to Ariana who has in the past 'cried about her body issues for several seasons.'

Yikes! Outraged fans quickly took to social media after hearing Sandoval's remark, with one writing, 'She should've put the t-shirt over your head - so she wouldn't have to look at you'

Not happy: 'Raise your hand if you want to lay hands on Sandoval,' another meme read

Disgusting: 'I cannot believe Tom just f*****g said that what a disgusting pig,' another added

Creepy mustache: 'Tom better not be implying Ariana's t-shirt was a turn off while he's been walking around with that creepy mustache all season,' someone else wrote

Shock: Another meme featured Scheana Shay's shocked face

Not okay: One collage of photos showed the cast's reaction to what Tom said

Rethinking everything: An image Sandoval's close friend Tom Schwartz looking disheartened also made the rounds

Funny: 'Tom leaving his mustache on during sex seems 10x worse than a t-shirt'

Low blow: 'When Andy's face proves Sandoval went even lower than we ever thought he could go'

'Horrible': 'He complains Ariana wore a t-shirt when intimate. Yes, he is horrible'

Not cool: 'Every woman in American when Sandoval made that comment about Ariana leaving her t-shirt on for sex...'

Not having it: Fans of the show got creative as they blasted Tom with a number of memes

Not clever: Many pointed out that Sandoval's remark was not very original

Complaining: Tom previously complained the former pair's intimacy issues during an interview with Howie Mandel in an April

Scorned woman: Another meme featured a burning car and the words, 'Light him on fire!!!!'

Shocked memes continued to pour in online

Not having it! Tom's words appeared to strike a chord with many women

Coming with pitchforks: There was also an image of animated characters carrying pitchforks on social media

'He is vile': A Twitter user pointed out how 'vile' it was of Tom to say those words to Ariana who has in the past 'cried about her body issues for several seasons'

Misogyny: Others pointed out the 'misogyny' in Tom's behavior

Turn lemons into lemonade: Someone else noticed that this moment could be a good business opportunity for Ariana

'Trash': Heated opinions took over Twitter following the finale

T-shirt club: Many did not understand why wearing a t-shirt would be an issue

Elsewhere in the finale Tom's mistress Raquel tearfully came clean about the Scandoval affair and admitted to more sex romps and her desire to be in a 'throuple' with Ariana on the third and final reunion episode on Bravo.

The reality star sat down for a final interview six days after the reunion in which Ariana blasted her over her betrayal.

'I think it's important to me to tell the truth,' said Raquel as she admitted to lying during the reunion.

Raquel admitted to having sex in Cancun, Mexico, with Sandoval and said their sex romps 'picked up speed' after they wrapped filming.

She also admitted that she wanted to tell Ariana about their affair and that the idea of a 'throuple' didn't seem 'far-fetched.

Ariana earlier unleashed her full fury on her ex-boyfriend Sandoval and former friend Raquel during the reunion.

'Diabolical, demented, sub-human,' Ariana called Raquel after she admitted to being 'super selfish' for engaging in a months-long affair with Sandoval. 'Selfish doesn't cover it.'

'I can't think of two worst people, I can't,' Ariana said while wiping away tears as she talked about the betrayal by her longtime boyfriend and close friend.

Raquel also told the producer that Sandoval asked her not to disclose certain information.

'I feel like Tom is, like, you know, my one person that I do have. And so, if I just, like, went and betrayed him, then I'd really have nobody,' Raquel said.

She started crying as she revealed they agreed to get their story straight.

Wow: Elsewhere in the finale Tom's mistress Raquel Leviss, 28, tearfully came clean about the Scandoval affair and admitted to more sex romps and her desire to be in a 'throuple' with Ariana on the third and final reunion episode on Bravo

Cover up: Ariana said Sandoval brought Raquel to his home town in St. Louis 'more than once' and claimed he was using other people's credit cards to cover up the affair

Heartbreak: Leviss and Sandoval caused ructions among the reality show cast when their infidelity was revealed in March, ending his nine-year union with Ariana

'The reason why Tom wanted to lie about it is because it's a really bad look to hook up with someone's boyfriend in their own house. When they've gone out of town, especially for, like, a funeral, of all things,' Raquel said sobbing.

She was mentioning the time when Ariana was out of town to attend the funeral of her beloved grandmother Bonnie.

'This has f***ing killed my soul. Like, I am so sick of lying. I hate it. I hate being deceitful. It's horrible,' Raquel said while crying hard.

It was recently revealed that contract negotiations for the cast of Vanderpump Rules have been paused amid the aftermath of Scandoval.
Megan Fox excitedly watched her on-again beau Machine Gun Kelly perform in Berlin on Wednesday night.

The actress was side of the stage at the Waldbuehne for MGK's latest tour stop, wowing in a racy look.

She rocked a low-cut black vest with tights, and slung a leather jacket around her shoulders.

Megan added a pop of colour with her bright red manicure and her auburn locks. She also flashed her 'el pistolero' tattoo on her chest, which is MGK's nickname 'gunman' in Spanish.

The stunning star couldn't tear her eyes away from her beau as he worked the crowd in a tartan and black look.

His number one fan: Megan Fox excitedly watched her on-again beau Machine Gun Kelly perform in Berlin on Wednesday night

Back on stage: The actress was side of the stage at the Waldbuehne for MGK's latest tour stop, wowing in a racy look

The couple seem well and truly back on track after a tough period which saw them briefly split up.

Previously, the pair met on set of 2021 crime thriller and box-office bomb Midnight In The Switchgrass  Randall Emmett's directorial debut film.

Megan declared at the time: 'I knew right away that he was what I call a twin flame. Instead of a soul mate, a twin flame is actually where a soul has ascended into a high enough level that it can be split into two different bodies at the same time.

'So we're actually two halves of the same soul, I think.'

Two years into their 'twin flame' romance, they got engaged at a spot they vacationed together in the past.

Machine Gun Kelly  whose real name is Colson Baker  proposed during their tropical getaway in Puerto Rico at the beginning of 2022.

But in March, the couple decided to take a break on their whirlwind romance amid infidelity rumors.

Since then, they 'halted' their wedding plans despite reconciling and starting couples therapy together.

A source said at the time that although they had endured a 'rocky patch' in their whirlwind romance, the couple are 'officially back on' and 'feel more connected than ever.'

Fan girling: The stunning star couldn't tear her eyes away from her beau as he worked the crowd in a tartan and black look

On again: The couple seem well and truly back on track after a tough period which saw them briefly split up with Megan recently following MGK as he tours Europe

Split: In March, the couple decided to take a break on their whirlwind romance amid infidelity rumors with a source later saying that MGK was 'doing whatever he can to get her back'

Lovebirds: Megan has since been pictured with her beau multiple times, as she follows him around Europe for his recent run of gigs (pictured together in London last week)

But sources told PEOPLE Megan isn't making it easy for MGK, with an insider revealing: 'He's doing whatever he can to get her back, and she's making him work for it.

'They are slowly working on reconciling but he's totally in the dog house still,' added the source.

The couple's inner circle are reportedly not placing their bets on success when it comes to the on-off couple making it to the alter.

'It's still an unhealthy dynamic though,' said the insider, 'and their friends just don't see this lasting.'

Just shortly before Fox met her beau, she had called it quits with her husband of 10 years  actor Brian Austin Green, 49.

The former couple share three sons  Noah, 10, Bodhi, nine, and Journey, six.
Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu has been asked to return to the show 'on a secret mission' by ITV bosses in this years series.

The ITV favourite, 28, took drastic measures in the summer show last year as she crawled into the terrace twice in a bid to share a sneaky kiss with Jay Younger.

But now ITV has insisted Ekin-Su return to the show on a secret assignment to surprise this summer's contestants.

Fans have previously called for the Turkish actress to return to the villa to 'spice things up' as some found the series 'repetitive' and 'boring'.

One fan took to Twitter to write: 'Remember when Ekin made brunch interesting by sharing pasta with jay? ah the good ole days missin my queen.'

Sneaky: Ekin-Su Culculoglu took drastic measures in the summer show last year as she crawled into the terrace twice in a bid to share a sneaky kiss with Jay Younger

Bombshell: The Love Island star, 28, looked chic as she attended the UK premiere of Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts on Wednesday

This time last year, the bombshell turned up to the villa and has since been branded the 'most iconic women in Love Island history.'

Referring to this year's show, fans said: 'One year to the day since queen Ekin Su showed up and became one of the most iconic women in love island history.'

'Bring back Ekin Su this shit is boring.'

'I miss last summers cast already. Bring back Ekin Su.'

The beauty looked chic as she attended the UK premiere of Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts on Wednesday.

Hollywood's latest summer blockbuster risked being upstaged by Britain's biggest summer show as London's Leicester Square played host to new film Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts.

Ekin-Su pulled out all the stops for the occasion in a deeply plunging white gown, which featured cut-out panels and showcased her incredible figure.

The dress, which showcased Ekin-Su's ample assets, was styled with bouncy blown out hair and a glamorous coat of make-up, which only served to enhance the reality personality's natural good looks.

Ekin-Su was joined on the red carpet by her boyfriend Davide Davide Sanclimenti, who looked dapper in a cream linen summer suit, but also posed for a series of sizzling solo shots.
Horror fans have revealed they 'can't sleep' after watching the trailer for the new Bird Box sequel.

The first film starring Sandra Bullock was released in 2018 and became Netflix's most watched film in 28 days with 282 million hours watched.

The movie, based on the novel of the same name, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where people commit suicide after laying eyes on otherwordly creatures who have invaded the earth.

Fans can now look forward to Bird Box Barcelona, a spin-off film that takes the action to Spain.

In the trailer, a British woman is seen saying: 'Those things, they take our fears and they twist them.'

Creepy: Horror fans have revealed they 'can't sleep' after watching the trailer for the new Bird Box sequel

Setting: The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world where people commit suicide after laying eyes on otherwordly creatures who have invaded the earth

Success: The first film starring Sandra Bullock was released in 2018 and became Netflix's most watched film in 28 days with 282 million hours watched

It then becomes apparant the film is set in Spain as a voice is heard telling citizens to 'avoid visual contact with these beings'.

A man travelling with two small children is seen telling them: 'Whatever you do, don't open your eyes.'

The trailer also shows the effects the creatures have had on society as several people are seen throwing themsleves in front of a train after looking at them.

A synposis of the film reads: 'From the producers of the global phenomenon, Bird Box, comes BIRD BOX BARCELONA, an expansion of the film that riveted audiences in 2018.

'After a mysterious force decimates the world's population, Sebastian must navigate his own survival journey through the desolate streets of Barcelona.

'As he forms uneasy alliances with other survivors and they try to escape the city, an unexpected and even more sinister threat grows.'

Fans are already looking forward to the film's release, with one saying: 'Oh God I already can't sleep thinking about this, the first one messed me up.'

Another wrote: 'Looks even scarier than the first... still gonna watch though lol,' while a third added: 'Insomnia incoming'.

Spin-off: Fans can now look forward to Bird Box Barcelona, a spin-off film that takes the action to Spain

Release: Bird Box Barcelona is available to stream on Netflix from Friday July 14

A fourth fan said: 'Bird Box has so much potential. I'm happy that they will show a new story with new protagonists, in a new city.'

A fifth wrote: 'Covering different part of the world instead of doing sequal, love it'.

Bird Box Barcelona is available to stream on Netflix from Friday July 14.
Zachariah Noble entered the Love Island villa this week as the first bombshell, but it has been revealed fame already runs in the family.

The personal trainer, 25, counts BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ and MTV UK presenter, Snoochie Shy as his half-sister.

Snoochie, 29, whose real name is Cheyenne Davide, famously appeared on I'm A Celebrity....Get Me Out of Here! in 2021.

She also has another connection to Love Island as she is friends with host Maya Jama.

Snoochie took to her Instagram on Wednesday to cheer on her brother, sharing a slew of snaps of the siblings together.

Famous relative: Zachariah Noble entered the Love Island villa this week as the first bombshell, but it has been revealed fame already runs in the family

Siblings: The personal trainer, 25, counts BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ and MTV UK presenter, Snoochie Shy as his half-sister

Pals: Snoochie, 29, whose real name is Cheyenne Davide, also has another connection to Love Island as she is friends with host Maya Jama

She wrote: 'WELL HERE WE GO. MY BABY BRO IS IN THE LOVE ISLAND VILLA !!! GO ZAC'.

She posted a number of holiday photos with Zachariah and some adorable childhood throwback shots.

It comes after Love Island fans were astonished to learn of the connection between Zachariah and another celebrity.

Following his dramatic entrance in the villa, fans drew similarities between Zachariah and ex-Islander Jack Fowler.

Viewers commented that the two Love Island stars sounded exactly alike and had similar mannerisms, as they couldn't help but compare the two.

Supportive: Snoochie took to her Instagram on Wednesday to cheer on her brother, sharing a slew of snaps of the siblings together

Sweet: She posted a number of holiday photos with Zachariah and some adorable childhood throwback shots

She wrote: 'WELL HERE WE GO. MY BABY BRO IS IN THE LOVE ISLAND VILLA !!! GO ZAC'

Friends: It comes after Love Island fans were astonished to learn of the connection between Zachariah and another celebrity - ex-Islander Jack Fowler

They were later shocked to discover that Londoner Zachariah and Jack actually know each other, after their friendship was confirmed by a social media snap.

Many shared their thoughts on Twitter, sharing snaps of the two reality stars side-by-side, alongside captions such as: 'Jack Fowler walked so Zachariah could run.'

Some viewers crowned Zachariah 'Jack Fowler 2.0' as they compared the two, even before discovering that they know each other on the outside world.

After the image of the two together at a festival came to light, one person reshared it on their social media page and wrote: 'I JUST KNEW IT.'
Sonia Kruger ensured all eyes were on her as she stepped out in a glamorous orange gown.

The 57-year-old, who has captivated audiences for decades, proved once again age is just a number on Thursday when she showed off her incredible physique.

The star looked radiant in a vibrant Alex Perry gown, worth an eye-watering $3,820, complete with a daring leg split that added drama to the ensemble.

'Grab your partner and get ready to Rumba! Dancing With The Stars premieres 7.00pm Sunday, June 18 on Channel Seven,' she captioned the post.

The colour of the dress, a stunning shade of citrus, complemented her glowing skin.

Sonia Kruger ensured all eyes were on her as she stepped out in a glamorous orange gown. Pictured

The 57-year-old, who has captivated audiences for decades, proved once again age is just a number on Thursday when she showed off her incredible physique

Sonia paired the show-stopping number with a pair of chic transparent high heels.

She wore her signature blonde locks loose, styled into perfect waves that cascaded down her shoulders.

The actor and dancer flaunted her age-defying beauty with a nude lip and smoky eyes which highlighted her long lashes.

It comes after Sonia opened up about her tips to having incredible, youthful skin

It comes after Sonia opened up about her tips to having incredible, youthful skin all over your body.

The age-defying beauty recently took to Instagram to reveal that she added a particular product to her daily routine, and that it's done wonders for her skin.

The Bio-Oil product is a hydrating gel moisturiser that has the moisturising benefits of an oil paired with the absorption of a gel.

The age-defying beauty recently took to Instagram to reveal that she added a particular product to her daily routine, and that it's done wonders for her skin

Sharing a video of the product to Instagram, she wrote: 'Hydration for the nation!

She also said that it had given her the 'confidence' to 'love the skin I'm in' and that she'd added it to her morning and night routine.

The Voice presenter then proceeded to lather the gel on her arms, legs and chest in an effort demonstrate the gel's capabilities.

The star also admitted that it was a paid post and an advertisement, so it's unclear if she's a regular user of the product or not.

She also said that it had given her the 'confidence' to 'love the skin I'm in'

Sonia has spent the past 10 years paying close attention to her skincare.

Last year, the Australian television star and mum-of-one gave FEMAIL a sneak peek behind the doors of her beauty cabinet, which features prominently Australian products.

The most important part of Sonia's skincare ritual starts at the end of her working day when she begins the 'mission' of removing her make up.

The TV personality said she starts with Neutrogena's oil free eye make up remover before cleaning her skin again with Bioderma's Micellar Water.

The Voice presenter then proceeded to lather the gel on her arms, legs and chest in an effort demonstrate the gel's capabilities

She then uses Neutrogena's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover before finishing off with The Deep Cleanse by Tatcha and slathering on a moisturiser.

'I will also use the Three Warriors Tasmanian sand scrub to take off excess body makeup and fake tan,' she added.

If she has worked the night before she always cleanses when she wakes up.

'I like to use Medik8 calm wise soothing cleanser as it's gentle on my skin but leaves me feeling fresh,' she said.

Last year, the Australian television star and mum-of-one gave FEMAIL a sneak peek behind the doors of her beauty cabinet, which features prominently Australian products

She then applies moisturiser including the QV Face moisturising day cream which is SPF 30 and a tinted moisturiser - she says she likes to splurge here with her favourite product being the $172 Rationale tinted serum which has an SPF 50.

When she isn't working, Sonia prefers to keep things simple and give her skin a break by 'keeping things pretty minimal'.

The presenter, who grew up in Toowoomba, Queensland, also likes to maintain a beautiful golden tan - without damaging her skin - so needs to touch up her fake tan every few days.

Sonia says her mother has amazing skin - and she credits her luck in that department to those genetics

'I use Three Warriors tanning mousse. It's actually really easy and I love that it's organic and chemical free, as well as the Three Warriors face tan aqua mist as it contains olive oil and gives me a bit of a glow in next to no time,' she said.

'In my 20s I wasn't as disciplined as I should have been with sunscreen. However, now, more than ever I have realised how important it is to nourish, hydrate and illuminate my skin in a way that's as natural as possible.

'I was drawn to Three Warriors because it contains plant-based ingredients like aloe vera and olive oil that work to hydrate the skin while also giving you a sun-kissed glow,' she said.

Sonia says her mother has amazing skin - and she credits her luck in that department to those genetics.

'In my 20s and 30s I really didn't do much at all,' she revealed.

The 57-year-old puts in long hours on the set of some of Australia's biggest television shows - so needs to be camera-ready at all times

'But in the last 10 years I've really tried harder to take care of my skin. I always wear a hat, try to stay out of the sun and keep hydrated.'

'Your skin really shows how healthy you are from the inside out. I also want to set a good example for my six-year-old daughter Maggie on the importance of sunscreen and protecting ourselves from the Aussie sun.'

The busy mum also exercises regularly - to keep her body fit and healthy but also because she believes sweating out toxins is good for the skin.

'I try to work up a sweat dancing a few times a week as part of my Strictly You online dance platform,' she said.
Film fans are fuming after the 1971 classic The French Connection was censored without warning.

William Friedkin's drama, which can currently be streamed via the US streaming platform Criterion Channel, now has a new edit approximately ten minutes into the film.

The scene involves a conversation between characters 'Popeye' Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Buddy 'Cloudy' Russo (Roy Scheider) when a racial slur is used.

Based on Robin Moore's 1969 book, the plot centres around the the seizure of 246 pounds of heroin smuggled via car on a French ocean liner.

Disney, who owns the rights to the film following its takeover of Fox in 2019, have been accused of censoring the scene in the US.

Reaction: Film fans are fuming after the 1971 classic The French Connection was censored without warning

Change: William Friedkin's drama, which can currently be streamed via the US streaming platform Criterion Channel, now has a new edit approximately ten minutes into the film

On Disney+ in the UK and Canada, the film remains unedited.

Fans aren't happy and one wrote on Twitter: 'Disney Censor 'The French Connection' (1971) In cases such as this, 'Censor' takes the place of 'Vandalise'.

'They have vandalised a piece of art. This is corporate vandalism no matter how said corporation spins the language.'

Another wrote: 'The censorship of The French Connection is shameful if true. I really wish both those on the left and the right would see that one cannot be for this and against banning books and vice versa.

'Most like censorship if it suits their politics not seeing how it can hurt them later.'

A third wrote: 'Glad I've yet to see a single person endorse the censorship of The French Connection.'

Criterion Channel have been contacted for comment.

In 2020, the former NYPD detective whose police work with his partner was used as the plot for the classic film The French Connection, died aged 89.

Viewers: Fans aren't happy and one wrote on Twitter: 'Disney Censor 'The French Connection' (1971) In cases such as this, 'Censor' takes the place of 'Vandalise'

History: Based on Robin Moore's 1969 book, the plot centres around the the seizure of 246 pounds of heroin smuggled via car on a French ocean liner

Sonny Grosso and his police work with partner Eddie Egan formed the plot of the 1971 thriller.

His character in the film, Detective Buddy 'Cloudy' Russo, was played by Roy Schieder and Egan's character, Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle, was played by Gene Hackman.

Mr Grosso consulted on the five-time Oscar-winning film and even played the minor role of federal agent Klein.

His death, which followed a long illness, was confirmed by his former NYPD captain, Ernie Naspretto.

Mr Naspretto told the New York Post: 'He had a good run.'

After Mr Grosso's work on The French Connection went well he carried on to become a producer and film consultant in his own right and worked on Kojak, Night Heat and Baretta.

Questionable: The scene involves a conversation between characters 'Popeye' Doyle (Gene Hackman) - pictured - and Buddy 'Cloudy' Russo (Roy Scheider) when a racial slur is used

Mr Naspretto also revealed that while Mr Grosso was consulting on The Godfather he lent the actors a prop, his department-issued handgun.

He said: 'The gun that killed Solazzo and McCluskey in The Godfather, from the toilet, that's Sonny's gun.

'He carried it to the day he died.'

Mr Grosso was known for helping to take down an organised crime ring in 1961 and seizing 112 pounds of heroin - a record at the time and an amount which would have a current street value of roughly $30million.
Julie Bishop is known for her impeccable style.

And on Thursday night, the Minister for Fashion, 66, wowed onlookers yet again when she stepped out to meet US actress Jennifer Coolidge in Sydney.

Julie ensured all eyes were on her in a stunning floor length gown from Meraki Official that featured padded shoulders, a cropped sleeve and a fit and flare skirt.

Ms Bishop teamed the mirror sequin gown that retails for $1100 with a matching clutch.

The emerging fashion icon kept her jewellery minimal on the night, opting for dazzling statement earrings and a silver bracelet.

She wore her hair swept to the side, and paired her impeccable makeup palette with a dazzling smile.

Julie Bishop is known for her impeccable style. And on Thursday night, the Minister for Fashion, 66, wowed onlookers yet again when she stepped out to meet US actress Jennifer Coolidge in Sydney. Both pictured

The US actress, 61, is in Australia ahead of a talk at the Sydney Opera House

Jennifer, 61, meanwhile made a timeless statement in a long-sleeved black dress that featured a pearl a design.

She completed her look wearing black heels.

The White Lotus star, and beloved camp icon, wore her signature blonde locks loose, styled into perfect waves that cascaded down her shoulders.

Ms Bishop recently revealed a trip to New York for the Met Gala was her number one 'ultimate travel bucket list'.

'Surely one year, I'll get there,' she told Marie Claire.

She went on to reveal her style inspiration was Amal Clooney, wife of Hollywood superstar George Clooney.

'I love what she wears and whenever she wears it. Shes fabulous,' she gushed over the glamorous barrister.
Sarah Jessica Parker put on a stunning display as she stepped out in NYC just days before the return of Sex And The City spin-off And Just Like That...

The actress, 58, who plays Carrie Bradshaw in the iconic series, looked worlds away from her outlandish character in a simple jeans and T-shirt combo.

She showed off her slender frame in the tight grey top with jeans and strappy, low-heeled shoes as she stepped out in low-key style.

The star was stepping out for an appearance at Union Square's Barnes And Noble in NYC to give a talk alongside author Elysha Chang about the latter's book A Quitter's Paradise - which is a new release from Sarah's publishing company SJP Lit.

Speaking about the book, she said: 'A Quitter's Paradise is a glorious, pondering, heartbreaking, extremely funny, VERY special book...

Stunner: Sarah Jessica Parker put on a stunning display as she stepped out in NYC just days before the return of Sex And The City spin-off And Just Like That...

Hey there! The star was stepping out for an appearance at Union Square's Barnes And Noble in NYC to give a talk alongside author Elysha Chang about the latter's book A Quitter's Paradise - which is a new release from Sarah's publishing company SJP Lit

Happy days: The novel is the first from Sarah's SJP Lit, a new imprint from the independent publisher Zando, launched in 2020 by Molly Stern

'In Eleanor and her family, Elysha Chang has created captivating characters, who continuously surprised, delighted, and intrigued me...

'So much so that I didn't want to leave them. I couldn't be more honored to be working with the extraordinarily talented Elysha Chang.'

The novel is the first from Sarah's SJP Lit, a new imprint from the independent publisher Zando, launched in 2020 by Molly Stern.

Her appearance comes just two days after Sarah warmly embraced her Sex and the City co-stars Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon as they marked the show's 25th anniversary on Tuesday - but failed to mention Kim Cattrall.

Elegant: She showed off her slender frame in the tight grey top with jeans and strappy, low-heeled shoes as she stepped out in low-key style

Stepping out: She was guided along by a bodyguard who towered over her petite frame

Sarah who had an explosive feud with Samantha Jones star Cattrall, 66, gushed over the series and her pals in a video message shared by HBO - ahead of the premiere of season two of the spin-off series And Just Like That... which Cattrall will make a sensational cameo in.

An emotional Parker said: 'We're just here to say thank you... what has happened in our lives in the past 25 years...

'We've created families, we've created relationships. I realized you were having the same experience and we love you for joining us for so many years.

Cynthia, 57, added: 'Thank you for loving us and tuning in and giving us the opportunity.'

Happy days: Speaking about the book, she said: 'A Quitter's Paradise is a glorious, pondering, heartbreaking, extremely funny, VERY special book'

No Kim? Her appearance comes just two days after Sarah warmly embraced her Sex and the City co-stars Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon as they marked the show's 25th anniversary on Tuesday - but failed to mention Kim Cattrall

Kristin, 58, said as SJP clutched onto her hand: 'We just want to say thank you for supporting us, this is how come we've been able to do it for so long.'

SJP concluded: 'We have such gratitude and appreciation and affection - so happy anniversary!'

There was notably no mention of Cattrall whatsoever, who won worldwide fame and fans all over the world with her portrayal of man-eater publicist Jones in six seasons of the show and two movies.

Davis did however give a nod to Kim when she shared a poignant clip to mark 25 years since the first episode of the iconic series aired.

She's back! Sarah, who had an explosive feud with Samantha Jones star Cattrall, 66, gushed over the series in a video message shared by HBO - ahead of the premiere of season two of the spin-off series And Just Like That... in which Cattrall will make a sensational cameo

On Instagram she wrote: 'It is impossible to believe it has been 25 years! I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to be a part of this story that connects so many of us together. It has and continues to be a JOY!

'Thank you to all of you who have come along for the ride. We love you #SATC25.'

The montage opened with Samantha and Carrie browsing shoes as Carrie exclaimed: 'Hello, lover!'

Samantha's most iconic moments - including 'I'm a trysexual, I'll try anything once!' - featured heavily in the clip.

Core four: SATC ran for six seasons from 1998-2004 - with Kim credited for bringing the 'sex' to Sex and the City (pictured together in SATC season six)

Come on ladies! An emotional Parker said: 'We're just here to say thank you... what has happened in our lives in the past 25 years... 'We've created families, we've created relationships'

One is missing: Cynthia, 57, added: 'Thank you for loving us and tuning in and giving us the opportunity'

Fun: Kristin, 58, said as SJP clutched onto her hand: 'We just want to say thank you for supporting us, this is how come we've been able to do it for so long'

Sam! Davis did however give a nod to Kim when she shared a poignant clip to mark 25 years since the first episode of the iconic series aired

SATC author Candace Bushnell also paid homage, sharing a post captioned: 'Here's to a quarter-century of SATC'

SATC author Candace Bushnell also paid homage, sharing a post captioned: 'Here's to a quarter-century of SATC.'

Cattrall was convinced to join And Just Like That with a promise of 'nice career boost and great payday' by her 'dear friend' and producer Darren Star, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed last week.

The iconic actress confirmed her shocking return as Sex And The City's Samantha Jones for the second season of the spin-off last week - despite her explosive feud with co-star Parker.

According to Variety, Kim will return for only one 'cliffhanger' scene, which she shot in New York City, without seeing or speaking with Sarah or their fellow leading ladies Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis.

In the scene, Samantha, who has moved to London, will have a phone conversation with Parker's Carrie Bradshaw.

The New York Post also revealed that Cattrall's cameo was so secretive that her name did not even appear on the call sheet for the day, leaving people stunned at her presence.

An insider said said show staffers were 'definitely shocked, very intrigued on how they're gonna write this in - and very excited. She said she'd never do it! She said she'd never come back!'

Enemies: In the scene, Samantha, who has moved to London, will have a phone conversation with Parker's Carrie Bradshaw (pictured together in 2008)

Confirmed! Season 2 of And Just Like That... will return June 22 on HBO Max

Phenomenon: SATC has become one of the most iconic television shows of all time

It was claimed her scene was filmed in a town car in a parking garage near Silvercup Studios in Queens.

Sex And The City designer Patricia Field, who is not the costume designer for AJLT, returned to dress Cattrall for the scene. AJLT's second season will premiere on June 22 on Max.

Samantha did feature in AJLT season one - but only over text message as Carrie repeatedly messaged her to try and repair their friendship. AJLT saw Carrie claim Samantha had cut her off and moved to London - due to fury at the writer firing her as a publicist - in a storyline Cattrall slammed for being inauthentic to the character.

The explosive reveal will both delight and shock fans of SATC as Cattrall has previously refused to ever reprise her fan-favorite role as the man-hungry publicist - having last played the character in much derided 2010 film, Sex and the City 2.

Now, a source close to the actress has revealed exactly what convinced Kim to sign up for a cameo on the sequel - which she admitted last year that she was 'never asked to be a part of'.

Fury: The feud escalated in 2018 when Cattrall blasted Parker for talking about Kim's brother Christopher, who was found dead in Canada, in a TV interview

Ended: Cattrall told Parker she was 'not her friend' and slammed her

According to the well-placed insider, fans of the show can thank show creator Darren, 61, for Samantha's upcoming return, with the source revealing that he was the one who convinced Kim that she needed to give the character a proper goodbye.

SCRAPS AND THE CITY: HOW DID KIM AND SARAH'S FEUD BEGIN? May 2008: SJP defended Kim when she was asked whether she supported her decision to delay the filming of the first SATC movie due to salary disputes December 2009: Kim and Cynthia Nixon attend SJP's premier for Did You Hear About The Morgans? in a show of support and SJP tells Elle that she wouldn't have done the SATC film without Kim January 2010: In an interview with the Mail, Kim expressed her exasperation over the never-ending feud rumours saying 'People don't want to believe that we get on' May 2010: Kim admits that 'sometimes feelings get hurt' during grueling filming hours due to the amount of time the women spent together August 2016: SJP wishes Kim a happy 60th birthday and addresses her as her 'old friend' October 2016: Kim once again defends feud rumours but admits not every day working together is easy or perfect September 2017: SJP confirmed a third SATC movie... and then announced it was happening Willie Garson, who played Carrie's BFF Stan tweeted, 'Disappointed for all crew holding on for negotiations to conclude for their jobs, and of course, for the fans. Leave it at that. #Truth.' October 2017: Kim Tells Piers Morgan that SJP 'could have been nicer' about the SATC 3 demise February 2018: Kim blasts 'cruel' SJP and says she is not a friend nor family to her Advertisement

Kim's decision to join the And Just Like That cast, even for just a short time, marks a big U-turn for the actress - who had previously insisted that she had no desire to be a part of the sequel in any way.

'What made her finally fold to do it now? It was her connection with her dear friend Darren Star, who created Sex that kept asking her to be a part of the show that finally convinced her to do it,' the insider shared.

'Kim decided if she was ever going to button up the character and then not be asked about it again, she should do it now.

'She is doing it for her friend Darren first. But she is also doing it as she realizes it will be a nice career boost and a great payday above all of that.

'She got to an understanding with Darren that she needed an amazing send-off and they figured it out.

'Everything has now fallen into place, Kim still can't believe she was convinced to do it, but she is going to do it and let the scene speak for itself.

'Sex And The City gave Kim so much, so she is giving the appropriate swan song and Kim hopes everyone is happy with the results.'

However, Kim's return to the franchise has done little to change her frosty relationship with Sarah, 58, the source explained - revealing that while the two women have come to 'an understanding', there is likely no chance they will ever be friends in the future.

Kim's abrupt about face was also motivated by the fact that another project she had previously been a part of - the Fox series Filthy Rich - was canceled, despite her high hopes that it would 'have taken her to another level in her career', the source went on.

'Kim was really excited to work with [filmmaker] Tate Taylor on Filthy Rich and she really thought that was going to be her next big project and a show that she believed would have taken her to another level in her storied career as she still believes that the show should still be on TV,' the source shared.

'The show was being done right around the same time as And Just Like That and she knew she was going to be asked about it all the time and asked to be a part of that, but she didn't want to do it with her issues with Sarah.

'She was done. She loved her time playing Samantha, but she wanted to move on.'

Interestingly, the decision to bring Samantha Jones back into the And Just Like That picture sits very much at odds with Sarah's own thoughts about it - with the actress insisting in February last year that she would not be 'OK' with Kim returning to the fold in light of everything her former co-star had said about their broken relationship.

'My colleagues aren't my friends': The actress addressed her connection with her former co-stars and said they had a 'professional' relationship

'I don't think I would [be OK with Kim returning], because I think there's just too much public history of feelings on her part that she's shared,' she told Variety at the time.

'I haven't participated in or read articles, although people are inclined to let me know.'

Sarah also confirmed that Kim had not been asked to be a part of the sequel series, explaining that the show's creators made the decision to move ahead without her after she turned down the opportunity to do a third Sex and the City movie.

'We didn't go to Kim for this, you know,' she said. 'After we didn't do the movie and the studio couldn't meet what she wanted to do, we have to hear her and listen to her and what was important to her.'
Jessica Alba ensured all eyes were on her as she attended a private party for the jeweller Chaumet in Paris on Wednesday.

The actress, 42, cut a glamorous figure in a gold strapless midi dress that highlighted her jaw-dropping figure.

The garment featured a bardot neckline along with a criss cross shimmering embellishment.

The mother-of-three carried a silver clutch bag and added height to her frame with a pair of gold open-toed heels.

Styling her blonde locks into a sleek updo, Jessica added to her look with an eye-catching diamond bracelet.

Looking good: Jessica Alba ensured all eyes were on her as she donned a stunning gold dress for a private party for the jeweller Chaumet in Paris on Wednesday

Style: The garment featured a bardot neckline along with a criss cross shimmering embellishment

The Sin City star looked in good spirts as she departed the event where she accentuated her natural beauty with a light palette of makeup.

It comes after Jessica sent out a sweet anniversary to her husband Cash Warren last month, marking their 15 years of wedded bliss, following their recent family getaway to Hawaii.

In a sweet photo, uploaded to her Instagram, Jessica could be seen with her arm wrapped around her spouse's neck.

'15 years of marriage. te amo @cash_warren ,' she wrote in a very short, but heartfelt caption.

Actress Eiza Gonzalez lead off the well wishes, responding with 'Cutiesssss '

Lizzy Mathis of the Cool Mom Co wrote, 'Happy Anniversary to two of my faves!'

The couple first met on the set of Fantastic Four in 2004, where Jessica was starring as Sue Storm, and Cash, 44, was working as an assistant director.

Cash sent her a note that read, 'I really, really like you' with a dollar sign representing his name.

Fashion: The mother-of-three carried a silver clutch bag and added height to her frame with a pair of gold open-toed heels

Couple: It comes after Jessica sent out a sweet anniversary to her husband Cash Warren last month, marking their 15 years of wedded bliss

The two hit it off and got engaged three years later.

They tied the knot in a spur of the moment courthouse ceremony.

'We eloped and I think I was nine months pregnant! It wasnt planned,' The Honest Company founder told Glamour UK in 2022.

The couple were expecting their oldest child, Honor, 14, at the time.

It was the LA's Finest star, who popped the question.

'It was literally, "Honey, do you have anything to do this morning?" And he was like, "No." So I said, "Should we go to the courthouse and get married?" And he was like, "Yeah,' she recalled.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
Sophie Habboo opened up her honeymoon photo album as she shared a series of sizzling snaps from her post-wedding trip to the Dominican Republic on Thursday.

The Made In Chelsea star, 29, showcased her incredible figure as she flaunted her washboard abs in a brown and white bikini while soaking up the Caribbean sunshine.

The TV personality sported a straw beach visor and wore her blonde locks in a messy bun while reclining on an outdoor sofa.

Sophie joked that her hair was tied up 'with a pair of pants' because her wash bag was in Jamie's luggage, which was lost during the couple's rather calamitous flight out to Panama on the first leg of their honeymoon.

She wrote: 'I'm wearing a pair of pants to tie my hair up because my makeup bag and wash bag were lost in @jamielaing's luggage and the one item I cannot find ANYWHERE is a hair tie #needsmust.'

Fun in the sun! Sophie Habboo opened up her honeymoon photo album as she shared a series of sizzling snaps from her post-wedding trip to the Dominican Republic on Thursday

Dare to bare: The Made In Chelsea star, 29, protected her modesty by placing an arm over her chest as she grinned into the camera with Jamie, 34

Beach babe: In a further image, the bombshell sported a flowery blue bikini with a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses to match her beach attire

Sophie posed topless for another raunchy snap, protecting her modesty by placing an arm over her chest as she grinned into the camera with Jamie, 34.

In a further image, the bombshell sported a flowery blue bikini with a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses to match her beach attire.

Sophie shared another peachy snap as she took a stroll along the beach.

To finish her photo dump, the reality star slipped into a white mini dress and paired her ensemble with casual jewellery.

Sophie and Jamie tied the knot in an intimate legal ceremony at Chelsea Registry Office in April with a small group of friends and family.

The couple then jetted to Marbella, with their main nuptials taking place in Andalusia's largest privately owned residential development in Sotogrande.

Sophie stunned in a lace gown by Emma Beaumont as they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in front of a star-studded crowd.

After their picture-perfect wedding, the couple's honeymoon didn't get off to the best of starts, with the pair beset by flight delays, cancellations and lost luggage.

Newly weds: The couple looked sun-kissed in a sweet snap as Sophie put on a busty display while Jamie showed off his toned body

Glowing: Sophie shared another peachy snap as she took a stroll along the beach in a bikini

Chic: To finish her photo dump, Sophie dressed in a white mini dress and paired her ensemble with casual jewellery

Candid: Sophie posed up a storm as she posed in a vintage open top car and was full of smiles while enjoying the last of their summer break

Blunder: Sophie joked that her hair was tied up 'with a pair of pants' because her wash bag was in Jamie's luggage, which was lost during the couple's rather calamitous flight out

The couple's first holiday spot in Panama caused a lot of grief following a nightmare 24-hour journey.

Their nightmare honeymoon went from bad to worse after the visit to four different countries in one day as Jamie had his luggage lost while jetting from country to country.

The disaster continued as their belongings had been sent back to their home in London rather than on to meet them in Panama.

Sophie and Jamie's relationship was well-documented throughout their time on Made In Chelsea.

The pair's close friendship slowly turned to romance in mid-2019, but they were both initially hesitant to start dating in case it ruined what they had.

The couple were previously best friends, before their friendship turned to romance on Made In Chelsea and they started dating four years ago.

Candy Kittens founder Jamie popped the question during a romantic proposal at London's Rosewood Hotel in December 2021.

Stylish: The beach babe shared a candid picture of the pair doing a spot of shopping as she posed trying on bucket beach hats in a blue denim skirt
Larry Emdur has shared a hilarious tribute to David Koch, as he prepares to bid farewell to Sunrise after 21 remarkable years.

The Morning Show, 58, posted a touching message on Instagram on Thursday night honouring his long-time friend and colleague.

In a nostalgic throwback, Emdur shared a black-and-white snapshot of the pair from their early years in the industry.

'It's 1991, a finance nerd and a game show bimbo meet for the first time,' Larry began.

'One of them would go on to change the shape of breakfast television forever, the other would just hang around on your TV like a bad smell. They would both lose their hair.'

Larry Emdur (pictured) has shared a hilarious tribute to David Koch, as he prepares to bid farewell to Sunrise after 21 remarkable years

The Morning Show, 58, posted a touching message on Instagram on Thursday night honouring his long-time friend and colleague. In a nostalgic throwback, Emdur shared a black-and-white snapshot of the pair from their early years in the industry. Pictured

The poignant post continued, 'Tomorrow morning, after 21 monumental years on @sunriseon7 we say goodbye to Kochie. I'm happy for him but I'm a little bit sad for television.'

Emdur went on to praise Kochie for his authenticity and his significant contribution to Australian television.

'He's given so much and never tried to be anyone or anything other than himself. It's been an honour sharing a studio, a couch, a network with him for so long,' he said.

'It's 1991, a finance nerd and a game show bimbo meet for the first time. One of them would go on to change the shape of breakfast television forever, the other would just hang around on your TV like a bad smell. They would both lose their hair,' he wrote

The presenter then urged fans to watch Sunrise for Kochie's final show, teasing, 'Tune in tomorrow, it's going to be HHHHUUGGEEE !!!!!!'

Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years.

During his on air announcement, Natalie looked heartbroken when Kochie said he had spent more time with her over the past few years than with members of his own family.

He said he was leaving the hit show to focus on his own businesses and to enjoy more flexible work hours to spend time with his growing family.

Kochie joined Sunrise to present finance reports in 2002 and in October that year became Chris Reason's replacement when the journalist was diagnosed with cancer.

Matt Shirvington, 44, who will replace Kochie, said he was feeling 'mixed emotions' about the new gig.

Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years
Pierce Brosnan and his wife Kelly looked great together as they attended a screening of Daliland at the Culver Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

The James Bond star, 70, looked dapper in a light blue suit and smart white shirt as he cosied up to journalist and producer Keely, 59.

She showed off her sense of style in a glitzy gold dress with tassel detailing which she teamed with a chic white blazer.

Keely boosted her height with nude heels and wore her brunette tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a bronzed makeup look.

Pierce accessorised his look with a pair of bold pink-tinted sunglasses as he posed for snaps with his beautiful wife.

Duo: Pierce Brosnan and his wife Kelly looked great together as they attended a screening of Daliland at the Culver Theater in LA on Wednesday night

Handsome: The James Bond star, 70, looked dapper in a light blue suit and smart white shirt as he posed

They looked happier than ever together as they stood for pictures at the event in sunny Los Angeles.

The couple have been married for 22 years after tying the knot at Ballintubber Abbey in Ireland back in 2001, a decade after they first met.

The pair met at a party in 1994 after the death of Pierce's first wife, Cassandra Harris, in 1991.

He has previously said of his wife: 'I found a great woman in Keely Shaye. Not if I searched a million times over would I find one as good.'

Pierce and Keely share two sons, Dylan, 26, and Paris, 22, who are the youngest of the actor's five children.

The Mamma Mia! star also has a son Sean, 38, and an adopted son Chris, 49, as well as his late adopted daughter Charlotte with Cassandra.

Pierce adopted Cassandra's children, Chris and Charlotte, after their father, Dermot Harris, died in 1986.

Pierce recently celebrated his 70th birthday with a dinner out with family and friends and Keely was by his side.

Dapper: Pierce accessorised his look with a pair of bold pink-tinted sunglasses as he posed for snaps

Outfit: She showed off her sense of style in a glitzy gold dress with tassel detailing which she teamed with a chic white blazer

Sweet: The couple have been married for 22 years after tying the knot at Ballintubber Abbey in Ireland back in 2001, a decade after they first met

'At this time in life as I adventure to my 70th year...I feel joy, happiness, and creation,' the Irish silver fox told Vanity Fair in an interview just before the milestone.

'Art and my family have played a big part.'

'Happy Birthday my darling @piercebrosnanofficial!' Keely gushed on Instagram to celebrate.

'Wishing you a blessed, bountiful, and adventurous new trip around the sun. It's not how old you are - it's how bold you are in life. I love you with all my heart.'

And while Pierce and Smith's 26-year-old son - Raspberry Blonde rocker Dylan Brosnan - posted nothing, their younger son Paris Brosnan posted an Instagram slideshow in honor of his birthday.

'Happy 70th to the creator @piercebrosnanofficial; more life, more art, more blessings,' the 22-year-old LMU grad wrote and Brosnan replied in the comments: 'Love you dearly my sons... my gratitude abounds.'
Lewis Cope has made an impression on Emmerdale fans after he joined the soap back in December as newcomer Nicky.

Nicky landed a job as a live in nanny at Home Farm when he moved to the Dales and has since come out as gay.

However it hasn't been all smooth sailing for Nicky as viewers are convinced he has ulteriour motives for taking the job at Home Farm.

Away from the camera, Lewis is in a long-term relatonship with his girlfiend of six years Rachel Lopez.

The pair enjoy a jet set lifestyle and frequently document their loved-up holidays abroad.

Relationship: Emmerdale star Lewis Cope enjoys a jet set lifestyle with his girlfriend of six years Rachel Lopez

Fun in the sun: The pair enjoy a jet set lifestyle and frequently document their loved-up holidays abroad

Lewis is from Hartlepool and Rachel is from Dublin where the pair have spent every Christmas since they got together.

In the past year alone, the couple have jetted off to Mykonos, Naxos, Budapest and Dublin.

In one snap from Mykonos, Lewis and Rachel put on a loved-up display as they gazed on the Mediterranean.

Alongside the post, Lewis wrote: 'Thank you for being you,' while Rachel commented: 'Thank YOU for being you bloody love the heart in you xxxxx'.

In another post, Rachel wrote: 'We made it to Naxos & Paros - grateful doesn't even cut it!

'I'm addicted to travelling to the most beautiful islands in the world with you @lewiscope 5 years in a row, may aswell keep the tradition going.'

They also appear to regularly attend black tie events while at home in the UK and Lewis is also a member of Soho House which has venues around the world.

Rachel works as a personal trainer and she also dabbles in acting.

Vacation: In one snap from Mykonos, Lewis and Rachel put on a loved-up display as they gazed on the Mediterranean

Holiday: The couple also enjoyed a trip to Budapest in recent months

Romance: Lewis is from Hartlepool and Rachel is from Dublin where the pair have spent every Christmas since they got together

During an appearance on ITV's Lorraine on Thursday, Lewis spoke about joining Emmerdale.

He said: 'Its strange, because when you join you feel so new and then after a week or something you feel like youve been there for 10 years.

The actor also revealed he is one of 14 siblings, with several of his siblings either professional or amateur boxers.
Rita Ora ensured all eyes were on her Thursday night when she donned an incredibly risque ensemble as she hosted an intimate cocktail party in Sydney's Angel Hotel.

The Let Me Love You hitmaker, 32, celebrated the launch of her new album You & I, a tribute to husband Taika Waititi, at the J&M bar.

Arriving by chauffeur, the international pop star kept her glam look hidden behind a huge beige coat cinched at the waist with a bulky belt.

Her New Zealand-born partner, 47, wasn't far behind, showing off his stylish chops with an oversized brown suit over a loose linen shirt.

The pair were all smiles as they entered the venue arm-in-arm, looking every inch the power couple of the evening.

Rita Ora, 32, (pictured) ensured all eyes were on her Thursday night when she donned an incredibly risque ensemble as she hosted an intimate cocktail party in Sydney's Angel Hotel

Rita - who released her last album Phoenix in 2018 - gave a glimpse of her stunning look with uniquely designed high-heeled boots peeking out from beneath her coat.

Finally, to everyone's delight, she stripped off the conservative garment to reveal her jaw-dropping ensemble hidden beneath.

A corseted top left little to the imagination with straps connected to a flowy skirt which threatened to slip off at any moment.

The Let Me Love You hitmaker celebrated the launch of her new album You & I, a tribute to husband Taika Waititi, 47, at the J&M bar

Arriving by chauffeur, the international pop star kept her glam look hidden behind a huge beige coat cinched at the waist with a bulky belt

Her New Zealand-born partner (right) wasn't far behind, showing off his stylish chops with an oversized brown suit over a loose linen shirt

The pair were all smiles as they entered the venue arm-in-arm, looking every inch the power couple of the evening

Rita - who released her last album Phoenix in 2018 - gave a glimpse of her stunning look with uniquely designed high-heeled boots peeking out from beneath her coat

Rita flaunted her incredibly toned abs in the ensemble, and added to the look with a chunky necklace and bracelets.

She finished off her eye-catching look with defined brows and a lick of dark lipstick before piling her golden curls atop her head.

It comes just days after she likened her new album to a 'diary', suggesting it would be her most personal offering to fans yet as she named it after her husband.

'This album really means a lot to me. It's like my diary of the last few years. It's my sound and it just feels so true to me and who I am today,' she announced.

Finally, to everyone's delight, she stripped off the conservative garment to reveal the jaw-dropping ensemble hidden beneath

Rita flaunted her incredibly toned abs in the ensemble, and added to the look with a chunky necklace and bracelets

She finished off her eye-catching look with defined brows and a lick of dark lipstick before piling her golden curls atop her head
Adele James showcased her incredible figure as she shared a slew of bikini snaps from her sun-soaked getaway to the Dominican Republic on Thursday.

The British actress, 37, who is well known for her role as Tina Mollett in the BBC series Casualty, looked nothing short of sensational in the tropical snaps.

In one shot, she slipped into a white bandeau bikini as she smiled for a selfie.

She looked gorgeous in the white number, which featured a scooping neck and small knot in the middle.

Adele, who is currently starring as the Macedonian-Greek ruler in the Netflix's Queen Cleopatra, showed off her natural beauty by going makeup-free.

Natural beauty: Casualty star Adele James showcased her incredible figure as she shared a slew of bikini snaps from her sun-soaked getaway to the Dominican Republic on Thursday

She tied her dark tresses back into a high bun and smiled for the camera as she lounged by the pool.

In another snap, Adele stunned in an eye-popping red bikini.

She took a shot from behind, accentuating her slim waist and gorgeous tan-lines.

This time, she wore a big straw hat, engraved with the words: 'Living my best life'.

Adele later took to the pool to cool off from the Caribbean heat.

She gave fans a view of the front of her bikini, which was a bandeau, as she took a dip in the water.

She appeared happier than ever as she leaned back and relaxed.

Captioning the slew of snaps, she penned: 'Enjoyment was had. Connections were made. Dances were danced. Sleep was slept. What a trip. Ill never forget it.'

Gorgeous: In another snap, Adele stunned in an eye-popping red bikini, accentuating her slim waist and gorgeous tan-lines

Dip in the pool: Adele later took to the pool to cool off from the Caribbean heat as she gave fans a view of the front of her bikini, which was a bandeau design

It comes after Adele broke her silence on claims that Jada Pinkett Smith's docuseries Queen Cleopatra has been blackwashed.

The actress takes on the role of the Macedonian-Greek ruler in the latest instalment of the Netflix African Queens show, which has faced a wave of controversy since the trailer was released.

Director Tina Gharavi recently defended the show after Egyptians reacted with horror to the denial of records which show Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek.

An Egyptian lawyer has filed a case with the country's public prosecutor demanding that Netflix be shutdown.

Meanwhile, Cairo's former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass condemned the documentary as 'completely fake. Cleopatra was Greek, meaning that she was light-skinned, not black.'

Now, Adele has spoken out about playing the ruler in a new interview, revealing that she has even been sent death threats for taking on the role.

'The only thing I can say about it [Cleopatras background) is that we just dont know,' she told Glamour. 'There are versions of Cleopatra that exist already with actresses in that role who are fairer skinned than I am, but I think I have every right to have a shot at humanizing this incredible woman.

The British actress, 37, is well known for her role as Tina Mollett in the BBC series Casualty

Speaking out: It comes after Adele broke her silence on claims that Jada Pinkett Smith's docuseries Queen Cleopatra has been blackwashed

Past film: Cleopatra was famously played by white English actress Elizabeth Taylor opposite Richard Burton as Mark Antony in Joseph L. Mankiewicz's historical epic from 1963

'We all put our blood, sweat and tears into that show, and I think anybody else has as much of a right as anybody else to have a go at it because we just dont know.

'The death threats that Ive received, the racist comments, its just the vitriol. Its not necessary, and its very harmful, all we did was release a trailer and look at the response, so Im anticipating a wave still yet to come.'

But the actress has vowed to not be driven off social media by the cruel taunts and horrific trolling.

The trailer, released last week, features claims Cleopatra was black with 'curly hair.' One historian asserts in the preview: 'I remember my grandmother saying to me: I don't care what they tell you in school, Cleopatra was black.'

Cleopatra was the companion of Alexander The Great, renowned for her marriages and affairs with Mark Antony and Julius Caesar.

Her first language was Greek although she was the only Ptolemaic ruler to use the Egyptian language.
Lindsay Lohan has revealed her excitement at becoming a mother, exposing her baby bump in a stunning new shoot.

The Mean Girls actress, 36, stars on the cover of Allure Magazine, with one photo showing the star resting one hand on her bare bump as she models a cropped black top and low-slung trousers.

Admitting she has been 'overwhelmed' with emotion recently, Lindsay gushed: 'I can't wait to see what the feeling is and what it's like to just be a mom. Happy tears. That's just who I am.

'Though now, it's probably baby emotion. It's overwhelming in a good way.'

The mum-to-be also revealed she's been seeking parenting advice from her Freaky Friday co-star and onscreen mother Jamie Lee Cutis, 64.

'Overwhelming': Lindsay Lohan has revealed her excitement at becoming a mother as she stars in a stunning new shoot for Allure Magazine

'I spoke to Jamie Lee Curtis recently. And she was like, '"You just bring the baby with you and everything will be fine."'

However, she admitted that telling her husband, financier Bader Shammas, she was pregnant was a little underwhelming, recalling: 'It was so unexciting. I walked into the room, I threw the test down. I was like, "Guess what?" He goes, "We are?"'

Lindsay, who has lived in Dubai for the past eight years, announced in March she was expecting her first child.

Speaking about her day to day life since moving from Los Angeles, she confesses: 'Sometimes, I call it The Truman Show, because it's the same thing every day.

'But I love it. I really love structure, because I didn't think I had that when I was young. Everything was coming so fast and I had so many things happening. My only structure was filming and being on set.'

She and Shammas got engaged in November 2021 and it was confirmed last year in July that the couple had wedded.

'I am the luckiest woman in the world. You found me and knew that I wanted to find happiness and grace, all at the same time,' she gushed at the time in the caption as she posed for a cute snap with Shammas.

Lindsay added: 'I am stunned that you are my husband. My life and my everything. every woman should feel like this every day.'

Mum-to-be: The Mean Girls star is the cover star for Allure Magazine, showing off her baby bump, which she reveals 'popped' recently, in a series of beautiful snaps

Exciting times: Admitting she has been 'overwhelmed' with emotion, Lindsay gushed: 'I can't wait to see what the feeling is and what it's like to just be a mom'

Married: She added that telling her husband, financier Bader Shammas, she was pregnant was a little underwhelming, recalling: 'It was so unexciting!'

In March Lindsay happily announced her pregnancy. She shared a photo of a white onesie that contained black lettering that read, 'Coming soon...' In the caption, the actress wrote, 'We are blessed and excited!'

At the time, the Hollywood star told the DailyMail.com: 'We are very excited for our new family member to arrive and we are looking forward to this next chapter of our lives!'

She added: 'We are beyond happy for this blessing in our lives and we cannot wait to become parents.'
Kylie Jenner sizzled in anew pinup image she shared to Instagram on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old cosmetics billionaire looked every inch the Hollywood pinup as she modeled a gray top, pink stockings from Calzedonia Tights and pink heels. The skimpy outfit made the most of her lean arms and sculpted legs.

And the younger sister of model Kendall Jenner also flashed summer-ready yellow nails.

The raven-haired reality TV wonder was promoting a new Kylie Cosmetics product.

'Our summer lip obsession. Weve been waiting so long to share these. Our new Tinted Butter Balms come in 6 shades dropping June 14,' said the caption.

New from Kylie: Kylie Jenner sizzled in anew pinup image she shared to Instagram on Wednesday. The 25-year-old cosmetics billionaire looked every inch the Hollywood pinup as she modeled a gray top, pink tights from Calzedonia Tights and pink heels. The skimpy outfit made the most of her lean arms and sculpted legs

This comes just as her new 'beau' Timothee Chalamet - who has dated Lourdes Leon and Lily-Rose Depp in the past - was seen with her at a home.

Kylie and Timothee 'hang out every week' it was claimed in April.

The make-up mogul and the 27-year-old actor have grown close over recent months, but an insider insists their relationship is 'not serious' for the time being.

The source told PEOPLE: 'She is getting to know him. Kylie is having fun. After years of back and forth with Travis [Scott], she just wants to date without any pressure.'

Kylie- who has Stormi, five, and Aire, 14 months, with Travis - met the actor at an event in Europe earlier this year.

The brunette beauty considers Timothee to be 'fun and charming'.

The insider added: 'They have a lot to chat about.'

Meanwhile, Kylie recently insisted that she wants to keep her personal life out of the spotlight.

Fresh: And the sister of model Kendall Jenner also flashed summer-ready yellow nails. The raven-haired reality TV wonder was promoting a new Kylie Cosmetics product. 'Our summer lip obsession. weve been waiting so long to share these. our new Tinted Butter Balms come in 6 shades dropping June 14,' said the caption

She works hard for the money: And she was seen in another clip applying red lipstick

The TV star explained that in spite of her celebrity status, she actually prefers to spend time at home with her friends and family.

She told HommeGirls: 'I value a lot of personal time. 'So, I usually have people over for dinner, or I go to someone's house, or if we're going out somewhere usually my friends come over and we get ready together.'

Kylie finds it tough to engage with fans while also retaining a degree of privacy.

She explained: 'The internet is amazing because obviously that's where I started my business. It's been great for me to connect with my fans but now I think it's about finding balance. There's a dark side to it. It's just about finding that balance.'

New love: This comes just as her new 'beau' Timothee Chalamet - who has dated Lourdes Leon and Lily-Rose Depp in the past - was seen with her at a home. Kylie and Timothee 'hang out every week' it was claimed in April. Seen in April

Kylie rose to international stardom through her appearances on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, her family's hit reality TV series.

But Kylie insists she doesn't actually watch a lot of reality TV and she doesn't have any ambitions to branch out on her own.

Asked which other reality show she'd like to appear on, Kylie replied:

'Oh my God, I don't really watch a lot of reality TV. This is hard. I would never switch up and leave Hulu and my sisters.'
Alessandra Ambrosio shared a new photo with her daughter.

The teen looked like a mini-me of the Vogue cover girl in the image shared to Instagram on Wednesday. Anja, 14, leaned her head onto her mother's as they shared an embrace.

The ladies looked like carbon copies of each other as they had the same high cheekbones and almond eyes.

Anja - full name Anja Louise Ambrosio Mazur - is the daughter the Victoria's Secret regular had with her ex, photographer turned designer Jamie Mazur.

In her caption, she let followers know Anja had graduated from eighth grade and was off to high school. 'And in a blink of an eye shes is in high school!!! Proud of u my baby girl.

Huggy: Alessandra Ambrosio shared a new photo with her daughter. The teen looked like a mini-me of the Vogue cover girl in the image shared to Instagram on Wednesday

Together they also had a 10-year-old son named Noah Phoenix.

The couple split in 2018.

Anja is very active on Instagram, often sharing selfies and photos from family vacations.

The family lives in Los Angeles and Anja is attending high school in the Santa Monica/Brentwood neighborhood.

This comes after Alessandra showed off her incredible assets once again as she plugged her popular swimwear line GAL Floripa - which she launched with her sister and best friend in 2019.

The international lingerie model made the most of a tiny mint green bikini that put her abs and trim waistline on display.

The siren was seen on the beach in her native Brazil.

So similar: They were also seen together in April for this mommy/daughter shot

Fun together: Anja - full name Anja Louise Ambrosio Mazur - is the daughter the Victoria's Secret regular had with her ex, photographer turned designer Jamie Mazur

Ambrosio made the most of her new photo session: she was seen on a rock, on the shore and in the water as she relied on her tried-and-true supermodel poses she used to work for Victoria's Secret.

The 5ft10in wonder put her stunning curves on display once again as the bikini designer showed off one of her new designs.

The Brazilian wonder had on a beige two piece from her brand GAL Floripa as she stood on a rock by a pristine shore with a lone speedboat in the background.

The businesswoman - who is best known for her work with lingerie giant Victoria's Secret - showed off her natural beauty in natural lighting in a series of sexy snaps.

Taking a selfie in a mirror: Anja looked like a typical teen in this snapshot with beaded jewelry on

Still a kid: She showed off her teen spirit with high top sneakers paired with a dress

The supermodel held her arms up on her head as she looked at the camera.

The cover model added in her caption that the swimsuit was for her new collection for 2023 as she noted: 'Get in the mood for #CarnaGal and let's samba!'

The doting mom has been sharing pictures from her winter break in the Mexican Caribbean with her childre and boyfriend Richard Lee.

The Gal Floripa founder has also posted video with the kids as they enjoyed their vacation in the warm Caribbean water.

The area where Alessandra and her family stayed is famous for its nature preserves which house sea turtles and whale sharks.

No cars are allowed on the island to protect it's delicate beauty.

Last year she told Harper's Bazaar that 'I didn't think modelling would last.'

But fame has not changed her much: 'In my personal life, I keep things simple. Im a Brazilian girl, even though I now live in LA, so swimsuits and simple beachwear is my style. I love fashion but I dont have to go crazy with buying items. Im happy with what makes me comfortable.'

Haute stuff: Ambrosio at the Race To Erase MS 30th Anniversary Gala at Fairmont Century Plaza on June 2 in Los Angeles

Cute in a towel: Also this month she posted this post-shower look

And she named her top style icons: 'Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, because they carried themselves with confidence and a sense of fun. They also embraced a timeless look.'

And the leggy lady shared some style advice.

'I think the best advice would be to remain authentic,' said the star who loves to wear athleisure.

'You can be playful and follow your instincts. You cant abandon yourself entirely; you have to stay true to who you are, even when youre wearing something that you wouldnt normally choose.'

And she said she wants her kids to dress how they like.

'I want them to feel happy and comfortable in their own skin, so I would gently guide them if I felt they were trying to be someone theyre not. But Im happy for them to take their own journey. Its the only way.'
Elliot Page has described going on a double date with Leonardo DiCaprio and his mother after forming a 'lovely connection' with a friend of the Titanic actor.

Page, 36, wrote about his brief relationship with Leonardo's pal in his memoir Pageboy, recalling how the man came to visit DiCaprio on the set of their 2010 film Inception.

At the time, Page had not yet come out as transgender or gay. The star, formerly Ellen Page, came out as gay in 2014 and then as a transgender man six years later.

'While filming Inception, a friend of Leonardo DiCaprios visited and we had a lovely connection,' Page wrote.

'Peter was warm to everyone, eyes beaming with care. When I saw Leo next, I told him I liked his friend, to which he responded that his friend liked me, too.'

'Peter was warm to everyone': Elliot Page went on a double date with Leonardo DiCaprio and his mother after forming a 'lovely connection' with a friend of her Inception co-star

'For our first date we went to Universal Studios with Leo and his mother. Peter and I sat close on the rides, our thighs just touching.'

At the time, the actor said his mother Martha was 'over the moon' to learn Page was in a relationship with a man, after previously vocalizing some dismay over his romances with women. It's unclear if 'Peter' is the man's real name.

The relationship was short-lived, and lasted for just 'a month, maybe two, like high school all over again,' Page recalled.

Page also said he developed shingles while filming the 2010 thriller.

'Shingles popped out of my spine while filming Inception when I was 22,' he said. 'In a cast full of cis men, I did not understand the role I found myself in. Despite everyone being delightful to work with, I felt out of place.

'For the first two weeks of the film I joked I would be recast with Keira Knightly, and rightfully so. Shingles communicated the stress my body felt, what my words could not.'

The two-time Emmy-nominated producer came out as a lesbian in 2014 during a speech at the Human Rights Campaign's 'Time to Thrive' conference in Las Vegas.

Open book: Elliot kicked off his nine-date international book tour on June 6 at The Town Hall in Midtown Manhattan, and future dates will be announced soon

Connection: Page recalled going one a date with a 'warm' friend of her co-star

Strike a pose: Page pictured at the LACMA Art + Film gala in 2022

In December 2020, Page then came out as transgender, posting to social media: 'Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.

'I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life. I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey. I cant begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self. Ive been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community.

'Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.'

Page kicked off his nine-date international book tour on June 6 at The Town Hall in Midtown Manhattan, and future dates will be announced soon.

It's unclear if Page is still dating non-binary comedian Mae Martin after the pair got matching tattoos and suited up for the 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala on November 5.

Page's divorce from Canadian dancer Emma Portner was finalized in 2021 after two years of marriage.
Jamie Foxx's representative has denied a bizarre online conspiracy claim that the COVID-19 vaccination caused the actor's mystery hospitalization.

Jamie, who was born Eric Bishop, was filming the action-comedy Back In Action with Cameron Diaz in Atlanta, Georgia, in April when he was admitted to hospital.

The actor, 55, has been treated at a facility in Chicago, which specializes in treatment for adults with 'severe complex conditions', including stroke recovery - although it has not been revealed what condition Foxx is suffering from.

Claims on social media that Foxx was left seriously ill after being injured by a vaccine have gone viral - with notable figures including conservative host Candace Owens suggesting Foxx had indeed been damaged by the vaccine.

The furore began when podcaster A.J.Benza made a shock unsubstantiated claim on Dr Drew Pinsky's online talk show that Foxx had been left 'partially paralyzed and blind' after he received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Benza claimed Foxx was 'forced' to get a vaccine to work on a film and further alleged the actor developed a blood clot which led to a stroke afterwards - Foxxs representatives told NBC News that Benzas claim is 'completely inaccurate.'

Denied: Jamie Foxx's representative has denied a bizarre online conspiracy claim that the COVID-19 vaccination caused the actor's mystery hospitalization (Foxx pictured March 2023)

Pinsky later told the publication in a statement: 'The statements from A.J. were based on his own confidential sources, so I cant speculate further than what he said on the show. I sincerely hope that AJs sources are wrong and Mr. Foxx will make a full recovery.

'There is no evidence and I have no reason to believe that his medical condition is directly related to vaccine therapy or a post-COVID phenomenon. Any evidence of either would have to come from his physicians.'

He added that he supports and recommends 'all safe vaccines', but added that 'a concerning number of people have seemingly had their lives significantly affected by side effects, health issues, and the deaths of loved ones  and some signs suggest a connection to mRNA vaccines.'

Owens then insinuated on her podcast that Benza's statement must be true because Foxx's family didn't 'outright deny it' - with Owens' video racking up more than 180,000 views.

She said: 'Their silence seems as though there is some veracity to this claim. Were all holding our breath to see whether or not Jamie Foxx speaks out.'

Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative organization Talking Points USA, tweeted: 'Those of us who spoke against the mRNA shot were attacked in every imaginable way. I am infuriated a decent person like Jamie Foxx fell victim to Big Pharma because a movie set is still dumb enough to mandate their cash cow clot shot.'

Kirk's spokesman told the publication he had shared the article 'so readers could check it out for themselves.'

The furore began when podcaster A.J.Benza made a shock unsubstantiated claim on Dr Drew Pinsky's online talk show that Foxx had been left 'partially paralyzed and blind' after he received a COVID-19 vaccine (Benza pictured 2016)

Pinsky later told the publication in a statement: 'The statements from A.J. were based on his own confidential sources, so I cant speculate further than what he said on the show. I sincerely hope that AJs sources are wrong and Mr. Foxx will make a full recovery'

Actor Kevin Sorbo also retweeted an article repeating the bizarre claims, and wrote: 'Praying for Jamie Foxx. I cant imagine how many Americans are dealing with similar problems and the MSM hardly bats an eye.

Anti-vaxx tweets and Youtube videos have quickly spread across social media - the widespread misinformation about vaccines has included false claims about their safety, efficacy, ingredients, side effects and purpose.

Studies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that vaccines are safe and effective.

DailyMail.com has contacted Jamie Foxx's representative for further comment.

Foxx was said to have had a stroke after it was previously claimed he suffered a mystery health scare last month, according to Mike Tyson.

During an appearance on the Valuetainment podcast, ex-boxer Mike said of Jamie: 'He's not feeling well. They said a stroke. I have no idea what happened to him.'

The actor's health scare has come as a shock to fans and those who knew him, including host Patrick Bet-David, who revealed in his discussion with Tyson that he dined out with the star just months before.

'We were at a restaurant in LA... he showed up, looked really good,' he said. 'And then all of a sudden you hear stories.'

Conservative: Candace Owens then insinuated on her podcast that Benza's statement must be true because Foxx's family didn't 'outright deny it' - with Owens' video racking up more than 180,000 views

Bizarre tweet: Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative organization Talking Points USA, tweeted: 'Those of us who spoke against the mRNA shot were attacked in every imaginable way. I am infuriated a decent person like Jamie Foxx fell victim to Big Pharma'

Tweet: Actor Kevin Sorbo also retweeted an article repeating the bizarre claims, and wrote: 'Praying for Jamie Foxx. I cant imagine how many Americans are dealing with similar problems and the MSM hardly bats an eye

The boxer responded: 'Hey listen, we can't anticipate our next breath, we don't know when we're going to die.'

Jamie, who was born Eric Bishop, was filming the action-comedy Back In Action with Cameron Diaz in Atlanta, Georgia, in April when he was admitted to hospital.

According to reports, Jamie's health scare has thrown production into chaos, and Cameron, 51, has been filming with body doubles in his absence.

Jamie's daughter Corinne was among several loved ones to visit the actor at his physical rehab center over the weekend.

Corrine was pictured arriving at the facility, which is touted as the top rehabilitation center in the country, for 'the most severe, complex conditions'.

It specializes in the treatment of severe conditions like strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

His good friend Dave Brown was also seen visiting the facility and spent time chatting to Corinne before going to visit the star.

On May 12, Corrine spoke out to share an update about his condition, insisting that her father had been 'out of the hospital for weeks'.

Corinne confirmed in a statement via Instagram that her father is currently receiving 'great care' and 'is already on his way to recovery.'

Jamie is understood to have arrived at the facility in late April and is 'recovering well' after first getting treatment at a hospital in Atlanta.

Shortly after Jamie's 'stroke', sources claimed to Page Six that he suffers from high blood pressure and that he was 'lucky to be alive'.

In an Instagram post on May 3, his family posted on his profile said: 'Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed' followed by praying hands, heart and fox emojis.

It's unclear if Jamie himself made the post. At that point, no further details on his condition had been shared, leading to speculation about how serious his illness is.

Grave: Fans were initially alerted about the health scare when his daughter Corinne shared a grave statement on social media on April 12

Speaking out: Former boxer Mike Tyson said of Jamie: 'He's not feeling well. They said a stroke. I have no idea what happened to him'

Pals: Jamie and Mike are pictured together

The Oscar winner's account also gave a shout-out on Instagram to friend Nick Cannon who has filled in hosting duties for him on popular game show Beat Shazam.

Fans were initially alerted about the health scare when his daughter Corinne shared a grave statement on social media on April 12.

The actress wrote, 'We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday.

'Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery,' she continued.

'We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time,' the statement concluded.

At the time of the alleged stroke, Jamie was filming Back In Action, which is funded by Netflix and is Cameron's comeback movie after she retired from film.

The project has faced a number of difficulties, including Jamie reportedly firing a number of crew members, while the film faces delays.

A source told The Sun: 'This has been a disaster, and Cameron must be wondering what she was thinking by coming back.

'But the truth is Jamie's health problems now look pretty serious and those delays earlier on might end up looking quite minor by comparison. Of course it's desperately sad and everyone wishes him all the best.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Jamie, Mike and Netflix for comment.

A representative for Mike told MailOnline: 'Mr. Tyson was just speaking about what he heard at the time but it wasnt from Mr. Foxx's camp.

'He doesnt know what happened as he hasnt spoken directly to anyone on Mr. Foxx's team.

Medical emergency: Jamie was filming the action-comedy Back In Action with Cameron Diaz in Atlanta, Georgia, in April when he was admitted to hospital (pictured with daughter Corinne in 2020)

'He was asked about it on a podcast but hes hoping whatever the undisclosed medical condition is that Jamie will make a full recovery.'

His latest film shoot in Atlanta appears to have been a surprisingly stressful ordeal for the Baby Driver actor, as well as his colleagues.

It was reported in March that Jamie 'had an absolute meltdown' while the film was shooting in the UK, which led to the firing of multiple people.

He reportedly booted an executive producer from the project, along with two directors and even his own driver.

According to The Sun, one staffer was fired in relation to an apparent scam to access 33,000 in cash from the actor, which was reportedly in relation to the sale of a Rolex watch.

There was even more drama when it was revealed that production was paused last month after an unexploded WWII-era bomb was discovered on the film's set in London, just before two major action scenes were set to be filmed.
They have all been embroiled in drama with one another over the years, including a cheating scandal and five-year long legal battle.

But Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Tristan Thompson, Travis Scott and Blac Chyna worked through any awkwardness on behalf of their children on Wednesday.

The famous family were spotted attending their children's pre-K graduation in Los Angeles, where they put the drama aside and their kids first.

While the four all barely mingled with one another, their children happily interacted with one another, perhaps unaware of the drama which once brewed amongst their parents.

Khloe, 38, wore a black, fur-trim jacket, baggy jeans, and stylish cat eyed sunglasses while Tristan, 32, sported a black zip-down jacket.

Awkward! Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Tristan Thompson, Travis Scott and Blac Chyna put the drama aside and their children first as they celebrated their kids' graduating from pre-K in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Chyna wowed in a black, white, and brown fur coat, sleek pink hair, and heels.

According to TMZ, Khloe and Tristan were spotted chatting with each other the most out of all the others. The duo appear to have remained friendly as they co-parent their two children despite splitting following his cheating.

Kylie and Travis, however, did not appear to really talk to one another. The duo share daughter Stormi, five, and son Aire, one, together.

Travis' family were also present at the celebrations, TMZ reports.

As for Chyna, she did not speak with any members of the Kardashian family. It's unclear if Rob Kardashian, the father of their daughter Dream, was also in attendance.

Khloe shared a snap of the cousins celebrating together as they took photos with bouquets of pink roses.

'Yesterday was a big day! My sweet angel girl graduated from pre-K. No! Im not ok,' she captioned the post.

The parents did a good job detaching from their past drama to celebrate their children's milestone achievement.

Fun and games! While the four all barely mingled with one another, their children happily interacted with one another, perhaps unaware of the drama which brewed amongst their parents

Legal battle: Chyna was once embroiled in a legal battle with the Kardashians

Doting dad: Travis Scott held his daughter at the celebrations

Kylie and Travis appear to have remained on friendly terms since splitting, amicably raising their two children together.

Meanwhile, Khloe and Travis also have had an amicable co-parenting relationship despite the many ordeals they endured while dating, with the athlete having stepped out on the reality star multiple times.

In 2018, Dailymail.com revealed Tristan had cheated on the then-pregnant Khloe with a strip club worker from New York City named Lani Blair.

Aww: The cousins - Stomi, Dream, and True - celebrated the milestone

That's her girl! Khloe kissed her daughter as she posted snaps from the ceremony

'My sweet angel girl graduated from pre-K': Kardashian beamed with joy

They welcomed daughter True on April 14, 2018 soon after Khloe found out about Tristan's infidelity.

At the time, other outlets reported additional women; however, despite the cheating scandal, Khloe remained with Tristan until she split with the athlete in February 2019.

Khloe and Tristan last split in 2021 after Tristan fathered a child with another woman while in a relationship with her.

Chyna, meanwhile, was embroiled in a five-year legal battle with the Kardashians until late 2022, alleging the family defamed her and pressured E! to cancel their Rob & Chyna series.

However, a jury found the Kardashians did not defame her and owed her no damages whatsoever, with Chyna seeking $100 million in her lawsuit.

Chyna also reached an 11th hour cash settlement with Rob in her lawsuit accusing him of posting 'revenge porn' of her online after they split up.
Bryan Cranston has opened up about his marriage to wife Robin Dearden, revealing they started therapy before getting married.

The Breaking Bad actor, 67, discussed his work and home life, including being godfather to his co-star Aaron Paul's son Ryden, 14 months in an interview with British GQ.

Screen star Bryan also disclosed plans to shut down his production company and sell his half of mezcal business Dos Hombres, with a desire to retire in 2026 and move to a foreign country for at least six months with wife Robin, 69.

He said: 'I want to change the paradigm once again. For the last 24 years, Robin has led her life holding onto my tail.

'She's been the plus one, she's been the wife of a celebrity. She's had to pivot and adjust her life based on mine.

Speaking out: Bryan Cranston, 67, has opened up about his marriage to wife Robin Dearden, revealing they started therapy before getting married (pictured last month)

Plans: Bryan disclosed plans to shut down his production company, with a desire to retire in 2026 and move to a foreign country for at least six months with wife Robin, 69 (Bryan and Robin pictured last month)

'She has tremendous benefit from it, but we're uneven. I want to level that out. She deserves it.'

Bryan met his wife Robin Dearden in 1984, with the couple marrying five years later after he proposed in the bathtub, with the ring on his toe.

The star, who also has credits in Malcolm In The Middle, Wakefield and Isle of Dogs, said that he wants to 'go the distance' in his marriage.

'My wife and I have been going to therapy together since before we were married', he said.

'I look at it like the warning light going off on your dashboard. It's telling you, "You might want to pay attention to this".

'I love my wife, and we want to go the distance, but I want to do it in a healthy way, I don't want to just be with her.

'I don't want to just have the two of us go into a restaurant and no one says a word.'

Known for playing Walter White in Emmy Award winning TV series Breaking Bad, Bryan became close with co-star Aaron Paul on set and is godfather to his son.

Parental figure: The star also spoke about his love of being a godfather to his former Breaking Bad co-star Aaron Paul's (left) son (pictured in July last year)

Diaper duty: Aaron and his wife Lauren welcomed their second child together, a baby boy named Ryden Caspian Paul, last year

He discussed what it was like to have a godson, telling GQ it was allowing him to 'go through the experience of what it feels like to be a grandfather'.

He said his jaws hurt from smiling, adding that he loves to play with and hold his godson.

In May, Bryan appeared at Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of Wes Anderson film Asteroid City, in which Bryan stars.

The movie which is directed by Wes Anderson follows the itinerary of a Junior Stargazer convention which is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events.

Asteroid City stars the likes of Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks and Margot Robbie.

It is anticipated that he will now get involved in the Malcolm In The Middle reunion project.

Malcolm In The Middle aired from 2000 to 2006 and saw Cranston play Hal, who is father to four sons with wife Lois, played by Jane Kaczmarek.

Talking about the show, Cranston said: 'I'm curious about that family 20 years later, what happened to them? Where are they? What are the kids doing? They're grown men now.'

The summer issue of British GQ is available to buy from June 13.

Bryan Cranston will be speaking at the conference in association with BMW, taking place at Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire from the 19th - 21st of July.
Lady Victoria Hervey looked the epitome of glamorous on Thursday as she attended the launch of new book Divining The Human: The Art Of Alexander Newley" at The Polish Hearth Club in London.

The English socialite, 46, oozed a sense of dramatic chic as she dazzled in a plunging black tassel jumpsuit.

The stunning number featured a very racy low neck and flowy material which, flaunted her incredibly long and sculpted legs.

The former model looked incredible as she flaunted her slim physique while gleaming at the event.

Teaming her look, Victoria rocked a glamorous black Chanel bag which she toted alongside her.

Gorgeous: Lady Victoria Hervey looked the epitome of glamorous on Thursday as she attended the launch of new book Divining The Human: The Art Of Alexander Newley" at The Polish Hearth Club in London

The English aristocrat accessorised her jaw-dropping look with a simple black necklace and towered her figure with a pair of black toe-pointed heels.

She donned a subtle lightning palette, as she added rosy blush to her sculpted cheeks, thick eyeliner and a light smokey eyes.

Victoria finished off with a light pink lipstick and sported gold buttoned earrings.

The socialite looked stunning as she styled her blonde locks in loose waves cascading just below her shoulders.

She appeared in good spirits as she posed for snaps with other guests at the event.

Lady Victoria's outing comes shortly after she attended a slew of star-studded events and premiere's at Cannes Film Festival last month.

Lady V, as shes known in her close circles, was dubbed an It Girl while working as a model in the 1990s.

She was a staple in glossy magazines and the celebrity press.

Stylish: The English socialite, 46, oozed a sense of dramatic chic as she dazzled in a plunging black tasseled jumpsuit

Beautiful: Teaming her look, Victoria rocked a glamorous black Chanel bag which she toted alongside her

Glitzy: The English aristocrat accessorised her jaw-dropping look with a simple black necklace and towered her figure with a pair of black toe-pointed heels

But recently she caused a stir in February when, she claimed the now-disgraced Prince Andrew has always been a source of 'jealousy' for King Charles.

In an interview with GB News she said Andrew, who she briefly dated in 1999, has been very 'badly advised' in the past few years and Charles has been jealous of his 'successful military career'.

She said: 'I think Charles, as the older brother, has always been a bit jealous of him [Prince Andrew].

'He had a very successful military career for 20 years. I've heard that he's always been jealous of him.

'So as soon as the Queen has gone, the daggers are out.'

Her interview came shortly after moved back to London from Los Angeles after living in the US for over two decades.

The model had sparked rumours of a return to the UK last year and has now decided the A-list packed city is 'not what it used to be'.
Actor Ioan Gruffudd's 13-year-old daughter Ella has asked that her father be forced to undergo a 'batterer intervention program to stop abuse' as she filed for a domestic violence restraining order again him following an ugly row over his new girlfriend Bianca Wallace.

In publicly-available legal documents seen by DailyMail.com, the teenager, whose mother is actress Alice Evans, states that she is 'afraid' of her father and accuses him of 'threatening to call the police on her anytime she misbehaves' during their visitations.

Ella filed for a domestic violence restraining order against her father on May 31 - the same day that she requested a temporary restraining order against his girlfriend - following what she says was an ugly incident at their home, during which she claims Bianca 'slammed a door on her head'.

In her filing against her father, Ella requests that he be made to keep at least 100 yards away from her and not contact her for five years and asks that Ioan be ordered to undergo a '52-week batterer intervention program'.

The program, which involves weekly classes, is intended - the document states - to 'stop abuse, teach accountability, abuse effects, and gender roles'.

Ioan Gruffudd's 13-year-old daughter Ella Evans (seen left with her younger sister Elsie and their father) has filed for a domestic abuse restraining order against him

In her filing, Ella requests that a court order her father to undergo a 'batterer intervention program', the goal of which is to 'stop abuse'

The restraining order has not yet been granted and will be put before a court later this month.

Ella requests that the restraining order also cover her nine-year-old sister Elsie, noting that she 'lives with her sister and is afraid that [Ioan] will abuse and/or continue to allow abuse to happen to my sister too'.

She also asks that her father be made to pay 'for some or all of her lawyer's fees and costs' and requests that her phone account and that of her sister Elsie's be transferred to their mother, alleging that Ioan has 'threatened to cancel my sister's phone account and my phone account'.

Along with her domestic restraining order filing, Ella included a declaration as evidence to support her case, in which she shared her recollection of a bitter spat that she claims took place while she and her nine-year-old sister Elsie were visiting their father's home on May 26.

The declaration is very similar to that included in her request for a restraining order against her father's girlfriend, Bianca, with the teen claiming that she got into a furious row with the couple over the actress's presence during an overnight visitation.

Ella admits that she was 'so mad' at her father to find that Bianca was at his apartment when she arrived that she began throwing food on his bed, on the floor, and on him, before she attempted to flee the apartment - which, she says, is when the actress 'slammed a door on her head', leaving her with 'a small bump' and a 'bruise on her arm'.

She included images of the bruising as additional evidence.

However, in her restraining order filing against Ioan - who is currently involved in an ugly custody battle with Alice, 54, over their two children - Ella adds further detail, alleging that she had a 'panic attack' before she arrived at the property.

Ella has also filed for a temporary restraining order against 49-year-old Ioan's actress girlfriend Bianca Wallace, 29, alleging that she 'slammed a door on her head'

Ioan and his ex-wife Alice Evans (pictured with Ella and her sister Elsie) are currently in the midst of an ugly custody battle following their split in 2021

According to Ella, when her father picked her up from the West Hollywood Police Station to start her overnight visit, he was accompanied 'by a psychologist friend' who she says was a man aged between 70 and 80, whom she had never met before.

She says they then drove from the police station to her sibling's school to pick her up, before taking Elsie to a dance class.

'Elsie had forgotten her leotard, so suggested multiple times that we could go back to our apartment which was 10-minute drive away, since the dance class was still an hour away,' she states.

'The Respondent [Ioan] refused and drove us to The Grove [shopping mall]. The Respondent insisted we get new leotard.

'I was overwhelmed by the number of people at The Grove, so went back into the car. I told him to please leave me in the car and he could go get Elsie leotard.

'The Respondent told me that he couldn't leave me alone in the car, so I would have to stay with his psychologist friend in the car. I had never met this man before, and he is approximately late 70 to 80 year old. I texted my mother because I started to have panic attack.'

She states that she then called her mother and began 'bawling' while in the midst of a 'full-blown panic attack'.

When her father returned to the car with Elsie, she says that he told her repeatedly to 'calm down, calm down'.

After they arrived at Elsie's dance class, Ella says her sister then proceeded to have a 'panic attack in the bathroom', prompting them to return to Ioan and Bianca's home - with the 'psychologist friend' in tow.

'I was so mad at my dad because this was an overnight visit, and I had told him in the past that I didn't want to meet his girlfriend who was now his live-in girlfriend,' she says.

In her publicly-available filing, Ella shares an account of an ugly domestic incident that she says took place at her father's home on May 26

'Rather than listen to my wishes, my dad had the court order the overnights while his girlfriend was living with him. I was so upset that I threw milk on his bed, I poured mustard on the floor, and I threw raw oatmeal on him.'

At this point, Ella says that her father and Bianca began calling her 'manipulative, abusive, and narcissistic' - resulting in her deciding that she 'couldn't be in that apartment anymore'.

As she attempted to leave the property however, she says that Bianca 'tried to block her' by 'raising her arms', and then 'slammed the door on her... hitting her on the head as well as her arm'.

She states that her nine-year-old sister 'was right behind her when this happened'.

According to Ella, she and Elsie were able to make her way out of the apartment and they 'ran outside' while their father chased after them.

'The Respondent told me to come back, and told him, "Your girlfriend slammed door on me!" And the Respondent kept saying, "No she didn't, no she didn't, stop lying,"' she recalls.

The teenager states that she phoned her nanny, Gloria Flores, who made arrangements for the father of one of Elsie's friends - a man named Dennis Hauk - to pick them up and take them back to their mother's house, noting that this 'ended the incident'.

She notes that both her nanny and Mr. Faulk have agreed to testify in her case against her father and his girlfriend.

Ella also adds into her declaration in this filing notes on the 'history of abuse', stating that her father has 'called her a liar and a gaslighter' on any occasion when she 'mentions her feelings or opinions' to him.

She alleges that he has 'threatened to call the police on her anytime she misbehaves during his visitation time in the past two years'.

The teen concludes the declaration by stating: 'I am afraid of the Respondent for my personal safety, and respectfully ask the Court to issue a Restraining Order for five years.'

Ella's account of the shocking incident marks the latest dramatic development in a bitter domestic drama that began in 2021, when Ioan walked out on his then-wife Alice after a 14-year marriage.

Ioan, the British star of The Fantastic Four, and Alice, who is best known for her appearance in 102 Dalmatians, have been fighting a bitter divorce battle ever since.

The actor has already obtained a restraining order against his estranged wife, which prevents her from mentioning him on social media for three years.

Both Ioan and Alice are seeking custody of their daughters, and both claim that they have no money.

Last month the former couple's $2million marital home in Los Angeles was sold at Ioan's request after he said he no longer had the funds to pay for it, forcing Alice and their two daughters to move into a rental property in LA.

Ioan met aspiring actress Bianca in Australia while he was shooting the series Harrow, and she recently moved into his Los Angeles apartment.

He and Alice announced that their marriage had ended in January 2021 and he went public with his romance with Bianca in October of that year.

Ioan filed for joint custody of his daughters last July after Alice filed for sole custody.

As well as requesting visitation rights, Ioan claimed in his custody filing that Alice had been purposely trying to cut communication between him and his children.

He also petitioned for the girls to attend in-person therapy and reunification therapy via Zoom with him pending court-ordered mediation about custody.

Ioan accused Alice of verbally abusing him during their marriage, and of repeatedly 'undermining him' in front of the girls.

'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 Alice 'has inflicted serious emotional harm on Ella and Elsie by her statements and by interfering in my relationship with them'.

In March this year, charges that Alice had violated her restricting order were dropped.

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Ioan, Alice, and Bianca for comment.
Joan Collins was every inch the proud mother as she supported her son Alexander Newley at the launch of his book Divining The Human: The Art Of Alexander Newley on Thursday.

The actress, 90, was accompanied by her husband Percy Gibson as she arrived for the event at The Polish Hearth Club in London.

Showcasing her chic sense of style, Joan opted for a sophisticated white trouser suit as she proudly posed with her son at the event.

Her look consisted of a satin white blazer and matching trousers, teamed with nude-topped heels.

Meanwhile her husband Percy opted for a dapper grey suit as he joined the Dynasty star at the launch.

Happy: Joan Collins was every inch the proud mother as she supported her son Alexander Newley at the launch of his book Divining The Human: The Art Of Alexander Newley

Family: The actress proudly embraced her son as she arrived for the launch at The Polish Hearth Club in London on Thursday

Lovely! Showcasing her chic sense of style, Joan opted for a sophisticated white trouser suit as she proudly posed with her son at the event

Alexander's book is a showcase of the worlds of Portraiture, Landscape, The Nude, Abstraction and Still Life, with an array of pieces filling its glossy pages.

Joan shares Alexander, and her daughter Tara with her second husband, Anthony Newley, who she married in 1963, before splitting in 1971.

She married her third husband, Ron Kass in 1972, and they have a daughter together.

Elsewhere, Lady Victoria Hervey also looked the epitome of glamorous on Thursday as she attended the launch.

The English socialite, 46, oozed dramatic chic as she dazzled in a plunging black tasseled jumpsuit.

The stunning number featured a very racy low neck and flowy material which, flaunted her incredibly long and sculpted legs.

The former model looked incredible as she flaunted her slim physique while gleaming at the event.

Teaming her look, Victoria rocked a glamorous black Chanel bag which she toted alongside her.

Glam: Her look consisted of a satin white blazer and matching trousers, teamed with nude-topped heels

Family: Joan shares Alexander, and her daughter Tara with her second husband, Anthony Newley, who she married in 1963, before splitting in 1971

Suave: She was accompanied by her husband Percy Gibson, who opted for a smart grey trouser suit

Sweet: The couple, who married in 2002, looked happier than ever as they posed for snaps

Gentleman: Percy lovingly took his wife hand following the star-studded event

Beaming: The duo were all smiles as they proudly supported Joan's son on his big night

Home please! Joan hopped into the back of a posh chauffeur driven motor

The English aristocrat accessorised her jaw-dropping look with a simple black necklace and towered her figure with a pair of black toe-pointed heels.

Percy, the longest-lasting of Joan's husbands, is more than 30 years younger than her, a gap she dismisses in interviews with the line: 'If he dies, he dies.'

The long-standing couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a star-studded party at Claridge's last year.

Originally from Peru, Percy is a noted Hollywood producer, known primarily for producing Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Glam: The former Dynasty accentuated her features with make-up and wore a slick of red lipstick

Off we go! Percy sat in the passenger seat as the Dame stretched out in the back

Chivalry: Percy made sure his beloved was sat comfortably

Gorgeous: Elsewhere, Lady Victoria Hervey looked the epitome of glamorous as she attended the launch

Stylish: The English socialite oozed dramatic chic as she dazzled in a plunging black tasseled jumpsuit

Beautiful: Teaming her look, Victoria rocked a glamorous black Chanel bag which she toted alongside her

Glitzy: The English aristocrat accessorised her jaw-dropping look with a simple black necklace and towered her figure with a pair of black toe-pointed heels

Sharp: Veteran actor Sir Derek Jacobi was suited and booted for the occasion

Joan, meanwhile, has a career that includes more than 50 films, dozens of performances in the West End and on Broadway, including in her own one-woman show, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Percy, who is 31 years Joan's junior, is her fifth husband, following marriages to Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, Ron Kass and Peter Holm.

The actress shares two children, Tara and Alexander Newley, with second husband Anthony - alongside daughter Katyana Kass with Ron.
Elliot Page has graphically detailed his failed attempts to have sex with a man aged 16 - as he battled with his sexuality years before coming out as gay.

The Oscar-nominated star, 36, who was once known as Ellen Page and came out as transgender in 2020, revealed he once dated a classmate called Kenneth and repeatedly attempted to lose his virginity to him - to no avail.

Writing in his new memoir Pageboy, Page said the pair - who met in grade 10 at Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax, Nova Scotia - would 'fool around upstairs' and engage in 'dry humping' - which did not arouse Page.

He wrote: 'Kenneth was sweet, sensitive and cute. A unique face with prominent cheekbones and electric eyes, his hair dark brown and floppy.

'We'd fool around upstairs. I didn't really like it but I didn't mind it either

Very candid: Elliot Page has graphically detailed his failed attempts to have sex with a man aged 16 - as he battled with his sexuality years before coming out as gay (pictured 2022)

Teen years: The Oscar-nominated star, 36, who was once known as Ellen Page and came out as transgender in 2020 , revealed he once dated a classmate called Kenneth and repeatedly attempted to lose his virginity to him - to no avail (pictured 2004)

'The kissing, meh. The dry humping, alright. I would pretend to orgasm. Not that Kenneth wasn't or wouldn't be fantastic in bed. I am certain he would be a selfless and generous lover.'

Going into further explicit detail, Page said when they tried to have sex, Kenneth was unable to enter him, adding: 'That whole "wet" thing was not happening.

'We'd try and then stop, try and then stop, try and then stop, and then we stopped trying. I was lucky it was with someone as lovely as him, it could have ended a different way.'

The star added that due to suffering a tear in his private parts during a rollerblade accident, he had this 'idea that something had happened to my vagina - causing my body to refuse entry.

'Everyone was talking about "doing it" and "hooking up" and "virginity"... and I didn't get it. Was everyone also pretending?

'I avoided sex with guys and suppressed my real, unrequited crushes. My brain could not comprehend that I simply wasn't interested, that I just didn't want to go through with it, which would be a completely appropriate feeling and response.'

Page would come out as a lesbian in 2014 - and would transition from female to male six years later.

Elsewhere in the book Page revealed he developed stress-induced shingles on the set of Inception in 2010 after feeling 'out of place in a cast full of cis men.'

Sexuality battle: Writing in his new memoir Pageboy, Page said the pair - who met in grade 10 at Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax, Nova Scotia - would 'fool around upstairs' and engage in 'dry humping' - which did not arouse Page (pictured 2006)

He wrote: 'Shingles communicated the stress my body felt. It popped out of my spine while filming Inception when I was twenty-two.

'Despite everyone being delightful to work with, I felt out of place. In a cast full of cis men, I did not understand the role I found myself in.

Elliot said that early on in filming he would joke that he'd be 'recast with Keira Knightley.'

This comes after Page claimed he had sex with Juno co-star Olivia Thirlby 'all the time' while they filmed the hit 2007 movie - just days after revealing he had a secret romance with Kate Mara.

The star said he was instantly attracted to Thirlby, now 36, who played Juno's best friend Leah in the film, as he recounted their fling in Pageboy.

He said: 'I was taken aback the moment I saw Olivia Thirlby. She seemed so much older, capable, and centered.

'Sexually open, far removed from where I was at the time. But the chemistry was palpable, it pulled me in.'

Page - who played pregnant teen Juno MacGuff in the film - recounted how they started 'sucking face' in a hotel room after Thirlby confessed she was 'really attracted' to him - to which Page reciprocated her feelings.

Fling: This comes after Page claimed he had sex with Juno co-star Olivia Thirlby 'all the time' while they filmed the hit 2007 movie - just days after revealing he had a secret romance with Kate Mara (pictured)

He wrote: 'It was on. I had an all-encompassing desire for her, she made me want in a way that was new, hopeful.'

He added it was one of the first times someone would make him orgasm.

Page said he and Thirlby began having sex 'all the time', writing: 'Her hotel room, in our trailers at work, once in a tiny, private room in a restaurant  We thought we were being subtle. Being intimate with Olivia helped my shame dissipate. I didnt see a glint of it in her eyes and I wanted that  done feeling wretched about who I am.'

Around the time Page and Thirlby filmed Juno, the pair were slated to star as the title characters in Jack & Diane - playing two young women who fall in love -but both dropped out before production, and the cast was replaced numerous times over.

Thirlby publicly came out as bisexual in 2011 - she has been married to Jacques Pienaar since 2014.

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Thirlby for comment.

This comes after Elliot revealed he had a secret relationship with Kate Mara after he came out as gay in 2014 - and while she was dating Max Minghella.

The Oscar-nominated Juno star, 36, who was once known as Ellen Page and came out as transgender in 2020, details in his memoir Pageboy how he and Kate, 40, struck up a romance as he filmed X-Men: Days of Future Past and that Kate was 'in love with two people.'

Kate and Max went their separate ways in 2014 after four years of dating. She is now married to actor Jamie Bell, with whom she shares two children.

In an excerpt from his memoir, obtained by People, Page writes: 'The first person I fell for after my heart was broken was Kate Mara. She had a boyfriend at the time, the lovely and talented Max Minghella.'

Tea spilled: He wrote: 'It was on. I had an all-encompassing desire for her, she made me want in a way that was new, hopeful.' He added it was one of the first times someone would make him orgasm' (pictured together in 2007)

Racy: Page recounted how they started 'sucking face' in a hotel room after Thirlby confessed she was 'really attracted' to him - to which Page reciprocated her feelings (pictured in Juno with Allison Janney)

Coming out: Olivia came out as bisexual publicly in 2011 - she has been married to Jacques Pienaar since 2014 (pictured 2019)

'This was right after Id come out as gay [in 2014] and it was a time of exploration and also heartbreak. I think my relationship, or whatever you want to call it with Kate, very much encapsulates a certain dynamic that I consistently found myself in, which was falling for people that  I think a lot of us do this  who arent fully available.

'And the sort of safety in that and the highs and the lows and the serotonin bump, and then it goes away. And I think that is definitely a pattern in my life.

'I think the love and care that we have for each other is its very own special thing. Separate from the intimacy that I write about.'

Elliot said Max was supportive of Kate exploring their relationship -which was kept a secret from the world and says Kate told him: 'I never thought I could be in love with two people and now I know I can.'

The pair played a couple in movie My Days of Mercy which premiered in 2017 and was released in 2019 - this was made after their romance.

Page added that Kate has read the book and will appear at a book event in LA in June to promote it.

Elliot publicly came out as a transgender man in December 2020 but revealed he began 'feeling like a boy' from the age of nine.

In an extract shared by People, Elliot recalled being in a gay bar just a few months before the premiere of his breakout 2008 movie Juno.

At the bar he met a woman named Paula, who unwittingly helped him address the feelings of 'shame' he had.

Heartbreak: This comes after Elliot revealed he had a secret relationship with Kate Mara after he came out as gay in 2014 - and while she was dating Max Minghella (pictured 2017)

Former couple: Kate and Max went their separate ways in 2014 after four years of dating (pictured 2014)

Ex; Elliot said Max was supportive of Kate exploring their relationship -which was kept a secret from the world and says Kate told him: 'I never thought I could be in love with two people and now I know I can' (pictured 2014)

Moved on: Kate is now married to actor Jamie Bell and the pair share two children (pictured January 2023)

He wrote: 'Dancing, sweat dripping down my back, down my chest. I watched Paula's hair twist and bounce as she moved effortlessly, chaotic but controlled, sensual and strong.

'I would catch her looking at me, or was it the other way around? We wanted to be caught. Deer in the headlights. Startled, but not breaking.'

Having asked if he could kiss her, he continued: 'And then I did. In a queer bar. In front of everyone around us. I was coming to understand what all those poems were about, what all the fuss was.

'Everything was cold before, motionless, emotionless. Any woman I had loved hadn't loved me back, and the one who maybe had, loved me the wrong way.

'But here I was, on a dance floor with a woman who wanted to kiss me and the antagonizing, cruel voice that flooded my head whenever I felt desire was silent.'

Elliot also looked at how the bar helped him address his feelings of shame.

He penned: 'Shame had been drilled into my bones since I was my tiniest self, and I struggled to rid my body of that old toxic and erosive marrow.

'But there was a joy in the room, it lifted me, forced a reaction in the jaw, an uncontrolled, steady smile.'

Elliot was paid 'north of $3M' to write his 288-page tell-all, which Flatiron Books will publish on June 6.

The two-time Emmy-nominated producer came out as a lesbian in 2014 during a speech at the Human Rights Campaign's 'Time to Thrive' conference in Las Vegas.

Elliot kicks off his nine-date international book tour on June 6 at The Town Hall in Midtown Manhattan, and future dates will be announced soon.

It's unclear if Elliot is still dating non-binary comedian Mae Martin after the pair got matching tattoos and suited up for the 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala on November 5.

Elliot's divorce from Canadian dancer Emma Portner was finalized in 2021 after two years of marriage.
Advertisement

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence narrowly avoided getting hit with a missile on set of the fourth installment of their hit action franchise, Bad Boys, in Atlanta.

While filming a scene, in which part of the Gatorland amusement park is left partially in ruins, the 54-year-old Oscar winner, and comedian, 58, are both dressed in full law enforcement gear.

As cameras rolled, the father-of-three, who portrays Detective Mike Lowrey, could be springing into action as he sported a badge and bulletproof vest as well as a walkie talkie strapped to his shoulder.

His character held onto a large black prop assault-style rifle, and could be ducking down several times next to a body sprawled on the ground between him and Lawrence.

Lawrence, best known for his hit sitcom Martin, which ran from 1992 to 1997, also wore a bulletproof vest, with 'police' on the front and a pair of black sunglasses.

Back in action: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence narrowly avoided getting hit with a missile on set of the fourth fourth installment of their their hit action franchise, Bad Boys, in Atlanta

Hard at work: While filming a scene, in which part of the Gatorland amusement park is left partially in ruins, the 54-year-old Oscar winner, and comedian, 58, are both dressed in full law enforcement gear

Dressed as cops: As cameras rolled, the father-of-three, who portrays Detective Mike Lowrey, could be springing to action as he sported a badge and bulletproof vest as well as a walkie talkie strapped to his shoulder

He plays Detective Lieutenant Marcus Miles Burnett, one of the Bad Boys franchise's two main protagonists.

Smith and Lawrence have portrayed the police officers since the first Bad Boys feature, which was released in 1995.

They reprised their roles in the movie's two sequels, which premiered in 2003 and 2020, respectively.

A spinoff series based on the films, entitled L.A.'s Finest, premiered in 2019 and did not feature participation from either of its longtime stars.

The Hollywood Reporter previously confirmed that the fourth Bad Boys movie was officially being developed in 2020.

At the time, it was confirmed that both Smith and Lawrence were expected to reprised their longtime roles as Lowrey and Burnett.

Performers such as Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig and Paola Nunez are also set to appear in the feature.

Work on the film was said to have been paused after the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star became the subject of controversy regarding his slapping of Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony, when several of his other projects were stalled.

Intense: His character held onto a large black machine gun, and could be ducking down several times next to a body sprawled on the ground between him and Lawrence

On set: Lawrence, best known for his hit sitcom Martin, which ran from 1992 to 1997, also wore a bulletproof vest, with 'police' on the front and a pair of black sunglasses

Bad Boys franchise: He plays Detective Lieutenant Marcus Miles Burnett, one of the Bad Boys franchise's two main protagonists

Smith and Lawrence have portrayed the police officers since the first Bad Boys feature, which was released in 1995

However, Sony Chairman Tom Rothman later spoke to Deadline and confirmed that the project was still being actively developed.

Smith officially confirmed that he would reprise his role alongside Lawrence this past February, when Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were also announced as the project's directors.

The filmmaking duo previously directed the third feature in the franchise, which was met with a generally positive reception from audiences.

Going strong: The Hollywood Reporter previously confirmed that the fourth Bad Boys movie was officially being developed in 2020

Star-studded cast: Performers such as Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig and Paola Nunez are also set to appear in the feature

Well-received: The filmmaking duo previously directed the third feature in the franchise, which was met with a generally positive reception from audiences

Physical production on the upcoming feature commenced last month, with filming taking place in both Miami and Atlanta

In the works: The upcoming fourth Bad Boys movie does not have a scheduled release date as of yet, but is likely to come out sometime in 2024

Lots of drama: Last month, Smith and Lawrence were seen filming an extremely dramatic scene, which involved the King Richard star talking his costar, who was dressed in an apparent hospital gown, off a ledge on a rooftop

Physical production on the upcoming feature commenced last month, with filming taking place in both Miami and Atlanta.

The upcoming fourth Bad Boys movie does not have a scheduled release date as of yet, but is likely to come out sometime in 2024.

Last month, Smith and Lawrence were seen filming an extremely dramatic scene, which involved the King Richard star talking his costar, who was dressed in an apparent hospital gown, off a ledge on a rooftop.

Smith was seen gesturing to Lawrence to get down, then giving him a hug.
Hours after unveiling her new Fendi campaign, Russian bombshell Irina Shayk flashed her black bra and taut tummy beneath a double-denim ensemble to pick up her daughter Lea De Seine Cooper from school in Manhattan on Thursday.

The 37-year-old Society Management Model - who relies on stylist Marc Eram - was wearing a dark-rinse jean jacket and matching skinny jeans featuring leather detailing along with black booties.

Irina's six-year-old princess wore a white T-shirt under multi-colored plaid overalls and black sneakers for her lessons.

At one point, little Lea bent down to dig around her pink backpack for something.

Shayk (born Shaykhlislamova) accessorized her unconventional look with her favorite black Balenciaga sunglasses with massive silver hoop earrings.

Doting: Russian bombshell Irina Shayk flashed her black bra and taut tummy beneath a double-denim ensemble to pick up her daughter Lea De Seine Cooper from school in Manhattan on Thursday

'Off duty, I'm always casual. I love feeling comfortable going through my day, whether I'm doing school pick-ups, work meetings or parent things,' the Versace catwalker told CNN on May 23.

'I think you can wear a tracksuit and still be chic and classy.'

Irina shares 50/50 joint legal and physical custody of her cherubic child with her ex-fiance, nine-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, whom she split from in 2019 after four years of dating.

On Wednesday, the Philadelphia-born 48-year-old and Lea wore face masks to combat the toxic wildfire smoke from Canada plaguing the entire state of New York.

Shakyk maintains her enviable figure with Pilates sessions every other day as well as body-shaping Emsculpt Neo sessions with Dr. Arash Akhavan at the Dermatology and Laser Group in Midtown.

'I have a really tough trainer who's great at encouraging me to do the hard stuff,' the former VS/SI Swimsuit stunner told CNN.

'I try to push myself to the limit and quite often get to the point where I think, "Oh my gosh, I never want to come back here ever again." I joke that I always enjoy my workouts when they're over! But I always return. It's not even about the looks, it's about how it makes me feel; challenging my mind and my body. I guess I love a challenge.'

Irina has also been known to treat herself to the $250 'French Infared Slimming and Detoxifying Wrap' as well as the non-surgical face lift (ranging $250-$550) from esthetician Yulia 'Julie' Gerchik at Nolita spa, Daphne.

Spring in the Big Apple: The 37-year-old Society Management Model - who relies on stylist Marc Eram - was wearing a dark-rinse jean jacket and matching skinny jeans featuring leather detailing along with black booties

Holding hands: Irina's six-year-old princess wore a white T-shirt under multi-colored plaid overalls and black sneakers for her lessons

Where is it? At one point, little Lea bent down to dig around her pink backpack for something

Strut: Shayk (born Shaykhlislamova) accessorized her unconventional look with her favorite black Balenciaga sunglasses with massive silver hoop earrings

The Versace catwalker told CNN on May 23: 'Off duty, I'm always casual. I love feeling comfortable going through my day, whether I'm doing school pick-ups, work meetings or parent things. I think you can wear a tracksuit and still be chic and classy'

Amicable co-parents: Irina shares 50/50 joint legal and physical custody of her cherubic child with her ex-fiance, nine-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, whom she split from in 2019 after four years of dating

Polluted: On Wednesday, the Philadelphia-born 48-year-old and Lea wore face masks to combat the toxic wildfire smoke from Canada plaguing the entire state of New York

'#fendisummer': Earlier on Thursday, Shayk unveiled her new Mediterranean beach-themed Fendi summer campaign overseen by artistic director Kim Jones 'with archival motifs by Karl Lagerfeld' and photographed by Steven Meisel

Earlier on Thursday, Shayk unveiled her new Mediterranean beach-themed Fendi summer campaign overseen by artistic director Kim Jones 'with archival motifs by Karl Lagerfeld' and photographed by Steven Meisel.

On May 30, the dimpled brunette beauty's rep told DailyMail.com that she denies ever having met or had any dealings with convicted sex offender/trafficker Jeffrey Epstein who allegedly died, age 66, from hanging himself in his jail cell.

The disgraced millionaire financier had mentioned meeting with Irina on February 14, 2012 in his vast trove of private calendars and emails uncovered by DailyMail.com.
David 'Kochie' Koch jokingly 'snubbed' his replacement Matt Shirvington as he stepped on the set of Sunrise for the final time on Friday, after hosting the show for 21 years.

Kochie, 67, was greeted with applause, hugs and well wishes from the Sunrise team and his family as they formed a guard of honour when he walked into the Channel Seven studios.

In a cheeky dig at the moment Tracy Grimshaw awkwardly snubbed her ACA replacement Allison Langdon last year, Kochie pretended not to see Matt, 44, who is taking over the top job as co-host from next Monday.

After he kissed his wife Libby, Kochie jokingly blanked former Olympian Matt who appeared crestfallen after he tried to hug Kochie.

'Just joking, just joking. I got you an Ally Langdon!' Kochie said while laughing and embracing Matt.

David 'Kochie' Koch jokingly 'snubbed' his replacement Matt Shirvington as he stepped onto the set of Sunrise for the final time on Friday, after hosting the show for 21 years

'You almost got me, you almost got me!' Matt replied with a laugh.

Kochie's last day comes after he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years, last week.

Behind the scenes photos showed his co-hosts Natalie Barr, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta overcome with emotion in between breaks of filming following the news.

Kochie, 67, was greeted with applause, hugs and well wishes from the Sunrise team and his family as they formed a guard of honour to the Channel Seven studios for the final time.

In was a cheeky dig at the moment Tracy Grimshaw awkwardly snubbed her ACA replacement Allison Langdon last year, Kochie pretended not to see Matt, 44, who is taking over the top job as co-host of Sunrise from next Monday

Kochie was greeted with applause and cheers as he made his way through the studio

'Just joking, just joking. I got you an Ally Langdon!' Kochie said while laughing and hugging Matt

Kochie and Matt were in fits of laughter as they shook hands and gave each other a high five

During his on air announcement, Natalie looked heartbroken when Kochie said he had spent more time with her over the past few years than with members of his own family.

An awkward interaction between Grimshaw and her A Current Affair replacement Langdon went viral last year when Tracy wrapped up her 17-year run as host on the show.

Footage of her farewell showed Grimshaw walking through a guard of honour and when Langdon went in to hug her, she appeared to reject the embrace.

At the time, her replacement was not yet publicly named.

Kochie enjoyed his final day on Sunrise on Friday (pictured)

Kochie appeared in high spirits as he celebrated 21 years on the top-rating breakfast show and his last time co-hosting alongside Natalie Barr

One fan dedicated a sign to Kochie, which read: 'We will miss you'

Kochie stunned his colleagues on earlier this month when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years

After hugging several staff members, including Karl Stefanovic and Peter Overton, Grimshaw walked by Langdon who had her arms outstretched for an embrace.

But Grimshaw brutally brushed her, appearing to shake her head before hugging Stefanovic.

Speaking on the Today show shortly after, Langdon addressed the awkward moment, admitting she 'didn't get much sleep' after the incident.

'That's where my heart breaks,' Langdon said while watching the clip.

An awkward interaction between Grimshaw and her A Current Affair replacement Langdon went viral last year when Tracy wrapped up her 17-year run as host on the show

Footage of her farewell showed Grimshaw walking through a guard of honour and when Langdon went in to hug her, she appeared to reject the embrace

Speaking on the Today show, Langdon addressed the awkward moment admitting that she 'didn't get much sleep' after the incident

'I'm devastated. I mean, I turned to you at the time going "Tracy Grimshaw just brushed me." When you get brushed by your hero, I gotta say it hurts.'

Stefanovic said Grimshaw had written a statement and apologised to Langdon for snubbing her in the guard of honour.

'Ally, I just watched the guard of honor from last night and I saw you went in to give me a hug,' Grimshaw said in her statement.

'And I hugged bloody Karl! I'm sorry I missed you. I was so overwhelmed and obviously didn't see your petite head once his big boofhead loomed into vision. Big sorry.'

'Ahh relief!' Stefanovic sighed, describing the moment one of the 'greatest snubs on Australian television'.
Samantha Armytage has returned to the Sunrise set for the first time since walking away from the top-rating breakfast show in 2021.

Armytage sat on the couch she had owned for several years during her own reign as co-host of the show to farewell departing host David 'Kochie' Koch on Friday.

While Koch smiled happily at his former colleague's return, Armytage's successor Natalie Barr seemed less pleased.

The pair looked uncomfortable as Armytage sat down and left a large space between them.

However the two women did share a quick hug as Armytage walked on set while fans peered into the studio from Martin Place.

Samantha Armytage [centre] has returned to the Sunrise set for the first time since walking away from the top-rating breakfast show in 2021. Pictured with Natalie Barr and David 'Kochie' Koch

'Look, I'm out. Nat's wanted the job forever... and she's finally got it. She just needs to get on and enjoy it - and forget about me (even though I'm unforgettable),' Sam previously tweeted

During the interview, Armytage referenced her own acrimonious departure from the show, telling Koch, 'I, after eight years, couldn't do [the job] any more.'

'21 years [of hosting] I just think is an extraordinary effort.'

The interview was over shortly after it began, lasting just five minutes before Koch and Barr moved onto other guests.

The former co-host sat on the couch she had owned for several years during her own reign on Sunrise to farewell departing host David 'Kochie' Koch on Friday

Samantha famously 'upset' Barr with a snarky tweet after departing the show in March, 2021.

Sam tweeted: 'Look, I'm out. Nat's wanted the job forever... and she's finally got it. She just needs to get on and enjoy it - and forget about me (even though I'm unforgettable).'

Barr was reportedly 'gutted' by her predecessor's hurtful tweet months after her 2021 departure, suggesting she was desperate for the top job.

Barr was reportedly 'gutted' by her predecessor's hurtful tweet months after her 2021 departure, suggesting she was desperate for the top job

But on Friday, Barr appeared to put on a happy face, with the two women hugging off-camera in photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia

The 55-year-old was not expecting the former anchor, 46, to be so 'snarky' after they'd worked together on Seven's breakfast show for years, a source told New Idea at the time.

'No one was more shocked and saddened over Sam's comments than Nat,' the insider claimed. 'She is gutted and has no idea why the snarkiness continues, even though Sam has been gone [from Sunrise] for months.'

But on Friday, Barr appeared to put on a happy face, with the two women hugging off-camera in photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia.

Nat vs Sam: a timeline of their feud July 2019: Nat jokingly calls Sam 'a b***h-faced moll' when asked if she's as 'nice' as she appears to be on Sunrise. March 2021: Sunrise co-host David Koch reveals he and Nat weren't told about Sam's star-studded farewell lunch at Catalina restaurant in Sydney's Rose Bay. March 2021: Nat is rankled by Sam's claims that married women with children aren't expected to work as hard in their careers. April 2021: Sam reveals she hasn't spoken to any of her former colleagues since leaving Sunrise a month earlier. May 2021: It's discovered that Sam doesn't follow Nat or Kochie on Instagram, despite following many other former Seven colleagues. June 17, 2021: Nat tells The Australian Women's Weekly she and Sam were never friends outside of Sunrise. June 21, 2021: Sam refuses to answer a question about their rumoured feud during an interview on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, and simply says: 'It's better to be talked about than not.' June 21, 2021: Sam later tweets that Nat has 'wanted her job forever' and urges her to 'just get on and enjoy it - and forget about me'. Advertisement

'No one was more shocked and saddened over Sam's comments than Nat,' an insider previously claimed. 'She is gutted and has no idea why the snarkiness continues, even though Sam has been gone [from Sunrise] for months'

Shortly after Samantha appeared on Sunrise for Kochie's final day on Friday, his former co-host Mel Doyle also appeared live on the show to bid him a fond farewell.

Mel, 53, gave both Kochie and Nat warm hugs as she appeared live in the Martin Place studio.

Mel hosted Sunrise from 2002 until 2013, when she was replaced by Sam Armytage.

Shortly after Samantha appeared on Sunrise for Kochie's final day on Friday, his former co-host Mel Doyle also appeared live on the show to bid him a fond farewell

Mel, 53, gave both Kochie and Nat warm hugs as she appeared live in the Martin Place studio

Mel hosted Sunrise from 2002 until 2013, when she was replaced by Sam Armytage

During the chat, Mel recalled her fond memories of hosting the show alongside Kochie and paid tribute to him

During the chat, which lasted for about six and a half minutes, Mel recalled her fond memories of hosting the show alongside Kochie and paid tribute to him.

Mel appeared teary as she spoke about her time on the show.

'We did have a few daggy moments down memory lane,' Kochie said as throwback footage aired.

'Getting your nights back is the best thing. Going out at night and not having to do the 5:30pm dinner booking,' Mel said as she told Kochie about how to adjust to life post-Sunrise.

'Have fun and enjoy especially Granddad time, that's going to be the most precious, I'm just so excited for you,' she added.

'Have fun and enjoy especially Granddad time, that's going to be the most precious, I'm just so excited for you,' she added

Sunrise star Koch was treated to a special breakfast on his last day hosting the breakfast show on Friday.

The TV veteran, who has been the face of the top-rating morning program for 21 years, was seen tucking into a tasty egg and bacon roll in-between takes, before washing it down with a milky coffee.

Kochie leaned over the news desk as his munched on the greasy sandwich to avoid getting any food on his pristine suit while his co-host Natalie Barr practised her lines.

Earlier, the 67-year-old got teary when his grandchildren appeared on-air to pay tribute to their grandad.

'He is always very kind and always gives us advice and tactics for our sport game and the eyespot assemblies. Always supportive and he has taught us to have half glassful perspective,' they said.

Sunrise host David 'Kochie' Koch was treated to a special breakfast on his very last day hosting the breakfast show

Earlier, the 67-year-old got teary when his grandchildren appeared on-air to pay tribute to their grandad

'He is always very kind and always gives us advice and tactics for our sport game and the eyespot assemblies. Always supportive and he has taught us to have half glassful perspective,' they said

Kochie's last day started out hilariously, with weatherman Sam Mac taking a pot shot at the outgoing host.

During his weather segment, Mac pointed out that the Sunrise offices were almost completely empty for Koch's farewell.

'Very exciting day, emotional, a real testament to how much you are loved, Kochie, looking at all the staff here,' joked Mac as the camera panned across the darkened office.

The sledges didn't end there, with Mac then pointing out a hilarious sign on the door of Koch's office.

'Olympians Only' read the sign, a nod to the fact the 67-year-old was to be replaced by Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington.

The TV veteran, who has been the face of the top-rating morning program for 21 years, was seen tucking into a tasty egg and bacon roll in-between takes, before washing it down with a milky coffee

The 67-year-old's last day started out hilariously, with Sam Mac taking a pot shot at the outgoing host

'This is your office, or it was, someone has already taken it over,' said Mac, before leading the camera crew into the room.

Inside, the word 'SHIRVONATOR' had been plastered across the wall.

Below it were several of Shirvington's famous magazine covers over the years, including one of the former Olympian riding a horse in his underwear.

During his weather segment, Mac pointed out that the Sunrise offices were almost completely empty for Koch's farewell

'It said in the weekend paper that publicity tried to bury that [image] of him,' said a laughing Natalie Barr.

On a desk was a 'to-do' list, purportedly written by Shirvington himself.

One of the points posed on the whiteboard read, 'Do we need weather????'

'Yes we do, Matt,' joked Mac.

'Credit to the man, he moves fast and well,' said the weather presenter.

On a desk was a 'to-do' list, purportedly written by Shirvington himself

At one point, Kochie was seen on air being given a guard of honour as he walked through the Sunrise studios for the very last time.

He was was greeted with applause, hugs and well wishes from the Sunrise team and his family.

Kochie jokingly 'snubbed' his replacement Matt Shirvington as he stepped onto the set of Sunrise for the final time on Friday.

Kochie jokingly 'snubbed' his replacement Matt Shirvington as he stepped onto the set of Sunrise for the final time on Friday, after hosting the show for 21 years

Kochie was greeted with applause and cheers as he made his way through the studio

In a cheeky dig at the moment Tracy Grimshaw awkwardly snubbed her ACA replacement Allison Langdon last year, Kochie pretended not to see Matt, 44, who is taking over the top job as co-host of Sunrise from next Monday.

After he kissed his wife Libby, Kochie jokingly blanked former Olympian Matt who appeared crestfallen after he tried to hug Kochie.

'Just joking, just joking. I got you an Ally Langdon!' Kochie said while laughing and embracing Matt.

'You almost got me, you almost got me!' Matt replied with a laugh.

In was a cheeky dig at the moment Tracy Grimshaw awkwardly snubbed her ACA replacement Allison Langdon last year, Kochie pretended not to see Matt, 44, who is taking over the top job as co-host of Sunrise from next Monday

He was later given a cake, hilariously decorated with a figure of himself in icing sugar, as he signed off air for the very last time.

'It's been a buzz, a spectacular job,' Kochie said as he got emotional while cutting a cake while surrounded by the Sunrise team and his family.

'This family, they've been with me through the best and worst times. Thank you for having me,' he said.

He was later given a cake, hilariously decorated with a figure of himself in icing sugar, as he signed off air for the very last time

Natalie Barr grabbed a box of tissues after getting emotional while live on air saying goodbye to Kochie

Kochie and Edwina both grabbed the tissues with emotions running high on set

Nat also shared a tribute to Kochie as she bid him farewell, breaking down in tears.

'For the last 20 years I have sat at that desk with him and watched as he gets to the core of an interview and cuts through all the PR and all the bull. And I have learned so much,' Nat said.

'We have travelled across Australia and we have gone around the world and through thousands and thousands of hours of live television and we have laughed and laughed and we have cried.'

'What is he really like? He's one of the best friends that I will ever have in my life and I will treasure the years we have had on air. And I know we will have many more years, they will just look a little different. Congratulations.'

Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years.

During his on air announcement, Natalie looked heartbroken when Kochie said he had spent more time with her over the past few years than with members of his own family.

He said he was leaving the hit show to focus on his own businesses and to enjoy more flexible work hours to spend time with his growing family.

Kochie joined Sunrise to present finance reports in 2002 and in October that year became Chris Reason's replacement when the journalist was diagnosed with cancer.

Matt Shirvington, 44, who will replace Kochie, said he was feeling 'mixed emotions' about the new gig.
Holly Willoughby looked incredible in her latest Instagram snap on Thursday as she prepared to host This Morning.

The TV presenter, 42, stood out in an eye-catching pink Mercy Delta midi dress, teamed with nude strappy heels.

She opted for a flawless bronzed makeup look with a swipe of nude lipstick, while flashing her dazzling white smile.

It comes after Amanda Holden denied reports she is locked in a feud with Holly.

In a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram page, Amanda, 52, addressed reports that have claimed she and Holly have been pitted against each other for several jobs, and their rivalry has bubbled to the surface in the wake of Phillip Schofield's affair scandal on This Morning.

Stunning: Holly Willoughby looked incredible in her latest Instagram snap on Thursday as she prepared to host This Morning

Speaking out: It comes after Amanda Holden denied reports she is locked in a feud with Holly

'Sadly strong and intelligent women have for far too long been pitted against one other when we should all be celebrated in our own right,' Amanda wrote.

'Women are still expected to say nothing, suffer silently and just get on with it. And we do... mostly.

On Wednesday, reports emerged that the two had not been getting along which Amanda says is simply not true.

Amanda had been embroiled in a feud with Holly's co-star Phillip which began back in 2018, when she claimed he sabotaged her chance to fill for Holly as host of This Morning.

The Britain's Got Talent star raised eyebrows this week when she appeared to mock Holly's return to This Morning in an Instagram video mimicking her opening phrase: 'Are you OK?'

Returning to the show for the first time since Schofield's sacking following his affair with a younger male colleague, Holly, 42, asked viewers: 'Right, deep breath. Firstly, are you OK? I hope so.'

Amanda posted a video on Instagram wearing an angelic white ensemble from Me + Em which was similar to the Reiss one worn by Holly, saying: 'Hello, it is Tuesday. Are you OK?'

And, just in case anyone missed the point, she had another pop at Holly on the radio.

When talking about doing the show hungover, the day before, co-host Jamie Theakston, 52, asked her how she was feeling.

She said: 'I got home, got straight into bed with my dog and cat. I got up, cooked the tea and went back to bed again at 8.

'I did that thing where you wake up at 2 and you have to talk yourself back into going to sleep.'

Claims: In a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram page, Amanda, 52, addressed reports that have claimed she and Holly have been pitted against each other for several jobs (pictured together in 2012)

Jamie interjected: 'We're worried about your well-being,' while talking to another guest.

Amanda replied: 'I'm OK people, are you OK?' before cackling loudly.

A spokesperson for Amanda told MailOnline: 'Amanda has always made it clear in the past she has no issues with Holly. Today's video has been taken out of context.'

Holly's said in the original statement that it: 'feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil and I imagine that you might have been feeling a lot like I have.

'Shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what's been going on and full of questions'.

'All of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they themselves felt they had to resign from ITV and step down from a career that they loved. That is a lot to process'.

She added: 'It's equally hard to see the toll it's taken on their own mental health. I think what unites us all now is a desire to heal for the health and wellbeing of everyone.

'I hope that as we start this new chapter and get back to a place of warmth and magic that the show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other.

Amanda previously said she believes that in 2018, Phillip sabotaged her chances of filling in on This Morning while Holly hosted I'm A Celeb.

Rochelle Humes landed the presenting job while Phillip's regular co-host Holly took over Ant McPartlin's hosting duties for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here.

Claims: 'Sadly strong and intelligent women have for far too long been pitted against one other when we should all be celebrated in our own right,' Amanda wrote (Holly is pictured returning to This Morning on Monday)

In a resurfaced video, Amanda was questioned about her feud with Phil by her Heart Radio co-star Jamie.

As he tried to approach the subject, Amanda told him: 'I've moved on from it, Jamie, you need to move on from it.'

READ MORE HERE: The lie got too big for both of us, says crestfallen Phillip Schofield in an interview laying bare his torment Advertisement

Pressing further, he quizzed: 'You might have moved on but I just wanted to know, is there any more to the story?'

Amanda told Jamie she had tried to reach out to Phil, but her attempts to arrange a meet up to clear the air were ignored.

She said: 'I did offer to meet him for a coffee months ago, he didn't reply to my text. What can I say?'

'The olive branch had been extended?', Jamie asked.

According to The Sun, Amanda reportedly expressed she felt 'let down' by her friend Phillip when she found out she didn't get the position and it went to Rochelle.

She had previously filled in for Holly when the This Morning star took a year off the show to have her third child, Chester, now seven, in October 2014.

A former daytime TV executive previously told The Sun: 'Phillip actively campaigned for Rochelle to get the job despite Amanda being more experienced - and having been told privately shed got the gig.'

An ITV spokesperson later insisted that Rochelle's casting was a decision made by producers, telling MailOnline: 'Presenter line ups on This Morning change regularly and final decisions on these line ups are made by producers and not the presenters.

They said at the time: 'Phillip Schofield is a much loved broadcaster and part of the ITV family. He is a consummate professional and held in high regard at ITV. Amanda is also held in high regard as a judge on one of our biggest shows.'

Similar outfit: Holly opened her comeback monologue on This Morning on Monday by asking viewers if they were OK, and was accused of being melodramatic

Shocking: It came after Phillip's shocking affair scandal on This Morning. Amanda has been embroiled in a feud with the presenter since 2018

During their time co-hosting the morning show, Phillip confessed he found working alongside Amanda was 'occasionally quite scary'.

He told Heat magazine at the time: 'Amanda kept me on my toes. She has a faulty edit button and she forgets shes on the telly, which is enormously endearing and funny, but occasionally quite scary.'

After Phil stepped down from This Morning, Amanda posted a strongman emoji on Instagram in what appeared to be a sign of celebration.

She did not caption the post as she remained mysterious about its meaning.
Olivia Hawkins exuded glamour as she attended the UK premiere of Transformer: Rise Of The Beasts on Wednesday night.

The Love Island stunner, 27, showed off her killer physique as she slipped into a figure-hugging purple leather gown.

The reality star flashed a pair of transparent mule heels under the floor-length skirt, as she posed up a storm while gleaming under the spotlight.

Olivia - who was sporting a glowing sun-kissed tan - donned a bronze make up palette with a glam smokey eyes, and pouted her lips with a dark nude gloss.

The Love Islander opted to keep her accessories to a minimum as she donned gold small hoop earrings and a few dainty rings.

All eyes on her: Olivia Hawkins exuded glamour as she attended the UK premiere of Transformer: Rise Of The Beasts on Wednesday night

Toned: The Love Island stunner, 27, showed off her killer physique as she slipped into a figure-hugging purple leather gown

She kept her chocolate tresses in a sleek updo, but left some locks down to frame her beautiful face.

Olivia, who appeared on the ITV2's 2023 winter series earlier this year and found romance with Maxwell Samuda before splitting shortly after, was among the many Love Island stars in attendance of the event.

Hollywood's latest summer blockbuster risked being upstaged by Love Island stars as London's Leicester Square played host to new film from the famous Transformers franchise.

The Steven Caple Jr directed feature is the seventh instalment in the hugely popular franchise inspired by the legendary Hasbro toy range and serves as a prequel to 2007 smash Transformers.

And with the London landmark's Cineworld serving as venue for the film's first UK screening, an array of unlikely fans were on hand to celebrate its imminent release.

Fellow Love Island alum Georgia Harrison, 28, who appeared on the third series of the show, also put on a seriously glamorous display as she took her turn on the red carpet.

Georgia slipped into a cream and blue lace jumpsuit, which she teamed with a pair of strappy heeled sandals and a chic raffia Prada bag.

They were joined by Dancing On Ice skater Vanessa Bauer, a regular red carpet presence following her split from former show partner Joey Essex.

Extra inches: The reality star flashed a pair of transparent mule heels under the floor-length skirt, as she posed up a storm while gleaming under the spotlight

Minimal: The Love Islander opted to keep her accessories to a minimum as she donned gold small hoop earrings and a few dainty rings

Beauty: She kept her chocolate tresses in a sleek updo, but left some locks down to frame her beautiful face

Last year's Love Island winner Ekin-Su, 28, pulled out all the stops for the occassion in a deeply plunging white gown, which featured cut-out panels and showcased her incredible figure.

The dress, which showcased Ekin-Su's ample assets, was styled with bouncy blown out hair and a glamorous coat of make-up, which only served to enhance the reality personality's natural good looks.

Ekin-Su was joined on the red carpet by her boyfriend Davide, who looked dapper in a cream linen summer suit, but also posed for a series of sizzling solo shots.

The stars of Love Island were joined by fellow reality star Vanessa Bauer, who competes as a professional ice skater on ITV primetime show, Dancing On Ice.

Vanessa, who was most recently dating her celebrity skating partner Joey Essex, looked amazing as she arrived at the event wearing a backless black gown with platform heels.

The professional ice dancer wore her dark locks in loose waves and added gold jewellery to complete the outfit.
Elliot Page has shared some shocking truths in his new memoir Pageboy, including intimate details of his relationship history.

The Juno actor was shot to fame after the films release in 2007, since then he's starred in a number of big-hitters and has appeared alongside multiple famous faces.

His tell-all memoir Pageboy was released on June 6, and has made headlines as the actor details his close relationships and previous flings from the onset of his career.

But who has Elliot Page dated? Here is everything you need to know about the actor's relationship history.

Juno, 2007, follows a pregnant teenager who chooses to give her baby up for adoption, the movie received much critical acclaim at the time

Elliot Page's role in Juno shot her to global stardom, he confessed to having a relationship with his co-star Olivia Thirlby on set

Olivia Thirlby (2007)

Page candidly revealed in his memoir he had sex 'all the time' with his Juno co-star Olivia Thirlby, before the star came out as gay.

Thirlby appeared in the film as the title character's best friend Leah; she came out as bisexual a couple of years later in an interview with Brooklyn Magazine.

Page wrote: 'I was taken aback the moment I saw Olivia Thirlby. She seemed so much older, capable, and centered,' he recalled. 'Sexually open, far removed from where I was at the time. But the chemistry was palpable, it pulled me in.'

The actor claimed that it was Thirlby who made the first move by confessing that she was 'really attracted' to him, which led to the two 'sucking face.'

The relationship was kept secret with Page adding that they were 'subtle' on set.

Though the film shot Page to stardom, Thirlby's film appearances remained quiet and she mostly appeared in small, independent movies.

She went on to appear alongside Jason Schwartzman and Ted Danson in HBO's Bored and had a supporting role in the critically acclaimed Margaret starring Anna Paquin, Mark Ruffalo and Matt Damon.

Her last film feature was in the fantasy romance film Above the Shadows in 2019.

Elliot Page and co-star Olivia Thirlby attending the premier of Juno together in 2007

Since her role in Juno, Olivia Thirlby (pictured above) starred in a number of small independent films and had featured in a HBO show alongside Jason Schwartzman

Kate Mara (2014)

The 36-year-old actor revealed in his memoir how he and Kate Mara, 40, struck up a romance as he filmed X-Men: Days of Future Past and said that Kate was 'in love with two people.'

In an excerpt from Pageboy obtained by People, Page writes: 'The first person I fell for after my heart was broken was Kate Mara. She had a boyfriend at the time, the lovely and talented Max Minghella.'

'This was right after Id come out as gay and it was a time of exploration and also heartbreak.

'I think my relationship, or whatever you want to call it with Kate, very much encapsulates a certain dynamic that I consistently found myself in, which was falling for people that  I think a lot of us do this  who arent fully available.'

Elliot said Max was supportive of Kate exploring their relationship -which was kept a secret from the world and says Kate told him: 'I never thought I could be in love with two people and now I know I can.'

Following their brief relationship, the pair went on to play a couple in My Days of Mercy, released in 2019.

While their romance was unsuccessful the two remain good friends, Page shared that Kate has read the book and will appear at an LA book event in June to promote it.

Kate Mara and Elliot Page dated in 2014 while Mara had a boyfriend, the two are still good friends and Mara is helping to promote Page's new memoir

Max Minghella and Kate Mara (pictured above) split in 2014, the actor went on to date Ella Fanning in 2018 and split earlier this year

Samantha Thomas (2015-2017)

The Inception got another chance at love a year later with Samantha Thomas, the pair made their relationship official in September 2015 and dated until early 2017.

Page took Thomas to the premier of his film Freeheld at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The artist shared happy pictures of her relationship with Page at the time to her Instagram account.

Elliot Page dated artist Samantha Thomas from 2015 to 2017, they made their red carpet debut together at Toronto Film Festival

Emma Portner (2018-2020)

Page sparked a romance with the Canadian dancer Emma Portner in 2017, the two married a year later and split after only two years.

The Umbrella Academy actor wrote in an Instagram post in 2018: 'Cant believe I get to call this extraordinary woman my wife.'

Two years into their marriage, Page came out as Transgender and shared in a statement: 'I cant begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.'

Portner shared her support for her then-partner Page and shared via Instagram: 'I am so proud of @elliotpage. Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world.

'I also ask for patience & privacy but that you join me in the fervent support of trans life every single day. Elliots existence is a gift in and of itself. Shine on sweet E. Love you so much.'

The couple divorced three years later in 2021, but confirmed that they had already been separated for a year.'

In a shared statement, they wrote: 'After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce following our separation last summer.'

Emma Portner and Elliot Page dated from 2017 to 2020, the pair split in 2020 and divorced a year later

Who else has Elliot Page dated?

The House of Cards alum has been linked to a number of on-screen faces including Clea Duvall.

The actor was linked to Duvall in 2011, Page shared that the actor's role alongside Natasha Lyonne in the 2001 film But I'm a Cheerleader helped him come to terms with his sexuality.

Page was also rumoured to have dated The Fault in Our Stars actress Shailene Woodley in 2014, but the link between the two actors has never been confirmed.

Page is not said to be dating anyone and is currently promoting his candid memoir Pageboy.
Model Kendall Jenner was seen in Dallas, Texas, in an Instagram photo shared on Tuesday.

The star was visiting David Grutmans newly opened Komodo restaurant for a party to promote her brand 818 Tequila.

Served at the event were Komodos signature Pikachu cocktail.

After drinks and photos, she made her way upstairs to Komodo Lounge and continued her latest 818 Tequila celebration in a VIP section.

For the occasion, Jenner, 27, wore CultNakeds peridot (olive green) KILLA trousers + bandeau bundle. She coordinated her look with a black leather belt and a matching mini black shoulder bag.

Welcome to Dallas: Model Kendall Jenner was seen in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday

Cute look: The star visited David Grutmans newly opened Komodo restaurant for a party for her brand 818 Tequila

CultNakeds Killa trousers and bandeau bundle is also sold in the colors bronze, killa (black) purple, choco (chocolate brown), pink, and vanilla (white).

Komodo, which specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine, shared the news of Jenners presence at the restaurant by uploading two images of her on the Dallas locations Instagram page on Wednesday, June 7.

Nights with @kendalljenner @drink818 Komodo Dallas captioned its Instagram post.

Both photographs feature Jenner in her olive green outfit from Cult Naked posing behind a red colored wall adorned with white flowers on black branches.

In the first photo, Jenner is captured looking away from the camera while the second photo showed her staring straight into the camera.

Another picture captured by photographer Sophie Sahara also shows Jenner looking straight into the camera but this time, the model is posing in front of a black leather couch with multi-colored wall decor in what appears to be Komodo's lounge area.

CultNaked also shared the images of Jenner wearing the fashion brands peridot KILLA trousers + bandeau bulk at Komodo Dallas in a separate post on its own Instagram page.

Lounge Around: The model is seen posing in front of a black leather couch with multi-colored wall decor in what appears to be Komodo's lounge area

YES!!!! Our muse @kendalljenner is shining in our newest PERIDOT KILLA bundle!, CultNaked captioned the June 7 Instagram post.

Thank you our very favorite @danixmichelle we love you to the moon and back!!! Image courtesy via @komododallas Photographer: @sophiesahara.

Since she launched 818 Tequila in May 2021, Jenner has thrown several star-studded bashes to celebrate her tequila line and its investors.

Her latest 818 Tequila celebration comes only a day after she hosted another 818 Tequila event on June 5 at Lavo Ristorante in West Hollywood.

So busy: She also plugged one of her collaborations in April

For the West Hollywood event, Jenner wore a brown strapless corseted leather dress with a white plisse at the hem. She completed her look with a matching brown woven box clutch and pointed heels.

The models 818 Tequila event was held in conjunction with the birthday party of Pavan Pardasani, the chief marketing officer of The Tao Group.

Besides Jenner and Pardasani, among the celebrities who attended the West Hollywood event included Lori Harvey, Trevor Noah, Jason and Brett Oppenheim, and Tristian Thompson.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, an influential Sikh American leader has said.

Jassee Singh, Chairman of the 'Sikhs of America' oraganisation founded to raise awareness about the community, said the official state visit of Modi to the US later this month is a "historic moment" for India.

Prime Minister Modi will embark on his first state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden this month. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22.

This is a very, very historic moment for India that the Prime Minister is coming, said Singh, who has been a part of all the Sikh delegations that the prime minister has met during his visits to the US since 2015.

Singh said the Sikh delegations have always presented a memorandum to Modi and almost all of their wishes were met by the prime minister. This time again, a delegation of the Sikh community is planning to meet the prime minister to thank him for his contribution to the community, he said.

I think the first time we met with Prime Minister Modi was in 2014. This was the first time after a long time, a Sikh delegation met an Indian Prime Minister. The response that we got was very positive from Prime Minister Modi," Singh told PTI.

"He understood the problems of the Sikhs. He has a genuine heart for the SEC community, which shows when he speaks, talks and meets the Sikh community, he said.

Prime Minister Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, he said.

Singh said in recent times, no other prime minister has done for the Sikh community what Prime Minister Modi did.

He recalled the steps the Modi government has taken for the Sikh community.

Be it celebrating December 26 as the Veer Baal Diwas, Gurunanak Dev Ji's 550th birth celebrations, the opening of the SIT for the 1984 riots and putting Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler behind bars, or the repealing of the blacklist of Sikhs living overseas who would not able to go back to India, or repealing the agriculture laws, the prime minister has always been with the Sikhs, he said.

We are very thankful to him. There is still more to be done. We will always reach out to Prime Minister Modi and his government to look after the needs of the Sikh community, Singh said.

He has done a lot. This time, we would like to let him focus on what he's coming for, which is the bilateral talks that are happening. If we get the opportunity, we will thank him for all that he has done. We have other Sikh demands, which we will bring up at a later time, he added.

Singh said when Modi and President Biden meet at the White House, he would like the two leaders among other things to discuss the immigration issue that is impacting the Indian Americans.

The main issue that is affecting the Indian community right now is the immigration, the H-1B visas. There are families, there are people on H-1B visas who've been here for 20 years, their permanent residency has been approved, but their files are not moving, he said.

There are people in India who want to come here to do business and trade, and they have to wait for a year to get an appointment for a visa, he said.

"So, I think, it's mostly on the American side that there's delay and there are issues going on. That should be a big discussion so that the talented Indians who are here on H-1B visas and other visas should be expedited in getting their residency and people in India should be able to get visas a little bit more quickly, Singh said.

Everybody wants to meet Prime Minister Modi. They want it to do a big Howdy Modi-like event or like the one that happened in New York... There are so many cultural programmes that are gonna happen before Prime Minister Modi arrives. We are all very excited, he said.

This time there is a big welcome by President Biden... A lot of people have been invited to that event. They say after Pope, when last time the Pope came to the White House, this is going to be as big, or maybe bigger than that. So, a lot of excitement, Singh said.
Bangladesh has sought an explanation from India regarding a mural installed in the new Parliament building here. Bangladesh and Pakistan also raised the issue a few days back. India has maintained that the mural only depicts the spread of the prehistoric Ashokan empire.

As regards Bangladesh, its minister of state for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam asked the Bangladeshi mission in New Delhi to seek an explanation on the matter.

During an interaction with the media at the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Monday, Alam said the mural has nothing to do with politics and there is no reason to get confused about it, according to reports in the Bangladeshi media.

Alam added that the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi has been asked to talk to the external affairs ministry to get an official explanation.

There is no reason to express doubts about it. However, for further clarification, we have asked the mission in Delhi to speak to the Indian ministry of external affairs to find out what their official explanation is, Alam was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

Alam was also cited by Bangladeshs The Business Standard as saying that the external affairs ministrys spokesperson had described the mural as a map of the Ashoka Empire and it was three hundred years before the birth of Christ. He added it was a map of the area that existed at the time and the mural depicts the journey of the people.

The mural...depicts the spread of the Ashokan empire and the idea of responsible and people-oriented governance that [Emperor Ashoka] adopted and propagated, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a weekly media briefing last week.

The mural depicts ancient sites such as Lumbini and Kapilvastu in Nepal and historic locations in present day Pakistan.

Ahead of Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachandas visit to India last week, the countrys political leaders urged him to raise the matter with Indian interlocutors. Bagchi said the matter was not formally raised by Dahal during talks in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prachanda on Wednesday said in Kathmandu he raised the issue relating to the mural during his visit to New Delhi and the Indian side clarified that it was a cultural map and not a political one.

Prachanda made the remarks in Parliament when the opposition lawmakers slammed him for not raising the issue of Akhanda Bharat map, which, they claimed, also consists of Nepals territory.

While talking about the map during my India visit, the Indian side said it was a cultural map, not a political one. Further study should be carried out on the issue, he said while responding to the questions raised by the lawmakers.

Prachanda said he mentioned the map during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said it was a cultural map not a political one.

India has downplayed the issue of a mural in the new Parliament building, describing it as an artwork that depicted the spread of the prehistoric Ashokan empire.

The mural triggered a controversy in Nepal as it is being interpreted as a map of Akhand Bharat comprising parts of several neighbouring countries.
A live television interview of a Nepali couple aired from one hospital helped it find out its minor son who was injured in the June 2 Odisha train accident and under treatment in another hospital. The 15-year-old boy, Ramananda Paswan, who was recuperating in the ICU of a hospital here, saw his parents on a news channel on a television set which was in the room and alerted the authorities. The hospital then facilitated the reunion of the boy, who was travelling in the ill-fated Coromandel Express, with his parents who came from Nepal in search of him after knowing about the accident that claimed 288 lives, an official said.

I am happy to find my son. He was travelling with three of our relatives. All of them were killed in the accident. He, however, miraculously escaped with injuries, said the boys father Hari Paswan.
US Ambassador to New Delhi Eric Garcetti said on Wednesday that in 2022, one out of every five US student visas was issued by its mission in India, surpassing the proportion of the Indian population worldwide. Garcetti further revealed that the United States is set to provide more visa appointments for students this year than ever before.

During the seventh annual Student Visa Day organised by the US Mission in India, Consular Officers from New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai conducted interviews with nearly 3,500 Indian student visa applicants.

Garcetti acknowledged that more Indian students choose the United States for higher education than any other country. He highlighted the fact that one out of every five student visas in 2022 was granted in India, exceeding the proportion of the Indian population worldwide. Indians have consistently demonstrated excellence in education and have been a significant part of the student community in the US. The ambassador also mentioned that the US is on track to process the highest number of student visa applications in its history.

According to statistics shared by the embassy, the US Mission in India issued a record-breaking number of over 125,000 student visas in 2022. Indians received the highest number of H&L employment visas (65 per cent) and F1 student visas (17.5 per cent) globally during the same period.

The United States witnessed over 1.2 million visitors from India last year, making Indians one of the largest groups of international visitors to the country. Indian students constitute more than 21 per cent of the total international student population in the US. In the 2021-22 academic year nearly 200,000 Indian students were pursuing their studies in the US.

The embassy emphasised that they have successfully matched their pre-pandemic wait times for over 20 visa categories in the past year. Their current focus is on reducing the wait time for tourist visa applicants who require an interview. Since the beginning of this year, the wait time for in-person tourist visa appointments has decreased by 60 per cent. Student Visa Day is an annual event held in June.
Village in rural China ensures elderly a richer cultural life

By Xie Runjia (People's Daily App) 15:30, June 08, 2023

Culture is an important part of life for the elderly villagers in Anqiaotou, Southeast China's Zhejiang Province.

This village, celebrated as the hometown of famous writer Lu Xun's grandmother, is not only striving for rural vitalization, but also leveraging its rich cultural heritage to benefit the elderly.

Drawing inspiration from Lu Xun's childhood experiences and literary contributions, the village has embarked on collaborative ventures with companies and universities. Together, they create cultural and creative products like dolls and picture books, breathing new life into the cultural atmosphere, fostering a sense of pride among the elderly residents, and generating much-needed income from tourism.

Recognizing the value of daily cultural enrichment, the village places great importance on enhancing the lives of its senior residents.

This commitment is exemplified through the establishment of the village's school for the elderly, which was the first of its kind in the area and has become popular with local people over the past eleven years.

At the school, a wide range of courses is offered, allowing the elderly to immerse themselves in traditional arts and practices. From playing traditional flutes to engaging in waist drum dancing, calligraphy, and Yue opera, the elderly participants find joy and fulfillment in these cultural pursuits. The school of course also holds activities themed around Lu Xun and his stories.

Among those who have benefited from the school's offerings is 69-year-old Chen Yuexian. Since the school's inception, she has been dedicatedly learning calligraphy, reviving a passion that was first kindled during her childhood. Chen speaks fondly of how the school has enriched her life. "I learned a little bit of calligraphy when I was a little girl," Chen says, "and now I am able to continue studying."

Through the fusion of Lu Xun's ancestral ties, rural vitalization efforts, and the establishment of the school for the elderly, Anqiaotou village ensures that its elderly residents not only experience a rich cultural life but also have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills and earn extra income, fostering a strong sense of community and personal growth.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) alleged on Wednesday that intoxicated individuals in a car entered the campus and attempted to kidnap two students. Following which, JNU security department has announced restrictions on outside vehicle entry from 10 pm to 6 am.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night, and the police have filed two cases based on the students complaints.

The JNU administration has expressed grave concern over the matter and has called for the strictest punishment for the perpetrators.

Two complaints, one regarding physical assault and the other on molestation and attempted kidnapping, have been received from JNU students. Cases have been registered, stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Manoj C.

He said, In both cases, the accused and the vehicle are the same and have been identified. Further investigation is ongoing.

JNUSU demanded that the Vice-Chancellor also file a police complaint and address the JNU community regarding the repeated security failures on campus. Additionally, one of the attacked students underwent a medical examination and filed a complaint, according to the JNUSU.

The JNU administration condemned the incident and stated, We have taken serious note of the incident, and a police complaint has been lodged. The JNU administration has been closely coordinating with the police in the investigation process. We recommend the strictest punishment for the perpetrators of the crime.

The statement added that residents should contact the security branch or the police with any information related to the incident.

Furthermore, the administration called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant during the investigation and assured that steps have been taken to enhance campus security.

The university emphasised its zero tolerance policy towards violence and its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all individuals.

The administration stated, The safety and fearless movement of women on the campus is our topmost priority, and we are committed to stringent enforcement of the law dealing with sexual harassment in any form or by anyone.
Gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansaris associate Sanjeev Maheshwari, alias Jeeva, was shot dead on the premises of a Lucknow court on Wednesday. The gunfire also resulted in injuries to a police officer and a 18-month-old girl. The childs condition is critical while the constable is in a stable state, sources said.

The alleged assailant was swiftly apprehended near the crime scene, just outside the courtroom. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the individual was disguised as a lawyer and fired around six shots.

Jeeva (48), serving life imprisonment in Lucknow jail, is an accused in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai and then State minister Brahm Dutta Dwivedi as well as 22 other cases, including that of fraud and criminal conspiracy.

Taking a serious note of the incident and to find lapses in the security provided to a dreaded criminal inside court premises, the Uttar Pradesh Government formed a three-member Special Investigative Team (SIT). The team will submit its report to the Government within seven days.

The three-member SIT will be headed by ADG (Technical Services) Mohit Agarwal, while the other members include IG (Ayodhya Range) Praveen Kumar and JCP (Crime) Nilabja Chaudhary.

In the firing, 18-month-old girl Laxmi and constable Lal Mohammed sustained injuries.

Senior police officers rushed to the spot and tried to bring the situation under control even as lawyers staged a massive protest, raising slogans, and highlighting laxity inside court premises and lack of safety gadgets. The protest brought the traffic movement between Kaiserbagh bus depot and Swasthya Bhawan crossing to a standstill.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central, Aparna Rajat Kaushik said the history-sheeter, Maheshwari, was shot dead at the door of the ST/SC courtroom (III) while being taken for a hearing.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nilabja Chaudhary said they were yet to ascertain the sequence of events while the accused was being interrogated.

Jeeva was said to be a dreaded gangster in western Uttar Pradesh, and his name spelled terror among businessmen, company owners, contractors, and even government officials overseeing construction projects.

After Munna Bajrangis murder inside Baghpat jail in 2018, Jeeva had claimed a threat to his life. His wife had also claimed a threat to his life recently.
The Union Cabinet granted approval on Wednesday for the extension of the Metro network from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City in Gurugram. The extension will cover a distance of 28.5 km, featuring 27 new stations, and is expected to be completed within four years at a cost of approximately `5,452.7 crore.

The primary corridor, spanning 26.65 km with 26 stations, will connect HUDA City Centre to Cyber City, while the 1.85 km spur or extension will run from Basai Village to Dwarka Expressway and include one station.

This metro line aims to establish connectivity between Old Gurugram and New Gurugram, as well as provide a link to the Indian Railways.

Furthermore, future plans involve connecting the network to the Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. With an estimated population of 25 lakh, Gurugram is projected to witness a daily ridership of 5.34 lakh by 2026, 7.26 lakh by 2031, 8.81 lakh by 2041, and 10.70 lakh by 2051.

The metro trains on this line will operate at a design speed of 80 km per hour, averaging 34 kmph. The entire project will be elevated and completed over the course of four years.

The execution of this project will be undertaken by the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC), established as a 50:50 special purpose vehicle of the Centre and the Haryana government once the sanction order is issued.

According to a statement from the Ministry, The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved metro connectivity from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City with a spur line (branch line) to Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram, covering a distance of 28.50 km and having 27 stations on the route.

The metro connectivity will feature a standard gauge line measuring 1,435 mm (5ft and 8.5 inches) and a spur line connecting Basai Village to the depot.

The metro connectivity will originate from the existing HUDA City Centre on Delhi Metros Yellow Line, and the new stations will include Sector 45, Cyber Park, Sector 47, Subhash Chowk, Sector 48, Sector 72A, Hero Honda Chowk, Udyog Vihar Phase 6, Sector 10, Sector 37, Basai Village, Sector 9, Sector 7, Sector 4, Sector 5, Ashok Vihar, Sector 3, Bajghera Road, Palam Vihar Extension, Palam Vihar, Sector 23A, Sector 22, Udyog Vihar Phase 4, Udyog Vihar Phase 5, and Cyber City.

The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry issued a statement indicating that the loan for the project is being secured through the European Investment Board and World Bank.

Additionally, the Haryana Government has proposed the construction of a metro link from Palam Vihar to Dwarka Sector 21, facilitating connectivity between the proposed Gurugram Metro and the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro.

The first phase, initially constructed by a consortium of DLF and two companies of the IL&FS group, namely IERS (IL&FS Enso Rail system) and ITNL (IL&FS Transport Network Limited), spans a route length of 5.1 km from Sikandarpur to Cyber Hub. It was operated by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Rapid Metro Gurgaon Limited since November 14, 2013.

The second phase is between Sikandarpur to Sector-56 with route length of 6.5 km, initially constructed by consortium of two companies of IL&FS i.e. ITNL (IL&FS Transport Network Limited) and IRL (IL&FS Rail Limited). This phase was run by SPV namely Rapid Metro Gurgaon South Limited since 31.03.2017.

The operation was taken over by Haryana Mass Rapid Transit Company (HMRTC) since 22.10.2019 in terms of the High Court order when concessionaire backed out to run this system.

The operation of this line has been entrusted to DMRC by HMRTC. Prior to this DMRC continued to run rapid metro line wef 16.09.2019. Average ridership of Rapid Metro Gurugram is about 30,000. In weekdays total daily ridership is about 48,000.
In commemoration of the 130th anniversary of an incident involving Mahatma Gandhi at South Africas Pietermaritzburg railway station, the Indian Navy warship INS Trishul arrived in South Africa on Wednesday.

This visit to Durban is part of the Indian Navys celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav which honours significant moments that shaped Indias struggle for independence, according to a statement released by the Navy.

The Navy announced its participation in a commemorative event marking the start of the struggle against apartheid, which took place 130 years ago at the Pietermaritzburg railway station near Durban.

INS Trishul will be in Durban from June 6 to 9 to observe the 130th anniversary of the 1893 incident at Pietermaritzburg and also to recognise the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa, as stated in the press release.

In 1893, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Durban to serve as legal counsel to merchant Dada Abdulla. On June 7 of that year, while traveling to Pretoria in the Transvaal, Gandhi boarded a first-class compartment with a valid ticket but was later forced to leave by a European passenger who believed that coolies and non-whites were not allowed in first-class compartments.

This incident is regarded as the catalyst for Gandhis fight against racial oppression and the birth of Satyagraha, a nonviolent resistance movement.

On April 25, 1997, in a poignant ceremony at Pietermaritzburg railway station, Nelson Mandela, the then South African President, posthumously conferred the Freedom of Pietermaritzburg on Gandhi. During the ceremony, President Mandela spoke of Gandhis remarkable example of personal sacrifice and dedication in the face of oppression.

During the visit, INS Trishul will participate in a commemorative event at the Pietermaritzburg railway station, which includes paying floral tributes at the Gandhi Plinth and a performance by the Indian Navy band. The ship will also engage in other professional and social activities while in Durban.

Consul General for India in Durban, Thelma David, mentioned that the ships band would play some of Mahatma Gandhis favorite bhajans during the commemorative event. Floral tributes will be offered at the plinth where Gandhi was expelled.

Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, an Indian sociologist and social entrepreneur, will also be present to discuss implementing Gandhian principles through the Swacch Bharat campaign, which draws inspiration from Gandhis movement.

As part of the ships friendly visit, the crew will engage in donation and community activities at the Phoenix Youth Centre in Durban, where the band will perform for approximately 150 youth. Additionally, the ships personnel will participate in a morning yoga session on June 9.

The visit aims to foster understanding among schoolchildren and college students about the Indian Navys capacity to maintain peace at sea. They will also be briefed on the Navys operational capabilities and its role in maritime security, highlighting the friendly relations between the two countries and the significance of the Indian Navy in bilateral ties, explained Thelma David.

In collaboration with the Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Foundation and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a round table discussion titled the Gandhi-Mandela-King Conference will be hosted on Wednesday. The conference, named after three globally renowned leaders of the last century, will focus on peace and justice for all. Joint Secretary Puneet Kundal and Deputy High Commissioner Banu Prakash will be among the speakers.

During the visit, the frigate will have professional interactions with the South African Navy, further enhancing the close cooperation between the two navies.

India and South Africa share the Indian Ocean as maritime neighbours with cordial defence and warm political relations. The two Navies regularly interact and operate together with Brazil during Exercise IBSAMAR, which is held every alternate year, the last edition of which was conducted in 2022. The Indian Navy also hosts a number of trainees from the South African Navy in various professional schools.
In compliance with the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, orders have been issued for the creation of posts for three new police outposts in Etah district of the state.

While giving this information, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad said here on Wednesday that the new police outposts were in gram sabha Dhingra under Jasrathpur police station of Etah district and police outpost Ubhai Asadnagar under Nayagaon police station and the new police outpost Sahori in village Sahori located in Jaithara police station area.

He said that to fulfill manpower requirements, a total of 51 posts had been created for sub-inspector, head constable and constables in the civil police.

This decision has been taken by the state government with the aim of strengthening peace and law and order in this area, curbing crimes more effectively, and providing a more secure environment to women and the general public.
Jailed AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodias wife Seema Sisodia has penned an emotional letter post meeting with her husband after 104 days ,mentioning how the police were stationed outside their bedroom, to watch the two and listen to every word they uttered during these seven hours.

Further, in the message she talks about the challenges and sacrifices that come with the realm of politics, labelling it as a dirty game. She mentioned that her husband was in jail due to dirty politics. The meeting, which lasted for seven hours, took place after the Delhi High Court allowed Manish to meet his wife for some time in view of her deteriorating health. A person who has been sleeping on the floor for the past 103 days, enduring mosquitoes, ants, and insects, without caring about all of that, he has the same dream in his eyes  to uplift society through education, to demonstrate honest politics alongside Arvind Kejriwal.No matter how many troubles and conspiracies come their way, read her letter.

Recalling the initial warnings received by well-wishers advising them to steer clear of politics, she emphasises how Manish remained resolute in his decision to join forces with Arvind Kejriwal and other like-minded individuals.
The vice chancellor of Binod Bihari Mahto Koylaanchal University (BBMKU) appears to be in the dock over taking house rent allowance ( HRA) despite residing in an official quarter that was provided to him by the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).

Former VC of the university too resided in the same bungalow prior to him.

The officer on special duty of Chancellor - cum- Governor has issued a show cause to Dr Sukhdev Bhoi, since joining as VC here had been realising house rent allowance (HRA) equivalent to what is being paid to class one officers in New Delhi . This he did despite a bungalow he was provided here and the university was paying rent of that to BCCL.

According to available reports the VC has been asked to provide an appropriate reply to this allegation as it amounts to misappropriation of money and misuse of official position.

Incidentally, DR Bhoi had been defending himself before the media on this issue by saying that he was entitled to draw an HRA equivalent to what he drew as Professor at Delhi ahead of joining Dhanbad. However, has failed to explain under what circumstances he realised the HRA when was provided official quarter.

Yet another allegation on the BBMKU VC is that he demanded money from. Principals, deans, professors and other teachers for "development "of the university stating that the state government is not cooperating with the university for its development. Though a separate bank account was opened named as development fund accounts, university sources said that account was opened without approval of either the Raj Bhawan or the state government.

Besides, these several other allegations have been leveled and the VC has been directed to reply within a specified period .
BJD WORKERS MEETING HELD IN JATNI

Jatni: A BJD workers meeting was held at Jatni on Sunday presided over by advocate Arjun Parida. Initially, a silent prayer was held for those killed and injured in the train mishap at Baleswar district. Later, the implementation of various welfare schemes of the State Government was discussed. Parida appealed to the women workers to reach every household to strengthen the BJD under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik to ensure victory of the party in the forthcoming general election in 2024. Among others, Kabiraj Sahoo, Pabitra Parida, Kalyani Dalei, Pravati Sahoo, Youdhistir Sahoo, Niri Sahoo and many other BJD workers were present.

VETS DONATE RS 20L TO CMRF FOR TRAIN TRAGEDY VICTIMS

Bhubaneswar: Members of the Odisha Veterinary Service Association (OVSA) have donated a sum of Rs 20 lakh to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund (CMRF) for support to the Baleswar train tragedy victims.

OVSA president Dr Jadunath Parida informed that a bank draft was handed over to the Chief Secretary. OVSA general secretary Dr Sankarshan Mahunta said the association has also planned to hold a blood donation camp shortly to meet the needs of the injured passengers.

KEONJHAR MUSLIM SOCIETY HOLDS BLOOD DONATION CAMP

Keonjhar: To help the injured passengers of Bahanaga train accident, the Keonjhar Muslim Society held a blood donation camp at the Jama Musque here on Tuesday and collected 110 units of blood. The programme was coordinated by Saiful Islam, Md Idris, Md Inthikab, Allam, Irshad, Md Ajmat, AR Sahabaj, SK Tohit, Md Washim, Danish Raja, Parvej Ahammed Arman Hussain, Bassidul Islam and others. Dr Ramakanta Munda, Akshaya Kumar Sahu, PRO, District Blood Bank Centre and staff Bhagirathi Mahakud.

CHILD MARRIAGE PREVENTED IN JAGATSINGHPUR

Jagatsinghpur: The Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Jagatsinghpur and Biridi blocks accompanied by police on Tuesday prevented a child marriage in a temple in Baredia village under Biridi block. A 14-year-old girl from Khordha district had been brought to the temple for marrying a 26-year-old man of Ghadimula village under Jagatsinghpur block. The CDPO and cops reached the spot and asked the marrying couple to produce their age proofs. The girl reported underage for marriage. The girl was produced before the District Child Welfare Committee, which sent her to a women's rehabilitation home.

AWARENESS FOR ABOLITION OF CHILD LABOUR

Jagatsinghpur: Jagatsinghpur Collector Parul Patwari on Tuesday launched a motorised chariot to tour across the district spreading awareness among people with regard to the abolition of child labour and the rights of children under Constitutional guarantee. The district labour department informed that the chariot would travel to each block headquarters and municipal areas and educate the public about the child laws and protection of children during their adolescence. People found deviating from the rules would be prosecuted under the laws.

AM/NS CELEBRATES ENVIRONMENT DAY

Paradip: In celebration of the World Environment Day by AM/NS, a tree plantation programme and a cleanup campaign were organised. The event was followed by a meeting on environmental protection held in front of the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Gate. The gathering included personalities like State Pollution Control Board Regional Officer Pushpak Behera, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Odisha ED Suresaji, Paradip Pellet Plant head USR Raju, AM/NS Paradip environment chief Akash Mahapatra and Kujang block Vice-President Gyanajit Swain.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAY HELD IN SHREE METTALLICK

Keonjhar: The World Environment Day was celebrated in the Shree Mettallick Plant at Aran under Bansapal block of Keonjhar district. Plant president Saroj Kumar Bishwal was chief guest. He said environmental pollution is a global issue and should be tackled both collectively as well as individually. Bishwal along with BN Prasad ,vice-president, Shishir Kumar Rout, Head (HR), Gyana Ranjan Swain, AGM (operation-pellet) and others planted saplings. There is target of planting 5,000 saplings this year.

ANTI-CHILD LABOUR RALLY IN BALANGIR

Balangir; Additional District Magistrate Mahendra Mahapatra flagged off a rally against child labour eradication in Balangir. Among others, CWC Chairperson Lambodar Deep and other labour officials and members of voluntary organizations participated in the rally that marched through the town.
Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday carried out a surprise reshuffle of 23 IAS officers which is said to be the last mass transfer of babus before state goes to polls in November this year .

Pardeshi Siddhartha Komal (IAS-2003) has been given additional charge of Secretary, Higher Education and Secretary Public Health and Family Welfare department. He has been relieved from the additional charge of Secretary Mineral Resources and Secretary Public Works department. The other charges have been retained. Prasanna R (IAS-2004) will be relieved the additional charge of Secretary, Public Health and Family Welfare department.

Dr Sanjay Kumar Alang (IAS-2004) has been posted as Commissioner, Raipur division.

Bhuvnesh Yadav (IAS-2006) has been posted as Secretary Public Works Department. He will hold additional charge of Secretary Social Welfare and Commissioner and Secretary Commerce and Industry. Yashwant Kumar (IAS-2007) will be Secretary, Commercial Tax (Registration) and additional charge of Managing Director, Chhattisgarh State Beverages Corp.

Janak Prasad Pathak (IAS-2007) will have additional charge as Special Secretary (Independent) Commercial Tax (Excise) along with the present post.

Bheem Singh (IAS-2008) has been posted as Commissioner, Bilaspur Division.

Shikha Rajput Tiwari (IAS-2008) is Commissioner, Surguja Division. K.D. Kunjam (IAS-2009) will hold additional charge of Director, Mining and Geology, Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corp.

Jai Prakash Maurya (IAS-2008) will be Special Secretary (Independent) Mining Resources department and additional charge as Director, Health Services.

Ranu Sahu (IAS-2009) will get additional charge of Director, Urban and Rural Investment. Saransh Mittar (IAS-2010) will be Director, Urban Administration and Development and Director, Industry and Joint Secretary, Commerce and Industries department and public sector units. On his taking charge, Tamboli Fakirbhai will be relieved as Director, Urban Administration and Development. Nilesh Kumar Mahadev Ksheersagar (IAS-2011) has been appointed Joint Secretary, General Administration Department.

Ritsh Kumar Agrawal (IAS-2012) has given posting as Chief Executive Officer, Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society, Raipur, with additional charge of Commissioner, Commercial Tax, Joint Secretary Electronics and IT.

Ranbeer Sharma (IAS-2012) will have additional charge of Joint Secretary Women and Child Development department.

P.S. Dhruve (IAS-2013) has been given additional charge of Joint Secretary, Urban Administration and Development department.

Indrajeet S. Chandrawal (IAS-2013) will have additional charge of Managing Director, Chhattisgarh State Text Book Corp and be Joint Secretary, Public Works Department.

Prabhat Mallik (IAS-2015) has been posted as Mahasamund Collector and Padmini Bhoi Sahu (IAS-2016) as Mission Director, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Raipur. Akash Chhikara (IAS-2017) will be Collector Gariyaband.

Sambit Mishra (IAS-2018) will be Chief Executive Officer, Zila Panchayat, Jashpur, Abinash Mishra (IAS-2018) is CEO zila Panchayat Raipur, Jitendra Yadav (IAS-2019) will be CEO Zila Panchayat Raigarh and Kumar Vishwaranjan (IAS-2020) will be CEO Zila Panchayat Dantewada.
Emphasising the importance of resolving public complaints and addressing peoples problems on a priority basis, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called for a mission-oriented approach to public hearings, stressing the need for swift resolution and redressal of grievances.

Directives were issued in a recent meeting with additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries where the chief minister highlighted that all government initiatives were aimed at meeting the needs of the common man and advancing the state. He asked all officers and personnel associated with the administration to understand this fundamental objective.

The Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) and CM Helpline were identified as valuable tools for the easy redressal of complaints and problems faced by the public. The chief minister emphasised that all applications received through these platforms should be handled promptly, without any laxity or delay.

The chief minister reiterated the governments zero tolerance policy towards crime and criminals, emphasising that all complaints received through IGRS, CM Helpline, police stations, tehsils and development blocks should be heard and addressed. He urged the officers to empathise with the emotional state of aggrieved individuals, respect their sentiments, and deal with their issues with utmost sensitivity. The satisfaction of the complainants and their feedback were highlighted as benchmarks for the performance evaluation of officers.

To ensure effective resolution of public grievances, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that public hearings, such as Thana Diwas and Tehsil Diwas, be widely publicised. He emphasised the importance of resolving complaints before the next scheduled hearing and urged officers to prioritise public hearings and conduct them with a mission-oriented approach.

The chief minister also emphasised the need for accountability and directed all additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries to visit the field and review the public welfare schemes implemented by their respective departments. He instructed them to ensure prompt resolution of pending complaints based on merit and submit a report to the Chief Minister's Office following the field visit.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the performance of sensitive departments and urged others to take inspiration from their success. He emphasised the need for district magistrates, superintendents of police, police stations, and tehsils to improve their functioning and allocate at least one hour daily for public hearings.

Furthermore, the chief minister acknowledged the exceptional work done by outsourcing personnel and stressed the importance of timely payment of their honorarium, emphasising the need to prevent economic or mental exploitation of any employee.

The chief minister also highlighted the significance of proper and timely utilisation of funds allocated to departments in the 2022-2023 financial budget. He asked additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries to review departmental plans and ensure timely allocation and utilisation of funds. The chief minister emphasised the need to communicate and coordinate with the ministries of the Government of India regarding grants and contributions received. He directed all departments to ensure proper expenditure of the allocated funds before the end of the current financial budget.

In addition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called for the effective implementation of the e-office system in all heads of department and director offices, with physical files used only when necessary. He emphasised the importance of making the e-office system more efficient.

Regarding the new transfer policy for officers, the chief minister stressed strict adherence to it. He instructed all additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries to issue transfer orders in accordance with the policy and ensure an adequate manpower presence in aspirational districts.

Lastly, the chief minister recognised the border areas as brand ambassadors and emphasised the need for high-quality medical facilities, educational institutions, and efforts toward industrialisation in those regions. He also called for the expansion of teleconsultation services to remote villages across the state.

With the chief ministers firm directives and focus on public welfare, it is expected that the administration will work diligently toward the swift resolution of peoples problems and the overall development of the state.
A day after the Aam Aadmi Partys several Dalit ministers and MLAs demanded an apology from the senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday accused the State Government of distorting his speech, delivered at Ajit newspaper office, while claiming that the state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema leveled false allegations against him.



Mincing no words, Bajwa claimed that the Finance Minister was directed to level absurd allegations against him by the AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.



Kejriwal has been pursuing the Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and former INC president Rahul Gandhi for seeking support on the ordinance brought by the BJP. I, along with my party colleagues, strongly opposed it. Getting agitated on the same, the AAP levelled such cheap allegations with the sole motive to defame me, he said.



Bajwa categorically said that he had never uttered a single word against the Dalit, SC, BC, or OBC community. Rather, I acknowledge that these are the communities that have been supporting the Congress party unconditionally for a long time, he added.



Lashing out at Cheema, Bajwa questioned has he ever asked AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal about when would he fulfill his pre-poll promise to give a Dalit Deputy CM to Punjab. Has Cheema ever put his own government in docks for not having a single Dalit advocate in Punjab Advocate-General's office? Even after being 15 months into the government, AAP has failed to appoint the state's SC Commission chairperson. On the contrary, the members of the SC commission have been halved, he added.



Bajwa said that the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes has issued three notices to the AAP Government over allegations of sexual misconduct against Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, but the Government has yet to take action against the Minister.



On Cheema's demand for apology, Bajwa questioned, Why should I tender an apology when I have not said anything malicious against any community? It is AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal who has the habit of baselessly maligning people and then begging for forgiveness. He has a record of asking for forgiveness from the leaders including Nitin Gadkari, late Arun Jaitley, and Bikramjit Singh Majithia.


Terming the distribution of fortified rice in the PDS shops and in the Mid Day Meal (MDM) of school children as detrimental to the health, the Congress party has claimed that the Union government is serving poison to the 80 crore population of the country. Interacting with the media persons at the State headquarters of the Congress party here on Wednesday, the Vice president of State Congress Mathura Dutt Joshi said that two senior members of the NITI Aayog and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) have warned the government that distribution of fortified rice can cause diseases such as anaemia and diabetes. He said that the Modi government is consistently ignoring the objections of the experienced scientists and is administering slow poison in the food plate of the poor. Joshi claimed that the haste in which the Modi government is imposing the scheme of distribution of fortified rice overruling the objections of the experts shows that there is a major scam in the scheme.

The chief spokesperson of the State Congress, Garima Dasauni said that the member National technical board of NITI Aayog Dr Anurag Kurpad conducted a study in which the increased levels of serum ferritin were found in the children given fortified rice. She said that India has the dubious distinction of being the diabetes capital of the world and the experts have warned that the consumption of fortified rice can increase the incidence of diabetes. She added that the NITI Aayog reports suggest how the approval was given to fortified rice ignoring the fact that the FSSAI had kept the fortified rice grains in the  high risk category. Launching an attack on the Modi government, Dasauni said that there is an multinational angle behind this plan to foist fortified rice on half of the population of the country. She claimed a company of Netherlands has strived hard to capture Rs 1800 crore business of fortified rice in India. The Congress leader said that though the people of the country have given mandate to the Modi government, it does not mean that the government can play with the lives of the people.

The media advisor of PCC president Amarjeet Singh and others were present on the occasion.
Crime Branch Bhopal arrested three bookies who indulged in betting, and recovered Rs 13,440 cash and documents of transactions for placing bets to gamblers in Bairagarh were recovered.

On Tuesday Crime Branch Bhopal got information that three persons at house Bairagarh Gidwani Park are placing bets and providing slips for the same. The crime branch team reached the spot and on the spot saw that at a house near Bairagarh Gidwani Park and were writing betting slips.

A white page on which numbers were written and total cash of Rs 13,440 was found from the accused.

The three accused were identified as Suresh alias Atal Kumar Pherwani(50) of Gulani's house, Mini Market Bairagarh, Tikamdas Chawlani(65) of M.N. 36 Opposite Santoshi Mata Mandir Phatak Road Bairagarh Bhopal, he works at the tea shop and Lakhan Thakur (23) of New B/58 Bairagarh Bhopal and is involved in selling vegetables.

In the investigation, the accused revealed that they collect bets and provide it to Imran of Bairagarh. They are paid Rs 500 on daily basis for the work.

After the preliminary investigation police registered a case under 4A Gambling Act was registered against the accused.

The police have started to search for the crime record of the accused. Police said that gambling and betting nexus operating in the area would be unearthed with the arrest of the three accused. The mobile numbers recovered from the three would be used to find the people who used to place the bets.
A group of former judges, bureaucrats, diplomats and generals on Wednesday came out in support of the Delhi Universitys decision to include V D Savarkar in its political science syllabus, contending that it was required for a fair narration of the history of Indias national movement.

In a statement, the group also supported the varsitys decision to drop poet Mohammad Iqbal from the syllabus, arguing that his writings were associated with the idea of a separate Muslim nation, which led to the tragedy of Indias partition.

Grave injustice was done to many historical personalities who laid down their lives for this country to help India break free from the clutches of British imperialism, said a statement, issued by 123 prominent personalities that include former Foreign Secretary Shashank, former High Court judges S N Dhingra, M C Garg and R S Rathore, among others. It is particularly unfortunate that till the current inclusion of Savarkars contribution and philosophy in the Delhi University syllabus, universities under Congress-Leftist influence intentionally suppressed his contribution and ideas for our great motherland, the statement said.

It noted that Savarkar was called The Father of Hindutva for his enunciation of Hindutva ideology in his remarkable piece of literature Hindutva: Who is a Hindu. He propagated Hindutva as a geopolitical concept, unifying diverse communities under a shared cultural and civilizational identity, the statement said.

It said Savarkar simultaneously championed Dalit rights and worked ardently towards caste eradication and promoting social equality, and his vision of India as one nation was central to the ideology of Akhand Bharat.

Savarkars views on freedom, social reform, and national unity make him an enduring figure in Indian history. By studying Savarkars political ideologies, students will gain insight into factors that shaped Indias nationalist movement and its subsequent trajectory, the statement said.

It described poet Iqbal, who had penned the song Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara, as a divisive figure who sowed the seeds of secession in the country.

As President of the then Punjab Muslim League, he (Iqbal) championed the cause of a separate Muslim nation. Iqbal who wrote Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara... goes on to talk about Islamic Khilafat, recommended Islamic Ummah and changed Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara to Chino-o-Arab Hamara, Hindostan Hamara, Muslim Hai Hum, Watan hai Saara Jahan Hamara, the statement said.

Iqbal became radicalised and as the President of the Muslim League, his ideas ran counter to democracy and Indian secularism. Many of Iqbals writings have been associated with the idea of a separate Muslim nation, ultimately leading to the tragedy of Indias partition, it said.

This concept of the Two-Nation Theory played a significant role in the partition of India, resulting in the trauma and suffering of millions of displaced in Indias East and West, the statement said.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking another farmer-friendly decision of increasing the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24. This decision is another step towards the commitment of the government to double the income of the farmers, Khattar said in a statement.



An official spokesperson said that the MSP of paddy (common) has been increased from Rs 2,040 per quintal to Rs 2,183 per quintal, while the MSP of A-grade paddy has been increased from Rs 2,060 per quintal to Rs 2,203 per quintal. The MSP of moong dal has been increased from Rs 7,755 per quintal to Rs 8,558 per quintal.



The MSP of Bajra has been increased from Rs 2,350 per quintal to Rs 2,500 per quintal, the MSP of Ragi has been increased from Rs 3,578 per quintal to Rs 3,846 per quintal, MSP of Maize has been increased from Rs 1,962 per quintal to Rs 2,090 per quintal, MSP of Arhar has been increased from Rs 6,600 per quintal to Rs 7000 per quintal. The MSP of Urad has been increased from Rs 6600 per quintal to Rs 6950 per quintal. Similarly, the MSP of groundnut has been increased from Rs 5850 per quintal to Rs 6377 per quintal, the MSP of sunflower has been increased from Rs 6400 per quintal to Rs 6760 per quintal, the MSP of soybean has been increased from Rs 4300 per quintal to Rs 4600 per quintal, MSP of cotton (medium staple) has been increased from Rs.6080 per quintal to Rs.6620 per quintal, MSP of cotton (long staple) has been increased from Rs.6380 per quintal to Rs.7020 per quintal.



The spokesperson said the Central Government declares the Minimum Support Price for both Rabi and Kharif crops before the sowing season starts. With this step of the government, the farmers have the option of sowing the crop which can be more profitable.
A man impersonating a lawyer shot dead a history-sheeter inside a court premises in Lucknow on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva.

Taking a serious note of the incident and to find lapses in the security provided to a dreaded criminal inside court premises, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member Special Investigative Team (SIT). The team will submit its report to the government within seven days.

Police apprehended the assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav of Jaunpur, and confirmed the death of Sanjeev Maheshwari. In the firing, an 18-month-old girl, Laxmi, and a constable, Lal Mohammed, also sustained injuries. The girl was admitted to the ICU of Balrampur Hospital and the constable was also provided first aid.

Senior police officers rushed to the spot and tried to bring the situation under control even as lawyers staged a massive protest, raising slogans, and highlighting laxity inside court premises and lack of safety gadgets. The protest brought the traffic movement between Kaiserbagh bus depot and Swasthya Bhawan crossing to a standstill.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central, Aparna Rajat Kaushik said the history-sheeter, Maheshwari, was shot dead at the door of the ST/SC courtroom (III) while being taken for a hearing.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nilabja Chaudhary said they were yet to ascertain the sequence of events while the accused was being interrogated.

Jeeva was said to be a dreaded gangster in Western Uttar Pradesh and his name spelled terror among businessmen, company owners, contractors and even government officials overseeing construction projects. He was also said to have been associated with the gangs of jailed mafia don Mukhtar Ansari and slain Munna Bajrangi. He had been lodged in Lucknow jail for the past many days and was brought to the court for an appearance in connection with a case.

After Munna Bajrangis murder inside Baghpat jail in 2018, Jeeva had claimed threat to his life. His wife had also claimed a threat to his life recently. He was also said to have been involved in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai, an MLA from the Mohammadabad seat in Ghazipur, who was peppered with bullets along with six others in Ghazipur by a group of assailants laced with AK-47 assault rifles in 2005. Mukhtar Ansari and his brother Afzal Ansari had been named as conspirators in the FIR.

The three-member SIT will be headed by ADG (Technical Services) Mohit Agarwal while the other members include IG (Ayodhya Range) Praveen Kumar, and JCP (Crime) Nilabja Chaudhary.

Nilabja Chaudhary said one accused had been apprehended and identified as Vijay Yadav of Jaunpur. He had come to the court in the garb of a lawyer. The police are interrogating him and trying to ascertain the motive for murder, he said.

On Wednesday, Sanjeev was to appear before a Lucknow court in a case of murder, attempt to murder and ST/SC Act registered with the Gomti Nagar police in 2015, a senior police officer said.

The incident evoked angry protests from lawyers who questioned security arrangements inside the courtroom. Senior police officers, including ADG (Lucknow Zone) Piyush Mordia, who is also holding charge as Lucknow police commissioner, reached the crime scene along with the SHOs of nine adjoining police stations, PAC personnel and about a 100 cops. They also pacified the lawyers, who had virtually gone berserk, and were damaging police vehicles, alleging police failure.

A senior lawyer said that it was a usual day in the court. Around 3:50 pm, we heard several rounds of fire outside the court of ADJ (III) Narendra Kumar. There was blood splattered all around. A stampede-like situation ensued even as we were unaware of what had transpired. In the meantime, a group of lawyers nabbed the accused, Vijay Yadav, and pinned him down, an advocate said.

Another advocate, Prabhakar Singh, wondered how an armed man was allowed to enter the court premises. He said checking at the gates must be intensified. It is a complete failure of the police, he remarked.

A local resident, Jagat Pal Mishra, who is an eyewitness and who helped in rushing the 18-month-old injured girl to the hospital, said a man donning a lawyers robe suddenly opened fire with a rifle. We all nabbed him and pinned him down, Mishra said.
CM Khattar thanks PM, Union Cabinet for approval of new metro line from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City, Gurugram



Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for the approval of a new metro line from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City, Gurugram as well as a spur line connecting the Dwarka Expressway. The project will cost Rs 5,452 crore. This elevated route will be 28.50 km long and will have 27 stations. Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC) will implement the project. At present there is no metro line in Old Gurugram. The construction of this line will connect New Gurugram with Old Gurugram. It would also help to improve traffic flow and increase employment opportunities in the NCR region, said a government spokesperson.



HAFED records impressive profit of Rs 207 crore



Chandigarh: Haryana Cooperation Minister Banwari Lal on Wednesday said that Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (HAFED) has secured a substantial order to export 65 thousand metric tonnes of rice in the current year. In an interaction with media persons, he said that HAFED has achieved a profit of Rs 207 crore during the fiscal year 2021-22, with a turnover of Rs 1700 crore. This significant achievement includes the successful export of 20 thousand metric tonnes of rice.





Chd Mayor inaugurates permanent RRR Centre at Sector 17



Chandigarh: Working towards better management and promotion of the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Anup Gupta, Chandigarh Mayor on Wednesday inaugurated a permanent RRR Centre at the new bridge market, Sector 17 in the presence of Kanwarjit Singh Rana, Senior Deputy Mayor, other councilors and officers of MCC, office bearers of Market Welfare Associations, Sector 17 and prominent persons of the area. Having four different shops for clothes, books, shoes, electronic items etc, the RRR store will remain open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily from Tuesday to Sunday and will remain closed on Monday.



Mohali-based Hartek Solar named among the Top 3 Rooftop Solar installers in India



Mohali: Hartek Solar, on Wednesday said it has secured a position among India's Top 3 Rooftop Solar Installers (on-site CAPEX Model) in CY 2022. It said this recognition underscores the brand's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and highlights its prowess in the renewable energy sector. Simarpreet Singh, Founder, and CEO of Hartek Solar, stated, "We are extremely honored to be recognized as one of the Top 3 Rooftop Solar Installers by MERCOM India. We remain committed to achieving the ESG and SDG goals for various industries and buildings. We believe in the power of solar energy to create a greener future and are proud to contribute to India's clean energy goal."



CDP to transform horticulture ecosystem of Himacal: CM



Shimla: The Cluster Development Programme (CDP) has great potential to transform the entire horticulture ecosystem by creating last-mile connectivity with the use of multimode transport for efficient and timely evacuation and transportation of horticulture produce. The CDP will also create cluster-specific brands, while helping the economy, to integrate them into national and global value chains, thereby providing higher remuneration to farmers. The cluster-based approach in horticulture crops will facilitate production, post-harvest management, marketing and branding of crops. It will reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better price of their produce to the farmers and establish new dimensions in the field of horticulture in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said in a statement.

The state government is mulling to implement this program successfully to improve crop production and create cluster-specific brands to enhance the competitiveness of cluster crops, he said.



Punjab Govt invites applications for PPSC chairman till Jun 21



Chandigarh: Punjab Government has invited applications for filling up the post of Punjab Public Service Commission chairman. The Governments Personnel Department spokesperson said that eminent persons having impeccable integrity, high caliber, and administrative experience can apply for the post of PPSC chairman, and the last date to apply is June 21, 2023. A search committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, has been formed which will be considered by the High Empowered Committee chaired by the Chief Minister after shortlisting the names from the applications received. Spokesperson said that there should be no civil, criminal, administrative, or any other proceeding pending against the applicant, has minimum 10 years of working experience under Government of India or State Government, and age should be less than 62 years as on the last date of submission of application.



Punjab Minister hands over appointment letters to 134 employees





Chandigarh: Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to 134 newly-recruited employees in the Department. Congratulating the newly-inducted employees, the Minister exhorted them to work with missionary zeal for empowering the needy women of rural areas by providing them benefits of government financial schemes for creating self-employment opportunities. Punjab State Rural Livelihoods Mission (PSRLM) provides employment opportunities to poor rural women, and newly-inducted employees will contribute for smooth implementation of the scheme at the village level besides sensitizing needy women, he said.



Region gets comprehensive spine injury unit



Chandigarh: Trinity Hospital and Medical Research Institute has launched its Spine and Neuro Rehabilitation Centre and Ortho and Sports Rehabilitation Centre in Zirakpur. Institute chairman and Department of Orthopaedics Zirakpur and Chandigarh Dr Mohinder Kaushal said: Spinal Cord Injuries are known for their profound impact, causing significant social, economic, psychological, and physical consequences...Through our comprehensive rehabilitation programs, we address the specific needs and severity of each patient's condition,.
The Central Government has failed to take appropriate measures for railway safety. They recommendations of the Railway Safety Committee have not been followed, said Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) national vice-president and State president Rama Chandra Khuntia on Wednesday after his visit to the site of the June 2 railway mishap in Baleswar district.

The investigation by the Railway Safety Department or the CBI is unlikely to yield anything special. According to the Railway Safety Committee, no action has been taken by the Railways even though the committee has recommended the replacement of old tracks bridges, filling up of all vacant posts and use of railway sensors and anti-collision. Besides, 40 per cent of the money has been reduced from the railway safety budget, said Dr Khuntia.

The Railways is fully responsible for the Bahanaga accident for taking adequate safety measures and the Union Railway Minister must resign, he said.

However, Khuntia after visiting the Baleswar District Headquarters Hospital praised the locals of Bahanaga area, the NGOs, the volunteers, the doctor, the medical students the Central and State Government and said they have done their job well.

He also demanded financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh should be paid to the families of those killed in the mishap.


The Chhattisgarh Junior Doctors Association (JDA) and the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) on Wednesday asked the state government to consider their demand to hike their honorarium.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the JDA and UNDFA stated that medical students and Senior Resident doctors had raised the issue in January this year.

A memorandum was submitted after a strike which was called off on verbal assurance that the money will be increased.

But no budgetary provision was made nor a decision has been taken till date.

The letter said that amid rising prices and cost of living, not raising the honorarium was causing financial crises.

The Chief Minister was urged to fulfil the promise made regarding the honorarium hike.
The Uttarakhand Congress has said that the memorandum submitted by the BJP MLA from Kedarnath Shailarani Rawat to the chief secretary S S Sandhu regarding arrangements and facilities in Kedarnath shrine is an admission of by the ruling party that there is gross mismanagement in the arrangements in the Char Dham Yatra. The Congress leaders have also expressed regret over the fact that the CS is accepting the memorandum sitting on his chair while the legislator was standing. The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Karan Mahara said that Kedarnath MLA has submitted in the memorandum what the Congress party is saying about mismanagement in the Char Dham Yatra. He said that the numbers of deaths in the Char Dham Yatra are increasing but the State government is intent on sitting idle on the issue.

The vice president of State Congress Surya Kant Dhasmana also said that the Rawat in her memorandum has raised questions on the facilities and arrangements done in the Char Dham Yatra and she has exposed her own government.
Aam Aadmi Party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav here on Wednesday to marshal support against the passage of The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha.

Akhilesh Yadav, promising support to AAP in the Rajya Sabha, said, This ordinance is anti-democratic. The intent of the ordinance is anti-democratic, I assure you that SP will support you.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is irritated by the good work done by the Delhi government in the field of health and education, Yadav said, adding that the BJP was attempting to weaken the Delhi government as it was afraid of losing all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in 2024.

The ordinance was promulgated by the Centre on May 19 and the bill for replacing the ordinance is likely to be introduced in both the Houses of Parliament during the coming monsoon session.

Kejriwal has been reaching out to leaders of non-BJP parties to garner support against the Centres ordinance on control of services in the national capital. The AAP wants to ensure that the Centres bid to replace the ordinance with a bill is defeated when the bill is introduced in Parliament.

Kejriwal said, It took us eight years to get back our rights after protracted legal battle, it took just eight days for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to snatch back those rights.

He said the Central government in 2015, by a notification, divested the Delhi government of control over the bureaucracy. We challenged the matter in the Supreme Court. The five-judge constitution bench of the apex court ruled in our favour on May 11.Just after eight days, the Central government in the late hours of May 19 neutralised the court order by issuing an ordinance to nullify the courts order, Kejriwal said.

We could do nothing against the unconstitutional ordinance. May 19 was deliberately chosen by the Central government to issue the ordinance so that we could not challenge the ordinance in the apex court as the Supreme Court closed on that evening for summer vacation, Kejriwal charged.

The BJP has a majority in the Lok Sabha and it can get the bill passed in the lower House. In Rajya Sabha, the BJP has only 93 members in a House of 238 members. If all the non-BJP political parties are united on this issue then the The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, can be easily defeated, Kejriwal said, adding that the defeat of the bill in the Rajya Sabha would prove to be the semi-final before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and it would send a strong message that the BJP was not being voted back to power in 2024.

The AAP supremo said if the elected government had no control over the bureaucracy then the government could never discharge its duties towards the people and perform as per the mandate given by the people.

He said the ordinance issued by the Central government was unconstitutional. We will challenge the ordinance in the Supreme Court when the court reopens after the summer vacation, he added.

Kejriwal said Akhilesh Yadav had promised to support the AAP and oppose the bill in both the Houses of Parliament.

Kejriwal was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who is also from the AAP, and Delhi minister Atishi.

Mann said the BJP was pursuing the agenda to destabilise the non-BJP governments in different states.
Unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants sprayed a 32-year-old woman lawyer with bullets.

The sensational killing took place in broad daylight in Meeruts New Mewla Colony on Wednesday morning when the victim was returning home after buying milk.

According to the local police, Anjali Garg, the lawyer, was involved in a property dispute with her ex-husband Nitin Gargs family after their divorce.

We are waiting for a complaint for further investigation, said a police officer, who did not want to be named.

Police said that Gargs ex-father-in-law had been taken into custody for questioning.

Meerut Bar Association president KP Sharma said that Garg was a registered lawyer with the Bar.

Lawyers will abstain from work today (Wednesday) after a condolence meeting, Sharma said.

He said that lawyers would meet Senior Superintendent of Police Rohit Kumar Sajwan over the murder in broad daylight and demand immediate arrest of the accused.

Police said that Garg continued to stay in the house of her former in-laws after the divorce and that they were pressuring her to vacate it.

Before her murder, she had posted two videos on social media purportedly showing her father-in-law chasing and abusing her.

Garg had reportedly visited the office of the IG (Meerut range) on May 18 over danger to her life but the top police officer of the region was not there.

Meanwhile in Agra, a retired army personnel shot dead his wife and later threatened the neighbours with dire consequences after they came to rescue her.

Reports said that the neighbours of one Mahendra Singh rushed to his house after they heard gunshots. As they were trying to open the gate, Mahendra came out and, waving a pistol in his hand, claimed to have killed his wife Neeta and threatened to shoot others if they did not leave his house immediately.

As the residents left to save their lives, they saw Mahendra coming out after a few minutes and leaving home on a motorcycle.

The local residents then went to the house and found Mahendras daughter-in-law Pooja locked inside. They took her out after which they learnt that the body of Neeta was lying in a pool of blood.

Pooja later revealed that after taking voluntary retirement from the Army, Mahendra returned home a few months back and since then, he and his wife had regular fights over one or the other issue.

Mahendra claimed that he was not getting respect from the family and had threatened to kill his wife. Pooja said that on Tuesday afternoon also, the two had a heated exchange of words after which Mahendra shot Neeta dead.

The local police reached the spot and sent the body for autopsy. The police also arrested Mahendra and sent him to jail on Wednesday afternoon.
Tension prevailed in Shravasti after an 11-year-old girl was abducted from her home, raped and killed by one Sheel Kumar in Gilaula.

The locals were agitated after reports said that Sheels actual name was Muzaffar Khan.

An 11-year-old Hindu Brahmin girl living in a small village in Gilaula region of Shravasti was abducted, raped and then murdered. The accused, Sheel Kumar, is known to the family and he was nabbed by the police.

According to reports, the minor girl was allegedly abducted on Saturday and taken to an isolated spot by the accused, where she was raped. After raping the girl, the accused strangled her to death to hide his crime. He then stuffed the dead body into a sack and hid it in a bush close to the bank of a canal in Mirchiha village under Payagpur police station.

When the girl did not return home, her family launched a hunt for her and on failing to trace her out they filed a complaint against Sheel Kumar and his family at the Gilola police station, accusing them of abduction.

The girls father said that Sheel Kumar had come to their house around 1:30 pm on Saturday and had taken the girl with him on some pretext.

The police registered a case and arrested the accused from the Buddhist circuit, close to Parevpur. During questioning, the accused confessed to the crime. Based on his statement, police recovered the body of the minor girl on Tuesday.

Reportedly, after the arrest, it was revealed in the police investigation that Sheel Kumars actual name is Muzaffar Ali, and he has been living in the village for around 20 years using a Hindu identity. According to the villagers, Ram Pheran married a woman from West Bengal in 2005 after his first wife died. Sheel Kumar was the five-old son of that woman who came to the village along with her.
Chamoli police arrested two young men belonging to the minority community in the Gauchar area of Karnprayag in Chamoli for attempted molestation of a minor girl. The officials said that the men were allegedly taking the girl to a hotel on Tuesday but escaped after some locals caused uproar. They said that the police started the investigation of the matter after the father of the victim registered a complaint in the Karnprayag police station. The police filed First Investigation Report under Section 363 (kidnapping) of the Indian Penal Code and under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the Superintendent of Police of Chamoli, Pramendra Singh Dobhal formed a team to nab both accused under the supervision of the deputy superintendent of police of Karnprayag, Amit Saini. The officials said that the police activated their informers system and arrested one accused on Tuesday. Another accused was arrested on Wednesday from the road bend of Rano village after receiving a tip-off, as per the officials. The accused have been identified by the police as Gulzar Malik alias Nitin (26) and Alam (21) and both belong to the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. The officials claimed that the accused Gulzar revealed during the interrogation that he had a love marriage eight months ago and has confessed to staying in touch with the minor girl via phone calls. They said that the police are looking into the criminal history of both accused and will be presented in court soon. The SP has also appealed to locals to maintain law and order in the area and refrain from sharing and forwarding misleading and objectionable posts on social media platforms related to the matter. He has also directed respective police in-charges to ensure peace; law and order are maintained in the area. It is pertinent to mention here that considering the recent rise in the alleged love Jihad cases in various parts of the State, the director general of police Ashok Kumar has directed all senior/superintendents of police to take action against culprits under the anti-conversion law and other relevant acts.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday said society should come forward to demand a ban on sale of liquor as it was a social evil. A collective social responsibility was needed for prohibition, he said.

He said that it will take him less than a minute to order liquor prohibition but he cant do that visualizing its impact.

"We have seen the adverse effects during the lockdown period when people addicted to liquor consumed sanitizer in its absence," he said.

States like Gujarat and Bihar which banned liquor are facing the problem of spurious liquor and people are dying after consuming adulterated liquor there, Baghel said.

"I am personally in favour of not only banning liquor but other addictions like chewing cannabis, tobacco and gudakhu (tobacco-based toothpaste)," he said.

Accepting that liquor prohibition was a part of the Congress election manifesto, Baghel said a time limit was not mentioned and the party was still a firm believer that a ban should be imposed on its sale.

A social environment was needed to stop the use of liquor and social organizations should come forward to make people aware of its ill effects, Baghel added.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that his schemes for women empowerment including Ladli Bahna Yojana will usher in a new era in the next five years by overcoming injustice, illiteracy and poverty. Chouhan was interacting with women and a large number of villagers who attended the Ladli Bahna Sammelan and residential land rights letter distribution programme in Bamhori kasba village of Raisen district on Wednesday. The Chief Minister also gifted development works worth Rs 328 crore 4 lakh 20 thousand to the people of Silvani and Udaipura assembly constituencies.

In the programme, foundation laying, bhoomi-pujan of various works worth more than Rs 319 crore was performed and various works worth more than Rs 8 crore 45 lakh were dedicated. Public Health and Family Welfare minister Dr. Prabhuram Chowdhary, MP Ramakant Bhargava, MLA Rampal Singh and Surendra Patwa including public representatives were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that the farmers should also be happy as the government will pay the interest amount of Rs 2100 crores of farmers on coming June 13. Apart from Rs 2,900 crore for crop insurance, a Kisan Samman Nidhi of Rs 2,000 each will also be deposited in the accounts of the farmers.

Chouhan announced to provide tehsil status to Bamhori town and Sultanganj and build an SDM office for Udaipura. Along with making Bamhori a Municipal Council, he also announced the opening of a 30-bed Community Health Center. The Chief Minister also announced to upgrade the colleges of Silwani and Begumganj to post graduate colleges from the next session. Apart from the approval letters of Ladli Bahna Yojana, he also distributed residential land rights letters and approval letters of funds to the Livelihood Mission to women.

Mentioning the immediate formation of Ladli Bahna Sena in every village, Chief Minister Chouhan said that these Senas would be the eyes of the government, which would monitor development and welfare schemes and get them implemented. There will be a Sena of 11 sisters in a small village and of 21 in a big village. These Senas and all the sisters will now be a beloved family, which will become a weapon to eradicate poverty with co-operation and organisation.

The Chief Minister assured the sisters that he would continue to work for the honour of daughters, sisters and mothers till his last breath. He said that Ladli Bahna Yojana is a social revolution and heralds a new era of women empowerment. Schemes prepared by him like Ladli Laxmi, Mukhyamantri Kanya-Vivah have made daughters a boon from earlier a curse in the society, while elections to local bodies and reservation in government services have ensured adequate participation of half the population in development along with power.

Criticizing the previous government for discontinuing the schemes, the Chief Minister said that we have re-started all the schemes for the welfare of the poor.

The Chief Minister said that now he will give e-scooties along with laptops to meritorious daughters and will also pay the fees for higher education of eligible nephews and nieces. No one will remain homeless in the state and the government will also give them plots.

The Chief Minister told the sisters that now they will not have to be dependent for their small needs, an amount of Rs 1000 will be deposited in their accounts on June 10. He appealed to celebrate the Ladli Bahna Gram Sabha on June 8 and the festival on June 9 and 10. Earlier, MP Ramakant Bhargava and MLA Rampal Singh also addressed the meeting.
Vedanta-ESL Steel Limited organised a Pond Cleaning and Plantation drive to celebrate the World Environment Day. The event took place in the morning of the 3rd of June 2023 at Gidhtand Pond, Hutupather Village, Siyaljori. Around 70 families use the Gidhtand pond for all their daily domestic water requirements. Notably, Ram Pravesh Kumar (Regional Officer, JSPCB, Regional office Dhanbad), Ashutosh Anand (C.E.) and team were the guests of honour for the event. They were accompanied by Venkatesan R (CHSESO, ESL) along with the Environment and CSR team.

The event started off with a welcome speech given by Ashutosh Anand followed by the plantation around the area and cleaning of the pond for the health and wellbeing of the villagers. The guests appreciated the organisations incessant efforts of being a responsible corporate. Vedanta ESL frequently does its bit to take care of the health and wellness of the community members through its regular initiatives - a commitment towards transforming for good.
An 18-year-old youth died while two escaped with serious injuries after their bike collided with a divider at Dronachal trisection on Tuesday evening, Gandhi Nagar police started investigation.

All three were admitted to a private hospital for treatment where one of them died during treatment. Gandhi Nagar police station in-charge said that this turn is very dangerous, there are some flaws in design of trisection, even before this accidents have occurred many times vehicles and trucks have also overturned here. Regarding this several letters have been written to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

The deceased was identified as Akash Ahirwar (18). He was a resident of Karond while Raja Ahirwar (15) and Omprakash Ahirwar (22) escaped the accident.

Meanwhile, thieves burgled three houses in the same colony in a single night in Chouksey Nagar, Eintkhedi and escaped with goods and cash, total loss in the burglary was around Rs 10 lakh.

The thieves targeted the houses when they were locked and the family members were out of town. The burglaries took place at the houses of Rahul Choukse, Ritesh Shukla and H Meena living in the colony. All these burglaries took place in the night on June 3.

Police said that the residents of the colony told that they were captured in CCTV while committing the crime. In this, two thieves are seen breaking the lock of the door and going inside. However, both have their faces covered.

Another crime was reported in Kolar area in which a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a 65-year-old man, victim had gone to have water at the house of the accused. According to the Kolar police, the 10-year-old girl lives with her mother and step-father. She works as a rag picker in the surrounding areas to help her parents.

As usual, on Monday morning at six o'clock she went out with her grandmother to collect junk. When the junk got accumulated with the grandmother, she asked the girl to take the junk home.

After this, the child was returning to her grandmother keeping the junk at home. Then he started feeling thirsty. For this reason, she reached the house of Ramswaroop Balmik (65), who lives in the neighborhood and asked for water. Then the accused took her inside the house by holding her hand and raped her after closing the door.
The Bombay High Court on Thursday extended till June 23 the interim protection from arrest granted to NCB's former Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede in the CBI's case of extortion and bribery against him.

The CBI's case is that Wankhede and four other accused had demanded Rs 25 crore bribe from actor Shah Rukh Khan for not framing his son Aryan Khan following alleged seizure of drugs from a cruise ship in October 2021.

A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and S G Dige said it would hear Wankhede's plea seeking to quash the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) FIR in the case on June 23.

Wankhede's counsel Aabad Ponda told the HC that as per court's earlier direction, the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer appeared before the CBI for interrogation seven times and has been cooperating.

CBI's advocate Kuldeep Patil told the court that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage.

The bench said it would hear Wankhede's plea on June 23.

"Interim relief granted stands extended till the next date," the court said.

Wankhede moved the HC last month seeking quashing of the case and also sought interim protection from any coercive action.

A vacation bench of the HC then granted interim protection to Wankhede from arrest till June 8 and directed him to cooperate with the investigation.

The CBI in its affidavit filed last week sought for the interim protection to be recalled, saying it had a prima facie case against Wankhede.

Wankhede and others accused in the case have been booked on charges of criminal conspiracy and extortion threats under the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act pertaining to bribery.

Aryan Khan and several others were arrested in October 2021 for alleged possession, consumption and trafficking of drugs.

Later, Aryan Khan was granted bail by the high court after spending three weeks in jail.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) subsequently filed its chargesheet, but did not name Aryan as an accused in the case citing lack of evidence.

The anti-drugs agency had then set up a special enquiry team to carry out an inquiry into the case and against its own officers.
The southwest monsoon reached the Indian mainland on Thursday, a week later than it normally does, with the India Meteorological Department declaring its onset over Kerala.

Meteorologists earlier said Cyclone 'Biparjoy' had been impacting the intensity of the monsoon and that its onset over Kerala would be "mild".

In a statement on Thursday, the IMD said, "The southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala today, June 8."

"The monsoon has advanced into remaining parts of south Arabian Sea and some parts of central Arabian Sea, entire Lakshadweep area, most parts of Kerala, most parts of south Tamil Nadu, remaining parts of Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar and some more parts of southwest, central and northeast Bay of Bengal today," it added.

The southwest monsoon normally sets in over Kerala on June 1 with a standard deviation of about seven days. In mid-May, the IMD said the monsoon might arrive in Kerala by June 4.

Skymet had predicted the monsoon onset over Kerala on June 7, with an error margin of three days.
India on Thursday hit out at Canada for giving space to separatists and extremists elements after visuals surfaced on social media of a float in the Canadian city of Brampton that reportedly celebrated the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Canada allowing anti-India elements to operate from its soil is not good for the bilateral relationship as well as for itself.

"I think there is a bigger issue involved. And the bigger issue involved really is the space that Canada has continuously and frankly we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this," he said.

"Because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history. It is not only one incident, however, egregious it may be," Jaishankar said.

"I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence and I think it is not good for relationships and not good for Canada," he added.

A video has emerged on social media that showed a float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It was reportedly part of a parade that was organised by some Khalistani elements in Brampton.

Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay tweeted that there is no place in Canada for "hate or for the glorification of violence".

"I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," he said.

On some Indian students facing difficulties in Canada over charges that they did not study in the colleges they applied for, Jaishankar said India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities.

"If there were people who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said.

The external affairs minister said the Canadian prime minister has also made a statement in the House of Commons on the issue.

"We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said.
Pakistans former prime minister Imran Khan has been booked under the anti-terrorism law in the murder case of a supreme court lawyer, his party said on Wednesday.

Advocate Abdul Razzaq Shar was killed on Tuesday in a drive-by shooting in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, while on his way to the provincial high court when targeted by the unknown assailants.

Shars son Siraj Ahmad registered a case on Tuesday, accusing in his FIR that his father was killed at the behest of Khan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chairman.

The PTI party, in a WhatsApp message, confirmed that Khan, 70, was named in the FIR lodged at the Shaheed Jamil Kakar police station of the city. According to the copy of the FIR shared by the party, the complainant told police that his father had registered a case against Khan and he was receiving threats. I name Imran Khan in the FIR because threats were being given to my father at his behest, he said.

Shar had filed a constitutional petition against Khan and former deputy speaker Qasim Suri in the Balochistan High Court for proceedings under Article 6 that pertained to high treason for illegally dissolving the National Assembly in April 2022 after the joint opposition had moved a no-trust motion against the PTI government.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs aide Attaullah Tarar had alleged that Shar was killed at the behest of Khan to evade accountability in a treason case. PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan rejected the claim and instead accused Prime Minister Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah of planning the murder. Separately, a case of fraud was filed against Khan at Islamabads Kohsar Police Station on June 6 for presenting fake receipts to buy Toshakhana gifts.

Khans wife Bushra Bibi and his former aides Shahzad Akbar and Zulfi Bukhari, and a friend of Bibi, Farah Gogi, have been named in the case.

The complainant, a local watch dealer, stated that Khan used fake receipts from his shop to buy and sell the Toshakhana watch.

Khan has already been disqualified in the Toshakhana case by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which also filed a criminal case against him in a district court where the PTI leader had already been indicted.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the finance ministry to ensure that the budget is in line with the parameters set by the IMF, amid ongoing negotiations with the global lender for a bailout package for the cash-strapped country, according to a media report on Wednesday. The countrys budget is likely to be presented on Friday.

A week back, Sharif held a telephone conversation with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and urged her to revive the USD 6.5 billion deal that was initially signed in 2019 and is set to expire by the end of this month. Geo News, citing an informed source, said Sharif, during a meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, expressed optimism that the government would reach an agreement with the IMF. The source also dismissed speculation that the government would present a populist election-year budget and said, Pakistan cant afford any budget that violates the set basics of the IMF.

The prime minister was quite optimistic about the revival of the IMF programme after the conversation with Georgieva, the source said. In the same meeting, it was agreed that Pakistan would share details of the budget with the Washington-based bank. The discussion between Sharif and Georgieva took place after the finance ministry could not break the deadlock over loan talks during the past four months. Officials on either side have accused each other of the holdup with Pakistan struggling to enact necessary reforms and the IMF not showing any leniency. Sharif on Monday told Turkish media that Pakistan is hopeful of finalising a deal with the IMF this month.
Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (NYSE:BAMR  Get Rating) shares dropped 0.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $30.87 and last traded at $31.23. Approximately 12,480 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 41% from the average daily volume of 20,993 shares. The stock had previously closed at $31.25.

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Stock Up 2.8 %

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $31.93 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $34.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23.

Get Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners alerts:

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BAMR. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank purchased a new position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners during the second quarter valued at approximately $60,000. UBS Group AG boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 14.3% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,854 shares of the companys stock valued at $116,000 after buying an additional 358 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 149.0% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,302 shares of the companys stock valued at $189,000 after buying an additional 1,976 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Credit Suisse AG boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 3.4% during the second quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 6,050 shares of the companys stock valued at $269,000 after buying an additional 201 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 39.71% of the companys stock.

About Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides annuity-based reinsurance products to insurance and reinsurance companies. The company operates in two segments, Reinsurance and Pension Risk Transfer. It also acts as a direct issuer of pension risk transfer products for pension plan sponsors.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Canadian General Investments, Limited (TSE:CGI  Get Rating) shares traded down 1.3% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$34.24 and last traded at C$34.25. 10,857 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 210% from the average session volume of 3,498 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$34.70.

Canadian General Investments Trading Down 1.3 %

The company has a current ratio of 7.64, a quick ratio of 7.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.45. The company has a market cap of C$714.46 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.81 and a beta of 1.25. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$33.67 and a 200 day moving average price of C$33.50.

Get Canadian General Investments alerts:

Canadian General Investments Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 30th. Canadian General Investmentss dividend payout ratio is presently -7.89%.

Canadian General Investments Company Profile

Canadian General Investments, Limited is a close ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Morgan Meighen & Associates Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of Canada. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It invests in stocks of companies across all market capitalization.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian General Investments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian General Investments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mr Price Group (OTCMKTS:MRPLY  Get Rating) and Carters (NYSE:CRI  Get Rating) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, risk, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends and earnings.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Mr Price Group and Carters, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Get Mr Price Group alerts:

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mr Price Group 0 0 1 0 3.00 Carters 0 2 0 0 2.00

Carters has a consensus target price of $77.67, indicating a potential upside of 15.21%. Given Carters higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Carters is more favorable than Mr Price Group.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Dividends

0.3% of Mr Price Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 99.1% of Carters shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.5% of Carters shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Mr Price Group pays an annual dividend of $3.71 per share and has a dividend yield of 54.0%. Carters pays an annual dividend of $3.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Mr Price Group pays out 44.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Carters pays out 53.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Carters has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Mr Price Group is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Profitability

This table compares Mr Price Group and Carters net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mr Price Group N/A N/A N/A Carters 6.97% 30.11% 9.73%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Mr Price Group and Carters top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Mr Price Group N/A N/A N/A $8.28 0.83 Carters $3.21 billion 0.79 $250.04 million $5.66 11.91

Carters has higher revenue and earnings than Mr Price Group. Mr Price Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Carters, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Carters beats Mr Price Group on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Mr Price Group

(Get Rating)

Mr. Price Group Ltd. engages in clothing and retail business. It operates through the following segments: Apparel, Home, Financial Services, Telecoms, and Central Services. The Apparel segment retails clothing, sportswear, footwear, sporting equipment, and accessories. The Home segment sells home wares. The Financial Services segment manages the groups trade receivables and all financial services and mobile products. The Telecoms segment sells cellular products and services. The Central Services segment provides chargeable and non-chargeable services. The company was founded by Laurie John Chiappini and Stewart Barnet Cohen in 1985 and is headquartered in Durban, South Africa.

About Carters

(Get Rating)

Carter's, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, sources, and markets branded childrenswear under the Carter's, OshKosh, Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, little planet, and other brands in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. Its Carter's products include babies and young children products, such as bodysuits, pants, dresses, layette essentials, tops and t-shirts, multi-piece sets, sleep and play products, and sleepwear; and OshKosh brand products comprise playclothes, such as denim apparel products, overalls, core bottoms, knit tops, t-shirts, and layering pieces. The company also provides products for playtime, travel, mealtime, bath time, and home gear, as well as kid's bags under the Skip Hop brand. In addition, it offers bedding, home decor, cribs and baby furniture, diaper bags, footwear, gift sets, hair accessories, jewelry, outerwear, paper goods, socks, shoes, swimwear, and toys. The company operates wholesale locations, including department stores, national chain stores, and specialty stores, as well as retail stores. It also sells its products through its eCommerce websites, such as carters.com, oshkosh.com, and skiphop.com, as well as other international wholesale accounts and licensees. The company was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Receive News & Ratings for Mr Price Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mr Price Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF (BATS:ECH  Get Rating) hit a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $29.35 and last traded at $29.59, with a volume of 351388 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $29.66.

iShares MSCI Chile ETF Stock Performance

The company has a market cap of $577.21 million, a PE ratio of 8.48 and a beta of 0.94. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $28.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.09.

Get iShares MSCI Chile ETF alerts:

Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Chile ETF

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF by 362.2% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,077 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 844 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 86,194 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 846 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Eagle Bay Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000.

About iShares MSCI Chile ETF

iShares MSCI Chile Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Chile Capped Investable Market Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the MSCI Chile Investable Market Index (the Index). The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure broad based equity market performance in Chile.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Chile ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Chile ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Lenovo Group Limited (OTCMKTS:LNVGF  Get Rating) were up 5.6% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $0.95 and last traded at $0.95. Approximately 632,636 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 578% from the average daily volume of 93,270 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.90.

Lenovo Group Price Performance

The companys 50 day moving average price is $1.02 and its 200 day moving average price is $0.91.

About Lenovo Group

(Get Rating)

Lenovo Group Limited, an investment holding company, develops, manufactures, and markets technology products and services. It operates through Intelligent Devices Group, Infrastructure Solutions Group, and Solutions and Services Group segments. The company offers commercial and consumer personal computers, as well as servers and workstations; and a family of mobile Internet devices, including tablets and smartphones.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Lenovo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lenovo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTCMKTS:RYCEY  Get Rating)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $1.50 and traded as high as $1.82. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc shares last traded at $1.80, with a volume of 1,944,901 shares changing hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on RYCEY shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from GBX 136 ($1.69) to GBX 160 ($1.99) in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from GBX 70 ($0.87) to GBX 90 ($1.12) in a research report on Friday, February 24th. Barclays downgraded shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 7th. Bank of America raised shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 27th. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $118.33.

Get Rolls-Royce Holdings plc alerts:

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Stock Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $1.83 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.51.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Company Profile

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. SVB Wealth LLC raised its stake in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc by 52.6% in the 1st quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 19,515 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 6,729 shares during the period. Atlas Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. FineMark National Bank & Trust purchased a new position in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. OLD National Bancorp IN purchased a new position in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 1st quarter valued at about $77,000. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new position in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 1st quarter valued at about $385,000.

(Get Rating)

Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc designs, develops, manufactures, and services integrated power systems for use in the air, on land, and at sea. The company operates its business through following segments: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defense and ITP Aero. The Civil Aerospace segment offers commercial aero engines and aftermarket services.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rolls-Royce Holdings plc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Rating) in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning, The Fly reports. The firm issued a buy rating on the financial services providers stock.

A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on AFL. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Aflac in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. They set an equal weight rating and a $73.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup lowered their price objective on Aflac from $73.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Aflac from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 6th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Aflac from $77.00 to $72.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Finally, VNET Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $71.22.

Get Aflac alerts:

Aflac Trading Up 1.1 %

AFL opened at $68.40 on Monday. Aflac has a 12 month low of $52.07 and a 12 month high of $74.01. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $66.22 and a 200-day moving average price of $68.36. The company has a current ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The firm has a market cap of $41.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.87, a PEG ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.94.

Aflac Dividend Announcement

Aflac ( NYSE:AFL Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The financial services provider reported $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by $0.15. Aflac had a return on equity of 15.25% and a net margin of 22.90%. The company had revenue of $4.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.42 EPS. Aflacs quarterly revenue was down 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Aflac will post 5.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 17th were given a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 16th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.46%. Aflacs payout ratio is 24.24%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Aflac

In related news, Director Barbara K. Rimer sold 18,210 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.18, for a total transaction of $1,241,557.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 35,813 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,441,730.34. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Barbara K. Rimer sold 18,210 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.18, for a total transaction of $1,241,557.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 35,813 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,441,730.34. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 13,471 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.27, for a total transaction of $906,194.17. Following the transaction, the director now owns 27,570 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,854,633.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 112,582 shares of company stock worth $7,647,192. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Aflac

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of AFL. RDA Financial Network lifted its stake in shares of Aflac by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. RDA Financial Network now owns 4,305 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $310,000 after acquiring an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. RFG Advisory LLC raised its position in Aflac by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 18,496 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,257,000 after purchasing an additional 146 shares during the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. raised its position in Aflac by 0.7% during the 4th quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 22,628 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,641,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Flputnam Investment Management Co. raised its position in Aflac by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. Flputnam Investment Management Co. now owns 10,479 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $754,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Valmark Advisers Inc. raised its position in Aflac by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Valmark Advisers Inc. now owns 23,179 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,495,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. 66.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Aflac Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Aflac, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial protection services. It operates through the following segments: Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers life insurance, death benefits, and cash surrender values. The Aflac U.S. segment sells voluntary supplemental insurance products for people who already have major medical or primary insurance coverage.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
American Well Co. (NYSE:AMWL  Get Rating) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the nine analysts that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $4.28.

Several brokerages have issued reports on AMWL. Guggenheim reissued a buy rating and set a $5.00 target price on shares of American Well in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. Cowen reduced their price objective on American Well from $9.00 to $5.00 in a research note on Monday, February 27th. TD Cowen cut American Well from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their target price for the company from $5.00 to $2.50 in a research note on Thursday, March 23rd. Piper Sandler lowered shares of American Well from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $5.00 to $3.50 in a research report on Monday, February 27th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of American Well in a research report on Thursday, February 23rd.

Get American Well alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Phyllis Gotlib sold 14,478 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.25, for a total transaction of $32,575.50. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 651,424 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,465,704. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other American Well news, COO Kurt Knight sold 25,864 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.42, for a total transaction of $62,590.88. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 1,331,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,223,091.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Phyllis Gotlib sold 14,478 shares of American Well stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.25, for a total transaction of $32,575.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 651,424 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,465,704. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 493,409 shares of company stock worth $1,082,937. Insiders own 12.94% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of American Well

American Well Stock Up 1.5 %

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Swiss National Bank grew its holdings in American Well by 16.7% in the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 134,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $566,000 after buying an additional 19,200 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of American Well by 272.5% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 483,351 shares of the companys stock worth $2,036,000 after acquiring an additional 353,598 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of American Well by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 679,534 shares of the companys stock worth $2,861,000 after purchasing an additional 10,013 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in shares of American Well by 19.6% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 106,670 shares of the companys stock valued at $454,000 after purchasing an additional 17,477 shares during the period. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in American Well by 41.5% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 90,861 shares of the companys stock worth $383,000 after buying an additional 26,662 shares in the last quarter. 46.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Shares of NYSE AMWL opened at $2.65 on Friday. American Well has a 12 month low of $1.95 and a 12 month high of $5.43. The company has a market cap of $744.31 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.24 and a beta of 0.76. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.19 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.90.

American Well (NYSE:AMWL  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.24) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.20) by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $64.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $65.31 million. American Well had a negative net margin of 216.13% and a negative return on equity of 26.40%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that American Well will post -0.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About American Well

(Get Rating)

American Well Corporation operates digital care delivery enablement platform in the United States and internationally. Its platform connects and enables providers, insurers, patients, and innovators to deliver access to care. The company products offer urgent care; scheduled visits; acute behavioral health; telestroke; pediatrics; retail health, school health, and home settings.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for American Well Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Well and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gabelli Funds LLC grew its holdings in Avista Co. (NYSE:AVA  Get Rating) by 2.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 346,000 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 7,000 shares during the period. Gabelli Funds LLC owned about 0.47% of Avista worth $15,342,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in AVA. Delta Asset Management LLC TN purchased a new stake in shares of Avista in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Avista by 377.0% in the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 830 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 656 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Avista by 178.0% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,540 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $69,000 after acquiring an additional 986 shares during the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Avista in the 4th quarter valued at $73,000. Finally, Romano Brothers AND Company purchased a new stake in shares of Avista in the 4th quarter valued at $78,000. 82.92% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Avista alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on AVA. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Avista in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Mizuho downgraded shares of Avista from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $45.00 to $38.00 in a report on Thursday, February 9th. Finally, TheStreet raised shares of Avista from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Wednesday, February 22nd.

Avista Stock Performance

NYSE:AVA opened at $42.35 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.08. The company has a fifty day moving average of $43.20 and a two-hundred day moving average of $42.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.21 billion, a PE ratio of 22.77, a P/E/G ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.51. Avista Co. has a fifty-two week low of $35.72 and a fifty-two week high of $45.28.

Avista (NYSE:AVA  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by ($0.43). The company had revenue of $474.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $485.37 million. Avista had a return on equity of 6.02% and a net margin of 8.04%. The businesss revenue was up 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.99 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Avista Co. will post 2.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Avista Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 26th will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 25th. Avistas dividend payout ratio is presently 98.93%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Avista news, EVP Mark T. Thies sold 46,006 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $41.45, for a total transaction of $1,906,948.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 95,467 shares in the company, valued at $3,957,107.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Jason R. Thackston sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $41.13, for a total value of $123,390.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 28,274 shares in the company, valued at $1,162,909.62. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Mark T. Thies sold 46,006 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $41.45, for a total transaction of $1,906,948.70. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 95,467 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,957,107.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Avista Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Avista Corp. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of electric and natural gas utility business. It operates through the Avista Utilities, and Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (AEL&P) segments. The Avista Utilities segment includes electric distribution and transmission, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Northeastern and Southwestern Oregon.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Avista Co. (NYSE:AVA  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Avista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gabelli Funds LLC raised its position in PPL Co. (NYSE:PPL  Get Rating) by 1.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 566,400 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 5,400 shares during the quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC owned about 0.08% of PPL worth $16,550,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PPL. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of PPL by 3.8% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 93,472,081 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,369,517,000 after purchasing an additional 3,419,854 shares during the last quarter. Cohen & Steers Inc. grew its holdings in PPL by 107.1% during the 3rd quarter. Cohen & Steers Inc. now owns 6,209,560 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $157,412,000 after acquiring an additional 3,210,872 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in PPL by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 42,759,744 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,229,596,000 after acquiring an additional 1,971,238 shares during the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC grew its holdings in PPL by 150.7% during the 4th quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 3,128,728 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $91,421,000 after acquiring an additional 1,880,578 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Macquarie Group Ltd. grew its holdings in PPL by 38.5% during the 2nd quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 6,019,137 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $116,331,000 after acquiring an additional 1,672,885 shares during the last quarter. 70.02% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get PPL alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of PPL from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. TheStreet upgraded shares of PPL from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of PPL from $32.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Monday, March 20th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of PPL in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, PPL currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $31.00.

PPL Price Performance

PPL opened at $26.82 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $19.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.71, a PEG ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.78. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $27.85 and a 200 day moving average of $28.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.23. PPL Co. has a fifty-two week low of $23.47 and a fifty-two week high of $31.74.

PPL (NYSE:PPL  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $2.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.86 billion. PPL had a net margin of 9.00% and a return on equity of 7.81%. The companys revenue was up 35.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.41 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that PPL Co. will post 1.59 EPS for the current year.

PPL Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. PPLs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 91.43%.

Insider Buying and Selling at PPL

In other news, insider John R. Crockett III sold 5,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.00, for a total value of $154,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 9,161 shares of the companys stock, valued at $256,508. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

PPL Profile

(Get Rating)

PPL Corp. engages in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. It operates through the two reportable segments: Kentucky Regulated & Pennsylvania Regulated. The Kentucky Regulated segment consists of LKEs regulated electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations of Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company as well as regulated distribution and sale of natural gas of Louisville Gas and Electric Company.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for PPL Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPL and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gabelli Funds LLC decreased its position in CIRCOR International, Inc. (NYSE:CIR  Get Rating) by 0.7% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 665,083 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 4,804 shares during the period. Gabelli Funds LLCs holdings in CIRCOR International were worth $15,935,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. GABELLI & Co INVESTMENT ADVISERS INC. grew its holdings in shares of CIRCOR International by 74.9% in the third quarter. GABELLI & Co INVESTMENT ADVISERS INC. now owns 69,003 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,138,000 after purchasing an additional 29,550 shares during the last quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL grew its holdings in shares of CIRCOR International by 24.1% in the third quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 1,419,333 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $23,405,000 after purchasing an additional 275,749 shares during the last quarter. Teton Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in CIRCOR International by 3.5% in the third quarter. Teton Advisors Inc. now owns 74,766 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,233,000 after acquiring an additional 2,500 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky purchased a new stake in CIRCOR International in the third quarter worth $99,000. Finally, Alpha Paradigm Partners LLC purchased a new stake in CIRCOR International in the third quarter worth $375,000. Institutional investors own 94.75% of the companys stock.

Get CIRCOR International alerts:

CIRCOR International Stock Performance

Shares of CIRCOR International stock opened at $47.67 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 2.30, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $971.89 million, a P/E ratio of 24.07 and a beta of 2.15. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $30.11 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.79. CIRCOR International, Inc. has a 12 month low of $13.26 and a 12 month high of $48.13.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CIRCOR International ( NYSE:CIR Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, March 15th. The industrial products company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.37. The business had revenue of $214.53 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $204.00 million. CIRCOR International had a return on equity of 34.61% and a net margin of 5.03%. On average, equities analysts forecast that CIRCOR International, Inc. will post 2.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

CIR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com lowered CIRCOR International from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered CIRCOR International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, TheStreet raised CIRCOR International from a d+ rating to a c rating in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.33.

About CIRCOR International

(Get Rating)

CIRCOR International, Inc engages in the business of designing, manufacturing, and marketing differentiated technology products and sub-systems for the defense markets. It operates under the Aerospace and Defense, and Industrial segments. The Aerospace and Defense segment is involved in the production of valves, pumps, electric motors, kinetic switches, high pressure pneumatic regulators and subsystems, and electromechanical assemblies.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CIR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CIRCOR International, Inc. (NYSE:CIR  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for CIRCOR International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CIRCOR International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gyon Technologies Capital Management LP lifted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Get Rating) by 14.3% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 13,322 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 1,670 shares during the quarter. Gyon Technologies Capital Management LPs holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $1,336,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 9,380 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $941,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the last quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC lifted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 28,900.0% in the 4th quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 290 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 289 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,811,852 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $281,944,000 after acquiring an additional 90,334 shares during the last quarter. Oversea Chinese Banking CORP Ltd acquired a new position in Digital Realty Trust during the 4th quarter worth $7,616,000. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Digital Realty Trust during the 4th quarter worth $245,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.00% of the companys stock.

Get Digital Realty Trust alerts:

Insider Activity at Digital Realty Trust

In other Digital Realty Trust news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.47, for a total transaction of $146,205.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 10,176 shares of the companys stock, valued at $991,854.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Digital Realty Trust news, EVP Dyer Corey sold 4,401 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.19, for a total transaction of $458,540.19. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 30,026 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,128,408.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $97.47, for a total transaction of $146,205.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 10,176 shares in the company, valued at $991,854.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

NYSE DLR traded down $1.02 on Thursday, reaching $102.60. The companys stock had a trading volume of 759,144 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,552,223. The firm has a market cap of $30.50 billion, a PE ratio of 93.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.52. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $96.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $102.43. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52 week low of $85.76 and a 52 week high of $139.14. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by ($1.46). The business had revenue of $1.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.41 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 7.61% and a return on equity of 2.34%. The businesss revenue was up 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.67 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 6.71 EPS for the current year.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a $1.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.76%. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is currently 439.64%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $79.00 to $80.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $113.00 to $112.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Credit Suisse Group cut their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $81.00 to $80.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 17th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $115.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $116.69.

Digital Realty Trust Profile

(Get Rating)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund (NYSE:HTY  Get Rating) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, June 1st, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.16 per share on Friday, June 30th. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 13.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 9th.

John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund Price Performance

Shares of HTY stock opened at $4.73 on Thursday. John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund has a 52 week low of $4.32 and a 52 week high of $5.92. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $4.74 and a two-hundred day moving average of $4.98.

Get John Hancock Investments - John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund alerts:

John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Featured Articles

John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by Analytic Investors, LLC and Epoch Investment Partners, Inc The fund invests in the public equity markets across the globe.

Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Investments - John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Investments - John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. reduced its position in shares of Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Get Rating) by 30.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,710 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 4,617 shares during the quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc.s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $1,358,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP purchased a new position in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 150.0% during the 4th quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 250 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. purchased a new position in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth $41,000. Godsey & Gibb Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. 79.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Valero Energy alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on VLO shares. Tudor Pickering downgraded Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. downgraded Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. UBS Group started coverage on Valero Energy in a report on Wednesday, March 8th. They issued a buy rating and a $176.00 price target on the stock. Barclays cut their price target on Valero Energy from $166.00 to $139.00 in a report on Sunday, May 7th. Finally, Mizuho lowered their price objective on Valero Energy from $174.00 to $152.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Valero Energy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $151.00.

Valero Energy Stock Performance

Shares of VLO opened at $113.29 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $118.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $126.90. Valero Energy Co. has a one year low of $96.93 and a one year high of $150.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.52. The stock has a market cap of $40.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.23, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.66.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The oil and gas company reported $8.27 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.24 by $1.03. The company had revenue of $36.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $37.88 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 55.32% and a net margin of 7.86%. The firms revenue was down 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.31 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Valero Energy Co. will post 22.54 EPS for the current year.

Valero Energy Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 23rd will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, May 22nd. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.60%. Valero Energys payout ratio is currently 11.59%.

About Valero Energy

(Get Rating)

Valero Energy Corp. engages in the manufacture and marketing of transportation fuels and other petrochemical products. It operates through the following business segments: Refining, Ethanol and Renewable Diesel. The Refining segment consists of refining operations, associated marketing activities, and logistics assets that support its refining operations.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Get Rating) by 0.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 4,568,714 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 41,253 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Novartis were worth $389,426,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of NVS. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Novartis by 193.0% in the 4th quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 293 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 193 shares during the last quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. lifted its holdings in Novartis by 2,018.8% in the 4th quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 339 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares in the last quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Novartis in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Novartis in the 4th quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Front Row Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Novartis by 38.3% in the 3rd quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 498 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. 8.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Novartis alerts:

Novartis Stock Up 1.9 %

NVS stock traded up $1.91 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $100.41. The stock had a trading volume of 547,252 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,149,353. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. Novartis AG has a 1-year low of $74.09 and a 1-year high of $105.56. The company has a fifty day moving average of $99.49 and a 200 day moving average of $92.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $212.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.31, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.54.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The company reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $12.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.60 billion. Novartis had a return on equity of 23.29% and a net margin of 13.78%. The companys revenue was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.46 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Novartis AG will post 6.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on NVS. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Novartis from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. BTIG Research raised their price target on shares of Novartis from $75.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Novartis in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Novartis currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $82.25.

Novartis Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Novartis AG is a holding company, which engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Innovative Medicines, Sandoz, and Corporate. The Innovative Medicines segment researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells patented pharmaceuticals, and is composed of two business units: Novartis Oncology and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. decreased its holdings in British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI  Get Rating) by 7.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 34,130 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,650 shares during the quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc.s holdings in British American Tobacco were worth $1,365,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BTI. Capital International Investors raised its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 12.6% during the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 9,449,045 shares of the companys stock worth $400,788,000 after acquiring an additional 1,060,090 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 51.4% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,092,643 shares of the companys stock worth $88,226,000 after purchasing an additional 710,867 shares during the period. OLD Mission Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco during the third quarter worth $22,123,000. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 11.6% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,624,861 shares of the companys stock worth $237,145,000 after purchasing an additional 582,790 shares during the period. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. grew its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 382.6% during the third quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 529,622 shares of the companys stock worth $18,802,000 after purchasing an additional 419,880 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 6.37% of the companys stock.

Get British American Tobacco alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BTI has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on British American Tobacco in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut British American Tobacco from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, March 13th.

British American Tobacco Trading Down 0.1 %

British American Tobacco Company Profile

NYSE:BTI traded down $0.02 on Thursday, reaching $32.40. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,561,682 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,207,894. British American Tobacco p.l.c. has a 1-year low of $31.64 and a 1-year high of $44.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $34.66 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $37.36.

(Get Rating)

British American Tobacco plc is a holding company, which engages in the manufacture and distribution of tobacco products. Its brands include Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, and Pall Mall. It operates through the following geographical segments: United States, Asia-Pacific and Middle East (APME), Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa (AMSSA), and Europe and North Africa (ENA).

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for British American Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British American Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Elastic (NYSE:ESTC  Get Rating) had its target price decreased by Robert W. Baird from $76.00 to $60.00 in a report released on Monday morning, The Fly reports.

ESTC has been the subject of several other research reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised Elastic from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $55.00 to $67.00 in a report on Friday, June 2nd. Rosenblatt Securities reiterated a buy rating and set a $96.00 price objective on shares of Elastic in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Elastic from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Elastic from $75.00 to $92.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on Elastic from $70.00 to $83.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $75.56.

Get Elastic alerts:

Elastic Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ESTC opened at $67.59 on Monday. Elastic has a twelve month low of $46.18 and a twelve month high of $91.30. The stocks 50 day moving average is $61.24 and its 200-day moving average is $58.02. The company has a quick ratio of 1.89, a current ratio of 1.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -27.25 and a beta of 1.07.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Elastic

Elastic ( NYSE:ESTC Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $279.94 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $277.63 million. Elastic had a negative return on equity of 46.75% and a negative net margin of 22.09%. Elastics revenue for the quarter was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.64) earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Elastic will post -1.04 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Truist Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Elastic by 2.5% during the first quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 7,536 shares of the companys stock worth $436,000 after acquiring an additional 181 shares during the period. Liberty One Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Elastic by 10.9% in the 1st quarter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC now owns 2,010 shares of the companys stock valued at $116,000 after acquiring an additional 197 shares during the period. Utah Retirement Systems boosted its stake in Elastic by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Utah Retirement Systems now owns 14,000 shares of the companys stock worth $721,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC increased its stake in Elastic by 2.3% in the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 9,316 shares of the companys stock valued at $829,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Planning raised its stake in shares of Elastic by 7.1% during the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 3,222 shares of the companys stock worth $231,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.40% of the companys stock.

About Elastic

(Get Rating)

Elastic NV engages in the provision of open-source search and analytics engine services. It offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as perform search, analysis, and visualization. The firms Elastic Stack product comprises Elasticsearch, a distributed, real-time search and analytics engine, and data store for various types of data, including textual, numerical, geospatial, structured, and unstructured, Kibana, a user interface, management, and configuration interface for the Elastic Stack, Beats, a single-purpose data shippers for sending data from edge machines to Elasticsearch or Logstash, and Logstash, a data processing pipeline for ingesting data into Elasticsearch or other storage systems.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Soros Fund Management LLC lessened its position in shares of Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Get Rating) by 4.9% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 644,095 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 33,484 shares during the quarter. Salesforce makes up 1.2% of Soros Fund Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Soros Fund Management LLC owned about 0.06% of Salesforce worth $85,401,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CRM. Fairfield Bush & CO. raised its stake in Salesforce by 8.7% during the first quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 4,468 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $949,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares during the period. Roundview Capital LLC raised its position in Salesforce by 18.8% in the 1st quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 24,037 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $5,104,000 after purchasing an additional 3,809 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd raised its position in Salesforce by 42.8% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 621 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $132,000 after buying an additional 186 shares during the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC purchased a new position in shares of Salesforce in the 1st quarter valued at about $455,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 21.3% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 860,950 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $182,797,000 after purchasing an additional 151,440 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.83% of the companys stock.

Get Salesforce alerts:

Insider Activity at Salesforce

In other news, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 221 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $187.96, for a total transaction of $41,539.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,625 shares in the company, valued at approximately $305,435. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 725 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.42, for a total transaction of $126,454.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 27,753,609 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,840,784,481.78. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 221 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $187.96, for a total value of $41,539.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,625 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $305,435. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 179,300 shares of company stock worth $37,217,532 in the last ninety days. 3.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Salesforce Stock Performance

Shares of CRM stock traded up $3.54 during trading on Thursday, reaching $209.27. 3,825,356 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,796,787. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $203.83 billion, a PE ratio of 541.41, a PEG ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.24. Salesforce, Inc. has a twelve month low of $126.34 and a twelve month high of $225.00. The firms fifty day moving average price is $201.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $172.97.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The CRM provider reported $1.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $8.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.17 billion. Salesforce had a return on equity of 5.75% and a net margin of 1.18%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.41 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Salesforce, Inc. will post 5.26 EPS for the current year.

Salesforce declared that its board has authorized a share buyback plan on Wednesday, March 1st that authorizes the company to repurchase $20.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the CRM provider to reacquire up to 10.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on CRM shares. Northland Securities increased their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $181.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of Salesforce from $200.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Salesforce from $240.00 to $260.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $162.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Salesforce from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, twenty-four have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Salesforce presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $220.97.

Salesforce Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Salesforce, Inc engages in the design and development of cloud-based enterprise software for customer relationship management. Its solutions include sales force automation, customer service and support, marketing automation, digital commerce, community management, collaboration, industry-specific solutions, and salesforce platform.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Soros Fund Management LLC boosted its holdings in Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC  Get Rating) by 30.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 91,000 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 21,000 shares during the quarter. Soros Fund Management LLC owned 0.07% of Vulcan Materials worth $15,935,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. lifted its position in Vulcan Materials by 24.8% in the 4th quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 7,965 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,395,000 after acquiring an additional 1,583 shares in the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in shares of Vulcan Materials by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 28,507 shares of the construction companys stock worth $4,496,000 after buying an additional 1,295 shares in the last quarter. M&G Investment Management Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Vulcan Materials during the 4th quarter worth approximately $6,048,000. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Vulcan Materials by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 21,228 shares of the construction companys stock worth $3,348,000 after buying an additional 278 shares in the last quarter. Finally, DAVENPORT & Co LLC lifted its position in shares of Vulcan Materials by 15.1% during the 4th quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 5,095 shares of the construction companys stock worth $892,000 after buying an additional 667 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.08% of the companys stock.

Get Vulcan Materials alerts:

Vulcan Materials Stock Up 0.8 %

VMC traded up $1.56 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $206.55. The companys stock had a trading volume of 441,161 shares, compared to its average volume of 784,083. The stocks 50-day moving average is $183.66 and its 200-day moving average is $180.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.35, a PEG ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.73. Vulcan Materials has a 1 year low of $137.54 and a 1 year high of $206.67. The company has a current ratio of 2.37, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55.

Vulcan Materials Announces Dividend

Vulcan Materials ( NYSE:VMC Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The construction company reported $0.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.31. The firm had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.57 billion. Vulcan Materials had a net margin of 8.14% and a return on equity of 10.36%. The businesss revenue was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.73 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Vulcan Materials will post 6.45 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 9th. Investors of record on Friday, May 26th will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 25th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.83%. Vulcan Materialss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 38.05%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently weighed in on VMC. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Vulcan Materials in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Vulcan Materials from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $188.00 to $212.00 in a report on Monday, April 3rd. 92 Resources reissued a maintains rating on shares of Vulcan Materials in a report on Friday, May 5th. Seaport Res Ptn reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Vulcan Materials in a report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, DA Davidson lifted their price objective on shares of Vulcan Materials from $212.00 to $225.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Vulcan Materials presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $208.08.

Insider Activity at Vulcan Materials

In related news, SVP David P. Clement sold 2,389 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.00, for a total transaction of $468,244.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 2,887 shares in the company, valued at $565,852. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, SVP David P. Clement sold 2,389 shares of Vulcan Materials stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.00, for a total transaction of $468,244.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 2,887 shares in the company, valued at approximately $565,852. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Randy L. Pigg sold 560 shares of Vulcan Materials stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $202.44, for a total transaction of $113,366.40. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,707 shares in the company, valued at approximately $345,565.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.62% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Vulcan Materials

(Get Rating)

Vulcan Materials Co engages in the production of construction aggregates. Its products include crushed stone, sand, and gravel. It operates through the following business segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, and Calcium. The Aggregates segment produces and sells asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete primarily in its mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Southwestern, Tennessee, and Western markets.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VMC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Vulcan Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vulcan Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
press release

The Bank's delegation met Djibouti's Minister of Finance and Economy in charge of Industry and Governor of the Bank for Djibouti, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh (center) as part of the launch of the integrated urban infrastructure study project and dialogue on the ADRiFi Programme.

The African Development Bank last month launched the Integrated Urban Infrastructure and Climate Adaptation Study Project in Djibouti city in Djibouti.

The study will lead to a roadmap for improving access to resilient urban infrastructure and basic services. It also entails building institutional capacity for inclusive and participatory urban planning and management while addressing gender disparities.

The project is financed by a $3.8 million grant from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group's concessional lending window for low-income African countries. It will run for three years (2023-2025) and be implemented by the Djibouti Roads Agency.

A delegation to Djibouti for the launch event also had separate talks with Djibouti government officials on the benefits of the African Disaster Risk Management Financing Program (ADRiFi).

At a meeting with Djibouti's Finance Minister and Governor of the Bank, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, the delegation outlined the objectives and components of the ADRiFi program, pointing out that it will provide Djibouti with better cover against flood risks.

The delegation indicated that the program would also build the capacity of national stakeholders involved in disaster risk management and help develop a national disaster risk financing strategy. In his remarks, Minister Dawaleh expressed his approval for Djibouti's participation in the program.

The team had similar discussions with the Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, Hassan Houmed Ibrahim.

In February 2023, the African Development Bank adopted a new 2023-2027 Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Djibouti. This CSP supports efforts to promote more inclusive growth by focusing on accelerating structural transformation and economic diversification.

For example, the new CSP has prioritized the development of socio-economic infrastructure in the energy and transport sectors. These include improving the mobility of the population and promoting trade, and increasing the production and distribution of cleaner, less expensive energy.

As at 31 May 2023, the African Development Bank's active portfolio in Djibouti amounted to $87 million, covering 11 projects in the transport, energy, social, governance and agriculture sectors.

Media contact: Communication and External Relations Department | [email protected]
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Secretary K S Jawahar Reddy, Minister Botcha Satyanarayana, Educational Principal Secretary Praveen Prakash, Commissioner S Suresh Kumar others release the Academic Calendar at the camp office on Thursday. (Photo: By Arrangement)

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has asked officials to ensure that there are two government junior colleges in each mandal, of which one for girls and the other co-education.

Two high schools should be set up in two villages or towns in each mandal where the population is high and they should be upgraded to junior colleges, the CM advised the officials.

The government would provide Internet facilities to 45,000 schools, the Chief Minister stated at a review meeting on Education here on Thursday. He released the Academic Calendar 2023-24. The schools would reopen on June 12.

The calendar comprises the academic schedule, details of the principal, teachers duties, language club, mela, labs, lesson plan format and guidelines, learn-a-word-a-day, Telugu language week, cultural activities and such details.

The Chief Minister said, "Internet facility should be made available in all the 45,000 schools. Steps are being taken in this direction with APSFL. The BSNL would be asked to provide the facility.

The Internet facility to schools covered under the first phase of Nadu Nedu is complete and by September it will be extended to all schools.

All steps have been taken for distribution of the Jagananna Vidya Deevena kits for the fourth consecutive year, the CM said, adding that 93 per cent of the material reached the intended destination.

Officials said the second semester books are also ready for distribution in advance. In village and ward secretariats, digital assistants will take care of the maintenance and use of tabs.

The Chief Minister had a close look at the Jagananna Animutyalu state excellence awards 2023 medals to be given to the Class X and Intermediate final year students of government institutions, who excelled in the exams.

The Jagananna Animutyalu Awards would be presented to the students in three phases  at constituency level on June 15, district level on June 17 and state level on June 20. The top 10 ranks were bagged by 64 students this year, officials informed the CM.

Jagan Mohan Reddy reviewed the distribution of the Jagananna Vidya Kanuka kits, Nadu Nedu IFP Panels for schools covered under the Nadu Nedus first phase and adequate training to teachers on the use of tabs, apart from Internet facility in all schools.

He also reviewed the works to be taken up under the second phase of Nadu Nedu.

Jagan Mohan Reddy asked the officials to ensure that every mandal has two junior colleges -- one for girls and the other a coeducation facility.

Depending on the population, the high schools should be upgraded to junior colleges and adequate class rooms should be built under Nadu Nedu, the CM said, adding that the junior colleges should be ready by June next year and sufficient staff should be recruited.

The Chief Minister said teachers should be given training on the use of IFP Panels and how to send video content.

The officials said company representatives will be giving a demo to the faculty of engineering colleges, who would in turn train the teachers.

About 20,000 BTech students would take internships and they will help teachers in using the panels, tabs of online education players content, and smart TVs every month, the officials said.

Stressing the need to ensure 100 per cent GER, the Chief Minister told the education officials to ensure that there are no dropouts and that they must take the help of village and ward volunteers in this respect.

He said, "Those who could not clear the 10th and 12th exams should be readmitted and encouraged. There should be constant feedback on Goru Muddha, SMF and TMF (school and toilet maintenance fund). Third party verification should be done and steps taken to include Byjus content in Intermediate and for distribution of tabs."
Students of Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School stage a protest alleging that they were denied entry to the institute for wearing 'abaya', in Srinagar, Thursday, June 8, 2023. (PTI Photo)

Srinagar: Authorities at Vishwa Bharathi Higher Secondary School in Srinagar reportedly denied entry to girl students wearing Abayas on Thursday leading to a ruckus. The students in Abayas, marched through the streets of Rainawari quarter, expressing their grievances. They claimed that the school principal told them to remove their Abayas or seek admission in a madrasa. The Abaya, a loose over garment worn by Muslim women in many parts of the world, covers the entire body except the head, feet, and hands.

One of the protesting students, Shugufta (name changed), emphasised that the Abaya symbolises dignity and that their Prophet has instructed them to wear loose garments for recognition and protection. She also mentioned that the recent introduction of coeducation in the school made it even more important for them to wear Abayas and Hijabs.

Statement from Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School regarding dress code policy (Image: DC)

The school principal, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that she merely wanted the students to adhere to a proper dress code. She clarified that the school had its own dress code and that girls wearing Abayas and Hijabs were never prohibited from doing so. However, on Wednesday, she instructed the teachers to inform these girls that while they could wear Abayas up to the school gate, they should not wear them within the campus in order to maintain decorum and follow the school's dress code.

Despite this explanation, the protesting students insisted that they were rudely instructed to go to a madrasa if they insisted on wearing Abayas. In an attempt to defuse the situation, the police authorities intervened and held a meeting with the school principal.

In response to the alleged incident, several political parties and religious groups strongly reacted. To avoid further controversy, the school principal assured that the management would soon announce a specific colour and pattern of Abaya that the girl students can wear.

"We are not going to allow any colourful Abayas to be worn by our students. There must be uniformity of dress that the students are in within the campus," she said. She clarified that the Hijab was not banned in the school and denied having received orders from higher authorities to ask the students not to wear Abayas.

Former chief minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, criticised the government for transforming Gandhi's country into a realm reminiscent of Godse's ideology. She opposed the enforcement of a dress code and emphasised that individuals should have the freedom to choose their attire. Mufti accused the government of unleashing an onslaught on their religion, citing the arrest or harassment of religious leaders and the prohibition on wearing Abayas. She expressed that they had tolerated enough since August 5, 2019, and would not tolerate any further infringements.

Tanit Sadiq, the National Conference chief spokesman, took to Twitter to condemn the interference in matters of religious attire and stressed that wearing a Hijab should be a personal choice. He called for immediate corrective action from the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, the Srinagar deputy commissioner, and the city police to prevent the situation from escalating.
The objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities. (Photo: ANI)

MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said 50 per cent of the to-be-withdrawn Rs 2,000 notes came back to the system.

"Totally so far about Rs 180,000 crore of Rs 2000 notes have come back. This is roughly about 50 per cent of the Rs 2000 notes which were in circulation on March 31," RBI Governor Das said at a post-monetary policy meeting press conference.

About 85 per cent of those notes, on a provisional basis, have come back as deposits in bank accounts. he added.

"Good thing is that there has been no rush in any of the banks," Das said, appealing to people not to rush to banks in panic.

He particularly urged people to avoid the last-minute rush at bank branches.

On May 19, RBI decided to withdraw the Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes from circulation, but said it will continue to remain as legal tender. However, RBI has advised banks to stop issuing Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes with immediate effect.

People can exchange or deposit their Rs 2,000 notes in bank branches and regional branches of RBI. A non-account holder also can exchange Rs 2000 banknotes up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time at any bank branch.

September 30 has been decided as the last date for the purpose of completing the exercise in a time-bound manner and to provide adequate time to the public. RBI is likely to revisit the September deadline based on the situation going ahead.

The Rs 2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of RBI Act, 1934, primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after the withdrawal of the legal tender status of all Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes in circulation at that time.

The objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities. Therefore, the printing of Rs 2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19.

The total value of these banknotes in circulation had declined from Rs 6.73 lakh crore at its peak as on March 31, 2018 (37.3 per cent of Notes in Circulation) to Rs 3.62 lakh crore constituting only 10.8 per cent of Notes in Circulation on March 31, 2023. It was also observed that this denomination is not commonly used for transactions.
Union home minister Amit Shah. (Photo: PTI)

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said in the last nine years, the Modi government has overhauled the country's health infrastructure from primary to tertiary level while ensuring free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor.

In tweets, Shah said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has embraced a future where healthcare is no longer a privilege.

"'In #9YearsOfHealthForAll' India overhauled its health infrastructure from primary to tertiary level while ensuring free treatment up to ?5 lakh for the poor," he said.

The home minister said the prime minister has harnessed the transformative power of technology making healthcare accessible.

"Whether it is Covid Vaccination, telemedicine, hospital registration, or accessing health records, healthcare now is at the fingertips of citizens," he said.

The Modi government's major initiative for healthcare is implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme under which those eligible will have a defined benefit cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, officials said.

This cover takes care of almost all secondary care and most of tertiary care procedures.

To ensure that nobody is left out, especially women, children and elderly, there is no cap on family size and age in the scheme.

The benefit cover also includes pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses and all pre-existing conditions are covered from day one of the policy, the officials said.

A defined transport allowance per hospitalisation is also paid to the beneficiary under the scheme.
Arun Subhashchandra Yadav ex-PCC president and former Union minister of state. (Image:DC)

Hyderabad: The public mood is strongly set against the incumbent BJP government led by Chief Minister Shivaraj Singh in Madhya Pradesh and the Congress will win a big mandate from the people in the Assembly elections later this year, said ex-PCC president and former Union minister of state Arun Subhashchandra Yadav.

Speaking exclusively to Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday while on a private trip to the city here, Arun Yadav, a former MP from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, said the resurgence of the Congress is palpable not only in his home state but also across the country.

"The change in mood was set in motion by the huge success and impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatra by Rahul Gandhi. The growing impatience of the people against the BJP government, for the vast difference between its promises and words and its actual performance and delivery, is widely felt," he said.

"Price rise, lack of jobs, rising unemployment, increasing difficulty of SMEs and small businesses to sustain themselves, and the growing agrarian angst have all led to the growth in unpopularity of the BJP government both at the Centre and in different states," Arun Yadav said.

When asked if they would use the same Karnataka campaign model in MP, Arun Yadav said, "The Karnataka campaign does not work in MP because, in Bengaluru our party spoke of the 40 per cent commission Sarkar  but in Bhopal, the commission is 50 per cent."

Besides the sense of betrayal felt by the people that despite them voting for the Congress in 2018, the BJP had pulled some MLAs away and formed a government, they are also upset with the BJP for its all-round failure, he said.

On Telangana, Arun Yadav said, "I have discussed the situation here with our party colleagues and I can feel that they are all very energised after the Karnataka elections. I am also told that the BJP has dramatically collapsed here, leading to a straight fight between the BRS and the Congress, which we most likely are going to win."

Arun Yadav said that contrary to the BJPs assertions, it was the Congress that had worked to truly empower the Dalits, STs and OBCs, besides the minorities, and added, "Our track record speaks for itself."

On the issue of Chief Ministership in MP after the next polls, he said that all the Congress leaders there were united. While he was the OBC face of the party, given the strength of the party, the decision would be taken by the high command after the party registered a win, he said.
Currently unattached and highly sought-after Telangana rebel twins from the ruling Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, former Khammam Lok Sabha MP, and Jupally Krishna Rao, former state minister and five-time MLA from Kollapur will be finally joining the Congress shortly, after weeks of speculation. ( Image: Twitter)

Hyderabad: In a couple of days, the politics of Telangana will look different, with big changes finally set to take place in the two major opposition parties, much like IPL teams after a new auction, with major developments likely to be announced in leadership positions and fresh joinings, reportedly likely to happen almost simultaneously.

The currently unattached and highly sought-after Telangana rebel twins from the ruling Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi  Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, former Khammam Lok Sabha MP, and Jupally Krishna Rao, former state minister and five-time MLA from Kollapur  will be finally joining the Congress shortly, after weeks of speculation.

The resurgent Congress has certainly scored another win with the final confirmation of the Ponguleti-Jupally duo joining it, a few days after senior BJP leaders told the media that despite their best efforts, they could not convince the two to come to the saffron fold.

"The deal is done. We have discussed all issues, including the various posts, positions and tickets to be given to their key followers and camp members. This will give the Congress a huge fillip in the erstwhile Khammam and Mahbubnagar districts, besides furthering the narrative that the tailwinds are behind it in Telangana. All talk of a tri-cornered fight has vanished, it is now a straight fight between the Congress and the BRS, and, given the anti-incumbency, we will win and form government," said a senior leader who was part of the discussions to finalise the duos entry.

"Many leaders from both the BJP and the BRS are in touch and several of them will join the Congress in the coming days," he added.

At the same time, the Telangana state BJP, which has after much efforts failed to attract these two leaders to their camp, was abuzz with talk that there could be a change in leadership very soon  with "outsiders" finally scoring a likely win.

Though no senior party leader was willing to confirm on record, only willing to say "We are not aware of any such proposal," off the record, three different leaders confirmed that in all likelihood, former minister and BJP national vice-president D.K. Aruna will take over from Bandi Sanjay Kumar as party state president, and former minister Etala Rajendar will be given the reins of poll management in the likely capacity of chairman, election steering committee.

If the two senior and highly respected leaders, Aruna and Rajendar, take over the BJP, it would the first time that the state leadership would be fully in the hands of relative newcomers  Aruna being a Congress leader and Rajendar having served in the BRS as a top-level leader and a separate statehood crusader.

At least two leaders also confirmed that Sanjay could be likely elevated as a minister of state and shifted to the national capital  a first time for him in any executive post  increasing the total representation from the state in the union ministry to two. Another senior leader, Dr K. Laxman, is part of the partys apex body, the Parliamentary Board, and is a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh as also president of the OBC Morcha.

"The changes in the state BJP have become a necessity after the party started losing steam as a potential contender for power ever since we lost the Munugode byelection. The loss in Karnataka and the open dissent from several leaders have made it hard to keep things going on in a status quo mode," said a party senior leader. "The inaction against MLC K. Kavitha in the Delhi liquor scam has also abetted the Congress narrative that there is a tacit understanding between the BJP and the BRS."

The BJP hopes to regain its mojo and momentum with changes in the party leadership structure, which many hope will put an end to all dissidence and is also carefully designed to support social engineering plans of the saffron party.

"A Reddy leader as president to oversee the party and a Mudiraj as chairman of steering committee to lead the election efforts will give the BJP an enormous font of energy," a senior leader, who has reportedly been orchestrating the efforts to unite factions within the party against incumbent president Bandi Sanjay said. "The party will predominantly bank on OBC vote, besides the Reddy and other upper caste vote, besides trying to take back the anti-KCR sections of society."

Some leaders and sections in the party are hoping there would be no change. Other formulae being offered are that while Sanjay could be continued, Rajendar and Aruna would be given some "additional responsibilities" but short of complete leadership.

Two different leaders at the state and centre said that if at all there would be a change, it would only be to make Rajendar the state president. But the most preferred view is that both of them will mount the saddle, like a team.

The BJP will also unleash all its different strengths, including bringing in top leaders to the state to showcase its strengths.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally address a public meeting in the city, besides the two massive events being planned for Union home minister Amit Shah and party president J.P. Nadda in the state to bring back the animal spirits," he said.

Some hope it is not a case of not too little, but nevertheless too late, with the Congress having already stolen an irreversible edge.


An explosion inside a mosque in northern Afghanistan on Thursday killed at least 11 people during the funeral of the Taliban's provincial deputy governor, who died in an attack earlier this week, officials said.

The Taliban-run Ministry of Interior said that more than 30 people were also injured in the blast in Badakhshan, a province in the far north that shares borders with China and Tajikistan.

Also Read | NHRC issues notice to Bengal govt over 9 deaths in illegal firecracker factory blast

A former police commander of northern Baghlan province, Safiullah Samim, was among the dead, according to a statement offering condolences from another police chief, Najibullah Badakhshi.

Ashraf Nael, a resident of Faizabad, said he was in a nearby court building when he heard a blast at around 11:00 a.m. (0630 GMT), muffled by the mosque walls, before many ambulances rushed towards the scene.

Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a car bomb on Tuesday that killed Badakhshan's deputy governor.

The Taliban administration has been carrying out raids against members of Islamic State, which has claimed several major attacks in urban centres.

The Islamic State group has targeted Taliban administration officials, and claimed the killing of the governor of northern Balkh province in an attack in March.
Pakistan's ousted former prime minister Imran Khan secured bail on Thursday from the Islamabad High Court over new murder charges, meaning he cannot be rearrested in connection with those charges for the next 14 days, his lawyer said.

Khan was arrested on May 9 and held for three days, triggering violent protests by his followers. He is now free on bail in a range of criminal cases.

He had travelled to the capital from his Lahore home to seek bail in the murder case and extend his bail in over a dozen other cases to avoid a fresh arrest, said his lawyer Gohar Khan.

Another of his lawyers, Naeem Haider, said he also received bail in all the other cases in which he had applied for it.

The 70-year-old former cricket hero who become prime minister in 2018 has been embroiled in a confrontation with Pakistan's powerful military since he was ousted in a no-confidence vote last year.

The military has ruled directly or overseen civilian governments since the creation of Pakistan, where political confrontations are often fought out in court.

Khan's May 9 arrest on corruption charges, which he denies, sparked protests by his supporters who ransacked military facilities, raising new worries about the stability of the nuclear-armed country of 220 million people as it struggles with its worst economic crisis in decades.

Since Khan was freed, new charges against him have been piling up. On Wednesday, police named him in connection with the murder of a lawyer seeking sedition proceedings against him.

Khan says he is facing nearly 150 cases and denies guilt in all of them.

His lawyer Gohar Khan had said the former prime minister would on Thursday approach the anti-terrorism courts, anti-graft courts and the High Court in Islamabad to appeal for bail in connection with more than a dozen cases.

Khan, who has been campaigning for an early election since his ouster last year, said in an online address to party workers on Wednesday that he was resigned to the possibility he could be arrested for a second time.

The military, which denies involvement in civilian politics, initially saw Khan with his conservative, nationalist agenda as a leader who shared their interests. But as prime minister, Khan took steps that angered the generals, in particular in connection with security sector appointments.

He has accused the military and its intelligence agency of trying to destroy his party, saying he has "no doubt" he will be tried in a military court and jailed as part of the army-backed crackdown on his party.

The military issued a statement on Wednesday saying all planners and perpetrators of the May 9 violence had to be brought to justice.

The prime minister who replaced Khan, Shahbaz Sharif, has rejected his call for an election before one is due by late this year. Khan says the cases against him are aimed at ensuring he is excluded from the polls.

Khan has appealed for talks to end the standoff with the military. The government has rejected his calls.
press release

Over the next five years, the African Development Bank will invest in cross-border electricity interconnections to strengthen connectivity and increase access to reliable and competitively priced electricity in the East Africa region. The pipeline for regional operations during the first three years of the EA-RISP (2023-2025) is estimated at $1.3 billion.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed to supporting East African countries to accelerate structural transformation, reinforce resilience, and create more decent jobs. This ambition is encapsulated in the Bank's East Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (EA RISP) 2023-2027.

The strategy paper, approved by the Bank's Board of Directors on 08 May, sets out two priority areas to achieve its main objective, namely : (1) Improve regional infrastructure; and (2) Support regional value chains development and trade facilitation.

Under the first priority area, the Bank will invest in cross-border electricity interconnections to strengthen connectivity and increase cross-border trade in electricity. It will also support regional solar energy development through the Desert to Power initiative as well as hydroelectric and geothermal energy to harness the region's endowments. Strengthening the capacity of the East African Power Pool and regional electricity infrastructure initiatives such as the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program and Energy in the Great Lakes countries will also be areas of focus.

Investment in the regional electricity trade should enable East African cross-border electricity interconnections to increase from 7 to 9, and for the regional power pool to become operational. It will also support cross-regional power pools interconnectors such as the one between Eastern and Southern Africa Power Pools.

The African Development Bank will also commit financial resources to multimodal transport systems for roads, railways, air transport and inland waterways while continuing to strengthen transport management institutions' capacity and regional corridors. Particular emphasis will be placed on the main corridors and feeder roads that link production centres to major markets and promote intra- and inter-regional connectivity.

These initiatives will help reduce transit times along strategic corridors and enhance trade within the region and under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Under the second priority area, the Bank will support the development of regional value chains, particularly agro-industry, manufacturing (textiles and clothing) and mining. The Regional Integration Strategy Paper aims to contribute to an increase in manufacturing value added in the region from 9% in 2020 to 11% in 2027 as a result of support to upstream interventions.

To ensure lasting development results under these two priority areas, the Bank's interventions will mainstream the following cross-cutting issues: gender equality, fragility, climate change, human and institutional capacity development, and private sector development. Regarding capacity development, the will provide, among others, technical assistance to national, regional and continental institutions responsible for promoting regional trade, implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area and developing regional public goods.

Under the RISP, three main outcomes are expected: (i) reduced border crossing times in the Central Corridor from one hour in 2022 to half an hour in 2027; (i) an improvement in the score on the Logistics Performance Index for cross-border trade from 53.8% in 2018 to 60% in 2027; and (iii) an increase in the proportion of goods and services traded under the provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Area from 0% of the region's total trade in 2022 to 5% in 2027.
A court here on Thursday dismissed the bail application of Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, arrested in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, saying his role was more serious than that of some other accused who are still in jail.

Denying the relief to Pillai, Special Judge M K Nagpal said, "This court is prima facie of the view that there is a genuine case made out by the investigating agency before this court showing active involvement of the applicant in commission of the alleged offence of money laundering and thus, this court is not able to arrive at any finding contrary to the said view."

Also Read | Vivekananda murder case: Plea filed in Supreme Court against MP Avinash's bail

The court also rejected the submission made by Pillai's counsel that his arrest in the case was not legal or justified, saying the evidence and material collected during the investigation "speaks volumes of his involvement in commission of the alleged offence of money laundering and his association with the other conspirators".

"Moreover, the regular bail applications of various other co-accused in this case, namely Sameer Mahandru, Vijay Nair, Abhishek Boinpally, Benoy Babu, P Sarath Chandra Reddy, Raghav Magunta and Manish Sisodia, stand already dismissed by this court and the role of this applicant in commission of the alleged offence of money laundering is found to be more serious and grave than the role played by some of the above co-accused," the judge said.

Pillai was not only a participant in the "conspiracy" but prima facie, he was also found to have been connected with different activities related to the proceeds, including its concealment, possession, acquisition or use and projecting it as untainted property, he said.

Further, the court said the evidence collected against Pillai prima facie showed that he had indulged in these activities or became a party thereto fully knowing the nature of and intents behind these activities.

"From the evidence placed on record, he is prima facie found to have been involved as a member in the above criminal conspiracy and also connected with criminal activities of the said case relating to generation of proceeds of crime of that case," the court said.

It said the vital and active role played by Pillai in the above conspiracy, formation of cartel and payment as well as repayment of kickbacks is duly evident through multiple statements made not only by Pillai himself but other accused persons as well, including Dinesh Arora, an accused-turned-approver in the related corruption case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) since September 2022.

The judge also rejected an argument by Pillai's counsel that his client had retracted his statements saying, "The manner and circumstances under which the said retraction is stated to have been made prima facie suggest that it was the result of some afterthought or undue influence."

The ED had claimed in its charge sheet filed in the case that Pillai was a close associate of Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC K Kavitha.

The ED's money laundering case stems from the CBI FIR.

According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 and undue favours were extended to licence holders.

The Delhi government had implemented the excise policy on November 17, 2021, but scrapped it at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption.
Wife of slain gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva, an aide of Mukhtar Ansari who was shot dead on June 7, on Thursday approached the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest in order to participate in funeral and last rites of her husband.

Jeeva, a dreaded criminal from Muzaffarnagar, was shot dead inside Lucknow court complex on Wednesday evening. He is considered to be a close aide of gangster politician Mukhtar Ansari.

Payal sought one-day protection from the top court to attend funeral of her husband.

Her counsel mentioned the matter before a vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal.

On behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, Additional Advocate General Garima Prasad said the state government would have no objection if she is permitted to attend the cremation and other last rites.

Payal had already filed an special leave petition against the Allahabad High Court's order of May 30 dismissing her plea to quash the gangster case against her.

The bench put her plea for consideration on Friday.

The court also asked the petitioner's counsel to file an affidavit bringing on record the factum of death of her husband as it can't rely upon newspaper and TV report.
A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Telangana High Court's May 31 order allowing anticipatory bail to YSRCP MP from Kadapa Y S Avinash Reddy in the 2019 murder case of former Andhra Pradesh Minister Y S Vivekananda Reddy.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for complainant Dr Suneetha Narreddy, daughter of the deceased, mentioned the matter before a vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal for an urgent hearing.

The court asked him to mention the matter again on Friday.

In the special leave petition, Dr Narreddy contended that the High Court allowed the anticipatory bail of the accused in the case, contrary to the law laid down by this court, by holding a mini-trial and giving findings, and making comments on the merits of the prosecution case.

She claimed the High Court virtually accepted the entire case put forth by the accused and disregarded the evidence collected by the CBI, even though the Kadapa MP from the ruling party had not cooperated with the CBI by evading three notices for appearance. She also pointed out that the supporters of the accused even attacked the CBI team when it went to arrest him from a hospital where he took shelter on the pretext of his mothers alleged health issues.

Her plea also alleged the respondent, along with other accused, was successful in destroying the scene of offense in the presence of the state police and had propagated the story that the deceased had died due to a heart attack. It also accused the politician of threatening and influencing the witnesses in the case.

On May 31, Justice M Laxman allowed bail to Avinash Reddy finding no justification for his custodial interrogation by the CBI.

"The gravity of the accusation is not yet clearly brought on record by the CBI so far. The entire case rests upon hearsay evidence and assumptive evidence. No direct evidence is available against the petitioner to prove his participation in a larger conspiracy. They tried to rely upon the improved case of the witnesses and the approver," the HC said.

One of the brothers of the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, and uncle of current Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the deceased was found murdered at his residence in Pulivendula in Kadapa district, on the night of March 15, 2019, a few weeks before the Assembly elections. The case was subsequently handed over to the CBI on the High Court's order.
Sending an unambiguous message to China on border row, India on Thursday said the bilateral relationship will continue to remain impacted when the situation in eastern Ladakh remains not normal while identifying "forward deployment" of troops as the main problem.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made it clear that the two sides will have to find ways for disengagement of the troops and that the current impasse is not to China's interests either.

Addressing a press conference, he said, "the fact is that the relationship is impacted and it will continue to be impacted...If there is any expectation that somehow we will normalise (the ties) when the border situation is not normal, that is not a well-founded expectation."

Also Read | Do Manipur clashes have a Chinese angle to it?

Emphasising that New Delhi also wants to have better ties with China, Jaishankar said it can be possible only when there is peace and tranquillity in the border areas and until there is normalcy on the borders, the relationship between the two countries cannot progress.

The Minister said India would not get swayed by coercion, inducements and false narratives as he pointed towards New Delhi's stand on the situation along the border and its opposition to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

When asked whether China has occupied Indian territory following the border row that started in May 2020, Jaishankar said the problem is of "forward deployment" of troops and India wants to "improve relations with China. But it will be possible only when there is peace and tranquillity in border areas and if there is an agreement, it should be adhered to."

He said the communications between both the countries have not been broken down. "The point is that with China, even before Galwan happened, we were talking to the Chinese saying that look we are seeing movement of your forces which in our view is violative of our understanding. The morning after Galwan happened, I actually spoke to my (Chinese) counterpart," he said.

Both the countries have been engaged in talks at diplomatic and military levels, he said, adding "at the end of the day disengagement is a very detailed process."

Asked why India's ties with all leading countries are on an upswing but not with China, Jaishankar said the answer could only be given by China because for some reason, Beijing chose to break agreements in 2020 to move forces to the border areas and coerce New Delhi.

"It has been made very clear to them that until there is peace and tranquillity in border areas, our relationship cannot progress. So that is the obstacle that is holding that back," Jaishankar said.
A Gujarat High Court judge, while seeking the opinion of medical experts as to whether abortion can be performed on a seven-month-pregnant minor rape survivor, asked her lawyer to read the highly contentious ancient book, Manusmriti, to understand how women used to get married early back in the day.

"Because, we are living in the 21st century. Ask your mother or great-grandmother, 14-15 was the maximum age. First child would be born by the age 17. Girls become mature early than the boys. Four-five months here and there doesn't make any difference. You will not read it but do read Manusmriti for once," justice Samir J Dave said in the open court on Wednesday.

Justice Dave gave this advice when the victim's lawyer, Sikander Saiyed, mentioned her age to argue why abortion was important. Saiyed told the court that had she been in her 20s, it could have been a different scenario.

Read | Women in US turn to cheap abortion pills from India

While seeking the opinion of medical experts, Justice Dave said that it would be difficult for the court to pass an abortion order because a six-seven-month-old fetus can survive premature delivery in the incubator.

"If any serious ailment is there in the fetus or the girl, the court can certainly consider. If both are normal, it would be very difficult for the court to pass such type of order, take it from me," Justice Dave said.

The court passed the order directing the medical superintendent, civil hospital, Rajkot to conduct medical examination of the rape survivor through a panel of doctors on an urgent basis.

The court also directed to carry out ossification test of the applicant survivor to ascertain her age and examination of her mental condition by a psychiatrist of the civil hospital.

The court also sought the opinion of the panel of doctors as to whether it is advisable to terminate the pregnancy and the condition of the fetus.
Shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE  Get Rating) have earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seventeen research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $103.87.

GE has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on General Electric from $96.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 14th. Bank of America upped their target price on General Electric from $92.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 6th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on General Electric from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 31st. TheStreet raised General Electric from a c rating to a b- rating in a report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on General Electric from $98.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 14th.

Get General Electric alerts:

General Electric Price Performance

Shares of NYSE GE opened at $106.08 on Thursday. General Electric has a 1-year low of $46.55 and a 1-year high of $107.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $115.52 billion, a PE ratio of 13.83, a P/E/G ratio of 7.33 and a beta of 1.27. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $99.67 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $89.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 0.92.

Insiders Place Their Bets

General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $14.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.46 billion. General Electric had a return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 11.85%. General Electrics revenue for the quarter was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.24 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that General Electric will post 2.03 EPS for the current year.

In related news, SVP Scott Strazik sold 173,873 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.56, for a total transaction of $17,310,795.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 56,049 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,580,238.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, SVP Scott Strazik sold 173,873 shares of General Electric stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.56, for a total transaction of $17,310,795.88. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 56,049 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,580,238.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 58,292 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.68, for a total transaction of $6,102,006.56. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 70,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,383,813.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 239,419 shares of company stock worth $24,144,151. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of General Electric

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in GE. Northstar Group Inc. grew its position in General Electric by 2.9% during the first quarter. Northstar Group Inc. now owns 3,673 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $351,000 after buying an additional 104 shares during the period. WMS Partners LLC boosted its position in General Electric by 1.3% during the first quarter. WMS Partners LLC now owns 8,500 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $813,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the period. ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its position in shares of General Electric by 0.3% in the first quarter. ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 43,634 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $4,171,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the period. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of General Electric by 2.9% in the first quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,972 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $380,000 after acquiring an additional 113 shares during the period. Finally, Sandy Spring Bank raised its stake in General Electric by 2.9% in the first quarter. Sandy Spring Bank now owns 4,044 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $387,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.12% of the companys stock.

About General Electric

(Get Rating)

General Electric Co engages in the provision of commercial and military aircraft engines and systems, wind, and other renewable energy generation equipment and grid solutions, and gas, steam, nuclear, and other power generation equipment. It operates through the following segments: Aviation, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, and Power.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
A district judge has warned that someone is going to get killed if a loyalist drugs feud in Co Down continues.

Mark Hamill made the comments as he refused bail at Newtownards Magistrates Court to three men accused of affray and unlawful assembly.

The charges relate to an incident on April 6 when a group of up to 60 men gathered at the Weavers Grange housing estate in Newtownards and removed a number of South East Antrim UDA banners from gable walls.

The incident has been linked by police to the ongoing dispute between loyalist gangs.

A previous court hearing heard there have been more than 100 incidents in the feud, including pipe and petrol bomb attacks.

Ryan Turley, 31, from Newtownards, Graham Thomas Skinner, 39, from Bangor, and William Robert McCormick, 48, from Newtownards, appeared in court via videolink on Thursday.

A PSNI Detective Constable said she could connect them to the charges.

She told the court that police objected to bail on the basis of risk of further offences being committed.

The officer told the court the feud had caused great fear in the North Down community and added that the dispute was ongoing and indeed escalating.

In making an application for bail, a lawyer for Turley and Skinner argued there was no risk of reoffending and urged the court not to generalise when dealing with bail applications relating to the feud.

Mr Hamill said: It is pretty hard not to generalise when there is an ongoing feud.

He added: The whole point of the courts approach is to try and keep the peace in Newtownards, to try and keep a lid on this feud.

If the alleged participants are released as and when they come to this court, then it is very difficult for the police to keep a lid on this feud.

The allegation is that they are participating in an ongoing drugs turf war. That is the key, ongoing.

Mr Hamill said that everyone coming before the court connected with the feud would be met with a global response.

He added: Police tell me that we are rushed off their feet, we are stretched to keep a lid on this.

I will take a contextual approach, a global approach.

The allegation is this is part and parcel of a potentially deadly feud.

As Ive said previously, someone is going to get killed and that is what the police are trying to prevent, and that is what I am trying to prevent.

I want to make it crystal clear that at the first hurdle, anyone applying for bail connected to this gangster feud will fail at that first hurdle.

Mr Hamill refused bail and remanded the three men in custody until June 28.

The district judge also urged the media not to publish the full addresses of the defendants while the feud is ongoing.

Meanwhile, another three men are set to appear before the same court on Friday morning around the same charges related to the Weavers Grange incident on April 6.

The three men, aged 51, 46 and 24, have been charged with unlawful assembly and affray.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
press release

The African Development Bank Group has appointed Jacques Edjangue Vice President for People and Talent Management, effective 16th June 2023.

Immediately before his appointment, Edjangue served as acting Vice President for the People and Talent Management complex. Before that, he was Acting Director of Corporate Human Resources Department, and Director of the Bank Group's Language Services Department from June 2020 to June 2022.

Edjangue, a Cameroonian national, is an accomplished senior executive with more than 28 years of experience in multilateral institutions, including 21 years at the African Development Bank Group.

In June 2022 he was appointed to help lead the newly created People and Talent Management Complex. The Bank set up this complex to give greater priority and visibility to people and talent management, and to deepen staff engagement and experience.

Edjangue joined the African Development Bank in 2002. He became Division Manager in 2011, and from 2017, was the Director of Language Services at the Bank.

He has helped to initiate, lead, and manage several human resources reforms within the Bank. This includes strategic staffing, people strategy, performance management framework, executive management agreements, remote working, talent councils, total compensation framework, and leadership academies.

Edjangue's solid understanding of the people and organizational culture of the Bank has led to a strong positive internal view of the institution, with 87% staff engagement. He has also contributed to a significant improvement in performance management, with performance evaluation reaching an unprecedented level of 99% in 2022.

Under Edjangue's leadership, the Bank attained the Economic Dividend for Gender Equality (EDGE) certification in January 2023. EDGE is the leading global assessment certification for gender and diversity in the workplace. Through this achievement, the Bank is recognized as an institution that demonstrates its commitment to an inclusive approach to people and talent management in its policies and actions.

Edjangue was appointed in 2000 as Deputy Director and Deputy Permanent Representative at the International Organization of la Francophonie. In this capacity, he represented the organization at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There, he spearheaded several programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation and partnership and promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity in sister organizations.

Edjangue holds a master's degree in business administration from Colorado State University, USA; a master's in interpretation, and a master's in translation, both from the University of Buea, Cameroon, among other educational qualifications.

Commenting on his appointment, Edjangue said: "I would like to thank President Adesina for the trust and confidence bestowed upon me. I see this appointment as a huge responsibility and a unique opportunity to pursue the Bank's vision for people and talent management in accomplishing its development mandate. I look forward to giving a new impetus to the ongoing reforms and stepping up the implementation of institutional strategies and priorities in people management."

The President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: "I am very pleased to appoint Mr. Jacques Edjangue as Vice President for People and Talent Management Complex. Jacques is a well-tested leader who has distinguished himself very well in earlier roles as Acting Vice President for People and Talent Management Complex, following being the Acting Director for Corporate Human Resources."

Dr. Adesina added, "Jacques has very deep and extensive institutional knowledge, has spearheaded and delivered on several major human resources institutional reforms and works effectively with staff and management. He will be a great asset as the Bank continues to innovate on improving its working environment to attract and retain top-notch talent and enhance the culture of performance, productivity, and accountability for results."

Contact:

Chawki Chahed | Communication and External Relations Department | [email protected]
A planned republican commemoration in South Armagh will celebrate members of an IRA killing machine and retraumatise their victims, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has warned.

The DUP leader urged Sinn Fein MP John Finucane to reconsider his attendance as a speaker at the event on Sunday.

However, Mr Finucanes party colleague Conor Murphy rejected the DUP criticism and said the party had never spoken out previously about the long-running commemoration.

He said the late Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness had addressed the event in the past and the DUP, his then partners-in-government, did not raise any objection.

Mr Murphy said the main unionist party was only protesting now in a bid to distract the public from its own blockade of powersharing at Stormont at time when public services were facing financial crisis.

Mr Finucane, whose solicitor father Pat was murdered by loyalists during the Troubles, is due to address Sundays event, which is billed as the South Armagh Volunteers Commemoration.

Victims representatives have contended the event will commemorate the actions of the IRAs South Armagh unit during the Troubles.

Sir Jeffrey commented on the controversy surrounding Mr Finucanes attendance after meeting with the other main Stormont parties for discussions about the regions finances on Thursday.

I think that how Sinn Fein are going about this is the wrong approach, said the DUP leader.

Building a fun day around celebrating volunteers who, lets face it, were one of the most dangerous and feared killing machines in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and I have members of my family circle who were victims of that killing machine in South Armagh, is that the way to build a shared future?

He added: I think as we look to the next 25 years in Northern Ireland, weve got to start looking to the future.

None of us will forget those dark days of our troubled past. And the communities that I represent, the scars are still there, the broken homes remain, broken lives are still there.

But as we look to the future, surely the next 25 years has got to be about reconciliation and prosperity.

And I will simply say to John Finucane, do you believe that your attendance and participation in that event is conducive towards what were trying to build for Northern Ireland and the future, a shared future, about reconciliation, about healing the wounds? Is this conducive to healing wounds? Because the victims that I talked to feel that this reopens the wounds for them, it compels them to revisit the trauma that they experienced during the Troubles.

Mr Murphy, who also attended Thursdays meeting at Stormont Castle, said all commemorations needed to be dealt with sensitively.

This is an event that has been going on for 13 years without as much as a murmur around it, when people who were sitting around the executive table spoke at it, he said.

I spoke at the event, Martin McGuinness spoke at the event, TDs, other MPs spoke at that event over the years with never any issue been raised in relation to it.

But now its an issue for the DUP and then suddenly its an issue for everybody else.

The real issue for people is whos getting back into government to take decisions to protect public services, whos wanting to tackle our waiting lists, the fact that education programmes are hanging by a knife edge from being cut from very vulnerable kids, the fact that the report today from the Housing Executive was that very vulnerable people are going to lose support services, whos getting back in to take decisions around that?

He added: All commemorations need to be dealt with sensitively.

Theres no hierarchy of victimhood here, there were people who were victimised by the British state, by loyalist forces, by republican forces as well.

So theres no hierarchy in terms of victimhood, all of the parties that sit around the executive table, all of the parties in the south, and the British government and the parties in Britain, all attend commemorations, all of them do that, of people who were involved in war and inflicting pain on other people.

So there is a need to be sensitive in relation to that.

And we have to always be careful in relation to that and we do want to build a reconciled society and a shared society but people recognise that people have a right to commemorate their dead.

And they should do that in a way which is dignified and is sensitive.

And were always up for that.

And thats what weve been doing during that particular commemoration and hundreds of commemorations over the last number of years.

And yet now its an issue today.

And then you have to ask yourself, why is it an issue today when it wasnt an issue for 13 years, when government ministers who were sitting around the table in here were down speaking at it?

And then you ask well, what is the issue they (the DUP) dont want to be talked about, and that is the fact that theyre keeping down an executive which is punishing and damaging ordinary people who need public services.

On Wednesday, Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said Sinn Fein cannot ride two horses when it comes to Northern Irelands troubled past.

Mr Martin said he supports asking questions of British Army or police actions, but said on the other hand that Sinn Fein isnt really doing anything to secure answers around the actions of the Provisional IRA.

The Tanaiste said he did not believe Mr Finucane should address Sundays event.
A contest for the DUP deputy leadership will be healthy for the party and is certainly not evidence of a split, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has insisted.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson and Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley are vying to succeed Paula Bradley in the position.

DUP MPs and MLAs will cast their votes on Friday morning, with the result set to be announced later that day.

Mr Robinson would be viewed as a close ally of current leader Sir Jeffrey while Mr Buckley was chief of staff for Sir Jeffreys predecessor Edwin Poots, who lasted only three weeks in post before being ousted in an internal revolt.

On Thursday, Sir Jeffrey was asked if the contest between the two politicians was evidence that the party remained divided, two years on from the leadership turmoil of 2021.

He said: I think its a healthy thing in a democratic political party that people have choice and its a healthy sign that the DUP has young people like Gavin and Jonathan coming forward and wanting to take up senior positions within the party.

Gavin is a seasoned and experienced parliamentarian. Jonathan has been in the Assembly for some time. They both bring strong attributes in making their case and I wish them both well.

Its not for me to decide, its for the electoral college to decide who should be the deputy leader.

So, I dont detect any sense that this is about splits or divisions. And it is not unusual in a political party to have competition for posts such as this and it demonstrates that the DUP is in healthy shape.

Sir Jeffrey added: There certainly isnt a split. The DUP has shown both in the Assembly and the council elections that our unity is our strength.

Ive worked hard as party leader over the last two years to build that unity and its there.

Tonight (Thursday) Ill be in South Belfast, an association that is attracting new members, Ill be sitting alongside our MLA Edwin (Poots) in South Belfast, well be looking back at the coronation, well be celebrating Northern Irelands place in the United Kingdom and our success in the council elections, but well be looking to the future, well be looking to the future in terms of unionism and the leadership that is required.

So, in that sense, the DUP is very unified.
press release

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (left) and African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi A. Adesina at the 2017 G7 Summit, Taormina, Italy.

African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi A. Adesina has welcomed his reappointment by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Lead Group, a distinguished team of 22 global leaders dedicated to eradicating global malnutrition in all its forms by 2030.

The announcement, made on 1 June, reflects the commitment of these nutrition champions to address malnutrition, a significant international problem.

Secretary-General Guterres commended the members of the SUN Movement's Lead Group for their dedication: "These global leaders are championing country-led efforts to scale up nutrition and to deliver for girls, boys and their families a world free from malnutrition by 2030... I believe that the approach of the SUN Movement to tackle malnutrition through a country-owned, multisectoral and multi-stakeholder approach is more crucial than ever before."

Adesina said he was "greatly honored" by his appointment. "I look forward to helping to deliver on this agenda," he said.

The African Development Bank is actively engaged in addressing child undernutrition and stunting, which affects 216 million children in Africa. Poor nutrition--linked to nearly half of all child fatalities in Africa--also imposes an economic toll that costs the continent 11% of its gross domestic product.

Adesina advocates for parallel investment in Africa's "grey matter infrastructure" alongside physical infrastructure. The term "grey matter" refers to the brain's region involved in cognitive function and other critical operations.

The Bank's Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan 2018-2025, a catalyst for nutrition-focused investments across various sectors, aims to reduce stunting in Africa by 40% by 2025. To date, the Bank has reallocated $2.8 billion of its investment portfolio to nutrition-smart initiatives.

The Bank has also partnered with the African Union Commission to launch the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) initiative, a forum for current and former leaders, finance ministers, and first ladies to promote nutrition in Africa. ALN's Presidential Dialogue Group, involving Big Win Philanthropy and the governments of Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Niger, and Tanzania among others, is working to tackle stunting in the worst-affected African countries.

Bank nutrition initiatives form part of the Bank's broader Feed Africa strategy, key to transforming Africa into a net food exporter.

In January 2023, the Bank and the Senegalese government co-hosted the Dakar 2 Africa Food Summit which has since mobilized over $70 billion to enhance food and agriculture production in Africa. Additionally, 41 African countries presented "Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts" outlining a nutrition-sensitive roadmap to bolster food security.

The African Development Bank is a signatory of the Abidjan II Agreement, committing to collaborate with the African Union Commission, the Foundation for African Agricultural Research, and the Centres for Global International Agricultural Research. This partnership strives to enhance Africa's resilience to food crises by fortifying agricultural research and innovation systems at national, sub-regional, and continental levels.

First appointed to the SUN Movement Lead Group in 2016, Adesina joins other esteemed members including Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, African Union Commission Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment; Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada; and Pierre Cooke Jr., the Prime Minister of Barbados' Youth Parliament and Technical Advisor, Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

Contact:

Alphonso Van Marsh, Agriculture, Human and Social Development Vice-Presidency, [email protected]
Detailed evidence exposes Japan's lies, loopholes in nuclear-contaminated wastewater dumping plan

15:43, June 08, 2023 By Huang Lanlan ( Global Times

As the date for Japan's planned dumping of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean approaches, a Pandora's Box threatening the global marine ecosystem is likely to be opened.

The Japanese government announced its decision on April 13 to release the nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the storage tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea. Starting from 2023, the discharge is scheduled to last about 30 years. This decision has garnered widespread attention and sparked great concern across the globe.

While Japanese authorities are busy colluding with some Western politicians in boasting about the discharge plan, Fukushima residents, international experts in ecology, and various stakeholders around the world have kept calling for Japan to reconsider and modify its flawed plan.

Japan's attempt to "whitewash" the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater release plan failed again at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in May. The joint statement of the summit did not explicitly state nor allude to the G7 members' "welcome" of the current dumping plan due to strong opposition. Instead, it only reiterated support for the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) review of Fukushima's treated water release.

An insider familiar with Japan's dumping plan recently told the Global Times that he has many concerns and doubts about the plan. The insider provided detailed evidence exposing Japan's lie that whitewashes its dumping plan. He also revealed many loopholes in the plan that the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) have refused to talk about or even deliberately concealed from the public.

All provided evidence considered, it is apparent that, currently, Japan is incapable of properly handling the nuclear-contaminated wastewater dumping. The toxic wastewater processed by the Japanese side cannot currently meet international discharge standards, and the country's reckless behavior, if not stopped and corrected in time, may cause irreparable damage to the global ecosystem.

"There are still many unresolved issues with the source terms of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater," the insider said.

"If the Japanese government and TEPCO continue to have their own way, it may cause improper discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, and that must be taken seriously," he noted, calling on the two sides to be open, transparent, and honest in solving the problem.

Disappointing data monitoring

Japan's current plan of releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea, though superficially reasonable at first glance, cannot hold up to close scrutiny. Its monitoring on the source terms of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater is incomplete, and the data it collects is likely unreliable, observers told the Global Times.

In February 2022, the IAEA Task Force released its first report, the IAEA Review of Safety Related Aspects of Handling ALPS-Treated Water at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The report clearly stated that the Task Force "commented on the importance of defining the source term for the discharge of ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treated water in a sufficiently conservative yet realistic manner."

Source terms of contaminated water include the composition of radionuclide and the activity of simulation of nuclides dispersion. As the premise of marine environmental monitoring, the accuracy and reliability of the source term-related data is crucial. However, Japan's data statistics and monitoring on the source terms are disappointingly full of loopholes.

Firstly, the types of radionuclides that TEPCO monitors are relatively few, making it far from being able to reflect the correct radionuclide dispersion in the contaminated wastewater.

The Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater, coming from the wastewater which was directly in contact with the core of the melted reactor, theoretically contains all the hundreds of types of radionuclides in the melted reactor, such as fission nuclides, a uranium isotope, and transuranic nuclide.

But TEPCO at first only listed 64 types of radionuclides including H-3 and C-14 as a (data) foundation for the works including monitoring and analysis, emission control, and environmental impact assessment. These 64 radionuclides did not include the uranium isotope and certain other -nuclides, which have long half-lives while some are highly toxic.

TEPCO's exclusion of the radionuclides mentioned above has greatly compromised the effectiveness of its monitoring work, as well as the credibility of its environmental impact assessment result, the insider stressed.

As for sampling and monitoring, TEPCO initially only sampled and monitored nine nuclides in the nuclear-contaminated water except tritium, including Cs-134, Cs-137, Sr-90, C-60, Sb-125, Ru-106, I-129, Tc-99, and C-14 (as well as gross  and gross ).

"TEPCO's plan of only monitoring a few types of radionuclides is unscientific," the insider told the Global Times.

Later, during the review process of the IAEA Task Force in 2022, TEPCO changed the number of radionuclide types it was monitoring and analyzing to 30, and then decreased it to 29 this year. This is far from enough to provide a complete assessment of the extremely complex nuclides in the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater.

Secondly, there are missing activity concentration values for multiple radionuclides in TEPCO's monitoring scheme.

TEPCO's public report on the 64 radionuclides only provides activity concentration values for 12 radioactive nuclides other than tritium, while over 50 other nuclides do not have specific activity concentration values. The report, while only offering gross  and gross  values, doesn't disclose the respective concentration levels of many highly toxic radionuclides in the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater, such as Pu-239, Pu-240 and Am-241.

"[TEPCO's] current plan only monitors some of the nuclides and the gross  and gross  values, which cannot accurately indicate the fluctuations or changes in the activity of each nuclide after treating the contaminated wastewater due to the fluctuation of the nuclide source term composition," said the insider.

This operation of TEPCO has largely increased the uncertainty of the [nuclide] source item information of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater, and thus greatly increases the difficulties of making subsequent monitoring plans and marine ecological environmental impact assessment, he added.

Thirdly, TEPCO didn't make conservative assumptions in many aspects of its monitoring data, and some of the assumptions it made were somewhat "negligent."

In the process of treating the nuclear-contaminated wastewater, the slight particle shedding of chemical precipitants and inorganic adsorbents in the ALPS may cause some radionuclides to exist in a colloidal state, the insider explained.

Therefore, TEPCO's assumption that all nuclides in nuclear-contaminated wastewater in the ALPS are water-soluble is obviously invalid, said the insider. "TEPCO should scientifically and comprehensively analyze whether colloidal nuclides are present in the nuclear-contaminated wastewater based on the long-term operation experience of its ALPS system," he noted.

Incompetent wastewater treatment

There are two main sources of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water. One is the cooling water continuously injected into the core of the melted reactor to prevent the core from further melting. The other is the wastewater generated when the rains and groundwater coming into contact with radioactive materials in the melting reactor.

The nuclear-contaminated wastewater is collected and sent to the ALPS for treatment. After being treated, the wastewater is stored in tanks at the Fukushima nuclear power plant site. Currently, more than a million tons of nuclear-contaminated wastewater has been accumulated in these tanks.

Can the nuclear-contaminated water meet the discharge standards after the ALPS treatment? The answer is probably no. The effectiveness of TEPCO's ALPS may not be as good as some optimistic Japanese and Western politicians may have imagined, the insider told the Global Times.

He pointed out that Japan's existing ocean discharge plan and evaluation are based on the assumption that the nuclear-contaminated wastewater can meet discharge standards after treatment. But unfortunately, the data released by TEPCO showed that as of September 30, 2021, some 70 percent of the then 1.243 million cubic meters of ALPS-treated nuclear-contaminated wastewater still failed to meet the criteria, 18 percent of which even exceeded the standards 10 to 20,000 times over.

The Japanese government claims that in the early stages of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater treatment (2013-2019), the effectiveness of ALPS was limited due to reasons such as rudimentary technology, leading to the treatment of certain nuclides being particularly unsatisfactory.

For instance, TEPCO reports said that the efficiency of ALPS in treating Sr-90 was extremely unstable. The activity concentration range of Sr-90 in the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater was relatively large after ALPS treatment. The activity concentration of Sr-90 in some of the water reached 104 Bq/L, far exceeding the discharge concentration limit (30 Bq/L).

The frequent malfunctions of and component damage at ALPS also raised doubts about its competence as a nuclear-contaminated wastewater treatment authority.

On August 24, 2021, an alarm was sounded in the treatment system when staffers were transferring sludge produced by ALPS to other containers. A following investigation found there were at least 10 breakages on the filters used to adsorb nuclides.

To replace the filters, all the ALPS equipment stopped working from August 30 of that year. TEPCO later discovered that 24 of the 25 filters on the ALPS equipment were damaged.

On September 21, 2021, TEPCO announced that five more filters in ALPS were found to be damaged, and radioactive contamination had been detected near some of the filters.

Would the situation then improve if the undertreated water undergoes a second round of ALPS treatment? "The answer is still unknown," said the insider. He added that the discharge plan provided by TEPCO neither explained how to ensure the nuclear-contaminated wastewater would meet discharge standards after treatment, nor did it include an impact analysis of the substandard water discharge.

"So far, TEPCO has only dealt with 0.25 percent of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater with a second round of treatment. It hasn't disclosed a timeline for the second round of treatment [for all the undertreated wastewater], nor has it ever publicized a plan on it," he told the Global Times. "TEPCO's passive attitude has chilled the heart of all the parties in and out of Japan who are concern about the discharge."

Irresponsible, untrustworthy TEPCO

Established in 1951, TEPCO accounts for one-third of Japan's electricity generation, with its grid covering Tokyo and eight neighboring prefectures. This industry giant is however infamous for its spotty history. Over the last few decades, issues of misconduct at TEPCO have been exposed by the media including the falsification of safety inspection records of nuclear power plants, and concealing nuclear power plant accidents.

In the data monitoring and treatment of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water, TEPCO has been widely criticized for the neglect of duty, concealing important information and shirking responsibility.

After the ALPS filter damage incident in 2021, TEPCO representatives admitted that the company had neglected to investigate the cause of the filter failures. TEPCO said it had discovered similar damages on filters two years ago, but it had neither investigated the cause of the problem nor taken any preventive measures other than simply replacing the filters.

A member of the Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority once stated that there were serious problems within TEPCO's management. In addition to the filter damage, TEPCO's attitude is what has fundamentally led to numerous problems. TEPCO should have responded quicker to this accident to minimize the risk of radioactive materials leaking into the environment.

"The series of falsification issues that have occurred in TEPCO indicate that the company does not attach enough importance to safety, and the data it provides is not trustworthy," the insider told the Global Times.

The insider added that there are still many unresolved issues in the decision of discharging Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea considering TEPCO's attitude and other factors. In order to ensure that the discharge is reasonable and feasible, and that the impact on the marine ecological environment and human health can be minimized, he urged the Japanese government and TEPCO to carry out the following works.

Firstly, Japan should fully disclose the source item information of nuclear-contaminated wastewater to the international community, especially its neighboring countries.

Japan should conduct more comprehensive monitoring and scientific analysis, to fully know the compositions and activity levels of the nuclides in each storage tank, as well as the characteristic information that has an important impact on the safety after discharging the wastewater into the sea. These are some efforts Japan must make to truly know how many radioactive materials will be actually dumped into the sea.

Secondly, Japan should improve its discharge plan. It should monitor all the required nuclides, conduct further research on the defects and the shortage of reliability of the ALPS, and design a detailed plan for the second round of nuclear-contaminated wastewater treatment. The discharging work should not be carried out until these issues are resolved.

Thirdly, Japan should fully evaluate the long-term and uncertain hazards of nuclear-contaminated wastewater when deciding the plans of dealing with the contaminated wastewater.

"Moreover, Japan should not view dumping the wastewater into the sea as the only option," the insider noted. Japan should also consider other more feasible and safer options for the disposing of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater, such as evaporating it into the atmosphere, he suggested.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
press release

AHC Co-Partners: Franziska Hollmann and Antje Steiner from DEG with Thomas Viot from AfDB.

African Hidden Champions (AHC), an initiative that promotes dynamic African companies and helps them on their path to global leadership, held its first regional event of 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. The event provided a platform for AHC to share its vision with business executives from the region.

The Nairobi reception marked the African Development Bank's first official engagement with AHC, as new co-partner in the initiative with Africa Foresight Group (AFG) and DEG, Germany's Investment and Development Corporation.

Founded in 2020, AHC has so far selected more than 20 high-performing Hidden Champions across Africa, operating in various sectors, from services, manufacturing, energy and retail, to pharmaceuticals, automobiles and education. AHC founders share an intense commitment to growth through performance, innovation and a solid foundation.

"We are excited to kick off our regional engagements in Nairobi. Having selected some of our Hidden Champions from Kenya, it was only fitting for us to begin our 2023 engagements here. With these engagements, our intention is to exchange ideas and network with key stakeholders as we explore ways in which we can contribute to the growth of African businesses. We believe that by creating an atmosphere where different business leaders meet, we will be able to create lasting solutions and partnerships, said Yasmin Kumi, AHC Co - Founder and CEO Africa Foresight Group.

The AHC initiative seeks to raise awareness, through various media, case studies, regional events and its annual summit, of the unique role that AHC companies have played in their home markets and how they are building the muscle for success across the continent and beyond.

"We are committed in our support for the growth of African businesses as they expand beyond their borders and into the global marketplace. In supporting these businesses, we acknowledge the direct link between successful home-grown companies and the rise of a country's GDP, "said Franziska Hollmann, Director Industries & Services Africa & EMECA - DEG.

"The African Development Bank has consistently committed funds and technical expertise to African companies and governments in order to fast track the continent's industrialization. Our experience lends to this worthwhile AHC initiative the opportunity to expand to more markets, Thomas Viot, Chief Investment Officer at the Bank Group, noted.

The AHC intends to hold regional receptions in other key African cities as it continues selecting and sharing new Hidden Champions.

About AFG

Africa Foresight Group (AFG) is a women-led company founded in 2016, that is on a mission to build African people and companies into global champions. The business delivers top professional services to African companies across the continent through a flexible talent platform called Peralta. Founded in 2016, the company has grown to support businesses in more than 20 African markets and works for more than 100 clients from Africa and across the world. The company was started in Ghana, and has locations in Accra, Johannesburg, and Lagos.

For more information: www.africaforesight.com

About DEG

For almost 60 years, the DEG has been a reliable partner to private-sector enterprises operating in developing and emerging-market countries. With a portfolio of around EUR 9 billion in approximately 80 countries, the DEG is one of the world's largest private-sector development financiers. The DEG provides clients with tailor-made solutions, including financing, promotional programs, and advice required to develop successfully and sustainably while generating local added value and creating qualified jobs.

For more information: www.deginvest.de
Tesco Ireland is proudly marking the millionth, as it announces that the Stronger Starts programme has provided one million free, healthy and nutritious meals to primary school children and families at risk of food insecurity, since the programme began in late 2021.

Five DEIS schools in Louth - Presentation Primary School, Redeemer Boys National School, Scoil Naisiunta Eoin Baiste, St. Brigids & St. Patricks National School and St. Joseph's National School - are currently benefiting from the programme, receiving packs containing fresh apples, onions, potatoes, and carrots every week.

Stronger Starts is a community support programme from Tesco that helps to build thriving communities nationwide by providing children in 117 DEIS schools across Ireland with these nutritious food packs.

Within the one million meals, over 4.5 million pieces of fruit and vegetables have been provided to date.

Stronger Starts began as a pilot programme in partnership with The Good Grub Initiative in November 2021, providing 1,000 food parcels per week to children across 40 DEIS schools.

The number of weekly packs has since tripled to 3,000 across 117 DEIS schools, with Tesco setting the goal of delivering one million meals by May 2023.

The programme is supported by long-standing local suppliers Country Crest, Keelings and Dole, and complements existing government programmes that also provide food supports to schoolchildren and their families nationwide.

Speaking about the initiative, Rosemary Garth, Tesco Ireland Communications Director, said:

We are honoured to have delivered one million meals to children and families in need across Ireland, with the help of our fantastic suppliers, partners and colleagues.

"Were grateful to be marking the millionth today after accelerating our ambition last year and increasing the number of families receiving a fresh food pack.

"Children need to be fed to enable concentration at school, and from speaking to school principals and home school liaison officers, we know the difference Stronger Starts is making in support of that, and for childrens health, more broadly.

"With Stronger Starts, our aim is to help make a positive change within our communities, and were looking forward to continuing to do that long past this fantastic one million mark.

Tesco has been appointed one of Irelands Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champions for 2023-2024 by Minister Eamon Ryan.

As a grocery retailer, Tesco Ireland is particularly committed to SDG2 Tackling Hunger, aiming to drive awareness through its Stronger Starts programme.

The programme also sits alongside Tescos other community supports, including the Tesco Community Fund, its long-term charity partnership with Childrens Health Foundation and work with FoodCloud and Olio to redistribute surplus food to those in need - all of which are helping to build thriving communities across Ireland.

For more information on Tesco Irelands commitment to communities nationwide, visit TescoIreland.ie.
ABOVE: Attending the opening of the extension at Muirhevnamor Community Centre are (l-r): Thomas McEvoy Director of Services LCC, Susan ONeill MMCC, Cllr Maeve Yore, Ruairi O Murchu TD, Cllr Kevin Meenan, Cllr Conor Keelan Cathaoirleach Louth County Council, Jim ONeill MMCC, Joan Martin CE Louth County Council, Christopher Kelly, Louth County Council, Bernard Dowdall

Louth County Council welcomed the launch of the new extension to Muirhevnamor Community centre on Thursday 1 June.

The 2200 square foot extension, constructed by Hillside Contracts Ltd and costing half a million euros, will provide a shared space for the ongoing work by Muirhevnamor Community Council.

The centre provides training courses for lifelong learning, youth leadership programmes, drug and alcohol rehabilitation meetings as well as acting as a hub and social meeting place for the local and wider community.

The project has been supported by the European Unions PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special European Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported locally by Louth County Council and Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Match-funding has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

Speakers at the launch event included Chief Executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District Councillor Kevin Meenan and Director of Muirhevnamor Community Centre Jim ONeill.

Speaking at the opening, Chief Executive Joan Martin spoke about the importance of the EU Peace programmes and their role in building a more integrated, peaceful society, saying:

The facility provided by this extension will allow Muirhevnamor Community Centre to be a focal point for cross community engagement and be of great benefit to the people of Dundalk and the region. It is a beautiful shared space that will be at the heart of reconciliation between our communities.

The event was followed by a reception inside the new shared space in the centre. It is envisaged that this extension to the community centre will act as a cross community and cross-border shared space, providing a significant public amenity for the people of Dundalk and facilitating further reconciliation between the communities on this island.
Ghanaian writer and professor Ama Ata Aidoo died on May 31, 2023, at the age of 81.

analysis

Prolific author and former Ghanaian education minister Ama Ata Aidoo passed away on 31 May 2023 at the age of 81. News of her death reverberated around the world, proof of her towering influence in literary, feminist and political spaces.

Aidoo was Ghana's foremost woman writer and her distinguished career spanned several decades. Her literary contribution places her among the first generation of African women writers of the post-independence era. After independence in Ghana in 1957 she became a leading feminist voice within postcolonial writing.

For over 20 years, my research, scholarship and teaching has explored the literature of African women writers, including Aidoo. My work celebrates their remarkable contributions to women's and gender studies through literary expression.

Through a feminist lens, Aidoo's writing conveys great insight into the complexities and challenges of African women's lives in colonial and postcolonial societies. She writes about women who must navigate local norms and expectations, customs and traditions - including race, class and gender inequalities.

A consummate storyteller, Aidoo captures in her body of writing the dynamism of Ghanaian and African women's lives. Strong women characters exhibit intelligence and agency in the search for happiness and success.

As a writer and an outspoken thinker, Aidoo was a pioneering global figure.

Who was Ama Ata Aidoo?

Aidoo was born on 23 March 1942 in southern Ghana to a royal family of the Fante ethnic community. Encouraged by her father to pursue western education, she began writing at 15. After completing school in Cape Coast, she attended the University of Ghana, where she majored in English literature.

At university she participated in the Ghana Drama Studio and published her first play, Dilemma of a Ghost, in 1965. This was the first play to be published in English by an African woman.

Her teaching career began in 1970 and lasted for over a decade at the University of Cape Coast. But the unfavourable political climate in the country failed to nurture her creative talent. In 1982 she was appointed Minister of Education by head of state Jerry J. Rawlings. She resigned from her position in less than two years because of political repression and migrated to Zimbabwe, where she resumed writing and teaching.

She subsequently taught in the US until her retirement in 2012. Her many literary works have been met with critical acclaim, documentaries and robust scholarly engagement.

Her writing

Aidoo repositioned women's writing within a male-dominated canon in African literature during the mid-1960s. Dilemma of a Ghost was followed by her second play, Anowa, in 1970.

Her novels Our Sister Killjoy: or Reflections of a Black-Eyed Squint (1977) and Changes: A Love Story (1991) disrupted the stereotypical portrayals of women that were common in male-authored African texts. In both, Aidoo crafted strong, intelligent and outspoken female protagonists - a form of "writing back" to reclaim African women's voices from the literary margins.

Important themes in Aidoo's works include postcolonial perspectives, feminist expression and the interplay of tradition and modernity. She also explored the relationship between Ghana and its diaspora in the rest of the world.

Aside from her novels and drama, Aidoo produced multiple works across genres of poetry, short fiction, essays and literary criticism. Her literary style draws heavily upon African oral traditions and a combination of prose and poetry.

Key works

I'm fortunate to have experienced a rewarding friendship with Aidoo that began in 2012, at the African Literature Association conference. I cherish the memory of her warmth and hospitality and her insightful perspectives on contemporary women's issues. Her fiction inspired my early scholarly engagement with victimhood and agency in the work of African women writers and influenced my approach to feminist-inspired African texts.

Of particular interest to me have been her novel Changes: A Love Story, the short story collection No Sweetness Here and the play Anowa. In these works Aidoo presents mixed outcomes for women characters as they respond to patriarchy, urbanisation and conflicting demands of modernity in Ghana.

Changes skilfully examines the complexities of Ghanaian women's difficult choices and their responsibility for their destiny in life. Aidoo interrogates the extent to which a woman who follows her own path ends up better off than the woman who obeys conventional social norms.

No Sweetness Here portrays Ghanaian women faced with choices that challenge these norms and expectations and who must deal with the realities of the modern world of social flux and changing identity.

Anowa is set in the 1800s in colonial Ghana, where feminist themes emerge through the actions of the female protagonist. Anowa rebels against her parents' authority and traditional roles for women by marrying a man her family has rejected. The outcome for her is tragic.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ghana Entertainment By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

As an outspoken voice for women, Aidoo articulated the impact of social, economic and political forces on the lives of African women. She asserts:

On the whole, African traditional societies seem to have been at odds with themselves as to what exactly to do with women.

This dilemma lies at the crux of the feminist perspectives found in her writing. They underscore the pressing need for social transformation and equality for women.

Legacy

Aidoo's legacy may be seen in the outpouring of African literature in the 21st century by women authors who now dominate the field. A new generation of leading women writers from Africa owe their inspiration to Ama Ata Aidoo and other pioneers like Flora Nwapa and Buchi Emecheta from Nigeria and Senegal's Mariama Ba. They all broke barriers for women as literary godmothers of feminist expression and innovative ways of telling the African story.

Ghana and the world may have lost a commanding presence on the literary stage but her works will remain as cherished classics in African and world literature.

Rose A. Sackeyfio, Associate Professor of English and Liberal Studies, Winston-Salem State University
analysis

South Africa is in the middle of a severe electricity crisis, with enforced power cuts that have worsened every year. Electricity is sometimes unavailable for 10 hours a day. The shortfall is the consequence of frequent breakdowns at its ageing coal power plants, which constitute 74% of the country's generating capacity.

In theory, improving the performance and reliability of the existing coal plants would resolve the power crisis. This remedy is promoted in some quarters. But it's easier said than done. To function satisfactorily, many of the plants would require a complete overhaul, which would be both time consuming and prohibitively costly.

Estimates suggest that South Africa needs around 6,000MW of extra capacity to overcome the current deficit. The following sections explain why I predict it is likely to require as long as five years to eradicate this shortfall, though partial improvement should already be felt by the end of 2024.

Building new coal, nuclear or gas plants is still being considered to improve future power supply, but these typically require construction times of 10 years. They would therefore not play a role in the short- to medium-term period under consideration, and I don't discuss them further here.

Time lines for fixing existing power stations

The 4,800MW Kusile and its twin Medupi are the two largest power stations in South Africa, and among the biggest coal plants in the world. Their construction was commissioned in 2007. At the time they were expected to guarantee South Africa ample electricity supply and allow the decommissioning of older plants.

But the construction of the plants proceeded disastrously. Costs escalated to more than double the initial projections and construction was much slower than anticipated. One of Kusile's six units has still not been finished.

Calamity also struck twice in the first few years of operation. The damage caused by an explosion at Medupi's Unit 4 in 2021 resulted in so much damage that the unit not yet been brought back on line. Then in October last year a chimney at Kusile collapsed. This forced the closure of three Kusile units.

The 1,800MW Koeberg nuclear power plant has in recent decades contributed about 5% of South Africa's electricity. It will reach the end of its initially projected 40-year lifespan in 2024. To extend its operating licence for a further 20 years, the National Nuclear Regulator requires specific part replacements and upgrades, the most significant being the installation of new steam generators.

These operations were initially projected to require 10 months (five months for each of Koeberg's two units) to be completed. The attempted upgrade of the first unit early last year was aborted after it became clear that preparations for the project were incomplete.

The second attempt began in January this year. But it has already been acknowledged that this stage, initially projected to end in June, will not be completed until at least August. After that a similar process will commence for the other unit, and this will be followed by a 200 day planned outage.

Koeberg is therefore effectively only running at half-power, and this state of affairs will likely continue into 2025.

Gas power ships

Amid clear signs of a deepening power crisis, the minister of mineral resources and energy in 2021 announced successful bids to supply 2,000MW of emergency power. The bulk of this award, 1,200MW, was allocated to Turkey's Karpowership, a company with a fleet of floating gas plants to be shipped in and moored in three of South Africa's ports - Richards Bay, Nqurha and Saldanha.

The award attracted controversy, with accusations that the terms of reference of this bidding round amounted to an unfair advantage to Karpowership. Court challenges queried the legality of the environmental impact approvals too.

The key objection to the Karpowership deal is that it would cement what is painted as an arrangement for temporary emergency power for a 20-year period.

This opposition and delays in some other projects reaching financial close mean that the emergency programme is at least a year behind schedule. Some might come on line at the end of 2023, but the added capacity would decrease South Africa's electricity shortfall by only a moderate amount.

Renewables

The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme was designed to enable the production of mostly solar and wind energy by private developers, who would then sell it to the power utility, Eskom.

Given the intermittency of sunshine and wind, solar and wind farms in South Africa on average typically only produce about 25% (solar) and 35% (wind) of what they can generate under ideal conditions. Meeting a national shortfall of 6,000MW with one of these technologies alone would therefore require solar farms with a total capacity of 24,000MW, or wind farms with a total capacity of 18,000MW.

Two rounds of establishing new plants under the renewables programme are under way. The first of these should see 1,000MW of solar power and 1,600MW of wind power come on stream by early 2025, while the second round will see a further 1,000MW of solar projects completed about a year later.

A mega-initiative to install 15,000MW of solar and wind power has recently been touted by the new electricity minister. While this would massively ameliorate the power scarcity, it would be very challenging to construct such a large number of solar plants simultaneously, due to potential import bottlenecks and a shortage of skilled installers. So while some of these plants might be ready by late 2025, the entire programme is likely to require five years.

Domestic and private solar installations

The greatest progress in accelerating electricity production has been achieved by small-scale solar power installation initiatives, ranging from municipal or private enterprise solar farms to solar panels on household roofs. Although this component is still comparatively small, late last year the president announced that projects amounting to a total of 9,000MW were under development.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Energy By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Despite the major growth in this sphere, the rollout of private solar installations is hampered by the same constraints faced by the renewables programmes: import bottlenecks and skills shortages. While municipalities and smaller entities able to get such programmes working will experience considerable relief from power cuts, these initiatives will only moderately cut the national shortfall.

The timeframe for a possible recovery

Any remedies to the South African power crisis initiated now or already under development are not going to have a significant impact this year. The projections also assume that no major setback like last year's Kusile accident is imminent.

1,000-2,000MW might be added to the generating capacity towards the end of the year, but a substantial decrease in the power shortage will only be possible towards the end of 2024, if Kusile repairs are then completed as expected, and when several renewable energy initiatives should come on line.

Ending power cuts completely will probably take another five years if the infusion of more solar and wind capacity proceeds as currently planned.

Hartmut Winkler, Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg
From Lisbon to Porto: All-Inclusive Vacation Packages for a Memorable Portuguese Escape

Portugal, a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, beckons travellers from around the world to embark on a memorable journey. From the enchanting streets of Lisbon to the charming city of Porto, this captivating country offers a myriad of experiences that capture the essence of Portuguese charm. With our all-inclusive Portugal vacation packages, you can immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this remarkable destination, discovering its hidden treasures and creating lifelong memories. In this blog post, we will showcase the benefits of our vacation packages and highlight the allure of Lisbon and Porto, two cities that epitomise the beauty and warmth of Portugal. Get ready for an unforgettable Portuguese escape!

Exploring Portugal: Unveiling a Tapestry of Delights

Portugal is a country that weaves together a tapestry of delights, captivating visitors with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Our Portugal vacation packages are carefully designed to showcase the best of this extraordinary destination, ensuring that every traveller experiences the very essence of Portuguese culture.

Lisbon: A Vibrant Fusion of History and Modernity

Start your Portuguese adventure in Lisbon, the capital city that effortlessly blends history with modernity. Our Lisbon vacation packages offer a chance to explore this vibrant city, known for its charming neighbourhoods, magnificent architecture, and captivating atmosphere. Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, the oldest district, and immerse yourself in its rich heritage and soulful Fado music. Discover the grandeur of Belem, where historic landmarks such as the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower stand as testaments to Portugal's maritime past. Indulge in the city's culinary wonders, sampling traditional pastries like Pasteis de Nata and savouring delicious seafood dishes at local taverns. With our expertly crafted itineraries, you'll have the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Lisbon, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Porto: A City of Charm and Tradition

Continuing your Portuguese escape, venture to Porto, a city steeped in tradition and renowned for its enchanting atmosphere. Our vacation packages to Porto allow you to discover the city's architectural wonders, including the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge and the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Douro River, passing by the terraced vineyards that produce the world-famous Port wine. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the historic Port wine cellars, where you can sample this exquisite fortified wine and learn about its production. Explore the vibrant art scene and trendy neighbourhoods, such as the Rua Miguel Bombarda, known for its art galleries and eclectic shops. With our Porto vacation packages, you'll have the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and authentic charm of this captivating city.

All-Inclusive Vacation Packages: A Hassle-Free Experience

At our core, we believe that every traveller deserves a stress-free and memorable vacation. Our all-inclusive Portugal vacation packages are designed to provide you with a seamless and hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment of your journey. From the moment you arrive in Portugal, we take care of all the details, including accommodations, transportation, and guided tours. We handpick the finest hotels that combine comfort, style, and authenticity, ensuring that you have a comfortable retreat to return to after a day of exploration. Our knowledgeable local guides are passionate about sharing their love for Portugal, providing invaluable insights and taking you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems that will leave you in awe.

Unforgettable Memories Await

From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the charming alleys of Porto, Portugal offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Our all-inclusive vacation packages are designed to immerse you in the beauty, culture, and warmth of this remarkable country. Whether you're strolling through Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods, savouring the flavours of Portuguese cuisine, or exploring the architectural wonders of Porto, every moment will be filled with enchantment and discovery.

With our Portugal vacation packages, you can relax and enjoy your journey knowing that every detail has been taken care of. From comfortable accommodations to seamless transportation, we ensure that your trip is hassle-free and convenient. Our expertly crafted itineraries are designed to showcase the best of each destination while allowing for flexibility and personalised experiences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or an art aficionado, our knowledgeable local guides will take you on a journey that caters to your interests and passions.

As you explore Lisbon, you'll be enchanted by the city's vibrant energy and historical treasures. Lose yourself in the maze-like streets of Alfama, where the echoes of Fado music fill the air and colourful tiles adorn the buildings. Marvel at the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, symbols of Portugal's maritime past. Indulge in the local gastronomy, from the mouthwatering Pasteis de Nata to the fresh seafood delicacies. Lisbon's blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair will captivate your heart.

In Porto, you'll be transported to a city of charm and tradition. Take a leisurely stroll along the Douro River, admiring the picturesque Ribeira district with its colourful houses and narrow streets. Cross the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge and visit the historic Port wine cellars, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the region's famous fortified wine. Immerse yourself in the city's artistic scene, exploring the galleries and boutiques of the Rua Miguel Bombarda. Porto's authenticity and warmth will make you feel like you've stepped into a storybook.

Conclusion

Our all-inclusive vacation packages offer an immersive and unforgettable journey through the enchanting cities of Lisbon and Porto. Whether you're captivated by Lisbon's history or charmed by Porto's traditions, Portugal will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Allow us to guide you on this remarkable Portuguese escape, where every moment is filled with delight and discovery. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime as you uncover the treasures of this remarkable country. Your Portuguese adventure awaits!
In Georgia, we often say that our home is our castle. And GRC, the leading producer of building materials, stands tall defending our castles from storms, unbearable heat and pouring rain - sometimes even snow, if the country welcomes a white season.

Roofing, including green coverings, has been the main focus of the company for two decades. However, the companys products go far beyond roofs. Together with the European Union (EU), the EBRD has helped GRC to introduce the latest addition to their portfolio: rain gutter systems.

Here comes the rain

We have always had an ambition to diversify and launch new products to make the Georgian construction market more attractive and local production more viable, says Jaba Janelidze, GRC brand manager.

The construction sector is one of the major contributors to economic growth in Georgia, creating demand for building and home improvement materials.

GRCs story starts humbly, as all good stories do. Year by year, the company has grown, producing roof tiles, opening four shops and becoming one of the leaders in the local market. Now, with support from the EBRD and the EU, GRC has embarked on a journey of improving homes, one gutter at a time.

Not all gutters are created equal

Most rainwater systems you can see on the local market are manually produced and poorly designed, with non-standard sized pipes and gutters making fitting a laborious process. We have decided to change the status quo, says Jaba.

The EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line helped by offering the company the opportunity to invest in new modern machinery via Procredit Bank, a local partner commercial bank. As part of the investment, the company enjoyed technical support from an international group of experts. After completion of the project, the business enjoyed a cashback incentive funded by the EU under its EU4Business initiative. Additionally, the EBRD has helped the company with an international advisory project to introduce the principles of lean management - an ideology to minimise waste of material and labour while maintaining or even increasing levels of production.

High performance, speed and accuracy meet the requirements of our manufacturing process to the maximum, says Jaba. He is happy to talk for hours about the opportunities that the new equipment brings to customers and the company.

GRC can now produce all components of its rainwater systems and accessories internally, such as gutter joints and hook ends, outlet collars, pipe wall hooks and much more. The new equipment decreases the factorys electricity consumption by roughly a factor of three.

Towards a cloudless future

GRCs future appears bright, with the company itself looking to expand its markets to the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, the EU, and even sooner to Armenia.

The construction of your house is a pleasurable, but quite often stressful endeavour, says Jaba. When you start fitting a gutter system, that is the sign that you are nearing the finish line. We would like to ease our customers experience by providing high quality, rounded, double-painted rainwater systems that can last a lifetime and are able to cope with large flows of rainwater, he notes.

GRC is one of more than 240 companies in Georgia that has benefitted from the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line since its inception in 2016. With five partner financial institutions participating in the programme and mounting interest from local companies, many more will benefit in the future.
A CORK GP has welcomed efforts to increase the GP workforce in Ireland.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly recently announced that there would be a significant increase in the number of GP training places by 2024.

The GP training scheme, which is run by the ICGP, accepted 258 new doctors onto its 2022/2023 specialist training programme. At present, there are 932 trainees undertaking the four-year programme.

The number of GP training places will rise to 285 this coming July, before increasing to 350 in July 2024, which will see a total of 1,300 trainees in the programme.

Speaking to The Echo, Dr Nick Flynn, a partner with mycorkgp.ie in Cork City, said: The patient population is increasing and ageing, HSE strategic healthcare policy is increasingly focusing on care in the community  all of which increases GP workload, while at present we also have an ageing GP workforce, so all efforts to increase the GP workforce in Ireland are welcome.

The challenge in training the new doctors will be to find suitable accredited hospital training posts for them  particularly in paediatrics, which is essential for a general practitioner in training.

Mr Donnelly also announced a significant increase in the number of doctors participating in the successful non-EU GP Training Programme.

The Non-EU GP Training Programme aims to identify, support, and integrate a cohort of non-EU GPs into the rural Irish workforce. A number are already working in general practices around the country.

Dr Flynn said that he is hoping to train GPs on the non-EU training pathway at the mycorkgp.ie Grenagh practice, starting later this year.

These doctors will not be required to do hospital-based training as they will be able to show they already have this experience and so will just need to complete two years of training in GP, he said.

Mr Donnelly described the announcement as a hugely positive step as it offers more training places to doctors who want to specialise as GPs and is very good news for patients.

HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said: This most welcome development is the single biggest improvement for the future resourcing of one of the most vital components of health services for the people.

We will take every opportunity to ensure the growth of general practice across the country.
A local firefighter has warned that bonfires involving white goods and household waste are resulting in increased callouts for city firefighters and pose a health hazard to the public.

Second Officer at Cork City Fire Brigade Victor Shine said crews have attended recent calls with dangerous bonfires that have included everything from fridges to washing machines.

In these fires, there is a lot of domestic waste, he said.

When emergency services have to attend these calls, it takes from the resources. There is a lot of furniture, but we have seen other items added too.

"We have seen fridge freezers, microwaves, and even washing machines being burned in bonfires. We are seeing people throw in spray cans and deodorant and items that should never be added to a bonfire.

Mr Shine said the smoke from these fires is particularly toxic, and can result in significant risk for locals with respiratory issues and other health issues. He added that conflict is often an issue for emergency service personnel attempting to contain fires. The frontline worker said firefighters have been assaulted in recent years at some similar calls.

He was speaking in the run-up to Bonfire Night, which is also referred to as Bonna Night in Cork and is celebrated on June 23.

Festivities normally involve communities burning bonfires across the city to mark an old pagan Celtic celebration in honour of the goddess Aine.

However, Mr Shine said that emergency services were called to the scene of a dangerous bonfire in the Cork City area as recently as this week.

He explained why he believes the practice of starting bonfires continues to be an issue in Cork City.

Some people choose to not go to the dump because they know they will be charged, he said. As far as theyre concerned, this is a free way of getting rid of their rubbish.

He spoke of why these types of calls are putting firefighters at risk.

It can get quite nasty at these events, he said. There is the potential of being stoned or assaulted at these calls. We have had people who have suffered as a result of having bricks or stones thrown at them.

Mr Shine also highlighted the harmful impact of bonfires on the environment.

If we are trying to save the environment, there should be no bonfires, he said. There is so much damage being done to green areas.

Instead of looking at a green, we are looking at something thats almost completely black, which isnt nice to look at in summer.

You cant just walk away from something like this and expect it to be repaired.
The man accused of endangering life and other charges arising out of the ramming of Garda cars in Cork during a prolonged escapade last September pleaded guilty to 12 counts against him today.

For legal reasons, there is still a prohibition against identifying the 35-year-old motorist. Judge Helen Boyle adjourned the case until June 13 for a legal application related to the case and it is anticipated that the matter may be further adjourned to a later date for sentencing.

Evidence was previously given when the accused was first arrested that it was a protracted incident involving the ramming of six Garda cars by the driver of a van that was carrying others at the time.

Garda Paul Dromey testified previously that after 9pm on September 28, Garda units from Cork City, including the Armed Response Unit, went to Mahon Point and observed this van travelling on the dual-carriageway, exiting to Mahon Point shopping centre. Blue lights and siren were activated by the Armed Support Unit but the driver failed to stop.

The vehicle rammed the Armed Support Unit car. Gardai tried to extricate the male driver but he rammed the Armed Support Unit again. The van proceeded at speed to the slip road, going the wrong way down the slip road.

Two other Garda vehicles tried to stop it but the van rammed these two vehicles as well, Garda Dromey said.

The van was driven towards Ringaskiddy but turned back at Shanbally towards Cork City going the wrong way around a roundabout against oncoming traffic.

It was only with the use of a stinger vehicle-disabling device that that van was eventually stopped at Carrs Hill, after ramming six garda vehicles during what Garda Dromey described as a rampage.
Hip-hop returned to a sold-out Live At the Marquee as Manchester rapper Aitch played a high-energy set to a raucous but well-behaved young crowd.

On a day when all of us on Leeside were mourning the loss of the great Teddy McCarthy, we were greeted by another reminder of that heady summer of 1990 as the Ole ole oles reverberated around the arena.

Its a now customary chant at rap gigs too, for better or for worse, though most audience members were born in a much later era, the mid 2000s, when Aiken Promotions first started bringing big shows to the Marquee.

Hip-hop returned to a sold out Live At the Marquee as Manchester rapper Aitch played a high energy set to a raucous but well behaved young crowd. Picture: Stevie G

Those who remember the days of regular visits by Kanye, Snoop, 50 and Jay Z, are unlikely to have had their heads turned by Aitch, but theres a new generation out there now, and these days UK rappers are flying high.

Stormzy, Dave, Central Cee, Skepta, AJ Tracy, Little Simz and many more have made big breakthroughs in the last 15 years, and Aitch is one of many who is moving effortlessly through genres such as hip-hop, drill and even R&B and pop.

Ably supported on the night by the hotly tipped Antslive, the Marquee was already jumping by the time I entered over an hour before Aitch took to the stage.

A beautifully sunny evening in Cork usually means more people outside the tent drinking while the support is on, but this generation were inside and eagerly getting involved in the pre-show hype provided by Antslive and co.

More than one youngster I met was taking a well-earned break from the Junior Cert, which showed just how much this show meant to these music fans.

Aitch was accompanied by a live band, and he provided a high octane set featuring all his big hits and features.

Keisha and Becky, Taste, Buss Down and many other hook filled tunes got the crowd going wild, and the handful of parents and older folk might even have recognised the homage to Manchester giants the Stone Roses (Fools Gold provides the backdrop for 1989).

Wonderwall got a whirl too, but it was largely an unfussy gimmick-free set from a rapper who is only 23, but who had Cork feeling exactly like his song; took the city and I made it mine, put my shades on and rave like its 89.

Hip-hop, sunshine and a huge gig midweek in Cork, what a start to the summer!
analysis

Military leaders must align a declining budget with the kind of operations the defence force should prepare for.

Among a flurry of references to ambitions and planning processes, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise's recent budget speech offers glimmers of hope about the 'rescue [of] the SANDF' - the South African National Defence Force.

In his 2021 cabinet reshuffle, President Cyril Ramaphosa swapped Modise, then Speaker of Parliament, with Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, then defence minister. Mapisa-Nqakula had a poor track record in the post. She was appointed by then president Jacob Zuma in 2012 and served for nine hapless years, during which time the department's budget, capacities and efficacy steadily declined.

By 2021 the department was in a shambles. Accounting for expenditure was poor, there were recurring reports of ill-discipline during external deployments, and strategic facilities were used for private benefit. Most troubling was the deployment of SANDF as cannon fodder in the 2013 Central African Republic Battle of Bangui, where 15 soldiers died. Morale fell to an all-time low.

In 2013, the department's name was changed to Defence and Military Affairs. A Military Veterans Act had been promulgated in 2011, after which a separate Department of Military Veterans was created. It focused on operating expenses (pensions and other benefits) above investment in military capabilities.

The military's primary function should be emergency prevention and intervention not conventional defence

Modise inherited a mess from her predecessor. The lack of succession planning to revitalise the senior leadership cadre was perhaps the most serious. Shortly after assuming office, Modise made it clear that she was up for new thinking, given the mismatch between the SANDF's mandate, its budget and capabilities, and the changed security environment.

In September 2021, she told Parliament she was considering establishing an 'intermediate' military force trained and equipped to deal with unrest in the country. Her appointment followed the July 2021 public violence and looting, during which 25 000 soldiers were deployed in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces to supplement police capabilities. Because South African soldiers aren't equipped or trained for such a role, their primary function was guard duty.

What should the department focus on, given its modest budget prospects?

During her 2023 budget speech, Modise announced the proposed 'Future RSA Defence and Security Policy Concept'. The concept must recognise that the military's primary function should be emergency prevention and intervention, internally and regionally, stepping away from the notion of conventional defence.

Conventional defence is central to the department's interpretation of its mandate to 'defend and protect the territorial integrity of South Africa,' as reflected in the country's constitution. It underpinned the National Defence White Paper of 1996 and the 1998 and 2015 Defence Reviews. As a result, no investment was made to develop doctrine and capabilities for internal stability operations after 1994, although this has become an obvious need.

The department needs severe pruning and restructuring. Probably half to two-thirds of its generals and admirals should be retired. Its structure resembles a mushroom, a small stem supporting a large, top-heavy system. Changes needed are among others, re-establishing regional commands (one for each province) and closing the Defence Secretariat (relocating some staff to the SANDF chief and minister's office). The SANDF chief should be the accounting officer rather than the Defence Secretary.

Probably half to two-thirds of the department's generals and admirals should be retired

Responsibility for managing veterans' affairs should be moved to the social development department. While the 2023/24 defence budget dropped by around R500 million from the previous adjusted budget, expenditure on military veterans increased by 34% to R895 million. It's set to grow at an average annual rate of 16.5% in 2025/6.

The defence force's role has shifted from warfighting (during apartheid) to defence and peace management, including its involvement in African peace processes. The SANDF has been deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 20 years, and its presence in northern Mozambique will probably continue for a decade or more.

But there is a vast difference between deployment and impact. No discussions have been had on the operational or strategic effectiveness of these efforts. The SANDF (and government as a whole) seems to struggle to deliver any meaningful outcomes. What is the strategic end-state of these operations? How will the taxpayer know when that has been achieved?

Along with its domestic and border duties, the SANDF has become an important part of South Africa's foreign policy in Africa. But due to a lack of defence resources - sometimes troops in the field don't receive logistical support - and poor coordination with the international relations department, the country is often left embarrassed by these endeavours.

Border protection and support for the police seem to have become a primary role for South Africa's military. Yet instead of strengthening the capacity of the home affairs department, Revenue Service and SANDF, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Border Management Authority - against the recommendations of all three departments.

Responsibility for managing veterans' affairs should be moved to the social development department

As the July 2021 riots showed, the military is increasingly being used as a stopgap institution - even to fix or maintain water infrastructure. The report to the president on the July 2021 unrest described the country's security institutions, including the SANDF, as being hollowed out. So it's no surprise that Modise's budget speech focuses almost exclusively on the defence department's legacy and structural issues.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Modise is correct in pointing out the skewed budget allocation for personnel and the lack of appropriate funding for peacekeeping and other operations. The decline in the SANDF's capabilities, lack of cyber resilience, and the need to reconfigure command-and-control structures are key issues regularly featured in speeches by Modise and her predecessor.

Yet many critical matters facing the SANDF are bureaucratic and should be dealt with by the department, not its political leadership. The bridge between the SANDF's politics, mandate and structure seems particularly dysfunctional. There is no alignment between the size of the defence budget, the structure and nature of the SANDF, and the kind of operations it should prepare for.

Defence planning isn't rocket science. Modise and the military leadership must structure a department that can respond appropriately to South Africa's security challenges with 1% of the country's GDP.

Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures & Innovation, ISS and Abel Esterhuyse, Head, Department of Strategic Studies, Stellenbosch University
The newest member of Cork City Council has said he is a little daunted to be taking the place of an extremely dedicated councillor, but he is ready for the challenge.

Socialist Party member Brian McCarthy (35) is set to become the newest member of Cork City Council at next Monday nights meeting.

He will take the place of outgoing councillor Fiona Ryan, representing the Cork City North West ward, following Ms Ryans announcement last month of her decision to step down from the council.

Mr McCarthy has been a member of the Socialist Party for the last 15 years, and was active in the campaign against water charges and in the campaign to secure Repeal.

He was involved in the archaeology strikes of 2019 and was an active supporter of the Debenhams strike which began the following year.

He graduated with a degree in History and Archaeology from UCC where he obtained a Masters in Museum Studies and has worked as an archaeologist.

Originally hailing from Lisgoold in East Cork, he now lives in North Main Street in Corks city centre.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr McCarthy described the prospect of following Ms Ryan onto Cork City Council as a bit daunting, but he added that most of his work would be in campaigning, mostly around housing, the cost of living crisis, and the pushback against the far right.

Its going to be an extension of the campaigning work I have been doing, and it will be in a more public-facing fashion than I have been doing until now, he said.

He cited as an important rallying point for a mass movement to effect change on the housing issue the upcoming Raise the Roof event, which will occur outside Connolly Hall on Lapps Quay, at 12.30pm this Saturday.

I got active in politics the year the banks crashed, and everything that has happened since then confirms my belief in the need for socialist change, he said.

Working class people need a fightback on the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis and I hope to use the council position to support such a fightback. Outgoing councillor Fiona Ryan praised her incoming replacement.

"Like myself, Brian will be one of the youngest councillors, she said.

He is also a fellow renter. I think he will be a vocal advocate for young people and renters on the council.

I also think he will speak out against injustices and inequality in the city, Ms Ryan added.

Socialist Party TD Mick Barry said he has known Mr McCarthy for 15 years.

He is a socialist in the fighting, campaigning tradition of Connolly and Larkin and a hard worker too, Mr Barry said.

I look forward to working alongside him representing the people of the northside.
THE Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial by judge and jury at the Central Criminal Court in the case against a 31-year-old charged with murdering an 89-year-old patient at the Mercy University Hospital in Cork.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said at Cork District Court that the DPP had given directions in the case against Dylan Magee.

Sgt Lyons said the DPP said the case should proceed by indictment at the Central Criminal Court and also consented to a plea of guilty being entered at district court level for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court, should that arise.

Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said the signed guilty plea did not arise in this case and that a book of evidence would be required.

Judge Olann Kelleher remanded the accused in custody until July 6 to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence. The accused appeared for the brief hearing of Cork District Court on June 8 by video link from prison.

Detective Garda Maurice OConnor arrested Dylan Magee of 30 Churchfield Green, Cork, earlier this year following the investigation into the death of Matthew Healy, an 89-year-old retired farmer and widower from Berrings, Co Cork, who died following an incident at the hospital on Sunday morning, January 22. Mr Healy was a patient in the hospital at the time.

Det Garda OConnor formally cautioned the accused man that he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down and given in evidence. He made no reply after caution.

The charge states that on January 22 at room two, St Josephs Ward, Mercy University Hospital, he did murder Matthew Healy, contrary to Common Law.
Ireland's first dedicated biofuel terminal, which is expected to cut down on carbon emissions, was launched in Ringaskiddy today.

Operated by Irish subsidiary company Green D Project Limited, the Green Biofuels Ltd (GBF) facility will be used to import, export, store, and distribute its flagship hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel called Gd+.

This is an advanced drop-in diesel replacement with an up-to-90% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions and significant local air-quality benefits, reducing tailpipe emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil diesel.

Purchased in 2022, GBF has significantly redeveloped the six-acre site, reversing more than 10 years of neglect with an invested capital of approximately 30m.

CEO of Green Biofuels Ltd, Magnus Hammick, told The Echo he is proud and so happy the project has finally come together as the first renewable hub in the world.

He said that the geography of the port, as well as its position as the second deepest natural harbour in the world, is what led to the companys decision to develop the biofuel terminal in Cork.

William Tebbit, Chief Executive Officer at GBF; Magnus Hammick, Chief Executive Officer, Green Biofuels Limited UK; Cllr Deirdre Forde, Lord Mayor of Cork; Cllr Audrey Buckley, Deputy Mayor of The County of Cork; Conor Mowlds, Chief Commerical Officer, the Port of Cork Company (PoCC); Peter O'Brien, ROI Manager, GBF Ireland Ltd, pictured today with performers Aoibhin Kenneally (Left), Kevin Curran and Aoibhin Marren (Right), as leading sustainable biofuel supplier GBF officially launched Irelands first low-carbon biofuel terminal at Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO.

Speaking at the launch, councillor Audrey Buckley, deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, said the low-carbon fuel terminal demonstrates ongoing commitments by industry to create a sustainable and thriving economy and strengthens the ability to meet climate targets both in the short and long-term.

The Lord Mayor of Cork city, Cllr Deirdre Forde said: The significant investment in this cutting-edge biofuel terminal will not only lead to a reduction in carbon emissions but also benefit both the local and national economies through job creation.

Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company, Conor Mowlds, said the launch marks a significant step towards Irelands green energy future.

GBF will initially use 38m litres of the terminals 54m litre capacity, thereby increasing Irelands total 2021 recorded HVO biofuel imports by 375% from just 8m litres.

Part of the redevelopment involved repurposing five-cylinder storage tanks, extensive safety updates, engineering and concrete works, and the commissioning of a full-service 24/7 refuelling station.

The company has also agreed with the Port of Cork Company the use of a dedicated jetty with a 259m berth that will be used to pump HVO biofuel directly to and from vessels.
A revised Cork City Council proposal relating to the closure of Ballincollig Fire Station will be put to a vote of SIPTU members next week in an effort to finally resolve industrial action tensions.

It comes just days after Cork city firefighters issued the council with an ultimatum following disappointment around a proposal it was initially hoped would end industrial action.

Firefighters rejected the offer of a day-time fire station in Ballincollig, which lost its retained fire brigade in the wake of a city boundary extension in 2019.

The proposal was outlined during talks between firefighters union representatives and officials of Cork City Council which was facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

While disappointed with the lack of progress, SIPTU members said they would provide Cork City Council with a one weeks grace period to prepare a revised and meaningful proposal.

The contents of the updated proposal will be released to SIPTU members this Saturday before their votes are recorded from early next week. Limited industrial action will continue until Saturday of this week.

A Cork City Fire Brigade source said they are hopeful the outcome of the vote will be positive.

We wont be releasing the proposal until our own people see it which will be on Saturday morning. It will then be put to a vote. We are trying to do this as early as possible next week. If everyone is happy with this proposal then the industrial action will cease.

The source explained why SIPTU members rejected the reopening of Ballincollig Fire Station as a day-time service.

It wasnt something we were happy with at the time, they said. For us, its important that everyone is on board. We all know that over the next few years the brigade is going to get bigger. Theres an expectation that well have more stations more vehicles, more people - a bigger brigade for a bigger city.

"Because of that its important that firefighters - the people who are actually on the ground - are involved in that process.

"Its also important the council buy into this. At the end of the day, the fire brigade belongs to everyone in Cork city.

They emphasised the importance of healthy communication between Cork City Council and SIPTU members.

At the end of the day this is up to the firefighters. Nothing is achieved without compromise on both sides and without communication we will never achieve anything. Its important to keep the lines of communication open and to have a spirit of compromise. We are glad that Cork City Council have taken on board what we are bringing to the table and can only hope for a meaningful proposal.
NEVER thought Id be eating a beetroot salad in a French Hotel at 4.30 in the morning! Or sheltering from forked lighting and monsoon rain on a sunny afternoon, but thats Lourdes for ya!

I pen these lines whilst still on pilgrimage in the village of St Bernadette at the foot of the Pyrenees, and my overpowering feeling these blessed days is simple - its great to be back here.

Ive been to Lourdes over 30 times in recent years, but every visit is unique and different.

Some say familiarity breeds contempt, and maybe so in some walks of life - on the other hand, how often you hear people say that you cant get too much of a good thing and Lourdes is certainly a very special experience for me.

Since 2019, the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage, like so many others, has been absent from Lourdes due to the covid pandemic. Last June, I was lucky to be able to come here with the Waterford and Lismore group, and I also travelled here during winter time over the last three years.

Being back with the Cloyne pilgrimage this year is very special, though poignant, because of absent friends.

On Sunday afternoon, at a Mass for deceased members of the Cloyne Lourdes Hospitalite, Fr Donal Roberts spoke movingly and emotionally about the great people who had trod this path before us, people who loved Lourdes and worked so hard to promote the message of prayer and healing.

We have a leather-bound manuscript book where names of departed Lourdes Family members are entered. This was updated recently and since 2019 nearly 50 names have been added.

I started coming on an annual basis in 2007 and most of these 50 were friends of mine.

Fr John Keane told about a girl helping a poor blind man in Peru. The man was overwhelmed and asked: Is there any chance you are Jesus? He said after this week in Lourdes many might ask the same question to our Volunteers.

Last Friday, we thought our journey to France might never happen! Two planes were to take just under 400 pilgrims and a 7am flight took half that number. I was to travel on the second plane, along with helpers, doctors, nurses and Assisted Pilgrims.

An afternoon flight was the plan, twas after ten before we took off. We finally, finally arrived at Tarbes Airport well after midnight. Luggage, myriad boxes of food, wheelchairs, medical supplies and a hundred and one other items had to be unloaded, sorted and put on buses, lorries, and taxis.

For our Assisted Pilgrims, it was a long and tiresome day - though few complained.

It was nearly 3am on Friday morning before they could lay down their weary heads in the Accueil Notre Dame. Finally, weary helpers took their suitcases through the silent streets of Lourdes en route to various hotels.

As we crossed the Domain, we stopped in the darkness at the Crowned Virgin Statue, which is always the first and last point of every trip to Lourdes. Generally, statues dont smile, well, maybe occasionally in Lourdes - but all I know is that the welcome from that effigy of Our Lady is like no other and you know, once you see it, that, yes, at last we are back.

As for our early morning feast, I like beetroot and, in fairness, any food would have tasted like manna from the desert at that hour of the morning!

We never regard it as work when helping, along with the red-clad youth from secondary schools all across the Diocese of Cloyne. Personally, I receive more blessings and benefits during these six days than I could ever have imagined on June 1, 2008, when the late Tom Fitzgibbon of Killeagh suggested to me to cross that Bridge over the Gave River and give us a helping hand - a moment Ill never forget.

It was so good to see so many faces - though masked, we hugged and greeted so many friends we normally meet every year.

As ever, our Transition Year students are wonderful - this is all new to them but in minutes they are in action, helping in every possible way - by heavens, their families should be so proud of these young people.

Bishop William Crean is the Chief Celebrant for our opening Mass at 10am. He acknowledges the sacrifices made by many the previous day because of the delays but echoes the joyous message: Its good to be here.

The Grotto where Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette Soubirouis in February, 1858, is the heart and centre of Lourdes.

In recent years, 32 trees have been planted in the area leading to the actual Grotto, as the Lourdes authorities try to recreate something of the sylvan wilderness that was there in 1858.

Back then, the rocky outcrop of Massabielle was fronted by a mucky, boggy marsh through which a little stream meandered.

It was dark last Saturday night as I took two friends who were with us as assisted pilgrims, to the Grotto. My first sight of the statue of Our Lady is always a happy and emotional experience.

I have only a vague memory of coming to Lourdes in March, 1971, as a 14-year-old. I came with Mam nearly ten years after my fathers death.

Back then, the Grotto itself was decorated, if thats the right word, with crutches and walking sticks of the sick and the lame who were cured here. They were all gone when I next returned 36 years later in June, 2007, and in the intervening 16 years.

Saturday night saw a huge crowd at the Grotto after a massive Torchlight Procession.

I have never yet found the correct formula or mixture of words to adequately describe what the Grotto of Lourdes is like. Many go expecting to see some statue or depiction of St Bernadette looking up at the beautiful lady in the rocky niche but there is none. Thats what Bernadette Soubirous wanted herself, Lourdes was to be about Our Lady and no-one else.

I suppose the one most fitting word in regards the Grotto is surely peace. Yeats spoke of peace dropping slow, but here in Lourdes peace just envelops the place.

This past week, in baking sunshine, Ive seen thousands here, huge crowds, but that serenity and calm still prevail.

On cold November and December days and nights, on my very own at the Grotto, the feeling is still the same.

Later on Saturday night, four of us came back to pray the Rosary by the riverside.

For several years now, Ive made the excellent Agena Hotel my base here on pilgrimage - with friendly and helpful staff and no shortage of food its a great place to stay.

Close to midnight, I met Bishop Martin Hayes, whod just arrived in Lourdes. An affable man from Two Mile Borris, near Thurles, he recalled his Killimer Diocesan Pilgrimage. which was cancelled on Friday and rescheduled for Saturday. Like us, they too lost a full day - maybe well all get a partial refund or compensation, but I wouldnt bet on it!

TO BE CONTINUED...
Ryan Dunne

One of the fire extinguishers in the Stardust was empty on the night the nightclub went on fire and had been empty every time it was inspected in the three years before the blaze, an inquest has heard.

The jury at the Dublin District Coroners Court in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital on Wednesday heard evidence from Henry Armstrong, who was employed by Chubb Fire & Security Ireland Limited.

Mr Armstrong said he had carried out a survey of the Stardust in October 1980, which was just months before the fire that killed 48 people when it swept through the Stardust premises in the early hours of February 14th, 1981.

He said during his survey, he found eight fire extinguishers that dispensed water, five in good working order and three empty, which he refilled. There were six CO2 gas extinguishers, three in good working order and three empty, which he refilled.

Mr Armstrong confirmed that when he left the Stardust in October 1980, the extinguishers were fully filled and functioning.

We had no fire safety standards in Ireland at the time of the Stardust fire, so it was based on the British standards, but now we have the best standard in all of Europe, said Mr Armstrong. He said that at the time of the Stardust fire, some of the extinguishers were five feet off the floor, but this is not the standard anymore.

Brenda Cambell KC, acting on behalf of the families of nine of the deceased, asked Mr Armstrong who had decided where the extinguishers were to be located. He replied that a previous sales representative with his company would have told the management the best location to put them.

Fire extinguisher

Mr Armstrong said that on the night of the fire, four extinguishers were used and one failed to operate because it was completely empty. He said that he checked back over the records for the three years before that, and that extinguisher was empty every time he went there.

It was in the hall outside the kitchen. The chef would use it if there was a small flash fire and put it back on the wall. Each time I went there, that one was empty, he said.

Ms Campbell said that one of the features of the club was if numbers were not great on a given night, sections could be partitioned by blinds that were drawn down.

Four of the fire extinguishers become invisible when the curtain is down, she said. Did anyone ever discuss with you when servicing that on a night four of them might be invisible and inaccessible?

No, it was never said to me. If it was said to me, I would have suggested they move them forward, replied Mr Armstrong.

Mr Armstrong went on to confirm that at that time, it was the responsibility of the people who owned and ran the premises to train staff in the use of fire safety equipment.

The jury also heard a statement by Diarmaid H King, a senior building surveyor with the Dublin Corporation planning department. In the statement, which was read out by Simon Mills SC, Mr King said he had no knowledge of when steel bars and plates were fixed to the toilet windows in the Stardust, but he said that the windows were not considered a suitable means of escape.

I considered the number of exit doors was more than ample as a means of escape, he said.

The statement was made by Mr King during a previous tribunal into the Stardust fire, and he was asked by a barrister at that time about an inspection of the Stardust on January 15th 1981, in which it was noted that an exit passageway at the side of the stage was obstructed and there was overcrowding in the cabaret room.

Mr King confirmed that this constituted a very serious infringement of the bylaws.

A reply to these concerns was sent to the planning department by Stardust management represented by Eamon Butterly, who said the back exit had been cleared. Mr Butterly said that tickets had been forged for the show on that night in January, which accounted for the number of people present.

Mr King went on to say that he had no idea that exit doors were being kept locked for up to two hours during performances at the Stardust.

Evidence was also given by Fiacre Mulholland, who was a sales rep with Cape Insulation Limited at the time. He said that polystyrene insulation was most likely the cause of the ceiling dripping during the fire.

He confirmed that when ignited, polystyrene can melt and fall. He also said that it has a low flash point and burns quickly. Mr Mulholland went on to say that such insulation would not be used today above a nightclub.

And evidence was also heard from Tom Malone, a director of the joinery company who supplied the external fire escape doors and frames for the Stardust. He said that the doors were on cranked hinges to obtain a clear opening to 180 degrees as required by the fire regulations. The doors were designed to open outwards only.

Mr Malone told Michael OHiggins SC, representing a number of the families, that he made the doors but did not fit them. He said there were no keyed locks on these doors due to fire regulations.

Mr OHiggins said that the doors were examined after the fire and two were found to have been impeded. He said the right-hand door of one exit could not open because there was a store outside.

It had to be poorly fitted then, we didnt fit the doors, said Mr Malone, going on to say that he was not aware of the store.

He went on to confirm that the door was unable to be opened flush to the wall in the event of an emergency.
Ann O'loughlin

Lawyers for a woman who is dying of cervical cancer and is days from death have appealed in the High Court to the HSE to settle her case over the alleged misreporting of her cervical smear slides.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey was told the 59-year-old woman is gravely ill, and it is only a matter of days before she dies.

The woman's counsel, Patrick Treacy SC instructed by Cian OCarroll solicitors, told the court the legal team had been tragically informed late on Wednesday by the womans husband that she was now under hospice care and her situation is so serious she cannot herself consult with her solicitor.

Mr Treacy said he was in court making a humanitarian request to the HSE to enter into mediation talks to resolve the matter or for the HSE to give an assurance that the womans right to general damages if she goes on to win her action be preserved after her death.

The womans case is due for trial in the High Court in July. All the claims made in the action are denied.

The woman at the centre of the case cannot be identified by order of the court.

Mr Treacy said he was asking the court to list the case again on Friday morning so that the parties and in particular the HSE can reflect on the matters overnight,

We need to get this matter settled. We are in an end of life situation, he said.

Adjourning the case until Friday morning, Mr Justice Paul Coffey who noted the woman was gravely ill and in extremis encouraged the parties to engage further to see if a resolution can be arrived at.

The judge said the parties now find themselves at the edge of what the law can do and it was now a case where common decency and honour become involved.

The woman has sued the HSE along with laboratory Eurofins Biomnis Ireland Limited of Sandyford Industrial Estate, Foxrock, Dublin. The US laboratory CPL, which is based in Austin, Texas, and which examined the womans August 2010 cervical smear slide, was added to the proceedings as a third party at the end of last month.

At issue in the case are two cervical smear slides taken under the CervicalCheck national screening programme in February 2010 and August 2010.

She has claimed that if smear samples taken in February 2010 or August 2010 had been correctly reported she would have been treated by curative surgery and would not have developed invasive cervical cancer.

Instead, she says she underwent treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy and in October 2022 she was diagnosed as having widespread metastatic disease.

It is claimed because of the alleged delay in diagnosis the woman allegedly lost the opportunity of cure and her life expectancy was severely impaired and limited to months rather than years.

All the claims are denied.

Counsel for the HSE Sarah Corcoran BL told the court the pleas made on behalf of the woman were heard but there may be practical difficulties involved.

Counsel for CPL Imogen McGrath SC told the court it was a very complex case in relation to liability and causation and there was a great deal of investigation to do.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

The worlds oceans are vastly unexplored depths of wonder, filled with an array of species that scientists believe number more than two million, though 91% remain undiscovered.

Our planets oceans are places we swim, surf, boat, fish and sit, listening to the soothing sound of the waves rushing in and out. They provide us with sustenance, transportation, climate regulation, economic opportunities, carbon sequestration and more, but they also need our help.

Today, we celebrate United Nations World Oceans Day (UN WOD), with this years theme: Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing.

We cannot have a healthy planet without a healthy ocean. Our failure to care for the ocean will have ripple effects across the entire 2030 Agenda, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in opening remarks to the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference.

This years UN WOD will feature keynote speeches, presentations and panels featuring Guterres, Oceanographer Syvlia Earle, Aquanaut Fabien Cousteau, Marine Biologist Diva Amon, Actor Jason Momoa, OceanX Founder Ray Dalio, NASA Astronauts Woody Hoburg and Steve Bowen and Oceanic Global Founder Lea dAuriol, among many others, according to a UN WOD press release shared with EcoWatch.

The days ocean-focused programming will take a look at our planet from a new perspective, with the ocean at the forefront.

Without water, our planet would be one of the billions of lifeless rocks floating endlessly in the vastness of the inky-black void, said Cousteau in a Vision Statement. Since its the cradle of life itself, it stands to reason the ocean is the source where we will find the answers we seek for the health of humanity and the future of our planet.

Leaders and UN delegates from around the world will gather at UN Headquarters in New York, but the public will also be able to view the event via livestream from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the UN WOD website, as well as, EcoWatchs Facebook page. The content will also be shared on social media: @unworldoceansday.

UN World Oceans Day 2023 UN World Oceans Day 2023 Posted by EcoWatch on Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Most of our planet is covered by the oceans waters, yet less than 5% of them have been explored. We have not directed nearly as many resources toward getting to know the wonders of our oceans as they have given to us.

Even now, less than five percent of the ocean has been seen, let alone explored or even mapped with the same precision we have mapped the land, the moon, Mars or Jupiter, Earle told graduates in a 2011 Commencement Address at Smith College.

According to recent studies, when it comes to scientific capacity and research, intergovernmental processes, funding for sustainable development, philanthropic giving, policy-making and other sectors, we are greatly lagging behind with regard to our oceans.

The ocean provides us with abundant resources that we are jeopardizing by destroying marine habitats and overfishing, while planetary warming leads to more coral bleaching, increased methane and imbalances in ocean temperatures that disrupt marine ecosystems and the life-cycle of phytoplankton, the foundation of the oceanic food chain.

We must prioritize the ocean and its interconnected array of processes, many of which we dont even know of or fully understand.

In todays celebration and call to action, Indigenous leaders, youth activists, scientists, delegates and celebrities will offer fireside chats and keynote addresses that highlight solutions and emphasize how humans are interconnected with the ocean.

Advocates and world leaders will discuss missed opportunities as they endeavor to bridge gaps in knowledge, representation, capacity building and innovation in order to offer a better understanding of the oceans gifts and generate momentum toward protecting and prioritizing it, as well as our whole blue Earth.

The ocean produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe. It is the main source of sustenance for more than one billion people. And industries relating to the ocean employ some 40 million people. And, a healthy and productive ocean is vital to our shared future, Guterres said.

This years UN WOD is the 10th anniversary of the Photo Competition for World Oceans Day.

The event will also integrate artistic elements like short film premiers from Discover Earth and OceanX, as well as a debut of original scores by composer Toni Castells. A water ceremony and performance by Maori Sonic Weaver will also be featured.

Maori Sonic Weaver performs during the UN World Ocean Day event on June 8, 2023 at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Irma Omerhodzic

UN World Oceans Day kicks off World Ocean Week, which will continue the conversation surrounding the theme of Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing, as well as its call to action, Time to Put the Ocean First.

We must turn the tide. Global heating is pushing ocean temperatures to record levels, creating fiercer and more frequent storms. Sea levels are rising. Low-lying island nations face inundation, as do many major coastal cities in the world, Guterres said. The climate crisis is also making the ocean more acidic, which is disrupting the marine food chain. Ever more coral reefs are bleaching and dying. Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses and wetlands, are being degraded. Pollution from land is creating vast coastal dead zones. Nearly 80 per cent of wastewater is discharged into the sea without treatment. And some 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans [every] year. Without drastic action, this plastic could outweigh all the fish in the oceans by 2050.

Subsequent events will be hosted by ocean advocates from around the globe, as well as by members of Friends of UN World Oceans Day.

When we see the Earth from space, we truly appreciate that we live on a blue planet. The ocean connects us all, said Guterres.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

The shy, elusive vaquita is the smallest and most endangered porpoise in the world, with fewer than 20 remaining in their small range in the Gulf of Californias Sea of Cortez.

Vaquitas have been hanging on against all odds, despite the consistent threat of entanglement in gillnets used to illegally catch totoaba, a large fish that is also endangered and exclusively inhabits the Gulf of California. Totoaba are illegally caught for their swim bladders, sold to China at a premium for their purported medicinal properties.

According to a report from a recent research expedition that took place from May 10 to 26, from 10 to 13 vaquita were spotted by experts while sailing in a corner of the gulf where a similar number of the cetaceans were last seen in 2021, reported The Associated Press.

We estimated that the sightings included 1-2 calves and there was a 76 percent probability that the total number seen, including calves, was between 10 and 13 individuals, said a report issued by the NGO Sea Shepherd spearheading vaquita conservation efforts, as Phys.org reported. Since the search was in a small portion of the vaquitas historical range, 10-13 is considered a minimum estimate of the number of vaquitas left.

Vaquitas are sometimes referred to as the pandas of the sea because of the dark rings around their eyes. They grow to about five feet in length and weigh around 120 pounds. Vaquitas can live to be at least 21 years old, and it is believed that females give birth to a single calf every other year, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Vaquita are often seen from afar through binoculars, and their clicks are picked up by acoustic monitoring devices, reported The Associated Press.

Experts from Sea Shepherd, NOAA and Mexico said there could be more vaquitas in the Sea of Cortez, since the expedition only searched part of their habitat.

Alex Olivera, the Mexico representative for the Center for Biological Diversity who did not take part in the expedition, commented that this is encouraging news and it shows that vaquita are survivors. But we still need urgent conservation efforts to save these tiny porpoises from extinction, as The Associated Press reported.

The vaquita population has been steadily declining due to the deadly gillnets and is down from nearly 600 in 1997 and 200 in 2008, according to NOAA. The Gulf of Californias Sea of Cortez makes up the vaquitas entire range, and attempts to capture and breed the timid porpoises have failed.

The Mexican government has attempted to halt gillnet fishing in the vaquitas range by sinking concrete blocks fitted with hooks to snag the nets, but the fishing has continued, reported The Associated Press. Not only have fishers ignored the ban on gillnets in the porpoises range, they have sabotaged efforts to monitor them.

The expedition report noted that fishermen have begun removing the acoustic devices (CPODs) used to record vaquita clicks. The data recorded on each device is lost, and it is expensive to replace the stolen CPODs. Unless enforcement of the fishing ban is effective and the theft of equipment is stopped, acoustic monitoring cannot collect data as it has in the past, The Associated Press reported.

Sea Shepherd has been working with the Mexican Navy to discourage illegal fishing in the no tolerance zone of the vaquita refuge, but the illegal fishing has continued.

The administration of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has mostly refused to compensate fishers for ceasing to use gillnets in the area or monitor their activities there.

Chairman of Sea Shepherd Pritam Singh said patrols alongside the Mexican Navy lessened the amount of time fishing boats are in the restricted area by 79 percent last year, compared with the year before.

Its the biggest conservation success for vaquita that Ive seen in 30 years, said Barbara Taylor, a biologist and vaquita expert who recently retired from NOAA Fisheries and led the survey, as reported by The New York Times.

The last expedition in October of 2021 had 5 to 13 likely vaquita sightings, down from a survey two years earlier, The Associated Press reported.

Olivera estimated that even in a gillnet-free habitat, it will take about 50 years for the population to return to where it was 15 years ago, adding, we need Mexico to urgently comply with existing regulations to prevent the vaquita from disappearing forever, as reported by The Associated Press.

The Gulf of California was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations World Heritage in Danger list due to concerns of the imminent extinction of the vaquita.

A lot of very experienced people thought that the vaquita would be gone by now, said Kristin Nowell, executive director at Cetacean Action Treasury, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the vaquita, as The New York Times reported. The fact that its doing better than expected gives Mexico one more chance to get this right.




USPOULTRY: Leadership, process control and animal welfare highlights of 2023 Poultry Processor Workshop held in Tennessee, US

US poultry industry professionals recently met in Nashville, Tennesse, the United States, for USPOULTRY's 2023 Poultry Processor Workshop.

The workshop focused on developing and retaining leaders, process control and technology, and animal welfare, along with many other topics.

Doug Anderson, area human resources manager for Wayne-Sanderson Farms, provided insights into how employees can be developed into the leaders needed by an organisation. Speaking on his experiences with talent management at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, he noted that, frequently, the talent pool for company leadership can be identified from within current employees when given the right direction from management. He offered several examples of the success of this approach along with some of the benefits of identifying leaders internally.

Following his presentation, Anderson and Stan Fretwell, Arkansas operations manager for Peco Foods, participated in a roundtable discussion where they examined some of the approaches they have used to improve turnover and encourage employees to remain at their facilities. Some suggestions discussed between the panelists and attendees included recognition initiatives, developing meaningful relationships with employees and checking in with employees prior to key turnover intervals.

Steve Hartley, president of Matrix Industrial Control Systems, Inc., presented attendees with several emerging technologies in poultry processing. Far from being abstract tools or simple recordkeeping software, today's electronic systems capture data in real time and can empower managers to make production decisions based on current data that can be stored for later use. Cloud technology and its advantages over legacy systems, including scalability, accessibility and cost effectiveness, was also reviewed, leading to a discussion of artificial intelligence, plant automation and vision technology.

Amelia Woods, poultry welfare manager at PAACO, spoke about successfully integrating animal welfare programmes into plant operations. One key consideration she encouraged attendees to keep in mind is not to expect a cookie-cutter approach across plants, as each has its own unique characteristics. She also discussed common audit points and how these criteria can be evaluated.

- USPOULTRY
Africa is believed to have the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs. Despite the challenges women face in many African countries, they make remarkable strides in entrepreneurship. In fact, according to the World Bank, women make up the majority of entrepreneurs in Africa. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of African women, who are defying the odds and carving out their own paths to success.

For the past 10 years, the Graca Machel Trust has made its mission to help African women entrepreneurs deal with the challenges they face and get to a point in their businesses where they create wealth. The 2nd edition of the Women Creating Wealth (WCW): A Collection of Stories by African women entrepreneurs book compiles inspiring stories from 45 successful African women entrepreneurs from different parts of Africa, sharing what they have learned in their entrepreneurship journey. These women, in different business sectors, have participated in our Women Creating Wealth programme, which helped them grow as individuals and businesswomen. The book explores the challenges African women entrepreneurs face, the strategies they use to overcome these challenges, and the lessons we can learn from their experiences.

With support from the Mastercard Foundation (MCF), which has been a key player in supporting women entrepreneurs across Africa, we hope to empower many more women and help them take charge of their own economic futures and contribute to the growth and development of their communities and the continent at large.

This book is a powerful testament to African women entrepreneurs' resilience, determination, and creativity. It highlights their struggles, successes, and lessons learned along the way. By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire and motivate other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and show the world that Africa is prosperous with women entrepreneurs committed to creating wealth and prosperity for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Women Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Over the years, Women Creating Wealth (WCW) has supported over 400 women and will be adding more this year through several partner programmes, including The Mastercard Foundation. In 2017, the first book was published. This was a collection of inspiring stories of 60 women entrepreneurs from across Africa, ranging from small to large businesses. It showcased diverse profiles of women entrepreneurs growing their enterprises and sharing lessons for other female entrepreneurs to do the same.

To discover the secrets of these amazing women, download your free HERE.

To purchase the printed book, email: wcwinfo@gracamachetrust.org




Vietnam-tested ASF vaccine may soon get approval, according to US veterinary officials

Vaccines against African swine fever (ASF) being tested in Vietnam are close to approval, global and US veterinary officials said, in what would be a major breakthrough to tackle the disease that regularly ravages pig farms worldwide.

After decades of failed development attempts due to the complexity of the virus, two vaccines, which are co-developed by US scientists and tested in large pilot schemes by Vietnamese companies, are showing "very promising" results, said Gregorio Torres, head of the science department at the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

"We have never been so close to get a vaccine that may work," Torres said, noting the two shots had "probably the highest chances to succeed" and be authorised for sale worldwide.

Both vaccines have received approval in Vietnam for pilot commercial use. The next step will be nationwide authorisation, the first ever for an ASF vaccine and possible sales overseas.

US agriculture secretary Thomas Vilsack said there was likely to be interest in precautionary purchases in the United States, despite the country having so far been spared from the virus.

"There will be a specific interest, obviously," Vilsack said in an interview with Reuters in April, speaking about potential purchases of the Vietnamese vaccines.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers had reviewed the results of one of the vaccines, NAVET-ASFVAC, which they co-developed with Vietnamese company NAVETCO (VET.HNO), a USDA spokesperson said.

After the vaccine showed a high level of efficacy and no safety risks in trials, 600,000 doses were approved for initial sales to pig farmers in Vietnam, of which the first 40,000 "have been delivered without any safety problems," the USDA said.

That followed an initial hiccup when use of the vaccine was suspended after dozens of pigs died last summer following inoculations in farms that used the vaccine off-label, administering it to hogs  specifically, pregnant sows  that were not supposed to be inoculated, the USDA explained.

No problems emerged after deliveries resumed with adequate veterinary monitoring.

The second vaccine tested in Vietnam, AVAC ASF LIVE, which was discovered by US researchers and commercialised by Vietnamese firm AVAC, has been delivered to more pigs than NAVET-ASFVAC under its pilot deployment, but the USDA said it had not yet reviewed the data.

- Reuters
Peel RNLI volunteers called out for third time in a week

Peel Lifeboat responded to a Coastguard request at 1am on Thursday morning to assist a yacht in difficulty with a fouled propeller.

The 10-metre boat, with three people aboard, was on its way from Peel to Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland.

For the third time in a week, volunteer coxswain Mike Faragher took command of the stations Shannon-class lifeboat Frank and Brenda Winter to assist a stricken vessel. Quickly locating the casualty in the dark, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and established a tow, returning the yacht to the marina in Peel.

Peels crew members have seen considerable action already this month. On 1 June they assisted an 8-metre boat on passage from Scotland to Peel that had suffered engine failure. Two days later the lifeboat crew went to the aid of a RIB with engine problems.

Mike said: In all three incidents, we decided that the best course of action was to tow the disabled vessels to safety in Peel. Towing requires considerable care, training and specialist equipment to ensure the safety of crew and casualties. I am pleased we were able to put our training into action to achieve positive results for all.

Peels Lifeboat Operations Manager Allen Corlett said: It has been an especially busy time for our volunteers whether serving ashore or afloat. I want to thank them for their continued commitment to ongoing training and their willingness to respond to calls for help whatever the time of day or night.

He added: With more people enjoying the recent good weather on the water or along our coast, it is a good time to remind everyone to be prepared before setting out, to let others know of their plans, to ensure their vessel is in good working order, that they have appropriate safety equipment, including lifejackets, and a means of communications.

Please remember that if you are in difficulty or see someone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.


June 8, 2023 By Paul Sperry , RealClearInvestigationsJune 8, 2023 The custodian of Joe Bidens vice presidential records, a key witness in his classified documents probe, was caught up in another documents scandal while working at the Commerce Department during the Clinton administration, court records reveal.



Longtime Biden aide and gatekeeper Kathy S. Chung, who has been interviewed by federal prosecutors and congressional investigators in the Biden case, was part of a team sanctioned for withholding and even destroying key documents in the federal case that sought sensitive records from a central figure in the so-called Chinagate fundraising investigation of the late 1990s, RealClearInvestigations has learned exclusively.

A special prosecutor is now investigating whether Biden unlawfully handled top secret materials in early 2017, when he tasked Chung with removing boxes containing classified documents from the White House and storing them at various private offices in D.C., including the Chinatown neighborhood. Some of the highly sensitive papers also ended up at his home in Wilmington, Del.

Noting that Chung came into Bidens orbit through working with the presidents son, Hunter, during the 1990s, congressional investigators want to know if the Biden family dealings in China have anything to do with the stockpiling of classified documents. They note that the mishandling of White House papers took place during the 14-month period in 2017-2018 when the Chinese were wiring almost $6 million in payments to Hunter and his uncle Jimmy Biden without providing any known legitimate services. They have expressed concern that the payments, which were flagged by the U.S. Treasury Department, were part of a Chinese intelligence-gathering operation.



Chung is central to the Justice Departments investigation of Bidens breach of classified documents.

On Jan. 4, federal agents interviewed Chung while working with an investigative team led by U.S. Attorney John Lausch, who was tasked to conduct a preliminary probe of the security breach. Alarmed by what his investigators reported back to him about Chung's role in the possible illegal removal and retention of state secrets, Lausch urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel. The following day Garland complied, naming veteran federal prosecutor Robert K. Hur to take over the criminal case as special counsel. Hur's office reportedly has obtained more than 100 pages of documents from Chung, including emails and text messages.



While Donald Trump and Mike Pence are also under investigation for removing classified documents from the White House and storing them at their private residences, GOP congressional investigators say comparisons to Trump and Pence miss the point. In interviews with RCI, they insisted that Biden's document scandal is potentially more serious than just mishandling state secrets. They suspect it could mushroom into a counterespionage case involving China and national security, though the White House dismisses such speculation as baseless.

Chungs lawyer Bill Taylor did not return a request for comment. But in an earlier statement, he scolded Republicans for suggesting someone is a traitor without any evidence."



Chungs dual role  as an aide to Joe Biden when he was vice president and a friend of Hunter Biden, who emails show received sensitive information from Chung from his fathers office  further highlights the murky ethics that exist between the Biden familys public service and business interests.

Hunter Biden and Chung have a long history dating back to their days working together at the Commerce Department during Bill Clintons presidency. It was there that Chung  a longtime Democrat working in the federal bureaucracy  became a witness in a case involving convicted Chinagate fundraiser Jian-Nan John" Huang, who was a top Commerce official.

In 1993, President Clinton named Huang, a China-born banker friend from Little Rock, deputy assistant secretary of international economic affairs at Commerce, where he was responsible for Asian trade matters. Within a month, Huang was given a top secret security clearance and received twice-weekly intelligence briefings by CIA analysts. At the same time, it was later revealed, he was meeting regularly with Chinese diplomats and other officials tied to Beijing.



Watchdog group Judicial Watch sought documents concerning Huangs access to trade secrets and his trips to China. Chung was one of the administrators responsible for producing such documents under the Freedom of Information Act.



But the department was sanctioned for withholding and even destroying key documents in the federal case a Judicial Watch Inc. v. U.S. Department of Commerce, et al a in which Huang was listed as the lead defendant. After U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled Commerce's search grossly inadequate and unlawful, Chung and her superiors were ordered to conduct another search. Still, Chung came up short in producing Huang-related documents from the computer of her boss, Melissa Moss, in the Office of Business Liaison, according to her sworn declaration in the case, a copy of which was obtained by RCI. A Clinton appointee like Hunter Biden, Moss worked with Huang on controversial Asian and other foreign trade junkets for Democrat donors. She came to Commerce from the Democratic National Committee, where she had served as finance director.



In performing this search, I was assisted by an employee of the Computer Help Desk who informed me that some documents could not be opened, Chung told the court in the 1999 affidavit, which was never uploaded to PACER, the electronic federal court records system. (After several requests to the court, Leayrohn King, a records clerk for the U.S. District Court for D.C., provided RCI a copy of Chung's declaration and commented that it was odd that it was missing from PACER. The court has since made it available in the online docket system.)



Chung, who now works as a top aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, was not directly accused of wrongdoing. But lawyers for Judicial Watch complained her department was covering up for Huang, whom they suspected was trading government secrets and access to China.



While Chung remained at the Commerce Department, Huang left to work for the Clinton reelection effort. He raised almost $3 million for the DNC and Clinton in 1996, half of which was later found illegal or improper and returned because the donations came from foreign sources, many of them tied to Beijing.



The Justice Department, through a specially appointed task force, investigated Huang as a possible agent of influence for China. In 1999, Huang pleaded guilty to a felony violation of campaign finance laws for arranging illegal foreign donations. Even though the felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, he was sentenced to one year of probation and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in their investigation of several co-conspirators.

After Hunter Biden left the Commerce Department in 2001, where he served as executive director of e-commerce policy, he joined a K Street law firm founded by William Oldaker, a major political donor of his father. Records obtained by RCI show lawyers for Oldaker, Biden & Belair LLP represented another boss of Chung at the Commerce Department in the ongoing FOIA case, which wasnt settled until 2004.



A decade later, Hunter recommended his father hire Chung as his personal assistant in the Office of Vice President, according to emails found on his abandoned laptop. Starting in July 2012, Chung was responsible for overseeing then-Vice President Bidens office affairs, including handling his briefing books and scheduling his travel abroad. She handled the details for Hunter Biden's controversial 2013 trip to Beijing with the vice president, during which Hunter met with Chinese investment partners and arranged for his father to shake one of their hands. Emails show Chung also invited Hunter to attend a 2015 lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the State Department.



In January 2017, as Biden moved out of the White House, Chung helped pack 13 boxes with files from his office cabinets and store them at a transition office nearby, according to a partial transcript of Chungs recent deposition taken behind closed doors at the Capitol. Around July 2017, Chung reloaded the boxes in her car and moved them to a private office that she leased in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, before they ended up early the next year at the China-funded Penn Biden Center in D.C., according to the transcript.



The boxes turned out to contain dozens of highly classified documents, including ones so secret they could only be viewed in a Sensitive Compartment Information Facility, or SCIF. Yet they were found last year in an unlocked storage room at the center that required no key to access. (The White House initially claimed, falsely, they were stored in a locked closet.) Prosecutors are investigating the chain of custody of those loosely stored intelligence papers to determine whether any were copied or passed through foreign hands.



Chung, who held a Top Secret security clearance and had experience handling and identifying classified documents, told congressional investigators she was unaware the boxes contained classified material  even though some of the file folders in the boxes were emblazoned with cover sheets stating they contained secret government documents. She insisted she never noticed any classified papers or saw any classified markings, even though she unpacked the boxes when she relocated them to the center and then re-packed them last summer at the request of Bidens lawyers.



At least 20 highly classified papers marked at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level were found at the center, which the FBI searched earlier this year. The materials reportedly covered Ukraine, Iran, and the United Kingdom, among other foreign countries.



Chung helped Biden research his 2017 memoir, Promise Me, Dad. Its not known if Biden or Chung referenced any of the materials from the boxes for his book, which was published in November 2017 and revealed insider accounts of Bidens various roles in U.S. foreign policy, including Ukraine. Biden listed Chung first among people he acknowledged for their contributions: Thank you for all of this, and more, to Kathy Chung. Overlapping Scandals? Hunter first made contact with Chinese executives with CEFC China Energy, a suspected front for Chinese intelligence, in 2015. Emails found on Hunters abandoned laptop show a CEFC adviser arranged a private Washington dinner in December 2015 with Hunter and then-CEFC Chairman Ye Jianming, who reportedly has ties to the Chinese military.



In an email Chung sent to Hunter Biden that same year, she included a list of personal cell phone numbers for high-profile Washington officials, including then-White House chief of staff Denis McDonough, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and several Cabinet secretaries, as well as Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and a number of powerful senators and members of Congress.



House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer speculated that Hunter may have been trying to "prove his worth to these people that were paying these enormous sums of money to him, in part by showing them he had cell numbers for powerful individuals.



Chung continued her dealings with Hunter Biden after she left the White House. On Feb. 2, 2017, shortly after Chung packed up Bidens White House files, Hunter emailed Chung to ask her to come work with me ... so that I can make everyone money. The next year, messages found on Hunters laptop show Chung sent Biden family members a link to an encrypted messaging app called Signal and urged them to install it on their electronic devices.



Later in February 2017, Hunter received an $80,000 diamond from Ye, who left the rare gem with a thank-you note at Hunter's hotel room after they met in Miami. In an interview with The New Yorker magazine, Hunter admitted taking the expensive stone, though he says he doubts it was meant as a bribe.



Comer said he is investigating whether the Bidens' Chinese partners had access to the classified documents found. He noted that Hunter Biden, in 2017, planned to share office space in D.C. with another one of his Chinese partners, Gongwen Kevin" Dong, who was the CEFC money man who signed off on the wire payments to the Bidens.



This level of access and opportunity raises questions about who had access to the classified documents, Comer said.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 51F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 51F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Women's Health

The big picture: Dr. Adriana Davis says: "Hot flashes are still misunderstood and women pay the price!"

In the news: New research is showing that nitroglycerin patches, the ones typically used for chest pain, are showing somewhat mixed results when they're used for treating and managing hot flashes in women.

Key Findings for you in Billings.

The research proposed that continuous use of nitroglycerin could help reduce the sudden feelings and sensations of warmth and skin flushes that women experience during menopausal hot flashes.

The study involved 141 women. Ages ranged from 40 to 62. The women were in "late menopausal transition or postmenopausal." The women were experiencing at least seven hot flashes a day.

The women were given a nitroglycerin patch or a placebo patch. The patch was worn 24/7. The women recorded how many hot flashes they were having at the 5th and 12th week of wearing the patch. The data shows that the benefits of nitroglycerin over placebo did not go past the 12th week . Some women reported headaches as a side effect.

The researchers noted:

The bottom line is that our study doesnt allow us to recommend nitroglycerin skin patches as a strategy for consumers to suppress hot flashes in the long term, she said. But our study suggests that there may be promise in this overall approach to treating a common condition in midlife women. The menopause field is still lacking in effective treatment approaches that dont involve hormones. (Press Release)

Next steps: Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the different ways to manage your symptoms. Don't struggle in silence.

The Cleveland Clinic has a great resource on important questions to ask to better understand hot flashes. (Visit Resource Here)

Smoking impacts your menopause health.

The study suggests that nitroglycerin patches could be used for hot flashes.

The Health Standard Newswire

Doctor's Expert Insights about Women's Health and Menopause Health in Montana.

Know this: "Look it's important to note that while nitroglycerin patches may not be a long-term solution for managing hot flashes, this study highlights that many women wish to seek non-hormonal alternatives to their treatment protocols. The good news here is that your doctors have quite a few options available to help you manage your hot flashes. Some medicines used for the management of hot flashes are certain SSRIs like 'Effexor' or blood pressure medicines like 'clonidine.' Please don't struggle alone, and don't assume that you have to bear the brunt of hot flashes without any help." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.

Most women should plan to get pap smears until the age of 65.

The Health Standard Newswire

Living in Billings, the following health facts impact your menopause and postmenopausal well-being directly!

Did you know there were 2536.0 deaths from heart disease in Montana in 2021? This number reflects men and women.

31.6% of you living in Yellowstone County are obese.

5.1% of you have coronary heart disease.

7.8% of you diabetes.

All of these variables impact your postmenopausal health!

Hot flashes are still misunderstood. Women's Health is Important.

The Health Standard Newswire

What they're saying:

"Hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms) are among the most common symptoms of menopause, with more tan (sic) two-thirds of women in Western nations reporting hot flashes during the menopausal transition. Although hormone therapy is effective in suppressing these symptoms, prolonged use of systemic estrogen after menopause has been reported to increase risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers, thromboembolic disease, stroke, and dementia. As a result, many women are interested in nonhormonal treatments that are effective but pose fewer long-term health risks." (Study Source)

"This randomized clinical trial found that continuous use of NTG did not result in sustained improvements in hot flash frequency or severity relative to placebo and was associated with more early but not persistent headache." (Ibid.)

Sources:

The Journal JAMA Internal Medicine published the findings: Efficacy of Continuous Transdermal Nitroglycerin for Treating Hot Flashes by Inducing Nitrate Cross-tolerance in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women A Randomized Clinical Trial (Read it Here)

Heart Disease Facts and Stats for Billings: (The WHO)

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years as a natural part of biological ageing.

The global population of postmenopausal women is growing. In 2021, women aged 50 and over accounted for 26% of all women and girls globally. This was up from 22% 10 years earlier.

The Health Standard Newswire
Women's Health

The big picture: Dr. Adriana Davis says: "Hot flashes are still misunderstood and women pay the price!"

In the news: New research is showing that nitroglycerin patches, the ones typically used for chest pain, are showing somewhat mixed results when they're used for treating and managing hot flashes in women.

Key Findings for you in Missoula.

The research proposed that continuous use of nitroglycerin could help reduce the sudden feelings and sensations of warmth and skin flushes that women experience during menopausal hot flashes.

The study involved 141 women. Ages ranged from 40 to 62. The women were in "late menopausal transition or postmenopausal." The women were experiencing at least seven hot flashes a day.

The women were given a nitroglycerin patch or a placebo patch. The patch was worn 24/7. The women recorded how many hot flashes they were having at the 5th and 12th week of wearing the patch. The data shows that the benefits of nitroglycerin over placebo did not go past the 12th week . Some women reported headaches as a side effect.

The researchers noted:

The bottom line is that our study doesnt allow us to recommend nitroglycerin skin patches as a strategy for consumers to suppress hot flashes in the long term, she said. But our study suggests that there may be promise in this overall approach to treating a common condition in midlife women. The menopause field is still lacking in effective treatment approaches that dont involve hormones. (Press Release)

Next steps: Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the different ways to manage your symptoms. Don't struggle in silence.

The Cleveland Clinic has a great resource on important questions to ask to better understand hot flashes. (Visit Resource Here)

Smoking impacts your menopause health.

The study suggests that nitroglycerin patches could be used for hot flashes.

The Health Standard Newswire

Doctor's Expert Insights about Women's Health and Menopause Health in Montana.

Know this: "Look it's important to note that while nitroglycerin patches may not be a long-term solution for managing hot flashes, this study highlights that many women wish to seek non-hormonal alternatives to their treatment protocols. The good news here is that your doctors have quite a few options available to help you manage your hot flashes. Some medicines used for the management of hot flashes are certain SSRIs like 'Effexor' or blood pressure medicines like 'clonidine.' Please don't struggle alone, and don't assume that you have to bear the brunt of hot flashes without any help." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.

Most women should plan to get pap smears until the age of 65.

The Health Standard Newswire

Living in Missoula, the following health facts impact your menopause and postmenopausal well-being directly!

Did you know there were 2536.0 deaths from heart disease in Montana in 2021? This number reflects men and women.

26.4% of you living in Missoula County are obese.

5.1% of you have coronary heart disease.

7.1% of you diabetes.

All of these variables impact your postmenopausal health!

Hot flashes are still misunderstood. Women's Health is Important.

The Health Standard Newswire

What they're saying:

"Hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms) are among the most common symptoms of menopause, with more tan (sic) two-thirds of women in Western nations reporting hot flashes during the menopausal transition. Although hormone therapy is effective in suppressing these symptoms, prolonged use of systemic estrogen after menopause has been reported to increase risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers, thromboembolic disease, stroke, and dementia. As a result, many women are interested in nonhormonal treatments that are effective but pose fewer long-term health risks." (Study Source)

"This randomized clinical trial found that continuous use of NTG did not result in sustained improvements in hot flash frequency or severity relative to placebo and was associated with more early but not persistent headache." (Ibid.)

Sources:

The Journal JAMA Internal Medicine published the findings: Efficacy of Continuous Transdermal Nitroglycerin for Treating Hot Flashes by Inducing Nitrate Cross-tolerance in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women A Randomized Clinical Trial (Read it Here)

Heart Disease Facts and Stats for Missoula: (The WHO)

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years as a natural part of biological ageing.

The global population of postmenopausal women is growing. In 2021, women aged 50 and over accounted for 26% of all women and girls globally. This was up from 22% 10 years earlier.

The Health Standard Newswire
Sen. Mike Lang, R-Malta, poses with fellow lawmakers supporting his Senate Bill 442 alongside a political cartoon drawn about the fight between competing marijuana tax revenue bills. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

A second lawsuit challenging how Senate Bill 442 was handled by Gov. Greg Gianforte and Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has been filed in Lewis and Clark County District Court.

The lawsuit was filed at nearly the same time as the Montana Association of Counties filed a similar suit in the same county, seeking a similar result, but for different reasons.

Wild Montana and the Montana Wildlife Federation filed a suit that has been assigned to Judge Mike Menahan that asks the court to order Gianforte return the veto and SB 442 to Jacobsen, who will then poll lawmakers on a possible override.

SB 442 enjoyed widespread bipartisan support and may have been the best example of compromise during the 2023 legislative session, which concluded on May 2. SB 442 made changes to the way taxes collected from Montanas recreational marijuana are distributed, notably changing funding to allow for more cash to go to counties for road maintenance.

However, the bill also kept funding for conservation of wildlife habitat, a subject of much debate since voters first approved recreational marijuana by Initiative 190 in 2020.

Montanans are disappointed in Gov. Gianfortes veto of SB 442, a wildly popular bipartisan bill that made historic investments in conservation, public access, and rural infrastructure, said Noah Marion, state policy director for Wild Montana. But even more importantly, its the governors duty to play by the rules. The governor cant obstruct the Legislatures authority with procedural trickery.

In the lawsuit filed on Wednesday afternoon, the conservation organizations argue that without SB 442, funding for wildlife habitat and publicly accessible lands is in jeopardy.

Attorneys Constance Van Kley and Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, who represent the wildlife groups, outlined the benefit the State of Montana has seen by purchasing new conservation lands.

Since 2019, the states use of wildlife funds has resulted in 56 conservation easements totaling 293,239 acres and utilizing $41.3 million in Habitat Montana funds. It has also purchased 130,117 acres of deeded land using $48.8 million in Habitat Montana funds.

SB 442 passed with 130 of 150 possible votes in the legislature, a supermajority. The bill had supporters from both the minority Democrats and supermajority Republicans, and diverse interest groups such as outdoor conservationists and county governments worked together to get the bill passed on May 1, the day before the legislature adjourned.

The lawsuit also raises questions about the timing of the veto and the rapid speed at which SB 442 flew through the process.

Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Bozeman, told the court in an affidavit that seven bills, including SB 442, were approved by the Montana Senate on May 1. All of the bills were sent to enrolling May 2, but only SB 442 was also returned from enrolling, printed, signed by both presiding officers and transmitted to the Governor on May 2, 2023. The other six bills were not transmitted to the Governor until either May 11 or May 12, 2023.

The other six bills followed an ordinary timeline for transmittal to the Governor. SB 442 moved extraordinarily quickly, Flowers said.

But with the Montana House of Representatives still in session on May 2, the Senate adjourned, sine die or permanently. Sometime during the afternoon, with the House still in session and the Senate adjourned, Gianforte vetoed the bill. Normally, a veto is read to the lawmakers, according to law, who then decide whether to attempt a veto override.

No veto statement was read, according to the lawsuit.

Flowers also told the court in the filing that at 1:48 p.m., with just minutes left before the Senate adjourned, the Senate clerk noted at least one bill signed by the governor, but had no veto messages. The Senate adjourned 90 minutes later.

However, in the case of SB 442, the Senate had adjourned, but the House was still in session  one of the points of tension between the governor and the legislature.

Jacobsen maintains that she does not have the veto, and therefore, cannot poll the members. Furthermore, her office told the Daily Montanan on Wednesday that her role in the process is ministerial, meaning she only facilitates a poll, but doesnt decide when it happens.

According to joint legislature rules, when a veto happens and the legislature is out of session, if a supermajority voted in favor of the measure, the Secretary of States Office sends a poll to lawmakers. In this case, though, its unclear whether the legislature was in session or not.

Gianfortes office did not respond to opportunities to comment on the case when contacted by the Daily Montanan on Wednesday.

In addition to risking funding for habitat, the lawsuit said that this loophole could be exploited in the future in attempt to usurp power from the lawmakers who want to consider a veto override.

Absent judicial relief, a loophole will allow governors to prevent legislative overrides of veto-proof bills, fundamentally undermining the Montana Constitutions carefully crafted system of checks and balances, the lawsuit said. In future sessions, a governor could time vetoes of all veto-proof bills at a politically opportune moment  waiting, for example, until one chamber adjourns sine die  and claim that, because the Legislature was still in session, the vetoes cannot be overridden.

The post Second lawsuit filed alleges Gianforte used procedural trickery to stop popular marijuana bill appeared first on Daily Montanan.
So what do bacon, blueberries and Capitol Hills fast-spinning revolving door have in common?

Newsies know: All have been covered in this space over the past year, all have ties to Washington, D.C., and all are in the news again. Lets go first to the tasty bacon news from the suddenly-very dishy U.S. Supreme Court.

In a 5-4 decision on May 11, the court ruled against the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Pork Producers Council and the Biden administration and for Californias humanely raised pork law. The Big Ag plaintiffs wanted the state law declared unconstitutional because, they alleged, its practical effect (was) to control commercial conduct beyond Californias boundaries.

In the frying pan was a three-times approved  twice by voters, once by the state legislature  ban on California businesses from selling eggs and uncooked pork and veal as noted here last September, from animals housed in ways that did not meet the new state standards.

Some of those ways  like sow farrowing crates and battery cages for hens  are mainstays of modern livestock production. The NPPC, AFBF and the White House fought for the crates and cages, claiming the California law violated interstate commerce.

Writing for the courts majority, however, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch rejected their argument to create any new and more aggressive constitutional restrictions on the ability of States to regulate goods sold within their borders, noted the Washington Post.

Gorsuch punctuated his majority opinion with some uncourtly snarkiness: While the Constitution addresses many weighty issues, he wrote, the type of pork chops California merchants sell is not on that list. Boom.

American organic fruit and vegetable buyers would love to have that level of final-word clarity on the United States Department of Agricultures ever-shifting organic food rules. Recent rule changes  designed to benefit corporate organic growers  have brought massive changes to the American organic landscape.

For example, USDAs rule to permit soil-free, hydroponic production of vegetables and fruit has, in just a few short years, clobbered small U.S. organic blueberry farmers.

Peru, reports the Real Organic Project, has largely displaced most U.S. blueberry growers because farmers there can grow blueberries faster and cheaper under USDAs recently changed rules meant to boost American corporate hydroponic producers.

In fact, reported the BBC recently, Peru, a nation that grew virtually no blueberries a decade ago, is now the worlds top blueberry exporter, selling $1.4 billion of the fruit overseas in 2022.

This is just Another example of how degrading the definition of Organic has real consequences, explained ROP. Had the USDA standard remained soil-based and not opened the market to hydroponically-grown blueberries, it argues, U.S. growers would continue to sell high-value late-season fruit.

Under the hydroponic rules, rules ROP fought against because organic, by definition, means soil, U.S. (blueberry) producers have been hit hard and most of that imported production is hydroponic.

How did that happen?

Enter Washingtons legislator-to-lobbyist revolving door  or, more accurately, open barn door  where its nearly impossible to distinguish lawmakers from law shakers.

In fact, according to opensecrets.org, a non-partisan, non-profit group that tracks money and influence in American politics, a staggering 467 former House and Senate members lobbied Capitol Hill during the 115th Congress to attempt to influence the very federal government in which they used to serve.

Think about that: Four years ago (the latest published numbers), the 467 former lawmakers asking one-time colleagues for a favor nearly equaled the number of one-time colleagues, 535, they asked.

Why? Because all that grinning, gripping, and greasing works, explained U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat on the House Ag Committee and a certified organic farmer.

(T)here are 1,200 lobbyists on the Hill that work for the agriculture and food processing industry, she told the ROP podcast. They spend about $350 million a year on forming opinions in Washington. And thats more than the defense industry, so dont underestimate their power.

For proof, just look at USDAs organic hydroponics rule; lobbyists pushed that choice, not voters, and American farmers are paying the price.
Like a prize at the end of a footrace, many people chase after lasting youthfulness. Even Ponce de Leon is rumored to have had his eyes set on finding the fountain of youth when he landed on the shores of what is now Florida.

A common theme of myths and legends, eternal youth has eluded men since the beginning of time. I find it hard to imagine the reality of an actual fountain of youth, however, I do think healing water is possible.

Even in my local area, Native American tribes had a deep reverence for specific springs of salt water. While its hard to draw a line between fact and fiction, there is some validity to the claims when the mineral content of the water is examined.

I first became interested in the topic after soaking in hot springs in Wyoming. The hot springs in Thermopolis, Wyoming, were recorded as early as 1895 as having healing properties. The claims went as far as saying the water could cure bullet wounds and even paralysis.

As time went on, the mineral content was analyzed. The water contains over 27 minerals including calcium, sodium, magnesium, zinc and copper.

Healing waters

It is thought that Ponce de Leon might have been motivated by stories about an island with healing water. About 50 miles east of Miami is a chain of islands in the Bahamas called the Bimini Islands.

Within a shoreline mangrove swamp only accessible by boat, a spot made famous by local legends is located. Now known as the Healing Hole, for centuries the water has been exalted for its healing properties. Like other bodies of water with high salt concentrations, the water rejuvenates skin and muscles. The water contains sulfur, lithium and alpha radiation.

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is located in St. Augustine, Florida. Although there is no evidence to validate the claims, it is a tribute to the place where Ponce de Leon supposedly landed.

From as far back as 1860, the land was used as a tourist attraction. There were many fabricated stories to entice visitors. After decades of study, the land where the Park is located was identified as the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in North America.

Pittsburgh waters

When I saw a picture of a Fountain of Youth in Pittsburgh, I had to investigate. The picture showed an engraved circular stone in the center, resting on a stacked stone entrance to a dark room. Extending from both sides of the entrance, stoic stone walls were built into the hillside.

The workmanship was impressive, and I was intrigued. I knew I had to see it when I realized it was located in North Park, an Allegheny County Park near Wexford, Pennsylvania.

On a recent trip to Pittsburgh, my daughter and I decided to find the Fountain of Youth. Once we were in the park, I thought it would be adventurous to find it just by driving along Kummer Road, without using GPS.

I wanted to be surprised and find it, like a treasure hunt. She wanted to use the maps app and not get lost or miss it. As it turned out, I was heading in the right direction.

She entered Fountain of Youth and sure enough, the location popped up on her map. It took us to a narrow section to pull off on the side of the road. The stones for the fountain could be clearly seen from the road, but the path to get there was a little bit of an adventure.

There was a steep embankment to climb down to a small stream. Then, we walked up a sloping path towards the stones. Unfortunately, there was some graffiti on the beautiful mason work.

We paused in front of the entrance. Should we enter? I was worried about snakes. She was worried about everything. We had to go in and see what was inside. There wasnt much inside other than more stones. We could see a central square where the pump was probably originally located.

The impressive stonework was done by the Works Fountain of Youth Progress Administration in the late 1930s. The year 1939 could be found on the masonry. It was a popular location for locals to get fresh spring water, but it is uncertain why it was dubbed the Fountain of Youth and created to resemble a Roman grotto.

Eventually, in the 1950s, the tap was removed from the springhouse. The first problem was a mechanism failure and later it was determined the water contained a high level of bacteria.

Sadly, we missed our chance to chug healing water by mere 67 years. We did, however, enjoy the novelty of finding a Roman grotto in the woods of Pennsylvania.
A Cotswolds livestock farm has been highlighted as a national showcase for how nature can be restored using 100% pasture-fed animals.

Will Mann, who runs Oxleaze Farm near Lechlade, said that 100% pasture-fed livestock were 'fundamental' in helping to the environment.

The farm has taken part in a biodiversity research series by Pasture for Life, a movement that champions the restorative power of grazing animals on pasture.

The project aims to highlight how farmers across the country are helping to restore nature by using pasture-fed livestock.

Oxleaze had switched to pasture-fed farming methods, with rotational grazing techniques that use the cattle as management tools to mimic natural processes and stimulate plant growth to sequester carbon.

The 700-acre farm has abandoned the more intensive methods and is now mostly grassland that is extensively grazed by a herd of 70 Aberdeen Angus cattle.

The family farm has taken part in a biodiversity research series by Pasture for Life

The animals are 100% pasture-fed on the herb-rich leys and grasses rich in chicory and sainfoin.

According to Oxleaze, the move has noticeably boosted the variety and number of plants and animals and encouraged carbon fixation in the soils.

The farm has also planted 30,000 new trees and 26,000 hedging plants as a long-term project to encourage flora and fauna.

Flocks of 300 lapwings have been seen regularly on the farm

As a result, the farm has seen a revival - from Barn Owls and fallow deer to massive numbers of voles, field mice, worms, plague populations of hares.

They play host to a thriving population of over 15 broods of thriving English Grey partridge, one of the most rapidly declining farmland birds in Europe.

Flocks of 300 lapwings pass through in winter which follow the cattle around, and an RSPB survey found that the farm has the highest density of linnets recorded in the UK.

Oxleaze sells their finished meat to a local farm shop, with produce bought by local residents who switched to buying more locally during the pandemic.

Will Mann from Oxleaze farm said: We have a keen focus on conservation and the 100% pasture-fed livestock are, without doubt, fundamental to this.

"We have been practising with different grazing techniques and are already seeing our forage production increase as a direct result of advice and information from other Pasture for Life farmers.
Bangladeshs total export earnings from readymade garments (RMG) stood at $12,255.75 million between January and March this year3.67 per cent lower than that of the previous quarter, but 6.32 per cent higher year on year (YoY). The earnings from woven garments were worth $5,777.95 million and those from knitwear $6,477.80 million.

The total export earnings in the quarter were 0.77 per cent higher than the quarterly target of $12,162.36 million, according to the Quarterly Review on RMG January-March FY23 by the Bangladesh Bank.

The total earnings from Bangladesh's readymade garment exports stood at $12,255.75 million between January and March 20233.67 per cent lower quarter on quarter, but 6.32 per cent higher year on year. Woven garments and knitwear contributed 40.10 per cent and 44.95 per cent respectively to total export earnings during the quarter, the Bangladesh Bank said.

Woven garments and knitwear contributed 40.10 per cent and 44.95 per cent respectively to total export earnings during the quarter.

The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Belgium were the top destinations for the countrys RMG exports during the third quarter of FY23.

Bangladesh earned $8,412.46 million by exporting RMG to these nine countries, accounting for 68.64 per cent of total RMG exports.

During the quarter, RMG export earnings from these nine countries relatively decreased by 6.74 per cent compared to that of the previous quarter and fell by 0.11 per cent YoY.

The import value of raw materials (raw cotton, synthetic/viscose fibre, synthetic/mixed yarn, cotton yarn and textile fabrics and accessories for garments) was $3,546.52 million in the quarter, accounting for 28.94 per cent of total RMG export earnings.

The RMG sectors net exportRMG raw material import value subtracted from RMG export valuewas $8,709.23 million, or 71.06 per cent of gross RMG exports.

After moderately improving in the previous quarter, export earnings from the knitwear sector were 7.59 per cent lower in the quarter than the previous quarter, but 8.72 per cent higher YoY. Furthermore, knitwear exports were 2.63 per cent lower than the target for the quarter.

The FY23 third quarter export earning figure from woven was 1.15 per cent higher than that of the previous quarter and 3.74 per cent higher YoY.

Exports of woven garments were 4.87 per cent higher than the quarterly export target.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Sri Lanka imported $449.9 million worth of fabric during the first quarter of the current year, with China and India being the top suppliers, contributing a combined 65 per cent. Specifically, imports from China totalled $166.195 million, representing 36.94 per cent of the total, while imports from India amounted to $126.799 million, accounting for 28.18 per cent.

Among the top five sourcing countries, Taiwan's imports were $32.565 million (7.25 per cent), Pakistan's were $26.259 million (5.84 per cent), and Italy's were $24.427 million (5.43 per cent), according to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro.

In the first quarter of 2023, Sri Lanka imported 60.375 million kg of fabric, valued at $449.9 million. This is a decrease from the $488.922 million (61.893 million kg) imported in Q4 of 2022, and significantly less than the $661.787 million (74.194 million kg) imported in the same quarter of the previous year. The country imported fabric worth $535.457 million (52.043 million kg) in Q3 and $606.465 million (57.670 million kg) in Q2, 2022.

In Q1 2023, Sri Lanka imported $449.9 million worth of fabric, with China and India supplying 65 per cent combined. Taiwan, Pakistan, and Italy were also significant contributors. Over the past year, total fabric imports amounted to $2,292.708 million. Import values in the previous years ranged from $1,758.769 million to $2,263.534 million.

Over the past year, the total value of fabric imports was $2,292.708 million (245.802 million kg). According to TexPro, the previous years saw imports valued at $2,263.534 million (258.878 million kg) in 2021, $1,758.769 million (210.193 million kg) in 2020, $2,239.207 million (256.028 million kg) in 2019, and $2,195.201 million (246.761 million kg) in 2018.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
China reported an 8.1 per cent increase in exports to 9.62 trillion yuan (approximately $13.502 trillion) in first five months of 2023, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs. Meanwhile, imports saw a modest 0.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise to reach 7.15 trillion yuan.

During the same period, China's total imports and exports registered a YoY increase of 4.7 per cent, reaching 16.77 trillion yuan. However, in dollar terms, total foreign trade stood at $2.44 trillion, marking a 2.8 per cent decline year-on-year.

China's exports rose by 8.1 per cent to $13.502 trillion in the first five months of 2023, while imports went up by 0.5 per cent. The country's total foreign trade in dollar terms, however, declined by 2.8 per cent to $2.44 trillion. ASEAN remained China's top trading partner, contributing to 15.4 per cent of China's total foreign trade volume.

In the month of May, the country's foreign trade expanded by 0.5 per cent, hitting 3.45 trillion yuan. While exports experienced a slight 0.8 per cent decrease YoY, amounting to 1.95 trillion yuan, imports climbed 2.3 per cent to reach 1.5 trillion yuan, according to Chinese media reports.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continued to be China's largest trading partner in the first five months of the year. The total imports and exports with ASEAN countries grew by 9.9 per cent YoY, reaching 2.59 trillion yuan, and accounting for 15.4 per cent of China's total foreign trade volume.

Furthermore, trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 5.78 trillion yuan in the same period, marking a 13.2 per cent increase YoY. Trade with other members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership stood at 5.11 trillion yuan, reflecting a 4.5 per cent increase from the previous year.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
Cambodia should pursue new free trade agreements (FTAs) and act promptly to accelerate trade reforms to deal with challenges that may arise when it graduates from the least developed country (LDC) status in 2027, a blog on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) site suggested.

Cambodia met the graduation criteria for the first time in 2021. Graduation means the loss of trade benefits enjoyed by LDCs, including duty-free status and favorable rules of origin.

Cambodia is one of the few LDCs that has dramatically increased its exports to the European Union (EU) through preferential treatment and lenient rules of origin, allowing its products to enter Europe duty-free.

A blog on the Asian Development Bank site has suggested Cambodia to pursue new free trade agreements and accelerate trade reforms to deal with challenges that may arise when it graduates from the least developed country (LDC) status in 2027. If not carefully managed, the loss of trade preferences offered by the EU may hurt export performance, it noted.

If not carefully managed, the loss of these preferences may hurt Cambodia's export performance, the blog by economic consultant Gerald Pascua; Pramila Crivelli, economist with ADBs economic research and regional cooperation department; and Stefano Inama, chief of technical assistance at the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), noted.

Cambodia must work to ensure that alternative market access is available after graduation and further improve its competitiveness, the authors said.

An FTA with the EU would avoid falling back on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences by 2031, while expanding extended cumulation would facilitate compliance with rules of origin, they wrote.

As maintaining market access in Japan is also critical, consultations for an FTA with business-friendly rules of origin should start as soon as possible, they said.

At the regional level, discussions within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Secretariat, RCEP Joint Committee, ASEAN, and ASEAN+1 dialogue partners should focus on deepening RCEP tariff cuts, clarifying the functioning of RCEP tariff differentials, and achieving convergence on product-specific rules of origin in Asia and the Pacific, they said.

Cambodia should also use the specific trade concerns mechanism of the World Trade Organisation to raise critical sanitary and phytosanitary measures imposed by its trading partners on agricultural exports, they said.

The country may consider entering digital economy agreements and negotiating FTAs with enabling provisions on e-commerce and digital trade to increase its digital trade participation further, they added.

Nevertheless, the lack of digital skills and affordability, which inhibit using digital tools and platforms, remain major obstacles limiting Cambodia's digital trade prospects, the authors noted.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Actors' relationships with their characters can be quite complicated, and they rarely revolve around a straightforward offer that they accept or decline. In spite of initial hostility from critics and the general public, many actors have been successful in choosing their roles throughout the history of cinema. There are also several actors who regretted choosing the roles they did later and have openly talked about it.

Several performers have declined important roles in the past, only to change their minds and accept the part later. These actors cannot be replaced now and since then they have embodied their roles to the fullest extent. Below is a list of some of the most well-known roles that actors initially turned down but which ultimately changed the course of their acting careers.

Manoj Bajpayee (The Family Man)





The Family Man is an edgy action-drama series which tells the story of a middle-class man who works for a special cell of the National Investigation Agency. It was a hit among fans and people loved Manoj Bajapyees role in the series as Srikant Tiwari. Manoj Bajpayee had revealed that he almost rejected Family Man as he was afraid it was an "OTT template". He said, "There was a template that makers were following, which included blood, gore and pistols."

Leonardo Dicaprio (Titanic)





Leonardo DiCaprio would have rejected one of his most memorable breakout performances as Jack in 1997's Titanic if it weren't for director James Cameron. Cameron admitted that he had to persuade DiCaprio to accept the starring part of Jack Dawson in Titanic because the actor believed it was "boring" in an interview at the 80th Golden Globe Awards. The filmmaker claims that DiCaprio expressed displeasure at the idea of playing the lead in the love story, which prompted Cameron to press hard for his inclusion. When the romance drama Titanic was released in 1997, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet starred in it, making both performers household names throughout the world.

Chris Evans (Captain America)





Chris Evans is one of the most well-known Hollywood actors of the present day, in large part because to his portrayal of Captain America in the omnipresent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The actor revealed that he initially turned down the role of Steve Rogers over crippling anxiety. During an appearance in a podcast Evans said he first started experiencing anxiety in 2007 following a number of stressors, which made him consider not taking up the iconic role.

Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)





Meryl Streep nearly declined the lead role in The Iron Lady, which helped the celebrated actress win her third Oscar, because she disapproved of Margaret Thatcher's politics. It took a lot of convincing to get the actress to play Thatcher because she is firmly on the opposite side of the political aisle from Britain's former Tory Prime Minister. "I was not thrilled with her policies or her politics because my friends and I were all playing for the other team," she was quoted saying.
In the realm of artistic creativity, technology has opened up new horizons for artists to push the boundaries of imagination and innovation. One such trailblazer in the world of AI art is Abhishek Golecha, a renowned AI artist whose mesmerizing creations have captivated audiences around the globe.

Abhishek Golecha represents the convergence of technology and creativity. Combining his profound understanding of artificial intelligence with his artistic sensibilities, Golecha has carved a niche for himself as an AI artist. He is the man who has given creativity behind Sonakshi Sinha's brand SOEZI.

Abhishek Golecha's artistic journey with SOEZI has been nothing short of extraordinary. His AI-generated images have become the visual face of the brand, allowing SOEZI to stand out in a highly competitive fashion industry. Through his artistry, Golecha has breathed life into Sonakshi Sinha's designs, infusing them with a touch of technological wizardry and innovation.

Sonakshi Sinha in an amazing collaboration with Abhishekh says, "With the global embrace of AI, there's been extensive discourse surrounding its advantages and disadvantages. As a creative entrepreneur, I am convinced of its limitless possibilities and substantial assistance. Abhishek Golecha's remarkable artwork for my press-on nails brand, SOEZI, has generated significant buzz. Not only does it eliminate the need for traditional photoshoots, but it also enables the creation of personalized images, showcasing the beauty of the nails through imaginative means. While I firmly believe that AI cannot replace the genuine human experience, it undeniably contributes a creative flair to campaigns when appropriate, and Abhishek has adeptly explored this avenue."

On working with Sonakshi for such a renowned brand Abhishekh says, "It was really an amazing experience to work with her, I really had a great time, she is really one of the most humble actresses, She really makes you feel like a buddy and talking over SOEZI when we released the pictures everyone thought that it was photoshoot but it was all about AI and everyone were really very impressed and amazed with the outcome that came. So yes, I am really happy, and after all, she was very happy with the results and the love the brand was getting."

We can definitely say that Abhishek Golecha's work not only challenges traditional artistic conventions but also encourages others to embrace emerging technologies as powerful tools for self-expression. As the realm of AI art continues to evolve, artists like Abhishek Golecha will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artistic creativity.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui Aaliya Siddiqui: Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his estranged wife, Aaliya Siddiqui, have been hogging headlines for the past few months over their troubled marriage. Meanwhile, Aaliya was in the news recently after she posted a photo with her new companion on social media.

Aaliya recently opened up about this mystery man and their new relationship in an interview. She also added that he has no hand in her broken marriage with Nawazuddin and that the two met a year ago in Dubai at a common friend's party.

Aaliya opened up about the mystery man in her life

In the same interview, Aaliya revealed that the mystery man in her life is Italian and works in the IT sector. They met a year ago in Dubai at a common friend's party and instantly connected.

Further, stating that he was the one who first approached her, she shared, "He was a huge emotional support to me in this past year. He wants me to grow in life and be less conscious. He makes me wonder... kaash yeh mujhe pehle mila hota."

"Though he is more comfortable speaking in French and Italian, while I speak Hindi, our common language of communication is English. So, now he is learning Hindi and teaches me his languages. He wants to visit India soon," she added.

Nawazuddin Siddiquis Ex-Wife Aaliya Siddiqui All Set Tie Knot Again? Her Reply To CHANGE Surname Drops Hint

Aaliya Siddiqui about her new relationship and divorce with Nawazuddin

She stated, "No one can judge my character on the basis of how happy I feel. I filed for divorce two years ago, long before I met my companion, so he has nothing to do with my broken marriage has ended, but we talk for the sake of our kids. I want Nawaz to do well in life."

She said that their divorce case is still going on and that she has struggled for 19 years in her marriage. She added, "I wouldn't have shared about my (new) relationship on social media... I was mentally exhausted. I have finally moved on and I am in a happy space."

Nawazuddin Siddiqui-Aaliya's ongoing feud

Previously, Aaliya accused Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his family of harassment, and in March, she claimed that she and their two children were thrown out of this Mumbai house.

Soon after Nawazuddin filed a defamation case against Aaliya, the two reached a settlement, and the Bombay High Court advised the couple to resolve their differences amicably while thinking about what is best for their kids.

Has Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Estranged Wife Aaliya Found Love Again? New Instagram Post With MYSTERY Man Hints So
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Leaked: One of the most anticipated films of the year, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, will have its grand theatrical release in India on Friday, June 9. The high-octane action film stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, and Tobe Nwigwe.

The film is helmed by Steven Caple Jr. and will see autobots teaming up with two humans and Maximals to halt an impending threat from Unicorn. While everyone eagerly awaits the popular franchise, it has unfortunately been a victim of piracy.

Transformers - Rise Of The Beasts leaked online

Transformers - Rise Of The Beasts, the seventh installment in the popular franchise, has fallen prey to piracy as it was leaked online onto torrent sites and is now also available to watch and download.

However, this won't be the first time that a popular movie has been leaked online for free viewing. Many Hollywood and Indian films become victims of piracy despite it being banned and illegal. Many stringent laws have been taken against such sites, but they still bounce back and offer many free download options.

Where To Watch 'John Wick 4 Free Online Streaming at Home

Transformers - Rise Of The Beasts available for download online

The highly anticipated sci-fi film is now available for free watch on several sites, and online search engine platforms are swamped with keywords such as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts movie download, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts movie download in 720p HD, etc.

Many are searching for the film, like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Tamilrockers, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Tamilrockers HD Download, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Movie Download Pagalworld, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Movie Download Filmyzilla, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Movie Download Movierulz, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Full Movie Download Filmyzilla, and many more.

Watch trailer!

All these keywords are being used by people to view the film for free online. But we suggest not resorting to such pirate versions of the movie and watching it in theatres.

John Wick 4: Keanu Reeves' Action Film LEAKED Online In HD By Tamilrockers & Others

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is the seventh installment in the popular genre and is produced by Paramount Pictures.

DISCLAIMER- FILMIBEAT doesn't support or promote piracy as it is a criminal offense under the Copyright Act of 1957. We sincerely request you to not participate in any such practice or encourage piracy in any form.
Actor Vignesh Audio Controversy: Actor Vignesh's assistant gave an interview to a leading media portal about the recent audio controversy. H said, "Vignesh sir paid only 100 rupees for a salary of 700 rupees. He scolded me by caste for asking for the remaining salary."

Actor and BJP leader Vignesh castigated and obscenely insulted a young man who asked him for salary, the audio of which went viral on social media and created huge controversy in the film industry and political circles.

Did Vignesh Defraud His Assistant?

When a leading media portal contacted Vignesh's assistant about this, he said, "My hometown is Madurai. I am looking for a job in Chennai and am working as a touch-up boy assistant for senior actors. I went to work with Vignesh for the new serial for two days of shooting.

He paid 700 rupees on the first day. The second day was half a day of shooting. He should pay full salary for one day shooting and half day shooting. This is known to all in the industry. He handed over 100 rupees to me, said that he will give the rest in G-pay and left.

Vignesh Insulted His Assistant Using Caste Name?

Then, he took me for a five days of shooting for the film 'Chandramukhi-2'. Again, he paid only half the salary. He didn't pay the remaining salary as promised. He asked me to ask the manager of the film. When I asked the manager, he said that he had given it to Vignesh. Production companies don't always pay us directly. They give it to the actors.

I called him and asked for my salary. Again he gave the same answer. Well sir, I finally requested him to give my balance payment for the serial atleast. He spoke insultingly about my mother and my caste name. Apart from that, he sent me only 250 rupees. Even then the full salary is not paid. I had severe depression.

My father works as a laborer in the village. The job will not be regular. I send money home after I go to work. You know the cost of room rent in Chennai, food during non-shooting times. Even after knowing all these, how come he can hit me in the stomach? The manager of the film production company will give us a full day's salary even if it is a one-day shoot or a half-day shoot. Can this actor defraud us of thousands of rupees without even paying us the salary?" he asks painfully.

The audio in which Vignesh spoke abusively to the young man who worked with him as assistant is now going viral on social media.
Siddharth Praises Kamal Haasan: Actor Siddharth has said in a recent interview that Ulaga Nayagan Kamal Haasan is the only 'Pan-Indian Star'. He also gave a clear explanation about the term 'Pan-India'. This video is now going viral on social media.

Takkar Movie Promotions

Actor Siddharth is one of the leading actors in Tamil cinema. His upcoming film Takkar is slated to hit theaters on June 9. Directed by Karthik G Girish, the movie Takkar is made with Siddharth, Divyansha Kaushik, Munishkanth, Yogi Babu and others in the lead roles. As the film is slated to release in theaters tomorrow, the promotion of the film is going on in full swing. Siddharth, who participated in it, answered many questions about the film.

Talking about his favorite actor then, Siddharth said that I am Kamal's fanatic rather than Kamal's fan. Kamal is the only Pan-Indian star who is the highest and most admired person in India. Because Pan India has a meaning. Pan-Indian Star is the one who can prove that wherever he goes, he belong to that place.

Who Is A Pan-Indian Star?

"Somewhere some actor is famous and if you watch his movie in another state, it is not pan India. According to me, Kamal Haasan is the only Pan-Indian star." Actor Siddharth spoke about Kamal movingly. This interview is trending on the internet and Ulaganayagan fans are sharing it on their social media pages.

After Aruvam in 2019, no film has been released with actor Siddharth, almost four years later, Takkar is releasing, so there is a lot of anticipation for the film. Also, Siddharth acted in the Telugu film Maha Samudramwith Aditi Rao. It is said that the two are in love after the film. Siddharth was also asked about it in the promotion program. He refused to answer that question saying it was his personal life.
Fahmaan Khan is an actor who is known for wearing his heart on his sleeves. The actor has won hearts with his straightforward approach and often leaves the audience in awe of his swag.

Interestingly, the Imlie actor had recently made the headlines after he spoke about his fallout with Sumbul Touqeer Khan and made shocking revelations about the same during an interview.

And now, days after Fahman opened up about his differences with Sumbul, the Pyar Ke Saat Vachan Dharampantii actor was quizzed about his best frienda in the industry. And much to everyone's surprise, Fahmaan didn't name Sumbul.

This happened during his recent interview with India Forums wherein he was asked to name his three best friends in the industry. To this, Fahmaan replied, "What happens is when you doing a show it keeps changing. The people you are working with if your compatibility is very good that's when you do a good job with them. Today, Gurpreet, Aditi and Ashita. Aaj ki date me main unko sbse zyada phone karta hu".

Earlier, Fahmaan had mentioned that he has been trying to resolve the differences with Sumbul, however, the latter isn't responding to it. He mentioned that he did try calling her and her family on the occasion of Eid. But neither of them answered his call and he was quite upset with this ignorance.

Talking about the work front, Fahmaan is currently seen playing the lead role in Pyar Ke Saat Vachan Dharampantii with Kritika Singh. Besides, he has also been approached for Ghum Hain Kisikey Pyar Meiin for the lead role post leap. And while Fahmaan confirmed about the talks being on, he emphasized that nothing has been finalized. If the reports turned out to be true, Fahmaan will be seen sharing the screen with Sumbul's best friend Ulka Gupta in the show.
SuMaan Fight: There was a time when almost everyone wanted a friendship like that of Fahmaan Khan and Sumbul Touqeer Khan in their life. Ever since the duo became buddies on the sets of Gul Khan's Star Plus show Imlie, fans started shipping them as SuMaan and were sure that their bond is for life,

However, in the past few weeks, SuMaan fans have been going through many unexpected things as Fahmaan finally confirmed their fallout with Sumbul in an explosive interview leaving everyone shocked.

FALLOUT OF FAHMAAN KHAN AND SUMBUL TOUQEER KHAN

In the interview, Fahmaan Khan revealed how their bond started changing after Sumbul's exit from Bigg Boss 16 when the actress' father told her that he didn't support her much during the controversial reality show. Later, things got worse when Sumbul and her father refused to be a part of his friend Tabish's music video Beirada.

So far, Sumbul Touqeer Khan hasn't spoken much about the whole issue. Tonight (June 8), she's attending the Iconic Awards 2023 in Mumbai. On the red carpet, she interacted with the media and was asked if she tried to clarify issues with Fahmaan amid their ongoing fallout.

Anupamaa: Muskan Bamne Aka Pakhi QUITTING Rupali Ganguly's Show? Actress Reveals 'There Was Some Issue...'

NEW ENTRY In Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, THIS Actor Joins Harshad-Pranali's Show As Another VILLAIN?

SUMBUL TOUQEER KHAN ON CLARIFYING ISSUES WITH FAHMAAN KHAN

However, she refused it and stated that there was nothing to clarify. Sumbul said, "Nahi, mujhe nahi lagta mujhe koi clarification dene ki zaroorat hai. Mujhe jab dena tha, maine de diya. Abhi mujhe nahi dena."

Well, it looks like the popular Bigg Boss 16 star is not going to talk openly about the ongoing controversy and it's totally understandable. So far, even Sumbul's father has stayed mum on the whole matter.

For the unversed, Sumbul essayed the titular role in Gul Khan's hit show Imlie co-starring Gashmeer Mahajani. After Gashmeer's decision to leave the show, Fahmaan made his entry as the new male lead Aryan Singh Rathore and got a humongous response from fans.

Also, viewers instantly fell in love with their onscreen chemistry and even paired them off-screen too, affectionately referring to them as SuMaan. Here's hoping that they'll soon sort out their differences and reunite at least for the sake of their fans.

Keep watching this space for more updates!
Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum off air date: Tina Datta and Jay Bhanushali's show has been making waves, courtesy of the wedding track. After keeping the audience waiting for Surili and Shivendra's union, the makers have finally introduced the sequence, which is focusing on their wedding.

SHIV-SURILI'S WEDDING IN HUM RAHE NA RAHE HUM

Tina Datta and Jay Bhanushali's sizzling chemistry has captured the attention of the netizens. The show often finds a spot in the list of top trends on Twitter. Tina aka Surili's wedding look was inspired by Alia Bhatt's bridal look from RanLia's marriage.

We had exclusively reported about the same in one of our reports. A source spilled the beans about the look and said "Tina Datta's wedding look has been specially curated keeping in mind Alia Bhatt's bridal avatar. She has donned a beautiful saree, pairing it with elegant jewelry. We have to say that she carried off the entire look with grace and panache. The makers and the entire team are excited for the viewers to see the upcoming episodes."

TINA DATTA'S HUM RAHA NA RAHE HUM TO GO OFF AIR?

According to a report in Tellychakkat, Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum is under the scanner and it will soon bid adieu to the viewers. The rumour spread like wildfire on the internet, leaving everyone shocked.

When we contacted our source to know if the rumours are true, the khabri quipped, "Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum is not going off air anytime soon. Yes, the numbers are low but the makers are confident that the show will pick pace after the wedding track. However, it is confirmed that the show will make way for Kaun Banega Crorepati 15 when Amitabh Bachchan returns to the small screen. It will most probably get a new time slot. The channel is yet to take a decision regarding the same."

Amitabh Bachchan's Kaun Banega Crorepati 15 will hit the airwaves in the last week of July or the first week of August 2023. The registration process ended last month and now, the production house is busy selecting the candidates, who will come to Mumbai for the third and fourth rounds.

Talking about Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum, it is the Hindi remake of a popular Turkish series. Despite a promising star cast, the show has not been able to generate decent TRPs. However, it has received critical acclaim from all corners.
Lavanya Tripathi & Varun Tejs Engagement Photo Credit: Gallery

Finally the day of yet another Tollywood's soon-to-be couple Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi's official engagement has dawned upon all of the actor and actress's fans. The couple is said to be exchanging rings in the presence of their immediate family and friends on June 9 in Hyderabad.

The couple enjoyed an elaborate fancy holiday together in the beautiful city of love, Rome, before coming back to India. The rumours about their impending engagement surfaced online when they are in Rome.

Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi Lived-In Together

Reportedly, Varun Tej has become independent and started living separately from his parents- at Nagababu's house, four years ago. He was living in a flat and had been shuttling between Mumbai and Hyderabad to meet up with Lavanya. When Lavanya is in Hyderabad, the duo lived together.

Varun Tej Proposed With A Diamond Rock

The Gandeevadhari Arjun actor reportedly flew down to Bengaluru before the couple jetted off to Rome for a holiday together, before publicly announcing their relationship status. It is learned that Tollywood's tallest actor spent about Rs 25 Lakh on a diamond solitaire for his lady love Lavanya Tripathi. The duo had a dreamy yet personalized proposal moment and Varun was said to have got down on his knees while popping the big question of his life.

Lavanya, who has been waiting for the moment has reportedly jumped at it as she embraced Varun before accepting the ring.

Varun Tej's Work Front

The actor will be next seen in a powerful role as 'Gandeevadhari Arjuna' in the role of Arjun Varma. The movie will hit the screens on August 25.

Lavanya Tripathi's Work Front

Meanwhile, Lavanya, whose recent film was Happy Birthday, a sci-fi comedy thriller in which she played a dual role, has enthralled the viewers with a web series titled Puli Meka. Now, the actress will now be seen in a Tamil movie titled Thanal.
Exhibition commemorating the Pony, Korea's first independently developed car, to be held at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul from June 9

Heritage project also heralds the publication of RETRACE , a book and magazine series celebrating the brand's heritage

, a book and magazine series celebrating the brand's heritage Opening celebration took place on June 7 with VIPs and members of Hyundai who enabled the creation of Pony

SEOUL, South Korea, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company today announced its first heritage exhibition 'PONY, the timeless' at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul. The exhibition is presented as part of the newly launched Hyundai Heritage project that reflects on the past and future of the brand, and will open to the general public from June 9. The project also heralds the publication of RETRACE, a collection book and magazine series that celebrates the brand's heritage.

The opening celebration took place on June 7 with VIP guests from various industries, including art, fashion, and architecture. The event included presentations about Hyundai's Heritage project, the exhibition, and the RETRACE Series, and also featured a performance from the band Jannabi.

Joining the event were Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and many former members of Hyundai who enabled the creation of Pony.

The exhibition follows the inaugural Hyundai Reunion event in Lake Como, Italy in May, where the restored Pony Coupe Concept was unveiled nearly 50 years after its debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show.

'PONY, the timeless' emphasizes Hyundai's human-centered philosophy that was established by the company's Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung. The exhibition is an opportunity to see how Hyundai Motor got started and grew over the years alongside the development of the country. Visitors are guided through Pony's timeline from multiple angles in terms of historical background, archiving, design and philosophy.

Hyundai Motor has been actively communicating its brand heritage in various formats, including the Pony documentary film 'The Next Chapter' released earlier this month. The company also newly released the film 'A Pony Tale' about a young man in the Netherlands who still drives the Pony for his daily commutes.

'PONY, the timeless' exhibition will be open to public until August 6 at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul, and tickets can be reserved here.

More information about Hyundai Motor can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2095506/230608_______________________1.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyundai-motor-opens-heritage-exhibition-pony-the-timeless-and-introduces-retrace-the-heritage-publication-series-301845144.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 7, 2023) - Toronto Cleantech Capital Inc. (TSXV: YAY.P) ("TCC"), a capital pool company, is pleased to announce that it entered into a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") with Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd. ("THS") on May 8, 2023. The LOI outlines the general terms and conditions pursuant to which TCC and THS expect to effect a business combination that will result in TCC acquiring all of the issued and outstanding securities of THS in exchange for securities of TCC and will result in a reverse take-over of TCC by THS (the "Proposed Transaction"), as described below. The Proposed Transaction will constitute a "Qualifying Transaction" of TCC under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), as such term is defined in Exchange Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies ("Policy 2.4").

The Qualifying Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, TCC, THS and THS' parent entity, THS L.P. (the "LP"), will negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement (a "Definitive Agreement") and other transaction documentation, incorporating the principal terms of the LOI. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, TCC will have acquired 100% ownership of THS and the business of THS will become the business of the entity resulting from the Proposed Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer"). Pursuant to the Proposed Transaction, the existing shareholders of THS immediately prior to the Proposed Transaction will receive such number of common shares of TCC ("TCC Shares") equal to the value of, and in exchange for, the common shares of THS ("THS Shares") held by such shareholder, which is expected to be 2.874 TCC Shares for every one THS Share.

For the purposes of the Proposed Transaction, the deemed value of each TCC Share shall be $0.184 per share based on the Issue Price of the Concurrent Financing (as such terms are defined below). The value of THS is anticipated to be $4,708,931, based on 8,903,733 THS Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Proposed Transaction. It is anticipated that THS shareholders will represent 45.61% of the shareholders of the Resulting Issuer and TCC shareholders will represent the remainder.

The final structure for the Proposed Transaction is subject to satisfactory due diligence and tax, corporate and securities law advice on the part of both TCC and THS. There is no assurance that a Definitive Agreement will be successfully negotiated or entered into.

Certain common shares of the Resulting Issuer to be issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction are expected to be subject to restrictions on resale or escrow under the policies of the Exchange, including the securities to be issued to "Principals" (as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange), which will be subject to the escrow requirements of the Exchange.

The completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to several conditions, including but not limited to:

Completion of satisfactory due diligence by both parties;

Approval of the Proposed Transaction by the board of directors of THS and TCC;

Receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange; and

Other customary conditions for a transaction of this nature.

Concurrent Financing

In conjunction with, or prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction, TCC will complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Financing"). Pursuant to the Concurrent Financing, TCC is proposing to issue up to 19,021,739 TCC Shares at a price of $0.184 per share (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds of up to $3.5 million.

The proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be used to fund the business of the Resulting Issuer, including general and administrative expenses for the Resulting Issuer, for certain transaction expenses incurred by the parties to-date, including TCC discharging an existing royalty payment obligation, and for general working capital purposes.

No commission, finder's fee or similar payment (whether in the form of cash, securities or an interest in assets) is expected to be paid by TCC in connection with the Concurrent Financing. Additional details of the Concurrent Financing will be outlined in a future press release of TCC.

Proposed Significant Assets

The Proposed Transaction will involve TCC acquiring significant assets in the maple syrup products industry.

Starting as a family-owned maple syrup farm in Knowlton, Quebec, THS was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act in 1976 to package and sell maple products. Forty-four years later, THS continues to grow and in 2019, THS moved to a 50,000 sq ft facility which houses THS' state of the art bottling and labelling plant, distribution centre and corporate offices. With over 100 different products, THS' clients range from travel & tourism, gourmet food and specialty shops to supermarkets.

The parties intend for the Resulting Issuer to continue THS' commitment to sustainability in the Maple Syrup Industry while exploring diversifying its product line and developing new markets domestically and internationally.

The Resulting Issuer will change its name to "Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd." or such other similar name as is determined by the parties and acceptable to applicable regulators.

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will carry on the business of THS, including continuing THS' commitment to sustainability in the maple syrup industry while exploring diversifying its product line and developing new markets domestically and internationally.

Financial highlights of the THS include:

Year End Nov 30, 2022 Nov 30, 2021 Nov 30, 2020 Total Assets $4,626,337 $4,222,248 $5,364,229 Total Liabilities $6,156,224 $4,689,650 $5,289,788 Revenues $7,372,952 $3,227,957 $4,063,295 Net Profit/Losses ($1,062,485) ($700,393) ($1,405,691)

The above financial information was prepared by management of THS as at the dates noted above and are unaudited.

Location and Jurisdiction

THS is incorporated under the laws of Quebec, Canada and its assets are located in Granby, Quebec.

Identification of Non-Arm's Length Parties

In accordance with Policy 2.4, the following individuals are considered "Non-Arm's Length Parties to the Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4):

James Sbrolla, CEO of TCC, is considered a Non-Arm's Length Party (as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange), as he is also a unitholder of the LP.

Eric Beutel, Director of TCC, is considered a Non-Arm's Length Party, as he is also a unitholder and insider of the LP and has a familial relationship with David Beutel, Chairman of THS.

Dimitris Stubos, Corporate Secretary of TCC, is considered a Non-Arm's Length Party, as he is also a unitholder of the LP.

TCC and THS do not have a common control person and related parties of TCC do not own a majority of shares in THS or a majority of units in the LP. Accordingly, the Proposed Transaction will not constitute a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4) and it is not anticipated that the Proposed Transaction will be subject to shareholder approval.

Proposed Directors and Officers of the Resulting Issuer

The board and management of the Resulting Issuer shall be comprised of the following individuals:

David Beutel - Director, Chair

David Beutel is currently Chair of the board of directors of THS. He is also President of Belweather Capital Partners Inc. and Vice President/Secretary of Oakwest Corporation Limited, both private investment companies in Toronto. For over 25 years, David has been working to build smaller, earlier-stage and high growth businesses as a founder, adviser and investor, in Canada and the United States. In addition to THS, David is also non-executive Chairman of Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits, Inc. and of Accord Financial Corp. David holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business (York University).

Eric Beutel - Director

Eric Beutel is a private investor and corporate director having spent over 35 years in the Investment Industry. Eric is President of Debric Holdings Inc. Eric has substantial board experience, serving on several audit, credit and investment committees in the financial, cleantech and retail sectors. He currently sits on the board of TCC, is Chair of the board of directors of Intouch Insight Ltd. and sits as an independent trustee of The Vector Mortgage Trust. Eric also sits on the board of two not-for-profit organisations. Eric holds an MBA from the University of Ottawa.

Ian Anderson - Director

Ian Anderson has been the President of CKF Inc., since June 2009, before accepting this role; he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. CKF Inc. is a plastic packaging and molded pulp product company producing food and protective packaging. CKF operates a global supply chain which services retail, foodservice and consumer products companies from 8 manufacturing plants across North America.

Ian sits as a board member for TCC and The International Molded Fiber Association and is a member of Foodservice Packaging Institute. Ian is a past board member of CHAR Technologies, Stewardship Ontario and Crown Packaging Products Canada. Ian served on the Sustainability Advisory Committee at the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (now CIAC) and was Vice Chair of the Nova Scotia Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

Prior to joining CKF Inc. Ian worked in the packaging industry managing plants and businesses across the Americas and the U.K. He is a native of Hamilton, Ontario and currently resides there.

David Bell - Director

David Bell has more than 30 years experience in corporate banking, investment banking, private equity and as the CFO and co-founder of a private royalty investment company. David currently sits on the board of directors of THS. He holds an MBA from University of Toronto and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Tom Zaffis - CEO

Spanning over 35 years of experience in the Maple Syrup industry, Tom has held leadership positions as Sales Manager, General Manager, COO and eventually President and CEO of Turkey Hill Sugarbush. Graduating from McGill University in Agrology in 1991 and with certificates as a fixed mechanic, Tom holds a strong belief in leading by example. He has provided training to many current industry experts and has been instrumental in designing and developing many systems and packaging that have become industry standards.

Principals or Insiders of the Resulting Issuer

In addition to the forgoing proposed directors and officers, the following are persons that are expected to qualify as Principals or Insiders (as such terms are defined in the policies of the Exchange) of the Resulting Issuer:

Belweather Capital Partners Inc. ("Belweather"), a private investment and advisory company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario is expected to more than 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Resulting Issuer following completion of the Proposed Transaction. Belweather is controlled by David Beutel, who acts as Chair of THS and is expected to act as Chair of the Resulting Issuer.

Debric Holdings Inc.("Debric"), a private investment and advisory company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario is expected to own more than 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Resulting Issuer following completion of the Proposed Transaction. Debric is controlled by Eric Beutel, who sits on the board of TCC and is expected to sit on the board of the Resulting Issuer.

Absence of Control

Following the completion of the Proposed Transaction, there will be no individual, entity, or group of concerted parties in a control position of the Resulting Issuer, as defined by applicable securities regulations.

Finder's Fee

There will be no finder's fee or commission paid in relation to the Proposed Transaction.

Loans made to Turkey Hill

TCC and THS intend to enter into a loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") whereby TCC will lend $250,000 to THS to assist with its ongoing operational costs and expansion initiatives (the "Loan").

Further details pertaining to the Loan Agreement, including its terms will be disclosed in a subsequent press release in accordance with Policy 2.4. The Loan and related Loan Agreement are subject to the approval of the Exchange, in accordance with its policies and procedures.

Trading Halt

Trading of TCC Shares on the Exchange has been halted at TCC's request and will remain halted pending the Exchange's receipt of satisfactory documentation and completion of the Proposed Transaction.

Sponsor

Sponsorship of a "Qualifying Transaction" of a capital pool company is required by the Exchange unless exempt in accordance with Exchange policies. TCC intends to seek a waiver from the sponsorship requirements, subject to the provisions set forth in Exchange's policies. However, there is no assurance that a waiver from this requirement can or will be obtained. In the event a waiver is not granted, TCC will seek to fulfil all sponsorship requirements as stipulated by the Exchange.

About Toronto Cleantech Capital Inc.

Toronto Cleantech Capital Inc. is a capital pool company listed on the Exchange. The company focuses on identifying and evaluating businesses and assets with a view to a potential acquisition by completing a Qualifying Transaction (like the Proposed Transaction).

TCC's share capital consists of 11,500,000 TCC Shares issued and outstanding and 1,150,000 stock options exercisable for TCC Shares at a price of $0.10 each, expiring July 2, 2026, and 200,000 warrants exercisable for TCC Shares at a price of $0.10 each, expiring on June 30, 2023.

About Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd.

Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd. was incorporated under the laws of Quebec, Canada and has been a leader in the maple syrup industry supplying high quality pure maple syrup and maple syrup related products since 1976. Its assets are located in Granby, Quebec.

For further information, please contact:

Toronto Cleantech Capital Inc.

James Sbrolla, CEO

Email: sbrolla@rogers.com

Phone: (416) 828-2077

Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd.

David Beutel, Chairman

1037 Bd Industriel, Granby, QC J2J 2B8, Canada

Email: david@oakwest.ca

Phone: (647) 401-8834

Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements. 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 press release. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events, or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "will", "shall", "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. TCC and THS caution that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the control of TCC and THS. Such forward-looking information may include statements regarding the completion and terms of the Proposed Transaction, the completion and terms of a Definitive Agreement, the value THS and any securities of THS or TCC, the exchange ratio, the terms, amount and timing of the Concurrent Financing and the use of proceeds thereof, completion of the name change of the Resulting Issuer, the composition of the board of directors and management team of the Resulting Issuer, the anticipated principals, insiders and control persons of the Resulting Issuer, the business and strategy of the Resulting Issuer, the terms, payment and repayment of the Loan and the use of the Loan, the resumption of trading of the TCC Shares and the receipt of director, shareholder and regulatory approvals. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to: the ability to satisfy the conditions to completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Concurrent Financing, TCC and THS generally, the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals and general economic and market conditions, including risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 and its impact on general economic and market conditions. 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 any such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. TCC and THS assume no obligation to update forward-looking information in this press release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, unless and until required by applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in TCC's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Statements

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All information contained in this press release with respect to TCC and THS was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169163
The Automation Success Platform launches the first set of innovations and partnerships to securely put generative AI into action across documents, business teams, and developers

LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Automation Anywhere, the #1 leader in cloud-native intelligent automation, today announced 3 major innovations that safely and securely put generative AI to work across the Automation Success Platform to accelerate productivity across businesses and deliver on its mission to help every company build a digital workforce.

In order to meet global GDP targets, businesses will need to increase productivity by an estimated 50 percent, according to McKinsey. As CEOs and board leaders contemplate ways to solve the widening productivity gap, generative AI is arising as a powerful tool in daily life. The Automation Success Platform unlocks the potential of generative AI to drive action across the enterprise, in addition to helping customers ensure responsible use of their AI to the benefit of their employees and stakeholders.

"Every company is in the midst of a productivity crisis. However, the combination of generative AI and automation has given us the power to unlock this next wave of productivity, completely transforming the way we work," said Mihir Shukla, CEO, and Co-Founder, Automation Anywhere. "The Automation Success Platform provides new and creative solution for everyday business challenges beyond chat. It's about doing - from quickly responding to emails to generating new automations on-demand."

Automation Anywhere Puts Generative AI into Action to Accelerate Impact

Generative AI is now infused across the entire Automation Success Platform, bringing together the productivity gains of automation and compounding them with AI, making the path to ROI faster than ever. And because the Automation Success Platform is uniquely architected to be fully open and extensible, companies can leverage any best-of-breed LLMs with flexibility to support use-cases most valuable to a business. With this initial announcement come three key innovations:

Automation Co-Pilot + Generative AI for Business Users

Last year, we announced Automation Co-Pilot - an automation assistant embedded into any application. Now Automation Co-Pilot is GPT-powered, accelerating team productivity even more by enabling them to action any generative AI use-case across any system, from creating and summarizing content to sending emails and providing recommendations.

Automation Co-Pilot + Generative AI for Automators

Automation Co-Pilot is now embedded in the developer experience and connected to generative AI, empowering everyone, from professional developers to business users, to use generative AI to transform conversation into automation and expedite the speed to automation ROI. Users quickly create automations by having a natural language conversation with Automation Co-Pilot, opening up automation development to virtually anyone in an organization.

Document Automation + Generative AI

Document Automation now uses the power of generative AI for fast understanding, extraction and summarization of data from an ever-growing universe of unstructured document types, in addition to structured and semi-structured. More document types means more data can be unlocked. And because it's connected to automation, data can be inserted right into a process workflow without any lifting and shifting.

The Automation Success Platform is built with the highest security, privacy, and compliance standards that support best practices that ensure responsible use for AI. Features include guardrails for what users can and can't do, options for human feedback and oversight, and built-in data privacy measures, making it the perfect partner to ensure AI is used responsibly.

"AI powered roughly 20% of business automation spending in 2022," according to Maureen Fleming, program vice president in IDC's AI and Automation Research Practice. "With generative AI poised to spread across all areas of an enterprise, we are at the very beginning of a cycle that will see generative automation rapidly expand automation opportunities, speed up automation development, and enable users to automate as needed to do their jobs."

The innovation leaps provided by integrating generative AI and automation benefit businesses across industries. The Automation Success Platform, infused with generative AI, is the perfect set of technologies to serve customers in verticals including healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, to streamline operations, improve customer service, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition, meanwhile protecting the ethics and standards of their organization.

Automation Co-Pilot + Generative AI for Business Users is generally available to customers today. An early preview of Automation Co-Pilot + Generative AI for Automators will be available in July with signups open today. And Document Automation + Generative AI will be available in Q3.

To learn more, please visit https://www.automationanywhere.com/products/automation-ai

Interact with Automation Anywhere:

Visit our website: automationanywhere.com

Follow us on Twitter: @AutomationAnywh

Explore with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automation_anywhere/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-anywhere

About Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere is the No. 1 cloud automation platform, delivering automation and process intelligence solutions across all industries to automate end-to-end business processes for the fastest path to enterprise transformation. The company offers the world's only cloud-native platform combining RPA, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics to automate repetitive tasks and build enterprise agility, freeing up humans to pivot to the next big idea and build deeper customer relationships that drive business growth. For additional information, visit www.automationanywhere.com.

Automation Anywhere is a registered trademark/service mark of Automation Anywhere, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' marks are the property of their respective owners.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541440/Automation_Anywhere_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automation-anywhere-launches-automation--generative-ai-to-accelerate-productivity-across-every-team-301845785.html


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - GameStop Corp. disclosed that its Board of Directors has elected Ryan Cohen as Executive Chairman, effective immediately. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the video game retailer said its Board on June 5 terminated Matthew Furlong as President and Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.



The announcement comes as the company reported a narrower loss in its first quarter, but below market estimates, amid weak revenues.



Following the news, GameStop shares plunged around 19.2 percent in the extended trading on the NYSE.



As per the filing, Furlong was no longer employed by GameStop Texas Ltd., GameStop, or any of their affiliates. He will be entitled to receive the payments and benefits associated with a termination without cause.



Furlong also resigned as a director of the company, effective immediately. The company noted that Furlong's resignation did not result from any disagreement with it on any matter relating to the operations, policies or practices.



In connection with Furlong's resignation, the Board reduced its size to five. Additionally, the Board appointed Cohen as Executive Chairman and Alain Attal as the Lead Independent Director of the Board.



Regarding Cohen, the company said the responsibilities include capital allocation, evaluating potential investments and acquisitions, and overseeing management.



Further, the Board appointed Mark Robinson as the company's General Manager as well as principal executive officer. He will report directly to Cohen. Robinson will continue to serve in his roles as the General Counsel and Secretary of the company.



In its first quarter, GameStop reported net loss of $50.5 million, or $0.17 per share, compared to prior year's loss of $157.9 million or $0.52 per share.



Adjusted loss was $42.3 million or $0.14 per share for the period. Analysts on average had expected the company to report loss of $0.12 per share, according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.



The company's revenue for the quarter fell 10.1 percent to $1.24 billion from $1.38 billion last year.



On Wednesday's regular trading, GameStop shares closed at $26.11, up 5.75 percent. However, in the after hours trading, the shares fell 19.2 percent to trade at $21.09.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Das sind die KI-Gewinner Der kostenlose Report zur KI-Revolution: Diese 5 Aktien mussen auf Ihre Watchlist! Hier klicken
Conditions of availability of the preparatory documents

Regulatory News:

ESI Group, Rungis, France, (Paris:ESI) (ISIN Code: FR0004110310, Symbol: ESI) hereby informs its shareholders that the Combined General Meeting of the company will be held on Thursday, June 29th, 2023, at 3:00 pm (CET) at the company's headquarters, 3 bis rue Saarinen, Batiment Le Seville, 94528 Rungis Cedex.

In order to promote shareholder dialogue, shareholders are invited to send their questions by email to investors@esi-group.com, until June 27, 2023.

The notice of meeting, including the agenda and the draft resolutions to be submitted to the vote of the shareholders, was published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) on May 24, 2023. The notice of meeting will be published in the BALO and in a legal gazette on June 14, 2023.

The information for the meeting referred to in Article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code may be consulted and downloaded from the company's website: https://investors.esi-group.com/shareholders-meeting

The documents and information referred to in Article R.225-83 of the French Commercial Code are available to shareholders at the above-mentioned Internet address.

Upcoming event

Annual General meeting June 29, 2023

Half year results 2023 September 14 th , 2023

, 2023 The Group will organize an investor's conference in early Fall 2023 and will give an update on the plan

About ESI Group

Founded in 1973, ESI Group envisions a world where Industry commits to bold outcomes, addressing high stakes concerns environmental impact, safety comfort for consumers and workers, and adaptable and sustainable business models. ESI provides reliable and customized solutions anchored on predictive physics modeling and virtual prototyping expertise to allow industries to make the right decisions at the right time while managing their complexity. Acting principally in automotive land transportation, aerospace, defense naval, and heavy industry, ESI is present in more than 18 countries, employs 1000 people around the world, and reported 2022 sales of 130 million. ESI is headquartered in France and is listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris.

For further information, go to www.esi-group.com.

https://www.esi-group.com/company/who-we-are

Follow ESI

http://www.esi-group.com/linkedin

http://www.esi-group.com/facebook

http://www.esi-group.com/twitter

http://www.esi-group.com/youtube

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230607005942/en/

Contacts:

ESI Group

Florence Barre

investors@esi-group.com

+33 1 49 78 28 28

orson. Press Shareholder Relations

Gael Durand-Perdriel

gael.durand-perdriel@orson.ai

+ 33 7 85 63 63 19
Press release - Regulated information

Sainte-Marie, June 8, 2023, 10:45 a.m.

COMBINED GENERAL MEETING OF JUNE 7, 2023

Approval of all resolutions submitted by the Board of Directors

Geraldine Neyret Gleizes joins the Board of Directors as a Director and is appointed Group Chief Executive Officer by the Board

Renewal of Mr. Eric Wuillai's term of office as Chairman of the Board of Directors

Payment of dividend of 0.24 euro per share on June 15 in cash

The Combined General Meeting of CBo Territoria shareholders, held on June 7 in Sainte-Marie (La Reunion) under the chairmanship of Mr. Eric Wuillai, approved all the resolutions presented by the Board of Directors with a quorum of 43.66% for the ordinary part and 43.40% for the extraordinary part, including in particular:

the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2022, the appropriation of net income for the year, and the distribution of a dividend of 0.24 euro per share, to go ex-dividend on June 13 and be paid fully in cash on June 15, 2023,

the resolutions relating to the compensation of the Board of Directors' officers and members, including censors,

the appointment of Geraldine Neyret Gleizes as director, the renewal of Jerome Goblet's term of office as director and Harold Cazal's term of office as censor,

and the renewal of financial delegations of competence granted to the Board of Directors.

Shareholders dismissed resolutions that were submitted by a shareholder requesting an option for dividend payment in shares and were not approved by the Board of Directors.

Appointment of Geraldine Neyret Gleizes as Chief Executive Officer

Following the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors convened today and decided to dissociate the functions of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. The Board appointed Geraldine Neyret Gleizes as Chief Executive Officer and renewed Eric Wuillai's term of office as Chairman of the Board of Directors, with effect from today.

Commenting on her appointment, Geraldine Neyret Gleizes added: "I extend my thanks to the members of the Board of Directors for their support, and to Eric Wuillai for his guidance at this juncture. Since my appointment in 2020, I have come to recognize the vitality of Reunion Island and the relevance of the Group's development strategy, which is both a source of dynamism and growth in economic terms, but also committed to environmental and social issues. I am determined to pursue the course skillfully set by Eric Wuillai, together with the CBo Territoria's teams to meet new challenges in an increasingly demanding environment."

Geraldine Neyret Gleizes (40), a graduate of ESSEC Business School, has occupied positions within the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Group for almost 14 years. She began her career in property investment in the Office division France, before leading the development of the So Ouest shopping center in Levallois-Perret, which was delivered in 2012. In 2013, she was appointed Head of Office Investments France, in charge of asset management for the Group's office portfolio and disposal policy. In 2017, she was appointed Head of Operations France where she implemented the value creation strategy for the property investment company's 20 or so major shopping centers. In August 2020, she was appointed Deputy Managing Director at CBo Territoria.

Eric Wuillai, Chairman of CBo Territoria's Board of Directors, commented: "Today I feel both proud and privileged. Proud of the work accomplished over the past 20 years as Chairman of CBo Territoria to contribute to Reunion Island's economic development and privileged to hand over the reins to Geraldine Neyret Gleizes, who has been developing the Group alongside me for nearly three years, driven by the same passion and professionalism that unites our employees."

CBo Territoria's Board of Directors presently comprises 9 members and is supported by a censor. Women represent 55% of the Board of Directors and the proportion of independent members is 44%.

Detailed voting results and the minutes of the Combined General Meeting will be accessible on the CBo Territoria website under Finance/Regulated information.

2023 financial calendar

First half 2023 results: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 (after trading hours)

About CBo Territoria (FR0010193979, CBOT)

CBo Territoria, a leading real estate player in Reunion Island for nearly 20 years, has shifted into a multi-regional real estate company specializied in commercial assets (300.6 million as of December 2022, i.e. 81% of its portfolio). The Group, which operates across the entire property value chain (land and property developer and investment property), is developing thanks to its land reserves but also by acquiring land to be developed. CBo Territoria finances its growth strategy through development activities (either residential or tertiary) and, through the scheduled sale of its residual residential assets to the social and intermediate housing landlord SHLMR.

CBo Territoria is a property investment company listed on Euronext Paris (compartment C) that is eligible for the PEA PME scheme.

Responsible and committed to more sustainable property development from its inception, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is by nature in the company's DNA. Its commitment and actions have been recognised by the Gaia-Index, the French benchmark index of the most virtuous small and micaps in terms of CSR. Since joining the index in 2016, CBo Territoria has remained at the top of its category.

More information on cboterritoria.com

(visit our new website)

INVESTORS Contact persons

Caroline Clapier - Chief Financial Officer - direction@cboterritoria.com

Agnes Villeret - Komodo - Tel: 06 83 28 04 15 - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com

PRESS Contact persons

Finance - Agnes Villeret - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com

Corporate - Paris: Dina Morin - dmorin@capvalue.fr

La Reunion: Catherine Galatoire - cgalatoire@cboterritoria.com

------------------------

This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ".

- SECURITY MASTER Key:

l22bZsaZkmyUmZ1tYZuWmJJmaphmlWfJl2WcxGeeY8iYcHBhmJuUbJiaZnFhmGpo

- Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com.

------------------------



 Copyright Actusnews Wire

Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free

Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-80352-cbot_cp-post-ag-2023-v8062023_ang-vdef.pdf
SES Space Defense to provide Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) services for field-deployed AWS Modular Data Center units and one-hop connectivity to AWS Regions

SES Space Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, today announced the availability of flexible, secure, and reliable satellite-powered network connectivity for AWS Modular Data Center.

AWS Modular Data Center makes it easy for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to deploy modular data centers managed by Amazon Web Services (AWS) in infrastructure-limited locations. In February 2023, AWS announced the availability of AWS Modular Data Center to the DoD under the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) contract.

Leveraging SES's multi-orbit, multi-band global fleet of satellites with AWS Modular Data Center, defense customers can access low-latency, cloud-based applications and services securely in Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments through a dedicated network connection to AWS Regions. The U.S. DoD customers will also be able to leverage SES's second-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation, O3b mPOWER, designed with an open architecture approach in space, ground, and user terminal allowing users to bring their own modems/waveform. The introduction of O3b mPOWER system later this year further pushes industry benchmarks, delivering high-performance connectivity services ranging from tens of megabits to multiple gigabits per second for DoD customers.

Leveraging SES' Cloud Direct offering, SES Space Defense can enable connectivity between field-deployed AWS Modular Data Center and AWS Regions, allowing one-hop connection between essential cloud services at the tactical edge and a broader set of cloud services in AWS Regions. Customers operating in DDIL environments can utilize SES's satellite connectivity to support temporary AWS Modular Data Center deployments or as an interim connectivity solution for AWS Modular Data Center deployments, enabling customers to deploy workloads immediately upon the delivery of AWS Modular Data Center. Alternatively, if AWS Modular Data Center is utilizing terrestrial connectivity, customers can use SES's satellite connectivity to provide network redundancy for mission-critical workloads.

President and CEO of SES Space Defense David Fields said, "Our multi-orbit, multi-band satellite network delivers direct low-latency connectivity to AWS Regions, enabling mission success at the tactical edge. In a network-enabled battlefield, the ability to rapidly and securely extend cloud and edge computing into a tactical ecosystem in real time is critical to our warfighters in theatre."

Follow us on:

Twitter Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Instagram

Read our Blogs

Visit the Media Gallery

About SES Space Defense

SES Space Defense is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, the leader in global content connectivity solutions, and is exclusively focused on building, managing, and supporting the most advanced satellite network solutions for the U.S. Government. SES Space Defense leverages a proven multi-operator network integration and management capability, an extensive global terrestrial network, as well as access to SES's multi-orbit satellite fleet. It also offers U.S. Department of Defense customers the essential tools in cybersecurity for mission-critical operations, coupled with a proven track record in governance and compliance. SES Space Defense operates under a proxy board, enabling it to support classified projects, and it has been present in the U.S. Government satcom market for over four decades. Further information can be found at: www.sessd.com.

About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world's only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world's leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES's video network carries ~8,000 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 369 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230607005952/en/

Contacts:

For further information please contact:

Melanie Delannoy

SES Space Defense

Vice President, Marketing Communications

Tel. +1 571 443 7993

melanie.delannoy@sessd.com




Over 100 years of crop nutrition knowledge will be made available to third parties with YaraFX Insight to help drive the transition towards more sustainable agriculture.

Farmers worldwide can now benefit from these capabilities to increase yields on the digital platform of their choice.

Berlin 08.06.2023: Yara International ASA today announced at the 4th World Intelligent Farming Summit, that the company is opening its AgTech portfolio up to third parties through the new agricultural API-solution, YaraFX Insight. The tool will make recommendations based on Yara's more than 100 years of crop nutrition knowledge, global field trials and over 800 agronomists worldwide, available for integration into third-party digital platforms.

- It is crucial that we collaborate to farm more sustainably, reduce global emissions, maximize yields, and ensure that farmers can prosper. The industry is moving towards stronger collaborations with partners and building interconnectivity between digital services. Yara wants to support as many farmers around the world as possible in growing a nature positive food future, regardless of what platform they chose, says Victoria Pace, VP Yara AgTech.

YaraFX Insight is an API-based solution that enables farmers worldwide to access Yara's industry leading crop-nutrition knowledge in platform of their choice, offered by Yara's partners. Yara has developed a portfolio of agronomic, science, and data-based tools, including crop nutrition plans, variable-rate nitrogen application maps, on-field analysis tools, and biomass monitoring maps.

Approximately five million farmers use Yara's digital products. Now, these features can be integrated into the platforms of other leading AgTech providers. This advancement will open the door for newly connected farmers to benefit from industry leading insights, ultimately making it easier for them to improve nutrient use efficiency, crop yield, soil health, and profitability.

- We aim to cover 150 million hectares with our digital services by 2025. The key driver behind this is to support as many farmers as possible to improve their yields based on science and our industry leading crop nutrition knowledge. With YaraFX Insight, we enable a collaborative approach to do so within the growing AgTech industry, says Marcus Birke, Head of Product, AgTech APIs, Yara International.

Yara launched YaraFX Insight Ag-API offering at the 4th World Intelligent Farming Summit in Berlin, where the company also held a keynote on how to put the EU farm to fork strategy into action.

Contacts

Marius Wrhaug Madsen

Press contact

M: +47 977 23 199

E: marius.madsen@yara.com

Marcus Birke

Head of Product, AgTech APIs

marcus.birke@yara.com

Full size photos of YaraFX Insight

Picture 1- Picture 2

About Yara

Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger and a planet respected, we pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions. Yara's ambition is focused on growing a nature positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain.

To achieve our ambition, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through our focus on clean ammonia production, we aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertilizer production and other energy intensive industries.

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry's only global crop nutrition company. We operate an integrated business model with around 17,500 employees and operations in 60 countries, with a proven track record of strong returns. In 2022, Yara reported revenues of USD 24.1 billion.
MANILA, June 8, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The heightened state of cyberattacks in the Philippines calls for a collective nationwide action on the development and adoption of the latest cybersecurity innovations. While 43% of the private organisations have increased fund allocations to cybersecurity, the Philippines still needs an inclusive platform to accommodate the diverse requirements hailing from both private and public sector.In tune with the same, the country's most renowned cybersecurity event, PhilSec is coming back to Manila on 4 - 5 July 2023. The platform has made quite a reputation in just a short span of 2 years for attracting the biggest names and leaders from across key Government Bodies, Army and private organisations. Capitalizing on repeated success, this year's edition is going to be way grander as promised by the organizing body, Tradepass.To encourage the best participation and aid the platform in achieving its desired objectives, CyberSecurity Philippines CERT and Women in Security Alliance Philippines (WiSAP) have confirmed their full support and joined as the Association Partners for the event.The Chairman & President of Women in Security Alliance Philippines (WiSAP), Mel Migrino after participating in last year's edition had commented, "The way the whole event is planned and organized is actually really nice, it has a very good selection of speakers and the different topics that the event wants to showcase caters to the industry really well." It's perhaps the reason why WiSAP has stepped forward as the Association Partner for PhilSec 2023.While the 2-day event is going to power some really intriguing sessions on the most innovative, cutting-edge topics taken by cybersecurity's most influential thought leaders, there will also be a third day - 6 July 2023 that is set aside to host the region's most awaited Awards show, PhilSec Awards 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.The platform is also going to feature a high-voltage exhibition arena decked up with the most trending, latest cybersecurity solutions that will be projected by the industry's front runners. Organisations that have already reserved their exhibition space include Recorded Future, CrowdStrike, BeyondTrust, Fortanix, Riskrecon, AppSealing, SANS Institute, ThriveDX, Swimlane, Synology, BlueVoyant, Parasoft, YesWeHack, GTIS, Netskope, M.Tech and Symantec.With the event going to host 700+ pre-qualified cybersecurity delegates, the above mentioned organizations will go all out with their efforts to be on top of their game. These delegates include the top C-suite professionals, policy makers, biggest buyers, heads of various technology divisions and many more key decision makers from the leading public & private enterprises across the Philippines.One of the key speakers at PhilSec last year who also graced the ribbon-cutting for the same, Mary Rose E. Magsaysay (CICSO, Deputy Executive Director, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center) expressed her amazement at the line-up of cybersecurity solution providers at the platform, "So I was going around the vendors' side and I was surprised to see that there were quite a lot of vendors. I got to talk to a lot of them and they were really different. I haven't heard the kind of solutions they had as they were very unique."Being the foremost event in the country for cybersecurity, the platform is now looked upon for addressing critical business challenges, forging strategic partnerships and imparting the latest intel on the most pressing topics.Experiencing the impact and glamour of last year's edition, Mary has once again confirmed her participation as one of the most crucial speakers at PhilSec 2023.While the charm of the platform has been quite magnetic, resulting in the repeated participation from speakers, Carlos Tengkiat (CISO, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation) part of the same bandwagon expressed, "PhilSec is actually very good because it brings people together to collaborate and also the industry players to showcase their solutions which can secure our infrastructure and keep us in line with the new developments in technology and security."Organizer and CEO of Tradepass, Sudhir Jena expressed, "PhilSec 2023 will bring together all the best names from Philippines' cybersecurity under one roof, thereby posing a networking opportunity like none other. Also, considering the enormous response we receive every year for participating at the platform, we are quite confident that this year's edition will power a united front with the public and private sector standing tall against threat actors."For more information about the event, log on to: https://philsecsummit.com/About TradepassProviding access to the global emerging markets, Tradepass brings together people, products and solutions to power events for unparalleled business and networking opportunities. Being the most accredited event company, it helps organizations: enter new markets, grow sales pipeline, close prospects, raise capital and identify the right solution-providers.As a deal facilitator, Tradepass is always determined about exposing the most agile liquid growth markets, to enable all-round scalability and growth.Media contact:Shrinkhal SharadPR & Communication Leadshrinkhals@tradepassglobal.com+ (91) 80 6166 4401TradepassSource: TradepassCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
BASEL, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / SEKAI , known for its patented AI technology used by Fortune 500 companies, and Dragonlabz , a Swiss-based venture studio, have come together to propel Parso - an innovative data interoperability platform that uses patented technology to redefine productivity and data accessibility across industry sectors. Parso is designed to serve a shared economy for everyone. From individual innovators to businesses of all scales - small, medium, and large enterprises alike, marking a significant step towards building an efficient, interoperable environment.

Parso CEO and SEKAI Co-founder Bruno Kocher, with a strong background from Fortune 500 companies including Hitachi, shares, "Parso aspires to be a pioneering force in boosting industry-wide overall efficiency to its next level. By integrating SEKAI's patented AI and Web3 capabilities, we are poised to ensure connected data will unlock unseen potential across a multitude of sectors, to solve the most demanding problems in a shared economy."

Improving overall efficiency and reducing the need for resources such as energy and materials, has been a persistent issue, plagued by ineffective data utilization and lack of interoperability. Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain suffer from disjointed data silos, making data-driven decision-making a tedious process.

Parso, leveraging SEKAI's robust experience and Dragonlabz's expertise in launching Web3 digital products, aims to revolutionize how data is being enabled to talk to each other. The platform is designed to bridge the gap between data silos, offering a collaborative environment enabling businesses to generate valuable insights, improve operational efficiency, and innovate rapidly.

Web3, being decentralized and transparent, will play a key role in achieving data interoperability, driving the transition from data ownership to data accessibility. "Web3 is not just a technological evolution; it's the foundational layer to a new era of digital operations and interoperability," adds Kocher.

The Parso team, with a wealth of experience spanning roles as CEO, CDO, and CTO in Fortune 500 companies, and a proven track record at companies like Google, Alibaba, Hitachi, Palantir is ideally equipped to deliver on this mission. Their expertise in AI research, data interoperability, digital transformation, digital twins, knowledge graphs, ontologies, and the industrial metaverse is an invaluable combination of assets.

Dragonlabz CEO, Delzar Khalaf, voices his enthusiasm about the initiative, "The collaboration between SEKAI and Dragonlabz to give life to Parso symbolizes the merging of proven business understanding and revolutionary digital technology. We are excited to see the heights Parso will reach in steering the world into Industry 4.0."

Parso is more than a solution, it's a catalyst for industrial evolution, ready to unlock the potential of data and boost efficiency and problem-solving like never before.

About Parso:

Parso, backed by Dragonlabz and SEKAI, is a data interoperability platform designed to redefine productivity in Industry 4.0. With its patented AI technology and the integration of Web 3, Parso aims to harness unused resources, drive data accessibility, and stimulate collaboration across industries. For more information, please visit https://parso.ai .

Contact :

Masha Beetroot

masha@dragonlabz.com

SOURCE: Dragonlabz Swiss AG







View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/759906/Redefining-Overall-Efficiency-Dragonlabz-SEKAI-push-Web3-Data-Interoperability-with-Parso
Accelerates growth of BlackRock's Credit platform with a complementary acquisition providing clients with access to growth and venture debt lending strategies

BlackRock Inc. (NYSE: BLK) and Kreos Capital ("Kreos") today announced a definitive agreement under which BlackRock will acquire full control of Kreos, a leading provider of growth and venture debt financing to companies in the technology and healthcare industries.

The acquisition of Kreos adds to BlackRock's position as a leading global credit asset manager and advances its ambitions to provide clients with a diverse range of private market investment products and solutions. Kreos complements BlackRock's Global Credit business with a seasoned investment team and successful long-term track record, while the adjacent asset class unlocks additional private debt capabilities for BlackRock's clients to access a larger proportion of the risk/return spectrum.

James Keenan, CIO and Global Head of BlackRock Private Credit, commented:Over the past 20 years, BlackRock has built leading private debt capabilities to help clients achieve a variety of investment goals by aligning proven investment excellence with long term market opportunities. The Kreos team has built a world class investment process and delivered for clients through multiple cycles. Coupled with our expectation that growth and venture lending will figure prominently in the expansion of the global direct lending opportunity set going forward, we believe this is an opportune time to welcome the Kreos team to BlackRock

Stephan Caron, Head of EMEA Private Debt at BlackRock, commented: "Private debt investing has become an increasingly important component of investors' portfolios. BlackRock's recent Global Private Market Survey found that more than half of respondents plan to increase their private credit holdings in 2023. Current market dynamics have made private credit an attractive asset class as investors focus on its income generation, low volatility, portfolio diversification and its low defaults versus public markets. The addition of this high-quality team, with an excellent track record across multiple market cycles, creates an opportunity for BlackRock to offer a larger proportion of the risk/return spectrum to investors globally."

Marten Vading, Co-founder and General Partner at Kreos Capital, commented: "As a pioneer of private debt solutions for high growth technology and healthcare companies in Europe and Israel, Kreos is now taking the next step by accelerating the business and partnering with BlackRock. The transaction enables us to leverage BlackRock's scale, resources, and technology to create a holistic product offering that serves innovative companies globally."

Raoul Stein and Ross Ahlgren, Co-founders, and General Partners at Kreos Capital, commented: "We are excited to see BlackRock's continued commitment to private debt in general, and growth lending specifically. The combination of BlackRock and Kreos will provide a wide range of credit solutions to the growth ecosystem. The acquisition of Kreos by BlackRock is a testimony to the strength and importance of the innovation and technology sectors to the world's leading asset manager."

Since its inception in 1998, Kreos Capital has committed more than 5.2 billion across more than 750 transactions in 19 countries, to more than 550 pan-European and Israeli high-growth companies in the technology and healthcare sectors. In technology, the firm has invested across fintech, enterprise software, cybersecurity, semiconductors, digital marketing, AI, and other sub-sectors. In healthcare, it has backed companies in areas such as drug and treatment development, medical products and devices, and healthcare tech.

Kreos is headquartered in London and its 45-person team, which will join BlackRock as part of the transaction, has demonstrated strong performance over a 24-year track record. Kreos' investment team will integrate into BlackRock's European Private Debt platform and current Kreos leadership will continue to be responsible for executing on the firm's proven investment strategies.

The transaction, which is expected to close in Q3 2023, is subject to customary regulatory and closing conditions. The financial impact of the transaction is not material to BlackRock earnings.

Moelis Company acted as exclusive financial adviser and Goodwin Procter London provided legal advice to Kreos Capital. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher Flom provided legal advice to BlackRock.

About BlackRock

BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate

About Kreos Capital

Kreos Capital is the leading venture and growth debt provider in Europe and Israel, backing high-growth companies through every stage of their lifecycle. Kreos targets investments in all areas of the Technology and Healthcare sectors, and, to date, has committed 5.2 billion in more than 750 transactions, across 19 countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005113/en/

Contacts:

Media

EMEA

Venetia Varney

+44 7776 496863

venetia.varney@blackrock.com

Americas

Christopher Beattie

+1 (646) 231-8518

christopher.beattie@blackrock.com

Investor Relations

Caroline Rodda

+1 (212) 810-3442

Caroline.Rodda@blackrock.com
As the largest vehicle rental company in Switzerland, Europcar's fleet encompasses 5,500 vehicles including small cars, family vans, luxury sedans, commercial vehicles, convertibles and more. With over 90 locations, Europcar provides convenient pick-up and drop-off stations throughout Switzerland.

Europcar Switzerland has chosen to work with BringOz' logistics platform as part of its overall efforts to digitize internal processes and achieve the following goals:

Automate and Optimize Vehicle Movements: BringOz digitizes vehicle movements and matches vehicle supply with consistently changing demand. The Europcar team will plan, execute and monitor vehicle transfer across all locations.

Streamline Processes and Maximize Resources: The Europcar team will streamline processes, save time and reduce costs by increasing the efficiency of vehicle transfers with consolidation and better use of resources.

Improve Team Productivity and Drive Revenue Growth: The Europcar team will focus more time on high-value responsibilities allowing them to increase market share and revenue, and less need for time-consuming ancillary administrative work.

"We are proud to partner with Europcar on this initiative. As a new frontier for the team this partnership has been valuable in digging deeper into the challenges of the rental car industry globally. We look forward to continuing to help Europcar improve their operations and customer experience," said Doron Bakchy, CEO of BringOz.

Hendrik Lutjens, Managing Director of Europcar Switzerland added, "With the help of BringOz, we will be able to streamline our transfer operations and optimize our workflows. It will allow us to have a complete paperless and digital process, be more efficient and ultimately provide our customers with a faster and more diverse service. We are confident that our partnership with BringOz will be a game-changer for our business, and we look forward to working closely together to drive success and growth."

About Europcar

Europcar is the leading rental car provider in Europe and an average fleet of 200,000 vehicles and 6 million rental car users in over 130 countries worldwide. As the largest car rental company in Switzerland, Europcar offers 5,500 vehicles at over 90 locations throughout the country. Europcar Switzerland is part of the AMAG Group.

For more information about Europcar Switzerland, visit https://www.europcar.ch.

About BringOz

BringOz provides an end-to-end delivery management system enabling organizations to address their delivery and distribution needs.

For more information, contact chen@bringoz.com. To learn more about BringOz, visit www.bringoz.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005126/en/

Contacts:

chen@bringoz.com
New study analyses Europe's progress towards carbon neutrality using cutting-edge energy systems models to evaluate the latest changes in energy policy and technology costs

BRUSSELS, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Carbon-Free Europe (CFE) released its latest Annual Decarbonisation Perspective in partnership with Evolved Energy Research, which provides annual insights into Europe's progress towards carbon neutrality by using cutting-edge energy systems models to evaluate the latest changes in energy policy and technology costs.

This year's analysis delivers guidance on current EU policies including the Net-Zero Industry Act, Electricity Market Design reform, National Energy and Climate Plans, investment strategy for the Green Deal Industrial Plan, and 2040 targets. Results outline the technology-inclusive direction Europe must pursue in order to achieve climate commitments.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine underscored the energy supply and price crisis that comes as a result of Europe's reliance on fossil fuels. CFE's analysis demonstrates how the EU's Fit for 55 and REPowerEU have laid the groundwork to quit Russian natural gas and outlines a path forward to accelerate the energy transition while ensuring energy sovereignty in Europe.

Key Takeaways

Ukraine can become a unique contributor of both clean electricity and hydrogen to the rest of Europe, adding almost 100 GWs of new wind and solar by 2050, or almost 20% of today's EU renewable capacity. The EU will need to build new infrastructure-electricity grids, hydrogen pipelines, and CO2 pipelines-at unprecedented rates to sustain a clean energy economy, requiring faster siting, permitting, and financing of projects. It is imperative for the EU to facilitate near-term financing and RD&D support for innovative technologies necessary for long-term decarbonisation. Encouraging flexibility (e.g. through Electricity Market Design reform and updating rate design to account for system-wide costs) is critical to the reliable and affordable operations of a clean power grid. Some countries will max out the usage of their renewable resource potential, underscoring the importance of long-term planning for resource constraints and land availability.

"Carbon-Free Europe's Annual Decarbonisation Perspective underscores that Europe is capable of meeting its climate and energy goals without regressing to fossil fuels despite the current energy and cost crisis," said CFE co-founder Lindsey Walter. "As policymakers develop and finalise components of the GDIP, they should prioritise the technology-inclusive approach our modelling outlines to ensure Europe not only secures its energy independence, but also cements its global competitiveness in the clean energy marketplace."

"An efficient, effective path to net-zero by 2050 will rest on balancing short and long-term strategic planning in the EU," said CFE Senior Research Advisor Isabelle Chan. "As countries work toward embedding new climate targets within their NECP revisions, such as under the Fit for 55 package and REPowerEU, they must also take into account renewable resource potential and quality, societal barriers, land-use constraints, and transboundary energy flows with neighbouring regions in order to be successful. Carbon-Free Europe's latest modelling analysis underscores the importance of this approach and outlines the steps Europe's climate leaders must take to meet this challenge head on."

Last year, Carbon-Free Europe released its first energy systems modelling, which identified five different pathways for the EU and UK to reach their 2050 net-zero emissions commitments.

Notes to Editors:

Carbon-Free Europe

Carbon-Free Europe is working to galvanise support across Europe for an ambitious decarbonisation agenda and is driving efforts to innovate and modernise European energy systems. Through a combination of cutting-edge research and advocacy, the organisation seeks to encourage national governments to deploy every clean energy technology necessary for the world to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

For further information, technical details on the modelling, or interviews with Lindsey Walter, please contact Kreab at + 44 (0)7766 990075 or soyama@kreab.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/carbon-free-europe-releases-new-energy-systems-modelling-301844144.html
ONTARIO, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a car owner, there's nothing more frustrating than having the vehicle stall or break down unexpectedly. That's why having a reliable and efficient diagnostic tool is crucial for every car owner. The MUCAR CDE900 PRO is a top-of-the-line diagnostic tool that will help car owners identify and fix any issues with their car quickly and efficiently.

With a 5-inch touch screen and a 1.2m diagnostic cable, the MUCAR CDE900 PRO offers a user-friendly interface that makes car diagnostics a breeze. Powered by Android 6.0 and an MT6580 4-Core Cortex Chip, it boasts lightning-fast processing speeds and can handle even the most complex diagnostic tasks with ease.

It comes with an impressive 2+32G ROM and a 3150mAh battery, it's ability to insert a memory card no larger than 256G to expand the memory. Ensuring that you have enough storage space and power to diagnose multiple cars with ease. It also offers full OBD2 functions, including reading and clearing error codes, and a 4-in-1 data stream that covers ABS, SRS, TCM, and ECM systems (only $39.95 if needed).

One of the most significant advantages of the MUCAR CDE900 PRO is its lifetime free updates. Car owners can unlock full system diagnostics for just USD 99.95. Additionally, they can perform 28 reset functions with lifetime free updates (unlock one reset function for USD 15.95, full Rest functions unlock online payment of just USD 79.95). Also they can unlock 1 Brand Full System Diagnostics + 28 Reset Functions + ECU Coding + Active Test for 59.95USD.

The MUCAR CDE900 PRO also offers a professional diagnosis report, Bluetooth/email share printing, and support for 17 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages. It supports all vehicles with OBDII protocol after 1996 and the following communication protocols: ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000), ISO 15765-4 (CAN), ISO 9141-2 (iso), ISO 14229 (uds), and SAEJ 1850 (VPW&PWM).

MUCAR CDE900 PRO is a fantastic investment for car owners, mechanics, and technicians. Its comprehensive diagnostic functions, lifetime free updates, and user-friendly interface make it an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to keep their car in top shape. With its high-end features and affordable price, it's a must-have for anyone who takes their car maintenance seriously. Order it today and experience the convenience and efficiency of the MUCAR CDE900 PRO.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2095365/CDE900_PRO.mp4

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/introducing-the-mucar-cde900-prothe-one-stop-solution-for-comprehensive-vehicle-diagnostics-301845018.html
Cooperation between Abiec and Imaflora could raise from 16 to 39 the number of meatpackers that adopt unified socioenvironmental criteria in cattle purchases

SAO PAULO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Imaflora and the Brazilian Association of Beef Exporting Industries (Abiec) today announced that the latter has formally adhered to the Boi na Linha (Beef On Track) Protocol jointly developed with the Federal Prosecution Office to establish socioenvironmental criteria in cattle purchases throughout Brazil. Currently, of the 39 members of ABIEC, 16 have already adhered to the protocol, including the 3 largest in Brazil. The aim of the cooperation is to share the standard among all members.

As a result of a term of technical cooperation between Imaflora and Abiec, a program will be put together to allow for gradual and inclusive expansion of the use of the Beef On Track protocol by all associate members of the entity throughout Brazil.

"Given the standing of the Abiec members, we will improve the business environment by standardizing the origination procedures and criteria within the sector", says Marina Piatto, executive director of Imaflora.

"This cooperation is a fundamental step for promoting a sustainable beef cattle value chain in Brazil, by sharing the expertise, already acquired by Imaflora, with all our members", says Antonio Camardelli, president of Abiec.

The cooperation between the two entities will also positively differentiate the Abiec members within the domestic and external markets, and among consumers, investors and other interested parties, raising the value of legal livestock farming produce while supporting the country's climate commitments and countering illegality.

"Our ambition is to have every company operating in the Amazon adhere to the protocol within one year, and other member companies within two years" says Fernando Sampaio, Sustainability Director of Abiec.

The 16 companies account for 74% of the cattle slaughtered at federally inspected (SIF) meatpacking plants in the Amazon, and 63% of total (SIF) slaughter in Brazil .

The cooperation will permit engagement and training of Abiec member meatpackers and has the potential to reach the 39 companies that account for 84% of federally inspected slaughtering in the Legal Amazon region, 80% of SIF-inspected slaughtering in Brazil and 98% of Brazilian exports.

About Beef On Track:

The Beef On Track program is the outcome of a long process, led by Imaflora and the Federal Prosecution Office, of conversations among them, other civil society organizations and meatpackers with the intention of harmonizing and strengthening the socioenvironmental commitment within the beef cattle value chain in the Amazon and boosting its implementation.

The approach of the Beef On Track program aims to put cattle producers, meatpackers, supermarkets, investors, government agents and civil society organizations on the same page. The objective is to foster good practices by means of harmonized processes involving monitoring, audits and progress reports to increase the transparency of the chain.

The monitoring criteria used in the Boi na Linha protocol are available at:

www.boinalinha.org/

About Abiec:

The Brazilian Association of Beef Exporting Industries (Abiec) was founded in 1979 and is today the main representative of the industry in the international areas of trade regulations, sanitary requirements and open markets.

Abiec's attributions include bringing together, coordinating, promoting, expanding, representing and defending in and out of court, in Brazil or abroad, the interests of the beef and beef product exporting industries throughout Brazil, seeking to contribute with solutions for the general and specific problems of the class involving government or private sector entities

Since 2009, we have advocated for sustainable livestock farming by encouraging our members to adopt socioenvironmental risk management instruments in raw material procurement, while supporting the implementation of good practices in the industry .

www.abiec.com.br/

About Imaflora:

Imaflora, (Institute for Forest and Agricultural Stewardship and Certification), is a Brazilian NGO founded in 1995.

The Institute is present throughout Brazil, promoting actions that contribute to both conserving natural resources and improving and maintaining the quality of life of rural and forest workers, traditional and indigenous peoples, quilombola communities and family farmers.

Through integrated and innovative solutions, Imaflora has shown itself to be an agent for change in the forestry and livestock farming sectors, demonstrating that it is possible to: Reconcile production with conservancy; combine social, environmental and economic benefits and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

www.imaflora.org

For further information, contact Imaflora's Press Agency:

Vanessa Fontes

+551194105.8309

vanessa.fontes@profile.ag

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/beef-industry-enlarges-commitments-to-the-socioenvironmental-monitoring-protocol-for-the-whole-of-brazil-301845505.html
BIRMINGHAM, England, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Birmingham spinout Linear Diagnostics, which specialises in near-patient diagnostics for sexually transmitted diseases, has received funding to finesse a point-of-care test for rapid diagnosis of gonorrhoea and Chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM), and women who have sex with women (WSW).

The funding from the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) will cover essential work to optimise and validate Linear's platform technology so it can diagnose infection from rectal and pharyngeal (throat) swabs.

Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are both major public health concerns. While Chlamydia remains the most commonly detected sexually transmitted infection in the UK, the UK Health Security Agency recently warned of a surge in gonorrhoea cases, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted the rapid increase in multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea, with all confirmed treatment failures except one being pharyngeal infections affecting the throat.

The most commonly used tests identify DNA from swabs or urine samples, and require laboratory processing, meaning it can be days or even weeks between testing and result.

Brendan Farrell, Chairman of Linear Diagnostics, said: "For STIs, the rapidity of the testing procedure is key, as patients prefer to get test results quickly and start treatment immediately. We are aiming to produce a testing platform that will meet the WHO stipulations of being easy to use with minimal training, so people can present for testing and collect their treatment in a single visit."

Linear Diagnostics' platform technology uses linear dichroism, where a beam of polarised light detects multiple targets in a sample, to provide fast, accurate diagnosis by detecting pathogen DNA in samples. The company's proprietary technologies include a new DNA amplification technique.

Linear Diagnostics is now seeking commercial partners to develop a portable, low-cost, point-of-care diagnostic that will identify Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea from a single sample within a 20-minute timescale, making it faster than any current alternative.

For commercial enquiries email: info@lineardiagnostics.com

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.

Photo: Gonorrhoea is a major public health concern. The World Health Organization has noted the rapid increase in multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea, with all confirmed treatment failures except one being pharyngeal infections affecting the throat. The UK Health Security Agency warned this week of a surge in gonorrhoea cases, with a 50% increase between 2021 and 2022. The rise is highest among young people.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096198/University_of_Birmingham.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/birmingham-spinout-to-develop-20-minute-test-following-surge-in-sexually-transmitted-infections-301845595.html
Carried out by Lefebvre Sarrut, the European leader in legal and tax knowledge, this survey of 744 European companies of various sizes and sectors provides an overview of the degree of maturity of companies with regard to ESG criteria (environment, social and governance).

While there are no significant differences between countries, almost half of European companies do not have a dedicated ESG or CSR policy or manager. The manufacturing industry stands out for its greater maturity on these issues, while the services sector is particularly lagging behind.

European companies' level of maturity with regard to ESG criteria falls short of EU expectations.

PARIS, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In this latest study, Lefebvre Sarrut finds that European companies are not yet fully aware of ESG criteria, covering environmental, social and governance issues. Among the 744 European companies surveyed, of various sizes and in various sectors of activity, the study found that :

- 40% of European companies are not familiar with ESG criteria,

- 43% of European companies do not have a designated reference for ESG criteria,

- 45% of European companies have not taken any action in anticipation of the forthcoming entry into force of the European CSRD directive.



While there are no disparities between European countries, this lack of maturity raises questions at a time when the EU's expectations are becoming clearer. Companies with more than 500 employees or more than 40m in turnover will be required to report on their environmental, social and governance impact, in line with the European CSRD directive, by 2024. The scope will then be gradually extended each year: companies with more than 250 employees in 2025, listed SMEs in 2026, subsidiaries of non-European groups in 2028, etc.

A glaring lack of maturity in the service and consultancy sectors

Although often singled out for criticism, companies in the industrial sectors (automotive, manufacturing, chemicals, etc.) stand out for their greater maturity when it comes to ESG criteria, with the deployment of policies aimed at controlling and reducing their social and environmental impact.

Conversely, the service and consultancy sectors stand out for their immaturity and lack of awareness of what is expected of them and of the forthcoming application of the European CSRD directive.

The disparities in maturity can be explained by the early exposure of industrial sectors to environmental criteria, which has enabled the companies concerned to acquire solid experience in identifying and responding to regulations and in deploying ESG or CSR policies. On the other hand, service and consultancy companies, which until now have been exempt from strict regulations, will have to be held to account, forcing them to rethink their ESG impact.

Camille Sztejnhorn, Director of ESG Impact at Lefebvre Sarrut, comments: "Too many companies underestimate the future role of the CSRD directive and - beyond that - the environmental, social and economic issues it raises. If properly understood, ESG criteria (understanding, measuring and improving them) can be a source of value creation. On the other hand, ignoring them runs the risk of compromising the company's long-term viability. It is now imperative for the 50,000 companies that will soon be directly affected by CSRD to grasp these issues, equip themselves with specific tools and/or receive appropriate support. And the sooner they get to grips with it, the less they will experience it as a constraint, and the more they will be able to turn it into a lever for development."

For more information, click on this link:https://www.lefebvre-sarrut.eu/en/esgsuite/



About Lefebvre Sarrut

Lefebvre Sarrut is the European leader in legal, tax and regulatory knowledge. With offices in France

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6e8965da-deb0-48cd-bf4d-f65308415398
The quality of Severfield's revenues is materially underappreciated by the market in our view, especially now that the UK and EU are embarking on huge investment programmes to renew and upgrade infrastructure to address global trends, such as the drive for net zero emissions. The reorganisation of the group, the internal improvement project (Project Horizon) and the EPS-enhancing M&A deal are not fully reflected in the FY24e P/E rating of c 7.0x, which is comfortably below the long-term average of 10.0x. Our positive stance is supported by the company's strong balance sheet, progressive dividend and yield of over 5%.

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.
BASEL (dpa-AFX) - Sandoz (NVS) Thursday said it expects mid-single digit net sales growth for 2023 as well as for the mid term, 2024-2028. In 2022, the company had sales of $9.1 billion. The core EBITDA margin is expected to increase to 24%-26% in the mid term, from a forecast 18%-19% in 2023. Free cash flow is expected to more than double by 2028, from $0.8 billion reported in 2022. The company believes that this should enable Sandoz to pay a full-year dividend of 20%-30% of fiscal 2023 core net income, increasing to 30%-40% in the mid term. The company is expected to reveal these facts at the Capital Markets Day in New York City, intended to explain its plans for growth as a standalone company, following the proposed spin-off from Novartis. 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.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Investment company BlackRock, Inc. (BLK) announced on Thursday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire private venture debt financing company Kreos. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023. The Consideration of the deal has not been disclosed. BlackRock said the financial impact of the deal is not material to it. Kreos will complement BlackRock by helping its clients to access additional private debt capabilities. 'Kreos was founded in 1998 and has committed more than 5.2 billion euros across more than 750 transactions in 19 countries, to more than 550 pan-European and Israeli high-growth companies in the technology and healthcare sectors.', the company said in a statement. Under the deal, Kreos has a 45-person team which will join BlackRock. The investment team of Kreos will integrate into BlackRock's European Private Debt platform and its current leadership will continue to execute the firm's proven investment strategies. On Wednesday, shares of BlackRock closed at $678.23 down 0.25% or $1.69 on the New York Stock Exchange. 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.
BUDAPEST, Hungary, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenstic Europe Ltd. (Greenstic) has received a significant investment of approximately EUR 1.4 million from Hiventures, Hungary's most prevalent VC. The funding will help Greenstic, a distributor and contract manufacturer of disposable, eco-friendly restaurant packaging materials, containers, and cutlery, to expand its regional activities and promote environmentally responsible practices in the catering sector.

The market for eco-friendly utensils has experienced significant growth in recent years worldwide. Greenstic also has shown dynamic business performance, quadrupling its revenue since its establishment in 2019. Greenstic enjoys a market leader position in the Hungarian market and last year expanded internationally by establishing a subsidiary in Romania and entering a franchise partnership in Slovakia.

Considering the favorable regulatory environment and consumer trends indicating further demand growth, Greenstic plans to allocate the fund from Hiventures to expand its manufacturing and logistics capacities and broaden its product range and customer base in Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.

As part of its comprehensive service, Greenstic performs the biological composting of its customer-used serving utensils, thus promoting the adoption of circular economic model in the HoReCa sector.

Hiventures is one of the most active venture capital investors in Europe. Decisions are made carefully, based on several criteria: "In addition to clear market opportunities and environmentally conscious goals, the experienced management team at Greenstic played a crucial role in our investment decision, owing to their cohesive and successful track record," said Denes Szluha, the Head of Hiventures' startup division.

About Hiventures

Hiventures, part of the Hungarian MFB Group, is one of the largest venture capital firms of Central and Eastern Europe. It supports the entire Hungarian entrepreneurial eco-system with its capital and professional competencies, including innovative start-ups with large growth potential, traditional SMEs and major corporations. Hiventures is committed to a sustainable and competitive entrepreneurial eco-system in the CEE region. For further details, visit the company website.

About Greenstic

Greenstic, a fully Hungarian-owned company, is a key player in the market of disposable containers and cutlery. Following their acquisition of a competitor at the end of 2021, Greenstic became market leader in the premium segment. In 2022, they embarked on international expansion by establishing a subsidiary in Romania and a franchise partnership in Slovakia, under the new brand identity of Greenstic Europe. The company aims to become the leading eco-conscious packaging supplier in Central Europe. www.greenstic.hu

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hungarian-startup-greenstic-obtains-investment-from-hiventures-for-green-gastronomy-reform-301842430.html


Features of HARC Service



Menu structure of HARC services

TOKYO, June 8, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. will launch the Hitachi Application Reliability Centers Service (HARC Service) in Japan on June 30, which supports both agility and reliability, security enhancement, and cloud cost optimization based on the SRE (Site Reliability Engineering)(1) methodology, which promotes automation of system operations.HARC Service is a cloud-based managed service that improves visibility and automation of the entire cloud operating model with ongoing support by software engineers with expertise in SRE using various tools.Hitachi Vantara, a subsidiary of Hitachi in the United States, has been providing the HARC Service globally and has a proven track record of implementation with customers in the manufacturing industry, including Johnson Controls, as well as financial institutions and retail distribution companies. Hitachi will work with Hitachi Vantara to free customers' operations teams from siloed and complicated cloud workloads, improve overall reliability, and speed up release cycles of their cloud applications.In addition, the service will incorporate best practices that Hitachi has developed in Japan through multiple experiences in the migration of mission-critical systems to the cloud and operational enhancements. It will also address various needs for cloud utilization, including modernization and multi-cloud operations. This will fundamentally change cloud operations and contribute to the realization of digital transformation (DX) for customers.BackgroundMany companies, both Japan domestic and international, are actively promoting the use of public cloud as part of their DX efforts, but the burden of cloud operations continues to increase since many organizations are siloed and each department or each operations team has their own cloud services. Also, operations teams are busy troubleshooting, and the traditional way of operating is reaching its limit, which is leading to an increased number of issues regarding system reliability and security. Additionally, the lack of visibility into cloud usage is contributing more than expected to growing cloud costs. To combat this trend, Hitachi Vantara has opened two locations for dedicated teams in Hyderabad, India in June 2022 and Dallas, Texas, US in September 2022(2), to provide the HARC Service that supports cloud migration, modernization, and cloud application operations for customers' systems around the world on all cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.Today, Hitachi announces the launch of the HARC Service in Japan. This will be a combination of advanced technology in global and Japan's experiences and best practices in the Japan market.Features of the Service1. A dedicated team of SRE experts to support cloud application operationsThe HARC Service brings together domain knowledge, technology, and experiences for SRE, which we have built up through advanced global case studies and initiatives to support customers in transforming their cloud application operations. Specifically, Hitachi will score the current state of cloud operations in terms of reliability and security using Hitachi's unique evaluation index based on SRE, using it to identify gaps between the current state and the desired state, and to propose a roadmap for improvement. In addition to system design and operational support, the company also provides ongoing support from various perspectives including the development of guidelines for cloud-based operations and security, the development of human resources, and support building organizations for SRE within customers. For example, we will promote the following operational improvements in stages to achieve both agility and reliability.- Automation of toil work(3) by software engineering- Real-time monitoring of system/service status by introducing observability- Prediction/prevention of incidents using AIOps(4)- Continuous operational improvement loop through backlog(5) sharing, including development teams- Building a SRE system to support DevSecOps(6)2. End-to-end continuous cloud cost management and optimizationHARC Service supports customers in optimizing cloud cost in their multi-cloud environments through three phases: analysis of current cloud cost, proposal/implementation of measures, and continuous cost monitoring/management utilizing FinOps*7. Specifically, the company reviews the current situation by understanding the total cost and benchmarking with other companies in the same industry, and then promote specific actions to optimize cost, such as optimizing resource size and changing instance types. In addition, we realize continuous cloud cost management in collaboration not only with the customers' IT system department, but also with the customers' finance department and service delivery department. This can reduce total cloud operating cost by an average of 20%(8).3. Responding to operational modernization of core systems by the templates that bring together Hitachi's best practicesThe HARC Service will achieve operational modernization of the entire system by utilizing the templates that bring together the best practices for migration of mission-critical systems to the cloud and operational enhancement that Hitachi has developed in Japan. Specifically, the service will enable Hitachi to quickly build IT infrastructure when needed by accumulating standard designs related to operations and security required for mission-critical systems as templates, and then automating them using the IaC*9 mechanism. In addition, Hitachi will expand the scope of automation in stages from the construction of the IT infrastructure to overall system operations, including sophisticated operations for both the mission-critical system and the DX system.Furthermore, security experts with operational experiences for IT infrastructure that is used by 320,000 employees in the Hitachi Group, major financial institutions, and government will provide safe and secure security operations in a multi-cloud environment.There are four service menus; "Advisory Services," "Design Services," "Run Services," and "Cloud Cost Management," and it can be combined with service menu of "IT Platforms and Operation Enhancement Offerings" such as the SaaS-type operations integration platform "JP1 Cloud Service/Operations Integration" ("Ops I") according to customers' issues and system conditions.Outlook for the FutureHitachi will work with Hitachi Vantara to continuously enhance the HARC Service by developing value-added services based on SRE. In addition, we will provide one-stop support for customer needs of both the DX shift and the cloud shift and continue to support sustainable growth by utilizing Lumada Innovation Hub Tokyo*10 as a base for providing the HARC Service in Japan.Specifically, Hitachi will contribute to achieve customers' DX in such a way that GlobalLogic, a group company of Hitachi will lead building a concept and design of business reforms utilizing digital engineering, and the HARC Service will support operational reforms such as sophisticating application development.(1) A methodology for system operations and service management to effectively increase reliability, resilience, and security while leveraging system agility through DevOps practices that collapse silos between development and operations teams and the use of software engineering method.(2) September 12, 2022 news release, "Hitachi Vantara Opens Application Reliability Center in Dallas".(3) Routine operational work by repetitive manual work(4) An approach that applies AI (Artificial Intelligence) to IT operations. It aims to make IT operations more autonomous by applying the analysis results of machine learning and analysis algorithms to IT operations.(5) A list of items to be addressed by the development team to improve reliability(6) A method to implement system development quickly and stably while ensuring security by adding security efforts to DevOps, a method of software development and system operation that improves system development speed and stability of operation through close collaboration between system development and operation teams.(7) A compilation of standards and best practices developed to support manage and optimize fluctuating cloud economics(8) Effects based on actual operations at Hitachi Vantara(9) IaC: Infrastructure as Code (A method of coding IT infrastructure construction)(10) March 22, 2021 News Release: " Hitachi Establishes Lumada Innovation Hub Tokyo to Accelerate the Lumada Movement Through New Collaborative Creation With a View to the Post-COVID-19 World."About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of "Digital Systems & Services" - supporting our customers' digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility" - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries" - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - KaJ Labs, developers behind the Lithosphere (LITHO) blockchain, today announced their commitment to allocate $350 million towards the Binance and Coinbase Legal Defense Fund in their ongoing battle against the United States' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

KaJ Labs firmly believes in the importance of supporting fair and transparent regulation in the crypto space while safeguarding the interests of innovation and financial inclusion. The $350 million allocation from KaJ Labs reflects the company's strong belief that Binance and Coinbase have played pivotal roles in shaping the global cryptocurrency ecosystem, offering users reliable platforms for conducting secure and efficient transactions. KaJ Labs recognizes the need to provide a united front to defend the legitimacy of these platforms against regulatory overreach.





LITHO

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8833/169233_b8f0ed94a4267a0d_001full.jpg





In a statement, Joel King Kasr, Founder of KaJ Labs, said, "We firmly stand by Binance and Coinbase in their pursuit of justice and fair treatment from the ongoing legal proceedings. It is crucial for the entire cryptocurrency community to come together and support these exchanges, which have been instrumental in driving the adoption of digital assets worldwide."

KaJ Labs reiterates its commitment to the principles of decentralization, transparency, and fostering innovation within the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. The foundation will continue to actively advocate for sensible and fair regulatory measures that strike a balance between investor protection and the development of groundbreaking technologies.

###

About Jot Art

Jot Art (JOT)'s mission is to provide a mixed reality(XR) ecosystem powered by A.I with community and player-owned economies. JOT is a payment & governance token for the Jot Art metaverse.

About Lithosphere

Lithosphere is a next-generation network for cross-chain decentralized applications powered by AI and Deep Learning.

Media Contact

Dorothy Marley

Phone: (707)-622-6168

Email: media@kajlabs.com



KaJ Labs Foundation

199 Bishopsgate ,

London EC2M 3TY, United Kingdom.

Website: https://kajlabs.org

Website: https://lithosphere.network

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169233
BERLIN, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fossibot, an innovator in the energy storage industry, is introducing an innovative model - F3600.

To achieve greater convenience in portable power stations, Fossibot has made significant innovations and developed the F3600, which stands out as an integration of fast recharging, high capacity and multiple ports.

The F3600 features AC and XT90 input ports and can be recharged by AC, solar, generator or car. Allowing a maximum input of 4200W, it can be fully recharged in just 1.5 hours with a simultaneous input of 2200W AC and 2000W solar power. Besides, it has 5 AC charging speed levels for selection.

The F3600 boasts a 3840Wh battery pack that provides prolonged runtime for your electrical appliances. It helps your 200W fridge survive a power outage for an extra 16.3 hours and saves you from disasters of food spoilage. The LiFePO4 battery with BMS ensures exceptional security and longevity of 6500+ charging cycles. The UPS system guarantees stable pure sine wave power with no harm to appliances.

With various ports, the F3600 can charge nearly all your devices and power up 13 devices simultaneously, sparing you the hassle of carrying a bunch of sockets on journeys.

Thanks to the solar charging system, it reduces your carbon footprint and saves on your energy bills by harnessing green energy. By using 4 Fossibot SP420 solar panels, it takes only 2.5 hours to fully recharge in optimal sunlight.

The F3600 has more surprises for users. The extendable handle and sleek wheels make it as easy-to-carry as a suitcase. It comes with a removable flashlight and built-in LED light for night exploration. Plus, a cable storage bag is included to help store all your charging cables.

To celebrate the launch of the F3600, Fossibot has a special offer on its cooperative e-commerce platforms in the EU from June 13 to 27, with the F3600 priced at just 1,799.99. Learn more at: Geekbuying, Geekbuying.pl, Geekmaxi, and Geekmall.

About Fossibot

Fossibot is an innovative company focused on providing sustainable renewable electricity and clean energy solutions to create a new energy cycle ecology. With a team of skilled engineers, they've brought groundbreaking products to the world with sustainability and innovation in mind. Check the official website here: https://eu.fossibot.com.

Fossibot has quickly expanded its global footprint and is collaborating with various e-commerce platforms worldwide, including Geekbuying, Geekbuying.pl, Geekmaxi, and Geekmall.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2094247/fossobot_global_release_on_geekbuying_geekmaxi_geekmall_geekbuying_pl.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fossibot-introducing-an-innovative-portable-power-station---f3600-301845714.html
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Hungary's trade balance turned to a surplus in April from a deficit in the previous year as exports rose amid a fall in imports, preliminary data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office showed on Thursday. The trade balance logged a surplus of EUR 308 million in April versus a deficit of EUR 528 million in the corresponding month last year. In March, there was a surplus of EUR 886 million. Exports climbed 3.4 percent year-over-year in April, while imports fell by 4.0 percent. The share of EU member states was 78 percent in exports and 68 percent in imports, the agency said. On a monthly basis, both exports and imports plunged by 19.0 percent and 16.0 percent, respectively. 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.
Money20/20, the world's leading fintech show, regarded as the place where money does business, announced that ZeroLabs, a renewable energy-focused SaaS, won Europe's Got Access, the ultimate pitch battle for climate fintech startups.

Money2020 Europe has welcomed a record number of startups this year at the show. Championing innovators is at the core of what Money20/20 stands for and Europe's Got Access provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for startups to demonstrate their greenest and most groundbreaking products and services in the fight against climate change.

The top five startups were selected to pitch to a panel of judges live on the Encore stage at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam for a chance to win a $100,000 uncapped SAFE investment from Commerce Ventures. Europe's Got Access builds on the success of America's Got Access, launched at Money20/20 USA in 2022, whose winners were Zirtue and Remynt.

Beltran Berrocal, Co-founder CEO of ZeroLabs: "We are honoured and excited to be announced as the winners of Europe's Got Access at Money20/20. At ZeroLabs we are committed to creating a more sustainable future by helping businesses transition to clean energy in an easier, quicker, and more transparent way. The prize money will help us scale up our team and efforts to reach more companies and individuals and boost climate action globally. We thank Money20/20 and Commerce Ventures for this fantastic opportunity and for giving us an amazing platform to spread our message and onboard the fintech industry onto the mission to zero emissions."

The distinguished panel of judges for Europe's Got Access includes:

Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Money20/20

Dan Rosen, Founding Partner, Commerce Ventures

Katherine Brown, Head of Sustainability, Visa Europe

Liz Rich, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development, Bloomberg LP

Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Money20/20, said:"We are thrilled to announce ZeroLabs as the winner of Europe's Got Access. A rapidly growing fintech making remarkable strides towards democratising access to provable renewable energy. Congratulations to ZeroLabs and the other four finalists."

"Our aim is to invest and support fintech innovators with a wider purpose impacting our industry. ZeroLabs impressed us with their unique approach and their ambition towards a greener future. Congratulations ZeroLabs and to all of the finalists," said Dan Rosen, Founding Partner of Commerce Ventures

Congratulations to all other finalists who got to pitch live on the main stage at Money20/20 in Amsterdam:

Net Purpose -- a startup streaming facts on the social and environmental outcomes of companies and investment portfolios to help investors launch, grow, and report on sustainable and impact funds.

Clima Cash -- an Estonian startup looking to unlock the potential of individuals in the fight against climate change by paying real rewards to anyone reducing their own carbon footprint.

Eljun -- emerging out of the Swedish climate fintech space, Eljun is a web3 payment solution that rewards users with free, convenient, and sustainable transportation.

Gokind-- enables banks and investment platforms to expose how the companies consumers buy from and invest in perform with regard to diversity, emission cutting and much more.

Liz Rich, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Bloomberg LP, oversees corporate development activities from M&A to strategic investing and commercial partnerships. As a Europe's Got Access judge, she noted the remarkable ingenuity and dedication displayed by the finalists in the competition.

"I am impressed by the creativity of the ideas brought to us by today's finalists and their commitment to building impactful solutions towards a greener future. Congratulations to ZeroLabs for winning Europe's Got Access at Money20/20 and to the finalists," said Liz Rich, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Bloomberg LP.

Katherine Brown, Head of Inclusive Impact Sustainability at Visa Europe, is passionate about creating positive social and environmental change in the business world. Commenting on Europe's Got Access, Katherine emphasised Visa's commitment to supporting these visionary entrepreneurs in scaling and expanding their solutions.

"Congratulations to ZeroLabs and all the finalists. We take great pride in helping innovative fintech and climate tech entrepreneurs to scale and grow through our open network, so their solutions can have an even wider impact and make a difference for people, businesses, and economies," said Katherine Brown, Head of Inclusive Impact Sustainability at Visa Europe

ENDS

About Money20/20

Founded in 2011, Money20/20 creates destination shows where the most innovative people in payments, fintech and the broader financial services industry connect. Famed for their high-impact networking, the Europe edition, held in Amsterdam (6-8 June 2023) and the USA edition, held in Las Vegas (22-25 October 2023), are regarded as the place where money does business by financial services professionals. Money20/20 today officially launched an Asia edition in Bangkok on 23-25 April 2024. Money20/20 is the space where the industry's smartest visionaries and innovators come together to create the future of money. Visit Money20/20's Asia site here. Money20/20 is an Ascential show. Follow Money20/20 on Twitter and LinkedIn for show developments and updates.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005398/en/

Contacts:

Tina Loncaric

Global Head of Public Relations

Money20/20

tina@money2020.com

+1 469 288 5556
Fresh data from Global Blue (NYSE:GB) reveals that the overall dynamic recovery for Tax Free Shopping has accelerated across Continental Europe and Asia Pacific.

Globally, issued Sales in Store like-for-like recovery has propelled to 118%1 in May vs. 101%1 in Q1 2023 and 106%1 in April.

This acceleration of the recovery in May is due to two primary factors. First, the progressive return of Mainland Chinese shoppers in Asia Pacific, and second, the favorable calendar effect linked to Ramadan2 in Continental Europe.

Continental Europe recovery remains solid

In Continental Europe, the recovery remains solid, reaching 121%1 in May compared to 109%1 in Q1 2023 and 110%1 in April. When excluding Mainland Chinese and Russian shoppers, the recovery would have reached 165%1 in May.

Regarding origin markets, Gulf Cooperation Council residents are a key contributor to the acceleration in Continental Europe in May, with a recovery at 542%1 versus 109%1 in April. This is due to a favorable basis of comparison linked to Ramadan2, countering the unfavorable effects witnessed in the previous two months.

The recovery remains solid for US shoppers at 254%1 in May vs. 288%1 in Q1 and 274%1 in April. Similarly, it remains stable for Mainland China shoppers at 43%1 in May vs. 31%1 in Q1 and 47%1 in April.

In terms of destination markets, the solid recovery in May was across all destinations, predominantly led by Greece at 167%1, France at 147%1, Italy at 132%1, Spain at 130%1, and Switzerland at 123%1

Asia Pacific reaches a record-level recovery

In Asia Pacific, the recovery rate has surpassed 2019 levels for the first time, at 110%1 vs. 87%1 in Q1 and 99%1 in April. When excluding Mainland Chinese shoppers (which represented 55% of the Sales in Store in the region in 2019), the recovery would have reached 184% in May.

In terms of origin markets, the return of Mainland Chinese shoppers has been a key contributor to the accelerating recovery in Asia Pacific. In May, Mainland Chinese shopper recovery reached 60%1 vs. 34%1 in Q1 and 44%1 in April.

Regarding the other origin market nationalities, the recovery levels of Hong Kong and Taiwan residents have remained consistently high, reaching 374%1 in May vs. 368%1 in Q1 and 349%1 in April. Following closely are South East Asia residents, with a recovery rate of 182%1 in May vs. 145%1 in Q1 and 164%1 in April.

Regarding destination markets, Japan and South Korea are leading the Sales in Store like-for-like recovery, both reaching 113%1 in May, followed by Singapore at 104%1

A gradual recovery for Mainland Chinese shoppers

Driven by the ongoing progressive air capacity recovery, there has been a consistent improvement in the Sales in Store like-for-like recovery for Mainland Chinese residents. It reached 51%1 worldwide vs. 32%1 in Q1 and 45%1 in April.

Air capacity recovery rates in May reached similar levels in Continental Europe (41%3) and in Asia Pacific (38%3). However, the Sales in Store like-for-like recovery has been faster in Asia Pacific (60%1) than in Europe (43%1). This can be attributed to a higher average spend progression per shopper in Asia Pacific (129%5) compared to Continental Europe (61%5). This disparity reflects a higher recovery of Millennial and Gen Z shoppers in Continental Europe, while the Asia Pacific region benefits from a faster recovery of Silver shoppers with stronger purchasing power.

External factors such as air capacity, passport and visa issuance still hinder the recovery of Mainland Chinese shoppers. However, the recovery of Mainland Chinese shoppers is expected to gain momentum in the coming months. This growth will be driven by projected air capacity increase and a strong willingness to travel (reaching 83%4 in May vs. 79%4 in April).

Projected Air capacity recovery from Mainland China 2 January 2023 February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 July 2023 August 2023 September 2023 Continental Europe 10% 18% 22% 36% 41% 47% 51% 54% 54% Asia Pacific 9% 10% 14% 31% 38% 44% 49% 50% 50%

APPENDIX

YTD Data

Issued SIS L/L recovery1 (in of 2019) May 2023 April 2023 Q1 2023 Q4 2022 Q3 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2022 Continental Europe 121% 110% 109% 104% 101% 75% 53% Asia Pacific 110% 99% 87% 80% 51% 39% 16% TOTAL 118% 106% 101% 97% 89% 65% 40%

Glossary

Gulf Cooperation Council countries include: Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman

- South East Asia includes: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore

- North East Asia includes: Japan, South Korea

ABOUT GLOBAL BLUE

Global Blue pioneered the concept of Tax Free Shopping 40 years ago. Through continuous innovation, we have become the leading strategic technology and payments partner, empowering retailers to improve their performance and shoppers to enhance their experience.

Global Blue offers innovative solutions in three different fields:

Tax Free Shopping: Helping retailers at over 300,000 points of sale to efficiently manage 35 million Tax Free Shopping transactions a year, thanks to its fully integrated in-house technology platform. Meanwhile, its industry-leading digital Tax Free shopper solutions create a better, more seamless customer experience.

Helping retailers at over 300,000 points of sale to efficiently manage 35 million Tax Free Shopping transactions a year, thanks to its fully integrated in-house technology platform. Meanwhile, its industry-leading digital Tax Free shopper solutions create a better, more seamless customer experience. Payment services: Providing a full suite of foreign exchange and Payment technology solutions that allow acquirers, hotels, and retailers to offer value-added services and improve the customer experience during 31 million payment transactions a year at 130,000 points of interaction.

Providing a full suite of foreign exchange and Payment technology solutions that allow acquirers, hotels, and retailers to offer value-added services and improve the customer experience during 31 million payment transactions a year at 130,000 points of interaction. Complementary RetailTech: Offering new technology solutions to retailers, including digital receipts and eCommerce returns, that can be easily integrated with their core systems and allow them to optimize and digitalize their processes throughout the omni-channel customer journey, both in-store and online.

In addition, our data and advisory services offer a strategic advisory to help retailers identify opportunities for growth, while our shopper experience and engagement solutions provide data-driven solutions to increase footfall, convert footfall to revenue and enhance performance.

For more information, visit https://www.globalblue.com/about-us/media

Global Blue Monthly Speaker Notes Data, May 2023Source: Global Blue

1 Recovery rate is equal to 2023 Issued Sales in Store divided by 2019 Issued Sales in Store, like-for-like (i.e.: at constant merchant scope and exchange rates).

2 Ramadan took place from May 5th to June 3rd in 2019, while it took place from March 22d to April 20th in 2023, leading to an unfavorable basis effect in March and April 2023 and a favorable basis effect in May 2023.

3Air capacity: ForwardKeys data platform May 2023

4 Global Blue Willingness to travel survey

5 Mainland Chinese shoppers increase of average spend per international shopper versus 2019

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005400/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA CONTACTS

Virginie Alem SVP Marketing Communications

Mail: valem@globalblue.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS

Frances Gibbons Head of Investor Relations

Mob: +44 (0)7815 034 212

Mail: fgibbons@globalblue.com
Tech Start-up BlackDice Establishes New UK Headquarters in Leeds, Capitalising on the Yorkshire City's Thriving Tech Scene

LEEDS, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / BlackDice, a tech start-up that develops AI-driven cybersecurity solutions for global telecoms provider consumers and SME subscribers, has opened its new UK headquarters in Leeds, solidifying its presence in the heart of a flourishing tech hub in the North of England. By setting up its UK headquarters in Leeds, BlackDice aims to tap into the city's diverse tech ecosystem, access top-tier talent, and forge strategic partnerships that will propel the company forward.

BlackDice offers comprehensive protection against evolving cyber threats, and its cybersecurity solutions have gained recognition for their unique approach toward proactive and preventative threat detection, advanced threat intelligence, and state-of-the-art encryption technologies. The company aims to "empower organisations and consumers" to safeguard their sensitive data and critical assets, ensuring a robust defence against cyber attacks.

Situated within the prestigious Leeming Building - part of Wizu Workspace's renowned portfolio of high-quality serviced offices - BlackDice's new headquarters will serve as a hub for the company's technology operations, bringing together its growing workforce to provide an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. The choice to establish a headquarters in Leeds underscores the city's reputation as a thriving centre for technology, making it the ideal location for BlackDice to leverage its expertise and maximise its potential.

With the highest concentration of tech scale-ups outside of London and a digital turnover of 3.67 billion1, Leeds has gained prominence as a magnet for tech-focused businesses, drawing upon its strong digital infrastructure, skilled workforce, and vibrant entrepreneurial community. Its emergence as a premier tech hub in the North of England has attracted a plethora of innovative companies such as Channel 4 television, NHS Digital and Sky Bet.

"We chose to establish our UK headquarters in Leeds because it's a city that truly embodies the spirit of industrial ingenuity and technological innovation," said Sarah Hague, Chief Operating Officer at BlackDice. "Leeds offers a fertile ground for our growth plans, with its exceptional talent pool, supportive business community, and vibrant atmosphere. We believe that our presence here will enable us to forge valuable connections, collaborate with industry leaders, and solidify our position as pioneers in AI-powered cyber security solutions."

As BlackDice continues to expand its global footprint, the new UK headquarters in Leeds is just the latest move for the business, which established its European HQ in Malaga, Spain - another flourishing 'tech zone' - last month, and will play a pivotal role in building the company's presence in the EU cyber ecosystem.

"We aim to strengthen our commitment to the Leeds city region and create high-value employment opportunities. By nurturing local talent we want to become known for our culture of innovation, diversity and inclusion, contributing to the ongoing success story of Leeds as a burgeoning tech hub. We are confident that our presence in Leeds will bring significant benefits to the local community and enable us to chart an exciting path of growth and expansion", added Hague.

- ENDS -

For media enquiries, please contact:

Rachael Simpson / rachael@chapterandfable.com

Notes to editor

About Black Dice: BlackDice is a provider of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, empowering people and organisations to safeguard their digital assets against evolving threats through comprehensive protection and enhanced security. Powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, BlackDice works with telecommunications providers to deliver proactive and adaptive solutions to their customers - who range from residential users to small to medium-sized enterprises. Capable of monitoring billions of devices at one time, BlackDice's unique platform can detect unusual patterns that signal a threat or attack is starting to build - and prevent it. Headquartered in Leeds (UK) and Malaga (Spain), BlackDice serves clients across Europe, providing expert guidance and support to mitigate cybersecurity risks.

www.blackdice.io

References: 1TechNation Report, 2018: There are 8,695 digital and tech businesses in Leeds City Region, which employ 53,000 people and create a digital turnover of 3.67 billion

BlackDice in the Wizu Workspace Leeming Building. Photo (back) left to right: Roisin Cheetham and Lewis Nowell (Wizu Workspace), (front) left to right: Sarah Hague, Chief Operating Officer, and Annie Huntley, Office Manager (BlackDice)

Sarah Hague, Chief Operating Officer, BlackDice

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: BlackDice Cyber Ltd

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760031/Tech-Start-up-BlackDice-Establishes-UK-HQ-in-Leeds
The Business Research Company's global market reports are now updated with the latest market sizing information for the year 2023 and forecasted to 2032

LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per The Business Research Company's Construction Machinery Global Market Report 2023, the global construction machinery market size will grow from $308.9 billion in 2022 to $336.7 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The construction machinery market revenue is then expected to grow from $458.3 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 8%. Going forward, the increasing investments in infrastructure, the growing global construction industry, the increasing urbanization, and the rising population will drive the construction machinery industry growth.

The global construction machinery market is fragmented, with a large number of players operating in the market. Caterpillar Inc. was the largest competitor with a 7.2% global construction machinery market share, followed by Komatsu Ltd., Volvo AB, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd., Deere & Company, EXOR Group, Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd., and Liebherr Group.

Learn More On The Construction Machinery Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/construction-machinery-global-market-report

Major construction machinery firms are focusing on offering electric construction equipment to cut operational costs and strengthen their product portfolio. The battery of electric equipment aids in cutting the power cord on large equipment, such as burnishers. Over the past few years, technology has advanced to the point where operating life has significantly increased. In places where locating a power cord can be at best difficult, this can significantly increase production. On building sites, the electric (battery-powered) excavator guarantees lower operating costs, less noise, greater dependability, and zero emissions. For instance, in January 2023, John Deere, a US-based farming and heavy machinery firm, launched an electric excavator. The Kreisel battery-powered electric excavator will offer road builders and construction workers lower daily running expenses, less job site noise, improved machine reliability, and zero emissions, without compromising the power and performance they require in a machine.

Furthermore, strategic partnerships and collaborations are gaining popularity among the construction machinery industry trends. Companies in the construction machinery market are focusing on partnerships and collaborations to expand their product portfolio and geographic presence. For example, in 2022, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Hitachi CM), a Japan-based construction equipment company, partnered with a Germany-based dealer Kiesel, that offers engineering services in the design field of mechanical and plant. This substantial move will reduce the time it takes for Hitachi's cutting-edge zero-emission construction and specialty application machines, as well as items enabled by ICT (Information and Communication Technology), to reach the market.

Request A Free Sample Of The Construction Machinery Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=3673&type=smp

As per the construction machinery industry outlook, Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the construction machinery market and was worth $98.6 billion in 2022.

The construction machinery market in Asia-Pacific is supported by the emerging economies, a large urban population, and by high spending on construction in the region. According to the United Nations, more than 2.2 billion people, or 54% of the world's urban population, reside in Asia and by 2050 Asia's urban population is projected to increase by 50%, or by an additional 1.2 billion people.

View More Similar Market Reports:

Construction Global Market Report 2023

https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/construction-global-market-report

Construction Elastomers Global Market Report 2023

https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/construction-elastomers-global-market-report

Construction Equipment Rental Global Market Report 2023

https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/construction-equipment-rental-global-market-report

Interested to know more about The Business Research Company?

The Business Research Company has published over 3000+ detailed industry reports, spanning over 3000+ market segments and 60 geographies. The reports draw on 1,500,000 datasets, extensive secondary research, and exclusive insights from interviews with industry leaders.

The World's Most Comprehensive Database

The Global Market Model, The Business Research Company's flagship product, is a market intelligence platform covering various macroeconomic indicators and metrics across 60 geographies and 27 industries. The Global Market Model covers multi-layered datasets that help its users make better strategic decisions.

Contact Information

The Business Research Company

Europe: +44 207 1930 708

Asia: +91 8897263534

Americas: +1 315 623 0293

Email: info@tbrc.info

Follow Us On:

LinkedIn:https://in.linkedin.com/company/the-business-research-company

Twitter:https://twitter.com/tbrc_info

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessResearchCompany

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24_fI0rV8cR5DxlCpgmyFQ

Blog:https://blog.tbrc.info/

Healthcare Blog:https://healthcareresearchreports.com/

Global Market Model: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/global-market-model

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1751581/tbrc_logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/construction-machinery-market-overview-forecast-market-size-major-drivers-key-trends-and-largest-region--by-the-business-research-company-301845946.html
Data shows that EP262 attenuates mast cell degranulation in multiple species including human MRGPRX2 knock-in mice, Beagle dogs and human ex vivo skin explants

Results support the initiation of clinical proof-of-concept studies in chronic urticaria, planned for the second half of 2023

Escient Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage company advancing novel small molecule therapeutics for the potential treatment of a broad range of neurosensory-inflammatory disorders, today announced the presentation of preclinical data in multiple models of mast cell degranulation related to the company's EP262 development program at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology annual meeting being held in Hamburg, Germany, June 9-11, 2023.

EP262 is a potent, highly selective antagonist of MRGPRX2 which inhibits agonist-induced mast cell degranulation and activation of the downstream inflammatory cascade, thus representing a novel therapeutic approach to a broad range of mast cell-mediated disorders.

The presentation highlights preclinical data demonstrating that treatment with EP262 potently attenuates mast cell degranulation and vascular permeability in vivo in a proprietary human MRGPRX2 transgenic mouse model. In addition, EP262 was shown to block canine MRGPRX2-induced mast cell degranulation responses in Beagle dogs and to attenuate mast cell degranulation-induced histamine release in ex vivo human skin explants.

Details of the presentation are shown below:

Presentation Title: MRGPRX2 Small Molecule Antagonists Potently Inhibit Agonist-Induced Skin Mast Cell Degranulation

Presenter: Veena Viswanath PhD, Sr Vice-President Translational Biology and Drug Discovery, Escient Pharmaceuticals

Presentation Date: Friday, June 09, 2023

Conference website: https://eaaci.org/events_congress/eaaci-congress-2023/

The abstract will be available on Escient's website (under Scientific Presentations) here: https://www.escientpharma.com/science/publications/

About EP262

EP262 is a potent, highly selective once-daily small molecule antagonist of MRGPRX2, a receptor expressed on mast cells that is activated by numerous ligands, including many peptides released from sensory neurons as well as other cell types. In response to MRGPRX2 activation, mast cells release histamine, tryptase, chymase, chemokines and cytokines, which can cause itchy hives, angioedema, type 2 inflammation (through engagement of the adaptive immune system) and chronic pruritus and pain. Escient's preclinical data demonstrates that, by blocking activation of MRGPRX2, EP262 has the potential to effectively treat a broad range of mast-cell-mediated diseases, with an initial focus on chronic urticarias and atopic dermatitis.

About Chronic Urticaria

Chronic urticaria, defined as urticaria persisting for more than 6 weeks, manifests with very itchy hives that may vary in size and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life by interfering with sleep and daily activities. Some patients with chronic urticaria may also develop swelling deeper under the skin or in other tissues (angioedema). There are two main forms of chronic urticaria. In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), hives occur spontaneously, without known triggers. In chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), hives are induced by specific triggers such as cold exposure (cold urticaria) or touch (symptomatic dermographism), among others.

About Escient Pharmaceuticals

Escient Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapeutics to address a broad range of neurosensory-inflammatory disorders. The company's pipeline includes two first-in-class small molecule antagonists targeting MRGPRX2 for the treatment of various mast cell mediated disorders and MRGPRX4 for cholestatic pruritus. Based in San Diego, California, Escient is led by an experienced management and scientific team and funded by top-tier life science investors.

Visit www.escientpharma.com to learn more.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005253/en/

Contacts:

Aaron Mishel

Chief Financial Officer

Escient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

ir@escientpharma.com
The Offer provides Alpha shareholders with the opportunity to realize compelling, immediate and certain value

Tecpetrol is a credible and experienced counterparty with clear path to closing

Shareholders who have questions with respect to the Offer may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the Depositary and Information Agent for the Offer, at 1-877-452-7184 (North America Toll Free), 416-304-0211 (Calls Outside North America) or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com

TORONTO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tecpetrol Investments S.L. ("Tecpetrol"), a member of the Techint Group, announced today that it has now formally commenced its previously-announced offer (the "Offer") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares ("Shares") of Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) ("Alpha"), a Canadian incorporated, headquartered and listed company.

The notice and advertisement of the Offer appears in the June 8, 2023 editions of The Globe & Mail and La Presse and the offer and take-over bid circular (the "Offer and Circular") and related documents have been filed with the Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR under Alpha's profile at www.sedar.com.

Under the terms and conditions of the Offer, Alpha shareholders will receive cash consideration of C$1.24 per Share, providing Alpha shareholders with the opportunity to realize compelling, immediate and certain value in an all-cash transaction with a credible transaction partner with a clear path to closing.

The Offer is open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on September 22, 2023, unless the Offer is extended, accelerated or withdrawn by Tecpetrol in accordance with its terms. Tecpetrol has requested a list of security holders from Alpha and will mail the Offer and Circular and related documents to Alpha security holders as soon as practicable after receipt of such list.

Tecpetrol remains open to engaging in constructive discussions (on a non-exclusive basis) with Alpha with a view to increasing the offer price. Tecpetrol is prepared to do so on terms that protect the confidentiality of those discussions regarding price without inappropriately limiting the opportunity for shareholders to decide whether to accept the Offer or otherwise restricting Tecpetrol's strategic options.

As further described in the Offer and Circular, Tecpetrol believes the Offer provides significant benefits and the reasons to tender to the Offer include, among others:

An attractive cash payment and immediate liquidity to shareholders through de-risked transaction;

A credible and experienced counterparty with clear path to closing;

Alpha's standalone plan remains challenging and underfunded;

An opportunity for shareholders to determine the outcome of their investment; and

No financing condition.

The Offer is subject to certain conditions being satisfied or, where permitted, waived at or prior to the expiry of the Offer. Such conditions include, among others described in the Offer and Circular: (a) there having been validly deposited under the Offer and not withdrawn that number of Shares which represent more than 50% of the outstanding Shares, excluding those Shares beneficially owned, or over which control or direction is exercised, by Tecpetrol or by any Person acting jointly or in concert with Tecpetrol, which is a statutory non-waivable condition; (b) there having been validly deposited under the Offer and not withdrawn that number of Shares (together with associated rights under Alpha's shareholder rights plan) which represent at the expiry of the Offer at least two-thirds of the outstanding Shares on a fully-diluted basis; (c) Tecpetrol having determined that there has not occurred a material adverse effect in respect of Alpha; and (d) Tecpetrol having determined that Alpha has not taken any action or disclosed that it intends to take any action that might make it inadvisable for Tecpetrol to proceed with the Offer, such as the entering into any definitive agreement or transaction under or in connection with the sale process disclosed by Alpha in its June 5, 2023 news release. The Offer is not subject to any due diligence or access condition, financing condition or Tecpetrol shareholder approval condition. In addition, to the knowledge of Tecpetrol, there are no regulatory approvals required in connection with the Offer.

Tecpetrol encourages Alpha shareholders to read the full details of the Offer and other important information set forth in the Offer and Circular and related documents, including instructions on how Alpha shareholders can tender their Shares under the Offer.

Shareholders who have questions or require assistance in tendering their Shares may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the Depositary and Information Agent for the Offer, by telephone toll-free inside North America at 1-877-452-7184, or outside North America at 1-416-304-0211, or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com.

Tecpetrol's Energy Transition Unit is Techint Group's dedicated business unit responsible for advancing its position in the global energy transition through investments in decarbonized energy sources, carriers and technologies, with the objective of contributing to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. As part of this initiative through its subsidiary Techenergy Lithium S.A., Tecpetrol has built a lithium processing pilot plant in northern Argentina engineered for scale, which supports a production flowsheet involving direct lithium extraction. For additional information on Tecpetrol, please visit its website at https://www.tecpetrol.com/en.

The Techint Group is a global conglomerate with diversified business lines in steelmaking, complex infrastructure construction, design and construction of industrial plans and machinery, technologies for the metals and mining industries, oil and gas exploration and production and research-oriented health facilities. Through our six main companies - Tenaris S.A. (NYSE and Mexico: TS and EXM Italy: TEN), Ternium S.A. (NYSE: TX), Techint Engineering & Construction, Tenova, Tecpetrol and Humanitas - the Techint Group operates on six continents, employs 79,300 employees and generates over US$33 billion in annual revenue. We have an extensive track record of completing large transactions in industrial and extractive sectors around the globe, including in Canada, and in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. For additional information on the Techint Group, please visit its website at https://www.techintgroup.com/en.

This news release contains "forward looking information". Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and is therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects", "intends" or variations of such words, and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although Tecpetrol believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and have been based on information and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking information and such factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to Tecpetrol, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tecpetrol or the completion of the Offer to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include, without limitation: the ultimate outcome of any possible transaction between Tecpetrol and Alpha, including the possibility that Alpha will or will not accept a transaction with Tecpetrol; actions taken by Alpha; actions taken by security holders of Alpha in respect of the Offer; that the conditions of the Offer may not be satisfied or waived by the Offeror at the expiry of the Offer period; and the pendency or completion of the Offer or any subsequent transaction. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on Tecpetrol's beliefs and opinions at the time the information is given, and there should be no expectation that this forward-looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Tecpetrol expressly disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by applicable law.

This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any securities. The Offer will be made solely by, and subject to the terms and conditions set out in, the formal offer and take-over bid circular, letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery. The Offer will not be made to, nor will deposits be accepted from or on behalf of, shareholders in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.

The Offer will be made for the securities of a Canadian company that does not have securities registered under section 12 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act"). Accordingly, the Offer is not subject to section 14(d) of the U.S. Exchange Act or Regulation 14D or Rule 14e-1 of Regulation 14E. The Offer will be made in the United States with respect to securities of a "foreign private issuer", as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the U.S. Exchange Act, in accordance with Canadian corporate and securities law requirements. Shareholders in the United States should be aware that such requirements are different from those of the United States applicable to tender offers under the U.S. Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

The Offer and all contracts resulting from acceptance thereof will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Accordingly, the provisions of the German Takeover Code (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz) do not apply to the Offer.

None of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, any United States state securities commission or the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority has approved or disapproved (or will approve or disapprove) the Offer, or passed (or will pass) any comment upon the fairness or the merits of the Offer or upon the adequacy or completeness of the information contained in this news release or in any other document relating to the Offer. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.

Media Contact, Alexandre Meterissian, Email: Alexandre.meterissian@teneo.com; Investor Relations, Jorge Dimopulos, Email: Jorge.dimopulos@tecpetrol.com; Shareholder Questions / Tendering Assistance, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, Toll-Free: 1-877-452-7184, Outside North America: 1-416-304-0211, Email: assistance@laurelhill.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tecpetrol-commences-all-cash-offer-to-acquire-alpha-lithium-corporation-301846056.html
Global Liver Institute Convenes Largest Number of Community Events around the World in the 6 Years of International NASH Day

Washington, D.C., June 08, 2023, a time where healthcare experts and community members around the globe step up and raise awareness of the most common liver disease in the world- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or about 2 billion people, are affected by NAFLD. 20% of thosewith NAFLD progress to NASH.

International NASH Day 2023 is endorsed by 30 medical specialty societies from around the world, and more than 50 global organizations, from research institutions to community organizations to medical centers and more, will be hosting events to inform and educate their communities.

"By releasing new, multilingual resources to help patients access NASH diagnostics and treatment, leading even more awareness and educational events worldwide, and continuing to foster opportunities for patients to step up and speak out, GLI and its partners are stepping up for those with or at risk of NASH this year," shared Donna R. Cryer, JD, President and CEO of Global Liver Institute. "We have been heartened through collaboration with the broader patient advocacy community on health technology assessmentare well-known, including overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Despite established risk factors, too often patients in high-risk groups are still not triaged, not screened, and not connected to the care they require. We are grateful that, just this year, several societies have updated their treatment guidelines for identifying and caring for NAFLD/NASHto reflect our best current understanding of the disease. We are grateful to the scientists who have expanded our understanding of - and ability to control - the disease. It is time for health systems to step up and invest effort in operationalizing these new guidelines.

We urge health system leaders to step up and examine the NASH patient pathway, identify where patients are lost, and bolster those processes.

We encourage primary care and endocrinology providers to step up and learn which of their patients are at heightened risk of NAFLD/NASH - and to connect them to the screening they need.

We challenge the media to step up against the stigma and cover stories about NAFLD/NASH and liver health, especially when discussing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors.

We implore regulators to step up for the livelihood of the millions of patients around the world whose lives are affected by NAFLD/NASH.

Clear, strong connections between primary care providers, specialists, and intervention support are all critical - and within reach - to help more patients find and stop the progression of NASH while they have the opportunity.

"It can be overwhelming how widespread the chronic, progressive disease of NAFLD and NASH has become. Those at risk should know they are supported and empowered to step up for a healthier liver," encouraged Jeff McIntyre, VP of Liver Health Programs at Global Liver Institute. "Ask your doctor for a screening if you have a risk factor - and receive the treatment you need before the disease progresses. Individuals can make small changes with big impacts to support better liver health through better nutrition and incorporating more movement into their daily habits. Although fatty liver disease can progress, it can be controlled if caught early. Get screened now for a healthy liver."

It's time to StepUpforNASH!

Join the Movement

Get tested! Check if you are at risk for NAFLD/NASHand make a note to talk to your primary care provider at your next appointment.

Support the NASHday social media campaignusing hashtags NASHday StepUpforNASH. Please direct any additional questions to NASHday@globalliver.org.

# # #

About Global Liver Institute

Global Liver Institute.

International NASH Day and its logo are registered trademarks of Global Liver Institute.
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.
Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (TSX-V KLDC) ("KLDC or the "Company") is pleased to announce the engagement of ALS GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd. ("GoldSpot") and the initiation of a high-resolution Multi-Parameter Airborne Survey System ("M-PASS") survey over the newly acquired Lucky Strike property in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada. The results of this state-of-the-art survey will leverage advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze, process and extract insights from the acquired airborne geophysical data.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005306/en/

Figure 1. KLDC's newly consolidated land package with producing, past-producing and gold mines in development in the Kirkland Lake District (Graphic: Business Wire)

"With the acquisition of the Lucky Strike property from New Found Gold and the initiation of this high resolution survey over this ground with the well regarded team at GoldSpot, we are embarking on an exhilarating new chapter for our Company," stated Daniele Spethmann, President and CEO, who added, "We look forward to marrying the results of this data with boots-on-the-ground field work which will advance our understanding of the geology and mineralization on the Lucky Strike property, to ultimately better define and refine our drill targets. The exploration team is mobilizing to the field for a targeting and planning session next week."

The airborne survey will cover an area of 115 km2 and will be flown at 50 metre and/or 100 metre line spacing on a north south grid. Final line kilometre spacing will be determined in flight and the total line kilometres flown will range between 1,450 km and ~2,800 km.

The resulting comprehensive data package, custom-designed for this survey, will fuel GoldSpot's proprietary AI processing. Leveraging the immense power of machine learning, the AI system will identify patterns and anomalies within the data, potentially uncovering favourable structures and mineralizing systems with an unparalleled level of accuracy and efficiency.

Shawn Hood, General Manager at ALS GoldSpot Discoveries, shared his enthusiasm, "Our AI technology is primed to process the multiphysics data, transforming it into actionable insights. This partnership not only demonstrates our shared commitment to exploration excellence but also our dedication to embracing digital transformation within the industry."

The initiation of this survey highlights KLDC's new trajectory and emphasizes the crucial role that technological advancements will play in the future of mineral exploration in Kirkland Lake. With AI technology leading the way, this endeavor seeks to minimize environmental impact, enhance exploration efficiency, and maximize potential benefits for stakeholders.

In addition to this high resolution airborne geophysical survey, fieldwork consisting of prospecting, geological mapping, and sampling has also been initiated. This work is following up on the high-resolution magnetics, VLF, and LiDAR data collected last year by GoldSpot on the western portion of the property (Figure 2).

QP Statement

The technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Mike Kilbourne, P.Geo. who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp.

Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. (KLDC) is a TSX Venture Exchange listed company that has recently consolidated a district-scale and highly prospective land package in the Kirkland Lake Gold Camp in Ontario, Canada. The properties are hosted in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the world's best-endowed greenstone belts, with 200+ million ounces of gold produced to date.1 The properties are host to regional and property-scale mineralized structures that are considered second-order structures off the Larder Lake Cadillac Deformation Zone (LLCDZ), the regional structure in the belt known to be spatially associated with the gold mines hosted in the camp.

The properties assembled include the 100%-owned Lucky Strike Property, Goodfish-Kirana, the Arnold property, and the optioned KL West (KLW) and KL Central (KLC) properties. The KLDC land position comprises approximately 38,000 ha, over 1,338 claims and 29 patented claims and ranks the Company as the largest landholder in the Kirkland Lake region.

?The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

_________________________

1 2020 Mineral Production in Canada, Government of Canada, Minerals and Metals Statistics Division, 2022-03-10, https://mmsd.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/PDF/MIS2020TableG01a-en.pdf

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005306/en/

Contacts:

Daniele Spethmann, P.Geo.

President CEO

kirklandlakediscoveries.com

+1 416 414 7011

daniele@kirklandlandlakediscoveries.com
Company Prepares for June 13th IPO

Nextech3D.ai shareholders to receive 4,000,000 Toggle3D shares on a pro-rata basis

Record date of June 8

CSE Stock Symbol: TGGL

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Nextech3D.AI (formally "Nextech AR Solutions Corp' or the "Company") (OTCQX:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR)(FSE:EP2), a Generative AI-Powered 3D model supplier for Amazon, P&G, Kohls and other major e-commerce retailers is pleased to announce that Toggle3D has officially moved out of its public beta and has gone live as of today, June 8th.

Join us for a Special Toggle3D Investor Live Stream Today, Thursday June 8th

CEO Evan Gappelberg will discuss the upcoming IPO spin-out and Chief Product Officer, Dasha Vdovina will provide an exciting product presentation.

Date: Today, Thursday, June 8 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m Eastern Time

Join Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siPTb1xcLDM

Toggle3D is a groundbreaking generative-AI solution that converts CAD files, applies stunning 4K textures and enables seamless publishing of high quality 3D models. The official Toggle3D product launch includes a UX/UI lift that takes into account feedback collected from beta users over the beta period and improved platform performance for adding materials, as well as other advanced editing capabilities.

Toggle3D will continue releasing new features consistently every week for the next several weeks as it gears up to add breakthrough AI material creation capabilities.

Toggle3D also now welcomes sign-ups through Google as well.

The main target users for Toggle3D's product are product designers and industrial designers, due to its seamless integration with CAD files and the ability to convert CAD to Web 3D Mesh. As mentioned recently, Toggle3D.ai has increased the converting power of its CAD to POLY importer by over 10X, and is able to convert manufacturing files over 1000mb. This is in addition to its ability to use breakthrough generative AI technology that facilitates the generation of 3D materials from text prompts .

Nextech3D.ai's CEO Evan Gappelberg commented "Congratulations to the Toggle3D team for exiting Beta and going LIVE! We have been working hard for the past six months to get Toggle3D to this point, and we are excited to see its 3D design capabilities and the thousands of users signing up. In parallel, we have been diligently preparing for the upcoming spin-out IPO on June 13th." He continued, "We are focused on creating shareholder value and perceive Toggle3D as yet another major opportunity for our investors to participate in a stand-alone public company that is launching disruptive technology during this transformative period, where the entire world is pivoting to 3D. Only yesterday, during Apple's WWDC, Apple's CEO Tim Cook declared "Welcome to the era of spatial computing with Apple Vision Pro!" The future is going to be seen through a pair of spatial computer glasses looking at a 3D digital world populated by 3D models. We believe that all 3D models can in some way be prototyped, modified and or designed through Toggle3D".

Toggle3D.ai is a groundbreaking SaaS solution that utilizes generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and enable seamless publishing of superior 4K 3D models, serving various industries within the $160 billion CGI market. With its Augmented Reality-based rapid prototyping web app, Toggle3D.ai empowers designers, artists, marketers, and eCommerce owners to effortlessly convert, texture, customize, and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences, regardless of technical or 3D design

expertise.

Watch a video showcasing Toggle3D.ai - click here

Join us for a Special Toggle3D Investor Live Stream Today, Thursday June 8th

CEO Evan Gappelberg will discuss the upcoming IPO spin-out and Chief Product Officer, Dasha Vdovina will provide an exciting product presentation.

Date: Today, Thursday, June 8, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m Eastern Time

Join Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siPTb1xcLDM

About Toggle3D.ai

Toggle3D.ai, introduced in September 2022 is a groundbreaking SaaS solution that utilizes generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and enable seamless publishing of superior 4K 3D models, serving various industries within the $160 billion CGI market. With its Augmented Reality-based rapid prototyping web app, Toggle3D empowers designers, artists, marketers, and eCommerce owners to effortlessly convert, texture, customize, and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences, regardless of technical or 3D design expertise.

Toggle3D.ai Benefits Over 3D Legacy Software

NO Learning Curve

Toggle3D.ai stands out from legacy 3D design software by eliminating the learning curve and making 3D design accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. Unlike traditional systems that require months of learning, Toggle3D.ai simplifies the process by humanizing design terminology, providing guided templates, and using machine learning to make the tools user-friendly.

Web-based Collaboration

Being web-based, users can access Toggle3D.ai instantly on their browsers without the need for downloads, updates, or system compatibility concerns. Additionally, the platform will offer advanced in-app collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work together on the same project in real-time, facilitating quick feedback, decision-making, and cross-department collaboration.

These collaborative tools empower businesses to adopt 3D design organization-wide, enhancing workflow efficiency and unleashing the potential of group iteration.

Visit the Toggle3D.ai website to learn more

https://toggle3d.com/

Follow Toggle3D.ai on Social Media

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toggle3D

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/toggle3d.ai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Toggle3D

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toggle3d-ai/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Toggle3Dai

Recent Toggle3D.ai News

Nextech3D.ai Shareholders Approve IPO Spin-out of Its Generative-AI CAD-3D Design Studio "Toggle3D.ai"

Nextech3D.ai Game-Changing Generative-AI CAD 3D Design Studio Toggle3D.ai Primed For $7 Million June IPO

Toggle3D.ai Achieves Major Generative AI Breakthrough In Text to 3D Material Generation

Toggle3D.ai Announces Conditional Listing Approval & Updates on Generative-AI IPO Spin-Off SaaS Platform Toggle3D.ai

Toggle3D.ai AI-Powered CAD Design Studio Toggle3D.ai Achieves 10X File Reduction Opening Up The platform to New Large Enterprise Customers

About Nextech3D.ai

(formally "Nextech AR Solutions Corp" or the "Company") (OTCQX: NEXCF) (CSE: NTAR) (FSE: EP2 is a diversified augmented reality, AI technology company that leverages proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) to create 3D experiences for the metaverse. Its main businesses are creating 3D WebAR photorealistic models for the Prime Ecommerce Marketplace as well as many other online retailers. The Company develops or acquires what it believes are disruptive technologies and once commercialized, spins them out as stand-alone public Companies issuing a stock dividend to shareholders while retaining a significant ownership stake in the public spin-out.

On October 26, 2022 Nextech3D.ai spun out its spatial computing platform, "ARway" as a stand alone public Company. Nextech3D.ai retained a control ownership in ARway Corp. with 13 million shares, or a 50% stake, and distributed 4 million shares to Nextech AR Shareholders. ARway is currently listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:ARWY), in USA on the OTCQB (OTC: ARWYF) and Internationally on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: E65). ARway Corp. is disrupting the augmented reality wayfinding market with a no-code, no beacon spatial computing platform enabled by visual marker tracking.

On December 14, 2022 Nextech announced its second spinout of Toggle3D, an Generative AI-powered CAD-3D design studio to compete with Adobe. Toggle3D is expected to be public in June 2023.

To learn more about Nextech3D.ai, please follow us on Twitter , YouTube , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook , or visit our website: https://www.Nextechar.com .

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Contact

Lindsay Betts

investor.relations@Nextechar.com

866-ARITIZE (274-8493) Ext 7201

Nextech3D.ai

Evan Gappelberg

CEO and Director

866-ARITIZE (274-8493)

Forward-looking Statements

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Nextech3D.ai

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/759950/Nextech3Dais-Generative-AI-CAD-3D-Design-Studio-Toggle3D-Goes-Live
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Athabasca Minerals Inc. (TSXV: AMI) ("AMI", "Athabasca" or the "Corporation") announces financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023. The Q1-2023 Financial Statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as the CEO Certification and CFO Certification (together the "Q1 Financials") are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the company website (www.athabascaminerals.com).

In an effort to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities, AMI has implemented a comprehensive business refocusing plan. This strategic shift has involved reevaluating core competencies, streamlining operations, and realigning resources to ensure sustainable long-term growth.

Increased demand for AMI's sand products has been instrumental in driving revenue growth in the first quarter. Revenue of $12.9 million for Q1 2023 is an 85% increase from the previous year's comparable quarter revenue of $7.0 million. The Corporation continues to identify and implement operational and production efficiencies that are anticipated to positively impact future profitability.

"Our Q1 earnings report reflects the ongoing efforts and commitment of our team as we navigate through this period of refocusing and alignment," said Dana Archibald, CEO of Athabasca Minerals Inc. "While we are aware of the current challenges, we remain confident in our strategic plan to create value for our shareholders. We are steadfast in our commitment to delivering premium sand products, expanding market reach, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities that will fuel our future growth."

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Athabasca Minerals reports the following key financial highlights for Q1 2023, the three months ended March 31, 2023:

Consolidated revenue, net of royalties for Q1-2023 was $12.9 million versus $7.0 million for Q1-2022 driven by increased demand for industrial sand in AMI Silica LLC. The U.S. sand mine and facilities in Hixton, Wisconsin was acquired in February 2022 so revenue for Q1 2022 was lower as operations had just started and Q1-2023 has a full three months of operations in comparison.

An operating loss of $1.3 million in Q1-2023 versus operating income of $0.2 million in Q1-2022.The increase in loss was due to increased operating expenses and increased depreciation expense of $1.2 million resulting from the acquisition of the U.S. sand mine and facilities in Hixton, Wisconsin in February 2022 and increased general and administrative expenses and severance of $0.2 million.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Corporation reported a net loss of $1.7 million versus net income of $22.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Net income in Q1-2022 was driven by a $22.3 million gain recognized on the Hixton sand mine acquisition.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Corporation reported a total comprehensive loss of $2.6 million versus total comprehensive income of $22.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, on a per share basis, total comprehensive loss was $0.033/share basic and diluted versus total comprehensive income of $0.289/share basic and $0.284/share diluted for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Key Operational Highlights

On February 28, 2023, the Corporation announced a $2,000,000 bridge loan secured through JMAC Energy Services LLC, the proceeds being used to pay off the existing loan with Canadian Western Bank ("CWB") and for general working capital purposes.

On March 28, 2023, the Corporation announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board"), together with the support of management, has initiated a process to evaluate potential strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. As part of the process, the Board is considering a full range of strategic alternatives, which may include financing alternatives, merger, amalgamation, plan of arrangement, reorganization, other business combinations, sale of assets, or other transactions. There can be no assurance that the evaluation of strategic alternatives will result in any strategic alternative, or any assurance as to its outcome or timing.

On April 5, 2023, AMI Silica LLC ("AMIS") signed a multi-year transload agreement (the "Transload Agreement") for the delivery of its silica sand into the Grande Prairie, Alberta region. In addition, AMIS signed an eighteen-month Sand Supply Agreement (the "Sand Agreement") with a total minimum commitment of 360,000 tons, subject to pricing adjustments.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3061/169214_9fe9609e84eb18f2_002full.jpg

ABOUT ATHABASCA MINERALS INC.

Athabasca Minerals is an integrated industrial minerals company focused on the production and delivery of frac sand to Canada and the United States. Athabasca also operates aggregate operations in Western Canada and maintains the largest platform for buying, selling and transporting of aggregates through its 100% owned technology platform, AMI RockChain.

For further information, please contact:

Cheryl Grue, Director, Corporate Affairs

Tel: 587-392-5862 / Email: cheryl.grue@athabascaminerals.com



Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to Athabasca that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Athabasca which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. All such statements and disclosures, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results or developments that Athabasca anticipates or expects may, or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words "would", "will", "anticipates", believes", "explores" and similar expressions.

Athabasca believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements including, without limitation: a significant expansion in COVID-19 restricting or prohibiting the operation of the Athabasca's facilities or significantly impacting the Company's supply chain; the duration and extent of the relatively low global oil prices; general economic, market and business conditions including those in the event of an epidemic, natural disaster or other event; increased costs and expenses; reliance on industry partners; and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Athabasca's public disclosure documents including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release, and in Athabasca's annual information form, copies of which are available on Athabasca's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Moreover, the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown at this time and it is not possible to reliably estimate the length and severity of these developments and the impact on the financial results and condition of the Company.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Corporation's operations and financial results are included in this news release and may be accessed under Athabasca's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169214
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) -ALX Resources Corp. (TSXV: AL) (FSE: 6LLN) (OTC: ALXEF) ("ALX" or the "Company") announced today an update on its lithium exploration activities at the Hydra Lithium Project ("Hydra") in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, and the results of a biogeochemical survey carried out at the Anchor Lithium Project ("Anchor") located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Hydra Lithium Project, James Bay Region, Quebec

ALX has temporarily suspended its 2023 prospecting program at Hydra, located in the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay region of Quebec, following an emergency fire evacuation notice from the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets, or, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (the "Ministry"). In the interest of public safety due to the high-risk conditions in the region, the Ministry has banned forest access on Crown land and has ordered the closure of roads to help prevent forest fires. In accordance with the notice, ALX has demobilized its helicopter and field crew from its base at Radisson, Quebec. The Company will closely monitor the situation in the coming weeks and looks forward to resuming exploration at Hydra when conditions permit.

Anchor Lithium Project, Nova Scotia

ALX's exploration goal at Anchor is to discover new lithium-bearing pegmatites similar to those found at the nearby Brazil Lake Pegmatite Deposit ("Brazil Lake"). ALX initiated surface work at Anchor in late 2022 and carried out a biogeochemical sampling survey at the Drake sub-project in the form of tree bark sampling. This geochemical technique has proved to be successful in areas of the Meguma Terrane where there is little to no outcrop exposure. ALX's geological team collected one hundred and thirty (130) 50-gram bark samples from red spruce trees in a 1.0 kilometre grid pattern. The analytical results were received in May 2023 and show a pronounced lithium-cesium-tantalum ("LCT") "stacking" anomaly in the southern portion of the Drake claim block. Other LCT anomalies were identified in the central part of Drake from the biogeochemical survey that deserve follow-up work.





Figure 1: Drake Biogeochemical Sampling Locations and Lithium Anomalies at Drake



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3046/169229_figure1.jpg







Figure 2: Cesium Anomalies at Drake and Tantalum Anomalies at Drake

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3046/169229_figure%202.jpg

The 2023 biogeochemical survey results in overburden-covered terrain have successfully identified new LCT targets at Drake. The survey results have revealed eleven lithium anomalies, mostly pooled into two zones that warrant further work, some with coincident cesium and tantalum anomalies. Rubidium also showed elevated values across the Drake property.

In May 2023, ALX applied to the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund for financial grants to assist the Company in carrying out additional geochemical surveys at Drake, and at the Yankee sub-project. The Company plans follow-up surface work later in 2023 to develop drill targets at Anchor.





ALX's Anchor Lithium Project Claims in Nova Scotia, Canada

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3046/169229_fd1289b9f4831ac2_005full.jpg

To view further information on Anchor, click here

About Anchor

Anchor consists of two sub-projects totaling approximately 31,808 hectares (78,598 acres) known as Yankee (16,659 ha.) and Drake (15,149 ha.) This emerging lithium district in Nova Scotia hosts Brazil Lake, which is located approximately 10 kilometres (6.6 miles) due south of Drake. In 2022, Champlain Mineral Ventures Ltd., a private Nova Scotia company, published a NI 43-101 compliant technical report on Brazil Lake that stated the following calculated mineral resource estimates:

Measured & Indicated: (Combined Pit Constrained and Underground Constrained): 553,000 tonnes grading 1.3% Li2O: 1

Inferred: (Combined Pit Constrained and Underground Constrained): 381,000 tonnes grading 1.48% Li2O), at a combined cut-off of 0.48% Li2O and 0.98 Li2O.1

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resources Estimate for the Brazil Lake Project (Lithium-Bearing Pegmatite Deposit) Nova Scotia, Canada, prepared for Champlain Mineral Ventures Ltd, by Michael Cullen P.Geo., Matthew Harrington, P. Geo., and Lawrence Elgert, P.Eng, of Mercator Geological Services. The quoted Mineral Resources Estimates are combined Pit Constrained (0.48% Li2o cut-off grade) and Underground Constrained (0.98% Li2O cut-off grade) resources.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Murray, P.Geo., President of Resourceful Geoscience Solutions, a consultant to ALX, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101.

QA/QC samples were inserted into the biogeochemical sample series at every 26th sample to evaluate the reliability of both laboratory and field sampling methods, increasing the total number of samples to be analyzed to 134. Quality control was established for laboratory methods by inserting a "blank" sample, of which the general chemical composition is known to be devoid of elements of interest. Quality control was established for field methods by obtaining and analyzing a field duplicate.

Biogeochemical samples were shipped to ALS Laboratories in Moncton, NB. Samples were prepared using the VEG-ASH01 method, with the requested analytical packages ME-VEG41a (ashed) and VEG41a-FAC. In this method, the bark sample is ashed at 475C for 24 hours, resulting in the concentration of several elements of interest and results in little to no loss of elements except those of high volatility (e.g., Br and Hg). Pre- and post-ashing weights were reported; when post-ashing weights are calculated back to the original pre-ashed weights, detection limits can be reduced by an order of magnitude.

Geostatistics from Brazil Lake quoted in this news release were taken directly from publicly-available disclosure. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by operators unrelated to ALX and have not been directly verified nor confirmed by its Qualified Person, but create a scientific basis for ongoing work in the Anchor project area. Management further cautions that historical results or discoveries on adjacent or nearby mineral properties are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on ALX's mineral properties.

About ALX

ALX is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "AL", on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "6LLN" and in the United States OTC market under the symbol "ALXEF".

ALX's mandate is to provide shareholders with multiple opportunities for discovery by exploring a portfolio of prospective mineral properties in Canada, which include lithium, uranium, nickel-copper-cobalt and gold projects. The Company uses the latest exploration technologies and holds interests in over 220,000 hectares of prospective lands in Saskatchewan, a stable jurisdiction that hosts the highest-grade uranium mines in the world, a producing gold mine, and production from base metals mines, both current and historical.

ALX owns 100% interests in eight lithium exploration properties staked in 2022-2023 collectively known as the Hydra Lithium Project, located in the James Bay region of northern Quebec, Canada, a 100% interest in the Anchor Lithium Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, and 100% interests in the Crystal Lithium Project and the Reindeer Lithium Project, both located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada.

ALX's uranium holdings in northern Saskatchewan include 100% interests in the Gibbons Creek Uranium Project, the Sabre Uranium Project, the Bradley Uranium Project, and the Javelin and McKenzie Lake Uranium Projects, a 40% interest in the Black Lake Uranium Project (a joint venture with Uranium Energy Corporation and Orano Canada Inc.), and a 20% interest in the Hook-Carter Uranium Project, located within the uranium-rich Patterson Lake Corridor with Denison Mines Corp. (80% interest) as operator of exploration since 2016.

ALX also owns 100% interests in the Firebird Nickel Project (now under option to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., who can earn up to an 80% interest), the Flying Vee Nickel/Gold and Sceptre Gold projects, and can earn up to an 80% interest in the Alligator Lake Gold Project, all located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. ALX owns, or can earn, up to 100% interests in the Electra Nickel Project and the Cannon Copper Project located in historic mining districts of Ontario, Canada, the Vixen Gold Project (now under option to First Mining Gold Corp., who can earn up to a 100% interest in two stages), and in the Draco VMS Project in Norway.

For more information about the Company, please visit the ALX corporate website at www.alxresources.com or contact Roger Leschuk, Manager, Corporate Communications at: PH: 604.629.0293 or Toll-Free: 866.629.8368, or by email: rleschuk@alxresources.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of ALX Resources Corp.

"Warren Stanyer"

Warren Stanyer, CEO and Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include: ALX's 2023 exploration plans at the Anchor Lithium Project, and ALX's ability to continue to expend funds at that project. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that ALX may not be able to fully finance exploration on our exploration projects, including drilling; our initial findings at our exploration projects may prove to be unworthy of further expenditures; commodity prices may not support further exploration expenditures; exploration programs may be delayed or changed due to any delays experienced in consultation and engagement activities with First Nations communities and local landowners in the region, and the results of such consultations; and economic, competitive, governmental, societal, public health, weather, environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and share price. Even if we explore and develop our projects, and even if lithium, uranium, nickel, copper, gold or other metals or minerals are discovered in quantity, ALX's projects may not be commercially viable. Additional risk factors are discussed in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, we will not update these forward-looking statement risk factors.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169229
12th Acquisition Delivers Immediate Accretive Revenue and Positive EBITDA

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Kovo HealthTech Corporation (TSXV: KOVO) ("Kovo" or the "Company") - a leader in healthcare technology and Billing-as-a-Service ("BAAS") - announced today it has entered into a binding agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire Kairos Billing Solutions LLC. (the "Seller" or "Kairos Billing").

Kairos Billing is an innovative Utah-based digital medical billing provider that specializes in mental health billing solutions. Under the terms of the June 7, 2023 Agreement, Kovo has, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased all of the assets of Kairos Billing Solutions LLC, including associated trademarks, trade names, brand names goodwill, customer lists, software and customer contracts.

As consideration for the acquisition of Kairos Billing, the Company agreed to pay the Seller cash consideration of USD$150,000, subject to compliance with the policies of the TSXV. Under the terms of the deal, Kairos Billing's Founder, Jamie Rowley, the Women's Business Center of Utah's 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year, has agreed to stay on as an employee of Kovo for at least one year to ensure ongoing client service excellence. This acquisition is the second to be financed under the Company's new debt facility of USD$7 million, which closed on April 20, 2023 and still provides the Company with room to grow through future acquisitions. Greg Noble, the CEO of Kovo, notes, "This acquisition highlights the opportunity for investors as well as operators in collaborating with Kovo. We are able to find accretive acquisitions with a rapid rate of return as we continue to scale up. Kairos will continue to grow with Kovo's marketing and administrative support."

The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Kovo and supports the Company's previously announced 2023 Annual Recurring Revenue** ("ARR") forecast of USD$11 million and return to positive Adjusted EBITDA*.

Acquisition Anticipated to Deliver Immediate, Accretive Growth

According to Kovo CEO Greg Noble, the well-established Utah-based business meets Kovo's previously disclosed acquisition strategy which targets buying $1 of ARR for every $1 investment of debt or equity and is anticipated to deliver immediate, accretive growth.

The completion of the acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of a number of closing conditions, including receipt of the approval of the TSXV. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed on the terms contained herein or at all. The Company worked with Lawrence Evans & Co on this acquisition and related fees (less than USD$10,000) are associated with the transaction.

About Kovo HealthTech Corporation and US Healthcare Billing-as-a-Service

Kovo HealthTech Corporation is a growing healthcare technology company that specializes in Billing-as-a-Service offering SaaS-style recurring revenue contracts and software for US healthcare clinics, hospitals and private practices. Kovo helps healthcare providers digitally track and manage complex patient care registration, services, billing and payments in a seamless way, using its industry-leading OneRev technology platform. Kovo and its subsidiaries are now processing more than $300 million CAD in total annual billing claims to allow its 1700+ healthcare provider clients to focus on offering quality care. To learn more about Kovo and to keep up-to-date on Kovo news, visit www.kovo.co.

For more information:

Greg Noble, CEO

investors@kovo.co

1-866-558-6777

Forward-Looking Information and Non-IFRS Measures Statement

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") concerning the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to the future financial outlook and anticipated events or results of the Company and may include information regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, acquisition prospects and plans, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives. Particularly, information regarding the Company's expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which the Company operates is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "outlook", "forecasts", "projects", "prospects", "strategy", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" occur. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the final prospectus of the Company dated May 26, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking information, by its nature, is based on the Company's opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Those factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Despite a careful process to prepare and review forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the Company bases its forward-looking information on assumptions that it believes were reasonable when made, which include, but are not limited to, assumptions with respect to the Company's future growth potential, results of operations, future prospects and opportunities, execution of the Company's business strategy, there being no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environments, future levels of indebtedness and current economic conditions remaining unchanged, the Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking information contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made). Any forward-looking statement that is made in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement.

This press release may make reference to certain non-IFRS measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective. The Company's definitions of non-IFRS measures used in this release may not be the same as the definitions for such measures used by other companies in their reporting. Non-IFRS measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under IFRS. The Company uses non-IFRS financial measures, including "ARR**", "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA*" and "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" to provide investors with supplemental measures of its operating performance and to eliminate items that have less bearing on operating performance or operating conditions and thus highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. "EBITDA" means net income (loss) before amortization and depreciation expenses, finance and interest costs, and provision for income taxes. *"Adjusted EBITDA" adjusts EBITDA for stock-based compensation expense, transactional gains or losses on assets, asset impairment charges, interest income, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income tax expense or recovery, forgivable one-time government financial payments related to the COVID-19 pandemic ("PPP Loans"), and any transactional expenses. Specifically, the Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with the Company's results under IFRS and the accompanying reconciliations, provides useful information about the Company's business without regard to potential distortions. By eliminating potential differences in results of operations between periods caused by factors such as depreciation and amortization methods and restructuring, impairment and other charges, the Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful additional basis for comparing the current performance of the underlying operations being evaluated. The term Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR") is a non-IFRS measure and refers to multiplying the monthly revenue for a current month by twelve. ARR is a metric typically used by recurring revenue companies to communicate run rate at a specific moment in time The Company believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS financial measures in the evaluation of issuers. The Company's management also uses non-IFRS financial measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169240
Telix has unveiled its new, state-of-art radiopharmaceutical facility in Brussels South as part of its first stage investment of 14.1 million ($A21.2 million)

Located in Walloon's 'Radiopharma Valley' the facility will be a central hub for research and development for the region and facilitate patient access to this important class of cancer treatment.

MELBOURNE, Australia and LIEGE, Belgium, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, Telix, the Company) today welcomes Willy Borsus, Vice-President of Wallonia, Minister of Economy, Research and Innovation, Digital, Agriculture, Urban Planning and Regional Planning to officially open Telix Manufacturing Solutions, the Company's radiopharmaceutical production facility located in Brussels South (Seneffe), in the Wallonia region of Belgium.

Located in the heart of Belgium's 'Radiopharma Valley', the 2,800 square metre facility is one of Europe's largest radiopharmaceutical production facilities. It will serve as the Company's primary manufacturing site for radioisotopes and commercial and clinical products for patients in the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and beyond.

Radiopharmaceuticals use targeting agents (small molecules or antibodies) to deliver targeted radiation to cancer cells, regardless of where the cancer is in the body. These agents can be used for imaging (diagnosis) or therapy. Often referred to as "theranostics", this approach has the potential to better inform treatment decisions and deliver personalised therapy for patients.

Each year more than 10 million imaging procedures are performed in the EU using radiopharmaceutical agents.[1] Furthermore, due to increasing clinical development activity of imaging and therapeutics, the number of patients requiring treatment with radiopharmaceuticals worldwide is set to increase. According to industry analyst reports the market for radiopharmaceuticals is growing rapidly, up 10% year-on-year to US$6 billion in global sales in 2021 and forecast to reach US$33 billion annual sales by 2031.[2] As demand for these products increases investment in supply chain and manufacturing is vital to ensure patient needs can be met.

"Recent events - including COVID - have taught us that if we are to invest in developing radiopharmaceutical products, we must also invest in ensuring that patients can have access to this new generation of cancer treatments. Given the just-in-time manufacturing and complex logistics required for radiopharmaceuticals this is vital to building a foundation for long-term, commercial success in our field and delivering to the needs of patients," said Raphael Ortiz, Telix's CEO for the EMEA region.

Telix acquired the 35,000 square metre site in April 2020.[3] After extensive redevelopment, which included the decommissioning and safe removal of two cyclotrons, the facility was granted a renewed licence for the production of an extensive list of radioisotopes required for the Company's research, development, commercial and clinical activities.

"Sites such as Telix Manufacturing Solutions in Brussels South are a rarity. There are very few places in the world where a site of this scale could be constructed and secure a licence to produce the array of isotopes that our licence allows," said Dr Christian Behrenbruch, Group Managing Director and CEO of Telix.

The first stage of the buildout - which is now complete - included installation of nine GMP[4] manufacturing lines, two research and development laboratories, quality control labs and warehousing space with capacity to support Telix's operations. One of the first GMP lines will be dedicated for the use of industry and research partners and collaborators. The company is also preparing to install the first of two planned cyclotrons for the site. The Wallonia regional government provided grant funding and the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) provided access to financing solutions, in addition to the Company's own funding, to support first stage buildout works.

"Belgium's 'Radiopharma Valley' is a fundamental part of Telix's innovation success - in fact, the technology that underpins our first commercial product was invented in Belgium. It is our vision that this facility, will not only exist for Telix but operate as a hub for research, development and manufacturing for our partners and collaborators across industry, academia and clinical practice. We are very grateful for the support of the Walloon regional government and AWEX and hope that this facility will contribute to the ongoing growth of our industry and drive further investment in the region," added Mr Ortiz.

Willy Borsus, Vice-President; Minister of Economy, Foreign Trade of the Walloon Government, continued, "Belgium has a proud history as a pioneer in nuclear science and technology for healthcare and the Walloon region is home to a vital hub of research, production, talent and transport known as Radiopharma Valley. We recognise the current and future utility of radiopharmaceuticals and the need to increase capacity to ensure the community can access these innovative technologies. We welcome Telix's commitment to the region through the creation of this state-of-the-art facility which will attract talent and drive increased investment across a broad range of areas in Wallonia including research, employment, education and health."

Today, Belgium is a world leader in medical isotope supply, and production of radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medical equipment, with the nuclear medicine sector providing approximately 5,000 jobs indirectly, and over 2,600 jobs directly. Telix currently employs 32 people in Belgium. This number is expected to grow significantly as the commercial activity develops.

Download the Telix Manufacturing Solutions fact sheet here.

About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with international operations in the United States, Europe (Belgium and Switzerland), and Japan. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical-stage products that aims to address significant unmet medical need in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX).

Visit www.telixpharma.com for further information about Telix, including details of the latest share price, announcements made to the ASX, investor and analyst presentations, news releases, event details and other publications that may be of interest. You can also follow Telix on Twitter (@TelixPharma) and LinkedIn.

Telix's lead product, gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as 68Ga PSMA-11) injection, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),[5] and by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA),[6] and by Health Canada.[7] Telix is also progressing marketing authorisation applications for this investigational candidate in the United Kingdom and the European Union.[8]

Telix Investor Relations

Ms. Kyahn Williamson

Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

SVP Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

Email: kyahn.williamson@telixpharma.com

Legal Notices

This announcement is not intended as promotion or advertising directed to any healthcare professional or other audience in any country worldwide (including Australia, United States and the United Kingdom). This announcement may include forward-looking statements that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "outlook", "forecast" and "guidance", or other similar words. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix's business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Telix's preclinical and clinical studies, and Telix's research and development programs; Telix's ability to advance product candidates into, enrol and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; the commercialisation of Telix's product candidates, if or when they have been approved; estimates of Telix's expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix's financial performance; developments relating to Telix's competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix's product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix's actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, Telix does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. Readers should read this announcement together with our material risks, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the ASX and on our website.

2023 Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited. The Telix Pharmaceuticals and Illuccix name and logo are trademarks of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and its affiliates (all rights reserved).

[1] European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Mario, N., Kolmayer, A., Turquet, G.et al., Study on sustainable and resilient supply of medical radioisotopes in the EU https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/911131 [2] Medrays Intell Nuclear Medicine market report 2022. [3] Telix ASX disclosure 3 April 2020. [4] Good Manufacturing Practice, subject to certification. [5] Telix ASX disclosure 20 December 2021. [6] Telix ASX disclosure 2 November 2021. [7] Telix ASX disclosure 14 October 2022. [8] Telix ASX disclosure 3 April 2023.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1920208/Telix_Main_Logo_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/telix-opens-european-radiopharmaceutical-production-facility-301843540.html
The round, led by ICONIQ Growth, will allow Pigment to drive sustainable growth and further product innovation to help companies ?like Klarna, Miro and PVH adapt to change, with confidence

SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pigment , the business planning platform, today announced an $88 million Series C funding round led by ICONIQ Growth. The Series C investment brings the company's total amount raised to $248M in under three years. Felix Capital, as well as previous investors Meritech, IVP and FirstMark have also joined the round.

This latest infusion of capital comes off the back of a 600% increase in revenue and a 10x increase in users throughout 2022, with companies such as Klarna, Miro, PVH (including brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein), Airtable, Figma, Webhelp and Poshmark choosing Pigment to help plan, make decisions, and drive growth.

"In today's economic climate, far too many companies are being held back because they don't have the right tools in place to get a full view of their business, manage changes, and grow. They're forced to plan and make decisions with inaccurate, incomplete and siloed information," said Eleonore Crespo, co-CEO and co-founder, Pigment.

"Our vision from the beginning has been to help people and organizations of all sizes make better business decisions. With this infusion of funding, we are on a clear path to drive innovation and change the status quo in an industry desperately in need of it. Pigment has never been more critical and relevant than it is today," added Romain Niccoli, co-CEO and co-founder, Pigment.

Pigment will use the funds to drive sustainable growth at the company, with headcount expected to increase by 25% by the end 2023, across enterprise sales, partnerships and product teams. The company will also invest in product innovation for decision-makers across disciplines, including:

Pigment AI, a chat-like interface to automate tasks, bring more people into the planning process and accelerate decision-making

New automations to enable collaborative planning across teams to reduce the budgeting cycle and increase forecasting accuracy

New HR and Sales planning features to aid specific teams to plan and report according to their needs, with organizational chart visualizations and territory heat maps

"We've had a great partnership with Pigment since the beginning and product innovation is a key reason our relationship continues to deepen," said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, co-founder and CEO, Klarna. "With Pigment's AI and workforce planning investments, I am confident that Klarna is and will continue to be better equipped to make the right decisions about our business in the best interests of our customers."

"At Figma, our finance team wears many hats - we're responsible for circulating business information, quickly diagnosing issues, and presenting leadership with solutions. Pigment allows us to understand our levers and make timely decisions for the business while remaining lean," said Praveer Melwani, CFO, Figma.

ICONIQ Growth, Pigment's newest investor, has made meaningful investments in some of the world's largest technology companies including Adyen, Datadog, Gitlab, Miro, Snowflake, and more. "We are delighted to support Pigment with our global platform as they continue to expand their footprint in the US and beyond," said Matt Jacobson, General Partner at ICONIQ Growth. "We've been incredibly impressed by Eleonore and Romain's intense focus on product velocity and remarkable customer care, which has translated into exceptional growth and affinity," added Seth Pierrepont, General Partner, ICONIQ Growth.

In the past year, Pigment has strengthened its North American presence, opening an office in Toronto and hiring senior leadership in the U.S. and Canada. Notable recent hires include Sean Brophy, Global Head of Sales, who joined from Alteryx where he led enterprise sales; and Vanessa Brangwyn, Global Head of Customers, who joined from Achievers, where she was Chief Customer and Revenue Officer.

Pigment is a business planning platform. By bringing together people, data and processes into an intuitive, adaptable, integrated platform, teams can quickly build trusted strategic and operational business plans to drive growth, react to change and future-proof their business. Industry-leading companies like Klarna, Figma, Airtable, PVH and Webhelp trust Pigment every day, allowing them to make confident and accurate decisions. Learn more at www.gopigment.com .

ICONIQ Growth partners with visionaries defining the future of their industries to transform the world. Our investment platform and unique ecosystem help amplify our portfolio companies' success from early growth stage to IPO and beyond. Our portfolio includes Adyen, AirBnB, Alibaba, Alteryx, Automattic, BambooHR, Braze, Chime, Collibra, Coupa, Datadog, Docusign, Gitlab, Marqeta, Miro, Procore, Red Ventures, Relativity, ServiceTitan, Snowflake, Sprinklr, Truckstop, Uber, Wolt, and Zoom, among others. Elevated by our global community of founders, pioneers, and leaders, we are entrepreneurs backing entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit ICONIQGrowth.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2068424/Pigment_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pigment-announces-88-million-series-c-301845501.html
LANNION, France, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RECOM Technologies unveils the groundbreaking Black Tiger PV Module Series with power outputs ranging from 430Wp & up to 610Wp. This cutting-edge innovation based on N-Type cell technology sets news standard in the industry for extraordinary efficiency of 23.6%.

The RECOM Black Tiger module features a multitude of exceptional benefits, solidifying its position as a premier choice in the market. First and foremost, it boasts unparalleled efficiency, delivering optimal performance that surpasses all competitors. With its world-leading efficiency, the Black Tiger module ensures maximum power generation, allowing customers to harness the full potential of solar energy. Additionally, its advanced design and engineering result in enhanced durability, making it highly resistant to various environmental conditions, ensuring long-term reliability. Moreover, the Black Tiger module's captivating aesthetics add a touch of elegance to any installation, seamlessly integrating into both residential and commercial settings. With its unmatched combination of efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal, the Black Tiger module provides customers with an unrivaled solution for their solar energy needs.

The "Black Tiger" module utilizes N-Type cell technology in conjunction with a rear connection method known as BackContact. As a result, there is 0% front grid shadow loss, which increases the PV module's yield. Due to reduced shading on the front of the cell, the module maximizes total cell area realizing higher efficiency and resulting in a fast return on investment. Available in Monofacial, Bifacial Single Glass and Bifacial Double Glass, these solar panels come with 25 years product warranty and with a 30-year linear power output guarantee to be no less than 88.85% of the nominal output power.

Through this innovative design the module grid lines are eliminated, resulting in a sleek, pure black appearance. Equipped with all back contact cells, it maximizes efficiency and performance, delivering a remarkable +13.4% increase in full life-cycle power generation compared to traditional P-type modules. Additionally, the Black Tiger module offers a significant advantage with over 5% reduction in Balance of System (BOS) requirements, translating into substantial cost savings on cables and mounting systems. What's more, it stands out as a 100% silver-free option, ensures a reliable supply chain and addresses concerns associated with other N-type modules. With its unique combination of design innovation, superior power generation, cost efficiency, and sustainable materials, the Black Tiger module redefines excellence in the solar industry.

RECOM's power plants are certified to ISO 9001, 14001 standards. Black Tiger is certified to IEC61215, IEC61730, ISO 9001:2005, ISO 14001:2015 and Conformity to CE, PV CYCLE, Fire safety Class C according to UL790 certifications.

RECOM, through product availability at European warehouses ensures fast and reliable deliveries.

For more information on RECOM's solar solutions, please visit https://recom-tech.com or please send email to info@recom-tech.com or marketing@recom-tech.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096678/RECOM_Technologies_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096679/RECOM_Technologies_2.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1902016/RECOM_Technologies_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/recom-technologies-announces-the-new-black-tiger-pv-module-series-with-worlds-1st-module-efficiency-at-23-6-under-2m2--301846094.html
Pensana Plc - Result of General Meeting

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, June 08

8 JUNE 2023

Pensana Plc

("Pensana" or the "Company")

Results of General Meeting

Pensana is pleased to report that at the Company's General Meeting, held earlier today, all Special Resolutions proposed at the meeting, were passed by the requisite majority.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Shareholder/analyst enquiries:

Pensana Plc

Paul Atherley, Chairman IR@pensana.co.uk

Tim George, Chief Executive Officer

Rob Kaplan, Chief Financial Officer

George Zacharias, Group Company Secretary

Media enquiries:

FGS Global:

Gordon Simpson / Richard Crowley Pensana-LON@fgsglobal.com

About Pensana Plc

The electrification of motive power is the most important part of the energy transition if we are to tackle climate change and one of the biggest energy transitions in history. Magnet metal rare earths are central to that transition, forming a critical part of the technology for efficient electric vehicle motors and offshore wind turbines.

Pensana plans to establish its Saltend processing hub as an independent and sustainable supplier of the key rare earth magnet metal oxides to a market which is currently dominated by China.

The US$195 million Saltend facility is being designed to produce circa 12,500 tonnes per annum of rare earth products, of which 4,500 tonnes will be neodymium and praseodymium oxide (NdPrO), representing over 5% of the world market in 2025.

Pensana's plug-and-play facility is located within the world-class Saltend Chemicals Park, a cluster of leading chemicals and renewable energy businesses in the Humber Freeport and will create over 500 jobs during construction and over 125 direct jobs once in production.

Powered by low-carbon offshore wind, it will be the first major separation facility to be established in over a decade and will become one of the few major producers located outside China.

Feedstock will be shipped as a clean, high purity mixed rare earth double sulphate (MREDS) from the Company's Longonjo low-impact operations in Angola. The mine's state-of-the-art concentrator and proprietary MREDS processing plant are designed by Wood to the highest international standards.

The operations will be powered by renewable energy from hydroelectric power and connected to the Port of Lobito by the recently upgraded Benguela railway line.

Pensana believes that provenance of critical rare earth materials supply, life cycle analysis and GHG Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions will all become significant factors in supply chains for major customers.

The Company intends to offer customers an independently and sustainably sourced supply of the metal oxides and carbonates of increasing importance to a range of applications central to addressing the energy transition.

Pensana is also aiming to establish Saltend as an attractive alternative to mining houses that may otherwise be limited to selling their products to China, having designed the facility to be easily adapted to cater for a range of rare earth feedstocks.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Cisco Systems Inc.



This blog was co-authored by Sophia Filipe, Country Digitization Program Manager, within the Cisco Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program. This is the second in a series of blogs on CDA Sustainability Projects that go behind the scenes of the sustainability projects we are engaged in, and the impact we are having through Cisco's CDA program.

Enel Group, a global Italian power utility, have constantly embraced new technologies to make energy more reliable, more affordable, and more sustainable, from the introduction of the first smart meter to becoming the world's largest producer of renewable energy. Through a Cisco CDA investment, Cisco has partnered with Enel to co-innovate on digital solutions and support energy decarbonization, digitization and decentralization.

Innovation and sustainability are of great importance to both companies, and Enel and Cisco are eager to collaborate on digitizing critical infrastructure and support progress towards global net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ambitions.

We sat down with members of Cisco's Enel team, Giovanni Colombo, systems architect, and Federica Ingrao, account manager, to hear their perspective on sustainability and the outcomes this unique partnership can drive.

It is critical to address climate change now. Why is it important to Enel and to you?

Federica: My personal commitment to sustainability goes back to growing up in Sicily, Italy. The ecology and history of Sicily is strongly connected to sustainability. Its culture and economy have a deep connection to nature. For me, it is important to work for a company that values the environment. Sustainability is an integral part of Cisco's purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All, and this makes me feel that I'm contributing to these efforts as well.

Giovanni: I think every day about our ability to support a healthy planet for all. That is why we are striving to align Cisco and customer's goals. With the co-innovation program we have in place with Enel, we are supporting this alignment. Enel is one of the world's biggest power utilities in energy generation, distribution and supply, and number one in the world for installed capacity of renewable energy. Working together, we can contribute to protect natural resources, accelerate the renewable energy transition, and help reverse the impact of climate change.

How is Cisco co-innovating with Enel, and why does this matter?

Giovanni: While Cisco and Enel have worked together for many years, we expanded the relationship in 2017 by signing a co-innovation agreement. Under that agreement, Cisco became Enel's Global Technology Partner to develop innovative solutions for electricity grids, to promote and spread Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, to enhance cybersecurity processes, and to scout for co-innovation solutions based on Open Innovation. Our companies are now working together to define, design, test and deploy digital architectures.

We have three pillars that guide our co-innovation:

First is digitizing and improving the operational efficiency of the grid. Cisco technology can enable the grid to have capabilities like real-time remote monitoring of consumption levels and grid function, and automated self-healing. These capabilities allow Enel to restore grid faults remotely and automatically reduce wasteful interruption, and support Enel's overall emissions reduction in Operation and Maintenance (OM) activities - all of which can have positive impact for local communities.

Second is a unified convergent IT/OT network designed with circularity in mind. Cisco and Enel designed Enel's network to save power, space, and maintenance to reduce carbon emissions. The design includes digitized electrical infrastructure, interconnecting tens of thousands of substations and introducing an IoT distributed sensor system for real-time maintenance of the grid's primary substations. This advanced network approach at Enel's large scale significantly contributes to better use of limited natural resources.

The third pillar is the ability to increase Enel's renewable energy hosting capacity. Through projects co-designed with Cisco, Enel strives to deliver gigawatts of renewable energy hosting capacity. When we say renewable energy, we mean distributed solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy sources that need to be connected to the grid, supporting operational security and allowing voltage and power flow control in a smart grid architecture.

How can this partnership help Cisco Enel progress towards joint and individual sustainability goals?

Federica: One way we see Cisco supporting Enel is through sharing information, best practices and helping them achieve sustainability goals.

Giovanni: Another interesting point of the co-innovation agreement is skills exchange. We had several meetings and trainings where we gained vertical knowledge of the electrical grid from Enel, and we in turn shared our knowledge about the IT network for digital smartgrids. The co-education pillar has been one of the most successful outcomes.

Moving forward, how do Cisco Enel plan to leverage innovation for greater sustainability impact?

Federica: For the Cisco Enel team, innovation is a key part of supporting sustainability. If we look at companies such as Enel, they can support economic profit and sustainability in the countries in which they operate. Innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

Giovanni: Enel launched, and now partially owns, a new company called Gridspertise. Gridspertise partners with Distribution System Operators (DSOs) around the world to upgrade their distribution systems by adding intelligence and preparing them for the future. Their mission is to deliver a new era of sustainable and reliable smart grids through innovative, flexible and customer-driven digital solutions that are circular by design. With support from its trusted partnership with Cisco, Gridspertise is making strides in advancing sustainability and novel solutions to the external power utility market

Grid operators like Enel need to move energy to turn the lights on for the world, and an 'always on' Industrial IoT network helps support that mission. We are eager to see Cisco and Enel's co-innovation efforts grow and continue advancing digitization of the utilities market and sustainability.

View original content here

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760049/Sustainability-and-Co-Innovation-Shared-Passions-of-Enel-and-Cisco-CDA
Funding will accelerate Cohere's leadership position giving enterprises the power of AI on the cloud platform of their choice, keeping their data private and secure

SAN FRANCISCO and TORONTO, June 08, 2023, the leading AI platform for enterprise, today announced $270M in new capital as part of its Series C financing. Inovia Capital led the round, with additional participation from a diverse group of global institutional and strategic investors, including NVIDIA, Oracle, Salesforce Ventures, DTCP, Mirae Asset, Schroders Capital, SentinelOne, Thomvest Ventures, and returning investor Index Ventures. This group represents investors from the USA, Canada, Korea, the UK, and Germany, and includes some of the most respected technology companies in the world.



"AI will be the heart that powers the next decade of business success," said Aidan Gomez, CEO and co-founder, Cohere. "As the early excitement about generative AI shifts toward ways to accelerate businesses, companies are looking to Cohere to position them for success in a new era of technology. The next phase of AI products and services will revolutionize business, and we are ready to lead the way."

"We are at the beginning of a new era driven by accelerated computing and generative AI," said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. "The team at Cohere has made foundational contributions to generative AI. Their service will help enterprises around the world harness these capabilities to automate and accelerate."

AI Built for Enterprise

Cohere's AI platform is uniquely designed for enterprises, offering data-secure deployment options in companies' existing cloud environments, customization, and customer support. This includes an ecosystem of consulting and system integrator partners to help enterprises at any stage in their AI journey.

Cohere's enterprise AI suite is cloud-agnostic, offering the highest levels of flexibility and data privacy. The platform is built to be available on every cloud provider, deployed inside a customers' existing cloud environment, virtual private cloud (VPC), or even on-site, to meet companies where their data is. This empowers businesses to transform existing products and build the next era-defining generation of innovative solutions all while keeping their data secure.

"Our entire raison d'etre is to invest in great entrepreneurs who have great worldwide mission and ambitions," said Steve Woods, CTO and Partner, Inovia Capital. "Very few ideas can fundamentally change society and add more value to humankind. This is obviously one such opportunity and we are thrilled to partner with Cohere to be a part of it."

Today's news comes on the heels of Cohere's momentum in several areas: a recent announcement to collaborate with Salesforce Ventures to advance generative AI to realize business value; an engagement with LivePerson to supercharge customer experiences; and a host of additional demand and interest from the enterprise market. As Cohere continues to advance its industry-leading technology, Stanford's most recent language model evaluation has also ranked Cohere's Command model highly in accuracy over comparable models. Meanwhile, Cohere recently released the first-ever publicly available multilingual understanding model trained on authentic data from native speakers; it's equipped to read and understand over 100 of the world's most commonly spoken languages.

"Cohere has a rare combination of top-tier talent, the most innovative technology and is best positioned to seize the global enterprise market opportunity for Generative AI and LLMs," said Lance Matthews, Managing Director, DTCP. "Our unique fund structure and relationships allows us to gather a coalition of global institutional and strategic investors including Deutsche Telekom to accelerate Cohere's vision to bring this technology to enterprises worldwide."

To learn more about Cohere and its growing team, visit cohere.com .

About Cohere

Cohere is the leading AI platform for enterprise. Its world-class AI is uniquely suited to the needs of business, unlocking unprecedented ease-of-use, accessibility, and data privacy. Cohere's platform is cloud-agnostic, accessible through API as a managed service, and can be deployed on virtual private cloud (VPC) or even on-site to meet companies where their data is, offering the highest levels of flexibility and control. Founded by Google Brain alumni and a co-author of the seminal Transformer research paper, Cohere is on a mission to transform enterprises and their products with AI that unlocks a more intuitive way to generate, search, and summarize information than ever before. The company is backed by group of global institutional and strategic investors including DTCP, Index Ventures, Inovia Capital, Mirae Asset, NVIDIA, Oracle, Radical Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Section 32, and Tiger Global, as well as several AI luminaries, including Geoffrey Hinton, Jeff Dean, Fei-Fei Li, Pieter Abbeel, and Raquel Urtasun.

Media Contact

press@cohere.com
The Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform is now "Awardable" through the Tradewind Solutions Marketplace, DoD's digital platform of readily-awardable AI/ML, digital, and data analytics solutions

Pyramid Analytics (Pyramid), a leading business analytics and decision intelligence provider, is pleased to announce that its Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform has been added to the Tradewind Solutions Marketplace, DoD's digital environment of post-competition, readily awardable, technology solution pitch videos. The Tradewind Solutions Marketplace is the flagship offering of Tradewind, DoD's suite of tools and services designed to accelerate the procurement and adoption of AI/ML, digital, and data analytics solutions across the DoD. Tradewind sits in the DoD's Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO).

The Pyramid Platform provides comprehensive, advanced analytics capabilities, including data pipelines and preparation (with embedded machine learning), enterprise and self-service data analytics, dashboarding (with built-in AI and chat-bots), and data science.

Pyramid's platform was rated as "Awardable" and added to the Tradewind Solutions Marketplace. Solutions selected for the Marketplace, including the Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform, have been assessed and vetted through competitive procedures, which satisfy the competition requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the Statutes, Policies, and guidance applicable to the DoD's Other Transaction Authorities.

Key points

Pyramid's platform is now listed on the Tradewind Solutions Marketplace, DoD's digital platform for sourcing AI/ML, digital, and data analytics solutions.

The DoD and the broader Defense Industrial Base has continued needs for low-code/no-code solutions that provide advanced analytics visualizations, machine learning, self-service analytics, natural language queries, and augmented and artificial intelligence.

The Pyramid Platform received top ratings in leading analyst firm Gartner's 2023 Critical Capabilities for Analytics and Business Intelligence Platforms report, including #1 for Business Analyst Use Case, #1 for Augmented Consumer Use Case, #2 for Data Scientist Use Case, and #4 for Analytics Developer Use Case.

report, including #1 for Business Analyst Use Case, #1 for Augmented Consumer Use Case, #2 for Data Scientist Use Case, and #4 for Analytics Developer Use Case. Pyramid's US Federal Practice is led by a team of experienced leaders, including Joe Fritsch, Director of Federal Sales; Peter Morris, Senior Director of Partner Channel, North America; Dave Henry, Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances; Russ Cosentino, Regional Vice President Sales, North America, East; and Brian McCormac, Senior Vice President of Global Sales.

"Being added to the Tradewind Solutions Marketplace is a significant recognition of the quality and relevance of our platform to the current and future needs of the defense industry. The Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform offers comprehensive capabilities to support government agencies' AI/ML, digital, and data analytics needs, enabling them to make faster and more informed decisions," said Joe Fritsch, Director of Federal Sales at Pyramid Analytics.

In October 2022, Pyramid announced a new business practice dedicated to the US federal market, led by Joe Fritsch, and a strategic partnership with Carahsoft, The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider. This new DoD marketplace listing has strengthened its commitment to providing critical decision intelligence to government agencies.

The Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform is already used by other government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where it provides advanced analytics capabilities to over 50,000 users to help the VA manage, assess, and deliver quality healthcare to veterans across all VA hospitals.

Pyramid's addition to the Tradewind Solutions Marketplace marks another significant milestone in the company's dedication to helping U.S. federal civilian, defense, and intelligence agencies expand and optimize their use of data-informed decision intelligence at scale.

About Pyramid Analytics

Pyramid Analytics is the next generation of decision intelligence. The award-winning Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform empowers people with augmented, automated, and collaborative insights that simplify and guide the use of data in decision-making. Critically, the Pyramid Platform operates directly on any data, enabling governed self-service for any person; and meeting analytical needs in a no-code environment without data extraction, ingestion, and duplication. It combines data prep, business analytics, and data science into one frictionless platform to empower anyone with intelligent decision-making. This enables a strategic, enterprise-wide approach to business intelligence and analytics, from the simple to the sophisticated. Schedule a demo today.

Pyramid Analytics USA is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Pyramid Analytics B.V. that is incorporated in Amsterdam with regional operations in global innovation and business centers, including New York City, London, and Tel Aviv. Our team lives worldwide because geography should not hinder talent and opportunity. Investors include H.I.G. Growth Partners, Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP), Sequoia Capital, and Viola Growth. Learn more at Pyramid Analytics.

For additional information on the Pyramid offerings in the Tradewind Solutions Marketplace, interested Government parties can log in at https://www.tradewindai.com/ and search for "Pyramid Analytics." Registration is required.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005227/en/

Contacts:

Pyramid Analytics

Pete Vomocil

SVP, Global Marketing, Pyramid Analytics

pr@pyramidanalytics.com
VEVYE is the first and only cyclosporine solution indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease with efficacy demonstrated after 4 weeks

Novaliq GmbH, a biopharmaceutical company focusing on first- and best-in-class ocular therapeutics, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VEVYE (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.1% for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. VEVYE (development name CyclASol) is the first and only cyclosporine solution indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease with efficacy demonstrated after 4 weeks of treatment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005090/en/

Novaliq Announces FDA Approval of VEVYE (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Solution) 0.1%, for the Treatment of the Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease (Photo: Business Wire)

"We are proud that FDA approved VEVYE. The safety and efficacy of VEVYE were assessed in a total of 1369 patients with dry eye disease, of which 738 received VEVYE. VEVYE and its novel vehicle were safe, well tolerated, and demonstrated early, consistent, and durable therapeutic effects," said Sonja Krosser, PhD, Vice President Medical Science Regulatory Affairs at Novaliq. "It is an exciting moment when you have followed science that finally led into a new category of water-free ocular therapies addressing unmet medical needs for patients suffering from dry eye disease."

Dry eye disease (DED) affects millions of Americans and is one of the most common ocular surface disorders. A leading cause of DED is inflammation of the ocular surface. The chronic inflammatory nature causes progressive corneal surface damage that can lead to direct or indirect visual impairment.

VEVYE is cyclosporine, solubilized in a novel, water-free excipient and was designed to address unmet needs, providing patients with a fast acting and well tolerable dry eye drug therapy. The solution does not contain water or anti-microbial preservatives, oils or surfactants. As a water-free product, there is no associated pH and no osmolarity.

"VEVYE addresses the well documented underlying inflammatory root cause of dry eye disease, repeatedly demonstrating early and clinically meaningful efficacy upon both signs and symptoms," said John D. Sheppard, MD, MMSc, FACS, professor of ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Mid-Atlantic Medical Director for Eye Care Partners and investigator in the development program. "The clinical trials consistently showed significant therapeutic improvements in ocular surface damage and associated symptoms, while pioneering visual function improvement analysis. VEVYE is an exceptionally well tolerated formulation, combining a novel, first-in-class vehicular delivery system with by far the most established and safe topical active pharmaceutical ingredient, cyclosporine, providing a major advancement for our patients."

"I am thrilled that a novel water-free, non-preserved pharmaceutical option for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye was approved by the FDA," commented Jade Coats OD, optometric physician at McDonald Eye Associates, Rogers, Arkansas and member of the Intrepid Eye Society. "With the most potent commercially available cyclosporine 0.1%, VEVYE brings to the table excellent comfort and tolerability, fast onset of symptom relief, and a strategically effective drop size, providing patients and practitioners an additional anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating option for the treatment of dry eye disease."

"The US FDA approval of VEVYE marks a milestone for patients and care takers by addressing a significant unmet need for millions of people suffering with this disease," said Christian Roesky, PhD, CEO Novaliq. "With now two EyeSol based and water-free dry eye drug therapies approved by FDA Novaliq has established a novel category of non-aqueous, non-preserved ophthalmic drugs with the opportunity to become a standard of care in ophthalmology in the future. We will continue to execute on our mission to transform ocular therapies by developing breakthrough novel EyeSol therapies way beyond dry eye disease."

About VEVYE (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.1%

VEVYE (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.1%, for topical ophthalmic use.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

VEVYE is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Potential for Eye Injury and Contamination.To avoid the potential for eye injury and/or contamination, patients should not touch the bottle tip to the eye or other surfaces.

Use with Contact Lenses.VEVYE should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed prior to administration of the solution. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of VEVYE ophthalmic solution.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Clinical Trials Experience.Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials with 738 subjects receiving at least 1 dose of VEVYE, the most common adverse reactions were instillation site reactions (8%) and temporary decreases in visual acuity (3%).

Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click [here] for full Prescribing Information for VEVYE.

About Novaliq

Novaliq is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and commercialization of first- and best-in-class ocular therapeutics based on EyeSol, the worldwide first water-free technology. Novaliq offers an industry-leading portfolio addressing today's unmet medical needs of millions of patients with eye diseases. On May 18th, 2023, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved MIEBO (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution; formerly known as NOV03) followed by the approval of VEVYE (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, development name CyclASol) 0.1% on May 30th, 2023. Novaliq GmbH is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany and Novaliq Inc. has an office in Cambridge, MA, USA. The long-term shareholder is dievini Hopp BioTech holding GmbH Co. KG, an active investor in Life and Health Sciences companies. More on www.novaliq.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005090/en/

Contacts:

Novaliq Media Contact:

Simone Angstmann-Mehr

info@novaliq.com
Sustainability Magazine , a renowned publication under the BizClik brand, proudly announces its recognition as the top-ranked ESG Magazine by Feedspot

LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leading authority in the realm of sustainability, Sustainability Magazine offers a wealth of knowledge and insights for both businesses and individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet and society. With a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns, the magazine covers a diverse range of subjects, including sustainable energy, socially responsible investing, the circular economy, ethical supply chains and various other related areas.

Feedspot, recognised as the Internet's Largest Human Curated Database of Bloggers and Podcasts, meticulously curated its list of "Best ESG Magazines" from a vast selection of blogs on the web. The ranking was determined based on factors such as website traffic, social media followers, domain authority and content originality. Sustainability Magazine emerged as the clear frontrunner, solidifying its position as the premier ESG resource.

"The team behind Sustainability Magazine are thrilled to be named the top-ranked ESG magazine by Feedspot," says Lucy Buchholz, Editor in Chief of Sustainability Magazine.

"The ranking reflects our dedication to sharing the latest ESG news, and we will continue to work hard to ensure we remain the number one platform for sustainability updates."

Sustainability Magazine , a BizClik brand, is a leading publication at the forefront of sustainability, offering valuable insights, trends, and news for businesses and individuals committed to building a sustainable future. With a strong emphasis on ESG issues, the magazine explores a wide range of topics, providing readers with the knowledge and inspiration needed to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

Glen White, Founder and CEO of BizClik says:

"Sustainability Magazine was created due to the growing demand for content around Sustainability, ESG, Diversity & Net Zero topics across large-scale enterprises.

Thanks to massive interest & growth from our corporate clients, Sustainability Magazine has become more than just a magazine, it's now the No.1 platform and ecosystem for all aspects of sustainability. Sustainability Magazine now encompasses its range of Magazine inc Energy & EV, leading websites and newsletters, our weekly Top 10's cover everything and our three annual Top 100 listings cover Top 100 Women in Sustainability, Top 100 Sustainable Companies and Top 100 Leaders in Sustainability.

And since 2022, our Sustainability LIVE London conference & exhibition has hosted 100's of the most influential sustainability leaders - presenting to 1000's of in-person and virtual attendees from all across the globe. Sustainability Magazine has also announced that it will launch its very own 'Global Sustainability & ESG Awards' at SUSTAINABILITY LIVE London on Sep 6/7th which with be hosted at the Business Design Centre ."

Sustainability Magazine also recently ran its first Sustainability LIVE USA event which was a huge success and expects to run its events again in the U.K. in 2024 along with events for the Middle East, Asia & again in the USA."

BizClik is a UK-based media company with a global portfolio of leading industry, business and lifestyle digital communities.

BizClik's portfolio includes Technology & AI, Finance & Insurance, Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Energy & Mining, Construction, Healthcare, Mobile & Data Centres and EV. For further information, please visit https://www.bizclikmedia.com/

You can read the latest news in Sustainability Magazine by clicking HERE .

You can now sign up for the Sustainability LIVE conference at the Business Design Centre from the 6th - 7th September 2023. Click HERE .

Visit www.bizclikmedia.com to discover more about BizClik's media portfolio.

BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, with a growing portfolio of sector-leading global brands and events.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sustainability-magazine-voted-top-esg-publication-by-feedspot-301846202.html
Highlights:

New assessment and 3D model validate larger than expected salt dome - confirming potential to store more than 35 million cubic meters, or the equivalent of 180,000 tonnes of hydrogen - would make Fishell's Dome the largest salt storage facility on North America's east coast.

The Company continues to strengthen its highly qualified and connected team to advance the development of the Fischell Salt Dome as part of Newfoundland and Labrador's clean energy industry.

The Board continues to evaluate the timing and method of creating liquidity for current Triple Point shareholders.

St. John's, Newfoundland--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Triple Point Resources Ltd. ("Triple Point" or the "Company"), a leading provider of clean energy underground storage solutions, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Phase 1 Dome Assessment for its 100% owned Fischell Salt Dome, located 30 km south of Stephenville on the west coast of Newfoundland.

The assessment, conducted by RESPEC, a global expert in hydrogen salt caverns, confirms that Fischell property contains a massive Gulf Coast Style salt dome, different from common bedded salt formations. Results are based on a high-resolution ground gravity survey, seismic data and several historic exploration wells - all confirming a thick salt dome formation suitable for hydrogen storage.

Fischell's Dome offers the potential to store more than 35 million cubic meters of hydrogen, or the equivalent of 180,000 tonnes of hydrogen. This makes the Fischell asset much larger than expected and the largest known dome on the east coast of North America.

The report confirms Fischell's Dome has space for several caverns, each capable of storing over 8,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, offering massive storage that could store all the energy from projects currently proposed by Newfoundland and Labrador's wind energy industry.

In comparison, the ACES Delta Hubs in Delta, Utah, USA, is currently constructing two hydrogen caverns with a capacity of 5,500 tonnes. ACES Delta is one of the world's largest clean hydrogen storage projects in construction.

Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9807/169228_d905207b8483c93a_001full.jpg

"The Phase 1 Dome assessment results are incredibly exciting for us," said Julie Lemieux, CEO of Triple Point Resources. "The confirmation of Fischell's impressive potential storage capacity is a game changer for wind project viability and sets a new standard for energy storage in the region. This milestone further solidifies Triple Point's position as a leader in advancing clean-energy solutions in Newfoundland and Labrador and the significant role our project will have in the transition to a sustainable future."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Crown Land Call for Bids for Wind Energy Projects has attracted significant international interest, with twenty-four applications submitted, highlighting the need for clean energy storage that can be provided by Triple Point's Fischell Salt Dome. The Province is expected to announce the selected proponents in the coming months.

Triple Point will then continue working with proponents to complete initial engineering work and better understand the scale and timing requirements for the development of the Fischell Salt Dome project, ensuring seamless integration with the region's renewable energy operations. Triple Point will also accelerate stakeholder, community, and Indigenous engagement. The Company is committed to working closely with local and Indigenous communities as well as provincial stakeholders to maximize economic opportunities and minimize potential environmental effects associated with the dome's development.

"Our primary objective is to establish robust and safe infrastructure for green hydrogen, while prioritizing the environment and sustainability. We recognize the importance of collaborating with local communities and ensuring their voices are heard throughout this process," added Lemieux. "We are committed to transparent communication and providing the necessary information to address concerns and identify mutual benefits."

Corporate Update

Triple Point's Board of Directors (the "Board") continues to support the development and positioning of the Fischell's Dome as a clean energy storage hub for eastern Canada, as well as the ongoing evaluation of other energy storage projects globally. It is also evaluating the timing and method of creating liquidity and value for Triple Point shareholders. The positive dome assessment, future Crown Land results and marketplace conditions are all being considered to maximize value.

The Triple Point Board is proud to announce the addition of exceptional team members who bring diverse and valuable industry expertise to propel the Company's mission of advancing clean energy innovation:

Julie Lemieux, CEO of Triple Point, has over 25 years of experience in strategic business management, governance and stakeholder engagement. Lemieux's leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in positioning Triple Point's flagship project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

John Anderson, Chairman of Triple Point, has extensive capital market and leadership experience and played a crucial role in shaping the spin off from Atlas Salt. Anderson's capital market connection is invaluable to Triple Point's success. Anderson is also a board member of Atlas Salt Inc.

A notable addition to Triple Point is Mr. Don Lacey, who joins the team as Vice President of Business Development. Lacey brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role, having previously served as the Vice President of Operations for Plains Midstream, where he managed and operated an integrated energy processing and storage system, including a suite of salt caverns throughout North America. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of cavern operations will be instrumental in driving the success of Triple Point storage projects.

New Director, Josee Tremblay, brings extensive corporate and industrial knowledge to Triple Point. Her former role as the VP of East Coast Canada for Suncor and her current position as a Principal at Strategic Decisions Group have equipped her with valuable connections in Newfoundland and Labrador, further strengthening Triple Point's local engagement efforts.

Fraser Edison, Director, brings a wealth of experience and insight to Triple Point, as well as a vast network of industry and governmental in Newfoundland and Labrador, which will contribute to the Company's approach to developing its dome in the province. Edison is a board member of the Atlas Salt Inc and Vulcan Minerals Inc.

The addition of these high-caliber team members underscores Triple Point's commitment to assembling a diverse and skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and delivering sustainable energy solutions.

Qualified Person

Marty Henning, P.Geo, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical contents of this news release as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Visit www.Triplepoint.ca for more information.

About RESPEC

RESPEC is a global leader in diverse technologies and draws from a wide array of expertise, products, and services to deliver world-class solutions for business, mining, energy, water, natural resources, urban development, infrastructure, and enterprise services. RESPEC's subsurface experts have evaluated over 1,000 caverns in nearly every major cavern storage region in the world. Its over 50-year history underground has helped to pioneer in-house specialty software and rock lab testing that focuses on designing solution-mined and conventionally mined storage caverns. RESPEC also plays a similar role with the ACES Delta in Utah, the world's largest green hydrogen project under construction. Website.

About Triple Point Resources Ltd.

Triple Point Resources Ltd. is a Canadian based company focused on developing clean energy storage solutions for the growing hydrogen economy. The Company aims to provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective storage solutions for renewable energy sources. Triple Point is committed to working with local communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable development practices that benefit everyone. Triple Point is part of the transition to a sustainable energy future. Website.

For inquiries or investor relations, please contact:

Julie Lemieux

Chief Executive Officer

Email: jlemieux@triplepoint.ca

Phone: 709-214-5721

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information or statements ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities legislation and rules. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will be", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Such statements include that the Company's sale dome assets are suitable for and can be commercially utilized for hydrogen storage, that demand for such storage will in the future exist at commercially viable levels, that expected capacity can be achieved, and that the Company will be successful in developing such project with the support of all stakeholders. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169228
Gas Bearings operating on refrigerants move the sustainability needle for commercial and industrial cooling.

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / New Way Air Bearings announces the awards of two patents for porous gas bearings operating within a refrigerant environment: US patent 11619263B2 "Externally pressurized oil-free freon bearing" and US patent 11536316B2 "Externally pressurized porous gas bearings or seals operating on refrigerant."

These patents are significant milestones in New Way's ongoing development of technology and products to increase efficiencies in commercial and industrial cooling applications. Gas bearings reduce the parasitic sheer losses that are inherent in the hydrodynamic oil bearings typically used in these larger machines. These shear losses, which can reach 3 percent, are almost completely removed by utilizing gas bearings. Additional efficiencies and cost savings are gained through the elimination of the oil pumps and filters and the need to cool the oil. The removal of the oil further reduces risk by avoiding oil leaks into the refrigerant which carries into the heat exchanger where the oil insulates the surfaces thereby reducing thermal transfer efficiency. Removal of the oil also provides significant environmental advantages.

In recent decades equipment manufacturers have turned to magnetic bearing technology to eliminate oil risk and improve efficiencies. More than one major builder has acquired a magnetic bearing company to protect their position in the oilless bearing space. Magnetic bearings allow for hermetic operation that eliminates the need for high-speed seals that are additional reliability and cost factors. However, most large chiller equipment continues to be built with conventional oil based bearings for a number of reasons; magnetic bearings are complex systems which are expensive to purchase and operate, they are not serviceable by on-hand maintenance personnel, they require back up bearings, and ongoing software updates. Process owners can be frustrated by the "black box" characteristics of magnetic bearing technology.

New Way's porous gas bearings though, offer the efficient, hermetic, oilless characteristics of magnetic bearings but at a similar price, form, fit and simplicity of traditional oil-based bearings. Nick Hackett, president at New Way notes "We have 2 of the largest OEMs in refrigeration equipment qualifying our gas bearing technology for future product release. These developments continue the natural evolution we are seeing from oil to magnetic to gas bearings that Dedert announced last year when promoting their new ABA atomizers." Gas bearings can also be retrofit into current oil-based bearing machines giving them an additional advantage over magnetic bearings that can only be designed into new machines.

Of particular value to the refrigeration industry, these new patents describe how the refrigerant itself can be used as the gas that provides the load carrying film in the bearing. This further decreases both operational complexity and potential contamination issues. Drew Devitt, founder and CTO at New Way and inventor on over 40 patents related to porous bearing technology, expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive and succinct claims that were granted. "Having conducted extensive experimentation and research on this subject a decade ago, and having consistently maintained the patent family, our patents predate many of the developments in the field and these most recent patent grants will have a significant impact on the intellectual property landscape in industrial and commercial cooling."

www.NewWayAirBearings.com

Other links;

New Way Refrigeration Bearing Technologies

Centrifugal Revolution (Compressor Tech2 Magazine)

Damping and Stiffness, A Primer (Turbo Machinery Magazine)

Externally Pressurized Gas Bearings for Use in Rotating Equipment (bentlybearings.com)

Bently Bearings Media

Contact Information

Drew Devitt

CTO

ddevitt@newwayairbearings.com

4847672311

SOURCE: New Way Air Bearings

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/759878/Patents-Awarded-for-a-New-Way-to-Take-the-Friction-Out-of-Cooling
MARION, NC / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Greene Concepts Inc. (OTC Pink:INKW) is pleased to announce through its partnership with Merchants Distributors (MDI) that it is rolling out delivery of its BE WATER bottled water soon to multiple retail outlets through Piggly Wiggly's Southeast division. This involves the sale of the company's six-pack configuration as displayed on its corporate press release page entitled 'Greene Concepts Secures New Retail Distribution to Five Hundred Grocery Stores'.

Through MDI, Greene Concepts will soon deliver its six-pack BE WATER to multiple Piggly Wiggly Southeast chain locations. This multiplies the company's expansion of BE WATER throughout the country.

Brian Adkins, Greene Concepts' National Sales Director, notes, "MDI has been invaluable in helping us expand awareness of BE WATER and we are all thrilled to be delivering to multiple Piggly Wiggly stores in the near future. Piggly Wiggly has been on the forefront of grocery innovation for a long time and will be a fantastic retail partner to carry BE WATER six-packs. As one of America's best-known and best-loved brands, Piggly Wiggly represents value, freshness, and quality with a local feel and culture."

Brian Adkins continues, "Also, MDI's salesforce is out working on distribution deals for other regional and national chains that pull through MDI as well. We expect to announce additional chains that will carry BE WATER and bring us closer to widespread recognition, prominence, and national product availability. Piggly Wiggly offers us the chance to expand our presence in a fantastic way."

Lenny Greene, CEO of Greene Concepts, states, "MDI continues to be an important partner in helping us expand and present our BE WATER six-packs to a greater number of retailers. Thanks to MDI, consumers will soon be able to find BE WATER in multiple Piggly Wiggly locations. Piggly Wiggly is prominent throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and we are very thankful for our initial entry into their Southeast location stores. Both MDI and Piggy Wiggly represent excellence and I am grateful to both businesses, along with Brian Adkins, for their continued strong work in helping us showcase BE WATER nationally."

Follow Greene Concepts Inc.onTwitteras well as BE WATER

Submit investor questions to IR@greeneconcepts.com

About Piggly Wiggly

Piggly Wiggly was founded in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee. It was the nation's first self-service grocery store where customers would pick out their merchandise instead of waiting for a clerk to do it for them. Piggly Wiggly brand is known for matching the quality of national brands at a lower price with substantial savings. The chain now has more than 530 stores in 18 states. Piggly Wiggly is part of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), the largest independent grocery chain in the world with 6,000 total locations worldwide (1,600 U.S. stores).

https://www.pigglywiggly.com/

About Merchants Distributors (MDI), LLC

Merchants Distributors (MDI) is a privately-owned wholesale grocery store distributor headquartered in Hickory, NC. MDI supplies over 600 retail food stores with food and non-food items in 12 Eastern states to include NC, SC, GA, TN, VA, AL, WV, OH, FL, PA, MD, and KY. MDI has been supplying retail supermarkets for over 90 years. In addition to full-service distribution to supermarkets in 12 East Coast states, MDI offers cold storage to manufacturers, provides digital services for retail, has a large format print facility, and exports to over 30 countries. The company has a strong customer focus and offers a variety of services to help their customers succeed.

https://www.mdi.com/

About H2O Artesian, Inc.

H2O Artesian, Inc. is a Satellite Beach and Melbourne, Florida based distributor that services the entire state of Florida and distributes all of Greene Concepts brands. The company was established by Mike McMurray and Brian Adkins, who combined have over 50 years of sales and promotion expertise to retailers and consumers.

About Alex Lee, Inc.

Founded in 1931, Alex Lee is a family-owned and operated company that employs nearly 10,000 people. It serves as the parent company of Merchants Distributors, LLC, which provides full-service, wholesale distribution to supermarkets across the Southeastern United States. Alex Lee, Inc. is based in Hickory, NC. For more information, pleasevisit https://www.alexlee.com.

About Greene Concepts, Inc.

Greene Concepts, Inc. (http://www.greeneconcepts.com) is a publicly traded company whose purpose is to provide the world with high-quality, healthy and enhanced beverage choices that meet the nutritional needs of its consumers while refreshing their mind, body and spirit. The Company's flagship product, BE WATER, is a premium artesian bottled water that supports total body health and wellness. Greene Concepts' beverage and bottling plant is located in Marion, North Carolina, and their water is ethically sourced from seven spring and artesian wells that are fed from a natural aquifer located deep beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greene Concepts continues to develop and market premium beverage brands designed to enhance the daily lives of consumers.

Safe Harbor: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a few uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and OTC Markets, Inc. OTC Disclosure and News Service. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Greene Concepts, Inc.

Investor Relations

IR@greeneconcepts.com

SOURCE: Green Concepts Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/759840/Greene-Concepts-Will-Begin-Delivery-of-BE-WATER-to-Piggly-Wiggly-Grocery-Stores


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits increased by much more than expected in the week ended June 3rd, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday.



The report said initial jobless claims climbed to 261,000, an increase of 28,000 from the previous week's revised level of 233,000.



Economists had expected jobless claims to inch up to 235,000 from the 232,000 originally reported for the previous week.



With the much bigger than expected advance, jobless claims reached their highest level since hitting 264,000 in the week ended October 30, 2021.



'Initial jobless claims jumped to their highest level since October 2021 but it's likely more noise than signal,' said Matthew Martin, U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics.



'Initial claims can be volatile around holidays and the new data include Memorial Day,' he added. 'Therefore, the increase in new filings don't warrant any change to the baseline forecast.'



The Labor Department said the less volatile four-week moving average also rose to 237,250, an increase of 7,500 from the previous week's revised average of 229,750.



Meanwhile, the report said continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, fell by 37,000 to 1.757 million in the week ended May 27th.



The four-week moving average of continuing claims also dipped to 1,784,750, a decrease of 12,500 from the previous week's revised average of 1,797,250.



Last Friday, the Labor Department released its closely watched monthly jobs report, showing U.S. employment surged by much more than expected in the month of May.



The report showed non-farm employment soared by 339,000 jobs in May after spiking by an upwardly revised 294,000 jobs in April.



Economists had expected employment to climb by 190,000 jobs compared to the jump of 253,000 jobs originally reported for the previous month.



Meanwhile, the Labor Department said the unemployment rate rose to 3.7 percent in May from 3.4 percent in April. The unemployment rate was expected to inch up to 3.5 percent.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Das sind die KI-Gewinner Der kostenlose Report zur KI-Revolution: Diese 5 Aktien mussen auf Ihre Watchlist! Hier klicken
Life Calling and its founder, John Mack, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the U.S. Embassy, to present a Forum on June 13, 2023 | 13:00-17:30 pm

LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the initial launch of Life Calling's immersive exhibition, A Species Between Worlds: Our Nature Our Screens at London Design Biennale, Founder and artist, provocateur and global lecturer, John Mack will host The Global Game: Remapping our Nature in the Digital Age at London Design Biennale for A.I. thought-leadership Forum at Somerset House on June 13, at blank time.

This afternoon Forum of thought-leadership programming is focused on the rising tide of AI and the urgent need to empower what it means to be human.

Following his recent US address at Stanford University's Institute for Human-Centred AI in California, John Mack and his non-profit, Life Calling, will take the London stage with lectures and discussion exploring the human relationship with existing and emerging digital technologies. Themed "AI will never surpass our humanity", Mack will extend his unique stance on such complex issues on humanity and psychology vis a vis the digital age. Says Mack, "We need to pivot the conversation around AI. The question is not whether AI will learn compassion or realize consciousness, but rather will humanity learn compassion and realize consciousness. The rise of AI is prompting us to take a deeper look into the digital mirror to better reflect on what it means to be human. The threat is not AI per se, but rather the failure to empower our humanity during such times. Today's global community shares a massive opportunity, one we can all take advantage of in order to prevent AI from taking advantage of us."

Mack will join other panel discussion leaders also at the event including Edgar Meij (Head of AI - Search & Discovery, Bloomberg), Chloe Westly (Mental Health Campaigner, Speaker & Former Advisor to the Prime Minister). Juan Jose Lopez Murphy (Head of Data Science & AI, Globant), Ai-Da (humanoid artist robot), Stella Win-yan Long (Head of Learning, The Design Museum), Andy Haldane (CEO, Royal Society of Arts), Lucy Kennedy (Chief Executive, National Saturday Club), among others.

Bringing together over 45 exhibition teams from across the world, London Design Biennale, now open at Somerset House, demonstrates the ability of design to bring people together and enact change. Exhibitors have tackled a range of pressing global issues, including conversations around the future of AI. "We are so pleased to host John Mack, who will discuss these important questions and what they mean for our own humanity." -Victoria Broakes. Adds Mack: "Life Calling has shown up to London Design Biennale with a twist on how we think of design. Our inner design is what shapes all outer design. You can't separate the design from the designer, the creation from the creator. So the question is, Given the rise of AI, how can we position ourselves deeper in our humanity in order to ensure that our designs of the future support human thriving rather than undermine it?"

"As artificial intelligence becomes entangled with society and billions of lives around the globe," says Tristan Harris, Co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, "it is absolutely essential that we call on a collective of organizations to collaborate in bold and innovative ways to increase awareness on AI issues. We must meet this moment in rallying the general population to unite around both the challenges and opportunities AI is posing for humanity. John Mack's nonprofit, Life Calling, is entering the field as a leader and convener on this front, and we are delighted to be partners in this movement." - Tristan Harris, Co-founder, Center for Humane Technology Director, London Design Biennale.

Founded only in 2001 by Mack, Life Calling has emerged as a leading convener for the empowerment of humanity vis a vis the increasing rise of digital dependence. Its signature programme, A Species Between Worlds: Our Nature, Our Screens, is currently housed in the USA Pavilion of London Design Biennale for the month of June. A Species Between Worlds is an immersive art experience and awareness-raising forum which debuted in NYC in September 2022, supported in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Visitors to a boutique version of the installation at London Design Biennale can be immersed in various worlds, where Mack's real-world images from over 45 US National Parks are juxtaposed with a custom augmented reality (AR) app, exploring who we are in relation to our environment in light of the encroaching digital landscape.

For press inquiries, please contact Lauren Adair on laurena@blj.co.uk or 07790 358 683

Forum Information

Open and free to the public, The Global Game: Remapping our Nature in the Digital Age will run from 13:00 - 17:30 on 13th June. Free tickets can be reserved at: https://www.aspeciesbetweenworlds.com/ldb-forum/ Media Interviews Available Contact: Kathryn Morrissey, Managing Director, Life Calling +1 917 226 8267 | kmorrissey@life-calling.org

About John Mack

John Mack is an artist, photographer, author, lecturer and the founder of the non-profit Life Calling. Mack is a 2022 honouree of The Explorer's Club 50: Fifty people changing the world who the world needs to know about. Mack also serves as a board member of Fairplay, an organisation that strives to create a world where kids can be kids, free from the false promises of marketers and the manipulations of Big Tech. He currently lives between London and New York.

About Life Calling

Founded in 2021, Life Calling responds to the increasingly eroding boundaries between humanity and technology. Its fundamental mission is to preserve our humanity in the Digital Age. These digital times call us to meet the rising digital tide in a shared vision of our humanity and its future. Life Calling assists in answering this call through expanding self-awareness. This is achieved through educational programming rooted in immersive experiences across the arts, culture, and nature, inclusive of publications and self-learning tools-each fostering and catalysing a more balanced, nuanced and thoughtful perspective as we navigate the Digital Age. life-calling.

About London Design Biennale

Established in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, London Design Biennale promotes international collaboration and the global role of design. Since its inception the Biennale welcomes the world's most exciting and ambitious designers, innovators and cultural bodies to the capital.

The fourth edition of London Design Biennale will take place from 1 to 25 June 2023, artistically directed by the Nieuwe Instituut-the Dutch national museum and institute for architecture, design and digital culture. Taking over the entirety of Somerset House, including the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and River Terrace, participants from across the globe will be invited to imagine and enact new forms of international cooperation and participation-including with each other-through the medium of design.

London Design Biennale's International Advisory Committee and Jury includes: Paola Antonelli, Victoria Broackes, Aric Chen, Es Devlin OBE, Nipa Doshi, Ben Evans CBE, Marva Griffin Willshire, Suhair Khan, James Lingwood MBE, Prof. Jeremy Myerson, Tosin Oshinowo, Jonathan Reekie CBE, Rashid and Ahmed bin Shabib, Sir John Sorrell CBE, Dr. Christopher Turner.

londondesignbiennale.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/immersive-interactive-exhibit-ai-versus-humanity-launches-at-and-in-partnership-with-london-design-biennale-for-ai-thought-leadership-forum-at-somerset-house-301846287.html
Emittent / Herausgeber: Digital Transformation Capital Partners / Schlagwort(e): Private Equity/Beteiligung/Unternehmensbeteiligung

DTCP: Cohere Announces $270M Series C to Bring Generative AI to Enterprises



08.06.2023 / 16:28 CET/CEST

Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.



Cohere Announces $270M Series C to Bring Generative AI to Enterprises



Funding will accelerate Cohere's leadership position giving enterprises the power of AI on the cloud platform of their choice, keeping their data private and secure



SAN FRANCISCO & TORONTO, June 8, 2023 - Cohere, the leading AI platform for enterprise, today announced $270M in new capital as part of its Series C financing. Inovia Capital led the round, with additional participation from a diverse group of global institutional and strategic investors, including NVIDIA, Oracle, Salesforce Ventures, DTCP, Mirae Asset, Schroders Capital, SentinelOne, Thomvest Ventures, and returning investor Index Ventures. This group represents investors from the USA, Canada, Korea, the UK, and Germany, and includes some of the most respected technology companies in the world.



"AI will be the heart that powers the next decade of business success," said Aidan Gomez, CEO and co-founder, Cohere. "As the early excitement about generative AI shifts toward ways to accelerate businesses, companies are looking to Cohere to position them for success in a new era of technology. The next phase of AI products and services will revolutionize business, and we are ready to lead the way."



"We are at the beginning of a new era driven by accelerated computing and generative AI," said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. "The team at Cohere has made foundational contributions to generative AI. Their service will help enterprises around the world harness these capabilities to automate and accelerate."



AI Built for Enterprise

Cohere's AI platform is uniquely designed for enterprises, offering data-secure deployment options in companies' existing cloud environments, customization, and customer support. This includes an ecosystem of consulting and system integrator partners to help enterprises at any stage in their AI journey.



Cohere's enterprise AI suite is cloud-agnostic, offering the highest levels of flexibility and data privacy. The platform is built to be available on every cloud provider, deployed inside a customers' existing cloud environment, virtual private cloud (VPC), or even on-site, to meet companies where their data is. This empowers businesses to transform existing products and build the next era-defining generation of innovative solutions all while keeping their data secure.



"Our entire raison d'etre is to invest in great entrepreneurs who have great worldwide mission and ambitions," said Steve Woods, CTO and Partner, Inovia Capital. "Very few ideas can fundamentally change society and add more value to humankind. This is obviously one such opportunity and we are thrilled to partner with Cohere to be a part of it.



"Today's news comes on the heels of Cohere's momentum in several areas: a recent announcement to collaborate with Salesforce Ventures to advance generative AI to realize business value; an engagement with LivePerson to supercharge customer experiences; and a host of additional demand and interest from the enterprise market. As Cohere continues to advance its industry-leading technology, Stanford's most recent language model evaluation has also ranked Cohere's Command model highly in accuracy over comparable models. Meanwhile, Cohere recently released the first-ever publicly available multilingual understanding model trained on authentic data from native speakers; it's equipped to read and understand over 100 of the world's most commonly spoken languages.



"Cohere has a rare combination of top-tier talent, the most innovative technology and is best positioned to seize the global enterprise market opportunity for Generative AI and LLMs," said Lance Matthews, Managing Director, DTCP. "Our unique fund structure and relationships allows us to gather a coalition of global institutional and strategic investors including Deutsche Telekom to accelerate Cohere's vision to bring this technology to enterprises worldwide."



To learn more about Cohere and its growing team, visit www.cohere.com.



About Cohere

Cohere is the leading AI platform for enterprise. Its world-class AI is uniquely suited to the needs of business, unlocking unprecedented ease-of-use, accessibility, and data privacy. Cohere's platform is cloud-agnostic, accessible through API as a managed service, and can be deployed on virtual private cloud (VPC) or even on-site to meet companies where their data is, offering the highest levels of flexibility and control. Founded by Google Brain alumni and a co-author of the seminal Transformer research paper, Cohere is on a mission to transform enterprises and their products with AI that unlocks a more intuitive way to generate, search, and summarize information than ever before. The company is backed by group of global institutional and strategic investors including DTCP, Index Ventures, Inovia Capital, Mirae Asset, NVIDIA, Oracle, Radical Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Section 32, and Tiger Global, as well as several AI luminaries, including Geoffrey Hinton, Jeff Dean, Fei-Fei Li, Pieter Abbeel, and Raquel Urtasun.



Media Contact

press@cohere.com



DTCP Contact

melanie.boettcher@dtcp.capital





Veroffentlichung einer Mitteilung, ubermittelt durch EQS Group AG.

Medienarchiv unter https://www.eqs-news.com.



Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.






NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / GoDaddy



Originally published in GoDaddy's 2022 Sustainability Report

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

By valuing individuality, we grow together.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are core to who we are. Authentically serving a diverse customer base starts with cultivating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce. We know that diverse teams build better products and customer experiences - period. And we want to foster a human-centered community that empowers our employees and their families, too. We believe that prioritizing the integration of DEIB principles into the core of how we work every day is the best way to serve our mission of making opportunity more inclusive for all.

OUR VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING

In 2022, GoDaddy hired its dedicated Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, who is responsible for developing and implementing holistic, integrated and equitable programs that enable GoDaddy employees and customers to feel empowered and supported.

An Integrated DEIB Strategy

At GoDaddy, our DEIB principles aren't standalone priorities. They are inextricably tied together with everything we do - and with each other. We recognize that diversity helps fuel inclusion. Inclusion, in turn, helps power equity and diversity, and inclusion and equity enable belonging.

Our DEIB strategy focuses on influencing inclusive behaviors and refining systems and processes through a lens of equity. In 2022, we defined our objectives to further integrate, engage on and expand DEIB principles throughout the organization, and we developed a multiyear strategic roadmap to continually implement these goals.

Through our work to integrate DEIB concepts and messaging into our internal and external communications, we further engaged our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) on our DEIB priorities and expanded best practices in areas like recruitment, employee listening and data analysis.

DEIB Performance

GoDaddy was among the first companies to announce and publish our pay parity results, and we're proud to achieve gender pay parity (global) for the eighth year in a row and ethnicity (in the U.S.) pay parity for the sixth year in a row.1Additional information on our diversity results can be found in the Appendix of this document, as well as with additional context in the 2022 Diversity and Pay Parity Annual Report.

Global Gender

Female: 29.7%

Male: 67.7%

Nonbinary: 0.3%

U.S. Race and Ethnicity

Native American: 0.7%

Asian: 15.3%

Black: 5.2%

Hispanic or Latino /a/x: 10.8%

Pacific Islander: 0.4%

Multiracial 4.5%

Not Declared: 4.6%

White: 58.5%

Inclusive Recruitment and Employee Experience

We made a deliberate effort to recognize and reduce unconscious bias in our recruitment and employee practices and systems, including performance reviews and promotions. We began this journey in partnership with Stanford University's VMware Women's Leadership Innovation Lab (formerly known as the Clayman Institute for Gender Research), and we continue to refine these processes in line with feedback, research and best practices. We employ several strategies to promote inclusive and equitable candidate and employee experiences, including:

Expanding candidate eligibility to include those with nonlinear or nontraditional backgrounds in early career talent positions

Conducting additional efforts to directly source talent from different backgrounds and experiences to augment the standard application process

Reviewing job descriptions with an artificial intelligence algorithm to reduce gendered language bias

Posting all nonconfidential jobs on internal job boards to encourage mobility within

the organization

the organization Providing an opportunity for applicants to choose their pronouns and specify name pronunciation at the time of scheduling an interview

Offering unconscious bias training for interviewer certification

Running company-wide performance management processes to reduce variance in performance assessment standards among gender and racial groups

Employing promotion flagging processes that proactively identify potential eligible employees who could be reviewed for promotion consideration, rather than relying on subjective criteria and identification

Awards and Honors

Mogul: Top 100 Companies with the Best DEIB Initiatives

Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index (CEI) 2022: Best Places to Work for LGBTQ + Equality

Bloomberg: Gender-Equality Index 2022

Partnerships

We use partnerships that help us fill our recruiting pipeline with top talent.

Our partnerships include AfroTech, AnitaB.org and its annual Grace Hopper Celebration, Fairygodboss, ColorStack, Rewriting the Code, Ada Developers Academy and Code2040.

Employee Resource Groups

Our global workforce collaborates across several different time zones and functions, but we still believe in the importance of cultivating a meaningful and inclusive community. Even when they're physically apart, we aim to bring together our employees working across different areas of the business and from different backgrounds.

Employee resource groups (ERGs) play a critical part of what fosters our culture of inclusivity. They're employee-led groups formed around common missions, identities, affinities or interests, including those who are allies and champions. ERGs provide a space for employees to develop relationships, support professional development (both for themselves and others), engage in corporate projects and programs, learn from each other and participate in fun activities. In addition to the personal benefits, these communities help empower many of GoDaddy's business priorities and goals across talent development, learning development, business development and community development.

We currently have 11 global, employee-led ERGs:

GD Abilities in Tech

GD Asians in Tech

GD Black in Tech

GD Entrepreneurs in Tech

GD Fitness in Tech

GD Green

GD LatinX in Tech

GD New Graduates

GD United (LGBTQIA+)

GD Veterans in Tech

GD Women in Tech

GoDaddy plans to continue to enhance employee engagement within ERGs and to broaden

their impact on both our internal and external communities. To better support our ERGs, GoDaddy is:

Reworking our ERG framework and structure to globalize, standardize and align with

best practices

best practices Developing new and refining existing procedures, processes and roles to further empower our ERGs and their leaders

Better integrating our ERGs and their members into our corporate priorities and projects related to DEIB, employee experience and other areas

1We define achievement of pay parity as pay that is equal to, or a few cents on either side of, a dollar. Please read our 2022 Diversity and Pay Parity Annual Report for more information.

About This Report

Unless otherwise noted, the GoDaddy 2022 Sustainability Report outlines our environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, activities, progress, metrics and performance for the fiscal year that ended on December 31, 2022. This report references the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and includes select Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards metrics for the Internet Media and Services sector.

GoDaddy is committed to regular, transparent communication about our sustainability progress, and to that end, we will share updates on an ongoing basis through our website and will continue to publish an annual Sustainability Report.

To learn more, please read our 2022 Sustainability Report.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: GoDaddy

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddy

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: GoDaddy

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760071/GoDaddys-2022-Sustainability-Report-Our-Employees--Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-and-Belonging
RESTON, VA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) praised POWs for their service, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit at the unveiling of a CACI-sponsored exhibit at the Coronado Historical Association Museum on March 28 in California.

CACI has a long history of national security partnership with the Armed Forces through its many veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and military spouses who work at CACI and its more than 60 years of work with the Department of Defense.

The exhibit titled, "Open Doors: Vietnam POWs 50 Years of Freedom," celebrates the courage and resolve of Prisoners of War (POWs) through photos and interviews. CACI acquired the exhibit in 2006 and displayed it at the company's former Arlington headquarters for more than 15 years. This year, CACI donated the exhibit back to the museum to mark the 50th anniversary of the homecoming of Vietnam POWs.

"The images, stories, and perspectives of these heroes have touched and inspired us at CACI for many years. We are pleased that so many others will now have an opportunity to experience this exhibit," said John Mengucci , CACI President and Chief Executive Officer. "We know they, too, will draw inspiration from their patriotism, their unyielding strength, and their triumph over adversity."

Guests at the opening included families of POWs who have passed away and former POWs like Cmdr. Everett Alvarez, U.S. Navy (ret.), and Capt. John "Jack" Ensch, U.S. Navy (ret.), both of whom are featured in "Open Doors."

The exhibit was sponsored through CACI's philanthropy program, CACI Cares, which works to support and honor our military members and their families, including our veterans. To learn more about CACI Cares, visit https://www.caci.com/caci-cares .

ABOUT CACI

CACI's approximately 22,000 talented employees are ever vigilant in providing the unique expertise and distinctive technology that address our customers' greatest enterprise and mission challenges. Our culture of good character, innovation, and excellence drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. As a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index, we consistently deliver strong shareholder value. Visit us at www.caci.com .

SOURCE: CACI

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760072/CACI-Donates-Exhibit-to-the-Coronado-Historical-Association
PETAH TIKVA (dpa-AFX) - Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TEVA), announced on Thursday that it has concluded its nationwide settlement agreement regarding opioid claims brought by the U.S. states and has reached a separate settlement with the final state of Nevada. Teva was one of the companies accused of its alleged role in the opioid epidemic, which led to thousands of lawsuits being filed. The company will pay Nevada $193 million over 20 years and this includes all fees and costs. With this development, the company has resolved its opioid litigation with all the 50 U.S. states and more than 99% of the litigating subdivisions and special districts. Under the settlement terms, the first payment is expected to be made in the second half of 2023. The company has also begun the shipments of its life saving generic drug Narcan, a naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. In premarket activity, shares of Teva were trading at $7.50 up 1.63% or $0.12 on the New York Stock Exchange. 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.
As Chief People Officer of Abivax, Ida Hatoum will be leading the organizational strategy to build and strengthen the Abivax team in the United States and Europe across all functions

Ida has a proven track record in talent acquisition and development in the biopharmaceutical industry

PARIS, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Abivax SA (Euronext Paris: FR0012333284 - ABVX), a Phase 3 clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics that modulate the immune system to treat patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, today announces the appointment of Ida Hatoum as Chief People Officer. Ida will be responsible for Abivax's growth strategy in the United States and Europe, ensuring the appropriate staffing of the Company to successfully conduct the ongoing Phase 3 clinical program of obefazimod in ulcerative colitis as well as its subsequent commercialization and market access, provided the drug candidate obtains the required regulatory approvals. Ida will be based at Abivax's subsidiary on the US East Coast.

Ida Hatoum brings over 15 years of experience and a strong track record in talent acquisition and development and has occupied different People Operations leadership positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Prior to joining Abivax, Ida was Senior Vice President and Head of People Talent and Culture at CinCor Pharma, where she successfully managed and lead the recruitment strategy and organizational design of the company during a period of strong growth. Ida holds a bachelor's in pharmacy from the University of Toledo, Ohio.

Marc de Garidel, CEO of Abivax, said: "I am glad to welcome Ida to the Abivax team as she will be leading our global recruitment strategy. Her vast experience in talent acquisition and development will be vital for us to complement our current team with new competent and dedicated colleagues who share our commitment of bringing novel and potent therapeutic alternatives to patients in need."

Ida Hatoum, new Chief People Officer of Abivax, added: "I am thrilled to join the Abivax team during this exciting period of strong growth and internationalization and to contribute to the success of the Company, establishing a global team and a common company culture. I am convinced that the Abivax story will enable us to further attract highly qualified and motivated new colleagues across the different functions to successfully bring the very promising drug candidate obefazimod to the market and the patients."

*****

About Abivax (www.abivax.com)

Abivax is a Phase 3 clinical stage biotechnology company, focused on developing therapeutics that modulate the immune system to treat patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. Abivax, founded by Truffle Capital, is listed on Euronext compartment B (ISIN: FR0012333284 - Mnemo: ABVX). Based in Paris and Montpellier, Abivax's lead drug candidate, obefazimod (ABX464), is in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. More information on the company is available at www.abivax.com. Follow us on Twitter @ABIVAX_.

Contacts

Abivax

Communications

Regina Jehle

regina.jehle@abivax.com

+33 6 24 50 69 63

Investors

LifeSci Advisors

Ligia Vela-Reid

lvela-reid@lifesciadvisors.com

+44 7413 825310

Press Relations & Investors Europe

MC Services AG

Anne Hennecke

anne.hennecke@mc-services.eu

+49 211 529 252 22

Public Relations France

Actifin

Ghislaine Gasparetto

ggasparetto@actifin.fr

+33 6 21 10 49 24 Public Relations France

Primatice

Thomas Roborel de Climens

thomasdeclimens@primatice.com

+33 6 78 12 97 95 Public Relations USA

Rooney Partners LLC

Jeanene Timberlake

jtimberlake@rooneypartners.com

+1 646 770 8858

DISCLAIMER

This press release contains forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates (including patient recruitment) with respect to certain of the Company's programs. Although Abivax' management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks, contingencies and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Abivax, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. A description of these risks, contingencies and uncertainties can be found in the documents filed by the Company with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers pursuant to its legal obligations including its registration document (Document d'Enregistrement Universel). These risks, contingencies and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug, as well as their decisions regarding labelling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such product candidates. Special consideration should be given to the potential hurdles of clinical and pharmaceutical development including further assessment by the company and regulatory agencies and IRBs/ethics committees following the assessment of preclinical, pharmacokinetic, carcinogenicity, toxicity, CMC and clinical data. Furthermore, these forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates are only as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Abivax disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, forecasts or estimates to reflect any subsequent changes that the Company becomes aware of, except as required by law. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement. This press release is for information purposes only, and the information contained herein does not constitute either an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe securities of the Company in any jurisdiction, in particular in France. Similarly, it does not give and should not be treated as giving investment advice. It has no connection with the investment objectives, financial situation or specific needs of any recipient. It should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for exercise of their own judgement. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. The distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

SOURCE: ABIVAX

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760089/Abivax-Appoints-Ida-Hatoum-as-Chief-People-Officer


STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - The United States has offered $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of a Sweden-based man for conspiring to participate in transnational organized crime.



The U.S. Department of State offered the reward for the capture of Maximilian Rivkin who marketed an encrypted communications network for drug traffickers - unaware that the technology was developed by the FBI.



Rivkin, a Swedish-based criminal of Serbian origin, was the administrator of the ANOM network, an encrypted communication service used by transnational criminals throughout the world.



In 2018, the FBI infiltrated the platform.



Many criminal conversations were uncovered during the investigation, including those of Rivkin. From December 2020 through the spring of 2021, the FBI shared copies of Rivkin's criminal conversations with the Swedish Police Authority, which implicated Rivkin in participating in conspiracies of murder, drug trafficking, money laundering and kidnapping.



On May 28, 2021, Rivkin was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California with international racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking and money laundering.



The State Department announced the reward jointly with the Swedish Police Authority, who charged Rivkin with narcotics smuggling and trafficking.



Those who have information regarding Rivkin have been urged to contact U.S. investigators by email at SD_Rivkin_Reward@fbi.gov or Swedish investigators by email at efterlyst@polisen.se



This joint reward offer reinforces the U.S. efforts to disrupt and deter transnational criminal activity globally and to build a global coalition to address synthetic drug threats, the State Department said.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Das sind die KI-Gewinner Der kostenlose Report zur KI-Revolution: Diese 5 Aktien mussen auf Ihre Watchlist! Hier klicken
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / (MARV:TSX.V)(O4T:GR)(MARVF:OTCQB); and Falcon Gold Corp. (FG:TSX.V)(3FA:GR)(FGLDF:OTCQB) together (the Alliance), jointly hold 1402 claims (the "Property") totaling 35,050 hectares located along the Baie Verte Brompton Line ("BVBL") in Central Newfoundland. Marvel and Falcon have agreed to option their interests in the Property to Carmanah Minerals Corp. ("Carmanah"). Carmanah recently announced the acquisition of the Hare Hill Pluton Rare Earth Project covering 162 claims totaling 4,050 hectares in Western Newfoundland. The property is directly contiguous to the recent "Bottom Brook Acquisition" by York Harbour Metals Inc. announced December 21, 2022.

The Hare Hill granitic system is prospective for Rare-earth mineralization, as recently reported by York Harbour Metals whose grab rock samples returned total rare earth oxide grades (TREO) grades between 3.45% and 21.63% TREO. Previously, Kirrin Resources Inc. reported drilling results that included 4.47% TREO over 5.64m core lengths and 1.16% TREO over 15.3m core lengths on the Bottom Brook project in February 2011.

Carmanah will make cash payments totaling $155,000 over a 4-year period and issue 5 million common shares, and 5 million share purchase warrants exercisable at 10 cents per share for a period of 3 years from the date of issue. (3,000,000 shares issued to Marvel and $93,000), (2,000,000 shares issued to Falcon and $62,000) 60/40split in favor of Marvel. Marvel and Falcon's properties will be subject to a 2.5% NSR (Net Smelter Royalty) Carmanah can purchase 1% for $1,000,000 cash payment.

This transaction is beneficial for Marvel and Falcon, having a large equity stake in Carmanah positions both companies very well as exploration at the BVBL moves forward, while the option agreement assists Carmanah to develop a significant portfolio of prospective properties. The BVBL acquisition will allow Carmanah to become a dominant new player with ground next to York Harbour's Bottom Brook Property which has recently announced an aggressive exploration program.

Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased to have been able to work an option deal with Carmanah Minerals, Carmanah presents a great opportunity for all companies while allowing us to share in the success of potentially a new district scale discovery. Marvel currently has approximately 90,000 hectares of prospective ground - tied to major structures in Gander, Hope Brook, and the Victoria Lake Area. We look forward to new developments coming out of the BVBL as the area is quickly becoming known for its rare earth potential."

Figure 1 - Location of Marvel / Falcon's Baie Verte Projects Optioned to Carmanah Mineral Corp.

The transaction is considered a non-arm's length as a result of the companies having directors and officers in common and is subject to TSX-V approval.

Qualified Person

Greg Robinson, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Marvel Discovery Corp.

Marvel, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for over 25 years, is a Canadian based emerging resource company. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in:

Newfoundland (Slip, Gander North, Gander South, Victoria Lake, Baie Verte, and Hope Brook - Au Prospects )

) Atikokan, Ontario (BlackFly - Au Prospect )

) Elliot Lake, Ontario (East Bull - Ni-Cu-PGE Prospect)

Quebec (Duhamel - Ni-Cu-Co prospect & Titanium, Vanadium, and Chromium Prospect)

Prince George, British Columbia (Wicheeda North - Rare Earth Elements Prospect)

The Company's website is: https://marveldiscovery.ca/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Marvel Discovery Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

President/Chief Executive Officer, Director

Tel: 604 716 0551 email: k@r7.capital

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the proposed Arrangement. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Marvel Discovery Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760098/Marvel-Falcon-Option-Baie-Verte-Projects-to-Carmanah-Minerals-Corp
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Falcon Gold Corp. (TSX-V:FG)(GR:3FA)(OTCQB:FGLDF); and Marvel Discovery Corp. (TSX-V:MARV)(GR:04T)(OTCQB:MARVF) together (the Alliance), jointly hold 1402 claims (the "Property") totaling 35,050 hectares located along the Baie Verte Brompton Line ("BVBL") in Central Newfoundland. Falcon and Marvel have agreed to option their interests in the Property to Carmanah Minerals Corp. ("Carmanah"). Carmanah recently announced the acquisition of the Hare Hill Pluton Rare Earth Project covering 162 claims totaling 4,050 hectares in Western Newfoundland. The property is directly contiguous to the recent "Bottom Brook Acquisition" by York Harbour Metals Inc. announced December 21, 2022.

The Hare Hill granitic system is prospective for rare-earth mineralization, as recently reported by York Harbour Metals whose grab rock samples returned total rare earth oxide grades (TREO) grades between 3.45% and 21.63% TREO. Previously, Kirrin Resources Inc. reported drilling results that included 4.47% TREO over 5.64m core lengths and 1.16% TREO over 15.3m core lengths on the Bottom Brook project in February 2011.

Carmanah will make cash payments totaling $155,000 over a 4-year period and issue 5 million common shares, and 5 million share purchase warrants exercisable at 10 cents per share for a period of 3 years from the date of issue. (3,000,000 shares issued to Marvel and $93,000), (2,000,000 shares issued to Falcon and $62,000) 60/40 split in favor of Marvel. Falcon and Marvel's properties will be subject to a 2.5% NSR (Net Smelter Royalty) Carmanah can purchase 1% for $1,000,000 cash payment.

This transaction is beneficial for Falcon and Marvel, having a large equity stake in Carmanah positions both companies very well as exploration at the BVBL moves forward, while the option agreement assists Carmanah to develop a significant portfolio of prospective properties. The BVBL acquisition will allow Carmanah to become a dominant new player with ground next to York Harbour's Bottom Brook Property which has recently announced an aggressive exploration program.

Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased to have been able to work an option deal with Carmanah Minerals, Carmanah presents a great opportunity for all companies while allowing us to share in the success of potentially a new district scale discovery. Falcon currently has approximately 90,000 hectares of prospective ground - tied to major structures in Gander, Hope Brook, and the Victoria Lake Area. We look forward to new developments coming out of the BVBL as the area is quickly becoming known for its rare earth potential."

Figure 1 - Location of Marvel / Falcon's Baie Verte Projects Optioned to Carmanah Mineral Corp.

The transaction is considered a non-arm's length as a result of the companies having directors and officers in common and is subject to TSX-V approval.

Qualified Person

Greg Robinson, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ.

The Company holds multiple additional projects: The Esperanza Gold/Silver/Copper mineral concessions located in La Rioja Province, Argentina; The Viernes Gold/Silver/Copper project in Antofagasta Chile; The Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; in B.C., the Spitfire-Sunny Boy, Gaspard Gold claims; the Great Burnt, Gander North/South, Valentine Gold South, Victoria West, and Golden Brook acquisitions adjacent to First Mining, Matador, Benton-Sokoman's JV, and Marvel Discovery in Central Newfoundland; and most recently Battery Metals projects in Ontario and Quebec, The Timmins West and Outarde Property.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Falcon Gold Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Telephone: (604) 716-0551

Email: k@r7.capital

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the Spin-Out. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Falcon Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760097/Falcon-Marvel-Option-Baie-Verte-Projects-To-Carmanah-Minerals-Corp
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Ophir Gold Corp. (TSXV: OPHR) (OTCQB: KPZIF) (FSE: 80M) (the "Company" or "Ophir") is pleased to announce, that further to its press release of May 10, 2023, the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement through the issuance of 8,571,428 flow-through units (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.35 per FT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,999,999 (the "Offering").

Each FT Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company, issued on a flow-through basis (each, a "FT Share") and one whole common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), issued on a non-flow-through basis. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.40 per Common Share for a period of three (3) years from date of issuance. Each FT Share and Warrant will qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and also qualify for the Canadian government's Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.

A total of 428,571 FT Units and 857,149 finder's warrants ("Finder's Warrants") were issued in connection with the Offering to Churchill SIG Pty Ltd. of Subiaco, Western Australia ("Churchill"). The Finder's Warrants are exercisable into one Common Share in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.35 per Common Share for a period of three years. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and for any individual subscribers who are resident or subject to tax in the Province of Quebec or any subscribers who is a partnership of which a partner or limited partner is subject to tax in the Province of Quebec, will qualify as "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" within the meaning contained in section 726.4.10 of the Quebec Tax Act and "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining exploration expenses or oil and gas exploration expenses" within the meaning contained in section 726.4.17.2 of the Quebec Tax Act.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About the Company

Ophir Gold Corp. is a diversified exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the past producing Breccia Gold Property located in Lemhi County, Idaho. The Company has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Property over a three-year period from Canagold Resources Ltd. (formerly Canarc Resource Corp.) and DG Resource Management Ltd.

The Company also has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Radis Lithium Property over a three-year period from Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury Gold Mines Limited.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Shawn Westcott"

Ophir Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Shawn Westcott, CEO

Phone 1 (604) 365 6681

swestcott@ophirgoldcorp.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (referred to as "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" including statements relating to: (i) exploration plans for the Company's mineral properties, (ii) potential results of exploration programs, and (iii) the potential for and details of mineralization on the Company's properties. 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: risk related to the 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 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, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169261
HR Tech Leaders Merge to Create an Unmatched End-to-End Hiring Process

NORTHBROOK, IL / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Spark Hire, the world's leading video interview platform, is integrating Comeet, a renowned ATS and collaborative recruitment software company, into its suite of product offerings.

Spark Hire + Comeet

Spark Hire and Comeet Join Forces to Revolutionize Talent Acquisition

This strategic alliance brings together cutting-edge technologies and expertise, creating an unparalleled suite of talent acquisition solutions. The transaction, facilitated by Boathouse Capital, a prominent private equity firm and existing investor in Spark Hire, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of both companies.

Spark Hire, founded in 2012, helps thousands of organizations in more than 100 countries improve speed to hire. The platform provides the ability to screen more candidates with greater talent identification accuracy, collaborate more effectively with hiring stakeholders, and extend offers to top candidates faster.

Spark Hire continues to develop additions to its solutions portfolio that will streamline more parts of the hiring process for mid-market companies.

Comeet perfectly fits the bill as one of these additions. Established in 2013, Comeet has been at the forefront of applicant tracking and candidate management platforms and aligns with Spark Hire's mission to revolutionize the end-to-end hiring process. Renowned enterprises such as KPMG, Fiverr, and Monday.com rely on Comeet's innovative approach to streamline and optimize their hiring processes.

The merger between Spark Hire and Comeet leverages synergies between the two companies. With shared target markets and complementary technologies, the combined entity will serve an extensive customer base of over 7,000 companies.

This integration positions Spark Hire to deliver the most comprehensive suite of recruiting and hiring solutions in the talent acquisition industry. Following the merger, both products and brands will continue to operate independently, ensuring a seamless experience for our valued customers.

"This partnership with Comeet represents a strategic opportunity for Spark Hire," said Josh Tolan, CEO of Spark Hire.

"We are excited to join forces with a company that has a strong international presence, a highly-rated applicant tracking system, and a track record of exceptional customer satisfaction. Together, we will continue to innovate and provide our customers with unrivaled talent acquisition solutions." ~Josh Tolan, CEO of Spark Hire

Omer Tadjer, co-founder and CEO of Comeet, added, "We have always been committed to empowering talent acquisition leaders and revolutionizing the hiring process. This merger with Spark Hire enables us to accelerate our mission, leveraging their expertise and resources to deliver even greater value to our customers."

This merger represents a transformative step in the talent acquisition landscape. Spark Hire and Comeet are united by their shared vision of driving the industry forward through innovation and customer-centric solutions.

For more information, updates, and inquiries, please contact pr@sparkhire.com.

_____

About Spark Hire

Spark Hire helps thousands of organizations make better, more collaborative, and quicker hiring decisions. More than 6,000 organizations have interviewed millions of candidates across 100+ countries on Spark Hire. With the easiest-to-use product, unmatched customer service, and fair and transparent pricing, Spark Hire has become the most popular and #1-rated video interview platform on the market.

About Comeet

Comeet is an award-winning applicant tracking and candidate management platform (ATS) used by forward-thinking, mid-market, and enterprise customers (KPMG, Fiverr, Monday.com, and more) around the world. Founded in 2013 by Omer Tadjer, Tommy Dikerman, and Omer Gottlieb, who saw the need for a better way to hire, Comeet is designed to make hiring more efficient, effective, and enjoyable. The comprehensive ATS offers strong collaboration, communication, automation, and reporting for recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates, as well as customizability, elastic recruiting, and smart search features. Comeet is passionate about empowering organizations to secure the talent they need, right when they need it. Investors in Comeet include Flashpoint VC, Cresson, Upwest VC, and others.

About Boathouse Capital

Boathouse Capital is a Philadelphia-based private equity firm with $650 million of capital under management. Boathouse's equity strategy is focused on control investments of $25 million to $100 million, into high-growth middle-market companies including SaaS/software and technology-enabled services. Our sector-focused investment strategy is centered around partnering with management teams to create enduring value and positioning our companies for accelerated growth.

Contact Information:

Crystal DeTemple McNeel

Content Manager

pr@sparkhire.com

814-592-1964

SOURCE: Spark Hire

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/759948/Spark-Hire-and-Comeet-Join-Forces-to-Revolutionize-Talent-Acquisition-Solutions
Regulatory News:

Azelis (Brussels:AZE), a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemical and food ingredients industry, today held its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") in Antwerp, Belgium. Azelis Group NV (the "Company") offered its shareholders the choice to either participate in person, or to cast their vote electronically or by proxy. At the AGM, 86.15 of all shares entitled to vote were represented.

The AGM approved for the fiscal year 2022 the payment of a gross dividend of 0.2782 per share, net 0.1947 per share after deduction of Belgian withholding tax of 30% 1, compared to 0.03 per share for 2021 (net 0.02). The ex-dividend date will be 21 June 2023, record date 22 June 2023 and the dividend (coupon no. 2) will be payable as of 23 June 2023 via our paying agent KBC Bank NV.

All other proposed resolutions were approved as well, including:

the ratification of the appointment of Mr. Tom Hallam as non-executive and independent director of the Company for a term of 3 years, expiring at the AGM approving the annual accounts of the financial year ending on 31 December 2024;

- the proposed change to the Remuneration Policy;

- the terms and conditions of several financing agreements, including change of control clauses at the level of the Company.

The presentations of the Chair of the Board of Directors and of the CEO and CFO are available on the Shareholders Meeting section of the Azelis corporate website.

The minutes of the AGM, including all the resolutions and voting details, will be made available on the Azelis corporate website soon.

END

About Azelis

Azelis is a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemical and food ingredients industry, present in 63 countries across the globe with over 3,800 employees. Our knowledgeable teams of industry, market and technical experts are each dedicated to a specific market within Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals. We offer a lateral value chain of complementary products to more than 59,000 customers, supported by +2,700 principal relationships, creating a turnover of 4.1 billion (2022). Azelis Group NV is listed on Euronext Brussels under ticker AZE.

Across our extensive network of more than 65 application laboratories, our award-winning staff help develop formulations and provide technical guidance throughout the customers' product development process. We combine a global market reach with a local footprint to offer a reliable, integrated, and unique digital service to local customers and attractive -business opportunities to principals. Top industry-rated by Sustainalytics, Azelis is a leader in sustainability. We believe in building and nurturing solid, honest and transparent relationships with our people and partners.

Impact through ideas. Innovation through formulation.

www.azelis.com

1 Lower withholding tax rates may be applicable depending on the specific situation of each shareholder.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005075/en/

Contacts:

Azelis Investor Relations

Investor-relations@azelis.com

Azelis Corporate Secretary

agm@azelis.com
Collaboration Between Alliance Members and Global Academic Community to Drive Future Media Standards and Formats on June 19

The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) announced today that it will host the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023 in conjunction with QoMEX 2023, in Ghent, Belgium. The Alliance workshop will take place on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. This workshop marks the first time the Alliance's event will be held in Europe, bringing together an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders and academic pioneers in the field of media codecs. To access the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023 full workshop agenda and presentation abstracts, visit bit.ly/AOMWorkshop.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005142/en/

AOMedia announced today that it will host the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023 in conjunction with QoMEX 2023, in Ghent, Belgium on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Graphic: Business Wire)

To register for the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023, visit bit.ly/45u2jBi

Attendees can dive deep into captivating presentations about cutting-edge topics including groundbreaking video compression research, software decoder analysis, film grain synthesis, and much more.

The AOMedia Research Workshop serves as a premier platform for Alliance member companies and esteemed academics to share the latest research findings, exchange innovative ideas, and explore emerging trends in media codecs and processing, as well as industry applications of these technologies. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from renowned experts hailing from Alliance members Amazon, Ateme, Google, Meta, Netflix, Visionular and more.

For more information about the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023, please visit bit.ly/AOMWorkshop.

About the Alliance for Open Media

Launched in 2015, the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) was formed to define and develop technologies to address marketplace demand for open standards for media compression and delivery. Board-level, Founding Members include Amazon, Apple, Cisco, Google, Huawei, Intel, Meta, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netflix, NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics and Tencent. AOMedia's open-source, royalty-free video codec AV1 is a significant milestone in the ability to deliver a next-generation video format that is interoperable, open, optimized for internet delivery and scalable to any modern device at any bandwidth. Visit www.aomedia.org or follow AOMedia on LinkedIn and Twitter at @a4omedia.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005142/en/

Contacts:

Media

Alexa Stewart

AOMedia Public Relations

Tel: +1 781.876.6242

Email: astewart@virtualinc.com

Melissa Bednar

AOMedia Public Relations

Tel: +1 781.876.8962

Email: mbednar@virtualinc.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / GRI in North America:

Eelco van der Enden, CEO of GRI, the global standard for Impact Reporting, recently completed a series of trips to the US where he met with key partners and investors and was a keynote speaker at several high profile conferences.

During the months of April and May, van der Enden was a keynote speaker at events held by BCCCC (Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship) and TCPI (Tax Council Policy Institute).

In addition, meetings were held in Boston, New York, and Washington DC with key policy, research, data science, consulting, and corporate leadership partners to strengthen the ties and put emphasis on the investment and commitment to the North American markets, laying the foundation for initiatives and cooperation with the GRI North American team.

Special attention was paid to the re-establishment of the relationship between GRI and CERES which, through collaboration with investors, companies, and non- profits, drive market-based and policy solutions. GRI and CERES were originally the same organization when, in 1997- along with the Tellus Institute- the organization was formed to create the first accountability mechanism to ensure companies adhere to responsible environmental conduct principles, which was then broadened to include social, economic and governance issues. GRI and CERES eventually separated to focus on their respective missions.

While in the US, van der Enden was interviewed by Time Magazine, The Financial Times, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GRI in North America on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: GRI in North America

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gri-north-america

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: GRI in North America

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760113/GRI-CEO-Eelco-van-der-Enden-Shows-Commitment-to-US-Market
Capital increase of around 4 million comprising a private placement with accelerated bookbuilding and a public offering via the PrimaryBid platform;

Issue Price of new shares: 10.50  per share;

Issuance of 5 million in convertible bonds to be fully subscribed by investment funds managed by NextStage AM.

This document may not be distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

Paris, June 8, 2023 - WALLIX (Euronext ALLIX), a European cybersecurity software developer and expert in privileged access management (PAM), launches a fundraiser to raise around 9 million to finance the ramp-up of its strategic plan.

Reasons behind the fundraiser

The funds raised will help ramp up the implementation of the acquisition limb of the Unicorn 25 plan. Following the recently announced strategic acquisition of Kleverware, WALLIX intends to pursue its acquisition plan by focusing simultaneously on enhancing and expanding its expertise across certain strategic segments of Identity and Access Management (IAM) and industrial cybersecurity, while strengthening its client base.

This fundraising is also associated with a bank loan of around 2.5m. The characteristics of this bank loan are currently being finalized.

As a reminder, organic growth under the Unicorn 25 plan is being self-funded with existing resources. Investments were largely carried out in 2022, including the enhancement of the offering (launch of WALLIX, PAM4ALL, OT.security, SaaS Remote Access), consolidation of the Group's positioning in Europe and development in North America.

Jean-Noel de Galzain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the WALLIX GROUP, said: "We started 2023 with an excellent sales momentum as evidenced by first quarter growth of over 30%. With the foundations for future growth already in place, WALLIX can now seize acquisition opportunities and build a bold sovereign offering in access and digital identity cybersecurity in Europe. The fundraising combined with the convertibles bonds and the bank loan will give us an additional 11.5 million financial leverage to finance acquisitions. There is a substantial market to be covered, yet little equipped, especially in the industrial segment, while the NIS2 Directive is expected to spur businesses to step up their investment in cyber equipment over the coming years. We are thrilled to have the support of NextStage AM and our shareholders, and I renew my commitment In this coming phase of our development by subscribing to this operation."

Terms and conditions of fundraising

In accordance with the decisions of the Board of Directors held on May 30, 2023, the fundraising (the "Operation") will be carried out through two distinct but concurrent offerings:

an offer through the issuance of new shares without preferential subscription rights via private placement, as referred to in Article L. 411-2 (1) of the French Monetary and Financial Code, (in accordance with Resolution 22 of the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of June 15, 2022, on the basis of Article L. 225-136 of the French Commercial Code) (" Private Placement ");

"); a public offering of new shares aimed at individual investors via the PrimaryBid platform, to be allotted in proportion to demand up to the maximum amount allocated to this public offering, with reduced allotments where applicable in the event of excess demand, on the basis of Article L. 225-136 of the French Commercial Code (in accordance with Resolution 21 of the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of June 15, 2022) ("PrimaryBid Offer").

Gross proceeds from the capital increase are expected to reach a target of around 4 million. It is specified that the PrimaryBid Offer for individual investors is secondary to the Private Placement and will represent a maximum of 20% of the Transaction amount. In any event, the PrimaryBid Offer will not take place if the Private Placement does not take place.

The Private Placement will involve accelerated bookbuilding, following which the number of the new shares to be issued at 10.50 will be established. The subscription price for the new shares will be identical for both Private Placement and PrimaryBid Offer.

The price per share of the Private Placement of 10.50 is equal to the volume-weighted average price of the WALLIX share over the last three trading days prior to the setting of the issue price, less a discount of 16%.

Prior to the launch of the fundraising, Jean-Noel de GALZAIN, Chief Executive Officer of WALLIX, pledged to underwrite in the context of the Private Placement for an amount of 0.105 million, representing 10 000 shares.

The Transaction will begin on Thursday, June 8, 2023, immediately after close of trading. The PrimaryBid Offer will close at 10.00 p.m. The Private Placement is set to close before start of trading on Friday 9, 2023, subject to any early closing or extensions.

The Company will announce the outcome of the Transaction in a press release to be published as soon as possible following the closing of the order book.

The definitive number of new shares issued and their corresponding subscription price will be decided by the Chairman of the Board of Directors pursuant to the further delegation of authority granted by the Company's Board of Directors on May 30, 2023.

The new shares issued will be fungible with existing shares and subject to a request for admission to trading on Euronext Growth Paris on the same listing line (ISIN: FR0010131409 - ALLIX).

Settlement/delivery and the admission of the new shares to trading on Euronext Growth are slated for June 13, 2023.

In accordance with Articles 1.4 and 3.2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, Articles L. 411-2 and L. 411-2-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and Article 211-2 of the General Regulation of the French financial markets authority (AMF), the Transaction will not result in the drafting of a prospectus to be submitted to the AMF for approval.

Convertible bond issuance

In conjunction with its capital increase, WALLIX has signed an agreement with NextStage AM investment firm on a term sheet for the subscription of bonds convertible into shares ("OCA 2023") for a total amount of 5 million.

Since 2002, NextStage AM has supported the development of growth entrepreneurs thanks to its "Capital-Investissement" (private equity) multi-strategy platform, representing at 2021 year-end nearly 7 billion in assets under management directly or indirectly collected from institutional and individual investors.

The main characteristics[1] of the OCA 2023 convertible bond issue are as follows:

Loan amount 5.0 million Bond maturity 4 tranches from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2029 Annual coupon 6% Conversion price 16 Annual non-conversion premium 8% (non-compounded)

.

Risk factors

Attention is drawn to the risk factors relating to the Company and its business, as set out in section 5 of the management report included in the 2022 annual financial report published on the Company's website (https://investors.wallix.com/en/regulatory-information).

The occurrence of all or some of these risks could have an adverse impact on the Company's business, financial position, earnings, growth and outlook. The risk factors set out in the said management report are identical to those applicable as of the date of this press release.

Furthermore, investors are advised to consider the following risks related to the issue:

the market price of the Company's shares may fluctuate and fall below the subscription price of the shares issued as part of the fundraising,

the volatility and liquidity of the Company's shares may fluctuate significantly,

disposals of the Company's shares on the market could have an adverse impact on the Company's share price, and

in addition to the dilution resulting from the Operation, the Company's shareholders may be exposed to substantial dilution resulting from any future capital increases.

Financial intermediaries and advisors

TP ICAP Midcap acts as Global Coordinator, Lead Manager and Bookrunner.

Within the framework of the PrimaryBid Offering, investors may only subscribe through PrimaryBid partners listed on the PrimaryBid website (https://primarybid.fr/).

Shearman & Associates LLP acts as legal counsel for this Private Placement. ACTUS finance & communication acts as financial communication adviser.

ABOUT WALLIX

WALLIX is the European specialist in access and digital identity security and the world leader in PAM (Privileged Access Management). Its technologies enable organizations to meet today's challenges in IT network protection and data security. They also provide detection and resilience to cyberattacks and protect organizations' digital assets in addition to maintaining business continuity of IT systems, in the cloud, and in industrial networks. These technologies simplify compliance with regulatory requirements for access to critical IT infrastructure and data. With its PAM4ALL, PAM4OT, and Trustelem solutions, WALLIX helps its customers modernize their information systems and put cybersecurity at the service of their digital transformation. The company relies on a network of certified distributors, resellers, and integrators to support more than 2,000 organizations worldwide in all sectors of the economy. The company is listed on Euronext (ALLIX). The founders and managers, as well as the investment structure T.D.H (Thierry Dassault Holding) are the historical reference shareholders.

OT.security by WALLIX is a brand dedicated to the security of digital access and identities in industrial environments.

WALLIX affirms its digital responsibility and is committed to contributing to the construction of a trusted European digital space, guaranteeing the security and confidentiality of data for organizations as well as for individuals concerned about the protection of their digital identity and privacy. Digital technology, whether for professional or personal use, must be ethical and responsible in order to pursue a secure societal digital transformation that respects individual freedoms.

www.wallix.com | info@wallix.com

FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION

ACTUS Finance & Communication

Investors Relations - Helene DE WATTEVILLE

+33 1 53 67 36 33 / wallix@actus.fr

Press Relations - Deborah SCHWARTZ

+33 6 27 09 05 73 / dschwartz@actus.fr

DISCLAIMER

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe, shares in WALLIX in any country.

This press release constitutes a promotional communication and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017 (the "Prospectus Regulation").

With respect to member states of the European Economic Area (with the exception of France) this communication and the offering to which it relates is only addressed to and directed at persons who are "Qualified Investors" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation. The shares to which this communication relates are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares will be engaged in only with Qualified Investors. This communication should not be acted upon or relied upon in any member state of the EEA (with the exception of France) by persons who are not Qualified Investors. .

With respect to France, the offer of shares to the public through the PrimaryBid Offer is exempt from the obligation to produce a prospectus pursuant to article L.411-2-1, 1of the French Code monetaire et financier and article 211-2 of the General Regulation of the AMF. In France this communication and any subsequent communication is directed at both Qualified Investors and to the public

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities in the United States of America. The shares, or any other securities, of WALLIX may not be offered or sold in the United States of America except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements, it being specified that the shares of WALLIX have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act. WALLIX does not intend to register the offering in whole or in part in the United States of America or to conduct a public offering in the United States of America.

With respect to the United Kingdom, the press release is addressed to and directed only at persons located (x) outside the United Kingdom or (y) in the United Kingdom, who are "qualified investors" (as that term is defined in the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) ("UK Qualified Investors"). The shares to which this communication relates are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares will be engaged in only with UK Qualified Investors. This communication should not be acted upon or relied upon in the United Kingdom by persons who are not UK Qualified Investors.

With respect to the United Kingdom, this document is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) fall within Article 49(2) (a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iii) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to take part in investment activities (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or passed on (the persons referred to in paragraphs (y)(i), (y)(ii) and (y)(iii) together being referred to as " Authorized Persons"). This press release is intended for Authorized Persons only and must not be acted on or relied on by anyone other than an Authorized Person. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Authorized Persons and will be engaged in only with Authorized Persons.

This press release contains information about WALLIX's objectives and forward-looking statements. This information is not historical data and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts and data stated will occur. This information is based on data, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by WALLIX. WALLIX operates in a competitive and fast-changing environment. It is therefore unable to anticipate all the risks, uncertainties or other factors likely to affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the materialization of a risk or combination of risks could have results materially different from those mentioned in any forward-looking information. This information is given only as of the date of this press release. WALLIX undertakes no obligation to publicly update this information or the assumptions on which it is based, except as may be required by law or regulation.

The distribution of this press release may be subject to specific regulations in certain countries. Consequently, persons physically present in these countries and in which the press release is disseminated, published or distributed shall inform themselves about and comply with these laws and regulations.

This press release may not be published, communicated, transmitted or distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Australia, Canada or Japan.

This communication contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014. The person responsible for the release of this information on behalf of Amaury ROSSET, Chief Financial Officer of WALLIX.

[1] The detailed characteristics will be set out in the next financial report

------------------------

This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ".

- SECURITY MASTER Key:

xZtxksiaZmbKyJudlp6Wbmlnb2iSmJSWmWeemWJwZ5/FcJtll2hjnJSeZnFhmGtt

- Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com.

------------------------



 Copyright Actusnews Wire

Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free

Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-80367-operation-accel_vdef_eng_en.pdf
In Europe, of the 2.5 million patients undergoing high-risk surgery annually, one in four develops serious postoperative complications. 1,2

Intraoperative hypotension (critical drops in blood pressure during surgery) is associated with mortality and major postoperative complications (myocardial injury, acute kidney injury). (3-8)

EU-HYPROTECT, a European multicenter prospective observational registry which included in its final analysis 702 non-cardiac surgical patients of 12 centers, demonstrates a low rate of hypotension during surgery with the use of the Acumen Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) software, a monitoring system that predicts hypotension and alerts clinicians before a drop in blood pressure happens.

Edwards Lifesciences today announced the results of the EU-HYPROTECT registry which indicates that using Acumen HPI software may help reduce the duration and severity of intraoperative hypotension in patients having non-cardiac surgery.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005565/en/

(Graph: Business Wire)

EU-HYPROTECT is a European multicenter prospective observational registry which included in its final analysis 702 patients scheduled for elective major non-cardiac surgery in 12 medical centers in 5 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK). It is the first multicenter registry involving a predictive monitoring technology, establishing a large, prospectively collected data base on hypotension management in patients having non-cardiac surgery. All patients had intraarterial blood pressure monitoring with an arterial catheter and intraoperative Acumen HPI software.

Both the duration and severity of intraoperative hypotension are associated with postoperative complications. The primary endpoint of this registry, therefore, was intraoperative hypotension quantified using the time-weighted average mean arterial pressure (MAP) <65 mmHg. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with at least one =1-min-episode of a MAP <65 mmHg, and the number of =1-min-episodes of a MAP <65 mmHg.

Between September 2021 and May 2022, 749 patients were enrolled in the registry and 702 included in the final analysis. The median time-weighted average MAP <65 mmHg was 0.03 (0.00, 0.20) mmHg. 285 patients (41%) had no =1-min-episode of a MAP <65 mmHg 417 patients (59%) had at least one. The median number of =1-min-episodes of a MAP <65 mmHg was 1 (0, 3).

In addition, although the study was not powered for this outcome, the incidence of acute kidney injury was at the lower end of what is reported in patients having major non-cardiac surgery.

In Europe, of the 2.5 million patients undergoing high-risk surgery annually, one in four develops serious postoperative complications1,2. Throughout the hospital patient journey, anaesthetists and intensivists need to analyse large amounts of data to make life-critical decisions for patients. One example is critical drops in blood pressure known as hypotension. Intraoperative hypotension is common in patients having non-cardiac surgery under general anaesthesia3. Intraoperative hypotension is associated with increased mortality and major postoperative complications (myocardial injury, acute kidney injury)(4-8)

These postoperative complications come with a significant cost burden for healthcare systems as they are linked with rehospitalisations and increased morbidity.9

"Avoiding intraoperative hypotension is a complex task for anesthetists. Current hypotension treatment is mainly reactive, sometimes only being initiated after the blood pressure has already dropped below safe levels", explains Prof. Bernd Saugel (Hamburg, Germany).

Edwards Lifesciences has developed the Acumen HPI software, which provides clinicians with information regarding the likelihood that a patient will develop hypotension. Based on an algorithm that calculates data from hemodynamic monitoring in perioperative management, it leverages predictive analytics to alert clinicians of potential blood pressure drops before they occur.

"Predictive hemodynamic monitoring may be a promising approach to help clinicians better manage hypotension. It is intriguing to investigate innovations that can support clinicians in clinical decision making and potentially improve quality of care," commentsProf. Bernd Saugel (Hamburg, Germany).

"The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically accelerated the need for solutions that improve patient safety and outcomes, reduce hospital length of stay and increase hospital efficiencies. The results of the EU-HYPROTECT registry are promising and demonstrate the need to better monitor hypotension in the perioperative pathway. Improving patient safety and outcomes is our ultimate goal and we believe the use of predictive monitoring can help achieve this." comments Pr Thomas Scheeren, Senior Director Medical Affairs EMEACLA at Edwards Lifesciences.

The full results of the EU-HYPROTECT registry were published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia and can be consulted on https://www.bjaopen.org/article/S2772-6096(23)00019-9/fulltext

About Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader of patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. We are driven by a passion for patients, dedicated to improving and enhancing lives through partnerships with clinicians and stakeholders across the global healthcare landscape. For more information, visit www.Edwards.com and follow us on Twitter @EdwardsLifesci.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, Acumen, Acumen HPI, HPI and Hypotension Prediction Index are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This statement is made on behalf of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and its subsidiaries.

References:

1Preoperative Score to Predict Postoperative Mortality POSPOM Edward's Presentation

2Ghaferi AA et al. Variation in hospital mortality associated with inpatient surgery. N Engl J Med, 2009.

3Bijker JB, van Klei WA, Kappen TH, van Wolfswinkel L, Moons KG, Kalkman CJ: Incidence of intraoperative hypotension as a function of the chosen definition: literature definitions applied to a retrospective cohort using automated data collection. Anesthesiology 2007, 107(2):213-220.

4Gregory A, Stapelfeldt WH, Khanna AK, Smischney NJ, Boero IJ, Chen Q, Stevens M, Shaw AD: Intraoperative Hypotension Is Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes After Noncardiac Surgery. Anesth Analg 2020.

5Salmasi V, Maheshwari K, Yang D, Mascha EJ, Singh A, Sessler DI, Kurz A: Relationship between Intraoperative Hypotension, Defined by Either Reduction from Baseline or Absolute Thresholds, and Acute Kidney and Myocardial Injury after Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Anesthesiology 2017, 126(1):47- 65

6Sessler DI, Khanna AK: Perioperative myocardial injury and the contribution of hypotension. Intensive care medicine 2018, 44(6):811-822

7Sun LY, Wijeysundera DN, Tait GA, Beattie WS: Association of Intraoperative Hypotension with Acute Kidney Injury after Elective Noncardiac Surgery. Anesthesiology 2015, 123(3):515-523.

8Walsh M, Devereaux PJ, Garg AX, Kurz A, Turan A, Rodseth RN, Cywinski J, Thabane L, Sessler DI: Relationship between intraoperative mean arterial pressure and clinical outcomes after noncardiac surgery: toward an empirical definition of hypotension. Anesthesiology 2013, 119(3):507-515

9Vonlanthen R, Slankamenac K, Breitenstein S, Puhan MA, Muller MK, Hahnloser D, Hauri D, Graf R, Clavien PA. The impact of complications on costs of major surgical procedures: a cost analysis of 1200 patients. Ann Surg. 2011 Dec;254(6):907-13. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e31821d4a43. PMID: 21562405.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005565/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Julie Tracol

Julie_tracol@edwards.com

+41 (0)75 431 74 95
MUNICH, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IFCO, the world's leading provider of Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) is expanding its support for FareShare and The Felix Project, two of the leading food redistribution charities in the UK. The overriding goal of the three-way partnership is to make it easier, faster and cost neutral for producers, suppliers and retailers to donate their surplus food to the charitable organizations, while at the same time ensuring that FareShare and The Felix Project can deliver healthy fresh food to people in need more safely and efficiently. Both organizations work closely with the food industry to source good surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, landfill or anaerobic digestion.

This collaboration agreement reinforces IFCO's commitment to help reduce food waste in the fresh produce supply chain. In October 2022, the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) selected IFCO as their official partner for Reusable Packaging Containers. Since then, food banks across Europe (including FareShare and the Felix Project) have already received donated sustainable RPCs to support their food distribution to charities.

While food donations are not a long-term solution to food poverty, IFCO recognizes that the professional redistribution of quality surplus food has an important role to play. For this reason, IFCO has now made it even easier for suppliers and retailers to donate fresh produce in IFCO RPCs into the FareShare and The Felix Project networks. Although producers and retailers have always been able to transport food donations in IFCO RPCs, this partnership ensures the faster flow of fresh produce from even more suppliers through to food banks, as well as the simplified return of RPCs into the IFCO pooling system. One aspect of the partnership taps into IFCO digital solutions, as both FareShare and The Felix Project now use the MyIFCO app to declare and schedule the pick-up of IFCO RPCs, ensuring a much smoother return process.

FareShare is the UK's largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. They work with the food industry to source and distribute over 50,000 tonnes of good surplus food to 8,500 organizations across the UK each year, the equivalent of around 128 million meals for vulnerable people. By being directly involved in the UK operation, IFCO is providing essential support to the charity.

Kris Gibbon-Walsh, Director of Network, Community & Operations at FareShare said: "IFCO has contributed to our mission in a strategic, pragmatic and impactful way. With IFCO on board, we have reduced the typical barriers that often prevent suppliers and retailers from donating surplus food, namely time, effort and costs. This partnership automatically expands our network of potential suppliers across the UK and internationally. Currently FareShare is experiencing skyrocketing demand due to the cost-of-living crisis, and so this support from IFCO is needed more than ever so that we can deliver more nutritious food to the people in our local communities who need it most."

The Felix Project is London's largest food redistribution charity. In 2022 they redistributed the equivalent of over 29 million meals and supplied food to every London Borough. It is part of the FareShare network, but also works independently to source over half of its own high quality surplus food, which is then delivered to around 1,000 charitable organizations and schools in the capital.

Richard Smith, Deputy Head of Food Supply at The Felix Project said: "The IFCO partnership has helped us to attract new suppliers, including manufacturers. In the past, some were keen to donate surplus food but were hesitant because of the potential extra cost or workload involved. Now, thanks to the support of IFCO, they are able and eager to become part of our network."

IFCO is determined to reduce food waste to make the global fresh grocery supply chain more sustainable. That's why IFCO RPCs are designed to protect fresh products along the entire value chain, so that the food arrives in better condition for a longer shelf life and is therefore less likely to end up in landfill. Independent scientific studies have proven RPCs help reduce food waste across the supply chain, by providing superior product protection and ventilation. Since 2016, IFCO has partnered with FareShare to support their important mission to fight hunger and food waste and has been working with The Felix Project since 2020.

Neil Stewart, Asset Control Manager at IFCO who leads UK food bank collaboration, said: "We are proud and excited to be supporting FareShare and The Felix Project, two organizations that are so incredibly passionate about getting good surplus food to vulnerable people. We hope that our contribution means that more suppliers will join the network and more communities can be reached, particularly at a time when such services are so desperately needed. On a more personal level, many of our UK IFCO employees have been so impressed by the impact of FareShare and The Felix Project that they will be using some of their annual paid volunteering leave to help at the food banks and distribution centers run by the charities. It's a sign that the UK IFCO team is fully committed to making this partnership work."

Additional information

IFCO is the leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, serving customers in 50+ countries. IFCO operates a pool of over 370 million Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) globally, which are used for 2 billion shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, bread, and other items from suppliers to grocery retailers every year. IFCO RPCs ensure a better fresh food supply chain by protecting freshness and quality and lowering costs, food waste and environmental impact compared to single-use packaging. More: www.ifco.com | Follow us on LinkedIn @IFCO SYSTEMS

About FareShare

FareShare is the UK's biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste. We take good-to-eat surplus food from across the food industry, sort it in our regional warehouses across the UK, and pass it onto a network of nearly 8,500 charities and community groups. These include food banks and pantries, hostels, refuges, community centers, older people's lunch clubs, school clubs, and hospices. Three-quarters of the organizations we provide food to, support children and families. During the last financial year, 2022-23, FareShare redistributed the equivalent of nearly 128 million meals - that's 4 meals every second.

About The Felix Project

The Felix Project is London's largest food redistribution charity. Founded in 2016, it rescues good food that cannot be sold and delivers it directly to around 1,000 organizations and schools that support those in need. Our vision is a London where no one goes hungry and good food is never wasted. In 2022, we delivered enough food to make more than 29 million meals. For more information, visit: www.thefelixproject.org

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096899/IFCO_UK_felix.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096900/IFCO_UK_felix_2.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ifco-partners-with-two-leading-uk-food-redistribution-charities-to-tackle-food-waste-and-hunger-301846478.html
From trendy black dresses to timeless bridal styles

LENEXA, KS / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / The newest collection from globally-renowned wedding dress designer Essense of Australia invites brides to honor their special moment in a romantic gown that reflects their style and love story. The latest designs capture classic bridal elegance with a chic, contemporary twist.

M23 ESS Style D3823

M23 ESS Style D3823

"Brides want to celebrate their special day by embracing each and every moment, and they want to wear a wedding gown that lets them express their individuality," says Martine Harris, Chief Creative Officer, Essense of Australia. "The new Essense of Australia collection is filled with stunning silhouettes that combine traditional dress details with today's bridal trends."

From simple and sleek to seriously swoon-worthy, the newest collection offers versatile gowns for every size, shape and bridal vision. Plunging necklines and graphic floral lace add a touch of dramatic flair, while sparkling embellishments, intricate beading and dazzling pearl details exude effortless glamour. Statement and off-the-shoulder sleeves provide an ultra-flattering appeal, while a fashion-forward new color, black, allows brides to take their aisle style to the next level.

With so many gorgeous gowns to choose from, brides can find a dress that speaks to them and their wedding day. The new Essense of Australia collection is now available at a retailer near you, featuring over 27 new designs. Gowns are available in U.S. sizes 2 to 20, with many styles available in the EveryBody/EveryBride collection for U.S. sizes 22 to 34. To view the entire collection or find a store, visit www.essensedesigns.com.

About Essense of Australia

Essense of Australia is a leading international bridal design house and wholesaler that creates and manufactures award-winning gowns for independent bridal retailers throughout the world under labels Stella York, Essense of Australia, Martina Liana, Martina Liana Luxe and All Who Wander, as well as private label collection Oxford Street and bridesmaid label Sorella Vita. The Essense of Australia family of brands can be found at more than 1,200 retailers worldwide including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe.

Contact Information

Lindsay Santee

Associate Director of Strategic Communications

lindsays@essensedesigns.com

9139098623

SOURCE: Essense of Australia

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760107/Wedding-Dress-Brand-Essense-of-Australia-Celebrates-Living-In-the-Moment-in-Latest-Collection
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Zephyr Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ZFR) ("Zephyr" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its shareholders voted in favour of all items of business brought before them at the Company's Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") held on June 8, 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The number of directors was set by the Company's board of directors ("Board") at six, with Will Felderhof, Loren Komperdo, David Felderhof, John Clark, Scott Rhodenizer and Ted Grant elected to the Company's Board for the ensuing year.

Following the AGM, the Board confirmed the appointment of Zephyr's executive officers, namely: Executive Chairman - Will Felderhof; President and Chief Executive Officer - Loren Komperdo; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - David Felderhof; and Corporate Secretary - Suzan Frazer.

Wasserman Ramsey, Chartered Accountants was re-appointed as the Company's auditor to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until its successor is duly appointed, at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board.

Shareholders approved the renewal of the Company's 10% rolling incentive stock option plan in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V").

About Zephyr Minerals Ltd.

Zephyr Minerals Ltd. is conducting ongoing evaluations of gold properties for potential acquisition and/or joint venture throughout Zimbabwe. The Company is concentrating on projects with obvious gold potential as demonstrated through active, shallow, small scale mining operations or previous exploration work and favorable geology. In addition, the property should be of sufficient areal extent to host a target potential of at least one million ounces of gold. To this extent, the Company has signed multiple property joint venture agreements and has applied for two Exclusive Prospecting Orders covering 124,000 hectares. The Company is also actively reviewing lithium opportunities generated through in house research and property submittals by third parties. Zimbabwe boasts favorable foreign ownership rules for mineral properties as well as prospective, underexplored Archean greenstone belts.

For further information please contact:

Loren Komperdo, President & CEO

or

Will Felderhof, Executive Chairman

T: 902 706-0222

info@zephyrminerals.com

To be included in the Zephyr email database for Company updates please contact info@zephyrminerals.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169270
MAULDIN, SC / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Xcelerate, Inc. (OTCQB:XCRT), is pleased to provide an update on the company's recent progress and developments. In an interview with Tiger Stock Discord, Michael O'Shea, the CEO of Xcelerate Incorporated, shared important updates on various aspects of the company's operations. "This interview is a welcomed opportunity to update our shareholders on the progress being made on an informal, conversational basis. Tiger Stocks Discord has been following Xcelerate for some time now and this interview is a follow-up to one conducted last Fall" said Mike O'Shea, Xcelerate CEO. The YouTube link to the interview is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5WZPtqIkY8

One significant development discussed during the interview was the progress of Afya Sasa Africa, an artificial intelligence-aided healthcare delivery system and medical triage system. Xcelerate Incorporate holds a license for the system in all of Africa and has chosen Tanzania as the initial location for its implementation. The company has already signed two contracts for the implementation of the system. One of the contracts is with the National Hospital of Tanzania, which serves a population of approximately 40 million people. This partnership aims to bring about a revolution in healthcare access and triage in the region. The system is expected to go live in mid to late July, which means that the benefits of this advanced healthcare delivery system will soon be available to the people of Tanzania. The second contract is with Haydom Regional Rural Referral Hospital, also known as Haydom Lutheran Hospital (HLH), located in Haydom, Tanzania. HLH is a 420-bed hospital that serves 5.7 million people in North Central Tanzania. Annually, the hospital provides care for 12,635 inpatient admissions and 103,173 outpatient visits. The implementation of the AI-aided healthcare delivery system at HLH will likely enhance the hospital's capabilities and improve healthcare services for the population it serves.

Overall, the introduction of Afya Sasa Africa in Tanzania holds great potential for transforming healthcare delivery and triage by leveraging artificial intelligence. It has the potential to improve access to quality healthcare services and enhance medical decision-making processes, benefiting millions of people in Tanzania.

In addition to Afya Sasa Africa, Xcelerate Incorporated has also made strides in its acquisition plans. The company has issued a letter of intent to acquire a controlling interest in ESN Group, Inc. and its portfolio of health care and skin care products. They specialize in skincare and skin protection products and currently generate significant revenue through sales on platforms such as Amazon and in brick-and-mortar stores, including Kroger and Sprouts. The acquisition, expected to be completed by the end of this month or early June, will provide Xcelerate Incorporated with a 51% stake in the company, boosting its revenue stream and complementing its growth strategy of aligning commercially available products with patented innovations. It blends with our growth plan, which is to take sort of commercially available products, match them up with our patents, and then carry those through and market through our network. The acquisition of ESN Group, Inc. and its portfolio of health care and skin care products aligns perfectly with this strategy, as it will provide Xcelerate Incorporated with a controlling interest and access to a range of skincare and skin protection products that are already generating significant revenue. By leveraging our network and marketing expertise, we aim to further boost sales and drive growth for these products.

Furthermore, Xcelerate Incorporated continues to advance in the med-tech field. Driven by the expertise of Dr. Anya Glisovic, the company has filed four new patents for a revolutionary surgical instrument guidance system. This system incorporates a miniature camera and laser pointer, enabling surgeons to have a real-time view of their instruments and the surgical site on a screen. The compact design allows the system to be retrofitted to existing surgical instruments, reducing the need for costly replacements. Xcelerate Incorporated anticipates licensing opportunities for these patents once they receive feedback from the patent and trademark office.

Michael O'Shea provided confirmation on the closure of Reg A and confirmed that he had submitted the audited financials for 2022 to the SEC. Additionally, he acknowledged that these audited financials represent the company's fourth year of filings since its inception in 2019.

Michael O'Shea, who brings a wealth of experience as a forensic auditor to his role as CEO, expressed confidence in the company's progress and future prospects. Xcelerate Incorporated aims to uplift its stock and believes that generating revenues, which are expected to commence in the third quarter of this year, will be a significant milestone in achieving this goal.

Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated on the latest developments by visiting the company's website at https://xcelerate.global/ and monitoring press releases.

ABOUT XCELERATE INC.

In May 2020, Xcelerate commenced implementation of a new business plan that encompasses two separate but related businesses within the medical industry, including (i) owning and licensing the rights to various forms of medical equipment and portfolio of patents, patents pending and technology licenses and (ii) development of virtual health technology to assist patients in developing countries obtain medical care by extending the reach of physicians through the use of that technology. For more information visit www.xcelerate.global or contact us at 854-900-2020 or email info@xcelerate.global.

SAFE HARBOR

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the Company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the Company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements resulting from various factors.

SOURCE: Xcelerate, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760134/Xcelerate-Inc-Announces-Interview-With-CEO-Michael-OShea
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Cadence Design Systems



Tomomi Glover

Written by Tomomi Glover, sr. group director and associate general counsel; Lawrence Loh, sr. customer engagement group director; and Claire Ying, Software Engineering group director and AAPI Inclusion Group lead, Cadence.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just words but values that are exemplified through our culture at Cadence. In the DEI@Cadence blog series, you'll find a community where employees share their perspectives and experiences. By providing a glimpse of their personal stories, we celebrate our One Cadence-One Team culture and the importance of sustaining it as we learn from diverse perspectives.

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), we're excited to feature our incredibly talented AAPI-identifying employees. AAPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect, celebrate and recognize the incredible influence the Asian and Pacific Islander community has on our history, culture and achievements. At Cadence, we honor our Asian American and Pacific Islander employees and the role they play in our organization and society.

Tomomi Glover

As Sr. Group Director and Associate General Counsel on Cadence's Legal team. I have the privilege of leading the group that covers litigation, employment, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and compliance. Reflecting on what it means to me to be Asian American this AAPI Heritage Month, I realize it's complex.

I was born and raised in San Jose, California as an only child to my Japanese mom and Caucasian dad. Growing up, I spent about a month every summer returning to Japan with my mom to visit family. ???(satogaeri), or returning home, as they call it in Japanese. My mom came from the rural Iwate prefecture where my grandpa was a Soto Zen Buddhist priest, a position passed down in families to the eldest son and now held by my uncle. My dad recently sent me a video he found called Life of Zen, which explains Soto Zen Buddhism. My mom's family temple was much smaller and more modest, but the practices followed are similar and include meditation, chanting, waking early, a daily schedule with humble work like cleaning the home, and a life of service to the community, including hosting ceremonies and frequent guests. I loved everything about visiting my Japanese family and experiencing the Japanese culture, from preparing for Obon, a holiday to honor ancestors, to fireworks for summer festivals, and all the wonderful food. Maybe it was because I didn't get access to Japanese things throughout the year in America, but my aunt used to joke that I liked those things that even her kids didn't-like ??(natto), or sticky fermented soybean.

Japanese culture has always been a big part of my life, but I was also always the different one in my family-the American one to my Japanese family and the one with the Japanese mom to my American family. I was lucky to have been embraced by both sides, which is not always the case for multicultural children. I also consider myself lucky to have grown up in San Jose, among children from many cultural backgrounds. For example, it wasn't that odd for me to bring ????(onigiri), or rice balls, to school for lunch when I got tired of sandwiches.

Growing up, I had friends that participated in Japanese American and Asian American groups, but I decided not to participate for several reasons. I felt, maybe, I didn't fit in because I was only half-Asian. I thought my situation with my mom differed from families that had immigrated earlier, and my dad also encouraged me not to see the world by race. As I've gotten older, my views have evolved, and I have been participating in Asian-American groups and events more-partly for the benefit of my two boys who are more mixed than I am. I have immense gratitude for the fact that my boys have been able to learn so much about their Japanese heritage through local Japanese American schools and programs. I didn't think I had anything left to learn (always a mistake!) when it came to my Japanese heritage, but it was through these programs that I learned we have a family crest or "mon" and was able to speak with our Japanese family about it together with my boys.

I also realize now that I was privileged to have felt accepted. My earlier decision not to engage more with inclusion groups left me somewhat unaware of the community's issues. It was not until I began my professional career that I started to notice small slights. Once, when the courtroom was being closed to only attorneys and parties for a confidential matter, I was asked to leave by a well-meaning bailiff. It took me a minute to realize he was asking me-despite the suit I was wearing-to leave because he didn't think I was a lawyer, there on behalf of a client. I was glad I had my business and bar cards with me that day. I've also been told several times by different strangers I've chatted with-often in line at places like the post office or grocery store-that I "don't look like a lawyer." I've usually bantered back saying something along the lines of, "Thanks for the compliment." Though, it makes me wonder: what should a lawyer look like? And why does that matter? Being a Japanese American woman is part of who I am and how I look. To the extent it matters, I think my Zen roots help me maintain calm in my line of work and better serve my clients.

As someone of mixed heritage, who never quite felt like they fit with any one group, I have always been passionate about supporting inclusion. Yet, these experiences further fueled my desire to do anything I could to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, particularly in the professional context and as an obligation to future generations. These experiences have also informed my work in positions prior to Cadence, including a legal education startup aimed to improve diversity in the legal practice and the experience of attorneys from diverse backgrounds. In my work at Cadence, they have served me in my roles advising the HR team and reviewing the ESG report.

I am far from alone in these types of experiences, and with the rise of violent hate crimes against the AAPI community, these sorts of slights, of course, do not compare. However, if I had one wish for this AAPI Heritage Month, it is for everyone to think about their preconceptions of people and to get beyond simple stereotypes. There is so much diversity among the AAPI community alone, and to combat hate we must get to know others with backgrounds different from ourselves. I hope everyone takes the time to get to know their AAPI colleagues (and their other colleagues, too!) because identity is complicated, and there is beauty and community in getting to know each other's complexities.

Now, over to my colleague Lawrence Loh for his experiences.

Lawrence Loh

I am Lawrence Loh, sr. customer engagement group director from the Product Engineering (PE) team of the System Verification Group (SVG). I was born and raised in Malaysia as a third-generation Chinese Malaysian. I have been living in the United States for over 30 years and am a proud, first-generation Chinese American. My work at Cadence allows me to interact with a diverse group of people from many different countries. I also have the chance to visit many places, both within the United States and abroad. Even though famous landmarks are interesting, the most intriguing part of this opportunity is learning about each diverse group's culture. I firmly believe that taking the time to understand different cultures not only makes us better team members but also allows us to appreciate what each culture can teach us.

As an Asian American, food is always an important aspect of my life. I am adventurous in that I will always do my best to try food from different cultures. I particularly love trying the local street food whenever I am in Asia. Gatherings with family and friends are also often centered around food, a passion that my wife and I are proudly passing on to my two wonderful children.

Although I appreciate and respect all cultures, I am still very proud of my Asian heritage. Growing up, I valued the presence and closeness of families, where we believe the ultimate success is bringing up the next generation that continues to persevere while putting family first. I remember the stories of my parents and grandparents, where my grandparents escaped from China to Malaysia with nothing but a set of clothes. Without much education, they raised my parents who eventually became teachers. My parents also did not have it easy. Both my parents did not have money to attend high school. My father self-studied while my mother wrote an article in the newspaper at elementary school. She ended up getting help from someone that sympathized with her situation and paid for her high school education. Therefore, I value educational opportunities and vowed not to take any of those for granted. Although I had to leave my hometown to pursue college in the United States, it was not a disadvantage but a great opportunity. Even though I lacked fluency in English and historical knowledge of the United States, I more than made up for that with the values my parents instilled in me-to work hard and go after each opportunity.

Finally, I am very fortunate to be in the United States. Even though things are not perfect, and never will be, I still believe that most people do care for one another. For a better tomorrow, we need a better today, and that can only happen when we all do our part to appreciate one another, regardless of culture, ethnicity, or any other differences we may have.

Want to Subscribe?

Visit Cadence's "Corporate and Culture" blog channel and click on Subscribe by Email at the top. After submitting your email address, you will immediately receive an email to activate your subscription. Once you complete the request, new blog post notifications will be delivered to your mailbox. Enjoy!

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cadence Design Systems on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cadence Design Systems

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cadence-design-systems

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cadence Design Systems

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760142/DEICadence-Asian-American-and-Pacific-Islander-AAPI-Heritage-Month-Spotlights
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Whole Foods Market Foundations

Whole Planet Foundation funds microcredit - small loans with no formal contract or collateral - provided to microentrepreneurs who want to create or expand a small business to generate income for themselves and their families. The current Whole Planet Foundation-supported average first loan size around the world is $183, with a 95% repayment rate, across its network of microfinance partners in Africa, Asia and the Americas, including the United States. See our global impact here.

Occurring during June 5-10, Whole Planet Foundation's Virtual 5K aims to raise $45,000 to support an additional 1,200 people with income-generating opportunities. Participants in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom can donate or register and participate through June 10. 100% of registration fees fund microcredit loans to people living in poverty in our local and global communities. Watch a video about this virtual event here.

About Whole Planet Foundation

Founded in 2005, Whole Planet Foundation's mission is to empower the world's poorest people with microcredit and the chance to create or expand a business, often home-based, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. As of March 2023, the Foundation is alleviating poverty through microfinance partners in the United States and 80 other countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. To date, the nonprofit has disbursed $106 million dollars through microlending partners worldwide, funding 6.8 million microloans and 34 million income-generating opportunities for microentrepreneurs and their family members.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Whole Foods Market Foundations on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Whole Foods Market Foundations

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/whole-foods-market-foundations

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Whole Foods Market Foundations

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760169/Moving-for-Microcredit-with-Whole-Planet-Foundations-Virtual-5K
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Newmont Corporation (NEM) on Thursday announced that it has suspended operations at the company's Penasquito mine in Mexico, in response to the strike notice by the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers of the Mexican Republic. Thursday, the stock closed at $42.04 in regular trading hours, up 0.33% or $0.14 a share, on The New York Stock Exchange The New York Stock Exchange had halted trading of Newmont's shares briefly before the strike action. On June 7, the Union notified the company of a strike demanding an increase in the uncapped profit-sharing benefit provided for in the CBA from 10 percent to 20 percent. While the Company urged the Union to abide by the mutually agreed CBA negotiated and signed by both parties in June of 2022. The company stated that, Minera Penasquito paid all eligible employees the mutually agreed upon 10 percent profit sharing benefit for 2023, accurately and on time. Minera Penasquito is the largest employer in Zacatecas, Mexico with a direct workforce of more than 5,000. The mine supports another 28,000 people in neighboring communities who are part of the mine's local and national supply chain. 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.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Puranium Energy Ltd. (CSE: UX) (FSE: 2DK) (the "Company" or "Puranium") today provides comments regarding a recent article in the media suggesting that the Government of Namibia is considering taking ownership stakes in key natural resource projects within the country.

Investors can refer to:

Bloomberg titled "Namibia considers taking stakes in Mining and Petroleum Companies"



Africa Energy Chamber titled "Government Not Looking at Raising O&G Stakes, Namibian Minister Clarifies During Paris Forum"

On behalf of the Puranium Board of Directors, President and CEO, Jason Bagg provides the following comments:

"Puranium Energy Ltd. and its advisors are not aware of any proposed legislation being considered that will impact mineral exploration stage companies operating in Namibia. Furthermore, we remind the investment community that any potential legislation being considered is proposed, not passed into law, and that the commentary in the articles were predominantly surrounding oil & gas projects in Namibia. Currently, the Namibian Government, through the national oil company NAMCOR, are entered into minority interests in oil & gas projects within the country. As of now, no minority interests are entered into metals and mining assets in the country such as gold, uranium, and diamond projects. Puranium understands that other jurisdictions in Africa have legislation that requires minority Government interests in advanced staged mining projects that are proceeding towards construction and production, and it is important to note that any minority interest, free-carried or otherwise, is subject to first demonstrating that a project is economically viable.

"Through its Namibia-based team, the Company maintains communications with Ministry of Mines & Energy and other relevant Ministries. The Company anticipates that engagement with the Ministries will increase in the future, including further relationships with key organizations in Namibia, such as the Chamber of Mines and the Namibian Uranium Association, as the Company's exploration projects are progressed.

"Puranium is confident that discussions about potential minority interests are very preliminary and that the Government of Namibia understands the value of foreign investment and the resulting local and country level benefits this investment provides. We also recognize the importance of local ownership and have kept 15% of the Company's projects with its local Namibian equity partners.

"The Company will advise investors should any changes occur that impact our business and exploration efforts in Namibia."

The Company also announces the granting of 725,000 options to Directors and consultants of the Company.

On behalf of the Board,

Jason Bagg

President & CEO, Director

About Puranium Energy Ltd.

Puranium Energy is uniquely positioned as one of a few Namibian focused pure-play uranium exploration companies with its 85% interest in seven Exclusive Prospecting Licences ("EPLs") totalling 93,514 hectares in the Erongo Province of Namibia, which accounts for approximately 8% of the world's uranium production. Puranium holds EPLs nearby the Langer Heinrich uranium mine, surrounding the Valencia uranium deposit, and adjacent to the Husab uranium mine, one of the largest uranium mines in Namibia. With its local Namibia team, Puranium leverages its ability to advance palaeochannel/calcrete-type uranium exploration toward potential discovery.

For more information, please contact investor relations at investors@puraniumenergy.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169315
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) ("Santacruz" or "the Company") reports its financial and operating results for the first quarter ("Q1") of 2023. The full version of the financial statements and accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis (the "MD&A") can be viewed on the Company's website at www.santacruzsilver.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per unit amounts, unless otherwise indicated.

Q1 2023 Highlights

Processed 482,497 tonnes of material, in line with the previous quarter;

Silver equivalent ounces produced of 5,644,383, a 2% decrease from the previous quarter;

Cash cost per silver ounce sold of $17.30, a 9% decrease from the previous quarter;

AISC per silver ounce sold of $20.76, a 4% decrease from the previous quarter;

Revenue of $65,378,000, a 2% increase from the previous quarter; and

Adjusted EBITDA of $12,602,000 a 335% increase from the previous quarter.

Arturo Prestamo, Executive Chairman of Santacruz, commented, "The first quarter has provided us with a strong start to the year. We maintained production levels while considerably improving our cash position, which provides us with a solid base from which we will keep moving forward."

Mr. Prestamo continued, "We also have several projects we are advancing this year, all of which are expected to provide significant value to the Company. The team is preparing updated NI 43-101 technical reports for all the operating mines, and this is anticipated to be completed in Q3 2023. In addition, we are working towards completing the 'integration drift' to connect the Colquechaquita and Tres Amigos mines at Caballo Blanco, which is expected to be completed in Q1 2024, and increasing the dewatering capacity at Bolivar. Both these initiatives are expected to significantly improve operations at each mine."

Selected consolidated financial and operating information for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 are presented below. The Bolivian Assets have been consolidated from March 18, 2022.





2023 First Quarter Highlights





2023-Q1



2022-Q4



Change

Q1 vs Q4 (%)



2022-Q1



Change

Q1 vs Q1 (%)

Operational



























Material Processed (tonnes milled)

482,497



482,626



0%



227,571



112% Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1)

5,644,383



5,744,128



(2% )

1,613,720



250% Silver Ounces Produced

1,769,520



1,793,936



(1% )

469,829



277% Lead Tonnes Produced

3,043



2,900



5%



1,343



127% Zinc Tonnes Produced

22,463



23,111



(3%)



6,158



265% Copper Tonnes Produced

415



386



7%



208



99% Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2)

4,380,895



4,758,173



(8% )

1,864,738



135% Cash Cost of Production per Tonne (3)

85.84



120.57



(29% )

74.74



15% Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold ($/oz) (3)

17.30



19.10



(9% )

17.53



(1%) All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold ($/oz) (3)

20.76



21.64



(4% )

20.07



3% Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold ($/oz) (3) (4)

21.04



20.77



1%



23.65



(11%)

Financial

















Revenues

65,378



64,309



2%



32,381



102% Gross Profit

14,680



6,239



135%



8,016



83% Net (loss) Income

(949 )

(8,069 )

(88% )

762



(225%) Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic ($/share)

(0.00 )

(0.02 )

(88% )

0.00



(219%) Adjusted EBITDA (3)

12,602



(5,373 )

335%



6,103



106% Cash and Cash Equivalent

11,988



4,609



160%



8,723



48% Working Capital (Deficiency)

(14,319 )

5,362



(367% )

8,851



(261%)

Shareholder

















Loss per share - Basic and diluted

(0.00 )

(0.02 )

(86% )

0.00



(219%)

First Quarter 2023 Production Summary - By Mine





Bolivar (5)



Porco (5)



Caballo Blanco Group



San Lucas



Zimapan



Consolidated Material Processed (tonnes milled)

74,353



49,909



85,817



71,448



200,970



482,497 Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1)

1,249,153



679,144



1,436,322



1,195,164



1,084,600



5,644,383 Silver Ounces Produced

555,914



162,015



475,026



255,623



320,942



1,769,520 Lead Tonnes Produced

353



217



1,043



473



957



3,043 Zinc Tonnes Produced

4,313



3,245



5,650



5,848



3,407



22,463 Copper Tonnes Produced

N/A



N/A



N/A



N/A



415



415 Average head grades per mine:





















Silver (g/t)

250



122



187



125



70



132 Zinc (%)

6.40



6.89



7.01



8.90



2.20



5.23 Lead (%)

0.65



0.58



1.50



0.94



0.63



0.72 Copper (%)

N/A



N/A



N/A



N/A



0.38



0.38 Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2)

771,783



407,875



702,667



1,557,683



940,887



4,380,895

Notes for both tables above:

(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $21.86/oz, $0.91/lb, $1.52/lb and $3.67/lb for silver, lead, zinc and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price.

(2) Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) have been calculated using the Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold stated in the table above, applied to the payable metal content of the concentrates sold from Zimapan, Bolivar, Porco, the Caballo Blanco Group, and San Lucas.

(3) The Company reports non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold, Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See the 'Non-GAAP Measures' section in the MD&A for definitions.

(4) Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold is prior to all treatment, smelting and refining charges.

(5) Bolivar and Porco are presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements.

Cease Trade Order Update

Further to the Company's news release dated May 8, 2023, the Company has notified the British Columbia Securities Commission that it has filed its audited annual financial statements and corresponding management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, and its unaudited financial statements and corresponding management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2023, including the respective CEO and CFO certificates. The Company expects the cease trade order ("CTO") to be lifted after market close on Friday, June 9, 2023, followed shortly by the resumption of trading of the Company's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") early next week.

About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Latin America. The Bolivian operations are comprised of the Bolivar, Porco and the Caballo Blanco Group, which consists of the Tres Amigos, Reserva and Colquechaquita mines. The Soracaya exploration project and San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business are also in Bolivia. The Zimapan mine is in Mexico.

'signed'

Arturo Prestamo Elizondo,

Executive Chairman

For further information please contact:

Arturo Prestamo

Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Email: info@santacruzsilver.com

Telephone: +1 (528) 183 785707

Sabina Srubiski

Manager, Investor Relations

Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Email: info@santacruzsilver.com

Telephone: +1 (604) 351 7909

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding: the impact of the Company's initiatives in Caballo Blanco and Bolivar, the lifting of the CTO and the timing of Santacruz's shares resuming trading on the TSXV.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks that: the Company's initiatives in Caballo Blanco and Bolivar will not have the anticipated results, the Company will not obtain regulatory approval in order to lift the CTO or that Santacruz's shares will not resume trading on the TSXV soon, if at all, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the assumption that: the Company's initiatives in Caballo Blanco and Bolivar will have a positive impact on the Company's operations, the Company will obtain regulatory approval in order to lift the CTO and that Santacruz's shares will resume trading on the TSXV soon.

There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169321
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Lion Rock Resources Inc. (TSXV: ROAR) (FSE: KGB1) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to acquire the Revell Lithium Project. The Project is located 25 km east of Ignace, Ontario and consists of 112 claims covering 2,350 ha. The Revell Lithium Project lies on trend of the Raleigh Lake pegmatite field, which hosts the Raleigh Lake Lithium-Rubidium deposit.

Acquisition Highlights

The Revell Lithium Property. The 2,350 ha property is located near the triple junction of the Western Wabigoon, Winnipeg River and Marmion Subprovinces. It is underlain by prospective S-Type granite and felsic to intermediate metavolcanics. The underexplored property is on trend with the Raleigh Lake pegmatite field.

Ontario's Lithium Exploration Boom. As a leading location for lithium exploration, Ontario has seen rapid advancement of early-stage projects with government support. Nearby projects include the Raleigh Lake Lithium Project, where a recently announced mineral resource estimate included 2.3 Mt at 0.64% Li2O (Measured and Indicated) and 3.9 Mt at 0.58% Li2O (Inferred).

Planned Work Program. In Summer 2023, the Company will commence a comprehensive exploration campaign, initially focusing on prospecting, mapping and sampling pegmatites at the Revell Lithium Property.

Figure 1. The Revell Project location map showing nearby claims and lithium occurrences.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8985/169369_20f17df764e1ea05_001full.jpg

About the Revell Lithium Project

The Revell Lithium Project is comprised of 112 claims covering 2,350 ha, approximately 25 km west of Ignace, Ontario. The Project is situated near the triple junction of the Western Wabigoon, Winnipeg River, and Marmion Subprovinces. It is underlain by prospective S-Type granite and felsic to intermediate metavolcanics. The property is accessible by road and strategically located with proximity to infrastructure and recent lithium discoveries.

Terms of Agreement

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, the Company must make payments and share issuances as follows:

1,600,000 common shares on acceptance of the Option Agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV Acceptance"); $150,000 on or before the date that is six months following TSXV Acceptance; and 2,000,000 common shares and $100,000 on or before the first anniversary to TSXV Acceptance.

Also under the terms of the Option Agreement, the property will be subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty, one-half of which can be purchased by the Company for $500,000.

The above transaction is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Carl Ginn, P.Geo., consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.

About Lion Rock Resources Inc.

Lion Rock Resources is northwestern Ontario's newest gold-copper explorer. The Company's flagship property, the Maybrun, is a past-producing mine (Maybrun gold-copper deposit) that was placed on care and maintenance in 1974 for several years prior to an exploration program conducted by Opawica Explorations Inc. in 2005. The Maybrun project is located in the Atikwa Lake area of the Kenora Mining Division, approximately 80 kilometres southeast of Kenora, in northwestern Ontario.

On Behalf of the Board

R. Dale Ginn, President & Chief Executive Officer

O: 604-678-5308

E: dale@rsdcapital.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169369
EvenUp, a San Francisco, CA-based company which specialises in AI-driven support for personal injury lawyers, raised $50.5M in Series B funding at a $325M valuation.

The round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from Bain Capital Ventures, Scott Belsky, Clio, SignalFire, DCM, NFX, and Gokul Rajaram (DoorDash executive and board member at Pinterest, Coinbase and The Trade Desk). Sameer Dholakia, Bessemer Partner and co-lead of the firms growth investment practice, will be joining EvenUps board of directors.

The company intends to use the funds to support growth, and introduce new technologies and products for personal injury and other fields of law.

Led by CEO Rami Karabibar, EvenUp is a generative AI startup combining in-house human legal expertise with proprietary software to analyze medical and police records, spanning from motor vehicle accidents and natural disasters to police brutality and child abuse. It applies machine learning and its Litty generative AI to reduce manual effort and maximize case outcomes across the legal value chain, starting with personal injury law.

EvenUp turns raw case files, such as medical records, bills, and police reports, into AI-generated legal documents for injury lawyers. These legal documents, called demand packages, value what these injury cases are worth, enabling injury attorneys to expedite settlements and secure the full compensation their clients rightfully deserve.

Earlier investors included tech entrepreneurs like Adam DAngelo (CEO of Quora) and Kevin Hartz (CEO of Eventbrite), as well as Nas, Jared Leto, and Byron Jones.

FinSMEs

08/06/2023
Insify, an Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based insurtech for SMEs, raised 10M in Series A funding.

The round, which brought the total amount to 25M, was led by Munich Re Ventures and was joined by existing investors including global venture fund Accel, Frontline Ventures and Berlins Visionaries Club, as well as new investors including Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg and Opera Tech Ventures, the VC arm of BNP Paribas Group.

The company intends to use the funds to continue improving and expanding its current range of business insurance products and disability insurances, and grow into additional European markets.

Founded in 2020 and led by Koen Thijssen, CEO, Insify is an insurtech company for SMEs that works closely together with partners and reinsurers, to completely digitise and thereby optimise the processes behind business insurance products for SMEs and freelancers. The platform uses enhanced data analytics drawing on dozens of signals, as opposed to stale questionnaires, to ensure that coverage is tailored and individually priced for each business. Policies are refreshed regularly through automated checks and underwriting, evolving as SMEs themselves scale.

Since raising a 15m Series A funding round in 2022, the startup has grown its customer base from 1,500 to over 10,000, expanded into France and Germany, and launched its own disability insurance product in the Netherlands. Insify today employs 55 staff.

FinSMEs

08/06/2023
Sensoneo, a Bratislava, Slovakia-based provider of waste management solutions, raised 6M in Series A funding.

The round was led by Taiwania Capital, with participation from current investors Crowdberry, EIC Fund, and Venture to Future Fund.

The company intends to use the funds to expand into other regions and strengthen its position in global markets.

Led by CEO Martin Basila, Sensoneo is a global enterprise-grade smart waste management solution provider that enables cities, businesses and countries optimize waste collection processes, improve sustainability performance, and create more efficient and cleaner public spaces.

The companys income comes from three separate divisions:

comprehensive smart waste collection solutions that include its own sensors,

optimization of waste collection logistics in factories and deposit refund system solution Deposit Refund System (DRS).

Intelligent waste monitoring used by cities such as Buenos Aires, Reykjavik, Trieste and Prague, and soon Madrid.

Since its establishment in 2017, the company has provided green tech smart waste solutions that currently assist cities and companies in over 80 countries worldwide.

FinSMEs

08/06/2023
China is soon going to discontinue the real-time display of estimated net value for mutual funds in order to prevent speculative day trading and avoid disseminating information that could worsen panic selling by investors.

Unnamed sources cited by the Securities Times have stated that regulators have instructed mutual fund companies and third-party data providers in the country to cease offering such information before June 16.

The objective of this move is to encourage investors to focus on long-term investment, as stated by the sources.

This reported decision coincides with a recent decline in Chinese stocks, attributed to a weakening economic recovery and persistent geopolitical tensions that have brought an end to an impressive reopening rally.

It further highlights the longstanding concerns of authorities regarding the potential for volatile fluctuations in a market primarily driven by individual investors who often engage in speculative activities using mutual funds.

The report suggests that the real-time display of estimated fund values has the potential to trigger irrational buying and selling behaviors. It also raises concerns about compliance issues, as data providers may exert pressure

on mutual fund houses to disclose the latest information on their holdings.

Furthermore, the report highlights that the value estimates can be misleading due to possible distortions caused by significant redemptions or purchases near the end of a trading day.

Wu Xuan, the chief market analyst at Tebon Fund Management Co., was quoted saying that this measure will contribute to stabilizing market fluctuations, as some funds may have been engaging in arbitrage based on these real-time calculations. Additionally, Wu speculates that the timing of this measure may be related to the recent weakness observed in the market.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The recent tragic train accident in Odishas Balasore district has left a profound impact, with a loss of 288 lives and injuries to 1,091 individuals. Relief and rescue operations have been carried out, and efforts are underway to restore the train services by repairing the tracks. In light of this tragedy, the government has announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the relatives of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. It is worth noting that when booking train tickets through IRCTC, travellers are offered an additional optiontravel insurance.

This incident emphasises the significance of insurance coverage in such unfortunate events. By paying just 35 paise, passengers can avail themselves of a cover of Rs 10 lakh. However, its important to note that this travel insurance is not provided directly by the Railways but by insurance companies. It is an optional feature available during online ticket booking, allowing passengers to opt for insurance if desired.

To avail travel insurance when travelling by train, passengers need to select the option at the time of ticket purchase through IRCTCs online platform. By paying a nominal fee of 35 paise, travellers can obtain a cover of Rs 10 lakh. Once the insurance is opted for, a confirmation email containing relevant details and instructions is sent to the registered email address. Passengers must open the document and fill in the required information, including full name and date of birth, for the insurance to be valid.

Partial disability warrants a compensation of Rs 7.5 lakh and minor injuries are compensated with Rs 10,000. To make a claim, individuals must visit the nearest office of the insurance company within four months from the date of the train accident. They need to submit the necessary documents as per the requirements of the insurance company. Its important to note that this travel insurance facility is applicable only for confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets.

When you book a train ticket from IRCTC, there is an option to pay Rs. 0.35 for Insurance. Many people opt for that insurance and get a form in their mail to fill in their basic details and nominee details but mostly, no one does that. Did you know that this insurance gives you  Sambhav Daga (@sambhavdaga) June 5, 2023

Sambhav Daga, a well-known Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), recently brought attention to the Travel Insurance offered by IRCTC through a post on Twitter. Daga emphasised that when booking train tickets via IRCTC, passengers have the opportunity to avail insurance coverage by paying a nominal amount of 35 paise. He also highlighted an important aspect that often goes unnoticedmany individuals fail to fill out the accompanying form, which asks for basic information and nominee details.

The availability of such travel insurance coverage serves as a crucial measure to provide financial support and assistance to passengers during unforeseen circumstances while travelling by train.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Spotify may slash 200 more jobs after Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys famous audio deal, Archetypes podcast could not make the profit expected. Looks like nothing is working for Harry and Meghan. First it was the clash with the British Royal family and now Meghan and Harrys Archetypes podcast fails to rake cash after Spotify paid Meghan Markle more than $18 million for the show. And not to forget Harry and Meghans rumored divorce.

According to a report published in Hindustan Times, Spotify may slash 200 more jobs after Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys famous audio deal could not make the profit expected from it. It was reported that the company paid Markle more than $18 million for her Archetypes podcast. The Swedish streaming giant now has to part ways with multiple staffers.

Spotify laid off about six percent of its 6,600 workforce back in January. Redundancies are now said to be reaching two percent of the streaming platforms workforce, according to New York Post Spotifys head of podcast business, Sahar Elhabashi, wrote in a blog post, We have made the difficult but necessary decision to make a strategic realignment of our group and reduce our global podcast vertical and other functions by approximately 200 people, or 2% of Spotifys workforce.

Unfortunately, this means saying goodbye to close colleagues and friends. We know news like this is never easy, especially for those impacted. These decisions are not something we take lightly. I want to express my appreciation for everything those leaving have done for podcasting and Spotify, he added.

New York Post report further says that the cuts prove that the company is failing to see the results it had hoped for in the podcast arena  despite pumping billions of dollars into having Markle and Joe Rogans podcasts on its platform.

However, Markles Archetypes podcast has struggled to remain at the top since its debut in August 2022 as by November, the podcast slid down to number 22 in the charts. For his part, Rogans podcast suffered a series of controversies ranging from Covid-19 vaccine misinformation to being accused of using racial slurs and making anti-semitic comments.

In 2021, it was reported that Meghan and Harry received a cool $25 million from Spotify for singing on the dotted line for a lucrative audio deal. More recently, Markle was honored at the 48th annual Gracie Awards where she picked up a gong for her podcast  though she was not physically there.

The podcast has also been the center of a few controversies, including spreading misinformation on Covid-19 vaccine. The show was also accused of making anti-semitic comments and using racial slurs. Earlier reports claimed that Spotify paid Harry and Markle $25 million for singing for a lucrative audio deal.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has decided to stop creating shows and writing memoirs that criticise the Royal British family. The abrupt change would prevent further attacks on royal family and avoid revealing additional details about their decision to step back from royal duties.

Amidst divorce rumours, Harry and Meghan also said goodbye to Netflix shows and tell-all memoirs. An Insider told the Sun magazine that the couple has run out of material to discuss, which will be welcomed by the audiences and the audiences too are simply tired of their complaints. And if Prince Harry plans to make a journey back to UK without Meghan Markle, which many British experts are speculating, Its time he stops disgracing the Royal British family.

On the other hand, there is a strong rumour floating around about Harry and Meghans divorce. According to GeoTv report, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem to be heading in different directions five years after their marriage, according to an article published on the fifth wedding anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In fact, according to sources, Prince Harry has a separate room to get away from Meghan Markle.

(Wit added inputs from agencies)

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For the promotions of Adipurush, the entire team is leaving no stones unturned. Recently, director Om Raut and actor Kriti Sanon visited Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala to seek blessings for the films success and a lot of pictures and videos went viral on social media. Before leaving Raut hugged and gave a peck to Sanon that sparked outrage.

Seeing the video, BJP State Secretary Ramesh Naidu tweeted- Engaging in public displays of affection, like kissing and hugging, in front of the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple in #Tirumala is deemed disrespectful and unacceptable. He later deleted the tweet. Sanon and Raut have not reacted or responded to the criticism for the same.

The latest addition to their remarkable journey was the grand unveiling of the final trailer at Tirupati. While the majority of the cast and crew were present at the event, one team member, in particular, caught everyones attention: music director Atul. Demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the film, Atul rode a bike all the way from Mumbai to Tirupati to attend the event.

While his journey to the Sri Venkateswara stadium in Tirupati was quite an eventful one, Atul received a warm welcome from fans. This bike ride to Tirupati has surely left many in admiration for Atuls gesture. Well, Atul who is a motorcycle enthusiast rode a BMW beast and truly made the Adipurush final trailer launch event a memorable one with his road journey. This will surely be a highlight to remember from Adipurushs promotions.

Back in October 2022, when Om Raut, Bhushan Kumar shared the teaser of Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khans Adipurush, netizens were left unimpressed. Things did improve marginally when the same teaser was shown to a bunch of journalists in 3D but the quantum of the damage was too big. The makers that were eying for a January 11 release pushed the date to rework on VFX, and now itll finally see the lights of the day on June 16 this year.

The trailer suggests director Om Raut and the whole team has used a unique technology for visual effects. Result? Some impressive visuals better and far better than the teaser. But is it going to be enough? Its the epic tale of the Ramayana. We have Prabhas as Ram, Kriti Sanon as Sita, Saif Ali Khan as Raavan, Sunny Singh as Laxman. We have sprawling shots of Hanuman uprooting the Sanjeevani Booti and the attack on Raavans Lanka. We have glimpses of a distressed Sita at his den waiting for her Ram.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Jigna Vora was an Asian Age journalist. She was one of the two main suspects in the murder of Mid-Day reporter Jyotirmoy Dey. On June 11, 2011, J Dey was murdered by unidentified assailants in Hiranandani, Powai, while onlookers witnessed the incident.

Vora was the deputy bureau chief of the Asian Age newspapers Mumbai bureau at the time, and was 37 years old. She was charged with giving Rajan vital details about Dey, including his residence and the license plate number of his bike. She was said to have links with underworld gangster Chhota Rajan. Vora, was accused by the police of orchestrating the murder of Mid-Day journalist J Dey in 2011, was granted bail by a special MCOCA court later.

What is Hansal Mehtas Scoop on Netflix all about?

Netflixs Scoop opens with a black-and-white shot of a busy Mumbai train station. A proud grandfather of a woman journalist buys a paper and sees his granddaughters first by-line on page six. She annoyingly drags him away, saying The front page is all that matters. So, even if you have a spelling mistake nobody really cares. To which the grandfather says, Even a spelling mistake of his granddaughter will be noticed by a retired grandfather. This incident takes you back to your initial years of journalism when we used to thrive for bylines especially during the internship and traineeship days.

Director Hansal Mehtas Scoop talks about a real-life story on a spine-chilling murder case of a senior journalist, Sen Dada based on famous crime reporter J Dey (Prosenjit Chatterjee) which involves media, underworld and Mumbai police. In the mad race of chasing a possible Page one Jagriti Pathak (Karishma Tanna) ends up giving her all, including her social life, family life, spending time with her ten-year-old kid and gets into the dark underworld of Mumbai. In the process of making a friendship with danger, she ends up making friends with the higher-ups of Mumbai police, lawyers and the mafias.

Netflixs Scoop shows how Pathak (Karishma Tanna) is framed as the main suspect by the Mumbai Police in the murder of senior journalist Sen Dada. Based on the true story of Jigna Vora (name changed to Jagriti Pathak) is definitely a must-watch for all journalists and how one needs to be careful even with juniors who can backstab you for instant fame and front page by-line!

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The northeastern United States experienced a second day of intense smoke on Wednesday. The sky has turned yellowish-grey. Air quality alerts were issued to 110 million Americans. Authorities have sent warnings to residents to stay inside and close their windows. The rising smoke was the result of a slew of wildfires raging across many Canadian provinces.

New York City, on Wednesday, broke its record for the highest Air Quality Index since records began in 1999, when the city approached 500 on the AQI, putting it in the worst category  hazardous  on the US governments air quality tracker.

Much of the air was in the unhealthy or worse categories in areas from the mid-Atlantic through the Northeast and parts of the Upper Great Lakes, according to an advisory issued by the Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday night.

US authorities issued air quality alerts in multiple regions and smoke was expected to persist for days.

What led to the wildfires?

Unusually hot, dry weather that wouldnt stop gave rise to the wildfires.

The month of May was just off the charts  record warm in much of Canada, said Eric James, a modelling expert with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science at the University of Colorado, who is also with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A warming planet will produce hotter and longer heat waves, making for bigger, smokier fires, according to Joel Thornton, professor and chair of the department of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington.

The Quebec-area fires are big and relatively close, about 500 to 600 miles (roughly 800 to 970 kilometres) from Rhode Island and they followed wildfires in Nova Scotia.

I dont remember fires of this scale in the last 10 years, James said of the Quebec blazes.

Smoke from fires in western Canada have been drifting into the United States for weeks. But its recent fires in Quebec that have produced the dangerous east coast haze.

Why is smoke reaching so far away?

Strong winds high up in the atmosphere can transport smoke long distances and its common for large, violent fires to create unhealthy conditions hundreds of miles away from where forests are burning.

But the right mix of circumstances had to align for the smoke to blanket major US cities: A dry, hot spring set the stage. Then weather did the rest, said Bob Henson, meteorologist with Yale Climate Change Connections.

@ShelaghFogarty Good morning Shelagh, quick question, re : ULEZ

If some day London and Home Counties suffer from the unprecedented air pollution occurring in New York in the past 24hrs, Would Sadiq Khan refund all the fees and related cots incurred by all drivers? pic.twitter.com/YP5z5Z5Vnj  Mirak (@Mirak1812) June 8, 2023

In Canada, air is circulating counter clockwise around a low-pressure system near Nova Scotia. That sends air south over the fires in Quebec. There the air picks up smoke, and then turns east over New York state, carrying smoke to the eastern seaboard.

"It's a simple matter of trajectory," Henson said. "The smoke goes where the wind takes it."

This wind pattern isn't particularly rare. But the confluence of events is.

Also Read: Why New York's air pollution became the worst in the world

"The timing of this weather patterns is unfortunately overlapping with a situation that was ripe for large fires," Thornton said.

Weather patterns change and the worst conditions should only last a day or two. Some smoke, however, could linger for a week or more, according to James.

According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines, extensive and persistent fires in Canada have caused smoke to travel considerable distances. These fires are still burning up there. Theyre still putting smoke into the sky, and as long as you have a source of smoke its going to be an issue, Kines told Times.

Wildfires in eastern Canada have been worsened by unusually dry circumstances and scorching temperatures. As of Wednesday afternoon, over 200 wildfires were still blazing in Canada.

What is smoke actually?

Although smoke seems familiar, it is actually made up of a complex mix of shapes, from round to corkscrew-shaped under the microscope.

"It's not just one sort of chemical," said Rima Habre, an expert in air quality and exposure science at the University of Southern California. "It could have gases and carbons and toxic metals." As it travels, Habre said, it also changes and can contain ozone.

Much of what we see in the air and measure is small particles, or PM 2.5. These are so small they can get deep into the lungs, where oxygen enters your circulation.

"Mostly we worry about inflammation in the lungs," Habre said, from these high levels of pollution. But with climate change amping up fires, increasingly, she said, she is worried about broader numbers of people being exposed to less extreme smoke for weeks or months.

"Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposure and will not have long-lasting health effects," according to the EPA advisory. But that is less true for a large category of people, including children whose lungs are still developing, older adults, and people with lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Also Read: Canada wildfire smoke rolls in: New York City air becomes some of the worst, second only to Delhi in the world

Stay inside, keeping your doors, windows and fireplaces shut, is the advice. Air conditioning on the recirculation setting can help filter out some particles, and air filters can remove many more.

How long will the smoke remain?

High smoke levels in the regions will likely remain for the next few days, according to US weather officials. Forecasts show that smog-carrying winds will continue to blow throughout the weekend, but will begin to slow down around Sunday night. However, the smoke is not projected to travel any further than its current radius.

As reported by Time, a storm moving from the west towards eastern North America is also expected to shift wind patterns and stop the smoke from spreading by the end of the weekend.

Scattered showers in eastern Canada over the next few days could help put out some of the fires. Rain is expected as well in the northeastern United States, but data is in conflict on whether rain genuinely helps lower air pollution.

Experts are also predicting an unexpected change in weather. "Sometime next week, the winds will become more northerly [blowing from north to south] again," Kines told Time. If the fires continue to burn, we may face further smoke problems."

With inputs from AP

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The long-standing rift between Republicans and the FBI has only gotten worse.

A resolution to hold FBI director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress was called off earlier on Wednesday.

James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, called off a vote after a last-minute offer by the bureau to allow access to a confidential document regarding an unverified tip about President Joe Biden.

Comer said in a statement that the committee is removing a contempt resolution against Wray from Thursdays schedule after an accommodation that would give the full committee access to the document.

The resolution to hold Wray in contempt was just the latest broadside from Republicans against the FBI. They accuse the bureau of harbouring bias against conservatives dating back to Donald Trumps presidency and allege the bureau is now stonewalling legitimate congressional oversight.

Release of the document in question, FBI officials have warned, would jeopardise the safety of the confidential human source who received the unverified tip.

Heres what you need to know about the clash between Republicans and the FBI:

The subpoena

Comer issued a subpoena to Wray on 3 May after GOP Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa received a whistleblower complaint. They said they were told the bureau has a document that describes an alleged criminal scheme involving Biden and a foreign national relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions when Biden was vice president.

It has been alleged that the document includes a precise description of how the alleged criminal scheme was employed as well as its purpose, Comer and Grassley wrote in a letter to Wray.

Both men have said they do not know if information is true, but insist the allegations warrant further investigation. The White House has accused Republicans of floating anonymous innuendo.

What is the document in question?

The document Republicans are focused on is what is known as an FD-1023 form, which is used by federal agents to record tips and information they receive from confidential human sources. The FBI says such documents can contain uncorroborated and incomplete information, and that the record of a tip does not validate the information.

The Biden document was written up by a longtime FBI source that both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible. In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine. Hunter Biden worked on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

At the time, then-Attorney General William Barr told reporters that he was being cautious about information coming out of Ukraine. The House impeached then-President Donald Trump in 2020 over his push for the Ukrainian government to investigate the Bidens.

Why do republicans want the record?

House Republicans have used their power in the majority to aggressively investigate Joe Biden and the business dealings of Hunter Biden, including examining foreign payments and other aspects of the familys finances. Since January, Comer has obtained thousands of pages of financial records from Biden family members through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions

In the contempt resolution against Wray, the Oversight Committee says foreign payments to members of the Biden family could have implications for national security. It said it needs the FBI record as it considers whether legislation is needed to fix deficiencies in the financial disclosure requirements that apply to presidents, vice presidents and their families.

The committee is also demanding the FBI record be provided without redactions.

The form that Comer has seen contained a significant amount of highly relevant information to the Committees investigation that was blacked out, the committee said, including the names of individuals who could be called in as witnesses.

Why is the FBI refusing to turn over the document?

The bureau has pushed back Comers threats to hold Wray in contempt and warned of grave risk to confidential human sources and the law enforcement process if the FBI record were released to the public.

Protecting the identities and information provided by confidential human sources from unnecessary disclosure or undue influence is therefore critical not only because of safety concerns but also to avoid chilling their candour or willingness to continue reporting to the FBI, Christopher Dunham, an acting FBI assistant director, wrote to Comer last month.

In an attempt to comply with the subpoena, FBI officials came to the Capitol on Monday to brief Comer and Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the panel, about the document. The briefing, which the bureau described as an extraordinary accommodation, lasted more than an hour and was conducted privately in a secure space because FBI officials said the several-page form contains sensitive information.

Both Raskin and Comer received a slightly redacted copy of the FD-1023 document during the briefing and were allowed to take notes on the substance of the form, though they werent allowed to keep it.

Frank Montoya, a former FBI supervisor who specialised in counterintelligence, said he worried that giving information about law enforcement sources to Congress could set a dangerous precedent and damage the FBIs work.

Whos going to want to come in and tell you things if your identity cant be protected,, especially in high-profile investigations, he said.

Beyond that, Montoya said, distributing to Congress information that could theoretically be relevant in an ongoing investigation risk impeding it. If Im working on a case and youre posting all my information online or in the newspapers or on the evening newsto make a political point  any chance I have of making that case is at risk, Montoya said.

Whats next?

Comer said that the FBI briefing about the record was no substitute for providing a copy to the committee without redactions. He said he will move forward Thursday with holding Wray in contempt of Congress.

The investigation is not dead, Comer told reporters. This is only the beginning.

The first step in the contempt process will be holding a committee vote to send the resolution to the House floor. If the House approves that resolution and holds Wray in contempt, it would be up to the Justice Department  where Wray works  to decide whether to prosecute him.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters he would bring the contempt resolution against Wray to the floor as soon as next week.

Successful prosecutions for contempt of Congress are rare, though not unheard of. Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury on contempt charges last year after a referral from the House 6 January committee.

Theres also precedent for contempt charges against senior Justice Department figures.

House Republicans approved a contempt charge against then-Attorney General Eric Holder in 2012, though the US attorneys office in Washington declined to bring a case.

The FBI says the contempt vote is unwarranted considering the bureau had continuously demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committees request, while protecting the safety of sources and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

The White House dismissed Comers contempt push as another fact-free stunt intended to damage the President politically and get himself media attention.

With inputs from AP

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A lead plaintiff in the Gyanvapi Masjid case has sought President Droupadi Murmus permission for euthanasia. Rakhi Singh, the main petitioner seeking the right to daily worship inside Varanasis Gyanvapi mosque, wrote an open letter to the president on Wednesday (7 June).

This comes days after Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh chief Jitender Singh Vishen, who is also Singhs uncle, said he and his family members will no longer pursue Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath temple cases citing harassment. In such a situation, due to limited strength and resources, I cannot fight this battle for dharma anymore and thats why I am quitting this This society is only with those who mislead by playing gimmicks in the name of religion, Vishen said last Saturday (4 June), as per NDTV.

Why has Rakhi Singh sought euthanasia and what are the rules for it in India? Is there a rift between the Hindu petitioners? Lets take a closer look.

Gyanvapi petitioner writes to President

In her letter to Murmu, Rakhi Singh said she is considering euthanasia due to mental agony.

She, along with four other Hindu women, had filed a petition in a Varanasi court in August 2021, seeking the right to daily worship at Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal in the Gyanvapi mosque complex, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Rakhi Singh has now alleged that the other four petitioners in the case, their lawyer Harishankar Jain and his son Vishnu Jain have defamed her.

In the case, my associates, including Lakshmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas, Rekha Pathak, along with (senior) advocate Harishankar Jain, his son advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and their few colleagues, did a false propaganda and defamed me and my uncle and aunt Jitendra Singh Visen and Kiran Singh in May 2022, she said in the letter, according to Hindustan Times (HT).

Singh also claimed that a rumour was being spread that she was withdrawing from the case, while neither any such statement or information was issued from my side nor my uncle Jitendra Singh Visen, pleader on my behalf in the said case, issued any such information, reported HT.

The plaintiff said due to this false propaganda, she and her uncles family have come under immense mental pressure.

Thus, the entire Hindu society has been raised against me and my family by creating a confusion about us in the entire country due to which I and the entire family of Visenji have come under a lot of mental pressure.

You are requested to pave the way for me to get rid of this immense mental pain and agony by granting me the permission for euthanasia so that I can attain ultimate peace by sleeping eternally, she wrote in the letter, as per Indian Express.

She also said that she will wait for the presidents reply till 9 June and if no reply is received, then she would take her own decision.

ALSO READ: The Famous Five: The Hindu women petitioners fighting to pray at the Gyanvapi mosque

What do the rules in India say about euthanasia?

Before that, lets understand what is euthanasia.

Euthanasia is when active steps are taken to end someones life to stop their suffering or intolerable pain. As per The Guardian, the fatal act is administered by someone else, mostly a doctor. If the suffering person themselves requests the procedure, it is called voluntary euthanasia.

Passive euthanasia refers to the withdrawal or withholding of life-preserving treatments at the request of the patient or a family member, according to Euronews.

Euthanasia is also described as mercy killing sometimes.

In India, active euthanasia is not legal.

However, in a landmark judgement in 2018, the Supreme Court legalised passive euthanasia with strict conditions.

Recognising the living will made by terminally-ill patients who could go into a permanent vegetative state, the apex court laid out the guidelines for the process, including who would execute the will and the role of medical boards in granting passive euthanasia.

We declare that an adult human being having mental capacity to take an informed decision has right to refuse medical treatment including withdrawal from life-saving devices, the apex court said in the 2018 order.

Life and death are inseparable. Every moment our bodies undergo change life is not disconnected from death. Dying is a part of the process of living, the court had noted.

In January this year, the top court further relaxed the procedure for passive euthanasia.

Is there a rift among petitioners?

Dismissing Singhs allegations, lawyer Harishankar Jain, said, as per HT, We are contesting the Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi and other related cases with full dedication. All allegations are baseless. I dont want to waste my energy and time by reacting to baseless allegations.

Rekha Pathak, another plaintiff in the case, has called Singhs allegations false, reported HT.

Moreover, Rakhi Singh claims that her uncle has not withdrawn from the case, but Vishen had previously announced his intention to do so.

As per The New Indian Express (TNIE) report, Vishen said in a statement on Saturday: I and my family (wife Kiran Singh and niece Rakhi Singh) are withdrawing from all Gyanvapi-related cases that we had filed in the interest of the country and religion in various courts.

His remarks came days after the Varanasi district court directed the consolidation of all seven cases of the same nature related to the Gyanvapi mosque. As per reports, he was not in favour of the consolidation of the cases.

Vishen had told Indian Express earlier that the claim for the Gyanvapi mosque has been lost due to some vested interests.

Jain, who represents the four other plaintiffs, had disagreed with Vishen. That is his understanding. As a lawyer, I have a different understanding than him He does not know the first thing about the law. Everyone has a right to have an opinion I only do my work. I dont say anything about anyone I am working for the cause of Hindutva and I am doing the best for my cases, the lawyer was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

The Gyanvapi case is currently before the Varanasi district court.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
It can be challenging to apply to universities abroad. Planning, gathering data, assembling the necessary paperwork, submitting the application, and then the exhausting period of waiting that can occasionally test your patience.

After the admission paperwork is delivered to your door, verifying the documents is a crucial step that the majority of people overlook. Although it isnt always a fraud case, it is inevitably your job to confirm the documents legitimacy.

Scores of Indian students, especially from Punjab, who entered Canada on study visas three to four years ago are facing deportation in a similar situation after their college admission offer letters were found to be bogus, according to media reports.

The matter came to light when these students sought Canadian permanent status in March.

However, how were the students tricked? How did the racket work? Lets look more closely.

Also read: A 500-day wait for the US visa in India: Whats going on?

Deportation fears

Up to 700 Indian students have lately received deportation notices from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The letters were sent out when the CBSA discovered that the admission offer letters for the pupils were fake, according to India Today.

Students have gathered at Airport Road in Mississauga, outside the CBSA headquarters, for the indefinite sit-in since 29 May.

Many students who are protesting say they arrived in Canada in 2018, but that their application for permanent residency was turned down when it was discovered that they had submitted phoney letters, a racket they claim was concocted by travel agencies back home.

When we arrived in Canada our agent told us that the seats were full in the colleges where we had received admission letters. He told us that universities were overbooking so he can transfer us to another college. Since we did not want to lose a year, we agreed, said Chamandeep Singh, a protesting student told NDTV. We changed college and finished our studies but three-four years later, we were told by the CBSA that the admission letter on the basis of which we had received our visas was fraudulent, he added.

According to Wion News, under the name Victim Students, they wrote an open letter in March of this year in which they stated: We are desperate for justice; we are victims of fraud; we have no criminal level but are facing a removal order.

The unrest was triggered by an expulsion order received by Lovepreet Singh, who hails from Punjabs Mohali. He has been told to leave the country by 13 June.

Also read: Amid visa fraud concerns, Australian universities ban students from certain Indian states

The fraud uncovered

Agent Brijesh Mishra of the Jalandhar-based counselling company EMSA Education and Migration Services Australia represented the majority of those who were affected, reported India Times.

He had charged each student more than Rs 16 lakh for all costs, including the admission fee to the prestigious Humber College, but not for airline tickets or security deposits.

Mishra allegedly forged the offer letters in order to ensure their acceptance to institutions when they landed in Canada, as per Indian Express. After finishing their courses, the students secured jobs. The fraud wasnt detected until after they applied for permanent residency and the Canadian Border Security Agency reported the fake letters.

Over 2.5 lakh students from Punjab have been moving to other countries, primarily Canada, every year for the past few years, according to Times of India.

Also read: Why is a Russian tourist facing deportation in Indonesia?

The racket

India Times explained many students work with an agency to apply for a study visa. They provide the organisation with their academic documents, IELTS certificate, and financial records.

The consultant compiles a dossier with the students preferences for educational institutions and courses based on this information. The expert also makes suggestions for universities and academic programmes. The bulk of students prefer public universities and a select number of elite private institutions. The consultant subsequently submits applications on behalf of the students to the desired colleges.

The student must deposit a fee after obtaining an offer letter from the university (which in this case was forged), which is paid to the agent, who then pays the college. The student then receives a letter of acceptance (LoA) and a fee deposit receipt (also forged) from the college.

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), which includes a one-year advance payment and covers living expenses, is furthermore required for students, according to the newspaper. Based on these credentials, students can apply online for visas, which must then be approved or denied by the embassy after they undergo biometric testing.

It is also significant to remember that the letters escaped the attention of staff at the Canadian Embassy. Experts were cited by Indian Express as noting that Canadian Embassy personnel must carefully scrutinise all related papers, including college offer letters, before awarding a visa.

According to a professional educational counsellor who has been sending students to Canada for more than ten years and spoke to the Indian Express, Mishra must have known that offer letters from reputable universities are rarely examined. The adviser did, however, also express amazement at how many offer letters from a certain college had been disregarded at the embassy level.

Also read: One out of every five US student visas issued in India last year, says US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti

What happens next

The Minister of NRI Affairs for Punjab Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has requested the assistance of S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs (EAM).

These (700) students are innocent and have been cheated by the clique of fraudsters. I shall be highly grateful if you again look into the matter personally and take up the matter with concerned agencies including the High Commission of Canada and the government of Canada so that these students can be saved from being deported, reads a letter from Dhaliwal to Jaishankar.

Minister @KuldeepSinghAAPs letter to MEA @DrSJaishankar Urged to resolve the issue of 700 Indian students trapped in Canada due to immigration fraud Students shouldnt be deported & given work permits considering their VISAs @KuldeepSinghAAP

NRI Affairs Minister, Punjab pic.twitter.com/xUcCQdHbFQ  AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) June 7, 2023

According to NDTV, speaking about the matter, EAM Jaishankar said, From the very start, the MEA and the high commission have taken up their case. The culpable parties should be punished. The latest report is that Canadians accept that it would be unfair if the student has done no wrong, they accept the idea that they have to find a solution to it. I feel the Canadian system is fair in that regard.

Sean Fraser, the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, recently tweeted, We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country & remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case, which further fueled these students optimism that the government will positively respond to the issues they are currently facing.

We recognize the immense contributions international students bring to our country & remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case. Were also working closely with institutions to verify acceptance letters are valid at the time of application.  Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) May 26, 2023

Innocent victims will be given every opportunity to have their case considered fairly. Due to the complexity of the situation, we remain committed to working with CBSA to determine a fair outcome.  Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) June 7, 2023

The all-party immigration committee, according to The Star, unanimously voted to ask the border agency on Wednesday to waive the affected students inadmissibility and offer them an alternate route to permanent residence based on humanitarian considerations or through a regularisation programme.

These students, Ive met with many of them, now are just in such a terrible state. Theyve lost money and they are stuck in a terrible situation. And some of them have deportation orders. Others have pending meetings with CBSA, said MP Jenny Kwan, the NDP immigration critic, who tabled the motions.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Even as the horrific Shraddha Walkar murder case remains fresh in our memory, more gruesome killings continue to grab headlines. A man was arrested from Mira Road, a suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai, for killing his live-in partner. Like in the case of Walkar, the womans body was chopped into pieces.

Who is Manoj Sane, the Mira Road murderer?

The accused has been identified as Manoj Sane. The 56-year-old was living with his partner Saraswati Vaidya (36) for the past three years. They met in 2014 at a ration shop, which Sane reportedly owned and started dating soon after. Vaidya was an orphan, who earlier lived in an orphanage in suburban Borivali before moving in with her alleged murderer.

According to reports, Sanes shop has been shut since 29 May. He has not been going to work since.

The couple has been living in a building in Mira Roads Geeta Nagar area for three years but kept to themselves.

Police were alerted by residents in the building, where the couple lived on rent, of an unpleasant odour coming from the flat. When they arrived at the seventh-floor house, Sane opened the door.

Sources in the police told News18 that when the officers entered the apartment, it was almost impossible for them to stand because of the strong stench.

#WATCH | 32-year-old woman killed by her 56-year-old live-in partner in Thane, Maharashtra | Police brought accused Manoj Sane out of the Police Station to produce him before the Court. He has been produced before Thane Court. pic.twitter.com/6E4li6tEwf  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

How and why did he kill his partner?

According to the police, Sane strangled Vaidya and then chopped her body into pieces. The incident reportedly took place on 4 June and since then he has been trying to cover the crime.

Sane reportedly used a tree cutter to cut up the corpse into 20 pieces in the bathroom. Some parts were also found in the kitchen. The accused boiled the pieces in a pressure cooker to ensure there was no foul smell and then filled them in plastic bags to dispose them of.

A tree cutter was kept in the hall and black plastic was spread all over the bed in the bedroom. The victims hair was lying in the bedroom. There were also three buckets kept in the kitchen, in which there were small pieces of the body and it was filled with blood, a source said. Police also found the leg of the victim.

The accused was seen feeding stray dogs in the locality over the past three days, something he is not known to do, according to a report in The Times of India. The police suspect that Sane may have fed some parts of the victims body to strays. They are also investigating if some parts were flushed down the drain.

What has the investigation revealed so far?

When grilled by the police, Sane confessed to domestic violence and first claimed that the victim committed suicide.

However, the police believe it is a case of murder and that the accused was influenced by the Shraddha Walkar-Aaftab Poonawala murder case, reports New18. A case has been filed under Section 302 (punishment for murder) and Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence and giving false information) of the India Penal Code.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the woman was brutally killed, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Mumbai, Jayant Bajbale, was quoted as saying by NDTV. The situation is deeply troubling, and we are committed to finding justice for Ms Vaidya. We urge the public to come forward with any information they may have to aid in our investigation.

The murder also invoked a reaction from Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule. Calling the crime extremely gruesome, inhumane and outrageous", she said criminals no longer have fear of the law in Maharashtra and crimes against women are increasing at an alarming rate.

             .               .    ,    .     Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) June 8, 2023

The killing brings to mind the gruesome murder of Walkar, who was also from Maharashtra. She was killed in Delhi by her partner, who chopped her body into more than 30 pieces, stored them in a refrigerator and scattered it in a nearby forested area over 18 days.

The case came to light six months after the killing when Walkar's father filed a missing person complaint. Aaftab Poonawala was arrested by the Delhi police and charged with murder and destruction of evidence.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As Russias progress in Ukraine has stalled, with enormous losses in material and people, the frustrated head of the Wagner mercenary force Yevgeny Prigozhin has called for Russia to shift to a total war economy: The Kremlin must declare a new wave of mobilisation to call up more fighters and declare martial law and force everyone possible into the countrys ammunition production efforts. We must stop building new roads and infrastructure facilities and work only for the war.

His words echo similar sentiments expressed by the head of Russias state broadcaster RT, Margarita Simonyan  an influential supporter of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin  who said recently:

Our guys are risking their lives and blood every day. Were sitting here at home. If our industry is not keeping up, lets all get a grip! Ask anyone. Arent we all ready to come help for two hours after work?

Also Read: What is the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine blown up by Russia? How could this hurt both sides?

Already facing western sanctions since its annexation of Crimea and occupation of territory in Ukraines eastern provinces in 2014, Russia has had to adapt to life under an increasingly harsh series of economic punishments. And, while Putin had apparently planned for a relatively short special military operation, this conflict has become a protracted and expensive war of attrition.

The Economist has estimated Russian military spending at five trillion roubles (Rs 1,00,580 crore) a year, or three per cent of its GDP, a figure the magazine describes as a puny amount compared to its spending in the second world war. Other estimates are higher  the German Council on Foreign Relations (GDAP) estimates US $90 billion (Rs 7.42 lakh crore), or more like five per cent of GDP.

But the international sanctions have hit the economy hard.

They have affected access to international markets and the ability to access foreign currency and products. And the rate at which the Russian military is getting through equipment and ammunition is putting a strain on the countrys defence industry.

So, the Kremlin faces a choice: massively increasing its war efforts to achieve a decisive breakthrough, or continuing its war of attrition. The latter would aim to outlast Ukraine in the hope that international support may waver in the face of a global cost of living crisis.

Equipment shortages

Russia has lost substantial amounts of arms and ammunition. In March 2023, UK armed forces minister James Heappey estimated that Russia had lost 1,900 main battle tanks, 3,300 other armoured combat vehicles, 73 crewed, fixed wing aircraft, several hundred uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) of all types, 78 helicopters, 550 tube artillery systems, 190 rocket artillery systems and eight naval vessels.

Russia has to contend with several important military-industrial challenges. For one, its high-technology precision-guided weapons require access to foreign technology.

This is now unavailable  or restricted to sanctions-busting deals which can only supply a fraction of what is needed. Most of the high-tech electronic components used by the Russian military are manufactured by US companies.

So it has to substitute these with lower-grade domestic components, which is probably why the Russian military is using its high-tech weaponry sparingly. But the artillery shells on which it has been relying are running short.

US thinktank the Centre for Security and International Studies has reported US intelligence estimates that since February 2022, export controls have degraded Russias ability to replace more than 6,000 pieces of military equipment. Sanctions have also forced key defence industrial facilities to halt production and caused shortages of critical components for tanks and aircraft, among other materiel.

Make do, mend  and spend

There are clear signs of increasing efforts to address the shortages. According to a report in the Economist, Dmitri Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russias security council, has recently announced plans for the production of 1,500 modern tanks in 2023. Russian news agency Tass reported recently Medvedev also plans to oversee a ramping up of mass production of drones.

The government is reported to be providing substantial loans to arms manufacturers and even issuing orders to banks to do the same. Official statistics indicate that the production of finished metal goods in January and February was 20 per cent higher compared to the previous year.

Also Read: Explained: Could Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin be a real threat to Vladimir Putin?

The GDAP reported in February: As of January 2023, several Russian arms plants were working in three shifts, six or seven days a week, and offering competitive salaries. Hence, they can increase production of those weapon systems that Russia is still able to manufacture despite the sanctions.

So it appears the Kremlin is playing a delicate balancing act of redirecting significant resources to the military and related industries while trying to minimise the disruption of the general economy, which would risk losing the support of large sections of the population.

The International Monetary Fund has projected Russias economy to grow by 0.7 per cent this year (which would trump the UKs projected growth of 0.4 per cent). This will largely be underpinned by export revenues for hydrocarbons as well as arms sales to various client countries happy to ignore western sanctions.

Meanwhile diversifying import sources has kept stores stocked. However, Russian public opinion pollster Romir has reported that while most people arent worried about the absence of sanctioned goods, about half complained that the quality of substituted goods had deteriorated.

So ordinary Russians  those who havent lost loved ones on the battlefield or to exile  remain relatively sanguine about everyday life. But a longer, more intense conflict, requiring a shift to a total war economy, could be a different matter altogether.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The year 2023 is big for India when it comes to geopolitics. On 1 December last year, the country assumed the presidency of the G20 forum, taking over from Indonesia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called it a huge opportunity for India.

As India helms the forum until 30 November, there are a host of meetings scheduled. Earlier, officials had said that around 215 meetings will be held in around 50 locations across various states. However, in May, the number of meetings was increased to 230 with 60 cities playing host. So far, India had held more than 100 meetings.

The G20 calendar now enters a frantic phase, with as many as 125 meetings to be held in the coming months, in the run-up to the big G20 Leaders Summit on 9 and 10 September in New Delhi.

But what exactly is the G20 summit? Why was it formed? What does it do?

Heres a primer on all things related to the international forum.

Whats the G20?

Today, the Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

The G20 comprises 19 nations  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States  along with the European Union. Spain is invited as a permanent guest.

The G20 members represent 65 per cent of the world population, 79 per cent of world trade, a whopping 84 per cent of the worlds economy and are responsible for 79 per cent of global carbon emissions.

The idea behind the bloc is to bring together the most important industrialised and developing economies to discuss international economic and financial stability. For this, the leaders of G20 members meet yearly to discuss and formulate policies on issues of mutual interest.

How did the G20 come into being?

One could say that the formation of the G20 is forged in crisis. It came after the 1994 Mexican peso crisis and the 1999 Asian financial crisis. Canadas then finance minister Paul Martin at a G7 meet realised that even though the meeting was meant to represent the most powerful economies in the world, crucial voices were missing.

This doesnt make any sense China and India are not here, and in fact, the great economies regionally are not at the table. Dont you think that we should be doing something about it, he asked.

And from there, the idea of a G20 was born. Finally, in 1999, the G20 forum was formed after initiation by Martin and his American counterpart then-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.

Once it was decided which countries would be a part of this bloc, the representatives met in Berlin, Germany, for the first annual meeting of the group. Heads of government/State started participating years later, in 2008. Interestingly, the United States showed reluctance to push the G20 to the leaders level. Speaking of it, Martin said, President George W Bush was reluctant  he wasnt against it, but he wasnt for it.

In 2009, G20 was designated the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

Over the next few years, the forum, as former South African president Thabo Mbeki put it, emerged as a central player in the global financial architecture and an effective contributor to global economic and financial stability.

How does the G20 work?

The G20 has no permanent leader and each year a country is decided to assume the presidency of the forum. The year 2023 sees India at the helm. The previous year saw Indonesia. The country with the presidency steers the G20 agenda and hosts the summit.

Also read: Why G20 presidency is important for India

However, it is supported by two other nations. One of the two nations must have had the presidency last year and the other nation is expected to assume the presidency the following year. This arrangement is called the Troika. Indonesia, India and Brazil are the Troika countries right now.

The agenda and work of the G20 are carried out through three distinct tracks  the Sherpa track, the finance track and the engagement groups.

The Sherpa track is led by emissaries of the respective member nations. The Sherpas directly report to the Heads of the States of their respective nations. The Sherpa Track is mostly concerned with non-financial discussions revolving around agriculture, anti-corruption, culture, development, education energy, trade, tourism, health, digital economy, etc.

The finance track is spearheaded by finance ministers and central bank governors of member states. They discuss and deliberate on issues such as international financial architecture, taxation, and finance and health.

The engagement group is led by non-government participants who contribute to policy-making and the G20 Leaders. It works with think tanks, civil societies, youth, businesses, women, labour, etc that contribute to the G20 Summit.

What are the achievements of G20?

Since its inception, the G20 has worked to encourage the formation of consensus on international issues. It played a key role in steering the world out of a global economic crisis in 2008-2010. Many experts credit the G20 with quick action.

Former Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) fellow Stewart Patrick said that the group rescued a global financial system in free fall. In 2008 and 2009, G20 nations agreed to spend $4 trillion to revive their economies, rejected trade barriers, and implemented far-reaching reforms to the financial system.

Since the economic crisis, the G20 has made commitments around issues that could be considered to fall under the social agenda. In 2014, in Brisbane, it pledged to reduce the gap between men and women in the workforce by 25 per cent by 2025.

In 2017, in Hamburg, the G20 launched the Compact with Africa initiative, which aims to promote and improve private sector development and investment. The same year, 19 members vowed to uphold their commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, despite the then-US president Donald Trumps announcement that his country would be pulling out.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the G20 undertook many measures to support economies and supply chains. It also lent its support to international organisations  the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). In March 2020, G20 nations committed to pumping more than $5 trillion into the global economy and contributing to the WHO-led COVID-19 solidarity response fund. Moreover, the G20 countries agreed to ease the burden of debts by allowing the poorest countries to suspend repayment of official bilateral credit.

The issue of climate change has also been a focus of the G20. At the 2021 Rome summit, countries agreed to curb emissions of methane and end public financing for most new coal power plants overseas. In 2022, Indonesia, the host country, also agreed to close coal power plants in exchange for $20 billion in financing from high-income countries, including the United States.

As Canadas prime minister Justin Trudeau said to the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a think tank, The G20 has helped navigate the world through an economic crisis, and shown leadership on a number of shared challenges, from international development and climate change to displacement and migration.

No institution is perfect, but the summit has shown the international community can work to resolve common challenges, provide assistance to each other, and create a more inclusive vision of global leadership.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Air Indias ferry flight carrying all the 232 passengers and crew took off from Russias Magadan for San Francisco on Thursday after an Air India flight was forced to make an emergency landing in the remote Russian town of Magadan due to a technical glitch.

UPDATE: AIR INDIA FLIGHT AI173D TAKES OFF FOR SAN FRANCISCO FROM MAGADAN Flight AI173D from Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne for San Francisco (SFO), carrying all passengers and crew. The flight departed GDX at 1027 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time) and is expected to  Air India (@airindia) June 7, 2023

Flight AI173D from Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne for San Francisco (SFO), carrying all passengers and crew. The flight departed GDX at 1027 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time) and is expected to arrive at SFO at 0015 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time), Air India said in a statement.

Air India has mobilised additional on-ground support at SFO to carry out the clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival. The team at SFO is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including but not limited to medical care, ground transportation, and onward connections in applicable cases, added the statement.

The Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew, had landed safely in the remote Russian town of Magadan due to a technical glitch on Tuesday.

The passengers and crew were then put up in makeshift accommodations in the remote Russian town.

Passengers, including children and the elderly, found themselves battling language barriers, unfamiliar food, and substandard accommodation.

The US Department of State has confirmed that there were less than 50 American citizens on board the flight.

We understand that there were less than 50 US citizens aboard that flight. We also understand that a relief aircraft is expected to arrive later today to assist the Air India flight and the passengers continue on with their route, Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson of the State department, said on Wednesday.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Taking a strong view on reports of a float depicting the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi being part of a parade in Brampton, the Congress on Thursday urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up strongly with Canadian authorities.

Canadian High Commissioner to India Cameron Mackay said he was appalled by the reports of the event in his country that celebrated the assassination of the Indian prime minister.

There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities, Mackay said in a tweet.

Congress leader and former Union minister Milind Deora shared a purported video, which is doing the rounds on social media, of a float at a recent parade in Brampton depicting Gandhis assassination.

As an Indian, I'm appalled by the 5km-long #parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of #IndiraGandhi. It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. pic.twitter.com/zLRbTYhRAE  Milind Deora |    (@milinddeora) June 7, 2023



As an Indian, Im appalled by the 5 km-long parades which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, he tweeted.

Its not about taking sides, its about respect for a nations history and the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination, Mr Deora said.

This extremism deserves universal condemnation and a united response, the Congress leader asserted.

Tagging Mr Deoras tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, I entirely agree! This is despicable and Dr S Jaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently was on a three-city tour in the US, is said to have visited the White House.

According to a report by The Economic Times, the ex-president of the Congress party met senior US officials, including Don Lu, assistant secretary of state for South Asia in the State Department, apart from academics, tech experts and think tankers during his visit.

He reportedly also went to the White House. The meetings were kept under wraps for some strange reason. But the Joe Biden administration clearly didnt shut the door on an opposition leader. Why should it? read the report.

Earlier this week, the BJP took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and said that it is ironical that while he shamelessly continues to criticise Indias democracy during his US visit, the White House says India is a vibrant democracy. It is a tight slap on the yuvraj of the Congress, BJP national spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam said.

The White House said Monday that India is a vibrant democracy and anybody who happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves, as it dismissed concerns about the health of democracy in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to the US later this month.

Isnt it ironical that while Rahul Gandhi shamelessly continues to criticise our democracy during his US visit, the White House says India is a vibrant democracy? What a tight slap on Yuvraj of the Congress. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi our democracy is safe, Islam said.

He was reacting to the comments of John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, at a news conference in Washington. India is a vibrant democracy. Anybody that, you know, happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves. And certainly, I would expect that the strength and health of democratic institutions will be part of the discussion, Kirby said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A three-member family, settled in Chennai, was found dead in a hotel room in Keralas Thrissur on Thursday. Police quoted sources saying that a purported suicide note was found near the bodies which read financial issues forced them to take the extreme step.

Cops said that a man, his wife and their daughter were found hanging inside the hotel room.

The hotel staff told the police that the family had checked into the facility some days ago.

The family had earlier told the hotel staff that they would check out from the room on Wednesday night.

The hotel employees made repeated attempts to call them but they did not get any response after which they informed the police, who rushed to the spot and entered the room, breaking open its lock.

A police officer said prima facie, it was a case of suicide.

As per the ID cards recovered from the room, they were settled in Chennai. But, we are yet to find out their native place in Kerala, he told PTI.

With inputs from PTI

A collection of suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022-27546669

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
According to three Indian sources, India is in negotiations with the US to seek an exemption from steel and aluminium tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, as well as the removal of some retaliatory levies.

Negotiators in New Delhi and Washington want to strike a deal during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the United States later this month, according to two Indian government officials and one industry source with firsthand knowledge of the situation.

According to both official sources, India has offered to drop retaliatory duties on select agricultural items such as almonds and walnuts in exchange for exemption from steel tariffs.

However, US negotiators were not flexible, leading to doubts over a possible exemption on tariffs on steel, one of the sources said.

We are discussing, (but) they are not very flexible whether there will be any substantial outcome, the government source said, declining to be identified.

Indias trade ministry, the Office of the US Trade Representative and the US Department of Commerce did not reply to mail seeking comment.

The Indian officials did not want to be named as they were not authorised to speak to media.

PM (Modi) is visiting and by that time, they (US) want to come up with something good, which looks positive for both sides, one of the government source added.

India is willing to discuss other possible trade measures that the US officials may propose, the second government source said.

A top executive at a US industry group said he was not aware of any serious contemplation on the part of the US government on the tariff issue and said it was unlikely that they would consider such a request.

I really dont think the US government would do that, quite frankly, said Kevin Dempsey, president of the industry trade group American Iron and Steel Institute.

Trump had imposed 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum in 2018, using Section 232 of a 1962 act that allows the president to restrict imports.

In retaliation, India had imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples, and walnuts.

Last December, The World Trade Organization ruled that US tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium imports by Trump contravened global trading rules, a judgment criticised by Washington.

Separately, at a US Congressional Steel Caucus hearing on Wednesday, several steel industry leaders expressed support for keeping the tariffs in place.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying he has a habit of criticising India abroad and it is not in the interest of the country to take its internal matters to the outside world.

Rahul Gandhi is habitual of criticising the country and making comments on our politics whenever he goes out of the country. The world is looking at us and what are they seeing? he asked while addressing the media on Thursday.

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, Rahul Gandhi is habitual of criticising the country and making comments on our politics whenever he goes out of the country. The world is looking at us and what are they seeing? Elections are held, sometimes one party wins and some other times pic.twitter.com/t9T0Dh0OVy  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

Gandhi, currently on a visit to the US, has criticised the government on a number of issues.

During an interaction with journalists at the National Press Club in Washington DC last week, Rahul Gandhi claimed that press freedom was under threat in India and the world could see the same.

There is definitely a weakening of press freedom in India. It is apparent in India and the rest of the world can see it too. Press freedom is very critical for a democracy. One should be open to criticism. There is a clampdown on the institutional framework that allowed India to talk and Indian people to negotiate. I view India as a negotiation between its people, between different cultures, languages and histories. Mahatma Gandhi set up the framework to enable that negotiation fairly and freely. That structure, which allows this negotiation, is coming under pressure, he said.

Responding to Gandhis claims, the External Affairs Minister said that if there is no democracy in the country such a change should not come and the results for all elections should be the same.

Elections are held, sometimes one party wins and some other times the other party wins. If there is no democracy in the country, such a change should not come. Results for all elections should be the same, the EAM said.

Talking about the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the minister suggested that poll result was a foregone conclusion.

2024 ka result toh wahi hoga, hamein pata hai, Jaishankar said.

Addressing the Indian community in California last Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi had also taken a jibe at PM Narendra Modi, saying that some people in India have the disease of being under the impression that they know everything.

The remarks triggered a backlash from the BJP, which accused the Congress leader of tarnishing Indias image on foreign soil.

I have no objection to whatever he does inside the country but I dont think taking national politics out of the country is in the national interest, said Jaishankar.

At an event in the US, Gandhi also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to drive the Indian car by only looking in the rear-view mirror which will lead to one accident after another.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday visited a Gurdwara in the national capital and met Afghan Sikhs who raised the issue of obtaining Indian citizenship and getting visas.

I wanted to meet the Sikhs who have come to India from Afghanistan and understand their issues. They have some problems regarding visas and citizenship, said Jaishankar.

Jaishankar assures help to Afghan Sikh refugees and said that he will address the issues that they have discussed with him.

We will address the issues that they have discussed with us. Some people are still waiting to get their citizenship. We will provide all possible help regarding citizenship and visas. It is our responsibility to help them out, he said.

Furthermore, Jaishankar added that the government will provide all possible help regarding citizenship and visas and its governments responsibility to help them out.

The EAM also offered prayers at the Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurudwara in Delhi.

Speaking on the Citizenship Amendment Act, the EAM said, Because of that law (Citizenship Amendment Act) these people had faith that we would come. What would have happened to these people if that law had not been there?

Sometimes we politicise everything, this is not a matter of politics but a matter of humanity, Jaishankar added as he addressed the media queries on Thursday, after meeting the Afghan Sikhs at a Gurdwara in Delhi.

Regarding the restoration of the Gurdwara in Kabul, the EAM said, We are trying to help in the restoration of Gurudwara in Kabul.

Furthermore, EAM Jaishankar, during his visit to the Gurdwara was honoured with a Sharopa at Delhi Gurudwara as he met Afghan Sikhs.

Jaishankar also explained at Delhi Gurudwara the help the Indian government provided to minorities after the Taliban takeover of Kabul, and added by saying, We did what we had to do.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday that his partys free electricity scheme called Gruha Jyoti will be launched on 1 August while the scheme to provide Rs 2,000 assistance to women per month called Gruha Lakshmi will be launched on 17 or 18 August.

The announcement came after Siddaramaiah held a high-level meeting with senior government officials today to discuss the implementation of both the schemes which were part of Congress poll promises.

The government is planning to launch the Gruha Jyoti scheme on August 1 at Kalaburgi, while discussions were held to launch the Gruha Lakshmi scheme on August 17 or 18 in Belagavi.

The new chief minister instructed officials to make the application process easy and avoid asking for unnecessary information and documents.

He also ordered his officials to cite appropriate reasons in case an application is rejected by the government.

Since a large number of applications are expected to be submitted for all the guarantee schemes, the CM directed the officials of the e-governance department to increase the capacity of the Seva Sindhu portal in accordance with the huge amount of data submitted, his office said in a release.

The Gruha Lakshmi scheme will be for those women who are identified as heads of families. Women from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) can avail of this scheme. However, taxpayers and GST-registered families will be barred from getting the benefits of this scheme.

Registration for the Gruha Jyoti scheme can be done through Seva Sindhu Portal. In addition, help desks will be established in all ESCOMs (Electricity Supply Companies). The registration process will start on June 15. The application can be submitted through Bangalore One, Karnataka One, Gram One centers and also at home through a computer or mobile app.

Siddaramaiah said that both schemes will be extended to tenants too. The Gruha Jyoti scheme can be availed by new house owners or tenants based on the state average of electricity consumption, the release said quoting the CM. Once the average of one year is available, based on this data, free electricity will be provided.

Arrears of old electricity bills will be allowed to be paid till September 30. Tenants can avail this facility by submitting the agreement letter, Aadhaar card, R. R. No., and voter ID of the same address.

With inputs from PTI

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha Universitys East Delhi campus was inaugurated by both Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal despite a controversy that erupted as to who would do the honours, and claim credit.

The campus building was funded by GGSIPU itself. Out of the total cost of Rs 387 crore, the Delhi government share was Rs 41 crore which was paid in three instalments, the last of which was released on June 5, 2023, the L-G office said in a statement.

Inaugurated the East Delhi Campus of GGSIP University. Built at a cost of Rs 387 cr, primarily through self-financing by GGSIPU (Rs 346 cr) & Rs 41 cr from Govt, the project was initiated in 2013 & foundation stone was laid in Dec 2014 by the then Union HRD Minister, he tweeted.

The east Delhi campus of GGSIPU was conceptualised way back in 2013 with a seed fund of Rs 41 crore earmarked for it. The foundation stone of the campus was laid by the then Union HRD minister Smriti Irani on December 14, 2014, the L-G office statement said.

Replete with state-of-art infrastructure, the new campus will offer futuristic courses like AI, Robotics, Automation & Design Innovation, among others to thousands of students. An exemplary model of self-sufficiency, GGSIPU has come a long way since 1998 when it was established, he said in another tweet.

Delhi Education Minister Atishi had on Tuesday announced in a press conference that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would inaugurate the new campus.

I am delighted to announce that the inauguration of the east Delhi campus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) is going to take place, and the chief minister will inaugurate it on June 8, she had said.

However, an invitation by the varsity stated that Lt Governor V K Saxena will inaugurate the campus at 11 am on Thursday.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A Mumbai-bound Vistara flight from Delhi was delayed by two hours after a passenger alerted officials that she overheard a fellow passenger speaking about a bomb in his bag.

The claim was however declared hoax hours later by officials. A committee including multiple security, intelligence, airport operations and aviation agencies was convened at Delhis Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Wednesday at around 6:10 pm to investigate the matter.

Flight no UK-941 (Delhi to Mumbai) was initially scheduled to depart at 4.55 pm, sources told PTI.

The passenger reported to the airline crew that she overheard a male passenger saying to someone on the phone that the CISF could not detect the bomb that was in my bag.

Following this, the crew immediately informed the ground security and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) about the incident who then ordered a delay in the flights departure. An anti-sabotage sweep was carried out in the terminal area and the check-in baggage even as the overall security apparatus was put on an alert mode.

The threat was declared non-specific or hoax around 6.45 pm and the flight with 163 passengers were allowed to depart for Mumbai, they said.

The passenger who was accused of the bomb chat and the complainant were handed over to the Delhi Police, and the male passenger was later booked under sections 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 268 (public nuisance) of the Indian Penal Code, the sources said.

With inputs from PTI

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said signs of the Portuguese regime should be wiped out, with the state having been liberated from its rule more than 60 years ago.

We need to start afresh, Sawant said during an event on Tuesday and hailed Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for stopping the destruction of temples in Goa during the Portuguese rule.

It was Shivaji Maharaj who first put forth the idea of swaraj (self-governance) in the country, he said.

The Indian armed forces had conducted the Operation Vijay and liberated Goa from the 450-year-old Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961.

Later, the first elections for the Goa Legislative Assembly were held in 1963.

Addressing a state-level event at Betul in South Goa district to mark the 350th anniversary of Shivaji Maharajs coronation, Sawant said it was because of the Maratha king that the Portuguese could not further destroy temples in the coastal state.

After 60 years, we should wipe out signs of the Portuguese. We need to start afresh. We are celebrating the 75th year of Indias independencehow Goa should be and what Goa is going to be when India celebrates 100 years of independence, we have started thinking of it now, he said.

The chief minister said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj came to Goa, rebuilt the Saptakoteshwar temple (in North Goa district) and warned the Portuguese against destroying the temples.

Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji should be given credit for protecting the Hindu culture, Sawant said.

He said it was Shivaji Maharaj who had first put forth the idea of swaraj or self-governance in the country.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Odisha government on Thursday held discussions with its neighbouring states for consultation on the 82 bodies that still remain unidentified a week after the triple train crash in Balasore occurred.

Officials have reached out to the governments of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand seeking help in early identification and disposal of the human remains preserved here.

We are also coordinating with other state government officials to verify the claimants and speed up the identification process, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange said on Thursday.

Kulange also said that the BMC is coordinating between Railways and AIIMS Bhubaneswar. He said the officials of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have been requested to help expedite body identification.

A control room has been set up to assist relatives of the victims. Food and lodging facilities are also being provided to people coming to receive bodies, he added.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar said out of the 162 bodies kept at the institute, 80 bodies have been handed over to the families of deceased persons while 82 other remain unidentified.

What has come as a problem is that some bodies are being claimed by multiple families.

Therefore, DNA sampling is the only scientific process left for handling over the bodies.

We have collected about 50 DNA samples. In the first batch 29 samples were sent to AIIMS Delhi and its test reports are expected within two more days. Once the DNA report reaches her, we can give some of these bodies to their rightful family, an official of AIIMS Bhubaneswar said.

BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said, The bodies are preserved at below minus 18 degree Centigrade in containers and there is no fear of further decay.,

Meanwhile, Srikand Dey, a resident of Kuchvihar in West Bengal, alleged that his sons body numbed 14 among the dead bodies, has been handed over to a family in Bihar.

The officials told me to undergo DNA testing and I have done so. But, before the DNA report came, the body has been handed over to some other, he alleged.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that he has accepted the invitation extended to him by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the upcoming Opposition parties meeting in Patna.

CM Nitish Kumar has called a meeting on 23 June. He called me up and extended an invitation. He has invited the opposition leaders of the country. I will go there, said Pawar.

#WATCH | NCP chief Sharad Pawar says, CM Nitish Kumar has called a meeting on 23rd June. He called me up and extended an invitation. He has invited the opposition leaders of the country. I will go there. He has extended the invitation keeping in mind the necessity to work pic.twitter.com/dERBMNtRXk  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

He said the invitation has been extended keeping in mind the necessity to work together on a national issues.

Meanwhile, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday said that heads from almost 15 parties will be attending the meet.

couldnt have a word with KCR (Telangana CM) but rest all leaders are comingalmost 15 parties will be attending the meetfrom every party, the main leader is coming not just a representative, said Tejashwi.

#WATCH | Patna:couldnt have a word with KCR (Telangana CM) but rest all leaders are comingalmost 15 parties will be attending the meetfrom every party, the main leader is coming not just a representative: Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav on upcoming opposition meet in pic.twitter.com/Vs8bkB5qGr  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

The meeting was initially scheduled for 12 June but had to be postponed after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi expressed their inability to attend because of prior commitments. DMK president MK Stalin too, had conveyed that he would not be able to come on the scheduled date.

The Congress had assured that they would be deputing a senior leader preferably one of the four Chief Ministers to represent the party.

However, it was felt that the very first Opposition meeting had to be attended by the top leadership of all Opposition parties so that the decision-making process was not hindered. Kumar had publicly articulated this opinion on Monday.

I have made one thing very clear. All parties which agree to attend the meeting, must be represented by their respective heads, he said.

Not only the Congress and the DMK but also CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury indicated that he was unavailable for the 12 June meeting. Yechury is playing a key role of inter-party emissary in the Opposition front. Many leaders in private blamed Kumar of going ahead with 12 June date, despite being informed about the unavailability of many senior leaders.

The venue in Patna was also of much wrangling. The location was decided at a meeting between Kumar and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. She insisted that the venue had to be neutral, where the Congress did not get to play the host.

Though after the partys victory in Karnataka, Banerjee had conceded that the Congress is key for any Opposition front, she is not ready just yet to allow Congress to be in driving seat.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Border Security Force (BSF) troops shot down a suspected Pakistani drone that allegedly sneaked into the Indian side near the International Border in Punjabs Amritsar, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

In a separate development, troops of the border guarding force seized more than two kilograms of heroin airdropped by another Pakistani drone in Tarn Taran district, the official said.

Around 9 pm on Wednesday, BSF personnel heard the buzzing sound of an unmanned aerial vehicle near Bhaini Rajputana village in Amritsar and opened fire on it, the spokesperson of the force said.

A joint search operation by the BSF and the Punjab Police was carried out, during which the drone was found in a damaged condition on a field adjacent to the Rajatal-Bharopal-Daoke tri-junction on the outskirts of the village, he said.

The recovered drone was a quadcopter of model DJI Matrice 300RTK series, the official added.

In Tarn Tara, BSF personnel detected the drone coming from the Pakistani side around the same time on Wednesday near Wan village and intercepted it, the spokesperson said.

After a while, the troops spotted a suspicious motorcycle coming from Wan and signalled it to stop. Its rider, however, sped away towards Mari Kamboke village. The BSF troops chased the bike and found it abandoned in the village, he said.

The village was cordoned off and during a search, a packet wrapped in a yellow adhesive tape was found, the spokesperson added.

The packet was found to be a consignment of heroin weighing around 2.50 kilograms. It is suspected that the bike rider was carrying the packet after it was dropped off by the drone.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has congratulated the consular teams in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi for issuing the highest number of student visas in 2022.

A huge shoutout to my incredible consular teams in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi for their exceptional efforts in issuing the highest number of student visas globally in 2022! Garcetti said in a tweet.

A huge shoutout to my incredible consular teams in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi for their exceptional efforts in issuing the highest number of student visas globally in 2022! This summer, were on track to process the highest number of Indian student visa pic.twitter.com/V3UEgDaCFI  U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) June 8, 2023

He added, This summer, were on track to process the highest number of Indian student visa applications in the history of this Mission. Go Team Consular!

India accounted for 1 out of 5 US student visas

On Wednesday, Garcetti said that India accounted for one out of every five US student visas issued last year.

His comments came during an address on the seventh annual Student Visa Day organised by the US Mission in India. He also highlighted that Indians arrive in America more than students from any other country. In terms of student visas issued by the US, India has also surpassed the global average.

Garcetti also expressed his commitment to processing the highest number of visas in the coming years.

On the occasion, consular teams across India interviewed around 3,500 student visa applicants from various cities.

US Missions plans for 2023

This year, the US Mission is targeting to process over one million visa applications out of which one-tenth have been processed since the beginning of 2023.

As per the US Embassy in India, the highest number of students will be interviewed between June and August this year.

Apart from this, wait times for over 20 visa categories have been brought down to the pre-pandemic era standards while the focus has now shifted to bringing down the wait time for tourists seeking visas.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Seventy-six flats being built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) scheme on the land freed from the clutches of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed are nearly under completion.

The flats have been developed in two blocks of land that were confiscated from the slain gangster in 2021 in the Lukarganj area of Prayagraj City.

The Uttar Pradesh government is building residential flats in the area for beneficiaries of the PMAY, the allocation process for which is likely to begin very soon, said an official.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone of this project on December 26, 2021. Flats will be available to the poor here for only three and a half lakh rupees.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh | Construction of flats for the poor, that are being built on the land confiscated from slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, set to complete soon. Upon completion, the residences will be handed over to the poor. pic.twitter.com/bZFLqhdxYl  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 8, 2023

The construction work on the 1731 square meters of land freed from the possession of mafia Atiq Ahmed in Lukarganj is going on at a fast pace and this building is being prepared with better quality and the best safety standards. It will also provide parking facilities for people, community halls and common areas.

Ahmad was a Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Phulpur from 2004 to 2009. He is named in at least 70 cases, including the 2005 murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal in Allahabad.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday summed up Prime Minister Narendra Modis nine years of governance by saying that India has a bigger footprint on the global platform under his leadership.

He said, A large part of the world sees us as a development partner, not just as a development partner but a development partner who lives up to what PM enunciatedToday, the second image of India is that of an economic collaborator.

Noting the major breakthroughs India has witnessed in the last nine years, Jaishankar said that India has become a self-assured country with not one but many achievements.

I think, in a way, a more self-assured country with a lot of changes happening, which is contributing more, which is caring more for its own people, people at home and people abroad, and which is communicating all of this very effectively with the rest of the world. So it isnt a single account and a single achievement. In a way, I think theres been really very broad progress across multiple fields, he said.

The foreign minister was addressing a special media briefing along with Ministers of State V Muraleedharan, Meenakshi Lekhi, Rajkumar Rajan Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

Foreign policy saw transformation under Modi

Hailing PM Modi in his efforts to forge strong relations with countries, Jaishankar said, I think most of you would not dispute that among the many areas where theres been a significant transformation, foreign policy would surely be among them. Its reflected in the countrys higher standing, greater influence, bigger footprint, new concepts, and stronger delivery.

He added, Now, there are many ways by which one can judge how foreign policy has changed, how it has delivered, where has it made its deepest impact.

With inputs from ANI

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A month ago, those who scream the loudest about the rise of fascism in India and democracy being under threat oddly fell silent. It was not out of any sudden realisation or grave defeat. Rather, their silence came riding on the white horse of victory.

After Congress swept the Karnataka state elections defeating the ruling BJP, the noise around elections and institutions being rigged fell into a temporary lull. It had beaten the BJP even in the Himachal Pradesh assembly elections just five months ago.

The democracy of one-and-a-half billion keeps jumping out of the ballot boxes to declare it is alive. In the face of violent, foreign-funded street protests and insurgencies, the Indian state quietly says that democracy is not just alive, it has the will to be extraordinarily restrained. Many of these protests  whether it was the countrywide stone-pelting and arson during the anti-CAA violence or the rampage in the capital in the name of farmers agitation or making Manipur burn  have been engineered precisely to provoke the Indian government into using brute force. It has not, so far, except firing on armed militants in Manipur.

But it would be naive to say that Indian democracy is not under attack. It is under attack from wolves who cry wolf.

Take for instance dynastic political parties. The Congresss ruling Nehru-Gandhi dynasty is particularly bitter and restless. It has never sat out of power for so long, electorally kicked out by the people not once but twice for wanton corruption, neglect of national security, and naked minoritism by disadvantaging Indias Hindu majority.

More importantly, the dynasty has never faced such low odds of returning to power at the Centre. In a Parliament of 543, the Congresss tally has been 44 and 52 respectively in 2014 and 2019 elections. In spite of some gains in the state polls, it is unlikely to cross the 100 mark in 2024 as well.

And while its scion Rahul Gandhi comes up with syrupy and misleading Bharat Jodo Yatra (Join India Tour) and the recent Mohabbat ki Dukaan (Shop of Love) tour of the US, in the then Congress-ruled Maharashtra, sadhus were lynched in Palghar, editors were thrown in jail and physically tortured. In Congress-ruled Rajasthan, Hindus supporting BJPs Nupur Sharmas right to quote and criticise the Hadiths on air were beheaded on live cam.

In other dynasty-ruled states like Bengal, Mamata Banerjees TMC cadre murdered, raped and burnt homes of rival supporters after winning the 2021 state elections. The violence against the states Opposition continues.

Rahul Gandhi has consistently spoken Chinas language against his own nation, made unverified claims of the Chinese occupying new tracts of Indian soil, and appealed for foreign intervention to overthrow the Narendra Modi government during his overseas tours.

Indias ruling dynasties are among the biggest threats to democracy because they find it difficult to accept the peoples mandate and sit out of power. They are willing to ally with even anti-India forces to deny their opponents the right to govern. And sure enough, they find allies.

Today, Western deep states, Left-liberal media, and elite globalist networks like George Soross Open Society Foundation have launched a concerted campaign to malign India and stem its rise. Deep states in the Western world find Indias surge towards being a responsible, new superpower alarming. Indian agencies and politicians  including Congressman and then PM Manmohan Singh  had repeatedly warned about foreign powers using NGOs to scuttle development projects in India.

In this comes the role of the Church, especially the evangelists. The Congress-led UPA government in 2012 revoked licences of three Church-based groups involved in stoking and funding the Kudankulam nuclear plant protests. The Narendra Modi government has cracked down on hundreds of such NGOs which are fronts of foreign powers and the Church.

One of Indias topmost enemies remains global jihad and Islamic fundamentalism. Besides working through now-banned outfits like the Popular Front of India (PFI) to ensnare, convert, radicalise, terrorise and oversee a demographic takeover, Islamists have adopted a strategy of working through influencers, using politically correct terms like concern for humanity and secularism and infiltrating movements like anti-CAA and anti-farm laws. They have adopted the wolf-in-sheep-skin approach after a strong backlash from rising Hindutva. The effort is to convert to their side unsuspecting, secular and liberal Indians without revealing the underlying jihadi agenda.

While the pragmatic Arab world has become much friendlier towards India, attacks are now launched from Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar and certain western nations like Germany, the UK and the US. Islamic terror groups and agencies like Pakistans ISI have also been funding the Khalistani movement with mobs of radicalised Sikhs from places like Canada.

And then there is China. It has long-standing border conflicts with India. But now it resents Indias sharp economic and military rise and the unexpected pushback it has got in Doklam and along the Arunachal and Ladakh border.

Chinese discuss Indias new nationalism with anger and despondency on social platforms. It tries to sabotage Indias growing relations with the rest of the world.

During a number of recent disruptive campaigns, all these forces have come together to attack India in the guise of attacking the Narendra Modi government.

And Indias Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi walk right into that trap in their greed for power. The Congress has still not divulged the contents of the memorandum of understanding that it had signed with the Chinese Communist Party in 2008.

All this puts Indian democracy in danger. Not from the so-called fascist Modi government or the BJP and RSS, but from those who most vociferously say that Indias democracy is in danger.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The prime minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachandas first bilateral visit to India since assuming office in the current term should be hailed for bringing much needed warmth in bilateral ties, identifying priorities right and resetting a long-term framework of cooperation. Driven by the conventional warmth and cordiality, the wide-ranging discussions allowed the leaders of both sides to review the entire spectrum of the bilateral agenda between India and Nepal covering political, economic, trade, energy, security and developmental cooperation.

Highlights of PM Prachandas India visit

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a reassuring commitment for bilateral cooperation at multiple fronts will certainly be helpful in bringing the economic movements between two countries on expected lines besides facilitating a credible conclusion to a few long-pending matters like Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP), 1950 treaty and boundary. The Pancheshwar Development Authority (PDA) shall submit the finalised Detailed Project Report (DPR) to both Governments. The two Governments and their relevant entities shall take the lead in arranging finance for the PMP. The modalities of implementation shall be concluded within one year after approval of the DPR by the two Governments.

In continuation of the Joint Vision Statement on Power Sector Cooperation of April 2022, the power sector cooperation was discussed at length for good, covering development of generation projects, power transmission, infrastructure and power trade. Both the prime ministers appreciated the growth in export of up to 452 MW of power from Nepal to India and the progress made in the construction of the 900 MW Arun-3 hydro-electric project in Nepal. Moreover, ushering a new dimension of cooperation in the power sector with giving the transmission passage (trilateral power transaction) from Nepal to Bangladesh through India is something path-breaking if Nepal ensures scale, efficiency and speed in generating and exporting power to both the Indian and Bangladesh markets. This will add up significantly to the prosperity of Nepal. Both sides made their commitment clear towards greater sub-regional cooperation, including in the energy sector, which would lead to increased inter-linkages between the economies for mutual benefit of all stakeholders.

A notable development made through the visit is the finalisation of an agreement for Long-Term Power Trade wherein it was agreed to strive to increase the quantum of export of power from Nepal to India to 10,000 MW within a timeframe of ten years and towards this end take all necessary measures to encourage mutually-beneficial investments in Nepals hydropower generation sector and transmission infrastructure.

The ground breaking of the 400KV Gorakhpur-Butwal transmission line, signing of the MoU for the development of 480 MW Phukot-Karnali project by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Vidhyut Utpadan Company Ltd (VUCL) Ltd, Nepal and the Project Development Agreement for the development of 669 MW Lower Arun between Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), the Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) and to fund Bheri Corridor, Nijgadh-Inaruwa and Gandak Nepalgunj Transmission lines and associated substations under Indian Line of Credit at an estimated cost of US$ 679.8 million are other key highlights of Nepal PM Prachandas recent India visit. As the next step for further enhancing the Energy connectivity cooperation, both leaders also laid the foundation stone for the Phase-II of the Motihari-Amlekhgunj Pipeline in Chitwan. An MoU for construction of petroleum supply infrastructure by laying the new pipeline between Siliguri and Jhapa, and extending the existing oil pipeline from Amlekhgunj till Chitwan, as well as construction of two greenfield terminals at Chitwan and Jhapa, was also signed during the visit.

Facilitated with an enabling scenario, the strong economic and trade partnership between the two countries should further flourish and that is something manifested as the signing of the revised Treaty of Transit took place during the visit that among others, provides Nepal an access to Indias inland waterways. The construction of the Tanakpur Link Canal was agreed with making a provision where water will be released from the Tanakpur Barrage to the irrigation command area of Nepal through this canal in a phase wise manner based on the readiness of the necessary facilities on the Nepali side.

In the post pandemic times, especially when Nepals economy is passing through a recessionary phase confronting both structural flaws and cyclical decline, the development partnership should be given the required attention and implemented in a timely manner. Hopefully the latest round of bilateral discussions will help the ongoing and future projects, critically important for Nepal. Giving further fillip to connectivity through creation of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) between India and Nepal being built under the Indian grant assistance in Rupaidiha (India) and Nepalgunj (Nepal) is a welcome development. ICPs in Sunauli (India) and Bhairahawa (Nepal) and another one in Dodhara Chandani in Nepal have been commenced too. These ICPs will help improve transportation facilities to further enhance people-to-people connectivity as well as trade, commercial and economic linkages between India and Nepal.

In a major initiative towards enhancing Rail connectivity, both leaders presided over the inaugural run of the cross-border freight rail operations between Bathnaha (India) and Nepal Customs Yard (Nepal) on the Jogbani-Biratnagar rail link constructed with Indian grant assistance. This will further enhance trade and commercial linkages between both countries through Biratnagar, a major economic hub on the eastern side of Nepal. Further extending the Jaynagar-Kurtha passenger rail operations launched in April last year, the Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section was handed over to the Government of Nepal which will now be due for operationalization shortly. The Final Location Survey report of the Raxaul-Kathmandu rail link was also handed over to the Nepali side during the visit. The Government of India also agreed to the Government of Nepals requests for the training and capacity building of Nepali rail officials in the Indian Railway institutes and provision of one-time grant for maintenance of the railway infrastructure for Jaynagar-Kurtha rail section that was flagged off by the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal in April last year.

Supported by the Government of India, two bridges will be built across the Mahakali River at Shirsha and Jhulaghat in Nepal connecting to Champawat and Pithoragarh districts in India under grant. These bridges will boost connectivity between the State of Uttarakhand in India and Sudurpaschim Province in Nepal. Setting up a fertiliser plant in Nepal with the participation of public and private sector entities from Nepal and India to meet the fertiliser needs of both Nepali and Indian farmers and with adequate assurance of market in both the countries, featured in the dialogue.

A well-identified challenge that is payment found the attention of leaders and two sides decided to further enhance digital financial connectivity between the two countries. In this regard, an MOU between National Payment Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) India and Nepal Clearing House Ltd (NCHL) for facilitating cross-border digital payments was exchanged. During the visit, the Indian side also offered to create a ground station and supply 300 user terminals to offer the services of South Asia Satellite to Nepal under grant assistance. This initiative would promote regional cooperation in the space sector, and space technology applications in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting, tele-medicine, tele-education, e-governance, banking and ATM services, meteorological data transmission, disaster response and networking of academic and research institutions.

In conclusion

Within or beyond the political meanings, PM Prachandas India visit proved to be a constructive one. Back in Kathmandu, coming to terms with the positive momentum, he should lead through examples and give his leadership support to the joint projects and plans. It seldom happens when economics triumphs over politics, we have seen something of this sort recently and in New Delhi, the capital of worlds largest democracy. India and Nepal should continue working in unison, avail the shared prosperity and give a hope for subregional and regional cooperation in South Asia as well.

The author is a policy professional, columnist and writer with a special focus on South Asia. Views are personal.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
On World Environment Day, the US presidential candidate Nikki Haley sparked an internet war. She tweeted  If we want to be serious about saving the environment, we need to confront India and China. They are some of the biggest polluters.

The West often talks down to us about the environment and sustainability when they, themselves are the worst offenders.

For years the United States dragged its feet on the Kyoto Protocol, for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the US signed it in 1998, but Congress failed to ratify the agreement, which means Washington never really signed it.

It is high time we hold the developed world to their word. I give four reasons that highlight western hypocrisy on environment and sustainability.

US military exemption from declaring carbon footprint

It is estimated the Pentagon War machine pollutes more than 140 countries. A Chinese study claimed that the US initiated 81 per cent of global armed conflict since World War II. A cursory glance at wars over the last few decades confirms that this number is not way off the mark. The US war machine loves wars.

The USA and UK have over 900 military bases, which is four times more than the rest of the world combined.

Surprisingly, the US military is exempt from declaring its carbon footprint. It is even exempt from declaring its direct fossil fuel consumption, let alone any climate change accounting of the bombs, guns, tanks, and missiles.

In addition, war causes desertification and soil erosion of the ravaged land, destroying water bodies, causing air pollution, and further killing more humans, animals, and plant life. The devastation requires additional medicine and healthcare. There is no accounting of any of it.

The US Army has made declarations of going green and net zero on emissions. A war machine talking about the environment is itself laughable. But more seriously, when there is no accounting of the carbon footprint, what does net zero on emissions even mean?

At least, let us start counting the destruction caused by war.

Overconsumption by the West ruining the planet

Most Western leaders and voters genuinely believe Asian, Latin American, and African countries with their large populations are wrecking the planet. This is far away from the truth.

A study published in Scientific American estimated that a child born in the US, over her lifetime, will cause 35 times more ecological damage than someone born in India. She will consume 53 times more goods and services than her counterpart in China.

With 5 per cent of the worlds population, the US consumes 25 per cent of the Worlds resources and is responsible for 1/4th of the greenhouse gas emissions.

Americans eat five times more than the Indians, use 40 per cent of world medicine and one-third of the worlds paper.

If the entire world decides to live the American way of life, we will need four planets. One earth is not enough.

Waste colonialism

It sounds unbelievable, but Western countries have been shipping trash to countries like Turkey, Vietnam, China, Philippines, and other Asian countries. Out-of-sight and out-of-mind, could not be better executed.

The term, Waste Colonialism was coined in a UN Environment Convention, in Basel when African countries objected to rich countries dumping hazardous waste in their countries.

Importing countries have forever objected to the illegal dumping of waste. After years of humiliation and dispute, the Philippines shipped back 69 containers of rubbish to Canada containing household trash, plastic bottles, bags, newspapers, and used adult diapers. In 2017, China banned the import of 24 kinds of solid waste from foreign countries.

While the West talks eloquently about the environment and sustainability, they would rather just offload their waste to another country, rather than sort it out and recycle it.

It is elementary, my dear Watson! Manage your waste and stop trashing the planet.

More colonialism: Carbon footprint accounting

When we manufacture for exports, we suffer environmental damage and pollution. Ironically, emissions from this manufacturing process are added to the producer country and not the final consumer.

But we are not consuming these goods, making it an unfair practice.

It is often argued that the producer countries earn profits from these export-oriented units, so the emissions should be counted in the producer country. Some argue that they should be shared between the two countries.

Such accounting practice itself reeks of modern-day colonialism. It pre-supposes that the rich can pay their way out of ruining the planet.

This process is not an error in accounting, but flawed in its objective and negates the principle behind it.

The idea of counting emissions, in the first place, is to reduce them, and eventually limit consumption. Until and unless we dont count the emissions as part of the consumer country, there will never be a pressure to reduce consumption. The West will go about wrecking the planet, with flagrant disregard.

The emperor has no clothes

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) data published in 2020, Indian per capita greenhouse gas emissions are 2.4 tons of CO2e, which is far below the world average, of 6.3 tCO2e. The United States is at 14 tCO2e, China at 9.7 tCO2e, followed by 7.2 tCO2e in the European Union. From 1850 to 2019, India contributed just 3 per cent to cumulative Carbon dioxide emissions, as compared to 25 per cent and 17 per cent by the US and the EU respectively, from total fossil fuels.

The world needs to tackle the environmental challenge collectively. Rich Western populations need to live more responsibly, limit consumption and manage their own waste. The world needs to call out the war machines and reign them. Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it must be lived.

The planet has enough for everyones needs, but not enough for even one persons greed.

The author is the founder of YogaSmith and the author of four books. She is a lawyer and has worked in the pharmaceutical and technology industries in Asia, the USA, and Europe. The views expressed are personal.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with an existential crisis, India will have to watch out for its interests keenly. An indication of the future trends in this regard has been provided by an interesting research paper recently published by a former member of a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. The paper published by India-based think tank Usanas Foundation, has been authored by Masroor Khan (name changed) who moved away from LeT and is now a research scholar of a Reputed university.

The paper gives some interesting insights with specific inputs on the latest game plan hatched by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence(ISI). Khan has bared it all. According to this research paper based on the information from the deep state in Pakistan ISI is planning to escalate the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. New groups are being formed and logistics support is being provided to some new players in the Union Territory.

Pakistan is now using not only known terror groups like LeT, and JeM but it is also using their offshoots like TRF (The Resistance Force), PAFF (Peoples Anti-Fascist Force) and Kashmir Tigers.

According to Khan, after Jamaat-e-Islami was banned in Kashmir the local terror organisation Hizbul Mujahideen is struggling very hard. The ISI is not supporting Hizbul as it was supported earlier.

Brigadier Hussain Ali who was the main handler of the Kashmir desk in Islamabad is of the opinion that supporting local Kashmiri boys is not in the interest of Pakistan because the Kashmiri boys are more inclined towards international terrorism, says Khan.

He further adds, presently the ISI is desperate to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir because of several reasons.

The instability in Pakistan has resulted in an increase in the recruitment for Pakistan-based terror outfits and the biggest beneficiaries are LeT and JeM. Both these organisations are using their social work as a front. As the Pakistan government has failed to provide even basic necessities to most of its population, the LeT and JeM are filling this gap especially in the rural Punjab. These terror outfits are flushed with huge funds. These funds have been raised in the name of Kashmir Jihad and through smuggling of narcotics. Due to the growing instability, there is an upswing in radicalisation in Pakistan.

According to Khan, two senior officials of ISI  Brigadier Iqbal (who served in Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2017-20) and Colonel Hasan Ali  are of the opinion that this newly radicalised youth needs a vent and Afghanistan chapter is closed now so it is important to use them in Kashmir otherwise they will turn against Pakistan.

Another reason for the ISI pushing to escalate terrorism in Kashmir is to divert the attention away from the domestic fault lines of Pakistan. According to this research paper, the recent attacks on Pakistans senior military officials by the protestors has kicked off a raging debate within ISI circles.

Khan points out another dangerous trend which should be a cause of concern for Indian authorities. ISI is now providing logistics support to certain low profile individuals about whom there might not be much information available with counter-terrorism experts in India.

For example, there is Dr Osama, who is based in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He is originally from downtown Srinagar and now he runs a terror group called Kashmir Liberation Warriors (KLW). The other names who fall in the same category are Hussain of Muslim Janbaz Force and Ahsan Dar of Al-Jihad.

They are all directly controlled by ISI mastermind, Col Abdullah. It is important to mention that the recent attacks on the security forces in Poonch Area were carried out by PAFF. PAFF is the offshoot of LeT headed by Muzamil Shah alias Ahmad Bhai and handled by Sajid Jatt alias Sajid Nouman, and Murtaza Aqib alias Zaid. Both are experts in the Pir Panchal area and Zaid was jailed in Kashmir for at least 16 years along with JeMs present Handler Waseem Noor. Waseem Noor initially supported Zaid; however, not at an organisational level; but as a friend, so, some of the counter-terrorist experts framed PAFF as JeM. All these attacks in this area are directly handled by Muzamil Yousuf who recently visited the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) after a long gap and is the main terrorist who had carried out the Chattisinghpora massacre in Kashmir in 2001. ISI Brigadier Iqbal is in close contact with Muzamil and the recent spree of attacks in Poonch-Rajouri region is a strategic move, based on research and a long-term vision. They all are of the opinion that it is much easier to attack targets in Jammu, says Khan.

He further adds that other outfits like TRF are struggling very hard in both countries. Initially, TRF chief Sajad Gull was supported by LeT and ISI. However, later, he was abandoned by LeT and ISI both. But ISI is still using him at crucial times for killing minorities and other high-valued civil targets.

Khan has suggested in his research paper that India needs to remain vigilant and take steps to protect its borders and citizens from any potential threats. It is also essential for India to work with other countries in the region to maintain stability and prevent any escalation of conflicts.

Meanwhile, it is clear that Pakistan has implemented the Martial Law unofficially. There is now an unofficial ban on media coverage of Imran Khan and his Tehreek-e-Insaf Party(PTI) and ISIs play is visibly in full swing. Journalists, who are not ready to toe ISIs orders, are disappearing. Many senior leaders have quit PTI and are now trying to form a new party. This script is straight from the ISIs playbook.

Maleeha Lodhi a former Pakistani ambassador to the UN, US and UK recently raised a pertinent question in her latest column in Pakistan-based newspaper, The Dawn. Lodhi wrote, With politics taking priority over the economy, the country is approaching an inflection point. Its future is clouded by continuing political uncertainty and a runaway economic crisis that needs decisive action and structural reforms to resolve. The question is whether Pakistan has the leadership that understands this and is able to prioritise the countrys interests over its own.

The world knows the answer to this question. There is no credible political leadership in Pakistan which has already been turned into a hub of terrorism by ISI and Pak military. They continue to rule the roost and they are untrustworthy and rabidly anti-India. Meanwhile, the fault lines within Pakistan are also widening with every passing day. So as Pakistan further plunges into a deeper crisis, India needs to watch out and address its security concerns as there would be attempts by the ISI to increase terror activities in India.

The writer, an author and columnist, has written several books. He tweets @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed are personal.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Russia has to review the effectiveness of its participation in global structures trying to eliminate tobacco. That, namely, is the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), a treaty adopted on 21 May 2003.

Ive just quoted an absolutely private opinion of two researchers, no more. But, today, you have to be Russian to publish such a document and circulate it in public or in government circles, feeling no fear.

Researchers credentials are impeccable, one of them is not only a professor, but a deputy minister of finance of the Russian government, the other is a known statistician. They could have hit the Tobacco Control industry where it hurts, namely, explore its junk science which claims that each and every aliment is from smoking. But our two mathematicians limit themselves to the figures that WHO FCTC itself is presenting to us.

First, the researchers say that the methods of getting data on who is giving up smoking are somehow opaque. But in any case, these figures do not go down, globally or in Russia. And, also, the ultimate aim of the whole exercise should be people getting healthier and happier as a result of their stubbing out the cigarette, not the stubbing out itself. And that result WHO FCTC is not even trying to produce.

Second, WHO FCTC is actually producing the reverse picture. How is that possible that the rate of smokers in the worlds population went down, but at the same time the numbers of those who died of smoking have gone up (by 33 per cent)? You have to admit that either tobacco has somehow become more deadly, or that WHO FCTC is bungling its figures.

I would not expect any immediate governmental reaction to that research, but then here, in Moscow, its a grain that falls on well-watered ground. WHO FCTC is not the only international structure that the Russian public and government are ready to exit. In recent months my country has severed ties with the Council of Europe, has left the European Convention on Human Rights, or the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, or

The reason, in all cases, is cheating and lying. When your partner is complying with a treaty only when it fits his interests, not yours, its called cheating. When that partner is giving false facts to prove his point, its lying. But in most cases, such a partner will portray your abrogation of that treaty as an unbelievable, grisly, abominable, immoral act. So it takes a special situation to finally say Ive had enough.

It was easy for Russia to get rid of partners who cheated militarily or on human rights. WHO is something else. Everybody, and not only in Russia, knows that you have to do something with that outfit. But the mentioned cries about the immoral nature of such ideas are still scaring a lot of folks.

But other folks are getting angry. Imposing harsh and useless tobacco control policies all over the world is not the only thing the WHO is doing. Its also trying to become a world policeman in anything related to health, while FCTC has served only as a warm-up exercise in that regard.

Lets have a look at the ideas voiced by the one and only Bill Gates, who often takes the role of a spokesman of the global medical lobby. He wrote, recently, in the New York Times, about the need to create the Global Health Emergency Corps. In fact, he says, the WHO is already building it. That, essentially, is about global control over national public health agencies. The heads of such will, at best, have dual responsibility, one to its own government, and the other to the WHO. And, Gates concludes, We need wealthier countries to step up and provide funding to make this a reality.

That, of course, is all about the WHOs current preoccupation  something called the International Treaty on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. Its supposed to be tailored after the FCTC, and signed by everybody in the world. But Gates is right in assuming that a signature on a paper is not enough. Whats needed, is making health automatically obligatory on a global basis, maybe even regardless of national governments position.

Now, just imagine someone coming to Vladimir Putin (or any other national leader), saying: we have a pandemic again, Im closing your/our country down, will tell you when to resume governing it. So, surely, the WHO is under a cloud all over the world now. And especially so in Russia, already fed up with participating in supranational bodies with their own, often failed, agendas.

Its a long story to tell if the recent global Covid response was a success or a failure. Enough is to say that a lot of people remember the lockdowns and the rest of it with a shudder and with a never again, even if it will be a bubonic plague. Some societies may have accepted such harsh measures, but the Russian one is not among them.

While the WHOs way of fighting tobacco  of course, it has failed. Just look at the worlds leader in fighting smoke, Australia, where the smoking rates stay stable among adults and climbing among the young. So nobody should invent one-size-fits-all measures and hope to impose them on everybody else.

We  the world  are facing a most interesting crisis, when the war in Europe is only one extreme manifestation of many things coming to a head. People talk, all the time, about the failures of this or that project or initiative, and mostly lower their voices in such cases. But the most serious proof of something really big going on is when a lot of people or nations finally start to do something about it. Calling a spade a spade, not to mention the scrapping of that spade, takes extreme situations, when the world is really starting to change. Looks like we are facing that kind of era now.

The author is a columnist for the Russian State agency website ria.ru, as well as for other publications. Views expressed are personal.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
President Droupadi Murmu, who is in Serbia on the last leg of her two-nation visit, was warmly welcomed by Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Thursday.

Taking to Twitter, the official handle of the President of India wrote, President Droupadi Murmu was warmly welcomed by President @avucic of Serbia in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace with full State honours.

President Droupadi Murmu attended the official welcoming ceremony at Serbia Palace with counterpart Aleksandar Vucic during her state visit to Serbia today.

After that, both Presidents participated in the call-on ceremony and delegation-level talks.

President Droupadi Murmu reached Belgrade, Serbia, earlier on Wednesday, in the final leg of her two-nation visit to Suriname and Serbia.

The ongoing visit by President Murmu marks the first such visit by an Indian head of state to Serbia. In a special gesture, she was received by the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and accorded a guard of honour at the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade.

From the airport, the President travelled to Gandijeva Street where he paid his respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

She also interacted with the diaspora and friends of India at a Community Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Sanjiv Kohli, in Belgrade on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that India and Serbia are ancient lands. In the modern era, Indias relations with Serbia were particularly defined in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement, she noted, adding that India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each others core interests.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Russian soldiers shelled Kherson in targeted strikes during evacuation operations on Thursday, leaving at least one person dead and 8 others injured, Al Jazeera reported citing Ukraines Prosecutor General.

The shelling began precisely during the evacuation of citizens whose homes were flooded, the Interior Ministry of Ukraine stated in a statement, according to Al Jazeera.

And it continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives, it added.

Evacuation efforts are underway in Kherson after the Nova Kakhovka dam, the largest reservoir in Ukraine in terms of volume collapsed after an explosion this week.

Kherson is located on the Dnipro River, approximately 60 kms (37 miles) downstream of the Kakhovka dam. Russia has already accused Ukrainian forces of shelling rescue personnel in Russian-occupied areas of the Kherson region.

More than 1,500 people have been evacuated from flooded areas of the Kherson region in Ukraine after the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, CNN reported.

CNN Digital is the world leader in online news and information and seeks to inform, engage and empower the world.

By 11.30 am (local time), 1,548 individuals had been evacuated from Ukrainian-controlled flooded parts of the Kherson region, according to the State Emergency Services and National Police of Ukraine.

There are worries about an ecological disaster following the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power plant on Tuesday in Ukraine.

Residents downstream from the Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in Kherson were told to do everything you can to save your life, according to the head of Ukraines Kherson region military administration.

The critical Nova Kakhovka dam is the largest reservoir in Ukraine in terms of volume. Its the last of the cascade of six Soviet-era dams on the Dnipro River, a major waterway running through southeastern Ukraine. There are multiple towns and cities downstream, including Kherson, a city of some 300,000 people, before Moscows invasion of its neighbour, CNN reported.

The Ukrainian military intelligence said an explosion occurred at 2.50 am (local time) on Tuesday, when Russian terrorists carried out an internal explosion of the structures of the Kakhovka hydro-electric power plant.

The Russian-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontiev, initially denied the dam had collapsed in an interview with Russian state media RIA Novosti, calling it nonsense. He later confirmed the destruction of parts of the dam in what he called a serious terrorist act but said there was no need to evacuate.

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected the accusations. In his regular call with journalists, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed the attack was planned and carried out by order received from Kyiv, from the Kyiv regime, aiming to deprive Crimea of water.

The area around the dam has been one of the most heavily contested since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kherson, which sits on the right bank of the Dnipro River, was liberated by the Ukrainian military in November after eight months of Russian occupation.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
New York City is suffering from hazardous levels of pollution from wildfires in Canada, which have filled its sky with smoke and turned it orange. A thick veil of smoke shrouded the citys famous skyline. Many people shared the saddening plight of the otherwise lively and fast-paced city. Among them was Indian chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna. In a post, he compared New York to the Red Planet, Mars, as he shared a video of the sky turning orange. This is 1 pm on Mars, I mean New York City, he wrote. He added a crying emoji beside a fire sign.

Have a look:

This is 1 pm on Mars, I mean New York City.   pic.twitter.com/M5mh3KYj6Z  Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) June 7, 2023

Some social media users referred to New York City as an apocalyptic hellscape. Smoke, dark skies, and breathlessness also brought attention to other cities and towns from Maryland to New Hampshire, with low visibility and hazy skies reported by residents. New Yorkers shared photos of the eerie scene on social media.

Check out some comments:

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires, wrote a user.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires   aron lower (@R_e_n_u__) June 7, 2023

Delhi NCR people see this every year. Ppl should stop making a fuss about it, commented a user describing the national capitals plight.

Delhi NCR people see this every year. Ppl should stop making a fuss about it   Gabbbbar (@GabbbarSingh420) June 7, 2023

A user warned: Looks surealIf it is due to wildfires pls take care.. maskup.. the tiny particles in the air can cause harm.

Looks surealIf it is due to wildfires pls take care.. maskup.. the tiny particles in the air can cause harm.  TwitP (@TwitPreity) June 8, 2023

Another user commented,   NY  ,   NY   . (Had to make Delhi like New York, here New York has become like Delhi.

IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, shared the list of the Worlds most polluted cities (historical data 2017-2022) based on annual average PM2.5 concentration (g/m). In it, Delhi (NCT) occupies the fourth spot. Currently, India is ranked eighth in the most polluted countries list, dropping three places from last year, followed by Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Bangladesh.

  NY  ,   NY      Rahul Baghla (@rahulbaghla1) June 7, 2023

Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the US East Coast and Midwest on 7 June, leading to the most severe air pollution ever recorded in New York. As of Wednesday morning, New York City had the highest levels of air pollution among significant cities worldwide, surpassing even New Delhi, according to IQAir.

Many weather stations in the city reported visibility of less than a mile due to haze across the city. Ground stops were issued at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and LaGuardia Airport in New York City in the afternoon. This was due to low visibility from smoke and haze, the Federal Aviation Administration reported.

BBC said that tens of millions of people in North America are at risk of dangerous air quality as wildfires rage across the country.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Member countries of ASEAN have agreed to hold their first-ever joint military drills in South China Sea amid Beijings increasing assertiveness in the region, Indonesian officials said on Thursday.

We will hold joint military drills in the North Natuna Sea, Indonesian military chief Yudo Margono said after a meeting of Southeast Asian defence chiefs in Bali.

ASEAN includes 10 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The military drills will be conducted in September and will be participated by all the 20 member countries along with observer member Timor-Leste.

The Indonesian military chief Margono said that the exercises will focus on maritime security and rescue, and will not involve combat operations.

It is about ASEAN centrality, he said.

This will be the blocs first joint military exercise of its own although member states have held naval drills with the US in the past.

The announcement comes after Washington called on Beijing to stop provocative behaviour in the disputed waterway after a near-collision with a Philippine vessel and a Chinese fighter pilots dangerous manoeuvre near an American surveillance aircraft.

Chinese vessels have also occasionally intruded into the Indonesian-claimed waters of North Natuna where the drills will take place, prompting protests in Jakarta.

Beijing has claimed territorial authority over the South China Sea despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Beijings ships have patrolled the area and when confronted have invoked Chinas so-called nine-dash line  an area it claims but is contested by its neighbours  to justify its alleged historic rights to the waters.

Last month, during an ASEAN Summit, leaders discussed serious incidents that have occurred in the South China Sea and looked upon ongoing negotiations for a code of conduct aimed at reducing the risk of conflict there.

ASEAN has long been decried by critics as a toothless talking shop, and its charter principles of consensus and non-interference have hamstrung its ability to take action.

The bloc will hold its next leaders summit in the Indonesian capital Jakarta in September.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Smoke emanating from the wildfires raging across Canada has created a thick haze across New York Citys iconic skyline, giving it a unwanted distinction of the city with some of the worst air pollution in the world.

Early Wednesday morning, New York City was second only to New Delhi for the worst air quality and pollution out of 100 tracked countries, according to Swiss air quality technology company IQAir.

New York City air becomes some of the worst in the worldEarly Wed, NYC was second only to Delhi, India for the worst air quality & pollution out of 100 tracked countries, according to IQAir, as Canada wildfire smoke blows in the city.pic.twitter.com/yLTuVv4RQY  Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 8, 2023

According to a CBS News report, citing the company, the city currently has an Air Quality Index of 160, categorised as an unhealthy amount, meaning that some people may experience health effects. That ranking was soon bumped down to third after Detroits AQI hit 162, added the report.

Particulate matter in New Yorks air was measured at 14.5 times the World Health Organizations annual air quality guideline value, IQAir said, but its expected that it will improve to at least moderate through the weekend.

This is a stark difference from the typical air in New York City, which IQAir says has had an AQI of less than 50, classified as good, in recent years.

Although it had not yet been formally listed on the IQAir worlds-worst air quality list for unknown reasons, Washington, D.C., according to the company, has an AQI of 180  22.3 times the WHOs recommendation  which would place it just behind Delhi.

According to the government-run website AirNow, the air quality in the nations capital is even higher, with an AQI of 194, reported CBS News.

According to NBC news, About 128 million people were under air quality alerts because of wildfire smoke and ozone in the US on Wednesday night. For smoke alone, around 100 million were under alerts across 16 states.

Air quality has plummeted across much of the northeast as smoke from wildfires in Canada moves south, the report quoted the agency as saying.

Another bad air day on Thursday

After a day of orange haze that cast a pall over New York City, obscuring some of the nations best-known landmarks with smoke from Canadian wildfires, New Yorkers and others were in store for another day of bad air Thursday.

The smoke in major metro areas, including Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., was expected to continue through Thursday and cause air unhealthy for all groups, the National Weather Service said.

Air quality advisories were in place for all five boroughs of the city of more than 8 million people, and Mayor Eric Adams called the situation unprecedented, reported NBC news.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Hours after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called Indian students facing deportation in Canada over fake admission offer letters unfair, a parliamentary committee voted unanimously to urge border services to cease the expulsion of nearly 700 students.

These students, mostly from Punjab, now face deportation after it was found that the admission letters offered to them were fake. The matter came to light in March when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada.

In a symbolic move, the all-party immigration committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to call on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to waive the inadmissibility of the affected students, The Toronto Star newspaper reported.

The CBSA has also been asked to provide the students with an alternative to permanent residency in the country on humanitarian grounds or through a regularisation programme.

So as a first step, this is absolutely essential and necessary. The students are victims of fraud and should not be penalised. These students, Ive met with many of them, now are just in such a terrible state. Theyve lost money, and they are stuck in a terrible situation. And some of them have deportation orders. Others have pending meetings with CBSA, said Jenny Kwan, the lawmaker who tabled the motion.

Need to have empathy for students

Liberal MP Shafqat Ali said, We need to have empathy for those students, and we should not exploit the situation and play politics on this issue of those innocent students.

On Wednesday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser said on Twitter, We are actively pursuing a solution for intl students who are facing uncertainty due to having been admitted to Canada with fraudulent college admission letters.

Those who have taken advantage of people genuinely hoping to study here will face consequences for their actions, he said in a separate tweet, adding that innocent victims would be given every opportunity to have their cases considered fairly.

PM Trudeau responds

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while responding to a question by Indian-origin MP Jagmeet Singh, said, We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters.

To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims. Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situations and present evidence to support their cases, he said.

We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case, he added.

With inputs from PTI

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
China jailed a human rights lawyer for three and a half years for state subversion, his family said Thursday, in the latest blow to the countrys embattled civil society under President Xi Jinping.

Chang Weiping was sentenced by a court in northwestern Chinas Shaanxi province, his wife Chen Zijuan confirmed to AFP.

Known for defending the rights of workers, women and religious and sexual minorities, Chang was seized by authorities in 2020 after releasing a video alleging that he had been tortured during a previous detention.

He was later charged with the crime of subversion of state power and tried behind closed doors last year.

His sentence means he will be eligible for release in July 2024, according to the US-based Chen, adding that her husband appeared to be in fragile health.

Chang is an associate of two other rights lawyers who were jailed in April for the same crime following closed-door trials.

Xu Zhiyong and fellow campaigner Ding Jiaxi were key figures in the New Citizens Movement, a civil rights group that called for constitutional reform and criticised government corruption.

Xu  who called for President Xi to step down over his handling of the pandemic  was jailed for 14 years, while Ding received 12 years.

It is absurd that my husband was sentenced to prison solely because of his activities as a lawyer and private political discussions at friends gatherings, Chen told AFP by phone on Thursday.

Civil liberties and freedom of expression have withered in China under Xis decade-long tenure, rights groups say.

Observers have also regularly raised concerns about due process in the countrys judicial system, where the courts have a conviction rate of about 99 percent.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As forest fires continue to blaze in Canada, affecting not just the country but cities in the US too, European Union countries have offered to send firefighters to help the government battle the blazes, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday.

Smoke from the wildfire choked New York City in a record-breaking apocalyptic smog Wednesday with several cities on the East Coast issuing pollution warnings while thousands flee their homes in Canada.

Canada has requested support from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism  and we are responding promptly, von der Leyen tweeted.

France, Portugal and Spain are offering the help of more than 280 firefighters. More will come, she added.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has described the wildfires as the countrys worst ever. More than 20,000 people have evacuated their homes in Canada as the fires have scorched about 3.8 million hectares of land.

More than 100 million people across the northeastern United States, and extending west to Chicago and south to Atlanta, were under pollution warnings after the smoke drifted hundreds of miles from Canada, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
EU interior ministers will gather Thursday to try to reach an agreement on a long-stalled overhaul of the blocs asylum and migration laws aimed at making burden-sharing more equitable.

However, officials warned that the chances of an agreement remained 50-50, with a growing number of European Union countries taking strong positions on the subject.

The proposal on the table at the summit in Luxembourg asks for mandatory solidarity among EU members, but only in one of two ways.

Its top objective is for EU members to share the hosting of asylum seekers, taking in many of those who arrive in countries on the blocs periphery, primarily Greece and Italy.

Those refusing would instead be required to pay a sum  not yet revealed, but which various diplomats put at between 10,000 ($11,000) and 30,000 euros per asylum-seeker  to the countries doing the hosting.

A preliminary agreement of the EUs 27 countries on that basis would open the way to negotiations with the European Parliament for legislation that could be adopted before European elections in June next year.

Well-balanced compromise

The European Commission put forward its suggestion for a new migration and asylum pact in 2020 based on a quota system for taking in asylum-seekers.

But that plan quickly hit the buffers after refusals from Hungary, Poland and other countries that objected to any requirement to take in migrants.

Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency until the end of this month, presented two compromise texts: one that called for the hosting-or-cash approach by all member states, and the other on asylum procedures on the EUs external borders.

EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson on Tuesday said there is a big chance that we can have a very important breakthrough in the Luxembourg meeting.

What is on the table right now in the negotiations is well-balanced, she said.

The lead EU lawmaker on the issue, French MEP Fabienne Keller, called on member states to move forward.

We cant allow the Council (representing EU countries) to fail at finding a compromise on the rules. If they dont respect the steps agreed upon, all the migration and asylum pact will be threatened, she said.

An EU diplomat involved in the issue said he hoped the compromise texts would find agreement.

But Im not sure  its 50-50, he said. Its a politically very delicate issue. But what I sense is a strong willingness to try.

Oxfam, a charity that aids refugees, was critical of the direction the talks were heading as EU countries take harsher steps to prevent the arrival of asylum-seekers.

These proposals will not fix the chronic deficiencies in the EU asylum system. Instead, they signal the EUs desire to barricade Europe from asylum-seekers, said Oxfam migration expert Stephanie Pope.

She added that the proposal on EU border management was a mere carbon copy of the broken model seen on the Greek islands, where she said migrants were cooped up in prison-like centres.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
After European consumer organisation BEUC protested to the European Commission and consumer authorities that the internet platforms allegedly encourage the false advertising of crypto assets, Meta Platforms Instagram, Alphabets YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter might face regulatory action.

US regulators suing crypto firms Coinbase and Binance, as well as the collapse of FTX last year, have raised worries about consumer safety in relation to crypto assets such as bitcoin and ether.

Last month, the European Union enacted the worlds first complete set of guidelines for crypto asset regulation (MiCa).

According to the BEUCs complaint, which was submitted on Thursday, the proliferation of deceptive marketing for crypto assets on social media platforms is an unfair business practice since it exposes consumers to substantial harm, such as the loss of considerable amounts of money.

It was stated that this was accomplished through advertising and influencers.

It encouraged the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network to compel internet platforms to implement tougher crypto advertising regulations and take steps to prevent influencers from deceiving customers.

BEUC claimed in a joint complaint with nine of its members that the Network should then notify the European Commission about the success of these efforts.

The organisation urged European consumer authorities to work with European Supervisory Authorities for Financial Services to ensure that platforms advertising regulations are updated to avoid the deceptive marketing of cryptocurrency.

Crypto will be regulated soon with the new Market in Crypto Assets Regulation but this legislation does not apply to the social media companies benefiting from the advertising of crypto at the expense of consumers, BEUC Director General Monique Goyens said in a statement.

This is why we are turning to the authorities in charge of protecting consumers to ensure Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Twitter fulfil their duty to protect consumers against crypto scams and false promises, she said.

Consumer groups in Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain also signed up to the complaint.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
On Thursday, Hong Kongs highest court decided to accept an appeal from government prosecutors against a famous activist for her participation in an unlawful Tiananmen Square vigil, overturning a lower court finding in her favour.

Chow Hang-tung was one of the organisers of an annual vigil remembering Chinas violent Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The vigil has been prohibited since 2020 when Beijing enacted a national security law on Hong Kong in an attempt to quash opposition.

She was convicted last year of encouraging people to break the prohibition in 2021, but she gained a rare victory in December when the High Court decided in her favour, stating that police did not follow a process when prohibiting the vigil.

The Department of Justice renewed its efforts against Chow, asking Hong Kongs top court to clarify whether a person accused of defying a government ban on a public gathering can challenge the legality of that ban in court.

The Court of Final Appeal ruled Thursday that the case raised a legal question of great and general importance and scheduled a hearing for 22 November.

The decision came days after the 34th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on Sunday.

Chow faces further prosecutions, including charges under the national security law that carry sentences of up to a decade in jail.

She was arrested on the morning of 4 June 2021, when her articles published on social media and in a newspaper called on residents to light candles to seek justice for the dead.

At the time, police said that the vigil was banned due to the Covid-19 pandemic and that thousands of officers would be on standby to halt any unlawful assemblies.

Hong Kong was once the only Chinese city that could commemorate the incident of 4 June 1989, when the government sent troops to crush demonstrations in Tiananmen Square calling for political change.

While the commemoration is forbidden in mainland China, tens of thousands would gather every year in Hong Kongs Victoria Park to hold a candlelight vigil.

But public mourning for the victims of the Tiananmen crackdown has been driven underground since Hong Kong outlawed the vigil in 2020.

On Sunday, the area around Victoria Park saw heavy police presence, with officers searching people and briefly detaining some who carried flowers or held a candle  which were taken as signs of mourning.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
After multiple exits from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), its vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi seems to be the next on target. This may prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the countrys principle Opposition party and its chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan.

A meeting between Khan and Qureshi ended in bitterness in Lahore on Wednesday, Geo News reported.

Earlier, Qureshi claimed to carry a flag of justice after his release from jail on Tuesday evening.

However, after his meeting with Khan, Qureshi left for Karachi to look after his ailing wife and did not address the press conference as announced by him after his release from Adiala jail. He was released from jail on May 6 after his arrest under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

During the meeting, Qureshi advised the former PM to retreat for the time being, go abroad, or at least maintain silence if he doesnt want to leave the country, Geo News quoted a very close friend of Qureshi as saying.

Further Khan was asked to let Qureshi and others settle issues and let pardoning be done in the meantime. Further, he advised him to take over the party again when everything had been set right.

Qureshi told the PTI chief that it was a difficult time and there was a need for making wise decisions instead of giving in to emotions, the report said.

Further sources informed that the two PTI leaders exchanged heated words during the meeting.

Qureshi even told Imran Khan that retired people who are misleading him cannot help him in these circumstances, sources claimed.

To this, Khan replied in anger to Qureshi, who later left Zaman Park for Karachi without speaking to media persons.

Interestingly, Geo News reported that Qureshis contact numbers were found switched off when efforts were made to contact him.

After the meeting, Imran Khan repeated whatever he has mostly been saying in a video address.

(With inputs from agencies)

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
In response to a petition submitted by conservatives through the citizens platform CIMER, Turkey has imposed a ban on the popular adult subscription service, OnlyFans.

Although Ankara has not released an official statement regarding the prohibition of access to the platform, local reports have confirmed its restriction.

Users attempting to access OnlyFans are now met with a warning message indicating that their connection is insecure.

Notably, at least one content creator from OnlyFans has resorted to Twitter, urging their clients to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass the country-specific block.

One individual who signed the petition expressed concerns about OnlyFans, asserting that it promotes the pursuit of money through immoral means.

This concerns was conveyed to the government, with the petitioner arguing for a complete ban on not only OnlyFans but all similar platforms, citing the potential erosion of public morals and the Turkish family structure if decisive action is not taken.

Other petitioners, according to a reports, echoed these worries, pointing out that OnlyFans users frequently flaunt their earnings on Twitter and even encourage impressionable young individuals to consider it as a viable career path.

According to an individuals statement, the situation has reached an alarming level, with certain accounts on the controversial platform resorting to producing explicit content involving their parents in order to generate more income.

OnlyFans currently boasts 190 million users, with an additional half-million joining every day. However, its worth noting that most users are subscribers who download content from others without uploading their own material, as reported by Earthweb. The platform proudly showcases 2.1 million creators.

While popular content creators on OnlyFans can earn substantial sums, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly, the average creators earnings are modest, averaging at around $151 per month. Moreover, the platform retains 20% of all creators earnings.

In 2021, OnlyFans briefly attempted to shift away from allowing explicitly pornographic content to be uploaded and shared. However, due to widespread backlash from its user base, the decision was swiftly reversed within a matter of days.

Interestingly, it was later revealed that former employees still had access to personal information belonging to both content creators and subscribers, including sensitive data such as credit card details, addresses, and potentially incriminating information.

Last April, the UK-based platform made the decision to withdraw from Russia, terminating its partnerships with content creators from the country due to challenges posed by payment restrictions amidst the broader context of Western sanctions.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Over the span of nearly six hours, more than 30 Chinese aeroplanes invaded Taiwans air defence zone, according to the islands defence ministry, marking a significant increase in single-day intrusions by Chinas military.

Taiwan activated its defence systems after 37 Chinese military aircraft flew into the islands air defence zone, some of which then flew into the western Pacific, in Beijings latest mass air incursion.

China claims self-rule Taiwan as its territory and has pledged to reclaim it by force if necessary.

Beijing has increased aerial intrusions into the islands air defence identification zone in recent years, nearly tripling the number of aviation flights in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Sun Li-fang, spokesperson for Taiwans Ministry of National Defence, claimed Thursday that a total of 37 Chinese military aircrafts entered Taiwans southern ADIZ beginning at 5 a.m. local time (2100 GMT).

Some continued towards the Western Pacific for long-range reconnaissance training, Sun said at around 11 am.

While not the highest number of intrusions this year (45 sorties on April 9), Thursdays spike happened in a considerably shorter time frame.

Taiwans defence ministry said that from 5 a.m. (2100 GMT on Wednesday) it had detected 37 Chinese air force planes, including J-11 and J-16 fighters as well as nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, flying into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone, or ADIZ.

The ADIZ is a broader area Taiwan monitors and patrols to give its forces more time to respond to threats.

Some of the Chinese aircraft flew to Taiwans southeast and crossed into the western Pacific to perform air surveillance and long distance navigation training, the ministry said in a statement.

Taiwan sent its aircraft and ships to keep watch and activated land-based missile systems, it added, using its standard wording for how it responds to such Chinese activity.

Taiwans military is closely monitoring the situation, the Ministry of National Defence stated on Twitter, adding that patrol planes, naval boats, and land-based missile systems have been despatched in response.

They did not say whether the invasions were still going on.

Analysts believe Chinas intensified probing of Taiwans defensive zone is part of a larger grey-zone strategy to put the island under strain.

The incursions came a day after the United States, the Philippines and Japan completed their first-ever joint coastguard drills in the flashpoint South China Sea  which Beijing claims almost entirely.

A surge in warplanes and naval exercises by Chinas military around Taiwan usually coincides with Taipei making diplomatic engagements with other countries.

China lashes out at any diplomatic action that appears to treat Taiwan as a sovereign nation and has reacted with growing assertiveness to any joint military exercises around the island or visits by Western politicians.

In April, Beijing conducted three days of military exercises simulating a blockade of the island in response to Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwans leader Tsai Ing-wen meeting in California.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that his four-day visit to India was instrumental in elevating the two countries relations.

Nepal and India have very old as well as intimate relations. My visit focused on further deepening the existing relation in between the two nations. Focus was laid on economic issues that would benefit the nation for a long whereas on the political side, increasing mutual trust in the coming days progressive talks would be held to solve the rising issues, Dahal said while addressing the meeting of the National Assembly to appraise it about his the entourage of India from 31 May-3 June.

He said meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at (New Delhis) Hyderabad House was important among all.

During the bilateral meeting talks about trade, transportation, investments, power trade and cross-border transmission line, irrigation, measures to control inundation and floods, agriculture, cross-border connectivity-railways, ICP, bridges as well as dry ports- these issues related to infrastructural development was focused primarily, the Nepal PM said.

Dahal also stated that PM Modi also talked about taking the Nepal-India relations to the Himalayan heights.

Prime Minister Dahal reiterated that his four-day-long official visit to India at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was centred on further consolidating bilateral relations.

Dahal asserted that positive agreements have been made in matters of trade, transit, irrigation, agriculture, cross-border petroleum pipeline construction, integrated check posts and infrastructure development. He also informed the Parliament that seven papers have been signed and exchanged between Nepal and India during his recent India visit.

PM Dahal added that Nepals transit facility has been ensured through Indias domestic waterway. He also stressed that his India visit has contributed to making the Nepal-India relations multi-dimensional and further strengthening them.

Noting that he also held talks on resolving flood and inundation problems in Nepal-India border areas, PM Dahal said talks were held regarding the construction of a concrete bridge at Jhulaghat with Indias support and grants to GP Koirala Institute of Health Science.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Former Pakistani prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan on Thursday secured bail from the Islamabad High Court over new murder charges, blocking his arrest in that case for 14 days, his lawyer said.

Khan was arrested on May 9 and held for three days, triggering violent protests by his followers. He is now free on bail in a range of other criminal cases.

The PTI chief travelled to the capital from his Lahore home to seek bail in the murder case and extend his bail in over a dozen other cases, to avoid a new arrest, said the lawyer, Barrister Gohar Khan.

The 70-year-old who become prime minister in 2018 has been embroiled in a confrontation with the powerful military since he was ousted in a no-confidence vote last year. The military has ruled directly or overseen civilian governments throughout the history of a country in which political confrontations are often fought out in court.

Khans May 9 arrest on corruption charges, which he denies, sparked protests by his supporters who ransacked military facilities, raising new worries about the stability of the nuclear armed country of 220 million people as it struggles with its worst economic crisis in decades.

Since Khan was freed, new charges against him have been piling up. On Wednesday, police named him in connection with the murder of a lawyer seeking sedition proceedings against him.

Khan says he is facing nearly 150 cases and denies guilt in all of them.

Khans lawyer, Gohar Khan, said the former prime minister would on Thursday approach anti-terrorism courts, anti-graft courts and the High Court in Islamabad to appeal for bail in connection with more than a dozen cases.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US, the White House on Wednesday said that PM Modi and President Biden discussions will be centered around strengthening their commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region and the two leaders will also emphasise their shared determination to enhance the strategic technology partnership, with a specific focus on defence.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US on 22 June following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

When asked if defence would be a major part of the discussion between the two leaders, Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said, The PM and the President will discuss ways to strengthen our two countries, shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including defence.

PM Modi, is the first Indian Prime Minister who will address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time during his upcoming official state visit to the United States from 21 to 24 June.

I dont have anything more to say at this time about the visit. As we get closer, certainly we will have more to share. What Ive said is the upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link the Americans and Indians together, she said.

So that certainly will be talked about in clean energy and space, but Im just not going to get into details on what the particulars will be. And as we get closer to June 22, we certainly have more to share, she added.

US and India have a strategic alliance. In their last in-person meeting in Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden took into account areas like crucial and emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

In the meeting, both sides discussed close cooperation in future-oriented sectors such as critical and emerging technologies, advanced computing, and artificial intelligence, an official statement by Prime Ministers office read.

The two leaders also exchanged dialogue on topical global and regional developments.

Earlier, PM Modi visited the United States on September 23, 2021.

In 2022, on the sidelines of the QUAD Leaders Summit, PM Modi and President Biden announced the India-US initiative of critical and emerging technology, known as iCET.

Ahead of Modis state visit, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was in India on a two-day visit to explore ways to lay the groundwork for highly anticipated agreements on bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware, Modern Diplomacy.eu reported.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone on Thursday and discussed a range of bilateral, multilateral, and global matters.

According to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office, the Saudi Crown Prince was praised by PM Modi for his assistance in the evacuation of Indian people from Sudan via Jeddah.

In the midst of fierce fighting between the army and a competing paramilitary organisation, India had started Operation Kaveri to remove its citizens caught up in the Sudan situation. Approximately 3,000 Indians were stranded in different regions of Sudan, including the nations capital Khartoum and remote regions like Darfur.

Two C-130J special operations aircraft from the Indian Air Force and the stealth offshore patrol vessel INS Sumedha from the Indian Navy were deployed for the operation in Jeddah.

According to a PMO statement, PM Modi also sent his best wishes for the approaching Haj trip.

In the meantime, Indias current G20 Presidency had the full support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

For the period of December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, India will occupy the G20 Presidency. The last New Delhi Summit will take place in September of next year, with the 43 Heads of Delegation present being the highest number in G20 history.

The G20 is a loose coalition of 19 nations, the EU, and officials from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

The G20 Presidency is rotated yearly in accordance with a mechanism that over time provides a geographical balance.

The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, added the release.

(With agency inputs)

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Underlining the large potential for India-Serbia trade and investment, President Droupadi Murmu has urged to take advantage of the economic partnership between the two countries.

President Murmu, who is in Serbia in the last leg of her two-nation visit, was addressing the India-Serbia Business Forum in Belgrade on Thursday. Murmu was also called on by Serbian PM Ana Brnabic.

At the outset of her address, she thanked President Aleksander Vucic for making this event possible.

Murmu said, India and Serbia have had close and friendly relations since the days of the Non-Aligned Movement. It is now time to build on this, and strengthen our trade and economic partnership.

She also highlighted the growing Indian economy saying that it continues to perform well and is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

It is the fifth-largest economy and is on its way to becoming the third-largest before the end of this decade. We have seen significant success in the auto and auto-components sector, health care, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, renewable energy, textiles & apparel, space, information technology, telecom, fintech, and financial services, Murmu added.

The President then spoke on the growing digital capability of India with IT parks and electronic cities mushrooming across the country.

Murmu said, This rapid growth in digital infrastructure has put India at the forefront in terms of technological innovation. Be it the availability of day-to-day services through mobile and online platforms or cashless transactions, India continues to achieve digital transformation in every field.

She added that India has the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world, with over 100 unicorns. In 2022, the total FDI inflow into India was around USD 77 billion.

Murmu also expressed happiness about the Serbian economy recovering from the Covid pandemic and its external trade of goods rising by 17 per cent in 2002.

I am told that Serbia has also attracted more than half of the FDI received by the Western Balkans region since 2018. Road and rail investments are also taking place at a healthy pace, to integrate Serbia into wider European networks. Yours is a country of intelligent, hard-working people driven by innovation and ideas. Serbia can become an effective gateway for Indian companies to access broader markets in Europe and Eurasia, she further said.

The President said that she was also aware that Serbia is looking for hard-working and skilled workers and professionals from overseas, to help meet its workforce requirements.

Earlier in the day, Murmu met her Serbian counterpart. In the meeting, the two agreed to deepen the India-Serbia partnership in all spheres, including economic and business ties.

The entrepreneurs present in this room today can become the driving force of dynamism between our two countries, Murmu said.

She concluded her address by expressing confidence in India-Serbia trade growing by at least USD 1 billion even though bilateral trade between India and Serbia is at present modest at around 320 million.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
According to US media, prosecutors have informed Donald Trumps attorneys that he is the subject of an investigation into his handling of secret materials after leaving the president, indicating that he may be prosecuted.

According to The New York Times, CNN, and other new sites, the notification came from the office of special counsel Jack Smith and is the strongest indication yet that prosecutors are getting closer to prosecuting the former president, who has already been charged in a separate case.

The Times said, citing two people familiar with the matter, that it was unclear when Trumps staff was informed that he was a target.

A special counsel appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland is investigating a stockpile of confidential materials that Trump kept at his Mar-a-Lago home after leaving the White House.

After issuing a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago in August, the FBI took away around 11,000 files, and Trump might face obstruction of justice charges after months of delaying efforts to recover the material.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, Trump posted on his Truth Social network Wednesday, responding to media reports.

On Monday, US media also reported that Trumps lawyers John Rowley, James Trusty and Lindsey Halligan met with Justice Department attorneys  they were seen by reporters arriving at the DoJ building in Washington but did not make any comment.

The Washington Post reported at the time that Trumps lawyers had come to make their case that their client should not face any charges.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters, Russia plans to prevent European Union members from hosting the UN international climate discussions in 2019. This might be a blow to EU member Bulgarias battle with Azerbaijan and Armenia to host the important meeting.

Moscows action demonstrates how geopolitical conflicts have complicated global efforts to address climate change since Russias invasion of Ukraine last year. It also risks postponing a definitive decision on the host of COP29, which might shorten the events preparatory period.

Bulgaria and non-EU country Armenia has applied to host the summit, a role that may provide worldwide prestige and the opportunity to promote local climate change initiatives  but also comes with fees, intensive media attention, and enormous logistical obligations.

Azerbaijan added its name to the running this week.

Azerbaijan is ready to be the host country for such an important event, Umayra Taghiyeva, Azerbaijans deputy minister of ecology and natural resources, told Reuters on Wednesday in the countrys first public confirmation of its long-speculated bid.

Rights to host the gatherings rotate between the United Nations five global regions, with Eastern Europe hosting in 2024. The 23 countries in that region must select their host candidate unanimously. If Russia vetoed all EU countries, then Armenia or Azerbaijan could still be in the running.

The EU-member Czech Republic is no longer interested in hosting but is considering bidding to host a preparatory pre-COP event if Bulgaria takes the main summit, a Czech official said on Wednesday.

Russias delegation to the UN climate body (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC) sent an email to other Eastern European country representatives in April in which it said it would not support an EU host.

In the email, which has not been previously reported, Russias delegation said EU countries had taken a politicized approach to deciding the host country which had resulted in Russian-endorsed candidates being blocked.

It is reasonable to believe that EU countries, driven by politics from Brussels, do not have the capacity to serve as honest and effective brokers of global climate negotiations under the UNFCCC, it said.

Russias special presidential representative on climate, Ruslan Edelgeriev, declined to confirm if Russia would oppose Bulgarias candidacy.

Bulgaria is not the only candidate to host COP29 in 2024. The issue will be decided in strict accordance with the procedures provided by Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, Edelgeriev said in written responses to questions.

The 27-country EU, alongside Western allies including Britain and the United States, has condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine and slapped sanctions on Moscow over the war.

The Eastern European country group is discussing the issue at a UN meeting this week in Bonn, Germany. All countries would usually then confirm the groups decision at this years COP28 summit, which begins in November.

If the group cannot agree, a fallback option could be to host the event at the UN climate change bodys permanent offices in Bonn  although that would require backing from the German government.

Three-way race

During last years UN climate conference, Bulgarias president, Rumen Radev, indicated the country would be willing to host the event, and Bulgaria was pressing ahead with its bid in late May with support from other EU countries.

This week, Bulgaria formed a new government, however, which has yet to confirm it still wants to host. Bulgarias environment ministry did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Azerbaijan and Armenia  neighbouring countries that are in a decades-long dispute over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh  have both confirmed they are also in the running.

At the moment, we have not been blocked by any country from the Eastern European region, Emin Garabaghli, head of the international cooperation division in Azerbaijans Ministry of Ecology, told Reuters.

The annual UN climate summits draw tens of thousands of delegates from nearly 200 countries, as well as companies, investors and industry lobbyists.

The United Arab Emirates will host this years COP28 conference on behalf of the Asia Pacific group.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Russia refuted Ukrainian claims that it backed pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and discriminates against ethnic Tatars and Ukrainians in Crimea on Thursday, accusing Kyiv instead of blatant lies before the United Nations highest court.

Ukraine has requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to force Russia to stop allegedly discriminating against the Tatar ethnic community in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula that Russia has controlled since 2014.

Ukraine is constantly turning to blatant lies and false accusations levelled against the Russian Federation, the Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, Alexander Shulgin, said on the second day of hearings at the ICJ.

Nothing could be further removed from the truth, he said.

In the same issue, a panel of 16 judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began considering Ukraines claim this week that Moscow violated a UN anti-terrorism convention by arming and supporting pro-Russian groups, including those that shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

In November, a Dutch court found two Russians and a Ukrainian rebel guilty in absentia and condemned them to life in prison. It concluded that Russia has overall control of the separatist troops.

The Russian government condemned the Dutch courts scandalous verdict.

The hearings in the case at the ICJ, which stems from 2017, marked the first time lawyers for Ukraine and Russia met at the ICJ since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

Russia denies systematic human rights abuses in the Ukrainian territory that it occupies.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A former seminarian from Bolivia who claims to have been the victim of a widespread network of sex abuse in the Catholic Church has shed light on decades of hell inflicted on minors by clergymen.

Pedro Lima claimed that abuse was common in the South American nation, frequently committed by pastors who had immigrated from Spain, and that it affected not just children but also people in training to be priests, including himself.

The children lived through hell, AFP quoted him as saying as he recounted of things he saw. These abusive priests were saints by day, demons by night.

The 54-year-old, who has been a blacksmith in Paraguay since 2011, returned home last month to testify in a thorough investigation into child abuse at schools across the nation, including a boarding school for underprivileged, rural children in Cochabamba.

At the center of the latest scandal is a Spanish priest by the name of Alfonso Pedrajas, who died in 2009 after decades of service as a Church teacher in Bolivia starting in 1971.

In his journal, recently discovered and published by a newspaper, Pedrajas confessed to having harmed dozens of people, possibly as many as 85. He also noted that senior clergy had known about his crimes and kept quiet.

Lima, who said he had encountered Pedrajas personally, claims he was expelled from the Jesuit order in 2001, while studying to become a priest, for reporting abuse.

Since then, he has compiled a list of alleged wrongdoers, most of them now dead.

It wasnt only one priest, there is a structure of priests who helped and supported each other so this (abuse) could continue to happen, he told AFP.

Priests heard young victims complaints, then rebuked them and expelled them from school, Lima alleged.

He said he, too, was a victim, but declined to go into detail given the pain it causes him.

Those types of acts that have been committed against other people have been also perpetrated against me, Lima said.

Brainwashed

Spanish priest Jordi Bertomeu, a top sex crimes investigator for Pope Francis, has been investigating the claims in Bolivia, a country of 12 million people who are mostly Catholic.

According to Lima, the aggressors brainwashed vulnerable children who were made to believe they were the bad guys and worthless.

The Bolivian Episcopal Conference, which last month admitted having been deaf to the suffering of victims of pedophile priests, declined to comment on Limas specific allegations.

Since the revelations in the diary, Bolivian prosecutors have opened cases against priests including Pedrajas and three others from Spain: Luis Maria Roma, Alejandro Mestre and Antonio Gausset.

All four are deceased, but there are other accused still alive.

Several alleged victims have come forward in recent weeks in the capital La Paz, in Cochabamba, Tarija in the south and Santa Cruz in the east.

A recent investigation by Bolivian newspaper Pagina Siete finding at least 170 alleged victims.

Bolivian President Luis Arce has written to Pope Francis to ask for any files on sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests in the South American country.

Lima, for his part, is seeking full reparation from the Church.

There are broken people, totally, whose lives were destroyed by the aggression, people who have ended up needing psychiatric (treatment), Lima said, though he himself came through it OK.

The damage is great.

Thousands of reports of pedophilia within the Catholic Church have surfaced around the world in recent years.

Pope Francis has pledged an all-out battle against clerical abuse, holding an unprecedented summit on the issue in 2019 and enacting reforms that include new obligations to report clerical child abuse and cover-ups.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Despite North Koreas increasing missile operations, a recent poll shows that support for South Koreas efforts to develop an independent nuclear programme has significantly decreased.

Support for such a shift has substantially decreased as the population has become more aware of this subject and its potential implications.

The results of a study performed by the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) indicate that public support for South Koreas possession of nuclear weapons has significantly decreased.

According to the report, which was published on June 5, support for a domestic nuclear arsenal in South Korea has decreased from a peak of 71.3% in 2021 to 69% in 2022 and even lower as of last month to 60.2%.

These data show a definite decline in popular support for South Korea developing its own nuclear weapons.

Given North Koreas increased frequency of missile launches and weapons testswhich have exceeded 100 since early 2022and the current conflict in Ukraine, which has caused countries to reevaluate their defence capabilities and plans, the fall in support can be considered as unexpected.

However, in recent years, the once-outside-the-mainstream notion that South Korea would develop its own nuclear arsenal has acquired considerable traction.

This is due to growing doubts about the United States determination to put Seouls safety before that of American cities like San Francisco, especially in light of North Koreas improvements in its nuclear and missile capabilities, which have put American cities within striking distance.

The 1,001-participant survey, which was conducted between April 15 and May 10, may reflect the effects of the Washington Declaration made public on April 27.

New measures to counter the nuclear dangers posed by North Korea were stated in this agreement between the US and South Korea, including increased cooperation on US nuclear strategy with regard to Pyongyang and routine deployment of American strategic assets in the area.

The proclamation was significant because it made clear Seouls position against developing domestic nuclear weapons, which marked a striking break from President Yoon Suk-yeols prior consideration of this possibility in the months prior to the accord.

Since it probably influenced public opinion regarding South Koreas nuclear ambitions, the impact of this declaration on the poll results cannot be disregarded.

The US placed nuclear weapons in the South during the 19501953 Korean War, but took them out in 1991 when North and South Korea decided to declare the peninsula nuclear-free.

Restoring US tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea has received some support over the previous few years, according to evidence.

But according to the most recent poll, support for restoring American tactical nuclear weapons to Seoul significantly declined during the same time span, falling from 61.8% in 2021 to 60.4% in 2022 and 53.6% as of May.

This change in popular thinking has taken place as Chinas nuclear arsenal is growing and North Korea is testing ballistic and cruise missiles.

Concerns in South Korea are increased by Pyongyangs most recent aggressive acts. Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of North Korea, has already announced plans to mass produce nuclear-capable missiles and changed the nations nuclear strategy to allow for the potential of preemptive strikes in the early phases of crises.

In addition, the study found that 74% of participants thought Japan was likely to pursue building a nuclear arsenal.

With a remarkable 22-point discrepancy from the 52.6% who thought Japan has the right to acquire such weapons, this proportion sticks out significantly.

Japan is largely regarded to have the technical know-how required to construct its nuclear arsenal, despite being the only country to have personally experienced the terrible effects of nuclear bombs.

But Japans Three Non-Nuclear Principles categorically forbid the development, acquisition, or use of such weapons. These guidelines represent Japans unwavering dedication to refraining from nuclear weapons-related activity.

However, experts predict that Seoul would suffer serious repercussions if it continued to grow its nuclear arsenal, making South Korea an outcast in the world and making it the target of heavy sanctions.

It might result in more penalties being applied by its allies, partners, and the larger international community.

Such a choice would have serious consequences since it would jeopardise attempts to prevent nuclear proliferation and upset the regions delicate power balance.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
On June 7, South Korea performed an impressive rollout ceremony for the first FA-50GF light attack aircraft that was going to be transferred to Poland.

Mohajer-6 drone Ambushes by Russian EW over Crimea; mourned and celebrated by officials

The ceremony was held at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, which is around 300 km south of Seoul. The ceremonys theme was Firm Commitment, Secure Future.

South Koreas Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup, his Poland counterpart Mariusz Blaszczak, South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff General Jung Sang-hwa, and the head of the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration Eom Dong-hwan also attended the ceremony.

By the end of the year, KAI will have delivered 12 FA-50GF aircraft to Poland after completing the flight tests that are expected to last into the following month. KAI and Warsaws Armament Agency agreed to a executive contract in September 2022 to provide 48 FA-50 aircraft.

The aircrafts codename, GF (Gap Filler), denotes its intention to replace Polands old fleet with this new generation of cutting-edge aircraft from South Korea.

Defence Minister Lee of South Korea expressed his happiness with the projects successful implementation, crediting it to their companys excellent technology and production capability, as well as the two countries shared trust and Polands tenacity.

South Korean media referred to the rollout ceremony as remarkable since it marked an exceptionally short period of timeonly eight monthsbetween the contracts signing in September 2022 and the debut of a combat aircraft.

Mariusz Blaszczak, the defence minister of Poland, agreed that Polands efforts to improve its defence capabilities would be greatly aided by the quick rollout.

Thanks to the speedy release of FA-50GF, Poland is now able to equip itself with more advanced military strategies and realize military modernization, he said. I look forward to seeing FA-50GF fly in the airspace of Poland.

KAI will provide 36 units of the upgraded FA-50PL variant from the second half of 2025 through 2028 in addition to the 12 aircraft scheduled for delivery this year.

KAI claims that the FA-50PL has been modified with improved active electronically scanned array (AESA), air-to-surface, and air-to-air armament. It has also increased its range by aerial refuelling.

Poland will buy fighter jets from South Korea as well as K2 Black Panther tanks, K-9 self-propelled howitzers, and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers.

The Polish government placed an order for 32 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft in January 2020, for a total contract value of about $4.6 billion. Beginning in 2024, these aircraft will start to be delivered.

Poland wants to totally phase out the use of MiG-29 and Su-22 aircraft, which is why it plans to bring the FA-50 into its armed forces. Additionally, Poland gave several of its outdated MiG-29 fighter planes to Ukraine in order to aid Kiev in its confrontation with Russia.

The FA-50PL aircraft has been deliberately created to excel in fighter training, especially for cutting-edge 5th-generation jets like the F-35. It is noted for its compatibility with Western jets, particularly the F-16.

Poland wants to make the most of the FA-50PLs capabilities to improve its fighter training programmes and get its Air Force ready to use the F-35, which is expected to play a major role in Polish military aviation.

In the meantime, the defence ministry in Seoul reports that Lee and Blaszczak signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) after the rollout ceremony outlining their intention to form a joint ministerial committee aimed at fostering bilateral defence and arms industry cooperation.

They both agreed to establish this regular consultation group during the meetings conducted in Poland in February, and this action was performed as a result of their prior agreement.

The two ministers presided over the committees first formal meeting after the MoU was signed, the ministry claims. Blaszczaks support during this meeting so that the framework for long-term arms industry cooperation can be maintained, Minister Lee requested.

Both parties also concurred to strengthen their defence sector cooperation, in line with the growing connections in their respective arms industries.

They talked about a variety of ways to collaborate, such as reciprocal visits between their respective military groups using comparable weapons systems. Initially, these steps were accepted at their prior discussions in February.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Switzerland said Thursday that government operational data might have been stolen in a cyberattack on the technology firm that provides software for several departments.

Xplain, a Swiss provider of government software, has been the victim of a ransomware attack. After the stolen data had been encrypted and the company blackmailed, the attackers posted some of the stolen data on the darknet, the government said in a statement.

Contrary to the initial findings and following recent in-depth clarifications it appears that operational data of the federal administration could also be affected.

In-depth analyses are still ongoing.

The Swiss army and the customs department are among the clients of Xplain, which supplies software to authorities specialising in homeland security.

The government said it did not believe that the Xplain systems have direct access to the federal administration systems.

Xplain accused a ransomware group called Play of being behind the attack.

We have not made any contact with the Play group and we will not pay a ransom, Xplains director Andreas Loewinger told AFP on Saturday.

Xplain has notified Switzerlands National Cybersecurity Centre and the Bern police.

As in other countries, cyberattacks targeting companies, governments and even universities are on the increase in Switzerland.

Recently, two media outlets, CH Media and NZZ, were targeted by Play.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Taiwan on Thursday activated its defence systems after it was reported that 37 Chinese military aircraft were flying into the islands air defence zone, some of which then flew into the western Pacific, in Beijings latest mass air incursion.

Over the past three years, China has regularly flown its air force into the skies near the island, though not into Taiwans territorial air space.

Taiwans defence ministry said that from 5 a.m. (2100 GMT on Wednesday) it had detected 37 Chinese air force planes, including J-11 and J-16 fighters as well as nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, flying into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone, or ADIZ.

The ADIZ is a broader area Taiwan monitors and patrols to give its forces more time to respond to threats.

Some of the Chinese aircraft flew to Taiwans southeast and crossed into the western Pacific to perform air surveillance and long distance navigation training, the ministry said in a statement.

Taiwan sent its aircraft and ships to keep watch and activated land-based missile systems, it added, using its standard wording for how it responds to such Chinese activity.

Chinas defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China completed a second phase of joint air patrols with Russia over the Western Pacific on Wednesday, following flights on the previous day over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, prompting concern in Japan over its national security.

Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan, which manages the unofficial relationship between Washington and Taipei, is visiting Taiwan this week.

On Monday, she told Taiwan media that the United States had an enduring interest in preserving stability in the Taiwan Strait and the United States would continue to arm the island, a source of constant friction in Sino-U.S. ties.

In April, China held war games around Taiwan following a trip to the United States by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

Taiwans government rejects Chinas sovereignty claims and says only the islands people can decide their future.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the technical team at the Indian Embassy in Kabul is monitoring the situation on ground to see how New Delhi can help the Afghan people.

We pulled back the India-based diplomats and staff after the Taliban took control of Kabul. At that time we had legitimate security concerns. With the passage of time, we have sent back a technical team to the Embassy. They have been there for some time. Their job is essentially to monitor the situation and to see how we can support the Afghan people, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told ANI.

#WATCH | We pulled back the India-based diplomats and staff after the Taliban took control of Kabul. At that time we had legitimate security concerns. With the passage of time, we have sent back a technical team to the Embassy. They have been there for some time. Their job is pic.twitter.com/nEldvlx7Bs  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

No country recognises the Taliban regime which seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. However, India is among a dozen countries that run missions in Kabul. In 2022, India reopened its Kabul Embassy as a technical mission, The Hindu reported.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday that discussions to end the war with Russia could not begin with a cease-fire.

If anyone thinks they should freeze the conflict and then see how to solve it, they dont understand it, he said in an online briefing aimed at African journalists, following a tour of African countries.

More than 100 rounds of dialogue and cease-fire negotiations since Russias takeover of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, he claims, have only resulted in a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A team of African heads of state is planning to visit Ukraine and Russia in the next few days in the hope of persuading them to end hostilities, according to a spokeswoman for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month.

He stated on Wednesday that no date for the mission has been determined.

Such a plan would imply that Russian forces would remain on Ukrainian territory even while peace talks began. Ukraine previously stated that Russian soldiers should leave before such talks could begin, while Moscow demands that Kyiv accept Russian sovereignty over Crimea as a prerequisite for talks.

The movement is led by Senegals President Macky Sall, last years African Union chairperson, whose nation was not present at the most recent UN vote condemning Russia in February of this year. Comoros Islands President Othman Ghazali, the current African Union chairman, was just appointed to the delegation.

It also includes presidents Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia  which both voted for the resolution  and Congo Republics Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, which both abstained, as did South Africa.

Kuleba has been on a charm offensive in Africa to win support in a continent where 30 of the 54 African UN member states voted in favour of the UN resolution condemning Russias invasion.

What we see in our relations with the continent right now is fair to call a Ukrainian-African Renaissance, Kuleba said.

He had no details on what the African peace mission entailed, but he welcomed it.

We are looking forward to hosting these presidents in Kyiv, he said.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The geology and topography of the Kherson frontline sector in southern Ukraine have substantially changed as a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (KHPP) dam.

According to near-infrared (NIR) imagery taken on June 7, the flooding is severely undermining Russian defensive positions that had been set up on the east (left) bank of the Dnipro river, particularly Russian first-line positions at Hola Prystan and Oleshky.

According to a number of reports, Oleshky, Hola Prystan, Kozacha Laheri, and Dnipryany are all but completely under water, with water levels in some places reaching the height of one-story structures.

According to the Ukrainian headquarters set up to address the effects of the dams demolition, as of June 7th, 29 communities were partially or completely under water, with 19 of those settlements being situated on Ukrainian-controlled territory and 10 on Russian-occupied territory.

Video footage from Nova Kakhovka, according to Russian authorities, shows that the water level has plummeted by 30 centimetres. Additionally, according to Russian reports, water levels in some locations fell by three to four metres from a peak of ten metres. According to reports, as of June 7, the water levels in neighbouring Mykolaiv City had risen by 70 cm. In Kherson Oblast, flooding is projected to get worse during the next 72 hours and alter the landscape even more.

Russian military positions on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River are being impacted by the collapse of the KHPP dam. Numerous Russian first line field fortifications that the Russian military planned to use to ward off Ukrainian attacks have been damaged by flooding. The Russian militarys key concentration centres in Oleshky and Hola Prystan have probably been forced to evacuate their soldiers and military hardware due to rapid flooding.

Previously, Kherson City and neighbouring communities on the west (right bank) of Kherson had been shelled by Russian soldiers from these positions. According to Nataliya Humenyuk, spokeswoman for the Ukrainian Southern Operational Command, Russian forces relocated their personnel and military hardware five to 15 kilometres away from the flood zone, putting them outside the artillery range of some settlements on the west (right bank) of the Dnipro River that they had been attacking. Russian minefields around the coast were also devastated by the flood, and footage from the time showed mines exploding in the floodwater.

Vladimir Saldo, the head of the occupation in Kherson Oblast, asserted that the demolition of the KHPP is advantageous to the Russian defences since it will make it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to cross the river. Saldos evaluation of the situation ignores the destruction of Russias first constructed line of defences. Its also unclear how much Russian heavy equipment was lost in the first day of floods.

Out of concern that Ukrainian forces would land on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast, Ukrainian officials continued to accuse Russian forces of destroying the KHPP dam. Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR), claimed that given the dams structural and engineering characteristics, only Russian forces could have exploded it. He also said that Russians are very happy that the islands, on which (Ukrainian forces) were allegedly based, were flooded.

According to Humenyuk, Russian forces destroyed the dam without thinking about the repercussions because they were too worried about a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

The KHPPs interior structures were allegedly destroyed by Russian forces in order to harm the dam and obstruct the advance of Ukrainian forces, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.

The day before the KHPP dam was destroyed, as well as on countless other occasions in the past, Russian military bloggers expressed worry over alleged Ukrainian river crossings onto the east bank. As of June 5, according to a Kremlin-affiliated military blogger, there were ongoing clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces on the disputed islands close to Kherson City and in the Dachi area on the east bank of the Dnipro River (11 km southwest of Kherson City).

According to the military blogger, as of June 5, there were more Ukrainian speedboats in the Dnipro Delta. Another military blogger conjectured that by taking the KHPP dam, Ukrainian forces were trying to build a bridgehead.

According to a report by ISW, the fear of such a crossing and the conviction that it was either taking place or was impending was prevalent in the thoughts of Russians who were closely following the conflict just before the dam was demolished, as evidenced by the clear worry in the Russian military information arena.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Two senators in the United States have requested TikTok to clarify its storage and access practices concerning American user data. They expressed concern over potential misleading or inaccurate statements made by the Chinese-owned social media platform.

Recent news reports have raised questions about how TikTok handles sensitive information. Referring to a Forbes report, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn highlighted the storage of financial details, including Social Security numbers and tax IDs, of US content creators on servers based in China.

Also read: Whistleblower alleges TikTok leaked data of Hong Kong protesters to China

Senators letter causing big trouble

Additionally, they referenced a New York Times report from May, which claimed that TikTok employees routinely shared user information, such as drivers license details of certain American users, on an internal messaging app called Lark.

This information was accessible to employees of ByteDance, TikToks parent company based in Beijing.

TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek responded to the senators letter, stating, We are reviewing the letter. We remain confident in the accuracy of our testimony and responses to Congress.

TikTok has previously stated that servers containing US user data are physically located in Virginia and Singapore, where the companys headquarters are based. However, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding who can access this data and from where.

During a congressional hearing in March, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew mentioned that access to the data was provided to engineers worldwide on an as-needed basis for business purposes. He also acknowledged that certain ByteDance employees still had access to some US user data but clarified that this access would cease once Project Texas, the companys initiative to separate US user data from China, was completed.

TikToks Chinese Ownership keeps on haunting them

Due to its Chinese ownership, the popular social media app TikTok has faced scrutiny from Western governments, some of which have prohibited its use on government devices. Earlier this year, the Biden administration even threatened to ban the platform across the country unless its Chinese owners divested their stakes.

To address concerns raised by US lawmakers, TikTok has emphasized its Project Texas initiative, which involves storing US user data on servers owned and managed by Oracle, a prominent software company. TikTok announced that it had started routing all US user traffic to these servers last year, while also maintaining data backups on its own servers.

Also read: TikTok gives in to US demands, will open up source code and algorithms to American partner Oracle

TikTok accused of lying, again

CEO Shou Zi Chew stated that the company commenced the deletion of all historical US user data from non-Oracle servers in March, with the process expected to be finalized by the end of this year.

Also read: Surprise, surprise: TikTok lying about Chinese spying, former employee tells US Congress

In the letter sent to TikTok, the senators also pointed out that recent news reports appear to contradict the testimonies provided by another TikTok official regarding the storage location of US user data.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
In an unprecedented ruling, a 20-year-old man responsible for fatally attacking two women, killing one of them in a massage parlour in 2020, was convicted of terrorism inspired by the incel ideology in Canada.

According to Justice Suhail Akhtar, the individual responsible for fatally stabbing one woman and attempting to kill another in February 2020 was influenced by the misogynistic incel movement.

The Canadian government defines incel as an online subculture or community characterized by an ideologically motivated violent extremism, where members express a gender-driven, violent misogynistic worldview.

This landmark verdict marks the first time that an incident related to the incel movement has been classified as an act of terror, as reported by Crown prosecutor Lisa Mathews.

It has been reported that the assailant drew inspiration from a man who identified himself as an incel and carried out a deadly van attack in Toronto in 2018.

Justice Akhtar affirmed that the massage parlour attack meets the legal definition of terrorist activity as outlined in the criminal code.

The identity of the assailant, who was 17 years old at the time of the attack and is now 20, has not been disclosed in accordance with Canadas Youth Criminal Justice Act.

In September of the previous year, the individual pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Currently, they are awaiting sentencing, as reported by CBC.

On Tuesday, Judge Akhtar delivered his ruling via Zoom and indicated that he would provide an explanation for his decision at a later time.

In February 2020, when the assailant was 17 years old, he entered a massage parlour in North York and carried out a brutal attack. He stabbed the receptionist, 24-year-old Ashley Noell Arzaga, more than 40 times, resulting in her death. However, he was eventually disarmed by another woman present at the scene.

The owner of the massage parlour in Downsview recounted to CTV News Toronto in 2020 that she had to engage in a struggle for her own life after the attacker entered the establishment wielding a large machete. She suffered severe injuries subsequent to the stabbing of Arzaga.

It was reported that the accused had utilized a sword engraved with the phrase thot slayer. Thot is a derogatory term used to demean women.

According to local media, the accused is scheduled to make a court appearance on July 18.

The decision regarding whether the accused will be tried as an adult has yet to be determined or scheduled.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Google has introduced two enhancements to Bard. Firstly, Bard has improved its performance in mathematical tasks, coding questions, and string manipulation. Additionally, it now offers a new export feature to Google Sheets.

At the I/O event, Google expanded Bards capabilities globally, including image recognition and additional coding features.

Better responses for advanced reasoning and math prompts

Google has implemented a new technique called implicit code execution to enhance Bards ability to handle computational prompts. By running code in the background, Bard can now provide more accurate responses to mathematical tasks, coding questions, and string manipulation prompts.

This improvement allows Bard to excel in answering prompts such as determining prime factors, calculating growth rates, or reversing words.

Improved logic and reasoning skills

Large language models (LLMs) have been known for their proficiency in language and creative tasks, but they often struggle with reasoning and math. To address this limitation, Google has introduced a new method that combines the power of LLMs with traditional code execution.

The analogy used is inspired by Daniel Kahnemans book Thinking, Fast and Slow, which distinguishes between System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 represents quick and intuitive thinking, while System 2 refers to slower and deliberate thinking.

Traditionally, LLMs operate under System 1 thinking, generating responses quickly without deep analysis. However, this can lead to limitations in problem-solving scenarios. To overcome this, Google integrated the capabilities of both LLMs and traditional code (System 2) to improve Bards accuracy.

Through implicit code execution, Bard recognizes prompts that require logical code, executes it in the background, and utilizes the result to generate more precise responses. According to Google, this method has shown an approximate 30% improvement in Bards accuracy when responding to computation-based word and math problems in internal challenge datasets.

Announcing the new updates, Jack Krawczyk, Product Lead, Bard and Amarnag Subramanya, Vice President, Engineering, Bard, said:
Google has introduced the Android 14 Beta 3 for Pixel devices and simultaneously released a preview of Android 14 for TV. As part of this update, Google has decided to retire Android 13 for television devices, which will no longer be recommended in Android Studios emulator menu.

Despite the recent update for Chromecast with Google TV, the device still runs on Android 12, indicating that Google has abandoned plans for an Android 13-based update for all Android TV and Google TV devices.

According to 9to5Google, the new code change is as follows:

We are retiring T as a version in Android TV. Moving the T image to the non-recommended menu should dissuade developers from creating a T images if not required.

Android 14 TV to bring new features. Here are the latest findings from the Android 14 TV Beta update, as discovered by Esper.ios Mishaal Rahman:

In the Google TV launchers dashboard on Android TV 14 (shown below), there may be a new Headphones option that will show available headphones. Sounds like well be getting a quicker way to connect to Bluetooth headphones instead of going to settings. This might already be pic.twitter.com/YemYWKlOHa  Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) June 8, 2023

Updated Design for Install Dialogs: Android TV 14 includes a TV-specific build of the PackageInstaller app, bringing an updated design for install dialogs.

Accessibility as Top-Level Menu: Accessibility is now a top-level menu item in Settings, making it more easily accessible on Android TV 14.

Power & Energy Settings Update: Power & Energy settings have been relocated under Settings > System, just below About. Additionally, Energy Saver has been renamed to Shut-Off Timer.

Expanded Accessibility Settings: Android TV 14 introduces expanded accessibility settings. Services is now called Screen Readers and has been moved to the top. A shortcut to text scaling has been added, along with a bold text setting. Other settings have been appropriately categorized.

Format Selection Settings: Under Settings > Display > Advanced display settings, the format selection option allows you to always force conversion to Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, or SDR.

Energy Modes: Android TV 14 offers four energy modes: Low, moderate, high, and unrestricted. Switching energy modes can enhance energy efficiency when the TV is not in use, with varying levels of network connectivity.

Display Frame Rate Settings: The non-seamless option under Settings > Display > Match content frame rate has been renamed to Always. This setting ensures content frame rate matching.

Seamless Option Renaming: Seamless has been renamed to seamless-only. If not supported, Android TV 14 will inform you that your connected display doesnt support it.

Color Correction Settings: Android TV 14 introduces color correction settings under Settings > Accessibility.

Build-Specific Appearance: The new energy mode settings will only appear if the build supports low power standby and other DeviceConfig flags are enabled.

Preferred Dynamic Range: System-preferred, Passthrough, or Force conversion. Choose how the system manages format conversion based on preferences.

Call Notifications: Android TV 14 prepares to enable call notifications from supported apps while using the TV, with adjustable preferences for individual apps.

Quick Headphones Connection: The Google TV launcher may include a Headphones option, making it easier to connect to Bluetooth headphones without going through the settings.

App Shortcut Customization: Android TV 14 allows users to create shortcuts for their favorite apps, selecting an app to open with the custom button on the remote. Additionally, users can view and switch inputs for TV or other devices with the custom button.

Note: Some features mentioned may require specific device compatibility and settings availability.

Availability

To test the Android TV 14 Beta, there are usually two options available. First, users can download and run an emulator of the preview using Android Studio. Second, Google typically provides a build that can be installed on ADT-3 boxes, which have now been retired.

However, the latter build is currently unavailable on the Android Developers website. Regrettably, it is not possible to install the Android TV 14 preview on a Chromecast.

Via
Amazon India has announced the Blockbuster TV Days sale, powered by TCL, along with the ongoing Amazon Laptop Days Sale. Televisions from all brands are on sale starting from today, i.e., 8th June, and until June 11th, 2023.

During the sale, customers can get up to 60% off on televisions from top brands such as Samsung, LG, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and more.

Top offers on TCL TVs

Top offers on Sony TVs

Top offers on Xiaomi and Redmi TVs

Top offers on Samsung TVs

Top offers on OnePlus TVs

Top offers on Acer TVs

Top offers on LG TVs

Top offers on HiSense TVs

Top offers on VU TVs

Top offers on Karbonn TVs

Top offers on iFFALCON TVs

Top offers on Toshiba TVs

Top offers on Nu TVs

Top offers on Onida, Kodak, Sansui and Coocaa TVs

Bank Offers

As part of the Blockbuster TV Days sale, customers can get an instant discount of up to INR 5,250 by using HDFC Bank Credit Cards and Credit Card EMI Transactions. They can also get a 10% instant discount on Bank of Baroda Credit Cards and Credit Card EMI Transactions. Amazon offers exciting exchange offers and no-cost EMI options as well.

You can check out more deals by heading to Blockbuster TV Days offer pages.
Nothing has launched its first student program in India called Generation Nothing. The initiative aims to empower and engage the young and creative minds of today, recognizing their potential to shape the future of technology with passion and innovation.

In collaboration with Yuvaa, Indias esteemed youth media, impact, and insights organization driven by Generation Z, Nothing plans to recruit students studying fields aligned with the companys vision.

Generation Nothing will offer a unique opportunity for students to co-create with the Nothing team, shape future programs, and receive incentives and exclusive access to merchandise, vouchers, and Nothing experiences.

While Generation Nothing primarily caters to students, Nothing also extends its community engagement through various activities and programs on Discord, welcoming individuals who wish to be involved with the Nothing Community.

To participate, students simply need to complete the online form. After shortlisting the applications, it said that its representatives will reach out to the selected candidates within two weeks to proceed further.

Regarding the program, Nothing states that,
felicilin at 8-06-2023 09:24 AM (3 days ago) (f)

An African lady gushes as she crosses paths with the Prime minister of the Netherlands who was on foot, without bodyguards and no entourage of cars.

An African lady gushes as she crosses paths with the Prime minister of the Netherlands who was on foot, without bodyguards and no entourage of cars.

A video making rounds on social media captured the moment a lady and the prime minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte took a walk side by side.



The lady was over the moon as she expressed shock at the possibility of meeting the president of a country walking the road on foot like an average individual.



She stated that she was headed to work while the minister added that he was headed to see an ophthalmologist to check his glasses.



The video has since sparked mixed reactions as many other Africans doubt the possibility of such with their politicians.





Walking with the Prime minister of Netherlands - Lady says pic.twitter.com/ThVjVVIIM0  GistReel.Com (@GistReel) June 7, 2023 A video making rounds on social media captured the moment a lady and the prime minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte took a walk side by side.The lady was over the moon as she expressed shock at the possibility of meeting the president of a country walking the road on foot like an average individual.She stated that she was headed to work while the minister added that he was headed to see an ophthalmologist to check his glasses.The video has since sparked mixed reactions as many other Africans doubt the possibility of such with their politicians.

Post Reply Posted: at 8-06-2023 09:24 AM (3 days ago) | Addicted Hero
ChatGPT to Generate New Jobs while Phasing Out Old Roles: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman News oi -Kabir Jain

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's ongoing visit to India as part of his six-nation tour has been marked by candid insights into the current state of artificial intelligence (AI). In an exclusive interview with The Economic Times, Altman acknowledged the potential job displacement that AI might cause.

However, he emphasized that AI will also lead to the creation of new employment opportunities, a pattern that has been observed with previous technological advancements. Altman believes that labor markets have the capability to adapt to these disruptions within two generations.

AI and Job Displacement

Altman believes that every technological revolution brings changes to the job landscape. While certain jobs may become obsolete due to AI, new and improved roles will emerge. Altman argues that within two generations, societies can adjust to any degree of transformation in the labor market, ultimately materializing novel jobs that may be superior to the ones we have today. Although envisioning these new positions can be challenging at present, Altman is confident in their existence.

Factors Influencing the Pace of Change

Predicting the pace at which these changes will occur remains a challenge. Altman suggests that it depends on factors such as the socioeconomic contract and the approach taken by governments in response to this disruption. These external factors play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of AI's impact on job markets.

AI Regulation and Its Impact

When discussing AI regulation, Altman emphasized the importance of differentiating between larger players in the market and smaller companies. OpenAI explicitly advocates for regulations that apply to themselves and other larger entities, but Altman believes that smaller companies should not be burdened with excessive regulations. He recognizes the need for responsible AI development and usage, but also the importance of fostering innovation and growth within the industry.

Engagement with Indian Government Officials

During his visit to India, Altman has scheduled meetings with prominent government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This global outreach aims to engage with leaders from various countries and foster discussions on the potential and challenges of AI.

Union Minister's Perspective on AI Regulation

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar commented on Sam Altman's stance regarding the necessity of AI regulation. While acknowledging Altman's intelligence, Chandrasekhar emphasized India's independent perspective on AI regulation. He stated that India possesses talented minds for establishing guidelines that suit the country's unique requirements.

Source

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
Samsung Bespoke Life 2023 Event Highlights: Latest AI Connectivity And Premium Home Appliances Launched Tech Biz oi -Alap Naik Desai

Samsung hosted the Bespoke 2023 event this week, which revolved around the company's premium, lifestyle products, particularly in the home electronics segment. The South Korean tech giant offered viewers a glimpse of innovative and stylish offerings, which included new connectivity and customization options as well as sleek home appliances.

Samsung held its third annual Bespoke event, wherein it showcased the latest updates to its Bespoke line of products. Let's look at the new products and services Samsung is offering its customers.

Samsung To Integrate Wi-Fi Into All Its Bespoke Appliances

Samsung announced that all new Bespoke appliances will have Wi-Fi support. The company claims it will gradually make wireless connectivity a standard in all its appliance lineups in the coming years.

Combining Samsung's latest SmartThings enhancements and AI technology, Bespoke products can offer a seamlessly automated home experience.

As always, connectivity comes with data exchange, which will benefit customers, claimed Samsung. The company has promised that these new devices will learn consumers' usage patterns and provide personalized automation based on their smart home configuration and lifestyle.

Samsung's MyBespoke Customization Service

Samsung's MyBespoke customization service essentially offers customers multiple options for appliances that can be finetuned or modified. It allows buyers to plaster their photos or images, which include artwork, on their kitchen appliances.

Samsung announced that the limited-edition Bespoke panels designed by the Italian creative studio "Toiletpaper" are now available for purchase on Samsung.com and select Samsung flagship stores. The MyBespoke Customization Service is currently limited to a few countries, but may soon expand, presumably including India.

Samsung Bespoke Jet AI And Other Premium Products Launched

Samsung Electronics announced the upcoming global launch of the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI. The company claims it is its most powerful cordless stick vacuum.

Available in Satin Black and Satin Greige color options, the Bespoke Jet AI is "designed for every lifestyle thanks to its world-class suction power and AI-based cleaning services capable of automatically optimizing to each environment," said Junwha Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Customer Experience Team of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics.

With a 4,500mAh battery, the Bespoke Jet AI can offer up to 280W of suction power and up to 100 minutes of usage. This is the longest single battery runtime of any Samsung cordless stick vacuum.

Samsung Bespoke 2023 lineup includes a total of 15 product categories available to consumers in 52 countries. The company has expanded its Bespoke refrigerator lineup with the launches of the Bespoke 4-Door Flex.

This behemoth refrigerator has Family Hub+, which is essentially a 32-inch multi-touch touchscreen display mounted on a fridge. Samsung also announced Bespoke AITM Washer and Dryer in the US and Southeast Asia.

Best Mobiles in India
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
China slams UK for hyping up 'secret police stations,' urging it to stop smearing China

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 07, 2023 08:56 PM

China slammed the UK on Wednesday for hyping up the so-called secret police stations rhetoric, and urged the British side to stop spreading disinformation and stop smearing China after the UK had ordered China to close its "overseas police stations" but did not reveal any illegal activity at those sites.

Both Chinese and British experts see the UK's latest act as paranoia in taking China as a "threat" in an attempt to cater to the US-led West's strategy, and constantly hyping up the "China threat" rhetoric that has been welcomed by some UK politicians who display an ideological bias. All this has cast a shadow over the already strained UK-China relations.

China strictly abides by international law and respects other countries' judicial sovereignty. We've made our position clear on the issue more than once, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a routine press conference on Wednesday. He noted that the truth is that there are no so-called secret police stations.

"We urge the UK to respect the facts, stop hyping up the matter and stop smearing China. The UK needs to stop creating obstacles for China-UK relations," Wang said.

The British government has ordered China to shut "unofficial police stations" operating on British soil, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat told parliament on Tuesday, according to media reports.

Previously, countries such as Netherlands and Canada had made allegations about China "running illegal police stations" after the nongovernmental organization Safeguard Defenders made allegations on the issue.

"If the British authorities were not able to find any signs of illegal activity then why did they raise the alarm? Is this not a clear sign that the paranoia about these so-called Chinese police stations is completely manufactured?" Tom Fowdy, a British political and international relations analyst, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The British government has chosen to embrace the US line of China as a "threat" and pivot its foreign policy accordingly. The British mainstream media regularly launder anti-China propaganda and talking points originating from the US, most especially the BBC, Fowdy said.

Besides the hyping-up of the so-called secret police stations, Britain has committed to the removal of Chinese-made surveillance equipment from sensitive government sites "as part of its latest plans to address national security concerns related to China," Reuters reported on Wednesday.

Britain has used some groundless incidents to hype up the so-called China threat and taken a series of actions to undermine bilateral relations without any evidence, Gao Jian, a scholar from Shanghai International Studies University and China Forum expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

"This is not an isolated case, as the British side has been taking a series of similar moves to hype up the 'China threat.' For one reason, it needs to shift public attention from its own domestic woes, and for another, it has been catering to the US-led West's Cold War mentality," Gao said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Finland to expel nine Russian diplomats over 'intelligence activities'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 07 June 2023 6:14 AM

Finland says it will expel nine diplomats working at the Russian Embassy in Helsinki, accusing them of being engaged in intelligence activities, as relations between the two sides are at a deep low.

The Finnish president's office announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, saying the diplomat's actions "violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."

It did not provide further details but added that the Russian ambassador will be informed about the expulsion of the embassy personnel.

The Russian embassy in Helsinki has yet to comment on the expulsion, but Moscow has already denied its diplomats' engagement in improper activities.

The decision was made following a meeting between Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and the Government's Foreign and Security Ministerial Committee, where the ongoing war on Ukraine and the explosion of the Nova Kakhovka dam were also discussed.

They condemned as "a humanitarian and environmental disaster" the destruction of the key dam in the Russian-controlled Kherson region which occurred early on Tuesday.

"The explosion marks an escalation of the war in a new way, causing widespread destruction in Ukraine for civilians and the environment alike," they said.

While Ukraine is blaming the Russian forces for the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, Kherson's mayor has accused Kiev of destroying the dam to mask the country's counteroffensive "failures" in the east.

Diplomatic turmoil is escalating between Moscow and Helsinki following Finland's membership in the NATO military alliance.

Finland officially joined NATO in April despite repeated warnings from Russia.

Russia's reaction to the new membership was strong.

Russia's Foreign Ministry condemned the move at the time, saying Finland was committing a dangerous historic mistake by joining NATO and that the move would dilute the country's own influence on the world stage and hurt its ties with Moscow.

Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer eastern frontier with Russia, whose border with NATO has now doubled. Russia has vowed to bolster its military capacity in its western and northwestern regions, near the border with the Nordic country, if the alliance deploys any additional troops or equipment to its new member.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






New York National Guard Soldiers complete security mission in the Horn of Africa

By Staff Sgt. Alexander Rector June 6, 2023

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -- The New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment celebrated a successful nine-month overseas deployment during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on June 3, 2023

During the ceremony, the unit, dubbed Task Force Wolfhound, turned over control of an East Africa security mission in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, to Task Force Tomahawk, a roughly 1,100 Soldier task force.

The core of Task Force Tomahawk's Soldiers are assigned to the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment.

Task Force Wolfhound deployed to the Horn of Africa in Sep. 2022 and conducted security operations at U.S. installations in Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia.

The task force was built around the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, based in New York City.

Soldiers from from the New York National Guard's Alpha Company and Charlie Company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, and Alpha Troop of the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, were also assigned to the task force.

Lt. Col Shawn Tabankin, the commander of Task Force Wolfhound, praised the New York National Guard Soldiers for their efforts during the mission.

"You've secured United States interests and facilities and you've worked with our allies and African Partners, to be their partner of choice," Tabankin said.

"You were prepared and responded to crises. And you have worked by, with, and through our African partners to achieve our common goals," he added.

During the deployment Task Force Wolfhound provided 24-hour perimeter security for five U.S. installations across three African countries.

Working alongside international forces, Task Force Wolfhound conducted more than 450 mounted and dismounted patrols to protect U.S. interests abroad.

The task force also staffed the East Africa Response Force, or EARF.

Founded in the wake of the 2012 attack in Benghazi, the EARF consists of a specially trained and equipped rifle company postured to respond at short notice to a broad range of military operations, such as crisis response, security augmentation of U.S. embassies and facilities, and military-assisted departure or non-combatant evacuation operations.

During the deployment, the EARF conducted multiple emergency deployment readiness exercises to maintain their skills and hone their mission set.

Major Gen. Jami Shawley, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, said the men and women of Task Force Wolfhound had carried out that mission well.

"You conducted monthly training exercises and drills to ensure the EARF's readiness to respond to any crisis within Sub-Saharan Africa," Shawley said.

"You accomplished your mission with a level of competence and proficiency indicative of your storied history," she added.

The planning and skills of the EARF was put to the test during the April 2023 crisis in Sudan which saw the shuttering of the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum and the evacuation of U.S. diplomats and their families.

Though the EARF did not deploy to Sudan, their planning and crisis response skills proved invaluable during the successful evacuation of U.S. citizens from the area of hostilities.

In addition to the EARF, Task Force Wolfhound led the Camp Lemonnier quick reaction force and was tasked with providing security support for multiple U.S. flagged vessels during port calls at the nearby Port of Djibouti.

During the deployment Task Force Wolfhound Soldiers trained alongside international partners from Djibouti, France, Italy, Japan, and Spain.

The New York National Guard Soldiers also participated in Exercise Bull Shark 2022, a twice-yearly Spanish-led personnel recovery exercise, and Exercise Wakri 2023, a French exercise designed to reinforce combat capabilities and partner interoperability.

"These joint training exercises included ranges using U.S. military and partner weaponry, combatives training, tactical combat casualty care, and the exercising of joint movement and and tactical combat operations," Shawley said.

Task Force Wolfhound Soldiers also completed the French Desert Commando Course, while 15 Soldiers became United States Citizens during a special ceremony held at the U.S embassy in Djibouti.

The task force also conducted a Best Warrior Competition open to members of all services in April.

During the unit's final days in the Horn of Africa, many of the unit's members received military awards in recognition of their hard work and dedication during the deployment.

"I'm proud to have served with each and every one of you," said Tabankin. "You deserve these accolades, and all those surely to come, as well as a safe and speedy return home."

The task force's Soldiers have been returning to Fort Bliss, Texas for demobilization and will begin returning home to New York in the coming days.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Airmen of Helicopter Wing Presov practice moving to and operating out of a reserve airfield on Ex Alertex 2023

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

06.06.2023

As part of Slovakia's Ex Alertex 2023, a readiness verification exercise, airmen of the Helicopter Wing Presov practiced a so-called "airfield manoeuver", in other words, moving to, taking over and operating out of an area held as a reserve airfield.

Speaking of Ex Alertex 2023, Col Marek Homola, Commander Helicopter Wing Presov, said: "In the event of escalating threats, military units must be ready to move at short notice and leave their permanent bases to avoid being detected and destroyed. And that's exactly what we practiced doing when we moved our helicopters and support equipment to a pre-designated reserve location."

Even as force protection duties in self-defence against an imminent attack are among the core tasks assigned to troops on Ex Alertex 2023, the transfer of an entire helicopter wing to a reserve airfield belongs to the most demanding challenges and has not been practiced in this complex form and to this extent for over 20 years.

Airmen of the Presov-based Helicopter Wing, joining forces with logisticians of the SVK Army's Joint Support Brigade Trencin, transferred dozens of pieces of helicopters and support equipment to the reserve site and prepared the airfield operating surface for helicopter operations - these followed immediately after the arrival of Slovak Air Force UH-60M Blackhawks. Security and force protection operations at the reserve airfield were provided by soldiers of the Reconnaissance Battalion Presov.

Ex Alertex 2023 is a long-scheduled readiness verification exercise which sees the entirety of the Slovak Armed Forces undertaking tasks in the face of escalating threats in an unstable security environment. The aim of the exercise is to verify the operational readiness of the Slovak Armed Forces, falling under their statutory duty set out in existing legislation, through simulated scenarios.

We want to assure the public that the tasks being performed on the exercise are not a direct response to the ongoing developments in Ukraine. For this reason, we once again call on the public not to fall victim to or spread misinformation. Should you have any questions on the activities of the armed forces, you can find answers at the MOD and Armed Forces websites or use the listed military telephone or email points of contact (POC).

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






June 7, 2023

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his French and UK counterparts June 6 in Bayeux, France. The meeting took place on the margins of commemorations for the 79th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy. The leaders drew parallels between the bonds of our Alliance today with those of 79 years ago, when we fought alongside one another to liberate Europe and create a world where democracy would flourish.

During their first in-person meeting in this trilateral format, the leaders reiterated their ironclad commitment to supporting Ukraine in its brave defense against Russia's unjust war, and were united in their intent to continue providing security assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for as long as it takes. The leaders also discussed core priorities for the NATO Summit in July, concerns about Iranian malign activity, and cooperation on Indo-Pacific security.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3419768/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






June 7, 2023

By Joseph Clark , DOD News

U.S. Transcom Commander Touts Partnerships as Key to Global Mobility

Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Transportation Command commander, said our allies and commercial partners are key to the U.S. maintaining its capability to move troops and supplies around the globe at a moment's notice.

From undertaking the historic noncombatant evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan to fielding a steady flow of military aid to Ukraine, Van Ovost said Transcom's mission is constantly enabled by a global web of freight carriers, civilian port operators and international logistics partners.

"We affectionately refer to them as our 'fourth component command' because they are a force multiplier for us in competition and in conflict," Van Ovost said during a Brookings Institution webinar on global mobility.

Tasked with moving soldiers and supplies into any theater and ensuring U.S. forces are capable of maneuvering during any fight, Van Ovost oversees 120,000 military members, civilians and contractors and three service component commands that fulfill Transcom's joint mobility mission by air, sea and land.

She says "people and partnerships" are key to accomplishing the mission day in, day out.

By combining the global access to air and seaports, the capabilities offered by commercial transportation partners, and the reach of allies, Van Ovost says Transcom is able to leverage a "formidable web" of enablers to accomplish the mission.

That web is not an abstract concept.

Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, Transcom began moving supplies into the region at lightning speed.

Van Ovost said commercial partners completed almost 1,200 flights and moved approximately 73 vessels of equipment into the theater, saving critical military capacity.

U.S. investments in infrastructure, propositioned assets and interoperability with allies through the European Deterrence Initiative  a U.S. program initiated in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014  were also critical to the Defense Department's ability to quickly aid Ukrainian forces, she said.

Weeks after Russia crossed into Ukraine in February of last year, the U.S. was able to deploy thousands of troops to the region to provide humanitarian support and has since sustained a steady flow of military aid to Ukraine thanks to preparations made in advance of the invasion.

Those preparations included the prepositioning of U.S. equipment in the region so that it could be quickly fielded in the event of a crisis.

"When this first started, we were able to deploy almost 16,000 troops, and they were able to fall in on equipment," said Van Ovost.

That prepositioned equipment, she said, shortened the timeline for effectively fielding troops and equipment in the region by about two weeks she said.

The pre-staging of equipment in the region was done as part of the European Deterrence Initiative.

More recently, the Pacific Deterrence Initiative has paved the way for the U.S. to strengthen its ties with regional partners through exercises and logistics agreements  a move Van Ovost said will be critical for competing effectively with China.

"That's how we build that interoperability and the relationships, the deep relationships we need," she said. "Our allies and partners are absolutely an asymmetric advantage that we have that not many do."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement by the Friends of Sudan Group

Germany Federal Foreign Office

07.06.2023 - Press release

France, Germany, Norway, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union, as members of the Friends of Sudan, express their deep concern about the ongoing violence and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, including reports about violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, as well as about widespread looting of humanitarian supplies.



We strongly urge the warring parties to stop the fighting and attacks on civilians, and agree to an effective and sustained ceasefire, to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access and respect for international humanitarian law, and to work towards a return to the political process. We urgently call on the warring parties to adhere to their commitments agreed in the 11 May Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan and in the ceasefire of 20 May, and to return to the Jeddah dialogue to resolve issues around violations and reach a ceasefire that is respected fully. Humanitarian supplies and workers must be protected to ensure that assistance can reach people in need.



We support all international and regional efforts that work towards a cessation of hostilities and a resolution of this conflict. In this context, we would like to reiterate our steadfast support for the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Volker Perthes and their tireless work to assist the Sudanese people in their aspirations for a civilian transition, freedom, peace and justice.



We call on the conflict parties to heed to calls of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace and justice by resolving their differences peacefully leading to the restoration of the political dialogue.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






2nd Chinese-backed expressway breaks ground in Cambodia

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 07, 2023 10:41 PM

Cambodia broke ground on Wednesday for the second Chinese-invested expressway, which will connect the capital Phnom Penh with Bavet City in Svay Rieng province on the border with Vietnam.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian presided over the ceremony, according to a notice issued on the website of the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia on Wednesday.

The expressway project, with an investment of $1.38 billion by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, will span 135.1 km and be developed under the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model for a period of 50 years. The construction is expected to last four years.

The Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway is another achievement of cooperation between Cambodia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The first Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia was opened to the public in October 2022.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, speaking at the event, highlighted the tangible benefits brought by the BRI to Cambodia, including aid and concessional loans for infrastructure development without any conditions attached.

The year 2023 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia, as well as the 10th anniversary of the BRI.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian emphasized the accelerated and efficient practical cooperation between China and Cambodia, comparing it to a highway. He mentioned that the expressway will play a crucial role in promoting Cambodia's national economy, regional connectivity, and the integration of ASEAN member countries.

The China-proposed BRI is committed to promoting the connectivity and common development of all countries, and China will continue to advance BRI cooperation with Cambodia, delivering more benefits to the two peoples, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular briefing in May.

Over the past decade, based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, China has deepened mutually beneficial cooperation with countries such as Cambodia under the BRI. It has become a well-received global initiative, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economic development of participating countries.

She mentioned that to date, more than three-quarters of the countries around the world have participated in the BRI, resulting in the creation of 420,000 jobs in those countries. The BRI has been instrumental in supporting economic development in numerous nations, and its positive impact continues to extend to more countries.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






FA-50 will enhance the potential of Polish Air Force

Republic of Poland - Ministry of National Defence

07.06.2023

"In September last year in Minsk Mazowiecki, Poland, I had the pleasure and honor to approve the contract for the supply of FA-50 light combat aircraft. The first units are already being delivered to Poland. This is an extremely important moment for the Air Force. We dispose of post-Soviet aircraft, and from now on, Polish combat aviation will only use F-16 and FA-50 aircraft, and soon also F-35. These three types come from the same family of excellent and modern aircraft. This is a great asset when building an interoperable air defense system and a unified training system. Our pilots have already completed their first FA-50 training in the Republic of Korea and will soon be ready to smoothly transition to use the new type of equipment" - said Mariusz Baszczak, minister of national defence during his visit to South Korea.

On Wednesday, June 7, Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Baszczak took part in the official roll-out, i.e. the ceremonial departure from the KAI Factory of the first FA-50 Fighting Eagle aircraft for Poland.

"It should be emphasized that very good Polish-Korean cooperation means not only the aircraft purchase agreement but also a training, logistics and simulator packages. We currently negotiate a service center construction in Poland, based on cooperation between Korea Aerospace Industries and the Polish Armaments Group. It will enable us to train pilots using own training base and service the FA-50s in Poland. The purchase of the FA-50 is part of a larger project. Building Polish Armed Forces capable to deter the aggressor. Cooperation with the Republic of Korea significantly contributes to strengthening Poland's security"

- stressed MoD head.

The Ministers of Poland and Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), under which the Joint Korean-Polish Committee (JKPC) on Cooperation in the Fields of Defense and Defense Industry will be established. After the signing of the memorandum, the first meeting of the Polish-Korean Council was held, chaired by the defense ministers of Poland and South Korea. Ultimately, the Council will consist of 6 working committees, and their main task will be to strengthen military, educational and R&D cooperation.

"Cooperation between Poland and South Korea is very close. We have appointed a committee, consisting of of 6 teams. This is a body fashioned after similar US-Korean bodies. It is to ascertain constant contact allowing to exchange our comments on cooperation. We want follow the model of Korean-American cooperation in Polish-American cooperation as well as with our Korean partner"

- said VP Baszczak during third day of his visit to South Korea.

The defense ministers of both countries also observed live fire training with the use of the K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery system and the K9 self-propelled howitzer.

"We witnessed today a show of force that is very important to our whole concept of deterrence. Coordination of activities, interoperability with the American partner, these are the features that we instill in Poland. The cooperation with South Korea smoothens this process. Korean equipment is very modern and compatible with American equipment. It gives to Poland the strength, strength that deters an aggressor. We've seen how well FA-50 work together with the F-16 and F-35. We've seen that the K2 and K9 work great with American equipment. This is what we want, this is our goal in Poland"

- stressed VP M. Baszczak fresh from live fire observation at Korean training field.

***

On September 16, 2022 in Minsk Mazowiecki, the head of the Ministry of National Defense approved 2 executive agreements for the acquisition from South Korea of FA-50 light combat aircraft in a configuration similar to that ordered by the Air Force of the Republic of Korea, together with training and logistics packages and technical support services. 12 aircraft from this contract will be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces this year.

The adopted, military equipment sequential acquisition method will allow for optimal project management, and importantly enables the rapid, i.e. already in the first stage, achievement by the Polish Armed Forces the operational and training capabilities required by reinforcing them with modern military equipment compatible with F-16 C/D Block aircraft 52+ and contracted 5th generation F-35A aircraft.

***

Additionally, for K2 Black Panther tanks' contracts with the Korean industry are being implemented; K239 Chunmoo multiple launchers and K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. The first batch of K2 tanks and K9 howitzers have already arrived in Poland.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






26th MEU Crisis Response Force Responds to FHA during C2X

US Marine Corps News

7 Jun 2023 | Cpl. Rafael BrambilaPelayo 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

PERRY, Ga. -- Elements of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a simulated foreign humanitarian assistance mission during Composite Training Unit Exercise, in Perry, Georgia, May 24-27, 2023.

An FHA is a type of mission conducted outside the U.S. and its territories to directly relieve or reduce human suffering, disease, hunger, or privation that may occur on short notice as a contingency operation to provide aid in specific crises or similar events. They include foreign disaster relief operations and other activities that directly address a humanitarian need and may also be conducted concurrently with other missions and activities such as dislocated civilian support; security operations; and international chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response.

The scenario commenced with a 7.2 magnitude earthquake which devastated the fictitious country of Amber within the 'Treasure Coast'. As Marines and Sailors, assigned to the 26th MEU Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team, arrived to the disaster site, they were surrounded by collapsed buildings, debris, and displaced persons. Aftershocks continued throughout the duration of the FHA scenario with a major aftershock measuring at a magnitude of 6.1 resulting in the collapse of the U.S. Consulate and significant casualties.

Elements of the 26th MEU provided a task-organized force consisting of essential personnel, equipment to assess the damage, debris clearing, and medical services to provide trauma aid while also establishing security to protect friendly forces and to prevent further harm to the local populace and intergovernmental agency personnel.

Forward deployed ARG/MEUs serve as the Nation's immediate response force. Time and time again, history has proven the value and utility of forward deployed Marines serving on amphibious ships. Exercises like ARGMEUEX and C2X, as seen throughout the pre-deployment training program for the BATARG / 26th MEU, provide an opportunity for the Marines and Sailors to hone their warfighting skills during collective Marine Air-Ground Task Force events centered on MEU Mission Essential Task - across the spectrum of military operations, from competition to crisis response to major combat operations.

For more than 50 years, the 26 MEU has provided highly adaptive, potent, rapid response forces capable of conducting mission across the full spectrum of military operations. Its performance as a premier Marine Air-Ground Task Force has marked the 26 MEU as "A Certain Force in an Uncertain World."

Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Response is just one of many missions the MEU is tailor made to accomplish. In 1999, the 26 MEU provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Western Turkiye after a devastating earthquake. In 2017, the MAGTF supported Defense Support of Civil Authorities relief efforts following the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Most recently, the 26th MEU rapidly deployed on the anniversary of 9/11 to Fort Pickett, Virginia to resettle more than 10,000 Afghan evacuees during OPERATION ALLIES WELCOME.

"This was a complex FHA," said Lt. Col. Luke Sauber, the Commanding Officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 22, the 26th MEU's Logistics Combat Element. "We had to ensure the safe transportation of our Marines and Sailors from aboard naval shipping, establish a security posture, and simultaneously assess the situation in order to provide the proper tools to get the job done."

Another important task for an FHA is being able to work for different agencies, such as the United States Agency for International Development, as well as, the host nation the ARG/MEU is providing aid to. Building relationships and a mutual understanding for the needs of the host nation is essential to achieve a whole-of-government endstate.

"The main lesson learned, specifically during this FHA mission is the importance of building rapport with USAID and the host nation key leaders," said U.S. Navy Lt. John Amos, a Civil Engineer Corps Officer with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, currently attached to the 26th MEU. "This allowed for the operation to run smoothly by understanding what their requirements were and to get them back and functioning as a nation. Without a habitual relationship and being able to communicate clearly to understand the needs of the host nation, we couldn't have completed this mission successfully."

The Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU have been training for several months to show their ability to perform mission essential tasks such as FHA. Throughout the intense pre-deployment training exercises, they have executed multiple non-combatant evacuation operations and military assisted departures, helicopter support training, mass casualty events like this four day FHA event.

"During the FHA I learned ways to be more proficient in my job," said Cpl. Kyle Porcaro, a heavy equipment operator with the 26th MEU's Logistics Combat Element. "I learned how to work well with other MOS' such as Infantry Marines, motor transport Marines, and other heavy equipment assets. As a result of this training, I am a better problem solver. FHA is important training and something the Marine Corps has done since the very beginning. This was quality training for all involved."

As the 26 MEU completes its final at-sea pre-deployment certification event, emerging events throughout the world highlight the importance of having forward deployed MEUs embarked aboard amphibious ships. Exercises like COMPTUEX truly showcases the relevance, flexibility, and operational capability the ARG/MEU team provides to a Geographic Combatant Commander, but in support of theater campaign objects but also as an Immediate Response Force in times of crises.

The 26th MEU serves as one of the Nation's premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the Geographic Combatant Commander. Coupled with the BATARG, the 26th MEU serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals against any adversary.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A look at the Defence news 29 May - 4 June

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

07-06-2023

Forensic investigation team home after investigation in Ukraine

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee's forensic investigation team has returned from Ukraine. Over the past few weeks, the team, numbering approximately 60 members, carried out investigations into alleged war crimes in the country.

It was the third time that a forensic investigation team has been active in Ukraine. The investigative activities were undertaken at Ukraine's request. On this occasion, nine Czech experts were also part of the team.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China pays Tibetans to receive blessings from Beijing-backed Panchen Lama

Gyaltsen Norbu was installed by Beijing after taking Tibet's chosen Panchen Lama into custody

By Sangyal Kunchok for RFA Tibetan 2023.06.07 -- The Chinese government is paying Tibetans 100 yuan (about US$14) each to attend visits and receive blessings from the man Beijing has tapped as Tibetan Buddhism's second-most important spiritual leader behind the Dalai Lama, residents in Tibet told Radio Free Asia.

Gyaltsen Norbu is the Chinese-backed Panchen Lama, and he is touring parts of the region to give his blessings - but many Tibetans consider him to be an imposter.

Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are reincarnated as children when they die. After the 1950-51 Chinese invasion and annexation of Tibet, Beijing has made an effort to influence Tibetan affairs including the selection of a spiritual successor to the 10th Panchen Lama who died in 1989.

In 1995, the exiled Dalai Lama chose 6-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima to be the 11th Panchen Lama, recognizing him as the reincarnation of his predecessor.

The Panchen Lama's responsibilities include leading a council of high lamas to find the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama after the current one dies.

The 1995 recognition of the 11th Panchen Lama by the 14th Dalai Lama angered Chinese authorities, who three days later took the boy and his family into custody. They have since disappeared.

Beijing then installed another boy, Gyaltsen (in Chinese, Gyaincain) Norbu, as their own candidate in his place.

Unpopular choice

The Panchen Lama installed by Beijing remains unpopular with Tibetans both in exile and at home because he is perceived as someone foisted on them by Beijing.

Beijing is giving out a small monetary incentive for people who receive his blessing, a Tibetan resident told RFA's Tibetan Service.

"The Chinese government has told the local Tibetans that anyone who attends and receives Gyaltsen Norbu's blessings will be rewarded with 100 yuan," the resident said. "The Chinese government has also put in lots of effort to stage Norbu's visit in Lithang and Bathang as a very grandiose and popular event."

The resident said that Gyaltsen Norbu recently completed a tour to Gyalthang (Shangri-La, in Chinese Xianggelila), Lithang (Litang), Bathang (Batang), Markham (Mangkang) and Dhapa (Daba) County in Tibet, where he visited the Gyalthang Sumtsen monastery and Lithang monastery.

China's communist leaders are using Gyaltsen Norbu to push their political agenda, said Namrata Hasija, a Research Fellow at the New Delhi-based Centre for China Analysis and Strategy.

"The Chinese government's effort and attempt in forcing Tibetans into embracing Gyaltsen Norbu has gone futile because other than just a Buddhist monk Tibetans don't consider and revere him as the Panchen Lama," she said.

The visit is the third by the Chinese-backed Panchen Lama and the atmosphere is slightly different from his last visit in 2021, another resident said.

"In July 2021, Tibetans were forced to attend and receive his blessings and there were tight restrictions in those areas where he was," the second resident said. "Restrictions are not as severe this time compared to his last visit and also there were only a handful of Tibetans who went to see Gyaltsen Norbu in Bathang and Lithang."

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Cambodia threatens fines, prison for those urging election boycott

The warning comes after the main opposition party was excluded from the July 23 national vote.

By RFA Khmer 2023.06.07 -- Cambodia's election authority has threatened fines and prison terms for those who urge a boycott of July 23 national elections, while Western diplomats voiced concern over the exclusion of the main opposition party from the vote.

The National Election Committee said in a statement Tuesday that those who "urge voters not to go to vote, recreate mistrust in the election and disturb the electoral process" could face fines of between 5 million-20 million riels (US$1,200-4,800) and prison terms. It did not specify the possible length of prison term.

The committee said that there had been leaflets, pictures and video clips distributed on social media urging voters not to vote or to destroy their ballots because the opposition Candlelight Party, or CLP, isn't allowed to contest the election.

The committee last month excluded the CLP on a technicality - although it was allowed to contest commune elections just last year. The ruling meant Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party won't have any major challengers on the ballot next month.

On Monday, French Ambassador Jacques Pellet and German Ambassador Stefan Messerer met with Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Kheng to register their concern over the party's exclusion and to call for free, transparent and multiparty elections.

"They expressed their concerns about the CLP's absence from this important democratic exercise," Noemie Pinta, press counselor at the French Embassy in Cambodia, wrote in an email to RFA Khmer.

"The absence of the main opposition party can only undermine the democratic nature of the vote," she said. "France will continue to call for the holding of free, transparent, pluralistic elections in accordance with the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements and the Cambodian Constitution."

The peace agreements ended more than 20 years of conflict and internal strife that laid waste to Cambodia, and provided a framework for democracy, later recognized in the country's constitution. However, Hun Sen, who has led Cambodia since 1985, has shrunk space for dissent.

In the run-up to this July's vote, his government has used a combination of legal action, threats and harassment to target the political opposition, independent media and civil society groups. He's also co-opted former opposition supporters and activists to ensure the continuing dominance of his Cambodian People's Party, which currently holds all the National Assembly seats after the last flawed elections in 2018.

At Monday's meeting with the ambassadors, Sar Kheng, who is also deputy prime minister, stressed the maintenance of public order and a secure, nonviolent electoral environment for the upcoming election, The Phnom Penh Post reported.

The Candlelight Party is vowing to continue political activities although it is excluded from the election. In response to the NEC statement, it said it's not a crime if voters don't cast ballots.

"Voters have the full right to decide whether they want to vote or not without any pressures, threats or incitements from any political parties," the party said in a statement.

Kang Savang, a coordinator with the independent Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia, or Comfrel, agreed, saying that Cambodians have the right to choose parties that they like, and voting is not an obligation.

The United States has said it is "deeply troubled" by Cambodian authorities barring the CLP and does not plan to send official observers for the elections on the grounds that experts say the vote won't be free or fair.

Translated by Samean Yun for RFA Khmer. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Mat Pennington.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Belgrade To Prod Ethnic Serbs In North Kosovo To Vote In Elections

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 07, 2023

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he will try to use his influence to persuade Serbs in northern Kosovo to take part in elections, the U.S. envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, told journalists on June 7 in Belgrade.

Escobar was speaking after he and the EU's special envoy for dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak. held talks with Kosovar and Serbian leaders in Pristina and Belgrade.

The U.S. and EU envoys were trying to ease tensions in northern Kosovo over the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors that triggered clashes last week between ethnic Serbs and NATO peacekeepers, leaving dozens -- including the peacekeepers -- injured.

The ethnic Albanian mayors were installed with the help of Kosovar police in three towns with an overwhelming ethnic Serbian majority -- Zvecan, Leposaviq, and Zubin Potok -- following by-elections in April with a turnout of under 3.5 percent amid a boycott by ethnic Serbs.

"We must immediately de-escalate the situation. This means that we hope the [ethnic Albanian] mayors will not try to [enter] the municipal buildings and [Kosovar] police units will withdraw -- but we want to be sure that [ethnic Serb] protesters will also withdraw," Escobar said.

The West has increased diplomatic pressure on Kosovo to reduce tensions in the northern part of the country and organize new local elections.

"If there are new elections, and we hope there will be, we want Serbs to participate in them without preconditions," said Escobar.

He added that the biggest challenge for the authorities in Belgrade is to convince the local Serbs in the north of Kosovo to return to the institutions, and that it must be ensured that the representatives of the Serbs who participate in the elections and institutions in Kosovo are "welcome."

The U.S. envoy also warned that Kosovo has to ensure that Serb-majority municipalities in its northern part enjoy greater autonomy if it wants to make progress toward eventual NATO and EU integration.

Kosovo is a majority ethnic Albanian former Serbian province. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but Serbia as well as its traditional ally, Russia, has refused to recognize it.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-vucic-serbs- vote-elections/32448738.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Romania to Hold Chemical, Biological, Nuclear Defense Exercises on Thursday - Bucharest

Sputnik News

20230607

CHISINAU, (Sputnik) - Romania will host a NATO battlegroup-supported multinational exercise on protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats dubbed Resolute Eagle on June 8, the Romanian National Defense ministry said on Tuesday.

"The Resolute Eagle multinational chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense exercise will be held on Thursday, June 8, at the Joint National Training Center in [the commune of] Cincu, Brasov County," the ministry said on the website.

The exercise focuses on improving interoperability among NATO forces and building defense expertise. About 70 Romanian, French and Polish soldiers with 14 tactical vehicles will participate in the drills.

A French chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense platoon will be deployed to Cincu as part of a multinational battlegroup for the first time and will provide decontamination of personnel and equipment within the group.

The NATO Forward Presence Battlegroup in Romania was established in May 2022 and consists of troops from France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The combat group's purpose is to deter and defend the alliance's eastern flank. Its current armaments include light armored vehicles and tanks.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

GCC Secretariat

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

June 7, 2023

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you very, very much, and it's really wonderful to be with all of our colleagues today. And I thank each and every one of you for joining. Sayyid Badr, thank you for your leadership of the council. It's greatly appreciated. And let me also recognize the newly appointed GCC secretary general. We will miss having Sayyid[1] in Washington, but look forward to our partnership and friendship through the GCC.

As President Biden affirmed when he was in Jeddah just a year ago, the United States is in this region to stay, and we remain deeply invested in partnering with all of you to build the brightest and strongest possible future for the Middle East. And indeed, the GCC is at the core of our vision for a Middle East that is more stable, more secure, more prosperous, more integrated.

Together we are working to achieve a durable resolution to the conflict in Yemen and bring desperately needed relief to millions of Yemenis. We continue to counter Iran's destabilizing behavior, including its nuclear escalation and recent seizures of oil tankers in international waters. We're combating terrorism throughout the Middle East and around the world, a topic that also brings us to Riyadh this week. And we're determined to find a political solution in Syria that maintains its unity and sovereignty, that meets the aspirations of its people, that complies with international law, that upholds the core principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

We share a commitment to lowering Israeli-Palestinian tensions, maintaining a horizon of hope, and working toward a two-state solution. And we're also collaborating with countries in the region to widen and deepen the normalization of relations with Israel. Responding to the latest crisis in Sudan, we're continuing to push to silence the guns, to press for humanitarian access, to help the Sudanese people realize their demands for a transition to democracy.

But I think one point of emphasis for us is that our engagement with you, with our partners, our engagement in the Gulf, is not solely defined by the challenges that we're facing, as acute as they may be. Together, the United States and the GCC are pursuing an affirmative agenda for the region and beyond - infrastructure development, climate mitigation, health security, food security. In these and other areas we're advancing shared priorities that have the potential to diversify economies, to build greater resilience, and ultimately deliver practical results for our people.

If you just look at the green tech revolution which our countries are accelerating through research and investment in clean energy, smart grids, critical minerals, desalinization. COP 28 - which, of course, the UAE will host this November - is an opportunity to showcase the Middle East's significant advances and ambitious plans to transition to clean energy and investments in climate-smart agriculture that will both help tackle the climate crisis but also strengthen food security, which is an acute need around the world. As we transition to this greener future, it's important that we build out existing energy infrastructure as well, and we applaud the remarkable strides that you've made linking GCC power grids to Iraq, as one example.

We're also continuing to deepen our science and technology cooperation beyond the energy sector, including through joint research initiatives, university-commercial partnerships, and cutting-edge collaboration in areas like data sharing, biotech, and outer space. And I simply want to thank you all on behalf of President Biden, on behalf of the United States, for your partnership, and very much look forward to discussing what more we can do in the spirit of the GCC's charter to further coordination, to further cooperation, to further integration across the Gulf.

# # #

[1] Jasem Albudaiwi

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page..
Al-Shabab Attacks Ethiopia Military Base in Somalia

By Harun Maruf, Adan Mohamed Salad June 07, 2023

Ethiopia says its forces in Somalia thwarted an al-Shabab attack on a base Wednesday in the Somali town of Doolow.

"The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) stopped the attackers in their tracks before they could wreak havoc," Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted.

It added: "The ENDF neutralised suicide bombers and destroyed weapons to be used by the terrorist group."

Earlier, residents in Doolow reported that two explosions targeted an Ethiopian military base outside the town on Wednesday, just after 10 a.m. local time.

A resident who did not want to be identified for security reasons said the first explosion occurred at a checkpoint for the entrance of the base, while the second explosion took place away from the location of the first one.

A purported video clip recorded by a second resident shows a white plume of smoke rising from the site of the first explosion. As the witness recorded, the sound of the second explosion could be heard.

Ethiopia keeps thousands of troops in Somalia to fight al-Shabab and protect its border. The troops serve as part of the Africa Union (AU) mission to support the Somali government. Ethiopia also has non-AU forces based on a bilateral agreement with the Somali government, to fight al-Shabab and protect its border.

In a statement, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they sent two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices driven by suicide bombers.

The government-owned Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported that the first vehicle exploded at the entrance of the base, causing "significant damage" and injuring four soldiers.

Osman Nuh Haji, a Somali regional security official, denied the report, telling VOA Somali that there were no casualties among soldiers or civilians, and that troops destroyed a vehicle before it reached the base.

He said a car with explosives approached the base manned by Somali and Ethiopian forces.

"The checkpoint is far from the base. When the car failed to stop, the soldiers fired shots in order to stop it," Haji said. "When that did not succeed and they realized that it's carrying explosives they destroyed it with a missile."

The base is located at the town's airport. Haji said the vehicle's intention was to enter the base and the airport and to cause maximum damage to the troops and planes.

Tigist Geme contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 07 June 2023 - Day 469

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that the Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam partially failed just before 0300hrs local time on 06 June 2023. By 1200hrs, the entire eastern portion of the dam and much of the hydro and utilities infrastructure was swept away. The water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir was at a record high before the collapse, resulting in a particularly high volume of water inundating the area downstream.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which sits 120km away from the dam, is highly unlikely to face immediate additional safety issues as a result of the dropping water levels in the reservoir.

The dam's structure is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of June 7th, Russian forces carried out 28 airstrikes, launched about 20x MLRS attacks on Ukrainian settlements and Ukrainian Defense Forces. Unfortunately, civilians suffered and some infrastructure wasdamaged.

The threat of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine.

Russia continues to focus its main efforts on attempts to completely occupy the Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts. During the day, 21x combat clashes took place.

Volyn' and Polissya axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russians launched an airstrike in the vicinities of Strelcha, Kharkiv Oblast. They shelled the settlements of Galaganivka, Leonivka, Chernihiv Oblast; Novovasylivka, Volfine, Rozhkovichi, Vovkivka, Yablunivka in the Sumy Oblast, as well as Udy, Veterinarne, Graniv, Morokhovets, Ternova, Staritsa, Vovchans'k, Hatishche, Pokalyan, Budarky, Zemlianka, Zarubinka, Chugunivka, and Milove in the Kharkiv Oblast.

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces carried out airstrikes in the Kislivka area, Kharkiv Oblast, and Stelmakhivka, Luhansk Oblast. Kam'ianka, Topoli, Krasne Pershe, Petro-Ivanivka, Figolivka, Novomlyns'k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kindrashivka, Kislivka, Tabaivka, Berestov in Kharkiv Oblast and Novoselivs'ke in Luhansk were shelled by artillery and mortars.

Lyman axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the Vesely area of the Donetsk Oblast. Carried out airstrikes near Yampolivka, Belogorivka, Sivers'k, Zvanivka, Spirnyi, Vesely, and Nikiforivka in the Donetsk Oblast. Makiivka, Nevs'ke, Bilogorivka of the Luhansk Oblast and Verkhn'okam'ians'ke, Tors'ke, Spirne, Rozdolivka of the Donetsk Oblast were shelled by artillery.

Bakhmut axis: the Russian forces carried out offensive operationss near Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Ivanivskyi, and Pivnichne, albeit without success. They carried out an airstrike near Dilyivka, Donetsk Oblast. Vasyukivka, Orihovo-Vasylivka, Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanovs'ke, Stupochki, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Bila Hora, Torets'k, Pivnichne of Donetsk Oblast were affected by Russian artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: Russian forces made an unsuccessful offensive. At the same time, they carried out airstrikes within Avdiivka. Russians also shelled Berdychi, Stepove, Avdiivka, Pervomais'ke and Karlivka settlements of the Donetsk Oblast.

Mar'inka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 9x Russian attacks in the vicinities of Mar'inka. Russians launched an airstrike in the Krasnohorivka area. Hostre, Maksimilianivka, Georgiivka, Mar'inka, Pobyeda, and Novomykhailivka of the Donetsk Oblast were shelled by artillery.

Shakhtars'k axis: the Russian occupiers launched airstrikes in the vicinities of Prechistivka and Shakhtars'ke. They shelled Vugledar, Shakhtars'ke, Zolota Niva and Vremivka in the Donetsk Oblast.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: Russian forces are on the defensive. They carried out airstrikes in the Novopil' in the Donetsk Oblast and Olhivskyi and Poltavka in Zaporizhzhia. The adversary shelled Burlats'ke, Novosilka, Novopil', Temyrivka settlements of the Donetsk Oblast; Olhivs'ke, Poltavka, Hulyaipole, Charivne, Biloghirya, Novoandriivka, Shcherbaki, Stepove and Kam'ians'ke of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast; Nikopol', Dnipropetrovs'k Oblast; Beryslav, Vesele, Tokarivka, Sadove, Bilozerka of the Kherson Oblast and the city of Kherson.

The Russian Federation does not care about the problems of the local population in the occupied territories, it is capable of any crimes and large-scale destruction. Thus, after Russian terrorists blew up the dam of the Kakhovskaya HPP, the residents of the Kozachi Lageri village, who found themselves in the flooding zone, did not wait for help from the so-called occupying authorities and tried to leave the partially flooded settlement on their own. However, russian servicemen, while being intoxicated, blocked all possible ways to leave the city and forbade evacuation.

At the same time, in the city of Hola Prystan, the Russian occupiers drive the owners of two-story buildings out of their apartments and settle in them themselves. The Russian forces invaders set up firing positions on the roofs of these buildings.

Ukrainian Air Force conducted 15x strikes on manpower concentrations and 2x strikes on Russian forces' anti-aircraft missile systems.

Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed 4x Russian reconnaissance UAVs.

Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit 4x coomand posts, 1x concentration of Russian troops, weapons and military equipment, 3x ammunition depots, 2x anti-aircraft missile systems and 1x Russian radar station.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine, having failed to achieve the offensive objectives and suffered significant losses in South Donetsk direction, made the attempts to break the defence of Russian troops in Donetsk direction close to Artyomovsk.

The active actions of the Yug Group of Forces successfully repelled eight attempted assaults by the 56th Motorised Infantry Brigade and the 57th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU forward Yagodnoye, Dubovo-Vasilyevka, the western outskirts of Artyomovsk, Andreevka and Orekhovo-Vasilyovka, and also by the 24th Mechanised and the 3rd Assault brigades near Klescheevka.

The enemy haven't achieved the objective of the offensive. No incursion into Russian defence has been allowed.

The enemy losses were up to 415 Ukrainian servicemen, two tanks, nine armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system and one Msta-B howitzer.

Three enemy attacks by two battalion-strength tactical groups have been repelled by the attacks of aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery, and the actions of the Vostok Group of Forces close forward Vremevka close to Neskuchnoye (Donetsk People's Republic) and Levadnoye (Zaporozhye region).

In addition, an attack by an AFU assault unit has been repelled near Novodonetskoye (Donetsk People's Republic) . The settlement is under the control of the Russian Armed Forces.

As a result of the shelling, most of the armoured vehicles of an AFU convoy have been destroyed towards Oktyabr state farm. The servicemen who remained on the move retreated to the initial line.

In total, in South Donetsk direction, the enemy losses were over 190 Ukrainian servicemen, 8 tanks, including two French-manufactured AMX-10 wheeled tanks, 20 armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, D-20 and D-30 howitzers, and one Giatsint-B.

One ammunition depot of the AFU 128th Mountain Assault Brigade and one U.S.-manufactured AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar station have been destroyed near Omelnik and Gulyaypole (Zaporozhye region).

In Kupyansk direction, the attacks, launched by aviation, as well as the artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces, have resulted in the neutralisation of the enemy units close to Novomlynsk, Kulagovka, Kislovka, Pershotravnyovoye (Kharkov region), and Stelmakhovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

The activities of three Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have been suppressed close to Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were over 50 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles and one U.S.-manufactured Paladin self-propelled artillery system.

In Krasny Liman direction, the attacks, launched by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems of the Tsentr Group of Forces, have resulted in the neutralisation of the AFU units close to Ploshanka, Karmazinovka, Chervonaya Dibrova, Kuzmino (Lugansk People's Republic) and Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The activities of two Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have been disrupted in Serebryansky forestry area.

The enemy losses were over 70 Ukrainian servicemen, two infantry fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system and one D-20 howitzer.

In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 60 Ukrainian servicemen, five armoured fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one Msta-B howitzer.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 93 artillery units of the AFU at their firing positions, manpower and military hardware at 137 areas.

Command and observation posts of the 67th Mechanised and 44th Artillery brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been hit close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic) and Novoivanovka (Zaporozhye region).

Two fuel storage of the AFU 110th Mechanised Brigade has been destroyed near Avdeyevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Air defence facilities have shot down one AFU Su-27 fighter close to Nikiforovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

One Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter has been shot down near Lubitskoye (Zaporozhye region).

Air defence have intercepted 24 projectiles of HIMARS, Uragan and Olga multiple-launch rocket systems.

In addition, 22 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been intercepted close to Donetsk, Verkhnetoretskoye, Gornyak (Donetsk People's Republic), Verkhnekamenka, Kremennaya, Makeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic), Ilchenkovo, Inzhenernoye (Zaporozhye region), Sadovoye and Golaya Pristan (Kherson Region).

In total, 438 airplanes, 238 helicopters, 4,527 unmanned aerial vehicles, 424 air defence missile systems, 9,643 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,119 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,034 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 10,771 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pakistan-China-Iran Trilateral Consultation on Counter Terrorism and Security

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The first meeting of Pakistan-China-Iran Trilateral Consultation on counter terrorism and security was held at Directors General level on 7 June 2023 in Beijing, China. Mr. Abdul Hameed, Director General (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Bai Tian, Director General of the Department of External Security Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and Seyed Rasoul Mosavi, Assistant to the Foreign Minister and Director General of South Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, led their respective delegations.

The delegations held detailed discussions on the regional security situation, particularly the threat of terrorism faced by the region. Based on the outcome of these consultations, they decided to institutionalize the Trilateral Consultations on counter terrorism and security for which further details will be worked out.

Director General Abdul Hameed, the Head of Pakistan delegation, and Director General Syed Rasoul Mosavi, the Head of Iranian delegation, also called on Assistant Foreign Minister of China Nong Rong.

Islamabad

7 June 2023

104/2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. Department of State Announces a Reward Offer for Swedish Transnational Criminal

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

June 7, 2023

Today, the State Department is announcing a reward offer of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Swedish national Maximilian Rivkin for conspiring to participate in or attempting to participate in transnational organized crime. Specifically, Rivkin was administrator and influencer of an encrypted communication service used by criminals worldwide. His communications on the platform implicated him in several nefarious activities, including his alleged participation in drug trafficking, money laundering, murder conspiracy and other violent acts.

This reward offer is being announced jointly with the Swedish Police Authority, who charged Rivkin with narcotics smuggling and trafficking. He was also indicted and charged by a U.S. federal grand jury with international racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking and money laundering. This joint reward offer reinforces the U.S. efforts to disrupt and deter transnational criminal activity globally and to build a global coalition to address synthetic drug threats. Transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking threatens economic prosperity and challenges the stability of governments and societies around the world. The United States stands with our allies against transnational organized crime and its associated violence across the globe.

# # #

Any information in response to the reward offers should be directed to the FBI by e-mail at SD_Rivkin_Reward@fbi.gov . Additionally, tips may be provided by email to the Swedish Police Authority at efterlyst@polisen.se. For more information on Rivkin, please visit the TOCRP webpage.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China Hosts Rare Counterterrorism Talks With Iran, Pakistan

By Ayaz Gul June 07, 2023

China, Iran and Pakistan held their first trilateral counterterrorism and regional security consultations on Wednesday in Beijing.

"The delegations held detailed discussions on the regional security situation, particularly the threat of terrorism faced by the region," said a post-meeting statement in Islamabad, which shared no further details.

The Pakistani and Chinese foreign ministries said the three nations had decided to institutionalize and hold the meeting regularly.

Senior Chinese, Pakistani and Iranian counterterrorism officials, each from their respective foreign ministries, led their teams at Wednesday's dialogue.

Analysts said Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province was likely an essential agenda item. The natural resources-rich but impoverished region is central to a multibillion-dollar Chinese-funded program, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"The establishment of a trilateral security mechanism between China, Pakistan and Iran reflects their shared concerns regarding security in Baluchistan," observed Baqir Sajjad, a Pakistan fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington.

Sajjad said stability in Baluchistan was crucial to successfully implementing CPEC projects there.

"Collaboration among these countries can potentially contribute to improved regional security and counter the activities of insurgents who find refuge in Iran," he said.

Baluchistan, a Pakistani province bordering Iran, has long experienced a low-level insurgency, led by outlawed ethnic Baluch groups.

Islamabad alleges insurgents use sanctuaries on Iranian soil to orchestrate cross-border attacks in their bid to subvert CPEC, an extension of China's global Belt and Road Initiative. Iranian authorities deny the presence of Baluch militants on their soil.

CPEC has built road networks and power plants across Pakistan and to the Arabian Sea deep-water Gwadar port in Baluchistan.

Baluch insurgents oppose CPEC, alleging it is helping Pakistan's efforts to deprive the local population of the region's natural resources. They have carried out deadly attacks against Chinese nationals working on the projects in Baluchistan.

China and Pakistan reject the charges as baseless and maintain the mega development project is bringing economic prosperity to the poverty-stricken province and Pakistan at large.

Baluchistan abuts Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province, where Iranian security forces are battling domestic Sunni-based militants blamed for deadly attacks in the predominantly Shiite Muslim country.

Tehran alleges Islamabad is not doing enough to prevent militants from conducting cross-border terrorism into Iran, charges that Pakistani officials reject.

Last month, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to the nearly 900-kilometer border between the two countries, where they jointly inaugurated a rare marketplace and power transmission line.

While speaking at the ceremony, both leaders vowed to expand bilateral economic and border security cooperation.

China has also boosted economic collaboration with Iran. The countries signed a 25-year strategic partnership agreement in March 2021. However, according to Iranian officials, the document contained no specific commitments on investment or security.

Pakistan, Iran and China are also concerned about growing terrorist attacks in neighboring Afghanistan. The violence is mostly claimed by Islamic State's regional affiliate, Islamic State Khorasan.

The three countries have stepped up diplomatic engagement with the conflict-ravaged country's Taliban rulers to help them tackle the threat and bring economic stability to Afghanistan.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






American Extremists Serving as 'Sources of Inspiration,' Says Counterterror Official

By Jeff Seldin June 07, 2023

There is a sense among senior U.S. counterterrorism officials that the actions of a handful of Americans are helping to drive the growth of racist and far-right extremist groups around the world.

Specifically, these officials point to mass shootings and other high-profile attacks in the United States, which have helped to turn the perpetrators into martyrs for like-minded groups and individuals.

"I don't want to put up a number on it or anything. I can't quantify it," U.S. Homeland Security Counterterrorism Coordinator Nicholas Rasmussen told a virtual security conference Tuesday.

"But unfortunately, it happens far too often, where Americans or people in the United States who carried out these horrific events, or attacks, do serve as inspiration and contribute to radicalization in other parts of the world," he said. "Their names, their belief systems show up in the writings or utterances of attackers who engage in that kind of activity overseas."

The concern is not new; researchers, Western officials and even some former U.S. lawmakers have for years shared apprehensions that U.S.-based groups have played a critical role in the spread of racist and far-right ideologies.

The U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League, for example, noted in 2019 that Dylan Roof, convicted for the murder of nine people during a racially motivated shooting at a church in South Carolina in 2015, was being lionized on right-wing internet forums.

More recently, former State Department Counterterrorism Coordinator Nathan Sales warned U.S. lawmakers that American white supremacists in particular are altering the threat landscape.

"What happens in the United States influences what happens overseas and what happens overseas influences attacks in the United States," Sales said. "These extremist networks are talking to one another."

One former congressman, Max Rose, went as far as to warn that U.S. white supremacist extremists are exporting far-right creeds in almost the same way that radical imams in parts of the Middle East exported the jihadist ideologies that fueled terror groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

But while those terror groups remain a threat, Rasmussen warned Tuesday that they have been overtaken, when it comes to the danger on U.S. soil, by domestic extremists, including those espousing white supremacist ideology.

"The balance has shifted pretty dramatically," he told the Center for New American Security's 2023 National Security Conference.

"It's the domestic extremism set of threats that now are greater in volume, frequency and even lethality in the current environment, and that's source of deep concern," he said.

Worries in Canada

Like their U.S. counterparts, Canadian officials are also expressing concern.

"Since 2014 we've had attacks that have killed 26 people, wounded 46 others in seven separate events that we would term IMVE [ideologically motivated violent extremism], so this has been a top-of-mind issue," said Lesley Soper, director general of national security policy for the Canadian Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

"We've come to understand about this particular outlook is that it can be drawn from a wide range of grievances and ideas from across the political spectrum, and it's animated, of course, by technology," she told the conference Tuesday.

Soper said online forums like YouTube channels, gaming platforms and other spaces continue to give racially motivated extremists room to gather and grow.

"We haven't made the inroads past some of the key Western-held platforms to really break the back of, slowing down the circulation of terrorist content online that are really continuing to drive radicalization," she said. "There is like a shared accountability that needs to be taken up with [a] little more fervor by technology platforms."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Reporting on Serbian Leader's Links to Criminal Groups Raises Questions for US

By Dino Jahic June 08, 2023

In early May, The New York Times Magazine published an in-depth story about Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic with details about his alleged connections with a criminal group that is being prosecuted for a range of crimes including drug trafficking and murder.

The story drew broad attention internationally, not just in the Balkans where local investigative outlets have reported many of the same allegations, which Vucic denies.

The State Department declined to comment on the merit of the allegations in the story, however at least one high-ranking State Department official shared the story on social media. And the allegations were raised last month during a congressional hearing about the Western Balkans.

Outside analysts though have been vocal.

"It's a shocking and horrific story that the highest levels of government are so intertwined with criminal enterprises. I think we have seen this in enough other nations that it is a growing concern, the conflation between authoritarian governments and criminal networks," Gary Kalman, executive director of Transparency International USA, told VOA's Serbian Service.

"It's terrible. It's too bad," said Susan Rose-Ackerman, professor of law and political science at Yale University, who co-authored the book "Corruption and Government." She told VOA that connections between people in political power and organized crime create an extreme version of political corruption.

The Times story reported that the connections between police and the criminal group, led by a soccer hooligan Veljko Belivuk, nicknamed Trouble, were well documented. The story also claimed "there is little doubt that Belivuk and his gang are in prison because Europol cracked the code" of the phone-messaging app through which they communicated.

Author Robert Worth reported that Belivuk testified in court that "his gang had been organized 'for the need and by the order of Aleksandar Vucic.'" He added that the group, among others, used to intimidate political rivals and prevent fans at soccer games from chanting against Vucic.

Worth also wrote that he is skeptical that Vucic was unaware of all the groups did since Vucic "now exercises near-total control over almost every aspect of public life" in Serbia.

International context

Vucic has been in politics since the 1990s. He served as information minister to Slobodan Milosevic, where he led a crackdown on the press, and he publicly voiced support for Serbian war criminals.

His Serbian Progressive Party has now been in power for more than 10 years, during which he was also a prime minister.

Vucic's spokespeople declined Worth's requests for comments, but in an interview for pro-government Happy TV in Serbia, Vucic said that the "preposterous New York Times story was ordered" and that he understands it as a message during the dialogue about normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, which Serbia has never recognized.

"I know how they do it," said Vucic for Happy TV. "You know, CIA sets you up, CIA watches you, if you don't behave well and don't listen, this is only the beginning."

It has become common practice in past years that Serbian authorities denote any criticism as treason, conspiracy against the country or a plot to overthrow the government.

Both Worth and The New York Times denied such allegations.

VOA interviewees noted that the most significant aspect of the story was the fact that it was published in English, in a reputable outlet with a great number of readers.

"It is an exposA of Aleksandar Vucic and his government. And it put it in an international context, given that it's The New York Times," Tanya Domi, professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, told VOA. "Everybody is reading this."

Is Serbia a reliable partner for the United States?

"Is this reporting credible?" Senator Bob Menendez asked the State Department's counselor Derek Chollet during a May hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about U.S. policy toward the Western Balkans, referencing the Times story.

"We believe it is. I can't speak to the specifics of the article, but there is absolutely a lot of corruption," replied Chollet, with Gabriel Escobar, State Department deputy assistant secretary, sitting next to him.

"So what are the real prospects for a reliable partner in Serbia with that background?" Menendez asked.

"We're doing this with eyes open, but we are holding Vucic to account and his colleagues to account for their corruption, for their behavior and activity," said Chollet, noting that corruption is a major issue in the whole region.

But in an interview for VOA's Bosnian Service, Kurt Bassuener, senior associate at the Democratization Policy Council, pointed out that the U.S. has not sanctioned any Vucic administration official for corruption as it has done in some neighboring countries.

"They essentially dodged it," Bassuener said of State Department officials. "They didn't deal with any of the substance. And I think that's emblematic of the overarching policy, which is pacification toward the region."

Domi believes the United States and the West are pursuing the idea that Serbia is "a stabilizing force in the region." But if the goal of such foreign policy toward the Western Balkans is to draw Serbia closer to the West and further from Russia, Domi says there is no proof such a strategy works.

Serbia is one of the rare European countries that has not introduced sanctions against Russia, and there is a strong pro-Russian sentiment in the country.

Transparency International's Kalman said Washington's strategy with Serbia could shift in the future.

"I think there is a possibility that the U.S., given sort of Serbia's role and where it sits in the world, that they might put some pressure on to try and improve things in Serbia," he said.

"How far they push and whether or not they are concerned that the Serbian government will start an alliance with countries and interests that the U.S. counter to their national security, and so then they back up. I don't know the answer to that question," Kalman said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's largest solid propellant rocket fires 26 satellites into orbit, setting country's new record

Global Times

By Fan Wei and Fan Anqi Published: Jun 07, 2023 10:33 PM

China launched its largest solid propellant rocket Lijian-1 on Wednesday, successfully sending 26 satellites into preset orbit and setting the country's new record for launching multiple satellites in one go. The satellites will mainly provide commercial remote sensing information services.

The Wednesday launch marks the second flight of Lijian-1, indicating the maturity of the solid propellant rocket's technology and the continuous improvement of its reliability, which can further boost the commercialization of China's launch vehicles.

In an exclusive interview with the Global Times, chief engineer assistant on Lijian-1 Shi Xiaoning said he was quite confident about the rocket as its reliability has been verified. But he was still concerned about the separation of satellites from the rocket.

"This time, there were more satellites to send and we not only needed to ensure that each of them could be successfully separated, but also ensure the accuracy of the satellite's orbit insertion, which was quite challenging," Shi said. "Therefore, we closely monitored data for each satellite separation, but in the end we accurately delivered each satellite to the designated orbit."

Lijian-1 made its maiden flight on July 27, 2022, successfully sending six satellites into their preset orbits. According to its developer, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the 2.65-meter-diameter and 30-meter-long new rocket is the largest of its kind in China.

It has achieved breakthroughs in six key technologies and utilized 13 domestic technologies for the first time, enriching China's spectrum of solid carrier rocket launch capabilities and making significant contributions to the technological transformation of China's carrier rocket industry.

Lijian-1 is a four-stage launch vehicle weighing 135 tons at launch with a thrust of 200 tons. It is capable of sending payloads of 1,500 kilograms into 500-kilometer Sun-synchronous orbits (SSO). Prior to that, the capacity of Chinese commercial space rockets in SSO was below 1,000 kilograms.

For the next step, the rocket developer Guangzhou Zhongke Aerospace Exploration Technology Co (CAS Space) will continue to enrich the spectrum of China's solid propellant launch vehicles. In addition to building a sea launch platform for Lijian-1, a new solid rocket with a diameter of 3.5 meters is also under development, the Global Times has learned.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Launny's crew bids emotional farewell

7 June 2023

Ship's company, VIPs and onlookers said farewell to 15-year-old HMAS Launceston, as the vessel was decommissioned at HMAS Coonwarra in Darwin on June 1.

Launceston is the latest Armidale-class patrol boat to be decommissioned, and has conducted a wide variety of operations alongside Australian Border Force, Australian Fisheries and the Australian Federal Police.

Commanding Officer Launceston Lieutenant Commander Adrian Hicks said he felt privileged to be ship's final commanding officer.

"This is my first command and I have been blessed to take over such an excellent crew and platform," he said.

"It will be an emotional day when it comes alongside for the final time."

The vessel has sailed more than 471,000 nautical miles and has visited many ports, including Brunei, Cebu, Makkasar, Zemboanga, Langkawi, Jakarta, Raratonga and Singapore.

Patrol boats are at the heart of the ADF's contribution to Operation Sovereign Borders and a key arm of Operation Resolute.

Navy is undertaking a transition from the existing Armidale-class patrol boats and Cape-class patrol boats to 12 Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels.

The new patrol vessels will provide a significant increase in capability over the patrol boats they will replace, and will enhance Australia's capacity to patrol its maritime territory and near region.

Able Seaman Darcy Limbach, a sailor on board Launceston, said it was difficult to say goodbye to the ship.

"It means the end of a rewarding, professional and personal journey - one where I've made life-long friendships and memories," Able Seaman Limbach said.

"It will be sad to no longer see the 'Launny' name around the fleet."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Belarusian Leader Pardons Russian Jailed After Forced Landing Of Commercial Flight

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service June 07, 2023

MINSK -- Authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka has pardoned Sofia Sapega, a Russian citizen who was serving a six-year prison term in Belarus on charges related to civil disturbances that followed a disputed 2020 presidential election.

Sapega was handed to a delegation from Russia's Far Eastern region of Primorye on June 7 after she was released from prison following Lukashenka's decree pardoning her, the BelTA state news agency said.

She thanked Lukashenka for pardoning her, allowing her to return home, and giving her a second chance, according to BelTA.

Earlier reports said the Russian and Belarusian authorities had agreed to allow Sapega to serve her prison term in Russia.

Sapega and her then-boyfriend, dissident blogger Raman Pratasevich, were detained after their commercial flight from Athens to Vilnius was forced to land in Minsk in May 2021.

Sapega was accused of administering a channel on Telegram that published the personal data of Belarusian security forces. She was sentenced in May 2022.

Belarus said it had ordered the plane to land after an anonymous bomb threat. Evidence later revealed Belarusian officials conspired to fake the bomb threat as a pretense for diverting the plane so they could detain the two.

Pratasevich, who fled Belarus in 2019, worked as an editor at the Poland-based Nexta Live channel on Telegram that extensively covered the violent crackdown on unprecedented protests in Belarus following an August 2020 presidential election that the opposition and Western governments say was stolen by Lukashenka, who has run the country with an iron fist since 1994.

Last month, Pratasevich told journalists he had received a pardon from Lukashenka.

In early May, a Minsk court sentenced Pratasevich to eight years in prison, and his co-defendants, Stsyapan Putsila and Yan Rudzik, who were tried in absentia, to 20 years and 19 years in prison respectively, on charges stemming from their online coverage of the 2020 anti-Lukashenka protests.

Lukashenka has denied stealing the election and has since cracked down hard on the opposition, whose leading members were either jailed or forced to flee the country in fear of their safety.

With reporting by BelTA

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-sapega- pardon-russia/32449137.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Remarks from Minister Anand at CANSEC 2023

National Defence

Speech

June 5, 2023

Introduction

Good morning. I cannot believe it has been a year since our last CADSI conference. I want to take my hat off to Christyn Cianfarani. What a fantastic speech that was. Let's hear it for her - oh my goodness.

And the whole CADSI team for putting on a fantastic conference year after year, 25 years in fact this conference has been going on, 900 people in this room. 13,000 delegates will go through these halls over the course of this conference. It's a fantastic show from the defence community to come together like this and I thank you for organizing the state-of-the-art conference that you do. Thank you so much.

At the last conference I had been Defence Minister for about seven months and Russia had illegally invaded Ukraine three months into my tenure. Now we're a year later and I've met with many of you. I've interacted, I've had the chance to see your work firsthand. I just want to say first and foremost it's an absolute privilege to work with you, our industry partners.

Before we begin today, I'd like to say that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg peoples. And today and everyday, we reaffirm our commitment to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples - our key partners in the defence of this country.

So, I know from experience that events like CANSEC enable you to share knowledge, promote innovation and develop creative solutions to our most pressing challenges.

What I want to talk about today with all of you is modernization, modernizing Canada's military and building a Defence Team that is ready for tomorrow.

Times of changeaas Christyn pointed out in her speechatimes of change can be times of opportunity. And partnerships with industry will be crucial if we are:

Going to modernize our military;

If we're going to streamline defence procurement;

If we're going to build up our innovation ecosystem;

And if we're going to ensure opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Each and every single one of you in this room has a role to play in that collaborative process.

Today what I'd like to discuss with you is our work to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces and discuss how we can continue to be partners in this collaborative journey.

1. Cyber Certification Program Announcement

Friends, Putin's war on Ukraine has reminded us that the cyber domain is crucial to our national security.

Russia has used aggressive digital disinformation campaigns;

Russia has taken offensive cyber actions against Ukrainian and European Union assets;

And internet disruptions and malware have targeted Ukrainian infrastructure.

Canada is not immune. Cyber threats are growing here at home too where malicious cyber activities have targeted government and defence contractors and subcontractors across this country.

I have spoken with many of you about this very serious problem. Because of the high degree of collaboration between our government and your companies, we must work together to protect our systems and prevent cyber threats.

Cybersecurity is a team effort.

That is why today I am thrilled to announce alongside my colleagues, Minister Jaczek and Minister Champagne, that Canada is establishing a cyber security certificate program to protect our defence supply chain.

This certification program will enhance Canada's cybersecurity capabilities and keep our Defence Industrial Base resilient and protected from threats.

In the 2023 budget, our government committed $25 million over three years to develop this certification program.

We are designing this program in lockstep with the US Department of Defense forthcoming cyber security certification framework.

What this means is that defence contractors doing business in both countries will only need to be certified under a single entity.

It will ensure that Canadian companies can benefit from future procurement opportunities with our Allies, where cyber certification is required.

This is an important step to support Canada's defence industry and it will help your companies compete and win.

It is also a big win for the modernization of our Canadian Armed Forces.

2. Modernizing the Supply Chain

My friends,

Modernizing the Canadian Armed Forces includes modernizing the supply chain.

Last June I announced Canada's NORAD Modernization Plan, backed by an investment of almost $40 billion over twenty years.

During President Biden's visit earlier this year, we released timelines for all nineteen projects proceeding under our NORAD modernization plan. That is in our website.

Importantly, we are accelerating progress on Arctic over the horizon radar which will expand critical domain awareness of our northern approaches.

Also, the modernization of NORAD is a historic step in the advancement of Arctic knowledge, continental defence and defence innovation,

As we modernize the Canadian Armed Forces we cannot leave anyone behind.

We must combine ingenuity with inclusivity which is why culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring we have a Canadian Armed Forces where everyone is protected and respected and empowered when they put on a uniform to serve our country, is our top priority.

At the same time, modernization must enable Indigenous and Northern partners to be at the table, contribute to the economy and prosper.

We want to increase opportunities like these for economic benefits from our investments. That's why we're making sure that Indigenous and Northern partners have a seat at the table.

That is why where possible we will work with Indigenous and Northern governments to bring benefit from our investments.

Last year I was pleased to announce that Inuit owned Nasittuq Corporation will operate and maintain our North Warning System as we move to a modernized Northern surveillance system.

We recently awarded Nasittuq a maintenance contract for CFS Alert valued at $122 million.

Today, we're taking another step forward.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of the new National Defence Indigenous Reconciliation Program that will help to build, bolster and broaden relationships with Indigenous peoples across Canada.

This program will provide up to $1.5 million a year for the next four years for projects that incorporate the expertise and traditional knowledge of Indigenous communities across Canada.

Funding will be made available to Indigenous partners in support of engagement, consultation and information sharing projects on subjects such as:

Canadian Armed Forces exercises and opportunities for Indigenous involvement and benefits;

Infrastructure projects;

Real property transactions;

Policy research including on subjects related to the security of Indigenous and Northern communitiesaa subject that Indigenous and northern communities have discussed with me at length over the past year especially as we see incursions into our Arctic and northern regions;

And general decision-making on all issues relating to the defence portfolio.

First Nations, MAtis and Inuit Peoples, Indigenous governments and self organizations including bands, tribal councils, Indigenous self-government entities, local regional national representative organizations are all eligible to apply for this funding.

From conferences to workshops, roundtables and community outreach events this is a full suite program. It will bolster the relationship between National Defence and Indigenous communities.

This program will help us better understand and integrate the many different Indigenous perspectives into our decision-making process.

Reconciliation is a long road, and it will take time.

But what I want to make sure is that we don't divorce reconciliation from our thinking about the Defence supply chain. We actually incorporate Indigenous businesses into that supply chain. Indigenous peoples are our indispensable partners in defence and security and that is why we are working to elevate their voices and ensure they have a seat at the table.

3. Economic Impact of the Defence Industry

Keeping with the theme of modernization, let me now turn to the ongoing work we are doing together to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces.

As we modernize we are making investments and partnering with you to bolster domestic industry capacity.

Because investing in national security is a driver for economic prosperity. I think we all come to these tables and this room with that in mind, that this collaborative venture requires us all to be at the table.

Recognizing that we are all trying to make a contribution to the growth of GDP in this country and to economic growth writ large.

In fact, at last count our shared work contributed an average of $19 billion per year in GDP to our economy.

The industry sustains roughly 294,000 jobs per year across the defence sector and its supply chains.

And we expect these numbers to grow as we continue to make much needed investments in our Navy, Army, and Air Force.

Many of these investments are already captured in our recently updated Defence Capabilities Blueprint and that includes funding ranges and timelines for 178 projects.

I wanted to mention it here today because so many of you have asked me for the blueprint. Where's the blueprint Anita?

I am making a special moment here just to tell you the blueprint is on our website. It is an important tool, I know, for you to develop your long-term business strategies so you can pitch to your head offices.

If you haven't taken a look yet at DND's Defence Capabilities Blueprint, I encourage you to do so to learn more about the opportunities available to you and we will continue to ensure we are updating that blueprint.

Let's drill down now and look at some of the work we're already doing together.

4. Navy Procurement Update

I want to take it step by step.

Let's start with the Navy.

Modernizing our capabilities at sea, working hand in hand with Canada's world class defence industry, to deliver ships for Canada and the security of Canadians.

Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are investing 5.7 billion dollars in six new Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships for our navy to protect our sovereignty in the Arctic and in a changing world.

I will say every new AOPS that comes off the line is produced more efficiently and more effectively.

The Irving Shipyard is also constructing a new fleet of 15 Canadian Surface Combatants which will serve Canadians for decades to come.

Construction is due to start next year, and we should receive the first ship in the early 2030s.

Our investment in the new CSC fleet will create or sustain an estimated 12,500 jobs throughout design and construction. That's what I mean when I say that when we are thinking about defence and defence procurement we are also thinking about the impact on the Canadian economy, the growth of jobs and the ongoing growth of GDP that is a result.

Together with you we are modernizing the Royal Canadian Navy and building our defence industrial base so that we can keep Canadians safe now and into the future.

I'd also like to take a moment, as former Minister of Public Services and Procurement and now Minister of National Defence, to congratulate Chantier Davie on becoming the third shipyard in the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Let's take a moment also to recognize the impressive and tightly knit of other shipyards, VSY and smaller yards as well as subcontracted companies who together make a huge contribution to the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the industry as a whole.

5. Army Procurement Update

We are also working with you, our industry partners, to modernize the capabilities of the Canadian Army.

I am pleased to note that later this year our Army will receive the first of its planned 360 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles being built by GDLS-C.

We anticipate receiving initial operational capability next year and full operational capacity in 2026.

This is in addition to the 39 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles we delivered to Ukraine.

I want to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work of Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada, Yuliya Kovaliv, who is here with us this morning. We are with you and we are with your country.

(Applause)

Slava Ukraini.

We are also making progress on the Urgent Operational Requirements that I announced for our troops stationed in Latvia earlier this year.

This is an accelerated procurement mechanism we are putting into place. It is not a sole source mechanism. There will be competition but run on an urgent basis.

We will rapidly deliver the following equipment for our Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia:

AntiaTank Guided Missile systems;

A Counter Un-crewed Aerial System capability;

A shortarange Air Defence System.

We are committed to improving and implementing more of these UORs as part of an agile and accelerated procurement strategy.

You have told us we need to move faster and we are trying to do just that.

6. Air Force procurement update

Turning to our skies, we are modernizing the Royal Canadian Air Force in close collaboration with industry partners in Canada and beyond.

Earlier this year, we announced that the United States government, along with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, had been selected to manufacture our future fighter aircraft.

As I announced in January we are procuring a fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets equipped with state of the art capabilities.

This means roughly 3000 jobs directly and indirectly in Canadian industry over a 25-year period.

I do not expect to be the Minister of National Defence in 25 years but I will be watching with great interest and commitment the growth of our domestic economy including as a result of these long term contracts.

In fact every F-35 jet produced for the global fleet contains Canadian parts and Canada's investment in its own F-35 fleet could contribute over $425 million dollars per year to Canada's GDP.

This project is a boost for our economy and proves that national security and economic prosperity go hand in hand.

I want to say that again.

It's something I think about every day. National security and economic prosperity go hand in hand and we need to continue to remember as we walk this collaborative path that we are all playing a role in our overall national security.

This campaign also involves major infrastructure improvements at Cold Lake and Bagotville, which will remain the two primary operating bases for our fighter aircraft fleet.

Similarly, we are upgrading our Cormorant and Griffon helicopters to ensure they remain safe, useful and effective when deployed.

Look no further than our Cormorant modernization project as a sign of what we can do together.

Thanks to the investment of over one billion dollars, we're working with Leonardo and IMP Aerospace in Nova Scotia.

We heard a bit about that earlier, to modernize our search and rescue helicopters. We're building up Canada's domestic industrial capabilities while doing so.

This is effective industry partnership in action.

This contract is going to create relationships and examples of future contracts for our workers, companies and defence innovation ecosystems for years to come.

Our investments in the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force are crucial to our long-term success.

They depend on our relationship with defence industry partners like you.

We will continue to work together to strengthen and increase Canada's defence capability and expertise.

7. Conclusion

My friends, it's not often in a speech that I will quote a Greek philosopher but I will say something comes to mind here. The Greek philosopher Heraclites said, the only thing that is a constant is change itself.

The changes that we are seeing in this geopolitical environment, in this global strategic world where conflict is a reality in a way that it has not been since the end of the Second World War.

We must rise and we must meet this moment together.

That is why we are updating Canada's defence policy and let me thank everyone in this room and beyond who has contributed to the defence policy update consultations.

We've received over 1,500 submissions on our website.

We have held stakeholder engagements with industry, the academy and beyond and we are taking into account these submissions in crafting this defence policy update.

Thank you for your work to help us do better.

Some of our global competitors think that governments alone have all the answers and that governments alone can innovate and solve tough problems.

But it's not the Canadian way and as I hope you know, it is not my way either.

Here in Canada we do believe in working together with you, our industry partners.

By strengthening the security of our supply chains with the Cyber Certification Program, by elevating Indigenous voices through the Indigenous Reconciliation Program, and by building up Canada's defence industrial base, we are building safer and more resilient supply chains and a safe and more resilient Canada.

Because modernizing the Canadian Armed Forces cannot happen without shipbuilders;

Without our Army Suppliers;

Without our aviation industry;

Without meaningful investments in our Defence Industrial Base;

And cannot happen without Indigenous peoples having a seat at the table.

We will always be seized with balancing the need to recapitalize the Canadian Armed Forces quickly while ensuring a strong Canadian industrial base.

In Canada we know that national security is a collaborative effort.

Let me thank each and every one of you for your collaboration and your dedication.

We've accomplished a lot together, my friends, and I know that in the years to come, we'll do much more to ensure the security and protection of Canada and our allies.

Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to our national security.

Thank you so much for your leadership and your partnership as we walk the road towards a stronger Canadian economy and a more secure and protected country.

Thank you. Merci beaucoup.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China dismisses rumors of a Blinken visit, calling for US sincerity rather than saying one thing but doing another

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 07, 2023 10:49 PM Updated: Jun 07, 2023 10:43 PM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday dismissed rumors of a potential visit to China by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the near future, saying they have nothing to share on that, after a number of US media outlets have hyped an alleged official visit by Blinken to China in the upcoming weeks.

The remarks came as Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Blinken is set to visit China to meet top Chinese officials. A scheduled Blinken visit to China in February was scrapped after the "balloon incident," which added tensions to the China-US relationship.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also noted on Wednesday that China and the US maintain necessary communication. The responsibility for the current challenges facing China-US relations does not lie with China. The US needs to respect China's core interests and major concerns, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop harming China's interests, and stop calling for communication on the one hand and making provocations on the other. The US needs to work with China in the same direction and bring the bilateral relations back on the track of healthy and stable development.

The US is trying to test China's reaction to Blinken's potential visit through media hype and is trying to shape its own image as a promoter for communication, experts told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Washington is eager to cooperate with China the way it wants to, and it is also eager to show the world a posture of "willingness to talk to China," Diao Daming, an associate professor at the Renmin University of China in Beijing, told the Global Times on Wednesday "But the series of actions it has pulled recently reflect its duplicity and self-contradiction, which is seen clearly by the international community."

Bloomberg said the gesture shows that the US "looks to resume high-level communication despite continued tensions," which is clearly an impression the US intends to make, said Diao.

LA Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday that Washington is good at swaying public opinion in the way they understand it, and to get people to think in his direction.

Observers noted that the international community should be wary of the US purposely setting an agenda for China, and then attributing the chilly state of China-US relations to the Chinese side, a plot that is unlikely to succeed.

Nonetheless, it does appear from a series of recent releases that the US has plans to stay engaged with China in the future, LA noted. While the US is still playing with strategic ambiguity, it has realized that tensions are negative for both sides and the world.

China has always welcomed dialogue and cooperation, Diao said.

"But a dialogue requires the necessary conditions and atmosphere," he said. "It is impossible to have dialogue for the sake of dialogue, much less to unilaterally satisfy US hegemonic demands. Such dialogues are unlikely to be welcomed by China."

"What the US is doing has been destroying the atmosphere, so their 'desire to cooperate' is meaningless no matter how much it is emphasized, Diao noted.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China-Russia joint aerial strategic patrol for 1st time extended to 2nd day over West Pacific

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan Published: Jun 07, 2023 07:18 PM

The sixth joint aerial strategic patrol by the Chinese and Russian militaries was extended to a second day over the West Pacific on Wednesday, marking the first time such an operation was carried out in two phases in two directions, as China-Russia military cooperation continues to deepen, experts said.

The militaries of China and Russia wrapped up the second phase mission of the sixth joint aerial strategic patrol above the western waters of the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, China's Ministry of National Defense said in a press release.

Based on an annual cooperation schedule between the two militaries, the joint patrol was launched on Tuesday, with two Chinese H-6K bombers and two Russian Tu-95 bombers covering areas over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, escorted by fighter jets.

The previous five joint aerial strategic patrols, which were held since 2019, were all carried out within a single day, observers said.

By holding the joint patrol in two phases in two different directions, the operation has become more challenging and demanding in terms of operation planning and the rendezvous of aircraft, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

It requires Chinese and Russian forces to practice constantly to cooperate perfectly, given that the two countries fly different aircraft and use different navigation and control systems, and the operations are being carried out over the far sea, Fu said.

Chinese military expert and TV commentator Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Wednesday that the two phases might feature different missions.

The mission objectives in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea are likely different from those in the West Pacific, Song said.

The extended patrol displayed the ever-deepening military cooperation between China and Russia, which is very important to safeguarding of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, both experts said.

Observers pointed out that the air patrol was likely accompanied by naval forces, as Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff said in a press release on Tuesday that Japan spotted a Chinese warship flotilla consisting of a Type 052D destroyer and a Type 054A frigate when they sailed from the East China Sea through the Miyako Strait into the West Pacific on the day.

The China-Russia joint strategic patrols are becoming more realistic and combat-oriented, as the two countries are ready to operate together in case emergencies occur, analysts said.

Tension has been rising in the Asia-Pacific region recently, with the US seizing every opportunity to provoke China, including by sending warships and warplanes to the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea, rallying allies in the region like Japan and the Philippines, and selling weapons to the island of Taiwan.

Given this situation, military cooperation between China and Russia can offset the US' hegemonic moves and contribute to regional peace and stability, experts said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 7, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

AFP: The European Union has agreed on a new tool that will enable it to place tariffs on countries itathinks are engaging in economic blackmail. This decision comes after China imposed trade restrictions on Lithuania, which has strengthened ties with Taiwan. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on the EU's decision?

Wang Wenbin: First of all, China has made our position clear several times regarding Lithuania's wrongdoing on the Taiwan question. We urge Lithuania to correct its mistake and return to the right path of adhering to the one-China principle at an early date.a

China and the EU are both victims to US economic coercion. The US has openly coerced the EU and some countries into restricting export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. Such acts of tech bullying severely hinder the development of the semiconductor sector. This not only hurts the interests of China and the EU, but also undermines multilateral trade rules and the global economic order. We hope the EU will stand together with the international community against US economic coercion.a

CCTV: China has announced that the President of Honduras will visit China. Could you share the schedule of the visit and China's expectation? How does China view the current relations with Honduras?

Wang Wenbin: On March 26, 2023, China and Honduras officially established diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter for bilateral relations. In the past over two months, China and Honduras have been delivering on their commitments and working together with a sense of urgency to bring bilateral relations to a fast track with the principles and objectives of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development in mind.

This will be the Honduran President's first state visit to China. The two heads of state will have a historic meeting to jointly chart the course for further growth of bilateral relations. China looks forward to working with Honduras and taking this visit as an opportunity to deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation, enhance friendship, and promote the steady and sustained development of the bilateral relations.

Kyodo News: According to reports from multiple media outlets that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China in a few weeks and meet with President Xi Jinping. Can you confirm this and provide more information?

Wang Wenbin: I have nothing to share on that.

CNR: US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said on June 6 that episodes like what he called "dangerous" navigation by a Chinese destroyer in the Taiwan Strait showed the need "to prevent circumstances where unintended consequences can have terrible consequences." US Democratic Senator Ben Cardin said that "what China is doing is against international law", and "we've got to stand up to China's bulliness; we cannot allow them to get away with this type of intimidation." How does the Chinese side respond to this?

Wang Wenbin: Speaking of bulliness and intimidation, the US knows them better than any other country in the world. It is reported that last year alone, large US reconnaissance aircraft conducted over 800 close-in flights to spy on China. Last year, the US also sent aircraft carrier strike groups to the South China Sea and areas nearby multiple times. Brandishing its military prowess, the US willfully flexes its muscles and infringes upon other countries' sovereignty. This is what bulliness and intimidation at their best. This is the source of maritime and air security risks and dangers to regional peace and stability.a

Faced with US military provocations, China has responded in accordance with laws and regulations. These actions are completely justified and lawful, and have nothing to do with "bulliness". When it comes to safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, there is no room for China to concede or back down. This is absolutely not a case of "bulliness" or "intimidation". This is about standing up for principles and China's red line.

Global Times: According to Japanese media, a report recently released by TEPCO shows that the radioactive element Cs-137 in black rockfish caught in the harbor of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan in May this year far exceeds safety levels, reaching 18,000 Bq/kg, 180 times that of the standard maximum stipulated in Japan's food safety law. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: The Japanese government has repeatedly sought to whitewash its discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, claiming the water to be harmless and the discharge to be justified and calling it the only option. Yet facts prove otherwise.

Many in the international community have been asking: If the nuclear-contaminated water were indeed as safe as Japan says, why doesn't Japan discharge it into its inland lakes; why has Japan insisted on building the discharge tunnel and eagerly launched it? The answer from Japan's own expert committee is quite straightforward: discharge into the sea is the cheapest option with minimum risk of polluting Japan itself. It is extremely selfish and irresponsible to let the whole world bear the cost and save money for Japan itself.

The ocean is humanity's common good, not Japan's private sewer. On the disposal of the water, Japan clearly has other options. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry offered five proposals, and experts from neighboring countries proposed safer and more prudent plans such as long-term storage. However, without fully assessing the alternatives, the Japanese government has unilaterally decided to dump the water into the ocean. Such a selfish move that puts the common interests of all humanity in jeopardy will not persuade the people either from Japan or from other countries. It is a disgraceful act that will harm the people of Japan's neighbors and the Pacific island countries, and cost Japan its reputation among the international community.

RIA Novosti: Yesterday, the Kakhovka power plant and dam sustained huge damage that caused overflow of flooding and massive evacuation. The Russian foreign minister said that Ukrainian forces were responsible for the attack, but Ukraine from its side accuses Russia. What's China's comment on this incident?

Wang Wenbin: We noted the reports. We are seriously concerned about the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and deeply worried about its humanitarian, economic and ecological impact.a

We call on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and do everything possible to protect civilians and keep civilian facilities safe.

China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. Under the current circumstances, it is hoped that all parties are committed to a political settlement of the crisis and work together to alleviate the situation.

NHK: British Security Minister submitted a written statement on "police service stations" to parliament on June 6. The UK has told the Chinese Embassy that any functions related to such "police service stations" in the UK are unacceptable. The Chinese Embassy have subsequently responded by saying that all such stations have closed permanently. What's China's comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: China strictly abides by international law and respects other countries' judicial sovereignty. We've made our position clear on the issue more than once. The truth is that there are no so-called "secret police stations". We urge the UK to respect the facts, stop hyping up the matter and smearing China. The UK needs to stop creating obstacles for China-UK relations.

Bloomberg: South Africa is considering switching the venue of the upcoming summit of BRICS leaders to another country, according to people familiar with the matter, in a move that would resolve its dilemma over whether to carry out an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The government is considering asking China to host the meeting of the heads of state or alternatively Mozambique, according also to people familiar with the matter. Does the foreign ministry have any comments and is China considering hosting the BRICS summit?

Wang Wenbin: I am not aware of what you said. We have noted that South Africa already issued a notice to grant diplomatic immunities to attendees of the upcoming BRICS Summit. China attaches great importance to the progress of BRICS cooperation and supports this year's host country South Africa in hosting a successful summit and sending a positive message of solidarity and cooperation.

Bloomberg: The Financial Times has reported that the EU is considering mandatory ban on using Huawei to build 5G. We are wondering whether the foreign ministry has any comment.

Wang Wenbin: The US and some European countries keep alleging that Huawei poses a security risk, but have failed to show any evidence. This is typical presumption of guilt and disinformation. The US's whole-of-government suppression of Huawei, a private Chinese company, is a textbook example of coercive diplomacy and tech bullying. Since Huawei started operation in Europe many years ago, it has never harmed the security of any European country. On the contrary, it has given a strong boost to Europe's telecommunications sector and generated considerable socioeconomic benefits. Should the EU decide to ban Huawei in spite of all these facts, it would be a brazen violation of the principles of market economy, free trade and fair competition that the EU claims to champion. We hope the EU will honor its commitment to those principles, steer clear of politicizing economic and trade issues or overstretching the concept of security, and make economically sound decisions that are in keeping with its own interests.

Kyodo News: A question on China-US relations. Recently we have seen positive signs in China-US relations, but dialogue between the two militaries is yet to be resumed. The US has been stressing the importance of dialogue and communication. What is China's response?

Wang Wenbin: China and the US maintain necessary communication. The responsibility for the current challenges facing China-US relations does not lie with China. The US needs to respect China's core interests and major concerns, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop harming China's interests, and stop calling for communication on the one hand and making provocations on the other. The US needs to work with China in the same direction and bring the bilateral relations back on the track of healthy and stable development.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Reports: Blinken to visit Beijing within weeks

The reports come as the chief of U.S. naval operations said he is 'encouraged' by a change in tone in ties.

Alex Willemyns for RFA 2023.06.07 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Beijing "in the coming weeks," according to media reports, but a spokesman for the State Department said that he could not confirm the travel plans.

Blinken on Feb. 4 canceled a scheduled two-day trip to Beijing just hours before he was set to depart Washington after officials said a Chinese spy balloon was found floating over the United States.

State Department officials have since insisted a new trip would take place "when conditions allow," but refused to provide a timetable.

However, Bloomberg and Reuters reported Tuesday that Blinken plans to visit China "in the coming weeks" for talks that could include a meeting with President Xi Jinping and other top officials.

"The exact timing for Blinken's visit is still fluid," the Bloomberg report said, citing unnamed officials familiar with the matter.

But State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters on Tuesday that he could not confirm the media reports.

"We have no travel for the secretary to announce," he said, repeating that the trip "will be rescheduled when conditions allow."

Thawing relations

Reports of the trip come days after a visit to Beijing by Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Sarah Beran, senior director for China and Taiwan affairs on the National Security Council, for their own high-level talks.

The State Department said only that it was "to maintain open lines of communication" and Kritenbrink replied "we'll see" to reporters in Beijing when asked about any trip by Blinken, Reuters said.

Ties between the world's two major powers have been tense since August, when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan to the protests of Beijing, which regards the democratic island as a renegade province and has vowed to reunite it with the mainland.

Blinken's canceled trip to Beijing in February was meant to usher in a detente, but that was nixed by the alleged Chinese spy balloon. An unofficial trip by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to New York and Los Angeles in March then further inflamed ties.

There has also been an uptick in near-miss accidents between the two countries' militaries in the past two weeks in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, with the Pentagon accusing China's navy and air force of dangerous maneuvering in front of American vessels.

On Wednesday, Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of U.S. naval operations who last year provocatively said a Chinese invasion of Taiwan this year could not be ruled out, said that he now saw ties with China improving, despite the near-miss accidents in the past few weeks.

"I am encouraged by the most recent turn and dialogue by senior leaders with respect to toning down the, I would say, militaristic tone," Gilday said at the Brookings Institution. "That's been helpful."

U.S. President Joe Biden also said last month he expects relations with China to "begin to thaw very shortly" amid bilateral talks.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China-U.S. military near-misses may point to new Chinese 'brinkmanship' strategy

A Taiwan media report claims Beijing ordered its military to adopt a 'dangerously close' approach.

By Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.06.07 -- In the wake of two recent military near-misses - one in the Taiwan Strait and one in the South China sea - Taiwanese media and other experts suggested that the Communist Party Central Committee has ordered the People's Liberation Army to implement a new "brinkmanship" strategy.

According to Taiwan's Upmedia, quoting unnamed "Chinese sources," the aim of the new strategy is to adopt a "dangerously close" approach to aeronautical and naval near encounters with the United States to force Washington and its allies to back down and avoid military conflict while strengthening nationalist sentiment within China.

Retired Taiwan Air Force Lt. Gen. Chang Yan-ting told Radio Free Asia the encounters were evidence of China "expanding its territory and sphere of influence."

"This is a long-term trend," he said. "As its national power increases, it wants to play a bigger role in the international arena."

"They want the U.S. to make concessions, but no matter how much the U.S. concedes, they will not be completely satisfied," said Chang.

RFA was unable to confirm that China has intentionally altered its strategy to amplify the risk of escalation in order to deter freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

'Somebody gets hurt'

But the claim echoes a widely reported White House statement that recent dangerous encounters between American and Chinese forces in the region are increasing and escalating the risk of an error, making it ever-more likely that "somebody gets hurt," as stated by John Kirby, National Security Council spokesperson, at a press briefing Tuesday.

Kirby said that the intercepts were "part and parcel" of an "increasing level of aggressiveness" by the People's Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea.

"I sure would like to hear Beijing justify what they're doing," Kirby said. "Air and maritime intercepts happen all the time. Heck, we do it. The difference is ... when we feel like we need to do it, it's done professionally."

Kirby said that if Beijing wanted to tell the United States it was unwelcome in the area - to stop flying and sailing in support of international law - it would not succeed. "It's not going to happen," he said.

"This is just part, again, of a growing aggressiveness by the PRC that we're dealing with, and we're prepared to address it," Kirby said at the press briefing, referring to the People's Republic of China by its official name.

'Cowboy ship handling'

James Stavridis, a retired U.S. Navy admiral and former supreme allied commander of NATO, called the Chinese maneuvers last week "cowboy ship handling."

"It was the kind of incident that could easily have led to a collision and multiple deaths," he wrote in an opinion piece for Bloomberg. "Wars have unfolded over smaller incidents."

Stavridis added that China's rejection of an invitation for a meeting between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La Dialogue Security Forum in Singapore over the weekend made the risks of an accident happening even greater.

"The US, correctly, is castigating China for refusing to even have a dialog between the defense chiefs; by contrast, China criticized the US for seeking to create a 'NATO in the Pacific,' which is nonsense. Both sides appear to be talking past each other."

As early as 2021, Orville Schell, director of the Asia Society's Center on U.S.-China Relations, speaking to CNN, warned that without sufficient communication, eventually a mistake was inevitable.

"They're headed towards a train wreck here," he said, adding, "There's no mechanism to deal with these - there's no red phone, there's no [leading] groups, there's no protocol, there's nothing."

Edited by Mike Firn and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Young students brave grueling college exams amid job crisis in China

A record 13 million students are taking the national college admissions exam.

By Chris Taylor and Gu Ting for RFA 2023.06.07 -- Police motorcades, guarded fleets of vans carrying exam papers and throngs of mask-wearing teens pouring into gymnasium halls were a common scene across China as a record number of students take the national college entrance exam, or gaokao, this week.

The 13 million test-takers is the largest group to sit the exam in a single year since it was reinstituted in 1977 following the Cultural Revolution.

A requirement for gaining a place at university in China, the pressure of sitting the days-long test has been known to bring about fainting and trips to the hospital.

This year, the stress may be compounded not only by the competition from the volume of test-takers, but also by the grim employment outlook being faced by young people in China.

The country is experiencing what appears to be its worst unemployment crisis since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Nearly one-fifth of those between 16 and 24 years old are out of work, according to surveys, and national joblessness is thought to be at levels not seen since the financial crisis of 2008.

The pessimistic atmosphere has renewed criticism of the gaokao system, even as authorities attempt to tamp down on disaffection over perceived economic and educational failures.

No guarantee to a middle class life

According to Wu Qiang, an independent scholar in Beijing, the surge in the number of exam takers is being driven in part by more children of migrant parents participating in the test this year.

But in the current economic climate, they face the prospect of being conscripted into the 'gig economy' instead of the more comfortable lives once promised by obtaining a university degree.

"Rather than graduating into the middle class, they become the equivalent of urban migrant workers, delivering food and so on for an income," Wu said.

Many Chinese parents, especially those from rural areas, regard the college entrance examinations as the only way to change their childrens' destinies, said Feng Chongyi, associate professor at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia.

But in reality, they may find disappointment - they invest heavily in school but face bleak job prospects after graduation, said Feng.

"They get a few years of study back home, but it provides them with little in the way of advantages. College majors are not matched for jobs either - a lot of it is way too academic," he said.

State programs unlikely to help

The market for all graduates - not just ones from rural backgrounds- is difficult.

According to the Global Times, a state newspaper, China will have 11.58 million fresh college graduates in 2023 - a record high.

At the same time, the youth unemployment rate sits at 20.4% for the 16-24 age group, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

In an effort to fix the problem, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has launched a 100-day campaign to provide more than 10 million jobs for college graduates and other young people, according to state media.

The campaign will target high-demand, scarce and cutting-edge sectors such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and environmental protection. It will also focus on areas with high concentrations of colleges, large numbers of graduates and high mobility of employment.

The ministry will set up an online recruitment platform and hold various online activities such as live broadcasts with jobs, visits to enterprises, video job fairs and cloud recruitment.

It seems unlikely that this latest of China's innumerable campaigns - in this case dubbed the 100-day, 10-million jobs "Career Leads the Future, Build Dreams in Youth" - will be the magic elixir China needs, however.

Critics say problems of youth unemployment run much deeper - and that it starts with an education system that is clearly not working for many graduates.

Wang, a retired teacher from Guizhou University who only wished to give his last name, told RFA's Mandarin service he believes the education system is not fair, regardless of how the government promotes employment campaigns.

"In our country's traditional culture reading thousands of books is regarded as the way to success," but restrictive regulations on college admissions means that talented students from small cities and rural areas lose out on places at prestigious schools, he said.

At the same time there is a widespread phenomenon of wealthy families "spending money to buy points" to get their children better admissions scores, which leaves students from less well-off families at a disadvantage.

Other scholars told RFA's Mandarin service that they agreed the gaokao is problematic.

The exam is too focused on scores and ignores the cultivation of students' comprehensive quality, they say. Many students give up extracurricular and social activities - as well as other opportunities - in order to pursue good grades.

This leads to a lack of innovation and practical abilities - and many of them end up pursuing menial, low-paid jobs.

Yet speaking up about the problem is risky.

As Reuters noted last year, after Li Xunlei, a well-known economist, reported that over 70 million jobs had disappeared due to the pandemic, his post was deleted and he was removed from his leadership post.

Edited by Boer Deng and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Fiji's prime minister says policing agreement with China under review

The Pacific island nation is balancing economic ties with China and traditional security relations with the West.

By Stephen Wright for BenarNews 2023.06.07 -- Fiji's government is reviewing a police cooperation agreement with China, the Pacific island country's prime minister said Wednesday, underlining the balancing act between economic reliance on the Asian superpower and security ties to the United States.

Sitiveni Rabuka, who became Fiji's prime minister after an election in December broke strongman Frank Bainimarama's 16 year hold on power, has emphasized shared values with democracies such as U.S. ally Australia and New Zealand. His government also has accorded a higher status to Taiwan's representative office in Fiji, but has not fundamentally altered relations with Beijing.

"When we came in [as the government] we needed to look at what they were doing [in the area of police cooperation]," Rabuka told a press conference during an official visit to New Zealand's capital Wellington. "If our values and our systems differ, what cooperation can we get from that?"

The agreement signed in 2011 has resulted in Fijian police officers undertaking training in China and short-term Chinese police deployments to Fiji. Plans for a permanent Chinese police liaison officer in Fiji were announced in September 2021, according to Fijian media.

"We need to look at that [agreement] again before we decide on whether we go back to it or we continue the way we have in the past - cooperating with those who have similar democratic values and systems, legislation, law enforcement and so on," Rabuka said.

China, over several decades, has become a substantial source of trade, infrastructure and aid for developing Pacific island countries as it seeks to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and build its own set of global institutions.

Beijing's relations with Fiji particularly burgeoned after Australia, New Zealand and other countries sought to punish it for Bainimarama's 2006 coup that ousted the elected government. It was Fiji's fourth coup in three decades. Rabuka orchestrated two coups in the late 1980s.

Last year, China signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, alarming the U.S. and its allies such as Australia. The Solomons and Kiribati switched their diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in 2019.

The Chinese embassy in Fiji has said that China has military and police cooperation with many developing nations that have different political systems from China.

"The law enforcement and police cooperation between China and Fiji is professional, open and transparent," it said in May.

"We hope relevant parties can abandon ideological prejudice, and view the law enforcement and police cooperation between China and Fiji objectively and rationally."

China also provides extensive training for Solomon Islands police and equipment such as vehicles and water cannons.

Solomon Islands deputy police commissioner Ian Vaevaso said in a May 31 statement that 30 Solomon Islands police officers were in China for training on top of more than 30 that were sent to the Fujian Police College last year.

Rabuka has expressed concerns about police cooperation with Beijing since being elected prime minister.

"There's no need for us to continue, our systems are different," Rabuka said in January, according to a Fiji Times report.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news organization.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Multiple Rocket Launchers Presented to KPA

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, June 7 (KCNA) -- Schoolchildren in the DPRK provided "Sonyon" (child) multiple rocket launchers for the Korean People's Army (KPA), through their vigorous good-conduct movement launched to mark the 77th birthday of the Korean Children's Union (KCU).

A ceremony for presenting the "Sonyon" multiple rocket launchers took place in the courtyard of the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace on Tuesday.

Present there were Kim Su Gil, chief secretary of the Pyongyang Municipal Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), Ri Tu Song, department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, officials of the youth league, KPA men and officers, those involved in the letter of loyalty relay teams by KCU members from across the country and other schoolchildren.

Mun Chol, chairman of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, made a speech.

The speaker said it is a precious tradition shining with the 70-odd-year proud history of the KCU to prepare military hardware under the name of "Sonyon" and send them to the posts for national defence.

It is the bounden duty of schoolchildren who have happily grown up under the care of the Party to actively seek good things for the country, he said, calling for redoubling their patriotic enthusiasm to become reliable pillars who will shoulder the future of the socialist country.

A certificate of presenting "Sonyon" multiple rocket launchers was handed over to an officer of the KPA.

Then followed speeches.

Ri Ryong Jun, chairman of the KCU branch at Pyongyang Secondary School No. 1, and other speakers said that only when the People's Army is strong, can today's happiness and the future be reliably guaranteed, adding that they will as ever wage various good-conduct movements for the army more briskly and build up their bodies and minds to find themselves at the posts for defending the country.

On behalf of the KPA men and officers, Paek Il, a serviceperson, extended militant greetings to the KCU members across the country who provided the multiple rocket launchers, saying that the servicepersons will win only shining victories in the sacred war for defending the revolution and the people with warm patriotism and surging hatred toward the enemy.

At the end of the ceremony, the multiple rocket launchers left for units of the KPA amid the warm send-off by schoolchildren. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






North Korean diplomat's wife and son go missing in Russian far east

Case is viewed as possible defection attempt ahead of border reopening that would force them to return home.

By Kim Jieun and Park Jaewoo for RFA Korean 2023.06.07 -- Russian authorities have issued a missing persons alert for the family of a North Korean diplomat, in what local and international media reports said could be an attempted defection.

According to a public notice issued Tuesday, Kim Kum Sun, 43, and her son Park Kwon Ju, 15, were last seen on Sunday leaving the North Korean consulate in Vladivostok, in Russia's far east, and their whereabouts are unknown.

They are the wife and son of a North Korean trade representative in his 60s surnamed Park, sources in Vladivostok told RFA's Korean Service. Park, considered a diplomat, had returned to North Korea in 2019, they said.

Park and his family were dispatched to Russia prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, where they were assigned to earn foreign currency for the North Korean regime by running the Koryo and Tumen River restaurants in Vladivostok, a source in Vladivostok who declined to be named told Radio Free Asia.

The missing woman was identified as Kim Kum Sun, who was the acting manager of both restaurants on behalf of her husband, according to a Russian citizen of Korean descent familiar with confidential news involving North Korean state-run companies in Vladivostok. He spoke to Radio Free Asia on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Rode off in taxi

On the day they disappeared, the mother and son rode a taxi and got off on Nevskaya Street, which is not far from the consulate, Russian Media reported. The consulate reported to authorities that they had lost touch with the pair after they were not able to contact them.

"[The mother and son] had been detained in the North Korean consulate in Vladivostok for several months and then disappeared during the time they had once per week to go out," the Russian citizen of Korean descent said.

"Park said he would return after the restaurant's business performance review, but he was not able to return because the border has been closed since COVID hit," he said, adding that the pandemic was rough on business at the Koryo restaurant, that Kim Kum Sun was running in her husband's stead.

"In October of last year, the assistant manager, who oversaw personnel escaped," the Korean Russian said.

The assistant manager of the Koryo restaurant, Kim Pyong Chol, 51 attempted to claim asylum but was arrested.

Shortly afterward, the consulate closed the restaurant fearing that others would also attempt to escape, he said.

"The acting manager and her son were then placed under confinement inside the consulate in Vladivostok," said the Korean Russian. "They were allowed to go out only one day a week since they did not commit any specific crime, they just did chores inside the consulate and were monitored."

Fear of returning

Rumors about a possible reopening of the North Korea-Russia border have made North Koreans stranded in Russia by the pandemic anxious that they might have to return to their homeland soon, another North Korea-related source in Vladivostok told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely.

"They fear that when they return to North Korea, they will return to a lifestyle where they are cut off from the outside world," the North Korea-related source said.

The fear of returning to one of the world's most isolated countries is palpable among the fledgling community of North Korean dispatched workers and officials in Vladivostok, said Kang Dongwan, a professor at Busan's Dong-A University, who recently visited the far eastern Russian city.

"The North Korean workers I met in Vladivostok were in a harsh situation and were quite agitated," he said. "If [a border reopening] happens, there is a high possibility that North Korean workers and diplomats' families will return to North Korea. So they may have judged that the only chance to escape North Korea is now."

According to South Korea's Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, the presidential office in Seoul has confirmed that the mother and son have gone missing, and the related South Korean agencies are actively searching for their whereabouts. They have not made contact with South Korean authorities.

An official from the office told Dong-A that the case is "not yet at the stage where they are trying to seek asylum in South Korea, as far as I know."

Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran buys 2 Airbus planes owned by French armed forces: Report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 7, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- A Dutch website specializing in aviation industry news has confirmed that an Iranian airline has purchased and taken delivery of two Airbus A340 passenger planes.

The long-range, wide-body planes, which were formerly owned by the French Air and Space Force (AAE), landed in Iran on May 23, the report said.

The aircraft had been retired from service with the AAE in December 2020 and were stored in ChAteauroux, France, from March 2021 until spring 2022.

The two planes had not flown for a year before they made their way to Iran.

Analysts say that Iran's ability to purchase and operate military-owned aircraft from the heart of Europe shows the diminishing impact of sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western governments.

Following the nuclear deal of 2015, Iran placed orders for 200 brand new passenger planes from Airbus and Boeing. The contracts, however, were scrapped in 2018 after the United States withdrew from the accord and restored sanctions on Iran.

**2050**4261

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran's deterrent power guarantees security, lasting peace in region

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 7 June 2023 / 15:05

Tehran (ISNA) - Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed that the continuation of dignified diplomacy in foreign relations at the same time as strengthening military and defense authority promises a bright future for Iran.

Referring to the unveiling of "Fattah" home-grown hypersonic missile, Amir-Abdollahian wrote on his official Twitter account, "Continuation of dignified diplomacy in foreign relations at the same time as strengthening military and defense authority promises a bright future for dear Iran".

"Iran's deterrent power guarantees security and lasting peace in the region, and the development of friendly relations and constructive partnership with neighbors will move forward with seriousness," he added.

End Item

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran reacts to US secretary of state's remarks at IPAC gathering

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 7 June 2023 / 13:40

Tehran (ISNA) - Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nasser Kanaani reacted to comments by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken against Iran at the annual IPAC meeting.

"The US secretary of state made baseless comments against the Islamic Republic of Iran in line with his country's all-out support for the apartheid Zionist regime," Kanaani said.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized that supporting the Palestinian nation is in line with supporting the oppressed and liberation movements and based on advocacy for the right to self-determination, negating occupation and fighting apartheid," he said.

Kanaani said, "The threat of resorting to force by the US against other governments is against international law, especially the provisions of the United Nations Charter, and accordingly, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to strengthen its deterrent power and protect its rights and security."

The spokesman advised the US officials to avoid leveling unfounded allegations against the Islamic Republic of Iran and think twice about keeping up unlawful and already-failed policies vis-A -vis the Islamic Republic.

End Item

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Europe should avoid 'provocative, unconstructive' approach to JCPOA revival: Iran envoy

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 07 June 2023 6:42 PM

Iran's permanent representative at the United Nations office in Vienna has urged the European governments to avoid "provocative and unconstructive attitudes" towards the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program and work towards the resolution of disputes.

Mohsen Naziri Asl made the statement at a session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday while explaining Iran's principled stance regarding the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Referring to Iran's constructive measures in cooperation with the IAEA since the previous Board of Governors' meeting in March, Naziri Asl said expectations from Iran were "unreasonable," and "illogical."

"Iran's nuclear activities, including [uranium] enrichment at various levels, are completely peaceful and in accordance with the Iranian people's rights based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and are under the supervision and verification of IAEA's safeguards," the top diplomat emphasized.

Touching upon the United States' desire to return to the JCPOA and its subsequent negotiations, Naziri Asl said, "Despite the arduous negotiations that lasted for more than 18 months, mainly due to the lack of American political will and determination, we could not bring the talks to a conclusion."

The Iranian envoy said the US government has recently stated on multiple occasions that the revival of the JCPOA is "not on the agenda for months," expressing concern that some parties have turned a blind eye to the "irresponsible attitude," and are even aligning with it.

"The measure shows that miscalculations and minor political considerations are dominating the revival of an agreement that the international community has invested for years to achieve," Naziri Asl said.

Iran's permanent representative at the United Nations office in Vienna called on the European governments to refrain from provocative and unconstructive attitudes, adopt good faith, and continue working in a process that leads to the resolution of "shared concerns."

"It is a matter of serious concern that despite Iran's extensive cooperation with the UN nuclear agency, the European Union, especially Germany, Britain and France, continue to resort to outdated tactics and play a dirty game with political motivation to target Iran's ongoing cooperation with the IAEA," Naziri Asl said.

"The practical cooperation of Europe with the illegal unilateral coercive measures of the United States and the confiscation of Iranian assets is in complete contradiction to the verbal support of the JCPOA," he added.

Iran proved the peaceful nature of its nuclear program to the world by signing the JCPOA with six world powers. However, Washington's exit in May 2018 and its subsequent re-imposition of sanctions against Tehran left the future of the deal in limbo.

Negotiations started in the Austrian capital city of Vienna in April 2021, with the intention of removing anti-Iran sanctions and examining the United States' seriousness in rejoining the accord. The talks, however, have been stalled since August 2022 due to Washington's insistence on not removing all the sanctions and its failure to offer necessary guarantees that it will not abandon the deal again.

The envoy's remarks come as according to a report last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) decided to close the file on traces of what is claimed to be nuclear material at one of the alleged "undetected" sites in Iran following progress in cooperation between Tehran and the nuclear watchdog.

Iran and the IAEA agreed in March to take steps aimed at facilitating enhanced cooperation and expediting the resolution of outstanding safeguards issues.

The two sides are currently in a dispute triggered by the agency's Israeli-influenced accusations, which were leveled against Tehran's peaceful nuclear activities.

Last September, the head of the AEOI, Mohammad Eslami, strongly rejected all accusations, including the UN nuclear watchdog's allegations, about the existence of undeclared nuclear activities or material in Iran.

In a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran early in March, Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi said Tehran expects the IAEA to adopt a "professional and fair" approach to its nuclear energy program and refrain from being affected by certain powers which are pursuing their own specific goals.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Farda Briefing: Experts Raise Questions Over Iran's First 'Hypersonic' Missile

By Golnaz Esfandiari June 07, 2023

The Big Issue

Iran unveiled what it described as its first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile on June 6, claiming it can travel up to 15 times the speed of sound.

Iran's official news agency, IRNA, posted images of the new Fattah missile. The weapons system was unveiled at a ceremony attended by President Ebrahim Raisi and commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC's aerospace force, claimed the missile has a range of 1,400 kilometers and can reach a speed of 15,500 kilometers per hour. He boasted that the missile is capable of evading any anti-missile defense system.

Western military experts say Iran sometimes exaggerates figures for the capabilities of its weapons.

Why It Matters: Iran has been expanding its missile program in recent years, with Tehran believed to have the largest and most diverse ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel see Iran's missile program as a threat to the region, warning the missiles could be used to carry nuclear weapons. Iran has said its arsenal is for defense and deterrence purposes only.

Experts say the speed and maneuvering capabilities of hypersonic ballistic missiles make them difficult to track and intercept.

But they have raised questions about the capabilities of the Fattah missile.

Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told me it does not appear to be as sophisticated as the hypersonic missiles that the United States and China have developed.

Hinz said the Fattah missile "can do some basic maneuvers, but not for the same amount of time and not as dramatic" as systems developed by other countries.

Jeremie Binnie, a Middle East defense specialist at the global intelligence company Janes, told me there are "questions as to whether it is really capable of accurately hitting its target at the very high speed that has been claimed."

What's Next: The unveiling of the Fattah missile is likely to increase the West's concerns about Iran's missile program.

Only several countries, including the United States, China, and Russia, have developed hypersonic ballistic missiles. Russia is believed to be the only country to have deployed them in combat. North Korea has also claimed it has successfully tested a hypersonic missile.

Hinz said despite its limits the Fattah missile is "another technologically sophisticated element in Iran's strategy of overcoming the ballistic missile defenses" of its regional adversaries.

Stories You Might Have Missed

The former head of Tehran's notorious Evin prison has expressed "shame" over the mass execution of political prisoners at the facility in 1988, in unprecedented comments on Clubhouse. Hossein Mortazavi Zanjani claimed he was not involved in the executions. While some Iranians praised his comments, others questioned his motives.

An Iranian cultural official has been sacked after a viral video showed a man proposing to a woman without a head scarf at the tomb of a celebrated Persian poet. The video shows violations of Iran's harsh morality laws, such as women with their heads uncovered and the man publicly embracing the woman, while a crowd applauds.

What We're Watching

The authorities in Iran appear to be increasing pressure on female university students to adhere to the country's Islamic dress code.

A local students group reported on June 5 that a significant number of students from Tehran's University of Science and Technology as well as at least 11 professors were summoned during the past week.

The reasons cited were an alleged refusal to comply with mandatory hijab rules and what university authorities termed "inappropriate dress."

Why It Matters: Iran's universities turned into a battleground between the authorities and protesters during the monthslong antiestablishment demonstrations that erupted in September.

The rallies were triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died shortly after she was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab law.

Campuses were often the sites of demonstrations led by students and bloody government crackdowns.

The authorities' ongoing pressure on students could trigger new protests at universities, which have often been at the forefront of the struggle for greater rights and freedoms in the Islamic republic.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/farda-briefing- questions-iran-hypersonic-missile/32448695.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Safeguards Agreement with Iran: E3 statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency

UK, France and Germany (E3) statement to the IAEA about Iran's implementation of its obligations under its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement.

7 June 2023

Chair, France, Germany and the United Kingdom thank Director-General Grossi for his report on the implementation of safeguards in Iran contained in GOV/2023/26.

We fully support and commend the DG and the Secretariat for their professional, independent and impartial verification of Iran's safeguards obligations, and commend their repeated efforts to engage Iran on clarifying information concerning the correctness and completeness of its declarations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement. The IAEA should continue to evaluate all safeguards-relevant information available, in line with its mandate and standard practice.

Chair, a few hours before the last Board, the IAEA and Iran agreed the 4 March 2023 joint statement in which "Iran expressed its readiness to continue its cooperation and provide further information and access to address the outstanding safeguards issues" and, "on a voluntary basis, to allow the IAEA to implement further appropriate verification and monitoring activities".

This joint statement was agreed in the context of Iran's grave and continued escalation of its nuclear program, which included 2 particularly concerning actions:

centrifuge configuration changes made by Iran at Fordow without prior notice to the IAEA and uncovered during an unannounced inspection

detection of particles of uranium enriched at 83.7%, which is grossly inconsistent with the declared level of enrichment

These Iranian actions also took place in the context of over 4 years of a lack of substantive cooperation with the IAEA regarding possible undeclared nuclear material at a number of undeclared locations in Iran. The Board has adopted 3 resolutions on this matter, most recently in November, when the Board decided that it is "essential and urgent", that Iran act to fulfil its legal obligations and clarify all outstanding safeguards issues without delay.

In the context of this escalation, and Iran's longstanding lack of cooperation with the Agency, incremental and limited steps are neither sufficient nor satisfactory. Only the full implementation by Iran of its Joint Statement commitments, and crucially its legal obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, can re-establish trust in Iran's claim that its nuclear program only serves peaceful purposes.

Chair, Iran's level of cooperation remains insufficient, as reflected in the Director General's report.

On outstanding safeguards issues, we note that the Agency at this time has no additional questions on the depleted uranium particles detected at Marivan. But we also note that the Agency's assessment of the activities undertaken by Iran in the other location at Marivan remains as set out previously: that Iran conducted explosive experiments in preparation for the use of neutron detectors. This is a stark reminder of the reason why we need to continue to demand full transparency from Iran on all outstanding safeguards issues.

We also note with great concern that the Agency reports no progress towards resolving the remaining outstanding safeguards issues. As clearly requested by the Agency in its report, Iran needs to address outstanding issues and provide, without further delay, technically credible information on the current location(s) of nuclear material and contaminated equipment in relation to Turquzabad and Varamin.

Unless and until Iran provides technically credible explanations to the Agency's persisting outstanding questions, as reiterated by the November Resolution, the Agency will not be able to confirm the correctness and completeness of Iran's declarations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement. These outstanding issues need to be resolved for the Agency to be in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. Such assurances are critical for the international community and the international non-proliferation regime.

In addition, a new issue has arisen with regard to a discrepancy, detected more than a year ago, between the amount of natural uranium from Jaber Ibn Hayan Laboratory declared by Iran and the amount verified by the Agency. The Agency considers Iran's latest accountancy "not to be based on scientific grounds, and therefore, not acceptable". We call upon Iran to engage the Agency to explain the shortfall of nuclear material. It is worth recalling that this material is related to a previous safeguards site of concern - Lavisan-Shian.

Finally, we once again recall that implementation of Modified Code 3.1 is a legal obligation for Iran under the Subsidiary Arrangement to its NPT Safeguards Agreement which cannot be modified or stopped unilaterally.

On other safeguards issues, we take note of the Agency's assessment regarding the 83.7% enriched uranium particles, that "the information provided [by Iran] was not inconsistent with Iran's explanation for the origin" of such particles. We continue to stress that any such enrichment, whatever its nature or intention, is wholly unacceptable. It constituted an unprecedented and extremely grave development, for which there is no credible civilian justification. These actions show Iran has built capabilities suitable for enrichment for nuclear weapons purposes.

On verification and monitoring activities, we note the limited steps that have been taken such as the reinstallation of enrichment monitoring devices of high enriched uranium at both Fordow and Natanz. We also note the reinstallation of some surveillance cameras in some centrifuge production facilities. Yet, progress again remains short of expectations.

Steps taken to allow further verification activities constitute a start, but they remain vastly incomplete. Without the installation of surveillance equipment in all locations requested by the Agency, and without access to the data recorded since February 2021 such steps have limited value, despite efforts of the Agency to secure this oversight. These steps are fragile: the Agency clearly states that "the process needs to be sustained and uninterrupted in order that all of the commitments contained therein are fulfilled without further delay".

Chair, we urge Iran to act without any possible delay as requested by the Agency, in order to clarify and resolve all outstanding issues. The Director General has made clear asks in his report and requested engagement from Iran, and the November Resolution makes clear the Board's requirements of Iran. Both should be delivered by the next Board of Governors at the latest.

If Iran fails to implement by the next Board the essential and urgent actions contained in the November 2022 Resolution and the March Joint Statement in full, the Board will have to be prepared to take further action, including if necessary making a finding on whether the Agency is not able to verify that there has been no diversion of nuclear material. We reiterate that we are looking forward to Iran clarifying all outstanding issues as soon as possible and that if the IAEA Director General confirms that these issues have been duly addressed we will not deem further reports on developments necessary.

We would like to thank the IAEA for their impartial and professional work on this issue.

We encourage the Director General to continue reporting to the Board of Governors and welcome making the report contained in GOV/2023/26 public, consistent with long-standing practice.

Thank you, Chair.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Former Kazakh President Nazarbaev's Office Being Canceled

By RFE/RL June 07, 2023

The office of former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev, known as the office of the First President of Kazakhstan, will cease to exist within the next 45 days, the Central Asian nation's Finance Minister Erulan Zhamaubaev said on June 7.

According to Zhamaubaev, the closure of the office will free up to 3 billion tenges ($6,675,000) of state money, which will be used for other needs.

Zhamaubaev's statement came less than a week after the Justice Ministry said that parliament is poised to scrap an article in the Criminal Code that envisions punishment by up to five years in prison for insulting Nazarbaev.

President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has taken a series of moves since January 2022 to push Nazarbaev, who ruled the tightly controlled former Soviet republic with an iron fist for almost three decades, further into the background following his resignation in 2019.

Though he officially stepped down as president, Nazarbaev retained sweeping powers as the head of the country's powerful Security Council. He also enjoyed substantial powers by holding the title of "elbasy."

Earlier this year, Kazakh lawmakers annulled the Law on the First President -- the Leader of the Nation (Elbasy).

Although the law was canceled, Nazarbaev himself continues to have immunity from prosecution in accordance with the law on presidents.

Even after Nazarbaev's resignation, many Kazakhs remained bitter over the oppression felt during his reign.

Those feelings came to a head in January last year when unprecedented anti-government nationwide protests were sparked by a fuel price hike.

The demonstrations unexpectedly exploded into deadly countrywide unrest over perceived corruption under the Nazarbaev regime and the cronyism that allowed his family and close friends to enrich themselves while ordinary citizens failed to share in the oil-rich nation's wealth.

Toqaev subsequently stripped Nazarbaev of his Security Council role, taking it over himself. Since then, several of Nazarbaev's relatives and allies have been pushed out of their positions or resigned. Some have been arrested on corruption charges, of whom some were handed prison terms.

On June 7, Kazakhstan's Anti-Corruption Agency said Nazarbaev's once powerful nephew, Qairat Satybaldy, who was sentenced to six years in prison in September after being found guilty of fraud and embezzlement, will hand over his property, including the Double Tree by Hilton Almaty hotel, as well as jewelry, automobiles, and cash to the state treasury to compensate damages caused by his crimes.

The agency added that investigations into Satybaldy's alleged tax evasion and money laundering activities are under way.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, KazTAG, and Tengrinews

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/former-kazakh-president- nazarbaev-office-canceled/32448832.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Myanmar military is stepping up attacks on schools ahead of school year

The attacks are seen as a warning to families whose children attend non-junta schools.

By Waimar Htun for RFA Burmese 2023.06.07 -- Myanmar's military has stepped up attacks on schools run by anti-junta paramilitaries and ethnic armed groups, according to a Thai-based NGO, in what an aid worker says is a bid to force children to study under its education system.

While the military began using airstrikes against schools following its successful coup d'etat in February 2021, the number of attacks increased ahead of the start of this year's school season on June 1, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said in a statement.

Several of the airstrikes took place in Kani and Kale townships in Sagaing region, as well as in Tanintharyi region - two hotbeds of anti-junta resistance since the takeover - the June 5 statement said, labeling such attacks "war crimes."

"The junta has definitely been committing war crimes like these - everyday they violate what the International community has prohibited," said an AAPP official, speaking to RFA Burmese on condition of anonymity, citing security concerns.

"The schools they attacked are in areas controlled by the [People's Defense Force] and other revolutionary forces where they have no authority."

Among the attacks was one by military helicopters on a school in Kale's Shu Khin Thar village on June 5 that a local PDF group known as the CNO Upper Chindwin Region said took place while village elders were holding a meeting. The attack killed one person and injured four others, the group said in a statement, adding that the junta has ordered such strikes to "threaten families" who send their children to village schools run by anti-junta groups.

The AAPP said it had also documented a June 5 attack by a junta Mi-35 helicopter on a school in Sagaing's Kani township that injured two children and damaged the building, as well as nearby homes. There was no fighting or military activities taking place at the time.

And early in the morning of June 6, military fighter jets dropped bombs on San Pha Lar village in Kayin state's Kawkareik, destroying the village school and four houses. Local media reported that teachers and students in the village are now too frightened to go to school.

A resident of Kani township who is aware of the incident but declined to be named called the junta's deliberate targeting of schools "a heinous act."

"Children are entitled to freedom of education," the resident said. "School buildings can never be military targets."

In the months of April and May alone, the AAPP said the military carried out 31 airstrikes and fired 184 barrages of heavy artillery into areas controlled by the rebel Karen National Union's 6th Brigade, damaging three schools, a monastery, two Christian churches, two clinics and 387 civilian homes. The attacks forced 23,021 civilians to flee, according to the KNU.

Targeting non-junta schools

Japan Gyi, co-chair of the Relief Group for People Displaced by Conflict (Kale), told RFA that the military regime is intentionally targeting schools that are not under its control.

"Their education system is a complete failure and the people know it very well," he said. "But, just as all dictators, they are forcing people to study under their system and live under their management."

Attempts by RFA to contact junta Deputy Information Minister Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment on the school attacks went unanswered on Wednesday.

Residents of Sagaing and Magway regions and Chin and Kayin states have told RFA that they are being forced to build bomb shelters at schools because of the threat of airstrikes and urged the international community to intervene.

Armed resistance groups and NGOs have called for a ban on companies that sell jet fuel to Myanmar's military, but the junta continues to carry out airstrikes across the country.

In a statement earlier this week, Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government said that junta forces killed 129 civilians in the month of May alone, including 19 children. The civilians were killed by junta airstrikes, artillery or while in detention, the statement said, in Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon and Shan states, as well as Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway and Bago regions.

An information official in Sagaing's Khin-U township who declined to be named told RFA that civilian deaths have increased there and other regions as anti-junta forces have become better armed and more successful in ground engagements with the military.

"Due to junta aggression, innocent civilians including the elderly, pregnant women, mothers with newborn babies and children have had to flee their homes when fighting breaks out," the official said. Many elderly residents have died while trying to flee or were burned to death in military arson attacks, he added.

According to the AAPP, authorities have killed at least 3,622 civilians since the coup.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






In a first, Rohingya testify in person against Myanmar leaders about alleged genocide

Argentine court to hear accounts of rape and slaughter; complaint aims to hold perpetrators accountable.

By Carlos G Hamann, special for RFA 2023.06.07 -- In a hearing that opened Wednesday in Argentina, Rohingya Muslims appeared in person in a court of law for the first time to provide eyewitness testimony about alleged crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity committed by senior Myanmar officials.

The hearing is being held in Argentina under the principle of "universal jurisdiction" enshrined in the country's constitution, which holds that some crimes are so heinous that alleged perpetrators thousands of miles away can be tried.

"This is a historic fight for justice," said Tun Khin, president of the London-based advocacy group Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, or BROUK, which filed the complaint with the Federal Criminal Correctional Court in Buenos Aires.

The hearings, which will run through June 13, will call seven Rohingya witnesses to testify before federal prosecutor Guillermo Marijuan, who is gathering evidence in the case.

The 46-page criminal complaint centers on violence in 2012 and 2018 that drove about 1 million Rohingyas from Myanmar, mostly to neighboring Bangladesh, where many live in squalid refugee camps to this day.

In harrowing detail, the document describes rapes, beheadings and the slaughter of Rohingya civilians committed by Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, and their civilian supporters.

It describes "the gang rape of women, girls and boys" and includes "the virtually total destruction of their towns and villages by intentionally setting them on fire."

Goal: Arrest or extradition

Ultimately, the complaint calls for the perpetrators to be identified "and the necessary measures be adopted" for them to be interrogated by a judge, "including their arrest and/or extradition if necessary."

"The idea is that someone will be caught and brought trial. It forms part of a longer arc of accountability and truth-telling," said Akila Radhakrisan, head of the New York-based Global Justice Center, a group specializing in human rights and sexual violence against women.

But cases like these can take decades to be resolved, Radhakrisan said.

For example, it was only on May 23 that a key fugitive in the 1994 Rwandan massacre was found in South Africa and arrested following a warrant issued by the United Nations' International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

The public shaming and a pending arrest warrant for perpetrators in Myanmar could limit their travel, and also deter others around the world that might engage in similar human rights abuses, officials said.

Prosecutor Marijuan is technically still in the phase of collection of evidence.

Aside from the courtroom testimony, evidence includes detailed information collected by a 2017-2019 UN-backed Independent International Fact Finding Mission on Myanmar, which interviewed hundreds of witnesses in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Those named in the accusation include Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's armed forces and the ruling junta, which overthrew the civilian government in a coup two years ago, senior officials in the police and border guard, and radical Buddhist monks including Ashin Wirathu.

The accusation also names pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto head of Myanmar's civilian government between 2016 and 2021, as being complicit in the genocide. Removed from power in the coup, she is now serving a lengthy prison term in Myanmar on charges that supporters say are politically motivated.

Anonymous testimony

Fearing retaliation from agents of Myanar's military government, the Rohingya witnesses coming to the court have taken strict measures to remain anonymous. The hearings will be held behind closed doors.

The Rohingya are represented in court by Tomas Ojea Quintana, an Argentine attorney who has served as U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar between 2008 and 2014.

Argentine prosecutors may travel to a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh if they deem that more information is needed, he said.

Argentina has held previous cases about alleged crimes committed elsewhere.

A 2010 case examined crimes committed in Spain during 1939-1975 fascist rule of Francisco Franco; a 2014 case against Israeli authorities for crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip; and a 2018 case against Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman for crimes against humanity committed in Yemen.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the reception on Africa Day

7 June 2023 18:02

1128-07-06-2023

Colleagues and friends,

I would like to welcome you to this annual reception on Africa Day.

First, allow me to read a message from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to the heads of state and government of the African countries:

ALadies and gentlemen,

Please accept my heartfelt greetings on Africa Day - a holiday that has come to symbolise the victory of the people of your continent over colonialism, and their striving for freedom, peace and prosperity.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. For decades, this representative international organisation had played a crucial role in the development of multilateral dialogue and cooperation. Its positive traditions are currently carried on by the African Union, within which all states on the continent are actively interacting. Thanks to their joint efforts, it was possible to establish mechanisms for a collective response to local crises and launch processes of regional integration in various formats. This, undoubtedly, facilitates the social and economic development of Africa, and increases its role in international affairs.

Russia has always attached special importance to strengthening relations with its African partners. The first Russia-Africa Summit, held in 2019, gave a boost to our ties in many areas.

I am sure that the second Russia-Africa Summit, which will take place in St Petersburg in July, will help us outline new plans aimed at expanding the constructive cooperation between our country and our African partners in the political, trade and economic, scientific and technological, humanitarian, and other areas.

I will be delighted to welcome Africa's leaders to St Petersburg. I sincerely wish all of you good health and success in your state activities and wish your people peace and prosperity.

Vladimir PutinA.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is common knowledge that our country has always paid special attention to relations with Africa. We developed close ties of friendship and solidarity with its peoples during their liberation from the colonial oppression. At that time, the Soviet Union supported its African friends in their natural striving for independence. The USSR rendered young African states tangible diplomatic, economic, technical, military and other support. It signed cooperation agreements with 37 African countries.

We did not suspend our political dialogue with Africa even in the 1990s when Russia faced numerous problems itself. We developed cooperation in personnel training, helped African states maintain their defence capabilities and resolve other problems.

Additional opportunities for developing our ties are opening up with the strengthening of Russia and Africa's positions as centres of a multi-polar world. As genuine friends, we are developing this cooperation along the lines of equality, observance of international law and non-interference in other's internal affairs. Russia is helping the African states in good faith to strengthen sovereignty and ensure security and economic growth. This is a difference of principle between the collective West and us. The West has not outlived its superiority syndrome and is trying to perpetuate neo-colonial practices. In this context, I would like to thank our African partners that have not allowed themselves to be drawn into the anti-Russia campaign and have held a balanced position on the European security crisis.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have achieved results in our work, which we would like to present to the public in our countries. The First Russia-Africa Summit in October 2019 in Sochi raised Russia-Africa interaction to a new level. The frequency of political contact has increased, and the inter-parliamentary dialogue has become more intensive.

I would like to make special mention of our growing trade that is objectively facilitated by the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. We are interested in promoting our joint efforts, including high-tech areas like the nuclear power industry, the peaceful exploration of space, and the introduction of modern digital technology.

We are continuously expanding our cultural and humanitarian interaction, focusing on the education of specialists from Africa. At present, about 34,000 African students are studying in Russia, with over 6,000 receiving education at the expense of the Russian Government. We expect these figures to always increase.

Along with our African friends, we are redoubling our efforts to ensure food security. Russia is fulfilling in good faith its commitments under international contracts on the exports of agro-industrial products, fertilisers, energy sources and other goods that Africa badly needs. We will continue doing this despite the obstacles that the West is creating to prevent the expansion of Russia's lawful cooperation with the African states.

This year, St Petersburg will host the Second Russia-African Summit and the related Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. I am confident that the scale and intensity of the upcoming summit meeting and relevant events will be the same as at the first summit in Sochi four years ago. We are planning to discuss promising areas and programmes for further cooperation and to prepare specific mechanisms for implementation while in Russia's northern capital.

We believe the results of the St Petersburg Summit will provide a vector for the development of our relations in the next few years. I am convinced that our major goal should be to turn Russian-African cooperation into a strategic partnership, and of course, we will achieve this goal.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate again all those present on this day and wish all African countries and peoples peace and prosperity. I would also like to wish health and success to you and your families and friends.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Defence Minister General of Army Sergei Shoigu inspects implementation of state defence order at one of enterprises of Almaz-Antey JSC Concern

07.06.2023

The head of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation inspected the workshops for the production of modern surface-to-air guided missile for air defence systems.

The General Director of the company reported to the Russian Minister of Defence on the programs being implemented to expand the production capacity for providing the Russian troops with modern air defence systems. According to him, 'the creation of new production facilities will make it possible to double the capacity of the enterprise'.

Sergei Shoigu pointed to the need to shorten the timeframe for commissioning of the Concern's new production facilities by synchronizing the installation of equipment and commissioning work. 'I travel around the enterprises and see that sites are launched in two to three months...A machine is working at the same time, assembly is going on and the next one is being set up at the same time,' said the Russian Defence Minister.

Yan Novikov, the head of the Almaz-Antey JSC Concern, reported to the Russian Defence Minister that in 2023 the corporation significantly increased production under the state defence order across the entire range of products. He stressed that the enterprise is ahead of schedule with its products. Air defence systems, including S-300 Favorit, S-400 Triumf, S-350 Vityaz, demonstrate high efficiency in destroying enemy air targets.

The Defence Minister noted that the products manufactured by Almaz-Antey are in demand and demonstrate high efficiency within the special military operation.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian interministerial delegation conducts nine humanitarian campaigns across Syria

07.06.2023

Representatives of the Russian interministerial delegation conducted nine humanitarian campaigns for civilians in Damascus region, Latakia, and Tartous.

During the ceremony, Aleksandr Lavrentiev, the Head of the Logistics Department of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Lunkov and Russian Defence Ministry representatives provided Syrians with food supplies, necessities. The icons, made at the iconography workshop of the Holy Danilov Monastery, were delivered to the people of Safita.

'Today we had a meeting with governors of three cities, the militia leaders and Metropolitan Basilis of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. To them we handed over all the humanitarian support. We got an extremely positive impression of the meetings, the mindset is welcoming. People here love and respect Russia. I hope that such good relationships will last in the future,' said Aleksandr Lavrentyev to the media.

Apart from that, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, Innovative Development, and Entrepreneurship Vladimir Gutenev visited the Russian Centre for Science and Culture 'Russian House' in Damascus. During the visit, Gutenev handed over food supplies, clothes, necessities to families in need.

The Ibn Al-Nafees hospital in Damascus has received Russian-made modern medical equipment for artificial ventilation of minors' lungs, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies.

Rossotrudnichestvo and Autonomous Non-Commercial Organisation for the Support of Humanitarian Programs 'Russian Humanitarian Mission' handed over four diesel generator sets and 150 food supplies to Ismail-Al-Akkari school and Yalda district city hospital in Damascus province.

About three tonnes of food and necessities have been delivered to the Hirjilla Refugee Centre.

A delegation of the Russian Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Russian Federation, headed by Lieutenant General Aleksey Serko, State Secretary - Deputy Minister, handed over modern fire and rescue equipment to the firefighters regiment of the city of Damascus.

During the visit, a memorandum on cooperation was signed between the Russian Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters and the Syrian Ministry of Municipal Administration and Environment.

In Latakia province, a delegation from Nizhny Novgorod region conducted humanitarian campaigns and handed over medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to healthcare institutions.

In addition, an agreement was signed to establish twin-cities relations between Dzerzhinsk and Latakia.

The Russian interdepartmental delegation will work in the Syrian Arab Republic until 9 June 2023.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets with U.S. Secretary of State

Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh, June 07, 2023, SPA -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, met today with the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the GCC countries in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. They discussed developments in the regional and international arenas and the efforts made in this regard.

The two sides also discussed the most prominent issues raised in the GCC-US meeting and ways to strengthen the GCC-US relations in various fields.

The meeting was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati; and the Assistant Minister of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Sami Al-Saleh.

--SPA

20:14 LOCAL TIME 17:14 GMT

0046

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Blinken, Saudi Leaders Discuss Terrorism, Yemen, Sudan Conflict

By VOA News June 07, 2023

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Wednesday with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi foreign minister, and foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council as part of his visit to Saudi Arabia.

The State Department said the U.S. and Saudi diplomats discussed a range of concerns between the two countries as well as regional and global issues.

"Secretary Blinken and the foreign minister resolved to continue to work together to counter terrorism, to support efforts to bring about a lasting peace in Yemen, and to promote stability, security, de-escalation and integration in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. "The two sides pledged to continue their strong cooperation to end the fighting in Sudan."

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have hosted talks in Jeddah on the Sudan conflict but could not broker a lasting cease-fire between warring factions.

Another State Department spokesman, Vedant Patel, said the U.S. continues to believe "that a diplomatic solution is what is needed to resolve a conflict, not a military one. We've continued to press both sides. We have imposed visa restrictions, levied economic sanctions, updated our business advisories, and we stand ready to take further action as well."

"We remained deeply engaged," Patel said. "But the formal resumption of talks has not yet taken place."

Blinken met earlier with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah where the State Department said he expressed thanks for Saudi Arabia's help evacuating Americans from Sudan earlier this year.

"The two affirmed their shared commitment to advance stability, security and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond, including through a comprehensive political agreement to achieve peace, prosperity and security in Yemen," Miller said in a readout of the meeting. "The secretary also emphasized that our bilateral relationship is strengthened by progress on human rights.

Miller said the meeting also included discussion of "deepening economic cooperation, especially in the clean energy and technology fields."

Ahead of the trip, Blinken said Monday that the United States "has a real national security interest in promoting normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia."

Dating at least to the administration of former President Jimmy Carter, the United States has worked to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Blinken told a meeting of the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC that part of his visit to Saudi Arabia would involve working toward boosting Israeli-Saudi relations.

"We believe that we can, and indeed we must, play an integral role in advancing it," Blinken said. "Now, we have no illusions that this can be done quickly or easily."

On Thursday, Blinken and Prince Faisal will host a meeting of the 80-strong coalition of countries fighting Islamic State militants.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Assad to Aoun: Syrian-Arab dAtente will have positive impact on Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 07 June 2023 7:39 AM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hailed the recent normalization of diplomatic relations between Damascus and the Arab world, saying the rapprochement will have a "positive impact" on neighboring Lebanon.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with former Lebanese president Michel Aoun in the Syrian capital after 14 years.

Assad said he believes "Lebanon's strength lies in its political and economic stability, and that the Lebanese are capable of creating this stability through dialogue and consensus, and most importantly by adhering to principles and not betting on changes," the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

He also underscored that "Lebanon's stability is in the interest of Syria and the region in general."

"Syria and Lebanon cannot look at their challenges separately from each other," Assad said, noting that the Syrian-Arab rapprochement that took place recently at the Arab League summit in Jeddah "will have a positive impact on Syria and Lebanon."

The Syrian president also said Aoun "had a role in preserving the brotherly relationship between Syria and Lebanon for the benefit of both countries."

For his part, Aoun described the changes in the Middle East as positive signs that are in the interests of all Arab countries.

The former Lebanese president also said he believes Syria's recovery and prosperity will reflect positively on Lebanon.

Turning to the issue of Syrian refugees, Aoun said he informed the Syrian president of "the dangerous position of Europe, which refuses to repatriate refugees, tries to integrate them into Lebanese society, and uses every means possible to prevent their return under the pretext of protecting them."

Assad, in return, reaffirmed that Syria is ready to welcome back its citizens, noting that this must take place in coordination between the two countries.

The last time Michel Aoun visited Damascus was in 2009, two years before the start of the foreign-backed conflict in Syria, after which several Arab countries severed their ties with Damascus.

The meeting came as Lebanese authorities have ramped up efforts to repatriate Syrian refugees. According to statistics released by the Lebanese government, around two million Syrian refugees are living in Lebanon, a country with a population of more than 5.5 million.

It also comes as Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called for an election session to be held on June 14 at 11 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) to elect a new head of state. The previous 11 sessions failed amid a lack of consensus and lost quorum.

Lebanon has had no president since Michel Aoun's term ended on October 31 last year.

An unnamed source close to Aoun told Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television news network that the Lebanese presidential election "was not on the agenda of Aoun's discussion with Assad."

The source also said that Aoun's visit to Damascus came within a "regular" context, given that Syria is "the gateway to the Levant."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Telephone conversation with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

June 7, 2023

16:25

The presidents continued to discuss topical issues of Russian-Turkish cooperation. They expressed mutual confidence that a multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership in various spheres would continue to develop dynamically. In this context, they noted their commitment to the consistent implementation of joint projects in energy, trade and tourism.

A range of international topics was also touched upon, including further coordination in multilateral organisations.

The presidents discussed the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin stated that the Kiev authorities, at the suggestion of their Western handlers, were still making a dangerous bet on the escalation of hostilities, committing war crimes, openly using terrorist methods and organising sabotage on Russian territory. A clear example of this was the barbaric action to destroy the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station in the Kherson Region, which resulted in a large environmental and humanitarian catastrophe.

The President of Russia once again congratulated his Turkish counterpart on his official assumption of office. The two leaders agreed to maintain a regular personal dialogue.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement by Minister Joly and Minister Sajjan on the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ukraine

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

June 6, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today issued the following statement on the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ukraine:

"Canada strongly condemns the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Kherson region of Ukraine. This will have significant impacts on the country's energy infrastructure and the lives of thousands of Ukrainians. It shows once again the catastrophic impacts of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a grave breach of international peace and security.

"Canada shares the international community's concerns, as thousands of Ukrainians were already forced to evacuate the region. The situation could get much worse, as the rising water levels are putting the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk in 80 settlements so far, including the city of Kherson, aggravating the already dire humanitarian situation in those areas.

"The risks of permanent environmental consequences following this destruction are very real, not only for the people of Ukraine, but for many surrounding areas. With the destruction of the dam, water levels are quickly flooding agricultural lands, which could lead to food insecurity for many communities. Canada is also aware of potential impacts to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as the dropping water levels of the dam could affect access to critical cooling water for its reactors, increasing the risks of a nuclear incident.

"Canada stands with Ukraine and remains ready to continue to provide assistance to Ukrainians. Civilians and critical infrastructures are illegitimate targets of war, and we will ensure that those responsible for this attack and other egregious acts against Ukrainians sovereignty are held accountable for their crimes. We will continue to work with our international partners to protect the people of Ukraine from the oppressive Russian regime."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine

Germany - Federal Government

Tuesday, 6 June 2023

Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.

This list provides an overview of military assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine. It includes deliveries from the Federal Armed Forces, from industry and assistance measures together with partners, which have, inter alia, been financed from Federal Government funds for security capacity building.

Funding for the security capacity building initiative amounts to 5.4 billion Euros for 2023 (after 2 billion Euros for 2022) and additional authorisations to enter commitments in the following years amounting to 10.5 billion Euros. These funds are to be used primarily for military assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, they will be used for re-filling Federal Armed Forces stocks for items delivered to Ukraine as well as for Germany's contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), from which costs incurred from providing military assistance to Ukraine can be re-imbursed to EU member states.

Delivered military support to Ukraine:

(Changes compared to the previous update in bold)

Armoured fighting vehicles

8 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206) *

* ammunition for LEOPARD 1*

18 LEOPARD 2 A 6 main battle tanks with ammunition (German share in joint project with further LEOPARD 2 operators)

40 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER with ammunition (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

50 MRAP vehicles DINGO

54 M113 armoured personnel carriers each with 2 MG* (systems of Denmark, upgrades financed by Germany)

118 MG3 for LEOPARD 2, MARDER and DACHS

Spare parts for LEOPARD 2 and MARDER

Air defence

55,000 rounds ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD (before: 53,000)

1 air surveillance radar TRML-4D*

2 air defence system Iris-T SLM*

Iris-T SLM missiles*

air defence system PATRIOT with missiles

34 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD including circa 6.000 rounds of ammunition*

4,000 rounds practice ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns

500 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STINGER

2,700 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STRELA

Artillery

5 multiple rocket launchers MARS II with ammunition (German share in joint project with USA and Great Britain)

ammunition for multiple rocket launchers MARS II

14 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 (German share in joint project with the Netherlands)

23,500 projectiles 155mm

155mm precision guided ammunition*

20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with rockets*

counter battery radar system COBRA*

Military Engineering Capabilities

8 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER*

11 mobile and protected mine clearing systems*

15 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*

4 armoured engineer vehicles DACHS*

2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3

2 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1*

3 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*

17 heavy and medium bridge systems*

6 palettes material for explosive ordnance disposal

Protective and Special Equipment

68 reconnaissance drones VECTOR* (before: 54)

146 border protection vehicles * (before: 130)

93 drone detection systems* (before: 90)

40 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices*

1 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

32 reconnaissance drones*

42 mobile antenna mast systems*

40 laser target designators*

55 anti-drone sensors and jammers*

10 unmanned surface vessels*

10 anti-drone guns*

28,000 combat helmets

125 binoculars

600 safety glasses

1 radio frequency system

3,000 field telephones with 5.000 cable reels and carrying straps

353 night vision goggles*

12 electronic anti-drone devices*

165 field glasses*

38 laser range finders*

6 mobile decontamination vehicles HEP 70 including decontamination material

10 HMMWV (8x ground radar capability, 2x jamming/anti drone capability)*

7 radio jammers*

8 mobile ground surveillance radars and thermal imaging cameras*

1 high frequency unit with equipment*

Logistics

21 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 16 semi-trailers* (before: 19/14)

14 tracked and remote controlled infantry vehicles THeMIS*

4 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 20 roll of containers*

288 vehicles (trucks, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles)

179 Pick-ups*

92 trucks Zetros*

12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*

26 load-handling trucks 15t*

12 heavy duty trailer trucks and 4 semi-trailers*

35 load-handling trucks 8x8

30 protected vehicles*

10 roll off containers

Combat Readiness and Survivability

11,000 group module rations

83,520 rounds ammunition 40mm*

160,000 first aid kits*

103.000 tourniquets

500 pistols SFP9*

2 hangar tents*

8 lift trucks*

295 generators

10 winter camouflage nets

168 mobile heating systems*

36 ambulances*

36.400 wool blankets

14,000 sleeping bags

Mi-24 spare parts*

spare parts for heavy machine gun M2

200 tents

116.000 winter jackets

80.000 winter trousers

240.000 winter hats

405,000 pre-packaged military Meals Ready

67 fridges for medical material*

3,000 anti-tank weapons Panzerfaust 3 with 900 firing devices

14,900 anti-tank mines (9,300* from industry stocks)

22 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms

50 Bunkerfaust with 15 firing devices

100 machine gun MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks

100,000 hand grenades

5,300 explosive charges

100,000 m detonating cord and 100.000 detonators

350,000 detonators

100 auto-injector devices

15 palettes military clothing

1,200 hospital beds

18 palettes medical material, 60 surgical lights

protective clothing, surgical masks

1 field hospital (project jointly financed with Estonia)*

medical material (inter alia back packs, compression bandages)

Diesel and gasoline*

10 tons AdBlue*

500 medical gauzes*

MiG-29 spare parts*

7,944 man-portable anti-tank weapons RGW 90 Matador*

Military support to Ukraine in planning/in execution

(due to security concerns, the Federal Government abstains from providing details on transportation modalities and dates until after handover)

Armoured fighting vehicles

64 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)*

66 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)*

110 LEOPARD 1 main battle tanks* (project jointly financed with Denmark)

20 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER*

ammunition for LEOPARD 1*

ammunition for MARDER*

Air defence

6 air defence system IRIS-T SLM*

Iris-T SLM missiles*

12 launchers Iris-T SLS*

Iris-T SLS missiles (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

7 air surveillance radars TRML-4D*

18 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD*

300.000 rounds of GEPARD ammunition

Artillery

26,350 projectiles 155mm*

18 wheeled self-propelled howitzers RCH 155*

16 self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)

Military Engineering Capabilities

5 bridges for bridge-laying tanks BEAVER*

18 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER*

3 mobile and protected mine clearing systems*

40 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1*

1 armoured engineer vehicles DACHS*

3 heavy and medium bridge systems*

Protective and Special Equipment

357 reconnaissance drones VECTOR* (before: 71)

121 reconnaissance drones*

10 unmanned surface vessels*

40 ground surveillance radars*

1 Satcom surveillance system*

2000 portable light systems*

8 mobile antenna mast systems*

5 mobile reconnaissance systems (on vehicles) *

354 border protection vehicles*

vehicle decontamination system

11 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

Logistics

12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*

30 tank trucks (water/fuel)*

78 truck tractor trains and 86 semi-trailers*

3 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 8 roll of containers*

69 heavy duty trailer trucks 8x8 HX81 and 74 semi-trailers*

2 tractors and 4 trailers*

10 protected vehicles*

108 trucks Zetros*

Combat Readiness and Survivability

13 ambulances*

continuing deliveries of medical material*

100 machine guns MG5*

100 grenade launchers GMG*

40,000 first aid kits*

17 mobile heating systems*

132,480 rounds ammunition 40mm for grenade launchers*

field hospital (role 2)*

5,032 man-portable anti-tank weapons*

* Deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building. Some of the deliveries require upgrades or productions is ongoing; also training measures take place.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China expresses grave concern over destruction of Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 07, 2023 01:42 PM

China is gravely concerned over the destruction in the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam and urges all parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and to do their utmost to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) at the UN Security Council Emergency Meeting on Ukraine on Tuesday.

China is "concerned" about the protraction and even further escalation of the Ukraine crisis. China urged the parties concerned to submit to good sense, exercise restraint, and resume peace talks as soon as possible, according to Zhang.

The protection of civilians and critical civilian facilities in armed conflict is an important principle enshrined in international humanitarian law. "We are deeply concerned about the resulting humanitarian, economic, and ecological consequences," Zhang said.

The collapse of the dam has caused major inundations. China supports the "active efforts" by the UN and humanitarian agencies to assist to the best of their ability in the evacuation of the affected population, followed by further assistance, according to Zhang.

Martin Griffiths, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator said at the meeting that the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam was the most significant incident of damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of the Ukraine crisis, which will have grave and far-reaching consequences for many people, according to the UN.

The UN and humanitarian organizations have already operated to address the impact, including by providing urgent assistance to more than 16,000 affected people.

China reiterated that in the event of a nuclear disaster, "no one can stay immune," Zhang said. China called for maximum restraint, avoiding words and deeds that could escalate confrontation and lead to miscalculation, and maintaining the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Zhang noted.

China will continue to stand on the side of peace and with partners concerned, to make unremitting efforts to promote peace talks and achieve a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Zhang noted.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Minister of Foreign Affairs: Latvia congratulates Ukraine on becoming a prospective OECD Member country

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

07.06.2023

On 7 June 2023 in Paris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, attended the annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, during which the role of the OECD and the wider international community in supporting Ukraine's reform agenda, in particular the launch of the OECD Ukraine Country Programme, was discussed. Participants were also presented with details of the support activities of the OECD and its Member countries, including the forthcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in London on 21-22 June.

Addressing the participants, Edgars Rinkevics noted that since the first day of the Russian invasion, Latvia has stood by Ukraine's battle for freedom and territorial unity. Latvia is hosting Ukrainian refugees and continues to provide humanitarian and defence assistance. In financial terms, Latvia's support has exceeded one percent of the country's gross domestic product.

"We see Ukraine's future as a full member of our democratic and like-minded European family. To achieve this, Ukraine must win the war and stay on the path of reform. Latvia appreciates all the OECD's actions to help Ukraine. We congratulate Ukraine on becoming a prospective OECD Member country and welcome the launch of the Ukraine Country Programme. The priorities set out in this Country Programme will serve Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery, its integration into Europe and its development as a truly democratic nation," emphasised Edgars Rinkevics.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the view that Ukraine should persistently focus on strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption. "Latvia is contributing financially to the Ukraine Country Programme and supports the OECD-Ukraine Liaison office in Kyiv. We see these investments as a contribution to the peace, security and prosperity of Ukraine, Latvia and the world. Russia's attack on Ukraine has created new challenges for the world economy and international trade. We look forward to strengthening OECD cooperation with Moldova and Georgia," the Minister underlined.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated in a working group of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting on Resilient Critical Supply Chains. The Minister expressed Latvia's support for an open and rules-based international trade system. Mutually beneficial trade is vital to ensure the resilience of global supply chains and secure access to the many resources needed for the green transition and digital transformation.

"Recent supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, combined with soaring demand, have dramatically increased the cost of energy, technology and raw materials. A predictable and fair international trading system based on the World Trade Organisation is more important than ever, especially in the light of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This calls for the modernisation of global trade rules, including on industrial subsidies, e-commerce, the environment and others," said Edgars Rinkevics.

On the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, Edgars Rinkevics met the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, James Cleverly, to discuss the upcoming conference in London to support Ukraine's reconstruction and regional security cooperation.

Background information

On 5 July 2022, the Prime Minister of Ukraine submitted a formal application to the OECD for Ukraine's accession to the organisation. The OECD Ukraine Country Programme is being established to provide a framework for a more structured partnership between the OECD and Ukraine, both for Ukraine's recovery and to achieve the objectives of European Union and OECD accession. It is envisaged that the programme will offer Ukraine greater access to international best practice and exchange of experience through more active participation in the work of OECD bodies, improve the quality of policy reforms in line with OECD standards, and promote further consolidation of longer-term reforms, including through the OECD instruments of choice.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting: "Ukraine suffers terror attacks, needs our help today"

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2023.06.07

On 7-8 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis attended the Meeting of the OECD Council at the ministerial level. Landsbergis called for helping Ukraine implement reforms and contributing to the country's reconstruction, thus opening the doors for Ukraine to join the European Union and the OECD as soon as possible.

"Unfortunately, during the meeting, we received the news about the increasingly deteriorating situation in the south of Ukraine due to the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant explosion. Terrorists do not stop unless they are stopped. Therefore, lasting peace in Europe requires Ukraine's victory on the battlefield and the quickest possible accountability for the perpetrators in the international court. These unprecedented Russian attacks on civilian objects are another cause for the democratic world to accelerate and increase assistance to the Ukrainian people," Landsbergis said.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister also welcomed the launch by the OECD and the Government of Ukraine of a four-year Country Programme that would support Ukraine's reform, recovery and reconstruction agenda and help Ukraine advance its ambitions to join the OECD and the European Union. Landsbergis noted that Lithuania saw Ukraine's accession processes to the EU and the OECD as mutually supportive, encouraging reforms and progress in the country.

"This plan is of particular importance for Ukraine because what is happening there is important not only for Ukrainians but also for the entire continent, for the entire democratic world. There is a need for urgent support for Ukraine, as the timing of the Russian terror attacks on the country is not the best ally. I am glad that a dedicated OECD Ukraine Liaison Office was opened in Kyiv at the initiative of Lithuania and Poland. Hopefully, the office will also successfully coordinate the OECD support," Landsbergis said.

In a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Mathias Hubert Paul Cormann, the Foreign Minister called on the OECD to perform an analysis of the global fertilizers market, which would propose solutions for increasing fertilizer production in developing countries and reducing dependence on Russia and Belarus.

The Foreign Minister also called on the OECD to fight against coercive economic actions by authoritarian regimes and join the anti-coercion alliance initiated by Lithuania. Landsbergis stressed that the OECD's relations with partner countries should be developed in line with their commitment to shared democratic values. "The OECD is on the right track to strengthen cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region, but I call on the OECD to work more actively in other regions to reduce dependence on Chinese and Russian influences.

On the margins of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, Lithuania's Foreign Minister met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Bui Thanh So'n, and discussed planned visits and prospects for bilateral economic relations.

The Ministerial Council Meeting is the OECD's highest-level forum, attended by ministers from the organizations' members and partner countries. The meeting is chaired this year by the British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia's Putin slams attack on Kakhovka dam as 'barbaric act'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 07 June 2023 7:28 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned an attack on the Nova Kakhovka dam in the Russian-controlled Kherson region as a ''barbaric act" by the Ukrainian side in his first reaction to the incident that prompted mass evacuations.

He made the remarks during a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, insisting that the breach in the major dam in Kherson was "a barbaric act that led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe."

"The Kiev authorities, at the suggestion of their Western curators, are still making a dangerous bet on the escalation of hostilities, commit war crimes, openly use terrorist methods, and organize sabotage on Russian territory," Putin further emphasized, according to a readout released by the Kremlin.

The Nova Kakhovka dam, the largest reservoir in Ukraine in terms of volume, holds an estimated 18 cubic kilometers of water. It supplies water for much of southeastern Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and the Crimean peninsula which joined the Russian Federation in 2014.

The dam was destroyed early on Tuesday with satellite images and videos on social media showing a series of intense explosions around the dam as flood water was unleashed across the war zone.

Both Moscow and Kiev have traded blame over the alleged explosion that destroyed the key dam and forced the evacuation of thousands of people.

Throughout the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, both Moscow and Kiev have accused each other of plotting to blow up the Nova Kakhovka dam several times.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ukraine's Western-backed President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Erdogan, claiming that the explosion at the dam was the result of what he regularly depicts as "Russian act of terrorism."

While the flood sparked fears of large-scale devastation and mass evacuation, Zelensky further claimed that Russia-backed forces were failing in their dam evacuation efforts, proclaiming that the provision of drinking water and resettlement should be prioritized.

Currently, nearly 42,000 people are reportedly at risk of being affected by the flooding in Russian and Ukrainian-controlled areas along the Dnipro river after the dam collapsed.

Russia began what it described as a "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, as part of a national security measure against the persisting eastern advance of the US-led NATO military alliance.

Moscow also said the military operation was aimed at defending the pro-Russia population in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Luhansk and Donetsk against persecution by Kiev, and also to "de-Nazify" Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Evacuations underway in Ukraine after dam blast causes massive flooding

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 07 June 2023 10:55 AM

Ukraine is continuing to evacuate thousands of people from the southern part of the country, following the destruction of a key dam in the Russian-controlled Kherson region, which has caused a massive flooding.

Ukrainian officials said evacuations and rescue operations are underway as 40,000 people are in danger amid an expected peak level of flooding on Wednesday, adding that so far, 17,000 people had been evacuated from the flooded areas.

The remaining people are in the Russian-controlled part and need to be evacuated as well, they added.

Video footage showed Ukrainian army, police forces and emergency services equipped with inflatable boats trying to evacuate Kherson residents from the flooded areas.

A video released by Ukraine's defense ministry also showed floodwaters inundated the streets while people sought safety on top of a truck.

Ambulances were also stationed to help the injured upon reaching drier ground.

Early on Tuesday, the Nova Kakhovka dam was destroyed, with satellite images and videos on social media showing a series of intense explosions around the dam, as flood water was unleashed across the war zone.

The flood, threatening scores of villages, sparked fear of large-scale devastation and mass evacuation.

While Ukraine blamed the Russian forces for the destruction of the dam, Kherson's mayor accused Kiev of destroying the dam to mask the country's counteroffensive "failures" in the east.

The Nova Kakhovka dam, critical infrastructure, holds an estimated 18 cubic kilometers of water. It supplies water for much of southeastern Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and the Crimean peninsula which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Throughout the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, both Moscow and Kiev have accused each other of plotting to blow up the Nova Kakhovka dam, several times.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Media Watch: China's mixed signals on Russo-Ukrainian war

China has portrayed itself as neutral player, sympathetic to Moscow and peacemaker

By Zhuang Jing for RFA 2023.06.07 -- China's official narrative about the war in Ukraine has embraced three different themes over time that have sent conflicting signals, according to an analysis of state media reports and official foreign ministry declarations.

That reflects Beijing's competing priorities in the conflict, experts say.

Initially, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Beijing officials sought to present China as a neutral power with no interest in getting involved. But a year later, they started to portray China as taking an active role as a peacemaker.

Both of those approaches have been at odds with the state media's coverage of the war, which has been sympathetic to Moscow. It has portrayed the United States and Ukraine as aggressors and Russia as a heroic victim protecting its security, according to a recent joint study by Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) and three research groups.

China's attempts to play various sides isn't surprising, experts say. It doesn't want the war to drag on, but it also doesn't want to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin as it needs to keep Russia on its side against the United States and its global allies.

"Beijing doesn't ultimately benefit from a prolonged war that is destabilizing the global economy and continues to present the potential risk of nuclear escalation and the spread of conflict beyond Ukraine," said Patricia Kim, a Chinese foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution in Washington.

"At the same time, Beijing has been reluctant to curtail its support to Moscow and to sharply push Putin to stop his war, as China is keen to keep Russia on its side as it looks toward long-term competition against the U.S. and its partners," she said.

First 100 days

A joint study conducted by AFCL, Taiwan's DoubleThink Lab, the Ukrainian civic organization Detector Media and the research firm IRI Beacon Project shows that the Chinese government has propagated narratives consistent and supportive of Russia's justification for the war.

Entitled "The Invasion of Ukraine in One Hundred Days: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Russian War Narratives," the study traces common themes observed in both Chinese and Russian narratives during the first 100 days of the conflict and finds that China largely copied Russian narratives portraying itself as a victim heroically opposing the US and the West.

In countries like China that lack a free press, foreign policy statements and state media coverage provide a window into government priorities.

As the Communist Party's mouthpiece, state-run media such as Xinhua News Agency, the Global Times newspaper and CCTV are used by authorities for achieving political goals, and are aimed at specific audiences. They may target an international audience, a domestic one or specific countries.

During the first 100 days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chinese media sought to position the country as a neutral player, shining a spotlight on Western support for Ukraine while downplaying its own ties to Moscow, said Kim.

Yet state-run media coverage clearly sided with Russia. It echoed Russian narratives about three contentious topics: The theory that the United States had a bioweapon lab in Ukraine, the Russian massacre of civilians in the town of Bucha in March 2022 and the ongoing sanctions against Russia, the joint study showed.

It also highlighted alleged divisions between Western institutions and the international community over sanctions against Russia.

Such views align with those of Moscow, but they also fit with Beijing's domestic agenda. The Chinese government has sought to portray itself as a victim of Western hostility, too, alleging that the United States is seeking to contain China and its rise as a superpoweraa line that Beijing has promoted among its people.

These narratives contribute to an image of President Xi Jinping as a tough statesman who is willing to stand up to the West.

Chinese narratives since May 2022

To examine Chinese narratives about the Ukraine invasion since May 2022, we requested data from Future Media and Disinformation Research Center on how certain keywords ebb and flow in Chinese public discourse.



Chinese foreign ministry mentions of "Ukraine" and "Russia" peaked at the beginning of the war, decreased after May of last year and increased significantly from February to April 2023. Source: Taiwan AI Labs' Future Media and Disinformation Research Center

From May 2022 to February 2023, references to Ukraine or Russia by Chinese media and officials appear to have decreased. However, the number of references then jumped from February to April 2023 - with a new emphasis on China as a peacemaker working to prevent a warmongering United States from prolonging the Ukraine conflict.

The emergence of this narrative also coincided with a state visit by Xi to Russia in Marchahis first since the start of his third five-year term last October.

In many cases, this message was disseminated by Chinese foreign ministry officials, who tend to adopt a restrained tone when speaking about more nuanced geopolitical issues surrounding the war.



Key statements by Chinese officials about the Russia-Ukraine conflict from February 20 to 27, 2023. Compiled and arranged by AFCL.

China also advocated a peaceful settlement to the war using other channels including several position papers. Xi himself wrote an article published in the Russian government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, in which he emphasized China's role as a "peacemaker."

This shift in narrative was followed by a phone call between Xi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 26, the first direct communication between the two leaders since the war broke out. After the call, China reiterated that its "core position is to promote peace and promote talks."

That same day, China voted in favor of a UN General Assembly motion that acknowledged Russian aggression against Ukraine, fueling speculation that Beijing's position toward the war has changed.



The number of times per week that China's foreign ministry mentioned "supporting talks for peace" (above) and "fanning the flames" (below). Source: Taiwan AI Labs

Despite Beijing's apparent shift in position, some official media reports have continued to spread the narrative of the United States as aggressor, such as an article published by the Xinhua in February criticizing Washington for "still fanning the flames in Ukraine."

ManyChinese articles reporting misleading or controversial statements by Russian officials have been linked to specific incidents, such as U.S. President Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine in February. One article said that the United States had become a direct participant in the war. Another article characterized Finland's accession to NATO in April as a "deliberate violation of Russia's security."

Even as China continues to send mixed signals about Russia's role in the war, pragmatism appears to be pushing Chinese authorities to take a more active part in trying to end the conflict.

Zelensky's continued willingness to engage in talks with Xi suggests that Ukrainian leaders remain hopeful that China can play a role in negotiating a peace settlement.

As Kim says, "While Beijing can never be an honest broker, it still has an interest in seeing an end to the war and so it makes sense for Ukraine and other states to encourage China to use its influence constructively vis-a-vis Moscow."

Additional reporting by Shen Ke. Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine Forced To Cope With Disastrous Flooding After Rupture Of Kakhovka Dam

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 07, 2023

Thousands of people sought shelter after escaping rising flood water amid an unfolding humanitarian and ecological disaster caused by the rupture of a major dam on the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine.

Ukrainian rescue teams used boats on June 7 to rescue residents from their flooded homes a day after the collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and the emptying of its reservoir.

It is still unclear what caused the breach, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy again on June 7 pointed the finger at Russia as the perpetrator of an "absolutely deliberate" act. Russia, in turn, has blamed Kyiv for the destruction.

"The situation in the occupied part of Kherson region is absolutely catastrophic," Zelenskiy said on Twitter. "The occupiers simply abandoned people in these terrible conditions. Without rescue, without water, just on the rooftops in flooded communities."

Hundreds of thousands of people have been left without normal access to drinking water, he said, adding that Ukrainian services are involved but can only help on the territory controlled by Ukraine.

Desperate residents of flooded Russian-occupied towns are begging for help, according to news reports describing the situation in Oleshkiy, opposite Kherson on the Dnieper River. Residents tried to flee immediately after the dam ruptured, but Russian troops blocked them and offered them "evacuation only to the territory of Russia," the head of the city's military administration said.

In comments to German and U.S. media, Zelenskiy expressed shock over what he said was the failure of the United Nations and the Red Cross to provide help, but he added that Russian soldiers were shooting from a distance while rescue attempts were in progress.

The Kakhovka dam -- which is 30 meters tall and 3.2 kilometers long -- is part a vital route for transport and irrigation, as well as supplying water to Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, located some 150 kilometers to the northeast.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that while water levels in had fallen in ponds that are crucial in supplying cooling water to the plant, "back-up options are available" and there is "no short-term risk to nuclear safety and security."

But IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi expressed concern over how the situation could play out in the next few weeks, telling Sky News in an interview that "in the worst case without cooling" there is a risk of an accident with tragic environmental consequences. The situation is serious, he said, because a nuclear power plant requires guarantees when it comes to cooling water.

Fears of a humanitarian disaster grew as more and more countries expressed concern over the fallout from the dam's destruction. European Council President Charles Michel called it a "war crime" and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned it as "outrageous."

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would send aid in response to the crisis and condemned the "atrocious act" of the dam's destruction.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is on a visit to the United States, could not say definitively whether Russia was responsible for the destruction.

"If it does prove to be intentional, it will represent a new low. It's an appalling act of barbarism on Russia's part," Sunak told British broadcaster ITV.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it was "very concerned" about social, economic, and environmental impact from destruction of dam.

Ukraine's Energy Ministry said on June 7 that as many as 20,000 people in the Kherson region had been left without electricity in the aftermath of the destruction of the dam. Two solar power plants were also flooded in the Mykolayiv region, the ministry added.

Oleksandr Kharchenko, a Kyiv-based energy analyst, told RFE/RL that the flooding had damaged electricity transmission lines and heating stations that supply residential buildings in the winter.

He said the damage to those pieces of critical infrastructure alone would likely total in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but a more precise estimate would only be possible in a few weeks after the water recedes.

Adding to the crisis, the Ukrainian Health Ministry on June 7 warned about the possible contamination of water in wells, rivers, and lakes in the flooded area.

"Chemicals, agents of infectious diseases from cemeteries, latrines, and landfills may end up in wells and open bodies of water in the flooded area," the ministry said on Telegram, also warning against the consumption of fish from the area.

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said the destruction of the dam had killed a huge number of fish in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Yermak tweeted a video showing what he said was an "ecocide" of fish that died after the dam ruptured.

There was no independent verification of the video.

In the Moscow-controlled part of Kherson, Russian-installed authorities imposed a state of emergency on June 7, the TASS news agency reported.

The Russian-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontyev, said that "thousands of animals" at the Nizhnedniprovskiy National Nature Park had been killed in the flooding, along with other domesticated and farm animals in the region.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled the destruction of the dam a "monumental humanitarian, economic, and ecological catastrophe" in a statement but stopped short of blaming Russia directly.

The UN's humanitarian agency said it was gravely concerned about the destruction of the dam and the severe humanitarian impact on hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the front line.

UN aid chief Martin Griffiths told an emergency UN Security Council meeting late on June 6 that thousands of people in southern Ukraine were facing "the loss of homes, food, safe water, and livelihoods."

Russia has denied it carried out the attack, with the Kremlin instead calling it "deliberate sabotage" by Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 7 accused Ukraine of destroying the dam at the suggestion of the West despite the dam having been under Russian control when it ruptured.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, AP, Politico, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kherson-flooding- kakhovka-dam/32448169.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. Ex-General Says Russia Benefits From Dam Blast, Putin 'Likely' To Use Nuclear Weapons Rather Than Lose In Ukraine

By Vazha Tavberidze June 07, 2023

Retired U.S. Brigadier General Kevin Ryan is a senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and a regular commentator on the war in Ukraine and other global events.

He talked to RFE/RL's Georgian Service about who and why either side would have destroyed the Nova Kakhovka dam, how it could affect a Ukrainian counteroffensive or other battlefield plans, and perceived Western failures in deterrence against Russian President Vladimir Putin's possible use of a nuclear weapon.

He argues that Putin could resort to nuclear weapons rather than lose Russian forces' land bridge in southern Ukraine, occupied provinces, or annexed Crimea.

RFE/RL: The Nova Kakhovka dam is no more, essentially. For some, there are still questions as to who might have done it, despite everything pointing to Russia. In whose interest would it be to blow it up?

Kevin Ryan: It's in neither side's interest to blow up the dam at this moment. I've heard three different kinds of reports. I've heard reports that say, "Russia has done this." Those reports come mostly from Ukraine and from the West, they come from the U.S. government and from NATO. They may have evidence of that.

The Russians, of course, claim the Ukrainians have done this. There's a third group of reports -- they're small but they're important -- and those were given both by the Russian news agency TASS and by a local Russian governor who said that "actually, there was an accident on the bridge prior to this [and] that accident has led to an unexpected and undesired," let's say, "break in the dam."

At this moment, all three are possible.

It doesn't really benefit Ukraine to have this happen. It doesn't benefit Russia, either; although if Russia did break the dam and blow it up, what it reveals to me about Russia and Russian military leaders is that they have very little confidence in their defenses of the Kherson region -- defenses which they've been building steadily since the summer and are extensive.

If I were them, I would not have flooded this area -- yet -- until I saw that, No. 1, the attacks were coming in this area and, No. 2, that my defenses were not going to be able to hold that attack.

RFE/RL: So it was an act of desperation?

Ryan: It would seem to be an act of desperation, if it was the Russians who did it.

RFE/RL: How does this translate onto the battlefield, from a tactical perspective? How is it going to affect any Ukrainian counteroffensive?

Ryan: The flooding is significant, especially to the southern and eastern side of the waterway [Dnieper River], and this will make it impossible to cross the river for a large military force -- say, Ukrainian -- for the immediate future; let's say for the next week or so. Then after that, the river could be crossed again, but the terrain would be muddy; there would be areas of the terrain where we didn't understand the damage until we get there, so it complicates any maneuver in that region [or] any plans that were made there. That's the near-term effect.

The long-term effect is all the damage to water usage, hydroelectric power, and so on, not to mention the crops and foodstuffs that would have been coming from this region.

RFE/RL: What you just mentioned has also been put forward as yet another argument why Russians would be behind this: Strategically, the most direct route to move to the border of Crimea basically has been cut off; Ukrainians can no longer attack in the Kherson direction unless they mount a highly unlikely amphibian assault. What this means is that the front line has been narrowed and shortened and Russia has the luxury of using their forces there to reinforce the eastern flank. Is that a correct line of reasoning?

Ryan: Yes. I laid out three possible scenarios for how this could have happened: Ukraine, accident, or the Russians. But I didn't say which I think is the most likely; and I'd agree that it is the Russians who did that because they are the ones who will benefit the most tactically and operationally from that flooding.

RFE/RL: On the other hand, the Russian positions on the riverbank seem to be washed away as well. Would you agree that it's unlikely they'll be able to salvage much of the equipment they had there?

Ryan: I don't know about the damage to Russian defenses. Yes, any defenses that were in a flood zone would be washed away or broken up, and this makes it unlikely that those defenses can operate as they were planned.

Certainly the troops will have had to leave those defenses, which makes them very vulnerable to an attack. But the [Russian] defenses within the Kherson province have been built in-depth, and they go all the way back to the isthmus for Crimea and to the north to Zaporizhzhya. There are plenty of defensive lines left outside the floodplain which will still be standing and which will have soldiers in them.

RFE/RL: Whether or not Russia did it, it will impede the Ukrainian counteroffensive and buy the Russians time. Would that be a fair assessment?

Ryan: Absolutely. From the Ukrainian side, the flooding has to delay any major operation or movement in that region. It may be that Ukraine had foreseen the flooding and the breaking of the dam, and maybe they hadn't planned for their major offensive to be in that area. But whatever was planned will be delayed, at the very least, and slowed down.

RFE/RL: Some claim Russia has shot itself in the foot by depriving the north of Crimea water supply from the Nova Karkhovka dam "for decades." Others claim it's not likely to have any significant effect as Crimea was also supplied from Russia for the past eight years, between the 2014 annexation and last year's full-scale invasion.

Ryan: The destruction of the dam creates a more serious problem than existed when Ukraine owned the territory and had simply cut off the canal to deprive Crimea of freshwater.

The Russians coped with that over the years, so we know that the Russians are able to cope without the water from the north and they will likely do so for a while. But the destruction of the dam makes restarting that waterflow a much more difficult problem even if the war ended today.

This will take a long time for Russia to regain water from the north, the major source of water into the region, and this will have an impact not only on the people and the civilian communities but also on the military and its operations out of the Crimean Peninsula.

RFE/RL: If Russia is able to supply Crimea from other sources, does it not make sense to take this leverage out of Ukrainian hands?

Ryan: Absolutely one of the reasons why Russia established the land bridge that it has established and fought this war was to control the access to Crimea and to ensure not only electrical power, energy supplies into Crimea, but the water supplies.

Russia has that at the top of their list of things to do for Crimea and to protect as a result of this war that they've started. If Ukraine is able to take those things away from Russia, that will be an intolerable situation in the mind of [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin and the military, and would be one of the triggers which cause him to escalate the violence in Ukraine by any means possible, as he has said many times before -- alluding to the fact that they have nuclear weapons.

RFE/RL: How concerned should be we about the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant? There have been alarming reports of a shortage of "coolant water" that was previously supplied by the Nova Kakhovka dam.

Ryan: The Zaporizhzhya energy station, which is all nuclear, is an important factor in this war and back and forth, whether or not we're talking about the Kakhovka dam or not. Even before the Kakhovka incident, there was fighting around that energy station and damage to it could have led to a nuclear meltdown along the lines of Chernobyl, only bigger, because, remember, this station is much bigger than Chernobyl.

It's very much a possible weapon that Russia could use against Ukraine by creating a nuclear accident there that not only irradiates the local area but threatens people downwind from any nuclear meltdown.

Remember, after Chernobyl many people throughout Europe claimed, and in some cases were shown to have developed, cancers from the fallout from that nuclear meltdown, radiation. So this could happen again but only two or three times bigger in regard to this nuclear station.

RFE/RL: Could this Nova Kakhovka incident be a sort of a testing ground for Russia, if they see this puts Ukraine on the backfoot, if Ukrainian forces and people are in disarray, if they see it's effective? Could that prompt Russia and Putin into going one step further and doing something with Zaporizhzhya?

Ryan: I don't see the two as a sequential kind of stepping-stone situation. Yes, if Russia were to create a nuclear incident in Zaporizhzhya and to gain some advantage from that to put the Ukrainian government in disarray or tied up [Ukrainian] forces trying to save people in the region, that would all benefit Russia to a large degree. But it doesn't destroy the Ukrainian military; it doesn't prevent a Ukrainian offensive ultimately elsewhere in the country, or just after the accident is contained.

The use of a nuclear weapon by President Putin would happen if he was going to lose the land bridge or the provinces that he's taken or if he was going to lose Crimea, and that could happen irrespective of what's going on in Zaporizhzhya.

RFE/RL: If the argument is that Putin will resort to tactical nuclear strikes if he sees that the land bridge is in danger, does he view [possible] leakage or contamination at the Zaporizhzhya plant as a similarly effective weapon at this disposal?

Ryan: No, I don't think that President Putin or the Russian military leaders see a nuclear accident or the radiation produced from that in the same way that they see the mushroom cloud of a nuclear strike. That mushroom cloud represents not only horrible death and damage and harm to Ukrainian people, but it also represents the power of a nuclear superpower and the ability of that superpower to deliver Hiroshima- and Nagasaki-type weapons. That's a different kind of message or...projection of power.

RFE/RL: In a recent essay, you argued that Putin will indeed resort to the use of nukes to avert defeat in Ukraine. An overwhelming majority of Western experts and analysts have been saying this is an unlikely scenario. You don't seem to share that optimism. Why?

Ryan: I'm not the first to warn his threats are serious. Many people say that his threats are serious, but then they quickly say, "However, they are not likely." But this undermines the first part of the sentence. Why would you take a threat seriously if it's not likely to happen?

I'm one of the few people who has said that these threats are not only serious but they're likely to happen. That makes a threat urgent -- something which others are not saying. If these threats are recognized as urgent, then the governments will do something about it; if they're not urgent, or if they're not likely, then the governments have many other things on their plate that they want to take care of that are urgent.

I'm not an alarmist, although people may want to call me one because of what I've said and written. But my intent is not to alarm civilians. For the people living in that region -- Ukrainians and Russians alike -- this is not a theoretical discussion.

Instead, my audience are the political leaders in Moscow, Washington, Kyiv, and NATO capitals. They underestimate the likelihood that Putin will follow through on his threats to use nuclear weapons. When they underestimate that, when they consider these threats unlikely, they push aside the question of what to do about it.

We don't have that luxury anymore. We must think ahead and think now about what to do for medical preparedness, the humanitarian-aid preparedness, military preparedness to operate on a nuclear battlefield. All these things -- we need to be doing more about that.

RFE/RL: So you're not buying the argument that Putin has been categorically convinced not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, that there would be catastrophic consequences for that, if you take Victoria Nuland's quote, for example?

Ryan: I don't know that anything we say or do in the West would ultimately cause Putin to either use a nuclear weapon or not use a nuclear weapon. This is his decision. He has shown that he's making decisions about this without the support of many world leaders [or] even people within his own military and government.

He's had to silence a lot of people who spoke out against that.... Because Putin is making his decision based on his own situation and on the situation of the Donbas regions, Zaporizhzhya, what they have taken there, he will use the nuclear weapon if he cannot escalate conventionally to prevent the loss of those things.

I don't think that the West has really offered him or shown him anything that would deter him from using a nuclear weapon in Ukraine. Is it economic sanctions? Those have not stopped what he's done so far. Is it a catastrophic military strike? The West could possibly do that, but they're not prepared to do that. They have not marshaled their forces and moved them to within the borders and so on to create the strike. And the United States government has said flat out that it will not attack Russian soldiers and start World War III.

RFE/RL: The United States has said it won't reciprocate with a nuclear strike, but not that it wouldn't attack Russian soldiers or Russian planes. There was even an implicit threat that the West might sink the Russian Black Sea naval base, for example.

Ryan: In this point, I have to disagree with you. [U.S.] President [Joe] Biden has said on TV that he would not have a situation where American soldiers are killing Russian soldiers. He said that would equal a third world war. The comments that you are quoting, about destruction of the Black Sea Fleet, came from other people, too, but most recently from General [David] Petraeus. He's not a representative of the government, and he doesn't speak for the government. And he would be the first person to tell you that.

While that could be an example of a catastrophic response, I think it has been taken off the table by the United States. I don't know about other NATO countries -- NATO countries are supposed to act in concert, but they can act independently. There could be a NATO country which decides that they wanted to follow the advice of those who say we should bomb the Black Sea Fleet. But I don't think that's in the cards; I think we've removed that from the possible responses.

RFE/RL: What kind of deterrent does the West have at hand to make sure [a nuclear attack] doesn't happen?

Ryan: We don't have the ability to stop Putin from doing this, because we have said we will not respond with a nuclear weapon, and I believe we have said we will not respond with a massive conventional strike.

The word "catastrophic" has been used, but I don't know what that could be -- it must be catastrophic in terms of economic and diplomatic, and informational domains, because it certainly is not catastrophic in terms of military domain.

Frankly, I don't think there's anything that the West can do to stop President Putin from using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine if he chooses to do so.

What we could do as a result of that, there are many things. We could then change our position and say, "OK, you have used a nuclear weapon now, and so, from here on out, we are going to do the following things if you use another nuclear weapon." We could say, "Well, we will enter the war" or "We will do what some have suggested, and we will strike the Black Sea Fleet or other things."

RFE/RL: Why not say that now?

Ryan: That's a great question. Today, how we see this war and the situation there -- the balance of forces between the Russians and the Ukrainians, the West and so on -- is much different than we saw it in the lead-up to this war or in the first few days of the war.

Our positions and policies have evolved over the time of this war. That's to be expected. I don't think there's any shame in that. Both sides were unprepared for the intensity of this war and unprepared, frankly, for the success that the Ukrainian people have had and the stamina that they've had in this war -- and the lack of that on the Russian side.

All of these things mean that what we would say today is certainly different than what we would have said a year ago. In that regard, I think we could come out and change what we're saying to Russia if we thought that it would affect their possible use of a nuclear weapons.

RFE/RL: The reality and narrative need to be shaped for that. In other words, does a "nuclear Bucha" need to happen for the West to change its approach? (Editor's note: Bucha is the city outside Kyiv where a pullback by Russian occupation forces entailed what Ukraine, many Western governments, and international rights watchdogs have alleged are widespread war crimes against civilians.)

Ryan: I hadn't considered that analogy, but that's a good one. A "nuclear Bucha" is precisely what President Putin would be going for if he were to use a nuclear strike in Ukraine. He would be trying to terrorize both the Ukrainians and the West and to get people to stop the war, have a cease-fire, which would leave him -- if it's done early now -- with most of what he needs and wants.

[Russian Defense] Minister [Sergei] Shoigu has said that Russia has accomplished most of its goals. [Yevgeny] Prigozhin, the bombastic leader of the private military company Wagner, says Russia has accomplished most of what it needs and wants. I think that Putin feels that he's accomplished a lot and he could sell this as a victory. But at the moment, he can't stop fighting, because the Ukrainians are not stopping.

RFE/RL: Let's take this scenario where he does opt indeed for using the tactical nuclear strike. You write: "In today's situation, a single nuclear strike in Ukraine could thwart a Ukrainian counterattack with little loss of Russian lives." So, the big question would be, how would it happen? And where?

Ryan: There are different targets that the [Russian] military and General Staff could be considering in Moscow as they prepare for that plan, if they were called on to execute it. They could choose civilian populations and create the most terror and damage to the Ukrainian people...like Hiroshima- or Nagasaki-type situations. They could choose military formations to bomb.

Once the main thrust of the offensive is known and visible to everybody, then Russia could attack the center of those forces with a nuclear strike and destroy as many forces as they could. That is what I meant in my article by saying that they could thwart that offensive.

But I want to point out that during the Cold War both Russia -- the Soviet Union --- and the West -- the United States -- trained for these kinds of battles. We trained to operate on what you call a nuclear battlefield, where one side or the other has exploded a nuclear weapon and yet the forces still need to continue fighting. They decontaminate, they reform, they reassemble, and then they fight in a more dispersed kind of formation, but they continue to fight. Thankfully, this never happened in our lifetime up to now.

If Putin were to explode this nuclear weapon, that would happen for the first time in history: You would have Ukrainian forces which would not stop fighting; they would continue to fight. But they would need to fight on a battlefield where a nuclear weapon has been exploded and might be exploded again. Then you have radiation problems, you have all sorts of additional problems.

RFE/RL: That's postapocalyptic.

Ryan: It is. It is a horrible situation which we cannot overstate the seriousness of, if it happens. This goes back to my article, where I think that it's so hard to envision this, so hard to think about it, that it's easier to say that it is not likely and then therefore we don't really have to spend a lot of time on it.

RFE/RL: If the nuclear strike were to happen and the Ukrainians continued fighting, what would Putin do then? Use more nuclear strikes?

Ryan: In a case where Ukraine continued fighting, I think he would feel free to use additional nuclear strikes if he thought that that would be the most efficient and helpful way of destroying Ukrainian forces or forcing Ukraine to stop fighting.

RFE/RL: And if he'll be allowed to by the rest of the world?

Ryan: I don't think the rest of the world is really controlling what Putin does. Even China, who many people say, well, China has, quote, unquote, told Putin not to use a nuclear weapon, that this is the red line for them. China told Putin that they didn't want an invasion of Ukraine. And Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his leadership have been talking about the fact that we need to turn down the rhetoric about nuclear strikes, and nuclear weapons, and nuclear threats.

They've been saying that out loud -- for Putin to hear -- for months, and yet those threats continue. Yes, Putin and Russia need China and they need that partnership, but again, I don't think Putin is motivated ultimately by that consideration if the alternative is losing this war or losing [the] Zaporizhzhya and Kherson provinces, or losing Crimea. He, in those cases, would not hesitate to do whatever he needs to do.

RFE/RL: The final question will be me trying to spot some silver lining. You envisage a scenario where Putin faces a defeat on the battlefield and losing Crimea, and he orders a tactical nuclear strike because its his reign and his life at stake, right? But is the order carried out, necessarily? What are the chances that he will be told, "It's your head on the line, not ours, and not Russia's"? Can he risk that?

Ryan: Putin would risk such a situation. But your suggestion of what would happen if he did give such an order is a good question. It is always possible, especially in the Russian system, that somebody could interrupt that order -- either at the Putin level and his inner circle or at the level of Shoigu, [General Valery] Gerasimov, and the two generals who would have to carry it out, Generals Oleg Salyukov (who is in charge of ground forces) and [Sergei] Surovikin (who is in charge of Russia's invasion forces in Ukraine).

It's possible that they could decide that "this is too far, and we must stop it." But it's not likely that they would stop it. They have been hand-selected since January to lead this operation. In January, Putin put the three generals who run his tactical nuclear forces in charge of this operation. They are the most loyal. Their reputations, their careers, their lives depend on following his orders.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kherson-flooding- kakhovka-dam/32448169.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






IAEA Chief: Situation at Kakhovka HPP Serious But 'No Reason' for Panic

Sputnik News

20230607

VIENNA (Sputnik) Lenka White - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi told Sputnik that the situation around the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP) is serious, but that there is "no reason" for panic following the partial destruction of the dam and subsequent flooding.

"We don't want to fan flames or create panic because there is no reason for that," Grossi told Sputnik.

"[At] the same time, it is a serious situation. So, we don't want to downplay it implying that there is no problem here. Yes, there is a problem, because there is a decrease, a steady decrease in the level of the water."

The IAEA is presently monitoring the situation around the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) by following the speed of the decrease in the water level at the plant's cooling reservoir to work out possible mitigation measures that the agency would advise as a mid-term solution.

"If we lose the cooling capability, you can have a meltdown, you can have some radiological consequences, on top of the fact that the reactors themselves could be damaged in a very significant way, apart from the environmental consequences that there could be," Grossi pointed out.

"I would say, in the mid-term, not in a distant future, there could be some consequences if the situation degrades or gets worse than it is now, but we are not there yet. The situation is a serious one."

Grossi noted that the IAEA would be working toward reinforcing its mission at the ZNPP. "We are increasing the number of experts because of two main reasons. First, of course, this unexpected situation that we have after the destruction of the dam," he said.

The second reason is an effort to implement the five principles that Grossi put forward last week to ensure nuclear safety and security at the ZNPP. The principles include a ban on shelling toward and from the site and storing heavy weapons there.

"So the mission, the tasks, if you want, homework, for the team is going to be bigger. The exact number, I don't know, could be 4,5,6, it will depend on our assessment of how many people are needed for the specific functions, but we are going to be reinforcing it, yes, for sure," Grossi stated.

Grossi's remarks came as Alexey Likhachev, the director general of Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom, stated that the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant does have backup water supply options.

"Backup options for water supply are ready - through underground wells, through the beds of small rivers. The necessary equipment for this is also available," Likhachev told Russian media.

The Kakhovka dam is the sixth and last stage of the cascade of Dnepr hydroelectric power plants located 5 kilometers from the city of Novaya Kakhovka in the Kherson Region, which became part of Russia following a referendum in September 2022.

The upper part of the Kakhovka HPP was destroyed overnight on Monday into Tuesday. The Novaya Kakhovka city authorities later confirmed that the dam was destroyed only partially, but that it caused an uncontrollable outflow of water to towns downstream.

Moscow and Kiev blamed each other for the incident. Authorities in some of the affected areas have started evacuating the population.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Putin Tells Erdogan About Ukraine's Terrorist Attacks After Kakhovka Dam Strike

Sputnik News

20230607

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a telephone conversation that Ukraine escalates the situation, using terrorist methods and organizing acts of sabotage in Russia, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the office of the Turkish president said that Erdogan and Putin discussed the situation in Ukraine, as well as the need to investigate the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP).

"President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan... The Presidents of Russia and Turkey exchanged views on the situation around Ukraine," the Kremlin said in a statement, adding that Putin told Erdogan that Kiev is dangerously escalating the situation at the instigation of the West, by using terrorist methods, and organizing acts of sabotage in Russia.

The Russian president called the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP a barbaric act that led to a massive ecological and humanitarian catastrophe.

Both leaders highlighted the commitment to a consistent implementation of joint projects in energy, trade and tourism, as well as agreed to maintain contacts, the Kremlin concluded.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Bulgaria's New Defense Minister Announces Plan to Provide Military Assistance to Ukraine

Sputnik News

20230607

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - On Tuesday, the Bulgarian parliament approved the new government led by physicist and chemist Nikolai Denkov. The post of the defense minister was taken by military expert Todor Tagarev, who had led the Defense MInistry in March-May 2013.

Bulgarian new Defense Minister Todor Tagarev announced his intention to provide military assistance to Ukraine among his first statements. In a speech following the parliamentary vote, Tagarev said his ministry intends to continue efforts to strengthen the country's defense capability.

"The second point is the contribution of our army to Black Sea security... We must help Ukraine continue its counteroffensive," the Bulgarian newspaper quoted the minister as saying.

Tagarev said the assistance should not harm the defense capability of Bulgaria.

Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 in response to calls by the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics for protection from Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the operation, which targets Ukrainian military infrastructure, aims to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine, and to completely liberate Donbas.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






IAEA Board of Governors' meeting, June 2023: UK statement on Ukraine

The UK gave a statement on Ukraine at the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors' meeting where the UK announced a funding uplift of A750,000.

7 June 2023

Thank you Chair. The United Kingdom thanks the Director General for his latest report on Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine and for the IAEA's vital, independent reporting on the state of nuclear safety and security at Ukraine's nuclear facilities, and in particular the deeply concerning situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP).

Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine's civil infrastructure and its unprecedented and illegal control of the ZNPP runs contrary to all international nuclear safety and security norms. It claims to uphold nuclear safety standards, but its actions say otherwise. By seizing another member state's nuclear power plant, Russia is directly responsible for increasing the risk of a nuclear accident.

The DG's report before us today sets out numerous concerns: a decision to allow Russian military personnel to occupy the plant's onsite emergency centre; the breakdown of vitally important emergency preparedness arrangements; disruption of the plant's maintenance schedule; breakdown of reliable supply chains and the immense pressure placed on the Ukrainian operating personnel and their families.

The Russian Governor attempted to suggest that Ukraine is responsible for the pressure on the Ukrainian staff and their families. He tried to portray Russia as the protector of the plant and it's staff. This is farcical. Clearly, the only reason there is pressure on the Ukrainian staff and their families is Russia's illegal occupation of the plant.

We are also deeply concerned with the nuclear safety risks arising from the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. This is yet another example of the nuclear safety and security impact of Russia's aggression.

As DG Grossi said in his statement to the UN Security Council on 30 May, "this is not sustainable".

Chair, the report confirms that on 22 May the ZNPP lost its connection to the energy grid for the seventh time, forcing the plant onto emergency generators. This underlines the fragility of the systems that ensure the plant can operate safely. Russia has further compromised a precarious situation by refusing to allow the repair of the backup external power lines. Even more concerning are the verified reports that Russia has installed fighting positions on top of all 6 reactor units and its storage of military vehicles in the turbine halls. Chair - how can any responsible nuclear power defend this action?

Chair, in the face of the deteriorating situation at the ZNPP, I take this opportunity to commend the work of the IAEA staff in Ukraine, as well as DG Grossi's relentless efforts to uphold nuclear safety and security. The UK supports his 5 principles for nuclear safety, which he presented to the UN Security Council on 30 May. Observance of these principles would ensure a minimum level of safety and security at ZNPP.

However, the UK remains clear that these principles must also be accompanied by the Russian Federation's full withdrawal from the site and the town of Enerhodar and a return of the plant to the competent Ukrainian authorities. We also echo Ukraine's calls for an uninterrupted power supply from Ukraine to the ZNPP and that Ukrainian operational and maintenance personnel have sufficient access so that the plant can be operated safely.

The UK remains clear that Russia must be held accountable for its barbaric actions and we will continue to pursue every avenue to do so. In May, the UK announced another tranche of sanctions targeting those responsible for prosecuting and supporting Russia's war of aggression. This includes Oleg Romanenko, the senior Rosatom official at ZNPP and the Joint Stock Company Operating Organisation of ZNPP.

To support the IAEA's work in Ukraine the DG's report highlighted the urgent need for further extra-budgetary support for their vital work. The UK has already provided over 5 million euros to support IAEA efforts in Ukraine and I am pleased to announce today that the UK will provide a further 870,000 euros (A750,000) to help facilitate the IAEA's missions in Ukraine.

Thank you Chair.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine: UK boosts funding to International Atomic Energy Agency

The UK has announced additional funding of A750,000 to the IAEA to support its nuclear safety work in Ukraine.

7 June 2023

The UK has announced an additional A750,000 of funding to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to support its missions in Ukraine, at the meeting of the Board of Governors in Vienna today, Wednesday 7 June.

At the meeting, Director General Grossi presented the latest report on Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine.

The report outlined the state of nuclear safety at Ukraine's nuclear facilities, and in particular the deeply concerning situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant which relies on water from the Kakhovka dam for its cooling pond.

The UK has now provided A5 million to support IAEA efforts in Ukraine since Russia's invasion of the country, and also gives an annual budgetary contribution to the IAEA's work.

Today's additional funds will help the IAEA continue its vital work in Ukraine providing support and advice to the Ukrainian government in nuclear safety. UK funding also facilitates training in detection of radiological materials and expert investigative missions to nuclear power plants.

Delivering the UK's statement at the meeting, UK Permanent Representative to the IAEA Corinne Kitsell said:

Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine's civil infrastructure and its illegal control of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant runs contrary to all international nuclear safety and security norms. It claims to uphold nuclear safety standards, but its actions say otherwise. I commend the work of the IAEA's staff in Ukraine and I am pleased that the UK's additional funding will help to facilitate its vital work, particularly given the additional risk posed by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.

The IAEA Director General's report also sets out numerous concerns: Russian military presence at the site and the immense pressure placed on the Ukrainian operating personnel and their families.

The UK also echoes Ukraine's calls for an uninterrupted power supply from Ukraine to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and continues to call for the Russian Federation's full withdrawal from the site, and for it to end its illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia's heinous and desperate actions demonstrate that it knows the invasion has failed: UK statement to the OSCE

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says the Kremlin's intellectually bankrupt recourse to attritional warfare shows its appalling willingness to sacrifice the Russian people.

7 June 2023

Thank you, Madam Chair. In the early hours of yesterday morning, the dam at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant suffered significant damage. Reports indicate that an explosion occurred at the dam causing the entire eastern portion of the dam and much of the hydro and utilities infrastructure to be swept away resulting in significant flooding in the local area. We note that the water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir was at a record high before the collapse, resulting in a particularly high volume of water inundating the area downstream. The dam's structure is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding.

We express our deepest concern regarding the potential impact of this damage on communities living in the downstream areas, the provision of clean water supplies, the longer-term safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and the wider ecological consequences from the destruction of the dam. Reports that Russian forces shelled the city of Kherson during evacuation efforts, if correct, are particularly egregious. We are clear; the destruction of the Kakhovka dam is yet another devastating example of the terrible consequences of Russia's unprovoked, illegal and full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Madam Chair, Russia's continued attempts to break the will and resolve of the Ukrainian people with repeated barrages of missile and drone strikes on towns and cities across Ukraine are deplorable and heinous acts. They are the desperate actions of Russian military leaders who have run out of ideas, consistently overestimated their force capabilities and underestimated the strength and resolve of the Ukrainian people.

Over the course of May, Russia launched over 300 of the Iranian Shahed one-way attack UAVs against Ukraine. This is its most intense use of this weapon system to date. But Russia's attempts to deplete Ukraine's advanced air defences, including those gifted by international partners, through these "swarm" tactics are unlikely to have been notably successful. Ukraine has neutralised at least 90% of these UAVs mostly using its older and cheaper air defence weapons and with electronic jamming.

Madam Chair, over the last 72 hours there has been a substantial increase in fighting along numerous sectors of the front, including those which have been relatively quiet for several months.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on the 24 February 2022 one of its objectives appears to have been the complete capture of the whole of the Donbas region within 10-14 days. Over 15 months later, Russia's grinding offensive in the Donbas has stalled at a cost of extraordinarily high casualty rates. Since May last year, up to 60,000 Wagner and regular Russian forces have been killed or wounded in the area around Bakhmut alone. Russia has suffered nearly half of those casualties, almost 30,000 killed or wounded, in the last three months since March. These staggering losses have achieved at total advance of just 29 kilometres. That is for every 48 centimetres of ground Russia gained, one of its soldiers was killed or wounded.

Madam Chair, it is well over a year since Russia's military leaders were forced to abandon their aspirations to deliver an overwhelming decisive victory through modern combined arms manoeuvre warfare. For over a year, we have watched those decision makers double down on their similarly ill-fated contingency plan - the blunt edged, intellectually bankrupt recourse to attritional warfare. This has resulted in an appalling demonstration of the Kremlin's willingness to sacrifice the Russian people, including its mobilised citizens, by the thousands in the name of Putin's horrendous and contrived war of choice.

Last week, our Russian colleague continued to insist on the delusion that the so called "Special Military Operation" was going to plan, that all objectives would be achieved. We all know that Putin's war of choice in Ukraine is built on lies but the reality: Russia's stalled invasion, the thousands of Russian casualties, and the significant degradation in Russia's combat effectiveness, clearly demonstrates this is anything but true.

Madam Chair, the UK and its international partners are steadfast in our support for Ukraine as demonstrated by the continued provision of military assistance. Ukraine has regained territory and liberated thousands of Ukrainian people thanks to the awe-inspiring bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and overwhelming international support. Together, the UK and partners are ensuring that Ukraine will win. Our united approach of providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine's sovereign territory is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






International organizations, such as the ICRC, must immediately join the rescue of people in the occupied part of Kherson region - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

7 June 2023 - 22:41

Fellow Ukrainians!

Today, maximum attention is paid to the consequences of the Russian act of terrorism at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. Dozens of settlements on the territory under our control have been flooded. Thousands of houses!

Evacuation continues. Under fire! Russian artillery continues to fire, no matter what. Savages.

But as of now, more than 2,000 people have been rescued in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. And I thank everyone involved in this work, everyone who helps! Our task is to protect lives and help people as much as possible.

The situation in the occupied part of Kherson region is absolutely catastrophic. The occupiers simply abandoned people in these terrible conditions. Without rescue, without water, just on the rooftops in flooded communities. And this is another deliberate crime of Russia: after the terrorist state has caused a disaster, it also maximizes the damage from it.

Now we need a clear and quick response from the world to what is happening. It is even impossible to establish for sure how many people in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region may die without rescue, without drinking water, without food, without medical care. Our military and special services are rescuing people as much as it is possible, despite the shelling.

But large-scale efforts are needed. We need international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, to immediately join the rescue operation and help people in the occupied part of Kherson region. Each person who dies there is a verdict on the existing international architecture and international organizations that have forgotten how to save lives. If there is no international organization in the area of this disaster now, it means that it does not exist at all, that it is incapable of functioning. All the relevant appeals from Ukraine and our government are in place.

Many world leaders, heads of state, governments, and interstate associations have expressed their support for Ukraine and clear condemnation of the Russian crime of ecocide. I am grateful for this principled approach!

Together we must bring the occupiers to justice. They have controlled the dam and the entire hydroelectric power plant for more than a year. Russian propagandists were seriously and openly discussing this very scenario of a man-made disaster, which they caused. Last fall, we warned the world about Russia's mining of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.

We called for both sending an international observation mission to Kakhovka and demining the units and all the plant's facilities. Unfortunately, the world's attention was not enough to ensure all this. Now we must focus the world's attention on eliminating the consequences of another catastrophe caused by Russia, and we must prevent further destructive activity of the occupiers.

I had several important international conversations today.

Turkish President ErdoAYan. I briefed him on the situation in the flooded areas, our rescue operation and urgent needs to help people.

Of course, we also discussed the risks to the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is still under the control of the occupiers. We have an agreement with the head of the IAEA to intensify the work of IAEA representatives at the plant. But it is clear that as long as the occupiers are there, there can be no complete security. Therefore, the de-occupation of Ukraine is a non-alternative task.

French President Macron. We discussed in great detail all the consequences of the Russian act of terrorism at the plant and the overall situation. We discussed everything we can do to help people and the affected regions.

We also thoroughly discussed defensive actions, as well as international measures that we are preparing in spite of everything, because we need security despite any aggressive and openly insane actions of Russia.

Separately, I want to mention a few things that are important for our entire country, and especially for people in those regions of our country that depended on the Kakhovka reservoir.

First. We will provide drinking water to everyone. In all regions, districts, cities and villages where it is necessary. All the necessary supply systems will be put in place where there is currently a delivery of drinking water. Sustainability of supply is the main principle.

Second. The world will be with us. Our partners are fully informed about what is happening and what kind of help we need. Whatever the economic, social and environmental consequences of this disaster, all the basics of life will be preserved. Kherson, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro regions - we see all the problems and will do everything possible and impossible to solve the problems created by the occupiers.

Third. The direct responsibility of state and local authorities in all affected communities and regions is to help people. From the Government and the State Emergency Service to regional authorities and local communities, everyone is involved to the maximum extent possible to save and protect as many people as possible. Everyone should take this task personally. And I am grateful to those who do! Let's take care of each other and Ukraine!

And, of course, today I thank each of our warriors, all units, all brigades that continue to fight the occupiers.

The Bakhmut direction, Avdiivka, all of Khortytsia, all of Tavria - great job!

No matter what, every day should be a day of destruction of the enemy.

Glory to all our heroes!

Glory to all who care about Ukraine and Ukrainians!

Glory to Ukraine!

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Emmanuel Macron

President of Ukraine

7 June 2023 - 19:35

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.

The Head of State thanked for the opportunity to take part in the Summit of the European Political Community held in Moldova, as well as for support for our country within the UN Security Council.

The President of Ukraine informed the President of France on the current situation in Kherson region affected as a result of blowing up the dam at the Kakhovka HPP by Russian invaders.

The interlocutors discussed the environmental and humanitarian consequences of this Russian act of terrorism. Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the urgent needs of Ukraine to eliminate the disaster.

The heads of state also considered the possibility of using international mechanisms to conduct an investigation to establish all the circumstances of blasting the structures of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Emmanuel Macron about his conversation with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and the agreement to increase control at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

The leaders of Ukraine and France agreed to continue defense cooperation, in particular on protecting Ukrainian skies. They emphasized the importance of starting training for Ukrainian combat aircraft pilots as soon as possible.

The parties discussed possible formats for providing Ukraine with security guarantees prior to NATO membership and expectations from the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

The heads of state also touched upon the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the Global Peace Summit.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine dam disaster: Lack of clean water, spread of disease, major risks

7 June 2023 - The magnitude of the humanitarian catastrophe following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine, is becoming clearer as UN humanitarians redoubled efforts to reach affected civilians with aid on Wednesday.

Homes have been flooded, forcing many to leave, and access to water, specifically clean water, is emerging as a major challenge.

In an interview with UN News, International Organization for Migration (IOM) spokesperson Olivia Headon, speaking from Kyiv, said the agency along with other humanitarian partners, had been rushing clean water supplies to areas that are receiving evacuees, "and also trying to get them to areas in the critical zone, on the banks of the Dnipro River."

Waterborne disease

Some 17,000 people are in the immediate critical zone at risk of flooding, but only about 1,000 have evacuated far away from the dam, as according to IOM, most people wish to remain close to their homes.

Flooding and the lack of clean water are sparking fears of a surge in waterborne diseases, and humanitarians say that the health response will be "critical" in the coming days.

Addressing an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Tuesday night, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, said "the sheer magnitude of the catastrophe" in and around the Kherson region, will only be evident in the coming days".

He said it was already clear that it would have "grave and far-reaching consequences for thousands of people in southern Ukraine, on both sides of the frontline, through the loss of homes, food, safe water and livelihoods."

Thousands of lives at risk

The destruction of the dam on Tuesday has put thousands of lives at risk, said IOM Director General AntAnio Vitorino, causing "severe environmental damage and led to further serious strain on response services in a country already dealing with the humanitarian fallout of more than a year of war".

He said public infrastructure "should never be a target. Yet now, innocent civilians are not only living in a deadly flood zone but are set to face major shortages of clean water and critical energy supplies over the coming weeks, as the humanitarian situation worsens".

UNICEF providing aid

The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, told UN News that the agency on Wednesday had provided up to 25,000 bottles of water, sanitation supplies, and over 10,000 water purification tablets.

They've also established teams of skilled aid workers at transit and evacuation points, to provide psychosocial support to children on the move and to support families.

Damian Rance, Chief of Communications and Advocacy UNICEF Ukraine, said the agency would support those displaced with cash transfers for three months, covering up to five people per household, for all those families affected.

Crimea supply threatened

IOM said the dam breach is also expected to affect the water supply to the Russian-occupied region of Crimea and other areas of Ukraine, as well as posing a threat to the cooling systems of the nearby Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, although the UN atomic energy agency (IAEA) said on Tuesday there was no "immediate threat".

Initial assessments by IOM - the largest humanitarian organization operating in Ukraine - indicate that drinking water and food are priority needs, and in coordination with local authorities, the agency plans to expand water and sanitation support, distribute emergency items, support collective centers and provide healthcare.

"Despite the devastation caused by the war and the challenges posed, we must invest in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction. While meeting the emergency needs, we must also keep a sharp focus on Ukraine's peaceful future," said Mr. Vitorino.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Latest in Ukraine: Drinking Water Rushed to Those Stranded or Fleeing Flooding After Dam Rupture

By VOA News June 07, 2023

Latest developments:

China's foreign ministry expresses concern about the humanitarian, economic and ecological consequences after the destruction of a dam in southern Ukraine.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says the global economy has begun to improve, but the risks to the recovery and the impact of the war in Ukraine remain "a key concern."

Ukrainian authorities rushed drinking water to the southern part of the country on Wednesday to help thousands of people left stranded or fleeing the region a day after the rupture of the Kakhovka dam.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said hundreds of thousands of people were "without normal access to drinking water."

He tweeted that the destruction of the dam at the defunct hydroelectric power station was "absolutely deliberate," blaming Russian forces and further accusing Moscow of not acting to help those living in areas under Russian control who are now dealing with the effects of the flooding.

Ukrainian authorities said more than 17,000 people were being evacuated from areas along the Dnipro River with about 40 towns and villages flooded in areas under Ukrainian control. More than 900 people were evacuated from areas occupied by Russia.

But the true scope of the disaster for an area with 60,000 residents was not yet known.

Britain's defense ministry said in its daily assessment Wednesday, "The dam's structure is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding."

Ukraine and Russia blamed each other for the destruction of the dam located about 70 kilometers east of Kherson in a part of Ukraine that Russia has controlled for more than a year.

Ukraine controls the western side of the Dnipro, while Russia holds the eastern territory, which is lower and more vulnerable to flooding. In Russian-occupied areas, as the flood waters kept rising, some residents waited on their rooftops to be rescued.

The water in the dam is critical for farming in the region and as a drinking water supply for the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally seized in 2014.

It was not clear how the flooding will affect the war, with Ukraine preparing for a major counteroffensive aimed at recapturing territory Russia took in the earliest weeks of the conflict.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington research group, said Russia has "a greater and clearer interest in flooding the lower Dnieper, despite the damage to their own prepared defensive positions." Dnieper is the Russian name for the Dnipro River.

Experts said the 1950s-era dam was believed to be in disrepair and vulnerable to collapse, as water was already brimming over when the wall gave way. It hadn't been producing power since November, according to officials.

Britain's Ministry of Defense said the Kakhovka reservoir was at "record high" water levels before the breach. While the dam wasn't entirely washed away, the ministry warned that its structure "is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days."

In Washington, the White House said Tuesday it could not say conclusively what caused the destruction of the massive dam but was assessing reports that the blast was caused by Russia.

At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop.

He said the "tragedy is yet another example of the horrific price of war on people. The floodgates of suffering have been overflowing for more than a year. That must stop."

Consequences

Both Ukraine and Russia asked the U.N. Security Council to meet in an emergency session on the crisis.

U.N. humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths told the meeting that the magnitude of the catastrophe would be fully realized only in the coming days, but it would have "grave and far-reaching consequences" for thousands of people on both sides of the front lines in southern Ukraine who have lost homes, livelihoods and safe drinking water.

"The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam is possibly the most significant incident of damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022," Griffiths told council members.

He reiterated that international humanitarian law protects facilities such as dams because their destruction can cause severe loss for the civilian population.

Griffiths also expressed concern about the risk of the floodwaters moving landmines or spreading contamination from explosive weapons, further endangering civilians.

The dam supplied water to a swath of southern Ukraine's agricultural territory and the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, as well as cooling the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, or ZNPP.

The Kakhovka reservoir, which is formed by the dam, provides water to cool ZNPP's reactors and spent fuel pools.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Tuesday the reservoir's water levels had been falling throughout the day Tuesday, but the site has backup options, and there was no immediate risk to the nuclear plant's safety.

Grossi, who will go to Ukraine next week, said a cooling pond next to the site could provide sufficient water "for some months" and called on all sides in Ukraine to ensure that it "remains intact."

Russia seized control of the ZNPP early in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Grossi has repeatedly highlighted the potential for a nuclear disaster if the area is not safeguarded.



U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NEW YORK, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Prudential plc (Prudential or the Company) (NYSE: PUK). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.



The investigation concerns whether Prudential and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On May 31, 2023, Prudential disclosed that its Chief Financial Officer James Turner had resigned amid a probe into a code of conduct issue relating to a recent recruitment.

On this news, Prudentials American depositary receipt (ADR) price fell $1.71 per ADR, or 6.08%, to close at $26.43 per ADR on May 31, 2023.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .
NEW YORK, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (Spirit or the Company) (NYSE: SPR). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.



The investigation concerns whether Spirit and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On April 13, 2023, media outlets reported that The Boeing Company (Boeing) would likely have to reduce deliveries of its 737 Max airplane in the near term because of a problem with a part manufactured by Spirit. Boeing stated that Spirit had informed it that a non-standard manufacturing process was used on two fittings in aft fuselages.

On this news, Spirits stock price fell $7.38 per share, or 20.73%, to close at $28.22 per share on April 14, 2023.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .
NEW YORK, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Teleperformance SE (Teleperformance or the Company) (OTCMKTS: TLPFY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.



The investigation concerns whether Teleperformance and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 4, 2022, Forbes published an article alleging that Teleperformance had subjected its workers to poor working conditions, using real, graphic images and videos of child sexual abuse to train its TikTok content moderators, while conversations with former employees reveal[ed] the extent to which moderators were both under-trained and overworked.

On this news, Teleperformances American Depositary Receipt (ADR) price fell $7.75 per ADR, or 4.6%, to close at $160.94 per ADR on August 5, 2022.

Then, on November 9, 2022, Time reported that Colombias Ministry of Labor has launched an investigation into TikTok subcontractor Teleperformance, relating to alleged union-busting, traumatic working conditions and low pay.

On this news, Teleperformances ADR price fell $24.55 per ADR, or 18.6%, to close at $107.77 per ADR on November 10, 2022.

Finally, on March 22, 2023, four months after the Company unanimously decided to exit the highly egregious content moderation business, Teleperformance announced that it would be reentering the field. Market analysts observed that the move was an indication of the Companys overall business and growth prospects. One HSBC Global Research analyst report stated that the U-turn on content moderation raises concerns about communication, governance and broad fundamentals.

On this news, Teleperformances ADR price fell $6.87 per ADR, or 5.7%, over three trading sessions to close at $112.82 per ADR on March 24, 2023.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .
Nashville, TN, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, reputed Nashville personal injury lawyers, are pleased to announce that they have opened a new office to go to war for Nashville. Those seeking support for legal action in Nashville after an injury should call the personal injury attorneys here. The firm has a reputation for recovering over $1 billion in settlement. Their team of lawyers specializes in personal injury and civil law and has assisted several clients in various injury cases, including medical malpractice.



Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys - Nashville, TN





Motor vehicle accidents are some of the most common personal injury cases, often caused by DUIs, distracted driving, and speeding. Accident victims are entitled to recover damages when an act of negligence or recklessness is the main cause of an injury. They must first approach a lawyer in order to get the most favorable outcome. These personal injury lawyers in Nashville fight aggressively on behalf of their clients. They also specialize in wrongful death cases, wherein they help the victims families obtain the best compensation to ease their financial burdens. The attorneys at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have worked on the most complex cases of personal injury, including workers compensation.

The victims would be taken through the process in detail. They will be educated on what type of damages they are entitled to, such as economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. These personal injury attorneys in Nashville will make sure the victims can recover all the damages they are entitled to. The attorneys here do not hesitate to take on the most powerful insurance providers. All clients have to do is let the attorneys handle the complexities of negotiating a reasonable settlement from the opposite party.

These personal injury lawyers in Nashville suggest that victims understand their rights before taking any action or talking to the opposite partys insurance company or accepting a settlement without an attorney present. The next best step is to find a professional attorney to represent you and do the job for you. Get the best solution for financial losses, physical injuries, and emotional distress with the help of Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys.

Visit https://www.warfornash.com/ to learn more

About Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys

Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is a law firm specializing in personal injury cases, including car accidents, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, construction accidents, wrongful death, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers compensation, slip and fall accidents, premises liability, product liability, dog bites, nursing home abuse, and mesothelioma. The firm is run by attorneys and co-founders Robert A. Schuerger II and Alexander Shunnarah.

###

Media Contact

Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys

Address: 424 Church St #2059, Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: 615-314-4505

Website: https://www.warfornash.com/








NEW YORK, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities Trinseo PLC (NYSE: TSE) between May 3, 2021 and March 27, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important June 20, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Trinseo securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Trinseo class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=13711 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 20, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Trinseos Bristol, Pennsylvania plant had a troubled safety record while under prior ownership and continued to be unsafe after the Company acquired it; (2) defendants did not sufficiently disclose specific risks related to conducting operations at that plant; (3) operating a chemical plant with an unsafe history and presently unsafe operations exposed Trinseo to a heightened risk of a chemical spill or other adverse event; and (4) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Trinseo class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=13711 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

lrosen@rosenlegal.com

pkim@rosenlegal.com

cases@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Despite a housing shortage in many cities across the country, the number of housing units in 26.4 per cent of Canadas urban neighbourhoodsmore than one-in-fouractually declined from 2016 to 2021, according to a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.



Policymakers across the board acknowledge there is a lack of new housing in Canadas cities, and yet, large swaths of the urban landscape have seen little to no increase in the number of housing units, or worse, theyve actually seen a decline, said Josef Filipowicz, a senior fellow with the Fraser Institute and co-author of Making Room for Growth: Housing Intensification in Canadas Cities, 2016-2021.

The study finds that from 2016 to 2021, more than half (54.2 per cent) of Canadas housing stock growth occurred in existing urban neighbourhoods instead of unused, undeveloped landwhats known as intensification.

Of those new housing units that were built in pre-existing urban neighbourhoods (called census tracts by Statistics Canada), 50.9 per cent were built in just five per cent of neighbourhoods.

Crucially, half of all neighbourhoods in Canadian cities saw the number of housing units increase by less than one per cent. And 26.4 per cent of urban neighbourhoods actually saw a decline in the total number of housing units during the same time period.

What growth we are seeing in new housing units across Canadian cities, it is largely happening in very small pockets, said Steve Lafleur, Fraser Institute senior fellow and study co-author.

To more meaningfully tackle the housing shortage in Canada, policymakers will have to look at ways to create more housing units of all types across our urban areas, and not just in certain small pockets.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Steve Lafleur, Senior Fellow

Fraser Institute

Josef Filipowicz, Senior Fellow

Fraser Institute

To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:

Drue MacPherson, Media Relations, Fraser Institute

604-688-0221 ext. 721

drue.macpherson@fraserinstitute.org

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org
Dublin, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Africa Data Center Construction Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Africa data center construction market is expected to reach a value of $1.4 billion by 2028 from $763 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 10.70%



In the African data center construction market, South Africa is the major contributor to the capacity in the region, with more than 50%, followed by Nigeria, Kenya, and other African countries. Cloud-based services, smart city developments, and fiber connectivity drive continuous regional data center investments.

The region's major global cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Oracle, and Huawei Technologies. For instance, in September 2022, Google Cloud announced its plan to open a new cloud region in Cape Town, South Africa. The cloud region is expected to be operational in the next 2-3 years.

The Africa data center construction market grows continuously in terms of connectivity by deploying new submarine cables such as Africa-1, 2Africa, India Europe Xpress (IEX), Equiano, and Medusa Submarine Cable System SeaMeWe - 6, which are expected to be ready for services during the forecast period.

MARKET TRENDS

Deployment of 5G Technologies

The introduction of the 5G network in Africa is likely to generate a substantial amount of data, which will further lead to increasing investments in the African data center construction market.

High internet connectivity, bandwidth, and less processing time is the feature of 5G technology. The countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Ethiopia, have witnessed the commercial launch of the 5G network in the region, while the countries like Ghana, Algeria, Tanzania, and Congo were in the initial stages of their development.

Vodacom, MTN, Ericsson, Orange, Ethio Telecom, and Rain are the main telecom operators in Africa involved in the commercial deployment of 5G services that partially or entirely cover 5G services in the country. Several pilot 5G projects are underway and expected to be deployed in the forecasted period.

Procurement of Renewable Energy Sources

Due to the unavailability of proper power infrastructure in the African region, the facilities were forced to develop their renewable energy infrastructure for power generation.

MTN, a South Africa-based telecom company, operates four data centers in Kenya and other African countries, uses renewable energy to power its facilities, and targets carbon neutrality by 2040. It has introduced the "Project Zero" program.

II. In June 2022, Vantage Data Centers signed 20 years Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SolarAfrica in which the company will procure 87 MWp of solar energy that will be used to power its new facility.

The African region also has abundant availability of solar energy, like the Middle Eastern region. In contrast, most African countries are undertaking renewable energy strategies & visions to develop renewable energy projects and meet the carbon-neutral goals set by respective governments in the region.

In July 2022, the Nigerian government made a statement regarding its commitment to the sustainability goal for 2030. The government is planning to generate 30 GW of electricity from renewable sources by generating renewable energy as 30% of its total production.

II. Egypt expects to increase the share of electricity produced from renewable sources to 42% by 2035.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

Data centers are investing in power infrastructure with a minimum of N+1 redundancy. In 2022, UPS systems accounted for a market share of more than 30% of the total electrical infrastructure in data centers.

The Africa data center construction market is investing in cooling infrastructure due to the high-temperature climate in some African countries. In 2022, cooling systems service providers invested a share of more than 65% of the total mechanical infrastructure.

The region witnessed growth in the deployment of data centers in Tier III and Tier IV certification in the design phase/construction phase of the region. At the same time, most private and public entities (BFSI, education, government) have received Uptime Institute's Tier III/IV certification, either during the design phase or for the constructed facility.

KEY MARKET PARTICIPANTS' INITIATIVES

The African data center construction market is witnessing increased demand across industries, and acquisitions & joint ventures enable new players to enter the market, attract customers, and capture a higher market share.

Equinix expanded its footprint in the region by completing the acquisition of MainOne, including MDX-I, in H1 2022.

Digital Realty acquired a major stake of around 55% in Teraco.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

In the Africa data center construction market, countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are the developed data center markets in the region. Facilities in the region are developed with government support, which includes incentives for the operation of the data centers.

Smart Cities, Special Economic Zones, Free Trade Zones, and governmental incentives and exemptions drive Africa data center construction market growth. South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana are some of the major countries in the region which triggered the smart city investments. For instance, the Lanseria Smart City project, and Nkuna City project in South Africa, and the Eko Atlantic City in Nigeria.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 310 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $763.7 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $1405.5 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.7% Regions Covered Africa

Market Opportunities & Trends

Increase in Smart City Initiatives

Government Support for Data Center Development

Growing Adoption of Artificial Intelligence

Migration from On-Premises to Colocation & Managed Services

Rise in 5G Network Connectivity and Edge Data Center Deployments

Market Growth Enablers

Increasing Adoption of Cloud Services

Growth in Penetration of Big Data & Iot

Rise in Renewable Energy Adoption

Increase in Submarine Cable & Inland Connectivity

Market Restraints

Low Budgets & Investment Constraints in Data Center Development

Location Constraints on Data Centers

Dearth of Skilled Workforce

Security Threats in Data Centers

Major Vendors

Prominent Support Infrastructure Providers

ABB

Caterpillar

Cummins

Delta Electronics

EATON

EVAPCO

Enlogic

Legrand

Master Power Technologies

Rittal

Rolls-Royce

Schneider Electric

Siemens

STULZ

Vertiv

Prominent Data Center Construction Contractors

Abbeydale

Advanced Vision Morocco

ARSMAGNA

Arup

Atkins

b2 Architects

CAP DC

Chess Enterprises

Copy Cat Group

Eastra Solutions

Edarat Group

EDS Engineers

Egypro

H&MV Engineering

Ingenium

Interkel

JLB Architects

MWK Engineering

Orascom Construction

Royal HaskoningDHV

Shaker Group

Sterling & Wilson

Summit Technology Solutions

Tri-Star Construction

United Egypt

Westwood Management

Data Center Investors

st Century Technology

Africa Data Centres

Digital Parks Africa

Galaxy Backbone

icolo.io (Digital Realty)

IXAfrica

MainOne

Medallion Communications

NTT Global Data Centers

Paratus Namibia

Rack Centre

Raxio Data Centres

Telecom Egypt

Teraco (Digital Realty)

Wingu

New Entrants

Open Access Data Centres (OADC)

Nxtra by Airtel

Cloudoon

Kasi Cloud

Google

Vantage Data Center

Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

General Construction

Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer Switches & Switchgear

PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Racks

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

CRAC and CRAH Units

Chillers Units

Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers

Other Cooling Units

Cooling Techniques

Air-based Cooling

Liquid-based Cooling

General Construction

Core & Shell Development

Installation & Commissioning Services

Engineering & Building Design

Fire Detection & Suppression

Physical Security

DCIM/BMS Solutions

Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Geography

Africa

South Africa

Kenya

Nigeria

Egypt

Ethiopia

Other African Countries

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lrjofz

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
TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX: WM, OTCQX: WLBMF) (Wallbridge or the Company) today announced that it has extended gold mineralization at the Companys 100%-owned Martiniere Gold project (Martiniere) 300 metres east of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) footprint. The results build upon step-out hole (MR-22-036) completed in late 2022, which identified the presence of significant gold mineralization east of the main deposit (see press release dated Oct. 12, 2022 and Fig. 1).



Attila Pentek, Wallbridges Vice President, Exploration, commented:

We are excited to report that all of our follow-up holes in the M1 Target area to date have encountered gold mineralization, validating the potential to significantly expand the footprint of the Martiniere deposit to the east. Since commencing our exploration work at Martiniere in 2021, we have doubled the MRE at the project, and these results continue to reinforce the large size potential of the Martiniere gold system. In addition, a recently completed high-resolution airborne magnetic survey is providing valuable information to further improve the success of our property-wide targeting as we continue to follow up on these strong results.

Highlights

MR-23-041 (a 300-metre undercut of MR-22-036) intersected 5.15 g/t Au over 4.00 metres , including 9.28 g/t Au over 1.55 metres .

, including . MR-23-042, collared 250 metres to the east of MR-22-036, intersected 1.63 g/t Au over 19.35 metres , including 6.96 g/t Au over 2.30 metres .

, including . New drill holes confirm increased presence of porphyritic intrusive rocks towards the east, similar to the Bug Lake Porphyry, one of the main controls on gold mineralization at Martiniere.



Martiniere Exploration Program Underway

Prior to the temporary suspension of operations due to forest fires the Company had three drill rigs operating on its Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend property: two at its Martiniere gold project and one that was in the process of moving from Fenelon to Grasset East to test favorable target areas on this eastern, unexplored part of the land package. At Martiniere, additional holes are planned to continue testing the M1 Target following the results announced today.

So far, Wallbridge has completed over 10,000 meters of drilling at Martiniere as part of its 2023 exploration program. Assays results are being released today for three drill holes from the 2023 Martiniere drill program and two holes completed at the end of 2022. Assay results for 14 drill holes testing other exploration targets at Martiniere are currently pending (Fig. 2).

In addition to the drilling campaign, a high-resolution airborne magnetic survey was completed over Martiniere (Fig. 2), which is providing valuable information for drill targeting through the identification of potential host rocks and gold-bearing structures property wide.

Assay QA/QC and Qualified Persons

Drill core samples from the ongoing drill program at Martiniere are cut and bagged either on-site or by contractors and transported to SGS Canada Inc. for analysis. Samples, including standards and blanks for quality assurance and quality control, were prepared and analyzed at the laboratories. Samples are crushed to 90% less than 2mm. A 1kg riffle split is pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. 50g samples are analyzed by fire assay and AAS or ICP. Samples >10g/t Au are automatically analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish or screen metallic analysis. To test for coarse free gold and additional quality assurance and quality control, Wallbridge requests screen metallic analysis for samples containing visible gold. These and future assay results may vary from time to time due to re-analysis for quality assurance and quality control.

The Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release is Christopher Kelly, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Geologist of Wallbridge.



Figure 1. Martiniere Gold Property, Plan View





Figure 2. Martiniere Gold Project, Total Magnetic Survey (TMI)





Table 1. Martiniere Gold Property, Recent Drill Assay Highlights (1,4) Drill Hole From To Length Au Au Cut(2) VG(3) Zone/Corridor (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) South of Bug Lake South Zone MR-22-039 181.00 182.50 1.50 0.78 0.78 New Zones MR-22-039 204.00 205.50 1.50 0.81 0.81 New Zones Target 1- Eastern Extension MR-22-038 362.00 363.10 1.10 1.61 1.61 New Zones MR-22-038 485.10 486.40 1.30 1.84 1.84 New Zones MR-23-040 384.00 385.50 1.50 2.69 2.69 New Zones MR-23-040 450.00 451.50 1.50 1.45 1.45 New Zones MR-23-040 485.50 488.50 3.00 0.72 0.72 New Zones MR-23-041 231.00 231.50 0.50 2.52 2.52 VG New Zones MR-23-041 234.00 235.50 1.50 1.20 1.20 New Zones MR-23-041 253.50 255.00 1.50 0.73 0.73 New Zones MR-23-041 298.80 299.55 0.75 1.27 1.27 New Zones MR-23-041 302.00 303.00 1.00 1.99 1.99 New Zones MR-23-041 390.80 392.70 1.90 1.66 1.66 New Zones MR-23-041 444.75 445.60 0.85 1.71 1.71 New Zones MR-23-041 465.00 466.50 1.50 0.69 0.69 New Zones MR-23-041 554.15 559.00 4.85 0.83 0.83 New Zones MR-23-041 560.60 564.60 4.00 5.15 5.15 VG New Zones Including 560.60 562.15 1.55 9.28 9.28 VG New Zones MR-23-042 136.00 137.50 1.50 0.82 0.82 New Zones MR-23-042 154.00 155.00 1.00 4.08 4.08 New Zones MR-23-042 254.65 274.00 19.35 1.63 1.63 New Zones Including 266.60 268.90 2.30 6.96 6.96 New Zones

Note: There is currently insufficient information available from these new zones to estimate the true widths of intersections.

(1) Table includes only assay results received since the latest press release dated October 12, 2022

(2) Au cut (high-grade capping) at: 25 g/t Au

(3) Intervals containing visible gold (VG)

(4) Metal factor of at least 0.95 g/t*m

All figures and a table with drill hole information of recently completed holes are posted on the Companys website under Current Program at https://wallbridgemining.com/our-projects/martiniere/.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is focused on creating value through the exploration and sustainable development of gold projects along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend while respecting the environment and communities where it operates.

Wallbridges flagship project, Fenelon Gold (Fenelon), is located on the highly prospective Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property in Quebecs Northern Abitibi region. An updated mineral resource estimate completed in January 2023 yielded significantly improved grades and additional ounces at the 100%-owned Fenelon and Martiniere projects, incorporating a combined 3.05 million ounces of indicated gold resources and 2.35 million ounces of inferred gold resources.

Fenelon and Martiniere are located within an 830 km2 exploration land package controlled by Wallbridge. The Company believes that these two deposits have good potential for economic development, especially given their proximity to existing hydro-electric power and transportation infrastructure. In addition, Wallbridge believes that the extensive land package is extremely prospective for the discovery of additional gold deposits.

Wallbridge also holds a 19.9% interest in the common shares of Archer Exploration Corp. (Archer) as a result of the sale of the Companys portfolio of nickel assets in Ontario and Quebec in November of 2022.

Wallbridge will continue to focus on its core Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property while enabling shareholders to participate in the potential economic upside in Archer.

For further information please visit the Companys website at www.wallbridgemining.com or contact:

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

Marz Kord, P. Eng., M. Sc., MBA

President & CEO

Tel: (705) 6829297 ext. 251

Email: mkord@wallbridgemining.com

Victoria Vargas, B.Sc. (Hon.) Economics, MBA

Investor Relations Advisor

Email: vvargas@wallbridgemining.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively, FLI) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. FLI is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this press release.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are FLI that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Generally, FLI can be identified by the use of statements that include words such as seeks, believes, anticipates, plans, continues, budget, scheduled, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, projects, predicts, proposes, "potential", targets and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results may, will, could, would, should or might, be taken, occur or be achieved.

FLI herein includes but is not limited to: statements regarding the potential future performance of Archer common shares; future drill results; the Companys ability to convert inferred resources into measured and indicated resources; environmental matters; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used to estimate the MREs at the Fenelon Gold (defined below) and Martiniere (defined below) properties (collectively the Deposits); the prospects, if any, of the Deposits; future drilling at the Deposits; and the significance of historic exploration activities and results.

FLI is designed to help you understand managements current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this press release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances. Unless otherwise noted, this press release has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI, or information contained herein.

Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI.

Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include: the results of exploration activities, the Companys financial position and general economic conditions, the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the Deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to estimate the MREs; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; the results of exploration activities; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental expectations; community and non-governmental actions; and any impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Deposits, the Companys financial position, the Companys ability to secure required funding, or operations. In addition to the MD&A, risks and uncertainties about Wallbridge's business are discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedar.com .

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The disclosure relating to the Deposits and MREs in this press release and referred to herein was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used in this press release are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained in this press release providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Investors are cautioned that while terms, are substantially similar to CIM Definition Standards, there are differences in the definitions and standards under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af66973e-937e-4c98-9918-0e77c3fbb2b1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/172b897e-a77e-4660-925e-bb28bc729245
NEW YORK, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fiverr International Ltd., (NYSE: FVRR), the company that is revolutionizing how the world works together, has announced its second Anywhere Worker Study, releasing insights looking into the current trends of Anywhere Workers. With data from across the world, 2000 Anywhere Workers (i.e. people who work remotely while traveling from at least two locations, domestic or international, throughout the year), reveal that they are choosing to travel more and for longer periods of time.



As the global workforce continues to evolve, remote work continues to gain momentum and remains a highly valuable option and enables this group of workers to incorporate both work and travel into their lifestyle seamlessly. The reasons they choose to become Anywhere Workers range from having the desire for more flexibility, excitement, and adventure, to having grown tired of the typical 9-5 job setting, or having experienced a personal transition in their life, to being inspired by someone elses Anywhere Worker experience. They range across all age groups, but the majority of them fall within the millennial age range, where they have a fair amount of work experience and have found full-time remote positions that offer them the flexibility to work and travel as they please.

Work and travel are becoming increasingly blended as the global workforce evolves, said Gali Arnon, CMO at Fiverr. Its incredible to see this type of work becoming more common across the globe. This growing group of workers are taking control over their careers while enriching their lives experiencing what the world has to offer. From full-time workers to freelancers, being an Anywhere Worker has never been easier and the opportunities are endless.

Key Insights Include:

Anywhere Workers are traveling more now than ever and for longer Over 80% of Anywhere Workers continue to plan on living this lifestyle for up to 5 years. 83% of Anywhere Workers move at least once from one location to another every 6 months, up 10% compared to last year.





More women are leaning into the Anywhere Worker lifestyle because they are prioritizing flexibility and autonomy in their lives

Nearly 36% of female Anywhere Workers prioritize more flexibility and autonomy in their lives, compared to 33% of men. 34% of women Anywhere Workers chose to live a life of travel and work because they were tired of working in a 9-5 setting and staying in one location, compared to 31% of men.





Anywhere Workers are earning more or the same since committing to this lifestyle

Almost all (94%) said their earnings have increased or remained stable. Anywhere Workers that have experienced financial issues previously decreased by 15% compared to last year (64% vs 79%).





Europe and the US are the prime locations for Anywhere Workers

Spain is the most popular country to visit as an Anywhere Worker, followed by Portugal and Italy. In the US, New York City and Texas are the top destinations for work and travel.





To learn more about Fiverrs second Anywhere Worker study, click here .

Research conducted by Censuswide, on behalf of Fiverr (Digital Nomads) using a sample of 2000 total Digital Nomads who have worked in one of the following markets in the past 12 months: Portugal, Spain, Indonesia, Mexico, United States and Italy between 03.05.2023 - 17.05.2023. Censuswide abides by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

About Fiverr

Fiverrs mission is to revolutionize how the world works together. We exist to democratize access to talent and to provide talent with access to opportunities so anyone can grow their business, brand, or dreams. From small businesses to Fortune 500, over 4 million customers worldwide worked with freelance talent on Fiverr in the past year, ensuring their workforces remain flexible, adaptive, and agile. With Fiverrs Talent Cloud, companies can easily scale their teams from a talent pool of skilled professionals from over 160 countries across more than 600 categories, ranging from programming to 3D design, digital marketing to content creation, from video animation to architecture. Dont get left behind - come be a part of the future of work by visiting fiverr.com , read our blog , and follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .

Press Contacts

Holly Steffy

press@fiverr.com
WASHINGTON, DC, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission, announced more than $15.5 million in investments to strengthen Michigan communities.

Nearly two dozen local Michigan organizations have been awarded funds focused on improving educational outcomes in schools, making access to health care more equitable and addressing the climate crisis. This funding will support more than 1,000 AmeriCorps members as they tackle some of the states toughest challenges, including disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, veteran services, education, health and public safety.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers tackling some of biggest issues facing Michiganders every day.

Michigans hardworking AmeriCorps members are on the ground every day in communities across our state, serving Michiganders and tackling some of the toughest challenges facing Michigan families, said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. We owe it to them to have their back and support them with the resources they need to carry out their vital mission. This $15.5 million investment will support AmeriCorps work to grow economic opportunity, protect natural resources, invest in health and public safety and help communities get back on their feet after natural disasters. Lets keep working together to make a difference for Michiganders and build a state where everyone can envision a bright future for themselves.

The $15.5 million  a $3 million increase from the previous year  includes Public Health AmeriCorps funding to increase health access in the state. Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is supported by a five-year, $400 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, created to help meet public health needs of local communities by advancing health equity and increasing access to care while also creating pathways to public health-related careers.

AmeriCorps is proud to support more than 20 local organizations across the state of Michigan through a $15.5 million investment to improve education outcomes, increase health access equity, address the climate crisis and boost economic opportunities for Michiganders, said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps.

These investments build on previous AmeriCorps funding  like the $7.1 million investment for the AmeriCorps program at Wayne State University focused on urban safety that has helped more than 75,000 Detroiters find opportunities to serve in their community.

AmeriCorps members continue to make an impact on the states most pressing issues, said Ginna Holmes, executive director, Michigan Community Service Commission. The investment in service in Michigan will continue to improve the lives of residents across the state, ensuring more Michiganders have an equal opportunity to prosperity.

During the last program year, AmeriCorps members and volunteers served 30,436 youth, treated 596 acres of public land, provided health services to 16,930 individuals, distributed 112,097 pounds of food and addressed a variety of other issues throughout the state.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nations most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.

The Michigan Community Service Commission utilizes service as a strategy to address the state's most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. In 2022-2023, the Michigan Community Service Commission is granting more than $21 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities. Michigans AmeriCorps, Mentor Michigan and Volunteer Michigan are premier programs of the commission. The commission is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.
SEATTLE, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jones Soda Co. (OTCQB: JSDA)(CSE: JSDA) (Jones or the Company) is pleased to announce that David Knight was appointed by the Companys board of directors (the Board) to serve as the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 23, 2023, to replace Mark Murray who announced his intention to retire on that date.



Mr. Knight has previously served as Vice President of Marketing Gatorade International for PepsiCo International, Vice President of Marketing Asia Pacific for Quaker Oats, Vice President of Internal Communications for eBay Inc., and most recently was CEO and Co-founder of SX Latin Liquors, a start-up company that developed and launched a new innovative product range of Latin spirits, and Chief Beverage Officer for CFH Ltd., where he built a beverage division from the ground up that included CBD beverages. Mr. Knight has a Bachelor of Business, Marketing from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

David brings to us over 37 years of global marketing, sales and corporate communications experience with some of the worlds premier food and beverage companies, stated Paul Norman, Chairman of the Board. The Board feels that his successful track record of growing and managing dynamic and youthful brands makes David the perfect person to lead Jones as the Company works to continue to build on the significant progress Mark Murray has made as our CEO over the past few years, continued Mr. Norman.

As a leading craft soda manufacturer with a growing line of cannabis products, I am excited about the opportunity to lead Jones and Im looking forward to working with the Companys dedicated employees to continue to build value for the Companys shareholders. I believe Jones is well-positioned for continued growth and I look forward to building on the momentum that Mark has started, stated Mr. Knight.

Mr. Knight will succeed Mark Murray, who while retiring as the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, will continue to remain on the Board as a director. Im extremely happy with the growth the Company has experienced over the last three years and am confident that David brings the background and experience necessary to continue Jones organic growth and to further diversify our product offerings, stated Mr. Murray.

On behalf of the full Board, I would like to thank Mark for his tireless service to Jones as President and CEO. He has been an integral part of Jones significant revenue growth over the last few years and the successful execution of the Companys three-year strategic turnaround plan. Mark also was instrumental in the Companys successful entry into the cannabis market with the launch of the Companys Mary Jones brand of cannabis products. We feel that his dedication and leadership have well positioned Jones for continued growth moving forward and look forward to his continued contribution to the Company as a member of the Board, stated Mr. Norman.

About Jones Soda Co.

Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA) is a leading craft soda manufacturer with a growing line of cannabis products. The Company markets and distributes premium craft sodas under the Jones Soda and Lemoncocco brands, and a variety of cannabis products under the Mary Jones brand. Jones' mainstream soda line is sold across North America in glass bottles, cans and on fountain through traditional beverage outlets, restaurants and alternative accounts. The Company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com, www.myjones.com, www.drinklemoncocco.com or www.MaryJonesCannabis.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all passages containing words such as will, aims, anticipates, becoming, believes, continue, estimates, expects, future, intends, plans, predicts, projects, targets, or upcoming. Forward-looking statements also include any other passages that are primarily relevant to expected future events or that can only be evaluated by events that will occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the time the statements are made and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements in this press release may include, without limitation, the Companys ability to successfully execute on its growth strategies and operating plans for the future; the Companys ability to continue to develop and market THC/CBD-infused and/or cannabis-infused beverages and edibles, and comply with the laws and regulations governing cannabis, hemp or related products; the Companys ability to create and maintain brand name recognition and acceptance of its products and its ability to develop and launch new products and to maintain brand image and product quality. More information about factors that potentially could affect the Companys operations or financial results is included in its most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 29, 2023 and in the other reports filed with the SEC since that date. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon these forward-looking statements that speak only as to the date of this release. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Company Contact:

Mark Murray

President and CEO

1-206-624-3357

Investor Relations Contact

Cody Cree

Gateway Group, Inc.

1-949-574-3860

JSDA@gatewayir.com

Neither the CSE nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Denver, Colorado, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitcp Global Exchange, a prominent and forward-thinking American cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017 by Ivy George and Divye Hernandez, continues to capture attention and admiration with its exceptional dedication to charitable causes and corporate social responsibility (CSR). With a strong focus on promoting love, responsibility, and care, Bitcp stands out among its peers with its outstanding child sponsorship program and commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Bitcp embarked on this compassionate journey in 2018, inspired by a newspaper article that touched the hearts of its founders. Since then, Bitcp has remained steadfast in its commitment to sponsoring underprivileged children and provides opportunities for all employees willing to sponsor children, fostering a culture of love, responsibility and empathy within the organization. What sets Bitcp apart is the active involvement of its staff in the sponsorship process and the shared sense of fulfillment that comes with this incredible journey.





The Bitcp headquarters proudly displays a magnificent photos wall, adorned with heartwarming photos from the sponsored children, serving as a testament to the company's enduring impact. This visual representation not only highlights the lives touched by Bitcp's generosity but also inspires others to join in the noble cause.

In an exceptional display of support, Bitcp ensures that two employees are funded each year to visit their sponsored child in their respective countries. This tangible connection not only brings immeasurable joy to the children but also provides an enriching experience for the employees, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the importance of their efforts.

Presently, Bitcp employees sponsor 76 children. In addition to this additional 155 children from diverse regions around the world benefit from Bitcp's unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In an era where organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of corporate social responsibility, Bitcp stands as a shining example of an enterprise that goes above and beyond to contribute to the well-being of vulnerable communities. As one of the world's fastest-growing cryptocurrency platforms, Bitcp remains dedicated to expanding its charitable efforts and increasing the number of children it sponsors. The company has firmly committed a fixed percentage of its net profit to CSR initiatives, ensuring that its philanthropic endeavors do not compromise its competitiveness in the marketplace.





Bitcp encourages other companies, both within the cryptocurrency industry and beyond, to embrace a similar path, urging them to join the movement of spreading love, responsibility, and care. By promoting the visibility of its charitable actions, Bitcp aims to inspire organizations worldwide to make a lasting difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

For more information about Bitcp Global Exchange, please visit https://bitcp.com or contact below information:

Media Details:

Company Name: Bitcp Co., LTD

Contact Person: Ivy George

Email:bitcpglobal@gmail.com

Country: Denver, Colorado, United States

Website: https://bitcp.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this release is not investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor) before investing or trading securities and cryptocurrency.




/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

VANCOUVER, June 7, 2023 - Bravo Mining Corp. (TSXV: BRVO) (OTCQX: BRVMF) ("Bravo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an increase in the size of its previously announced private placement offering (the "Concurrent Private Placement") of common shares of the Company ("Common Shares"). The size of the Concurrent Private Placement, which is being conducted in addition to the Offering (as defined below) and on a best efforts agency basis, has been increased to up to 1,504,992 Common Shares at a price of C$3.50 per Common Share for gross proceeds of up to C$5,267,472. Assuming completion of the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the aggregate gross proceeds to the Company will be up to C$25,034,306.50 (if the Over-Allotment Option (as defined below) for the Offering is exercised in full).

As previously announced in the Company's news releases dated May 30, 2023 and June 1, 2023, the Company is conducting a best efforts public offering of 4,911,015 Common Shares at a price of C$3.50 per Common Share for gross proceeds of C$17,188,552.50 (the "Offering"). Canaccord Genuity Corp., National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Capital Markets are acting as co-lead agents for the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement on behalf of a syndicate that includes Cormark Securities Inc. and Raymond James Ltd. (collectively, the "Agents").

The Company has also granted to the Agents an option (the "Over-Allotment Option") exercisable, in whole or in part for a period of 30 days from and including the closing date of the Offering to sell up to such number of additional Common Shares at a price of C$3.50 per Common Share as is equal to 15% of the number of Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offering.

The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about June 8, 2023, or on such date as agreed upon between the Company and the Agents, and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The closing of the Concurrent Private Placement is expected to occur on or about June 15, 2023 and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

In connection with the Offering, the Company has filed a prospectus supplement (the "Supplement") to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated May 16, 2023 (the "Shelf Prospectus"), with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada (except Quebec). Copies of the Shelf Prospectus and Supplement can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Shelf Prospectus and the Supplement contain important detailed information about the Company and the Offering including the proposed use of proceeds therefrom. Prospective investors should read the Supplement and accompanying Shelf Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein before making an investment decision.

The Common Shares have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable states securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Bravo Mining Corp.

Bravo is a Canada and Brazil-based mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its Luanga PGM + Au + Ni Project in the world-class Carajas Mineral Province of Brazil.

The Luanga Project benefits from being in a location close to operating mines, with excellent access and proximity to existing infrastructure, including road, rail and clean and renewable hydro grid power. The project area was previously de-forested for agricultural grazing land. Bravo's current Environmental, Social and Governance activities includes replanting trees in the project area, hiring and contracting locally, engagement with local communities, and ensuring protection of the environment during its exploration activities.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements ("forward-looking statements") in this news release contain forward-looking information concerning the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the size of the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the use of proceeds thereof, the anticipated closing dates of the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, and the receipt of regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, plans related to Bravo's business and other matters that may occur in the future, made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to business closures, quarantines and a general reduction in consumer activity; actual results and timing of exploration and development, mining, environmental services and remediation and reclamation activities; future prices of commodities; possible variations in mineral resources, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; indigenous rights and title; continued capitalization and commercial viability; global economic conditions; competition; and delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development activities. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable at the time they are made. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, Bravo has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumption that Bravo will be able to raise additional capital as necessary, that the proposed exploration and development activities will proceed as planned, and that market fundamentals will result in sustained demand and prices for platinum group metals, gold and nickel. 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. Bravo expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release.

SOURCE Bravo Mining Corp.
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

VANCOUVER, June 7, 2023 - Finlay Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: FYL) ("Finlay" or the "Company") reports that it is applying to the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") to amend the price of 26,444,748 warrants with an exercise price of $0.135 and expiring on July 9, 2023 issued under its private placement completed on July 9, 2021 (the "Warrants"). See the Company's press release dated July 12, 2021 (available on SEDAR) for more information regarding the private placement.

The Company is applying to amend the warrant price from $0.135 to $0.05. The foregoing amendments are subject to regulatory acceptance by the Exchange. In accordance with Exchange policies prohibiting warrants issued as agent, broker or finders' warrants in compensation for services ("Compensation Warrants"), those Compensation Warrants in the series are not being re-priced.

The Company further reports that none of the proposed amended warrants are held by directors, officers or control persons of the Company.

About Finlay Minerals Ltd.

Finlay is a TSXV company focused on exploration for base and precious metal deposits in northern British Columbia.

Finlay trades under the symbol "FYL" on the TSXV and under the symbol "FYMNF" on the OTCQB. For further information and details, please visit the Company's website at www.finlayminerals.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robert F. Brown, P. Eng.

President & CEO

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements with respect to the regulatory acceptance of the Warrant amendments by the Exchange. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Although Finlay believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration results, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, and the other risk factors described in Finlay's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals,including regulatory acceptance of the Warrant amendments by the Exchange. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Finlay does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Finlay Minerals Ltd.
Historical Drill Results Include 82 m Grading 0.91% Copper

Toronto, June 8, 2023 - Cascada Silver Corp. (CSE: CSS) ("Cascada") is pleased to report that it has signed a binding agreement to enter into an option to acquire a 100% interest in the 250-hectare Mina Guanaca Copper Property ("Guanana Project") located 110 kilometres northeast of the City of Copiapo, Region III, Chile (Figure 1) at elevations below 3,000 metres. The Guanaca Project is currently the focus of small-scale open pit mining of copper oxide mineralization. Significant molybdenum along with gold and silver mineralization is associated with the copper mineralization.

"We very pleased to have entered into an agreement to acquire the high-quality Mina Guanaca Copper Property," said Carl Hansen, Cascada's CEO. "The Guanaca Project has been the focus of only minor exploration and those activities have been focused on the near surface high grade copper oxide mineralization which has been intermittently mined over the past years. Clearly outlined drilling targets have been identified not only to depth beneath the area of current mining activities but also below the overburden gravels which cover the majority of the property. The Guanaca Project, which is easily accessible, is drill ready."

The copper mineralization at the Guanaca Project is associated with a brecciated tonalite located along the contact between a volcano-sedimentary sequence to the south and granitic intrusives to the north. A series of intersecting faults, centred on the area of the open pit, are interpreted as being the conduit for the mineralizing fluids. At surface, mineralization is dominated by copper oxides, including malachite and azurite, which have formed along factures and within the breccia matrix. At depth, chalcopyrite and bornite are reported. Historically, a narrow ramp and small shaft accessed the mineralized breccia to a depth of approximately 60 metres: neither are currently safely accessible.

Three short programs have been reported on the property for a total of 1,550 metres of drilling: 573 metres in five diamond drill holes (1994, Empresa Nacional de Mineria ("ENAMI")); 10 underground diamond drill holes for 536 metres (1995, C.M. San Andres - limited information available) and 441 metres of reverse circulation drilling in 6 holes completed in 2020 by Sociedad Legal Minera Guanaca Una de Sierra Vicuna ("SLMG"), the owner of the property. The majority of the drilling was completed in the immediate area of the main mineralized breccia (Figure 2). Table 1 summarizes the historical drill assay results with highlights including:

82 metres grading 0.91% total Cu, 0.67% soluble Cu (drill hole SE1, ENAMI);

41 metres grading 2.3% total Cu (hole ST2, C.M. Andres); and

56 metres grading 0.82% total Cu, 0.64% soluble Cu (drill hole GR5, SLMG).

Only copper assays are reported from the drill hole sampling.

A sample from the open pit mineralization, collected by First Quantum Minerals Ltd. during a property examination, assayed at ALS Labs and reported in 2022, returned 2.51% Cu, 0.107 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au, 2.86 g/t Ag and 0.22% molybdenum.

Historical Results Note: Cascada has not undertaken any independent investigation of any sampling from the Guanaca Project nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical drilling in order to verify the results. The reader is cautioned upon relying on the accuracy of the historical results presented; however, Cascada considers the historical assay results relevant as it will use the results as a guide to plan future exploration programs and considers the data to be reliable for these purposes.

Table 1 - Guanaca Historical Drill Results 1

Hole Ref # From To Interval 2 End of

Hole %CuTotal %CuSoluble metres Enami 3 SE1 16 98 82 176 0.91 0.67 SE2 6 68 62 100 0.77 0.56 SE3 18 73 55 140 0.50 0.31 SE4 2 10 8 77 0.87 0.37 SE5 -- -- -- -- -- -- San Andres 4 ST1 0 24 24 84 1.3 n/a ST2 0 41 41 62 2.3 n/a ST5 0 10 10 50 2.2 n/a SLMG 3 GR1 79 121 42 160 0.76 0.49 GR2 -- -- -- 80 -- -- GR3 11 47 36 47 0.71 0.54 GR4 14 47 33 47 1.15 0.90 GR5 10 66 56 67 0.82 0.64 GR6 27 37 10 40 0.77 0.44





Notes:

See "Historical Results Note" immediately prior to Table 1. Interval represents downhole assay interval. Insufficient information regarding the geometry of the mineralized body is available in order to determine true width of the assay interval. Enami and SLMG assay intervals composited at a 0.2% CuT cut-off grade and 1 metre of internal waste with the exception of GR5 which contains a 4 metre interval grading 0.09% CuT. San Andres underground drill results are only available on a plan map and not all assay intervals results are reported. Cutoff grade is unknown. Holes are reported to have been drilled from the bottom of the shaft.

Historical Geophysical Surveys

A 2019 ground magnetic survey over the Guanaca Project (Figure 3) shows the existence a distinct magnetic low coinciding with the highly altered and mineralized tonalites of Mina Guanaca related to the hydrothermal destruction of magnetic. Additional magnetic lows, noted as Target 1 and Target 2, which lie under overburden, represent high priority drill targets.

An induced polarization survey along 4 lines (5.75 km) was completed in 2019 (Figure 4). A chargeability low coincides with Mina Guanaca related to almost complete oxidization of sulphides near surface. The chargeability low extends to the southeast along Profile 3 beneath overburden. At depths of 200 to 300 metres below Mina Guanaca, a significant chargeability high was outlined which is potentially related to sulphide mineralization associated with a porphyry system representing an additional high priority drill target.

Guanaca Project Agreement Terms

Under the terms of the letter agreement, an initial payment of US$100,000 is payable to the vendor (the "Vendor") of Guanaca Project upon the signing of the option agreement with a second payment of US$100,000 due upon the 6-month anniversary of the signing date. A further series of payments are payable as follows: US$200,000 at 12 months; US$300,000 at 18 months; US$500,000 at 24 months; US$1,300,000 at 36 months; and US$2,500,000 upon the 48-month anniversary for total payments of US$5,000,000 over 4 years. Work commitments comprising 1,250 metres of drilling per annum over the earn-in period are required. In addition, upon completion of the above noted obligations, the Vendor will receive a 2.5% net smelter royalty of which half (1.25%) can be repurchased for US$2,250,000 one year from the start of commercial production.

The current lessee of the mining property, Empresa Minera El Salado Ltda., will be allowed to continue mining operations at a rate of 1,500 tonne per month for a minimum of 12 months.

NI 43-101 Technical Disclosure

The Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, for Cascada's exploration activities in Chile is Sergio Diaz, a resident of Santiago, Chile. Mr. Diaz is a Public Registered Person for Reserves and Resources N 51, in Chile and is also registered in the Colegio de Geologos de Chile under N 315.

About Cascada Silver Corp.

Cascada is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration opportunities in Chile. Cascada's team of successful exploration professionals are dedicated to the discovery of mineral deposits that can be progressed into economically viable development projects creating value for all stakeholders.

On behalf of Cascada Silver Corp.,

Carl Hansen, CEO

Phone: 416-907-9969

For additional information, please contact us at:

info@cascadasilver.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections and forecasts. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: plans for the evaluation of exploration properties; the success of evaluation plans; the success of exploration activities; mine development prospects; and, potential for future metals production. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: changes in economic parameters and assumptions; all aspects related to the timing of exploration activities and receipt of exploration results; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals price; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of economic and technical studies; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration; as well as those factors disclosed in Cascada's publicly filed documents.

Although Cascada has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts

responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.





Figure 1 - Location of the Mina Guanaca Copper Property Region III, Chile

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_001full.jpg.





Figure 2 - Geology and Assay Plan of Historical Drilling Results Mina Guanaca Copper Property Region III Chile

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_002full.jpg.





Figure 3 - Ground Magnetics Survey (2019) Mina Guanaca Copper Property

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_003full.jpg.





Figure 4 - Induced Polarization Survey (2019) Mina Guanaca Copper Property

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_004full.jpg.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169248
ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, June 8, 2023 /CNW/ - Comet Lithium Corp. (TSXV: CLIC) ("Comet Lithium" or "Comet" or the "Company"), formerly known as X-Terra Resources, is pleased to announce that it is now trading under the symbol "CLIC" on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's new CUSIP number is 20036Y101 and its new ISIN (international securities identification number) is CA20036Y1016.

Investors can access the Company's new website at: https://www.CometLithium.com. The launch of the full website will coincide with the official launch of the Comet brand later this month.

Mr. Michael Ferreira, President and CEO of Comet Lithium, stated: "The new Company name and ticker symbol reflect our new lithium focus driven by the early success and the impressive upside potential of our 100%-owned Liberty Property contiguous to Winsome Resources' Adina discovery. We look forward to upcoming first-ever drilling at Liberty."

Liberty Highlights

Recently completed high resolution magnetic survey (refer to April 18, 2023 Comet news release) shows that two significant trend orientations clearly connect to the west with the Adina pegmatite system;

An important 2.75-km-long (east-west) by 500-metre-wide (north-south) low magnetic corridor at Liberty is on strike with Winsome's pegmatite system;

The high-resolution survey identified a second strong magnetic contrast extending for 6.5 km in the northern half of Liberty;

Liberty has never been previously drilled or systematically explored;

Latest drill results released by Winsome confirm high-grade lithium mineralization continues at least 1.9 km east of the Main Zone, within approximately 600 metres of the Liberty border, and remains open to the east (refer to Winsome news release April 2, 2023). The total strike length of the lithium mineralized trend is >3 km, open to both the east and the west;

Comet has finalized details of a summer exploration program at Liberty, leading to first-ever drilling in the second half of 2023, and will provide investors with updates in the near future.

Qualified Person

Martin Demers, P. Geo (ogq #770, APEGNB L5980), registered in the Provinces of Quebec and New-Brunswick, a consultant to Comet Lithium, is a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed the technical contents of this news release and has approved the disclosure of the technical information contained herein.

Comet Lithium is a dynamic lithium-focused exploration company active in the prolific James Bay District of Quebec. Comet's flagship asset is its 100%-owned Liberty Property contiguous to Winsome Resources' Adina deposit, a growing high-grade discovery. Comet is advancing Liberty to first-ever drilling in 2023.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Comet Lithium, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Comet Lithium's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under "Financial Instruments" and "Risk and Uncertainties in Comet Lithium's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Comet Lithium does not intend, nor does Comet Lithium undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

SOURCE X-Terra Resources Inc.
Vancouver, June 8, 2023 - Ophir Gold Corp. (TSXV: OPHR) (OTCQB: KPZIF) (FSE: 80M) (the "Company" or "Ophir") is pleased to announce, that further to its press release of May 10, 2023, the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement through the issuance of 8,571,428 flow-through units (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.35 per FT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,999,999 (the "Offering").

Each FT Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company, issued on a flow-through basis (each, a "FT Share") and one whole common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), issued on a non-flow-through basis. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.40 per Common Share for a period of three (3) years from date of issuance. Each FT Share and Warrant will qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and also qualify for the Canadian government's Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.

A total of 428,571 FT Units and 857,149 finder's warrants ("Finder's Warrants") were issued in connection with the Offering to Churchill SIG Pty Ltd. of Subiaco, Western Australia ("Churchill"). The Finder's Warrants are exercisable into one Common Share in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.35 per Common Share for a period of three years. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and for any individual subscribers who are resident or subject to tax in the Province of Quebec or any subscribers who is a partnership of which a partner or limited partner is subject to tax in the Province of Quebec, will qualify as "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" within the meaning contained in section 726.4.10 of the Quebec Tax Act and "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining exploration expenses or oil and gas exploration expenses" within the meaning contained in section 726.4.17.2 of the Quebec Tax Act.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About the Company

Ophir Gold Corp. is a diversified exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the past producing Breccia Gold Property located in Lemhi County, Idaho. The Company has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Property over a three-year period from CanaGold Resources Ltd. (formerly Canarc Resource Corp.) and DG Resource Management Ltd.

The Company also has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Radis Lithium Property over a three-year period from Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury Gold Mines Ltd..

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Shawn Westcott"

Ophir Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Shawn Westcott, CEO

Phone 1 (604) 365 6681

swestcott@ophirgoldcorp.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (referred to as "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" including statements relating to: (i) exploration plans for the Company's mineral properties, (ii) potential results of exploration programs, and (iii) the potential for and details of mineralization on the Company's properties. 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: risk related to the 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 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, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169261
TORONTO, June 8, 2023 - Adventus Mining Corp. ("Adventus Mining" or the "Company") (TSXV: ADZN) (OTCQX: ADVZF) is pleased to report the voting results from the Company's 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting"), which was held today in Toronto, Canada.

A total of 130,824,892 common shares were voted at the Annual Meeting, representing 72.8% of the votes attached to all the outstanding common shares. Shareholders voted by ballot in favour of each of the items of business at the Annual Meeting as follows:



Votes For % For Votes Against % Against Election of Directors







Christian Kargl-Simard 124,976,785 99.944 % 70,100 0.056 % Mark Wellings 124,870,385 99.859 % 176,500 0.141 % Barry Murphy 123,179,785 98.507 % 1,867,100 1.493 % David Darquea Schettini 124,908,135 99.889 % 138,750 0.111 % Stephen Williams 124,871,885 99.860 % 175,000 0.140 % Leif Nilsson 123,181,285 98.508 % 1,865,600 1.492 % Karina Rogers 124,857,885 99.849 % 189,000 0.151 %









Ratification of Share Compensation Plan 120,060,697 96.013 % 4,986,188 3.987 % Approval of Amendment to Share

Compensation Plan 120,058,197 96.011 % 4,988,688 3.989 %











Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Appointment of Auditor







Deloitte LLP 130,717,892 99.918 % 107,000 0.082 %

All seven elected directors will serve on the Company's Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed.

About Adventus Mining

Adventus Mining Corp. is an Ecuador-focused copper-gold exploration and development company. Adventus Mining is majority owner of the 215 sq. km Curipamba copper-gold project, which has a completed feasibility study on the shallow and high-grade El Domo deposit. In addition, Adventus Mining is engaged in a country-wide exploration alliance in Ecuador, which has incorporated the Pijili and Santiago copper-gold porphyry projects to date. Outside of Ecuador, Adventus Mining owns an exploration project portfolio in Ireland with South32 Limited as the funding participant. Its strategic shareholders include Altius Minerals Corp., Greenstone Resources LP, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., and the Nobis Group of Ecuador. Adventus Mining is based in Toronto, Canada, and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ADZN and trades on the OTCQX under the symbol ADVZF.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This press release contains "forward -looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "pending", "intends", "plans", "forecasts", "targets", or "hopes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "should" "might", "will be taken", or "occur" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events, or developments that Adventus expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Although Adventus have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Adventus undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Please also visit the Adventus Mining website at www.adventusmining.com.

SOURCE Adventus Mining Corp.
Ottawa, June 8, 2023 - Stria Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: SRA) ("Stria" or the "Company") announces today its intention to extend the date of 5,200,000 warrants all of which are exercisable at $0.50 per common shares (the "Warrants"). The Company purposes to extend the expiry date of the Warrants by an additional 24 months. The Warrants were issued as part of a private placement which closed on June 24, 2021, and accordingly the new expiry date for the Warrants will be June 24, 2025.

All other terms of the Warrants remain unchanged. The extension of the expiry date of the Warrants is subject to TSX-V approval.

A total of 740,000 Warrants are held by "related parties" to the Company. Therefore, the amendment of the expiry date of the Warrants constitutes a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). However, the exemption from formal valuation and minority approval requirement found at section 5.5 and 5.7 of MI 61-101 will be relied on as the fair market value of the Warrants does not exceed 25% of the market cap of the company.

About Stria Lithium

Stria Lithium (TSX-V: SRA) is an emerging resource exploration company developing Canadian lithium reserves to meet legislated demand for electric vehicles and their rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium is a rare metal and an indispensable component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, one of the safest and most efficient energy storage technologies available today, used in everything from cellphones and power tools to electric cars and industrial-scale energy storage for renewable power sources such as wind and solar generation.

Stria's Pontax Lithium Project covers 36 square kilometres, including 8 kilometres of strike along the prospective Chambois Greenstone Belt. The region, known as the Canadian "Lithium Triangle," is one of only a few known sources of lithium available for hard rock mining in North America.

Stria's Pontax property is situated close to an industrial powerline and a major paved highway, about 310 km north of the North American rail network that leads to the industrial heartland.

As momentum builds for the green energy revolution and the shift to electric vehicles, governments in Canada and the U.S. are aggressively supporting the North American lithium industry, presenting the industry and its investors with a rare, if not unprecedented, opportunity for growth and prosperity well into the next decade and beyond.

Cygnus Metals is committed to fully funding and managing the current two-stage exploration and drilling program to a maximum of $10 million at Stria's Pontax property, and will also pay Stria up to $6 million in cash. In return, Cygnus may acquire up to a 70% interest in the property.

Stria is committed to exceeding the industry's environmental, social and governance standards. A critical part of that commitment is forging meaningful, enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with the James Bay Cree Nation (Eeyouch), and engaging openly and respectfully as neighbours and collaborators in this exciting project that has the potential to create lasting jobs and prosperity for Eeyou Istchee and its people.

For more information about Stria Lithium and the Pontax Lithium project, please visit https://strialithium.com

Follow us on:

Twitter@StriaLithium

Instagram@strialithium

Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/strialithium

LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/stria-lithium/

For more information on Stria Lithium Inc., please contact:

Dean Hanisch

CEO Stria Lithium

dhanisch@strialithium.com

+1(613) 612-6060

Investors Relations, Stria Lithium Inc.

ir@strialithium.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is 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 anticipated in the forward-looking information. Please refer to the risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
The Dutch GP may be absent from the 2024 Formula 1 calendar - despite Zandvoort already having a contract until 2025.

That is the claim of the French-language Belgian newspaper Le Soir, following up on earlier reports that Spa-Francorchamps is edging towards a new race deal with Liberty Media.

But according to Le Soir, Spa's Belgian GP will only alternate a single annual calendar spot each year with Zandvoort - starting with the 2024 season when the Dutch GP will be absent.

The newspaper said Spa will host a race in 2024, before it moves to Zandvoort in 2025 and so on.

"The Belgian GP will only take place every other year from 2024," Le Soir claims. "It will alternate with the Netherlands to create a sort of Benelux GP.

"It's a project that could be emulated in Europe, where it is impossible to compete with the huge monetary offers from the rest of the world."

However, the Belgian news agency RTBF has different information.

RTBF says that while talks between F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali are in an "advanced phase", there is currently "nothing to suggest that Belgium will alternate with another grand prix".

The agency's F1 commentator Gaetan Vigneron said: "If Belgium and the Netherlands were forced to alternate in the future, they could consider it.

"But this is not the case at the moment. To be completely pragmatic, it is better to be present every other year than not at all. But personally, I think that alternating is a bad idea."

(GMM)
Previous mining contracts were poorly negotiated "Minister reiterates need to utilise resources from extractive sector"

Emmanuel Bruce Business News Jun - 08 - 2023 , 06:21

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has reiterated the urgent need to utilise the countrys mining resources for socio-economic development.

He said it could not be denied that the country had in the past not done very well in negotiations for the extraction of its mineral resources.

Some of our policies and contracts have, unfortunately, resulted in extraordinary profits to mining companies at the expense of the country.

We had, until recently, failed to put in place a proper framework that will ensure that we benefit optimally from these resources, he stated.

The minister said that at the opening of the 5th Mining and Energy Summit and Exhibition, which was held on the theme: Harnessing Mining and Energy Potential for Sustainable National Development.

He said the countrys over-dependence on the export of raw minerals had also denied it of the benefits that accrued from these minerals across the value chain.

He noted that other actors in the extractive industry, particularly extractive companies, could not escape blame in this regard.

Major contributor

to illicit flows

Mr Jinapor said it was alarming, as the data showed that the extractive sector continued to be the major contributor to illicit financial flows from the continent.

He said illegal exploitation, tax evasion, trade mis-invoicing, transfer pricing and under-declaration, were just a few of the practices contributing to this menace.

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) reports that illicit financial flows from Ghana through trade mis-invoicing averages about $1.44 billion per year with export under-invoicing and import over-invoicing accounting for almost one billion dollars.

We, obviously, cannot sustainably develop if these continue, the minister stated.

Bulwark of economy

He said despite all these loopholes, the mining industry continues to be the bulwark of the economy, with gold alone contributing some $6.6 billion in export receipts in 2022.

He noted that in the past few years, the energy sector had also been a major contributor to the economy.

The hard truth, however, is that we have not benefitted optimally from these two sectors.

The convergence of these two sectors, mining and energy, presents us with a unique opportunity to shape our destiny and build a sustainable and prosperous nation using clean energy and responsible mining practices, he stated.

He said the country must therefore unlock the full potential of the mining and energy sectors for local industrialisation.

He said that must be done in a manner that ensures energy efficiency, environmental protection and responsible ecosystem management for climate action.

Commitment to sector

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Sulemanu Koney, said the summit served as a testament to the industries commitment to the advancement of the mining and energy sectors.

Today, we gather with a common purpose and a shared commitment to deliberate on the key pillars that underpin the success of our industries.

Partnerships, collaboration, local participation and technological innovations are the cornerstones upon which we build a resilient and inclusive mining and energy landscape, he stated.

Security

Dr Koney noted that security was a critical pillar in the success of any mining operation.

He said the safety and well-being of the workforce and host communities, the protection of assets and investment, as well as the preservation of the environment, were paramount.

We, therefore, recognise the indispensable role that effective security measures play in fostering a conducive environment for broad-based socio-economic development and investment through responsible mining investment.

Through collaborative efforts, deployment of appropriate technology and adopting a holistic and integrated approach to development, we can create a secure and stable environment that allows our industries in various sectors to co-exist and leverage the presence of each other to create the synergies that undoubtedly create value for our country, he stated.
Review taxes to make local printing more competitive  AGI

Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Jun - 08 - 2023 , 08:37

Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has ignited calls on government to remove the payment of duty on imported raw materials for printing to make the sector more attractive to local companies.

We have enough capacity and sophisticated printing firms in Ghana which do quality printing and not just books. Unfortunately, because of the existing policy, when we import raw materials to print, we pay duty.

However, when we import the finished products, we do not pay duty.

This situation makes local printing more expensive than imported products, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah said.

This development has forced many local companies to resort to foreign countries such as China and India to print materials which they could easily have done in the country.

Many trained printers in the country have lost their jobs because of the present policy which makes the companies they work for, redundant.

While it contributes to creating more unemployment, the state also loses by way of payment of corporate taxes.

Mr Twum-Akwaboah said, We are not in any way discouraging importation but we think that local production must be looked at.

We must encourage companies to make efforts to establish here in Ghana and take advantage of the business environment and together with the AGI and stakeholders, we will fight together to make the environment conducive for doing business.



Propak Ghana 2023

Mr Twum-Akwaboah was speaking at the opening of the maiden edition of West Africa's largest packaging, plastics, food processing and print exhibition, Propak Ghana, organised by Afrocet Montgomery in Accra on Tuesday.

The three-day event provided a platform for about 100 suppliers and service providers to display cutting-edge products and service offerings, showcase the latest technology, bring new companies to Ghana for the first time, act as a unique platform for those more established, and ultimately help drive this integral industry forward.

It also enabled participants to explore the latest innovations and products from leading suppliers from the region, in addition to international companies from all corners of the globe that showcased the newest advances in industry innovation and products that were collectively supporting the local manufacturing industry.



Improving

manufacturing sector

The Regional Director, Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, said the objective of the event was to establish Propak as a key support platform for Ghanas aspirations to increase output of the made in Ghana brand and boost its exports in the region and beyond.

He explained that currently, Ghana is exporting a high percentage of its naturally produced products in the raw state, and there was no doubt that value addition could help the country maximise revenue from its exports.

This approach can ensure Ghanas plan at transforming its economy from one heavily reliant on natural resources, to a true value-added exports-led economy.

This strategy cannot be a reality without investment in manufacturing, increasing the use of state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, as well as human capital, since these are key ingredients in ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness in manufacturing, he said.

He advised the government to focus on direct investment and improvement in the manufacturing sector to support Ghanas goal of evolving its economy which is anchored on a stronger domestic manufacturing sector.

That, he said, was very important since it would contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation and crucially putting money in the pockets of employees and employers working in the sector.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yaw Amoateng Afriyie, said, the manufacturing sector was the countrys largest employer therefore we cannot underestimate the sectors growth to the economy.

The exhibition, he said, was timely, especially as we collectively summon the courage to do things differently and challenge antiquated dogmas that we must rely predominantly on imported brands and packaging - and that our homegrown brands are inferior or costly.
George Quaye urges President Akufo Addo to complete UG Drama studio to preserve legacy of Efua Sutherland

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Jun - 07 - 2023 , 18:49

Actor and Founder of Image Bureau, George Quaye is making a passionate appeal to Nana Akufo Addo to see to the completion of the abandoned ultra-modern Drama Studio at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana.

According to George Quaye, who is also the President of the Arts Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG), the completion of the project which was started by the then John Agyekum Kufuor led administration have a great impact on the cultural landscape and the lives of countless individuals who are eager to contribute to the arts.

In a post on facebook yesterday, June 6, George Quaye said as a creative through and through and passionate advocate for the arts, it will be unethical on his part to remain silent while such avital cultural institution like the Drama stidios continue to deteriorate.

He noted that the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio was once a beacon of artistic expression, a space where creativity thrived, and where generations of talented individuals honed their skills in music, dance, and theatre arts.

Its importance, he noted, extended beyond the academic realm, as it served as a hub for cultural exchange, community engagement, and artistic collaboration. However, the current state of this once-vibrant institution is disheartening.

The year 2024 will see the centenary celebrations of the legendary Efua T. Sutherland, the great mother of this land after whom the Drama Studio was named. By revitalizing the old structure and seeing to the completion and grand opening of the new one, you would be investing not only in the education and artistic development of our students but also in the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage while bolstering the legacy of Efua T. Sutherland in the annals of our rich history, a part of George Quaye's post reads.

Read full post below:

Dear Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,

Good Evening Your Excellency

I write to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency regarding the abandoned state of the new ultra-modern Drama Studio at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon.

As a concerned citizen, President of the Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana - ATWAG, a creative through and through and passionate advocate for the arts, I cannot remain silent while this vital cultural institution continues to deteriorate before our eyes.

The Efua Sutherland Drama Studio was once a beacon of artistic expression, a space where creativity thrived, and where generations of talented individuals honed our skills in music, dance, and theatre arts. Its importance extended beyond the academic realm, as it served as a hub for cultural exchange, community engagement, and artistic collaboration. However, the current state of this once-vibrant institution is disheartening.

Over the years, weather damage, broken chairs, a nearly unusable stage, and problematic electrical systems have rendered the theater virtually lifeless. This unfortunate situation not only hampers the educational and artistic pursuits of the students and faculty but also restricts the potential for impactful performances and workshops that could inspire and enrich our society. Why should paid for performances, important lectures, rehearsals and other relevant activity all be canceled, curtailed held up or postponed just because the sun shone too brightly or the clouds let the rains come down too abruptly in 2023 Ghana? Why?

I would be remiss not to mention that a glimmer of hope emerged in 2004 when the President J.A. Kufuor administration, with funding from the GETFund, initiated the construction of a new theater for the School of Performing Arts. The promises of a state-of-the-art facility, multiple stages, increased seating capacity, and modern equipment were met with great anticipation by the artistic community. However, to our disappointment, the project has remained in a state of abandonment for almost two decades.

Your Excellency, I implore you to consider the profound impact the completion of this theater could have on our cultural landscape and the lives of countless individuals who are eager to contribute to the arts.

The year 2024 will see the centenary celebrations of the legendary Efua T. Sutherland, the great mother of this land after whom the Drama Studio was named. By revitalizing the old structure and seeing to the completion and grand opening of the new one, you would be investing not only in the education and artistic development of our students but also in the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage while bolstering the legacy of Efua T. Sutherland in the annals of our rich history.

I respectfully request your intervention in ensuring the immediate resumption and completion of the construction of the new theater. I understand the challenges faced by our nation, but I firmly believe that prioritizing the arts is crucial for the well-being and progress of our society.

Let us not allow this beacon of creativity, the School of Performing Arts, to fade away into oblivion but instead breathe life back into it, giving rise to a flourishing artistic community that will inspire generations to come.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, Your Excellency. I remain hopeful that with your decisive leadership, the Efua T. Sutherland Drama Studio will regain its glory and continue to serve as a testament to the transformative power of the arts.

Twa Omanye.
Social media influencers grace Ceres nectar launch in Accra

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Jun - 08 - 2023 , 11:14

A number of social media influencers including popular skit maker and comedian, Sadik Sulley popularly known as SDKele graced the launch of the new Ceres Nectar range of juices at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra recently.

The launch which was a collaboration between PepsiCo and Transmed Ghana Ltd offered the means for the influencers as well as members of the media fraternity to be drink tasters of the new products.

At the launch held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Isabel Coetzer, Commercial Lead PepsiCo Exports East, West and rest of World said, Ceres Fruit Juices have become an integral part of the lives of Ghanaians over the past decade.

Ceres is known for bringing the best of nature to Consumers with high-quality goodness and delicious taste in a wide range of flavours. We are therefore very excited to be able to announce that we have launched Ceres Nectars in Ghana.

We now offer our consumers and Customers additional uncompromising choices at a broader range of affordability.

The new expanded Ceres Nectar range of juices which is available in 5 flavours in 1L and 200ml pack sizes are Multifruit Fusion, Caribbean Crush, Tropical Blast, Mango Orange Twist and Orange Bliss.

According to Karen Veysey, PepsiCo Marketing Manager for Juices, West East and Central Africa said the expanded range will ensure that Ceres offers something for all Ghanaians and for all occasions.

The range has been developed based on extensive Ghanaian Consumer research. This gave us in-depth insights into Ghanaian Consumer preferences, wants and needs.

One key insight was that in addition to what is currently offered by the much-loved Ceres 100% range, Ghanaian Consumers were also looking for juices with a thicker texture and a more intense, sweeter, fruitier taste, he said.
Yoweri Museveni: Ugandan president tests positive for Covid

International News Jun - 08 - 2023 , 12:05

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has said he has contracted Covid-19 after one of three tests conducted on him turned out positive.

Mr Museveni, who gave a state of the nation address earlier on Wednesday, said he had developed a slight cold, prompting him to get tested.

The permanent secretary at the health ministry, Diana Atwine, said the president had developed mild flu-like symptoms but was in good health and would continue his duties.

She said the president would adhere to standard operating procedures for Covid cases while performing his role.

Uganda had some of the strictest measures in Africa to limit the spread of the virus at the height of the pandemic, including long curfews and closure of schools and businesses.

The country fully reopened in February 2022.

Source: bbc.com
A-G eulogizes Justice Dotse as he retires

Graphic.com.gh Jun - 07 - 2023 , 20:08

The Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has described the Justice Jones Victor Mawulorm Dotse, who just retired from active service as a fair judge, whose integrity, sense of duty, fidelity to the law and empathy promoted justice and the administration of justice.

Speaking at a valedictory ceremony for Justice Dotse at the Supreme Court Tuesday [June 6, 2023], Mr Dame said Justice Dotse used his position to improve the law and promote the cause of justice.

You brought to the task of judging unmatched gentlemanliness, grace, caution, commitment and erudition and a great deal of empathy for, and the understanding of, the frailties of the human condition.

Your extreme sense of humanity, kindness and compassion in the adjudication of cases qualifies you, and in my respectful opinion, for the accolade. A judges judge, a lawyers judge, and a litigants judge, all rolled into one, he said.

Justice Jones Dotse bows out - Vows to continue fight for justice

Champion of freedom

The Chief Justice designate, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, described Justice Dotse as a fierce contender for rights.

She said Justice Dotse used his judgments to protect vulnerable groups such as women and orphans in decisions including Gregory v Tandoh IV & Hanson and Mensah v Mensah, a watershed decision in which Justice Dotse introduced equitable distribution of spousal properties between the husband and wife.

For over four decades, you have served the law, 23 years of which have been to the nation and its citizens.

You have pursued the cause of justice and expanded freedom. You have helped build this democracy we are enjoying now, she said.

Appreciation

Amid intermittent tears, Justice Dotse thanked his family members, friends, lawyers, judges, his colleague Justices of the Supreme Court, and all those who had contributed to his success and supported him throughout his life and career.

Justice Dotse was particularly grateful to President John Agyekum Kufuor for appointing him to the High Court in 2002, promoting him to the Court of Appeal in 2003 and finally elevating him to the Supreme Court in 2008.

On what he intended to do on retirement, Justice Dotse said he would continue to be active and contribute to the promotion of justice by working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the justice space.

Again, he said he would set up a Trust Fund in his mothers name to support girl-child education in the mothers hometown in the Volta Region and also build a nursery for the day care he attended in Kpando.

I will also take my deserved rest but I intend writing my memoirs from 2024 by the Grace of God, he said.
Affordable housing out of reach of many  ISSER

Mary Anane-Amponsah & Diana Mensah Jun - 08 - 2023 , 06:00

Affordable housing is out of reach of many households, the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana (UG), has said.

It said the situation could be attributed to the lack of access to land, building materials, finance and building codes, among other challenges.

The institute has, therefore, urged the government to implement targeted subsidies or housing assistance programmes to support low-income households to access affordable housing, adding that what was considered as affordable housing was out of reach of low-income earners who were the most affected when it comes to issues of accommodation.

This was contained in the Ghana Social Development Outlook (GSDO) 2022 report of the institute which was launched in Accra last Tuesday.

bi-annual publication has since 2012, remained one of the flagship publications of ISSER.

The sixth edition which contains 10 chapters comes with different but interrelated topics which authors from the social division had carefully put together.

It borders on education, health, water and sanitation; housing, employment, energy, environment, gender, social relations and population, among other sectors.

Incentives

As part of the recommendations, ISSER further called on the government to promote affordable housing options for different income groups and incentives for the middle and upper-income classes to invest in rental units for low-income households.

According to the Director of ISSER, Prof. Peter Quartey, although the number of housing units had increased, it was not able to address the issue of housing because we are gradually seeing more of high and middle-income housing units compared to the compound houses that has been the case.

So in some areas there are houses, they are not occupied by people and East Legon area in Accra, for instance, is noted for many of such houses, he said.

According to Prof. Quartey, what the people need are compound houses, a bedroom or a single room to provide shelter for the family.

If you go to other parts of Africa such as Cape Town in South Africa, you will see small housing units with solar panels on them.

This is something that we can call affordable and not the flats, he added.

Prof. Quartey further said that the event had offered a platform for useful engagement with stakeholders and led conversations around their work, including other pressing national and international issues, so we hope that government will strengthen its collaboration with academia.

Population management

The Head of the GDSO, Dr Martha Awo, who presented the report, said there was also the need to redirect population movement away from choked cities to areas with less population concentration.

The heavy concentration of population in the Greater Accra Region, especially in the cities of Accra, Tema and Ashaiman, has serious implications for housing, sanitation, road traffic management, food security and national security, she said.

Dr Awo said before any country could engage in any form of developmental activities, it was imperative for it to take into consideration the dynamics of its population structure and fashion out policies and programmes that would address population concerns.

The report also touched on the influx of young migrants from the West African sub-region to the country, which she said had become a source of concern for national security.

The Ministry for the Interior, national security agencies and the Immigration Service should team up to document all these immigrants to determine their status based on the ECOWAS Protocol and take appropriate action to defuse the possible threat their presence poses to national security, she added.
Be diligent to unlock mining, energy potential - Jinapor challenges players

Timothy Ngnenbe Jun - 08 - 2023 , 06:00

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has urged players in the extractive sector to respect the local laws and work diligently to help unlock the full potential of the mining and energy sectors for sustainable development.

He emphasised that the exploitation of resources in the extractive sector must be done in a sustainable manner to ensure energy efficiency, environmental protection and responsible ecosystem management for climate action.

As we embark on the journey to harness our mining and energy potential for sustainable development, we must prioritise sustainable practices and adopt an approach that balances economic growth, social equity and environmental stewardship, he stressed.

Mr Jinapor added that it was through sustainable utilisation of those resources that their benefits could be maximised.

He made the call at the opening session of the fifth Ghana Mining and Energy Summit held by the Ghana Chamber of Miners in Accra yesterday.

Summit

The chamber instituted the summit as a platform for key actors in the countrys extractive industry to discuss the pertinent issues affecting the sector and explore innovative ways of harnessing its potential for national development.

This years summit was held on the theme: Harnessing mining and energy potential for sustainable national development.

Mr Jinapor said the mining and energy summit was a step in the right direction because those two sectors were intrinsically intertwined, with energy being a key requirement for producing and processing minerals, while minerals remain very essential to the production of energy technologies.

He noted that the global transition to clean energy sources, the demand for minerals and metals such as lithium, bauxite and manganese for the green transition, and the necessity to ensure sustainable, environmentally sound and energy-efficient mining practices, made the mining and energy discussions even more imperative.

The minister stressed that harnessing the mining and energy potential for sustainable development must move beyond mere rhetoric to urgent steps to sustainably utilise those resources for socio-economic development.

Mr Jinapor stressed that the situation whereby some policies and contracts tended to give extraordinary profits to mining companies at the expense of the country needed to be reversed.

He also said the overdependence on the export of raw minerals had denied the country of the benefits that accrued from those minerals across the value chain.

Responsibility

He cautioned players in the extractive sector to stay away from criminal activities such as illicit financial flows, illegal exploitation, tax evasion, trade mis-invoicing, transfer pricing and under-declaration.

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), for example, reports that illicit financial flows from our country through trade mis-invoicing averages about $1.44 billion per year with export under-invoicing and import over-invoicing accounting for almost another $ 1 billion.

We, obviously, cannot sustainably develop if this continues, he said.

The minister said the government remained committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure compliance with stringent environmental regulations, the protection of local communities and the fair distribution of benefits.

That is why we have, since 2017, prioritised value addition and local content and local participation in the mining industry through policies such as the establishment of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) and the progressive revision of our local procurement list, he noted.

Collaboration

Mr Jinapor also said the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry remained committed to working with the Ministry of Energy to accelerate efforts in renewable energy development.

He said by diversifying the countrys energy mix and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, the impact of climate change could be mitigated.

Again, he said, that move would also create a resilient energy infrastructure and provide affordable and reliable power to all citizens, regardless of their location.

We will continue to collaborate closely with all stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organisations, private sector entities and international partners to achieve sustainable development anchored on integrity, transparency, candour and utmost good faith, he stressed.
Book of condolence opens in memory of Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo

Mary Anane-Amponsah & Elizabeth Konadu-Boakye Jun - 08 - 2023 , 08:01

A cross section of Ghanaians, including enthusiasts of literary works, have started trooping to the W.E.B. Dubois Memorial Centre in Accra to commiserate with the family of the late renowned Ghanaian author, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo.

This followed a book of condolence opened in honour of the later Professor at WEB Dubois Memorial Centre in Accra yesterday (June 7) by the family.

The family of the astute playwright, author and poet had announced that they would sit from yesterday till tomorrow, June 9 at the Memorial Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day to receive mourners and sympathisers.

Dignitaries

Prominent members in society who came by to sign the book of condolence on the first day included lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata, a member of the advisory board of Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) and former National Media Commission Chairman, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Mary Chinery-Hesse, Ghanaian film maker and writer, Kwaw Ansah, and the 2020 flag bearer of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Brigitte Dzogbenuku .

Also present were old students of Wesley Girls Senior High School, especially her 1958 year group mates and Pan Africanists from the Diaspora.

The atmosphere at the centre was solemn with family members and sympathisers wearing black attires to signify their grieving mood.

Nana Gyan-Apenteng said the passing of Ama Ata Aidoo was a sad one and marked the end of a significant era in the countrys history.

He explained that Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo was the last of the independent era writers, including Efua Sutherland and Joe Degraft, who emerged and defined the Ghana situation through literature and for that this is a very significant moment.

It is almost like passing the torch to the younger generation which is already the generation coming after her.

Now the torch has been handed over and we have to be alive to our responsibility as writers and also chronicle what is going on in our lives at the moment.

Nana Gyan-Apenteng expressed the belief that the late Ama Ata Aidoo would be honoured with the appropriate state burial.

Her works live on

Mrs Chinery- Hesse described Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo as a person who exhibited the good attributes of educating a girl child and therefore was a role model to young people, especially young Ghanaian women.

This is a very sad occasion but I think it's good that we are all here because we appreciate the life she lived and we are here also in our numbers because we honour her so much and the effort she has put into the art of living and everybody remembers her especially because of her writing, she said.

Mr Kwaw Ansah said the deceased as a creative artist was a solid woman who was passionate about the African struggle in terms of freedom and development and therefore although she was gone, her ideas would never die as the generation coming will follow Ama Ata Aidoo so that we get out of the gutters we are in.

President of Wesley Girls Senior High School Old Girls Association, Effie Simpson, said the achievements of Prof. Aidoo would always be touted by the school as she served as a trailblazer with deep literary knowledge.

Brief History

Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo until her passing on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at age 81 was the Life Chairperson of Ghana Association of Writers annual literary festival called GAWBOFEST.

Born Christina Ama Aidoo on March 23, 1942, in Abeadzi Kyiakor, a small town in Ghana.

She was considered one of the leading literary voices in Africa, known for her insightful and powerful works that explored themes of feminism, gender roles, cultural identity and social issues.

Prof. Aidoo's notable works include the novel "Our Sister Killjoy" (1977) which examines the experiences of an African woman living in Europe and reflects issues of colonialism and cultural identity.

She has also written numerous plays, including "Anowa" (1970), a tragedy that explores the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.

She received recognition and awards for her contributions to literature and activism.
Circle fire victims receive GH90,000 support

Joshua Bediako Koomson Jun - 08 - 2023 , 07:38

The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has presented GH90,000 support to traders who lost their shops to the recent fire outbreak at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

The money, which was presented to the market leaders yesterday, was disbursed to 45 traders whose shops were affected by the inferno, with each trader receiving GH2,000.

Aside from that, the council is also making plans to liaise with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to ensure that fire extinguishers are installed at various points within the trading areas as a way of preventing other future fire outbreaks of such magnitude.

Fire outbreak

A fire outbreak which occurred on Sunday, May 21, this year destroyed several stores including phone shops, cosmetics, wine shops and many others at Circle, behind the Royal VIP Station.

It took personnel from the GNFS, with support from the police, several hours to douse the fire which was reported to have started around 1 p.m.

There were no casualties and the cause is yet to be established.

Fire prevention

I will meet with the various assemblies to discuss how to work with the Fire Service to see how we can procure fire extinguishers for the shops so that in an event of fire the traders can begin to douse it before it gets out of hand, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, said.

He admitted that fire outbreaks had become a common phenomenon in the country, especially in Accra.

To tackle the situation, he said, it was about time the Health and Safety Officers at the various assemblies, as well as other stakeholders worked together to bring lasting solutions to the situation.

Firstly, we need to understand why and what causes these fires and once we understand them, that is when we can have a solution, both medium and permanent.

But in the interim, it is imperative for the assemblies to go round and educate the traders in basic fire safety precautions, the regional minister said.

Modernisation

According to him, the government was making plans to modernise most of the markets in the region and other parts of the country to help prevent market disasters and also provide a more convenient place for the traders.

Until then, Mr Quartey urged the traders to operate within the confines of the law and avoid any illegal electricity connections.

In addition, he urged them to adopt some safety fire prevention measures.

Government will do its part but its also up to you the traders to ensure that your wares are safe.

Avoid putting up fire in the market place and dont leave any naked fire unattended to.

If all of you comply with this simple rule, we can prevent the reoccurrence of this fire incidents, he said.

Commendation

The Chairman of the Circle Traders Association, Nana Kwame Boakye, commended the government for coming to their aid.

He also lauded the regional minister for giving them the leeway to continue to ply their trade within the area.

Ive traded in this market for close to 19 years and there have been several fire outbreaks but this is the first time affected victims have received some money from the government, Nana Boakye said.

Initially, we thought they were going to cordon the place off and stop us from trading here but they have given us the chance to continue our trade and we are very appreciative of that, he added.

He further assured the GARCC that as a leader in the market, he was going to ensure that every trader in the areas complied to fire safety measures and also prevent anyone from engaging in illegal connection.
Green Ghana: Don't allow animals to destroy planted trees

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Jun - 08 - 2023 , 11:50

Cattle owners in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region have been asked not to allow their animals to destroy tree seedlings planted in the area.

Similarly, all ruminant owners in the area have been urged to do same, since protecting tree seedlings from animal destruction would enable the trees to survive and grow well.

The Ashaiman Area Manager of ASA Savings and Loans Limited, Eugene Owusu Biney made the call when his outfit with the support of the Somanya District Office of the Forestry Services Division planted tree seedlings in the premises of some basic schools in Ogome, a suburb of Somanya.

The 200 tree seedlings planted were of various species, including coconut, mango, guava, orange, lemon, pear, cassia militia and montalis.

They were planted at the Ogome Anglican Primary and Junior High School and Sra Presby Primary and Junior High School.

The exercise was part of ASA Savings and Loans' corporate social responsibility in support of the government's Green Ghana initiative.

The Somanya District Manager of the Forestry Services Division, Priscilla Asomani took the school children through the process of planting trees and nurturing them.

She encouraged students to take interest in planting trees and also educate those who destroy trees to desist from such practices.

The Headteacher of the Ogome Anglican Primary School, Janet Mamle Atter Matey pledged the commitment of the school's management and pupils to take good care of the seedlings planted.

For her part, the Headmaster of the Ogome Junior High School, Nelson Asumani and her counterpart from the Sra Presby JHS, Rosemond Vander Puye said the protection of the planted tree seedlings was a shared responsibility, encouraging everyone in the area to play their part.
Ghanaian man involved in attempted murder-suicide involving wife in the USA

GraphicOnline Jun - 08 - 2023 , 07:51

A tragic incident unfolded in the USA as a Ghanaian man was engaged in an attempted murder-suicide with his wife, resulting in his death and leaving the woman in critical condition.

The shocking incident began as a domestic violence episode, according to the authorities.

Neighbor Michael Montgomery, expressed their disbelief, stating that the couple had never exhibited any problems before.

The Columbus police received a report of domestic violence in the 4800 block of Glendon Road around 10:36 p.m. However, as officers approached the scene, the situation escalated into a shooting.

Tragically, the authorities discovered the lifeless body of 49-year-old Kwabena Michael Amoako, while a 50-year-old woman, also shot, was rushed to Riverside Methodist Hospital in critical condition.

Montgomery, who was informed about the gunfire by the couple's three young sons, described how they sought help after hearing the argument and gunshots.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Amoako shot the female victim before turning the gun on himself.

Due to the severity of the woman's injuries, the Columbus Police Homicide Unit has taken charge of the investigation.

This incident adds to a concerning rise in homicides related to domestic violence in the City of Columbus this year.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther acknowledged the issue and mentioned that the newly established Office of Violence Prevention is actively exploring ways to reduce cases of domestic violence.

He emphasized the importance of sharing information and providing support and resources to individuals facing such situations.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, Montgomery expressed his regret, wishing he could have done something to prevent it.

He mentioned that there were no apparent signs of such a tragedy before it unfolded, at least as far as he observed.
'If I were a thief, I would be one of the wealthy people in Ghana' - Prof. Frimpong-Boateng

GraphicOnline Jun - 08 - 2023 , 08:16

Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has made a statement reflecting on his integrity amid allegations of corruption.

After being invited by the Office of the Special Prosecutor to address corruption-related cases regarding expenditures by the disbanded Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, which he chaired, Prof Frimpong-Boateng expressed his belief that he would have been wealthy if he had engaged in illicit activities.

If I were a thief, I would be one of the very wealthy people in this country. If we all thought about Ghana and had the best interests of this country at heart, we would not be where we are now, Professor Frimpong-Boateng said.

In an interview with JoyNews, he emphasized his commitment to serving the nation's best interests and his refusal to misuse public funds. Prof Frimpong-Boateng remarked that if more people shared his mindset, Ghana would be in a better state.

He highlighted his personal contributions to the country, including the construction of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, which he accomplished without any financial support from the government.

He further cited his efforts in improving Korle Bu Hospital, transforming the Ghana Red Cross, and introducing various initiatives during his tenure as minister.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng supported the legitimacy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor's investigation and encouraged the avoidance of selectivity in pursuing cases.

He emphasized that all individuals in positions of authority should be held accountable for their actions and called for a collective commitment to acting in the best interest of Ghana.

If people behaved like I have done, this country would not be the way it is. I built a whole hospital and trained people, added structures and systems to Korle Bu with internally generated funds, and changed the way the Ghana Red Cross operates. As a minister, I introduced a lot of things that, if they had been pursued, we would have made a lot of changes in this country, he said.

Since I came from Germany, I planned the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the age of 39 and built this centre without a single cedi contribution from the government. I am talking about the building, and I have done many things, all in the interest of this country. I never thought about myself, he said.

The former minister acknowledged that if he had committed any wrongdoing, he would willingly face the court to answer for his actions.

These are monies belonging to the people, therefore we should all account for our stewardship wherever we are. If I have done anything wrong, I stand to go before the court and answer these questions and this should apply to everyone.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng concluded by urging current officials to recognize that they may find themselves in a similar position someday, highlighting the importance of selfless service and its positive impact on the country.

Those in charge now should know at some point they will be at the other end. if you are on one side of the table, another time you will be at the other end and also receiving questions. Whatever we are doing, we should do it in the interest for Ghana. If you do things without any selfish interest, then this country will be a better place, the former Minster stated.

He has been granted bail in the amount of GH2 million.
Journalists in northern Ghana trained on effective population reporting

Mohammed Fugu & Biiya Mukusah Ali Jun - 08 - 2023 , 11:55

About 40 selected journalists from the Northern part of Ghana have been trained on population issues to help sharpen their skills in analysing basic data and effective reporting on population.

They were drawn from Northern, Bono, Bono East, Upper West and Upper East regions.

Organised by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the three-day workshop sought to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners with the requisite knowledge, skills, and best practices to cover and report on population statistics and sexual reproductive health issues.

They were taken through topics such as evidence base reporting, Ghana National Population Policy and implications for Ghana Population Growth, Population dynamics and population communication and Report on media scan on population issues, among others.

Population

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Tamale on Monday [June 5, 2023], the Northern Regional Statistician, George Agbenyo, emphasised the need for journalists to build thier capacities on population related issues as they were always in the front line reporting issues concerning people's welfare across the country.

He said it was expected that at the end of the three-day workshop, participants would pay attention to details in reporting issues and adhere to ethical standards in reporting.

Mr Agbenyo, therefore, admonished journalists to develop much interest in reporting on issues about population and reproductive health rights to help promote the rights of the people.

For his part, the Head of Regional Offices Directorate of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Emmanuel G. Ossei, said no institutions or individual had influence in statistics that the GSS compiled, adding that all reports churn out by the service were credible and accurate.

Accurate reporting

The Northern Regional Chapter Chairman of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Majeed Yakubu, urged journalists to be factual and truthful in their reportage.

He said since the inception of the 1992 constitution, there had been a proliferation of media in Ghana with the northern, not being an exception.

He expressed concern about how some media practitioners don't go by the ethics of the profession, explaining that they use their mediums to do what pleases them without due regard to the code of ethics and standards of journalism.

"Some are basically using their medium to insult and attack people instead of holding duty bearers and officialdom accountable" he said
Laboratory staff undergo training in water quality

Juliet Akyaa Safo Jun - 08 - 2023 , 06:00

Twenty laboratory staff working in water management institutions from eight African countries are in Accra undergoing training to ensure quality water delivery in their respective countries.

The participants are from Cameroun, Niger, Togo, Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria, Mali and Cote DIvoire.

It was organised by African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and aimed at providing participants with a step-by-step process of how to develop a laboratory quality assurance manual.

It was also to build their capacity to properly monitor, capture accurate data and manage their laboratories well.

It forms part of an African water capacity-building (AfriCap) programme to strengthen the ability of Africa water operators in non-revenue water management, water quality management and inclusive sanitation.

The second phase of the three-day training workshop which commenced yesterday is being supported by USAID.

The first phase was organised in 2016, where laboratory staff from 10 African countries, including Ghana, were trained.

Quality assurance

The Chief Manager in charge of water quality assurance at the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Dr Margaret Macaulay, said during the first phase, Ghana was identified to have the best laboratory and had since 2017, trained and shared experiences with other African countries on how to draft their laboratory quality assurance manuals.

She said the capacity of the GWCL was further strengthened to train other African countries to develop their manuals after being taken through laboratory audit and other technical programmes.

Now that our capacity has been strengthened and we have been made to share experiences and train people, we will teach participants a step-by-step process of how the GWCL was able to put together the quality manual, a manual which provides a standardised way of delivering quality laboratory management, Dr Macaulay added.

She said the manual would, among others, also help laboratory staff to minimise human errors and improve the quality of data to be produced.

Ensuring standards

In a speech read on his behalf, the Managing Director of GWCL, Dr Clifford Braimah, said access to safe and clean water was a complex and evolving challenge.

He, however, said the quality of water must not be compromised at any point in the supply value chain since that could have a devastating effect on public health.

The preparation of a water quality laboratory manual is a vital step towards ensuring the provision of clean and safe water for all.

The manual serves as a comprehensive guide that outlines standards, procedures and protocol for monitoring, managing and improving water quality, the MD added.

He also said that the manual would act as a blueprint for action, enabling laboratory staff to implement effective strategies and methodologies to manage drinking water quality.

Dr Braimah expressed appreciation to USAID and AfWASA for their support in organising the training workshop.
Laptops with in-built learning materials: Dont abolish hardcopy textbooks - Publishers propose

Emmanuel Bonney Jun - 08 - 2023 , 06:00

The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has prescribed the use of tablets and laptops alongside textbooks in second cycle schools instead of abolishing the latter altogether.

That, it said, was because the country did not have the infrastructure in the regions and districts to handle such digital facilities in terms of uploading content and replacement, and repairs, among others.

The book publishers therefore stressed that it would be better if tablets and laptops were used as complementary educational materials alongside textbooks.

In our third world economy we have a lot of challenges and we have not got there yet; even training the children on how to use the tablets, how to navigate them by way of looking for content, how to save and all that is a huge thing that we need to look at.

You need to go down to the regions and districts to create laboratories where the children would send the tablets when they are faulty for repairs and uploading of new content.

And if it is an online thing then it means that you need to give them full access to data and if it is an offline programme, then it means you need to have laboratory centres where they would go and upload new content onto the machine, the President of GPA, Asare-Konadu Yamoah, told the Daily Graphic yesterday.

In-built textbooks

The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, last month said the government would supply all senior high schools (SHSs) with laptop computers containing in-built textbooks from next academic year.

The initiative aims to reduce the significant costs associated with printing textbooks.

Dr Bawumia made the announcement during the 60th anniversary celebration of the E.P. SHS (HEPSS) in Hohoe, Volta Region, on May 27.

Support

Mr Yamoah stressed that the association was in support of the use of tablets and laptops as complementary educational materials in view of current developments across the world where technology was driving virtually everything.

He said no country had been able to take physical textbooks out of its educational system, citing the US, the UK, India and Singapore as examples.

If its complementary it is fine because the world is moving digital and the children would have to get accustomed to the digital learning experience and it is something that they do side by side with the physical textbooks, he said.

The President of the GBPA said the initiative announced by the Vice-President was good, although it was late in coming since the computer and the Internet had become part of the educational resource materials.

Promotion

He said using the tablets and laptops as complementary materials would promote the use of content published by publishers and cited the university where students using digital items such as laptops and tablets still use textbooks, and so its the same thing I believe would happen in the SHSs.

Mr Yamoah indicated that it would be delusive for any government or the Ministry of Education to suggest that tablets, laptops are going to replace textbooks in this country.

He said it was about time the country saw education as a critical socio-economic development tool, and in ensuring that the country progressed in all areas in order to be self-independent and self-reliant, everybody must be considered a stakeholder.

Mr Yamoah expressed concern about the lack of engagement with publishers who were key stakeholders in the education sector on the Vice-Presidents initiative.

If indeed the ministry has this intention or proposal on the table, what is it doing to engage publishers who eventually are going to provide the content?

As I said, if the ministry has decided already to even sole-source the content from some publishers or one or two publishers, what happens to the liberal nature of this digital learning that has to affect the entirety of the educational stream? he asked.

Mr Yamoah said because of the lack of adequate consultation and engagement with stakeholders on certain initiatives in the past, they ended up having challenges as the real stakeholders were not involved in the planning, demonstration and implementation and that is exactly what is happening.

The Vice-President goes out there announcing that they are going to distribute tablets and the content would be on the tablets of the students.

Who then provides the content, what type of content are we looking at and how sure are we that there would be continuity along the line?

All these questions would have to be answered, he stated.

He said he had the fear that until the decision-makers went back to the drawing board and engaged everybody that mattered, there could be challenges.

This should not be a political manifesto thing; it should be a state-calculated, engineered agenda to improve education by using digital learning to augment what is already there, he said, adding that the initiative should be led by stakeholders and not a Ministry of Education-controlled thing.

We would never get the full effect if the stakeholders are not part of the agenda, he added.
Mobile Money account holders assured of funds retrieval by Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

GraphicOnline Jun - 08 - 2023 , 16:57

The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced a collaboration between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the Bank of Ghana to address the issue of individuals being unable to access funds in their mobile money accounts.

Many subscribers have expressed concerns after their SIM cards were deactivated due to failure in re-registering them.

During a parliamentary session on Thursday, June 8, the minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful provided an update on the SIM re-registration exercise and assured affected subscribers that although they cannot engage in mobile-related transactions with their deactivated SIMs, their funds will be recovered through established procedures.

While urging the National Identification Authority (NIA) to assist individuals in obtaining their Ghana Card, the Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by subscribers in accessing their mobile money wallets.

She emphasized that these subscribers, despite being unable to conduct mobile transactions, will be able to retrieve their funds with the cooperation of the Bank of Ghana. This can be accomplished by presenting a valid identification document and following the necessary processes.

"We continue to encourage the National Identification Authority (NIA) to assist people to acquire their Ghana Card. We have also been made aware of the difficulties facing subscribers in accessing their funds on their mobile money wallets," he said.

"These subscribers will not be able to transact mobile money related activities, however, we are working with the Bank of Ghana to ensure that these subscribers are able to retrieve funds upon the presentation of a valid ID and going through the required processes".

The initiative aims to address the concerns of subscribers who have faced difficulties due to the deactivation of their SIM cards and ensure that their funds are safely returned.
Northern Region peaceful, safe for oil business - REGSEC assures

Mohammed Fugu Jun - 08 - 2023 , 07:22

The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has reiterated its resolve to maintain the prevailing peace and stability in the region as the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) prepares to begin drilling an oil and gas exploration well in the Voltaian Basin next year.

The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, who is the Chairman of REGSEC, gave the assurance when the Deputy Minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa, led a government delegation to hold discussions with members of the council in Tamale last Saturday.

The visit was to update members of the REGSEC on the progress of work on the Voltaian Basin Project.

In his remarks, Alhaji Shaibu noted that after years of protracted conflict, the region was now a peaceful and safe destination for business and industrialisation.

We began this journey in complete awareness of its importance to the development of Ghana and what it would also mean for the regions growth and you can rest assured that the business climate in this region is healthy and secured," he pledged.

He said the REGSEC would continue to work in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that GNPC achieved its goal of drilling a well in the Voltaian Basin to open the region to the rest of the world.

Project

For his part, Mr Krapa expressed his appreciation to the members of REGSEC for their support for the project.

He reiterated the governments commitment to utilising revenues from Ghanas oil activities to meet the developmental needs of Ghanaians.

Our visit, with the management of GNPC, is an opportunity to not only monitor the activities of the project directly but to also get feedback on same from stakeholders such as yourself on the progress made so far," he said.

That, he said, would shape the next phase of the project by addressing any pressing issue that might have arisen so far.

Commendation

Briefing members of the council on the state of the project, the Chief Executive Officer of GNPC, Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, commended the REGSEC for the cooperation and support so far.

We have made tremendous progress since the commencement of work in 2017 which casts a positive outlook in relation to Ghanas quest to find oil onshore; and we are thankful for your incredible commitment and support of this important national task, he stated.

He stressed the need for strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration to ensure continuation of the project.

Background

The Voltaian Basin spans about 460 communities in 13 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), 13 of which are in the Northern and Savannah regions.

Ghana has over the years conducted regional studies on its own as well as commissioning third-party experts such as Robertson CGG and De-Goyler and Macnaughton to deepen its understanding of Ghanas sedimentary basin.

Following the discovery of potential oil, the GNPC has been exploring the hydrocarbon prospective of the countrys onshore sedimentary basin (Voltaian basin) under a reconnaissance license through a mix of geophysical, geological and geochemical techniques since 2017.

Currently, contractors at the various projects sites are making significant progress towards the discovery of oil and gas in commercial quantities.
Parliament approves Justice Torkornoo as 15th CJ

Daniel Kenu Jun - 08 - 2023 , 06:00

Parliament has unanimously approved Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo as the 15th Chief Justice (CJ) of Ghana.

The overwhelming endorsement of Justice Torkornoo by the lawmakers yesterday also made her the third female to occupy one of the nations most prestigious offices after Theodora Woode and Sophia Akuffo.

Motion

Moving the motion for the approval of the nominee, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Joe Osei Owusu, said the Chief Justice showed character, competence and dexterity in the knowledge of the law during her vetting barely a fortnight ago.

Quoting from the committees report, the chairman, who doubles as the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, said she pledged to interpret the law without fear or favour if approved as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

"The committee, therefore, recommends to the House to adopt its report and by consensus approve Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana," he said.

While seconding the motion, the Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Agbodza, however, expressed concern about the view of the new Chief Justice on Citizenship.

He said for her to insist during the vetting that birth certificate was not a proof of citizenship was worrying.

Mr Agbodza pointed out that such a view could lead to miscarriage of justice to a number of Ghanaians and, therefore, she must take steps to reverse it.

Contributing to the motion, the former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, said the Supreme Court was not about criticism of the House.

He said freedom of expression as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution gave individuals the right to critique the judgement of the courts if they were not pleasant in law and probably in facts.

Mr Iddrisu, who is the MP for Tamale South, said in civilised jurisdictions and even in Ghana, the Supreme Court Judges were servants of the Legislature.

"We make the laws and they are to interpret them.

That is why we must not use language that is ambiguous when interpreting the law. The Supreme Court is to be guided," he said.

He also touched on James Gyakye Quayson's ruling, emphasing that the Supreme Court might probably have erred in the delivery of justice.

He urged the new Chief Justice to improve on the E-Justice system she has championed all along.

The MP for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, said the proof of citizenship was a constitutional matter which could be dealt with under Article 6 of the Constitution.

He said if anyone found something wrong with that, one could go to court.

"The nominee is a symbol of the power of womanhood," he stated.

Mr Atta Akyea said the intellectual capacity of women mattered and not only their body.

"I'm persuaded that she will change the face of the Judiciary," he added.

The MP for Techiman North, Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, said: What a woman can do a man cannot do and what a man can do, a woman can do better.

The MP for Ablekuma West, Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful, said she had known the Chief Justice for 30 years and had no doubt about her ability to deliver.

She urged her to try and marry the manual system with the E-system of delivering justice to embrace all.

Before the Speaker declared or posed the question for her approval or otherwise, he said without the Judiciary, there would be no democracy and law and order.

He urged MPs to critique judgements on a case by case basis and not generalise them.

About nominee

Justice Sackey Torkornoo joined the Judicial Service in 2004 as one of the first Justices of the Commercial Division of the High Court.

She has been active in the core reform agenda and activities of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) since 2005.

Educational background

The nominee holds an LLM, Intellectual Property Law - Golden Gate University San Francisco, USA between 2010 and 2011.

In 2001, she obtained P.G. Dip, International Law & Organisations for Development, Institute of Social Studies (now part of Erasmus University), The Hague, Netherlands.

Mrs Sackey Torknonoo had her Professional Certificate in Law at the Ghana School of Law in 1986, and studied BA Law and Sociology at the University of Ghana in 1984.

She also holds a GCE A Level from Achimota School, Accra, in 1980 and GCE O Level from Wesley Girls High School, Cape Coast, in 1978.
Strengthen gender responsiveness to shocks  UN Gender Expert

Delali Sika Jun - 08 - 2023 , 07:49

An International Consultant with UNICEF, Dr Maria Klara Kuss, has called for commitment and a participatory approach to strengthen gender responsiveness to shocks such as pandemics.

She said enough time had been devoted to talking about the issues and it was now time to act.

At a stakeholder engagement to validate the Gender and Shock Responsiveness of Ghana's Social Protection System in Accra yesterday, Dr Kuss stressed that understanding the issues and what needed to be done required a roadmap to transform the discussion into action.

"We give recommendations and expect things to work; we need to do more in order to move forward, hence the need to have a roadmap, she explained.

Stakeholder engagement, roadmap

Stakeholders in the gender and social sector are validating the proposed roadmap and fine-tuning it to be fit for purpose.

The framework is expected to enhance the countrys social protection system and make it resilient to reduce the impact of emergencies and pandemics, among others, on the most vulnerable population, including men, women and children.

It has become necessary to have the roadmap to help mitigate the disproportional impacts of the shock situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recessions on the vulnerable, particularly women and children.

The roadmap would also address gender challenges such as gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies and child marriage, as well as the limited participation of women in political decision-making.

Participatory approach

Dr Kuss said the framework also required evidence-based approaches and the use of a comprehensive approach, grounded on solid research of what works, what did not and why they did not work.

She further noted that women in Ghana were severely disadvantaged compared to men when it came to economic opportunities.

For instance, she said, labour force participation rate among females was 65.3 per cent as against that of men which stood at 72.4 per cent in 2022, citing a 2023 report of the World Bank.

In terms of access to productive resources, among other things, Dr Kuss again referred to the Ghana Statistical Service figures which put women ownership or control over agricultural land at about 19 per cent in 2017, as compared to 33 per cent of men.

Implications

The absence of such a roadmap, therefore, had dire implications, including physical violence, sexual violence and abuse and high school dropout rates, the UNICEF international expert pointed out.

Other consequences included decreased education and employment opportunities, sexual and reproductive health problems, discrimination, stigmatisation, child and forced marriages, verbal, emotional and physical violence, among others.

Civic responsibility

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), Lariba Zuweira Abudu, said gender mainstreaming in social protection was not solely an act of fulfilling obligations, but it was a civic responsibility.

"Every individual, regardless of gender, deserves equal opportunities, privileges and protection in the world in which we live.

Social protection, however, is a fundamental drive towards gender equity and equality, she said.

Responsibilities

The minister stated that women had more domestic care responsibilities and were more likely to be inadequately compensated, which negatively impacted their lifestyles, livelihoods and infrastructure which made them more susceptible to crises and shocks.

Recent evidence has also highlighted the vulnerability of males that requires more critical attention to ensure that the needs of different groups and classes are considered in social protection design, programming, delivery and shock response free from bias, she said.

Consequently, the minister thanked the development partners for the continuous technical and financial assistance to the ministry to strengthen the social protection systems and help make them more gender-sensitive and shock responsive.

Let me also thank my team, led by the Chief Director, for coordinating this work thus far.

We will work with the consultant, engage the flagship social protection programmes to refine and adjust the roadmap to ensure that it is fit for purpose, she assured.
Supreme Court decision on Covid-19 law victory for democracy  Plaintiffs

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Jun - 08 - 2023 , 19:41

Two of the plaintiffs who initiated the action that led the Supreme Court to strike down the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) as unconstitutional have praised the decision as a big win for democracy.

Act 1012 enacted in March 2020 at the height of the covid-19 pandemic allowed the President to imposed restrictions through executive instruments as and when he deemed fit for three months.

The two plaintiffs - Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei Atua, an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana School of Law (UGSoL), and Samson Lardy Anyenini, a lawyer and award wining journalist, told the Daily Graphic that the Supreme Court, through the decision, has promoted the rule of law and curbed the unconstitutional excesses of the Executive arm of government.

Decision

According to Prof. Appiagyei-Atua, the decision was an indication that the Supreme Court which is the custodian of the 1992 Constitution would not allow any entity to take the law into its hands.

The Supreme Court has stopped Act 1012 from being used by government to declare dubious emergency and use that as a pretext to abuse fundamental human rights in the country, he said.

For Mr Anyenini, the decision by the apex court had advanced the frontiers of human rights and personal liberties.

But for this decision, any President could use Act 1012 for his political party or personal parochial ends because it had no expiry date even long after Covid- 19 was gone, he added.

Unconstitutional law

On Wednesday, May 31, this year, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court unanimously declared Act 1012 as unconstitutional.

The court held that Act 1012 violated the constitution because it allowed the President to declare a state of emergency and impose restrictions without the laid down procedure as stipulated by Article 31 of the 1992 Constitution.

We hold that Act 1012 is inconsistent with Articles 21 and 31 in so far as it deals with matters that are ,more qualified for a declaration of a state of emergency , without recourse to Article 31. Article 31 is the gateway for dealing with public emergencies with such magnitude such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

To the extent that Act 1012 contravenes Article 21, 31, 32, 58 (2) and 93(2) of the 1992 Constitution, we strike down Act 1012 as unconstitutional and therefore null and void, the court held.

The court did not immediately give the full reasons for its decision, which it said would be ready at the courts registry by June 7, this year.

The seven-member panel was presided over by Justice Jones Dotse, with Justices Nene Amegatcher, Prof. Nii Ashie-Kotey, Avril Lovelace Johnson, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Prof. Joy Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi.

Imposition Act

Act 1012 was enacted pursuant to Article 21 (4) (c), (d) and (e) of the 1992 Constitution.

Based on Act 1012, President Akufo-Addo was able to restrict the movement of people within certain places in Ghana, temporarily closed schools, suspended services in churches and mosques, prevented people from going to beaches, restrict the number of people at funerals and generally restricted public gathering during the covid-19 pandemic.

After many public criticisms, the eight plaintiffs, which included Dr Sena Dei-Tutu, Benjamin Darko, Golda Addo, Democracy Hub and Democratic Accountability Lab, sued the Attorney General with the case that Act 1012 was unconstitutional.

It was the contention of the plaintiffs that Act 1012 falls within the ambit of Article 31 and therefore it was unconstitutional for the law to allow the President to unilaterally suspend the human rights of people as and when he deemed fit without recourse to Parliament and the Judiciary as stipulated by Articles 31 and 32 of the 1992 Constitution.

The plaintiffs therefore urged the court to strike down Act 1012 as unconstitutional, null and void.

Article 31 (3) of the Constitution states that after the President declares a state of emergency, he must place it before Parliament which must within 72 hours declare whether the proclamation by the President should remain in force or be revoked, while Article 31(4) stipulates that a state of emergency will cease to have effect after seven days unless before the expiration Parliament approves it by a resolution.

Emergency

Per Article 31(5) a state of emergency approved by Parliament shall be in force for three months but Parliament at any point in time can pass a resolution to revoke it.

With regard to Article 32, it stipulates that when the freedom of a person is restricted as a result of a state of emergency, 10 days after his restriction, his case shall be reviewed by a three-member tribunal appointed by the Chief Justice, which after the review, may uphold the restriction or enforce the freedom of that individual.
World Environment Day: Green Republic Project partners Pernod Ricard Ghana to launch tree planting initiative

GraphicOnline Jun - 08 - 2023 , 13:58

To mark World Environment Day 2023, the Green Republic Project (TGRP), a youth-driven grassroots climate action organization, and Pernod Ricard Ghana, a distributor of premium spirits and wine brands, have collaborated to plant 1,500 trees in Moree, located in the Central Region.

This initiative served as the launch of a joint effort aimed at planting 10,000 trees in selected regions of Ghana.

The event was attended by the chiefs and residents of Moree, led by Nana Obokese Ampah, the Chief of Moree, along with his sub-chiefs, senior officials from Pernod Ricard Ghana, including the Country Manager, opinion leaders, representatives of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, and the media.

During the event, Nana Yaw Osei-Darkwa, the convener for the Green Republic Project, emphasized the importance of Ghanaians taking environmental sustainability seriously and urged them to contribute towards addressing the numerous challenges facing humanity.

He commended Pernod Ricard Ghana's commitment to planting 10,000 trees, highlighting its positive impact on the overall ecosystem and its contribution to national and global efforts in the fight against climate change and global warming as part of the company's corporate social investment.

The convener for the Green Republic Project further called on all Ghanaians to actively participate in Green Ghana Day on June 9th, a significant initiative by the State aimed at reforesting Ghana.

Ms. Eunice Osei-Tutu, the Communications Manager of Pernod Ricard Ghana, urged Ghanaians to be mindful of their actions and refrain from practices that harm the environment, specifically emphasizing the detrimental effects of indiscriminate logging and massive deforestation, which contribute to climate change and global warming.

Nana Obokese Ampah, the Chief of Moree, expressed his appreciation to the Green Republic and Pernod Ricard Ghana for selecting the historical fishing town of Moree as the first beneficiary of the tree planting initiative.

He called upon other organizations to follow Pernod Ricard's example and collaborate with the Green Republic to address climate change and other environmental challenges that affect humanity.

World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5th to raise awareness about environmental issues and explore the best strategies for restoring and protecting the planet.
Free health screening for Bukom residents

Diana Mensah Health Jun - 08 - 2023 , 08:48

About 500 residents of Bukom and its environs have benefited from a free health screening exercise by the Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM), the Greater Accra Regional Muslim Council and the Rashia's Foundation.

The exercise, which formed part of a corporate social responsibility of the mission to give back to both their customers and residents in its areas of operation.

Patrons were screened for diabetes, sugar levels, blood pressure, eye and dental diseases, malaria, hepatitis B, breast cancer, HIV and cholesterol.

Held simultaneously, the beneficiaries were screened and given free medication, while those identified with complications were referred to appropriate health facility for further diagnoses and care.

Present at the screening were the Imam for the Muslim Council, Imam Mohammed Tagoe, Regional PRO for the Greater Accra Regional Muslim Council, Nuhu Kofi, Imam for the Muslim missions, Imam Sheik Boye, students from the medical schools for UG, staff, workers, volunteers from the foundation and the Muslim Council Residents Bukom, Gamashie

Screening

The Greater Accra Regional Chairman for the Muslim Missions, Nii Okai Aryee, said the purpose of the screening was to bring quality health delivery to the doorstep of the workers, entrepreneurs and residents living in Bukom and its environs.

He said the exercise was part of the organisations corporate social responsibility implemented in 2016 and meant to reach out to both young and old living in deprived communities and had little or no access to quality health care.

Health Status

A health officer at Korle Bu, Dr Lukman Ahmed Qiman, said there was the need for people to go for regular medical check-ups in order to know their health status.

He said early detection was the safest way to address complicated health issues, especially when most of the beneficiaries had no idea about their health status.

He, therefore, expressed the hope that the screening exercise would also reduce the number of sudden deaths associated with these common diseases.

He said a lot of Ghanaians had one or two medical conditions but lacked the necessary resources and time to undergo routine medical check-ups, adding that the exercise would enable them to know their health status and seek early treatment.

Per the rough estimate of the diagnosis so far, hypertension is the highest and we will put the affected persons on immediate medication if need be, he said.

A resident, Wellington Ezekiel, expressed his appreciation to the Muslim Mission for bringing healthcare delivery to the doorstep of residents.

He expressed the hope that the exercise would be extended to other deprived areas, stressing that other organisations would replicate such gestures.
Nova Wellness Center marks 10th Anniversary with patient appreciation day

Kweku Zurek Health Jun - 07 - 2023 , 20:24

Nova Wellness Center, a leading chiropractic and wellness clinic in Ghana, has honoured some patients and members of the facility as part of activities to mark its 10th Anniversary.

The event, held on June 1, 2023, in Accra, brought together many patients and members who were recognized and presented with citations for their unwavering support over the years.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Wellness Center, Dr. Naa Asheley Ashietey, expressed gratitude to past and current patrons for their continuous support, noting that their support has contributed immensely to the growth of the clinic in the past decade.

"On our decade anniversary, we would like to thank our patients, staff, and partners for their staunch support. Without you, this journey would not have been possible. We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to continuing to serve our community for many more years to come, Dr. Naa Asheley Ashietey said.

She also announced that plans are underway for the clinic to open a new branch in Kumasi to cater for patrons in the Ashanti region and northern sector of Ghana.

Established in 2013, Nova Wellness Center initially focused on providing chiropractic adjustments to help individuals manage pain and recover from spine-related injuries, all without the need for drugs or surgery. Over time, the center has evolved into an integrative and holistic wellness destination, incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative natural protocols to support individuals in achieving optimal well-being.

Over five thousand patients have benefited from the centers commitment to integrate traditional chiropractic techniques with modern advancements, resulting in enhanced outcomes, and improved overall well-being.

A member of Nova Wellness Center, Mr Patrick Nomo said: I have been receiving care from the Nova Wellness Centre for about eight years. My experience with the centre has been fantastic. It has helped me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The regular adjustments help me prevent degeneration of health issues related to the spine, the nervous and immune systems. The center is always my first place of call when I experience health issues.

The theme chosen for the clinic's 10th anniversary is "A Decade of Empowering Our Community to Live Anew through Excellent Service and Innovation."

Other activities lined up for the yearlong 10th anniversary include Health Walk, Health Lecture Tour and a Monumental Gift unveiling at the Nyame Dua Childrens Home in Accra.
Next in line: Is it possible?

Kwame Adinkrah Politics Jun - 08 - 2023 , 19:12

Retirement is inevitable.

We will all go through it one day, perhaps very soon. My illiterate grandfather would jokingly say in English, "The beginning is not hard, but the end. As a child, I swallowed the contents of the message wholeheartedly, but prevailing circumstances today have compelled me to conclude that both the beginning and the end are hard.

When the former US President Barrack Obama told Ghanas Parliament that Africa does not need strong men but strong institutions, a senior Political science Lecturer at the Kwame University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Kwasi Amakye Boateng, rebutted vehemently that Africa rather needs stronger men to build stronger institutions.

However, my understanding of President Obamas statement in the context he suggested was that Africa does not need men wielding guns to engage in warlike activities like toppling democratic governments and slaying their own people.

Africa, practically, needs strong democratic institutions and, indeed, an effective continuity plan to protect the built institutions.

In this light, I shudder to say that Africa has had strong men and strong institutions long before the introduction of the Western form of democracy. According to academics like Jan Vansina, the Ashanti Empire operated as a federation with the king serving as the primus inter pares of a council of elders that oversaw state affairs.

Since the 17th century, the Ashanti Kingdom has maintained a peaceful oligarchy succession plan. The Kingdom has successfully produced 16 occupants in a very peaceful transition, always preceded by colourful celebrations. The recent coronation of King Charles III of Great Britain, also, reinforced the relevance of family lineage and its succession plans. Kingdoms across the world have jealously protected and preserved with dignity their successions and legacies. Perhaps the only institution that scuffles with effective succession strategies is the modern political system and governance.

According to Rama Priya of Alagappa University, the overall goal of a succession plan is to provide the right leadership at the right place, at the right time with the right skills. In this regard, building a sustainable organisation or nation requires orderly transitions of authority. A system that has denied many African countries, leading to wars and instability.

The Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, however, observed that "we have had successions that have gone well, but the lives of citizens have not changed. He went on to suggest that great leaders should have the capacity to cultivate more leaders to succeed them rather than build and invest in one sure candidate. In other words, leaders should create an atmosphere that will encourage more competent people to lead. Much as this line of thinking is impressive, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the New Testament of the Bible, said to His disciples, I will ask my Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that might be with you to the end of the age. So, according to the Bible, Moses had Joshua, and Elijah had Elisha. Perhaps Jesus had Peter, the rock on which the church was built. Is it, therefore, not without contention that a leader could have a preference for who would succeed him or her?

Former President J.J. Rawlings suffered verbal attacks and animosity among party members for publicly endorsing his Vice President Professor J.E.A. Mills in what later became known as the Swedru declaration. Former President J.A. Kufuor was also, criticised by his party wigs for the perceived open endorsement and machinations for Hon. Alan Kyeremanten to become the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Today, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, is being tactically careful about an open endorsement of his Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has picked his nomination forms to contest the flagbearership race of the NPP. In his last televised nation address on COVID and the IMF, President Akufo-Addo said his Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, has been his reliable source of support in the darkest and most trying moments.

Has it come full circle to say that this statement is an endorsement? The pundits are shedding more light on the statement.

The unfair reality is that a father with 16 children will inevitably have a preference for who succeeds him in business. And that is possibly one of the principal benefits of preparing a legal will. Every responsible father will think of a plan that will not end his dream or business. Multinational brands like Johnny Walker, Ford, and Wal-Mart have multi-generational lineages that embody longevity and stability, or at least the history of the family.

In an environment where there are many competent leaders, the head will always have a preference, and that preference should not be viewed as unfair or, to the extreme, criminal. President Akufo-Addo chose Dr. Bawumia as his running mate in 2008 and has stood by him through defeat and glory. There are sufficient reasons to suggest that Bawumia could be his possible successor. The president announced at the 2020 victory rally in Accra that he would pass over authority to his party. Shouldnt the president have a plan for how to fulfil this promise? And will it be out of place for the president to have a choice among many?

The perceived political grudge between the President and his former challenger, Alan Kyeremanten, is still noticeable. It is also an open secret that the President has disowned his old-time friend, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former minister of agriculture; Hon. Kennedy Agyapong is long upset about the whole governance structure and the general despondency of his party members; Engineers Kwabena Agyapong and Addai Nimo are perceived to be angry, while Legal Practitioner, Joe Ghartey is seen to be a bit disappointed; and Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku is a political mate of the President and is perceived by political analysts and social commentators as getting older. Obviously, the President has no choice but to support his Vice President as Moses supported Joshua and Elijah gave Elisha a double portion of anointing.

Come to think of it, the Vice President will go down in history as the most identifiable and recognisable Vice President in the Fourth Republic. Much as some people would credit the former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, for his advocacy on indiscipline and credit Vice President, John Mahama, for his role in restructuring the Hajj pilgrimage, Dr. Bawumia stands erect among all the vice presidents in the fourth republic, and his name is retentively associated with major national policies.

Dr. Bawumia is known in some circles as E-Bamumia, Mr. Digital Man, Mr. Ghana Card, Mr. No Guarantor, Mr. Digitized Address Man, The Barcode Man, Mr. Zipline, The Economist, among many other attributes. Recently on Kumasi-based radio station, Pure FM, the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso constituency, Professor Kingsley Nyarko, defined the character B.A.W.U.M.I.A. as the Best Achiever With Unique Masterclass Ideas Above All the Aspirants.

Without contention, the Vice President has been a gothic ceramic pillar of this NPP administration through its economic challenges and growth. He recognises the global economic crisis that has had a downturn on the domestic economy but, also, very optimistic that with renewed energy and strength, Ghana will rebound.

It is possible!

The writer is a Broadcast Journalist
Animal fats and used cooking oil are increasingly joining the likes of lithium, cobalt and copper as energy transitional materials where supply constraints are of growing concern, according to a new analysis of trade flows by S&P Global Commodity Insights Agribusiness Consulting group.

The analysis, entitled Biofuel Feedstock Trade Flows: First Come, First Served? says that ambitious policies in North America and Europe for the development of renewable diesel production have led to a surge in international trade of these low-carbon biofuel feedstocksfavored for their lower carbon intensity and their non-competing use with arable lands.

World biofuel use of all feedstocks increased by 100% between 2015 and 2022 while production increased by only 25%. This pattern is more acute for low-carbon feedstocks, the analysis says.

Low-carbon biofuel feedstocks accounted for 20% of global feedstock (vegetable oils and low carbon feedstocks) trade flows in 2022, up from barely 10% in 2015. In less than 5 years, the biofuels industry overtook the feed industry to become the dominant user of these materials in the United States, Canada and Europe. The United States began importing significant volumes of used cooking oil from China for the first time in December 2022. China exported 130 thousand metric tons to the United States in the first quarter of 2023, making it the top exporter to the country so far this year.

Biofuel feedstocks have emerged as major global commodities and the race to secure ample supply is a key concern of biofuels producers Animal fats and used cooking oil are to them what lithium, cobalt and copper are to battery makers. ,Juan Sacoto, Executive Director  Agribusiness Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights

Low-carbon biofuel feedstocks are waste products, meaning that the production potential is limited with a low elasticity to growing biofuel demand. As a result, the biofuel industry has started turning to the feedstock import market to make up for the shortage of domestic supply.

Latin America and Southeast Asia, where meat and vegetable oil consumption are expected to grow at a robust pace for decades, are poised to emerge as strategic suppliers. The collection of animal fats and used cooking oil in these regions will be critical to serve North American and European countries where the production of these feedstocks has plateaued, the analysis says.

The analysis expects that efforts to bolster international trade will continue to intensify in the coming years as renewable diesel production is expected to boom by 2030. Somewhat later, the expected growth of sustainable aviation fuelcrucial to decarbonization of that sectorwill bring additional pressure to feedstock procurement and reallocation.

The current tightening of feedstock markets could be just a prelude as increased use of sustainable aviation fuel that is expected post-2030 ushers in the biofuel industrys 3rd wave. Airline companies are actively developing their procurement strategies, realizing that much of their long-term carbon reduction strategies hinge on ample supply of low-carbon feedstocks. The chase is on, and it is here to stay. Jean-Benoit Deloron, Senior Consultant  Agribusiness Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights

As the race to secure feedstocks gathers speed, energy companies in North America and Europe are securing feedstocks through integration and joint ventures with domestic agricultural companies. International vertical integration is likely to come next, the analysis says.

Elsewhere, integration is developing between the seed industry and biofuel producers with innovative partnerships based on the development of new energy crops that feature high oilseed yield or oil content, low carbon intensity, the ability to grow between two other crops rotation, and that are not considered food crops.
While global smartphone shipments continue to contract, Honor saw impressive growth numbers in several key markets including Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Based on data from Counterpoint Research, Honors aggressive expansions in Europe saw a 400% yearly growth in shipments which is practically unheard of for other brands in the region currently.

We should mention that Honor only separated from Huawei back in November of 2020 and made its return as an independent brand in Europe in October of 2021. Honor also quickly established partnerships with some of Europes largest mobile operators including Vodafone, Orange and Wind Tre.



Honor regional annual shipment growth

Honors midrange Honor 50 and Honor 70 series served as key growth drivers throughout 2022 and this year. In addition, the budget Honor X-series has also made a name for itself across Italy and Eastern Europe. The flagship Magic series saw good demand across Western European markets.

Honor also experienced tremendous growth in the Middle East and Africa region with a 500% yearly growth in shipments. Honor is now a top-five brand in terms of shipments across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.



Honor portfolio breakdown in Europe

Latin America was the strongest region for Honor in terms of shipments in Q1 with a 700% increase compared to last years values. Honors shipments more than tripled compared to Q4 2022 and the company saw gowth across all key markets in the region including entering the top-five in Colombia and Peru alongside ample shipments in Panama and Guatemala.

Looking ahead, Counterpoint Research analysts believe Honor is poised to grow its position in more key markets across the aforementioned regions as well as gaining momentum and increased distribution across retail and mobile operator channels. Upcoming growth figures will likely dip compared to the current values but Honor is expected to maintain a steady increase in shipments across its key markets.

Source
Robert Underwood is the former president of the University of Guam and Guams former delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives.




Haiti - FLASH : Kamala Harris will pressure Caribbean leaders to help Haiti





Thursday, June 8, 2023 in Nasseau (Bahamas archipelago) the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, will renew the pressure of the Biden administration for an international force to help Haiti in its current security crisis when she will meet with the leaders of the Caribbean.



US officials said the multilateral force could provide "near-term support" to the Haitian National Police by securing "a limited number of critical infrastructure sites in Port-au-Prince, such as the airport and ports," relieve the burden on local police to focus their resources on fighting gangs.



The Biden Administration has been pushing for a multinational force to be deployed in Haiti since October. But the plan failed due to the lack of any Nation including the United States, to be willing to lead the force, and was met with opposition in the United Nations Security Council, Russia and the China expressing skepticism of the plan.



"The vice president will reiterate our administrations support for a multinational force in Haiti," said a senior US administration official. "Weve made it clear that we believe the security and humanitarian situation in Haiti is worsening and the situation on the ground will not improve without armed security assistance from international partners."



"Any decisions about such a security force would be done in consultation with the Haitian government as well as the UN. Those discussions are still ongoing, the official added," the official stressed, adding "We will remain in coordination with partners on next steps to address urgent security needs."



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - USA : Mooresville business owner donates thousands of solar panels to Haiti





Michal Bay, the owner of the business complex "Merino Mill", in Mooresville (North Carolina) took advantage of improvements to its infrastructure to help at the same time people in need in Haiti.



Michal Bay has partnered with a Belmont non-profit organization "Promise For Haiti" to donate thousands of solar panels to homes and businesses in Haiti to generate electricity in areas where this service is currently unavailable.



Bay estimates the value of the system, which is being removed from his building to install new air conditioning units, to be worth around $2.5 million.



Merino Mill teams have started dismantling the solar panels so they can be cleaned, packed and transported to Haiti.



Let's recall that in 2016, 5,100 solar panels were installed in its Merino Mill complex in Mooresville where it sold electricity to Duke Energy. The solar panels generated 1,595 megawatts per year.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - DR : The two countries seek to strengthen their trade with Europe and Argentina





Haitian and Dominican entrepreneurs and representatives of the respective Chambers of Commerce of each of the Nations, forge partnerships and knowledge sharing initiatives to improve economic growth and development in their respective countries.



Through two business missions: a tour in different European countries and the other in Argentina, these Haitian and Dominican businessmen and business institutions have held several meetings in order to strengthen commercial ties and improve institutional efficiency, contributing to the advancement of their private sectors.



The main objective of the tour in Europe, organized by Caribbean Export, was to reactivate business opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises of the two countries of the island that have the potential to export to the European Union. The tour took the delegations to Paris (France); Madrid (Spain) and Berlin (Germany).



They not only sought to restore business ties, but also explored best practices to support private sector development in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, particularly in times of economic downturn.



The two delegations met with leading organizations such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Court of Arbitration (ICA), Business France, the Foundation for Strategic and International Studies and the Chambers of Commerce and industry in Germany. These interactions provided valuable information and experience on how to improve the services offered by the chambers of commerce in both countries.



By participating in this trade mission, Haitian and Dominican businessmen had the opportunity to explore new services, improve their functionality and sustainability and increase the quality and quantity of services provided to their members. In addition, the mission facilitated better access to the lucrative EU market, contributing to the growth and development of the private sectors in both countries.



During their stay in Argentina, Haitians and Dominicans coordinated by Caribbean Export, undertook a mission on best practices in Buenos Aires. The objective of this mission was to learn from Argentina's experiences in supporting the export of its services industry globally, particularly in the innovation and technology sector.



During their mission, the delegations interacted with the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services and other private sector support institutions, sharing best practices and exploring operational and policy frameworks that have supported the Argentine private sector.



In addition, the island's delegations collaborated with the Argentinian Chamber of Electronic Commerce to learn more about the e-commerce programs implemented after the Covid-19 pandemic. These initiatives were aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the exporting private sector.



Participating chambers of commerce from Haiti and the Dominican Republic gained valuable insights during these missions, enabling them to improve their services, build their technical capacities and strengthen inter-agency cooperation ties beyond borders.



By adopting the best practices of successful businesses in Europe and Argentina, trade support organizations are poised to create a favorable environment for investment, support the development and performance of their members, and contribute to national economic development of both countries.



These collaborative efforts represent an important step towards strengthening the bilateral partnership between the private sectors of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. By sharing knowledge and implementing best practices, Chambers of Commerce will foster a thriving business environment, improve their services and create opportunities for growth and success for their members.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - NeLynching for all... ws : Zapping...





PNH 33rd class : New exam date

The new date of the intellectual exams for the 33rd promotion of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) has been set for June 11, 2023. These exams initially scheduled for Sunday, June 4th, 2023 had been postponed due to severe weather. The centers selected for the conduct of the exams remain unchanged, indicates a note from the PNH.



Lynching for all...

On Wednesday June 7, 2023, the inhabitants of the Pointe des Lataniers locality, (5th communal section of Pointe-a-Raquette), lynched Ylio with a machete and then burned his body. Residents accused him of seriously injuring his ex-wife and her partner.



Shots near the US Embassy

As a result of multiple rounds of gunfire heard near the Embassy compound, all U.S. direct hire personnel are restricted to the U.S. Embassy and the residential compounds until further notice. Travel between the compounds is also restricted until further notice.



Floods : Aid from Taiwan

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan (Republic of China) announced that it will donate 100,000 US dollars to help those affected by the recent and severe floods in Haiti, announced Tuesday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



30% of women victims of physical violence

According to Sofia Loreu, Minister for the Status of Women and Women's Rights, nearly one in three women (30%) is a victim of physical violence in Haiti, expressing alarm at this practice which is becoming commonplace...



Graduation of 123 new doctors

Sunday, June 4, the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy (FMP) of the State University of Haiti (UEH) graduated its outgoing promotion (2015-2023) of 123 new doctors.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news

Login Sign Up

 New Ad-free Subscriber Login

Email

Password

Password Username Subscribe to our daily NewsLetter Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password or receive our NewsLetter.

Stay logged in

Lost password

Contact
Unfortunately I cant comment on what the people have done or how theyve acted, but theres justification for the expulsions. Weve received an overall report on them and [the cases] have been discussed at a meeting of TP-Utva, he stated to YLE on Wednesday.

MINISTER for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto (Greens) has refrained from shedding more light on the roles of the nine Russian diplomats who are to be expelled from Finland .

Its absolutely unequivocal that they can be expelled, he added. The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) is closely monitoring also embassy employees. People who are in different kinds of cover roles and arent doing the diplomatic work that they were hired to do can be expelled in accordance with the Vienna Convention [on Diplomatic Relations].

TP-Utva is an abbreviation referring to joint meetings between the president and the ministerial committee on foreign and security policy.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday declared it intends to respond reciprocally to the expulsions to be made by Finland. Haavisto acknowledged that some sort of response is likely but refrained from speculating on its nature.

We should naturally be prepared for one.

Russian diplomats have been expelled recently also from other countries, reminded YLE. Norway in April expelled 15 people who had worked at the Russian Embassy in Oslo, after determining that they were actually intelligence officers.

Mikko Porvali, an expert in the history of intelligence, stated to the public broadcasting company that human intelligence activities carried out under the cover of a diplomatic role have generally been the primary method of intelligence gathering for Russia.

When similar decisions have been made around the world, theyve been targeted at people who were actually working on behalf of Russian intelligence agencies. They were acting either on behalf of the foreign intelligence service SVR or military intelligence service GRU.

Also Porvali pointed out that Russia has a track record of responding to diplomatic expulsions one way or another.

The most likely scenario is that roughly the same number of Finns are banned from entering Russia or sent away from Russia, he commented to YLE.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Brotherus believes the prices of new dwellings in housing companies dropped much more sharply in the first quarter of the year than the two per cent suggested by official statistics.

THE PRICE DEVELOPMENT of new residential units has been weaker than official statistics suggest due to gaps in the statistical monitoring of prices, Juhana Brotherus , the chief economist at the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, stated to Helsingin Sanomat on Wednesday.

[The drop] was much closer if not bigger than the one for old dwellings, he said.

The prices of old dwellings in housing companies decreased by 5.5 per cent year-on-year between January and March, according to data released by Statistics Finland. The data also show that the sales of newly built dwellings decreased by more than 70 per cent from the corresponding period in 2022.

Brotherus, formerly the chief economist at the Mortgage Society of Finland (Hypo), is suspicious about the reported drop for new dwellings partly because prices have fallen especially for houses coveted by investors and located in more expensive neighbourhoods.

Investors prefer new units and new units are more expensive than the rest of the housing stock. Id be very surprised if the price development of new units was stabler than old units, he said to the newspaper.

Another reason for his suspicions is the different type of data used to compile the price statistics for old and new dwellings.

Price statistics for old dwellings are based on information and transfer tax reports submitted to the Tax Administration, meaning the underlying data consist of almost all sales. Statistics for new dwellings, by contrast, are incomplete as they are based on reports made by real estate agencies and construction companies to the price monitoring service of the Federation of Real Estate Agency (KVKL).

Statistical monitoring for new houses is of significantly lower quality than the really high-quality, transfer tax report-based monitoring for old houses, Brotherus stated to Helsingin Sanomat.

The quality concerns stem from the fact that, unlike old dwellings, new dwellings are typically sold directly by construction companies  although they are increasingly turning to real estate agencies for help amid the market slowdown. Brotherus viewed that construction companies have an obvious interest to report high house prices but not low prices because they realise that agencies and households use the information to evaluate the market prices of vacant dwellings.

Its an open secret that price statistics for new dwellings arent of particularly high quality, he said.

Construction companies also seek to fuel sales with various financial incentives that are not necessary reflected in the official price statistics.

Units built for the Housing Fair in Loviisa by Vantaa-based Cubesta, for example, include two years of free use of a Tesla 3, with a yearly maximum mileage limit of 15,000 kilometres, if the sale is finalised by the end of July.

Honestly, I have to say that house sales are rather slow, Ilkka Rainio, the managing director of Cubesta, explained the motivation behind the campaign to Helsingin Sanomat on Saturday, 3 June.

Brotherus on Wednesday pointed out that such offers are fundamentally price cuts.

Price cuts are often not implemented as price cuts per se, but as cuts in maintenance fees or promises to pay for remodelling. Technically theyre price cuts, he argued.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
The Rotary Club of Hendersonville awarded $18,000 grants to K-12 educators in Henderson County this year as part of its long-running Teacher Education Grants program, the club announced.

Club members plan to present a ceremonial oversized check to the School Board on Monday, June 12.

Since the beginning of the program in the 1980s, the Club has awarded more than $600,000 in grants to Henderson County educators. Applications for innovative projects which enhance students learning across a broad range of subjects are accepted each spring. K-12 classroom teachers may submit one project for consideration each year. The applications are for individual grants of up to $750.

Projects pitched by teachers in this years applications ranged from STEM and traditional academic subjects to social-emotional development, mental wellness and exploratory learning topics. A committee of nine Rotarians reviewed and scored the applications, selecting 35 projects for funding. The committee strived to fully fund many projects, awarding the entire amount requested by the teacher, ensuring the maximum positive impact for students.
Apple growers to vote on assessment on June 27

The North Carolina Apple Growers Association will be conducting a referendum on June 27 for the assessment of apples sold to first purchasers in North Carolina.



Voting will take place during regular business hours at county extension offices in counties where commercial apple growing occurs, according to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The release was sent of behalf of the North Carolina Apple Growers Association.

The method and amount of assessment being considered will remain as it has been in the past. Individuals may belong to multiple categories and are responsible to each where applicable.

 PACKERS  5 cents per pack bushel. This is anyone who puts apples into a box. A bulk box/volume filled carton qualifies for this charge.

 PROCESSORS  5 cents per hundred weight. (2.1 cents per bushel if the fruit is not weighted). This is any company that buys apples for slicers, sauce, juice, or other forms of processing. This would also be any roadside market that presses apples for fresh cider.

 BROKER  See packer or processor depending on the market, if you are a broker that markets fruit for growers and pays the grower. The broker is responsible for paying the assessment if your customer is not paying the assessment.

 ROADSIDE MARKETS - $100 per year. This is anyone who grows fruit and sells direct to the general public.

 GROWER  5 cents per hundred weight (2.1 cents per bushel if fruit is not weighed). This is any grower who sells fruit by the bin to someone such as a roadside market or farmers market.

Funds from the assessment will be used to promote marketing, research, use and sale of North Carolina apples.

The votes will be collected and tabulated by North Carolina State University and results published by North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

The N.C. Apple Growers Association is governed by an all-volunteer board of apple growers and industry advisors.

Assessment allows North Carolina apple growers to have a unified voice in the protection and advancement of the apple industry. Its a program by the growers and for the growers.
South Africa: Cabinet welcomes efforts to stabilise grid

Cabinet has welcomed the recent deliberations between the Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the Mozambican Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Carlos Zacarias, to secure additional power from Mozambique to support SA's national grid.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said that in the immediate term, Mozambique can provide 80MW and a further 1 000MW over the medium term.

Cabinet continues to urge South Africans to support the Winter Demand Management campaign launched by the Minister of Electricity to save electricity and reduce strain on the national grid, and help lower load shedding stages this winter, Ntshavheni said.

Cabinet has further received a report by the Minister of Electricity, which details recent gains in the management of power stations and other operations which, for example, overcame the need for Eskom to burn diesel this past weekend and avoid load shedding.

The Minister of Electricity is set to brief media at 14h00 on Friday on these and other developments.

Operation Vulindlela

Cabinet has welcomed progress made under Operation Vulindlela with regard to the implementation of structural reforms in the areas of energy supply, logistics network and infrastructure, digital communications and the visa regime.

The number of completed reforms has risen from three to 11, while a further 14 reforms are on track. The primary focus is on addressing the electricity crisis and improving the efficiency of freight rail, both of which are weighing heavily on economic growth, Ntshavheni said.

Presidents Coordinating Council

Cabinet has supported President Cyril Ramaphosas call during the meeting of the Presidents Coordinating Council on 2 June 2023 to accelerate service delivery in response to the needs of communities.

The President directed the Council to accelerate service delivery improvement and address challenges in relation to legislation, governance and capacity constraints.

The meeting also considered reforms to the Water Act and Water Services Act to provide for better service delivery of water.

Similarly, the Council was briefed on interventions by the Department of Transport for emergency work and routine maintenance, as well as primary road transfers from provincial authorities to the national road network for better management of provincial roads by the South African National Roads Agency Limited, Ntshavheni said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-06-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
SHANGHAI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- In 2022, the number of days with severe pollution or worse in the Yangtze River Delta region decreased by more than 50 percent year on year, and the regional air quality continued to improve, said the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment.

Since 2022, the ecology and environment departments of the Yangtze River Delta region, which includes Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and Anhui Province in east China, have collaborated to release a weekly air quality forecast chart.

In 2022, the average concentration of PM2.5 in the region was 31 micrograms per cubic meter, which stably reached the level-II national standard of air quality.

"The ecology and environment departments of the region have significantly enhanced their forecasting and early warning capabilities for regional air pollution. Over the past year, they have successfully collaborated to accurately predict several instances of large-scale pollution in the Yangtze River Delta region, thus further enhancing the efficiency of joint prevention and control measures against air pollution," said Sheng Tao, from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment.
Alfred Moses stands in front of the Codex Sassoon, which he purchased for more than $30 million and will be donating it to the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv.

(JTA) - On Wednesday morning, Alfred Moses, 94, sat in a small white armchair at a round wooden table in a Manhattan office building as a historian gingerly turned the pages of a more than 1,000-year-old book in front of him.

Two weeks earlier, Moses had paid a record-setting sum for the book - more than $38 million in total. But this was the first time he had ever seen it.

The book was the Codex Sassoon, the world's oldest nearly-complete copy of the Hebrew Bible, and Moses had purchased it on behalf of the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. That morning, in Sotheby's Upper East Side office, Sharon Mintz, the auction house's senior Judaica specialist, was giving Moses and some of his relatives a history lesson on his new acquisition.

Mintz turned the pages with clean, bare hands, noting the scored ruling between the lines of text and the thickness of the parchment pages - made somewhat thinner in places where scribes scratched over each other's notes. Before Moses bought the book at a much-anticipated Sotheby's auction on May 17, the codex passed between multiple owners - most recently through the hands of Jacqui Safra, a member of the prominent banking family, and before him, in the 1920s, Jewish book collector David Solomon Sassoon.

It will now be housed at the ANU Museum, which exhibited the codex earlier this year.

"It's an inspiring book, to see a 1,200-year-old manuscript in perfect [condition] - even that we can read today - it's quite amazing," Moses said. "It has the vowels and the trope ... it's remarkable. It's something that's been preserved for 1,200 years. And we're the beneficiaries of it."

Moses is an attorney who served as U.S. ambassador to Romania during the Clinton administration and is a past president of the American Jewish Committee. He had anxiously watched the auction online from his home in Washington, D.C., worried that another possible bidder, like the Bible Museum, also in Washington, might put in a competitive bid. Representatives from the American Friends of ANU, which supports the museum, were concerned it might wind up in a private collection and could be lost to public view for another generation.

"I thought my chances were about 50/50," Moses said. "But I was prepared to buy it if I could afford to."

He expected to pay as much as $32.5 million, which he put in as an "irrevocable bid" with Sotheby's ahead of the auction, according to Bloomberg. He ended up inching his bid up to $33.5 million after someone else bid $33 million. Fees brought his final tab to $38.1 million.

Part of the reason he decided to give the book to ANU - an institution he has supported for years, including as chair of its honorary board - is that he sees it as serving Jews worldwide. He feels other prestigious homes for historical artifacts in the country, such as the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, are meant to cater to Israelis specifically.

"It's the museum of the Jewish people and I wanted the codex to go to the Jewish people," he said. "The Israel Museum is wonderful. But that's the museum for Israel. I wanted the codex to be for the Jewish people."

Moses is making the hefty donation to Israel at a fraught time, as street protests across the country are raging at the government's attempt to weaken the judiciary, and as friction persists between the Biden administration and Israel's right-wing government. But Moses sees the tension as a passing phase.

"I think there's a bit of concern among American Jews as to what is happening politically in Israel, but that's temporal. 20 years from now, it'll seem like history," Moses said. "One has to have a sense of history in the longer viewpoint. Israel is the home of the Jewish people. Whom the Israelis elect to be their government and the prime minister is an Israeli decision."

But Moses mused that the book could leave Israel after all. During the lesson, Mintz explained that part of the mystery of the book's provenance is its disappearance from the medieval town of Makisin, in present-day Markada, Syria, sometime around the year 1400. According to an inscription on the book's last page, it was removed from the synagogue during an attack on the town and entrusted to the care of Salama ibn Abi al-Fakhr, who was instructed to return it as soon as Makisin was rebuilt.

It was during this part of the lesson that Moses cracked a joke: if the Jewish community returns to what is now Markada, would he have to return the book?

Given the condition of Syria after more than a decade of fighting, and the almost total loss of its once thriving Jewish community, that prospect seems remote. Mintz also noted that while the existence of the codex in what is present-day Markada has been established, little else is known about the Jewish community that existed there. For now, Moses hopes that the cultural treasure he bought will be seen as the property of Jews everywhere.

"I think the Sassoon Codex will give satisfaction, joy, and pride to tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of viewers," Moses added. "I see benefit to the Jewish people."
(JTA)  The Israeli satirical drama film Concerned Citizen opens with the sacrosanct rituals of a bourgeois Tel Aviv life: a robot vacuum slides gracefully across the floor; lush house plants are watered; vegetables are blended into green juice. The score from the Bellini opera Norma plays in the background.

Then a car alarm rudely interrupts the utopia.

It only gets worse from here for Ben and Raz, a progressive Israeli gay couple (played by actors Shlomi Bertonov and Ariel Wolf, who are also a couple in real life) living in a pristine renovated apartment in a gentrifying neighborhood in south Tel Aviv. When Ben, a landscape architect, plants a tree on their block, his seemingly innocent desire to improve the neighborhood quickly goes awry, and a series of events forces him to face his own repressed prejudices and hypocrisy.

With the tension of a thriller, Concerned Citizen, the second feature film by Israeli writer-director Idan Haguel, tackles the universal themes of privilege and multicultural tension in gentrifying cities, using the hyper-specific lens of Neve Shaanan  the south Tel Aviv neighborhood thats home to many of the countrys foreign workers and asylum seekers, as well as the citys notoriously rundown (but culturally vibrant) Central Bus Station.

After making its world premiere last year at the famed Berlin International Film Festival, the movie debuts in select U.S. theaters on Friday and will also be available to rent on Amazon and Apple TV+.

Ben and Razs apartment, a hot commodity in one of the worlds most expensive cities, is the axis around which much of the drama revolves. In one scene, a French-Jewish woman looks into buying the apartment sight unseen. Their neighbors include both the extremely vulnerable and the privileged: immigrants from Eritrea in one apartment, and a writer plotting his move to Berlin with his foreign wife in another.

Idan Haguel spoke with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency about the film and his personal connections to it. After losing his suitcase, Haguel chatted on his phone from a cafe in Berlin before heading to New York for the films American release.

This conversation has been edited and condensed.

JTA: Tell me a little about yourself and how you became a filmmaker.

IH: I was born in the suburban city Rishon LeTsiyon and I always didnt know what to do with my life. After the army I decided to go to film school. I wanted to be a scriptwriter, to do comedies. I discovered filmmaking, directing, and I gradually fell in love with that part. Then after school, I became a journalist because I couldnt make a film  it was very difficult for me to get into that world. When my journalism career ended abruptly by the closing of the magazine, I decided that its now or never. I made my first feature film, that was a film called Inertia. That film is based on childhood memories of my grandparents. My grandparents were immigrants from Lebanon, Romania and Thessaloniki in Greece.

Concerned Citizen is partially about immigration. Why was it important to you to focus on the immigrant experience?

I was drawn into the irony, and, some may say, hypocrisy of living in a country that historically was formed by the narrative of [the Jew] being the immigrant of the world, not accepted into other countries, that in some ways still holding that grudge against countries that werent receptive to the immigrant Jew and pushed immigrants out. Of course, there is the horror story of Germany and the Holocaust and thats the extreme end of mistreating the other. So living in a country formed by immigrants, [contrasted with] the way we behave to immigrants who are not part of the ethos of the Jewish immigrant narrative  I was drawn into that irony, although it wasnt an intellectual process. It was more based on the experience of living in that neighborhood in south Tel Aviv, being marinated in the dilemmas and the daily complexity of living in Neve Shaanan as a bourgeois, middle class person. After a few years I wanted to comment on that. I wanted to be brutally honest with myself and about myself. So my daily life and the life of my neighbors and friends became the material with which I wrote this fictional movie.

And you shot the film in your old apartment!

That was the mindf--k of the whole production, because I made the story close to me but I left a distance. I used my experience but I created these characters who are very close but very different. I shot the therapy scenes in my therapists clinic. I shot the building scenes in my building on my street. Everything became very, very close and it was really an Alice in Wonderland experience. Looking into a mirror and everything is morphing and making you look different and look differently at yourself and your life.

Can you talk about the south Tel Aviv neighborhood where the film is set, Neve Shaanan?

Its the outskirts of the center of Tel Aviv. It was always an immigrant neighborhood. But it changed over the years, it became working immigrants. In the 90s, there were the Romanian immigrants, and then it was Chinese immigrants who came to work in Israel. And over the last 15 years it has become immigrants from Africa, combined with older people who have lived there years and new people who are the more gentrifiers of the neighborhood, artists and gay people and those who are more economically stable. So now the neighborhood is comprised of sex workers, immigrants, junkies, dealers, and gay people. Its a mix, but the prices have gone low, and people who didnt have enough money to buy property in the city center started buying there. So the neighborhood has this tension of people who want to live a more bourgeois life, but theyre in the middle of the neighborhood with people who dont have rights, who are immigrants, who dont know if tomorrow the government will kick them out. People from all over the world. But its become a haven for investors and the neighborhood is in the middle of being gentrified and changed.

So its a very interesting setting to live in and to make a film in. Its very dense. Its one of the less homogenic and more diverse areas in Israel. Israel prides itself on the diversity of Jewish people coming from Arab countries, coming from Europe. But theyre all Jewish and they share a common mentality and theyre all citizens of Israel. Neve Shaanan is more diverse  its people from India, China, Eritrea, Sudan, the Ivory Coast. I feel its a missed opportunity by Israeli society that instead of accepting these people legally and into our society, they are trying to hold back and fight against it. Its also very ironic that Israel is becoming a state that aspires to have a government like this. Its mind-boggling. Its like, we learned nothing from history and our own history. Its like people dont want to connect dots. They just want to see the cruel history that they experienced as the Jewish people and feel like it was something personal that happened to them, and like they cannot be the victimizers at all.

Youve said that this film is very much about the idea of whos the victim and whos the victimizer.

When you raise yourself and your children on the narrative of being a victim and perpetuating historical trauma, its very hard to notice other peoples traumas, and the fact that you are creating traumas for other people. Because youre constantly in trauma and youre always dealing with your own trauma and youre always the victim and youre the center of the world, but you are not the center of the world. I think it should change. But no one cares what I think! Sometimes I dont care about what I think.

What was the casting process like?

The casting process was through meeting people and going to plays. [I turned to] the Holot theater company to cast the Eritrean community in Israel. It was cast mainly by meeting actors from the group, having conversations with them. Basically they wanted to participate in the film and I was very lucky about that. Theyre a group that used to be based in Holot outside of a temporary incarceration open prison for immigrants who dont have permits to stay in Israel. They put them in an open prison in the desert close to the Negev.

Theres an interesting scene between the French-Jewish woman (played by Flora Bloch) who is trying to move to Israel and Ben that I thought was a very revealing moment about the ways that Jewishness is expressed when Jews are a minority in the country versus when they are the majority in the country. The French woman is concerned by Frances antisemitism and wants to move to Israel, while Ben is tortured by the complexities of living as a privileged Jewish Israeli person. Can you say something about what that scene meant to you?

One of the things Im proud about this film is that I feel like it deals with subjects which are not easy subjects to address. But I think we managed to create a balance between comedy and drama that Im very proud of. I think it allows the film to be self-explanatory. It can reveal its deep themes and make you think, in an entertaining way. Again, its about irony. Its about hypocrisy. Its about human nature. Knowing how to experience your own point of view and being unable to be in another persons point of view. Its human nature, and its ever fascinating to me.

And it also happens to me a lot of times with the fact that I can be in my own shoes and identify my own narrative so much but its hard for me to even experience a person who is experiencing the same thing as me but in a different language in different settings. But the resemblance is there so its very ironic. And I think that scene is about that.
(JNS) - Israeli President Isaac Herzog met on Monday morning with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, whose ChatGPT has quickly become an international sensation.

Launched in November, ChatGPT is an artificially intelligent chatbot that can have human-like conversations, answer questions and assist people in writing assignments. The software has been made available to the public through an app, and millions of users have used it primarily for writing and research.

Herzog made waves in February when, while addressing a Tel Aviv cybertech conference, said that part of his speech was written by ChatGPT.

Herzog told Altman how he used ChatGPT to prepare for their meeting.

"I wrote my talking points myself as you can see, but before our meeting this morning I asked ChatGPT, 'What should I talk about with Sam Altman?' and the software recommended me to talk about morality, ethics and the development of the partnership with Israel," the president said.

"So I think it is definitely smart and sophisticated, and promotes the potential in the world. To sum up my words, since you were born in the Jewish community of St. Louis, which is a community that I value very much, you learned about tikkun olam [repairing the world]. So our goal is not only to make a profit but also to serve humanity and the future, so let's do tikkun olam together," Herzog added.

Referring to a letter signed by Altman and other tech leaders in May on the dangers of artificial intelligence, Herzog stressed, "Along with the great opportunities in technology there are many threats to humanity, to the independence of people. All human beings were created by God and it is necessary to make sure that this development was created for the benefit of humanity. You can see the advantages and disadvantages and you are the first to point it out openly and boldly."

Altman told the president, "It is of course important to balance the advantages and disadvantages as you mentioned. I'm happy to do this trip around the world and meet with world leaders and discuss this. The thought, focus and urgency in understanding that one needs to know how to navigate the great risks of technology in order to enjoy its benefits is everyone's goal. I think there is a fruitful discussion about ways to do this."

He added, "The energy in creating the technology and the benefits it produces is amazing. I am sure that Israel will play an important role in this. The technology community here is amazing and I have been following for many years the construction of technology here for the betterment of humanity."

Altman's AI world tour

Altman, who is leading a delegation of OpenAI leaders, also visited Education Minister Yoav Kisch, the Microsoft Israel campus in Herzliya and hi-tech entrepreneurs. He is due to visit Tel Aviv University.

On Sunday, OpenAI denied media reports that Altman had refused to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it never received a request from the Prime Minister's Office.

The 38-year-old Altman is on a world tour meeting with political leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and businessmen. This week alone, he will continue on to Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, India and South Korea before moving on to elsewhere in the Far East and Australia.

A number of public school systems and universities in the U.S., Australia and Europe have banned ChatGPT because students plagiarized its fast and articulate responses to complex questions on assignments and tests.

OpenAI, a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence research laboratory, followed up on ChatGPT in January with the release of DALL-E, an AI system that creates realistic images and art from a description in natural language.
For three weeks my family experienced an unimaginable nightmare from which we could not wake.

On June 24, 2021, my world ended as I knew it.

At 3 a.m., my mother received a news notification that a building had collapsed by Miami Beach. She had a mothers instinct that this was the building Nicky and Luis lived in  my beautiful 26-year-old sister and her 28-year-old husband. We immediately drove to Surfside where my sisters building once stood and saw an image that never stops invading my mind: half a building.

I remember counting the floors up, trying to figure out if apartment 804 was still standing. It seemed that half of their condo was still standing, the other half in the enormous rubble  an agonizing sight that tore my heart. I was overwhelmed with pain as I desperately tried to recall the layout of the apartment, straining to remember if it was the bedrooms or the kitchen that remained intact.

In seconds, our lives were shattered.

For weeks we felt like we were living in a gut-wrenching horror movie, filled with sorrow and a profound sense of loss. For three entire weeks we had no idea what was happening. With thousands of people around us, cameras being shoved in our face, and the burning question if my sister and brother-in-law would be rescued or recovered, it was an unimaginable nightmare from which I could not wake.

The day we were dreading finally arrived when the rescue workers said, Today it is with great sadness that we announce our switch in missions from search and rescue to search and recovery. The families didnt scream or fight; they accepted the news with utter silence. It was the only silence we heard in three weeks. You could hear the pain across the room of 98 beloved families trying to remember the last conversation they had with their loved ones.

Grieving and the Jewish community

Through those endless days and nights, we were never alone. We felt the constant support from the Jewish community that never wavered. Through those weeks of limbo, we vacillated between hope and grief, faith and lost hope. Growing up in a secular household, the sight of unfamiliar religious rituals and traditions left me in awe. Witnessing people wrapping tefillin, organizing Shabbats for hundreds, and offering prayers for Nicky and Luis, whom many had never met, was truly remarkable. What struck me the most, however, was the way this Jewish community provided not just a roof over our heads, but also a comforting shoulder to lean on. Despite my initial confusion, I found solace in the warmth of their embrace, as they sheltered us, uplifted our spirits, and treated us like family during our darkest hours. Their unwavering support became a beacon of light, offering comfort amidst the depths of our grief.

People from across the world flew down to help and expected nothing in return. Jews who were strangers to me just a few weeks before the tragedy actively joined me in burying my sister, Nicky. As an expanded family, they shared my sorrow, my pain and transformed it into a collective mourning.

Political involvement and push for reform

In the aftermath of the Surfside collapse and losing Nicky and Luis, I was filled with an intense resolve to somehow make a difference. I paused my profession as commercial real estate broker in Miami and stepped into an unfamiliar, daunting world of activism and political reform. The raw pain of loss fueled my determination to honor my loved ones and ensure no family would face our horror.

Every interview, press conference, court hearing, and gathering became more intense with emotions running high across the room and many political players against me, but I did not stop pleading for change. Advocating for condo reform became my mission, a grueling uphill battle that demanded countless meetings and confrontations with those who seemed to value profit over human lives.

Finally, when one of the laws we were pushing for was signed by the governor and other damaging bills I testified against got dropped, we felt a small sigh of relief. It was a step, a vital one, towards preventing another tragedy. But the fight isnt over. Im now focusing on Miami-Dade County, a community with many buildings dangerously close to disaster. Im pushing officials to tighten safety standards and overhaul building inspections.

My goal is to have a legislative impact throughout Florida and the entire country to ensure everyones safety in their own homes. In addition, I am dedicated to ensuring that a memorial is incorporated at the site of the collapse instead of another new development, and I will continue my efforts towards this goal.

I am not a politician. Im just a brother who lost his family too soon. Each day, Im driven by grief, memory, and an unwavering commitment to ensure no one else experiences our pain. This fight isnt about politics or money; its about making sure that safety and lives are always put before profits.

My time in Jerusalem

Amidst the storm of grief and loss, the Jewish community provided crucial support I hadnt realized I needed. Their genuine kindness and care deeply moved me.

I was intrigued and yearned to comprehend where this incredible generosity came from and why their hearts were so open to those they didnt know. One year after the collapse, I left everything familiar behind and spent a few months at Aish in Jerusalem to embark on a journey of understanding.

I discovered another welcoming community and gained invaluable insights. I immersed myself in learning and seeking the roots of our compassionate spirit. I deepened my understanding of what it means to be a Jew and how all Jews are essentially part of one family.

I learned about the beauty of Jewish traditions, the depth of our shared heritage, and the significance of personal growth and self-reflection, regardless of ones level of religious observance. Aish helped me cultivate a profound sense of identity, purpose, and connection to my Jewish roots. It was an enlightening journey that impacted my perspective on life and the power of community.

As time moves on, my perspective shifts. Im no longer caught in the question, Why did this happen to me? Instead, I find myself wondering, Why did this happen for me? Its a hard shift to make, especially when the grief still feels so raw. But in my darkest hours, as I work to make a difference in our community, I remember those who stood by me during the toughest time of my life. Im not alone in this journey. And for that, Im endlessly grateful. #4Nicky.
(JTA)  When my wife and I were planning our wedding, we thought it might be cool to hire a klezmer band. This was during the first wave of the klezmer revival, when groups like The Klezmatics and The Klezmer Conservatory Band were rediscovering the genre of Jewish wedding music popular for centuries in Yiddish-speaking Eastern Europe.

Of course we also wanted to dance to rock n roll and needed musicians who could handle Sinatra for our parents benefit, so we went with a more typical wedding band. Modernity won out over tradition.

Or did it? Musician and musicologist Uri Schreter argues that the music heard at American Jewish weddings since the 1950s has become a tradition all its own, especially in the way Old World traditions coexist with contemporary pop. In a dissertation he is writing about the politics of Jewish music in the early postwar period, Schreter argues that American Jewish musical traditions  especially among secularized Conservative and Reform Jews  reflect events happening outside the wedding hall, including the Holocaust, the creation of Israel and the rapid assimilation of American Jews.

Because its June  and because Im busy planning a wedding for one of my kids one year from now  I wanted to speak to Schreter about Jewish weddings and how they got that way. Our Zoom conversation Wednesday touched on the indestructibility of the hora, the role of musicians as secular clergy and why my Ashkenazi parents danced the cha-cha-cha.

Born in Tel Aviv, Schreter is pursuing his PhD in historical musicology at Harvard University. He is a composer, pianist and film editor.

Our conversation was edited for length and clarity.

ASC  I was struck by your research because were helping to plan a childs wedding now. Its the first wedding weve planned since our own, and were still asking the same questions, like, youve got to make sure the band can handle the hora and the Motown set and, I dont know, Uptown Funk. Your research explores when that began  when American Jewish weddings began to combine the traditional and secular cultures.

US  In the period that Im talking about, post-World War II America, this is already a fact of life for musicians. A lot of my work is based on interviews with musicians from that period, folks now in their 80s and 90s. The oldest one I have started playing professionally in 1947 or 48. Popular American music was played at Jewish weddings as early as the 1930s, but its a question of proportion  how much the wedding would feature foxtrots and swing and Lindy Hop and other popular dance tunes of the day, and how much of it is going to be klezmer music.

In the postwar period, most of the [non-Orthodox] American Jewish weddings would have featured American pop. For musicians who wanted to be in what they called the club date business, they needed to be able to do all these things. And some offices  a term they used for a business that books wedding bands  would have specialists that they could call on to do a Jewish wedding.

Youre writing about a period when the Conservative movement becomes the dominant American Jewish denomination. They have one foot in tradition, and the other in modernity. What does a wedding look like in 1958 when theyre building the big suburban synagogues?

The difference is not so much denominational but between the wide spectrum of Orthodoxy and the diverse spectrum of what I describe as secular.

Meaning non-Orthodox  Reform, Conservative, etc.?

Right. Only in the sense that they are broadly speaking more secular than the Orthodox. And if so they are going to have, for the most part, one, maybe two sets of Jewish dance music  basically a medley of a few Jewish tunes. You might have a wedding where it could be a quarter of the music or even half would be Jewish music, but this would be for families that have a much stronger degree of attachment to traditional Jewish culture, and primarily Yiddish culture.

Theres a few interrelated elements that shape this. Class is an important thing. For lower class communities in some areas, and I am talking primarily about New York, youd have communities that are a little bit more secluded, probably speaking more Yiddish at home and hanging out more with other Jewish people from similar backgrounds. So these kinds of communities might have as much as a third or half of the music be Jewish, even though they consider themselves secular. Its actually very similar to an Orthodox wedding, where you might also have half and half [Jewish and American music].

Jews in the higher socioeconomic class might, in general, be more Americanized, and want to project a more mainstream American identity. They might have as little as five minutes of Jewish music, just to mark it that they did this. Still, its very important for almost all of them to have those five minutes  because its one of the things that makes the wedding Jewish. I interviewed couples that were getting married in the 50s, and a lot of them told me, You need to have Jewish dance music for this to be a Jewish wedding.

When I was growing up in the 1970s at a suburban Reform synagogue on Long Island, klezmer was never spoken about. I dont know any parents who owned klezmer albums. Then when I got married a decade later, it was in the middle of the klezmer revival. Am I right about that? Were the 50s and 60s fallow periods for klezmer?

Youre definitely right. Up until the mid-1920s, you still have waves of immigration coming from Eastern Europe. So you still have new people feeding this desire for the traditional culture. But as immigration stops and people basically tried to become American, the tides shift away from traditional klezmer.

The other important thing that happens in the period that Im looking at is both a negative rejection of klezmer and a positive attraction to other new things. Klezmer becomes associated with immigrant culture, so people who are trying to be American dont want to be associated with it. It also becomes associated with the Holocaust, which is very problematic. Anything sounding Yiddish becomes associated for some people with tragedy.

At the same time, and very much related to this, theres the rise of Israeli popular culture, and especially Israeli folk songs. A really strong symbol of this is in the summer of 1950, when the Weavers record a song called Tzena, Tzena, a Hebrew Israeli song written in the 1940s which becomes a massive hit in America  its like number two in the Billboard charts for about 10 weeks. Israeli culture becomes this symbol of hope and the future and a new society thats inspiring. This is all in very stark contrast to what klezmer represents for people. And a lot of the composers of Israeli folk song of its first decades had this very clearly stated ideology that theyre moving away from Ashkenazi musical traditions and Yiddish.

So the Jewish set at a wedding becomes an Israeli set.

At a typical Conservative wedding in the 1950s and 60s, you might hear 10 minutes of Jewish music. The first one would be Hava Nagila, then they went to Tzena, Tzena, then they would do a song called Artza Alinu, which is today not very well known, and then Hevenu Shalom Aleichem. They are songs that are perceived to be Israeli folk songs, even though if you actually look at their origins, its a lot murkier than that. Like two of the songs I just mentioned are actually Hasidic songs that received Hebrew words in pre-state Palestine. Another probably comes from some sort of German, non-Jewish composer in 1900, but is in Hebrew and is perceived to be a representation of Israeli culture.

But even when the repertoire already represents a shift towards whats easier to digest for American Jewry, the arrangements and the instruments and the musical ornamentation are essentially klezmer. The musicians I spoke to said they did this because they felt that this is the only way that it would actually sound Jewish.

That is to say, to be Jewish the music had to gesture towards Ashkenazi and Yiddish, even if it were Israeli and Hebrew. As if Jews wanted to distance themselves from Eastern Europe  but only so far.

Someone like Dave Tarras or the Epstein Brothers, musicians who were really at the forefront of klezmer in New York at the time, were really focused on bringing it closer to Ashkenazi traditions. Ashkenazi Jewish weddings in America are not the totality of Jewish weddings in America, and Israeli music itself is made up of all these different traditions  North African, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Greek  but in effect most of the really popular songs of the time were composed by Ashkenazi composers. Even Hava Nagila is based on a melody from the Sadigura Hasidic sect in Eastern Europe.

Of course, if youre a klezmer musician youre allergic to Hava Nagila.

You spoke earlier about Latin music, which seemed to become a Jewish thing in the 1950s and 60s  I know a few scholars have focused on Jews and Latinos and how Latin musical genres like the mambo and cha-cha-cha became popular in the Catskill Mountain resorts and at Jewish weddings.

Latin music is not exclusively a Jewish thing, but its part of American popular culture by the late 40s. But Jews are very eagerly adopting it for sure. In the Catskills, you would often have two separate bands that alternated every evening. One is a Latin band, one is a generic American band playing everything else. And part of that is American Jews wanting to become American. And how do you become American? By doing what Americans do: by appropriating exotic cultures, in this case Latin. This is a way of being American.

Jews and Chinese food would be another example.

And by the way, in a similar vein, it also becomes very popular to dance to Israeli folk songs. A lot of people are taking lessons. A lot of people are going to their Jewish Y to learn Israeli folk dance.

Ive been to Jewish weddings where the Jewish set feels very perfunctory  you know, dance a hora or two long enough to lift the couple on chairs and then lets get to the Motown. Or the Black Eyed Peas because they were smart enough to include the words Mazel Tov! in the lyrics to I Gotta Feeling.

So thats why we always hear that song! I will say though, even when the Jewish music appears superficial, it does have this deeper layer of meaning. Its very interesting how, despite all these changes, and despite the secularization process of American Jewish weddings, the music still connects people to their Jewishness. These pieces of music are so meshed with other religious components. Of course, most people see this as secular. But a lot of people connect to their Jewish identity through elements such as Jewish music, Jewish food, certain Jewish customs that are easier to accommodate in your secular lifestyle, and the music specifically has this kind of flexibility, this fluidity between the sacred and the profane.

Thats beautiful. It sort of makes the musicians secular clergy.

Its interesting that you say that. In his history of klezmer, Walter Zev Feldman refers to the klezmer  the word itself means musician  as a kind of a liminal character, an interstitial character between the secular and the mundane. The music is not liturgical, but when the klezmer or the band is playing, it is an interval woven with all these other religious components and things that have ritual meaning.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
Shown here (l-r): Staff Sgt. Ohad Dahan, 20, Staff Sgt. Ori Yitzhak Iluz, and Sgt. Lia Ben Nun, 19, were shot dead by an Egyptian terrorist along the southern border on June 3, 2023.

(JTA) - An Egyptian security officer opened fire on Israeli soldiers on a routine patrol, killing two, and hours later killed a third before being felled in a shootout, the Israeli army said, in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a "severe and extraordinary incident."

The Egyptian military said the shootout occurred while the officer, who has now been identified as Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, was pursuing drug smugglers across the border.

Cross-border attacks are rare between Egypt and Israel, which have been at peace for more than 40 years and have diplomatic relations. The countries have agreed to jointly investigate the incident.

The Israeli army said the officer opened fire early on Saturday, killing two soldiers who were patrolling the border. Reports said the shooting took place at Nitzana, a crossing about 25 miles southeast of the Gaza Strip.

Hours later, around noon, the army said, Israeli killed Ibrahim in an exchange of fire in which a third Israeli soldier was killed and another was lightly wounded. The army later named the Israeli fatalities as Sgt. Lia Ben-Nun, 19, and Staff Sgt. Uri Iluz, 20, and Staff Sgt. Ohad Dahan, 20.

Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defense minister, said he consulted with his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Zaki, and agreed to a joint investigation. "Minister Gallant expressed his appreciation to Minister Zaki for his commitment and cooperation in the investigation of the incident," the Defense Ministry said in a statement. "He emphasized the importance of cooperating further in order to prevent such events in the future."

Ibrahim, 22, was reportedly drafted into the Egyptian military last June and stationed along the Israel-Egypt border as a police officer.

He had complained repeatedly about his military service and recently went absent without leave for 18 days, according to Israeli media reports.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi on Sunday tapped Maj. Gen. Nimrod Aloni to lead the investigation into the "systemic failures" that led to the deaths of the soldiers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the deadly attack would be thoroughly probed.

"The deadly incident on the Egyptian border on Shabbat is severe and extraordinary, and will be fully investigated. I want to commend our forces who sought contact and eliminated the terrorist," said Netanyahu.

"Together with the entire people of Israel, I share in the sorrow of the families of [those killed] ... and wish a swift recovery to the wounded. Our hearts are with the families in their profound grief," he added.

A preliminary investigation found that Ibrahim crossed the border through an emergency gate used by IDF soldiers in coordination with Cairo.

Egypt claimed he had crossed the border to chase drug smugglers in the aftermath of an earlier bust.

However, Army Radio reported on Sunday that the Egyptian policeman had in his possession six magazines for his rifle, a Koran and a knife. The IDF estimates that the presence of the Koran suggests that Ibrahim was motivated by Islamic religious extremism, the report said.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Egyptian Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Zaki spoke on Saturday evening and agreed to cooperate in investigating the attack.

A preliminary investigation found that the terrorist crossed the border through an emergency gate used by IDF soldiers in coordination with Cairo.

Opening the Israeli Cabinet meeting on Sunday morning, Netanyahu said the government would examine security procedures along the fence built along the Israel-Egyptian border, which was constructed to thwart the migration of African asylum seekers.

"The incident on the Egyptian border is severe and extraordinary and will be fully investigated," he said. "Israel has conveyed a clear message to the Egyptian government: We expect that the joint investigation will be exhaustive and thorough."

The funeral for Ben-Nun, 19, is scheduled to take place in Rishon Lezion at 4:30 p.m. Iluz, who was 20, will be buried in Safed at 5 p.m. Dahan, 20, will be laid to rest in Ofakim at 5 p.m., the IDF said.

"Egypt has played an important role in the Middle East by proactively brokering calm between Israel and Iran-backed terrorist groups. A level of trust has been established between Israel and the first Arab state to make peace with the Jewish state," said Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

"The coming days will be delicate, but the two sides have the personnel and processes in place to handle this without escalating tensions," he added.
Shown here (l-r): Leora Levian, chief editor of Sella Meir; author Abigail Shrier; and publisher Rotem Sella at the launch in Ramat Gan of the Hebrew edition of Shrier's book "Irreversible Damage," May 29, 2023.

(JNS) - Trans activists failed in their efforts to cancel a talk by U.S. journalist Abigail Shrier to promote the Hebrew-language translation of her 2020 book "Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters."

Activists' threats did succeed in driving the May 28 event out of Tel Aviv.

Sella Meir, the Hebrew publisher, first intended to hold the book launch at the ZOA House cultural center, then moved it to Social Space, another Tel Aviv location, before transferring it to the city of Ramat Gan on Tel Aviv's eastern border.

LGBT activists "bullied the two larger venues in Tel Aviv to cancel my talk, threatening to boycott those venues for all of PRIDE month [June] if they allowed me to speak," Shrier tweeted on May 30.

Hundreds of people had purchased tickets and a hundred had to be turned away from the smaller venue, she said.

Shrier took issue with Haaretz's coverage, particularly an article titled "'America Sent Gender Ideology Here': Anti-Trans Author Shrier Finds Admirers-but Only a Few-in Israel."

"Leftist media declares: 'only a few' attended," she tweeted. "It's a technique totalitarians have always used to make their opponents appear small and marginal. It's an optical illusion. It's shameless, it's false, and a situation the Left worked to create-which they now report on as if it were an organic result."

Although the Hebrew publisher tried to keep the Ramat Gan venue secret, activists discovered the location and protested outside.

"Attendees had to walk through a throng of hundreds of enraged protesters screaming, blaring horns and banging drums. Attendees knew there might be disruption inside, and there was," Shrier said.

One protester approached the stage in a threatening manner before two men from the audience stopped him.

Haaretz, describing the incident, said a "ticketholder, leaped toward the stage, bellowing: 'Hello Mrs. Shrier, I was wondering if you would...,' before being grabbed by several men."

This is the moment when a rioter tried to physically assault Abigail Shrier at her book launch in Tel Aviv last night.

Shrier's book faced censorship efforts in the U.S. as well when it first appeared in 2020. Amazon refused to allow Regnery Publishing to run a sponsored advertisement for the book. The book was temporarily removed from Target stores.

There were calls for "Irreversible Damage" to be banned, including from an ACLU director and a University of California English professor, who said it should be burned. A group of Spotify employees demanded that a Joe Rogan podcast featuring an interview with Shrier be censored. (The company ultimately decided against doing so.)

Rotem Sella, the founder and owner of Sella Meir, tweeted on Wednesday, "One of the most interesting things about the publication of 'Irreversible Damage' is the huge gap between the thuggish silencing attempts of a handful of radicals, and the broad consensus in the public regarding the insights found in it."

"Irreversible Damage" has won praise from the Times of London and The Economist.

Shrier argues that gender dysphoria, in which individuals feel a disconnect between their biological sex and gender identity, is "absolutely real" but "also exceedingly rare, afflicting 0.1 percent of the population." Historically, it was overwhelmingly young boys affected by gender dysphoria. Left alone, more than 70 percent outgrew it, with most ending up as gay men, she said.

Now it's mainly teenage girls claiming to have gender dysphoria, something Shrier says can only be explained as "social contagion."

"Today, we don't just leave kids alone who say this and just let the chips fall where they may, letting some kids outgrow their gender dysphoria and others to transition when they reach adulthood," Shrier said in a speech to a Hillsdale College National Leadership Seminar in 2021.

"Today, we say the moment a child does not seem perfectly feminine or perfectly masculine ..., 'I know what this is. This is a trans kid.' We take them to a therapist or doctor, nearly all of whom practice so-called 'affirmative care,' that is, nearly all of whom have accepted that it is their job to immediately affirm or agree with the patient's self-diagnosis and to immediately help them medically transition."

Children are given puberty blockers and other "transitioning hormones," Shrier said, in some cases without their parent's knowledge. There are thousands of "detransitioners" whom the legacy media refuses to talk about-girls who underwent this process and later came to regret it, she noted.

Although Shrier has only positive things to say about those who actually suffer from gender dysphoria, she has been attacked by gender activists as "transphobic."

"You are exporting murderous bigotry," yelled a 16-year-old trans activist outside the Ramat Gan book launch in a typical such attack.
The new elevator at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, May 15, 2023.

(JNS) - After 30 years of legal and political battles, Israel will inaugurate an elevator to improve handicap accessibility at Hebron's Tomb of the Patriarchs on June 8.

The Defense Ministry's Civil Administration sent out invitations on Wednesday.

The Tomb of the Patriarchs is the burial place of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca and Leah. It is one of Israel's most visited tourist sites.

The $1.6 million project includes a sloped path linking the parking area to the tomb, an elevator and an enclosed footbridge connecting the elevator to the entrance of the holy site.

Until now, visitors had to go up "around 30 steps" between the street and the entrance to the Tomb. After entering the building, visitors had to climb another 60 steps to reach the prayer area, said Elimelech Karzen, one of the managers of the tomb.

"We have people who come in wheelchairs, people who can't walk, pregnant women, old people that want to visit Ma'arat HaMachpelah," Karzen said, using the Hebrew name for the site.

"Even regular people who are tired. They don't want to climb 60 or 100 stairs. People need elevators. It's 2023. Each time to go up and down, it's very difficult," he said.

Karzen noted that before the coronavirus pandemic, the holy site had 1.5 million visitors a year. Visitors are returning in increasing numbers, making the need for the elevator more acute.

Efforts to build the elevator were mired in legal petitions filed by Palestinians, who claimed that the elevator damaged the site's archaeological and architectural significance, and that Israel illegally expropriated land for the initiative. A High Court of Justice ruling in November 2021 cleared away the last legal hurdles.

For security reasons, the tomb is divided into Jewish and Muslim areas. A rotation system allows Jews and Muslims to visit each other's side on certain religious holidays.

Asked about accessibility on the Muslim side, Karzen said the Palestinians rejected Israeli offers to build a second elevator there.

"For 30 years, we've been trying to get this and the Muslims didn't agree, even when we offered to build one on their side," he said. He added that there are fewer steps on the Muslim side.

Karzen rejected criticism that the elevator damaged the tomb's character, stressing that the elevator is outside the building.

"We didn't touch anything old," he said. "They only took a few blocks off a wall that was built by the Jordanians in the 1950s or '60s. But we were careful not to touch anything archaeologically important."

As for the elevator and footbridge's aesthetics, Karzen acknowledged, "The shape might not be the nicest thing in the world, but it's okay because so many people will now be able to come. That's a price we can pay."

The current structure around the tomb was built 2,000 years ago by King Herod the Great. Byzantine and Crusader conquerors turned it into a church. During the Mamluke conquest, the site was converted into a mosque and Jews were banned from going past the seventh step of a staircase outside the building.

'It means I can go and pray'

Steve Bloomberg, a long-time advocate for handicap accessibility, lauded the elevator's completion.

"I can go and pray at Machpelah now," Bloomberg said. He was left paralyzed from the waist down by a Palestinian drive-by shooting in Samaria in August 2001. The terrorist killed his wife, Tehiya, and their unborn child, and paralyzed his 16-year-old daughter Tziporah.

"I went there quite a few times before my injury. It's a very important, central place for the Jewish and Muslim faiths," he said. "There are 89 steps there; it's impossible to visit in a wheelchair. You need four people to carry you up the steps. That's not very safe, it's not very comfortable and not very practical."

Bloomberg, an optical engineer, is also a one-man activist. He contacts local councils and other authorities whenever he encounters or hears about problems of accessibility.

He said the need for the elevator in Hebron is obvious.

"According to the numbers, 1.5 million people visit the Cave of Machpelah every year. If you think about it, what percentage of them are in wheelchairs or are old and just can't get up the steps? It's a fight for people who are disabled and can't get up so many steps, people with baby carriages and anybody like that," Bloomberg said.

He noted that accessibility problems extend beyond ancient holy sites to more modern buildings.

"I recently went to a hall for a ceremony for injured terror victims and injured soldiers. There were no accessible toilets. It was unbelievable," he said.
(JTA)  Israels health ministry tweeted that Elon Musk was engaging with fake news regarding COVID-19 data, the third Israeli government ministry to comment on the Twitter owners views in recent weeks.

Musk had replied to a tweet from Zero Hedge, a far-right blog site that features conspiracy theories and has been accused of spreading Russian propaganda. The tweet claimed Israeli data showed zero young healthy individuals died of COVID-19. The billionaire businessman wrote Zero 

In response, the health ministry wrote: Elon, unfortunately this is not what the whole data shows. Fake news is dangerous. Israel Ministry of Health was asked on chronic disease data and explained that we dont have access to clinical records.

We know from clinicians that young healthy people did die from COVID and hopefully data on that will be available on the near future from our HMOs, the ministry added.

Twitter added a note to the Zero Hedge tweet that noted that Israels health ministry has called this article misinformation.

Israel launched a rapid mass vaccination drive soon after COVID-19 vaccines were introduced in late 2020, and it published data both about the countrys vaccinations and COVID cases. In addition to aiding public health practitioners, the data has also been used by anti-vaccine activists and others intent on manipulating the figures to downplay the severity of COVID or the efficacy of immunization. Zero Hedge, which has 1.6 million Twitter followers, has also published articles casting doubt on the vaccine.

In the months since he bought Twitter last year, Musk has interacted with  and boosted the visibility of  several tweets spreading conspiracy theories. His posts have drawn attention to false or misleading claims about events ranging from the attack last year on Nancy Pelosis husband to a recent mass shooting in Texas.

On May 16, Musk wrote that Jewish billionaire George Soros, who is known for donating to progressive political causes, hates humanity and reminds me of Magneto, a comic book villain who survived the Holocaust. (Soros, who was born in Hungary, also survived the Holocaust as a child.)

Critics of Musks tweet, including the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League and the Israeli foreign ministry, said the attacks encouraged antisemitism given that Soros features at the center of multiple antisemitic conspiracy theories. But Israels foreign minister, Eli Cohen, later disavowed his ministrys critique.

Soon afterward, Amichai Chikli, Israels minister overseeing the governments efforts to combat antisemitism, also defended Musk.

As Israels minister whos entrusted on combating anti-Semitism, I would like to clarify that the Israeli government and the vast majority of Israeli citizens see Elon Musk as an amazing entrepreneur and a role model, tweeted Amichai Chikli, a member of the right-wing Likud Party who also serves as minister of Diaspora affairs.
After more than a decade in planning and three years of construction with a multi-disciplinary team of archaeologists, architects, curators, researchers, designers and creatives, the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum opened to the public in the ancient citadel as the capital's official museum on June 1st with a completely immersive experience that combines ancient Jerusalem and interactive technology. And, for the first time in its history, the ancient citadel is now accessible.

The Tower of David ancient citadel, Jerusalem's iconic symbol, located between the old and new city, is uniquely placed to tell the story of Jerusalem, a city that has no equal in the world. With its new visitor flow - from the Jaffa Gate sunken entrance pavilion through the galleries, the Phasael Tower observation point and exiting into the Old City - the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum becomes the gateway to the exploration of Jerusalem.

The 4000-year story of Jerusalem and the significance of the city to the three largest monotheistic religions is told skillfully through different interactive ways making the visitor participatory in their exploration of the city's past. The 10 completely new thematic galleries are found hidden in the old guard rooms of the structure surrounding the open-aired courtyard filled with archaeological findings dating back 2800 years. Some galleries are in a structure built by the Ottomans in the 17th century but others that go back to the time of the Crusaders in the 12th century, and others to King Herod, some 2000 years ago. Authentic artifacts, many displayed in-situ for the first time dating back to approximately 1500 years BCE, have each been carefully chosen to represent a different aspect of Jerusalem's long and colorful past among them. minute ancient coins from 6th century BC which show the origins of the 1 shekel piece used today, stone cups from the 1st century, a Roman sword from the 2nd century, golden coins from Byzantine Jerusalem and many more. Models of the Second Temple, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of the Rock center the rooms that trace Jerusalem's sanctity to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. These original artifacts and models lie side by side with innovative and engaging multi-media displays. The result is a sensory experience that encourages active engagement and allows visitors to explore Jerusalem's history in various dynamic, stimulating and enjoyable ways.

The 12-meter interactive multi-media wall, Sands of Time, that runs the length of the introductory gallery allows visitors to discover for themselves Jerusalem's 4000-year history with just a quick touch. The media concept for this interactive installation was designed by Local Projects, the experience design team behind the 9/11 Memorial and Museum among others in the US. Other highlights include the animation of maps from the Middle Ages, the 3D scanning of a bird's eye view of 19th century model of Jerusalem, interactive projection onto a mosaic map, a copy of the famous Madaba Map and an interactive sphere of the world which with one touch measures the distance between different cities in the world and Jerusalem.

Films created for the museum include an animated history of 4,000 years of Jerusalem history in just three minutes by Golden Globe winner artist Ari Folman; several animated short films related to different periods based on archaeological and historical evidence and research, a multi-media visualization of the Arch of Titus worked on together with Yeshiva University NY, a 360-degree touch film of inside the Al Aqsa Mosque; an original film of Jerusalem from 1896, including footage by the Lumiere brothers, has been edited to bring to life Jerusalem at the turn of the 20th century. The "Circle of the Year" is an immersive experience in which a montage of images from different religious festivals are projected onto one of the vaulted ceilings in a guardroom. The soundtrack is original created with choirs from the different religious communities living in Jerusalem. Created by David Polonsky, one of the most important illustrators working in Israel today, the seven-minute experience allows the three calendars of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to converge in an only-in-Jerusalem manner.

Director and Chief Curator, Tower of David Jerusalem Museum Eilat Lieber stated, "No other museum can tell Jerusalem's story in such a distinctive setting, within this citadel, that has witnessed so many eventful periods in the city's past. The iconic architecture, massive Jerusalem stone walls and beautifully arched ceiling guard rooms create a unique setting for this museum which will become the gateway to this unique city. Alongside the physical conservation of the walls and towers of this ancient site, we have developed a completely new permanent exhibition and creative programming that tells Jerusalem's long, complex and colorful history in respectful, innovative and engaging ways. Whether it is a school child from Israel  or a visitor from overseas, I hope that the Tower of David can give them a basis for dialogue, tolerance and respect. Visitors from near and far will leave the museum with a better understanding of Jerusalem, this eternal city."

The $50 million renewal and conservation of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum was led by Dame Vivien Duffield through the Clore Israel Foundation together with the support of the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, the Ministry of Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, the Patrick and Lina Drahi Foundation, Keren Hayesod, The Jerusalem Foundation, the American Friends of Museums in Israel and the P Austin Foundation.

For more information: Caroline Shapiro, director of External Affairs. Tower of David Jerusalem Museum. Caroline.shapiro@gmail.com, +972 544909277, http://www.tod.org.il/en.
(JNS)  German police have launched a criminal investigation after former Pink Floyd bassist and anti-Israel provocateur Roger Waters wore a Nazi-style uniform during a recent concert in the German capital.

On May 17 at Mercedes-Benz Arena, the British musician dressed up in a costume resembling that of an SS soldier and pretended to fire a rifle. Waters also compared the murder of Anne Frank in the Holocaust to the accidental killing in Jenin in May 2022 of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

The State Security Department at the Berlin State Criminal Police Office has initiated a criminal investigation procedure regarding the suspicion of incitement of the people, Berlin police chief inspector Martin Halweg told Jewish News, which first reported the investigation.

The context of the clothing worn is deemed capable of approving, glorifying or justifying the violent and arbitrary rule of the Nazi regime in a manner that violates the dignity of the victims and thereby disrupts public peace. After the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Berlin Public Prosecutors Office for legal assessment, Halweg continued.

Waters responded to news of the investigation on social media, saying that it was politically motivated by those who want to discredit my name and silence me because they do not agree with my political views and moral principles.

He added: The elements of my performance in question are clearly a statement that opposes fascism, injustice and racism in all forms. Attempts to present the elements as something else are disingenuous and motivated by a political agenda.

Frankfurts Jewish community plans to protest Waters upcoming concert there on May 28, the Bild newspaper reported. This comes after the artist won a legal battle to perform in the city after attempts to cancel the show amid accusations of antisemitism.

It is important for us to cry out and not stand by when a well-known antisemite and hater of Israel is given a stage in Frankfurt, the communitys board of governors said in a statement.
(JTA)  A man rushed the stage and unfurled an Israeli flag at a Roger Waters concert in Frankfurt on Sunday in protest of the former Pink Floyd frontmans continued criticism of Israel.

Video circulating on social media showed a group of fans chanting Am Yisrael Chai (The people of Israel live) while the protester makes it to the main stage, where he lasts a few seconds before security guards chase him away.

Since at least last week, Berlin police have been investigating Waters over a costume he has been wearing at concerts for years that includes a long black trench coat with a red armband. Some say the outfit is reminiscent of a Nazi officer uniform and a glorification of the Third Reich, which is outlawed in Germany.

A Berlin police spokesman said on Friday that the findings of their investigations would come over the next three months.

Waters, one of the leaders of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel, has come under intense scrutiny during his current tour, after the cities of Frankfurt and Munich unsuccessfully attempted to block him from performing.

Representatives from those cities, along with German-Jewish communal leaders and several Jewish organizations around the world, argue that Waters criticism of Israel crosses the line into antisemitism. The screen at Waters concerts frequently shows a pig-shaped balloon emblazoned with the logo of an Israeli armaments firm.

Before Waters show on Sunday, local Jewish groups and politicians gathered for a protest outside the venue hosting the performance, the Festhalle. In November 1938, around 3,000 Jews were taken to the building, where many were beaten before being sent to concentration camps.

Protesters read aloud the names of Jews who were later rounded up on Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass that many point to as the start of the Holocaust in 1939. Frankfurt Mayor Mike Josef said Hatred of Jews is to be condemned everywhere in our city, according to the German dpa news agency.

Waters has also enraged critics by juxtaposing the names Anne Frank and Shireen Abu Akleh on the screen at his recent concerts. Abu Akleh was killed on an assignment in the West Bank last year, and the Israeli military apologized early this month for her death, after admitting that she was likely hit by fire from an Israeli soldier during a raid.

The Polish city of Krakow canceled a Waters concert last year, after the British rocker came out in support of Russias invasion of Ukraine.
(JNS)  From April 3-7, Students for Justice in Palestine hosted their annual Palestine Liberation Week, also known as Israeli Apartheid Week.

SJP is a campus group supported by the radical American Muslims for Palestine, an anti-Israel organization many of whose members support Hamas. Each spring, SJP leads a propaganda campaign on UCLAs Bruin Walk, spreading misinformation about the Arab-Israeli conflict.

This year, this campaign was held during the Jewish holiday of Passover. Many practicing Jews went home for the holidays and could not attend events that use electricity, this includes microphones, lights, and screens.

SJPs decision to host Palestine Liberation Week at the beginning of Passover meant that Jewish students did not have an opportunity to counter their propaganda. It is difficult to believe that this was not a deliberate move.

This year, SJP set up a mock apartheid wall on Bruin Walk with attention-grabbing statistics and buzzwords. While SJP claims to advocate for Palestinian human rights, a closer examination of the claims on the apartheid wall reveals the group is more concerned with vilifying Israel.

For example, the wall alleges Israel uses 80 percent of the areas water resources versus 17 percent for Palestinians. These statistics describe Israels Western Aquifer, whose springs are located mostly inside the State of Israel.

Before 1967, Palestinians in Judea and Samariathen occupied by Jordanhad access to only 5 percent of this water. Since 1967, that number has increased to 17 percent. Jordan has not provided the area with water since 1967, despite its legal obligation to do so.

Taher Nassereddin, Director General of the West Bank Water Department, has stated that water supplies for the Palestinian residents of the area have increased with their population growth and they are allowed to dig new wells. Moreover, Israel exports over 40 million cubic meters of water for Palestinian use.

Another claim on the apartheid wall is that the security barrier between Israel and Judea and Samaria perpetuates an Israeli system of apartheid against the Palestinians.

The wall does not segregate Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, as SJP fails to note, the wall was built as a security measure in the aftermath of the second intifada. The apartheid wall falsely claims that this intifada was predominantly nonviolent. In fact, over 1,000 Israelis were killed in suicide bombings, shootings and car-rammings. The security barrier has reduced illegal infiltrations and acts of terror by 90 percent.

The apartheid wall claims that there is religious discrimination in Israel. Below a depiction of the Dome of the Rock, SJP writes: Israeli restrictions make it difficult or impossible for Palestinian Christians and Muslims to worship freely. In fact, Israels Declaration of Independence guarantees religious freedom for all.

By contrast, Jews are often prohibited from visiting the Temple Mount, their holiest site, which is controlled by the Jordanian Islamic Waqf, not the Israeli government. The Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site for Muslims, has been repeatedly desecrated in riots initiated by Hamas. Jewish holy sites, such as Josephs Tomb, have been targets of Palestinian violence.

This Ramadan, Palestinian rioters barricaded themselves inside Al-Aqsa with fireworks and weapons and disrupted peaceful prayer. After the rioters refused to exit the mosque, Israeli police removed them to maintain peace and access to the site. In response, terrorists in Gaza fired rockets at Israels south, endangering hundreds of thousands of Israeli civilians.

This was part of a recent trend of increased violence around Ramadan, inspired by Hamas efforts to escalate Palestinian terrorism. Last year, Palestinian rioters used the Temple Mount to hurl stones at Jewish worshippers at the Western Wall below.

SJPs wall also promotes an antisemitic conspiracy theory known as Deadly Exchange, which claims Israel is the cause of systemic anti-black racism and police brutality in the U.S. The wall accuses Israel of training American police officers in repressive police tactics and weaponry [that] are tested on Palestinians and deployed on black people.

This is a lie. The truth is that U.S.-Israel counterterrorism efforts such as the Jewish Institute for National Security of America Homeland Security Program were launched in the aftermath of 9/11 to help local U.S. law enforcement address the growing threat of terrorism. They did not deal with field training.

SJPs lies include false depictions of Israeli military operations. Operation Protective Edge, described on the wall as an 8-day military offensive in Gaza by Israeli soldiers was triggered by Hamas missile fire and the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens. Unsurprisingly, SJP fails to mention these facts. Other operations listed on the wall were also targeted responses to the increased threat of Hamas terrorism.

Moreover, SJP covers up the fact that Hamas stores weaponry in residential areas, launching rockets towards Israel from schools, mosques and hospitals. Even the NGO Human Rights Watch, which has a history of anti-Israel bias, acknowledges that these rocket attacks are war crimes.

SJPs lies are not harmless. They encourage racism and violence. According to a 2022 ADL report, there is a strong statistical correlation between a national rise in antisemitism and the proliferation of anti-Israel propaganda. The AMCHA Initiative reached the same conclusions in their Nov. 2022 study of college and university campuses.

The repercussions of anti-Israel misinformation are real and tangible. On U.S. campuses, such propaganda fuels hatred against Jewish students, making many feel unsafe and unwelcome.

While it is essential to advocate for the welfare of all people, this can only be accomplished through honest conversations based on facts, not hate-mongering and incitement based on deceit. SJP propagates misinformation about the Israel-Palestine conflict that will only continue to create a divisive and unsafe environment for Jewish students on campus. Disseminating and perpetuating lies and hateful rhetoric will serve no one and, as history has proven, is never the answer.

Kylie Heering is the 2022-2023 CAMERA on Campus Fellow at UCLA.
(JNS)  While the Palestinian Arabs are determined to memorialize and perpetuate their displacement as a national emblem of victimhood, tens of millions of people who were displaced in other modern wars have bravely moved on to create new lives in new lands.

Now 75 years on, the Palestinians repeatedly make the false claim that Israel expelled 700,000 of them en masse and stole their homeland. The truth is that most Palestinians who left their homes in Israel during the countrys War of Independence in 1948-49 did so voluntarily.

Furthermore, Palestinian Arab communities who negotiated peace with Israel or remained neutral prior to or during the conflict were untouched by Israeli forces and retained possession of their homes.

Likewise, the Palestinians assertion that Israel ethnically cleansed them from their land is equally false, since today the Jewish state hosts more than two million Arab-Israeli citizens.

Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders and their allies among the Arab states and the United Nations perpetuate the misery of the Palestinian people. Palestinian Arabs are prevented from integrating into the societies of other countries, clinging to the pipe dream that one day theyll return to their (mostly deceased) ancestors former homes in present-day Israel.

In contrast to the hapless Palestinians, tens of millions of displaced refugees from other armed conflicts have moved on to build new lives in new countries.

Central to the Palestinian narrative is their myth of victimhoodthat Israel forcibly expelled them from their lands in 1948.

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, for example, recently gave a speech at the United Nations as part of the organizations first-ever commemoration of the Nakba  the Arabic word for catastrophe, which is how the Palestinians define the creation of Israel.

In his speech, Abbas called for Israel to be suspended from the United Nations until it implements resolutions calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state and allows the return of Palestinian refugees to the former homes of their ancestors.

Abbas neglected to mention the fact that Arabs flatly rejected the United Nations original resolution, passed in 1947, that called for the establishment of separate Jewish and Arab states in the British Mandate of Palestine. Instead, five Arab armies started a war against the nascent Jewish state.

Abbas also repeated the lie that Israel illegally occupies Palestinian land, even though the Palestinians never had public ownership or sovereignty over any of it.

Even more important, Palestinians steadfastly ignore the fact that most of their forebears abandoned their private lands inside the newborn Jewish state of their own free will.

In many instances, Arab leaders ordered residents to leave, under the assumption that they could return once the Arab armies had annihilated the Jewish population. For example, Arab leaders told Arab residents in Haifa to leave even though the citys Jewish mayor begged them to stay.

Moreover, according to a research report by the Institute for Palestine Studies, an Arab-sponsored research institute, the majority of the Palestinian Arab population was not forcibly expelled and 68 percent of the Palestinians left without even seeing an Israel soldier.

Israeli-British historian Efraim Karsh concurs, saying Palestinians who were expelled represent just a small fraction of the total exodus. In fact, there was never a blanket policy by the Israeli government to ethnically cleanse the new Jewish state of its Arab population.

Any forcible expulsions of Arabs from the new state perpetrated by Israeli forces were carried out only if Arab towns or villages engaged in hostilities against them.

When Israeli forces were attempting to secure the route between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, for example, they were forced to clear out several hostile towns and villages that prevented access to Jerusalem, whose Jewish population was besieged by Arab forces and threatened with starvation.

Todays Palestinian leaders virtually never acknowledge that Arab communities in 1947-48 who negotiated peace with Israel in advance of the war  and those who remained neutral  were not touched.

Abu Ghosh, a town just west of Jerusalem, for instance, reached an agreement with Israeli authorities not to get involved in the fighting. Nazareth also negotiated its neutrality, leaving the city relatively unscathed.

Today, these non-combatant cities are part of Israels thriving Arab community of more than two million  20 percent of Israels population. These facts completely disprove the accusation that Israel ethnically cleansed its land of Arabs.

Tragically, Palestinian leaders, leaders of other Arab countries and the United Nations continue to perpetuate the misery of the Palestinian people by discouraging them from integrating into the societies of other countries and building new lives.

This is exemplified by the fact that every Arab country except Jordan has refused to give its Palestinian refugees citizenship.

Today, more than 1.5 million Palestinians still live in squalid refugee camps, where they are fed the false promise that one day they will be able to return to their homes. Millions more Palestinians the world over still consider themselves refugees, though their displaced parents and grandparents have long passed away.

This promise of return is unrealistic, because Israel will never allow millions of descendants of deceased Palestinian refugees into its territory. Doing so would mean the end of the Jewish state. The Palestinian leadership knows this, yet one of their primary conditions of peace with Israel is this so-called, and non-existent, right of return.

Meanwhile, tens of millions of people displaced in other wars have gone on to build new lives in new countries. This includes 800,000 Jews who fled or were expelled from Arab countries after Israels birth  most resettled in Israel.

In addition, history gives us countless other examples of war-time refugees building new lives in new countries. Germans from Sudetenland, Hindus from Pakistan, Greeks from Turkey  all experienced displacement, but did not obsess or resort to terrorism over ejection from their former homes. Instead, they chose to rebuild and thrive elsewhere.

In fact, the most successful peoples in the world  even the stateless are those who seek freedom and prosperity and work diligently to achieve it.

Its time the Palestinians shift from their narrative of victimhood and look to a future in which they can thrive by building lives in new countries or by finally saying yes to peaceful coexistence with Israel and building a country of their own.

Jason Shvili is a contributing editor at Facts and Logic About the Middle East (FLAME), which publishes educational messages to correct lies and misperceptions about Israel and its relationship to the United States.
This week's significance lies in the celebration of Mithuna Sankranti, which marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Gemini. It holds great importance for farmers who seek blessings for a bountiful harvest season and healthy crops. This week, auspicious muhuratas are also available for marriage, griha pravesh and vehicle purchases are available this week. Let's explore the important Panchanga details for New Delhi, NCT, India, for the week. Get weekly Panchang to determine auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position.

Shubh Muhurat This Week

According to Vedic Astrology, the odds of accomplishing a task successfully are significantly enhanced if they are carried out during an auspicious muhurata. An auspicious muhurata provides us with the best outcome possible according to our destiny if we execute the work in harmony with the cosmic timeline. That is why it is essential to take muhurata into account while commencing any auspicious work. This weeks Shubh Muhurat for various activities is as follows:

Vivah Muhurat: Auspicious muhuratas for marriage this week are available on June 11 (02:32 PM to 05:23 AM, Jun 12) and June 12 (05:23 AM to 09:58 PM)

Griha Pravesh Muhurat: Auspicious muhurata for griha pravesh is available this week only on June 12 (10:34 AM to 05:23 AM, Jun 13)

Property Purchase Muhurat: No auspicious muhurata for purchasing property is available this week

Vehicle Purchase Muhurat: Auspicious muhurata for purchasing a vehicle this week is available on June 9 (05:23 AM to 04:20 PM) and June 12 (01:49 PM to 05:23 AM, Jun 13)

Upcoming Planetary Transits This Week

In Vedic astrology, planetary transits are particularly crucial since they are the principal way of anticipating changes and advances in life. Planets move on a daily basis and go through several nakshatras and rashis in the process. It assists in comprehending the nature and characteristics of events as they occur. Here are the upcoming transits this week:

Venus and Jupiter placed at an angle of 90-degree on June 11, Sunday, at 9:06 PM

Uranus enters Krittika nakshatra on June 13, Tuesday, at 12:27 PM

Venus and Saturn placed at an angle of 150-degree on June 13, Tuesday, at 3:26 PM

Mercury enters Rohini nakshatra on June 14, Wednesday, at 4:27 AM

Sun enters Gemini sign on June 15, Thursday, at 6:29 PM

Upcoming Festivals This Week

Masik Kalashtami (June 10, Saturday): It is an auspicious Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Shiva. It falls on the eighth day (ashtami) of the lunar month (masik) in the Hindu calendar. Specifically, it is celebrated on the eighth day after the full moon (Purnima) or the new moon (Amavasya) each month.

It is an auspicious Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Shiva. It falls on the eighth day (ashtami) of the lunar month (masik) in the Hindu calendar. Specifically, it is celebrated on the eighth day after the full moon (Purnima) or the new moon (Amavasya) each month. Masik Janmashtami (June 10, Saturday): It is a monthly observance of the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, according to Hindu mythology. Janmashtami is usually celebrated once a year with great enthusiasm, but Masik Krishna Janmashtami refers to the monthly celebration of Lord Krishna's birth on the eighth day (ashtami) of the lunar month (masik).

It is a monthly observance of the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, according to Hindu mythology. Janmashtami is usually celebrated once a year with great enthusiasm, but Masik Krishna Janmashtami refers to the monthly celebration of Lord Krishna's birth on the eighth day (ashtami) of the lunar month (masik). Mithun Sankranti (June 15, Thursday): It marks the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna (Gemini) as per the Hindu calendar. On Mithun Sankranti, people offer prayers to the Sun god and express gratitude for a good harvest season.

Inauspicious Rahu Kalam This Week

According to Vedic astrology, Rahu is an inauspicious planet. During the transition of planets, the time under the influence of Rahu should be avoided to do any auspicious work. Doing Puja, Hawan or Yagya to propitiate auspicious planets during this time is interfered with by Rahu due to its malefic nature. It is important to consider Rahu Kaal before starting any new work. By doing so, the possibility of achieving desired results is increased. Following are the timings of Rahu Kalam for this week:

June 09: 10:36 AM to 12:20 PM

June 10: 08:52 AM to 10:36 AM

June 11: 05:34 PM to 07:19 PM

June 12: 07:07 AM to 08:52 AM

June 13: 03:50 PM to 05:35 PM

June 14: 12:21 PM to 02:06 PM

June 15: 02:06 PM to 03:51 PM

Panchanga is a calendar used in Vedic astrology to determine the auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position. It comprises of five elements - Vaara, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. The essence of the Panchanga is the inter-relationship between Sun (our soul) and Moon (mind) on a daily basis. Panchanga is used for different branches of Vedic astrology such as natal, election, prashna (horary), religious calendars and to understand the energy of the day. The day of our birth panchanga depicts our emotions, temperament, and nature. It can provide more insight into who we are and how we feel. It can amplify the effect of the planets and endow us with additional characteristics that we may not understand only based on our natal chart. Panchanga is the life force energy that nourishes the birth chart.

----------------------

Neeraj Dhankher

(Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi)

Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in

Url: www.astrozindagi.in

Contact: Noida: +919910094779
I hate almost all rich people, Dorothy Parker once remarked, but I think Id be darling at it. This zinger from a grandmaster of the form encapsulates our own contradictory feelings while watching Succession: the resentment we feel for the squabbling Roy siblings vs the conviction that we would do better if we had their wealth and privileges. The thrill we get out of their ritual humiliation while claiming the moral high ground. Four seasons in, we still couldnt get enough of the schadenfreude porn. No measure of pre-grieving could have prepared us for the end. PREMIUM The Roys wear tailored suits, fly on private jets, holiday aboard luxury yachts, live in swank penthouses  yet their lives are empty and embittered by a lifetime of waiting for their father to hand over the reins of a billion-dollar media empire. (HBO)

The Roys wear tailored suits, fly on private jets, holiday aboard luxury yachts, live in swank penthouses  yet their lives are empty and embittered by a lifetime of waiting for their father to hand over the reins of a billion-dollar media empire. Every boardroom negotiation, reluctant coalition and desperate power-grab proves futile in the end. The tragedy and comedy of it is Logan Roy (Brian Cox) was so intoxicated with his own importance that he failed to groom his children or his staff to take his place. A man so tyrannical he believed playing them against each other in a Darwinian contest would affirm who had the killer instinct to succeed him. What the void left by his sudden death ends up affirming however is his children are too maladjusted, too ill-prepared, too self-serving to inherit Waystar Royco.

Jesse Armstrong, creator, showrunner and head writer of Succession (Lev Radin/Shutterstock)

For its entire run, an abiding pleasure of tuning into Succession was to watch a superb ensemble lob verbal grenades at each other without mercy in their jockeying for power. The extended Roy family sure cursed up a storm. Insults flew thick and fast with Tourettic rampancy. Jokes were whetted like scalpels aiming for surgical precision. Repartee danced to a rhythm of its own. Be it a well-timed one-liner that brought someone down a peg or a soul-puncturing barb that cut deeper than a knife, the writing was loaded with such evocative invective even its targets sometimes had no choice but to walk away, their anger modulating into envious admiration that they couldnt have the final word. Over four foul-mouthed seasons, the team of writers led by its British creator Jesse Armstrong established themselves as a bastion of caustic wit, like a modern-day Algonquin Round Table. Armstrong improved upon his Peep Show and The Thick of It credentials by writing some of the most tart-tongued characters on TV, as his peer and old boss Armando Iannucci did on Veep. Together, the two prophets of the profane have ushered in a renaissance of creative swearing.

As the stakes got higher with each season of Succession, the irony got more corrosive. For this is a world where if you cant say something nice, you spout the most venomous put-down. The dialogue on the show is designed to transport viewers to a battlefield where words are wielded as weapons and as armour. Insult is a means of offence and defence: to attack the target while cushioning yourself from the counterstrike. Who insults and who is insulted determined the weekly power rankings. Where physical conflict is substituted by verbal one-upmanship, the potency of an insult could rearrange the hierarchy. What makes an insult potent is not only the pathology, vulnerability or hang-up of the target being loaded into it but also the timing of it. A strong and well-timed one could empower a contender to pull ahead, build solidarity with an ally, and provide much-needed catharsis.

Jeremy Strong (Lev Radin/Shutterstock)

Abuse crosses generational lines in the Roy family and creates a hierarchy of its own. Given the history of narcissistic abuse suffered by Connor (Alan Ruck), Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook) and Roman (Kieran Culkin) at the hands of their father, insulting becomes a defence mechanism  a form of reactive abuse to reassert control. At Logans funeral in the penultimate episode, his heir apparent Kendall wonders if he has that magnificent, awful force of his father in him. The finale confirms he does: it is awful but not magnificent. When he violently hugs Roman, forcing the latters forehead stitches to reopen, and later physically attacks him in response to an insult, the cycle of abuse only continues.

In such a hyper-sweary show, it should come as no surprise that Logan hurls some of the most eviscerating putdowns, most of which are targeted at his own kids and the rest at anyone who has the misfortune of entering his orbit. A fulsome FUCK OFF is enough to send Kendall packing like a shell shocked puppy. The anger of betrayal brings out the more vicious threats: Im going to grind his fucking bones to make my bread. The shows Shakespearean echoes extend beyond the King Lear-like power struggle between a father and his children. We hear it in the well-crafted insults as well. Take for example when King Lear calls his eldest Goneril an embossed carbuncle in my corrupted blood  an insult no less graphic than bones being grinded for bread and one that wouldnt have sounded incongruous had a classically trained stage actor like Cox said it. Or when First Lord Dumaine calls Parolles a most notable coward, an infinite and endless liar, an hourly promise breaker, the owner of no one good quality in Alls Well That Ends Well, the words could very well apply to Logan. The baroque art of insulting has a long and storied tradition that isnt exclusive to English literature. Describing Andrey Semyonovich in Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote, He attached himself to the cause of progress and our younger generation from enthusiasm. He was one of the numerous and varied legion of dullards, of half-animate abortions, conceited, half-educated coxcombs, who attach themselves to the idea most in fashion only to vulgarise it. How well does it also describe Kendall? That almost every character on Succession is gifted in the fine art of insulting doesnt mean they all sound the same or their jokes are interchangeable. Each has their own cadence and style when it comes to weaponizing words. Logan keeps his insults incisive (Karl, if your hands are clean its only because your whorehouse also does manicures). Roman is prone to snide trolling (Nice vest, Wambsgans. Its so puffy. Whats it stuffed with, your hopes and dreams?). Kendall enjoys rhyming catchphrases (Lets bleed the Swede; We go reverse Viking, we pillage their village) and the odd truth bomb (You couldnt get a job in a burger joint let alone a Fortune 500 without some nepotism). Shiv is adept at throwing razor-edged putdowns (Oh, a chapel. Do you think dad will be able to cross the threshold, or will he spontaneously combust?). Her husband Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen) resorts to snippy taunts (You cant make a Tomlette without breaking some Greggs, The man dying of thirst is suddenly a mineral water critic?, Benign fungus? Great title for your memoir) to hide his own insecurities. His whipping boy Greg (Nicholas Braun) tends to trip awkwardly over serpentine sentences (Yes, if it is to be said, so it be, so it is, He occasionally has expressed a distaste in the past for my particular flavour of me).

Matthew Macfadyen and Sarah Snook (Lev Radin/Shutterstock)

Name-calling comes in all shapes, styles and sizes: literal and figurative, pithy and rambling, armed with precision targeting and broadside cannoning. The siblings give as good as they get. Kendall dismisses Connor as irrelevant. But being overlooked and not needing love is Connors superpower, as he suggests, as opposed to the needy love sponges that are his siblings. Shiv likes to think she is smarter and morally superior  only for her schemes to blow back in her face and reveal her true nature. Whatever liberal values she pretends to share are readily and repeatedly compromised to look after number one. The relationship she shares with Tom is a co-dependent one to benefit each others careers: she wants a meat-puppet who will do her bidding; his love for her is tied somewhat, if not entirely, to her proximity to Logan.

Kieran Culkin (Lev Radin/Shutterstock)

A recurring subject on the shows roasts was Romans sexual perversions and mommy issues. When Shiv jokes if the new cologne he is wearing is Date Rape by Calvin Klein, his response You wish speaks to his dysfunction. So does the accidental sending of a dick pic to his dad, instead of Gerri  with whom he engages in a humiliation kink. Roman is turned on when insulted by his surrogate mommy (You disgusting little pig. Youre pathetic. Youre a revolting little worm, arent you? You little slime puppy) as childhood trauma has stuck him in a state of arrested development. Perhaps it is not by coincidence that Roman is often called Romulus, like the first king of Rome who was raised not by his mother but by a wolf and is known to have backstabbed his brother.

Characters on the sidelines arent denied the odd joke. Logans estranged brother Ewan takes a solid dig at the non-existent standards of journalism in a world where Waystar and its flagship network ATN call the shots: The Logan Roy School of Journalism. Whats next, the Jack the Ripper Womens Health Clinic? Kendall, who loves sloganeering and pretending like he is a good guy, winds up as the bullseye for a series of withering putdowns  Oedipussy, Wokestar Royco, Paranoid Kendroid, Benedickhead Arnold, Snitchie Rich, a jar of mayonnaise in a Prada suit  from late-night comedian Sophie Iwobi (Ziwe). For a show that holds up a warped mirror to American dynastic capitalism at its ugliest, Successions satire is very English, as Hannah Mackay explained in an article for Sight & Sound: US networks have traditionally depicted power in its most potent, aphrodisiacal form  and the people who have it as all-seeing Machiavels. The Roys are not Machiavels but, for the most part, hopeless incompetents. This is a very English view of power  that the people who hold it are not, fundamentally, to be taken seriously. Few eat-the-rich satires of today came with such a cutting edge. Fewer still swore with such prodigious imagination and spectacular eloquence. To quote Parker again, Theres a hell of a distance between wisecracking and wit. Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words. Succession had a wealth of wit and wisecracks  and covered the distance between. Prahlad Srihari is a film and pop culture writer. He lives in Bangalore.

Enjoy unlimited digital access with HT Premium Subscribe Now to continue reading Start 14 Days Free Trial Already Subscribed? Sign In
In the world of meme coins, the community plays a crucial role in shaping the success of cryptocurrencies. Crypto investors must know the significance of supportive communities by examining the Pepe Coin (PEPE), Dogecoin (DOGE), andDogeMiyagi (MIYAGI), and the contributions of communities to the success of each cryptocurrency. Join us as we delve into the impact of community engagement, highlighting the unique characteristics of these meme tokens and the importance of their vibrant and supportive communities.

Pepe Coin: Community Resilience In The Face Of Market Fluctuations

Pepe Coin investors experienced a slight setback as the token's price declined by 9% entering the month of June. However, the strength of the Pepe community lies in its unwavering support for the token. Despite short-term market fluctuations, community members continue to hold on to their investments, driven by the belief in the long-term potential and the community's collective dedication. The resilience of the Pepe Coin community is a testament to the importance of community backing in navigating the volatile crypto industry.

Dogecoin: From Joke To Mainstream Success Story

Originally introduced as a joke in 2013, Dogecoin's journey to mainstream recognition showcases the power of community-driven initiatives. The Dogecoin community sparked a revolution by leveraging clever memes and creating a buzz around the token. Their collective efforts caught the attention of influential figures, including Elon Musk, who further amplified Dogecoin's popularity. However, the lack of a capped supply poses a challenge to Dogecoin's long-term value. Nonetheless, the strong community support has propelled Dogecoin into the spotlight, highlighting the impact a lively and engaged community can have on a meme coin.

The strong community support has propelled Dogecoin into the spotlight

DogeMiyagis Empowering Community Drives Success

DogeMiyagi, a crypto presale project, stands out with its community-focused approach. This meme coin is committed to empowering its community, promoting decentralization, and fostering sustainability. DogeMiyagi's unique selling point lies in its commitment to creating an eco-friendly ecosystem, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable cryptocurrency solutions.

With its engaging and supportive community, DogeMiyagi aims to provide a platform where members can actively participate, contribute, and shape the future of the token. Through community involvement and a lighthearted approach, DogeMiyagi drives its success while promoting a sense of camaraderie among its supporters.

The Role Of Community In Meme Coins Triumph

Pepe Coin, Dogecoin, and DogeMiyagi illustrate the instrumental role of community in meme tokens' success. While Pepe Coin investors exhibit resilience amid market fluctuations, Dogecoin demonstrates the transformative power of a dedicated and creative community. DogeMiyagi, on the other hand, focuses on sustainability and empowers its community to actively contribute to the project's growth. These examples highlight the necessity of a lively, engaged, and supportive community in the crypto industry.

Pepe Coin, Dogecoin, and DogeMiyagi illustrate the instrumental role of community in meme tokens' success.

Community Makes The Difference

In the realm of meme tokens, community support is paramount. Pepe Coin, Dogecoin, and DogeMiyagi exemplify the impact of vibrant and engaged communities. From weathering market fluctuations to propelling tokens into the mainstream, these communities play a vital role in shaping the success of meme tokens. As the word of cryptocurrency evolves, the importance of community backing will continue to drive innovation, sustainability, and the overall success of meme tokens.

Join the revolution and explore the power of community by discovering the unique world of DogeMiyagi.

DogeMiyagi:

Website:https://dogemiyagi.com

Twitter:https://twitter.com/_Dogemiyagi_

Telegram:https://t.me/dogemiyagi

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/ editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/ subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein. The reader is further advised that Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of Hindustan Times of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute a financial advice.
India's central bank kept its key lending rate steady for a second straight policy meeting on Thursday, as widely expected, but signalled that monetary conditions will remain tight for some time as it looks to further curb inflationary pressures. Representational image.

The monetary policy committee (MPC), which has three members from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and three external members, kept the repo rate steady at 6.50% in a unanimous decision.

All 64 economists in a Reuters poll taken between May 16 and 29 expected no change in rates, and some had started pencilling in rate cuts early next year.

Also read | RBI Monetary Policy Committee top announcements

India's hold on rates contrasts with recent central bank actions elsewhere.

Two major central banks -- the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Bank of Canada -- have surprised markets this week by resuming rate hikes to combat stubbornly high inflation, pushing up bond yields across developed markets.

Follow LIVE updates on RBI Monetary Policy here

Despite hitting an 18-month low of 4.70% in April, analysts do not expect India's inflation to fall to the RBI's 4% medium-term target for at least another two years.

The RBI maintained its policy stance of "withdrawal of accommodation" to ensure inflation progressively aligns with the committee's target while remaining supportive of growth, Governor Shaktikanta Das said while announcing the MPC's decision.

"Our goal is to achieve the inflation target of 4% and keeping inflation within the comfort band of 2-6% is not enough," Das said.

The committee "will take further monetary actions promptly and appropriately as required to keep inflation expectations firmly anchored and to bring down inflation to the target," the MPC's resolution said.

India's benchmark 10-year bond yield < IN072633G=CC> rose above the 7% mark, against 6.99% before the decision as the central bank signalled it remained focused on bringing inflation down further.

The Indian rupee was little changed at 82.5850.

The central bank sees growth in 2023/24 at 6.5% while retail inflation is seen averaging 5.1%, Das said.

"Domestic macroeconomic fundamentals are strengthening," he said.

"The RBI remains cautious on the inflation trajectory especially as inflation will remain above the 4% target for the foreseeable future," said Suvodeep Rakshit, senior economist at Kotak Institutional Equities.

"We maintain our call that the RBI will be on an extended pause," he said.

Das said that it would remain "nimble" with its liquidity operations amid spikes in overnight rates despite surplus liquidity in the banking system.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made an announcement regarding its key rates after the conclusion of a three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting led by Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday. The committee, comprised of three members from RBI and three external members, maintained the repo rate at a steady 6.5%.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das (PTI)
Panic gripped the mini-secretariat following an explosion in a garbage dump outside malkhana in the New Court Complex on Thursday when a sanitary worker set the heap of waste on fire. Explosion in Ludhianas New Court Complex triggers panic

The impact of the explosion was so strong that the window panes of malkhana were shattered. The worker who set the garbage on fire suffered injuries as the shards hit his leg. He was discharged from the hospital after first aid.

Heavy police force was deployed at the mini secretariat after the incident.

The police claimed that the explosion occurred after a glass bottle, which was lying in the garbage, exploded after being heated up. They said that the bottle must be filled with some fuel or inflammable liquid.

After the blast, the anti sabotage team of the police department reached the spot and gathered some metal pieces from the garbage for checking.

The explosion could be heard outside the mini secretariat. Panic gripped the district court complex as many visitors, advocates and court staff gathered outside the building after hearing the explosion. The police cordoned off the complex.

According to the eye witnesses, employees deputed at malkhana had asked a sanitary worker to set the dry leaves and garbage on fire at around 8.30 am. All of a sudden, a huge explosion occurred.

Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Jasroop Kaur said they have sent the recovered substances from the garbage for investigation.

There is no evidence of foul play or malicious intent as the explosion occurred due to some bottles being burned in the garbage waste, she said.

The ACP added that the prima facie suggested that the explosion occurred due to a glass bottle.

Sanitary worker Jai Bhan said that after cleaning, he set the garbage on fire on being asked by the officials. Suddenly, an explosion occurred, which blinded him for a few seconds. Some shards injured his leg, and he was rushed to the hospital. He said he did not notice any glass bottles in the garbage.

Chetan Verma, president of the District Bar Association, said they have lodged complaints several times with the district session judge and the commissioner of police regarding the need to relocate malkhana to a safer place.

The police department has confiscated numerous items that pose a safety risk. Moreover, the building itself is in a dilapidated condition and needs to be relocated, he said.

On March 18, a massive fire broke out at the Sadar Malkhana of the police department, adjacent to the New Court complex. Around 10 explosions were heard inside the malkhana after the flames engulfed the structure and destroyed some records.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Afghan Sikh refugees in Delhi as a part of BJPs outreach campaign on nine years of the Modi government, and said there is a good case of providing multiple entry visa to those who want to go back to Afghanistan to tend to their properties and gurdwaras. Union minister for external affairs S Jaishankar meets with Afghan Sikh refugees at a gurdwara in New Delhi on Thursday. (HT File)

Read here: No normalisation of ties without peace on LAC: EAM Jaishankar tells China

Jaishankar was accompanied by Delhi BJP leaders, including state president Virendra Sachdeva in his visit to Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara in Mahavir Nagar where he met the refugees.

The minister also promised to look into the concerns of the Sikh refugees regarding their citizenship status, passport and schooling for their children.

I wanted to listen to their concerns. They raised their issues  some want to go back since they have property there. There was also concern about gurdwaras there, he said, interacting with reporters after the visit. I felt they have a good case of travelling to Afghanistan and coming back and they should be given multiple or double, triple-entry visas. Another issue was how to take forward citizenship as some people are awaiting it, he said.

The minister said he found some refugees who took on Indian citizenship because of their children, later faced problems. It should not be like that. Instead of helping them, the system puts more burden on them, he said.

Read here: Jaishankar slams Rahul Gandhi over his comments during US visit

In reply to a question over opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act, Jaishankar said: If that law were not there, what would happen to them. This is not a matter of politics, its a matter of humanity. He said that the Afghan Sikh refugees could not have been left to fend for themselves in Afghanistan.
Shahbad Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) MLA Ram Karan Kala on Thursday stepped down as the Haryana Sugarfed chairman after the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP-JJP alliance government did not consider his demand to release nine detained farmers, procure sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP) and compensate protesters injured in Tuesdays lathicharge. Shahbad Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) MLA Ram Karan Kala (HT photo)

Coming out in support of farmers who blocked the Delhi-Chandigarh highway on Tuesday to press for the procurement of sunflower seeds at MSP, Kala had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government on Wednesday and met his party leader and deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala.

Kala had announced the ultimatum during a press conference called by state cooperation and public health engineering minister Dr Banwari Lal in Chandigarh. But by Thursday afternoon he failed to get any response from the government and submitted his resignation to Dushyant Chatuala.

The JJP is a junior alliance partner of the BJP-led government in Haryana.

I took up the issue with Dushyant Chautala, who assured me to resolve the issue. But I have also decided to resign from the post of Sugarfed (Haryana State Federation of Cooperative Sugar Mills Ltd) chairman if the detained farmers are not released, procurement of sunflower is not started on the MSP and compensation to injured farmers is not provided in 24 hours, he had said.

The MLA condemned the police lathicharge on farmers to evict them from the highway, saying that they were only protesting for their right. The government could have resolved the issue amicably without resorting to lathicharge.

On being aksed whether the resignation will severe the ties between the BJP and JJP, he said it was upto the party leadership to decide, But I have done my job in the interest of farmers of my constituency as this incident has given me so much pain which I cannot tolerate.

The incident and police action could have been averted and farmers could be persuaded to end the protest, he added. The MLA claimed that he had taken up the issue of sunflower farmers with the chief minister twice but to no avail. Even the sunflower seeds were procured by the successive governments at MSP. I dont know why they are rigid and instigating the farmers of my constituency ahead of elections, he added.

Earlier, Kala had reached the protesting farmers and told them that he has decided to resign as the government did not accept his demands. Three-time zila parishad member Ram Karan contested his first election on INLD ticket from the reserved Shahbad constituency in 2009 and in 2014 as an Independent, unsuccessfully. In 2019, the fledging JJP fielded him from Shahbad and he defeated sitting BJP MLA Krishan Bedi by a margin of 37,127 votes.

When asked whether he was looking this agitation as an opportunity to garner support from farmers ahead of the assembly elections due next year, he said, I am not resigning for political motives but I am standing with my people, who had made me an MLA. The government had made me the chairman of Sugarfed and I have returned it back in the respect of my people.

Deepender extends support to farmers

Congress MP Deepender Hooda on Thursday reached Shahbad and extended support to the protesting farmers. He however, said the Congress will make a list of such officers who are harassing the farmers and action will be taken against them if people of the state give an opportunity to the Congress to form the next government in Haryana.

We will not allow the proceedings in the Haryana assembly until cases registered against the farmers are withdrawn, he assured the protesting farmers. He said the police had targeted elderly and young farmers but this government will have to face its consequences. He demanded the government to release farmer leaders and procure sunflower seeds on MSP.

He assured that a law to guarantee MSP will be formed if the Congress is voted to power at the Centre.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Haryana government is set to host two-day G20 Conference on Crime and Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse from July 13 at Gurugram. Chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal reviewed the preparations for the upcoming event in collaboration with senior officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state government on Thursday.

Chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal reviewed the preparations for the upcoming event in collaboration with senior officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state government on Thursday.

During the meeting, he highlighted various initiatives to enhance the delegates experience, including an exhibition showcasing Haryanas journey of progress and cultural heritage.

Kaushal said an exhibition will be organised to provide the delegates with a deeper understanding of Haryanas vibrant history and its path towards progress and development.

In addition, the higher education department has planned a series of seminars, essay writing competitions, and other engaging events in colleges and universities across the state. These activities will encourage scholarly discussions and critical thinking among students, fostering intellectual growth and knowledge exchange.

An official spokesperson said the conference is being organised by the MHA in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

The international partners will be Interpol, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), while national partners will include Data Security Council of India (DSCI), Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), National Forensic Science University (NFSU), National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

The spokesperson said G20 countries Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, The United Kingdom, United States of America and European Union will participate in the conference. While nine countries namely Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE have been invited as guests to the conference. About 600 delegates are likely to participate in the conference.

The conference aims to address the pressing issues and challenges posed by emerging technologies such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse, and their impact on crime and security. The conference will provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and develop strategies to combat the evolving landscape of criminal activities in the digital realm, said the spokesperson.
The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has transferred two IAS officers from Chandigarh with immediate effect. In exchange, Union ministry of home affairs has transferred to Chandigarh 2010-batch IAS officer Ajay Chagti from Arunachal Pradesh and 2018-batch IAS officer Hari Kallikkat from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (Getty images)

According to the MHA order, 2008-batch IAS officer Yashpal Garg, who was secretary, health, medical education and research, as well as chief executive officer, Chandigarh Housing Board, has been transferred to Arunachal Pradesh.

Also, 2008-batch IAS officer Vinod P Kavle, secretary, food and supplies and consumer affairs and legal metrology, labour, agriculture, cooperation and sports, has been shifted to Delhi.

In exchange, the MHA has transferred to Chandigarh 2010-batch IAS officer Ajay Chagti from Arunachal Pradesh and 2018-batch IAS officer Hari Kallikkat from Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Earlier on May 26, the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change had transferred 1999-batch IFS officer Debendra Dalai, posted as chief conservator of forest and environment director in Chandigarh, to Arunachal Pradesh.

Since taking over the charge of UT health secretary in September 2021, Garg introduced several patient-friendly initiatives and also took measures to end corruption.

Through several surprise inspections in various government hospitals, Garg ended the monopoly of the sole chemist at GMSH, Sector 16, and opened Jan Aushadi stores at GMSH, Sector 16, and GMCH, Sector 32, to make affordable medicines available to patients. Further, he ensured that doctors do not prescribe branded and expensive medicines to underprivileged people.

He made headlines in January this year, when he saved the life of a man by giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for about a minute after he collapsed while visiting him at the CHB building.

Two IPS officers also shifted

The MHA has also ordered the transfer of two IPS officers from Chandigarh. Among them, Deepak Purohit from 2007 batch, presently posted as DIG (Headquarters and Security) and IG (Prisons), has been sent to Delhi and 2018-batch officer Shruti Arora, presently posted as Commandant IRB, to Ladakh.
As Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit is on two-day visit to border areas of the state and was in Amritsar on Thursday, a drone spotted near the border in this district, was shot down by the troops of Border Security Force (BSF). On Wednesday night, troops of BSF heard a buzzing sound of a suspected drone near Bhaini Rajputana village of Amritsar district. (HT Photo)

As per a BSF spokesperson, on Wednesday night, troops of BSF heard a buzzing sound of a suspected drone near Bhaini Rajputana village of Amritsar district. As per the laid down drill, troops immediately reacted to intercept the drone.

Meanwhile, the police naka team also joined BSF party, and a joint search was launched in the area. During the search, a drone in broken condition was recovered from a farming field adjacent to Rajatal - Bharopal - Daoke Tri - junction, on the outskirts of Bhaini Rajputana village, he said. He added, The recovered drone is a Quadcopter of model DJI Matrice 300RTK series. Yet another Pakistani drone was brought down by alert BSF troops in Amritsar Sector.

2.5-kg heroin recovered in Tarn Taran

Continuing the special drive against trans-border smuggling networks, Tarn Taran Police and BSF in a joint operation have recovered a drone with 2.5-kg heroin during search in area of Wan village in Tarn Taran. A motorbike left behind by the smugglers was also recovered after the area was cordoned off due to a drone intrusion from Pakistan. An FIR has been registered and investigation is going on, said a police spokesperson.
The Border Security Force recovered a Pakistani drone along the border in the Amritsar sector on Wednesday night, a BSF spokesperson said. The Border Security Force recovered a Pakistani drone in a broken condition along the border in the Amritsar sector on Wednesday night, a BSF spokesperson said. (HT Photo)

On Wednesday, at 9.10pm, BSF personnel heard a buzzing sound of a drone near Bhaini Rajputana village of Amritsar district. They immediately reacted to intercept the drone, an official statement said.

Police deployed at a checkpoint in the area joined the BSF, and a search was launched. A drone in broken condition was recovered from the field adjoining Rajatal-Bharopal-Daoke tri junction, on the outskirts of Bhaini Rajputana, the statement said.

Also read: Punjab: Low-intensity explosion near Ludhiana court complex triggers panic

The recovered drone is a Quadcopter of model DJI Matrice 300RTK series.

The incident came on a day when Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit was in Amritsar after visiting the border district of Gurdaspur. His visit is aimed at tackling the threat of drones being used by Pakistan for smuggling of drugs, arms, ammunition and explosives.

This is his fourth such visit in the past one year.

During his visit to Dharamkot Randhawa village near Dera Baba Nanak of Gurdaspur, the governor interacted with prominent residents of the village besides sarpanches and member panchayats of nearby border villages.

The governor sought support from the people of the village to aid security agencies involved in tackling drone intrusions from across the border. The BSF and Punjab Police have already announced an award of 1 lakh to informers who lead them to the recovery of contraband dropped by drones.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab NRI affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday said that the state government will provide free legal assistance to 700 students facing deportation in Canada. Punjab NRI affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said he met the states advocate general to figure how Indian students could be helped (Twitter/KuldeepSinghAAP)

Most of these students belong to Punjab and they will be assisted by lawyers who are experts in immigration laws in Canada, he said.

Dhaliwal said he has also written to all MPs of Punjab origin in Canada to step in so that the future of these children can be secured.

Also Read: Indian students facing deportation in Canada stage indefinite protests

Chairing a high-level meeting with civil and police officers associated with NRI department in Chandigarh, Dhaliwal also instructed all deputy commissioners and senior superintendent of police (SSPs) to scrutinize documents of travel agents and immigration agenies and send a report by July 10. He expressed concern that many travel agents are running immigration agencies illegally.

Dhaliwal said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already given clear instructions to improve the system. If the system is transparent and clean, then there will be less scope for human trafficking by illegal travel/immigration agencies, he said, announcing a special campaign against unscrupulous travel agents and immigration agencies in Punjab.

Dhaliwal also asked people to report cases from the last 10 years where an immigrant Punjabi has been deliberately implicated in a wrong case.

Such cases will be investigated and justice will be given to the victim, the minister added.

Dhaliwal has already sought the intervention of the Centre to resolve the matter of 700 Indian students who are trapped in immigration fraud in Canada and facing deportation.
The Delhi Universitys Executive Council (EC) is scheduled to meet on June 9 to take decisions on a number of proposals for curriculum changes, teachers aware of the matter said on Thursday. These changes include the addition of VD Savarkars philosophy in the fifth semester of BA (Political Science) course, and removing poet Muhammad Iqbal from the syllabus. The Delhi Universitys academic council had cleared the inclusion of paper on VD Savarkar for Policial Science students. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Read here: 'He opposed': Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's kin on being 'inspired' by Savarkar

Both changes were approved by the DUs academic council on May 28, and must be ratified by the EC.

The EC meeting will also finalise the introduction of several new undergraduate courses, including a course on the University of Delhi Innovation and Startup Policy, three new BTech programmes for the academic session 2023-24  computer science and engineering, electronics and communication engineering, and electrical engineering  along with the new Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) course and two new five-year LLB courses.

Read here: In making, anti-BJP front agrees to press mute on Savarkar

On Wednesday, 123 retired government officials, including retired high court judges, former bureaucrats, and retired ambassadors, had issued a statement in support of the DU academic council decision to introduce Savarkar in the political science curriculum. History as written in texts and taught in any country should truthfully reveal the facts and be interpreted impartially and without any bias, the statement said.
A 23-year-old man arrested for two thefts in one night died by suicide by hanging himself with a cloth in the lock-up of Najafgarh police station in west Delhi on Thursday night, said police officers familiar with the matter. The police have suspended the lock-up sentry for negligence. (Representational Image)

The incident was captured on a CCTV camera installed at the police station, according to M Harshavardhan, deputy commissioner of police (Dwarka), and there was no evidence of foul play in the death. However, the sentry was negligent, and we have suspended him, said the DCP.

The officer said that a judicial magistrate is holding an inquest and that no external injuries were discovered on the deceased mans body.

The deceased man lived in Jamia Nagar with his parents and brother and was previously arrested in two separate theft cases in 2020 and 2021, according to the police.

His most recent involvement in theft occurred in the early hours of Thursday when he entered a house in Najafgarh by unlatching a window and stole a laptop and a mobile phone, said DCP Harshavardhan. The owner of the stolen goods awoke to the sound of his room door closing. However, the thief had escaped. He then made a police control room call at 1.40am, said the DCP.

Half an hour later, the suspect stole a motorcycle from another Najafgarh neighbourhood, but dog barks awoke the owner, said the DCP. Even as the motorcycle owner dialled the PCR at 2.10am, the suspect managed to flee, the DCP added.

Investigating officers said that the stolen mobile phone had the find my phone feature and that the device was in Kapashera. When we arrived in Kapashera, the local police had already apprehended the suspect. He was entering a construction site when he was apprehended by a guard, who called the PCR at 4.57am, said DCP Harshavardhan.

According to police officers, the suspect was arrested and brought to Najafgarh police station after the stolen phone, laptop, and motorcycle were discovered in his possession.

At 8pm on Thursday, he underwent a medical examination and was lodged in the police stations lock-up. At 10.40pm, he used a cloth to hang himself from a grill at the back end of the lock-up, the DCP said, adding that the cloth used in the suicide was used for cleaning the cell and was most likely left behind by sanitation staff.

The police are unsure why he killed himself when he was imprisoned twice previously.
The Gurugram Police have arrested an IT firm employee for allegedly extorting a man by levelling fake allegations of molestation against him. According to police, 27-year-old Binita Kumari demanded 2 lakh from the complainant who she had befriended on a dating app with the help of her accomplice Mahesh Phogat, PTI reported.



An FIR was registered against the duo at Gurugram's DLF Phase 2 police station. The accused have duped 12 other people, and have made false rape and molestation charges against five people. Binita Kumari had befriended the victim through a dating app. (Representational image)

Binita, who hails from Bihar, had connected with the victim over dating app Bumble. On May 28, the accused took the victim to a hotel in Sector 23 area and forced him to drink beer. Sensing something was wrong, the complainant refused to drink and left the hotel. According to police, the woman called him up and accused him of misbehaving and molesting her.

The woman also threatened to lodge a police complaint against the victim. It was then her accomplice Mahesh called the victim and demanded 5 lakh to settle the case. Later, the amount settled was 2 lakh. The complainant paid both of them 50,000 and promised to pay the remaining amount. He later approached the police for help, who laid the trap to arrest the duo.



According to the plan, the victim called Binita to receive rest of the money at Maulsari Market near Sai Temple. Phogat was caught red-handed receiving the money. Later, Binita Kumari was nabbed from U block in DLF-3, ACP Kaushik told PTI.

The police have also recovered 50,000 paid by the victim along with two mobile phones from the arrested duo. The woman and her accomplice were produced in a city court and sent to judicial custody.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Police busted a fake call centre on Thursday that was operational from the Universal Trade Tower in Sector 49, Gurugram police said. Police said three fake call centres have been busted across the city in the last one week and all of them were cheating foreign nationals. (Representative image)

Police said 14 suspects, including the centre owner Aditya and tele callers were arrested from the spot by the raiding team led by assistant commissioner of police (cyber crime) Vipin Ahlawat.

ACP Ahlawat said, The suspects were mainly targeting American nationals. They used a computer application to target the victims in the guise of giving technical assistance. By citing technical issues and getting them resolved, they used to cheat around $500 from each of their victims through gift cards and later redeemed them.

Investigators said 14 laptops, five mobile phones and other items were seized during the raid which was carried out in the wee hours of Thursday.

Police said three fake call centres have been busted across the city in the last one week and all of them were cheating foreign nationals.
A woman resident of the city and her male friend, who runs an NGO in Delhi, were arrested on charges of extorting money from at least 12 men after threatening to implicate them in fake rape cases after honey-trapping on dating apps, police said on Thursday. Gurugram, India-June 08, 2023: Vikas Kaushik, ACP DLF, Harinder, ACP Pataudi and Dr. Kavita, ACP address a press conference after arrested two accused allegedly involve in honey trap case in Commissionerate building, in Gurugram, India, on Thursday, 08 June 2023. (Photo by Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)(Pic to go wiith Debashish Karmakar's story)

Police said the duo had got five fake rape cases registered against their victims, using which they extorted money from them. Of the five, four cases were registered at different police stations of Gurugram, said police.

Investigators said the prime suspect, Binita Kumari (27), who hails from Bihar, was arrested from her rented accommodation in Block U, DLF Phase-3, on Wednesday. They said she worked as an advisor in a private information technology firm in the city.

Vikash Kaushik, assistant commissioner of police (DLF), said before her arrest, her male associate, Mahesh Phogat (30), who hails from Rohtak, was arrested from Sector 24 in DLF Phase-3 when he reached there to collect extortion money from one of their latest victims.

Kaushik said Kumari had befriended the victim on a dating app and had taken him to a hotel in Sector 23 on May 28.

There, she tried to get him drunk but the victim suspected foul play and immediately left the spot. However, later she threatened him over the phone that she was going to approach the police saying he molested her, Kaushik said.

The ACP said Kumari and Phogat asked him to pay 5 lakh to avoid a case but settled for 2 lakh after negotiations.

The victim had already paid them 50,000 on Wednesday. He then approached DLF Phase-3 police station and submitted a complaint after which we launched an investigation and arrested them after laying a trap, the ACP said, adding that 50,000 extorted from the victim was also recovered from Phogat after his arrest.

Investigators said in the course of the duos interrogation, it surfaced that they had extorted money from at least 12 other men using the same modus operandi.

Both of them were booked in a FIR registered under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 384 (extortion) and 389 (putting a person in fear of an accusation of an offence) of the Indian Penal Code at DLF Phase-3 olice station on Wednesday.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The three-tier panchayat polls in West Bengal will be held on July 8, State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha said on Thursday. The panchayat polls will be held on July 8. The last date for filing nominations is June 15. The last date of withdrawal of nominations is June 20, Sinha told a press conference.

The panchayat polls will be held on July 8. The last date for filing nominations is June 15. The last date of withdrawal of nominations is June 20, Sinha told a press conference here.

Sinha, however, evaded a direct reply on whether the elections would be held under the supervision of central forces as demanded by opposition parties.

The Election

The polls for the village councils will be held in a single day and the last day for filing nominations will be June 15.

In response to a question, the official said votes will be counted on July 11.

The three-tier Panchayati Raj system consists of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad.

The panchayat election is considered to be an indicator of which way the state will vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

2018 Panchayat election

The ruling Trinamool Congress had recorded a resounding victory in the 2018 West Bengal panchayat polls, with the BJP coming a distant second. The CPI(M) bagged the third position and the Congress fourth.

The panchayat elections in West Bengal took place on May 14, 2018. However, massive violence was witnessed during the polls, due to which re-elections were held on May 16, 2018, in 573 booths spread across 19 districts.

 With PTI Inputs

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
PRAYAGRAJ: In the wake of gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari aka Jeevas murder in Lucknow district court on Wednesday, lawyers in Prayagraj are concerned over their security. They claim the security is lax on most working days. Cops on alert in Prayagraj district court on Thursday. (HT)

As Prayagraj district court has witnessed shootouts and murders in past years, lawyers demand that adequate security arrangements and CCTV cameras should be ensured on the district court premises.

Lawyer Masood Ali Khan said the murder in Lucknow district court was the result of security lapse. The assailant was confident he would reach inside the court with the firearm unchecked, he added.

Prayagraj District Bar Association general secretary Vidhi Varidhi Mishra said a similar situation prevailed in Prayagraj district court where there were no security arrangements at all on most days. Metal detectors installed at six entrances of the court were defunct. Lawyers met the district judge on Thursday and raised concerns over security lapses, he added.

The District Bar Association held a meeting following which the lawyers declared a work boycott to protest the murder in Lucknow district court on Wednesday.

Associations president Girish Tiwari said lawyers were not feeling safe after the incident in Lucknow district court. Strict security arrangements should be ensured in Prayagraj district court. A delegation of lawyers would meet senior police officials about their demands soon, he added.

It is worth mentioning that there are six entrances to the Prayagraj district court. Metal detectors are installed at the entrances but except at the main entrance, no cops are deployed to check the entry of suspicious persons on most days, the lawyers claim.

However, on Thursday policemen were alert at all entrances of the district court following the orders issued by the UP DGP to tighten security in lower courts. Cops ensured that metal detectors were functional and baggage scanners were used.

The lawyers also recalled some incidents of assault in the district court in the past few years.

Slain mafia politician Atiq Ahmad himself was attacked inside the district court 15 years before he was shot dead by three assailants on April 15, 2023.

Lawyer Indra Vikram Singh recalled that Atiq was brought to court in 2007 for hearing in a case. After the hearing Atiq was coming down from the second floor of the court escorted by policemen. On the stairs, a person had hurled crude bombs at him. Smoke had filled the stairs after a loud explosion. Atiq and a sub inspector had fallen on the floor. While a cop had received injuries, Atiq had escaped unhurt. The assailant had fled the spot taking advantage of the commotion. One Ekhlaq was arrested later for the attack on Atiq. However, it also came to fore that Atiq himself staged the attack, Singh added.

Another incident was a lawyers murder by a sub inspector in Prayagraj district court premises in 2015.

On March 11, 2015 a group of lawyers had an argument with subinspector Shailendra Singh. After the heated exchange, the lawyers allegedly assaulted the sub-inspector. Shailendra Singh had allegedly whipped out his service pistol and opened fire. A bullet had hit a young lawyer Nabi Ahmad and he had collapsed. He was later declared brought dead at the hospital. SI Shailendra Singh had fled the district court, clutching the pistol in his hand. Lawyers had created a ruckus in protest against the incident. Later, Shailendra Singh was arrested and sent to jail.

Slain lawyer Umesh Pal was assaulted in Prayagraj district court on July 11, 2016 while he was there to give a statement in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case. Assailants had opened fire on him but he had escaped unhurt. The assailants had fled the spot soon after the lawyers assembled there
Uttar Pradesh police issued prohibitory orders in Kanpur banning the gathering of more than four people following the shooting incident at the Lucknow court premises in which gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's associate Sanjeev Maheshwari, alias Jeeva, was shot dead. Kanpur Additional Commissioner of Police said that section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in the district to maintain the law and order situation. Police personnel and lawyers outside the court premises in Lucknow after the murder of gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva on Wednesday. (ANI PHOTO)

Jeeva was killed in the Lucknow civil court premises on Wednesday.

Lucknow District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar stated that the shooter involved in the courtroom shooting was also seriously injured.

Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot dead and a girl of 1.5 years was also injured whose condition is stable and is undergoing treatment. How many people came to kill him is a matter of investigation but the shooter has been caught and he is also seriously injured, ANI quoted Surya Pal Gangwar as saying.

How did the firing occur?

An unidentified assailant, posing as a lawyer, gunned down gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari, also known as Jeeva in a Lucknow courtroom on Wednesday. The shooting incident during the courtroom proceedings also left two police constables and an 18-month-old toddler injured. The attack took place shortly after Maheshwari, an aide of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, was brought to the courtroom by the police for his involvement in a murder case around 4 pm.

Lucknow (West) Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Raj later confirmed that the assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav from Jaunpur's Kerakat area, had disguised himself as a lawyer and had already taken his position inside the courtroom prior to Maheshwari's arrival. Yadav opened fire, striking the 48-year-old gangster with at least six bullets, causing fatal chest injuries.

Who was Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva?

Sanjeev Maheshwari, also known as Jeeva, had a history of criminal involvement, with a staggering total of 26 cases registered against him dating back to 1995. He was already serving a life sentence for his role in the 1997 murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brahm Dutt Dwivedi.

In addition to being associated with notorious gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, Maheshwari was also one of the co-accused, along with gangster Prem Prakash Singh (known as Munna Bajrangi), in the high-profile murder case of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai. Rai was attacked by a group of armed assailants in Ghazipur district on November 29, 2005. Bajrangi was killed in Baghpat jail in 2018.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Uttar Pradesh energy and urban development minister AK Sharma on Thursday reviewed the preparations for the upcoming G20 development ministers meeting in Varanasi from June 11 to 13. Sharma instructed the departments concerned to complete all their work in time. U.P. energy and urban development minister AK Sharma at a meeting with officials in Varanasi on June 8. (HT photo)

The minister said no department would dig any road in the city without the permission of the district magistrate. The wires hanging on the poles should be removed and transformers kept at various places should also be given a beautiful look, he said.

Sharma instructed the public works department to wash painted dividers. He said that the work of facade and theme painting on boundary walls on both sides of the buildings, flyovers and roads should be completed in time.

He said the city should be made clean and decorated to create a festive atmosphere. He instructed the officials to take cooperation of public representatives for lighting on commercial establishments and private buildings.

The principal secretary, urban development, gave instructions to the concerned officials to ensure lighting on the other side of the Namo ghat. Commissioner of police Ashok Mutha Jain explained in detail all the police related arrangements.

District magistrate S Rajalingam said as per the instructions given by the minister during an inspection on Wednesday night, the work had been started. Moreover, the DM instructed the nodal officers to get the assigned task completed by staying on the spot.

Rajalingam held a meeting with IMA, Private Medical Association, Real Estate Association and other private organisations to ensure mass participation of people to beautify Varanasi during the G20 event. He laid emphasis on giving uniformity to the signboards of the shops on the G-20 route and installation of ornamental lights/frills.

He directed ADM (city) Gulab Chandra to allot routes from the airport to Atulanand School Tiraha-Taj Hotel-Namo Ghat-Dashashwamedh-Ghat and TFC etc under the supervision of one senior officer each. Instructions were also given to get illegal meat/fish shops closed.
The 56-year-old man, who was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly killing his live-in partner in Mumbai, has told his interrogators that he boiled some parts of her body after chopping it and fed them to the stray dogs, people aware of the matter said on Thursday. Manoj Sahani, the accused. (Sourced)

Police found decomposed pieces of the body of Saraswati Vaidya, 32, in buckets and bowls at the apartment of Manoj Sahani, the accused, on Mumbais Mira Road on Wednesday.

Sahani claimed Vaidya consumed poison on June 4. He told police that when he saw her lying dead with foam coming from her mouth, he feared he would be booked for abetment to suicide and hence decided to chop the body in pieces and dispose them of.

We found both feet of the victim in the kitchen which he was about to boil, said a police officer, who did not want to be named. He cited the nature of the decomposed body parts and added they suspect Sahani murdered Vaidya three to four days back.

Sahani, who had been staying with Vaidya for the last three years, was arrested after police arrived at their apartment when their neighbours complained about the foul smell emanating from the couples flat on Wednesday. Police found Vaidyas chopped body parts when they arrived there.

Police said Sahani met Vaidya 16 years back at a ration shop where he worked. They added the two belonged to the same community and later got into a relationship.

Deputy police commissioner Jayant Bajbale said they believe Sahani cut Vaidyas body into pieces to make it easier for him to dispose them of.

A third police officer said that some body parts remained missing and they suspected Sahani disposed them of by either feeding them to stray dogs or dumping them in public dustbins.

Since Vaidya was an orphan, Sahani said he was confident that no one would inquire about her, said the third officer. We are trying to ascertain his claim that the woman consumed poison.

He added the couple would often fight as Sahani suspected Vaidya of having an affair which may have led to the murder.

The couples neighbours said they did not mingle with others. The door of their flat did not even have a nameplate.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
As gory details emerge of the Mumbai murder that is uncannily similar to the shocking Shraddha Walkar case, the neighbour of the accused Manoj Sane revealed that the 56-year-old avoided interactions with people. Speaking to news agency ANI, the man said that he wasnt even aware of the accuseds name until the alleged murder was uncovered. The accused, identified as Manoj Sahani, had been staying with Saraswati Vaidya, 32, in flat No. 704 in J-Wing of Geeta Akash Deep building in Geeta Nagar Phase 7

The residents felt a stench wafting from the area on Monday or Tuesday and were clueless about its origin. The man added that a tree cutter was recovered from the apartment in Geeta Nagar Phase 7, and there were no blood stains in the flat.

"He kept only to himself and didn't mingle with the others. I didn't even know his name...A foul smell - like that of a dead rat - started emanating on Monday morning or Tuesday evening. We didn't imagine the source of it to be that flat, we had seen things like that only on TV, the neighbour told ANI.

Sane was arrested Wednesday for allegedly chopping up the body of his 32-year-old live-in partner Saraswati Vaidya in Mumbai's Mira road area and has been sent to police custody till June 16 by a Thane court. According to the police, the murder may have taken place three days ago. Sane was living with the decomposing body parts, police said.

The residents of J-wing in Geeta Aakashdeep Cooperative Housing Society contacted the police on Wednesday after noticing the foul smell emanating from flat number 704. The couple had been living on the seventh floor of the building in Mira Road for the past three years.

The chopped body parts were found dumped in utensils and buckets in the flat, and have been sent to JJ Hospital for further analysis, ANI quoted Jayant Bajbale, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Mumbai, in a statement. An FIR has been registered in the case.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mumbai: Dr Sudesh Kamat, who facilitated India and Nepals first babies conceived through the pioneering technology of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), died on June 7, 2023 from a heart attack when he was travelling by train. He was a resident of Andheri and 55 years old. Describing Dr Kamat as a compassionate, hardworking and full-of-life human being, Dr Jatin Shah, an infertility expert, said that Dr Kamat helped start 20 to 25 clinics all over the country 25 years ago when he was the only doctor doing so. In his freelancing, he was able to take the ICSI technology far and wide, helpful in overcoming male factor infertility. He touched the life of every embryologist and IVF clinician in India, he said. (HT PHOTO)

Dr Kamat was a well-known embryologist, who increased the reach of assisted reproduction technology, IVF and ICSI all over the country. He was the chairman of the embryology section of ISAR (Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction), an Indian society of IVF experts promoting assisted reproduction.

He must have performed over 3,00,000 egg injections, said Dr Hrishikesh D Pai, president of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India. He went all over the country to start ICSI centres, training many people along the way. As and when I brought new technology to the country, Dr Kamat was alongside in pioneering its application. Dr Kamat was Dr Pais main embryologist in his private practice, Bloom IVF, till the end.

Dr Nandita Palshetkar, director of the Bloom IVF centre, described Dr Kamat as the leader in the field of embryology. Our journey in the field of IVF has been together, she said. He was part of Bloom IVFs growth and instrumental in setting it up and many centres across the country. He started certificate courses all over India, held workshops and paved the way for newer advancements in the field.

Describing Dr Kamat as a compassionate, hardworking and full-of-life human being, Dr Jatin Shah, an infertility expert, said that Dr Kamat helped start 20 to 25 clinics all over the country 25 years ago when he was the only doctor doing so. In his freelancing, he was able to take the ICSI technology far and wide, helpful in overcoming male factor infertility. He touched the life of every embryologist and IVF clinician in India, he said.

Dr Niranjan Chavan, president of the Mumbai Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society and Kamats school friend said though he was the countrys topmost embryologist, he was a down-to-earth person. He has left behind a huge void and legacy in the field of embryology, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
LUCKNOW A 14-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly raped and then hammered to death by a 16-year-old boy in Takrohi village under Lucknows Indira Nagar police station on Wednesday afternoon. Following the murder, the teenage accused, a Muslim, hanged the body of the girl to mislead the police and make it seem like a suicide. Locals and the bereaved family staged a protest with the body as cops tried to pacify the situation (HT Photo)

According to preliminary reports, the incident took place when the girls parents, who run a small shop near Munshipulia, were out for work. The two siblings of the victim -- a 10-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl -- were allegedly locked in a room by the accused while committing the horrific crime. The girls mother spotted the boy coming out of the house as she returned home around 1:30 pm.

As I entered my home, I saw the accused coming out. He was perplexed to find me. I asked him how he entered the house but he started to run away in panic. I even caught his scarf but he somehow managed to escape, the victims mother told HT. She added, I heard my two younger children locked in one of the rooms. The moment I unlocked the door, they told me that their elder sister was not answering their cries and that they were locked inside by someone. When we went upstairs, we found my elder girls body hanging from the ceiling fan. Her legs were touching the bed.

Sharing further details, SM Qasim Abidi, Lucknows Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North, said, Police have taken the accused minor boy into custody. We are initiating legal proceedings after lodging an FIR at the Indira Nagar police station based on the complaint of the girls father.

The DCP added, Forensic experts were called to the spot to examine the circumstances and the evidence. Further investigation is underway while the postmortem report is awaited. Simultaneously, the arrested boy is being questioned. He would be produced before the juvenile justice board.

The father of the victim girl has said that the accused used to live 1.5 km away from their house. The boy first raped my daughter and then hit her head with a hammer when she resisted. After killing her, he tried to mislead us all by hanging the body, said the girls father in his complaint.

On Thursday, the girls father and area locals staged a protest with the body before cremation rituals. They demanded strict action against the accused. Women activists from the All India Democratic Womens Association (AIDWA) also gathered at the spot and staged a protest as the girls body reached her home for the last time after the postmortem. The bereaved family tried to take the body to the main crossing for protest but they were intercepted by the large police team, which was deployed at the spot to handle the situation.

The family asked for the accused to be hanged and raised slogans shaming the Uttar Pradesh Police. All senior police officials, local politicians, and heads of several independent organisations also reached the site and requested the family members to cremate the body. After a few hours, the family acceded to the local administrations request.

MY DAUGHTER WAS A BRIGHT STUDENT

Still in shock and disbelief, the girls father said, My daughter was a bright student. She secured a first division in her Class 10th exams last year. Despite financial constraints, we made sure that she gets a good education. Is this the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao the government talks about? What are we supposed to do when daughters are not safe even in their own homes?

Echoing her husband, the girls mother said, My eldest daughter was born talented. I never forced her to do household work, so, she could study. All for what? To see a day when she is killed without any mercy?

Meanwhile, AIDWA member Vandana Rai said, We have handed over a letter to the Deputy District Magistrate as he came to the spot. In the letter, we have asked the concerned officials to file a chargesheet against the accused without any delay and also to file a case in the fast-track court. We have also asked for financial assistance of 25 lakh for the family. Also, one member of the family should be given a government job.
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is burning waste on the footpath along RAK Marg, near Wadala railway station, and right at a makeshift solid waste management (SWM) office where heaps of garbage are piled up every day, activists and citizens forums from the area have complained. HT Image

According to the residents, heaps of waste have been lying on the footpath and have spilled onto the road blocking one side of it for many months. They claim the BMC has been burning this waste daily in the last week instead of disposing of it in a prescribed manner.

They (BMC) are burning this waste daily after 2-3pm. So many SWM vehicles collect waste from different areas and dump it here. They then burn it causing havoc of air pollution in the area, said Nimish Malde, a civic issues activist.

On October 5, 2022, HT had reported on illegally dumped waste at RAK Marg in Wadala.

Chirag Dedhia, a member of Wadala West Citizens Forum (WWCF) and a resident of the area, said, About four years ago, the spot opposite Maharashtra Aids Society on RAK Marg was free of encroachment and garbage. However, in the last three years, the pedestrian walkway to the railway station has been completely encroached and has a huge pile of debris and garbage, which the local SWM officials ignore.

We made several representations to the local ward office and SWM officials, via visits and tweets. But all our pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

Dedhia added, Now, the garbage is being burnt every day. The stench from the pile is causing serious respiratory problems to senior citizens, children and pregnant women living nearby.

Reshma Doshi, co-convener, Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF), said that MNCDF members from Wadala have been raising the issue repeatedly but the BMC does not want to bring in a permanent solution.

The BMC is launching WhatsApp chatbots and making tall claims of resolving complaints, but the reality is different. There are so many complaints regarding garbage every day on social media platforms. Such garbage burning is a criminal act and violation of the solid waste management rules 2016. The BMC should act on it immediately.

As per data put forth by Praja Foundation this year, the F North ward of the BMC received 704 complaints related to solid waste in 2022, as compared to 562 in 2021. It took an average of 26 days for the ward to resolve complaints related to SWM/garbage in 2022.

Chief engineer, solid waste management, BMC, did not respond to HTs request for a comment despite multiple attempts.

On September 8 last year, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) levied a 12,000 crore environmental compensation fine on the Maharashtra government for its mismanagement of sewage and solid waste.
Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak urged Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders to introspect before questioning the law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh under the Yogi-led government, on Thursday. Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak (HT File Photo)

Hitting back at former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav for trying to rake up the issue, Pathak said that the law and order was worse under the SP regime which fostered goons.

He was talking to mediapersons after participating in an intellectual conference at Sarasvati Vidya Mandir in Gorakhpur on Thursday as part of the month-long campaign of the BJP to reach out to people through people-oriented scheme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said those involved in the killing of mafioso Sanjeev Jeeva on the court premises in Lucknow will face stringent action and the government will clamp down on criminals in the state.

Replying to a question over the meeting of Akhilesh Yadav with Delhi chief minister Kejriwal in Lucknow, Brajesh Pathak said consecutive defeats of opposition parties in the elections has proven that people of India want to see PM Narendra Modi in the Prime Ministers chair.

Pathak claimed the Ayushman Bharat card scheme had revolutionised the health sector and has proven to be a boon for the poor.

Lauding the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pathak said that the world had started to celebrate International Yoga Day, and for the first time India was hosting the G20 conference.

Abdur Rahman
Construction of 76 affordable housing units intended to provide accommodation to the underprivileged is nearing completion on the land confiscated from the slain mafia-politician Atiq Ahmed in Sangam city, said the officials concerned. The flats constructed on the land freed from slain mafia-politician Atiq Ahmed in Lukerganj. (HT Photo)

The lottery for allotment of these 76 flats being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana at Lukerganj will be taken out on Friday. After all the scrutiny and objections, the lottery of the applicants finally found eligible will be held at 2 pm in the auditorium of Allahabad Medical Association located on Stanley Road on June 9, they added.

A total of 6,030 people had applied for these flats in the housing scheme. The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) had also invited objections in the run-up to the lottery phase. After disposing of the objections on Wednesday, the PDA finally announced the date of the lottery. The list of 1,154 eligible candidates can be seen on the notice board of the Ground Floor of Indira Bhawan that houses the PDA office besides the notice boards of the district collectorate and DUDA as well as on the official website of PDA https://pdaprayagraj.in/.

After the lottery, chief minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to hand over the keys of the flats to the allottees. Preparations for this are being made on a war footing. Lights are being installed in the flats as well as stone chips have already been laid for the construction of the main approach road to the flats. PDA claims that all the work will be completed in a week.

It is worth mentioning that on December 26, 2021, the chief minister had laid the foundation stone for the housing project on this 1,731-square-metre site in the Lukerganj area of the city.

In October 2021, PDA had prepared a blueprint for construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) on this plot of land that was freed from Atiq Ahmed as part of a crackdown against him and his gang. A tender had also been issued for construction of this housing complex.

A total of 75 flats have been built in multi-storey buildings with each flat built in an area of 34.09 square metres. A community hall and a park have also been built in the residential complex.

According to officials, this project had been taken up by the District Urban Development Authority (DUDA) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and the flats have been built in two blocks.

On the night of April 15, Atiq, along with his younger brother Khalid Azeem aka Ashraf were shot dead by three assailants posing as journalists when the two brothers were being taken to Motilal Nehru (Colvin) Divisional Hospital for a court mandated medical examination while in police custody. Atiq was accused in the 2005 murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal and in the killing of a key witness in that case, lawyer Umesh Pal, who was gunned down along with his two police guards on February 24.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
LUCKNOW Facing constant harassment from a youth, a minor girl from a village in Jalaun set herself on fire on Thursday. Following the incident, her relatives rushed her to a hospital in Jalaun. Later, she was referred to a facility in Jhansi. The condition of the girl was critical at the time of filing this report. The condition of the girl was critical at the time of filing this report. (HT Photo)

On the complaint of the minor girls father, the police have registered a case against the unidentified accused and have intensified the process to nab the youth, said Sameer Kumar Singh, inspector-in-charge of the case.

According to the victims father, On Monday (June 5), a young man, named Nikki, harassed my daughter on the phone. He used to harass my daughter every day. Troubled by this repeated harassment, she locked herself in a room and set herself on fire. The accused would also send obscene clips to the girl, he added.
An 11-year-old boy, trapped in a crevice between a pillar and a slab of a bridge on Sone river in Bihars Rohtas district since Wednesday, died about an hour after being rescued by a disaster response team on Thursday evening, officials who supervised the recuse operations on the spot said. Rescue operations being carried out in Bihars Rohtas district on Thursday. (HT Photo)

However, district civil surgeon Dr KN Tiwary said the boy had died 8-10 hours before he was pulled out, as indicated by the rigor mortis (RM) that had developed in the body from top to toe.

A medical board has been formed for autopsy, he said.

Locals spotted the boy trapped in the crevice on Nasriganj-Daudnagar bridge near Atmiganj village in Nasriganj block around 11 am on Wednesday and informed the authorities, officials said.

Soon, a team of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) started the rescue operation. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined them early Thursday morning.

Finally, the boy was rescued after 25 hours of rescue efforts and rushed to Sasaram district hospital.

His condition was critical. He was unconscious by then and died on the way to sadar hospital at Sasaram, Nasriganj circle officer Amit Kumar said.

The boy, Ranjan Kumar, was son of Shatrughan Prasad from nearby Khiriaon village. The family members told reporters gathered on the spot he was mentally unsound and had left home two days back. Since then, the they have been searching for him.

Nasriganj subdivisional magistrate (SDM) Upendra Kumar Pal, who has been camping at the site since Wednesday evening, said despite the rescue operation continuing the whole night on Wednesday, the boy could not be rescued.

They (the rescue team members) gave the boy water and food with the help of a bamboo stick and provided oxygen supply in the crevice. The child was safe and responding. Finally, he was rescued at 5 pm after breaking a slab with a heavy machine, SDM Pal said.

NDRF assistant commandant Jay Prakash Pratap, who led the operation, said it took long as there was no platform available to operate the special machines. Finally, the slab was broken with a heavy machine and the boy was brought out unconscious. His pulse was running and he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance with the doctor and supporting staff waiting at the place, he said.

We worked hard to save the child. We are very sad he died, said Shashi Bhushan Chaturvedi, an assistant sub-inspector with SDRF.
In politics for close to five decades, septuagenarian socialist leader K C Tyagi is back to the position that he has held since the early 1980s: A publicity manager. PREMIUM Late last month, Tyagi was re-inducted as the partys chief spokesperson and a special advisor after being dropped from the JD(U)s office-bearer's list during a rejig in March(HT PHOTO)

Tyagi, a former Rajya Sabha MP, was the principal general secretary-cum-principal spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United) before he was omitted from the list of office-bearers announced by the party on March 23. The JD(U) had then struggled to explain the move, keeping Tyagi out of the partys top team, and eventually said that he was relieved of organisational responsibilities upon his repeated requests. Both the party as well as Tyagi clarified that he had chosen to "opt out of the rejig, though Tyagi had told reporters at the time that he was "not out of politics".

The veteran leader was the face of the JD(U) in the national capital after the Lok Shakti Party and the Samata Party, and the faction of the Janata Dal led by the late Sharad Yadav merged on October 30, 2003. In the 1980s, he had served as the publicity incharge for Lok Dal, a party started by former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Late last month, Tyagi was re-inducted as the partys chief spokesperson and a special advisor after being dropped from the JD(U)s office-bearer's list during a rejig in March. Tyagi is important for JD(U) and particularly Nitish Kumar at a time when the Bihar CM is trying to bring together the Opposition parties to prevent the BJP from coming to power in 2024.

In such a situation, Tyagi can play a key role in creating an atmosphere in the politics of Delhi for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and in creating coordination between the JD(U) and the leaders of the Opposition. That is why he has been brought back, said a senior party leader.

Why did Tyagi opt out

Tyagiji has always done Delhi-based politics. His(workplace) has always been in Ghaziabad and Delhi. He has been a known face in national politics and never ever tried himself in state politics, said a JD(U) leader, close to him for 30 years.

K C Tyagi comes from western Uttar Pradesh and after starting his political innings with Chaudhary Charan Singh, he joined Janata Dal and then Nitish Kumar. KC Tyagi won the Hapur-Ghaziabad Lok Sabha seat on a Janata Dal ticket in 1989 and became a Member of Parliament. After this, he also remained in the Rajya Sabha from 2013 to 2016.

He has been a close associate of the late Sharad Yadav, who died in January 2023. The only time he differed with the former Union minister and founder-member of JD(U) was in 2017 when he questioned then JD(U) president Nitish Kumars decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Sharadji is one of the founding members of the party, but it pains us that the path chosen by him leads to our rival, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Tyagi told reporters in 2017 reacting to the removal of Yadav by the party as its leader in the Rajya Sabha. He added that it was shocking that Yadav was cosying up to RJD chief Lalu Yadav, against whom he had fought throughout his career.

At the same time, Yadav asserted that Nitish broke the trust of 11 crore people when he aligned with the BJP in 2017 to form the government in Bihar. Tyagi minced no words when he said that Sharad Yadav's political language was "objectionable" and "uncomfortable for the party president Nitish Kumar and the government (of Bihar)." Tyagi asked Yadav to put forward his objections to the party executive, instead of making public statements, which prompted the latter to break away from the JD(U) and form the Loktantrik Janata Dal. The LJD later merged with the RJD in 2022.

There are various theories for Tyagis keenness to be relieved of his post of principal general secretary and principal spokesperson of JD (U).

The senior JD(U) leader told Hindustan Times in March that he felt "discomfort" to work under leaders like R C P Singh and his successor Rajiv Ranjan Singh. When RCP took over the responsibility of the party in early 2020, Tyagi reportedly requested Nitish Kumar to relieve him of his responsibilities.

I told Nitishji that I would stay on only if he remains the national president. I had reasserted my stand at the national executive meet of the party held in Patna last year and Nitishji said he would have to think about something else for me, he said.

An old-school socialist, Tyagi has been finding himself increasingly sidelined by the party in the last few years  first by R C P Singh, then political strategist Prashant Kishor who was all set to join Nitish in 2018, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, who appointed as the national spokesperson in 2021  party leaders said.

Tyagiji was not cut out to adjust to the new power structure in the party. He never made it to Nitishs inner team and whenever there were talks about seat adjustments, Tyagi found himself left out as Lalan and RCP took charge, a senior JD(U) leader said.

Another party said that when Tyagi's son Amrish joined the BJP in 2021, the father's position in the party became tenuous as leaders started counting him as a "saffron man.

During the last three years, he came to Patna only when there was a party function, the leader said.

In an ironic twist, RCP Singh joined the BJP in May 2023.

Tyagi's significance

Its been 48 years (in politics for me). I was first made the secretary of the erstwhile Lok Dal founded by Chaudhary Charan Singh. I was also made an office bearer by (old socialist leaders like) Raj Narayan, Devi Lal, former prime minister Chandrashekhar, and former UP chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. Nitish Kumar was the final one to appoint me, Tyagi said.

JD(U) leader Afaque Ahmed Khan, who has been associated with Tyagi for the past 35 years said that Tyagi was first appointed as All India Publicity Secretary by Chowdhary Charan Singh and he remained in the post from 1984 till 1987. Tyagiji has a huge presence in media," he said.

He has a national outlook and is a known figure in national leaders' circle. During the period when the JD(U) was part of the NDA, Nitish ji wanted him to become the governor but things did not materialise, another JD(U) leader said.

I cannot run away from his responsibility at a time when Nitish Kumar is engaged in the mission of 2024 and is working for opposition unity. I cannot forget that Nitish Kumar sent me to Rajya Sabha and gave me an opportunity to work on important posts in JD-U. In this way, we are ready to work shoulder to shoulder with Nitish Kumar for 2024, said Tyagi after getting the new responsibility.

Tyagi has already shown his understanding of Opposition unity by floating the concept of one on one. We have so far identified 475 Lok Sabha seats where there can be a fight with the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and where a united Opposition can put up a joint candidate. We want to replicate the model of the 1974 Bihar movement JP movement, he said.
Senior forest officials have noted management issues at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Parks Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WARR) at Katraj. According to officials, many animals, including those in the Schedule 1 category, which includes animals that are provided with the highest protection under Wildlife Protection Act 1972, are manhandled, and not all information on other animals is on record. The department has written to Mahip Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and Chief Wildlife Warden about this mismanagement and demanded immediate intervention for the same. (Ravindra Joshi/HT PHOTO)

The department has written to Mahip Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and Chief Wildlife Warden about this mismanagement and demanded immediate intervention for the same.

In April this year, the forest department received a complaint from wildlife warden Aditya Paranjape about the irregularities in WARR, Katraj. After this, a team of forest officials visited the centre in Katraj last week of April when it found that records of some captive animals are missing. Based on the visit and investigation, a report was prepared and sent to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and Chief Wildlife Warden.

Tushar Chavan, deputy conservator of forest (wildlife), said, A captive wildlife management system (CWMS) was set up to get status updates about animals in captivity at various rescue and rehabilitation centres. For a long, there was no proper information about animals at WARR, which is run by the Indian Herpetological Society (IHS). At the same time, we received a complaint about irregularities. On that basis, the forest officials team visited the centre. During our investigations, we found that the mismanagement of the wildlife in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Parks Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre facility is evident and we wrote about it to senior authorities seeking intervention.

This was not the first time when irregularities were reported in the WARR. Earlier in 2018, a similar complaint was registered by Jaydev Page, a former chief veterinarian from the rescue and rehabilitation centre.

I then wrote a complaint to the district and state forest department, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and also to the Prime Ministers office. But there was no follow-up from authorities, said Page.

According to Paranjape, the wild animals are being mistreated at this facility for a long. Earlier also veterinarian reported this issue to the concerned authorities yet no strict action has been taken in this regard, he said.

There are numerous unaccounted wild animals at the Katraj Centre and attempts have been made to move these unaccounted animals, which is a major concern. Moreover, it is alarming to note that the highest level of protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is afforded to most of these animals. Given the gravity of the situation, the forest department must take custody of these animals until the investigation is complete, said Paranjape.

Rajkumar Jadhav, director, of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, said, The rescue and rehabilitation centre is managed by the IHS daily. Regarding the said issue, the IHS has submitted its written reply to the forest department.

According to Shriram Shinde, a member of the IHS, said, the forest department had raised queries about the number of snakes present at the centre being higher than those on record.

To which we replied that some snakes are not mentioned in the record because they were recently admitted to the centre and the procedure to record their details is yet to complete. Similarly, the release record is maintained regularly all these things have been mentioned in our reply to the forest department.

Important observations

*612 wild animals (birds, mammals, and reptiles) have been released incorrectly and relocated from their home range. As per the records, not a single animal released from the facility has been released back to its original or natural habitat.

*Several animals rescued from within Pune city and adjoining areas have been relocated in Tamhini range, which is a protected area, without prior notice and consent of the Deputy Conservator of Forests Wildlife, Pune. These include species like pigeons and kites from the city areas that may be carriers of several infections and diseases.

*Several snakes currently present in the facility are kept captive without reasonable explanation.

*There is no data evidence, images, or video uploaded of 328 animals who have died/ passed away at the facility. The evidence of death and disposal of these animals needs to be checked and recorded.

*129 animals (birds, mammals, and reptiles) have been kept in the rescue centre in extended captivity periods ranging from 3 months to 10 years which needs to be investigated further and evaluated for fitness to release.

*2 rusty spotted cats were admitted on different dates in June 2022 and August 2022. The data entries appear falsified as they have the same specimen image uploaded for both entries. These animals appear to have passed away on different dates and thus the complete records need to be investigated further.

*Based on public information and media records available, several animals including Pangolin and Crocodile have been admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Parks Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. No data entry is found on the system regarding the admission or outcome of these animals.
Pune: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that he would be attending the meeting of Opposition parties organised by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on June 23. NCP president Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that he would be attending the Opposition meeting organised by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on June 23. (HT)

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Pawar said he had received a call on Wednesday from Kumar about the meeting.

The meeting in Patna will see several opposition party leaders in attendance, and is likely to be followed up with subsequent meetings in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

He has invited key opposition leaders in the country for the meeting, and I will also go. He has given an invitation for this meeting as there is a need to work on national issues together and it is our responsibility to support this cause, Pawar said.

On Wednesday, the ruling Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal (United) announced in a press conference in Patna that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Left leaders have agreed to sit together and chalk out a strategy for next years Lok Sabha polls.
Pune: With the Lok Sabha elections only 11 months away, the by-election for the Pune seat highly unlikely, said political leaders. The seat fell vacant after Member of Parliament (MP) Girish Bapats passed away on May 29, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to taken a decision on polls since the last more than 70 days. With the Lok Sabha elections only 11 months away, the by-election for the Pune seat highly unlikely, said political leaders. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))

Chandrapur-Wani-Arni constituency Congress MP Balu alias Suresh Dhanorkar died in New Delhi on May 30.

A senior BJP leader who was minister in the Union cabinet had hinted that as only a year has left for the general elections, the election commission is unlikely to take a call whether to hold by-election for Pune and other two places in the country.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, BJP state unit president, said, Our party is always prepared for the election. The poll body will take a call whether to conduct it or not.

Another senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity said, The BJP itself is not eager for bypoll given the partys poor performance during the recently held Kasba by-election, and it fears losing the Pune seat also.

Mohan Joshi, Congress partys vice-president, said, The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is ready for the Pune by-election as the Congress has been traditionally contesting it. 

The veteran political leader said that the Congress winning the Karnataka and Kasba polls has changed the voters mindset and they feel cheated by the BJPs false promises.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) arrested Kolkata-based businessman Amit Agrawal and his aide Dilip Ghosh for money laundering on Wednesday night in connection with fraudulent sale of around 4.5 acres of land at a premium location in Jharkhands capital Ranchi, officials said on Thursday. Kolkata-based businessman Amit Agarwal arrives to be produced at the ED Court, in Ranchi on Thursday. (ANI)

The land, which has been under possession of the Indian Army since independence, was sold by a fictitious owner, Pradip Bagchi, by allegedly manipulating the official land records in Ranchi and Kolkata, to M/S Jagatbandhu Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd, a Kolkata-based firm of which Dilip Ghosh is the director and Amit Agrawal was a beneficial owner, the federal agency has alleged.

Agrawal, considered close to the top leadership of the ruling JMM in Jharkhand, was arrested by the federal agency in Kolkata on Wednesday night and produced before the special court in Ranchi on Thursday. The agency sought an initial remand of five days of Agrawal and Ghosh. The court would hear the arguments on Friday and sent the two accused into judicial custody till then, an official said.

Earlier, eight persons, including IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, have been arrested in the case, allegedly for hatching a conspiracy to registering the property in name of the company owned by the Kolkata businessman.

Agrawal was arrested last year by the ED on money laundering charges. He was accused of trapping an advocate of Jharkhand High Court, Rajeev Kumar, and getting him arrested with 50 lakh in cash in Kolkata with an intention to affect the outcome of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by him seeking a CBI probe against Agrawal and others. Agrawal later secured bail from the Supreme Court.

On directions of the Jharkhand HC, the CBI had, on January 18, 2023, registered a case against Amit Agrawal and others for conspiracy to malign the image of judiciary and other government officials.

Agrawals name also figured in an affidavit filed by the ED before the Jharkhand HC in an illegal mining case which the federal agency is probing for money laundering.

In its affidavit, the agency had included the statement of Ravi Kejriwal, former treasurer of the ruling JMM, who said Agrawal was close to the JMM and chief minister Hemant Soren.

JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey refused to comment on the development. Its a legal issue and those who have been arrested would defend themselves as per law, said Pandey.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vishal Kant Vishal Kant works as an Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times. He tracks developments in Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi government. Vishal has spent about a decade covering the city politics and governance, besides writing on Delhis civic issues, urban transport and infrastructure. ...view detail
After playing a character named Sita in RRR (2022), Alia Bhatt seems to be all set to play Goddess Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's much-anticipated film, Ramayana. A recent report said the actor has been confirmed to play Sita opposite real-life husband Ranbir Kapoor, who will be seen as Lord Ram. As soon as the report surfaced online, Alia Bhatt started trending on Twitter. Also read: Adipurush: 1 seat to be reserved in theatres for Lord Hanuman Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor will reportedly be seen together in Ramayana.

Twitter reacts to Alia's rumoured role in Ramayana

One of Alia Bhatt's fan pages took it upon itself to prove why she was best suited for the film. A tweet from the fan page read: "Four things that will make @aliaa08 the best Sita: 1. Alia's height 2. She is great actor (if there's doubt, then watch Gangubai Kathiawadi) 3. They (Alia and Ranbir) are real-life couple and they love each other purely as Ram and Sita (so they don't need to act as they love each other.) 4. Her acting in RRR as Sita was great."

A Twitter user said, For people, who are giving opinions on casting of Ramayana and comparing (it with) Adipurush, Nitesh Tiwari is the one, who has been working on it for three years now. It's his vision that he thinks Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are best suited. It's not like they are making it on your money.

A Twitter user shared a small clip of her as Sita from RRR and wrote, Alia Bhatt as Sita, she is so beautiful and she is so pure. She truly like a Goddess. A Twitter user also asked what is the need for so many films on Ramayana since Om Raut's Adipurush starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon is also releasing in June.

Alia Bhatt was trending on Twitter on Thursday.

Details about Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana

A Pinkvilla report quoted a source as saying that Alia was the first choice for Ramayana, but back in the day, the dates couldnt match due to multiple reasons. But since the film got very delayed, Nitesh and producer Madhu Mantena have finally decided to go with their first choice. The source said that Alia is excited to play a character that could stay with her for a lifetime and Ranbir too is charged up for this new journey as Lord Ram.

As per the report, Ranbir is currently busy giving look tests for the film at DNEG office. It also hinted that Yash of KGF fame may soon sign the movie for the role of Raavan but he is yet to make a final decision. An official announcement regarding the film is expected to come on Diwali.

Alia and Nitesh Tiwari's projects

Last year, Alia and Ranbir were seen in their first film together, Brahmastra: Part One-Shiva. She will next be seen in her Hollywood film Heart of Stone and Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Nitesh Tiwari has already wrapped up his next, Bawaal. Starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, it is scheduled to release in October.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's estranged wife Aaliya grabbed attention after she recently posted a picture of herself posing with her companion on Instagram. Aaliya, shared more details about the Dubai-based man, who is Italian and works in the IT sector, and opened up about their relationship in a new interview. She clarified that 'he has nothing to do with her broken marriage' with Nawazuddin. Aaliya Siddiqui added it was he, who approached her after the two 'met in Dubai a year ago at a common friends party'. Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis estranged wife Aaliya finds love again Aaliya Siddiqui spoke about the new man in her life in a recent interview. She was earlier married to Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Aaliya also said about the new man in her life that he was a huge emotional support to her in the past year. She said he is now learning Hindi and also teaches her his languages  French and Italian. She added he wants to visit India soon.

Aaliya says she's in a 'happy space'

"No one can judge my character on the basis of how happy I feel. I filed for divorce two years ago, long before I met my companion (the man she shared a picture with on Instagram earlier this week), so he has nothing to do with my broken marriage has ended, but we talk for the sake of our kids. I want Nawaz to do well in life. Our divorce case is still on I have struggled for 19 years. Had I been calculative about these things, I wouldnt have shared about my (new) relationship on social media... I was mentally exhausted. I have finally moved on and I am in a happy space," Aaliya Siddiqui told ETimes.

Who is the mystery man in Aaliya's life?

Aaliya said in the same interview, He is Italian and works in the IT sector. We met in Dubai a year ago at a common friends party and hit it off. He was the one who approached me and we got talking. He is intelligent, simple, extremely respectful, loving and caring. He was a huge emotional support to me in this past year. He wants me to grow in life and be less conscious. He makes me wonder... kaash yeh mujhe pehle mila hota. Though he is more comfortable speaking in French and Italian, while I speak Hindi, our common language of communication is English. So, now he is learning Hindi and teaches me his languages. He wants to visit India soon.

Aaliya Siddiqui's recent post on Instagram.

Aaliya's post about her new relationship

Earlier this week, Aaliya posted a picture on Instagram with a mystery man. Aaliya wrote along with their photo, "It has taken over 19 years to get out of the relationship that I treasured. But in my life, my children's are my priority, they were always and they will be. However, there are few relationships that are bigger than and beyond friendship, and this relationship is the same relationship and I am very happy about the same hence shared my happiness with you all. Don't I have the right to be happy?"

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Aaliya's ongoing feud

Aaliya had previously accused actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his family of harassment at the time of separation. In March, Aaliya had said that the actor had thrown her and their two children  daughter Shora, 12, and son Yaani, 7  out of his house in Mumbai. After Nawazuddin filed a defamation suit against Aaliya, the two were said to have reached a settlement amid the property dispute. Earlier the Bombay High Court had asked the former couple to attempt to resolve their differences amicably, keeping the best interests of their minor children in mind.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Shilpa Shetty celebrating her 48th birthday on Thursday. On the occasion, husband Raj Kundra has shared a montage of candid pictures of them together along with a message in which he has hailed him as his rock of Gibraltar. Some of the pictures also feature their two kids, son Viaan and daughter Samisha and one of them is their candid picture with Deepika Padukone. Also read: On 13th anniversary, Shilpa Shetty thanks Raj Kundra for making her journey beautiful; shares happy pics Raj Kundra has shared a montage of pictures on the occasion of Shilpa Shetty's birthday.

Sharing the video montage, Raj Kundra wrote, "To my soulmate we have really seen some highs & lows recently. Thank you for your implicit trust & faith in me. You are my rock of Gibraltar I love you & wish you only the best my Angel @TheShilpaShetty here to creating better memories. Happy Birthday yummy mummy..my Cookie."

The video included several romantic pictures of Raj and Shilpa. A picture showed Shilpa posing with Raj for a selfie while his face was hidden behind a sparkling mask. Another showed even Shilpa wearing a mask, just like Raj. Along with the pictures, it also read: "To the love of my life, thank you for everything. J T'aime. Thank you for putting up with my craziness. Yes! all of it and more Nothing can come between us, not even Deepu. Sorry (laughing emoji). Happy birthday my Cookie!"

Shilpa also wished Raj Kundra's sister on her birthday

Shilpa is currently in London for her birthday celebrations. Two days back, she wished Raj's sister Reena Kundra on her birthday. Sharing a picture with her, she wrote, Happy Birthday, my dearest Reens Stay amazing, always. May you be blessed with an abundance of love, happiness, and great health that lasts you a lifetime. Loads of love!

Shilpa and Raj's marriage

Shilpa and Raj have been married for 13 years. On the occasion of their wedding anniversary, Shilpa had written, 13 years, Cookie, whoa! (and not counting) Thank you for sharing this journey with me in this lifetime and making it so beautiful. You, me, Us...Thats all I need. Happy Anniversary to US, Cookie. #Anniversary #13Years #Love #BetterTogether #grateful #blessed #happy.

Last year, Mumbai Cyber Crime filed a 1000-page chargesheet against Raj Kundra and others in connection with the case of producing and streaming pornographic content.

Shilpa's projects

Last year, Shilpa was seen in Nikamma, which also starred Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia. She will now be seen in her OTT debut, the Rohit Shetty-directed web series titled Indian Police Force. She also has two other films in her kitty.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Newlywed actor Sonnalli Seygall on Thursday shared how she is spending time with her husband. She married restaurateur Ashesh L Sajnani in Mumbai on Wednesday. In photos, the couple was seen casually sitting and sipping coffee while wearing varmalas from their D-day. Also read: Sonnalli Seygall and Ashesh L Sajnani pose as newly-weds in first pics Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor Sonnalli Seygall married Ashesh L Sajnani.

Sonnalli Seygall after wedding

The photos featured Sonnalli and Ashesh sitting on chairs in pyjamas. They held cups in their hands. Sonnalli looked beautiful as she sported sindoor and pink bangles from her wedding day. They were seen with their varmalas too.

Sharing the photos, the actor wrote, Same routine, different emotion. Marriage day 1- Coffee + Varmaalas. Reacting to it, Raai Laxmi who attended their wedding, commented, Cute. Such coolios, added Sumona Chakravarti. Fans also flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages for the couple.

Sonnalli Seygall wedding

Sonnalli and Ashesh L Sajnani got married following an Anand Karaj ceremony in a Gurudwara in Mumbai. She took the non-traditional way and opted for a pastel pink saree with a matching veil. Her wedding outfit was created by celebrity designer Manish Malhotra. Ashesh wore a white sherwani and complemented her perfectly.

Later, the actor announced their wedding officially on Instagram. She shared pictures from their wedding ceremony and wrote in their Instagram caption, "Sabr and Shukr (patience and gratitude)." Their wedding was attended by several celebrities, including Kartik Aaryan, Luv Ranjan, Sunny Singh, Mandira Bedi, Shama Sikander, Sahil Salathia, Ridhima Pandit, and Chahatt Khanna among others.

Sonnalli dated Ashesh for several months but in secret. Her wedding was a sweet surprise for her fans. Talking about it, a source had shared with Hindustan Times, "She doesnt wish to address the media about the wedding or her relationship. She wanted to keep this a surprise.

"Ashesh and I were very sure about having a very simple wedding with people who mean something to us. Its a very private moment for us. It is what both our mothers wanted and we feel glad that we could do it for them. We really look forward to exploring this new phase of our life together, the Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor added to HT. Meanwhile, a lavish reception for the newlyweds will take place on June 8.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Sham Kaushal diagnosed with cancer

Shan was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2003. He found out about it after returning from Ladakh, where he had gone to shoot for Farhan Akhtars Lakshya. He said it started with a lot of complications in his stomach and he had to get admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. He underwent a small surgery and biopsy before doctors told him that he wouldn't survive.

Doctors told Sham Kaushal he won't survive

He told Rajshri Unplugged, As soon as I got back, there were a lot of complications in my stomach. Some time in October, I had to get admitted in Nanavati Hospital. The doctors said that I wont survive. While Vicky was around 15, Sunny was 14. Sham added, "I accepted that fact that I wont survive, so I prayed to God that I am not unhappy, I am 48. I started from nothing and I have achieved a lot. You take me away but if you are going to save me, then dont make me a weak person. I cant live like a weak person."

Sham added that he underwent surgeries at the hospital and later was discharged. He recovered eventually. He said, "After they said I wont survive, I saw the best days of my life. I won all the awards after 2003. My best films came after that. My kids became successful after that."

This is not the first time that Sham Kaushal opened up about his cancer journey. He has previously told Times Of India that he wanted to end his life as well.

Sham Kaushal's journey

Sham Kaushal began his career as a stunt performer in the late 70s. He worked mostly under Veeru Devgan, who was one of the most popular action directors of his time. As an action director, Sham has worked in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), PK (2014), Padmaavat (2018), Sanju (2018), Tiger Lives (2017), and Simmba (2018).

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
In a twist of events, a spokesperson for Jamie Foxx has stepped forward to quash a baseless rumor that the actor suffered paralysis and blindness due to a COVID-19 vaccine. The claim, which has gained traction online, was quickly dismissed as "completely inaccurate" by Foxx's representative. In a twist of events, a spokesperson for Jamie Foxx has stepped forward to quash a baseless rumor that the actor suffered paralysis and blindness due to a COVID-19 vaccine.(Twitter)

The controversy surrounding Foxx's health started in early April when news broke that the Oscar-winning star had been hospitalized due to an undisclosed "medical complication." Speculation grew as his daughter, Corinne Foxx, released a statement confirming his release from the hospital but offering no further details on his condition.

Recently, podcast host and gossip columnist A.J. Benza made sensational allegations about Foxx's health during an episode of the Ask Dr. Drew podcast. Citing an unnamed source, Benza claimed that Foxx suffered a blood clot in his brain after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, resulting in partial paralysis and blindness. However, these claims remain entirely unverified and lack any credible evidence.

Newsweek conducted a fact-check on the rumor and found it to be wholly unsubstantiated. Nevertheless, the viral nature of the claim has turned Foxx into an unintended figurehead for the anti-vaccine movement. Conservative commentators and Twitter users have seized upon the rumors as supposed proof of their arguments against COVID-19 vaccines.

One conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk, used the rumor to criticize the pharmaceutical industry, suggesting that Foxx's alleged experience was the result of vaccine mandates on movie sets. However, it should be noted that mandatory on-set vaccination protocols in Hollywood did not end until May 12, making it unclear whether Foxx had received any COVID-19 vaccine at all.

Despite the lack of evidence and confirmation, the rumor has spurred discussions about vaccines and their potential side effects. Candace Owens, another conservative commentator, discussed the matter on her podcast, speculating on the silence from Foxx's family as a possible indication of truth.

However, medical experts and reputable sources have affirmed that while blood clots can be a rare side effect of certain COVID-19 vaccines, the association is not observed with mRNA vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

Yale Medicine has highlighted the higher risk of blood clots associated with COVID-19 infection itself, rather than with the vaccines. Reports from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System have shown a minimal number of cases of blood clot-related disorders in individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

While Foxx's current condition remains unknown to the public, a post on his Instagram account from May 3 expressed gratitude and a sense of blessings, suggesting a positive outlook during his recovery.

Also read | Is Covid vaccination really responsible for Jamie Foxx's health condition? Here's all you need to know

As the controversy surrounding Foxx's health and the vaccine rumor continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and relying on credible sources. Misinformation can spread rapidly, leading to unfounded fears and unwarranted skepticism.
KOLHAPUR/PUNE: The Kolhapur police have arrested 36 people and detained three juveniles in connection with the four criminal cases registered for Wednesdays violence during a protest against the alleged use of Tipu Sultan and Aurangzebs image along with an objectionable audio message on social media, a senior district police officer said on Thursday. Kolhapur: Police disperse protesters after clashes erupted over objectionable social media post on Tipu Sultan on Wednesday (HT File Photo/Anil Velhal)

Kolhapur superintendent of police (SP) Mahendra Pandit said investigators were going through CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators and have made significant progress in their investigation. So far, 36 individuals have been arrested for vandalism, rioting, and three juveniles have been detained in connection with the violent incidents that unfolded in the city, Pandit said.

The officer said that there was no evidence yet that the perpetrators involved in the violence came from outside Kolhapur and stressed that they were locals. As per the preliminary investigation, we have not identified any outsider in the unrest. However, we are collecting CCTV footage, he added.

(HT)

Pandit said 400 people had been booked in the three first information reports (FIR) registered for the violence. A fourth FIR was registered on Tuesday over the WhatsApp status which carried an image of Tipu Sultan and Aurangzeb along with an offensive audio message that triggered the violence and five juveniles have been detained in this context.

Police said the tension erupted after members of various right-wing organisations- some of them had called for a Kolhapur bandh - gathered at Shivaji Chowk to protest the WhatsApp status. Later, a group of unidentified people began pelting stones and attacking houses of people belonging to a particular community, prompting security personnel to fire teargas to disperse the crowd.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the state home minister, defended the aggression of the Hindutva outfits, saying there was bound to be a reaction if Aurangzeb is glorified.

We will not tolerate it. This is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs Maharashtra, he said on Wednesday.

Police said a group of unidentified men threw stones at some houses post midnight but prompt police action helped bring the situation under control.
An Air India ferry flight carrying 216 passengers, who were stranded at Russias remote town of Magadan, arrived in San Francisco on Thursday, two days after the airlines original aircraft from New Delhi made an emergency landing due to a technical fault in one of its engines. The Air India flight at San Francisco. (PTI)

Read here: Air India to refund full amount to all passengers affected by Delhi-San Francisco flight

The airline apologised for the inconvenience and assured full refund to its passengers. It also announced vouchers for all the affected passengers for future travel.

Air Indias ferry flight, AI173D, took off from Mumbai at around 3.30pm (IST) on Wednesday and landed at Sokol airport in Magadan at around midnight. It subsequently departed Magadan at 4.57am (IST) and reached San Francisco at 12.37pm (IST).

Flight AI173D landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 0007 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time) (12.37pm IST), the carrier said.

On Tuesday, flight AI 173 took off from Delhis Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at 4.20am (IST) and was scheduled to reach San Francisco at 7am local time the next day (6.30pm IST). The aircraft, however, landed at Sokol airport at 1.30pm (IST) after it developed a technical snag in one of its engines.

Air India does not have any staff based in Magadan or in Russia. It, therefore, had to take the assistance of Rossiya Airlines  one of the oldest and largest air carriers of the Russian Federation.

Airline officials said the stranded passengers were moved to a school near the airport. According to Russia state-owned news agency Sputnik, minister of transport of Magadan region, Aleksey Siorpas, said women with children or pregnant women were accommodated in the dormitory of a medical college in the city.

Taking note of the incident, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday had assured safe ferrying of the stranded passengers and 16 crew members from Magadan to San Francisco.

Besides India, the United States was also closely monitoring the situation keeping in mind that there may be American citizens among those stranded.

In a statement on Thursday, Tata Group-owned Air India said all the passengers were extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and other necessary support.

Air India thanks (the) government agencies, regulatory authorities, our staff, and partners involved in supporting our endeavour to bring our passengers to SFO as soon as possible and in providing them care while they waited in Magadan, Russia, the airline said.

Read here: Air India plane stranded in Russia a potential red flag for global air transport

It announced a full refund and a voucher for future travel for the passengers who were affected by the diversion.

As such, we will fully refund the fare for your journey and in addition, provide you with a voucher for future travel on Air India. Although we cannot change the past, I trust that this gesture conveys our sincere regrets for the disruption and inconvenience, it added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A replacement Air India flight - to ferry passengers stuck in Russia's remote town of Magadan after AI173 developed an engine glitch - has landed in San Francisco. The replacement plane had taken off from Mumbai airport Wednesday afternoon. All 216 passengers and 16 crew who had been stranded in Magadan are safely in San Francisco, the airline confirmed Thursday afternoon. Air India flight for stranded passengers lands at Magadan Airport in Russia(PTI)

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement.

The Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew, landed safely.

On Thursday, a senior official of Air India said that Flight AI173D from Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne for San Francisco (SFO), carrying all passengers and crew.

Also read: Air India plane stranded in Russia a potential red flag for global air transport

The flight departed GDX at 1027 Hours on June 8 (local time) and is expected to arrive at SFO at 0015 Hours on June 8 2 (local time), he said.

Air India has mobilised additional on-ground support at SFO to carry out the clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival.

The team at SFO is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including but not limited to medical care, ground transportation, and onward connections in applicable cases.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
An Air India flight took off from Russias Magadan to San Francisco on the west coast of the US with 216 passengers on board two days after they were left stranded in the remote Russian town following an emergency landing due to a technical fault, the airline said. Air India aircraft at the Sokol Airport in Russias Magadan. (PTI)

The flight departed GDX [Magadan] at 1027 Hours [4:57am IST on Thursday] on 08 June 2023 (local time) and is expected to arrive at SFO [San Francisco] at 0015 Hours [12:45pm IST] on 08 June 2023 (local time), said Air India in a statement.

It added Air India has mobilised additional on-ground support at SFO to carry out the clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival. The team at SFO is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including but not limited to medical care, ground transportation, and onward connections in applicable cases.

A ferry flight earlier took off from Mumbai around 3.30pm on Wednesday and reached Sokol airport in Magadan by midnight.

On Tuesday, flight AI 173 departed from Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport at 4.20am. It was scheduled to reach San Francisco at 7pm local time. The aircraft landed at Sokol airport at 1.30pm after it developed a technical snag in one of its engines.

Air India on Wednesday said a team of the airline flew from Mumbai to support the passengers and staff at Magadan. It carried essentials in addition to food to cater to passengers on the onward flight to San Francisco. The flying time of Boeing 777-200 from Mumbai was around six-and-a-half hours.

The Tata Group-owned Air India did not have any staff in Magadan or in Russia. It took the assistance of Rossiya Airlines  one of the oldest and largest air carriers of the Russian Federation.

The stranded passengers were moved to a school near the airport. Russia state-owned news agency Sputnik quoted transport minister of Magadan region Aleksey Siorpas saying women with children and pregnant women were accommodated in the dormitory of a medical college.

The US was also closely monitoring the situation keeping in mind American citizens among those stranded. The stranded passengers complained of a lack of amenities.

Air India officials said that all support was provided to the passengers in the best possible manner through round-the-clock liaison with the ministry of external affairs, the consulate general of India in Vladivostok, and Russian authorities. The airline also activated a hotline number to address queries in the matter.

The aircraft landed in rural Siberia after flying two hours away from the intended route. Magadan has no five-star hotels and this prompted the airline to make arrangements for the passengers in the school.
Air India will offer full refunds to 216 passengers on a Delhi-San Francisco flight that made an unscheduled two-day stop in the remote Russian town of Magadan this week after the plane developed engine problems. The Tata Group-owned carrier had to fly a second plane - from Mumbai to Magadan and then on to the United States - to rescue the stranded pax and 16 crew members. The Air India flight at the San Francisco International Airport.(PTI)

The replacement AI173 flight left Mumbai Wednesday afternoon, reached Magadan early Thursday morning and touched down in San Francisco shortly after noon on the same day.

"We will fully refund the fare for the journey and, in addition, provide a voucher for future travel to the passengers on Air India," senior airline executive Rajesh Dogra said.

Read Here: Air India plane stranded in Russia a potential red flag for global air transport

The airline had earlier said passengers would be given maximum on-ground assistance, including help with clearing immigration formalities, on landing at the San Francisco airport. "Air India thanks government agencies, regulatory authorities and our staff and partners (for) supporting our endeavour to bring our passengers to SFO and in providing them care while in Magadan, Russia."

What happened?

On Tuesday, flight AI 173 departed from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 12:05 am (IST). It was to reach San Francisco at 7 pm (local time) but was forced to land at the Sokol airport near Magadan at 1.30 pm (local time) after an issue with one of its engines.

On Wednesday Air India said a team had been flown out from Mumbai to support passengers since the airline does not have an office in the eastern Russian town.

The plane carrying staff also carried essentials, like food and water.

Visuals shared online earlier had showed the stranded passengers had been placed in dormitories and hostels near the airport because hotels were fully booked.

Russian news agency Sputnik quoted a regional minister as saying women with children and pregnant women were accommodated in the dormitory of a medical college.

Air India was assisted by Rossiya Airlines, one of Russias oldest and largest carriers.

The ferry flight took off from Mumbai early Wednesday and reached Magadan by midnight.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan on Thursday took a swipe at Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar by linking the Bhagalpur bridge collapse to the latters efforts to stitch together a united opposition. Bihar CM who can't even build a bridge is trying to unite the Opposition. This unity will collapse the same way as the bridge (in Bhagalpur) did, he said. Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) president Chirag Paswan. (Photo by Santosh Kumar / Hindustan Times)

Paswans comments come ahead of the Oppositions important meeting on June 23 in the runup to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Union Minister Smriti Irani also echoed Paswans jibe and said that the opposition may be looking for support in each other but their wish will wash away in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls like the collapsed bridge.

She said, They are looking for support in each other as they are unable to stand on their own feet. They are coming together at a place where a 1,750-crore structure washed away. Their wishes will wash away in a similar way in 2024.

Opposition unity

Earlier scheduled to be held on June 12, it was postponed on account of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Kharge as well as DMK chief Stalin not being able to attend due to other engagements.

Kumar has been at the forefront for the past few months in forging out a union of Opposition parties in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

He has been speaking to several regional satraps besides the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Left and has held separate meetings with leaders of many parties, including Gandhi and Kharge of the Congress, Delhi chief minister and AAPs national convener Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee along with Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Sharad Pawar.

The bridge collapse

The under-construction Aguwani-Sultanganj bridges collapse on Sunday was attributed by officials to design flaws. According to authorities, portions of the bridge were deliberately destroyed under expert advice. The bridge, intended to connect Khagaria district with Bhagalpur, incurred a cost of more than Rs. 1,700 crore. This is the second time the bridge has collapsed, with a previous incident occurring on April 30 last year.

CM Kumar has ordered an inquiry into the incident which drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A 32-year-old woman in suburban Mumbai was killed by her live-in partner of nine years who then used an electric saw to hack her body into so many parts that the police couldnt pin a number. For three days after the alleged murder, Manoj Sane, 56, tried to dispose of the body. In his frantic efforts to evade detection, he pressure-cooked some body parts, roasted others, and ground some more in a mixer and fed them to stray dogs. 56-year-old man kills live-in partner, chops her body in Mira Road.

Read here: Mumbai murder: Dumped body parts, foul smells and living with body parts - 5 points on Mira Road case

When the police entered the sparsely decorated seventh-floor apartment at Geeta Akashdeep society, a middle- class enclave of 10 buildings on Mira Road, they found themselves in a veritable house of horror.

The kitchen was a complete mess  there were buckets and multiple pots and pans full of chopped and minced human flesh, said assistant police inspector Rahul Bhagvat who along with police inspector Jilani Sayyad was the first to enter the two-bedroom house. The two officers were sent there by the Nayanagar station house officer to investigate neighbours complaints of the stench emanating from flat number 704.

When they broke open the door, the first thing they saw in the house was a bloodied electric saw. In the kitchen, other than in the three buckets, the pressure cooker on the gas stove and the pan on the platform they also found human bones in the basin. Adding to the horror was a pair of chopped off feet that sat on the platform.

On Wednesday night, the police arrested Sane for the murder of his live-in partner Saraswati Vaidya. The police say that Sane, who is employed at a kirana shop in the area, met Saraswati, who was orphaned, in 2014, and the two began living together. Sane, say the police, was sure that if he could dispose of Saraswatis body in time, no one would ever come looking for her and he could escape undetected.

The gruesome manner in which the accused tried to dispose of the body brought back memories of the Shraddha Walkar murder case. In the Delhi case, Walkars live in partner Aaftab Poonawala killed her on May 18 last year, chopped her body into at least 35 pieces over two days, stored them in a refrigerator for about three months, and dumped the parts piece by piece. The crime remained undetected till November 12, when Poonawala was arrested. Delhi Police then spent the next few weeks recovering Walkars body parts in southern parts of the Capital, as well as Gurugram.

While the police say that Saraswati Vaidya and Manoj Sane did not interact with their neighbours and kept to themselves, it was on account of their neighbours that the killing came to light.

When Somesh Shrivastav, who stays in flat 701 across from Sane, came home for lunch from his office on Wednesday, he found himself overwhelmed by the stench on their floor and began to investigate the source. It led him to Sanes locked flat. At 4.30pm he bumped into Sane on the stairs and told him about the foul smell. He was carrying a black backpack and he seemed restless. He told me that he would return home at 10.30 in the night and resolve the issue, said Shrivastav. But he says he found something amiss about Sanes behaviour and decided to alert the police regardless. Unbeknownst to him, Sane returned home at 8pm instead of 10.30pm and was apprehended by the police. It was only when we saw the news on television late on Wednesday night that we found out about the murder and also, for the first time, the names of our neighbours in flat 704, Shrivastav said.

On Wednesday, after his arrest, Sane offered multiple stories to the police for Vaidyas death. He first claimed that she had died by suicide on June 4 by consuming poison and fearing that he might be charged with abetment to suicide, he tried to get rid of the body instead of alerting either the neighbours or the police. Subsequently, however, he told the police that the two of them had had a fight as he suspected her of infidelity, and he stabbed her with a knife and then used the electric saw to cut her up.

On Thursday, after Sane was remanded to police custody, the police gathered Saraswati Vaidyas body parts in multiple polythene bags and sent them to JJ Hospital for post mortem to ascertain the cause and time of her death, said Jayant Bajbale, deputy commissioner of police, Mira-Bhayander.

We have also recovered a few knives and cutters from the kitchen in Sanes flat and are trying to confirm which of them was the murder weapon, said an officer from Nayanagar police station. Sane and Vaidyas phone too has been sent for forensic analysis and to see if they wield any clues to their relationship and the murder.

Vaidya grew up in an orphanage in Borivali and was living there when she met Manoj Sane at a ration shop where he worked in 2014. They both belonged to the same community, and were single. They started meeting often. Vaidya, a school drop-out with little career prospects, grew increasingly dependent on Sane. The couple moved in together in the Mira Road flat three years ago. Save for the frequent and loud fights, they were quite private and none of their neighbours knew them. Sane has told the police that he suspected her of having affairs, and said that this was the reason for their fights.

Read here: Mumbai murder: Man kills live-in partner, chops up body and stays with parts in home

The crime, once again, spotlighted the growing numbers of cases involving violence against women, especially in situations where victims were at the receiving end of brutality at the hands of their intimate partners. it highlighted the importance of stronger law enforcement, rigorous punishment, and more social awareness in dealing with violence against women, and showed that police and the government need to do a lot more to safeguard womens lives.
Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay on Thursday condemned the reports of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination celebration in Canada's Brampton city, saying that there is no place for hate or glorification of violence in Canada. Parade float depicting Indira Gandhi's assassination in Canada.

I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities, Cameron MacKay tweeted.

A purported video circulating on social media shows a parade float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi. According to reports, the parade was allegedly organised by Khalistani supporters on June 4 - just days before the upcoming 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6.

In the video, several figures depicting the late PM and her killers - who were the members of her security - can be seen displayed. The parade also has a sign saying the assassination was Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib - referring to the storming of the Golden Temple by Indian troops in 1984.

Meanwhile, India also formally expressed its displeasure to the Canadian government on Wednesday over the incident. Indias High Commission in Ottawa sent a formal note to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), describing the occurrence as not acceptable. You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation, a senior official said.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a supplementary charge sheet against aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar and others for alleged violation under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by his non-profit organisation  Advantage India, people familiar with the matter said. Advantage India had received  90.72 crore under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme for carrying out social activities but the money was diverted for some other purposes, a CBI spokesperson had said earlier (AFP)

The first charge sheet in the case was filed in March 2020 and the second on May 3. The charge sheet names Talwar, his wife Deepa Talwar, Advantage India, besides Girish Vaid, Krishan Kumar Nair, Tarun Kumar Kapoor, Archana Kapoor, and Pran Nath Monga. The information about the new charge sheet became public on Thursday.

Advantage India had received 90.72 crore under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme for carrying out social activities but the money was diverted for some other purposes, a CBI spokesperson had said earlier.

An FIR was registered in the matter in November 2017 naming Talwar, his NGO, a company M/s Accordis Health Care Pvt Ltd and its representative Sunil Khandelwal and MD Raman Kapoor, a consultant M/s T Kapoor and unknown persons for criminal conspiracy, forgery and Sections 33, 35 and 37 of FCRA.

The ministry of home affairs had asked the CBI to investigate the matter. The agency had arrested him in July 2019 and interrogated him at length.

Talwar is under investigation in connection with several aviation deals as well. He was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January 2019 after he was deported from Dubai in another case related to an aviation scandal.

He allegedly acted as a middleman to secure favourable air traffic rights for foreign private airlines in 2008-09 at the cost of national carrier Air India by conniving with government officials. Talwars son Aditya Talwar is also under investigation in the aviation cases. He is currently based in Antigua and Barbuda.

In the FCRA case against Advantage, there are allegations of misutilisation of foreign contributions which were received under the corporate social responsibility scheme for the purpose of carrying out educational and social activities in India.

The funds were allegedly received mainly from a foreign-based company to the tune of 90.72 crore (approx) in the bank accounts of a New Delhi-based private firm/ NGO registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 for carrying out social welfare activities in the field of education, the CBI spokesperson had said after the FIR was filed on November 16, 2017.

Advantage India received a total foreign contribution amounting to 90.72 crore, during 2012-13 to 2015-16, and also received bank interest amounting to 6.69 crore on foreign contributions during the said period.
The Centre has approved a 101.75 crore relief package for displaced citizens in Manipur where the situation remains peaceful with no fresh incidents of violence in the past 48 hours, state security adviser Kuldiep Singh said on Thursday. Locals at a medical camp organised by the Assam Rifles for people of violence-hit areas in Manipur. (PTI)

Read here: Manipur violence: Almost all arms of Kuki militant groups still intact in camps, says army

Since May 3, the northeastern state has been roiled by ethnic clashes largely between the Meitei and Kuki communities. At least 102 people have died, 300 injured and nearly 40,000 displaced, with 2,000 houses and shops burnt.

Singh, a former Central Reserve Police Force chief, said that last week, Union home minister Amit Shah had directed the Manipur government to send a request to the Union home ministry seeking relief for the displaced citizens. During his four-day visit to the state, Shah had met different Kuki and Meitei groups, civil society organisations, and groups of citizens.

The situation in Manipur remained peaceful and under control, Singh said.

On June 1, during the last day of his visit to Manipur, Shah had urged people surrender arms and warned of strict action against those who failed to do so. This came after mobs from various communities broke into armouries of different police stations and fled with around 3,500 guns and 500,000 ammunition.

Singh said that in the last 24 hours, security personnel recovered 27 weapons, 245 ammunitions and 41 bombs at Porompat police station area in Imphal East district, while one gun and two bombs were recovered in Bishnupur. The total recoveries by police until Thursday evening were 896 arms, 11,763 ammunitions and 200 bombs .

In all, since Shahs appeal, 144 weapons have been recovered, most of them from Imphal East(102 weapons), Tengnoupal(35 weapons), Imphal West(2) and Thoubal(5). Singh 18 weapons were from the international border town of Moreh and that the most common arms recovered were self-loading rifles, carbines, AK 47s and grenades.

The Indian Army is also conducting combing operations across at least different 11 districts and using drones and quadcopters because of the terrain.

Our combing operation is based on intelligence inputs. These were recovered from places where people had not surrendered. The combing operation will continue whenever we receive information about the weapons, said an officer who is privy to the operation.

Singh said that movement of essential items along National Highway 37 was continuing. 294 empty vehicles have left Imphal for Jiribam today. A total of 220 loaded vehicles have left Noney and 198 loaded tankers and trucks have left Jiribam today, he said.

The movement of vehicles on the NH 37 (Silchar-Imphal) is important against the backdrop of many groups blocking parts of National Highway 2 (Dimapur-Imphal section of NH2) within the state.

Senior officers have visited and are camping in vulnerable areas. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable areas. Further, combined team of state and central forces have intensified combing operations in many parts of the state, Singh added.

Clashes first broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur town after tribal Kuki groups called for protests against a proposed tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to the majority Meitei community. Violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. The authorities quickly clamped a curfew and suspended internet, pumping in additional security forces to force a break in the spiraling clashes. Internet is still not back in the state.

Read here: Army, Assam rifles join operations to retrieve looted arms in Manipur

To bring normalcy, the Centre sent in personnel from the Indian Army, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and Border Security Force. They are working with the Manipur police under an inter-agency unified command, headed by Singh.

In a state where ethnic divisions often drive a wedge between communities, the restoration of peace is an important step, one that needs to be augmented by the recovery of weapons stolen during the riots. The government should continue to institute peace-building measures to bridge the ethnic divide, and remain on alert for any attempts to ratchet up violence.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman who kicked off his India visit on Wednesday shared his perspective on the disruptive nature of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on jobs. Altman acknowledged that AI is indeed a disruptor but insisted it does not spell doom for permanent job loss. He also emphasized the urgent need for governments to consider new socioeconomic contracts in response to the rapid pace of change brought about by AI technology. (Also Read: 'Met PM Modi; discussed AI disadvantage, regulation,' says ChatGPT's Sam Altman) OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.(AFP)

Altman, in an interview with the Economic Times, stressed that while certain jobs may become obsolete due to automation, new opportunities would emerge. His honesty was particularly evident as he fielded pointed questions on AI's influence on employment. He acknowledged the need for a proactive approach to adapt and reskill workers to meet the demands of the evolving job market.

Read | OpenAI CEO suggests global agency like UN's nuclear watchdog to oversee AI

Altman's remarks echoed the sentiment that AI should be viewed as an enabler, augmenting human capabilities rather than rendering them redundant.

Every tech revolution leads to job change. In two generations, we can adapt to any amount of labour market change and there are new jobs and they are usually better. That is going to happen here, too. Some jobs are going to go away. There will be new, better jobs that are difficult to imagine today," he said.

'India one of the better-placed countries'

Altman, a Stanford University dropout, expressed his support for "sovereign" research on artificial intelligence and emphasized the importance of government-funded AI projects. He asserted that many countries may feel uneasy about allowing a life-defining technology to be solely owned by one or a few foreign companies. He particularly emphasised India as a country well-positioned to produce significant results through government-backed AI initiatives.

Read | Student uses ChatGPT for homework, gets caught due to one sentence

On regulation, he was unequivocal in welcoming it, pointing out that the scale of disruption.

During the discussion, Altman was shown an AI-generated video featuring a discernibly fake version of himself, leading to a conversation about the dangers posed by deepfakes and fraud. While acknowledging the real risks associated with this new technology, Altman expressed confidence that technological advancements will enable the creation of accessible solutions to establish authenticity.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Congress government has decided to halt two irrigation projects sanctioned by Gokak BJP MLA and former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi. According to government officials, those responsible for overseeing the projects discovered that the estimated costs provided by Jarkiholi were significantly higher than the actual costs. (Wikimedia Commons)

One of the projects approved by Jarkiholi was the Gatti Basavanna Dam on the Markandeya River in his constituency. The major irrigation department initially estimated the cost at 969 crore, while the revised estimated cost was around 300 crore. Similarly, the Ammajeshwari lift irrigation project was estimated to cost no more than 80 crore, but the department had estimated it at 747 crore during the BJP rule, said officials. Due to the substantial discrepancies in the estimated costs, the government decided to halt the projects, they added.

An official from the project section of the irrigation department, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that the section simply drafted the projects according to the instructions given by higher authorities.

Even though both Jarkiholi and irrigation minister DK Shivakumar have a history of political rivalry that led to the former leaving the party, officials said that the projects approved by Jarkiholi were halted due to suspected corruption.

The Congress government halted the irrigation and civil works projects that were allotted during the Bommai government, not out of revenge or enmity, but due to suspected significant corruption, explained officials.

Belagavi district BJP (Rural) president, former MLA Sanjay Patil described halting the last six months projects as politically motivated and made with an enmity. All the projects carried out in BJP government were fair and transportation. There was no hide and seek in the administration. Let the Congress government can investigate from any agency if there were irregularities.

The Belagavi districts major irrigation and public works department, which provided a comprehensive ground report on the projects to higher authorities in Bengaluru, has recommended cancelling the Gatti Basavanna Dam project due to unsuitable soil conditions for reservoir construction.

The dam project, located just 3 kilometers from Gokak town on the Markandeya River. If constructed, it would result in approximately 50% of Gokak town, with a population of around one lakh, and a significant portion of irrigated land in Gokak and Mudalagi taluks being submerged, the report said.

70-year-old Parappa Angadi, a resident of a lower-level area near the old Kodasalli bridge in Gokak town, shared that flooding in his locality during the rainy season is a common occurrence.

Not only during rainfall, but the area also gets submerged when excess water is released into the Ghataprabha River from the Hidkal Reservoir in Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi district. If the dam is constructed, not only our locality but the entire Gokak town will disappear from the geographical map, Angadi said.

Jarkiholi, who had approved the irrigation projects has been elected for the seventh consecutive term as the representative of the Gokak constituency, previously held the position of irrigation minister in the Basavaraj Bommai government.

He played a key role in toppling the JD(S)-Congress coalition government and establishing the BJP government.

Even after resigning from the ministry, his influence within the government remained unchanged.

According to people familiar with the matter, the party high command instructed Bommai to approve all the projects proposed by Jarkiholi.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday termed the depiction of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination at an event in the Greater Toronto Area despicable, and urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar to take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities. Congress condemned the controversial tableau at an event in Canada depicting India Gandhi's assassination.

Figures depicting Indira Gandhi and her killers, who were the members of her security detail, were displayed prominently during a parade marking the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star. The parade tableau also had a sign that said the assassination was revenge for attack on Shri Darbar Sahib, referring to the storming of the Golden Temple by Indian troops in 1984 to flush out the terrorists.

Sharing a video clip of the event, Congress leader Milind Deora said he was appalled by the parade which took place in the city of Brampton in Canada.

It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. This extremism deserves universal condemnation & a united response, Deora said in a tweet.

Echoing Deora's sentiments, Ramesh tweeted, I entirely agree! This is despicable and @DrSJaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities.

A formal note in this regard was sent to Global Affairs Canada by Indias High Commission in Ottawa on Wednesday, expressing its displeasure to the Canadian Government over the presence of the controversial tableau.

Canadas High Commissioner in New Delhi Cameron Mackay said, I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Cyclonic Storm 'Biparjoy' will further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over east-central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during the next 12 hours, India Meteorological Department (IMD). "The very severe Cyclonic storm is currently about 860km west-southwest of Goa, 970 km southwest of Mumbai, 1050 km south-southwest of Porbandar and 1350 km south of Karachi," it said. Cyclone in Arabian Sea: High waves crash at the sea-shore.

Read | Monsoon rains may start in 48 hours after storm delay

The storm is likely to cause wind gusts of 40 to 50 kmph in coastal districts of Gujarat in the coming days and also bring light rains in parts of the state. Fishermen in Gujarat have been warned not to venture into the Arabian sea till June 14.

Read | Cyclone Biparjoy: How it will impact weather, monsoon in India

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Cyclone Biparjoy is rapidly turning into a severe cyclonic storm and is likely to intensify further during the next 48 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. According to the weather agency, the cyclone will move north-northwestwards during the next three days. However, the IMD has not yet predicted any major impact on countries adjoining the Arabian Sea, including India, Oman, Iran, and Pakistan. The formation process of cyclone Biparjoy began in the Arabian Sea (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)(HT_PRINT)

Here are the top 5 updates on the Cyclone:

The IMD in its bulletin on Wednesday night said that Cyclone Biparjoy is lying over east-central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea - about 870 km of west-southwest of Goa, and 930 km of south-west of Mumbai. According to forecasting agencies, the storm has been undergoing "rapid intensification", escalating from just a cyclonic circulation to a severe cyclonic storm in just 48 hours. Reportedly, the atmospheric conditions and cloud mass indicate that the system is likely to sustain the strength of a very severe cyclone till June 12. As the Cyclone intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and remained centered around 1,060 km south-west of Gujarat's coastal district of Porbandar, the state government said that it was fully prepared to deal with possible natural calamities. The IMD has issued a warning for fishermen on Karnataka's coast not to venture into the Arabian Sea citing dangerous weather conditions and rough seas until further notice. According to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), there are likely high waves in the range of 2.3-3.2 meters along the coast off from Mangaluru to Karwar.

Impact of Cyclone Biparjoy on India

The IMD is likely to announce the onset of monsoon over Kerala during the next 48 hours, although it is expected to be weak on account of Cyclone Biparjoy. Latest meteorological features associated with monsoon onset over Kerala show: there is (a) persistence of westerly winds over south Arabian Sea (b) increase in the depth of westerly winds up to middle tropospheric levels and (c) increase in cloudiness over the areas covering south east Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep and Kerala coasts. Under such a scenario; conditions are becoming favourable for monsoon onset over Kerala during next 48 hours, IMD said in its bulletin on Wednesday.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The monsoon arrived in Kerala on Thursday, seven days after it normally does, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said even as climate scientists and meteorologists have warned that it is expected to be a weak onset due to the severe Cyclone Biparjoy. The progress of the weather system that brings rain across the country and is directly linked to a healthy rural economy is likely to be slow in its first week. Clouds in Keralas Kochi. (REUTERS)

The monsoon normally arrives in Kerala around June 1 before advancing northwards and covering the entire country by July 15. It is the lifeblood of Indias economy as it delivers nearly 70% of the countrys rain. As much as 51% of Indias farmed area accounting for 40% of production is rain-fed and 47% of the population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood.

During [the past] 24 hours, clouding has increased over Southeast Arabian sea with Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) being <200 w/m2. The depth of westerlies over [the] Southeast Arabian Sea extends up to mid-tropospheric levels. The strength of Westerlies in the lower levels has increased by about 19 knots. Thus, there has been widespread rainfall over Kerala during [the] past 24 hours. Considering...the... conditions, Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala..., the IMD said in a statement.

The IMD added conditions were favourable for further advance of the monsoon into more parts of the central Arabian Sea, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and southwest, central, northeast Bay of Bengal, northeastern states, and remaining parts of Kerala during the next 48 hours.

IMD declares the arrival of monsoon in Kerala based on features that include 60% of 14 weather stations in Kerala and Mangaluru (Karnataka) reporting rainfall of 2.5 mm or more for two consecutive days after May 10.

as well as the extent of cloudiness.

Private forecaster Skymet Weather vice president (climate and meteorology) Mahesh Palawat said the arrival criteria are gradually being met but they cannot expect widespread rains, especially in the interior parts of the south peninsula for the next four to five days. There will be moderate rainfall over coastal Kerala and coastal Karnataka.

He said active monsoon conditions may pick up only after June 14-15. As expected, this has been a weak onset with slow progression expected.

Former earth sciences ministry secretary M Rajeevan said there may not be widespread rains everywhere. We expect some rains along the west coast over the next three to four days. Once this cyclone moves away from the Bay of Bengal, the current also will get strengthened. By June 20, the Bay of Bengal also will be active... I am worried about the monsoon in the interior parts of the country. There could be a delay in onset here. Farmers should be very careful for not going for early sowing etc.

Climate experts and meteorologists cited the formation of Cyclone Biparjoy over the southeast Arabian Sea and pointed out that it pulled all the convection along its track leading to the weakening of monsoon flow. The monsoon flow was expected to resume properly once the cyclone dissipated.

Biparjoy is not good for our monsoon because it is pulling all the moisture along with it away from the Indian coast. Its formation is not near the Indian coast and hence monsoon progress will remain very poor until around June 12. It may strengthen the cross-equatorial flow after the cyclone dissipates, but that is a long way away, an IMD official said on June 6 when the cyclone formed.

The cyclone pulled away most of the moisture. It rapidly intensified over the southeast Arabian Sea on Tuesday and Wednesday from a deep depression (55.65 km per hour) to a very severe cyclone (121 km per hour) in just 24 hours. That marked an increase in windspeed of 65 km per hour in 24 hours, which is termed rapid intensification, climate scientists said.

Vineet Kumar Singh, a researcher at South Koreas Jeju National University who is tracking Biparjoy, said the cyclone will not make landfall at least until June 14 or 15. It is moving very slowly. It can be one of the longest-lived cyclones to develop in the pre-monsoon season. From June 12 onwards, Biparjoy is expected to move slightly northwest but after June 13, its path is uncertain. The cyclone will continue to divert moisture for the next five days. One thing for certain as of now, no strong monsoon current at least until June 18.

Palawat said there was some rainfall in parts of Kerala due to the cyclone that pushed some moisture towards the west coast since it is a very large system. He added that westerly winds were expected to pick up over the next two to three days. Clouding was likely to increase as the cyclone moved northwards and picked up moisture from around it.

Palawat asked farmers to consider commencing the sowing after a week or 10 days in view of weak onset. Once rains pick up sowing can begin so that crop is not affected. June rains may be below normal due to delay in rains, Palawat said.

Rains were expected to pick up over northeast India in view of a low-pressure area developing over the Bay of Bengal, which will help pull monsoon winds to the region.

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll said since Cyclone Biparjoy was away from the coast, it was taking up a large share of the moisture. Koll added the monsoon rains may not be widespread at least for the current week. It is not a classical monsoon onset. The rains we are seeing over Kerala is the monsoon picking up the leftover moisture from the cyclone.

Last year, IMD declared the monsoon arrival even though all criteria were not met. On May 16, it said the monsoon was likely to arrive in Kerala on June 4 with a model error of +/-4 days.

HT on June 1 reported the monsoon progress was likely to be dampened after its expected arrival in Kerala around June 4 with a model error of +/-4 days due to the chances of the development of a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea around two days later. Experts

IMD has forecast a normal monsoon at 96% with an error margin +/-5%) of the long-period average (LPA) of 87 cm calculated from 1971 to 2020. Skymet Weather has said below normal rainfall was expected at 94% of LPA with an error margin of +/-5%.

There is a nearly 100% probability of El Nino conditions during monsoon. It is expected to continue until next year, IMD said last month. El Nino is characterised by an unusual warming of waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which has a high correlation with warmer summers, drought, and weaker monsoon rains in India.

The 2023 El Nino is expected to develop following a triple dip La Nina event (2020-22). La Nina is the opposite of El Nino and is characterised by cooler currents in the equatorial eastern Pacific.
The Indian high commission in Ottawa has sent a note expressing displeasure to the Canadian government over a float that depicted former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassination at a parade marking the Operation Bluestars 39th anniversary in the Greater Toronto Area, officials aware of the matter said. The note was sent to Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian foreign ministry. (Twitter)

Members of her security detail assassinated Indira Gandhi months after the operation was ordered to flush out separatists holed up in the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh Shrine in Amritsar, in June 1984.

The shaheedi [martyrs] parade float depicted figures of Indira Gandhi and her killers prominently with a sign that the assassination was Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib, referencing the storming of the Golden Temple.

The high commission on Wednesday sent the note expressing displeasure to Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian foreign ministry.

An Indian official described the depiction as unacceptable. You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation, said the official, who did not want to be named.

Canadian high commissioner to India Cameron Mackay echoed the viewpoint. I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities, tweeted Mackay.

A second Indian official cited the statement of Jody Thomas, the Canadian prime ministers national security and intelligence advisor, listing India among the top sources of foreign interference and said these two developments will have adverse repercussions when it comes to ties between the two countries.

Speaking at a conference in Ottawa on Friday, Thomas said, When I talk about foreign interference and economic security, I am now talking about a number of state actors and non-state proxies. This includes Russia, Iran, and India. That said, the actor that comes up most on these issues, and its no surprise to anybody, is China.

The issue has dominated Canadian politics due to the controversy over alleged Chinese interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.

A third Indian official said as a fellow democratic nation, India does not interfere in the internal politics of another. The official added that by placing India along with authoritarian states, Ottawa is frittering away the positive momentum developed in the relationship particularly with Union commerce minister Piyush Goyals successful visit to Canada last month.

In a tweet, the National Alliance of Indo-Canadians said they are politically marginalised and face racism and religious bigotry in daily life. Genuine grievances and concerns of citizens must not be mixed up with foreign interference.

Brampton-based journalist Balraj Deol cited the float and asked does it help Canadas Indo-Pacific strategy. A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it! he tweeted.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed that outsiders were involved in the violent protests over some social media posts allegedly glorifying Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan in Maharashtras Kolhapur. Raut also questioned the increased frequency of communal clashes in the state under Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis (Right).

As per my knowledge, people of Kolhapur were not involved in this clash. People from outside Kolhapur were brought in to disturb the situation...Why is this happening again and again ever since your govt came to power? Raut asked while speaking to reporters.

You speak of Hindutva. Is your Hindutva so weak that it gets threatened when someone puts up someone's photo? Do you need Aurangzeb to win the elections? Bajrang Bali didn't help you in Karnataka. So, you need Aurangzeb in Maharashtra, the Rajya Sabha member said.

A rally by Hindu organisations took an ugly turn on Wednesday as some miscreants began pelting stones at homes and business establishments owned by the Muslim community and attacking their vehicles. The Rapid Action Force and State Reserve Police Force were called in to bring the situation under control and prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of five or more persons in the district till June 19, were issued.

Kolhapur police have so far arrested 36 persons and detained three juveniles in connection with Wednesday's violent clashes in the city. Three FIRs have been registered and around 400 persons have been booked, said Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit. The police have already detained five juveniles for posting provocative messages as status on social media that triggered violence, he said.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the state home minister, defended the aggression of the Hindutva outfits even as he appealed to maintain peace.

There is bound to be a reaction if Aurangzeb is glorified, he said. We will not tolerate it. This is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs Maharashtra.

The opposition leaders, meanwhile, targeted Fadnavis and sought his resignation for failing to maintain the law and order situation in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said an "experienced and competent" person should be given the responsibility of the home department.

"Creating communal tension is part of the BJP's cunning plan to further their political interests. It is shameful that women and girls are not safe in Mumbai," he alleged, referring to the rape and murder of an 18-year-old college student, who was found dead in her hostel room in Mumbai.

(With inputs from Yogesh Joshi)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Enforcement Directorate summoned Trinamool MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee -- in connection with its probe into the teachers' recruitment scam on June 13. The summons comes as Abhishek's wife Rujira was being probed by the investigative agency in connection with a coal pilferage case. On Thursday, Rujira was grilled by the ED for nearly four hours at the ED office in Kolkata. Abhishek Banerjee said he would not join the ED questioning as he is now busy.(Hindustan Times)

Abhishek said he would not comply with the summons as he is now busy with the mass outreach campaign. "I am not obligated to appear before investigative agencies at their whims, Abhishek said.

The summons also coincided with the announcement of the panchayat election in the state. The three-tier panchayat election in West Bengal will be held on July 8, state election commissioner Rajiv Sinha said on Thursday.

As his wife was being questioned for hours together, after she was stopped from flying to the UAE, Abhishek alleged the "harassment" of his family was aimed at stopping his outreach campaign ahead of the panchayat elections in West Bengal.

Rujira was stopped along with her two children at the Kolkata airport on Monday when she was heading to UAE. She was then served the summons for appearing before the agency at 11 am on June 8.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Several female students of a higher secondarysemi-governmentschool in Srinagar on Thursday staged a protest after they were allegedly denied entry to the institute for wearing the Abaya  a full-length loose-fitting robe worn over clothes by Muslim women. Family members of students protest for allegedly not allowing students to enter the school premises wearing 'Abaya', in Srinagar. (ANI)

The students of Vishwa Bharti Girls Higher Secondary School in Rainawari area alleged the administration was forcing them to remove the Abaya before entering the premises, and asked them to attend classes in madrassas if they wish to keep the robe on.

School authorities, however, denied the allegation and said no ban was imposed and students can wear the Abaya over the uniform.

Over two dozen students from classes 11 and 12 staged a protest outside the school against the administrations purported decision to not allow the Abaya in the premises.

Yesterday, we were told that they (school authorities) will not allow us to enter the school if we wear an Abaya. They told us that our dress is not right and is affecting other students. They also said we should go and study in madrassas if we want to wear an Abaya, a student said.

How is the Abaya a hindrance to education? We are school toppers and we just want to study in peace, the student added.

A second student said they tried to reason with the school management but to no avail. We are not comfortable studying among boys without the Abaya but they told us that we should go to a madrassa if we were not ready to remove them, the student said.

School principal Nimroz Shafi said she had only requested the students to wear a white Hijab (headscarves covering hair and neck) as part of the uniform. They come wearing multiple colors and designs (Abaya). We told them to come in white long Hijabs, she said.

In a statement later, Shafi said the school management always respects the sentiments of all the sections of the society vis a vis the dress code.

That it has been running on social media that female students have been directed not to wear Abaya (Long Robe) which is totally baseless and misrepresented. It is clarified that no ban has been imposed by the School Principal or the Management on wearing Abaya but it was politely conveyed to the students to wear school uniform underneath the Abaya, she said.

It is for the information of all students that they can wear the Abaya and no such restrictions have been imposed in the classrooms. Todays conversation with the students and the parents has been misrepresented and in any case if it has hurt the sentiments of the students or the parents, I unconditionally apologise for the same, she added.

The issue evoked sharp responses from all quarters in the Valley.

Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti called the schools alleged directive an attack on religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution.

J&K has become a laboratory to turn this into Godses India. The issue (of Hijab) had started in Karnataka and now they want to implement it in J&K. This is unacceptable and will elicit a bad reaction. Whosoever wants to wear anything should be ones personal choice. Nothing should be imposed, she said.

Our Constitution has allowed us freedom to wear, eat or have a religion. All this is being attacked which is unacceptable and wont be tolerated, she added,

J&Ks Grand Mufti Nasirul Islam said the school was earlier only for girls and was later converted into a coeducational institution. Girl students have every right to wear Burqa in a coed school and the administration should also keep in mind that a dress code is also related to ones religion or modesty as well, he said.

BJPs J&K general secretary(Org) Ashok Koul said every person has the right to wear whatever one wants. Somebody wants to wear a Sari or a Shalwar, it is ones personal choice. There should be no coercion. Everybody is free and let everyone wear as per his/her choice, he said.

However, J&K Waqf Board chairperson and BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi stressed on the importance of uniforms in educational institutions. There is uniformity in educational institutions when a uniform is worn and a university, college, court or a doctor works according to a code, she said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mumbai's Mira Road area was shaken by a horrifying incident as a 56-year-old man allegedly murdered his 32-year-old live-in partner and dismembered her body into pieces using tree-cutter in a gruesome attempt to destroy evidence. The accused, identified as Manoj Sahani, had been staying with Saraswati Vaidya, 32, in flat No. 704 in J-Wing of Geeta Akash Deep building in Geeta Nagar Phase 7 over the past three years.

The police said the accused killed his live-in partner three to four days ago, following which he bought a tree-cutter to dice her body into pieces. He then boiled the parts, and stuffed them into plastic bags.

32-year-old woman killed by 56-year-old live-in partner | As per Police, the accused Manoj Sahni killed Saraswati Vaidya 3-4 days back and after that, he purchased a tree-cutter to chop her into pieces. Police say that the accused boiled pieces of her body in a pressure cooker and later filled them into plastic bags to dispose of them. Police say that over 12-13 pieces of the woman's body were recovered from the site, an official was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

How Mumbai cops discovered Mira Road murder

On Wednesday, the residents of J-wing in Geeta Aakashdeep Cooperative Housing Society, located in Geeta Nagar, Phase-7, contacted the police after noticing a foul smell emanating from flat number 704, leading to the shocking discovery of the heinous crime.

READ | Mumbai man murders live-in partner, chops up body, lives with parts

Upon arriving at the flat, the officers broke the door and found the remains of the woman, Saraswati Vaidya, in a state of advanced decomposition, scattered throughout the apartment.

Jayant Bajbale, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1), said, We believe that Sahani cut the womans body into pieces so as to make it easy for him to dispose them of.

The officials also suspect that the perpetrator deliberately disposed of the missing body parts in an undisclosed location.

Also read | Dumped body parts, foul smells and living with body parts - 5 points on Mira Road case

The police have apprehended the accused, identified as Manoj Sahani, and are conducting further interrogations.

A preliminary inquiry revealed that Vaidya had been living with Manoj Sane in the flat for the past three years.

Residents of the building told police that the couple did not mingle with them. The door of their flat does not have a nameplate and it is registered in the name of Sonam Builders, police officers said.

Rekindles memories of Shraddha Walkar's killing

The incident has several aspects in common with the Shraddha Walkar murder case that stunned the country last year. Walkar was strangled by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala, who chopped her body into 35 pieces and disposed of them in a forest in the national capital over 18 days. He also stored some of the body parts in a fridge and charred her face to hide her identity.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kanishka Singharia Kanishka is a journalist at Hindustan Times news desk. When not in newsroom, you will find her on streets of Delhi exploring food cafes or capturing world through her lens. ...view detail
Gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari was gunned down in a Lucknow courtroom using a Czech-made .357 bore Magnum Alfa series revolver and six bullets were fired by the assailant at the 48-year-old criminal, police investigation said on Thursday. Sanjeev Maheshwari (ANI)

Read here: Jeevas wife was on the run in Gangsters Act case lodged in Muzaffarnagar

The assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav, dressed as a lawyer and shot Maheshwari dead inside a courtroom in Lucknow on Wednesday. Also known as Jeeva, Maheshwari was an aide of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari and had 26 criminal cases against him dating back to 1995.

The post-mortem report found 16 entry and exit wounds on Maheshwaris body  including 12 on his torso and four on his limbs. HT has copies of the first information report and the post-mortem report.

The weapon used is a Czech-made revolver with six rounds of firing capacity at a time, said a firearms expert.

Lucknow deputy commissioner of police (DCP), West, Rahul Raj said the matter is under investigation and further findings will reveal the exact sequence of events, the assailants motive behind the killing and other information related to the incident. Meanwhile, the state government announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The FIR by sub-inspector Udai Pratap Singh said he, along with nine other policemen, brought Maheshwari to the court at around 11.30am on Wednesday. Around 3.15pm, Maheshwari asked to go to the toilet. When he was returning to the courtroom, the assailant opened fire at around 3.30pm, according to the FIR.

Read here: Jeevas killing will shatter Mukhtar Ansaris criminal network, says former police officer

The FIR was lodged under multiple Indian Penal Code sections including 302 for murder, 307 for attempt to murder, 332 for causing hurt to public servant in the discharge of his duty, 353 for assault or use of criminal force against public servant as well as Section 7 of Criminal Law Amendment (CLA) Act.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A court in Gujarat has directed Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh to appear before it on July 13 in connection with a criminal defamation case Gujarat University has filed over their comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modis degree. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh. (ANI)

The direction was issued to the Aam Aadmi Party leaders on Wednesday as the court observed that prima facie there appeared to be a case against them under Indian Penal Codes Section 500 (defamation).

Kejriwal and Singhs lawyers appeared before the court on their behalf and moved applications seeking exemption of their clients from appearance and documents related to the complaint.

The defamation case was filed over Kejriwal and Singhs comments after the Gujarat high court in March set aside the chief information commissioners order asking the university to provide information on Modis degree. The high court slapped a 25,000 fine on Kejriwal, who sought the information.

Singh and Kejriwal have been accused of making defamatory statements at press conferences and on Twitter targeting the university over Modis degree.
Ahmedabad: Girls would, in the past, get married aged 14 or 15 and become mothers by 17, the Gujarat high court told a minor rape survivor who sought to terminate her seven-month-old foetus, even as the bench asked her to read the Manusmriti to this effect. Girls would, in the past, get married aged 14 or 15 and become mothers by 17, the Gujarat high court told a minor rape survivor. (Agencies)

Read here: Girls used to get married, deliver child before 17: Gujarat HC on abortion plea

The girls advocate sought an early hearing before the court, arguing that she is expected to deliver on August 16. The single-judge bench of justice Samir JJ Dave, however, sought a medical opinion from a hospital in Rajkot and posted the hearing on June 15, according to legal news website LiveLaw.

The girl has been pregnant for roughly 28 weeks.

During the hearing, Dave told the girl, aged 16 years, 11 months, to ask her mother or great-grandmother about the age of marriage when they were young and said a gap of four or five months doesnt make a difference.

Because we are living in the 21st century, ask your mother or great-grandmother, 14-15 was the maximum age (for getting married). The child used to take birth before the age of 17, he said.

Four or five months here and there doesnt make a difference. You will not read it, but do read Manusmruti once for this, Dave added.

Manusmriti is an ancient Hindu text, authored by Manu, which codifies laws and rules of societal conduct.

The judge also expressed concern about the possibility of the child being born alive during termination procedure.

If this happens, who will look after the child? Can a court permit killing the child, if she is born alive? the judge questioned, and informed the lawyer that the court intends to consult the social welfare department.

You also start looking for adoption options, the judge said.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, as amended in 2021, allows abortions up to 24 weeks for rape survivors. The law sanctions termination beyond 24 weeks only in case of substantial foetal abnormalities.

However, a constitutional court can invoke its extraordinary powers to sanction termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks in appropriate cases.

Read here: Assam man arrested for allegedly impregnating minor daughter, aborting child

In July 2022, the Delhi high court allowed a 13-year-old rape survivor to undergo medical termination of pregnancy after 26 weeks, saying her misery and suffering would stand compounded if she was forced to bear the mantle of motherhood at a tender age.

In August 2022, the Kerala high court also permitted the termination of the 28-week pregnancy of a minor rape survivor following the recommendation of a medical board.
Washington Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin vice-president of the United States, will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a lunch at the State Department on June 23, a day after the PM attends the State dinner at White House during his visit to Washington DC. PM Narendra Modi. (ANI)

Read here: Modis visit will set new benchmarks, will be looked back as real springboard: Top Pentagon official

Harris and Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff, and Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and his wife Evan Ryan, who is also the White House cabinet secretary, will host the lunch at the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Room of the State Department.

Separately, on Wednesday, the White House reiterated that it was looking forward to welcoming Modi. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India, and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together.

The Prime Minister and the President will discuss ways to strengthen our two countries shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including defence and clean energy and space, Jean-Pierre said.

The lunch is significant because it will give an opportunity to the PM and the vice-president to spend time together. With President Joe Biden deciding to stand for re-election and picking Harris as his running mate again, the vice-presidents political profile has increased. Even though her approval ratings are relatively low, as an African-American woman, with South Asian heritage, she is seen as potentially appealing to three important political constituencies in the 2024 race.

Harris has become the administrations key voice on abortion. The Supreme Court verdict overturning Roe v Wade, and removing any national protection for abortion rights, has led to restrictive abortion-related legislations or bans in many Republican states. But it has also produced a major political backlash against Republicans, which helped Democrats in midterms last year and will be a key issue in the 2024 polls.

Harris is also increasing her foreign policy profile. This year, she visited Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania in a high-profile trip to Africa to counter Chinas influence in the continent, and led the American delegation to the Munich Security Conference. She is also in charge of space policy and has taken leadership on technology policy, particularly artificial intelligence, issues which figure prominently on the India-US bilateral agenda.

Harris has owned her Indian roots and often her refers to her mothers influence. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan was born in Chennai and studied at Delhi Universitys Lady Irwin College before moving to the US to pursue her graduate education in nutrition and endocrinology. Harriss father, Donald Harris, was from Jamaica but with her parents getting a divorce when she was seven, Harris was brought up by her Indian mother.

Modi met Harris during his visit to Washington in September 2021. Harris had then publicly spoken of the importance of the India-US relationship, but also emphasised the principles of democracy and diversity as key values binding their nations together. Extending an invitation to her to visit India, Modi had said, Your being elected as the vice-president of the US itself has been such an important and historic event. You are the source of inspiration for so many people across the world.

Read here: With Modi comingwhat are we doing to fix this?: US lawmakers on visa wait time issue

The PM arrives in New York on June 21, when he will lead the International Yoga Day celebrations at the UN headquarters. He will then move to Washington DC where he will have a private dinner with President Biden. On June 22, after ceremonial welcome, one-on-one talks, bilateral delegation-level talks and a working lunch at the White House, Modi will address a joint meeting of the US Congress.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
India on Thursday cautioned the Canadian government that the activities of Khalistani elements and violent extremists on their territory could impact bilateral relations and have security implications. External affairs minister S Jaishankar with the families of 1984 riot victims' in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI)

The governments position was laid out by external affairs minister S Jaishankar four days after a tableau depicting the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi was part of an event organised by pro-Khalistan elements in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Canada.

The float depicted the assassination as revenge for Operation Bluestar, the military action ordered by Gandhi in 1984 to flush out separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his supporters from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The float sparked anger and outrage in India.

Jaishankar told a special media briefing on Indias foreign policy during nine years of the Modi government that the float is linked to the bigger issue of the space that Canada has continuously provided to Khalistani elements.

Frankly... we are at a loss to understand, other than the requirement of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this... I mean, you would imagine that they learn about history and they wouldnt like to repeat that history, he said, in an apparent reference to Canada being a key base for Khalistani elements in the past.

It isnt only one incident, however egregious it may be. I think there is a larger underlying issue about this space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. And I think its not good for the relationship and I think its not good for Canada.

Jaishankars remarks came after Indias high commission in Ottawa sent a formal note to Canadas foreign ministry on Wednesday to express displeasure over the float, which had mannequins depicting Gandhi and her killers, two members of her security detail.

The foreign minister also cautioned Australia and the UK.

He said Indias opposition to activities of Khalistani elements was not limited to Canada, as the Indian side has raised the matter with the UK and Australia. He noted that he had criticised British authorities for lack of protection to the Indian mission in London when Khalistan supporters took down our flag during a protest in March and there were some issues in Australia.

Our point is this  they (pro-Khalistan elements) are a very small minority. We do not believe that they represent any significant body of opinion. Our plea to these governments is  look, please understand these are marginal elements, they are extremist elements, they are not good for you, they are not good for us, they are not good for the relationship. Its not a message limited to Canada, he said.

Jaishankar also rubbished Canadian National Security Adviser Jody Thomass remarks listing India among countries that are the top sources of foreign interference in Canada. He said the Hindi phrase that came to his mind on hearing of the comments was ulta chor kotwal ko daante (the thief rebukes the policeman).

If anybody has a complaint, we have a complaint about Canada. What I said earlier  the space they are giving to Khalistanis and to violent extremists. I was very perplexed by what I heard, he added.

Speaking at a conference organised by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute in Ottawa on Friday, Thomas had said, When I talk about foreign interference and economic security, Im now talking about a number of state actors and non-state proxies. This includes Russia, Iran, India. That said, the actor that comes up most on these issues, and its no surprise to anybody, is China.

The shaheedi float was part of a parade held to mark the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, and it had a sign that said the assassination was Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib, referencing the storming of the Golden Temple complex.

A senior Indian official described the occurrence as not acceptable, and said, You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation.

Canadas high commissioner in New Delhi, Cameron Mackay, denounced the float. He tweeted, I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities.

The tableau and the parade are linked to organisations based in Brampton city in Greater Toronto Area, for long seen as a hotbed for Khalistani elements. Other tableaux at the event featured Bhindranwale and other major figures in the Khalistan movement. More than the UK and Australia, the activities of these elements in Canada have emerged as a major irritant in relations with India. Indian officials have, over the years, also highlighted the links between Khalistani elements in Toronto with the Pakistani mission in Canada.

A senior Indian official noted that developments such as Thomas placing India among authoritarian states will lead to Ottawa frittering away positive momentum developed in bilateral ties, particularly with a productive visit by commerce minister Piyush Goyal last month.

Thomass comments have been criticised by the Indo-Canadian community. The National Alliance of Indo-Canadians tweeted, Indo-Canadians are politically marginalized and face racism and religious bigotry in daily life. Genuine grievances and concerns of citizens must not be mixed up with foreign interference.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anirudh Bhattacharyya Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb. ...view detail
NEW DELHI/TORONTO: India on Thursday cautioned the governments of Australia, Canada and the UK that the activities of Khalistani elements and violent extremists on their territory could impact bilateral relations and have security implications for these countries. India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar said (REUTERS File Photo)

External affairs minister S Jaishankar laid out the Indian governments position four days after a float depicting the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi was part of an event organised by pro-Khalistan elements in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Canada.

The float depicted the assassination as revenge for Operation Bluestar, the military action ordered by Gandhi in 1984 to flush out separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his supporters from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

It sparked anger and outrage in India.

Jaishankar told a special media briefing on Indias foreign policy during nine years of the Modi government that the float is linked to the bigger issue of the space that Canada has continuously provided to Khalistani elements.

Frankly...we are at a loss to understand, other than the requirements of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this...I mean, you would imagine that they learn about history and they wouldnt like to repeat that history, he said, in an apparent reference to Canada being a key base for Khalistani elements in the past.

It isnt only one incident, however egregious it may be. I think there is a larger underlying issue about this space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. And I think its not good for the relationship and I think its not good for Canada.

Jaishankars remarks came after Indias high commission in Ottawa sent a formal note to Canadas foreign ministry on Wednesday to express displeasure over the float, which had mannequins depicting Gandhi and her killers, two members of her security detail.

He said Indias opposition to activities of Khalistani elements was not limited to Canada, as the Indian side has raised the matter with the UK and Australia. He noted that he had criticised British authorities for lack of protection to the Indian mission in London when Khalistan supporters took down our flag during a protest in March and there were some issues in Australia.

Our point is this  they [pro-Khalistan elements] are a very small minority. We do not believe that they represent any significant body of opinion. Our plea to these governments is  look, please understand these are marginal elements, they are extremist elements, they are not good for you, they are not good for us, they are not good for the relationship. Its not a message limited to Canada, he said.

Jaishankar also rubbished remarks by Canadian National Security Adviser Jody Thomas listing India among the countries that are the top sources of foreign interference in Canada. He said the Hindi phrase that came to his mind on hearing the comments was ulta chor kotwal ko daante (the thief rebukes the policeman).

If anybody has a complaint, we have a complaint about Canada. What I said earlier  the space they are giving to Khalistanis and to violent extremists. I was very perplexed by what I heard, he added.

Speaking at a conference organised by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute in Ottawa on Friday, Thomas said, When I talk about foreign interference and economic security, Im now talking about a number of state actors and non-state proxies. This includes Russia, Iran, India. That said, the actor that comes up most on these issues, and its no surprise to anybody, is China.

The shaheedi float was part of a parade held to mark the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, and it had a sign that said the assassination was Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib, referencing the storming of the Golden Temple.

A senior Indian official described the occurrence as not acceptable, and said, You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation.

Canadas high commissioner in New Delhi Cameron Mackay also denounced the float. He tweeted, I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities.

The float and the parade are linked to organisations based in Brampton city in Greater Toronto Area, for long seen as a hotbed for Khalistani elements. More than the UK and Australia, the activities of these elements in Canada have emerged as a major irritant in relations with India. Indian officials have, over the years, also highlighted the links between Khalistani elements in Toronto with the Pakistani mission in Canada.

A senior Indian official noted that developments such as Thomas placing India among authoritarian states will lead to Ottawa frittering away positive momentum developed in bilateral ties, particularly with a productive visit by commerce minister Piyush Goyal last month.

Thomass comments have been criticised by the Indo-Canadian community. The National Alliance of Indo-Canadians tweeted: Indo-Canadians are politically marginalized and face racism and religious bigotry in daily life. Genuine grievances and concerns of citizens must not be mixed up with foreign interference.

In the context of the float, senior Brampton-based journalist Balraj Deol tweeted: Does it help Canadas Indo-Pacific strategy? A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anirudh Bhattacharyya Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb. ...view detail
A massive controversy has erupted over a social media video of a parade float depicting late prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination in Canada. The parade by pro-Khalistani radicals in Brampton city of the North American country, which has witnessed a rise in anti-India elements recently.



The incident has evoked strong reactions in India, with the Narendra Modi government also registering its protest with its Canadian counterpart. Here's what all happened at the Canadian event.



The provocation Parade float depicting Indira Gandhi's assassination at an event organised by pro-Khalistani supporters in Brampton city of Canada.(Screengrab from video tweeted by @BalrajDeol4)

According to media reports, the parade took place in Ontario's Greater Toronto area. The parade was allegedly organised by pro-Khalistani supporters on June 4, days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar.

Operation Bluestar was an Indian armed forces operation carried out to flush out Damdami Taksal leader and separatist Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his supporters from the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards months after the military operation.



The viral video showed several figures depicting the late PM and her killers, who were displayed. The parade also had a sign saying the assassination was Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib.



India's response



The Indian high commission in Ottawa sent a note expressing displeasure to Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian foreign ministry. You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation, an Indian official said on condition of anonymity.



External affairs minister S Jaishankar said the incident is not good for relationships and Canada.



Cong raises strong objection



The Congress has termed the incident despicable and urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar to take the issue strongly with the Canadian authorities. Senior Congress leader Milind Deora had tweeted he was appalled by the parade. It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. This extremism deserves universal condemnation & a united response, he had said.



Canada's response

Canadian high commissioner in India Cameron MacKay condemned the reported incident, tweeting, "I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities, Cameron MacKay tweeted.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday countered Congress leader Rahul Gandhis criticism of the Narendra Modi-led Union government during a visit to the US, saying the successful holding of elections won by different parties proved democracy is thriving in India. S Jaishankar countered Congress leader Rahul Gandhis criticism of the Narendra Modi-led government during a visit to the US (ANI)

Read here: No normalisation of ties without peace on LAC: EAM Jaishankar tells China

Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing a special media briefing on foreign policy during nine years of the Modi government alongside ministers of state V Muraleedharan, Meenakshi Lekhi and Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. He has criticised Gandhi several times, in recent days, over the Congress leaders comments during public events in the US attacking the government and the state of democracy in India.

Gandhi is in the habit of criticising India and commenting on domestic politics whenever he travels out of the country, Jaishankar said while fielding several questions on the Congress leader.

The world is watching, and what are they seeing? Elections are held. Sometimes one party wins, and at other times, another party wins. If there is no democracy in the country, such a change wouldnt be happening. Every election should have the same result. But we know what the result of the 2024 election will be, Jaishankar said, speaking in Hindi.

Gandhi also expects that his approach would lead to support outside the country. If you see, all these narratives (against the government) have been made in India. If this narrative does not work in India or gets less attention in the country, then this narrative is taken outside. He expects that outside support will work in India, he said.

Jaishankar said he had no objection to whatever Gandhi does within the country. But I dont think taking the countrys politics abroad is in the national interest. I dont think his credibility will increase because of this, he added.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in the US earlier this week, Gandhi contended there was an attack on Indias democratic structures. Full-scale attack on our institutions, our judiciary, on our media, and it is your responsibility and our responsibility to defend the idea of India, he said.

Jaishankar said India is now perceived by the global community as a trusted collaborator and a player with an independent stance at a time when the world is being buffeted by challenges such as the Ukraine crisis. After nine years in power, the Modi government has a very solid report card as it has been able to make the country more secure while taking steps to ensure the best interests of millions of Indians living and working abroad, he said.

Read here: Jaishankar floats idea of multiple entry visa after meeting Afghan Sikh refugees

Indias image today is of an economic collaborator not just with the developing south, but with the global economy. This can be seen in terms of FDI flows, increased exports, and trusted collaborations, he said. Jaishankar recalled that during his last visit to the US, the American Semiconductor Association told him it has some 40,000 engineers in India working on chip designs alone.

The point I want to make here is [that] apart from development in terms of South-South, there is a larger economic impact we are making, and that is today increasingly recognised, he said. The Global South perceives India as a credible and effective development partner with delivery on the ground.

NEED A CONGRESS REACTION

Jaishankar described the governments 2019 decision to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as a very crucial and long-awaited step for national security. The special status of the region had been kept beyond its shelf life and the bottom line was that the whole world was using this status against India, he said.

They saw it as a vulnerability, as something they should keep pressing and keep using as a way of keeping India off balance. If we dont get it right, how do we expect the world to get it right, he added.

Responding to a question on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys possible participation in the G20 Summit to be hosted by India in September, Jaishankar said the meeting is only for G20 members and countries and organisations invited by the Indian side. So, it is not something that we have reviewed, and it is not something, very honestly, which we have discussed with anybody, he said.

Read here: India cautions Canada after Indira assassination tableau

Jaishankar said the Indian side is endeavouring to find common ground in the upcoming G20 Summit and have a consensus on the leaders declaration. I remember last year there were a lot of challenges in getting the final G20 declaration...But I would also share with you that even at that time, a lot of us worked alongside Indonesia...and all of us put our collective energies together in that regard, he said.

There are differences of opinion even about what was agreed to in Bali last year. ...Diplomats are still working on it. So, I dont want to predict, I dont want to...give too many details. I accept your point that its a challenge, but diplomacy is a business for optimistic people, he added.
Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Thursday hit out at Canada after visuals of a parade float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Canada's Brampton city surfaced on Wednesday. Condemning Canadas apparent tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements, Jaishankar said that it is not not good for Canada and its relationship with India. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar(REUTERS)

Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this...I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence, Jaishankar said while addressing the media.

Jaishankar's sharp response came after a purported video circulating on social media showed a parade float depicting Indira Gandhi and her killers - who were the members of her security. The parade also had a sign saying the assassination was Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib - referring to the storming of the Golden Temple by Indian troops in 1984.

According to reports, the parade was allegedly organised by Khalistani supporters on June 4 - just days before the upcoming 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6.

Earlier on Wednesday, Indias High Commission in Ottawa sent a formal note to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) expressing its displeasure to the Canadian government over the incident.

Congress' reaction

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday called the depiction of Indira Gandhi's assassination despicable. He also urged Jaishankar to take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities. Meanwhile, Congress' Milind Deora said, It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. This extremism deserves universal condemnation & a united response.

Top Canadian envoy condemns the incident

Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay on Thursday condemned the incident, saying that there is no place for hate or glorification of violence in Canada.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A massive avalanche has hit the mountains around the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand earlier Thursday. According to reports, no damage or casualties have been reported in the incident. Screengrab from video clip of the massive avalanche(PTI)

According to the video clip shared by news agency PTI, fumes of snow descending down the mountains could be seen and pilgrims, visitors standing in front of the temple were gazing at the snowslide as it took place.

Similar snow avalanche took place in the state on June 4 which hit a group of pilgrim en route to Hemkund Sahib. Five of them were rescued by a team of State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), whereas it also recovered a body of one pilgrim on June 5 after the rescue operation resumed.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Almost all weapons of Kuki militant groups that are part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in Manipur remain intact in their designated camps, army officers familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Locals at a medical camp organised by the Assam Rifles for people of violence-hit areas in Manipur. (PTI)

Read here: Centre approves 102 crore package for those displaced in Manipur

Their statements came even as combing operations to recover arms and ammunition looted from police stations and armories continued in the violence-hit state on Thursday.

At least 102 people have been killed, over 300 injured and nearly 40,000 displaced in Manipur since May 3, when ethnic violence erupted in the northeastern state between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

An army officer, requesting anonymity, said recent searches in 14 camps of Kuki militant groups revealed that almost all their weapons are locked up as per the SoO agreement.

The SoO agreement was signed by Kuki militant groups with the Centre and the Manipur government in August 2008, following the Kuki-Naga clashes. As per the agreement, the cadres of these groups were to be confined to designated camps and their arms kept locked in safe rooms under double-locking system.

During the recent searches, it was found that nearly 70 weapons belonging to these groups were burnt during the violence that erupted on May 3, the officer cited above said.

During the surprise checks, the last of which was on June 3, done by Assam Rifles as well as Manipur Police, it was found that there was an average attendance of around 60% (cadres) in the designated camps, the officer said.

While the cadre attendance was around 50% in some camps, it was as high as 80% in others. The army has maintained that even prior to the ethnic clashes, the attendance in these camps was around 70% as some militants stayed with their families.

The army version corroborates what we have been maintaining all along that our cadres are not involved in the ongoing violence and our weapons are intact in the camps, a senior Kuki leader, whose group is part of the SoO agreement, said.

The state government has repeatedly claimed that SoO group militants could be involved in spreading recent violence.

Meanwhile, 35 weapons were recovered in combing operations on Thursday.

Read here: Army, Assam rifles join operations to retrieve looted arms in Manipur

Focus remained on intelligence-based searches of villages in Imphal Valley and hill areas the Spear Corps division of Indian Army said in a statement.

With the latest seizure, a total of 896 arms and 11,763 ammunition have been recovered so far.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utpal Parashar Utpal is a Senior Assistant Editor based in Guwahati. He covers seven states of North-East India and heads the editorial team for the region. He was previously based in Kathmandu, Dehradun and Delhi with Hindustan Times. ...view detail
Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to the United States (US) will set new benchmarks in the India-US defence relationship and bring the two closer on issues of co-production and co-development in unprecedented ways, a top Pentagon official in charge of Indo-Pacific has said. Ely Ratner (Twitter)

Read here: US' Kamala Harris to host lunch for PM Modi during state visit

Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary of Indo-Pacific security affairs in the department of defense, who accompanied Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during his visit to New Delhi earlier this week, said that a strong India that was capable of defending its interests and sovereignty, exported security to the wider region, and worked together with US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific was crucial for USs own interests.

Ratner has also said there was a revolutionary transition underway within the US system to ease up on export control barriers and America will go to the outer bounds of what was possible to achieve this in order to boost defence cooperation. India and the US concluded their first strategic trade dialogue on the issue of export controls on June 6, with foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra leading the talks from the Indian side.

Ratner was in conversation with Lisa Curtis, former senior director of the National Security Council during the Donald Trump presidency at the Centre for New American Security in Washington DC on Thursday morning eastern time.

Countering skepticism about how efforts at boosting the defence relationship have faltered in the past, Ratner said, I know there have been efforts at this in the past. Sometimes there is skepticism about is it going to be real. My answer is that all signs are pointing towards yes. It is going to be real. We are going to have big historic announcements in terms of particular projects around defence industrial cooperation. The US is expected to green light a major GE project to produce jet engines in India during the visit.

Ratner said that a major thrust of the bilateral defence relationship, which is based on an increasing strategic alignment and a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, is the ongoing US effort to support Indias military modernisation and integration of the defence industrial bases of the two countries through co-production and co-development, which was a clear priority for PM Modi.

And that is based upon the belief that a stronger India that can defend its own interests, defend its sovereignty is good for US. A stronger India that can contribute to regional security out of US co-production and co-development..is good for the US. A stronger US-India partnership where we are operating more together in the Indian Ocean, in the South China Sea, possibly even in the western Pacific, thats in the US interest. A stronger US-India partnership thats integrated with Japan, Australia, Philippines and partners in Southeast Asia, thats in the interest of the US. When I stack that up, I see a lot of mutual benefit that we are deriving from that relationship and we are putting our shoulders into it, Ratner said in response to a question about a recent piece that suggested India will not step up to assist the US in case of a crisis with China.

Pointing out that the initiative on critical and emerging technologies, unveiled by the two countries this January, had a major defence cooperation element, Ratner said that Austins visit to Delhi was also meant to firm up deliverables for the Modi visit. It will be a historic visit, setting a new benchmark in the relationship. People will be looking back at this visit as a real springboard for the relationship. He also referred to increased operational coordination in the Indian Ocean, undersea domain, cyber, space, and information-sharing and termed the transformation of the bilateral relationship unbelievable.

Responding to a question on export controls, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which has often inhibited American defence cooperation with allies and partners, Ratner acknowledged that translating aspirations into reality required hard government workto change bureaucratic processes and culture around these questions of how we are sharing information and technology.

Suggesting that the US government was in the middle of a major transition on the issue, Ratner said, We are transitioning from a period in which there was a presumption of denial when it came to sharing Americas most-closely held technologies to a recognition thatknitting together our defence industrial bases is such an imperative for the alliances, for the US and for regional security that it cant be business as usual.

Read here: With Modi comingwhat are we doing to fix this?: US lawmakers on visa wait time issue

This, Ratner suggested, had led to the senior US leadership directing the system to look at things differently and even though it may still not be possible to share all technologies, the US will go to the outer bounds in terms of risk-taking. This was needed for AUKUS (the Australia-United Kingdom-US nuclear submarine deal), for the US-Japan, and the US-India relationship.

We are in the middle of a revolutionary change inside the US system as it relates to functional parts of bureaucracy. It is hard work. It will be slower than we want. But the demand signal is strong. We are going to see unprecedented results as soon as PM Modi arrives in Washington. There is a commitment to break down those barriers as much as we can.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The monsoon arrived in Kerala on Thursday, seven days after it normally arrives in the state on June 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said even as climate scientists and meteorologists warned that it is expected to be a weak onset due to the severe Cyclone Biparjoy. The progress of the weather system that brings rain across the country is likely to be slow in its first week. Rain clouds in Keralas Kochi on Wednesday. (AP)

During [the past] 24 hours, clouding has increased over Southeast Arabian sea with Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) being <200 w/m2. The depth of westerlies over [the] Southeast Arabian Sea extends up to mid-tropospheric levels. The strength of Westerlies in the lower levels has increased by about 19 knots. Thus, there has been widespread rainfall over Kerala during [the] past 24 hours. Considering...the... conditions, Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala..., the IMD said in a statement.

The IMD added conditions were favourable for further advance of the monsoon into some more parts of the central Arabian Sea, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and southwest, central, northeast Bay of Bengal, northeastern states, and remaining parts of Kerala during the next 48 hours.

Climate experts and meteorologists earlier cited the formation of Cyclone Biparjoy over the southeast Arabian Sea and pointed out that it pulled all the convection along its track leading to the weakening of monsoon flow. The monsoon flow was expected to resume properly once the cyclone dissipated.

Skymet Weather vice president (climate and meteorology) Mahesh Palawat on Wednesday said there was some rainfall in parts of Kerala due to the cyclone that pushed some moisture towards the west coast since it is a very large system. He added that westerly winds were expected to pick up over the next two to three days. Clouding. was likely to increase as the cyclone moved northwards and picked up moisture from around it.

Palawat asked farmers to consider commencing the sowing after a week or 10 days in view of weak onset. Once rains pick up sowing can begin so that crop is not affected. June rains may be below normal due to delay in rains, Palawat said.

Rains were expected to pick up over northeast India in view of a low-pressure area developing over the Bay of Bengal, which will help pull monsoon winds to northeast India.

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll on Wednesday said since Cyclone Biparjoy was away from the coast, it was taking up a large share of the moisture. Koll added the monsoon rains may not be widespread at least for the current week. It is not a classical monsoon onset. The rains we are seeing over Kerala is the monsoon picking up the leftover moisture from the cyclone.

Last year, IMD declared the onset even though all criteria were not met.

The monsoon normally arrives in Kerala around June 1 before advancing northwards and covering the entire country by July 15. IMD on May 16 said the monsoon was likely to arrive in Kerala on June 4 with a model error of +/-4 days.

The monsoon is critical for Indias economy as 51% of Indias farmed area accounting for 40% of production is rain-fed. As many as 47% of the countrys population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood. A bountiful monsoon is directly linked to a healthy rural economy.

HT on June 1 reported the monsoon progress was likely to be dampened after its expected arrival in Kerala around June 4 with a model error of +/-4 days due to the chances of the development of a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea around two days later. Officials then said the model outputs remained highly variable.

Experts say a delayed onset has little effect on monsoon rains.

IMD has forecast a normal monsoon at 96% with an error margin +/-5%) of the long-period average (LPA) of 87 cm calculated from 1971 to 2020. Private forecaster Skymet Weather has said below normal rainfall was expected at 94% of LPA with an error margin of +/-5%.

IMD follows a well-laid-out process of identifying onset parameters before announcing monsoon arrival. The first thing that is considered is rainfall. The two other criteria are a cross-equatorial flow of winds or a westerly flow at both lower and higher levels and whether there is adequate clouding over the region.

There is a nearly 100% probability of El Nino conditions during monsoon. It is expected to continue until next year, IMD said last month. El Nino is characterised by an unusual warming of waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which has a high correlation with warmer summers, drought, and weaker monsoon rains in India.

The 2023 El Nino is expected to develop following a triple dip La Nina event (2020-22). La Nina is the opposite of El Nino and is characterised by cooler currents in the equatorial eastern Pacific.
The monsoon arrived over Kerala on Thursday, seven days after it normally arrives in the state on June 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced even as climate scientists and meteorologists warned that the onset of the weather system is likely to remain weak, and its progress over the peninsula, slow, on account of severe Cyclone Biparjoy. People enjoy weather as dark clouds cover the city skyline during the onset of monsoon over Kerala a week later than usual, in Kochi, on Thursday. (PTI)

Read here: Monsoon arrives in Kerala after 7-day delay; progress to be slow in 1st week

During [the past] 24 hours, clouding has increased over Southeast Arabian sea with Outgoing Longwave Radiation(OLR) being <200 w/m2. The depth of westerlies over [the] Southeast Arabian Sea extends up to mid-tropospheric levels. The strength of Westerlies in the lower levels has increased by about 19 knots. Thus, there has been widespread rainfall over Kerala during [the] past 24 hours... Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala, IMD said in a statement.

IMD extended range forecast released on Thursday showed rainfall picking up only after June 15.

IMD director general M Mohapatra said that all criteria for declaring the onset have been met, without elaborating. Last year, IMD announced the onset despite one of the three criteria not being met. IMD declares monsoon onset over Kerala based on three criteria: weather stations in Kerala, situated in Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and the one in Mangalore in Karnataka reporting rainfall of 2.5mm or more for two consecutive days after May 10; a specified depth of westerlies; and low satellite derived Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR). OLR represents the total radiation going to space emitted by the atmosphere or extent of cloudiness.

Monsoon normally sets in over Kerala around June 1. It advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country around July 15. This year, IMD has predicted a normal monsoon, with expected rainfall of 96% of the long period average (LPA), although this proportion is at the lowest end of the normal range. There has been anxiety over the monsoons performance this year on account of the El Nino weather phenomenon, which is correlated with poor monsoon performance. Private forecaster Skymet Weather has forecast below normal rainfall at 94% of LPA

IMD added that conditions were favourable for further advance of the monsoon into more parts of the central Arabian Sea, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and southwest, central, northeast Bay of Bengal, the northeastern states, and remaining parts of Kerala over the Thursday and Friday.

But it may not mean plentiful rains, an expert said.

The onset criteria are gradually being met but we cannot expect widespread rains specially in the interior parts of south peninsula for the next four to five days. There will be moderate rainfall over coastal Kerala and coastal Karnataka. Active monsoon conditions may pick up only after June 14-15. As expected, this has been a weak onset with slow progression expected, said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology at Skymet Weather.

Read here: El Nino develops, experts wary of poor monsoon spell

We may not expect widespread rains everywhere. We expect some rains along the west coast in the next three to four days. Once this cyclone moves away, the Bay of Bengal current also will get strengthened. By 20th June Bay of Bengal also will be active... (But) I am worried about monsoon in interior parts of the country. There could be delay in onset here. Farmers should be very careful and not go in for an early sowing, said M Rajeevan, former secretary, ministry of earth sciences. June and July are the sowing season for monsoon-grown and winter harvested crops, and in some cases, farmers sow in anticipation of the monsoons arrival, especially if IMD has declared its onset. That is one reason IMD has to ensure that its onset announcement happens only after the defined criteria have been met.

Skymets Palawat asked farmers to consider commencing the sowing after a week or 10 days in view of the weak onset. Once rains pick up sowing can begin so that crop is not affected. June rains may be below normal due to delay in rains.

IMD has also said June rainfall will be deficient across India.

The formation of a very severe cyclone, Biparjoy over the southeast Arabian Sea, climate experts and meteorologists said, has pulled all the convection and moisture along its track leading to weakening of monsoon flow over Kerala. It has also resulted in some rain over the west coast, although this is not monsoon rain.

Indeed, an IMD official admitted this in private earlier this week.

Biparjoy is not good for our monsoon because it is pulling all the moisture along with it away from the Indian coast. Its formation is not near the India coast and hence monsoons progress will remain very poor until around June 12. It may strengthen the cross-equatorial flow after the cyclone dissipates, but thats a long way away, a senior IMD official who did not wish to be named had said on June 6 when the cyclone formed.

The monsoon is critical for Indias economy as almost half of Indias farmed area accounting for about 40% of production is rain-fed. As many as 47% of the countrys population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood. A bountiful monsoon is directly linked to a healthy rural economy.

Experts say a delayed onset has little effect on monsoon rains.

But most add that the emergence of the El Nino phenomenon is cause for concern. El Nino is characterised by an unusual warming of waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which has a high correlation with warmer summers, drought, and weaker monsoon rains in India.

There have been 10 other years since 1971 when the monsoon has arrived on or after June 8, with 2019 being the only year when the monsoon arrived exactly on June 8. The onset over Kerala was on June 9 in 1996 and 2002; on June 10 in 1995; on June 12 in 1979, 1983, 1986, and 1997; on June 13 in 2003; and June 19 in 1972.

HT has analysed data only since 1971 because onset dates by the new objective criteria in use since 2006 were available only as far back as 1971. These reworked onset dates from 1971 to 2005 were calculated retrospectively by climate scientists DS Pai and Rajeevan M Nair for their research paper Summer monsoon onset over Kerala: New definition and prediction.

An analysis of monsoon rains (total rain over India in the normal monsoon months of June to September) in the 10 years when it set over Kerala this late shows that it has no relationship with the rainfall. There was a surplus and deficit in five years each compared to the 1961-2010 average, the benchmark for this period.

Read here: Not the first time that monsoon has missed date with Kerala. Check previous instances

To be sure, the monsoon was also affected by El Nino in five of the 10 delayed onset years. Three of these five years coincide with the five years of deficit rains in June and June-September (not necessarily the same three years for both).

(Abhiehsk Jha contributed to this report)
In a case similar to the horrific Shraddha Walkar murder case, a 56-year-old man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly killing his live-in partner and chopping her body into pieces in Mumbai's Mira road area. According to the police, the murder may have taken place three days ago. The accused, identified as Manoj Sahani, 56, was living with the parts in the apartment, police said. 56-year-old man kills live-in partner, chops her body in Mira Road

READ | Mumbai man murders live-in partner, chops up body, lives with parts

The police are filing an FIR against Sahani on murder and destruction of evidence charges, and a forensic team has visited the flat to collect evidence.

Five points about Mumbai Mira Road murder case:

Police say the accused and his murder victim - Saraswati Vaidya, 32 - rented an apartment in Mumbai's Geeta Nagar Phase 7 for the past three years. The flat is registered in the name of a 'Sonam Builders', the authorities said. Around 7 pm on Wednesday police received a call from the others residents in the apartment complex complaining of a foul smell from Sahani and Vaidya's flat. On entering the flat the police found Vaidya's body parts. READ | Mumbai murder accused had tree-cutter, chopped body, boiled pieces Deputy Commissioner of Mumbai Police (Zone 1) Jayant Bajbale said: "We believe Sahani cut the womans body into pieces so as to make it easy for him to dispose of them." Police said the accused had brought a tree-cutter and chopped the body up into more than 20 pieces to aid in the disposal. An officer attached to the Nayanagar Police Station said some body parts were missing and they suspected the accused had dumped them elsewhere. Police also said the accused boiled some pieces of the body in a pressure cooker and put them into plastic bags to get rid of them.
The horrific murder of 32-year-old Saraswati Vaidya allegedly by his live-in partner Manoj Sane (56) who reportedly boiled her body parts and ground them in a mixer at Mumbai's Mira Road opened a war of words between Nationalist Congress Party Supriya Sule and Maharashtra BJP women's wing chief Chitra Wagh as Sule questioned Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his Home department. Saraswati was killed and her body was chopped into pieces in a chilling reminder of the Shraddha Walkar murder case. Mumbai police were alerted by the neighbours who got a foul smell. Mumbai Mira Road murder: BJP woman leader Chitra Wagh said Supriya Sule did not comment when a Muslim boy in Pune kidnapped a minor during the rule of the Maha Vika Aghadi.

Foul smell, pieces lying: How Mumbai cops discovered Shraddha Walkar re-run

Reacting to the horrifying details of the murder, NCP leader Supriya Sule said the criminals in the state have no fear of law. Tagging Fadnavis, Sule said, "State Home Minister needs to pay serious attention to his account. Investigating agencies should try to prosecute the accused in this case in fast track court and give him death sentence."

Mumbai murder: Dumped body parts, foul smells and living with body parts - 5 points on Mira Road case

BJP state women wing president Chitra Kishor Wagh slammed Supriya Sule and said a chameleon would be ashamed to see her changing colours. "Fadnavis is capable enough to take action in the Mira Road case. But you did not feel like speaking out when a minor girl at Manchar in Pune district was kidnapped by a Muslim boy, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was in power, and was not found for two-and-a-half years. Had the MVA government intervened, then Shraddha Walkar would not have been cut into pieces," she said.

"Just another day in Mumbai MMR for a woman. The unconstitutional government is continuing to shame the state," Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted reacting to the video of the cops recovering the woman's body parts kepts in plastics.

Mumbai Mira Road murder: Cut partner's body with tree cutter, boiled in pressure cooker

Accused Manoj Sane killed Saraswati Caidya a few days ago and then cut her body into pieces with a tree-cutter that he purchased after killing her. Then he boiled the body pieces in a pressure cooker and later put those parts into plastic bags to dispose them of. About 12-13 pieces were recovered from the site. Manoj Sane and Saraswati have been staying together for the past three years in that flat, but neighbours did not have much information about the reclusive couple.

'When a Muslim boy....': BJP woman leader's jibe

Chitra Wagh referred to the Shraddha Walkar murder case and said that had the Maha Vikas Aghadi government paid attention to Shraddha Walkar's complaint against Aftab Poonawalla, she would not have had the same fate. Chitra also cited another incident of a Muslim youth abducting a minor girl in Pune's Manchar.

Shraddha Walkar was murdered by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawalla in Delhi last year. After killing her, Aaftab chopped her body parts and disposed them of over a period of time long before the murder was reported. Before shifting to Delhi, Shraddha and Aaftab used to stay in Mumbai and Shraddha had registered a complaint against Aaftab with the Mumbai Police and later withdrew it.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail
New projects, policies aimed to nurture digital economy, fundamental research A batch of major new projects and policies were launched to strengthen the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region, as authorities from the region gathered in Hefei, Anhui province for a forum on Tuesday. Participants included senior officials, entrepreneurs and scholars from the city of Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui. As this year marks the fifth anniversary of the region's integrated development becoming a national strategy, the gathering is set to further promote the region's high-quality integration and unleash greater vitality for the Chinese path to modernization. It was announced at the forum that a quantum secure communication backbone network connecting major cities in the region had been completed. The Digital YRD Joint-development Alliance, which aims to promote the region's digital connectivity, was also unveiled. The city and provinces reached an agreement to build the region into a major hub for the national computing power network. With optimized allocation of computing power and high-speed data transmission networks, the region will be endowed with stronger capacity for data processing. The authorities also signed an agreement to jointly develop the two national comprehensive science centers in Hefei, capital of Anhui, and Zhangjiang area of Shanghai. The Yangtze River Delta city cluster has climbed to rank second among all major city clusters in the world in terms of GDP, but its economic efficiency still lags behind many, said Wu Chun, managing director and senior partner at Boston Consulting Group. "To strengthen economic efficiency, the YRD region urgently needs to achieve new breakthroughs in synergy mechanisms, especially in fundamental research and application research." Despite having just 4 percent of the country's land area and 17 percent of the nation's population, the region accounts for one-quarter of China's GDP. "The YRD region is very strong in science and technology innovation, thus providing an excellent environment for BYD's research and development," Wang Chuanfu, chairman of car manufacturer BYD, said during a keynote speech at the forum. Aware that the region is becoming a globally influential hub for the new energy vehicle industry, Wang said BYD had in recent years built two manufacturing bases for passenger cars, in Hefei of Anhui and Changzhou of Jiangsu, a commercial vehicle base in Huaian of Jiangsu, along with several bases for core parts in more cities in the region. Last year, the region produced 2.79 million NEVs, accounting for over 40 percent of national production, said Wang.
Temperature in the northwest India is expected to hover around 40 to 42 degrees celsius in the next four to five days, however, there won't be a heat wave scenario in the area, India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Naresh Kumar told news agency ANI. (FILES) Men rest beneath a tree during a hot summer day(AFP)

Kumar predicted that the heat wave condition that is currently prevailing in the east India along with east Uttar Pradesh will continue for the next three to four days following which there will be a reduction in the weather activities in these areas.

We have issued heat wave to severe heat wave warning for Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal for the next four days. The same warning has been extended for another two days in coastal Andhra Pradesh area and next three to four days for east Uttar Pradesh. There will be a reduction (of temperature) due to rainfall activity, Kumar said.

Talking about the weather conditions in the northeast region, the top scientist said the area will receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall up to 6.5 cm for the next five days.

Due to strong westerlies, there is a possibility for heavy rainfall over Kerala.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday countered Congress leader Rahul Gandhis criticism of the Modi government during a visit to the US, saying the successful holding of elections won by different parties proved democracy is thriving in India. External affairs minister S Jaishankar said India now is perceived by the global community as a trusted collaborator and a player with an independent stance (PTI File Photo)

Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing a special media briefing on foreign policy during nine years of the Modi government alongside ministers of state V Muraleedharan, Meenakshi Lekhi and Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. He has criticised Gandhi several times in recent days over Rahul Gandhis comments during public events in the US attacking the government and the state of democracy in India.

Gandhi is in the habit of criticising India and commenting on domestic politics whenever he travels out of the country, Jaishankar said while fielding several questions on the Congress leader.

Also Read: At special briefing, Jaishankars blunt message to China on what it cant expect

The world is watching and what are they seeing? Elections are held, sometimes one party wins and at other times, another party wins. If there is no democracy in the country, such a change wouldnt be happening. Every election should have the same result. But we know what the result of the 2024 election will be, Jaishankar said, speaking in Hindi.

Gandhi also expects that his approach will lead to support outside the country. If you see, all these narratives (against the government) have been made in India. If this narrative does not work in India or gets less attention in the country, then this narrative is taken outside. He expects that outside support will work in India, he said.

Jaishankar said he had no objection to whatever Gandhi does within the country, but I dont think taking the countrys politics abroad is in the national interest. I dont think his credibility will increase because of this, he added.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in the US earlier this week, Gandhi contended there was an attack on Indias democratic structures. Full-scale attack on our institutions, on our judiciary, on our media and it is your responsibility and our responsibility to defend the idea of India, he said.

Also Read: After float on Indira Gandhis assassination, Jaishankar cautions Canada, Australia, UK

Jaishankar said India now is perceived by the global community as a trusted collaborator and a player with an independent stance at a time when the world is being buffeted by challenges such as the Ukraine crisis. After nine years in power, the Modi government has a very solid report card as it has been able to make the country more secure while taking steps to ensure the best interests of millions of Indians living and working abroad.

Indias image today is of an economic collaborator not just with the developing south, but with the global economy. This can be seen in terms of FDI flows, increased exports, and trusted collaborations, he said. Jaishankar recalled that during his last visit to the US, the American Semiconductor Association told him it has some 40,000 engineers in India working on chip designs alone.

The point I want to make here is [that] apart from development in terms of South-South, there is a larger economic impact we are making and that is today increasingly recognised, he said. The Global South perceives India as a credible and effective development partner with delivery on the ground. Jaishankar described the governments 2019 decision to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as a very crucial and long-awaited step for national security. The special status of the region had been kept beyond its shelf life and the bottom line was that the whole world was using this status against India.

They saw it as a vulnerability, as something they should keep pressing and keep using as a way of keeping India off balance. If we dont get it right, how do we expect the world to get it right, he said.

Responding to a question on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys possible participation in the G20 Summit to be hosted by India in September, Jaishankar said the meeting is only for G20 members and countries and organisations invited by the Indian side. So, it is not something that we have reviewed and it is not something, very honestly, which we have discussed with anybody, he said.

Jaishankar said the Indian side is endeavouring to find common ground in the upcoming G20 Summit and have consensus on the leaders declaration. I remember last year there were a lot of challenges in getting the final G20 declaration...But I would also share with you that even at that time, a lot of us worked alongside Indonesia...and all of us put our collective energies together in that regard, he said.

There are differences of opinion even about what was agreed to in Bali last year. ...Diplomats are still working at it. So I dont want to predict, I dont want to...give too much details. I accept your point that its a challenge, but diplomacy is a business for optimistic people, he added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to bolster relations in connectivity, energy and defence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman(File)

Read here: US' Kamala Harris to host lunch for PM Modi, visit to boost relations

The matters figured in a telephone conversation between the two leaders, according to a readout from the external affairs ministry.

This was the first contact between top leaders of the two countries since China brokered a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Iranian side announced the reopening of its missions in Saudi Arabia this week.

The leaders reviewed a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on various multilateral and global issues of mutual interest, the readout said.

Spoke to Saudi Arabias Crown Prince & PM HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussed boosting ties in connectivity, energy, defence, trade & investment, and exchanged views on regional and global issues, Modi said in a tweet.

Appreciated his support in safe evacuation of Indians from Sudan and for Haj, he added.

The readout added that Modi thanked Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS as he is popularly known, for Saudi Arabias excellent support during evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan via Jeddah in April. Modi also conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.

The Saudi crown prince conveyed his full support to Indias initiatives as part of its ongoing G20 presidency and said he looks forward to his visit to India for the G20 Summit in September.

Read here: Major infra project discussed at meeting between MBS and NSAs of India, UAE, US

The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the readout said.

Saudi Arabia has emerged in recent years as one of Indias key partners in West Asia, especially in defence and energy. Saudi Arabia is also home to 2.6 million Indians, one of the largest concentrations of expatriates in the region.
Punjab minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday said the state government will provide free legal assistance to nearly 700 Indian students who are facing deportation from Canada having fallen prey to fake college admission letters offered by fraudulent consultants in India. Punjab NRI affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday said that the state government will provide free legal assistance to around 700 students facing deportation from Canada. (HT File)

Read here: US mission gears up for record Indian student visa applications

Dhaliwal, the states minister for NRI affairs, said he has written to all Punjab-origin Canadian lawmakers to intervene in the issue of these students in order to secure their future.

Most of these students belong to Punjab and they will be assisted by lawyers who are experts in immigration laws in Canada, Dhaliwal told reporters after chairing a meeting with officials of his department in Chandigarh.

The minister issued instructions to all deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to scrutinise documents of travel agents/immigration consultants in the state and file a report by July 10. He expressed concern that many such agents and consultants were running illegal immigration agencies.

Authorities in Canada have found nearly 700 Indian students, mostly from Punjab, using fake admission offer letters to educational institutions to enter the country. Some of these students applied for permanent residency in Canada in March this year, after which the matter came to light. The students have claimed that they were duped by fraudulent education consultants in India.

On Thursday, external affairs minister S Jaishankar also stressed that these students should not be penalised for someone elses crime.

If there were people, who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith, he said at a press conference. For some time now, there is this case of students, who the Canadians say did not study in the college in which they should have, and when they applied for a work permit, they got into difficulties.

Jaishankar, who was speaking on nine years of Modi government in New Delhi, said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also made a statement on the issue in the House of Commons. We are in touch with Canada on the issue, he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Canadian prime minister said that his government was focused on identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims.

Read here: Deportation notices to 700 students: Take up matter with Canadian govt, Seechewal urges MEA

We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters, Trudeau said in Parliament, responding to a question by Jagmeet Singh, an Indian-origin MP, on the fate of the Indian students. Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situations and present evidence to support their cases.

Meanwhile, a committee of the House of Commons has unanimously passed a motion to urge the countrys border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students.

(With agency inputs)
Union minister Smriti Irani on Thursday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his Mohabbat Ki Dukan remark, which was mentioned during Bharat Jodo Yatra and after Karnataka election results.



When you talk about 'Mohabbat', does that include the killing of Sikhs? When you talk about 'Mohabbat', does that include the kidnapping of women in Rajasthan? When you talk about 'Mohabbat', does that include denouncing the Hindu way of life? When you talk about 'Mohabbat', does it mean partnering with those who want to bring India to a standstill? the minister said.



"When you talk about 'Mohabbat', does that 'Mohabbat' compel you to go seek outside intervention against your own democracy. Ye kaisa ishq hai jo desh se nahi apni political siyasat se hai?" she added. Union minister, Smriti Irani said Rahul Gandhi's love is not for the country but for politics.(File photo)

Irani's attack on Gandhi, whom she defeated in Amethi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, comes day after Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda took potshots at the former Congress chief.

On the one hand, he raises questions on the surgical strike, talks about dividing Hindu-Muslim, makes efforts to divide the society, and on the other hand, he says that he is running 'mohabbat ki dukan' (shop of love)...You are not running any 'mohabbat ki dukan'. You have opened 'nafrat ka mega shopping mall", Nadda said.



Rahul in US

Rahul Gandhi is currently in United States, wherein he is interacting with the Indian diaspora. He has been constantly attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP abroad.



Addressing a massive community event at Javits Centre, he said,"Back home we have a problem, and I will tell you the problem. BJP and the RSS are incapable of looking at the future. They're incapable. Unse aap kuch bhi poocho, woh peeche ki aur dekhte hain (You ask anything they look into the past), he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot termed the reconciliation between him and senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot permanent amid speculation that Pilot may break-away from the Congress and announce a new party on June 11, the birth anniversary of his father Rajesh Pilot. CM Ashok Gehlot said partys national president, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, the three others present at the meeting, had emphasized that everyone has to work with love (PTI)

Read here: Congress weighs options to put up united front before Raj polls

In an interview to a Youtube channel, his first public comments since the May 29 meeting of the two leaders with senior Congress leaders in Delhi, Gehlot said: Hamari toh suleh permanent hai (our reconciliation is permanent). He refused to give details of the deal and blamed the media for unnecessarily blowing the issue.

Gehlot said partys national president, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, the three others present at the meeting, had emphasized that everyone has to work with love and affection and differences should end there. The question is not of an individual but of the country and the state.

The Rajasthan chief minister termed the September 25, 2022, incident, in which close to 90 MLAs considered close to him did not attend a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in Jaipur called by the partys central leadership to elect a new CLP leader, as unfortunate. At the time, it seemed almost certain that Gehlot would become the Congress President and Pilot, succeed him as chief minister -- but the veteran chief minister clearly had other plans. The legislators did meet, but at Gehlots residence , and only to deft the partys central leaderships move to replace Gehlot.

It was different thing and I still feel sorry for the same. It was beyond imagination that the proposal couldnt get passed. There is and will always be highest respect for Sonia Gandhi. Rajasthan Congress has always been with the high command, Gehlot said in the interview.

Responding to a question on the 2020 political crisis, caused by a group of MLAs led by Pilot rebelling Gehlot said: I have forgiven everyone, when we came out of the hotel in Jaisalmer (close to 100 MLAs stayed in hotel during political crisis in July 2020), I said forget and forgive. I still say that all Congressmen, even those who dont agree with methat today Congress needs everyone and the country needs Congress.

Read here: 'Stay, join BJP or go solo?' Sachin Pilot's future has Rajasthan Congress at attention

He did, however, term the crisis unfortunate.

The Congress would win the assembly elections scheduled later this year, Gehlot said. We will form government unitedly in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and this is in the countrys interest.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met a student who had returned from war-torn Ukraine. In a video shared by news agency ANI, the minister was speaking with the student along with his family.



I met a student who returned from Ukraine. He wanted to go back and complete his studies there but the situation in Ukraine is not under control yet. It will be beneficial for the students if the exams are conducted in India. He said that they were always in touch with the Embassy and they supported them a lot during difficult times, the minister told reporters.



Earlier this year, the Ukrainian government had informed India that the medical students who were evacuated due to the war will be able to appear for their final or qualification examination in India. External affairs minister S Jaishankar interacts with a student who had returned from Ukraine.

Ukraine's first deputy foreign minister Emine Dzhaparova had visited India in April, and the future of Indian students whose education in Ukraine had been hit due to the Russian invasion, figured in the high-level talks between the two countries.

On the issue of Indian medical students, [Dzhaparova] mentioned that Ukraine will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile, the ministry of external affairs had said in a statement.



The Ukrainian minister had told Hindustan Times that 14,000 Indian students will benefit from the academic mobility initiative by the Zelensky government. Such students can join online classes and avail the option to appear for the final or qualification examination in India. Dzhaparova had also said that about 2,000 Indian students had returned to Ukraine and most of them were studying in medical universities in the western part of the country.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Supreme Court will hear on Friday a plea by the wife of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansaris aide Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva, who was shot dead on Lucknow court premises on Wednesday, seeking anticipatory bail in a criminal case lodged against her. Payal Maheshwari, Jeevas wife, has also requested for the courts permission to attend her husbands funeral without getting arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police. Sanjeev Maheshwari (ANI)

Read here: Jeevas wife was on the run in Gangsters Act case lodged in Muzaffarnagar

Payals lawyer mentioned the matter before a bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal, seeking an urgent hearing of her petition. The lawyer told the bench that Jeeva was shot dead on Wednesday and sought protection from arrest for his wife to attend the last rites.

Appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, its additional advocate general (AAG) Ardhendumauli K Prasad told the bench that the case can be heard on Friday. Prasad further mentioned that the body of the deceased gangster might be taken to Muzaffarnagar, the familys hometown, while pointing out that Payal is also a gangster named in the gangster chart. Prasad added that Payal has been absconding for some time.

Payals lawyer, however, sought a days protection to reach her family and participate in the funeral ceremony.

Read here: Jeevas killing will shatter Mukhtar Ansaris criminal network, says former police officer

Later, another AAG of the state government, Garima Prashad showed up before the bench to say that the state has no issues with the petitioner attending the funeral and that the state would not take any action against Jeevas wife.

The bench said it would take up the matter on Friday to pass appropriate orders.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday hit out at Maharashtra home minister Devendra Fadnavis after a party spokesperson allegedly received a death threat on his phone. Raut alleged that Fadnavis is sitting as a mute spectator while a Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson is getting death threats on air. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut.(ANI)

Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey was allegedly threatened by a leader of Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.

What is happening in Maharashtra? What kind of condition has this government created? Raut wrote on Twitter in Hindi.

Has the government given an order to kill its political opponents? Has a tender been floated for the murder as well? Answer Fadnavis, the Rajya Sabha member added.

Dubey said he first got the call from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Mashilkar at 7.45pm but couldn't pick it up since he was participating in a debate on a news channel, reported India TV.

Dubey called Mashilkar back after the debate when the latter allegedly said, Do you consider yourself a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji? You are talking too much on TV. Stay within your limits else you will be shot.

Dubey said he immediately informed Sanjay Raut about the threatening phone call and filed a complaint at Samata Nagar police station in Mumbai. After the complaint, the police started tracing the number from which the threatening call was received, according to India TV.

Mashilkar was with Uddhav Thackeray before the vertical split of Shiv Sena.

On Wednesday, Dubey appeared on several news channels for debate on the unrest in Maharashtra's Kolhapur following a rally by right-wing Hindu organisations protesting some social media posts allegedly glorifying Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Certain miscreants began pelting stones at homes and business establishments owned by the Muslim community and attacking their vehicles. The police had to use lathicharge to disperse the restive crowd.

Prohibitory orders banning the assembly of five or more persons have been issued till June 19 to maintain law and order in the district.

While he appealed for the maintenance of peace, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the state home minister, defended the aggression of the Hindutva outfits. There is bound to be a reaction if Aurangzeb is glorified, he said. We will not tolerate it. This is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs Maharashtra.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mohammad Tanvir Alam rushed to Odisha from Hyderabad earlier this week, concerned about the fate of his elder brother and two nephews that were traveling on the Coromandel Express on June 2that crashed into a goods train, its derailed bogeys then colliding with the Yeshwantpur Howrah Express, leaving 288 dead and over 1100 injured. Railway maintenance teams clearing the tracks after the debris of the trains were scattered all around due to the accident. (HT Photo/Arabinda Mahapatra)

Read here: Odisha train accident: Shrieks, screams ensued as Coromandel Express crashed. Video

Alam found his elder brother dead, tracked down the body of one nephew and was given its custody, but now faces a battle for the body of his second, 14-year-old nephew, that he has identified from his photographs. The problem though for Alam is, that four other families at the AIIMS mortuary in Bhubaneswar, have all laid claim to the same body.

Close to a week after the deadliest train accident in India in three decades, Odisha state government officials said that 206 of 288 bodies have been identified, but correctly handing over the remaining 82 bodies is now a growing challenge. And it isnt just the bodies still left at the morgue. In several cases, even those that have been sent to what the administration thought were the right families, have come under contest.

Sibakanta Roy from West Bengals Cooch Behar said that the body of his 22 year old son Bipul Roy was claimed by a family from Bihar, taken away and since cremated. I was in Arunachal Pradesh when the accident happened. I rushed to Balasore, where I found the photograph of my son on the deceased list. At AIIMS, I was told his body has been taken away by a family from Bihar, Roy said.

Authorities said that the only resolution is a DNA test. The tests are being done in Delhi and results will take seven to ten days. Only once DNA samples match will we hand over the body, said Vijay Amruta Kulange, commissioner, Bhubaneswar municipal corporation. By Thursday evening, the BMC had sent 57 DNA samples for testing.

Odisha Chief Secretary Pradip Jena did not comment on bodies that have already been taken away coming under contest.

Read here: I am alive: Presumed dead in Odisha train accident, man wakes up and seeks help

Meanwhile, Balasore district officials said that sections of the Bahanaga high school, the first place where the bodies of the dead were stacked, may be demolished because children have raised apprehensions returning to that building when classes resume after the summer break. Balasore district collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said, I have met members of the school management committee, headmistress, other staff and local people. They want to demolish the old building and renovate it so that children do have any fear or apprehension to attend classes.
KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a new helpline service to address public grievances from her office in a time-bound manner rather than the state governments cell. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said people can directly call the Sorasori Mukhya Mantri (directly to chief minister) helpline (ANI)

People can now call the Sorasori Mukhya Mantri (directly to chief minister) helpline. The number is 9137091370. It will be open from 10 am to 6 am from Monday to Saturday, Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat.

I have often seen departmental secretaries delegating jobs when it comes to addressing a complaint. They have to personally monitor these cases from now on. The same will apply to law and order issues. Many police superintendents and inspectors do not leave their offices. An inspector-in-charge has to move instantly with full force when there is an emergency. Police teams often come under attack from troublemakers because of low manpower. This should not happen, said Banerjee.

The decision to set up a new helpline was taken after analysing current mechanisms, said the chief minister.

After holding 550 administrative meetings in recent years, we realised that not all grievances are addressed at the ground level. My party (Trinamool Congress) has a helpline in my name called Didike Balo (tell the elder sister). Sorasori Mukhya Mantri is an administrative mechanism. We have 500 call centres and more than 100 field workers, Banerjee said.

The state already has in place several projects such as Duare Sarkar (government at the doorstep) and Bangla Sahayata Kendra (assistance booths) in the districts to help people get ration, driving licence, electricity connection, land registration certificates, caste certificates etc.

As many as 100 million complaints have been addressed by the states 3,561 assistance centres but there can be no end to serving people, said Banerjee.

Turning to bureaucrats present at the Press conference, Banerjee said: I receive a lot of complaints against the Border Security Force. People have alleged that they storm into villages in the border areas. Dont allow this.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ridiculed the chief minister for launching a helpline in her name after being in power for 11 years.

Samik Bhattacharya, Bengal BJP units chief spokesperson, said: Banerjee is launching a new helpline after being in power for 11 years because people have rejected her government. TMC will not find any acceptance even if she knocks on every door to offer help.
Panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held in a single phase on July 8 and nominations for the elections will begin immediately, state election commissioner (SEC) Rajiva Sinha announced on Thursday, sparking a controversy with opposition parties demanding more time to file papers and the presence of central forces to stave off violence. The results will be announced tentatively on July 11.(PTI)

Read here: West Bengal panchayat polls to be held in single phase on July 8: All you need to know

The results will be announced tentatively on July 11, Sinha said. Twenty districts in the state have three-tier panchayats and the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong have two-tier bodies.

Filing of nomination will commence on Friday and continue till June 15. It has to be done between 11 am and 3 pm except on Sundays and holidays. Scrutiny of nominations will be done on June 17 and last day for withdrawal is June 20. No campaigning will be allowed between 10 pm and 8 am. The code of conduct starts as we speak at this press conference, said Sinha

Sinha is the states former chief secretary whose appointment as SEC was cleared by governor C V Ananda Bose on Wednesday. Sinha retired from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2020.

This is the first major electoral challenge for the states ruling Trinamool Congress, which secured a resounding assembly election victory two years ago but has since grappled with allegations of corruption in government recruitment.

The last panchayat polls in 2018 witnessed large-scale violence and around 20 murders with opposition parties alleging that their candidates were not allowed to file nominations and intimidated. The TMC bagged around 90% seats, of which 34% were uncontested.

In the three-tier panchayat system, the most fiercely contested were the 58,513 gram panchayats. In the second tier, there are 9730 panchayat samitis while 22 zila parishads form the top tier.

There are around 56.7 million voters in the panchayat areas, according to the data released by the SEC on Thursday.

The Opposition, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been demanding the deployment of central paramilitary forces for the rural polls. The tenure of the panchayat boards ended around six months ago.

Since the polls were pending, SEC officials started preparations 2-3 months ago. We will inform the state if we need additional force. Law and order are responsibilities of the state government. All state officials will work under the election commission, Sinha said.

Asked whether candidates will be allowed to file nominations online or through social media apps as was done in some cases in 2021, Sinha said: No decision has been taken on the filing of nominations online. We will discuss this with the state government. Special circumstances forced the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take special steps in the last polls.

The SEC clarified that it will not be possible to install security cameras in every polling booth.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar called the SEC an appointee of the TMC.

We are ready to face the polls but the manner in which the dates have been announced clearly shows that SEC is working under instructions from his employer. We will move the Calcutta high court seeking more time for filing nomination, Majumdar said.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim raised the same point. How can the parties finalise a few thousand candidates at such short notice? Chowdhury asked.

Read here: BJP focused on strengthening party organisations ahead of Bengal panchayat polls

TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh countered the Opposition, saying that the parties were making excuses to hide their weakness. All parties knew that the poll schedule would be announced any moment. They could have selected their candidates long ago. These parties dont even have candidates to field against the TMC, said Ghosh.

The Opposition also alleged that no all-party meeting was called by the SEC before the polls were announced.

There is no rule which says calling an all-party meeting is mandatory, Sinha said.
Top US lawmakers urged the Biden administration to address the visa wait time issue for Indian applicants on a priority basis as they underlined that the people-to-people relationship plays a significant role in their bilateral ties. The lawmakers asked the top state department officials at separate Congressional hearings about the steps they have taken to resolve the issue, given the consequential relationship between the two countries and with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a state visit later this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit later this month.

Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Michael Waltz, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, asked the officials why people in India were facing visa wait time of up to 600 days.

"The United States enjoys strong people-to-people ties with India. India is now part of the QUAD. We are constantly engaging it in geostrategic interests that we have. New Jersey is home to a great number of Indian Americans and their families. I appreciate and applaud the department's heightened focus towards reducing wait times for first-time B1-B2 applicants in India, Menendez said.

"But despite that progress this past year, India continues to face the longest wait times globally with average wait times for an appointment for the first-time B1-B2 applicant ranging between 450 and 600 days. Could you please speak to me as to why that is the case? Why does it take up to 600 days for an adjudication? Menendez asked during a hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Calling the India-US relationship one of the most consequential in the 21st century, Congressman Waltz highlighted the consistent complaints from Indian Americans about the visa wait time.

"With our trade over USD 150 Billion, with the consequential relationship, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming for a state dinner and visit just this month, what are we doing to fix this. Have you looked at any India specific policy fast tracks or issues? Waltz asked during a hearing by the House Foreign Relations Committee, adding that the delay in visa would impact the business relationship.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter told the lawmakers that the state department is working hard on it and has taken several steps to address this issue.

"India is a place where we have historically had high demand for visas and there's just a tremendous amount of pent-up demand. One of the things about India is that every post is unique, but they also had a really devastating bout with Covid-19 quite late and so their ability to meet the pent-up demand lasted quite a bit longer, she said.

"We have opened appointments for Indian nationals, dedicated appointments in other posts for specific appointments and in all other categories. I'm sure you're aware of this and you've mentioned it, wait times are pre-pandemic levels better? she said.

"We will adjudicate 1 million visas in India this year. Our productivity there is extraordinarily high," Bitter said.

(With PTI inputs)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The inaugural cruise for Indian tourists from Chennai arrived at Sri Lanka's southern port of Hambantota on Wednesday. Maiden cruise vessel for Indian tourists reaches Hambantota port in Sri Lanka (Photo by Twitter/MarketNewsLK)

The "MS Empress" arrived with 1,600 passengers and 600 crew members on board, the local agent for the Advantis and Cordelia Cruises said.

As part of a partnership between Advantis -- the transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group -- and Cordelia Cruises, Advantis - Travel and Aviation will serve as the general sales agent while Advantis Group subsidiary Clarion Shipping will serve as port agent for Cordelia Cruises in Sri Lanka, local media earlier reported.

Some 80,000 tourists -- mostly Indians -- are expected to use the Chennai-Hambantota-Trincomalee-Chennai service every week during the next four months.

The newly-launched cruise service would sail to three ports -- Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kankesanturai -- in Sri Lanka.

The launch of the cruise service comes in the backdrop of the memorandum of understanding signed between Chennai Port and Waterways Leisure Tourism for domestic and international cruise service at the Incredible India International Cruise Conference in 2022.

"We are delighted to welcome Cordelia Cruises and embrace a completely new segment of luxury cruise tourists," said Hayleys Group Chairman Mohan Pandithage.

India is Sri Lanka's top inbound tourist market. Over 23,000 Indians visited Sri Lanka in May followed by Russia at second with over 7,000 tourists.

The maiden international cruise vessel between Chennai and Sri Lanka was flagged off by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday.
Indias year-long G20 presidency crossed its midpoint on 31 May. Six months are over, and the latter half unfolds now, with attention focused on the summit in Delhi on September 9-10. This is an apt moment to present a dispassionate evaluation of the presidencys past performance and prospects. PREMIUM G20 summit set to be held in Delhi on September 9-10(G20)

The Indian presidency could not have avoided the effect of the pandemic, economic slowdown and sharpening geopolitical contestation. Added to this mix was the growing polarisation triggered by the Ukraine conflict, which exposed the vulnerability of the G20. The group is divided while battling serious challenges. Hence, the G20 presidents task has become more complex today.

This backdrop underlines that the nation has done well in leveraging the presidency as an instrument to secure its vital goals. First, as a responsible and major player in the international arena, India has not only identified and articulated the current challenges but also led in forging solutions. Around 120 meetings of G20 mechanisms held so far were primarily about this task. The coming months will witness discussions at the ministerial level, and eventually at the leaders level.

Second, the objective has been to project the nations rich cultural heritage, diversity and achievements of its development-with-democracy model to demonstrate the fruits of political stability, strong leadership and inclusive economic progress. The calculation is that this will help India in strengthening its tourism, trade, technology and investment-related links with the world. Third, a more complex motivation has been to assert New Delhis leadership role on the world stage, showing India as a nation that is comfortable in dealing with the West (despite differences), maintains ties with Russia and even China (despite continuing tensions with the latter) and is keen to serve as the advocate of the Global South. To execute this tightrope walk through deft diplomacy, a blend of agility, imagination and luck is essential.

The Indian media has accorded extensive coverage to G20-related developments, including discussions at government and non-government levels. In the process, the public stands well informed.

But the real challenge will be to wrangle with different actors at the September summit. It is advisable to use a three-pronged yardstick to assess fairly the outcome of the Delhi Summit: Consensus, additionality and implementability.

First, will the Indian hosts be able to craft a single consensus document  the Delhi Declaration  at the summits conclusion? Or the result will be more like the March meeting of G20 foreign ministers, where Russia and China refused to go along with the remaining 18 members on the paragraphs relating to Ukraine? Besides, there is uncertainty about the presence in Delhi of all G20 leaders, and it may have increased further by Shanghai Cooperation Organisations inability to hold the summit in Delhi with the physical presence of its leaders.

Second, additionality refers to the contents of the Delhi Declaration. Will they be more substantive, even new, when compared to the Bali Declaration of the previous summit, particularly those relating to global solutions? Finally, the implementability of the main agreements, imbued with the political will to execute consensus-based decisions alone, will show if G20 is an effective global directorate or a mere talk shop.

The Delhi Summit may also indicate if G20, clamouring for reform in multilateral economic institutions, is capable of reforming itself. If so, it should have little hesitation in admitting the African Union (AU) as its newest member. Whether it also calls for accelerating the expansion and democratisation of the UN Security Council will be watched with considerable interest.

Among the presidencys priorities, two are certain to register progress. On climate and energy transition finance, G20s commitment could be specific and reflect additionality. In stressing the global relevance of Indias Digital Public Goods (DPG), the government has shown exceptional activism. A strong formulation in the final declaration seems certain. But the authorities would do well to work on the presidencys eight guest nations such as Bangladesh, Egypt and Mauritius through bilateral discussions to secure their cooperation in this domain.

In a democratic spirit, the views of critics and dissenters should be noted. A former senior official recently posited that the world is perilously close to a global conflict and advised that high expectations of a rich dividend from G20 and SCO summits must be toned down. A veteran Opposition leader spoke of the G20 hypocrisy arguing that the official rhetoric about democracy and diversity was not in consonance with domestic policies. A third critic wrote about the hijacking of G20s civil society forum. Some foreign observers complained about the Think20 process.

In the multi-faceted caravan that Indias G20 presidency is, a few irritants are par for the course. Objectively speaking, the presidency has performed quite well so far, particularly in creating an unprecedented buzz across the land about Indias role in the world. With a continuation of diligence, diplomatic nimbleness, political vision, and some more luck, the caravan should reach its destination successfully, bringing greater glory to India and G20.

Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House, and a former ambassador. The views expressed are personal.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, which made ChatGPT, said he emphasised the importance of regulating Artificial Intelligence and discussed its disadvantage in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he discussed India's incredible tech ecosystem and how the country can benefit from AI.(Twitter/@sama)

"I met PM Modi and talked about its (AI) downside and why it is important to look into it," Altman said addressing a group of students at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT-D).

"It really is amazing to watch what's happening in India with the AI adoption. Not just OpenAI, but other technologies, too," Altman said, adding that it will be the most transformational technology humanity has ever produced. And the nations that accept it, the individuals that embrace it early, will be especially rewarded.

Life is so much better when intelligence becomes close to free, he said.

Altman on AI's harmful impact on the environment

In response to how his company plans to address the growing concerns about the environmental impact of AI models, Altman told Hindustan Times that they have envisioned achieving immediate net-zero cooling for their AI system, with a subsequent transition to exclusively using renewable energy sources in the near future. (ALSO READ | 'ChatGPT needs a 500ml bottle of water to answer 20-50 questions': Survey)

I think at the current scale of systems they do not mean easily contribute to global energy usage. But it's a fair question because eventually, they will. And we're designing systems now that have quite significant energy usage, he said.

"I believe we're going to have fusion working in the next few years," Altman added, referring to his supported start-up Helion Energy, which claims to be building the world's first fusion power plant, promising a future of limitless clean electricity.

If not, I think we can be a little bit more expensive and still get to where we need to go with solar and storage systems. It's very important for us to transition to clean energy and also to think about other impacts like water usage. 

Why did the OpenAI CEO choose to develop ChatGPT?

Altman said that he is working on a mission to build safer Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and within that, he just do whatever works.

We started with robotics and then systems that play video games. And what we found is that language models were doing something quite powerful at the time. They were totally neglected, even when we put out GPT-1 and even GPT-2, no one really cared. But we saw in there a path to AGI. After we developed that, we found a bunch of other problems. So we invented RLHF and scaling laws. And I think those were two massive contributions.  (ALSO READ: Know all about Generative AI, the technology that powers OpenAI's ChatGPT)

For the unversed, RLHF stands for Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback, which basically means human trainers provide feedback on AI output, indicating whether they are good or bad. The model learns from this feedback and adjusts accordingly.

Scaling laws refer to the observation that AI models can achieve better results as the scale of training increases.

Altman on AI regulation and pause on development

On being asked why regulations don't catch up with disruptors soon enough and would he be willing to pause the development for regulations to catch up or what is the right way? (ALSO READ: Top AI experts sign open letter warning of extinction risk)

I don't think a pause sounds good. What about people who don't pause? And also a lot of our insights about how to make these systems safer come from working with the latest models.

He said that instead of relying solely on norms such as external audits, red teaming, and capability tests, it is crucial for development models to undergo a rigorous evaluation by us. This approach would be more effective than simply pausing progress based on a predetermined calendar.

Start your own thing, Altman advice to student

A student of IIIT D asked ChatGPT's inventor if his company, unlike other tech giants, was willing to hire undergraduates in the research domain.

To this, Altman said many of their best researchers came out of undergrad or dropped out as they share the belief that you certainly don't need a PhD to do great work.

The other is like, you can always just start your own thing. I did drop out and wouldn't have got a job, but I was able to start something. So I think until the world catches up with the fact that you don't need an advanced degree, that's always an option.

ALSO READ: Laid off due to AI? Copywriter claims ChatGPT took away her job

Altman looking to fund start-ups in India

OpenAI chief said that, presently, in India, he is looking to fund startups than starting a company centre or research lab. He also said that education is one of the areas that the company is excited about impacting.

We had a good chat about it with the Prime Minister earlier today. We'd love to work with India on this, Altman said.
It has been a decade since the giant Rubber Duck made its appearance in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. Created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman in 2007, the Rubber Duck went on a world tour before showing up in Hong Kong in 2013. Now, after 10 years, the giant yellow-coloured duck is back, and this time it is here with a companion! Double ducks in Hong Kong.(Instagram/@AllRightsReserved)

Creative studio AllRightsReserved, which plans public art displays in Hong Kong, shared that the massive duck will be returning as Double Ducks. According to the Double Ducks website, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is assisting in displaying this significant public art. It will debut in Victoria Harbour on June 10. The 18m-tall ducks will be stationed near Tamar Park, Central, and Western District Promenade.

The Double Ducks website shared that Hofman was inspired by a world map and a rubber duck to create this art that he took on a world tour. The duck's journey began in the Netherlands in 2007, and after that, it visited twelve places on four continents before arriving in Hong Kong in 2013, where it became Hofman's most well-known show to date.

Take a look at the picture of the double ducks here:

This post was shared on May 25. Since being posted, it has been liked over 3100 times. The share has also received several likes and comments.

Check out a few comments below:

An individual wrote, "Welcome back and its double duck this time." A second added, "Super cute." "Excited for this," shared a third.
Some 200 passengers in Austria were evacuated Wednesday after the train they were riding caught fire in a tunnel, authorities said. Members of the fire brigade are seen near the Terfener tunnel in Fritzens, western Austria, where a fire broke out for unknown reasons. (AFP)

Read here: Odisha train accident: CBI seizes mobile phones of six railway employees

Around 45 passengers suffered minor injuries in the incident, likely from smoke inhalation, local police told AFP.

The train headed to Hamburg and Amsterdam was passing through a tunnel close to the city of Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps on Wednesday evening, when its overhead wire snapped, a spokesman for the Austrian rail operator OeBB told AFP.

The train carrying passengers was also transporting automobiles and one or several of them caught fire from the damaged cable, the spokesman said.

"The fire was extinguished at 22:19, and the evacuation was complete by 23:40 local time," the official added.

Read here: UK to host first global summit on artificial intelligence safety: PM Sunak

The OeBB train left Vienna on Wednesday evening and was scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam on Thursday morning.
Even as a committee of the House of Commons passed a motion on Wednesday in favour of former international students from India facing potential deportation from Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressed that his Government was focused on identifying the culprits, not penalizing the victims. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) (AP)

Speaking in Parliament, Trudeau said, We are deeply aware of cases on international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters.

Our focus is in identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims.

He added, Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situation and present evidence to support their case. We remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case.

The House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration passed a motion on Wednesday evening calling for the deportation of the students to be stayed while also providing them with a pathway to permanent residency.

Earlier in the day, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser adopted a similar lenient line towards the ex-students, as he tweeted, Innocent victims will be given every opportunity to have their case considered fairly. Due to the complexity of the situation, we remain committed to working with CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) to determine a fair outcome.

He added his department was actively pursuing a solution for those impacted and were facing uncertainty due to having been admitted to Canada with fraudulent college admission letters.

These students arrived in Canada between 2017 and 2019, and in rare instances, in 2020. They started receiving notices from the CBSA in 2021 and last year, for a hearing as the agency concluded the letter of offer of admission to a Canadian higher education institution, which formed the basis of their study permits, was fake.

The majority of the affected students were represented by the agent Brijesh Mishra of the Jalandhar-based counselling firm EMSA Education and Migration Services Australia.

The ex-students said they were being victimized for no fault of theirs. In an open letter under the banner of Victim Students released in March, they said, We are desperate for justice; we are victims of fraud; we have no criminal level but facing a removal order.

Fraser also tweeted, Those who have taken advantage of people genuinely hoping to study here will face consequences for their actions.

Two of the former students have received removal orders, including Lovepreet Singh, originally from Mohali. Several such ex-students are stating an ongoing protest in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA, which they have said will continue till there are cases are resolved and the order for Lovepreet Singhs deportation rescinded.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Chris Christie is running for President once again, in the 2024 Elections. Previously, he ran in 2016 but lost to Donald Trump. Afterwards, he had lent his support to the new President. But this time the atmosphere is completely different. Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie.(AFP)

On Tuesday evening, Christie addressed a small crowd of voters at St Anselm College. New Hampshire, The town hall event clearly targeted the former President, Donald Trump. He criticised Trump's breathtaking levels of corruption and utter failure of the Presidency.

Donald Trump responded to this attack with a crudely edited video of Christie's speech that targeted his weight. The video was made by Twitter users @NautPoso and @drefanzor. How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good, wrote Trump.

Increasingly, Christie has endured several jokes about his weight made by news channels such as Fox News and Newsmax. On Wednesday, Christie addressed Trump's mockery on CNN. He tweeted, Breaking news... I have struggled with my weight for 20 years. What I havent struggled with is my character.

Christie called Trump a spoiled baby for his juvenile method of dealing with any criticism. When a spoiled baby misbehaves, you send them to their room, not the White House. At his advanced age, it is time to give up hope that Trump will ever grow up. We need a leader, not a child., added Christie.

Christie is one of the most vocal Trump critics among the candidates. However, he hasn't held an office in at least the last 5 years and is unlikely to win. Many believe that the objective of his run is simply to ensure the loss of Donald Trump. Im going out there to take out Donald Trump I want to win, and I dont want him to win said Christie in New Hampshire.

On Thursday, the former New Jersey governor slammed Trump for the criminal case against him. Return the documents and stop doing this!, said Christie in reference to Trump, Why do you have to be the centre of negative attention all the time? Why do you have to be angry all the time?
Disney announced its first LGBTQA+ event at Disneyland known to the public shortly after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned during a press conference that he could potentially construct a state prison near Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. A group picture at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista.(AP)

DeSantis' conflict with Walt Disney World over issues related to "wokeness," his control over educators' discussions on American racism, and his interventions in certain schools have elevated his standing among a specific segment of Republican voters, considering him a hero. The Florida Governor hopes to gain mileage with is anti-woke stand in a tough impending battle against fellow Republican Donald Trump and by taking on a mammoth entity like Disney he is clearly making some sound waves.

On Monday afternoon, Disney announced via a tweet that they would be hosting "Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite" at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as part of the Pride Month celebrations. The two-night event, scheduled for June 13 and 15, will take place within the amusement park and is intended to honor and celebrate the LGBTQA+ communities and their allies, according to a blog post by Disneyland. This announcement appears to be the latest development in an ongoing public disagreement between Disney and Governor DeSantis.

The fight between Disney and the Florida governor originated over an education law which flared up into a feud concerning the management and control of land that encompasses the amusement park.

Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who was running for presidency, criticized the Walt Disney Company for condemning his anti-L.G.B.T.Q. legislation; he anticipated a quick political win. Gov. Ron DeSantis has orchestrated a long-running campaign to curtail the authority of Disney World, one of Florida's major employers. However, instead of capitulating, Disney launched a full blown war, ultimately suing the governor and canceling a planned $1 billion project that would have generated numerous employment opportunities. Gov. DeSantis found himself defending against allegations of being anti-business.

Subject of Quarrel between DeSantis and Disney

Last year in march, the governor enacted the Parental Rights in Education Act, which is commonly referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" bill by its Skeptics.

Gov. Ron DeSantis endeavors have Extensively been seen as Vengeance for Disneys Resistance to legislation that Mr. DeSantis Endorsed last year that prohibits classroom Guidance and dialogue related to gender identity and sexual orientation within certain elementary school grades.

Conservatives celebrated the law, while L.G.B.T.Q. activists and many educators expressed disapproval. Initially remaining silent on the issue, Disney eventually engaged in the debate after its employees organized a public protest. The then-chief executive of Disney, Bob Chapek, Delivered several remarks about the bill.

In response to Disney's opposition to the education legislation, Mr. DeSantis and Fox News hosts began ridiculing the company as "Woke Disney" throughout the past year.

Disney's Relationship with the LGBTQA+ Community

The tie between Disney and the L.G.B.T.Q. community began even when the company was oblivious of that relationship. In the 1930s, proclaiming to be lesbian or gay was stigmatized as a mental illness, many individuals from the community found solace in the quirkiness of Disney's first star. Lesbian gatherings were referred to as "Mickey Mouse parties," and a gay bar in Berlin embraced the name Mickey Mouse.

ALSO READ| Disney cancels $1 bn campus project in Florida. Why? Know here

As Disney grew, more L.G.B.T.Q. fans found nexus with characters like Ferdinand the Bull and Peter Pan, or idolized the flamboyant charm of villains like Captain Hook and Maleficent. The journey of misfit characters who ultimately found acceptance for their uniqueness provided consolation and inspiration for many L.G.B.T.Q. individuals. Consequently, queer youth sought employment as "cast members" at Disneyland and Disney World, fashioning their own community within the company.

Both Disney and other American corporations are now realizing that a "both/and" approach no longer suffices. Ambitious politicians may reconsider involving companies in divisive cultural conflicts, recognizing the potential consequences. Executives everywhere are learning a valuable lesson that standing up and retaliating can sometimes be beneficial for the bottom line.
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has assured that his government will take steps to evaluate cases of around 700 Indian students in the country who are facing deportation on grounds of fake college admission offer letters. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.(AP)

"We are deeply aware of the cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters. To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims," said PM Trudeau said during a Parliament debate.

Hundreds of students from India have taken to streets claiming they have been cheated by their immigration consultation agency and that they have been provided with fake documents. The matter came to light in March when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada.

According to Union foreign minister S Jaishankar, the Indian government has taken up the issue with the Canadian government and assured that If there were people, who misled them (students), the culpable parties should be acted upon.

"We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case," PM Trudeau added.

Similarly, A Canadian parliamentary committee has also vote unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of those Indian students.

In a symbolic move, the all-party immigration committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to call on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to waive the inadmissibility of the affected students, The Toronto Star newspaper reported.

(With agency inputs)
Eight young children and an adult have been injured in a knife attack in Annecy, a town located in the French Alps, French police told Reuters on Thursday. French Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that adding the attacker had been arrested. (Reuters/File)

The children were about three years old, police said.

French Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that adding the attacker had been arrested.

BFM TV reported that the attack had happened in a park and that the assailant had been a Syrian asylum seeker.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
New York City is facing a major air quality crisis as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfs the skyline, transforming the city into an eerie orange haze reminiscent of Mars. Experts warn that the air quality is the worst recorded since at least the 1980s, surpassing even the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11. With the air quality index reaching dangerous levels, residents are urged to take precautions and stay indoors to minimize exposure. Let's dive into the details of this unprecedented environmental situation. People walk in Central Park as smoke from wildfires in Canada cause hazy conditions in New York City on June 7, 2023. Smoke from Canada's wildfires has engulfed the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the US, raising concerns over the harms of persistent poor air quality.(AFP)

A hazy reality

As New Yorkers gazed out their windows on Wednesday afternoon, they were met with a surreal sight. The city's skyline, typically a bustling metropolis, had transformed into a scene reminiscent of another planet. Brian Mastro, a meteorologist from Fox Forecast Center, aptly described the view, saying, "It looks like Mars out there." The dense smoke from Canadian wildfires had travelled hundreds of miles, enveloping New York City in an otherworldly orange haze.

Worst air quality since the '80

The air quality index in New York City reached a staggering 353 out of 500 by early afternoon, classified as "very hazardous." This marked the worst air quality recorded since at least the 1980s. On a typical day, the air index hovers around 100, highlighting the severity of the current situation. The city's residents are experiencing the detrimental effects of the smoke, prompting concerns about their health and well-being.

New York City vs Delhi: A stark comparison

In a shocking revelation, the air quality in New York City was ranked 80% worse than that of Delhi, India, which is notorious for its pollution levels. IQair.com, a renowned air quality ranking site, made this alarming comparison around 2:30 p.m. Such a stark contrast highlights the severity of the situation in New York and underscores the urgent need for action.

Not as toxic as 9/11, but still troubling

Comparisons have been drawn between the current air quality crisis and the aftermath of the tragic 9/11 attacks. However, meteorologist Brian Mastro assures us that while the air quality is worse this time, it is not as toxic as the debris cloud that engulfed the city in the wake of the terrorist attack. The 9/11 cloud was more localized to Lower Manhattan, with winds blowing it southward. In contrast, the current situation affects the entire city. Nevertheless, the impact on air quality remains a cause for concern.

What's the source of the haze?

The culprit behind New York City's air quality crisis is the thick smoke emanating from out-of-control wildfires in Canada. These wildfires, burning hundreds of miles away in Quebec, have produced copious amounts of smoke that have traveled to the city, wreaking havoc on air quality. The sheer scale of the wildfires and the resulting smoke have posed a significant threat to the health of residents.

Mayor's warning and precautions

Mayor Eric Adams issued a warning to all New Yorkers, urging them to stay indoors and minimize outdoor activities to avoid exposure to the hazardous air. Even healthy adults are susceptible to the adverse effects of the smoke. Taking these precautions is essential to safeguarding one's health and reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other related ailments.

Also read | New York City grapples with wildfire smoke from Quebec as health concerns rise

A battle for clean air

As New York City grapples with this unprecedented air quality crisis, efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the smoke. Experts are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a change in wind patterns that will disperse the smoke and improve air quality. Until then, residents must prioritize their well-being by heeding the warnings and staying informed about the latest developments.
China, Iran and Pakistan held their first trilateral counterterrorism and regional security consultations on Wednesday in Beijing but Islamabad accused Tehran of providing sanctuaries to insurgents for orchestrating cross-border attacks in a bid to subvert CPEC while Tehran alleged Islamabad of not doing enough to prevent terrorists from conducting cross-border terrorism into Iran, Voice of America (VOA) reported. China, Iran and Pakistan held their first trilateral conference on Wednesday.(ANI )

Baluch insurgents oppose CPEC, alleging it is helping Pakistan's efforts to deprive the local population of the region's natural resources.

"The delegations held detailed discussions on the regional security situation, particularly the threat of terrorism faced by the region," said a post-meeting statement in Islamabad, which shared no further details, Voice of America (VOA) reported.

The Pakistani and Chinese foreign ministries said the three nations had decided to institutionalize and hold the meeting regularly, VOA reported.

Senior Chinese, Pakistani and Iranian counterterrorism officials, each from their respective foreign ministries, led their teams at Wednesday's dialogue.

READ | Pakistan skips Shanghai Cooperation Organisation chief justice meet hosted by India

Analysts said Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province was likely an essential agenda item. The natural resources-rich but impoverished region is central to a multibillion-dollar Chinese-funded program, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), VOA reported.

"The establishment of a trilateral security mechanism between China, Pakistan and Iran reflects their shared concerns regarding security in Baluchistan," observed Baqir Sajjad, a Pakistan fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington.

Sajjad said stability in Baluchistan was crucial to successfully implementing CPEC projects there, VOA reported.

"Collaboration among these countries can potentially contribute to improved regional security and counter the activities of insurgents who find refuge in Iran," he said.

Baluchistan, a Pakistani province bordering Iran, has long experienced a low-level insurgency, led by outlawed ethnic Baluch groups.

Islamabad alleges insurgents use sanctuaries on Iranian soil to orchestrate cross-border attacks in their bid to subvert CPEC, an extension of China's global Belt and Road Initiative. Iranian authorities deny the presence of Baluch militants on their soil, VOA reported.

CPEC has built road networks and power plants across Pakistan and to the Arabian Sea deep-water Gwadar port in Baluchistan.

Baluch insurgents oppose CPEC, alleging it is helping Pakistan's efforts to deprive the local population of the region's natural resources. They have carried out deadly attacks against Chinese nationals working on the projects in Baluchistan.

China and Pakistan reject the charges as baseless and maintain the mega development project is bringing economic prosperity to the poverty-stricken province and Pakistan at large, VOA reported.

Baluchistan abuts Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province, where Iranian security forces are battling domestic Sunni-based militants blamed for deadly attacks in the predominantly Shiite Muslim country.

Tehran alleges Islamabad is not doing enough to prevent militants from conducting cross-border terrorism into Iran, charges that Pakistani officials reject.

Last month, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to the nearly 900-kilometre border between the two countries, where they jointly inaugurated a rare marketplace and power transmission line.

While speaking at the ceremony, both leaders vowed to expand bilateral economic and border security cooperation, VOA reported.

China has also boosted economic collaboration with Iran. The countries signed a 25-year strategic partnership agreement in March 2021. However, according to Iranian officials, the document contained no specific commitments on investment or security.

Pakistan, Iran and China are also concerned about growing terrorist attacks in neighboring Afghanistan. The violence is mostly claimed by Islamic State's regional affiliate, Islamic State Khorasan, VOA reported.

The three countries have stepped up diplomatic engagement with the conflict-ravaged country's Taliban rulers to help them tackle the threat and bring economic stability to Afghanistan.
Just a few weeks after throwing his hat into the ring for the 2024 presidential race, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing a significant setback as his approval rating takes a nosedive. The latest data from online polling company Civiqs reveals a dramatic decline in DeSantis' popularity, with a net approval rating of negative 19 points. It seems that the Governor's bid for the White House may be hitting some roadblocks. Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at the "Roast and Ride" event.(REUTERS)

According to the dynamic approval rating graph, a staggering 55 percent of respondents disapprove of DeSantis, compared to only 36 percent who hold a favorable view of the Republican Governor. The numbers are particularly disheartening among certain demographics, with a major unfavorable rating among those aged 18-34, women, African Americans, and the Hispanic/Latino population.

This decline in approval comes as a surprise to many who saw DeSantis as a rising star within the Republican Party. Just a few months ago, there was growing momentum suggesting that he could be the GOP's best chance at reclaiming the White House in 2024. However, recent events have shown a different trajectory.

The decline in DeSantis' approval rating coincides with a resurgence in support for former President Donald Trump, despite his ongoing legal troubles. Trump, who is facing multiple felony counts and civil lawsuits, still maintains a higher disapproval rating than DeSantis. However, in the GOP primary polls, Trump consistently outperforms the Florida Governor, cementing his position as the favored candidate among Republican voters.

Even DeSantis' recent announcement of his presidential bid in a glitchy Twitter Space event failed to make a significant impact on his poll numbers. While Trump's approval rating remains relatively stable, DeSantis has struggled to gain traction, with his poll numbers remaining stagnant or even declining.

The latest Morning Consult poll highlights the challenges DeSantis faces in narrowing the gap with Trump. The former president maintains a commanding lead, with a substantial 34-point advantage over the Florida Governor. Moreover, a significant portion of potential primary voters reported hearing negative information about DeSantis in recent weeks, signaling potential obstacles on his path to the nomination.

Also read | From Ron DeSantis's Bible signings to Mike Pence's motorcycle rides! Roast and Ride in Iowa revs up Republican race

As DeSantis grapples with declining approval and struggles to gain ground against Trump, his presidential bid may be in jeopardy. The road to the White House is fraught with challenges, and the Governor will need to regroup and strategize to revive his campaign. Whether he can reverse the current trend and regain the momentum remains to be seen. The race for the Republican nomination is far from over, and only time will tell if DeSantis can regain his footing and become a serious contender in the 2024 presidential race.
Ukraine and Russia accused each other of shelling rescuers and evacuees in the flood-hit Kherson region on Thursday as Moscow said its forces fought off a Ukrainian offensive in another part of the front line. Rescuers ride an all-terrain vehicle during an evacuation from a flooded area in Kherson. (AFP)

Read here: Ukraine's nuclear plant, largest in Europe, loses out on water to cool down its reactors

Emergency services were still racing to rescue people stranded by the flood-swollen waters of the Dnipro River, which have forced thousands to flee.

The destruction of a major Russian-held dam on the river on Tuesday left 600 square kilometres of the region under water.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the area on Thursday after floods inundated dozens of villages and parts of the regional capital, Kherson.

"I thank the rescuers and volunteers! I thank everyone involved in this work!" wrote Zelensky, who also visited survivors in hospital.

Shortly after the visit, Kyiv said Russian strikes in the centre of Kherson and the surrounding region killed one person and injured 18 more, including emergency services staff.

Moscow-installed authorities on the other bank of the Dnipro River, which is controlled by Russian forces, said two evacuees were killed by Ukrainian shelling.

The death toll from the flooding reached six as the Moscow-backed administration of Nova Kakhovka, where the dam is located, said five people had died and 41 admitted in hospital.

Ukrainian police said one man had died in a riverside village in the neighbouring Mykolaiv region, also affected by rising water levels.

US President Joe Biden said Washington would provide long-term military support to Kyiv "as long as it takes", while the Netherlands said it was sending rescue boats and water pumps.

Two-hour battle

In the neighbouring Zaporizhzhia region, Russia said its forces had fought a two-hour battle with Ukrainian troops in the early hours of Thursday.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the Ukrainian offensive involved 1,500 soldiers and 150 armoured vehicles.

"The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," he said.

Ukrainian officials have said their forces are ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins.

Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Maliar said only that Russia was conducting "defensive actions" near the town of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Read here: Russia aims to block EU from hosting COP29 climate summit: Report

In another development, Ukrainian authorities said water levels in a reservoir which had been created by the Kahovka dam had fallen "below the critical point of 12.7 metres (42 feet)".

This meant the reservoir was no longer able to supply households and the cooling ponds at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, Europe's largest.

However late Thursday the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said he nuclear plant was continuing to receive water from the reservoir after the dam was damaged.

The plant's six reactors have been shut down but they still need cooling water to ensure there is no nuclear disaster.

Ukraine meanwhile called on Europe to double power supplies to two gigawatts.

Still people in there

In the Kherson region, Ukrainian rescuers said they were venturing into Russian-controlled areas to save civilians despite the danger.

The area is the estuary of the Dnipro River and is dotted with islands and marshland where the precise location of the front line is sometimes unclear.

Ukrainian authorities have said 30 settlements were flooded, 10 of which lie in territory controlled by Russia on the Dnipro's eastern bank.

Rescuers used boats and amphibious vehicles to pluck people from flooded areas. Some volunteers were also going out to rescue stranded animals and birds.

One woman, Tetiana Omelchenko, 65, said she had waited two days to be evacuated from her block of flats in Kherson and had to climb through a broken window to reach a rescue boat.

"In my building, the water has reached the third floor and there are still people in there," she said.

Outrageous destruction

In Brussels on Thursday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged members of the alliance to speed up humanitarian assistance to Ukraine after the destruction of the dam.

The World Health Organization sounded a grim warning.

"The impact on the region's water supply, sanitation systems and public health services cannot be underestimated," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.

"WHO has rushed in to support the authorities and health care workers in preventive measures against waterborne diseases and to improve disease surveillance," he said.

Ukraine accuses Russia, whose forces control the dam area, of blowing up the dam, while Russia accuses Ukraine hitting it with artillery.

Ukrhydroenergo, the dam's operator, said it was most likely mined from the inside.

The emergency service has warned the flood water has dislodged land mines that pose a threat to civilians.

The government has also sounded the alarm over the environmental impact, calling it "a crime of ecocide".

Read here: Ukraine's Zelensky shocked over lack of international aid for dam attack: Report

A Greenpeace campaigner in Kyiv, Denys Tsutsaiev, warned that it could take a decade for some species to recover from the catastrophe and some may not recover at all.

According to the latest information, "at least 500 tonnes of oil was released due to the dam destruction," the campaigner said, posing a threat to sea mammals and birds.
The White House on Thursday denied a report that the United States and Iran were nearing an interim deal under which Iran would curb its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. An airmen look at a GBU-57, or the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri.(AP)

"This report is false and misleading," said a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, referring to an article on the Middle East Eye website. "Any reports of an interim deal are false."

The report cited two unnamed sources as saying Iran and the United States were "nearing a temporary deal that would swap some sanctions relief for reducing Iranian uranium enrichment activities."

It also cited the sources as saying "the two sides have reached an agreement on a temporary deal to take to their respective superiors."

The report said Iran would commit to cease enriching uranium to purity of 60% or above and would continue cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog in return for being allowed to export up to 1 million barrels of oil per day and gaining access "to its income and other frozen funds abroad."
The 27-year-old live streamer's wife confirmed with Chinese media outlet Jimu News on Tuesday that her husband, known by his online moniker Zhong Yuan Huang Ge or Brother Huang from the Central Plains, died due to excessive consumption of alcohol on the morning of June 2, New York Post reported. Huang's death comes less than a month after a fellow influencer, named Wang Moufeng was found dead on May 17 after livestreaming himself knocking back four bottles of baijiu.(ANI)

He has died from drinking too much alcohol after a live-streamed drinking battle, making this the second fatality from such a game in a month, New York Post reported.

Huang's death marks the second influencer to die from a viral drinking challenge in under a month.

The fatality occurred June 2 after the internet celeb, known as Brother Huang to his 176,000 social media followers, had reportedly downed an excessive amount of baijiu.

Colloquially called "Chinese firewater," the typically sorghum-based spirit boasts an alcohol content ranging between 35 per cent to 60 per cent, New York Post reported.

In videos posted to Huang's now-deleted account, the YouTuber desperate for fame can be seen swilling the grog, lighting tissue soaked in alcohol and showing off pyramids of empty bottles.

His wife, surnamed Li, said that Huang had been trying to earn cash to pay off a massive debt totaling hundreds of thousands of yuan that he incurred before his marriage.

According to a video of Huang's room posted by his relative, the wall in his room had Chinese phrases including "money is more important than life" and "life is not all about money, but you will need money to live the life you want," the New York Post reported citing Strait Times.

Huang had just built a new house in the village this year and the couple had planned to earn money to renovate it after sending their son to kindergarten this year, said his wife Li, New York Post reported.

Huang's death comes less than a month after a fellow influencer, named Wang Moufeng or "Brother Three Thousand", was found dead on May 17 hours after livestreaming himself knocking back four bottles of baijiu for his fans on Douyin, China's version of TikTok.

Wang Moufeng, better known as Brother Three Thousand, had reportedly been involved in a "PK" challenge, in which two influencers typically compete for gifts or rewards from their audience, New York Post reported.

The loser faces a penalty, which, in Wang's case, involved imbibing excessive amounts of hooch as punishment for losing three rounds, as seen in the video which is now deleted.

Coincidentally, Huang was a good friend of Wang and even attended his funeral, during which he was overheard vowing to consume less alcohol, according to Southern Metropolis Daily.

Douyin, the Chinese version of the popular app "TikTok" prohibits drinking during live streams, and Wang had already been suspended from the app for previous incidents of on-camera boozing, New York Post reported.

The influencer's death has since prompted calls for increased regulations of live-streaming apps.

On this side of the pond, the China-owned platform TikTok, which is currently facing bans over potential national security threats, has come under fire for allowing similarly dangerous challenges to proliferate.
The world's first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, is celebrating a new era of luxury with the opening of InterContinental Tashkent, marking the brand's debut in the Uzbekistan capital.

Located in the heart of Tashkent, InterContinental Tashkent offers an oasis of luxury in this vibrant city. A five-minute walk from Amir Temur Square, the hotel is a part of the all-new Trilliant Business Park development complex. Stretching 94 meters up into the sky, the property caters to all needs for the modern leisure or business traveler.

InterContinental Tashkent features 216 sophisticated rooms, including 38 signature suites and two Presidential suites, each with breathtaking views of the city. The hotel is also home to two refined restaurants, a trendy rooftop bar and a wellness Club with world-acclaimed specialists.

InterContinental Tashkent's restaurants and bars are destinations in themselves, serving up a range of international cuisine in stylish settings. The hotel's signature restaurant, Ember, is where tastebuds meet voguish Asian flavors and Butcher's Prime Cuts, while the open-air rooftop bar, Embar, offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, as well as striking creations and a top-line spirit selection. Embar is open seasonally during the warm months.

On the top floor of InterContinental Tashkent is the hotel's signature restaurant Ember, serving fire-grilled dry-aged steaks, sushi and shellfish. Located on the same 17th floor, Embar will feature a whisky library, a specialty cocktail menu and skyline views. Other dining options include No'mad, a striking, emerald haven inspired by the culture and produce of Central Asia, and Chach, a prime Lobby Bar with house-baked signature patisseries and delicacies.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts said: "Signaling an emergence of luxury in the country, we are excited to officially open InterContinental Tashkent. Set to be one of the most iconic hotels in the capital, the property combines luxury and contemporary comfort, alongside a strong focus on sustainability and providing a seamless guest experience with the latest technology. The property is expected to be the first LEED Gold-certified project in Uzbekistan, furthering IHG's commitment to conscious travel and sustainable growth. We look forward to offering our guests a taste of luxury in Uzbekistan."

From grand celebrations and conferences to private wedding ceremonies, the hotel offers a selection of meeting spaces. The 820 sq.m. Ballroom can accommodate up to 900 guests and features direct access from outside, 7.5m x 4m LED monitors, integrated simultaneous translation equipment and professional light and audio systems. Six meeting rooms on the ground floor, named in honour of the rivers Amudaryo and Sirdaryo, are 96 sq.m. each and offer the ability to be interconnected. To enjoy a smaller-scale event or meeting, the hotel offers four executive meeting rooms, located on the 11th floor with, stunning views over Tashkent.

The E'quilibrium Spa and Fitness Club, spread across two floors of the hotel, was created by the creative minds of the world-leading spa consultancy, Raison d'Etre. The Club is located across two floors of the hotel and offers exceptional wellness facilities, a fully state-of-art equipped gym with Technogym Artis line, a 30 m infinity swimming pool overlooking the city, a special couples suite with wet & heat facilities, a private Hammam treatment area, a steam room and sauna as well as open-air terrace and the Pure Bar.

Through exclusive partnerships, the spa is the first in the country to offer body and face treatments with two luxury skincare brands, the award-winning 111SKIN and the innovative ComfortZone. Deesse LED Face Masks and Normatec Boots are also among the unique treatments offered. The spa's philosophy brings guests into an emotional, physical and mental equilibrium, with a focus on non-invasive advanced treatments and result oriented facials and body sculpting. Available for Tashkent residents, E'quilibrium Spa & Fitness Club offers wellness lifestyle memberships, which includes access to all the facilities, special deals on treatments and retail, invitations to the Club's exclusive events and special member prices within the hotel restaurants and bar.

For more on InterContinental Tashkent, visit the hotel's website. Rooms start from per double room, 327per night.

Hotel website
PITTSBURGH - Highpointe Hotel Corp., a full-service management and development company based in Gulf Breeze, Fla., has reaffirmed its commitment to Aptech through the recent adoption of its PVNG enterprise accounting software and NEW Execuvue Business Intelligence platform. Highpointe was investigating new capabilities to help them cut costs and maintain lean operations in todays challenging economic environment and ultimately chose to remain partners with Aptech by investing in the companys innovative and groundbreaking solutions.

We are delighted to continue partnering with Aptech and migrate our accounting software to PVNG, one of the most effective and simple cloud-based accounting programs for hotels. Highpointe has been a partner with Aptech for 23 years, and we have no plans to look elsewhere. PVNGs multi-property features allow us to set the same tasks and consolidate financials across our entire portfolio, saving our administration two to three hours of work daily. This technology would have been invaluable two years ago, but we are excited to put it to use today. Mark Pate, Assistant Controller/IT Director at Highpointe Hotel Corp.

Pate said PVNG is thoughtfully designed, especially the menu structure. He said other solutions the company considered came with a huge learning curve; but not PVNG. The solution features Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Statistics, Financials, and Bank Reconciliation modules and seamless web browser navigation allowing hotels to upload their accounting data remotely. PVNG can be deployed as a hosted service and also offers 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.

BI + AI = Smart Business

When it comes to business intelligence, Pate said Highpointe is excited to leverage IBM Cognos Analytics with AI capabilities  part of Aptechs NEW Execuvue platform. He said the solution can easily pull data from PVNG into Execuvue and present data in an array of formats using simple AI commands.

Business intelligence is a standard tool for most hotel management companies today, Pate said. Now that AI is becoming native to BI, it may soon be integrated with tools such as IBM Watson to ask analytical questions (such as show me this or that) and accounting teams can instantly present requested data in a visual format that is compelling, relevant, and easy-to-understand. Aptech is not bleeding-edge technology, but through its IBM Cognos partnership and AI tools, it is definitely leading edge.

Execuvue features a dashboard that delivers stunning images of financial and operational data that hoteliers can act upon. The drag-and-drop environment creates striking visualizations based on data entered. Leveraging AI-powered analytics, Execuvue helps operators make smarter business decisions and respond to commands, such as Show Me Room Revenues by State and by Property. The AI tool links relevant data elements (number of rooms rented, ADR, RevPAR, occupancy, rooms out of order, etc.) with a list of properties or brands to analyze the information in visually compelling ways. It also configures data regionally, giving operators a performance snapshot portfolio wide, as well as by region, brand, and property. The scalability, flexibility, and integration capabilities of Execuvue sets Aptech apart from other BI providers.

Advice for Tradeshow Shoppers

As we enter technology tradeshow season, people need to be careful when shopping for financial management tools, said Pate, who also serves as the Global President of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producer of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC). The integration piece is so important between back office tools and the hotels BI solution and a single database is key; numbers should all come from the same source. When visiting vendor booths, be mindful that salespeople will say their solutions can do just about anything. Before choosing a partner, talk to those on the support team, along with the product engineers. They are the people you will be dealing with on a regular basis, and it is they who will help determine if the software is a good fit. What happens after the sale is critical, and it is here that Aptech shines.

In a word, Aptechs accounting software, BI tools and customer support is outstanding, he added. The team is willing to do whatever we ask. We dont make phone calls; we send them an email and the ticket is usually closed in less than an hour. Few companies have that fast response time. Over the years weve gotten to know the people on the other end of the phone. They get us, and the Highpointe way of doing things. We cant wait to see everyone face to face at the Aptech annual dinner at HITEC.

Our relationship with Highpointe Hotels is a special one, and we are thrilled to continue providing support through our PVNG and Execuvue. Highpointe is growing. They currently manage 14 hotels and we expect they will be adding many more in the future. Aptech is proud to grow alongside them and assist them any way we can in preparation for economic changes in the future. Cam Troutman, Aptech Vice President

To schedule a meeting with Aptech at HITEC, email [email protected]. 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
Flexibility is a major priority for travelers today. In a recent Expedia Group traveler survey, more than a third of respondents said they filter for refundable cancellation policies when searching for accommodations on a travel booking website. This means if you dont offer a refundable rate, you will disappear from a third of traveler searches on Expedia Group sites. Why list on Expedia if thats the case? By leveraging sites like Expedia, hoteliers ensure they have a good channel mix, allowing them to expand the reach of their offering by tapping into more than 60 million visitors to Expedia every month.

When you do offer a flexible policy on Expedia Group sites, your property will show as Free Cancellation in traveler search results. This draws attention to your listing visually, and helps you stand out from the competition.

In the heart of Miamis South Beach neighborhood, Dream South Beach uses flexible cancellation policies to capture bookings as travelers cautiously return.

A refundable rate also gives travelers increased confidence to book with you, and peace of mind in case their plans change. In the same survey, travelers told us that their number one priority when booking is having the ability to cancel and get a full refund if their plans change. This still remains a priority for travelers as it offers trust in the form of refundable rates, which in turn, builds loyalty with your brand. We recommend a 100% refund for cancellations within a short window (two days or less) before the stay date to give travelers maximum flexibility.

Expedia users: If you are already using Expedia, it only takes a few clicks to offer refundable rates on the Expedia Partner Central extranet. Update your refundable rate plan now!

Pegasus CRS is an award-winning cloud-based reservations solution that offers unprecedented flexibility, scalability, security and support in managing your rates and inventory. Take full control of your hotels distribution strategy with Pegasus CRS.

Pegasus CRS offers complete global distribution through hundreds of channels. Deep integrations with your PMS and key industry platforms and systems allow you to fully leverage the data in your RMS, CRM, guest loyalty programs, and more. We also make it easy to drive direct bookings through our industry-leading booking engine and eCommerce platform, which includes options for our premium call center and voice reservations service.

Want to learn more about Cendyn Pegasus CRS? Schedule a demo

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry. We help hotels around the globe drive profitability and guest loyalty through an integrated technology platform that aligns revenue, eCommerce, distribution, marketing, and sales teams with centralized data, applications, and analytics, so they can capture more demand and accelerate growth. With operations across the globe, in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India, Cendyn serves tens of thousands of customers across 143 countries. To find out more, visit www.cendyn.com.

View source
Amesbury, Massachusetts  Lark announces the debut of four new Lark Independents along North Carolinas southern shore: The Beach House and The Starlite Inn in Carolina Beach, and The Admirals Quarters Motel and The Sand Dunes in Kure Beach. The independently-owned boutique hotels will now be managed and operated by Lark, growing its portfolio of Lark Independents to 18 hotel properties throughout the United States.

These newest additions to the Lark Independent roster build on the companys recent investments in the Southeast region, joining three previously announced Lark Independent projects around Asheville, North Carolina: Asheville River Cabins (opened in 2022), The Radical (opening summer 2023) and Zelda Dearest (opening summer 2023) and the first Lark Hotels branded guest house in the South, Blind Tiger Asheville (opening summer 2023)

Rob Blood, the founder of Lark Hotels, introduced the Lark Independent program in 2020, after opening and operating more than 30 Lark Hotels on the East Coast and California. Lark Independent provides boutique properties with Larks signature support services and more than a decade of expertise in hospitality operations, personalized service, creative brand development, human resources, revenue management and more.

Weve built the Lark brand on perfecting vacation travel for our hotel guests, from Cape Cod and Maine to Nantucket and Stowe. As we continue to grow the Lark Independent portfolio, our team seeks out destinations poised to offer unrivaled experiences for all types of travelers. Much like the beach towns and mountains of the Northeast, we were instantly drawn to North Carolinas natural serenity, contemporary urban settings and adventurous Blue Ridge Mountain towns. North Carolina is an ideal destination, and we look forward to working with our hotel partners there to bring the Lark spirit to life for their loyal guests and future travelers. Rob Blood, Founder of Lark Hotels

Nestled by the shore in Carolina Beach, The Beach House is an oceanfront inn featuring 21 rooms and suites. Serving as a home away from home within a charming and peaceful beach town, The Beach House is steps from the Carolina Beach Boardwalk  evoking the nostalgia of a vintage summer postcard. In the same coastal community, The Starlite Inn is a newly remodeled property with spacious rooms and mid-century modern furnishings, providing travelers with a contemporary seaside getaway.

In the neighboring town of Kure Beach, The Admirals Quarters was originally established in 1984, as the south building on the property. Its owners took great pride in creating a quiet, casual oasis. The architecture has been maintained through to today, giving the motel a retro feel, while bringing fresh colors, new flooring and furniture, new kitchens and appliances.The Sand Dunes is a family-owned hidden gem that celebrates southern hospitality. The charming property extends a relaxed and picturesque beachfront stay for all types of travelers, thanks to a wide variety of room types. The Sand Dunes also features a large swimming pool with stylish chaise lounges, chairs and umbrellas with some of the Carolina Coasts best views of the Atlantic.

We are thrilled to join Larks family of independent properties, and look forward to working alongside their team of hospitality experts in this next chapter for our very special coastal hotels. The team at Lark truly understands the needs of independent hotels, and is committed to preserving the qualities that make our family-owned hotels so unique for years to come. Erik Hemingway, owner of The Beach House, The Starlite Inn, The Admirals Quarters Motel, and The Sand Dunes

For more information on Lark Hotels please visit https://www.larkhotels.com/; for more information on Lark Independents, please visit https://www.larkhospitality.com/brands/lark-independent/.

About Lark Independent

Lark Independent launched in 2020, to bring the company's unique ethos and tested management and development platform to owners of truly independent hotels throughout the United States. Through Lark Independent, properties have access to Larks suite of third-party management services, which include a robust tech stack, designed to make smaller hotels more profitable, and a suite of shared services that include hotel operations; food and beverage operations; finance, accounting and reporting; direct marketing, social media and public relations strategy; revenue management; interior design and real estate development; branding and creative strategy; technology integration and management; asset management; and operational management. For more information visit larkhospitality.com.

About Lark

Lark is a premium hotel development and management company with a portfolio of more than 50 boutique hotels located throughout the United States. Lark Hotels emerged in 2012, operating boutique properties in high-profile destinations throughout the Northeast U.S. and California. Each property embraces the locations they are in, but in playful, unexpected ways. Each Lark Hotel invites guests to experience intimate getaways in the heart of an iconic destination, feel the pull of nostalgia and find attentive service when they want it and privacy when they don't. In 2020, Lark Independent launched as a third-party management division, focused on the management and marketing of independent hotels throughout the United States. In 2021, Lark introduced Bluebird by Lark, a sister collection of boutique roadside lodges  reimagined for the great American road trip. For more information on Lark Hotels and Bluebird by Lark, visit larkhotels.com and bluebirdhotels.com.

Built on the success and growth of Lark Hotels, Lark now does it all from building properties from the ground up, to securing financing, to handling day-to-day operations. Lark works alongside owners to establish successful, character-rich hotels, find each property's devoted audience, and handle operations. Lark is currently seeking growth opportunities through both third-party management agreements and joint venture opportunities. To discuss Lark's acquisition and management processes, please reach out to [email protected].
As a result of the award-winning debuts of Standard hotels in London, the Maldives, Ibiza, Bangkok, and Hua Hin (Thailand), the company continues to attract development opportunities around the world.

The Standard will open in Melbourne later this year and in Singapore in early 2024, followed by new openings in Lisbon (hotel and residences), Austin, Mexico (resort and residences), Brooklyn (Bushwick), Vancouver, Dublin, Vienna, Brussels, Khao Yai, Nashville and Pattaya. The first Standard branded stand-alone residential project in Midtown Miami has launched successfully with over 70% of the units under contract, and with the upcoming addition of residences to the award-winning Standard, Hua Hin, The Standard will launch its first branded residences in Asia. The companys sister hotel brand Bunkhouse also continues to thrive with the recent openings of Hotel Genevieve in Louisville (NULU) and the opening of San Fernando in Mexico City, along with projects under development in Chattanooga, Fort Worth, as well as two projects in Houston and two additional hotels in Mexico (Todos Santos and Queretaro). Peri Hotels, Standard Internationals latest brand, has two new properties, Bangkok Sukhumvit and Bangkok Riverside, joining the portfolio.

We are in a unique position as one of the last independent lifestyle brands, said Amber Asher, CEO of Standard International. Most of our competitors have been acquired, or have merged into large hotel companies, and we find that many developers and capital partners around the world prefer working with us, as a company that remains entrepreneurial, creative, nimble, and culturally connected. Our owner and developer partners are incredibly proud of the projects we are developing with them which leads to more projects in our global pipeline.

During the toughest years of the Covid pandemic that left many independent hotel brands struggling to survive, and seeking companies with larger balance sheets to acquire them, the Standard team doubled down on its growth opportunities, deepened its bench of in-house talent (best in class creative, marketing, public relations, development and operations teams) and external collaborators (from world renowned interior designers and artists, to the next generation of fashion stars, to the most skilled and innovative chefs), and refined its operational approach to deliver both experiential and financial results.

Known for its progressive design, innovative cultural programming, detailed but casual service, and in-house F&B concepting and management, the Standard team works closely with its owner and developer partners to create projects that fit the submarkets and buildings themselves, a very different approach to the large brands who typically try to force the owner or developer to fit their projects into the brand standards. Standard Internationals bespoke approach has resulted in the creation of iconic projects around the world that have transformed emerging neighborhoods into cultural epicenters while delivering strong returns for its partners.

Though The Standard is renowned for creativity and culture at its core, the brand also has a track record for excelling in the financial and operational performance of its properties:

Recovery rate on top line revenue to pre-Covid 107.3% from YE 2022 (excludes stub year properties). This is an additional $17.5k per key average

EBITDA to pre-Covid +33.1% on average from YE 2022 (excludes stub year properties). This is an additional $33.5k per key on average

Standard International punches well above its weight as an independent brand and delivers extensive value for owners and developers due to:

Over 50 food, beverage, and nightlife concepts, all managed in-house

Three brands: The Standard, Bunkhouse Hotels, and Peri

Direct booking rate of 60%+ (saving 15-20% in third party booking commissions)

Website users crossed 3M users in 2022, with Standardhotels.com contributing 45% booking rate

Email database of approximately 1 million

Repeat guest ratio of 30% (vs 25% Pre-Pandemic) which demonstrates brand loyalty and reduces cost of customer acquisition

Global footprint with offices to support growth in NYC, London, Bangkok, and Austin.

Operational Excellence Case Studies: (The Standard Bangkok, Mahanakhon and The Standard, Hua Hin):

The Standard Bangkok, Mahanakhon:

In addition to delivering superior financial returns (we beat top-line budget in the first calendar year by around 40% and many more folds in terms of profitability), we strive to make owners proud of their assets and achievements.

Product stand out from other traditional hotels, the hotel won the prestigious Ahead Award 2022, Asia, Best Hotel New Build,

and the hotel has been included on Destin Asian Honor Circle 2022

and the hotel has been included on Destin Asian Honor Circle 2022 For Market share, the hotel has achieved and maintained a RevPar Index of approximately 150-160 since the second month of operation.

Huge success since opening in International and Asia markets, reflected in international guest mix of approximately greater than 80% international and less than 10% domestic.

Mexican rooftop Ojo has almost doubled the initially planned average check.

Since the openings, weve welcomed many international notable guests and top tier medias e.g., Vogue Korea, NY times, South China Morning Post, including frequent visit from Bangkok A list celebrities.

The Standard, Hua Hin:

Deliver unique design product with low and efficient cost-to build in the coordination between Standard in-house design team and designers.

Named #1 resort in Southeast Asia, #7 in Asia, #35 in the world by Travel Leisure (World's Best Awards 2022)

The only hotel in Southeast Asia on Conde Nast Travelers 2022 Hot List

TripAdvisor ranking of 28 in the first year out of 223 hotels in Hua Hin/Chaam area

Praca (The Standard, Hua Hins beachfront restaurant and bar) has just become the #2 restaurant in Hua Hin on Trip Advisor

Direct booking portion is 43% of total revenue

From the strength of its financial and operational performance and its flexibility (ability to define the most appropriate product by market and effectively execute both new-builds and conversions), Standard International contributes to the superior project economics of the diverse projects its develops and operates, including urban, resort, urban retreats, branded residences, and its extensive array of food and beverage offerings (over 50 unique concepts run in house).
The GBTA Foundation, the non-profit, cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the worlds premier business travel and meetings trade organization, and Travalyst, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to scale sustainability within the tourism industry, have joined forces to help tackle one of the biggest challenges in the uptake of sustainability efforts in the global business travel industry.

The two organizations have entered into a partnership agreement to collaborate on the development of a harmonized framework for sustainable travel. The partnership will bring more impact to sustainability efforts and help foster alignment across the business travel industry.

In a GBTA report  The State of Sustainability in the Global Business Travel Industry  on average, a third of industry and stakeholder respondents surveyed said fragmentation of standards was a main barrier for a sustainability transition in business travel  and 60% cited harmonized standards as a top facilitator of a positive future for the industry.

Travalyst exists to help bring consistent and credible sustainability information to the mainstream, helping travelers everywhere make more informed choices. Nowhere is this more urgent than in the business travel sector, with corporate travelers rightly demanding better, clearer information to make - and for corporations to report on  lower impact decisions, said Sally Davey, CEO, Travalyst. Travalyst's partnership with GBTA brings to bear the strengths and scale of each group to ensure business travelers are empowered to make the best decisions, for themselves and for the planet, every time they book."

Davey added that this marks another step for Travalyst in extending its reach to encompass both leisure and now corporate travel across the industry by partnering with big companies and also major associations such as GBTA.

Delphine Millot, Senior Vice President, Sustainability, and Managing Director, GBTA Foundation said, The lack of comparability and transparency on whats considered a more sustainable business travel option is a real barrier to change. The GBTA Foundation has a key role to play to steer the full global business travel industry towards common sustainability frameworks and standards. This is fully aligned with Travalysts mission and were looking forward to working together with their existing efforts and model.

According to Millot, the Foundation's Sustainability Initiative aims to drive cross-industry collaboration among the users and providers of corporate travel services  including aviation, hospitality, ground transport, travel management and distribution  to support the deployment of solutions that help to manage and reduce carbon emissions from travel.

At GBTAs 2nd GBTA Sustainability Summit taking place June 13th in Washington, D.C., Travalysts Head of Product and Partnerships, Tim Loonen, will be speaking on the topic of Activating the Point of Sale: How to Nudge Travelers Towards More Sustainable Choices. The one-day, high-level Summit event will bring together experts, industry and policy leaders to outline concrete solutions to manage the environmental impact of business travel. Additionally, Travalyst CEO Davey will moderate a Main Stage panel on August 14th at the 2023 GBTA Convention in Dallas, August 13-15.

At the Sustainability Summit, GBTA will also be unveiling its latest report The State of Climate Action in Business Travel  Global Industry Barometer 2023 which will reveal industry perspectives around prioritizing harmonized standards for emissions measurement and reporting and sustainability criteria for supplier selection. For more information or to register to attend the GBTA Sustainability Summit, visit www.gbtafoundation.org.

About Travalyst

Founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex in 2019, Travalyst is a not-for profit sustainable travel organization that has convened a coalition of nine of the worlds leading travel and technology companies: Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group, Tripadvisor and Visa. Travalysts mission is to change travel, for good. Together, we are developing a world-first system that can deliver a uniform, industry-wide sustainability framework across multiple platforms; to ultimately enable everyone to make more sustainable choices. The aim is to drive forward a new, more responsible model for travel that builds upon the work of existing standards, with the goal of making them easier to understand for consumers and businesses, and in turn, implementing and scaling them across the broadest possible range of travel service providers. Find out more at www.travalyst.org.

About the Global Business Travel Association

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA's members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. Visit www.gbta.org and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

About the GBTA Foundation

The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of GBTA, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and a better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy.
Lark Hotels is a premium hotel development and management company with a portfolio of 50+ branded boutique hotels on the East Coast, Texas and California. Launched in 2012, Lark Hotels operates boutique properties in high-profile destinations. Lark properties embrace the locations they are in but in playful, unexpected ways. Each Lark Hotel invites guests to experience intimate getaways in the heart of an iconic destination, feel the pull of nostalgia and find attentive service when they want it and privacy when they dont. In 2020, Lark Hotels launched a third party management division focused on the management and marketing of independent hotels throughout the United States. In 2021, Lark Hotels introduced Bluebird Hotels, a sister collection of boutique roadside lodgesreimagined for the great American road trip.
Hotels are Hiding Nonrefundable Fees

Excerpt from Washington Post

More and more often, hotels are offering more nonrefundable rooms, and customers are falling for them without even noticing.

Hotel guests such as Jim Pattiz, a filmmaker from Peachtree City, Ga., are surprised when they discover theres no grace period for canceling reservations at one of these highly restrictive rates, often called prepaid in industry parlance and often the first rates that appear on hotel websites.

Pattiz recently made a reservation through Marriotts website without noticing the fine print and assumed he could cancel the reservation without penalties up to 48 hours before his arrival. Wrong. When he tried to cancel, a Marriott representative told him the room was nonrefundable.

Nonrefundable room rates used to be a rarity, reserved for special events or five-star resorts at the peak of high season. But after the pandemic, the hotel industry started to tighten the refund rules. The proportion of nonrefundable hotel rooms jumped from 35 percent in 2021 to 40 percent last year, Tim Hentschel, chief executive of the hotel booking site HotelPlanner, told me recently.

there are hotel guests who make reservations and then notice a mistake, such as a wrong date or an incorrect address. Sorry, now its nonrefundable. Hotels wont even offer a room credit. If you dont stay in the room, your money is gone.

If the hotel industry really wants to emulate the airline industry, then it wont be long before all of its affordable rooms are nonrefundable, just like airline tickets. Granted, securing a 24-hour rule for hotels might be tricky, but fortunately, that precedent also exists.

The Federal Trade Commission has a cooling-off rule that allows consumers three days to cancel certain types of door-to-door sales made at your home, workplace or temporary location (such as a hotel). A cooling-off rule for hotel bookings would give consumers time to fix any booking errors or seek a refund.

Click here to read complete article at Washington Post.
The Looming Algorithmic Divide: Navigating the Ethics of AI

Fueled by technological disparities and AI biases, the emerging 'algorithmic divide' needs to be front and center for business and political leaders, write Whartons Scott Snyder and co-author Hamilton Mann.

The following article was written by Scott A. Snyder, a senior fellow at Wharton, adjunct professor at Penn Engineering, and chief digital officer at EVERSANA; and Hamilton Mann, group vice president, digital marketing and digital transformation at Thales.

In recent months, the rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), exemplified by OpenAIs software ChatGPT, has propelled AI into the global spotlight. However, amidst the fascination with the new super-human capabilities offered by AI, there is an emerging algorithmic divide fueled by both disparities in technology access and literacy, along with cognitive biases inherent in AI models trained on available data. Bringing these challenges to the forefront will allow us to openly manage them across industry, creators, and society.

What Is the Algorithmic Divide?

While the ubiquity of AI in our lives is evident, it is important to acknowledge that its impact is not uniform across the globe. Beyond the well-known digital divide, the development and proliferation of AI have given rise to an algorithmic divide. This divide separates regions where AI thrives from those where it remains largely unexplored. Brookings Mark Muro and Sifan Liu estimate that just 15 cities account for two-thirds of the AI assets and capabilities in the United States (San Francisco and San Jose alone account for about one-quarter). As humans increasingly interact with algorithms, we are bound to undergo adaptations that could reshape our thinking, societal norms, and rules. And while new AI technologies such as large language models are poised to disrupt white-collar jobs maybe even more so than blue-collar jobs, professionals from underserved communities face a major gap in access to broadband and computing technologies that are vital to upskilling ahead of this shift. The algorithmic divide needs to be front and center for business and political leaders as we navigate this new wave of AI-driven transformation so this disparity does not get worse.

Acknowledging Cognitive Biases

As AI becomes an integral part of our lives, its imperative to examine the ethical and responsible principles associated with its presence in society. While the focus often rests on biases transmitted from humans to machines, it is essential to recognize the vast array of biases ingrained in human cognition. These biases extend far beyond our individual or collective awareness and include confirmation bias, survivor bias, availability bias, and many others. Acknowledging these biases is crucial because attempting to eliminate them from the intelligent systems we develop is an unattainable goal for humanity. Just as data privacy has become more of a universal right for citizens, proposed legislation like the European Unions AI Act and The Algorithmic Accountability Act in the U.S. are attempting to add transparency and protect consumers against AI bias.

Recognizing Augmented Biases

Eliminating one bias often introduces another. The impact of AI on human existence becomes a paramount concern, surpassing the issue of biases themselves. Creators of artificially intelligent entities bear the responsibility of continuously auditing the societal changes caused by these systems and optimizing positive effects while minimizing harm. As cognitive biases can have profoundly negative consequences, their amplification through AI raises critical questions. What are the potential negative effects of artificially augmented cognitive biases when computing power acts as an amplification factor? Are companies prepared to take responsibility for the unintended consequences that AI-based agents may impose on humans as we rely more on machines to augment our decisions? Can AI aid in reducing biases in datasets, and how do we determine which biases are tolerable or dangerous?

The algorithmic divide needs to be front and center for business and political leaders as we navigate this new wave of AI-driven transformation so this disparity does not get worse.

Being Aware of Alter Ego AI

A vital concept for AI creators to grasp is that the introduction of one AI in society inevitably gives rise to another  a counterpart or alter ego. As AI advances and achieves unprecedented efficiency, a complementary AI emerges to restore equilibrium. This Dual-Sided Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) effect ushers in an era of machine-to-machine interaction and competition. It is crucial for AI creators to ensure that human agency remains central in this landscape. The defects and qualities of AI, which derive from their human creators, present a superhuman challenge due to the often-invisible biases inherent in these systems. OpenAI has developed its own classifier to allow users to understand if a written response was generated by a human or AI and also the ability to reference where the underlying data was sourced from.

Nine Guideposts for Closing the Algorithmic Divide

As the new wave of AI technologies propels us towards a new paradigm for work and life with both promise and peril ahead, what can leaders do now to head off the looming algorithmic divide that will grow if left unchecked?

Make AI readiness one of the key priorities in the company agenda.

Educate the leadership team and employees by unpacking the black box of AIs capabilities and applications to develop AI literacy across the company and reduce the fear factor.

to develop AI literacy across the company and reduce the fear factor. Build trust and transparency into AI by establishing employee innovation challenges to spur AI experimentation across the business, and establish an AI innovation ecosystem including customers, technology vendors, and AI start-ups to help co-create, validate, and scale new AI solutions.

across the business, and establish an AI innovation ecosystem including customers, technology vendors, and AI start-ups to help co-create, validate, and scale new AI solutions. Apply human-centric design thinking to identify and pilot quick wins using AI to demonstrate near-term value while pursuing longer-term, more transformative opportunities, to gain buy-in across the organization, with customers, and more broadly with society.

Ensure that AI Governance is foundational to AI development at scale.

Establish policies and frameworks that guide responsible AI development and continuous improvement in your organization like Rolls Royces Aletheia Framework, which assesses new AI solutions on 32 dimensions across social impact, accuracy/trust, and governance, fostering a culture of responsible AI development and usage.

in your organization like Rolls Royces Aletheia Framework, which assesses new AI solutions on 32 dimensions across social impact, accuracy/trust, and governance, fostering a culture of responsible AI development and usage. Build responsible AI governance principles and expertise involving supporting functions such as legal, compliance, regulatory, HR, procurement, and IT to help accelerate the adoption of responsible AI leadership by balancing speed and guardrails to manage the inherent risks in AI solutions.

to help accelerate the adoption of responsible AI leadership by balancing speed and guardrails to manage the inherent risks in AI solutions. Participate in industry working groups along with government policymakers to ensure there is a balance of AI innovation and evolving regulations across industries while providing universal access to new AI technologies as the workforce is transformed.

Make technology investments that serve a sustainable future.

Build algorithmic trust by promoting transparency in AI algorithms using an internal AI sandbox to enable auditing and assessment of their environmental impact, helping identify areas for improvement and minimizing unintended consequences.

by promoting transparency in AI algorithms using an internal AI sandbox to enable auditing and assessment of their environmental impact, helping identify areas for improvement and minimizing unintended consequences. Incorporate data protection, AI detectors, source data identification, and explainable AI approaches as fundamental quality requirements in the design of any AI-enabled application, while reducing unnecessary data storage and processing.

approaches as fundamental quality requirements in the design of any AI-enabled application, while reducing unnecessary data storage and processing. Ensure your data and technology infrastructure is AI ready, including the ability to open up and expand your data/content assets for AI innovations, maintaining security and privacy, while using algorithms that are optimized for energy consumption, reducing the computational resources required for AI tasks.

Our Collective Responsibility for the Ethics of AI: Moving Towards a Human-Centric Future

The algorithmic era, already unfolding in various parts of the world, necessitates contemplation of humanitys role in the face of AI-driven machine-to-machine interactions. Developing responsible practices that prioritize humans is not merely a competitive advantage or a localized endeavor. It is not a competitive advantage that would be the exclusive property of any specific company. Any other practice could not, and should not, be contemplated.

Just like any other disruptive tech wave like the internet, it will be critical for society to guide the evolution of generative AI in a direction where the benefits are available to the full spectrum of innovators and end-users who want to leverage this powerful technology, especially those with the least access today.

Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and notable scientists are asking for a break on the development of artificial intelligence superior to version 4 of ChatGPT. Now is the time for leaders to define the fundamental and universal principles to guide their organizations use of powerful AI technologies in the future, to ensure we shape an ethical AI landscape that serves humanitys best interests.

This article is reprinted with permission from Knowledge@Wharton.




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.
Around 100 000 people work in the business service centres of multinational companies in Hungary. "Our priority is to make the sector better known to employees, so that they see the industry as a significant career opportunity and a high added value creator, where language skills are one of the most important skills," says Istvan Lenk, President of ABSL (Association of Business Service Leaders) Hungary, the successor organisation to HOA (Hungarian Outsourcing Association). They can also offer new careers to people who are good at foreign languages because of the changes in the kata (specific business tax for small taxable enterprises) - such as translators, language teachers and tour guides.

In recent years, the services sector has been expanding steadily. What is the situation now and what are your expectations for the near future?

At the moment, it seems that fewer new players are entering the market, but existing Business Service Centres (BSCs) are expanding their scope of activities with languages, supported processes, and greater emphasis on higher added value, knowledge-intensive areas.

This also means that the quality of investment is improving and the service sector is a more attractive prospect for employees, as service centers tend to have multilingual, multi-skilled staff, from entry-level to senior management. This means that a good career perspective and meaningful, value-adding work are also expected by employees. The industry is increasingly moving in this direction.

And in the current economic and political situation, companies are looking for lower-risk activities, so they are not necessarily outsourcing processes to the Far East or Asia, but rather trying to keep services local or in the Central and Eastern European region.

How much growth do you expect in employee numbers this year?

It's difficult to say because the sector itself is not well defined at the moment, there is no specific TEAOR number to classify the activity. Cooperation with the HCSO is being developed in order to define it. The aim would be to include in this definition and scope those operators who are engaged in centralized activities in the market and are part of the business services sector, so that data can be collected on them in good quality. This is also necessary for comparability and to assess regional competitiveness.

I am deliberately not talking about SSCs, but about business service centers - BSCs, because these organizations serve both direct customer relations and suppliers, as well as internal processes for the parent company. In other words, they cover all parts of the business portfolio. There are many different definitions of self and external alike, and this needs to be standardized in some way. This is the aim of a joint project between the ABSL and the HCSO, which will provide market players with an accurate picture of the sector, with good data.

If I had to give a figure, I would put the number of people employed in the services sector between 80 000 and 100 000. But it is precisely because of the uncertainty that is why its difficult to give an answer on growth, on expansion.

What are the processes that are expanding the range of services?

Classically, transactional activities - customer service, finance, supply chain - used to belong to the centers, but now we are moving towards more knowledge-intensive processes, such as IT, in many cases global digitalization processes are emerging here, but also supply chain or even HR services are moving to a new level. In the financial area, you can think of analytical, and financial planning activity, but in the compliance area, you can also think of serving local legal compliance. We can also go in a technological direction, where engineers are now providing a multi-level service to customers, even doing full machine design and sales activities.

So you need more and more of the workforce - IT people, engineers - where there is already a shortage in the market? How can companies do this? How do they recruit?

It is a serious problem that this sector is less visible, because it is doing back-office activities, and servicing business lines. However, the latter is very visible. For example, if you think of LEGO, everyone knows what LEGO is, because it is tangible, but few people know that they also have a service center that does the activities I mentioned earlier.

Therefore, the priority to start a good recruitment drive is to make the business service sector better known, so that people do not equate it with a call center, even after twenty years.

This is necessary to be able to move into the higher-skilled, knowledge-intensive areas of the industry and attract talent. We need to raise our profile and build our brand. Demonstrate how we can provide a strong career path, absorbing a significant workforce, while providing long-term, predictable and stable employment opportunities for employees, characterized by acceptance, equal opportunities for all and respect for each other through corporate culture.

For example, we can now offer new opportunities to freelancers who have been speaking languages and are preparing for a change due to the kata (small business tax) changes, including translators, interpreters and language teachers. While most of the activities can be learned, language skills are essential. It can be a win-win situation for us to attract staff and for them to have a stable job opportunity with a BSC: a career path, with a wide range of benefits packages and flexible working. And not just for young people! The business services sector is mostly identified with young people, mainly because of language skills, but where this is a given, opportunities are open to other age groups through reskilling and upskilling, or even for career changers.

Are companies in the sector preparing for such training? Is it already underway?

Companies have started to introduce it on their own initiative, but greater cooperation is needed at the sector level. It also needs awareness-raising so that people from completely different backgrounds can see the potential. It also needs to make it easier for employers and potential employees to find each other. Facilitating this is definitely in the ABSL's plans, but we have a lot of work to do to make it a well-established operating model.

I suppose that's why the rebranding is necessary, HOA to ABSL, to shift the focus from shared services, SSCs, to business centers, BSCs, to get rid of the 'call center' identification?

The transition from the Hungarian Outsourcing Association to ABSL primarily means a brand change, which is happening now. ABSL (Association of Business Service Leaders) is now an international environment with international benchmarks and standards. It brings together representatives from eleven countries - Latvia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Romania and Moldova, providing an opportunity for international comparison, sharing good practices in the region, learning about international competitors, and providing organized support for companies in the sector.

ABSL's platform provides a platform for building and maintaining relationships, creating opportunities for cooperation within the industry, where partners can engage in local initiatives ranging from branding, and rural development projects, to issues affecting the sector, or even presenting a unified professional content to investors. In the case of a strategic partner, it is also possible to support a specific economic area (e.g. real estate development, digitalization, employer branding, wellbeing...) in a specific and professional way. The organizations professional background to existing members and newcomers is of particular importance.

What steps do you plan to take in terms of communication, to promote the sector to the wider public and employees?

So far we have reached out to senior managers, they have been our partners. To reach the talented people, we need to approach them in other ways: at universities or even through webinars on legal, HR and other topical issues, round tables to share experiences and practices with the sector.

We also have cooperation initiatives with rural cities and universities, where we aim to provide the city administration and the university with useful information that can create opportunities for a service center to be established in the city. They must know the conditions under which they can attract such investment and retain potential employers and employees in the long term.

ABSL, as a professional organization representing companies in the sector, aims to provide credible information to the wider public that will help businesses and workers to find each other more effectively in the future through better knowledge of the sector.
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.


remaining of

Thank you for using HudsonValley360! On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading.
Anhui province in China has been making strides in various industries to achieve high-quality development.

Prominent sectors include optics and fine mechanics, nuclear, AI technology, automobile manufacturing and steel production.

Specifically, in the nuclear field, the Institute of Plasma Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences operates the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), contributing to advancements in nuclear fusion technology.

Its automobile manufacturing sector features plants by Volkswagen and BYD. While steel production in Anhui is represented by Magang Group, a subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group.
Committed to support sustainable development and address climate change, the Philippines' leading mobile wallet GCash, together with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), are continuing their initiatives to increase forest coverage and enhance existing mangrove areas in Cebu.

With 1M mangroves and trees planted

Through GCash's GForest and RAFI's One to Tree Program, a total of 1,075,000 mangroves and upland trees have been planted since 2021. For the remainder of 2023, 75,000 more mangroves will be planted, completing the target of 1,150,000 trees spread across three projects in the province.

The two GForests cover the Luyang Watershed in the northern town of Carmen. One project has 375 hectares of farmland in the barangays of Caurasan, Upper Natimao-an, Liboron, Ipil, Cantumog, and Lower Natimao-an. Meanwhile, the other consists of 355 hectares of farmland with planting sites in the barangays of Upper Natimao-an, Corte, Ipil, Caurasan, Hagnaya, Lanipga, and Cantumog.

Among the 600,000 native trees planted in the two GForests are Avocado, Bangkal, Cacao, Cashew, Coffee, Guyabano, Jackfruit, Mamalis, Mangosteen, Molave, Nangka, Narra and Rambutan with a high survivability rate between 92 to 94% as of March 2023.

The Luyang Watershed is a significant ecological area in Cebu as it supplies at least twenty-four thousand cubic meters of surface fresh water. The enhancement of tree cover in the two GForests will improve rainwater percolation.

As a result, this increases the water table under the horizon that supplies springs that support surface water along rivers. The neighboring urban cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu will benefit from this in terms of water supply.

The third project is GForest Mangroves which aims to plant 550,000 seedlings in Daanbantayan, San Remigio, and Medellin. The three municipalities are facing the Tanon Strait, the biggest marine protected area in the Philippines under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.

As of May 2023, about 47.5 hectares have been covered for enrichment planting with 475,000 seedlings of the Bakhaw Lalaki (Rhizopora apiculata), Bakhaw Babae (Rhizopora mucronata), Bakhaw Bato (Rhizopora stylosa), Bungalon (Aviccenia alba), Miapi (Aviccenia marina), Aviccenia officinallis, Aviccenia rumphiana, Pagatpat (Sonneratia alba), Pedada (Sonneratia caseolaris), and Sonneratia ovata species.

Aside from mitigating the risks of natural disasters and augmenting water supply, the partnership has also helped in the livelihood of local communities. GCash and RAFI have engaged 200 landowners, 687 individuals, and ten peoples organizations in the site preparation, tree-planting, and maintenance activities of the projects.

"GCash is steadfast in playing an active role in minimizing the effects of climate change. Through GForest, we encourage Filipinos to take part in our eco-friendly initiatives and be Green Heroes. With partner organizations like RAFI, we continue to plant the seeds for a better tomorrow, said CJ Alegre, GCash Head for Sustainability.

"This partnership with GCash allows us to reach more people and enable them to take part in caring for our environment even in simple ways. Through this partnershxqip people can build GForests one tree at a time, and also help in community-building and income augmentation of locals. This is a win for the environment and a win for Cebuanos," said Amaya Aboitiz-Fansler, RAFI President and Chief Executive Officer.

GForest is an in-app feature rolled out in 2019 in line with GCashs sustainability agenda. Users earn green energy for cashless transactions done in the app such as paying bills, buying load, and sending money. Green energy is collected and used to plant virtual trees.

GCash partners with international and local organizations in planting actual trees around the country. At present, they have planted 2.2 million trees and aim to plant a total of 5 million trees by 2025.

For more information about GForest and other sustainability initiatives, visit www.gcash.com.ph
Kaspersky has been welcomed as a member of the Malaysian Internet-of-Things Association (MyIoTA), with a mission to contribute to the better cyber resilience of IoT companies in the region. The association is a national-level organization, founded by a group of private sector individuals and companies, passionate and involved in the IoT value chain in Malaysia and Southeast Asia (SEA).

Kaspersky joins MyIoTA. Present at the membership welcoming were (from left to right): Andrey Suvorov, Head of KasperskyOS Business; Nicole Woo, Territory Manager for Malaysia at Kaspersky; James Lai, Chairman of Malaysian IoT Association

The association works closely with the Malaysian Digital and Economy Corporation (MDEC), driving the digital economy in the country, which aspires to be the digital hub of SEA. Malaysia is expected to lead the growth of the region's digital economy, predicted to reach $US 1 trillion by 2030 driven by e-commerce, food delivery, online media, health, education, and financial technology (fintech).

Kasperskys MyIoTA membership aims to help unite hundreds of organizations dealing with digitalization and partners with other IoT associations in the region, and will allow them to communicate with relevant local market players, understand their concerns and needs in order to define solutions and technologies in demand and offer the most relevant to the market.

As a global cybersecurity company, Kaspersky aims to share its technological vision with local business and IT communities and help more SEA firms harness the benefits of Kaspersky Cyber Immunity approach that allows the building of Secure-by-Design products using KasperskyOS operating system and following a specific methodology. Such products cant be virtually compromised under ordinary conditions.

We welcome Kaspersky as part of our membership and expanding eco-system of IoT solutions and service providers in Malaysia. IoT cybersecurity is one of the main concerns and challenges as IoT empowers nations towards the fourth industrial revolution and growing digital economy. Kasperskys expertise in this area will be greatly appreciated in the advancement of this space, says James Lai, Chairman of Malaysian IoT Association.

Kaspersky and MyIoTA have already joined efforts in identifying the company's pilot project, a cyber immune solution for Smart City, that will be based on a local Malaysian IoT platform and Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateways. Potential projects will be developed together with Adaptive Production Technology (APROTECH), a Kaspersky IIoT subsidiary, that provides IoT engineering and resources.

The Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit, Andrey Suvorov commented that the company is glad to join the MyIoTA team as a member. Strong partnerships within the association and links to real use cases are crucial parts of our decision. Kaspersky, together with APROTECH have a great opportunity to work on pilots in Smart City and other key industries to generate synergies and solutions with local partners, combining business values and cyber resistance topics. As digital economy is one of the major streams of the national strategies, we believe our membership can bring good joint results for national leaders and for the whole Southeast Asia region, he adds.

To learn more about Kaspersky Cyber Immunity and Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateways please visit the website.
As part of its campaign to combat fraudulent activities such as phishing scams, members of FintechAlliance.ph rallied behind the launch of the Nationwide Consumer Cybersecurity Awareness and Education Campaign Against Scams, "'Wag Magpaloko Maging Scam Alerto!"

(6th from left to right) FintechAlliance.ph founding chairman Lito Villanueva, GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, and Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu, join other members of the FintechAlliance.ph to launch the Nationwide Consumer Cybersecurity Awareness and Education Campaign Against Scams, "'Wag Magpaloko Maging Scam Alerto!"

Launched on May 29, 2023, during the Fintech Alliance Ph's General Membership Meeting, the campaign gained support from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

FintechAlliance.ph is the Philippines leading digital and fintech association that accounts for over 90% of the country's digitally-initiated financial transactions with close to 100 corporate members.

We are coming together as a united industry against phishing and other cybercrimes  which has been an urgent issue not just here in the Philippines but also globally. In order to build an inclusive digital economy, we need to reinforce trust and confidence by arming users with the right information and working closely with the PNP and the NBI. This is a shared responsibility not just among alliance members but also along with regulators, law enforcers, media, and the consumers, said Fintech Alliance PH founding chairman Lito Villanueva.

Among the members of the FinTech Alliance.ph which committed to aggressively promote the industry-led cybersecurity education initiative include GCash, Maya Bank, UNO Digital Bank, Grab, RCBC, CIMB, Palawan Pay, Cebuana Lhuillier, P.J. Lhuillier, Alibaba Cloud, AllEasy, Asialink, Avaloq, Ayannah, Bank Genie, Betur, Brankas, BTI Payments, Bukas, Card MRI, CIBI, CIS Bayad Center, CRIF, Cyfirma, Food Panda, Digido, Direct Agent 5, Disini Law, Finantier, Finscore, BillEase, Geniusto, Gorriceta Law, Home Credit, HT Financial, iMoney, Investagrams, Investree, IT Group, KwikTech, Manulife, Novare, Moneyguru, Mount Fuji Lending, Multisys, NATCCO, and Netbank. Other key fintech players like Amazon, Cashalo, True Money, Xendit, Netcore, OF Bank, Paymongo, PeraHub, MOCASA, 7-Eleven, Pru Life UK, Rockbird, Salesforce, SAVii, SeedBox, SeedIn, Share Treats, Smart, Sun Life, Tala, InLife, Togetech, TransUnion, Traxion, Vesta Payment also threw their support for the campaign.

I am proud to see everyone working hard to make the Nationwide Consumer Cybersecurity Awareness and Education Campaign an effective and invaluable tool in helping accelerate the Philippines digital economy. You can count on the BSP to be a staunch supporter of this project. We will continue to work hand in hand with all of our stakeholders and ensure the far-reaching impact of this campaign, BSP governor Felipe Medalla said.

Aside from the BSP, key officials from cybersecurity enforcement agencies were on hand during the launch led by NBI-CCD Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc and PNP-ACG Spokesperson P/Capt. Michelle Sabino.

We at the PNP-ACG, are committed to help the FintechAlliance.ph promote its cybersecurity campaign to protect and safeguard our countrymen against cybercrimes, said Sabino.

United under the Alliance, Philippine fintech players are keen on demonstrating their commitment to driving financial inclusion in the country.
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The most famous line in The Terminator (1984) would have been lost if it werent for a stubborn James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals in his new Netflix documentary.

In Arnold, the streamers newly-released docuseries about the Austrian actor, Schwarzenegger reveals he fought back against the classic line: Ill be back.

Sometime in the middle of the shoot, were doing this police station scene. The line is, Ill come back. It wasnt meant to be like a big moment at all, Cameron, who co-wrote The Terminator with Gale Anne Hurd, said in the documentary.

It was literally meant to be, on its face, No problem, Ill come back. For some reason, Arnold didnt say, Ill come back. I said, Well, just say Ill be back. Keep it simple.

Schwarzenegger says he wanted to change the line to I will be back to sound more machine-like.

Luckily for him, and the movie, Cameron wasnt having any of it. He says, Are you the writer? Schwarzenegger remembers. And I said, No, and he said, Well, dont tell me how to f***ing write.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Arnold (Netflix)

The 75-year-old admits that the Avatar director was absolutely right. It became the most quoted movie line, I think, in the history of motion pictures. So this just shows to you who was right and who was wrong, he said.

Elsewhere in the new series, the former California governor addresses his 2003 groping scandal and opens up about his abusive father who served in the Nazi party.

Schwarzenegger suggested that his fathers cruelty was behind his brothers death aged 24. His older brother, Meinhard, died in a drunk driving accident after hitting a telephone pole.

Arnold is out now on Netflix.
Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Across three albums, Janelle Monae has made listeners do their homework. She crafts sci-fi extravaganzas, funk-soul LPs with distinct acts, characters and storylines. There are accompanying short films, spin-off books and alter egos. Easter eggs in the liner notes seem almost quaint in comparison. The Age of Pleasure, her fourth full-length, is a lot simpler in approach: this is a sex record, a frothy, horny ode to erotic delight that breezes past in a carnal blur.

As if recorded off the edge of an infinity pool, this tight collection of 14 tracks  many of them brief, lush interludes  embraces laidback cool while endlessly calling back to the pioneers of Black soul. Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeats titan Fela, supplies shimmering brass on the braggadocious Float. Champagne S*** is a melange of marching band horns and dancehall synths. Grace Jones rocks up, cooing in French (Trouble, trouble, trouble, she purrs) before peacing out. Lipstick Lover bounces on a vintage reggae groove.

At the centre of it all is a never more confident Monae, the happiest person at this particular orgy, whose version of self-love is amusingly forthright: Im looking at a thousand versions of myself, she proclaims against a grimy bass riff on Phenomenal, and were all fine as f***. She becomes even less coy on Water Slide, an airy bit of funk seduction: If I could f*** me right here, right now, Id do that.

It all tracks with Monaes personal evolution in recent years, which includes coming out as pansexual and identifying as a variety of pronouns at once (she/her, they/them, and free-ass motherf****r). Lyrics here repeatedly nod to a kind of utopian gender ambiguity (A bitch look pretty/ A bitch look handsome) and celebrations of free love  as well as the sheer thrill of desiring and being desired. Let our rain become a monsoon, I want the rush, moans actor Nia Long at the top of The Rush, a slow jam that is practically naked, bar a Spanish guitar and some sensual reverb.

Clocking in at a scant 31 minutes, you could call The Age of Pleasure a quickie  but one that more than manages to scratch that itch.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Volodymyr Zelensky will not attend the main G20 conference as invites for the summit this year were sent out only to the members of the Group of 20, host country India has confirmed.

The confirmation by Delhi has put an end to speculation and expectations that Mr Zelensky would participate in the event that will bring together world leaders of major economies in Delhi.

Mr Zelensky had recently met Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in Hiroshima, Japan on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

Speaking during a special press conference marking nine years of the foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government, foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said invitations were being sent out to G20 members only.

Mr Jaishankar said the topic of extending an invitation to Mr Zelensky was not even discussed after a final list was announced at the start of Indias G20 presidency this year.

G20 participation is for members of G20, Mr Jaishankar told reporters on Thursday. And for countries and organisations who we have invited and that list we had declared as soon as we assumed presidency of the G20.

It is not something we have reviewed and it is not something very honestly we have discussed, he added.

India, which has taken a neutral stance in Russias Ukraine invasion, was facing the questions over the participation of the Ukrainian president following Indonesias footsteps.

The country had invited Mr Zelensky to attend the summit in Bali virtually. Indonesia was the G20 host in 2022.

Any invite to Mr Zelensky, however, remained a tall order for India which has historically strong ties with Russia in both diplomacy and trade.

Delhi also stepped up purchases of Russian energy since the invasion and continues to remain the largest buyer of weapons from Moscow.

Ukraine had urged the participation of Mr Zelensky in the G20 summit during its first deputy foreign ministers visit to New Delhi on 11 April.

Presidency of G20 brings additional responsibility to India. My message during the visit is, let us consider participation of Ukrainian officials at the G20 summit to be held in India, Emine Dzhaparova said.

During the September G20 summit, my president will also be happy to speak up on behalf of the Ukrainian people, she said, calling Russias war against Ukraine unprovoked.

During the briefing to give an overview of Indias nine years of foreign policy, where he touched upon various topics, Mr Jaishankar spoke about the countrys unshakeable ties with Moscow despite various world events.

He said Indias ties with Russia have remained steady since the Cold War period which fluctuated relationships between every other country.

We didnt let the Ukraine issue affect our ties with Russia, he said, adding that it is because the leaderships of both India and Russia understand the importance of steady India-Russia relations for stability in Eurasia.

He said the world perceives India as a credible and effective development partner under Mr Modis leadership.

The address by Mr Jaishankar comes as Mr Modi prepares for the 2024 national elections. The foreign minister is at the helm of the BJPs month-long campaign to spread awareness about the Modi governments achievements.

Today, the second image of India is that of an economic collaborator, he said.
 Close Smoky haze from wildfires in Canada engulfed New York City on Wednesday

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Smoke from hundreds of wildfires in Canada reached Europe on Friday after blanketing provinces and large parts of the United States in thick smoke this week.

And while the noxious smoke was finally easing over the northeast on Friday, the fires still posed a major threat.

More than 420 fires are raging across Canada from British Columbia in the west to Nova Scotia in the east. At least half of these fires are burning out of control, and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes.

While air quality improved in large cities like New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia on Friday, pollution increased across central and southern states including the cities of Chicago, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

Global temperature rise, caused by emissions from burning fossil fuels, is leading to more large, erratic wildfires around the world. And its a vicious circle: the emissions pumped into the atmosphere by fires add to global heating, further drying out the land and vegetation, making it more susceptible to catching fire.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Chris Hemsworth has expressed immense gratitude for his wife of 13 years, Elsa Pataky.

During an interview with British GQ, the 39-year-old actor spoke candidly about his partner, with whom he shares an 11-year-old daughter, India, and nine-year-old twins, Tristana and Sasha. He described some of the foundations of their relationship as he said that they both have the desire to have a good time, to laugh, and be involved in new adventures.

The Thor star also confessed that without his wife, he wouldnt have the personal or professional success that he currently has.

Her sacrifice, commitment, work, support, forgiveness  everything that she has given me over the years has been incredible, he said. I couldnt have done any of the things Ive done without it.

He noted how his life has moved so fast, before recalling a point in marriage where he ultimately felt closer to his wife.

We were having kids [at] the same time my career was taking off, same time we were getting married, same time we were getting to know each other, he said. It feels like we got to know each other halfway through our relationship, five, six years ago. In a beautiful way. Once our kids were out of nappies, things became a bit more manageable.

Hemsworth continued to explain how he felt like his life was on fast forward when his children were born. He said that after the release of Thor, he was constantly focused on his career, which was a feeling that didnt stop until the last couple years.

I was going from one film to another, didnt know if the phone was going to stop ringing, he said. Id spent so many years coming up thinking, Am I going to make it? And once it starts to roll youre like, I dont want to get off this train. This could be my one shot.

He noted that throughout the making of his 2022 series Limitless he realised that he needed to take a step back from acting.

All of these beautiful moments were rapidly flying past me, Hemsowrth continued. It made me just kind of want to wrap that show and get back and see my family. And I did.

The actors comments about his family come a few months after he and his wife made headlines as they shared a prank that they pulled on their twin sons birthday. To celebrate his kids ninth birthday in March, Hemsworth posted a photo of his family on Instagram, in which Pataky held her sons head down in a chocolate cake.

Despite the amused looks on Hemsworths and his two other childrens faces, the prank sparked mixed reactions from fans. In the comments section, some Instagram users said the stunt was just a bit of harmless fun, while others branded the move as ridiculous and violent.

The Marvel star and the Spanish actress first met in 2010 and got married that same year. The family of five soon relocated from Los Angeles to Australia, where they are currently living in the southeastern coastal town of Byron Bay in New South Wales.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

New York City and large parts of the tri-state area have been placed under Code Red air quality alerts as smoke from wildfires in Canada continue to create hazy skies.

The city is currently ranked fifth for the worst air quality in the world, following Toronto, Hanoi, Dhaka and New Delhi, as the Air Quality Index on Wednesday reached unhealthy levels across New York and other major US cities.

The poor air quality is a result of more than 400 wildfires raging in Canada, leading to mass evacuations in the province of Quebec. Meanwhile, schools in New York City and Washington DC have cancelled outdoor activities such as recess and gym.

As the wildfires continue to rage on, air quality in New York is expected to get worse later Wednesday afternoon, according to forecasters. But amidst an ongoing climate crisis, many climate scientists warn that wildfires could become more frequent and intense.

Many officials have urged people to limit their time outdoors and wear masks to protect themselves from the smoke. In fact, wildfire smoke carries a number of pollutants that can pose a number of risks and hazardous effects.

Heres a list of dos and donts to help keep yourself safe during the Code Red air quality alert.

Wear a mask

If the Covid-19 taught us anything, its that masks help keep us safe from getting sick. The same goes for wildfire smoke. Masks can protect you from deadly air pollutants found in wildfire smoke such as fine particulate matter, also known as PM 2.5. But not all masks are created equal.

While surgical masks work fine in protecting your lungs from the smoke, the most preferred method of protection are N95 or KN95 masks. Both N95 and KN95 masks work by fitting tightly to the face and filtering air using multiple layers of material, which are designed to trap extremely small particles.

Stay indoors, or take precaution if you need to go outside

New York City Mayor Eric Adams told New Yorkers in a statement to limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible.

In addition to masking up, people should also avoid performing strenuous activities outside  such as exercising or biking  and change their clothes once they return home.

Air purifiers vs air conditioners

Outdoor air, including fine particles from wildfire smoke, can also enter your home through open windows, vents, or window air conditioning units. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a portable air purifier to help improve indoor air quality. Indoor fans can also be used to help circulate air.

The EPA also states that central AC systems, in which air is cooled and distributed through ducts, are safe to use during air quality alerts. If you have an HVAC system with a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode, or close the outdoor intake damper, the agency said.

As for window AC units, the EPA warns against running the portable AC during smoky conditions because it can result in more smoke being brought inside.

Take steps to save energy and reduce pollution

New Yorkers are encouraged to avoid activities that could create more fine particles indoors, such as smoking cigarettes; spraying aerosol products; using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces; frying or broiling food; and burning candles or incense.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also recommends closing the blinds or shades to preserve cooled air, and limiting use of household appliances.

Follow for live air quality alert updates.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

It is about to get hot and the UK is set to expect some more favourable weather conditions in the coming weeks.

But as it gets hotter, the nights can sometimes get unbearable.

It can be tempting to open your windows to let in some fresh air when the weather gets too warm  but should you keep them shut instead?

Should you keep windows open or closed during a heatwave?

According to NHS advice, curtains should be kept shut to keep sun-facing rooms as shaded as possible.

The health service advises drinking plenty of fluid and avoiding excess alcohol, keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, and avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day.

Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh, an expert in heat transfer in buildings at Nottingham Trent University, tells The Independent: It is all about heat transfer. We need to reduce heat gain to inside the building in hot weather.

Heat gain comes mainly from two sources: solar radiation and hot air. Also we need to avoid green house effect as this would increase the temperature inside the house.

So if you have a conservatory, it is important to keep windows open during day time and ideally isolate it from the rest of the house to reduce thermal gain to the rest of the building due to the green house effect.

It is important keep the curtains closed during the day to reduce solar gain inside the house.

On whether or not you should keep windows open, Al-Habaibeh says it depends on the type of house and the outside temperatures.

In short, open windows when the temperature inside the house becomes greater than the external temperature, otherwise keep the windows closed, he explains.

Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist and sleep expert at bed retailer And So To Bed agrees that its best to keep windows closed where you can.

Generally, when it is really hot outside it is a good idea to keep windows closed during the daytime, as you dont want the hot external air to come into the house warming it up. However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down, Browning explains.

At this point, it is a great idea to open the windows to let in a breeze of cool external air into the bedroom, helping cool the room and to provide needed air circulation.

She also recommends keeping the room dark during the day to stop the sun from heating up the room.

A spokesperson for NHS Property Services says they recommend closing blinds and curtains in rooms that face the sun, opening windows on the side of the building that is in the shade, but closing windows that are in direct sunlight.

They also recommend keeping the windows closed if you have air conditioning so that cooler air can circulate.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The United States Supreme Court has sided with Jack Daniels over a trademark dispute with a dog accessory company, which parodied the iconic whiskey brand.

On Thursday (8 June), the Supreme Court overruled a decision made by a lower court, which declared that the Bad Spaniels chew toy sold by VIP Products was non-commercial and therefore protected by the US Constitutions First Amendment.

According to CNN, Jack Daniels claimed the chew toy violated federal trademark law  in a case that could redefine how the courts apply constitutional free speech to trademark law.

The chew toys design  which is strikingly similar to the Tennessee whiskey bottle  featured the words Bad Spaniels instead of Jack Daniels and The Old No 2 On Your Tennessee Carpet rather than Old No 7 Brand Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey.

The label also read 43% Poo By Vol and 100% Smelly at the bottom of the toy.

Jack Daniels Properties Inc demanded that the Arizona-based company stop selling the comical poop-themed chew toy. VIP Products claimed they neither infringed nor diluted Jack Daniels trademarks, while Jack Daniels countersued for infringement and dilution.

In 2020, the ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, California declared that the Bad Spaniels toy was an "expressive work" protected by the First Amendment. It also ruled that the Jack Daniels trademark was noncommercial because it was used not only to sell dog toys but also to convey a humorous message, according to Reuters.

(Silly Squeakers / VIP Products)

VIP Products argued that Jack Daniels infringement claim failed under the Rogers test, which is commonly used in trademark law to allow artists to lawfully use anothers trademark when it has artistic relevance to their work and would not explicitly mislead consumers about the source or the content of the work.

However, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in a unanimous decision that, just because the Bad Spaniels toy copied the Jack Daniels trademark it automatically enjoys special protection from trademark claims.

This case is about dog toys and whiskey, two items seldom appearing in the same sentence, wrote Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan in the opinion. Todays opinion is narrow. We do not decide whether the Rogers test is ever appropriate, or how far the noncommercial use exclusion goes.

The use of a mark does not count as noncommercial just because it parodies, or otherwise comments on, anothers products.

We hold only that it is not appropriate when the accused infringer has used a trademark to designate the source of its own goods  in other words, has used a trademark as a trademark, she said. That kind of use falls within the heartland of trademark law, and does not receive special First Amendment protection.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Chelsea Handler recalled how a threesome with her masseuse led to her breakup with ex Ted Harbert after four years of dating.

The 48-year-old comedian spoke candidly about her dating life during a recent episode of Andy Cohens SiriusXM podcast, Voice of Andy. When Cohen asked her if she ever dated a woman, she responded: Ive slept with a woman, but I havent dated a woman.

She revealed that she had sex with the woman during a threesome with her ex, before noting that the experience was fun and that shed for sure do it again. Handler also specified how her attraction to her and Harbets masseuse is what led to their breakup.

I was very turned on by this woman, she said. I ended up hooking up with her several times without the guy that I was dating. Thats when I knew it was time to break up with the guy.

Handler confessed that she never told Harbert that she was hooking up with the masseuse on her own. However, she said that still hoped that he was listening to her comments on the podcast.

Hes in Portugal though. He might not have access to this, she said. He and his wife are building a house in Portugal.

Handler dated the former NBC Broadcasting chairman for four years, before they broke up in 2010. He went on to marry Lisa Medrano in 2011.

In the podcast episode, the Chelsea Lately host confirmed that she could offer a three-way to her future male partner as a gift. However, she said that she wouldnt necessarily want to have a threesome with two men.

I dont want to get double-teamed by a guy, but I would like another girl in the situation, she said. You know? She can do all the stuffthat Im too f***ing lazy to do.

She also shared her candid thoughts about her future partner inviting another man to have a threesome with them.

If a guy wants to have penetration with another guy, I would question that, she said. Maybe oral is less questionableI dont know, Ive never been up against this kind of conundrum.

Regarding her current relationship status, Handler appears to be single after she announced her split from comedian Jo Koy in July 2022. In a joint video shared on Instagram, the former couple said they decided together that it is best for [them] to take a break from [their] relationship.

In December 2022, Handler opened up about the difficult split and how she once thought that Koy was the one for her.

I thought, Oh my god, I won. Like I got everything. I have my career, I have respect, I have my family, I have so many friends, I have all of these things, she said during an episode of Brooke Shields Now What? podcast. And then I thought this was gonna be the person I spend my life with.

However, Handler said that she ultimately realised that Koy wasnt her person, adding: There were just some behaviours that we couldnt agree on. It felt to me like I would have to abandon myself, which maybe I would have been okay to do if I were 20 or 25, but I wasnt willing to do that.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Duke of Sussex has alleged that press intrusion led to his split from ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy, a Zimbabwean businesswoman whom he dated from 2004 to 2011.

During the second day of questioning in his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for alleged phone hacking on Tuesday (6 June), Prince Harry blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for ultimately leading to their breakup.

Our relationship was long distance for the majority of the time we were together, with Chelsy and I often living in different countries, so we relied on communicating by phone a lot, he said in a 55-page witness statement obtained by The Independent.

We, naturally, spoke about all types of personal matters, including all aspects of our relationship and this was often through voicemail, he said. As my girlfriend, I trusted Chelsy with the most private of information and visa versa.

Prince Harry accused MGN of blagging the couples flight details and hotel bookings, as well as intercepting their voicemails after journalists turned up while they holidayed on a small island off Mozambique.

We were never on our own and able to enjoy each others company away from the prying eyes of the tabloids, he said. This put a huge amount of unnecessary stress and strain on our relationship.

He continued: At no point did I have a girlfriend or a relationship with anyone without the tabloids getting involved and ultimately trying to ruin it using whatever unlawful means at their disposal.

Heres everything you need to know about Davy and her relationship with Prince Harry.

Who is Chelsy Davy?

Chelsy Davy, 36, is a businesswoman hailing from Zimbabwe. She was born in the African nation and grew up on her familys game reserve.

She spent her teenage years in England attending boarding school at Cheltenham College, before later moving to Stowe School in Buckinghamshire.

Davy then received a bachelors degree in economics from the University of Cape Town in 2006 and a law degree from the University of Leeds in 2009.

Chelsy with Harry at a service of remembrance in Windsor in 2008 (Getty)

How long did Chelsy Davy and Prince Harry date?

The pair dated on and off for seven years, between 2004 and 2011

Davy met Prince Harry in Cape Town in 2004 during his gap year. After meeting, the pair began dating and she took on a degree in law at the University of Leeds, which allowed her to be closer to Harry.

During the subsequent years, Davy was seen at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where Harry completed 44 weeks of training in 2005.

She was also said to have met the Queen at a society wedding during the time they dated, and she was by Harrys side during the Diana memorial concert in 2007. She was also invited to the then-Prince Charless 60th birthday.

In Prince Harrys tell-all memoir, Spare, released in 2023, the royal wrote that he warmed to Davy because she seemed wholly unconcerned with appearances or royalty.

Unlike so many girls I met, she wasnt visibly fitting herself for a crown the moment she shook my hand. She seemed immune to that common affliction sometimes called throne syndrome, Harry wrote.

Id always wanted to know what it might be like to meet a woman and not have her eyes widen at the mention of my title but instead to widen them myself, using my mind, my heart. With Chelsy, that seemed a real possibility. Not only was she uninterested in my title, she seemed bored by it. Oh, youre a prince? Yawn.

Why did Chelsy Davy and Prince Harry split up?

Speaking to the Times in 2017, Davy said of the press attention she received while with Prince Harry: It was so full-on: crazy and scary and uncomfortable. I found it very difficult when it was bad. I couldnt cope.

She added: I was trying to be a normal kid and it was horrible.

It has been reported that Harrys brother Williams engagement to Kate Middleton, and the ensuing media frenzy that surrounded the royal wedding, is what drove Davy to end things with Harry for good.

Prince Harry has now blamed the prying eyes of the tabloids for their breakup in his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for alleged phone hacking, on 7 June.

Throughout his High Court trial, Prince Harry has made several bombshell claims about the publisher of the Daily Mirror, such as using unlawful information-gathering to leak details about his personal life.

I remember that whenever Chelsy and I went on a trip to Bazaruto, a small island off the coast of Mozambique, to try and get away from all the madness and enjoy some peace and quiet, journalists and photographers from MGN and the other tabloids would literally turn up and book into the hotel before we got there, he claimed in his testimony.

I now believe they had blagged our flight details and hotel bookings and/or intercepted our voicemails.

Following the breakup, Davy has remained close with the younger members of the royal family, attending Harrys wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018, and Princess Eugenies wedding to Jack Brooksbank later that year.

Chelsy with Harry and Prince William at the Diana memorial concert in 2007 (Getty)

What is Chelsy Davy doing now?

Following the break up in 2011, Davy went on to be a trainee solicitor for London law firm Allen & Overy. She left her position at the firm in late 2014.

Davy then spent some time studying at the Gemological Institute of America in California, before launching her jewellery brand, AYA, in 2016.

The AYA site says: Raised in Zimbabwe, Chelsy has always had a great affinity for the continent of her birth. Having travelled extensively through Africa, immersing herself in the different cultures of many countries like Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania, she has been deeply inspired by its beauty; both in the land, and in its people.

The brand includes pieces with emeralds from Zambia and rubies from Mozambique, all sourced through ethical mining.

She later branched out the AYA brand into the luxury travel sector too, telling Tatler in 2020: Its an organic progression from the jewellery. Africa is where Im from, where my family is from; its my heritage and Ive always been interested in tourism and conservation.

She then founded Aya Africa, a bespoke luxury travel company that is dubbed to curate experiences of authentic African exploration.

In January 2022, Davy gave birth to her first child  a son named Leo, with her boyfriend of three years hotelier Sam Cutmore-Scott. In May of that same year, the pair wed in a secret ceremony.

A friend of the couple disclosed the news to TheDaily Mails Richard Eden, saying: Very few people knew about the wedding.
 Close Prince Harry arrives at High Court for battle with MGN over phone hacking

Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Soap actress Nikki Sanderson said her hair was set on fire by a group of girls after Mirror articles painted her as a stuck up, nasty, party girl.

She said in her witness statement: People would elbow me, push me and, on one occasion, a group of girls even set my hair on fire. This particular incident happened in the toilets of a club and the group of girls had been bothering me all night.

I had gone to the toilets on my own and I was washing my hands and I smelt burning. I looked down and they had set fire to the back of my hair. Fortunately, I wasnt wearing any hair product, otherwise, my hair would have gone up in flames.

She added: Its because of this narrative created and repeated by MGN that I was stuck up, nasty, rude, promiscuous, and a party girl. It feels like character assassination.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex has landed back in Los Angeles, after a flying visit to the UK to give evidence in his High Court phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN).
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Sarah Ferguson has praised daughter Princess Beatrice for wearing the Duchess of Yorks tiara while attending the Crown Prince Al Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Saifs royal wedding in Jordan this month.

The 63-year-old book author spoke about the tiara, which she first wore to her own wedding in 1986, during Wednesdays episode of her podcast, Tea Talks with Duchess and Sarah. Speaking to co-host Sarah Thompson, Ferguson discussed her daughters attendance at the royal wedding in Jordan on 1 June.

Following the ceremony, Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, wore glamorous outfits and greeted the newlyweds at the banquet hall. At the time, Beatrice paired her pink, satin dress with her mothers sparkling, diamond tiara.

In the podcast, Ferguson poked fun at Beatrices hairdresser in Jordan for the way she put the crown on the British royals head.

The first hairdresser she went tothe hairdresser put the tiara on thinking shed watched too much Disney. Right at the front! she said. Lovely hairdresser in Jordan, very nice, Im sure. But I think theyd been studying Disney princesses.

Following the mishap, Ferguson said that her daughter, whom she shares with ex Prince Andrew, stepped in to adjust the headpiece herself.

Beatrice then did it and put it on herself, she continued. But she did look incredible. I was very, very proud of her.

Prior to her wedding, Sarah Ferguson received the tiara as a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Phillip. According to royal jewellery expert site The Court Jeweller, the diamond headpiece was a custom creation for the duchess to wear on her wedding day. Before her divorce from the Duke of York in 1996, Ferguson wore the tiara at many royal occasions.

During her recent podcast episode, Ferguson noted that she now keeps her tiara in a safe and called it a beautiful gift from the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. She emphasised how honoured she was to see Beatrice wearing the headpiece.

It was very clean before cause I do shine it up, she said. I was very proud that she wore it. I was so deeply honoured she was wearing my tiara, which was a beautiful gift.

(ROYAL HASHEMITE COURT / YouTube)

Beatrices appearance at the royal wedding on 1 June marks her first time wearing the York tiara, as well as her second time wearing a crown in public. During her wedding in July 2020, she first wore the Queen Mary Diamond Fringe tiara, which she borrowed from the Queen. The Queen Mary diamond tiara was also worn by the Queen herself during her own wedding to Prince Phillip in 1947.

In addition to Beatrices attendance at the Jordanian royal wedding, Ferguson also discussed her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie. In her podcast, she celebrated the recent birth of Eugenies second child.

And then Eugenie having baby Ernest, she said. Its been an extraordinary week actually. It really has.

Earlier this week, Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, took to Instagram to announce that their son was born on 30 May. The newborn weighed 7lb 1oz at the time of his birth. In the caption, the Princess revealed her babys name and explained why it was so special.

He is named after his great great great Grandfather George, his Grandpa George and my Grandpa Ronald. Augie is loving being a big brother already, she wrote, referring to her and Brooksbank two-year-old son, August.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Russian man has died after being mauled by a tiger shark off one of Egypts Red Sea resorts, with disturbing video taken from the beach appearing to show him screaming papa as the attack unfolded.

The 23-year-old Russian national had gone swimming in the waters off his resort near the city of Hurghada when a shark emerged underwater and grabbed him.

The attack forced the Egyptian authorities to close off a 74-kilometre (46-mile) stretch of the coastline, announcing it will remain off limits until Sunday.

Officials from the Russian Consulate in Hurghada identified the man as a Russian citizen. He has been name locally as Vladimir Popov.

His dad has since spoken of watching the attack from the shore.

We went to the beach to relax, Mr Popov, originally from Russia, told the 112 media outlet. My son was attacked by a shark, it all happened in seconds.

What kind of help can you give? This meat grinder happened in 20 seconds, he was just dragged under the water.

He added: This is an absolutely ridiculous coincidence, because it is a safe beach. There are ships and yachts around. Its never happened there. They usually attack on wild beaches. Its just some kind of evil fate.

A nearly minute-long video appearing to be of the brutal shark attack shows the man being suddenly pulled down into the water, only for him to resurface and desperately fight off the shark when suddenly the water around him goes red.

He also screams out papa and cries out loudly as the shark repeatedly circles and comes back in to attack. Later in the video a witness is heard saying it is eating his remains now as a small ship sails in the distance.

The environment ministry in Egypt later said it had caught the shark and was examining it in a laboratory to try to determine the reasons for the rare attack.

Images shared on social media showed the body of the bloodied shark lying on a sheet on land.

Shark attacks are rare in the Red Sea coastal regions. In 2022, two fatal attacks were seen in Hurghada within days, killing an Austrian and a Romanian tourist.

Tiger sharks are a large species that resides in tropical and temperate waters and are among the sharks most cited by the International Shark Attack File for unprovoked attacks on humans.

Additional reporting by agencies
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Joe Biden said it may be time for a British Nato leader in a boost for Ben Wallaces hopes of taking the alliances top job.

The prospect of the Defence Secretary taking the role was raised in talks between Rishi Sunak and the US president at the White House.

Mr Biden appeared to indicate Mr Wallace was a very qualified individual but it remains to be seen who will get the job.

Natos current secretary general Jens Stoltenberg steps down at the end of September.

The last Briton to lead the alliance was Lord Robertson, who held the role between 1999 and 2003.

Asked if it was time for another Briton to lead the alliance, Mr Biden said: Maybe, that remains to be seen.

We are going to have to get a consensus within Nato to see that happen.

They have a candidate who is a very qualified individual.

But, he added, there would have to be a lot of discussion at Nato to determine the outcome of the process.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Boris Johnsons resignation honours list should be put through the shredder, according to an opposition party, following reports Rishi Sunak has accepted his recommendations for peerages.

The Times reported that the Prime Minister is expected to accept Mr Johnsons long-awaited resignation honours list, with the paper reporting that it could be published in a matter of weeks.

According to a Whitehall source quoted by the newspaper, Mr Sunak is hoping to clear the decks by signing off the awards, which are said to have been a source of contention between the two figures.

The Prime Minister, asked about the reports during his trip to the US, said he could not comment on his predecessors submission.

The buck stops with Sunak - he must ensure that Johnson's honours list is put through the shredder Daisy Cooper, deputy Lib Dem leader

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused the Prime Minister of rewarding failure by allegedly giving the list the green light.

The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party, she said.

Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country  if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure its just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else.

The buck stops with Sunak  he must ensure that Johnsons honours list is put through the shredder.

Mr Sunak remained tight-lipped about whether he had accepted the nominations list, which is said to contain about 50 names, when quizzed in Washington DC on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said: I can completely understand the interest in this topic.

All I can say is there is a process that is currently under way. It has not concluded yet and until it does, it would not be right for me to comment any further.

His rival, Sir Keir Starmer, suggested the Conservative Party leader was having to appease different bits of the governing party with his handling of the honours roll.

Whether its Boris Johnsons WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnsons peerages, all the Prime Minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country, the Labour leader said during a visit to a steelworks in Scunthorpe.

There are suggestions that the list could spark at least two by-elections for the Conservatives.

Early electoral battles could be held in the seats of former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow.

Mr Sharma holds a 4,000-vote majority over Labour in his Reading West constituency and a by-election would likely be closely fought by Sir Keirs party, which is well ahead of the Tories in the polls.

Ms Dorries, who has already announced her plan to quit as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire at the next election, has a majority of more than 24,600 over the main Opposition party.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack is also reportedly set to be offered a peerage by Mr Johnson.

The Cabinet minister has announced he will stand down at the next national poll but has ruled out triggering a by-election in his Dumfries and Galloway constituency to take up a seat in the House of Lords before then.

Nigel Adams, another close ally of Mr Johnson who also is not planning on standing again, is also said to be keen to avoid a by-election.

Ms Dorries said she has not been told whether she is on Mr Johnsons honours list.

She has previously said that she thought staying in place until a general election would be absolutely the right thing to do if she was on his list but recognised there were objections to that stance.

Speaking on her TalkTV programme last month, Ms Dorries said: Apparently the House of Lords Appointment Committee has said that would be constitutionally improper.

They dont say that would be constitutionally impossible. They say improper.

Ms Dorries said the committee need probably to update their processes due to the UK being in politically unstable times after having three No 10 incumbents in a matter of months last year.

Mr Johnsons spokesman said: We strictly do not comment on honours.

Former prime minister Liz Truss, despite being the shortest serving prime minister in modern British political history, has also reportedly submitted a short resignation honours list.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A British toddler is among four children injured in a knife attack in a playground in France that also left an adult with life-threatening injuries.

Horrific scenes unfolded in the French Alps on Thursday as a man armed with a knife launched a brutal attack at a tourist spot in the town of Annecy. He stabbed a child in a pushchair repeatedly as bystanders screamed for help, and its thought one man tried to tackle him.

Police who rushed to the scene opened fire, and video shows police chasing the suspect, who was arrested after being shot.

Police at the scene of the attack in the French alps (AP)

President Emmanuel Macron called the attack an act of absolute cowardice and said the nation was in shock.

Have you been affected by this story? If so email jane.dalton@independent.co.uk

One adult suffered knife wounds and a second was hurt both with the attackers knife and later by the shot fired by police as they were making the arrest, said local prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly said: One of the children injured was a British national. We have already deployed British consular officials to support the family.

Our thoughts are with the victims and the families and we stand ready to support the French authorities in whichever way we can.

Forensics officers investigate at the scene (AP)

Police cordon off the area following the horror attack (EPA)

The suspect is a 31-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker, with no history of convictions and did not appear to have a terrorist motive, said Ms Bonnet-Mathis.

French TV said he had been separated from his wife, a Swiss woman, and they were both training as nurses.

Footage showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a blade as people screamed for help.

A helicopter was sent to rescue the injured (AP)

Emergency services at the scene of the stabbings (EPA)

He first circled the playground, slashing at a bystander, and then climbed over its barriers to attack those inside. People around could be heard yelling: Police! Police!

A screaming woman was seen trying to push the attacker away from her pram, but he got past her and stabbed into the pushchair repeatedly.

He also slashed at a man carrying rucksacks who tried to approach him, seemingly trying to stop the attack, the video suggests.

An inquiry into what happened has begun, authorities say, and a second inquiry is underway into why police used a firearm.

French prime minister Elisabeth Borne said the attacker had no fixed abode and had refugee status in Sweden, which allowed him to travel in Europe, and he had requested asylum in France.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne meets emergency workers (AFP via Getty Images)

Forensics officers at the scene in Annecy (AP)

The children injured were a 22-month-old; two two-year-olds a three-year-old. One was Dutch and one was English, she said.

As a wave of panicked bystanders rushed away from the scene, a mother urged a runner in the area to turn and run.

Theres someone stabbing everyone along the lakeshore. Hes knifed children, Anthony Le Tallec, a former professional football player with Liverpool FC, said she told him.

Le Tallec said he kept jogging, but soon saw a man heading his way with police officers in pursuit but struggling to catch up.

I see that hes heading straight for a group of elderly men and women. He attacks one grandpa, stabs him once, the cops cant catch him, so I tell the cops, shoot him, Le Tallec continued.

Police on a bridge near the scene in Annecy (AP)

Security forces gather in the playground (AP)

Then they start shooting, they shoot at the person, right in front of me, and he falls to the ground.

A spokesman for the national police force said the alleged assailant carried Swedish identity documents and a Swedish driving licence.

Home secretary Suella Braverman tweeted that she was appalled by the attack.

My thoughts are with the children, their families and the local community who have been affected by this shocking act.

Im in touch with my friend, Minister GDarmanin (French interior minister Gerald Darmanin), to offer our full support.

Eleanor Vincent, an American author on holiday in Annecy, said: As soon as I heard the sirens and saw police running, I knew something horrible was happening. I am in shock. Its a park where they take children out to walk.

Crowds stood in absolute silence, dumbfounded as the tragedy unfolded, she said.

As a parent who has lost a child, I know what these parents are experiencing. Its a horror beyond belief, she added.

In Paris, politicians interrupted a debate to hold a moment of silence for the victims.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The driver in the Croydon tram disaster broke down in court as he told jurors: In some ways I held myself responsible.

Alfred Dorris, 49, was allegedly going three times the speed he was supposed to be doing before his tram derailed on a sharp curve at Sandilands in south London, killing seven passengers and seriously injuring 19 more.

Dorris is on trial at the Old Bailey for failing to take reasonable care of the health and safety of himself and his 69 passengers on Tram 2551 on November 9 2016.

The prosecution alleged Dorris may have had a micro-sleep or become disorientated before the crash.

On Thursday, Dorris broke down in front of victims families when he gave evidence for the first time in Court One of the Old Bailey.

In some ways I held myself responsible for what happened. I could not explain how it happened Alfred Dorris

He became distressed and wiped away tears as he described being arrested and put in the back of a police van after the crash, having never been in trouble before.

The married father-of-one said: I was told that I was being arrested for manslaughter because of multiple fatalities.

I was broken. I could not believe what I was hearing.

On arrival at a police station, he said: I broke down. One of the officers kind of put his hand on my shoulder, tapped me in a reassuring way that was quite nice, to be honest. I was taken to a police cell.

By then, he said the adrenalin was starting to wear off and he felt sick and suffered physical pain in his right side.

Later, he was released under investigation and took his family to stay in a hotel for four weeks due to the intense media interest in the disaster.

On his state of mind at the time, he said: I was just all over the place, just broken, disbelief at what had happened.

In some ways I held myself responsible for what happened. I could not explain how it happened.

The defendant said lighting in the tunnel on the approach to the sharp turn where the derailment happened was inconsistent, and in the dark he had to rely on his route knowledge and experience as a driver.

Defence barrister Miles Bennett said: You said one of the issues causing you upset just after the event and into 2017 was you could not piece together in your mind what had happened and how you got to this state.

Even with the passage of time now are you able to tell the jury how it is you became disorientated?

The defendant replied: No.

Dorris said he had got confused before the crash but not due to a lack of concentration as it had been a normal average day up until that point.

He went on to describe how he continued to struggle with what happened and reached his lowest point during the lockdown when he was unable to start treatment for severe case of PTSD.

For me being in lockdown with my family suffering as I was I just got worse and worse, a ticking timebomb waiting to go off and the family was in the firing line.

One day I just lost control and me and my wife at the time had an altercation and I became very aggressive towards her and that was the beginning of the end of my marriage and we separated.

That was the last time I saw my family, the last time I saw my daughter.

The defendant said he was excused from taking part in the inquest into the victims deaths.

Mr Bennett asked whether he regarded tram driving as just a job.

The defendant replied: I was proud of my job. I enjoyed my job. What I was doing was important to me.

For me, I was always on time, smartly dressed. My appearance was really important to me. Im wearing a uniform so Im representing the company. I wanted to leave a good impression and be proud.

On his attitude to driving, he told jurors: For me it was all about customer comfort. I want them to feel they had a comfortable ride, always smooth. Thats my driving style.

Mr Bennett asked: Did you have any problems with fatigue when you went onto permanent earlies working on the trams?

Dorris replied: No, never.

Asked what he would have done if he had felt tired before a shift, he said: I could have just explained I was not feeling fit to work and they would sign me off.

The court heard how Dorris had applied to work on the trams in 2008 as a stepping stone to realise his ambition of becoming a train driver on the railways.

He underwent 13 weeks of training, which involved learning the route and becoming competent in driving and manoeuvring the tram.

Since qualifying, he said there had been only a few occasions he needed to use the emergency or hazard section of the traction brake controller when people had walked in front of the train.

Previously, he had also worked early shifts as a bus driver and a milkman.

He had never felt sleepy or fatigued in those jobs, preferring the hours because they fitted around my family life, he said.

In his job as a bus driver, his only accident had been a little scuff with a car at Sloane Square on his first day out on his own, the defendant said.

Dorris, from Beckenham, south-east London, denies a single charge of failing to take reasonable care at work under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Some aspects of the City of Edinburgh Councils short-term let licensing policy are unlawful, a judge has ruled.

Landlords and a property marketing company (the petitioners) took legal action against the council over its short-term let (SLT) licensing policy and welcomed the ruling as a victory for law and common sense.

The policy, due to come into force in October, comes amid concern about the high number of short-term lets such as Airbnb-type properties in the Scottish capital.

The four petitioners challenged what is described as a rebuttable presumption against granting licences for secondary letting in tenements.

This would place the onus on the applicant to show why their application should still be granted notwithstanding the policy.

They also challenged the absence of any regime for temporary licences for secondary letting, and a requirement in respect of all secondary lets that bedrooms, living rooms and hallways must be covered by a suitable floor covering such as a carpet.

Following a judicial review, Lord Braid found the rules around the rebuttable presumption are irrational, since they do not support the statutory purpose of the licensing regime. As such, they are unlawful.

In relation to temporary licences, he found the policy is unlawful at common law insofar as it does not provide for the grant of temporary licences for secondary letting.

He also found the rules on floor coverings unlawful, stating: To the extent that the policy requires carpets for all secondary lets, including ground floor flats and detached houses, I consider that it is irrational and, to the extent that it could expose a licence holder to significant expense for no good reason, it is oppressive and does go beyond what is necessary to control noise.

Those opposing the scheme donated more than 300,000 through crowdfunding to help fund the judicial review at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

In a statement afterwards, the petitioners said: As the largest crowdfunded case in the history of the UK, the petitioner team are deeply grateful to the many small, local businesses that supported the campaign financially in such uncertain times.

We have yet to fully digest the detail of the decision but we hope that this will give common cause to both the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council to seek a fresh approach that aims to collaborate and work with local operators of self-catering accommodation, recognising the many good things it brings to the economy and people of Scotland.

The impact of this will not be confined to the capital as the decision has ramifications for licensing schemes across Scotland Fiona Campbell, Association of Scotlands Self-Caterers

The Association of Scotlands Self-Caterers welcomed the decision.

Its chief executive Fiona Campbell said: The fact this was the biggest Crowdfunder in Scottish legal history demonstrates the strength of feeling that the councils licensing plans were an existential threat to the livelihoods of operators.

The impact of this will not be confined to the capital as the decision has ramifications for licensing schemes across Scotland.

The Scottish Government need to go back to the drawing board on short-term let regulation and engage constructively with industry to provide a regulatory framework that works for all stakeholders.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day said: Ive received todays judgment and am pleased that weve been successful in defending large parts of our policy.

While Im obviously disappointed that the court didnt find in favour of our policy on secondary lets, I make absolutely no apology for seeking to protect our residents.

Its no secret that we face unique housing pressures here in Edinburgh, with a small but densely populated city centre and fast growing population, and its crucial for us to strike the right balance between promoting our visitor economy while looking after the people that live here all year round.

Our residents have told us that, in many cases, STLs are hollowing out their communities, reducing housing supply and increasing housing costs. We cant forget that many have endured years of disturbance and anti-social behaviour and we will continue to work hard to get this right.

The court acknowledged our intention to find a solution to this and agreed that it was legitimate to use both planning and licensing policy. We welcome the clarity hes provided and will now consider our next steps in more detail.

We remain committed to ensuring the whole city benefits from our thriving visitor economy, but it has to be managed and it has to be sustainable  and I continue to believe that fair and effective STL controls would be an important step in the right direction.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The challenge was specific to the City of Edinburgh Councils implementation of the short-term let licensing scheme, it was not a challenge to the licensing scheme itself.

The short-term lets licensing scheme has been in force for the whole of Scotland since October 2022. It allows local authorities and communities to take action to manage issues more effectively in response to local circumstances.

The core component of our licensing scheme is a mandatory set of safety standards that apply to all short-term lets which are vital to ensure the safety of guests and neighbours.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former health secretary Matt Hancock feared being pushed down an escalator by an anti-vaccination protester who accused him of murdering people during the coronavirus pandemic, he told a court.

Geza Tarjanyi, 62, of Leyland in Lancashire, who has denied causing harassment without violence, is accused of shoulder-barging the MP and shouting ridiculous conspiracy theories on two separate occasions on January 19 and 24.

Mr Hancock told a trial at Westminster Magistrates Court: As a public figure, I cant recall a time when I felt as intimidated as this.

On the first occasion, Mr Hancock, along with a member of his staff, passed an anti-vaccination protest near Parliament, before Tarjanyi allegedly filmed him, asked him why he had killed so many people and shoulder-barged him during a five-minute interaction.

Appearing in person as a witness, the MP told the court: I felt physically intimidated and felt like I needed to get to a place of safety, he was being completely unreasonable. I didnt know what further unreasonable actions he would take.

Mr Hancock went on: It made me feel unsafe going about my place of work, it made me feel frustrated that instead of engaging in a normal debate, someone was trying to intimidate me, I thought that was unacceptable.

I had a pretty good impression he had been taken over by these ridiculous conspiracy theories.

Geza Tarjanyi outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London (PA)

A few days later, at around 8am, after Mr Hancock had had breakfast with the Prime Minister, Tarjanyi followed the MP through Westminster underground station and onto a train for around 10 minutes, again accusing him of murdering people.

Mr Hancock said he recognised the defendant and felt more intimidated because he was on his own and tried to get Transport for London (TfL) staff to intervene.

But he told the court that Tarjanyi began harassing anybody who was going to come to my aid and continued following him through the station.

Mr Hancock said he then stopped at the top of an escalator to resolve the situation but felt the defendant pushing him towards it.

He said: Obviously I was extremely worried at this time. If I had lost my balance at that point, I would have tumbled down the escalator.

Its a long escalator, I could see a long escalator moving away from me, and I was being pushed from behind.

I had to work to maintain my balance and stop myself falling down the escalator.

The former health secretary said he feared Tarjanyi was willing to commit a crime, alleging the defendant had told him he wanted to go to court.

Mr Hancock said he was extremely worried by the incident (PA Archive)

He added: One of the reasons I hadnt reported the incident on January 19 was because I dont want these people with these untrue beliefs to get further publicity from harassing me.

Tarjanyi then got onto the Jubilee Line train with Mr Hancock and accused him of murdering millions of people before they were separated at Bond Street station.

The defendants mobile phone footage of the second incident, played to the court, showed him calling Mr Hancock a murderous scumbag and saying lockdown amounted to the harassment of the country due to his lies and deceit.

Nutan Fatania, prosecuting, said: Mr Hancock felt shaken up by both incidents and concerned for his personal safety.

Parveen Mansoor, defending, said Tarjanyi denies any physical contact and believes it was Mr Hancock who barged into him.

She added: He denies assaulting him in any way shape or form.

Ms Mansoor suggested Mr Hancock had not been pushed during the incidents, arguing the defendant merely walked into him after he stopped.

Mr Hancock responded: Oh please  the idea that it was my fault he walked into me is ridiculous.

Tarjanyi denies any physical contact, the trial heard (PA)

Ms Mansoor went on: You exaggerated what happened on both of these occasions either to get sympathy or to stop Mr Tarjanyi saying what he wished to say.

The MP told the court: I wouldnt make such an accusation lightly, and I certainly wouldnt if it was untrue.

Asked again why the first incident was not reported, Mr Hancock replied: I didnt want to give him the oxygen of publicity for wholly false and dangerous conspiracy theories.

Mr Hancock, 44, was health secretary when the coronavirus pandemic struck and was a key figure in the lockdown restrictions and vaccine rollout that followed.

He resigned after leaked CCTV images showed him kissing an adviser in his office, in breach of his own social-distancing guidance.

Mr Hancock later angered colleagues and constituents by flying to the Australian jungle to appear on Im A Celebrity  Get Me Out Of Here! in November 2022.

Having been stripped of the Conservative whip over the appearance, he said he would not contest his West Suffolk seat at the next election when he would step down.

The trial continues.

PA
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Russian racing driver Nikita Mazepin has lost the latest round of a High Court fight with British government ministers after being made subject to sanctions in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Mazepin, 24, used to race in Formula 1 for Haas and is looking for a new team.

He wants sanctions lifted and has taken legal action against Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

A judge is due to oversee a trial on July 19.

Lawyers representing Mr Mazepin on Thursday asked Mr Justice Linden, at a High Court hearing in London, to suspend sanctions in the interim so he could travel to Britain and begin negotiations with Formula 1 teams based in the UK as soon as possible.

The judge dismissed their application.

I accept ... that the perception may arise, at least in some sections of the public, that there are always ways around the UK sanctions regime Mr Justice Linden

Government lawyers had said Mr Mazepins application for interim relief should be refused.

Judges have heard that Mr Mazepin and his father, Dmitry Mazepin  a Russian businessman  had been made subject to sanctions in mid-March 2022.

They have heard how Haas had terminated its relationship with Mr Mazepin in early March 2022, following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and he had not driven for a Formula 1 team since.

Mr Mazepin and his father are subject to an asset freeze and travel ban, judges have heard.

Lawyers representing the Government said sanctions were a key aspect of Britains attempts to address the situation in Ukraine.

They raised concern about what the public perception would be if Mr Mazepins application was granted.

The claimant is a relatively prominent public figure and a racing driver, said the judge.

I accept  that the perception may arise, at least in some sections of the public, that there are always ways around the UK sanctions regime.

He said he was quite satisfied that the balance of evidence weighed against granting interim relief.

The judge suggested that, in any event, Mr Mazepin would struggle to negotiate a contract with an F1 team until his claim for relief from sanctions had been finally resolved.

Lawyers representing Mr Mazepin argue that he has been sanctioned only because he is his fathers son.

They told the judge there was no evidence that he supported the Russian regime or Russias actions in Ukraine  and argued that the sanctions were unfair and draconian.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Actress Nikki Sanderson only became aware she had a potential claim against the publisher of the Mirror for alleged unlawful information gathering after chatting with Hollyoaks co-star Gary Lucy, the High Court has heard.

Former Coronation Street star Ms Sanderson, 39, is suing Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for damages, claiming journalists at its titles  which also include the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People  were linked to methods including phone hacking, so-called blagging or gaining information by deception, and use of private investigators for unlawful activities.

Her case is one of four representative claims being heard in London, alongside similar claims brought by the Duke of Sussex, Coronation Street actor Michael Turner, known professionally as Michael Le Vell, and comedian Paul Whitehouses ex-wife Fiona Wightman.

Her barrister David Sherborne told the court on Thursday that Ms Sanderson had suspected friends, people working on Coronation Street and members of the public of selling stories about her, and therefore didnt suspect unlawful methods being used until she spoke to Mr Lucy in about 2019.

Mr Sherborne said Ms Sanderson was surprised when Mr Lucy told her that, based on a case he was bringing against MGN at the time, she would definitely have a claim.

He added: Prior to her conversation with Mr Lucy, she had nothing on her mind to do with being hacked.

The barrister said Ms Sanderson, who filed her claim in December 2020, says she had never heard about the Leveson Inquiry into press standards, knew that the News Of The World had closed but not why, and had no knowledge of the previous High Court phone hacking trial in 2015.

Ms Sanderson, who played Candice Stowe in Coronation Street from 1999 until 2005, is due to enter the witness box to give evidence on Friday.

Mr Sherborne told the court that Ms Sanderson had been an actress for most of her life, first appearing in the long-running soap when she was aged 15.

Indeed, she would say she grew up on the show until she left in 2005, the barrister said.

Mr Sherborne said Ms Sandersons claim spanned a period of 10 years, 1999 to 2009, and that she complains about 37 articles in Mirror titles.

He told the court that MGN had admitted unlawful information in relation to one story from October 2004, and made admissions that its journalists instructed private investigators to unlawfully obtain information on four occasions.

MGN has previously denied that 35 of the 37 articles involved phone hacking or unlawful information gathering, with one article being not admitted.

Mr Sherborne said MGN had apologised to Ms Sanderson for the first time in a document submitted for the trial, adding that this was despite the fact that her claim has been going on for three years.

He also told the court the actress found it a strange position and rather frustrating that MGN settled a claim brought by her mother Judith Sanderson, who has provided a witness statement for her case.

He said her best friend Natalie Turner, former boyfriend Danny Young, and former Coronation Street co-star Tina OBrien have also provided statements.

They all describe how they would regularly exchange voicemails with her, he said.

They all describe her as a private and cautious girl, Mr Sherborne said, adding that stories had a long standing effect on her personality right up to the present day.

The trial previously heard that Ms Sanderson felt like she was public property and experienced abuse in the street following false insinuations in articles published by MGN titles.

Ms Sandersons legal team said in court documents that she experienced unusual telephone and media-related activity which was consistent with the unauthorised accessing of her voicemails and other unlawful information gathering, with private information appearing in newspapers with no legitimate explanation as to how it was obtained.

Mr Sherborne said she said it was scary feeling like she was always being watched, and upsetting that MGNs conduct caused the lines between her public and private life to blur, making her believe that she was public property.

The impact of the stories on Nikki Sanderson was aggravated by their false insinuations that she was promiscuous, causing her great upset and giving rise to her being subjected to mental and physical abuse, having people shout at her in the street calling her a whore, slag or slut and even being physically assaulted on numerous occasions, Mr Sherborne said.

It gave rise to her feeling in a constant state of paranoia, distrusting everyone around her.

He added that payment records to private investigators show Ms Sanderson was subjected to very large amounts of unlawful information gathering.

This made her feel angry and distressed, with the actress claiming: I was a young girl and they were hiring random men to follow me  they could have done anything to me.

In its trial defence, the publisher says Ms Sandersons claim is brought too late, but unreservedly apologises over four payments made to private investigators which it admits are evidence of instructions to unlawfully obtain her private information.

The publisher also claims that evidence does not suggest Ms Sandersons phone was successfully hacked.

MGN previously brought a bid to have Ms Sandersons claim thrown out but it was allowed to proceed by Mr Justice Fancourt in a May 2022 ruling.

Earlier on Thursday, former Daily Mirror royal correspondent Jane Kerr told the court she never seen anyone intercept a call in almost two decades working at MGN newspapers.

Ms Kerr, who began giving evidence on Wednesday after Harry left the witness box, faced nearly three more hours of questioning on Thursday.

Mr Sherborne said it had previously been accepted by MGN, and held by a court ruling on a separate trial of hacking claims in 2015, that there was habitual and widespread voicemail interception and use of unlawful information gathering across all three newspapers.

You seem to remain totally uninvolved and totally unaware of that, is that your evidence? Mr Sherborne asked Ms Kerr.

It is, she said, adding that she had no idea of anything that you have said.

She also told the court: Ive never intercepted a voicemail, I wouldnt even know how.

The trial is due to resume at 11am on Friday following a hearing in relation to an application by the duke, which may be held in private.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Labour donor and green entrepreneur Dale Vince joined a Just Stop Oil protest for the first time on Thursday, saying he cant not speak out.

Mr Vince joined demonstrators on a slow-walk protest along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square in central London as part of JSOs ongoing campaign against new fossil fuel licences.

He told the PA news agency: Im here to support the incredibly brave people of Just Stop Oil. They put themselves and their liberty on the line.

I support them in other ways, in the media and with donations, but I thought I would do more.

Mr Vince, the owner of green energy company Ecotricity, is a leading JSO donor, and has also donated almost 1.4 million to the Labour Party since 2014, including 710,000 in 2022.

His involvement with JSO has already caused problems for Sir Keir Starmer, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accusing the Labour leader of allowing eco-zealots to write the partys energy policy just a day before Mr Vince joined the protest in London.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to Washington, Mr Sunak said: It does appear that these kind of eco-zealots at Just Stop Oil are writing Keir Starmers energy policy and, not content with disrupting our summer and cherished sporting events, they are essentially leading us into an energy surrender.

My view is we should focus on energy security, not weakness and dependency which seems to be the Labour Partys policy.

I cant imagine it will make much difference to Keir Starmer, hes his own man and so am I. I hope it doesnt harm (Labour) but I cant not speak out Dale Vince, green energy entrepreneur

Labour has pledged to stop issuing licences for new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea if it wins the next election, but Sir Keir has also previously described JSO as arrogant and wrong.

A spokeswoman for the Labour leaders office said: Keir has been outspoken in his condemnation of Just Stop Oil who he believes have put lives and livelihoods at risk.

The idea that they have influenced our policy is for the birds.

The modern Labour Party doesnt bow to fringe lobbies or extremists  every position we take and everything we do is firmly focused on providing security and opportunity for hard-working Brits.

Asked if he thought his presence on Thursdays march would help Sir Keir, Mr Vince said: I cant imagine it will make much difference to Keir Starmer, hes his own man and so am I.

He added: I hope it doesnt harm (Labour) but I cant not speak out.

On Thursday, Mr Vince said: I spent all week talking to the right-wing media and been criticised by Tory politicians all week for donating.

I dont care what they make of this, but Im sure it will trigger some of them. They dont really know what goes on, they bring out the same myths every time.

Four people were arrested on Thursdays march after they refused to comply with police instructions to leave the road.

Police issued the order to move out of the road once the protesters had reached Trafalgar Square. Most complied but three men and a woman remained in the road and were subsequently arrested.

Mr Vince was among a group of JSO activists who cheered and applauded as the four were led to waiting police vans.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Offering financial incentives to teachers  such as higher salaries and bonuses  could help attract high-quality staff to challenging schools, a report has suggested.

Giving financial rewards directly to teachers, rather than allocated to their school, could improve recruitment and retention challenges facing the sector, according to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) review.

It comes as teachers are embroiled in an ongoing dispute over pay which has led to a series of strikes during this school year.

The EEF review, by a team of researchers from IOE, UCLs Faculty of Education and Society, explored international research on strategies for improving recruitment and retention of teachers.

It also found strategies to reduce workload and improve working conditions were associated with improved teacher retention, and heavier workloads were consistently associated with higher staff turnover.

Supporting the recruitment and retention of teachers should be a central focus of any effective education system Professor Becky Francis, chief executive of the EEF

A separate report, published on Thursday, suggests the number of job advertisements for secondary school teachers has increased by 12% in a year.

Secondary schools are struggling to meet the demands of growing pupil numbers and attrition from the profession, according to the report by the Teacher Tapp app and education data company SchoolDash.

The report, which monitored job advertisements and surveyed more than 8,000 teachers, suggests many secondary school leaders could not interview any candidate for a position due to a weak field while around two in five said they made a reluctant appointment to a position.

Both reports have been published as four education unions representing teachers and school leaders are balloting their members in England this summer over possible co-ordinated strike action in the autumn.

Targeted approaches will only serve to further demoralise those who are not deemed eligible for pay incentives and exacerbate other problems such as staff retention Julie McCulloch, Association of School and College Leaders

Professor Becky Francis, chief executive of the EEF, said: We know that its great teaching that has the biggest impact on the learning of pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Supporting the recruitment and retention of teachers should be a central focus of any effective education system. But targets for teacher recruitment are regularly missed and a third of new teachers leave within the first five years of joining the profession.

Todays report is an important first step in our work to understand more about what can be done to attract teachers to, and keep them in, schools with pupils who need their expertise most.

Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: Teacher shortages are a growing problem that pose a significant threat to educational standards.

It is clear by looking at the repeatedly missed recruitment targets and high level of vacancies that teaching is not deemed as attractive as similar graduate professions.

Pay erosion over the last decade has undoubtedly contributed towards this and needs to be reversed, but it is important that this is applied fairly across the education sector.

Targeted approaches will only serve to further demoralise those who are not deemed eligible for pay incentives and exacerbate other problems such as staff retention.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Nearly one in four pupils at state schools in England is now eligible for free school meals. Eligibility stood at 23.8 per cent of all pupils in January this year, the equivalent of two million children  up from 22.5 per cent, or 1.9 million, in January 2022.

The figure has increased every year since January 2018, when it stood at 13.6 per cent or 1.1 million, according to data published by the Department for Education (DfE).

Children in state-funded schools in England can receive free meals if a parent or carer is receiving one of a number of benefits, including Universal Credit, child tax credits or income support.

Free meals can also be available to households unable to claim benefits but which meet certain criteria, such as children of work visa holders or families holding a British National Overseas passport who have moved to the UK from Hong Kong.

All pupils who have become eligible for free school meals since April 1 2018 will remain eligible until March 2025 as part of protections introduced during the roll-out of Universal Credit  a factor that the DfE says is likely to have contributed to the ongoing increase.

However, the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has pointed out that child poverty has also been rising. In the 2021-22 period, 350,000 more children were pulled into relative poverty. This brought their estimate of the number of children living in poverty in the UK to 4.2 million  29 per cent of all children.

The proportion of pupils eligible for free meals is typically higher in state-funded primary schools than secondary schools and the latest figures confirm this trend, at 24 per cent and 22.7 per cent respectively.

There are also sharp differences in eligibility across regions of England and ethnic groups.

The highest rate is for north-east England, where 30.4 per cent of all state-funded pupils are eligible for free school meals, while the lowest is south-east England at 18.8 per cent.

When comparing the figures by ethnicity, rates are highest among pupils identifying as white Traveller of Irish heritage (64.7 per cent), white Gypsy/Roma (54.8 per cent), mixed white and black Caribbean (43.4 per cent) and black Caribbean (42.8 per cent).

Rates are lowest among pupils of Indian (7.4 per cent) and Chinese (7.8 per cent) ethnicity.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The UK is banning imports of gold from Belarus in a new wave of sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on the Kremlin-backed regime.

Internet providers will also be forced to restrict access in Britain to websites spreading propaganda from the country, the Government said.

Bans will be placed on the import of gold, cement, wood and rubber  all sources of revenue for authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenkos regime  to the UK.

Our support for Ukraine will remain resolute for as long as it takes and the UK will not hesitate to introduce further measures against those who prop up Putins war James Cleverly

The UK Government is also blocking exports from Britain to the country of banknotes and machinery  alongside goods, technologies and materials that could be used to produce chemical and biological weapons.

The sanctions expand on measures introduced last July to ban the import and export of goods worth around 60 million from Belarus.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: This new package ratchets up the economic pressure on Lukashenko and his regime which actively facilitates the Russian war effort and ignores Ukraines territorial integrity.

Our support for Ukraine will remain resolute for as long as it takes and the UK will not hesitate to introduce further measures against those who prop up Putins war.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it would also introduce online measures which will provide the Government with the ability to prevent designated Belarusian media companies from spreading propaganda in the UK.

Mr Lukashenko is an ally of Vladimir Putin, having for decades relied on subsidies from Moscow to keep Belaruss Soviet-style economy afloat.

Russian support also helped the autocratic leader survive months of mass protests following the 2020 election that handed him a sixth term in office in a vote the West says was rigged.

Last year, Moscow used Belarusian territory as a springboard to send troops and missiles into Ukraine.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Suella Braverman is scrapping some of Priti Patels flagship asylum rules after less than a year in operation, as the government claims its new bill is considerably stronger.

In a written statement quietly published on the parliamentary website on Thursday afternoon, immigration minister Robert Jenrick said officials would stop affording refugees different rights on the basis of how they arrived in the UK.

He claimed the power was no longer needed because the new Illegal Migration Bill would be a considerably stronger means of discouraging small boat crossings.

But The Independent understands the policy had further slowed down asylum decisions, conflicting with Rishi Sunaks pledge to clear part of the asylum backlog by the end of this year.

Legal action had also been launched by several affected asylum seekers, who argued the policy amounted to unlawful discrimination and a breach of the United Nations Refugee Convention.

One of the lawyers involved in the legal action told The Independent he expected all cases now to be settled, in a huge waste of taxpayers money.

It really just seems like theyre coming up with these various ill-thought plans that are passed into law, and then they come up with something even more draconian, he added.

They dont know its lawful, so they wait for legal challenges, see how that goes, and then pivot to something else. And in the meantime a load of vulnerable people are left in limbo.

Yvette Cooper, Labours shadow home secretary, accused the government of slipping out the announcement in a way designed to avoid publicity.

This is a damning indictment of the Conservatives' flagship immigration bill, and of their entire record on small boats, and shows ministers have no idea what they are doing, she added.

The controversial laws were created by the Nationality and Borders Act and came into force on 28 June 2022.

Rishi Sunak says he 'will not rest' until small boats are stopped

They enabled small boat migrants and others who do not travel directly from a country or territory where their life or freedom was threatened to be afforded lesser rights on remaining in the UK and reuniting with family.

The move was stridently defended by Boris Johnsons government as a way to deter soaring small boat crossings, with former immigration minister Tom Pursglove telling parliament it was a fundamental point to the bill.

But on Thursday, his successor Mr Jenrick claimed the new Illegal Migration Bill goes further than ever before by putting a legal duty on the home secretary to detain and deport small boat migrants, regardless of the merit of asylum and slavery claims.

This approach represents a considerably stronger means of tackling the same issue that the differentiation policy sought to address - people making dangerous and unnecessary journeys through safe countries to claim asylum in the UK, he added.

We will therefore pause the differentiation policy in the next package of Immigration Rules changes in July 2023.

Refugees who have so far been put in the lesser group two under the scrapped policy are being contacted to have their rights, including the length of permission to stay, UK settlement and eligibility for family reunion aligned with group one refugees.

(Home Office)

Hannah Marwood, legal access manager at refugee charity Care4Calais, said the record number of small boat crossings since the policy came into force last June show it was not a deterrent as the government claimed it would be.

Anti-refugee rhetoric is no substitute for effective policies, and replacing this with their latest bill wont work either, she added. Its time they offered the real solution - safe passage for refugees.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the change was an admission that the controversial law had failed to deliver, as was predicted.

Those fleeing conflict and persecution deserve to be treated with dignity and humanity, and should be given a fair hearing on UK soil, regardless of the route they have taken to find safety in our country, he added. That wont be achieved by introducing more punitive legislation that yet again wont work.

Tim Naor Hilton, chief executive of Refugee Action, said the flip-flopping shows the total lack of coherent strategy guiding government policy, except to ramp up cruelty against people whenever its latest deterrence strategy fails.

Mr Jenrick also announced that the government is expanding the scope of fast-track asylum questionnaires, which were originally announced in February for the citizens of five countries, and for applications made before June last year.

It is now being extended to claims up to 7 March, and to Sudanese asylum seekers as well as the previous nationalities of Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Syria and Yemen.

Mr Jenrick acknowledged that the change was linked to the prime ministers commitment to clear the backlog of legacy asylum claims by the end of 2023.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A 24-year-old British soldier drowned in an Estonian river while on a night out with friends, it has been reported.

Israel Delanimati, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, is understood to have fallen into the Emajogi River in the city of Tartu over the weekend.

When Mr Delanimati, originally from Fiji, had not returned to the hotel by midday on Saturday, his friends raised the alarm, reported Estonian news outlet Delfi, with authorities recovering his body that afternoon.

CCTV footage captured him walking beside the river at 3.40am on Saturday, according to local media. After he fell into the river, witnesses are believed to have tried to save the soldier.

The Times reports that his funeral is expected to take place in Fiji.

British Army Support Officer - Fiji tweeted: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rifleman Israel Kinah Delanimati of 3rd Battalion The Rifles. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed a British soldier had died in Estonia on Saturday while off duty, but did not comment further due to ongoing investigations.

The MoD added the soldiers next of kin have been informed.

A British Army spokesperson announced the news of the soldiers death with immense sadness.

Over 1,500 UK troops were stationed in Estonia last month to train alongside 14,000 personnel from 11 NATO alliance countries, including Estonia, Canada, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland and the United States.

The troops are participating in 'Exercise Spring Storm', which is an annual two-week military exercise involving the UK-led NATO-enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup.

Various drills take place across Estonian terrain, featuring tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, howitzers, fighter jets, helicopters and patrol, minesweeping and landing vessels.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old girl from Rothley, Leicestershire, was reported missing from the Portuguese holiday resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve on 3 May 2007, a case still unsolved and still the subject of intense interest among the public and press.

Follow all the latest updates on The Independents live blog

Her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, posted a statement on the Find Madeleine website on 3 May 2023 marking the latest anniversary of their daughters disappearance, reiterating their hopes of being reunited with her one day and posting a poem, The Contradiction by Clare Pollard, to express their feelings.

Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleines abduction. Still missing... still very much missed, they wrote.

The police investigation continues, and we await a breakthrough. Thank you to everyone for your support- it really helps.

Here is a reminder of the events of the case.

The story began when the McCanns  affluent doctors Kate and Gerry, their three-year-old daughter Madeleine and her two-year-old twin siblings  joined a group of seven family friends and their five children on holiday at the Ocean Club in the village of Praia da Luz on the southwestern tip of Portugal on 28 April 2007.

After a pleasant spring break by the sea, the adults in the party went out for dinner at the resorts open-air tapas bar on 3 May, gathering at 8.30pm. The children were left behind sleeping in their respective apartments with the doors unlocked and a rota system in place among the parents to ensure that someone returned every half-hour to check on them.

When Kate McCann took her turn and returned to her apartment at 10pm, she raced back to the restaurant screaming Madeleines gone! Someones taken her! The police were quickly called and 60 staff and fellow guests searched the complex, calling out the girls name in vain until daybreak the following morning.

Border police and airport staff were put on alert and hundreds of volunteers joined the efforts to find the missing girl over the coming days, the case fast becoming a sensation.

Madeleine McCann (PA)

The Portuguese authorities would later attract criticism over their conduct in the crucial earliest hours of the investigation when the trail might still have been warm, accused of making rudimentary mistakes like failing to conduct a house-by-house search of every local residence or interview all of the other guests at the resort, acting slowly to erect roadblocks and potentially compromising forensic evidence at the crime scene.

The police initially stated that they believed Madeleine was still alive and had been abducted from the room by a stranger as the parents described their anguish and despair over her vanishing, a worst fear realised for any parent.

On 26 May, police issued a description of a suspicious man seen on the night of the girls disappearance. The individual in question was spotted by Jane Tanner, one of the McCanns dining companions, who said she had seen a Mediterranean man with dark hair and beige trousers carrying a child close to the apartment when she went to check in on her own children. Scotland Yard would later come to dismiss the sighting as a red herring.

The search continued as the summer progressed amid a wild media circus and with huge fundraising activities underway, the McCanns setting up Madeleines Fund on 15 May to raise cash to support further investigation and keep the profile of the case high, attracting generous donations from celebrities like Richard Branson, Simon Cowell, JK Rowling and Coleen Rooney. By 30 May, the case was such a cause celebre that they were being flown out to meet the Pope at the Vatican in Sir Phillip Greens Learjet.

A local man, Robert Murat, subsequently became its first suspect and had his house and car searched, his swimming pool drained and his electronic devices confiscated but no evidence was found to link him to Madeleine and the matter was soon dropped.

By June, the Portuguese police admitted that they had failed to protect potentially useful evidence at the scene as frustration with the lack of developments grew and the media began to question whether the McCanns themselves had been involved in the matter.

Lurid tabloid allegations suggested the couple and their friends might have been swingers and that the McCanns, as physicians, might have been in the habit of sedating their children, while others claimed inconsistencies in their version of events.

Gerry and Kate McCann (AP)

The intensity of the hostility towards the parents would later be described by Roy Greenslade of The Guardian as no journalistic accident, but a sustained campaign of vitriol against a grief-stricken family, singling out The Daily Express and Daily Star for particular condemnation.

In July, assistance offered by former South African police officer Danie Krugel  who claimed his handheld matter orientation system could help to find Madeleine  was rubbished, while British police sent over two springer spaniel sniffer dogs to search for DNA.

Relations with the local authorities would ultimately sour as the latter came to resent British intrusion into a Portuguese inquiry, according to Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swans book Looking for Madeleine (2014).

By August, Madeleine has been missing for 100 days and police admitted for the first time that she may never be found. They also told the McCanns that they were no longer considering the matter an abduction case but, rather, a murder inquiry.

The McCanns themselves were interviewed as arguidos (suspects) by Portuguese police in September, with the parents told that the dogs had discovered DNA evidence from the missing girl in the boot of their holiday rental car, lines of inquiry that had already been leaked to the British press. They vehemently denied having any part in her disappearance.

Despite being listed as suspects (a designation that would linger until the following July), the McCanns were allowed to return to Britain on 9 September. A day later, chief inspector Tavares de Almeida of the Policia Judiciaria in Portimao signed a nine-page report concluding that Madeleine McCann had died in their apartment as a result of an accident, that the tapas dinner and rota checks on the McCann children had been part of a planned cover-up, that the familys friends had helped to mislead the police and that the McCanns had concealed the body and then faked an abduction. A public prosecutor subsequently applied for the confiscation of Kate McCanns diary and Gerry McCanns laptop plus the groups phone records.

On 2 October, chief inspector Goncalo Amaral was removed from the case and transferred after alleging that the British police were only interested in pursuing leads favourable to the McCanns. He would later publish a book, Maddie: The Truth of the Lie, the following summer, resulting in a lengthy libel battle with the McCanns that would run back and forth through the courts until March 2017.

Back in Britain, Gerry McCann issued a video that November in which he speculated that his family had been watched by a predator during their stay at Praia da Luz. His wife had come to believe that a potential perpetrator could have seen a note in the resorts guest book visible to all in reception noting their dining arrangements on the evening of Madeleines disappearance. The couple followed up on 20 January 2008 by releasing a sketch of a creepy man they said other holidaymakers had said they had seen loitering at the Ocean Club.

In April, a month before the one-year anniversary of the fateful night, Portuguese police travelled to Leicestershire to conduct further interviews with the McCanns friends.

Then, on 21 July, Portugals attorney general, Fernando Jose Pinto Monteiro, announced that there was no evidence to link either the McCanns or Robert Murat to the disappearance and closed the case, unsolved.

With the trail cold and no closure in sight, the McCanns continued to publicise their cause, issuing computer-generated images of how Madeleine might look now that she had aged on 3 November 2009 and condemning the release of previously unseen Portuguese police files  detailing possible sightings of their daughter  to British newspapers in March 2010.

The McCanns published a book of their own about their ordeal in May 2011, entitled simply Madeleine, which was serialised in The Sun as the newspaper led a campaign calling on British prime minister David Cameron to launch a new inquiry. He did so.

Commenced by then-home secretary Theresa May, the Metropolitan Polices Operation Grange would be led by commander Simon Foy and comprise a team of three detective inspectors, five detective sergeants, 19 detective constables and six civilian staff.

It began to yield results in 2013, with Scotland Yard formally announcing a new investigation in July and saying in October it had identified 41 potential suspects. That same month, BBC Crimewatch released an e-fit image of a man of particular interest who had been seen in Praia da Luz with a child matching Madeleines description in May 2007.

Detectives arrived in Portugal in January 2014 promising new arrests and finally searched the village in June, interviewing four people the following month but without unearthing new information. The quartet would be definitively ruled out in April 2017, before the UK government said it would continue to fund the investigation until 2020, having already admitted it had cost 10m in its first four years of operation.

That investment had enabled detectives to have tens of thousands of documents translated, investigate over 8,000 potential sightings, take 1,338 statements, collect 1,027 exhibits and investigate 650 sex offenders and 60 persons of interest, all without definitively establishing the truth.

The Madeline McCann case lay dormant before suddenly exploding into life in June 2020 when German media revealed that Christian Brueckner, a 43-year-old prisoner with a track record of child abuse and drug trafficking, had been identified as a new suspect by the public prosecutor of the German city of Braunschweig.

Christian Brueckner (Italian Carabinieri)

He had reportedly been living in a Volkswagen camper van in the Algarve at the time of Madeleines disappearance and one woman has since come forward to suggest she saw a girl that might have been Madeleine speaking German in a supermarket in Portugal in 2017.

German investigators classified their probe into his movements as a murder inquiry, saying they were working on the assumption that Madeleine is dead and reporting in July 2021 that they had found an abandoned cellar beneath his former allotment near Hanover where she could, theoretically, have been held captive.

Hans Christian Wolters, the prosecutor leading the investigation into Brueckner, has said he was very confident the inmate is responsible for kidnapping her.

If you knew the evidence we had you would come to the same conclusion as I do but I cant give you details because we dont want the accused to know what we have on him  these are tactical considerations, he told the BBC.

It was subsequently revealed that Madeleines Fund still had 773,629 to spend as of 31 March 2020, meaning the McCanns can continue to bankroll a private investigation to find their daughter long after the police hunt is finally drawn to a close, should they choose to.

Brueckner was formally made a arguido in relation to the case on 21 April 2022.

On 19 September, the McCanns lost their libel case against Mr Amaral, the former chief inspector who had investigated the disappearance, before the European Court of Human Rights.

The couple had attempted to argue that Mr Amaral was responsible for damaging their reputation and breaching their rights to respect for their private life and to be presumed innocent after taking exception to his book and associated media appearances in which he had repeatedly suggested they were responsible for the vanishing.

Their complaint also argued that Portugals Supreme Court had failed to allow them proper redress over the alleged libel by Mr Amaral after judges threw out their earlier claim in 2017.

The verdict left the McCanns with three months to appeal against the decision.

In February 2023, a Polish woman called Julia Faustyna made headlines by claiming she was Madeleine, using the Instagram name @iammadeleinemccann.

Ms Faustyna, 21, did not provide any supporting evidence but sought DNA tests to prove her origins. The results ultimately revealed that she was entirely of Polish origin, with no British heritage, disproving her claims for good.

In April 2023, a court in Braunschweig dropped a rape charge against Brueckner, unrelated to the Madeleine McCann case, concluding it did not have jurisdiction.

Police in Germany continue to claim they have concrete evidence that Madeleine is dead but this has still not been confirmed and their investigation is ongoing, with Brueckner still not charged in the McCann case.

Like her parents, Madeleines sister Amelie, now 18, observed the 16th anniversary of her disappearance in May 2023.

Speaking publicly for the first time at a prayer meeting in Rothley, she said: Its nice that everyone is here together but its a sad occasion.

Amelie McCann reportedly joined in with chants including Never never give up, leave no stone unturned, dont forget about me and still missing, still missed.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Train ticket inspectors gave a 14-year-old girl a 100 fine after accusing her of being an adult - despite her wearing school uniform at the time.

Leila Sanger said she was left in tears after being accused by two male train guards of lying about her age in order to travel using a childs ticket.

Despite wearing her uniform and having a student lanyard around her neck, the schoolgirl was handed a fine of just over 104, as the inspectors believed she was older and so not entitled to a childs fare.

But Leila said she was in her uniform with a student lanyard and even had with her a Southeastern ID card.

She was stopped on 25 May as she changed trains at Strood, Kent, to get to her home in nearby Snodland.

The teenager regularly uses the service to go to and from school in Gravesend, Kent, but now says she is scared to go back to the station as she fears she will see the two men again.

Mother Naomi Sanger, 43, said: She was in school uniform and was wearing a student lanyard and possessed a Southeastern ID card.

Two male officers told her she was a liar, issued her with a 104.40 penalty charge notice and then proceeded to demand to go through her mobile phone to contact me.

She tried calling me, but I couldnt answer as I was in a meeting.

So instead they scrolled through her phone looking at her messages - invading her privacy.

They were gas-lighting her, stating that she had said she was 15 previously, which she hadnt. She was shaken up and in tears when she came home.

The next day, Leila would not use the train to go to school.

Mrs Sanger said: I ended up taking time off work to take her to and from school.

The incident took place on a Southeastern Railways train in Kent (SWNS)

Leilas mother complained to the rail operator and the fine was cancelled.

But she said she received no apology for the way her daughter was treated or assurance that the inspectors would not behave in a same way again.

The project planner added: Leila does look older than her age, a lot of girls do these days.

But there is a way of asking her age, and even issuing a fine if they still didnt believe her, that does not involve this level of intimidation.

Leila was wearing school ID that said she was in Year 9, which should have told them she was only 13 or 14.

Now shes been left afraid to travel by train and Im not sure how I will get her to school now.

Siobhan Bradshaw, the general manager for enforcement at Southeastern, suggested a school lanyard and Southeastern ID card was insufficient proof of age for a child ticket.

She said: We can confirm a penalty fare was cancelled, but we do not routinely comment on ongoing investigations.

We do expect colleagues to be professional and courteous at all times.

But we also believe its reasonable to ask for proof of age if a younger customer looks older than 15 and asks for a child fare.

On occasions when theyre unable to provide this, they may be liable to pay the adult fare.

To avoid any unnecessary confusion, wed recommend carrying an official proof of age such as a Citizen Card or a Validate UK Card.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The distribution of Greggs vs Pret A Manger stores is the true sign of the North-South divide, a new study suggests.

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University set out to test the anecdotal perception that the ratio of Pret to Greggs stores indicates whether a town can be considered northern or southern.

Popular bakery brand Greggs commercial competitor Pret A Manger is often associated with the south, with London alone hosting over half of the chains UK store locations.

In December 2022, Pret A Manger had 434 shops  273 of which were in the capital. Its first UK outlet arrived in Hampstead, north London in 1986.

By contrast, Greggs has its roots in the north, with the first store opened in 1939 in Tyneside.

The research model compared the geographical distribution of Greggs and Pret locations with Gross Domestic Household Income (GDHI)  mapped along two lines  and found that they matched remarkably well.

The tongue-in-cheek analysis concluded that the majority of Englands wealth is concentrated in London, as are most of Pret A Mangers locations.

Titled The greggs-pret index: a machine learning analysis of consumer habits as a metric for the socio-economic north- south divide in England, the paper also aims to highlight more serious factors highlighting the North-South divide, such as life expectancy, education, and poverty.

Pret is a favourite down south (PA Wire)

The food we eat is a very good indicator of whether someone is northern or southern. Greggs is very popular in the north, where people do seem to prefer a steak bake, said Dr Robin Smith, the physicist at Sheffield Hallam University who led on the new study.

We are fascinated by the north-south divide, so it is good to have a way of working out where it starts.

However, Since Greggs produced the vegan sausage roll  it has become more popular in the south, so this might not be a marker of northernness for that much longer, Dr Smith added.

The study also assessed the locations of supermarkets Morrisons and Waitrose, finding that the geographical distribution of these two brands could also be placed close to the Watford Gap.

South of Birmingham, Watford Gap is an area near the village of Watford, Northamptonshire which has historically been used to divide the North from the South.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Tesco has urged its 20 million Clubcard customers to cash in their rewards over the next fortnight before they are cut from three times to two times their value.

The UKs biggest supermarket announced in March that its Clubcard points will be worth twice their value when customers cash them in, rather than three times as they are now, from June 14.

Rewards ordered up to and including June 13 will continue to be valid for one year from the date of issue.

The popular scheme enables shoppers to collect points for money spent at Tesco and exchange them for vouchers which can be used in store or for excursions to locations such as Pizza Express, Legoland and Alton Towers.

The grocer first introduced Clubcard in 1995 and promptly saw a 28% spending uplift.

Tescos chief customer officer Alessandra Bellini said: While we are making a change to how members can use their vouchers with our reward partners, we want to remind millions of Clubcard holders to redeem their vouchers at three times the value until June 13 so they can use their reward partner codes to give themselves and their families a well-deserved treat.

We have extended the validity of redeemed codes at the 3x rate, so if swapped before the deadline, they will be valid for a year, instead of six months, to give customers even more time to enjoy them.

Customers expressed their disappointment at the change, pointing out it came as the cost-of-living crisis was already placing pressure on household budgets.

One shopper posted: Tesco #clubcard now only worth x2  gee thanks #Tesco  you really care about your loyal customers  not. Maybe time to shop elsewhere.

A second Clubcard user wrote: We were always grateful for the @Tesco Clubcard X4 when our kids were younger, it helped out massively on days out, we used our vouchers to buy towards Merlin passes which saved us so much money.

We use it now for ourselves and X3 is good, but what an insult #X2 is to customers!

A third wrote: Dear @tesco Just got your email re clubcard voucher exchange value changing to 2x, not 3x the value.

Really disappointing! Not that long ago they were worth 4x the value. Are you not making enough profit already?

One woman tweeted Tesco that its Clubcard scheme had kept me shopping with you but now with your prices soaring and the announcement about the points changes Ill be looking elsewhere.

I bet a lot will do the same. It really helped us all out. Disappointed in you Tesco, she added.

Sainsburys and Boots also cut the value of their loyalty schemes recently.

From May, Boots Advantage Card holders have received 25% less for every 1 they spend in store, earning 3p rather than 4p.

In November Sainsburys Bank cut the amount of Nectar points customers could earn by 75%, from two points for every 1 spent to one point for every 2.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden stressed their unwavering support for Ukraine, with the president saying the US will help Kyiv for as long as it takes.

The two leaders emphasised the need for long-term security arrangements for the war-torn nation as deterrence against aggression from Russian president Vladimir Putin.

At a joint press conference at the White House on Thursday, Mr Biden was asked about hesitation about more funding for Ukraine among some lawmakers in the rival Republican Party.

The Democratic US president said: I believe well have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes.

And I believe that that support will be real, even though you hear some voices today on Capitol Hill about whether or not we should continue to support Ukraine and for how long we should support them.

He said Moscow would not halt its invasion if the west was not supporting Kyiv.

Mr Sunak said: I agree with what the president has said  its about deterrence.

President Putin will be thinking that he can wait us out, that the alliance will tire, will get fatigued and will give up. Now, that is not the case.

And the more we can put in place support for Ukraine, not just in the here and now, but support that will last for a time and for years to come, I think it sends a strong signal to him that there is no point in trying to wait us out, were not going anywhere. We will be here for as long as it takes.

Mr Biden also thanked Mr Sunak for his strong, strong leadership over the war in Ukraine.

The two leaders have unwavering support of the people of Ukraine, the US president said.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The family of a man shot dead in Shepherds Bush three years ago have insisted they are not going to rest until they get justice.

On the anniversary of his death, Alexander Kareems siblings: Khafi, 33; and Kabir, 29; urged anyone with information to come forward and for those responsible to hand themselves in, or risk living with a heavy conscience.

The 20-year-old was shot on Askew Road, Shepherds Bush, west London, in the early hours of June 8 2020 as he was travelling to a friends house on a scooter.

An increased reward of 20,000 has been offered by Crimestoppers for any leads that could catch the killers.

You may think youve gotten away with it, but you havent. Were not going to rest - it's not even a choice. Khafi Kareem, victim's brother

Khafi, who has served as a Met Police officer since 2010 but is not involved in the investigation, told the PA news agency: I never thought wed still be here doing appeals three years on.

You cant kill people and get away with it  what kind of society is that?

She said no day goes by where I still dont think about Alex, and, addressing his killers, added: You may think youve gotten away with it, but you havent. Were not going to rest  its not even a choice.

Hes not going to die in vain.

Kabir, who has created a music video on YouTube in tribute to his late brother, said: From the entire family theres sorrow (and) high levels of frustration, given that its been so long since its happened and theres still been no closure in terms of anyone being caught or actually held accountable for Alexs killing.

Thats put a lot of us in quite a dark space, and we want to move forward from the incident.

He said some people in the Shepherds Bush community most definitely do know the circumstances around Alexanders shooting, and said it was important to show these particular actions in our community should not be protected.

The family have agreed to meet a Met family liaison officer once a month.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Woodsford of the homicide team at New Scotland Yard said: I really hope that people will have a chance to reflect three years on from the trauma and tragedy that this family has faced.

(Alexander) had so much to look forward to: university, having a family, his whole life. Thats been brutally taken away, not just from him but from his family who are absolutely inconsolable.

Ms Woodsford said re-visiting all previous work done in the investigation was as important to achieving a breakthrough as chasing new leads.

She added: Weve been fortunate to have an increase in the Crimestoppers reward, and were hoping that and the anniversary will encourage people to come forward.

There are so many things that we can do as an organisation, both in the police and through the courts, to help protect witnesses who perhaps are nervous or concerned, and were willing to speak to anybody.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 and quote Operation SaveH or to tweet @MetCC with reference CAD 4830/07JUN23.

Alternatively, the public can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The UK should invest in artificial intelligence-driven weapons systems to stop it falling behind other countries, a former national security advisor has said.

Speaking at a parliamentary committee Mark Sedwill said AI was "the future of defence capability" and that the UK needed to invest in order to "punch its weight".

Lord Sedwill's comments come after Rishi Sunak's technology advisor said that AI could become powerful enough to kill many humans in only two years time.

Matt Clifford warned that that even short-term risks from the technology were pretty scary and said the risk of humanity being wiped out by AI was "not zero".

But Lord Sedwill, who has been a director of defence company BAE Systems since last year, said on Thursday morning that AI in the military would not necessarily mean "Terminator" or "Matrix" style killer robots.

"If you think of the counterinsurgency campaigns of the past 20 years ... in those cases there will be systems with some autonomous capabilities  supporting the troops on the ground, identifying threats and so on  but in the end, we will still need people to engage with other people in order to achieve our objectives," he said.

"So it's easy I think, to get caught up in a kind of Terminator, Matrix world, as one is thinking about this  but actually, it's going to be a much, a much broader spectrum of usage."

But he said some wholly autonomous weapons might be useful for defensive reasons, for example to shoot down missiles.

"My one recommendation would be invest," he told the House of Lords committee on AI in weapons systems.

"For this country to punch our weight in military terms over the next 25 to 50 years we should really be investing in this area and that also means being able to invest probably in a way that has a higher risk appetite than traditionally government investment does.

"This is going to be the future of defence capability and the UK needs to be at the forefront of that."

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 / 50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 June 2023 A cyclist trains in the early morning, as hot weather continues, in Richmond Park, London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 June 2023 A performer walks on a tightrope at Covent Garden during a sunny day in London AP UK news in pictures 8 June 2023 A women rides her horse through the river during the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 7 June 2023 The Princess of Wales during a game of walking rugby during her visit to meet local and national male rugby players at Maidenhead Rugby Club PA UK news in pictures 6 June 2023 An aerial view shows the dry bed of Woodhead Reservoir, revealed by a falling water level after a prolonged period of dry weather, near Glossop, northern England AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 5 June 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak onboard Border Agency cutter HMC Seeker during a visit to Dover PA UK news in pictures 4 June 2023 A hot air balloon rises into the sky above Ragley Hall, Alcester, south of Birmingham in central England AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 June 2023 Skaters use the mini ramp at the Wavelength Spring Classic festival in Woolacombe Bay in Devon PA UK news in pictures 1 June 2023 The And Beyond installation, during a photo call for the London Design Biennale at Somerset House in London PA UK news in pictures 31 May 2023 Emergency services attending to a blaze at a derelict listed building in Samuel Street, Belfast PA UK news in pictures 30 May 2023 A robot named Stella interacts with visitors during the International Conference on Robotics and Automation ICRA in London AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2023 Dave Hackett and his daughter Daisy, five, explore the laburnum arch in the grounds of Preston Tower, East Lothian, in the warm Spring Bank Holiday weather PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2023 Great Britains Nick Bandurak scores their sides third goal of the game during the FIH Hockey Pro League mens match at Lee Valley, London PA UK news in pictures 27 May 2023 People enjoy the sunny weather at a park in London AP UK news in pictures 26 May 2023 People drink coffee inside Daleks during MCM Comic Con at the ExCel London in east London PA UK news in pictures 25 May 2023 King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a visit to Enniskillen Castle, Co Fermanagh as part of a two day visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 24 May 2023 Horses enjoy the sunny weather on Middleham Gallops in North Yorkshire PA UK news in pictures 23 May 2023 An aerial view of a yellow rapeseed field in Hemel Hempstead, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 22 May 2023 Manoj Malde and Clive Gillmor kiss after getting married, the first wedding ever at the Chelsea Flower Show AP UK news in pictures 21 May 2023 People enjoy the warm weather as they take punt tours along the River Cam in Cambridge PA UK news in pictures 20 May 2023 Protesters emerge from the sea as Surfers Against Sewage hold a UK-wide paddle-out protest at Brighton West Pier in East Sussex PA UK news in pictures 19 May 2023 Good Karma ridden by Daniel Muscutt (right) wins the Earl & The Pharaoh Novice Stakes at Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire PA UK news in pictures 18 May 2023 Choristers from the Choir of St Johns College at the University of Cambridge look out from the top of the Chapel Tower before performing the Ascension Day carol - a custom dating back to 1902. PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2023 Oxfam activists wearing 'big heads' of G7 leaders during a demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London, highlighting their lack of action to tackle the East Africa hunger crisis ahead of the start of the G7 summit in Japan PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2023 Part of a childs jacket during a photo call for the Chinas hidden century exhibition, which opens at the British Museum PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2023 Viewing assistant and History of Art student Emma Scarr Hall takes a closer look at @Pink Roses (1923) by Scottish Colourist artist Leslie Hunter which is estimated at 60,000-80,000 in the forthcoming Bonhams Scottish Art Sale in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 14 May 2023 Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, Sharon Horgan and Anne-Marie Duff, with the award for Drama Series, for Bad Sisters at the 2023 BAFTA TV Awards in London EPA UK news in pictures 13 May 2023 Singer Loreen performing on behalf of Sweden celebrates with the trophy after winning the final of the Eurovision Song contest 2023 AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 12 May 2023 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer views a cancer tumour under a microscope during a visit to the Francis Crick Institute in north London where he met scientists working on research into lung cancer PA UK news in pictures 11 May 2023 Judging takes during the artisan cheese awards at St Marys Church, Melton Mowbray PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2023 A dog joins members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) on the picket line outside HMRC in East Kilbride during a strike in the long-running civil service dispute over pay, jobs and conditions PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2023 Two trains carrying 170 Eurovision song contest superfans arrive into Liverpool Lime Street train station PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2023 Britains Prince Louis eats toasted marshmallows as they take part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, England, AP UK news in pictures 6 May 2023 King Charles III and Queen Camilla can be seen on the Buckingham Palace balcony ahead of the flypast during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla Getty UK news in pictures 5 May 2023 Britain's King Charles III leaves after speaking to well-wishers on The Mall near to Buckingham Palace in central London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 May 2023 A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles III PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2023 Teacher members of the National Education Union (NEU) at a rally in Westminster, London, as they stage walkouts across England in an ongoing dispute over pay PA UK news in pictures 1 May 2023 Former US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on the tarmac after disembarking "Trump Force One" at Aberdeen airport on the north-east coast of Scotland AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 April 2023 Handout photo issued by the Big Partnership of walkers at the start of The Kiltwalk 2023 from Glasgow Green. PA UK news in pictures 29 April 2023 Englands flanker Marlie Packer celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the Womens Six Nations Grand Slam at the end of the Six Nations international womens rugby union match between England and France at Twickenham in south-west London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 28 April 2023 Lucy Williams, from Aberfan, holds her son Daniel Williams, one, as he takes the handbag of the Princess of Wales, during her visit with her husband the Prince of Wales, to the Aberfan memorial garden, to pay their respects to those who lost their lives during the Aberfan disaster on October 21st 1966 PA UK news in pictures 27 April 2023 Teachers on the picket line outside Bristol Cathedral School, College Square, Bristol, as they take strike action in a dispute over pay PA UK news in pictures 26 April 2023 Protesters wait for the arrival of King Charles III and the Queen Consort for their visit to Liverpool Central Library PA UK news in pictures 25 April 2023 Wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph in central London, in commemoration for Anzac Day PA UK news in pictures 24 April 2023 Waves crash over Tynemouth pier on the North East coast of England PA UK news in pictures 23 April 2023 People cross the finish line at the 2023 London Marathon Getty UK news in pictures 22 April 2023 A Wrexham fan in a Deadpool costume ahead of the Vanarama National League match at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham PA UK news in pictures 21 April 2023 A demonstrator wears a costume as people protest during the Extinction Rebellion's 'The Big One' event, in London, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 20 April 2023 The funeral cortege of Paul OGrady travels through the village of Aldington, Kent ahead of his funeral at St Rumwolds Church PA UK news in pictures 19 April 2023 Georgia Harrison, who was a victim of revenge porn, at a demonstration organised by Refuge outside the Houses of Parliament, calling for a violence against women and girls code of practice to be added to the Online safety bill PA

The former top civil servant also said some of the best and brightest AI scientists refused to work on defence projects for ethical reasons  though he believed the war in Ukraine could promote a change in attitude.

Lord Sedwill, who was also head of the civil service from 2018 to 2020 under Theresa May and Boris Johnson, said military doctrines would need to be reworked in order to take into account the existence of AI.

He held the role of national security advisor from 2017 to 2020.

It comes as Mr Sunak heads to the US, where he is set to try to persuade president Joe Biden of his grand plan for the UK to be at the centre of international AI regulation.

The PM wants Britain to host a watchdog for AI similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and will also propose a new international research body.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Tory governments plan to place asylum seekers in a barge at an east London dock has been rejected, Sadiq Khan has told Suella Braverman.

The London mayor urged the home secretary to rule out use of barges in the capital  as he attacked the Rishi Sunak governments cruel and inhumane policy to deal with migrants arriving by small boats.

Writing to Ms Braverman, Mr Khan said he backed the decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) to reject an application for the use of King George V Dock as a berth for asylum seekers.

Warning her not to try to overrule the port authority, the Labour mayor said: I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the governments plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels.

Mr Khan said the plans were unsafe and unworkable, and they risk the health and wellbeing of already highly vulnerable people  warning that the docks could targeted by far-right protesters.

It is unclear how ministers will seek to ensure those housed in such vessels, some of whom are fleeing the most appalling of circumstances, will have access to the necessary support, both on arrival and in rebuilding their lives, he wrote.

Mr Sunak announced on Monday that his government had acquired two more giant barges to house about 1,000 people seeking refuge in the UK  but would not reveal the locations.

Docks in Middlesborough and Birkenhead are reportedly under consideration to host the barges, with protests against prison ships taking place in Merseyside this week.

Despite Labour mayors strong opposition, Mr Khan was warned that he would not have the power block the barge scheme if the government pushes ahead with it.

Rishi Sunak has vowed to stop the boats (PA)

The Home Office is thought to have approached the Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) several weeks ago about mooring an asylum barge in the east London docks.

Both the Metropolitan Police and Newham Council are understood to have raised concerns about the idea on safety grounds.

However, the Mayors office is not thought to have the power to block the scheme and the Home Office could press ahead despite local objections.

Ministers need to completely rethink their plans as a matter of urgency, Mr Khan said  calling the barge proposals an extension of the governments failed hostile environment approach to migration.

In his letter also rejected the governments false assumption that barges would create a disincentive for people to come to make the journey across the English Channel.

There is no evidence that the use of such accommodation would act as a deterrent, while in practice it would simply leave large numbers of people in wholly unsuitable conditions.

Bibby Stockholm barge set to dock in Portland (PA)

Mr Sunak confirmed on Monday that the first Bibby Stockholm barge, aimed at housing 500 asylum seekers off the coast of Dorset, will be docked at Portland within a fortnight.

Portland residents shared their anger with a Home Office official at a tense public meeting about the plan this week.

The asylum seekers on the barge will be subjected to a code of conduct and will lose any public funds if they misbehave  either on the boat or when they are escorted in and out of town  the Home Office reportedly told residents.

A Home Office spokesperson said the government was still looking for new alternative sites but refused to comment on the Royal Docks application.

The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels, the Home Office spokesperson added.

We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites.
 Close Related video

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Tory MP has accused Boris Johnson of orchestrating a mutiny and said he should not be allowed to stand as an MP again until he shows commitment to the party.

Tobias Ellwood, who chairs the defence select committee, told The Independent that adulation for Mr Johnson had been replaced by total indignation after his actions triggered three by-elections.

Mr Johnson dramatically resigned as MP on Friday over the outcome of the Partygate inquiry, with two of his allies  Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams  also quitting with immediate effect.

It comes as senior Cabinet minister Grant Shapps said the world has moved on and that Tories did not miss the drama of a Johnson administration. One senior MP, who is close to Mr Sunak, told The Independent: Good riddance.

Senior Tories accused the former PM and his allies of a coordinated attempt to damage the Sunak government.

But Sunak loyalists have attempted to play down the row, insisting the PM will be relieved at having a chance to draw a line under the Boris madness.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Boris Johnson told Jacob Rees-Mogg to be a pain in the backside for Rishi Sunak amid a row over Brexit, Guto Harri has claimed.

The former prime ministers spin doctor said Mr Johnson gave Mr Rees-Mogg carte blanche to tread on some toes in the Treasury.

Mr Rees-Mogg, as he was being offered the job of cabinet secretary, warned the prime minister that Mr Sunak had gone native on Brexit policy, Mr Harri claimed.

The spin doctor said: He warned the Prime Minister that on Brexit he thought the government had got to the point where it was trying to keep the UK deliberately, in what he called, the 'lunar orbit of the EU.'

He warned that the Chancellor Rishi Sunak had 'gone native.

Mr Harri made the claim on his podcast memoir, Unprecedented: Inside Downing street. He has previously joked that Mr Johnson wanted to take out Partygate investigator Sue Gray with a drone strike and claimed the former PM squared up to King Charles for branding the governments Rwanda policy appalling.

In the latest episode, Mr Harri said the prime minister wanted Mr Rees-Mogg to give the Treasury a massive kick.

Mr Rees-Mogg, he said, replied by making a joke about Mr Sunaks small stature, claiming he would have to tread on some little toes in the department.

Boris, after a little chuckle, gave him carte blanche to be a pain in the backside for the Treasury and for Rishi Sunak. His words quite simply, 'go ahead, Mr Harri said.

He also claimed officials were initially anxious about how to pitch the governments Rwanda asylum policy to the public.

I remember looking around the room and everyone was anxious, because the first thing that came to mind for most people when you said, 'We're sending people to Rwanda' was a horrible, haunting image of machete wielding genocidal tribes that went through each other decades ago, he said.

Mr Harri said most people had not realised the African nation has moved on in leaps and bounds in recent years. Although he added that a key opponent of the policy remained in the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.

It not a good idea for an unelected royal to be at odds with the elected government of the day, even if people might agree with the unelected royal, he said.

Ahead of a summit last summer in the Rwandan capital Kigali, King Charles was reported to have criticised the plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

And Mr Harri said it took a lot of toing and froing to avoid an embarassing moment as the two met.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Senior Conservative MPs have urged Rishi Sunak to invite China to his flagship artificial intelligence (AI) summit this autumn.

The UK will host the event, the first of its kind as the world seeks to regulate the powerful new technology. Earlier this week the prime ministers technology advisor warned that AI could become powerful enough to kill many humans in only two years time.

On a trip to Washington, Mr Sunak said Britain was "well-placed" to take a leading role on the issue.

Despite the global nature of the risk, No 10 has only said that like-mind countries will be invited, suggesting China will be excluded.

Tobias Ellwood, the chair of the Commons defence committee, said that China absolutely should be invited : Like the advance of Nuclear power, we need to develop strict international rules on how AI is researched, harnessed and monitored for peaceful causes.

If we dont have total buy-in from the start the dangers of AI over humans is given space to develop and any threat wont be contained by geographical borders.

Alicia Kearns, the chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said: We need to better understand their (Chinas) AI capabilities and approach, and to seek to agree global standards.

Meanwhile, a former national security advisor has said the UK should invest in AI-driven weapons systems to stop it falling behind other countries.

Lord Sedwill said AI was "the future of defence capability" and that the UK needed to invest in order to "punch its weight".

Earlier this week Matt Clifford warned that that even short-term risks from the technology were pretty scary and said the risk of humanity being wiped out by AI was "not zero".

No 10 declined to comment.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Multimillionaire hedge fund manager Crispin Odey has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women who have worked with him.

The Tory donor, a leading figure in Londons financial world, faces shocking allegations that he groped female members of staff and masturbated on a female entrepreneur.

Thirteen women who worked for Odey Asset Management or had dealings with Mr Odey told the Financial Times he had abused or harassed them. Eight of the women allege Mr Odey sexually assaulted them.

Mr Odey was said to be known for hiring earls and girls  men educated at Eton and Harrow, with women mainly employed as receptionists and in secretarial positions.

A law firm representing Mr Odey said he strenuously disputed the allegations of sexual misconduct, while the hedge fund manager told the FT that the allegations were rubbish.

This is a rehash of an old article and none of the allegations have been stood up in a courtroom or an investigation, Mr Odey later told Reuters.

The newspaper details a series of alleged incidents between 1998 and 2021, with the women said to be keen to speak out because Mr Odey continues to hold power over young female employees at the company he founded.

One former receptionist claimed Mr Odey had made frequent unwanted physical contact, including massaging her shoulders and kissing the top of her head. She alleges that in July 2004 he tried to forcefully kiss her and attempted to touch her breasts.

In her resignation letter the following month, she told Odey Asset Management that she had received unrequested sexual attention from Mr Crispin Odey in the form of massages, kisses, embraces and crude sexually suggestive comments.

Crispin Odey outside Hendon Magistrates Court in 2021, when he was cleared of indecent assault (Reuters)

Another woman, an entrepreneur invited to Mr Odeys London home in March 2013, alleged that he had exposed himself to her before she fled to the toilet.

She told the FT that Mr Odey came into her room after she was invited to stay and assured her that nothing will happen before sexually assaulting her. She said: I dont remember much else, except I tried to fake something so it would all be over.

Several former receptionists claimed that unwanted massages were part of his everyday behaviour. One said: Youd tell him to stop, but you cant just slap him off.

It was reportedly common for staff to advise women starting at the firm to avoid taking the small office lift alone with the founding partner. The receptionists are said to have nicknamed Mr Odey the octopus.

Mr Odey allegedly asked female staff about their sex lives and remarked on their appearance, telling them that their legs look incredible in that.

The FT said it had spoken to 40 former employees of Odey Asset Management, including 11 former receptionists who worked there between 2003 and 2021. All but two of the receptionists alleged abusive behaviour by Mr Odey.

Mr Odey has previously been accused of sexual misconduct. In March 2021 he was found not guilty of an indecent assault against a junior female banker at his London home.

Crispin Odey was cleared of indecent assault in March 2021 (Reuters)

Senior executives at the firm were said to have been aware of concerns about Mr Odeys behaviour, and launched a formal investigation into his conduct in September, carried out by an in-house legal team and an external law firm, Simmons & Simmons.

The firms executive committee reportedly held a disciplinary meeting with their founder in January 2021, in which he was told he had behaved inappropriately with female staff and was given a final written warning.

The committee also gave its report to the Financial Conduct Authority. Firms are obliged to notify the watchdog of disciplinary action involving senior staff.

After Mr Odey was cleared of indecent assault, the executive committee is said to have started a second investigation into his behaviour in October 2021, before scheduling another disciplinary for December 2021.

But Mr Odey sacked his executive committee and claimed it had received bad legal advice, according to the FT.

Two further allegations of sexual misconduct date from the period after the court case ended in March 2021. One woman said he tried to force his tongue into her mouth and groped her breasts at his house in Gloucestershire in December 2021.

Without standing up to him, he will do it again and continue doing it, the woman said. The number of known assaults is large enough now that we are able to validate each others stories, and face him with the confidence needed to stop his vile behaviour continuing.

JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley are said to be reviewing their broking relationships with Odey Asset Management following the allegations. The FT reported on Morgan Stanleys move to cut ties, while a source at JPMorgan told Reuters it was also examining its links to the company.

Asked by Reuters about Morgan Stanley, Mr Odey said: That is a massively quick reaction to an allegation by the FT.

The FCA may widen an investigation launched two years ago into Odey Asset Management to consider potential, non-financial misconduct by Mr Odey, according to the FT.

In 2020, Mr Odey stepped back from running the firm he had founded to focus on managing money, but remained its majority shareholder. The firm is now led by chief executive Peter Martin.

Electoral Commission records show that the hedge fund manager  who once employed former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng as a consultant  has donated more than 350,000 to the Tories.

Mr Odeys firm bet against the pound and government bonds in the gilts market in the wake of the turmoil stemming from the mini-Budget. Its been helpful, Mr Odey told the FT on his short position  but he dismissed the idea that he had any kind of trading advantage because Mr Kwarteng had previously worked for his firm.

Recommended Tory donor makes huge profits from falling pound

The law firm representing Mr Odeys firm declined to comment to the FT on the allegations made by multiple women, citing confidentiality. It said Odey Asset Management has anti-harassment policies, and that it has, at all times, complied with all of its legal and regulatory obligations.

The Independent has contacted Mr Odeys legal representative and Odey Asset Management for comment.

Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The US is looking to the UK to lead the effort on how artificial intelligence is regulated, Joe Biden said.

The US president expressed his confidence in Rishi Sunak in heading up international co-ordinated action to mitigate the risks of the emerging technology.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Prime Minister at the White House, Mr Biden described the technological change AI could bring as staggering.

He said architects of AI are themselves very concerned about it getting out of hand and weve got to make sure were all on the same page.

Mr Biden added: And were looking to Great Britain to lead that effort this fall in putting together a proposal, a group of nations to deal with, how do we deal with this.

Mr Sunak has announced that the UK will host the first global summit on AI safety in the autumn, with Downing Street describing it as an opportunity for like-minded countries to come together on the issue.

Mr Biden highlighted AIs potential to do great damage if its not controlled but also its potential to cure cancer.

He said: It has enormous potential and were looking to Great Britain to help lead that effort, to figure out a way through this.

So were in full, total co-operation. Because theres no-one, no country we have greater faith in being able to negotiate this  not negotiate with individuals  negotiate our way through this, than the Prime Minister.

Mr Sunak said he was delighted the US and other countries were working with great haste to address the issue.

Governments need to approach AI with the same spirit of urgency as they do climate change, he said.

We come together at Cop to work multilaterally across multiple countries to bring down carbon emissions, to get funding to the countries that need it, to share research on how we can develop the green technologies of the future, the Prime Minister said.

We need to bring that same spirit of urgency, I think, to the challenges and opportunities that AI poses, because the pace of the technological change is faster than people had anticipated.

Speaking to broadcasters ahead of the press conference, Mr Sunak said he thought Britain was well placed to take a leading role in developing a global architecture for regulation.

He said: The UK is research-based, (has the) companies  everything points to us.

Our ability to move quickly, to put regulation in place, is really important in an industry and technology that itself is changing very rapidly.

In their bilateral meeting, Mr Biden and Mr Sunak agreed both their countries would play a crucial role in safe AI development, according to a read-out.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: The leaders agreed that accelerating international co-operation on safe and responsible AI development is one of the pressing issues of our age.

As frontier nations, the UK and US will be a crucial part of these efforts alongside international partners.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Britain can reverse Brexit and rejoin the EU any time it likes Michel Barnier has said.

The former Brexit negotiator said the UK knew "exactly" what the conditions for rejoining the bloc were and that the door is open.

But speaking to ITV's Peston programme Mr Barnier blasted Boris Johnson's handling of talks with Brussels  accusing him of disrespecting his own signature on the deal he signed.

"The point is not to sign a treaty, the point is to respect the treaty and to respect its own signature," Mr Barnier said of the ex-PM's approach.

"I never understood, I do not still understand, how the prime minister of such a country, a great country like the UK, can be able not to respect his own signature.

Brussels was enraged by Mr Johnson's breaking of commitments he signed up to in the Brexit deal  especially over the Northern Ireland border.

Mr Barnier accused Mr Johnson of creating two lost years when it came to the EU-UK relationship by dragging the UK into a legal battle over the Northern Ireland protocol.

But he said the EU had changed and that the UK could return any time.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 / 50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 9 June 2023 A performer walks on a tightrope at Covent Garden during a sunny day in London AP UK news in pictures 8 June 2023 A women rides her horse through the river during the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 7 June 2023 The Princess of Wales during a game of walking rugby during her visit to meet local and national male rugby players at Maidenhead Rugby Club PA UK news in pictures 6 June 2023 An aerial view shows the dry bed of Woodhead Reservoir, revealed by a falling water level after a prolonged period of dry weather, near Glossop, northern England AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 5 June 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak onboard Border Agency cutter HMC Seeker during a visit to Dover PA UK news in pictures 4 June 2023 A hot air balloon rises into the sky above Ragley Hall, Alcester, south of Birmingham in central England AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 June 2023 Skaters use the mini ramp at the Wavelength Spring Classic festival in Woolacombe Bay in Devon PA UK news in pictures 1 June 2023 The And Beyond installation, during a photo call for the London Design Biennale at Somerset House in London PA UK news in pictures 31 May 2023 Emergency services attending to a blaze at a derelict listed building in Samuel Street, Belfast PA UK news in pictures 30 May 2023 A robot named Stella interacts with visitors during the International Conference on Robotics and Automation ICRA in London AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2023 Dave Hackett and his daughter Daisy, five, explore the laburnum arch in the grounds of Preston Tower, East Lothian, in the warm Spring Bank Holiday weather PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2023 Great Britains Nick Bandurak scores their sides third goal of the game during the FIH Hockey Pro League mens match at Lee Valley, London PA UK news in pictures 27 May 2023 People enjoy the sunny weather at a park in London AP UK news in pictures 26 May 2023 People drink coffee inside Daleks during MCM Comic Con at the ExCel London in east London PA UK news in pictures 25 May 2023 King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a visit to Enniskillen Castle, Co Fermanagh as part of a two day visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 24 May 2023 Horses enjoy the sunny weather on Middleham Gallops in North Yorkshire PA UK news in pictures 23 May 2023 An aerial view of a yellow rapeseed field in Hemel Hempstead, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 22 May 2023 Manoj Malde and Clive Gillmor kiss after getting married, the first wedding ever at the Chelsea Flower Show AP UK news in pictures 21 May 2023 People enjoy the warm weather as they take punt tours along the River Cam in Cambridge PA UK news in pictures 20 May 2023 Protesters emerge from the sea as Surfers Against Sewage hold a UK-wide paddle-out protest at Brighton West Pier in East Sussex PA UK news in pictures 19 May 2023 Good Karma ridden by Daniel Muscutt (right) wins the Earl & The Pharaoh Novice Stakes at Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire PA UK news in pictures 18 May 2023 Choristers from the Choir of St Johns College at the University of Cambridge look out from the top of the Chapel Tower before performing the Ascension Day carol - a custom dating back to 1902. PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2023 Oxfam activists wearing 'big heads' of G7 leaders during a demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London, highlighting their lack of action to tackle the East Africa hunger crisis ahead of the start of the G7 summit in Japan PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2023 Part of a childs jacket during a photo call for the Chinas hidden century exhibition, which opens at the British Museum PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2023 Viewing assistant and History of Art student Emma Scarr Hall takes a closer look at @Pink Roses (1923) by Scottish Colourist artist Leslie Hunter which is estimated at 60,000-80,000 in the forthcoming Bonhams Scottish Art Sale in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 14 May 2023 Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, Sharon Horgan and Anne-Marie Duff, with the award for Drama Series, for Bad Sisters at the 2023 BAFTA TV Awards in London EPA UK news in pictures 13 May 2023 Singer Loreen performing on behalf of Sweden celebrates with the trophy after winning the final of the Eurovision Song contest 2023 AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 12 May 2023 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer views a cancer tumour under a microscope during a visit to the Francis Crick Institute in north London where he met scientists working on research into lung cancer PA UK news in pictures 11 May 2023 Judging takes during the artisan cheese awards at St Marys Church, Melton Mowbray PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2023 A dog joins members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) on the picket line outside HMRC in East Kilbride during a strike in the long-running civil service dispute over pay, jobs and conditions PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2023 Two trains carrying 170 Eurovision song contest superfans arrive into Liverpool Lime Street train station PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2023 Britains Prince Louis eats toasted marshmallows as they take part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, England, AP UK news in pictures 6 May 2023 King Charles III and Queen Camilla can be seen on the Buckingham Palace balcony ahead of the flypast during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla Getty UK news in pictures 5 May 2023 Britain's King Charles III leaves after speaking to well-wishers on The Mall near to Buckingham Palace in central London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 May 2023 A night time rehearsal in central London for the coronation of King Charles III PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2023 Teacher members of the National Education Union (NEU) at a rally in Westminster, London, as they stage walkouts across England in an ongoing dispute over pay PA UK news in pictures 1 May 2023 Former US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on the tarmac after disembarking "Trump Force One" at Aberdeen airport on the north-east coast of Scotland AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 April 2023 Handout photo issued by the Big Partnership of walkers at the start of The Kiltwalk 2023 from Glasgow Green. PA UK news in pictures 29 April 2023 Englands flanker Marlie Packer celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the Womens Six Nations Grand Slam at the end of the Six Nations international womens rugby union match between England and France at Twickenham in south-west London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 28 April 2023 Lucy Williams, from Aberfan, holds her son Daniel Williams, one, as he takes the handbag of the Princess of Wales, during her visit with her husband the Prince of Wales, to the Aberfan memorial garden, to pay their respects to those who lost their lives during the Aberfan disaster on October 21st 1966 PA UK news in pictures 27 April 2023 Teachers on the picket line outside Bristol Cathedral School, College Square, Bristol, as they take strike action in a dispute over pay PA UK news in pictures 26 April 2023 Protesters wait for the arrival of King Charles III and the Queen Consort for their visit to Liverpool Central Library PA UK news in pictures 25 April 2023 Wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph in central London, in commemoration for Anzac Day PA UK news in pictures 24 April 2023 Waves crash over Tynemouth pier on the North East coast of England PA UK news in pictures 23 April 2023 People cross the finish line at the 2023 London Marathon Getty UK news in pictures 22 April 2023 A Wrexham fan in a Deadpool costume ahead of the Vanarama National League match at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham PA UK news in pictures 21 April 2023 A demonstrator wears a costume as people protest during the Extinction Rebellion's 'The Big One' event, in London, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 20 April 2023 The funeral cortege of Paul OGrady travels through the village of Aldington, Kent ahead of his funeral at St Rumwolds Church PA UK news in pictures 19 April 2023 Georgia Harrison, who was a victim of revenge porn, at a demonstration organised by Refuge outside the Houses of Parliament, calling for a violence against women and girls code of practice to be added to the Online safety bill PA UK news in pictures 18 April 2023 People walk at the Taihaku Cherry Tree Orchard at Alnwick Gardens in Alnwick, Northumberland Reuters

"The door is open any time. I always say that during the negotiation and after negotiation, the door remains open.

To be clear, the UK government, the current government, the next government knows exactly what are the terms and the conditions to be part of the single market to be part of the customs union to join the EU," he said.

"The point is to know what would happen during this time. How far what would be the size of divergence between us and a new country. So this is a point."

Mr Barnier, a former French government minister, led negotiations over the Brexit divorce deal, or withdrawal agreement, for Brussels.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden hailed the strength of the UK/US relationship as they met at the White House for talks on artificial intelligence, economic co-operation and Ukraine.

The Prime Minister and US president spoke in the Oval Office about the brutal invasion of Ukraine and the technological revolution sweeping the world.

Mr Biden  who inadvertently described the Prime Minister as Mr President  told reporters the special relationship was in real good shape.

Together, we are providing economic and humanitarian aid and security systems to Ukraine in their fight against a brutal invasion from Russia, the president said.

The global economy is undergoing the greatest transformation that has occurred since the industrial revolution, he added.

Mr Biden told Mr Sunak: Were going solve all the problems of the world in the next 20 minutes.

He referenced Winston Churchills wartime visit to the White House and Mr Sunak said: Its daunting to think of the conversations that our predecessors had in this room when they had to speak of wars that they fought together, peace won together, incredible change in the lives of our citizens.

I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the industrial revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaking to US president Joe Biden

And again, for the first time in over half-a-century, we face a war on the European continent.

And as weve done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will.

But also I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the industrial revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm.

Before their meeting, Mr Sunak announced the UK would host the first global summit on AI safety.

The summit, which would be held in the autumn, would consider the need for international co-ordinated action to mitigate the risks of the emerging technology.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Rishi Sunak is said to be ready to nod through Boris Johnsons controversial honours list in a move set to spark at least two by-elections for the Tories.

The former prime ministers list has already raised eyebrows after he reportedly nominated a series of close political allies, friends and associates  including several Tory MPs and his own father.

But Mr Sunak is poised to approve the list of some 50 names in the coming weeks in a bid to clear the decks of another row involving predecessor, according to The Times.

The move will mean further electoral obstacles for Mr Sunak. Former Tory ministers Nadine Dorries and Alok Sharma are expected to stand down to take up Johnson-nominated peerages.

Mr Sharma, the former Cop26 president, has a small majority of only 4,000 in his Reading West seat, which could prove tricky for the Tories to hold.

Former culture secretary Ms Dorriess Mid-Bedfordshire constituency is traditionally a safe Tory seat with a 24,664 majority, but even that could be at risk if there was a big swing to Labour.

Two others thought to be on Mr Johnsons list  Alister Jack and Nigel Adams  are expected to remain as MPs until the end of this parliament before taking up roles in the Lords.

Mr Jack, the Scotland secretary, has made clear he wont be stepping down until the next election. Mr Adams described the idea of standing down early as utter b******s.

We strictly do not comment on honours, Mr Johnsons spokesman said.

Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been at odds on a series of issues (Getty)

The Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused Mr Sunak of rewarding failure by allegedly giving the list the green light  urging him to make sure it is put through shredder.

Mr Johnson could face a by-election over claims that he misled parliament over the Partygate scandal. The MPs committee investigating the claims is due to report back at the end of June and could suspend the former PM if he is found guilty.

It comes amid reports that he and wife Carrie hosted a close friend at Chequers  the prime ministers grace and favour country retreat in Buckinghamshire  while some Covid restrictions were still in place.

A sanction of 10 days or more could trigger a recall petition in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. For any recall petition to be successful it requires 10 per cent of registered voters in a seat to sign the petition.

However recent polling conducted by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft found that Mr Johnson, who has a majority of 7,210, would win the contest comfortably, securing 50 per cent of the vote.

The couple have dismissed any suggestions they broke Covid rules as totally false (PA)

The row over Mr Johnsons list has dragged on for the best part of 12 months and intensified over reports his father Stanley had been nominated for a knighthood.

Prime ministers can nominate people for awards and can make appointments to the Lords, parliaments second chamber. Appointments to the Lords are made by the government and approved by the monarch.

The process is overseen by a House of Lords Commission but its role is only advisory, meaning the PM has the final say on putting someone forward for ennoblement.

Meanwhile, Mr Johnsons former communications chief Guto Harri said the then-PM asked Jacob Rees-Mogg to be a pain in the backside for Mr Sunak amid a row over Brexit,

The ex-spin doctor said Mr Johnson gave Mr Rees-Mogg carte blanche to tread on some toes at the Treasury. Mr Rees-Mogg had warned that the then-chancellor had gone native on Brexit policy.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Demonstrators smeared oil over a fake, human-sized gannet to protest against plans to develop the Rosebank oil and gas field.

Ocean Rebellion climate protesters staged the stunt near Dundee harbour on Thursday, pouring containers filled with fake oil over the mock bird until it became unrecognisable.

Norwegian oil and gas company Equinor has applied to the UK Government for approval to work on Rosebank, the largest undeveloped oil field in the UK, with a decision expected soon.

It lies west of Shetland and is capable of producing up to 500 million barrels of oil.

Demonstrators said the protest highlighted the impact the oil industry can have on wildlife, with seabirds often found covered in oil due to spillages.

Fellow protesters stood behind the performers with a banner that read Stop Rosebank.

The protest group said the planned development is a slap in the face not just to nature, marine life and ocean ecosystems, but also to the UN secretary-general and the International Energy Authority, who have both said new oil and gas is incompatible with the Paris Agreement targets.

Mandy Cairns, from Ocean Rebellion, added: Equinor state on their website that their environmental work is guided by their commitments to prevent harm to the environment, and yet they intend to develop an oil field which would involve a pipeline cutting through the Faroe-Shetland sponge belt, which is home to sensitive deep sea sponges and 400-year-old clams.

A major oil spill from Rosebank could risk serious impact to at least 16 Marine Protected Areas.

Kate Treharne, Ocean Rebellion zoologist, added: With a million seabirds calling Shetland home, an oil spill from this field would be catastrophic to the animals and birds who live and feed in this area.

A spokesperson for Equinor refuted the protesters claims, stating: Rosebank is a project that can counteract the decline in domestic production and improve energy security, with oil and gas produced with significant lower carbon footprint than the current average on the UK Continental Shelf.

It will be developed in line with UKs North Sea Transition Deal and Equinors net-zero ambition, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The numbers that the protesters refer to are not correct.

The environmental footprint of the project has been thoroughly assessed in an environmental statement, published in August last year, and worst case impact assessments have been carried out to ensure that the field can be developed in an environmentally responsible way.

New oil and gas fields in the North Sea can absolutely be in keeping with the UKs commitment to net-zero.

For example, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) uses an effective net-zero test which looks at a range of factors including greenhouse gas emissions, lifetime production against UK future demand, and production emissions impacts when assessing applications for a new field.

We have full confidence in our data, which show that the UK oil and gas industry is currently on track to meet interim emissions reduction targets agreed in the North Sea Transition Deal.

Our 2022 Emissions Monitoring Report shows that achieving the 2030 goal of a 50% reduction in production emissions is the absolute minimum the NSTA expects from industry, which should aim to surpass it.

A UK Government spokesperson said no decision has been made regarding Rosebank yet, adding it is the NSTA which will ultimately make a decision.

The NSTA said it does not comment on individual cases, but said in every case it takes a life cycle approach to net zero regulation, including through our strategy, and our range of regulatory levers.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Permission to berth a barge housing asylum seekers at an east London docks has been rejected, it has been confirmed.

Londons Royal Docks said it had informed the Home Office last month that water beside City Airport would not be appropriate as a potential location to moor one of its floating accommodation vessels for refugees.

The use of barges is part of Government efforts to deter migrants from embarking on dangerous Channel crossings in small boats and to reduce the amount spent on hotels for those arriving in Britain via unlawful routes.

Labour Mayor of London Mr Khan had set out his objections publicly to the suggestion a location in the capital could be chosen for such a vessel.

He has since written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to express his support for the Royal Docks decision to deny permission for a barge.

I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Governments plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels London Mayor Sadiq Khan

I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum, he told the Cabinet minister in a letter seen by the PA news agency.

I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the Governments policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.

Scott Derben, managing director of Londons Royal Docks, told PA: Londons Royal Docks were approached by the Home Office to look at the feasibility of berthing a cruise ship to house asylum seekers.

After investigation, it was concluded that this would not be an appropriate use for the Royal Docks.

The Home Office were informed of this decision in May.

Mr Khan said the UKs capital had a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge as he set out his deep concerns about the Conservative Government policy of housing asylum seekers on barges.

He told Mrs Braverman there was no evidence that barge accommodation would act as a deterrent to those seeking to come to Britain and argued it would leave large numbers of people in wholly unsuitable conditions.

The former MP also said the boats would be highly visible and that those being housed in them could be at significant risk from targeting by far-right protests.

I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Governments plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels, he added.

Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to stop the boats was starting to work, as he revealed two more giant vessels will be used for migrant accommodation.

The Prime Minister declined to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there has been speculation that the vessels could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

The Guardian also reported the Royal Docks was among a number of other locations being discussed as part of plans to acquire more barges and former cruise ships.

A Home Office spokeswoman, asked about Royal Docks stance, said: The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.

We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.

It comes as Labour accused ministers of quietly ditching the two-tier refugee system, which was introduced under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

In a written ministerial statement to MPs, immigration minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the differentiation policy would be paused from July.

This means we will stop taking grouping decisions under the differentiated asylum system after these rules changes and those individuals who are successful in their asylum application, including those who are granted humanitarian protection, will receive the same conditions.

Our ability to remove failed asylum applicants remains unchanged, he said.

Mr Jenrick said that the policy, which created two separate approaches to refugees depending on their route to the UK, had been the right approach when it came into force last June.

Since then, the scale of the challenge facing the UK, like other countries, has grown, he said.

He added that the Illegal Migration Bill now represents a considerably stronger means of tackling the same issue that the differentiation policy sought to address.

The Governments Illegal Migration Bill is currently in the Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and close scrutiny from peers.

But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said that Labour had warned that the policy would only make the bureaucracy and chaos worse.

Even worse, they have slipped out the announcement in a written statement to avoid publicity or scrutiny by Parliament or the press.

This is a damning indictment of the Conservatives flagship immigration Bill, and of their entire record on small boats, and shows ministers have no idea what they are doing to fix the Tory small boats chaos.

Labour will fix the asylum system that has been broken under 13 years of the Tories.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the move was the right decision.

He said: The Government is now admitting that its flagship Nationality and Borders Act has failed to deliver.

As was predicted by us and other refugee organisations, it hasnt deterred desperate men, women and children from taking dangerous journeys but has simply led to unnecessary misery for many refugees, leaving them stuck in limbo unable to move on with their lives.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Conservative Party raised more than 12 million in donations in the first three months of the year, according to figures from the Electoral Commission.

Donations to the Tories published on Thursday far outstripped those to other parties, with Labour raising only 4.4 million and the Liberal Democrats 1.3 million.

In total, the Conservatives received 12.3 million in the first quarter of 2023, with public funding taking Labour and the Liberal Democrats totals to 5.9 million and 1.7 million respectively.

The total for the Tories was boosted by a 5 million donation from Mohamed Mansour, the partys senior treasurer and a former minister in the government of Egyptian autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

The party also received 2 million from Indian-born textiles tycoon Amit Lohia and another 2 million from party treasurer and businessman Graham Edwards.

Labours biggest donation was a 500,000 gift from Gary Lubner, former chief executive of the company that owns Autoglass.

Mr Lubner, whose grandparents fled to South Africa to escape Russian pogroms, is expected to donate 5 million to the party before the next election and told the Financial Times he had been impressed with Sir Keir Starmers efforts to root out antisemitism from Labour.

Labour also received 2.3 million from its trade union backers, including 1.1 million from Unite and 359,168 from Unison.

We know transparency of party and campaigner finance is important for people, but our research tells us that only 24% of people believe party funding is transparent Louise Edwards, Electoral Commission

In total, UK political parties received 20.9 million in donations and public funds in the first three months of 2023, compared to 12.8 million in the first three months of 2022.

Louise Edwards, of the Electoral Commission, said publishing the figures was vital to ensure transparency but called on the Government to do more to raise confidence in the system.

She said: We publish details of these donations so that voters understand how political parties are funded.

We know transparency of party and campaigner finance is important for people, but our research tells us that only 24% of people believe party funding is transparent.

Its clear that publishing this information is not enough. We continue to recommend to the UK Government that it reforms the system, to help protect parties from those who seek to evade the law, and give voters more confidence.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

An attack on a massage parlour in 2020 was inspired by the incel ideology and was an act of terror, said a judge in Canada in an unprecedented ruling.

Justice Suhail Akhtar said the man who fatally stabbed one woman and attempted to kill another in February 2020 inside a massage parlour was inspired by the misogynistic incel movement.

The Canadian government describes the term incel as an ideologically motivated violent extremist online subculture or community in which members express a gender-driven, violent misogynist worldview.

The verdict marked the first time an incel-related incident was found to be an act of terror, Crown prosecutor Lisa Mathews was quoted as saying by CTV News.

The killer reportedly found inspiration in the man who was responsible for a deadly van attack in Toronto in 2018 and who considered himself an incel, short for involuntary celibate.

The judge said the massage parlour attack did meet the criminal code definition of terrorist activity.

The killer, who is now 20 years old but was 17 at the time of the attack, was not named in local media as per Canadas Youth Criminal Justice Act.

He pled guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder in September last year and is now awaiting sentencing, CBC reported.

Judge Akhtar delivered his ruling over Zoom on Tuesday and said he will explain his decision at a later date.

In February 2020, the then-17-year-old walked into a North York massage parlour and stabbed the receptionist, 24-year-old Ashley Noell Arzaga, more than 40 times and killing her, before he was disarmed by another woman.

The owner of the Downsview massage parlour told CTV News Toronto in 2020 that she had to fight for her life after the attacker entered her parlour with a large machete and severely injured her after stabbing Arzaga.

The accused had reportedly used a sword engraved with the words thot slayer. Thot is a derogatory word for women.

Local media reported that he is scheduled to appear in court on 18 July next.

The application for the accused to be tried as an adult is yet to be determined or scheduled.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A woman dubbed Central Park Karen who was fired after she called 911 on a Black bird-watcher has lost a legal appeal to be reinstated to her job.

Amy Cooper was dismissed by investment broker Franklin Templeton after cellphone footage of her falsely accusing Christian Cooper of harassment in May 2020 was posted online and went viral.

In a 3-0 decision, a Manhattan appeals court ruled that Ms Cooper, who is white, had failed to prove that she was illegally dismissed due to her race or had been defamed by her former employer, Reuters reported.

The 25 May 2020 incident attracted global headlines after Mr Cooper asked the woman to leash her dog in a popular bird-watching area of Central Park where dogs are required to be leashed.

Ms Cooper refused, and when the situation escalated she called 911 to falsely claim that he was posing a threat to her and her dog.

She told the police dispatch that an African American man was threatening her and her dog.

The incident came on the same day as George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officers, setting off a nationwide racial reckoning over racial intolerance, violence and inequity.

A day later, Ms Cooper was fired from her job as an insurance portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton.

Amy Cooper phoned 911 to complain that an African American man was threatening her and her dog. (Christian Cooper)

She alleged in a lawsuit filed in May 2021 that Franklin Templetons CEO had perpetuated her image as a privileged white female Karen, by making public statements about firing her after conducting an investigation into the incident.

She claimed that Mr Cooper had been an overzealous bird-watcher and the encounter had nothing to do with race. A judge last year rejected her claims.

In July 2020, Ms Cooper was charged with falsely reporting an incident by the Manhattan district attorney. The charge was later dropped after Ms Cooper attended racial bias therapy sessions.

Christian Cooper is hosting a new television show Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper which premiers on National Geographic later this month.
Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A white woman accused of shooting dead a Black mother-of-four who confronted her for scolding the victims son has made her first court appearance.

Susan Lorincz, 58, was arraigned on Thursday at Marion County Courthouse on charges of manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault in the shooting of Ajike AJ Owens, 35.

Authorities said earlier this week that Ms Lorincz shot Owens through her front door on the night of 2 June. Moments before the shot was fired, Owens had confronted Ms Lorincz, who allegedly yelled at the victims children as they played in a nearby lot and threw a pair of rollerskates that hit one of the kids.

Ms Lorincz has previously said she was prompted to open fire because she feared for her life. But Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods has refuted that narrative, claiming that video surveillance clearly contradicts her version of events.

There are things that people say that were able to prove is a yellow flag, a bulls**t flag, and say no that is wrong, he told WFTV. She couldnt see through the door, she couldnt see the individual. So her comments that she was in fear for her life raises the hair on the back of our neck.

Ms Lorincz was arrested four days after the shooting, as authorities evaluated what role Floridas stand your ground laws played in the shooting. She was finally taken into custody on Tuesday.

On Thursday, a judge was unable to set a bond for Ms Lorincz because prosecutors have yet to file a pretrial motion. Wearing a suicide vest as she appeared in court, Ms Lorincz said that she was financially unstable and owed upwards of $20,000 in car payments.

Ms Lorincz also said she filed for disability a week before the shooting and does not currently have a job.

On Thursday, a judge was unable to set a bond for Susan Lorincz because prosecutors have yet to file a pretrial motion (WESH)

According to an incident report obtained by The Independent, Owens children told deputies responding to the scene that they witnessed Ms Lorincz shooting their mother. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Owens family, alleged that Ms Lorincz had been yelling racial slurs at the children, but that has not been confirmed by the sheriffs office.

The tragedy followed a long history of altercations between the victim and her alleged killer. Since January 2021, Mr Woods said, deputies have responded at least a half-dozen times in connection with the feuding between Owens and the woman who eventually shot her.

She was angry all the time that the children were playing out there, neighbour Lauren Smith told The Associated Press. She would say nasty things to them. Just nasty.

Susan Lorincz is accused of fatally shooting mother-of-four Ajike Owens (Marion County Sheriffs Office/Ben Crump)

Another neighbour told NBC News that several parents in the apartment complex had called the police after having issues with Ms Lorincz.

Its an apartment complex. These are children who, you know, theyre going to do things, Phylis Willis told the outlet. Every time they went even in the patch of grass over there, she would be like, Get off of my lawn, you b******, or you retards or you N-word. She would wave guns at them.

Sheriff Wood said during a press conference on Monday that Ms Lorincz had told investigators there was a lot of aggressiveness from both [her and Ownes], back and forth. There is no evidence that Owens posed a threat when she was shot.

Whether it be banging on the doors, banging on the walls and threats being made. And then at that moment is when Ms Owens was shot through the door, he said.

Ms Lorincz is expected to appear in court on 9 June to revisit her bond. A hearing in the case is scheduled for mid-July.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A picture has resurfaced of alleged quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger attending a lecture led by famed novelist Margaret Atwood at his alma mater.

Mr Kohberger, 28, is currently awaiting trial over the 13 November murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. But long before he was charged with the stabbings, Mr Kohberger had devoted his professional career to studying the criminal mind.

At the time of the murders, he was pursuing his PhD in criminology at the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington, just 15 minutes from the victims home in Moscow, Idaho. And before that, he obtained his undergraduate and masters degree at DeSales University, where he was taught by renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland.

But his academic career began at Northampton Community College (NCC), where he obtained an associate arts degree in 2018. At the unassuming school in Bethelem, Pennsylvania, Mr Kohberger was also exposed to great minds who explored the depravity of the human psyche in their work.

In pictures unearthed by Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Mr Kohberger can be seen sitting front row at a 2018 lecture hosted by NCC and led by Ms Atwood, who is perhaps best known for her book The Handmaids Tale. The author spoke of her prominent writing career exploring issues of misogyny, patriarchy and feminism, according to an article archived on the schools website.

More than four years later, Mr Kohberger has reportedly been accused of exhibiting behaviour somewhat linked to the issues Atwood raises in her dystopian best-seller. A month before the murders, Mr Kohberger faced an investigation by WSU academic officials due to his behavioural problems and a sexist attitude towards women while working as a teaching assistant in the WSU criminology department.

The Independent has reached out to Northampton Community College for comment.

Bryan Kohberger can be seen sitting front row at a 2018 lecture hosted by NCC and led by Ms Atwood, who is perhaps best known for her book The Handmaids Tale (Northampton Community Colelge )

Earlier this year, NewsNation obtained a detailed timeline of his issues in the department, revealing that Mr Kohberger was warned multiple times about his behaviour and was brought into several meetings with professors due to their concerns. His attitude towards women was cited as a key concern, with the criminal justice student allegedly being rude to women, grading the women that he taught differently to the men, and having a sexist attitude towards females he interacted with at the school.

On 19 December  just over one month on from the murders  Mr Kohberger was fired from his WSU teaching post, NewsNationreported. When reached by The Independent, the university refused to address the allegations, citing students privacy.

Among other pieces of Mr Kohbergers past uncovered by Fox News is an application for a security job. In the application, Mr Kohberger boasted about his skills cutting fish and being a meat wrapper, which he said had learned from his job at a fishing store and at BJs Wholesale club.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, Monday, May 22, 2023 (Reuters)

I was a boxer, and I am still a runner, he wrote. I believe dedication and perseverance are the most important skills learned from my activities. I lost 130 lbs at age 15 into age 16 whilst attending school at PVHS and MCTI. I believe this is proof that I have the required dedication to be successful.

Recruiters at Pleasant Valley School District were convinced by the application, and Mr Kohberger was hired in 2015. He was promoted before quitting in 2021 following at least one period of leave without pay that year due to expired clearance.

The owner of the fish store Mr Kohberger worked at told Fox earlier this year that the alleged murderer extensively embellished the description of his skills. Friends of Mr Kohberger have previously discussed his weight loss with media outlets, noting that it marked a change in his behaviour and sparked his alleged aggressiveness towards women and drug addiction.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21 (Instagram)

Mr Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania on 30 December, more than six weeks after the grisly slayings had left the university town of Moscow in fear.

In January, People reported that Mr Kohberger followed the female victims on Instagram, and repeatedly messaged one of the women. Investigators told the magazine that the victims did not follow Mr Kohberger back, and the messages had gone unanswered and may not have seen them. The account has since been deleted.

Judge John C Judge set Mr Kohbergers trial date for 2 October 2023 following a request by his attorney to set the date as late as possible. The judge entered a not-guilty plea on Mr Kohbergers behalf last month after he stood silent on four counts of murder and one count of burglary.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Convicted murderer Casey White was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for busting out of jail and going on the run for 11 days with a female corrections officer.

White, 38, escaped from the Lauderdale County Detention Center in Alabama in April 2022 with help from Alabama guard Vicky White, leading US Marshalls on a cross-country manhunt.

When authorities caught up with the convicted felon and the senior jail official in Indiana nearly two weeks later, Vicky White turned the gun on herself.

Casey White was charged with the 17-year veteran officers murder, but pled guilty in exchange for a lesser charge of first-degree escape.

Under Alabama law, murder charges can be laid when a person is killed during the commission of a felony.

I feel like the most hated man in the world, Casey White told the hearing at the Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, Alabama, according to WHNT.

I loved Vicky and I wouldnt drag her name through the mud for anyone in this courtroom.

Vicky took me out because she said, right was right. Wrong is wrong. First person to show me affection. First person to give me a hug in six years.

Vicky Whites mother had planned to read out a victim impact statement at the hearing, but became too emotional, Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly told the court.

Escaped inmate Casey White arrives at the Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, Ala., after he was arrested in Indiana in 2022. (2021)

He called for Casey White not to be able to earn money from interviews, movies or books relating to the escape.

On the eve of the sentencing, NewsNation reporter Brian Entin told how he had received a phone call from Casey White in which he claimed he had killed a woman and a child while on the run in Indiana.

Police reportedly believe that the convicted felon was lying, and Mr Entin said he couldnt find any evidence of a missing person case that matched the description.

Casey White just arrived for his sentencing in Florence, Alabama, pic.twitter.com/DOqy0S4A5i  Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) June 8, 2023

Casey White was initially thought to have kidnapped Vicky White when he escaped from the Lauderdale County jail in April last year.

But surveillance footage from 29 April last year showed the pair, who were not related, leaving in a patrol car which was ditched near by.

Vicky White

Law enforcement officials later discovered the pair were in a romantic relationship, and shared thousands of phone calls in the months leading up to the jailbreak.

Casey White was serving a 75-year sentence for committing an attempted murder during a violent crime spree in 2015 at the time of his escape.

He is due to go on trial this year for capital murder in the 2015 stabbing death of Connie Ridgeway in Rogersville.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Shortly after graduates from Huguenot High School and their families exited from the graduation ceremony at Altria Theater in Richmond, Virginia, gunfire erupted killing two people and injuring five others.

Shots were fired into the crowd of people celebrating in Monroe Park at approximately 5.15pm local time on Tuesday.

The victims include a deceased stepfather and son who were killed, identified as 18-year-old Shawn Jackson and 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith. Five others were injured by bullets, ranging in age from 14 to 55 years old.

Footage of the incident shows the crowd of people descending into chaos as they tried to escape the gun violence. As a result of the rush, two other people were injured including a nine-year-old.

Richmond Police Department officers quickly responded to the horrific incident and have one suspect - 19-year-old Amari Ty-Jon Pollard - in custody who they believe was involved in the shooting.

The tragedy marks the 279th mass shooting to occur in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Heres everything we know so far

The shooting

Richmond Police Department officers responded to shots fired at Monroe Park outside of Altria Theatre on Tuesday (6 June) at approximately 5.15pm local time - just after the graduation ceremony for students at Huguenot High School.

Hundreds of people were gathered in the open-space park as they celebrated the new high school graduates.

Officers inside Altira Theatre heard the gunshots and found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, Rick Edwards, Richmond Police Departments acting chief, said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Two people, a stepfather and son were shot and killed.

Five other people suffered gunshot wounds, one of which had life-threatening injuries but was later declared non-life-threatening.

Other people were injured as a result of the chaotic scene caused by the hundreds of people running, including a nine-year-old who was struck by a car.

In the hours following the shooting, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) posted a notice on their website closing schools on Wednesday and cancelling all high school graduations for the week.

RPS offers its deepest condolences to the victims and families of yesterdays shooting, and to all who are impacted by the events that took place, the notice reads.

The victims

Two of the victims killed have been identified as Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather, Lorenzo Smith, 36, by Jacksons mother and Smiths wife, Tameek Jackson-Smith, to NBC News.

18-year-old Shawn Jackson (GoFundMe)

Jackson had just graduated from high school on Tuesday and Smith was attending, according to Mr Edwards.

A GoFundMe has been started for Ms Jackson-Smith to assist with unexpected expenses, grief counseling, medical bills and any other financial assistance.

36-year-old Lorenzo Smith (GoFundMe)

Five other people suffered gunshot injuries as a result of the shooting: a 14-year-old boy, a 31-year-old, a 32-year-old man, a 55-year-old man and a 58-year-old man.

Two other people self-transported or were transported via ambulance to a hospital due to injuries sustained during the mad rush as gunshots erupted.

One of them was a nine-year-old girl identified in the GoFundMe as the younger sister of Jackson.

According to the GoFundMe description, the young girl is now wheel chair bound after being struck by a vehicle. Mr Edwards said the girl was treated at the scene and released then subsequently went to a local hospital where she continues to have non-life-threatening wounds.

On Wednesday, Mr Edwards called the young girls injuries very minor.

Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, Jason Kamras, appeared at a news conference on Tuesday and said: Im tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot, and I beg of the entire community to stop.

The suspects

Shortly after the shooting, police detained two individuals  one of which police believe was involved in the shooting. Police also recovered multiple handguns following the shooting.

Mr Edwards said after an investigation police believe the other person detained was not involved in the shooting itself.

The suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Amari Ty-Jon Pollard who police believe knew at least one of the victims.

Amari Ty-Jon Pollard, 19, is the suspect in the shooting (Office of the Sheriff of the City of Richmond, Virginia )

Mr Pollard was detained by Virginia Commonwealth University security after trying to flee from the scene on foot, according to police.

He was arraigned on Wednesday, 7 June, morning on two counts of second-degree murder.

As of Tuesday evening, K-9 units were searching for additional firearms or casings but Mr Edwards said the police: Feel pretty good about where we are, forensically, at this time and stated they were not searching for additional suspects.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Police in Minnesota investigating the disappearance of missing mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury have reported finding human remains and arrested the father of her children on suspicion of murder.

Officers said they found the remains on the side of a highway in Mabel using information generated during the Madeline Kingsbury investigation.

They subsequently moved to take Adam Fravel, 29, into custody where he was charged on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to the Winona County Detention Center.

Police said Mr Fravel had been arrested on probable cause in connection to her disappearance.

The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office are working as quickly as possible to positively identify the remains, they added.

Ms Kingsbury, 26, was last seen dropping her children off at day care on 31 March, sparking a major search operation that saw renowed special prosecutor Phil Prokopowicz drawn out of retirement to assist.

Mr Fravel, with whom Ms Kingsbury was allegedly engaged in a custody battle, was the last person to see her alive. He told police that he and Ms Kingsbury drove back to her home together after dropping the kids off and he then borrowed Ms Kingsburys dark blue minivan to go to work.

When he returned to the residence later that day, Mr Fravel said Ms Kingsbury was nowhere to be found. She failed to show up for work and her cellphone, wallet, ID and jacket were all found inside the home, Winona police said.

Multiple massive searches were launched with thousands of volunteers helping authorities comb through more than 120,000 acres.

Authorities asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious. Dive teams and police ATVs were also used in the search.

Nearly two weeks into the search efforts, Mr Fravel released a statement on 12 April proclaiming his innocence after finding himself subject to suspicion.

Over the course of the last 12 days my family and I have been subject to a myriad of accusations regarding the disappearance of the mother of my children, Maddi Kingsbury, he said.

During these last 12 days I have cooperated with law enforcement at every turn, including sitting down for multiple interviews with Winona County law enforcement.

I did not have anything to do with Maddi's disappearance. I want the mother of my five-year-old and two-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything.

Mr Fravel said that law enforcement had advised him against attending press conferences or assisting in search efforts due to safety concerns, adding: My non-attendance and silence has been inferred by many as a sign of apathy, or worse. That could not be further from the truth.

I want Maddi home and for her to be able to be with our two children. God Bless the Kingsbury family and please bring her home safely.

A statement of their own released by the Kingsbury family in mid-April recounted the emotional toll the missing womans disappearance had taken on the family, who have taken her two children into their care in her absence.

Nothing in life prepares you for this. The disappearance of our daughter and sister has been a waking nightmare with no respite, they said.

In the days and nights since Madeline disappeared, the immediate family and extended family have, collectively and individually, been experiencing emotions and trials that someone who has never been suddenly thrust into this horrific situation could ever imagine.

Winona Police and Madeline Kingsburys family held a press conference (Winona County Police Department)

The statement continued: Eating is a mechanical act we force ourselves to do in order to keep our strength up so we can continue to advocate and search for Madeline.

Sleep, if it comes, is fitful and fleeting. I have to think that the only thing that could come close to what we experience is the stress of combat, day after awful day.

Initially, we were so overwrought that we couldnt bear to look at each other but couldnt bear to look away.

There were no words we could say to comfort each other and we felt alone and frantic. In the days since the family has circled the wagons and gathered from near and across the world. We will find Madeline. This is our mission and we will not falter.

The family also spoke about the stress of being drawn into the national limelight and thanked the volunteers who had taken part in the search and those who had reached out on social media and appealed for information.

Madelines brother Stephen Kingbsury, who returned from an overseas posting with the US Army to join the search, added his thanks to the search parties for their efforts.

Its hard to imagine how it could ever be reciprocated, he said.

Our gratitude for all involved in our efforts to bring our sister/daughter/mother home will never fade.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

On the morning of 31 March, Madeline Kingsbury dropped her two young children off at their daycare in Winona, Minnesota, with the father of her children.

She was never seen or heard from again.

Now, over two months later, police have discovered a body and arrested her ex-partner and father of her children, Adam Fravel, on probable cause in connection to her disappearance.

For months a desperate search dragged on to find the missing 26-year-old Maddi , whose disappearance was described as involuntary and suspicious.

Early in the investigation, authorities honed in on the movements of the mother-of-twos blue Chrysler Town and Country van in the hours after she made the kids drop-off that Friday morning.

Mr Fravel told police he borrowed her car during that time and then returned to her home to find her gone.

Mr Fravel kept quiet until 12 days after Ms Kingsbury was last seen when he issued a statement denying any involvement in her disappearance .

Then on 7 June, authorities announced the discovery of remains on the side of a highway in Mabel using information generated during the Madeline Kingsbury investigation.

They subsequently moved to take Mr Fravel, 29, into custody where he was charged on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to the Winona County Detention Center.

Heres what we know so far about the case:

Last known movements

Ms Kingsbury and Mr Fravel dropped their two children  aged two and five  off at daycare at around 8am on 31 March, Winona Police said.

At around 8.15am, the mother-of-two returned to her home.

However, after that her whereabouts became unknown.

She failed to show up for work  something that police said was very unlike her  and her cellphone, wallet, ID and the jacket she was wearing that morning were all found inside the home.

Mr Fravel, with whom Ms Kingsbury was allegedly engaged in a custody battle, told investigators that he left Ms Kingsburys home at around 10am, driving off in her 2014 dark blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

Madeline Kingsburys family have offered a $50,000 reward for information on her whereabouts (Winona Police)

He claimed that he returned later that day and found Ms Kingsbury wasnt home.

Friends and family members tried to contact the 26-year-old that day but couldnt get hold of her. Again, police said this was unusual behaviour for her.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, Winona Police Chief Tom Williams said at the time.

Ms Kingsburys two children are safe and there did not appear to be any threat to the public, police said.

The blue minivan

For months, Winona Police did not announce any suspects or persons of interest.

However, they appeared to be focusing on the movements of Ms Kingsburys minivan  and asked for the publics help in tracing its journeys on the day of her disappearance.

Chief Williams confirmed that the vehicle is not missing and that both the van and Ms Kingsburys home have been searched.

Winona Police and Madeline Kingsburys family held a press conference (Winona Police)

Surveillance footage captured a vehicle matching the description of the van driving from the home along highways and through Winona County and Fillmore County before heading back to the house.

After the vehicle returned home, it is not believed to have gone anywhere else.

During a press conference on 5 April, police refused to say who was driving the van.

That is not information we can share at this time, they said.

The police chief said that there is nothing to indicate that she left the residence on foot or in another vehicle.

The search

A massive multi-agency search went underway to find the missing mother and bring her home safely.

Search teams have been looking near her home and along the highways that the van was seen travelling along for clues as to her whereabouts.

Police said officials searched on foot, in vehicles, by water and by air.

No stone is being left unturned and were using every tool at our disposal, the police chief said.

Investigators asked residents in both Winona County and Fillmore County to check their home security cameras for any signs of Ms Kingsburys minivan driving by or stopping. Even if there is nothing in the footage, police are urging residents not to delete footage captured from 31 March to 1 April.

Residents and landowners in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township are also asked to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious such as signs of a disturbance.

As the police chief said: Your information might be the final piece that brings Maddie home.

Winona Police are asking residents in this area to search home footage (Winona PD)

Ms Kinsgburys sister Megan also made an emotional appeal to the public for help, offering a $50,000 reward for information as she said family is everything to her.

Chief Williams said the case was being investigated as a missing person but also as foul play based on the totality of evidence.

Adam Fravel speaks out

Mr Fravel, the father of Ms Kingsburys children, broke his silence nearly two weeks after the Minnesota mother vanished.

Amid growing online speculation despite police having never named him, Mr Fravel released a statement through his attorney on Wednesday (12 April) denying any involvement in her disappearance.

Over the course of the last 12 days my family and I have been subject to a myriad of accusations regarding the disappearance of the mother of my children, Maddi Kingsbury, the statement obtained by The Independent read. I did not have anything to do with Maddis disappearance. I want the mother of my 5-year-old and 2-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything.

Mr Fravel went on to say that he has cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation, including sitting down for multiple interviews with Winona County law enforcement.

He also addressed his absence at a press conference last week, where Ms Kingsburys sister and parents made a public plea for her safe return. The Independent has reached out to Mr Fravels attorney for comment.

Law enforcement advised me on April 2nd that they would not recommend that I attend the press conferences or that I assist in the searches due to safety concerns. However, my non-attendance and silence has been inferred by many as a sign of apathy, or worse. That could not be further from the truth, the statement added. I want Maddi home and for her to be able to be with our two children. God Bless the Kingsbury family and please bring her home safely.

Adam Fravel arrested

After months of searching, authorities arrested Mr Fravel on probable cause in connection to her disappearance after a body was found off the side of a highway.

A deputy in Fillmore County discovered human remains on Wednesday (7 June) afternoon in some brush off Highway 43, north of Mabel, Minnesota according to Wilmore County Police.

The body was located, using information generated during the Madeline Kingsbury investigation.

Despite this, have not positively identified the remains but said multiple police departments and sheriffs offices were working as quickly as possible to identify the body.

We are asking the community to respect the familys privacy at this time and not to speculate on the case until further information is made available, they wrote in a Facebook post.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Winona Police Department at 507-457-6302 with any information. If you wish to remain anonymous, please submit your tips at www.crimestoppersmn.org or at 800-222-8477
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The family of the person who killed three nine-year-old children and three adults during a mass shooting at a Nashville school is attempting to transfer ownership of the shooter's so-called manifesto to the parents of the victims.

David Raybin, the attorney representing the family of Nashville shooter Audrey Hale, made the announcement on Thursday in court.

He said the paperwork to transfer the ownership will be completed by next week, but noted that the Metro Nashville Police Department still have possession of the documents.

The court will ultimately decide whether or not the documents should be released to the public.

The development is the latest in a battle over the release of Hale's writings and other police documents relating to the attack.

The families of the victims who died in the shooting have moved to stop the release of Hale's writings to the public. Supporters hope that the decision by Hale's parents to turn ownership of the documents over to the victims' families will lend their argument to withhold the documents more credence, according to the Associated Press.

Journalists, at least one state senator, a gun-rights organisation, and a police non-profit have all fought to have the manifesto released, but Nashville police have thus far refused, saying they are a part of an ongoing investigation.

The victims' parents are not the only ones who want the documents withheld; the Covenant School, where the attack took place, and Covenant Presbyterian Church  which operates the school  were granted permission to intervene to stop the release. Those organisations have argued that any information in Hale's writings that includes details about the school's layout could jeopardise its security.

However, after those groups were permitted to intervene, the plaintiffs seeking the records appealed and asked for the trial to be brought to a halt until their appeal had been processed.

Chancery Court Judge IAshea Myles said she would make a decision on the matter at some point on Thursday.

While many of those seeking the manifesto are journalists, many others  including more than 60 GOP House Republicans in Tennessee's state legislature  have demanded their release. Republicans have shown an atypical interest in the mass shooter's motives because Hale was a transgender woman.
 Close Seven shot, at least two dead at high school graduation in Richmond

Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Amari Pollard, the 19-year-old suspect in the gun attack on a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia, was arraigned on Wednesday morning and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, according to the Richmond Police Department (RPD).

Seven people were shot in the incident on Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Monroe Park campus on Tuesday afternoon, with Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather Lorenzo Smith, 36, dying of their injuries.

I didnt know Shawn, but I shook his hand and wished him congratulations about 20 minutes before he died, Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras told CNN on Wednesday. I cant shake the image of him receiving CPR on the ground, still in his graduation gown.

The outburst of gunfire caused a stampede as graduates and guests attempted to flee the vicinity, a moment of panic captured in at least one video subsequently posted to Facebook. The Richmond Police Department told The Independent in a statement that detectives have determined the shootings were not a random act but resulted from an ongoing dispute between Mr Pollard and Jackson.

This should not be happening anywhere, lamented city mayor Levar Stoney.

Whether its in Richmond, its in Virginia, in the United States this should not be happening anywhere. A child should be able to go to their graduation and walk at their graduation and enjoy the accomplishment with their friends and their families.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

An abducted woman was saved in South Carolina after she mouthed help me to a police officer.

North Myrtle Beach Police Officer Kayla Wallace was patrolling Highway 17 when she spotted a white Jeep run a red light at an intersection.

During a subsequent traffic stop, she noticed as she spoke to the occupants of the car that the driver, a woman, appeared distressed alongside the man in the passengers seat.

While the male passenger wasnt looking at the driver, the female silently mouthed Help Me repeatedly, the police department wrote on Facebook.

The officer removed the passenger and put him in her patrol vehicle. When she returned to the woman behind the wheel of the Jeep, she frantically said the passenger had just shot someone.

Moments later, a Bolo (Be On the Look Out) was sent over the radio from dispatch regarding a vehicle that was just involved in a shooting in the county, the department wrote. Due to Officer Wallace proactively patrolling the streets of North Myrtle Beach, even to the last 30 minutes of her shift, a suspect in a shooting was arrested and an unlawfully carried pistol was recovered underneath the suspects seat. Our department and our community is lucky to have Officer Wallace.

The passenger was later identified as Collins Bates, according to The Messenger. Hes in jail as hes facing several charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to WBTW.

Officer Wallace, who joined the department in 2021, did not know anything about the shooting prior to her stop, Officer Pat Wilkinson told CBS News.

She was being a proactive police officer and simply observed a traffic violation 30 minutes before the end of her shift, he added.

Mr Bates, 29, is alleged to have shot someone and threatened the woman, forcing her to drive him away, legal filings state.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Fox News accused Tucker Carlson of breaching his contract with the cable news network by airing an episode of his new show Tuesday on Twitter.

Carlson, once Foxs top star and the most watched person in cable news, left the network in April amid the fallout of the channels $787m defamation settlement with Dominion Voting Systems.

In a letter obtained by Axios, the network said it reserves all rights and remedies which are available to it at law or equity to resolve the alleged breach, which could potentially include litigation.

Carlsons lawyers told the outlet they disagree with Foxs claims.

Fox defends its very existence on freedom of speech grounds, attorney Bryan Freedman said in a statement. Now they want to take Tucker Carlsons right to speak freely away from him because he took to social media to share his thoughts on current events.

The anchor, meanwhile, has accused the network of breaching their deal in May, arguing Fox leaked his private communications and settled with Dominion in a way that harmed his reputation and future business prospects.

Fox denied these allegations.

The despute around the contract will determine the fate of the reportedly $25m spent by Fox to buy out the rest of the anchors contract and prevent him from working for a rival network until 2024.

Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, has said Carlson moving to the social network is not a paid deal, and that the former Fox host will operate like any other independent creator on the site.

In the first episode of Carlsons new show on Twitter, he described Ukraines Jewish leader as rat-like, questioned the official story about 9/11, and claimed definitively that aliens are visiting Earth.

The far-right former Fox News anchor opened the next act of his career with a pro-Kremlin rant claiming that it was obvious Ukrainian forces were responsible for the destruction of the Kakhovka dam on Tuesday.

Io Dodds contributed reporting to this story.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Fox News hosts have pilloried residents of New York and Washington DC for wearing masks after raging wildfires in Canada enveloped the cities in acrid smoke.

As New York recorded the worst air pollution in the world on Wednesday, a procession of anchors and guests on the right-wing network denied clear scientific evidence that the smoke was dangerous.

The Ingraham Angle host Laura Ingraham brought on guest Steve Milloy, touted as a former Trump Environmental Protection Agency transition team member, who claimed that the thick orange smoke that clogged the New York skyline this week was harmless.

This doesnt kill anybody, this doesnt make anybody cough. This is not a health event, this has got nothing to do with climate, Mr Milloy claimed.

Amazing, Ingraham responded with a laugh.

She went on to claim that media figures on other cable networks were enjoying the moment of wearing masks again.

They seem to have a pep in their step, she said.

As the pair joked about the threat of particulate matter in smoke causing illness, chyrons flashed underneath them reading climate cult uses Canadian fire to co-opt freedom, and radical left uses wildfire smoke as climate cudgel.

Earlier, The Five host Jeannine Pirro had claimed that Democrats were pumping up climate hysteria and bringing back, you guessed it, mask insanity.

Her comments came after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders linked the wildfires to the ongoing climate crisis - as scientists have been doing for years.

Then on Jessie Watters Primetime, host Jessie Watters mocked warnings from city and state officials to remain indoors.

Covid: stay home, wear a mask. Smoke bomb: stay home, wear a mask. Elections: stay home, wear a mask. Nuke strike: stay home, wear a mask, he said during a monologue.

The government is prepared for anything.

Not to be outdone, Sean Hannity used his 9pm primetime show to claim he hadnt felt any effect after doing his regular workout that day.

I keep reading and hearing reports and people being interviewed. I had a hard time breathing, he said.

And Im like, Im walking in the same place youre walking in and I dont feel a thing, he said.

I think if it was difficultif I was having difficulty breathing I would noticebut these are young people saying this. Are they all snowflakes?

More than 400 wildfires raging across Canada have brought apocalyptic-like conditions to the US Eastern Seaboard, forcing cancellations of Broadway shows, pro-sports games and thousands of flights this week.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

For US tech entrepreneur Steve Johnson, the sentencing of an Australian national for killing his brother Scott in a gay hate crime in 1988 brings an end to a long and tortuous pursuit for justice.

Scott Phillip White, 52, was imprisoned for nine years, six without parole, in the New South Wales Supreme Court in Australia on Thursday local time, nearly 35 years after he pushed Scott Johnson over the edge of a 60-metre cliff.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Robert Beech-Jones said White left Dr Johnson to die.

He had everything to live for, the judge said.

In December 1988, Scotts naked body was found at the bottom of cliffs at North Head, in Sydneys northern suburbs, a known meeting spot for gay men.

The 27-year-olds death was initially ruled a suicide, and it was only after three inquests, a $2m reward, and a diplomatic intervention from the late Senator Ted Kennedy, that Australian authorities were able to make the crucial breakthrough that led to Scotts killer.

The sustained pressure campaign led by Steve Johnson also forced Australian authorities to hold a reckoning on their own bigoted past.

In 2020, White was arrested and charged with Scotts murder after being caught in a police sting operation on a secret tape admitting to fighting with him at the clifftop. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

After Steve Johnson had exposed shortcomings in the initial investigation by police in the Australian state of New South Wales, his brothers death was linked to dozens of grisly homophobic killings carried out in Sydney in the 1980s and 90s.

It later emerged that as many as 80 gay men were murdered by gangs of teenage boys and men, motivated by a bloodlust and hatred of their sexuality.

Hundreds more were beaten, robbed and tortured. Many victims didnt bother reporting the crimes to police, who routinely turned a blind eye to gay bashing.

Steves quest for accountability, and antagonistic relationship with New South Wales police, is credited with helping to expose anti-gay bigotry among law enforcement in the 1980s.

Today, the city is home to the largest gay festival in the world, the annual Sydney Mardi Gras held in February.

The killing of Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson had been dealt a tough start to life. Los Angeles born-and-raised, his parents split and hed found his escape from poverty and the familys regular relocations by reading JRR Tolkien and listening to classical music, his older brother Steve would say.

He showed an aptitude for mathematics from an early age, in particular a branch called category theory.

After graduating top of his class from the California Institute of Technology, Caltech, in 1983, he moved to the United Kingdom where he studied at the University of Cambridge.

There he met and fell in love with his partner, Australian musicologist Matthew Noone.

In 1986, he moved to Australia on a student visa to join Mr Noone and complete his PhD at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Scott Johnsons killing in a gay hate crime in 1988 raised awareness about an epidemic of violence in Sydney, Australia, in the 1980s and 90s (Courtesy of Steve Johnson)

On 10 December 1988, spear fishermen found Scotts badly broken body on rocks about 60 metres (200 feet) below cliffs at Blue Fish Point in the upmarket Sydney suburb of Manly.

Police believed his body had been there for two days.

His clothes were found neatly folded about 10 metres from the cliff edge, a police report stated. Police also found Scotts watch, bank card, student ID and other possessions nearby. His wallet was missing.

After receiving the heartbreaking news that his brother and best friend was dead, Steve travelled to Australia two days later to try to find out more about what had happened.

Accompanied by a New South Wales police officer, he visited the spot where his brother had died.

In a 2020 interview with Insider, Steve recalled the police officer asked him: Did you know your brother was a homosexual?

Steve, who had a Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard University, told the news site that police seemed to think that his sexuality was a motive for suicide.

Blue Fish Point in the Sydney suburb of Manly, where US mathematician Scott Johnson was thrown to his death in 1988 (Google Earth)

Scott had come out to his brother four years earlier, the pair discussing it in depth while working a summer job programming computers in Los Angeles in 1984.

Steve never bought the idea that his brother had taken his own life. He showed no signs of depression and was not a heavy drinker or drug user.

The day of his death, Scott was told that his PhD had been accepted, and he had likely been looking to celebrate.

Different scenarios plagued Steves thoughts: maybe his brother had slipped or been pushed, he told Australias public broadcaster ABC in 2013.

I didnt know why we lost Scott.

When Mr Noone reportedly told police about a previous suicide attempt that Scott had made, that was enough for them to close the case.

Steve lobbied for detectives to check his brothers phone records, search his home or interview friends and potential witnesses and retrace his steps on the night he died.

They refused, and his death was ruled a suicide, without ever considering another cause of death.

A brothers quest for answers

Haunted by his brothers death, Steve decided to do whatever it took to find out what had really happened to Scott.

In the late 1980s, he was a married grad student with a young baby and next to no money.

Within a few years, the budding tech entrepreneur had developed an algorithm that compressed images enabling them to be sent much faster over phone lines.

In 1996, he sold his company to AOL for $100m.

He would later become a vice president at AOLs software and technology development division, and has been described as a central figure in the early days of the internet.

The sudden wealth changed his life forever, Steve told ABC, so he decided to roust some attention on Scotts case.

Prior to selling his company, Steve had already been making his own attempts to investigate the killing.

Steve learned that his brother would make the three-hour commute from Canberra to Sydney once a week to continue his doctorate work, staying with Mr Noones sister while there.

According to Insider, Steve then made contact with Senator Ted Kennedy through a Harvard connection to ask for his help.

Scott Johnson had studied in California and the UK before moving to Australia (Courtesy of Steve Johnson)

The late senator reportedly contacted the US Ambassador to Australia to try to get them to encourage the New South Wales government to hold a coronial inquest into the death.

The plan worked, and the coroner agreed to hold the first of three inquests into Scotts death in 1989.

At the hearing, Mr Noone testified that Scott had cheated on him six months before his death. He speculated that Scott may have done so again, and been racked with guilt.

Police officers told the hearing that they had not found any evidence that Blue Fish Point was a gay beat, local parlance for a spot where men would go to have sex.

The coroner would later rule that there was no doubt that Scott had taken his own life.

The official findings declared that being intelligent, shy and gay matched the profile of the type of person who quite frequently does commit suicide.

In a quirk of history, Ted Kennedys niece Caroline Kennedy was named the US ambassador to Australia in 2022.

A horrifying breakthrough

In 2005, and living back in Cambridge, Massachusetts, one day out of the blue Steve Johnson received a letter from his dead brothers partner Mr Noone.

Steve told Insider the letter contained a handwritten note stapled to two articles that described recent inquests into the deaths of three young men who had been killed near cliffs in Sydney in the 1980s.

Their deaths, initially deemed inconclusive or accidents, had been reexamined and ruled as homicides.

The coroner described how packs of roving teenagers had been robbing and beating up men at known gay beats around Sydney.

The coroner criticised the earlier police investigations into the deaths as being naive and disgraceful. It determined that other murders may have been mistakenly classified as suicide or accidental by police.

In 2007, Steve hired former Newsweek investigative journalist Daniel Glick to investigate Scotts death.

Participants take part in the 45th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Oxford Street in Sydney in February 2023 (EPA)

Mr Glick travelled to Sydney, and soon found the evidence that would challenge key aspects of the polices version of events; that Blue Fish Point was in fact a place gay men frequented for sex, and that violent attacks had occurred there.

One local told Mr Glick that it was customary for men to fold their clothes neatly as a sign they were interested in having sex with a potential partner.

Steve and Mr Glick sent a report containing their key findings to police and the coroner.

The police showed no interest in reopening the case, and claimed the earlier suicide ruling meant their hands were tied.

It was a blood sport

Steves investigative team had by this stage grown to include lawyers, journalists, a former police officer and activists in both the United States and Australia.

The group, dubbed Team Scott, continued to probe similar homophobic killings, court records, police documents and media clippings.

Their pressure campaign eventually led to a second inquest being ordered in 2012.

There, a coroner threw out the first ruling that Scott had died by suicide and returned an open ruling.

Then early in 2013, a documentary on the familys fight to have the case reopened featured on the public broadcaster ABCs flagship programme Australian Story.

The programme exposed how prisoners had been secretly taped boasting about having pushed gay men off cliffs. So-called poofter-bashing was apparently rife among violent gangs in Sydney at the time.

It was a blood sport, former Sydney detective Mark Page told the ABC.

Steve Johnson speaks to media outside the New South Wales Supreme Court in Sydney, on 6 June 2023 (AAP IMAGE)

Several months later, the Sydney Morning Herald published a bombshell report that as many as 80 men had been murdered in the late 1980s and early 90s, with 30 cases remaining unsolved.

Experts described it as an epidemic of hate crime against gay men.

New South Wales had only legalised homosexuality four years before Scotts death. And the reports found that a wave of anti-gay hysteria, whipped up at the beginning of the Aids epidemic, meant many attacks were dismissed by police or went unreported.

Amid growing outrage at the homophobic attacks, New South Wales Police offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to his killers in 2013.

They announced the creation of a task force to investigate Scotts murder. But within months, the investigation was wrapped up without identifying any suspects.

A third inquest

In a highly unusual move, a New South Wales coroner ordered a third inquest into Scotts death in 2015.

The high-profile hearing, held in 2017, saw dozens of witnesses come forward to testify about how the hatred and violence towards the LGBTQ+ community had left many living in fear.

The then-NSW Coroner, Michael Barnes, found that Scott had fallen from the clifftop due to actual or threatened violence in a gay-hate attack.

Mr Barnes hit out at police for refusing to properly investigate the homicide.

In 2018, NSW Police increased the $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest to $1m.

A few days after the announcement, Australia legalised same sex marriage.

Steve Johnson marched in the Sydney Mardi Gras that year in honour of his late brother.

Two years later, Steve doubled the reward by putting up $1m of his own money.

With a reward of up to $2m on the table, I am hoping that Scott will finally get justice, he told a press conference at the time. Please, do it for Scott, do it for all gay men who were subject to hate crime, and now, do it for yourself.

The enormous reward soon had members of Sydneys criminal underworld spilling their secrets.

The arrest

In May 2020, New South Wales Police announced they had arrested 49-year-old Scott White for the cold case murder, news.com.au reported.

Whites former wife had tipped off authorities, and he had been caught on tape during an undercover police operation telling a niece: I hit him. He hit me. He stumbled back. I went to grab him and he  just stumbled back.

White, a father of six, reportedly told authorities he was gay, and that he had hidden his sexuality for decades from his family.

He claimed he had met Scott at a pub and gone to the cliff top together, before they got into a fight, and he shoved him over the edge. He was 18 at the time, and told authorities he was living on the streets and cognitively impaired.

In January last year, White entered a shock guilty plea to Scotts murder, and was sentenced to 12 years seven months prison in November.

But the conviction and sentence were overturned on appeal, and White pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in February.

In a victim impact statement read to the court this week, Steve Johnson said he and wife Rosemary had no sympathy for the killer.

Whites decision to flee the scene without calling the police had prolonged the familys grief and loss for decades, Steve said.

He didnt check on Scott. He didnt call for help. He notified no one. He simply let Scott die, Mr Johnson said.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trump has requested a new trial in the sexual assault civil case brought by E Jean Carroll, according to a new court filing.

A Manhattan jury last month found the former US president liable for sexually abusing and defaming the writer and awarded her $5m in damages.

Mr Trump failed to appear at the trial, which heard graphic testimony from the former Elle advice columnist about how she was sexually assaulted at the luxury Manhattan department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s.

After two weeks of evidence, a Manhattan jury took just over two and a half hours to find Mr Trump liable for the attack and for defaming Ms Carroll by angrily calling the claims a hoax.

In a new filing on Thursday, Mr Trumps lawyers claimed the jurys $2m award for the sexual abuse part of the verdict was excessive because the jury found that Ms Carroll had not been raped.

They further alleged that Ms Carroll had stated that she did not suffer any mental injury from the assault, a claim disputed at trial by an expert psychiatrist.

Mr Trumps legal team also said the $2.7m award for defamation was based upon pure speculation.

E Jean Carroll leaves a Manhattan federal court on 9 May after a jury found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing her. (AP)

Ms Carroll, 79, first revealed details of the sexual assault in a book excerpt that ran in New York magazine in June 2019.

When Mr Trump denied the claims and attacked her personally, she sued him for defamation.

Then in 2022, Ms Carroll sued the former president for sexual assault after New York passed a law allowing survivors a one-year window to hold their abusers accountable regardless of when the assault took place.

During three days of testimony last month, Ms Carroll told the jury that she and Mr Trump had engaged in playful banter after a chance encounter at Bergdorf Goodman one evening in the mid-1990s.

After taking an escalator up to a deserted 6th floor to look for lingerie, Mr Trump led her to a dressing room, pushed her up against a wall and sexually assaulted her, she said.

It was extremely painful, Ms Carroll told the jury. He put his hand inside me and curled his finger. As I sit here today, I can still feel it.

Mr Trump is seeking a new trial after being found liable for abusing Ms Carroll (Associated Press)

Mr Trump declined to testify in his own defence. In a videotaped deposition played to the jury, he confused Ms Carroll with his second wife Marla Maples, and made disparaging remarks to the defence attorney Roberta Kaplan.

Mr Trumps grab em by the p***y comments in the Access Hollywood tape played in court amounted to a confession, Ms Kaplan told jurors in closing statements.

The jury heard also heard testimony from Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, who had previously accused Mr Trump of sexual assault.

After Mr Trump again defamed Ms Carroll at a CNN town hall in New Hampshire last month, Ms Kaplan asked to amend her remaining defamation lawsuit against the ex-president to include the smears.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Rep Becca Balint of Vermont strongly criticised former Trump administration official Mandy Gunasekara in a congressional hearing on Tuesday for asserting that sustainable investment strategies by companies promote gender transitions for children.

Ms Gunaskara, who worked at the Environmental Protection Agency when Donald Trump was president, was testifying at a House Oversight Committee meeting on the topic of ESG  a corporate governance framework called environmental, social, governance that considers social and environmental factors that has rankled conservatives.

Partway through her testimony, she made the claim that ESG structures promote the notion that children should change their gender identities. Ms Balint was unimpressed.

I want to know: do you really believe this garbage? Ms Balint asked.

Its not about believing, its a matter of fact, Ms Gunasekara replied.

Ms Balint was not having it.

Oh  so you believe that investing strategies are actually weaponised to support and promote gender transition for children, Ms Balint said. Is essentially that what youre saying? Or do you just use it as another opportunity to beat up on children? Do you believe this?

Ms Balint, who is LGBT+ and the first woman ever elected to Congress from Vermont, later relayed to Ms Gunasekara that she had just come from a meeting with parents of trans children from states attempting to outlaw gender-affirming care for kids.

They literally said, when you leave this room, could you please, the next time youre in a room with someone bringing up, yet again, our children and our families as some kind of boogyman, that you will actually stand up for us, Ms Balint said. I didnt think it would take less than a half hour.

Conservatives and the Republican Party have made transgender rights a central political issue this year. As of April, state legislatures around the country had already set a record by introducing more than 400 bills targeting the LGBT+ community.

A number of those bills specifically target the trans community, with numerous states banning gender-affirming care for trans youth that studies show can save lives.

Ms Balint then noted the frequency with which Republican-aligned witnesses have turned to attacking trans children in recent months in congressional hearing rooms.

It feels like every single hearing that I am in, whether it is in Oversight, or whether it is in Budget, or whether it is in a subcommittee, somehow the witnesses find a way to bring in trans children into whatever conversation were trying to have here, Ms Balint said.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Bible-toting parents and Republican lawmakers gathered outside the Utah State Capitol to protest a school districts decision to ban the book from its middle and elementary school libraries.

Protesters held placards reading Remove porn, not the Bible and gathered to protest the Davis School Districts removal of the Bible from some schools.

The demonstrators were also joined by Utah representative Ken Ivory who is the author of the sensitive materials law under which the district initially reviewed the Bible.

The Republican from West Jordan called the body that reviewed the Bible a rogue committee and added that it acted anonymously and in secret.

Its an anonymous committee, operating in secret, not according to the basic principles of American politics and legal practice, where you have notice and an opportunity to be heard and have all of the evidence and data in making decisions, he was quoted as saying by the Standard-Examiner.

The Davis County school district had reviewed the Bible for inappropriate material after a challenge by a parent alleging the religious text violated the state law banning inappropriate books.

In documents submitted to the school district, the parent wrote of their frustration with the extent of Utahs book bans and argued the Bible is one of the most sex-ridden books around, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The committee found that while the King James Bible did contain vulgarity and violence, it didnt technically run afoul of a 2022 book ban law.

The district announced that those in middle and elementary school in about eight schools would lose access to the Bible, while high schoolers could still check it out from the library.

Parents protested the Bible ban and held placards that read the Bible is the original textbook during the protest.

The Associated Press quoted a Davis County parent Karlee Vincent as saying: We love the Bible. We love God. And we need God in our nation.

If folks are outraged about the Bible being banned, they should be outraged about all the books that are being censored, Kasey Meehan, who directs the Freedom to Read program at PEN America, said last week.

Utah Parents United president Nichole Mason said Utah should give parents more say in whats in their childrens schools. God Bless America that we can challenge any book out there, she was quoted as saying.

Representative Ivory meanwhile rebuffed the idea that his law paved the way for the Bible to be banned. Should we have age-appropriate limits for children in school? Almost universally anyone of good faith says Yes. The question is then: What should those limits be?

Critics have argued that Utahs book ban law has been used to single out materials that discuss racial diversity and LGBT+ identities.

At the protest on Wednesday, Gayle Ruzicka, president of the conservative Utah Eagle Forum read a statement from Republican governor Spencer Cox.

Our great nation was founded with freedom of religion as a core principle. Our children need to know that and having access to religious texts, including the Bible, in school libraries, should be the key element of their education, it reportedly said.

Later she claimed the Bible was like a history book and that there are also violent sections in history.

With that way of thinking, they wont be able to teach the Civil War anymore, she was quoted as saying by KUER Utah.

Additional reporting by agencies
 Close Chris Christie lays into Trump at 2024 campaign launch

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Chris Christie is punching back at Donald Trump after the former president responded to his campaign announcement with a juvenile video edit making fun of Mr Christies weight.

The former New Jersey governor appeared on CNN on Wednesday after launching his campaign with a town hall event at St Anselm College a night earlier in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Its so juvenile. He is such a spoiled baby, Mr Christie said.

This is the second time Mr Christie has made a bid for the White House, the first being in 2016 when he lost to former president Donald Trump.

Though Mr Christie lent his support to Mr Trump in 2016 when he dropped out of the race, he has since changed his opinion of the former president and become a vocal critic.

That was evident on Tuesday, as he denounced his former ally as a corrupt narcissist and vowed to draw blood in his quest for the Republican nomination. He did so several times during the town hall event, notably by tearing into the former presidents family for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift, which he said had followed them through the White House and beyond.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Gov Ron DeSantis campaign has been accused of using fake, AI-generated images of former President Donald Trump hugging ex-White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci in an attack ad.

Mr DeSantis and Mr Trump have been trading barbs for weeks about their respective Covid responses, with Mr Trumps campaign and surrogates arguing that Mr DeSantis initial lockdown measures in Florida were too harsh and Mr DeSantis campaign arguing that Mr Trump was too acquiescent to medical professionals like Dr Fauci in crafting his administrations response.

Now, in the ad shared by the the DeSantis War Room Twitter account, the Florida governors campaign is accused of crossing an ethical line.

The adveritsement begins with clips of Mr Trump firing people on his reality television show before pivoting to clips of Mr Trump telling reporters that he would not or could not fire Dr Fauci, who was seen as the symbol of a public health response to the crisis some Republicans disagreed with.

Towards the end of the ad, the screen shows a split with six images of Mr Trump and Dr Fauci  three of which experts believe were generated by artificial intelligence. AFP first reported the presence of the allegedly fake images.

An ad from the Ron DeSantis campaign that purportedly features fake AI images of former President Donald Trump and former NIAID director Anthony Fauci (Twitter/@DeSantisWarRoom)

The three images experts believe are fake are located in the top left, bottom centre, and bottom right of the screen. All of them feature Mr Trump and Dr Fauci embracing and cannot be found elsewhere on the internet, a sign that they may be AI-generated.

There are other signs as well. The Verge noted that the potentially AI-generated images are glossier and have more blurred textures than the other images and show Mr Trump and Dr Fauci in physically improbable poses. The reproduction of the White House press briefing room in one of the images also looks unrealistic.

Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, told the AFP he believed it is highly likely that the images are fake. The Independent has reached out to the DeSantis campaign for comment.

So far, the DeSantis campaign is not exactly denying those allegations. After The Verges story was published, DeSantis aide Christina Pushaw tweeted an image Mr Trump had put out of Mr DeSantis on a rhinoceros and wrote I think this might be an AI-generated image. Who knows?

Mr Trump has indeed used AI several times in recent months, including posting a deep fake mocking Mr DeSantis presidential campaign launch.

No campaign has pushed more misleading deepfakes, false photoshops, and outright fabrications than the Trump campaign, Matt Wolking, a spokesperson for the DeSantis-aligned Never Back Down PAC, told The Verge. It is 100% true that Donald Trump empowered and embraced Fauci  he even gave him a presidential commendation.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The federally-indicted Republican congressman George Santos of New York has launched a bizarre and seemingly unprompted rant against drag nuns on Twitter.

I dont usually swear but The Drag nuns can F*** ALL THE WAY OFF! The mockery they cast on the Catholic faith is DAMN offensive and WRONG! he wrote on Wednesday night.

Mr Santos, a former drag performer himself, didnt provide a reason for his social media diatribe. But it comes as members of the GOP have slammed the decision to invite a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag activist group, to a Pride Month event in the California Assembly. Republicans walked off the floor on Monday in protest, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence garnered nationwide attention last month after the Los Angeles Dodgers hemmed and hawed on whether to invite them for a Pride Month celebration.

After inviting the group, the team went back on that initiative following anti-LGBT+ backlash. After that reaction and the withdrawal of the invitation led to an outpouring of support for the group, the team once again extended an invitation.

The group was founded in San Francisco in 1979 by gay men, employing Christian imagery to reject homophobia in religion and join the struggle against AIDS. They now have hundreds of members all over the globe.

Mr Santos is no stranger to the art of drag. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Mr Santos reportedly performed in drag under the name Kitara Ravache at several beauty pageants in Brazil.

In January, Brazilian drag performer Eula Rochard, 58, told Reuters that she believes Mr Santos appeared at a gay pride parade in Niteroi, a suburb of Rio de Janeiro, in 2005 and then spotted him at a drag pageant three years later.

I was young and I had fun at a festival  sue me for having a life, Mr Santos later told ABC7.

While he defended Catholocism in his latest tweet, it remains unclear if Mr Santos sees himself as part of the faith. In the past, he has described himself as Jewish, Jew-ish, and Catholic.

I believe were all Jewish at the end because Jesus Christ is Jewish, he once said.

Mr Santos outburst at drag nuns came as he weathered a development in a different one of his many scandals - with a judge ordering that the names of the people who paid his $500,000 bail following his federal indictment must be revealed.

The New York Representative, who won his seat last year after a failed 2020 bid, pleaded not guilty last month to charges of defrauding his campaign supporters, lying to get unemployment funds, and making false statements on congressional disclosure forms.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Judge Anne Shields ruled that Mr Santos must appeal the decision before 12pm on Friday, or else the names will be public.

Mr Santoss attorneys said on Monday that the benefactors truly fear for their health, safety and well being.

Lawyer Joseph Murray said previously that my client would rather surrender to pretrial detainment than subject these suretors to what will inevitably come.

Mr Santos has been charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds, and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Months after his identity was gleaned by online sleuths working to track down the names of those who attacked the US Capitol on January 6, a Long Island funeral home director has been arrested.

The arrest of Peter Maloney  of Bayport, New York  was announced on Wednesday in a press release from the Department of Justice, which accused him of spray[ing] police officers with ... insecticide on at least two occasions, and also helping other rioters gang up on and violently assault persons who they mistook for news reporters.

He was dubbed #BlackBonoHelmet online by the group, which has identified other Americans yet to be arrested in connection to the attack

He faces two felony counts and five misdemeanors for his participation in the assault; the felony charges include assault of a police officer, a more serious charge than many others who simply followed the mob into the Capitol, illegally, before leaving would later receive.

Its a far lighter list of charges than members of the far-right Oathkeepers militia received, however; leaders of that group were charged with seditious conspiracy against the United States.

FBI agents who compiled evidence against him argued that Mr Maloneys decision to come equipped with insecticide and body armour showed his intent to commit violence before the attack even began.

His arrest coincides with a much more high-profile nabbing of a January 6 conspirator this week  Bobs Burgers and Arrested Development fans reacted with disbelief and disgust as actor Jay Johnston, known for his roles on the shows, was arrested and charged with felony obstruction of peace officers among several misdemeanors. He was previously fired from the former show after being IDd online by Sedition Hunters, the very same group responsible for sniffing out Mr Maloneys identity.

Apparently indicating the limits of the Justice Departments capabilities, spokespersons for the group noted on Twitter just last month that it had been more than two years since Mr Maloneys identity had been confirmed positively by the websites sleuths.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

President Joe Biden on Wednesday vetoed legislation that would have canceled his plan to forgive student debt.

The measure had been pushed by Republicans, but it garnered a handful of Democratic votes in the Senate as well.

It is a shame for working families across the country that lawmakers continue to pursue this unprecedented attempt to deny critical relief to millions of their own constituents, Biden said in a statement when announcing his veto.

Despite the veto, Biden's plan still isn't secure. The U.S. Supreme Court, which is dominated by a conservative majority, is reviewing a legal challenge that could eliminate the program. A decision is expected this summer.

If enacted, Biden's plan would forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for borrowers making less than $125,000 per year.

Student loan payments were paused at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they will resume in August for anyone whose debt is not wiped out by Biden's plan.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

US President Joe Biden accidentally called UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Mr President as the two met in the Oval Office of The White House during Mr Sunaks two-day visit to Washington, DC.

Well, Mr President ... I just demoted you, Mr Prime Minister, Mr Biden said as he quickly corrected himself.

Mr Biden assured Mr Sunak that the US-UK special relationship is in real good shape and that the US has no closer ally than Great Britain, adding that he was delighted to see the prime minister in the US capital.

Mr Sunak welcomed Mr Bidens warm words and lauded the strength of our partnership, our friendship.

We will put our values front and centre as weve always done, he said.

Mr Biden mentioned that Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt met in the very same place more than seven decades before.

They asserted to the strength of the partnership between Great Britain and the United States with the strength of the free world. I still think theres truth to that assertion, he said, according to the Mirror.

Mr Sunak recalled that Mr Churchill was once found wandering the halls of the White House in the middle of the night, joking that he wouldnt be doing the same.

He has been staying at the presidential guest house, Blair House, during his hectic visit. The US government bought the property after Eleanor Roosevelt discovered Mr Churchill carrying a cigar as he headed towards the private area of the first family at about 3am, the paper noted.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) attends a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden (Niall Carson/PA) (PA Wire)

Theres an awful lot of stories that are told, probably a bunch apocryphal about former prime ministers, Mr Biden said.

Wondering around at 3am in the morning? Winston Churchill bothering Mrs Roosevelt, Mr Sunak said. Sir, dont worry, you wont see me there bothering you and the First Lady.

In the past few months we have met each other in San Diego and then we met in Belfast and we met Hiroshima, Mr Biden noted. And now were here were going solve all the problems of the world in the next 20 minutes.

Together, were providing economic humanitarian aid and security assistance to Ukraine in their fight against the Russians, the president added.

Mr Sunak said that Its daunting to think of the conversations that our predecessors had in this room when they had to speak of wars that they fought together, peace won together, incredible change in the lives of our citizens.

And again, for the first time in over half a century, we face a war on the European continent, he added in reference to Russias war in Ukraine. And as weve done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

In fallout from the debt ceiling deal, Speaker Kevin McCarthy is suddenly confronting a new threat to his power as angry hard-right conservatives bring the House chamber to a halt, reviving their displeasure over the compromise struck with President Joe Biden and demanding deeper spending cuts ahead.

Barely a dozen Republicans, mainly members of the House Freedom Caucus, shuttered House business for a second day Thursday in protest of McCarthys leadership. Routine votes could not be taken, and a pair of pro-gas stove bills important to GOP activists stalled out. Some lawmakers asked if they could simply go home.

McCarthy brushed off the disruption as healthy political debate, part of his risk taker way of being a leader  not too different, he said, from the 15-vote spectacle it took in January for him to finally convince his colleagues to elect him as speaker. With a paper-thin GOP majority, any few Republicans have outsized sway.

But the aftermath of the debt ceiling deal is coming into focus: The hard-right flank that helped put the speaker in power five months ago is not done with McCarthy yet.

I enjoy this conflict, the speaker bantered Wednesday at the Capitol, saying he feels like Goldilocks being pushed from all sides. Conflict makes you stronger if you deal with it.

At its core, the standoff between the House conservatives and the speaker revolves around the budget levels McCarthy agreed to in the debt-ceiling bill with Biden that the right flank of his conference strenuously opposed. The agreement restricted spending, but not as much as the Freedom Caucus and others demanded. Unable to stop the debt bill's passage last week, the conservatives are now digging in for a longer fight to prevent it from taking hold.

It's all setting the stage for a potentially disastrous showdown ahead, when Congress will need to pass spending bills to fund the government at the levels set by the McCarthy-Biden debt package, or risk a shutdown in federal government operations when the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

The test will likely come even sooner, this summer, when the Biden administration is expected to ask Congress to approve supplemental funding for Ukraine to fight the war against Russia. It's an issue that splits the Republicans between those who want to cut budgets and those insisting on a strong military.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell raised his own concerns Wednesday about the cap on military spending: Im not sure at this point how to fix it, but its a problem, a serious problem.

While the conservatives have aired a long list of grievances, the debt deal looms largest.

The McCarthy-Biden compromise set overall federal budget caps  holding spending flat for 2024, and with a 1% growth for 2025  and Congress still needs to pass appropriations bills to fund the various federal agencies at the agreed-to amounts. That's typically done by Oct. 1. After Biden signed the debt deal into law last weekend, lawmakers have been fast at work on the agency-spending bills ahead of votes this summer to meet the deadline.

Not only did the conservatives object to the deal with Biden as insufficient, they claim it violated the terms of an agreement they had reached with McCarthy to roll back spending even further, to 2022 levels, to make him speaker.

There was an agreement in January, Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., told reporters after he left the speakers office Wednesday morning. And it was violated in the debt-ceiling bill.

McCarthy insists the agreement he made during the speakers race to roll back spending to 2022 was not a guaranteed outcome, only a goal. Besides, the debt deal has a provision that would automatically return spending to the 2022 level if Congress fails to put in place all the funding bills by January.

We never promised were going to be all at 22 levels I said we would strive to get to the 22 level or the equivalent amount," McCarthy said Wednesday. "Weve met all that criteria.

McCarthy also said he's not opposed to more funding for Ukraine, but he wants to see exactly what's needed rather than simply agree to undoing the spending caps that he negotiated with Biden and that were just signed into law.

Democrats watching the fallout from the debt-ceiling deal are mindful of the challenges ahead.

I think its going to be tough, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

Youve got a whole bunch of people who want to cut back, she said of the Republicans. Potentially they could hold up appropriations.

If Congress fails to pass the spending bills by fall it risks a federal government shutdown  an outcome conservatives have forced multiple times before, starting in the Clinton era when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich led the House into a budget standoff, and again in 2013 when conservatives shut down the government as they tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The longest federal shutdown in history was during the Trump era when Congress refused his demands for money to build the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

For now, McCarthy and his leadership team need to just figure out how to bring the House chamber back into session.

The bills on tap this week were not the most pressing on the agenda, but are popular among Republicans and carry important political messages even if they have no chance of becoming law.

Among them is a pair of bills related to gas stoves, including one that would prohibit the use of federal funds to regulate gas stoves as a hazardous product.

House action came to a sudden halt midday Tuesday when the band of conservatives refused to support a routine procedural vote to set the rules schedule for the day's debate. It was the first time in some 20 years a routine rules vote was defeated.

__

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Mary Clare Jalonick and Farnoush Amiri contributed.
 Close Mike Pence says he would not pardon Jan 6 protesters

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former US vice president Mike Pence officially announced that he is running for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, pitting him against Donald Trump.

In a speech in Iowa on his 64th birthday, Mr Pence trod a fine line between embracing the record of the Trump administration and attacking Mr Trump for his role in the deadly Capitol riot of 6 January 2021.

In a CNN town hall on Wednesday evening, Mr Pence reasserted his conservative culture war credentials on abortion, gun rights, crime, school choice, and climate change.

When asked about his estranged former boss, he called on the Department of Justice not to prosecute Mr Trump for his alleged mishandling of classified documents, immediately after saying that everyone should be treated equally under the law. Significantly, he refused to say he would pardon the ex-president if he won the White House.

In an increasingly crowded GOP field, Mr Pence faces competition from the likes of Florida governor Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, senator Tim Scott and ex-UN ambassador Nikki Haley.

On Thursday, Mike and Karen Pence celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on the campaign trail.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Mike Pence has called on the Justice Department to not prosecute Donald Trump for his handling of classified documents but refused to say he would pardon the former president if he won the White House.

The former vice president told a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, that he viewed the handling of classified material as a very serious matter but told host Dana Bash that federal prosecutors should leave Mr Trump alone.

I would hope not, I really would, he said when asked if the DoJ special counsel Jack Smith should indict Mr Trump over the documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Mike Pence is the latest Republican to throw his hat into the ring for the 2024 nomination (AP)

I think it would be terribly divisive to the country at a time when the American people are hurting. This kind of action by the DoJ would only fuel further division in the country and send a terrible message to the wider world  I hope the DoJ thinks better of it and resolves this in a better way than an indictment, he continued.

Despite that, Mr Pence told the audience that no one is above the law, and also admitted that he himself had no business having some classified documents at his home in Indiana.

I took full responsibility for it. I would hope there would be a way to move forward without the dramatic, drastic steps of indicting a former president of the United States.

Bash then directly asked Mr Pence, who earlier in the day officially launched his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, if as president he would pardon Mr Trump if he was convicted.

Pence refuses to ruling out pardoning Trump if he's elected POTUS pic.twitter.com/dbsHlZcV5i  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 8, 2023

I dont want to speak about hypotheticals. I am not sure I am going to be elected president of the United States but I believe we have a fighting chance, he said.

Mr Pence was also asked to respond to Mr Trumps claim he would pardon anyone convicted of taking part in the violent January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, some of whom had called for him to be hanged.

You know on January 6 I issued a tweet demanding that people leave the Capitol and end the violence and said those who didnt should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and I believe that today, he said.

Pence says during his CNN town hall that he has no interest in pardoning people convicted of crimes in connection with January 6, saying he stands by "due process" pic.twitter.com/9AoWO6YpqI  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 8, 2023

We cannot ever allow what happened on January 6 to ever happen again. I have no interest or intention of pardoning those who assaulted police officers or vandalized the capitol.

Mr Pence, who called January 6 a tragic day for the country, was also asked about refusing to accede to Mr Trumps demands to not certify Joe Bidens 2020 victory.

I will always believe that by Gods grace, I did my duty that day to support and defended the Constitution of the United States, he said.

I want the American people to know that I believe with all my heart we did our duty that day. I know the disappointment of the 2020 election - I was on the ballot - but at the end of the day the Republican party has to be the party of the Constitution.

And he added: He (Trump) was asking me to choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution and I always will. I hoped that the president would come around in the years since to see that we had done our duty..but it is not to be.

I said today the president was wrong then and is wrong nowI will always stand on the Constitution of the United States of America.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

New York would create a commission to consider reparations to address the lingering, negative effects of slavery under a bill being voted on by the state Legislature on Thursday.

We want to make sure we are looking at slavery and its legacies, said state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages before the floor debate. This is about beginning the process of healing our communities. There still is generational trauma that people are experiencing. This is just one step forward.

New York is following the lead of California, which became the first state to form a reparations task force in 2020. That group recommended a formal apology from the state on its legacy of racism and discriminatory policies and the creation of an agency to provide a wide range of services for Black residents. They did not recommend specific payments amounts for reparations.

The New York legislation would create a nine-member commission that would examine the extent to which the federal and state government supported the institution of slavery. It would also address persistent economic, political and educational disparities experienced by Black people in the state today.

According to the New York bill, the first enslaved Africans arrived at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, then a Dutch settlement, around the 1620s and helped build the infrastructure of New York City. While the state Legislature enacted a statute that gave freedom to enslaved Africans in New York in 1817, it wasnt implemented until 10 years later.

The governor and legislative leaders would each appoint three qualified members to the commission.

The commission would be required to deliver a report one year after their first meeting. Their recommendations would be non-binding, meaning the legislature would not be required to take them up for a vote.

I'm concerned we're opening a door that was closed in New York State almost 200 years ago, said Republican state Assemblymember Andy Gooddell during floor debates on the bill Thursday. He said he supports existing efforts to bring equal opportunity to all and would like to continue on that path rather than focus on reparations.

The state Senate is expected to debate the bill days before the legislative session is slated to end.

In California, the reparations task force said in their report that the state is estimated to be responsible for more than $500 billion due to decades of over-policing, mass incarceration and redlining that kept Black families from receiving loans and living in certain neighborhoods. Californias state budget last year was $308 billion. Reparations in New York could also come with a hefty price tag.

Other state legislatures that have considered studying reparations include New Jersey and Vermont. A Chicago suburb in Evanston, Illinois, became the first city to make reparations available to Black residents through a $10 million housing project in 2021.

On the federal level, a decades-old proposal to create a commission studying reparations has stalled in Congress.

Some critics of reparations by states say that while the idea is well-intentioned, it can be misguided.

William Darity, a professor of public policy and African and African American Studies at Duke University said even calling them reparations is presumptuous," since it's virtually impossible for states to meet the hefty payouts that come with them.

He said the federal government has the financial capacity to pay true reparations and that they should be the ones responsible.

My deeper fear with all of these piecemeal projects is that they actually will become a block against federal action because there will be a number of people who will say there's no need for a federal program, Darity said. If you end up settling for state and local initiatives, you settle for much less than what is owed.

New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who is the first Black person to hold the position, called the legislation historic.

The commission would be charged with looking at the history of New York and looking where we can build a bridge to healing Solages said. Those inequalities wont simply resolve themselves.

___

Associated Press Writer Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California contributed to this report.

Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Maysoon Khan on Twitter.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Watch live as Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak hold a press conference after their meeting at the White House on Thursday (8 June).

The war in Ukraine and artificial intelligence (AI) were two topics expected to be high on the agenda in their talks, which took place in Washington DC.

Mr Biden and Mr Sunak met days after the Nova Kakhovka dam, which lies along the Dnipro river in Russia-held Kherson, was blown up.

As a result of the incident, water gushed into nearby villages and towns in the region with a 42,000-strong population at risk of losing their homes, food, safe water and livelihoods.

Ukraine has blamed Russia for an attack on the dam, and Mr Sunak said earlier this week that the destruction would be new low if Moscow was indeed responsible.

What I can say is if it is intentional, it would represent, I think, the largest attack on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine since the start of the war, and just would demonstrate the new lows that we would have seen from Russian aggression, he said.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

In a victory for voting rights and Alabama voters, the US Supreme Court has ruled that the state diluted the power of Black voters with its congressional redistricting plan, affirming a landmark civil rights law.

The state likely discriminated against Black voters with a Republican-drawn map that packs most of the states Black residents into a single district, out of seven, despite Black residents making up 27 per cent of the states population.

A key ruling in the case of Allen v Milligan on 8 June means that the state will have to re-draw its congressional map to include a second majority-Black district.

The surprise 5-4 decision on the conservative-majority panel was written by Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by liberal Justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor, with partial but crucial concurrence from conservative Brett Kavanaugh.

Conservative justices Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented.

Last year, a lower court ordered the state to draw new political boundaries that would create at least two districts in which Black voters would be more likely to elect a representative to Congress that more closely resembles the states demographics.

Recommended Supreme Court to review South Carolina congressional map for discrimination against Black voters

The Voting Rights Act was drafted to prevent that kind of race-based dilution of Black voters. But attorneys for the state argued the opposite  that considering race to redraw political boundaries would mark an unconstitutional consideration of racial targets and race-based sorting, in violation of the 14th Amendments equal protection clause.

The justices rejected that argument.

A decision that sided with Alabama attorneys would have radically reduced Black voters political power and landed a critical blow to a state with a long history of racist violence and discrimination.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act prohibits voting laws and election policies from discriminating on the basis of race. The states suggestion that race should play no role whatsoever to determine whether redistricting plans violate Section 2 would rewrite the law and overturn decades of settled precedent, according to the maps challengers.

Attorneys for President Joe Bidens administration argued that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act should be considered when pervasive racial politics would otherwise deny minority voters equal electoral opportunities.

The maps challengers argued that is precisely what is at stake in Alabama.

The right to vote and have that vote counted is sacred and fundamental  it is the right from which all of our other rights spring. Key to that right is ensuring that voters pick their elected officials  not the other way around, President Joe Biden said in a statement welcoming the courts decision.

Mr Biden urged Congress to advance stalled efforts to revive and expand the Voting Rights Act.

Evan Milligan, the plaintiff in Merrill v Milligan before the Supreme Court, addressed reported in Washington DC in October after oral arguments in the case. (AP)

The case before the court stems from a 2021 lawsuit filed on behalf of Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, and a group of voters represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, among others.

A group of Black voters filed a similar lawsuit in 2018 and lost.

The states sole majority-Black district  currently represented by Democratic US Rep Terri Sewell  has a voting population that is 60 per cent Black, roughly one-third of the states Black population.

The states remaining Black population is cracked across the First, Second and Third congressional districts  all represented by white Republicans.

This decision is a crucial win against the continued onslaught of attacks on voting rights, according to a statement from NAACP Legal Defense and Educational senior counsel Deuel Ross, who argued the case before the court last October.

Alabama attempted to rewrite federal law by saying race had no place in redistricting. But because of the states sordid and well-documented history of racial discrimination, race must be used to remedy that past and ensure communities of color are not boxed out of the electoral process, he added.

The decision on 8 June comes days before the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Courts decision in Shelby County v Holder that gutted critical federal oversight measures in the 1965 Voting Rights Act intended to protect against discriminatory election laws. In 2021, a decision in Brnovich v Democratic National Committee involving Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act further limited the ability to challenge restrictions on voting rights.

After passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the US Department of Justice rejected hundreds of proposed changes to voting laws to prevent discriminatory outcomes.

But after the high courts ruling in 2013, states closed hundreds of polling places, disproportionately targeting areas with voters of colour, and GOP lawmakers filed scores of restrictive voting laws, culminating in a wave of Republican-led legislation to change the rules of election administration in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

The Supreme Courts latest ruling could impact similar Section 2 challenges involving recently redrawn congressional districts in several other southern states, and could reshape the political map heading into 2024 elections.

A case in Louisiana similarly argues that the state would also need a second majority-Black congressional district to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

History shows us that lawmakers will erect many more hurdles before every Alabamian, irrespective of their race, can vote for representatives that reflect their beliefs, values, and priorities, Tish Gotell Faulks, legal director of the ACLU of Alabama, said in a statement

Efforts remain underway from Montgomery to Jackson to Baton Rouge, and elsewhere across the country to minimize, marginalize, and eliminate the ability of Black and brown people to have a voice in their communities, she added. Our communities then  as now  understand that the fight to uphold our civil rights is a daily pursuit. We will persist.
 Close Defiant Donald Trump attacks nasty Pence and deranged special consul Jack Smith

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former president Donald Trump gave defiant speeches at two Republican state conventions on Saturday in Georgia and North Carolina , just one day after he was indicted for keeping highly-classified information at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.

The 49-page, 38-count indictment was unsealed after Mr Trump released a series of social media posts revealing that he has been indicted by a grand jury under the supervision of Special Counsel Jack Smith.

The former president has fumed online about the charges and lashed out at Mr Smith calling him a deranged lunatic. The special counsel for his part gave a brief explanation of the sweeping indictment and reiterated that in America, the law applies to everyone. It appears Trump-appointed judge Aileen Cannon will remain on the case unless she recuses herself.

Mr Trump repeated his attacks on Mr Smith onstage over the weekend and on Roger Stones radio show. He also told Politico he would not quit the 2024 primary race even if convicted.

Meanwhile, the Sunday morning political talk shows were stacked with both Mr Trumps defenders and detractors, with notable appearances by Jim Jordan and Lindsey Graham, and a particularly devastating analysis by former attorney general Bill Barr.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former Republican representative Adam Kinzinger was among those who appear to have believed in a fake social media post that purported to show Donald Trump raging at his former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

OH MEADOWS TURNED, Mr Kinzinger tweeted along with a screenshot of the fake Trump post, before deleting it shortly after.

The post was doctored to look similar to Mr Trump's routine rants on Truth Social, however, a quick scroll through the former president's social media page confirmed the post was not actually shared by Mr Trump.

"When Mark Meadows came crawling to me with tears in his eyes, saying sir I need a job please help me, I felt very sorry for him," the fake post in all-caps read.

"I knew he was strongly hated by most of his fellow Congressional Republicans, but I had just fired my previous chief of staff, like a dog, so I decided to have Mark audition for the job, apprentice style."

Mr Kinzinger deleted his post and issued a clarification after it was pointed out to him that the alleged rant was fake.

"Deleted the very believable but possibly false truth social post by Trump, he wrote, adding: We will have to see if Meadows turned or not.

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough also reportedly posted the same fake Trump rant, which now has been deleted.

The fake post began circulating after a New York Times report revealed that Mr Meadows had testified to a federal grand jury in the special counsel's investigations of the former president.

According to CNN, Mr Meadows spoke to the grand jury about both the January 6 investigation, which reportedly also encompasses Mr Trumps larger efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as the investigation into whether classified presidential records were illegally retained by the Trump team during their exit from the White House.

It is not clear precisely when Mr Meadows, who was Mr Trump's last chief of staff, testified or if investigators questioned him about one or both of the cases.

In a statement to the Times, Mr Meadows's lawyer George Terwilliger said: "Without commenting on whether or not Mr Meadows has testified before the grand jury or in any other proceeding, Mr Meadows has maintained a commitment to tell the truth where he has a legal obligation to do so."

Mr Meadows testimony is among those that Mr Trump attempted to stifle via legal means following his departure from the White House. Attorneys for the ex-president claimed that Mr Meadows was protected by executive privilege.

A judge rejected that argument and ordered the former Trump aide to speak to the grand jury.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trump  a man who aims to lead the nation in 2024  is apparently hard at work on a new strategy.

His advisers have been plotting, according to reports, to convince Mr Trump to refer to his presidential primary rival Florida Governor Ron DeSantis "Tiny D."

Mr Trump's team has apparently been workshopping the idea of using the nickname sometime in March, according to Bloomberg.

Could its provenance simply be that Mr DeSantis is short when compared to the "average" male height of approximately 6 feet?

Not according to a source who spoke on the issue.

Hes also short but  yes of course its about his penis, thats why were doing it, a source familiar with the strategy told Rolling Stone, which first reported the development.

The sources told the publication that some of Mr Trump's longtime advisers are actually urging him to unleash the new nickname, and ensuring him that it will both stick with GOP voters and get under Mr DeSantis's skin.

Mr Trump is well known for nicknaming his enemies. Crooked Hillary [Clinton], Sleepy Joe [Biden], Lyin' Ted [Cruz]. But he's struggled to land on a truly Trumpian nickname for Mr DeSantis, frequently resorting to the mouthful of "Ron DeSanctimonious."

Former President Donald Trump greets supporters before speaking at the Westside Conservative Breakfast, June 1, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

A New York Times report suggested he was tossing around the nickname "Meatball Ron," which evoked the image of the Florida governor as a Mario-esque pasta cook.

The former president has denied that he was considering using Meatball Ron.

Mr DeSantis finds himself in a difficult position when responding to Mr Trump. He can't go toe-to-toe with the former president when it comes to juvenile insults. Not only does no one do it better than the former Apprentice host, but Mr DeSantis runs the risk of alienating the "reasonable" Republicans who were averse to Mr Trump's bullying behaviour in the first place.

Instead, Mr DeSantis has walked a tightrope between outright gunning for Mr Trump and trying to keep himself in the good graces of MAGA world.

Earlier this year, the governor decried Mr Trump's indictment as a Democrat-led witch hunt while also noting he was unaware of "what goes into paying hush money to a porn star."

Presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis listens to his wife speak to a crowd on June 2, 2023 in Gilbert, South Carolina. (Getty Images)

That comment earned him a lashing from Mr Trump, who suggested that Mr DeSantis was both secretly gay and insinuated that he may one day be the subject of a "Me Too" allegation.

Prior to that, Mr DeSantis slammed the FBI's raid on Mar-a-Lago, which revealed Mr Trump had been hoarding sensitive government documents, calling it a "weaponisation" of government agencies against Democrats' political opponents. And if Mr Trump is held criminally liable for any of the numerous things he's being investigated for, Mr DeSantis said he would consider offering the former president a pardon.

The insults, in Mr DeSantis's mind, are an indication that Mr Trump sees him as a legitimate threat to his 2024 prospects.

The way Im being attacked, Trump has run almost $20 million in ads negative attacking me, you know, with frivolous and false smears, Mr DeSantis told Fox News radio earlier this week. Im the one thats taken most of the fire. And I think thats an indication that people know that, yeah, we have what it takes and that were a force to be reckoned with.

The Independent has reached out to Mr Trump and Mr DeSantis' teams for comment.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Ukrainian government has branded Tucker Carlson a clown and told him to check his facts after he launched a pro-Kremlin rant on his first Twitter show.

The former Fox News host told viewers that a fair person would conclude that Ukraine destroyed the Nova Kakhovka damn which collapsed and caused massive flooding in the country.

Carlson, a popular voice for the Kremlin, added that the dam was effectively Russian and that the damage hurts Russia more than Ukraine.

The Kakhovka dam was effectively Russian. It was built by the Russian government. It currently sits in Russian-controlled territory. The dams reservoir supplies water to Crimea, which has been for the last 240 years home of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, said Carlson.

So really, once the facts start coming in, it becomes much less of a mystery what might have happened to the dam, and a fair person would conclude that the Ukrainians probably blew it up, just as you would assume they blew up Nord Stream, the Russian natural gas pipeline last fall.

Both Ukraine and Russia have blamed each other for the destruction of the dam, which lies within Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine and supplies water to a large area of the country. Western intelligence agencies have said they are not sure who was responsible.

Ukraines Centre for Strategic Communication and Information Security slammed Carlson on Twitter on Thursday, using a clown emoji.

They also posted an edited picture of Carlson with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, calling him an agent of Putin.

Tucker Carlson, a TV presenter who was fired from Fox News, explains why Ukraine blew up the Kakhovka HPP. Lets break down his arguments, the government agency tweeted.

1. The explosion has led to an environmental disaster on the territory of Ukraine, they continued.

 Tucker Carlson, a TV presenter who was fired from Fox News, explains why Ukraine blew up the Kakhovka HPP. Let's break down his arguments  pic.twitter.com/kaP2rLggBR  SPRAVDI  Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) June 7, 2023

2. The flooding of the territory complicates Ukraines offensive in the South and allows the Russians to release at least some of the forces they have been keeping on this part of the frontline.

3. It is not the first time that the Russians have resorted to the scorched earth tactic in an attempt to inflict as much damage as possible on Ukraine.

 Tucker Carlson, a TV presenter who was fired from Fox News, explains why Ukraine blew up the Kakhovka HPP. Let's break down his arguments  pic.twitter.com/kaP2rLggBR  SPRAVDI  Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) June 7, 2023

The agency also accused Carlson of using an edited video of US Senator Lindsey Graham meeting Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

In the doctored video Mr Graham seemingly says Russians are dying followed by This is the best thing weve ever spent money on.

Grahams statements about the deaths of Russians and the spending of American money do not follow each other. The unedited version of this conversation was made public. But Tucker Carlson ignored it, the agency added.

Elsewhere in his new show on Twitter, Carlson described Ukraines Jewish leader Zelensky as sweaty and rat-like, a persecutor of Christians, and in bed with American investment bankers.

No one whos paid to cover these things seem to entertain even the possibility it could have been Ukrainians who did it. No chance of that, Carlson said of the dam incident, engaging in his trademark deadpan sarcasim.

Ukraine, as you may have heard, is led by a man called Zelensky. We can say for a dead certain fact that he was not involved. He couldnt have been; Zelensky is too decent for terrorism.

Now you see him on television, and its true you might form a different impression. Sweaty and rat-like, a comedian turned oligarch, a persecutor of Christians, a friend of [US investment giant] BlackRock.

But dont believe your own eyes. Actually, Mr Zelensky is a very good man... of all the people in the world, our shifty, dead-eyed Ukrainian friend in the tracksuit is uniquely incapable of blowing up a damn. Hes literally a living saint, a man in whom there is no sin.

He went on to cite numerous other examples where, he claimed, the US media had ignored important stories as part of an effort to systematically deceive the American people.

Whats happened to the hundreds of billions of US dollars weve sent to Ukraine? No clue, he said. Who organised those Black Lives Matter riots three years ago? No ones gotten to the bottom of that. What exactly happened on 9/11? Well, its still classified.

He then talked about bombshell claims from a US military intelligence veteran named David Grusch that the US government has recovered pieces of spacecraft built by non-human species, as well as the bodies of alien pilots.

Although the story was widely covered by US media outlets, Carlson focused on the fact that neither The New York Times nor The Washington Post had reported on it, and treated Mr Gruschs claims as definitively true.

Thats what the former Intel officer revealed, and it was clear he was telling the truth, Mr Carlson said. In other words, UFOs are actually real, and apparently so is extraterrestrial life.

Now, in a normal country, this news would qualify as a bombshell the story of the millennium. But in our country, it doesnt.

Carlson was removed from his nightly show on Fox News where he had been the right-wing broadcasters provocatuer-in-chief for years. His dismissal came in the wake of the Dominion scandal, which saw Fox pay out $787m for deliberately spreading Donald Trumps fraudulent claims that he had been cheated out of victory in the 2020 election.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A picturesque French town has been left reeling after four children were stabbed in a playground horror attack.

Two adults were also injured in the attack in Annecy in the French Alps on Thursday morning. All of the youngsters - who were aged between 22 months and three - were transferred to hospitals in the French Alps and across the Swiss border in Geneva.

One of the injured children is British, the UK foreign secretary James Cleverly confirmed and is believed to have been on holiday at the time.

The horrific attack was caught on camera (Twitter)

A 70-year-old man was also seriously injured  first by the knifeman and then by police fire during the attack which took place at around 7.45am local time in Le Paquier park in Annecy. A second adult was treated for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Have you been affected by this story? If so email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk

Horrifying footage posted on social media appeared to show a knifeman running around the area while being pursued by several onlookers.

French police said they later arrested a man in his early 30s over the attack. Below we look at everything we know about the suspect so far.

Four children were rushed to hospital following the attack (EPA)

What happened during the attack?

The suspect - wearing a blue-chequered headscarf and sunglasses - was allegedly seen shouting before he began attacking small children in the playground with a four-inch blade.

In horrifying footage, the assailant jumps over a low wall and repeatedly lunges at a child in a stroller, pushing aside a woman who tries to fend him off.

One bystander is later seen trying to stop him as other parents flee with their children.

Within minutes, the attacker was pursued by police. He then attacked an elderly man in a different part of the park. Police fired shots and detained the attacker, who was unharmed, and is now being questioned by police.

What do we know about the suspect?

French prime minister Elisabeth Borne said the suspected attacker, who was in police custody, was a 31-year-old Syrian national who was granted asylum in Sweden 10 years ago.

She confirmed that he had entered France legally and was carrying Swedish identity documents plus a Swedish driving license. Ms Borne also said he was homeless and an isolated individual.

He had asked for asylum in France, which had not been processed because he already had refugee status in Sweden. Because he had EU refugee status, he was free to travel legally to France, she said.

Police sources told the French Le Monde newspaper the man had declared himself to be a Syrian Christian in his French asylum application.

The publication also reported that he had been wearing a Christian cross on a chain around his neck when arrested.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the suspected was an isolated individual (AFP via Getty Images)

What do we know about the possible motive behind the attack?

Annecy public prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said there was "no evidence" of a terrorist motive.

Instead, the prosecutor said an inquiry was underway for attempted murder. National police, rather than anti-terrorist investigators, are heading the investigation.

Ms Borne said French authorities had contacted international security and intelligence agencies and the man was unknown to any French, European or other foreign security service. He had no criminal record, and no apparent psychiatric record, she said.

What have the authorities said?

Ms Borne described the attack as savage and said the whole of France had been shaken by this hateful, indescribable act.

French president Emmanuel Macron tweeted that it was an act of absolute cowardice and that the nation was in shock.

"Nothing more abominable than to attack children," National Assembly speaker Yael Braun-Pivet said on Twitter. Parliament observed a minute of silence to mark the incident.

Mr Cleverly said the UKs thoughts are with the victims and their families and we stand ready to support in whichever way we can".

The attack took place in Annecy, a town in the east of the country (The Independent/Datawrapper)

He added: "We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family.

And, of course, we stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this very terrible time."

Home secretary Suella Braverman said she was in touch with her French counterpart, Gerald Darmanin, adding that she was appalled by the attack.

Prime minster Rishi Sunak tweeted: My thoughts are with all of those affected by the shocking attack in Annecy this morning.

As @EmmanuelMacron has said, it was a truly cowardly act. The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Russian forces shelled a flooded Ukrainian city on Thursday, forcing the suspension of some rescue efforts only hours after the president, Volodymyr Zelensky, had visited the region to assess the damage caused by the collapse of the Kakhovka dam.

The fresh fighting came two days after the destruction of the facility left 230 square miles of the war zone along the Dnipro River under water.

Hundreds more residents were rescued from rooftops on Thursday as the floodwaters submerged villages, fields and roads in the southern region of Kherson.

Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for the bursting of the Soviet-era hydroelectric dam, which sent water cascading across the war zone in the early hours of Tuesday.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge, with the area affected having once been home to more than 60,000 people. Thousands are already homeless, and tens of thousands are without drinking water.

In Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid. Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policeman, a doctor and a volunteer from Germany, Ukraine said.

The Kremlin similarly accused Ukraine of shelling Russian rescue workers in the area, without providing evidence.

(Reuters)

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Mr Zelensky had visited only hours earlier.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents whose houses were flooded, the interior ministry said. Russia has abandoned people in calamity.

Mr Zelensky had earlier visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility.

Fighting has intensified along the 620-mile frontline from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraines border with Russia, in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.

(AP)

A senior Russian commander briefed Vladimir Putin on how his forces had repelled a large-scale Ukrainian attack in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, the Tass news agency reported.

Defence minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian forces had withstood fierce attempts overnight by Ukrainian troops to break through the frontline in the area.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said aid agencies had delivered bottles of drinking water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits and jerry cans. Drinking water remains the most pressing need, it said.

Khersons Ukrainian governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said 68 per cent of the flooded territory was on the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
 Close Police were scouring the remote Barragem do Arade reservoir in the Algarve, Portugal last week, around 35 miles from where the then-three-year-old went missing in 2007 while on a family holiday in Praia da Luz

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Soil from a reservoir in Portugal searched by police last month is being compared with samples from main suspect Christian Brueckners camper van, it has been reported.

Detectives believe Brueckner visited the remote Barragem do Arade reservoir in Portugals Algarve region days after Madeleine disappeared.

Officials now believe they can prove that Brueckners van was in the area at the time the three-year-old was abducted , sources told The Daily Mirror.

The insider claimed that if the soil sample analysis reveals a positive match, police may be able to further close the net around Brueckner, 45, who has not yet been charged.

Earlier, a forensics expert warned that traditional evidence will be difficult to find after 16 years have passed since Madeleine McCanns disappearance.

Dan Matthews said that investigators would have searched the remote reservoir in Portugal for things that couldve stood the test of time and not been destroyed by its passage, such as clothing fragments or jewelry.
 Close Ukraine: Soviet-era dam destroyed near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Ukraines military has claimed to have recaptured their first village since launching counter-offensive actions against Russia.

Ukrainian soldiers were filmed hoisting their blue and yellow flag at a damaged building in what the army said was the village of Blahodatne, in the partially occupied eastern Donetsk region in the southeast of the country.

The unverified video was published by the 68th Separate Hunting Brigade of the Armed Forces. It comes after president Volodymyr Zelensky said that counter-offensive and defensive actions are under way against Russian forces in an apparent confirmation of the long-awaited pushback of Putins troops.

The Russian Defence Ministry has continued to insist that it is repelling Ukrainian attacks in the Donetsk region. It said in a statement that Ukrainian attempts at offensive operations on the southern Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia axes of the frontline over the past 24 hours have been unsuccesful.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Satellite images have revealed the damage from the massive collapse of a major dam and hydroelectric power plant in southern Ukraine.

The critical soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam, which lies along the Dnipro river in Russia-held Kherson, was blown up on Tuesday and collapsed soon after, sending water gushing into nearby villages and towns in the region with a 42,000-strong population.

The UN said the collapse will have catastrophic and far-reaching consequences for thousands of people with the loss of homes, food, safe water and livelihoods even as Russia and Ukraine traded accusations over the incident.

The latest satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies to The Independent on Tuesday showed the largely destroyed Nova Kakhovka dam and the hydroelectric plant as well as wide swathes of heavily flooded towns and villages.

The imagery captured more than 2,500 sq km of the area around Nova Kakhovka and the Dniprovska Gulf, southwest of Kherson city on the Black Sea. Comparison images showed the dam before and after the collapse.

The latest close-up view of Nova Kakhovka showed the dam and the adjoining area completely damaged and water gushing through the remnants. The first image of the fully functional dam was taken on Monday, just a day before the explosion.

The Nova Kakhovka dam and the hydroelectric plant has been largely destroyed and few structures remain, Maxar said in a statement.

The before and after close-up views of Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power facility (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

A comparison of images from 15 May of homes along the Dnipro in the southeast of Kherson showed houses and buildings submerged in water with only roofs showing, and flooded parks, land and infrastructure.

The explosion and subsequent flooding have threatened the population of 42,000 people who need to be evacuated, deputy prosecutor-general Viktoriya Lytvynova said on Ukrainian television.

The official said those people include a population of 17,000 Ukrainians in the Ukraine-controlled territory west of the Dnipro and 25,000 in the Russian-controlled east.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement on Wednesday that the collapse has led to thousands of people being deprived of normal access to drinking water.

The water level has risen to 3.5 metres (11.5ft), around 60km downstream from the dam.

Before and after images of flooded homes along the Dnipro (location: 46.604, 32.571) (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

A 15 May image of Korsunka village on the left bank of the Dnipro showed the destruction of farmland and water entering residential areas on the outer side of the settlement.

Millions of cubic metres of water had already partially submerged several areas and killed thousands of animals, with water reaching as far as Mykolaiv in a few days, a region some 90km away, Mykhailo Podolyak, a chief adviser to Mr Zelenksy previously told The Independent.

Images show flooded homes and farms in Korsunka (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

The aerial images of a port facility and industrial area showed a deluge of water and water gushing through the water way at high speed.

No deaths have been reported by either side yet. US spokesman John Kirby, however, claimed the flooding had probably caused many deaths.

Flooded port facilities and industrial area, Kherson (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

Another comparison of the latest image from an image taken of Krynky village on 15 May showed vast stretches of once-lush farmlands submerged under an expanse of water. Rising floodwater has engulfed crops and vegetation and inundated buildings and homes.

Farmland around Krynky village flooded (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

A resident, Oskana, 53, who goes by a single name, told Reuters: Everything is submerged in water, all the furniture, the fridge, food, all flowers, everything is floating. I do not know what to do.

To conduct evacuations, buses, trains and private vehicles were marshalled to carry people to safety in about 80 communities threatened by flooding.

Mr Zelensky has accused Russian forces of blowing up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station from inside the facility and said Russia must be held to account for a terrorist attack.

At 02.50, Russian terrorists carried out an internal detonation of the structures of the Kakhovskaya HPP. About 80 settlements are in the zone of flooding, he said after an emergency meeting of senior officials.

The Ukrainian military said it was Russias attempt to prevent Ukrainian troops from crossing the Dnipro to attack the occupying forces.

Russia, however, blamed Kyiv for sabotaging the dam by cutting off water supplies to Crimea and to distract attention from its alleged faltering counteroffensive.

We can state unequivocally that we are talking about deliberate sabotage by the Ukrainian side, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A significant Ukrainian force has launched an assault on Russian lines in the southern Zaporizhzhia region  with a surge in attacks that points towards its counteroffensive shifting into high gear.

A number of US and Ukrainian officials suggested this was the start in earnest of Kyiv's bid to reclaim territory lost to Russian occupation during Moscow's invasion. Ukraine's commanders and government have always said there would be no official announcement of the start of the counteroffensive and there has already been an increase in military activity all week.

The combat against Russian positions  including intense fighting outside of the town of Tokmak, a Russian logistical hub  is said to involve Western-supplied tanks, armoured vehicles and infantry backed by artillery.

The Kremlin has repeatedly claimed to have repelled Ukrainian attacks  that it calls the counteroffensive  across various points of the war's frontlines for a number of days, but Russian military bloggers noted an increase in clashes overnight Wednesday and into Thursday. One said: Wave after wave of the enemy is trying to break through our defence."

Appearing to confirm an operation was underway, the Ukrainian deputy defence minister, Hanna Maliar, said Russia was actively on the defensive in the Orihiv area of Zaporizhzhia region.

Citing two unnamed Ukrainian officials, including a source close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, ABC News reported that the offensive was truly beginning. Reports from other US outlets citing both Ukrainian and US officials, all speaking anonymously, said similar things. But when asked about these reports, a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces told Reuters: "We have no such information."

Video footage appearing on social media appeared to suggest that that German-made Leopard 2 tanks were involved in the battle. Russian Colonel General Alexander Romanchuk claimed, without providing evidence, that Moscow's forces had destroyed three Leopard tanks. The officer also said that the general in charge of Russias troops in Ukraine, chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov, briefed President Vladimir Putin on the battles in Zaporizhzhia.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also claimed that country's forces had driven back Ukrainian troops trying to punch through defensive lines in the Zaporizhzhia region  after a two-hour battle involving what he said was up to 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers and 150 armored vehicles. The Kremlin has a habit of inflating such numbers and the fog of war obscures a significant proportion of what happens on the frontlines.

Zaporizhzhia  one of four partly occupied regions illegally annexed by the Kremlin  has long been seen as a likely point of a main Ukrainian strike, but Kyiv has worked to mask its plans by launching attacks on multiple points across the vast frontlines.

Zaporizhzhia is part of the land corridor that Moscow has sought to create between Ukrainian's industrial heartland and the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin annexed in 2014. For Ukraine, breaking or disrupting that land bridge will likely be one of the main aims of the offensive.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based thinktank that tracks the war in daily updates, said it had concluded on Thursday that the Ukrainian counteroffensive "has begun".

Activity throughout Ukraine is consistent with a variety of indicators that Ukrainian counteroffensive operations are under way across the theatre, the organisation tweeted.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Watch as Antony Blinken holds a joint press conference with Saudi foreign minister Faisal Bin Farhan on Thursday, 8 June.

It comes after the pair held a meeting in Riyadh on bilateral, regional, and global issues, in which they discussed combatting terrorism and resovled to bring about a lasting peace in Yemen and end the fighting in Sudan at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS ministerial opening session.

The conference features more than 80 countries and coordinates an approach to tackling the extremist group which once held large areas of Syria and Iraq.

The Secretary of State has announced that the US will provide almost $150m in aid for parts of Syria and Iraq that were liberated from the Isamic State extremist group.

The group no longer controls any territory but its affiliates still carry out attacks across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A tourist who was jailed for attacking several people while drunk and naked during a holiday in Indonesia will be deported back to Australia, officials have confirmed.

Bodhi Risby-Jones, 23, was detained in April on Simeulue Island, a surf resort in the deeply conservative Muslim province of Aceh, over accusations that hed been on a drunken rampage that left a fisherman with serious injuries.

The Australian walked free after going through a restorative justice process to avoid going to court, where a charge of assault could have potentially landed him in prison for up to five years, according to the head of the immigration office in the region. This process included apologising for the attack and paying compensation to the fishermans family.

Last month, ABC News reported that the settlement was 250 million rupiah (13,460), plus hospital fees. The victim underwent surgery for broken bones and a serious infection in his legs.

Footage of his release on Tuesday showed Mr Risby-Jones wearing a dark blue T-shirt and detainees red vest as he was seen hugging and saying goodbye to several prison wardens before being escorted to a bus by officers.

Its been a long time coming and Im feeling amazing, and super happy and grateful, he said. "Everyone has been very nice and accommodated me well, thank you.

Mr Risby-Jones will stay at an immigration detention facility until his documents and plane tickets are ready.

Violent acts by foreigners are very rare in Aceh, the only province in Muslim-majority Indonesia that practices Shariah law, a concession made by the central government in 2001 as part of efforts to end a decades-long war for independence. Mr Risby-Jones is the first foreigner to successfully resolve a case through restorative justice in the province.

Indonesia has been working hard to clamp down on problem visitors. In April, a Russian woman who posed nude for photos in front of a sacred tree in Bali was sent home. In the same month, an Australian was deported after a video of her arguing with police went viral on social media.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.
The French National Assembly observed a minutes silence on Thursday, 8 June, as a mark of respect for the victims of a stabbing at a park in the French Alps.

Four children, including one in a pushchair, and an adult were injured in a knife attack in Annecy, police said.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly has confirmed that one of the injured children is a British national.

The alleged attacker is said to be a Syrian national, police told local media.

French prime minister Elisabeth Borne has confirmed that the suspect was granted refugee status by Sweden.
Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Rishi Sunak as Mr President while welcoming the prime minister to the White House.

Mr Biden quickly corrected himself and joked that he had just promoted Mr Sunak.

Both leaders laughed off the gaffe before Mr Biden added that it is great to have the prime minister in Washington DC.

In the past few months, weve met each other in San Diego, and then we met in Belfast, we met in Hiroshima, he said.

The war in Ukraine and discussions over AI were said to be high on the pairs meeting agenda on Thursday.
Volodymyr Zelensky has visited the flood-hit areas of Kherson to evaluate the response to damage caused by the Kakhovka dam attack.

More than 40,000 people in areas downstream from the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant are at risk of losing their homes and livelihoods after the breach unleashed torrents of flood water from the Dnipro river.

In Kherson, I visited a crossing point where people are being evacuated from flooded areas, the president of Ukraine wrote, sharing footage of his visit.

Our task is to protect lives and help people as much as possible. I thank the rescuers and volunteers.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

This week, CNNs CEO Chris Licht was ousted after 16 months on the job and a brutal expose in The Atlantic. On Wednesday evening, it was reported that former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has been testifying before the grand jury investigating Trump. Some sources suggested he might be taking a plea deal, though his lawyer denied it.

Licht and Meadows both put their faith and trust in Donald Trump. They both attached themselves to him in the hope that his fame and power would boost their own fortunes. And they both, in quick order, ended up miserable and humiliated.

Thats generally what happens to people who attach themselves to Trump, or associate with him in any way. Yet, people continue to think that Trump is a good, savvy bet. The allure of powerful, famous, rich white men is apparently endless. Which is an ominous thought.

Licht and Meadows are hardly the first dunderheads to throw themselves at Trumps feet like confused priests genuflecting at some ugly orange altar. An exhaustive list of Trumps betrayals would require a (lengthy) book rather than an article. But any recent chronicle would have to start with Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who worked as Trumps fixer for a decade. When Cohen faced charges of felony tax evasion and bank fraud related to payoffs to adult actress Stormy Daniels on behalf of Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, Trump betrayed him with startling ease, distancing himself and insisting the case doesnt have to do with me.

Trump also lied to his own supporters about election fraud in the 2020 election, encouraging them to storm the capital on January 6, which led many of them to be arrested and convicted. And of course Trump expressed support when the violent rioters threatened to hang Trumps own vice president, Mike Pence  a man who lent Trump crucial establishment support in the 2016 election.

Mark Meadows is yet another Trump administration official who thought he could leverage an alliance with Trump into career advancement and power. A North Carolina representative, he joined the White House as Trumps Chief of Staff in 2020, and was in place until the end of Trumps term. He was reportedly involved in efforts to figure out ways to negate Bidens election win on behalf of Trump, and its uncertain whether he tried to limit the violence on January 6.

In short, Meadows association with Trump and loyalty to Trump involved him in potentially illegal collaboration in insurrection. He reportedly testified about that, and about his involvement in Trumps removal of and mishandling of classified White House documents, to the grand jury assembled by special prosecutor Jack Smith.

We dont know if Meadows will be charged for anything. But linking himself to Trump has embroiled him in an embarrassing legal investigation. Trump handed him a bucket of mud, and Meadows dumped said bucket over his heada pretty foolish decision, no matter how much of it sticks.

Chris Licht wasnt a Trump appointee. But he built his tenure at CNN on Trump aggrandizement. Licht wanted to reset CNNs relationship with Trump; Trump repeatedly attacked the network to try to delegitimize its reporting on his blatant corruption and fascism. Licht hoped to draw back Republican viewers with a more centrist approach.

The centerpiece of the centrism was a May CNN Town Hall stuffed with Trump supporters. Licht personally encouraged the former president to have fun with the format. Trump responded by spending an hour and a half spewing a blizzard of lies about the 2020 election, abortion, and E Jean Carroll, a columnist who won a civil suit against him for sexual assault.

The Town Hall caused already poor morale among CNN journalists to crater. It was also a ratings disappointment. The Atlantic article extensively chronicling Lichts failures was the nail in the coffin. Like many before him, Licht rode the orange wave of Trump right into a brick wall of personal and professional failure.

Which brings up the question, why?

Why do the Lichts and Meadowses of the world insist on pulling out their swords on Trumps behalf when there is ample evidence that at some point they will end up with those swords stuck up their noses? What is the mysterious power Trump holds over all of these careerists, thugs, grifters, and buffoons?

Trump has perhaps explained the appeal himself. When youre a star they let you do it, he said on the infamous Access Hollywood tape.

Trump was boasting there that his power and money and fame had enabled him to sexually assault numerous women with few consequences. Most decent people hear that and are horrified. But some people  your Cohens, your Pences, your Meadowses, your Lichts  watch Trump wield sadistic power without accountability, and they see an opportunity. Maybe, they think, if I stand near Trump, some of that orange impunity will rub off on me.

Of course, Trump only cares about Trump. His appeal to his followers and hangers-on is that he tramples people in his pursuit of power with no apparent check. But there are some obvious downsides if you happen, at some point to end up on his bad side  which you will, since he has nothing but bad sides. If you pick up a scorpion in hopes it will sting your enemies, its hard to feel sorry for you when the inevitable happens and youre writhing on the side of the road.

And of course no one does feel sorry for Meadows or Licht. But their fate still makes one trepidatious. Licht and Meadows arent the only ones who find Trumps particular brand of unpleasantness appealing. Many voters do as well, which is why he still leads the GOP primary field.

No matter how many times Trump betrays his supporters and allies, supporters and allies still flock to him. If he wins in 2024, well all be Meadowses and Lichts. Thats a truly repulsive thought.
Chatting with an executive in one of Irelands largest professional services firms, I was surprised when they told me that their firm has bought 20 new apartments at the Cherrywood development in south county Dublin  simply to help them attract and retain staff.
Oil explorer Barryroe Offshore Energy has warned shareholder that a winding down of the company is under consideration, after a planned capital raise was parked following rejection of its key exploration permit by the Government.

The company said it has around three weeks of working capital (176,000) and is obliged under stock market rules to publish its annual accounts for 2022 by June 30.

Hitting pause on the planned capital raising has created going concern issues that will delay the publication of its annual accounts, Barryroe said.

If the company is unable to publish its accounts by June 30, then trading in its shares will be suspended from 7am on 3 July, 2023, it said.

Barryroe said talks to secure finance from its substantial shareholders are still ongoing, but with no guarantee they will be successful.

"If funding is not secured in the short term, one of the options being considered by the board is an orderly wind down of the company in a process of Creditor Voluntary Liquidation (CVL), the company said.

Barryroe shares fell sharply on Thursday after it said it had cancelled the plan to raise up to 20m in working capital to fund exploration for fossil fuels off the Cork coast.

The company, formerly Providence Resources, said in a stock market announcement on Thursday that it could no longer proceed with the share sale that was announced on April 6.

Barryroe blamed the surprising and extremely disappointing decision by the Environment Minister Eamon Ryan to turn down its application for a permit to explore a prospect in a licence area 50km off the south-west coast.

The refusal and subsequent abandonment of its capital raising plans has put Barryroe in a difficult financial position, with the company warning that the disruption has created going concern issues for the company.

The company has very limited working capital and is engaging in discussions with its substantial shareholders in relation to potentially funding for the company going forward, it said in its statement.

The company said it is considering all options in relation to the decision and will update the market on further action and its financing situation as soon as possible. The company said last month that it hadnt ruled out a legal challenge.

Minister Ryan turned down Barryroes permit application on May 19, creating a conundrum for the company.

Barryroe said the minister was not satisfied with the financial capability of the applicants.

The department said in a statement to the Irish Independent that its decision followed extensive engagement over several years between the applicants and its Geoscience Regulation Office in relation to the application.

The permit area is home to the Barryroe undersea prospect, discovered in 2012, and tipped by the company to hold potentially billions of euro worth of oil and gas.

More than a decade later Barryroe has failed to turn the prospect into a reality and to secure financial backing to develop its plans.

Barryroe Offshore had an 80pc stake in the prospect licence alongside partner Lansdowne Oil & Gas.
CRH shareholders have approved the companys plan to move its primary share listing to New York and abandon its place on the Irish Stock Exchange.

Investors overwhelmingly endorsed the boards proposal, which will see CRH become a de facto American firm, at an extraordinary general meeting in Dun Laoghaire on Thursday.

The main listing of the building materials giant will now transfer to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in September. CRH will retain a secondary listing in London and its global headquarters will remain in Dublin.

The move puts CRH in a better position to win government-funded infrastructure contracts in the US and will make American acquisitions easier, chief executive Albert Manifold said.

This allows us to position ourselves where we wanted to be with the extraordinary support coming through from the American government, he said, adding that a primary listing on the NYSE would help CRHs mergers and acquisitions strategy, too.

CRH already earns 75pc of its profits in the American market and spent $3bn on acquisitions, much of it in the US.

Mr Manifold said the company would now be on a level playing field with its American competitors in terms of getting access to American tax dollars. He also said the New York primary listing would allow CRH to make stock-for-stock deals  which are more tax efficient  to acquire smaller firms.

We have a good, strong pipeline of deals that are ahead of us, he said. It gives us basically more arrows in quiver as we look to buy businesses.

The departure of CRH will be a significant blow to Euronext, the pan-European exchange company that owns the Irish Stock Exchange.

CRH is one of the largest and most heavily traded companies on Euronext Dublin and its absence will mean both a loss of trading income for local stockbrokers and a tax hit to the Exchequer.

Flutter, the owner of Paddy Power and another heavyweight on the Irish Stock Exchange, is also moving its main listing to New York in a similar move to support its burgeoning business in the US.

Euronext Dublin has struggled to attract new listings and initial public offerings in recent years, even as many UK-listed firms sought alternative listings in the European Union after Brexit.
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (Isif) has joined Harvards endowment fund and Microsofts Climate Innovation Fund as a founding investor in a $1.5bn climate action initiative.

Isif committed 65m to Just Climates inaugural Climate Assets Fund, an investment vehicle created to direct institutional money to projects and ventures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Just Climate is an investment business created by former US vice president Al Gores Generation Investment Management to address the Net Zero challenge at scale.

Isif said it was making the investment in line with its commitment to put 1bn towards climate initiatives over a five-year period, having committed 500m already

Isif sees this as a real opportunity to accelerate the transition to net zero  not just in Ireland but worldwide, said Isifs head of climate Paul Saunders.

We believe this initiative is a major step forward in sustainable investing and increasing the capital available to target high-impact areas in the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Asset manager Just Climate said on Thursday it had raised $1.5bn for its inaugural fund after strong demand from institutional clients helped it beat the original target of $1bn.

Just Climate aims to focus investment on the sectors where cutting greenhouse gas emissions is hardest to do, such as cement, shipping, industrials and land use.

"More than 50pc of the world's emissions come from the hard-to-abate industries. Without radical and urgent changes to the way that the financial sector approaches the decarbonisation challenge in these industries... there will be no net zero by 2050," Just Climate chief investment officer Shaun Kingsbury said in a statement.

The firm's initial fund, Climate Assets Fund I, will focus on helping companies with proven technology scale their business to a level to attract more risk-averse investors.

"Proven, transformational climate solutions are being developed to decarbonise the industrial sectors. With the right investment support, we believe they can scale rapidly to achieve better gross margins, a lower cost of capital and widespread market adoption," Mr Kingsbury added.

Among other investors to back the fund include IMAS Foundation, California State Teachers' Retirement System, and Colonial First State Investments.

Initial investments from the fund include electric vehicle charging company ABB E-mobility, industrial startup H2 Green Steel, and Swedish gasification technology firm Meva Energy.

"We start with climate impact, identify solutions that will make the biggest difference, and then direct and scale institutional capital to those solutions that we believe can generate attractive risk-adjusted returns," added senior partner Clara Barby.

Additional reporting, Reuters
The Microsoft Work Trends Index revealed that over half of hybrid workers feel like they have fewer work friendships since they started working from home more often. Stock photo (Getty)

A lack of confidence in management is now the top reason Irish workers are changing roles, according to the Microsoft Work Trends Index.

This ranked ahead of lack of professional recognition and work-life balance.

The survey of almost 700 workers across all sectors in Ireland revealed that over half of respondent felt leaders in their organisation were out of touch.

One in five of those surveyed had changed employers in the past year, up 5pc from the same time in 2022.

A further 56pc said they would consider moving to a new job this year, Microsoft reported.

Irish employees are now struggling to keep up with current workloads, with 55pc stating they dont have enough time to keep up with tasks.

One-third complained of too many daily meetings, with half lacking the time to truly focus on their designated work.

Some respondents also said they felt like they are assessed on the number of tasks completed rather than the impact of their work on the organisation.

Over 20pc of workers are now embracing artificial intelligence tools to complete tasks as daily duties continue to build, the survey confirmed.

This number is set to rise as more workers expressed an interest in experimenting with AI. Around 67pc of those who had not used AI before the survey said they would like to do so.

Although workplace culture was deemed the most important part of a role for workers, half of hybrid workers feel this has deteriorated since remote working was introduced over the pandemic.

The lack of water cooler conversation has also impacted workplace connections, with 55pc of Irish workers now having fewer friendships in the office.

Around 45pc described feeling lonelier at work in recent years.

However, flexible working arrangements have contributed to a rise in the number of hybrid workers stating they can fully disconnect from work.

A total of 22pc of those surveyed said they struggle to disconnect, down 9pc from 2022.

Overall, 66pc said they have the right work-life balance.

While there is positive news that workers are feeling happy at work and have an improved work-life balance, there is a sense of a growing divide between the workforce and senior leaders, and a feeling of disconnection with their organisations culture  particularly among hybrid workers, Microsoft Ireland general manager Anne Sheehan said.
US pension fund sued after airline recognised trade unions

RYANAIR has paid $5m (4.6m) to settle a near five-year-old legal action in the United States that was taken by a pension fund against the carrier and its group chief executive Michael OLeary after the airline recognised trade unions in 2017.

The carrier said the case has been settled with The City of Birmingham Firemens and Policemens Supplemental Pension System following mediation.

Ryanair said the $5m paid as part of that deal is considerably less than the legal costs that would have been incurred had the case gone to trial.

Ryanair and the pension fund have already spent a significant sum on legal costs over the past five years, however, with a huge volume of work undertaken by lawyers on both sides.

The pension fund sued Ryanair and Mr OLeary in 2018 claiming they had made false and misleading statements to shareholders regarding employment issues at the airline  allegations that were strenuously denied.

Following months of turmoil in 2017 that included pilot rostering issues, Ryanair said it would recognise trade unions.

News In 90 - June 8th

The City of Birmingham Firemens and Policemens Supplemental Pension System alleged in its legal action against the airline and its boss that increased costs as a result of unionisation at Ryanair, as well as lower profits, wiped out millions in shareholder value.

Those claims were denied.

Ryanair insisted on Wednesday evening that there was no lawful basis for this claim.

However, it added that the settlement is in the interest of all shareholders due to the very modest settlement amount.

In 2020, the New York court where the case was filed dismissed the pension funds first amended complaint in part for failure to state a claim. The judge hearing the case said the pension fund had failed to establish any basis for all of the potentially actionable statements in the complaint, with the exception of those premised on the defendants statements regarding the likelihood of unionisation.

Lawyers for the pension fund subsequently sought to lodge a second amended complaint. They wanted to introduce 35 additional sources to back up their action against Mr OLeary and Ryanair.

Among those planned sources was testimony publicly given by former Ryanair chief operating officer Peter Bellew.

Ryanair took legal action in 2019 against Mr Bellew in an effort to enforce a non-compete clause when the executive announced he was leaving the carrier to join rival EasyJet. The High Court in Ireland ultimately ruled that a non-compete clause in Mr Bellews contract was unenforceable.

Lawyers for Mr OLeary and Ryanair railed against the efforts by the pension fund to file a second amended complaint.

Last September, the New York court dismissed the attempt to file that second amended complaint.

Granting leave here would require defendants to expend significant additional resources to conduct discover and significantly delay the resolution of the disputes in the matter, the judge said.

Denial is appropriate because the motion for leave to amend imposes undue prejudice, evinces bad faith, and would be futile, he added in a ruling.
The late David Barclay and his twin brother Frederick bought the Telegraph newspapers in 2004 (Michael Stephens/PA)

The Telegraph newspapers and The Spectator magazine could be sold, after a unit of Lloyds Banking Group appointed receivers to a holding company and removed Barclay family members as directors of the media companies.
Charlie Brooker says he tried using ChatGPT to write a new Black Mirror episode (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Charlie Brooker says he tried using AI tool ChatGPT to generate a new episode of Black Mirror, but that the result was shit.

The British writer and creator of the dystopian anthology programme said using the tool had produced something that read plausibly at first glance but did not contain any real original thought.

It comes ahead of the release of series six of the hit Netflix show on June 15.

New episodes will feature actors including Aaron Paul, Michael Cera and Salma Hayek Pinault, as well as Himesh Patel and Rob Delaney.

The British writer said the AI tool had produced something that read plausibly at first glance but did contain any real original thought (PA)

Speaking ahead of the new series, Brooker told Empire Magazine: Ive toyed around with ChatGPT a bit.

The first thing I did was type generate Black Mirror episode and it comes up with something that, at first glance, reads plausibly, but on second glance, is shit.

Because all its done is look up all the synopses of Black Mirror episodes, and sort of mush them together.

Then if you dig a bit more deeply you go, Oh, theres not actually any real original thought here.

Brooker is executive producer of Black Mirror alongside Jessica Rhoades, Annabel Jones and Bisha K Ali.

In a previous interview with Netflixs Tudum platform, he said: Ive always felt that Black Mirror should feature stories that are entirely distinct from one another, and keep surprising people  and myself  or else whats the point?

It should be a series that cant be easily defined, and can keep reinventing itself.

The dystopian yet often darkly comic series, which takes a scathing look at modern society and alternative realities often relating to the overuse of technology, debuted in 2011 on Channel 4.

The programme moved to streaming giant Netflix in 2016.

The full Empire interview with Charlie Brooker can be read in the upcoming July 2023 issue, which goes on sale on June 8.
The facility will produce about 1,000 metric tons of cultivated meat per year, with capacity to expand output to 4,000 tons, JBS said Wednesday in an emailed statement. The plant, to be built east of Bilbao in San Sebastian, will be owned by cultivated meat firm BioTech Foods, which is 51% owned by the Brazilian meat giant.

JBS said it will invest $41 million in the Spanish facility, which is expected to be finished next year. The company also plans to spend $60 million on building a research institute in southern Brazil to develop technology to make protein from animal cells.

Bloomberg.
European Parliament lawmakers from some political groups have drafted a deal to try to pass a landmark EU law to protect nature, which the parliament's largest group is attempting to block.

The EU last year proposed measures to tackle the rapid decline in species and the health of Europe's ecosystems, but has faced political pushback including from the European People's Party (EPP) group of lawmakers, which opposes the law.

In a bid to salvage the proposal ahead of a parliament committee vote on June 15, other lawmaker groups - including the Socialists & Democrats and the Greens - have devised a compromise.

Their proposed amendments, seen by Reuters, would offer national governments more flexibility to decide which infrastructure projects are allowed to override some of the nature targets.

That could ease concerns raised by Denmark that restoring nature could slow the build-out of wind farms, or the Netherlands' worry for new housing projects.

Some affected industries publicly supported the law this week, after it came under fire from lawmakers and some governments questioning whether the EU is pushing through too much environmental regulation.

"Nature restoration and the expansion of wind energy go hand in hand," industry group WindEurope said in a statement on Tuesday.

The lawmakers' proposal also includes tweaks to attempt to win over EPP lawmakers, such as by deleting a target - which was not binding - to introduce trees, hedges, ponds and other features that support biodiversity in 10% of EU agriculture area.

EPP lawmakers had said that would harm farmers by taking agricultural land out of production, and on Wednesday said the compromise did not go far enough.

The Commission has said introducing more biodiverse features would maintain or increase Europe's agricultural output, by making farmland more resilient to extreme weather like floods and improving pollinator populations.

The proposal must also pass a July vote in the full EU Parliament, and win support from EU countries, to become law.

Reuters
LATEST | Alleged gunman goes on trial for murder of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch's nephew

Jonathan Keogh, his sister Regina Keogh and a third man named Thomas Fox have already been convicted of the murder.

Thomas McConnell

Eoin Reynolds Thu 8 Jun 2023 at 16:29






Rosanna Davison: Now women know our value is more than our cup size. Or how we look in underwear
Best of luck to everyone with the Leaving, whats for ya wont pass ya, except a taxi on a night out in Dublin  that will pass ya!

Comedy and music duo The 2 Johnnies say they are floored to have appeared on a Leaving Certificate English exam.

In section C of Communication and the Digital World in this years Leaving Cert Applied English paper, the Tipperary funnymen are referenced over the catfishing story on their podcast and radio show which saw them go viral last year.

Shout out to my Junior Cert English teacher who told me to do Pass, I did Honours and look at me now, Johnny B said.

Students are asked to read about the catfishing incident involving a woman known as Cora from Limerick and then answer a series of questions on the subject.

Catfish questions

Catfishing is when someone uses a fake online persona to lure someone into a romantic relationship, usually with the intention of defrauding them.

To all the teachers who said we would never amount to anything, look at me now, Johnny B said.

Catfish Questions

Still cant spell. Its crazy to us thats its on the Leaving Cert, but its great that young people are reading about it, hopefully no one else gets catfished!

And best of luck to everyone with the Leaving, whats for ya wont pass ya, except a taxi on a night out in Dublin  that will pass ya! Johnny B added.

Leaving Cert 2023: Minister for Education Norma Foley gives advice to students as exams begin

Meanwhile, Johnny Smacks mentioned a funny anecdote from his youth.

I never thought when 18-year-old me sat to do his Leaving Cert wearing a vest top because just got a fresh tattoo on his arm, and he didnt want to mark it, that wed be in the Leaving Cert, Smacks said, adding that it was a very proud day for the Tipp lads.

Johnny Bs catfish incident became known as the GAA catfish saga but thankfully is now a distant memory for the podcaster, who has since found love with influencer Shauna Lindsay.

2fm stars The Two Johnnies

The couple have remained tight-lipped about their relationship, but Johnny opened up about how he and Shauna like to spend their time together on a recent episode of The 2 Johnnies podcast.

We go on weekends away; last night we went for dinner just the two of us. Absolutely no need, we could have cooked at home. It was nice though, I got into it, he shared.

Im so half-deaf, I love sitting beside her. Like the Last Supper, all sitting on the one side of the table.

If we go somewhere real fancy, were really far apart, I cant hear her. I have one bad ear from the drummer, Johnny added.

News In 90 - June 8th

Shauna recently revealed how they met during a Q&A on her Instagram stories.

Responding to a question, Shauna replied that they met as every modern love story would begin, the DMs.

The two comedians have a big gig coming up in Musgrave Park in Cork on June 24 and have just released a new single The Lights of Cork City for eager fans, no doubt including many relieved Leaving Cert students.
Ireland is to delay the supply of millions of Covid-19 vaccine jabs it is contractually obliged to pay for, the Cabinet decided today.

The ending of the pandemic caused has called into question the need for the huge stocks due to have been delivered this year.

Ireland bought them blind, as part of a mass EU member state purchase from manufacturers BioNtech and Pfizer, when the crisis was at its height.

Now the 2023 delivery, which could run as high as 10 million jabs, is to be parcelled out over the next four years instead.

Ministers took the decision at a Cabinet meeting today.

Over countries are in the same position  already having committed to the contract for supply, but now not needing anything like the stocks ordered.

This country has already given away millions of previous vaccine doses to developing countries, mainly in Africa.

Officials said Ireland had been lucky to have been part of a mass EU order in the first place, given the global competition for vaccine when the jab came into production in 2021.

A Government spokesman today refused to specify that exact number of unwanted jabs we will now acquire  or their value  saying the question was commercially sensitive. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly brought the memo to stagger deliveries to his colleagues in Cabinet today, admitting there was less demand and seeking the postponements.

Officials said however the planned rollout of a third and fourth jabs to particular cohorts would continue to be offered in line with a HSE programme.

But numbers taking up these offers have fallen off a cliff.

Meanwhile it is admitted that the total dominance of the mild Omicron variant, which appeared in December 2021, has massively lessened the likelihood of Covid sufferers ending up in hospital through severe symptoms.

More than 4.2 million doses procured by the State have now been donated to developing countries as part of the State's continued commitment to vaccine equity.

Meanwhile The HSE has provisionally indicated to the Department that 4.56m Covid vaccine doses will be written off for 2022, of which 1.66m have expired.

The remaining majority, 2.9m vaccines, will expire in the first half of 2023 but are largely comprised of obsolete formulation vaccines which are no longer useful in the national jabs programme.
Some popular themes did not appear, but according to teacher Tom Cahill, Junior Cycle geography had a good mix of questions written in clear language.

Another teacher, Edmund Hussey said he was extremely happy overall, although he said there was a lack of flexibility for the student with 65 parts in 10 questions to answer, with no choice.

Teachers noted the lack of appearance of certain topics  earthquakes, fold mountains, global climate and glaciation.

On the other hand, Mr Hussey, an Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) subject representative, said peat and bogs came up a lot

Like most Junior Cycle subjects, and as a result of recent reforms, geography is now examined at common level.

After the first exams in the new syllabus in 2022, Mr Cahill, a Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) representative, said they were more used to the style of question and that helped us as teachers to help students to understand the type of question.

Overall, he thought it accessible, with clear language and gave the lower ability student the opportunity to build as they went through and gave higher ability student the chance to show off.

Mr Cahill said what he really liked was the number of question where mixed skills were required, with several featuring an ordnance survey map. In the previous exams, there was a single ordnance survey question.

Mr Cahill, who teaches at St Josephs Mercy, Navan, Co Meath, said the only negative he had was about how, under the new Junior Cycle assessment arrangements, the marks awarded for each question are not set out on the paper.

It is so unfair for students in terms of time management. The SEC says they should use the amount of space provided for an answer to judge the time allocations, but students write differently. What one student writes in three or four lines would take another five or six .

He said if students knew, for instance, that a question was worth nine marks, they would know they should probably make three or four points . I think it is really tough on students to be unsure of what they have to write he said.

He said while the SEC cant put everything on every year students would also be disappointed at the lack of questions on topics on which they had spent a lot of time.

Mr Hussey, who teaches at Christian Brothers College, Sidney Place, Cork, described it as a fairly straightforward paper, although he said with 10 questions to answer, across 25 pages, could be challenging.

As with Mr Cahill, he noted the absence of certain topics, and said while a wide variety of learning outcomes were examined, surprisingly there was only one climate change questions, regarding the impact, with nothing on globalisation

Mr Hussey also commented that aerial photographs were only examined in one part of one questions.

Marie Kennedy, also of the TUI and a teacher at Firhouse Community College, Dublin, pointed out that were 10 questions this year compared with nine last year .

A reasonably prepared student would have found the question content within their capabilities, but having no marking scheme provided the student would have found a guide for time management hard and difficulty in how to approach the exam, she said.
The absence of Elizabeth Bishop on Leaving Cert English higher level will be the big talking point for many, but as long as students did not put all their hopes on her, there were really fabulous alternatives, said teacher Clodagh Havel of Dublins Institute of Education.

If the widely-tipped Bishop was a no-show, the debut appearance of Paula Meehan and the return of Patrick Kavanagh  not seen on this paper since 2012  gladdened the heart of many students.

Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) subject representative Siobhan ODonovan said the poetry section did not disappoint.

She said many students to whom she spoke were thrilled with the question asking candidates to agree or disagree with the statement Meehan employs vibrant and forceful language skilfully to challenge the often oppressive forces identified in her poetry.

She said there was a lovely question on Kavanaghs lyrical style and his celebratory tone and how they elevate the mundane realism of life in his work.

Leaving Cert Analysis - English (Higher) Paper 2

For Kavanagh lovers there could not have been a more accessible question, said Ms ODonovan of Patrician Academy, Mallow, Co Cork.

Lorraine Tuffy, of the Studyclix website and teacher at Jesus and Mary Secondary school, Enniscrone, Co Sligo thought that while the appearance of Kavanagh would have brought relief, there was a complexity to the question.

Ms Tuffy thought Paula Meehans debut proffered a more inviting prompt while she regarded the description of Mahons thematic concerns as being haunted by suggestions of darkness and anxiety as perhaps the most challenging option on the last page of the paper.

Ms Havel said overall the paper was accessible and provided ample opportunities for students to apply prepared material and their own perspectives on the texts.

However, she added that phrasing meant that those rushing to quickly scan the questions would have found them tricky. A pause, a breath, and a mind map were vital in order to get to grips with what was really being asked.

Ms Havel said Section 1s Macbeth question seemed weighty in its demands for ambiguities and complexities in his tragic identity, but ultimately this was just an opportunity to explore his fall from grace.

She said while the second question brought in the hotly tipped Lady Macbeth, there was an innovative twist of how she and the Witches heighten the dramatic impact of the play.

Students could thus write from the perspective of an audience reacting to the text, using their own sense of the text as part of the answer. This was a general trend across the paper, letting the students experiences be part of the equation, she said.

Ms ODonovan said that rote learning had no real role here as the somewhat predictable questions on theme or character from the past are being replaced with more creative slants on these aspects of the drama so a student who possesses a thorough working knowledge of the play and who applies that coherently to the chosen question on the day will do very well Because of the Covid-related adjustments to the paper, this year all three modes featured in the Comparative section, giving students plenty of choice

Ms ODonovan said the wording of one or two of the questions was a little taxing such as in the Theme and Issue section where students were asked to compare how comprehensively similar or different ethical questions are explored in the treatment of the same theme or issue in their texts. She also described the question on the level of compassion and kindness evident in their chosen texts and how that influenced the General Vision and Viewpoint as rather limiting in scope.

Ms Havel said the unseen poem Victoria Kenneficks Guest Room was simply beautiful, filled with subtlety and nuance as well as a wealth of technical material. Ms Tuffy described it as a refreshingly straight forward and accessible narrative that will have been well-received by the exhausted candidates nearing the end of a demanding three hours.

According to Ms ODonovan, ordinary level candidates were quite happy following their paper expressing particular satisfaction with the single text section question on Philadelphia here I come  by Brian Friel.

She said questions in this section were deemed to be fair by students to whom she spoke.

As with the higher level there was plenty of choice in the comparative section .

In her comment on the ordinary level paper, Ms Tuffy said, for the most part, questions were comfortably accessible ensuring a fair assessment of the candidates knowledge of studied texts.

She said the unseen poem, Late Love by Jackie Kay was a playful and relatable assessment of people in love and questions in this section were very manageable.
A 43-year-old Dublin man who had to be pepper-sprayed after he lunged at gardai while holding a pint glass will be sentenced next year.

Alan Hall, of Bridgewater Quay, Islandbridge, Dublin, has pleaded guilty to public order charges for engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and failing to comply with a gardas direction to leave the vicinity.

Dublin District Court heard that the incident happened at 5.30am on January 24 after gardai responded to a call from staff at the Dublin Bus depot on Conyngham Road that a man was acting in an aggressive manner.

The court heard gardai caught up with him, and he shouted aloud and became aggressive and abusive to the officers while members of the public were at a bus stop.

He was cautioned to leave the area and went in the direction of his home but returned highly abusive with fists clenched and lunged at members of An Garda Siochana.

Hall ran between traffic, was aggressive and held a pint glass which he refused to put down. Officers had to pepper spray him, Judge Treasa Kelly heard.

He has three prior convictions for public order offences, which resulted in him being fined 500 in March.

However, Judge Kelly noted an appeal of that conviction was still pending.

Pleading for leniency, his barrister said that Hall deeply regrets his actions and was apologetic. Counsel said the context of the incident was that he had suffered a significant bereavement, and at the time, the accused had been drinking too much.

He had lived with depression all his life and had been in gainful employment until recently but was looking for work.

The defence asked the court to consider a charitable donation instead of a conviction.

Judge Kelly said Hall had taken responsibility for his actions and noted he had underlying issues.

She told him guards have a job to do, and he had to realise drinking did not suit him.

His sentencing had been delayed pending an appeal of the prior public order convictions.

Judge Treasa Kelly noted today that the appeal would not be finalised until next February.

Counsel also said it had been a difficult time for the accused, who had a letter stating he was going into rehab. His barrister submitted the court could revisit the option of a charitable donation.

However, Judge Kelly refused and adjourned sentencing until a date in March 2024.
An Independent TD is drawing up a policy platform for a new political party to represent rural Ireland.

Michael Fitzmaurice said he will have discussion documents drawn up within six weeks on all political areas, such as health, agriculture and transport.

It could lead to meetings around the country with a view to putting a new party on a sound footing. Mr Fitzmaurice also claims to be in discussion with up to 25 councillors.

The TD for Roscommon-Galway re-floated the idea of a rural party earlier this year after the farmers movement in the Netherlands, the Boer Burger Beweging (BBB), made big gains in March elections. They are now the third-biggest party in that country.

Mr Fitzmaurice told the Irish Independent he has been in contact with up to 25 councillors from across the political spectrum, along with private-sector individuals, thought to include some prominent personalities.

He said he saw the Nature Restoration Law coming almost a year ago, and that the sudden dominance of the agricultural and political agenda in Ireland is a boon to efforts to awaken the grassroots, with many people in contact with him.

Unless the political people in rural Ireland come together, we are in trouble, he said, confirming he is working on a series of policy documents that will not just address agriculture, but planning, housing, and other sectors.

The policy platform could lead to a series of public meetings, but Mr Fitzmaurice said: We have to crawl before we can walk. Look at the sway the Greens have at the moment. What they believe in, theyre putting through.

There is no point in setting something up, unless we do something similar. I think we need to go down a road where there is discipline.

It [any new party] has to be responsible because people will have to toe the line on budgetary issues, and on a Programme for Government, if that is agreed after the next election.

Asked about the local and European elections next year, he said: Youd want to be ready to tog out for anything. But if there was a general election in the next few months you wouldnt be ready.

If he did not have a platform then, he would step down, said the TD of nine years, adding that he has plenty else to do.

He has said previously he would not be going forward again as an Independent.

Similar discussions are, meanwhile, going on among the Rural Independent Group, but Mr Fitzmaurice said a simple alliance would not be sufficient in his view  not that he personally aims to lead a new party.

You need to be fluent in English and Irish if youre leading something. There are great people out there [who could do it], but Im not going to be probed on who they are, he said.

Mr Fitzmaurice said he expected to have his draft policy programme ready for discussion in six weeks.

The Nature Restoration Law has concentrated minds, he said. It envisages a return of 20pc of land to a wilderness state. The targets include rewetting 30pc of drained and farmed peatlands by 2030.

Last week, the European Peoples Party (EPP) withdrew from negotiations in Brussels, while Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he believes some of the proposals go too far.

Mattie McGrath, leader of the Rural Independents Group in the Dail, said he put the chances of the formation of a new Alternative Alliance at 60-40, although he is not involved with Mr Fitzmaurice.

He said he and others were having talks with probably a dozen councillors and had identified potential candidates.

A lot of people are very unhappy. It wouldnt only be for farmers, but for rural and urban people who feel NGOs and other groups have got a grip of government, he added.

We have to return it to what the people want. I am working with TDs Michael Collins and Richard Donohoe, and we are talking with other TDs. But Michael Fitzmaurice isnt talking to any of us, or to other Independents. He is doing his own thing, whatever it is.
Tributes have been paid to former Fine Gael senator Paul Coghlan, who has died at the age of 79. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

PAUL Coghlan was not a household name nationally  but in politics and business he was well known and also very well liked.

The Killarney-based businessman and politician, who has died aged 79, devoted a large part of his life to public service, helping support the jewel that is Muckross House and its beautiful hinterland, and other projects in the main town in south Kerry. He was very shrewd, but also affable, generous, and engaging company.

This writer had the privilege of first meeting him back in 1984 as a junior journalist on The Kerryman, based in Killarney. He was as kind and helpful back then as he ever was in the later years of our acquaintance, because he was a democrat to his fingertips, and never saw merit in time-wasting distinctions of social hierarchy.

The Fine Gael politician was first elected to Killarney town council in May 1985 after years of working with local initiatives including the local Chamber of Commerce. He was later elected to Kerry County Council in 1991, and stood unsuccessfully for the Dail in 1992.

He really found his niche politically when he was elected to Seanad Eireann in 1997 and he went on to serve effectively there until he retired from public life in 2020. In that role he made his mark with incisive contributions reflecting the world of business, tourism, and rural life in the south west of Ireland.

He was a successful auctioneer and property developer in a very rich part of the country and he was linked by marriage to the landmark firm of MD OSheas builders suppliers group in Killarney. Despite his wealth, he retained a compassion for disadvantaged people and had a huge disdain for the well-off whose resources made them less than respectful to ordinary people.

People who wont queue like everyone else  now theyre a crowd I dislike, he told this writer over coffee some time before his exit from politics in spring 2020.

Despite his inability to attract Dail votes, he was rated as a shrewd judge of politics locally and nationally. He was helpful to younger aspiring politicians and helped create an atmosphere in South Kerry, which was once a wasteland for his own Fine Gael party, finally became a better place for the party.

Despite former party leader, Enda Kennys moves to abolish the Seanad, Paul Coghlan remained close to the leadership and worked to help the Fine Gael one-off election landslide in February 2011. While always publicly loyal to the current party leader, Leo Varadkar, the pair had a spiky enough relationship, and he was disappointed that Mr Varadkar did not at least retain some of Kennys earlier electoral achievements.

But for all of that, the tributes to Paul Coghlan  including those from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar  were genuine and heartfelt. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam croga dilis.
An EU report on foreign interference in European elections has been branded disinformation by a Sinn Fein MEP.

MEPs last week voted overwhelmingly in favour of a report on Russian and Chinese interference in the EU that called for a strategy to combat foreign interference in elections.

The report stated that TikTok should be banned at all levels of national parliament and countries should clamp down on political donations from countries not in the EU.

It urges the EU to put in place a strategy to tackle disinformation.

Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus abstained on the vote and told the Irish Independent the report linked pro-independence movements to Russia.

He called this an obvious attempt to undermine democracy.

I abstained on this non-legislative report on the basis that it linked pro-independence movements, such as the movement in Catalonia, to Russia. This in itself is disinformation, and as a representative that believes in the right to self-determination, I could not stand over such obvious attempts to undermine the legitimate and democratic rights of people to determine their own futures.

I agree we need to take action to tackle foreign interference and disinformation in our democratic processes, but this report is a tactic to undermine peaceful and democratic efforts towards independence.

The report comes from the European Parliaments Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the EU, including Disinformation (INGE), which was launched in 2020 in an effort to stop countries such as Russia and China having an influence on European politics.

Irish MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace voted against the report, with Ms Daly telling EU Parliament the report was a travesty.

The big lie is too useful to let go  Russian interference is now the go-to slur for anything or anyone who disagrees, she said.

This report is a travesty to an open society, some of its provisions likely breach EU fundamental rights law. If introduced it will be abused. We need to put a stop to this madness now.

Almost all other Irish MEPs voted for the report but no vote was recorded for Luke Ming Flanagan.

Sinn Fein took centre stage in calling for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador to Ireland following the invasion of Ukraine, but the party has been previously criticised for its stance on the Kremlin.

Last year, Mr MacManus voted against adding the violation of sanctions to a list of serious crimes at EU level, despite the party voting for it in the Dail.

Sinn Fein voted in favour of this move in the Dail last June. However, the partys MEP voted against the move at EU Parliament, saying it was being rushed through.
A teenager riding an e-bike died after the incident at Mac Uilliam Heights in Tallaght. Photo: Owen Breslin

A teenager riding an e-bike died after the incident at Mac Uilliam Heights in Tallaght. Photo: Owen Breslin

A teenager who was riding an electric bike died last night following a collision in Dublin.

The 18-year-old died after he crashed into a pillar in Tallaght, gardai said.

The young man was travelling on an electric bike and no other vehicle was involved.

A Garda spokesperson said: The male cyclist was seriously injured when he collided with a pillar in a residential area. Emergency services attended the scene and the man was taken to Tallaght University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased."

At around 10.40pm last night, Gardai were alerted to an incident in Mac Uilliam Heights in Fortunestown Lane.

A teenager riding an e-bike died after the incident at Mac Uilliam Heights in Tallaght. Photo: Owen Breslin

"A technical examination of the scene was completed by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators yesterday evening, a spokesperson said.

"Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Local councillor Mick Duff said he was horrified to learn of the tragic crash that occurred overnight.

I want to send thoughts and condolences to the family of the young lad on behalf of the community, and I sincerely hope and believe that the entire community will stand behind them at this sad time, he said.

"I also want to appeal to every young person to just be careful on these e-bikes.

Cllr Duff said the accident emphasises the whole situation around safety when it comes to electric bikes and scooters.

"This incident shows us just how fragile life is, he added, paying tribute to the teenager and his family.

Anyone who was in the vicinity of Mac Uilliam Heights in Tallaght yesterday evening between 10pm and 10.45pm and who may have camera footage (including mobile phone and dash-cam) is asked to make this footage available to Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Fathers Day gift guide: 15 thoughtful gifts from Irish brands to give your dad

Ditch the socks, ties and aftershave  whatever your budget, weve got you covered with our round-up of best buys from local businesses

Don't go for the typical Father's Day presents this year. Photo: Picture posed/Getty Images

Meadhbh McGrath Thu 8 Jun 2023 at 03:30
As yet another sage economic warning risks being largely ignored, it is time to ask if the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) is a sop to government conscience or a political white elephant.
Ksenia Samotiy (21) from Lviv moved to Dublin last year

Youd think that after 15 months of war, of the full-scale invasion of your country, you would have gotten used to the constant flow of bad news. And yeah, maybe the daily death count doesnt shock you any more, nor the air raid alerts  theyre still news, but theyre not new. But you never get fully used to it.

Waking up on Tuesday, I was bombarded by the ping of notifications telling me that Russian forces had blown up the Nova Kakhovka dam, flooding tens of villages along the Dnipro and threatening Kherson with yet another disaster.

As a refugee, far from the action, theres very little you can do most of the time but donate money and get on with your day: dont let them beat you psychologically. But thats not always so easy. I spent the rest of Tuesday on various news resources, reading and watching videos and reading and sharing photos and reading and reading and reading

Sometimes I wish I could stop, but the truth is that on days like these, it helps to spend time online, constantly monitoring different news and social media channels. It somehow allows me to be a bit closer to my compatriots and share a small bit of our collective pain.

Waters continue to swell in southern Ukraine after the Dnieper River dam breach

As the news sunk in, I noticed that after the initial burst of rage and sadness, other emotions began to emerge, both in me and among my fellow Ukrainians. The strongest one was disappointment. Not at the Russians, even. For a long time now, we know exactly how they and their military operate: they are terrorists, and it would be stupid to expect anything else from them but terror.

Rather, Ukrainian disappointment was targeted at the international community, particularly the United Nations. Why? Because, just a few hours after this tragedy occurred, the UN Twitter account showed compassion at its best, sending out a message to celebrate Russian Language Day! OK, yes, a few hours later, they did manage to tweet something vague about how civilian infrastructure is not a legitimate military target, but that did not leave such an impression on Ukrainians. Maybe we were all too busy celebrating the Russian language.

Read more Ukraine warns over impact of Kakhovka dam collapse on farmland

Its not the first time in the last few years that Ukrainians have been deeply disappointed and angry with the UN. If you live in a region that has traditionally been peaceful, its easy enough to have a rose-tinted view of the UN  you imagine it as a serious, caring, impactful organisation that springs into action and helps people in need. Then, suddenly, such troubles come right into your home, and you learn the reality.

'Disappointment': Ksenia Samotiy. Photo by Damien Eagers

Sometimes the UN cant do much more than tweet, and it cant even do that sympathetically. Over the last nine years (which, to remind you, is how long war has been going on since Russia invaded Ukraine), the UN has done next to nothing. This has given Ukrainians lots of time to see the UN for what it is  a possibly well-meaning but generally disappointing institution that is often close to useless.

Of course, were not so naive to imagine that the UN will come and solve all our problems, fight all our battles for us, kick Russia out of our country. But you do kind of expect that it could perhaps do just a little bit more. Like name a terrorist state as such? But instead, we see that Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which means that it has a veto (alongside the UK, US, France and China), and this means that the UN is often hobbled from the start and unable to make a difference.

Ukrainians arent the first to discover that the UN isnt really fit for purpose, nor will we be the last. Were on to our 10th year of war, and we no longer have any hope in the UN. All we can do is keep on fighting.
The Mid Cork Pallet team celebrate their 45th year in business at the Clondrohid base.

Mid Cork Pallets founder Johnny Lehane at the celebrations of the company's 45 years in business in Clondrohid.

The Mid Cork Pallets campus at Clondrohid as it is today.

The entrepeneurial spirit of a Cork Gaeltacht businessman who set up a pallet repair firm just outside Clondrohid in 1978 has led to the business expanding massively in the 45 years since and now Mid Cork Pallets and Packaging one of the leading companies in the sector.

As the firm celebrated 45 years in business this week, company founder Johnny Lehane, who qualified as a teacher when he left Colaiste Iosagain in his native village in the 1960s, outlined the circumstances of how the company was established in 1978.

Johnny had spent 12 years teaching by the time he and a friend of his, Tommy Butler, who died last year, decided to look into the idea of repairing pallets. "We were very friendly as we used to play pool together in the Abbey Hotel and there was talk about pallets at the time.

We started off repairing pallets for Gouldings Fertiliser in those early years, he said. Then things began to develop and they wanted new pallets, as did Cadburys in Rathmore and then Apple came to Cork and Dairygold followed.

"In 1978, manufacturing industries in Ireland were growing fast and the demand for pallets and packaging was soaring, he recalled. "The" demand for new pallets was growing.

We grew from that, he said. "And weve been adding ever since.

Having become specialists in the pallet repair industry, MCP quickly expanded into pallet manufacturing and were one of the first companies in Ireland to commission an automated pallet manufacturing machine.

In 1992, MCP diversified their operations, expanding steadily into the supply of customised packaging solutions for the drinks, food, e-commerce and medical packaging industries.

While many people imagine that the traditional fertliser pallet is the mainstay of its business, such is the companys growth and expansion of products, the manufacture of that pallet now represents just 3% of its output.

"Companies such as Guinness have a huge demand for pallets, both in Dublin and Belfast.

Today, MCP operate from over 700,000 square feet, spread over 60 acres of production and storage facilities and produce over 2.5 million pallets per annum and boast one of the largest pallet offerings in Ireland with their extensive range of timber, heat treated pallets, custom pallets and crates.

The conpany is also one of Irelands leading packaging firms and offers a complete service to its customers from hands-on design, prototyping, and expert advice through to producing engaging, unique packaging and currently supply over 10,000 different packaging products!

As a complementary service, the company also offers storage solutions to both new and existing customers from their two strategically located sites in Clondrohid and Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

MCP are one of the largest employers in the locality both directly (employing 100 staff) many of whom are local to the area (over 40% of staff live within a 5 mile radius) and indirectly through timber mills, transportation and other services.

This year marked the companys 45th year in business which theyre celebrating as a milestone in the progress of MCP. There have been challenging years over the 45  the economic crash of 2008 and, in particular, when a fire created extensive damage to the plant the week before Christmas in 2011.

"Other sawmills in the area helped us out a great deal and Michael Murnane, the electrical company, sent in 20 people.

"The fire happened on Sunday, the workers came in on Monday and we were back in production on Tuesday.

Looking back over the 45 years, Johnny remarked. They werent long passing.

Key to MCPs operations has always been our staff, some of which have been with us 45 years and still have many years left!!!

MCP have seen huge changes over the years, but it is our commitment to providing a quality reliable product at competitive prices exactly when and where our customers need it, mixed with our longstanding and committed staff, has propelled MCP as the leader in our respective fields.

In the past year the company has doubled in size, a notable achievement given what has happened in that period.

Aidan Harty, Managing Director of MCP, has been with the company for the past 10 years while Johnny is still involved and participates in all the major decisions.

According to Aidan, it wasnt luck but hard work which has ensured the growth of MCP over its 45 years in business.

It doesnt just take luck, it takes a lot of hard work, determination and surrounding yourself with the best staff and loyal customers,.

Our experienced staff engage with our customers evolving needs to provide them with expert advice, quality products, and reliable delivery, all combined with excellent customer service."

One thing is for sure, the future for MCP is bright, and also green. In 2019 the company commissioned a Combined Heat and Power Plant fuelled by biomass, including sawdust from the manufacture of its pallets and from other sawmills in the region, which generates 1.3megawatts of electricity per hour. As well as meeting MCPs energy needs on sites, the CHP plant also powers 1,200 homes via the national grid.

MCP is out on its own in terms of establishing its own CHP plant and its foresight is the envy of many companies given the massive increase in the price of fuel in the intervening period and the huge energy costs associated with the manufacture of pallets which are heat dried.

The expansion of MCP continues this year with the commissioning of their third custom-built, leading-edge pallet manufacturing machine later this summer, and the addition of two new warehouses at their Clondrohid and Dunboyne facilities, with an additional capacity of 20,000 pallet spaces.
Many of the challenges facing the dairy sector will come under the spotlight at Moorepark23

Pictured at the launch of the Moorepark 23 open day were: are Liam Herlihy, Teagasc chairman, Professor Laurence Shalloo, Teagasc Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme; Jeanne Kelly, Ornua; Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Professor Frank OMara, Teagasc director; Mary Dunphy & Michael Berkery, FBD (event sponsors), Professor Pat Dillon, Teagasc Director of Research & Donal Whelton, AIB. Photo: OGorman Photography.

Securing a Sustainable Future will be the theme of the annual Open Day taking place at the Teagasc Moorepark campus in Fermoy on Tuesday, July 4.

Few could argue that the Irish dairy industry has undergone a significant transformational change since the removal of the EU milk quota in 2015.

Since the Irish diary sector began to prepare for this milk solids output has increase by more than 96% through increased cow numbers, increased milk yield per cow, increased fat and protein percentages, increased grass growth, increased stocking rate and additional land entering the industry.

These achievements have been made despite growing environmental pressures concerning agricultural emissions, water quality and biodiversity loss, food security issues associated with geo-political events and a requirement to refocus on competitiveness and people while continuing to focus on the integration of dairy and beef.

Teagasc director, Professor Frank OMara, pointed out that despite these challenges, the National Farm Survey found that dairy farms and dairy farming were consistently the most profitable agricultural enterprise.

However, he said that looking forward there are new challenges that will form the basis of the development of the industry.

These include the challenge to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, increased requirements associated with the Nitrates Action Programme and a risk that the maximum stocking rate of derogation farms will be reduced, increased requirements associated with the nature restoration law and increased welfare focus on calves originating from the dairy herd, said Professor OMara

These must be addressed while attracting new people into the industry and remaining competitive. The dairy industry has consistently responded in a positive manner to challenges in the past, and I am sure it will face the current challenges with the same focus. Moorepark23 will provide guidance to farm families to address these challenges, he added.

Key topics that will be addressed throughout the day will include strategies to increase social, environmental and economic sustainability; profitability; pasture management and nutrient use efficiency; the SignPost programme; the Dairy Beef 500 programme and dairy cow breeding; and health and safety.

There will be interactive areas for skills development, discussion on the Nitrates Directive, managing farm costs, an international perspective on policy, challenges and solutions, and infrastructure on the farm.

A number of topics will be also be discussed at the Ornua forum area including market updates, milk quality, policy developments and people in the dairy industry.

Teagasc Moorepark 23 will be an informative event for those with an interest in the Irish dairy industry. A comprehensive booklet will be provided and admission and parking is free, said Professor OMara.

Gates open from 8.30 am and the event closes at 5 pm.

For more information about the event visit www.teagasc.ie/moorepark23.
Michael Byrne, who was known as Old Man Belfield. Pic: Lee Furlong

Sophie Wallis pictured at the programme launch for The UCD Festival. Over 130 free events are scheduled to take place this weekend.

Morgan Freeman performs during the opening ceremony prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.

More than 20,000 people are expected to attend University College Dublins annual UCD Festival which will see Morgan Freeman serve as the honorary master of ceremonies.

On Sunday, June 11, the festival will host a special concert featuring a collaboration between the RTE Concert Orchestra and The Delta Blues Project.

Ticket holders are in for a treat as organisers previously revealed that Academy Award Winning actor Morgan Freeman will act as honorary MC on the night.

Organisers have confirmed that the veteran actor is en route to Dublin for the weekend.

The Shawshank Redemption star is co-founder and co-owner of Ground Zero Blues Club, which is considered the leading blues club in the World and is located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the proverbial Birthplace of the Blues.

The UCD Festival this year has been hailed as a celebration of arts, science, and innovation, the festival boasts eight vibrant zones, with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and sustainability to robotics and jazz music.

As part of this years festival, an inaugural charity run will take place in honour of one of the university's most memorable characters, Old Man Belfield.

The event, named the Michael Byrne Memorial Run will be held on the new UCD running track on Saturday, June 10, in honour of the late homeless man, Michael Byrne, affectionately known by students as Old Man Belfield.

A familiar face on the UCD campus for over 30 years, Mr Byrne passed away in 2011. Following his death, the university established the Michael Byrne Community Fund. The fund's activities include establishing a bursary for students who may not be able to afford accommodation.

Festival organiser, Sheila Morris said: At the UCD Festival this weekend, you have the chance to jump into a world of thinking, creating, innovating, and discovering and be inspired by a day of free events for all ages.

The festival is a chance to discover hidden talents, explore breakthrough research, and engage with world-class academics, researchers, and authors.

Visitors will have the chance to meet with specialists in the fields of science, technology, health, and culture. Come join us for an extraordinary celebration of UCD's educational excellence.

This year, festival organisers have worked to make the festival an inclusive and sensory friendly event.

Sensory-friendly spaces and activities have been created across the Belfield campus. A number of calm, sensory friendly, areas with low-level stimulation will be available to festival attendees, specifically developed to accommodate neurodivergent attendees.

Over 130 free events are scheduled to take place including interactive exhibits, performances, and creative workshops.

The UCD Festival will take place this weekend. All events taking place this Saturday, June 10, are free but booking may be required for some events.

The UCD Belfield campus is served by the 11, 39a, 46a, 47, 142, 145 and 155 bus routes and is located within walking distance of Sydney Parade Dart station.
The power outages were reported shortly after 8am this morning.

Some Dublin city centre residents and businesses are experiencing a power outage this morning.

Those who live and work on Harolds Cross had no electricity since 8.16am. It was restored at 9.07am.

In total, 657 customers are affected due to the fault with outages reported in the Harcourt Street area.

ESB said on their website: We apologise for the loss of supply.

We are currently working to repair a fault affecting your premises and will restore power as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, 768 people on Camden Row had their power restored at 8.43am after it was reported at 8.05am.

According to the ESB, if your power has not yet been restored please advise us of the MPRN or full address so we can check this.
Garda Commissioner appeal for information into Detective Jerry McCabe murder by the Provisional IRA 27-years ago.

Fianna Fail Senator Ned OSullivan has welcomed a fresh appeal for information into the murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe who was gunned down by an AK-47 at point blank range in Adare on June 7, 1996.

The Senator was responding to a plea made by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on the 27th anniversary of Detective McCabes death.

Mr McCabe, originally from Ballylongford in North Kerry, was shot at close range in an attack that also wounded his colleague Detective Garda Ben OSullivan as they sat in their car outside Adare Post Office.

Commissioner Harris said the murder remains an active investigation subject to regular review. He appealed to the public, particularly in Limerick, for any information in relation to two individuals suspected to be involved in the murder who are living abroad.

Prison sentences were handed down to four men after pleading guilty to Detective McCabes manslaughter. However, its thought two other gang members are still living overseas.

The Listowel-based Senator described the killing as one of the worst and most callous atrocities carried out by the Provisional IRA in its 30-year campaign.

He added the killing shocked North Kerry to the extent its impact is still felt by many people there almost three decades later.

I welcome the appeal. The frightful murder of Jerry [McCabe] shocked everyone, and certainly changed an awful lot of peoples minds down here, Sen OSullivan said.

Even though Jerry wasnt living among us, his family and friends were still living in Ballylongford. He was as well known as someone from the locality. It was as much a shock in North Kerry as it was in Limerick. I welcome the statement by the Commissioner. Its never too late to open these kinds of cases, he said.

Chief Superintendent Derek Smart of the County Limerick Division also issued an appeal for information.

We continue to appeal for anybody with information in respect of this matter, no matter how small they think it may be, to come forward to us, he said.
Irelands national day of creativity for young people takes place this Saturday, June 10 and, as a county renowned for its artistic streak, Wexford will host a variety of fun and engaging events for children of all ages on the day. An initiative of Creative Ireland, Cruinniu na nOg began in 2018 and has since become a much-anticipated date in the diary for parents and children alike, and this years event will provide young creatives with a whole host of workshops, classes, and sessions with some of the countys foremost artists.

At 1 p.m. at the Wexford Arts Centre Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council (WCC) Councillor George Lawlor will open an exhibition featuring works from all 71 of the children who entered This is Art! This gallery of works will be on show in the Arts Centre throughout the day in a celebration of the young talent across Wexford.

In Gorey Library from 10 a.m. and Enniscorthy Library from 2 p.m. children aged 6-12 can learn about the science of flight as they design and make their own kites. In this workshop lasting 60 minutes, children will see how machines stay in the air and understand the science of flight. They will then design and make their own kite and test their prototypes. At the end of the workshop the teacher will also demonstrate a flying tea bag.

From 2.30  4 p.m. in New Ross Library The Explorer of the Imagination invites children 7-12 years to join her convoluted-self and the Wonderous Walter Wizard on more inspiring flights of fancy. Storytelling, story making, drama, crafting and lots of fun are the order of the day in this 90 minute action-packed creative arts workshop.

The children will create costume-pieces to suit, and then collaborate on a magnificent mini-performance based on their own imaginings inspired by the Explorers intrepid adventures through the Innerverse. At the end of their journey the children will go home with their costume pieces as well as an original illustration of the Explorer and Walter Wizard to colour in, with space to add their own character to the scene. They will also receive a copy of the excerpt from the Explorers Travelogue with a section to add their own account of the days adventures.

Also in New Ross, at the Library Park, Becci Whelan of 2 Many Dance Moves will host Feeling in Motion, a workshop will teach children how to express their emotions in an artistic way. Workshop participants will then have the opportunity to feature in the live dance performance. Suitable for children aged 3-7 years.

At Blackbird House in Foulksmills artists Karla Sanchez and David Begley will bring children on a journey through the elements in nature as they show budding artists to how agricultural materials can be used to make natural inks and pigments. Karla will reveal methods to make natural pigments using soil and clay which children will then use in their own compositions inspired by the farm surroundings and nature.

David will explore the different methods to make ink from tannins and natural materials such as alder cones and iron water and children can experiment with these inks to draw a portrait or two. This workshop takes place from 11 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Stories Without Words will give children the opportunity to join Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre for two hours of fun and imaginative exploration in a drama and music/sound-making workshop, Starting at 2 p.m. in the Wexford Arts Centre this workshop, designed for children aged 7-12, will show children how to use movement, musicality, facial expressions, physical action, percussion and, most of all, their creative minds to open out new ways to express and embrace those wild ideas.

With a short performance at the end, families are invited to cheer on participants as they present the results of their imaginative expedition.

At 10.30 a.m. at Wexford Library children can learn how to spin plates with juggler Brendan who will facilitate one-hour group workshops starting with how to spin your plates together. He will also perform and bring children into the exciting world of the circus, revealing how to juggle and do other super circus stunts.

Wexfords Music Generation programme hosts two events for Cruinniu na nOg the first of which takes place in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Uke n Sing is a two-hour workshop which teaches 10-18-year-olds to play the ukulele. Led by experienced music instructors, this workshop is designed to be fun, engaging and accessible to all levels of skill. At the end of the workshop, youll get to showcase your newfound skills with a performance for your friends and family.

Later, at 2 p.m., Trad Jam takes place in the Irish National Heritage Park. Designed for 12-18-year-olds this musical event is the perfect opportunity to learn more about traditional music and meet other like-minded musicians. During the workshop, youll learn to play traditional tunes and explore the rhythms and melodies that make this genre of music so special.

At the end of the workshop, everyone will come together for a jam session, where youll have the chance to show off your new skills and play alongside your fellow musicians

For the younger children Claymazing in Wexford Library is a fun workshop featuring mess-free, air-drying modelling clay in multiple colours. The clay is specially designed to be non-toxic and easy to handle, so even young children can participate in the fun. The air-drying feature of the clay means that once the children have finished sculpting their creations, they simply need to let the clay dry naturally in the air. This takes place from 2-3 p.m.

The young scribes of Wexford are invited to join poet and writer Margaret Galvin for a creative writing workshop in Gorey Library at 2.15 p.m. Writers will explore sample texts to stimulate the imagination and a personal creative response. The texts will also support discussion and prompt an empathetic understanding of content. The session will be very relaxed. There will be an emphasis on fun with language, storytelling, and confidence-boosting activities with language.

From 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. the Wexford Youth Theatre, based in Bare Cheeks Studios, holds two acting workshops. Each workshop will last 90 minutes and is suitable for ages 12+. All young people who are curious about dynamic and visual youth theatre that involves all the senses are invited to come along and experience a taster of drama and the creative process.

Lastly, the Tara Hill Art Trails project runs from 2.30 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. Two experienced artists and educators will facilitate six fun and engaging art projects outdoors. Children will explore digital spaces and the real spaces of Tara Hill through visual art, craft and biodiversity.

Book your place at these events at https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/wexford/
Acclaimed Wicklow landscape painter Niki Purcell has announced two art workshops for children that will take place in one of Arklows most picturesque locations.

From July 17 to July 21 and July 24 to July 28, the talented artist will welcome up to eight lucky children aged 8 to 10 to her new studio at an old coastguard station at Kilmichael Point, right on the border between Wicklow and Wexford.

The NCAD graduate, who has exhibited extensively at venues throughout Ireland and Europe, will teach children a range of arts and crafts, including papier-mache, clay modelling, drawing, painting and colouring.

With over 12 years teaching experience under her belt Niki, who has a solo show of paintings entitled Elemental on display in the Burr Arts Centre in Offaly, is eager to dip her toes back into education and cant wait to welcome budding young artists into her new studio.

Many moons ago, I taught part-time in St Davids secondary school down in Greystones and I used to put on art camps at Prospect Park in Ballymoney, Niki said. Now that I have the studio all set up, I thought it might great to start doing them again, on a low-key scale.

The maximum number of children per camp is going to be eight, so that each of the kids have the opportunity to really get into it. My daughter does art in secondary school and shes going to be my camp helper, so all the children will get plenty of attention!

Depending on the feedback from these camps, Id certainly be interested in putting on more for older groups of children. For now, well just test the waters and I cant wait to get going.

Niki Purcells art workshops for children aged 8 to 10 will take place in her studio at Kilmichael Point from July 17 to July 21 and July 24 to July 28. The camps will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a playtime and refreshment break each day.

Camps cost 120 for the week, with all materials supplied. To book your childs place contact Niki at 0868146306 or email niki@nikipurcell.com
Proudly marking the millionth, Tesco Ireland has announced that the Stronger Starts programme has provided one million free, healthy and nutritious meals to primary school children and families, including St. Johns SNS in Arklow.

Stronger Starts is an innovative community support programme from Tesco that helps to build thriving communities nationwide by providing children in 117 DEIS schools across Ireland with these nutritious food packs.

St. Johns SNS is currently benefiting from the programme, receiving packs containing fresh apples, onions, potatoes, and carrots every week.

Over 4.5 million pieces of fruit and vegetables have been included in the one million meals Stronger Starts have provided since the programme began in late 2021.

Its hard to envision the enormity of marking a millionth, but all that fruit and veg would fill each seat in the Aviva Stadium 19 times over and would be 25 times the number of columns that make up the Giants Causeway.

Stronger Starts began as a pilot programme in partnership with The Good Grub Initiative in November 2021, providing 1,000 food parcels per week to children across 40 DEIS schools. The number of weekly packs has since tripled to 3,000 across 117 DEIS schools, with Tesco setting the ambitious goal of delivering one million meals by May 2023.

The programme is supported by long-standing local suppliers Country Crest, Keelings and Dole, and complements existing government programmes that also provide food support to schoolchildren and their families nationwide.

Speaking about the initiative, Rosemary Garth, Tesco Ireland Communications Director said: We are honoured to have delivered one million meals to children and families in need across Ireland, with the help of our fantastic suppliers, partners and colleagues.

Children need to be fed to enable concentration at school, and from speaking to school principals and home school liaison officers, we know the difference Stronger Starts is making in support of that, and for childrens health, more broadly.

Tesco has been appointed one of Irelands Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champions for 2023-2024 by Minister Eamon Ryan.
Celebrating all things outdoor living, gardening and creativeness, Wicklows Frederique van Buuren and Anouk OConnell of Olannmor pride themselves on working with only chunky, natural Wicklow wool.

"Living in the Wicklow Mountains makes scenery our biggest inspiration, they say, with one of their main priorities being to only craft with natural materials so that we can look after our planet whilst creating our beautiful products.

The duo were among 33 of Irelands most creative craft brands showcasing their wares at the Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) Irish Craft Village at Bord Bia Bloom, which took place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

The exhibitors were chosen across a range of counties and disciplines. Over 90 small businesses responded to the Design and Crafts Council's call out for exhibitors earlier this year and following a rigorous selection process, places were offered to 33 businesses, including the Wicklow designers, 25 per cent of whom are new to the DCCI Irish Craft Village. The 33 makers exhibiting at Bloom were selected by a panel chosen by DCCI.

Anouk O'Connell, of Olannmor.

Olannmor displayed an exclusive Bloom weaving kit, which was on offer over the weekend, and also took part in weaving demos, where visitors were shown the process of turning raw material into finished products across a variety of disciplines.

Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design and Crafts Council Ireland said: All the brands you will see at DCCI Irish Craft Village work to create beautiful and unique products and showcase them to people from all over the country at Bloom. It is an honour that DCCI can provide this platform for Irish talent. I want to thank the Chief Executive of Bord Bia, Jim OToole for his support of our makers. This is a great example of national agencies working together.
As TVs biggest dating show Love Island returns to our screens, Dominos Pizza has asked the Wicklow public how they address their love interest and what they call a kiss, with ride and shift coming out on top.

In Wicklow, ride topped the tables with 30 per cent of respondents choosing it to describe their love interest, whereas 41 per cent of locals claimed shift as their kissing phrase of choice.

Ride and fine thing topped the national tables as a nickname for a potential love interest, with shift and the classic snog being the vernacular of choice for a kiss.

Unsurprisingly, each county has their own way with words, especially when referring to a kiss. From shifting in Cork (38 per cent), Galway (58 per cent) and Longford (80per cent) to kissing in Kilkenny (11 per cent), Laois (9 per cent) and Wicklow (14 per cent) to ateing the face off each other in Limerick (14 per cent).

Overwhelmingly though, the Irish prefer calling it the shift, with the phrase proving to be particularly prominent in counties Mayo and Wexford, where 62 per cent and 61 per cent respectively are shifting more than anyone else. Snogging, however, is more popular up north, whilst Dubliners prefer to meet.

Taking inspiration from our Islanders, gorge and lush feature prominently as the chosen term of endearment for an attractive suitor, with 10 per cent and 7 per cent of Irish people using the terms, whereas the people of Laois prefer savage with the majority (36 per cent) opting for this sort of affectionate term.

The capitals northside/southside divide is alive and well with Dublins Northsiders preferring ride (35 per cent) and Southsiders choosing a fine thing (28 per cent). However, all Dubliners unite with lush and lethal giving them the ick.
Optometry Ireland has called for an end to significant geographical inequality and gaps in childrens eye care, highlighting that there is no public eye-care scheme for children over eight in the Wicklow HSE Community Health Organisation area.

The call for a national public programme for over eights follows research by optometry professionals that revealed a postcode lottery in access to childrens eye care across the country.

The availability of services for children over eight and the cost to parents vary significantly, with research showing that there is no public eye care scheme for children over eight in HSE Community Health Organisation (CHO) Areas 1 or 6 (the north west and Wicklow and south Dublin).

Some CHOs will contribute toward an eye examination with an optometrist as well as a contribution towards glasses, while others do not and the parents must pay for this themselves. No such contributions are made by the HSE In the Wicklow area.

In contrast, there is access to childrens eye examinations and eye care via optometrists in CHO2 (Mayo, Roscommon and Galway). However, in this CHO, payment has not been received for services since last September as the person who was in charge of the scheme left their role, and there is no formal agreement in place.

In other CHO areas, children who are over eight who are discharged from lengthy HSE waiting lists, can receive a public service via optometrists however there are costs to parents and these vary. In some CHO areas parents accessing a service at an optometrist pay a 22.51 top-up fee, whereas in other areas parents must pay a full fee which can range from 30 upwards.

Children requiring complex glasses are entitled to 150 towards these in some areas, while other areas either have no voucher or a voucher to a maximum of 51.

The findings have prompted Optometry Ireland (OI) to call on the HSE to fast-track the rollout of a standardised, optometrist-led over 8s eye-care programme nationwide  to deliver on the States commitment to have routine eye examinations and glasses fitting readily available to all children.

Optometry Ireland CEO Sean McCrave said optometrists have resources available to provide a consistent and universal planned scheme for over eights in all regions across the country  with no additional staffing, equipment, or training required to provide it.

We know that delay in providing needed glasses to children negatively affects their learning. The ongoing gap in the provision of childrens eye care, particularly for 8-16-year-olds for whom there is no national eye-care scheme, needs to be addressed urgently.

The current gaps contravene our childrens constitutional right to state-covered eye-care. The HSE acknowledged this gap years ago and said it was committed to addressing it. However, the response has been very slow, minimal and piecemeal.

Optometry Ireland is calling on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to intervene, and for TDs and Senators to call out this issue. We want to sit down with the HSE and together implement a consistent and equitable scheme, with protocols and clarity in all regions.

There are 300 optometry practices and 700 practitioners who are highly trained, have state of the art equipment and have available capacity to provide eye-care examinations, glasses fitting, care and monitoring to children.

Resourcing the needs of over eigh children, via a public agreement with optometrists, would also free up resources in hospitals and HSE clinics for adult eye care to help address very lengthy waiting times.
The pressing need for sustainable tourism is on the agenda as Failte Ireland launch a new Regional Tourism Development Strategy for 2023-2027 for Irelands Ancient East, which includes County Wicklow.

The new strategy is one of four that outline a vision for tourism and contain a five-year framework for sustainable tourism development across each of Failte Irelands four regional brands - The Wild Atlantic Way, Irelands Ancient East, Irelands Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.

Irelands Ancient East spreads from Cobh to Carlingford, with Bray, Greystones and the Wicklow Mountains at its centre, and the aim of the new strategy is to capitalise on the uniqueness of each brand and develop new and enhanced visitor experiences, building greater capacity and capability into the industry, and provide a clear strategy for attracting visitors that will stay longer and spend more.

For Irelands Ancient East, this means growing tourism revenue at a faster rate relative to the established tourism hotspots nationally, while staying within existing infrastructural and environmental capacities.

Commenting on the impact of the initiative for the region, Justine Carey, Manager of Irelands Ancient East at Failte Ireland, said, Since its launch in 2015, the Irelands Ancient East brand has had significant impact across the region, with visitor numbers and revenue continuing to grow at a strong rate.

"There is still plenty of opportunity for further economic growth which is why the Irelands Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy has been devised. We must continue to look for new ways to innovate, improve and enhance our tourism offering for our domestic and international visitors. This strategy sets out to unlock the commercial potential of Irelands Ancient East while ensuring development is sustainable, so the socio-economic benefits of tourism are seen and felt in communities and businesses across the region.

Commenting on the launch of the strategies, Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said: With the support of Government and my department, the cooperation of Local Authorities, the tourism industry and local communities, these strategies will play a key role in improving the social, cultural and economic contribution of tourism across Irelands regions. Tourism is a significant economic sector in Ireland, and these strategies will support the development of tourism across all four of Failte Irelands regional brands, bringing new attractions and experiences for visitors and creating new opportunities for communities and businesses across the country.

The Regional Tourism Development Strategies will be activated across every region through a series of local area action plans, referred to as Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). Over the course of this strategy, in addition to three DEDPs that already exist in Irelands Ancient East, Failte Ireland will prepare a further 8 DEDPs for destinations within the region. Failte Irelands commitment is for every part of the country to have a detailed tourism development action plan created in partnership with local stakeholders.

Failte Ireland was recently appointed as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champion and The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will inform the ongoing implementation of Failte Irelands four new Regional Tourism Development Strategies.
The beautiful surroundings of the Devil's Glen was the location chosen to celebrate national biodiversity week, with a hike organised on Friday, May 19 ahead of work to enhance the trails over the summer.

The Devils Glen is a popular forest walking destination in Wicklow that dates back to the last Ice Age, when melt waters from the ice sheets created a valley and formed a gorge. Declan Little, Ecological Lead at Coillte Nature, led a group along the Waterfall Loop Walk, highlighting the significance of this unique woodland.

Part of the Devils Glen forest is characterised as native woodland and includes habitats of Old Sessile Oak woods with tree species such as oak, birch and holly. Regeneration of these native species however is under threat from invasive, non-native shrubs such as cherry laurel, pheasant berry, rhododendron and dogwood, as well as extensive grazing from the local deer population.

As part of its management of forests for nature and biodiversity, Coillte is planning works to help support the long-term survival of native woodland species in the area.

Some 135 hectares at the Devils Glen has been identified as a priority area for these works. They will help improve the overall conditions of the native woodland, including extending its cover and increasing the proportion of native species throughout. This will also involve managing invasive species and reducing the impact of deer grazing.

The result is expected to enhance the overall biodiversity of the Devils Glen forest to promote wildlife and nature conservation and to create a more vibrant woodland area to be enjoyed by visitors.

The restoration of Devil's Glen is an exciting and challenging project and we expect to restore and expand the old and ancient oak-dominated woodland present especially along the Vartry river, said Mr Little. We are also working closely with Inland Fisheries Ireland to enhance the river, which supports important and unique east coast sea trout populations.

The works will begin in summer of this year and will run up until 2028.

Visitors who wish to follow the trails are asked to heed any safety signage on site or instructions from staff while the works are ongoing.
Prince Harrys evidence in Mirror Group Newspapers hacking case has ended

Prince Harry said he felt physically sick over payments to private investigators in relation to his late mother Princess Diana. Photo: John Stillwell

Prince Harry has now finished his testimony in the case Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Prince Harry said he was "shocked" and "livid" that photographers knew where he and Caroline Flack (above) would be. Photo: Eddie Keogh

Prince Harrys legal team yesterday quizzed a Daily Mirror reporter on suggestions that her editor Piers Morgan injected details into stories written by journalists.

On the final day of evidence in his case, lawyer David Sherborne grilled the papers former royal correspondent Jane Kerr, whose byline appears on several of the 33 articles cited by Harry as examples of unlawful intrusion by publisher Mirror Group Newspapers.

Mr Sherborne suggested to her that some of the information in her stories came from phone hacking.

It absolutely didnt, Ms Kerr said with a touch of anger.

Ive never intercepted a voicemail. I wouldnt even know how, she added.

She also denied knowing about lawbreaking by any freelance journalists or private investigators employed by the newspaper.

Ms Kerr acknowledged in her written witness statement that Mr Morgan, who edited the Daily Mirror between 1995 and 2004, would occasionally direct or inject information into a story without her knowing the source.

Asked about quotes in one story, she said: I cant say for sure where I got them from, because I cant remember. Its possible Piers gave them to me.

Mr Morgan has denied knowing about phone hacking at the Mirror, and the company is contesting Harry's claims.

Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) has previously paid more than 100m (116m) to settle hundreds of unlawful information-gathering claims, and printed an apology to phone hacking victims in 2015.

Harry, who flew from his home in California to testify earlier in the week, was not at the High Court today.

He spent a day and a half in the witness box on Tuesday and Wednesday answering questions about his claim that British tabloids had unlawfully snooped on his life throughout his childhood and young adulthood.

He alleges that the Mirror newspapers hacked phones, bugged vehicles and used other illicit methods to obtain personal information they splashed as royal scoops.

He said the intrusion poisoned relations with friends, teachers and girlfriends  and even caused friction with his brother Prince William  and led to bouts of depression and paranoia.

MGN has apologised for one instance in which it hired a private investigator to dig up dirt on Harry, which was not among the claims he has brought. It either denies or does not admit his claims.

Harry (38) is one of four claimants whose lawsuits against MGN are being heard together at the High Court in London.

Hearings are due to last until the end of June, with the judge, Timothy Fancourt, likely to deliver his ruling several weeks later.

Harry left royal life in 2020, citing unbearable media scrutiny and alleged racism toward his wife, Meghan, and is on a mission to reform the British media. He is also suing two other newspaper publishers over alleged hacking.

Meanwhile, the mother of the late TV presenter Caroline Flack today claimed her daughter knew her phone was being hacked at the time she was seeing Prince Harry.

Christine Flack told Channel 5 TV that she believes Harry is "very brave" for suing the publisher of the Mirror at the High Court in London over alleged unlawful information-gathering.

"He is getting such an awful lot of stick as well, and the people that are reporting on him are the same people he is in court against, she said.

Former Coronation Street actor Nikki Sanderson, was the focus of the remainder of todays proceedings.

At the centre of the princes legal battle, are 147 stories published from 1996 to 2010 by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) titles which he claims used information obtained through unlawful means, such as phone hacking.

The articles include Harry's date with Gladiators star, a story about him leaving a party with Caroline Flack which was published in The People on April 19, 2009.

Prince Harry has now finished his testimony in the case Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Harry said he was "shocked" and "livid" that photographers knew where he and Ms Flack would be and that he believed it came from information from his, a friend's or Ms Flack's voicemails. MGN said it came from a photo agency and that there is no evidence of phone hacking.

The prince is among a host of celebrities seeking to sue MGN, claiming journalists at its titles were linked to illegal information gathering and that senior editors and executives at MGN knew about and approved of alleged unlawful activities carried out between 1991 and 2011.

He claims reporters used methods including phone hacking, gaining information by deception, and the use of private investigators for unlawful activities.

He claims reporters used methods including phone hacking, gaining information by deception, and the use of private investigators for unlawful activities.

Prince Harry gave testimony in the witness box on Tuesday and Wednesday, with his court appearance focusing on 33 sample articles from the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People newspapers.

He became the first senior British royal to give evidence in court since 1891, when Edward VII took to the witness box in a slander trial.

"I believe phone-hacking was on an industrial scale across at least three of the papers at the time and that is beyond doubt," Harry said on Wednesday.

Some 33 articles, dated between 1996 and 2009, were selected for examination during the trial of Harry's contested claim against MGN.

MGN, now owned by Reach, has previously admitted its titles were involved in phone-hacking and settled more than 600 claims. But its lawyer Andrew Green has said there was no mobile phone data nor any evidence to show Prince Harry was a victim.

MGN claims the stories came from a range of sources, including information disclosed by royal households or other royals, freelance journalists and news agencies as well as confidential sources with "extensive" royal contacts.

Harry used his 55-page witness statement in the case to lash out at the standards of British government and democracy.

He accused the British government of being scared of the press, and said: Our country is judged globally by the state of our press and our government  both of which I believe are at rock bottom.

Democracy fails when your press fails to scrutinise and hold the government accountable, and instead choose to get into bed with them so they can ensure the status quo.

And the royal added: If theyre supposedly policing society, who on earth is policing them, when even the government is scared of alienating them because position is power. It is incredibly worrying for the entire UK.

Downing Street said it would not comment on Prince Harrys remarks about the government as they were part of a live legal process. But furious Tory MPs fired back at Harrys unwise comments  urging him to keep out of British politics, or renounce his title and stand for election if he wanted to be politician.

Harrys explosive witness statement also claimed:

Stories about rumours his father was James Hewitt were aimed at ousting him from the royal family.

Revealed he was worried Eton would kick him out after stories about drug-taking.

Claimed he was only 5pc funded by the taxpayer as a working royal.

Said he has never received a bill for a mobile phone, as this was dealt with by the royal family.

Harry said he felt physically sick over payments to private investigators in relation to his late mother Princess Diana.

Prince Harry said he felt physically sick over payments to private investigators in relation to his late mother Princess Diana. Photo: John Stillwell

He blamed the tabloids for inciting hatred and harassment in his private life  claiming he was depicted as a playboy prince, a thicko and a drug-taker when he was younger.

Harry said he was shocked and appalled by the number of payments made by MGN titles to private investigators.

He said he wanted to hold former Mirror editor Piers Morgan and others accountable for their vile and entirely unjustified behaviour. Mr Morgan has denied any knowledge of phone hacking, and has said he was not going to take lectures on privacy invasion.

Harry said his acute paranoia of being constantly under surveillance was not misplaced after discovering private investigator payments related to his ex-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy.

Had she not been in a relationship with me, she would never have had to endure such a horrific experience at the hands of MGNs journalists, he said.

Harry added: There are even eight private investigator payments made in relation to my mother, which I have only learnt of since bringing my claim. This makes me feel physically sick.

Harry also said the media felt they owned him  but insisted that the state paid for only 5pc of his activities.

Eton had a zero-drugs policy in place, and I was extremely worried I was going to be expelled.

He also said a story published in 2002 about him smoking cannabis had a huge impact on his life. Eton had a zero-drugs policy in place, and I was extremely worried I was going to be expelled.

The royal also told the court that he ended up playing up to a lot of the headlines about his playboy lifestyle as a teenager and in his early twenties.

I ended up feeling as though I was playing up to a lot of the headlines and stereotypes that they wanted to pin on me mainly because I thought that, if they are printing this rubbish about me and people were believing it, I may as well do the crime, so to speak, he said.

Harry said he doubted the loyalty of people around him, including his former nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke and former royal equerry Mark Dyer. Its only now, realising what the defendants journalists were doing  that I can see how much of my life was wasted on this paranoia, he said.

Prince Harry said he was never a mobile account holder or received a bill for his mobile phone  saying it was handled by the Institution, presumably for security purposes although that now seems rather ironic.
Helping hands: Jasmine Zaghloua Ramadan Ibramim and Emmanuel McKenna from YMCA Dublin were clearing marine litter at Sandymount Strand in Dublin yesterday to mark World Ocean Day. Photo: Leon Farrell

THE Mediterranean-like weather spell is set to end on Friday as showers and thunderstorms sweep over Ireland - offering temporary relief to stressed Uisce Eireann reservoirs and water treatment plants with over 20 currently in official drought status.

Some 24 of Met Eireann's 25 principal weather stations are now observing absolute droughts lasting between 15 and 23 days - a drought being defined as a period of 15 or more consecutive days with daily rainfall of less than 0.2mm.

The longest absolute droughts of 2023 are ongoing at four stations in Wexford, Dublin and Carlow with 23 consecutive days of minimal rainfall since the Riviera-like conditions began in May.

All 25 of the Met Eireann stations are now experiencing official dry periods of between 15 and 26 days - a spell not experienced by Ireland since 2018.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content

Uisce Eireann warned that water conservation was now critical over the coming weeks given the potential of a further dry spell from late June into July having a significant impact on national water resources.

There are also concerns that the rainfall forecast over the coming days may not prove sufficient to fully restore all drought-hit reservoirs and water treatment plants - leaving further water schemes at risk of overnight restrictions and pressure cuts to conserve supplies.

The rainfall this weekend will bring very muggy conditions with Met Eireann warning that Saturday night could prove oppressively humid with overnight temperatures in some areas not dropping below 16C.

Holidaymakers and day-trippers can expect warm and humid conditions to extend into next week with spells of good sunshine interrupted by the occasional shower.

The burning question  What are the public's favourite weather phrases?

After almost three weeks of glorious sunshine and settled conditions thanks to the Azores High weather front stranded off Ireland, more traditional Irish summer weather will become dominant from Thursday evening when the first tranches of patchy rain sweep over the south.

Rain showers - some of which will be thundery - will develop over Munster on Friday night into Saturday morning and then spread northwards with some western areas likely to see heavy downpours.

For Uisce Eireann the end of the fine weather is a small blessing in disguise - with rainfall likely to temporarily ease the pressure on over-stressed reservoirs nationwide.

Ireland witnessed a wet March, an average April but a very dry May with five on-going dry spells lasting between 17 and 20 days and four on-going absolute droughts lasting 17 days, all in Leinster.

Uisce Eireann insisted it had no plans for a hosepipe ban.

Ireland's 7-day weather forecast (8th of June - 14th of June)

Water conservation appeals were issued in areas including Cork, Tipperary, Clare, Galway, Westmeath, Waterford, Wexford and Mayo as reservoir levels plummeted under increased water demand.

Some Clare, Tipperary and Cork schemes experienced water shortages as a result of low reservoir levels with overnight restrictions imposed to ensure normal daytime availability.

Average monthly rainfall for May in Ireland is between 60mm and 80mm - but many stations reported rainfall at or below lower average values last month.

A total of 21 of Ireland's 711 water treatment plants are currently battling drought conditions.

"In most of these locations, customers will not have noticed any impact on their water supply to date. Uisce Eireann has been managing supplies by bringing water to reservoirs by tanker and other measures," a spokesperson said.

"However, in some areas such as Clonakilty, Co Cork and Cashel, Co Tipperary, night time restrictions and/or pressure reduction have been put in place to protect supplies. Such restrictions allow reservoir levels to recover overnight and maintain a consistent supply of drinking water for customers during the day."

Uisce Eireann's asset operations manager Tom Cuddy said water conservation was vital over the coming weeks.

"We are beginning to see the impact of the long spell of dry weather on some supplies around the country."

"With no significant rainfall forecast in the short term, we can all play our part in ensuring there is enough water for everyone as we go through the summer. Even small changes can make a significant difference."

We will continue to monitor the levels at all our supplies over the coming weeks and months and take any actions that may be necessary to maintain supplies, including communicating about localised issues as they arise.

Met Eireann's Paul Downes said that, despite the showers over the weekend, the weather will remain warm and humid.

"Thursday will be a dry day with spells of hazy sunshine, all the while warmest in the west. It will be breezier than recent days, in moderate to fresh easterly winds with highest temperatures ranging from 18C to 24C."

"Friday will generally see more clouds although there will still be some long sunny spells. While it will be mostly dry again, a shower or two cannot be ruled out in the south with highest temperatures of 19C to 25C."

"Saturday will be warm and muggy with the best of the sunny spells in the morning. In Munster, showery outbreaks of rain will likely be ongoing in the morning and they will extend northwards through the afternoon and evening, with a few heavier bursts possible in the west."

"The highest temperatures will be 18C to 25C, warmest in Connacht."

"Saturday night will see the bulk of the showery rain clear to the north early in the night but some isolated showers are possible overnight."

"It will feel quite oppressively warm and humid overnight with temperatures not falling below 14C to 16C."

"Sunday will be another warm and humid day with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, some thundery in nature and highest temperatures of 21C to 24C."
Prince Harry said the press had misled me and covered up the wrongdoing for his whole life and went to extreme lengths to cover their tracks, as he gave evidence for a second day at the High Court in London over his claim against the publisher of the Daily Mirror.
Legal sparring between duke and testy barrister quizzing him ratchets up

Perhaps he had a pep talk from Meghan. Whatever the reason, Prince Harry came out fighting as he returned to Court 15 for Round Two with the Mirrors experienced barrister Andrew Green.
Flood victims in Russian-occupied areas of southern Ukraine described scenes of panic and desperation yesterday, with residents trapped in their homes and no sign of emergency responders in the area.
Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed.
Image: Wikimedia Commons

The helpline number is +91-9324968286.

CEO and Whole Time Director, Roopam Asthana, along with all the employees of Liberty General Insurance expressed their sadness over the issue.

Roopam Asthana said, "We stand with our customers in their time of need and will fulfill our promise of 'protection for the unexpected, delivered with care.' The Balasore Train tragedy is unprecedented and tragic and we are distressed by the loss of innocent lives. At Liberty General Insurance, we have implemented several extraordinary measures to ensure hassle-free claims process for our policyholders. Our helpline number <+91-9324968286> is a quick point of contact for our policyholders, where a trained team of executives will senstively guide them with their claim-related issues.
Image Credit: Unsplash

New Delhi: The southwest monsoon finally reached Kerala on Thursday, delayed by seven days than its usual date of onset, Indian Meteorological Department said.

The weatherman had earlier said that Cyclone 'Biparjoy' had been affecting the strength of the monsoon and its onset is likely to be mild over Kerala.

In a statement today, the IMD said, "The southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala today, June 8."

"The monsoon has advanced into the remaining parts of the south Arabian Sea and some parts of the central Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep area, most parts of Kerala, most parts of south Tamil Nadu, the remaining parts of the Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar and some more parts of southwest, central and northeast Bay of Bengal today," it added.

The monsoon usually hits Kerala on June 1 but a delay of seven days is considered normal. In mid-May, the IMD had said the monsoon might enter Kerala by June 4.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has previously stated that India is likely to experience average rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, despite the changing El Nino conditions.

In terms of specific regions, Northwest India is expected to receive normal or slightly below normal. The East and Northeast, Central, and South Peninsula regions are expected to receive rainfall within the range of 94-106 percent of the long-term average, indicating normal levels.

Rainfall below 90 percent of the long-term average is considered deficient, while rainfall between 90 percent and 95 percent is considered below normal.

Rainfall between 105 percent and 110 percent is categorised as above normal, and any rainfall exceeding 100 percent is considered excess precipitation.
New Delhi: The U.S. Mission in India held its seventh annual Student Visa Day countrywide today with Consular Officers from New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai interviewing almost 3,500 Indian student visa applicants.

Ambassador Eric Garcetti and Consuls General throughout India congratulated visa recipients as they prepared to join the growing ranks of Indian students who have chosen to study in the United States  the worlds leading destination for international students.

I first came to India as a young student, and Ive seen in my own life how transformative these experiences can be, said Ambassador Eric Garcetti.

Student exchange is at the heart of U.S.-India relations, and with good reason. A U.S. education provides students a world-class education and access to a global network of knowledge, laying the foundation for a lifetime of understanding. Thats why we are here today, to encourage these opportunities for as many Indian students as possible.

Student Visa Day celebrates the long-standing higher education ties between the United States and India.

This year, more than 200,000 Indian students are studying at U.S. academic institutions, representing more than 20 percent of international students currently in the United States.

Last year, a record-breaking 125,000 Indians were issued student visas, which is more than were issued to any other nationality. In fact, one out of every five student visas were issued in India last year. This year, we will interview more students than ever before, remarked Brendan Mullarkey, the acting Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in India.



The U.S. Mission encourages all students interested in studying in the United States to contact EducationUSA, the free U.S. government-sponsored advising service that offers credible and comprehensive information to help navigate the admission and visa processes.

EducationUSA represents accredited U.S. colleges and universities with eight advising centers across India. Students can visit educationusa.state.gov or @educationUSAIndia on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.


Image Credit: Air India website

Magadan/UNI: An Air India reserve aircraft that had been sent to Russia's Magadan to collect passengers stranded in the city after an emergency landing left for San Francisco with passengers early on Thursday, Magadan International Airport Director General Dmitry Sivolobov told Sputnik.

An Air India plane traveling from Delhi to San Francisco made a successful emergency landing near the Russian Far Eastern city of Magadan due to a malfunction of one of the engines on Tuesday.

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsiya said there were 232 passengers and 11 crew members aboard the plane.

The local authorities said all passengers were foreign nationals, including over 40 US citizens and several citizens of Canada. Specialists examined the plane and concluded it could not be restored by their efforts. The passengers were taken to temporary accommodation centers and provided with meals and warm blankets.

"The reserve aircraft arrived early in the morning. At the airport, they immediately began screening and customs clearance of passengers. They all left for San Francisco after 10:00 a.m. [local time, 23:00 GMT on Wednesday]," Sivolobov said.

He said Air India's specialists arrived in Magadan aboard the reserve plane to restore the malfunctioned aircraft, adding that they have all the necessary documents and visas "so they can work in peace."
Image Credit: Sangbad Pratidin

Kolkata/UNI/IBNS: Rujira Banerjee, wife of Trinamool Congress MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, appeared before the ED officials at the CGO Complex, Salt Lake, in the alleged coal smuggling scam, official sources said on Thursday.

Rujira was stopped at the Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport (Dumdum) on Monday by the immigration officials not to leave the country as a lookout notice by the central investigation agency. And at the airport, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials had handed a notice to her to appear at the CGO Complex on June 8.

Two ED officials from New Delhi including Deputy Director Pankaj Kumar arrived here to quiz Rujira, wife of Diamond Harbour MP and All India Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, sources added.

They said the ED has prepared a three-page (about 21-25) questioners for Rujira in the alleged coal scam.

Sources said Rujira appeared at the CGO Complex, accompanied by her lawyers around 12:30 pm, amid tight security arrangements.

Sources said a female ED official was also present at the CGO Complex.

On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday slammed the Centre and its probe agencies alleging the ED and CBI are harassing people and her family members and denied Abhishek Banerjee's wife from going abroad to see her ailing mother.

"It is unfortunate what the ED and CBI are doing. They are harassing people. Abhishek Banerjee's mother-in-law is unwell, and hence her wife was travelling to meet her mother," she said in a statement.

"The Supreme Court had said that if she were to leave the city, she could inform the ED and do so, which she did well in advance. ED officials could not tell her in advance that she could not travel abroad. But handing summons at the airport itself. it is nothing but harassment."

The Trinamool Congress supremo went on saying that " at times when people are trying to help their parents and elders, these investigating agencies are harassing people. They have no shame. They are busy politicising deaths. I don't want to get into this game with them."

The ED, which probes the financial irregularities, has claimed companies- Leaps and Bound Pvt. Ltd. and Leaps and Bound Management Services LLP- are connected to Abhishek and his family.

The two companies received protection funds from a construction company through the accused who are being probed in the case, the ED has claimed.
Image: PIB

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu along with President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname, witnessed the cultural festival on the occasion of the commemoration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname on June 5 in Paramaribo.

Addressing the gathering at the Independence Square in Paramaribo, the President said that today we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Suriname which is an important milestone in the history of Suriname.

"On this day, in the year 1873, the first group of Indians reached the shores of Suriname, on board the ship Lalla Rookh which was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of this country," Murmu said.

The President said that as a multicultural society and as a land of opportunities, Suriname has welcomed all the varied communities that came and settled there. During these years, diverse communities evolved into one family and one country.

She appreciated people of Suriname for their dedication and commitment to unity and inclusiveness.

The President was happy to note that despite the vast geographical distances, the different time zones and cultural diversity, the Indian diaspora has always remained attached to their roots.

She said that over the last 150 years, the Indian community has not only become an integral part of society in Suriname, but it also constitutes an important pillar of the deepening partnership between India and Suriname.

The President said that at a time when Suriname is celebrating the legacy of its ancestors and its links with India, India stands with Suriname in solidarity and reverence.

She announced the Government of Indias decision of extending the eligibility criteria for OCI Card up from the fourth generation to the sixth generation of those original Indian immigrants who had arrived in Suriname from Indian territories.

She said that the OCI card can be seen as an important link in their 150 year old relationship with India.

She urged members of the Indian diaspora to continue to make efforts to maintain their connections with India.

The President said that both Suriname and India have made efforts to rebuild their economies and social systems after a long period of colonial rule.

This experience has created a feeling of solidarity between the two countries. She said that India-Suriname bilateral relations are based on shared aspirations for development.

Earlier in the day, the President paid homage at the Baba and Mai monument, a symbolic representation of the first Indian man and woman, who first set foot in Suriname.

Subsequently, she paid her respects at the Mama Sranan monument which represents Mama Sranan, the Mother Suriname holding her five children, the five ethnicities that inhabit Suriname with care and affection.

At a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, President Murmu was conferred with the highest civilian honour of Suriname Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star by the President of Suriname.

In her acceptance remarks, the President thanked President Santokhi and Government of Suriname for bestowing upon her this honour.

She said that this recognition holds immense significance, not only for her but also for the more than 1.4 billion people of India.

She dedicated the honour to the successive generations of the Indian-Surinamese community, who have played a stellar role in enriching the fraternal ties between the two countries.

The President also attended a luncheon banquet hosted in her honour by the President of Suriname.

In her banquet speech, President Murmu underlined India's approach of an inclusive world order that is sensitive to legitimate interests and concerns of every country and region. She said that it is in this spirit of solidarity that India extended a helping hand to more than 100 countries during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The President said that India holds the Presidency of the G-20, through which it is building stronger bridges with both developing countries and advanced economies. In order to provide a greater voice to the issues of interest to developing countries and Global South, India also organised the Voice of South Summit in January this year, with the participation of 125 countries from Global South.

She appreciated Suriname for being part of this initiative.
Image Credit: PIB

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said his last visit to India has helped in taking the relationship between the two neighbouring nations to new heights.

Addressing the meeting of the National Assembly to appraise the assembly about his India visit, PM Dahal highlighted the progress made during the visit, reports ANI.

Nepal and India have very old as well as intimate relations. My visit focused on further deepening the existing relation in between the two nations. Focus was laid on economic issues that would benefit the nation for a long whereas on the political side, increasing mutual trust in the coming days progressive talks would be held to solve the rising issues, Dahal was quoted as saying by ANI.

Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at (New Delhis) Hyderabad House was important among all. During the bilateral meeting talks about trade, transportation, investments, power trade and cross-border transmission line, irrigation, measures to control inundation and floods, agriculture, cross-border connectivity-railways, ICP, bridges as well as dry ports- these issues related to infrastructural development was focused primarily, the Nepal PM said addressing the National Assembly.

The Nepal PM visited India from May 31 to June 3.


Image Credit: PilotGo via Pixabay

New Delhi: Air India has issued an apology to the passengers of its flight that was redirected to Magadan in Russia due to a mechanical glitch in one of its engines. Several passengers had complained that they were left to deal with subpar food, stray arrangements, and language problem while not a single Air India crew member was on site to assure or help them.

The airline has also agreed to reimburse the fares of all passengers on board and has provided them with travel vouchers as compensation.

The 216 passengers, including elderly and children, were transferred to various locations after the Air India flight, a Boeing 777, travelling from Delhi to San Francisco, suffered a technical glitch and was forced to make an emergency landing at Magadan, a remote town in east Russia.

An Air India reserve aircraft left for San Francisco with passengers early on Thursday, Magadan International Airport Director General Dmitry Sivolobov told Sputnik. It touched down at San Francisco International Airport with the passengers.

The Russian authorities said all passengers were foreign nationals, including over 40 US citizens and several citizens of Canada.

Specialists examined the plane and concluded it could not be restored by their efforts. The passengers were taken to temporary accommodation centers and provided with meals and warm blankets, they said.

"Please allow me to sincerely apologise, on behalf of Air India, for the extended delay in bringing you to San Francisco," said Rajesh Dogra, Air India's chief customer experience and ground handling officer, in a statement.

"Your safety was the highest priority throughout. As such, we will fully refund the fare of your journey and, in addition, provide you with a voucher for future travel in Air India. Although we cannot change the past, I trust this gesture conveys our sincere regrets for the disruption and inconvenience."
Image Credit: Representational image/ Wallpaper cave

Mumbai/IBNS: Bringing back chilling memories of the grisly Shraddha Walkar murder, police have arrested a man for killing his live-in partner and chopping up her corpse, and even boiling some pieces in a pressure cooker in Mumbai .

The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Saraswati Vaidya. Her remains were found in her apartment on the seventh floor of a residential building in Geeta Nagar area of Mira Road late Wednesday, media reports said.

Vaidya was living with her partner, Manoj Sane, 56, for the past three years, police said. The couple had been residing in the rented flat during that time.

Police were alerted to the gruesome scene by residents of the building, who complained of an unpleasant odour coming from Vaidya and Sane's apartment, the official said.

On arrival, police discovered Vaidya's decomposed body, which had been severed into multiple pieces.

"A preliminary investigation revealed that the woman was brutally killed," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Mumbai, Jayant Bajbale, told the media.

Her live-in partner Manoj Sane has been arrested over the horrifying incident. The potential motive for the crime is yet to be disclosed by investigators.

The investigation is currently ongoing, as officials are trying to piece together the circumstances leading up to Vaidya's violent death.

The police said according to Sane, Vidya died by suicide.

The incident has uncanny similarities to the Shraddha Walkar murder case that stunned the country last year.

Walkar, a 27-year-old call centre employee, was strangled by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala, who then chopped her body into 35 pieces and disposed of them in a forest over 18 days. He also stored some of the body parts in a fridge and charred her face to hide her identity.

The case came to light six months after the gruesome murder when Walkar's father filed a missing complaint following no contact with her for months.

Aaftab Poonawala was arrested by the Delhi police and charged with murder and destruction of evidence.
Image Credit: Sangbad Pratidin

Kolkata/IBNS: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday quizzed Rujira Banerjee, wife of Abhishek Banerjee (MP), for about four hours at its CGO Complex, Salt Lake, in relation to the alleged coal scam case.

Rujira was summoned by the central investigation agency on Monday to appear before the ED officials on June 8 regarding the ongoing probe of the alleged coal smuggling scam from a CIL's subsidiary unit in Bengal.

The CBI and the ED have been probing the case based on a directive by the Calcutta High Court.

Rujira appeared around 12:50 noon at the CGO Complex and was grilled by the officials in phases for nearly four hours.

She was stopped at the Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport (Dumdum) on Monday by immigration officials refraining her from leaving the country after a lookout notice by the central investigation agency.

The ED officials had handed a summon notice to her at the airport itself.

Two officials from New Delhi including Deputy Director Pankaj Kumar arrived in Kolkata to quiz Rujira.

The ED had reportedly prepared a three-page questionnaire for Rujira in the alleged coal scam.

Sources said a female ED official was also present at the CGO Complex.

On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the Centre and its probe agencies alleging that the ED and CBI are harassing people and her family members.

"It is unfortunate what the ED and CBI are doing. They are harassing people. Abhishek Banerjee's mother-in-law is unwell, and hence her wife was travelling to meet her mother," Banerjee said in a statement.

"The Supreme Court had said that if she were to leave the city, she could inform the ED and do so, which she did well in advance. ED officials could have told her in advance that she cannot travel abroad. But handing summons at the airport itself is nothing but harassment."

The Trinamool Congress supremo went on to say that "at times when people are trying to help their parents and elders, these investigating agencies are harassing people. They have no shame. They are busy politicising deaths. I don't want to get into this game with them."

[With UNI inputs]
Image Credit: UNI

Ankara/UNI: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone talk with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and discussed the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Erdogan stressed that the continuation of consultations with the United Nations to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizer would be beneficial, said a statement published by Erdogan's office.

The Turkish president said the whole world attaches importance to the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets, underlining that the agreement they established through joint efforts plays a vital role in tackling the global food crisis.

Erdogan emphasized that Turkiye is determined to continue to make necessary efforts to establish a just peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering aid to investigate the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in southern Ukraine.

In July 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkiye and the United Nations on grain and fertilizer exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis.

The memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations on the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertilizer is a parallel agreement with the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

While the exports of Ukrainian grain have made strides, Russia has constantly expressed displeasure with the lack of progress in the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertilizer.

The initiative, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for another 120 days till March 18, 2023. At that point, Russia only agreed to extend the deal for 60 days, till May 18, 2023. On May 17, Russia agreed to extend the deal for another 60 days.
Image: Unsplash

Swat: At least three terrorists, including two in-custody militants, were killed during an alleged shootout in Banjot area of Pakistan's Swat city on Tuesday.

According to DIG Malakand Division Nasir Mahmood Satti, the CTD and local police were conducting a search operation in Banjot area where last month ( May 23) an exchange of fire between armed men and police occurred, killing one civilian Jamad Ali Khan while a police cop named Waqar Khan was injured in the firing,Pakistan Today reported.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Chief Akhtar Hayat Khan announced the Counter Terrorism Department had arrested militants, including a key militant commander Rafiullah and one of his facilitator Asmatullah belonging to TTP Swat group. Both the terrorists were also presented before local media, the newspaper reported.

He said that when the CTD and police party were conducting the search operation in the area, an absconding militant Zakirullah and others accomplices fire on them, killing both Rafiullah and Asmatullah on the spot.

In retaliation of CTD and police, the militant Zakirullah was also killed on the spot.

The other outlaws, however, managed to flee away in the nearby forest for which search operation by CTD and Police is in progress, he concluded.
Image: UNI

Dhaka/UNI: The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education announced that the classes of all secondary schools in Bangladesh will remain closed on Thursday, due to the heatwave.

The director general of secondary and higher education directorate professor Nehal Ahmed confirmed the matter on Wednesday.

Earlier, all primary schools were closed for four days -- between 5 June and 8 June -- to protect the children from the searing heat.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 26 students of three secondary schools at Daudkundi in Cumilla fell sick while attending the half-yearly examination.

Of them, 23 students were admitted to the Daudkandi upazila health complex for treatment.


Image Credit: UNI

At least one person was killed as a mine left over from past wars went off in Afghanistan's eastern Ghazni province on Wednesday, a district police officer Mohammad Nasir said on Thursday.

A farmer was working in his farmland in Asghar Khil village of Moqar district on Wednesday afternoon when an explosive device left over from past wars exploded, killing the farmer on the spot, Nasir added.

A similar accident claimed the lives of three children and injured another in Wardak province last week.

Afghanistan reportedly is one of the most mine-contaminated countries globally as dozens of people, mostly children, are killed and maimed every month due to blasts of unexplosive ordinances left over from the past four decades of wars and civil strife.
Image: Unsplash

Islamabad/UNI: Two policemen were killed, and a passerby was injured due to gunfire by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's northwest Swat district on Thursday, police said.

The policemen were deployed at the busy vegetable market in the district as part of the security detail when the militants attacked them in the morning, the Swat police said.

The attackers fled the scene on a motorbike after spraying bullets at the policemen.

Sources from the non-government rescue organization Edhi told Xinhua that the injured person, who is a security guard in a private bank, has been shifted to a hospital, and his condition is critical.

No group has claimed the attack yet.

Police cordoned off the area for investigation, and a search operation is also underway in the surrounding area to find traces of the fleeing assailants.
Image: Pixabay

A Pakistani court has sentenced to death a Christian person on charges of blasphemy.

He was identified as Noman Masih.

He is aged between 19 to 22 years.

Noman has been convicted of keeping blasphemous images of Prophet Muhammad in his cell phone and sharing them with others via WhatsApp. According to his relatives and lawyer, the prosecutors story is, however, contradictory, reports Bitter Winter.

The Pakistan Penal Code, the main criminal code of Pakistan, penalizes blasphemy against any recognized religion, providing penalties ranging from a fine to death.

According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, around 80 people are known to be incarcerated in Pakistan on blasphemy charges - half of those face life in prison or the death penalty
A US Air Force veteran recently shocked the world by claiming that NASA (and the US government) is in possession of an alien spacecraft and this information has been kept hidden from the people.

In the report by The Debrief, David Charles Grusch, a decorated former officer in Afghanistan alleges that the information has been withheld from the US Congress and the public. He has filed a complaint claiming that he was threatened with illegal retaliation if he ever went public with this information. According to his claims, covert US programmes have retrieved intact and partially intact aircraft that are not of human origin.

Unsplash

What does NASA say?

Since then, NASA has went on record to not deny the existence of such aircraft but to instead claim that it has no knowledge of Grusch's claims.

"One of NASA's key priorities is the search for life elsewhere in the universe, but so far, NASA has not found any credible evidence of extraterrestrial life and there is no evidence that UAPs are extraterrestrial," a NASA spokesperson told The Guardian.

"However, NASA is exploring the solar system and beyond to help us answer fundamental questions, including whether we are alone in the universe."

Unsplash

Also read: 5G Signals Could Reveal Earth's Location To Aliens, Claims New Study

Nick Pope, who investigated UFOs for the British Ministry of Defence told The Guardian that "it's one thing to have stories on the conspiracy blogs, but this takes it to the next level, with genuine insiders coming forward," calling Grusch's account "very significant."

As Pope put it, leaking classified information to lawmakers is a risky game as it can have serious consequences on the individual. "People say: 'Oh, people make up stories all the time,'" he added. "But I think it's very different to go before Congress and go to the intelligence community inspector general and do that."

Unsplash

Also read: Newly Discovered Ocean Bacteria Could Aid The Hunt For Alien Life



Even then, Pope hasn't come across any alien spaceships during his time with British intelligence. He said that while some cases were "intriguing," they've never actually seen an alien spaceship.

What do you think about - have aliens been walking among us? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
In a delightful change from the usual extravagant trends of destination weddings, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman opted for an intimate and heartfelt celebration as her daughter, Parakala Vangamayi, tied the knot in a simple yet memorable home ceremony.

Nirmala Sitharaman's daughter gets married in small ceremony

The event took place in Bengaluru, radiating warmth with the presence of cherished family members and close friends, devoid of any political heavyweights.

The wedding unfolded with utmost reverence for Brahmin traditions as seers from the esteemed Udupi Adamaru Mutt blessed the union of the bride and groom, Parakala and Prateek.

Parakala looked resplendent in a stunning pink saree adorned with a complementing green blouse, while Prateek exuded grace in a traditional white Pancha and shawl.

Nirmala Sitharaman's Daughter

The bride's mother, Nirmala Sitharaman, graced the occasion in a regal Molakalmuru saree, adding a touch of elegance to the celebration.



The matrimonial proceedings followed the sacred Vedic rituals of the Adamaru Mutt, infusing the ceremony with spiritual significance and timeless traditions.

Vangamayi, the daughter of Nirmala Sitharaman, is a talented features writer at Mint Lounge.

Twitter

She holds a Master's degree in English from the esteemed University of Delhi, and her pursuit of knowledge extended to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where she obtained an MS in Journalism.

In September 2019, Sitharaman affectionately shared a throwback picture with Parakala, describing her as not only a daughter but also a dear friend, philosopher, and guide.

Can say so much and more about daughters. A #throwbackpic with my daughter. A friend, philosopher and a guide. Heres this on #DaughtersDay pic.twitter.com/640XrUqm2n  Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 22, 2019

The heartfelt bond between the two serves as a testament to the enduring love within their family.

Parakala Prabhakar, Nirmala Sitharaman's husband, is a distinguished political economist who has significantly contributed as a communications advisor and held a unique cabinet-rank position in the Andhra Pradesh government from July 2014 to June 2018.

The wedding celebration marked a beautiful milestone for the Sitharaman family, where love, tradition, and simplicity took center stage, creating cherished memories that will undoubtedly remain memorable for a long time.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Prince Harry's relationship with the UK press has been marked by turmoil and tension, captivating the attention of media outlets and the public alike. From his early years in the spotlight to his high-profile marriage to Meghan Markle and subsequent departure from royal duties, Harry has been embroiled in a complex dynamic with the press.

Prince Harry took a significant step in his battle against the UK tabloid press as he appeared in a court witness box, solemnly swearing to tell the truth.

His testimony aimed to expose alleged phone hacking and other illicit surveillance activities conducted by the publisher of the Daily Mirror, whom he is suing.

Holding a Bible, Harry accused the publisher of employing wide-scale unlawful methods to obtain exclusive stories, shedding light on the contentious relationship between the British royal and the media.

He accused the tabloids of playing a destructive role in his upbringing.

When questioned about evidence of phone hacking, Harry stated that he would need to ask the specific journalists responsible for the articles.

He repeatedly emphasized the highly suspicious manner in which information had been obtained, including the involvement of journalists known for hacking or invoicing third parties, such as private investigators with a reputation for snooping.

When asked about a specific article relating to his 12th birthday, despite not having a mobile phone at the time, Harry suggested the possibility of his late mother, Princess Diana's, phone being hacked.

Twitter

The defense responded that it was mere speculation.

The prince acknowledged the apparent impact of his parent's divorce on him but stressed that it was illegitimate to report such private information obtained through suspicious means.

It is noteworthy that Prince Harry's appearance in court marks the first time a senior British royal has faced questioning since the 19th century.

His lawyer, David Sherborne, presented the case, highlighting how British newspapers used hacking and deception to extract information about Harry throughout his childhood. Over 2,500 articles covering various aspects of his life, ranging from school injuries and drug experimentation to romantic relationships, were published between 1996 and 2011.

Twitter

In a written witness statement, Prince Harry stated that he felt the tabloid press owned him and that their presence had constantly intruded into every relationship, whether with friends, girlfriends, family, or while serving in the army. He described the press's behavior as causing him to spiral downward.



Hacking, a widespread practice at British tabloids in the early 2000s, involved guessing or using default security codes to access celebrities' voicemail messages.

Twitter

Mirror Group, the defendant in the case, has settled numerous unlawful information-gathering claims and issued an apology to hacking victims in 2015 but denies or has not admitted to any of Prince Harry's specific allegations relating to 33 published articles.



The defense argued that no evidence supports the claim that Prince Harry was hacked, let alone regularly.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


Gilda Sportiello, a prominent member of the left-leaning Five Star Movement, captured global attention today as she became the first politician in Italy's parliament to breastfeed her child during a session in Rome.

In a remarkable display of motherhood, the 36-year-old lawmaker breastfed her two-month-old son, Frederico, in the Chamber of Deputies, eliciting a heartfelt round of applause.

This extraordinary act marks a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape, highlighting the increasing recognition of women's rights and the acceptance of motherhood within the realm of governance.

A progressive amendment in Italy's parliamentary rules has opened the doors for women lawmakers to bring their children into the chamber and breastfeed them until age one.

This significant development marks a departure from the previous norm and aligns Italy with other countries that have already embraced breastfeeding in their parliamentary settings.

The delay in Italy's adoption of this practice can be attributed to its traditionally male-dominated political landscape, where men make up approximately two-thirds of lawmakers.

Gilda Sportiello, a fervent advocate for women's rights, passionately emphasized the necessity of policies supporting working mothers. Her influential voice resonated with the nation as she highlighted the importance of empowering women in politics.

This momentous change not only promotes gender equality but also acknowledges the unique challenges working mothers face and the importance of accommodating their needs.

She said, "Too many women stop breastfeeding ahead of time, not by choice, but rather because they are forced to return to the workplace."

Her remarkable act garnered unanimous applause and widespread acclaim from her fellow parliamentarians. Giorgio Mule, the chairperson of the parliamentary session, commented, "It's the first time, with the backing of all parties. Best wishes to Federico for a long, free, and peaceful life. Now we'll speak quietly."

Twitter

Giorgia Meloni, the nation's first female prime minister, originally proposed a rule allowing breastfeeding in parliament, which has now become law in Italy.

Twitter

This progressive step signifies a significant milestone in Italian politics, reflecting the nation's commitment to gender equality and supporting working mothers.



Building on this inclusive initiative, a dedicated breastfeeding room was inaugurated in November of the same year within the parliament buildings at Palazzo Montecitorio.

This unique facility provides a nurturing space for nursing mothers, further exemplifying Italy's dedication to creating an environment that acknowledges and accommodates the needs of women in the political arena.

Representational Image

The combined efforts of Giorgia Meloni and the introduction of the dedicated breastfeeding room underscore Italy's commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive political landscape.

These measures demonstrate the nation's progress and set a positive example for other countries striving to enhance women's representation and create a nurturing environment for working mothers within their own parliaments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


His case will be discussed at the Athens Holy Synod
met and spoke with the medical and nursing staff running the new programme OIKOTHEN (At Home), which provides cancer patients with treatment and pharmaceutical support at home and thus improves their quality of life , while he was briefed on the operation of the new programme.
Question Everything! Click Here To Support Information Clearing House

Chris Hedges: The Democratic Partys Crucifixion of Matt Taibbi

By Chris Hedges

June 08, 2023: Information Clearing House -- On Dec. 24, 2022 Matt Taibbi was in a room at the Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco poring through reports sent to Twitter from an entity called the Foreign Influence Task Force ( FITF ). The FITF is an FBI-led interagency task force that forwards moderation requests from numerous government agencies, including Homeland Security, the CIA, the Pentagon and the State Department, to social media outlets. Taibbi was given access to the internal traffic by Twitters new owner, Elon Musk. It revealed how the FBI and other government agencies routinely suppressed news and commentary. He published a Twitter thread that night, Christmas Eve, with the headline Twitter and Other Government Agencies.

There would be a list of YouTube videos, Taibbi said when I reached him by phone. There would be a notation that would say We assess that these are all created by the Internet Research Agency in Russia. We assess that they are promoting anti-Ukraine attitudes. I would see that all those videos were no longer on YouTube. You can make your own deduction from that, but that was the pattern. They would send Excel spreadsheets full of account names and either all or most of them would be gone.

The content that was suppressed included right-wing and left-wing reports critical of the dominant narrative advanced by the Democratic Party and the old establishment wing of the Republican Party, which has been folded into the Democratic Party. Threads from the Yellow Vests movement, activists from the Occupy movement, Global Revolution Live , negative stories about Joe Biden, reports on the Ukrainian energy company Burisma that paid Hunter Biden about $1 million a year while his father was vice-president, positive stories about Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, reports about Ukrainian human rights abuses and details of the contents of Hunter Bidens laptop were part of the plethora of accounts that were flagged and disappeared.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

I was a victim of this censorship. The six-year archive of my show On Contact, broadcast on RT America, was erased from YouTube, although not one show was about Russia and none violated YouTubes content guidelines. Episodes were later reposted on The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel. The show gave a voice to those targeted by the FITF  anti-imperialists, anti-capitalists, prison reform advocates, Black Lives Matter and Palestinian activists, anti-fracking activists and independent intellectuals, journalists and authors including David Harvey, Noam Chomsky , Sami Al-Arian , Glen Ford , Amira Hass , Mumia Abu Jamal , Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz , Medea Benjamin , Nils Melzer , Pankaj Mishra , Glenn Greenwald , Matt Taibbi and Cornel West .

The FBI, before the release of Taibbis Twitter thread on Dec. 24, had denounced the Twitter Files as the work of conspiracy theorists who fed the public misinformation and whose sole purpose was discrediting the agency.

They must think us unambitious, if our sole aim is to discredit the FBI, Taibbi responded. After all, a whole range of government agencies discredit themselves in the Twitter Files . Why stop with one?

Taibbi was acutely aware these Christmas Eve revelations, which for the first time revealed the role of the CIA, would further enrage the intelligence agencies.

My understanding is that the FITF has a staff of at least 80, Taibbi said. It consists primarily of the FBI, but it also includes people from the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The FITF was the conduit for content moderation requests that went to the tech platforms. They had something called an industry meeting which was, at first monthly and then weekly, leading into the 2020 election. It included companies like Twitter, Facebook, Google, Pinterest, Wikimedia, a series of others, about two dozen of them. They would have a general briefing on trends. Individually, each of the companies were receiving notices. Some of them were receiving weekly notices from the FITF. Twitter was. We know that because there were very specific instructions about how it was done. Requests that came from the states went through the DHS. Requests that came from the Federal Government went through the FBI. They went through a program called Teleporter. Thats how we got those documents.

In March, Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger were called to testify before the Select Subcommittee on Weaponization of the Federal Government. While Taibbi was testifying on March 9, an IRS agent visited his house in New Jersey.

Taibbi discovered that the IRS opened a case against him on the day he published his Christmas Eve Twitter thread from a letter House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan sent to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel inquiring about Taibbis case. It was a Saturday. It was Christmas Eve. Taibbi did not owe taxes. The case was four years old. All this suggests that the IRS case was politically motivated and the FBI was monitoring Taibbi.

Theres probably little doubt that they were at least closely following all the Twitter Files reporters, but probably they were monitoring in other ways too, Taibbi deduced.

One of the reasons I agreed to testify before the weaponization of government committee  and I got a lot of grief from old lefty friends who were upset that I was appearing before a Republican-led committee  was that the other mainstream news reporters werent picking up a lot of these stories that I thought really needed some attention. I needed other reporters to do some work on this. My thinking was, if I testified in Washington it might get some more attention, not just nationally but maybe globally.

Taibbi ran into a buzzsaw of orchestrated character assassination . The Democratic members of the committee rarely let Taibbi speak. They delivered vicious and insulting diatribes. Here is a clip of Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, along with Sam Seder and other hosts at The Majority Report, attacking Taibbi.

I expected there to be hostility in the questioning, but what happened in that hearing was amazing, even to be involved with as a spectator, he said. Rather than engage with the material of the Twitter Files reporting on any level, even negatively, it was pure character-assassination. The ranking member called us a direct threat to people who oppose us. We were so-called journalists. We were the lapdogs and scribes of Elon Musk. We didnt believe in Russian interference. We didnt respect authority. I had a tin-foil hat I was told to take off by one member. It was one member after the other creating clips of video that were replayed on MSNBC and CNN later that night. That was how people got the news about that hearing.

 We grew up in an atmosphere where the Democrats were always the champions of free speech, more so than the Republicans, Taibbi told me. Through the 70s, 80s, 90s and even the early 2000s. Suddenly, on this issue, it was wall-to-wall hostility. There wasnt a Dennis Kucinich or Bernie Sanders type who stands out from the crowd. There are no dissenters in the ranks of this party anymore.

The old school ACLU-like liberals, theyre just gone now, he said. Theres this new movement that doesnt believe in countering bad speech with better speech. They believe in closing it off and shutting it down. Thats what the Twitter Files were about. Thats why there was so much hostility.

Taibbi was informed there were problems with his 2018 tax return. The IRS said it had sent him letters about the issue, but Taibbi had not received any letters and the IRS refused to produce copies. He also had electronic confirmation from the IRS that his 2018 tax return had been received.

It was only when Congressman Jordan wrote to the IRS asking for clarification that Taibbi became aware of the files the IRS had amassed on him. These included information taken from search engines and commercial investigative software such as Anyhoo, Consumer Affairs and LexisNexis. They had his voter registration records, whether he possessed a hunting or fishing license, whether he had a concealed weapons permit, his telephone numbers, articles he had written and articles written about him.

Why would an IRS agent need to know anything about my professional history or about controversies that Ive been involved with or things that I had written about? he asked. That seems pretty dubious.

Theyre not worried about the optics, about doing something like sending an IRS agent to the home of a journalist who has a big platform and a reputation for not being afraid to say something about it, he said. Theyre not worried about how this looks. It is concerning for a number of reasons. It reminds you of things you would see in a third world country.

Taibbi was interviewed by MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan. Hasan, or his researchers, had combed through Taibbis reports and found a couple of very minor errors, including a confused timeline and a misplaced acronym. Hasan argued that the errors were evidence that Taibbi intentionally lied to Congress. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez seconded the accusation. The ranking committee member, Stacey Plaskett, sent Taibbi a letter accusing him of lying to Congress. Plaskett threatened Taibbi with a five-year prison sentence.

There are three steps to destroying a reporter who cant be bought off or intimidated. The first is a campaign by the powerful, whose lies and crimes have been exposed, along with their obsequious courtiers in the press, to discredit the reporting. The second is a sustained campaign of character assassination. The third is persecution carried out once the reporters credibility has been weakened, his or her ability to publish or broadcast is degraded and public support has eroded.

This is what happened to Julian Assange . It happened before Assange to Don Hollenbeck , I.F. Stone , Gary Webb , Ray Bonner and many others. It is what is happening to Taibbi whose revelations of widespread censorship  by the FBI, the CIA, Homeland Security and other intelligence and government agencies  have enraged the ruling class.

I dont know if they will win. Let us hope not. But the deafening silence by nearly all press outlets to what they are doing to Taibbi, as is true for Assange, is ominous and self-defeating. It sends a signal to those who attempt to report about the inner workings of power that no matter how well known you are or how high a profile you have, you too will be targeted. The concerted attacks on Taibbi are an example of how the walls are steadily closing in to impose an iron conformity, one more piece of our emergent corporate totalitarianism.

Nobody wants to deal with a full-throated negative media campaign that you volunteer for when you do this kind of work, he said. It never goes away. Thats kind of a drag. Weve seen it happen with you, with Glenn Greenwald after the Snowden business and it happened with him again during Russiagate. Its not fun. People dont want to go through it. Its a disincentive to do counter-narrative work.

Its funny, Chris, I thought a lot during this process about your book Death of The Liberal Class , Taibbi said. There have been so many different instances where the basic story were looking at with a lot of the Twitter Files reports was a breakdown in the system of checks and balances. Civil society organizations, the media, private industry and the government, theyre all supposed to have different interests. They have a check on each other. But what were seeing is, underneath the surface, theyre engaged in anti-competitive behaviorIts basically media, these internet censors, the enforcement agencies and NGOs, all acting in concert against the population as opposed to checking each other. You were predicting this. When these institutions break down, when they dont work anymore, this is what happens. Its a pretty quick step to consolidation of authority. Thats the scary part. Once upon a time, if you were in media, even a small offense in this direction wouldve attracted solidarity amongst the ranks. Now theres nothing.

He decried the role major media organizations played in hunting down Jack Teixeira , a National Guard technology support staffer who posted classified documents online.

Instead of reporting on the contents of big intelligence leaks, the Washington Post and The New York Times worked with Bellingcat to deliver this suspect to the authorities, he said. This is a new role for the media. It is a big shift in how the press thinks of itself. It doesnt see itself as something separate from government or law enforcement. It sees itself as on the same side.

There were probably a lot of people who were frightened by the spectacle of the rise of Donald Trump, he said. They were told over and over again that this was a Christian nationalist neofascist movement. There are elements of that. Theres real truth to that. But in response to it they became exactly the thing they were telling everybody they were fighting against. By the time people wake up it might be a little bit too late, which is unfortunate.

A discredited ruling class, which has disemboweled the nation for its corporate masters and whose primary mission is the perpetuation of permanent war, has no intention of carrying out reform. It will not permit an exchange of ideas or allow its critics a platform. It knows it is hated. It fears the rise of the neofascists its dysfunction and corruption have spawned. It seeks to perpetuate itself only through fear  fear of what will replace it. That is all it has to offer a demoralized citizenry. Constitutional guarantees of free speech and the right to privacy are noisome impediments to its tenuous grip on power. These constitutional rights have been effectively abolished. What the Twitter Files revealed is massive government blacklists and the craven acquiescence of media platforms to marginalize and ban individuals and groups on these blacklists. Taibbi, not surprisingly, is being targeted by the totalitarian machinery he exposed.

Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others.
Question Everything! Click Here To Support Information Clearing House  Highly Credible Source Reveals Scandal Bigger Than Biden Bribery: FBI Election Interference More important to Americas future than unearthing Biden family corruption is uncovering corrupt bureaucrats who violate the rule of law. By: Margot Cleveland June 08, 2023: Information Clearing House -- Allegations that then-Vice President Joe Biden agreed to accept money from a foreign national to affect policy decisions was reportedly highly credible and used by the FBI in multiple criminal investigations dating back to the Obama administration. Fridays exclusive by Fox News provides further insight into Sen. Chuck Grassleys focus on the FBI  as opposed to the Biden family  as the primary scandal in play. We arent interested in whether or not the accusations against [then]-Vice President Biden are accurate, Grassley said during an interview last week discussing FBI Director Christopher Wrays refusal to comply with the congressional subpoena issued for the FD-1023 form. That form, dated June 30, 2020, included detailed information from a CHS to the FBI regarding an agreement by now-President Biden to deliver preferred foreign policy positions for a $5 million payment. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter After Grassley revealed he had already seen the FD-1023, Fox News Bill Hemmer queried: How damning is this document to the sitting U.S. president? I dont know, responded Grassley, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He stressed that while theres accusations in the FBI report, the congressional oversight committees concern is whether the FBI does its job. Thats what we want to know, he continued. Fridays revelation that the CHS was highly credible and had served as a source in multiple prior criminal investigations  including ones run under the Obama-Biden administration  proves Grassley is properly focused on the FBI. Yes, the CHSs allegations offer more evidence of a Biden family pay-to-play scandal, and unraveling any criminal conduct by the Biden family remains important. But more significant to the future of our country is uncovering government actors responsible for violating the rule of law: America can survive select injustices, but it cannot withstand a corrupt bureaucracy that obstructs justice and interferes in elections. Yet that is precisely what occurred, according to the whistleblower. He claimed that in August 2020, FBI Supervisory Intelligence Analyst Brian Auten opened an assessment which was used by a FBI Headquarters team to improperly discredit negative Hunter Biden information as disinformation and caused investigative activity to cease. The whistleblower further alleged that the FBI HQ team that handled the Auten assessment, after concluding the reporting was disinformation, placed the information in a restricted access sub-file that only the particular agents who uncovered the CHSs information could access. Now knowing the CHS behind the FD-1023 was not just trusted, as Grassley had previously indicated, but highly credible, and relied upon in multiple criminal cases dating back to the last time Biden worked for the executive branch, makes the whistleblowers accusations even more damning because those additional facts mean the agents had reason to believe the buried accusations were true. Not only does this evidence suggest FBI headquarters obstructed justice, but the date of the CHSs report indicates those responsible for misbranding the intel as disinformation sought to interfere in the 2020 election. As Grassleys colleague in the House, James Comer, revealed, the CHS report was dated June 30, 2020, and while the allegations against candidate Biden came from a highly credible CHS, the FBI closed them. According to the whistleblower, FBI headquarters closed out the source even though some of the allegations had already been verified and other details could have been verified. In contrast, when the bureau received a vague tip from an Australian diplomat of unknown veracity that a low-level Trump volunteer had claimed the Russians possessed dirt on Hillary Clinton, within days FBI headquarters opened an investigation into the Trump campaign. John Durhams special counsel report recently lay bare the impropriety of the FBIs targeting of the Trump campaign based on unverified gossip from an unvetted source. Grassley is now highlighting the converse: the FBIs improper branding of evidence from a highly credible CHS as disinformation to protect the Democrat candidate for president. This evidence of continuing political bias at the FBI is Grassleys primary concern, prompting him to call for a change in the culture. That change will be a long time coming, however, given that Wray resisted the subpoena and appears poised to fight Grassley and congressional oversight committees every step of the way. Margot Cleveland is The Federalist's senior legal correspondent. She is also a contributor to National Review Online, the Washington Examiner, Aleteia, and Townhall.com, and has been published in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Cleveland is a lawyer and a graduate of the Notre Dame Law School, where she earned the Hoynes Prizethe law schools highest honor. Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others. See also Why cant we talk about Ukrainian antisemitism? The wearing of insignia and symbols associated with the Nazis and their allies are prevalent among the troops fighting for Ukraine.
June 08, 2023: Information Clearing House -- WASHINGTON (AP)  The Biden administration is weighing in on the controversy over Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, saying his recent performances in Germany were antisemitic, an assessment shared by many in Israel and the pro-Israel community.

The State Department said Tuesday that Waters has a long track record of using antisemitic tropes and a concert he gave late last month in Germany contained imagery that is deeply offensive to Jewish people and minimized the Holocaust.

The comments came in a written response to a question posed at Mondays State Department press briefing about whether the administration agreed with criticism of Rogers from the U.S. special envoy to combat antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt.

Special Envoy Lipstadts quote-tweet speaks for itself, the department said.

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters EXPLOSIVE Interview Sets Record Straight

The concert in question, which took place in Berlin, contained imagery that is deeply offensive to Jewish people and minimized the Holocaust, the department said. The artist in question has a long track record of using antisemitic tropes to denigrate Jewish people.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

In a May 24 tweet after the concert in Berlin, during which Waters appeared on stage in a costume reminiscent of Nazi-era Germany, Lipstadt denounced the musician by echoing comments from EU antisemitism envoy Katharina von Schnurbein, who is German.

I wholeheartedly concur with @EUAntisemitism s condemnation of Roger Waters and his despicable Holocaust distortion, Lipstadt wrote in reply to a tweet from von Schnurbein.

Von Schnurbein had taken issue with Waters performance in Berlin as well as his previous comments related to Israel and the Holocaust.

I am sick & disgusted by Roger Waters obsession to belittle and trivialize the Shoah & the sarcastic way in which he delights in trampling on the victims, systematically murdered by the Nazis, von Schnurbein wrote. In Germany. Enough is enough.

Shortly after the concert, police in Berlin said they had opened an investigation of Waters on suspicion of incitement over the costume he wore.

Images on social media showed Waters firing an imitation machine gun while dressed in a long black coat with a red armband. Police confirmed that the costume could constitute a glorification, justification or approval of Nazi rule and therefore a disturbance of the public peace.

Waters rejected those accusations in a statement on Facebook and Instagram, saying the elements of my performance that have been questioned are quite clearly a statement in opposition to fascism, injustice, and bigotry in all its forms.
Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has disclosed that Godswill Akpabio, the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for Senate presidency, is President Bola Ahmed Tinubus preferred choice for the 10th National Assembly.

Owing to this, the President personally directed him to lead the campaign for Akpabios election as Senate President.

The lawmaker, while featuring on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Wednesday, said: The President told me that his preferred candidate is Akpabio and I should lead the campaign.

He stated that Tinubu has expressed confidence in Akpabios abilities and that he will not change his mind about him being his preferred candidate for the seat.

According to the Senator, 75 of the 109 elected Senators in the red chamber have expressed support for Akpabios ambition.

READ ALSO: 10th NASS: Tinubu Allegedly Withdraws Support For Akpabio As Senate President

The lawmaker, however, admitted that he faces stiff competition from the campaign of former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari, who is also running for the position.

As at today I am telling you we have 75 senators. All advantages are on our side. We have the support of the party, we have the support of the president, and most importantly we have the support of most of the senators. These senators signed up to endorse our programme.

Lets say that some people will jump over at the last minute, that can happen, but I am very confident. I dont want to be overconfident because people can change their mind, but we have a better candidate.

We have two candidates that are in front now, that is Yari and Akpabio and our candidate has all the advantages over the other candidate, politically and intellectually, we have an added advantage.
Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has pleaded with his successor, the former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, to forgive him for any pain he may have caused him (Oyetola).

Aregbesola made this resolution in the Yoruba language during a welcome rally organized by his loyalists to welcome him back to the state at Freedom Park, Osogbo.

Recall that the former Governor of Osun has been at loggerhead with Oyetola, who served as his Chief of Staff before becoming governor, vowing that he will work against his reelection bid because he reversed his policies.

After losing to Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2022, Oyetola accused Aregbesola of teaming up with Adeleke of the then opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost the election.

According to the former Minister, the devil successfully allowed animosity to thrive between him and Oyetola after the Supreme Court victory party in July 2019.

He credited his political successes to President Bola Tinubu, who identified and supported his political aspirations since 1999 from Lagos state.

While asking for forgiveness from everyone who felt slighted by events of the last four years, Aregbesola said he was in the state to seek reconciliation and development of the progressive tendency in the state.

He said: Politics in this part of the world is about acrimony, but today, I am not here for that. We are here to seek reconciliation and forgiveness. My successes as governor were a collective achievement, including those who turned themselves into our enemies today.

READ MORE: Lagos Governorship Election: Aregbesola Rallies Support For Sanwo-Olu

In July 2019, after the Supreme Court victory, we were together in this venue where we call on ourselves to be united. I said on that day that Id concluded my tenure and hand over to the person I preferred but warned that it was left for my successor to be a good person and that I would be the godfather.

But my statement was misconstrued, and the devil took over, leading to the rift that lasted four years. I did not request anything from my successor, talkless of being denied such a thing, but some people just feel envious of our presence. Despite all of these, I seek forgiveness from those who felt offended by some of our actions.

After this, I will not beg anybody again. We didnt offend anyone, and we dont believe anyone offended us, but its possible that they believe we offended them, thats why we are seeking forgiveness.
Shehu Sani, a socio-political activist and former senator representing Kaduna Central, has referred to the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai as a bigot.

Information Nigeria reports that the public affairs commentator was lamenting the number of Christian clerics killed in Kaduna during El-Rufais eight years as governor.

According to the human rights activist, El-Rufai never visited the families of the deceased clerics for condolence all through his tenure.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai Blames Buhari For Mishandling Terrorism, Banditry In Nigeria

Sani via Twitter on Thursday wrote: Imagine a Governor of a State for eight years and these high profile clerics were murdered by terrorists in his state, and he never for once bothered to visit their families for condolence or even speak personally on the tragedies.

If I dont find a word bigger than a bigot, Ill coin it.

This is coming at a time El-Rufai has come under scrutiny over his recent religious comment on Nigerias Muslim dominance, that the All Progressives Congress, used religion as a tool to make Bola Ahmed Tinubu Nigerias leader and will continue for more than 20 years.
Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has lambasted the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai as a representstive of the dreaded Taliban, saying he is capable of starting a religious war in Nigeria with his utterances.

The cleric made the submission on Thursday while berating El-Rufai over his recent statement against Christians and support for Muslims in the State. Describing the former governors remark as insensitive, Ayodele via a statement by his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, said: El-Rufai is satanic, he should not be trusted. The election in Kaduna was rigged in his candidates favour and God will take it back from him.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai A Bigot  Shehu Sani Laments Ex-Governors Lackadaisical Attitude Towards Kaduna Killings

How can he make such an insensitive statement, why is he mocking Christians? He is a religious hypocrite and a representative of the Taliban in Nigeria.

The statement of El Rufai is unacceptable, we want a peaceful nation, but El-Rufai is a threat to national peace. He is the one behind the Southern Kaduna crisis all this while.

El Rufai is an agent of satan, and God will soon expose his plans. He lost Kaduna but the real winner will reclaim his mandate. We must rise against his evil agenda. He is a religious and ethnic racist. He is one of the backbone of Muslim-Muslim presidency in Nigeria and of course, Nigeria will soon see the repercussion.
Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says the union does not believe there is fuel subsidy in the country.

Recall President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had at his inauguration announced that subsidy is gone, sparking a hike in price and shortage of the product across the country.

The ASUU boss who spoke at the Alex Ekweme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi State on Wednesday however wondered how Nigeria can be exporting crude oil but cannot refine the same.

Speaking at the sidelines of a lecture captioned, Advancing Technology through Quality Education, the ASUU Perspective he said: We dont believe that there is fuel subsidy. You cant be exporting crude oil for the past 70 years, and you still cannot refine the crude oil and sell to your people at the Nigerian rate, not at dollar. Then, something is wrong.

READ ALSO: We Have The Ability To Beat Down Fuel Price  Petroleum Marketers

He further lamented the inability of the country to have a functioning refinery, decrying the humongous amounts spent on the existing ones.

It is not rocket science to build a refinery. When the country deliberately refuses to maintain the ones they have but people [working there] are being paid, the ASUU president said.

Nigeria has spent trillions of naira in the past three years or so on the renovation of refineries yet nothing is working. Meanwhile, smaller countries have functional refineries.
Police in Lagos State have apprehended a man identified simply as Akpannu, 26, for cutting a pastor with machete over fake prophecy.

Akapannu was alleged to have in May, 2023, cut the pastor of one of the new generation churches, Prophet Anayochukeu, for allegedly giving him a fake prophecy.

The incident reportedly happened at the churchs headquarters in the Ijesha area of Lagos.

The accused claimed that the pastor, during a prayer session, told him that he was about to lose his sister except when certain prayers were conducted.

READ ALSO: Kaduna Man Seeking Divorce Absent In Court Over Lack Of Transport Fare

According to him a pastor had earlier told him that, for him to be successful in business he must perform certain spiritual cleansing which required him to buy coconut and dry gin with which to pray.

Angered by the earlier prophecy which the accused claimed did not work, he attacked the second pastor with a cutlass inside the church premises.

The matter was reported to the police, who trailed the accused to his hideout where he was arrested.

While at the station, the accused alleged that both pastors instilled fear in him by giving him false prophecies that his only sister would die by January, 2023.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that once the Dangote Refinery starts pumping out refined petroleum products, it will cut down on its imports of Premium Motor Spirit.

Information Nigeria reports that NNPCL is currently the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria, a task which it had shouldered for several years.

Other oil marketers quit importing petrol due to their inability to access the United States dollars at the official rate.

NNPCL also owns 20 per cent stake in the Dangote Refinery  a 650,000 barrels per day crude oil processing refinery which was inaugurated May 22, 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who described the facility as a game-changer.

Founder/Chairman, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who said the facility would put an end to the inflow of toxic substandard petroleum products into Nigeria, added that the refinery would meet 100 per cent of Nigerias fuel needs.

According to Dangote, the refinery would start delivering refined products to the Nigerian market from late July or early August this year.

The NNPCL when contacted on what would happen to the companys fuel imports programme once the Dangote Refinery began to push out products in August, the national oil firms spokesperson, Garba-Deen Muhammad, said this would change.

READ ALSO: NNPC Terminates Crude Oil Swap Contracts With Refiners

Muhammad said, NNPC Limited is bringing in products from outside Nigeria as a matter of necessity, not as a matter of choice. We would have preferred that we produce here, refine here and we sell and provide the energy security that the country needs.

Because of the circumstances that surround our refineries, we cannot allow the country to be grounded. So we have to buy wherever we can get and sell. So if Dangote products are available, why should we not buy from Dangote?

There is absolutely no reason. And that is the reason why we are interested in the Dangote Refinery. We are co-owners, shouldnt we do business with our partners rather than do it with other people?

The spokesman explained that the NNPCL would be supplying crude oil to the Dangote Refinery based on business agreement between both parties, and that this would be in accordance with the international price of crude.

NNPC owns 20 per cent of that asset and we have an agreement with Dangote that we will supply the refinery with crude. So as soon as Dangote begins to request for crude to pay for it, NNPC is prepared to supply the crude as a business transaction.

We have been selling crude to different parts of the world for decades, and it is not whether we will sell it to Dangote, for why wont we sell to Dangote when we are selling to other refineries and countries?

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, recently stated that the supply of 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day by the national oil firm to the Dangote Refinery would start once the facility commenced operations.
The four former governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde are currently meeting behind closed doors with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The group, politically known as the G-5 governors, entered the State House around 4:21 pm and headed directly to the Presidents office.

Apart from Seyi Makinde, other former governors, who are members of the G-5 at the meeting are Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

However, Wike who has been a frequent visitor to the State House, with this marking his third visit in one week.

Recall that the governors were previously noted for working against their partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the February 25 presidential election.

G-5 governors believed zoning of the partys presidential flagbearer should be given to the southern region.
Controversial socio-political writer and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi is to blame for the loss of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Omokri said that the PDP flag bearer Atiku Abubakar would have been president but Peter Obi played the role of Judas and sabotaged his chances.

The Socio-political activist argued that President Bola Tinubu came second and was not the winner of the last election.

Omokiri in a series of tweets, noted that Obi has been rendered politically impotent in Nigeria.

READ MORE: Peter Obi Is Expected To Hang Tinubus Photo In All His Businesses  Reno Omokri

He said: If Peter Obi had not overreached himself and played Judas, by now, Waziri Atiku Abubakar would be President. Peter would have been vice president, while Tinubu would have come a distant second.

Even with rigging, it was not Tinubu that defeated Waziri Atiku. It was Peter Obi. For him and Labour Party, going to court is flogging a dead horse. Even Judas did the same.

He tried to return the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests, but the deed had been done. If Peter Obi likes, let him condemn the patriotic act of President Bola Tinubu to retain fuel subsidy removal.

It wont change the fact that Yes Daddy has been rendered politically impotent in Nigeria.

Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had earlier reported that the former presidential aide said by law, the presidential candidate of Labour party, Peter Obi, and all Nigerians are expected to hang up a photo of President Tinubu in their work places.

Reno made this known in a post via his social media page, stressing that the elections are over and Peter Obis supporters should focus on the new administration of Bola Tinubu.

The controversial writer further stated that by law, the former governor of Anambra State is expected to hang a photo of Tinubu in all his business, adding that Tinubu is now the president pending the outcome of the case in court.
President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has condemned claims that Labour Party (LP) is sponsoring the union to embark on industrial action over the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu.

Making this known during an interview on Channels Television, Ajaero said the formation of the Labour Party by the NLC does not imply that the party holds any authoritative control over their actions.

READ MORE: NLC, TUC Suspend Planned Strike Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

He said, Well, I wouldnt know whether these issues are informed issues, it is clear to everybody in Nigeria that Labour Party is owned by the NLC and no leader of NLC can deny that.

But even when this issue of subsidy was analyzed by various presidential candidates, the NLC was clear and I could remember I stated that if the Labour Party candidate went into that, he would even have double punishments from the Labour Movement because that counters our demands that was given to him and the ideology for which the Labour Party was formed.

The fact that we formed Labour Party does not mean that if it does anything wrong, and is an insult to say that Labour Party is now dictating for NLC that formed it? That is the worst insult anybody can say.

If people are going into blackmail, it should not be such, we determine what happens in Labour Party to a large extent. Who is Labour Party and their candidate to tell NLC what to do? What we are doing now, has it not been consistent with what we have been doing on fuel subsidy?
The Ogun State Police Command has paraded no fewer than 40 suspects for various crimes such as cultism, murder and armed robbery.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olanrewaju Oladimeji, who paraded the suspects, said they were apprehended in different parts of the state and outside the state.

Addressing newsmen, Oladimeji said Michael Bob, Abdul Omotoyosi, and Madeshina Idris were arrested for conspiracy, armed robbery and stealing.

He said that the suspects were arrested in Mushin, Lagos State, while a stolen Toyota car was recovered during the operation.

READ ALSO: Kano Man Docked For Allegedly Stealing Speaker From Mosque

Also, a notorious armed robber, Austin Omoh, was allegedly involved in an armed robbery incident in the state but was apprehended in Maroko, Lagos State.

The police boss said the police were able to recover a stolen Toyota Sequoia Jeep with registration number AAA 631 HX.

The CP further explained that the police arrested one Wasiu Odubote for shop breaking and stealing in Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode.

The CP said Odubote and his gang had broken into a spare parts shop on Old Ondo Road, adding that the timely intervention of the Divisional Police Officer and his team led to Odubotes arrest.

He said that other gang members managed to escape, while a tricycle with the registration number GBE 144VX was recovered.

He also paraded one Adedapo Taiwo, Arogundade Idowu, Noah Jogunom, and James Abiodun, who were arrested in Kobape, Abeokuta, for planning to disrupt the inauguration ceremony of Governor Dapo Abioduns second term.

According to him, the suspects were found in possession of a Beretta pistol, live ammunition, and assorted criminal charms.

Also, in Atan-Ijebu, four suspects identified as Onasanya Opeoluwa, Friday Daniel, Otuneve Samuel, and Ayanbade Owolabi were arrested for their involvement in cultism.

He said, The police recovered a locally made double-barrel gun, a locally made short gun, an axe, a dagger, a jackknife, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

In the same vein, the police also apprehended Akindele Femi, Abodurin Afeez, and Ishola Ayorinde for their affiliation with different cult groups and engaging in criminal activities.

They were found in possession of weapons, including a locally made short gun, a live cartridge, and criminal charms.

The police arrested Sulaiman Ajagunjeun and Opeyemi Adesegun in Itoko for their involvement in cult-related fights and also confessed to being members of the Aiye confraternity.

Nwoke Stanley and Auche Uzuegho were apprehended for vandalising aluminium cables in Ogijo. The police found several vandalised cables in their shop, revealing their involvement in multiple cable thefts in the area.

The Ogun State Police Command also arrested Osiniga Waheed, John Taiwo, Olashina Hameed, Olugbade Abidoun, Odeyemi Azeez, Tohter Shobitan, Babatunde Atinsola, Lateef Yahya, and Nurudeen Tajudeen for their roles in cultism, assault, and unlawful possession of hard drugs.

Speaking on the increasing cases of cultism in the state, Oladimeji said the command would always go for them, saying that he would not relent on pursuing them.

Were not relenting, well continue, so as long as we hear that theyre going about because we know they dont mean any good for anybody, theyre always out to cause confusion and harm people, and that is why we are equally after them.

Not until they change and theyre willing to live like every law-abiding citizen, once they want to remain deviant, we will equally be on their neck, we will not leave them, he said.
The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has slammed the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, for allegedly saying the Assembly will make laws to protect the property right of indigenes.

Obasa had, in his acceptance speech after his re-election as the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, declared Lagos is a Yoruba land, saying lawmakers will go to any length to protect the state indigenes even if it means reversing existing law.

Lagos is a Yoruba land as against the assertions of some people that it is a no mans land.

Therefore, part of our legislative agenda is to ensure the translation of laws passed by this House to the Yoruba language, Obasa declared.

The Lagos speaker revealed the plot of the All Progressives Congress-controlled state parliament to use all legislative instruments to favour indigenes against other tribes.

We also aim at achieving our collective goals of creating a robust legislative framework that protects the interest of our people. Going forward in this wise, we are going to employ all legislative instruments for the support of the indigenes of Lagos, the speaker of the Lagos parliament declared.

Obasa further asserted, There would be laws and resolutions in the areas of economy and commerce, property and titles, and we will reverse all that are reversible to protect the interest of the indigenes.

READ ALSO: National Assembly Passes Bill To Punish Sexual Offenders In Tertiary Institutions

But reacting via Twitter on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour warned the Speaker against laws that will divide Lagos residents along ethnic lines.

According to the former gubernatorial candidate, any enacted law that seeks to reverse property rights in favour of the indigenous people of Lagos state at the expense of other residents is divisive and not in the economic interest of Lagos.

He further described such a move as an attempt to undermine the fundamental right of residents as enshrined in the countrys constitution, adding that well-meaning Lagosians should resist the divisive bill.

Rhodes-Vivour stated that the law would discourage the participation of local and international investors in Lagos economy.

By considering this regressive bill, the Speaker disregards the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and perpetuates a discriminatory system that divides our society along ethnic lines.

The proposed bill undermines the principle of private ownership and could severely affect investment, economic growth, and overall prosperity in Lagos State. By considering such legislation, the Speaker is sending a damaging message to local and international investors, discouraging their participation and confidence in the states economy.

The former candidate however asked the Assembly to advocate laws that would instead protect heritage, historical sites, and traditional institutions from political vandalism.
Former Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo has expressed disagreement with Rivers State Governor Sim Fubaras assertion that Rivers is a Christian state.

It was gathered that on the 31st of May, few days after inauguration, Governor Fubara stated that the state would stay strong in its Christian values.

Rivers State is a Christian State, and God is our foundation. We shall govern with the fear of God and stay strong to our Christian values of trust, faith, love, care, and sacrifice, the governor had tweeted.

However, Dokubo in his reaction, took to Facebook Live to express his dismay, stating that Fubaras remarks set off his term on an unfavorable note.

READ MORE: Asari Dokubo Sponsoring Killings In South-East  IPOB Alleges

Dokubo emphasised that such a statement contradicted the principles of inclusivity and religious freedom.

According to Dokubo, the governor lacks the authority to declare the state as Christian one.

I am using this medium to advise the governor, Sim Fubara, to better retract the statement.

I want him to know that Rivers State is not and will never be a Christian state. With such a statement, I can say that the governor is starting on the wrong footing, Mr Dokubo added.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has given the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government a two week ultimatum to provide feedback on its demand for N200,000 minimum wage.

The union made this known following the removal of fuel subsidy and increase in petrol price which has led to high cost of living in the country.

Recall that labour Congress had declared a strike to ensure the Federal Government to reverse the 200 percent hike in the pump price of petrol.

Meanwhile, after series of meetings with representatives of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, NLC, and TUC suspended the planned industrial action scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Among the demands put forward by the TUC was the payment of a new minimum wage of N200,000 to cushion the effect of the removal of the fuel subsidy.

READ MORE: Petrol Subsidy: NLC Owns Labour Party, We Determine What Happens In The Party  Joe Ajaero

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday with The Punch, TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, said it was expecting the government to give its position and come up with a proposal on its demand for N200,000 minimum wage by June 19.

He said, The new minimum wage of N200,000 which we proposed is part of the demands we gave to the government as regards the removal of the subsidy and we were the ones who gave them a time frame.

The time frame we gave them was the 19th of this month.

We believe that they should be able to come to us with something substantial by then.
Microsoft has announced the availability of a new Azure OpenAI service, designed specifically to meet stringent requirements of US government agencies.

These generative AI capabilities offered by the new service can help US government agencies improve efficiency, enhance productivity, and unlock new insights from their data, the company said in a blog post.

Currently, large language models that power generative AI tools live in the commercial cloud. For government customers, Microsoft has developed a new architecture that enables government agencies to securely access the large language models in the commercial environment from Azure Government allowing those users to maintain the stringent security requirements necessary for government cloud operations, it said.

Azure Government is a specialized cloud service for US government agencies with dedicated instances that can only be used by screened users.

Azure Government peers directly with the commercial Azure network and doesnt peer directly with the public internet or the Microsoft corporate network, the company said.

In order to access large language models such as GPT-4 and GPT-3.5, as well as embeddings  numerical representations of information and relationships among text strings  government bodies can use the APIs bundled with the OpenAI service.

You can adapt these models to your specific task, including but not limited to content generation, summarization, semantic search, and natural language-to-code translation, Microsoft said in the post, adding that developers could use the service to build generative AI-based applications faster.

The Azure OpenAI service can also be used through the Python software development kit (SDK) or through the companys web-based interface in Azure AI Studio, the company said, adding that data from these government agencies will not be used to train its large language models.
"Lady with a Guitar" on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. New research argues that it is an original painting by Johannes Vermeer, not a copy, as experts previously agreed. Read more

One night in March, Sasha Suda, director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, attended a dinner party and played a game. If you could wake up with one artists work in the PMA collection, who would you want? Knowing about the recent attention surrounding the Dutch painter, one person named Johannes Vermeer.

We all had a laugh, said Suda. The next morning, she woke up to an email from a curator at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam who said the PMA might actually have an original Vermeer in its collection. I had to do a double take, because it was just so bizarre, she said.

Lady with a Guitar has been in PMA storage for almost a century. It is officially labeled a copy of Vermeer, but the painting has long been considered a mystery; dozens of art specialists have examined it over the years, eager to learn more. Now Arie Wallert, a scholar who studies the chemistry and technique of artworks, argues that the work is a rare original by the 17th-century artist.

In response, Suda has decided to put the painting on public display as the investigation into its authorship continues to develop. Beginning June 10, Philadelphians can view Lady with a Guitar without restoration and out of its frame. It will be an amazing way for people to get a look behind the curtain, said Suda. Its going to be a conversation that were having with our public at the same time as were having it with experts.

The condition

The PMA acquired Lady with a Guitar in 1933 as part of the John G. Johnson collection. Johnson was told it was an original Vermeer, but when news broke about a nearly identical painting in Britain that was in much better condition, The Guitar Player, experts concluded that the Johnson painting was a copy.

Before arriving at PMA, the paintings canvas was torn on the right bottom section. Due to harsh cleaning, the colors are muted and the careful details that signal Vermeers paintbrush strokes arent visible. The paint on the guitars head and hole appears cracked, and the subjects nose looks as if its been powdered white due to the different paint layers.

Its gone through a life that has shed it of any really clear-to-the-naked-eye evidence that its a work of Vermeer, said Suda. The painting really feels flat. The confusion or disappointment that viewers may feel upon seeing it up close is understandable, but Suda says the work is sort of magical because it prompts an avalanche of questions about the artworks journey.

Wallert said that if his seismic theory is correct, proving Vermeer was its true creator makes the wonderful discovery more of an unfortunate tragedy.

Advertisement

I would not know whether to congratulate the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the ownership of a real Vermeer, or to offer my condolences with the serious problem that they now have, he said in an email to The Inquirer.

A nasty sort of grayish-ness

In early 2016, Wallert and his colleague, Pieter Roelofs, the head of fine arts at the Rijksmuseum, were traveling between Boston and Washington for research on the Dutch painter Hercules Seghers. Pieter only had a rather vague notion of doing something on Vermeer, and stopping halfway in Philadelphia provided the opportunity to take a closer look at a Vermeer-associated painting that almost nobody has ever seen in the flesh,  wrote Wallert.

Both of us were not very much impressed with the painting. It had a nasty sort of grayish-ness about it, and a rather chafed surface, Wallert said.

Though the initial viewing was underwhelming, Wallert revisited the work a few months later, when he was in Philadelphia visiting the Science History Institute. This time, he took microscopic paint samples to study in his own lab.

When Wallert examined the chemical properties of the blue and yellow paints, he saw evidence of Prussian Blue, a pigment invented after Vermeers 1675 death, which ruled out the possibility that Vermeer painted the work.

He moved on to other projects, essentially forgetting Lady with a Guitar.

A closer look at the blues

Five years later, the Rijksmuseum, where Wallert once worked as a specialist, was in the midst of producing a major exhibit on Vermeer. They invited scholars from around the world to participate in a symposium and Wallert revisited the Philadelphia painting. This time, using more sophisticated analysis, he found that the yellow was lead-tin yellow, which went out of use around 1700.

Lead-tin yellow and Prussian Blue, Wallert said, mutually exclude each other. If there really is Prussian Blue, then there should not be lead-tin yellow. If there is lead-tin yellow, there should be no Prussian Blue.

Wallert performed some micro-chemical tests that showed the blue was indigo, not Prussian Blue.

This pigment, Wallert said, turned out to be quite consistent with the materials that Vermeer had used in the later part of his career.

One other notable pigment was green earth, which Wallert said Vermeer used on skin tones.

Seeing double

Since 1927, experts have considered Lady with a Guitar to be a copy of The Guitar Player, which is in the collection at Londons Kenwood House. Wallert believes both paintings are original works by Vermeer.

The researcher explained that 17th-century masters would create meticulous drawings that they then transferred to canvases before beginning to paint. These drawings could be used multiple times to create various identical artworks. The striking similarity between the Philadelphia version and the Kenwood version ... strongly suggested to me that in this case Vermeer did the same, he wrote.

In Wallerts presentation at the Rijksmuseum in March, he shared a 1676 legal document explaining how Vermeers widow, Catharina Bolnes, sold two of her husbands paintings to settle a debt. The letter mentioned one artwork showed a guitar player.

Any hypothetical copyist could only have done so with the exemplar very closely at hand [with] the same working drawing, and intimate knowledge of Vermeers idiosyncratic methods and materials, Wallert said. There is no other option: The Philadelphia Guitar Player must have been made before 1676, with Vermeers methods and materials. And there is only one painter who could have done that.

The investigation

Wallerts findings have caught many Vermeer experts and art historians by surprise.

Its a little bit like a crime scene, said Larry Silver, a retired art history professor from Penn who serves on the PMAs conservation committee. It still remains to to be adjudicated whether the surface damage of the picture makes it difficult to assess its authenticity.

Technical art history can be misleading, said Shira Brisman, the art history professor who replaced Silver at Penn. To say that this is a Vermeer because these pigments point to a combination that only he used, to me, that is not evidence ... that isnt the endpoint. Brisman believes Wallerts work should be the start of additional research beyond the chemical analysis.

Mark Tucker, the PMAs director of conservation, says hes in conversation with Wallert and putting together a research consortium to pursue whether Lady with a Guitar was painted by Vermeer. The more minds, the more eyes you can have focused on something like this  its exhilarating, really, he said.
Parc, one of Rittenhouse Squares vaunted sidewalk dining spots, was quiet outside at midday Thursday, June 8, 2023, as restaurateurs and patrons took stock of the poor air quality. Read more

Its been a while since restaurant customers had to seek out nonsmoking sections, but the wildfires sending plumes of pollution across the Eastern United States have sent people indoors to find clean air.

An added element of irony  that it might be safer to dine indoors than outdoors  was not lost on Peter Hwang, who owns SouthGate, a bar-restaurant at 18th and Lombard Streets. He is again offering N95 masks to staff and customers. I mean, everyone has a supply left over from COVID, he said Thursday, the second day that his streetery was idled by the smoke.

Across the Eastern Seaboard, outdoor dining suddenly became unpopular.

Rittenhouse Squares vaunted sidewalk dining scene was quiet Thursday on what otherwise might have been a busy sunny spring day as restaurateurs and patrons took stock of the poor air quality.

Advertisement

Parc and Devon Seafood Grill were not seating outside and had their windows closed. A few outside patrons were seen at Rouge, however.

Although some local restaurateurs are keeping their streeteries and sidewalk tables available, there are not many takers.

Stephen Starr said the outdoor dining areas at 12 of his 40 restaurants in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C., were shut down today. He said Josh Levine, Starrs chief operating officer, made the call this morning after seeing the air-quality index.

We didnt want to put the customers and staff in harms way, Starr said, adding that some waiters had expressed concern.

Cafe Click at the Comcast Center, a Starr restaurant whose seating is exclusively outdoors, was closed altogether. Indoor dining at other restaurants, meanwhile, was unaffected, as was takeout business.

Starr said it would decide Friday when to reopen.

Hwang, at SouthGate, had set up a few outside tables to convey that the restaurant was open Wednesday night but got only a few takers. Most were opting to sit indoors or order food for delivery.

Hwang said he cautioned his employees to wear a mask whenever they are outside, but they dont need to be outside very much here. Its only a few steps.
A smokey haze covers the Center City skyline from the 63rd and Market Station due to the Canadian wildfires thats covering much of the Northeast in Philadelphia, Pa., on Wednesday, June, 7 2023. Read more

Smoke from wildfires in Canada made Wednesday, the most unhealthy day for air quality the city has experienced since 2008, especially risky to children with asthma. And in Philadelphia, Black and Hispanic children are much likelier to develop asthma  and to get sicker from it.

 READ MORE: Your health questions about Philadelphias worst air quality day in a decade, answered

As the chief of the emergency department at St. Christophers Hospital for Children in North Philadelphia, James Reingold often sees kids struggling to breathe as they cross his hospitals doorstep. Children in the neighborhoods around the hospital have some of the highest rates of asthma in the city.

Thats not because Hispanic and Black children have an inherent difference in how they respond to asthma, Reingold said. Its just a marker for where they live, what pollution theyre exposed to and what other chronic stress theyre under.

Advertisement

On Wednesday, Reingold was preparing for what he feared would be an influx of patients affected by the smoke. Just the day before, a child had collapsed in his emergency department and nearly died, he said.

It was unusual  possibly a warning sign for what the next few days are going to be like, he said. We have so many children who have asthma, and the asthma they have is so, so high. Ive never seen such a sick cohort of children.

Parents of kids with asthma living in the North Philadelphia neighborhoods around St. Christophers were also watching the skies with concern Wednesday afternoon.

In the hospital parking lot, Hawa Dawleits 7-year-old son begged his mom to take him to a nearby park after a routine doctors appointment.

Pleaseeeeee, he implored.

No, the air is bad, she told him. Were going home now.

Her son, Lugman Fadalla, a first grader at Juniata Park Academy, has severe asthma. It typically flares up in winter months, but the smoke threatened to ruin the reprieve he enjoys in late spring and summer, Dawleit said, speaking in Arabic with her oldest daughter translating. Her son wasnt experiencing asthma symptoms, at least not yet, and she wanted to keep him stable, she said.

Dawleit took her children to the park on Tuesday, but a combination of rain and poor air quality drove them indoors.

Were not allowed to go outside because of the condition of the air, explained Lugmans older sister, Rayan Mohmaed Fadalla, 11. My mom gets a little scared. Were lucky the hospital is nearby.

Deadly disparities

Asthma is a condition in which the tubes in the lungs narrow in response to certain allergens or toxins. This causes symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing.

In extreme cases, the lungs tubes can shut within seconds or minutes, said Daniel Taylor, a pediatrician at St. Christophers. For many kids, it can take a couple of days for the inflammation to build up and have an impact on breathing.

If untreated, the consequences can be deadly.

Typically, children that end up seeking treatment at St. Christophers have seen their asthma exacerbated by environmental toxins like mold, pollutants from cars and factories, and sparse tree coverage, which all increase the risk for asthma, Taylor said.

 READ MORE: How will the smoke change in Philly over time? Heres a look at the air quality forecast for the region.

As the poorest large city in America, Philadelphia has a pediatric asthma rate that is roughly three times that of the national average.

Children in the majority-Black neighborhoods of North Philadelphia, Nicetown, West Philadelphia and Kingsessing have some of the citys highest asthma hospitalization rates, according to an Inquirer analysis of hospital cost data.

Overall, Black children 19 and younger are hospitalized due to asthma at a rate five times that of their white counterparts, The Inquirer found.

Todays health disparities are among the consequences of redlining, racist housing policies that confined Black and Hispanic residents to neighborhoods bisected by highways and other structures like power plants that produce pollution.

Experts call the area around St. Christophers a perfect storm for childhood asthma.

To the east of the neighborhood, theres I-95, the interstate thats regularly clogged with stop-and-go traffic. We know from many studies that proximity to a major interstate is directly correlated to terrible respiratory health, Reingold said.

To the west runs Broad Street, the citys main thoroughfare. To the north is busy Roosevelt Boulevard. The neighborhood also houses a power plant. And the housing stock, Reingold said, is some of the most dilapidated in the city, with homes more prone to chronic mold and other irritants.

It starts with poor housing, said Tyra Bryant-Stephens, chief health equity officer at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and the director and founder of its Community Asthma Prevention Program. There are historical injustices with redlining, and also with having the ability to achieve wealth and keep a home repaired.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia School District orders students to stay inside, cancel field trips

She and other doctors who work with kids with asthma have been fielding questions from concerned parents about this weeks wildfire smoke  and the longer-term challenges that it represents.

The top priority for preventing asthma, Bryant-Stephens said, is having healthy housing and healthy schools so kids arent chronically exposed to allergens and irritants.

Khalil Savary, a pediatric pulmonologist at Rutgers University Hospital in Newark, said this weeks events illustrate how certain environmental issues disproportionately affect more vulnerable Americans.

We have constant reminders that we are subject to weather events, he said. Its a call to action to help raise the bar of health.
The spotted lanternfly, the bane of trees and a source of frustration for scientists and homeowners alike, is becoming something else: a political unifier.

Bills introduced in the U.S. House and Senate this week to fund research into controlling lanternflies drew bipartisan support, including Pennsylvanias two Democrat senators, John Fetterman and Bob Casey, and J.D. Vance, Ohios new Republican senator. The bills would allow the secretary of agriculture to issue competitive grants for research projects to find creative ways to control the pests.

In Pennsylvania, Casey said in a statement, the spotted lanternfly has threatened the livelihood of farmers and forest landowners who have lost crops and revenue to the invasive species, and the communities across Pennsylvania that depend on them.

Lanternflies, a species native to China, excrete a honeydew substance that attracts sooty mold and if enough of it accrues, it can limit a tree or plants photosynthesis, weakening the structure. Particularly susceptible are the tree of heaven, black walnut saplings, and grapevines, which can be killed by the mold.

Advertisement

The stakes of letting this invasive species get plump on plant sap are especially high in the Keystone State. It was the first state in the country to detect the species in 2014. Since that first encounter, the lanternfly has been found in 51 of the 67 counties, accounting for $50 million in annual damage as of 2020, according to researchers. Fetterman noted that they already have wreaked havoc on Pennsylvanias grapevines, apples, peaches, and hops.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have warned that the damage could balloon to $324 million annually and translate to a loss of more than 2,800 jobs if the threat spreads across the entire state.

 READ MORE: Spotted lanternfly could cost Pennsylvania $324 million a year, Penn State study finds

There have been some advances in eradication efforts, such as the robot that can catch lanternfly eggs and dogs trained to do the same, but the pests inch forward.

Meanwhile, grassroots efforts to battle the bugs have met with little success. Facebook groups of self-proclaimed backyard warriors formed exclusively with the goal of eradicating the plant-hopper. Regular citizens turned scientists shared their tips and tricks for swatting the red, black, and white-winged menaces and scraping their sacks of eggs. People made jewelry out of the pests delicate bodies and even gave New Yorkers advice when the plague finally reached their concrete jungle.

Counties reminded drivers to check their cars for stowaways, which is one of the ways lanternflies made their way across states. It was not unusual to whisper kill it to an uninitiated observer photographing what they viewed as a beautiful bit of nature.

The spotted lanternfly is not just a Pennsylvania problem. East Coast and Rust Belt states, including neighbors Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, and New York, struggle with the infestation.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat who represents Chester County and southeastern Berks County, spoke about the harm the pest has caused to her districts brewers and winemakers in a statement about the lanternfly legislation she cosponsored in the House.

The Department of Agriculture distributed $17.1 million in FY2022 funding to 13 states for containment efforts and $8 million more for other lanternfly program activities.

Houlahan and fellow cosponsor Mike Kelly (R., Pennsylvania) have been sounding the alarm on the lanternfly for years. They were among 16 lawmakers who signed off on a letter to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2021 asking the department to request additional funding for programs working to mitigate the pest for FY2022. Last year, a similar written plea went out with almost three times the signatures.
Federal authorities accused a Harriton High School English teacher on Thursday of posing as a teenager online to solicit sexually explicit videos from an underage girl through social media accounts he allegedly used while at the Lower Merion school.

Jeremy Schobel, 31, faces charges including enticing a minor to engage in illicit conduct and manufacturing child pornography  the latter of which carries a 15-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. He was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday.

While the charges span a time frame of Dec. 24 through March 29, Schobel told FBI agents that hed been posing as an underage girl in online conversations for years. He told investigators hed previously sought illicit photos and videos from many underage girls between the ages of 16 and 18, according to the court papers filed in connection with his arrest.

A lawyer for Schobel, Joseph DAndrea, declined to comment Thursday because he had not yet had an opportunity to fully review details of the case.

Advertisement

The Lower Merion School District said Thursday that Schobel had been suspended, and his access to district devices and networks had been terminated.

Schobel, who was hired by the district in the 2021-22 school year, had no prior record that would have precluded his hiring, spokesperson Amy Buckman said in a letter to families. Schobel previously was an English teacher and girls softball coach at Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, according to his 2018 wedding announcement.

While we understand this is an ongoing investigation, at this time, LMSD is not aware of any inappropriate interactions between Mr. Schobel and LMSD students, Buckman said. Additionally, the district had not received any complaints or concerns from students or staff regarding his conduct in school.

Buckman noted that the FBI alleges that Mr. Schobel may have engaged in these activities during working hours using an IP address associated with LMSD.

The affidavit traces the investigation into Schobel to a tip made in November to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by Yubo, a French social networking app. Yubo reported that a user with the name sophiavan423 appeared to be grooming minors, looking for relationships and redirecting conversations to Snapchat.

The user  whose profile read I like girls who like girls why r all of u into crystals 17 philly fems!  claimed to be 17. But a photograph of an adult male was also associated with the account.

Yubo reported that an account named jillmoreno had been accessed with the same phone number, according to the affidavit. Tracking IP addresses, investigators traced the accounts to Schobel and found Snapchat accounts with the same names, with GPS data matching Harriton High School.

On Dec. 27, Schobel, using the jillmoreno Snapchat account, asked a user who said she was 16 to send him explicit images and videos, according to the affidavit. The conversation continued on Dec. 28.

Omfg.I love u.Literally, Schobel wrote in response to one explicit video, according to the affidavit.

A federal judge granted a search warrant on June 2, and FBI agents searched Schobels home Wednesday. During the search, Schobel was taken to the Philadelphia Police Department, where he spoke with agents and admitted creating the fake profiles, according to the affidavit.

Schobel remains in custody after a brief initial appearance Thursday in federal court.

A detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, when prosecutors are expected to ask that he be detained until trial.

Buckman said counselors at Harriton High School would be available to students and staff who need support in light of this disturbing news.
Phillies grounds crew employees watch the smokey haze from in front of the right field tunnel. The Detroit Tigers at Philadelphia Phillies MLB game at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday was canceled because of the poor air quality caused by the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Read more

Effects of Canadian wildfire smoke blowing into the Philadelphia region raised familiar questions on Thursday about who is an essential worker. But this time, unlike early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest concern was for outdoor employees.

Philadelphias air quality remained in the hazardous category Thursday morning and was forecasted to dissipate before becoming more dense again Thursday evening. While the citys air quality index had declined to the very unhealthy range for Center City by Thursday afternoon, it stayed in the hazardous range for parts of the region.

 READ MORE: Follow our live wildfire smoke coverage for the latest updates

That created questions about whether certain functions were crucial enough to risk putting the health of outdoor workers at risk.

Advertisement

Center City Districts on-street staff, who were deemed essential during the pandemic, remained on the job Thursday, but were allowed flexibility to take a personal day if they preferred not to work, spokesperson JoAnn Loviglio said. She added, masks are always readily available for all CCD employees.

Several construction jobs throughout the region have been shut down for the rest of the week, said Ryan Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council. The council has been evaluating the air quality in each location and seeking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations, he said.

The health and safety of our members come first and foremost, Boyer said.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 sent a message to members on Thursday, telling them that N95 masks are available for pickup at the unions financial office or members can arrange to have them delivered to job sites.

Boyer said all unions in the Philadelphia Building Trades Council have made masks available to members that are KN95 or better, and respirators in some instances.

Weve developed a robust communication line so we can understand whats the best practice and protocols to keep our members safe, Boyer added. Were better prepared now for an uncommon occurrence such as this than we would have been before COVID-19.

Sanitation workers in Philadelphia were pulled from their collection routes on Thursday because of the air quality concerns. Ernest Garrett, president of District Council 33, which represents 10,000 municipal employees including sanitation workers, applauded the decision.

Safety is always the concern, Garrett said. This is something thats unknown  so its better to stay on the safe side.

Charles Carrington, president of the local that represents sanitation workers specifically, said many members have underlying health issues, including health effects that resulted from prior COVID-19 infections. They do want to get back to work as soon as its safe to do so, he added, so trash doesnt pile up throughout the city, which may mean working on Saturday.

We are essential personnel, Carrington said.

Timothy Mulvenna, vice president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Keystone 157, said he and others from the union have been on the phone all day with the U.S. Postal Service regarding concerns about letter carriers safety working outdoors with the poor air quality. Mulvenna has told members that if they feel unsafe, they should raise that concern and ask for work indoors or suspension of mail delivery, he said.

Employee safety remains a priority for the Postal Service. As such, we continue to monitor local conditions and communicate to our employees appropriate measures, USPS spokesperson Paul Smith said.

The Philadelphia Zoo closed to the public on Thursday. Employees who are able to do their work from home were advised to stay home, and essential on-site staff are on a shortened schedule for the day to minimize outdoor time, spokesperson Maria Bryant said.

For those working on-site, we are encouraging them to take extra precautions while working today, Bryant added. We have supplied them with N95 masks and have encouraged them to wear them while working outside. Weve also advised them to take breaks indoors when needed.

Some area restaurants have shut down outdoor dining, and even those with tables available outside have few people eating there. We didnt want to put the customers and staff in harms way, said Stephen Starr, who stopped outdoor dining at 12 of his 40 restaurants in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.

The Phillies postponed a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday night, which took place on Thursday. The Eagles moved their Thursday practice indoors.

Down the Shore, air quality was slightly better than in Philadelphia, but still in an unhealthy range. In Atlantic City, Fire Chief Scott Evans, who is head of emergency management, said all employees working outside, including the beach patrol, would be offered masks, or allowed to work inside, if they have respiratory issues.

Max Marin, Michael Klein, and Amy Rosenberg contributed to this article.
Canadian wildfire smoke obscures the Philadelphia skyline as seen from Camden, NJ on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Read more

Philadelphia skies looked clearer Thursday, but air quality experts warn that wildfire smoke from Canada continues to circulate and post a significant health risk.

This kind of poor air quality event is unlike anything the region has seen in decades, said Arthur Frank, a professor of environmental and occupational health at Drexel Universitys Dornsife College of Public Health.

Even people without underlying health conditions can expect to feel the effects of the wildfire smoke in the air today, he said.

Heres what to know about how poor air quality affects peoples health and what precautions to take.

What symptoms might people experience because of poor air quality?

Outside, people might feel irritation in their mucous membranes  such as the eyes. Theyll smell smoke in the air and might experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Frank said.

The particles in the air  known as PM (or fine particulate matter) 2.5  are particularly dangerous because they are small enough that they can travel deep into the lungs and the bloodstream, instead of being filtered out in the nose, throat and lungs like a larger particle would be.

Advertisement

To eradicate them, the body mounts an inflammatory response, Frank said, directing cells to fight off the effects of a foreign material in the body. That can cause blood vessels to constrict and irritate breathing tubes in the lungs.

Who is at a higher risk from this poor air quality?

People with lung conditions, such as asthma, and heart disease, will have worse reactions to particulates in the air because of the inflammatory reactions their bodies will produce. People with asthma should stay inside and monitor their symptoms, Frank said. And they should seek medical care if theyre getting short of breath and not responding to their normal medication.

People with heart disease have a documented higher risk of heart attacks during elevated air pollution events, Frank said. They, too, should not go outside and should avoid outdoor exercise.

Children are also at risk because they breathe more quickly than adults. So are older adults, because they tend to have more underlying health conditions than the general population.

And pregnant people should also be careful, Frank said. Many already have breathing difficulties later in pregnancy because the fetus is pushing up on their diaphragm. They already have a compromised ability to breathe, and this might make it worse, he said.

People who work outside, such as police officers, firefighters, and agricultural workers, are also at a higher risk for adverse effects from the smoke, he said.

What sort of masks are best to wear?

Well-fitted N95 masks and KN95 masks are best, said Frank.

A surgical mask is not designed to keep out the kind of particles in the air today, and doesnt seal tightly around the face like an N95, said Leah Lande, a pulmonologist at Main Line Health. But its better than nothing, she said.

The city regularly hands out free N95 masks at its health department resource hubs.

Can a toddler or child too young to wear a mask be outside at all?

Its best to keep young children inside, Frank says. I wouldnt take them outside in the conditions yesterday, and probably today, he said Thursday.

How long can I be outside before feeling the symptoms of poor air quality?

It depends on the level of pollution and the individual persons health.

Jamie Garfield, a professor of thoracic medicine and surgery at Temple University Hospital, urged people to try to minimize potential harm by staying inside when possible and taking precautions when they must go out.

If you dont have to be outside, dont be outside, she said. And if you do have to go outside, wear an N95 mask.

What should you do if you were exposed for an extended period of time?

The antidote for polluted air is clean air.

Normally, its possible to take breaks from hazardous air. For instance, people may inhale some smoke while grilling or preparing a campfire, but can step away for a deep breath of fresh air.

But today and yesterday, you cant, Garfield said Thursday. Every single breath is going to be one that is like breathing in a campfire.

Garfield warns against assuming that air quality is safe just because the sky looks clearer. Check air quality levels at AirNow.gov.

Garfield recommends wearing a mask outside and even inside a motor vehicle, if the air conditioner is pulling air from outside.

My recommendation is just spend as much time as you can breathing clean air, she said.

What is the long-term risk of an event such as this?

Frank has studied poor air quality in China, India and other countries for years. Some cities in those countries deal with much more frequent, chronic air pollution, which can shorten life spans, he said.

We dont have the same situation here, he said.

But Philadelphia does have neighborhoods where chronic pollution is more widespread, leading to high levels of asthma in children. Doctors in those neighborhoods said they were particularly concerned about asthma patients this week.

Still, theres little research on the long-term effects of minimal exposure to PM 2.5 for otherwise healthy people, said Lande, the Main Line Health pulmonologist.

Most of the data that exists around wildfire smoke is studies that have been done in the immediate area where the wildfire is, which is not our situation, she said.

Frank said he doesnt expect lingering health effects for people without chronic lung and heart conditions.

But people should still take precautions to minimize their exposure to the air as long as air quality measures continue to be poor, and people with underlying health conditions should be particularly careful, experts say.

What can people do in the future to protect themselves during poor air quality events?

Climate change increases the likelihood of poor air quality events in the future, Frank said.

Were just at the beginning of fire season  there are fires in New Jersey, everyone is saying were behind on our rain, he said. Health effects are tied to our general environment.

To prepare for another poor air quality event, stock up on N95 masks. Consider purchasing a home air purifier, if you can afford it, Frank says.

People at greater risk, such as those with lung conditions, may consider upgrading their air filtration system, ensuring their windows are sealed well, and checking their air conditioner filters, Lande suggested.
School District of Philadelphia headquarters on Broad Street. Philadelphia public schools will be closed Friday, with students learning virtually, as air-quality issues continue. Read more

Philadelphia School District buildings will be closed to students Friday, with classes held virtually, as air-quality issues continue to plague the region.

Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said in a Thursday night email sent to school communities that the move was happening out of an abundance of caution for the health of students and said pupils should prepare to log in for remote learning.

Employees, including those based in schools and at the central office, are expected to report to their normal work locations.

Citywide, many elementary school move-up ceremonies and middle and high school graduations are planned for Friday; those ceremonies will proceed as scheduled, Watlington said.

Advertisement

We recognize that students, families and staff have prepared and are looking forward to these celebrations, the superintendent said.

Outdoor ceremonies will occur, but at alternative locations and, in some cases, at adjusted times. Principals whose move-up and graduation ceremonies are being adjusted will be communicating with families today, Watlington wrote.

And though instruction will be provided virtually, most schools have already collected students Chromebooks for the year, school-based staff said. Final grades were due June 5, and Tuesday is the last scheduled day of classes.

One principal said she was asked after 5 p.m. Thursday to prepare paper packets for students whose families lack technology at home and want to make the trip to school to pick up work.

I dont understand why they wouldnt just say school is canceled for the good of the community, said the principal, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal. My concern is that children dont have what they need for an asynchronous day at all.

Fridays building closure is a shift for the district, which expected students and staff to report for in-person learning Wednesday and Thursday, though officials had ordered windows and doors be kept shut, field trips cancelld, and outdoor activities moved inside or postponed.

Many Philadelphia schools have no air-conditioning. The districts extreme weather policy calls for schools that are not climate-controlled to close when temperatures hit 90 degrees, and Fridays forecast calls for highs in the 70s.

But staff reported hazy, smoky conditions inside some schools Thursday, even with windows closed. The average age of district buildings is well over 70 years old, and many schools have inadequate ventilation.

Watlington said in his email that the health and safety of students and staff is a top priority and that district nurses assessed the impact of the air quality on student health.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this unprecedented inclement weather event, Watlington wrote. We will continue to follow guidance from city, state and federal officials, and will provide updates this weekend if the situation does not improve.

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Jerry Jordan said Thursday night that the union has ensured that any staff who are unable to report tomorrow will not be penalized for their absence.

The PFT, Jordan said, recognizes the myriad challenges the air-quality issues have presented for staff and families alike.
Veterinarians are cautioning pet owners to keep their animals inside until Philadelphia's air quality improves. Read more

Erin Labar runs a dog-walking and pet-sitting service where, on any given day, she takes dozens of dogs out across Northwest Philly.

But this week, Labar says, the citys poor air quality is making her job significantly harder  and less safe.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires lingered over Philly skies Wednesday, prompting the city to issue an air quality alert.

We have about 20 appointments today, and its definitely been one of the stranger days I have worked as a dog walker, Labar said. Visibility has actually gotten worse. Its giving super-eerie vibes.

Advertisement

 READ MORE: Our live blog on Philly's air quality

Labar said the poor air quality prompted her business, Pawsitive Vibes Only, to send its first-ever weather alert since launching two years ago.

We shortened walks today, she said.

Labar and her husband  also her business partner  are both wearing masks on walks this week. But Labars husband, who is severely asthmatic, ended his shift early as a safety precaution.

I have been in touch with a lot of my other pet-care friends today, Labar said. Were sending each other pics of different areas. Everyone is kind of freaking out.

Veterinary experts say air quality is a serious matter when it comes to a pets health.

Whats at risk for pets while the air quality is poor?

Katie Krebs, an assistant professor of primary care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, said when she worries about air quality for herself, she worries even more about her pets.

Our dogs and cats have more sensitive noses than we do, she said. For a dog or cat with a nose hundreds of times more sensitive, I worry about how that can affect their breathing.

Experts say smoke in the air can irritate pets eyes and respiratory tracts. Krebs said to watch for whether a pet has difficulty breathing.

If you notice your pet is breathing with more rapid or shallow breaths, thats a concern, she said. I also worry about cats already diagnosed with asthma and brachycephalic  or smushed face  dogs that already have difficulty breathing.

What should Philly pet owners do?

Vets emphasized dog owners should avoid high-intensity outdoor activities, like the dog park or runs. Leashed walks and bathroom breaks should be kept short until air quality improves. Windows and doors leading outside should be kept shut as much as possible.

Throughout Philadelphia, pet owners told The Inquirer theyre relying on indoor activities, air purifiers, and  in some cases  pee pads to keep their fur babies safe.

Were limiting our time outside, cutting walk time significantly, and trying to only go out like twice a day, Maureen Brown said about her game plan for Lola, a black Labrador/pit bull mix. Otherwise we have indoor pee pads. Lola refuses to go out for walks in the rain anyway, so we just keep saying, Its raining.

Krebs said pee pads work, especially for at-risk dogs like pugs and French bulldogs.

If theyre trained and comfy using pee pads  especially animals predisposed to respiratory issues  I think thats a good option, she said. But if its going to stress them out even more, just limit that outside time.

Rachel OBrien said her two long-haired miniature dachshunds  Finnegan, 2, and Theodore, 4 months  are going on quick potty breaks and are otherwise staying inside.

I usually take them for walks a few times a week but this week was a strict no-go because they already have mild seasonal allergies which have seemed to have gotten worse this week, she said.

According to Krebs, pet owners can also wipe paws and brush coats when pets come in.

If you see ash and things floating in the air, you should worry about them tracking that into the house, she said.

Krebs added that air filters and purifiers are also a good option, but says pet owners shouldnt stress over things out of their control.

Everyones doing the best they can, she said.

Pet parents to dogs with health issues are playing it extra safe

Any time spent outdoors can exacerbate lung conditions or cause problems breathing, Krebs said. For that reason, pet owners whose dogs are predisposed to health issues say theyre playing it extra safe.

Grace Gosnears dog Hoss, a Brittany, has undersized lungs, so, were not risking it, she says.

Our exercise time has been tug-of-war back and forth across the apartment with his rope toy and him playing with his lick mat, Gosnear said. Hes been hanging out in my room most of today with our air purifier on high with the windows shut.

Victoria Persampiere said shes also proceeding cautiously since her dog, Moose, a Doberman  is a breed that can be prone to cardiac issues.

He normally loves to run, but were not going to be going running until this is better, she said. Im genuinely worried this air quality isnt safe for him. Moose will also be skipping his weekly appearance at Bark Social on Wednesday evenings in Manayunk.

This goes for cats and birds, too

Veterinarians say pet cats and birds should also be kept indoors.

Stephanie Hucke said her cat has a small enclosed outdoor area where he can go hang out, but he hasnt wanted anything to do with it since the air got smoky.

He only went out for a few minutes and came right back in, she said.

Local cat owner Melissa Meier said shes keeping her cats inside, too.

And we have the ACs going and a HEPA filter, she said. But theyre more lethargic than normal. I think they know something is up.

Do the pets really know somethings wrong?

Nearly all the pet owners who spoke with The Inquirer mentioned their pets dont want to linger outside.

Its interesting because my dogs, Labradors, usually love to be out and dont want to come back in, said Sierra Davis. But since the smoke and haze started, they go out to use the bathroom and then ask to come right back in.

Krebs said shes noticed the same with her own dogs.

If pets seem to be reacting to the air quality, she said, they probably are.

Theyre also more sensitive to things in the air than we are. She said, If you can smell smoke, your pets can absolutely smell it. And even if you arent smelling smoke, they probably are.
A Philadelphia Streets Department sanitation truck and workers in July 2021. Trash pickup has temporarily been paused due to air quality concerns. Read more

Philadelphia sanitation workers are being pulled from their Thursday trash collection routes due to ongoing air quality concerns brought by the Canadian wildfires, according to the workers union and a City Council member.

Theyre pulling people off the street now, said Ernest Garrett, president of District Council 33, which represents 10,000 municipal employees including sanitation workers.

Philadelphia is seeing business closures and other service disruptions following the hazardous smoke that smothered the city Wednesday  the most unhealthy day for air quality in Philadelphia since 2008. Health officials say the worst may be over, but expect the Canadian fumes to linger into the weekend.

The Streets Department did not immediately return a request for comment. The duration of the pause on trash pickup and the impacted collection routes remained unclear Thursday morning.

Advertisement

City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, whose district includes West Philadelphia, tweeted that the Streets Department had suspended trash collection and road repaving.

If the air quality improves later today, trash may be collected, she said.

Garrett applauded the decision to temporarily pull workers off street duty.

Safety is always the concern, he said. This is something thats unknown  so its better to stay on the safe side.

 READ MORE: Your health questions about Philadelphias worst air quality day in a decade, answered
Obviously, it was important to represent APRA well in an environment of very intense scrutiny and criticism of the industry and its regulators, she said. I was extremely well supported by people across all of APRA to ensure I had the information and resources I needed to prepare and respond to the questions of the Commission, both in the lead-up to, during, and after the hearing.
Another element of the ACCCs probe comes from the areas of competition between ANZ and Suncorp Bank in several regions, particularly in Queensland and north New South Wales; these two regions are prominent in that there is more geographic overlap for these two areas between the two banks.
Then, to make sure that theyre safe places and trustworthy places for the future, she said. So thats about creating good policies and education and sometimes its about creating schemes where people can come and seek to make a claim in a way that is not adversarial and resolves the loss that they have sustained.
We know from the historical record that bushfire events are more likely during periods of El Nino, whereas floods and cyclones are less likely, but can still happen, said Tom Morlock, a senior analyst at Aon and adjunct fellow at UNSWs Climate Change Research Centre. The concern now is that, with the long absence of El Nino and back-to-back La Ninas, the landscape is preconditioned for bushfire with significant fuel growth occurring.
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

A Rhode Island landlord whose tenants have long complained about lead hazards, rodent infestations and other problems with their apartments was sued Tuesday by the state attorney general, who said conditions at many properties put renters health and safety at risk.

Pioneer Investments LLC, and its president, Anurag Sureka, have failed to comply with state rental, lead hazard, and consumer protection laws, Attorney General Peter Neronha said in the complaint filed in Providence County Superior Court.

Pioneer Investments, which owns and operates more than 175 residential rental units across the state, routinely ignores lead hazard laws, landlord-tenant laws, housing code regulations, and regularly engages in unfair and deceptive trade practices, Neronha said.

Todays action signals that enough is enough when it comes to the alleged misconduct of a major landlord who is placing the health and safety of Rhode Islanders at risk. Lets cut right to it  as alleged, profits are being placed over basic human dignity and that cannot stand, Neronha said in a statement.

A listed phone number for Pioneer was not in service. When reached at his office, Pioneers attorney Samuel Joseph Grossack said he was still reading the lawsuit and did not have an immediate comment.

In addition to the lead and rodent problems, tenants in sworn affidavits have complained of deterioration of the building structure, cracking walls and broken windows, and intermittent loss of water and heat, the suit said.

The state Department of Health found that at least 11 children have had detectable levels of lead and at least five children have suffered from lead poisoning while living in Pioneers properties, Neronha said.

The suit seeks a court order requiring Pioneer to remediate all lead hazards at its properties, an end to unlawful and dangerous housing practices, and the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee and report on Pioneers compliance.

Reclaim RI, a volunteer social and economic justice organization, last year organized Pioneers tenants and has held rallies at some properties to highlight the poor conditions.

Tenants, suffering from atrocious conditions amid skyrocketing rents, organized together and fought back, Reclaim RI tenant organizer Shana Crandell said in a statement. Today is a great victory for Pioneer tenants, and for all poor and working-class tenants across Rhode Island.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

Attorneys for Delawares largest county and three police officers asked a federal judge on Tuesday to rule in their favor in a lawsuit stemming from a fatal police shooting in 2021.

The family of Lymond Moses is suing New Castle County and officers Roberto Ieradi, Robert Ellis and Sean Sweeney-Jones for wrongful death and excessive force. They also allege that the officers acted recklessly and violated Moses constitutional rights. The lawsuit also claims the county failed to train police properly and that its policies and practices resulted in Moses death.

Defense attorneys argue that the undisputed facts show that the officers were justified in using deadly force, and that Moses own actions caused his death. A report commissioned by the Delaware attorney generals office concluded that the officers were justified in using deadly force.

Mr. Moses made a whole lot of bad decisions that night, attorney David MacMain, representing the county, told Judge L. Felipe Restrepo during a hearing on the defendants motion to rule in their favor without a trial.

Attorney Emeka Igwe, representing Moses family, claims he was murdered by rogue officers. Igwe argued that a jury should decide whether the officers and the county should be held liable. He also rejected the notion that Ieradi, who fired the shot that killed Moses and has since left the police force, was acting in self-defense and feared for his life and the lives of fellow officers.

This was simply an execution, because he was upset that Mr. Moses had the audacity to drive away from him, Igwe said.

Restrepo will consider additional written arguments from attorneys before deciding whether to grant summary judgment to the defendants.

Moses, 30, was shot shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 13, 2021, after being confronted by the three county officers, who were patrolling in a Wilmington neighborhood where several stolen vehicles had been found.

My mom live right here! Why you waking up like  ? Moses says in a loud, agitated voice.

The officers tell Moses they are looking for stolen cars and point out that marijuana is clearly visible in his car. They then tell Moses to hop out, but he doesnt comply. Instead, Moses starts the engine and speeds away, leading to a brief vehicle pursuit that ends when he drives down a dead end street. Moses turns his vehicle around facing in the direction of the officers.

Dont f do it! Dont do it! Ieradi shouts before Moses accelerates in his direction.

Ieradi opens fire as Moses car begins angling to his left and continues firing as the car passes him. Sweeney-Jones, standing to the right of Ieradi, also points his weapon at the car as it begins to accelerate but he does not fire.

Ellis had pulled his vehicle behind the other two police vehicles and took a position behind Ieradi. He began shooting at Moses car as it crashed into Ieradis vehicle while apparently trying to weave between it and the vehicle behind which Ellis was standing.

Data extracted from Moses vehicle shows that he floored the accelerator between 2.5 and 3 seconds before the crash, going from a dead stop to 23 mph (37 kph) in three seconds. All the shots fired by the officers occurred in that same time span. MacMain noted that Moses car was only three feet (1 meter) from Ieradi when the officer fired his fourth shot, which went through the drivers window and struck Moses in the head.

I dont believe there is any way to view that video and say these officers were not in harms say, said attorney Daniel Griffith, representing the three officers.

Igwe argued that Moses did not pose any imminent threat to the officers and that he simply wanted to get away.

Moses, who had a history of drug dealing and probation violation convictions dating to 2012, was wanted for a probation violation at the time of the shooting. He had been arrested on felony drug charges on two separate occasions in the year before and was on probation for drug-dealing at the time.

A toxicology report found that the level of fentanyl in Moses system was more than 100 times the lethal amount.

Its amazing that he was even alive, MacMain said.

Igwe suggested that Moses, as a long-time fentanyl user, had developed a tolerance for the deadly drug.

It wasnt fentanyl that killed him. It was the bullet to the head from Officer Ieradi, Igwe said.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Law Enforcement
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

Just as a trial was to begin, it was revealed Tuesday that Cuba Gooding Jr. has settled accusations that he raped a woman in a New York City hotel a decade ago, according to court records. The actor had insisted through lawyers that his encounter with the woman was consensual after the two met at a nearby restaurant.

The trial was to start with jury selection in New York federal court as the Oscar-winning Jerry Maguire star faced allegations that he met the woman in Manhattan, persuaded her to join him at a hotel, and convinced her to stop at his room so he could change clothing.

Minutes after jurors were to begin assembling in a courtroom, a calendar entry in the official court record said: TRIAL OFF. It added: Reason for cancellation (on consent): the parties have resolved the matter.

The woman had proceeded anonymously until last week, when Judge Paul A. Crotty ruled that she would have to reveal her name at trial. She said in her lawsuit that Gooding raped her in his room. His lawyers, though, insisted that it was consensual sex and that she bragged afterward to others that she had sex with a celebrity.

The lawsuit sought $6 million in damages. Attorney Gloria Allred, one of several representing the woman, declined comment. Other lawyers, including those representing Gooding, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit was filed against a man who authorities say has been accused of committing sexual misconduct against more than 30 other women, including groping, unwanted kissing and other inappropriate behavior.

Late last week, the judge seemed to strengthen the womans hand at trial and in settlement negotiations by ruling that he would let three women testify that they also were subjected to sudden sexual assaults or attempted sexual assaults after meeting Gooding in social settings such as festivals, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

One of the women who had planned to testify at the trial was Kelsey Harbert, who told police Gooding fondled her without her consent at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge near Times Square in 2019.

Harbert said last year after Gooding pleaded guilty in New York state court to a charge that spared him from jail or a criminal history that never getting her day in court was more disappointing than words can say.

The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they grant permission, as Harbert has done.

Gooding, a star in films including Boyz n the Hood and Radio, was permitted to plead guilty in April 2022 to a misdemeanor, admitting that he forcibly kissed a worker at a New York nightclub in 2018.

By staying out of trouble and completing six months of alcohol and behavioral counseling, Gooding was permitted to withdraw his guilty plea and plead guilty to a non-criminal harassment violation, eliminating his criminal record and preventing further penalties.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New York
The United Kingdom will host a global summit on artificial intelligence safety this autumn, the British government said on Wednesday, adding Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and U.S. President Joe Biden will also discuss the technology at their Thursday meeting.

The summit will consider the risks of AI, including frontier systems, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action, the British government said in a statement.

Several governments are considering how to mitigate the dangers of the emerging technology, which has experienced a boom in investment and consumer popularity in recent months after the release of OpenAIs ChatGPT.

That includes China, where the government is seeking to initiate artificial intelligence regulations, according to billionaire Elon Musk who met officials during his recent trip to China.

Regulators globally have been scrambling to draw up rules governing the use of generative AI, which can create text and images, the impact of which proponents compare to the arrival of the internet.

Sunak is on a trip to the United States and will meet Biden at the White House on Thursday.

Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artifical Intelligence Uk
Barclays Plc was sued by an ex-banker alleging harassment and discrimination exacerbated her mental health issues causing panic attacks and stress, eventually pushing her to quit the bank.

Khilna Morjaria, an ex-vice president at Barclays Execution Services Ltd., is seeking more than 250,000 ($311,210) alleging the bank not only failed in its assurance to support employee mental health but also victimized her. Barclays reduced her pay to zero after she went on a sick leave on a doctors recommendation, she said in the documents prepared for trial at a London employment tribunal. Her pay was later partially restored.

After she raised a complaint when her salary was slashed, the grievance process was slowed down to pressurize her to resign, she alleged. I felt I was being forced out of the company, she said. In her seven years at the bank Morjaria worked in the tax and risk teams and was a governance manager when she resigned in 2021.

Lawyers for Barclays denied all the allegations. Morjaria failed to list any unlawful treatment to support her claims that the bank harassed or discriminated against her, they said in court filings. A spokesperson for Barclays declined to comment further.

Morjaria is using UK workplace equality laws, which include mental impairment as a disability, to prove discrimination. Winnings at employment tribunal claims for unfair dismissal are now capped at just over 105,700. But damages are unlimited if discrimination is proved.

Morjarias episodes of depression and anxiety resurfaced after her manager scuttled her promotion and took credit for her work, she alleged. On her return to work after a sick leave, she was expected to attend meetings and work with the line manager whos actions aggravated her mental illness. I became very frightened of meeting him face to face, she said.

Morjaria said she twice attempted to take her own life during the period before she resigned in February 2021.

Photo: Customers wait outside a Barclays Bank Plc bank branch ahead of opening in London. Photographer: Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits
A Russian-speaking criminal cyber gang gave victims including British Airways and the BBC a week to start ransom negotiations after it exploited a vulnerability in an encrypted file-sharing software used by many high-profile firms.

The hacker group, known as Clop, said companies that use the secure file transfer product MOVEit from Progress Software Corp. should email it before June 14 or else it would publish stolen data, according to a statement on the gangs darkweb page.

This is announcement to educate companies who use Progress MOVEit product that chance is that we download a lot of your data as part of exceptional exploit, the gang said. We have information on hundreds of companies so our discussion will work very simple.

Clop has been one of the most prolific cyber criminal gangs in recent years, extorting hundreds of millions of dollars from its victims, according the cybersecurity firm Trend Micro Inc. Hackers affiliated with the group have used ultimatums that threaten to publish data in the past to extract ransoms.

While Clop did not name specific targets, several companies and organizations have said in recent days that they believe they have been affected by the breach, including the BBC, British Airways, the UK pharmacy chain Boots, Aer Lingus, the government of Nova Scotia and the University of Rochester.

The flaw in the file-sharing software has prompted security alerts in recent days from the US Department of Homeland Security, the UK National Cyber Security Centre, Microsoft Corp. and Mandiant, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.s Google Cloud.

On Sunday, Microsofts threat intelligence team linked the attacks to Clop. A representative for the hackers in an email to Bloomberg News on Monday declined to say how many companies were breached and warned that it would publish data on its blog of those that didnt pay. It wasnt possible to verify the representatives identity.

Clop is the name of a ransomware variant that has been deployed against companies and organizations around the world, and it also sometimes refers to the hacking gang that uses it.

In March, the gang targeted the UKs Pension Protection Fund after exploiting a third-party data transfer service called GoAnywhere. In August last year, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on South Staffordshire Plc, the parent company of South Staffs Water and Cambridge Water, which together supply more than 1.5 million people with drinking water in parts of England.

Photo: Photographer: Thomas Samson/AFP/Getty Images

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Cyber Russia
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

Boeing was sued on Wednesday by a Colorado company that accused the aerospace giant of stealing trade secrets for NASAs Space Launch System rocket, and then building components with critical safety flaws that could endanger astronauts.

Wilson Aerospace said it worked with Boeing for two years starting in 2014 after Boeing, fearing the loss of billions of dollars of NASA revenue, sought its help in safely attaching engines to the rocket.

According to a complaint filed in Seattle federal court, Boeing then canceled Wilsons work on the project yet kept using its intellectual property without receiving full instructions on how to build and install it, creating safety risks.

Boeing has captured billions of dollars in revenue because of the infringement of Wilsons trade secrets, and must turn over all revenues and profits Boeing has obtained as a result, the complaint said.

Wilson also said Boeing stole trade secrets related to bolt installation tools for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. It said Boeing had asked it to design the tools in 2012.

This lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions, Boeing, based in Arlington, Virginia, said in a statement. We will vigorously defend against this in court.

Wilson is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, and comprised of its founder David Wilson, his son and his wife. The company is also seeking triple damages.

Boeing has described NASAs Space Launch System as the most powerful rocket ever built, and the backbone for a permanent human presence in deep space.

First launched last Nov. 16 on a crewless flight, the rocket is part of NASAs Artemis program, which aims to put astronauts on the moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

NASA is short for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The case is Wilson Aerospace LLC v Boeing Co, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, No. 23-00847.

Topics Lawsuits Fraud Aviation Aerospace
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday gave a boost to Jack Daniels in its trademark dispute with a dog accessory company that sold a parody chew toy resembling the distillers widely recognized black-label whiskey bottle.

The 9-0 decision authored by liberal Justice Elena Kagan threw out a lower courts ruling that the pun-laden Bad Spaniels vinyl chew toy sold by VIP Products LLC is an expressive work protected by the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment. Jack Daniels Properties Inc is owned by Louisville, Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corp.

The dispute pitted the whiskey brands trademark rights against legal protections for creative expression  in this case a send-up by Phoenix-based VIP Products of Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey bottle featuring comical dog poop-themed changes like a label reading the Old No. 2, on your Tennessee Carpet.

Related: Supreme Court Chews on Jack Daniels Fight Against Parody Dog Toy

This case is about dog toys and whiskey, two items seldom appearing in the same sentence, Kagan wrote in the ruling, emphasizing that, while throwing out the lower courts decision, the decision was narrow.

Lower courts had ruled in favor of VIP Products after applying what is called the Rogers test, which has allowed artists to lawfully use anothers trademark when doing so has artistic relevance to their work and would not explicitly mislead consumers about its source.

The test was crafted in a 1989 decision by the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case brought by Hollywood legend Ginger Rogers. The actress unsuccessfully sued to block the 1986 film Ginger and Fred from director Federico Fellini that referred to her famed dance partnership with actor Fred Astaire.

A lawyer for President Joe Bidens administration had urged the justices to discard the Rogers test in favor of the more-rigorous multi-factor test normally used in trademark-infringement cases, which looks squarely at whether the acts would likely cause marketplace confusion.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2020 ruled in favor of VIP Products on two grounds. The 9th Circuit found the Bad Spaniels toy was an expressive work shielded by the First Amendment. It also ruled that VIP Products use of the Jack Daniels trademark was noncommercial because it was used not only to sell dog toys but also to convey a humorous message, and thus had not tarnished the distillers distinctive mark.
The U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, Texas exposed employees who worked with patients with behavioral health issues to physical threats and assaults. On Nov. 10, 2022, an aggressive patient pulled a security officer to the ground by the hair and kicked them repeatedly in the chest and abdomen. The officer, who was responding to an alert, lost consciousness, was taken to the emergency room and hospitalized.

OSHA found the employer had inadequate policies and procedures to protect employees from physical assaults by patients who exhibited violent behavior during medical surveillance and treatment. OSHA has proposed penalties of $15,625

Workplace violence is an increasing problem for healthcare workers. The incident in this investigation is one of many recent attacks by patients against industry workers, said OSHA Area Director Mark Briggs in Houston. Healthcare employers must protect their employees, particularly those in contact with aggressive or potentially aggressive patients, from the danger of being attacked by a patient. Employers must have certain effective policies and procedures in place so employees dont have to work in fear of their safety.

Source: OSHA

Topics Texas
In the early hours of Aug. 22, 2020, Hurricane Laura was still just a tropical storm off the coast of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. But effects from the monstrous storm, which would ultimately take at least 81 lives, were already being felt on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

As rain poured down on the Sweeny refinery in Old Ocean, Texas, that afternoon, two processing units failed, releasing nearly 1,400 pounds of sulfur dioxide, which can cause trouble breathing, and other chemicals.

Over the next few days, Laura siphoned up moisture from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and transformed into a Category 1 hurricane.

In Texas, chemical plants began shutting down, hurriedly burning off unprocessed chemicals and releasing vast amounts of pollution in anticipation of the storm making landfall. On Aug. 24, Motivas Port Arthur refinery released 36,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and other noxious pollutants.

The next morning, Motiva began purging chemicals its plant had been processing, emitting nearly 48,000 pounds of carbon monoxide and propylene, among other pollutants. The following day, a Phillips 66 refinery in southwest Louisiana shut down, releasing more than 1,900 pounds of sulfur dioxide.

Then, as gale-force winds swept through coastal communities and the relentless rain poured down, the chemical facilities increasingly malfunctioned.

On Aug. 27, an overflow container at Motivas Port Arthur refinery flooded, causing it to spew over 1,700 pounds of pollutants. Across the border in Louisiana, a chemical plant caught fire.

In Texas alone, Hurricane Laura resulted in at least an additional 680,000 pounds of pollution  almost as much as the toxic load carried on the train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this year.

These so-called excess emissions  the term of art for intentional and at times inevitable pollution beyond permitted levels  dont just happen during hurricanes. From petrochemical refineries on the Gulf Coast to oil and gas wells in West Texas, hundreds of polluting facilities routinely emit hundreds of millions more pounds of chemicals into the air than their permits stipulate. The reasons are many: when a plant unexpectedly loses power, or when a customer is suddenly unable to receive the natural gas extracted at a well, or when a valve or pump or any other piece of complex machinery malfunctions.

The resulting pollution contains nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and a slew of carcinogenic chemicals. Companies claim that these emissions are unavoidable. When faced with malfunctions or natural disasters, facilities have no option but to quickly shut down, which forces them to burn off the chemicals theyre processing. It is a necessary evil  or so goes the claim.

Excess emissions inhabit a legal gray area. Court rulings and regulatory decisions by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, in recent years have noted that these emissions are illegal, but the decision to penalize polluters largely lies with state regulatory agencies  who rarely punish companies. Between 2016 and 2022, Texas regulators found that less than 1% of these events were actually excessive, meaning they prompted corrective action. Texas own analysis has found that it pursues penalties and monetary fines in just 8% of cases.

The lack of enforcement has left environmental advocates dumbfounded.

We want the regulators to do their jobs, said Ilan Levin, an attorney with the nonprofit Environmental Integrity Project. Whether its EPA or Texas, they need to be doing enforcement.

Over the past year, Grist analyzed a database of industry-reported pollution from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ, the states environmental regulator. We used this information to build a regional timeline of excess emissions over nearly 20 years. By converting disparate chemicals and compounds to a uniform mass measurement  pounds  we were able to estimate the cumulative scale of these highly polluting and unregulated events.

Grist found that companies have released some 1.1 billion pounds of pollution beyond their permit limits since 2002. The vast majority of these emissions occurred along the Gulf Coast and in West Texas, home to the Permian Basin, the largest shale deposit in the nation. As fracking exploded in the west and a petrochemical industrial buildout boomed along the coast, instances of unauthorized pollution grew rapidly over the years: In Texas, the three-year excess emissions average in 2020 was nearly 75% higher than it had been in 2006.

Sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds, which cause respiratory problems and have been linked to cancer, respectively, make up about half of these emissions. While its difficult to tease out the exact health effects these emissions have had on residents nearby, one study found that excess emissions in Texas alone are responsible for an average 35 additional deaths every year.

Laura Lopez, a spokesperson for TCEQ, said that tremendous growth in industrial activities in the state account for upward trends in excess emissions, but added that the number of incidents and total emissions decreased significantly during the pandemic years. The agency has conducted meetings, workshops and web events with industry representatives and increased its rate of enforcement actions to deter noncompliance over the past few years, she said.

For those living close to polluting facilities, the emissions take a toll. Christopher Jones is the president of the South End Charlton-Pollard Greater Historic Community Association in Beaumont. The neighborhood takes the name of the first supervisor of a local Black high school and a formerly enslaved man who founded the first school for Black children in Beaumont. It sits adjacent to a massive ExxonMobil refinery that suffered significant damage during Hurricane Harvey, ultimately emitting nearly 130,000 pounds of pollutants during the disaster. From 2003 to 2021, it released an additional 22 million pounds of pollutants outside its permit limits  the fifth-highest in the state. The facility is just one of many industrial polluters in the town, which is home to a crowded port and crisscrossed by railroad lines. Combined, the industrial facilities in the region are responsible for more than 200 million pounds of excess pollution between 2003 and 2021.

Theres some mornings when I wake up, and its putrid outside, said Jones. And its hard to tell who or what industry it comes from.

As climate change brings warmer weather and stronger hurricanes, these events are likely to worsen. In order to statistically model the effect of extreme weather on recent excess emissions, Grist merged the emissions dataset with documented hurricane and tropical storm paths as well as company-reported references to weather causing malfunctions and emissions.

Our models suggest that extreme weather resulted in at least 25 million pounds of excess emissions from 2002 through 2020. Looking at a subset of the emissions data that included geographic information, we found that even low levels of rainfall are linked to increases in emissions.

For a given facility in a given year, a 1% increase in precipitation corresponded to a roughly 1.5% increase in the mean magnitude of an excess emissions event (equivalent to roughly 45 pounds, all else equal). Similarly, a 1-mile-per-hour increase in average windspeed was associated with a 0.6% increase in emissions magnitude (17 pounds).

While these increases appear small in magnitude, they can add up  especially as tropical storms making landfall in the Gulf states are becoming more extreme due to climate change. A recent analysis by the First Street Foundation, a climate research group, found that a greater percentage of Gulf hurricanes is expected to reach major hurricane status. Another study estimated that a 1 degree Celsius increase in sea-surface temperatures would increase total Atlantic cyclone precipitation over land by 140%. In our Texas sample, we estimate that effect would translate to a rough tripling of storm-related excess emissions, all else equal  approximately an additional 52 million pounds over the same time period.

A 2022 Government Accountability Office report found that of 1,357 facilities handling hazardous chemicals in Texas and Louisiana, nearly 70% were vulnerable to sea-level rise, flooding or storm surge  just the sort of events that could trigger facility shutdowns and massive emissions.

The reasons for the stark, two-decade increase in documented excess emissions appear to be multifaceted. Since the Texas Legislature in 2001 mandated that facilities quantify and report excess emissions events, companies have slowly grown accustomed to the requirement and more routinely report the events. Development of better monitoring technology over the last two decades may also have led to more accurate pollution estimates.

But the rise of hydraulic fracturing also appears to have played a major role. Beginning around 2008, with oil prices at an all-time high, fossil fuel companies began investing in fracking, unleashing a new trove of shale oil and gas deposits. As oil and natural gas became cheaper over the next decade, petrochemical plants were built out along the Gulf Coast. The amount of crude oil processed on the Texas and Louisiana coasts increased by 40% and 23%, respectively, between 2008 and 2018.

The throughputs at the refineries have really jumped, said Neil Carman, a former investigator at TCEQ, who now works for the Sierra Club. Theres huge refinery expansion in Texas and across the U.S.

These increases in production appear to have caused a corresponding spike in excess emissions, particularly during inclement weather. Our analysis found that during extreme weather events such as winter freezes and floods, average excess emissions in the Permian Basin rose by 32%.

Regulators have largely overlooked this pollution, despite a 2008 court ruling declaring that excess emission events during startups, shutdowns and malfunctions are illegal. As a result of the ruling, the EPA pushed Texas and other states to strengthen its oversight of excess emissions during the Obama presidency, but the Trump administration then rescinded that effort.

More recently, the Biden administration found that the way Texas handles excess emission events does not meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. The federal government subsequently initiated a yearslong process that is ultimately expected to prevent states from automatically exempting excess emissions events from regulatory scrutiny. However, the states will still maintain enforcement discretion at the end of the day, which means the EPA process might not actually result in penalties for polluters  or fewer emissions.

You want to have good rules that are very clear and very easy to enforce, but you still need to have a good agency enforcing them, said Adam Kron, an attorney with the environmental nonprofit Earthjustice.

Lopez, the TCEQ spokesperson, argued that the agencys enforcement has been appropriately vigorous. Since the implementation of reforms in the 2019 fiscal year, she said, 8% of excess emissions events resulted in formal enforcement actions. Whether an excess emissions event is deemed excessive and leads to corrective action has also been ticking upward, she added, increasing from 23 to 29 determinations in the last few years. (Those remain a small fraction of the thousands of reports of excess emissions submitted by facilities during that period.)

In addition, Lopez noted that oil and gas companies in the Permian Basin have installed equipment to reduce their emissions. These activities have improved the reporting of emissions events and driven industry activities to reduce the number of reportable events and the total quantity of unauthorized emissions, she said.

The polluting companies, for their part, have argued that regulatory exemptions are justified because excess emissions events are unavoidable. But environmental and public health advocates take issue with the suggestion that all 1.1 billion pounds of emissions over the last two decades were necessary or inevitable. With adequate preparation for extreme weather and better operational practices, they argue many of these emissions events could be mitigated or eliminated. For example, companies could invest in backup generators for use during power outages and install fail-safe equipment like vapor recovery units, which collect combustible vapors from storage tanks and prevent emissions from escaping.

An analysis from Public Citizen Texas found that outdated rules are one reason industrial facilities on the Gulf Coast seem to fail during major storms. State regulations that govern building standards for industrial equipment rely on rainfall estimates from 60 years ago. As a result, they are not built to withstand the more intense rainfall of today. During Hurricane Harvey, for instance, petroleum storage tanks at nine facilities collapsed or otherwise failed, releasing 3.1 million pounds of pollutants into the air and water.

Despite the lax regulations, companies have found additional ways to downplay their emissions. One common tactic companies take is to spread out an emissions event over several days in their paperwork. Facilities do this because they typically have permit limits that place caps on the emissions they can release per hour. But if companies can make the case that the emissions took place over several days  or even months  theyre more likely to be able to stay within permit limits.

Take the Valero refinery in the Houston neighborhood of Manchester. In early 2022, a power outage caused the company to flare a massive amount of chemicals for a couple of hours. Air monitors near the plant showed particulate matter levels spiking. But when the company submitted its official excess emissions event report to the TCEQ, it claimed the event had taken place over 15.5 hours. If the company had averaged the emissions over a two-hour period, it would have violated limits for particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and hydrogen sulfide emissions.

Its pretty common to see these extended time spans that dont really match up with what were seeing on the ground and what were hearing from people about these events, said Corey Williams, an environmental consultant who until last year was a research and policy director at Air Alliance Houston.

Representatives for Valero did not respond to a request for comment.

In other cases, routine maintenance events that a company has advance knowledge of  and therefore should count toward permitted emissions limits  are sometimes categorized as excess emissions. Levin, the Environmental Integrity Project attorney, pointed to two common industry practices, blowdowns and pigging, that operators sometimes point to as reasons for excess emissions. (Blowdowns are used to clear natural gas from a pipeline when companies need to perform maintenance on a section of the pipeline, and pigging refers to the use of equipment called pigs to perform inspections, repair and maintenance of pipelines.)

They are just standard industry practice, said Levin. You kind of have to do it. Its part of operating safely, but they still get reported as though they are oopses or accidents or upsets.

The laissez-faire attitude toward reporting and enforcement leads many residents who live near these operations to take matters into their own hands. One evening in March 2022, Jones was driving back home to Beaumont when he began getting a series of calls from friends and neighbors. The Exxon refinerys smokestack was pouring thick black smoke while the facility burned an unusually large flare, and they wanted to know if he had any information. One resident thought it was causing her eyes to water, and the back of her throat burned. Others reported feeling unwell.

Jones and many of these neighbors had lived near the refinery for years and were used to seeing big flares go off, lighting up the sky and spewing a toxic cocktail of chemicals and soot. Just a few years before, a fire at a wood pellet company in nearby Port Arthur had burned for 102 days.

But they all agreed that something was different about this Exxon fire. Thats a big-ass flare, Jones recalled being told. The flare was so thick that residents in Houston, more than 80 miles away, could see it. Jones went to sleep that night and woke up the next morning only to see that the flare was still going strong.

It was still black, Jones recalled. I went up to it, and I rolled my window down, and I went Oh, it does make your throat burn.'

When he called Exxon to inquire, he was told that theyd sent out a notification on the Southeast Texas Alerting Network, which is used for emergency management. The network is supposed to alert residents, but Jones said he didnt receive any notifications on his phone.

The flare was the result of a maintenance event, according to a public announcement by ExxonMobil on its Twitter account, but it has not been reported to TCEQs emissions database. ExxonMobil did not answer specific questions about whether the company was required to report the event to TCEQ and why it hasnt. We operate under an aggressive state and federal regulatory system, and report emissions to the U.S. EPA and TCEQ in a consistent and timely manner in accordance with all laws, regulations, and permits, a spokesperson said.

Its an example of the underreporting that may be taking place. The emissions dataset is only as good as the industry-reported data, and environmental advocates say companies often find ways to downplay their emissions.

What youre seeing [in the data] is not everything, said Carman, the former TCEQ investigator. There can be bad events at the plants they dont even know about.

Editors note: Earthjustice is an advertiser with Grist. Advertisers have no role in Grists editorial decisions. This story has been updated with the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood community associations new name.

How this story was reported

Using public records requests, Grist received raw datasets of excess emissions events reported between 2001 and 2022 from relevant state agencies. To ensure disparate pollution events were comparable in terms of their scale, we used an EPA density dataset to convert all reported emissions events to pounds. Next, we computed descriptive statistics, including cumulative emissions magnitude and a three-year moving average of the releases.

To assess the impact of extreme weather on the events in question, we took two approaches. First, we digitally processed comments by facilities for each event, automatically tagging instances in which companies explicitly noted that extreme weather events (like hurricanes and floods) were responsible. Second, by spatially merging in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration dataset of hurricane and tropical-storm trajectories from the same time period, we tagged excess emissions events that were within one week (3 days) and 25 miles of a given storm. Our highest-confidence weather-related events were those that fell within this window and were flagged as weather-related by facilities.

With this dataset in hand, we built a series of statistical models to estimate the marginal effects of extreme weather on the magnitude of excess emissions events. Specifically, by fixing effects to the facility level and to the year of release, we were able to more accurately model the average effects of meteorological variables (wind speed, cumulative precipitation, and presence of extreme weather) on events across facilities, all else equal. We built separate models for the Permian Basin and the Gulf Coast, as well as combined statewide models that controlled for the Permians unique characteristics by including a given facilitys location in a Permian county as an indicator variable.

Disclosure: Air Alliance Houston, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Valero have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/07/texas-pollution-excess-emissions-tceq/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

Topics Texas Louisiana
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

Despite the Florida Legislature taking major steps to rein in the cost of roof claims and litigation, at least two insurers have come out with broad roof endorsements that seek to bar claims for wear and tear, poor workmanship and design issues  except for damage caused by named storms.

This form is required to combat fraudulent roof claims from continuing to impact loss results, reads a letter from Slide Insurance Co.s Jeremy Backzkiewicz to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, explaining the companys May 25 filing.

After some minor revisions to the endorsement, the OIR approved Slides filing for its homeowners program, which followed the March approval of a roof limitation filed by Florida Peninsula Insurance. They both are very similar to an endorsement filed by American Integrity Insurance in 2019 and updated recently. Slides endorsement takes effect Aug. 1 for new policies and renewals.

The endorsements appear to expand the definition of roof surfacing to include not only shingles, panels, and tiles, but also cladding, underlayment and decking, along with roof vents, flashing, drip edges and skylights.

And unless loss is caused by a Hurricane occurrence or Named Storm,' the Slide endorsement reads, we do not cover loss to Roof surfacing caused directly or indirectly by any of the following:

Wear and tear, marring, spatter marks, or deterioration; Displacement or removal of roof surface granules that does not result in fracturing, bruising, puncturing, or other damage to the base material or underlying mat; Inherent vice or latent defect; Faulty, inadequate, or defective maintenance; Faulty, inadequate, or defective materials used in repair, construction, renovation, or remodeling; Faulty, inadequate, or defective design, specifications, workmanship, repair, construction, renovation, or remodeling; or Settling, shrinking, bulging, or expansion, including resultant cracking.

Wear-and-tear and other types of exclusions are not new. A 2021 HO-3 policy written by Florida Peninsula, for example, already lists some of the same excluded conditions. But the recent endorsements may take the wording to a new level, listing more excluded situations and giving the insurers wide latitude to deny claims.

The endorsements could have a big impact on claims frequency, but they have already raised questions from attorneys and adjusters, including why the filings came this spring, after legislative changes that have cut the knees out of assignment-of-benefits, roof replacement requirements and one-way attorney fees.

The endorsements also raise questions that may have to be answered in court, and will likely lead to at least some litigation, said Ron Assise, senior vice president of The Horton Group, a national insurance brokerage and agency.

The wording, for example, may be seen as confusing: Wear and tear is not covered unless it is caused by a hurricane, the Slide endorsement reads. But the debate over whether a storm caused damage that looks suspiciously like age deterioration has been at the heart of hundreds of claims disputes in Florida. And who decides what is considered poor workmanship or design?

Slide roof endorsement Theres a lot of subjectivity in how theyll interpret this at claims time, Assise said.

Slide officials declined to comment. A representative for Florida Peninsula said that the recent filing simply puts all exclusions into one endorsement and is not a major shift for the carrier.

We believe that in doing so, this will help with some of the frivolous roof-related lawsuits we receive, said Sarah Bascom, president of a communications firm that works with the insurer.

Others in the industry offered differing reactions.

I think the endorsement adds clarity for both sides when it comes to non-named storm events as to what will and will not be covered, said Michael Packer, a Fort Lauderdale insurance defense attorney with the Marshall Dennehey law firm. It should hopefully continue to reduce litigation.

He suggested that the endorsement may be optional for Slide policyholders, and that the insurer may offer a premium discount in return. But the Slide filing does not address that.

Independent adjuster Ben Mandell, known for speaking out recently about some Florida insurers claims practices, argued that the Slide endorsement will essentially nullify most roof claims  except those that result from named storms.

As an adjuster I know that most roof claims are not caused by hurricanes, he said. Most roof claims are caused by things other than hurricanes or named storms.

Damage from hail storms and other events that are not uncommon in Florida will likely not be covered, Mandell said.

He has advocated for a dollar-limit roof endorsement, perhaps for $20,000  similar to mold endorsements already in use by some insurers  as a better way to prevent exaggerated claims.

A plaintiffs attorney argued that Florida OIR should have challenged the endorsement because it will unfairly undercut legitimate claims.

The insurance regulator should have asked for examples of how this language combats insurance fraud, said Chip Merlin, a Tampa lawyer who represents policyholders. Indeed, a good regulator would go back and ask both insurance companies for these examples about how, without this language, fraudsters were able to get roof claims paid.

Hail may not show significant impact on shingles until later, after the initial damage loosens granules, exposing the material to deterioration, he said. Most engineers, even those retained by insurers, will say this gradual loss is significant physical loss. However, insurers will point to the policy language to deny the claim, Merlin noted.

In the long run, the endorsements may see relatively few challenges in court, thanks to Senate Bill 2A, adopted in December, and House Bill 837, passed in March. Both of those make it more difficult for policyholders to hire plaintiffs attorneys, Merlin said.

Since the Florida Legislature just did away with policyholders being able to recoup the cost of attorneys fees, and the average roof replacement is $25,000 to $30,000, wrongful denials of otherwise valid and payable claims will go unchallenged because people cannot afford to hire attorneys and engineers to fight for coverage, Merlin said.

Assise suggested that the endorsements will now prompt claimants attorneys to try and tie more roof claims to named storms.

Topics Florida Claims Windstorm
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

A union organizer at Amazon who testified before a Senate committee has been terminated by the company, according to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

The union says Jennifer Bates is dealing with injuries she received while working at Amazon and that her termination comes shortly after reaching three years of service with the company.

RWDSU said Bates led the charge speaking out against workplace safety issues at Amazon, and what it calls failures by the company to treat workers with respect and their desire to unionize in Bessemer, Alabama, the first Amazon warehouse to file for a union election.

The union said Bates, who has also testified in Washington at a hearing on income inequality, recently took workers compensation leave at Amazons recommendation in order to tend to her injuries. When she returned to work, Amazon refused to make adjustments to her work schedule and work type despite repeated doctors letters and review by Amazons Wellness Center, according to RWDSU. Bates continued to deal with her injuries and was sent home by the company. After returning a second time, Bates learned her access to the AtoZ app was disabled. She has appealed her termination but has yet to hear back from the company.

Bates worked at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, where some workers organized the biggest unionization push at the company since it was founded in 1995. Amazon has a history of crushing unionizing efforts at its warehouses and its Whole Foods grocery stores.

Amazon did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

Photo: Members of Congress join representatives of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union outside an Amazon fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama, in 2021 to support unionization. An Amazon worker that was vocal in unionization efforts has been terminated by the company, according to the union. (AP Photo/Bill Barrow)

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Alabama
Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in April and May totaling $398,500 against insurance companies for violations of state insurance laws and regulations.

Following is a list of reported violations the commissioners office issued:

Insurance companies

LifeWise Health Plan of Washington, Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; fined $250,000

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LifeWise incorrectly processed 4,133 virtual mental health claims for 871 consumers, which resulted in $75,366 in overpayments to providers.

Premera Blue Cross, Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; fined $50,000

Premeras third-party vendor incorrectly configured benefits in its claims system, which resulted in 1,420 mental health office visits being charged a deductible and a total of $89,737 in claim underpayments.

Regence BlueShield, Seattle, Wash.; fined $10,000

Regence was the victim of a data security breach that exposed 570 Washington consumers private information in 2021. Regence failed to timely notify the OIC of the breach and oversee its subcontractor.

American Digital Title Insurance Company, Denver, Co.; fined $30,000

American Digital Title Insurance accepted new business and paid commissions to its sole producer without appointing them as title agent. The company also failed to respond to the OICs inquiry in a timely manner.

New Hampshire Insurance Company, Chicago, Ill.; fined $8,000 with $4,000 suspended

The company was fined $8,000 for sending out storage unit burglary claim denial letters with language that doesnt appear on the Washington Certificate of Storage Insurance. Half of the fine was suspended on the condition the company doesnt violate any statutes or regulations for the next two years.

Unauthorized insurers or companies

Airbnb, San Francisco, Calif.; fined $20,000

Airbnb acted as an unauthorized insurer through its Host Damage Protection program. The company was ordered to obtain a surplus lines policy through a broker authorized in Washington state.

Mack Camera & Video Service, Springfield, N.J.; fined $20,000

Mack Camera & Video acted as an unauthorized insurer. The company was also ordered to stop engaging in unauthorized insurance business in the state.

Producers, agents & brokers

Golden State Claims Adjusters, Carlsbad, Calif.; fined $5,000

The company used an adjuster who was not licensed in Washington state to process a claim.

Railroad Insurance Services; fined $500

Railroad Insurance Services acted as a surplus line broker and insurance producer without being licensed in Washington.

Sandra Sherman, Renton, Wash.; fined $7,000

Sherman misrepresented life insurance policies, leading consumers to believe the policies included long-term care coverage that would exempt them from paying into the WA Cares Fund.

William H. Steenis, Snohomish, Wash.; fined $500

Perlas Insurance Services, Mount Vernon, Wash. Fined $500

Tanika Stewart, Fishers, Ind.; fined $250

Lori Ann Veccia, Sharon, Penn.; fined $250

Shane Van Dalen, Lynden, Wash.; fined $500

Since 2001, Kreidler has assessed more than $39 million in fines, which are directed to the states general fund to pay for state services.

Topics Washington
Bail agent Fausto Atilano, 60, of Temecula, California, was arrested this week on multiple felony counts of falsifying judicial records, perjury, and preparing false evidence, after a California Department of Insurance investigation found he allegedly created fraudulent motions to deprive the courts from bail bond payments which resulted in a loss of over $528,000.

The CDI initiated an investigation after receiving information alleging Atilano, owner of Faustos Bail Bonds, submitted fraudulent bail bond exoneration motions to the Riverside County courts. The exoneration motions indicated Atilano located fugitives in Mexico. However, multiple county defendants were reportedly interviewed and claimed they were never located in Mexico.

The investigation determined Atilano used cooperating local officials in Mexico and look-alike subjects to pose for photographs and complete fraudulent documentation certifying a fugitive had been located in Mexico. As a result of Atilanos scheme, the bonds were exonerated by the courts and Atilano was no longer responsible for paying the bonds. Each exoneration resulted in a loss of thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to Riverside County.

Atilanos license was previously restricted from 2017 through 2021 for a prior department action and prohibited him from conducting any fugitive recovery actions during that period.

Atilano is being held on $529,000 bail.

The Riverside County District Attorneys Office is prosecuting the case.

Topics California Agencies
NEW YORK, NY - June 8, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) ILUS International Inc. (USOTC:ILUS) is a Mergers and Acquisitions company focused on acquiring and growing companies in the public safety, industrial, defense and renewable sectors. The uplist discussions for ILUS subsidiaries and the company proper have peaked Wall Street's interest and paved the way for an invitation to interview on the NYSE floor.

The NYSE floor interview date is set for June 15th, 2023. The interview will be released to the public on June 26th, 2023.

Some of the topics to be discussed during the interview include:

Quality Industrial Corp's (OTC: QIND) NYSE uplist status and benefit to ILUS shareholders and corporate bottom line

ILUS International Inc's QB status and uplist to a National Exchange

Current and future acquisitions, subsidiaries, and investment plans

John-Paul Backwell, ILUS Managing Director, will be representing ILUS on the floor of the NYSE. Mr. Backwell has 25 years' experience in the development and leadership of Global Businesses predominantly in the fields of Public Safety, Manufacturing and Distribution, with a focus on disruptive technology.

"Our rapid and sustainable growth, global reach and corporate roadmap have brought the ILUS family of companies to this juncture. We look forward to expanding the marketplace's understanding of ILUS International and I can't think of anyone better than John-Paul Backwell to bring his corporate knowledge to investors from the NYSE floor." commented ILUS CEO, Nicolas Link.

For further information on ILUS, please see its communication channels:

Website: https://ilus-group.com

Twitter: @ILUS_INTL

Email: IR@Ilus-Group.com

Source: ILUS

Related Links

https://ilus-group.com

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information set forth in this press release contains "forward-looking information", including "future-oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has provided guidance to issuers regarding the use of social media to disclose material non-public information. In this regard, investors and others should note that we announce material financial information via official Press Releases, in addition to SEC filings, press releases, Questions & Answers sessions, public conference calls and webcasts also may take time from time to time. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with the public about our company, our services, and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, considering the SEC's guidance, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the following social & media channels:

website: https://ilus-group.com

Twitter: OTC_ILUS

Note: ILUS Coin does not sit within ILUS International Inc (Ilustrato Pictures International Inc), so the public are recommended to follow the correct Media Channels relating to the public company OTC: ILUS

See Stock Market Press disclaimer: http://stockmarketpress.com/disclaimer/

SOURCE: Stock Market Press

Investorideas.com Paid News - Disclaimer/Disclosure: Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure : this news release featuring ILUS is a third party paid for news release on Investorideas.com. Investor ideas did not create this paid for content .Please contact the source ,

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

About Investorideas.com

https://www.investorideas.com/About/

News that Inspires Big Investing Ideas

Investorideas.com has been online for over 25 years and is a source you can trust and believe in

Sign up for free stock news alerts at Investorideas.com

https://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp
Toronto, Ontario - June 8, 2023 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) (OTCQB: USCUF) (FSE: C730) ("US Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling crews have arrived onsite to commence the 2023 exploration drill program at the Company's wholly-owned Moonlight-Superior Project, located in Plumas County, California.

The Moonlight-Superior Project has a mineral resource estimate of 1.3 billion pounds of copper indicated and 1 billion pounds of copper inferred across three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels. The resource estimate is contained in the National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Technical Report and Resource Estimate for the Superior Project, Plumas County, California, with an effective date of November 15, 2013, available on US Copper's website and on SEDAR.

The 2023 exploration drill program will focus on the Engels deposit and include 15 reverse circulation drill holes into the oxide cap that sits on top of the Engels sulfide deposit. Sample intercepts from prior drill programs at Engels reveal a high-grade copper oxide cap developed to depths greater than 230 feet ("ft") over an area of at least 1,000 ft by 500 ft (see news release dated March 1, 2023).

The main objectives of the 2023 drill program include:

Upgrading and potentially expanding the current oxide resource estimate; Providing samples for preliminary metallurgical evaluation; and Providing initial data for inclusion in a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") on the Engels oxide deposit.

The 2023 exploration drilling program has been designed to further delineate and define the oxide resource at the Engels Project. Based on exploration results, the Company is planning to undertake a PEA to evaluate a starter, open pit mining operation at Engels, while evaluating the potential for larger-scale mining scenarios which could see the three deposits developed into a long-life, profitable mining operation.

"In 1960, the United States ("U.S.") produced 35% of global mined copper. Today, the U.S. produces just 6% of global mined copper and reported a copper import reliance of 45%. In response to our current environment of rapidly growing demand and disruptive global and geopolitical issues, senior copper industry leaders have speculated publicly about a lack of investable projects worldwide. Acknowledging these realities, we believe it is time for the U.S. to rebuild a secure, reliable, responsible and economic domestic copper supply. Results from our 2023 exploration drill program are expected to assist US Copper in evaluating the potential to quickly develop an oxide open pit operation at the Engels deposit, an initial step in rebuilding domestic copper supply," commented Stephen Dunn, President and CEO, of US Copper.

Background

The Engels deposit is one of 3 significant copper deposits on US Copper's Moonlight-Superior property. It is located 6,000 ft east of our 300 million tons ("MT") 0.30% copper Moonlight deposit and 11,000 ft north of the 60 MT 0.43% copper Superior deposit (see "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" dated April 12, 2018). Initial efforts to mine-process the oxide (carbonate) ore in the early 1900's failed due to technological shortcomings. In 1914-15, sulfide ore was discovered at Engels during development of the 5th level, and shortly thereafter, Engels and the nearby Superior properties were consolidated under the Engels Mining Company and production and processing of the sulfide ore began. Consolidated production from Engels-Superior in the 1915-1930 period yielded approximately 4.2 MT of ore at a grade of 2.2% copper. The majority of the production came from Engels. Mine workings at Engels are extensive and include many tens of thousands of feet of drifts, crosscuts, and stopes on ten levels accessed by adits and six levels accessed from a winze sunk from the No. 10 level.

In the 1960s-70s, Placer AMEX did extensive work in the district which resulted in the discovery of the Moonlight deposit, partial delineation of the Superior deposit and an evaluation of the Engels deposit that included an internal company open pit estimate of 19 MT of sulfide material with a grade of 0.63% Copper.

US Copper had a PEA prepared on its Moonlight deposit in 2018 that showed positive economics at $3.15 per pound copper. It was determined that providing higher grade ore from our Superior and/or Engels deposits into the Moonlight mine plan would substantially enhance the Project's economics by potentially increasing cash flows in the initial years of production. The recently completed drill program at Superior was designed specifically for that purpose, and this Engels Phase I Program will outline the potential for a second starter pit for the Moonlight plant. Ultimately, the updated Engels and Superior resources will be incorporated into a revised Moonlight PEA.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by George Cole, M.Sc., Director of US Copper who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. George Cole is a Registered Professional Geologist through AIPG (CPG-11687).

About US Copper Corp

US Copper controls approximately 13 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District in Plumas County, NE California; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets.

The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915-1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 MT of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits.

The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer Amex during the 1960's. Details of the resources on US Copper's property and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" dated April 12, 2018, on both the Company's website at www.uscoppercorp.com or on www.sedar.com under the US Copper Corp profile.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn

President, CEO and Director

US Copper Corp.

T: (416) 361-2827

E: info@uscoppercorp.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned", "intends" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp
Vancouver, British Columbia - June 8, 2023 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is pleased to announce the commencement of drilling at its Buck Main project, which marks the beginning of a multi-stage exploration program across its 52,000 hectare project area in central British Columbia.

Highlights

Significant drilling at the Buck Main zone: Approximately 3,500 metres over 15 priority diamond drill holes in previously untested areas, both laterally and at depth.

Improved understanding of controls on mineralization: Recent drill intercepts at Buck Main were incorporated into an updated 3D model which has led to an improved understanding of the geological and structural controls of mineralization, which will assist in ongoing drill planning and targeting.

Drilling designed to test untested areas: Planned drill holes will test recently recognized fault structures and veins that are often associated with high-grade mineralization elsewhere within the Buck Main zone.

"We have acquired and expanded a significant land package in an emerging polymetallic belt in central B.C., and our recent oversubscribed financing allows us to hit the ground running," stated Sharyn Alexander, Sun Summit's President. "Updating our geological modelling and structural analysis at Buck Main has led to a refinement of the known controls on mineralization. This new understanding has helped in the planning of step-out drill holes focused on targeting new zones of potential high-grade and bulk-tonnage mineralization. In addition, our multi-stage exploration program will provide ongoing newsflow throughout the summer as we continue to explore emerging targets on our expanding project area."

Buck Main Drilling

Drilling at Buck Main is expected to commence mid-June and will initially consist of approximately 3,500 metres over 15 drill holes. The drill program was designed to test the potential high-grade core of the epithermal-related gold-silver-zinc system with a particular focus on previously unrecognized fault structures and high-density vein zones.

Drilling will incorporate new insights from the recently updated 3D model which allowed for the refinement of host lithologies and structures that are thought to control emplacement of hydrothermal breccias and vein sets in the overall structural corridor setting. In particular, modeling has allowed for the refinement of sub-units of key host andesitic volcaniclastic and dacitic pyroclastic rocks with a particular focus on structural controls that appear to define host plunge orientations thus far unrecognized at Buck Main. Modeling also revealed quartz feldspar dykes (QFPs) likely were emplaced in a later mineralization event. Other targets include hydrothermal breccias thought to occur at the modeled intersection of growth and transform faults, and presumed heavily disseminated mineralization domains where growth faults may project into coarse, dacitic pyroclastic sub-units. Additional drilling will be considered based on a successful outcome.

Figure 1. Proposed drill areas at Buck Main

Since 2020, the Company has completed 84 drill holes at Buck Main for over 30,000 metres. Results demonstrate significant mineral deposit potential with district wide size and scale opportunities. Recent drilling focused on expanding the footprint of near-surface bulk tonnage-style mineralization and demonstrated strong expansion potential to west, north and south. The known mineralized footprint measures over one kilometre in strike length with mineralization open in all directions.

Broad zones of bulk tonnage-style disseminated mineralization are indicated by:

0.71 g/t Au, 5.6 g/t Ag, 0.62% Zn over 187 m (BK21-033)

1.07 g/t Au, 5.5 g/t Ag, 0.65% Zn over 109 m (BK21-017)

Significant high-grade mineralization is indicated by:

49.6 g/t Au, 10.8 g/t Ag, 0.06% Zn over 1.5 m (BK20-012)

246 g/t Au, 66.7 g/t Ag, 0.02% Zn over 0.5 m (BK21-020)

38.0 g/t Au, 137 g/t Ag, 5.9% Zn over 1.1 m (BK22-083)

Note drill intercepts are measured downhole and are not true widths.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

This news release has been approved by Sun Summit's Vice President Exploration, Ken MacDonald, P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has also verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying the technical information in this news release.

Community Engagement

Sun Summit is engaging with First Nations on whose territory the Buck Project is located and is discussing their interests and identifying contract and work opportunities, as well as opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations as the project continues.

About the Buck Project

The Buck Project is situated in a historic mining district near Houston, B.C., with excellent nearby infrastructure that allows for year-round, road-accessible exploration.

The project is host to the Buck Main intermediate-sulfidation epithermal-related gold-silver-zinc system. Most of the mineralization drilled to date at Buck Main consists of long, continuous zones of disseminated and breccia-hosted, bulk tonnage-style gold-silver-zinc. Vein-hosted, high-grade mineralization has also been intersected near the center of Buck Main.

Exploration at the Buck Project is focused on investigating the lateral and vertical extent of gold-silver-zinc mineralization at the Buck Main system, and to define additional drill targets across the entire land package through systematic exploration programs.

About Sun Summit

Sun Summit Minerals (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on expansion and discovery of district scale gold and copper assets in north-central British Columbia.

Sun Summit is committed to environmental and social responsibility, with a focus on accountable development and building respectful and beneficial relationships with Indigenous and local communities.

Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com.

Link to Figures

Figure 1:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fig1_Buck_Drilling_June8_NR.jpg

For further information, contact:

Sharyn Alexander

President

info@sunsummitminerals.com

Roger Blair

Acuity Advisory Corp., Corporate Communications

rblair@acuityadvisorycorp.com

Tel. 778-588-9606

Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; the impact of exploration competition; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp
The head of the Irish tourism business group has said the Government will need to do some serious thinking on ways of making good the huge number of hotel beds taken out of the industry outside Dublin for Ukrainian and asylum seekers.

Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, chief executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, or ITIC, said the industry welcomes the humanitarian response, but that 35% of all the hotel, guest house, and B&B beds available for tourism in the Republic have been contracted by the Government and taken out of supply this summer.

The Government needs "a comprehensive plan" on ways to make up for the shortages because it was relying too much on tourism to supply urgently needed accommodation, Mr O'Mara Walsh said.

The West and regions outside Dublin accounted for a disproportionate share because of the preponderance of four-star and five-star hotels in the capital which have had no need to sign up to the voluntary scheme.

"And that 35% is unevenly spread with the bulk of the beds on the West coast, so Donegal is up at 50% and Clare at over 40%, and in Kerry, it is nearly 40% of their beds are gone," he said.

"These are big tourism hot spots, and it is ironic in a way because the hotels are OK because they are getting cheques from the Government on a monthly basis for the services they provide, but all the downstream tourism businesses - the tourism attractions, the restaurants, ancillary tourism services, the bars, tour guides, the tourism shops - are all missing out on the tourism dollar," he said.

Mr O'Mara Walsh cited Failte Ireland estimates that for every 1 a tourist spends on accommodation, they spend 2.50 on ancillary tourism services. "That 2.50 is obviously not finding its way into the local economy which is an enormous challenge", with the missing beds estimated to cost the industry 1.1bn over the year, he said.

Bed stock

The further irony, he said, was that demand was strong, access to all the main airports was good, and with the dollar having risen against the euro, there were a lot of American tourists willing to spend "but we can't service that demand because we do not have the bed stock because of Government".

He said fewer hotels in Dublin have signed up to the accommodation scheme because they probably get more business on a year-round for their four-star and five-star properties, and most of the missing beds are from three-star properties.

ITIC believes that without new initiatives the shortage of hotel beds was going to last and even if the war in Ukraine were to end "there were no homes for those poor people".

"The feeling is that the American market will be OK this year because air capacity has increased and Americans tend to stay in the four- and five-star hotels which have not been affected," Mr O'Mara Walsh said.

"The big problem markets are Britain and continental Europe," he said.
Apple's ongoing court battle with the EU over taxes paid in Ireland has received a significant boost.

An adviser to Europe's top court said today that another tech giant, Amazon, should not pay 250m in back taxes to Luxembourg as ordered by EU competition enforcers, as she cited errors in the EU regulatory assessment.

The European Commission in its 2017 decision said Amazon paid no taxes on almost three-quarters of its profits from EU operations due to a Luxembourg tax arrangement allowing it to channel profits to a holding company tax-free.

The EU antitrust watchdog equated the tax deal to illegal state aid. However, a lower tribunal in 2021 scrapped the EU decision, dealing a blow to EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager's crackdown on preferential deals.

"The Commission erred in deciding that Luxembourg had granted unauthorised state aid to Amazon in the form of tax advantages," Advocate General Juliane Kokott at the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) said in a non-binding opinion.

"The reference system relied on by the Commission in order to review whether there was a selective advantage, namely the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines rather than Luxembourg law, was incorrect," she said.

Kokott said the General Court's judgment annulling the EU decision should be upheld. The CJEU, which normally follows such recommendations in four out of five cases, will rule in the coming months.

In 2016, the Irish Government was told to recover 14.3bn in taxes and interest from Apple. In 2020, the General Court of the European Union annulled the decision but the commission has undertaken an appeal which was heard in May.

The appeal court will issue a non-binding opinion in the Apple case in November. A final ruling is likely to follow within six months after that.

Read More Whitegate owner reviewing options that may include putting Ireland's sole oil refinery up for sale

Additional reporting Reuters
Generations ago, farmers brought seaweed home over the years to fertilise the land. Others availed of its therapeutic qualities to soothe stiff and painful bones in seaweed baths.

The crop is also used today as an ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, organic food, and health supplements. Seaweed farming in Ireland, however, is still a new strategy.

But a road mark to develop it as a sustainable and profitable sector in the aquaculture sector has just been published by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)  the Irish Fisheries Board.

Annual global output is now in excess of 35 million wet tonnes, 97% of which is cultivated biomass. Most of it is from Asia (China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea and Philippines).

BIM chief executive Caroline Bocquel said that the volume of farmed seaweed must increase to ensure a sustainable and economically profitable aquaculture industry in Ireland.

Irelands long coastline and clean cold waters present the ideal conditions to cultivate seaweed, and to sustainably develop this crop that is highly resource efficient, requiring minimal resource input, she said.

There are currently 25 licenced seaweed farms in Ireland, located along the north-west, west and south-west coastline. Farmed seaweeds, grown on ropes and nets, are exceptionally fast growing plants.

Michael ONeill, chief executive at Pure Ocean Algae, a seaweeds biotech company based at Allihies on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, welcomed the new strategy.

He spoke about the need to unlock the potential of the seaweed sector in Ireland to meet the growing demand for sustainably produced food and claimed the industry has the highest potential for growth in the Irish aquaculture sector.

Currently, an estimated 40,000 tonnes of seaweed are harvested each year in Ireland, the third highest in Europe after Norway and France, with most of this being processed into food products or animal feed.

BIM estimates, however, that only 1% of Irelands seaweed is converted into higher-value outputs such as cosmetics and medicinal products, but this amounts to 30% of the total commercial value.

Advances in cultivation technology and processing, leaves Ireland extremely well positioned to become a major player in the international seaweed industry, with the demand for seaweed biomass and seaweed-based products outstripping supply for the foreseeable future.

Mr ONeill said: We can grow the most fantastic seaweed in Ireland, and we are looking to develop that into an industry, an industry that is appropriate to our coastal community and our coastal locations. He added that Pure Ocean Algae looks forward to playing its part in the implementation of the findings in the review.

BIM meanwhile says there is clearly an opportunity for Irish seaweed growers to upscale production, but there seem to be some constraints on the development of the industry.

Of the 11 sites surveyed, only one grower was using their entire licensed area, while another had opted to forego growing seaweed and use their multi-species licence to grow mussels instead.

Only 16% of the overall area licensed to grow seaweed were being utilised. However, most farmers planned to apply for a licence to increase their acreage.

Three currently have applications to do so with Department of Agriculture Food and Marine (DAFM), according to the roadmap, adding that it could be surmised growers were waiting for a market to fulfil their potential.

Ailbhe McGurrin, a PhD Researcher in Marine Biotechnology at UCD, in collaboration with Teagasc and Bantry Marine Research Station, also suggested in an RTE Brainstorm article last month that Ireland has the potential to become a global leader in medicines sourced from seaweeds.

An Irish Research Council awardee, she noted that lots of countries across the world have used natural medicines such as seaweed for thousands of years, but only recently has their potential for pharmaceutical medicines been investigated.

It is predicted that over 10 million people will die each year from antimicrobial-resistant infections by 2050 and the World Health Organisation has declared such resistance to be one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

Due to the harsh environment in the world's seas and oceans, seaweeds produce many different chemicals to protect themselves in their natural habitat, including antimicrobial chemicals or compounds to protect them from bacteria in the sea.

It has been found that seaweeds are full of thousands of these 'bioactive compounds, which have health benefits such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Scientists have begun to explore the natural antimicrobial compounds inside seaweeds to see if they could be used as medicines to cure infections in humans.

Researchers in Teagasc are using new extraction techniques such as ultrasounds and microwaves, which are energy efficient and use non-toxic chemicals (usually water) to extract the bioactive compounds from inside the seaweeds.

McGurrin suggested that seaweed could become an important part of Ireland's marine economy, with a global market value expected to reach $22.13bn by 2024.
Between October 1944 and May 1945, the German occupiers cut off food supplies to the western Netherlands. Between 18,000 and 22,000 people died during what became known as the Dutch Hunger Winter. There were also long-term effects. Children of women who were pregnant during the famine developed diabetes, obesity, and heart disease later in life. Grandchildren, in turn, were smaller at birth and more vulnerable to illness.

"The negative effects of early life adversity have been documented in a wide range of species from fish to birds to humans," note the authors of a paper just published. Researchers at the University of Michigan say that wild creatures, traumatised as youngsters, tend to have reduced life expectancies and produce fewer offspring. However, the effects of early life adversity are complex.

Experiencing stress, for example, makes young animals streetwise: nature can be cruel in order to be kind. Wolves and big cats seek out vulnerable calves when targeting herds. It seems nasty to us, but culling the weaker members benefits a herd in the long run. This viability selection ensures that the fitter individuals survive and go on to breed.

Our nearest relatives, the chimpanzees and gorillas, are sensitive souls with emotional needs broadly similar to ours. It might be expected, therefore, that those of their youngsters who experience childhood traumas, would exhibit Dutch Hunger Winter symptoms. Chimps raised in captivity are prone to neurosis, but this might be due mainly to their artificial environment.

Are primates growing up in the wild equally vulnerable?

Ubufatanye experienced the loss of her mother and father and the disintegration of her family group before the age of 5. Now 20, she has become a successful mother, raising three offspring. Picture: gorillafund.org / Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

In 1967, the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund established a database which has been maintained ever since. Observations on more than 400 mountain gorillas, living in Rwandas Volcanos National Park, have been recorded. The Michigan team studied the life-history records of 253 individuals.

Excited to share a cool new paper @DrRobinMorrison, @SavingGorillas & I have out in @CurrentBiology. Mountain gorillas who survive a variety of sources of early life adversity do not have shorter lifespans than those who had 'silver spoon' childhoods: https://t.co/FmUwr0maSI  Stacy Rosenbaum (@stacylrosenbaum) May 15, 2023

Although the area is protected from poachers and loggers, and there is abundant food, a young gorilla faces many potential challenges. It might, for instance, lose one or both of its parents. Also, rival siblings may bully it, or infanticide resulting from adult conflicts may be witnessed. Some youngsters experience several such horrors, others encounter few.

Thrilled to share my paper with @stacylrosenbaum and @SavingGorillas just out in @CurrentBiology. We find that gorillas that experience early life adversity don't suffer the reduced later-life survival common in other long-lived mammals (including us!) https://t.co/KbtqHVgypG  Robin Morrison (@DrRobinMorrison) May 16, 2023

The research results showed that the more traumas a young gorilla endured, the more likely it was to die without reaching the crucial age of six. However, if a gorilla managed to survive until then, the traumas of its early childhood no longer seemed to matter. Indeed, those that experienced three or more adverse incidents actually lived longest and produced more offspring. Longevity, particularly among males, was 70% greater, on average, than that of peers experiencing few early crises.

Robin Morrison et al. Cumulative early-life adversity does not predict reduced adult longevity in wild gorillas. Current Biology. 2023

Viability selection helps explain this counter-intuitive result  with the weaker specimens eliminated, only the stronger individuals remain. Also, gorillas live in tightly-knit social groups. Losing a mother seldom leads to isolation; other gorillas soon fill the maternal gap. Bereavement "actually increases the time" a youngster spends near other gorillas after the loss of its mom and in particular the highest-ranking male, says lead-author Robin Morrison on the University website.

Gorillas, it seems, have more resilience against early life adversity than we have.
Throughout Ireland, we have many individuals and groups working tirelessly for the preservation of our maritime heritage, and among them an exceptional number of women who stand out for both their work and their commitment to the good of the seas which surround us.

Here, some of Irelands leading women in marine protection chat to the Irish Examiner.

Aoife OMahony is the campaign manager for Fair Seas, who have been pulling out all the stops for their World Ocean Day conference in Cork. We are thrilled to be hosting our inaugural conference in City Hall, Cork native Aoife shares. Bringing a big event like this to Cork, with such brilliant international guests, is a wonderful opportunity to show off my home town and our beautiful harbour city.

While pulling off this world-class event is no doubt cause for celebration, there wont be much time to put the feet up once its over! Our continued focus at Fair Seas is campaigning for more Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Ireland. At present, Ireland has 8.3% of our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) protected and much more needs to be done if our ocean is to bounce back from the myriad of challenges facing it  including pollution and overfishing.

Its very easy to become discouraged over how much we still need to do to protect our seas. However, through this job I have seen so much cause for optimism  I've been honoured to work with so many dedicated conservationists and scientists over my past 18 months in this role. It's really been inspirational to see how hard people are championing our biodiversity here in Ireland.

As well as finding inspiration on the job, Aoife is luckily in no short supply of it at home. I am blessed to have three small children who are passionate about nature on land and at sea. This inspires me to keep going. My daughter is hoping to be a marine biologist and I thought in this job I might be able to impress her!

Their generation is well aware of the climate and biodiversity crises, but its my generation that has the opportunity and responsibility to change things. It can be as simple as on your next walk, take 3 for the sea  bring home three pieces of litter, and do your bit to reduce pollution. On your next visit to the seashore, explore a rockpool with greater enthusiasm and discover the amazing marine life we have on our doorstep. Ask your local politician the next time you meet them, what are we doing to conserve our ocean and how can we progress legislation and the designation of Marine Protected Areas. We can all do something to make a difference.

Brid OConnor is a marine ecologist specialising in biologically sensitive species such as sharks and rays. Following a BSc in Marine Science from Galway, she worked in science education in California for two years before taking an MSc in Marine Biology at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands which culminated in research projects on the ecology of sharks and rays in Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. She is now doing a PhD with the Marine Institute of Ireland and University College Cork, and also works with Marine Dimensions, a community driven marine education, research, and conservation project. As if that were not enough, Brid is also undertaking an Irish language diploma at the University of Galway and writes weekly Twitter posts under #OceanAsGaeilge with translations of marine life in Irish.

It was her grandmother, without doubt, says Brid, who inspired her future career.

Brid O'Connor has delighted followers on Twitter with her #OceanAsGaeilge series.

She was so connected to nature. Wed spend all summer in Kilkee in West Clare, picking periwinkles, chasing after crabs, searching for little fish in the rockpools, and learning about all of the amazing creatures that live in the ocean right there at our feet.

"Ill always remember the first time she took me snorkelling in Kilkee, It was very cold, and the visibility was absolutely terrible so I saw nothing, but it was just so exciting to be able to connect to the ocean like that. I was hooked!

The best part of her chosen field, she says, has definitely been the variety it offers. I do have to read a lot of papers and analyse data, but Ive also travelled to places that I would probably never have seen otherwise, like Guinea-Bissau in Africa. Ive collected seaweed and sandhoppers from beaches around Galway and Ive scuba dived with bull sharks in Mozambique. Ive worked on boats, mangroves, and mudflats, in sun and in hail, and Ive met interesting people at every step along the way. I cant wait to see where it takes me next!

For her PhD she is researching biologically sensitive fish species like rays (her favourite group of fish!), assessing their vulnerability to different threats, and trying to figure out where these threats are regularly encountered. Being involved in this kind of project is really exciting because the more that scientists can figure out about the risks our oceans face, the more we can do to try to conserve them. Im also involved with Purse Search Ireland, a citizen science project for the conservation of egg-laying sharks and rays. People can send us pictures of any eggcases they find on beaches around Ireland and well let them know what species of shark or ray they found. This is really fun because I love seeing which species turn up on different parts of the coast!

And then there is #OceanAsGaeilge. How did that come about? I was reading Darach O Seaghdhas book, Motherfocloir, and discovered the phrase chomh samh le liamhan greine (as chilled out as a basking shark.) I thought that was wonderful, and it combined two passions of mine  Irish and the ocean  so I posted about it on Twitter and to my surprise it kind of blew up! It was never my intention to have a big following or anything like that; I just wanted to keep learning Irish ocean phrases and got really excited to see that others did too, so with no real plan I started posting every Friday morning. Now #OceanAsGaeilge has been going on for about two years and people seem to really enjoy it! After all, tir gan teanga, tir gan anam, and were lucky to have a very beautiful language here in our island nation, with the Atlantic Ocean right there on our doorstep!

Karin Dubsky is one of those energy-driven women whose career and lifestyle would exhaust you just reading about it! Born in Bonn, she grew up in Wexford where she still lives. A marine-ecologist, at Trinity College, she is notable as an environmental activist, coordinator and co-founder of Coastwatch Ireland, and a member of the European Environmental Bureau. Her first degree was a BA in Zoology, followed by a Masters in Environmental Sciences. Her research work and practical projects range from wetland protection, waste, oil and litter prevention and control, to coastal zone management, environmental law and biodiversity policy.

Karin speaks and campaigns regularly on environmental issues, especially affecting water quality, wetlands, dunes and bathing beaches. She campaigned for reform of legislation including public information on water quality of bathing beaches, which was introduced in Ireland ahead of other countries, and she was co-designer of the Blue Flag for Beaches award programme. She also used Coastwatch data to lobby for the plastic bag tax, which brought the resultant litter of discarded bags on our shorelines down from over 54 per km to around three or four.

Environmental scientist Karin Dubsky busy at work at Fethard Quay, Co. Wexford.

Illegal cockle dredging in Waterford estuary was challenged by Karin, as was the wrecking of Kilmuckridge Tinnaberna Sandhills in Wexford (now a Special Area of Conservation). Neither has she been hesitant about taking court cases, both as an individual and as part of Coastwatch. These are often to do with habitat restoration, improvement to landfill sites, provision of compensatory habitats, and restoration of wetlands.

Oh and by the way, in case you were wondering, she is married with four children!

What was it that shaped her career, drove her forward, and made her achievements to date so notable? I suppose you could say it was the luck of having parents who loved nature and brought us kids in close contact from the earliest years. Plus the luck of a school and college environment where a mix of assessment, scrutiny, encouragement to speak up, and dreaming of the perfect world, were all possible.

Libby Keatley, who lives in Antrim, is the proud and rare recipient of having a species named after her  something to which few can even hope to aspire these days.

I have always been interested in nature and wildlife, but learning to scuba dive and getting to see the amazing animals and habitats that we have around the island of Ireland galvanised this. I felt compelled to learn more about what I was seeing, and find out what I could do to help protect it. This led me to getting involved with Seasearch, an organisation which trains volunteer divers to survey the marine environment and record data which can then be used to inform marine management decisions.

And so to that never-to-be-forgotten discovery. On June 6, 2021, Seasearch volunteers were diving at the Skerries in Co. Antrim to gather data from the area. Like many divers, I have a special place in my heart for nudibranchs (a type of sea slug) so I love hunting for them. On the second dive of the day I was excited to spot a nudibranch that I thought looked rather unusual, and unlike any I had seen before.

Lucky Libby Keatley has a species of nudibranchs named after her.

She immediately signalled her diving buddies, Bernard Picton (a nudibranch expert) and Phil Wilkinson, and the find was taken up to their boat. I was excited to hear what Bernard thought, and even more excited when he said it could be a new species!

Much background work followed, including DNA sequencing, and eventually Libbys find was shown to be a species of Dendronotus that had not been described before.

The results were shared with other marine biologists around the world who were also working on the Dendronotus genus, and on 1st April 2023 Korshunova et al. published a paper describing this new species. After being assured it wasnt an April fools joke, I was absolutely delighted to learn that Bernard, with the kind agreement of the other authors, had officially named the new species Dendronotus keatleyae!

One of the things Libby loves about Seasearch is the opportunity to explore new areas and meet lots of like-minded people who have the same enthusiasm for marine life.

You certainly dont need to be an expert to get involved  I went from not even knowing there were such things to discovering my very own species!" And that highlights the importance of ensuring that our wonderful marine life, from the well known to the yet-to-be-discovered, remains for future generations.

She warns that if you start talking to a diver about the magic of the underwater world, its difficult to get them to shut up about it. It certainly impacted my life in a huge way. I couldnt believe what we had right here at home and I absolutely love to share my passion about it with anyone who will listen. Personally it has made me much more conscious about my daily choices, for example reducing any single use plastics and trying to make more sustainable food choices. I know lots of divers would say the same. Seeing the underwater world first-hand highlighted to me just how beautiful, but fragile it is."
Tesco Ireland has announced that more than 700 essential products will see prices slashed as part of a new price-cut campaign.

The retailer said that customers can expect to make savings on a "wide-range of Tesco own-brand products and brands bought week-in, week-out" with an average decrease of 10%.

Finance Minister Michael McGrath has hailed the move as a "turning point."

The supermarket has already been involved in competition with other retailers in terms of price cuts to counter the high rates of grocery inflation over the last 18 months. The price of bread, milk and butter has fallen in most supermarkets.

It comes as CSO figures found consumer prices rose by 6.6% over the 12 months to May 2023.

Speaking after the news broke, Mr McGrath told RTE's Morning Ireland: "These reductions are very good news for consumers and I think will be warmly welcomed. Everybody has seen the really significant spike in prices over the last 18 months or so. So it could be a significant turning point in relation to grocery prices for consumers.

Mr McGrath added that he would "expect" other retail providers to respond, predicting that it would be a "matter of time" before similar cuts were seen across retailers.

Tesco says the cuts are a "key part of the retailers commitment to give customers great value on their shopping and will complement other value offerings such as Aldi Price Match and exclusive deals through Clubcard Prices."

Products being reduced include the likes of sweet potato fries, toilet paper, breakfast oats and toothpaste.

Tesco's own brand "luxury soft" toilet paper will go from 5 to 4.50, while the supermarket's own brand over chips will fall in price from 3.30 to 2.19.

Some of the products being cut in price by Tesco. Pic: Tesco Ireland

Tesco Ireland Commercial Director Joe Manning said: "Were working hard to invest in helping families, by cutting prices on hundreds of products. Committing to discounts across a hugely diverse range of items including grocery staples, household products and family favourites, demonstrates our continued commitment to offering great value and means customers can expect to find savings in almost every aisle in store or online.

"We also work very closely with our suppliers to manage their input inflation and their cost price pressures.

As our costs are reducing from our suppliers, we are now able to pass those savings on to our customers.

Meanwhile, Aldi has ruled out price reductions saying its prices are already lower on comparable products, however it will continue to monitor prices.

Aldi Ireland Group Managing Director Niall OConnor said the retailer consistently sets the benchmark for low prices and value in the market.

"We know that other retailers try to match what we do but the simple fact is that we wont be beaten on price, on this, or any day.

Well continue to monitor prices and the market to ensure that we always have a discount versus the more expensive full price supermarkets, whether on a basket of goods or a full weekly shop and especially on our own label range, which accounts for 95% of our products.

Thats our promise to customers, and it will not change, he said.
Many students around the country would have been rejoicing at the selection of poets who appeared on today's Leaving Cert English paper 2, which also featured the work of an upcoming Cork poet.

The State exams continued for their second day, with Junior Cycle geography and English paper 2 in the afternoon.

Irish poet Paula Meehan made her first appearance since being added to the list of prescribed poets.

The 2023 unseen poem was by Victoria Kennefick, a native of Shanagarry, Co Cork, now living in Co Kerry.

Students of Bishopstown Community School, Cork, get in some last-minute study before English Paper 2 today. Picture: Cian O'Regan

The first thing I looked at on the paper, as I suppose everyone in the country did, was the poets, said Nessa OMeara, subject representative with the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI).

Adjustments to English paper 2 this year saw students given the choice of answering questions on five poets on the paper, rather than four.

I think the whole country was hoping to see [Elizabeth] Bishop or Paula Meehan because it was her first time to be prescribed," said Ms O'Meara.

I would say there are a lot of students across the country who were delighted to see her name on the paper. That was the big one, I think.

I think there was novenas being said left, right, and centre and the question was lovely as well  it's very fair.

Other poets that appeared on the 2023 paper included Derek Mahon and Patrick Kavanagh.

English paper 2 examines students on their studied texts; A single text, as well as three prescribed comparative texts.

Quite challenging

Students may have found the first question on Shakespeares Macbeth quite challenging but the second question, focused on Lady Macbeth and the witches, would have appealed to any student who had studied gender in the play, Ms OMeara said.

Overall, it was another fair paper. The ordinary level paper was also very straight to the point, she said.

The language was very approachable for a Macbeth question; there was a little bit about production but also about characters, so they had a bit of choice.

Blessing Onyeka, Shianne Butsana, and Rachel Chucks at Bishopstown Community School. Picture: Cian O'Regan

Kate Barry, subject representative with the Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland (ASTI) said the questions this year on Macbeth were more nuanced than in recent years.

The Scottish play last appeared four years ago. "The question they asked four years ago was really nasty and challenging," she said.

"There's still nuance there so there's enough to determine between the more able candidates and the weaker candidates but they are not trying to catch people out in the way maybe that they were in other years by making the questions too complicated."

There's been some commentary in recent days about how "cruel" the Leaving Certificate is, Ms Barry said.

"This paper refutes this. It was very fair, with nothing scary, despite the appearance of the [Macbeth] witches, while at the same time challenging candidates to think critically and show evidence of in-depth engagement with literature."

Junior Certificate

Meanwhile, the new Junior Cycle common-level geography syllabus was also examined for the second time.

The paper included a good mix of questions, according to Thomas Cahill, subject spokesperson with the TUI.

The 2023 paper did a good job of using OS map skills, he added. The map was Dungarvan and used in several different questions.

One bug-bear with the new paper was that once again it included no marks on the questions, Mr Cahill said.

I just think it's so unfair for students when it comes to managing their time and they see there are no referenced marks.

They did the same last year. I dont know why they do it. I think the line last year was that students should use the space provided [in the exam material] as a guideline.

"You cant say that one student writes the same way as another student  it's not how it works," he said.

I think if you have a student in there trying to manage their time and theyve come to the last hour, maybe they took a bit too long and they have two questions left, one might be worth 20 marks and the other 40. It was a bug bear for me last year and its the same again this year.

Third-year students Khemi Abossollo and Michael O'Regan from Bishopstown Community School, Cork, prepare for the Junior Certificate geography exam. Picture: Cian O'Regan

A common-level paper comes with its own challenges, he believes.

But I thought overall it was a good paper for students looking to pass the test. There was enough there that they could get a pass but also if you were looking for your distinction, there was enough there that you could get your distinction.

More so than last year, it was a bit more accessible.

ASTI geography spokesperson Edmond Hussey said he also believed the paper was fairly accessible for common level.

While a wide variety of learning outcomes were examined, surprisingly only one climate-change question appeared and nothing on globalisation, he noted.

With 10 questions to answer and 25 pages to be examined, it can be challenging for the student at this level to get the resilience to keep ploughing through, he said.
Ireland has announced 1m of aid support to the people of Ukraine following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.

The war-torn country is experiencing an additional humanitarian crisis following devastating flooding as a result of the attack on the dam.
The Socialist Party in Cork has announced the co-option of party member Brian McCarthy to Cork City Council following the resignation last month of Cllr Fiona Ryan.

Mr McCarthy, 35, will take up the seat she held at next Mondays city council meeting, to represent the citys north west ward.

Originally from Lisgoold in Co Cork but now living on North Main Street in Cork city centre, Mr McCarthy has been a member of the Socialist Party for the last 15 years.

He graduated with a degree in history and archaeology from UCC where he obtained a masters in museum studies and has worked as an archaeologist.

He was active in the campaign against water charges, in the campaign to secure the repeal of the eighth amendment, in the archaeology strikes of 2019 and was an active supporter of the Debenhams strike which began the following year.

I got active in politics the year the banks crashed and everything that has happened since then confirms my belief in the need for socialist change, he said.

Working class people need a fightback on the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis and I hope to use the council position to support such a fightback.

Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central Mick Barry, who has known Mr McCarthy for 15 years, said: He is a Socialist in the fighting, campaigning tradition of Connolly and Larkin and a hard worker too. I look forward to working alongside him representing the people of the northside.

His co-option follows Ms Ryans announcement early last month of her intention to resign her council seat. She attended her last city council meeting on May 8 last.

Announcing her decision, she said she had endured multiple surgeries in recent years that required a significant recovery period, and that was followed by a difficult pregnancy.

The realities now of parenting a young baby have presented a real challenge to her ability to fulfil the role of a councillor in the way that she wanted to, she said.

Looking forward, I dont see that changing in the short term, so I have taken the regrettable decision to resign my seat, she said at the time.

Welcoming the co-option of Mr McCarthy, she said he, like her, will be one of the youngest councillors on Cork City Council.

He is also a fellow renter. I think he will be a vocal advocate for young people and renters on the council. I also think he will speak out against injustices and inequality in the city, she said.
The Government is to offer to pay 1.5m to the EU because it cannot provide accommodation to an additional 350 asylum seekers, a memo going to Cabinet will outline today.

The joint memo from Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Integration Minister Roderic OGorman will seek approval from Ministers to provide the financial contribution as it cannot meet the States commitments under an EU Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM).

The State had previously agreed to accept an additional 350 International Protection (IP) applicants as part of a solidarity agreement at EU level to relocate asylum seekers amongst member states.

However now, due to the pressure on accommodation, the Government is going to offer to pay 1.5m instead. There is provision to do so in order to meet its commitments.

A senior source described the move as a once-off but said they expect huge debate over the next round of policy decisions on the matter.

The VSM scheme was created to assist the management and relocation of refugees across EU countries to alleviate pressure on places where there had been a significant influx.

The scheme was discussed and agreed upon prior to the war in Ukraine, but was not set up until June 2022 and Ireland opted in. Refugees from across the world are transferred from their current host European country to another EU state under the scheme.

It is understood the 1.5m that the State is now offering will be reissued to other EU countries to help with their refugee services and accommodation.

A move to 'get ahead'

A senior source said it is not the case that 350 refugees are waiting to arrive in Ireland and instead, the Government is making this move "to get ahead" before that happens.

The move is expected to prompt debate given ministers have consistently said there would be no cap on the number of Ukrainians or international protection applicants seeking asylum here.

A source said the Government has taken the decision to offer a financial contribution instead of potentially increasing the number of IP applicants on the streets due to a lack of accommodation.

It is also understood that ministers will be informed that 5,000 student accommodation beds will be made available to refugees on a phased basis in the coming weeks at a separate cabinet committee meeting on Ukraine later today.

Once college terms end for the summer, a number of beds across the country including in Cork, Maynooth and Dublin will be made available until students return in September.

The Irish Examiner also understands a tender is being prepared for floating accommodation at Dublin and Cork Port and applications will open in the coming weeks.

Ministers will be informed more accommodation is due to come on stream next week which could potentially eliminate the number of asylum seekers that are sleeping rough, around 119 now, due to a lack of State accommodation.

Sources said there couldnt be a guarantee that all asylum seekers entering the country in the future will be offered somewhere to stay on arrival.

Around 500 Ukrainians continue to seek shelter in Ireland every week as well as 150 IP applicants. There is also significant work underway to identify more sites for modular and pod-style housing.

Health overspend

Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will inform Cabinet of an overspend at his department in the first three months of this year. He is expected to say the overspend is due to a higher demand for services such as emergency department, inpatient and outpatient attendances as well as inflation and pay pressures.

Actions have been taken to slow management and administrative recruitment for the remainder of this year and the CEO of the HSE has announced a temporary pause on senior management and admin grades.

The memo says the Department and the HSE are working to mitigate the financial risk this year. An additional 1.4bn was needed for spending in 2022.
We are living in troubled times. Too much is happening too fast. People are confused. The Columbia University economic historian Adam Tooze has, indeed, popularized a word for it. He calls it a polycrisis. The polycrisis has many sources.

In my opinion the main source of the polycrisis afflicting the world today is artificial intelligence. Climate change comes second, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine qualifies as the third.

The list is much longer but Ill focus on these three. That should help reduce the confusion.

Artificial intelligence

AI shocked the world when Microsoft made ChatGPT freely available to the public through an associated company called OpenAI. That was in November 2022. ChatGPT posed an existential threat to Googles business model. Google went into overdrive to release a competing product as soon as possible.

Shortly thereafter, Geoffrey Hinton, who is generally considered the godfather of AI, resigned from Google so that he could speak openly about the risks posed by the new technology. Reversing his previous position, he took a very dim view of AI. He said that it could destroy our civilization.

Geoffrey Hinton believes machines "will soon realize that it achieves its goals better if it becomes more powerful. File picture: iStock

Hinton pioneered the development of neural networks that can understand and generate language and learn skills by analyzing data. As the data grew, so did the capacity of AIs so-called large language models.

This made a big impression on Hinton. Maybe what is going on in these systems is actually a lot better than what is going on in the brain, he said. As they become more powerful they also become more dangerous, he claimed. In particular, he warned against fully autonomous weapon systems  killer robots, he called them.

Weve entered completely unknown territory. Were capable of building machines that are stronger than ourselves, but were still in control.

But what if we develop machines that are smarter than us?  It will take AI between five and 20 years to surpass human intelligence.

And it will soon realize that it achieves its goals better if it becomes more powerful.

What Hinton said made a big impression on me. Indeed, AI reminded me of Goethes poem 'The Sorcerers Apprentice'. The apprentice is studying magic but doesnt fully understand what the master is teaching him. When the master orders him to sweep the floor, he applies the magic words to a broom. The broom obeys him, but the apprentice cant stop the broom from fetching buckets of water to sweep the floor and the house gets flooded.

I grew up before AI was invented. That made me a great believer in reality. I realized at a relatively early age how difficult it is to understand the world I was born into, and I looked to reality to provide me with moral guidance.

We, human beings, are both participants and observers in the world in which we live. As participants we want to change the world in our favor; as observers we want to understand reality as it is. These two objectives interfere with each other. I regard this as an important insight which allows me to distinguish between right and wrong.

AI destroyed this simple schema because it has absolutely nothing to do with reality. AI creates its own reality and when that artificial reality fails to correspond to the real world  which happens quite often  it is discarded as hallucination.

Read More OpenAI boss heartened by desire of world leaders to contain risks

This made me almost instinctively opposed to AI and I wholeheartedly agree with the experts who argue that it needs to be regulated. But the regulations have to be globally enforceable because the incentive to cheat is too great; those who evade the regulations gain an unfair advantage.

Unfortunately, global regulations are unattainable because the world is dominated by a conflict between two systems of governance which are diametrically opposed to each other. They have radically different views on what needs to be regulated and why.

I refer to the two systems of governance as open and closed societies. I define the difference between the two as follows: in an open society, the role of the State is to defend the freedom of the individual; in a closed society, the role of the individual is to serve the interests of the rulers.

AI is developing incredibly fast, and it is impossible for ordinary human intelligence to fully understand it. Nobody can predict where it will take us. But we can be sure of one thing: AI helps closed societies and poses a mortal threat to open societies. Thats because AI is particularly good at producing instruments of control that help closed societies to surveil their subjects.

This is why I am instinctively opposed to AI, but I dont know how it can be stopped. Right now, nobody else does either, but most of those who developed AI recognize the need to regulate it. So does Congress and President Joe Bidens administration.

Desdemona, also known as "Desi," at the Dublin Tech Summit in the RDS last month. Desi is a humanoid robot and the lead vocalist of the Jam Galaxy Band. Picture: Andres Poveda

But AI is moving much faster than governmental authorities. The Biden administration has taken some executive action, but Congress will have difficulties in enacting anything like an AI Bill of Rights.

There is, however, a problem that cannot wait. There will be general elections in the United States in 2024  and, most likely, in the United Kingdom as well  and AI will undoubtedly play an important role, one which is unlikely to be anything but dangerous.

AI is very good at producing disinformation and deep fakes and there will be many malicious actors. What can we do about that? I dont have the answer, but I hope this issue will receive the attention it deserves.

Climate change

The second element in the polycrisis is climate change. The global climate system has been disrupted by increased human intervention, particularly the large-scale use of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, and methane. The 2015 Paris agreement set a target of 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial times. That is now bound to be transgressed; in spite of all the efforts to fight climate change, the rate of warming is actually accelerating.

Two highly respected climate scientists, David King, a former chief scientific adviser to the UK government, and Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute, have warned that this could trigger tipping points and lead to the collapse of life on Earth.

Smokey haze from wildfires in Canada reaches New York yesterday. Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the US East Coast and Midwest on Wednesday, covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze, holding up flights at major airports and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks. Picture: AP/Andy Bao

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said that current climate policies will leave the Earth between 2.5C and 2.7C hotter by 2100. That would be a disaster, the scientists said. It would exceed the warmest temperature on Earth over the past four million years. It would lead to the complete melting of the Greenland, Himalayan, and West Antarctic ice sheets and raise sea levels by 10 metres.

There would be a collapse of all the big biomes on planet Earth  the rainforest, many of the temperate forests  abrupt thawing of permafrost, we will have complete collapse of marine biology, we will have a shift of large parts of the habitability on Earth, Rockstrom said.

Over one-third of the planet around the equatorial regions will be uninhabitable because you will pass the threshold of health, which is around 30C.

Unfortunately, when fighting climate change interferes with peoples livelihood, they want to protect their livelihood. Farmers in Germany and the Netherlands are up in arms against regulating nitrogen emissions because these regulations prevent them from keeping cows. They have mobilized, winning elections and shaking the European Union.

A police officer stands guard at the entrance of Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration at Liberty State Park as the sun rises behind the One World Trade Center, while the smoke from Canada wildfires covers the Manhattan borough today in New Jersey. Picture: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

I should also mention the desire of oil companies to continue making a profit.

We are way behind schedule in fighting climate change. We ought to do everything that climate scientists deem necessary  reduce emissions deeply and rapidly, remove excess greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and refreeze the Arctic. To do this, we must gain the approval of indigenous communities. All this has to be done as soon as possible.

Russia's war on Ukraine

This brings us to the third component of the polycrisis. The Russian invasion of Ukraine came as a negative shock to the world, disrupting food supplies and causing major geopolitical realignments. Having said that, the actual outcome is much better than could have been expected.

The Ukrainian army has put up heroic resistance and, with strong support from the US and Europe, turned things around. The Russian army is a paper tiger, badly led and thoroughly corrupt. The Wagner Group, a private mercenary army, propped up the invasion for a period, but in the end, they too failed to defeat Ukraine.

As a result, Ukraine is now ready to launch a counterattack as soon as all of the equipment it has been promised by the West is delivered. Biden has even agreed that Ukraine should be given F-16 fighter planes.

I believe the counterattack will be successful. The target will be the Crimean Peninsula, the home base of the Russian Navy. By destroying the already damaged land bridge with Russia, Ukraine could turn a strategic asset into a strategic liability, because Crimea has no water. With the land bridge destroyed, Crimea will depend on Ukraine for water.

A Ukrainian serviceman helps local residents evacuate from a flooded area in Kherson yesterday following damage to the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam. Picture: Aleksey Filippov/AFP via Getty Images

Many parts of the Russian Federation are already chafing under President Vladimir Putins despotic regime, and this development may cause them to reject it altogether. Putins dream, a revived Russian Empire, could disintegrate and no longer pose a threat to Europe and the world.

The end of the war in Ukraine will come as a positive shock for the world. This may provide an opportunity for Biden to lower the tension between the US and China, which is itself in the midst of an economic decline that may make President Xi Jinping more receptive to an accommodation with the US. Biden is not seeking regime change in China; all he wants is to re-establish the status quo in Taiwan.

A Russian defeat in Ukraine, and a lessening of Sino-American tensions, may create room for world leaders to focus on fighting climate change, which is threatening to destroy our civilization. But there is only a narrow and winding path that leads to this outcome. So, it is appropriate to use a question mark in asking whether democracy can survive the polycrisis.
West Ham fans clashed with riot police in Prague after setting off flares as they celebrated winning the Europa Conference League on Wednesday night.

Fans poured into the streets of the Czech capital following the Hammers victory over Fiorentina, with many already in the city centre after thousands of supporters travelled from the UK without tickets.

But a scuffle broke out after police officers tried to confiscate a lit flare as fans gathered in the Old Town area of the city.

Riot police stormed a group after they lit a second flare, with fans responding by pelting the officers with bottles and missiles.

West Ham fans celebrated as Jarrod Bowen scored the winner in Prague (James Manning/PA)

Earlier in the day Czech police said they had detained at least 16 Italian fans after they attacked West Ham supporters outside a bar, with videos shared on social media showing chairs and fireworks being thrown.

Celebrations were initially good-natured after the match, with revellers hugging and kissing each other and dancing on tables in bars.

Chants of 2-1 to the cockney boys and Irons also broke out as the Londoners welcomed the clubs first trophy in more than 40 years.

The final took place at the Fortuna Arena, which has a capacity of around 19,300, with West Ham receiving an official ticket allocation of 5,000, although many more travelled from the UK to be in the city during the game.

Supporters watched in bars around the city, including a group who went wild at McCarthys Pub in the Old Town area from the moment Jarrod Bowen gave the team the lead in the final minute of the second half.

West Ham fan Aaron, 18, said it felt unreal to win.

(Ive) never felt like it in my life, he said.

West Ham United fans celebrate in Staromestske Namesti, Prague, after their team won the Uefa Europa Conference League final (James Manning/PA)

He said his plan for the rest of the night was to stumble back to the hotel.

How we get there I dont care, he added.

It came hours after West Ham fans were attacked by Italian supporters in the city centre, prompting police to detain 16 people.

Czech police said three people were injured during the incident, with one police officer being attacked.

One witness said fans of the Italian side were armed with chains and belt buckles.

There was also controversy during the match as Cristiano Biraghi of Fiorentina was seen bleeding from the back of the head after he appeared to have been hit by an object thrown from the West Ham stand.

West Ham United fans watch the trophy presentation in a pub in Prague, following the Uefa Europa Conference League final (James Manning/PA)

Shortly before the end of the match, the English club put out a statement condemning the behaviour of a small number of individuals, adding: These actions have no place in football, and do not in any way represent the values of our football club and the overwhelming majority of our supporters, who have behaved impeccably in Prague this week and throughout our last two seasons in European competition.

The club said it would work with police to review the incident and take action against offenders, including implementing lifetime bans.
Officials in the Philippines have raised the alert level for one of the countrys most active volcanoes after streams of gas, debris and rocks cascaded down its upper slope  sparking fears there could be an eruption within days or weeks.

Villagers living within a 3.7-mile radius of Mayon volcanos crater have been told to leave the long-designated permanent danger zone and move to safer grounds due to the danger of volcanic emissions, lava flows, rockfalls and other hazards, officials said.

Cedric Daep, a provincial public safety official, said villagers were preparing to evacuate from the danger zone, which is supposed to be off limits to permanent residents but where many mostly poor families have built houses in Mayons shadow over the years.

Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcanos summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

A tourist draw in the northeastern Albay province for its picturesque conical shape, Mayon is one of the most restive of two dozen active volcanoes across the Philippines.

This means that Mayon is exhibiting magmatic eruption of a summit lava dome with increased chances of lava flows ... and of potential explosive activity within weeks or even days

It last erupted violently in 2018, displacing tens of thousands of villagers.

Government volcano experts said they raised the alert level around Mayon to the third of a five-step warning system after detecting an increasing number of rockfalls and at least two volcanic earthquakes in recent days.

Three brief volcanic gas and ash emissions on Thursday streamed down the volcanos southeastern gully about half a mile from the crater, they said.

This means that Mayon is exhibiting magmatic eruption of a summit lava dome with increased chances of lava flows  and of potential explosive activity within weeks or even days, the government volcanology institute said.

Aside from Mayon, officials are closely monitoring Taal volcano south of Manila and Mount Kanlaon on central Negros island due to renewed signs of restiveness.

Mayon Volcano spews white smoke (John Michael Magdasoc/AP)

A number of villages in three towns near Taal suspended classes on Wednesday due to thick smog emanating from the volcano, one of the worlds smallest, and residents were advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks for protection.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A long-dormant volcano, Mount Pinatubo, blew its top north of Manila in 1991 in one of the biggest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, killing hundreds of people.
Russian forces have shelled a southern Ukrainian city inundated by flooding in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to the area to assess the damage.

The fresh fighting returned security issues to the region, two days after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River set off a scramble to evacuate residents in dozens of flooded areas and get aid to those still there.

Officials on both sides said at least 14 people were killed in the flooding, thousands are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the collapse.

Kyiv accused Moscow of blowing up the dam and its associated hydropower plant, which the Kremlins forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage, and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages.

Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press (AP) showed the ruined dam falling into the river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church.

Upriver from the dam, a supply of water used to cool Europes largest nuclear power plant was nearing critically low levels, Ukraines state hydroelectric company said.

But the UNs atomic energy watchdog said on Wednesday that work was under way to ensure the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant had enough water in reserve to cool its shut-down reactors, in case supplies fell too much.

Mr Zelenskyys office said Moscows forces also continued to shell Ukrainian-held areas near the nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.

The high water brought new misery and death to a country suffering uncounted casualties after 15 months of war.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied city adjacent to the dam, told Russian state TV that five residents there had died in the flooding.

And Mykolaiv regional governor Vitalii Kim said one person had died in that region north west of the city of Kherson.

Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam in Nova Kakhovka, in Russian-occupied Ukraine, on Wednesday (AP)

Yevhen Ryshchuk, the mayor of Oleshky to the south who fled the town after the Russians took over, told the AP that residents told him eight people had died so far in the flooding, with corpses floating to the surface.

His tally could not immediately be verified.

Residents of Oleshky have accused Russian authorities in the town of not doing enough to help civilians, and they have formed a group of more than 8,000 that is sharing messages about information such as stranded and trapped locals.

In the city of Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid.

Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policeman, a doctor and volunteer from Germany.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Mr Zelenskyy had visited only hours earlier, officials told AP.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the Internal Affairs Ministry said.

Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the flood-hit areas in Kherson, Ukraine (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Mr Zelenskyy visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility in Kherson, ordering officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to compensate residents, his office said in an update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Regional governor Vladimir Soldo, who was installed by Moscow to oversee the area that Russia occupies, accused Ukrainian troops of firing at an evacuation point in Hola Prystan, a Russian-occupied town.

Mr Soldo said in a Telegram post that two people, including a pregnant 33-year-old woman, were killed and that two others were wounded.

It was not immediately possible to verify his account.

Fighting has intensified along the more than 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraines border with Russia  in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Kyiv has said it will not announce the start of any such campaign.

The destruction of the dam prompted the United Nations and local officials to say that the most immediate concerns for affected areas were access to fresh water and avoiding contact with floodwaters contaminated by explosives and industrial chemicals.

Rescue workers evacuate people in a flooded neighbourhood of Kherson, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that was once home to more than 60,000 people.

In areas they control, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been admitted to hospital, 4,280 people have been evacuated and 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the dams destruction will eventually halt fresh water supplies to southern Ukraine and Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now, with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off water supplies to Crimea after Moscows illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Mr Putin cited the need to restore them as a main reason for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said about 600 square kilometres (231 square miles) of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper.

People are tired  (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Mr Prokudin said.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the dams destruction was an attack and an atrocious act, without assigning blame.

Paris said it was providing aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits.

Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam in Nova Kakhovka, in Russian-occupied Ukraine (AP)

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key Putin ally, said Kyiv blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched attempt to launch its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent battlefield developments amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In a podcast on Wednesday, Michael Kofman of the Centre for Naval Analyses, a US research group, said fighting had taken a more qualitative turn with Ukrainian forces appearing to mount offensive operations near the eastern town of Velyka Novosilka and other points in southern parts of the Donetsk region, as well as on its border with Zaporizhzhia province.

These attacks I dont believe to be the main offensive effort, but they mark what I think is the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, he said.

This is now beyond shaping operations  they are attacks with multiple brigades, they have dented Russian lines in and around Velyka Novosilka.

In the eastern Donbas, a battle continued for the largely devastated city of Bakhmut  one of the epicentres of the war.

Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post, said it was advancing on the citys flanks.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said his countrys forces drove back Ukrainian troops trying to punch through defensive lines in the Zaporizhzhia region after a two-hour battle involving what he said was up to 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers and 150 armoured vehicles.

The enemys reserve forces specially trained for realising this breakthrough did not fulfil their task, Mr Shoigu said.

He did not immediately give evidence for his claims.

Ukrainian armed forces spokesman Valerii Shershen acknowledged increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, but added he would not call it something serious.
Books Trailblazing Account Captures Complexities of Northeast Myanmars UWSA

A UWSA soldier stands guard during a ceremony in Panghsang in April 2019 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the groups ceasefire with the Myanmar government. / AFP

Stalemate: Autonomy And Insurgency On The China-Myanmar Border

By Andrew Ong

Cornell University Press, 2023

US$29.95, 276 pages

While civil war rages across many parts of Myanmar, there is one corner of the country which seems largely unaffected by the tragic developments following the 2021 military coup: the Wa Hills of northeastern Shan State. Andrew Ongs excellent study of the Wa is therefore appropriately titled Stalemate, a word that could also be used to characterize the situation that has prevailed in that remote part of Myanmar since the military and the local, ethnic army entered into a ceasefire agreement in 1989. The United Wa State Party (UWSP) and its United Wa State Army (UWSA) have often been dismissed as narcotraffickers, and while that is not entirely inaccurate, they have also managed to build up a 20,000-sq-km de facto autonomous zone between Myanmar and China. The total population of the area is about 450,000, mostly Wa but also other nationalities such as Shan, Lahu, Akha and Chinese.

The Wa, a Mon-Khmer speaking people, have their own administration, which oversees courts, hospitals, schools, law enforcement agencies, trading companiesand, as scholar Magnus Fiskesjo writes in an endorsement, Asias largest and most powerful ethnonationalist insurgent army. The actual strength of the UWSA is a closely guarded secret, but independent observers believe it has between 20,000 and 30,000 heavily armed men under its command. Its arsenal consists of modern automatic rifles, machine-guns of all calibers, mortars, MANPADS or man-portable air-defense systems, artillery, military trucks, armored vehicles and even weaponized drones. Evidently, the UWSP/UWSA is a force that cannot be overlooked by having its role in local and regional geopolitics reduced to that of a criminal band or a bunch of outlaws.

Having worked for several years for the World Food Program in the Wa Hills, Ong, a Singaporean anthropologist, is in a unique position to write about the political cultures of local elites and people. This trailblazing book is the first to describe the complexity of the UWSA and its allies, and their relationships with the Myanmar militaryand the authorities across the border in China. Other recent books about the Wa include Fiskesjos Stories From an Ancient Land: Perspective on Wa History and Culture and my own The Wa of Myanmar and Chinas Quest for Global Dominance, but Ongs study covers a wider range of issues and was also written post-coup and explains why the UWSA, as he puts it, remained outside the fray In Wa Region, located on the border with China, the Chinese currency, language, and mobile networks are predominantly used, and the polity is far closer economically and politically to China than to Myanmar. As a consequence, the UWSA has had a strangely ambivalent history of political relations with its neighbors.

The Treasury Department in Washington has blacklisted the top leaders of the UWSA for their alleged involvement in the Golden Triangle drug trade along with promises of million-dollar rewards to anyone who could bring them to trial, presumably in the United States. Ong argues that the UWSA is one of the most poorly understood armed groups in Southeast Asia. It is undeniable that the UWSA built its present strength mainly on proceeds from the drug trade, first in opium and heroin and later in ya ba, or methamphetamine. But it is also important to understand and analyze what got the Wa into that situation, and how they now, at least in the areas they control along the Chinese border (the situation is different along the border with Thailand, where the UWSA also has a string of bases and newly established civilian settlements) have substituted income from the drug trade with that from tin and rare earth mining and the cultivation of tea and rubber. There has also been significant Chinese investment in construction activities, real estate and the cross-border trade in all kinds of consumer goods destined for government-controlled areas in central Myanmar and as far as northern Thailand.

The uniqueness of the Wa Hillswhich the Wa prefer to call Wa State, although there is officially no such state in the Union of Myanmaris a direct outcome of the fact that the area now controlled by the UWSA has never been under the jurisdiction of any central authority. In ancient times, Ong writes, warfare, constant raiding, and headhunting between neighboring Wa realms and villages created fortified villages as autonomous polities, resisting unification under a single chieftain or king, or the emergence of hierarchical political structures. During the British time, colonial presence consisted of little more than a few field officers on the outskirts of the Wa Hills, and occasional flag marches up to the border to show the Chinese where their designated territory supposedly ended. After independence in 1948, the Wa Hills were ruled by local chieftains and warlords, and, in some parts, remnants of Nationalist Chinese, or Kuomintang, forces that had retreated across the border after being defeated by Mao Zedongs communists during the Chinese Civil War, which ended in 1949.

Then, in the early 1970s, the Wa Hills were taken over by the Communist Party of Burma (CPB), which established a base area covering most of the border mountains. In 1989, the rank-and-file of the CPBs army, which included thousands of Wa fighters, mutinied against the partys ageing, staunchly Maoist leadership and drove them into exile in China. That was when the UWSP and the UWSA were established and, for the first time in history, the Wa Hills became ruled by a central, indigenous authority.

Ongs study contains numerous interviews with people from all walks of life in the UWSP/UWSA-administered area, which shed new light on how they look at their situation as well as their relationships with Myanmar and China. The relationship between the UWSP/UWSA and Chinese entities, ranging from the security services to private companies, may be closer than that with actors in the rest of Myanmar. The UWSAs impressive arsenal also originates in China. But all that doesnt make the Wa stooges of the Chinese. Ong notes that everyday resentment of exploitative and opportunistic Chinese economic influence, and the condescending attitudes of Chinese entrepreneurs and business surfaced occasionally among locals: They are very arrogant, but their mouth is sweet. They know how to flatter. The ambivalent Wa-China relationship was deeply embedded in tropes from Chinese narratives disparaging non-Han ethnic minorities within its borders; Wa Region inhabitants were well aware of these prejudices.

Ong also examines the relationship between the UWSA and other ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar. The UWSA is a member of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), which was set up in 2017 to bring together seven EAOs which, at least in theory, are seeking to negotiate a settlement with the government (now junta) in Naypyitaw. Several of those groups, though, are engaged in heavy fighting with junta forces while the UWSA is not. But according to several local sources, the UWSA has been providing some resistance forces with arms and ammunition at the same time as it is honoring its now 34-year-long ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar military. The Wa maintain links with the junta, the so-called State Administration Council, as well as the National Unity Government, which was set up by elected MPs and pro-democracy forces after the coup. That ambivalence cannot be understood without a thorough study of the Wa, and that is precisely what Ong has accomplished in his brilliant study of their polity, history and culture.

Although his book is mainly an academic, anthropological study, it should nevertheless be read by anyone interested in contemporary Myanmar, its multifaceted politics and seemingly never-ending ethnic conflicts. In order to find a way forward, it is absolutely essential to understand the background to todays realities in the Wa Hills, and, as Ong concludes: Observers have listed the UWSA as an EAO that adopts a wait-and-see attitude, non-committal to either the State Administration Council or the National Unity Government. The UWSA remains committed first to its own autonomy, carefully balancing the relations between these two sides, as well as its ties with China. Understanding how the UWSA envisions its autonomy, and enacts it, is the first step to figuring out how to accommodate the Wa polity in a new Myanmar.

Bertil Lintner is a Swedish journalist, author and strategic consultant who has been writing about Asia for nearly four decades.
Burma Myanmar Junta Bans Dollars for Border Trade With China

The Chinese side of the border gate with Kachin States Kanpiketi in northern Myanmar.

In a bid to reduce its dependence on US dollars, Myanmars military regime has made it mandatory for exporters and importers to use yuan in trade transactions with China.

The order, issued on June 1 by the junta-controlled Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee, requires traders to open yuan accounts in local banks if they want permits for cross-border transactions.

Traders applying for import licenses must submit proof that they have Chinese currency in their bank accounts, which they can obtain either from export earnings or by purchase from a local bank.

Previously, both US dollars and yuan were permitted for use in border trade with China.

As of June 1, all export earnings are received in yuan, not dollars, a border trader in Shan States Muse told The Irrawaddy. Traders cant import products [from China] unless they have export earnings, which must be in Chinese yuan. If you import goods worth 100,000 yuan from China, your export earnings must be at least 100,000 yuan. Only yuan is allowed for border trade.

Junta restrictions aimed at stemming dollar outflows are suffocating traders, the border trader said. Business operators can no longer import goods unless they can show export earnings in their bank accounts, while 65 percent of their export earnings must be converted at the official exchange rate of 2,100 kyats per dollar. And to import goods, they have to buy dollars in the market at a rate of 2,800 to 3,000 kyats.

Another trader said: Importers have to buy yuan from exporters to conduct their trade. If we want to import electronics and foodstuffs from China, we have to buy yuan at the market rate to do so. So, there are problems. Costs will increase.

The junta-controlled Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has set the reference exchange rate at around 300 kyats per yuan. But the actual market rate is over 400 kyats.

The CBM has taken steps to smooth the yuan transaction process since cross-border trade with China resumed in December 2021.

Over the last year, the CBM has authorized seven banks  Bank of China Hong Kong, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, CB Bank, AYA Bank, UAB Bank, Myanmar Oriental Bank, and the regime-controlled Myanma Economic Bank  to handle direct yuan-kyat transactions for cross-border traders.

Myanmar exports agricultural products including rice, broken rice, beans and pulses, sesame, watermelon, rubber, and fishery products while importing building materials, electronics, foodstuffs, consumer goods and medicines.

Border trade with China has recently slowed to around 100 trucks per day.

Last month, the juntas Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce informed the Myanmar Iron and Steel Association (MISA) that importers who use yuan instead of dollars will be prioritized for iron and steel import licenses.

Myanmars iron and steel traders had been using only dollars for export and import transactions before the incentive to use yuan was dangled last month.

The Consumers Affairs Department has also told pharmaceuticals importers to use yuan and Thai baht in place of dollars.

The Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee was formed by the regime with the stated aim of stabilizing currency exchange rates and using foreign currency effectively for national economic growth. The committee is led by Lieutenant-General Moe Myint Tun, who is under sanctions imposed by the US and European Union over the juntas killing of peaceful protesters.
Burma Myanmar Junta Forces Kill Five Civilians in Clashes on Shan, Kayah Border

Displaced people in Moebye Township / MBRT

Five civilians including a child were killed in five days of clashes near Moebye, a town on the border of Shan and Kayah states, according to volunteers helping displaced people.

A 39-year-old man was killed in an artillery strike on Tuesday, and two farmers walking to their farms on the outskirts of Moebye were shot dead by junta soldiers, according to the Moebye Rescue Team.

Two men were killed as they went to their farms near junta deployments. Another man was mowing the lawn at his home in the town when a 60-mm shell hit him, said a member of the rescue team.

A 10-year-old boy was killed in a junta artillery strike during the fighting on Monday. A 22-year-old man met the same fate on June 3, according to residents.

Two more children, both living in Moebye town, were also killed in junta artillery strikes in May. A 3-year-old girl was killed on May 27, and an 11-year-old girl was killed on May 29.

At least 10 others including three children have been injured in junta artillery strikes since late May.

The information officer of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force said: As they are doing everything to crush the Peoples Defense Force, civilians have also fallen victim. Those attacks were deliberately carried out by the regime. Unless their rule is accepted, they will continue to arrest and kill both [members of] revolutionary organizations and civilians.

Clashes erupted in early June when resistance forces intercepted the militarys Light Infantry Battalion 442 as it conducted a raid on Moebye.

The KNDF information officer said: Junta troops from Light Infantry Battalion 442 have stormed into the town. Another column from Loikaw has also come to attack us near Konethar beyond Moebye. They are carrying out attacks to control the Moebye-Loikaw road. One column is in Moebye. Another column is just outside the town. There are around 200 of them.

Forced to flee Moebye frequently due to the clashes, residents are going hungry and lack access to healthcare services. Poor families cant afford to leave the town, and have been forced to remain in their houses.

At least 10 junta soldiers were killed in the fighting on Monday, and two resistance fighters were injured, according to Moebye PDF. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the casualty figures for either side.

On June 1, junta aircraft attacked a security checkpoint of the Kayan New Land Army in the west of Moebye.
Burma Myanmar Regime Escalates Campaign of Airstrikes on Schools

Chaung Ma village school in Sagaing's Kani Township after the junta airstrike on May 17. / CJ

Myanmars junta is escalating its campaign of airstrikes against schools in resistance strongholds, carrying out at least six attacks in the past five weeks.

Military aircraft have launched attacks on schools across Sagaing Region, Northern Shan State and Karen State since the beginning of May. The airstrikes killed eight civilians and injured another eight, including three children.

In May, regime fighter jets and Mi-35 helicopter gunships attacked three village schools in Sagaing  Htan Taw Basic Education High School in Ye-U Township, and Chaung Ma and Pauk Inn Myaing schools in Kani Township  destroying buildings and injuring four civilians, according to local sources.

Sagaing Region is a stronghold of armed resistance against the regime.

Two fighter jets open fired on Htan Taw village school, controlled by the civilian National Unity Government, on the afternoon of May 9 when students should have been in mid-term classes. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the children had been allowed to leave school earlier in the day because of hot weather.

Children and staff from Pauk Inn Myaing school also had a lucky escape as it was closed when two warplanes launched an airstrike there on May 17, according to a local.

The regime is targeting schools in resistance strongholds to crush the NUGs education infrastructure, according to teachers from the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

The horror of airstrikes on schools struck home last September when junta jet fighters massacred seven children and six adults in an attack on Let Yat Kone village school in Sagaing.



Location of schools attacked by junta airstrikes in May and first week of June

Staff at the school, which serves 200 students, now get alerts if warplanes are approaching so they can evacuate the children, said a teacher at Let Yat Kone.

After suffering the terrible massacre, we are really scared that this kind of airstrike will happen again, the teacher told The Irrawaddy.

This month, the school and clinic in Yanbo village, located in Northern Shan States Mabein Township, were destroyed in a regime bombing raid that killed seven civilians.

On Monday, an Mi-35 helicopter gunship attacked Shu Khin Thar in Kalay Township, Sagaing as the village head was holding a meeting to open the school. One villager was killed and four others injured, according to the Chin National Organization-Upper Chindwin Region.

There are no words to condemn such an attack in a public place. It simply should not happen, a spokesperson for the organization told The Irrawaddy.

The juntas indiscriminate airstrikes have left managers of community schools in Kalay Township too afraid to hold classes, he added.

This is why we recognize them as terrorists, he said of the junta military.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners which monitors the juntas human rights violations, said on Monday that regime forces are increasing aerial attacks on civilian targets, including schools.

On Tuesday, a junta airstrike hit San PaLar village primary school in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, destroying the school and surrounding houses.



Location of schools attacked by junta airstrikes in May and first week of June

U Aung Myo Min, Human Rights Minister of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG), said they are working to take all possible action against the military attacking schools.

Targeting children in schools is not only a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, but also a grave violation of childrens rights, the minister said.

Myanmar is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Therefore, we are sending information on the violations against Myanmar children to the [UN] Committee on the Rights of the Child. I am also meeting with the committee and working for action on these cases, U Aung Myo Min told The Irrawaddy.

Schools are open in both junta-controlled areas and resistance strongholds, though managers of interim schools under the NUG are worried about regime airstrikes and ground attacks.

A school and houses in the Sagaing village of Na Be Pin in Wetlet Township were torched by regime troops on Saturday.
Myanmars Crisis & the World UK Jewelry Giant Withdraws Blood Gems Funding Myanmar Junta

Myanmar junta boss Min Aung Hlaing examines a ruby donated to the military by a supporter in 2022. Photo: Junta website

One of Britains biggest TV shopping channels and online jewelry retailers, TJC, is withdrawing Burmese rubies from sale.

TJCs move came after rights group Burma Campaign UK challenged 40 of the UKs major jewelry firms to prove the gems they sell are not sourced from Myanmar in ways that help fund the military regime.

Since the February 2021 coup, the military has taken control of a gems industry worth an estimated US$ 2 billion per year, the rights group said.

The junta extracts revenue from the industry in various ways, including via its own private companies, its control of state-owned enterprises and government ministries, control of trade routes, and both legal and illegal trade and business interests of military family members.

The huge revenue generated adds to state funds used to purchase weapons and equipment to support the juntas brutal military campaign against the nationwide civilian and armed uprising.

In its reply to the rights group, TJC said the Burmese rubies it had been selling on its website were listed in error as it had an official policy not to source gems from Myanmar following the military coup.

The retailer said it had now withdrawn the Burmese gems from sale.

Unfortunately, due to an unintended oversight, some Burmese jewelry items were mistakenly listed for sale on our platform. As soon as we became aware of this error, we took immediate action to rectify the situation, TJC said in its response to the rights group.

The listings were promptly removed, and we have taken steps to ensure that such an oversight does not occur again in the future, it added.

TJC deserved praise for taking an ethical stance on the issue, said Burma Campaign UK director Mark Farmaner, adding that he hoped other British jewelry retailers would do likewise.

The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar reported last month that the junta has imported at least US$ 1 billion worth of weapons and related materials from Russia, China and other countries in less than two years.

The imports include fighter jets, helicopter gunships, reconnaissance and attack drones, advanced missile systems, tank upgrades, radio and communication equipment, radar complexes, and components for naval ships.

The deadly items have been used by the junta to commit atrocities against the people of Myanmar, the UN Special Rapporteur said.

The military regime has been escalating its campaign of artillery and airstrikes against both resistance and civilian targets as it struggles in ground battles.
Thursday, Jun 8th, 2023 (10:27 am) - Score 1,680

O2 (VMO2) has today confirmed that they will either build or upgrade a total of 30 masts in Jamie Stone MPs constituency  Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross  over the next few months, which forms part of the 1bn industry-led Shared Rural Network (SRN) project to help boost 4G (mobile broadband) coverage.

The SRN  supported by a public investment of 500m from the UK Government and 532m from all four primary operators (EE, O2, Vodafone and Three UK)  aims to help extend geographic 4G coverage to 95% of the UK by the end of 2025 (it will also aid the 5G rollout). The scheme involves both the reciprocal sharing of existing masts in certain areas and the demand-led building and sharing of new masts in others.

NOTE: The SRN states that it will aim to provide guaranteed coverage to an additional 280,000 UK premises, 16,000km of roads and boost in car coverage on around 45,000 km of road, as well as better indoor coverage for around 1.2 million premises.

At present, just 26% of the Highlands and Islands region benefits from 4G coverage via all four mobile network operators, but this will more than double to 68% after all SRN upgrades have been delivered. Admittedly thats still nowhere near the overall target of 95% for the UK (national average), but it will mark a significant improvement for the Highlands.

Across the UK, O2 has already deployed 4G at a total of 50 rural sites under the SRN and the company has already secured planning consent for works at a further 100 sites (including the 30 mentioned above for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross), meaning work can begin in even more communities in the near future.

Paul Kells, VMO2s Director of Network, Strategy and Engineering, said: The industrys Shared Rural Network initiative is making a real, tangible difference to peoples lives. Were continuing to play our part in bringing reliable 4G coverage to more rural locations across Britain, and helping to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban communities. Many rural parts of Scotland are already benefiting from our rollout of new and upgraded masts, and nowhere will benefit more from our investment than in the Highlands and Islands area, where well be delivering 30 upgrades as part of our commitment to the Shared Rural Network programme.

Sadly, the latest update fails to list all the sites theyll be upgrading, which would have been useful to know. Scotlands nearly complete 4G Infill Programme did a much better job of keeping the public informed about such details.
Today

Clear. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low 64F. W winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Clear. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low 64F. W winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Mainly sunny. High 92F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Press Release

June 8, 2023 Legarda relaunches Philippine Studies Program at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda witnessed the signing of the Deed of Donation Agreement between the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) - Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore at Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore. The Philippines Studies Program was initiated by Legarda many years back to promote Philippine culture, arts, history, security, environment and economy, among others, in various prestigious international universities in pursuit of promoting a deeper understanding of the Philippines among Filipino and foreign students abroad. Philippine Studies Project at ISEAS receives funding support from the Philippine Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The grant to the institute shall remain in force for three (3) years or until 30 June 2026. It shall be used to support research, events, and other activities advancing the Philippine Studies Project (PSP) under the Regional Strategic and Political Studies (RSPS) at ISEAS. Choi Shing Kwok, the Director & CEO of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, was also present at the event and expressed that the Institute very much welcomes the extension of the funding for the project and that they are looking for other grant providers to supplement the same program. He added that since the inception of the Program in 2019, "there is quite intense interest in the subjects that have been researched by our people and the Philippines project. And in fact, the readership is very high, (the) quality of researchers have been engaging, most exclusively Filipinos have all been quite high as well." It is the first memorandum of understanding signed by Amb. Medardo Macaraig. Currently, there are five other country studies programs offered by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute of Singapore, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2021, the four-term Senator delivered an online lecture at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, shedding light on the enormity of the climate emergency globally and in the Philippines, and showing the urgent need for ambitious and decisive action across all sectors. The Senator noted in her lecture that "While the Philippines remains an insignificant emitter of greenhouse gases globally, we are among those most affected by climate change. The shift to a green economy is happening, let it not remain on the fringes. No less than a whole-of-society, a whole-of-government, and indeed a whole-of-planet approach is needed, and we have seen the local seeds of this global movement." Legarda also provided similar support for Philippine Studies in other universities including the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London; Universidad de Complutense in Madrid, Spain; New York University; Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany; Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany; University of Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany; University of Michigan and the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the USA; the Thammasat University in Thailand; Busan University of Foreign Studies in South Korea; La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia; York University in Canada; Universidad Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico, and the University of Namur in Belgium, among others.
Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tomorrow

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 79F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Reddit 10 Email 100 Shares

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Not only Toronto in Canada but New York, Washington, D.C. and other cities of the US northeast got a taste of the Middle Eastern Khamsin on Wednesday. Of course, we had our own, North American twist on it, since ours was not a sandstorm but a smokestorm. Some 400 wildfires are burning across Canada, with 239 of them classified as out of control. You never want to hear a thing like that. Humans burning gasoline, fossil gas and coal have put billions and billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over the past 2.5 centuries, which has caused global surface temperatures to rise, drying out the forests even up north.

The air quality index in New York reached 484 on Wednesday, giving it the most dangerous air to breathe in the world that day. Even Dubai, on the edge of the Empty Quarter Arabian desert, had an AQI of 113. Just breathing in New York for this 24-hour period is like smoking a whole pack of cigarettes.

Torontos average temperature in the first half of the nineteenth century was something like 44 degrees F. During the past decade it has been closer to 50 degrees F. A 6-degree F. increase may not seem like a lot but this is an average. It means some days in the summer now are very substantially hotter than they were 150 years ago. Canadas arctic is heating up four times faster than the global average, and the global average increases are already horrifying. Dry forests are easier to set afire, and hot air carries more moisture and is more prone to thunderstorms, so that lightning strikes set more forest fires.

When I lived in Cairo, every spring we went through something called

a Khamsin (or Khamseen). Heavy winds brought particles from the desert into the great Egyptian metropolis for several days. Visibility dropped dramatically and the city took on a ghostly yellow aura. I was advised by Egyptian friends to put valuable electronics like my Canon camera and my tape recorder (this was a long time ago) into plastic bags and tie them tightly, since otherwise the particles would invade them and ruin them. A Khamsin lasted for three or four days and then the air cleared up. It was hard on people with asthma, heart conditions, and chronic bronchitis.

The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency explains the Khamsin in Egypt (which has analogues in Arabia and in West Africa):

A phenomenon of Egypts climate is the hot spring wind that blows across the country. The winds, known to Egyptians as the khamsin, usually arrive in April but occasionally occur in March and May. The winds form in small but vigorous low-pressure areas in the Isthmus of Suez and sweep across the northern coast of Africa. Unobstructed by geographical features, the winds reach high velocities and carry great quantities of sand and dust from the deserts. These sandstorms, often accompanied by winds of up to 140 kilometers per hour [87 mph], can cause temperatures to rise as much as 20C [36 F] in two hours. The winds blow intermittently and may continue for days, cause illness in people and animals, harm crops, and occasionally damage houses and infrastructure.

The winds can carry bacteria as well as sand, and so spread diseases. They also pick up minerals like phosphate. Some of the phosphate deposits the benefit the Amazon rain forest are carried there by Sahara wind storms.

Because of human-caused climate change, dust storms are picking up in frequency and severity in the Middle East, and rather than having one in the spring Iraq suffered from 8 of them just from March to May last year. Extra hot air causes the desiccation of the soil beneath it. The disarray in Iraq caused by the US occupation also disrupted traditional water management and made the problem worse.

Aside from regions near the Mediterranean littoral such as Israel and Lebanon, the Middle East is not rich in forests.

But in the northern temperate zone where you have large forests, climate change is contributing to more frequent and more intense forest fires, which are also breaking out at more northerly latitudes than we had been used to.

Article continues after bonus IC video

ABCNews7NY: NYC hit with unprecedented air quality crisis from Canadian wildfires

So on this continent we are being introduced to the Khamsin as smokestorm rather than as sandstorm. From the video posted to the web from New York, it looked to me just as Cairo does during its Khamsin. Particles in the air are particles in the air, I guess. Some plane flights had to be cancelled because of poor visibility. The New York Public Library closed. Schools closed. People were advised against jogging or indeed going outside if they didnt have to.

The freedom we take for granted in the temperate zone, of just going outside, was withdrawn.

It didnt used to get this hot in Canada. In fact, as an old man who grew up in the twentieth century, let me just pass along to any youngsters out there reading this that the words Canada and hot just were not a combination you heard very often  really only when there was some weird El Nino event once in a blue moon. Canadian scientists say that the country has never experienced wildfires on this scale. They mean, not during the Holocene epoch. Were seeing a phenomenon new to our geological timeline. It is the Anthropocene now, as of two minutes ago and it is hot because we are making the climate now, and weve erected a greenhouse over ourselves.
Human Rights Watch )  In late May, I addressed a panel on the militarization of digital spaces  specifically on how Israeli authorities use surveillance technologies to deepen systemic discrimination against Palestinians. I warned that the use of autonomy in weapons systems was a dangerous part of this trend and highlighted the urgent need for an international legal response.

This panel was part of this years Palestine Digital Activism Forum, hosted by the Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, also known as 7amleh. More than 1,500 participants from local and international civil society organizations met to discuss the digital rights challenges faced by Palestinians and activists working on the Palestinian cause.

Amnesty Internationals new report, Automated Apartheid, details the extensive use of facial and biometric recognition technologies by Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank to facilitate their commission of the crime against humanity of apartheid against Palestinians.



Image by Tayeb MEZAHDIA from Pixabay

Similar surveillance tools fuel discrimination against communities of color globally. As my co-panelist Mona Shtaya from 7amleh said, Palestinians are living under a state of surveillance in which the occupiers benefit from the occupation by testing tactics and software on Palestinians, which will be exported later on worldwide.

In addition to their use of invasive surveillance technologies and monitoring of Palestinian cyberspace, Israeli authorities are also developing autonomous weapons systems. These trends, globally reflect a slide towards digital dehumanization, and in the case of Israel this means of Palestinians. Israeli authorities have developed and used drones, loitering munitions, and remote-controlled gun turrets, like the Smart Shooter recently installed in Hebron and Bethlehem. A senior Israeli defense official said recently that authorities are looking at the ability of platforms to strike in swarms, or of combat systems to operate independently, of data fusion and of assistance in fast decision-making, on a scale greater than we have ever seen.

Get updates on human rights issues from around the globe. Join our movement today. Have it sent to your inbox.

Incorporating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into weapons systems raises a host of ethical, humanitarian, and legal concerns for all people, including Palestinians. Campaigners have called for the adoption of a treaty containing prohibitions and restrictions on autonomous weapons systems, which many countries, including Palestine, have joined.

Autonomous weapons systems could help automate Israels uses of force. These uses of force are frequently unlawful and help entrench Israels apartheid against Palestinians. Without new international law to subvert the dangers this technology poses, the autonomous weapon systems Israel is developing today could contribute to their proliferation worldwide and harm the most vulnerable.

Via Human Rights Watch
Waging Nonviolence )  Anyone taking a drive into the occupied West Bank towards the little village of Bilin will soon realize the diverging worlds the Israelis and Palestinians live in. While Israeli illegal settlements are mushrooming on various West Bank hilltops, the Palestinian villages are struggling to survive the Israeli occupations everyday consequences.

Bilin is no exception. With almost 2,000 inhabitants, it is situated some six miles west of the major city of Ramallah, where one finds the headquarters of the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority, or PA. The actual Bilin housing area is located only two miles east of the ceasefire line of 1949, the so called Green Line, and the farmlands of the village borders this line. While walking on these farmlands one can sense how the rapidly growing ultra-modern Israeli city moves closer towards Bilin.

Beyond the Israeli Wall, one can see how parts of occupied West Bank land have been used to build the new Israeli settlement Modiin Illit. Bilin itself is under the legislation of the Oslo Accord of 1995 (Oslo II), called area B. This implies that Bilin is in the area under PA civil rule, but under Israeli security control.

This is a complicated construct, arbitrary to say the least, and de facto it is Israeli military rule that is practiced in the everyday towards the villagers. If the Bilin villagers experience injustice from Israeli occupation forces, they cannot send a petition to any Israeli civil court due to this area B status. Instead they have to file a complaint to the Civil Administration, i.e. the military occupation administration, a place where it is nearly impossible to win a case. Sending a petition to the PA is pointless since they have few possibilities to successfully address security matters vis-a-vis the Israelis.

Article continues after bonus IC video

Zachary Foster: Non-violent Resistance in Bilin, Palestine (2019)

The Israeli security barrier seen as an Apartheid wall

During the most violent phase of the Al-Aqsa intifada in 2002, the Israeli government decided to build a security barrier around the West Bank. Officially, Israel explained that the decision was made in order to protect Israeli civilians from further Palestinian suicide attacks coming from the West Bank.

The barrier is over 435 miles long, although the Green Line is only about 200 miles, indicating that the barrier is carving in and around areas of the West Bank proper. This has resulted in international as well as domestic condemnation, including from the International Court of Justice.

Importantly, huge problems have emerged for the many Palestinian villages whose mobility dramatically decreased. The initial Israeli plan was also to build the wall through the farmlands of Bilin, directly affecting the villagers livelihoods and strangling the economic output from agriculture. Palestinians perceive the wall as an attempt to divide villagers from each other, preventing them from reaching their lands, as well as preparing the ground for further Israeli settlement expansions.

When the plans for the wall construction became public, the Bilin villagers realized that the wall would not always follow the route of the Green Line, but be on its eastern side, thereby surrounding, cutting and splitting several Palestinian villages from their farmland areas. In Bilin, some 60 percent of the farmland would no longer be accessible due the wall. Obviously, the villagers felt that this was unjust and started to plan and mobilize.

Overall, the wall has caused a grassroots mobilization in the affected villages in the West Bank, neither initiated by the Palestinian political elites nor the PA. A civil resistance campaign was soon born.

The Bilin civil resistance campaign

The Bilin villagers escalated an already existing sumud strategy, a widespread Palestinian strategy of steadfastness to stay in the land, defend the land, and not lose their livelihood capacity. Their persistent nonviolent actions led to a reputation as them being the Palestinian Gandhis. But how did the Bilin resistance campaign achieve a partial success despite the highly asymmetrical power differences between Israel and the occupied villagers?

The Bilin campaign began with planning and forming popular committees. The committees worked for the continued control and ownership of all their historical farmlands, resulting in unusual, innovative ways of struggle, occasionally even theatrical ones.

In February 2005, the campaign began with its first public protests. A key behind the campaigns success was the idea to reframe the conflict issue, avoiding simply relating it to the overarching Israeli-Palestinian conflict itself, instead relating it to the human side of it  the suffering, the injustice of farmers being unable to reach their farmlands. This fostered empathy for the villagers among a broader Israeli public. The struggle is still ongoing, although in 2007, Israels High Court decided that the wall must be re-routed away from Bilin farm land. Evidently, this was a partial success.

Rallies occurred in several other villages around the West Bank where Palestinians would be affected by the construction work. These activities formed a larger unarmed resistance campaign against the wall, with Palestinians demanding access to their lands and houses, as well as to a general right of mobility. Cooperation and solidarity between the affected villages developed, becoming a significant unity factor.

As one of the interviewed activists explained: The campaign was linked to the discourses of democratic principles and human rights. It was not framed in the typical Israeli versus Palestinian conflict framework. In doing so, attention on and understanding for the villages situation increased in the West, even within Israeli society.

Bilin was also inspired by many other villages campaigns, particularly the success of Budrus, which retained 95 percent of its farmland following a civil resistance campaign. In 2004, the Israeli Supreme Court took a decision in favor of Budrus. Some Bilin activists also participated in the Budrus campaign, gaining important insights and experiences from their successful campaign, which they subsequently used in their own village.

During the first weeks of February 2005, daily protests took place, although after some time they occurred weekly, following Friday prayers in the mosque. With time, more and more villagers joined these protests, which by then received increased attention in both Israel and Palestine, as well as internationally.

This resulted in broader cooperation. Just as Bilin inhabitants had participated in the struggles of other Palestinian villagers, now inhabitants from other Palestinian villages joined the Bilin protests.

At this stage, when regular protests were established, the village formed the Bilin Popular Committee to Resist the Wall and Settlement, a community-based and democratic organization of the campaign, which also coordinated with other villages committees. The popular committee was aware that armed tactics would increase Israelis legitimization of an armed response to the protesters. Hence, from the campaigns outset, the villagers banned the use of weapons, including stone throwing and Molotov cocktails.

As much as villagers followed a nonviolent strategy, emotions sometimes could not hold back some of the youth who spontaneously threw stones in situations when the Israelis intensively had fired tear gas at the protesters. As soon as these rare incidents occurred, the villagers intervened and stopped the young boys.

Another important issue the committee dealt with was how to deal with Israeli activists who wanted to join the campaign. Many feared the Israelis were spying on them. The Bilin demonstrators had reasons to be cautious; on previous occasions, Israeli secret agents participated in the demonstrations, then suddenly arrested some of the protesters to create confusion and fear.

In the end, around 50 Israelis were contacted, who were constantly ready to join in. This developed into a close relationship which greatly impacted the power asymmetry. However, both sides agreed that the campaign had to be Palestinian-led. The Israeli activists played an important role, since they had more access and opportunities to create greater attention both inside Israel, as well as internationally. Additionally, Israeli soldiers were more cautious with using rubber bullets and live ammunition against the protesters when Israelis were among them.

Once the campaign had become well-known  even famous to an extent  and had eventually won the Israeli High Court case, many internationals arrived, including dignitaries. Over time, it shaped a form of solidarity tourism. Also, some PA politicians visited. Crucially, the internationals role must be seen as providing a support group, rather than being a decisive factor in Bilins success. Meanwhile, Israeli participants were significant for ensuring that the case entered the Israeli civil court.

Resistance practices

It was a well organized campaign, with different popular committee members adopting different roles. For example, one member was the primary contact for local news media, another would facilitate and host international supporters, a third would focus on legal issues and work with Israeli attorneys, and so on. Although occasional use of minor violence did happen, people generally saw the importance of maintaining a nonviolent strategy.

Simultaneously, various innovative forms of resistance developed, accomodating to Israelis responses to Palestinian civil resistance. Though Bilin villagers used a broad range of resistance tactics, they had to constantly find new ways of acting, since the Israelis responded to these change. The campaigns reputation gave the villagers status, with the people gaining a certain degree of pride. In particular, those injured by Israeli soldiers beatings, rubber bullets or tear gas canisters felt a certain dignity and pride in having stood up to the overwhelming military might of the Israeli Defense Forces.

Given the Israeli military occupations constant presence, it has become common among Palestinian civilians to apply various strategies of avoidance resistance. Bilin residents had to find ways to sidestep the Israeli forces constant presence and dominance, who applied curfews, checkpoints and sudden day and night raids with arrests of Palestinian activists.

Furthermore, various means of escaping dependence on the Israeli administration had to be developed, for permissions for daily survival, physical mobility and economic activity. Avoidance resistance strategies were performed both individually and collectively. Through such broad-based participation, they also built their resilience capacity. Every time the Israelis arrested a Popular Committee member, somebody would always take over their role and, in this manner, they avoided a collapse of the campaign. Essentially, the committees survival was not dependent on any key person.

Additionally, there was a whole repertoire of power breaking resistance tactics. Over 130 demonstrations were held until success was partly achieved. The weekly demonstrations turned the villages everyday life into one of non-cooperative resistance. The creativity in these demonstrations included using a range of symbols, such as flags and symbolic colors, painted on themselves or their clothes.

They also found innovative themes for their weekly protests. The protesters defied the militarys red-linesestablished on Bilin land. Occasionally, the resisters built their own blockades to stop bulldozers uprooting olive trees and construction of the Israeli Wall, thereby hindering the Israelis ability to reach the protesters. A notable strategy was when Israeli activists and Palestinian women walked in front of demonstrators, keeping the men at the back. Since men were typically targets of Israeli repression, this constituted a form of protection. Together with foreigners and Israelis, they would sometimes chain themselves to the fence protecting the wall building area, or to their olive trees to prevent them being uprooted.

The activists also wrote letters to the Israeli authorities, protesting and asking for justification of Israeli decisions. By including an Israeli in their High Court petition, the resisters were able to get their case tested by the Israeli civil court system. Such joint efforts thus became crucial for the successful outcome. Moreover, the issue was framed as a justice issue, and succeeded in becoming aired and discussed on Israeli television.

Israeli settlers often conducted night raids and set many of Bilins olive trees on fire. Confrontations with the settlers could sometimes be very violent, with settlers mistreating and severely beating activists. At one point, the villagers attempted to prevent the establishment of new Israeli outposts  that is, initiations of new settlements.

Although such outposts are illegal according to Israeli authorities, it is still important for the Palestinians to stop the settlers from creating them, since they create new facts on the ground and, over time, often gain legal approval too.

Some of the campaigns activities could be identified as constructive resistance, where alternative structures are built, and various new ideas devised, due to joint cooperation with external actors, particularly Israelis. At one point, the villagers built a Palestinian outpost, similar to the Israeli settlers methods. Israeli authorities wasted no time in destroying the Palestinian outpost. When the Bilin villagers enquired why it was instantly destroyed unlike Israeli settler outposts, they received an answer that the outpost did not follow regulations.

In response, the Bilin villagers and their Israeli supporters quickly built a second outpost, surprising the Israeli authorities by placing the house on the same spot as the first outpost. The Israelis did not destroy it this time, with the outpost becoming the Bilin Center for the Joint Struggle for Peace. The Israeli High Court prevented the Israeli Defense Forces from destroying the outpost, which subsequently became a training and meeting center for activists from all sides.

From success to an uncertain future

The Bilin case offers significnat insights regarding the causes of success for resistance campaigns. Among others, women and men, old and young, leaders and villagers, as well as Israeli activists, all participated in the various resistance activities. This is important, since participation of almost all villagers across all social categories increases the struggles legitimacy, while challenging hierarchies and political stereotypes. This bottom-up grassroots resistance also marginalizes party politics. Further, each group can contribute in different ways due to its distinct role.

Although, the Bilin cases relative success has led to international attention, we must recognize that most external support only came after the Israeli court had delivered its judgement. Ultimately, the villagers resistance achieved their objectives without international support. However, Israeli and international media reporting on this particular Bilin activism  in which Palestinians and Israelis participated together  contributed significantly to framing the issue as a justice issue, instead of merely a conflict issue between Israelis and Palestinians. Whether increased internationalization and arrival of external activists strengthened the continued resistance remains to be assessed.

Bilin villagers own creativity and resilience contributed much to their own partial success, meaning they became a role model for other villages through a diffusion effect. However, the court decision has not been fully implemented, while remaining parcels of land are still yet to receive protection from the High Court. Consequently, the village continues its resistance into a uncertain future, struggling to regain control of its remaining farmlands.


VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V:MMG) (OTCQB:MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Wolfgang Maier, Ph.D., recognized in both academic and industry circles for his expertise in geoscience and, particularly, magmatic systems has joined the Company as Senior Geological Advisor.

Dr. Maier has 30 years of global experience and, in addition to authoring or co-authoring 144 publications which have received more than 7,000 citations to date, he has been a contributing author or editor of numerous books, monographs, and geological maps. Dr. Maier studied geology at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany and at Rhodes University, South Africa, including doctoral studies on the Bushveld Complex in 1992. He taught igneous petrology and economic geology at the Universities of Pretoria (South Africa), University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (Canada), UWA (Australia), and Oulu (Finland) before joining Cardiff University in 2013, where he is currently a professor with the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. As part of his academic pursuits, Dr. Maier is keenly interested in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of both exploration and mining.

Dr. Maier commented, "I am very impressed with the potential of Metallic Minerals' North American projects and excited to contribute to the exceptional teams assembled by the broader Metallic Group of Companies. Getting on the ground at Metallic's La Plata site and Stillwater Critical Minerals' Stillwater West project this summer will be an excellent opportunity to connect in person and to study first-hand the compelling geology represented by both these assets."

Metallic Minerals President, Scott Petsel, stated, "Dr. Maier, brings not only his experience and knowledge to Metallic, but he puts passion and energy into everything he does. From our first encounter, where he made immediate contributions to our understanding of the presence of platinum group elements as part of the mineralization at the La Plata Project, Colorado, I knew he would be a great advisor to our already strong team. We welcome Dr. Maier and look forward to working with him on Metallic Projects as we anticipate announcement of an updated resource estimate at the La Plata Copper-Gold-Silver-PGE project in Colorado, as well as start of 2023 drilling and completion of modelling towards an inaugural resource at the Keno Silver Project in Yukon, Canada."

Yukon Mining Alliance 2023 Property Tours

Metallic Minerals will once again be participating in the Yukon Mining Alliance Property Tours and Investment Conference in Dawson City on July 19th. Select tour participants will visit Metallic's Keno Silver Project adjacent to Hecla Mining's Keno Hill operations on July 17th, as well as our Australia Creek alluvial gold property, currently under lease to Parker Schnabel's Little Flake Mining as seen on Discovery Channel's Gold Rush television program. More information about the YMA Property Tours and Conference can be found here. For more information about Metallic's lease agreement with Little Flake Mining, click here.

About Metallic Minerals

Metallic Minerals Corp. is a leading exploration and development stage company focused on copper, silver, gold and other critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.

At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the 2022 inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate identified a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 889 Mlbs copper and 15 Moz of silver. Results from 2022 expansion drilling intercepted the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. An updated NI 43-101 resource estimate for the La Plata project incorporating these results is expected in Q2 2023. In the 2023 Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Colorado ranked 5th globally for investment attractiveness and 2nd in the USA.

In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining's operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. Hecla Mining Company, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, completed the acquisition of Alexco Resources and their Keno Hill operations in September 2022. Hecla is targeting to start production at the Keno Hill operations by Q3 2023. Metallic is anticipating the announcement of inaugural mineral resource estimate at Keno Silver in the second half of 2023.

Metallic Minerals is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the hit television show, Gold Rush, on the Discovery Channel.

All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Website: www.mmgsilver.com

Phone: 604-629-7800

Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra Resources Corp. (Integra or the Company) (TSXV: ITR; NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce drill results from 20 additional drill holes, representing 4,960 meters (m), from the recently completed stockpile drill program at the DeLamar Project (DeLamar or the Project) located in southwestern Idaho. The Company is also pleased to provide a corporate update regarding several of its properties located in western Nevada, which were acquired as part of the merger with Millennial Precious Metals Corp.

The stockpile drill program at DeLamar was designed to test a large portion of the estimated 60 million tonnes (Mt) of mineralized material that was stockpiled and/or used as backfill at the Project. The Company believes that additional oxide-and-mixed material from the stockpiles and backfill at DeLamar has the potential to significantly increase the heap leach mine life of the Project in future phases and further bolster the robust economics presented in the Companys 2022 Pre-feasibility Study.

Drilling Highlights

The Company has released 135 drill holes of the 321 drill holes completed during the 12,588 m stockpile drill program which was completed in April 2023.

The latest drill results from DeLamar (North DeLamar (NDM), Sommercamp, Stockpile 1 and 2) include: NDM-23-129: 0.40 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) and 23.67 g/t silver (Ag) (0.70 g/t gold equivalent (AuEq)) over 85.34 m NDM-23-049: 0.34 g/t Au and 20.14 g/t Ag (0.60 g/t AuEq) over 44.20 m NDM-23-048: 0.26 g/t Au and 20.63 g/t Ag (0.53 g/t AuEq) over 88.39 m NDM-23-029: 0.26 g/t Au and 22.89 g/t Ag (0.55 g/t AuEq) over 79.25 m WD1-23-061: 0.18 g/t Au and 39.79 g/t Ag (0.69 g/t AuEq) over 21.34 m

The latest drill results from Florida Mountain (Jacobs Gulch) include: JG-23-119: 0.45 g/t Au and 8.45 g/t Ag (0.56 g/t AuEq) over 67.06 m JG-23-088: 0.40 g/t Au and 7.55 g/t Ag (0.50 g/t AuEq) over 41.15 m JG-23-189: 0.43 g/t Au and 28.88 g/t Ag (0.80 g/t AuEq) over 13.72 m

The drill results announced today continue to demonstrate excellent gold equivalent grade and drill intercept widths with strong continuity throughout the stockpiled and backfill mineralized material.

The Company has 7,368 meters of assays pending.

Integra is currently focused on achieving several key milestones in 2023, including an updated mineral resource estimate and the submission of the Mine Plan of Operations at DeLamar, as well as an updated mineral resource estimate and Preliminary Economic Study at the Wildcat & Mountain View Projects, located in western Nevada.

Integras President, CEO & Director, Jason Kosec commented: we are pleased to see more successful drill results from the stockpile drill program which demonstrate the strong continuity of mineralization within the previously mined material at DeLamar and Florida Mountain. The grade and intervals intercepted in this drill program have exceeded the teams expectations and are in-line with or better than our original estimates, highlighting the potential for this material to significantly increase the heap leach mine life of the Project in future phases.

Detailed Drill Results

The following table highlights selected intercepts from the DeLamar backfill and stockpile drill program announced today1,2,3,4:

Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) g/t Au g/t Ag g/t AuEq AuCN Recovery (%) NDM-23-029 0.00 79.25 79.25 0.26 22.89 0.55 68.38 NDM-23-048 0.00 88.39 88.39 0.26 20.63 0.53 71.04 NDM-23-049 0.00 44.20 44.20 0.34 20.14 0.60 66.25 NDM-23-129 0.00 85.34 85.34 0.40 23.67 0.70 61.50 SC-23-017 1.52 10.67 9.15 0.31 29.51 0.69 67.82 SC-23-048 0.00 25.91 25.91 0.27 15.58 0.47 67.66 SC-23-052 1.52 15.24 13.72 0.26 17.61 0.49 60.57 SC-23-084 0.00 30.48 30.48 0.29 7.89 0.39 72.95 WD1-22-151 1.52 53.34 51.82 0.18 9.04 0.29 84.78 WD1-23-061 0.00 21.34 21.34 0.18 39.79 0.69 74.29 WD1-23-126 0.00 13.72 13.72 0.16 38.34 0.66 79.48 WD1-23-174 1.52 51.82 50.30 0.15 13.66 0.33 80.71 WD2-23-099 0.00 36.58 36.58 0.17 10.62 0.30 71.10 WD2-23-127 0.00 48.77 48.77 0.12 14.32 0.31 82.05 WD2-23-184 0.00 45.72 45.72 0.17 15.22 0.36 72.12

(1) Downhole thickness is true thickness.

(2) Intervals reported are uncapped.

(3) AuEq = g/t Au + (g/t Ag  77.70). Rounding may cause minor discrepancies in the AuEq column.

(4) Au recovery based on cyanide shakes (AuCN) run on all intervals with Au assay values >0.1 g/t.

The following table highlights selected intercepts from the Florida Mountain stockpile and backfill drill program announced today1,2,3:

Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) g/t Au g/t Ag g/t AuEq JG-23-061 0.00 9.14 9.14 0.56 15.34 0.76 JG-23-088 0.00 41.15 41.15 0.40 7.55 0.50 JG-23-119 0.00 67.06 67.06 0.45 8.45 0.56 including 21.34 22.86 1.52 3.61 24.39 3.92 including 39.62 41.15 1.53 4.47 16.34 4.68 JG-23-128 0.00 50.29 50.29 0.33 6.43 0.41 JG-23-189 0.00 13.72 13.72 0.43 28.88 0.80 including 4.57 6.10 1.53 1.03 183.00 3.39

(1) Downhole thickness is true thickness.

(2) Intervals reported are uncapped.

(3) AuEq = g/t Au + (g/t Ag  77.70). Rounding may cause minor discrepancies in the AuEq column.

Cross section of the NDM stockpile

The NDM stockpile cross section demonstrates the strong grade continuity within the mineralized stockpiles, with consistent grades above the heap leach cut-off grade. Assays are pending for drill holes NDM-23-146 and NDM-23-046, however, the Company expects the results to be in line with the other drilling completed at the NDM stockpile. The NDM stockpile is estimated to contain approximately 16 Mt of the approximate 60 Mt of mineralized material that was stockpiled and/or used as backfill by previous operators. Drill spacing is completed at 60 m with some areas drilled at 30 m spacing to further confirm continuity. The stockpile drilling, along with additional drilling that occurred after the last resource estimate cut-off date, will be included in an updated resource estimate at the Project.

drill collar location map for the DeLamar stockpile/backfill drill program:



Drill collar location map for Florida Mountains Jacobs Gulch and Tip Top drill program



Cyanide shake analysis is not performed on Florida Mountain samples as gold occurrences in Florida Mountain material can often be coarse in nature, making comparisons between cyanide shake analyses and fire assays unreliable. Once pulverized, as per any cyanide shake procedure, all Florida Mountain material show high recoveries by cyanidation, rendering cyanide shake analysis unreliable for differentiating between ores that can be heap leached and those requiring grinding to achieve high recoveries.

Corporate Update  Final Land Payment for Nevada Properties

On June 6, 2023, the Company completed the final land payment of US$2.5 million to Clover Nevada LLC, a private company controlled by Waterton Precious Metals Fund II Cayman, LP (Waterton), to complete the acquisition of the Wildcat Property, the Mountain View Property, the Ocelot Property, the Dune Property, the Eden Property, and the Marr Property (together, the Nevada Properties). Following completion of the final payment, Watertons deed of trust encumbering the Nevada Properties was released and title now resides with the Integra subsidiaries.

Sampling and QA/QC Procedure

Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are submitted directly to American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis. Analysis of gold is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish on a 1 assay ton aliquot. Gold results over 5 g/t are re-run using a gravimetric finish. Silver analysis is performed using ICP for results up to 100 g/t on a 5-acid digestion, with a fire assay, gravimetric finish for results over 100 g/t silver.

Execution of Drill Program  Methodology

The stockpile drill program was executed at 60 m collar spacings with select 30 m infill test holes to further verify grade variability in future resource estimation and to provide additional metallurgical samples. All drilling was vertical through the entirety of the stockpiles and backfill material. The drilling was conducted by a combination of Sonic and traditional reverse circulation (RC) with casing advance drilling methods. Both these drilling methods maintain high sample quality and integrity throughout the drilling process. Additionally, the two drilling methods provided a basis for continuity comparison. Sampling was conducted at 1.5 m intervals for the whole of the drilling program with all samples sent to a third-party lab for analysis. The Sonic Drilling provided material suitable for ongoing comprehensive metallurgical test work.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Raphael Dutaut, Ph.D (P.Geo), Integras Vice President, Exploration and Tim Arnold (PE, SME), Integras Chief Operating Officer. Both individuals are Qualified Persons (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43- 101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

DeLamar Project Overview

The past producing DeLamar Project, which includes the adjacent DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver deposits, is located in Owyhee County in southwest Idaho. Since acquiring the Project in 2017, the Company has demonstrated significant resource growth and conversion while providing robust economic studies in its maiden preliminary economic assessment and Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). An independent technical report for the PFS on the DeLamar Project has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and is available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com.

About Integra Resources

Integra is one of the largest precious metals exploration and development companies in the Great Basin of the Western USA. Integra is currently focused on advancing its three flagship oxide heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Wildcat and Mountain View Projects located in western Nevada. The Company also holds a portfolio of highly prospective early-stage exploration projects in Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Integras long-term vision is to become a leading USA focused mid-tier gold and silver producer.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jason Kosec

President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

Corporate Inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Company website: www.integraresources.com

Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576

Forward Looking and Other Cautionary Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and applicable United States securities laws (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the potential benefits to be derived from the recently completed merger with Millennial, including, but not limited to, the goals, synergies, strategies, opportunities, profile, mineral resources and potential production, project timelines, prospective shareholding, integration and comparables to other transactions; the Consolidation; the future financial or operating performance of the Company and the Companys mineral properties and project portfolio; Integras intended use of the net proceeds from the sale of subscription receipts; the results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of technical reports on mineral properties referenced herein; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; the anticipated advancement of the Company mineral properties and project portfolios; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; underground exploration potential; costs and timing of future exploration; the completion and timing of future development studies; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; exploration prospects of mineral properties; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of mineral properties; future growth potential of mineral properties; and future development plans.

Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as may, will, could, would, anticipate, believe, expect, intend, potential, estimate, budget, scheduled, plans, planned, forecasts, goals and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such information is provided. Assumptions and factors include: the integration of the Companies, and realization of benefits therefrom; the Companies ability to complete its planned exploration programs; the Consolidation; the absence of adverse conditions at mineral properties; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; the price of gold remaining at levels that render mineral properties economic; the Companies ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: integration risks; general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; the impact of COVID-19 on the timing of exploration and development work and managements ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Although the Companies have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integras annual report on Form 20-F dated March 17, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and Millennials managements discussion and analysis dated April 28, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

There can be no assurance that forwardlooking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for the purposes of assisting investors in understanding the Companys plans, objectives and goals, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. This news release also contains or references certain market, industry and peer group data, which is based upon information from independent industry publications, market research, analyst reports, surveys, continuous disclosure filings and other publicly available sources. Although the Company believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other inherent limitations and uncertainties. The Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this news release and accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of such data is not guaranteed.

Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves

NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
June 8, 2023  TheNewswire - Vancouver, B.C.  Carmanah Minerals Corp. (CSE:CARM), (Carmanah or the Company) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Baie Verte Brompton projects from Marvel Discovery Corp., and Falcon Gold Corp. Both Falcon and Marvel jointly hold 1402 claims covering 35,050 hectares located along the Baie Verte Brompton Line in Central Newfoundland. Marvel and Falcon jointly have agreed to option their interests in the property to Carmanah Minerals Corp., Carmanah recently announced the acquisition of the Hare Hill Pluton Rare Earth Project covering 162 claims totaling 4050 hectares in Central Newfoundland. The property is directly contiguous to the recent Bottom Brook Acquisition by York Harbour Metals Inc., announced December 21, 2022.

The Hare Hill granitic system is prospective for rare-earth mineralization, as recently reported by York Harbour Metals, whose grab rock samples returned total rare earth oxide grades (TREO) between 3.45% and 21.63% TREO. Previously, Kirrin Resources Inc. reported drilling results that included 4.47% TREO over 5.64m core lengths and 1.16% TREO over 15.3m core lengths on the Bottom Brook project in February 2011.

All of Newfoundlands recent gold production came from Anaconda Mining Inc.s Point Rousse and Rambler Metals Mining Operations on the Baie Verte Peninsula. These two, now past producing mines, along with past producers such as the Terra Nova Mine, and deposits of the Rambler Mining Camp, are in close proximity to the Baie Verte Brompton Line (BVBL). There are more than 100 gold prospects and zones, many of which are orogenic-style, related to major splays and related second-order structures linked to the Baie Verte Brompton Line. Carmanah now controls 70km corridor along the BVBL.

Carmanah will make cash payments totaling $155,000 over a 4-year period and issue 5 million common shares, and 5 million share purchase warrants exercisable at 10 cents per share for a period of 3 years from the date of issue. (3,000,000 shares issued to Marvel and $93,000), (2,000,000 shares issued to Falcon and $62,000) 60/40 split in favor of Marvel. Marvel and Falcons properties will be subject to a 2.5% NSR (Net Smelter Royalty) Carmanah can purchase 1% for $1,000,000 cash payment.



This is a strategic acquisition for Carmanah, as it allows us to control a sizable area of influence next to York Harbors Bottom Brook Property, which has recently announced an aggressive exploration program.



Fraser Reiche, Chief Executive Officer, commented, We are very pleased to have been able to secure this ground from Marvel and Falcon. With the recent acquisition of the Hare Hill pluton and the Baie Verte Brompton projects, this has now given us a very strong foothold in the camp tied to some of the highest-grade rare earth numbers in Central Newfoundland. It also provides us with the potential for a successful new district-scale discovery. We look forward to new developments coming out of the BVBL as the area is quickly becoming known for its rare earth potential.

Figure 1  Location of Carmanah Mineral Corps new optioned ground.

The transaction is considered a non-arms length transaction as a result of the companies having directors and officers in common, and is subject to TSX- V approval.

Qualified Person

Greg Robinson, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Carmanah Minerals Corp.

Carmanah Minerals Corp. is a Canadian junior exploration company focused on a diversified portfolio covering Precious Metals, Energy, and Critical Elements. The Company recently signed a Joint Venture agreement with Marvel Discovery Corp. to earn a 50% interest in the Walker Claims located along the prolific Key Lake fault adjacent to Camecos Mine and Mill in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The Walker and KLR Properties lie within the WollastonMudjactic transition zone (WMTZ) of the eastern Athabasca basin, which is host to the highestgrade uranium mines in the world. Carmanah is also actively exploring the Loljuh gold project, located in the Omineca mining division in British Columbia.

For further information, please view the Companys filings at www.sedar.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fraser Rieche

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Telephone: +1 (604) 670-0019

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

This news release includes certain forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information (collectively, forwardlooking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Companys projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Companys projects and mineral properties, the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, anticipated completion of the Private Placements, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange for the Private Placements, are forwardlooking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as pro forma, plans, expects, will, may, should, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes, potential or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forwardlooking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Companys properties, that the COVID19 global pandemic will not affect the ability of the Company to conduct the exploration program on its mineral properties, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Companys ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Companys proposed expenditures for exploration work on its mineral projects, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID19, as well as those factors discussed under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys prospectus dated April 4, 2022, and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Companys profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forwardlooking statements in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.




VANCOUVER, BC, June 8, 2023 /CNW/ - Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSXV: BSK) (FSE: MAL2) (OTC: BKUCF), ("Blue Sky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 20,000,000 units at a price of $0.075 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,500,000 (the "Offering").

Each unit (a "Unit") will consist of one common share (a "Share") and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share (a "Warrant Share") in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.12 per Warrant Share for three (3) years from the date of issue.

The Units to be issued under the Offering will be offered to purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption ("LIFE") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106  Prospectus Exemptions in all the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and in certain other jurisdictions pursuant to applicable securities laws. The LIFE Units will not be subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document relating to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.blueskyuranium.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

Closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including but not limited to, the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Directors, officers and employees of the Company may participate in a portion of the Offering and any securities issued to such directors and officers are subject to the Exchange's four-month hold period. A commission may be paid to arm's length finders on a portion of the Offering. The proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration programs on the Company's projects in Argentina and for general working capital.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

About Blue Sky Uranium Corp.

Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina. The Company's objective is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers, while respecting the environment, the communities, and the cultures in all the areas in which we work. Blue Sky has the exclusive right to properties in two provinces in Argentina. The Company's flagship Amarillo Grande Project was an in-house discovery of a new district that has the potential to be both a leading domestic supplier of uranium to the growing Argentine market and a new international market supplier. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Nikolaos Cacos"

______________________________________

Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the closing of the Offering, the Company's plans for its mineral properties; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of COVID-19; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary approvals, including Exchange approval for the closing of the Offering, the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws.
A UN court has ruled that ageing Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga is unfit to stand trial, calling instead for an "alternative" legal procedure that would not end in a conviction.

The Hague-based International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals said in an order late Tuesday that it "finds... Mr Felicien Kabuga is unfit to participate meaningfully in his trial and is very unlikely to regain fitness in the future".

Judges said they wanted to "adopt an alternative finding procedure that resembles a trial as closely as possible, but without the possibility of a conviction."

This would "ensure respect for his rights" at the same time as achieving the goals of the court, they said.

One judge gave a dissenting opinion.

Kabuga, 90, went on trial in September last year, with prosecutors accusing him of setting up hate media that urged ethnic Hutus to kill rival Tutsis and supplying death squads with machetes.

The businessman refused to appear in court or appear remotely at the start of his trial and has subsequently followed proceedings via video-link from a wheelchair at the court's detention centre.

The court put the trial on hold in March over health concerns.

Kabuga was arrested in Paris in 2020 after decades on the run and sent for trial in The Hague.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of being involved in an infamous Hutu radical radio station urging people to kill Tutsi "cockroaches" during the 1994 slaughter in which 800,000 people died.

He also denied supplying machetes and otherwise supporting the murderous Interahamwe Hutu militia.

Kabuga is one of the last Rwandan genocide suspects to face justice, with 62 convicted by the tribunal so far.

Another suspect, Fulgence Kayishema, appeared before a court in the South African city of Cape Town in May after being arrested following 22 years on the run.
UN war crimes judges ruled Wednesday that ageing Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga is unfit to stand trial but should still go through a stripped-down legal process.

Former tycoon Kabuga, who is 88 according to officials but claims to be 90, is accused of setting up a hate broadcaster that fuelled the 1994 slaughter of around 800,000 people.

Victims groups condemned the "dismaying" decision by the court in The Hague.

Captured in Paris 2020 after two decades on the run, wheelchair-bound Kabuga went on trial last September but judges said medical experts had now found that he has "severe dementia".

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals said in an order that "Kabuga is unfit to participate meaningfully in his trial and is very unlikely to regain fitness in the future."

Judges instead proposed an "alternative finding procedure that resembles a trial as closely as possible, but without the possibility of a conviction."

It was important to victims, survivors and the international community that the genocide crimes against Kabuga still be addressed in court, the justices added.

One judge dissented.

- 'Genocide mastermind' -

Prosecutors accuse Kabuga, once one of Rwanda's richest men, of being the driving force behind Radio-Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), which urged ethnic Hutus to kill Tutsis with machetes.

Kabuga has pleaded not guilty.

The court first put the trial on hold in March over health concerns, having earlier dismissed bids by Kabuga's defence lawyers to have him declared unfit to stand trial.

Survivors of the genocide accused Kabuga's family and lawyers of using "delaying tactics".

"When Kabuga was arrested after evading justice for more than two decades, we were happy and thought that justice was finally going to be served," said Naphtali Ahishakiye, executive secretary of Ibuka, the genocide survivors group.

"The UN has now made a wrong, dismaying and disappointing ruling," Ahishakiye told AFP in Kigali.

"Nothing is more hurtful than seeing this man, a genocide mastermind and financier, die without facing justice."

In their order on Tuesday, judges said three court-appointed medical experts had found that Kabuga's mental abilities had "significantly deteriorated" since before the trial.

The Rwandan was therefore unable to follow what was going on in court, understand evidence, instruct his lawyers or testify, it said.

- 'Cockroaches' -

But the court said scrapping the trial altogether was "inappropriate".

They stressed the "importance of addressing the crimes against humanity and genocide charges against him to the victims and survivors of those crimes, and to the international community as a whole."

The idea of an alternative legal process had already been tried in some Commonwealth countries and would respect Kabuga's legal rights.

Kabuga would not be required to attend the new legal process, the court added.

The businessman had refused to appear in court or appear remotely at the start of his trial and has subsequently followed proceedings via video-link at the court's detention centre.

Kabuga was arrested in Paris in 2020 after years in hiding using a succession of false passports and aided by a network of former Rwandan allies.

Defence lawyers say he was just a businessman with a minimal role at RTLM, which described Tutsis as "cockroaches" that must be exterminated.

They also denied he supplied machetes and supported the murderous Interahamwe Hutu militia.

Kabuga is one of the last Rwandan genocide suspects to face justice, with 62 convicted by the tribunal so far.

Another suspect, Fulgence Kayishema, appeared before a court in the South African city of Cape Town in May after being arrested following 22 years on the run.

burs-dk/jhe/fg
Ukraine's prime minister said Wednesday that the destruction of the Kakhovka dam was "one of the most significant environmental catastrophes in Europe in recent decades".

Speaking at the OECD in Paris by video link, Denys Shmyhal said "dozens of towns and villages will struggle with potable (drinking) water supply".

He added that the attack would also affect irrigation systems in southern Ukraine "leading to drought and crop failures. This strikes at the heart of global food security".

The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant meant "at least 150 tonnes of machine oil has leaked into the (Dnipro) river with the risk of an additional 300 tonnes seeping out. This poses a threat to the unique flora and fauna."

He called it a "crime against humanity and an ecocide. Therefore Russia must face a powerful and unified response, not mere words".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of detonating an "environmental bomb of mass destruction", saying authorities expected up to 80 settlements to be flooded and urging the world to "react".

Kyiv believes the destruction of the dam -- seized by Russia in the early hours of the war -- was an attempt by Moscow to hamper its long-awaited offensive.

Russia said the dam was partially destroyed by "multiple strikes" from Ukrainian forces and urged the world to condemn Kyiv's "criminal acts".
Thousands fled their homes Wednesday after the destruction of a Russian-held dam in Ukraine flooded dozens of villages and parts of a nearby city, sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster.

Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for the Kakhovka dam being ripped open on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin calling the destruction a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction.

The breach of the dam in southern Ukraine, which provides cooling water for Europe's largest nuclear plant, took place as Ukrainian troops prepared to launch the offensive to recover lost territory.

Downstream from the breached Kakhovka dam, police and troops in Kherson were bringing people out from inundated areas in inflatable boats, most clutching only a few documents or pets.

Despite the evacuations, officials said Russian forces had kept shelling the residential neighbourhoods.

"We're used to shooting, but a natural disaster is a real nightmare," said Nataliya Korzh, 68, who had to swim part of the way to escape from her house.

"I wasn't expecting that," she told AFP.

She emerged from a rescue boat barefoot, her legs covered with scratches, her hands trembling from cold.

"We no longer have a home," said Dmitry Melnikov, 46, who was evacuated with his five children.

"We have been here since the beginning of the war, we survived the occupation," said Melnikov, whose family was being evacuated to the southern city of Mykolaiv.

"But now we have no home, no nothing, no work. We don't want to leave, but what can we do?"

- Erdogan proposes probe -

The water was waist-deep in central streets of Kherson and ground floors of buildings were submerged.

As the mutual recriminations continued, Moscow accused Kyiv of blowing up a section of the Togliatti-Odesa pipeline. Russia used it before the war to export ammonia, and its re-activation had been requested as part of talks for a deal on Ukraine grain exports.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of firing at the pipeline.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed an international commission to investigate the damage after speaking with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky said on Twitter that he had sent Erdogan "a list of Ukraine's urgent needs to eliminate the disaster".

Putin denounced the breach as "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe", according to the Kremlin.

Britain's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told AFP Wednesday that London was unwilling to apportion blame yet and was waiting for "all available facts".

He added, however, that Russia bore ultimate responsibility as "this event is a direct repercussion of Russia's invasion of Ukraine".

Almost 6,000 people have been evacuated from the flooded regions, according to statements from Russian and Ukrainian officials: some 4,000 on the Russian side and nearly 2,000 on the Ukraine side.

The governor of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin, said that ongoing shelling was endangering rescuers and locals.

- 'Environmental bomb' -

The International Committee of the Red Cross said the dam's destruction would hamper efforts to locate landmines in the affected region.

"We knew where the hazards were," said Erik Tollefsen, head of the ICRC's Weapon Contamination Unit. "Now we don't know. All we know is that they are somewhere downstream."

The United Nations warned that hundreds of thousands could be affected on both sides of the frontline.

Zelensky expressed dismay at a lack of help from the UN and Red Cross.

"They are not there," he told Germany's Bild daily, adding that he was "in shock because I think they are the forces who have to be there to save people's lives".

Earlier Wednesday he accused Russia of having detonated an "environmental bomb of mass destruction", saying authorities expected up to 80 settlements with tens of thousands of residents to be flooded.

"This crime carries enormous threats and will have dire consequences for people's lives and the environment," Zelensky said.

But the explosion would "not affect Ukraine's ability to de-occupy its own territories", he added.

Last October, Zelensky accused Russia of planting mines at the dam, warning that its destruction would spur a new wave of refugees into Europe.

- 'Atrocious act' -

Kyiv said 150 tonnes of engine oil had spilled into the river, and the agricultural ministry said about 10 thousand hectares of farmland on the right bank of the river would be flooded and "several times more" on the left bank.

China expressed "serious concern" over the dam destruction, EU chief Charles Michel called it a "war crime" and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemned it as "outrageous".

French President Emmanuel Macron said late Wednesday he would send aid to Ukraine "within the next few hours" in response to the crisis. He condemned the "atrocious act" of the dam's destruction.

Russia has said the dam was partially destroyed by "multiple strikes" from Ukrainian forces and urged the world to condemn Kyiv's "criminal acts".

The reservoir formed by the Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River, built in the 1950s, provides cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant some 150 kilometres (90 miles) away.

Ukraine has warned that the breach endangers the safety of the nuclear plant, though the UN nuclear watchdog agency said there was "no short-term risk".
It's a decision without precedent in international courts, or even beyond. In a ruling made public on June 6, judges of the International Mechanism tasked with the residual functions of international tribunals (UN tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda) agreed by a majority that Felicien Kabuga, the former Rwandan businessman accused of playing a key role in the 1994 genocide, was no longer capable of participating in his trial.

But instead of suspending the trial, as other international tribunals have done in such circumstances, they want an "alternative procedure" to continue trying him while not passing sentence.

Mr. Kabuga's health and his fitness for trial have been central issues in these proceedings from the outset, the trial judges recognized in their decision. Kabuga was arrested just over three years ago in France. As soon as he was transferred in October 2020 to the Mechanism's headquarters in The Hague, two psychiatrists, Henry Kennedy and Gillian Mezey, examined the then 85-year-old (87 according to him) ailing defendant. A year ago, Professor Mezey already considered Kabuga unfit to stand trial, but Professor Kennedy thought the opposite. He deemed that the old man was not yet suffering from senile dementia. The court therefore decided to open the trial on September 29, 2022, while arranging for his state of health to be monitored by the two psychiatrists, joined by neurologist Patrick Cras.

But on December 12, the experts report was alarming. The three Experts agreed that there was evidence of vascular disease affecting Mr. Kabuga's brain and of previous cerebrovascular accidents, and that he had significant deficits in short-term memory, complex decision making, attention and concentration, reasoning and judgment, executive functioning, and communication, the court announced. He also exhibited fluctuations in mood and personality change. While the Experts expressed different views regarding some of Mr. Kabuga's capacities related to fitness, they agreed that he was not able to understand the course of proceedings or details of the evidence and that he would be unable to testify, even with assistance."

Kabuga was no longer fit to stand trial. The experts recommended a new examination within three months. The prosecutor wanted to continue the proceedings "in the interests of justice", but the defence asked for the proceedings to be halted and Kabuga to be released.

The judges rejected this request.

Kabuga deemed unfit

During the first three months of the trial, the chamber was able to sit 29 days - two hours a day, three days a week - and hear 19 prosecution witnesses, mainly behind closed doors. Kabuga was present at 18 hearings, video-linked on three occasions, and absent eight times. The trial was scheduled to resume on January 17. It was postponed several times due to the accused's state of health. From February 14 to March 2, the court sat again and heard four witnesses over six days.

That was until the new report of the three experts, who were unanimous in their conclusion that Kabuga's physical health and mental capacities have deteriorated significantly since their previous assessments, that he now meets the clinical criteria for dementia, and that he cannot meaningfully participate in his trial regardless of trial modalities or accommodations, the court said.

To declare the accused fit or unfit to stand trial, the Chamber applied a test established by the Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. It comprises seven criteria: capacity to (i) plead; (ii) understand the nature of the charges; (iii) understand the course of the proceedings; (iv) understand the details of the evidence; (v) instruct counsel; (vi) understand the consequences of the proceedings; and (vii) testify. For the experts, Kabuga has a "superficial" capacity for three of these, and is no longer in possession of four others: understanding the course of the proceedings, understanding the evidence, giving instructions to his lawyer and testifying. His limited ability to communicate does not enable Mr. Kabuga to participate meaningfully in his trial as such participation would require a higher level of cognitive function than he possesses, they said. The doctors also considered it unlikely that Kabuga could be faking illness.

In their June 6 decision, the majority of judges found that Kabuga is no longer capable of meaningful participation in his trial. It was a victory for the defence.

Judge El Baaj disagrees

As for the prosecution, it can take some consolation from the dissenting opinion of Moroccan judge Mustapha el Baaj. In his view, the defence has not "made a legal demonstration" that Kabuga is unfit. He considers the expert report issued in March to be "superficial and incomplete". The determination of the fitness to stand trial is not a mere addition of the capacities an accused has, or does not have. On the contrary, I consider that the relevant standard requires an assessment of an overall capacity allowing for a meaningful participation in the trial, provided that he is duly represented by counsel. And for him, this criterion is met. Drawing on case law from a former UN tribunal in East Timor, he points out that "a court need not determine whether the individual operates at the highest level of functioning. Rather, the test is whether the defendant satisfied certain minimum requirements. Additionally, some common law jurisdictions explicitly recognize that insanity or amnesia alone is not enough to conclude that a person is unfit to stand trial.

Judge El Baaj also rejects the experts' conclusion that Kabuga's illness is irreversible. He cites, for example, the fact that Kabuga sometimes waived his right to be present at hearings when he was requesting dismissal of his lawyer, only to attend each hearing once this request had been rejected by the court. This constitutes, in my opinion, an indication of Kabuga's capacity to understand the course of the proceedings, he writes.

According to him, the prosecution has already presented around half of the prosecution witnesses expected, and the defence has had time to establish its strategy. He submits that international law has changed over the last two decades with regard to disabled defendants, and that "a declaration of unfitness in itself, when the accused still has the ability to express his will and preference, amounts to denying to a discernible person his or her humanity, in reducing him or her as a mere object in the room.

So, according to El Baaj, Kabuga's rights are violated by declaring him unfit, even though it is his lawyers who are requesting this on his behalf.

Interests of the accused, the victims or the Mechanism?

Indeed, it seems everyone has the interests of the accused so much at heart that protecting them means, on one point or another, going against his will or that of his lawyers.

But what can be done once the accused is no longer fit to answer the charges brought against him? It turns out that neither the prosecutor nor the judges want to stop the judicial machine. After a final verdict on May 31 concerning the former Yugoslavia, Kabuga is the Mechanism's last trial. Salaries and careers are at stake. Fortunately, the prosecutor has proposed an "alternative procedure": a "review of the facts". According to him, this is "a superior way of respecting Mr. Kabuga's rights and effectuating the goals for which the Mechanism was established". And the same two judges who declared Kabuga unfit to stand trial - Iain Bonomy of the UK and Margaret M. deGuzman of the US - agree that "respect for Mr. Kabuga's rights supports adopting an alternative procedure rather than staying the proceedings without providing him any opportunity for exoneration and unconditional release.

The Chamber identifies three options in the situation where an accused is declared unfit: staying proceedings, simply suspending them, or conducting alternative proceedings. It observes that no international tribunal has opted to stay proceedings, and notes that the only precedent truly comparable to the Kabuga case is that of Ieng Thirith, a former Khmer Rouge minister in Pol Pot's government in Cambodia. Deemed to be suffering from senile dementia just before the start of her trial, her case was suspended. Less than a year later, as her illness was considered irreversible, she was released and died three years later at home.

But for the Chamber, the Kabuga case is "different". Staying proceedings in this case is not the best way to effectuate the goals of the Mechanism, including combating impunity and contributing to the restoration and maintenance of peace in Rwanda, it said. Such a stay would leave victims and survivors without any findings in relation to allegations of conduct attributed to Mr. Kabuga. Finally, the Trial Chamber notes that Mr. Kabuga's decision to evade justice for more than two decades resulted in the present situation, making it particularly unfair to privilege his preference for termination or stay of proceedings over the needs of victims and survivors. There is a strong public interest in the conduct of proceedings against persons accused of serious international crimes.

A very alternative procedure

As no international tribunal has ever planned or organized such an alternative procedure, judges had to look elsewhere for examples. They seem to be few and far between, and also have a number of shortcomings: they refrain from passing sentence, and they deal only with the guilty act (actus reus), not with criminal intent (mens rea). This poses a problem when dealing with crimes against humanity, particularly genocide, where the perpetrator's intent is central. The judges of the Mechanism accept that they cannot convict, but are reluctant not to be able to assess criminal intent.

So they needed to be innovative. "Many of the charges against Mr. Kabuga hinge on his mental state. To limit the alternative procedure to a finding of facts would deny Mr. Kabuga significant lines of defence and opportunities for acquittal. Moreover, the Prosecution has agreed that it should be required to prove mens rea, as well as actus reus, and to do so beyond all reasonable doubt. () Because Mr. Kabuga is very unlikely to regain fitness, the best way to ensure respect for his rights and effectuate the goals of the Mechanism is to adopt an alternative finding procedure that resembles a trial as closely as possible, but without the possibility of a conviction," conclude the two judges.

And so the miracle happened. Kabuga's presence is no longer deemed necessary. He will no longer be asked to attend. It is no longer necessary to limit the number of hearing days. This will resemble a criminal trial, but without formal punishment. It seems agreed that a "non-acquittal" could be pronounced.

Judge El Baaj still disagrees

It's a victory for the prosecutor. For the defence, there is no legal basis for such a procedure, which "would amount to an abuse of discretionary power and violate the principle of legality".

And it was Kabuga's lawyers who, this time, could take comfort in the dissenting opinion of Judge el Baaj, who decidedly disagreed on everything. "The procedure proposed by the Majority is based on a vague and ambiguous concept", writes the dissenting judge, for whom such an undertaking "entails grave breaches to the fundamental rights of the Accused, including his right to be present and to defend himself, as well as his right against arbitrary detention, and does not have any basis in the legal framework of the Mechanism, namely its Statute, Rules and jurisprudence". In his view, the Chamber is committing an abuse of the law by resorting to this alternative, which violates the principle of legality and the principle of equality. What's more, this does not fit into the fight against impunity "since such procedures, in removing any possibility of conviction and consequently of punitive sanction, are being deprived of their criminal nature".

He writes that less than ten countries around the world, and only from the common-law tradition, adopted procedures comparable to an alternative finding procedure, and that this cannot therefore constitute a general principle of law. In his view, such a procedure is even in direct violation of the Mechanism's code of procedure. Furthermore, "the issue of Kabuga's hypothetical detention if a verdict of 'non- acquittal' were to be reached is also an unknown."

Appeal pending

"I am of the view that the public interest and general objectives such as peace and reconciliation cannot justify the implementation of such innovative criminal procedure", concludes Judge el Baaj. For him, the jurisprudence of international tribunals is clear: if the accused is unfit, the proceedings are suspended.

His opinion therefore reads like a perfect draft of the appeal that the defence is sure to file. Kabuga's lawyers have a week to do so, and the Chamber already seems to have anticipated the move by declaring that the "trial" can only resume once this right of appeal has been exhausted. By the time a final decision is reached, the three medical experts will no doubt have delivered their new report on Kabuga's state of health, due in September.
"Bloodhounds" director and screenwriter Jason Kim spoke about Kim Sae Ron's parts in the upcoming series as the cast graced the press conference.

Ahead of the much-awaited release of the webtoon-based series, the cast and director dished on their thoughts and experience filming the K-drama. Joining director Jason Kim at the media briefing are lead stars Woo Do Hwan, Lee Sang Yi, and Park Sung Woong.

Why Did Director Jason Kim Refuse to Edit Out Kim Sae Ron Despite Her Controversy?

After the officials confirmed the cast lineup, viewers expected an interesting team-up between the actors, especially since "Bloodhounds" boasts a mix of up-and-coming stars and veteran actors.

Apart from the trio, award-winning actor Heo Joon Ho of "Escape of Mogadishu" also joined as the drama's lead star, while Kim Sae Ron and rookie actress Jung Da Eun played as supporting roles.

However, at the height of the K-drama's filming, one of the cast members got embroiled in a controversy. Due to this, some of Kim Sae Ron's upcoming projects were affected by the scandal. The actress also withdrew from "Trolley."

"Kim Sae Ron's agency has sent us their intention to have her drop out of the K-Drama alongside their apology," a representative from the production team cited, as obtained by a media outlet.

Despite this, "Bloodhounds" continued to cast Kim Sae Ron and was able to retain her character, Cha Hyeon Joo.

Although Netflix officials previously mentioned that the scandal-ridden actress would "no longer participate" in the series, it was clarified that her screentime would be reduced instead of edited all out.

Due to this, the media asked Director Jason Kim to continue to include the actress in the soon-to-be released K-drama.

At the "Bloodhounds" press conference, the filmmaker revealed that it was to "minimize inconvenience," and considered the effort of the crew since the people behind the series "put in thousands of hours" to deliver the scenes.

Moreover, Director Jason Kim also shared that in order to achieve this, he tried "not to break the story," adding, "I tried to improve the completeness of the plot while minimizing the amount of Kim Sae Ron's air time."

Kim Sae Ron's DIU to Stepping Down in 'Trolley'

Back in May 2022, news broke that Kim Sae Ron was booked for DUI, or driving under the influence, after she crashed into public properties in a street in Cheongdam, Gangnam.

Due to this, several business establishments and residential areas were affected by the incident. After test results showed the level of alcohol in her body, Kim Sae Ron stepped down from "Trolley" and posted a handwritten apology to the public.

On the other hand, viewers are thrilled to witness the amazing team-up of Woo Do Hwan and Lee Sang Yi in the upcoming noir-action drama, which will be released on June 9 exclusively on Netflix.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Greyhound bus service in Kelowna is long gone and the depot that once stood at Enterprise Way and Leckie Avenue has been torn down, but the sign still shows the logo of the once-iconic bus line.
A Royal Newfoundland Constabulary police car is shown in St. John's in a June 2020 photo. Police in Newfoundland and Labrador have issued an Amber Alert for a 14-year-old girl who has been missing since Friday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sarah Smellie
The sun rises over a hazy New York City skyline as seen from Jersey City, N.J., Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Seth Wenig
I retired early from the profession I loved because the devolution of the health care system had made it impossible for me to care for my patients in a manner that met my standards. It also left me with a wound of moral injury which makes me leery of re-engaging with our health care system.

My early career

My first post-training job (1989) as a physician was in a BCBS clinic. After two years, it became clear that taking care of young, healthy patients was not much fun or interesting.

I subsequently joined Dr. LPs private practice, where I learned how to run a private practice and began building an electronic medical record program, ComChart EMR, which would become an important tool in my office and a small commercial success that connected me with physicians across the country.

A few years later, I decided to build my own private endocrine-internal medicine practice.

Improving health care with health information technology

In the early-mid-1990s, I was curious about medicine, a physician in private practice who created his own electronic health record (EHR) program. Thus, I began writing about health information technology, lecturing, and working with the Massachusetts Medical Society with the hope of improving health care through health IT.

As I customized ComChart EMR, my practice became exceptionally efficient, and in the mid-late 2000s, my local hospital put a newly employed and recently trained endocrinologist (Dr. MA) into my practice.

The medical practice environment changes

In 2017, my health care environment shifted, indicating a need to become an employed physician at the hospitals new diabetes and endocrine center. As part of the contract, the hospital permitted Dr. MA and me to continue using ComChart EMR, even though the physicians would have to use Cerner. The hospital also promised to allow the physicians to run the newly created diabetes and endocrine center because Its your office.

That is not what happened.

The institution installed an office manager who was a direct report to an institution bureaucrat, and they repeatedly ignored the physicians entreaties to fix the clinics deficiencies and inefficiencies.

Despite it being obvious that ComChart EMR was a far more efficient EHR than Cerner, the institution eventually forced Dr. MA to switch to Cerner.

When the institution switched from Cerner to Epic, I too transitioned to Epic as I was interested to learn the leading EHR, and it would make it easier for the physician who would replace me when I retired.

While Epic is a very well-designed and comprehensive EHR, and it shares ComCharts design philosophy (i.e., bring the relevant information to the physician at the point of care), Epic had a steep learning curve, and it lacked some of ComCharts features.

Roadblocks by institutional bureaucrats

The transition to Epic was poorly executed. The training was abysmal, and when I needed technical support, I was only able to contact a non-technical person who took the information and passed it on to the real technical support team. This inability to solve an IT problem at the point of care significantly disrupted my ability to take care of my patients and heightened the stress level in an already stressful practice. Eventually, I, and many others, stopped wasting our time calling tech support.

The Epic IT group also refused to add many of the features which I told them would improve my (and others) ability to take care of their patients. I explained that I created an extremely highly rated EHR, and I knew what physicians needed, but they thought they were the experts.

Given our inability to fix our practice environment and the resultant high level of stress, three of five endocrinologists resigned.

When I confronted an administrator about the clinics serious deficiencies, their response was, again, weve got this under control or well talk about this in the future.

When I complained to one of the institutional bureaucrats about the dire situation, they responded, Are you accusing me of being incompetent? I replied that they were as competent as I would be if I were the institutions senior attorney or CFO.

Toward the end of my medical career, my wife made it clear that she thought I was under too much stress and was very unhappy. I attributed this to physician burnout (practice environment, COVID, new EHR, abysmally designed health care system) but felt I should soldier on.

It is time to make a change.

Ultimately, my frustration culminated in a regrettably angry interaction with my associate, Dr. MA, who was the physician who was technically in charge of the clinic. In reality, the office was run by the institutional bureaucrats through their office manager, who made all the decisions. It was most unprofessional on my part, but I was at my wits end. I subsequently apologized to Dr. MA.

In hindsight, this encounter was probably the precipitating event that pushed me to consider accelerating my retirement plans.

Soon thereafter, while standing at the top of a spectacularly beautiful mountain pass in Alaska, I had a moment of cognitive clarity.

When I returned to my tent that night, I wrote an email to the hospital president, which included the following:

I am retiring two years prematurely because institutional constraints at [the facility] have made it impossible for me to provide care to my patients in a manner that meets my professional standards while simultaneously inducing an unacceptable level of stress which occurs when I am unable to meet my own standards. I believe it is for similar reasons that three other physicians and one NP have already resigned from [the facility].

It has now been five months since I saw my last patient, and I believe I can begin to back at these events with a bit more objectivity.

The hurt and consequences of moral injury

Recently, two physicians told me about moral injury.

Moral injury occurs when we perpetrate, bear witness to, or fail to prevent an act that transgresses our deeply held moral beliefs. In the health care context, that deeply held moral belief is the oath each of us took when embarking on our paths as health care providers: Put the needs of patients first. That oath is the lynchpin of our working lives and our guiding principle when searching for the right course of action. But as clinicians, we are increasingly forced to consider the demands of other stakeholdersthe electronic medical record (EMR), the insurers, the hospital, the health care system, even our own financial securitybefore the needs of our patients. Every time we are forced to make a decision that contravenes our patients best interests, we feel a sting of moral injustice. Over time, these repetitive insults amass into moral injury The difference between burnout and moral injury is important because using different terminology reframes the problem and the solutions. Burnout suggests that the problem resides within the individual, who is in some way deficient  Moral injury locates the source of distress in a broken system, not a broken individual, and allows us to direct solutions at the causes of distress.

I now understand that the reason I retired two years prematurely was an attempt to protect myself from additional moral injury.

I remain furious that our health care system is not what it should be. I am mad at the CHIPHIT complex, (the Consolidated Healthcare institutions, the Insurance companies, the Pharmaceutical companies, the Health Information Technology companies) and the Federal Government, who were all complicit in creating the current version of the U.S. health care system.

I am also disappointed that the Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Medical Association have allowed OUR health care system to be taken over by the CHIPHIT complex. Long ago, the warning signs were clear that they should have taken a stand against corporate medicine and rallied U.S. physicians against meaningful use, formularies, prior authorizations, insurance company mandates, and all the other daily impediments which hinder a physicians ability to take care of their patients.

Our health care system now treats physicians as vendors while corporations prioritize profits over quality care. And the situation is about to get much worse as venture capital firms are buying up lucrative medical practices.

The vast majority of physicians, PAs, NPs, nurses, pharmacists, and patients would agree that the U.S. health care system is not working and innumerable academic studies have demonstrated that the U.S. health care systems quality is inferior, our costs are higher, and patient satisfaction is lower than comparable industrialized countries  but that is beyond the scope of this essay.

Even the CMO of one of the major health insurance companies in Massachusetts confessed to me: Our health care system isnt working. We need single-payer, even though it would cost me my job.

I am also weary of listening to some espouse the benefits of a more capitalistic health care system. For decades, capitalism has serially transformed our health care system into todays mess. Other nations have shown us how to design a less costly, higher quality health care system; capitalism is not the answer.

Now that I am fully retired, my wife has commented that I am less stressed and happier.

And I am glad I retired when I did.

A few weeks ago, I attended my second MIT Grand Medical Hackathon. I reluctantly left the conference early because I did not believe that the problems being discussed were going to fix our dysfunctional health care system. In hindsight, I wonder if my decision to leave the conference prematurely (I was/am very ambivalent about my decision to leave) was partly a result of my need to protect myself from incurring additional moral injury.

I have accumulated a wealth of experience which would be helpful to those who are trying to fix our health care system. I hope my wounds heal quickly so I can assist them in the fight to build a better health care system for all Americans.

Hayward Zwerling is an endocrinologist who blogs at I Have an Idea.
139 Shares Share

Landmark legislation was signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on May 2, 2023. Senate Bill 197, the Health Care Practitioners Truth and Transparency Act, is likely the most comprehensive state law promoting exactly what its name promises: truth and transparency, in this case regarding health care credentials.

Informed consent for a patient means, in part, that the patient understands exactly who is treating them. This new Georgia law is a huge step in the right direction. But there is a glaring truth and transparency problem within our health care language that remains pervasive and should be addressed: the word provider.

Language is a powerful tool. Language doesnt just convey thoughts; it shapes thoughts.

The word provider has no positive connotations within health care. There is some controversy regarding its origins related to health care. Some reports link the word back to World War II, when the Nazi regime stripped Jewish physicians of their titles, branding them behandlers (translated to provider by some) instead of physicians. Regardless of any translation concerns, the intent was clear: to reduce the education and training of physicians to something less, to obscure their expertise, to dehumanize them and demoralize them.

Other reports note that provider was introduced in the 1960s as part of Medicare. The word was used in the sense of a contractor being paid for paid for delivering health-related products and services. Over the following decades, the word grew to include any professional caring for patients. Here, the word provider is used to create a transactional relationship between physicians and patients, and it has the effect of dehumanizing health care.

No have it your way health care

Most patients do not want to be seen as consumers. They want to feel empowered and be a partner in their own care, but they do not want to shop around, especially when it comes to their primary care, where an ongoing, trusting relationship is key.

Our value as physicians is not based on what we provide. It is based on the relationships we form with our patients, the trust and expertise we employ, and the personalized care we give. We are so much more than the boxes we click, the medications we prescribe, or the tests we order. What we do provide is not meant to satisfy some market demand, but to augment our diagnostic acumen and best serve our patients in a dynamic, individualized way.

Blurring the lines

Patient care today is typically delivered by a team of professionals, each serving our patients in our own unique way, based on our distinct training, education, licensure, and expertise.

Who, exactly, is that white-coat-clad provider that just walked out of your fathers hospital room? Unless they told you specifically, you wouldnt know. They could be a physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or any of the other professionals on a health care team.

Imagine calling Peyton Manning a pass provider, or your attorney a law provider. No physician ever dreamed of going to provider school.

The word provider blurs professional lines, making everyone on the health care team seem homogenous and interchangeable. The nomenclature strips professionals of their earned titles and ignores their unique training, education, credentials, and expertise.

Depersonalization in health care

Being referred to as a provider is offensive to many physicians and other health professionals, who find the word demeans their profession, ignores their level of training, and belittles their unique contribution to care. This sort of depersonalization causes moral injury, which contributes to burnout.

In 1993, William Safire shared these prescient words:

As a physician, I am somewhat distressed at being called a health care provider, writes David A. Worth, M.D., P.A., of Union, N.J., rather than a doctor, a physician or a professional. He suspects he knows why the new nomenclature is being adopted: It is easy to regulate providers but more difficult to regulate doctors, as people have a mental picture of their own doctors care. Let us not devalue our physicians by terming them providers. This is just one step away from limiting what they say and depriving them of their ability to make professional decisions.

When physicians speak up regarding patient safety or transparency concerns, or even ask not to be called providers, they are often labeled disruptive or accused of creating a hostile work environment. Dr. Worth was right, and he wrote those words three decades ago.

Changing the lexicon

How can we remedy this provider situation? We must change our language and root out the word provider from every connection to individual health care professionals.

1. Every professional organization should adopt policies banning the use of the word provider to describe health care professionals. Many large physician organizations have policies maligning the word provider, some even banning the word from their publications and conferences. All medical professional organizations should adopt such policies and actively enforce them in every form of communication.

2. Hospitals and other health care facilities should encourage transparency by creating and enforcing policies to remove the word provider from usage.

Recognizing the potential for patient confusion and the moral injury it causes physicians should be reason enough to remove the word provider from hospitals. EHR systems should be configured so that each professional is accurately identified by their licensure, not as a provider.

3. Health care staff must be trained to use individual titles, rather than the word provider. Staff should use titles and licensure to describe health care professionals at their workplace.

4. Patients should be empowered and feel encouraged to ask about credentials. No patient should ever be shamed for asking for clarity of health care credentials, and they should never be confused by provider.

In this era of instant access to information, we must be constantly aware of the illusory truth effect: when a statement is repeated enough, we tend to believe it, no matter how false it may be. The effect is so powerful that repetition can persuade us to believe information we know is false in the first place.

If ever words have mattered, it is now.

Carmen Kavali is a plastic surgeon.
President Museveni has assured those who identify as homosexuals that they will not be arrested if they go for medical care.

Delivering his State of the Nation address yesterday, the president maintained that it is not criminal for one to be a homosexual because it is a result of psychological disorientation.

He says homosexuality only becomes criminal if it goes from merely being to promotion and recruitment.

Museveni has meanwhile revealed that amendments will be made to the Anti homosexuality law he recently signed arguing that there is some irrationality.

He has cited the clause which forces employers to know who is a homosexual in the company or landlords to know which tenants are homosexuals.

Then what does the law fight? It fights these homosexuals when he or she goes from merely being and starts recruiting other people who are not psychologically disoriented like him or her, this is the law I signed, Museveni said on Wednesday.

The president has pledged to give a detailed address on homosexuality before the end of the month.
President Museveni who has been keen on observing Covid-19 standard operating procedures even after the World Health Organization declared the pandemic as no longer a global threat has tested positive for the virus.

The development was confirmed last night by the Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, who says the president was diagnosed with Covid-19 after presenting with mild flu-like symptoms.

She however says the president is in robust health and continues to carry out his duties while adhering to standard operating procedures including social distancing.

Today June 7, 2023 H.E The President tested positive for covid-19 . This was after developing mild flue -like symptoms. However he is in robust heath and continues to perform his duties normally while adhering to SOPs, Atwine said in a Wednesday night tweet.

While delivering his State of the Nation address on Wednesday, the president revealed that he was a Covid-19 suspect.

This comes just a day after the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mattias Mpuuga raised concern over what he called a wastage of public resources on Covid tests for people meeting the president.

He cited yesterdays State of the Nation address where all MPs and over 2000 officials in attendance had to be subjected to a Covid-19 test.

Currently, the average cost of a Covid test is Shs 150,000.

This latest development has left many Ugandans wondering whether another pandemic outbreak looms, fears that the Ministry of Mealth has downplayed.
By AFP

Pope Francis was said to be awake and cheerful Wednesday after undergoing a three-hour hernia operation which has revived concerns over the 86-year-olds increasingly fragile health.

The Argentine pontiff had been admitted earlier in the day to the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he is expected to stay for several days. The Holy Father reacted well both to the surgery and the anaesthesia.

He is already awake he has already cracked a joke, the surgeon who operated on him, Sergio Alfieri, told reporters. Read more
The banking crisis may no longer be acute, but there are enough risks to consider, such as recession, the collapse of the corporate real estate market, and the Federal Reserve's aggressive monetary policy. If not cut and run, perhaps now is the time to fully diversify.

But cash now might not be the best option. Judging by the $5.4 trillion in inflows to money market funds (MDFs), they look much more attractive for weathering the storm or even trying to capitalize on it should Treasury yields plummet.

The question is whether they will really fall, given that new government bonds worth $1 trillion will be issued in the next few months. On the other hand, if the Fed does take a pause, the dollar will not have the best prospects either.

What the heck is a money market fund?

In short, it is a mutual fund that invests in high-quality assets like US government securities and government-sponsored enterprises. It has low risk but offers a yield of around 4%. The minimum initial investment is typically between $500 to $5,000.

As mentioned earlier, money funds allow benefiting from changes in monetary policy. Investors who did not have enough money to buy Treasury bills or corporate securities could invest in the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquid Government Securities Fund or the State Street US Government Money Market Fund.

Aren't MMFs a direct threat to banks?

In the long run, no. Although there has been a recent change of ownership, the financial industry will eventually stabilize and some funds may come back. However, it remains to be seen how long this process will take if there is a recession in the U.S. economy.

Banks face bigger challenges, such as tighter credit conditions that could negatively impact U.S. economic growth and put pressure on profit margins; new players entering the market, such as Apple, or the introduction of CBDC.

To mitigate risks, investors should consider diversifying their portfolios and ensuring that the banks where they keep their money are capable of withstanding significant changes and avoiding bankruptcy.

What about Europe?

European shares have benefited from a decline in energy prices, the lifting of restrictive measures in China, and the resolution of global supply chain issues, resulting in a decline in freight rates. Still, the outlook remains bleak amid slowing growth and reduced liquidity.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley, for example, expect a 10% correction during the summer months. The pretext for the decline could be problems in the real estate market and shadow banking sector in China, a decline in business activity in the U.S., as well as rising oil prices.

Not surprisingly, money market funds recorded net inflows of 11 billion in April. However, it should be remembered that about 90% of the assets of European money market funds are invested in financial debt, which is not considered any safer than bank deposits.

What about gold?

As with the economy, the outlook remains murky. Some expect a decline, others an increase. According to UBS analysts, for example, central banks' appetite for gold could drive its cost up to $2100 by the end of the year.

Historical data also support growth: when 70% of the U.S. government bond yield curve is inverted, gold outperformed the S&P500 in the following 24 months. The challenge now is to reach the traders' heads and shoulders minds and fingers.

However, traders are currently focused on factors such as an overheated labor market, hawkish comments from Fed members, and a strengthening dollar. Unless the rhetoric improves, XAUUSD could drop back to $1,950.

So, who is to be believed? Only your brain cells, or at least your intuition. But if you're considering a short-term investment, be cautious and prepared for potential spikes in volatility. A hint: pay particular attention to the incoming macroeconomic data.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - John Reed Stark, a former attorney for the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has issued a stark warning to crypto investors in the wake of the regulator's lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance: Get out of crypto platforms now, I can't say it any plainer.

Stark made his plea via Twitter on Thursday. Having worked as an attorney in the SEC Enforcement Division for almost 20 years (including 11 years as Chief of the SEC Office of Internet Enforcement), I believe that we now know for certain that crypto trading platforms are under a U.S. regulatory/law enforcement siege which has only just begun, he said.

In an effort to get past the expected pushback, Stark noted that he is typically an outspoken and dedicated SEC critic, has no stake of any kind in the cryptoverse, and is 100% objective, independent and neutral.

From there, Stark went on to say what many in the industry have been trying to avoid: My take is that the SEC is spot-on with their crypto-related enforcement efforts. No matter what the carnival barkers promise, it is axiomatic that crypto trading platforms are high-risk, perilous and inherently unsafe.

After reviewing what the SECs registration process requires of financial firms  including mandates that investor funds and securities be handled appropriately without conflicts of interest and the requirement for adequate disclosures regarding their trading policies, practices and procedures  Stark emphasized that entities providing financial services must carefully handle access to, and control of, investor funds, and provide all users with adequate protection and fortification.

While the SEC has unlimited and instantaneous visibility into every aspect of operations with traditional financial firms that are registered with the regulator, with crypto trading platforms, the SEC lacks any sort of oversight and access  and has scant ability to detect, investigate and deter fraudulent conduct, he said.

This results in an unsupervised crypto marketplace that lacks the protections that are afforded to participants in other financial markets that fall under the purview of the SEC, he said.

The list of protections that are unavailable in crypto includes a transparent surveillance program provided by an SEC-registered broker-dealer or investment advisor; the ability to detect individual misconduct and enforce violations; the ability to analyze or verify market trading and clearing activity, customer identities and other critical data for risk and fraud; traditional accountability structures and fiduciaries of financial firms; and the compliance systems, personnel and infrastructure that allow the SEC to know where crypto came from or who holds most of it.

Stark said that the lack of crypto regulations has led to a chasm in customer protection on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Crypto trading platforms have no record-keeping and archiving requirements with respect to operations, communications, trading or any other aspect of business; no requirements regarding the pricing or order flow of transactions or the use internal platforms and payment systems by employees; no reason to abide by U.S. statutes and rules prohibiting manipulation, insider trading, trading ahead of customers and other fraudulent behavior by customers or employees; and no obligation to have in place internal compliance, customer service and whistleblower teams to address and archive customer complaints, he said.

These firms also have no minimum financial standards for operation, liquidity, and net capital, and no U.S. governmental team of objective auditors and examiners to inspect and scrutinize the fairness, execution and transparency of transactions, which presents an extreme risk to investors on these platforms.

It's all straight-forward and commonsensical, Stark said. SEC registration establishes critical requirements that protect investors from individual risk and protect capital markets from global systemic risk. The requirements also make U.S. markets among the safest, most robust, most vibrant and most desirable marketplaces in the world.

Despite the objections put forward by many in the crypto space, Stark argues that the crypto industry has been operating outside the bounds of what financial markets in the U.S. have traditionally had to adhere to, and if the asset class wishes to become established and widely accepted, it will need to come into regulatory compliance.

This helps to explain the uptick in enforcement actions by the SEC against crypto firms in the six months since the bankruptcy of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange. The agency saw a rapid escalation in its efforts to regulate the industry in the second half of 2022 as compared to the previous five years. The total number of enforcement actions in the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 were 5, 3, 6, and 5, respectively, as compared to 12 enforcement actions in the second half of 2022 and 17 enforcement actions in the first half of 2023.
LONDON, June 8 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs (GS.N), JPMorgan (JPM.N) and Morgan Stanley (MS.N) are reviewing their prime broking relationships with Odey Asset Management after allegations of sexual misconduct were reported by the Financial Times and Tortoise Media on Thursday, sources familiar with the matter said.

The FT reported that 13 women alleged founder and owner Crispin Odey had sexually assaulted or harassed them over a 25-year period.

"This is a rehash of an old article and none of the allegations have been stood up in a courtroom or an investigation," Crispin Odey told Reuters by phone.

Odey was cleared of indecent assault charges by a British court in 2021. The UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, has been investigating Odey since 2021.

An FCA spokesperson said: We are unable to comment on individuals or specific firms. However, we take allegations of non-financial misconduct seriously and expect firms to have adequate governance procedures in place that ensures allegations of misconduct are properly investigated.

Odey Asset Management did not respond immediately to four phone calls and four emails requesting comment on the bank reviews and the FCA investigation, including Goldman Sachs.

Referring to Morgan Stanley's plans to cut back its prime broking relationship with Odey Asset Management, Odey told Reuters: "That is a massively quick reaction to an allegation by the FT."

The FT was also the first to report news of Morgan Stanley's decision, which a source confirmed to Reuters independently.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters JPMorgan was also reviewing its relationship with Odey Asset Management.

Prime brokers lend hedge funds the money they need in order to facilitate investments. Their backing can be essential to the functioning of the hedge fund.

A source at one of the banks said the allegations of misconduct at Odey Asset Management conflicted with their standards.

Duncan Lamont, a consultant at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, which represents Odey Asset Management, did not respond to repeated calls and emails asking for comment.

Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan declined to comment. UBS and Goldman Sachs, whose regulatory filings also show them as prime brokers to Odey Asset Management, also declined to comment.

Crispin Odey, one of Britain's best-known hedge fund managers and a leading backer of Brexit, came to prominence during the 2008 financial crisis when he made a fortune shorting banking shares.

Reuters reported in September 2022 that Odey Asset Management oversaw about 4 billion pounds in assets.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) submitted a new court filing on Wednesday in support of their lawsuit against Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, detailing billions of dollars in transfers between the exchanges U.S. accounts, entities controlled by founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), and other firms.

On June 5, the SEC filed a 13-charge lawsuit against Binance and Zhao accusing them of operating an illegal platform in the U.S. and misusing customer funds. The following day, the United States District of Columbia court granted the SECs request for an emergency restraining order to freeze the assets of Binance.US.

The SEC alleges that customer funds were illegally diverted to Sigma Chain, a trading entity controlled by Zhao, and used to engage in fraudulent trades that inflated Binances true trading volume. The filing also says that Binance concealed the fact that it commingled billions of dollars in customer assets that were sent to Merit Peak, another third-party entity owned by Zhao.

Wednesdays new filing was submitted to the court by Sachin Verma, Assistant Chief Accountant in the Division of Enforcement. Verma said the information in the filing is based upon my personal review of financial records such as bank statements, deposits, cancelled checks, wire transfers, signature cards, and other account documents produced to the SEC by the defendants, Silvergate Bank, Signature Bank, FedWire and other parties.

The filing maps the complex flows between various Signature and Silvergate accounts, some ostensibly belonging to Binance and others directly controlled by Zhao, and a web of other offshore entities such as Merit Peak and Key Vision allegedly controlled by Zhao and his associates.

Between 2019 and 2021, Merit Peak accounts received $22 billion, including approximately $11 billion from Key Vision, $7.2 billion from other Binance entities, and $1.2 billion from BAM Trading, Verma wrote. Merit Peak paid most of that money - $21.6 billion - to a foreign affiliate of Paxos TrustCompany, LLC (Paxos) the issuer of BUSD.

On Feb. 13, stablecoin issuer Paxos Trust announced they would stop issuing the Binance USD coin (BUSD), the third largest stablecoin by market cap, following an order from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), just hours after Paxos received a Wells notice from the SEC informing them that the SEC considers BUSD to be an unregistered security.

Shortly afterward, Paxos announced that it would end its relationship with Binance for BUSD.

When news of the Paxos decision broke, CZ was quick to distance himself from the issuer and minimize Binances involvement with the BUSD token.

We were informed by Paxos they have been directed to cease minting new BUSD by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), he wrote. Paxos is regulated by NYDFS. BUSD is a stablecoin wholly owned and managed by Paxos. He also added that The lawsuit is between the US SEC & Paxos.

But the wording of the NYDFS statement on their action suggests that U.S. regulators saw Binance as the problem.

The NYDFS cited several unresolved issues related to Paxos oversight of its relationship with Binance in regard to Paxos-issued BUSD, and explained that while they authorized Paxos to issue BUSD on the Ethereum blockchain, they did not authorize Binance-Peg BUSD on any blockchain, and Binance-Peg BUSD is not issued by Paxos. This directly contradicted CZs assertion that Paxos was solely responsible for all BUSD.

Taken together with Mondays filing and previous reports, it appears that the SEC is attempting to build a case: that Binance.US was directly controlled by Zhao despite their assertions to the contrary; that Binance.US customer funds were commingled with those of the main Binance exchange and Zhaos own funds; that billions in commingled exchange funds were funneled to and through Zhao-controlled entities to his personal advantage and profit; that a Zhao-controlled entity actively traded back into the Binance exchange to artificially inflate volumes; and that billions of dollars were illegally converted into the BUSD stablecoin by Binance directly rather than through Paxos on the Ethereum blockchain.

As they have at every stage, Binance continues to deny the allegations. The SEC's latest filing represents legal maneuvering rather than genuine concern for Binance.US customers and the safety of their assets, Binance.US tweeted. The SEC has shown in bringing this case, and countless others, that its true interest lies in political grandstanding and land grabbing, not in protecting consumers or allowing businesses to thrive in the US. We continue to believe the SEC's allegations are baseless and we look forward to defending ourselves in court.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - The lead prosecutor of South Koreas investigation into the collapse of Terraform Labs said that company founder Do Kwon could serve decades-long consecutive prison sentences in both his native country and the United States.

Kwon and Terraforms chief financial officer Han Chang-Joon were arrested in Montenegro on Mar. 23 after being caught attempting to travel to Dubai under fake Costa Rican traveling documents. The pair also had Belgian and South Korean travel documents, and Montenegrin authorities said the Belgian documents were also forged.

Dan Sunghan, director of the financial crime investigation bureau at the Seoul Southern District Prosecution Service, told Bloomberg that Kwon could conceivably be tried and sentenced in South Korea, then be extradited to the US and face trial there, and then have the sentence executed in South Korea and the US after that.

Dan said that he expects Kwon to get a record-setting financial fraud sentence in excess of 40 years, and he believes that the former executive should be extradited to his country first. This is the largest financial fraud or financial securities fraud case that has ever happened in South Korea, he said.

Both the United States and South Korea are seeking Kwons extradition, and the countries have also requested Kwons laptops and other devices on suspicion that they might contain evidence of crimes and cryptocurrency.

The pair have since been released on bail against the wishes of Montenegrin prosecutors and are confined to Chang-Joons apartment in Podgorica awaiting trial. Justice Minister Marko Kovac indicated on March 29 that crimes committed in his country will take precedence.

Primacy is given to the court proceedings led in Montenegro, Kovac told journalists through an interpreter. If they are convicted for the criminal offense of falsifying identification documents, only after they served their prison sentence is it expected that they will be extradited.

The pressure to capture Kwon had been mounting since he fled his native South Korea following the collapse of the Terra ecosystem in May 2022, with a South Korean court issuing an arrest warrant on Sept. 17 and Interpol issuing a Red Notice two weeks later.

The United States was the latest entity to target Kwon with criminal charges. On Feb. 17, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Do Kwon with securities fraud, writing that Kwon and Terraform orchestrated a multi-billion dollar crypto asset securities fraud involving an algorithmic stablecoin and other crypto asset securities.

The SEC said Terraform and Kwon touted and marketed Terra USD (UST) as a yield-bearing stablecoin, which they advertised as paying as much as 20 percent interest through the Anchor Protocol, and that they repeatedly misled and deceived investors that a popular Korean mobile payment application used the Terra blockchain to settle transactions that would accrue value to LUNA.

The complaint also alleges that Kwon and others at Terraform misled investors about USTs stability before it ultimately depegged from the U.S. dollar and became nearly worthless.

The SEC said that Kwon transferred over 10,000 Bitcoin from Terraform Labs to an offline cold wallet and converted some of the tokens into cash via a Swiss bank. The agency claims Kwon and other insiders have drawn from the cold wallet several times since the collapse of the stablecoin project.

We can see that its coming out of the wallet, Dan said, but we are not aware who might be in possession of the cold wallet or how theyre withdrawing it, on what methods.

It is not yet clear whether Montenegro will end up extraditing Kwon to South Korea or the United States once their justice system is finished with him.

Its our understanding that the extradition process can take up to nine months, depending on how long the suspect has been in custody and so forth, Dan said.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Overcast. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 70F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low 47F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
By Azernews

Laman Ismayilova

Gastronomic tourism has become one of the fastest growing innovative tourism sectors, which positively impacts the economy and fosters entrepreneurship.

Another advantage of gastronomic tourism is that it can be a great way to explore new cultures and experience authentic local cuisines.

World-famed for its food, Azerbaijan is now taking decisive steps in the gastronomic tourism world. The country offers a wide variety of gastronomic opportunities.

The country has been consistently working to promote the country's culinary heritage through a number of initiatives.

A press conference on "Azerbaijan's Gastronomic Tourism Prospects" has provided more details on this tourism form, Azernews reports.

Head of the State Tourism Board's (ATB) Gastronomy Tourism Management Sakina Asgarova noted that multi-directional works have been carried out to promote Azerbaijan as a gastronomy destination.

In her speech, Sakina Asgarova emphasized that the National Culinary Center has done major work for the research, preservation and promotion of national cuisine samples. Currently, work is being continued in the direction of supporting the activities of young professional chefs through various educational programs.

"It is no secret that Azerbaijani cuisine is distinguished by its unique tastes. Gastro tourism is known worldwide as a unique tourism form. The number of tourists in search of gastronomic tours as well as new tastes is increasing in the world experience. They are visiting other countries in search of new culinary tastes. All these make gastro tourism an important tourism form," she said.

Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency Azada Huseynova and the Chairman Adviser Kanan Guluzade spoke about the work done by the agency on the development of gastronomy tourism.

A new strategic approach has been introduced by the State Tourism Agency (ASTA) regarding the development of gastronomy in Azerbaijan. Major work is being done to promote the forgotten national dishes.

Azada Huseynova noted that dolma and kebab remain among the most popular national dishes. However, Azerbaijani cuisine has much more to offer food lovers.

The State Tourism Agency seeks to promote traditional food recipes that are being forgotten.

"For this purpose, the work is being done with a number of institutions. Initially, were intended to organize several pilot trips. Later, this project will also be open for business and our guests will get to know our forgotten dishes," said Azada Huseynova.

The Culinary Days are planned to be held in Shusha this year. The Gastronomy Center will be built in Tugh village.

Recall that the First Shusha International Culinary Festival was co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the State Tourism Agency in Shusha last year.

The culinary festival gathered chefs from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Germany, Austria, China, France, South Korea, Israel, Italy, Japan, Belgium, Czech Republic and other countries.

The State Tourism Agency pays special attention to culinary taste of tourists.

"Some time ago, when we conducted work on attracting Chinese tourists to the country, it became clear that they only want to taste the dishes of their own cuisine in the countries they visit. That is why we are working in this direction with our gastronomes," said ASTA Deputy Chairman.

Work is also underway on the street food concept in Azerbaijan.

"Turkish doner and lahmacun are mostly known as street food in our country. Now we are working on a national street food concept, which mainly focuses on different types of qutab," she said.

The State Tourism Agency plans to open qutab food points in Israel and Turkiye.

In conclusion, the conference participants responded to several questions of journalists.
Skies will be hazy from wildfire smoke in Missouri, but we won't see anything like what they're seeing on the east coast.
This was first published by the Missouri Independent, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization covering state government and politics, and is reprinted with permission.
StockNews.com upgraded shares of DHT (NYSE:DHT  Get Rating) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Monday.

Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on DHT. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of DHT from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their target price for the company from $12.00 to $10.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. TheStreet lowered shares of DHT from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Wednesday, May 17th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of DHT from $11.00 to $12.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 25th.

Get DHT alerts:

DHT Stock Performance

Shares of DHT opened at $7.85 on Monday. DHT has a 52 week low of $5.34 and a 52 week high of $12.13. The stock has a market cap of $1.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.06 and a beta of -0.20. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $8.95 and its 200-day moving average price is $9.53. The company has a quick ratio of 3.03, a current ratio of 3.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.

DHT Cuts Dividend

DHT ( NYSE:DHT Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The shipping company reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by ($0.07). DHT had a net margin of 22.92% and a return on equity of 10.65%. The firm had revenue of $93.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $97.36 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($0.14) EPS. The firms revenue was up 142.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that DHT will post 1.09 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 25th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 18th were given a dividend of $0.23 per share. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 11.72%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 17th. DHTs dividend payout ratio is currently 129.58%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DHT. Tucker Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of DHT during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Clear Street Markets LLC bought a new position in DHT in the first quarter worth about $50,000. Castleview Partners LLC bought a new position in DHT in the 4th quarter worth about $62,000. Bleakley Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of DHT in the 4th quarter worth approximately $90,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in shares of DHT by 64.5% during the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 10,598 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $80,000 after purchasing an additional 4,155 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 54.61% of the companys stock.

About DHT

(Get Rating)

DHT Holdings, Inc engages in the operation of a fleet of crude oil tankers. It operates through its integrated management companies in Monaco, Singapore, and Oslo, Norway. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for DHT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DHT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
ASB Consultores LLC decreased its holdings in Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Get Rating) by 14.0% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,523 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 248 shares during the quarter. ASB Consultores LLCs holdings in Ecolab were worth $222,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of ECL. Texas Permanent School Fund raised its stake in shares of Ecolab by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund now owns 35,208 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $5,125,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its holdings in Ecolab by 122.8% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 16,898 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,441,000 after buying an additional 9,315 shares during the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Ecolab during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,166,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Ecolab by 27.0% during the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 470 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Seven Eight Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of Ecolab during the 4th quarter worth approximately $421,000. Institutional investors own 86.76% of the companys stock.

Get Ecolab alerts:

Insider Activity at Ecolab

In related news, CEO Christophe Beck sold 34,450 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $173.48, for a total transaction of $5,976,386.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 53,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,201,899.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Christophe Beck sold 34,450 shares of Ecolab stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $173.48, for a total transaction of $5,976,386.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 53,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,201,899.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Gail Peterson sold 934 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total transaction of $163,450.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 1,567 shares of the companys stock, valued at $274,225. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 39,482 shares of company stock worth $6,856,986 over the last three months. 0.04% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Ecolab Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of ECL traded down $0.34 on Thursday, hitting $174.91. 154,823 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,093,417. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.17. Ecolab Inc. has a one year low of $131.04 and a one year high of $179.76. The company has a market capitalization of $49.80 billion, a PE ratio of 43.38, a P/E/G ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $168.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $158.46.

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The basic materials company reported $0.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.86 by $0.02. Ecolab had a net margin of 7.96% and a return on equity of 18.05%. The business had revenue of $3.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.47 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.82 EPS. The companys revenue was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Ecolab Inc. will post 4.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Ecolab Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 17th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.53 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 16th. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.21%. Ecolabs payout ratio is currently 52.48%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on Ecolab from $164.00 to $182.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. 92 Resources reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Ecolab in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on Ecolab from $164.00 to $172.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 22nd. Mizuho boosted their target price on Ecolab from $163.00 to $177.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, Barclays upped their price objective on Ecolab from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $176.64.

Ecolab Profile

(Get Rating)

Ecolab, Inc engages in the provision of products and services in the field of water, hygiene, and energy. It operates through the following segments: Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, Global Energy & Life Science, and Other. The Global Industrial segment consists of the water, food and beverage, paper, and downstream operating segments.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ECL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Ecolab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ecolab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGO  Get Rating)s stock price dropped 6.6% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $33.66 and last traded at $33.66. Approximately 70,657 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 398% from the average daily volume of 14,185 shares. The stock had previously closed at $36.03.

MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Trading Down 6.6 %

The stock has a 50 day moving average of $26.94 and a 200-day moving average of $21.13.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Royal Bank of Canada assumed coverage on shares of GoDaddy (NYSE:GDDY  Get Rating) in a research report released on Monday, The Fly reports. The firm issued a sector perform rating and a $80.00 price target on the technology companys stock.

Several other brokerages have also weighed in on GDDY. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and set a $100.00 price objective on shares of GoDaddy in a report on Monday, February 13th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of GoDaddy in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of GoDaddy from $88.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. Robert W. Baird began coverage on shares of GoDaddy in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. They set an outperform rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Barclays dropped their target price on shares of GoDaddy from $100.00 to $98.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.91.

Get GoDaddy alerts:

GoDaddy Price Performance

GoDaddy stock opened at $72.61 on Monday. GoDaddy has a 12 month low of $64.65 and a 12 month high of $85.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.22 billion, a PE ratio of 34.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.97. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $74.18 and a 200-day simple moving average of $75.71.

Insider Transactions at GoDaddy

GoDaddy ( NYSE:GDDY Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The technology company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.52 by ($0.22). The company had revenue of $1.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.04 billion. GoDaddy had a net margin of 8.03% and a negative return on equity of 95.00%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.41 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that GoDaddy will post 2.37 EPS for the current year.

In related news, CAO Nick Daddario sold 341 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.37, for a total transaction of $25,701.17. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 20,722 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,561,817.14. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Nick Daddario sold 341 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.37, for a total value of $25,701.17. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 20,722 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,561,817.14. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 3,117 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.37, for a total transaction of $234,928.29. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 275,141 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,737,377.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 7,859 shares of company stock worth $598,037. 0.37% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of GoDaddy

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Commerce Bank raised its holdings in GoDaddy by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 45,494 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,404,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the period. CAPROCK Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of GoDaddy by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. CAPROCK Group Inc. now owns 3,647 shares of the technology companys stock worth $273,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in shares of GoDaddy by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,095 shares of the technology companys stock worth $230,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of GoDaddy by 56.7% during the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 456 shares of the technology companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Meritage Portfolio Management grew its stake in shares of GoDaddy by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. Meritage Portfolio Management now owns 4,064 shares of the technology companys stock worth $316,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. 97.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

GoDaddy Company Profile

(Get Rating)

GoDaddy, Inc engages in the provision of domain name registration and web hosting services. It provides website building, hosting, and security tools. It operates through the Applications and Commerce (A and C) and Core Platform (Core) segments. The A and C segment consists of sales of products containing proprietary software, commerce products and third-party email and productivity solutions.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for GoDaddy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GoDaddy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ruane Cunniff & Goldfarb L.P. grew its stake in Sendas Distribuidora S.A. (NYSE:ASAI  Get Rating) by 1.4% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 101,069 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,380 shares during the quarter. Sendas Distribuidora makes up approximately 0.0% of Ruane Cunniff & Goldfarb L.P.s holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Ruane Cunniff & Goldfarb L.P.s holdings in Sendas Distribuidora were worth $1,851,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. FMR LLC boosted its position in Sendas Distribuidora by 64.5% in the 2nd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,865 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 1,123 shares during the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 195.8% in the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 2,242 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 1,484 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company MN acquired a new position in shares of Sendas Distribuidora in the 4th quarter valued at $90,000. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in Sendas Distribuidora during the 4th quarter worth $112,000. Finally, Atlas Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Sendas Distribuidora during the 2nd quarter worth $124,000. 4.45% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Sendas Distribuidora alerts:

Sendas Distribuidora Trading Down 1.5 %

Sendas Distribuidora stock traded down $0.19 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $12.73. 233,635 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 550,986. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $12.48 and its 200-day simple moving average is $16.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.56, a PEG ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.89. Sendas Distribuidora S.A. has a fifty-two week low of $10.44 and a fifty-two week high of $20.98.

Sendas Distribuidora Increases Dividend

Sendas Distribuidora Profile

The company also recently announced a  dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.0506 per share. This represents a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, April 28th. This is a boost from Sendas Distribuidoras previous  dividend of $0.04. Sendas Distribuidoras dividend payout ratio is 10.26%.

(Get Rating)

Sendas Distribuidora SA engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ASAI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sendas Distribuidora S.A. (NYSE:ASAI  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Sendas Distribuidora Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sendas Distribuidora and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low near 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low near 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly this evening. Low near 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly this evening. Low near 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Korea commemorated its solemn Memorial Day yesterday, a day dedicated to expressing gratitude and paying tribute to the courageous military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

However, amidst the remembrance and reflection, a popular idol and member of "Treasure" named Jihoon faced severe backlash for his choice of music recommendation on this significant day.

Treasure's Jihoon's Controversial Post

In a now deleted post, Jihoon had suggested the song "Ms. Phenomenal" by the renowned Japanese band RADWIMPS, which is widely recognized as the official soundtrack of the Japanese film, The Last 10 Years.

The repercussions were swift, as netizens voiced their discontent over Jihoon's song selection, citing the lingering wounds from Japan's historical occupation of Korea as the reason for their outrage.

Many argued that the idol's recommendation was inappropriate given the sensitivity surrounding the date and the painful memories associated with Japan's actions.

Netizens React

Critics took to social media platforms to express their discontent, questioning Jihoon's judgment and urging him to exercise greater awareness.

They lamented his failure to recognize the significance of the date, with comments such as: "

"Regardless of the song's quality, it was crucial to consider the timing and refrain from sharing the post. It's truly baffling. What were you thinking, Jihoon?"

Another comment read, "Jihoon, today is Memorial Day. Surely you possess the capacity for common sense?"

In case you missed: TREASURE Haruto Draws Mixed Reactions Following Alleged Homophobic Remark

Netizens Reiterate the Importance of Respect

Outraged netizens emphasized the importance of respecting the historical context and urged Jihoon to exercise caution before making public recommendations.

A frustrated comment read, "It's June 6th, Jihoon. Surely you are aware of the significance of this day? How can we trust you? This is unacceptable..."

Amid the mounting controversy, some critics even went so far as to question Jihoon's motives, accusing him of seeking attention through creating controversies.

One comment harshly stated, "Is stirring up controversy your new hobby?"

Another commenter advised him to carefully consider the consequences of his actions, saying, "Think twice before you act!"

In response to the heated backlash, Jihoon ultimately decided to remove the post without issuing a statement addressing the controversy, leaving many to speculate on his motivations and intentions.

READ ALSO: TREASURE attracted over 6,000 TEUME in their first-ever TREASURE TOUR [HELLO] in Kuala Lumpur.

Owned by KpopStarz

Written by Madison Cullen
PRNewswire

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 8: KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, India will provide employment to one family member and free education to children who lost their parents in the tragic train crash last week near Balasore in eastern Odisha state.

Also Read | Realme 11 Pro, Realme 11 Pro+ Price Details Leaked Ahead of Launch Today, Know Everything Here.

Announcing the humanitarian package in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said, "We can't reduce the sorrow of the family members of those who died in the train accident, but we will try our level best to support them. We will try to support the victims' families by offering a job to one member from each family at KIIT and KISS as per their eligibility, and provide free education to their kids at KIIT and KISS as per their eligibility from standard one up to higher level. We will inform them how to apply for the job as well as for free education."

KIIT, a leading university in India, has always come forward and extended humanitarian services during any ill-disposed period. During COVID-19 also, KIIT came forward to support hundreds of students who had lost their parents in the pandemic by giving free education, jobs to the family members of the COVID diseased, and helping common people through various means. Now, KIIT has come forward to help and support the victims of the train accident.

Also Read | Cyclone Biparjoy: Mumbai Getting Ready for Probability of Heavy Rainfall and Flooding, BMC Takes Preventive Measures; Check Details Here.

Odisha train accident in Bahanaga, Balasore was the deadliest train crash in decades in India, where out of 288 total deaths, 39 are from Odisha. "We thank and praise the effort of the local people for their immediate response in saving the lives of the people, also, the effort of Govt. of Odisha under the leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon'ble Chief Minister saved the lives of thousand people in the accident. KIIT & KISS pray for the departed souls of the people who died in the accident and convey sympathy to the family members. This support will provide assistance to the families of the victims and ensure a brighter future for their children," said Dr. Samanta.

Media Contact:

Dr. Shradhanjali NayakDirector, PR, KIITdirector.pr@kiit.ac.in+91 674 2725636

(Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): An Air India ferry flight that was moved from Mumbai has picked up all stranded Indian passengers in Russia and took off for its onward journey to San Francisco today.

The ferry flight also carried additional essential items than its routine flights to cater to all stranded passengers.

Also Read | Cyclone Biparjoy: Mumbai Getting Ready for Probability of Heavy Rainfall and Flooding, BMC Takes Preventive Measures; Check Details Here.

The airline in a statement on Thursday morning said it has mobilised additional on-ground support at the destination to carry out the smooth clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival.

"The team at SFO (San Francisco) is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including but not limited to medical care, ground transportation, and onward connections in applicable cases," the airline said on Thursday morning.

Also Read | Amazon Prime Video Update: Video Streaming Platform May Launch Ad-Supported Tier as It Aims to Expand Ad Business and Increase Revenue.

An Air India flight, headed to San Francisco from New Delhi with 216 passengers and 16 crew was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday after a technical issue with one of its engines. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Rohtas (Bihar), Jun 8 (PTI) An eleven-year-old boy who was pulled out nearly 20 hours after he was trapped between a pillar and a slab of a bridge here, died Thursday on way to a hospital.

The mentally challenged boy who managed to wedge himself in a part of the bridge built over the Son River, in Atimi village in Bihar's Rohtas district, was pulled out after the slab behind which he was trapped was cut up.

Also Read | Lieutenant Colonel Court-Martialled by Army for Having 'Inappropriate Relationship' With Woman Clerk at Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

"The boy was brought to Sadar hospital where doctors declared him dead after examination," K N Tiwary, Civil Surgeon, Sadar Hospital (Sasaram) told reporters.

The boy, Ranjan Kumar, was found trapped at the Nasriganj-Daudnagar Bridge, on Wednesday.

Also Read | Bengaluru Shocker: Para-Medical Student Raped by Boyfriend and His Friend in Girinagar, Both Arrested.

Shatrughan Prasad, the boy's father had earlier informed local authorities that his son who was mentally unsound had gone missing two days ago. Later the child was discovered trapped by a woman.

Earlier in the day, Jaffar Imam, Block Development Officer (BDO) of Nasriganj, told reporters, The incident took place yesterday when the boy somehow got trapped between the pillar and a slab of the Nasriganj-Daudnagar Bridge."

An expert team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster response force were immediately called and they began the rescue operation. Oxygen was also supplied to the trapped boy through pipes.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused the British of destroying the Indian education system and turning it into an assembly-line of clerk making, as he called on students to train to become job givers, not seekers.

Kejriwal made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the east Delhi campus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), during which he was interrupted by slogans by BJP workers.

Also Read | Black Magic Kills Student in Hyderabad? Parents Suspect Kshudra Pooja After Class 12th Student Hangs Self.

Kejriwal dedicated the new campus to the country and termed it one of the best the country has.

"It has excellent facilities and in terms of architecture, it can be counted as one of the best campuses in the country. This campus will accommodate 2,500 students. Students from across the country will come and live around here, causing a rise in the number of hostels and paying guest joints.

Also Read | Minor Wrestlers Father Reportedly Admits Filing Deliberate False Sexual Harassment Complaint Against WFY Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

"The number of shops and restaurants will also increase in the area as a consequence of the university," he said.

Kejriwal said that every year 2.5 lakh boys and girls complete their schooling in the city and become ready for college. Roughly 1.5 lakh of these students complete their schooling from government schools and the rest from private schools, he added.

"When we formed the government for the first time in 2015, we found that in Delhi there were college seats for only around 1.1 lakh of these children. So, there was a deficit of around 1.4 lakh seats.

"In the last 7-8 years, we have been able to increase the number of college seats from 1.1 lakh to 1.5 lakh. We still have a deficit of 1 lakh college seats, and we are working to address this problem," he said, stressing that the AAP gave a model for school education and now its focus is on higher education.

The CM in his speech also slammed British bureaucrat Lord Macaulay for creating an education system that still exists, merely to churn out educated clerks.

"Prior to that there was another system of education that I have heard about which was very successful. There were acharyas in every village and the children of the peasants studied together with the children of the king," he said.

He added that the British in the 1830s supplanted the Indian education system with their own, not to enlighten the natives, but to raise educated clerks to help the foreign bureaucracy ruling the country.

"Unfortunately, this system still continues in the country. We complete our BA and then do an MA and some even do a PhD, but we still struggle to get a job after all this struggle. What is the point in doing all this if there are no jobs for our students?" he asked.

"On this campus, students will be taught automation, design, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data management, and innovation. This is the demand of the technological world," he said.

Kejriwal said that the vice-chancellor of every university should be responsible for getting students jobs, as he stressed on students to become employers and not go after jobs which are in scarcity in the country.

The CM said the Delhi government is thinking of conducting a survey to know what people who studied in the city schools end up doing, among other things.

"We need to conduct a survey to find out where the students who completed Class 12 from a government school in Delhi in the last 5-6 years are now engaged. We want to know what percentage of students studied further and what percentage dropped out. We want to know whether they pursued their college within Delhi or outside. We are interested in knowing what professions these students are now involved in," he said.

"If we have this data then we can know in which areas we need to work further and what facilities can be given to these students in school so that they do better in their lives," said Kejriwal.

His speech, almost in its entirety, was hamstrung by detracting shouts from the audience by the BJP workers.

Earlier, Education Minister Atishi's speech too was interrupted by pro-Modi and anti-AAP sloganeering. As the commotion increased, varsity Vice-Chancellor Mahesh Verma warned the disrupters to calm down else he would be forced to end the event.

During her speech, Atishi said that when she posted pictures of her campus visit two months back, someone asked her, "'Is this the campus of Stanford University or New York university?'" to her surprise.

"I said 'no, this is the campus of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University constructed by the Delhi government.' Some people say the country will progress by building flyovers and bridges. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says that the construction of more schools and colleges will lead the country to progress," she said.

Delhi Assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel walked off the stage as leaders made their speeches.

When he was called, he said his name was not mentioned in the papers. "I say this with sadness, that though my position is a constitutional one, my name was not there in the papers," Goel said, getting support from the crowd which chanted 'Shame, Shame.'

Goel asked people for silence and ploughed through his speech during which he remembered former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who is currently in Tihar jail.

"Manish Sisodia made several visits to inspect the ongoing construction work of the university and personally invited me to visit the IP University construction site three times. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit it on those occasions, and as a result, I hold him in high regard," he said.

The GGSIPU's east Delhi campus has become the latest flashpoint between the AAP-led city government and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, with both sides claiming the right to inaugurate the newly built campus and take credit for its construction.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 8 (ANI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday announced that the government would provide land and house to the poor under PMAY and a notification would be issued soon regarding this.

"Poor have the first right over a country's resources. Earlier, there was no provision to provide land to landless people by the government. We have removed regressive land laws and the government will provide land to poor landless and a house also under PMAY. A notification will be issued soon," he said addressing a public function at Garkhal border village Panchayat of Akhnoor in Jammu.

Also Read | Turkish Lira Plunges as Erdogan Begins New Presidential Term.

Sinha further appreciated the district administration for its efforts in accelerating the socio-economic development of Garkhal Panchayat.

"Border Gram Panchayat of Garkhal is scripting a golden chapter of development with the active participation of residents and transforming it into a model village," said the Lt Governor.

Also Read | Bus Travel Free for Women in Karnataka: Siddaramaiah Government To Launch 'Shakti' and 'Annabhagya' Schemes on June 11.

He further said that the government of India has allotted additional 1,99,550 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) to the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir and of these, more than 19,000 houses are meant for Jammu District.

"This allocation will go a long way in achieving the objective of 'Housing for All," he said.

Sinha also highlighted the endeavours of district administration and stakeholder departments for the effective implementation of schemes and execution of projects, which were pending for the past many years.

"It is our firm resolve to bridge the gap between rural and urban J-K. We are accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening health and education sectors and generating productive employment opportunities for our youth," he said, adding, "We are taking up projects for execution as per the needs of the people. Our aim is to ensure that no one from the villages, especially the border dwellers, has to move to cities in search of basic facilities, employment and livelihood."

Sinha said that the district officials in consultation with the PRI members had chalked out a comprehensive development plan of 32 development projects worth Rs 12.19 crore for Garkhal.

"A major step was taken today in the direction to provide sufficient water supply to every household in this panchayat. It is also being ensured that the small and marginal farmers of Garkhal and other border villages of the J-K benefitted from the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP)," he said.

The LG impressed upon the PRI members and the people to start a mass movement to make the Garkhal Panchayat swachh and drug-free.

He motivated the youth for skill development and self-employment and encouraged the women folks to create many more Self Help Groups (SHGs) with the help of the Rural Livelihood Mission.

"Our aim is to empower the farmers, youth, and women of border areas, and enable them to contribute to the developmental journey of J-K," Sinha said.

He said that the reformative initiatives taken by the government in the last three years had yielded favourable results and various sectors including tourism, industries, agriculture, and allied sectors had witnessed unprecedented growth.

"We have to work together with the 'Whole of Government Approach' to fulfil the resolve of 'strong and 'Atmanirbhar J-K,'" the LG said.

Addressing the demands pertaining to border outposts, the Chenab riverfront and the promotion of border tourism, he assured that appropriate steps would be taken in this regard.

During his visit, Sinha inaugurated a training programme for women SHGs and various other development works. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India] June 8, (ANI): National Commission for Other Backward Classes (OBC) chairperson Hansraj Ahir said on Thursday that Hindus have converted to Islam on a large scale in West Bengal.

The chief of the backward classes body also said that even Muslims who have migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal have been included in the list of OBCs.

Also Read | Haj 2023: Air India Express Operates Indias First All-Women Flight From Kozhikode to Jeddah.

Hansraj Ahir said that the National Commission for Backward Classes made an official visit to West Bengal on February 25 this year. During its investigation, the Commission found that the Cultural Research Institute report of the Government Institute of West Bengal states that Hindus have converted to Islam on a large scale in West Bengal.

Ahir further revealed that the West Bengal government has sent a proposal to the National Commission for Backward Classes to include the Qureshi Muslim caste in the central list of OBCs.

Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Secures Top Rank in Food Safety Index 2022-23 for Third Consecutive Year.

Though the West Bengal government does not consider Qureshi Muslim as a caste and has not included it in the state list of OBCs, the Bengal government has sent a proposal to include the Qureshi Muslim caste group in the central list of OBCs as National Backward Classes. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, June 8: A 56-year-old man was detained on Wednesday evening for allegedly murdering his live-in partner and dismembering her body, the police officials said. The suspect, identified as Manoj Sahani, had been staying with Saraswati Vaidya in the rental flat in the Akashganga building in the Mira Road area over the past three years.

On Wednesday, Nayanagar police station received a call from residents of the building, complaining about a foul odour emanating from the couple's flat. As per the police, a preliminary investigation revealed that the woman had been brutally killed. Mumbai Horror: Man Hacks Live-In Partner to Death, Boils Body Parts in Cooker in Mira Road (Watch Video).

Watch Video: Body of 36-Year-Old Woman Chopped Into Several Pieces Found in Mira Road

VIDEO | The body of a 36-year-old woman, chopped into several pieces, was found in a flat on the seventh floor of a building in the Mira-Bhayandar area of Thane district on Wednesday night. The woman's live-in partner is the prime suspect in the case, who is yet to be arrested. pic.twitter.com/0vH4CBWjT3  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 8, 2023

"Police have found a body of a woman who had been cut into pieces, from a society in the Mira Road area. Here a couple was living in a live-in relationship. A preliminary investigation revealed that the woman was hacked to death. Mumbai: Brave Jewellery Shopkeeper Fights Back Robbers Armed With Pistol, Foils Robbery Attempt in Mira Road; CCTV Video Goes Viral.

Further Investigation underway," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Mumbai Jayant Bajbale said. The DCP further said that further investigation into the case is underway.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 8 (ANI): The panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held on July 8, the State Election Commission said on Thursday.

Rajiva Sinha, the state election commissioner, informed further that the elections would be held in a single phase, adding, "The Model Code of Conduct has already come into effect."

Also Read | EU Migrant Reform: Proposal very Difficult for Germany.

The state poll panel chief added that candidates can file their nominations starting Friday till June 15.

The counting of votes will be held on July 11.

Also Read | Black Magic Kills Student in Hyderabad? Parents Suspect Kshudra Pooja After Class 12th Student Hangs Self.

Shortly after the panchayat poll date was announced, the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, hit out at the state poll panel claiming that it was working at the behest of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "Murder of Democracy in West Bengal. For the 1st time ever, the Panchayat Elections have been announced unilaterally without holding a single All Party Meeting at the Block levels, District Levels or at the State Level. There hasn't been any discussion on the security arrangements for the single phase Elections. The time duration allotted for filing of nominations starts from tomorrow i.e. 9th June; Friday, with 15th June being the last date. 10th & 11th June being weekend, no official work would be possible."

"The intention of the WB State Election Commission is very clear. From the manner of declaration itself, it's clear that they would be acting actively as the Frontal Organisation of the Regional TMC Party. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee & State Election Commissioner Rajiv Sinha would be held responsible for any casualty resulting due to the violence which might erupt during the elections, because of this hasty declaration & lack of application of reasonable diligence & lack of consideration towards proper security arrangements," the BJP MLA added in his tweet.

The BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, also raised concerns over the notification of the panchayat poll date, saying that a mere 5-day window for candidates to file nominations shows the state government's intent to "preclude candidates of other political parties" from entering the fray.

Malviya tweeted, "At 5:30 pm this evening, West Bengal State Election Commission, on instruction of Mamata Banerjee, has announced Panchayat Poll to be held on 8th Jul. Nominations to start tomorrow, i.e. 9th Jun and last date is 15th Jun (Sunday excluded). Just 5 days for approx 74,000 nominations across the state! The rigging has already begun. The small window for nominations is to preclude candidates of other political parties from filing."

"Why is Mamata Banerjee even pretending to hold an election? She can straightaway announce the result," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kanpur, June 8: Section 144 has been imposed in Kanpur after the firing incident in Lucknow court premises wherein gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot ahead of a hearing.

"Section 144 has been implemented in Kanpur city whose objective is to maintain law and order," Kanpur Additional Commissioner of Police Anand Prakash Tiwari said on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Gangster Sanjeev Jeeva Shot Dead Inside Lucknow Civil Court (Watch Videos).

Watch Video: Gangster Sanjeev Jeeva Shot Dead

Gangster Sanjeev Jeeva shot dead by unknown assailants outside a Lucknow court. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/8xvaTNoQjw  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 7, 2023

Gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was fatally shot inside the court premises after being brought in for a hearing. Later, the police confirmed that the gangster succumbed to his injuries. Sanjeev Jeeva Murder Videos: Gangster Accused in Murder of BJP Leader Brahm Dutt Dwivedi Shot Dead Outside Lucknow Civil Court.

Uttar Pradesh Special DG (law and order) Prashant Kumar on Wednesday issued an order directing all district superintendents of police to immediately increase security in all district courts after the firing incident. An official statement quoting Kumar said that metal detectors and other equipment will also be installed on the court premises.

"The security of the courts in the district and commissionerate should be reviewed. The security arrangements for the accused appearing in the courts should be strengthened. Intelligence and social media cells should also be made active and alert in this regard. In all the districts, strong security arrangements should be ensured in all the court premises by establishing coordination with the District Judge/District Magistrate and the office bearers of the Bar Association," Prashant Kumar said in his order.

However, as per an official statement from Chief Minister's Office, a three-member SIT, including Mohit Agarwal, ADG Technical; Joint CP, Lucknow, Nilabja Chaudhary and Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar, has been constituted to investigate the incident.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Lucknow, Rahul Raj said, "Sanjeev Jeeva was shot at today and succumbed to his injuries. Two of our constables also sustained injuries but are out of danger. They are currently under treatment."

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) India's largest instant coffee manufacturer CCL Products (India) Ltd on Thursday said it has acquired six coffee brands, including Percol, from Sweden-based coffee roasters Lofbergs Group.

In a deal estimated to be around 550,000 British Pound (Rs 5.68 crore), CCL has acquired six brands -- Percol, Rocket Fuel, Plantation Wharf, The London Blend, Perk Up and Percol Fusion -- from Food Brands Group, a subsidiary of Lofbergs Group.

Also Read | Rs 2,000 Notes Worth Rs 1.80 Lakh Crore Have Come Back in Banks So Far, Says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.

"The acquisition will give CCL access to major supermarkets in the UK, which is Europe's largest instant coffee market with annual retail sales of USD 850 mn (Rs 69,187 BN)," a statement said.

Lofbergs Group was founded in 1906 and is now one of the biggest coffee roasters in the Nordic region. Headquartered in Karlstad, Sweden, it has production equivalent to more than 10 million cups of coffee per day.

Also Read | Monsoon 2023 Tracker Update: No More Waiting, Southwest Monsoon Arrives in Kerala.

It has its own roasting houses in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Latvia, and sells coffee in about ten markets in Northern Europe.

Established in 1994, CCL is one of the world's largest private-label coffee manufacturers, having manufacturing sites in India, Vietnam and Switzerland.

Percol brand was launched in 1987 and its range currently comprises instant coffee, roast and ground coffee and coffee bags.

"Percol is an exciting venture and a brand with undoubtedly favourable heritage. In close cooperation with our UK sales marketing partner, we will innovate, introduce new products and focus on B2C and B2B marketing to realise value," CCL CEO Praveen Jaipuriar said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) has proposed to raise funds from the sale of up to 15 crore shares under its Employee Stock Purchase Scheme (ESPS).

At the current market price, PNB would raise up to Rs 780 crore from the scheme.

Also Read | Rs 2,000 Notes Worth Rs 1.80 Lakh Crore Have Come Back in Banks So Far, Says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.

The bank proposes to issue and allot up to 15 crore new equity shares of the face value of Rs 2 each, ranking pari passu with the existing equity shares for all purposes and in all respects, including payment of dividend, under an ESPS in one or more tranches, PNB said in a notice regarding the annual general meeting.

The meeting will be held on June 30, according to the bank.

Also Read | Monsoon 2023 Tracker Update: No More Waiting, Southwest Monsoon Arrives in Kerala.

PNB-ESPS would be issued at such price or prices, and on such terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the board in such a way that the government shareholding does not come below 52 per cent.

The government holding in the bank stood at 73.15 per cent as on March 31, 2023.

In 2018, the bank raised Rs 500 crore from its employees under the staff stock purchase scheme.

As part of the scheme, the bank issued up to 10 crore new equity shares to its employees at a discounted price of Rs 53.95 per share.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Toronto, Jun 8 (PTI) A Canadian parliamentary committee has voted unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students who were duped by unscrupulous education consultants in India to enter the country with "fraudulent college admission letters."

The Indian students, mostly from Punjab, face deportation from Canada after the authorities here found their admission offer letters to educational institutions fake.

Also Read | What is PK Challenge That Killed an Influencer? Know Everything About the Viral Chinese Trend That Is Deemed Deadly!.

The matter came to light in March when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada.

In a symbolic move, the all-party immigration committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to call on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to waive the inadmissibility of the affected students, The Toronto Star newspaper reported.

Also Read | UN Myanmar Special Envoy Set to Depart -- What Now?.

The committee also asked the CBSA to provide the students, as many as 700 from India, with an alternative pathway to permanent residence on humanitarian grounds or through a regularisation programme, the report said.

Calling the students victims of fraud, Jenny Kwan, a lawmaker who tabled the motion said, "So as a first step, this is absolutely essential and necessary. The students are victims of fraud and should not be penalised.

These students, I've met with many of them, now are just in such a terrible state. They've lost money, and they are stuck in a terrible situation. And some of them have deportation orders. Others have pending meetings with CBSA, the newspaper quoted Kwan as saying.

We need to have empathy for those students, and we should not exploit the situation and play politics on this issue of those innocent students, Liberal MP Shafqat Ali said.

The MP for Brampton Centre, where many affected students now reside, added that the students have "gone through and are going through a lot".

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser said, "We are actively pursuing a solution for intl students who are facing uncertainty due to having been admitted to Canada with fraudulent college admission letters."

"Those who have taken advantage of people genuinely hoping to study here will face consequences for their actions," he said in a separate tweet, adding that innocent victims would be given every opportunity to have their cases considered fairly.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities.

"If there were people, who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said in New Delhi.

Jaishankar said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also made a statement in the House of Commons on the issue.

"We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said.

Trudeau, responding to a question by Indian-origin MP Jagmeet Singh on the fate of the Indian students, said, "We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters."

"To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims. Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situations and present evidence to support their cases," he said.

"We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case," the Canadian prime minister said on Wednesday.

The parliamentary committee also passed a motion to issue a news release to condemn the actions of the fraudulent ghost consultants and also voted to undertake a study over two meetings into the targeted exploitation scheme faced by the Punjabi international students.

The committee has also decided to ask Fraser, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and their staff to appear before the committee to provide a briefing on the situation, the report said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington [US], June 8 (ANI): President Joe Biden's top official for the Indo-Pacific region, Kurt Campbell said that the degree of trust and confidence developed between India and the US was not present a decade ago.

"I think what is also developed more and more between the United States and India is a degree of trust and confidence that, frankly, was not present a decade ago," Kurt Campbell said.

Also Read | EU Looks to Rekindle Trade Ties with Latin America.

Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States on June 22, he said that he hopes this visit "consecrates" the US.

He said that India's relationship is the most important bilateral relationship for the United States on the global stage and that "we effectively make it into a sort of escape velocity."

Also Read | LA Times Layoffs: Los Angeles Times Announces Job Cuts, Fires 74 Employees Including Editors Due to Economic Challenges.

He said that in his own period of engaging with India, one of the most important things that has developed in this process is the degree of trust and confidence that was not present a decade ago.

Speaking on the possible outcomes of the visit, Kurt said, "There will be deliverables. There will be discussion about areas where we are united, and areas where we still continue to have concerns."

He said that both India and the US are imperfect democracies. "We both have challenges," he added.

"And I think our goal will be to seek to build on that. And that certainly seems to be a bipartisan consensus as far as I believe it is," Kurt said while discussing the individual concerns of both nations.

He said that the world is recognising the critical role that India is playing on the global stage and it is not just strategic.

"Many business groups, and investment groups, are looking at India as part of a strategy to diversify globally with new supply chains, new investment opportunities, and the most impressive diaspora," he said.

"I've engaged with Indian Americans in the US who are proud and pleased with going forward, I think the hope will be to open up venues and activities for more investment, for more people, to people," he said in terms of opening more opportunities.

"Our universities need to train many more engineers and high-tech people," he added.

He said that the general attitude of Indians is to volunteer and go for the opportunity when they see one.

"And so we want to open those opportunities up for greater people, to people across the board," he added.

He said, "This (PM Modi's visit) potentially could be one of the most important sorts of juncture points with the potential for the United States and India to assume its place, this relationship, is really the critical, dynamic relationship that I think we aspire."

Kurt Campbell made these remarks on On June 6 in his discussion with Hudson Institute's distinguished fellow Walter Russell Mead on the United States foreign policy and America's role in the world. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Brussels, Jun 8 (AP) The European Union on Thursday launched legal action against member country Poland over a contentious new law that the nationalist government claims is meant to combat Russian influence but which critics say could be used to persecute opposition politicians.

The European Commission said it believes that the new law unduly interferes with the democratic process, and that it violates the principle of democracy, and rights to effective judicial protection. The EU's executive branch supervises respect of the bloc's laws.

Also Read | France Knife Attack: Attacker Stabs Several People, Including Children in Annecy, Arrested.

The law was passed in May, ahead of expected general elections in autumn, and allows for the creation of a committee to investigate Russian influence in Poland. Critics argue that it would have unconstitutional powers, including the capacity to exclude officials from public life for a decade.

It appears to have galvanised public support for the opposition. Over the weekend, around 500,000 people took part in a huge anti-government protest, according to organisers.

Also Read | S Jaishankar Says India's Focus Right Now in Afghanistan Is More on Helping Afghan People and Less Political.

Citizens travelled from across the country to voice their anger at officials who they say have eroded democratic norms and created fears that the nation is following Hungary and Turkiye down the path to autocracy.

The protest was led by the main opposition leader, Donald Tusk, a former top EU official. It was possibly the largest demonstration in decades in Poland, although state television said there were no more than 150,000 people. The broadcaster, TVP, was accused of sorely underestimating the turnout.

The march was held on the anniversary of a crucial moment in Poland's history, the partly free election on June 4, 1989, which paved the way for the end of communist rule. It took place about five months before the elections, in which the ruling Law and Justice party is fighting for a third term.

As a first step in its legal action, the EU commission has sent the government in Warsaw a letter of formal notice outlining its grievances. Poland has 21 days to respond to the letter, and after more exchanges, the government could face hefty fines if it fails to comply.

Brussels is concerned that the law contains a broad and unspecified definition of Russian influence and activities. It considers that the law violates the principles of legality and non-retroactivity, because it could exclude officials from office for a decade for behaviour that was legal in the past.

The move comes just two days after the EU's top court, the European Court of Justice, confirmed that Poland has refused to comply with the bloc's rules on judicial independence. The government has already been fined more than 500 million euros (USD 535 million) over that case but so far refuses to pay.

On Wednesday, Poland's minister for EU affairs, Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek, said that the government would provide legal and factual arguments in this case after getting acquainted with the doubts of the European Commission.

Poland, as the largest country neighbouring Russia, has not only the full right but also the obligation to investigate these influences, he said, according to state news agency PAP. We would like the decisions made in this matter not to be based on media hype, but on facts, and we will present these facts." (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said that the 'special Russia-India strategic partnership' has shown strength and is 'growing stronger as ever''.

"There have been lies about Russia on a daily basis and on a global scale. Efforts are being made to disrupt Russia - India relations," Envoy Alipov said during the state reception hosted in the national capital that was dedicated to the National Day of the Russian Federation.

Also Read | EU Looks to Rekindle Trade Ties with Latin America.

Lauding the 'special Russia - India strategic partnership', the envoy said, "The indispensable truth however is- the special Russia-India strategic partnership has shown strength and we keep growing stronger than ever".

From the Indian side, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh attended the event along with other senior officials of the government of India.

Also Read | India and Serbia Relations Defined in Context of Non-Aligned Movement, Says President Droupadi Murmu.

Ambassadors and military attaches of other countries were also present on the occasion. During the celebrations, Ratheesh Nair, Honorary Consul of Russia in Trivandrum was awarded the 'Order of Friendship' in recognition of his exceptional work in the promotion of Russia-India bilateral ties.

Ambassador Alipov also underscored the commitment to "enriching achievements of the Russian-Indian special and privileged strategic partnership" while also highlighting Nair's considerable contribution to the promotion of bilateral ties.

The Moscow Cossack Choir's performance with Russian folk songs and rousing dances, supported by the Government of Moscow, became a bright decoration of the evening that ended with festive fireworks. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Jun 8 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, an influential Sikh American leader has said.

Jassee Singh, Chairman of the 'Sikhs of America' oraganisation founded to raise awareness about the community, said the official state visit of Modi to the US later this month is a "historic moment" for India.

Also Read | Earthquake in Indonesia: Strong Quake of 6.0 Magnitude Hits East Java, No Potential for Tsunami.

Prime Minister Modi will embark on his first state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden this month. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22.

This is a very, very historic moment for India that the Prime Minister is coming, said Singh, who has been a part of all the Sikh delegations that the prime minister has met during his visits to the US since 2015.

Also Read | Kilauea Volcano Eruption Photos and Video: One of the Worlds Most Active Volcanoes Begins Erupting on Hawaii's Big Island, No Threat to Communities Due to Lava Flows.

Singh said the Sikh delegations have always presented a memorandum to Modi and almost all of their wishes were met by the prime minister. This time again, a delegation of the Sikh community is planning to meet the prime minister to thank him for his contribution to the community, he said.

I think the first time we met with Prime Minister Modi was in 2014. This was the first time after a long time, a Sikh delegation met an Indian Prime Minister. The response that we got was very positive from Prime Minister Modi," Singh told PTI.

"He understood the problems of the Sikhs. He has a genuine heart for the SEC community, which shows when he speaks, talks and meets the Sikh community, he said.

Prime Minister Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, he said.

Singh said in recent times, no other prime minister has done for the Sikh community what Prime Minister Modi did.

He recalled the steps the Modi government has taken for the Sikh community.

Be it celebrating December 26 as the Veer Baal Diwas, Gurunanak Dev Ji's 550th birth celebrations, the opening of the SIT for the 1984 riots and putting Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler behind bars, or the repealing of the blacklist of Sikhs living overseas who would not able to go back to India, or repealing the agriculture laws, the prime minister has always been with the Sikhs, he said.

We are very thankful to him. There is still more to be done. We will always reach out to Prime Minister Modi and his government to look after the needs of the Sikh community, Singh said.

He has done a lot. This time, we would like to let him focus on what he's coming for, which is the bilateral talks that are happening. If we get the opportunity, we will thank him for all that he has done. We have other Sikh demands, which we will bring up at a later time, he added.

Singh said when Modi and President Biden meet at the White House, he would like the two leaders among other things to discuss the immigration issue that is impacting the Indian Americans.

The main issue that is affecting the Indian community right now is the immigration, the H-1B visas. There are families, there are people on H-1B visas who've been here for 20 years, their permanent residency has been approved, but their files are not moving, he said.

There are people in India who want to come here to do business and trade, and they have to wait for a year to get an appointment for a visa, he said.

"So, I think, it's mostly on the American side that there's delay and there are issues going on. That should be a big discussion so that the talented Indians who are here on H-1B visas and other visas should be expedited in getting their residency and people in India should be able to get visas a little bit more quickly, Singh said.

Everybody wants to meet Prime Minister Modi. They want it to do a big Howdy Modi-like event or like the one that happened in New York... There are so many cultural programmes that are gonna happen before Prime Minister Modi arrives. We are all very excited, he said.

This time there is a big welcome by President Biden... A lot of people have been invited to that event. They say after Pope, when last time the Pope came to the White House, this is going to be as big, or maybe bigger than that. So, a lot of excitement, Singh said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Belgrade [Serbia], June 8 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu, who is in Serbia on the last leg of her two-nation visit, was warmly welcomed by Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Thursday.

Taking to Twitter, the official handle of the President of India wrote, "President Droupadi Murmu was warmly welcomed by President @avucic of Serbia in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace with full State honours."

Also Read | France Knife Attack: Attacker Stabs Several People, Including Children in Annecy, Arrested.

Notably, President Droupadi Murmu attended the official welcoming ceremony at Serbia Palace with counterpart Aleksandar Vucic during her state visit to Serbia today.

After that, both Presidents participated in the call-on ceremony and delegation-level talks.

Also Read | S Jaishankar Says India's Focus Right Now in Afghanistan Is More on Helping Afghan People and Less Political.

President Droupadi Murmu reached Belgrade, Serbia, earlier on Wednesday, in the final leg of her two-nation visit to Suriname and Serbia.

The ongoing visit by President Murmu marks the first such visit by an Indian head of state to Serbia. In a special gesture, she was received by the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and accorded a guard of honour at the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade.

From the airport, the President travelled to Gandijeva Street where he paid his respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

She also interacted with the diaspora and friends of India at a Community Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Sanjiv Kohli, in Belgrade on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that India and Serbia are ancient lands. In the modern era, India's relations with Serbia were particularly defined in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement, she noted, adding that India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other's core interests. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
San Juan, Jun 9 (AP) US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that the US is investing more than USD 100 million in the Caribbean region to crack down on weapons trafficking, help alleviate Haiti's humanitarian crisis and support climate change initiatives.

The announcement was made ahead of an official trip to the Bahamas for a meeting of Caribbean and US leaders hosted by Harris and Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis. Harris, who is the highest-ranking US official to visit the Bahamas since it became independent 50 years ago, landed shortly after noon for the one-day visit.

Also Read | New York Governor Kathy Hochul Calls It's 'Emergency' After US State Sets Record for Air Pollution.

Dozens of greeters including school children and members of her sorority greeted Harris as the Royal Bahamas Police Force band dressed in black, red and white uniform played.

During a meeting with leaders, Harris said that strengthening the US-Caribbean relationship is a priority for her.

Also Read | Syrian Asylum Seeker in France Stabs Children and Adults in Mass Stabbing Attack in French Town of Annecy, 8 Injured (Watch Video).

Our partnership, we strongly believe, is essential to our mutual security and prosperity, she said.

As part of the initiatives, the US Justice Department expects to appoint a coordinator to oversee cases involving illegal weapons smuggling in the Caribbean as island nations report a rise in violent crimes.

In addition, the State Department vowed to help improve forensic work in the region, help strengthen local police departments and support a unit based in Trinidad and Tobago aimed at helping islands solve gun-related cases and provide training for the collection and analysis of related intelligence.

The US, with help from the UK, also will establish a program in the eastern Caribbean to mentor local judges and prosecutors in a bid to improve prosecutions of gun-related crimes as island nations struggle with a backlog of cases.

The State Department also expects to work with Haiti's National Police, a severely underfunded and understaffed agency struggling to quell a surge in gang violence, to help investigate and prosecute crimes with US ties that involve gangs, weapons smuggling and human trafficking.

That initiative is considered key given that gangs are estimated to control up to 80 per cent of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince as killings and kidnappings soar across the metropolitan area and beyond.

US senior administration officials said the worsening security situation requires an international response, and that the US strongly supports the deployment of a multinational force to Haiti.

In October, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested the immediate deployment of a foreign armed force, but the UN Security Council, along with the US and Canada, have yet to respond. Henry, along with other leaders of Caribbean nations, is expected to attend Thursday's meeting with Harris.

US senior administration officials said discussion are ongoing, and that any decision about military force would be done in consultation with the UN and Haiti's government.

Harris announced that the US Agency for International Development will invest nearly USD 54 million in Haiti to help fight a sharp rise in starvation and provide access to potable water and healthcare. Almost half of Haiti's more than 11 million people are facing acute food insecurity, and 19,000 are in catastrophic famine conditions.

Another USD 10.5 million will go toward supporting Haiti's agricultural sector as poverty deepens, with some 60 per cent of the population earning less than USD 2 a day.

The announcement was cheered by Faith in Action International, a California-based organization that helps grassroots groups worldwide.

Haitian farmers are the backbone of fighting hunger in Haiti, and they desperately need critical inputs of seeds, irrigation, tools, and support from agronomists to adapt to drought, said Francois Pierre-Louis, Faith in Action's Haiti director.

USAID also expects to invest USD 20 million to help Caribbean businesses that use technologies related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Another nearly USD 15 million will be used to boost emergency response and preparedness across the region.

Additional funds will help low-lying island nations whose economies largely depend on tourism prepare and adapt to climate change.

Caribbean nations are on the front lines, Harris said.(AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, June 8: The Telangana Board released the Telangana State Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test or TS PGECET 2023 exam results today, June 8. Candidates who appeared for the TS PGECET 2023 exam or the Telangana State Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test exam can visit the official website of TS PGECET 2023 at pgecet.tsche.ac.in to check their results.

In order to check the Telangana State Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test Result or TS PGECET 2023 rank cards, candidates are advised to keep their hall ticket number, registration number, and date of birth handy. This year, the TS PGECET 2023 exams were held from May 29 to June 1. UGC NET June 2023 Exam Dates Out at ugcnet.nta.nic.in; NTA Releases Exam Schedule for Phase 1 Examination Beginning June 13, Check Complete Details.

Steps To Check TS PGECET 2023 Exam Result:

Visit the official website of TS PGECET at pgecet.tsche.ac.in

On the homepage, click on the "TS PGECET 2023 Result" link

Next, enter using your login details and other credentials

Now, click on submit

Your TS PGECET 2023 Exam Result will be displayed on the screen

Check your result thoroughly

Take a printout for future reference

The Telangana Board released the TS PGECET 2023 exam response sheets for courses of EC / BT / ME / CS on June 1. Following this, candidates were allowed to raise objections to the Preliminary Key till June 3. The TS PGECET 2023 exam or Telangana State Common Entrance Test examination is held to secure admission into courses such as M.E/ M.Tech. / M.Pharm. / M. Arch. / Graduate level Pharm. D (P.B.), in Universities, Affiliated Engineering, Pharmacy and Architecture Colleges of Telangana State. NEET UG Result 2023 Date and Time: NTA Likely To Announce Results by June Second Week on neet.nta.nic.in, Know How To Check Scorecard.

The TS PGECET 2023 exam was conducted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad on behalf of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2023 05:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, June 8: The BMC has prepared for the likely consequences of the weather system over the Arabian Sea, which is likely to intensify into a cyclone or a deep depression. At sites where there is flooding or waterlogging, arrangements have been made for workers and pumping equipment. Additionally, it has equipment in place to deal with fallen branches and trees and aid the fire department in removing them. Cyclone Biparjoy Live Tracker Map on Windy: Depression Over Arabian Sea Likely to Intensify Into Cyclonic Storm, Mumbai May Receive Heavy Rainfall; Check Real-Time Status.

Teams have been established at the ward level to alert residents and notify them of temporary shelters in case water does penetrate communities. The India Meteorological Department predicted on Tuesday that a depression over the southeast Arabian Sea, south of Porbandar in Gujarat, will travel northwest and build into a cyclonic storm.

The cyclonic storm, according to the Met office, will become a very severe cyclonic storm by Friday evening after intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday morning.

With each passing hour, the ferocious Cyclone Biparjoy gets stronger and more intense. This first storm, which is coming out of the Arabian Sea, will have a big impact on when India's monsoon season will start.

Meteorological experts claim that the cyclone's present course tilts towards the north, reducing the possibility of major damage to countries like India, Pakistan, Oman, and others. The following 72 hours will however prove to be extremely crucial as the cyclone's intensity increases. Cyclone Biparjoy Dates in Mumbai & Konkan: Heavy Rains, Flash Floods Expected? IMD Warns Low Pressure Area Likely to Form in Arabian Sea, May Trigger Heavy Rainfall in Parts of Maharashtra.

Further, IMD forecasts indicate that the storm is anticipated to trigger precipitation in the regions of Saurashtra and south Gujarat from June 9 to 11.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2023 10:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said the deal is a "good balance" of responsibility toward those seeking asylum and solidarity in the EU. Earlier, Germany voiced concerns about protections for children.The European Union's 27 member states have agreed on a plan to enact tougher asylum and migration policies across the bloc, officials announced on Thursday.

Also Read | Haj 2023: Air India Express Operates Indias First All-Women Flight From Kozhikode to Jeddah.

Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said the deal is a "good balance" of responsibility towards those seeking asylum and solidarity in the EU.

Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Secures Top Rank in Food Safety Index 2022-23 for Third Consecutive Year.

Proposal was 'difficult' for Germany

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had said on Thursday that a new reform proposal on EU migration policy was "very difficult for us in Germany" to accept, as it did not include exceptions for families with children.

She made the comments as EU interior ministers gathered in Luxembourg in a bid to reach a deal on joint migration and asylum policy.

One of the contested reforms was the introduction of preliminary checks on asylum seekers, who would then be sent back immediately if deemed that they did not have a chance to be granted asylum. Berlin wants to secure exemptions for minors and families with children.

"It is important that we come to an agreement," Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said after she arrived to the talks. "We can only handle migration together as the whole EU."

"I feel there is a common understanding which could lead to an agreement, but not at any price," she said.

Faeser said that Germany wanted to include enhanced rights for children in an EU migration deal.

"On one point we still have a real problem from the German point of view, because we want the protection of children and families with children in border procedures," she said, adding that such protections would be in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Faeser insisted that "human rights standards" were a top priority for Berlin in elaborating migration policy. She said that there was a chance EU member states could reach an agreement, but that this could not be done "at any price."

She said that the current reform compromise is "very difficult for us in Germany," but did not clarify whether Berlin would support the proposal.

Migration reforms must be solved 'together'

While the EU interior ministers meeting got underway in Luxembourg, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also held talks on migration reforms in Rome with Italy's Meloni.

"Those who want to overcome the challenges associated with refugee migration can only do so together in the European Union," Scholz said.

"All attempts to either leave the problems with someone else or to point the finger at others will fail," he added.

Italy's prime minister said that she was "convinced" that the bloc would seen reach an agreement on migration policy.

She said that the situation becomes "difficult" when the responsibility for dealing with is shifted onto other partners.

Meloni said that she would travel to Tunisia long with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Many migrant boats that attempt to traverse the Mediterranean in order to reach EU soil embark from the North African country.

Scholz reiterated Berlin's offer to take in migrants that had entered other countries on the EU's border.

rm, sdi/rs (dpa, AFP, epd)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 09, 2023 12:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
EU interior ministers have gathered in a bid to reach a deal on joint migration and asylum policy. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Berlin wants to include enhanced rights for children in the agreement.German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Thursday that a new reform proposal on EU migration policy was "very difficult for us in Germany" to accept, as it did not include exceptions for families with children.

Also Read | Black Magic Kills Student in Hyderabad? Parents Suspect Kshudra Pooja After Class 12th Student Hangs Self.

She made the comments as EU interior ministers gathered in Luxembourg in a bid to reach a deal on joint migration and asylum policy.

Also Read | Patna Shocker! Woman Stabs Husbands Private Parts Two Days After Marriage in a Fit of Rage, Arrested.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome to discuss migration policy.

Where does Germany stand on the reforms?

One of the contested reforms is the introduction of preliminary checks on asylum seekers, who would then be sent back immediately if deemed that they did not have a chance to be granted asylum. Berlin wants to secure exemptions for minors and families with children.

"It is important that we come to an agreement," Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said after she arrived to the talks. "We can only handle migration together as the whole EU."

"I feel there is a common understanding which could lead to an agreement, but not at any price," she said.

Faeser said that Germany wanted to include enhanced rights for children in an EU migration deal.

"On one point we still have a real problem from the German point of view, because we want the protection of children and families with children in border procedures," she said, adding that such protections would be in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Faeser insisted that "human rights standards" were a top priority for Berlin in elaborating migration policy. She said that there was a chance EU member states could reach an agreement, but that this could not be done "at any price."

She said that the current reform compromise is "very difficult for us in Germany," but did not clarify whether Berlin would support the proposal.

Migration reforms must be solved 'together'

While the EU interior ministers meeting got underway in Luxembourg, German Chancellor Scholz also held talks on migration reforms in Rome with Italy's Meloni.

"Those who want to overcome the challenges associated with refugee migration can only do so together in the European Union," Scholz said.

"All attempts to either leave the problems with someone else or to point the finger at others will fail," he added.

Italy's prime minister said that she was "convinced" that the bloc would seen reach an agreement on migration policy.

She said that the situation becomes "difficult" when the responsibility for dealing with is shifted onto other partners.

Meloni said that she would travel to Tunisia long with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Many migrant boats that attempt to traverse the Mediterranean in order to reach EU soil embark from the North African country.

Scholz reiterated Berlin's offer to take in migrants that had entered other countries on the EU's border.

sdi/rs (dpa, AFP, epd)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2023 09:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, June 8: In Mumbai's Mira Road neighbourhood, a 56-year-old man has been accused of killing his 32-year-old live-in partner and further using two cutters to chop her body into more than 20 pieces in attempt to remove evidence.

The culprit has been taken into custody by the Naya Nagar police, who are questioning him further. According to early investigations, he killed her because of a domestic dispute. Mumbai Horror: Man Hacks Live-In Partner to Death, Boils Body Parts in Cooker in Mira Road (Watch Video).

How the Horrifying Murder Came to Light

The police claim that on Wednesday, residents of J-wing of Geeta Aakashdeep Cooperative Housing Society, Geeta Nagar, Phase-7, phoned them to complain about a foul smell coming from flat number 704.

Police Team Arrests Accused Manoj Shahane

#WATCH | Maharashtra | 32-year-old woman killed by 56-year-old live-in partner | As per Police, the accused Manoj Sahni killed Saraswati Vaidya 3-4 days back and after that, he purchased a tree-cutter to chop her into pieces. Police say that the accused boiled pieces of her body pic.twitter.com/ilFUfWVOLY  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

Following this, a squad from the Naya Nagar police station went to the building, broke open the flat and discovered the decomposing body of a woman lying inside. Saraswati Vaidya, a 32-year-old orphan, has been identified as the victim.

Shocking Details Emerged During Probe

The initial probe suggests that in order to dispose of the body of Saraswati Vaidya, the accused Manoj Shahane had bought two tree cutters. Following reports from neighbours, authorities were only able to find the victim's legs inside the apartment while the other 13 parts of the womans body were discovered at the accuseds other residence. Meerut Murder Video: Woman Lawyer Shot Dead; Ex-Husband, His Father Arrested.

According to some sources, the suspects cooked Vaidya's body parts (7-8) in a pressure cooker to ensure there was no bad odour, however, official confirmation is still pending. According to police, the accused may have fed the cooked body pieces to stray dogs in the locality.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2023 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A woman lawyer, aged around 35 years, was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne assailants when she was returning home after buying milk, police said on Thursday. The victim Anjali Garg received a bullet in the head and collapsed at the gate of her house in the New Mewla Colony under the Transport Nagar police station on Wednesday.
Despite Noeleen Heyzer's connections with Myanmar's military-installed government, her efforts to end the conflict in the country made little progress.The United Nations Special Envoy to Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer is leaving her post next week following challenges with the Myanmar junta in the conflict-torn country.

Also Read | France Knife Attack: Attacker Stabs Several People, Including Children in Annecy, Arrested.

Following the coup in February 2021, the military ousted Myanmar's democratically elected government and jailed leaders such as Aung San Suu Kyi. Nationwide mass resistance unfolded, as civilian protests were met with a brutal military crackdown which has now led to Myanmar descending into a civil war.

Also Read | S Jaishankar Says India's Focus Right Now in Afghanistan Is More on Helping Afghan People and Less Political.

Heyzer was appointed six months after the coup in October of that year in an effort to find diplomatic solutions to stop the conflict. But after 20 months in the position, she will depart when her contract ends on June 12, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Heyzer makes little progress despite connections

Heyzer served as executive director of UNIFEM, which is part of UN Women, from 1994 to 2007. In 2005, Heyzer was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her struggle to improve the lives of women, while promoting peace and justice.

She then became the UN's undersecretary-general until 2014 and the first woman to serve as executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific until 2015. She was also the United Nations Secretary-General's special adviser for Timor-Leste in 2013-2015, "to support peacebuilding and sustainable development," the UN's peacemaker website states.

But despite Heyzer's connections with Myanmar's military-installed government, officially the State Administration Council, her efforts to end the violence made little progress.

Not able to build bridges

A Myanmar analyst said Heyzer's term ended without achievement as the country is not ready for dialogue.

"Noleen Hayzer's term as a special UN envoy to Myanmar ended without apparent achievement," Aung Thu Nyein told DW. "She used to work with former Myanmar junta leaders on development and many people thought she would bring success working with the present generals."

Heyzer first visited Myanmar in August, and called on military general Min Aung Hlaing to end the violence and put the country back on a path to democracy. She also urged him to release political prisoners and allow imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi to return home.

"She is outspoken about what is happening in Myanmar, listening to many stakeholders, but she was not quite close to working with the State Administration Council. The country is so complicated, and the conflicting parties are not ready to engage in a dialogue," Aung Thu Nyein added.

In an address to the UN General Assembly in March, Heyzer said both the military-installed government and opposition groups refusing military rule were both intent on winning by force and that there were no prospects of negotiations or serious dialogue.

Attacks and airstrikes

People defense forces and ethnic armed organizations have been fighting back against the Myanmar military since they seized control two-and-a-half years ago. But the junta's bigger military force and arsenal of weapons gives them the upper hand, and evidence of that has been witnessed in recent months with a rise in devastating airstrikes across Myanmar.

Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that UN chief Antonio Guterres is thankful to Heyzer for her "tireless efforts" to bring peace to Myanmar and that a new appointment will be made.

But Heyzer's role and strategy attracted criticism from opposition and rights groups.

The National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar's shadow government which claims to be the country's legitimate administration, was irked by Heyzer's August visit, which came days after Suu Kyi was again sentenced to prison time by a military court, receiving a six-year sentence for corruption.

Hundreds of civil society groups and organizations subsequently called for Heyzer to leave her post following her publicized meeting with General Min Aung Hlaing. A joint statement last year denounced the role of the UN special envoy, and referred to Min Aung Hlaing as a war criminal, adding that these types of visits and dialogues were emboldening the military.

"The ineffective mandate of the UN special envoy on Myanmar has let the military junta's international crimes go unabated and unpunished," Khin Ohmar, founder of the Myanmar rights group Progressive Voice, said. "We have long called for the amendment of the UN special envoy mandate and put forth concrete recommendations to the special envoy but our recommendations were dismissed."

Ohmar said a new policy to ending the military crackdown must be adopted by the UN.

"The [UN General Assembly] must end the mandate of [United National special envoy] at the upcoming session in September 2023 to prevent further harm being inflicted on the country already deep in devastation," she added.

"We are looking to the secretary-general's personal commitment to end the military junta's nationwide violence and hold them accountable. The UN must pivot to a new policy that prioritizes shattering the Myanmar military, which is the source of violence and root cause of the atrocities."

Heyzer's mission impossible

But David Scott Mathieson, an independent Myanmar analyst, penned an op-ed in the Asia Times, saying Heyzer faced an "insurmountable" challenge, and that the lack of progress in Myanmar should be blamed on the UN and the Myanmar military government.

Mathieson added that Heyzer at least called for an inclusive humanitarian forum to be developed with the NUG and ethnic armed organizations such as the Karen and Karenni groups in Myanmar.

Tin Htar Swe, a Myanmar analyst based in the United Kingdom, echoed these sentiments.

"She listened to everybody, and she had to perform this role in this age where social media is so active. She was more exposed than her predecessors. She was unlucky because she was dealing with very difficult, brutal leaders of the military regime who would do anything to stay in power," she said.

Edited by: John Silk

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2023 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
On 7 June thousands of demonstrators marched in Colombia in support of Presidents reform agenda, which has been put in jeopardy by a major government scandal.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 563 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
On 7 June Mexicos Presidentsaid that a video which appears to show members of Mexicos armed forces killing civilians in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas state, seems to have been an extrajudicial execution.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 401 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
On 6 June leaders of Juntos por el Cambio (JxC), Argentinas main centre-right opposition coalition, made conflicting statements over electoral strategy, raising concerns over a potential internal rift.

Analysis:

There is less than a week to go before the 14 June deadline to register coalitions and candidate lists for the August primaries. A dispute has broken out within JxC over whether or not to expand the coalition.

Horacio Rodriguez Larreta , the moderate-leaning mayor of Buenos Aires who is one of the contenders for the presidential nomination, wants to widen the coalition to include Juan Schiaretti , the dissident Peronist (Partido Justicialista  PJ) governor of the north-central province of Cordoba. In contrast, former hardline security minister Patricia Bullrich (2015-2019), another presidential hopeful who is supported by former president Mauricio Macri (2015-2019), opposes admitting more leaders into the coalition at this stage.

, the moderate-leaning mayor of Buenos Aires who is one of the contenders for the presidential nomination, wants to widen the coalition to include , the dissident Peronist (Partido Justicialista  PJ) governor of the north-central province of Cordoba. In contrast, former hardline security minister (2015-2019), another presidential hopeful who is supported by former president (2015-2019), opposes admitting more leaders into the coalition at this stage. Schiaretti has already declared his own presidential ambitions. However, if he joins JxC he could take part in the opposition coalitions primaries. His inclusion could send a powerful message in a country which for decades has been deeply split between Peronist and anti-Peronist forces. Rodriguez Larreta wants to appeal across that political divide to centrist voters. But Bullrich and Macri believe that bringing in Schiaretti and other last minute political concoctions is risky and could dilute the coalitions message. Bullrich wants the coalition to appeal to the right, responding to the rising popularity of Javier Milei , the far-right candidate who casts himself as an anti-establishment outsider.

, the far-right candidate who casts himself as an anti-establishment outsider. The Bullrich-Macri axis within the opposition coalition argues against doing deals with their traditional Peronist enemies, but critics point out that Macri himself did something similar in the 2019 election, when he chose Miguel Angel Pichetto, a traditional Peronist politician, as his vice-presidential running mate.

Looking Ahead: Opinion polls continue to suggest a three-way race in this years presidential elections between the ruling left-of-centre Frente de Todos (FdT) coalition, the opposition right-of-centre JxC, and the far-right La Libertad Avanza led by Milei. The possibility of a formal split within JxC cannot be ruled out but given the high electoral stakes it is more likely that a compromise deal will be reached before the registration deadline.
The CBP One app, touted as the official channel for seeking asylum, has a loophole that allows migrants to present themselves at the US border without an appointment, potentially triggering US migrant crisis along the southern border, NY Post reports.

Following the repeal of Title 42 in May, the Joe Biden administration endorsed the mobile immigration app as the sole authorized means for asylum seekers. Each day, up to a thousand individuals are granted entry into the United States through this route.

Cesar Segura, unable to secure an interview online, discovered through careful examination of the app's terms and conditions that he could show up at a US port of entry and request an interview where language barriers, illiteracy, or technical issues impeded the application process.

Since Segura was allowed entry last week, an additional four hundred migrants have amassed near the San Diego border.

Speaking in Spanish, Segura conveyed his unsuccessful attempts to schedule an interview on the app. "It was our trump card to play," he remarked.

Together with a small group of fellow migrants, the Venezuelan national arrived at the San Ysidro Port of Entry along the California-Mexico border, awaiting the outcome of their interviews over four days.

Following an assessment by immigration officials, Segura was deemed eligible for asylum, leading to his legal release into the country, pending a final decision on whether he will be granted refuge in the United States, which could take years.

READ NEXT: Records Show 800% Increase in Arrests of Chinese Nationals at US Border

Migrant Who Found Loophole in CBP One App to Enter US Border Is Now in Miami

According to Cesar Segura, officials from US Citizenship and Immigration Services assured him that he could remain in the country until his asylum case was resolved once they recognized the legitimacy of his claim, per Border Report.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Segura expressed his gratitude, saying, "I cried, shed some tears, and got on my knees to thank God."

Volunteers from the San Diego Rapid Response Network, a group dedicated to assisting migrants at the border, picked him up outside the port of entry.

After waiting three days, Segura boarded a bus to San Diego International Airport, ready for his upcoming flight.

"I feel incredibly happy right now," he exclaimed.

A longtime friend from his college days in Venezuela has volunteered to sponsor Segura in Miami.

"He is a dear friend who will support me while I try to secure a job and settle down legally. I want to save as much money as possible to send back to my family," Segura shared.

A smile illuminated his face as he gazed at the San Diego skyline through the airport windows, preparing to enter Terminal 2 and board his American Airlines flight to Florida.

"For me, it's a sign of Liberty, I made it."

Segura's next court appearance is scheduled for June 26, 2026.

CBP One App Allegedly Allows Illegal Immigrants to Enter US Border Without Valid Asylum Claims

A Border Patrol Council union leader has raised concerns about the new CBP One app created by the Biden administration, claiming that it enables illegal immigrants to enter the US Border legally without making valid asylum claims, KATV noted.

Mark Morgan, a former acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, highlighted the disinformation and alleged deception surrounding the app.

The administration reportedly made agreements with 171 countries, offering migrants a chance to use the CBP One app and be processed and released into the country through a port of entry, even if their asylum claims are likely fraudulent.

Recent investigations have revealed that migrants waiting at the Yuma, Arizona border are being transported by bus to ports of entry in San Diego. Upon reentering the country through the CBP One app, migrants from specific countries-Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, or Haiti-are claiming humanitarian parole rather than seeking asylum.

This parole status allows them to be released and work in the United States for a few years without going through the asylum process.

READ MORE: Panama Girl Reportedly Denied Medical Assistance Before Dying in US Border

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Migrants say CBP One app is not working - From CBS 8 San Diego
Ron DeSantis's Martha's Vineyard migrant stunt to "Own the Libs" is getting some legal consequences as a Texas sheriff filed several criminal charges for people involved in luring Venezuelan migrants from a migrant center in San Antonio with the promise of jobs and into a plane to Martha's Vineyard as part of a political stunt.

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office stated that it had completed its investigation into the human trafficking case where 49 migrants staying in San Antonio were transported to Martha's Vineyard under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's migrant busing policy.

According to the Texas Tribune, criminal charges have already been filed with the local district attorney, though which people have been charged remains sealed.

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office also released a statement, saying that the counts charged include several counts of unlawful restraint, which are both misdemeanors and felonies. The case is currently being reviewed by the Bexar County district attorney.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales stated on Tuesday that there may be a lengthy and labor-intensive process to determine if a crime has indeed been committed, and they will review it and present the case before a grand jury for deliberation.

The Texas sheriff wrapped up its investigation as the Florida governor is running for president and pulled off yet another stunt, this time sending migrants to California.

Martha's Vineyard Migrants Tricked into Getting Inside a Plane

There may be a case against the Florida officials who lured the migrants onto a plane, as pointed out by CBS News. The charge of unlawful restraint comes when somebody would "restrict a person's movements without consent, to interfere substantially with the person's liberty, by moving the person from one place to another or by confining the person." It is considered "without consent" if the act was done by force, intimidation, or deception. In the case of the Martha's Vineyard migrants, it is deception.

A woman named Perla Huerta was the one reportedly responsible for luring the Martha's Vineyard migrants. She reportedly gave them $10 McDonald's gift cards in exchange for a signed consent form to board a flight to Massachusetts.

READ MORE: Florida Republican Seen Begging Latinos Not To Leave After Ron DeSantis Immigration Law Passes

While aboard the plane, the migrants admitted that they were given a brochure with a list of organizations that provide social services the migrants were not eligible for. This would amount to deception.

While the migrants signed waivers, those signatures may have been gotten through fraudulent means, including the false promises of jobs and services provided for them. When they arrived at Martha's Vineyard, the migrants were left to fend for themselves, with nobody waiting to help them. Residents were also shocked but soon banded together to help the migrants and condemned DeSantis.

Ron DeSantis Vs. Gavin Newsom Row Over California Migrant Stunt Heats Up

As Florida's DeSantis administration possibly faces legal trouble in Texas, he might also be facing kidnapping and human trafficking violations in California. Governor Gavin Newsom of California has suggested that DeSantis could face state criminal charges after sending over immigrants from Texas to Sacramento. Much like the Martha's Vineyard migrants, they were also lured with the promises of jobs and made to sign consent waivers but were left to fend for themselves as soon as they arrived.

According to Politico, DeSantis and Newsom have been sparring over various issues over the last few months as the Florida Governor charges up his mostly white conservative base with culture war issues and controversial policies. Meanwhile, Newsom has constantly attacked red states, including Florida, over their policies.

READ NEXT: Florida Could Face Mass Labor Shortage Due to Ron DeSantis' New Immigration Law

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Criminal case filed for DeSantis migrant flights to Martha's Vineyard - News 4 (WOAI) San Antonio
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, better known as former WWE World Champion The Iron Sheik, has died. The legendary Iran-born wrestler passed away on Wednesday, June 7. He was 81.

He was best known for being the WWE champion whom Hulk Hogan defeated en route to his first-ever world title, changing the pro-wrestling landscape and establishing WWE as the premiere promotion at that time.

The Iron Sheik was considered by many as one of the greatest wrestling villains of all time, beating Bob Backlund for the world title and eventually terrorizing the tag team division thanks to his infamous anti-American tag team with "Soviet wrestler" Nikola Volkoff at a time when anti-Soviet sentiment was high. The pair would generate heat and get booed unlike any other in American venues as he insulted the United States with stinging promos.

His cause of death has not been disclosed yet. WWE, the promotion where he became most famous, paid tribute to him and sent condolences to family and friends.

Iron Sheik Embraced His Villainous Persona

Born in Tehran, Iran as Hossein Khosrow Vaziri, he used to work as a former bodyguard for the Shah of Iran before moving to the United States in the 1960s. He then made a name for himself quickly.

A former amateur wrestler, The Iron Sheik used his devastating "Camel Clutch" hold to break his opponent's backs and force them into submission. The move also won him a world title with WWE.

However, when the US Embassy in Iran was overrun by the country's new Islamist regime, resulting in over 60 Americans being held hostage, the wrestler took his villainous persona even further, embracing the fact that he is an Iranian in America.

READ MORE: WWE Star Alexa Bliss Pregnant

As the dastardly heel that he is, The Iron went all in as he started waving the Iranian flag and singing the Iranian national anthem. He would then start proclaiming, "Iran No. 1." As he slipped into this role, the soon-to-be WWE champion became the archetype for many "Anti-American foreign heels" to come.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Sheiky" stated during a 2014 interview, "It was just the right time to establish my character or my gimmick to be the real baddest, baddest wrestler on the Earth."

The Iron Sheik Was a True Wrestling Legend

Before his death, younger wrestling fans might remember him more for his cooky and sometimes controversial posts on social media. However, "Sheiky" was highly respected by his peers, as well as many outside the wrestling industry.

As the Iron Sheik, the dastardly heel presented a mishmash of Middle Eastern stereotypes while still presenting himself as an Iranian. This was highly criticized, with many calling the character outright mainstream xenophobia, according to Al Jazeera.

Despite this, however, he was still able to transcend the matter, and his act became a form of representation of sorts. "He was always willing to be the villain in the cultural moment and sort of exploit the politics of xenophobia," said William Lafi Youmans, associate professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University.

The professor noted that despite his villainous persona, The Iron Sheik was presented as a formidable foe, and this made many Americans of Middle Eastern descent become his fans and even look up to him as he transcended the stereotypes.

READ NEXT: Bad Bunny Steals the Show During WWE Backlash in Puerto Rico

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: The Iron Sheik Dead At 81, WWE Legend Passes Away - WhatCulture Wrestling
A White Florida woman's arrest concerning the shooting and killing of her Black neighbor has once again brought attention to the state's controversial "stand your ground law," per CBS News.

Susan Lorincz, 58, has been charged with manslaughter and other offenses following the incident, which sparked protests and widespread outrage.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the shooting occurred Friday night. It culminated in a long-standing rivalry between Lorincz and Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old Black Florida mother of four.

Both neighbors resided in the serene hills south of Ocala, known as the horse capital of Florida.

Sheriff Billy Woods addressed the incident in a Facebook video late Tuesday night, clarifying that it was not a "stand your ground" case but a straightforward killing.

He explained that the two-and-a-half-year feud between the neighbors led to the tragic outcome. Although some questioned the delay in making an arrest, the sheriff emphasized that he must adhere to the state's laws, even if he disagrees with them.

The sheriff's office released a video showing Lorincz, dressed in shorts, a black top, and a jacket, escorted by two detectives and a deputy along a corridor. The woman walked with her hands clasped behind her back.

READ MEXT: Florida: 9 Injured After Mass Shooting During Memorial Day

White Florida Woman Fatally Shoots Black Mother of 4

A tragic incident unfolded involving Ajike Owens, a Black Florida mother of four, and her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in the Quail Run neighborhood of Ocala, Florida June 2 evening. The area is situated near County Road 475A and County Road 484.

According to accounts from relatives and neighbors, Owens' children, aged three to twelve, were playing outside when Lorincz approached them in a field. Allegedly, she directed racial slurs toward the kids and demanded that they leave the area, according to Ocala StarBanner.

Family members assert that at one point, Lorincz took an iPad and threw a pair of skates at one of the children, resulting in a broken toe. It was reported that when deputies approached Lorincz's residence, she opened the door and swung her umbrella at them.

Upon learning about the altercation, Owens exited her car and went to Lorincz's house, knocking on the door to speak with her. Owens purportedly requested a conversation outside.

It is alleged that Lorincz fired shots through her door, striking Owens in the shoulder in the presence of her nine-year-old child. Owens was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries that day. The following day, a candlelight vigil was held in her memory.

Records indicate that between the two individuals involved, there had been approximately six complaints filed over the previous two years.

Black Florida Mother's Kids Feel Guilty Over Their Mom's Death

One of Owens's children, a 9-year-old boy, is burdened with guilt, believing he is to blame for his mother's murder, CNN noted.

He blames himself for being the first to inform his mother about the confrontation with their neighbor.

"In his soul, in his heart, it's his fault that his older brother, his baby sister, and his baby brother, as well as himself, will never see their mother again," Owens's mother, Pamela Dias, told reporters Wednesday.

Dias, shared the heart-wrenching details during a press conference held the day after the arrest of a 58-year-old Florida woman who allegedly shot Owens.

She revealed that another child blames himself for being unable to save their mother through CPR.

"Grandma, grandma. I couldn't save her," Dias recalled the 12-year-old boy telling her.

Owens's family and legal representatives held a press conference on Monday, demanding justice for her senseless and unprovoked killing. According to Dias, Owens had acted like any concerned parent would.

She had approached the neighbor's door unarmed, seeking answers and wanting to discuss the incident involving her 9-year-old son with another adult.

READ MORE: Florida Teen Stabs Ex-Girlfriend 15 Times

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: White woman who fatally shot Black neighbor is arrested in Florida - From NewsNation
The Catholic world awaited in bated breath as Pope Francis underwent surgery. The Vatican confirmed that he had intestinal scar tissue removed and had a hernia in his abdominal wall repaired.

The delicate operation on the 86-year-old pontiff lasted for around three hours, with the Vatican saying that the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires had no complications after the operation. However, it was confirmed that Pope Francis was under general anesthesia and is expected to remain at Rome's Gemelli Hospital for several days.

According to the Associated Press, all papal audiences have been canceled until June 18. This is the latest surgical operation that the pope had to undergo, as he had part of his colon removed around two years ago.

Before becoming pope, the pontiff reportedly had a previously undisclosed abdominal surgery in his native Argentina. That surgery reportedly caused some scarring which was removed during this latest surgery. The scars reportedly caused a partial blockage, resulting in the pope being in pain over the recent months.

Surgeon Says Pope Francis Is Now Well Awake and Alert

The surgeon who operated on the pope, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, recently held a brief press conference at the Gemelli Hospital. There, he confirmed that Pope Francis "is well, awake, alert, and already made his first joke 10 minutes ago."

Dr. Alfieri is the director of the hospital's abdominal surgery department. He is also the same surgeon who removed part of the pontiff's colon in 2021, according to the Catholic News Agency.

READ NEXT: Pope Francis Offers Prayers to Victims of Massive Earthquake in Peru and Ecuador

During the press conference, the doctor added that after his recovery, Pope Francis is already cleared to travel. The pope has official papal visits to Portugal and Mongolia lined up in August. However, he also has plans to visit his native Argentina next year, after the elections, so he would not be used as a political and propaganda tool.

Alfieri noted that the pope "does not have other illnesses," but added that he had been "experiencing pain for several months due to an incisional hernia."

Meanwhile, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni echoed the doctor's professional opinion and released a statement on Wednesday, saying, "Pope Francis is alert and conscious and thankful for the many messages of closeness and prayer that have immediately reached him."

Pope Francis Held a Veneration for St. Therese of the Child Jesus Before His Surgery

Before undergoing surgery on Wednesday, the pope had a busy schedule earlier that morning as he led a veneration of the relics tied to St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The Argentina-born pontiff is a devotee of the saint, according to Vatican News.

The pope also went to social media to celebrate the saint's 150th birthday, appealing for prayers "for the grace to love Jesus as she loved Him, the grace to offer Him our trials and our sorrows, as she did, so that He might be known and loved by all."

READ MORE: Pope Benedict XVI: The Complex Legacy He Leaves Behind to Catholics

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Pope Francis' surgeon delivers the good news "the whole world has been waiting for" - ROME REPORTS in English
A Wisconsin teen's body was tragically found in the floorboard of a towed SUV four days after a crash, according to authorities.

Police responded to a car crash involving a vehicle that had crashed with a tree Thursday, June 1. It was later revealed that the car had been stolen, a 16-year-old driver was present at the scene during the incident, according to NBC 2.

Emergency services brought the driver to the hospital for treatment before taking him into custody.

Because of the damage sustained in the collision, the car was towed to a nearby tow yard. It was during the inspection of the vehicle, four days after the crash, that a body was discovered.

The Milwaukee Police Department has disclosed that the deceased individual found in the car's floorboard was likely a 17-year-old male. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating to determine the cause of death.

READ NEXT: Wisconsin Boy Charged as an Adult After Fatally Shooting Mom

Authorities Investigate How Wisconsin Teen's Body Goes Unnoticed

Both the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) and the Department of Public Works are launching investigations to determine how the body of Wisconsin teen James Stokes went unnoticed for an extended period, NY Post noted.

Attorney William Sulton emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to prevent such incidents from occurring.

He highlighted the need for tow lot officers to follow specific rules and responsibilities, including conducting thorough searches before processing or releasing a vehicle.

Wisconsin Teen's Case Is Not the First

This recent incident involving James Stokes is not an isolated occurrence. Over the past five years, the Milwaukee police have towed vehicles with individuals still inside on three occasions, including the distressing discovery of the Wisconsin teen's body.

In a troubling incident in January 2018, a young girl was left alone in a van as her mother was arrested during a traffic stop, per Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The vehicle was subsequently towed, unknowingly leaving the child behind as temperatures plummeted to dangerous lows.

During this process, at least ten city workers, including those from the police and public works departments, were involved. The girl, possibly sleeping and covered by clothing, remained trapped in the van for approximately seven hours while the outside temperature hovered around a chilling eighteen degrees.

It wasn't until the following morning when a tow lot worker heard her cries, that the child was discovered. Fortunately, police reports indicated that she exhibited no signs of injury or exposure despite the harrowing ordeal.

In December of the previous year, the city paid the family a settlement of $50,000 to resolve their lawsuit related to the incident. Additionally, two police officers received 45-day suspensions, one of whom had faced misconduct allegations. However, no civil or criminal action was taken against other city employees.

Fast forward to January 2022, when firefighters responded to a car crash that had caused a nearby building to catch fire. Shockingly, the lifeless body of a 21-year-old woman was found in the back seat of her car, which had been unnoticed for several hours.

After a thorough month-long investigation, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski publicly apologized for the incident. He acknowledged that it was the responsibility of his staff to locate the deceased individual and announced changes to the department's standard operating procedures.

Chief Lipski detailed the implementation of a new procedure that involves conducting three separate searches by different teams, similar to the method used when searching buildings.

These measures aim to prevent future oversights and uphold the highest standards of care and attention during emergency response situations involving vehicles.

READ MORE: Virginia School Shooting: 2 Killed, 7 Injured

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Teen found dead at Milwaukee tow lot, mother recounts search for him - From FOX6 News Milwaukee
The 1989 murders of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador were considered one of the most heinous crimes ever committed in the country. Prosecutors now allege that ex-President Alfredo Cristiani approved of it.

According to the Associated Press, prosecutors who went after the former El Salvadoran president last year over the infamous murder case finally presented formal charges against Cristiani during an arraignment hearing last Monday.

The prosecutors alleged that the former president was at the meeting where the El Salvador military plotted to kill the six Jesuits.

In a statement, the prosecutors said, "The investigations reveal that former President Alfredo Cristiani was present at the meeting where the crime was coordinated and authorized."

The former president was also part of the phone call to reassure one of the priests before he was killed by El Salvadoran soldiers.

Cristiani had reportedly been talking to one of the murdered priests, Rev. Ignacio Ellacuria, around the time they were killed. They had several phone calls with each other, with the then-president reportedly telling the Jesuit that "he should not worry about the raid being carried out at the UCA, and asked him to remain calm and stay where he was."

However, the promise was not kept, as soldiers raided the Central American University where the Jesuits lived, taking them away before killing them.

Jesuit Priests Killed Alongside Cook and Her Daughter

The six Jesuit priests were murdered on November 16, 1989, at the height of the El Salvador Civil War, which had been raging since 1980 and ended1992.

According to NPR, the soldiers also killed a woman named Julia Elba Ramos, who was serving as the cook for the priests, as well as her 16-year-old daughter, Celina Maricet Ramos.

READ NEXT: El Salvador: Ex-President Mauricio Funes Sentenced to 14 Years Over Deals With Gangs

A witness to the killing stated that she saw the soldiers burst in, took the six victims upstairs, and started shooting. The six Jesuit priests were identified as Joaquin Lopez y Lopez, Ignacio Martin-Baro, Ignacio Ellacuria, Amando Lopez, Juan Ramon Moreno, and Segundo Montes. Their deaths marked a dark part of El Salvador's history.

Ex-president Cristiani has denied all the allegations against him, maintaining he did not know about the incident that took place during his administration that shocked the world. He, together with seven of the country's top-ranking military officers at the time, are now facing charges of homicide, conspiracy, and terrorism.

Jesuit Priests Were Speaking Out Against the El Salvador Government

During the civil war, Cristiani's government was attacked by leftist rebels known as the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, or FMLN. At that time, the US backed the Cristiani regime because of fear that communism might have a better foothold in the Americas should it take El Salvador.

Because of the civil war, the administration became more authoritarian, and the priests spoke out against the government's injustices as they championed the poor. The Loyola University in Chicago even called them "The Salvadoran Martyrs."

Loyola built a memorial for them within campus grounds in 2010.

READ MORE: El Salvador: Military and Police Surround Town to Root Out MS-13 Gang Members

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: The Legacy of the Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador - Society of Jesus
Colombian President Gustavo Petro finds himself embroiled in a tumultuous week marked by a series of damaging events: Colombia wiretapping scandal, embezzled funds, leaked audio messages containing explicit language, allegations of campaign finance violations, and the dismissal of two prominent political allies have created a complex political crisis for the Petro administration.

At the center of the controversy are Laura Sarabia, the president's chief of staff, and Armando Benedetti, the Colombian ambassador to Venezuela and former manager of Petro's presidential campaign, per Al Jazeera.

Following the opening of an investigation by the attorney general's office into their actions, both Sarabia and Benedetti were swiftly dismissed from their positions within Petro's administration on Friday. Both individuals vehemently deny any wrongdoing.

The scandal unfolded when Semana magazine reported last month that Sarabia had subjected her child's nanny to a polygraph test, accusing her of stealing $7,000 in cash from her residence.

Disturbingly, it was revealed that the nanny's phone had been under surveillance by Colombian authorities, a surveillance operation allegedly orchestrated by Sarabia herself.

Meanwhile, Benedetti, who also employed the same nanny, claimed that Sarabia sought his assistance in suppressing the story from reaching the media.

However, their relationship soured following a dispute over Benedetti's demand for a new government position. Sarabia confronted Benedetti, accusing him of leaking the information to the press.

READ NEXT: Colombia: 9 Soldiers Killed by Rebel

"Soft Coup" Is Underway in Colombia, Warns Group of Global Leftist Leaders

Following the Colombia wiretapping scandal and other troubling events, a group of prominent leftist leaders from various countries has raised concerns about what they describe as a "soft coup" taking place in Colombia. In an open letter published on Wednesday, these leaders accused the opposition of engaging in illegal efforts to oust President Gustavo Petro and his key allies, said The Intercept.

The letter was signed by notable figures such as Ernesto Samper, former president of Colombia; Gleisi Hoffmann, leader of Brazil's ruling Workers' Party; Rafael Correa, former president of Ecuador; Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, former prime minister of Spain, as well as Jeremy Corbyn from the UK and Jean-Luc Melenchon, former French presidential candidate.

"Ever since the election of the country's first progressive government," the letter reads, "Colombia's traditional powers have been organizing to restore an order marked by extreme inequality, environmental destruction, and state-sponsored violence."

The letter defends the Petro administration facing a cascading series of struggles.

Right Wings Uses the Colombia Wiretapping Scandal Against President Petro

The Colombia wiretapping scandal has allowed the far right to criticize President Gustavo Petro, labeling him a hypocrite due to his longstanding opposition to government surveillance of judges, journalists, and political adversaries, according to The Guardian.

Maria Fernanda Cabal, a congresswoman from the far-right, took to Twitter to taunt Petro by referencing a phrase often used to condemn former conservative President Alvaro Uribe's alleged involvement in routine extrajudicial killings: "Who gave the order?"

Unfortunately for Petro, Francisco Barbosa, who is on the president's growing list of adversaries, is leading the investigation. Last month, Petro mistakenly claimed authority over the independent investigator, leading to a public feud between the left-wing president and the right-wing lawyer.

Petro could appoint more left-leaning allies to key positions to navigate the crisis. However, this approach may further strain his relations with other political parties and limit his ability to implement much-needed political reforms, as highlighted by Sergio Guzman, the director of Colombia Risk Analysis.

Guzman explains, "Petro finds himself caught between his grand aspirations for change and Colombia's rigid legal framework and institutions, which have little incentive to embrace reforms that may challenge their interests."

READ MORE: Migrants Find Loophole in Immigration App

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: US President Joe Biden welcomes the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro - From Sky News
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.
Some 382 people had no bed after being admitted to Naas hospital through the accident and emergency department last month.

This is one of the highest ever figures recorded for the month of May at the facility, which serves west Wicklow as well as County Kildare.

According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, which began recording overcrowding figures at public hospitals in 2006, only May 2019 and May 2011 saw more patients on trolleys.

The figures for these months were 479 and 524 respectively.

At Portlaoise hospital there were a total of 98 people on trolleys last month and no figure was immediately available for Tullamore Hospital.

Once again University Hospital Limerick saw the worst overcrowding with 1857 patients for the month followed by Cork University Hospital (1310), University Hospital Galway (896), Sligo University Hospital (751) and Tallaght University Hospital (704).

Nationally some 11,856 patients were admitted without a bed being immediately available and this included 300 children.

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: The number of patients we have seen on trolleys in the month of May are higher than January 2023, when we saw the worst levels of daily hospital overcrowding since the INMO began counting trolleys. This type of overcrowding at the beginning of summer must be immediately addressed to prevent an even more chaotic winter.

Nurses are working in a system that has normalised over 500 people a day on trolleys. They have had little to no reprieve from overcrowding. Our members are reporting high levels of burnout and their intention to leave their current work area is higher than it has ever been.

Calling for a laser-like focus from the government and the HSE Ms Ni Sheaghdha added: The measures we seek are proper planning of the cancellation of non-urgent elective surgery in line with public health projections; pre-arranged agreements with private acute hospitals to provide non-urgent elective surgery; and bespoke retention and recruitment initiatives to be implemented now to ensure staffing for additional capacity that is definitely going to be needed.

Read more Kildare news
A man who pleaded guilty to murdering his five-year-old stepdaughter has been denied permission to change his legal team and delay sentencing in the case.

A sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court heard that Abdul Wahab, 35, now wishes to change his legal representation for a third time.

Nadia Zofia Kalinowska, five, died after she was found with multiple injuries at her family home at Fernagh Drive in Newtownabbey in December 2019.

Nadias mother Aleksandra Wahab, 29, and stepfather Abdul Wahab, both from Fernagh Drive, were both originally charged with murder.

Earlier this year, Mr Wahab pleaded guilty to the murder of Nadia as well as two charges of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mrs Wahab pleaded guilty to charges of allowing the death of a child and allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

Prosecution barrister Liam McCollum opened the sentencing hearing by describing the extent of Nadias catalogue of injuries sustained over several months.

At the time of her death it was found that Nadia had fractured and re-fractured several ribs, sustained multiple fractures to her collarbone, skull fractures, as well as serious abdominal injuries.

Mr McCollum said as a result of Nadias injuries moving, breathing and laughing would cause considerable pain and such injuries would be obvious to an alert and caring parent.

At the time of their initial arrests, both Mr and Mrs Wahab claimed that Nadias death was accidental.

In Thursdays hearing, a defence barrister raised evidence of habitual falls as part of an argument that Mrs Wahab was unaware of the abuse her daughter was experiencing at the hands of Mr Wahab.

But Mr McCollum said that Mrs Wahab must have actually known.

He added: When people suffer an accident such as breaking collarbones, particularly children, the parents know about it, the parents do something about it.

He further stated the fact that Nadia went to school wearing long dresses and a head covering, as well as experiencing long absences from school, was evidence that her mother and stepfather were attempting to hide her extensive injuries from teachers.

Only people who knew Nadia was being injured could have disguised her injuries, Mr McCollum told the court.

Mr Wahab, who had been seated in the dock with his head down, was then given the opportunity to address Judge Justice OHara.

He asked the judge for four weeks to find a new legal team, with both prosecution and defence barristers referring to the fact that he now wishes to change his guilty plea of murder.

He told the court he wanted to speak for Nadia.

He said: My life was full of happiness with her, we were like two best friends. She was always smiling, she was always laughing, she was the best child.

Mr Wahab appeared to cry as he said: Since I have lost her I lost a piece of me, I just dont feel the same, I really loved her.

She always loved me, she always called me papa, my dear papa.

Then, in a reference to his original claim that Nadias death was a result of her being an accident-prone child, he said: I just try and stop her, what she was doing to herself, I was very worried about her.

Mr Justice OHara denied the request for a new legal team and a delay in sentencing.

Im not going to allow that, he said.

He added: You dispensed with your first legal team at public expense, dispensed with a second legal team, I will not continue to delay.

Justice OHara stated that Mr Wahab will be sentenced in accordance with his guilty plea and can then appeal.

The defence asked the judge to deal leniently in relation to Mrs Wahab and made no specific claim in relation to Mr Wahab, who has been sentenced to life but is still to receive a set minimum period before he can be released.

Mr and Mrs Wahab will be sentenced on June 21.
Failte Ireland has launched a new Regional Tourism Development Strategy for Irelands Hidden Heartlands which will provide a framework for sustainable tourism development across the region between 2023 and 2027.

The new Irelands Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Development Strategy is one of four new strategies that outline a vision for tourism and contain a five-year strategic framework for sustainable tourism development across each of Failte Irelands four regional brands: The Wild Atlantic Way, Irelands Ancient East, Irelands Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.

The plan sets out a strategic approach for the tourism industry and the stakeholders to navigate current challenges and guide a course towards a sustainable recovery and continued success.

By capitalising on the uniqueness of Irelands Hidden Heartlands they set a clear path ahead for the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences, building greater capacity and capability into the industry, and will provide a clear strategy for attracting visitors that will stay longer and spend more.

For Irelands Hidden Heartlands, this means growing tourism revenue at a faster rate in areas that are less visited relative to the more popular destinations nationally over the period of this strategy.

Paddy Mathews, Head of Irelands Hidden Heartlands at Failte Ireland, said that the brand has seen huge success since its launch in 2018, and, he said, the region will become one of the leading regenerative tourism destinations in Europe, with nature and communities at its heart.

We have devised Ireland's Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Development Strategy as a pathway for further success. The strategy will ensure the primary focus over the next five years is on sustainability, so the socio-economic benefits of tourism are seen and felt in communities and businesses across the region. Most importantly, it will focus on decarbonising the tourism sector and in doing so help protect our environment for future generations.

Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media welcomed the publication of the regional tourism strategies, which she explained, will improve visitors experiences and enable regional economies to thrive.

With the support of Government and my department, the cooperation of Local Authorities, the tourism industry and local communities, these strategies will play a key role in improving the social, cultural and economic contribution of tourism across Irelands regions. Tourism is a significant economic sector in Ireland, and these strategies will support the development of tourism across all 4 of Failte Irelands regional brands, bringing new attractions and experiences for visitors and creating new opportunities for communities and businesses across the country.

The Regional Tourism Development Strategies will be activated across every region through a series of local area action plans, referred to as Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). Over the course of this strategy, in addition to the existing DEDP for Lough Derg, Failte Ireland will prepare a further four DEDPs across Ireland's Hidden Heartlands region. Failte Irelands commitment is for every part of the country to have a detailed tourism development action plan created in partnership with local stakeholders.

Failte Ireland was recently appointed as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champion. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will inform the ongoing implementation of Failte Irelands 4 new Regional Tourism Development Strategies.
The former owners of the Leitrim Marina Hotel, Robert and Caroline Rigney, have said farewell and thank you to everyone who has supported them over the years. The hotel was sold as of May 31, 2023 to the owners of The Bush Hotel.

The hotel group has many properties in Ireland and the UK and we hope the scale of operation will bring new opportunities to develop the operation of Leitrim Marina Hotel, Robbie and Caroline said.

Caroline and Robbie Rigney and family operated the hotel, initially leasing it in 2009/2010 and then purchasing the property in 2013. It has traded successfully ever since providing an excellent waterside venue for local people and tourists to enjoy along the banks of the River Shannon and Shannon/Erne Waterway.

Winning awards and reviews for customer and food service, we would like to thank all the staff who assisted us over the years, many remaining with us since the beginning.

We would especially like to thank all our loyal and supportive customers, who we got to know really well over the years, the people of Leitrim Village for always making us ex Dubs feel so welcome, the people of Leitrim in general are a national treasure, always so welcoming.

We have always felt support over the years as we developed this family business, they said.

The hotel has been closed since last Autumn while six new bedrooms were added on and the original 10 bedrooms were renovated.

We leave a three star Failte Ireland approved with 16 designer ensuite bedrooms, in a thriving and developing tourist location and we look forward to its future re-opening, Robbie and Caroline said.
By Azernews

Rena Murshud





Sometimes crazy, sometimes jealous and sometimes very angry - all these together give the meaning of Iran.

The regime, which is not satisfied with throwing up its grudge and hatred against Azerbaijan with a number of excuses, this time turned the relations between the state of Israel and Azerbaijan into a tool in its hands and started resorting to various provocations.

However, Iran is not as silly as its neighbor and close soul brother, Armenia. No matter how hostile it is, it does not give up its sweet tongue. For example, early this week, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan issued a statement about the ban on the visit of citizens to Iran, it was able to immediately respond to it in its own way. Although Nasser Kanani, the spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Minister, gave a somewhat funny impression by calling Azerbaijanis "brothers and sisters", in general, he was able to play his stage role well, which was prepared based on the scenario of the regime.

Nevertheless, as always, this time the mullah regime could not hide its character. The unjust arrest of Farid Safarli and the unethical behavior towards several Azerbaijanis once again exposed Iran's insidious inner world.

"There has always been a prejudiced and hostile attitude towards Azerbaijan in the Iranian regime and its foreign policy, and it manifested itself in all forms. This is not Iran's foreign policy, but a policy of hostility at the state level."

A political analyst, member of the Board of the National Liberation Front of South Azerbaijan, Sadig Isabayli said this to Azernews, while discussing Iran's attitude towards Azerbaijan. He added that according to Iran, Azerbaijan should not be a strong state and it is necessary to create obstacles in front of all factors. "We saw such an attitude towards Azerbaijan in the Second Karabakh War: the victory of our powerful army, the liberation of our occupied lands, the beginning of peace processes. Threats, criticism, provocations and anti-Azerbaijani propaganda against the country in various forms continue to this day from Iran," the expert added.

By making such a statement, the Iranian offical tries to cover up his country's hostile policy towards us. However, Iran, the only terrorist regime in the world that holds citizens of other countries hostage and uses them to pressure the other side, accuse the Azerbaijani citizens on espionage.

Besides, while discussing Iran's domestic and foreign policy, the expert called Iran a dependent country on others and determined by foreign forces. "The Pahlavi regime, which ruled for 53 years, was established by England, and the mullah regime, which has continued until now for 44 years, was established as a result of the treacherous policy of France. The uprising, protest and desire for freedom of the population against the Pahlavi regime led to the coming to power from France of Khomeini, whose guards were citizens of France, and their graves are still guarded in Iran.

Iran has always interfered in the processes in the region through terrorism. The essence of the process is the interest of France in energy and the weakening of the Turkish states," Isabeyli noted.

The expert called Azerbaijan? policy very smart, complex and modern in accordance with the high standards of international relations.

"The visits of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Europe, speeches that he gives at various multilateral and international meetings shape the country's foreign policy in accordance with the course of both regional and global processes at a high level. Also, unlike Iran, Azerbaijan's foreign policy is carried out independently, and totally for its own interests. Iran cannot reconcile with this reality, and wants to accuse Azerbaijan of being under the control of foreign forces," the expert said.

Azerbaijani-Israeli relations are conducted at a strategic level. Relations between the two states in the energy, political, social, and other fields are based on very serious and strategic partnership. Iran obviously considers not only Azerbaijan but also Israel a hostile country and threatens it with statements that it will destroy them. Iran clearly does not welcome the development of comprehensive relations between the two states belonging to different religions. However, when we distinguish between the attitude towards the Turks in Iran and the attitude towards the Jews living in Azerbaijan, we see how Azerbaijan is a democratic state.

According to the expert, there is some kind of similarity between Iran's policy and the despotic policy of Hitler. Putting forward the slogan "If there is misfortune in the whole world, the Jews are to blame", Iran wants to sever Israel's relations with all countries. However, Azerbaijan proves the opposite.

"I would like to note that the Azerbaijani-Israeli relations are of concern not only to Iran, but also to Armenia and France. France intends to arrange provocations against the Jews in America," the expert emphasized.

Discussing the feasibility of normalization of Iranian-Azerbaijani relations, he called it a very tough process. Despite the fact that 40 million Azerbaijanis live in Iran, their cultural and political rights are being violated. The Iranian regime applies its policy of discrimination in all directions. Given all the threats and provocations of Iran against Azerbaijan, the normalization of bilateral relations in the near future looks hazy. The fact that Azerbaijan has a say in the geopolitical processes in the region irritates Iran.

Moreover, speaking about the danger from Iran, the expert urged Azerbaijani citizens to take the statement of the Foreign Ministry serious.

"I think that Azerbaijanis living in or visiting Iran should stick to the statement made by the Foreign Minister. Regardless of their status, any Azerbaijani can be taken hostage and used against Azerbaijan."

"The Iranian regime is merciless not only to the Turks, but also to its own citizens. Over the past 6-7 months, thousands of people have been thrown into prisons and shot on streets. I think that not a single Azerbaijani should visit Iran by taking Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry's statement seriously. Firstly, it is necessary for the safety of citizens, and secondly, it should not allow Iran to use it as a threat," the expert concluded.




Teagasc welcomes the announcement by the Royal Dublin Society that the winner of the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Leitrim farmer Sean Creamer.

Sean Creamer was presented with his award in Dublin yesterday, Wednesday 7 June by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett and Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer.

Receiving the Special Commendation Award in the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Category is Westmeath farmer Isabella Donnelly.

Farming full-time on 53 hectares in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, Sean Creamer manages a suckler herd and a young mixed forestry enterprise. In 2016, Sean decided to plant forestry along the recently re-developed Shannon Erne waterway on land, which had become challenging for farming. He identified forestry as a steady and reliable income stream but also an opportunity to grow quality timber and enhance local biodiversity and landscape.

Today, his diverse forest of nine different types of conifer and native broadleaf trees is growing very well on land that he struggled to farm and provides important additional farm income. As a strong advocate of farmers working with the environment, Sean sees the impact of the forest going far beyond the financial gain with real benefits for biodiversity, animal welfare, water quality and carbon storage.

On receiving the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, Sean Creamer said: I am delighted to receive this award. Not only is the forest allowing our farm to be more financially sustainable but is also really helping environmentally which is something I strongly believe in.

The RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award category recognises working farmers who follow a whole farm planning approach to successfully integrate their farm and forestry enterprises and contribute to farming sustainability.

Congratulating Sean Creamer, Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, highlighted how the award acknowledges Seans successful diversification into forestry and the sustainable integration of his forestry and farming enterprises.

Dr Lalor added: With farmers facing many challenges, the need to forward plan and explore possibilities to innovate and diversify is central to a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. Sean is an excellent example of a farmer whose vision and positive actions are contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of Irish Agriculture. Teagasc is delighted to be associated with the RDS Forestry Awards through our sponsorship of the Farm Forestry Award Category.

According to RDS President, John Dardis: It is more important than ever to recognise the work of our farmers, foresters and agri-entrepreneurs, who are contributing to the sustainable development of Irish agriculture, which remains the most important industry in rural Ireland. This years Spring Agriculture and Forestry Award winners have achieved a balance between the economic and environmental needs of the sector and are highlighting what is possible when experience is combined with innovation and dedication.

Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry Advisor said: Seans award is well deserved and his successful diversification into forestry highlights how farms and forests can work so well together with strong economic, practical, social and environmental benefits. His success is a great example for others to aspire to.
Concerns have been raised about water supplies around the country with 24 locations across the island experiencing absolute droughts in the past month.

A total of 24 out of 25 synoptic stations are currently observing absolute droughts lasting between 15 and 23 days, according to Met Eireann.

The longest absolute droughts of 2023 are on-going at four stations in Wexford, Dublin and Carlow with 23 consecutive days.

The only previous absolute drought during 2023 ended on Thursday 9 February at Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford lasting 16 consecutive days.

The last absolute drought prior to 2023 ended on Saturday 2 April 2022 at Athenry, Co Galway, Mace Head, Co Galway (16 days) and Shannon Airport, Co Clare (17 days).

Uisce Eireann recently appealed to people to help protect water supplies as the dry weather continues.

Formerly known as Irish Water, the national utility says the majority of water supplies are operating normally and that there are no plans to introduce general water restrictions at this time.

Ireland is currently experiencing widespread climatological dry periods not seen since the summer of 2018



Absolute droughts are on-going at 24 out of 25 synoptic stations



Dry spells are on-going at 25 out of 25 synoptic stations



here - https://t.co/o3CSCHG8km pic.twitter.com/vh3JhNfQPt  Irish Observational Climatology (@METclimate) June 7, 2023

An overnight restriction was required on Friday night for parts of counties Westmeath, Kerry and Kilkenny.

Uisce Eireann said that this helped to restore reservoir levels and maintain a consistent supply of drinking water during the day for people over the Bank holiday weekend.

The company says, however, that it had to continue with overnight restrictions in Clonakilty in Cork and in Inis Oirr in Galway.
A space in an air-conditioned shopping mall for people looking for some cool air, Hanoi, June 3, 2023. NHAC NGUYEN/AFP

Faced with a series of heat waves in April and May, like its Southeast Asian neighbors, Vietnam has been living with power cuts ever since. Electricity is in high demand due to the extreme heat experienced in the north and center of the country  an all-time record of 44.2C (112F) was recorded on May 7 in Tuong Duong, in the northern half of Vietnam, not far from the border with Laos. Combined with reduced water levels in dams, the power grid has been under pressure.

At least three major cities  the capital, Hanoi, and the coastal towns of Haiphong and Da Nang  have delayed urban lighting since the beginning of June and reduced or eliminated night-time lighting devices. Hanoi experienced several heat spikes between 38C and 40C lasting several days in May, resulting, according to the state-owned Electricite du Vietnam group, in a 22.5% rise in average consumption in the capital compared with April.

Families in 'low consumption' mode

In May, the state-owned giant, which is responsible for a colossal public debt due to the country's highly competitive industrial costs, approved a 3% increase in average distribution tariffs. The population is now encouraged to consume less. The Vietnamese press, for example, describes families in "low consumption" mode, praising their efforts to use air conditioning and electrical appliances sparingly. The malls that proliferate in Vietnam's main cities are designated as refuges for those fleeing the heat.

The power cuts are also affecting manufacturing, forcing the authorities to spare these economic players in an economic boom where Vietnam has become one of the main alternative production bases to China for the major Asian electronics subcontractors. The province of Bac Giang (north-east), for example, hosts Apple suppliers in its industrial parks some 60 km from Hanoi, and had to promise at the beginning of June to deliver electricity uninterruptedly between 7:45 am and 5 pm for 20 days to reassure these precious tenants.

45.4C in the Thai province of Tak

April and May are the hottest months of the year in Vietnam, and also in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and parts of Burma. All these countries on the fringe of South-East Asia are reporting record-breaking temperatures this year. On April 15, the mercury thermometer reached 45.4C in the Thai province of Tak, bordering Burma, and on May 6, 43.5C in Luang Prabang, Laos. "An event of the same magnitude as the observed heatwave would have been extremely rare in a climate 1.2C colder, and would therefore have been virtually impossible in the absence of climate change," noted the World Weather Attribution (WWA), an initiative that brings together researchers from various European research institutes on global warming, in a report on the Asian heatwave published in May.

You have 39.16% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
This image provided by Maxar Technologies, shows Kakhovka dam and station in Ukraine after collapse, on June 7, 2023. (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP) AP

Flooding from the Kakhovka dam breach extends over 600 square kilometres on the Ukrainian-held right bank of the Dnipro River and the Russian-held left bank, the region's governor said on Thursday, June 8.

"The average level of flooding is 5.61 metres. 600 square kilometres of the Kherson region are underwater, of which 32% is the right bank and 68% is the left bank," Kherson region governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on social media. "The average level of flooding is 5.61 metres," he said, adding that "despite the danger and heavy Russian shelling, the evacuation from the flooded area continues."

Prokudin said the situation in Russian-held areas was "extremely difficult."

The state emergency service of Ukraine said 1,995 people had been evacuated from flooded areas, including 103 children. Many more have fled of their own accord.

The state emergency service said that on the Ukrainian-held side of the river "a total of 20 settlements and 2,629 houses" had been flooded.

The floods have submerged parts of the regional capital, Kherson.

Le Monde with AFP
A PRE-AMBER warning of blood shortage has been issued, following the need of an additional 2,000 units for hospitals.

New and existing donors in Limerick are being urged to give blood this June, with two clinics being located in the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road in Caherdavin and at the Community Centre in the Castle Demesne area of Newcastle West.

People can make an appointment for the Greenhills Hotel for Monday, June 12 from 4:20pm to 7:40pm or alternatively, can book in at Newcastle West on Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 or Thursday 15 of June from 4:50pm to 8:10pm.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is appealing for people to get supplies back to normal, which they consider as being stocked for seven days at any given time. A shortage of stock of less than three days has now been recorded.

The target is to get an additional 2,000 donations over the next 5 weeks so we can significantly increase our blood supply levels, said Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics.

There has been a consistently strong hospital demand for blood and we need to boost our collections by nearly 400 donations per week to meet it. The start of summer travel has also had an impact on donor availability.

A pre-amber alert letter was issued to all hospitals on May 25, which outlines restrictions on hospital supplies. The IBTS needs to collect over 3,000 units of blood every week to maintain the national blood supply.

An amber alert letter, which is the next escalation level of the blood shortage plan, would have an immediate implication for hospitals and for elective surgical procedures requiring blood support.

Only 3% of the eligible population are blood donors but it is estimated one in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives.
THE ORDER of Malta Ambulance Corps marked 75 years of service to the people of Limerick at a mayoral reception.

The volunteer group was hosted by Councillor Francis Foley, Mayor of Limerick City and County at the special event on Friday, May 5 at City Hall.

The reception was in recognition of the groups members, past and present, who have given selfless and dedicated service as volunteer paramedics to the people of Limerick and to the wider community since 1948.

The Mayor thanked the unit for its tremendous and dedicated service to the people of Limerick at the many civic, social and sporting events covered by the unit.

He particularly thanked them for the many volunteer hours during the Covid-19 pandemic by delivering lunches to children from schools, medication collection for those cocooning from the virus, as well as transporting many individuals to hospital appointments, vaccination clinics and for Covid-19 testing.

Members were joined by their families at the celebrations.

A scroll was presented by the Mayor to Jim Keogh, who is the officer in charge of the unit.

Jim said: It is a great honour for our members to be recognised for the many hours of voluntary service to the community. I am very proud to lead such a dedicated group of volunteers.

Another major milestone was marked on the evening when the Mayor presented Tom Hanly, a lifelong member of the Ambulance Corps, with a scroll to mark his 64 years of service.

Tom joined as a Cadet at the age of 10 and has continued to volunteer with the Limerick Unit ever since.

He rose through the ranks having been Officer in Charge of both the Limerick and Shannon Units as well as serving as Regional Director and rising to Assistant Director.

Tom remains active to this very day by carrying out many community care activities as well as delivering life-saving training to many industry and community groups.

A fitting tribute to a gentleman that has given so much time to help others.

Members were joined by their families at the celebrations.
THIS BEAUTIFUL photo doesnt just feature girls and boys decked out in their finery at their First Holy Communion, it celebrates the essence of community.

The children all have their hands to their head as they are communicating through sign language the words of a song, appropriately called Circle of Friends.

The Templeglantine NS pupils all learned Lamh - the Irish sign language - so they can communicate with classmate Katie Sexton who has Down Syndrome. The touching moment was captured by photographer Simona Morkovska.

Katies mum Edel said there were tears in her and husband Dans eyes at the inclusivity of the moving gesture.

Denise Airey, a teacher for over 30 years, said it was one of the most beautiful Holy Communions she has been involved in.

Ms Airey said when Dan and Edel first met Templeglantine NS staff they really wanted Katie to be part of the school community.

Inclusivity was our priority from day one. Katie has been with us for the last four years and is going into third class in September, said Ms Airey. She says Katie is as popular with her classmates as she is with her teachers.

She is absolutely fabulous, she is her own person. Katie is full of joy, a complete trickster and a pure rogue. She is really resourceful and self-reliant, said Ms Airey.

She said from the principal Eimear Buckley, to the SNAs Michelle Divine McAuliffe, Niamh Ward, Mary Keane OKeeffe, resource teacher Emma Carmody, class teachers Julie OBrien, Roisin Fitzgerald and Jo Clancy, Katie is beloved by all.

As she is by her classmates and all the pupils in the whole school.

Katie played a full part in the Mass like the rest of the children and brought up one of the gifts to the altar during the Mass said by Fr Denis Mullane.

The whole day from start to finish was everything we wanted for Katie since she came here. She was outside the church with her friends playing and having fun. They all came in and she had a role, the same as other classmates, in the offertory procession, said Denise.

The icing on the cake was the words of Circle of Friends being signed out.

It was so fabulous. It was a tribute to all those kids and it just captured everything and not just that class but all the pupils and staff in the school, said Ms Airey.

Proud mum Edel said she and Dans wishes and dreams for Katie were that she go to her local school. They had learned about Lamh through Down Syndrome Kerry and Limerick branches.

When we came to Templeglantine NS first, the then principal asked how Katie communicates and we said Lamh.

When she started that September all the teachers were trained in Lamh - they had all done the course over the summer to help Katie. It went from there and they started introducing it to the kids and it is just lovely. She has great friends who are able to communicate with her, said Ms Sexton.

She said there were tears in her and Dans eyes when they saw Cara Rose and Lukes big sister signing Circle of Friends with all her friends.

It was just so inclusive of the school community - staff and students - and the wider community in Templeglantine - thats all we wanted for her, said Ms Sexton.

And Katie loved every second of it.

From start to finish she had an amazing day. She absolutely loved it, said Ms Sexton.
ITS OFFICIAL! Limerick and Clare hurling supporters will be able to enjoy a tipple from 10.30am on Munster final day.

An application was granted by Judge Patricia Harney at Limerick District Court this Thursday morning.

Solicitor Cian ODonnell, of Sweeney McGann LLP, made the application on behalf of the licenced vintners of Limerick.

Mr ODonnell sought an amendment to the original advertised application which was reported in Limerick Live.

It can be amended from 9am on Sunday, June 11 to 10.30am, said Mr ODonnell.

The normal opening time on a Sunday is 12.30pm. As the match throws in at 1.45pm there would have been a short timeframe for supporters to quench their thirst.

Inspector Liam Wallace said the State is happy not to object due to the amendment of 10.30am opening as opposed to 9am.

It applies to the same premises included in the Good Friday accord, said Mr Wallace.

Mr ODonnell said a map was lodged of the included areas in 2010 in relation to the Good Friday accord.

Judge Harney said it would be sanguine to express a view on early-morning drinking.

Judge Harney granted the application in all of the circumstances.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI , expressed his satisfaction with the meeting he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 8, stating that it was a positive experience and that the Prime Minister showed great enthusiasm towards artificial intelligence (AI), reported Money Control.

According to the report by Money Control, this meeting holds significance as it coincides with India's efforts to regulate AI through the forthcoming Digital Indian Bill, which is set to replace the existing Information Technology (IT) Act. It is worth noting that the Indian government's approach to AI regulation may differ from the approach advocated by Altman.

Reportedly, during the Digital India Dialogues, Altman expressed his positive experience of the meeting, describing it as enjoyable and highlighting the Prime Minister's enthusiasm and insightful understanding of AI and its advantages. Altman specifically mentioned discussing India's early and widespread adoption of ChatGPT, which he found fascinating to observe, and praised the Prime Minister for providing excellent explanations in that regard.

Additionally, Altman mentioned that they also explored the various opportunities India offers in the field of AI and engaged in discussions about regulation.

"We talked about the opportunities in front for the country, what the country should do, also the need to think about global regulation to make sure we prevent some of the downsides from happening  but it was a great hour," the OpenAI CEO said.

Altman, in an interview with the Economic Times on June 7, acknowledged that ChatGPT has gained immense popularity, with India standing out as a country that has wholeheartedly embraced the technology. Altman expressed his appreciation for the early adoption and genuine enthusiasm displayed by Indian users.

Altman's visit to India entails a busy schedule, including meetings with government officials and discussions on various topics, such as India's prominent AI program, alongside other engagements.

In the past, Altman proposed the establishment of a global body to regulate advanced AI, a notion that Minister of State for Information and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, disagreed with. Chandrasekhar acknowledged Altman's intelligence and acknowledged that he has his own perspectives on AI regulation. However, Chandrasekhar emphasized that India also possesses intelligent minds with their own viewpoints on implementing safeguards and regulations for AI.

If there is eventually a United Nations of AI  as Sam Altman wants  more power to it. But that does not stop us from doing what is right for our digital nagriks (citizens) and keeping the internet safe and trusted," the minister added.
As many as 240 workers have claimed of facing rampant racial discrimination during their work tenure at Tesla's California-based factory. These workers also had to face the frequent use of racial slurs by their co-workers. The manufacturing site was also referred to as slave ship by many. The company can face a class-action lawsuite in the matter.

The testimonies were filed on Monday in Alameda County Superior Court comes. Most of the statements came from contractors and employees who worked on the production floor of the factory in Fremont, roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of San Francisco.

The vast majority of the suitors used to work at the site between 2016 to the present. Lawyers suing Tesla, Inc. estimate at least 6,000 workers could be part of the class.

The individual testimonies are part of a 2017 lawsuit, filed by Marcus Vaughn. Before filing the lawsuit, Marcus had earlier sent a written complaint to human resources department of the firm and also to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. In the complaint, he described theh hostile work environment of the company in which he was called slurs by co-workers and supervisors. However, no investigation was conducted after his complaint. Instead he was fired for not having a positive attitude," according to his lawyers.

Notably, the lawsuit is just among many of the legal cases alleging racism, harassment and discrimination at the Fremont plant.

Be thick-skinned about racial harassment, said Musk

Last year, California regulators sued Tesla in a state court regarding the company's apathetic behaviour to racial discrimination among workers. The court had alleged the company of turning a blind eyeto abuses. Moreover, the case mentioned that Elon Musk told workers to be thick-skinned" about racial harassment. In April, a federal jury awarded another former Tesla employee $3.2 million for racial abuse he suffered.

Tesla allowed this kind of harassment to go on as long as it has said Tesla employee's lawyer

Bryan Schwartz, one of Vaughn's lawyers, said the case has dragged on for years, because Tesla sought to force the lawsuit into arbitration.

At last, California Supreme Court in April intervened and allowed Black workers to seek a public injunction in court. This will force the EV maker to change its work environment.

To have this scope of egregious harassment right here in Silicon Valley, it's disgusting," Schwartz said, adding that it's shocking that Tesla has allowed this kind of pervasive harassment to go on as long as it has."

There were no official response of Tesla in the matter.

All of the daeclarants have said that they heard the use of racial slur in the factory, Half of the declarants said that they heard supervisors and managers using such words. Many sai that they observed black workers tasked with physically laborious work and disciplined more frequently.

Production associate Albert Blakes said in his statement that it was difficult to go to work, knowing he would face racist slurs, references to slavery and offensive graffiti for 12 hours at a time. He said he made a verbal complaint to human resources in late 2021, but never heard back and nothing changed.

Something needs to be done to hold Tesla accountable for the racism that takes place at the Fremont factory to set an example that this racism is not tolerated in workplaces in California," he said.

(With inputs from AP)
A day after NBFC giant Bajaj Finserv's managing director Sanjiv Bajaj's option for allowing customers the right to be 'forgotten', the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ) on Thursday said they are examining the issue. RBI hinted that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) needs to look into the matter of telemarketing calls.

In a press conference, on Thursday, RBI Deputy Governor MK Jain when asked about Bajaj's statement in an interview, said, "We (RBI) will examine this issue."

The deputy governor also added that TRAI has to look into the matter of telemarketing calls even when individual banks can decide on this.

In an interview with Moneycontrol, Bajaj said that the company is going to upgrade its website and app and users will have an option where they can select option to not be "bothered again".

He added to the news agency that "We want to give people the right to be forgotten by us."

Also, Bajaj revealed that the group will aim to scale down the amount of loans that are pushed through phone or telemarketing to less than 10%.

On Thursday, Bajaj Finance's share price ended at 7007.70 apiece down by 72.70 or 1.03%. Similarly, Bajaj Finserv's share price closed at 1467.40 apiece down by 13.65 or 0.92%.

Bajaj Finserv is the parent company of Bajaj Finance.

In another development, RBI maintained status quo for second time in row in policy rates. All six members of the monetary policy committee voted to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.50%. Subsequently, they also maintained the standing deposit facility (SDF) at 6.25%, while the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.75%.
Zypp Electric, a leading last-mile delivery fleet management company, jumped into the EV-based ecosystem when electric vehicles were not the talk of the town. In 2017, Akash Gupta and Rashi Agarwal started the electric scooter provider business with the aim to help India embrace sustainable mobility and curb pollution.

Reduce pollution on every delivery is the primary focus of Zypp Electric, cofounder Akash Gupta told Livemint.

Solving the problem of pollution was the largest opportunity I found in this business. Being an avid traveler, I saw clean air in many countries. But in India, people talk about pollution every day. So, other countries like the US, and China were picking up electric vehicles. Then I thought of bringing it to India so that we can give people a clear mobility option. Hence, I left my high-paying job and started this business from ground zero," Akash Gupta said.

Zypp Electric's business model is very new in India which never existed here, he said, adding that being a full-stack EV service provider, the company is decarbonizing last-mile deliveries.

We get hold of the vehicles from an OEM who manufactures them, then we put our IoT tech on top of those vehicles. We get financiers to buy these vehicles for us. After this, we find drivers for these bikes. And then we connect with customers like Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, Flipkart, or Big Basket for deliveries to them. So such a full stack approach never existed which is why our business model is very different," the Zypp Electric cofounder told Livemint.

The company also created a core experimental team to train and manage drivers. Akash Gupta said that the business is supporting the lives of low-income group people who are hired as drivers at Zypp Electric following a strong onboarding process for them.

We give them the industrys best insurance service, an amount of 1 lakh for their personal well-being, doctors' on-call support, and Yoga support. On a click of a button, they get service of the bike, a maintenance ticket, charging or maintenance or swapping support, extra money as credit, and a lot of other things," he added.

Zypp Electric was founded at a time when EVs, battery stations, the right kind of batteries, and knowledge to ride electric scooters were not there, Akash Gupta said while explaining the challenges faced by the company throughout its journey so far.

Financing was a big issue", he asserted. People were not able to finance a startup doing electric vehicles. But we created layers of financing and OEMs who want to work with us," the company's co-founder said.

Currently, Zypp Electric has around 15,000 EVs on the ground, but the company aims at deploying 2,00,000 electric vehicles in the next two years and 5,00,000 EVs in the next 3.5 years, he emphasized.

Further, Akash Gupta informed Livemint that the plan is to launch Zypp Electric scooters in five more cities by the end of this year. As of now, they are providing the service in two cities.

We can launch in a few global geographies also if we do this well in India. So our vision is to continue to expand and decarbonize last-mile deliveries, as much as we can. Currently, we are planning to hit half a million e-scooters in the next 3.5 years. I am able to scale it to almost 1000+ crore business," he said.

During the first year, Zypp Electric earned 50 lakhs revenue, and now the company's plan is to take the business into the 500 crore club this year, the cofounder said.
A Mumbai University student has threatened legal action against the varsity for delaying their result, in a viral Reddit thread. The anonymous student has stated that they have gotten admission for masters in the states and they desperately need the transcripts.

The Mumbai University student's plight caught Reddit's attention, wherein netizens have been quick to share their stories and expert opinion about the problem. While some suggested that a legal action is not a possibility, others suggested that the complainant resort to the Digilocker app to solve their issue.

Shared a day ago, the viral Reddit post about Mumbai University reads, Current MU student here from final year and they LITERALLY REFUSE to declare results. I already got my admission for masters in the states and I desperately need my transcripts! I am ready to take a legal action or email/send a letter to a person of authority/ any minister in-charge. I simply dont know where to start and would appreciate guidance!"

However, Mint could not independently verify if Mumbai University has literally refused to declare the results for the undergraduate students.

One netizen suggested, "You can personally meet the Registrar of the University to sort out the problem. Many universities do have system for priority declaration of results on payment of some fees.".

Another quipped, Mate I graduated last year, I got my certificate in April. Doubt you can take any legal action".

Notably, on Thursday, Mumbai University declared result for TY BCom Semester VI, which was conducted in April 2023, following the offline mode of examination. The overall pass percentage for the exam stands at 60%.

The candidates who wrote the examination can check their result on the official website or by sending an SMS- write "MUMRESULT <space> Roll Number" and send it to 56767. The result will contain essential information such as the candidate's roll number, name, subject-wise marks obtained, and the corresponding grade.

Alongside the TY BCom results, the university has also declared the results for first-year MTA, second-year Applied Art, BE, MSc, and MCom.

Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais on Wednesday appointed a new Vice-Chancellor for the varsity. Dr Ravindra Dattatray Kulkarni was named Mumbai University vice-chancellor. The appointment of Kulkarni coincides with the universitys preparation of a roadmap for implementing four-year degree course in accordance with the new National Education Policy (NEP).

There are 56 departments in total, 781 affiliated colleges, 12 specialty centres, two model colleges, two main campuses, and two sub-campuses at Mumbai University. Even the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Kalyan serves as the universitys engineering college.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Thursday said it has proposed to raise funds from the sale of up to 15 crore shares under its Employee Stock Purchase Scheme (ESPS).

The public sector bank in regulatory filing, regarding the annual general meeting, said it proposes to issue and allot up to 15 crore new equity shares of the face value of 2 each, ranking pari passu with the existing equity shares for all purposes and in all respects, including payment of dividend, under an ESPS in one or more tranches.

The annual general meeting will be held on June 30, the bank said in the filing.

The PNB-ESPS would be issued at such price or prices, and on such terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the Board its absolute discretion in such a way that Government of India share holding does not come below 52.00%.

The government holding in the bank stood at 73.15% as on March 31, 2023.

In 2018, the bank raised 500 crore from its employees under the staff stock purchase scheme.

As part of the scheme, the bank issued up to 10 crore new equity shares to its employees at a discounted price of 53.95 per share.


Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong called out at US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler over the agency's lawsuit against the crypto exchange. Brian termed SEC Chair as an outlier and assured that the funds are safe.

"The SEC chair is really an outlier," Armstrong said while talking about the ongoing lawsuit. He also mentioned that several other lawmakers he discussed the matter with were supportive of developing a clear regulatory framework for the technology.

The SEC has accused Coinbase of trading unregistered crypto assets and functioning as an unregistered exchange, broker, and clearinghouse. On Tuesday, Coinbase traded at least 13 crypto assets, alleged the SEC.

Notably, Brian Armstrong has been a vocal critic of the SEC and a major force advocating clearer crypto rules in the US. During a Bloomberg conference, he said that the company had approached the regulator about becoming registered, but received an "icy reception" from Gensler at their first meeting.

Crytpo as commodity, security, or currency?

Regarding the nature of the cryptocurrency in the market, there has been a lot of confusion about whether the crytpocurrency should be delt as commodity, security, or currency

SEC Gensler opines that most tokens constitute securities and has steadily asserted the SEC's authority over the crypto market. U.S. President's Working Group on Financial Markets has also said some coins linked to fiat currencies may be securities.

Several crypto companies, including Coinbase, differ from SEC's opinion of crypto as security. They have repeatedly called for the SEC to create clear rules. On Wednesday, Coinbase shares rebounded to rise nearly 3.1% to $53.2. A spokesman for the SEC declined to comment.

Binance artificially inflated trade volumes alleged SEC

The SEC on Monday took legal action against Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. It accused the firm of selling cryptocurrency products without registering them as securities. It also alleged Binance artificially inflated trading volumes, diverted customer funds and failed to restrict U.S. customers from its platform.

Armstrong was quick to draw distinctions between the two cases, which he told CNBC "could not be more different."

"In Coinbases case, for instance, there hasnt been any allegation of misappropriation of customer funds," he added.

Speaking to Reuters late on Tuesday, Paul Grewal, the company's chief legal officer, also said he was "confident" the SEC would not try to freeze Coinbase's assets, as it has done in the case of Binance. "The standards that are required for such an asset seizure simply don't apply in our case," he said.

Binance did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement on Monday, Binance pledged to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit, which it said reflected the SEC's "misguided and conscious refusal" to provide clarity to the crypto industry.

Settlement Breakdown

It was not the first time Armstrong, who co-founded Coinbase in 2012 after a stint as a software engineer at Airbnb, has taken aim at the SEC. In 2021, he accused the agency in a series of tweets of "really sketchy behavior" after it warned Coinbase it would sue the company if it went ahead with a planned lending program. Coinbase subsequently spiked the product.

Last July, Coinbase disclosed an SEC probe into its asset listing processes, staking programs and yield-generating products. In the first quarter of this year, Coinbase lawyers had been discussing a potential settlement with the SEC that would involve the company paying a penalty, and provide a path to registering with the agency, a source with knowledge of the discussions said.

But those talks broke down in March when the SEC made its position clear that fundamental aspects of the firm's business model were essentially illegal, the source said. Coinbase received a notice from the SEC that it planned to bring an enforcement action against the company the same month.

Crypto firm demands SEC to formulate new crypto-specific rules

Coinbase has been pushing the SEC to formulate new crypto-specific regulations since last year and in April asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to compel the regulator to respond. That court on Tuesday ordered the SEC to provide a response within a week.

Grewal said despite the lawsuit, Coinbase would still be interested in a dialogue with the SEC about how to bring cryptocurrency into the regulatory perimeter.

"If there were an opportunity for a real conversation, of course we would take it up, but I want to be very clear: Coinbase is absolutely committed to defending itself in court," he said.

(With inputs from Reuters)
Sequoia Capitals plan to split itself into three separate regional firms represents a major shift at one the worlds foremost venture capital firms. The dramatic move may insulate Sequoia from pending regulation, but its also a signal that ties to China are a growing liability in Silicon Valley.

The firm has long defended its Chinese investments both in public and  increasingly  in private. In recent years the firm has built up a quiet but powerful presence in DC, and just a few weeks ago argued to Capitol Hill staffers behind closed doors that its US and China operations are separate, according to people familiar with the efforts.

On Tuesday, Sequoia announced that its India, China and US units  which share investors and some returns  would officially become separate entities. It has become increasingly complex to run a decentralized global investment business," Sequoia leaders said in a statement, citing the pitfalls of a centralized back office.

The move is seen by many in DC as a win for Biden administration. Yet it wont unwind a history of lucrative investments at the firm, and many of the institutions that back Sequoia  including investors like the University of Michigan and the University of California  still have money invested in Sequoia China, as do some US partners.

Sequoias China investments have been the subject of criticism inside the normally clubby world of technology investing, and the firm is facing a looming executive order from the Biden White House that could curtail US investments into foreign entities. The measure targets the practices that helped Sequoia generate billions in profits overseas for more than 15 years, despite recent market tumult.

The split clearly demonstrates extraordinary sensitivity to the risks to being so closely connected with China," said Jeffrey Fiedler, a former commissioner at the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Fiedler predicts that more investors who back VC and private equity firms will be asking: Sequoia is nervous  are you guys nervous?"

A Simpler Time

Sequoia began its Chinese investing project in 2005, a simpler geopolitical time. That year, during one of his first visits to China, Sequoias then-chief, Doug Leone, opened the door of his black SUV to find a literal red carpet stretched out before him, according to a person who was there. Leaving the car, as he walked toward the building for a meeting with Chinese tech leaders, along his path uniformed Chinese soldiers stood at attention, saluting, according the person, who asked not to be identified because the event was private.

It was an era of warmer US-China relations, and money and professional expertise flowed freely between the two countries. Dozens of US-based venture firms sought investments in China, allocating money and time to build Chinese startups into behemoths and making billions in the process.

Chinas growing middle class fueled the rise of venture-backed giants like ride-hailing startup Didi and e-commerce platform JD.com. Sequoia China in particular earned a reputation as a standout investor, backing rocket ships like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of social media phenom TikTok.

The TikTok investment, held by both Sequoia Capital and Sequoia China, became a flashpoint. After Sequoia first invested in ByteDance in 2014, TikToks video app got wildly popular in the US  eventually raising concerns about the influence of the Chinese-owned app on the American psyche, and its presence on so many phones. By 2019, the Trump administration had placed the app under a national security review, and came close to banning it in 2020. While a blanket ban never came to pass (except in Montana this year), the drama was an early warning that China tech investments had become political.

Veteran Lobbyist

In its 51-year history, Sequoia hasnt overly concerned itself with the machinations of Washington. Like many venture firms, it has mostly kept its distance from politics. Venture investing in private companies is lightly regulated and, until recently, has been largely ignored by lawmakers.

Around the time tensions were rising over TikTok, Sequoia leaders realized it needed more help on the Hill, according to people familiar with the firms efforts in DC. It also needed to be discreet. If it looked like Sequoia was trying too hard to influence US policy, it could find itself in Washingtons crosshairs. If it did nothing, lawmakers could wreck investment returns that the firm was expecting to reap for decades.

In mid-2019, Sequoia sought a solution in Washington veteran Don Vieira, a low-profile former official at the Department of Justice who previously worked on reviews for an increasingly powerful government entity, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS. As an attorney at the law firm Skadden Arps, Vieira became familiar with transactions that might come under CFIUS scrutiny. He also served briefly in the legislative branch.

Vieira delivered the message on Capitol Hill that Sequoia Capital and Sequoia China were separate, according to people familiar with closed-door discussions. Last month, at an introductory meeting with the House Select Committee on Competition with China, Vieira told policymakers that Sequoias US partners werent involved in decision making in China. However, the Hill staffers were largely skeptical. Vieira declined to comment for this story through Sequoia spokesperson.

One congressional aide who participated in the meeting said that policymakers felt there were too many connections between the US and Chinese sides of Sequoia to ignore. Those included joint compliance operations and revenue sharing agreements across the two entities, the person said. At the same time, many of the limited partners in Sequoia Capital are also involved across its international investments.

A point of pushback in the meeting: While Sequoia may not control every decision Sequoia China makes, the US firm still makes money from its Chinese affiliate, the person said.

Representative Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican and the chairman of the House committee, said Wednesday that Sequoias decision to split its operation into three separate entities did not resolve his concerns over the firms business practices and investments.

You can rebrand and restructure all you want but this does little to solve the actual problem," Gallagher said in a statement. American capital should not fund PLA military modernization or the CCPs techno-totalitarian surveillance state. Period," he said, referring to the Chinese military and Communist party. We need strong outbound investment restrictions to ensure we arent funding our own destruction."

Retroactive Rule

The latest version of the governments planned executive order, expected later this year, would require VCs to report investments in potentially sensitive Chinese technologies, and could restrict their ability to make some bets, according to people with knowledge of the plans.

The rule is aimed at curbing the transfer of knowledge between US investors and up-and-coming Chinese companies  a valuable service Sequoia has provided in the past. US partners have helped Chinese portfolio companies by sharing their elite network of contacts and providing timely introductions to potential customers, employees and investors, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The restrictions target US dollars and investments that are sophisticated, that come with technological know-how, that come with expertise and contacts," Treasury official Paul Rosen said at a security conference in May. The Treasury Department declined to comment on Sequoias separation.

There is some good news for the firm in the latest version: The rule is expected not to be retroactive, which would protect future profits on existing investments for firms and their limited partners.

That means that longtime US Sequoia partners such as Mike Moritz and Doug Leone will retain their shares in hundreds of startups theyve been bankrolling for years by investing in Sequoia China. The same goes for the more than three dozen other US institutions  including the University of Michigan endowment, the University of California regents and a Massachusetts Institute of Technology retirement plan  that have invested in the firm, according to PitchBook data.

Nationally Sensitive

The split comes at a time when startups in China have less allure than they used to. Since the boom years when Sequoia first started investing, Beijing has cracked down on high-flying tech companies, including taking action against Alibaba, whose chief executive officer had criticized the government. At the same time, US tech leaders including billionaire Peter Thiel have ratcheted up their criticism of Sequoia and other firms for helping Chinese companies in sectors like artificial intelligence, thought to be a threat to US national security.

Last month, VC Vinod Khosla told Bloomberg he thought Sequoia should subscribe to Western values." Meanwhile, VC giant Andreessen Horowitz has said it will commit millions to startups supporting American dynamism" and acting in the national interest"  an effort implicitly at odds with Sequoias overseas investments.

Lux Capital partner Josh Wolfe said that tech investing has long been a nationally sensitive undertaking. Silicon Valley was born not in the myth of hackers in garages, but rather with radar, semiconductors and electronic warfare calculating trajectories of projectiles," he wrote in an email.

In a statement, a Sequoia spokesperson said, There was no single catalyst or event that led to the decision." The unwinding will result in two new entities  HongShan, formerly Sequoia China, and Peak XV Partners in India, a reference to a name for Mount Everest.

The formal split will functionally complete by the end of the year, with names and branding updated by the end of next March. Over the next few months, DC policymakers arent likely to stop pushing for more restrictions on US tech ties to China, even beyond the pending executive order.

Theres support to do more" in Congress, said Dmitri Alperovitch, chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, a Washington-based bipartisan think tank. Thats not the end of this issue."

--With assistance from Bill Allison.

(Updates to add Representative Mike Gallagher comments starting in the 17th paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Two days after the emergency landing of a San-Francisco bound Air India flight in Russia, its replacement flight took off for San Fransisco on Wednesday. Air India sent the replacement flight on Wednesday for 232 passengers who were stuck in Russia's Magadan port city.

After finding a technical glitch in the aeroplane, the Air India flight was diverted to Russia's Far East. The engine trouble in Boeing 777 plane could have led to a major mishap, which was averted by the emergency landing.

The flight is expected to arrive at San Francisco at 12:15 am PDT (0715 GMT) on Thursday, Air India tweeted.

To ensure passenger convenience at the airport, Air India has mobilised additional support at San Francisco airport for clearance formalities.

The aircraft was sent on Wednesday to pick up passengers who were travelling from Delhi to San Francisco. The flight was diverted to Russia's Siberia after engine trouble in Boeing 777 plane. In the plane, a total of 216 passengers were travelling to America with 16 crew members.

Given the tensed-relation between America and Russia, US Departmen spokesperson Vedant Patel said that fewer than 50 American citizen were on the plane and there was no information about them reaching out to the US Embassy in Russia or other diplomatic posts.

Due to the harsh weather of Siberia and limitations of resources, many of the Air India passengers had to face issues related to food, accomodation, cleanliness, etc. Many of the travellers were not even able to use their credit cards because of sanctions over Russia's war on Ukraine, reported Bloomberg.

Most of the passengers were accommodated inside school buildings, college hostels and other places. Despite the lack of facilities, passengers said that the Russian authorities, police and other officials treated them very well.

(With inputs from Reuters)
Airfares on certain routes from Delhi have been considerably reduced by 14% to 61% following the airlines' advisory group meeting held on June 6, said Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday.

He expressed satisfaction with the airfares reduction for flights connecting Delhi to other destinations such as Srinagar, Leh, Pune, and Mumbai, according to ANI reports.

Addressing a press conference, Scindia said, I am happy to say that the maximum fares on flights connecting Delhi to Srinagar, Leh, Pune and Mumbai were reduced by 14-61 percent on June 6. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the ministry are monitoring the daily fares."

The minister also highlighted the work done by the aviation sector in the last nine years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Scindia explained that airlines have the authority to determine airfares and various factors which are taken into account including market dynamics and season. The aviation industry employs an algorithm for pricing decisions.

"The airlines have been given rights to fix airfares which are market controlled. The aviation market in the country is season based. The rates are also fixed accordingly. If capacity is low and demand is high and input costs are not reduced, then rates will be high. There is an algorithm to decide the fare," he said.

He informed that private airline companies also have their own social responsibility and there should be a limit to increasing fares across sectors, as per ANI reported.

According to Jyotiraditya Scindia, the role of the aviation ministry is that of a facilitator, not a regulator. He chaired the high-level meeting which was called on Monday by the airline's advisory group where he urged airlines to self-regulate airfares and maintain reasonable price levels.

"There have been some unforeseen incidents in Manipur and now in Odisha, fare rates should be taken care of. Apart from these, the fare rate remains maximum from Delhi to cities like Srinagar, Leh, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru," the minister said.

(With ANI inputs)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has told a special court that it received a sanction from the ICICI Bank 's board to prosecute Chanda Kochhar, the former CEO and MD of the bank, in connection with a case of alleged cheating and irregularities in loans sanctioned by the bank to Videocon Group companies.

The probe agency, represented by special public prosecutor A Limosin, told the court that the board of ICICI Bank in a resolution passed on April 22 this year gave its sanction to prosecute Kochhar, as the bank's board accepted that there seemed to be quid pro-quo.

Last year, the central probe agency arrested Chanda Kochhar and Deepak Kochhar in connection with the Vodafone fraud case. The agency had also arrested Videocon group founder Venugopal Dhoot.

The Bombay High Court later granted interim bail to the couple (Kochhars) and came down heavily on the CBI for arresting them in a "casual and mechanical" manner and without application of mind.

The CBI had named the Kochhar couple and Dhoot, along with companies Nupower Renewables (NRL) managed by Deepak Kochhar, Supreme Energy, Videocon International Electronics Ltd, and Videocon Industries Limited, as accused in the First Information Report (FIR) registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to criminal conspiracy and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act in 2019.

The CBI has alleged that ICICI Bank had sanctioned credit facilities to the tune of 3,250 crore to the companies of Videocon Group promoted by Dhoot in violation of the Banking Regulation Act, RBI guidelines, and credit policy of the bank.
Congress leader Milind Deora expressed his strong disapproval of the recent 5-kilometre-long parade in Brampton, Canada, which depicted the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

Mint can not independently confirm the veracity of the video.

A video circulating on social media depicts a parade float in Canada's Brampton, allegedly organized by Khalistani supporters, showcasing the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The float was part of a 5-kilometre-long procession. The video in question is believed to be from a parade held in Brampton by supporters of Khalistan on June 4, which coincided with the upcoming 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6.

As an Indian, I'm appalled by the 5km-long #parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of #IndiraGandhi.



It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. pic.twitter.com/zLRbTYhRAE  Milind Deora |    (@milinddeora) June 7, 2023

Congress leader emphasized that his criticism was not about taking sides but rather about showing respect for a nation's history and acknowledging the pain caused by the assassination of its Prime Minister.

The video received a strong backlash on social media, with people expressing their condemnation of the parade organized by Khalistan supporters.

"Does it help Canada's 'Indo-Pacific strategy'? A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it," said a username Balraj Deol.

Another user expressed that even though Indira Gandhi was associated with the Congress party, no members of the BJP would support the tableau out of respect for the former Prime Minister of India. The user also implied that the Congress party continues to take pleasure in defaming Prime Minister Modi on international platforms.

You will not find even one BJP supporter approving of such display of hatred for Indira Gandhi despite suffering a lot at the dynasties hand just because she was our Prime Minster. This is the basic difference between nationalists and dynastic slaves. On the other hand, any  Pratik V (@ResearchMonk) June 7, 2023

Operation Blue Star refers to the military operation conducted by the Indian Army to address the presence of Sikh militants, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, within the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab.

On June 6, 1984, the Indian Army, acting upon the orders of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, launched Operation Blue Star to confront Sikh militancy led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab's Golden Temple.

The operation aimed to address concerns of weapon stockpiling within the temple premises. However, it faced significant criticism. Several months later, on October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated at her residence in New Delhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards.
Throwing light upon the transformation of India at global front under the nine years of PM Modi's leadership , EAM S Jaishankar said that a large part of the world sees India as a development partner. He also emphasised that the world, especially Global South, perceives India as a development partner.

A large part of the world sees us as a development partner, not just as a development partner but a development partner who lives up to what PM enunciated...Today, the second image of India is that of an economic collaborator," said the external affairs minister at the press conference on Thursday.

India is making significant economic impact that has been recognised globally.Global South perceives India as a credible partner," said S Jaishankar.

The remarks form the External Affairs Minister on India's progress at global level came while addressing a special briefing on nine years of PM Narendra Modis foreign policy. Ministers of state V Muraleedharan, Meenakashi Lekhi, and Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra were also present.

He said, I think most of you would not dispute that among the many areas where there's been a significant transformation, foreign policy would surely be among them. It's reflected in the country's higher standing, greater influence, bigger footprint, new concepts, and stronger delivery. Now, there are many ways by which one can judge how foreign policy has changed, how it has delivered, where has it made its deepest impact."

To evaluate Indian foreign policy over the nine years, Jaishankar picked two broad themes as the metrics.

The first theme being, How does the world see India today?" and second, How has foreign policy affected the lives of the common citizen?"

The External Affairs Minister also said, So what, in a sense, I present to you is an accumulation of our collective experiences. And if I were to pick them, probably the one which I would start off with is how much today the world, especially the global south, perceives India as a development partner, as a credible, effective development partner with delivery on the ground."

EAM Jaishankar then pointed to India's development partnership in Namibia, Guyana, Mozambique, Kenya, Mauritius and even gave an example of how India gave a ferry to Guyana, rails to Mozambique, textile factory to Kenya, metro to Mauritius.

I came back yesterday morning from Namibia and I inaugurated, formerly a center of Excellence in It, which has been functioning there for about a year and a half and the impact on the technology university of Namibia, by our giving a Param Supercomputer, having trainers out there, working with them, developing cybersecurity skills, developing entrepreneurial skills, promoting research," Jaishankar said.
Section 144 has been imposed in Kanpur to main law and order situation after gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot dead in the Lucknow court firing incident on Wednesday, said Kanpur Additional Commissioner of Police Anand Prakash Tiwari.

Uttar Pradesh Special DG (law and order) Prashant Kumar on Wednesday issued an order directing all district superintendents of police to immediately increase security in all district courts after the firing incident.

"The security of the courts in the district and commissioner should be reviewed. The security arrangements for the accused appearing in the courts should be strengthened. Intelligence and social media cells should also be made active and alert in this regard. In all the districts, strong security arrangements should be ensured in all the court premises by establishing coordination with the District Judge/District Magistrate and the office bearers of the Bar Association," the order read.

Gangster Sanjeev Jeeva has been shot outside the Lucknow Civil Court on Wednesday. The attacker who shot at Sanjeev Jeeva was reportedly disguised as a lawyer.

The incident happened when the gangster, accused in the murder case of BJP leader Brahm Dutt Dwivedi, was brought to the Lucknow court.

After the incident, lawyers staged a protest outside Lucknow civil court.

(With ANI inputs)
After alleged objectionable social media posts referencing Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan sparked tension in Maharashtra's Kolhapur , Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised the movement saying where do these sons of Aurangzeb come from? 

"Suddenly, in some districts of Maharashtra, sons of Aurangzeb took birth. They keep the status of Aurangzeb and show their posters. Because of this, there are tensions. Questions arise, where do these sons of Aurangzeb come from? Who are behind this? We will find this out," said Fadnavis while talking to ANI in Nagpur.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the government's responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state and appealed to the public for peace and calm.

"The government is responsible for maintaining law and order in the state. I also appeal to the public for peace and calm. The Police investigation is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty..." said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde.

Ajit Pawar, the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra and a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has called on the government to investigate the cause of the violence in Kolhapur. He expressed concern about the current curfew-like situation and the intentional efforts to disrupt law and order. Pawar emphasized the need for the Chief Minister and the police to determine the underlying reasons behind the clashes.

"There are rumours that the incidents are happening, keeping elections in mind. The government should keep a firm stand on knowing the reason behind the clashes," Pawar said while talking to the reporters.

A curfew was imposed in Maharashtra's Kolhapur on Wednesday after a violent clash broke out between two groups.

The clashes broke out as a result of a 'WhatsApp status' put up by three youngsters yesterday. Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

(With inputs from agencies)
Passengers aboard a wayward Air India flight landed in San Francisco on Thursday afternoon - nearly 56 hours after departing from Delhi. The original Boeing 777 flight carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members had abruptly landed in Siberia's Magadan airport on Tuesday after developing a technical issue with one of its engines". The Indian carrier said on Thursday that it would be issuing a full refund to the passengers.

We will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India," Air India told the passengers in an official communique.

A mid-air glitch in one of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft engines had prompted AI 173 to land in the Magadan port city in far east Russia. The aviation company eventually dispatched a ferry flight from Mumbai to Magadan on Wednesday. The stranded passengers and crew were flown to San Francisco on Thursday after the replacement aircraft took off from Magadan at 1027 hours (local time) on June 8.

(With inputs from agencies)
Hundreds of uncontrolled forest fires blazed across Canada causing the air quality of New York city to deteriorate. Wildfires are common in Canada's western provinces, but this year flames have mushroomed rapidly in the country's east, making it the worst-ever start to the season.

Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair said about 3.8 million hectares (9.4 million acres) have already burned.

US President Joe Biden in a call offered his support to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the "devasting and historic" wildfires burning in his country. "The President has directed his team to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets that can rapidly assist in suppressing fires impacting Canadian and American communities," the statement by White House said.

The air quality index, a US Environmental Protection Agency metric for air pollution, exceeded a staggering 400 at times in Syracuse, New York City and Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. A level of 50 or under is considered good; anything over 300 is considered hazardous," when even healthy people are advised to curtail outdoor physical activity.

Canada awaits wildfire help

Canada's Quebec province, hit hard by wildfires that have ravaged the country, eagerly awaited the arrival of reinforcements from abroad to help beat back blazes that are overwhelming its firefighting capacity. Quebec has deployed hundreds of firefighters, with help expected from France and the United States in the coming days.

The forest fires started in late April in British Columbia and Alberta, displacing more than 30,000 people at its peak, and shutting down oil and gas production. While most fires in the western provinces are under control, the fires have now opened new fronts spreading to the eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario.

After major flare-ups in western Canada last month, firefighting efforts recently shifted to Nova Scotia on the Atlantic coast, before moving this week to Quebec, which is now the epicenter of the crisis.

Firefighters in the province are struggling to put out 140 fires, most of them listed as out of control, and authorities hope extra personnel and rainfall could provide some relief. But Quebec's Premier Francois Legault said that no significant rain is forecast before Monday evening, and raised concerns about a shortage of resources.

What is causing wildfires?

Atlantic Canada received low snowfall this winter, followed by an exceptionally dry spring. Nova Scotia's capital Halifax received just 120 millimetres of rain between March and May, roughly a third of the average, according to Weather Network meteorologist Michael Carter.

As per Eric James, a modeling expert with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science at the University of Colorado, who is also with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told Associated Press, The month of May was just off the charts  record warm in much of Canada." A warming planet will produce hotter and longer heat waves, making for bigger, smokier fires, according to Joel Thornton, professor and chair of the department of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington.

The strong winds high up in the atmosphere has transported smoke long distances and its common for large, violent fires to create unhealthy conditions hundreds of miles away from where forests are burning. As per Bob Henson, meteorologist with Yale Climate Change Connections, but the right mix of circumstances had to align for the smoke to blanket major US cities: a dry, hot spring set the stage. Then weather did the rest." In Canada, air is circulating counterclockwise around a low pressure system near Nova Scotia. That sends air south over the fires in Quebec. There the air picks up smoke, and then turns east over New York state, carrying smoke to the eastern seaboard.

High pollution levels in New York

According to IQAir, New York City had the highest levels of air pollution among significant cities worldwide on Wednesday morning, surpassing even New Delhi. Recently in a global air quality report, India was ranked eighth on the list, with Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Bangladesh being the five most polluted countries in 2022.

Weather forecast for the rest of the week

The weather forecasters expect hazy weather to continue in New York through the rest of the week. AccuWeather forecasters expect very unhealthy" levels to continue through the rest of the week. Many weather stations in the Big Apple reported visibility of less than a mile.

Mask recommended

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter has recommended high-quality N95 or KN95 mask if one must spend time outside. Sleeping with the windows closed and using an air conditioner or fan can be helpful," he said, adding that a HEPA filter can reduce the number of these small particles in the air.

New York City Major Eric Adams has urged all citizens to limit outdoor activities this week. Adams said New York City public schools will remain open but not offer any outdoor activities on Wednesday". New Jersey officials urged residents to limit their time outside due to the poor air quality. For those who must work outside, the state recommended that people wear an N95 mask, several schools in New Jersey cancelled recess and other outdoor activities, due to the air quality across the state
Former US Vice President Mike Pence kicked off his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president with a stinging rebuke of his onetime boss Donald Trump for his role in the 2021 attack on the US Capitol, saying he should never return to the White House.

"I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asked someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again," Pence said in a speech in Iowa.

The former vice president promised "the best days of the greatest nation on earth are yet to come" in a video released on Wednesday. "Different times call for different leadership," Pence said in the video, released via Fox News and Twitter hours ahead of a kickoff event in Des Moines.

"Today our party and our country need a leader that'll appeal, as Lincoln said, to the better angels of our nature," Pence said.

It would be "easy to stay on the sidelines," he adds, "that's not how I was raised. That's why today, before God and my family, I'm announcing I'm running for president of the United States.

With Pence's entry into the presidential race, the GOP field is largely set. It includes Trump, who's leading in early polls, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who remains in second, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who also launched his campaign Wednesday.

Pence is staking his presidential hopes on Iowa as he launches a campaign that will make him the first vice president in modern history to take on his former running mate.

Pence and his advisers see Iowa  the state that will cast the first votes of the GOP nominating calendar  as key to his potential pathway to the nomination.

They also think Pence, who represented Indiana in Congress and as governor, is a good personality fit with the Midwestern state.

"We believe the path to victory runs through Iowa and all of its 99 counties," said Scott Reed, co-chair of a super PAC that launched last month to support Pence's candidacy.

Iowa has typically been seen as a launching pad for presidential candidates, delivering momentum, money and attention to hopefuls who win or defy expectations.

A CNN poll conducted last month found 45% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they would not support Pence under any circumstance. Only 16% said the same about Trump.

A survey in March by Register's March Iowa Poll showed that Pence's favorability has slipped in Iowa. Shortly after leaving office, in June 2021, 86% of Iowa Republicans said they had a favorable view of Pence. But the March survey showed that figure had dropped to 66%.

The survey also registered higher unfavorable ratings for Pence against all of the other Republican candidates it asked about, including Trump and DeSantis, with 26% of Republicans polled saying they have a somewhat" or very" unfavourable view of him.

And just 58% of Iowa evangelicals said they had favourable feelings toward Pence  a particularly disappointing number, given his campaign's strategy.

But Pence, who has already visited Iowa more than a dozen times since leaving office, has also received a warm welcome from voters during his trips.

"We think this nomination fight is going to be an epic battle for the heart and soul of the conservative, traditional wing of the Republican Party. And Pence is going to campaign as a classic conservative. His credentials are unmatched," Reed said.

Unlike Trump and DeSantis, Pence has argued that cuts to Social Security and Medicare must be on the table and has blasted those who have questioned why the US should continue to send aid to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.
More than 1,400 migrants have been rescued from overcrowded vessels, including a sailboat, in four separate operations in the Mediterranean Sea off southern Italy, the Italian coast guard said Wednesday.

There were 47 migrants, including two children in immediate need of medical care, aboard the sailboat in distress off the region of Calabria, in the toe" of the Italian peninsula, a coast guard statement said. They were rescued by a coast guard motorboat early Tuesday.

The statement said the rescues began late Monday night and ended in the early hours of Wednesday in the Ionian Sea off Calabria's east coast. One coast guard vessel took on around 590 migrants from aboard a fishing boat, and then later brought on around 650 migrants from another fishing boat, the statement said.

A coast guard motorboat and an Italian border police ship came to the assistance of a fourth vessel, with 130 migrants aboard.

Authorities didn't immediately give details on the nationalities of the passengers or routes taken by the migrant vessels. But generally, many boats with migrants sighted off the Ionian Sea set out from Turkey's coast, where smugglers launch crowded and unseaworthy boats.

Earlier this year, a migrant boat navigating on that route slammed into a sandbank just off a Calabrian beach town and broke apart. At least 94 migrants perished and 80 others survived.

That shipwreck is under criminal investigation, including the role of several members of Italy's border police corps, which operates vessels off the country's long coastline. Four suspected smugglers have been arrested.

In addition, prosecutors want to know if rescue efforts could have been launched hours earlier. Italian border police boats reportedly turned back to port because of rough seas, and by the time a coast guard vessel, better equipped to navigate in poor sea conditions, reached the area, bodies were already in the water. In that case, the migrant boat had been spotted hours earlier by a surveillance aircraft operated by Frontex, the European Union's border monitoring force.

Wednesday's statement by the coast guard said that crew on a Frontex surveillance plane had spotted a fishing boat with the 590 migrants aboard. A Frontex patrol boat and a Frontex support vessel were among the assets involved in the rescue operations for the two fishing boats, according to the coast guard.

Alarm Phone, a nongovernmental organization that frequently receives satellite calls from migrant vessels in distress and relays the information to maritime authorities in Italy and Malta, was among the organizations signaling the need for rescue for the 130 people aboard the fourth boat.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Kakhovka dam operator Thursday said Ukraine faces a major nuclear catastrophe as the reservoir which was being used to cool the reactors at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine can no longer supply water to the reactors.

On Tuesday, the Russia-held Kakhovka dam was demolished in an explosion causing breach in the dam. Both the warring countries (Russia and Ukraine) accused each other for the destruction.

Ukrhydroenergo's chief executive Igor Syrota said the dam can no longer supply water to "the ponds at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station to cool the plant" as the water level at the reservoir had gone "below the critical point of 12.7 metres (42 feet)".

Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, who is due to visit the plant next week, said authorities can no longer pump water from the reservoir if the water level has gone below 12.7 metres.

The IAEA chief further said the existing water in cooling ponds at the nuclear plant can be used only "for some time" to cool the reactors and the spent fuel pools in the reactor buildings.

Additionally, a large cooling pond next to the site is "currently full and has enough in storage to supply the plant for several months, as its six reactors are in shutdown mode", Grossi said

"It is therefore vital that this cooling pond remains intact... I call on all sides to ensure nothing is done to undermine that," Grossi added.

The plant staff have already implemented measures to limit the consumption of water, using it for only "essential nuclear-safety related activities", Grossi said earlier.

"There is a preparedness for events like this... But clearly, this is making an already very difficult and unpredictable nuclear safety and security situation even more so," Grossi said.

The plant's reactors have already been shut down, but they still need cooling water to ensure there is no nuclear disaster.

The cooling systems in nuclear power plants rely on substantial quantities of water. In the absence of effective cooling, the temperature within the nuclear reactor core can dangerously escalate.

The IAEA chief warned that in absence of cooling water for an extended period of time would cause fuel melt and inoperability of the emergency diesel generators.
Technology is changing the world faster than policymakers can devise new ways to cope with it. As a result, societies are becoming polarized, inequality is rising, and authoritarian regimes and corporations are doctoring reality and undermining democracy.

For ordinary people, there is ample reason to be a little bit scared," as OpenAI chief executive officer Sam Altman recently put it. Major advances in artificial intelligence raise concerns about education, work, warfare and other risks that could destabilize civilization long before climate change does. To his credit, Altman is urging lawmakers to regulate his industry.

In confronting this challenge, we must keep two concerns in mind. The first is the need for speed. If we take too long, we may find ourselves closing the barn door after the horse has bolted. That is what happened with the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): It came 23 years too late. If we had managed to establish some minimal rules after World War II, the NPTs ultimate goal of nuclear disarmament might have been achievable.

The other concern involves deep uncertainty. This is such a new world that even those working on artificial intelligence (AI) do not know where their inventions will ultimately take us. A law enacted with the best intentions can still backfire. When Americas founders drafted the Second Amendment conferring the right to keep and bear arms," they could not have known how firearms technology would change in the future, thereby changing the very meaning of the word arms." Nor did they foresee how their descendants would fail to realize this even after seeing the change.

But uncertainty does not justify fatalism. Policymakers can still effectively govern the unknown as long as they keep certain broad considerations in mind. For example, one idea that came up during a recent Senate hearing was to create a licensing system whereby only select corporations would be permitted to work on AI.

This approach comes with some obvious risks of its own. Licensing can often be a step toward cronyism, so we would also need new laws to deter politicians from abusing the system. Moreover, slowing your countrys AI development with additional checks does not mean that others will adopt similar measures. In the worst case, you may find yourself facing adversaries wielding precisely the kind of malevolent tools that you eschewed. That is why AI is best regulated multilaterally, even if that is a tall order in todays world.

Another big concern is labour. Just as past technological advances reduced demand for manual labour, new applications like ChatGPT may reduce demand for a lot of white-collar labour. But this prospect need not be so worrying. If we can distribute the wealth and income generated by AI equitably across the population, eliminating plenty of work would not be a problem. Far from being diminished by not working, feudal lords were aggrandized by their leisure.

The problem, of course, is that most people do not know how to use free time. Pensioners often become anxious because they do not know what to do with themselves. Now, imagine that happening on a massive scale across younger cohorts. If left unchecked, crime, conflict, and perhaps extremism would become more likely. Averting such outcomes would require modifying our education systems to prepare people for the leisure force. As in earlier eras, education would mean learning how to enjoy the arts, hobbies, reading, and thinking.

A final major concern involves media and the truth. In How to Stand Up to a Dictator, the Nobel laureate journalist Maria Ressa laments that social media has become a powerful tool for promoting fake news. As Amal Clooney points out in her foreword to the book, autocratic leaders can now rely on an army of bots" to create the impression that there is only one side to every story."

This is a bigger challenge than most people realize. It will not go away even if we pass laws prohibiting automated disinformation. As Amartya Sen pointed out more than 40 years ago, all description entails choice. Reality is so complex that we cannot possibly represent it without making decisions about what to include and what to omit. In a world that is drowning in information, savvy influencers do not need to make up news; they can simply be biased in what they choose to report. News outlets can influence voters opinions in ways both subtle and flagrant. Just compare the images of Donald Trump and of Joe Biden that Fox News chooses.

We cannot solve the problem of authoritarian influence by banning fake news. Our best hope again lies in education. We will need to do a better job teaching people to be discerning and less susceptible to manipulation.

Innovation in law and policy must go hand in hand with innovation in education, and all are necessary to keep up with innovation in technology. 2023/Project Syndicate

Kaushik Basu is a professor of economics at Cornell University and a former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar who has been rooting for Opposition unity has called a meeting with the opposition parties on 23 June. The meeting was earlier scheduled to be held on 12 June, however was later postponed due to unavailability of several leaders.

Several prominent opposition leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee will attend the opposition meeting, to be convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The meeting is aimed at laying the groundwork for the coming together of like-minded Opposition parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government led-Centre.

Here's a look at who will be attending the Opposition meeting on June 23

Earlier while addressing the media, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said that almost 15 parties will be attending the meet...from every party, the main leader is coming not just a representative."

Further updating, the deputy Bihar CM added that apart from Telangana CM KCR who Yadav couldn't get in touch with, other all leaders will be attending the meeting.

#WATCH | Patna:..."couldn't have a word with KCR (Telangana CM) but rest all leaders are coming...almost 15 parties will be attending the meet...from every party, the main leader is coming not just a representative": Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav on upcoming opposition meet in pic.twitter.com/Vs8bkB5qGr  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

NCP chief Sharad Pawar too has confirmed that he will attending the opposition leaders meeting on 23 June. While speaking to news agency ANI, CM Nitish Kumar has called a meeting on 23rd June. He called me up and extended an invitation. He has invited the opposition leaders of the country. I will go there. He has extended the invitation keeping in mind the necessity to work together on a national issue..."

#WATCH | NCP chief Sharad Pawar says, "CM Nitish Kumar has called a meeting on 23rd June. He called me up and extended an invitation. He has invited the opposition leaders of the country. I will go there. He has extended the invitation keeping in mind the necessity to work pic.twitter.com/dERBMNtRXk  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

Earlier while addressing a press conference, Janata Dal (United) (JDU) National President Lalan Singh has also confirmed names of the leaders who will be attending the meeting.

"All opposition parties have agreed to this... Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Uddhav Thackeray, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, CPI Gen Secy D Raja, Sitaram Yechury and Dipankar Bhattacharya will attend the meet." Singh said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday addressed a press conference on the completion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led- India government's nine years. During the press conference Jaishankar said that he would not expect Pakistan to understand the relevance of the Akhand Bharat mural in the India's new Parliament building.

The mural in question placed in the new Parliament building marks important kingdoms and cities of the past, and shows the influence of ancient India in the then Taxila, in present-day Pakistan.

India's neighbouring countries- Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan has raised objection to the Akhand Bharat mural in the new parliament building. India has downplayed the issue of a mural in the new Parliament building, describing it as an artwork that depicted the spread of the prehistoric Ashokan empire.

The mural triggered a controversy in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan as it is being interpreted as a map of 'Akhand Bharat' comprising parts of several neighbouring countries.

Objecting to the mural, Pakistan government had called the Akhand Bharat mural a matter of grave concern. Pakistan government went on to advise India 'not to indulge in Akhand Bharat rhetoric'.

According to Pakistan news outlet Dawn, an official spokesperson of the Pakistan Government said, It is a matter of grave concern that the idea of Akhand Bharat is being increasingly peddled by individuals belongign to the ruling dispensation in India".

On this Jaishankar said, Pakistan doesn't have the capacity to understand" according to media reports. The Akhand Bharat" mural is from the Ashokan empire. It should not be a political issue. Our friendly neighbours will understand that. I am told they have appreciated our explanation." "Let's forget about Pakistan. I dont expect Pakistan to understand, as there is no hope in Pakistan for understanding", he added.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Wednesday said that he raised the issue relating to the 'Akhanda Bharat' map kept in India's new Parliament during his visit to New Delhi and the Indian side clarified that it was a cultural map and not a political one.

Further, Bangladesh's minister of state for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam asking the Bangladeshi mission in New Delhi to seek an explanation on the matter. According to Dhaka Tribune, Alam said that the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi has been asked to talk to the external affairs ministry to get an official explanation".

There is no reason to express doubts about it. However, for further clarification, we have asked the mission in Delhi to speak to the Indian ministry of external affairs to find out what their official explanation is," Alam was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft Corp announced that it will provide access to OpenAI 's robust language-generation models to U.S. federal agencies through its Azure cloud service.

Microsoft, headquartered in Redmond, Washington, has announced the integration of support for OpenAI's advanced language models, including GPT-4 and GPT-3, into Azure Government, its cloud service for U.S. federal agencies.

The popularity of large language models (LLMs) has surged since the introduction of OpenAI's ChatGPT, in which Microsoft has a stake. Businesses of various types and sizes are competing to develop functionalities utilizing these models.

Microsoft's inclusion of GPT technology in Azure Government, its cloud platform designed for U.S. government agencies, is a notable milestone. This move represents the first instance of a prominent company making chatbot technology accessible to governments.

The company typically provides access to Azure OpenAI Services for Azure commercial cloud users, which already boasts 4,500 customers as of May.

In addition, Microsoft has stated that government customers will have the ability to customize the language models for specific purposes, such as generating content, translating language to code, and summarizing information.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's product suite that includes Word and Excel was down for more than 15,000 users on Monday, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com. Microsoft services have faced at least three outages since the beginning of the year.

Microsoft Outlook which is used by millions of such companies to ensure efficient functioning has been reported of outage issues according .to Downdetector.

"Outlook on the Web not working," one user wrote. When trying to access the email site, an error message appears. Service Unavailable," it says, followed by: HTTP Error 503. The service is unavailable." "We're investigating an issue with accessing Outlook on the web. Further details can be found under EX571516 in the admin center," the company said.
NEW YORK - The table in David Byrne's office is stacked high with printed matter - all about the Philippines. Following the success of his concert-style show "American Utopia," Byrne, 71, is setting the stage for another Broadway production: "Here Lies Love," a disco musical about Imelda Marcos.

Composed with Fatboy Slim, the musical premiered off-Broadway at New York's Public Theater in 2013. It's invested in the synthetic sound of karaoke - a cultural staple of Filipino lives - and features Filipino producers and an all-Filipino cast, historic for Broadway and for the Philippines.

I've listened to Byrne's music since I was a kid in Tacloban, a small provincial city in the Philippines made infamous by its association with the former first lady, who grew up there. A child of the '70s, I was shaped by disco and dictatorship. But the MTV spectacle of "Stop Making Sense," the 1984 Jonathan Demme concert film of the Talking Heads' road show, ran through my teenage years: MTV broke out at the same time we in Manila were joining street marches against the corruption of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Those protests would become the People Power Revolution, which restored democracy to the country.

"Here Lies Love" portrays the rise of first lady Imelda and her family's eventual fall from power. The story entwines matters of my childhood - disco, Byrne, martial law, marches, Tacloban. In 2013, I saw it at the Public four times. That is to say, I danced. The show was disturbing. But, most of all, as I've written before, it was a thrill and a weird joy.

You're plopped in medias res into the tawdry illusions of Imelda but quickly move into a historical moment of protest: the 1986 people's rebellion that followed the killing, three years earlier, of senator and Marcos opponent Ninoy Aquino. Filipinos ousted the Marcos family, who were helicoptered to Hawaii by their friend Ronald Reagan.

Byrne's musical is an immersive, experiential surprise - not just a spectacle. The seats in the orchestra section are removed to create a dancing arena (you can still watch on the balcony, or in the front or rear mezzanine, but I strongly recommend the dance floor, as watching from above dilutes the existential terror of participation and complicity essential to the show).

As a child, I literally danced for Imelda on airport tarmacs, where, as schoolchildren, and having practiced for months, we would greet her on her birthday visits to Tacloban. That obscene memory returned to me at Byrne's simulated, propulsive discotheque.

Sigmund Freud, in "A Disturbance of Memory on the Acropolis," writes about moments when "a piece of reality or a piece of [one's] own self has become strange." That remembrance of the past through the estrangement of the real - in this case, through the cathartic, anomalous thrill of disco - is the crux of Byrne's musical.

Byrne and I talked recently at his office in Manhattan about the progress of his musical, its connection to his evolution as an artist, and what it means to the Philippines to have another Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also known as Bongbong, now in power.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

- - -

Q: What moved you to bring "Here Lies Love" back now?

A: The show has maybe more relevance. Partly because another Marcos is in power. You see the process that happened in the Philippines repeating itself all over the world. Now, whether it's in Russia or Hungary or Egypt - or the United States - you see this kind of authoritarian rule being established, or places sliding toward it all over the world. So it's a worldwide phenomenon as opposed to, oh, that just happened in the Philippines.

- - -

Q: I've always wondered whether it's a disco piece that became political or a political question that disco solved.

A: There was a version with just the parallel stories of Imelda and her maid. Then I realized, I also have to deal with the People Power Revolution. So the emphasis also goes to Ninoy Aquino as a parallel. I wrote a song based on a really wonderful book, an oral history of the People Power Revolution. I pored over it and realized I could do a song as if someone is just there, just picking phrases, using their words. That was the key to unlocking the story.

- - -

Q: How about the concept of audience immersion?

A: I had seen some musical performers who had hit dance records. They would perform in discos. They would do like a karaoke set. The songs were very short. I thought, "Wow, what if you could do that for a whole evening? Wouldn't that be amazing?" DJs talk about their arc of an evening, that you build it up. What if that was a narrative arc, not just a musical energy? Later, I read that Imelda loved going to Studio 54. She had a disco ball in her townhouse. I saw a video of her dancing with an arms dealer . . .

- - -

Q: Adnan Khashoggi.

A: Yes, dancing with Khashoggi under her disco ball at her New York townhouse. Wow. What if that's the story that gets told? Given how popular karaoke is in the Philippines.

- - -

Q: It's the land of karaoke. Facebook and karaoke - that's us.

A: Then it all fits perfectly. So the performers are singing live, but the musical backing is prerecorded like karaoke, and the play is in a club. We give it that heady, frothy environment. I'm thinking that excitement is what it might feel like to be a person in power. And for an audience who feels like they're participating in all that excitement.

- - -

Q: You've talked about how the arc of "American Utopia" goes from being inside the brain to outside, engaged with larger issues. But before "American Utopia," you had already written this political play. I think the arc here is a fascinating inverse of "American Utopia": It begins with the political and goes internal.

A: In "American Utopia," the character I'm playing is a little bit of myself. You follow how they change, they find friends, community. In the end, they engage with the larger world. I was thinking about this with "Here Lies Love," that the characters don't change. It's the audience that changes. The audience is very important to the show - their participation. They're the ones excited about the glamour. The audience is completely seduced; there's the music, and everyone's dancing. Then, as happened in the Philippines, they feel at some point they've been betrayed. They had the rug pulled out. And the audience realizes, we got tricked. So it's the audience who has a change of mind. Not the characters.

- - -

Q: The audience has to be so alert. Even your gaps matter. For instance, you don't include the shoes - Imelda's 3,000 shoes. Personally, I think it's a weird Western thing, the obsession with her shoes, as if a person from the so-called Third World is not allowed to desire shoes. You mentioned shoes only once.

A: Yeah, when she's young and talks about not having any shoes. And I thought - that's it. That's all you'll get. People know about the shoes. It's a preconceived idea that they bring to the theater.

- - -

Q: You also did not include the killings - the dead bodies during the Marcos regime. There's an aspect of this play where the gaps create the audience's bodily response. It's eerie. When you realize, as she's singing her love songs, people are dying, killed by the regime. How intentional was that?

A: In the context of the show, I wasn't sure how to deal with the massacres and bombs and death. Or even the U.S. connection with the Philippines and the U.S. support of Marcos.

- - -

Q: The gaps work because you're dancing with the dictator. The play mirrors that past - or present. America was dancing with the dictator through the '70s well into - now, I guess.

A: The show is critical of the Marcos regime, but it allows the audience to experience the way Filipino people felt they were seduced by the Marcoses. It's also saying, look what happens when elected officials decide they don't want to leave. We've got one in this country right now, somebody who refuses to accept an election result.

- - -

Q: So, again, an emblem of what happens to a country when justice is not done to those who wreck your democracy.

A: Exactly. It's a story of how that can happen.

- - -

Q: Because the Marcoses weren't punished.

A: I know! They were given a place in Hawaii!

- - -

Q: You're doing art during a time of disinformation, when nuanced art can be twisted on social media. At the same time, people imagine political art to be stripped of ambiguity. But your play shows us how nuance is political art - that nuance is a way to speak political truths.

A: I want the audience to have a sense of what the drive for power feels like. They can have a different, and, I think, deeper understanding of why things happened if they actually feel it themselves.

- - -

Q: It's a beautiful way to conceive of art - to include its bodily effect. Your art creates surprise in the body. In that sense, it's similar to what an activist wants: to spark a reaction, a change. Your art wishes also to address something beyond oneself. Have you ever thought about how your art, even with the Talking Heads and "Stop Making Sense," seems to wish to change the way a body feels?

A: Um. Wow. I know at some point, I was trying to find a community and family, a community of artists or friends. Trying to let the audience and other people know that I might be a little unusual, but it's okay, and you might be unusual, too, and that's okay. You can be accepted. You can have fun. And then later, it becomes more kind of social and politically where I need to go.

- - -

Q: Around the time of "Here Lies Love"?

A: Yeah. I started writing songs that I thought were addressing social and political issues. But it was hard to do it in songs. I listen to some of those songs now, and it sounds like somebody who's frustrated and angry but doesn't know how to express it in an artistic way.

- - -

Q: "Here Lies Love" is narrative. The solution is story. I'm a novelist, so I like that thought. The narrative paralleling Imelda and her childhood maid and confidante, Estrella, created a way, in the figure of Estrella, for the Filipinos to have a voice - an equal voice. Which remains in the play.

A: She was the stand-in for ordinary people.

- - -

Q: And there's a historic aspect: It's the first time a Broadway play has been produced by Filipinos. And an all-Filipino cast!

A: I wanted producers who understand what it means, not just to them personally but to the Filipino community. The fact that I decided I could do a show about Philippine history - okay, you better do your research.

- - -

"Here Lies Love" previews begin June 17 at the Broadway Theatre, New York. herelieslovebroadway.com.

- - -

Gina Apostol is a Filipino-born writer based in New York. She is the author of "La Tercera," "Insurrecto" and "The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata," among other novels.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The title of the film "Mending the Line" refers to an adjustment to a fly-fishing line to counter the effects of water currents. But there's a lot more than the placement of a filament that needs to be remedied in this well-meaning but inert PTSD melodrama.

The main character is John Colter (Sinqua Walls), a physically wounded and psychically bruised Marine who's steered toward a Montana trout stream as therapy after a hairy deployment in Afghanistan. Colter's reluctant guide is crusty Vietnam War vet Ike Fletcher (Brian Cox), a fly-fishing adept who's gotten too old to venture to the stream alone. The two are initially connected by a Department of Veterans Affairs doctor (Patricia Heaton) who's treated both of them.

Ike initially rebuffs Colter, in part because the older man is a recovering alcoholic who doesn't want to be around the hard-drinking younger one. Pushed by a fishing buddy (Wes Studi), Ike tentatively agrees to tutor Colter in catch-and-release trout fishing, but only after the Marine first completes some "Karate Kid"-like menial tasks.

Ike also instructs Colter to read literary works about fishing, so the young Marine heads to the local library. There he meets Lucy (Perry Mattfeld), a not-very-welcoming librarian who's also enduring the aftereffects of personal catastrophe. The two soon become pals. "Mending the Line," however, doesn't have time for romance.

Friendship is crucial, since the central trio are short on relatives. Ike is estranged from his son and grandchildren, and Colter hopes to return to active duty with the Marines, "the only real family I've ever had." Lucy's only apparent tie is to the emotionally shattered mother (Irene Bedard) of her ex.

Directed by Joshua Caldwell, whose notable previous credits are mostly in TV, "Mending the Line" was made with the cooperation of the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. The movie's wartime prologue and its occasional flashbacks and nightmare scenes were filmed in a mock-up of a Middle Eastern village erected for training purposes at Camp Pendleton.

Unsurprisingly, the film doesn't offer any direct criticism of the military or of U.S. foreign policy. Stephen Camelio's screenplay treats Colter's and Ike's traumas as private matters, not symptoms of any larger issues.

The movie's dialogue tends toward platitudes, often heavily underlined by Bill Brown's syrupy score. But the script is neatly structured, and its emotional payoffs are believably muted. If Colter becomes an able fisherman with exceptional ease, his quest for peace of mind is not depicted so glibly.

The middling material is often elevated by the performances. Walls (who plays the Wesley Snipes role in the remake of "White Men Can't Jump," now on Hulu) only rarely overplays Colter's despair. Cox's performance is more histrionic, yet utterly assured. Studi is a pleasure as always, even in an undersized part.

Principally concerned with three characters, "Mending the Line" is tidy to a fault. Finally, the movie offers a hint of a wider and messier world by ending with glimpses of a real-life Montana veterans group: Warriors & Quiet Waters. Even viewers who feel satisfied with the therapeutic parable of Colter, Ike and Lucy may find themselves wishing they were watching a documentary about this intriguing organization, and not "Mending the Line."

- - -

Two stars. Rated R. At theaters. Contains coarse language, some violent images and smoking. 122 minutes.

- - -

Rating guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars okay, one star poor, no stars waste of time.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

NEW YORK (AP)  Its a weekday afternoon and Anna Sorokin is on house arrest in a New York apartment building that has been condemned as imminently perilous to life. So shes attempting to capture outside attention and relieving her boredom in the most quotidian way: starting a podcast.

So many people became famous for bad things and were able to kind of segue it into something different," she recently told The Associated Press in her East Village apartment.

The main theme of my podcast is productive rule-breaking, she said of The Anna Delvey Show.

For now, she wants to reimagine her public image to shake her reputation of being a con artist and a scammer.

Im on 24/7 house arrest. Im only allowed to leave for my parole check-ins, my ICE check-ins and for medical emergencies, she said. Behind her is a life-size cutout of her likeness  created by artist Kenny Schachter  which, like Sorokin herself, is wearing an ankle monitoring device.

Going by the name Anna Delvey, she posed as a German heiress and lied about having a $67 million trust fund in order to apply for loans, run up debts and secure a historic building for a private arts club. She falsely claimed to be the daughter of a diplomat or an oil baron. Arrested in late 2017, she was convicted in 2019 on multiple counts of larceny and theft for bilking banks, hotels and wealthy New Yorkers out of $275,000.

She was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison. After serving three years in prison though  about half of which was at Rikers Island jail complex  Sorokin, a German citizen, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Later, she was released after posting a $10,000 bond in the fall to home confinement, pending a deportation hearing.

Now shes taking advantage of her time at home by launching a weekly podcast series that she hopes will tell her side of the story, featuring various expert and celebrity guests. Sorokin's conversations with Julia Fox, Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli and Ottessa Moshfegh will be on upcoming episodes, according to Reunion Audio, the podcast company, who have also said she is interviewing Emily Ratajkowski though her team has not confirmed that.

Sorokins fraud case became the basis for the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Inventing Anna," based on a New York magazine story. Sorokin, played by three-time Emmy winner Julia Garner, said she was a consultant on the show, but didn't have any control over the final product.

For me to say Im rehabilitated would be to admit something was wrong with me to begin with. Like, I was just young. I made some mistakes, she said. Im trying to learn from them. My case, my criminal case is on direct appeal."

Inventing Anna was inspired by real-life events, but every episode included a disclaimer that the story was true except for the parts that were made up.

I know some of the stuff like definitely did not happen," Sorokin said. "But its not really up to me to sit here and go over the series piece-by-piece, because its literally a Shonda Rhimes interpretation.

While Sorokin was jailed, her fanbase grew  even organizing a Free Anna Delvey art show that included some of her drawings, as well as works by other artists. Since then, she has attempted to sell pencil drawings for up to $25,000.

The podcast gives her the opportunity to take back some control over the narrative, and its something shes thought about doing for some time.

I wanted to start recording in jail, actually over the jail phone because, you know, there are some rappers who record whole albums while being incarcerated. I was like, Why not record a podcast? Sorokin said.

She was never able to do it, because it was logistically difficult to record episodes, according to the podcast company.

As far as her time behind bars, Sorokin called prison a transformative experience, saying that shes no longer the person who was arrested in 2017.

Its been five years, a bit more than five years since I got arrested. So, I just like  I changed. I learned so much, she said. Dressed in a white blouse, her signature black-ribbon tie and dark slacks, her ankle bracelet is clearly visible.

She lifts her pants leg to show it off and even explains how it works.

Sometimes you see the banks all operate the biggest fraud on a huge scale, but like if you bounce, I dont know, a $500 check, then (its) fraud, Sorokin said.

This week, Sorokins guest on The Anna Delvey Show was model and rocker Julia Cumming of the New York City band, Sunflower Bean.

During a discussion about what makes a real New Yorker, Cumming says Sorokins impact in the city qualifies her.

You are the first person Ive ever hung out with under house arrest," she said. "So thats a huge accomplishment.

Sorokin agreed that she didnt know anyone under house arrest either.

Cumming responded: Its like you and Lindsay Lohan, who was under house arrest in Los Angeles more than a decade ago.

Sorokin believes her notoriety makes its easy for her to bring guests on the show.

I can get pretty much anybody up here, she said with brash confidence.

But theres one guest she wont be able to get: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who just began an 11-year prison sentence for overseeing a blood-testing hoax that became a parable about greed and hubris in Silicon Valley.

Id love to speak to Elizabeth. I definitely think shes an interesting person, Sorokin said. I can relate a little bit more is because were both females and have been trying to build something.

She would also consider having U.S. Rep. George Santos on the podcast, but doesn't feel she has much in common with him. The New York Republican who fabricated an identity as a rich, Wall Street dealmaker while running for Congress, and was recently charged in a 13-count indictment that included fraud, money laundering, and theft of public funds.

Im sure some of it is true, some of it  its not, Sorokin said of things written about Santos.

She added: I get so many requests to give George Santos advice, jail advice or something. I kind of stayed away from that.

So, for now, the subject of the Inventing Anna series waits to find out if people tune into the podcast, available this week on all major platforms  and if her campaign to reinvent herself works.

__

AP journalist Anna Furman contributed reporting from Los Angeles.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

PARIS (AP)  As bystanders screamed for help, a man with a knife stabbed four young children at a lakeside park in the French Alps on Thursday, assaulting at least one in a stroller repeatedly. Authorities said the children, between 22 months and 3 years old, suffered life-threatening injuries, and two adults were also wounded.

The helplessness of the young victims and the savagery of the attack sickened France, and drew international condemnation.

A suspect, identified by police as a 31-year-old Syrian, was detained in connection with the morning attack in the town of Annecy. French authorities said he had recently been refused asylum in France, because Sweden had already granted him permanent residency and refugee status a decade ago.

Witnesses reported scenes of terror as the man roamed the park, ambushing victims with his blade.

I said to the police, Shoot him, kill him! Hes stabbing everyone,' Anthony Le Tallec, a former professional soccer player who was jogging when he came across the attacker, said.

Lead prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said the man's motives were unknown but did not appear to be terrorism-related. He was armed with a folding knife, she said.

She said all four children suffered life-threatening knife wounds. The youngest is 22 months old, two are age 2 and the oldest is 3, she said. Two of them are French, the other two were tourists  one British, the other Dutch, she said.

Two adults also suffered knife wounds  life-threatening for one them, the prosecutor said. One of the adults was hurt both with the attacker's knife and later by a shot fired by police as they were making the arrest, Bonnet-Mathis said.

Video appearing to show the attack in and around a childrens play park was posted on social media. The footage showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a knife, as people screamed for help.

The man appeared to shout on name of Jesus Christ as he waved his knife in the air, while people nearby could be heard screaming: Police! Police!"

He slashed at a man carrying rucksacks who tried to approach him. Inside the enclosed play park, a panicked woman frantically pushed a stroller as the attacker approached, yelling Help! Help! and ramming the stroller into the barriers around the site in her terror.

She tried to fend off the attacker but couldnt keep him from leaning over the stroller and stabbing downward repeatedly. Afterward, the man strolled almost casually out of the park, letting himself out through a gate, with the man carrying two rucksacks still chasing after him.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the assault as an attack of absolute cowardice.

The nation is in shock, Macron tweeted.

Le Tallec, the ex-soccer player who witnessed the attack, said in an Instagram video that he first came across a mother who said to me, Run! Run! Theres someone stabbing everyone.

I saw him sprinting straight for some grandpas and grandmas. And there, he attacked, he attacked the grandpa, he stabbed him.

The prosecutor said the suspect had been living in the Annecy area since last fall and had no fixed address. An ice cream seller who works in the waterside park said he'd seen the attacker there several days earlier, looking out at the lake ringed by mountains.

The suspect was a political refugee in Sweden, the prosecutor said. The Swedish Migration Agency said he was granted permanent residency in 2013. The agency did not identify the suspect but said he subsequently sought Swedish citizenship in 2017 and 2018, both times denied, and applied again in August 2022.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the suspect entered France legally, and for some reasons we dont really understand, he applied for asylum in Switzerland, in Italy and in France, which he didnt need to do as he already had asylum in Sweden for the past 10 years.

On Sunday, Darmanin said, the suspect "was notified he couldnt get asylum in France because he already has it in Sweden.

The attack shattered the relaxed atmosphere in the picturesque park and left visitors and local residents reeling.

Eleanor Vincent, an American author vacationing in Annecy, told The Associated Press of her shock.

As soon as I heard the sirens and saw police running, I knew something horrible was happening, Vincent said.

Crowds stood in absolute silence, dumbfounded as the tragedy unfolded, she said.

As a parent who has lost a child, I know what these parents are experiencing. Its a horror beyond belief," Vincent added.

Google-owned YouTube said in a statement Thursday that it had removed and put age restrictions on some bystander-filmed footage of the attack, in accordance with its policies against graphic violence meant to shock or disgust. Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta said it was also identifying and removing any copy of or link to videos that depicted the victims of the attack.

Both YouTube and Meta said they would remove any content that praises the perpetrator.

Twitter didnt respond to requests for comment Thursday about how its handling the videos.

In Paris, lawmakers interrupted a debate to hold a moment of silence for the victims.

The assembly president, Yael Braun-Pivet, said: "There are some very young children who are in critical condition, and I invite you to respect a minute of silence for them, for their families, and so that, we hope, the consequences of this very grave attack do not lead to the nation grieving.

___

Gregory Ros in Annecy, Thomas Adamson in Paris, Jill Lawless in London, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Nicolas Vaux-Montagny in Lyon, France and Matt O'Brien in Providence, Rhode Island also contributed.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  The Pakistani Taliban targeted security forces in a northwestern province in Pakistan on Thursday, killing two officers and a guard at a nearby bank, authorities said.

The attack took place near a fruit market in the town of Mingora, located in the district of Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to senior local police officer Shafiullah Khan.

Police cordoned off the area and were searching for the three attackers who had fled the scene.

The Pakistani Taliban  also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP  claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement to the media.

Thursday's attack followed as shootout on Sunday between Pakistani troops and militants in North Waziristan, also a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The region is a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban.

Although the Pakistani military claims it has cleared the region of militants, occasional attacks and shootouts continue, raising concerns that the Pakistani Taliban are regrouping in the area.

Though a separate group, the TTP remains a close ally of the Afghan Taliban, who seizing power in Afghanistan in mid-August 2021, during the last weeks of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from the country after two decades of war.

The takeover emboldened the TTP. They unilaterally ended a cease-fire agreement with the Pakistani government last November and have since stepped up attacks across the country.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

KHERSON, Ukraine (AP)  Authorities rushed to rescue hundreds of people stranded on rooftops and supply drinking water to areas flooded by a collapsed dam in southern Ukraine on Wednesday, in a growing humanitarian and ecological disaster along a river that forms part of the front line in the 15-month war.

The collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and emptying of its reservoir on the Dnieper River added to the misery the region has suffered for more than a year from artillery and missile attacks.

With humanitarian and ecological disasters still unfolding, it's already clear that tens of thousands of people have been deprived of drinking water, many are homeless, crops are ruined, land mines have been displaced, and the stage is set for long-term electricity shortages.

Some residents of Russia-occupied areas hit by high water complained that help was slow in arriving, with some stranded on roofs and streets passable only by boat in scenes more like natural disasters than wars. Others refused to leave.

The first report of casualties from the disaster emerged, with a mayor reporting three dead. At least 4,000 people have been evacuated from both the Russian and Ukrainian-controlled sides of the river, officials said, with the true scale of the disaster yet to emerge in an affected area that was home to more than 60,000 people. Russia-appointed authorities in the occupied parts of the Kherson region reported 15,000 flooded homes.

The dam and reservoir, essential for fresh water and irrigation for southern Ukraine, lies in the Kherson region that Moscow illegally annexed in September and has occupied for the past year. The reservoir is also critical for water supplies to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Ukraine holds the Dnieper's western bank, while Russia controls the low-lying eastern side, which is more vulnerable to flooding.

The high water could wash away this seasons crops, while the depleted Kakhovka reservoir would deny adequate irrigation for years. The reservoir's loss also complicates any efforts to rebuild and restart the destroyed hydroelectric power station and ensure cooling water for any future attempts to restart the shut-down Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

A day after the dams collapse, the cause remained unclear, with both sides blaming each other. Some experts cited wartime damage and neglect, although others argued that Russia might have destroyed it for military reasons. Either way, concluded analyst Michael Kofman, Russia is responsible, either by virtue of action or by virtue of the fact that it controlled the dam.

Its going to lead to lasting damage to agriculture, provision of drinkable water. And its going to wipe out entire communities," Kofman  who is with the Center for Naval Analyses, a U.S. research group  told PBS NewsHour.

Many residents had fled the region because of the fighting, but clear estimates of those remaining weren't available.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with officials on how to provide drinking water to residents, as well as assess damage to wetlands, farms and other property from what he called a crime of ecocide" and "a man-made strike on the environment, after which nature will have to recover for decades.

Speaking in English in a video posted on YouTube, Zelenskyy said it was impossible to predict how much of the chemicals and oil products stored in flooded areas will end up in rivers and the sea.

Ukraine's agriculture ministry warned, The fields in the south of Ukraine next year can turn into deserts.

In the Moscow-controlled city of Oleshky, Lera, 19, told The Associated Press the first floor of her home was flooded.

Everything around us is floating. People are standing on rooftops and asking for help, but no one is evacuating them, said Lera, who declined to give her last name for fear of reprisals.

Most Russian troops fled Oleshky shortly after the dam incident, Lera said, although a military checkpoint remains, and boats with people trying to leave have come under fire from soldiers. Her claim couldn't be independently verified.

Mayor Yevhen Ryschuk, who left the city after the Russians took control last year, reported three dead and said hundreds of residents need to be evacuated from their roofs. He said 90% of Oleshky is flooded and facing a humanitarian crisis without electricity, potable water and food, as well as possible groundwater contamination.

Animals weren't spared, with some pets trapped. Officials said the Kazkova Dibrova Zoo in Nova Kakhovka was under water and that only swans and ducks could escape. Mayor Vladimir Leontyev said that the flooding killed thousands of animals in a nature preserve.

Hundreds of animals trapped in Oleshky require urgent rescue, volunteers helping a local shelter told the AP.

Civilians in the city of Kherson clutched personal belongings as they waded through knee-deep water or rode rubber rafts. Video showed rescuers carrying people to safety, and what looked like the triangular roof of a building floating downstream.

Aerial footage showed flooded streets in the Russia-controlled city of Nova Kakhovka on the eastern side of the Dnieper, where Leontyev said that seven people were missing, although believed to be alive.

In his first public comments on the disaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin repeated Moscow's line that Ukraine is to blame for destroying the Kakhovka dam.

In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin alleged that Kyiv authorities had escalated war crimes, openly using terrorist methods and staging acts of sabotage on Russian territory, the Kremlin said in its account of the call.

It was unclear how the dam disaster would affect the war and Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian troops. Artillery booms served as background to rescue efforts as people scrambled to leave the danger zone.

Kofman, the analyst, said he didn't think the dam collapse will substantially affect Ukrainian military prospects when it comes to their offensive this summer.

When you look at the situation along the Dnieper River  on the one hand, the flooding is going to damage the defenses that the Russian military built alongside the riverbank," he told PBS. "On the other hand, its going to make a Ukrainian cross-river operation exceedingly difficult.

Addressing blame, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said Russia has "a greater and clearer interest in flooding the lower Dnieper despite the damage to their own prepared defensive positions.

With some indications emerging that Ukraine might already have begun its long-anticipated counteroffensive, the ISW said Russian forces may think breaching the dam could cover a possible retreat and delay Ukraine's campaign.

Experts noted that the 1950s-era dam, about 70 kilometers (44 miles) to the east of the city of Kherson, was believed to be in disrepair and vulnerable to collapse because water was already brimming over when the wall gave way. It hadn't been producing power since November, according to officials.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said the Kakhovka reservoir was at record high levels before the breach and that the dam is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding.

The scale of the damage to the dam was unknown, but officials hoped to rebuild the complex once the Russians leave, said Ihor Syrota, general director of the Ukrainian national hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo. Workers, meanwhile, are holding water in other upstream reservoirs to compensate in part for the loss of the dam, he said.

Wheat and corn prices spiked Tuesday on fears over Ukraines ability to ship grain to developing nations where people are struggling with hunger and high food prices. Prices stabilized Wednesday.

___

Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Hanna Arhirova in Warsaw, Poland, and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

KHERSON, Ukraine (AP)  Russian forces Thursday shelled a southern Ukrainian city inundated by flooding in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to the area to assess the damage.

The fresh fighting came two days after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River set off a scramble to evacuate residents in dozens of flooded areas and get aid to those still there.

Officials on both sides said at least 14 people were killed in the flooding. Thousands of others were homeless, and tens of thousands were without drinking water after the collapse. Kyiv accused Moscow of blowing up the dam and its hydropower plant, which the Kremlin's forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages. Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press showed the ruined dam falling into the river and hundreds of homes, greenhouses and even a church submerged in the deluge.

Upriver from the dam, a supply of water used to cool Europes largest nuclear power plant was nearing critically low levels, Ukraines state hydroelectric company said. But the U.N.s atomic energy watchdog on Thursday played down such concerns, saying that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant could draw water to cool its shut-down reactors from levels below those previously seen to be critically low.

Zelenskyys office said Moscow's forces also continued to shell Ukrainian-held areas near the nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.

The high water brought new misery and death to a country suffering uncounted casualties after 15 months of war.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied city adjacent to the dam, told Russian state TV that five residents there had died in the flooding. And Mykolaiv regional Gov. Vitalii Kim said one person had died in that region northwest of the city of Kherson.

Yevhen Ryshchuk, the mayor of Oleshky to the south who fled the town after the Russians took over, told The Associated Press that residents told him eight people had died so far in the flooding, with corpses floating to the surface. His tally could not immediately be verified.

Residents of Oleshky have accused Russian authorities in the town of not doing enough to help civilians, and they have formed a group of over 8,000 that is sharing messages about information such as stranded and trapped locals.

Ryshchuk said Russian forces are not letting people leave and are instead confiscating boats from residents and volunteers. That was confirmed by two volunteers, who told AP that the Russian military was taking away boats brought by volunteers. Volunteer Yaroslav Vasiliev said the Russian military seized three boats from volunteers on Wednesday.

From afar, relatives of Oleshky residents said Russian forces were only evacuating Russian passport holders there.

My relatives said Russian soldiers were coming up to the house today by boat, but they said they would only take those with Russian passports, said Viktoria Mironova-Baka, 32, speaking to AP by phone from Germany.

Ukraines U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya urged Russia to grant access to the eastern bank of the river, which it occupies, to humanitarian personnel for evacuations.

Even their soldiers are sitting on the trees expecting evacuation, and theyre not even taking care of their own soldiers, Kyslytsya said from U.N. headquarters in New York.

In the city of Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid. Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policemen, a doctor and volunteer from Germany.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Zelenskyy had visited only hours earlier, officials told AP.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the Internal Affairs Ministry said. Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Zelenskyy visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility in Kherson, ordering officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to compensate residents, his office said in an update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Regional Gov. Vladimir Saldo, who was installed by Moscow to oversee the area that Russia occupies, accused Ukrainian troops of firing at an evacuation point in Hola Prystan, a Russian-occupied town. Saldo said in a Telegram post that two people, including a pregnant 33-year-old woman, were killed and that two others were wounded. It was not immediately possible to verify his account.

Fighting has intensified along the more than 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraine's border with Russia  in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. Kyiv has said it won't announce the start of any such campaign.

The destruction of the dam prompted the United Nations and local officials to say that the most immediate concerns for affected areas were access to fresh water and avoiding contact with floodwaters contaminated by explosives and industrial chemicals.

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river. But the true scale of the disaster remained unclear for the affected region.

In areas they control, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been hospitalized, 4,280 people have been evacuated and 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the dam's destruction will eventually halt fresh water supplies to southern Ukraine and Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now, with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off water supplies to Crimea after Moscow's illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Putin cited the need to restore them as a main reason for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said about 600 square kilometers (231 square miles) of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key Putin ally, said Kyiv blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched attempt to launch its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent battlefield developments amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In a podcast Wednesday, Michael Kofman of the Center for Naval Analyses, a U.S. research group, said fighting had taken a more qualitative turn with Ukrainian forces appearing to mount offensive operations near the eastern town of Velyka Novosilka and other points in southern part of the Donetsk region, as well as on its border with Zaporizhzhia province.

These attacks I dont believe to be the main offensive effort, but they mark what I think is the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, he said.

Ukrainian armed forces spokesman Valerii Shershen acknowledged increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, but added he would not call it something serious.

___

Keaten reported from Kyiv. Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Joanna Kozlowska in London, Elise Morton in Thessaloniki, Greece, Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, Hanna Arhirova in Warsaw, Poland, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Andrew Young, one of the last surviving members of Martin Luther King Jr.'s inner circle, recalls the journey to the signing of the Voting Rights Act as an arduous one, often marked by violence and bloodshed
UPDATE: TN woman accused of hiring hitman on dark web to kill her hiking buddy's wife faces 10 years

A federal criminal complaint says a Tennessee woman has been accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill the wife of a man she met on a dating app
Television evangelist and conservative political activist Pat Robertson speaks to a meeting of the Christian Coalition in Washington, D.C., during the political season in 1994.
If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the flood-hit region of Kherson to evaluate the response to damage caused by a dam breach.

The Ukrainian leader said he is helping to assess efforts to evacuate civilians, provide them with drinking water and other support and try to stanch vast environmental damage.

Mr Zelensky also raised the prospect of funding allocations to help compensate residents and businesses driven from their homes and offices by rising waters.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied town three miles from the collapsed Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric plant, reported on Russian state TV that five of seven residents declared missing after the dam breach are dead.

The two others have been found and efforts were being made to evacuate them, Vladimir Leontyev added.

At least 4,000 people have been evacuated from both the Russian and Ukrainian-controlled sides of the Dnieper river, which has become part of the frontline between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the more than 15-month-old war, officials said.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an area that was home to more than 60,000 people.
The Government cabinet is expected later today to discuss a financial contribution of 1.5m it may have to make to the European Union for failing to accommodate 350 refugees in Ireland.

Ireland has signed up to an EU initiative for housing refugees seeking international protection.

The Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM) was created to assist member states along the EU's external borders who are under pressure from new arrivals. This included countries along the Mediterranean receiving people from search and rescue sea operations.

The EUs voluntary solidarity mechanism (VSM) requires member states to accommodate refugees or pay a financial contribution if they could not.

The Government had agreed to house 350 refugees under the scheme but, due to the war in Ukraine and a rise in asylum seekers from other regions, it has been unable to find the required accommodation.

This means the State will have to make a contribution of 1.5m to the solidarity scheme to assist with the relocation of refugees in other countries.

Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Michael McGrath said what has been achieved so far is remarkable with over 85,000 people (65,000 Ukrainians and 25,000 International Protection Applicants) being accommodated by the State.

"We have been very honest and open with people about the pressure that is there in terms of accommodation provision around the country," Minister McGrath told RTE.
A tracking project has been launched to solve the mystery of exactly where Irish cuckoos spend their winters.

The annual arrival of the birds, along with swallows and corncrakes, have long been welcomed in Ireland as a harbinger of summer.

But little is know about precisely where they go during the colder months.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) hopes that the tracking project will also answer the question of whether Irish cuckoos undertake a different migration strategy to their British counterparts across the Irish Sea.

The Cuckoo Tracking Project is being undertaken by the NPWS and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan says he is looking forward to learning a fuller picture about where they go during winter.

Cuckoos are fascinating creatures and the Irish populations migration patterns are something of a mystery, so it will be very exciting to see the results of this innovative project over time, he said.

Weve already seen one of the birds fly from Killarney National Park to Tipperary over the Bank Holiday weekend and another has shot across to the east Cork coast before double-backing to Limerick.

It will be fantastic to get a full picture of the movements of these birds at home, during their migration and when they hopefully return to our shores, he said.

Cuckoos are resident in Ireland from April to early July, and usually winter on the African continent.

Across Ireland, the cuckoo has seen a 27% reduction in breeding distribution between the first national census, Bird Atlas (1968-1972), and the most recent Bird Atlas (2007-2011).

In the UK the decline is 40%.

Population trends show large declines across England and Wales, with increases in Scotland and relative stability in Ireland.

In Ireland, the cuckoo has displayed a population shift northwards and westwards, similar to a number of other migrants that winter in Africas humid regions.

However, there is little known about the potential causes and drivers of these declines.

While the cuckoo has been well-studied during the breeding season, very little is known about the routes they take once they head off on migration or where in Africa they spend the winter months.

It is thought if more is known about their migration scientists would be able to better understand habitat pressures that affect losses of the cuckoo population.

Dr Chris Hewson, BTO research ecologist and lead scientist on the project, said theyre looking forward to learning more about their migration patterns.

Its fantastic to see more cuckoos heading off with satellite tags newly fitted. These birds will help us to better understand the pressures they face, the reasons for the population declines they are undergoing and how we can help them to successfully complete their arduous migrations in the rapidly changing world we share, he said.

Its especially exciting to see birds from Ireland tagged for the first time  were looking forward to learning for the first time about the migrations of these cuckoos from the western extremity of the species breeding range.
Jericho Man Sentenced uo Up to 15 Years in Prison for Deadly DWI Collision with Motorcycle

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: June 08 2023

Jordan Solomon was nearly three times the legal limit for alcohol when he crashed into Stanley Soobrians motorcycle, killing him.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Jericho man was sentenced today to up to 15 years in prison for a DWI collision on Jericho Turnpike that killed a 29-year-old father of four in March 2022.

Jordan Solomon, 32, pleaded guilty before Judge Caryn Fink on March 20, 2023, to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony); Assault in the Second Degree (a D felony); and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor). Solomon was sentenced today to 6-1/2 to 15 years in prison. The NCDA recommended a sentence of 7 to 21 years in prison.

Jordan Solomon, out celebrating a new job at a local restaurant, made the decision to get behind the wheel of his car at nearly three times the legal limit for alcohol and speed down Jericho Turnpike, said DA Donnelly. That disastrous choice resulted in a crash that cost Stanley Soobrian his life and left four children fatherless. This is a tragic reminder of the devastation caused by drunk and reckless driving. Our hearts remain with Stanleys many family members and friends as this defendant is sentenced for his crimes.

DA Donnelly said that, on March 15, 2022, at approximately 11:45 p.m., Solomon was driving his 2021 Kia K5 west on Jericho Turnpike while highly intoxicated.

The defendant was traveling 100 mph when he crashed into the back of Stanley Christopher Soobrians motorcycle, sending the victim into the defendants windshield, and wedging the motorcycle into the front of Solomons vehicle.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:57 p.m.

Solomon had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .23 approximately two hours after the crash.

The defendant was arrested a short distance from the scene by officers of the Nassau County Police Department.
(Alliance News) - Ryanair Holdings PLC on Thursday said it plans to enter the Albanian market as part of its winter 2023 schedule.

The Dublin-based budget airline said that Albania will become the thirty-seventh country in its network.

The new Albani winter schedule will deliver 17 new routes, 200 flights per week, and an estimated 700,000 passengers to and from Tirana.

"These exciting new winter routes are only the beginning of what Ryanair can do to support the Albanian government in delivering transformational growth within the tourism industry," Ryanair said.

Earlier on Thursday, Ryanar said that the US class action lawsuit launched in November 2018 by the City of Birmingham pension fund in Alabama has been settled.

It said it has reached a USD5.0 million settlement of a lawsuit that accused them of defrauding shareholders by downplaying its willingness to recognise labour unions.

Shares in Ryanair Holdings were down 1.1% at EUR16.71 in Dublin on Thursday.

By Sophie Rose, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Apple holds a Back to School promotion (now known as the Higher Education Offer to avoid confusion because its not open to students before they enter higher education, only the institutions and teachers) every year and offers an incentive with purchases of qualifying Apple products.

Apple has, for a long time, given away a pair of AirPods with qualifying sales, but this summer, like the summer of 2022, Apple isnt giving away AirPods to students. Instead, Apple is offering gift cards with qualifying purchases. This change means those taking advantage of the deal get more choice about what they spent their money on, rather than being limited to headphones.

However, Apples decision to revert to vouchers again in the summer of 2023 came as a surprise because, when Apple kicked off its student deal in Australia, New Zealand and other Southern Hemisphere locations in January 2023, students in those countries were able to choose a free pair of AirPods with their qualifying purchase.

Apple kicked off the Higher Education Offer for the U.S. on June 5, 2023. It will run until October 2, 2023. So if you are based in that part of the world now is the time to take advantage! Read about how to do that below. We expect Apple to launch a similar deal in Canada soon.

In 2022 the Apple Education deal launched in the U.K. and Europe on July 14 and ran until to October 20. Expect similar timing in 2023.

All products sold to students via Apples Education Store include a discount, so you will already be making a saving on any of these products. This education-focused deal is in addition to these year-long discounts Apple offers to students and education institutions on its Macs and iPads. We explain everything you need to know about getting a discount, including how much you can save as a student, and explain how to use Apples Education Store in this guide to shopping in the Apple Education Store.

We have advice about the Best Mac for Students and the Best iPad for Students. You may also like to read our Apple student buying guide.

Whats Apples Back To School offer in 2023?

The Higher Education deal runs at different times depending on which side of the earth you are based. This is due to differences in when the school year starts around the globe Apple runs the promotion at different times in different places.

Apple runs the promotion in the southern hemisphere in the first few months of the year. Hence, if you live in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Brazil) you can take advantage of Apples deal from early January to March. (We are awaiting confirmation of whether Apple has a similar deal in Malaysia).

The same deal runs later in the year in the U.K., U.S., Canada and Europe. Usually between June and September in North America, and between July and October in Europe and the UK.

Northern Hemisphere:

Assuming that Apples deal for the Northern Hemisphere is the same in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, students can expect to get vouchers with their purchases this summer.

The terms and conditions of the deal will be here (US)/(UK).

Qualifying purchases:

Qualifying purchases for Apples deal in the U.S. as of June 2023 include: iMac 24inch, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPad Pro 12.9inch, iPad Pro 11inch, iPad Air.

Students can also get a free month of both Apple Music and Apple TV+ when they buy an Apple product. Read: How to get cheap Apple Music and Apple TV+ as a student.

Southern Hemisphere:

When the deal kicked off earlier this year in Australia and other southern hemisphere locations the offer included free AirPods. That deal finished in March 2023.

Free AirPods (2nd generation) worth A$219. Or equivalent saving on any AirPods or AirPods Pro.

20% off AppleCare+.

Visit the Apple education store in your country for more details. e.g. Apple Australias website. The terms and conditions of the deal in Apple Australia are here.

Apple

How to get Apples Back To School deal

As long as you based in an area where Apple is running the deal at the time of your purchase, and are a student in higher education, or about to start higher education, you can qualify for Apples Higher Education deal and get a free pair of AirPods (or vouchers if thats what the deal is). There are more details about who the deal applies to below.

Note that if you qualify you are able to get discounts all year round by shopping in the Apple Education Store, so you dont need to shop during the Back to Uni deal period to get a bargain.

In the U.S. youll need to visit Apples US Education Store, but logging on from your university network may make the process easier.

In the U.K. you can visit the UK Education Store, but you will also need to verify your student or staff status with UNiDAYS.

Go to the Apple Education Store for other regions using the links below:

When you make your purchase you will be able to request the Apple Gift Card.

Read on to find out the dates the deal will run in 2023.

When is Apples Back to School Sale 2023?

Apples Higher Education Offer started on June 5, 2023 and will run until October 2 in the U.S.

In the U.K. and Europe the deal usually runs from mid-July to October.

In Australia and New Zealand the deal ran between January 18 and and March 13, 2023, so similar timings are likely in 2024.

June 5  October 2 2023  U.S. CONFIRMED

In the summer of 2022 Apple offered vouchers for its Higher Education Deal. Apple also offers vouchers during its Black Friday shopping event. Students could get different value vouchers depending on the products purchased.

This year the deal has started a bit sooner and will run a little longer in North America. In 2022 the deal ran from June 24 to September 26, while in 2021 the deal ran from June 17 to September 27. In 2020 Apple launched the U.S. sale on 15 June with an end date set for 29 September, although Apple ended up extending the end date to October 12 instead, moving it to just a day before Amazons Prime Day, which took place over October 13-14, 2020.

For summer 2023 students can get the following:

Buy a iMac, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air and get a $150 Apple gift card.

Buy a Mac mini and get a $100 Apple gift card.

Buy a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro, or iPad Air and get a $100 Apple gift card

This is similar to summer 2022, when students could:

Buy a MacBook Air, 13-inch, 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, or a 24-inch iMac and get a $150 Apple Gift Card.

Buy an iPad Air (5th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch or 12.9-inch and get a $100 Apple Gift Card.

Apples education discounts are available all year round. Visit the US Education Store and Canada Education Store for more information.

July 13  October 21, 2023  ESTIMATED

In 2022 Apples Higher Education Offer (aka Back to School Sale) started on July 14 in the U.K. Education Store. The sale ran until Monday, October 20. Apple U.K.s Back to School Sale in 2020 started July 9 and lasted until October 29. Apple launched its 2019 sale on July 9, and its 2018 sale started on July 12.

For summer 2022 students could:

Buy an iPad Air (5th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch or 12.9-inch and get a 80 Apple Gift Card.

Buy a MacBook Air, 13-inch, 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, or a 24-inch iMac and get a 120 Apple Gift Card.

If this years deal isnt running when you are considering making a purchase from Apple thats no reason for disappointment: Apples education discounts are available all year round. Students and educators need to log in via UNiDAYS website to see the offers. Educational Store discounts are usually up to 280 for U.K. students. See Apples terms and conditions.

Apple Back to School Sale Australia/New Zealand/South America/South Korea 2023

January 18 to 13 March, 2023

The dates in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Korea correspond with the new school year there. In 2022 the deal ran from January 6-March 14, 2022. In 2021 the sale ran from January 7 to March 16. In 2023 the deal started a little later on January 18.

Who can get Apples Back to School deal?

If you are registered at a higher education facility (thats post-K12 education, universities and colleges) you will qualify for the free AirPods deal as well as Apple usual education discount. Employees of these institutions can also qualify. If you are a parent buying for your student offspring then you can also qualify. Here are Apples Ts&Cs for the U.S.

Alternatively, if you are an employee of a public or private K-12 institution/school in the U.S. or Canada you are also eligible. Apples Education pricing isnt available to parents with kids at school, but a homeschool teacher can qualify.

Even when Apple isnt running the Back to School Deal students and education institutions can still take advantage of its standard educational pricing on its Educational Pricing page (US here / UK here).

Which iPads are included in Apples Back to School deal?

The standard iPad 10.2in could be a good partner to have at university.

Not every Apple product you can buy in the Education Store is included in the free vouchers deal.

In 2023 Apple is including the following iPads in the deal in the U.S.:

iPad Air (5th gen)

iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen)

Its notable that Apple doesnt include the cheaper iPad 10th gen, or even the older 9th gen iPad. The iPad mini is also omitted.

You can still get discounted Educational Pricing on the iPad and iPad mini if you qualify, you just wont be able to get the freebie.

If you dont qualify for the education pricing we have a separate guide on where to get the best deals on the iPad. For advice about which iPad to buy read which iPad is best for students.

Which Macs are included in Apples Back to School deal?

A MacBook Air is a good choice for students. Foundry

Not every Apple product you can buy in the Education Store is included in the free vouchers deal. Apple doesnt usually offer incentives to buy the newest Apple products, but this year it does appear to be including the new 15-inch MacBook Air in the deal.

In 2023 the following Macs are included in the deal:

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

iMac

Mac mini

This is the first year in a while that the Mac mini has been included in the deal.

You can already take advantage of education pricing for all of those Macs.

If you dont qualify for an education discount have a look at these round ups of the best deals on a new Mac:

We also have this advice about which Mac is best for students.
Its not just Britons coming to the Balearics who are big spenders, so too are Spanish tourists flocking to the UK.

Spaniards visiting the UK in 2022 spent 1.1 billion pounds (1.279 billion euros), 8% more than in 2019, with spending per night reaching 76 pounds (88 euros) and spending per visit reaching 524 pounds (609 euros), an increase of 17% and 24% over the pre-pandemic level, respectively.

VisitBritain, the British National Tourist Board, has highlighted that the Spanish market is the fifth most important in terms of both spending and visits to the UK.

The UK received more than two million visits from Spain last year, which represents 87% of the levels recorded in 2019.

Of these visits, 868,000 involved visits to friends and family residing in the country, 9% more than in 2019, with a total spend of 350 million (407 million), which is 15% more than pre-pandemic.

Our priority has been to rebuild the value of visits, so it is very encouraging to see continued strong recovery and growth in some of our most important and valuable markets, such as Spain, said VisitBritains director of Southern Europe, Cristina Bernabe.

The British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliot, stressed that Spain is a market of great importance to the United Kingdom, not only in terms of tourism, but also in terms of personal, cultural, scientific and investment links, among many other areas.

I am particularly pleased that Spain is one of the top destinations for my compatriots as well, he added.
Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia  Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday called for stronger collaboration with Malaysia to protect palm oil products threatened by a European Union trade law he termed discrimination.

The European Parliament adopted the new legislation in April that will ban imports deemed to be driving deforestation, throwing the blocs trade muscle behind a global fight against climate change.

The law, which is awaiting final approval from EU member countries, would restrict imports from around the world on coffee, cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubber.

Imports that come from land deforested after Dec. 31, 2020, will be prohibited in the huge EU market  the third-largest for both Indonesia and Malaysia.

Do not let the commodities produced by Malaysia and Indonesia be discriminated by other countries, Widodo said at a joint press conference alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

We need to continue to strengthen this collaboration, he said after the two leaders met in Malaysias administrative capital Putrajaya.

Indonesia accounts for more than half the global supply of the edible oil, used in making foods such as cakes, chocolate, and margarine as well as cosmetics, soap and shampoo.

However, palm oil is a controversial commodity, blamed by environmentalists for fueling the destruction of rainforests in Malaysia and Indonesia, which together produce 85 percent of global output.

Green groups say the rapid expansion of plantations has destroyed rare animals habitats, while there have been allegations of foreign workers being abused and mistreated on some estates.

Widodo said he deeply appreciated ongoing cooperation between the two countries, referencing a recent visit by Indonesian and Malaysian officials to Brussels to combat the EU deforestation law.

A joint statement issued after the two leaders met said they had agreed to cooperate closely to address highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil by the European Union.

They underlined that the EU needs to promptly address such discriminatory measures and work towards a fair and equitable resolution, it added.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
The Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd have announced the signing of a three-year USD 500 million syndicated loan. The deal was exceptionally well supported in the market and attracted commitments from investors globally with continued endorsements from GCC, Europe and US, and interest from Asia.

Commitments exceeded USD 1 billion, with an oversubscription of 2.2x showcasing investors appetite on MCBs credit worthiness, thereby leading to significant scale-back.

The Facility was circled by 25 investors, comprising existing core lenders and seven new original lenders, reflecting MCBs strong appeal to international investors.

This latest transaction bears testimony to MCBs attractiveness for its robust credit profile and growth strategy while pursuing its journey to tap capital markets for its funding requirements.

Commenting on the deal, Alain Law Min, Chief Executive Officer, MCB Ltd:

After our successful debut Eurobond issuance last May, the success of the syndicated loan demonstrates the support of international markets to MCB. Despite the current challenging environment, MCB has managed to tighten its pricing on this deal by leveraging its investment grade status and its investor network. As MCB pursues its strategic endeavours in Africa, we thank our investors for their renewed confidence in MCB, and we look forward to our ongoing engagement.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC (ADCB), Emirates NBD Capital Limited (EMCAP), First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC (FAB), The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, London Branch (ICBC), Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (Mizuho), Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and SMBC Bank International plc (SMBC), acted as Coordinators and Bookrunners on the transaction.

Articles similaires
Japans government on Tuesday adopted a revision to the countrys plans to use more hydrogen as fuel as part of the effort to reduce carbon emissions, Azernews via to AP News.

The plan sets an ambitious target to increase the annual supply by six times from the current level to 12 million tons by 2040. It also pledges 15 trillion yen ($107 billion) in funding from both private and public sources to build up hydrogen-related supply chains over the next 15 years.

Japans decarbonization strategy centers on using so-called clean coal, hydrogen and nuclear energy to bridge its transition to renewable energy. Russias war on Ukraine has deepened concerns over energy security and complicated that effort, but other advanced Western nations are pushing for faster adoption of renewable energy, such as solar, wind and geothermal.

So far, Japan is relying on hydrogen mainly produced using fossil fuels.

Some experts say strategies like commercializing the use of hydrogen and ammonia mainly cater to big business interests and major industries that are heavily invested in fossil fuel-based technologies and have power over the government policies.

The revised plan prioritizes nine strategic areas, including development of water electrolysis equipment, fuel storage batteries and large-size tankers for transporting hydrogen.

Hydrogen is an industrial sector that can make a triple achievement of decarbonization, stable energy supply and economic growth in one shot, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at the Cabinet meeting Tuesday. We will promote (hydrogen) on a large scale, both demand and supply.

Japans leaders say they want to turn the country into a hydrogen society, but the hydrogen industry is still in its initial stages. The government is still drafting legislation to support building necessary infrastructure and supply chains for commercial use of pure hydrogen and ammonia, another source of hydrogen.

At a hydrogen council meeting with industrial leaders last week, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan aims to achieve an  Asian zero-emission community, contributing Japanese technology in hydrogen, ammonia and other decarbonization technologies.

By setting an ambitious goal we aim to make our plans more predictable and encourage long-term investment in developing a large-scale hydrogen supply and demand, Kishida said.

The Cabinet also approved an annual energy report saying that economic sanctions against Russia for its war on Ukraine have increased long-term competition for liquefied natural gas, forecasting that shortages could persist through 2025. European demand for LNG as an alternative to Russian natural gas has pushed LNG prices higher, making it necessary to draw up a long-term strategy for securing stable energy supplies.

Japan adopted a so-called green transformation plan in February that calls for promotion of next-generation solar batteries, offshore wind power and renewed use of nuclear energy.

Some experts say strategies like commercializing the use of hydrogen and ammonia mainly cater to big business interests and major industries that are heavily invested in fossil fuel-based technologies and have power over the government policies.
The research study on the Biosimilar Contract Manufacturing Market  Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027, recently published by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, states that the biosimilar contract manufacturing market will grow at a CAGR of 16.19% during 2021-2027.

Market Overview

With the increasing demand for biosimilars, rise in approved biosimilars, and robust pipeline, the demand for outsourcing biosimilars manufacturing is also equally increasing. As a result, many pharma and biotech companies outsource biosimilar R&D and manufacturing to CMOs & CDMOs, which propel the biosimilar contract manufacturing market growth. Outsourcing biosimilar manufacturing enables pharma/biotech companies to reach the market early, free up their resources and manufacturing facilities, focus more on their core businesses and minimize the costs of their drugs. As a result, the CMOs industry has witnessed remarkable growth during the last decade and is expected to continue an even better growth trajectory in the coming years. The CMOs industry is undergoing a paradigm shift. Off-late CMOs are no longer working as just a one-off manufacturing option but have become an integral part of the supply chain of pharma/biotech companies.

To Know More, Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3614

In the beginning, major pharma companies continue to be significant contributors to the growth of the biopharma contract manufacturing market; contributions from biotechnology & life sciences companies also increasing in recent years, especially when the demand for biologics, including biosimilars, is at an all-time high worldwide. With the market entry of many biotech companies, there will be greater demand for contract manufacturing services in biologics, including the biosimilars market. Outsourcing the manufacturing function will enable biotech firms to introduce their products in the market without investing in building or upgrading their manufacturing units. As the costs of biosimilars must be kept significantly low, it makes sense for drug developers to outsource manufacturing activities to keep costs low. As a result, CMOs are witnessing healthy growth in their business from the biosimilar contract manufacturing market.

Biosimilar Contract Manufacturing Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Market Size (2027) USD 5.56 Billion Market Size (2021) USD 2.26 Billion CAGR (2021-2027) 16.19% Base Year 2021 Forecast Year 2022-2027 Market Segmentation Source, Scale of Operation, Product, Indication, and Geography Geographic Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Key Leading Countries China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the US, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the UK, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, South Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey Market Dynamics Favorable Patient Demographics with Rise in Disease Burden

Robust Pipeline of Biosimilars Boosting Contract Manufacturing

Rising Investments for Developing Biosimilars

High Cost of Biologics Increasing Demand for Biosimilars

Buy the Report Now: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/biosimilar-contract-manufacturing-market

Post-Purchase Benefit

1hr of free analyst discussion

10% of customization

Robust Pipeline of Biosimilars Boosting Contract Manufacturing

The global biopharmaceutical industry is experiencing significant expansion fueled by the emergence of biosimilars, resulting in a surge of new products, players, and production facilities. As a result, the number of approved and investigational biosimilars is on the rise, leading to a dramatic increase in competition among biosimilars and their reference products in the coming years.

Biosimilars have made inroads into new therapeutic segments, with evolving reimbursement models further driving their adoption. The biosimilars pipeline is rapidly progressing and expanding, with more products and companies engaging in manufacturing. In 2019, biosimilars witnessed sustained growth, averaging 20% annually. However, this growth rate has accelerated to an average of 27% per year over the past five and a half years.

With several commercially viable biosimilars approaching patent expiry and lacking product protection, multiple biosimilars are currently in the pipeline. The number of biosimilars in development, particularly targeting popular reference products, has experienced a significant increase of over 50% on a yearly basis in the past 18 months. This remarkable growth in the biosimilar pipeline also extends to other reference products, although they may be less popular. This trend is expected to persist in the short term as existing biosimilar companies expand their portfolios of products in development while new developers continue to enter the field.

Therefore, the rapid growth of biosimilars is reshaping the global biopharmaceutical industry, leading to heightened competition and an expanding pipeline. The increasing number of biosimilars targeting popular reference products, along with the entry of new players, underscores the dynamic nature of the market.

Europe Takes the Lead in Global Biosimilar Contract Manufacturing Market

Europe has emerged as the dominant player in the global biosimilar contract manufacturing market, capturing a substantial 39.44% share in 2021. This trend is expected to continue as Europe is projected to experience a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.14% during the forecast period. The regions success can be attributed to a well-defined regulatory framework for biosimilars and a mature biosimilar industry, with key companies such as Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, and Rentschler Biopharma SE driving the demand for contract manufacturing services.

Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Spain are among the major countries contributing to the biosimilar contract manufacturing market growth in Europe. These nations benefit from established infrastructure and expertise in the biosimilar sector, further bolstering the regions market position.

Europe & North America holds the second-largest global biosimilar contract manufacturing market share. Factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including cancers and blood disorders, and favorable regulatory policies and guidelines contribute to the regions consistent growth. The North American biosimilar contract manufacturing market was valued at USD 626.41 million in 2021, with strict regulatory standards ensuring that only biosimilars demonstrating highly similar physicochemical, biological, and clinical performances gain regulatory agency endorsement.

During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised to witness the fastest growth in the global biosimilar contract manufacturing market. The rising patient population with major inflammatory and autoimmune disorders drives the demand for biosimilars in the region. Additionally, APAC benefits from cost-effective treatment options, attracting medical travelers seeking affordable healthcare. Factors such as rapid urbanization, increased research and development expenditures, and the growing trend of biosimilar manufacturing outsourcing contribute to the regions continuous market expansion.

On the other hand, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa held minimal shares in the biosimilar contract manufacturing market in 2021. However, these regions are anticipated to experience gradual growth as biosimilar manufacturers begin outsourcing their products to contract manufacturers. Furthermore, regulatory adjustments are being made to facilitate the manufacturing and registration of biosimilars, which will significantly expand the market in these regions.

Hence, Europe leads the global biosimilar contract manufacturing market, with Europe, North America, and APAC driving the industrys growth. With a well-established regulatory framework, strong industry presence, and increasing demand for biosimilars, these regions are set to shape the future of biosimilar contract manufacturing.

Market Segmentation

Source: Mammalian and Non-mammalian

Mammalian and Non-mammalian Scale of Operation: Commercial and Research

Commercial and Research Product: Finished Dosage Form (FDF) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)

Finished Dosage Form (FDF) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) Indication: Oncology, Blood Disorders, Inflammatory & Autoimmune Disorders, and Others

Oncology, Blood Disorders, Inflammatory & Autoimmune Disorders, and Others Geography:North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

To Get the Benefit of Our Free Report Customization Service, Send Your Enquiry Here  https://www.arizton.com/customize-report/2926

Major Companies

Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Catalent, FUJIFILM, Thermo Fischer Scientific, AbbVie, Abzena, AGC Biologic, Alcami, Almac Group, Avid Bioservices, Biocon, Element Materials Technology, Eurofins Scientific, Fresenius Kabi, Goodwin Biotechnology, Kemwell, mAbxience, Merck KGaA, Midas Pharma, Novartis AG, Pfizer, Rentschler Biopharma, Samsung Biologics and WuXi Biologics

Why Should You Buy this Research Report?

Detail information on Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 20222027.

The report will provide access to 306 pages report that includes information about 5 regions, 19 countries, and 25 companies.

Visualize the biosimilar contract manufacturing market segmentation by source, scale of operation, product, indication, and geography, highlighting the key commercial assets and players insights.

In-depth information on market size and growth rate.

Check the detailed table of contents of the report @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/biosimilar-contract-manufacturing-market?details=tableOfContents

Why Arizton Research Reports?

100% Customer Satisfaction

247 availability  we are always there when you need us.

200+ Fortune 500 Companies trust Ariztons report.

80% of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry.

100% more data and analysis.

1000+ reports published to date.

Ariztons Expertise in the Healthcare Industry

Arizton offers syndicate and custom market intelligence & competitive intelligence solutions across MedTech, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences & biotechnology markets within the healthcare industry. Ariztons healthcare vertical provides unbiased research and evidence-based analysis to support business decisions and comprehensive end-to-end solutions to its customers, covering all dimensions of the healthcare value chain. We track various devices (equipment, implants, and hospital supplies) and drugs (patented, generic, & OTC) across North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa regions. The healthcare reports provide historic and forecast data for 20+ key countries worldwide. We track product approvals/launches, M&A activities, and collaboration/partnership activities among pharma/biotech, medical device, and life sciences companies. Our pharmaceutical portfolio tracks 15+ therapy areas with a major focus on immunology, oncology, rare & genetic diseases, dermatology, and metabolic diseases. Our medical devices and life sciences portfolio covers in-vitro diagnostics, healthcare IT, patient monitoring, cardiovascular devices, medical imaging, personal protective equipment, clinical laboratory services, and CMO/CDMO services.

Explore more healthcare reports: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/category/healthcare-lifesciences

Check Out Some of the Top-Selling Research Reports:

Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market  Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027

https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/biopharmaceutical-contract-manufacturing-market

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market  Global Outlook & Forecast 2021-2026

https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market

Vaccine Contract Manufacturing Market  Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/vaccine-contract-manufacturing-market

Medical Device Contract Manufacturing Market  Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/medical-device-contract-manufacturing-market

About Us:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

Contact Us:

Call: +1-312-235-2040

+1 302 469 0707

Mail: enquiry@arizton.com

Contact Us: https://www.arizton.com/contact-us

Blog: https://www.arizton.com/blog

Website: https://www.arizton.com/
The healthcare industry is rapidly adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robots, and medical imaging analytics to boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service quality. Healthcare professionals and hospital administrators are using healthcare automation software to perform routine tasks more efficiently and improve patient care and management. For instance, the use of AI by clinicians to make treatment decisions has led to a 50% improvement in patient outcomes and a 50% reduction in healthcare expenses, according to a 2014 report from Indiana University.

Advanced scheduling software is now available for nurse appointments, which considers patient location and matches their needs with the appropriate medical specialist. The software then assigns the most suitable nurse to visit the patient at home. With automation, nurses have access to real-time patient information through a single interface, enabling them to provide the best possible treatment. The ultimate goal is to improve patient care by using technology to streamline processes and enhance care quality.

Automated systems for patient reporting, invoicing, and prescriptions provide hospital staff with rapid access to necessary data for treating patients during all stages of their care. This results in shorter wait times for patients, improved facilities for their proper care, and streamlined information gathering and retention processes. The integration of information technology in treatment and diagnostic procedures is expected to accelerate the development of clinical, hospital, and healthcare processes, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Ask Us to Get Your Sample Copy Of The Report, Covering TOC and Regional Analysis @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2033

Healthcare Automation Market Dynamics

The healthcare industry is expected to increasingly adopt automation due to advancements in healthcare information technology, a growing elderly population, and a rise in both chronic and acute diseases. According to a 2013 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of age-related diseases such as dementia and Parkinsons disease is increasing globally alongside the aging population. This has resulted in a greater demand for medical and healthcare services, as well as an increased dependence on family members and caregivers. Therefore, the implementation of automation in healthcare services can help alleviate some of these challenges and improve overall patient care.

The integration of automation technologies in healthcare institutions has the potential to optimize staffing and reduce expenses. According to the WHOs research, there was a worldwide shortage of 7.2 million healthcare professionals in 2013, and this figure is projected to increase to 12.9 million by 2035. As such, the implementation of automation technology can benefit both healthcare institutions and current staff members.

The prompt and accurate detection of rare and difficult-to-identify illnesses significantly impacts the effectiveness of treatment. Medical personnel can only examine a limited number of samples and photos, and their diagnoses are prone to human error. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, can analyze millions of samples with greater reliability and consistency in a shorter period of time. For instance, the under-development AI platform, Morpheo, uses sleep patterns to investigate sleep disorders, and this could potentially lead to the development of new medications and simplified patient treatment for doctors.

The use of machine learning and AI has the potential to significantly impact the cost and duration of drug discovery, which currently averages around US$2.5 billion and takes 10-15 years. Due to the extensive time and resources required, researchers must limit the number of testing options. However, machine learning algorithms are not subject to such constraints and can prioritize testing while making predictions based on previously analyzed data, thus saving time and money throughout the drug discovery process.

Yet, the systems may be exposed to a range of dangers, including malware, vulnerabilities, and breaches. The application of new technology might also be constrained by a dearth of highly qualified employees. Strong access control rules may aid in reducing data theft by restricting access to Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Personal Health Information (PHI) data to a specific group of individuals depending on their needs.

Healthcare Automation Market Regional Insights

Coherent Market Insights has divided the healthcare automation market into regional segments for North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Due to improvements in healthcare and Technology infrastructure, North America and Europe are anticipated to represent a significant portion of the healthcare automation market. Moreover, it is anticipated that increasing R&D expenditure and automation in the healthcare industry would boost regional market share. For instance, healthfinch, a healthcare IT business located in Madison, Wisconsin, raised US$ 17 million in 2018 to maintain and expand their Charlie Practice Automation Platform.

Additionally, due to the rapidly expanding healthcare infrastructure and growing patient awareness as the prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and cancer rises, emerging economies are anticipated to enhance the use of automated systems in the healthcare sector in the near future. By 2030, it is predicted that China and India would have more than 500 million diabetics between them, according to the Asian Diabetes Prevention Initiative.

Healthcare Automation Market Competitive Landscape

Aetna, Inc., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Cerner, Cigna Corporation, OptumHealth, Oracle, IBM Corp, Verisk Analytics, MedeAnalytics, McKesson, Truven Health Analytics, and UnitedHealth Group, Inc. are important competitors in the healthcare automation industry. Industry participants are always seeking to provide innovative solutions that will lower healthcare expenses and fully automate the procedure. Healthcare payers may automate unstructured data, for instance, by using ibml intelligent capture solutions. This lowers administrative costs, improves customer service, speeds up cycle times, expedites audits with better reporting, and strengthens internal controls and regulatory compliance.

Healthcare Automation Market Taxonomy

The worldwide market for healthcare automation is divided into the following categories based on application:

Diagnostic and monitoring

Therapeutic

Laboratory and pharmacy

Medical logistics

On the basis of end users, the global healthcare automation market is segmented into:

Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers

Pharmacies

Home Care

Research Laboratories

On the basis of region, the global healthcare automation market is segmented into:

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East

Africa

       %  @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2033

Report Attribute Details The market size value in 2023 USD 37.9 Bn The revenue forecast in 2030 USD 91.8 Bn Growth Rate CAGR of 10.50% The base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2017  2021 Forecast period 2023  2030

Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Healthcare Automation Market

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Trends and Developments

Key Insights

Key Emerging Trends

Key Developments Mergers and Acquisition

New Product Launches and Collaboration

Partnership and Joint Venture

Latest Technological Advancements

Insights on Regulatory Scenario

Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Insights Impact of COVID-19 on Global Healthcare Automation Market

Supply Chain Challenges

Steps taken by Government/Companies to overcome this impact

Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Conclusion

Appendix

Data Sources

Abbreviations

Disclaimer

TOC Continued!

Why Choose Coherent Market Insights?

 Identified business opportunities  Our market research report can be used to analyze potential markets and new products. It can give information about customer needs, preferences, and attitudes. Also, it compare products and services.

 A clear understanding of your customers  A market report gives companys marketing department an in-depth picture about customers needs and wants. This knowledge can be used to improve products, prices, and advertising.

 Clear data-driven insights  Our Market research encompasses a wide range of activities, from determining market size and segment to forecasting demand, and from identifying competitors to monitoring pricing. All of these are quantified and measurable which means that gives you a clear path for building unique decisions based on numbers.

Ask For Discount Before Purchasing This Business Report : https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/2033

Explore More Related Insights:
One of the most fundamental needs is healthcare, which not only improves quality of life but also extends life expectancy, giving people more stability in the future. M2M is a crucial instrument in the healthcare industry that helps to give remote diagnostic solutions and improve patient care. It has a sensor that captures certain physiological conditions, such heart rate or brain imaging, among others. Also, recording is sent through wired or wireless communication to a particular software program, which transforms recorded data into information that a physician sitting remote from the patient can use. The patients body may have these sensors attached to them around-the-clock so that a doctor may monitor their health. Healthcare facilities can be improved in a number of ways thanks to machine-to-machine communication, which offers patients a higher standard of care and convenience for both the carer and the patient. The two types of machine-to-machine technologywired and wirelessare connected to equipment of the same kind and enable communication among those machines. These tools are crucial for lowering healthcare expenses, enhancing patient care, and boosting adherence to prescribed treatment plans. By connecting healthcare professionals, patients, and treatment systems through the internet, M2M healthcare is advantageous since it saves time. M2M healthcare systems primarily perform telemedicine, home monitoring, supported living, and clinical monitoring.

Ask Us to Get Your Sample Copy Of The Report, Covering TOC and Regional Analysis @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1597

Healthcare M2M Market: Market Dynamics

The rising cost of healthcare globally, particularly in wealthy nations like North America, is a major reason propelling expansion of the healthcare M2M market. According to data provided by the World Economic Forum in 2016, the US, Switzerland, and Norway are the three countries that spend the most on healthcare globally, each spending close to US$ 9,715 per person, or 9.6% of GDP, US$ 9,276 per person, or 11.5% of GDP, and US$ 9,146 per person, or 17.1% of GDP. Patients financial burden is increased by visiting hospitals because of the high maintenance costs associated with the facilities expensive equipment. M2M facilities would therefore be advantageous to all of these healthcare industry stakeholders. The prevalence of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer is rising globally, which is further boosting the M2M market for healthcare. In 2017, there were around 425 million people with diabetes globally, according to The International Diabetes Federations (IDF) Diabetes Atlas. Cancer is the second highest cause of mortality globally and one of the most common non-communicable diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2012, the International Institute for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported that there were around 32.6 million cancer patients worldwide, 8.8 million cancer-related deaths, and 14.1 million new cases. Due to the high frequency of chronic disease, ongoing medical follow-up and monitoring are also required, which may not be practicable if only relying on physical infrastructure. According to a United Nations research titled Global Population Prospect- 2017 revision, there will be 1.3 billion individuals over the age of 60 in the world by 2030, up from 962 million in 2017. The healthcare M2M industry is expanding as a result of ongoing wireless technology advancements that bridge the gap between healthcare providers and recipients.

Healthcare M2M Market: Regional Insights

North America area is dominating the healthcare M2M market, owing to increased concern for healthcare cost in this region. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports that in 2017, the U.S. spent the most per person on healthcare, or about $10,000. M2M in healthcare has the potential to significantly lower this cost. Also, since inpatient visits are the most expensive in terms of healthcare costs, it would make more outpatient visitors possible. The expansion of the healthcare M2M industry is also being driven by an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. According to a research from the International Diabetes Federation from 2017, the United States spent $3.77 billion on healthcare overall, with diabetes accounting for over 52% of that amount. According to a 2017 study that was published in the American College of Cardiology Journal, cardiovascular disease is responsible for around 800,000 deaths in the United States each year, or one death per 40 seconds on average. M2M in healthcare enables ongoing patient monitoring and prompt follow-up, which lowers the rate of sudden cardiac death. The healthcare M2M market is also anticipated to increase as a result of the physician shortage. The American Association of Medical Colleges predicted that between 40,800 and 104,900 physicians would be needed in the United States by 2030. The use of the healthcare M2M market would also be encouraged by the difficulty in receiving reimbursement in some circumstances (Penalty under the Affordable Care Act if patient readmitted to hospital after discharged within specific time).

Due to their high population density and dearth of adequate healthcare infrastructure, economies like China and India are anticipated to be lucrative for the expansion of the healthcare M2M industry. Also, throughout the course of the forecast period, telemedicine facilities are anticipated to fuel market expansion in these areas.

Healthcare M2M Market: Competitive Landscape

Sierra Wireless, Inc., Deutsche Telekom, Athena Health, Inc., GE Healthcare, Apple Inc., Cisco Systems, IBM Corporation, Stanley Healthcare, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., AT&T Inc., and Gemalto NV are some of the major companies active in the worldwide healthcare M2M market.

Healthcare M2M Market: Market Taxonomy

Based on Component:

M2M Modules

M2M Platforms

Connectivity Services

Based on Application:

Patient Well-being

Sports & Fitness

Medical Facilities

Others

Based on Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

Africa

Asia Pacific

Middle East

       %  @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/1597

Report Attribute Details The market size value in 2023 USD 21.9 Bn The revenue forecast in 2030 USD 30.28 Bn Growth Rate CAGR of 5.00% The base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2017  2021 Forecast period 2023  2030 Growth Drivers: Increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the healthcare sector.

Growing demand for remote patient monitoring and telehealth solutions.

The need for real-time data exchange and communication between medical devices and healthcare systems. Restraints & Challenges: Concerns about data security and patient privacy in healthcare M2M communications.

Lack of interoperability and standardization across different healthcare devices and systems.

High implementation costs associated with integrating M2M technology into existing healthcare infrastructure.

Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Healthcare M2M Market

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Trends and Developments

Key Insights

Key Emerging Trends

Key Developments Mergers and Acquisition

New Product Launches and Collaboration

Partnership and Joint Venture

Latest Technological Advancements

Insights on Regulatory Scenario

Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Insights Impact of COVID-19 on Global Healthcare M2M Market

Supply Chain Challenges

Steps taken by Government/Companies to overcome this impact

Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Conclusion

Appendix

Data Sources

Abbreviations

Disclaimer

TOC Continued!

Why Choose Coherent Market Insights?

 Identified business opportunities  Our market research report can be used to analyze potential markets and new products. It can give information about customer needs, preferences, and attitudes. Also, it compare products and services.

 A clear understanding of your customers  A market report gives companys marketing department an in-depth picture about customers needs and wants. This knowledge can be used to improve products, prices, and advertising.

 Clear data-driven insights  Our Market research encompasses a wide range of activities, from determining market size and segment to forecasting demand, and from identifying competitors to monitoring pricing. All of these are quantified and measurable which means that gives you a clear path for building unique decisions based on numbers.

Ask For Discount Before Purchasing This Business Report : https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/1597

Explore More Related Insights:

About Us:
Medical simulation, also called healthcare simulation, is a contemporary approach to educating and training healthcare professionals by providing hands-on experience. Patient safety and clinical competency are top priorities for medical institutions, which has led to the widespread adoption of simulation technology in the medical sector. To this end, various organizations such as the American Surgical Associations Blue Ribbon Panel and The American Board of Internal Medicine endorse medical simulators as a valuable tool for education, teaching, and evaluating competence in surgery. Additionally, The American Board of Internal Medicine offers grants to companies that are developing medical simulators.

In 2017, the healthcare simulators market had a global market size of US$1,347.9 million. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7% from 2018 to 2028.

Get Exclusive Sample PDF Copy of the Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2802

Our Sample Report May Includes:

2030 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis.

115+ Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research).

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Requests.

2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends

Includes Updated List of tables & figures.

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis.

The global market for healthcare simulation software is anticipated to grow as a result of an increase in medical institutes and educational travel.

Healthcare organizations and institutes are turning to simulators as a means of training medical professionals and specialists in order to decrease the likelihood of adverse incidents during medical practice, treatment, and surgeries. The global demand for healthcare simulators is expected to increase due to a rise in the number of medical institutes and healthcare training centers. According to the World Directory of Medical Schools in 2016, about one-third of medical schools worldwide are located in India, China, the U.S., Brazil, and Pakistan, and ten countries have almost half of the medical schools. China, the third most well-known country for its medical schools, follows India and Brazil.

Additionally, as per the Journal of Medical Education and Training in 2018, China is restructuring its education system by merging medical schools, expanding medical enrollment, and increasing class sizes. This move is likely to facilitate medical education-related tourism. Furthermore, many foreign students enroll in science and arts fields for higher education in China. Therefore, the medical sector in China is expanding at a rapid pace, indicating a surge in demand for healthcare simulators for training medical students.

Market for Healthcare Simulators Worldwide: Restraints

The high purchase and maintenance expenses of healthcare simulators, particularly high-fidelity simulators, is a significant obstacle to the growth of the global healthcare simulators market. Smaller educational institutions and hospitals lack adequate funds for medical education based on simulators. The simulators cost is determined by the level of fidelity, techniques, and simulation technology employed. For example, as per the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons in 2016, Simulab Corporations Trauma Man, a surgical simulator, cost roughly US$ 24,000.

Healthcare Simulators Industry in the World: Competitive Scenario

The global healthcare simulators market is competitive and is led by several key players such as Laerdal Medical, 3D Systems, Simulab Corporation, Simulaids Inc., Kyoto Kagaku, Mentice, Medaphor, CAE Healthcare, Gaumard Scientific Company, Limbs & Things, BT, Inc., Trandomed 3D, Inc., Fujian Zhongli Co., Ltd., and Tellyes Scientific Co., Ltd. These companies are focusing on strategies such as collaborations, partnerships, and product launches to expand their market share and strengthen their position in the global healthcare simulators market.

Direct Buy This Premium Research Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2802

Regional insights on the global market for healthcare simulators

The global healthcare simulators market is categorized by region, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America is anticipated to hold a prominent position in the global healthcare simulators market throughout the forecast period, due to the rising usage of simulators in medical universities with the support of funding agencies. For example, in February 2018, Intermountain Healthcare granted US$ 15 million to the University of Utah to help fund the construction of a medical school facility that will provide interactive simulation training with animatronic simulators, providing an opportunity for standardized patient actors to learn.

The global healthcare simulators market in Europe is predicted to experience a significant surge in growth during the forecast period. This growth is due to the research being conducted in the region to develop new and innovative simulator products. A recent collaboration between the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and 3D Systems to provide simulation equipment and event services for training centers using the ERS Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) Certified Training Program is an example of such research. This is likely to boost the demand for healthcare simulators in the European market.

Why Choose This Report:

 A qualitative and quantitative market study based on segmentation that includes both economic and non-economic factors

 Data on market value for each section and sub-segment

 Indicates the region and market segment that is likely to expand the fastest and dominate the market.

 The consumption of the product/service in each region is highlighted, as are the factors affecting the market within each region.

 The competitive landscape includes the top players market rankings, as well as new service/product launches, collaborations, company expansions, and acquisitions made by the companies profiled in the last few years.

Request for Enquiry or Customization @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/2802

Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Healthcare Simulators Market

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Trends and Developments

Key Insights

Key Emerging Trends

Key Developments Mergers and Acquisition

New Product Launches and Collaboration

Partnership and Joint Venture

Latest Technological Advancements

Insights on Regulatory Scenario

Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Insights Impact of COVID-19 on Global Healthcare Simulators Market

Supply Chain Challenges

Steps taken by Government/Companies to overcome this impact

Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Conclusion

Appendix

Data Sources

Abbreviations

Disclaimer

TOC Continued!

Explore More Report:

Healthcare fabrics market

Healthcare bpo market

Healthcare erp market

Smart home healthcare market

Us corporate wellness market

Mhealth market

Patient centric healthcare app market
Vital Sign Monitoring Devices Market Analysis

Vital Sign Monitoring Devices Market, by End User (Clinics, Home Care Settings, Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers), by Product Type (High Acuity Monitors, Mid Acuity Monitors, Low Acuity Monitors, Liquid Filled Thermometers, Infrared Thermometers, Digital Thermometers, Sphygmomanometers, Standalone Pulse Oximeters, Automated Blood Pressure Monitors), and by Region (Africa, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East)Share, Outlook, Size, and Opportunity Analysis, 20192027

The assessment of the physical functioning of the body involves measuring the respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, which is commonly known as vital signs monitoring. Vital sign monitoring devices play a crucial role in patient monitoring and are utilized in various healthcare settings, including intensive care units, critical care units, emergency rooms, and operating rooms.

Global vital sign monitoring devices market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6,515.9 million in 2022, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.6 % during the forecast period (2023-2030).

Ask Us to Get Your Sample Copy Of The Report, Covering TOC and Regional Analysis @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2703

Drivers:

The global market for vital signs monitoring devices is anticipated to experience growth during the forecast period, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases linked to lifestyle factors. An example of this is the statistics reported by the American Heart Association in 2018, which revealed that approximately 92.1 million adults in the United States are affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD) or are experiencing the consequences of stroke.

Furthermore, the market is anticipated to experience growth during the projected period due to the availability of cost-effective vital signs monitoring devices and the increased expenditure on healthcare. As an illustration, the average price for an ECG device is approximately US$ 1,800 or less. Additionally, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), health expenditure in the United States is estimated to rise by an average of 5.5 percent annually between 2018 and 2027, reaching nearly US$ 6.0 trillion by 2027.

In terms of value, the North American region occupied the leading position in the global market for vital signs monitoring devices in 2019, with a 39.6% share, followed by Europe.

Prominent players:

Prominent players, including Spacelabs Healthcare, Inc., Mindray Medical International Limited, General Electric Co. (GE), Smiths Group plc., Masimo Corporation, SunTech Medical, Inc., Iradimed Corporation, CAS Medical Systems, Inc., Medtronic, Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Xenoma, Contec Medical Systems Co., Ltd., Welch Allyn, Inc., and Nihon Kohden Corporation, are operating in the global vital signs monitoring devices market.

Recent Developments:

Major participants in the industry have prioritized obtaining product approval and launching new products to broaden their product offerings. As an illustration, in December 2019, Iradimed Corporation publicized that it had concluded the renewal process for the CE Mark certification of its patient vital signs monitoring systems compatible with MRI. Following the renewal, the company recommenced delivering the systems to markets within the European Commission.

Major stakeholders in the industry are prioritizing partnership tactics to improve their market presence. As an illustration, Spirosure, Inc. entered into a five-year contract with Vyaire Medical, Inc. in January 2020 to distribute Spirosures Fenom Pro Asthma Monitor in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

       %  @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2703

Vital Sign Monitoring Devices Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute Details The market size value in 2023 USD 6,515.9 million The revenue forecast in 2030 USD 12,396.3 million Growth Rate CAGR of 9.6% The base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2017  2021 Forecast period 2023  2030 Growth Drivers: Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases Restraints & Challenges: Availability of low quality products

Restraints:

The markets growth is anticipated to face obstacles due to the prevalence of low-quality products, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The existence of low-grade products that are inexpensive poses a challenge to the sales of low, mid, and high-acuity monitors on a global scale. In addition, customers in the Asia Pacific region prioritize cost-effectiveness and favor affordable monitors instead of high-priced alternatives.

Additionally, the markets growth is likely to be hindered by the limited usage of advanced vital signs monitoring devices. The adoption rate of mid- and high-acuity monitors, as well as pulse oximeters, remains low in tier 2 and tier 3 cities globally. While fingertip pulse oximeters are commonly used in homecare settings in developed countries, there is a lack of knowledge among end-users in developing regions about these devices.

Opportunities

The usage of sophisticated vital signs monitors is not prevalent in tier 2 and tier 3 cities of developing countries. To promote the adoption of such products, major market players may concentrate on enhancing awareness by employing innovative marketing strategies and conducting campaigns in hospitals, clinics, and ASCs.

The pulse oximeter sensors that are currently available on the market may not provide precise readings when there is a decrease in peripheral perfusion. To address this issue, major industry players can concentrate on creating tracheal photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors as an alternative to the existing pulse oximeters that have limitations.

During the projected timeframe, the hospital sector of the global market for vital signs monitoring devices is estimated to experience a CAGR of 9.7%, increasing from its valuation of US$ 3,016.2 million in 2019 to an anticipated value of US$ 6,442.3 million by 2027.

Market Trends:

The emergence of next-generation smart clothing designed to monitor important bodily functions is currently being observed in the market. An example of this is Xenoma, a company located in Tokyo that unveiled their e-skin EMStyle suit featuring whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology at CES 2020, which is also suitable for outdoor use.

Market leaders are prioritizing the introduction of portable vital signs monitoring equipment as part of their strategy to broaden their product range. One example is the launch of the Life Scope SVM-7200 Series vital signs monitor by Nihon Kohden Corporation in December 2019. This monitor is lightweight, user-friendly, and features customizable early warning scoring.

Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Vital Sign Monitoring Devices Market Market

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Trends and Developments

Key Insights

Key Emerging Trends

Key Developments Mergers and Acquisition

New Product Launches and Collaboration

Partnership and Joint Venture

Latest Technological Advancements

Insights on Regulatory Scenario

Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Insights Impact of COVID-19 on Global Vital Sign Monitoring Devices Market Market

Supply Chain Challenges

Steps taken by Government/Companies to overcome this impact

Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Conclusion

Appendix

Data Sources

Abbreviations

Disclaimer

TOC Continued!

Ask For Discount Before Purchasing This Business Report :

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/2703

Why Choose Coherent Market Insights?

 Identified business opportunities  Our market research report can be used to analyze potential markets and new products. It can give information about customer needs, preferences, and attitudes. Also, it compare products and services.

 A clear understanding of your customers  A market report gives companys marketing department an in-depth picture about customers needs and wants. This knowledge can be used to improve products, prices, and advertising.

 Clear data-driven insights  Our Market research encompasses a wide range of activities, from determining market size and segment to forecasting demand, and from identifying competitors to monitoring pricing. All of these are quantified and measurable which means that gives you a clear path for building unique decisions based on numbers.

Explore More Related Insights:

Fetal monitoring market

Cardiac remote patient monitoring devices market

Homecare self monitoring device market

Muscle stimulation devices market

Middle east and asia injectable drugs market

Radial compression devices market

Medical devices reimbursement market

Medical device cleaning market

Healthcare asset management market
NOTICE OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST  AMI 

Who are we ?

We have been established in Canada since 1994 and in the DRC since 2013. We have become a center of excellence with 6 satellite branches in the DRC in Kinshasa Gombe, Kinshasa Bandalungwa, Kinshasa Ngaliema, Kinshasa Limete as well as in Lubumbashi, a center and a specialized center.

Our vision :Become a network of medical centers of excellence in Canada and sub-Saharan Africa.

Our values : Patient: Everything is centered around a patient-sublime experience; Quality: Quality of Medical care above all else; Rapidity: A service that takes the patient's priorities into account.

For more information on our services, candidates can visit www.cmd.cd

Our mission :Become a center of medical excellence in ambulatory care, surgery, maternity, and dentistry/ophthalmology through a state-of-the-art medical team and cadre.

---------------------------------------

Position Title: Project Manager

I. Context and Job Description:

In partnership with the Executive Committee, lead and implement CMD priorities and strategy. Maintain a highly visible leadership profile, proactive in engaging with other departments as required.

He coordinates the operational management, monitoring and reporting of the activity of the medical center. He also coordinates meetings and monitors the completion of tasks.

II. Main responsibility:

1. Coordinate projects

Leads the project team, establishes the project execution approach, and oversees project hand-over, execution planning, and monitoring and control activities for both internal and external resources in order to accomplish all project goals, provides performance feedback regarding allocated resources working on projects

Active involvement in continuous improvement and simplification, supports improving guidelines, tools, and templates, ensures compliance to relevant regulations, standards and contractual requirements, budget, sales and operations planning, supports Incal Sales and Tendering through early involvement in tenders

Ensures that the project follows execution best practices and company poles, effectively monitors and controls project progress and efficient resource, monitors and controls project financials, overseeing project invoicing status, cost, expenses, and cash flow, identifies, qualifies, quantifies, and manages project risks and ensures that all opportunities are idented and pursued

Captures, analytes and shares lessons learned throughout the project, all in accordance with the contract, ensures that the project consistently apples contract and claims management

Coordinates with Supply Chain Management and successfully procures required services, materials, and equipment for the project from external and internal suppliers, supports Procurement and Logistics in supplier negotiations, claims and projects changes Maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and effectively communicates with all stakeholders, ensures the project follows and complies with company health, safety, and environmental policies.

2. Follow-up of meetings and various requests

Update the Excel table for monitoring maintenance requests daily

Update the Excel task tracking table for service providers on a daily basis

Follow up on tasks assigned to Directors and Chiefs meetings at CMD

Write the minutes of the meeting of Directors and Chiefs

Update documents

Follow up on tasks that are due for the day by sending reminder emails, or follow up by phone, or via Whatsapp, or face to face

3. Carriage tracking

Support the regulator in his team management (planning, replacement, leave, etc.)

Follow-up of transport to be justified: every week for ambulances (invoiced or uninvoiced races), consistency with mileage and fuel consumption.

Optimization of costs (repairs, maintenance, etc.)

Control of mandatory documents and makes the bridge with the legal (Master Sonny)

Checks the regulator's weekly follow-ups (ensures that the latter carries out checks on the logbooks, etc.)

Escalates information (highlight or issues) to management.

4.  Knowledge  : (what main knowledge does the service provider need?)

Have a good written and oral expression, good spelling skills

Computer proficiency (word processing, spreadsheets)

English

Project management techniques

Oral communication

5. The  know-how  : (what should he be able to do?)

Relational know-how

Carry out its mission and set its organization independently

Facilitate cross-functional cooperation

Adopt appropriate relational behavior

Argue his decisions in order to convince and encourage support

Technical know-how

manage your timing

Manage and plan

Design and adapt communication media and/or documentation based on messages and targets

Implement a quality approach

6.  Savoir-etre  : (desirable ways of acting, behaving?)

Team spirit

Have the desire to achieve and exceed the objectives set.

Stress resistance and versatility

Listening skills

Autonomy and multitasking

Sense of organization and responsibility

Superior communication and interpersonal skills

I. Instructions for applying: Do not submit an application if you do not directly meet these requirements:

An up-to-date CV, with at least 3 reference persons/Company (full names, e-mail addresses as well as telephone numbers) highlighting relevant knowledge and experience;

A copy of the diplomas obtained;

With equal qualifications, female candidates are encouraged;

A cover letter, describing how the candidate's professional qualifications and experience meet the selection criteria;

Ensure access to the site https://cmd.cd/careers/kinshasa

The place of work: Kinshasa.

This online submission is free.

We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Kinshasa on 30.05.2023

The Human Capital Department

of the Diamant Medical Center

---------------------------------------------------

NOTICE OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Diamond Medical Center

General & specialized medicine. Laboratory. Imaging. Surgeries.

Maternity. Neonatology. Dentistry. Ophthalmology.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 7, 2023

A government operated Missouri website that offers information about COVID-19 contains TikTok's ad-tracking technology, researchers at Princeton University reported this week.

Covidvaccine.mo.gov, Missouris official COVID website that helps people locate vaccine and testing locations and find important health information, has embedded third party tracking cookies run by TikTok, researchers Yash Parikh and Mihir Kshirsagar wrote on Princeton Center for Information Technology Policy's Freedom to Tinker blog. The inspection reveals that TikTok has three cookies on the site, all related to personalizing users advertisements on the TikTok app. These cookies do not expire for over a year, meaning that TikTok can identify returning visitors. This data also concerns potentially sensitive health-related information.

The authors add that Missouri isn't alone: Other states that operate sites also host third-party trackers -- likely because the government uses web developers who deploy off-the-shelf designs and commercial services that have third-party tracking built into the infrastructure.

Missouri's site also has ad trackers from other companies.

The report doesn't address what, if anything, TikTok may have done with data from Missouri's COVID site. Cookies typically contain only pseudonymous data, and it's not clear whether TikTok attempted to match that data to information that would reveal users' names. It's also not clear whether TikTok filtered out any sensitive data that may have been transmitted.

News that a government-run site may have sent data to the Chinese-owned TikTok comes as some lawmakers are pressing to ban the app over privacy and security concerns.

Last month, Montana became the first state to pass legislation banning use of the app -- although it's not clear whether the law will hold up in court. TikTok and some users are seeking to block the new law as unconstitutional.

Numerous other states have prohibited use of the app on government-owned devices.

TikTok's tracking technology has been found on numerous non-governmental sites -- including those operated by Weight Watchers, Planned Parenthood and the Girl Scouts of America -- according to a September 2022 report by Consumer Reports. Tracking tools from Meta and Google were also found throughout the web, and were far more prevalent than TikTok's according to Consumer Reports.
by Dave Morgan , Featured Contributor, June 8, 2023





Image above: Panel led by Nataliya Morozova, CEO, Havas Village Ukraine (far right).



Ukraine, where so much of our best advertising technology has been built for more than a decade, is still very much operating and open for business in the world of adtech. Actually, it never closed, even in areas like Kyiv, which we have been seeing such horrific stories about on the news over the past months.

How do I know? I am writing this in Kyiv, where I just spent the past five-plus days. Im about to take the train to Lviv in the west.

The Kyiv I entered Saturday afternoon after an overnight train ride from Warsaw is not the one Ive seen in the news. It is bustling, vibrant city of four million people. Families are out on the street. People are out in the cafes, restaurants and bars. They are working in offices. They are in the supermarkets, out in the parks. They are walking their dogs, taking their children to playgrounds, living life as we do in New York City.

advertisement advertisement

Yes, the country of Ukraine has been invaded and is at war -- a horrible war launched by a terroristic nation. There is a visible presence of many soldiers, particularly around the major government buildings. But the front line now is quite a distance from Kyiv.

Yes, there are sandbags and barricades around sensitive building and streets, along with air-raid alerts and missile attacks. But the air defenses, of which Patriot Missiles are important components, have been stellar in protecting the city. The dangers have been from falling debris since nothing has made it through, even the hypersonic missiles.

None of this is stopping Ukrainians from going about their business as enthusiastically as before. This war isnt new to them. Russia first invaded in 2014. Despite intense attacks on the countrys infrastructure, everything is operating largely just the way as before. The software developers -- for which Ukraine is so famous -- have kept going, many working remotely following the same procedures they operated under during COVID, just like the rest of the world.

I participated in some eye-opening in-person industry conferences this week in Kyiv. One was put on by Interactive Advertising Bureau Ukraine, Adtech discovering Urkaine, and the other was hosted by Havas Village and IT Ukraine Association on The future of adtech technologies and market insights. Both were well-attended -- jammed, actually, standing room only. The conversations and debates at both were fun, intense and lively.

I have never met more courageous, enthusiastic and focused people in my life. They know that they are fighting the Freedom War. They know that it is Ukraine on the front line, and that they are fighting it for the free world. They are okay with that; actually, quite proud.

We need to help them, not just by putting blue and yellow on our profile pages, but helping their businesses and people in this time of need. They need our partnerships, contracts and investments. We need to do more than talk. We need to take real actions.

How best to learn about ways to help? How about joining their trade associations, which can be your bridges. Check out and sign up as members of IAB Ukraine [iab.com.us] and IT Ukraine Association [itukraine.org.us]. These are amazing organizations with great leaders and critical missions, helping lead their industries and members through this war and into a prosperous peace.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 8, 2023

Google News Showcase is coming to the U.S. this summer after launching the platform in October 2020, giving those searching for news online more options to find information.

The announcement, made Thursday, includes partnerships with more than 150 U.S.-based news publications, 90% of them local or regional. The move is intended to make it easier for people to search and find news across Google's network of publishers.

Participating publishers can package the stories appearing in Google's news products  Google News and Discover  along with deeper storytelling and more context with features such as timelines.

The debut comes as countries worldwide continue to pass legislation to help publishers gain payment from technology companies like Google, Microsoft and Meta that pull snippets of articles from publisher sites and aggregate and serve them up on feeds of search engines and social networks.

Google News Showcase was announced in 2020, and since expanded to 22 countries globally, with more than 2,300 participating publications.

advertisement advertisement

The U.S. News Showcase partners are based in 39 states and include publications such as the Duluth News Tribune in Minnesota, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune in Louisiana, Oaklandside and La Opinion in California, La Raza in Illinois, and Orlando Weekly in Florida. The partnership also includes global and national publications such as The Associated Press, Bloomberg, El Diario, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

Google did not reveal the amount it would pay U.S. publishers to participate in the partnership, but others in the past have.

News Corp and Google reached a global multiyear deal in 2021. The Wall Street Journal reported that its parent company News Corp said the deal, and others, would generate a combined annual revenue of more than $100 million.

The New York Times recently signed a deal with Google, including Showcase, that will pay it around $100 million a year over three years, the WSJ reported.

Google says the program has helped to increase digital advertising revenue year-over-year for participants after a three-month training program. GNI programs have helped nonprofit newsrooms see an 87% increase in sponsorship revenue, 75% increase in ad revenue and 41% in event revenue.

Google also will update its Follow tab on Google News, to help local publications serve more frequently on Google News and give readers an easier way to search and read important news.

The updated Follow feature becomes available soon globally on Android, with expectations to reach iOS later this year.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 8, 2023

Searches for sell my home fast rose 2,504% in the United States on June 7, according to data commissioned by FindStorageFast, a company that rents storage units and provides a checklist for those moving.

The company analyzed the data from Google search as New York became blanketed with hazardous smoke from Canada's wildfires, turning the air quality into the world's worst, according to a report from IQAir.

The analysis by FindStorageFast reveals that searches for "sell my home fast" rose by more than 26 times the average volume in the past week, as many more New Yorkers look to sell their property. Similarly, "sell my house fast" searches jumped by 2,147%.

The data also reveals that searches for "sell my house" rose by 326% on the same day. Statewide searches for "sell home" also increased by 307%.

advertisement advertisement

IQAir's report ranked New York City's air quality as the worst of any major city worldwide on Wednesday, overtaking New Delhi, according to FindStorageFast.

The city has been covered by a blanket of orange smog due to smoke from Canada's wildfires, resulting in hazardous air quality for millions. Authorities have instructed residents to remain inside.

New York-based searches for "air purifier" also rose by 2,418% in the past week due to environmental conditions in the city, despite a slowing housing market as a result of increased property taxes and prices.

Mortgage rates continue to approach 7%, up from 2% a year and a half ago. According to Zillow, the average home price in New York rose 2.7% on last year at just under $650,000, and the median rent is $3,650.

Apparently, many New Yorkers have already moved, with many moving to Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety, about 10,824 New Yorkers have exchanged their licenses in the first three months of this year.

A report by the U.S. Census Bureau released in May estimates more than 468,200 residents left New York City between April 2020 and July 2022, accounting for a 5.3% decrease in the city's population.

The largest loss came between 2020 and 2021 when the population declined by just over 281,000, according to one news outlet.
by Ray Schultz , June 8, 2023

An apparent Gmail glitch is shooting email newsletters into spam folders.

The issue was reported by Search Engine Journal, which saw open rates plummet below average for its email newsletters earlier this month.

The problem was that the newsletters were redirected from subscribers primary inboxes into spam folders.

Email service Mailchimp informed the publication that this is not an isolated episode.

Mailchimp is working with Google to resolve the problem.

"We can confirm that there was an issue affecting deliverability to Gmail inboxes for a small number of Mailchimp users," a Mailchimp spokesperson says. "We have been working with our partners at Google to address the issue, and have implemented a solution, which means affected customers should already be seeing improvement in their open rates."

advertisement advertisement

The spokesperson added: "If open and click through rates remain lower than expected, we recommend working with a member of our Mailchimp Care team to review the account.

In the interim, Mailchimp is advising publishers to communicate with subscribers and urge them to manually move the emails from the spam folder to the inbox, Search Engine Journal says.

The full extent of the problem was unclear at deadline, and it was not determined whether other service organizations had the same experience with Gmail.

This story has been updated.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 8, 2023

Google Ads will begin rolling out changes to its Trademark Policy on July 24, and will only consider trademark complaints against specific advertisers and ads, rather than all advertisers in the trademark owners industry.

In an email to advertisers and agencies, Google explains that the policy update should make resolutions faster and easier -- reducing industry-wide restrictions that can frustrate advertisers.

As part of the migration to a new policy enforcement system and as new submissions are made under the updated policy, trademark restrictions implemented prior to July 24, 2023 will be gradually phased out for most advertisers over the next 12-18 months, according to the email.

Proactive vs. reactive, the burden to secure trademarks has always been on the advertiser, despite Googles policy alleging something different.

advertisement advertisement

For the past eight or so years, Google has said it would protect advertisers against trademark infringement, but not all believe they did -- at least not for the smaller companies.

The program initially required brands to file the trademark with the search engine.

The companies filled out a form with Google specifying the specific companies that could use the trademark. Then they had to monitor the keyword list online to ensure non-authorized companies did not use it on their website or in ad copy. Once ads or website were found to be in violation, marketers needed to fill out a complaint form, describing each individual ad and submitting it to Google.

The Search Monitor -- a company that provides real-time competitive intelligence tools to monitor brand and trademark use, affiliate compliance, and competitive advertisers -- exists as a company because brands could not rely on Google to block the ads.

A company would provide an approved advertisers list that could use the mark, says Lori Weiman, CEO at The Search Monitor. Theoretically, the ad would be flagged for those not approved and Google would reject running it.

Advertisers may use trademarks that belong to others in certain situations, such as when they are identifying a product that they resell.

If a trademark owner submits a complaint to Google about the use of their trademark in Google Ads, it will be reviewed and Google may restrict the use of the trademark.

The goal is that it will become easier to stop trademark infringement and remove the ads and copy.
TORONTO, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZOLEO Inc., the esteemed global messaging solutions company, has once again raised the bar by introducing Medical Assist. This trailblazing feature establishes the industrys first non-emergency medical assistance chat service, available 24/7 to users of its ZOLEO global satellite messaging solution. With a simple tap of the Medical Assist feature in the ZOLEO mobile app, users now have direct access to medical professionals for non-emergency help, anywhere in the world. Access to this innovative service is included for all ZOLEO subscribers and offers the following benefits:





Medical advice from highly trained experts, supported by Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division

Assistance in locating a local clinic, hospital, dentist or pharmacy

Help in replacing medical supplies, like lost prescription glasses or medications while travelling

Were proud to be the first to offer users direct access to medical professionals, further complementing our already industry-leading progressive SOS experience, says Morris Shawn, President of ZOLEO Inc. Our SOS feature is one of the key reasons why our users carry ZOLEO devices with them when they go off the grid. With the introduction of Medical Assist, our users can feel even more secure knowing that they can easily get assistance with non-emergency medical issues wherever they go."



Medical Assist inquiries are sent directly to Global Rescue, the emergency response coordination partner for ZOLEO, along with the users GPS coordinates. Its team of highly trained and experienced nurses and paramedics, supported by Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations, are on the receiving end of the chat conversation. Users can anticipate a timely response within a few minutes.





As the global emergency response partner of ZOLEO, our team of medical professionals is glad to be providing an added layer of assistance to ZOLEO users when they need help, explains Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.





The award-winning ZOLEO satellite communicator and free mobile app are ideal for anyone who ventures beyond mobile coverage. ZOLEO has been embraced by a rapidly growing subscriber base that depends on it for access to truly seamless global messaging and SOS alerting that follow them wherever they work or play. The compact ZOLEO device connects via Bluetooth to a free app on the users Android or Apple smartphone/tablet to provide a seamless messaging experience. Messages are transmitted via Iridium Short Burst Data(SBD), cellular and Wi-Fi, and are automatically routed over the lowest-cost network.





About ZOLEO Inc.





Formed in 2018 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, ZOLEO Inc. is a joint venture between Beam Communication Pty. Ltd. and Roadpost Inc. that is pioneering the development of innovative lower cost, consumer-oriented global messaging solutions including wireless devices and apps based on Iridium short burst data (SBD), mobile and Wi-Fi standards. The company serves three primary markets including consumers residing on the fringe of mobile coverage, outdoor recreation users and field workers requiring lone worker safety and remote messaging. Its products are offered through authorized retailers and e-tailers in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, including national retailers like Cabelas, Bass Pro, REI, MEC, Anaconda, Autobarn and regional distributors like CIRDAN and Dalesman. For more information visit: www.zoleo.com.





About The Global Rescue Companies





Global Rescue is the worlds leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit: www.globalrescue.com.





ZOLEO is a trademark of ZOLEO Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by ZOLEO Inc. is under license. Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi logo are registered trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance. Other brands, products, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.





Media Contacts





North America Kim Layne Email: klayne@roadpost.com, , Mobile: +1 416-587-7088





Australia Brendon Lau, Email: media@beamcommunications.com, , Mobile: +61 409 341 613





Europe Catherine Merrin, Email: cmerrin@zoleoinc.com, , Mobile: +33 6 75 90 43 54





Back to the Newsroom >





Images accompanying this announcement is available at:





https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18f6d9a9-0fa9-45d3-b016-dd614480c267





https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d299d972-6939-42b6-8e30-5b0d8d5e83ed



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2119717f-e49f-4f75-81e4-6a0f946c4198








With the highly anticipated release of director Om Raut's Adipurush just around the corner, the film's team made an exciting announcement on Tuesday. They revealed that upon release, one seat in every theatre screening the film would be reserved for Lord Hanuman, the divine figure from Ramayana.

This gesture aims to honour the beliefs of the people, as Lord Hanuman is believed to appear wherever the Ramayana is recited.

 T-Series

In a newly released statement, director Om Raut explained their decision, stating, "Respecting this belief, every theatre screening Prabhas' Rama-starrer Adipurush will reserve one seat for Lord Hanuman without selling it."



The team emphasised the historical significance and reverence associated with Lord Hanuman, urging everyone to witness the grandeur and magnificence of Adipurush in the divine presence of the Lord.

Heres how fans reacted to the news:

Adipurush makers will save a seat for Lord H in every theatre



But that seat can be occupied during the Prem Granth song sequence, because Lord H would step out to buy popcorn during the song to give privacy to his Lord



Don't @ me! If producers can crack a joke, so can I!   Soirse (@SaoirseAF) June 6, 2023

Adipurush: Theatres To Have One Unsold Seat Dedicated To Lord Hanuman.



If the film is good it will run on its own merit. There was no Hanuman ji seat for Sholay, Bahubali and hundreds of other hit films.



If the film is bad, none of the 33cr devi devta can save it.



Stop this!  AJAY PRAKASH (@ajayprakash1000) June 6, 2023

There will be enough seats for all the characters of Ramayana.  Indhuchoodan (@Indhuchoodan3) June 5, 2023

Do they really need to?? After looking at the trailer and with Saif as the great Ravan i think not just one but many seats would already be empty.  satyendra kumar (@skumars_79) June 6, 2023

All seats will be free after first show. Worst possible casting  BRO July 28 (@OnlyPSPKCultFan) June 6, 2023

Adipurush features a stellar cast including Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khan. Scheduled for release on June 16, the film will bring to life the epic events of the Ramayana, with Prabhas portraying the role of Lord Ram.

 T-Series

However, before its release, the film faced its fair share of controversies. Last year, priests in Ayodhya demanded a ban on the film, expressing concerns about the portrayal of Lord Ram, Hanuman, and Ravana. The Chief of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Satyendra Das, also voiced his disagreement, stating that the film's depiction did not align with the epic.



There were also several concerns around its shoddy VFX, prompting the makers to delay its release to redo the special effects. After multiple controversies and delays, it's finally ready to be released in theatres this month.

 T-Series

Despite the hurdles faced, the announcement of reserving a seat for Lord Hanuman in every theatre showcases the film's commitment to respecting and embracing the beliefs of the audience. Adipurush promises to be a visual spectacle, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the epic tale while acknowledging the divine presence of Lord Hanuman.



As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate experiencing the grandeur and cinematic brilliance of Adipurush, where mythology, devotion, and storytelling converge on the silver screen.
What artificial intelligence cant do and humans can?

Write inventive poetry/letters

Write nifty codes

Quintessentially finish homework

Conjure exquisite art

Create appealing photos

Make stately presentations

Give stirring speeches

Provide health solutions

Win board games

Precisely predict future

Date a human

Successfully tackle loneliness

I have a looooooong list and Im striking off tasks from it week by week. The more carefully you listen to the experts or read about their opinion on AI, youll realise how close humanity might be to its extinction.

 CNBC

On May 30, 2023, many AI scientists, including the CEOs of top AI labs like OpenAI, DeepMind, Gates Ventures and Anthropic, signed a statement urging caution on artificial intelligence: Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.



But until the big doomsday arrives, can we or rather should we enjoy the promises of AI? Especially, when it comes with the potential of curing an epidemic like loneliness thats palpable across agesschool kids to employed/unemployed individuals and homemakers.

The Stats Of Loneliness

 Dharma Productions

According to a recent report released by Dr Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death which is synonymous with that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.



During and after the pandemic, the social isolation stats changed for India as much as it did for any other country.

The first wave (20172018) of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) found that 20.5% of adults aged 45 years and over in India reported moderate loneliness, while 13.3% reported severe loneliness.

 Replika

The good news is that increased awareness of mental health has introduced humans to the latest treatment modalities. The kind that doesn't require you to visit a doctor but connects you with a potential solution from the comfort of your home. The use of artificial intelligence to help resolve loneliness is one such advanced proposal.



While the perks of AI are real, the advice of the experts will always be to embrace it cautiously. Simply because theyre aware of boththe level of hi-tech, self-learning models theyre coding and the human mentality.

Real Loneliness & Artificial CompanionshipA Fair Fight?

Indians too, are now more dependent on AI chatbots than they are on their friends and family.

You neither know about the nearest hardware store nor you would like to go through the trouble of learning the name of the guy in the medical store by your house like your dad.

And why should you? Youve got Google, Amazon, Apple Vision Pro, apps diagnosing your mental health, food delivery apps, Alexa, Siri, Replika, Caryn.ai and many more at your disposal.

CarynAI has been running for roughly two weeks now, and i can confidently say that my core community spends multiple hours chatting with CarynAI on a daily basis  Caryn Marjorie (@cutiecaryn) May 28, 2023

Its easier and less exhausting to pay $1 per minute to a bot who starts talking to you about sex and companionship after 30 seconds of approaching her as compared to visiting a bar, gently approaching someone, impressing them with your personality and then, hanging in sight of maybes for months.



Its the security that you love.

 Instagram/Amazon Alexa

It feels rather undemanding to order Alexa to play you adequate music instead of visiting a book reading or an art show where you might engage in a conversation with another human being.



But what does it do for you? Arent you spending more time alone than ever? How is AI exactly getting you out of the muddle of loneliness? And even if it isshould it?

The Chat About Self-Learning Conversational AI

 Google Cloud

With the arrival of self-learning, conversational AI and matchmaking AI the notion of treating artificial intelligence systems not just as tools but also as human companions has become mainstream.



Google Cloud has been leading the conversation about conversational AI for a while now. The scalable AI created by them works on natural language processing and machine learning algorithms. Large amounts of data, text and speeches are fed to train the system until it eventually learns to converse.

The model is self-learning so as it collects more data with each conversation, its response and interaction quality improves.

With enough data via interactions and evidence-based guidelines, these systems can not only clone human language but can also potentially provide medical advice and therapy.

The giants like Google, Amazon and Microsoft are well aware of it and hence, are investing their billions of dollars in this technology.

 HeyPi

Once a tech like this is perfected, the scope becomes unlimitedeverything from content creation, customer services to human relationships can be AI-powered. In fact, many trial systems already exist. Case in point, Pi, a personal artificial intelligence system developed by the company Interaction AI.



In the future, I think there will be an ever-present relationship that you have with an AI that helps you to make sense of the world around you, said Mustafa Suleyman, CEO and co-founder of Inflection AI in his conversation with Greylock regarding Pi or Personal Ai.

From Suleymans vision, Pi was created to give people a new way to express themselves, share their thoughts and ideas and experience the tool like a trusted digital companion you can go to when you wish to learn something new or just pass the time with a curious and kind counterpart.

The Concerns

Suleyman, in his conversation with Bloomsberg about the ethical use of AI, mentioned that its important that as the designers of these algorithms, we try to think about its consequences way ahead of time.

In another interview with Greylock, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, when asked about how he sees the family building and AGI (artificial general intelligence) co-existing, revealed that he finds it depressing when people say they dont want to have kids because theres AGI but also agreed that people do talk to him about the matter. People in the AI community do think about not having kids because theyre going to die and for other obvious reasons.

Culture-creating technology as influential as this always brings many potential concerns.

While AI certainly has access to data that makes it capable of conveniently providing healthcare services and companionship to those that need it the most, it also requires an ethical watch hanging over it all the time. Especially, in a domain as sensitive as mental health and patient privacy.

Were living in a time when data leaks are at their peak. It only takes a small amount of data to start riots or abuse in a country like India. Using AI technology in the capacity where it reaches someones bedroom or learns sensitive information about a patient will only increase that risk.

Cybersecurity threats are real and growing. Unless the developers ensure that data will never be compromisedwith which most giants have experienced failureand privacy will be the top priority, AI companionship will never make a safe attempt.

The Final Plea

While AI offers numerous benefits and extends the horizon of limitations for creators and businesses, the systems can only be as good and ethical as their innovators or the dataset provided. This means in the wrong hands these genius models are perilous and will leave the human population vulnerable.

Elon Musk announces the future wife who is she?

It is the first robot that has been manufactured specifically designed with artificial intelligence with the personality and the characteristics of the female that he dreams ofwhich is not found in any normal person, because of pic.twitter.com/a2JdpTfwef  Daniel Marven (@danielmarven) May 16, 2023

In the matter of curing loneliness, no system has come close to creating the delicate human nature, emotions and interactions. And even when it does, the awareness that youre talking to a bot will never let a human accept this deal of companionship for long. It might lead to further alienation from the real world.

Weve already traded playtime with screen time. Is it a smart idea to further make the trade for AI companionship? All humans are intuitive enough to decide for themselves. But are we smart enough to know when to stop? Time will tell.
The history of Pride has been forged by the trials and tribulations faced by the LGBTQIA+ community as well as the resilience displayed by pathbreaking individuals from the community, bravely fighting for equality to this day. Pride is a celebration of self-worth and dignity as well as a jubilant proclamation of one's identity.

1. Remembering The Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall riots refer to the uprising that took place at Stonewall Inn in June 1969. This uprising was a watershed moment in LGBTQIA+ History. This incident catalyzed the socio-political narrative around the community from one of disenfranchisement to that of empowerment. From the first time these celebrations occurred in 1970 to the 53rd time in 2022, Pride Month forever honors the struggles and resistance showcased by members of the LGBTQIA+ community on that fateful day at Stonewall Inn.

2. Expressing Allyship To LGBTQIA+ Communities

Allyship shouldnt be superficial and restricted exclusively to the month of Pride. For as long as contemporary history is to be remembered, the LGBTQIA+ community has been victims of pain and suffering at the hands of cishet society at large. By creating safe spaces, raising awareness, and educating ourselves on the plight of the community, allies can play a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment for the LGBTQIA+.

 Siddharth Bali

3. Loving Others And Yourself Authentically

Pride Month banishes shame, secrecy, and other boundaries enforced upon the LGBTQIA+ community by cishet society at large. It propagates change, hope, and pride in ones identity. It inspires people to love others and themselves, proudly and passionately.

 Dhruv Kapur

4. Believing In The Power Of Diversity

The LGBTQIA+ community is a constantly evolving space, where diversity is not just accepted but empowered. Whether youre Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Gay, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Non-Binary, Gender non-conforming, or even an ally, Pride Month welcomes all with open arms and abundant love.

 Saim

5. Self-Acceptance

Not everyones journey towards self-acceptance looks identical; its a spectrum where some people are out and proud of their identities, while others still struggle with theirs. Accepting and loving ones identity regardless of where they are on their personal journey is one of the most important messages of Pride. Its an essential and positive stance against discrimination toward the LGBTQIA+ community.

6. Honouring LGBTQIA+ Activists Fight For Equality

American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen, Marsha P. Johnson is fondly remembered as having birthed Pride at Stonewall with her resistance along with other prominent activists. Harvey Milk, Alice Nkom, Arsham Parsi, and Ashish Row Kavi are some other inspirational activists from the LGBTQIA+ community who braved rebuke, oppression, and often death in their fight for equality. Empowered by the spirit of resistance since its inception, Pride Month has proudly amplified and honored the works of LGBTQIA+ activists past and present.

7. Different But Same

Traditionally cishet society has looked at differences as an innate flaw in human nature. It does so in order to avoid any symptoms of diversity. However, Pride month believes in embracing these differences to be truly human. As a proponent of intersectionality, it encourages individuals to find strength in their differences, transforming into a collective for the good of all, not islands of disconnect.

8. Raising Awareness And Education About LGBTQIA+ Topics

The issues that concern the LGBTQIA+ community can range from LGBTQIA+ representation and equality, Access to affordable and quality health care, employment, and housing discrimination among several others. Pride Month passionately raises awareness and education around these topics, ensuring the communitys problems dont go unheard by society at large.

9. A Celebration Of Love And Individuality

An individuals identity is undoubtedly unique due to the varying experiences associated with our nature and nurture. No two individuals go through life in an identical fashion. However, cishet culture insists on dissecting different parts of our identity to fit the archaic mold it deems best. Pride Month aims at shattering such outdated ideals, celebrating love as well as the individuality of our identities. Its well established that gender is a spectrum. People should be free to identify as whoever they feel at different points on this spectrum. Come as you are, for pride welcomes you with open arms.

 Tejeshwar Sandhoo
The Huron County Community Foundation will have a new home by mid-2024 at 101 W. Huron Ave. in Bad Axe. The hope is that the new location will help the foundation form a stronger identity in the community.

"So, we want to be able to be more public-facing so folks are a little more aware of what we do," said the foundation's executive director, Mackenzie Price.

Since it was created in the 1990s, the foundation has never had its own permanent office. Currently, it shares space with the Huron County Economic Development Corporation in the county building. This has provided a fiscal advantage since they don't have to worry about the costs of upkeep, but it doesn't provide the foundation with a strong identity, either. Some have been led to believe that the foundation is a county government entity rather than a non-profit, Price said.

"Being able to have our own space where folks can come in, stop and visit us  and be on a really heavily trafficked intersection on the corner  that was really important for us," she said.

The construction of the foundation's new headquarters is driven by its three strategic priority areas: retaining and attracting talent, cultivating an environment for business development and creating a vibrant and dynamic community. These three points were adopted in 2018 as they asked the community what role it saw for the foundation.

"That's also when we realized that we had a little bit of a brand identity issue during that big strategic priorities process," Price said.

The project includes the addition of residential units on the second floor. The hope is that they'll be used for corporate leases, for people who want to work for a company in the area but are having trouble finding housing. This will provide a new tool for companies' talent attraction and retention strategies.

"We spoke with some of the hospitals, and they're like 'We'll have doctors that are really excited about coming to work for our healthcare system,'" Price explained. "'And then they get up here and maybe they want to build a house or they want to do those types of things, but they need somewhere to land before that.'"

Before that happens though, there's still plenty of work to do. The building they're planning to keep formerly served as a gas station, so they had to deal with ground contamination. They also had to remove all the lights since they contained mercury. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy had to test the site for 18 months before they could get in and begin demolition.

"There have been a lot of challenges with this site, but that's also part of the reason the community foundation felt that we needed to develop it," Price said. "Because if we didn't develop it, who was going to?"

The front half of the first floor will be the community foundation's office, which will have room for five full-time employees. There will also be a remote office working space for those who still work outside their office. Price explained that this was due to the number of people moving to Huron County.

"We've now uncoupled where you live and where you work, so we need to be able to capitalize on that so that everyone who wants the lifestyle that we offer here has the amenities and the resources to be able to do their remote work job from Huron County," she said.

The foundation hopes to put construction and renovation up for bidding in September.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

BALDWIN  The Lake County Sheriff's Office is giving state legislators a chance to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to ORVs.

Starting at Peacock Limited, 276 M-37, Baldwin, the ride will bring six to eight state legislators out on trails to give them a firsthand experience of the attraction that brings people to Lake County.

The ride will take the Manistee Trail to the county's north end, alongside Lake County Sheriff's Office recreation supervisor Sgt. Bob Meyers.

Peacock Limited will supply side-by-sides and UTVs and the group will have lunch at the end of the ride.

"Lake County is the unofficial ORV capital of the Lower Peninsula. Many people own property in Lake County that dont live here but they come up here to enjoy all of the attractions like the hunting, trails, fishing, hiking and more," Lake County Sheriff Rich Martin said.

Martin said there's currently a bill pending that would allow Martin to hire people from the community to be ORV deputies without them needing official certification.

"Its an example of legislation we go to ask for bills were in support of. It gives them a better perspective firsthand of what ORV is all about," Martin said.

Martin said legislators' staff members will be able to partake in the ride, not just the legislators themselves.

"The reason for this is to promote some of the legislators who may not be familiar with ORV riding, specifically ORV riding in Lake County," Martin said.

To learn more about Lake County's recreational activities, visit lakecounty-michigan.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a three-part series detailing the scope of the Memorial Bridge rehabilitation project, including detour and marine impacts.

MANISTEE  The Michigan Department of Transportation tries to perform rehabilitation on its moveable structures every 12 years or so, according to James Lake, communications representative for the department's northern region.

Now it's time for the Manistee Memorial Bridge on U.S. 31 to receive some attention. According to Lake, the bridge, which was built in 1933 and last saw major work in 2005.

"It is really important that we keep up with this work because replacement of one of these structures would cost significantly more and likely take one to two years to complete, and that would be a period of time when the bridge was not in service entirely," he said. "It's in everyone's interest that we do this regular maintenance work to keep it in good operating condition."

Lake said Milbocker & Sons, the contractor for the 2021 M-55 bridge project, will also serve as contractor for the Memorial Bridge project.

"The construction contract is just shy of $12.6 million," Lake said. "The total project, including construction oversight and design, comes in at just over $16 million."

The project has a June 15 start date and is expected to last until late April 2024, according to an MDOT news release.

Melzar Coulter, assistant construction engineer for the department's Traverse City Transportation Service Center, said the rehabilitation will involve the following:

 Full deck replacement on the approach spans;

 Cleaning and painting of all the steel on the bridge spans;

 Refurbishment of the operator house with new windows, doors and roof;

 Replacement of the track and tread  the mechanical part of the bridge upon which the arms raise and lower;

 A historical repair of the concrete substructure, which is comprised of the piers and abutments;

 New electrical and mechanical equipment; and

 Minor road work for the approaches to the bridge.

"It's a bigger undertaking than it sounds, because all those components are specialty components that have to be manufactured and designed specifically for this structure," Coulter said. "It's really a substantial undertaking and the bridge is going to be in good shape when we get done with it."

Courtesy diagram/Michigan Department of Transportation

Coulter said working on such an old bridge poses some unique challenges.

"Every moveable bridge is its own unique structure, so these aren't components that you just buy off the shelf. They have to be engineered and fabricated specifically for it," he said. "Also, it's a historic structure and built to field tolerances, so everything has to fit what is out there and the dimensions aren't always consistent. We did a very thorough job of scoping the project, but working on a historic structure that's almost 100 years old, there could be other things that could come up as we get into the project."

Coulter said the substructure repair will leave the bridge looking as good as new.

"They're just going to chip off the concrete that's in poor condition and replace it with patches," he said. "We're going to try to match the color of the existing concrete as best we can, though that's more art than science. Then they're going to soda blast the whole structure so it will look fresh."

Additionally, new fascia panels will be put on the bridge spans.

"The outside of the bridge beams are going to have new decorative paneling put over them. ... They're going to be precast and brought in from a plant and then hung, essentially," Coulter said. "We're putting new traffic gates up. ... Then all of the steel on the arms of the bascule bridge are going to be cleaned and painted."

Coulter said the rehabilitation project was not brought on by a failed inspection, but it was simply time to invest into ensuring the bridge is operational for years to come.

"The electrical components are becoming obsolete and some of the primary electrical components are just getting to the end of their life and need to be replaced," he said. "It's just time to do the maintenance on the structure and keep it up, because it has to last."

The bridge will be fully closed to vehicular traffic at two different points during the project: from July 10 to Sept. 15 and from Jan. 2 to March 25, 2024.

"During that summer closure, the primary work that people are going to see is going to be the deck replacement," Coulter said. "During the winter closure ... is when we're going to be doing the mechanical and electrical work, so it's going to require that the bridge be either fixed in the closed position, partially open or open, because we have to move those spans in order to do that work."

Coulter said work which will render the bridge inoperable is being timed to coincide with when the channel is closed to marine traffic. Memorial Bridge will be closed to marine traffic Dec. 1 through March 25, 2024.

"The biggest challenge for us is the timing for maintaining navigation through the channel, because it's so important to the community, and we've got other stakeholders we're accountable to to get the work done on time," he said.
The Village of Sebewaing Police Department is putting its own twist on a popular children's game with this weekend's first Cops and Bobbers event.

Earlier this year, Police Chief Steve Repkie had an idea to get kids from the area to come out and enjoy a day of fishing. The idea has blossomed into a community event, with many residents, businesses and others donating to make it happen.

"I'd rather see a fishing pole than something else that could be in a kid's hand," Repkie said.

This Saturday at the Sebewaing Marina, the police department along with many others will be helping kids learn how to fish safely. A number of organizations, including a representative from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, will be in attendance handing out literature about fishing and the outdoors. The free event gets underway at 9 a.m.

Courtesy Photo/Village of Sebewaing Police Department

Repkie wanted to thank the community for helping out with the event and for all of the donations that are helping to make his idea a reality. Residents have donated tackle boxes, fishing poles, T-shirts, hats, sunscreen and more.

"The community just jumped on it," Repkie said. "I never dreamed it would've gotten this big. A thank-you goes out to the Sebewaing community and donors that have helped out."

Repkie wants Cops and Bobbers to become an annual event and hopes to inspire kids.

A free lunch cookout will take place after the event. There will also be an opportunity to see boats loading and coming off the dock.

For more information, message the Village of Sebewaing Police Department on Facebook.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Joran van der Sloot, the chief suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway, arrived in the United States from Peru on Thursday to face charges that he attempted to extort money from the missing teen's mother.

An FBI-operated plane carrying van der Sloot landed at Birmingham's Shuttlesworth Airport about 2:30 p.m.  just hours after Peruvian authorities handed him over temporarily to U.S. custody  and the suspect was escorted down the steps into a black SUV, which brought him to a local jail.

Van der Sloot is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Birmingham at 11 a.m. Friday, according to court records. Kevin Butler, an attorney listed as van der Sloot's public defender, did not return an email seeking comment on the case.

The suspect has been serving a 28-year sentence in Peru after confessing to killing a Peruvian woman. He is wanted in the U.S. on one count each of extortion and wire fraud  the only charges to have ever linked the Dutch citizen to Holloways disappearance on the Caribbean island of Aruba. He was handed over to the U.S. roughly a month after both countries agreed on his extradition.

Holloways mother, Beth Holloway, said she was overcome with mixed emotions.

As a mother who has tirelessly pursued justice for the abduction and murder of my precious daughter, I stand before you today with a heart both heavy with sorrow and yet lifted by a glimmer of hope, she said in a written statement. For 18 years, I have lived with the unbearable pain of Natalees loss. Each day has been filled with unanswered questions and a longing for justice that has eluded us at every turn. But today ... I am hopeful that some small semblance of justice may finally be realized.

Natalee Holloway, 18, was on a high school graduation trip with classmates in Aruba when she vanished in 2005. She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island. Van der Sloot was identified as a main suspect and detained weeks later for questioning, along with two Surinamese brothers, but no charges were filed in the case.

A judge declared Holloway dead, but her body has never been found.

U.S. prosecutors said that in 2010, van der Sloot reached out to Beth Holloway, seeking $250,000 to disclose the location of the young womans body. A grand jury indicted him that year on one count each of wire fraud and extortion.

Video and photos released by Peruvian authorities Thursday showed van der Sloot wearing jeans and a black puffer jacket, shaking his shoulders and grimacing as officers adjusted his handcuffs and removed an Interpol-marked vest. Footage and images also showed van der Sloot in a conference room with law enforcement officers from Peru, the FBI and Interpol, and a health care professional.

Holloways mysterious disappearance sparked years of news coverage and countless true-crime podcasts.

In 2012, van der Sloot pleaded guilty in Peru to killing 21-year-old Stephany Flores, a business student from a prominent Peruvian family. She was killed in 2010 five years to the day after Holloways disappearance.

Van der Sloot married a Peruvian woman in July 2014 in a ceremony at a maximum-security prison. He was transferred among Peruvian prisons in response to reports that he enjoyed privileges such as television, internet access and a cellphone, and accusations that he had threatened to kill a warden.

A 2001 treaty between Peru and the U.S. allows a suspect to be temporarily extradited to face trial in the other country. Van der Sloots attorney, Maximo Altez, initially indicated his client would not challenge his extradition but that changed Monday when he filed a writ of habeas corpus. A judge ruled against van der Sloot the following day.

The time that van der Sloot ends up spending in the U.S. will be extended until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, including the appeal process, should there be one, according to a resolution published in Perus federal register. The resolution also states that U.S. authorities agree to return van der Sloot to the custody of Peru afterward.

Joyce Vance, a federal prosecutor in Alabama when van der Sloot was charged, said his arrival in the Southern U.S. state is a long-awaited opportunity for justice.

We always say that justice delayed is justice denied, and theres a certain simple truth to that," said Vance, the former U.S. attorney for the northern district of Alabama, which includes Birmingham. But this case makes me think sometimes justice delayed is actually worth it. Its not optimal. Its not what anybody would have wanted at the outset, but justice delayed is better than justice never delivered.

___

This story has been edited to correct that van der Sloot was taken to a jail, not a courthouse.

___

Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. Associated Press journalists Mauricio Munoz in Lima, Peru, and Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington contributed to this report.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

CAIRO (AP)  About 300 infants, toddlers and older children have been rescued from an orphanage in Sudans capital after being trapped there while fighting raged outside, aid officials said Thursday. The evacuation came after 71 children died from hunger and illness in the facility since mid-April.

The tragedy at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage made headlines late last month as fighting raged outside between Sudans military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The deaths have highlighted the heavy toll inflicted on civilians since mid-April when the clashes erupted between forces loyal to Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and RSF forces led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

About 300 children at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage in Khartoum were transferred to a safer location elsewhere in the northeastern African nation, said Ricardo Pires, a spokesman for the U.N. childrens agency, UNICEF.

Sudans ministries of social development and health have taken charge of the children, while UNICEF has provided humanitarian support including medical care, food, educational activities and play, Pires said in an email to The Associated Press.

He said the children had received medical checks following their long journey to their new location, adding that any child requiring hospitalization will have access to healthcare.

The International Committee of The Red Cross, which helped with the evacuation, said the children, aged between 1 month to 15 years, were relocated after securing a safe corridor to Madani, the capital of Jazira province, about 135 kilometers (85 miles) southeast of Khartoum. Seventy caretakers have been transferred with the children, the ICRC said.

They (the children) spent incredibly difficult moments in an area where the conflict has been raging for the past 6 weeks without access to proper healthcare, an especially hard situation for children with special needs, said Jean-Christophe Sandoz, the head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan.

Nazim Sirag, an activist who heads the local charity Hadhreen, said in a phone interview that the children were ferried late Tuesday to a newly established facility in Madani.

Sirag, whose charity led humanitarian efforts to help the orphanage and other nursing homes in Khartoum, said at least 71 children died at the Al-Mayqoma since the war in Sudan began on April 15.

Among the dead were babies as young as three months, according to death certificates obtained by the AP. The certificates listed circulatory collapse as a cause of death, but also mentioned other contributing factors such as fever, dehydration, malnutrition, and failure to thrive.

Their relocation followed an online campaign led by local activists and international charities, which intensified after the death of 26 children in two days at the orphanage in late May. The children had been trapped in the fighting for over seven weeks as food and other supplies dwindled. The facility was inaccessible because of the war had turned the capital and other urban areas into battlefields.

The safe movement of these incredibly vulnerable children to a place of safety offers a ray of light in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Mandeep OBrien, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, said in a statement. Many millions of children remain at risk across Sudan."

Local volunteers, meanwhile, evacuated 77 other children earlier this week from separate foster homes in the coastal, Sirag of Hadhreen said. The children have temporarily sheltered along with 11 adults in a school in the town of Hasahisa, also in Jazira province, he said.

The fighting has inflicted a heavy toll on civilians, particularly children. More than 860 civilians, including at least 190 children, were killed and thousands of others were wounded since April 15, according to Sudans Doctors Syndicate which tracks civilian casualties. The tally is likely to be much higher.

The conflict has forced more than 1.9 million people to flee their homes, including around 477,000 who crossed into neighboring countries, according to the U.N.'s migration agency. Others remain trapped inside their homes, unable to escape as food and water supplies dwindle. The clashes have also disrupted the work of humanitarian groups.

There have been reports of widespread looting and sexual violence, including the rape of women and girls in Khartoum and the western Darfur region, which have seen some of the worst fighting in the conflict. Almost all reported cases of sexual attacks were blamed on the RSF, which didnt respond to repeated requests for comment.
As he watched a haze cover the Connecticut River on Wednesday, Middletown Director of Health Kevin Elak reflected on how, despite 20 years of working in the public health field, he had never seen anything like the air pollution currently impacting the state.

That pollution, which has prompted air quality alerts across Connecticut, is associated with smoke from wildfires in Canada. Officials in Middletown are urging residents to take precautions while they wait for the air to clear.

The smoke thats migrating into our area contains a certain level of particulate matter that could be unhealthy for certain individuals, and that, of course, includes older Americans, children, people with heart and lung medical conditions such as asthma, said Elak. Those people right now should take precautions and consider staying indoors while the air quality index is considered unhealthy.

Until the air quality improves, even healthy adults should limit their time outdoors and engage in less strenuous activities, Elak said.

He advised residents to monitor the website airnow.com for Middletowns air quality index, which was rated as unhealthy on Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, district officials in the Middletown Public Schools on Tuesday issued an advisory to administrators and nurses containing precautions aimed at protecting student health, according to Jessie Lavorgna, the schools communications director, who said that advisory was expected to be distributed to school staff.

It asked staff to monitor students with respiratory issues or health concerns and notify the school nurse and administration immediately if you notice any signs of discomfort or distress.

The communication also strongly encouraged all students and staff to wear masks, suggested students avoid outdoor activities and recommended everyone to exercise caution when engaging in strenuous activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Currently, students are not required to participate in outdoor activities, according to the advisory.

At this time, we are not seeing an influx or changes in health problems among our students, Lavorgna said in a statement. The guidelines we have put in place for the poor air quality have been serving our district well.

Elak said he cannot predict when the air quality might improve.

Were hoping that this, you know, kind of blows over, and well get back to a level  where people can go back to normal, he said.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  New York would create a commission to consider reparations to address the lingering, negative effects of slavery under a bill passed by the state Legislature on Thursday.

We want to make sure we are looking at slavery and its legacies, said state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages before the floor debate. This is about beginning the process of healing our communities. There still is generational trauma that people are experiencing. This is just one step forward.

The state Assembly passed the bill about three hours after spirited debate on Thursday. The state Senate passed the measure hours later, and the bill will be sent to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for consideration.

New York is following the lead of California, which became the first state to form a reparations task force in 2020. That group recommended a formal apology from the state on its legacy of racism and discriminatory policies and the creation of an agency to provide a wide range of services for Black residents. They did not recommend specific payments amounts for reparations.

The New York legislation would create a commission that would examine the extent to which the federal and state government supported the institution of slavery. It would also address persistent economic, political and educational disparities experienced by Black people in the state today.

According to the New York bill, the first enslaved Africans arrived at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, then a Dutch settlement, around the 1620s and helped build the infrastructure of New York City. While the state Legislature enacted a statute that gave freedom to enslaved Africans in New York in 1817, it wasnt implemented until 10 years later.

Im concerned were opening a door that was closed in New York State almost 200 years ago, said Republican state Assemblymember Andy Gooddell during floor debates on the bill. Gooddell, who voted against the bill, said he supports existing efforts to bring equal opportunity to all and would like to continue on that path rather than focus on reparations.

In California, the reparations task force said in their report that the state is estimated to be responsible for more than $500 billion due to decades of over-policing, mass incarceration and redlining that kept Black families from receiving loans and living in certain neighborhoods. Californias state budget last year was $308 billion. Reparations in New York could also come with a hefty price tag.

The commission would be required to deliver a report one year after their first meeting. Their recommendations, which could potentially include monetary compensation for Black people, would be non-binding. The legislature would not be required to take the recommendations up for a vote.

New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who is the first Black person to hold the position, called the legislation historic.

Heastie along with the governor and legislative leader in the state Senate would each appoint three qualified members to the commission.

Other state legislatures that have considered studying reparations include New Jersey and Vermont, but none have yet passed legislation. A Chicago suburb in Evanston, Illinois, became the first city to make reparations available to Black residents through a $10 million housing project in 2021.

On the federal level, a decades-old proposal to create a commission studying reparations has stalled in Congress.

Some critics of reparations by states say that while the idea is well-intentioned, it can be misguided.

William Darity, a professor of public policy and African and African American Studies at Duke University said even calling them reparations is presumptuous," since it's virtually impossible for states to meet the potentially hefty payouts.

He said the federal government has the financial capacity to pay true reparations and that they should be the ones responsible.

My deeper fear with all of these piecemeal projects is that they actually will become a block against federal action because there will be a number of people who will say there's no need for a federal program, Darity said. If you end up settling for state and local initiatives, you settle for much less than what is owed.

___

Associated Press Writer Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California contributed to this report.

Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Maysoon Khan on Twitter.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australias government plans legislation to ban swastikas and other Nazi symbols nationwide due to an increase in far-right activity, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said Thursday.

While most Australian states already ban such Nazi symbols, the federal law would go further by also banning the trade in such material, Dreyfus said.

Theres been a rise in this kind of violent far right activity. We think its time for there to be a federal law which Ill be bringing to the Parliament next week, Dreyfus told Nine Network television.

Weve got responsibility for import and export. We want to see an end to trading in this kind of memorabilia or any items which bear those Nazi symbols, Dreyfus said. Theres no place in Australia for spreading of hatred and violence.

The Labor Party government controls the House of Representatives but not the Senate, and its unclear when a ban might pass or take effect. The law would include a penalty for people displaying Nazi symbols of up to a year in prison.

Displaying symbols for religious, educational or artistic purposes would be among a range of exclusions from the ban. It will not affect the use of the swastika for people observing Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Dreyfus, who is Jewish, said the number of neo-Nazis was small, but the main domestic spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, had raised concerns about their activity in the past three years.

This is a very small number of people. Im hoping its getting small and it will eventually disappear, he told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

___

Find more of AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
A new study has found that a history of military service is a common characteristic among perpetrators of mass casualty attacks in the U.S. -- and veterans involved in those attacks are far more likely to be successful.

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, known as START, -- a research group at the University of Maryland -- analyzed a database of thousands of extremist crimes going back to 1990 and discovered that, in that group, people with military backgrounds "are 2.41 times more likely to be classified as mass casualty offenders than individuals who did not serve in the armed forces."

While around three out of four plots that were noted in the database were foiled, "the rate of successful mass fatality crimes involving perpetrators with military backgrounds is nearly two times higher" when compared to civilians.

Read Next: House GOP Claims Pride Month Flags at VA Facilities Are 'Discrimination, Political Posturing'

Veterans and service members aren't more likely to radicalize to the point of violence compared to civilians but, when they do, "they are more likely to plan for, or commit, mass casualty crimes, thus having an outsized impact on public safety," according to the START researchers.

Military experience "is the single strongest individual-level predictor" of whether a person will commit a mass casualty event.

The new analysis comes as the Pentagon and the services try to grapple with the idea of extremism within the ranks. Following the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and the subsequent arrests, the extent of the military's problem with extremism became much more visible than ever before.

Just months after the insurrection, the first active-duty service member -- a Marine officer -- was arrested by federal investigators for his role in the day's destruction.

Since then, however, more active-duty, reservist and National Guard service members, as well as scores of veterans, have been arrested, charged and convicted with crimes ranging from trespassing all the way to seditious conspiracy.

The START researchers did not include data from Jan. 6 in their analysis, however, because of the "variation in the extent of the offenders' premeditation and their criminal behaviors."

However, they say that their data shows that, between 1990 and 2022, 170 people with military backgrounds plotted 144 unique mass casualty terrorist attacks in the U.S.

Diving into that group, the researchers found that the leading two ideologies among the group were anti-government militias and white supremacists.

In fact, more than 70% of those were linked to far-right domestic extremist groups and movements, including anti-government groups and militias such as the Boogaloo movement and the Oath Keepers. Only 15% were considered to be connected to Islamist extremism.

The study also found that almost 80% of the offenses happened after the person left the armed forces, with nearly half having been out of the military for a decade or more. Just under one-third received something other than an honorable discharge -- researchers noted that was a significantly higher percentage when compared to an estimated 16% of other-than-honorable discharges among all vets.

In response to the findings, the report recommends that the military step up data collection on incidents to help with future analysis and to add more civic education during a service member's initial training; as part of their professional military education; and as a central feature of the Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, the mandatory training given before separation from service.

The report argues that there need to be stronger "efforts to combat the recruitment of service members and veterans into violent extremism by implementing inoculation training and providing service members the tools they need to identify and effectively resist extremists' manipulation tactics."

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: The Threat from Extremist Groups Is Growing. Service Members and Vets Are Getting Sucked into the Violence.
As the eastern U.S. grappled with smoke from Canadian forest fires, the military across the region adjusted training or changed planned events to deal with the acrid air pollution.

Springtime winds carried the massive trail of smoke across parts of the continental U.S. on Wednesday and Thursday -- and directly over large military installations including the Army's Fort Drum, the Coast Guard Academy and the Marine Corps' Quantico training center, among others.

Wildfires in Quebec pumped a massive amount of smoke into the air, causing health warnings; overcast skies; and photos across social media of cities such as New York and Washington, D.C., shrouded in the smoky haze. While wildfires are not unusual in Canada during summertime, when the densely forested country dries and heats, they do not usually occur so early in the year or cause such heavy air pollution in the U.S.

Read Next: Green Berets Have Struggled for Years with Recruiting, Internal Data Shows

On Wednesday, the smoke was at its worst at Fort Drum, an Army installation in upstate New York near the Canadian border.

Base unit commanders canceled or adjusted training and physical fitness exercises, keeping with Drum's decentralized approach to unit and soldier health.

"Leaders at all levels are encouraged to monitor conditions and implement measures for the health of the force," said Lt. Col. Josh Jacques, chief of public affairs for the 10th Mountain Division.

Much of the smoke had cleared in that area on Thursday, and events had returned to normal. The 10th Mountain Division had no activities scheduled for Friday, when the weekend overlaps with an annual event called Riverfest, where soldiers and their families are encouraged to go out into the community and enjoy things like the St. Lawrence River.

A local 5K run called "Monument to Monument" was canceled by the city of Watertown, New York.

The smoke was heavy Thursday in Washington, D.C., where Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley remarked on it during a National Defense University graduation held outdoors.

At Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, the service had not mandated that any training be canceled or modified,said Capt. Michael Curtis, communication strategy and operations officer for the Marine Corps Installations Command-National Capital Region.

However, specific unit commanders had discretionary authority to alter or stop training based on conditions -- and some did, Curtis said. His own unit, he noted, had eliminated certain physically demanding elements from an outside training module the unit conducted Thursday.

Beth Baker, a spokesperson for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, said via text that, while no naval installations had reported that the smoke disrupted operations, some outdoor activities may have been curtailed if air quality conditions warranted it.

At the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, however, it was business as usual Thursday, with training continuing in spite of the bad air.

"The Coast Guard Academy's Corps of Cadets publishes a Plan of the Day daily, and none of those have been adjusted in response to the wildfires. All training and activities are proceeding as normal," according to the academy's public affairs office.

After noting that the Connecticut state government's air quality index for the day was "unhealthy" at 158, the public affairs office said that "the spread of wildfire smoke is an ongoing situation. CGA leadership will continue to monitor reports and make subsequent decisions accordingly."

The decision by various military units to curb outside activities tracks with alerts from various levels of civilian government this week. The smoke is more than just a nuisance; it can also be a health hazard, according to one medical expert.

"The degree of injury from what we inhale is a combination of the intensity, duration and type of exposure," said Dr. Maor Sauler, a pulmonologist with Yale School of Medicine's Department of Internal Medicine. "What's in the air now is a lot of fine particles that will cause inflammation and irritation. For people with chronic airway conditions including asthma, COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and possibly exposure to toxic burn pits, it's a major concern."

President Joe Biden issued a statement highlighting the resources that the U.S. sent to Canada to help fight the wildfires, and calling on leadership in his cabinet to minimize negative effects from the smoke on the affected areas' economy and infrastructure.

The Weather Channel projected that the smoke, which it characterized as a "choking cloud," would continue to affect an area that includes Washington, D.C., and New York City through at least June 10. Without a change in the direction and intensity of the wind, forecasters did not expect to see a major improvement to air quality before then.

Sauler emphasized that, while the long-term consequences of exposure to the smoke will be negligible for most people, that short-term exposure would likely be uncomfortable, and for people with conditions that affect their airways, it could be serious.

"Smoke inhalation can cause inflammation, which leads to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and headaches," he said. It would be difficult, and the group of veterans who have health conditions that affect their lungs should be particularly cautious.

The VA said it had no data Thursday on whether its medical centers in the northeast were experiencing a greater than usual volume of patients over the past 24 to 48 hours, and specifically patients with breathing issues.

-- Konstantin Toropin contributed to this story.

-- Adrian Bonenberger, an Army veteran and graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, reports for Military.com. He can be reached at adrian.bonenberger@monster.com.

Related: A Navy Veteran Built New Technology to Aid Wildfire Prevention and Disaster Relief
The Army has extended its suspension of providing horse-drawn caissons for military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery through June 2024, a decision service officials said Wednesday is necessary to rehabilitate 27 horses and reset the troubled program.

The 3rd Infantry Regiment's Caisson Platoon, which provides horses and wheeled platforms to transport fallen service members and military retirees to their burial sites at the hallowed Virginia cemetery, announced a 45-day suspension in April to assess the health of the herd and review their living conditions.

The review found that 27 horses in the 48-member herd had muscle and joint injuries, as well as hoof issues, that required rehabilitation. Needing at least 24 healthy, trained horses for three squads, and to give the service time to improve the herd's living conditions at Fort Myer and Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the decision was made to stand down caisson support for the year.

Read Next: Green Berets Have Struggled for Years with Recruiting, Internal Data Shows

"We recognize the suspension may be disappointing to many of our families. We certainly understand. But we do believe it's the right thing to do," Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent Ray Alexander said during a call with reporters.

The suspension affects only the way remains are transported to a burial site. The plan will be for bodies or cremains to be carried in a hearse or other cemetery vehicle joined by the other elements of funeral honors, which may include a military band, escort platoon, firing party, body bearers and bugler.

By late June, the Army expects to be able to provide a riderless horse for those who rate one based on their rank and service, and hopes by fall to furnish a horse with a rider to lead the hearse in all ceremonies that would have had caisson support.

"I commit to you [that] the level of dignity, compassion and precision provided to each and every family will not be compromised," Alexander said.

Army officials said the service will know in February whether it can meet its June 2024 goal, adding that families should not expect caisson services before then.

"We do regret the impact this extended suspension of caisson operations will have on families laying their loved ones to rest. We certainly understand and empathize with their disappointment and emotions. In addition to our commitment to these families, though, we recognize that the life, health and safety of the caisson herd is a top priority," Alexander said.

Cemetery officials contacted 200 families affected by the initial 45-day suspension and only six decided to postpone burials until after that time frame. Now, however, the service is notifying 351 additional families who have services scheduled from June 15 through September 30, informing them of the absence of the caisson.

They will have to decide whether to proceed with their service, defer or cancel, as will families whose loved ones rise to the top of the queue from October through June 2024.

The average wait time at Arlington for a casket burial of an active-duty service member is roughly 30 to 90 days, while the wait for others eligible for burial or placement in a columbarium at Arlington is 14 to 15 months, according to officials.

The initial suspension followed the deaths of four horses in the platoon the previous year. Two died in February 2022, according to a CNN report that also found the herd lived in small, unsanitary paddocks at Fort Myer and ate low-quality hay.

An older horse later died from surgical complications following a limb fracture, while a fourth horse died in November of "acute abdominal distress," which may have been caused by colic or by ingesting poor-quality hay or even gravel.

During the suspension, the Army plans to buy lighter-weight caissons and better-fitting saddles and tack to reduce the horses' musculoskeletal strain and will acquire and train new horses to replace any that may be retired.

The service also plans to garner a network of horse experts to serve as advisers, and contract with new trainers, a farrier and facilities support personnel to better manage services and quality of life for the horses.

Officials said that, given the demands of the horses' job as well as the needed upgrades to facilities, the Army simply can't go out and purchase new equines. Basic training can take four to six weeks, and training with the wagon takes 30 to 120 days, depending on the horse and their previous training.

Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, who took command last week of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the unit responsible for the herd, said the soldiers and civilians who care for the horses are "committed to learning and resetting the herd and developing the requisite services, facilities and capabilities" to ensure the animals receive the best care.

He added that the decision to suspend operations for a year was not made lightly and, for him, it's personal: His father, retired Air Force Col. Barton Clarence Bredenkamp, died in February and is in the queue for burial at Arlington.

"I've gone through this, but I know that even though this pause is happening with the caisson platoon, he will still receive incredible honors at Arlington National Cemetery no matter how he is conveyed to his final resting place," Bredenkamp said.

Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct a mischaracterization of the number of families who deferred burials in the first suspension.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime

Related: Army to Start Rotating Arlington Horses to Bigger Pasture Following Deaths
Ever since thousands of gallons of jet fuel spewed from a pipeline at Red Hill in November 2021 and made its way into the Navy's drinking water system, sickening military families, environmentalists and water officials have had their sights set on ensuring that the fuel in the facility's massive underground tanks that sit just 100 feet above an aquifer is permanently removed.

Now, under an expedited timeline, that goal is expected to be met as soon as January. But the effort to safeguard the environment is far from over. Residual fuel stuck throughout the facility will continue to pose a risk to the groundwater, and removing it will be a challenge, the military's top official overseeing the defueling effort cautioned Tuesday, while the environmental remediation of the site is likely to persist for decades.

Relying on the force of gravity, military officials plan to begin draining 104 million gallons of fuel from the Red Hill tanks through pipelines that lead down to Pearl Harbor piers, which will remove an estimated 99.85% of the fuel from the facility.

But another 100,000 to 400,000 gallons of fuel is expected to remain in the facility's pipelines and surge tanks. By comparison, the November 2021 fuel spill that contaminated the Navy's drinking water system and caused widespread havoc involved just 20,000 gallons of fuel.

"We understand how significant it is," said Vice Adm. John Wade, who is leading the defueling effort as commander of Joint Task Force-Red Hill, during a biannual meeting of the Red Hill Fuel Tank Advisory Committee. "It's much larger than the amount of fuel that was spilled in November, so I don't want people to think that I'm flippant at all. But it's a physics problem. We can't get the fuel out by gravity."

Wade was among top officials from the military, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state Department of Health who provided updates on Red Hill during an hours-long meeting at Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center. A plan has not yet been established to address the problem of residual fuel.

"What we do need is a methodical, deliberate approach where we've got to systematically go through each of the low-point drains, the bends, and we also have to inspect every valve," said Wade. "But I also want to make sure that everyone understands the enormity of this. There's about 100 low-point drains. There are 3-1/2 miles of pipelines within the facility. There are close to 2,000 valves. So we have to approach this systematically and delicately. We cannot do this nonchalantly."

Once Red Hill operations were suspended following the water contamination debacle, the military in 2022 drained approximately 1 million gallons of fuel that was resting in the pipelines. The fuel needed to be removed so that the military could embark on extensive pipeline repairs to ensure that the fuel from the tanks could be drained safely.

Wade said that once the repairs began, the military began finding "pockets of fuel," including 14,000 gallons that was dammed behind a valve that was installed four decades ago, likely due to the accumulation of sediment over years of fueling operations. He said it took 14 weeks just to remove the fuel, which involved lead abatement, asbestos removal and coming up with response plans in case there was an environmental release.

"So that's what we may have to contend with when we finish defueling and we finish unpacking (the pipelines)," said Wade. "There may be residual fuel, and we'll have to work that deliberately and we'll be transparent. But that's what we need to do."

While the defueling plans are well underway and involve a complicated matrix of deadlines that must be met by military officials and environmental regulators in order to stay on track, the military only recently flagged the problem of residual fuel, which will be part of Red Hill's closure phase.

Last week the military announced that rather than keeping the Red Hill pipelines in place as initially envisioned, it would remove them. In a report to regulators, the Navy indicated the contractor hired to remove the pipelines would be responsible for removing any residual fuel that is encountered.

Removing the infrastructure is expected to be difficult, according to the report, involving the removal of three major pipelines, portions of which contain lead paint and asbestos, associated valves, steel frame supports and other material within cramped spaces.

Military officials and regulators from DOH and the EPA also updated members of the committee and the public about ongoing environmental remediation efforts in the area around Red Hill. There are believed to have been dozens of fuel leaks from Red Hill since the facility was installed in the 1940s, in addition to recent revelations about spills of aqueous film forming foam, a fire suppressant that contains so-called forever chemicals called PFAS that have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers as well as other health problems.

DOH presented updated maps of monitoring-well data that reflect levels of petroleum contamination in the groundwater around the Red Hill tank farm. Those maps show that the enlarged plume following May and November 2021 fuel spills at Red Hill has continued to shrink in size, and levels of petroleum hydrocarbons have declined.

DOH also presented the results of PFAS testing in a dozen monitoring wells taken between December and April. The testing found trace amounts of PFAS throughout the wells, all but one of which were below strict new drinking water limits proposed by the EPA, as well as environmental action levels.

"Normally in the environment you wouldn't have PFAS chemicals like this," said Ernie Lau, manager and chief engineer of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, who is a member of the Red Hill Fuel Tank Advisory Committee. He asked the Navy and regulators where the contamination might be coming from.

"Look at these PFAS numbers. They are all over the place. They are not at one location, and there are multiple PFAS chemicals," he said.

The one sample that exceeded the EPA's proposed limit for drinking water, which was taken from the Red Hill shaft shortly after it was contaminated with fuel in 2021, may be attributed to the equipment of divers who were sent into the well to try to clean up the fuel, a Navy official said.

Officials didn't address what may be causing the trace levels of PFAS throughout the wells.

The committee meeting also included more than two hours of public testimony in which residents once again grilled the Navy for contaminating the environment.

Marti Townsend, former director of the Hawaii Sierra Club, who was speaking on behalf of the agency, said it's critical that the Navy fully remediate the contamination of the aquifer and not leave the pollution for the state to deal with, citing the case of Kahoolawe, which for decades was used by the military as a bombing range.

"My concern is that we will see this Red Hill water crisis follow the same path of Kahoolawe, where the people of Hawaii are left with the responsibility of cleaning up the military's mess," said Townsend. "The Navy does not have a good track record."

___

(c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
THE HAGUE, Netherlands  Russia urged judges at the United Nations' highest court on Thursday to throw out a case brought by Ukraine against Moscow over the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the arming of rebels in eastern Ukraine before Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

We appear before you today in order to demonstrate that Ukraines application must be dismissed because it is without any legal foundation. Nor does it have any factual evidence to back it, Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands Alexander Shulgin told judges at the International Court of Justice.

Lawyers for Ukraine said as hearings in the case opened Tuesday that Russia bankrolled a campaign of intimidation and terror by rebels in eastern Ukraine starting in 2014 and sought to replace Crimeas multiethnic community with discriminatory Russian nationalism.

Ukraine filed the case in 2017, asking the world court to order Moscow to pay reparations for attacks and crimes such as the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by a Russian missile fired from territory controlled by Moscow-backed rebels on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The Ukrainian government alleges that Russia breached two treaties: the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Addressing the terrorism funding allegation, Michael Swainston, a British lawyer representing Russia, said Ukraine's legal team failed to establish that actions by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine could be considered terrorism.

It is imperative to distinguish between terrorists who deliberately target civilians and soldiers who foresee that civilians will be killed as collateral damage while striking a military target," Swainston said. "The former is a war crime, while the latter represents lawful conduct. And of course, soldiers also make mistakes.

He also disputed that the downing of MH17 could be considered an act of terrorism and sought to undermine findings by a Dutch court that last year convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian of multiple murders for their roles in downing the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur flight.

The Hague District Court ruled after months of hearings and years of international investigations that the Boeing 777 was shot down by a Buk surface-to-air missile system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base and later returned to the base.

There was no Russian Buk. No Buk came from Russia. No crew for a Buk came from Russia," Swainston said, calling evidence that the Dutch court relied on in its verdicts "unsourced digital nonsense.

After the hearings expected to wrap up next week, judges will take months to reach a decision in the case. The court's rulings are final and legally binding.
KHERSON, Ukraine  Russian forces Thursday shelled a southern Ukrainian city inundated by flooding in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to the area to assess the damage.

The fresh fighting returned security issues to the region, two days after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River set off a scramble to evacuate residents in dozens of flooded areas and get aid to those still there.

Officials on both sides said least 14 people were killed in the flooding, thousands are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the collapse. Kyiv accused Moscow of blowing up the dam and its associated hydropower plant, which the Kremlin's forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage, and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages. Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press showed the ruined dam falling into the river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church.

Upriver from the dam, a supply of water used to cool Europe's largest nuclear power plant was nearing critically low levels, Ukraines state hydroelectric company said. But the U.N.'s atomic energy watchdog said Wednesday that work was under way to ensure the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant had enough water in reserve to cool its shut-down reactors, in case supplies fell too much.

Zelenskyys office said Moscow's forces also continued to shell Ukrainian-held areas near the nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.

The high water brought new misery and death to a country suffering uncounted casualties after 15 months of war.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied city adjacent to the dam, told Russian state TV that five residents there had died in the flooding. And Mykolaiv regional Gov. Vitalii Kim said one person had died in that region northwest of the city of Kherson.

Yevhen Ryshchuk, the mayor of Oleshky to the south who fled the town after the Russians took over, told The Associated Press that residents told him eight people had died so far in the flooding, with corpses floating to the surface. His tally could not immediate be verified.

Residents of Oleshky have accused Russian authorities in the town of not doing enough to help civilians, and they have formed a group of over 8,000 that is sharing messages about information such as stranded and trapped locals.

In the city of Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid. Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policemen, a doctor and volunteer from Germany.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Zelenskyy had visited only hours earlier, officials told AP.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, Internal Affairs Ministry said. Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Zelenskyy visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility in Kherson, ordering officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to compensate residents, his office said in an update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Regional Gov. Vladimir Soldo, who was installed by Moscow to oversee the area that Russia occupies, accused Ukrainian troops of firing at an evacuation point in Hola Prystan, a Russian-occupied town. Soldo said in a Telegram post that two people, including a pregnant 33-year-old woman, were killed and that two others were wounded. It was not immediately possible to verify his account.

Fighting has intensified along the more than 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraine's border with Russia  in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. Kyiv has said it won't announce the start of any such campaign.

The destruction of the dam prompted the United Nations and local officials to say that the most immediate concerns for affected areas were access to fresh water and avoiding contact with floodwaters contaminated by explosives and industrial chemicals.

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river. The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that once was home to more than 60,000.

In areas they contgrol, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been hospitalized, 4,280 people have been evacuated and 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the dam's destruction will eventually halt fresh water supplies to southern Ukraine and Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now, with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off water supplies to Crimea after Moscow's illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Putin cited the need to restore them as a main reason for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said about 600 square kilometers (231 square miles) of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper.

People are tired ... (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Prokudin said.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted the dam's destruction was an attack and an atrocious act, without assigning blame. Paris said it was rushing aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key Putin ally, said Kyiv blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched attempt to launch its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent battlefield developments amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In a podcast Wednesday, Michael Kofman of the Center for Naval Analyses, a U.S. research group, said fighting had taken a more qualitative turn with Ukrainian forces appearing to mount offensive operations near the eastern town of Velyka Novosilka and other points in southern part of the Donetsk region, as well as on its border with Zaporizhzhia province.

These attacks I dont believe to be the main offensive effort, but they mark what I think is the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, he said. This is now beyond shaping operations -- they are attacks with multiple brigades, they have dented Russian lines in and around Velyka Novosilka.

In the eastern Donbas, a battle continued for the largely devastated city of Bakhmut  one of the epicenters of the war. Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post, said it was advancing on the city's flanks.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said his country's forces drove back Ukrainian troops trying to punch through defensive lines in the Zaporizhzhia region after a two-hour battle involving what he said was up to 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers and 150 armored vehicles.

The enemys reserve forces specially trained for realizing this breakthrough did not fulfill their task, Shoigu said. He did not immediately give evidence for his claims.

Ukrainian armed forces spokesman Valerii Shershen acknowledged increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, but added he would not call it something serious.

___

Keaten reported from Kyiv. Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Joanna Kozlowska in London, Elise Morton in Thessaloniki, Greece, Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, and Hanna Arhirova in Warsaw, Poland, contributed.
Ghanaian actress and socialite Diamond Appiah has denied reports that she once dated actress Nana Ama McBrown's husband Maxwell Mensah.

She says Mr. Mensah only proposed to her years ago but it never materialized.

In a viral video, Diamond sought to set the record straight after a former friend known only as Naana Brown made allegations that she snatched Maxwell from musician Mzbel and dated him before he married McBrown.

"I am not part of the women Maxwell has dated in the industry before marrying McBrown," Diamond said in the video.

She said she met Maxwell only once through highlife musician Kofi Nti who introduced them.

"Maxwell proposed to me alright. He did so through Kofi Nti the musician. He told Kofi Nti that he likes me so he should come introduce me to him and we met only once," she stated.

Diamond said after that first meeting at a Chinese restaurant, she realized Maxwell was Mzbel's ex-boyfriend so she confronted Kofi Nti about the introduction, stressing, "It ended there.

The actress denied Naana Brown's claims, saying: "Naana who can you mention as your witness? Even Mzbel is aware that I never dated Maxwell."

Diamond Appiah's denial comes amidst a public fallout with her former friend Naana Brown who has been making several allegations about the actress on social media in recent times, including her alleged fake friendship with actress and producer, Tracey Boakye.
Controversial Ghanaian prophet Nicholas Osei, widely known as Prophet Kumchacha has professed his love for actress Tracey Boakye claiming he nearly married her.

However, he said someone else "took over" before he could approach her.

In an interview, Kumchacha eulogized The Devil Between My Legs movie producer saying, "I have a lot of love for Tracey Boakye. I almost married her, but someone else took over. She is very humble and respectful."

His comments come amid rumors surrounding Tracey Boakye's friendship with fellow actress Diamond Appiah.

An old friend of Diamond's named Naana Brown has accused her of faking her friendship with Tracey Boakye.

Worried, Prophet Kumchacha feared that Tracey Boakye "doesn't have good friends, and they will betray her."

The prophet also criticized Diamond Appiah, saying "Diamond Appiah needs deliverance. Being a billionaire doesn't exempt her from needing deliverance."

He added: "The Bible says in Proverbs 13:7, 'There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing.' Diamond talks too much, and in this world, anyone who talks excessively will get into trouble with their enemies."

Nearly a year ago, Tracey Boakye tied the knot with Mr. Ntiamoah in a plush ceremony in Kumasi, an event which left many in awe.

They have now welcomed their first born.
Nana Ama McBrown, the former host of 'United Showbiz' on Accra-based UTV has advised critics to "let love lead" amid comparisons between her and the new host MzGee.

MzGee has faced criticism for trying to copy McBrown's hosting style on the show, with some critics claiming she has fallen short of the high standards set by McBrown.

In response to these comparisons, MzGee stated that she will host the show in her own unique style and not try to copy anyone.

In a statement shared by UTV on social media on Tuesday, June 6, she said, "Yes, I'll learn to better at every challenge (I know you want to see me fail badly but you forget it is God that ordains Kings) I'll do me as always, at my own pace and in my own unique style. I'm sorry if that offends you! I'd rather fail in originality than become a clone of another!"

"I didn't get here as a carbon copy of anyone yet I made a name as one of the most revered in the space! So after all these feats, why do you think I want to or I'd prefer to become an imitation?" she added.

MzGee stressed that she will stick to what she knows best and host the show in her own style.

"Ebi the work wey I know, ebi the work I go do, forget the razzmatazz, it's not my style to indulge in frivolities," she said.

In a comment on UTV's post containing MzGee's statement, McBrown urged people to let love lead and avoid comparisons.

"Love has always been the greatest. Let love lead, my people. Please don't compare, the Accra-based Onua TVs Showtime host wrote.
Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. reached a settlement with a woman who claimed he raped her in a hotel room in New York City in 2013.

It happened just as jury selection was about to start in a federal civil trial where he was expected to face devastating testimony.

The 55-year-old Oscar winner has refuted the charge and insisted that all of his interactions with the woman were consensual.

Numerous women have accused him of groping and inappropriate touching.

The settlement's details have not been made public.

Mr. Gooding admitted guilt to kissing a woman against her will last year.

In that case, a plea deal with prosecutors resulted in accusations against three other accusers being dropped, sparing him either jail or a criminal record. He had to go through alcohol and behavior counseling for six months.

But in this legal action in Manhattan, the testimony of those three womenwho allege that the actor mistreated them between 2009 and 2019was scheduled to be heard.

The now-resolved legal action was brought in 2020 on behalf of a lady only known as Jane Doe. Injuries were sought for $6 million (4.8 million).

She said Mr. Gooding met her in the summer of 2013 at a nearby restaurant and invited her to drinks at the Soho hotel where he was staying, The Mercer.

She alleged that the actor informed her that he needed to change at the hotel, invited her to his fifth-floor room, and then started to undress.

The woman claimed that as she attempted to leave, Mr. Gooding obstructed her way, pulled her onto the bed, "wouldn't stop" touching her, "aggressively removed" her panties, and twice penetrated her.

The claims were described as "completely false and defamatory" at the time by the defendant's attorney.

Last Monday, the presiding judge decided that three more of Mr. Gooding's accusers may testify because their claims were "sufficiently similar" to the plaintiff's claim.

The prior plea agreement for Mr. Gooding, according to one lady, Kelsey Harbert, was "more disappointing than words can say," she claimed last year.

The trial's jury selection was supposed to start on Tuesday at 10:00 EDT, but neither Mr. Gooding nor the attorneys on either side showed up.

The following is written in the case's entry on the court's computerized docket: "TRIAL OFF. The parties have settled the dispute, thus the cancellation.
In an exciting cross-cultural musical collaboration, Ghanas top and finest female musician, Wendy Asiamah Addo, well known as Wendy Shay has joined forces with Haitian musician Joubitenee Dessalines who is popularly known as K-Dilak.

The two talented musicians have just created a masterpiece and this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ever-expanding global music scene, illustrating how music transcends borders and connects people from diverse backgrounds.

Wendy Shay's powerful vocals, combined with K-Dilak's rhythmic melodies, have resulted in a remarkable track that will certainly captivate listeners worldwide.

K-Dilak recruited Wendy Shay on his latest single titled "Balance It because he sees her as the right person to help him break into the African music space since the "Survivor hitmaker has the perfect following and the right numbers to make it possible.

He is from Miragoane commune in western Haiti. K-Dilak comes with his slogan Mesaje a which means the messenger.

He currently remains one of the top artists in Haiti. Back in 2020, the MAGHAITI Media Group awarded him the prize of Best Male Artist of 2020 because of the remarkable work he did in the music space and his undeniable talent.

K-Dilak has over 1.3 million followers on Facebook, 1.1 million followers on Instagram, and 672,000 subscribers on Youtube, and remains the most valuable male artist in Haiti's music space currently.

His "Pwomet Mweh" currently has over 24 million views on Youtube, while his "Pouki'n Yep Marye" and "Engra" have garnered over 22 million and 11 million views respectively as well.

K-Dilak also has as a part of his catalogue, one of the greatest duets in the world. The song which is titled Poukin Te Marye featured Bedjine, The song presents a sensitive taboo subject and so far, it has also garnered more than 4 million YouTube views in just 4 weeks.

Wendy Shay on the other hand is also doing great with her recently released EP titled, Enigma.

Her single titled Survivor has topped many music charts and recorded over 70 million total streams on various music streaming platforms, including the popular video viewing and sharing platform, YouTube.

Survivor further topped the chart in countries like South Africa, Kenya, the UK, and many others which led her to be the most streamed female artiste on Boomplay last year.

From all indications, the collaboration between these two top-rated musicians is just a match made in heaven.

Youtube -
Georgian law enforcers have arrested two individuals for kidnapping a minor in eastern Georgias Marneuli municipality, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said on Thursday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.ge.

The Ministry said police had found the offenders, identified only through their initials and the birth year of 2007, had kidnapped their victim with the purpose of marriage.

The crime is punishable by seven to 10 years in prison.
A UN court has ruled that Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga, aged in his late 80s, is unfit to stand trial and is instead calling for an alternative legal procedure that resembles a trial but would not end in a conviction.

Judges at t he International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in The Hague said Kabuga, whose precise date of birth is disputed, was very unlikely to regain fitness in the future.

The trial chamber f ound Kabuga was no longer capable of meaningful participation in his trial" a decision published on the court's website said.

The decision came after doctors found Kabuga suffered from dementia. It was not immediately clear what would happen to Kabuga, who is in the court's detention centre.

Two decades on the run

Kabuga was arrested in France in 2020 after more than 20 years on the run.

The former coffee and tea tycoon denie s charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Her went on trial in September last year, with prosecutors accusing him of setting up hate media that urged ethnic Hutus to kill rival Tutsis and supplying death squads with machetes.

Prosecutors say Kabuga promoted hate speech through his broadcaster, Radio Television Libre des Milles Collines (RTLM), and armed ethnic Hutu militias.

It is rare for suspects before international courts to be declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

Kabuga is one of the last Rwandan genocide suspects to face justice, with 62 convicted by the tribunal so far.
Former Deputy Minister of Information Felix Kwakye Ofosu has accused the Akufo-Addo administration of driving the country's economy into a ditch.

He said in a tweet on June 7 that the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration must be kicked out in the upcoming general elections to bring back sanity into the country once more.

The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP tag team has been an all-round disaster for Ghana. They have destroyed our economy and reduced it rubble and crudely demolished the independence of state institutions by packing them with NPP fanatics. They have to be booted out in 2024 without fail, Felix Kwakye stated.

Below is the tweet from Felix Kwakye


Charles Opoku has secured the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) nomination to contest the upcoming Assin North parliamentary by-election.

Opoku pulled 397 votes to beat his sole challenger Freeman Amoah-Kyei, who received 136 votes in the primaries held at Pentecost Church in Akonfode.

A total of 536 ballots were cast in the primaries attended by 533 eligible voters, according to the Statement of Poll.

Of the total ballots, 3 were rejected.

The officer in charge of the election signed and declared the results, stating that the final tallies "are a true and accurate account of the ballots."

Candidate agents for the two NPP aspirants also appended their signatures to affirm the outcome.

The by-election slated for June 27, comes after the nullification of the NDCs Mr James Gyakye Quaysons election as a Member of Parliament for Assin North over dual citizenship by the Supreme Court.

The ruling party, after the election has started an extensive campaign, aimed at clinching back the seat they lost to the NDC in 2020.

However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of aiding the NPP to perpetuate illegality by smuggling Charles Opoku's name into the voters' register from another constituency.
07.06.2023 LISTEN

Dr. Benjamin Amoah, a financial analyst, is optimistic Ghana's plan to restructure its debt with foreign creditors would be successful.

The financial analyst said measures taken so far are giving some positive signals to the international market.

Addressing the issue during the midday news on TV3 June 7, Dr. Benjamin Amoah stated Of our external debt creditors are really committed, most importantly, with the International Monetary Fund giving us the nod, we now have the backing of Bretton Woods institution to make a request to this external creditors. We should not forget on our side we have succeeded largely in implementing the domestic debt exchange proper, what we are working on now is the Pension Funds, the Independent Power Producers, Cocoa board and some few institutional bondholders who are yet to come on board but if you look at the totality of the domestic debt exchange program, we have been successful, Dr Benjamin Amoah stated.

He continued that Ghana is making headway in revenue mobilisation measure following the introduction of the three taxes recently.

Government of Ghana has introduced new revenue enhancing channels, think of the new taxes that were introduced, three of them, this is to add up to how much government is making by way of revenue so on our part as a Country, we have done what we have to do, we also need to understand that we are in a burden-sharing situation where the creditors also have a responsibility to share in the burden, Dr Benjamin Amoah said.
The Louvre in Paris is hosting 16 works of art, including 1,500-year-old Byzantine icons, from a museum in Kyiv in order to protect them from the war.

"Since the start of the war, like other museums, we have been concerned to see how we can support our Ukrainian colleagues. In the autumn, faced with the intensity of the conflict, we decided to carry out this rescue," Louvre president Laurence des Cars told French news agency AFP.

"It's not much in a sea of sadness and desolation, but it is a symbol," she added.

She said the Louvre was particularly concerned by the risk of theft and trafficking of artworks and relics if they had stayed in Ukraine.

Among the works being safeguarded by the Louvre are five Byzantine icons from the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum, Ukraine's national arts institution, which will be exhibited in Paris from 14 June to 6 November.

Emblematic

Four of the icons are from Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt and date from the 6th and 7th centuries, and the fifth is from late 13th or early 14th century Constantinople.

Eleven other works, "among the most emblematic and most fragile" from the Ukrainian collection, will be housed in the Louvre's reserves "until the situation improves," Des Cars said.

She welcomed a Ukrainian delegation, including the head of the Khanenko museum, in October when UN cultural body UNESCO declared 240 sites in their country had been damaged by the war.

Earlier that month, a rocket landed near the Khanenko Museum, blowing out the windows.

Most of its works have been moved into the museum's storage, but are at risk from temperature variations caused by power cuts.

The operation to rescue the 16 selected works was supported by the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (Aliph).

(with AFP)
Mr Papa Owusu-Ankomah, High Commissioner of Ghana to the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland, says running an economy on debt is not sustainable.

He said Ghana was, therefore, willing to learn, listen and if necessary, change direction to attract the needed investment to grow the economy.

The High Commissioner observed that building an investment driven economy would require the public sector to facilitate investment in the private sector without any perceived hinderances.

The public sector should not be perceived to do anything to give the impression that instead of regulating the public sector, it is putting stumbling blocks in the way of the private sector, he said.

He made the remarks at the opening of the second day of the Ghana Investment and Opportunities Summit 2023, which was held under the theme: Post Covid Economic Recovery: Opportunities for The Investor.

Madam Harriet Thompson, the High Commissioner of UK to Ghana, said the role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was crucial to ensuring that the country got to the next phase of its socioeconomic development.

We are keen for the UK to be source of a significant proportion of FDI, and we are committed to playing our part in that process. We are committed to strengthening our partnership to help drive Ghana's economic development, she said.

Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, the Minister of Trade and Industry, said Ghana had over the years counted on its enviable asset of political stability within the subregion to attract needed investment to the country and said more was being done to drive investments.

Mr Yofi Grant, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), said legislative reform was underway to boost investment.

GNA
Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng is surprised that he was not given self-recognizance bail after his arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

He had to be bailed by his friend, he said.

They did not even suggest self-recognisance bail. I needed somebody to bail me. So a friend of mine was down there and he came up and bailed me and so I left and they went with my friend to his house, he told Alfred Ocansey on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Wednesday, June 7.

The renowned heart surgeon was put under investigation following an invitation given to him by the Office weeks ago.

He was invited on corruption and corruption-related activities, particularly over his report on the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

He was also arrested for alleged involvement in the missing of some 500 excavators and the involvement of Symphony Limited, the company owned by his son, in illegal mining.

He was immediately granted bail of GH2 million.

-3news.com
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SNNIT) has organized a day's workshop for some selected journalists in the Ashanti Region aimed at building their capacity on the operations of SNNIT.

The workshop is also intended to equip journalists with the necessary information needed to educate the public on one of the major products which was recently launched by SNNIT, the Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED).

In all, journalists from ten media firms were selected to participate in the workshop which was held at Adum in the Kumasi Metropolis on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

The facilitators for the training workshop include the Public Affairs Manager for SNNIT Mr Charles Akwei Gerson, Kumasi Area Manager for SSNIT, Mr Adomako Mensah and the Media Relations Officer for SNNIT, Mr Robert Dundas Whigham.

Journalists during the workshop were taken through the work of SNNIT as mandated by law, the importance of the SEED initiative and why self-employed individuals must join without delay.

The event also afforded SNNIT to get feedback from the media personnel on ways to improve their service to well serve the country better.

Speaking to this reporter after the workshop, Mr Charles Akwei Gerson said it was important most of the people get enough information about the SEED initiative, adding that, journalists were one of the people who are well positioned to propagate the message.

About SEED

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in May 2023 launched the Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED), a product geared towards expanding coverage of the basic national social security scheme to self-employed Ghanaians.

The initiative according to SNNIT was to redefine social security in Ghana and give hope to the self-employed to be able to retire in dignity and comfort.

Under the program, self employed workers who will join SNNIT will enjoy juicy benefits just like public sector workers depending on their contributions to the fund.

Gains

Mr Charles Kwei Gerson said the SEED initiative has made positive gains since its launch in Kumasi.

He added that It is in line with the Trusts mandate to extend pension coverage to all workers, especially the self-employed hence they will do everything possible to get the message down to the masses particularly those in the informal sector who are self employed.

Mr Gerdon disclosed that the number of self-employed persons enrolled on the trust has doubled in the past nine months.

He noted that the numbers of self employed persons on SNNIT have shot from 32,000 to 34,378 few weeks after the launch of the program.

He urged workers in the country to ensure that their employers pay the right percentage as far as their contributions are concerned, adding that, the amount one contributes during his work days will determine what he or she gets during retirement.
08.06.2023 LISTEN

In the realm of potential first ladies actively engaged in campaign platforms for either the NPP or NDC, Samira Bawumia stands out alongside Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. Her captivating presence ignited tremendous enthusiasm during the NPP rallies of the 2016 and 2020 campaigns. The 2024 campaign would be very exciting to have Samira Bawumia going after Mahama as a potential First Lady. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia must win the NPPs presidential primaries to make this happen.

NDC ran more efficient campaigns when Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu led separate teams to criss-cross the whole country. While Rawlings led a group of party stalwarts in the south, Nana Konadu met women in the north with her 31st December Women's Wing of the party. Those were crowd-pulling days for NDC, and their rallies were ecstatic with party supporters and floating voters. However, with Dr Bawumia and Samira, the table turns in favour of the NPP.

In 2020, Mahama leveraged his female vice-presidential candidate to gain more support from women, akin to Nana Konadu's contributions to Rawlings and the NDC. With Dr Bawumia as the presidential candidate, Samira's efforts will intensify to counter Jane Naana's campaign in the event she partners with Mahama again. Moreover, if Jane does not join forces with Mahama in the 2024 elections, Samira will make deeper inroads into NDC's strongholds. None of the ten presidential candidates possesses a dynamic campaigning spouse capable of executing this strategic endeavour to break the eight.

Samira's youthful charisma, persuasive abilities, and fashionable allure will attract the gatherings of young Ghanaians, particularly young women. Her influence will be instrumental in winning over Zongo women, galvanizing support from the youth, and appealing to the general voting populace on behalf of the NPP. A remarkable surge of lady-led campaign groups will emerge to rally behind Samira, promoting Dr Bawumia and the NPP. She will not only be a firebrand campaigner for her husband and the party but also an essential asset in Dr Bawumia's potential presidency.

Ghana is poised to witness an exceptional duo reminiscent of the experience of Barack and Michelle Obama as the first gentleman and first lady. It would be an experience to behold. Dr Bawumia must win, and this is re-echoed in the voice of the Diaspora.

Diaspora4DMB!

Diaspora4Bawumia!

The Diaspora Voice!

Kwasi Owusu-Afriyie - Finland

(Comms & Research Director, Disapora4DMB)

Kingsley Ahenkora-Duodu - UK

(Chairman, Diaspora4DMB)
In Jewish and Christian lore, King Solomon is credits with having achieved the highest IQ score of all times. While it is true that the practical contributions to civilization made by the wisdom literature of Solomon is negligible, there is still an abundance of sound advice in the books that bear his name. Case in point is his declaration that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun.

According to Solomon, there are seasons of birth, death, planting, uprooting, killing, healing, tearing down, building up, weeping, laughing, mourning, dancing, scattering, gathering, searching, giving up, keeping, throwing away, tearing, mending, silence, speaking, loving, hating, war and peace. The dualism in the mind of Solomon is on full display as he reminds us that life is punctuated by what we perceive as positive and negative occurrences.

Frilly, other earthly conceptions of life are therefore at odds with the best of Judeo-Christian spiritual traditions which make allowance for killing, scattering, tearing down, hating, and making war. Just a cursory reading of the Old Testament should be sufficient to dispel the notion that the religions of Judaism and Christianity are all about love, peace, joy, and happiness.

Since there is a time and a season for everything under the sun, people of African ancestry would do well to ponder what time and season we are currently living under. It cannot be denied that Black people on the continent of Africa and in the Diaspora have made some strides forward over the last century. The dismantling of apartheid in South Africa and the rise to power of the African National Congress signaled the end of open Caucasian political rule on the African continent.

Prior to the collapse of apartheid, the independence wave had swept away all the former colonial governments resulting in Black political rule in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 1980, Zimbabwe was the last former British colony to achieve its independence. In 1990, Namibia achieved its independence from Germany thus becoming the last African country to achieve independence.

Self-rule has proven to be both a blessing and a curse to many African nations as would be strong men, often backed by the military, assumed power and refuse to relinquish the scepter of authority. Africa has the dubious distinction of having some of the longest serving presidents in supposedly democratic countries. Not even monetary incentives have been sufficient to lure some African heads of state to peacefully transfer power after elections.

The lust and thirst for power among African politicians may very well be the Achilles heel of the African continent, home to many of the worlds poorest nations. African poverty persists in spite of the well know fact that Africa is one of the most mineral rich continents on the planet. The inability or reluctance of African leaders to forge political unions, thus creating more viable economic and military blocks in Africa, may have inadvertently activated the curse of the ancestor Kwame Nkrumah who prophesied that Africa would unite or perish.

Demographers seem to be in agreement that reproduction rates among Caucasians are well below the threshold needed to prevent population decline. A declining birth rate among Caucasians means that their societies will gradually become aging societies with a super abundance of geriatrics. In contrast, there is a population quake taking place on the African continent. It is estimated that if current birth trends continue on the African continent, by the end of this century, Africa could be home to a quarter of the global population.

The implications of such a staggering increase in the human resources on the African continent should be sufficient to persuade African politicians that a new paradigm of thought and action is necessary if a disaster of apocalyptic proportion is to be averted. If jobs and opportunities cannot be created for its growing population, the African continent could implode on itself as social unrest makes life unlivable and unbearable for a majority on the African continent.

This current time therefore has to be one of dynamism and change on the African continent. Both wealth and power have to be prized from the fingers of those who now have a death grip on the destiny of the people of Africa. If the United States of Africa is too ambitious a project for this time, then something less ambitious must be attempted. African nations should be thinking about collapsing their borders and pooling their resources to build needed infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

A well-equipped multinational military, dedicated to ensuring the security needs of each of the regions of Africa is a must, especially in an age where the threat of recolonization looms large. The African continent already has the manpower for the creation of a fearsome fighting force. What is lacking is the training and the modern weaponry to guarantee success on the battlefield. Acquiring the needed training and weapons should be one of the chief priorities of all the regions of the African Union.

Power will never be relinquished by its wielders without a fight. It is unreasonable for Africans or people of African ancestry to expect the traditional holders of power to just roll over and acquiesce to the just demands of the Black masses. Not only must people of African ancestry be prepared to wrest power from the hands of those who wield it, but we must also have a plan in place to counteract the backlash that is sure to come.

Lenrod Nzulu Baraka is the Founder of Afro-Caribbean Spiritual Teaching Center and the author of The Rebirth of Black Civilization: Making Africa and the Caribbean Great Again.
The Committee to Protect Journalists on Wednesday expressed concern that a South African high court judges temporary injunction if made final, against the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, a nonprofit investigative outlet, could imperil the countrys investigative journalism, journalists confidential sources, and whistleblowers.

In April, amaBhungane published a series of articles based on leaked documents about South African businessman Zunaid Moti and the Moti Group of companies, which he led as CEO until resigning in March. The Moti Group alleged a former employee stole those documents.

On May 30, the Moti Group launched an urgent application to be heard in secret, in terms of a legal process where no notice needs to be given to the other party concerned, to force amaBhungane to return the documents in its possession and to bar it from any further reporting on the company. On June 1, Judge John Holland-Muter granted an interim order effectively gagging amaBhungane until the matter could be argued in open court on October 3 and ordering it to return the documents within 48 hours, according to a report by the outlet and a statement by the industry body South African National Editors Forum. AmaBhunganes lawyer was only informed about the interim order after it was granted.

We hope that when the matter is fully ventilated in open court, investigative journalism in the public interest and the protection of confidential sources that are key to exposing massive alleged corruption in South Africa and elsewhere will be vindicated and not eroded, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator. Not to do so would mean any party can stop investigative journalists from exposing corruption or any other matter of public interest by claiming that the information relied upon is stolen, endangering the lives of whistleblowers or confidential sources by forcing disclosure.

Quintal has been an amaBhungane board member since October 2013.

David Frankel, executive director of The Sentry, a U.S. outlet that collaborated with amaBhungane on its investigations into the Moti Group, in an email to CPJ described amaBhunganes reporting as public interest journalism of the purest kind.

Questions about Moti Groups apparent payments to firms linked to the President and Vice President of Zimbabwe, a cozy relationship with an official at a major South African bank, and the financial motives behind donations to a Presidential candidate in Botswanathese are all important and appropriate subjects for investigative journalism, Frankel said.

Moti has denied the allegations of impropriety and state capture in media interviews, opinion articles, a TikTok campaign, and paid-for media articles, as reported by amaBhungane.

To protect its sources and not hand over the documents, as well as to continue reporting on the Moti Group, amaBhungane sought an urgent reconsideration of the order on Saturday morning, June 3, ahead of that evenings deadline to return the documents.

Judge Stephan van Nieuwenhuizen dealt only with the order to return the documents and granted a variation of the order. As a result, amaBhungane would not be compelled to hand over the documents, although the bar on publishing further articles would remain until the case was eventually heard in court.

Van Nieuwenhuizen reportedly said he could not understand how Holland-Muter granted the interim order and criticized Moti Groups legal representatives for being unreasonable.

While we are disappointed that the gag order issued against usunjustifiably and abusively in our viewremains in place for now, we will fight this in due course and believe todays variation was necessary to protect our sources, amaBhungane tweeted after the revised order was issued.

In its court papers filed on June 6 challenging the interim order, which CPJ reviewed, amaBhungane said that Section 16 of the South African Constitution permitted journalists to receive information from sources on a confidential basis.

Regardless of the manner in which information has been obtained by a source, it is not unlawful for journalists to hold any information provided by a source, provided they do so in the public interest, the outlet wrote in those court papers.

Journalists had a right and duty to keep their source material and the identity of anonymous sources confidential, the document said, adding that it was unlawful and unconstitutional to order a journalist to hand over their source material or identify a source to any other party.

A prior restraint on journalist publication can only be granted in exceptional circumstances and never without notice, the document said, adding that it was unlawful and unconstitutional to interdict a journalistic publication without notice, whether on an interim or final basis.

AmaBhungane is expected to return to court within the next few weeks.

In an opinion article published Sunday, Zunaid Moti said the legal dispute was in no way about supposedly gagging media but preventing journalists from reporting upon stolen information.

In that article, Moti accused amaBhungane of having used the flimsy excuse of public interest to participate in theft; published stolen, altered documents and convoluted conspiracy theories as fact; and has even gone as far as to share private banking details and other personal information on public platforms.

This justification was repeated in a statement to CPJ by the Moti Groups lawyer Ulrich Roux, which said the June 1 order was not a gagging order against the media and amaBhungane but had to be seen in the context of a clear case of theft committed by an ex-employee, who downloaded more than 4,000 editable Moti Group documents before resigning.

The statement said these documents included proprietary information and intellectual property, which could cause significant monetary damages to the group if confidentiality was not maintained, adding that the papers were not in the public interest and denied that the former employee was acting as a whistleblower.

In television interviews, Moti said the secrecy of the June 1 hearing was necessary because he believed amaBhungane could have concealed or destroyed the documents if they had received prior notice about the groups court action.

In an opinion column published Monday, William Bird, executive director of the local press rights group Media Monitoring Africa, labeled the June 1 interim court order a travesty of justice and said, Even if we accept this argument, had amaBhungane sought to delete the documents, they could still have concealed the material even after the order was granted.
Professor Frimpong Boateng, former Environment Minister

08.06.2023 LISTEN

Prof Frimpong Boateng, the former Environment Minister who was recently arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor says he has no regrets for the actions of his own party towards him.

Speaking to Accra-based JoyNews on Wednesday, June 7, Prof Boateng said he did what was best for Ghana.

According to him, he sees the action of government as an attempt to target to tarnish his image, particularly due to his boldness in exposing top officials in government engaging in illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

"What did Jesus gain by coming to die for us? It was sacrificial, I think of it that I tried to make Ghana a better place. I have no regrets. People Ghana is not worth dying for but it is precisely why you should," he stated.

He said he expected President Akufo-Addo to deal with the issues he raised in the report behind closed doors, not in the manner it is being handled.

"I was expecting that the issues raised would have been dealt with behind the scenes. I was never called for a discussion since I handed it over to the Chief of Staff two years ago," he added.

Prof Boateng who was granted bail of GH5 million maintains that "Ghanaians are worth dying for" and his arrest two weeks ago will not make him regret writing the damning illegal mining report that exposed high-profile persons in Akufo-Addos government.
The arrest of renowned heart surgeon and former Environment Minister, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng by the Office of the Special Prosecutor has been described as an unnecessary show of power and harassment.

Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, said in a Facebook post that Prof Frimpong Boateng could simply have been invited for questioning instead of arrest outright.

It is disrespectful and an unnecessary show of power as well as harassment to Prof Frimpong Boateng, Prof Gyampo wrote on Wednesday, June 7.

I am not a lawyer and I dont want to be one but I know that Prof Frimpong Boateng could have simply been invited. If he failed to honor the invitation, then the arrest could kick in, the political science expert stressed.

Prof Gyampo argued that the Special Prosecutors office is not truly independent from political control, and should not rush to please certain interests.

The Special Prosecutor must therefore tone down on his youthful exuberance and must not be rushing to please anybody because, the office is not independent after all, from the control of politicians, he said.

Prof Frimpong Boateng was invited for questioning by the Special Prosecutor over his explosive report he submitted to the presidency on illegal mining which indicted several government officials.

He was later granted bail, according to the former Environment Ministers account to the media.

We dont fight galamsey by harassing those who expose it, Mr Special Prosecutor. Wo rush a, wo be ti, to wo bo, na wo koraa wonny3 independent biaa saa! Prof Gyampo said in the local Twi language.

Prof Frimpong Boatengs arrest has raised concerns about the governments willingness to fight galamsey as many believe it was an attempt to silence him.
Ruined, bullet-pocked buildings line the stony track leading to the PK3 -- a makeshift camp housing tens of thousands of people that bears witness to one of the world's forgotten conflicts.

A decade ago, civil war broke out in the Central African Republic (CAR), one of the poorest and the most volatile countries in the world.

Over the years, the fighting has evolved and become less bloody but remains a catastrophic backdrop as rebels and Russian-backed troops battle for control.

The PK3 lies in Bria, more than 600 kilometres (375 miles) north of the capital Bangui -- "Sparkling Bria," as the town was once known, when it was the prosperous hub of the CAR's diamond mining industry.

Crowding: Children sit on the floor in the camp's primary school, which lacks desks and chairs. By Barbara DEBOUT (AFP)

A sea of tarpaulin roofs, sheltering flimsy homes built between channels dug out by tropical rains, greets the visitor.

"Around 32,000 people live in PK3," said Adama Banaon of the British-based charity Oxfam, whose work in the camp is part of an EU-funded project.

More than half of CAR's population of six million are short of food and need help and protection, according to the UN's humanitarian affairs agency OCHA.

One person in five has been displaced by conflict, either internally or fleeing to neighbouring nations.

'Everything changed'

Pauline Abrou, a woman in her fifties sitting outside a minute dwelling of two square metres (20 square feet), recalled the day when "everything changed".

Central African Republic. By (AFP)

Handicapped since early childhood when an accident deprived her of the use of her legs, Abrou was living in Bria, where she had a house and a tricycle that enabled her to get around and run a business.

In 2016, the town found itself in the centre of bloody clashes between rival militias, eager to get their hands on the local gold and diamond mines.

Four-fifths of the residents fled to ground close to a UN peacekeepers' base three kilometres outside of town.

This grew into PK3 -- the biggest displacement camp in the country.

"There was gunfire everywhere. The houses were being looted and people were getting killed. I couldn't walk because of my handicap but I had to flee because everyone had forgotten me in the panic," Abrou said.

During her flight, she had to abandon her precious tricycle and crawl to safety using her elbows.

Still deprived of mobility, she has to crawl today, even to reach the camp's filthy latrines.

Pauline Abrou, centre, speaking to neighbours at her home in the camp. By Barbara DEBOUT (AFP)

Abrou, wearing plum-coloured nail varnish and pretty golden earrings, had a mischievous smile, even though she admitted she saw no parting of the clouds that darken her future.

"I would like to get my old life back, but I've got no money and no home -- what can I do?" she asked.

Wagner

Rene Modeste Manda Poua, a 73-year-old village chief, is among the tens of thousands of displaced people who live in the camp. He shows the title deed of a piece of land that he owns.. By Barbara DEBOUT (AFP)

Government troops, supported by Russian Wagner paramilitaries, wrested control of the mines from the militia groups in 2021.

Today, most of the mines are being run by companies that are reputedly linked to Wagner -- an association that chimes with accusations by the UN, NGOs and western countries which say President Faustin Archange Touadera has traded the CAR's mineral wealth for the Kremlin's support.

Work opportunities in the mines for people in the camp are meagre, and the forests and fields in the region are dangerous as they are used as boltholes by the rebels.

Despite help from international organisations, life in the camp is grindingly hard, said Banaon.

People wait in line for morning water distribution at the PK3. By Barbara DEBOUT (AFP)

Water, sanitation, food and schools are all lacking, and "rape, violence against women and girls, drug and alcohol abuse" are chronic, he said.

Underpinning the concern is lack of money.

After being considered a global priority in 2013, the CAR slipped down the pecking order and today has been overshadowed by "new" crises such as Ukraine and Sudan, Banaon said.

A UN "humanitarian response plan" for 2023, which aims at supporting 2.4 million of the most vulnerable people in CAR, has so far only attracted a quarter of the needed budget, OCHA said last month.
A former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has taken a swipe at government following his invitation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor to answer some questions regarding his bombshell report on galamsey.

He cautioned government officials to be mindful of their actions as they will not be in power forever.

The former Chairman of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) was invited by the OSP in May, to answer questions regarding his report, and was later released on a GH2 million bail.

The renowned Heart Surgeon in a 37-page document accused government officials of engaging in galamsey or interfering in his work

Speaking in an interview on Joy News, Prof Frimpong Boateng said he feels victimized by his invitation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

These are monies belonging to the people, and so we should all account for our stewardship. If I have done anything wrong, I will go before the court and answer questions. This should apply to everyone.

"Those who are in charge now should also know that at some point they will be at the other end. If you are on one side of the table, at another point in time you may be at the other end. And you will also be receiving questions. So whatever you are doing, we should be clever that you are doing everything in the interstate of Ghana.

Among the persons mentioned in the report included a leading member of the New Patriotic Party, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Director of Operations at the Presidency, Lord Commey, Information Minister, Oppong Nkrumah, and a host of others.

All the persons mentioned have denied the allegations.

The renowned Heart Surgeon had earlier justified his report saying he had to be brutally honest with the President. Professor Frimpong-Boateng also denied leaking the report to the public.

According to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, the report was handed over to personnel of the Criminal Investigations Department during investigations on some missing excavators.

Many stakeholders including politicians have opined that his report merits interrogation.

-citinewsroom
Richard Ahiagbah

08.06.2023 LISTEN

Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has urged eligible voters in the Assin North Constituency to vote for the partys candidate in the upcoming by-election.

According to him, nobody should have sympathy for embattled James Gyakye Quayson whose initial election as MP for the Constituency was declared null and void by the Supreme Court.

In a post on Twitter on Thursday, June 8, Richard Ahiagbah said the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is the problem of Assin North.

He argues that James Gyakye Quayson has made Assin North a victim of his deceit and self-promotion.

Gyakye Quayson is not a victim, he is the problem of Assin North. He broke the law and has made Assin North a victim of his deceit and self-promotion.

Vote NPP's Charles Opoku for the continuous development of Assin North, Richard Ahiagbah said in his post.

The Electoral Commission is scheduled to hold the Assin North by-election on June 27.

The NDC is keen on retaining the seat but the ruling NPP has vowed to snatch back the seat.

The party has also called on the Ghana Police Service to ensure an incident-free by-election.
The Senior Pastor of the Assemblies of God Central Region 'A' (Powerline Chapel) at Gomoa Aboso in the Gomoa Central District, Rev. Daniel Oduro has encouraged Ghanaians to honour their tax obligation in order to boost the local economy and also facilitate national development.

In his view, every Ghanaian should honour his or her tax obligation in whatever form to improve infrastructure development.

Preaching at a ceremony to mark the mid-year harvest and launch of the 40th Anniversary celebration of Powerline Chapel branch of the Assemblies of God at Gomoa Aboso last Sunday, Rev. Daniel Oduro noted that the growth of the church and the nation largely depends on funding support.

"While the nation needs money for its developmental projects, the Church also needs money for projects and for propagating the Gospel of Christ as well as to support the needy and vulnerable in society.

"As Ghanaians, we therefore ought to meet our tax obligations in whatever capacity we find ourselves be it in the church, our communities or at the national level.

"It is unfortunate that many people refuse to pay taxes in whatever form, be it in the church, community or national level yet they expect growth and infrastructure development.

"Those of us who are Christians should contribute our quota to the growth of the Church and Evangelism programmes and activities s well as support the needy and vulnerable in society. That is our core mandate," he stated.

On the launch of the 40th Anniversary celebration of Powerline Chapel, Rev. Daniel Oduro noted that the celebration itself would be celebrated in the early part of next year, 2024 adding that programmes and activities had been put in place towards the event which would attract several personalities.

He mentioned among other activities a clean up exercise, free health screening, public education and sensitization of the public to live godly lives to enhance coexistence in the society.

Rev. Daniel Oduro bemoaned anti-social lifestyles like LGBTQ+ saying it was a demonic practice which must be condemned by society.

"I hate that name and wished it doesn't exist. It is a demonic practice being used by the Antichrist. There is nothing like Human Rights when it comes to LGBTQ+ it should not be entertained among gospel believers. It is simply demonic," Rev. Daniel Oduro emphasized.

A Senior Pastor of Gomoa Buduatta and Gomoa Dabenyin branch of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Stanley Kliutse stressed the need for Christians to strive hard to face any economic situation with the belief that God can change the situation.

"Every Christian can be blessed only if they obey the Commandment of God for He will never fail His promises to his people," the Senior Pastor noted.

An 8-Member Planning Committee led by Mr. Maxwell Obeng, a Banker by profession was inaugurated to oversee programmes and activities for the 40th anniversary celebration of Powerline Chapel Church scheduled for early next year.

Mr. Maxwell Obeng in an interview with Newsmen noted that the Committee seeks to mobilize enough resources to ensure a well-organized anniversary celebration.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, will appear before Parliament today, Thursday, 8 June 2023.

The Communications Minister will be expected to brief the house on details on the SIM card re-registration.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, together with some 8 million SIM subscribers, had his SIM deactivated.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, speaking on the floor of Parliament bemoaned the deactivation of unregistered SIM cards and blamed the National Identification Authority (NIA) for failing to issue Ghana Cards to the affected people.

Peoples livelihoods have been affected, and peoples mobile monies have been stuck on their cards. It is important that this House takes into consideration that the National Identification Authority has failed to issue any Ghanaian citizen a Ghana Card in any district office in December 2022, so it is not the fault of any Ghanaian that they have not been able to register their SIM card, the lawmaker said.

On Wednesday, 31 May 2023, all users of unregistered SIM cards were disabled from receiving or making phone calls.

This came on the back of a directive from the NCA.

Such SIM card users, therefore, have their numbers deactivated and removed according to the directive from the NCA.

The Director General of the NCA, Joseph Anokye, at a press conference held on Wednesday, 26 April 2023, revealed that 11 million unregistered SIM cards will be deactivated.

Mr Anokye had said: If you are part of this 11 million you are not exempted.

If you are not a foreign diplomat, you are not a refugee, you will be delinked if you do not register.

Despite an earlier decision to delete all unregistered SIM cards by Monday, 17 April 2023, it was reversed after consultations.

-classfmonline.com
Africa is often portrayed as a continent ravaged by war, terrorism, poverty and political instability. But over the past five decades few violent conflicts have occurred between states. In Europe, for comparison, there have been more than 25 inter-state conflicts since 1945.

It's true that Africa has seen 214 coups, the most of any region; 106 have been successful. Out of 54 countries on the African continent, 45 have had at least one coup attempt since 1950.

West Africa, a region of 16 independent states, has experienced 53 successful and 40 failed coups since 1950. There are also cross-border security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, piracy and the wide presence of arms .

But, since independence in the late 1950s, the region's countries have not gone to war with one another  except for a minor armed confrontation between Burkina Faso and Mali in 1985.

In a recent paper we explored the possible reasons for this. As scholars studying the political dynamics of west Africa, we arrived at our insights by analysing historical data, diplomatic interactions and scholarly research.

We found evidence that the principles of non-aggression and peaceful settlement of disputes defined the relationships between west African countries. The 15 states under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) positively identify with the fate of others in the bloc. The regional body was formed in 1975 by west African countries seeking to promote economic development.

We found a strong correlation between decades of regional cooperation and the rarity of conflicts between states in west Africa.

We conclude that systemic cooperation between states in the region has led to a collective identity forming over time. A sense of community has developed. The community has developed conflict management mechanisms. This has prevented members from going into war.

This finding highlights the importance of collaboration and diplomacy in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts.

Making sense of the ECOWAS peace

Regional dynamics and historical factors shape conflict, as can be seen in the Horn of Africa. That region has witnessed conflicts between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and between Ethiopia and Somalia, for example.

In the west African region, we found that the security arrangements agreed under ECOWAS have helped to foster peace between states.

The ECOWAS agreement was updated in 1993. It includes principles that were absent in the earlier pact. Among them are:

solidarity and collective self-reliance

non-aggression between member states

promotion and strengthening of good neighbourliness to maintain regional peace, stability and security

peaceful settlement of disputes among member states

active cooperation between neighbouring countries

promotion of a peaceful environment as a prerequisite for economic development.

This has led to west African countries choosing peaceful dispute resolution over sovereignty. For example, a border dispute between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire was settled in 2017 through an international tribunal. This approach has prevented violent conflicts.

A key factor is that member states have mechanisms for settling disputes peacefully. In both Liberia's and Sierra Leone's wars, which threatened to engulf other countries in the region, ECOWAS used these settlement mechanisms. It deployed military troops to supervise ceasefires brokered by the then Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings .

Another factor is what in our study we call pan-West Africanism. We describe this as a regional version of pan-Africanism that emphasises unity and collaboration among countries. In practice it has facilitated trade, cultural exchanges and diplomatic collaborations. It has also created a sense of shared identity and solidarity among member countries.

We argue that the idea of pan-West Africanism has promoted regional solidarity and reduced the possibility of violence in inter-state relations. It is not just a philosophy, but a practical approach to regional integration and cooperation.

Conclusion

Our paper supports the argument that systemic cooperation among states can lead to a collective identity forming over time.

This has happened with the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Their collective identities are based on norms that reflect the history and political cultures of their member states.

The importance of shared identity and peaceful coexistence is often overlooked in explaining complex international relations. But it's essential in understanding the relations of west African states.

Abubakar Abubakar Usman is a research fellow with International Islamic University Malaysia Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance (IIiBF) and affiliated with the Asia Middle East Centre for Research and Dialogue (AMEC).

By Abubakar Abubakar Usman, Researcher, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia)
France is sending immediate aid to Ukraine after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which caused flooding, forcing people to spend the night on roofs and trees, and cut off drinking water and irrigation for tens of thousands of people in the Russian-controlled Kherson region.

Following a phone call with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron said he was sending aid to meet immediate needs, calling the destruction of the damn an atrocious act, which is endangering populations.

Zelensky told Macron of the environmental and humanitarian consequences of breach of the hydroelectric dam on the Dnipro River in Ukraine's Kherson region now held by Russia, which was ripped open early Tuesday after a reported blast.

Flood waters forced people to spend the night on roofs and trees.

Tens of thousands affected

Flooding was expected to peak on Wednesday. The Ukrainian government estimated that around 42,000 people would be directly impacted and hundreds and thousands would be left without access to drinking water, with irrigation severely hampered.

The French foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that it would be sending a dozen tonnes of emergency products and equipment, including water purifiers, hygiene kits and 500,000 water purification pills.

Macron's office said that in a phone call with UN chief Antonio Guterres, he asked for aid for the Ukrainian population affected by the floods living in areas controlled by the Russian army.

Trading blame

Ukraine and Russia have been accusing each other for the breach.

"We discussed the possibility of using international mechanisms to investigate its causes," Zelensky said about his conversation with Macron, on Twitter.

The Kremlin said in a statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, in his first public comments since the breach, told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that the breach was "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe".

(with newswires)
I promised my family I was not going to cry, so I'll soldier on  Jones Dotse (Acting Chief Justice)



Jones Vector Mawulorm Dotse goes into history as a Ghanaian who has played with the law for forty-five (45) years; and there have been others who have done same for more or less years, but he retires chest out, and Ghanaians will remember him for the significant words: create, loot and share in the Woyome scandal.

And did Jones want to cry? Why not! He cannot forget the noble words of Charles Dickens: Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth overlying our hard hearts, or the sobering words of immortal William Shakespeare: What I should say my tears gainsay; for every word I speak, Ye see, I drink the water of mine eyes.

Thus, when you suppress tears, you miss out a whole range of benefits-tears help to regulate your own distress. Or to sound hyper-scientific, tears activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), helping you to relax; they relieve pain when the oxytocin and endorphins are released-to reduce pain and release stress so much for the emotional outbursts.

Jones tells a bitter tale of losing his father in 1969 when he was in Secondary School form 3 (and that was the time a student took O levels at form 5) and he did two years at Accra Academy to sit the A levels. So, you can assess the agony of a single motherthat was the time PNDC Law III (Intestate Succession Law of 1985) had not come into being. Then you get to understand Jones's input in Mensah v Mensah (2011) J4/20/2011 (2012 GHASC 8 22nd February 2012).

He prefaces the judgement with a quote from Lord Denning in his 1954 book: Landmarks in the Law: on charge in attitude of the British people to divorce: There is only a loose piece of string which the parties can untie at will. Divorce is not a stigma. It has become respectable. One parent family abound.

In the judgement, Jones stated, We believe that common sense, and principle of general fundamental human rights require that a person who is married to another, and performs various household chores for the other partner like keeping the home, washing and keeping the laundry generally clean, cooking and taking care of the partner's catering needs as well as those of the visitors, raising up of the children in a congenial atmosphere and generally supervising the home such that the other partner has a free hand to engage in economic activities must not be discriminated against in the distribution of properties acquired during the marriage when the marriage is dissolved

That was the time our laws were insisting on substantial contribution of a wife to the acquisition of property before a wife had a share as in Abebrese v Kaah and others (1976) 2 GLR 46. It is argued that though the couple may understand each other, the influence of family relations, friends and acquaintances cannot be discounted.

Jones, born on 8th June, 1953 a native of Kpando schooled at Kpando Secondary School and Accra Academy, then went to the University of Ghana to study law. Called to the Bar in 1978 it was in 1976 when he met the outgone Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah, at Commonwealth Hall where they both adopted the Hall's Motto: Truth Stands as a guiding principle. John Donne had written, And what the hills suddenness resists, winne so, Yet strive so, that before age, deaths twilight, Thy Soule rest, for none can worke in that night.

One would recount Jones's stint at the Attorney General's Department from 1979 to 1981 and his private practice at Mawulorm Chambers as a private practitioner and his role as President of the Ghana Bar then being recommended by the Bar Council as a High Court Judge in 2002 together with Anin Yeboah, Marful Sau, Francis Korbieh and others. In 2003, he was promoted to the Court of Appeal, under the Kufour's NPP government.

On 24th May, 2023, with the exit of Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, Jones became the Acting Chief Justice in accordance with Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution which states: Where the office of Chief Justice is vacant, or where the Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office (a) until a person has been appointed to, and has assumed the functions of that office; or (b) until the person, holding that office; has resumed the function of that office; as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by the most senior of the Justices of the Supreme Court.

One can say Jones is a veteran, having undertaken legal courses in places like the United States of America, Canada, Nigeria, Liberia and, of course, Ghana. He was Chairman of the Governing Board of the Judicial Training Institute in Accra, Chairman of the University Council of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho.

Yonny Kulendi who left a thriving private practice to take an oath of poverty and service at the Bench upon the command of Jones says: I feel really orphaned with Jones's exit. Yonny Kulendi will miss (Jones's) guidance. Yonny discloses: You must each find in your life and space, a man or woman who can command you on major decisions of your life.

For those who have been wondering and still wondering why l left, by the Grace of God, a reasonably  thriving life at the Bar, and took what I call an oath of poverty and service that reason is my Lord Justice Dotse. He commanded me and l do not have an iota of regret that l obeyed. My Lord, thank you for commanding me, and today, in private conversations, I still address him as 'Papa', but he addresses me as my brother.

Enlogising the Acting C.J., the Attorney General and Minister of Justice said Jones was a Judge's Judge, a lawyer's judge, and a litigant's judge all rolled into one The Attorney-General averred that Jones had gravity and patience for all expect the pompous and disrespectful.

The Chief Justice nominee Gertrude Araba Torkono had this to say about Jones: One only has to encounter his desperate quest to overcome abuse with justice in decisions such as Board of Governors Achimota School v Nii Aku Nortey II, Platinum Equity Limited and Land Commission, Martin Alamisi Amidu v The Attorney General, Waterville Holdings (BVI) Limited and Alfred Agbesi Woyomoe to understand the Fighter for justice for the deprived in the nation in Jones Dotse.Jones was full of praise for his family his mother and his wife for their roles in making him what he is.

As he retires home to rest from his sojourn, we wish Jones a warm welcome to the Retirees'Club and say with Fred Rogers: Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else

Africanus Owusu Ansah

[email protected]
The Deputy Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ernest Owusu Bempah has said the allegations made by the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Sammy Gyamfi against the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) and the ruling NPP is childish.

He said it was a strategy by the NDC to create the impression in the minds of Assin North constituents that something illegal is being orchestrated by the EC regarding the upcoming June 27 Assin-North by-election.

Addressing the issue with Roland Walker on TV3 Morning Show on Thursday, June 8, the Deputy Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party stated there are well-resourced people in the National Democratic Party who should know better than engaging in what he described as "childish gimmicks."

This is a childish strategy, he is a lawyer and he is supposed to know better. That is their strategy to create a certain impression in the minds of the people of Assin North.

The NDC has intelligent men and women, they have big lawyers in the party and they allow this statement to come out, Owusu Bempah stated.

He further stated the NDC has nothing new to offer constituents of Assin North.

The NDC has nothing to offer the people of Assin, they were in power but they didnt do anything for them, Owusu Bempah said.

Mr. Bempah was responding to Sammy Gyamfi's claim that the NPP had conspired with the Electoral Commission to smuggle Charles Opoku into the voters' roll the EC had refuted.

This illegal move is to aid the said Charles Opoku to contest in the NPP Parliamentary primaries to select a candidate for the upcoming Assin North by-election.

Our unimpeachable sources have revealed that contrary to the clear requirement on the nomination form for the Assin North by-election, which demands that a candidate in the election must be a registered voter in Assin North, the said Charles Opoku is not a registered voter in the Assin North Constituency, Sammy Gyamfi stated.

The EC dismissed the claim in a statement saying, For the records, the EC has not received any such request from the NPP to transfer the votes of any person. This allegation is false and a figment of the authors imagination. As usual, it is aimed at maligning the integrity of the Electoral Commission.

Per Article 94 of the 1992 Constitution, a person does not need to be a registered voter in a particular constituency to enable him/ her to contest an election in that constituency.
Political Science Professor Ransford Yaw Gyampo has admonished the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng to tread cautiously, particularly when he is not independent after all.

The Special Prosecutor must therefore tone down on his youthful exuberance and must not be rushing to please anybody because, the office is not independent after all, from the control of politicians, Prof Gyampo wrote on Thursday, June 8.

The write-up follows the arrest and subsequent granting of bail of former Environment Minister Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

According to Prof Frimpong-Boateng, he found it strange when he honoured an invitation by the Office only to be told he was under arrest.

Prof Gyampo believes the approach by the OSP is wrong as the venerable professor cannot be arrested when he had honoured the invitation extended to him.

Indeed he can be invited to assist in investigations but he cannot be arrested without being charged, the Political Scientist wrote.

It is disrespectful and an unnecessary show of power as well as harassment to Prof Frimpong Boateng.

I am not a lawyer and I don't want to be one but I know that Prof Frimpong Boateng could have simply been invited. If he failed to honor the invitation, then the arrest could kick in.

Prof Gyampo recalled how the first advocates of constitutional review wanted an independent prosecutor and never a Special Prosecutor who would walk in the shadows of a partisan Attorney-General.

He later wrote: We asked for the separation of the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice and the creation of an Independent Public Prosecutor who cannot be ordered by the Attorney General to pursue a case or discontinue it.

-3news.com
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Officer for Ashaiman Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Joseph Awuku, has called on the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ashaiman to stop sleeping on the job and attend to the needs of the people of Ashaiman.

According to Mr Awuku, many New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters in the area are not happy about the lethargic nature of the MCE.

He said there is nothing of note going on under the leadership of the MCE, Albert Boakye Okyere.

He said the MCE is sleeping on the job, citing bad roads, among others.

Mr Awuku spoke as a panellist on the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman on Accra 100.5 on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

He said that the MCE is not doing enough for the people of Ashaiman.

He stressed that the area is engulfed with filth and nobody seems to care about the levels of filth in the area.

He served notice of mobilising the youth to organise a mammoth demonstration against the MCE.

He said the ineptitude of the MCE is legendary.

He alleged that the NPP Chairman for Ashaiman is silently complaining about the MCEs attitude towards the development of the area.

We will force the MCE to do the needful, Mr Awuku concluded

-Classfmonline.com
Ernest Owusu Bempah, the deputy Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed confidence in their party's ability to win the seat and break the eight-year cycle of governance.

During an interview on TV3's 'New Day' morning show, Mr Bempah conveyed the NPP's assurance to the Ghanaian people that the Party will emerge victorious in the by-election and use it as evidence of their ability to break the eight-year electoral cycle.

The NPP Deputy Communications Director confidently said, Were assuring the people of Ghana that were going to win that seat and send a message that were breaking the eight. The people of Ghana believe in us and they know that any of the candidates that the NPP will elect as a flag bearer will win and win the 2024 elections.

Mr Bempah further disclosed his active work in the Assin North constituency saying, I'll be there [Assin North]. I was there and I came back last week and Im going back to work with them. I was at Kumawu for one month working and I told the journalists out there that were going to win a landslide.

He highlighted the credibility of the NPP candidate, Charles Opoku, and the trust the people of Assin North have placed in him.

This time around, our candidate Charles Opoku is credible and the people of Assin North have confidence in him and we believe that hes going to win and win convincingly, Bempah said confidently.

He continued, If not for a landslide, hell win overwhelming votes for the people of Assin North to come and lead and make sure that hell bring development to the people of Assin North.
Battles have been raging in Sudan's war-torn capital of Khartoum since last Tuesday with no sign of the violence abating. Other regions are also experiencing prolonged battles, especially Darfur.

Witnesses described "the sound of heavy artillery fire" in northern Khartoum, and "clashes with various types of weapons" in south Khartoum.

In the city centre, at the confluence of the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers, the island of Tuti is also "under total siege" by RSF forces, residents said.

Paramilitaries have also blocked the only bridge to the island. Residents say they cannot move the sick or wounded to hospitals, and worry about looting or stores running out of food.

Dozens of women have reported attacks and even rape in their homes at the hands of military and paramilitary forces.

Ten people from the Democratic Republic of Congo were also killed last Sunday afternoon in an army attack on Khartoum's International University of Africa.

The conflict has now entered its eighth weeks with fighting between the army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Marina Peter, chair of the Sudan and South Sudan Forum, told RFI that "the conflict is only set to last at this stage. It was predictable as the belligerents crave power and have no respect for civilians."

Since the fighting began on April 15, more than 1,800 people have been killed, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.

War crime in Darfur

Outside of the capital, the western region of Darfur has seen the worst of the fighting.

This week, fighting left at least 23 dead and dozens injured in the city of Kotom alone, according to a provisional count by the regional government. It is difficult to know the real number of victims, its spokesperson said.

Aid workers and journalists estimate that 2000 injured people have no access to medical care.

Mass rapes are again being reported in Darfur, according to the UN Women representative in Sudan, Adjaratou Ndiaye.

"In Darfur, the situation is even worse because it was never peaceful," Sudan's expert Marina Peter told RFI. "Now the militia are trying to arm everyone, and even medical facilities are being targeted."

Fleeing for life

Most have been trying to flee.

The United Nations says that more than a million and a half people have now been displaced, within the country or across its borders. More than 425,000 people have fled to Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.

Some 25 million people, more than half the population, are now in need of aid and protection.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed deep worries on Tuesday.

"We face a massive humanitarian crisis that is only going to get worse with the collapse of the economy, one of their spokespersons said, a collapse of the health care system."

There's an urgent need for a massive injection of funds, according to the IFRC. The UN has also appealed for financing, as the fighting shows no signs of abating.

Washington slapped sanctions on the two warring generals last week, blaming both sides for the "appalling bloodshed" after the US- and Saudi-brokered truce collapsed.

The Sudanese army pulled out of ceasefire talks altogether.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants to convince them to commit to new talks, during his visit to Saudi Arabia this week.

(with newswires)
The outgoing Senior Prefect of the Tamale Technical Institute (TTI) and Vice President of DASA, Mr. Ibrahim Alhassan has congratulated the newly elected prefects of the school.

The outgoing prefect in an interaction with the new prefects, he advised them to prioritize the welfare of students and the growth of the Institute.

He urged them to continue with his legacy by creating a loving and kind environment to enhance togetherness and respect for all.

Mr. Ibrahim expressed confidence in the new leadership, urging them to remain resolute and united behind the school management to achieve academic excellence.

According to him, his three years stay in the Institute have been impactful and helpful to his growth, adding that I have become a lot more confident and comfortable with myself.

To me the first and possibly most important part of leadership is believing that you can do whatever it is that you trying to. Even if you only believe there is a small chance of achieving your goal, trusting that you can do it is so important. The attitude that you enter a project with will not just impact the outcome but also how the people around you will work, and it all starts with believing that somehow you will be able to do it  maybe not the way you initially thought but somehow.

"This is something I have worked on a lot as Senior Prefect and I hope that this idea is something that will help some of you in the future, Mr. Ibrahim advised.

He wished the new prefect and his team the best of luck, I am sure they will do an incredible job just like we have done, my doors will be open to them for assistance.

Mr. Ibrahim thanked the school management and his colleague prefects for the support they have given and all the great work.

Though I encountered few fallouts, but due to the support and guidance of my teachers, housemasters, colleague prefects and the school principal I have been able to make a mark as a students leader, I would love to say a huge thank you, he stated.

He used the opportunity to thank the management of the Institute especially the principal and his subordinates for their elderly support.

You see my tenure in office wouldn't had been successful without the support of the management, colleagues prefects and some matured minds, I didn't use my position to eat and sleep, I championed a right course that only intended to yield positive result for students, though the process wasn't easy but Allah and time will vindicate me, I wish each and everyone among the school management the very best of luck, he emphasised.
Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has said the decision regarding the removal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta must be finalized by the entire Majority caucus.

In 2022, several MPs from the NPP petitioned the President to dismiss the Finance Minister, citing mismanagement of the economy.

Responding to the #Kenmustgo movement, the Suame MP explained that the fate of the Finance Minister would depend on the collective decision of the NPP caucus and a potential discussion with the President after successfully negotiating the $3 billion dollar deal with the International Monetary Fund.

As for the state of the #Kenmustgo uprising, that one will have to be determined by the caucus. Lets leave it to what determination the caucus will come up with. As you rightly said, it started by a few people and became the position of the entire caucus. The entire caucus may have to engage and know the way forward.

He added, Its only a madman who doesnt change his mind. We will engage the entire caucus and also maybe meet President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo if it becomes necessary. Its good to let sleeping dogs lie sometimes.

But we should also consider. The President said let him conclude our engagement with the IMF, have we finished our engagement with IMF? That is another question, so we are where we are.

-citinewsroom
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has asked the Supreme Court to provide clarity on its directive to Parliament to expunge the name of the then Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, from its records.

This comes after some Members of Parliament raised concerns about how to implement the order of the Supreme Court since the standing orders of the house do not provide a clear path on such a directive.

Reacting to the matter, the Speaker of Parliament, said all activities the ousted Assin North MP engaged in since January 2021 would hold until steps are taken on the way forward.

What has just happened is strong evidence that there is a need for clarification. Dont forget that the order is predicated on a number of declaratory rulings by the court, it was not given in isolation. There were four earlier declaratory judgements before the order came as the fifth. The other declaratory judgements said the election of the member was unconstitutional. As a result of that, it was null and void and of no effect.

The order did not say the Speaker should expunge [his name]. It did not say any Member of Parliament or Clerk should expunge [the name], it says the institution called Parliament. So that institution must carry out the order. The only way the institution can carry out the order is for the institution to reason together. And that is only done in a sitting where the opportunity is given to members to think through it.

I dont want to assume powers that are not clearly spelt out in any law. So I did indicate and mentioned to some members of the Supreme Court that there is a need for clarification, he added.

Background

The Supreme Court in May 2023 ordered Parliament to remove James Gyakye Quayson's name from its records as the Member of Parliament for Assin North.

Parliament then declared the seat vacant which paves the way for a by-election on June 27.

The Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Quayson was not qualified to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections in the Assin North Constituency at the time he filed his nomination forms on October 9, 2020.

The Court found that Mr. Quayson had not shown evidence of renouncing his Canadian citizenship, and that the Electoral Commission had granted him permission to contest the election without this evidence.

The Court further ruled that Mr. Quayson's election as Member of Parliament for Assin North Constituency was unconstitutional.

The 7-member Court in a unanimous ruling stated that the qualification of holding only Ghanaian citizenship must be present at the time of nomination, and not any date thereafter.

The Court also held that any person, who has obtained citizenship of another country other than Ghana, and who files for nomination with the Electoral Commission to contest for election as a Member of Parliament will not be qualified to contest for elections unless and until they show a record from the alternate State that they no longer hold the citizenship of that State as at the date of filing their nominations with the Electoral Commission.

Since Mr. Quayson had not received his certificate of renunciation as a Canadian citizen as of October 9, 2020, he was not qualified to be a Member of Parliament at the time he filed his nomination papers, at the time he stood for election, and at the time he was declared as elected Member of Parliament.

This court has to, therefore, reiterate its earlier conclusion that the qualification of holding only Ghanaian citizenship must be present at the time of nomination, and not any date thereafter  in this case by 9th October 2020.

Since the 1st defendant had not received his certificate of renunciation as a Canadian citizen as of 9th October 2020, then he was not qualified to be a Member of Parliament at the time that he filed his nomination papers, at the time he stood for elections, and at the time he was declared as elected Member of Parliament, because he owed allegiance to another country as at 9th October 2020, the date when he should have satisfied the qualification criteria.
Parliament says it will reject the Electoral Commissions (EC) new Constitutional Instrument (CI) seeking to make the Ghana card the only primary document for voter registration.

Addressing Parliamentary Press Corps at a Leaders Media Briefing in Parliament House on Wednesday, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader said failure by the EC to take onboard proposed changes by the House would see the CI rejected.

Parliament through Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, had written to the EC asking for the restoration of the guarantor system during the voting process.

However, the EC in its response noted that it would submit the CI without the changes proposed by the House.

Consequently, the two leaders of the various caucuses explained that since the EC was independent, failure to listen to the concerns of Parliament would result in the rejection of the CI.

The reality is the EC is the authority charged with the responsibility to bring this instrument, what we have done is to make proposals to them. Do not forget that the constitution is emphatic that in the performance of its function, the EC is not subject to the direction or control of anybody.

So, whereas we think that the suggestions we have given to them may further improve what they intend to, it is for them to evaluate our proposal and see how to factor them into their Instrument before submitting it to us, Mr Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said.

If after they have done the appropriate consultations and considerations, they think that they are good with the original, it is left to them. But if they submit it to us, it should not be the end of it, we will then peruse it to see whether it finds congruence with our proposals and if it does not and we have to return it or annul it, it is the preserve of Parliament so to do, Dr Forson said.

The Leaders Media Briefing is a periodic engagement between the Leadership of the House and the Media at the beginning of every Meeting of Parliament to outline the framework of the Meeting.

It also serves as a platform of interaction between the Leaders, the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament, and the Parliamentary Press Corps.

GNA
This week, we continue to explore the topic of political leadership on the African continent. We assess one of the questions in our food for thought last week and postulate one important leadership quality we believe is essential to lead Ghana. In doing so, we delve into the lives of two leaders of Ghana we consider as generational leaders and project one leadership trait they shared even though they led Ghana in different eras.

In the quest for progress and development, countries often find themselves at crossroads, faced with the challenge of choosing a leader who will steer them towards prosperity. While intellectual brilliance and innovative ideas are highly valued in leadership, there are times when unwavering belief in the success of a nation can be even more crucial. This article submits that Ghana needs a leader who possesses a zealous passion for their country, someone who embodies the spirit of Ghanaian zealots like Kwame Nkrumah and Jerry John Rawlings, rather than simply relying on an individual with good ideas or who are able to think out good campaign promises.

A Ghana zealot is a leader who is unyielding in their conviction that their country can achieve greatness.

This person exudes unwavering patriotism, believing in Ghana's potential and rallying others to embrace the same fervor. Their infectious enthusiasm instills a sense of hope, motivation, and unity within the nation, transcending individual interests and inspiring collective action. A Ghana zealot is one who does not leave other options open except the success of Ghana. One whose only path to success rest on the success of Ghana and is therefore willing to risk everything to ensure that Ghana succeeds. While a Ghana zealot may not possess the academic brilliance of an Einstein, their unmatched dedication to Ghana's success drives them to find innovative solutions and surround themselves with people with the best ideas as well as recruit people who are most capable to execute the Ghana agenda.

Their visionary leadership is rooted in a profound belief that the country's potential can be unleashed through the collective efforts of its citizens.

Undoubtedly, a leader with a brilliant mind and innovative ideas can contribute significantly to a nation's progress. Einstein himself was a visionary who revolutionized our understanding of the universe. However, intellectual brilliance alone does not guarantee effective leadership. A leader's ability to inspire, motivate, and unite the people is equally vital. The danger of relying solely on the intellect of a leader is that brilliance can sometimes lead to arrogance or detachment from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. While innovative ideas are essential, they must be grounded in an unwavering commitment to the well-being

and progress of the nation. A leader who is disconnected from the people's aspirations and lacks a deep-seated belief in the country's potential may struggle to bring about meaningful change.

History has shown us the power of zealotry in driving transformative change. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Lee Kuan Yew were driven by an unwavering belief in their respective nations' success. Their unyielding dedication to their countries inspired citizens to work towards a common goal, overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Ghana has been fortunate to have witnessed the leadership of individuals who embodied the spirit of Ghanaian zealots. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, and Jerry John Rawlings, a former president, both

possessed an unwavering belief in the success of their nation. Their commitment to Ghana's progress and their visionary leadership serves as inspiration for the nation.

Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, exemplified the Ghana zealot ideology. Haven completed his studies in Britain, he could have opted for the safer bet of securing a better life for himself by staying in Britain or returning to the US where he initially emigrated to. However, he chose to return to Ghana. After returning to Ghana, he could have opted to side with the elite in begging the colonial government for independence, but that too was not an option for a Ghana zealot like Nkrumah. Instead, he decided to bear it all and spearheaded the country's independence movement mostly at the peril of his life.

In doing so, he became a symbol of African unity and self-determination. Nkrumah's relentless belief in Ghana's greatness led him to push for industrialization, education reform, and infrastructure development after independence. His unwavering commitment to the country's success laid the groundwork for Ghana's progress, inspiring generations to come.

Another Ghanaian leader who exemplified the spirit of a Ghana zealot was Jerry John Rawlings, a former president. Unlike Nkrumah, Rawlings did not attain the educational heights of the elite but his devotion to Ghana was unmatched. At a time when his countrymen who could afford to, left the country drove while those who could not afford to lived in despair,

Rawlings exhibited courage and believe in Ghana by leading several revolts against the establishment. Upon attaining the leadership mantel in Ghana, his commitment to social justice and anti-corruption efforts showcased his unwavering belief in the potential of Ghanaians to create a better nation. Rawlings' leadership demonstrated that a Ghana zealot does not only possess unwavering belief but also takes concrete actions to create an environment conducive to progress.

Both Nkrumah and Rawlings were zealous leaders who inspired Ghanaians to embrace their identity, believe in their capabilities, and work collectively towards a prosperous future. Their legacies are testaments to the power of unwavering belief in the success of a nation.

While intellect and innovative ideas have their place, Ghana needs leaders who embody the spirit of Ghana zealotsindividuals with unwavering belief in the success of the country. Kwame Nkrumah and Jerry John Rawlings serve as examples of such leaders, whose unwavering passion and dedication propelled Ghana forward. Ghana's progress is not solely dependent on the brilliance of ideas; it hinges on the unyielding believe in and devotion to the

By

Ghana Diaspora Youth Movement

(Ghadym)

,,Our Strength Is In The Collective"
Mr Adib Saani, Executive Director, Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, has appealed to the Government to use social cohesion and inter-ethnic dialogue to address the migrating Fulani herder-local farmer conflicts.

He also called for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that upheld human rights principles, ensured the protection of all citizens and promoted peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups.

Mr Saani made the call at a press conference on recent violence between Fulanis and some natives of the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Present at the conference were representatives from the British High Commission, German Embassy, France Embassy and Australian High Commission.

There was a violent clash between some community members and Fulani herdsmen on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Local reports say, a young man from Bongo-Soe community in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, who went fishing, was allegedly beaten up and robbed by some Fulani herdsmen.

Mr Atiah Nsoh, the victim, had a fracture on his right leg while his motorcycle, mobile phone and an undisclosed amount of money were taken from him.

It was alleged that the Fulani herdsmen initially wanted to slaughter Mr Nsoh but a more reasonable member of the trio objected, and then they tried to castrate him, but he resisted, and they beat him up.

Subsequently, on April 11, 2023, the Chief and people of the Bongo-Soe community issued a one-month ultimatum for Fulani herdsmen, residing in the community to pack out.

The reason being that residents had complained that the nomadic herdsmen had illegally occupied their farmlands and were terrorising them.

Mr Saani, also a Security Analyst, said violence created a sense of marginalisation which carried grave security implications for the nation and can compromise collective efforts to counter violent extremism.

He said when any group within a society was alienated, or subjected to any form of discrimination, it created a fertile ground for social unrest, extremism and violent reactions.

Mr Saani said such marginalisation eroded trust in the state, fuelled grievances and undermined the legitimacy and effectiveness of Governance structures.

When marginalized communities are left vulnerable and unprotected, it breeds a sense of injustice and fuels resentment. This, in turn, can lead to cycles of violence, retaliation, and the potential for recruitment by extremist groups seeking to exploit grievances, he said.

History has shown that when certain people or groups are denied equal rights, opportunities, and protection, they become susceptible to radicalisation and recruitment into extremist organizations.

These extremist elements not only threaten the security and stability of our nation but also have far-reaching regional and international implications. Above all, the consequences of such divisions and violence have a lasting impact on a nations societal harmony, security, and overall stability.

He admonished the media to be security sensitive in their reportage, verify information before publication and refrain from couching headlines that contributed to negative stereotypes.

He urged the Fulani community to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, report criminals among them and not take matters into their own hands, adding, they should make conscious efforts to rid their communities of miscreants who were pushing them into disrepute.

Imam Hanafi Sonde, President, Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers, said a lot had already been done by the Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to find a holistic solution to the conflict, however, more work had to be done.

He called for bylaws and policies to deal with the issue once and for all.

GNA
08.06.2023 LISTEN

Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof. Ransford Gyampo has urged Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng to tone down on his youthful exuberance and not rush to please anybody.

These are the initial comments of the Political Science Lecturer after learning of the arrest of Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The renowned surgeon was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor three weeks ago when he visited the office upon the invitation of the Special Prosecutor.

In a statement to share his view on the arrest, Prof. Ransford Gyampo has advised Kissi Agyebeng that the way to fight illegal mining (galamsey) is not to harass those who expose it.

We dont fight galamsey by harassing those who expose it, Mr. Special Prosecutor. Wo rush a, wo be ti, to wo bo, na wo koraa wonny3 independent biaa saa, Prof. Ransford Gyampo said in a statement on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

Read the statement by Prof. Ransford Gyampo below:

I do not believe in this Special Prosecutor arrangement. I researched for the Team that produced the first ever document that called for the review of the 1992 Constitution. We made recommendations for an Independent Prosecutor and never a Special Prosecutor who would walk in the shadows of a partisan Attorney-General.

The Special Prosecutor must therefore tone down on his youthful exuberance and must not be rushing to please anybody because, the office is not independent after all, from the control of politicians. We asked for the separation of the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice and the creation of an Independent Public Prosecutor who cannot be ordered by the Attorney General to pursue a case or discontinue it.

This notwithstanding, the Special Prosecutor has every right to invite Prof Frimpong Boateng to assist in getting to the bottom of some of the issues raised in his report, which he never published, but privately submitted to the President. Indeed he can be invited to assist in investigations but he cannot be arrested without being charged. It is disrespectful and an unnecessary show of power as well as harassment to Prof Frimpong Boateng.

I am not a lawyer and I dont want to be one but I know that Prof Frimpong Boateng could have simply been invited. If he failed to honor the invitation, then the arrest could kick in. If the Special Prosecutor is satisfied after its preliminary investigations, then Frimpong Boateng could formally be put under arrest and be charged. It is at this point that he would need to be bailed. So where from the arrest without charging? Is this what is taught at the Law School?

We dont fight galamsey by harassing those who expose it, Mr Special Prosecutor. Wo rush a, wo be ti, to wo bo, na wo koraa wonny3 independent biaa saa!

Yaw Gyampo

A31, Prabiw

PAV Ansah Street

Saltpond

Suro Nipa House

Kubease

Larteh-Akuapim
08.06.2023 LISTEN

The reform of the electoral system, drawing from international democratic norms of "one person, one vote" for elections from 2024 onwards, ushers in a new era for Somalia. In this watershed moment in history, more than 15 million Somalis will finally be able to freely choose their leaders and voice their collective vision for the future. This new dawn is also an opportunity for the upper echelons of power in our country to consolidate a new social pact, a new hope for Somalia that I hope will be both disruptive and ambitious.

Clearly, for Somalis, this May 26th, 2023, will mark one of the most important moments in their lives and in our history. For my collaborators in the political arena and the faithful in our political party, it marks the culmination and realization of a political struggle that we have waged with our hopes firmly anchored in our bodies. For me, it's an immense source of pride to have achieved one of the goals I announced in my book written over three years ago: My life for Somalia.

In this book, I criticized the anti-democratic dispensation, which was in fact an archaic and opaque system that disenfranchised the average Somali voter. It enabled the capture of power by an oligarchy guided not by the interests of the people and the future of Somalia, but by the preservation of business interests and ill-gained profits. This system was based on monetarily sullying the conscience of good men and women, institutionalized malfeasance, and tribal divisions. The most important positions, such as Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, and President, were split between the main tribes, with complete disregard for the interests of the people. My country, which had not seen elections by one man, one vote on a national scale since 1969, when Siad Barre seized power, was at the mercy of the merchants of disillusionment and the vendors of false hopes.

For any ambitious and honest politician, the fight to abolish this unjust system was vital. It has been one of the most relentless and difficult battles of my political life and that of my party, "Alliance for the Future" (Xisbiga Isbahaysiga Mustaqbalka, in Somali). As a presidential candidate in 2020, I refused, against the tide, to sign the agreement of September 17, 2020, which perpetuated the holding of presidential and legislative elections by indirect vote. Ostracized, criticized, mocked and threatened, I defended the idea that all Somali citizens, regardless of gender, tribal affiliation, religion or social status, have the right to participate in the democratic process. In reality, universal suffrage is not just a source of legitimization for political authority. It was, in my view, the prerequisite for giving the Somali state the means and tools to put an end to Somalia's mire in extremist violence, poverty and chaos.

Three immediate priorities and challenges must guide us to ensure that universal suffrage sets Somalia on the path to renewal and the restoration of its international legitimacy.

First and foremost, education. To be able to vote and properly decide on the best choices for the future of our country, we need an enlightened people, capable of resisting the power of money and discerning between political alternatives.

Secondly, a fundamental institutional reform is imperative. To this end, I am proposing a major conference of Somalia's dynamic forces for an open, sincere, inclusive, and transparent political dialogue to define the institutional architecture of the new Somalia. Fundamental issues such as the electoral system, the organization of the State, the form of the Republic and public liberties must be discussed seriously and rigorously.

Thirdly, we must act for our youth. A wise man once said: "The politician thinks of the next election, but the statesman thinks of the next generation". We must act for Somalia's youth, who have long been forgotten. The last thirty years have been a waste for our country, with its immense potential but ravaged by war, permanent conflict, and instability. We have offered several generations no other choice than exile or weapons. Let us now offer them the path of hope and renewal, for, united in the same ideal, Somalis will be able to eradicate terrorism and corruption.

By Abshir Aden Ferro

President of the Alliance for the Future (Xisbiga Isbahaysiga Mustaqbalka)
Guinea-Bissau's opposition has won an overall majority in legislative elections, heralding power-sharing with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, according to official results Thursday.

A coalition led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) won 54 out of 102 seats, ahead of Embalo's Madem G15 party, which picked up 29, said Mpabi Cabi, acting head of the electoral commission.

The Party for Social Renewal (PRS) won 12 seats, the Workers' Party six seats and the Assembly of the People United one seat.

The small West African state has faced chronic instability in the shape of repeated coups and contested election results.

But Sunday's vote was given a clean bill of health by some 200 international monitors, who said they had not observed any major incident and described the ballot as "free, transparent and calm."

The outcome is a blow for Embalo, who came to power in 2019.

He dissolved the National Assembly in May 2022 after falling out with lawmakers, describing the legislature as a "space for guerrilla politics and plotting."

The outgoing assembly had been roughly divided equally between the leftwing PAIGC, Madem G15 and the PRS.

Analysts said Embalo's electoral setback was caused by rifts within his party and unpopularity with rural voters hit by falling prices of cashew nuts, a major source of income.

Under the constitution, the party which obtains the majority in parliament automatically gains the post of prime minister. Embalo is expected to announce the appointment shortly.

A crowd converged on PAIGC headquarters as soon as the results were announced, with many banging saucepans to express their joy.

Guinea-Bissau. By (AFP)

"We have just achieved a historic victory. The only thing we ask this time is to let us govern the country," said Muniro Conte, spokesman for the victorious coalition, known as the Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI)-Terra Ranka.

The former Portuguese colony of around two million people has suffered four military coups since 1974, most recently in 2012. An attempt to overthrow Embalo took place in February 2022.

The country's international partners have long been calling for a change to the constitution, which shares powers between the prime minister and the president and is seen a big factor in the instability.

Aftershocks from the war in Ukraine, which has driven up global food prices, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic have had a detrimental impact on the country's economy.

One-fifth of the population experiences food insecurity, according to the UN.
In a tragic incident that has left a neighbourhood in Columbus, Ohio in a state of shock, a Ghanaian man shot his own wife before turning the gun on himself.

The man, identified as Kwabena Michael Amoako, had reportedly had an argument with his wife, Yaa Gyamfua, and the situation escalated into a shooting.

According to reports sighted by DGN Online, the couple's three young sons were in the house at the time and had to run for shelter in a neighbour's house as their father refused to let them in.

The incident occurred on Glendon Road and police received a report of domestic violence before the shooting occurred. When they arrived on the scene, they found Amoako had already shot himself to death after shooting Gyamfua.

The woman is now in critical condition in hospital and the Columbus Police Homicide Unit is investigating the incident.

Neighbours have expressed shock at the incident, describing the couple as peaceful and showing no signs of trouble in their family.

-DGN online
Ernest Owusu Bempah

08.06.2023 LISTEN

Ernest Owusu Bempah, the deputy Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is linking former President John Dramani Mahama to the death of his uncle.

He says he normally gets scared whenever he heard Mahama talking about returning to the Presidency.

During an interview on TV3's 'New Day' morning show, he said, We have a problem. Anytime I wake up in the morning and I see Mahama talking about coming back, I get scared. I feelI don't know the right words to use.

Referring to the book (My First Coup d'Etat) authored by Mahama, Mr Bempah claims Mahama's return to government will spell doom for Ghanaians.

A man wrote to his own book and said that danger lurks around any life decision that hes taking, he stated.

He further claimed that any developed country would not consider Mr Mahama a credible leader due to his track record, highlighting the issue of Dumsor, a local term used to describe the frequent power outages that occurred during Mahamas presidency for several years.

He said, Any developed country will not take this man seriously to come back and lead us again because his track records are there. He put this country into Dumsor (power outage) for five years.

Mr Bempah alleges that his uncle's death was a result of Mahama's reckless handling of the economy.

My uncle died of a heart attack because of Mahamas recklessness, he alleged.
Mr Charles Bissue, the former Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), has filed a writ at the High Court in Accra to prevent the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from prosecuting him.

This lawsuit is in response to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Special Prosecutor into alleged corruption within the IMCIM, specifically involving its Chairman, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng.

According to the writ obtained by Citi News, Mr. Bissue revealed that he received a letter from the Office of the Special Prosecutor stating that he is considered a necessary person for the investigation and demanded his presence for an interview.

In December 2022, Mr. Bissue initiated legal proceedings by issuing a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim against the OSP and two others after the OSP announced in its Half-Yearly Report that it had concluded investigations into corruption allegations against Mr. Bissue made by Tiger Eye P.I. and Anas.

In January 2023, Mr. Bissue amended the writ and subsequently filed an injunction to restrain the OSP from further investigating and prosecuting him.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor was granted permission to file its statement of case in opposition to the Motion.

However, Mr. Bissue has not taken any action on the injunction application despite several adjournments in the proceedings.

-citinewsroom
USAID halted food aid to Ethiopia Thursday, citing "a widespread and coordinated campaign" to divert donated supplies from the needy.

"We made the difficult but necessary decision that we cannot move forward with distribution of food assistance until reforms are in place," said the US government's main international aid agency.

"Our intention is to immediately resume food assistance once we are confident in the integrity of delivery systems to get assistance to its intended recipients," the statement added.

The decision will affect millions of Ethiopians facing severe food shortages due to a devastating war in the northern region of Tigray as well as a punishing drought in the south and southeast that has also struck Somalia and parts of Kenya.

It comes on the heels of an announcement by USAID and the World Food Programme (WFP) last month to freeze food aid to Tigray after the agencies discovered that shipments were being diverted to local markets.

Neither USAID nor WFP have identified those responsible for taking the aid and reselling it.

The US agency has discussed the matter with Ethiopia's government, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the sidelines of a ministerial gathering in Saudi Arabia.

Famine warnings

Blinken "welcomed the Ethiopian government's commitment to work together to conduct a full investigation into the diversion of US food assistance and to hold accountable those found responsible", State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Thursday.

Nearly 32 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are in the grip of the worst drought in decades, and aid agencies have raised famine warnings unless more funding is made available to help the affected regions.

Blinken raised the issue with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen at a ministerial gathering in Saudi Arabia. By TIKSA NEGERI (POOL/AFP)

In addition to the crisis in the drought-hit south, northern Tigray suffered from dire shortages of food, fuel, cash and medicines during the two-year conflict between forces loyal to Ethiopia's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

A peace deal signed on November 2 just passed the seven-month mark, implementation of the accord has progressed slowly without a major return to fighting, and some basic services have resumed to the region of six million people.

But media access remains restricted, and it is impossible to independently verify the situation on the ground.

Michael Ryan, emergencies director at the World Health Organization, told a press briefing in Geneva that although humanitarian access had improved in Tigray and other parts of Ethiopia, "significant gaps" remained.

"There are still some areas that are not accessible," he said, pointing to the contested region of western Tigray, which is controlled by militias from neighbouring Amhara and claimed by Amharas and Tigrayans.

"We estimate that in Ethiopia as a whole, about 17.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance," Ryan added.

According to a USAID statement published in March this year, the US "remains the single largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, providing more than $1.8 billion in lifesaving assistance since fiscal year 2022".

burs-ayv-amu/jj
A businesswoman who recruited and trafficked a lady in Ghana to Kurdistan, Iraq, has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court.

Beatrice Ofori is said to have received $4,500 and $700 from an agency for the act and promised to secure a seamstress job for the victim, but she (victim) ended up being a domestic servant suffering inhumane treatment.

Charged with human trafficking, Beatrice pleaded not guilty.

At the end of the trial presided over by Mrs Christina Cann, Beatrice was found guilty and sentenced accordingly.

The facts as presented by Superintendent of Immigration John Bernard Otoo, were that Beatrice claimed to be a travel and tour operator in Accra.

The prosecution said the complainant was the victims mother.

It said Beatrice, the victim, name withheld and the complainant were neighbours and family friends at Klagon in Accra.

On September 13, 2022, the complainant lodged a complaint with the Anti Human Smuggling and In Person Unit (AHSTIP) of the Ghana Immigration Service that she had received a distress call from her daughter whom she had not heard from about 11 months, that she was in slavery in Kurdistan, Iraq.

It said investigations revealed that Beatrice had recruited the victim and transported her to Kurdistan, Iraq, under the pretext of providing her work as a seamstress, but she ended up as a domestic servant under harsh conditions for over eleven months.

The prosecution said when the victim arrived in Kurdistan, she was made to remit $700 to Beatrice and went through inhumane treatment, including sexual harassment and denial of food.

The prosecution said later, the victim managed to get a phone and contacted her mother (complainant) and asked to be rescued.

It said the victim also called Beatrice and asked to be brought back to Ghana.

The prosecution said, it was at this point that she was made aware that $4,500 was paid on her head through an agency to the accused person.

It said the AHSTIP Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service gave Beatrice one week to repatriate the victim to Ghana as part of her bail condition.

The prosecution said Beatrice purchased a Qatar Airways ticket for the victim and then on September 27, 2022, the AHSTIP Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service received the victim at about 0900 hours at the Kotoka International Airport.

GNA
08.06.2023 LISTEN

The Deputy Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ernest Owusu Bempah has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during its tenure of office engaged in shady deals.

He said the NDC allow one company to monopolise the sale of Liquified Petroleum Gas in the country.

Owusu Bempah whiles making the assertion claims to have a contract document in his possession as proof of his claim.

Speaking to Roland Walker, host of TV3 Morning Show on June 8 Owusu Bempah stated, Come to Ghana Gas, if you are a company, if you are a government and you supervise a Gas sale of LPG and you allow only one company, Roland are you listening, to monopolize the selling of LPG in this country for 20 years, this is the contract, I can give it to you and you go and read it to your viewers.

He appealed to Ghanaians to reject the opposition NDC in the 2024 elections as its return will spell doom for the country.

And this is a reckless regime that wants to take the leadership of this country and we should allow them to come back and take this country then we are dead, that is why some of us we are so so critical, read that contract and the next time I come, I will give you the Sankofa contract and you will see the kind of people who supervise this country and then who led this country within the period of six years in this country, not even Professor Mills did this, under Mahama regime, Owusu Bempah stated.

He however stated there are similar contracts supervised by the NDC in the energy sector a claim he will soon provide evidence.
Aspiring Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen has disclosed that he will adopt the philosophy of late US President Abraham Lincoln when he becomes President of Ghana.

In a post on social media on Thursday, June 8, the former Minister of Trade and Industry said he will run a government by the people, for the people, and of the people.

Early this year, Alan Kyerematen tendered his resignation letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as Minister of Trade and Industry.

The move was to allow him to focus on his ambition to become the next flagbearer of the NPP.

On May 31, some market queens from Accra and Kumasi joined heads to pick nomination forms for Alan Kyerematen to contest in the NPPs flagbearer race.

He gladly accepted the forms, adding that their resolute support and belief in his vision for Ghana is truly inspiring.

Just like all other aspirants of the NPP, he is working to convince delegates to vote for him during the presidential primaries of the party on November 4.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is in London for the 8th session of the UK Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) meeting.

At the meeting on Thursday, June 8, the Vice President made key contributions to various areas of deliberation including economic cooperation between Ghana and the UK.

The discussions covered Ghanas economic outlook, the Ghana-UK Trade Partnership Agreement, Market Access, and Commercial opportunities.

In a post on his Facebook page after the meeting, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia described it as a fruitful session.

According to him, he is already looking forward to the 9th session of the UK-Ghana Business Council to be held in Accra in December 2023.

Before the meeting today, Dr. Bawumia delivered the keynote address at the 3rd Ghana Investments and Opportunities Summit in London on Wednesday.

The Summit brought together industry captains and business leaders in Ghana and the diaspora to showcase why Ghana should be the number one choice for investors considering doing business in Africa.

During his address, Dr. Bawumia reiterated the government's commitment to balancing sound fiscal management with strategic public investments that unlock growth.
08.06.2023 LISTEN

The historical context of the celebration

In 1963 the Organization of African Unity decided to coordinate and support the activities of national liberation movements by establishing a Coordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa based in Dar-es-Salaam and the date of 25 May was established as Africa Liberation Day, to celebrate the ongoing struggles for African liberation and unity. While the significance of this date has a complex history. There are two things that stand out when one discusses the implications of this date in the history of the struggle for Afrikan national liberation from Imperialism and colonialism. These two main issues are decolonization and Pan-Afrikanism. Both decolonization and Pan-Afrikanism are complex ideas whose meaning, and importance have been changing for many years.

The celebration of Afrika Liberation Day depends on the historical context and condition of those who celebrate it. Afrikan countries which deem their post-colonial context as indicative of liberation and freedom from imperialism and colonialism will celebrate it differently from those who are still in the process of freeing themselves from the problem of settler colonialism and white supremacy. For instance, what does Africa Liberation Day mean for the Afrikan majority in South Africa who have been conquered by white settlers since 1652? What this question tries to problematize is the fact that there is not much to celebrate by the Indigenous people in conqueror South Africa. This is because the restoration of Izwe Lethu/our land and its attendant sovereign self-determination have not yet been attained by the Afrikan majority. South Africa remains a white settler colony under a black government of civilized natives.

White settler colonialism and Pan-Afrikanism in South Africa

White settler colonialism has a complex history which includes slavery and the journeys of discovery around the 1400s. These European criminal campaigns which are euphemistically called journeys of discovery were based on the blessings of the popes. These popes issued papal bulls such as Romanus Pontifex in 1455 to bless the pillage, invasion, and conquest of people outside christian nations of Europe. It is in this sense that we can trace the origin of the conquest since 1652 of an independent Azania currently known as South Africa. South Africa as a white settler republic was created in 1852 by Dutch settlers and was called Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek or the South African Republic. But South Africa as a union was created in 1910 on the basis of unified white settler nationalism. The African national congress was founded in 1912 to protest against the exclusion of the African majority from white South Africa. Of course the protest was waged by civilzed natives such as Sol Platjie and John Dube to integrate first the bourgoies class of Amakholwa (christian Africans) into whte South Africa. This bourgoies class of amazemtiti (the excempted ones from certain restrictions of white settler colonialiam like native law) avoided confrontation which was called for by Amaqaba( Afrikans who rejected western culture and the presence of whites in conquered Azania).

It is a contradiction in terms to see the ANC which is responsible for the delay of the confrontation between the natives and settlers, which will result in the liberation of the Afrikan majority, celebrate Afrika Liberation Day. This point is very important because already in the 1960s the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania under Robert Sobukwe had reached the correct conclusion that the ANC is no longer a liberation movement due to its embrace of the Freedom Charter. For the PAC of Azania whose founding moment was blessed by other notable Pan-Afrikanist leaders on the continent, the fundamental issue of decolonization is the return of the land to the Afrikan majority.

It is in this sense that the PAC was based on the political vision of an independent Azania in which the Afrikan majority has attained real power and collective self-determination from white settlers and their white supremacy. For the leaders of the PAC and the Azanian political tradition in general, South Africa represents white settler colonialism and that as long as the land is not returned to the Afrikan majority as the rightful owners, any talk of freedom and independence is a cynical case of telling lies and claiming easy victories. The political vision of the ANC as a Charterist movement which sought to democratize South Africa as opposed to destroying it through a revolutionary war to restore and independent Azania in its place is not compatible with the celebration of Africa Liberation Day.

This is because this political vision of being integrated by white settler colonizers is incompatible with the process of decolonization. Decolonization does not entail transforming a white settler colony like South Africa but implies fighting for the demise of white settler colonialism and white supremacy. Because conqueror South Africa is a white settler colony, the process of attaining liberation does not entail the extension of democratic rights to the Afrikan majority but the restoration of an independent Azania. This is because South Africa was built on the premise of the demise of an independent Azania.

Garveyism or perish

The problem of settler colonialism is not an outstanding issue of liberation which should be confined to the southern part of the continent. There is settler colonialism in the northern part of the continent as well. So, Afrikans who are serious about issues of liberation on the continent must urgently begin to problematize the presence of Europeans and Arabs as settler colonizers who continue to despise and racially dominate Afrikans on their land. Arabs are not African but settler colonizers who conquered ancient Kemet in 640 AD. From a Garveyite perspective, Afrikans must regard settler colonialism as the dominant challenge of Pan-Afrikanism in the 21st century. This is because should Afrikans fail to take seriously the challenge of settler colonialism at least in the next 100 years, they will be racially exterminated while celebrating Africa liberation day. The basis on which Afrikans should discuss the issue of settler colonialism is the Garveyite slogan of Afrika for the Afrikans.

The OAU and the AU are organizational expressions of Kwame Nkrumahs nonracial continental Pan-Africanism which welcomes Arab and European settlers on the continent of Afrika. This is the Pan-Afrikanism which is behind Africa liberation day. This naive form of Pan-Afrikanism which fails to take drastic steps against white settlers who call Afrikans immigrants in their own land should be abandoned. The celebration of Africa day must not be characterized by philistine fanfare but must be a solemn moment of deep recollection and critical thinking about the horrible condition of Afrikans in many parts of the continent such as Sudan and South Africa. Afrikans must engage in serious and urgent discussions about the uselessness of a nonracial continental Pan-Afrikanism of Nkrumah and the urgent challenge of white settler colonialism. As Afrikans we must use this moment to reflect frankly about our weaknesses (especially naive generosity and multiculturalism) as a collective which account for the continuation of settler colonialism and neo-colonialism across the continent. It is in this sense that the celebration of Africa Liberation Day can contribute to the liberation of Afrikans from white settler colonialism and white supremacy in the 21st century before its too late.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has indicated that her Ministry is aware of the agitation among Ghanaians whose SIM Cards have been deactivated.

At the end of the SIM Card re-registration exercise on May 31, the numbers of all persons who could not go through the processes using their Ghana Card have been deactivated.

This has caused frustration, especially among persons whose funds have been locked up on Mobile Money (MoMo) accounts.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 8, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful assured that money in MoMo accounts is not lost.

She disclosed that affected subscribers who can present a valid ID and go through the required processes will be able to retrieve their funds.

We have also been made aware of the difficulties facing subscribers in accessing their funds on their mobile money wallets.

These subscribers will not be able to transact money mobile-related activities, however, we are working with the Bank of Ghana to ensure that these subscribers are able to retrieve funds upon the presentation of a valid ID and going through the required processes, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful said.

The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation further disclosed that the outfit continues to encourage the National Identification Authority (NIA) to assist people to acquire their Ghana cards to be able to re-register their SIM Cards.

Over 8 million SIM cards have been deactivated.

This includes the number of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin and the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George.
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI  Get Rating) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the stock.

Flexible Solutions International Price Performance

Shares of NYSE FSI traded up $0.06 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $2.99. The companys stock had a trading volume of 10,700 shares, compared to its average volume of 20,574. Flexible Solutions International has a one year low of $1.51 and a one year high of $3.70.

Get Flexible Solutions International alerts:

Flexible Solutions International Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Featured Stories

Flexible Solutions International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty chemicals that slow the evaporation of water in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Energy and Water Conservation Products, and Biodegradable Polymers.

Receive News & Ratings for Flexible Solutions International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flexible Solutions International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Get Rating) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $95.73 and last traded at $94.80, with a volume of 756312 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $95.44.

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Down 2.4 %

The stock has a market capitalization of $11.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.69 and a beta of 0.87. The businesss 50-day moving average is $95.05 and its two-hundred day moving average is $90.71.

Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Concord Wealth Partners acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Glassy Mountain Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, HM Payson & Co. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000.

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:ACWV  Get Rating)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $98.00 and last traded at $97.60, with a volume of 335741 shares. The stock had previously closed at $97.66.

iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance

The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $98.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $96.64. The company has a market capitalization of $4.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.64 and a beta of 0.62.

Get iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF alerts:

Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF by 24.0% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 226,928 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,955,000 after purchasing an additional 43,959 shares in the last quarter. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF by 845.6% during the first quarter. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC now owns 31,744 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,071,000 after acquiring an additional 28,387 shares during the period. OLD Mission Capital LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF by 146.8% during the first quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 45,724 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,424,000 after buying an additional 27,195 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF during the first quarter valued at about $1,687,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF by 66.1% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 37,890 shares of the companys stock worth $3,665,000 after purchasing an additional 15,083 shares in the last quarter.

About iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap global stocks selected and weighted to create a low volatility portfolio. ACWV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Africa Energy Corp. (CVE:AFE  Get Rating) hit a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.12 and last traded at C$0.13, with a volume of 25905 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$0.12.

Africa Energy Stock Down 8.0 %

The company has a current ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 28.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.02. The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$0.14 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.17. The company has a market cap of C$162.15 million, a P/E ratio of -6.25 and a beta of 1.46.

About Africa Energy

(Get Rating)

Africa Energy Corp. operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company in South Africa and Namibia. It holds a 27.5% participating interest in the Exploration Right for Block 2B offshore that covers an area of 3,062 square kilometers located in the west coast of South Africa; 43.85% interest in the Petroleum Exploration License 37 covering an area of 17,295 square kilometers located in the northern Namibian offshore region; and 49% interest in the Exploration Right for Block 11B/12B covering an area of approximately 19,000 square kilometers located in the Outeniqua Basin off the southern coast of South Africa.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Africa Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Africa Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Get Rating) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the nine ratings firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $14.42.

A number of analysts have issued reports on PBR shares. Morgan Stanley raised Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $12.50 to $16.50 in a report on Wednesday. StockNews.com downgraded Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, June 1st.

Get Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras alerts:

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Stock Up 2.8 %

Shares of NYSE PBR opened at $13.00 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $84.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The business has a 50-day moving average of $11.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $11.03. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras has a 1 year low of $8.88 and a 1 year high of $16.32.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Cuts Dividend

Institutional Trading of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

The company also recently announced a Variable dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, June 14th will be issued a $0.336 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 39.1%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 13th. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass payout ratio is currently 35.93%.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 15,609 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $163,000 after purchasing an additional 859 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 34.3% in the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 3,368 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 861 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 7.1% in the 1st quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 13,940 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $145,000 after purchasing an additional 924 shares during the last quarter. Huntington National Bank increased its position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 56.0% in the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 3,231 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 1,160 shares during the period. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank increased its position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 83.0% in the 2nd quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 2,577 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 1,169 shares during the period. 12.29% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

(Get Rating)

Petroleo Brasileiro SA engages in oil and gas exploration, production, and distribution activities. It operates through the following segments: Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation, and Marketing; Gas and Power; and Corporate and Other Business. The Exploration and Production segment involves crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas exploration, development, and production.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Capricorn Energy PLC (OTCMKTS:CRNCY  Get Rating) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $5.07 and last traded at $5.07, with a volume of 450 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $5.12.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently commented on CRNCY shares. Barclays reduced their price target on Capricorn Energy from GBX 625.76 ($7.78) to GBX 604.55 ($7.52) in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Capricorn Energy in a research note on Friday, March 24th. They set a neutral rating for the company.

Get Capricorn Energy alerts:

Capricorn Energy Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $11.34 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.36.

Capricorn Energy Dividend Announcement

Capricorn Energy Company Profile

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 7th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 15th will be given a $2.8298 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 44.29%.

(Get Rating)

Capricorn Energy Plc engages in the exploration, development, production of oil and gas properties. It operates through the following segments: Senegal, UK (United Kingdom) & Norway and International. The Senegal segment focuses to have a government-approved exploitation plan. The UK & Norway segment includes exploration activities in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea as well as management of the groups producing assets in the UK North Sea.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Capricorn Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capricorn Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cellcom Israel Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CELJF  Get Rating) fell 4.6% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $3.72 and last traded at $3.72. 203 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 89% from the average session volume of 1,814 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.90.

Cellcom Israel Trading Down 3.0 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.05. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $3.53 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.26.

Cellcom Israel Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Cellcom Israel Ltd. engages in the provision of cellular communications services. It operates through two segments: Cellular and Fixed-Line. The Cellular segment includes the cellular communications services, end user cellular equipment and supplemental services. The Fixed-Line segment includes landline and long distance telephony services, internet infrastructure and connectivity services, television services, transmission services, end user fixed-line equipment and supplemental services.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Cellcom Israel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cellcom Israel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CEMIG (NYSE:CIG  Get Rating) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $2.17 and traded as high as $2.38. CEMIG shares last traded at $2.37, with a volume of 2,362,626 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of CEMIG from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, April 14th.

Get CEMIG alerts:

CEMIG Stock Performance

The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $2.38 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $2.18. The firm has a market cap of $5.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.56 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About CEMIG

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp raised its position in shares of CEMIG by 12.9% during the 3rd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 45,891 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $93,000 after purchasing an additional 5,229 shares during the last quarter. SPX Gestao de Recursos Ltda raised its position in shares of CEMIG by 436.2% during the 4th quarter. SPX Gestao de Recursos Ltda now owns 864,292 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,755,000 after purchasing an additional 703,090 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new position in shares of CEMIG during the 3rd quarter worth about $4,290,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 3.02% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Brazil. The company generates electricity through renewable energy sources, such as water, wind, sun, and biomass; or non-renewable sources, including fossil and nuclear fuels.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for CEMIG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CEMIG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Get Rating) by 2.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,059,320 shares of the aircraft producers stock after purchasing an additional 66,006 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned 0.51% of Boeing worth $582,770,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new position in Boeing in the 1st quarter valued at $135,429,000. Toronto Dominion Bank grew its position in Boeing by 13,008.8% in the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 686,246 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $130,646,000 after acquiring an additional 681,011 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Boeing by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 45,200,241 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $5,472,845,000 after acquiring an additional 670,698 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in Boeing by 125.0% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,139,143 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $218,147,000 after acquiring an additional 632,913 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Neuberger Berman Group LLC grew its position in Boeing by 76.2% in the 3rd quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 966,019 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $116,968,000 after acquiring an additional 417,920 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 57.07% of the companys stock.

Get Boeing alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have commented on BA. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a $225.00 price objective on Boeing in a research report on Friday, February 24th. StockNews.com cut Boeing from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Monday, May 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Boeing from $225.00 to $220.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Northcoast Research cut Boeing from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $180.00 target price for the company. in a report on Tuesday, April 4th. Finally, 888 reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Thursday, April 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $221.60.

Boeing Trading Up 2.0 %

Shares of BA stock traded up $4.22 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $216.15. The stock had a trading volume of 2,504,484 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,832,411. The businesss fifty day moving average is $205.99 and its 200-day moving average is $201.78. The firm has a market cap of $130.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -30.64 and a beta of 1.42. The Boeing Company has a 1-year low of $113.02 and a 1-year high of $221.33.

Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The aircraft producer reported ($1.27) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.98) by ($0.29). The company had revenue of $17.92 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.56 billion. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($2.75) earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that The Boeing Company will post -0.73 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Boeing news, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 412 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $204.36, for a total transaction of $84,196.32. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,181 shares in the company, valued at $3,511,109.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.15% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Boeing Profile

(Get Rating)

The Boeing Co is an aerospace company, which engages in the manufacture of commercial jetliners and defense, space, and security systems. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Airplanes (BCA), Defense, Space and Security (BDS), Global Services (BGS), and Boeing Capital (BCC). The Commercial Airplanes segment includes the development, production, and market of commercial jet aircraft and provides fleet support services, principally to the commercial airline industry worldwide.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chicos FAS (NYSE:CHS  Get Rating) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The specialty retailer reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.04, MarketWatch Earnings reports. Chicos FAS had a return on equity of 34.78% and a net margin of 5.34%. The business had revenue of $534.74 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $541.95 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.28 EPS.

Chicos FAS Trading Up 0.7 %

CHS stock traded up $0.04 on Thursday, reaching $5.67. The companys stock had a trading volume of 341,753 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,161,129. The firm has a market cap of $700.36 million, a PE ratio of 6.12 and a beta of 1.22. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $5.17 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $5.30. Chicos FAS has a 12-month low of $4.33 and a 12-month high of $7.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 1.11.

Get Chico's FAS alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on CHS. Telsey Advisory Group reissued a market perform rating and set a $6.00 price objective on shares of Chicos FAS in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. TheStreet raised shares of Chicos FAS from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Tuesday. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Chicos FAS in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, B. Riley reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Chicos FAS in a research note on Thursday, April 13th.

Insider Buying and Selling at Chicos FAS

Institutional Trading of Chicos FAS

In other Chicos FAS news, Director Bonnie R. Brooks sold 69,600 shares of Chicos FAS stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.28, for a total transaction of $437,088.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 704,640 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,425,139.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In related news, Director Bonnie R. Brooks sold 30,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.15, for a total transaction of $186,960.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 774,240 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,761,576. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, Director Bonnie R. Brooks sold 69,600 shares of Chicos FAS stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.28, for a total transaction of $437,088.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 704,640 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,425,139.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders own 3.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in shares of Chicos FAS by 86.9% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 14,591 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $70,000 after acquiring an additional 6,784 shares during the last quarter. Vident Investment Advisory LLC bought a new position in shares of Chicos FAS during the 4th quarter valued at $68,000. Mariner LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chicos FAS by 22.5% in the 4th quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 13,488 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 2,479 shares during the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky bought a new stake in shares of Chicos FAS in the third quarter worth $62,000. Finally, PDT Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Chicos FAS during the first quarter valued at $61,000. 88.59% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Chicos FAS

(Get Rating)

Chicos FAS, Inc engages in the retail of womens private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy apparel, intimates, and complementary accessories. It operates through the following segments: Chicos, White House Black Market, and Soma. The Chicos segment sells exclusively designed, private branded clothing focusing on women with moderate-to-high household income levels.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Chico's FAS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chico's FAS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG  Get Rating) dropped 2.5% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $34.08 and last traded at $34.15. Approximately 1,365,734 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 69% from the average daily volume of 4,439,684 shares. The stock had previously closed at $35.02.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CAG has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $35.00 to $38.00 in a report on Thursday, April 6th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 6th. StockNews.com cut shares of Conagra Brands from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, May 20th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, March 31st. Finally, Barclays cut their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $44.00 to $42.00 in a report on Friday, June 2nd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Conagra Brands has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $41.08.

Get Conagra Brands alerts:

Conagra Brands Stock Up 0.5 %

The company has a market capitalization of $16.34 billion, a PE ratio of 20.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.56. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $36.76 and its 200 day simple moving average is $37.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a current ratio of 0.97.

Conagra Brands Announces Dividend

Conagra Brands ( NYSE:CAG Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 5th. The company reported $0.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $3.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.08 billion. Conagra Brands had a net margin of 6.59% and a return on equity of 15.34%. The businesss revenue was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.58 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Conagra Brands, Inc. will post 2.76 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Investors of record on Friday, April 28th were given a $0.33 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 27th. This represents a $1.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.85%. Conagra Brandss dividend payout ratio is presently 79.04%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, COO Thomas M. Mcgough sold 45,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.66, for a total value of $1,739,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 104,859 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,053,848.94. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP Charisse Brock sold 7,036 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.04, for a total transaction of $260,613.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 94,802 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,511,466.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, COO Thomas M. Mcgough sold 45,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.66, for a total transaction of $1,739,700.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 104,859 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,053,848.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.98% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. EP Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Conagra Brands during the 1st quarter valued at about $208,000. Institutional & Family Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Conagra Brands during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN acquired a new stake in Conagra Brands during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Core Alternative Capital acquired a new stake in Conagra Brands during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in Conagra Brands during the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.08% of the companys stock.

Conagra Brands Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Conagra Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer packaged goods food company in North America. The company operates in four segments: Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice. The Grocery & Snacks segment primarily offers shelf stable food products through various retail channels in the United States.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (NYSE:DDL  Get Rating) shares rose 5.1% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $2.88 and last traded at $2.86. Approximately 233,984 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 75% from the average daily volume of 935,974 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.72.

Dingdong (Cayman) Trading Up 5.1 %

The companys 50-day moving average price is $3.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $4.28. The company has a market cap of $675.62 million, a P/E ratio of -10.88 and a beta of -0.23.

Get Dingdong (Cayman) alerts:

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dingdong (Cayman)

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Susquehanna International Group LLP bought a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) during the 1st quarter valued at about $60,000. Credit Suisse AG bought a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) during the 4th quarter valued at about $45,000. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 39.7% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 10,856 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 3,086 shares during the last quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) during the 3rd quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Platinum Investment Management Ltd. grew its position in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. now owns 9,112,004 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,172,000 after buying an additional 414,449 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 23.43% of the companys stock.

About Dingdong (Cayman)

Dingdong (Cayman) Limited operates an e-commerce company in China. The company offers fresh produce, meat, seafood, prepared food, and other food products, such as dairy and bakery products, snacks, oil, seasonings, and beverages. It operates as a self-operated online retail business primarily through Dingdong Fresh.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Dr. Martens plc (LON:DOCS  Get Rating) insider Lynne Weedall acquired 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 136 ($1.69) per share, for a total transaction of 5,440 ($6,762.80).

Dr. Martens Price Performance

LON:DOCS opened at GBX 134.10 ($1.67) on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of 1.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,031.54, a PEG ratio of 0.04 and a beta of 0.08. Dr. Martens plc has a one year low of GBX 127.10 ($1.58) and a one year high of GBX 295.21 ($3.67). The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 156.69 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 167.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 125.74, a current ratio of 2.39 and a quick ratio of 1.13.

Get Dr. Martens alerts:

Dr. Martens Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 8th will be paid a dividend of GBX 4.28 ($0.05) per share. This represents a yield of 2.74%. This is a positive change from Dr. Martenss previous dividend of $1.56. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. Dr. Martenss payout ratio is currently 4,615.38%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Dr. Martens Company Profile

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Dr. Martens to a sector perform rating and lowered their target price for the company from GBX 230 ($2.86) to GBX 180 ($2.24) in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Numis Securities restated an add rating and set a GBX 180 ($2.24) target price on shares of Dr. Martens in a research note on Friday, February 24th. Finally, Barclays restated an overweight rating and set a GBX 175 ($2.18) target price on shares of Dr. Martens in a research note on Monday.

(Get Rating)

Dr. Martens plc designs, develops, procures, markets, sells, and distributes footwear in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. Its product segments include originals, fusion, kids, and casual, as well as accessories. The company offers its products under the Dr. Martens brand name.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Dr. Martens Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dr. Martens and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Freestone Capital Holdings LLC bought a new position in shares of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE  Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 3,047 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $200,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ONEOK by 275.5% in the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 2,850 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $201,000 after acquiring an additional 2,091 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of ONEOK by 6.6% in the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 5,339 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $377,000 after acquiring an additional 331 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. lifted its stake in shares of ONEOK by 500.5% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 167,226 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $11,812,000 after acquiring an additional 139,379 shares during the last quarter. Aviva PLC lifted its stake in shares of ONEOK by 20.7% in the 1st quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 161,711 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $11,422,000 after acquiring an additional 27,697 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prudential PLC bought a new position in shares of ONEOK in the 1st quarter valued at $614,000. 67.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get ONEOK alerts:

ONEOK Stock Up 1.9 %

OKE stock opened at $60.42 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $62.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is $64.86. The company has a market cap of $27.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.18. ONEOK, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $50.50 and a fifty-two week high of $71.57.

ONEOK Dividend Announcement

ONEOK ( NYSE:OKE Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The utilities provider reported $2.34 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.81 by $0.53. The firm had revenue of $4.52 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.13 billion. ONEOK had a return on equity of 36.54% and a net margin of 11.09%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.87 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that ONEOK, Inc. will post 5.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 1st were issued a dividend of $0.955 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, April 28th. This represents a $3.82 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.32%. ONEOKs dividend payout ratio is 72.08%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently commented on OKE shares. Raymond James increased their price target on ONEOK from $72.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of ONEOK in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of ONEOK from $71.00 to $66.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 17th. Citigroup raised ONEOK from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $71.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. Finally, Scotiabank started coverage on ONEOK in a research report on Thursday, March 2nd. They set a sector perform rating and a $74.00 target price for the company. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, ONEOK presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $73.45.

ONEOK Company Profile

(Get Rating)

ONEOK, Inc engages in gathering, processing, fractionating, transporting, storing and marketing of natural gas. It operates through the following segments: Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids and Natural Gas Pipelines. The Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment offers midstream services to producers in North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OKE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for ONEOK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ONEOK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
GeoWealth Management LLC lessened its position in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Get Rating) by 29.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,346 shares of the retailers stock after selling 1,396 shares during the quarter. GeoWealth Management LLCs holdings in Walmart were worth $474,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Avalon Investment & Advisory lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Avalon Investment & Advisory now owns 2,070 shares of the retailers stock worth $294,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. Financial Advisory Group lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Financial Advisory Group now owns 6,950 shares of the retailers stock worth $901,000 after acquiring an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Transparent Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. Transparent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,076 shares of the retailers stock worth $436,000 after acquiring an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Elgethun Capital Management lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Elgethun Capital Management now owns 6,045 shares of the retailers stock worth $784,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 4.0% in the 4th quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 1,917 shares of the retailers stock worth $272,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 31.27% of the companys stock.

Get Walmart alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

WMT has been the subject of several analyst reports. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Walmart from $165.00 to $175.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 6th. Tigress Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $176.00 to $182.00 in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $164.00 to $169.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $159.00 to $162.00 in a report on Sunday, May 21st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $166.31.

Walmart Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of Walmart stock opened at $150.15 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $149.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $146.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. Walmart Inc. has a 52-week low of $117.90 and a 52-week high of $154.64. The company has a market cap of $405.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.05, a PEG ratio of 4.38 and a beta of 0.49.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 18th. The retailer reported $1.47 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $152.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $147.91 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 1.82% and a return on equity of 21.30%. Walmarts revenue was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.30 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Walmart Inc. will post 6.21 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Walmart news, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 527,459 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.04, for a total transaction of $79,139,948.36. Following the sale, the insider now owns 244,535,103 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,690,046,854.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 9,716 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $140.12, for a total value of $1,361,405.92. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,500,328 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $210,225,959.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 527,459 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.04, for a total transaction of $79,139,948.36. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 244,535,103 shares in the company, valued at $36,690,046,854.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 15,928,312 shares of company stock valued at $2,269,696,361. Insiders own 47.06% of the companys stock.

Walmart Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Walmart, Inc engages in retail and wholesale business. The company offers an assortment of merchandise and services at everyday low prices. It operates through the following business segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sams Club. The Walmart U.S. segment operates as a merchandiser of consumer products, operating under the Walmart, Wal-Mart, and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands, as well as walmart.com and other eCommerce brands.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hannover Ruck SE (FRA:HNR1  Get Rating) traded down 0.1% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as 203.00 ($218.28) and last traded at 205.20 ($220.65). 171,667 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at 205.40 ($220.86).

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a 210.00 ($225.81) target price on Hannover Ruck in a research note on Friday, March 10th. DZ Bank set a 209.00 ($224.73) price objective on Hannover Ruck in a research note on Thursday, March 9th. UBS Group set a 177.00 ($190.32) price objective on Hannover Ruck in a research note on Friday, March 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a 205.00 ($220.43) price objective on Hannover Ruck in a research note on Tuesday, March 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group set a 185.00 ($198.92) price objective on Hannover Ruck in a research note on Thursday, March 9th.

Get Hannover Ruck alerts:

Hannover Ruck Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of 189.32 and a two-hundred day moving average of 184.37.

About Hannover Ruck

Hannover Ruck SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance products and services worldwide. It operates through Property & Casualty Reinsurance, and Life & Health Reinsurance segments. The company offers property and casualty reinsurance solutions for agricultural, livestock, and bloodstock businesses; aviation and space businesses; catastrophe XL business; credit, surety, and political risks businesses; facultative business; and marine and offshore energy businesses, as well as insurance-linked securities and structured reinsurance.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Hannover Ruck Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hannover Ruck and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited (LON:SONG  Get Rating)s stock price was down 0.1% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 81.54 ($1.01) and last traded at GBX 82.10 ($1.02). Approximately 922,525 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 59% from the average daily volume of 2,271,937 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 82.20 ($1.02).

Hipgnosis Songs Fund Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 84.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 85.26. The stock has a market cap of 992.20 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8,200.00 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 39.07, a quick ratio of 2.87 and a current ratio of 3.36.

Get Hipgnosis Songs Fund alerts:

Hipgnosis Songs Fund Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 23rd were paid a dividend of GBX 1.31 ($0.02) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 23rd. Hipgnosis Songs Funds payout ratio is currently -50,000.00%.

Insider Activity at Hipgnosis Songs Fund

Hipgnosis Songs Fund Company Profile

In other news, insider Andrew Sutch purchased 972 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 86 ($1.07) per share, with a total value of 835.92 ($1,039.18). Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited is a closed-ended fund launched and managed by The Family (Music) Limited. The fund invests in songs and associated musical intellectual property rights, including master recordings and producer royalties. Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited was formed in 2018 and is domiciled in Guernsey.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Hipgnosis Songs Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hipgnosis Songs Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Analysts at StockNews.com began coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSE:THM  Get Rating) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday. The firm set a sell rating on the stock.

International Tower Hill Mines Trading Up 3.1 %

Shares of THM stock traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $0.46. The company had a trading volume of 82,658 shares, compared to its average volume of 117,478. International Tower Hill Mines has a twelve month low of $0.38 and a twelve month high of $0.75.

Get International Tower Hill Mines alerts:

About International Tower Hill Mines

(Get Rating)

Recommended Stories

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It holds or has rights to acquire interests in the Livengood gold project covering an area of approximately 19,546 hectares located to the northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Receive News & Ratings for International Tower Hill Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Tower Hill Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (BATS:FLOT  Get Rating) reached a new 52-week low on Monday . The company traded as low as $50.55 and last traded at $50.64, with a volume of 5754956 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $50.58.

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Stock Down 0.0 %

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $50.47 and its 200-day moving average price is $50.41.

Get iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF alerts:

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Oxinas Partners Wealth Management LLC raised its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Oxinas Partners Wealth Management LLC now owns 77,720 shares of the companys stock worth $3,912,000 after purchasing an additional 212 shares during the last quarter. RiverFront Investment Group LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. RiverFront Investment Group LLC now owns 12,042 shares of the companys stock valued at $606,000 after acquiring an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 13,625 shares of the companys stock valued at $686,000 after acquiring an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 16,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $855,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DHK Financial Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. DHK Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 28,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,438,000 after acquiring an additional 240 shares during the last quarter.

About iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF

The iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated, investment-grade floating rate notes with maturities of 0-5 years. FLOT was launched on Jun 14, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Johnson Financial Group Inc. decreased its stake in Southern Copper Co. (NYSE:SCCO  Get Rating) by 1.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,323 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 186 shares during the period. Johnson Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Southern Copper were worth $623,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Accurate Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Southern Copper during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P purchased a new position in shares of Southern Copper during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH purchased a new position in shares of Southern Copper during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Southern Copper during the 1st quarter worth approximately $46,000. Finally, Toronto Dominion Bank increased its stake in shares of Southern Copper by 248.5% during the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 697 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 497 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.03% of the companys stock.

Get Southern Copper alerts:

Southern Copper Stock Performance

SCCO traded up $0.27 on Thursday, hitting $71.76. 85,334 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,307,677. The firm has a market cap of $55.48 billion, a PE ratio of 20.87, a P/E/G ratio of 14.66 and a beta of 1.24. Southern Copper Co. has a twelve month low of $42.42 and a twelve month high of $82.05. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $73.97 and a two-hundred day moving average of $70.73. The company has a current ratio of 4.17, a quick ratio of 3.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76.

Southern Copper Cuts Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 9th were paid a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 8th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.30%. Southern Coppers payout ratio is currently 115.94%.

SCCO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on shares of Southern Copper from $55.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Southern Copper from $53.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Southern Copper from $48.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Thursday, February 23rd. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of Southern Copper from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $70.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Southern Copper from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lifted their target price for the company from $65.00 to $66.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.29.

Insider Buying and Selling at Southern Copper

In other news, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.50, for a total value of $39,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,014 shares in the company, valued at $472,099. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.08% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Southern Copper Profile

(Get Rating)

Southern Copper Corp. engages in the development, production, and exploration of copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver. It operates through the following segments: Peruvian Operations, Mexican Open-Pit Operations, and Mexican Underground Mining Operations. The Peruvian Operations segment focuses on the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, industrial railroad, and port facilities that service both mines.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Copper Co. (NYSE:SCCO  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Southern Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Kingsview Wealth Management LLC decreased its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Get Rating) by 11.8% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 744 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 100 shares during the period. Kingsview Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $1,032,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.6% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,620,725 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $3,938,320,000 after buying an additional 114,699 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,966,428 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $2,955,068,000 after purchasing an additional 23,107 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,058,549 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,590,745,000 after purchasing an additional 5,450 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2.7% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 555,959 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $769,954,000 after purchasing an additional 14,505 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 507,232 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $703,779,000 after purchasing an additional 2,012 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.26% of the companys stock.

Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts:

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Robin S. Hickenlooper sold 74 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,056.73, for a total transaction of $152,198.02. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 853 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,754,390.69. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 991 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,537.37, for a total value of $1,523,533.67. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $35,892,977.39. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Robin S. Hickenlooper sold 74 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,056.73, for a total transaction of $152,198.02. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 853 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,754,390.69. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 13,337 shares of company stock worth $26,227,935 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Down 1.7 %

CMG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,960.00 to $2,270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,780.00 to $1,870.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. Cowen lifted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,950.00 to $2,050.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. Wedbush lifted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,080.00 to $2,200.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, BTIG Research lifted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,825.00 to $2,175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Chipotle Mexican Grill presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $2,039.89.

Shares of CMG stock opened at $2,022.68 on Thursday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 12-month low of $1,196.28 and a 12-month high of $2,139.88. The firms 50 day moving average is $1,935.07 and its 200 day moving average is $1,678.98. The stock has a market capitalization of $55.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 54.71, a P/E/G ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 1.34.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The restaurant operator reported $10.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.89 by $1.61. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 11.49% and a return on equity of 45.01%. The business had revenue of $2.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.34 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $5.70 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 43.9 earnings per share for the current year.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc engages in the development and operation of classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads prepared using classic cooking methods. The company was founded by Steve Ells in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
McKesson Co. (NYSE:MCK  Get Rating) has received an average recommendation of Buy from the fourteen analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $430.17.

MCK has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. 58.com reissued a maintains rating on shares of McKesson in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Bank of America increased their price target on McKesson from $450.00 to $470.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on McKesson in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on McKesson from $450.00 to $475.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, Citigroup assumed coverage on McKesson in a research note on Friday, March 31st. They issued a buy rating and a $420.00 price target on the stock.

Get McKesson alerts:

McKesson Stock Performance

Shares of MCK opened at $384.64 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.32, a PEG ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 0.59. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $375.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $370.18. McKesson has a 52 week low of $298.69 and a 52 week high of $401.78.

McKesson Announces Dividend

McKesson ( NYSE:MCK Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 8th. The company reported $7.19 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.16 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $68.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $67.94 billion. McKesson had a negative return on equity of 234.22% and a net margin of 1.29%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $5.83 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that McKesson will post 26.56 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.54 per share. This represents a $2.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 31st. McKessons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8.60%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other McKesson news, EVP Thomas L. Rodgers sold 645 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $395.70, for a total transaction of $255,226.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 2,544 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,006,660.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Nancy Avila sold 1,330 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $383.89, for a total value of $510,573.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 10,390 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,988,617.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Thomas L. Rodgers sold 645 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $395.70, for a total value of $255,226.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 2,544 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,006,660.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 25,196 shares of company stock worth $9,735,437. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On McKesson

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of MCK. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in McKesson during the first quarter worth about $46,000. Synovus Financial Corp grew its holdings in McKesson by 4.0% during the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 2,192 shares of the companys stock worth $673,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the period. Prudential PLC bought a new position in McKesson during the first quarter worth about $1,610,000. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in McKesson by 17.8% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 9,839 shares of the companys stock worth $3,012,000 after purchasing an additional 1,490 shares during the period. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. bought a new position in McKesson during the first quarter worth about $598,000. Institutional investors own 85.23% of the companys stock.

McKesson Company Profile

(Get Rating)

McKesson Corp. engages in the provision of supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information technology. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Pharmaceutical, International, Medical-Surgical Solutions, and Prescription Technology Solutions (RxTS).

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for McKesson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McKesson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
North West (OTCMKTS:NNWWF  Get Rating) had its price objective decreased by stock analysts at BMO Capital Markets from C$41.00 to C$39.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on NNWWF. CIBC raised their price objective on North West from C$37.00 to C$39.00 in a report on Thursday, April 6th. TD Securities lifted their price target on North West from C$39.00 to C$41.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 6th.

Get North West alerts:

North West Price Performance

North West stock traded down $2.96 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $25.27. 4,950 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 922. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $28.26 and a 200-day simple moving average of $27.13. North West has a 12 month low of $23.25 and a 12 month high of $29.45.

About North West

The North West Company Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the retail of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in northern Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The company's Canadian operations comprise 118 Northern stores, which offers food, financial services, and general merchandise; 5 NorthMart stores that provides fresh foods, apparel, and health products and services; 26 Quickstop convenience stores that provides ready-to-eat foods, and fuel and related services; 5 Giant Tiger junior discount stores, which offers family fashion, household products, and food; 2 Valu Lots discount center and direct-to-customer food distribution outlet; 1 solo market, a store in remote market; 3 Pharmacy and Convenience stores; and 1 North West Company motorsports dealership offering sales, service, parts and accessories for Ski-doo, Honda, Can-am and other premier brands.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for North West Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North West and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Oscar Health (NYSE:OSCR  Get Rating) was upgraded by analysts at Bank of America from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has a $8.75 target price on the stock, up from their prior target price of $5.40. Bank of Americas price target would suggest a potential downside of 1.69% from the companys previous close.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Oscar Health from $3.50 to $5.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. Credit Suisse Group cut their price objective on shares of Oscar Health from $7.00 to $6.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Oscar Health from $3.00 to $6.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 14th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $5.39.

Get Oscar Health alerts:

Oscar Health Trading Up 0.1 %

NYSE OSCR opened at $8.90 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.94 billion, a PE ratio of -3.33 and a beta of 1.02. The stocks 50 day moving average is $6.87 and its 200 day moving average is $4.69. Oscar Health has a twelve month low of $2.05 and a twelve month high of $9.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32.

Insider Transactions at Oscar Health

Oscar Health ( NYSE:OSCR Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported ($0.18) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by ($0.20). The business had revenue of $1.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.37 billion. Oscar Health had a negative net margin of 12.80% and a negative return on equity of 54.93%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 51.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.36) EPS. Research analysts forecast that Oscar Health will post -1.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, EVP Ranmali Bopitiya sold 11,597 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.15, for a total value of $82,918.55. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 81,313 shares in the company, valued at $581,387.95. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Oscar Health news, EVP Ranmali Bopitiya sold 11,597 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.15, for a total value of $82,918.55. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 81,313 shares of the companys stock, valued at $581,387.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Victoria Baltrus sold 5,267 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.15, for a total value of $37,659.05. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 37,288 shares of the companys stock, valued at $266,609.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 169,373 shares of company stock worth $1,211,017 over the last three months. 32.74% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in OSCR. Dark Forest Capital Management LP lifted its holdings in Oscar Health by 5,243.2% during the first quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 7,801 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,000 after purchasing an additional 7,655 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. grew its stake in Oscar Health by 157.5% during the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 10,106 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,000 after acquiring an additional 6,182 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada increased its holdings in Oscar Health by 959.5% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 10,129 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 9,173 shares during the last quarter. Gotham Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Oscar Health in the 1st quarter worth $70,000. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its holdings in shares of Oscar Health by 80.3% during the 3rd quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 10,803 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 4,811 shares during the last quarter. 61.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Oscar Health Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Oscar Health, Inc provides health insurance products and services in the United States. The company offers Individual & Family, Small Group, and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as +Oscar, a technology driven platform designed to help providers and payor clients to engage with members and patients.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Oscar Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oscar Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Oversea Chinese Banking CORP Ltd bought a new position in shares of iShares Global Materials ETF (NYSEARCA:MXI  Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 23,368 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,838,000. Oversea Chinese Banking CORP Ltd owned about 0.59% of iShares Global Materials ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares Global Materials ETF in the second quarter valued at $3,581,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC increased its holdings in iShares Global Materials ETF by 111.8% in the third quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 43,510 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,953,000 after buying an additional 22,967 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in iShares Global Materials ETF by 168.8% in the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 31,813 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,159,000 after buying an additional 19,978 shares in the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Global Materials ETF during the first quarter worth about $1,733,000. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of iShares Global Materials ETF by 20.3% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 73,028 shares of the companys stock worth $6,862,000 after purchasing an additional 12,348 shares in the last quarter.

Get iShares Global Materials ETF alerts:

iShares Global Materials ETF Stock Performance

Shares of MXI stock traded up $0.04 on Thursday, reaching $80.07. 11,684 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 26,438. The company has a market cap of $336.29 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.83 and a beta of 1.01. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $82.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $82.30. iShares Global Materials ETF has a 1 year low of $66.02 and a 1 year high of $90.96.

About iShares Global Materials ETF

iShares Global Materials ETF, formerly iShares S&P Global Materials Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the S&P Global Materials Sector Index (the Index).

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MXI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Global Materials ETF (NYSEARCA:MXI  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Global Materials ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Global Materials ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PagerDuty (NYSE:PD  Get Rating) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $0.60-$0.65 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.44. The company issued revenue guidance of $425.00 million-$430.00 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $448.26 million. PagerDuty also updated its Q2 2024 guidance to $0.10-$0.11 EPS.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of PagerDuty from $37.00 to $32.00 in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. Robert W. Baird cut their target price on shares of PagerDuty from $35.00 to $32.00 in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of PagerDuty from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. Finally, Craig Hallum downgraded shares of PagerDuty from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $26.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $33.30.

Get PagerDuty alerts:

PagerDuty Stock Performance

PD traded down $0.50 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $22.43. 2,471,196 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,475,077. The firm has a market cap of $2.07 billion, a P/E ratio of -18.69 and a beta of 0.93. The stocks fifty day moving average is $30.11 and its 200 day moving average is $28.45. The company has a quick ratio of 2.21, a current ratio of 2.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. PagerDuty has a one year low of $19.51 and a one year high of $35.33.

Insider Buying and Selling at PagerDuty

PagerDuty ( NYSE:PD Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $103.25 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $103.25 million. PagerDuty had a negative net margin of 27.74% and a negative return on equity of 35.07%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 20.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.33) earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that PagerDuty will post -0.76 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 75,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.64, for a total value of $2,373,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 602,610 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,066,580.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 75,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.64, for a total value of $2,373,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 602,610 shares in the company, valued at $19,066,580.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Shelley Webb sold 2,082 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.04, for a total transaction of $62,543.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 227,158 shares in the company, valued at $6,823,826.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 253,605 shares of company stock valued at $7,934,700 over the last three months. 7.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of PagerDuty by 102.5% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 263,244 shares of the companys stock worth $9,000,000 after purchasing an additional 133,253 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates grew its holdings in shares of PagerDuty by 18.7% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 48,652 shares of the companys stock worth $1,663,000 after purchasing an additional 7,659 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of PagerDuty by 270.8% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,572 shares of the companys stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 1,148 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of PagerDuty by 53.8% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 44,055 shares of the companys stock worth $1,506,000 after purchasing an additional 15,413 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in shares of PagerDuty by 17.3% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 104,689 shares of the companys stock worth $3,579,000 after purchasing an additional 15,422 shares during the last quarter. 90.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

PagerDuty Company Profile

(Get Rating)

PagerDuty, Inc operates a digital operations management platform. It provides incident management solution that integrates with information technology Ops and DevOps monitoring stacks to improve operational reliability and agility. The firm collect machine generated data from virtually any software-enabled system or device, combine it with human response data, correlating and interpreting this data to understand issues and opportunities that need to be addressed in real-time.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for PagerDuty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PagerDuty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO  Get Rating) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Monday morning, The Fly reports.

Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on RIO. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a conviction-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, March 2nd. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, May 5th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, May 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Rio Tinto Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $5,790.00.

Get Rio Tinto Group alerts:

Rio Tinto Group Stock Performance

NYSE RIO opened at $63.67 on Monday. Rio Tinto Group has a 1 year low of $50.92 and a 1 year high of $80.51. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $64.19 and its 200 day simple moving average is $69.06.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Rio Tinto Group

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Level Four Advisory Services LLC raised its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 9.0% in the 1st quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 8,180 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $561,000 after purchasing an additional 675 shares during the last quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC grew its stake in Rio Tinto Group by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC now owns 13,973 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $959,000 after acquiring an additional 396 shares during the period. Toroso Investments LLC boosted its stake in Rio Tinto Group by 6.7% during the 1st quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 169,911 shares of the mining companys stock worth $11,655,000 after purchasing an additional 10,655 shares during the last quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Rio Tinto Group during the 1st quarter worth $423,000. Finally, Advanced Portfolio Management LLC purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $2,744,000. 10.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

(Get Rating)

Rio Tinto Plc engages in the exploration, mining, and processing of mineral resources. It operates through the following business segments: Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper and Diamonds, Energy and Minerals, and Other Operations. The Iron Ore segment supplies global seaborne iron ore trade. The Aluminium segment produces bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shawcor Ltd. (TSE:SCL  Get Rating) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$16.70 and last traded at C$16.48, with a volume of 228070 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$16.40.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Cormark lowered their price target on shares of Shawcor from C$25.25 to C$23.50 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. ATB Capital boosted their price target on shares of Shawcor from C$16.25 to C$18.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. National Bankshares boosted their price target on shares of Shawcor from C$17.50 to C$18.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Shawcor from C$15.00 to C$16.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Finally, National Bank Financial restated an outperform overweight rating on shares of Shawcor in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$17.93.

Get Shawcor alerts:

Shawcor Stock Performance

The firms 50-day moving average is C$13.43 and its 200 day moving average is C$13.32. The stock has a market cap of C$1.15 billion, a PE ratio of 552.33, a P/E/G ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 2.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.41, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.29.

About Shawcor

Shawcor ( TSE:SCL Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 8th. The company reported C$0.18 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.21 by C($0.03). Shawcor had a net margin of 0.16% and a return on equity of 0.20%. The business had revenue of C$345.46 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$344.60 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Shawcor Ltd. will post 1.9789343 EPS for the current year.

(Get Rating)

Shawcor Ltd. operates as a material sciences company that serves the infrastructure, energy, and transportation markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Composite Systems, Automotive and Industrial, and Pipeline and Pipe Services. The Composite Systems segment manufactures flexible composite and high density polyethylene pipes that are used for oil and gas gathering, water disposal, carbon dioxide injection pipelines, and other applications; fiberglass reinforced plastic underground storage tanks for the retail fuel, water and wastewater, and oil and gas markets; and tubular management services to the Western Canadian onshore oilfield market, including inventory management systems, mobile inspection, in-plant inspection and the refurbishment and rethreading of drill pipe, production tubing and casing, and tubular products.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Shawcor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shawcor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
ShawSpring Partners LLC lowered its position in Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT  Get Rating) by 46.6% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 622,680 shares of the companys stock after selling 542,942 shares during the quarter. Hilton Worldwide makes up approximately 12.5% of ShawSpring Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest position. ShawSpring Partners LLC owned about 0.23% of Hilton Worldwide worth $78,682,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Hilton Worldwide by 0.7% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,213,967 shares of the companys stock worth $1,232,009,000 after buying an additional 75,154 shares during the period. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. raised its position in Hilton Worldwide by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. now owns 10,031,580 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,210,009,000 after purchasing an additional 122,978 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Hilton Worldwide by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,445,969 shares of the companys stock worth $686,870,000 after buying an additional 50,586 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its holdings in shares of Hilton Worldwide by 16.1% during the first quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,200,822 shares of the companys stock valued at $637,433,000 after acquiring an additional 583,516 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in Hilton Worldwide by 10.2% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,969,051 shares of the companys stock worth $602,263,000 after acquiring an additional 366,054 shares during the period. 95.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Hilton Worldwide alerts:

Hilton Worldwide Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE HLT traded down $0.15 during trading on Thursday, reaching $142.48. 637,556 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,643,609. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.70 billion, a PE ratio of 31.28, a P/E/G ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 1.23. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $142.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $139.91. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. has a 52-week low of $108.41 and a 52-week high of $152.89.

Hilton Worldwide Dividend Announcement

Hilton Worldwide ( NYSE:HLT Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported $1.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.14 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $2.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. Hilton Worldwide had a negative return on equity of 141.34% and a net margin of 13.36%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 33.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.71 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. will post 5.86 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 19th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 18th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.42%. Hilton Worldwides dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 13.16%.

Insider Activity at Hilton Worldwide

In other news, Director Douglas M. Steenland purchased 695 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were acquired at an average price of $143.73 per share, with a total value of $99,892.35. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 26,194 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,764,863.62. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 2.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have commented on HLT. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Hilton Worldwide from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, February 10th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Hilton Worldwide from $160.00 to $165.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Barclays decreased their target price on Hilton Worldwide from $168.00 to $166.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. StockNews.com began coverage on Hilton Worldwide in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Hilton Worldwide from $154.00 to $144.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $152.81.

Hilton Worldwide Profile

(Get Rating)

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc engages in the provision of hospitality businesses. It operates through the following segments: Ownership and Management & Franchise. The Ownership segment includes owned, leased, and joint venture hotels. The Management and Franchise segment operates hotels of third-party owners.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Hilton Worldwide Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hilton Worldwide and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Smith Moore & CO. increased its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Get Rating) by 10.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,082 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 779 shares during the period. Smith Moore & CO.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $818,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of PM. Riverpoint Wealth Management Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Red Tortoise LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Optiver Holding B.V. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Winch Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 200.0% in the 4th quarter. Winch Advisory Services LLC now owns 294 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 196 shares in the last quarter. Finally, My Personal CFO LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. 75.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Philip Morris International Price Performance

Philip Morris International stock traded down $0.23 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $92.02. The stock had a trading volume of 580,497 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,437,797. The stock has a market cap of $142.83 billion, a PE ratio of 16.50, a PEG ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.68. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $82.85 and a 52 week high of $105.62. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $95.72 and a 200-day simple moving average of $98.59.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $1.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.04. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.80% and a negative return on equity of 128.55%. The company had revenue of $8.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.03 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.56 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the company from $109.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $114.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, UBS Group upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $106.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $110.60.

Philip Morris International Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Philip Morris International, Inc is a holding company engaged in the manufacturing and sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine-containing products. Its products include cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products. The firm operates through the following geographical segments: European Union, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia and Australia, and Americas.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Smith Moore & CO. lowered its holdings in shares of Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC  Get Rating) by 1.6% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,920 shares of the companys stock after selling 199 shares during the quarter. Smith Moore & CO.s holdings in Centene were worth $978,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of CNC. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its position in Centene by 1,401.4% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 46,333 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,901,000 after purchasing an additional 43,247 shares during the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. boosted its stake in Centene by 7.2% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 9,734 shares of the companys stock worth $841,000 after buying an additional 657 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL raised its stake in shares of Centene by 104.7% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 43,760 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,684,000 after acquiring an additional 22,382 shares during the period. Brighton Jones LLC purchased a new position in shares of Centene during the 1st quarter worth about $203,000. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. grew its holdings in Centene by 10.0% during the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 37,404 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,149,000 after purchasing an additional 3,414 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.28% of the companys stock.

Get Centene alerts:

Centene Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of CNC stock traded down $0.37 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $67.32. 620,982 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,680,438. The stock has a market cap of $36.94 billion, a PE ratio of 25.64, a PEG ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.56. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $66.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $72.27. Centene Co. has a 1 year low of $61.34 and a 1 year high of $98.53.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Centene ( NYSE:CNC Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.23 by ($0.12). Centene had a net margin of 1.01% and a return on equity of 13.61%. The company had revenue of $38.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $36.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.83 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Centene Co. will post 6.44 EPS for the current year.

Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Loop Capital dropped their target price on Centene from $110.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Centene from $79.00 to $71.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, March 21st. Mizuho lowered their target price on shares of Centene from $92.00 to $80.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Centene from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $94.00 to $79.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Centene from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $94.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Thursday, February 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.11.

Insider Buying and Selling at Centene

In other Centene news, CEO Sarah London acquired 30,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $62.60 per share, for a total transaction of $1,878,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 313,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,653,457.80. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Lori Jean Robinson sold 1,400 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.59, for a total transaction of $93,226.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 8,508 shares of the companys stock, valued at $566,547.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Sarah London purchased 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 17th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $62.60 per share, for a total transaction of $1,878,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 313,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,653,457.80. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.33% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Centene

(Get Rating)

Centene Corp. operates as a healthcare enterprise, which engages in the provision of programs and services to government sponsored healthcare programs. It operates through the following segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and Other. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in St. Louis, MO.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Soros Fund Management LLC lowered its holdings in Denbury Inc. (NYSE:DEN  Get Rating) by 70.0% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 30,000 shares of the companys stock after selling 70,000 shares during the quarter. Soros Fund Management LLC owned about 0.06% of Denbury worth $2,611,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in Denbury by 31.8% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 527 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Denbury by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 400 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC purchased a new stake in Denbury in the 4th quarter worth about $110,000. Cutler Group LLC CA increased its holdings in Denbury by 329.5% in the 4th quarter. Cutler Group LLC CA now owns 1,718 shares of the companys stock worth $149,000 after acquiring an additional 1,318 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Denbury during the 4th quarter valued at about $195,000.

Get Denbury alerts:

Denbury Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of Denbury stock traded down $0.55 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $92.78. 352,708 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 597,724. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.71. The company has a market cap of $4.66 billion, a PE ratio of 8.85 and a beta of 2.68. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $91.50 and a 200-day moving average of $87.32. Denbury Inc. has a 12 month low of $56.59 and a 12 month high of $104.05.

Insider Buying and Selling

Denbury ( NYSE:DEN Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $341.02 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $336.21 million. Denbury had a net margin of 34.69% and a return on equity of 23.71%. Denburys revenue was down 17.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.69 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Denbury Inc. will post 5.89 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CAO Nicole H. Jennings sold 618 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.85, for a total transaction of $48,729.30. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 60,443 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,765,930.55. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.14% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have weighed in on DEN shares. Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Denbury in a report on Thursday, February 23rd. TheStreet raised Denbury from a c rating to a b- rating in a report on Monday, March 27th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on Denbury from $138.00 to $140.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Denbury presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $103.57.

Denbury Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Denbury Inc, an independent energy company, focuses on producing oil from mature oil fields in the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain regions. The company holds interests in various oil and natural gas properties located in Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana in the Gulf Coast region; and in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming in the Rocky Mountain region.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DEN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Denbury Inc. (NYSE:DEN  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Denbury Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Denbury and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of TransAlta Renewables Inc. (TSE:RNW  Get Rating) have received a consensus rating of Hold from the eleven analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$15.11.

Several brokerages recently issued reports on RNW. ATB Capital lowered shares of TransAlta Renewables from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their price objective for the company from C$15.50 to C$14.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. CIBC decreased their price objective on TransAlta Renewables from C$13.50 to C$13.00 in a research note on Friday, February 24th. National Bankshares cut their target price on TransAlta Renewables from C$13.25 to C$13.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Raymond James decreased their price target on shares of TransAlta Renewables from C$16.50 to C$15.50 in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, TD Securities raised their price target on shares of TransAlta Renewables from C$12.00 to C$12.50 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, May 8th.

Get TransAlta Renewables alerts:

TransAlta Renewables Trading Down 0.6 %

TSE RNW opened at C$12.47 on Thursday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$12.54 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$12.35. TransAlta Renewables has a one year low of C$10.63 and a one year high of C$18.45. The company has a market capitalization of C$3.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 44.52, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.81.

TransAlta Renewables Announces Dividend

About TransAlta Renewables

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 31st were paid a $0.0783 dividend. This represents a $0.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.53%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 12th. TransAlta Renewabless dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 313.33%.

(Get Rating)

TransAlta Renewables Inc develops, owns, and operates renewable power generation facilities. The company operates through Canadian Wind, Canadian Hydro, Canadian Gas, US Wind and Solar, US Gas, and Australian Gas segments. As of February 24, 2022, it owned and operated 26 wind facilities, 13 hydroelectric facilities, 8 natural gas generation facilities, 2 solar facilities, 1 natural gas pipeline, and 1 battery storage project comprising 2,968 megawatts of net generating capacity located in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, the States of Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington, North Carolina, and the State of Western Australia.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Renewables Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta Renewables and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
True North Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 2.9% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 93,344 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,831 shares during the period. Bank of America accounts for 1.1% of True North Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest holding. True North Advisors LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $3,092,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Legend Financial Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Bank of America by 6,772.7% in the 4th quarter. Legend Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 756 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 745 shares during the period. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Mendota Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the 4th quarter worth $36,000. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Bank of America in the 4th quarter worth $38,000. Finally, Marshall & Sullivan Inc. WA purchased a new position in Bank of America in the 4th quarter worth $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock.

Get Bank of America alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have issued reports on BAC. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $28.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Bank of America from $48.00 to $39.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Bank of America from $38.00 to $33.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $36.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $38.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Bank of America presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.77.

Bank of America Stock Performance

BAC traded down $0.32 during trading on Thursday, hitting $29.16. The companys stock had a trading volume of 22,343,407 shares, compared to its average volume of 53,526,344. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. Bank of America Co. has a one year low of $26.32 and a one year high of $38.60. The firm has a market cap of $232.38 billion, a PE ratio of 8.77, a P/E/G ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.37. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $28.45 and its 200-day simple moving average is $31.75.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $26.26 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.28 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 21.85% and a return on equity of 11.72%. The companys revenue was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.80 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.02%. Bank of Americas payout ratio is 26.43%.

Bank of America Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Bank of America Corp. is a bank and financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and nonbank financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, Global Markets, and All Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers credit, banking, and investment products and services to consumers and small businesses.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Two Harbors Investment Corp. (NYSE:TWO  Get Rating) have received an average rating of Hold from the nine brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have assigned a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $16.38.

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on TWO shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Two Harbors Investment from $17.00 to $15.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Two Harbors Investment from $16.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on Two Harbors Investment from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, February 17th. Maxim Group raised Two Harbors Investment from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $19.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, JMP Securities dropped their price target on Two Harbors Investment from $18.00 to $14.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 21st.

Get Two Harbors Investment alerts:

Two Harbors Investment Price Performance

Shares of TWO stock opened at $13.52 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $13.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $15.15. Two Harbors Investment has a 52-week low of $11.57 and a 52-week high of $21.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 1.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.31 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.08 and a beta of 1.75.

Two Harbors Investment Dividend Announcement

Insider Transactions at Two Harbors Investment

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, April 4th were issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 17.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, April 3rd. Two Harbors Investments dividend payout ratio is currently -72.51%.

In related news, Director Stephen G. Kasnet sold 6,863 shares of Two Harbors Investment stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.28, for a total value of $84,277.64. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 80,035 shares in the company, valued at approximately $982,829.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director Stephen G. Kasnet sold 6,863 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.28, for a total value of $84,277.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 80,035 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $982,829.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO William Ross Greenberg sold 8,741 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.33, for a total value of $107,776.53. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 169,561 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,090,687.13. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 23,534 shares of company stock valued at $289,831. Corporate insiders own 0.45% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Two Harbors Investment

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Two Harbors Investment by 18.2% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 62,766 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $347,000 after acquiring an additional 9,682 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new position in Two Harbors Investment in the 1st quarter valued at $68,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Two Harbors Investment by 37.5% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 162,618 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $899,000 after purchasing an additional 44,348 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in shares of Two Harbors Investment by 1.2% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 974,314 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,388,000 after buying an additional 11,111 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its stake in shares of Two Harbors Investment by 14.1% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 296,479 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,640,000 after buying an additional 36,555 shares in the last quarter.

Two Harbors Investment Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Two Harbors Investment Corp. is a real estate investment trust, which invests in, finances, and manages agency residential mortgage-backed securities, mortgage servicing rights, and other financial assets. Its objective is to provide risk-adjusted returns to its stockholders over the long-term, primarily through dividends and secondarily through capital appreciation.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Two Harbors Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Two Harbors Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI  Get Rating) issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $1.80-2.30 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.31. The company issued revenue guidance of $30.1-30.5 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $30.37 billion. United Natural Foods also updated its FY 2023 guidance to $1.80-$2.30 EPS.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently commented on UNFI. Roth Mkm cut United Natural Foods from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the company from $63.00 to $34.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 8th. TheStreet downgraded shares of United Natural Foods from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. CL King cut shares of United Natural Foods from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on United Natural Foods from $43.00 to $30.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 9th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on United Natural Foods from $41.00 to $35.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 9th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $35.71.

Get United Natural Foods alerts:

United Natural Foods Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:UNFI opened at $23.46 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. The firms 50 day moving average is $26.71 and its two-hundred day moving average is $31.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.54 and a beta of 1.05. United Natural Foods has a 52 week low of $19.62 and a 52 week high of $48.26.

Insider Buying and Selling

United Natural Foods ( NYSE:UNFI Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported $0.54 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.63 by ($0.09). United Natural Foods had a net margin of 0.64% and a return on equity of 14.45%. The business had revenue of $7.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.51 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.10 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that United Natural Foods will post 3.29 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, CEO J Alexander Douglas, Jr. bought 45,168 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, March 24th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $22.22 per share, with a total value of $1,003,632.96. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 150,936 shares in the company, valued at $3,353,797.92. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Natural Foods

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its position in shares of United Natural Foods by 7.2% in the first quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 3,694 shares of the companys stock worth $153,000 after acquiring an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC boosted its position in shares of United Natural Foods by 1.2% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 21,287 shares of the companys stock worth $838,000 after buying an additional 254 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of United Natural Foods by 0.7% during the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 59,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,451,000 after buying an additional 414 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its holdings in shares of United Natural Foods by 1.8% during the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 25,358 shares of the companys stock valued at $999,000 after buying an additional 445 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP raised its position in United Natural Foods by 0.6% during the first quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 81,460 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,146,000 after buying an additional 461 shares during the period. 85.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

United Natural Foods Company Profile

(Get Rating)

United Natural Foods, Inc engages in the distribution of natural, organic, and specialty foods and non-food products. The firm operates through the following segments: Wholesale and Retail. The Wholesale segment is engaged in the national distribution of natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products, and providing retail services in the United States and Canada.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for United Natural Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Natural Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:U  Get Rating) Director Shlomo Dovrat sold 116,775 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.91, for a total transaction of $3,492,740.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 105,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,150,420.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link.

Shlomo Dovrat also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Unity Software alerts:

On Monday, May 22nd, Shlomo Dovrat sold 12,591 shares of Unity Software stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.10, for a total transaction of $378,989.10.

Unity Software Stock Down 3.2 %

Unity Software stock opened at $34.71 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 2.39 and a quick ratio of 2.39. Unity Software Inc. has a 1-year low of $21.22 and a 1-year high of $58.63. The company has a market cap of $13.14 billion, a PE ratio of -11.49 and a beta of 2.15. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $29.39 and its 200 day moving average price is $31.32.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Unity Software ( NYSE:U Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.37) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.49) by $0.12. Unity Software had a negative return on equity of 23.63% and a negative net margin of 63.42%. The firm had revenue of $500.36 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $477.42 million. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Unity Software Inc. will post -1.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Unity Software from $27.50 to $28.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price objective on shares of Unity Software from $71.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 23rd. DA Davidson boosted their target price on shares of Unity Software from $35.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 23rd. Barclays decreased their price objective on Unity Software from $32.00 to $31.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $44.00 price objective on shares of Unity Software in a report on Friday, April 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $40.06.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Romano Brothers AND Company acquired a new position in Unity Software in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Unity Software by 74.5% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 977 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,000 after purchasing an additional 417 shares in the last quarter. Ellevest Inc. raised its stake in shares of Unity Software by 133.2% in the 4th quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 1,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Unity Software in the 1st quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA raised its stake in shares of Unity Software by 2,000.0% in the 4th quarter. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA now owns 1,050 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. 82.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Unity Software

(Get Rating)

Unity Software Inc operates a real-time 3D development platform. Its platform provides software solutions to create, run, and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. The company offers its solutions directly through its online store and field sales operations in North America, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as indirectly through independent distributors and resellers worldwide.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Unity Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unity Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Victoria Gold (TSE:VGCX  Get Rating) had its target price reduced by investment analysts at HC Wainwright from C$21.00 to C$20.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. HC Wainwrights price target would suggest a potential upside of 136.97% from the stocks current price.

Separately, CIBC upped their price target on Victoria Gold from C$10.50 to C$11.50 in a research report on Monday, April 17th.

Get Victoria Gold alerts:

Victoria Gold Price Performance

VGCX stock traded up C$0.18 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching C$8.44. 99,030 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 524,594. The stock has a market capitalization of C$561.51 million, a PE ratio of 26.34 and a beta of 1.64. Victoria Gold has a 52 week low of C$6.56 and a 52 week high of C$14.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.29, a current ratio of 1.83 and a quick ratio of 0.34. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$9.56 and a 200 day moving average price of C$8.89.

Victoria Gold Company Profile

Victoria Gold Corp. acquires, operates, explores, and develops mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Its flagship property is 100% owned Dublin Gulch property, which hosts the Eagle and Olive-Shamrock Gold deposit covering an area of approximately 555 square kilometers located in central Yukon, Canada.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Victoria Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Village Farms International, Inc. (TSE:VFF  Get Rating) traded up 0.9% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$8.48 and last traded at C$8.12. 4,316,496 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 701% from the average session volume of 539,085 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$8.05.

Village Farms International Price Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average is C$8.12. The company has a market cap of C$715.51 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -116.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.94, a current ratio of 3.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.58.

Village Farms International Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Village Farms International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, and distributes greenhouse-grown tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers in North America. It operates through three segments: Produce Business, Energy Business, and Cannabis and Hemp Business. The company also owns and operates a 7.0 megawatt power plant that generates and sells electricity to British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority; and produces and supplies cannabis products.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Village Farms International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Village Farms International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Veteran dealmaker and Head of Investment Banking, Nomura India, Utpal Oza, has stepped down, multiple industry sources in the know told Moneycontrol. Yes, Oza has resigned and is planning to pursue alternate career options outside of i-banking, said one of the persons above. Incidentally, Oza, who has had a stint of over 25 years as a dealmaker was also a founding member of Nomura when it set up shop in India back in 2006. A second person told Moneycontrol that Amit Thawani, MD and Head of India Coverage Investment Banking, Nomura would take over from Oza as the new deal spearhead for the firm. "There will be a transition period of a few months," the second person added. A third person confirmed the above developments. All three people spoke to Moneycontrol on the condition of anonymity. Oza, Thawani and Nomura India were unavailable for immediate comment. A few key deals by Nomura India in recent years include the sale of ASK to Blackstone, the Eureka Forbes buyout by Advent, the sale of Thyrocare to PharmEasy and the IPO of Blackstone-backed Sona Comstar. (This is a breaking story and will be updated shortly)

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
[content][title]Market Cap of Crypto Projects Using AI Still Low, But Has Potential to Grow[/title][body] A new report by Coinbase has found that the market capitalization of crypto projects directly developing AI models on the blockchain, applying AI to decentralized applications, or solving AI-related issues is still fairly low at only 0.07% of the total across all tokens. > The report, titled "At the Intersection of AI and Crypto," found that there are currently over 1,000 crypto projects that are using AI in some way. > However, the vast majority of these projects are still in the early stages of development and have relatively small market capitalizations. > The report also found that there are a number of challenges that are hindering the growth of the AI-crypto market. These challenges include Read more [/body][/content] [content][quote]Exchanges, Bitfinex, Tether[/quote][title]Regulatory Spotlight on Decentralized Exchanges: Insights from Bitfinex CTO Paolo Ardoino[/title][body] Paolo Ardoino, the CTO of Bitfinex and Tether, recently hinted at a potential escalation in regulatory scrutiny aimed at Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs). Ardoino expressed his perspective during an extensive discussion on an array of topics including the future expansion of Bitfinex and Tether, their focus on emerging markets, and their commitment to Bitcoin. > "We are seeing what happened with the centralized exchanges in the last two days. However, it would be foolish to think that the decentralized exchanges are not going to be under scrutiny as well," stated Ardoino, highlighting the shifting landscape in crypto regulation. > Ardoino expounded his point, explaining that DEXs, although operating on blockchain technology, may still need to comply with regulatory obligations, particularly if they generate revenue for a certain group of individuals. Details here. [/body][/content] [content][quote]Crypto, tax rules, revenue, taxation[/quote][title]Urgent Crypto Tax Rules: What Reps. Brad Sherman and Stephen Lynch Are Pushing For[/title][body] Congress members Brad Sherman (D-Calif) and Stephen Lynch (D-Mass) have publicly called for the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to swiftly present forthcoming rules for cryptocurrency taxation. > They argue this would foster complete compliance from the fast-growing industry, according to a letter delivered on Monday. > Sherman, a veteran member of the House Committee on Financial Services, expressed his concerns, saying, "The crypto sector has, for several years, contributed significantly to tax evasion and thus widened the country's tax gap." > The pair of lawmakers highlighted in their letter that despite the White House concluding its examination of the contentious tax reporting stipulations for cryptocurrency brokers from the 2021 infrastructure bill earlier this year, the government is still withholding the suggested regulations. Details here [/body][/content] [content][quote]USA, Coinbase, petition, digital assets[/quote][title]US Court Directs SEC to Clarify Stance on Coinbase Rulemaking Petition[/title][body] The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been mandated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to clarify its stance on a rulemaking appeal initiated by cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase. > This petition, which was submitted in 2022, is directed at SEC's rulemaking in the digital asset sector and was instigated in an effort to address the perceived inadequacy of the existing regulations for digital assets. > The SEC now has a week to either reject Coinbase's petition and provide justifications for such a decision or provide an estimated timeline for their final decision on this matter. > Coinbase has positioned this request as a necessary precursor to any enforcement actions, insisting on the establishment of explicit rules prior to enforcing regulatory measures. More here [/body][/content] [content][quote]Stablecoin, Ethereum, collateral[/quote][title]Aave's GHO Stablecoin Moves Closer to Ethereum Mainnet Launch[/title][body] The Aave lending protocol's stablecoin, GHO, inches towards a launch on Ethereum's mainnet with the introduction of two key features proposed by the developer, Aave Companies. > These features aim to enhance user benefits while maintaining the coin's stability. > The GHO stablecoin, in its testing phase since February on Ethereum's Goerli testnet, has performed without significant issues. > In a governance post, Aave Companies introduced the V3 Ethereum Facilitator and the FlashMinter Facilitator, designed to allow GHO lending against collateral deposits and to enable flash loans or zero-collateral loans respectively. > "These facilitators, capable of creating and annihilating GHO tokens up to a certain extent, will let depositors borrow GHO against their collateral placed in Aave V3's Ethereum mainnet pool," the developer explained. Read more [/body][/content] [content][quote]Coinbase, lawsuit, Binance[/quote][title]Coinbase Under Fire: Armstrong Responds to SEC Lawsuit and Defends Company's Integrity[/title][body] Brian Armstrong, the Chief Executive Officer of Coinbase, asserts that the lawsuit filed against his company by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is vastly different from the one filed against Binance, a rival cryptocurrency exchange. > Speaking to CNBC, Armstrong said, "The two firms are in stark contrast to each other, as are the legal actions they face," according to a transcript provided via email. > The CEO clarified that the lawsuit against Coinbase did not involve the misappropriation of client assets. He also emphasized that he wasn't personally accused. > He expounded, "Our situation raises a question of categorization, whether to classify these as commodities or securities. Continue reading [/body][/content] [content][quote]Crypto exchange, Binance US, Lawsuit[/quote][title]Binance US Puts Brakes on Trading Services Amid SEC Lawsuit[/title][body] Crypto exchange Binance.US has decided to suspend trading services for several crypto tokens as of June 8th, in response to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). > The lawsuit, which accuses the company and its management of offering unregistered securities, marks an escalation in regulatory scrutiny. > With the removal of several advanced trading pairs from its platform, Binance.US has created ripples in the crypto community. > "We have also decided to streamline our Buy, Sell & Convert offering and have paused our OTC Trading Portal, said the company in a recent statement. > The suspension affects a wide array of trading pairs, including more than 90 tether pairs, eight Bitcoin pairs, and two Binance USD pairs. However, users can still carry out deposit and withdrawal operations. Read more [/body][/content] [content][quote]SEC, BInance, Legal[/quote][title]SEC vs Binance: CEO CZ Zhao's Stance on the Legal Confrontation[/title][body] The Chief Executive of Binance, Changpeng Zhao said that he is not required to attend court in person, responding to news about his summons linked to a lawsuit lodged by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). > Zhao clarified that this development was standard procedure and nothing out of the ordinary in dealing with the SEC. He tweeted, "This is just part of the SEC compliant process. Nothing new." > The SEC instigated legal proceedings against both Binance and Zhao on Monday, alleging multiple infractions of U.S. securities regulations. In response, Binance issued a statement asserting its intention to "vigorously" contest the allegations. Continue reading [/body][/content] [content][quote]Ether, coinbase, lawsuit, Altcoin, Bitcoin[/quote][title]Binance, Coinbase Lawsuits Trigger Altcoin Sell-Off; Bitcoin Remains Stable[/title][body] > In the wake of lawsuits by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Binance and Coinbase, substantial cryptocurrencies faced a severe hit, triggering a sweeping altcoin downturn on Wednesday. > Amid this turbulence, investors flocked to the relative sanctuary of bitcoin (BTC). > Binance Smart Chain's proprietary token, BNB, plummeted by 8% within a day, reaching a six-month low of $252, according to data from CoinDesk. > Prominent cryptocurrencies by market cap, including Cardano's ADA, Polygon's MATIC, and Solana's SOL, also experienced a steep decline ranging from 6% to 8% throughout the day. > Meanwhile, Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency heavyweight, held its ground, witnessing a modest decrease of 0.9% during the same period, with its trading value revolving around $26,500. > Over the previous week, BTC has been trading in the $25,000 to $27,000 range. > Ether (ETH), which was trading at $1,850, saw a marginal drop of 1.3% over the day. This performance was in line with the overall trends in the digital asset markets. [/body][/content]
Auto major Maruti Suzuki India Ltd revealed the pricing details of its new offering, Jimny. The SUV, available in Zeta and Alpha variants, has been priced in the Rs 12,74,000-Rs 15,05,000 range, ex-showroom Delhi. It is expected to strengthen Maruti's product portfolio in the SUV space. However, analysts predict that the scope for volume upside at this price point is limited and the SUV may face more competition next year with the launch of the 5-door Thar in Q4FY24. Despite this, Nomura expects limited demand impact on Thar as most of its demand is for the 2x2 RWD variant, which is priced lower than the Jimny. Overall, the launch of Jimny is a promising move for Maruti Suzuki in the SUV market. While the pricing was slightly higher than what analysts had anticipated, they noted that Maruti Suzuki has a much higher launch success rate of 70 percent in the past decade, compared to its competition's 14 percent, which could aid market share recoupment. Analysts anticipate sales of 3,000-5,000 units per month going forward. "Given that it has strong off-roading capabilities and is the only vehicle with five doors in this segment, we believe it can command some premium from the niche segment of the buyers it will appeal to," Nomura said in its latest report. The brokerage firm has maintained its neutral rating and kept the price target at Rs 9659 a share. The stock currently trades at 23x FY25 core EPS. The brokerage house prefers M&M in the sector. The Jimny has completed a significant phase of the company's new model cycle, which includes launches of popular models like the Celerio, Baleno, Brezza, Alto, Grand Vitara, and Fronx. The company also plans to launch a Maruti variant of the Toyota Hycross in FY24E, though it may be a low-volume product. While analysts believe that MSIL may maintain its market share of around 42 percent, gains in SUVs may be offset by weakness in the small-car segment, where discounts are on the rise. Moreover, new launches like the Honda Elevate, Hyundai Exter, Tata Curvv, and the 5-door Thar will increase competition in the SUV market over the next year, the Nomura report added. The new Maruti SUV has received 30,000 units bookings split evenly between manual and automatic variants (as per Autocar media article of May 27). "Expect this to accelerate going forward, as pricing has been announced and vehicles may be available for test rides. We project an incremental domestic monthly volume addition of 4,000-5,000 units for Jimny in FY24," said Elara Capital in a note. Analysts expect Marutis market share to improve to 45 percent/46 percent in FY24/25 from 41.3 percent in FY23, led by launches in the SUV space. "Higher-priced new model launches will continue to boost ASP in FY24-25, thus propping EBIT/vehicle. Maintain Buy with an unchanged TP of Rs11,775 as we roll forward, on 26x (unchanged) Jun-25E EPS," the Elara report said.
India is in talks with the United States to seek an exemption on steel and aluminum tariffs that were imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, while offering withdrawal of some retaliatory tariffs, three Indian sources told Reuters. Negotiators in New Delhi and Washington are hoping to reach an agreement during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S. later this month, two Indian government officials and one industry source with direct knowledge of the matter said. India has offered to withdraw retaliatory tariffs on some agricultural goods such as almonds and walnuts in exchange for exemption on steel tariffs, both government sources said. However, U.S. negotiators were not "flexible", leading to doubts over a possible exemption on tariffs on steel, one of the sources said. "We are discussing, (but) they are not very flexible whether there will be any substantial outcome," the government source said, declining to be identified. India's trade ministry, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Commerce did not reply to mail seeking comment. The Indian officials did not want to be named as they were not authorised to speak to media. "PM (Modi) is visiting and by that time, they (U.S.) want to come up with something good, which looks positive for both sides," one of the government source added. India is willing to discuss other possible trade measures that the U.S. officials may propose, the second government source said. A top executive at a U.S. industry group said he was not aware of "any serious contemplation" on the part of the U.S. government on the tariff issue and said it was unlikely that they would consider such a request. "I really don't think the U.S. government would do that, quite frankly," said Kevin Dempsey, president of the industry trade group American Iron and Steel Institute. Trump had imposed 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum in 2018, using Section 232 of a 1962 act that allows the president to restrict imports. In retaliation, India had imposed tariffs on 28 U.S. products, including almonds, apples, and walnuts. Last December, The World Trade Organization ruled that U.S. tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium imports by Trump contravened global trading rules, a judgment criticised by Washington. Separately, at a U.S. Congressional Steel Caucus hearing on Wednesday, several steel industry leaders expressed support for keeping the tariffs in place.
HMA Agro Industries Ltd has set the price band for its Rs 480-crore public issue at Rs 555-585 a share. The company had earlier said that its IPO will open on June 20 for subscription and close on June 23. The anchor bids will start on June 19. Initiation of refunds will be on June 30 and credit of equity shares to demat account of the allottees will be on July 3. The stock is scheduled to list on the exchanges on July 4. At the upper end of the price band, the company is valued at Rs 2780 crore. HMA Agro plans to raise Rs 150 crore through the fresh issue and Rs 330 crore from an offer-for-sale from its shareholders and promoters. The OFS comprises up to Rs 120 crore by Wajid Ahmed, up to Rs 49 crore each by Gulzar Ahmad, Mohammad Mchmood Qureshi, Mohammad Ashraf Qureshi and Zulfiqar Ahmad Qurashi. Parvez Alam will sell up to Rs 14 crore through OFS. The proceeds from the fresh issue of up to Rs 135 crore will be used on working capital requirements of the company. Aryaman Financial Services Ltd is the sole lead manager to the issue. The firm is currently among the largest exporters of frozen buffalo meat products from India and accounts for more than 10 percent of Indias total export of frozen buffalo meat. Its products are mainly packaged under the brand name Black Gold, Kamil & HMA exported to over 40 countries all over the globe. The firm only deals in buffalo meat and allied products. Unlike beef or pork, buffalo meat is free from religious constraints and has the added advantage of low fat and cholesterol. The raw material procurement is done by the company and it is processed at various facilities, most of which are owned by its subsidiaries and some are run by third parties. These processing units work on a contractual basis against fixed charges, which are borne by the company. The firm exports to the UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Vietnam, Indonesia, Georgia, Malaysia, Cambodia and various Middle Eastern, CIS and African countries. Approximately 90 percent of its sales are in the form of exports. In order to take advantage of its robust export business and well-established distribution channels across 40 countries, it recently diversified its product portfolio by adding Frozen Fish Products, Basmati Rice, Poultry and other agri products as business verticals. For the fiscal year 2021, its revenue stood at Rs 3,083.19 crore as against Rs 1707.50 crore a year ago. Net profit for the period stood at Rs 117.62 crore versus Rs 71.60 crore last year.
The maiden public issue of IKIO Lighting has received overwhelming response from all type of investors as they bought 66.3 times the offer size on the final day of bidding on June 8. We have seen bid for 100.92 crore equity shares, so far from investors, against an IPO size of 1.52 crore shares, according to data available on exchanges. High net-worth individuals, who will get 15 percent of the IPO pie, were in the forefront for providing healthy support to the offer, buying shares 63.35 times the allotted quota, while retail investors have bid for 13.86 times the reserved portion. Qualified institutional buyers, who have 50 percent reservation in the public issue, have bought 163.58 times the portion. The offer was subscribed 6.83 times till second day of bidding, June 7. The Noida-based LED lighting solutions provider plans to raise Rs 606.5 crore from the public issue at the upper price band of Rs 270-285, comprising a fresh issuance of shares worth Rs 350 crore, and an offer-for-sale of Rs 256.5 crore by promoters. Also read: HMA Agro sets Rs 480-crore IPO price band at Rs 555-585 a share From the fresh issue net proceeds, IKIO Lighting will utilise Rs 212 crore for setting-up a new facility at Noida and another Rs 50 crore for repaying debts. Most of brokerages have given thumbs up to the offer citing attractive valuations, healthy financials, niche in functional decorative lights, commercial refrigeration lighting and recreational vehicles. Also read: See no competition from Chinese manufacturers; order book from exports to expand: IKIO Lighting "At higher price band, IKIO is demanding a P/E multiple of 43.6x (to its restated FY22 EPS of Rs 6.5), compared to the peer average of 94.6x. Based on its FY23 estimated earnings, the demanded P/E is 32.7x, which is at discount to peers prevailing TTM P/E multiple of 43.2x. Thus we assign a subscribe rating for the issue," Choice Broking said. IKIOs products were categorized into four segments, namely, LED lighting, refrigeration lights, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) piping and other products. On the back of population growth, rapid urbanization and improved demand for environmentally sustainable & cost-effective lighting solutions, the market of LED lighting has increased rapidly in the recent years. As a result, over FY18-22 the domestic LED lighting market has increased by 12.4 percent CAGR to Rs 21,708 crore. Click Here To Read All IPO Related News Further, with improved applications across the residential, commercial and industrial areas, the domestic LED lighting market is expected to increase by 11.7 percent CAGR over FY22-26E to reach a size of Rs 33,820 crore. The electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market supporting the domestic LED lighting market has increased by 21.5 percent CAGR over FY18-22 to Rs 4,800 crore and is expected to grow by 27 percent CAGR over FY22-26E to a size of Rs 12,500 crore. Anand Rathi has also given a subscribe rating to the offer as IKIO's ability to offer end-to-end solutions and its backward-integrated manufacturing have resulted in a strong business model with healthy RoEs (return on equity) despite operating on a smaller base than its peers, which cater mainly to the mass-market needs of leading brands. Also read: As RBI keeps policy rates unchanged, bet on these 10 stocks for double-digit returns Mainly on the back of improved backward integration, continued higher demand of its products and addition of new products line for the exports market in FY22, IKIO reported a consistent profitable growth in the business (except in the Covid-19 year i.e. FY21) over FY20-22. During 9M FY23, the company reported a proforma consolidated topline of Rs 328.6 crore, while EBITDA and PAT margin of 22.3 percent and 15.6 percent, respectively. "Based on our quick estimate, over FY22-25 topline is expected at grow by 25 percent CAGR to Rs 647.5 crore, with 63bps and 54bps expansion in the EBITDA and PAT margin respectively. RoIC and RoE is expected at 13.8 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively, in FY25E," Choice Broking said. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Shares of Aether Industries Ltd jumped 7 percent in early trade on June 8, post signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) with a US-based leading global oil field services company for a strategic supplier and contract manufacturing partnership. At 10:24 am the Aether Industries Ltd stock was trading 5.50 percent higher at Rs 981 on NSE. According to the filing with NSE on June 7, the LoI paves the way for the execution of a Strategic Supply Agreement (SSA) between the two companies within 3 months of the LoI execution. The LoI specifies 4 strategic products of the new customer that will be contract manufactured by Aether as the first set of products in this new partnership. The individual volumes of these 4 products is also specified in the LoI, and amounts to 1,325 MT per month (i.e. ~ 16 KTA or 16,000 MT per year). These products will be supplied to the global energy and oil and gas locations of the customer, including a significant supply within India. Management Commentary Commenting on the LoI, Aman Desai (Promoter / Director) of Aether Industries said, We are excited to announce this new partnership with our new customer, a global energy technology leader and one of the worlds three largest oil field services companies based in USA. Todays Letter of Intent and the following Strategic Supply Agreement within next 3 months will cement Aethers relationship as a strategic contract manufacturing partner with this new customer. All the products under discussion will be manufactured by Aether for the first time in India. Although all products will be supplied to the global locations of this customer, a significant supply will be dedicated towards those in India and for Indian domestic oil and gas applications; thus this project represents a significant project for the Make in India platform." He further added, The volume and revenue potential of this new partnership will be significant for Aether. Just the first set of 4 products mentioned in the LoI have a mature supply potential of > 1,000 MT per month and will correspond to top line revenues for Aether in excess of USD $ 36 MM or Rs. 300 crores per year. This initial revenue potential is anticipated to be achieved by Aether within 1 year of the SSA execution. We believe that this is only the start of this new partnership and initial success in these 4 products will pave the way for a much deeper association and business relationship between our two companies. Stock Performance Aether Industries Ltd stock has given a return of 8.83 percent over the last six months. Thus, outperforming the benchmark Nifty50 index which has given a return of 0.77 percent over the same duration. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Gold prices have slipped to a nearly two-month low, trading below $1950 per ounce, coming under pressure due to unexpected rate hikes in Australia and Canada. Additionally, the strength of the USD and Treasury yields continues to weigh on the precious metal. According to the MetalFocus Report, gold demand is expected to decline by 9% in 2023. Central banks, after a record-buying spree in 2022, have slowed down their purchases. On the supply side, gold supply is estimated to grow by 2%, leading to a surplus of 500 tons. Despite these factors, the annual average price of gold is projected to rise by 5% to reach an all-time high of $1890 per ounce. So far in 2023, gold prices have already climbed by 7%. The current market conditions indicate a challenging environment for gold, with various factors contributing to its decline. However, the projected rise in the annual average price suggests a potential turnaround in the future. Investors will closely monitor developments to gauge the direction of gold prices going forward. Since mid-May, prices have been confined within the range of $1930 to $1980, showing a lack of significant movement. Here's a look at gold prices in your city, on June 8 morning. Indian Gold prices in Delhi/NCR 22KT Rs 56700 20KT Rs 51950 18KT Rs 47000 14KT Rs 37110 Indian Silver prices in Delhi/NCR Silver - 74000 Indian Gold prices in Ahmedabad Rs/10 gm 24ct 61300 22ct 56200 Indian Gold prices in Mumbai Rs/10 gm 24ct 61500 22ct 56500

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
The Nifty has recently experienced a positive breakout from a sideways pattern, which has seen as a favourable development. This breakout comes just before the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announces its rate decision on June 8. Market participants are anticipating a dovish stance from the RBI governor, contributing to a positive sentiment in the market. Technically, support for the Nifty is positioned at 18,650, while resistance is expected around the range of 18,880-18,900. The Bank Nifty remained sideways following a positive start. The undertone of the index is still bullish, maintaining the support of 44,000 in a spot where a decent amount of Put writing was seen and resistance is still intact at 44,500. After the central bank policy, the Bank Nifty is expected to give a move on either side. Upon a decisive move 44,500, we might see strong directional upside moves. Here are three buy calls for short term: NTPC: Buy | LTP: Rs 177.35 | Stop-Loss: Rs 172 | Target: Rs 190 | Return: 7 percent The stock has recently experienced a breakout from a wedge pattern, which is considered a bullish signal. Furthermore, it is sustaining above a critical moving average, reinforcing the positive trend. The relative strength index (RSI) is also showing a bullish crossover, suggesting increasing buying momentum. In terms of technical levels, support for the stock is positioned at Rs 172, while resistance is expected around Rs 190. Bharat Forge: Buy | LTP: Rs 808.45 | Stop-Loss: Rs 788 | Target: Rs 860 | Return: 6.4 percent The stock has recently experienced a breakout from a double bottom pattern, which is considered a bullish signal. This breakout indicates a potential reversal of the previous downtrend. Additionally, the stock is sustaining above a critical near-term moving average, further supporting the positive outlook. The RSI is showing a bullish crossover, indicating increasing buying momentum. In terms of technical levels, support for the stock is placed at Rs 788, while resistance is expected around Rs 860. Power Grid Corporation of India: Buy | LTP: Rs 239 | Stop-Loss: Rs 234 | Target: Rs 250 | Return: 5 percent The stock has recently experienced a breakout from a consolidation pattern, indicating a potential shift in its price trend. It is currently sustaining above a critical near-term moving average, which reinforces the positive outlook. The RSI is showing a bullish crossover, suggesting increasing buying momentum in the stock. In terms of technical levels, the support is placed at Rs 234, while resistance is expected around Rs 250. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Shares of Punjab and Sind Bank jumped 3 percent in early trade on June 8 on the state-own lenders plan to raise capital through bonds. The banks board will meet on June 12 to consider the proposal to raise capital through the issuance of Basel-III-compliant additional Tier-I or Tier-II bonds of up to Rs 750 crore in one or more tranches within 12 months from the date of approval the bank told BSE on June 7. At 12.35 pm, the stock was trading 2.02 percent higher at Rs 32.85 on NSE. Catch all the market action on our live blog Stock Performance Punjab and Sind Bank stock has given a return of 4.42 percent over the last six months, outperforming the Nifty Bank index, which has given a return of 1.91 percent during the same period. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
The market has seen a correction for the first time in the last five consecutive sessions on June 8, after the RBI Monetary Policy Committee unanimously held the repo rate at 6.5 percent, in line with consensus expectations while retaining the withdrawal of accommodation stance by five out of six votes. Most of the sectors, barring metal, saw correction. The BSE Sensex fell 294 points to 62,849, while the Nifty50 declined 92 points to 18,635 and formed a bearish candlestick pattern on the daily charts, which experts feel is the short-term reversal of the trend. "A reasonable negative candle was formed on the daily chart with an upper shadow. Technically, this pattern indicates rejection of bulls at the highs and this could be considered as a short-term reversal pattern on the downside," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities said. He feels Thursday's swing high could be considered as a new higher top of the sequence and further weakness for the short term is expected to be a higher bottom of the sequence. At the lows, Nifty could find cluster support like ascending trendline, 10-day and 20-day EMA (exponential moving average) around 18,560-18,450 levels, he said. The broader markets also snapped rallies of several sessions as the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 indices fell 0.55 percent and 0.95 percent, respectively. We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades: Note: The open interest (OI) and volume data of stocks in this article are the aggregates of three-month data and not just the current month. Key support, resistance levels on Nifty The Nifty may get support at 18,614 followed by 18,576 and 18,514. If the index advances, then 18,738 will be the key resistance followed by 18,776 and 18,838. Nifty Bank We have also seen a correction in the Bank Nifty, which fell 280 points to 43,995 and formed a bearish candlestick pattern on the daily scale, following the RBI policy. "In terms of support levels, the index has a support level positioned at 43,700. A breach below this support level might indicate a further downside potential and could attract additional selling interest from traders and investors," Kunal Shah, Senior Technical & Derivative Analyst at LKP Securities said. The index is stuck in a range and a break on either side will have a directional move, he feels. As per the pivot point calculator, the Bank Nifty is expected to take support at 43,917, followed by 43,790 and 43,583, while the resistance is likely to be at 44,331, then 44,459 and 44,665. Call options data On the weekly options front, the maximum Call open interest (OI) was at 18,700 strike, with 94.02 lakh contracts, which is expected to be a crucial resistance level for the Nifty. This was followed by 18,800 strike comprising 89.61 lakh contracts and 18,900 strike with more than 74.74 lakh contracts. The meaningful Call writing was seen at 19,200 strike, which added 7.56 lakh contracts followed by 18,700 strike, which added 6.42 lakh contracts and 19,400 strike, which added 5.1 lakh contracts. Call unwinding was at 19,500 strike, which shed 31.45 lakh contracts followed by 18,900 strike, which shed 27.03 lakh contracts and 19,000 strike, which shed 19.28 lakh contracts. Put option data On the Put side, the maximum open interest was at 18,600 strike with 1.27 crore contracts, which is expected to be an important support level in the coming sessions. It was followed by the 18,500 strike, comprising 58.08 lakh contracts and the 18,000 strike, which has 39.81 lakh contracts. Put writing was seen at 17,600 strike, which added 1.95 lakh contracts followed by 19,700 strike, which added 150 contracts. Put unwinding was seen at 18,700 strike, which shed 98.18 lakh contracts followed by 18,500 strike, which shed 54.59 lakh contracts and 18,400 strike which shed 51.12 lakh contracts. Stocks with high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in the stock. The highest delivery was seen in Coromandel International, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Voltas, Larsen & Toubro and Dr Reddy's Laboratories among others. 11 stocks see a long build-up An increase in open interest (OI) and price indicates a build-up of long positions. Based on the OI percentage, 11 stocks, including NTPC, Container Corporation of India, Hindustan Aeronautics, JSW Steel and Tata Chemicals saw long buildups 92 stocks see long unwinding A decline in OI and price generally indicate a long unwinding. Based on the OI percentage, 92 stocks, including Glenmark Pharma, Tata Communications, JK Cement, India Cement and Britannia Industries saw a long unwinding. 69 stocks see a short build-up An increase in OI along with a price decrease indicates a build-up of short positions. Based on the OI percentage, 69 stocks, including Indian Energy Exchange, Tech Mahindra, HDFC AMC, Deepak Nitrite and Indian Hotels saw a short build-up. 17 stocks see short-covering A decrease in OI along with a price increase is an indication of short-covering. Based on the OI percentage, 17 stocks were on the short-covering list. These included MCX India, Dixon Technologies, Larsen & Toubro, Hero MotoCorp and Bharat Forge. Bulk deals Snowman Logistics: Gateway Distriparks acquired additional 14 lakh shares in the logistics company via open market transactions at an average price of Rs 43.32 per share. In the previous session too, Gateway Distriparks bought additional 11 lakh shares or 0.65 percent stake in Snowman Logistics. United Drilling Tools: Ace investor Ashish Kacholia sold 1.58 lakh equity shares or 0.78 percent stake in the oilfield equipment manufacturer via open market transactions at an average price of Rs 190.49 per share. Kacholia held 5.7 lakh shares or a 2.81 percent stake in the company as of March 2023. JHS Svendgaard Laboratories: Nikhil Vora and his wife Chaitali sold a 1.19 percent stake in the oral care products manufacturer via open market transactions. Nikhil has offloaded 3.91 lakh shares at an average price of Rs 19.21 per share, while Chaitali N Vora sold 3.83 lakh shares at an average price of Rs 18.2 per share. (For more bulk deals, click here) Investors Meetings on June 9 Stocks in the news Kotak Mahindra Bank: Canada Pension Fund is likely to sell a 1.66 percent stake in the private sector lender, reports CNBC-TV18 quoting sources. The deal size may be around $754 million. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board holds a 4.34 percent stake or 8.63 crore shares in the bank as of March 2023. Biocon: The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Bengaluru received a certificate of GMP (good manufacturing practice) compliance from the Competent Authority of Germany. The said Bengaluru facility underwent an EU GMP inspection in February 2023. Hindustan Aeronautics: The state-owned defence company said the meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on June 27 to consider a proposal for the sub-division of equity shares. Hence, the trading window for trading in the securities of the company will remain closed for all insiders, including designated persons, connected persons and their immediate relatives from June 9 till 48 hours after the declaration of the outcome of the board meeting. Tata Power: Tata Power Renewable Energy through its subsidiary TP Vardhaman Surya received a Letter of Award (LoA) to set up 966 MW RTC (round-the-clock) hybrid renewable power for Tata Steel. The project has a hybrid renewable capacity of 379 MW solar and 587 MW wind power. Tata Steel will invest 26 percent equity in the said project. The project will be commissioned by June 1, 2025. NHPC: Subsidiary NHDC has received a pump hydro storage site in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh with an estimated storage capacity of 525 MW X 6 hours, from the New and Renewable Energy Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh. GAIL India: The state-owned natural gas company has released payment to all stakeholders of JBF Petrochemicals as per an NCLT order. The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) will be completed in 15 months. GAIL has already infused a total resolution plan amount of Rs 2,101 crore, thus acquiring 100 percent stake in JBF Petrochemicals. Aether Industries: The speciality chemical manufacturer has inked a license agreement with Saudi Aramco Technologies Company for the commercialisation of the sustainable Converge polyols technology. The agreement formally initiates Aethers activities towards manufacturing and commercialization at Aether of the Converge polyols technology and product series. Fund Flow FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth Rs 212.40 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 405.01 crore on June 8, provisional data from the National Stock Exchange shows. Stocks under F&O ban on NSE The National Stock Exchange has retained Indiabulls Housing Financeand Manappuram Finance to its F&O ban list for June 9. Securities in the ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Starting from September 1, all international flight operations at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will be shifted to the recently launched Terminal 2 (T2). In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which operates KIA, said, "International operations will be completely relocated to T2, while Terminal 1 (T1) will exclusively serve as a domestic terminal. September 1 is the firm date for the collective transition of all international airlines from T1 to T2. The transition will not be carried out in phases, as immigration counters and customs office need to be set up. At midnight on August 31, all international traffic will be shifted to T2. This overnight transition is quite exciting". Work is underway at T2 in full swing. Regarding the preparedness to commence international operations from T2, he said they have an Operational Readiness Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme. "ORAT programme is already underway, which involves conducting trials with all airlines and ground handling companies and testing all the systems. So by the time we move in, the staff will have already undergone extensive training. They will be well-acquainted with the floors, routes, and various other aspects, guaranteeing a seamless operation right from day one," said Marar. T2, known as a terminal in a garden, commenced domestic operations on January 15, 2023. With T2 opening for international operations on September 1, global passengers traversing through Bengaluru airport can look forward to better facilities, including enhanced baggage drop facilities, streamlined immigration process as well as the addition of more duty-free outlets, restaurants, and lounges. Air India to shift its domestic operations to T2 by this month In November last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated T2 of Bengaluru airport, which was constructed at a cost of around Rs 5,000 crore. Three airlines  Vistara (commenced operations on March 26, 2023), AirAsia (since February 15, 2023), and Star Air (from January 15, 2023)  have been operating domestic services from T2. BIAL officials said Air India will shift its domestic operations to T2 by this month. "Regarding domestic operations, Air India is the only other airline that will be relocating to T2. In terms of capacity, we are fully prepared to accommodate them immediately. We are currently evaluating Air India's readiness and their proposed timelines. Once they are ready, they can seamlessly transition to T2 without any constraints. Our goal is to have them operating from T2 by the end of this month," he said. T1 will undergo refurbishment The Kempegowda International Airport's T1, which began operations around 15 years ago on May 24, 2008, is scheduled for refurbishment. "Once the international airlines shifted to T2, refurbishment work of T1 will commence. The international portion of T1 will be converted back to a domestic terminal. T1 will undergo a complete transformation to become a fully integrated domestic terminal," explained Marar. Bengaluru airport to become the gateway for the country Referring to British airline Virgin Atlantic's plan to commence direct service between Bengaluru and London (Heathrow) from March 31, 2024, Marar said, "The growing number of international airlines announcing flights from Bengaluru clearly indicates that KIA is evolving into much more than a regional hub. Bengaluru airport is now recognised as the new gateway to India, transcending its previous perception as merely a gateway to South India. This is what makes the rise in international traffic so exciting." he said. "We are delighted by Virgin Atlantic's announcement, and we have also witnessed Qantas Airways launching the Bengaluru-Sydney route, along with Lufthansa's addition of a new route to Munich alongside their existing flight to Frankfurt. It will be an exhilarating journey to witness the expansion of Bengaluru's connectivity to various international destinations," he added. BIAL expects 40 million passengers during 2023-24 Marar expressed his belief that the aviation market in India still holds immense potential for growth, stating that the current level of travel is below its full potential. "If we have more planes in the sky, I believe that the growth in aviation will be even faster than what we are currently witnessing. At Bengaluru airport, the passenger count reached 31.9 million last year, and our expectation for the 2023-24 period is to approach close to 40 million passengers," he said. Marar further highlighted that the air traffic in India is poised for continuous growth, as evidenced by the remarkable traffic witnessed during an off-peak month like March 2023. "Despite not being a holiday or business travel month, we experienced a significant influx of passengers at the airport during March 2023, indicating a sustained demand for travel," Marar said. He also emphasised that since the commencement of operations at T2, the traffic growth has followed the anticipated trend. "The growth has been evenly distributed between T1 and T2, with AirAsia, Star Air and Vistara driving growth at T2, while IndiGo and Akasa contributing to the growth story of T1," he said. "T2 has been designed to accommodate 25 million passengers, with a domestic capacity of 15 million and an international capacity of 10 million. Once the refurbishment of T1 is complete, it will have the capacity to accommodate 35-40 million passengers," Marar said. Teething issues at T2 Regarding the water leakage incident reported last month at T2 following the rain, Marar addressed it as a minor teething issue. He attributed the leakage to a torn membrane, which was likely caused by an oversight by a construction worker. "However, since the immediate rectification of the issue, there have been no further leakages despite subsequent heavy rains," he said Marar said that minor issues can be anticipated when opening a terminal of such magnitude, spanning 2.5 million square feet. He emphasised that even major airports worldwide have encountered more significant challenges during their openings.
British-born, and now China-owned, marquee automobile brand MG Motor could be a potential acquisition target for JSW Group, which is looking at expanding its presence to more customer-facing sectors. Speaking exclusively to CNBC-TV18, JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal said, "On MG Motor, if you are asking me specifically -- because I don't shy away from difficult questions -- that is also one of the companies in our list. Could be one of the options if they want to sell, but I am not sure as yet." Jindal was speaking on the sidelines of EY's World Entrepreneur of the Year (WEOY) awards in Monte Carlo, where he is representing India among 49 other leaders from across the world. Electric mobility is one of many new sectors the JSW Group is working on entering. "On EVs, we continue to work on that strategy. We haven't yet closed any deal, or haven't yet decided or put our finger on the final product. But we are going to work on it over the next six to eight months, and try and see that we can build the electric vehicle," he said, adding, "I am very excited about this opportunity for India because I feel that over the next seven to 10 years, electric vehicles are going to be the major mobility driver in the country. We want to be there when this idea or when this opportunity arises." While he may favour taking the acquisition route to enter new arenas, he is also aware of the pitfalls that such an exercise brings. "In a new area, whether it is battery or EV or something else, which is not our domain industry, acquisition could be an area. But through acquisition, it also gets a little bit more complicated, because it is not designed to your specs, and you may not really get what you want," he said. It's not just Electric Vehicles that the JSW Group is looking at, it's the whole electric mobility value chain. To that end, the group is also looking at making batteries in India, also because this would be allied to the group's existing presence in the energy business. "There are many areas that attract us that are potential areas, for example, as part of our renewable industry renewable journey, we are looking at batteries -- to manufacture batteries in India. That is an area which is a very large area and we feel that we are pretty organised to be in that sector. Because it is a sector which is up our alley, and we understand that business very well," Jindal said. Of course, this is also at the early planning stage, and no details or deals have been finalised yet. The group is also not averse to partnering with foreign players who would bring technology and capabilities to the table. "There are many opportunities -- global opportunities -- they are knocking at India's doors and they are looking for good partners in India... JSW is a good sort of organisation to tie up with," he said. In this regard, he adds that the origin of the partner does not matter, whether Japanese, or European, or Chinese. However, the company will weigh and balance multiple factors, including India's larger relationship with these countries, and how vital such a partnership will be for India's gropwth and future before moving ahead on such partnerships -- even in sectors like Electric Mobility, which clearly appears to be a priority foray. "In EV, China is way ahead of global competition. So, therefore, China becomes a natural ally, as far as new technology in battery and electric mobility is concerned, so that is one part of the story. On the other side, if we have a hostile relationship between India and China, then obviously we will not work with the Chinese," he said before adding, "So as a group, we have always taken that position; but to build India, if the technology is available only in China, or there's the kind of technology and cost structure which the Chinese can provide us and the Europeans cannot, then we have to think twice before we decide. So I think it's a difficult question to answer, but yes, that is, that is my position."
Indias second-largest fashion e-tailer has started levying a convenience fee of Rs 10 on every order placed on the platform above Rs 1,000, which will amount to a large corpus given its daily order volumes as the company looks to put itself on the path to profitability. For orders below Rs 1,000, the platform already levies a fee of Rs 99. This fee is charged even to members of Myntras membership programme, Myntra Insider, making this a charge over and above all other levies. Analysts peg Myntras daily order volumes at five lakh a day. 'Nominal fee for world-class service' In a pop-up message on the site, Myntra said that the fee is being levied for the services it has rendered  for providing technical expertise, brand aggregation, and post-sales support. Confirming the development, a Myntra spokesperson said, "A nominal fee helps platforms like ours to provide a world-class shopping experience while offering the best value to customers and is well acknowledged in the industry." The fee is significant as Myntras average order value (AOV) is estimated to be around Rs 1,400, according to analysts estimates. The convenience fee is yet another step that companies like Myntra are taking to make their orders more profitable, and analysts say it is unlikely to deter customers from making purchases. "The convenience fee of Rs 10 is not going to pinch customers because Myntra has a huge base of loyal customers and its market share is large enough, which allows the company to take these steps. Its not a drastic step, and most buyers will ignore it," said Satish Meena, an independent e-commerce analyst who earlier worked with Forrester. Sources said that Myntra has 50 million monthly active users (MAU). The new Rs 10 fee comes about two years after the company began charging customers Rs 99 as a convenience fee on orders below Rs 1,000. The fee of Rs 99 is still levied on regular users who place low-value orders, but Myntra Insiders only pay Rs 10 as a convenience fee irrespective of their order value, people aware of the matter told Moneycontrol. The new levy is just one of a slew of measures that the fashion e-tailer has taken, the other being its efforts to curb returns. The scourge of returns Earlier this year, Myntra had started alerting customers if their return volumes were higher than usual, the company will start penalising them if they went beyond the threshold by either charging a significantly higher fee of Rs 149 or even going to the extent of suspending their accounts, as per reports. Now, to discourage customers from returning products, the company is tying up with brands to give customers a coupon at checkout. The coupon gives the customer an upfront discount on the product but renders it non-returnable. However, it can still be exchanged for any product on the site under Myntras open-ended exchange system. This way, the company avoids bank transfers or credit card reversal costs and helps weed out not-so-profitable shoppers, a person in the know said. The discount is entirely at the brands discretion and may be introduced or rolled back at any time. "...Myntra, in association with its brand partners, is also trying to solve how customers can choose to minimise their returns. Myntras pioneering data-science-led Size and Fit recommendation engine and its widely popular industry-first Open-Ended Exchange feature are some of the steps in that direction," the company spokesperson added. Earlier, Myntra had a 30-day return window but has shortened this to 14 days for most categories, with fewer days for some rare exceptions. Other players in the e-commerce industry, like Ajio, Amazon Fashion, and Nykaa Fashion, have also reduced the timeline for returns. "Myntra has a fairly liberal returns policy, and its generous return timeframe takes into consideration multiple factors, including the category of products and the time period required by customers to exercise this option conveniently," the company spokesperson said in response to Moneycontrols queries. Taking the pressure off the bottomline Return logistics has been an issue for most e-commerce companies, with fashion-centric ones particularly bearing the brunt because of the look and feel factor, a mismatch between pictures and the quality of the actual product, and sizing issues, among others. The company is trying to tackle this by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and other standardisation measures. Analysts say return logistics account for about 16-18 percent of a products cost, making it an important line item that can influence a companys bottomline. As a percentage of total orders, the return rate for fashion products has increased slightly to around 19-20 percent from about 16-17 percent three years ago, the analysts quoted above said. However, on a longer time horizon, over the past seven years or so, it has fallen from around 25-27 percent as the e-commerce category matured over the years. "The return order volumes have also increased because of the demographics of new users. Theres an increasing number of people coming from Tier 2 and beyond cities who are new to e-commerce and fashion in particular, which has pushed up companies return order volumes," an e-commerce analyst said. In fact, in a report, consulting firm Redseer said that a majority of shoppers during the previous festival sale came from Tier 2 and regions beyond. Pakhi Saxena, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Head at Wazir Advisors, said that given that e-commerce marketplaces have invested in building the online channel, they will look at optimisation and operational efficiency as the online channel matures. "Charging a convenience fee due to high returns by a key marketplace is a step towards the above. If their system records the customers return rate and the rate is higher than average, the customer is charged a convenience fee for the next order. The balance of additional discounts and no return policy is what the players have to achieve for continued customer loyalty," she said. The monetisation effort comes at a time when companies are fast-tracking their profitability timelines as capital becomes difficult to access. Results for FY22, which is the latest available, show Myntra's losses widening by 39 percent to Rs 597 crore, up from Rs 429 crore in FY21, hurt by an increase in logistics costs and other promotion and ad-related spends. However, during the same period, the companys operating revenue jumped 46 percent to Rs 3,501 crore in FY22 from Rs 2,407 crore in FY21, helped by an increase in marketplace services and advertising income. Will others follow suit? Analysts that Moneycontrol spoke with said Myntras steps are in the right direction as the larger industry irons out certain policies to make the trade more profitable, and several players will follow suit after what Myntra has implemented. "All of Myntras recent moves will mean that customers shop with more awareness and will be discouraged from unnecessarily returning items because of minor issues that can otherwise be easily overlooked. Even if Myntra is able to reduce its return order percentage by 4-6 percent, they would have achieved their goal," said Meena, who expects other companies to take similar measures. However, Vidit Aatrey, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of low-priced fashion marketplace Meesho, was in disagreement and said initiatives like levying an additional convenience fee would discourage shoppers. "Making returns smooth is a very fundamental part of a good consumer experience. If a customer does not like a product and if it is hard for them to return the product or get their money back, it will bring fewer people back to the platform," Aatrey from Meesho told Moneycontrol. It was especially important for Meesho since its AOVs of Rs 400-450 were much lower than Myntras Rs 1,400, which meant Meeshos customers were more price sensitive. "If there's any amount of friction, say with an additional cost where I begin to charge or do something else that makes the shopping experience costlier, we see it impacts the consumer experience a lot," he said. "I don't think we're going to fundamentally charge customers a convenience fee for returns or do something else to bring our return percentage down. I don't think that's the right thing to do as a business," Meeshos Aatrey concluded.
The government has given its approval to introduce market coupling in the electricity sector, which will result in uniform prices for power across multiple exchanges. The Union Ministry of Power has written to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) asking it to initiate the process of market coupling across the country's power exchanges. Under market coupling, buy and sell bids from all power exchanges in the country will be aggregated and matched to discover a uniform market clearing price (MCP). In the long-term, the measure is likely to also help in keeping power tariffs affordable in the country, apart from ensuring quick access. "I am directed to say that several stakeholders have approached the Ministry of Power on the subject of market coupling in the context of multiple power exchanges. The Ministry of Power has decided to go ahead with the process with the approval of the Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy. Therefore, the process for implementation of market needs to be initiated," read the letter sent by the Power Ministry to the CERC on June 2. Moneycontrol has a copy of the letter. The CERC will now create a paper on the matter, which will be followed by stakeholder consultations. At present, power prices or MCPs are different in the three power exchanges that India has - Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX), Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL) and Hindustan Power Exchange Limited (HPX). The development is seen as a setback to IEX, which currently enjoys a monopoly status with a 90 percent share in the electricity market. Following the development, shares of IEX tumbled more than 8 percent in the last 30 minutes of trade on June 8 as the news of market coupling spread. This is because once market coupling is implemented, it will ensure liquidity across all power bourses. At present, IEX has significantly higher liquidity compared to PXIL and HPX because of which the latter two are less opted for. The move is a step towards the government's intention to shift India's electricity trading from long-term (25 years) power purchase agreements (PPAs) to electricity markets (exchanges) and shorter PPAs of up to 12-15 years. A senior Power Ministry official said that market coupling is also a step towards implementing the Market-Based Economic Dispatch (MBED) mechanism. The MBED mechanism envisages centralised scheduling for dispatching the entire yearly consumption of electricity of around 1,400 billion units. It proposes centralized scheduling of power dispatches both at the inter-state and intra-state levels. Besides, market coupling will also pave the way for the implementation of electricity derivatives in the market. Some states have objected to the MBED mechanism as they feel it will infringe on their autonomy over the electricity sector, which as per the Constitution is a concurrent subject. CERC in February 2021 had issued the Power Market Regulations 2021, whose Part-5, Regulation 37 contains enabling regulations for the implementation of market coupling in power markets in India. Prabhajit Sarkar, former managing director and CEO of PXIL said market coupling would require designating an agency as the Market Coupling Operator (MCO), which in all likelihood is going to be Grid-India. He said the entire process, including any market-wide consultation, should not take more than six months. The MCO will put in place all processes and formats such that power exchanges (PX) obtain bids/orders from clients in similar formats and pass them to the MCO with client-specific information masked, procedure for MCO to declare results and formats and procedures for inter-PX information exchange for scheduling of power and clearing and settlement of financial dues, Sarkar said. The MCO will also have to ensure that deposits and payment securities kept with any one exchange be granted fungibility, such that they can be used as collateral for placing bids/orders on any other exchange with due emphasis on superior risk management practices. The participants now no longer need to be beholden to only one exchange, which hitherto due to the market structure issue had the benefit of getting all the liquidity. With greater competition amongst exchanges and market platforms, the levels of service, access and most importantly cost of access in the form of transaction fees should come down making the market efficient. The true benefit of competition would finally be available to all market participants, Sarkar said. Naveen Singh, head, business development, HPX said the move is going to help reduce power tariffs in the long-run. "We are confident that the CERC would soon come up with the necessary regulatory framework to ensure its implementation at the earliest. This will give a fillip to the service levels in the power market, ensure better transparency and uniform price discovery across exchanges. It is also expected to bring down the power tariff in the country significantly," he said. IEX and PXIL did not comment on the matter.
OpenAIs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sam Altman, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 8, said the meeting was great and that the PM was enthusiastic about AI. The meeting comes at an interesting time as India looks to regulate AI in the upcoming Digital Indian Bill, which will replace the Information Technology (IT) Act, and the government has differed from Altmans approach to regulation. Answering questions at the Digital India Dialogues, Altman said, It was great. It was really fun. He was so enthusiastic, really thoughtful about AI, and the benefits of it. We asked why India has embraced ChatGPT so much and so early. Its really been fun for us to watch. He had great answers about that. He added that they also talked about what opportunities India presents for AI, and about regulation. We talked about the opportunities in front for the country, what the country should do, also the need to think about global regulation to make sure we prevent some of the downsides from happening  but it was a great hour, the OpenAI CEO said. As ChatGPT has exploded, Altman told the Economic Times on June 7 that India has been a country that has truly embraced ChatGPT. There has been a lot of early adoption and real enthusiasm from the users, Altman said. Altman is on a whirlwind tour of India, where he was expected to meet government officials and also discuss the country's flagship India AI programme, among other things. Altman has previously suggested an international authority to regulate advanced AI, which Minister of State for Information and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar had differed with. Sam Altman is obviously a smart man. He has his own ideas about how AI should be regulated. We certainly think we have some smart brains in India as well and we have our own views on how AI should have guardrails, Chandrasekhar had said. If there is eventually a United Nations of AI  as Sam Altman wants  more power to it. But that does not stop us from doing what is right for our digital nagriks (citizens) and keeping the internet safe and trusted, the minister added.
Hong Kong: Govt objects to foreign interference

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly opposed the sending of a letter by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China to the UK Prime Minister which interferes in the Hong Kong SAR's judicial proceedings in a court case involving Lai Chee-ying.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also vehemently condemned the US politicians' attempt to procure the imposition of so-called sanctions on judicial officers and prosecutors who have been discharging their duties of administration of justice independently and impartially.

It also strongly objects to the purely politically oriented remarks of the US politicians.

The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that making a statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, may even constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.

Pursuant to Article 63 of the Basic Law, the Department of Justice controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference. The prosecutors act strictly in accordance with a longstanding international practice that the decision to prosecute will only take into consideration the applicable laws and the admissible evidence to justify instituting proceedings.

Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the political beliefs or backgrounds of the people involved.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable. Hong Kong's judicial system has always been highly regarded by international communities.

Article 85 of the Basic Law clearly stipulates that the Judiciary shall exercise judicial power independently in accordance with the law, free from any interference.

As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing.

It said: Safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and hence the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in the Hong Kong SAR should be free from any form of interference.

The US politicians' arbitrary and unreasonable bullying act has seriously violated international norms and grossly interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs at large.

It is a blatant attempt to undermine the rule of law of Hong Kong and will only expose their own weakness and be doomed to fail.

This story has been published on: 2023-06-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Rena Murshud

Armenia comes again on the agenda with its dangerous and disastrous projects. In Arazdayan district, bordering the territory of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the large metallurgy started to be built by subversive neighbors, has caused serious problems for environmental and many other reasons.

The worst thing is that the project of construction worth of 70 million US dollars investment with a height of 30 meters, and an area of 16,500 square meters has been an issue with its toxic chemical waste that is expected to have a tremendous impact on the regions ecosystem. The risk of this waste being discharged into the Araz river is a wake-up call for both the river's wildlife and the large farms using the Araz water for irrigation.

Besides, the construction of metallurgical plant on the border without agreement with the Azerbaijani side represents a flagrant violation of the 1991 Espoo Convention On Environmental Impact Assessment in the Trans-boundary Context.

"Armenia's policy of environmental terror is no new phenomenon. This is not the first time. We have previously appealed to various international organizations about the Sarsang reservoir, environmental terrorism by Armenians, deforestation, river pollution during the occupation of liberated lands. But we didn't get any results. For this reason, this should not be surprising. Because it has already become a trend for Armenia."

Azerbaijani ecologist, professor Chingiz Ismayilov told this to Azernews while commenting on Armenia's eco-crimes. He added that however, we must not stop our activities in this direction.

It is worth noting that, environmental non-governmental organizations operating in Azerbaijan, appealed to relevant international organizations, urging them to react to this and put an end to Armenia's unending environmental terror.

However, many of us think that we should not be satisfied with this. And when asked what other initiatives could be taken, the expert replied that within the UN there are various organizations involved in environmental programs. Of course, in the first place, except for NGOs, state institutions should first apply to the Ministry of Ecology, then state institutions and universities. It is necessary to unite all forces and act in different directions.

"The recent oil and gas and tourism exhibitions should also be used in this direction. Also similar protests like the previous 3-month protest action of our eco-activists on the Lachin-Khankendi road could be rearranged," the expert said.

According to him, everyone should do it on their own, and not on someone else's instructions. Volunteers, youth should show more initiative.

"If the thinking of the current generation about the future changes, if they become more active, I believe that we will be able to achieve excellent results not only in ecology, but also in many areas," the ecologist concluded.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das said the Rupay cards will be enabled for issuance in foreign jurisdictions so that they can be used internationally. Das also said that banks would be allowed to issue RuPay prepaid forex cards for use at ATMs, PoS machines and online merchants. "RuPay debit, credit and prepaid cards will be enabled for issuance in foreign jurisdictions, which can be used internationally, including in India, Das said while announcing the monetary policy. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.5 percent in a unanimous decision and retained the withdrawal-of-accommodation stance. These measures will expand the reach and acceptance of RuPay cards globally. Necessary instructions will be issued separately," Das said. The move was aimed at expanding the payment options for Indians travelling abroad, the Governor said. The RuPay debit and credit cards issued by banks in India had gained international acceptance through bilateral arrangements with international partners and co-badging arrangements with international card schemes.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on June 8 said it will allow non-banking prepaid payment instruments issuers to issue e-RUPI vouchers, said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. The e-RUPI vouchers are pre-paid digital instruments that a beneficiary gets on his phone in the form of an SMS or QR code. These measures will make the benefits of e-RUPI digital voucher accessible to a wider set of users and further deepen the penetration of digital payments in the country, Das said in his monetary policy review speech on June 8. The central bank also proposed to enabling issuance of e-RUPI vouchers on behalf of individuals to simplify the process of issuance and redemption. Also read: RBI MPC meeting: Central bank to issue guidelines on technical write-offs for all regulated entities What is e-RUPI? Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 2. ,2021, launched e-RUPI, a cashless and contactless instrument for digital payment. e-RUPI is a one-time contactless, cashless voucher-based mode of payment that helps users redeem the voucher without a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access. Purpose-specific e-RUPI vouchers are now issued by 21 banks in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for specific reasons such as payment of hospital bills, etc. Some of those 22 banks are Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. e-RUPI is different from Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). e-RUPI is a person and purpose specific digital voucher. Repo rate unchanged The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on June 8 retained the repo rate, the key short-term lending rate, at 6.5 percent in line with the expectations but sounded caution about a likely uptick in inflation print. While announcing the decision, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das also signalled the central banks readiness to act in keeping with the incoming data. Since May 2022, the regulator has hiked the repo rate by 250 basis points to counter the inflationary pressure. Also read: RBI Policy: MPC retains repo rate at 6.5%, sounds caution on inflation One basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. High inflation, which has remained a key concern for policymakers, has begun cooling off in recent months. The retail inflation rate dropped sharply for the second straight month, hitting an 18-month low of 4.7 percent in April, but still stays above the RBI's target of 4 percent. Economic growth is picking up pace, with the March quarter GDP reading of 6.1 percent beating economist consensus by a wide margin and signalling that the recovery is on track.
Residents of Chintels Paradiso housing complex on June 8 raised issues pertaining to handover of keys after payment of 10 percent of the settlement, which they have been opposing. In a meeting with the Additional Deputy Commissioner Gurugram, the residents also demanded payment of settlement amount in full, and not in parts. The ADC has asked the developer - Chintels India - to submit written clarifications on these issues and also directed to expedite the settlement process, officials said. Rakesh Hooda, president Chintels Paradiso RWA, said, Residents of towers E and F are not willing to hand over keys of flats on payment of 10 percent of the total payable amount. We demand that keys will be handed over to the builder at the time of last payment. The total settlement amount should be paid in full and not in parts as suggested by the builder. Additionally, the total payable amount should be mentioned clearly in the agreement along with payment plan to pay full amount. Without these assurance, people cannot sign agreement. He added that residents of towers E and F will not vacate their flats until these demands are met. Hitesh Meena, ADC Gurugram, said that all concerns of residents were noted and the developer has been directed to give their submission in written towards these concerns. The builder has also been directed to expedite the process of settlement. A portion of the tower D had collapsed in February 2022, killing two women. Towers E and F Also declared unsafe to live in February this year by IIT Delhi. Also Read: Chintels Paradiso case: One more tower of the housing complex declared unsafe for living by safety audit report There was no immediate response from the developer on the above development. The report will be updated after receiving a response.
The Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has ordered that a Bengaluru-based real estate company developing a township that contains several phases and mixed developments needs to create multiple resident welfare associations for each phase of development. The authority on June 5 also ordered the developer, Fire Luxur Developments Pvt Ltd, to provide details about bank accounts for advance maintenance charges collected, transfer the corpus fund and hand over the common areas for the phases already launched to each association. In this case, the developer is developing a 200-acre township, The Empyrean, in Malur near Bengaluru that contains villas and plotted developments. The court ordered the developer to restrict the plotted developments to a "villa theme" on the complaint of the association of buyers. The case According to information provided by the developer, KRERA noted that the township has about 52 acres of land under Phase 1 that has already been completed, and thus does come under Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, registration. From the balance, only 35 acres have been opened for sale under Phase 2A and 2B and are currently RERA-registered. Both phases are plotted developments. The resident welfare association (RWA) of Phase 1 demanded that the developer complete the project including all amenities promised. However, the developer contended that Phase 1 does not come under KRERA and, thus, the complaint is not maintainable. Additionally, the developer told KRERA that most amenities had been provided under Phase 1, and the rest will be completed by December 2023. The association claimed that the developer will be selling the plots as high-rise buildings against the initial promises of villa developments, thus deviating from the plan. KRERA finding KRERA noted that the developer is developing a large "mixed development" township, parts of which have already been launched while some are yet to be. The common amenities are integrated across the developed, the under-development and yet-to-be-launched portions, it said. "Thus, the developer needs to form different associations as per the phases in the project and integrate new developments after it has been launched over time," the order said. The developer will form an umbrella association of different associations, and will ensure that the associations take independent decisions in respect to each phase, it said. To enable transparency, KRERA said, bank accounts should be provided to each association regarding the spending and deposits for advance maintenance charges. The developer must issue the handover of corpus funds to respective associations and set up rules for regular usage, KRERA added. Most importantly, the authority said that the agreements of sale for villas and plotted developments are similar. "The developer is directed to put restrictions in the sale agreement for plots so that the theme of villas will be maintained as demanded by the homebuyers," the order said.
Karnataka is set to develop five high-tech satellite towns outside Bengaluru to curb the development pressure on the state capital. Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed issued directions to the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) to prepare a project report for building luxury villas all around the outskirts of the city. Each proposed satellite town will have 1,000 villas across 500 acres and must be amid nature, the minister said at a review meeting with KHB officials on June 7. Each satellite town will sprawl 2,000 acres and would collectively comprise about 1.50 lakh sites and 25,000 houses, according to the minister. Justifying the move, Ahmed said, "Bengaluru has gained an international reputation, and the demand for villas in the city outskirts has shot up with several industrialists and VVIPs visiting from abroad. The land required for these two projects must be identified at the earliest." The strategic locations and the investment will be decided following the final meeting next week, sources in KHB told Moneycontrol. According to the proposal, the project would be implemented in a 50:50 partnership with landowners so that land acquisition costs would not become a burden for the KHB. Currently, sources said, KHB is planning a separate 2,000-acre township adjacent to Mysore Road in the southwestern part of Bengaluru. The new township will be constructed adjacent to BGS International School and will have more than 10,000 residential units. The department previously told Moneycontrol that another 1,000-acre township ahead of Bannerghatta National Park is in the pipeline for 2023.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
A majority of over 100 unicorns in India have slashed appraisal budgets for 2023 as the startups increasingly look to cut costs while grappling with a prolonged funding winter amid deteriorating macroeconomic headwinds. About three in 10 unicorns have set aside a minimal to zero budget for increments this year, according to data by Aon commissioned exclusively by Moneycontrol. The appraisal budgets of unicorns have declined to an average of 7.7 percent of salary expenses in 2023, from 12.1 percent in 2022. Many companies are either doing no appraisals or delaying it by two to three months because they expect an average churn of 7 percent per month to rule out close to 15 percent eligible staff before the appraisal is disbursed, which will cut the increment payment, said Mayank Kumar, cofounder of upGrad. Kumar said the edtech unicorn has already completed appraisals and has started disbursing revised salaries from April, the first month of this financial year. The cutbacks are not limited to startups. The data showed that one in five Indian companies have set aside a minimal to zero appraisal budget this year, while average salary increases have fallen to 8.2 percent from 12.4 percent in 2022. The mindset is basically that no appraisal is the best increment that a person can get in this (job) market, Prateek Shukla, cofounder of Masai School, an edtech and skilling startup, said in an online interaction, adding that his company had set aside a 10 percent salary increase budget. Startups cutting costs The trend comes as a contrast to 2021, when startups hired aggressively amid immense investor interest and multiple fundraising rounds. With the funding pipeline running down, the tide has turned and tech startups are now racing to become profitable by cutting down the excess. The first item on the list is reducing employee benefits, which skyrocketed a year ago. To be sure, Indian startups have let go almost 25,000 employees since the beginning of 2022 as they looked to reduce cash burn. Anshuman Das, CEO of Careernet, told Moneycontrol that while layoffs have helped reduce expenses to an extent, the focus on frugality will affect hikes and bonuses this year. Last year startups were giving dramatically high hikes in the range of 20-30 percent. That will come down to almost singular digits. Companies are trying to rationalise their budgets with layoffs. These very low to moderate hikes and bonuses have also been very stressed out, Das added. Coupled with lower hikes, startups are unable to show appreciation of their employee stock options (ESOPs) due to valuation declines, Aon highlighted. This comes as investors focus on stricter due diligence and ask more questions following the exuberance of the Covid era. However, since equity programmes are structured over a multiple-year time frame there is always a retention hook, said Jang Bahadur Singh, director of human capital solutions at Aon India. SoftBank-backed Unacademy expedited the vesting period of ESOPs by one year in an effort to compensate employees after saying in February it will not give employees increments in FY24. However, Aon said promotions continue as per normal to recognise skill addition and higher contributions, declining only slightly from an average of 16.5 percent last year as startups take on cost-cutting measures. Given lower salary increases and option grants, organisations are not stopping promotions and the drop in this number is unlikely to be significant. However, there is a possibility that individuals might get promoted with only a title change or minimal promotion hikes, said Aons Singh. Appraisal season trends at Indian unicorns Late-stage startups Companies that hired employees in large numbers to build capacity on expectations of continued high growth have to take stricter measures to cut costs and become profitable, according to Das. Companies that have raised a significant amount of money are currently in a precarious position. Even small salary increases can pose a challenge for them due to the redundancy built into their system," he added. Also Read: Less than 50% of Indian unicorns will end up making money for their investors: A91 Partners Abhay Pandey At smaller companies, Das said employees can expect better hikes than late-stage ones as the former are heavily reliant on their employees since they are still building their product and tech. "The loss of one or two key individuals can have a substantial impact," he said. "The larger companies have reached a stage of relative stability in terms of their product and technology, so they exercise tighter control over these resources, that mainly constitute operations staff." Between rock and a hard place However, attrition at startups is easing. Our attrition rates are half of what it was about four quarters ago. Our total acquisition expense for a new employee has come down significantly Today, when I'm looking at the payroll cost as percentage of revenue, it has increased because of lack of attrition, upGrad's Kumar said during a session at TiEcon Mumbai. This can also be attributed to employees increasingly choosing to continue with their current employers, in spite of a below-average pay hike, due to a bleak job market and the lack of opportunities with most companies on a hiring slowdown, startup founders told Moneycontrol. The attrition rates at companies are declining compared to last year because of limited availability of opportunities in the job market. This has instilled a sense of concern among employees who are avoiding a transition and instead prefer to remain with their current employers, said Scaler co-founder Abhimanyu Saxena. Such conditions have resulted in a much higher percentage of employees being eligible for appraisal this year. Saxena said the increment budget of companies that witnessed a spike in attrition in FY22, some as high as 30 to 40 percent, is likely to shoot up. According to data shared with Moneycontrol by a unicorn, about 67 percent of its workforce is eligible for appraisals compared with about 55 percent last year. Another startup, a soonicorn (one in line to become a unicorn  a company with a valuation of $1 billion or more), corroborated the trend, with about 84 percent of its employees eligible for increments compared with 53 percent last year. Also Read: Soonicorns wait in queue as Indias unicorn drought exceeds 8 months However, Saxena said increments will always be lower than the cost of rehiring. It is better to have lower attrition with above-par appraisals than a leaky bucket where you have to keep rehiring and building up costs related to that, he added.
USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Lemon Tree Hotels share price gained 2 percent in the early trade on June 8 after the hotel chain signed a licence agreement for a 60-room property in Andhra Pradesh. The property in Rajamundry, which will operate under the Lemon Tree Hotel brand, is expected to be in business by the third quarter of FY25. Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary and the hotel management arm of the company, will operate the porperty, which will also have a restaurant, a banquet hall, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, a gym and other public areas, the company said. Catch all the market action on our live blog Earlier this month, Lemon Tree announced the opening of Lemon Tree Hotels in Agra and Bhopal. At 9.32 am, Lemon Tree Hotels was quoting at Rs 94.34, up Rs 1.59, or 1.71 percent on the BSE. The share touched a 52-week high of Rs 103.30 and a 52-week low of Rs 58.30 on December 1, 2022 and June 20, 2022. It is trading 8.67 percent below its 52-week high and 61.82 percent above its 52-week low. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Shares of SpiceJet jumped on June 8 morning after the low-cost airline said it will partner with FTAI Aviation, a leading aftermarket provider of engine services, to reduce maintenance expenses and aircraft downtime. The NYSE-listed FTAI Aviation will provide SpiceJet with up to 20 engines for lease, inclusive of maintenance services, the Guurgam-based airline said. By leveraging FTAI Aviation's engine expertise, SpiceJet will have access to a pipeline of available engines which eliminates the need for frequent shop visits. The revitalisation programme will reduce maintenance expenses and minimise aircraft downtime, enhancing the airline's overall performance, SpiceJet said in a release. At 9.48 am, the stock was trading up about 4 percent at Rs 27.80 on BSE. The stock has declined 41 percent in the last year as the airline faces a cash crunch, legal battles and regulatory headwinds. The first engines will be used to support the reactivation of SpiceJet's aircraft fleet over the next two-three months and will be critical for service on new routes. SpiceJet is slowly but surely progressing towards its goal of restoring its fleet and ensuring that our aircraft stay where they rightly belong to i.e. in the skies serving our passengers, Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said. The partnership with FTAI Aviation is a step in that direction that would ensure that the fleet is up and running at all times without worries about engines or their maintenance. "Quick and ready replacements will ensure that our planes are on the ground for minimal time, Singh said. Catch all the market action on our live blog On June 7, SpiceJet commenced Haj operations by operating special flights from Bhopal, Gaya, Vijayawada, Aurangabad and Srinagar. The airline has inducted two wide-body A340 aircraft for its Haj operations. SpiceJet will operate these special flights to Jeddah between June 7 and June 22. Return flights from Medina are also scheduled from July 17 to August 2. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Tata Elxsi shares gained over 2 percent on June 8 as investors cheered the company's partnership with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to enable the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission. Through the association, Tata Elxsi has designed and developed Crew Module Recovery Models (CMRM) for recovery team training of the space mission, the company said. At 10.30 am, the stock was quoting at Rs 7,866.55 on the NSE, higher by 2.26 percent from the previous close. Follow our live blog for all the market action In the Gaganyaan project, scheduled for 2024, the crew will be launched into a 400-kilometer orbit for a three-day mission. "One of the key requirements of this project is the safe recovery of the crew, which must be carried out with minimum lapse of time. This is where the crew recovery models come into use," the company said. On June 7, the company also announced the launch of an innovation hub and nearshore engineering centre in Troy, Michigan. The new centre will support electric vehicles and green mobility, software and digital engineering for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. "Tata Elxsi intends to grow its centre from 50 to 200 by 2025 while collaborating with universities on cutting-edge R&D," a press release said. Tata Elxsi provides design and technology services across industries including automotive, broadcast, communications and transportation. For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, Tata Elxsi reported a 26.25 percent rise in net profit at Rs 202 crore. The companys consolidated revenue from operation rose by 22.87 percent YoY to Rs 838 crore. The numbers, however, were below analysts' estimates, as the transportation vertical reported muted growth in Q4. Most analysts have a Sell rating on the stock. According to HDFC Securities, the company's cash generation has been weak over the past two years despite the surge in profit. "At 52x FY24E and 44x FY25E, the stock remains expensive and we maintain SELL with a target price of Rs 5,535," the broking firm said. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Germany's Thyssenkrupp and India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build six submarines for the Indian Navy, estimated to be worth approximately $5.2 billion. Under the terms of the collaboration, Thyssenkrupp will be responsible for the engineering and design aspects, while Mazagon Dock will oversee the construction and delivery of the six submarines that the Indian Navy has tendered, as per a statement from Thyssenkrupp. Oliver Burkhard, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and a member of ThyssenKrupps management board, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "We have established a strong and trusting relationship with India over the past decade. The submarines we constructed in the 1980s are still serving the nation today. We take great pride in this and eagerly anticipate further contributions to India's national security. We stand prepared to answer India's call." Following the announcement, ThyssenKrupps shares spiked 1.6 percent. In March, the central government allocated a budget of $6.8 billion for the Indian Navy. The military division at present operates 16 conventional submarines, 11 of which are over 20 years old, alongside two domestically developed nuclear-powered submarines. The agreement was signed in Mumbai, in the presence of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who had previously indicated that Thyssenkrupp was likely to submit a bid for the project. Pistorius is in India on a 4-day tour that began on June 6. Pistorius called the signing a milestone for the planned submarine project. Now it remains to be seen how the process will continue in the coming months, Pistorius told reporters in Mumbai. He added that Germany and India plan to deepen their military cooperation. (With inputs from Reuters, Bloomberg)

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
TVS Capital Funds on June 8 announced that it has brought Naveen Unni, a former senior managerial personnel at McKinsey & Co, onboard and appointed him as the company's managing partner. Unni, who comes with an experience of around two decades, will enhance the private equity fund's "long-term vision of offering a steadfast capital platform to upcoming entrepreneurs", a release from the company stated. With a 20-year stint at McKinsey, Unni has specialised in various areas including business transformation, digital strategy and leadership development, it added. He last served as managing partner for the Chennai office of the New York-headquartered consulting company. I am delighted by the opportunity to empower Indias NextGen entrepreneurs...I look forward to bringing my two decades experience in strategy and business transformation consulting and practice building, to support our business partners, our clients, and the TCF ecosystem," Unni said while commenting on his appointment as the managing partner at TVS Capital. The PE fund's Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Srinivasan said Unni brings "deep value" to them as he comes with "global consulting experience with significant exposure to comprehensive business transformation and digital strategy initiatives." "This is of deep value for us at TVS Capital, where we partner with next-gen entrepreneurs in business building, especially those in the venture growth stage. This assumes more significance as we are preparing the launch of our next fund, to be led by the expanded competent leadership team to offer comprehensive solutions to portfolio entities," he added. Over the last 18 months, in preparation for Fund-4, TVS Capital has made notable additions to its leadership team by bringing on board Anuradha Ramachandran as managing partner  investments, Krishna Ramachandran as managing partner and chief operating officer, and Praveen Sridharan as partner  investments.
Has Sir Richard Bransons business empire lost its sparkle? A UK court will address that question next month when hearing a $250 million claim brought by Virgin Enterprises against a Florida rail company. Some of the evidence may not be to the bearded billionaires liking. At issue is whether Brightline Holdings LLC, backed by Fortress Investment Group, was within its rights in 2020 to terminate a 20-year deal to use the Virgin name and logo for its high-speed railway  then called Virgin Trains USA  due to an alleged deterioration of the Virgin brand. Theres a lot at stake: Any suggestion that Virgin has lost cachet could imperil future licensing opportunities  a big source of income for the septuagenarian Branson. His publicity stunts and optimistic, nonconformist persona are an essential part of the groups image. Alas, an impartial outsider like me might reasonably conclude the Virgin brand has taken a beating; Bransons net worth has certainly taken a hit, falling more than one-third since mid-2021 to $4.8 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Branson rarely ducks a fight, though, and he didnt get this wealthy by forgoing large royalties. In February, Virgin won a separate licensing dispute with Alaska Airlines Inc, after a UK court ruled it was entitled to $160 million in royalty payments despite Alaska dropping the Virgin name. In this instance, Virgin has accused Brightline of an opportunistic attempt to extricate itself from the contract  the loss-making train operator halted services for more than a year during the pandemic and carries a lot of debt. It is completely false to allege that Virgin had ceased to be a brand of international high repute, the group said when bringing the claim in 2021. Virgin is seeking to uphold our contractual rights and protect our brand which has been a symbol of innovation and entrepreneurship for more than 50 years, a spokesperson said this week. Maybe it was for most of those five decades, but at the time Brightline backed out of its contract in 2020 Virgin was looking a bit ropey. Bransons run of ill fortune began shortly before the pandemic when Virgin lost two UK rail franchises in quick succession: One was nationalised due to financial difficulties, and Virgin was disqualified from re-bidding on the other due to a pension dispute. Much worse was to follow in 2020 when COVID forced Bransons airlines, hotels, cruise ships and gyms to all but shut down. Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd collapsed into administration, and Virgin Atlantic kept itself afloat in part by not immediately processing refunds, much to the airline customers chagrin. (Virgin Atlantics boss admitted in 2020 the carrier had not lived up to the high standards we set ourselves.) There was a time where it really looked like we were going to lose everything, Branson told the BBC last month, calling a media backlash over his request for a 500 million ($620 million) government-backed loan to save Virgin Atlantic painful. Decades of eye-catching exploits and nurturing an image as a environmentalist and philanthropist failed to win Branson a sympathetic hearing in the press. Shouldnt a billionaire tax exile with their own private idyll in the British Virgin Islands dip more into their own pocket first? (In fairness, Branson did offer to mortgage his Caribbean home...) Denied state aid, he began unloading more than $1 billion of shares in his space tourism company Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. US retail investors, who were euphoric when Branson himself journeyed to suborbital space in 2021, were angered by these sales which hurt sentiment towards the stock. Branson retains an 11 percent stake. The Virgin Galactic share price has since collapsed amid high cash burn, delays and operational mishaps which the company wasnt always fully candid about. These events are the subjects of a separate lawsuit that Virgin Galactic and Branson are contesting. In April, Bransons satellite launch company Virgin Orbit Holdings Inc filed for bankruptcy following a launch mishap in the UK and after failing to raise more funding. A pair of Branson SPAC investments have also crashed to earth: online retailer Grove Collaborative Holdings has tumbled more than 95 percent while genetic testing company 23andMe Holding Co. has declined 80 percent. Of course, Virgin can point to many recent positive developments, above all the big boost that post-pandemic revenge spending has given to the groups leisure businesses. The UK and Australia airlines have been recapitalised, with Virgin Atlantic promising it will finally return to profit next year after more than half a decade of losses. Virgin Hotels recently opened new outlets in New York and Edinburgh, while the adults-only Virgin Voyages  Children are one of lifes great joys, but we believe absence makes the heart grow fonder  launched a third cruise ship last month named Resilient. The luxury cruise business last year secured $550 million in funding, including from new investor BlackRock Inc. and existing co-owner Bain Capital, so clearly some people still see plenty of value in the Virgin brand. Many of Bransons darkest moments played out in the UK press and cant have attracted much attention in Florida; and some of the events I describe here happened long after Brightline severed ties with Virgin. But by the same measure, Virgins post-pandemic rebound probably isnt as relevant to this court case as the peril his empire faced in 2020. Whatever the outcome, the High Court hearings are bound to test Bransons philosophy that theres no such thing as bad publicity. Chris Bryant is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies in Europe. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Credit: Bloomberg
Chhattisgarh is heading to assembly polls with four other states later this year. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram are the other states that will elect a new government. Bharatiya Janata Party suffered what can be called a rout in the last assembly election of 2018 in Chhattisgarh. A staggering 10 percentage point deficit separated BJP from the Congress in vote share. This was exceptional given that the previous elections in the state in 2013 and 2008 were close affairs. The difference in vote shares of the two parties was less than two percentage points both times. Fifteen years of BJP rule in the state from 2003 to 2018, under the chief ministership of Raman Singh, had led to massive anti-incumbency in the 2018 elections. In the final count, Congress won 68 seats and BJP 15 out of the total 90 seats in the state assembly. Congresss poll promises in its election manifesto were also a major factor behind its landslide victory. Raman Singh: Scarred By 2018 As the elections approach, with five months to go, both the parties have intensified their political activities. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been travelling across the state for the past few months, addressing public meetings. He is Congresss face in the next election, though the party may not officially announce it. BJP, meanwhile, appears to be in disarray. Raman Singh is the National Vice-President of the BJP. He comes with his own weight and position in the party, having served as the Chief Minister for three terms. Though Singh has not been active on the ground, he speaks up on social media platforms on different issues, occasionally managing to put CM Baghel in a spot. But Raman Singh is still to recover from the debilitating loss in 2018. His tenure was marked by a coterie comprising a few powerful ministers and bureaucrats as his chief advisors. Those ministers lost their election in 2018. The consequence of the 2018 defeat and the concentration of power till then with Singh was that there was no second line in the party for a future transition. Post-Singh Dispensation Struggles Four and a half years after the last election, the BJP is still struggling to prop up a new line of leaders, under whom they can go to the voters to face elections. The party karyakartas are confused as to who to range behind, so as to up the ante against Congress. The workers and the public do not seem to connect to the existing first line of leaders and are seeking a leadership change. A political consultancy firm working for the party in the state has also noted this sentiment in their surveys. Baghel and his government have catered to the local Chhattisgarhiya pride right since coming to power. From declaring official holidays on local festivals of Chhattisgarh to organising local sporting competitions, the Baghel government has constantly positioned itself as the government of Chhattisgarhiyas. BJP has not been able to counter this narrative. Nor has it been able to position a face against Baghel who could be perceived to be as Chhattisgarhiya as Baghel. A Recent Entrant Shows Potential Ex-IAS officer OP Choudhary, who is currently a state General Secretary of the BJP, is popular among the younger voters in the state. He joined the BJP just before the 2018 elections. Despite losing in the polls, he is perceived by the public as a promising leader with a bright future. He has actively opposed the Baghel governments different policies on the ground and on social media platforms. Moreover, Choudhary comes from the OBC grouping. BJP has been struggling to elevate a popular OBC face against CM Baghel, who also comes from the OBC community. But, the senior leaders of the party are wary of Choudharys popularity and apprehensive about his rise. Interestingly, though the current Leader of Opposition Narayan Chandel and the state President of the BJP Arun Sao are both from the OBC community, they have not gained traction as chief ministerial faces or frontline leaders of their community. Time Running Out Another setback to the state BJP was the defection of Nand Kumar Sai, its tallest tribal leader, to the INC last month. He was the state president of the party in undivided Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh has a large tribal population, with 29 seats out of 90 reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates. BJP should learn a lesson from the Karnataka election and not risk losing on tribal seats if it wants to form a government in the state. The party had lost all 15 ST reserved seats in Karnataka this time. The local leadership vacuum presents worries for BJP given how Karnataka elections have brought forth the limitations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in single-handedly influencing state assembly elections. BJP has to urgently find a CM face or new leaders who would be perceived by the public as powerful regional leaders of the state. With only five months left for elections, BJP is running out of time to resolve the leadership crisis. It has to send a clear message to its workers as to who will lead them into the elections, whether it is Raman Singh or one the partys current senior office-bearers in the state. If it is one of the latter, the party has to also send the message loud and clear that it would not fall back on leaders whom workers have lost connect with. The bottom line is that the looming uncertainty over the leadership question does not bode well for the party in the winter of 2023. Harsh Dubey is a political commentator based in Raipur. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of the publication.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused the British of destroying the Indian education system and turning it into an assembly-line of clerk making, as he called on students to train to become job givers, not seekers. Kejriwal made the remark while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the east Delhi campus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, during which he was interrupted by slogans allegedly being raised by BJP workers. Kejriwal dedicated the new campus to the country and termed it one of the best the country has. It has excellent facilities and in terms of architecture, it can be counted as one of the best campuses in the country. This campus will accommodate 2,500 students. It will benefit the economy of the area around it with the opening of shops and generation of employment opportunities, he said. There was no campus like this in east Delhi. We prepared a model for school education where even those without money can get their child educated. Now, we have to focus on higher education, he added. The CM slammed British bureaucrat Lord Macaulay for creating an education system in the 1830s that still exists, merely to churn out educated clerks. They destroyed the education system of India to prepare clerks. We didnt make changes in this system. We have to do something to give education that provides employment. On this campus, students will be taught automation, design, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data management, innovation. This is the demand of the technological world, he said. Kejriwal said that the vice-chancellor of every university should be responsible for getting students jobs, as he stressed on students to become employers and not go after jobs which are in scarcity in the country. Earlier, Education Minister Atishi addressed the gathering and even her speech was interrupted by sloganeering. Varsity Vice-Chancellor Mahesh Verma warned the disrupters to calm down else he would be forced to end the event. During her speech, Atishi said, when she posted pictures of her campus visit two months back, someone asked her, Is this the campus of Stanford University or New York university? to her surprise. I said no, this is the campus of the Guru Gobind SIngh Indraprastha University constructed by the Delhi government. Some people say the country will progress by building flyovers and bridges. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says that the construction of more schools and colleges will lead the country to progress, she said. The GGSIPUs east Delhi campus has become the latest flashpoint between the AAP-led city government and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, with both sides claiming the right to inaugurate the newly built campus and take credit for its construction.
The Congress on Thursday urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up strongly with Canadian authorities the issue of a float depicting the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in a parade in Brampton. Asked about the incident at a press conference here, Jaishankar hit out at Canada, saying there was a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, extremists and people who advocate violence. Earlier, Canadian High Commissioner to India Cameron Mackay said he was appalled by the reports of the event in his country that celebrated the assassination of the Indian prime minister. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities, he said in a tweet. Congress leader and former Union minister Milind Deora shared a purported video, which is doing the rounds on social media, of the float at a recent parade in Brampton depicting Gandhis assassination. As an Indian, Im appalled by the 5 km-long parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, he tweeted.Its not about taking sides, its about respect for a nations history and the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination, Deora said. This extremism deserves universal condemnation and a united response, the Congress leader asserted.Tagging Deoras tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, I entirely agree! This is despicable and Dr S Jaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities. Responding to Deoras tweet, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, You are completely rightThere should be no politics in condemning this despicable act across party lines. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said an Indian prime minister was assassinated by separatist forces and her assassination has been glorified by pro-Khalistan extremists in Canada. And all that our govt has done is make this one general comment  without even naming Smt Indira Gandhi. Our national interests and security must be above any political concerns. India must take this up officially with the Canadian government, Shrinate tweeted. At the press conference, Jaishankar said, Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do thisI think it is not one issue, no matter how egregious it may be. I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for the relationship and I think it is not good for Canada, he added.Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said in the last nine years, the Modi government has overhauled the country's health infrastructure from primary to tertiary level while ensuring free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor. In tweets, Shah said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has embraced a future where healthcare is no longer a privilege. "'In #9YearsOfHealthForAll' India overhauled its health infrastructure from primary to tertiary level while ensuring free treatment up to ?5 lakh for the poor," he said. The home minister said the prime minister has harnessed the transformative power of technology making healthcare accessible. "Whether it is Covid Vaccination, telemedicine, hospital registration, or accessing health records, healthcare now is at the fingertips of citizens," he said. The Modi government's major initiative for healthcare is implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme under which those eligible will have a defined benefit cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, officials said. This cover takes care of almost all secondary care and most of tertiary care procedures. To ensure that nobody is left out, especially women, children and elderly, there is no cap on family size and age in the scheme. The benefit cover also includes pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses and all pre-existing conditions are covered from day one of the policy, the officials said. A defined transport allowance per hospitalisation is also paid to the beneficiary under the scheme.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying he has a habit of criticising India abroad and it is not in the interest of the country to take its internal matters to the outside world. Referring to Gandhi's recent remarks made at an event in the US, the minister said, "The world is watching us". "Rahul Gandhi has a habit of criticising India abroad," he said, replying to a question. "I don't think taking national politics out of the country is in national interest," Jaishankar said. Gandhi, currently on a visit to the US, has criticised the government on a number of issues. At an event in the US, Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to drive the Indian car by only looking in the rear-view mirror which will lead to "one accident after another."

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
A Chinese social media influencer died last week after taking up an online challenge of live-streaming a binge-drinking session, in the second similar case coming from the country. The content creator, known online as Zhong Yuan Huang Ge or Brother Huang, died from excessive consumption of alcohol, his wife told Chinese media outlet Jimu News, The Strait Times reported. He was 27. Huang took up the challenge in desperation, to earn money to pay off the debts that he had accrued before he got married, the wife told the news outlet. The young influencer was from Chinas Central Plains. In another video, Huang reportedly lit a piece of tissue paper soaked in alcohol, gulped down half a bottle of Chinese liquor baijiu, ate a few scallions and emptied the rest of the bottle before he opened another bottle, according to The Strait Times report. His social media account has now been banned. On May 16, another Chinese influencer, whose surname was Wang, was found dead after he downed four bottles of baijiu in an online challenge. He was known on social media as Sanqiange or Brother Three Thousand. Baijiu is a potent liquor with a 30 to 60 per cent alcohol content. Incidentally, Huang was reportedly a friend of Wang and had attended his funeral just a few weeks ago. Alcohol consumption has been on the rise in China in recent years. A study by researchers at Peking University found that eight per cent of men are problem drinkers, especially economically backward people from rural areas, South China Morning Post had reported.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
A self-made millionaire in China is making headlines for his stubbornness to clear the country's most-dreaded "gaokao" college entrance exam. The 56-year-old took the exam 27th time on June Wednesday. Liang Shi always cherished the ambition to study at one of Chinas most reputed top-tier universities, Sichuan University. To realise his dream, Shi needs to get passing marks in the gaokao entrance exam, which is taken by almost 13 million high school seniors every year. Admission to Sichuan University opens a lot of doors for students, including more job opportunities, better scope of a career growth, and a societal reputation. In a nutshell, claering the the gaokao exam can change ones fate. But competing against 13 million students is not easy. Liang said he has been living the life of an ascetic monk for the past few months, rising just after dawn to furiously study textbooks for 12 hours a day. Its an uncomfortable thought that I didnt manage to get a college education, Liang told news agency Agence France-Presse. I really want to go to university and become an intellectual. Over the past four decades, the Sichuan native has taken the gaokao 26 times but has consistently failed to get the required result to send him to his chosen university. They call me the gaokao holdout, he said, proudly owning a mocking nickname given to him by local media. For students, a good gaokao result can decide ones life trajectory, with a degree from an elite university conferring respect, status and better job opportunities. Liang took the exam for the first time in 1983, when he was only 16. He kept trying to boost his score for the next decade  until he had to give up in 1992, as the test at that time was restricted to single people aged under 25. As soon as those limits were lifted in China in 2001, Liangs desire for a prestigious college education was rekindled. He has since taken the gaokao another 16 times, including every year since 2010  even when harsh zero-Covid restrictions made taking the exam more challenging than normal. Online, some have questioned whether his apparent obsession is merely a publicity stunt. What for? Liang retorted. No one in their right mind would spend decades taking the gaokao for a stunt. To compete with the nearly 13 million high school seniors taking the exam this year, the millionaire said he has been living the life of an ascetic monk for the past few months, rising just after dawn to furiously study textbooks for 12 hours a day. Its an uncomfortable thought that I didnt manage to get a college education, Liang said. I really want to go to university and become an intellectual. Over the past four decades, the Sichuan native has taken the gaokao 26 times but has consistently failed to get the required result to send him to his chosen university. They call me the gaokao holdout, he said, proudly owning a mocking nickname given to him by local media. For students, a good gaokao result can decide ones life trajectory, with a degree from an elite university conferring respect, status and better job opportunities. Liang took the exam for the first time in 1983, when he was only 16. He kept trying to boost his score for the next decade  until he had to give up in 1992, as the test at that time was restricted to single people aged under 25. As soon as those limits were lifted in 2001, Liangs desire for a prestigious college education was rekindled. He has since taken the gaokao another 16 times, including every year since 2010  even when harsh zero-Covid restrictions made taking the exam more challenging than normal. Online, some have questioned whether his apparent obsession is merely a publicity stunt. What for? Liang retorted. No one in their right mind would spend decades taking the gaokao for a stunt. He had to give up drinking and playing mahjong during the preparation period, he jokingly pointed out. Liangs quest hasnt got much support from his son, who took the gaokao himself in 2011. At first he didnt approve, and now, hes just indifferent, Liang said. Asked how he would celebrate once the test is over this weekend, he said he was planning to make up for lost fun. Im going to play mahjong with my friends for three days and three nights. (With inputs from AFP) Read more: Gujarat woman writes boyfriends exam while he vacations in Uttarakhand
YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan has met with the UK minister of culture John Whittingdale to discuss multi-sector cooperation, as well as cooperation in culture between the two countries.

John Whittingdale, Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, a long-time member of the UK-Armenia parliamentary friendship group, said that he is well aware on the situation in Armenia and the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage by Azerbaijanis in Nagorno Karabakh as a result of the 2020 war. Whittingdale said that any encroachment against fundamental human rights is unacceptable, referring to the Azerbaijani militarys continual aggression against Armenias sovereign territory. The sides also discussed the need to establish lasting peace in the region, strengthen and develop democratic values.
Days, after the Union government notified a ban on 14 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, pharma majors, including Cipla, Dr Reddys, Mankind, Alkem and Intas, have written to their distributors to stop and return the medicines immediately. In a letter to stockists, the firms have enlisted their banned cocktail formulations along with the brands manufactured by them, urging the distributors to stop the sale and return the stocks. The letter from Hyderabad-based Dr Reddys has enlisted the DIALEX-DC cough syrup, which had codeine phosphate as one of the ingredients. It is to bring to your kind attention that in view of the notification, the company's distributors, stockists and retailers are hereby advised to ensure compliance with the notification for DIALEX-DC cough syrup, as it is banned, Sudhir Patnaik, Head, Dr Reddys CFA Management said in the letter. Also read: Govt bans 14 cocktail drugs for posing health risks, lack of therapeutic justification When asked about the financial impact of this move on Dr Reddys, a company spokesperson said Dialex DC wasnt a significant product for them. We have not been actively promoting this product for several months. It is not a significant product for us, the spokesperson told Moneycontrol. The FDC drug ban The Union government last week banned 14 FDC drugs in India on the recommendation of an expert committee, which said there was "no therapeutic justification" for these medicines and that they may involve "risk" to people. FDCs are drugs, which contain one or more active drug ingredients and are used for a particular disease indication. Cipla in its letter mentioning three cough syrups  Cofdex Syrup, Cofton Expectorant, Cofdex Plus Syrup  and one tablet Cof-Q-Tab, has asked its distributors to stop the sale and distribution of these drugs. Also read: Govt tweaks policy to prevent export of spurious cough syrup Mankind Pharma in a letter has asked retailers to stop the sale of Tedykoff-LX and Codistar cough syrups. Alkem has told its distributors, stockists and retailers to immediately cease the sales and distribution of five products; Alkof-C Cough Syrup, Nakuf C SF Cough Syrup, Alkof-Q Tablet, Kofclear-Q Tablet, Alkem's Koflinctus Syrup, containing the banned FDC. Mumbai-based Franco-Indian Pharmaceutical in a circular has asked its distributors to stop the sale of Grilinctus syrup 100 ml with immediate effect and return all the stocks immediately. Meanwhile, US pharma giant Pfizer, in a letter, informed its stockists that Corex Dx (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Chlorpheniramine maleate cough Syrup) hasnt been banned by the Indian authorities. It can kindly be noted that our drug Corex Dx contains only Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Chlorpheniramine maleate in a fixed dose combination and hence is not a prohibited FDC as per the aforesaid gazettes and thus there is no impact on this formulation, Pfizer said. Impact on the market According to Pharmatracs April data, the ban on the 14 FDCs last week will see an impact of Rs 807 crore on the market. Meanwhile, the respiratory portfolio had a lions share of 95 percent (Rs 770 crore) share in the Rs 807 crore. The neurological/CNS segment had only 5 percent (Rs 37 crore) share.
The Bombay High Court on June 5 granted relief to Indian Express in its defamation suit against an online news paper called 'Sprouts,' for publishing a defaming article on Girish Kuber, the editor of Marathi daily Loksatta. Indian Express is Loksatta's parent company. The High Court directed Sprouts to remove the articles making allegations against Kuber and from its social media pages. The court further directed the news portal to refrain from republishing, resharing, or uploading the articles. The case Indian Express initiated defamation proceedings against Sprouts seeks Rs. 100 crore and an unconditional apology for publishing an article in November 2022, which stated Kuber had attended a lunch hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister. The article further alleged that he received gifts in the form of a voucher at the event. The article also indicated that by attending the event, Kuber had compromised the hallowed principles that journalists are supposed to follow and that he also caused articles published in Loksatta that allegedly favoured the Deputy Chief Minister and other politicians. On hearing the parties, the court found that Sprouts and its publishers offered no justification for publishing the article. Furthermore, according to the court, "It appears that according to the editor of Sprouts, merely because Kuber , who is the editor of a well-known Marathi Daily, attended an event hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister, it was enough to make such allegations." Thus the court directed Sprouts to take the articles down and if they do not do so, the court has noted that it will ask the social media intermediaries to do so.
A man in the United States spent Rs 88 lakh to increase his height by seven inches. As per a report in the U.S. Sun, the man, identified as 33-year-old Brian Sanchez, decided to increase his height despite already having a height of six feet because he felt there was a imbalance between the upper part of his body and his shorter legs. "I realized that my legs were always looking weird, and I didnt know what it was," Sanchez, a body builder from Georgia in the United States, said. He revealed that he realised that there was a discrepancy after a comparison with his brother-in-law. "As soon as I saw it, I thought, Okay, I guess this is what Im doing," he added. The first step he took towards increasing his height was to take treatment from doctors at the Live Life Taller clinic in Turkey. Sanchez underwent an operation in December 2022 which involved dismantling the tibia and fibula, inserting a rod within the bones, and securing them with screws. Later, fixators were used to connect the bones, which caused open wounds that needed care. The post-surgery routine involved rotating a bolt on the fixators which he followed diligently. In March 2023, Sanchez had a second operation to increase the length of his femur. The cost of this operation was Rs 57.5 lakh, but the recovery process after the second operation was smoother and by the end of the process, Sanchez's height had increased by three-and-a-half inches. Despite taking a painful route to increase his height, Sanchez said he had no regrets and after recovering fully , expected his height to increase from six feet to six feet seven inches.
Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and his wife, author and philanthropist Sudha Murty, were honoured with lifetime achievement awards from the North America Telugu Society (NATS) this month. Addressing the audience at the NATS awards ceremony in New Jersey via video conference, the Murthys spoke about the influence of Telugu on their lives and their love for Telugu cinema. NR Narayana Murthy started his address with a Telugu sentence  Naaku Telugu baaga raadu  and spoke about how he came to learn the language. The Infosys co-founder was born in Karnataka, but his grandmother lived in a town on the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. My grandmother lived in a border town between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. We used to go there every summer, and most people spoke Telugu there, even though it was in Karnataka, he said. The 76-year-old businessman also recalled watching Telugu movies  The movies we saw were all Telugu - Mayabazar, Pelli Chesi Choodu, Devadas, etc, he said. Murthy said that he did learn some Telugu but had not practiced the language for the last 50 years. However, he added that he had tremendous respect for Telugu as he thanked the North American Telugu Society for their generosity and kindness in awarding him. Sudha Murty, also born into a Kannada-speaking family, said that she had watched many Telugu movies and could understand the language, even if she wasnt fluent in speaking it. I understand Telugu but am unable to speak fluently. I studied in Bellary, where the Telugu influence was prominent. I have watched many Telugu movies, she said. "To this day, when I think of Krishna, I envision NTR garu." I am grateful for this honour and delighted that my own people from this land have recognised me, Murty added.
TamilShaadi.com, a matrimonial platform under the umbrella of Shaadi.com, has recently released its first edition of "India's Most Eligible Tamils" for the year 2023. The study delves into factors such as income, profession, age and educational background, shedding light on what TamilShaadi.com users seek in their potential life partners and found that the most eligible Tamil-speaking woman is a lawyer, while the most sought-after male is a tech professional in arranged marriage circles. IT and software engineers emerge as the most desirable profession for Tamil men. According to the study findings, male techies are 105 percent more desired, while female techies are 30 percent more desired compared to the average. Architecture, tech-related jobs, lawyers, and advertising professionals are highly sought after in women. The study emphasizes that unemployment remains the least desired state for individuals seeking a partner. The study also reveals that women making too much or too little income aren't highly desired by Tamil men, whereas income differences have a negligible impact on the desirability of men across income brackets. Non-working women are 34 percent less desired than their working counterparts, highlighting the importance Tamils place on having double income households. Men holding a Master's degree are 2.5 times more desirable than those with only a Bachelor's degree. However, for women, the desirability decreases slightly if they possess qualifications beyond a Bachelor's degree. Individuals earning over 30 lakhs per annum are highly regarded as desirable partners. Contrary to popular belief, age affects men's matchmaking prospects more significantly. After the age of 34, men's chances of finding perfectly suitable partners decrease significantly. Interestingly, there are over 300 Tamil-speaking members on TamilShaadi.com who are aged 60 and above and actively seeking a partner. The oldest Tamil-speaking members on the platform are 70 years old, encompassing both males and females. Furthermore, the study highlights that the golden age bracket for Tamils seeking marriage falls between 26 and 29 years. However, the average age for marriage has increased by approximately 1.9 years in the past decade, with men's age experiencing a higher increase compared to women. TamilShaadi.com collected and analysed data to compile a comprehensive almanac. The study is based on per-day data and a user base of over 1 lakh active members (both male and female) on Shaadi.com in the past year, the research findings offer specific and relevant insights into the preferences of the community residing in India.
As India scouts for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology that can help make clean energy transition, Russia has developed a futuristic nuclear plant that is already operational in the country's Far East region. The world's first floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) Akademik Lomonosov began commercial operation in May 2020, and is producing energy from two 35 MW reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). SMR is a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor, making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation, according to the IAEA. Other SMRs are under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States, the nuclear energy watchdog said. Russia operates two SMRs of 35 MW each in Pevek, a port town on the Arctic ocean, and the administrative center of Chaunsky District in Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, some 5,500 kms from the capital city of Moscow. The town in the Russian Far East, where temperatures drop below minus 30 in peak winters, is known for its gold mining which requires electricity for its operations. Commissioned in 2020, the nuclear plant is on a 144 meters long ship with a displacement capacity of 21,560 tonne. Russia claims that it is the only floating nuclear power plant in the world. Andrey Zaslavskiy, Acting Deputy Director General JSC REA and Acting Director of the Floating Nuclear Power Plant affiliate, said the FNPP is completely safe and has transformed the lives of the region by supplying round-the-clock power supply and round-the-year heat supply. ''The reactors of the RITM series are designed in such a way that they can operate stably under high shock loads that accompany the operation of an icebreaker. These loads are much heavier than those caused by extremely severe earthquakes of magnitude 8 and more. The NPP is designed and constructed considering the seismic and other site conditions, which allows for safe and efficient operation of the plant for at least 60 years, Zaslavskiy said. Zaslavskiy, however, parried questions on the cost incurred to build SMRs. A spokesperson for Rosatoms South Asia team said the deployment of the world's first floating NPP in the Arctic region, which powers the city of Pevek in Russia, illustrates the advantages that SMRs bring in facilitating the global energy transition towards a sustainable future. ''Rosatom eagerly anticipates collaborating with the Indian government and its partners to harness the full potential of SMRs in the upcoming projects in the country. ''By joining forces, we can propel the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies, benefiting not only India but also contributing to global efforts in combating climate change and securing a brighter future for the world, the spokesperson added. India and Russia are collaborating to build six Light Water Reactors in Kudankulam, two of which are already operational. According to a former senior official of the Department of Atomic Energy, India still does not have a formal policy on SMRs. India currently has 22 operational nuclear power plants - two Light Water Reactors, two Boiling Water Reactors and 18 indigenously developed Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. Notably, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh last month said that India is working on new technologies such as the small modular reactors that can be factory-built and help make clean energy transition. The SMR, with up to 300 MW capacity, is flexible in design and requires a smaller footprint. Being mobile and agile technology, SMR can be factory-built unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built onsite. A recent NITI Aayog report said, as many SMR designs were under various stages of research, development and licensing in different countries, global regulatory harmonisation, developing the manufacturing ecosystem and bringing in public as well as private capital would be the key for growth of the SMR industry. On May 16, India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant called for an unfettered access to nuclear technology from the US to build small modular reactors (SMR) in the country. Kant said the private sector needs to be allowed into the atomic energy sector to take advantage of the more efficient SMRs. India also needs to work with the US so that it is provided unfettered access to cutting edge technology by granting general authorisation to India, Kant had said addressing a session at the energy transition working group of G20 meeting in Mumbai. Addressing a G20 event on SMR in Mumbai, Alexandre Volgin, Director of Project, Rosatomservedas, said, We are thrilled to share Rosatom's experience and knowledge on SMRs with India, who has been our trusted partner throughout the years. We firmly believe that our expertise and knowledge in the development, construction, and operation of small modular reactors will play a pivotal role in facilitating the global energy transition towards a sustainable future.
Countries such as India should back research on artificial intelligence in ways that can improve government services like health care, OpenAI Inc. Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said. Some nationally funded AI effort feels like a good idea, Altman said Wednesday at a New Delhi event host by Indias Economic Times newspaper. India is the latest stop for Altman on his world tour, and he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials. He will be in South Korea on June 9. The main thing that I think is important is figuring out how to integrate these technologies into other services, Altman said. And that is an area that I think governments are behind on, and dont have the answers yet. India, which currently holds the presidency of the group of industrialized and emerging economies known as the G20, can play a major role in shaping global AI regulations, Altman said. He has previously called for more regulations and said his greatest fear is that the technology would cause significant harm. Building local-language capabilities is important for OpenAI, Altman said. We had a big step forward from GPT 3.5 to 4 at non-English languages, so GPT 4 is pretty good at say the top 20 languages and OK at maybe the top 100, he said. We will be able to push this much further. OpenAI is focused on building a better, faster and cheaper model of its generative AI ChatGPT product, Altman has said previously. The product made AI a buzzword and kicked off a global race among tech companies to build their own versions of the chatbot technology. For instance, Alphabet Inc.s Google is rolling out new AI tools to help marketers create advertisements, seeking to capitalize on growing business demand for the emerging technology. In the key growth market of India, Google has been developing an AI model that would be able to handle more than 100 Indian languages across speech and text, a drive that would widen internet access beyond the countrys urban English-speaking minority.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is on a visit to the US, on Thursday announced plans for a first-ever global summit on artificial intelligence (AI) later this year, bringing together key countries, leading tech companies and researchers to agree on safety measures to evaluate and monitor AI's most significant risks. While participating countries have not been confirmed by Downing Street at this stage, India is likely to be among the countries as Sunak stressed the importance of like-minded allies and companies working together to develop an international framework to ensure the safe and reliable development and use of AI. The summit, which will be hosted in the UK this autumn, will consider the risks of AI, including frontier systems, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. It will also provide a platform for countries to work together on further developing a shared approach to mitigate these risks. "AI has an incredible potential to transform our lives for the better. But we need to make sure it is developed and used in a way that is safe and secure," said Sunak. "Time and time again throughout history we have invented paradigm-shifting new technologies, and we have harnessed them for the good of humanity. That is what we must do again. No one country can do this alone. This is going to take a global effort. But with our vast expertise and commitment to an open, democratic international system, the UK will stand together with our allies to lead the way," he said. Downing Street pointed out that in recent weeks, Sunak has discussed this issue with a number of businesspeople and world leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and that the work at the AI safety summit will build on recent discussions at the G7 Summit in Japan. In July, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will also convene the first-ever briefing of the United Nations (UN) Security Council on the opportunities and risks of AI for international peace and security. "The UK is well-placed to convene discussions on the future of AI. The UK is a world leader in AI ranking third behind the US and China. Our AI sector already contributes GBP 3.7 billion to the UK economy and employs 50,000 people across the country," Downing Street said. The announcement comes as US tech giant Palantir announced it will make the UK its new European headquarters for AI development. Palantir, which already employs more than 800 people in the UK, has provided many of the world's most critical enterprises and institutions with foundational architecture for data processing. "London is a magnet for the best software engineering talent in the world, and it is the natural choice as the hub for our European efforts to develop the most effective and ethical artificial intelligence software solutions available," said Alexander C. Karp, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Palantir Technologies Inc. Meanwhile, Sunak and US President Joe Biden are holding what has been described as wide-ranging discussions on the bilateral relationship in Washington DC with a focus on strengthening both economies and cementing joint leadership in the "technologies of the future". Sunak also announced an increase in the number of scholarships the UK government funds for students undertaking postgraduate study and research at UK and US universities, enhancing our shared expertise in science, tech, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan has requested to postpone the planned next round of foreign ministerial talks with Armenia in Washington D.C., the Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

At the request of the Azerbaijani side, the next round of discussions planned to take place next week in Washington D.C. is postponed. The public will be duly informed on the new timeframes of the meeting, spokesperson Ani Badalyan said in a statement on social media.

The foreign ministerial talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan were planned to take place June 12 in Washington D.C.
YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received the delegation headed by Maren Jasper-Winter, member of the Executive Board of Friedrich Nauman Foundation for Freedom.



The meeting was attended by Martin Kothe, Regional Director for East and Southeast Europe, Katrin Bannach, Regional Director for South Caucasus, and Armen Grigoryan, Project Manager of the Armenian office of the Foundation.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the projects implemented by the Foundation in Armenia and the South Caucasus as well as the prospects of new projects, Khachaturyan's office said in a readout.



Addressing the durable activity of the Foundation, the President highlighted its role in spreading democracy and democratic values in Armenia and the South Caucasus, in general.

In the course of discussion, the sides touched upon general regional developments, interrelations between the security environment and democratic institutions as well their positive and negative implications.



President Vahagn Khachaturyan emphasized that, within his capacity, he readily supports the initiatives contributing to the establishment and development of democratic institutions in Armenia.

During the meeting, ideas were exchanged on the main vectors of reforms implemented and still underway in the field of democracy, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Armenia.
June 04, 2021

Roman Protasevich, Casualty Of The Ryanair Incident In Belarus, Is Spilling The Beans

A TV documentary of the bomb threat against a Ryanair plan (vid) has confirmed our analysis of a false narrative which had been constructed by Belorussian regime change activists.

They had alleged that on May 23 a Ryanair plane had been forced by the Belorussian government to land in Minsk after which one activist on board, Roman Protasevich, had been arrested. But in reality a real bomb threat, delivered by email, had been received at Minsk airport as well as by Lithuanian air authorities. The plane was made aware of the threat by the Belorussian air traffic control and the pilot, after communicating with Ryanair management, had decided to land in Minsk.

Belarus handled the case by the book and the plane was released after it had been unsuccessfully searched for the alleged bomb. There were outstanding arrest warrants against two passengers on board, Roman Protasevich and his Russian girl friend Sofia Sapega. Both were detained after passing through the custom and passport controls.

Roman Protasevich had been betrayed. Other regime change activists, with whom he had disagreed, had sent the bomb threat email to get him trapped.

This is evident from his testimony in the later part of the TV documentary linked above, where he appears as a lively and engaged chain smoker.

A second Belorussian TV piece (vid), with a ninety minutes excerpt from a four hour long interview of Protasevich, was broadcast yesterday:

Former editor-in-chief of NEXTA Roman Protasevich interviewed the Belarusian state channel ONT. In it, he pleaded guilty in a criminal case to organizing and preparing actions that violate public order, and also criticized the Belarusian opposition and said he respected Alexander Lukashenko.

In the interview Protasevich is spilling the beans about the whole foreign financed opposition organization which was behind the 2020 color revolution attempt in Belarus.

'Western' media, as well as other regime change activist claim that Protasevich must have been tortured to say what he says. However, aside from light handcuff marks at his wrists there is no evidence of that. Protasevich had previously been wounded when he fought in the fascist Ukrainian Azov battalion against the Donbas secessionists. He is a tough guy who will not be impressed by handcuffs which, by the way, police everywhere use for good reasons.

During the Korea war U.S. pilots, captured by China, admitted to dropping biological weapons on China. The U.S. long denied the use of biological weapons and claimed that the pilots had been tortured and made false confessions. Decades later secret files were released which proved that the claims the pilots had made had been correct.

At the beginning of the interview with Marat Markov, the head of the Belorussian state TV channel ONT, Protasevich is still somewhat tense. But after 3 or 4 minutes the talk develops into a lively exchange during which Protasevich at times interrupts and corrects the journalist. Protasevich's voice sounds rough and at times pressed. He is a chain smoker and claims to have a cold. Towards the end, when they talk about the personal damage the color revolution attempt has caused to many, both get somewhat emotional but in no way hostile to each other.

Protasevich's demeanor, engagement, body language and general attitude throughout the interview has me convinced that he doing it voluntarily and that he is telling the truth. He is not reading off a script someone else has written. He is doing a tell all about the foreign financed regime change effort he had been part of. And why not? He has been betrayed by his former comrades. He is now expecting up to fifteen years of jail. Telling it all might well help him to lessen the sentence for his crimes.

There are yet no English subtitles on the interview and there is no English language transcript of the interview. The following are excerpts from an eight part summary published in Russian language on Office Life. The text is machine translated:

Roman Protasevich on the air of the ONT TV channel on the program Markov. Nothing personal, said that he agreed to be interviewed completely voluntarily. But he noted that he had a little cold. He added that it is difficult to predict how the opposition will react to the interview, and he would not be surprised to be called a traitor. Protasevich stressed that he absolutely does not care what they say. He, according to him, just wants to do everything to correct his mistakes.

...

Roman Protasevich on the air of ONT suggested that information about his flight over Belarus could have been given by Daniil Bogdanovich, who was the project director. Protasevich stressed that for the first time in a long time, he reported data on his movements to someone. He wrote about the flight from Athens in a chat, which includes Frank Viacorka and Daniil Bogdanovich. With the latter, Protasevich had a conflict. Roman claims that, in fact, behind his back on an online "phone call" it was said that he could be fired. He himself did not participate in the "call" due to poor communication at the hotel. His colleagues told him about the content. Protasevich believes that it was Bogdanovich who could have initiated the possible dismissal. During the interview, Roman also stressed that he had nothing to do with the Black Book of Belarus channel. He only held one workshop on how to make headlines, etc. Roman thinks that a lot of personal data was transferred to the channel by ex-security officials. Protasevich stressed that he had nothing to do with the publication of personal data.

The 'black book' is a Telegram channel used by the opposition to publish addresses and personal information about Belorussian policeman and their families.

Protasevich then gives some details ofn persons involved in the opposition operation and of their corruption. I will skip this here as most are unknown to me and of minor interest. These though are people we have heard of:

The interviewee also walked around Olga Karach. He said that she got her possession of a house with an area of 600 square meters. m in the elite area of Vilnius. Karach is trying to fight Tikhanovskaya for the money of the diaspora. Protasevich added that Tikhanovskaya partly lives at the expense of the Lithuanian state, partly at the expense of some entrepreneurs. She is guarded by the Lithuanian special service. Andrey Strizhak (BySol Foundation), according to Protasevich, is also not perfect. There were complaints against Strizhak, and they, according to Protasevich, were clearly not unfounded. That was when, according to Roman, there was money in the fund, and then it was gone. In addition, Protasevich said that ByPol, in his opinion, is financed by Poland. Also, according to him, the Polish side gave 50 million zlotys to the Belarusian House in Warsaw.

Then follow details about the NEXTA Telegram channel which was used to direct last summer's demonstrations and riots in Minsk. According to Protasevich that channel has a following in Belarus of 500,000 people "at most".

Protasevich is trying to lower the potential sentence against him:

Roman Protasevich said on the air of ONT that he respects Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, he believes that some of the decisions of this politician were erroneous. Protasevich admitted that he criticized Lukashenka a lot. He claims that he realized that many of the things for which the head of state was criticized were an element of pressure. According to Protasevich, Lukashenka acted like a man with eggs of steel.

The financing of the NEXTA channel (translated as 'Nektha') with its extensive staff is discussed next:

On the air of ONT, Roman Protasevich said that initially the Nekhta project (recognized as extremist in Belarus) lived on advertising. The posts cost "good money": for example, $20 thousand. Protasevich's salary could be $1.5 thousand. In August 2020, 5 thousand euros came out. At some point, according to Protasevich, there was Russian funding: 3-5 thousand euros per week. The money came from a certain company from Russia, which, judging by the name, is associated with the Urals and mining. Its owner is a well-known Russian oligarch, and he is a direct competitor of Mikhail Gutseriev. Protasevich did not give his last name, but perhaps he means a native of Minsk, Dmitry Mazepin, who actually now controls Uralkali. Protasevich also said that it was allegedly planned to transfer one of the Nekhta channels to Russian hands. Roman Protasevich also said that the split in the Nekhta team was due to the figure of the Belarusian political emigration Ales Zarembyuk, who, according to the journalist, used Putilo and the entire project as a cash cow. Now, according to Protasevich, advertising does not appear on "Nekhta", although there are more staff in the editorial office. This, in his opinion, means that someone is supporting the project.

The socialist Belarus has extensive potash resources. That a fertilizer oligarch in neo-liberal Russia is trying to get his hands on it via regime change and privatization is not astonishing.

The next part is about the military coup attempt against Lukashenko which unraveled two months ago:

Roman Protasevich said on the air of ONT that he allegedly almost became a liaison "between the conspirators and the headquarters of Tikhanovskaya." That is, his role was to bring the headquarters together with the defendants in the case of the conspiracy against Lukashenka. Protasevich claims that he had constant contacts with Dmitry Shchigelsky, who now lives in the United States and they allegedly have a lot in common. Unlike Alexander Feduta and Grigory Kostusev, Shchigelsky was not detained by the Belarusian special services. Roman also assures that there are sleeping cells in Belarus of those who advocate a forceful scenario of overthrowing the current government. Protasevich also claims that Frank Viacorka was not included in the project for the violent overthrow. Roman believes that he has "too long a tongue." According to Protasevich, the conspirators talked about some 20 military families who had to be evacuated from Belarus, and they wanted to get large sums from the BySol fund for them, but this did not work out. Protasevich believes that in reality these military men and their families are fiction.

Protasevich then talks about his time with Azov:

...



At the same time, Protasevich says that he was not officially on the staff of "Azov", and not in business "he was mainly engaged in photography." But he was indeed given a light machine gun. However, with him, according to Protasevich, he did not participate in any hostilities, and almost all the time "was at the base." Roman also admits that he violated journalistic ethics. In addition, Protasevich admitted that he is afraid of some kind of extradition (to which country, it is not clear) and hopes that Alyaksandr Lukashenka will have enough political will not to agree to extradition. Roman claims that allegedly not so long ago he was on the verge of returning to Belarus himself. He stated that he was cooperating with the investigation and rethought a lot in life. At the end of the interview, Protasevich actually burst into tears. After that, they showed the already separately recorded commentary of the presenter, where he explained that in fact the interview lasted about four hours and not everything was aired on the air.

---

Previous Moon of Alabama post on the Ryanair incident in Belarus:

Posted by b on June 4, 2021 at 11:20 UTC | Permalink

Comments

next page 
June 15, 2021

U.S., UK Information Warfare Behind Regime Change Drive In Belarus

by Kit Klarenberg

This piece was first published by Covert Action Magazine. It is reproduced here with the author's permission.



Protesters in Minsk - bigger

The at-times fiery protests that raged across Belarus throughout 2020 had largely fizzled out by the time local activist and seeming neo-Nazi Roman Protasevich was dramatically arrested in May this year.

Now, the country has been catapulted back to the top of the mainstream news agenda, with new life breathed into controversial self-appointed President Svetlana Tikhanovskayas hitherto unheeded calls for Western leaders to recognize her as the legitimate Belarusian leader.

True to form though, not a single mainstream outlet has deigned to mention that for many years prior to the unrests eruption, London and Washington had funded, trained, and promoted the very elements that took to the streets in opposition to President Alexander Lukashenko.

Not Worth Peoples Blood

In April 2019, the RAND Corporationa U.S. government think-tankpublished a report, Extending Russia: Competing from Advantageous Ground.

It outlined a range of possible means to extend Russia, defined as measures to bait Russia into overextending itself in order to undermine the regimes stability.

Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data from Western and Russian sources, this report examines Russias economic, political, and military vulnerabilities and anxieties and then analyzes potential policy options to exploit themideologically, economically, geopolitically, and militarily along with the likelihood that [these policy options] could be successfully implemented.

A dedicated section of the 354-page report dealt with promoting regime change in Belarus. It noted that, among other welcome outcomes, denying Russia its one and only true ally would be a clear geopolitical and ideological gain for the West, undermining Moscows proposed Eurasian Economic Union, complicating any attempt to employ military force against the Baltic States, and further isolating Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave situated between Lithuania and Poland.

Fomenting unrest in Belarus was said to present an opportunity to extend Russia by aiding the opposition, removing a long-standing Russian-allied dictator, and supporting liberalization. Aid to Lukashenkos opposition could come in a variety of forms, ranging from public declarations of support by U.S. leaders to more direct financial and organizational assistance helping the opposition parties.

Such a course of action was nonetheless forecast to be extremely risky, and likely to fail. For one, the Belarusian opposition mounting a serious challenge to Lukashenko was considered unlikely, and in any event would likely prompt Russia to employ political and economic pressure to keep the regime in place, if not intervene in the situation militarily, and produce greater local repression from authorities.

Furthermore, there was little tangible public appetite for democratization. RAND cited a 2015 survey conducted by the Independent Institute for Socio-Economic and Political Research, which found that 78% of Belarusians believed regime change was not worth peoples blood and 70% did not want a Ukrainian-style revolution.

People dont want more freedom. They want more government. They want the better life they used to have, a Belarusian expert quoted in the report said in 2017.

Promoting liberalization in Belarus was predicted to require European support, and given the bloc faced a host of other challenges from Ukraine to refugees to Brexit, Brussels [European Union] might not want to add Belarus to the mix and rock the boat.

Still, there was perceived value to attempting to precipitate regime change even if the effort ultimately failed as such a campaign would create apprehensions among Russian leaders, making them worry about the prospect of such a movement in their own country. This would in turn prompt Moscow to reinforce its military presence and political influence within Belarus, burdening Russia with a weak, corrupt dependency and possibly even generating some degree of local resistance, the report approvingly suggested.

Essentially, were Moscow to commit resources to preserve its grasp over Belarus, it would extend Russia, by provoking the U.S. and its European allies to respond with harsher sanctions. In other words, mission accomplished.

Shadow Political Structure

The question of what if any impact this section of RANDs report had on U.S. policymakers subsequently is somewhat moot, given Washington had for some time prior to its publication provably been engaged in precisely the destabilization efforts proposed therein, by way of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Founded in November 1983, then-U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Casey was central to its creation. He sought to construct a public mechanism to support groups and individuals overseas to engage in propaganda and political action undermining enemy governments from withinactivities historically organized and paid for clandestinely by the Agencyunder the bogus aegis of democracy and human rights promotion.

In 1991, senior NED official Allen Weinstein acknowledged that a lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA, and NEDs work often directly complements Langleys cloak-and-dagger work.

For example, during the Reagan administrations brutal secret war against Nicaraguas progressive Sandinista government during the 1980s, in which tens of thousands died, NED allocated millions of dollars to civic opposition entitiesincluding La Prensa, the countrys primary anti-Sandinista newspaper.

Concurrently, the CIA trained, funded, and armed the Sandinistas fascist opponents, the Contras. In particular, the Agencys Tayacan manual on guerrilla warfare was highly influential, leading the group to incite mob violence, neutralize government officials and civilian leaders, and attack soft targets such as schools and hospitals, among other hideous atrocities.

Publicly available data indicates the NED funded at least 159 civil society initiatives in Belarus, costing $7,690,689, from 2016 to 2020 alone.

While the projects have innocent-sounding titlesstrengthening regional youth initiatives; fostering freedom of the media; promoting civic journalismthe example of Ukraine indicates such endeavors can have highly incendiary results.

As investigative journalist Robert Parry documented after the March 2014 Maidan coup, the NED bankrolled 65 projects in Ukraine in the years prior to that uprising, in the process creating a shadow political structure of media and activist groups that could be deployed to stir up unrest when the Ukrainian government didnt act as desired.

Six months prior, long-time NED chief Carl Gershman wrote a chilling op-ed for The Washington Post in which he documented Moscows growing troubles in its near abroadthe constellation of countries that formerly comprised the Soviet Unionand how his organization was exploiting them to the full. Hailing Ukraine as the biggest prize, he explained that Russian democracy could also benefit from Kiev being absorbed into the Western fold.

Ukraines choice to join Europe will accelerate the demise of the ideology of Russian imperialism that Putin represents, Gershman wrote. Russians, too, face a choice, and Putin may find himself on the losing end not just in the near abroad but within Russia itself.

Further underlying the insidious efficacy of NEDs democracy-promotion activities, in May 2021 a pair of Russian pranksters posing as Belarusian opposition figures successfully duped high-ranking NED representatives into bragging about their involvement in the ongoing unrest in Belarus at the start of 2020.

Among many startlingly frank disclosures, Nina Ognianova, who oversees the NEDs work with opposition groups in the country, revealed that a lot of the people who were trained and educated via the organizations various endeavors in Minsk were pivotal to the events, or the build-up to the events, of last summer.

Gershman added that the organization was working with Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and her team very, very closely.

Malicious Violator

U.S. meddling in Belarus dates much further back than 2016. Five years earlier, an official White House press release on U.S.-Polish efforts to advance democracy worldwide had a dedicated section on the pairs work to pressure the Lukashenko government and support civil society, which stated the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) would work with the Warsaw-based Belsat TV station to develop content and programming on democracy education.

Founded in December 2007 by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belsat dubs itself reminiscent of U.S. propaganda outlets Radio Free Europe and Voice of Americaassets of BBG [now U.S. Agency for Global Media]describes its mission as promoting democratization processes in Minsk, and boasts that events in Ukraine have shown Belsat TV has influenced the public opinion not only in Belarus, but elsewhere in the region, too.

Belsat may well have influenced political action and policy too, with lethal consequences. For example, in May 2015 it broadcast a slick documentary about a young man who went to fight in the war in Donbas for Tactical Group Belarus, a Belarusian volunteer group spun out of Ukraines notorious Right Sector, a pro-government neo-Nazi militia.

The film was billed as the stirring tale of a brave protagonist [risking] his life  because he believes that the fate of his homeland depends on it, while every day facing potential extradition back to Minsk and years in prison, as his presence in Ukraine was illegal. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lukashenko has repeatedly stated there is no place in Belarus for citizens who fight in the Donbas, and hundreds have been prosecuted for taking part in the conflict to date.

The documentarys politically charged subtext could not be more blatant, and six months after transmission, the government of then-President Petro Poroshenko answered its seeming call, amending the law to allow foreigners to legally serve in the Ukrainian armed forces, and instructing police and migration services to assist would-be recruits in joining.

This development was enthusiastically welcomed by Belsatin an article heralding the move, the broadcaster went to the shocking extent of providing the email and phone number of Tactical Group Belarus for any reader who wanted to help the guys.

How many Belarusians answered this call to arms, and went on to kill and/or be killed on the front lines, is an open question, although this obvious consideration clearly did little to dent the stations standing with Western powers.

On an official visit to Warsaw in late 2017, then-UK Prime Minister Theresa May allocated 5 million of UK funding to Polish organizations to detect and counter the spread of Russian information operations, with some of the money specifically earmarked for Belsat.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) files leaked by hacktivist collective Anonymous shed some light on the support provided by London to the station via Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF), the internationally renowned newswires charitable arm.

In all, Belsat received 150 days of intensive consultancy in a three-month periodof which 97 were delivered in-countryfrom consultants, interpreters, and project and finance managers, among them Reuters staff.

If TRF sought to greatly ramp up Belsats propaganda capabilities, then its counsel was certainly successful. A Media IQ monitoring report on the stations compliance with journalistic standards when reporting public-political news September-December 2019 was utterly damning, finding it to be a malicious violator in respect to separating fact from opinion, a staggering 75% of its current affairs output contravening this basic principle during the period assessed.

Countering Malign Kremlin Influence

It seems likely TRFs guidance was informed by the findings of an extensive target audience analysis of Belarusian citizens perceptions and motivations conducted in January 2017, which sought to identify opportunities to appropriately communicate with them. The study was commissioned by the FCDO in January 2017, under the auspices of a 100 million Whitehall effort to weaken Russias influence in its near abroad.

In particular, London was interested in Belarusians existing or potential grievances against their national government that could be leveraged, and channels and messages through which the UK government could appropriately engage with different sub-groups.

The FCDOs target audience analysis was carried out by long-time Whitehall contractor Albany Associates, central to a number of Londons covert information warfare operations aimed at Russia.

In one such connivance, the firm sought to develop greater affinity among the regions Russian-speaking minority for the UK, European Union, and NATO. In another, it collaborated with French NGO IREX Europe to promote media plurality, balance and literacy in Central Asia.

In its submissions to the FCDO, Albany noted IREX had been working in Belarus since 2006 with print, online and radio outlets, to improve the quality of their coverage, and increase their understanding of the EU and EU member states. As part of its youth audience offering in the country, the organization was said to have founded Warsaw-based Euroradio, along with online outlet 34mag.

IREX is closely connected with the NED, and created Euroradio in 2006 with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), another entity that has frequently been used to insidiously undermine governments in Washingtons crosshairs. Just like the FCDO, USAIDnow under the direction of war hawk Samantha Poweroperates a multi-faceted program targeted at Russias near abroad, Countering Malign Kremlin Influence, in alignment with U.S. national security strategy.

A 2015 report on backing provided by IREX to independent media across Eastern Europe under the terms of its cooperative agreement with USAID details Euroradios exponential rise following its launch. Within four years, it was also receiving sizable funding from the European Union and numerous foreign governments, and running elaborate promotional multimedia campaigns.

By 2008, it was sponsoring 300 events in the region annually, receiving significant free exposure by placing its banners at music and cultural events, including the annual Right to be Free concert in Lviv, Ukraine. Bands from Belarus, Ukraine, and elsewhere played to a 10,000-strong crowd, with many bused in from Belarus.

During the 2010 election, it broadcast live footage of protests following the vote via the web, Skype, and various instant messaging platforms, interviewed leading opposition candidates, reported on the arrests of protesters, reported from the election commission, and provided reports from six regions through regional stringers, tailoring its content and marketing efforts specifically for 17-35-year-olds.

These activities among others cemented Euroradio as Belaruss leading external radio broadcaster and, come 2012, its potential audience for terrestrial broadcasts was two million, more than one-fifth of the countrys population, the website receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors monthly.

Sugar Daddy of Overt Operations

Throughout 2020 and beyond, Euroradio almost endlessly published footage of violent crackdowns on protesters in Minsk, which in turn was routinely aired by the mainstream media. The BBC went to the extent of issuing an open call for activists on the ground to submit pictures and videos for use in its coverage, which Euroradio enthusiastically amplified.

It would be entirely unsurprising if much of the content featured in Western news reporting on the unrest was created by individuals and organizations secretly in receipt of funding and training from Open Information Partnership (OIP), the flagship strand of the FCDOs multi-pronged propaganda assault on Russia.

OIP maintains a network of 44 partners across Central and Eastern Europe, including journalists, charities, think tanks, academics, NGOs, activists, and factcheckers.

Internal Whitehall documents reveal one of its primary objectives is influencing elections taking place in countries of particular interest to the FCDO. It achieves this disruption by helping organizations and individuals produce slick propaganda masquerading as independent citizen journalism, which is then amplified globally via its network.

In Ukraine for example, OIP worked with a dozen online influencers to counter Kremlin-backed messaging through innovative editorial strategies, audience segmentation, and production models that reflected the complex and sensitive political environment, allowing them to reach wider audiences with compelling content that received over four million views.

Similarly, in Russia and Central Asia, OIP established a network of YouTubers, helping them create videos promoting media integrity and democratic values.

Participants were taught to make and receive international payments without being registered as external sources of funding and develop editorial strategies to deliver key messages, while the consortium minimized their risk of prosecution and managed project communications to ensure the existence of the network, and OIPs role, were kept confidential.

Belarus, along with Moldova and Ukraine, is referred to in the leaked files as the most vital space in the entire [OIP] network, and a high-impact priority country for London. This suggests its 2020 election was very much of interestand the shock results of Moldovas November 2020 presidential vote suggest OIPs informational influence can be decisive.

That election pitted upstart pro-Western Maia Sandu against incumbent pro-Russian leader Igor Dodon, with the former emerging victorious in a win widely acknowledged by the Western media to be surprising. Two Moldovan organizations, the Association of Independent Press and Newsmaker, are fellow OIP network members, and could well have served as conduits for FCDO-funded, pro-Sandu, anti-Dodon material.

Slovakian OIP member MEMO 98, coincidentally also funded by NED, published an extensive study of the election campaign, attributing Sandus upset to her social media Nous.

MEMO 98 similarly kept a close eye on the Belarus protests, publishing several analyses of media reporting and social media activity related to the strife, in the process drawing particular attention to the output of none other than Belsat, praising its extensive coverage of protests and related intimidation of activists.

In September 1991, The Washington Post published an article on the subject of spyless coups abroad, in which it referred to the NED as the sugar daddy of overt operations, and noted that throughout the late 1980s, it had dispensed money to anti-communist forces behind the Iron Curtain.

Covert funding for these groups would have been the kiss of death, if discovered. Overt funding, it would seem, has been a kiss of life, the newspaper concluded.

NED funding has very clearly been a kiss of life to a large number of oft-dubious opposition actors within and without Belarus, in turn unleashing all manner of chaosand whats more, its sugar daddy status is now being challenged by a number of other spectral, malign Western actors.

Whether these efforts ultimately fail or succeed in unseating the Lukashenko government is immaterial to the individuals and organizations responsible for instigating themfor merely attempting to do so serves the purpose of extending, and thus internationally isolating, Minsk and Moscow alike.

---

Previous Moon of Alabama post on the Ryanair incident in Belarus:

Posted by b on June 15, 2021 at 18:07 UTC | Permalink

Comments
June 08, 2023

On May 26 I commented the pardoning of Roman Protasevich in Belarus:

Closing The Case Of Regime Changer Roman Protasevich And His Ryanair Flight To Minsk

Moon of Alabama has followed the case throughout. Those interested in the details of the original incident can find them in our June 2 2021 post. For a wider political view of the 'color revolution' business in east Europe see this piece by Kit Klarenberg. Links to all MoA posts about the case are listed at the end of this piece.

A week after the incident, during a long TV interview, Protasevich spilled the beans about the whole regime operation. He also says that he has come to believe that one of his regime changer colleagues had sent the bomb threat email to get him arrested.

A few weeks later Roman Protasevich and Sofia Sapega were released and put under house arrest. A trial followed and, in early May of this year, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

I though that the sentence, in light of his public turnabout, was quite harsh but others accused of the same regime change operations against Belarus had received up to 20 years prison time. Still, eight years is a long time for a young man who had clearly changed his mind. Sofia Sapega, who is a Russian citizen, had earlier received a 6 year sentence.

On May 22 Protasevich was unexpectedly pardoned:

...
June 08, 2023 Open (Not Ukraine) Thread 2023-136 News & views (not related to the war in Ukraine) ... Posted by b on June 8, 2023 at 13:06 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
June 08, 2023

Ukraine Open Thread 2023-137

Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict.

The current open thread for other issues is here.

Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators.

Posted by b on June 8, 2023 at 13:07 UTC | Permalink

Comments

next page 
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)  Embers from a smoldering scrap wood fire set days earlier outside a home used by a Christian religious communal group along with a sparking power line caused a 2021 Colorado wildfire fanned by high winds that destroyed nearly 1,100 homes and left two people dead, authorities said Thursday.

Authorities spent 18 months investigating and determined criminal charges were not warranted for either The Twelve Tribes that occupied the home or the utility in charge of the power line, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said at a news conference.

If we were to tell you today we are filing charges, it would be wrong and unethical," Dougherty said.

The Dec. 30, 2021, blaze in heavily populated suburbs between Denver and Boulder caused $2 billion in damage, making it the most destructive in Colorado history. Two people were also found dead after what was known as the Marshall Fire.

The inferno erupted following months of drought amid a winter nearly devoid of snow and fed on bone-dry grassland surrounding fast-growing development in the area near the Rocky Mountain foothills. It spread rapidly in winds that gusted up to 100 mph (160 kph) in places.

For one woman who lost her home and watched the news conference, seeing photos and hearing about the fire all over again was almost as difficult as the fire's immediate aftermath.

On top of trying figure out how it started, all this just stirs up all the same emotions. It makes you nauseous in re-remembering everything, Barba Hickman said.

Experts say similar events will become more common as climate change warms the planet and suburbs grow in fire-prone areas.

The scrap wood fire  buried by residents Dec. 24 in a manner approved by firefighters who stopped by that day to investigate  was one cause when the powerful winds uncovered the buried embers six days later, Sheriff Curtis Johnson said at the news conference.

Once they realized there was a fire and it was spreading, they attempted to put it out, but the winds were quickly spreading the flames faster than they could put it out, said Johnson, who lost his home in the blaze and teared up during the news conference.

A loose Xcel Energy power line caused a separate fire less than half a mile (1 kilometer) away around the same time, Johnson said.

The two fires combined to cause the massively destructive blaze.

Xcel Energy strongly objected to the findings of the investigation, contending in a statement that it didn't have a chance to review what the company called flawed" analyses.

We strongly disagree with any suggestion that Xcel Energys power lines caused the second ignition, said a statement from spokesman Tyler Bryant. We operate and maintain our electric system consistent with leading energy service practices.

A worker at a Boulder deli run by The Twelve Tribes declined to comment or give their name Thursday when The Associated Press visited the restaurant. Members of the group  a Christian religious community thought to have 2,000 to 3,000 members worldwide  have repeatedly declined to discuss the fire or what happened since the 2021 blaze.

The fire that destroyed swaths of houses in the cities of Superior and Louisville, neighboring towns about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Denver, is blamed for the death of a 69-year-old man who lived near where investigators believed the fire started. The remains of a 91-year-old woman, who was last seen trying to rescue her dogs from her home in Superior, were also found.

Thousands of residents were at home the day before New Years Eve and used the suburban areas extensive road network to escape amid smoke, flames and blowing embers, which spread the fire in the wind. Shifting winds caused the skies to turn from clear to smoky and then back again in an area filled with middle- and upper-middle class subdivisions surrounded by shopping centers, parks and schools.

As smoke filled the parking lot of a Costco warehouse store and debris whirled around, a sheriffs deputy ordered people inside to leave their carts, evacuate the sprawling building and head toward Denver, away from the fire. Within hours, it destroyed 1,084 homes and seven commercial buildings, and damaged nearly 200 structures.

Old coal mines that smoldered underground in the area could not be ruled out as playing a role in the fire, but were not deemed to be part of the cause, investigators said.

The area includes an abandoned coal field where two underground fires, fueled by coal deposits, have slowly burned over the years.

The fire, which spanned 9.4 square miles (24 square kilometers), ranks as the most destructive in state history in terms of homes and other structures destroyed and damaged. The second-most destructive fire erupted in 2013 outside Colorado Springs, destroying 489 homes and killing two.

A lawsuit filed against Colorados largest utility, Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, alleged that sparks from a power line started the blaze. It says witnesses saw a fire igniting near a power line in the area identified by investigators, with one witness videoing sparks flying from a malfunctioning power line and igniting a fire on the ground.

Hickman's husband expressed frustration the fires cause wasnt pinned down more definitively.

It doesnt really provide any answers that help us. I guess I dont know, it kind of leaves it open in my mind, Rex Hickman said.

The Hickmans said they might be interested in joining litigation against Xcel Energy to try to recover costs, pointing to a California utilitys 2019 settlement for wildfire damages.

For now, the Hickmans have been settling into their new home in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they built a new home using insurance money. They plan to sell their vacant lot in Colorado.

We were looking to get away from the fires in the West, and I have asthma pretty badly. The constant fires every summer is one of the reasons for us moving on, Barba Hickman said.

The investigation took a long time for what was announced, but the decision not to pursue criminal charges seems appropriate, said Barney Thinnes, another homeowner who has had to rebuild.

Im with the sheriff. I just want to move forward with the whole thing, Thinnes said.

___

Jesse Bedayn is a corps members for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. The message of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that the units of the Artsakh Defense Army allegedly opened fire on the border between 11:25 and 18:40 on June 8 in the direction of Azerbaijani positions located in the occupied territories of Martuni, Askeran and Shushi regions of the Republic of Artsakh, does not correspond to reality.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Artsakh, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, announcing the disruption of the engineering works allegedly being carried out in the direction of Martakert, Martuni, Askeran and Shushi, once again distorts the reality, trying to justify the possible cases of ceasefire violation by its units.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The Midland ISD board approved more administrative hires this week at its special meeting, and again, the hiring included talent from Ector County ISD.

The board approved Andrea Messick as an executive director of Teaching & Learning.

Ms. Messick currently serves as MISD's director of Early Childhood, MISD reported. She has 13 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator.

The board also approved Jessica Redman, the principal at Wilson & Young Middle School in Odessa, as the executive director of School Leadership.

Mrs. Redman joins MISD after spending 16 years at ECISD, where she was instrumental in improving test scores as principal at Wilson & Young Middle School, MISD reported. She has also served as an assistant principal, teacher and counselor.

Redmans hiring brings the number of current or former ECISD officials -- joining Superintendent Stephanie Howard in Midland -- to at least 10.

We are working to retain and recruit a team of leaders in Midland ISD who want to be in Midland and West Texas, who understand the area and the customer service expected, who have proven track records in their areas of leadership, are willing to put in whatever amount of time is needed to move the district forward, and leaders who can lead at high levels and have a commitment to excellence, Howard previously wrote in an email to the Reporter-Telegram.

Howard, who herself had two stints at ECISD, has hired at least nine others to help fill her cabinet. They include:

Robert Cedillo, Midland ISDs new deputy superintendent,

Ashley Osborne, MISDs new associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning

Chad Crowson, MISDs new general counsel.

Fatima Muniz, MISDs new executive director of Technology (Comes from Crane ISD, but was at ECISD prior)

Jessie Garcia, MISDs new executive director of Talent Acquisition and Development,

Brandon Reyes, Midlands new Human Capital management.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

MARTIN COUNTY - Presidential candidate Nikki Haley (R-SC) discussed President Bidens energy policies, American energy independence and her plans for the energy sector at a drilling site outside of Midland on Thursday morning.

Haley said her administration will not demonize energy producers and instead empower them to create domestic energy security. The Haley administration will not criminalize producers and will put an end to strict permits and regulations imposed on them.

When we do those things, thats when youll see every American benefit because it will make a stronger economy, a stronger America, a safer America, Haley remarked.

The former South Carolina governor said the U.S. has clean oil and energy processes. She also admonished Bidens heavy-handed rules and regulations on American energy producers that disrupts the consistency and predictability that energy companies need to be successful.

You cant ask someone to invest millions of dollars in something like this (energy production) if they dont know if youre going to shut them down tomorrow, Haley said.

The Republican discussed two decisions Biden made early on during his presidency  cancelling the Keystone Pipeline and reentering the Paris Climate Agreement. She said that during her time as the US ambassador to the United Nations, she studied the Paris Climate Agreement.

It put heavy regulations on the U.S., Haley said, and the other countries? I can tell you what Chinas was. They were going to wait 10 years. Well, Ive dealt with China, 10 years never comes.

Haley claimed that China, Russia and other U.S. enemies never wanted America to have a strong military and never wanted America to be energy independent.

Now you look at the situation, Biden comes in with a heavy fist, he puts on heavy regulations (on energy companies), he starts to suppress permitting, he worries more about endangered species, Haley said. I think he cares more about sagebrush lizards then he does about what its doing to the American family.

The presidential candidate echoed the energy security is national security message that GOP leaders have voiced during visits to the Permian Basin in the recent past. Haley questioned why current U.S. leaders purchase oil from Saudi Arabia, Iran or Venezuela when the U.S. can produce domestic oil while creating American jobs and stimulating small businesses.

1,000 American jobs come from just one rig, Haley said. That doesnt count the small businesses that all benefit from it and it doesnt count what it does to every American family; not having to worry if something happens in the Middle East, not having to worry about whether OPEC+ does something.

She continued to talk about the relation between energy independence and foreign policy.

If we became energy independent, look at what that does to diminish Russia. Thats the other reason why we think its so important that Ukraine wins this war with Russia because its a war about freedom, the candidate said.

Haley expressed how impressed she was by her visit and tour of an oil rig. In her talks with energy professionals, Haley has gathered that producers are striving to make oil and energy production cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

Haley's trip to the Permian Basin also was expected to include a fundraiser in Midland. Hosts include Bryan Sheffield, Scott Sheffield, Scharbauer, Jenni and Dan Hord, Shelley and Jack Harper, Cody Campbell, Javaid Anwar and Don Evans, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram report.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Presidential candidate Nikki Haley discussed American energy independence Thursday at a press conference in Martin County.

The former governor of South Carolina and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations toured an oil rig prior to a press conference, when she said every American should have the opportunity to learn about the safety and effectiveness of oil drilling.

The Republican presidential candidate echoed the energy security is national security message that GOP leaders have voiced during visits to the Permian Basin in the recent past. Haley questioned why current U.S. leaders purchase oil from Saudi Arabia, Iran or Venezuela when the U.S. has the ability to produce domestic oil while creating American jobs and small businesses.

Haley added that the U.S. has clean oil and energy processes and that President Joe Bidens heavy rules and regulations on American energy producers disrupt the consistency and predictability that energy companies need to be successful.

Her administration would not criminalize producers but put an end to strict permits, regulations and green subsidies that have been imposed.

Haley discussed two decisions Biden made early on his presidency  cancelling the Keystone Pipeline and reentering the Paris Climate Agreement.

Biden comes in with a heavy fist, Haley said. He puts on heavy regulations (on energy companies); he starts to suppress permitting; he worries more about endangered species. I think he cares more about sagebrush lizards then he does about what its doing to the American family.

Haley's trip to the Permian Basin also was expected to include a fundraiser in Midland. Hosts include Bryan Sheffield, Scott Sheffield, Scharbauer, Jenni and Dan Hord, Shelley and Jack Harper, Cody Campbell, Javaid Anwar and Don Evans, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram report.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas Truth and Reconciliation Commission said Thursday it will investigate 237 more cases of South Korean adoptees who suspect their family origins were manipulated to facilitate their adoptions in Europe and the United States.

The new cases in the commission's expanded inquiry into South Korea's foreign adoption boom involve adoptees in 11 nations including the United States, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden who were adopted from 1960 to 1990. More than 370 adoptees from Europe, North America and Australia filed applications last year demanding their cases be investigated.

When the commission said it would investigate the first 34 cases in December, it said the records of many adoptees sent to the West had clearly been manipulated and falsely described them as orphans or faked their identities by borrowing the details of a third person.

The commission said most of the applicants claim their adoptions were based on falsified records that laundered their status or origin to ensure their adoptability and expedite custody transfers across borders. Some applicants asked the commission to look into abuse they say they experienced at South Korean orphanages or under the care of their foreign adoptive parents.

The commissions potential findings could allow adoptees to take legal actions against agencies or the government, which would otherwise be difficult because South Korean civil courts put the burden of proof entirely on plaintiffs, who often lack information and resources.

Of the 271 cases accepted by the commission so far, 141 are those of Danish adoptees, including members of the Danish Korean Rights Group co-led by adoptee activist Peter Mller, which submitted the initial 51 applications in August last year. Other cases accepted by the commission include those of 28 U.S. adoptees and 21 from Swedish adoptees, officials said.

The commission, which is reviewing the applications in the order they were submitted, is likely to investigate the remaining 101 cases, too, according to officials.

About 200,000 South Koreans, mostly girls, were adopted to the West in the past six decades, creating whats believed to be the worlds largest diaspora of adoptees.

Most were placed with white parents in the United States and Europe during the 1970s and 80s. South Korea was then ruled by a succession of military dictatorships, which were focused on economic growth and saw adoptions as a tool to reduce the number of mouths to feed, erase the social problem of unwed mothers and deepen ties with the democratic West.

The military governments implemented special laws aimed at promoting foreign adoptions that in practice allowed adoption agencies to bypass proper child relinquishment practices as they sent thousands of children to the West year after year during the adoptions' heyday.

Most adoptees were registered by agencies as abandoned orphans found abandoned on the streets, although they frequently had relatives who could be easily identified or found. That practice often makes their roots difficult or impossible to trace.

It wasnt until 2013 that South Koreas government required foreign adoptions to go through family courts, ending a decadeslong policy that allowed agencies to dictate child relinquishments and international transfers of custodies.
Staff Reporter

Richelle obtained a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications from the Far Eastern University in Manila, the Philippines. She was a junior reporter for Marianas Variety from 2009 to 2010, and from 2014 to 2015. In the Maldives, she worked as a news reporter and marketing executive. In her free time, shes a painter, pianist, and mom baker.
Reporter

Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.
Between 2:25am and 2:35am Thursday, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the ceasefireby using small armsin the northern direction of the line of contact with Artsakh.

June 8, 2023, 10:52 Artsakh Defense Army: Azerbaijan armed forces violated ceasefire again, used small arms

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 8 , ARTSAKHPRESS: In the period between 02:25  02:35, June 8, the Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire in the northern direction of the line of contact by using small arms. The Armenian side has no losses. The ceasefire violation has been reported to the Russian peacekeeping contingent's command. As of 10:30am Thursday, the situation on the line of contact is relatively stable. At the same time, Azerbaijan continues to spread disinformation, trying to substantiate the regular ceasefire violations committed by its units.

The statement released by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense accusing the Defense Army units of opening fire in the morning of June 8 at Azerbaijani positions deployed in the occupied territories of Shushi region, as well as of trying to carry out reinforcement works in the Askeran region, which they claim were disrupted by the Azerbaijani armys actions, are completely untrue, the Ministry of Defense of the Artsakh Republic said in a statement.
U.S. Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata of American Samoa speaks during a media event Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol while the other members of a bipartisan task force look on.
FILE PHOTO: Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon exits the Manhattan Federal Court, following his arraignment hearing for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S. August 20, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
FILE PHOTO: Posters reading "Stephan Schmidheiny your place is in prison" are displayed outside the courthouse during a trial against the Swiss firm Eternit's Italian plant in Turin February 13, 2012. The company closed its Italian operations in 1986. REUTERS/Giorgio Perottino/File Photo
Here's where you can catch art and other exhibits in the Cayuga County area over the next week:

(Have something to add to our listings? Email david.wilcox@lee.net. All listings are free.)

Cafe 108, 108 Genesee St., Auburn; (315) 252-2233 or cafe108.org; Open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays

 Art by Drake Nix

Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn; (315) 253-8051 or cayugamuseum.org; Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays

 "Fabrication: Telling Stories Through Clothing"

 "Both Sides of the Wall: Auburn and Its Prison"

 CNY Emerging Artist Project: Kevin Carr (opening June 10)

Cayuga Owasco Lakes Historical Society History House, 14 W. Cayuga St., Moravia; (315) 497-3906 or colhs.org; Open 9 a.m.-noon Mondays or by appointment

 New exhibit on President Millard Fillmore

Evolve CBD, 12 South St., Auburn; evolvecbd.com; Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays

 Blotter art prints by Steve Cerio

Genoa Historical Association and Rural Life Museum, 920 Route 34B, King Ferry; (315) 364-8202 or genoahistorical.org; Open 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Wednesdays by chance or appointment

 Collections on town cemeteries, photos of the community and a hands-on one-room 1840s schoolhouse museum

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, 180 South St., Auburn; (315) 882-8060 or nps.gov/hart; Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 Exhibits about and artifacts from the life of Harriet Tubman

Howland Stone Store Museum and Opendore, Route 34B, Sherwood; howlandstonestore.org; Open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays

 Exhibits on abolitionism, the Underground Railroad, and the early life and call of Emily Howland

Lock 52 and Montezuma historical societies, 73 Pine St., Port Byron; lock52hs@gmail.com; Open 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and Saturdays by appointment

 Unique display of artwork showing iconic scenes of the early Erie Canal era (through Sept. 16)

 Local genealogy, digital library and photo collections related to Port Byron and Mentz

New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center, 25 South St., Auburn; (315) 258-9820; Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays

 Drawings by Karen Bove in honor of National Preservation Month

Old Brutus Historical Society, 8943 N. Seneca St., Weedsport; (315) 834-9342; Open 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays (historian's night) and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays (research and organization)

 Collections on the history of Brutus and its people

Patrick Tavern, 302 Main St., Aurora; On Facebook; Open 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays

 Aurora Historical Society: "Saying 'I Do' Through the Ages" (opening reception 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 9)

Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, 205 Genesee St., Auburn; (315) 255-1553 or myartcenter.org; Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays

 "The Palace at 3AM" by Gary Sczerbaniewicz (opening reception 4-6 p.m. Saturday, June 10)

Seward House Museum, 33 South St., Auburn; (315) 252-1283 or sewardhouse.org; Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays

 "Rooted in Reform" exhibit about founding of Auburn Correctional Facility, relationships to Miller and Seward family, and history of the criminal justice system

 "Network to Freedom"

 Art in gift shop by photographer Todd Tanner

Shepherds Brewing Co., 132 Genesee St., Auburn; shepsbeer.com; Open 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 1-10 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays

 Art and custom sneakers by Pete Maywalt

Skaneateles Artisans, 3 Fennell St., Skaneateles; (315) 685-8580 or skaneatelesartisans.com; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays

 Work by more than 175 local artists

Skaneateles Historical Society Museum at The Creamery, 28 Hannum St., Skaneateles; (315) 685-1360; Open 1-4 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays

 Records, photos, newspaper articles and more items from Skaneateles history

South Shore Artisans, 576 Main St., Fair Haven; facebook.com/southshoreartisans; Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays

 Local artists, including Marsha Decker's soaps

Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling; (315) 947-6143 or cayugacounty.us.; Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

 2022 Cayuga Naturally Photograph Contest winners

The Underground Bottle Shop, 29 E. Genesee St., Auburn; undergroundbottleshop.com; Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays

 Art by Martin Kepecs

Gallery: 2022 Cayuga Naturally Photograph Contest winners
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

DETROIT (AP)  Electric vehicles made by General Motors will be able to use much of Tesla's extensive charging network beginning early next year.

In addition, GM will adopt Tesla's connector, the plug that links an electric vehicle to a charging station.

GM joins Ford in shifting its electric vehicles to work with about 12,000 of Tesla's roughly 17,000 chargers, and both Detroit automakers are pushing to make Tesla's connector the industry standard. GM CEO Mary Barra and her Tesla counterpart, Elon Musk, made the announcement Thursday during a Twitter Spaces conversation.

Their discussion comes two weeks after Ford CEO Jim Farley joined Musk to announce that Ford's electric vehicles would gain access to much of Tesla's EV-charging network, the largest in the nation. Farley also said Ford would switch to Tesla's connector rather than go with the connector used by the rest of the industry.

At the opening bell Friday, shares of Tesla Inc. jumped 6% to hit a new high for the year. General Motors Co. rose 3%, and Ford Motor Co. rose 2%.

At first, GM and Ford EV owners will need an adapter to hook into the Tesla stations, which have their own connector. But both GM and Ford will switch to Teslas North American Charging Standard connector starting with new EVs produced in 2025.

Tesla has about 17,000 Supercharger stations in the U.S. There are about 54,000 public charging stations in the U.S., according to the Department of Energy, but many charge much more slowly than the Tesla stations.

Like Ford, we see this as an opportunity to expand access to charging, Barra said, adding that GM hopes the rest of the industry will move to the Tesla charging connector, which is different from the CCS connector used on most other EVs.

Musk said that GM and Tesla vehicles would have an even playing field at the charging stations.

We will provide support equally to both, he said. The most important thing is we advance the electric vehicle revolution.

Financial details of the agreement between the two companies were not released Thursday, but GM spokesman Darryll Harrison said GM isn't paying Tesla.

Tesla will get better utilization of their network and all the new charging revenue, which will help them expand the network further, Harrison said. There are other opportunities both companies can take advantage of as a result of the agreement.

Details of how customers would gain access are still being worked out. GM EV owners may have to pay a monthly charge to access Teslas charging network, or they could pay for each use. Current GM owners probably will need to buy the adapter, Harrison said.

Teslas supercharger network is a huge competitive advantage for the company based in Austin, Texas, which sells more EVs than anyone else in the U.S. Chargers often are located near freeways to enable long trips, where most fast-charging plugs are needed, and generally they're more reliable than other networks.

But opening access to EVs from GM and Ford, which rank a distant second and third in U.S. EV sales, will make it easier for those owners to charge while traveling. It also could rankle some Tesla owners who already are jockeying for space at some of the busier Supercharger stations, largely in California.

Barra said joining Teslas network would almost double the number of chargers available to GM electric vehicle owners.

At the end of the day, were looking at whats best for our customers, Barra said. We arent the only company that comes up with good ideas.

Mike Austin, an electric vehicles analyst for Guidehouse Insights, said GM joining the Tesla network is a huge step toward making Tesla's connector the industrywide standard.

It seems like there's a lot of momentum going the way of the North American Charging Standard, for sure, he said.

If other large EV makers such as Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Nissan, also switch connectors, Tesla would get a large amount of revenue from its chargers, Austin said.

Still, Tesla appears to be holding back at least part of its network for use only by Tesla owners, he said. The risk, he said, is that Tesla owners could have to wait for access to a plug.

Tesla owners are used to not having to wait, he said.

The Tesla connector and cord are much lighter and easier to handle than the CCS system used by the rest of the auto industry, Austin said.

Earlier this year, the White House announced that at least 7,500 chargers from Teslas Supercharger and Destination Charger network would be available to non-Tesla electric vehicles by the end of 2024. But the rollout thus far has been slow.
Journal-Courier

ASHLAND  Authorities are stepping back a warning that a credit card skimmer was used at a gas station in the village, saying they could not find any indication of the use of such a device.

Village officials said Tuesday that a skimmer was found on one of the pumps at Casey's General Store, 103 E. Washington St. Skimmers are illegal devices attached to credit card readers that can steal valuable personal information by reading a card's magnetic strip, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
CARROLLTON A Carrollton man has been arrested on a sexual assault charge involving a child.

Michael Moran, 54, of Carrollton was arrested May 19 on a charge of predatory criminal sexual assault involving someone under age 13, a Class X felony, according to court records. A Class X felony is the most serious offense in Illinois other than first-degree murder.

A conviction could result in six to 60 years in prison, mandatory supervised release and fines up to $25,000.

Moran had sought a bond modification, which was denied. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday to review status of counsel.
BEARDSTOWN  A New Jersey multimedia company hopes to increase the digital presence of Cass County's sole newspaper.

CherryRoad Media acquired the Cass County Star-Gazette on June 1, buying it from Delphos Herald, Inc. in Ohio and the Cohen family. It is the first publication the company owns that is based in Illinois.

The company, a subsidiary of CherryRoad Techologies, has been buying local newspapers across the country since late 2020 with its purchase of the Cook County News-Herald in Grand Marais, Minnesota. CherryRoad currently operates upwards of 75 local news outlets, most of them located in the Midwest.

The Cass County Star-Gazette itself has been in operation since 1866.

The purchase comes at a time of upheaval for the country's local news outlets. Last year, Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism found that newspapers in the nation were shutting down at a rate of just over two a week, with a fifth of U.S. citizens living in "news deserts" with limited access to local news. Surviving papers have had to cut down on staff and circulation in response to dwindling revenue.

Northwestern also noted that regional chains like CherryRoad, Kentucky's Paxton Media and West Virginia's Ogden Newspapers have been buying up papers as larger conglomerates shed their newsrooms. The study found that CherryRoad and Paxton bought two-thirds of the 90 papers Gannett had sold off since 2020.

CherryRoad CEO Jeremy Gulban said the deal to buy the Star-Gazette had been in the works for a few months. The paper was the first chance the company was given to move into the state, he said.

"When this opportunity was brought to us by a broker," Gulban said, "it was of interest to us because Illinois is a state we wanted to have a presence in."

All of the Star-Gazette's current staff had been retained, Gulban said, and not much would change in the running of the paper. However, he said that the paper's digital presence would be increasing going forward, with things like real-time website updates and experimentation with videos and podcasts.

The Star-Gazette would continue to publish a weekly paper, but it would also be trying to reach out to the audience that gets their news entirely online, Gulban said. CherryRoad had encouraged the same at its other newspapers, as he said smaller outfits did not have the resources necessary to do so.

"As a technology company, we've got a lot of those skill sets and resources," he said, "so in the markets we go into, we're looking to bring more digital solutions into the website for the paper."

Gulban hoped that this would put the Star-Gazette at the "cutting edge of digital news in small towns," he said.

CherryRoad would consider further expansion into Illinois as opportunities presented themselves, Gulban said. He said that the company had been purchasing papers because it felt that there was still a need for local news in the digital age, and it did not want big tech companies to be the ones in control of it.

"There's organizations out there that are putting out news, but probably struggling from a digital perspective," Gulban said, "and we felt like that was where we could bring our skills to the table, pair up with the skills that are in the local newsrooms and put out a good local product going forward, both in print and online."
The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is accepting proposals for its Community Grants Program.

The program offers local non-profits up to $5,000 to use for charitable efforts in counties that include Cass, Macoupin, Morgan and Sangamon, according to the foundation.
For most of his 10-year legislative career, C.D. Davidsmeyer has had "R-Jacksonville" attached to his name as a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives.

However, that changed in April when Davidsmeyer moved to Murrayville, and he now has "R-Murrayville" attached to his name.

Davidsmeyer said he knew the change was inevitable after redistricting based on the 2020 Census rearranged the legislative landscape all over the state of Illinois.

As a result of the changes, Davidsmeyer saw his 100th District move south of Interstate 72 in Morgan County and out of the Jacksonville city limits. State Rep. Randy Frese, R-Paloma, who represents the 99th District, lives in Adams County, saw his new district shift south and east to include most of the city of Jacksonville and the village of South Jacksonville.

Both districts are associated with the 50th Senate District, which is represented by state Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy.

"It should have been on everything my office sent out for the last couple of months, but we never got around to doing it. I moved in April to a rental place in Murrayville," Davidsmeyer said.

"We are still looking for a permanent residence in Morgan County and south of Lake Jacksonville. I am looking to see what land is available. We had made a couple of offers, but they didn't come through. For now, I am renting, and we'll go from there," Davidsmeyer said.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Davidsmeyer attended Jacksonville High School, and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Miami University of Ohio. He served on the Jacksonville City Council from 2008 to 2012, and first won election to the General Assembly in 2012.

"It still seems odd that after representing Jacksonville for 10 years, people who live in Jacksonville can't vote for me," Davidsmeyer said.
Free food for families will be wrapped around an afternoon of fun events for kids when Jacksonville's Summerfest 2023 takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Community Park.

Summerfest is a first-time event and Lori Hartz, director of community health for Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, said the plan is for it to be an annual event.

"If this goes off well, it will be an annual event. We think it is timely and people are looking for something for their kids to do," Hartz said. "It is a great way to help people as we enter summer."

Summerfest is sponsored by the Memorial Healthy Communities Collaborative, an extension of the Healthy Jacksonville program. The collaborative uses events to connect social service providers with individuals struggling with self-sufficiency.

One of the four work groups of the collaborative, the food and nutrition group addresses food and nutrition needs. Those members are helping support the event, Hartz said. Partners in the collaborative include the Jacksonville Food Center, The Salvation Army, Prairieland United Way and the Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen.

The idea for Summerfest spawned from a discussion by the food and nutrition group that there is an increased need for food in the community, especially in the summer when school is out, and children are at home.

"Since we were going to distribute food after school was out through the food drive, we thought it would be good to have a larger event so we can have vendors to provide information on what they can offer to kids. We plan to have lots of food, fun and games," Hartz said.

People who attend will have a chance to collect food from two sources. One source will be from the six-week community food drive organized by the Prairieland United Way and the Salvation Army that ended May 26. The other will be a truckload of food provided by Dot Foods in Mount Sterling.

"When school's out, hunger's not," said Karen Walker, executive director of the Prairieland United Way. "We want to do what we can to make sure our kids have food this summer."

Hartz said people will enter Community Park from South Main Street. They can park there and attend all Summerfest activities, or drive through where they can get food from Dot Foods loaded into their vehicles and leave.

"If they drive through, they can only get something from Dot Foods. Otherwise, for safety reasons, they have to get out and go to the booth to get the food from the community food drive," Hartz said.

There will be free meals available, courtesy of the Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, as well as a free youth shoes and clothing distribution, courtesy of The Salvation Army, which will also have its food canteen on the grounds. The Rotary Club will operate the Big Eli Ferris wheel, and Memorial Health will staff a bounce house.

This event was chosen by Jacksonville Memorial Hospital to be its official Community Health Improvement Month event, Hartz said. The month is observed nationally through the American Hospital Association.

"We chose this event to be our signature event for that month, so volunteers from the hospital will be there, handing out information on programs we have to offer," Hartz said. "Sixteen organizations will be present to talk about summer programs offered to youth for free. It's a great way to learn about youth summer camps and activities."

Those organizations include Beckham's Bookshelf and Kellon's Sock Drawer, Cass County Health Department, Crisis Center Foundation, Morgan County Health Department, Esprit de Corps, Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Partnership, Boy Scouts, Community Child Care Connection, Memorial Behavioral Health, Girl Scouts, Grace United Methodist Church, Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living, Western Illinois Youth Camp, Prairieland United Way, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Rotary, The Salvation Army and Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen.

Hartz is grateful for the many volunteers who will be there to assist in numerous ways.

"It takes a ton of people any time we put on an event. We have help from the city of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Police Department, Citizen's Police Academy and Parks and Lakes to help with traffic and parking," Hartz said.

"We expect a lot of volunteers from churches and community organizations to be there. We are thankful for all those who volunteer," Hartz said.
Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 A 14-year-old boy was cited on a charge of obstructing identification at 9:07 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of North Main Street. Police said he gave a fake name to officers.

 Malekye A.L. Haynes, 19, homeless, was arrested at 2 p.m. Monday on a possession of a controlled substance charge and a warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court. According to a police report, they stopped a person at West State and South Fayette streets for being in possession of psilocybin mushrooms.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

 Copper wiring and tubing were stolen from a business in the 300 block of West Douglas Avenue between November and June, according to a report filed at 3:34 p.m. Monday.

VANDALISM

 The tires were flattened on a vehicle in the 2000 block of West Morton Avenue, according to a report filed at 11:10 a.m. Monday.

OTHER REPORTS

 A man was given a letter of no trespass after being found in a Dumpster in the 1000 block of West College Avenue at 11:20 p.m. Monday.

South Jacksonville Police

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

 Someone entered a vehicle without permission in the 200 block of East Vandalia Road about 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

 Personal items were taken from a vehicle in the 100 block of Labor Drive about 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

Brown County

Sheriff

ACCIDENTS

 A Pittsfield man suffered serious injuries May 28 when his motorcycle hit the rear of a wagon on Illinois Route 107, according to a Brown County Sheriff's Department report.

John J. Beatty, age unavailable, of Pittsfield was going north about 6:21 a.m. when he struck a hay wagon that was turning into a field entrance, according to authorities.

Beatty was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy. His condition was unavailable Tuesday.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

JERUSALEM (AP)  Five people were killed in a shooting Thursday in an Arab town in northern Israel, police said, the latest in a wave of criminal violence tearing through the country's Palestinian communities.

Israel's Haaretz newspaper said a gunman arrived at a car wash in the town of Yafa an-Naseriyye, near the city of Nazareth, and opened fire. Police said they believed the shooting was connected to a dispute between organized crime families.

Shortly afterward, a shooting in a nearby Arab town left a 30-year-old man and 3-year-old girl seriously wounded, police said. The circumstances of that shooting and the identities of the two wounded were not immediately known.

Israel's Palestinian sector has long suffered from poverty, discrimination, crime and neglect by the national government.

Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, promised to crack down on crime in Israel's Palestinian sector when he took office late last year. But the violence has only worsened, with nearly 100 people killed this year.

In a statement at the crime scene, Ben-Gvir said years of neglect had turned Israel's Arab sector into the wild west. He also blamed a manpower shortage in the national police force and vowing to halt the crime wave, called for the establishment of a controversial national guard that he has proposed.

Ben-Gvir says the force is meant to fill in gaps in areas where police are spread thin, including in crime-ridden Arab communities. Critics say that Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist with a history of violent rhetoric against Palestinians, will use the force as a personal militia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was shocked by Thursday's killings. We are determined to stop this chain of murders, he said.

He vowed to enlist Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency  whose main task is to monitor the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip  in the effort.

Mansour Abbas, leader of the Arab party Raam, accused the government, and especially Ben-Gvir, of failing the country's Palestinians.

To bring into the ministry of national security (of) Itamar Ben-Gvir, who doesn't know what his powers are, in no normal country would they allow such a minister to continue, he told Israels Army Radio station.

Merav Michaeli, leader of the opposition Labor Party, also blamed Ben-Gvir for the growing violence.

This is exactly the opposite of what the boss promised, she said. The worst police minister in history. A disgraceful government. Go home.

Thursday's shooting is separate from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has seen more than yearlong surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem. That fighting has picked up since Israels new far-right government took office in late December.

Nearly 120 Palestinians have been killed in the two areas this year, with nearly half of them members of armed militant groups, according to an AP tally. The military says the number of militants is much higher. Meanwhile, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis have killed at least 21 people.
The Cayuga County-area is again under air quality health advisory Thursday due to Canadian wildfire smoke in the atmosphere.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency reports the Auburn air quality index level was at 136 as of 8 a.m., which is within a range categorized as "unhealthy for sensitive groups." That's below levels that exceeded 400 at times on Wednesday, when the area was in the highest "hazardous" alert level. The AQI scale maxes out at 500.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has the central New York region and much of upstate New York under the advisory through midnight, with air quality index levels expected to remain well above 100.

"When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects," the National Weather Service stated in an alert issued earlier in the day. "People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

Visit the DEC air quality website at https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at (800) 535-1345.

Auburn, CNY hit with worst of air quality 'crisis' as wildfire smoke lingers As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the Northeast, nowhere is the air quality worse than Auburn and central New York.
TikTok is a weapon of social destruction. Created by ByteDance, a Bejing-based company, TikTok is a platform of the Chinese Communist Party and a national security threat to America. Unlike what TikTok developers and the Chinese Communist Party would like users to believe, the social media application is not designed merely for virtual connection and entertainment.

TikTok stores user data, including speech and movements, and creates a digital footprint for each user. TikTok archives this information that can then be used to develop harmful national and personal security risks such as, but not limited to, the creation of deep fakes. Deep fakes manipulate words and movements, mirroring an individuals speech patterns and gestures. TikTok developers can craft propaganda and other misrepresentations of an individual through the applications stored archives of each user.

Montana recently set Americas national precedence with the statewide ban on TikTok. While Gov. Greg Gianfortes decision is being called controversial, the governor made the right decision. More states should follow Montanas direction and ban using TikTok to protect citizens, especially minors, personal information and data collection from the Chinese Communist Party.

One of the roles of a democratic government is to protect its citizens from national security threats and vulnerabilities. Elected officials are responsible for legislating policy decisions to ensure citizens safety. In addition to creating a national security risk, TikTok is a gross overreach of the Chinese Communist Party and a daily violation of millions of Americans personal data. Citizens should be protected from their personal likeness and digital footprint from being available as a resource of the Chinese Communist Party. On the state or federal level, government bans on TikTok are saying no to a weapon of social destruction.

America is a nation that fosters innovation and creativity that exists in the marketplace. Policymakers should ensure the United States remains a nation that says yes to safe social media applications that do not weaponize a users information.

While innocent users of the TikTok application may be disappointed in adjusting platforms to virtually and socially connect, a unified national ban (as currently originating on the state level) of TikTok creates a pathway for American innovation in creating safe social media application that protects the user and the United States. New, American-based companies and social media developers should rise to this occasion to capture users to their platforms in response to an increased ban on TikTok.

Leaders and champions of a strong national defense must be prepared for the backlash of banning TikTok. The application is just one piece of the Chinese Communist Partys long-term strategy, and a rising China will not simply give up data collection of Americans. If national or state leadership does not enforce bans on TikTok, adults should foster conversations with minors to educate them about the importance of disregarding the use of and deleting TikTok from devices.

TikTok is a weapon of social destruction designed to create much harm and is a highly advantageous platform for the Chinese Communist Party. The question is, in whose likeness will TikTok mirror to cause destruction and whose child will become a propaganda piece of the Chinese Communist Party? Too much is at stake, and the future of Americas national security and our children are being placed in the archives of our enemy. Banning the use of TikTok cuts off access for the Chinese Communist Party to harm our citizens and the country with its weapon of social destruction.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The popularity of TikTok, a Chinese-owned short-form video-sharing app, has provoked concerns among American policymakers and proposals to ban the platform. Although data exfiltration concerns are hard to dispel, the costs of banning TikTok far outweigh any benefits to national security.

TikTok isnt a particularly unique or valuable source of American data, but it is a potent distributor of American culture. Banning TikTok would quash the voices of Americans who favor the platform and undermine the open internet.

Concerns about TikTok fall into two categories. Critics fear that TikToks algorithm could be manipulated to serve Chinese interests and that user data could be collected and misused by the Chinese Communist Party. The first concern is ably addressed by TikToks Project Texas, a deal with Oracle to host TikTok in America on Oracle servers, where its algorithm can be audited. The second is harder to dispel.

Like other apps, TikTok collects user information such as location and stored media. TikTok needs this data to host and serve user speech, but it can be misused. Unlike other apps, TikToks parent company, ByteDance, has its headquarters in China, where it is subject to Chinas National Intelligence Law. Under the law, China can require its citizens and corporations to provide data relevant to state intelligence work.

There isnt any evidence that TikTok is spying for the CCP. ByteDances only demonstrable misuse of user data was to track employees talking to journalists. But data is leaky, and employee access is hard to police. Under the National Intelligence Law, there is always a risk that ByteDance will be compelled to share TikTok user data with the CCP.

Further, there is little reason to believe TikTok is a unique intelligence goldmine. Other apps collect similar information, TikTok is not the only Chinese app used by Americans, and much of the more sensitive information TikTok collects, such as user location, can be purchased from unscrupulous data brokers. Absent broader data protections, banning TikTok at best forces China to buy Americans data instead of getting it for free.

To get vital data, China has repeatedly hacked American firms and the American government itself. In 2015, Chinese hackers stole 22 million background check records from the Office of Personnel Management. It has even flown antennae-laden balloons over the United States. TikTok is beside the point.

In light of Chinas security law, banning TikTok on government devices and the devices of government employees makes sense. But a general ban would do little good and a lot of harm. Concerns about the misuse of American data are better addressed by new data security laws.

America has benefited tremendously from the open, international internet, which brought TikTok to our shores. Most globally successful internet platforms are American. TikToks unique success is no reason to upend a system that continues to serve us well.

Globally successful American platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, and, now, TikTok, are powerful conduits of American culture and ideas. This is why China bans TikTok at home, limiting Chinese users to a heavily censored alternative called Douyin. Indeed, TikTok is difficult to ban via executive order because of the Berman Amendment, a late Cold War-era law exempting the flow of information from certain sanctions.

Policymakers once trusted the persuasive and creative powers of the American people; they should do so again. Focusing on foreign disinformation or algorithmic rabbit holes instead of all the ways Americans use TikTok to express themselves misses the forest for the trees.

Ultimately, a TikTok ban would hurt American users at home and American firms abroad while doing next to nothing to curb Chinese data gathering.

Instead of limiting Americans access to particular platforms, policymakers should work toward broad rules for specific kinds of sensitive information.
After reaching nearly immeasurable levels, the air quality index began to improve in Auburn and Syracuse on Thursday.

In the central New York region, the air quality index was 143 as of 4 p.m., which is still unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as older adults, children and people with heart or respiratory diseases. But it was vastly improved since Wednesday, when the AQI was 460, a level that is hazardous for anyone who is outdoors.

The poor air quality was caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires, mainly in Quebec. Mark Wysocki, a Cornell University professor and state climatologist, told The Citizen that conditions should improve by Friday and through the weekend.

An air quality health advisory was in effect for nearly the entire state on Thursday. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the state Department of Health announced that an advisory will be in effect Friday for Long Island, the New York City area and western New York.

"When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects," the National Weather Service stated in an alert issued earlier in the day. "People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

State officials have taken action to respond to what Gov. Kathy Hochul called a "crisis" on Wednesday. Her office announced that 1 million N95 masks would be available for residents in the New York City area.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Letitia James is advising residents to be aware of price gouging. She encouraged New Yorkers to report price gouging to her office by filing a complaint online at ag.ny.gov or by calling (800) 771-7755.
Replacement plane for diverted Air India flight leaves Russia for San Francisco with all aboard View Photo

NEW DELHI (AP)  A replacement plane for an Air India flight diverted to Russia because of an engine problem has left for San Francisco, carrying all passengers and crew.

The original Boeing 777, which left New Delhi carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members, landed at Magadan airport in Siberia in Russias far east on Tuesday. The plane had developed a technical issue with one of its engines, Air India said.

The replacement plane is expected to arrive in San Francisco at 12:15 a.m. Thursday local time, the airline said in a statement.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said fewer than 50 American citizens were on the plane and the department was not aware of any of them reaching out to the U.S. Embassy in Russia or other diplomatic posts.

Passenger Girvaan Singh Kahma, 16, who was traveling with his uncle and brother, said they were barred from leaving the hostel in Magadan and were unable to use their credit cards because of sanctions over Russias war on Ukraine.

The first day and a half was really hard for all of us, he said. The weather went to 3 to 4 degrees (Celsius) in the morning, and in the night it was bitter cold, he said, adding that it was getting better with food and a place to sleep.

The Russian soldiers, the Russian police, the authorities, everyone working in the hostel has been treating us extremely well, he said.

By ASHOK SHARMA

Associated Press
Russia shells Ukrainian city inundated by dam collapse after Zelenskyy visit View Photo

KHERSON, Ukraine (AP)  Russian forces Thursday shelled a southern Ukrainian city inundated by flooding in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue efforts hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to the area to assess the damage.

The fresh fighting came two days after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River set off a scramble to evacuate residents in dozens of flooded areas and get aid to those still there.

Officials on both sides said at least 14 people were killed in the flooding. Thousands of others were homeless, and tens of thousands were without drinking water after the collapse. Kyiv accused Moscow of blowing up the dam and its hydropower plant, which the Kremlins forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages. Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press showed the ruined dam falling into the river and hundreds of homes, greenhouses and even a church submerged in the deluge.

Upriver from the dam, a supply of water used to cool Europes largest nuclear power plant was nearing critically low levels, Ukraines state hydroelectric company said. But the U.N.s atomic energy watchdog on Thursday played down such concerns, saying that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant could draw water to cool its shut-down reactors from levels below those previously seen to be critically low.

Zelenskyys office said Moscows forces also continued to shell Ukrainian-held areas near the nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.

The high water brought new misery and death to a country suffering uncounted casualties after 15 months of war.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied city adjacent to the dam, told Russian state TV that five residents there had died in the flooding. And Mykolaiv regional Gov. Vitalii Kim said one person had died in that region northwest of the city of Kherson.

Yevhen Ryshchuk, the mayor of Oleshky to the south who fled the town after the Russians took over, told The Associated Press that residents told him eight people had died so far in the flooding, with corpses floating to the surface. His tally could not immediately be verified.

Residents of Oleshky have accused Russian authorities in the town of not doing enough to help civilians, and they have formed a group of over 8,000 that is sharing messages about information such as stranded and trapped locals.

Ryshchuk said Russian forces are not letting people leave and are instead confiscating boats from residents and volunteers. That was confirmed by two volunteers, who told AP that the Russian military was taking away boats brought by volunteers. Volunteer Yaroslav Vasiliev said the Russian military seized three boats from volunteers on Wednesday.

From afar, relatives of Oleshky residents said Russian forces were only evacuating Russian passport holders there.

My relatives said Russian soldiers were coming up to the house today by boat, but they said they would only take those with Russian passports, said Viktoria Mironova-Baka, 32, speaking to AP by phone from Germany.

Ukraines U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya urged Russia to grant access to the eastern bank of the river, which it occupies, to humanitarian personnel for evacuations.

Even their soldiers are sitting on the trees expecting evacuation, and theyre not even taking care of their own soldiers, Kyslytsya said from U.N. headquarters in New York.

In the city of Kherson, the largest municipality affected, Russian shelling echoed not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid. Nine people were wounded, including two emergency workers, a policemen, a doctor and volunteer from Germany.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescuers suspended efforts to reach stranded residents and pets in an area that Zelenskyy had visited only hours earlier, officials told AP.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the Internal Affairs Ministry said. Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

Zelenskyy visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility in Kherson, ordering officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to compensate residents, his office said in an update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Regional Gov. Vladimir Saldo, who was installed by Moscow to oversee the area that Russia occupies, accused Ukrainian troops of firing at an evacuation point in Hola Prystan, a Russian-occupied town. Saldo said in a Telegram post that two people, including a pregnant 33-year-old woman, were killed and that two others were wounded. It was not immediately possible to verify his account.

Fighting has intensified along the more than 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line from Kherson on the Black Sea to Ukraines border with Russia  in what some experts and officials say could be part of a long-expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. Kyiv has said it wont announce the start of any such campaign.

The destruction of the dam prompted the United Nations and local officials to say that the most immediate concerns for affected areas were access to fresh water and avoiding contact with floodwaters contaminated by explosives and industrial chemicals.

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river. But the true scale of the disaster remained unclear for the affected region.

In areas they control, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been hospitalized, 4,280 people have been evacuated and 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the dams destruction will eventually halt fresh water supplies to southern Ukraine and Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now, with its reservoirs 80% full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off water supplies to Crimea after Moscows illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Putin cited the need to restore them as a main reason for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said about 600 square kilometers (231 square miles) of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key Putin ally, said Kyiv blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched attempt to launch its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent battlefield developments amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In a podcast Wednesday, Michael Kofman of the Center for Naval Analyses, a U.S. research group, said fighting had taken a more qualitative turn with Ukrainian forces appearing to mount offensive operations near the eastern town of Velyka Novosilka and other points in southern part of the Donetsk region, as well as on its border with Zaporizhzhia province.

These attacks I dont believe to be the main offensive effort, but they mark what I think is the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, he said.

Ukrainian armed forces spokesman Valerii Shershen acknowledged increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, but added he would not call it something serious.

___

Keaten reported from Kyiv. Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Joanna Kozlowska in London, Elise Morton in Thessaloniki, Greece, Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, Hanna Arhirova in Warsaw, Poland, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

By VASILISA STEPANENKO and JAMEY KEATEN

Associated Press
Russia says top UN court should dismiss Ukraines case over Crimea and terrorism funding View Photo

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Russia urged judges at the United Nations highest court on Thursday to throw out a case brought by Ukraine against Moscow over the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the arming of rebels in eastern Ukraine before Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

We appear before you today in order to demonstrate that Ukraines application must be dismissed because it is without any legal foundation. Nor does it have any factual evidence to back it, Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands Alexander Shulgin told judges at the International Court of Justice.

Shulgin also used the hearing to accuse Ukraine of responsibility for the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Ukraine accused Russia of blowing up the facility, which Moscows forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The Kyiv regime not only launched massive artillery attacks against the dam in the night of June 6, but it also deliberately forced the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir to a critical level by opening the valves of the hydroelectric plant, Shulgin said.

Lawyers for Ukraine said as hearings in the case opened Tuesday that Russia bankrolled a campaign of intimidation and terror by rebels in eastern Ukraine starting in 2014 and sought to replace Crimeas multiethnic community with discriminatory Russian nationalism.

Ukraine filed the case in 2017, asking the world court to order Moscow to pay reparations for attacks and crimes such as the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by a Russian missile fired from territory controlled by Moscow-backed rebels on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The Ukrainian government alleges that Russia breached two treaties: the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Addressing the terrorism funding allegation, Michael Swainston, a British lawyer representing Russia, said Ukraines legal team failed to establish that actions by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine could be considered terrorism.

It is imperative to distinguish between terrorists who deliberately target civilians and soldiers who foresee that civilians will be killed as collateral damage while striking a military target, Swainston said. The former is a war crime, while the latter represents lawful conduct. And of course, soldiers also make mistakes.

He also disputed that the downing of MH17 could be considered an act of terrorism and sought to undermine findings by a Dutch court that last year convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian of multiple murders for their roles in downing the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur flight.

The Hague District Court ruled after months of hearings and years of international investigations that the Boeing 777 was shot down by a Buk surface-to-air missile system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base and later returned to the base.

There was no Russian Buk. No Buk came from Russia. No crew for a Buk came from Russia, Swainston said, calling evidence that the Dutch court relied on in its verdicts unsourced digital nonsense.

Another member of the Russian legal team, Kirill Udovichenko, told the court that it was undisputed that the conflict in Ukraine had led to a loss of civilian life. However, none of these tragic events create a plausible case for terrorism or terrorism financing as defined in the convention.

After the hearings scheduled to wrap up next week, judges will take months to reach a decision in the case. The courts rulings are final and legally binding.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

By MIKE CORDER

Associated Press
FBC Holdings Limited (FBCH) and Standard Chartered Bank have entered into an agreement for the acquisition of Standard Chartereds business in Zimbabwe, subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities including the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

The announcement was made today at Standard Chartereds Headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe by Sunil Kaushal from Standard Chartered and Dr John Mushayavanhu from FBCH, at a signing ceremony held in Harare.

Under the agreement, FBCH will acquire 100 per cent of the shareholding in Standard Chartered Bank (Zimbabwe) Limited and by extension, the custodial services business that is wholly owned by Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe. As part of the agreement, FBCH will also acquire the economic interest in Africa Enterprise Network Trust whose main asset is a 20.7% shareholding in Mashonaland Holdings. FBCH will continue to employ all of Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwes employees. The two banks will work closely in the coming months to provide a seamless transition for its clients and staff.

Kaushal, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Africa & the Middle East (AME), Standard Chartered Bank, stated: The agreement with FBCH for the sale of Standard Chartereds business in Zimbabwe is in line with the banks global strategy, aimed at achieving operational efficiencies, reducing complexity, and driving scale. This strategic decision allows us to redirect resources within the AME region to areas with significant growth potential, ultimately enabling us to better support our clients.

Dr John Mushayavanhu, Group Chief Executive of FBC Holdings, said the acquisition enables FBCH to consolidate its banking market share, customer base and market competitiveness in a rapidly changing banking landscape.

Dr Mushayavanhu said: We are pleased to sign this agreement today and to have been selected by Standard Chartered Bank as the preferred buyer. Standard Chartered is a leading regional and international bank with more than 150 years of experience globally. The Bank has been present in Zimbabwe for more than 130 years. Equally, FBCH is a leading financial services group in Zimbabwe and the region, with interests in commercial banking, insurance, re-insurance, micro-finance, stock-broking and mortgage finance. The combined strengths of the two institutions will enable us to better respond to the ever-changing requirements of our clients.

Standard Chartered Banks clients can expect the continued provision of seamless trade finance and cross-border payments by FBCH. We welcome Standard Chartereds employees to the FBCH group. Both clients and employees alike will benefit greatly from their association with a leading financial institution such as FBCH. Ultimately, the acquisition will further enhance shareholder value. Signing this agreement today is a testimony to the FBC groups strong financial position and further enhances its presence in the market. We thus look forward to working closely with Standard Chartered Bank over the coming few months, towards achieving a smooth transition and successful completion of the transaction.

We are now in the process of securing the necessary regulatory approvals from all the requisite regulators, he added.

In April 2022, Standard Chartered strategically decided to divest from a number of markets, namely Lebanon, Angola, Cameroon, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Jordan, and to exit the CPBB (Consumer Private and Business Banking) business in Cote dIvoire and Tanzania. The bank announced its sale of its business in Jordan earlier in March this year. TradeArabia News Service
NEW YORK  New York City sued nearly half the state's counties Wednesday over their attempts to keep out international migrants, the latest escalation in an ongoing battle between city officials and local leaders.

The suit, filed in state court Wednesday, accuses at least 30 New York counties of seeking to wall off their borders to asylum seekers through xenophobic executive orders that violate state and federal law.

These counties have implemented misguided and unlawful executive orders premised on false claims that the prospect of a few hundred asylum seekers sheltered at the citys expense across multiple counties constitute an emergency and imperil public safety, said Sylvia Hinds-Radiz, a lawyer for the city.

The defendants included Cayuga County and Legislature Chairman David Gould, and Onondaga County and Executive Ryan McMahon. Gould and McMahon both issued orders prohibiting lodging establishments of any kind from entering into contracts to house migrants, stating they did not have adequate local resources to handle such an influx.

On Wednesday, Gould signed the fourth five-day extension of his original order issued last month.

Cayuga County declares emergency over migrant crisis Cayuga County has joined a growing list of upstate New York counties to declare a state of emergency related to New York City's plans to reloc

New York City has struggled to care for an influx of asylum seekers in recent months, converting hotels and houses of worship to shelters as Mayor Eric Adams repeatedly declared that the city had reached its limit on new arrivals. Last month, the city began busing dozens of migrants to a handful of hotels north of the city.

The move triggered a cascade of emergency declarations by local officials, from Long Island to the Canadian border. The orders threatened criminal and financial penalties against New York City and any hotels or other businesses that aided in the relocation of migrants.

Some county officials raised fears of crime or overcrowding, while others said they couldnt afford to provide care for the migrants if the city stopped paying for the hotel rooms.

We are not equipped to humanely assist these individuals, which eventually were going to have to do, said Ed Day, the Republican executive of Rockland County, one of the first counties to receive migrants from New York City.

On Tuesday, in a separate lawsuit, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction barring Rockland County and Orange County from enforcing their broad emergency orders that aimed to ban migrants from hotels.

The injunction comes in a suit brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union on behalf of individual asylum seekers, and does not apply to the efforts to ban migrants across the state. It also does not impact an existing order by a state judge that temporarily prevents the city from housing migrants at specific hotels in Orange and Rockland County.

Amy Belsher, a senior staff attorney at the NYCLU, said she hoped the ruling would serve as a precursor for a wider ruling in state court. She said many of the county executive orders were nearly identical.

Theyre unlawful and unconstitutional in the same ways and were hopeful that other municipalities will look at this decision and rescind their orders," Belsher said.
EU launches legal action against Poland over new Russian influence law View Photo

BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union on Thursday launched legal action against member country Poland over a contentious new law that the nationalist government claims is meant to combat Russian influence but which critics say could be used to persecute opposition politicians.

The European Commission said it believes that the new law unduly interferes with the democratic process, and that it violates the principle of democracy, and rights to effective judicial protection. The EUs executive branch supervises respect of the blocs laws.

The law was passed in May, ahead of expected general elections in autumn, and allows for the creation of a committee to investigate Russian influence in Poland. Critics argue that it would have unconstitutional powers, including the capacity to exclude officials from public life for a decade.

It appears to have galvanized public support for the opposition. Over the weekend, around 500,000 people took part in a huge anti-government protest, according to organizers. Citizens traveled from across the country to voice their anger at officials who they say have eroded democratic norms and created fears that the nation is following Hungary and Turkey down the path to autocracy.

The protest was led by the main opposition leader, Donald Tusk, a former top EU official. It was possibly the largest demonstration in decades in Poland, although state television said there were no more than 150,000 people. The broadcaster, TVP, was accused of sorely underestimating the turnout.

The march was held on the anniversary of a crucial moment in Polands history, the partly free election on June 4, 1989, which paved the way for the end of communist rule. It took place about five months before the elections, in which the ruling Law and Justice party is fighting for a third term.

As a first step in its legal action, the EU commission has sent the government in Warsaw a letter of formal notice outlining its grievances. Poland has 21 days to respond to the letter, and after more exchanges, the government could face hefty fines if it fails to comply.

Brussels is concerned that the law contains a broad and unspecified definition of Russian influence and activities. It considers that the law violates the principles of legality and non-retroactivity, because it could exclude officials from office for a decade for behavior that was legal in the past.

European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said the institution had set unusually tight deadlines for Poland to reply  Brussels often allows two months in such cases  due to the impact the law might have on Polands general election, likely to be held by October.

The commission, she told reporters, was working under the sense of urgency because we believe that this law is really a very serious blow to democratic processes, and to the fairness of the elections.

The move comes just two days after the EUs top court, the European Court of Justice, confirmed that Poland has refused to comply with the blocs rules on judicial independence. The government has already been fined more than 500 million euros ($535 million) over that case but so far refuses to pay.

On Wednesday, Polands minister for EU affairs, Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek, said that the government would provide legal and factual arguments in this case after getting acquainted with the doubts of the European Commission.

Poland, as the largest country neighboring Russia, has not only the full right but also the obligation to investigate these influences, he said, according to state news agency PAP. We would like the decisions made in this matter not to be based on media hype, but on facts, and we will present these facts.

___

Vanessa Gera in Warsaw contributed to this report.

By LORNE COOK

Associated Press
What happens to papal power when a pope is unconscious? Nothing

What happens to papal power when a pope is unconscious? Nothing View Photo

ROME (AP)  Pope Francis three-hour surgery Wednesday raised a question about what happens to papal power when a pope is unconscious or otherwise incapacitated and cannot lead the Catholic Church.

The answer: nothing.

While many countries regulate the transfer of power when a head of state becomes incapacitated, and the Vatican has governance norms when a pope resigns or dies, none of those regulations apply to a sick, unconscious or hospitalized pope.

In other words, Pope Francis was still pope, fully in charge of running the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while under general anesthesia and undergoing surgery to repair a hernia in his abdominal wall. The Vatican said there were no complications and that he was expected to be hospitalized for several days.

No, the Vatican camerlengo, or chaimberlan, didnt take over. No, the Vatican No. 2 didnt step in.

A brief period of impediment doesnt create any problems, said Geraldina Boni, professor of canon law at the University of Bologna and a consultant for the Vaticans legal office. The curial machine proceeds normally with ordinary administration.

To wit: the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was out and about on Wednesday, presiding over the inauguration of an information center for pilgrims coming to Rome for the 2025 Jubilee. Shortly after Francis was admitted to the hospital, the Vaticans daily noon bulletin came out with Francis new bishop appointments.

The pope continues to act, even from the hospital, said the Rev. Filippo Di Giacomo, a canonical expert and commentator. Even when hes facing painful moments like this, his power acts in the people who received vicarious power from him.

Canon law does have provisions for when a bishop gets sick and cant run his diocese, but none for a pope. Canon 412 says a diocese can be declared impeded if its bishop  due to captivity, banishment, exile, or incapacity  cannot fulfill his pastoral functions. In such cases, the day-to-day running of the diocese shifts to an auxiliary bishop, a vicar general or someone else.

Even though Francis is the bishop of Rome, no explicit provision exists for the pope if he similarly becomes impeded. Canon 335 declares simply that when the Holy See is vacant or entirely impeded, nothing can be altered in the governance of the church. But it doesnt say what it means for the Holy See to be entirely impeded or what provisions might come into play if it ever were.

Recently, a team of canon lawyers set out to propose norms to fill that legislative gap. They created a canonical crowd-sourcing initiative in 2021 to craft a new church law regulating the office of a retired pope as well as norms to apply when a pope is unable to govern, either temporarily or permanently.

If the condition of a totally incapacitated pope goes on for months or even years, its clear that this creates great harm for the church and the good of its souls, said Boni, who is one of the initiatives organizers. We need norms that identify the people or organisms to deal with the problems that cannot be put off long-term.

The eight-page set of proposed norms explains that with medical advancements, its entirely likely that at some point a pope will be alive but unable to govern. It argues that the church must provide for the declaration of an totally impeded see and the transfer of power for the sake of its own unity.

Under the proposed norms, the governance of the universal church would pass to the College of Cardinals. In the case of a temporary impediment, they would name a commission to govern, with periodical medical checks every six months to determine the status of the pope.

If, with all the possible guarantees and procedures defined, it is verified that the Roman See is impeded by a certain, permanent and incurable incapacity of a pope, its necessary to proceed toward the election of his successor, Boni said in an email.

There is no indication Francis is moving on the proposals, which seek to fill the legislative loophole that the 25th Amendment filled in the U.S.  to oversee the transfer of power in case a president dies or becomes incapacitated.

Francis recently revealed, however, that he had already penned a letter of resignation if he were to become incapacitated for a medical reason. In a December interview with Spanish newspaper ABC, Francis said he had given the letter to the then-secretary of state early on in his papacy, but didnt know what became of it.

For now, unless his letter fulfills the legal requirements, papal power would only change hands if he dies or resigns. At that time a whole series of rites and rituals comes into play governing the interregnum  the period between the end of one pontificate and the election of a new pope.

During that period, known as the sede vacante, or empty See, the camerlengo, or chamberlain, runs the administration and finances of the Holy See. The position is currently held by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the head of the Vaticans laity office. But he has no role or duties if the pope is merely sick or otherwise incapacitated.

In 1965, Pope Paul VI wrote letters to the dean of the College of Cardinals hypothesizing that if he were to become seriously ill, the dean and other cardinals should accept his resignation.

In one letter, published in 2018, Paul cited an infirmity which is presumed incurable or of long duration and which prevents us from sufficiently exercising the functions of our apostolic ministry.

The letter was never invoked, since Paul lived another 13 years and died on the job.

But experts say Pauls letter was unlikely to have ever been used since current canon law requires a papal resignation be freely and properly manifested  as was the case when Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation in 2013.

Boni noted the faults in Pauls letter and said she hoped Franciss own set of instructions took them into account.

I only hope Francis sought collaboration from expert canonists, she said.

___

This version corrects the second reference of Boni, not Bondi.

Trisha Thomas contributed.

By NICOLE WINFIELD

Associated Press
Out House Race 2015 View Photo

There are several events planned for the second weekend in June.

Twain Harte Area Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is hosting the 2023 Twain Harte Outhouse Races this Saturday, June 10th, at Eproson Park in Twain Harte. There will be Tot Pot Races, local food vendors, craft vendors, beer and margaritas. The Parade is at 9:00 am, and the races start at 10 am and continue to 4 pm. Admission for spectators is free. Details are here.

In Sonora it is Second Saturday, where each month along Washington Street, the merchants in Historic Downtown Sonora open their doors. The galleries, restaurants, and shops offer a magical blend of art, live music performers and demonstrations. Look for banners up and down Washington Street, details are here.

Join Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County for the 13th Annual Fundraiser art auction taking place Saturday from 5 to 8 pm at the Keller Williams Realty office in Downtown Sonora. The art auction is also available online details are here.

The second Saturday of every month is also Gold Rush Days at Columbia State Historic Park. The event opens special exhibits, stores and residences not regularly open to the public. Throughout town you will discover park docents in period attire interpreting what it looked, felt, and sounded like during the California Gold Rush.

If youre lucky, the gambling table will be set up on the boardwalk for everyone to try their hand at betting against a mining camp gambler.

Join a fun group of dancers Saturday evening at the Aronos Hall. Dance to your favorite music with a great group of regular dancers. Details are here.

Chester and Push Horse Rescue is hosting the Horses & Horsepower Fundraiser with classic cars and horses. The rescue has 16 horses and equestrian therapy programs. The event will feature live music, a barbeque, raffle and silent auction items from local businesses, a corn hole tournament, and an ice cream truck, details are here.

Jamestown Farmers Market is each Thursday from 4 pm to 8pm, and the Twain Harte Mountain Air Market is also Thursday from 4 to 7 pm. Friday evening is the Peaceful Valley Farmers Market. The Sonora Farmers Market is Saturday morning. The Tuolumne Open Air/Farmers Market opened Wednesday, June 7th and will be open each Wednesday through the summer with Concerts in the Park. The Angels Camp Farmers Market opens Friday, June 9th and will be on Friday Nights from 5 to 8 pm, the Murphys Certified Farmers Market runs every Sunday starting June 11 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Murphys Community Park. Twain Hartes Concerts in the Pines start at 6 pm next weekend, Saturday, June 17th.

Saturday, the Blue Zones Project is partnering with the Motherlode Bicycle Coalition to bring the community Sonora Bike Day at Indigeny. The family-friendly event promotes getting outside for riding and helps families find great places to ride. The Motherlode Bicycle Coalition will offer the community free bike repairs and free flat repairs and lots of free advice on riding your bike. They also will collect used bikes to refurbish and donate to people in need. More details are here.

The Denim to Diamonds event will help the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program celebrate its 20th year. The fun evening will benefit its vital program that matches youths with mentors in Calaveras County. The outdoor catered dinner event will have wine and music and will also feature raffle prizes and a live auction. Event organizers say Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, glamorous, fabulous, and sparkly! Details are here.

In Calaveras Big Trees get up close and personal with a raccoon, a porcupine, a river otter and other surprises like Animal crafts for kids. Wild Things is brought to the Park by Conservation Ambassadors who provide a loving home for displaced, abused, abandoned, and injured wild animals, details are here.

The Refuge Run is a motorcycle ride with over 100 bikes, it is an outreach of Refuge Church in Angels Camp. Friday is a dinner, worship, and fellowship, Saturday after breakfast is a ride to White Pines Lake for lunch and then back to Refuge Church for music, prizes, and dinner. Details are here.

Railtown 1897 Historic State Park is open, enjoy the view from our several webcams here, check out the movie times at local theaters, and the weather forecast is here.

If your American Flag is faded, torn, or damaged, trade it for a brand-new flag on Wednesday, June 14th, from 11 am to 2 pm, courtesy of Caldwell Insurance Services in Indian Rock Center off Mono Way. Enjoy a free lunch, and exchange your flag for a new one. Donations will be accepted and all proceeds raised this year will go to Tuolumne County Search and Rescue.
DETROIT (AP)  The head of the U.S. governments office that investigates automobile safety problems has resigned from his post just days after the release of a harsh audit criticizing how the office was managed.

Stephen Ridella stepped down as director of the Office of Defects Investigation at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on June 3, Veronica Morales, a NHTSA spokeswoman, confirmed this week.

Ridella, who started at the agency in 2006 after a long career in the auto industry, wrote in a LinkedIn posting that he has taken a new job as director of safety planning and regulatory reporting at Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon.com Inc. He declined further comment when reached Thursday by The Associated Press.

On June 1, the inspector general for the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, released an audit saying the defects investigation office is slow to investigate safety problems, limiting its ability to respond quickly to severe risks to automobile safety. Auditors found that the defects office often missed its own goals for speedier investigations, it doesnt have clear requirements for documenting probes, and it failed to adequately supervise investigators.

NHTSA said last week that it already has finished most of the improvements recommended by the inspector general.

Ridella was in charge of the defects office as it began trying to force ARC Automotive Inc. of Tennessee recall 67 million air bag inflators that can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel. NHTSA says the inflators have caused two deaths in the U.S. and Canada and injured seven others. The agency sent a recall request letter to ARC in April after an investigation that was started eight years ago.

The Office of Defects Investigation began investigating ARCs inflators in 2015, but it took nearly eight years for the agency to seek the recall. In 2021, a 40-year-old mother of 10 was killed in Michigans Upper Peninsula after an ARC inflator exploded in a relatively minor crash.

NHTSA made a tentative determination that ARCs inflators are defective, and it has ordered the company to say whether it expects more inflators to rupture. ARC has until June 14 to respond. The next step in the process would be for NHTSA to hold a public hearing, and then possibly take the company to court to get a recall order.

ARC maintains that no safety defect exists and that NHTSAs demand is based on a hypothesis rather than technical conclusions.

In his LinkedIn posting, Ridella wrote that hes thrilled to join Zoox as it develops a robotaxi. Safety has been the focus of my entire career, and I am excited to continue this journey with my new team at Zoox, he wrote.

Zoox is under investigation by NHTSA. In March the defects office began looking into the companys 2022 certification that its vehicle met federal safety standards for motor vehicles. The agency said at the time that it would look into whether Zoox used its own test procedures to determine that certain federal standards werent applicable because of the robotaxis unique configuration.

Ridellas departure creates another vacancy in top leadership at the agency, which has been without a Senate-confirmed administrator, its top position, since Steven Cliff left last September to run the California Air Resources Board, which regulates pollution. Last month President Joe Biden withdrew his nomination of Ann Carlson, NHTSAs chief counsel, to be NHTSA administrator.

Morales, the NHTSA spokeswoman, said Cem Hatipoglu, associate administrator for vehicle safety research, will run the Office of Defects Investigation while the agency searches for Ridellas replacement.

In the audit of the Office of Defects Investigation, the inspector general found that it may miss critical information for launching investigations because it didnt follow procedures needed to evaluate risk from potential auto safety defects.

The agency also doesnt have an integrated computer system for its probes, and doesnt consistently follow its own procedures for making safety problems a high priority, the audit found.

It also found that the office doesnt always record key documentation in its investigative files. In 22 of 24 investigations in 2018 and 2019, files were missing documentation, the audit found.

The agency sets timeliness targets for investigations, but the audit found that the targets were missed in 33 of 35 probes sampled over three years.

The defects office sets a goal of finishing preliminary investigations in 120 days. When it upgrades those to an engineering analysis, the goal is to finish in a year. But auditors found that preliminary probes in a 2018 and 2019 sample took an average of 617 days to finish. The engineering analyses were open for another 1,001 days on average, almost three times the goal.

NHTSAs statement said it finished the first phase of a multiyear information technology update by 2020, improving data storage and analysis. Since then, its continually introduced technology updates.

NHTSA believes it is well positioned to build upon its successful implementation of standardized operating procedures, including rigorous documentation and risk-based escalation processes, the statement said.

The agency said improvements have positioned it to oversee a growing number of recalls that are addressing safety risks faster than in the past. It said there were a record 896 vehicle and equipment recalls in 2021, and 850 in 2022. NHTSA is continuing its efforts to further enhance its ability to identify safety issues more quickly while engaging manufacturers earlier in the process to conduct more timely recalls, the statement said.

____

AP Business Writer David Hamilton in San Francisco and News Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this story.

By TOM KRISHER

AP Auto Writer
Andrew Young was at Martin Luther Kings side throughout often violent struggle for civil rights View Photo

ATLANTA (AP)  Andrew Youngs first thought when he heard the Voting Rights Act had been signed into law was not celebratory. It was strategic.

Where are we going to get the money to get the country mobilized to register these voters? he recalled thinking at that momentous time nearly 60 years ago.

Now 91, Young is one of the last surviving members of Martin Luther King Jr.s inner circle. The two were together from their first meeting in 1957 at a fraternity symposium at Talladega College until King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968.

But while King and fellow close adviser Ralph Abernathy were at the U.S. Capitol for the 1965 signing, Young was not.

That wasnt my part of the movement, he said. I was maybe a field general.

Young would go on to become mayor of Atlanta, a congressman and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He was interviewed by The Associated Press as part of a series on the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Ten years ago this month, the Supreme Court threw out what many consider the heart of that landmark law  the ability of the Justice Department to enforce it in states and counties with a history of voter suppression.

On Thursday, the court reinforced a different part of the law that protects the voting rights of minorities. In a 5-4 decision, it upheld a challenge to an Alabama redistricting map that plaintiffs had argued diluted the influence of Black voters.

The journey to the Voting Rights Act was an arduous one, Young recalled. In December 1964, Young and King headed to Washington to meet with President Lyndon Johnson after King had just accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. Young recalled they had to wait several hours as the president met with his advisers about what Young believes was the growing conflict in Vietnam.

When they did get in, they were met by a president who appeared weary and stressed.

He told Dr. King, I know you need voting rights. I wish I could do it, but I just dont have the power, Young recalled. Every argument Dr. King gave, President Johnsons answer was, I agree with you, but I just dont have the power.

Outside the White House, Young told King the president was right and suggested this was a time to take a break from the movement hed been leading for years. He had been jailed multiple times, stabbed, almost fatally, and his home bombed.

King kept pushing and Young responded, Youre broke, youre poor, you dont have a gun or a bank account, nothing that sounds like power in this country. He ignored me and kept saying, Weve got to get the president some power.

Two days later, they received a call from Amelia Boynton Robinson, an activist in Alabama who suggested the men start a voter registration push in Selma.

That effort began in January and expanded into surrounding areas, including Perry County and Marion, the county seat. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference sent James Orange, who worked with local activists and helped organize sit-downs and student boycotts.

Orange was arrested in mid-February, ostensibly because one protest included students skipping school. Rumors circulated that he was going to be lynched.

Police violently disrupted the protest of his arrest, and a Black military veteran and church deacon, Jimmie Lee Jackson, was shot by a state trooper while trying to protect his grandfather and died days later.

Young, King, Abernathy and other civil rights leaders came to the funeral and planned to stage a march from Selma to the state capital, Montgomery. March 7 was chosen as the date, but the planners hadnt taken into account that it happened to be the first Sunday of the month, a sacrosanct day for Black pastors, Young said.

King was preaching that day at his church, Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta, but Young was among several hundred people gathered for the march. In a phone call to King, he described what he saw as the demonstrators approached the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. King told him to let the people march.

I had been on the other side of the bridge, and I saw the police and there were maybe 100 of them, and there were police on horseback, Young said. And I made the calculation that they were just going to turn us back or they would round up a few of the leaders and send everybody else back.

Thats not how it played out.

It wasnt 10 seconds between the time they told them to turn around and when they started throwing tear gas bombs and charging with billy clubs, he said. It was a panic, and they were beating up people.

The images galvanized people across the country, and within days Johnson called the nation to action during a speech in which he echoed the phrase that symbolized the movement: We shall overcome. By the end of that summer, Johnson would be signing the Voting Rights Act.

Young said voting rights have always been the vehicle for equality, and notes that progress has never happened in a straight line.

Every time there seems to be a rise in confidence and equality and things seem to be going better, theres some backlash that comes and sets it back, he said.

___

The Associated Press coverage of race and voting receives support from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

By GARY FIELDS

Associated Press
House Republicans pull back contempt charge against FBI director Wray over Biden doc View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday called off a vote on a contempt of Congress charge against FBI Director Christopher Wray, accepting a last-minute offer by the bureau to allow the full committee access to a confidential document of an unverified tip about President Joe Biden.

Rep. James Comer said in a statement that the committee is removing a contempt resolution against Wray from Thursdays schedule after receiving an accommodation that would give the full committee access to the document.

Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people, the Kentucky Republican said.

The action that played out over the last month against Wray reflects a larger breakdown between Republicans and the FBI that has only intensified this year, with some conservatives talking openly about trying to defund the bureau.

Its a rift that first opened during the Russia investigation of then-President Donald Trump and has only widened amid the FBIs wide-ranging criminal investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, which some Republicans view as overly zealous and politicized.

The FBI made the last-ditch effort to ward off the contempt vote Wednesday, offering to give every lawmaker on the oversight committee access to a redacted version of a confidential document that alleges a bribery scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national. Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

It was unclear until late Wednesday if Comer would accept the offer even as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that would suffice.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on oversight committee, said in a statement Wednesday that hes happy Comer accepted the good faith offer from the FBI but warned his colleague across the aisle of the precedent his actions leading up to this could set.

Holding someone in contempt of Congress is among the most serious actions our Committee can take and it should not be weaponized to undermine the FBI, Raskin said.

The FBI has called the contempt vote unwarranted considering the bureau had continuously demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committees request, while protecting the safety of sources and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

But Comer had consistently said for the past month that the only way for the FBI to comply with the subpoena is to provide an unredacted copy of the document. Its unclear what made him change course at the last minute.

FBI officials have already shown a redacted version of the several-page form to Comer and Raskin during a 90-minute briefing Monday. The bureau described that briefing as an extraordinary accommodation where both men were able to take notes on the document and ask questions.

The whole contempt fight over the document moved at an unusually rapid speed for the House. Committees often battle for months with an agency or a witness before resorting to contempt proceedings, often haggling over an accommodation that is considered compliance with a subpoena. Republicans moved far faster, arriving at contempt a little over a month after issuing the subpoena to Wray on May 3.

It would have been the first time Republicans had used the contempt power against a federal official since taking control of the House in January, but would be far from a rare occurrence in the House.

Democrats wielded the power of contempt memorably in the last Congress as part of the committee investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury on contempt charges last year after a referral from the House Jan. 6 committee. Another former Trump official, Peter Navarro, is awaiting trial on a contempt charge as well. He has pleaded not guilty.

The Biden document at the center of the new dispute was written up by a longtime FBI source whom both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible. In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine. Hunter Biden worked on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

By FARNOUSH AMIRI

Associated Press
Australian man sentenced to 9 years in prison for gay Americans 1988 manslaughter View Photo

SYDNEY (AP)  An Australian man who admitted killing a gay American by punching him off a cliff top in Sydney in 1988 was sentenced on Thursday to nine years in prison, ending the victims familys 35-year battle for justice.

Scott Phillip White, 52, had pleaded guilty in the New South Wales state Supreme Court to Los Angeles-born Scott Johnsons manslaughter.

White had pleaded guilty last year to the then-27-year-olds murder  a greater crime  and had been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison. But he changed his mind and had the murder conviction overturned on appeal.

He was pressured into a plea deal after police intercepted a prison phone call between White and a niece in October last year in which he confessed to striking his victim at the cliff top.

Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.

Having already served part of his sentence, White will be eligible for release on parole in 2026.

Not much is known of the death beyond a punch on a cliff, a fall from a cliff and decades of pain and grief that followed, Justice Robert Beech-Jones said during the sentencing on Thursday.

Johnsons Boston-based older brother, Steve Johnson, had fought to get police to launch a criminal investigation since a coroner ruled in 1989 that Scott Johnson had taken his own life.

A second coroners inquiry in 2012 could not explain the death and a third inquiry ruled in 2017 that Scott Johnson had been attacked by an unknown assailant or assailants because he was perceived to be homosexual.

I think our familys got some peace and I would even say closure, Steve Johnson told reporters outside the court after the sentencing with his wife Rosemarie and daughter Tessa.

The killers behind bars and hes admitted to doing it. I feel like Ive done right by Scott, he added.

Steve Johnson, a wealthy entrepreneur, offered a 1 million Australian dollar ($667,000) reward in 2020 for information about his brothers death, matching a reward already offered by police.

Steve Johnson praised Whites courageous former wife Helen for coming forward to testify against her former husband, leading to his arrest in 2020. It is not yet clear whether she will collect the rewards.

That was a break in the case, Steve Johnson said.

Steve Johnsons campaign for his brother helped trigger a state government inquiry into historic police indifference toward gay hate crimes and more than 100 unsolved deaths from the mid-1980s until the early 1990s.

Police Chief Inspector Peter Yeomans congratulated Steve Johnson, whom he considers a good friend, on his campaign.

Steve has fought for nearly 35 years. God, to only have a brother like that, Yeomans said outside the court.

On Dec. 10, 1988, White met Johnson at a pub and the pair went for a walk around North Head, which was known at the time to be a popular area among gay people. White, then 18 years old, punched Johnson in the heat of an argument, causing Johnson to stagger backward naked and fall to his death.

The American was close to receiving his doctorate from the Australian National University, which he has since been awarded posthumously.

Dr. Johnson was an American citizen.  He had everything to live for, Beech-Jones said. The offender left (him) to die.

White, who now has early onset dementia due to alcohol abuse, was described as a street kid at the time of the killing.

The offender was clearly a damaged albeit physically powerful young man, Beech-Jones said. However, he was not broken as he is now.

The death was originally thought to be a suicide, but police eventually opened an investigation into what they suspected was a gay hate crime in 2012. In her now-overturned judgment on the murder conviction, Justice Helen Wilson found there was not enough evidence to show the attack was motivated by Johnsons sexuality.

Beech-Jones said he could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the death was a gay hate crime.

Answers to numerous other questions about how he died, why he died and what happened  some of those answers will never be provided, Beech-Jones said.

___

McGuirk reported from Canberra, Australia.

By RICK RYCROFT and ROD McGUIRK

Associated Press
Californias Newsom pushes constitutional amendment to tighten gun access amid 2024 campaign View Photo

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed Thursday amending the U.S. Constitution to harden federal gun laws amid a surge of mass killings across the nation, his latest step onto the national stage amid the unfolding 2024 White House campaign.

With the U.S. bitterly divided over gun rights and the 2nd Amendment, the chances of recasting the Constitution to enshrine universal background checks, a waiting period to buy firearms and other restrictions into law appeared remote. A new amendment has not been added since 1992.

Newsom has denied any interest in a presidential run and is supporting President Joe Bidens reelection bid. But his proposal marked his latest maneuver in what has taken on the look of a shadow campaign as he injects himself into the national discussion on guns, abortion, immigration and other contentious issues.

Hes been in a running dispute with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, and traveled to Florida in April to criticize what he said are GOP efforts to tread on LGBTQ+ rights, weaken civil and voting rights, ban abortion and marginalize people of color. Theyve recently clashed after Florida picked up asylum-seekers on the Texas border and took them by private jet to California  Newsom called DeSantis a small, pathetic man.

Newsom  positioning himself as a liberal counterweight to national Republicans  has argued that Democrats have been too passive in the countrys culture wars and warned that the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority could unravel decades of court rulings that could redefine what it means to live in America.

Indeed, Newsom told NBCs The Today Show in an interview that his proposal was crafted in response to federal courts rolling back several gun safety laws. In 2022, for example, the Supreme Court rejected a century-old New York law that made it difficult to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun.

The gun lobby says we cant stop the carnage America now experiences every day without violating the 2nd Amendment  that thoughts and prayers are the best we can do  thats a lie, Newsom said in a statement. In this country, we do have the power to change things. That power is written into the Constitution, and today were using it to end Americas gun violence crisis.

During a walkover re-election last year in the heavily Democratic state and into 2023, Newsom has appeared eager to test the traditional role of a governor. Hes been seeking out the national spotlight, formed a political action committee with surplus campaign money to support Democratic candidates in Republican-led states and traveled the country to criticize GOP policies and promote California as a haven for what he calls fundamental rights, including same-sex marriage, freedom of speech and abortion.

During his re-election campaign, he spent money on ads in Florida and Texas to poke at the policies of two of his political foils, DeSantis and Gov. Greg Abbott.

Speaking in Austin, Texas, in September, he warned that Democrats needed a more aggressive strategy with critical rights on the line, saying of Republicans, These guys are ruthless on the other side.

Veteran Democratic consultant Roger Salazar said Newsom was going on offense in hopes of influencing federal policies that impact California and the nation. But it also has the benefit of elevating his national profile and potentially increasing his fundraising clout, with speculation about his political ambitions.

Should he decide to seek national office in the future, this is a great way to set himself up for it, Salazar said. All these activities and actions are ones he can put in his political piggy bank, so to speak, and use them down the road.

Five years is not that long, he added, referring to the 2028 presidential campaign.

Newsoms proposed 28th Amendment has four prongs: It would institute what he called a reasonable waiting period for all gun purchases, ban so-called assault rifles throughout the country, require universal background checks and raise the minimum age to buy a firearm to 21.

Amending the Constitution requires either approval from two-thirds of the members of Congress or for 33 states to support the effort and call for holding a constitutional convention. Newsom said he plans to try to win approval from other states rather than Congress, though Republicans hold more power in statehouses across the country.

As of early May, the U.S. was on a record pace for mass killings, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in a partnership with Northeastern University. The database counts killings involving four or more fatalities, not including the perpetrator, the same standard as the FBI, and tracks a number of variables for each.

There have been 26 mass killing incidents so far this year, the most in any year so far during the period for which data has been compiled. Those incidents left 131 people dead.

Theres not a parent out there, not one parent, you included, that doesnt think about these things when you send your kids to school, Newsom told NBC.

Newsom said he will work with supporters, elected and civic leaders and diverse coalitions to push for resolutions on the amendment to be passed in other state legislatures. He said he believes he can be successful because a majority of Americans say they want stricter gun laws.

Newsom said he will run his efforts through his new political committee, Campaign for Democracy. He ended his last campaign with more than $16 million left in his political account, some of which will be spent on his new effort.

___

Associated Press writer Olga Rodriguez in San Francisco contributed to this report.

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD

AP Political Writer
CHICAGO (AP)  The family of an Illinois woman killed in a 2022 crash while she and two children were parasailing in the Florida Keys filed a second lawsuit connected to her death this week and reflected on the tragic end to a family vacation about a year ago.

Supraja Alaparthi, 33, was killed after being dragged across the water and slamming into a bridge last June while strapped into a parasail. Her husband, Srinivasrao Alaparthi, told reporters Thursday that his family has taken the last year one day at a time but misses her dearly.

I cant help but think that if the people we trusted ... had done their jobs, my wife would still be with us today," he said. We trusted these companies, but they let us down in the worst possible way.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigated the crash last year and found the boat captain cut the line holding Alaparthi and the two boys because the parasail was dragging in high winds from a sudden summer storm.

Her husband, daughter and other horrified family members watched from the boat as they were dragged across the water and struck a bridge, attorneys said Thursday at a news conference in Chicago. It came days after filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the captain, a crew member and a Florida resort company that owns the marina where the boat was based.

Im a life-long Florida resident and our state can do better for people that come from out of state to enjoy our waters, our boats, our sun, attorney Pedro Echarte said, calling for more required training and closer transparency and enforcement around existing standards.

Online court records did not list attorneys representing the captain, crew members and resort company named in the suit.

The two boys on the parasail with Alaparthi were both hurt; the lawsuits did not specify their injuries but described them as severe and permanent. Srinivasrao Alaparthi told reporters that his son and nephew are doing better physically but still dealing with emotional trauma tied to the crash.

Attorneys for the family last June filed a separate wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit against the boat company. That case is still pending. An attorney representing the company did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday.

According to the family's attorneys, the Alaparthis, their two children and extended family members were visiting the Keys from their home in Elk Grove Village outside Chicago when they booked the parasailing trip. The lawyer said family members told employees they would come back the next day if the weather prevented parasailing but were reassured it would be OK.

The boat captain, Daniel Gavin Couch, was charged by Florida authorities in September with manslaughter in the crash. The Florida public defender's office representing Couch in the criminal case declined Thursday to comment on that case, which is still pending.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A new lawyer for Ken Paxton on Wednesday raised skepticism that the embattled Texas attorney general's impeachment trial could be done quickly and attacked the case that could lead to the Republican's permanent removal from office as a sham.

Tony Buzbee is a prominent Houston attorney whose high-profile client list includes former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and women who accused NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual harassment and assault. His hiring sets up a clash between some of the states most well-known lawyers over Paxton's political future.

The impeachment articles that have been laid out by the House are baloney, Buzbee said during a news conference at the Republican Party of Texas Austin headquarters. The allegations are untrue.

The impeachment trial in the Texas Senate is set to begin no later than Aug. 28. If we're really going to have a trial, it's going to take a lot longer than that, Buzbee said.

Buzbee joins several member of the attorney general's staff who are set to square off against two high-profile lawyers the House brought in to present the case against Paxton, who was suspended from office following his impeachment on 20 articles including abuse of public trust and bribery.

Buzbee and one of Paxton's longtime criminal defense attorneys, Dan Cogdell, criticized the House's rapid impeachment process as rushed and secretive. Lawmakers allied with Paxton mounted similar complaints in May before 60 of the Houses 85 Republicans, including Speaker Dade Phelan, voted to impeach.

There was no due process before the House, said Cogdell, who represents Paxton in a long-stalled securities fraud case and a separate FBI investigation into many of the same allegations that led to his impeachment.

The case for Paxton's impeachment is set to be presented by Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin, who over decades in Texas have become practically as recognizable in courtrooms as the politicians and famous figures they have represented.

Buzbee said the current timeframe would not give Paxton's legal team enough time to take testimony from more than 60 witnesses and review thousands of documents. He suggested the trial might need to be put off until next summer.

The trial date start, as well as a June 20 Senate meeting to consider trial rules, were set by a Senate vote. It was not immediately clear if those dates could be changed without a similar vote by the 31 senators.

Paxton has been under FBI investigation for years over accusations by members of his own staff that he used his office to help a donor. He was separately indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015, though he has yet to stand trial.

Buzbee didn't directly address the substance of most of the allegations against Paxton during the 40-minute news conference. But he did contest that the donor, real estate developer Nate Paul, bribed the attorney general by paying for renovations to his Austin home. The lawyer showed images of receipts that he suggested disproved the claim.

Buzbee declined to say who was paying for his services, save that I'm not being paid by the public."

___

Bleiberg reported from Dallas.
A Skaneateles man was sentenced this week to more than 15 years in prison for trading images online of children being sexually abused.

The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York, said that Marc L. Leonardis, 50, was sentenced on Wednesday to serve 188 months in prison for receiving child pornography within online groups designed for trading images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

In a news release, U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announcement that as a part of his earlier guilty plea, Leonardis admitted that he surreptitiously took images of a child and posted the images, more than 200 times, to three online trading groups, receiving images depicting the sexual exploitation of children in return.

Leonardis also admitted chatting with members of the trading groups, including an undercover FBI agent, about his ongoing sexual abuse of the child whose pictures he shared.

In addition to the 188-month prison sentence, Judge David N. Hurd sentenced Leonardis to 15 years supervised release, which will commence upon his release from prison, ordered him to pay $5,000 in restitution to each of two victims of the pornography he received, and to pay a total of $5,100 in special assessments. Leonardis will also be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the FBIs Capital Area and Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Forces, in cooperation the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said that Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.
BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union countries have made a breakthrough in migration talks, sealing agreement on a plan to share out responsibility for migrants entering Europe without authorization, the root of one of the blocs longest-running political crises, officials said late Thursday.

After a long day of negotiations in Luxembourg, EU interior ministers endorsed a deal balancing the obligation for countries where most migrants arrive to process and lodge them against the requirement for other members to provide support, whether financial or by hosting refugees.

The pact will form the 27 EU countries negotiating stance in talks with the European Parliament, which has a different view of solidarity  one that requires countries to draw up detailed annual migrant support plans to help out frontline member states and the mandatory relocation of refugees.

Indeed, given the divergent positions, its possible the agreement could unravel during those negotiations.

Swedish Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, whose country currently holds the EUs rotating presidency and brokered the agreement, described the deal as a historic step and a great success, but she expressed surprise that the long-held divisions had been overcome.

To be honest, I didnt really believe I would be sitting here saying this, but here we are, she told reporters. She said the contents of the deal form the main pillars of the reform of the EU asylum system and are key to a good balance between responsibility and solidarity.

Europes asylum system collapsed eight years ago after well over a million people entered  most of them fleeing conflict in Syria  and overwhelmed reception capacities in Greece and Italy, in the process sparking one of the EUs biggest political crises.

The 27 EU nations have bickered ever since over which countries should take responsibility for people arriving without authorization, and whether other members should be obliged to help them cope.

Not all countries endorsed the plan on Thursday but only a qualified majority of support was required  that is roughly two thirds of the member countries accounting for about two thirds of the total EU population of some 450 million people.

The Czech Republic asked to be left out of the migrant solidarity clause due to the number of refugees it is already hosting from Ukraine. Malta abstained, but the objections of Italy and Greece  those hardest hit in the past  were overcome in a late round of talks.

Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said that she was optimistic about the negotiations with parliament, despite the assembly's insistence on mandatory relocation.

We still have some steps to go until we have totally finalized this, but I think it is clear that we have made huge progress when it comes to building trust, she told reporters.

Stenergard said that Sweden's proposal for a system under which countries who do not want to take migrants in could pay money instead was endorsed. It would amount to 20,000 euros ($21,400) per migrant.

EU lawmakers have warned that it's the last chance to solve the conundrum before EU-wide elections in a year, when migration is likely once again to be a hot-button issue, and pressure will mount as next June's polls draw near.

If we miss this chance to make it right, I dont think we will have another, Spanish Socialist lawmaker Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar, a leader on migration policy, said in April. The kind of a message would be: Hey, listen, its not going to happen. Not this time. Ever.

___

Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
MERIDEN  Four years ago, if you had asked Shiv Patel, 17, whether he would be named valedictorian of his graduating class at Maloney High School, he likely would have shrugged you off.

But a few things have happened since then. First, Patels older sister, Zeel, graduated from Maloney in 2019 ranked second in her class. Second, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Connecticut during Patels freshman year. Patel said as a result he suddenly found himself with a lot of time on his hands. Patel said it was during that time he discovered the field of engineering. Patel finished that year exceptionally well academically, garnering all A-pluses, he said.

I realized what I was capable of, Patel said. He would discover through research, watching NASA videos and other content, and getting in contact with current engineers for the aerospace firm Pratt & Whitney, that he gravitated toward engineering, in particular aerospace engineering, and that he has a knack for science and math.

Patel said he learned that if he put enough effort into something, I can be really good at what I wanted to do. It inspired him to continue putting in that work and effort.

I feel like, if im not performing at peak, and doing as much as I possibly can, Im kind of letting myself down, Patel said.

Of course, a friendly sibling rivalry and wanting to match his sisters academic feats was another motivation that spurred Patels academic success throughout high school.

Patel heads to the University of Connecticut this fall and will pursue aerospace engineering as his field of study.

Patel described UConn as having a strong research background. And many researchers do go from Storrs to more elite universities.

Patels career at Maloney was not just about academics. He played trumpet in the Maloney band and marching band, becoming the leader of the trumpet section. He is also captain of the Meriden Co-op boys swimming and diving team.

Patel also served as a mentor with Maloneys Student Leaders and Mentors [SLAM] program, in which upperclassmen work with freshmen on things that will help them achieve academic success, like time management. He was also an ambassador for the Meriden Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate initiative. It involves ongoing conversations with community members about what a graduate should look like and the skills and attributes they should leave high school having obtained.

Patel, asked where he sees himself after UConn and even 10 years from now, said he would likely further his academic studies in graduate school. After that, he would like to work for a corporation that provides orbital space launches, like SpaceX.

Patel said he watches footage of space launches voraciously.

Every time you see one, I guarantee Ive watched it, he said, adding he is excited about learning and knowing about the complexities behind those launch vehicles  being able to know the parts of that vehicle, how everything works.

Patel added, A lot of the technology we use every day comes out of aerospace.

He described aerospace technology as the apex of technology developed by humans. And I feel like being able to work on something like that would be amazing, Patel said.

As an example of how systems engineering, aerospace engineering and rocket science has fascinated Patel, he pointed out a recent series of experiments he and a group of friends set out to accomplish  building and launching their own 3D printed rocket. It was basically the size of a bottle rocket.

They launched two separate rockets, which the team designed and fit with motors and a parachute.

Patel said he already understood a lot of the engineering behind a small rocket launch. He and his friends worked together as a structured engineering team, which each member assigned to oversee specific tasks. They first developed their plans on paper and then used computer-aided drafting software to finalize those plans.

Then we put it into an aerodynamic software that would simulate the entire flight, and we estimate the height off of that given what type of motor. And then we launched it. So we knew what was going to happen with that flight, Patel said.

The second rocket launched 100 feet higher into the air than the first one did.

For their next rocket, they will try a different type of frame with a different motor, as well as screw in joints.

Patel, reflecting on his four years at Maloney, described Advanced Placement Chemistry as his most challenging course. It was the first class Patel said he felt completely lost in and so challenged.

He felt as though the A-plus he received in that class was especially earned.

AP chem taught me a lot of just how difficult school can really get. That was another one of those things where I realized if I really try and work hard towards something, I can do it, Patel said. Patel said experience on the swimming and diving team has also helped him to learn how to manage his time, due to the rigid daily practice schedule.

Jennifer Ward, who teaches that class, described Patel as super curious, very intellectual  but also very determined to figure things out.

So if something comes up and he doesnt get it immediately, he puts in a ton of effort to try and figure out all the little details on why things work the way they do, Ward said, describing her pupil as someone who is not only curious, but has the skillset and drive to go the extra mile to figure things out.

Brian Cyr, director of instrumental music and Maloneys band director, described Patel as a natural born leader who has been atremendous part of Maloneys band program.

He is also a part of a graduating class that successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, which made their high school experiences challenging, because it happened largely in the middle of those experiences.

Ward described Patel as that consummate life long learner. Whenever something comes up, he will do his best to figure it out and make it better, she said.

Patel, whose parents are Prakash and Vaishali Patel, attributes part of his academic success to date to the influence of his older sister, Zeel. She was such a big mentor to me, he said ... She would always drive me to do that little bit of extra work and just always keep me performing at the highest level possible and doing as much as I possibly can.

mgagne@record-journal.com203-317-2231Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ
With Canada wildfire smoke blanketing multiple Northeast states, residents of area towns are feeling the effects of the poor air quality the smoke has created. The air quality in Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire was categorized as very unhealthy on Wednesday by AirNow, a national air quality tracking index. Similarly, air quality in Meriden was considered to be unhealthy.

Local health departments were working closely with municipal officials and schools to ensure residents can protect themselves from the smoke.

What to do?

Hartford HealthCare shared with the Record-Journal an article highlighting different ways wildfire smoke symptoms manifest and advice from Dr. Steven Prunk, director of pulmonary medicine at the Hospital of Central Connecticut and MidState Medical Center in Meriden.

Prunk explained that symptoms caused by the smoke might present like seasonal allergies, affecting a persons eyes, nose and throat. He added that some individuals with underlying conditions, such as asthma, are more likely to experience serious symptoms.

The best way to avoid the smoke is staying indoors and keeping windows and doors closed, Prunk said. The article also highlighted that running air conditioners throughout the day can help stabilize and control the indoor climate.

Stephanie Denya, Meridens associate health director, said malls, soup kitchens and shelters are good spots to escape the smoke if individuals dont have an air conditioning unit.

If there is a need to be outside, a person should avoid strenuous activities, like running, Denya said. She explained that physically exhausting actions rely on deeper breaths to keep up, so attempting to exercise when the air quality index is poor can further irritate a persons lungs.

For example, Denya said her daughter with asthma is an avid runner and struggled to breathe when she went out for her daily run.

[My daughter] was like I went yesterday like a fool and I needed to use my inhaler consistently,  Denya said.

Schools

Mike Grove, assistant superintendent for finance and operations of Meriden Public Schools, said that the public schools have contacted Meriden Health and Human Services to stay updated on the situation and any new recommendations they may have. He explained that some schools hosted outdoor events but the events were modified to have less cardio-intensive activities.

For example, he noted that Lincoln Middle School Field Day started outside with backyard games, but then was moved inside later in the afternoon.

Grove added that school nurses and teachers were crucial to ensuring that the students werent experiencing symptoms.

Cheshire School Superintendent Jeff Solan said he has never dealt with weather issues like this in over 18 years as an educator.

He said he followed similar notification procedures used during snowstorms, informing parents of the air quality index and the schools actions to minimize exposure before the school day began. Teachers were instructed to keep their windows closed and all outdoor activities were moved inside.

When I read where things stand in an area where air conditions were considered to be unsafe, we decided to bring all of our kids inside today as much as possible, which is tough this time of year when kids are looking forward to doing fun things outside, he said.

Solan said that the district is also in communication with the Chesprocott Health Department and is regularly updated on the conditions. He explained that air quality is set to start improving late Thursday morning, but plans to continue monitoring the situation.

When the air quality is what it is right now, its a good night for a board game, Solan said.

cvillalonga@record-journal.com203-317-2448
The Elbridge to Auburn Leg of the 2023 Tip of the Fingerlakes Law Enforcement Torch Run led by local members of law enforcement as the Flame of Hope makes its way around the state in support of Special Olympics New York.
A man recently released from prison through a Presidential Amnesty program has found himself back in trouble with the law. Privillege Mapfumo, age 32, has been charged with 4 counts of robbery and unlawful entry totaling $10,000.

Mapfumos recent troubles began when he was drunk and banging on the door of a woman named Virginia Makusha. Makusha called the police to deal with Mapfumos disruptive behavior. When police officers arrived and searched Mapfumo, they discovered a fake Zimbabwe National Army identification card.

Further investigations revealed that Mapfumo had recently been released from prison through the Presidential Amnesty related to an earlier robbery charge. The police also found that Mapfumo was suspected in other robbery and unlawful entry cases being investigated by the CID Homicide and ZRP Mabvuku police departments.

In these cases, Mapfumo is accused of stealing cellphones worth more than $6,000, 59 liters of petrol, threatening a complainant with an unidentified pistol while demanding $4,000, and stealing clothes from a shop.

Mapfumo appeared in court before a magistrate who remanded him in custody until his next hearing on July 13.

Breaking News via Email
The South African government has extended the validity of Zimbabwean exemption permits due to expire on June 30 for another 6 months. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced the extension to give permit holders time to apply for visas and waiver provided under immigration law.

During this extension period, holders of valid exemption permits will not be arrested, ordered to leave South Africa or detained for deportation even if their permits have expired. They will still be allowed to enter and leave the country if they meet other immigration requirements.

Bongani Mkhwananzi, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, welcomed the extension. He praised the South African government for giving permit holders a chance to regularize their status.

However, he urged permit holders to use the extension period to migrate to mainstream permits, not just stay temporarily. He encouraged them to continue applying for waivers as the minister has said he is signing these daily.

Around 178,000 Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders currently live and work in South Africa. The 6-month extension will give them time to apply for alternative immigration status.

Breaking News via Email
Yves here. Thomas Neuburger does a fine job of picking apart Democratic party posturing of being on the side of ordinary folk, student loan edition.

Before you harrumph that student borrowers are failed upward mobility aspirants and presumably come from middle class backgrounds, let us not forget that some of these borrowers were funding studies in community colleges and trade-school type programs. And a cohort badly afflicted is those who dont complete their programs. From the New York Times last year:

Millions of Americans like Mr. Chaney borrowed to finance an education they didnt complete. The reasons vary  the coursework didnt fit their skills, illness or family circumstances foiled their academic careers  but the result is the same: debt, sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars, but no degree. Now, with President Biden considering a forgiveness program to lighten the load on some  or all  of the nations 45 million federal student loan borrowers, debate has focused on whether it is appropriate to grant relief to those who borrowed money to increase their earning power. But the many borrowers who didnt get the professional benefits of a degree would be perhaps the biggest beneficiaries. Exactly how many borrowers fit that description is unclear, but it appears to happen frequently. Nearly 40 percent of full-time undergraduates who enrolled in the 2011-12 academic year accumulated some debt but did not have a degree after six years, said Mark Huelsman, the director of policy and advocacy at the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice at Temple University. About 37 percent of borrowers enrolling in four-year institutions in 2013 didnt graduate within six years, either, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The rate was even higher  75 percent didnt earn a credential  at private, for-profit institutions.

Keep in mind the for profit institutions skew towards technical training and credentialing, like licensed HVAC mechanic.1

But IMHO a key point is regularly lost in the student loan debate. Higher education fees exploded due to borrowing enabling students to pay much more. There is zero evidence that tuition increases resulted in better educational product. Instead, it funneled money to a key Democratic party constituency, which increased its ranks (adminisphere bloat) and paid themselves better (except for adjuncts and hired hands like cafeteria workers). In other words, student borrowers became a pork vehicle.

By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies

For those on the left  too many of us have been interested in defending programs the way they were written in 1938.

Barack Obama, 2006

Im glad we won the race in New York, but I hope the Democrats dont use it as an excuse to do nothing on Medicare.

Bill Clinton to Paul Ryan in a caught-on-tape moment, 2011

The real market for political parties is defined by major investors, who generally have good and clear reason for investing to control the state.  Blocs of major investors define the core of political parties and are responsible for most of the signals the party sends to the electorate.

Thomas Ferguson, from his book Golden Rule

Student debt, a weight born by all of society, is back to burden us. Every dollar spent paying these massive loans is not spent in the economy. Every millennial who went to college seeking a better life  a life promised, despite the globalized labor economy, by Democrats for decades  must now re-shoulder the cross of life-changing, soul-crushing debt (my emphasis below).

The [debt] deal spells out when repayments resume: 60 days after June 30. If the legislation passes, that means all federal student loan borrowers will be expected to start making payments again after August 29. Their loans will accrue interest then as well. And this time, it looks like it would really be the end: The debt deal prohibits the education secretary from extending the pause on federal student loan payments without congressional approval. The end of this pause will affect some 43 million borrowers who, collectively, owe over a trillion in student loan debt. But, in effect, the new rules wont change much about the current loan landscape. Even before Biden and McCarthy reached a deal, the Department of Education was readying the return to repayment.

Julia Rock, writing for LeverNews, describes it this way (my emphasis below):

Student loan payments have been on pause for the past three years, as part of a COVID-era relief program initiated by former President Donald Trump. In one of a series of concessions to Republicans during the recent debt ceiling standoff, Biden must restart student loan payments by the end of this summer. That means more than 40 million Americans will be once again crushed by debt, but it also strips Biden of his best tool to defend his broader student debt cancellation program: delay. His order to cancel up to $20,000 in debt for federal borrowers is expected to be struck down by the Supreme Court any day now  making it an inopportune moment for Biden to relinquish his power to extend the payment pause.

So Biden and Democrat leaders gave away the last tool they had for helping these people. What else did they give away?

Democrats could have avoided this scenario. But they refused to get rid of the debt ceiling, an arbitrary limit on government borrowing, when they controlled the House and Senate during the first two years of Bidens term. Then, instead of bypassing it unilaterally using executive authority, Biden chose to negotiate with Republicans, making major concessions  including his own power to keep the student loan payment pause in place  to raise the ceiling for just two years. In doing so, Biden may be cementing his decades-long legacy as a defender of student debt.

Note the sentence But they refused to get rid of the debt ceiling  when they controlled the House and Senate during the first two years of Bidens term.

Not only did they refuse to do eliminate this threat when they controlled both Congress and the White House, they refused to eliminate it yesterday, or the day before, or any day since announcing no-negotiations with Speaker McCarthy, when either of two (or more) routes to ending the blackmail forever were available.

Route One: The Fourteenth Amendment

One route for ending the Republican blackmail uses the much-discussed Fourteenth Amendment. That Amendment states in part:

Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.

For many analysts, this means that any default on federal debt is unconstitutional. But that interpretation is in dispute. From Adam Levitin(courtesy Yves Smith):

The Public Debt Clause is a prohibition on disputing the validity of US debt obligationsthat is[,] disputing whether they are legitimately owed. Theres not a word in the 14th Amendment about default.  Its not a prohibition on defaulting because such a prohibition would be meaningless. [P]rohibiting default doesnt get creditors anything. Prohibiting disavowal does because it means that creditors retain their right to be paid.

Two points to make about this. First, questioning the validity of federal debt does indeed have this common sense meaning. So this interpretation could be entirely right on its face.

Second, even if this interpretation is wrong, why would a Republican judge or a right-wing Supreme Court not use it to force Biden to accede to Republican demands? That side uses every tool it has. This argument is an excellent tool.

Route Two: Articles I and II

Levitin instead argues that a case based on Article 1 (and Article II) is much more airtight. In a piece for The American Prospect, Levitin writes:

The Constitution gives Congress the power to make contracts. It does not give Congress the power to renege on these contracts. Once Congress has committed the United States to perform a promise, the presidents duty to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed requires the executive branch to perform. If performance requires payment and Congress has appropriated the funds, Treasury is bound to pay. If Congress does not raise enough revenue to pay for appropriated commitments, then the presidents only choice is to borrow to fill the gap. Each time Congress authorizes a contract and appropriates funds to perform it, it necessarily authorizes borrowing to the extent that Treasury funds fall short. (emphasis added)

To put it more succinctly, The Constitution [in Article I] gives Congress the power to make contracts. It does not give Congress the power to renege on these contracts.

In a related piece, Levitin writes:

[Various commentators] are right to argue that the debt limit is unconstitutional, but the constitutional problem isnt the 14th Amendment. Instead, its Article I of the Constitution, namely Congresss power to enter into contracts.  Congress has a power to make binding commitments for the United States and the President is constitutionally obligated to perform those commitments. If the Treasury lacks the funds, then the President must borrow. No specific authorization is needed. Instead, it is implicit every time Congress appropriates funds to perform a binding commitment. (emphasis added)

As for the president, his duty to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed is enshrined in Article II, which contains exactly that text in Section 3.

As I wrote above, this seems an airtight argument. Yet each of these routes is a road not taken. Why?

A Very Poor Negotiator

During the early Obama years, Democratic Party voters and supporters, appalled at the multiple surrenders by Obama to Republicans, asked, in essence, Why is Obama so bad at negotiating?

Here for example is the 2011 version of Krystal Ball writing in The Atlantic:

As the dust settles on the debt-ceiling fiasco, liberals are left scratching their heads and wondering what the heck happened. Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor of a balanced approach to deficit reduction and 67 percent of Americans believe we should be focusing on the economy rather than the deficit. With public opinion in our favor and a few fail-safe constitutional options in our back pocket, how did this showdown end in complete and utter surrender?

And on that years debt ceiling crisis:

First the president offered a plan that included $4 trillion in deficit reduction, with cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security all on the table in exchange for a few hundred billion in revenue from closing corporate tax loopholes. This initial proposal was far to the right of what his own Bipartisan Fiscal Commission proposed. When this grand bargain was shot down and the president ruled out using the 14th Amendment of the Constitution to unilaterally increase the debt ceiling, there was nothing to do but surrender.

Need more examples? Krystal Ball described how Obama caved on the health care debate, the Bush Tax Cuts negotiation and the government shutdown crisis. She concludes that the presidents idealism has made him a very poor negotiator and credits his lack of cynicism for this failure.

We now know, however, that President Obama wanted a Grand Bargain all along, with cuts to social programs as part of the package. He wasnt a poor negotiator at all. His idealism wasnt holding him back. He simply had goals we wouldnt admit he had. (Krystal Ball has long since learned this lesson.)

Even Bill Black, in a 2012 Huffington Post piece thats heavily critical of Obamas grand bargain, makes similar excuses for him:

Republicans, however, have now found a fifth column within the Democratic Party who they hope will open the door to attacking the safety net. This would provide the political cover that Republicans could use to unravel fully the safety net. The Republican Partys approach to convincing Obama to commit the Great Betrayal cleverly exploits three human weaknesses. First, Obama wants to be considered a centrist. Second, Obama yearns to be considered bipartisan. These first two weaknesses are forms of vanity. The third weakness that the Republicans seek to exploit is fear  The Great Betrayal can only occur if Obama succumbs to mindless (and innumerate) panic.

Black agrees that the 2012 Obama wants his grand bargain going forward, but not with having wanted it all along. Yet listen (again) to the video at the top, in which Senator Obama talks to a roomful of Robert Rubins in 2006.

There he says plainly:

Both sides of the political spectrum have tended to cling to outdated policies and tired ideologies. For those on the left  too many of us have been interested in defending programs the way they were written in 1938.

He wasnt a bad negotiator, nor was he tragically idealistic. He just had different goals than we believed him to have, and he failed only because Tea Party Republicans, not progressive Democrats, stopped him. Just as Monica Lewinsky did, by the way, during the Clinton administration.

Yes, Clinton wanted to cut Medicare just as badly as Obama wanted to cut Social Security.



Note in the clip above, how Cenk Uygur soft-pedaled Clintons betrayal  Thats pretty disappointing, he said. Soft-pedaling these disappointments provides cover for doing more of the same. (A version of the conversation without the Young Turks wrapper is here.)

Squaring Big Money Politics with Folk Appeal

Is it possible that Democratic Party leaders want to fail in their negotiations with Republicans? Do they lose, not because theyre bad at it, but because these failures give them what they actually want?

Heres Thomas Ferguson, he of the investment theory of party competition, to say yes. In a piece for the Institute for New Economic Thinking called No Bargain: Big Money and the Debt Ceiling Deal, Ferguson and his co-authors ask, What is the real reason Democratic party leaders go along with the debt ceiling ritual?

Their answer is painful, but obvious  unless you think Party leaders are children or fools. The authors repeat an exculpating question posed by Paul Krugman:

More and more it looks as if there never was a strategy beyond wishful thinking. I hope that Im wrong about thisBut right now I have a sick feeling about all of this. What were they thinking? How can they have been caught so off-guard by something that everyone whos paying attention saw coming? (emphasis added)

They answer him this way:

The White House was not caught off guard. Like climate disaster, the crypto meltdowns, and the tremors now coursing through the American financial system, the high noon showdown between Republicans and Democrats over the debt ceiling was pre-programmed from the start. The reason is simple: The dominating fact about American politics is its money-driven character. In our world, both major political parties are first of all bank accounts, which have to be filled for anything to happen.

Which leads to this conclusion:

[T]he President is running for a second term. His fundraisers openly declare that the campaign intends to raise more than a billion dollars. In recent presidential elections, contributions from labor union amount to about 6 or 7% of total political spending. Money in the amounts the Biden campaign seeks can come only from one place: from the superrich and very affluent Americans. And in a Congress so dependent on money flows, relatively few representatives in either party are likely to do much more than posture when it comes to raising taxes.

And the kicker, or punch to the face if you will:

For Democrats in particular, the advantages of first actually passing programs, then standing back and reluctantly sustaining votes to take them back are a dream come true for squaring big money politics with folk appeal. That is the real reason Democratic party leaders go along with the debt ceiling ritual. (emphasis added)

In other words, theyre not children; nor are they fools. They do it because they want to. Its disrespectful to think otherwise.

I said above this was Republican blackmail. In fact, its donor class blackmail, they who always want more for themselves and less for everyone else. They who win when we lose. They whose control of government far exceeds ours.



Our Political World Needs a Primary

Thats the painful truth of our political world. And unlike the messages sent by their in-house media (looking at you, MSNBC), our leaders seem happy to risk handing power to Republicans, so long as it pleases their donors.

Yes, Republicans mean to do horrible things. Why wont our Democrats stop them? The answers above.

The solution? If the Democratic Party cant be disrupted or changed, I dont think much else can. We should start with a primary, soon.

_____

1 In Alabama, for instance, you dont have to possess a license to do HVAC work, but technicians are supposed to be supervised by a licensed mechanic.
The big idea: Are cats really domesticated? Guardian

Scientists find crocodile virgin birth at Costa Rica zoo Reuters

Someone always knows:

Well, this is unusual. On June 5th, someone opened new $COIN $50 weekly puts for $107,000. They were 19% OTM & expired in four days!!! On June 6th, the SEC sued Coinbase, $COIN. Those positions were up 2572%. They turned $100K to millions. Someone always knows. pic.twitter.com/NRtZOqSRZt  unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) June 7, 2023

Climate

A Public Power victory in New York State MR Online

An Uncertain Energy Transition a Century Ago JSTOR Daily

Water

#COVID19

China?

Myanmar

India

Need for Speed Has Taken Focus off Rail Safety The Wire

Syraqistan

Dear Old Blighty

New Not-So-Cold War

Spook Country

2024

South of the Border

Digital Watch

Healthcare

Why a showdown over Jared Polis big health insurance reform program fizzled  and what it means Colorado Sun. Democrats will die in the last ditch defending insurance companies, who this time around are sabotaging a state-level public option. Nobody could have predicted.

Black Injustice Tipping Point

Dream of reparations hits political reality in California Politico

Class Warfare

Giving It All Up For The Davos Elite Pandemic Enclave. As I have often said: Democidal elites is a parsimonious explanation. Though democidal never took, nor has eugenicist. Perhaps Depopulating. The economic consequences of major tax cuts for the rich (PDF) LSE Research Online. From 2020, still germane. The Abstract: This paper uses data from 18 OECD countries over the last five decades to estimate the causal effect of major tax cuts for the rich on income inequality, economic growth, and unemployment. First, we use a new encompassing measure of taxes on the rich to identify instances of major reduction in tax progressivity. Then, we look at the causal effect of these episodes on economic outcomes by applying a nonparametric generalization of the difference-in-differences indicator that implements Mahalanobis matching in panel data analysis. We find that major reforms reducings taxes on the rich lead to higher income inequality as measured by the top 1% share of pre-tax national income. The effect remains stable in the medium term. In contrast, such reforms do not have any significant effect on economic growth and unemployment. For an Inch of Blue Sea Verso

Catalina Swinburn Meticulously Excavates the History and Ceremony of Textiles in Her Woven Paper Investitures Colossal

Martin Luther and Shiny Happy People: Reflections on Parenting, God, and Reformations Patheos

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
My position with the Post has evolved since 2000, when I began work with The City Paper. In 2008, SouthComm Inc. bought the Post and The City Paper, after which I worked with both publications. The City Paper ceased operations in 2013, two years after I was named Post managing editor. In 2018, FW Publishing acquired the Post.

Follow William Williams Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
Top New York officials are aiming to provide more help to fight wildfires raging in Canada.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has deployed a team of seven state Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers to Quebec to assist with the firefighting efforts. Hundreds of wildfires have been reported in Canada. Many of the blazes are in Quebec.

A DEC forest ranger was sent to Nova Scotia last week to lead an interstate firefighting crew. These deployments are the first time since 2005 that New York forest rangers have been sent to Canada to fight wildfires.

The smoke from the wildfires has caused poor air quality in much of New York. The air quality index in central New York reached a level so high it was considered hazardous for anyone to be outside.

"While we continue to monitor the haze caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires, we are fortunate to have forest rangers trained and ready to take on the daunting task ahead," Hochul said. "New Yorkers are always at the ready to help those in need, and I thank our brave wildland firefighters whose efforts will be critical in containing these wildfires."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is also urging the federal government to provide more assistance to Canada. He is asking Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to double the number of U.S. Forest Service personnel deployed to fight the wildfires.

Schumer, D-N.Y., noted that the wildfires are a crisis for both countries since they are the cause of the poor air quality reported in New York and several other states.

"The best way to ensure that upstate New York does not suffer another wave of wildfire air pollution from these fires is to contain them as soon as possible," Schumer said. "That will not be easy, but the federal government must explore all options on the table to keep residents in New York across the U.S. safe. We must send personnel, equipment and we must offer any assistance that our friends north of the border need."

According to the White House, more than 600 federal and state firefighters have been sent to Canada to help battle the blazes. President Joe Biden said Thursday that he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday and offered additional assistance.
(Natural News) An Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper seized nearly 230 pounds of fentanyl pills on June 2 during a traffic stop in southern Arizona. The pills were reportedly being transported to the state capital of Phoenix.

The incident took place near the census-designated place of Amado along Interstate 19 in Santa Cruz County, about 45 minutes and less than 30 miles north of Arizonas border with Mexico.

The trooper stopped 27-year-old Fernando Alfonso-Fernandez while he was driving his 2015 Honda Accord heading north on Interstate 19 at milepost 34, near Amado. The trooper reported seeing several suspicious things that may indicate criminal activity and proceeded to conduct a search of Alfonso-Fernandezs vehicle.

During the search, the DPS trooper reported finding roughly 1.042 million fentanyl pills weighing 229.8 pounds. In addition, the trooper also found approximately 9.65 pounds worth of cocaine hidden in the car.

According to the department, the drugs found had an estimated street value of $3.1 million if sold in the Phoenix area. (Related: DEAD customers are bad for business: LA County seeks to curb fentanyl deaths by handing out GLASS PIPES for drugs that can be smoked.)

Alfonso-Fernandez was immediately arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on charges of possession, transportation and sale of narcotic drugs. The department alleged that Alfonso-Fernandez was trying to smuggle the drugs from Sonora, Mexico to Phoenix.

Arizona State Troopers Seize Over 229 Pounds of Fentanyl Pills on Interstate 19 Near Amado#AZTroopers discovered approximately 229.8 lb of fentanyl pills and 9.65 lb of cocaine worth an estimated $3.1 million. Read the news release: https://t.co/H42bnKSXzp pic.twitter.com/yqWVkYldXk  Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) June 2, 2023

Majority of fentanyl in America comes from Mexico

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). In 2022, fentanyl was a major contributor to the nearly 110,000 recorded drug deaths  slightly higher than the nearly 108,000 people in the U.S. who died from drug overdoses in 2021. Around two-thirds of the drug deaths recorded in both years involved synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl.

Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered, warned DEA Administrator Anne Milgram in a statement. Fentanyl is everywhere. No community is safe from this poison, from large metropolitan areas to rural America.

We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day, Milgram concluded.

Most of the illegal fentanyl found in the U.S. is made in Mexico and smuggled across the border to willing buyers all over the country. The fentanyl manufactured in Mexico also uses substances and precursors that come primarily from China.

Despite these clear origin points, the administration of President Joe Biden has been slow to react to the fentanyl crisis. He has yet to order his Democrats in the Senate to react to the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, introduced by Republican Rep. Morgan Griffith of Florida to the House of Representatives and passed with limited bipartisan support with 289 votes in favor and 133 against.

The act would increase penalties for those involved in fentanyl trafficking and provide additional resources for law enforcement agencies to tackle its illicit trade.

The Biden administration has also been slow to impose sanctions on the main criminals and organizations responsible for the trade. Most recently, Biden approved sanctions on 17 people and groups allegedly involved in distributing equipment used in the production of pills that frequently include fentanyl. Many of the targets were people and organizations in China and Mexico.

Learn more about the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the United States at Trafficking.news.

Watch this clip from The Sharp Response on Red Voice Media as host Tim Sharp talks to anti-fentanyl political activist Anne Elizabeth about how it may be time to wage war on drug cartels to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

This video is from the Red Voice Media channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

DRUG EPIDEMIC: Data reveals drug overdoses KILLED close to 110,000 Americans in 2022.

Police union executive involved in FENTANYL deals slapped with federal charges.

Data shows fentanyl addiction is the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 49.

Alex Jones: FENTANYL CRISIS victimizes both young and old.

Unsecured southern border allows illegal drugs like fentanyl to pour into America.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

12News.com

AZFamily.com

ABC15.com

NPR.org

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Chinese scientists have built a hypersonic generator that is capable of powering a range of weapons and military lasers as well as rail guns and microwave weapons, and the compact format of their generator means its potential uses are staggering.

Using a controlled detonation, Chinese researchers found a way to turn hot gas into plasma that contains racing ions that can be turned into current. They applied shock waves capable of accelerating compressed argon gas to as fast as 14 times the speed of sound, or Mach 14. Then, the charged plasma filled with ions was passed through a magnetohydrodynamic generator to create an electric current of up to 212 kilowatts from 26 gallons of gas. This generates power that far exceeds the capabilities of any currently available compact system.

According to the South China Morning Post, the scientists boasted that their system does not need any intermediate energy storage components. Instead, it is directly transferred to the load. In addition to starting up quickly, it is extremely efficient and has a very high capacity. Moreover, a lack of rotating parts means that it is easier to use and maintain.

The scientists report that they can produce a gigawatt of input power using just 177 cubic feet of hypersonic plasma. This is an amount that is smaller than most vans, and it produces enough to power some of the biggest weapons in development.

However, China is not ready to use their new system yet. First, they must address a number of logistical obstacles, such as how the device can be safely transported and how the gas that is required for a second charge can be handled while on the move.

China leading the world in hypersonic weapons

In addition to their work on the hypersonic generator, Chinese scientists are leading the way in the hypersonic weapons race.

In March, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agencys Chief Scientist for Science and Technology, Paul Freisthler, warned the House Armed Services Committee that China is currently leading the world when it comes to hypersonic weapons.

Freisthler said that although both China and Russia have been making great inroads, China is the clear leader in terms of numbers of systems and supporting infrastructure.

He added: Over the past two decades, China has dramatically advanced its development of conventional and nuclear-armed hypersonic missile technologies and capabilities through intense and focused investment, development, testing and deployment.

Although ballistic missiles can fly at hypersonic speeds, they must travel on a set trajectory. Hypersonic weapons, in contrast, can be maneuvered easily despite flying at speeds of Mach 5. This can make detecting and stopping them extremely challenging.

China is reportedly operating two research sites for its hypersonic weapon efforts and has at least 21 wind tunnels devoted to the research.

They announced this week that they have developed the most powerful hypersonic wind tunnel in the world. The JF-22 is capable of simulating flight conditions at Mach 30 and is currently housed in a mountainous area of northern Beijing. Claiming air flow speeds of as much as 6.3 miles per second, it is the fastest and biggest wind tunnel in existence. The owner of the facility, the Institute of Mechanics, said it will be used to support the research and development of Chinas space transport system and hypersonic aircraft.

China has also developed a new hypersonic missile known as the DF-22 that is capable of penetrating American missile defenses and presents a serious threat to U.S. aircraft carriers. They are difficult to track due to their high maneuverability; their changing flight paths mean defending against them is very difficult.

Complicating matters further is the fact that they fly higher than subsonic missiles but lower than intercontinental ballistic missiles, moving in a region of airspace in which the U.S. and its allies do not currently have good tracking coverage. This could potentially limit the U.S.s options when it comes to helping Taiwan should China decide to invade them.

Sources for this article include:

MSN.com

VOANews.com

FastCompany.com
(Natural News) Dozens of children have disappeared over a two-week period last month in Cleveland, Ohio. Authorities are uncertain if the disappearances are linked to gang activity, human trafficking or some other unrelated problem.

Cleveland police listed 27 youngsters under the age of 18 reported missing between May 2 and May 16. Authorities assumed that almost all of the cases were runaways but warned that teenagers are vulnerable to predators who are like wolves in sheeps clothing especially when they are running away from their parents. (Related: 5 Missing children found in Oklahoma City gang sweep, yet calls for defunding police persist.)

It will make it even harder for concerned citizens to find missing minors because of the lack of photos on social media and pages devoted to looking for them.

The rise in missing children came after a streak of arrests in Northeast Ohio for human trafficking.

Ten people were apprehended in the human trafficking sting in North Olmstead, Ohio, which is just a half-hour west of Cleveland. A non-profit executive and a middle school teacher were among those arrested.

According to Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy, the disappearance of that many children in a short span of time is something he has not seen in his 33-year career.

Theres always peaks and valleys with missing persons, but this year it seems like an extraordinary year. For some reason, in 2023, weve seen a lot more than we normally see, which is troubling in part because we dont know whats going on with some of these kids, whether theyre being trafficked or whether theyre involved in gang activity or drugs, said Majoy.

The disappearances are not going to make the news unless there is an Amber Alert, and their stories are not being shared on social media.

Its a silent crime that happens right under our noses. The problem is where are they? Where do they go? They can be in a drug house or farmed to prostitution or caught up in drug trafficking or gangs, Majoy said.

This fuels the series of crimes in the larger Cleveland area.

Majoy said when teenagers are hopeless, they join gangs for protection, which leads to initiation crimes such as robberies, carjackings, prostitution or the use of drugs.

Lack of photos make it harder to find missing persons

What makes this problem harder to solve is the lack of photos of the missing persons. Combing through Clevelands missing person pages shows that there are more blank spaces with the words Photo not available than there are pictures of the missing persons.

This makes all kinds of headaches for law enforcement, according to Majoy. Unless someone knows that person, then were not going to have any luck.

If the family has photos, police can employ social media and blare out messages to the public. The public, Majoy said, is law enforcements greatest asset in missing person cases.

Cleveland and the neighboring suburbs have a special nonprofit known as Cleveland Missing that is dedicated to giving support to families of missing persons, aiding with searches for their loved ones and helping them deal with their emotions. Majoy serves as the board president of Cleveland Missing.

The nonprofit was founded by Sylvia Colon and her cousin Gina DeJesus, who was abducted by kidnapper Ariel Castro in 2004 when she was 14 years old.

Individuals who want to leave tips for police on missing persons in and around Cleveland may call 216-623-7697 or email [email protected].

Follow Trafficking.news for more news about human trafficking in America.

Watch the video below about the 27 kids missing in Cleveland.

This video is from the Resistance Chicks channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

Child trafficking in America is REAL, and this teen was kidnapped from a basketball game crowd and sex trafficked for 11 days before being rescued.

11 Endangered children rescued by U.S. Marshals in New Orleans operation.

More than 70 kids rescued from trafficking ring in multi-state operation.

Sources include:

100 Percent Fedup.com

Fox News.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pulled the emergency use authorization (EUA) it issued for Johnson & Johnsons Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, ending its short-lived but chaotic existence during the pandemic.

The regulator announced the revocation on June 1 in the form of a letter it sent to Janssen Biotech. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said the letter was in response to the companys May 22 request for withdrawal. Janssen Biotech is a subsidiary of the New Jersey-based J&J.

Janssen Biotech, Inc. has informed the FDA that the last lots of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine purchased by the U.S. government have expired; that there is no demand for new lots of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.; and that Janssen Biotech Inc. does not intend to update the strain composition of this vaccine to address emerging variants, the letter stated.

FDA has determined that it is appropriate to protect the public health or safety to revoke this authorization. As of the date of this letter, the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is no longer authorized for emergency use.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously announced that the J&J vaccine was no longer available in the U.S. as the remaining government stocks expired on May 7. According to the public health agency, approximately 31.5 million doses of the single-dose vaccine were distributed to the states at the height of the pandemic. However, only around 19 million doses were injected  leaving roughly 12.5 million unused doses to expire.

The withdrawal of the J&J vaccines emergency approval aligns with the FDAs plans to evaluate new COVID-19 vaccine formulations for the upcoming fall season. But Janssen reportedly did not request the withdrawal until May 22  two weeks after the CDC revealed that the last government stocks of its single-dose vaccine expired.

J&J vaccine linked to serious adverse effects

Back in 2021, the FDA and CDC paused the use of the J&J vaccine just a few weeks after it was granted an EUA. The suspension stemmed from a clotting disorder linked to the vaccine, believed to be caused by the adenovirus used to carry the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

The adenovirus in the single-dose shot, which the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine also utilizes, triggers an immune response affecting platelets  components in the blood that are responsible for clotting. This subsequently leads to the formation of blood clots and reduction of overall platelet count. (Related: More people develop blood clots after receiving the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.)

Aside from the blood issues, the J&J vaccine was linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The syndrome involves the immune system attacking the nerves, which can lead to different neurological issues and even death. The serious reaction had led the FDA to place warning labels on the vaccine, highlighting that it could increase the risk of developing GBS within the first 42 days after injection.

The pause on the use of J&Js vaccine only lasted for 11 days, but demand for the single-dose shot never recovered after the downfall. Issues with quality control and contamination also contributed to the low uptake of the J&J vaccine.

Head over to Vaccines.news to read more stories about the J&J COVID-19 vaccine.

Watch Dr. Pam Popper explain why the FDA approves everything, including COVID-19 vaccines, without proper consideration.

This video is from the Wellness Forum Health channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

FDA finally admits that covid vaccines cause blood clots.

SMOKING GUN: CDC deliberately withheld truth from public about covid vaccines causing fatal blood clots.

Texas judge orders FDA to accelerate release of COVID-19 vaccine trial data (which the FDA tried to delay for 75 years.

Covid vaccine from AstraZeneca found to increase risk of Guillain-Barre and other neurological conditions.

Sources include:

ThePostMillenial.com

FDA.gov

ArsTechnica.com 1

ArsTechnica.com 2

YaleMedicine.org

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The German Nutrition Society (DGE) is now recommending that Germans reduce their meat consumption to 10 grams per day  equivalent to one sausage per month  to purportedly address global warming.

Climate alarmism is a pathetic excuse to push food tyranny. The global elites, who likely have a hand in this, need a better script next time.

A report by the German newspaper Bild expounded on the radical proposal. It wrote: The background to the planned meat reform is something completely different. In the future, environmental factors such as sustainability will also be taken into account in the recommendations.

The paper described the societys recommendation as sudden and radical, explaining that Germans consume an average of 109 g of meat daily  amounting to about 763 g weekly. The population will, therefore, have to drastically change its eating behavior if it agrees to comply with the new strategy, it noted. Earlier, the DGE had also recommended reducing meat consumption  albeit at a more tolerable 600 g per week.

The DGEs recommendation incidentally aligned with guidance from the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture. According to the chambers calculation, Germans reducing their meat consumption by half would bring the country one percent closer to its climate goals. (Related: Siemens chairman urges people to stop eating meat during speech at World Economic Forum.)

No one wants to ban people from their occasional currywurst, the DGE told Bild. But overall meat consumption in the population is too high for health and sustainability reasons. Its a scientific fact.

But Dr. Heike Harstick of the German Meat Industry Association (VdF) begged to differ. She pointed out to the newspaper that reducing meat consumption would increase the deficiency of particular nutrients among the German population.

Even in Germany, many people are already under-supplied with certain nutrients such as iron or vitamin B12, she said. If the new nutritional recommendations presented by the DGE were to remain and such a drastic reduction in animal-based foods recommended, the deficiency would increase.

DGEs guidance the wurst deal for meat-eating Germans

A June 4 article on Climate Depot expounded on the Bild report. It mentioned: From now on, environmental factors are also an integral part of the evaluation criteria of the nutrition agency. This means that it no longer confines itself to stating how much meat is healthy, or what kind of meat to avoid, it also takes into account the [carbon dioxide] balance of food.

While the piece noted that the DGE only publishes recommendations that arent mandatory, it continued that the society is also a certification body.

Some activities depend directly on the approval of the DGE, this is particularly the case for school canteens. Indeed, it awards certificates to [them]. Those that do not have [DGE certificates] are almost considered unhealthy, Climate Depot remarked. Will the nutrition authority continue to issue certifications to canteens that offer meat beyond the recommended quota?

Moreover, it noted that the DGEs radical directive to eschew meat has been taken into the new nutritional strategy proposed by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The strategy put forward by German Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir was adopted by the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz in December 2022. A plan is due to be approved by the end of 2023.

The recommendation to radically reduce meat consumption is not limited to Germany. Its southeastern neighbor France also urged French citizens to limit their meat consumption to 500 g per week.

Citing health authorities in the country, the French Court of Auditors suggested in a detailed report released May 22 that consumers should not eat more than 500 g per week  about 71.4 g daily. The report noted that 28 percent of French adults were exceeding this threshold.

Head over to FoodPolice.news for more stories about the push to reduce meat consumption in the name of addressing climate change.

Watch this CHD TV report about New York City tracking and limiting New Yorkers meat purchases.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Industry giant Siemens, which once ran forced labor camps for the Nazi regime in Germany, calls for ONE BILLION PEOPLE to stop eating meat.

To fight climate change, say academics, UK must ban meat, halt all new construction, close all airports.

Attack on food supply continues: Germany proposes tax increase specifically targeting meat products.

NYC to begin tracking food purchases to make sure residents dont consume too much meat.

Meat prices jump another 40% in Germany  EMPTY SHELVES on the way.

Sources include:

ClimateDepot.com

NewsInFrance.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The Democratic Marxist left in America is slowly but surely brainwashing our youth into believing that an all-powerful government is the best thing for society, as evidenced by another new survey.

A significant portion of Generation Z, approximately one-third, expresses acceptance towards the idea of government-installed surveillance cameras in every household, purportedly to address issues such as domestic violence and other illegal activities.

Would you favor or oppose the government installing surveillance cameras in every household to reduce domestic violence, abuse, and other illegal activity? a new survey from the Cato Institute asked, according to Zero Hedge. Of the responses, 29 percent of those aged 18-29 said yes.

Got that? Nearly one-third bought into this totalitarian BS under the guise of trying to solve some problems. Never mind that such government-mandated surveillance would be a direct violation of the Fourth Amendments privacy guarantees.

The New York Post reports:

In 1791, the utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham proposed building a panopticon in which peoples behavior could be monitored at all times.

But Benthams panopticon was meant to be a prison. A sizable segment of Generation Z would like to call it home.

Among millennials (aged 30-44), 20 percent share the sentiment of accepting government-installed surveillance cameras in every household. However, as individuals grow older, the acceptance decreases significantly, with only 6 percent of Americans aged 45 and older supporting such measures.

In terms of political affiliation, 19 percent of liberals and 18 percent of centrists believe in government monitoring for safety purposes. Surprisingly, 9-11 percent of conservatives, very conservatives, and very liberals also agree, showcasing a convergence of opinions on this particular issue that transcends traditional political boundaries.

The Post notes further:

Its the middle that has the ethic of old East German secret police  or the KGB.

Maybe thats not surprising considering the way respectable liberal institutions now run themselves.

From Ivy League campuses to the publishing industry and the digital domains of Facebook, there is an Orwellian sense of perpetual emergency, an irrational fear that misinformation and hate speech will overwhelm society unless every utterance is subject to a censors scrutiny.

Even Orwell didnt imagine Newspeak would require new pronouns.

In terms of racial breakdown, 33 percent of black Americans, 25 percent of Hispanics, 11 percent of whites, and 9 percent of Asians expressed their acceptance of government-installed surveillance cameras in every household.

The findings were part of a broader survey on American attitudes towards the potential implementation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Interestingly, the data showed that 53 percent of Americans who support a CBDC also support the idea of in-home surveillance cameras.

Notably, Americans who support a CBDC stood out in how they think about in-home government surveillance cameras. A majority (53%) of Americans who support a CBDC support the government installing in-home surveillance cameras to reduce abuse and other illegal activity. This suggests that some of the psychology behind support for a CBDC springs from an above average comfort level with trading some personal autonomy and privacy for societal order and security, the libertarian-leaning CATO Institute added.

For the record, the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects peoples privacy and guards against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Under the Fourth Amendment, police must obtain a warrant supported by probable cause and have to describe with particularity the places to be searched and persons to be seized.

Strip searches, body cavity searches, and electronic surveillance are valid searches under the Fourth Amendment when supported by probable cause and conducted in a reasonable manner. The seizure of a person under the Fourth Amendment occurs when an officer shows authority and the person being seized submits to the authority. States can establish higher standards of search and seizure protection than required by the Fourth Amendment, but they cannot allow conduct that violates it. The Fourth Amendment also protects against warrantless acquisition of data by the government.

Now you know why the American Marxist left pushed Civics 101 courses out of high school.

Sources include:

EPIC.org

NYPost.com
(Natural News) Its official  Tucker Carlson is a national political sensation. The only other individual we can think of with such influence and power is President Trump. Not so surprisingly, Fox News actually intensified Tuckers strength and power by firing him, and we know that because the first episode of Tuckers new show just aired on Twitter and its already racked up a stunning 72.1 million views as of press time.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

As of this publishing, Tuckers debut episode has pulled in a whopping 56 million views. Just to give you an idea of how big those numbers are, last year NBC News coverage of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony reached 14 million viewers across different platforms.

And if you think thats impressive, look what Tucker did in just under 180 minutes:

 17M views

 90K retweets

 25K comments

Tucker broke the corporate media monopoly matrix tonight & its never coming back. Tucker uploaded a 10 min monologue.

No ads or interruptions.

No pricy subscriptions.

Watch on demand. The result?  17M views

 90K RTs

 25K comments In under 180 mins We are the media now? pic.twitter.com/3X2vLIBiNz  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 7, 2023

Thats real power. The regime must be quaking in their boots right now. And speaking of the regime, Tucker didnt hold back one bit, launching a relentless attack on the entire war machine with the burning intensity of a thousand righteous suns.

Tucker opened the show with this line, sending a gentle, but serious warning to Elon.

As of today, weve come to Twitter, which we hope will be the shortwave radio under the blankets. Were told there are no gatekeepers here. If that turns out to be false, well leave. But in the meantime, we are grateful to be here.

The Hill:

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson released the first episode of his new show on Twitter Tuesday evening. Hey, its Tucker Carlson, the host said, opening the 10-minute video while seated behind a desk at what appears to be his home in rural Maine. Carlson then offered commentary on a reported explosion at a dam in Ukraine that sparked widespread evacuations in the war-torn country.

One of our favorite parts was when Tucker unleashed on warmongering RINO Lindsey Graham saying, The aroma of death has aroused Lindsey Graham.

Savage.

The conservative pundit used the episode to deride the American news media and politicians who have defended U.S. involvement in the countrys war with Russia

Tucker dubbed this clip Episode 1. It lasted just 10 minutes, but it sent shockwaves through the nation and across the globe, thanks to blistering truth bombs like this:

So if youre wondering why our country seems so dysfunctional nobody knows whats happening. A small group of people control access to all relevant information and the rest of us dont know. Were allowed to yap all we want about racism, but go ahead and talk about something that really matters  and see what happens. If you keep it up, theyll make you be quiet  trust us. Thats how they maintain control.

The truth sounds so good

WOW  Tucker On Twitter !!! Hes finally free to say what he wants and that was absolute fire. ? This is going to change everything.  Catturd  (@catturd2) June 6, 2023

Hes back, folks, and hes stronger than ever. The regime unintentionally turned a beloved truth-teller into a media legend when they tried to silence him. You can be sure theyre feeling the pressure.

Read more at: Revolver.news
Beijing (Gasgoo)- In May 2023, Chinese automaker Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan Automobile) recorded a 32.49% surge in monthly sales compared to a year ago.

In the past month, Changan Automobile sold a total of 200,197 vehicles, up 10.01% from the previous month. Among the vehicles sold last month, 29,288 units were new energy vehicles (NEVs) under Changan Automobile's wholly-owned brands, which shot up 113.42% year on year while leaping 30.19% month over month.

UNI-K iDD; photo credit: Changan Automobile

In the first five months of this year, Changan Automobiles cumulative sales volume amounted to 989,985 vehicles, climbing 7.8% from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of the automakers wholly-owned brands summed up to 835,251 units, representing a 12.74% increase over the prior-year period. Among the wholly-owned brands vehicles sold in the Jan.-May period, 96,170 units were sold in overseas markets to reflect a 17.05% rise from the same period in 2022.

As to Changan Automobiles two joint ventures, Changan Ford scored a 48.22% year-on-year hike in May sales, which came in at 19,518 units. Meanwhile, Changan Mazda faced a 20.79% year-over-year decline with 6,902 vehicles sold in the past month.
(Natural News) The establishment is already trying to destroy the candidacies of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. because both 2024 presidential hopefuls are threatening to upend the political establishment.

Much like Donald Trump did when running in 2016, Ramaswamy and Kennedy have branded themselves as anti-establishment candidates whose stated goals include similar concepts such as drain the swamp, though with different rhetoric.

Ramaswamy, a 37-year-old entrepreneur, recently announced that tech firm LinkedIn locked him out of his account over what would later be called an error. Ramaswamy says the move was anything but an error, though, as he believes LinkedIn targeted him.

The fact that theyre describing it as an error is a lie, Ramaswamy said.

I initially thought it was a technical error. When my team reached out, what we ended up getting was  back and forth of multiple emails laying out the very specific quotes from videos that I had posted relating to fossil fuels being a requirement for human prosperity, relating to [President Joe] Bidens ties to China, relating to if the climate movement was about the climate, then they would pay attention to carbon emissions in places like China.

According to LinkedIn, Ramaswamy violated the social media platforms policies on hate speech by voicing these and other related things, also calling his words misinformation and violence.

And so, the way I look at this is  I stand my ground  as you know this about me  whether its Chuck Todd on Meet the Press or whether its Don Lemon on CNN, I go to the other sides turf, I hold my ground, and I win. I did that with LinkedIn here.

(Related: Here is the official announcement from RFK Jr. about his bid for president in 2024.)

Instagram banned RFK Jr. for six months just for trying to sign up and make an account

As for Kennedy, the son of late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of late President John F. Kennedy, he tweeted that when his team tried to use the official campaign website email to create an account on the Meta-owned Instagram platform, they received an automatic 180-day ban.

All Team Kennedy did was attempt to create an Instagram account to promote his candidacy and platform, only to be auto-banned for six months with no explanation whatsoever.

To silence a major political candidate is profoundly undemocratic, Kennedy wrote in a follow-up tweet. Social media is the modern equivalent of the town square. How can democracy function if only some candidates have access to it?

Kennedy used to have a personal account on Instagram with more than 900,000 followers that was banned years ago and still hasnt (been) reinstated. This presumably occurred because of Kennedys long-held stance against childhood vaccines.

Unfortunately for these two anti-establishment candidates, this is just the beginning. The election interference that is sure to continue will only escalate from here, turning into a bloodbath worse even than what happened when Trump ran.

That was just the first shots that were fired, Ramaswamy said about Big Techs plans for him and Kennedy moving forward.

Should Ramaswamy become the GOP nominee, he may end up teaming up with Kennedy as his running mate, even though the two are on opposite wings of the American political bird.

As for fake president Joe Biden, Ramaswamy called him a puppet for the managerial industrial complex that controls Washington, D.C., adding that Bidens physical and mental deficits are seen as a feature rather than a bug.

The latest news about RFK Jr.s run for the presidency in 2024 can be found at VoteDemocrat.news.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) There is more trouble in Jay Inslee land where the anti-racist director of the Office of Equity was fired from her job for engaging in racist, sexist behavior on the job.

Dr. Karen Johnson, a black woman who was hired as Washington states equity director back in 2021, was let go on May 17 by Gov. Inslee after an internal investigation found that she had engaged in inappropriate conduct, which included inappropriate or insensitive comments.

In one instance, Johnson reprimanded a female employee for having braids in her hair, claiming that it is cultural appropriation to do so when non-black. Johnson also accused some employees of being paternalistic during a meeting, then became infuriated when another employee on the call indicated that she did not know what Johnson meant by the use of paternalistic.

Johnson also reportedly went around the office alluding to employees that she was receiving personal messages from God. In various instances, Johnson would tell other employees that God had instructed her to hire them and that they would be disappointing God by not accepting the role.

Johnson also told a Mexican employee that it would take some time for her to personally accept said employee at the office because I generally distrust Mexican people, were her exact words to the employee.

Mexican people have the option of being white when it is convenient for them, Johnson would go on to state to the Mexican employee.

(Related: Google is doing its part to push anti-white racism by censoring white couples from image searches.)

Karen Johnson: just another unqualified diversity hire

The investigation into Johnsons abhorrent behavior hinged upon more than a dozen witness testimonies and 2,649 pages of documentation, which also show that Johnson was disorganized and lacked adequate structure and process.

Since the office was first set up in 2021, Johnson being its first head, five of its 17 employees have resigned. All of them indicated that the reasoning for their departures had to do with a chaotic, overburdened, and disrespectful workplace culture created by Dr. Johnson.

Besides a total lack of organizational process and procedures, Johnson was a micromanager, according to these employees. She also lacked a proper work-life balance, while all the time making inappropriate and insensitive comments.

In one instance, Johnson publicly chastised one of her employees for attending a meeting that the person had been invited to at the governors office without first getting her permission to do so by Johnson. Another said he or she was shamed by Johnson in both a private meeting and in public.

Numerous people told investigators that Johnson regularly engaged in biased and insensitive conduct, including constant stereotyping and biases based on gender, Hispanic ancestry, and tokenism related to military veteran status.

Johnson responded to all this by claiming that the staff she was given did not have the skill set needed to operate with emotional maturity.

[My] staff operated like they needed a boss to tell them what to do, reads a statement from Johnson. They could not operate at the speed of trust with character and competence.

Johnson would also generally distrust her two Mexican employees for their Hispanic ancestry, which even though she is black and is given way more leeway in this regard than a white person would get, is both unacceptable and illegal in the workplace.

If this decision means that, by default, what has been said about me without me stands as fact, so be it, Johnson added in a statement.

I must keep a clear conscious by not participating in this triangulating behavior, one of my non-negotiables. My truth is that I am more than willing to make myself available to meet with you and the person(s) bringing the allegation(s) / concern(s), as is my custom. Seeking reconciliation is more important to me than seeking to prove who is right. My destiny depends on this decision and destiny demands that I move forward.

Equity is just code for anti-white. To learn more, visit RaceWar.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The World Health Organization (WHO) is partnering with the Rockefeller Foundation to address pandemics fueled by so-called climate change.

The partnership is meant to strengthen the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, a special project under the WHOs Health Emergencies Program meant to facilitate a global collaboration of partners from multiple sectors that supports countries and stakeholders to address future pandemic and epidemic risks.

Established in 2021, the Pandemic Hub is meant to provide support, equipment and expertise to these global partners and to facilitate better access to data, better analytical capacities and better tools and insights for decision-making to combat future disease and virus outbreaks. (Related: Is the WHO planning to unleash climate lockdowns as the next pandemic?)

The Rockefeller Foundation touts itself as working toward building renewable energy for all. Its partnership with the WHO is expected to accelerate the Pandemic Hubs efforts with catalytic funding and technical assistance.

Both the WHO and the Rockefeller Foundation are well known for their very left-wing leanings on matters like climate change, and both have extensive ties to left-wing billionaires like George Soros and Bill Gates. Around 88 percent of the amount the WHO receives from supposedly philanthropic organizations comes from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Rockefeller Foundation itself has been collaborating with the WHO for over 75 years, including providing it with over $27 million in grants over the last two decades and a $1 billion investment to catalyze a more inclusive, green recovery from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Rockefeller provides WHO Pandemic Hub with funding and technical expertise

To seal their partnership, the Rockefeller Foundation has invested $5 million with partners working with the WHO to cultivate global networks for pathogen detection and strengthen pandemic preparedness capabilities, including broadening surveillance for diseases worsened by rising temperatures and extreme weather.

A press release by the Rockefeller Foundation further notes that its investment and ongoing partnership with the WHOs Pandemic Hub will support other projects under the hub, including:

Scaling global capacity for genomic surveillance through the WHOs newly-launched International Pathogen Surveillance Network program.

Developing a digital platform to increase the WHOs ability to communicate and collaborate in real-time with other public health analysts, researchers and organizations around the globe to scale evidence-based, field-tested epidemic tools.

Support global public health agencies by developing user-centered product strategies for existing WHO epidemic intelligence solutions.

Improving outbreak detection through a data science initiative in partnership with other WHO partners.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored that disease surveillance, collaboration between stakeholders and data sharing were absolutely essential ingredients for health security  and the global community was unprepared, said WHO Assistant Director-General Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who also serves as the head of the Pandemic Hub. With the increasing threats from climate change, we are excited to partner with the Rockefeller Foundation to usher in a new era of global collaboration in pandemic intelligence.

Rockefeller Foundation President Dr. Rajiv Shah expressed similar sentiments, claiming that climate change is increasing both the risk of another global pandemic and the need for organizations like his to partner with the WHO to collaborate and share data on pandemic preparedness.

The WHO Pandemic Hub is already making us smarter and safer by helping track threats, find solutions and connect countries and continents, added Shah in a statement. Were proud to partner with the Hub to expand its focus on preventing pandemics fueled by climate change.

Learn more about the WHOs activities at Globalism.news.

Watch this clip from Ickonic as host David Icke discusses the Rockefeller family and asks how much longer will society allow this family to control the world.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Climate change news coverage is BOUGHT with grants that fund corporate media  just like how Pfizer pays for FAKE NEWS promoting COVID jabs.

WHO pushing new pandemic rules to gain dictatorial control over UNs 194 member countries.

Biological warfare expert warns: WHO will lower humans to the status of animals to gain more control.

WHO declares end to COVID-19 global public health emergency after its fraudulent policies destroyed lives and economies.

Clintons join with Rockefeller globalists to promote a digital cash fund in the name of climate change.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

JustTheNews.com

PandemicHub.WHO.int

PRNewswire.com

EuroNews.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) A Canadian elementary school bearing the name of a Catholic saint hosted what some described as a disgusting and wild pride celebration last week featuring a drag queen, a giant rainbow tunnel, and pride flags galore.

(Article by Anthony Murdoch republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

The school pride event took place last Friday at St. Matthews elementary school in St. Johns, Newfoundland. The kindergarten to grade seven school is part of the Newfoundland & Labrador English School District.

Video of the pride event was widely shared on Twitter, notably by user Colin Barry, whose bio says he is a grade five teacher at the school. The videos and photos posted by Barry show among other things kids running through a rainbow tunnel, a drag queen performing an act, and school staff happily waving pride flags.

Many social media users blasted the school for having the event and the fact that a full-on drag queen was performing before kids.

This is DISGUSTING Its perverse to push this on children You should be arrested and tried for Endangering the welfare of minors as well as Contributing to the delinquency of minors. I hope the Parents of those children sue the CRAP out of you, the school and anyone else who pushed this, tweeted user @BarbReilly7 about the event.

Another Twitter user lamented how many people today simply dont see an issue with pride events targeting kids.

Sadly, most of those parents are either out of touch, or they need to feel accepted and go along w/it. I went to Catholic schools. Im bewildered how many of my alumni are all about this nonsense w/their kids/grandkids, tweeted user @imbluesparrow.

Another, who says he is a gay man, blasted the school for hosting the event.

Hi. Gay man here. This isnt for kids. Youre doing more harm to gay men and women than good, tweeted user @kopopoulous.

The backlash was so great that the schools official Twitter account was shut down to only show tweets to approved followers.

Other school staff members posted photos of the event as well.

Catholic schools were done away with in Newfoundland in 1997 after voters decided to create a non-denominational system. However, many schools such as St. Matthews still carry their old school names.

The LGBT lobby has pushed hard in recent years to mark June as pride month. In many parts of Canada and the United States, pride month is on full display with the full backing of many corporations, governments, and influential people.

The push for the normalcy of the transgender/LGBT agenda has also been observed in other Canadian schools.

However, as LifeSiteNews columnist Jonathon Van Maren pointed out in a recent blog, the many politicians, companies, and people who use the month to push an agenda are doing so to grift Canadians who do not want to take part in pride.

As we approach a month of public, orgiastic celebration of weird sexual fetishes, Canadian institutions are competing to see who can grovel lowest and flag-wave the hardest, Van Maren noted.

Politicians arrive to genuflect to their cultural overlords; corporations send expensive floats to the festivals of nudity and indecency organizers like to call parades; the LGBT flag is hoisted above schools, city halls, and businesses.

Van Maren wrote that this strategy is so brazen that it only succeeds due to a potent combination of the cowardice of our politicians and the collaboration of our press.

There have been some success stories, however, in relation to some Catholic school boards pushing back against pride month.

Last week, school trustees from York Catholic District School Board voted 6-4 against flying the pride flag at its Catholic Education Centre during June.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
(Natural News) Chinese Minister of Defense Li Shangfu has warned that a severe conflict between China and the United States would be an unbearable disaster that the world might not be able to recover from.

Li gave this warning during the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, an international defense summit held every year in Singapore. (Related: Chinese fighter jet flies too close to US recon plane flying over South China Sea.)

China and the U.S. have different systems and are different in many other ways. However, this shouldnt keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation, suggested Li during his speech at the summit on Sunday, June 4. Its undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the U.S. will be an unbearable disaster for the world.

Li called on the U.S. to behave in the way China believes a superpower should behave instead of provoking bloc confrontation for self-interest.

Lis speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue comes as he and the Chinese Communist Party snubbed calls from the U.S. for him to sit down for an official meeting with his American counterpart, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, with Beijing claiming there was little chance of a meeting between the two due to a spat over sanctions.

The U.S. sanctioned Li over his involvement in Chinese imports of Russian weapons in 2018, before his appointment to the Defense Ministry and while he was serving as a general of the Peoples Liberation Army.

Earlier in the day of the Dialogue, before Lis speech, Austin told reporters that Washington was deeply disappointed in Beijing for its lack of military communication, saying: The more we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict.

China claims its open to dialogue, but will not budge on any issue

Ties between Washington and Beijing have been badly strained in recent years over a range of issues, including President Joe Bidens ongoing trade war over restrictions on semiconductor chip exports, the right to traverse international waters in the South China Sea and the future of the democratically governed island of Taiwan.

Li claimed during the Shangri-La Dialogue that Beijing was open to talks with the U.S. to avoid possible confrontations, calling on Washington to take concrete action with Beijing to avert a scenario wherein ties between the two nations might further deteriorate.

Despite this, Li took thinly veiled digs at the U.S. by claiming, without naming which countries, that certain nations were intensifying an arms race and interfering in the internal affairs of others by foisting its rules-based international order on others.

[Some country] practices exceptionalism and double standards and only serves the interests and follows the rules of a small number of countries, claimed Li. He added that Beijing was strongly opposed to imposing ones own will on others, placing ones own interests above those of others and pursuing ones own security at the expense of others.

Li also accused Washington of harboring a Cold War mentality and deliberately increasing the risk of conflict.

Mutual respect should prevail over bullying and hegemony, claimed Li, who suggested that China was being victimized because its neighbors in the region are forming defense and security alliances. In essence, attempts to push for a [North Atlantic Treaty Organization]-like [alliance] in the Asia-Pacific is a way of kidnapping regional countries and exaggerating conflicts and confrontations, which will only plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts.

Li further suggested that Beijing will not tolerate any provocations when it comes to the issue of ownership over Taiwan or the South China Sea, both of which China claims as its sovereign territory and at the core of Chinas core interests.

Taiwan is Chinas Taiwan, and how to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese to decide, said Li.

This comes as China claims the U.S. is deliberately provoking risk after America, along with Canada, staged a rare joint naval exercise by sailing through the Taiwan Strait, the body of water that separates the democratically governed island from the communist mainland.

The U.S. Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy conducted a routine transit of the strait on Saturday, June 3 by sailing two ships through waters where high-seas freedom of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.

This position on the Taiwan Strait is standard and mirrors Americas position on the South China Sea, which is to emphasize that most of the sea is international waters and not actually the maritime territory of China.

Furthermore, Austin noted that Washington remains deeply committed to preserving the status quo in Taiwan and to prevent a possible invasion and forced reunification of the island with Beijing.

Learn more about the communist regime in Beijing at CommunistChina.news.

Watch this Fox News clip discussing how former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta claims Chinese President Xi Jinping has learned a lesson from Ukraine.

This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

US signs defense pact with Papua New Guinea to counter Chinas growing influence over Pacific nations.

China quickly expanding use of yuan in global trade as it seeks to dethrone US dollar as worlds top currency.

Generals warn of aggressive Chinese military expansion into Latin America.

China begins its largest-ever expansion of nuclear arsenal.

China may have already deployed unstoppable hypersonic missiles capable of targeting American bases in the Pacific.

Sources include:

SGTReport.com

DW.com

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Tens of thousands of homes in Ukraine are at risk of being washed away by the partial destruction of the countrys massive Kakhovka Dam. And evidence suggests the culprit was not Russia as Ukraine is claiming, but rather Kiev itself.

Back in December, the Washington Post reported that Ukraines Kherson Counteroffensive Major General Andrey Kovalchuk had admitted to plotting the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam at some point in the future, presumably meaning now.

The Post reported that Kovalchuk had considered flooding the river, and that Ukraine had even conducted a test strike with a HIMARS launcher on one of the floodgates at the Nova Kakhovka Dam, making three holes in the metal to see if the Dniepers water could be raised enough to stymie Russian crossings but not flood nearby villages.

The test was a success, the Post added, quoting Kovalchuk, but the step remained a last resort. He held off.

All of this sure sounds like Ukraine just self-sabotaged itself while blaming Russia for the alleged attack. And as usual, the corporate media is siding with Ukraines version of events and blaming Russia as well, even though all signs point to this being an inside job.

(Related: What will become of Western civilization after the Russia-Ukraine conflict comes to an end?)

Will the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant suffer a meltdown due to lost cooling water from Kakhovka Reservoir?

The Posts use of the phrase the step remained a last resort in reference to Kovalchuks admissions that Kiev was possibly planning to blow up the Kakhovka Dam itself is even more compelling in light of the fact that the first phase of Kievs NATO-backed counteroffensive this week completely failed, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Just like Ukraine launched its proxy invasion of Russia in late May to distract from its loss in the Battle of Artyomovsk, so too does it seem to have gone through with Kovalchuks planned war crime to distract from this most recent embarrassment as well, reported Zero Hedge about the matter.

If it is really true that the first phase of Kievs counteroffensive failed miserably, then the risk of it ruining the entire campaign was probably too great to not see Kovalchuks last resort put into play on the fly, resulting in the Kakhovka Dam getting blasted.

Why would Ukraine want to blow up its own dam, you might be asking? The answer is that Russia controls the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which relies on water from the now-draining Kakhovka Reservoir for cooling. If all the water runs out of the reservoir, then Zaporozhye is toast.

Seeing how Zaporozhye is Europes largest nuclear power facility, the subsequent risk of the facility suffering a Fukushima-style meltdown is not necessarily out of the question. What we are seeing is a major escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict that threatens nuclear fallout for large swaths of Europe, should Zaporozhye lose its cooling water.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, there is no immediate nuclear safety risk from any of this  but a latent one cannot necessarily be ruled out, should things degrade any further.

Another strategic reason why Kiev may have destroyed its own dam is because the regions now being flooded by all that escaping water are divided between Kiev and Moscow, which could complicate Russias defensive plans along the left bank of the Dnieper River.

Taken together with the consequences connected to the first scenario, this means that a significant part of the riparian front behind the LOC could soon soften up to facilitate the next phase of Kievs counteroffensive, reports warn.

The latest news about the situation in Ukraine can be found at UkraineWitness.com.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

KoryBko.substack.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has endorsed anti-censorship candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.). He has also predicted RFK Jr.s victory in the 2024 presidential elections.

Dorsey made his endorsement and prediction in a June 5 tweet. He wrote that RFK Jr. can and will beat incumbent President Joe Biden. The former Twitter head also said he is confident that Kennedy will beat either former President Donald Trump or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis of the Republican Party.

Dorseys tweet was in response to a recent interview where the health freedom advocate expressed confidence over a victory against his two rivals. When asked if this was an endorsement or simply a prediction, Dorsey replied it was both. The erstwhile Twitter CEO also blasted the Democratic National Committee, saying that it is getting more irrelevant by the day.

Not everyone took too kindly to Dorsey backing the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, however. Political commentator Keith Olbermann called the former head of Twitter a moron.

Christian Christensen, an academic at Stockholm University in Sweden, also blasted Dorseys support of the Democratic candidate. He tweeted: So Dorsey has come out and endorsed conspiracy wacko Kennedy. And this is they guy who was supposed to be running some kind of radical Marxist indoctrination platform when he was boss at Twitter?

Dorsey doing a 180 over the issue of censorship by backing RFK Jr.

Breitbart tech correspondent Allum Bokhari noted the stark contrast between Dorsey backing RFK Jr. and the former Twitter CEOs espousal of censorship. Bokhari noted that back in 2018, Dorsey dismissed Twitters claim to be the free speech wing of the free speech party as but a mere joke.

Dorseys tenure was also marked with censorship regarding the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines against the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Incidentally, RFK Jr. and other scientists also found themselves being censored by Twitter over this issue. (Related: EXCLUSIVE: Insider reveals Twitter CEO Jack Dorseys roadmap for conservative censorship.)

Parag Agrawal succeeded Dorsey in November 2021, and Elon Musk took over as Twitter CEO in October 2022 after he purchased the company. Musk later stepped down in June 2023 to give way to his replacement, incumbent Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino.

Despite this and other forms of censorship proliferating during his time as CEO, Dorsey has attempted to restore his free speech credentials since leaving his position  including laying out a series of principles for social media platforms to resist government censorship efforts, Bokhari wrote.

His endorsement of RFK Jr. seems to be the latest example of Dorsey attempting to jettison his old image as an enforcer of progressive narratives.

For his part, the Democratic presidential candidate blasted the establishments embrace of censorship during an April 24 exclusive interview with Breitbart. Were now in this situation where without free speech, democracy just withers and dies. Free speech is the fertilizer, its the sunlight, its the water for democracy, he said.

There is no time in history where the people who were censoring speech were the good guys. Theyre always the bad guys because, of course, that is the first and last step of totalitarianism  silencing critics.

Visit DorseyWatch.com for more stories about the founder and former CEO of Twitter.

Watch Martin Brodel discussing tech giant Meta blocking RFK Jr. from making an account for his campaign on Instagram below.

This video is from the Martin Brodel channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Jack Dorsey admits biggest mistake was creating authoritarian censorship toolbox.

Twitter yielding to more government CENSORSHIP demands under Musk leadership.

After cooperating with Feds at Twitter, Jack Dorsey invokes JFK call to destroy CIA, FBI, NSA.

RFK Jr. warns: There is no time in history where the people censoring speech were the good guys.

Insta-BANNED: RFK Jr. campaign accounts immediately SUSPENDED by Instagram for 6 months.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Breitbart.com 1

Breitbart.com 2

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Ukraine, and especially the eastern portion of the country, has a serious Nazi problem that the corporate media has been trying to conceal for many years  but no longer can.

Only recently was The New York Times forced to admit that Nazi ideology rules and reigns among Ukraines military and paramilitary  though the admission was reluctant due to the simple fact that the corporate media is having a really hard time stopping the public from seeing Nazi symbols on the helmets and uniforms of Ukrainian fighters while reading or watching the news.

Swastikas are everywhere on Ukrainian gear, so much so that the Times felt the need to run a piece acknowledging what many have known for years. The Times spun it, though, to claim that Nazi symbology in Ukraine simply highlights the thorny issues of its history as a country.

Since at least 2014, it has been widely known among independent media consumers that Ukraine is run by some questionable folks, to say the least. It is no surprise to any of them, in other words, that not much has changed since Russia invaded the land.

To corporate media consumers, however, the Times piece might be the first time they are hearing about Nazi anything in Ukraine. And because of the Times spin-doctoring, they will be led to believe that such symbols are merely historical relics rather than current beliefs.

(Related: Yes, Ukraine is a Nazi-controlled state littered with biological research facilities.)

Evidence of Nazi symbols on Ukrainian uniforms is just Putins propaganda, according to the NY Times

The Times is so reluctant to tell the truth about Ukraines Nazi ideologies that it has even gone so far in other recent reporting to claim that photos in other news reports depicting the current usage of these symbols in a non-historical context are somehow misleading.

In each photograph, the Times reported in frustration about the poor optics of modern-day Ukraine in independent media reporting, Ukrainians in uniforms wore patches featuring symbols that were made notorious by Nazi Germany and have since become part of the iconography of far-right hate groups.

The photographs, and their deletions, highlight the Ukrainian militarys complicated relationship with Nazi imagery, a relationship forged under both Soviet and German occupation during World War II, a Times report continues.

NATO is in on the cover-up as well, having recently deleted images of modern-day Ukrainian military uniform symbols from its social media accounts in an attempt to conceal their Nazi underpinnings.

Back in November, the Times reported, the papers reporters participated in a meeting near the front line that was attended by a Ukrainian press officer who was wearing a Totenkopf variation made by a company called R3ICH (pronounced Reich). A second press officer who was present at the meeting admitted that other journalists had asked all soldiers in the room to remove such patches before taking any photographs.

In an attempt at damage control, the Times has repeatedly tried to claim that none of these symbols that journalists wanted to hide from readers and viewers are actually affiliated with Nazism. Instead, they are symbols of Ukrainian sovereignty and pride, not Nazism, we are told.

Hilariously, the Times is somehow blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin for these accidental revelations about Nazi symbols and an associated cover-up, writing that [i]n the short term, the presence of Nazi symbology on Ukrainian uniforms threatens to reinforce Putins propaganda while giving fuel to his false claims that Ukraine must be de-Nazified  a position that ignores the fact that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish.

More of the latest news about the situation in Ukraine can be found at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) When a state attorney general candidate runs on a platform of, Im going to investigate and take down Donald Trump, then wins the election, then keeps her promise and begins legally harassing and investigating Trump, why would anyone who is being honest not believe that it was all political?

Of course, it is, and thats all New York Attorney General Letitia James is  a state-sponsored terrorist who is unleashing politically motivated lawfare against a conservative former president who is really emblematic of anyone in her state (and beyond  Trump lives in Florida) who runs afoul of the new American Marxist movement gaining momentum all across the country.

She hasnt actually indicted Trump yet, but her male counterpart clone, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has, charging the former president with 34 bogus felonies in regards to an alleged hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in a case that was already examined by the prosecutors in the Southern District of New York and passed over because theres no there there.

But she has gone after a quirky conservative website and its one of those under-the-radar cases that has not been widely reported but the outcome of which is monumentally important for conservatives.

A federal court ruling likely to drop this month should provide a good indication as to whether America still has a fully functioning First World justice system, John Kline writes at American Greatness.

The case, involving an investigation from New York Attorney General Letitia James into the supposed mismanagement of controversial news outlet VDare.com, has received zero media coverage so far, despite it being as crude, brutish, and nakedly political as James other lawfare campaigns (notably against former President Trump and the NRA). In fact, its arguably worse, as it was clearly designed to dox VDares writers and volunteers and bankrupt the tiny outlet out of existence, he continued.

In a recent column discussing James investigation, Peter Brimelow, founder and editor of VDare, expresses his frustration with the mounting challenges his outlet has faced in promoting their advocacy for immigration patriotism over the years.

Those challenges include being blocked by social media platforms and payment processors, potential advertisers facing intimidation campaigns similar to those orchestrated by the Anti-Defamation League, and even encountering reluctance from lawyers and accountants to publicly support the group.

At one point, their online existence was threatened when a lawyer, who now leads the Justice Departments Civil Rights section and espouses black supremacist views, attempted to pressure their domain registrar into delisting their domain.

Considering Brimelow is a bestselling author, a reputable financial journalist going back decades, and, according to him, someone who has not changed his views on immigration, diversity, and racial issues generally since he was writing about them in National Review years back, the increasing prejudice and character attacks do draw sympathy as well as a considerable amount of head-scratching, Kline notes further.

Despite the numerous challenges he has encountered, Brimelow considers James ongoing investigation as the most severe threat he, his wife Lydia, and VDare have faced in the 24-year history of the outlet, says Kline, detailing James attack:

Among the claims James is investigating is that VDares New York-registered foundation has been dormant for some years. (Says Brimelow: We were working through another foundation registered in a different state. This is why we made no further filings: they were not necessary.) She also alleges the Brimelows are taking advantage of a conference center bought by their nonprofit (a historic house in West Virginia) by living in it rent-free (something that is palpably not true, they assert). James also claims VDares board is solely overseen by Brimelow family members (again, not true, they assert, but, in any case, not abnormal). Oddly, she further impugns the fact that the Brimelows failed to specify in VDare filings that they are married.

Finally, James asserts that the conference center was bought by the Brimelows foundation but then transferred to a for-profit corporation controlled by Peters wife. But according to tax records available on VDares site, its not Lydia, but the same foundation that actually controls it. As Peter wryly states in his column: FOR THE RECORD: every step of the [conference center] transaction was carefully monitored by expensive lawyersbecause we were well aware that we were susceptible to scrutiny by a malicious and unscrupulous politically motivated regulator.

For American justice (as opposed to their justice) to prevail, conservatives cannot afford to stay cowed any longer, he added.

Sources include:

AmGreatness.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) hIn a special Twitter Spaces discussion with Elon Musk this week, 2024 presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed more of his platform, clearing up misconceptions some people have about his views on gun rights, border security, foreign conflicts, and more.

Unlike most other Democrats, Kennedy supports free speech and the First Amendment, for one. He expressed gratitude to Musk for at least starting the difficult job of rooting out censorship, even if he has made some questionable decisions as of late.

Free speech and the free flow of information is the water, the sunlight, the fertilizer, and the soil of democracy  without it, democracy withers and dies, Kennedy said, still mischaracterizing the United States as a democracy, but that is okay  we are all still in the learning process and he seems to have the right idea nonetheless.

If elected president, one of Kennedys first orders of business will be to sign an executive order prohibiting the government from what it is currently doing under fake president Joe Biden, from whom we received the massive Censorship Industrial Complex that is tyrannizing us all, especially online.

(Related: Here is RFK Jr.s initial announcement about running for president in 2024 if you would like to learn more.)

RFK Jr. is more Republican than many actual Republicans

As for the Second Amendment, Kennedy wants people to know that he absolutely supports the right to bear arms. He recognizes that most mass shootings are not what they seem, and often seem to stem from the culprits use of dangerous psychiatric pharmaceuticals.

As for Americas porous southern border, Kennedy wants to seal it up while still offering humanitarian aid to legitimate foreigners in need of asylum. No longer will fighting-age men from rogue nations be allowed to pour through the border unabated while using women and children as their human shields.

Im actually going to the border tonight, Kennedy revealed about his immediate plans regardless of what happens in 2024. Im crossing the border around 3am into Mexico. And Ill be talking with people on both sides of the border and talking to the stakeholders.

Over the next three days be meeting with people from the border patrol and elsewhere to try to formulate policies that will seal the border permanently, he added.

Kennedy was actually joined by former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard who alongside him also addressed the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) and other potential bioweapons that the deep state is likely cooking up here or overseas. Both Gabbard and Kennedy want to shut down these dangerous programs immediately to protect the public from another covid type of situation.

Covid was clearly a bioweapon, Kennedy clarified, reiterating his position that the alleged virus never required the stripping of Americans rights and liberties in order to abate.

The CIA continued to secretly develop bioweapons, Kennedy added about how this is an ongoing threat. After 2001, we passed the Patriot Act and launched the bioweapons arms race  we should shut the whole thing down.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is another existential threat that both Kennedy and Musk agree is a serious problem in need of attention. But even more threatening are the bioweapons development programs that continue to operate in Ukraine and elsewhere throughout the world.

We have these labs now all over the world, in Ukraine, etc., that are developing all kinds of hideous bioweapons, including ethnic bioweapons that kill people from certain races  and they already have them, and theyre ready to escape.

You can listen to all the key clips from the Twitter Spaces discussion with RFK Jr. at Infowars.

Keep up with the latest news about RFK Jr. and his run for president in 2024 at VoteDemocrat.news.

Sources for this article include:

Infowars.com

NaturalNews.com
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- China's passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales amounted to 1.742 million units in May 2023, jumping 28.6% from the previous year, while also rising 7.3% from the previous month, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

For clarity, the passenger vehicles hereby refer to the cars, SUVs, and MPVs locally produced on the Chinese mainland.

The first five months of 2023 have witnessed a consecutive month-on-month (MoM) rise in car retail, demonstrating a favorable upward trend in the PV market, said the association. The price reduction spree that started in March has gradually subsided, but promotions still remain high. This, along with the release of a number of new models and lower-priced newcomers, has quelled consumer hesitations, thereby driving up shopping demands.

The Auto Shanghai 2023 served as a powerful platform propelling the exchange of advanced automobile technologies and fostering auto consumption. New product launches, car exhibitions, and a variety of promotional activities like voucher distributions have significantly bolstered consumer confidence.

Following the clarification on the postponed sale of China VI B vehicles in inventory, market sentiment has further stabilized, maintaining a vibrant retail environment, added the CPCA.

Factors like the earlier Spring Festival holiday, unfulfilled anticipation of stimulus policies, aggressive promotions for China VI A inventories, and the half-year delay of the old China VI vehicles, as well as a relatively low base from last year have collectively resulted in a total retail of 7.632 million units for the Jan.-May period, marking a 4.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase.

In May, China's indigenous brands recorded combined retail sales of around 870,000 units, a YoY growth of 41.0% and a MoM growth of 11.0%. These brands accounted for 50.3% of domestic PV retail sales in May 2023, an increase of 4 percentage points over the previous year.

Mainstream joint-venture brands retailed 620,000 locally-produced PVs in May, an increase of 12.0% YoY and 2.0% MoM. While the market shares of German and Japanese brands saw a decrease, American brands experienced a growth of 1.2 percentage points in their market retail share, reaching at 8.1%.

Luxury vehicle brands sold 250,000 units in May by retail, indicating a 39.0% YoY and 8.0% MoM increase. The previous chip supply constraints last year has gradually been resolved, leading to a robust market climate.

Among the top 10 automakers by May PV retail sales in China, BYD still ranked highest, and was also the fastest-growing one in terms of YoY change. Aside from FAW-VW, the other nine companies all obtained a two-digit YoY increase.

China's PV wholesale volume in May 2023 reached 1.997 million units, up by 25.4% compared to last year and 12.4% from the previous month. The accumulated wholesales have amounted to 8.827 million units so far this year, reflecting a 10.4% YoY growth.

In May, Chinas local brands wholesaled 1.096 million units, up 40.0% YoY and 10.0% MoM. Mainstream joint-venture brands wholesaled 621,000 units, marking a 4.0% YoY and 16.0% MoM growth. Luxury brands wholesaled 280,000 units, up 32.0% YoY and 15.0% MoM.

Most of the main passenger car manufacturers showed strong performance in May. There were 30 companies with a sales volume of over 10,000 units, an increase of 3 companies compared to the previous month. Seven of these companies reported a YoY growth rate of over 100%, while 22 saw a growth rate of over 10%.

With regard to the PV wholesale volume in May, BYD still outshone other automakers with a volume of around 239,000 units. Nine of the top 10 automakers all scored a year-on-year upward movement in May wholesales with Tesla being the fastest-growing one.

The production volume of locally-manufactured passenger vehicles in May totaled 1.985 million units in the country, a YoY increase of 18.7% and a MoM increase of 14.8%. Due to the China VI emission standard upgrades, enterprises have been extremely cautious in production.

This year's total auto exports continued the strong growth trend from the end of last year. Under the statistical scope of the CPCA, passenger vehicle exports (including complete vehicles and CKDs) reached 302,000 units in May, a YoY growth of 64.0% and a MoM growth of 1.0%. From January to May, China's passenger vehicle exports totaled 1.381 million units, representing a YoY spike of 102.0%. New energy vehicles accounted for 30% of total exports in May.
(Natural News) We have a bit of good news to report out of the Lone Star State, which just passed legislation banning all transgender medical interventions for children, including hormone therapy and puberty blockers.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed into law a bill prohibiting all forms of transgender mutilation of children, joining roughly 20 other states that have implemented similar bans in recent months.

Nowhere in Texas will any medical practitioner or otherwise be allowed to chemically or surgically mutilate a child in order to induct that child into the Cult of LGBT. For that, a child will have to travel elsewhere to a left-wing state like California, Minnesota, or New York.

The only children who will continue to be allowed trans therapy for a short period of time are those already in the middle of such treatments. The legislation provisions that medical practitioners will need to wean these children off the prescription drug.

(Related: Check out this tracking map showing which states like Texas are banning transgender mutilations.)

ACLU gnashes teeth over Texas trans ban for children, vows to sue state in court

As expected, the leftist brigade is incensed over the new law. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has promised to challenge the ban in court, claiming it has a duty to protect so-called transgender youth.

According to the ACLU, an overwhelming body of scientific and medical evidence supports the transgender mutilation of youth.

We sure would like to see the alleged evidence the ACLU is referring to, though, as a growing body of evidence opposes the claim that transgender mutilation is ever the right choice for any child.

Across the pond in Great Britain and Europe, many countries are likewise banning the horrific practice while launching investigations into how transgender mutilation of children ever even became a thing at all.

The U.K.s Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) is being shut down after it was determined that the place left thousands of damaged children in its wake. Does the ACLU really want to be on the wrong side of history concerning this topic?

An investigation into the practices at Tavistock that resulted from complaints by whistleblowers, patients, and parents found that children, and especially young girls, were being rushed into transgender mutilation procedures and drugging when they needed protection from such things.

After it was determined that Tavistock is not a safe or viable long-term option for patients, it was slated for closure in Spring 2023.

For more than 18 years, it turns out, complaints were being filed against Tavistock to the National Health Service (NHS), which resisted doing anything about any of them all these years. It took numerous cases being sent all the way up to the High Court before anything was done to stop the madness.

Texas is getting ahead of such things early to prevent a similar situation from occurring there. As angering as it might be to the LGBTs who want nothing more than to mutilate as many children as possible in the name of freedom, the Lone Star State is doing the right thing on behalf of the innocents.

I often wonder how indoctrinating children into believing they are of the opposite sex to that which they are born, and then assisting them to mutilate their bodies, could ever be deemed progressive,' one commenter wrote.

This is an all-out assault on humanity, wrote another. The agenda has the goal of eliminating all actual humans by sterilizing an entire generation of children.

Want to learn more about the political efforts to stop the transgender mutilation of children? Visit Transhumanism.news.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

NaturalNews.com

Breitbart.com
(Natural News) Japanese journalist Masako Ganaha thinks the same globalist agenda that has spread in the U.S. and other Western nations is now destroying her home country. Shes referring to the transgender agenda being pushed around the world by the global elites.

In a recent interview with the Health Ranger Mike Adams, Ganaha said Japans sovereignty, culture and people are currently under attack. She noted that the enemies are using a divide and conquer strategy with the help of local and international media.

Ganaha, who hails from Nago City, Okinawa, said the LGBTQ+ law is now a huge topic in her country, especially with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel pushing for the passage of such legislation there. The Japanese influencer and book author noted that people in her country are shocked and concerned by the legislation, which is threatening to destroy their culture.

There is no discrimination against those [LGBTQ+] people to begin with. But also, we have good tradition to co-exist with those people. But this legislation used this term self-identification of gender. So, if you say youre female then people have to accept it and welcome this person as female. This is the tricky part many Japanese people are concerned  its not specifically written what this self-identification is. So thats why many Japanese people are against it, Ganaha explained.

She said Emanuel should have learned to appreciate the Japanese culture instead of destroying it by pushing the LGBTQ+ law. Adams commented that the U.S. is also destroying its own culture, adding that Japans culture is very strong and resilient as shown by the strong national identity of the Japanese people.

Ganaha pointed out that Japan cannot maintain its culture because of the massive brainwashing being conducted in their school system. In fact, according to Ganaha, many Japanese people cannot even sing their national anthem.

The independent journalist mentioned that America, with help from the Japanese government, has caused this to happen through the War Guilt Information Program. She was quick to add that it was done not by patriotic Americans, but by operatives of the Deep State.

Transgender agenda is about the destruction of family, reproduction and population

According to Adams, the transgender agenda is about the destruction of the family, human reproduction and human population. So, the fastest way for the globalists to destroy Japan and destroy the United States is to destroy the family unit and have children mutilated to where they can never reproduce, Adams said.

Adams said there are so many ways that nations like the U.S. and Japan are being torn apart. He mentioned that young Japanese couples are not getting married and having babies, which has led to Japans population going through an alarming generational decline. (Related: The Bill Gates depopulation plan is succeeding at culling human populations: Fertility rates plummeting around the world.)

Ganaha agreed, noting that this kind of ideology about marriage is destroying Japanese culture as well. The Okinawa-born journalist pointed out that many Japanese people are not aware of the crisis going on and they do not understand that this is part of the globalist agenda.

To help address that, Ganaha is now trying to bring awareness in Japan for her people to understand what is happening in the country and the world.

Adams cited similarities between whats happening in Japan and the United States. He said the Japanese leadership is answering to some other external force or external influence rather than meeting the needs of the Japanese people, which is exactly what is happening in the U.S. under Joe Biden.

Biden is answering to globalists whose interest is to destroy America aside from destroying infrastructure, taking down the energy supply and removing freedom of speech, Adams said. These globalist forces are trying to destroy both Japan and America. Both countries have been targeted.

Follow Globalism.news for more on the globalists destructive agenda.

Watch the video below for more about Masako Ganahas interview with Mike Adams.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

Is the world undergoing an extinction-level population COLLAPSE? The very survival of the human race may be at stake.

Chinas population is COLLAPSING, but the government is lying about it.

The LGBT agenda has always been about population control, leaked 1969 memo reveals.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

FoxNews.com

GanahaMasako.com
(Natural News) A new report from The Telegraph (United Kingdom) reveals that the UK government, in partnership with social media and artificial intelligence (AI) firms, spied on and censored critics of Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdowns all throughout the pandemic.

Officials embedded within the UK government structure worked clandestinely with Big Tech (i.e., Google, Facebook, and Twitter) and AI companies to keep a close eye on everyone who was resistant to the stay at home orders that were forced on the public in order to stop the spread.

Bearing many similarities to the Twitter Files here in the United States, the report put forth by The Telegraph shows that hidden authoritarian powers were monitoring and silencing those who dared to defy the governments mandates and restrictions throughout the multi-year nightmare known as covid.

The report states that the UK government hired a so-called Counter-Disinformation Unit, or CDU, to monitor social media posts that in any way questioned or challenged the governments lockdown policy. A Whitehall team originally established to counter alleged disinformation during the 2019 European elections, the purpose of the CDU during covid was to silence all disinformation shared online during that time.

(Related: Did you know that Twitters new CEO is a vaccine mandate globalist and lockdown pusher who constitutes everything that Elon Musk claimed he was going to change and get rid of after taking over the social media platform?)

UK government trying to hide full scope of censorship operations through heavy redaction of incriminating documents

Advanced AI technology was used to scour the internet for offending posts, as were the resources offered by Yorkshire-based Logically, a company that flagged numerous posts made by respected scientists questioning lockdown or arguing against the mass vaccination of children against Covid-19.

Eventually, many of the posts critical of government lockdown rules were brought to the attention of social media firms, which because they were tagged as trusted flagger received fast-track censorship.

As for the high-profile skeptics like Prof. Carl Heneghan from the University of Oxford, the CDU tracked and reported these as well.

Through Freedom of Information Act requests, The Telegraph was able to obtain profuse documentation, though heavily censored with redactions, showing that lots of censorship was happening. However, because so much was blacked out, ascertaining the full scope of all that took place remains difficult.

We do know that there were a number of secretive meetings held between government officials and social media bosses, as well as members of the BBC, to discuss how best to stop the spread of so-called misinformation and disinformation.

The similar use of stop the spread language in reference to the spread of misinformation and disinformation almost makes it seem like this is what covid was really about all along: stopping the spread of truth during a contrived government pandemic psy-op.

Earlier reports corroborate this latest one from The Telegraph. One past report showed that the UK government deployed anti-terrorism units to help censor anti-lockdown content online.

The very concept of wrong information dictated by a central authority is open to abuse and should be considered far more critically, lest we mirror Chinese-style censorship, commented Silkie Carlo of the Big Brother Watch campaign group, which ironically enough was surveilled by the governments AI-driven disinformation system.

Day by day we are getting closer to enslavement (or rebellion), wrote a commenter on an article about these latest revelations. I hope its the latter, though Im too old now to be much help.

Another quoted Gen. George S. Patton who once said: We defeated the wrong enemy.

The latest news about the Censorship Industrial Complex can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

NaturalNews.com
Killer bees attacked an 81-year-old man for three hours outside his home in Oklahoma, United States, leaving him hospitalized with a broken hip and numerous stings throughout his body.

The Oklahoma man was unable to immediately call for help after his phone was "temporarily locked" due to the input of several wrong passcodes, according to reports.

The man survived the long, gruesome ordeal after a Good Samaritan passing in the area called for help. Based on recent updates, the man seemed to be already in stable condition and recalled to local U.S. media about what occurred. However, it is unclear why the bees attacked the man in the first place but scientists may have an answer for that, based on previous related cases of bee attacks on humans.

Oklahoma Bee Attack

Carl Amos was just mowing the lawn outside his home outside the town of Maysville on May 26 when hundreds of bees out of nowhere assaulted him and stung him relentlessly, the Independent U.K. reported.

During the incident, apparently, no one outside his home was around to help him instantly and the failure to call 911 due to the temporarily locked phone prolonged the bee sting operation.

Amos also applied the technique known as a distress signal used in the wilderness, so he fired his carried handgun toward the sky three times. However, no immediate help came.

During an interview with the Washington Post, the Maysville resident recalled he attempted to escape the killer bees but he tripped and fell to the ground. He also realized that he suffered from a broken hip when he saw blood flowing through his pants.

Also Read: Unusual Bee Attack Injures, Hospitalizes Mallgoers in Mexico

Rescue Arrives

In a separate interview, Amos also told KFOR Oklahoma's News 4 that the bees tried to enter his ears and nose, describing the insects "cover inch of his body" during the last month's bee attack.

Rescue arrived to the man after workers, from a nearby machinery company, noticed Amos while returning from their lunch break. One of the workers and some of his colleagues, including a beekeeper, protected him while waiting for assistance.

Secret Bee Hive

Firefighters arrived into the scene and disperse some of the bees outside the home of Amos, who was taken to a hospital for treatment and surgery. It was during this time that a "contractor" noticed a hive of the killer bees nested up in the chimney of the Oklahoma man's home, the Independent said.

In previous cases, experts have warned that bees can be territorial and will attack anyone they perceive to be a threat to them and their colony. Although Amos was doing yard work prior to the attack, the bees could have been disturbed by other factors, including noise.

In the case of honeybees, the University of California, San Diego explains the pollinators generally attack only with the purpose of defending their colony. However, they will be triggered if disturbed outside their nest. In a 1990 study, the university cited its findings that common sources of honeybee aggression include vibrations, carbon dioxide, hair, dark colors, and alarm pheromone.

Related Article: Sting Operation: Ohio Man Wakes Up from Coma after Receiving 20,000 Bee Stings and Ingesting 30 Bees
The city of Dallas has been experiencing a remarkable transformation, evolving into a flourishing cultural hub, thanks to the philanthropic efforts of its affluent residents. One individual who has been pivotal in this metamorphosis is Kelcy Warren, a successful businessman and philanthropist, who contributed significantly to the development of Klyde Warren Park, among other projects.

Spanning 5.2 acres, Klyde Warren Park was inaugurated in October and serves as a bridge between uptown and downtown Dallas. This ambitious project has provided the city with a vibrant urban core, reminiscent of Manhattan or Chicago. Kelcy Warren, the president of Energy Transfer, donated $10 million of his personal wealth towards the park's construction. An additional $40 million was contributed by the philanthropic community of Dallas, with the remaining $60 million sourced from government channels, including local bond offerings and state and federal transportation grants.

Warren's rise to the upper echelons of America's wealthiest citizens, as ranked by Forbes, is a testament to the influence of philanthropy in Dallas. Klyde Warren Park, named after his son, symbolizes his dedication to charitable giving and his hope that his son will continue this legacy. At the park's opening ceremony, Warren declared that his son would only inherit his fortune if he committed to maintaining the park at least one day each month.

The philanthropic landscape of Dallas is primarily shaped by the city's affluent families, who have played a significant role in its transformation. These families have funded numerous projects, including parks, bridges, and world-class cultural institutions. Richard Fisher, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and a member of the city's philanthropic elite, regards Dallas as the "American capital of philanthropy."

The city's wealthy benefactors have been compared to the Medicis of Florence, given their substantial financial support for cultural institutions like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Unlike the Medicis, however, Dallas's philanthropists are predominantly self-made and grounded, such as Ray Hunt, CEO of a global petroleum company, who has also contributed financially to the city's development, as well as donated land for the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

This spirit of civic responsibility and generosity has not only revolutionized the city's cultural landscape but has also attracted external investments. The philanthropy of Kelcy Warren, combined with a low-tax business environment, has helped to make Dallas an attractive location for major corporations such as AT&T and J.C. Penney to establish their headquarters.

To become a member of Dallas's elite philanthropic community, one must demonstrate a personal commitment to the city's welfare. This involves attending fundraising events, serving on committees, and applying sound management principles to philanthropic donations, as one would in their own business endeavors. Bobby Lyle, former president of Lyco Energy, and another member of the philanthropic community in Dallas, stresses that philanthropy "truly improves our society when it succeeds in linking Christian charity with efficient management."

Dallas's philanthropists are often so engrossed in their charitable activities that they lose track of their contributions. For instance, Kelcy Warren once visited the AT&T Performing Arts Center, only to discover that he had partially funded the building himself. This unwavering commitment and investment in the community epitomize the extraordinary impact these individuals have had on the city.

The philanthropic ethos of Dallas has inspired the next generation of affluent families to carry on the tradition of giving back to their community. As Kelcy Warren imparts the importance of philanthropy to his son, it is highly likely that the younger generation will continue this legacy. This ethos has become an integral part of the Dallas community, ensuring its continued growth and development as a dynamic and culturally diverse destination.

The philanthropic spirit in Dallas has fostered nothing short of a renaissance, not only in the city's cultural landscape but also in its capacity to attract investments and businesses. This has set the stage for a prosperous future, guided by the dedication and vision of the city's affluent philanthropists.

As individuals like Kelcy Warren continue to support the city through their generosity, the potential for growth and prosperity in Dallas is staggering. Through their philanthropic endeavors, these individuals are leaving an indelible legacy that will influence the city's trajectory for generations to come.
A humpback whale at the New South Wales Central Coast was freed after being entangled for several hours, according to local reports.

The whale at Norah Head was rescued by crews from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue after it was caught in marine debris consisting of a rope and buoys. The incident occurred shortly after the onset of the whale-watching season in the region this month.

Whale entanglement cases have been reported not only in Australia but also in other parts of the world in recent years. The most common culprit behind these incidents is fishing gear and other equipment used by anglers and other people engaged in marine recreational activities.

Some of these cases lead to beach strandings and the eventual death of the animal caught.

Humpback Whale Entanglement

Rescue crews from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, along with the Marine Rescue, worked together to release the whale from its entanglement at around 4:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, June 6, The Canberra Times reported. The incident was initially called in at around 12:30 p.m. earlier in the day.

The incident came after a similar case occurred over the weekend where a humpback whale was rescued from a combination of lines and floats in the waters off Five Island near Port Kembla, according to the Australian newspaper.

Also Read: Another Humpback Whale 'Unlikely to Survive' After Getting Entangled in Fishing Net

Fishing Gear Entanglement

The phenomenon of whale entanglement has been confirmed but its full extent is hard to analyze as most cases are never observed real-time. However, research shows that more than 300,000 whales and dolphins die each year due to fishing gear entanglement, with an additional unknown figure also entangled in marine debris, according to the International Whaling Commission.

The whaling commission warns that fishing gear entanglement has ecological repercussions to marine environments, especially to the population of marine animals that are already under threat. For instance, entanglements can easily kill a large sea creature due to lacerations that it can cause to their skin or their capability to prevent them from swimming, making them trapped and leading to eventual starvation.

Large Whale Entanglement

It is evident that large whales are more susceptible to fishing gear entanglement mainly due to their size. With this, operational-level measures and conservation efforts are underway to protect giant marine mammals.

In the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) oversees and carries out conservation efforts under the Marine Mammal Protect Act, notably in the country's West Coast.

Aside from fishing gear, the NOAA Fisheries asserts large whales are "periodically" becoming victims of other ropes, lines, and chains found in the marine environment. Although some whales can break free from their entanglement, others may be so unlucky and carry the debris for days, months, or even years, the U.S. government agency adds.

Related Article: Two Humpback Whales Caught in Shark Nets Off the Queensland Coast During a Whale Migration
Investigations revealed that the Hawaiian monk seal that perished had been purposely slain, which led NOAA to offer a $5000 reward for information leading to the capture of Malama's killer.

$5000 Bounty for Information on Killer

The death of an extremely endangered Hawaiian monk seal on Oahu a few months ago is now thought to have been a premeditated killing, according to federal wildlife authorities.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement for information that results in the successful prosecution of individuals involved.

Malama, the Hawaiian Monk Seal

On March 12, a local reported that Hawaiian monk seal RQ76, also known as Malama, had passed away near the beach of Ohikilolo on West Oahu.

Following a post-mortem examination, NOAA determined that blunt impact trauma was the cause of Malama's demise, according to reports from Sacramento Bee.

Data points to the conclusion that Malama's death was a deliberate homicide, according to NOAA, which cited contact with international authorities in marine mammal radiography and forensics as well as examinations by other specialists.

After weaning, the female seal was first saved as a starving pup.

She was sent to Kailua-Kona's Ke Kai Ola, an infirmary for monk seals run by The Marine Mammal Center, so she could reach a healthy weight. She was rehabilitated for several months before being returned to the wild in the first month of this year.

Hateful Act

Prior to this unfortunate event, volunteers from Hawaii Marine Animal Response, a nonprofit partner of NOAA, claimed to have seen her in good health.

According to NOAA, Malama's passing affects the organization and the community particularly deeply, especially in light of all the assistance, attention, and monitoring that the NOAA team, The Center, HMAR, US Coast Guard, and locals of Oahu offered to her.

NOAA's Deputy Special Agent Frank Giaretto issued a call for assistance to anybody who may have witnessed or heard anything regarding the death of this endangered species. Giaretto continued, saying that murdering Malama would not only be against the law on the federal level but would also be a hateful act against all residents of Hawaii.

Also Read: Endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal Yulia Seen Sunbathing on Tel Aviv Shores

Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

Hawaiian monk seals, one of the world's most endangered seal species with just 1,500 living in the wild, are protected by both state and federal regulations, Star Advertiser reports.

One of the world's most endangered seal species is the Hawaiian monk seal. While current numbers are rising, they are still only approximately one-third of historic population levels after six decades of general population decline. The present rising trend is, however, in part because of NOAA Fisheries recovery efforts, which is significant.

After the late 1950s and continuing until quite recently, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands monk seal population saw a protracted decrease. The overall number of seals in the said area dropped throughout that time, despite certain subpopulations seeing growth or decline. Although the species' full recovery is still far off due to this loss, there have been a few recent, optimistic improvements, as per NOAA data.

Related Article: $20k Reward Money Up For Finding Boat Operator Who Drove Over California Sea Lions in the Columbia River
The first crocodile species' virgin birth has been documented in a Costa Rican zoo. The stillborn fetus' DNA was tested as a 99.9% match.

First Crocodile Virgin Birth

The first occurrence of a crocodile becoming pregnant by herself and giving birth to a child that was 99.9% genetically similar to herself.

There have been instances of so-called "virgin birth" in several bird, fish, and reptile species, but never in crocodiles.

According to the researchers, self-reproduction may have been a feature that dinosaurs acquired from an evolutionary progenitor.

In January 2018, a female American crocodile who was 18 years old deposited an egg at Parque Reptilania. Although stillborn, the inner fetus was completely developed and did not hatch.

When she was two years old, a crocodile was captured and kept separate from other crocodiles for the rest of her life. Because of this, the scientific team in the park got in touch with a Virginia Polytechnic team in the US that specialized in virgin births, or parthenogenesis as it is known in science.

They examined the fetus and discovered that it shared 99.9% of its genetic makeup with its mother, proving that there was no father.

Clutches Despite Isolation

The researchers claim that virgin births may be more frequent in crocodiles and that they have gone undiscovered up to this point since no one has been looking for them. They write about this in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters.

The study's authors state that considering the time spent apart from partners, it is not unusual for caged reptiles to produce clutches of eggs, which are often deemed non-viable and thrown away. As a result of these observations, it is recommended that when males are not present, eggs be examined for possible viability.

In addition, the researchers note that although virgin births can take place in the company of prospective mates, cases of this can be overlooked when reproduction happens in females who cohabit with males.

Also Read: Largest Everglades Crocodile "Croczilla" Seen Basking in Florida Sun

Parthenogenesis and Dwindling Population

Parthenogenesis happens in several animals for unknown reasons, although instances are appearing increasingly frequently in the scientific literature, perhaps because researchers have begun searching for it. According to one explanation, it occurs in animals capable of parthenogenesis when their numbers are in danger of extinction.

Scientists claim that this new evidence provides exciting new information on the potential reproductive capacity of prehistoric crocodile cousins, particularly the dinosaurs, BBC reports.

Asexual reproduction by self-impregnation, or parthenogenesis, produces a zygote from an unfertilized egg. As a result, many people refer to it as "virgin birth". Asexual animals and plants both engage in parthenogenesis. In mammals, an unfertilized egg serves as the embryo's starting point. It is a step in the apomixis process in plants.

Many different kinds of invertebrates, such as scorpions, nematodes, mites, water fleas, wasps, certain bees, and other insects, go through parthenogenesis. certain vertebrate species, including certain fish, reptiles, and a few bird species, may also undergo parthenogenesis, according to Biology Online.

Related Article: Texas Woman Faces $1000 Fine for Raising Alligator as Pet for 20 Years at Home
Coral reefs serve as natural habitats for different fish species and other marine organisms across the world's oceans. They also boost the local economy of coastal communities, as tourists flock, snorkel, or dive just to see the natural underwater ecosystems by reef-building corals.

However, these structures are also vulnerable to external threats, including pathogenic diseases.

In a new study led by scientists from Australia, it was found that a deadly coral disease has tripled in the last 25 years as global temperatures continue to warm.

The study projected the disease could become endemic in the next century if the current rate continues. If the global coral reef system collapses, marine life and ecology will be disrupted.

The Australian scientific team has not yet identified all the many pathogens causing the coral reef disease. Yet, they outlined that pathogens like bacteria and fungi are the suspects in why some reefs get infected and die.

They linked the emergence of these infectious organisms are being caused by climate change and global warming, especially if ocean temperatures go higher.

Coral Disease Outbreak

In the study published in the journal Ecology Letters on Tuesday, June 6, lead author Samantha Burke and her colleagues at the University of New South Wales found the coral disease increased along with rise of ocean temperatures over time, where it tripled to 9.92% worldwide. Based on their model, the disease could become endemic or increase to 76.8% by the year 2100.

Burke, a Ph.D. candidate at UNSW's School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, said their findings emphasize the detrimental impacts of ocean warming to coral reefs and highlight the need to immediately mitigate climate change, as cited by Phys.org.

Also Read: Deadly and Fast-Moving Coral Disease in Caribbean Linked to Wastewater From Ships

Coral Disease Pathogens

The study confirms that bacteria and fungi mainly cause coral reef disease. However, infections may only occur if the corals are stressed, which makes them more vulnerable to pathogens. In addition, the research team also mentioned higher temperatures heighten the growth rate of the disease-causing organisms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also acknowledge that coral diseases happen as a response to "biological stresses" like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It also responds to non-biological stresses such as increased sea surface temperatures and among others.

In the last 10 years, the number of frequencies of coral diseases has spiked significantly, causing widespread deaths among the reef-building coral population, the NOAA emphasized.

Warming Global Temperatures

Many scientists perceive the increase in coral reef diseases is linked to the deterioration of water quality associated with human-caused pollutants and increased sea surface temperatures, which was mentioned before, according to the said U.S. government agency.

Regardless of the findings, it is still unclear if the coral disease outbreaks occurred even before the Industrial Revolution, when the anthropogenic, climate-damaging greenhouse gases started, as considered by climate scientists.

Related Article: Deadly Coral Disease is Spreading Fast Throughout Florida and Caribbean Through Ship Hulls
Primates are among the most endangered and threatened animals in the world, due to habitat loss, hunting, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.

Many primates are rescued and rehabilitated by wildlife sanctuaries and rescue centers across Africa and other regions, where they receive medical care, nutrition, and socialization.

However, the ultimate goal of many sanctuaries and rescue centers is to reintroduce these primates back into the wild, where they can live freely and contribute to the conservation of their species and ecosystems.

Reintroduction is a complex and challenging process that involves careful planning, preparation, and evaluation.

It also requires post-release support and monitoring to ensure the well-being and survival of the released animals.

However, there is limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness and impact of primate reintroductions on animal welfare and conservation.

A recent study by researchers from Durham University, Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, and the Jane Goodall Institute has addressed this gap by evaluating the well-being of a group of mandrills who were gradually reintroduced into the wild with post-release support in Congo.

The study has shown that this approach improved the well-being of the mandrills and facilitated their adaptation to their natural habitat.

How to Measure Well-being in Reintroduced Primates

Well-being is a multidimensional concept that encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of an animal's life, as per Phys.org.

Well-being can be influenced by various factors, such as health, nutrition, environment, social relationships, and stress.

Measuring well-being in wild animals is challenging, as it requires reliable indicators that can be assessed non-invasively and objectively.

One of the indicators used in this study was cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress.

Cortisol can be measured in hair samples, which reflect chronic stress levels over a period of time.

The researchers collected hair samples from 14 mandrills who were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and rehabilitated at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in Congo.

The mandrills were gradually reintroduced into the wild using a phased approach that involved spending time in a pre-release enclosure built in the forest, receiving supplementary food, being observed for their condition and behavior, and being intervened if needed.

The researchers compared the cortisol levels of the mandrills before and after their release into the wild.

Another indicator used in this study was behavior, which can reflect an animal's emotional state, preferences, and coping strategies.

Behavior can be observed directly or recorded using camera traps or GPS collars.

The researchers observed the behavior of the mandrills during their time in the pre-release enclosure and after their release into the wild.

They recorded their activity patterns, feeding habits, social interactions, and exploration behaviors.

Also read: Ecological Opportunity Prompts Tool Use Among Primates

What The Results Reveal About The Reintroduced Mandrills

The results showed that the gradual reintroduction with post-release support improved the well-being of the mandrills, as per the Big News Network.

The cortisol levels of the mandrills were lower in the wild than they were at the sanctuary, indicating that they experienced less stress in their natural habitat.

The behavior of the mandrills also changed after their release into the wild.

They became more active during the day, spent more time feeding on natural foods, formed stable social groups, and explored new areas.

The results also revealed that some factors influenced the well-being of the mandrills more than others.

For example, sex, age, and personality affected how well the mandrills adapted to their new environment.

Males had lower cortisol levels than females, possibly because they faced less competition for food and mates.

Younger mandrills had lower cortisol levels than older ones, possibly because they were more curious and flexible.

Bold mandrills had lower cortisol levels than shy ones, possibly because they were more confident and resilient.

The study concluded that the gradual supported release of primates into the wild can be an effective strategy to improve their well-being and facilitate their adaptation to their natural habitat.

The study also suggested that measuring cortisol levels and behavior can provide useful indicators of well-being in reintroduced primates.

The study also highlighted the importance of considering individual differences among primates when planning and evaluating reintroductions.

The study also pointed out some limitations and challenges of primate reintroductions.

For example, reintroductions are costly and time-consuming, requiring long-term commitment and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Reintroductions also pose potential risks to both released animals and wild populations, such as disease transmission, genetic mixing, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat degradation.

Therefore, reintroductions should be carefully planned, implemented, and monitored, following the guidelines and best practices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other relevant organizations.

Related article: The World's Primates Threatened With Extinction Crisis
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

Severe overcapacity exists in current power battery production: Changan Automobiles chairman

On June 8, at the China Auto Chongqing Summit 2023, Zhu Huarong, Chairman of Changan Automobile, stated in a speech that the auto industry's assembly and parts divisions are in an unstable state, with business boundaries undergoing restructuring and showing a trend of interpenetration. Zhu Huarong predicts that by 2025, China's demand for power battery capacity will be 1,000-1,200GWh, yet the industry's planned capacity has already reached 4,800GWh. He pointed out that the current capacity is severely excessive, and the industry must return to a rational state.

Photo credit: Changan Auto

Presale of BYD Song PLUS Champion edition begins, starting at 169,800 yuan

BYD Song PLUS Champion edition officially began its pre-sale on June 8, launching two types regarding power solutions, DM-i and EV. The DM-i version has a pre-sale price range of 169,800 to 199,800 Yuan, and the EV version ranges from 179,800 to 219,800 Yuan.

Photo credit: BYD

BAIC Group signs strategic cooperation agreement with Beijing Tourism Group

On June 8, BAIC Group and Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) signed a strategic cooperation agreement under which both parties will fully leverage their respective resource advantages, with travel, logistics services, business travel services, and other major areas of cooperation as gateways. They will organically combine BAIC Group's comprehensive automobile manufacturing and travel industry chain with BTG's lifestyle services, forming a new mechanism for mutual complementation and interconnected cooperation between municipal state-owned enterprises.

Chinas locally-produced passenger vehicle retail sales jump 28.6% in May 2023

China's passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales amounted to 1.742 million units in May 2023, jumping 28.6% from the previous year, while also rising 7.3% from the previous month, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Tesla China sees 141.55% YoY soar in May wholesale volume

In the fifth month of 2023, Tesla sold 77,695 China-made vehicles via wholesale, representing a 2.44% rise over a month ago and a staggering 141.55% soar over the previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

SAIC Motors monthly sales in May rise 10.23% YoY

In May, SAIC Motor sold 400,799 new vehicles, representing a 10.23% growth year-on-year.

UTOPILOT, TuSimple, SAIC AI Lab, Pegasus granted first batch driverless road test licenses in Shanghai

On June 8, four Chinese autonomous driving companies, namely, UTOPILOT, TuSimple, SAIC AI Lab, and Pegasus, were awarded China's first batch of national autonomous driving test licenses for 15 vehicles in Shanghais Lin-Gang Special Area.

Gree Groups investment subsidiary invests in battery maker EXENCELL

Zhuhai Gree Financial Investment Management Co., Ltd. (Gree Finance Investment), an investment firm wholly-owned by Gree Group, recently completed a strategic investment in the Chinese battery maker Shenzhen Exencell New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("EXENCELL"), according to a post on EXENCELL's WeChat account.

Chinas Chongqing issues policy to subsidize construction, operation of EV charging, battery swap facilities

Chongqing city's municipal Finance Bureau and Commission of Economy and Information Technology recently co-released a new set of financial subsidy policies for the year 2023 concerning the development of charging and battery-swapping infrastructures (referred to henceforth as "the notice").

Changan Automobile boasts 32.49% YoY surge in May auto sales

In May 2023, Chinese automaker Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan Automobile) recorded a 32.49% surge in monthly sales compared to a year ago.

BYD's personalized 'F' brand likely to be named 'Fang Cheng Bao'

On June 8th, during the intense 2023 Gaokao period, BYD once again unveiled a teaser for its F brand. The intriguing "F brand Gaokao comprehensive paper" hinted at a key clue: "FCB".

In the mathematics paper launched on June 7, BYD disclosed a crucial information, "6.9", which when combined with the official Weibo account of "Fang Cheng Bao (translated as Equation Leopardor 'Formula Leopard') Auto that went live on June 6, suggests that the F brand is most likely to be named "Fang Cheng Bao" and could be officially announced on June 9th.

Autonomous driving firm TuSimple announces foray into Japanese market

TuSimple, a global autonomous driving technology company, officially announced its entry into the Japanese market on June 6, commencing autonomous driving tests on the Tomei Expressway in Japan.

Haomo.ai hits 500-million-km milestone in user-assisted driving distance

On June 6, Haomo.ai, the autonomous driving solution developer backed by Great Wall Motor, achieved a significant milestone as its user-assisted driving distance surpassed 50 million kilometers, further validating Haomo.ai's data closed-loop capability.

GAC Group scores 2-digit YoY growth in May 2023 auto production, sales volumes

In May 2023, GAC Group achieved positive growth in both auto production volume and sales. The group produced 224,413 vehicles and sold 209,606 vehicles in the month, representing year-on-year increases of 16.61% and 14.5%, respectively.
The vaquita, a small porpoise on the verge of extinction, is still hanging in there, according to a new scientific survey that spotted about a dozen specimens of Mexico's "panda of the sea" in May.

The vaquita is the world's most endangered marine mammal, found only in the Gulf of California, where it faces a deadly threat from illegal fishing nets.

The survey, conducted by an international team of researchers and conservationists, provides a glimmer of hope for the survival of this rare and elusive species.

The Plight of the Vaquita

The vaquita is the smallest and most distinctive of all porpoises, with a gray body, dark eye rings, and mouth patches, and a triangular dorsal fin, as per The New York Times.

It grows to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weighs about 55 kilograms (120 pounds).

It feeds on small fish and squid in shallow waters near the coast.

The vaquita was first described as a species in 1958, but its population has declined dramatically since then due to a bycatch in gillnets, a type of fishing gear that hangs like a curtain in the water and catches fish by their gills.

The vaquita also gets entangled and drowns in these nets, which are used illegally to catch totoaba, a large fish whose swim bladder is highly valued in China for its supposed medicinal properties.

Despite various conservation efforts by the Mexican government and international organizations, such as banning gillnets, creating a protected area, deploying navy patrols, and offering compensation to fishermen, the vaquita's situation has not improved, as per Phys.org.

According to the latest estimate by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA), there were only about 10 Vaquitas left in 2021, down from about 30 in 2016 and about 600 in 1997.

The vaquita is listed as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning that it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

It is also considered a "flagship species" for the conservation of the Gulf of California, a biodiversity hotspot that hosts many other marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and turtles.

Also Read: Endangered California Vaquita Porpoise Could Be Saved From Extinction If We Stop Illegal Fishing

The Hope for the Vaquita

The new survey, conducted in May 2023 by researchers from Durham University, Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, and the Jane Goodall Institute, along with support from Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and other partners, aimed to assess the current status and well-being of the vaquita.

The survey used visual identification and acoustic monitoring to locate and track vaquitas in their core habitat within the Zero Tolerance Area (ZTA) of the Vaquita Refuge, a highly protected zone where gillnets are strictly prohibited.

The survey team observed between 10 and 13 vaquitas during their 17-day expedition, including one or two calves.

They also recorded their behavior and activity patterns using drones and camera traps. They found that the vaquitas appeared to be healthy and adapted well to their natural environment.

They also noted that gillnetting activity within the ZTA had decreased significantly compared to previous years, thanks to the increased enforcement by the Mexican Navy and Sea Shepherd.

The survey team concluded that the gradual supported release of primates into the wild can be an effective strategy to improve their well-being and facilitate their adaptation to their natural habitat.

The team concluded that there is still hope for the vaquita's survival, as long as gillnetting is eliminated from its habitat and its population is monitored regularly.

They also suggested that measuring cortisol levels and behavior can provide useful indicators of well-being in reintroduced primates.

Lastly, they hghlighted the importance of continuing and strengthening the collaboration among various stakeholders, such as government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and fishermen, to ensure the long-term conservation of the vaquita and its ecosystem.

Related article: World's Smallest Porpoise, The Vaquita, Nearing Extinction With Only 60 Left
The latest weather report shows New York City and parts of the Northeast experienced the worst air quality due to raging fires from Canada's wildfire.

From warm weather conditions, the Northeast has suffered from the smoke from the wildfires in Canada, causing air quality alerts and impact on health.

In the latest advisory, BBC's latest reported that people in North America are advised to use N95 masks due to the declining and poor air quality in the region.

BBC reported that the challenging wildfire conditions in Canada resulted in the evacuations of 15,000 people in Quebec.

In Toronto, the forecast said that the raging wildfires could likely affect the city, adding that the smoke could result in health risks.

It is best that affected areas should not go outdoors when it is not necessary. Staying at home is advisable until the air quality improves.

Poor air quality in New York City

Recently, Fox Weather News reported that about 8 million people were put under the wildfire threat in parts of New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Furthermore, AccuWeather's latest forecast showed that New York City could experience unhealthy air quality, including in the Northeast.

AccuWeather advised residents to keep updated with the weather and air quality, especially since the conditions could impact people with medical conditions and older adults.

The report noted that the Yankee Stadium and parts of New York recorded hazy skies, showing poor visibility due to the smoke.

Meanwhile, BBC reported that New York Governor Kathy Hochul explained that one million masks would be provided.

The New York Governor added that the transportation systems are safe due to the high-quality filtration they provide.

On the other hand, the NWS New York NY noted that the weather pattern is not expected to change this weekend.

AccuWeather's forecast revealed that air quality could likely improve early next week in Buffalo, Portland, Boston, New York, Charleston and Washington.

The weather forecast noted that beneficial rain could also help improve the poor air quality in the Northeast and Midwest.

Rainy conditions are forecast in New York, Montreal, Detroit, Chicago and Nashville.

Staying safe during poor air quality

Furthermore, the NWS Weather Prediction Center explained that the wildfire smoke could continue.

The NWS showed important tips to communities to stay safe during the challenging air quality in the region.

It is best that homeowners keep their doors and windows closed so that the smoke will not enter their houses.

As advised, wearing masks could help you stay safe outdoors.

Checking your family members is essential, especially those at risk of unhealthy air quality.

The poor air quality could also affect your pets. It is best to ensure that they are inside your homes.

Stay healthy and drink enough water.

Related Article: Northeast Weather Forecast: 8 Million People Under Wildfire Threat As Air Quality Concerns Continue

Related Article: Southern California Weather Forecast: Delayed Summer Warmth Likely Due to Cool Air
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On June 6, Haomo.ai, the autonomous driving solution developer backed by Great Wall Motor, achieved a significant milestone as its user-assisted driving distance surpassed 50 million kilometers, further validating Haomo.ai's data closed-loop capability.

Photo credit: Haomo.ai

According to recent data, as of June 6, 2023, Haomo.ais users have collectively driven over 50 million kilometers with assistance from the company's technology. Notably, the highest single trip distance achieved by a user reached 393.4 kilometers, while Haomo.ai's third-generation passenger vehicle assistive driving product, HPilot, has experienced a monthly average growth rate of over 200% in terms of installation volume.

Currently, vehicles equipped with Haomo.ai's HPilot have run in 339 cities across China.

Since its establishment, Haomo.ai has been actively advancing the R&D and application of autonomous driving technology. Its HPilot has been incorporated into nearly 20 vehicle models. The companys first mass-produced urban perception NOH product, which features advanced sensing capabilities, is set to debut in cities such as Beijing, Baoding, and Shanghai, followed by generalized testing. By 2024, it is planned to be deployed in 100 cities.

In December 2021, Haomo.ai unveiled MANA, its intelligent data system for autonomous driving. To date, MANA has accumulated over 620,000 hours of learning experience, equivalent to a human driving experience of 75,000 years.

In January 2023, Haomo.ai launched MANA OASIS, the largest AI computing center in the Chinese autonomous driving industry. In April 2023, Haomo.ai introduced DriveGPT, the industry's first autonomous driving generative model, with a parameter scale of 120 billion, and opened it for collaboration.
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Air India has sent a flight with relief and essentials from Mumbai to Magadan in Russia for passengers stranded following the diversion of a San Francisco-bound plane.

An Air India team is on board the flight to provide any support that the passengers and staff in Russia may require. The ferry flight is carrying essentials in addition to a sufficient amount of food to cater to all passengers on the onward flight scheduled from GDX to San Francisco (SFO). The aircraft operating the ferry flight will take all passengers and crew onward to San Francisco on 08 June 2023, according to a statement released by Air India.

Earlier on Wednesday, Air India said limited infrastructure at and around the airport in Magadan, which is on Russias eastern coast and over 10,000 km from capital Moscow, meant passengers had been moved to makeshift accommodation after making sincere attempts to accommodate passengers in hotels locally.

It takes around 7 hours and 37 minutes to reach Magadan from Moscow by air. As we do not have Air India staff based in the remote town of Magadan or in Russia, all ground support being provided to passengers is the best possible in this unusual circumstance, Air India said.

READ MORE: Air India passengers stranded in Russia's Magadan wait for replacement aircraft

The carrier also said it is working with the Consulate General of India in Vladivostok (around 4,900 km from Magadan), the external affairs ministry, Russian authorities and local officials.

Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said he was tracking the situation very closely and was in constant touch with the airline. The ministry also said it had been told by some fliers had been housed in a school building near the airport.

Meanwhile, the US has said that it is closely monitoring the situation. We are aware of a US-bound flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russia and are continuing to monitor that situation closely. Im not able to confirm how many US citizens were aboard the flight at this time, PTI quoted US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel as saying.

NEW DELHI: Air India has sent a flight with relief and essentials from Mumbai to Magadan in Russia for passengers stranded following the diversion of a San Francisco-bound plane. An Air India team is on board the flight to provide any support that the passengers and staff in Russia may require. The ferry flight is carrying essentials in addition to a sufficient amount of food to cater to all passengers on the onward flight scheduled from GDX to San Francisco (SFO). The aircraft operating the ferry flight will take all passengers and crew onward to San Francisco on 08 June 2023, according to a statement released by Air India. Earlier on Wednesday, Air India said limited infrastructure at and around the airport in Magadan, which is on Russias eastern coast and over 10,000 km from capital Moscow, meant passengers had been moved to makeshift accommodation after making sincere attempts to accommodate passengers in hotels locally.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); It takes around 7 hours and 37 minutes to reach Magadan from Moscow by air. As we do not have Air India staff based in the remote town of Magadan or in Russia, all ground support being provided to passengers is the best possible in this unusual circumstance, Air India said. READ MORE: Air India passengers stranded in Russia's Magadan wait for replacement aircraft The carrier also said it is working with the Consulate General of India in Vladivostok (around 4,900 km from Magadan), the external affairs ministry, Russian authorities and local officials. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said he was tracking the situation very closely and was in constant touch with the airline. The ministry also said it had been told by some fliers had been housed in a school building near the airport. Meanwhile, the US has said that it is closely monitoring the situation. We are aware of a US-bound flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russia and are continuing to monitor that situation closely. Im not able to confirm how many US citizens were aboard the flight at this time, PTI quoted US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel as saying.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Zhuhai Gree Financial Investment Management Co., Ltd. (Gree Finance Investment), an investment firm wholly-owned by Gree Group, recently completed a strategic investment in the Chinese battery maker Shenzhen Exencell New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("EXENCELL"), according to a post on EXENCELL's WeChat account.

Established in May 2017, Gree Finance Investment has steadfastly supported the growth, improvement, and strengthening of the real economy, powering the high-quality development of invested enterprises and the upgrading of Zhuhai's industrial structure. The company's business, centered on industrial investment, serves the industrial development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the optimization and upgrading of Zhuhai's industrial structure.

Simultaneously with this strategic investment in EXENCELL, Gree Financial Investment has also provided substantial industrial support for the company's development in Zhuhai city. As a collaborative investor, it will offer construction safeguards for the successful completion of EXENCELL's New Energy (Zhuhai) energy storage battery project. The completion of this project will fill a void in Zhuhai's lithium battery storage industry chain.

EXENCELL is primarily engaged in the business of electrochemical energy storage. The company provides two major energy storage solutions: centralized and distributed energy storage, for manufacturers globally.

Photo credit: EXENCELL

Established in October 2021, EXENCELL has since set up five subsidiaries that serve as main sales, production, and research and development bases. Among these, the 280Ah prismatic iron lithium production line in the Mianyang production base was initiated in the second quarter of 2022. The pilot plant was capped in Nov. 2022, and the first piece of equipment arrived on Dec. 25, 2022.

Moreover, EXENCELL said it attaches great importance to energy management and carbon reduction capability enhancement. At the factory construction stage and during production operations, it aims to maximize control over energy consumption, improve energy management, conserve energy, enhance energy utilization efficiency, reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant discharges, and lower environmental accident risks. It also focuses on the carbon emission management of products throughout their life cycle. EXENCELL (Mianyang) battery industry park Phase I project has received a low-carbon operation excellence certificate under the net-zero carbon building certification assessment system issued by TUV Rheinland Greater China, in partnership with the British Building Research Establishment (BRE).

Photo credit: EXENCELL

On May 16, the government of Jinwan District in Zhuhai city, Gree Group, Liangang Group, and EXENCELL signed the investment agreement for the EXENCELL New Energy (Zhuhai) energy storage battery project.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav extended support to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Admi Party (AAP) against the Centres ordinance on control of services in the national capital. The Delhi CM along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and other leaders of his party met the SP chief here on Wednesday.

The ordinance is anti-democratic. I want to assure CM Arvind Kejriwal that the Samajwadi Party is with you and will support you, Yadav said at the press conference.

Kejriwal has been reaching out to leaders of non-BJP parties to drum up support against the ordinance so that the Centres bid to replace it through a Bill is defeated when it is brought in Parliament.

I just had a long talk with Akhilesh ji. You know the subject of what we discussed... The people of Delhi did a long struggle... They vote, they elect a government and they expect and hope that the elected government is free, Kejriwal said at a joint press conference with Yadav and Mann. In May, by issuing a notification, the Narendra Modi government snatched all our powers. The control that a government has on officers, bureaucracy, disciplinary action on them in case they dont work properly, action against officers if they are corrupt, creation of a new post, regularisation of themall these powers were snatched by the Modi government by issuing a notification, Kejriwal added.

The Centre on May 19 had promulgated the ordinance to create an authority for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi, which the AAP government had called a deception with the Supreme Court verdict on control of services.

Kejriwal reiterated that if non-BJP parties come together then the ordinance can be defeated in the Rajya Sabha and it will send a strong message that the Modi government is not coming to power in 2024. I thank SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has assured us that his party will support us in the Rajya Sabha, the Delhi CM said.

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav extended support to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Admi Party (AAP) against the Centres ordinance on control of services in the national capital. The Delhi CM along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and other leaders of his party met the SP chief here on Wednesday. The ordinance is anti-democratic. I want to assure CM Arvind Kejriwal that the Samajwadi Party is with you and will support you, Yadav said at the press conference. Kejriwal has been reaching out to leaders of non-BJP parties to drum up support against the ordinance so that the Centres bid to replace it through a Bill is defeated when it is brought in Parliament.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); I just had a long talk with Akhilesh ji. You know the subject of what we discussed... The people of Delhi did a long struggle... They vote, they elect a government and they expect and hope that the elected government is free, Kejriwal said at a joint press conference with Yadav and Mann. In May, by issuing a notification, the Narendra Modi government snatched all our powers. The control that a government has on officers, bureaucracy, disciplinary action on them in case they dont work properly, action against officers if they are corrupt, creation of a new post, regularisation of themall these powers were snatched by the Modi government by issuing a notification, Kejriwal added. The Centre on May 19 had promulgated the ordinance to create an authority for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi, which the AAP government had called a deception with the Supreme Court verdict on control of services. Kejriwal reiterated that if non-BJP parties come together then the ordinance can be defeated in the Rajya Sabha and it will send a strong message that the Modi government is not coming to power in 2024. I thank SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has assured us that his party will support us in the Rajya Sabha, the Delhi CM said.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: In an effort to make the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar pollution free and clean, a Delhi-based energy solutions company Clean Effentech International Pvt Ltd (CEF) Group in collaboration with NAFED would be tackling waste management.

It will also be converting waste like weeds and lilies into organic manure and allied products, which in turn would be sold to farmers at nominal rates.

Maninder Singh Nayyar Founder & CEO of CEF Group told the TNIE that the company has set up a waste processing unit in Gupt Ganga area of Srinagar for streamlining the solid waste management of the Dal Lake.

The waste processing unit would be processing extracted lake weeds and lilies from Dal Lake with state-of-the-art technology and convert them into usable organic manure and allied products.

The conversion process will kick-start in August at the waste processing plant after the plant becomes operational.

Nayyar said the waste procession plant would treat all organic waste like weeds and lilies extracted from the Dal Lake.

This, he said, will not only manage the waste of Dal Lake and convert it into usable products but also aid in the beautification of Dal Lake.

Until now, the extracted organic waste from Dal was used to surround the boundaries of the lake making it unpleasant to the eyes of tourists.

The Dal Lake annually produces about 70,000 tonnes of lake waste, according to data from Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA).

As a leading clean energy provider, CEF Group not only understood the root cause of this problem but also came up with a solution - the waste processing plant. From August this year, we will be able to utilize these (70 thousand of tonnes) of waste from Dal Lake and convert them into 24,000 tonnes of organic manure and allied products, Nayyar said.

The processing unit being set up by the CEF Group in Srinagar has a capacity of treating 300 tonnes of waste per day, thus treating approximately 90,000 tonnes of waste annually.

This processing plant is our stepping stone and we will evolve as the technology evolves. It is crucial that Srinagar will get rid of 70,000 tonnes of waste every year and it is a great start, said the Founder & CEO of CEF Group.

On the role of NAFED in the project, he said the whole project of waste processing has been facilitated by NAFED with its selected financial and technical partners. They will also be providing bio-fertilizers that will be used in manure produced at our Srinagar plant. NAFED will be manufacturing these bio-fertilizers at their own unit in Indore known as NAFED Bio-fertilizer and from there we will be sourcing it to our plant.

Asked whether organic manure would be made available free of cost to farmers and J&K government, Nayyar said, The farmers can avail these products at a very nominal price compared to their present purchases from the market. We will also be providing it to the J&K government at very low rates. Our primary objective is to make organic manure available to farmers in a cost-effective manner.

The project, he said, will significantly promote the cleaning of Dal Lake as it will not only eradicate the organic waste from the lake but also aid scientific treatment of all organic waste and create a useful product.

SRINAGAR: In an effort to make the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar pollution free and clean, a Delhi-based energy solutions company Clean Effentech International Pvt Ltd (CEF) Group in collaboration with NAFED would be tackling waste management. It will also be converting waste like weeds and lilies into organic manure and allied products, which in turn would be sold to farmers at nominal rates. Maninder Singh Nayyar Founder & CEO of CEF Group told the TNIE that the company has set up a waste processing unit in Gupt Ganga area of Srinagar for streamlining the solid waste management of the Dal Lake.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The waste processing unit would be processing extracted lake weeds and lilies from Dal Lake with state-of-the-art technology and convert them into usable organic manure and allied products. The conversion process will kick-start in August at the waste processing plant after the plant becomes operational. Nayyar said the waste procession plant would treat all organic waste like weeds and lilies extracted from the Dal Lake. This, he said, will not only manage the waste of Dal Lake and convert it into usable products but also aid in the beautification of Dal Lake. Until now, the extracted organic waste from Dal was used to surround the boundaries of the lake making it unpleasant to the eyes of tourists. The Dal Lake annually produces about 70,000 tonnes of lake waste, according to data from Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA). As a leading clean energy provider, CEF Group not only understood the root cause of this problem but also came up with a solution - the waste processing plant. From August this year, we will be able to utilize these (70 thousand of tonnes) of waste from Dal Lake and convert them into 24,000 tonnes of organic manure and allied products, Nayyar said. The processing unit being set up by the CEF Group in Srinagar has a capacity of treating 300 tonnes of waste per day, thus treating approximately 90,000 tonnes of waste annually. This processing plant is our stepping stone and we will evolve as the technology evolves. It is crucial that Srinagar will get rid of 70,000 tonnes of waste every year and it is a great start, said the Founder & CEO of CEF Group. On the role of NAFED in the project, he said the whole project of waste processing has been facilitated by NAFED with its selected financial and technical partners. They will also be providing bio-fertilizers that will be used in manure produced at our Srinagar plant. NAFED will be manufacturing these bio-fertilizers at their own unit in Indore known as NAFED Bio-fertilizer and from there we will be sourcing it to our plant. Asked whether organic manure would be made available free of cost to farmers and J&K government, Nayyar said, The farmers can avail these products at a very nominal price compared to their present purchases from the market. We will also be providing it to the J&K government at very low rates. Our primary objective is to make organic manure available to farmers in a cost-effective manner. The project, he said, will significantly promote the cleaning of Dal Lake as it will not only eradicate the organic waste from the lake but also aid scientific treatment of all organic waste and create a useful product.
By Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has asked the state government to consider restoring internet services as it plays a vital role in modern day life.

Internet services have remained suspended in the state since May 3 after violence broke out on the border of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts at the end of a tribal solidarity march against the move to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the majority Meitei community.

Earlier, a Mizoram resident, Kammingthang Hangshingan, had lodged a complaint with the MHRC over the suspension of internet services in Churachandpur district.

In an order on Wednesday, MHRC Chairperson Justice Utpalendu Bikash Saha and member KK Singh said, It would be proper on our part to ask the authority as to whether internet can be restoredkeeping balance between the security of the state and the interest of the citizens/people

ALSO READ | Manipur situation peaceful, Centre okays Rs 101 crore package for displaced people: State security advisor

The Commission further said, We are of the view that the internet plays a vital role in modern day life, more so when the young generation of the country who are working from home through the internet and also the students who would appear in the examination through online may face a severe effect without it.

Recently, two persons filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the indefinite suspension of internet services. Given the prevailing tense situation, the state government fears that if the internet is restored, it might trigger fresh violence.

Meanwhile, after nearly 43 years, executive magistrates will accompany Army personnel during combing operations against the militants. This is because the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which grants special powers to armed forces to maintain public order in disturbed areas, was earlier withdrawn from parts of Manipur.

The authorities asked the district magistrates of Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Bishnupur and Jiribam districts to designate executive magistrates who will accompany the personnel during combing operations.

In Delhi, all 10 Naga MLAs of Manipur met Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday evening. They went there at his invitation. The MLAs did not disclose what transpired at the meeting.

At least 90 people were killed while more than 35,000 others were displaced in the Manipur violence.

GUWAHATI: The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has asked the state government to consider restoring internet services as it plays a vital role in modern day life. Internet services have remained suspended in the state since May 3 after violence broke out on the border of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts at the end of a tribal solidarity march against the move to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the majority Meitei community. Earlier, a Mizoram resident, Kammingthang Hangshingan, had lodged a complaint with the MHRC over the suspension of internet services in Churachandpur district.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In an order on Wednesday, MHRC Chairperson Justice Utpalendu Bikash Saha and member KK Singh said, It would be proper on our part to ask the authority as to whether internet can be restoredkeeping balance between the security of the state and the interest of the citizens/people ALSO READ | Manipur situation peaceful, Centre okays Rs 101 crore package for displaced people: State security advisor The Commission further said, We are of the view that the internet plays a vital role in modern day life, more so when the young generation of the country who are working from home through the internet and also the students who would appear in the examination through online may face a severe effect without it. Recently, two persons filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the indefinite suspension of internet services. Given the prevailing tense situation, the state government fears that if the internet is restored, it might trigger fresh violence. Meanwhile, after nearly 43 years, executive magistrates will accompany Army personnel during combing operations against the militants. This is because the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which grants special powers to armed forces to maintain public order in disturbed areas, was earlier withdrawn from parts of Manipur. The authorities asked the district magistrates of Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Bishnupur and Jiribam districts to designate executive magistrates who will accompany the personnel during combing operations. In Delhi, all 10 Naga MLAs of Manipur met Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday evening. They went there at his invitation. The MLAs did not disclose what transpired at the meeting. At least 90 people were killed while more than 35,000 others were displaced in the Manipur violence.
By Express News Service

GUWAHATI: Police in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh launched a manhunt for 10 persons, including seven women, who were allegedly part of a group that destroyed a newly-constructed camp of the Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve.

The 10 named in the FIR were Atasa Yobin, Misangi Yobin, Makusa Yobin, Atali Yobin, Lisicha Yobin, Achimay Yobin, Chumathi Yobin, Ngwazosa Yobin, Simi Yobin and Yelidu Yobin.

IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 447 (criminal trespass), 427 (mischief), 392 (robbery), 186 (voluntarily obstructing any public servant in the discharge of his public functions) and 506 (criminal intimidation) were slapped against them.

According to the FIR, 100-150 men and women, led by Atasa Yobin of Gandhigram, had swooped down on the Burma Nallah camp of the forest department, located at the 40th Mile area along the Miao-Vijaynagar Road, in the wee hours of June 5 and ransacked it.

They first disconnected the WT set and snatched the mobile phones of the forest personnel. Later, they destroyed other properties, including a watch tower.

The group threatened the staff with dire consequences if they do not vacate the premises immediately. Subsequently, the staff fled the place fearing for their lives, the FIR reads.

It was alleged in the complaint that Ngwazosa Yobin had masterminded the attack which was planned at a meeting held in Gandhigram on June 4 under his leadership.

Official sources said the accused persons had gone underground to evade arrest but the police would take all measures to track them down.

The authorities said the parks boundary stretches up to the 77th Mile area along the Miao-Vijaynagar Road. However, the Yobin settlers claimed areas from the 40th Mile belonged to them ancestrally. Last year, the authorities evicted encroachers from the 40th Mile area leading to the conflict.

GUWAHATI: Police in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh launched a manhunt for 10 persons, including seven women, who were allegedly part of a group that destroyed a newly-constructed camp of the Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve. The 10 named in the FIR were Atasa Yobin, Misangi Yobin, Makusa Yobin, Atali Yobin, Lisicha Yobin, Achimay Yobin, Chumathi Yobin, Ngwazosa Yobin, Simi Yobin and Yelidu Yobin. IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 447 (criminal trespass), 427 (mischief), 392 (robbery), 186 (voluntarily obstructing any public servant in the discharge of his public functions) and 506 (criminal intimidation) were slapped against them.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the FIR, 100-150 men and women, led by Atasa Yobin of Gandhigram, had swooped down on the Burma Nallah camp of the forest department, located at the 40th Mile area along the Miao-Vijaynagar Road, in the wee hours of June 5 and ransacked it. They first disconnected the WT set and snatched the mobile phones of the forest personnel. Later, they destroyed other properties, including a watch tower. The group threatened the staff with dire consequences if they do not vacate the premises immediately. Subsequently, the staff fled the place fearing for their lives, the FIR reads. It was alleged in the complaint that Ngwazosa Yobin had masterminded the attack which was planned at a meeting held in Gandhigram on June 4 under his leadership. Official sources said the accused persons had gone underground to evade arrest but the police would take all measures to track them down. The authorities said the parks boundary stretches up to the 77th Mile area along the Miao-Vijaynagar Road. However, the Yobin settlers claimed areas from the 40th Mile belonged to them ancestrally. Last year, the authorities evicted encroachers from the 40th Mile area leading to the conflict.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: The ban imposed by a school in Srinagar on girl students wearing Abaya (a cloak worn over clothes by Muslim women) has sparked outrage in Kashmir, with the students protesting the diktat and vowing not to give up wearing Abaya. Students of 11th and 12th classes of Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School, Rainawari in Srinagar alleged that the principal has imposed a ban on wearing of Abaya in school.

Later, the school principal apologized. Meanwhile, militants issued a terror threat. In an online post on the blacklisted blog kashmirfight.com, which is being run by militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba and its offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF), militants warned of targeting the principal of the school. In the post, militants issued threats to two school principals in Srinagar, including the principal of Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School.

We were told yesterday by school authorities that you should come to school without wearing Abaya and if you wear Abaya, you wont be allowed entry into school premises. The school management told us that since you are wearing Abaya, other students are also getting influenced and they too want to wear it. It seems the management thinks wearing Abaya is wrong and they will allow us entry into school if we wear jeans pants, said a protesting girl student.

They are telling us that if you want to wear an Abaya, you should have joined Madrasa. The principal is telling us that if you want to be part of the society, you should stop wearing the Abaya, she alleged.

We will not give up Abaya. It is important for a Muslim woman to wear an Abaya, said another protesting student. We are being discriminated against for wearing Abaya.

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti slamming the ban said, J&K has become a laboratory for BJPs plans of changing Gandhis India into Godses India. All experiments begin from here. It started off in Karnataka and has reached Kashmir. This is unacceptable. NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said wearing a Hijab should be a personal choice.

Muslim Groups demand Ban on Ajmer 92

Jaipur: After Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, a fresh controversy has erupted in Rajasthan over the film  Ajmer 92. The film, set to release just before the assembly elections is related to a 1992 sex scandal in Ajmer, when incidents of rape and blackmail of more than 100 girls had come to light. However, several Muslim organisations, including officials of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee, have demanded a ban on the release of this film. The film is set to release on July 14.

tweeted.

SRINAGAR: The ban imposed by a school in Srinagar on girl students wearing Abaya (a cloak worn over clothes by Muslim women) has sparked outrage in Kashmir, with the students protesting the diktat and vowing not to give up wearing Abaya. Students of 11th and 12th classes of Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School, Rainawari in Srinagar alleged that the principal has imposed a ban on wearing of Abaya in school. Later, the school principal apologized. Meanwhile, militants issued a terror threat. In an online post on the blacklisted blog kashmirfight.com, which is being run by militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba and its offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF), militants warned of targeting the principal of the school. In the post, militants issued threats to two school principals in Srinagar, including the principal of Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School. We were told yesterday by school authorities that you should come to school without wearing Abaya and if you wear Abaya, you wont be allowed entry into school premises. The school management told us that since you are wearing Abaya, other students are also getting influenced and they too want to wear it. It seems the management thinks wearing Abaya is wrong and they will allow us entry into school if we wear jeans pants, said a protesting girl student.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); They are telling us that if you want to wear an Abaya, you should have joined Madrasa. The principal is telling us that if you want to be part of the society, you should stop wearing the Abaya, she alleged. We will not give up Abaya. It is important for a Muslim woman to wear an Abaya, said another protesting student. We are being discriminated against for wearing Abaya. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti slamming the ban said, J&K has become a laboratory for BJPs plans of changing Gandhis India into Godses India. All experiments begin from here. It started off in Karnataka and has reached Kashmir. This is unacceptable. NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said wearing a Hijab should be a personal choice. Muslim Groups demand Ban on Ajmer 92 Jaipur: After Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, a fresh controversy has erupted in Rajasthan over the film  Ajmer 92. The film, set to release just before the assembly elections is related to a 1992 sex scandal in Ajmer, when incidents of rape and blackmail of more than 100 girls had come to light. However, several Muslim organisations, including officials of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee, have demanded a ban on the release of this film. The film is set to release on July 14. tweeted.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Indias foreign minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday condemned Canada for allowing extremists to carry out parades with a float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Images and videos surfaced online of the parade, believed to be carried out by Khalistani supporters in Canadas Brampton on June 4, just days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6.

The Congress had earlier urged Jaishankar to take up the issue strongly with Canadian authorities.

When asked about it at a press conference, Jaishankar hit out at Canada, saying there was a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, extremists and people who advocate violence.

Earlier, Canadian High Commissioner to India Cameron Mackay said he was "appalled" by the reports of the event in his country that "celebrated" the assassination of the Indian prime minister.

"There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," he said in a tweet.

Congress leader and former Union minister Milind Deora shared a purported video, which is doing the rounds on social media, of a float at a recent parade in Brampton depicting Gandhi's assassination.

As an Indian, I'm appalled by the 5km-long #parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of #IndiraGandhi.



It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. pic.twitter.com/zLRbTYhRAE  Milind Deora |    (@milinddeora) June 7, 2023

"As an Indian, I'm appalled by the 5 km-long parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi," he tweeted.

Deora said, "It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history and the pain caused by its Prime Minister's assassination."

"This extremism deserves universal condemnation and a united response," the Congress leader added.

Tagging Deora's tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "I entirely agree! This is despicable and Dr S Jaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities."

Responding to Deora's tweet, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, "You are completely right. There should be no politics in condemning this despicable act across party lines."

You are completely right, @milinddeora. There should be no politics in condemning this despicable act across party lines. https://t.co/OOBoZVjZvR  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 8, 2023

At his press conference, Jaishankar said, "Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this. I think it is not one issue, no matter how egregious it may be."

"I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for the relationship and I think it is not good for Canada," he added.

Operation Blue Star was an Indian Armed Forces operation ordered by Indira Gandhi in 1984 to remove Damdami Taksal leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the buildings of the Golden Temple.

The operation was faced with a lot of backlash which led to Gandhi being assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

NEW DELHI: Indias foreign minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday condemned Canada for allowing extremists to carry out parades with a float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Images and videos surfaced online of the parade, believed to be carried out by Khalistani supporters in Canadas Brampton on June 4, just days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6. The Congress had earlier urged Jaishankar to take up the issue strongly with Canadian authorities.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); When asked about it at a press conference, Jaishankar hit out at Canada, saying there was a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, extremists and people who advocate violence. Earlier, Canadian High Commissioner to India Cameron Mackay said he was "appalled" by the reports of the event in his country that "celebrated" the assassination of the Indian prime minister. "There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," he said in a tweet. Congress leader and former Union minister Milind Deora shared a purported video, which is doing the rounds on social media, of a float at a recent parade in Brampton depicting Gandhi's assassination. As an Indian, I'm appalled by the 5km-long #parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of #IndiraGandhi. It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. pic.twitter.com/zLRbTYhRAE  Milind Deora |    (@milinddeora) June 7, 2023 "As an Indian, I'm appalled by the 5 km-long parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi," he tweeted. Deora said, "It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history and the pain caused by its Prime Minister's assassination." "This extremism deserves universal condemnation and a united response," the Congress leader added. Tagging Deora's tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "I entirely agree! This is despicable and Dr S Jaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities." Responding to Deora's tweet, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, "You are completely right. There should be no politics in condemning this despicable act across party lines." You are completely right, @milinddeora. There should be no politics in condemning this despicable act across party lines. https://t.co/OOBoZVjZvR  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 8, 2023 At his press conference, Jaishankar said, "Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this. I think it is not one issue, no matter how egregious it may be." "I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for the relationship and I think it is not good for Canada," he added. Operation Blue Star was an Indian Armed Forces operation ordered by Indira Gandhi in 1984 to remove Damdami Taksal leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the buildings of the Golden Temple. The operation was faced with a lot of backlash which led to Gandhi being assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kolkata-based businessman Amit Agrawal and his associate Dilip Ghosh from Kolkata on Wednesday night in connection with the Army land scam which took place in Ranchi. Eight persons, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, were arrested earlier in the case.

Later, ED produced both the accused persons before a Special PMLA court in Ranchi and sought five days' remand for them. EDs petition, however, is still pending in the court and is likely to be heard on Friday.

Both Agrawal and Ghosh were produced before the court on Thursday and sent into judicial custody. ED has sought five-day remand for them, which is still pending in the court, said EDs advocate Shiv Kumar Kaka. Arguments on the matter of remand will be discussed on Friday, he added. ED's action is related to the fraudulent sale and purchase of 4.55 acres of land occupied by the army at Bariatu Road in Ranchi.

The accused, Amit Agrawal, along with the then Ranchi DC Chhavi Ranjan, forged documents to grab a costly land in Ranchi under the possession of the Indian Army. Earlier in the morning, the ED sleuths searched Agarwal's house in Kolkata but did not find him there. The ED called him and Ghosh in for questioning before the Ranchi zonal office. They were arrested from Kolkata after a long interrogation.

The transfer of several pieces of prime lands had been questioned earlier by the then Divisional Commissioner Nitin Madan Kulkarni in his report sent to the state government. The revenue department, however, is said to have turned a blind eye to all these reports.

The inquiry set up by Kulkarni has stated that 4.55 acres of land in Ranchi are currently under the possession of the Indian Army, but owned by Jayant Karnad, who fraudulently sold out to Dilip Ghosh. The inquiry was ordered in the wake of a complaint lodged by the national general secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Anusuchit Jati Mahasabha, Upendra Kumar in November 2021.

Kolkata-based Dilip Ghosh is the director of Jagatbandhu Tea Estate Private Limited. It was learnt that he had a close connection in Jharkhand's power portal. Notably, Amit Agrawal was arrested by ED earlier in October this year for hatching a conspiracy to trap Jharkhand High Court Advocate Rajiv Kumar, a lawyer representing a petitioner in two PILs filed against several high-ups, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Agrawal is currently on interim bail granted by the Supreme Court. It is alleged that the Jharkhand HC has advocated for Rajeev Kumar to file a PIL in Jharkhand High Court against Agrawal and was said to be asking Rs 10 crore to withdraw the PIL filed in Jharkhand High Court.

After negotiations, he allegedly settled at Rs 1 crore for which the first installment of Rs 50 lakh was paid and he was caught red-handed with it by Kolkata police and arrested on July 31. Later ED arrested Amit Agrawal and told an ED court in Ranchi that he had created a facade and hatched a criminal conspiracy to trap Rajeev Kumar.

RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kolkata-based businessman Amit Agrawal and his associate Dilip Ghosh from Kolkata on Wednesday night in connection with the Army land scam which took place in Ranchi. Eight persons, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, were arrested earlier in the case. Later, ED produced both the accused persons before a Special PMLA court in Ranchi and sought five days' remand for them. EDs petition, however, is still pending in the court and is likely to be heard on Friday. Both Agrawal and Ghosh were produced before the court on Thursday and sent into judicial custody. ED has sought five-day remand for them, which is still pending in the court, said EDs advocate Shiv Kumar Kaka. Arguments on the matter of remand will be discussed on Friday, he added. ED's action is related to the fraudulent sale and purchase of 4.55 acres of land occupied by the army at Bariatu Road in Ranchi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The accused, Amit Agrawal, along with the then Ranchi DC Chhavi Ranjan, forged documents to grab a costly land in Ranchi under the possession of the Indian Army. Earlier in the morning, the ED sleuths searched Agarwal's house in Kolkata but did not find him there. The ED called him and Ghosh in for questioning before the Ranchi zonal office. They were arrested from Kolkata after a long interrogation. The transfer of several pieces of prime lands had been questioned earlier by the then Divisional Commissioner Nitin Madan Kulkarni in his report sent to the state government. The revenue department, however, is said to have turned a blind eye to all these reports. The inquiry set up by Kulkarni has stated that 4.55 acres of land in Ranchi are currently under the possession of the Indian Army, but owned by Jayant Karnad, who fraudulently sold out to Dilip Ghosh. The inquiry was ordered in the wake of a complaint lodged by the national general secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Anusuchit Jati Mahasabha, Upendra Kumar in November 2021. Kolkata-based Dilip Ghosh is the director of Jagatbandhu Tea Estate Private Limited. It was learnt that he had a close connection in Jharkhand's power portal. Notably, Amit Agrawal was arrested by ED earlier in October this year for hatching a conspiracy to trap Jharkhand High Court Advocate Rajiv Kumar, a lawyer representing a petitioner in two PILs filed against several high-ups, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Agrawal is currently on interim bail granted by the Supreme Court. It is alleged that the Jharkhand HC has advocated for Rajeev Kumar to file a PIL in Jharkhand High Court against Agrawal and was said to be asking Rs 10 crore to withdraw the PIL filed in Jharkhand High Court. After negotiations, he allegedly settled at Rs 1 crore for which the first installment of Rs 50 lakh was paid and he was caught red-handed with it by Kolkata police and arrested on July 31. Later ED arrested Amit Agrawal and told an ED court in Ranchi that he had created a facade and hatched a criminal conspiracy to trap Rajeev Kumar.
Sudhir Suryawanshi By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: Blaming Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis for failure in maintaining law and order situation in the state the opposition demanded his resignation.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar claimed that the tension prevailing in Kolhapur and the protests by right-wing cannot be carried out without support from the ruling party.

Addressing a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday, Pawar said, Incidents of communal clashes in Ahmednagar and Kolhapur have taken place over some mobile messages. What is the meaning of hitting the streets over such messages? Todays ruling party encourages such things. Rulers should ensure peace and law and order. But if rulers start hitting the street and create enmity among two communities, that is not a good thing for the state.

The ruling BJP party should not promote such things. To maintain law and order is the responsibility of the ruling party, not to disturb and provoke. BJP is trying to divide society into religious and caste lines is not a good sign at all, Pawar said.

Churches were attacked in Odisha and other states. This is not the work of an individual, an ideology works behind this. This ideology is not good for the society, Pawar added.

Slamming the state government, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole demanded the resignation of Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis. How did glorifiers of Aurangzeb become active now? Riots are taking place in the state every day. What are the chief minister and home minister doing? The situation in the state is such that there is no longer rule of law in the state. It is ruled by criminals and miscreants, said Patole.

ALSO READ | Kolhapur: Curfew imposed after violent protests over 'WhatsApp status' on Aurangazeb, Tipu Sultan

Patole said that on May 19, a delegation of the Congress party met the Director General of Police of the state and demanded strict steps to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of women.

Unfortunately, no action is being taken, Fadnavis should be stripped of Home portfolio immediately and the state should be given an experienced, competent and full-time home minister, he said.

Patole claimed that the Shinde, Fadnavis came to power in Maharashtra by conspiracy. He further added that the BJP had attempted to incite riots in the state earlier but it had failed.

Earlier in Sambhajinagar, Ahmednagar, Shevgaon, Amravati, and Nashik, there was an attempt to create riots-like situations in the state by inciting religious issues, but the attempt failed as the people took a stand of reconciliation. Again the fanatical forces are trying to spoil the atmosphere by pushing the issue of Aurangzeb in Ahmednagar and Kolhapur districts. If there was a competent police department, criminals would not have such courage. It is a cunning plan of the BJP to incite riots by fanning the religious issues in the state. So is Fadnavis unconsciously ignoring such incidents, asked Patole.

The present government has failed to maintain law and order. How have the bigoted forces become so active since Fadnavis became the Home Minister? After the first attempt to create riots in the state failed last month, now they are again trying to create unrest by bringing forward the issue of Aurangzeb, Patole added.

He added, in a safe city like Mumbai, it has come to light that a student was tortured and killed in a hostel.

Former CM Prithviraj Chavan also accused the BJP of instigating riots and communal violence in the state and said that such instances will only grow as elections approach.

MUMBAI: Blaming Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis for failure in maintaining law and order situation in the state the opposition demanded his resignation. NCP chief Sharad Pawar claimed that the tension prevailing in Kolhapur and the protests by right-wing cannot be carried out without support from the ruling party. Addressing a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday, Pawar said, Incidents of communal clashes in Ahmednagar and Kolhapur have taken place over some mobile messages. What is the meaning of hitting the streets over such messages? Todays ruling party encourages such things. Rulers should ensure peace and law and order. But if rulers start hitting the street and create enmity among two communities, that is not a good thing for the state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ruling BJP party should not promote such things. To maintain law and order is the responsibility of the ruling party, not to disturb and provoke. BJP is trying to divide society into religious and caste lines is not a good sign at all, Pawar said. Churches were attacked in Odisha and other states. This is not the work of an individual, an ideology works behind this. This ideology is not good for the society, Pawar added. Slamming the state government, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole demanded the resignation of Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis. How did glorifiers of Aurangzeb become active now? Riots are taking place in the state every day. What are the chief minister and home minister doing? The situation in the state is such that there is no longer rule of law in the state. It is ruled by criminals and miscreants, said Patole. ALSO READ | Kolhapur: Curfew imposed after violent protests over 'WhatsApp status' on Aurangazeb, Tipu Sultan Patole said that on May 19, a delegation of the Congress party met the Director General of Police of the state and demanded strict steps to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of women. Unfortunately, no action is being taken, Fadnavis should be stripped of Home portfolio immediately and the state should be given an experienced, competent and full-time home minister, he said. Patole claimed that the Shinde, Fadnavis came to power in Maharashtra by conspiracy. He further added that the BJP had attempted to incite riots in the state earlier but it had failed. Earlier in Sambhajinagar, Ahmednagar, Shevgaon, Amravati, and Nashik, there was an attempt to create riots-like situations in the state by inciting religious issues, but the attempt failed as the people took a stand of reconciliation. Again the fanatical forces are trying to spoil the atmosphere by pushing the issue of Aurangzeb in Ahmednagar and Kolhapur districts. If there was a competent police department, criminals would not have such courage. It is a cunning plan of the BJP to incite riots by fanning the religious issues in the state. So is Fadnavis unconsciously ignoring such incidents, asked Patole. The present government has failed to maintain law and order. How have the bigoted forces become so active since Fadnavis became the Home Minister? After the first attempt to create riots in the state failed last month, now they are again trying to create unrest by bringing forward the issue of Aurangzeb, Patole added. He added, in a safe city like Mumbai, it has come to light that a student was tortured and killed in a hostel. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan also accused the BJP of instigating riots and communal violence in the state and said that such instances will only grow as elections approach.
By PTI

PUNE: The five persons detained in Maharashtra's Kolhapur for allegedly keeping offensive social media account status and an image of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan were college-going minors and a probe was underway to find what or who prompted them to indulge in such an act, a senior police official said on Thursday.

Kolhapur city in western Maharashtra saw violent protests from right-wing outfits on Wednesday over some persons keeping an image of Tipu Sultan and an offensive audio message as their social media status.

"Two cases were filed in the city in regard to the objectionable posts and five youths were detained. All these youths are minors and college-going students. We are finding out whom they are associated with and who provoked them to keep such a status," Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said.

"Their phones have been seized and are being analysed. As per preliminary information provided by these five, they had copied each other's social media status and used it for their accounts. Moreover, initial probe hints at videos being downloaded from the internet," the SP told a press conference.

The SP also said the youth had an inkling of trouble ahead as they had deleted their social media accounts around the time when some persons approached the police over the objectionable status.

ALSO READ | Kolhapur protests: Opposition demands resignation of Maharashtra Home Minister

"We are trying to retrieve the app and data to find out where they got the videos. As of now, we cannot say whether they were provoked. We are also investigating some social media accounts that are trying to set a particular narrative. Details like who these belong to, when they were created, and mobile numbers they are associated with are being ascertained," Pandit informed.

In connection with the violence that took place at Shivaji Chowk on Wednesday, three cases have been registered against 300-400 persons, and 36 persons have been rounded up, while three juveniles have been detained, the SP said.

CCTV clips from the area were being checked to identify those who indulged in stone pelting and a probe is also underway to see if provocative speeches were made during the agitation, he said.

The internet service shutdown, which was put in place as a precautionary measure, will be in effect till midnight (Thursday-Friday), the SP informed.

Queried about a stone pelting incident in Wadange village, Pandit said he had visited the site on Wednesday night and efforts were on to nab those involved.

PUNE: The five persons detained in Maharashtra's Kolhapur for allegedly keeping offensive social media account status and an image of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan were college-going minors and a probe was underway to find what or who prompted them to indulge in such an act, a senior police official said on Thursday. Kolhapur city in western Maharashtra saw violent protests from right-wing outfits on Wednesday over some persons keeping an image of Tipu Sultan and an offensive audio message as their social media status. "Two cases were filed in the city in regard to the objectionable posts and five youths were detained. All these youths are minors and college-going students. We are finding out whom they are associated with and who provoked them to keep such a status," Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Their phones have been seized and are being analysed. As per preliminary information provided by these five, they had copied each other's social media status and used it for their accounts. Moreover, initial probe hints at videos being downloaded from the internet," the SP told a press conference. The SP also said the youth had an inkling of trouble ahead as they had deleted their social media accounts around the time when some persons approached the police over the objectionable status. ALSO READ | Kolhapur protests: Opposition demands resignation of Maharashtra Home Minister "We are trying to retrieve the app and data to find out where they got the videos. As of now, we cannot say whether they were provoked. We are also investigating some social media accounts that are trying to set a particular narrative. Details like who these belong to, when they were created, and mobile numbers they are associated with are being ascertained," Pandit informed. In connection with the violence that took place at Shivaji Chowk on Wednesday, three cases have been registered against 300-400 persons, and 36 persons have been rounded up, while three juveniles have been detained, the SP said. CCTV clips from the area were being checked to identify those who indulged in stone pelting and a probe is also underway to see if provocative speeches were made during the agitation, he said. The internet service shutdown, which was put in place as a precautionary measure, will be in effect till midnight (Thursday-Friday), the SP informed. Queried about a stone pelting incident in Wadange village, Pandit said he had visited the site on Wednesday night and efforts were on to nab those involved.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: The preliminary probe conducted by the Lucknow police into the murder of gangster Sanjeev Jeeva on Lucknow district court premises on Wednesday revealed that assailant Vijay Yadav, 24, was offered a contract of Rs 20 lakh to kill Sanjeev Jeeva. Yadav, who had fired 7-9 rounds of the bullet was nabbed immediately after the incident.

As per the police, the suspect used a Czech-manufactured Magnum Alfa revolver with a .357 bore, which was recovered by the police used from the crime scene. According to the post-mortem report, eight bullet injuries were spotted on the body of Sanjeev Jeeva. While six bullets had penetrated the main body  torso-- and had made the exit from the other side. Two bullets had hit each hand. The autopsy report said that all the bullets entered the body of the victim from the left side of the back.

Police sources claimed that Vijay, a resident of Kerakat in Jaunpur, had come in search of a job during which he had possibly met the person who offered him the contract to kill Sanjeev Jeeva. Sources added that they are waiting for him to regain consciousness to confirm this.

However, Vijay did not reveal the name of the person on the pretext of not remembering it. Vijay Yadav has two prior criminal records, one registered against him under POCSO Act for allegedly raping a minor in Azamgarh in 2016 and had spent six months in jail as well.

The case was closed two months ago with mutual consent. He was booked again for violating Covid norms in Jaunpur in 2021. His younger brother, Satyam Yadav, a class 11 student, claimed that Vijay used to lead a very reclusive life.

Drawing an uncanny similarity with the shooters of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in police custody, Yadav is also a loner and has not interacted with his family members in the recent past.

ALSO READ | Man dressed as lawyer shoots gangster dead at Lucknow court

His mobile phone was switched off for the past several days, his younger brother claimed. As per Vijays brother, he had lost interest in his studies after passing class 10. In 2021, he left for Maharashtra to work in a pipe company.

He hardly calls up to talk to us. Our mother Nirmala Devi cries a lot to talk to him but he hardly bothers, said the younger brother.

Sources said Vijay started working in Lucknow this year at a pipe company.

Our last interaction had taken place on May 11, and after that, his phone had been switched off, he added.

Meanwhile, the 18-month-old girl Lado who had sustained the bullet injury and had got one of her lungs punctured in the firing was stated to be stable and out of danger after the last night's surgery. She is still in ICU but out of danger, said the police

sources.

Neelam, the mother of the girl, was also injured as the bullet had passed whisking past her fingers. UP CM Yogi Adityanath paid a visit to the injured including two constables as well, at Lucknow Trauma Centre.

The lawyers of the Lucknow Bar Association struck the work on Thursday in protest against the police slackness due to which, as per their claim, such a crime took place on court premises.

LUCKNOW: The preliminary probe conducted by the Lucknow police into the murder of gangster Sanjeev Jeeva on Lucknow district court premises on Wednesday revealed that assailant Vijay Yadav, 24, was offered a contract of Rs 20 lakh to kill Sanjeev Jeeva. Yadav, who had fired 7-9 rounds of the bullet was nabbed immediately after the incident. As per the police, the suspect used a Czech-manufactured Magnum Alfa revolver with a .357 bore, which was recovered by the police used from the crime scene. According to the post-mortem report, eight bullet injuries were spotted on the body of Sanjeev Jeeva. While six bullets had penetrated the main body  torso-- and had made the exit from the other side. Two bullets had hit each hand. The autopsy report said that all the bullets entered the body of the victim from the left side of the back. Police sources claimed that Vijay, a resident of Kerakat in Jaunpur, had come in search of a job during which he had possibly met the person who offered him the contract to kill Sanjeev Jeeva. Sources added that they are waiting for him to regain consciousness to confirm this.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, Vijay did not reveal the name of the person on the pretext of not remembering it. Vijay Yadav has two prior criminal records, one registered against him under POCSO Act for allegedly raping a minor in Azamgarh in 2016 and had spent six months in jail as well. The case was closed two months ago with mutual consent. He was booked again for violating Covid norms in Jaunpur in 2021. His younger brother, Satyam Yadav, a class 11 student, claimed that Vijay used to lead a very reclusive life. Drawing an uncanny similarity with the shooters of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in police custody, Yadav is also a loner and has not interacted with his family members in the recent past. ALSO READ | Man dressed as lawyer shoots gangster dead at Lucknow court His mobile phone was switched off for the past several days, his younger brother claimed. As per Vijays brother, he had lost interest in his studies after passing class 10. In 2021, he left for Maharashtra to work in a pipe company. He hardly calls up to talk to us. Our mother Nirmala Devi cries a lot to talk to him but he hardly bothers, said the younger brother. Sources said Vijay started working in Lucknow this year at a pipe company. Our last interaction had taken place on May 11, and after that, his phone had been switched off, he added. Meanwhile, the 18-month-old girl Lado who had sustained the bullet injury and had got one of her lungs punctured in the firing was stated to be stable and out of danger after the last night's surgery. She is still in ICU but out of danger, said the police sources. Neelam, the mother of the girl, was also injured as the bullet had passed whisking past her fingers. UP CM Yogi Adityanath paid a visit to the injured including two constables as well, at Lucknow Trauma Centre. The lawyers of the Lucknow Bar Association struck the work on Thursday in protest against the police slackness due to which, as per their claim, such a crime took place on court premises.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- In the fifth month of 2023, Tesla sold 77,695 China-made vehicles via wholesale, representing a 2.44% rise over a month ago and a staggering 141.55% soar over the previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

In the first five months of this year, the cumulative wholesale volume of China-made Tesla vehicles summed up to 382,859 vehicles, which surged 77.37% from the year-ago period.

Model Y; photo credit: Tesla

In May, Chinas new energy passenger vehicle (NEPV) wholesale volume reached roughly 673,000 vehicles, shooting up 59.4% year on year while also climbing 11.5% over that of the earlier month. From January to May, there were about 2.778 million NEPVs sold via wholesale in total, surging 46.5% from a year earlier.

In terms of monthly wholesale volume of NEPVs in May, twelve automakers boasted a number exceeding 10,000 units, which accounted for 82.7% of the country's total NEPV wholesale volume in the past month. Specifically, the automakers were BYD (239,092 units), Tesla China (77,695 units), GAC AION (45,003 units), SAIC Passenger Vehicle (29,126 units), Li Auto (28,277 units), Geely Auto (27,036 units), Changan Auto (26,914 units), SAIC-GM-Wuling (24,373 units), Great Wall Motor (23,755 units), NETA Auto (13,029 units), Leapmotor (12,058 units), and Dongfeng eGT (10,569 units).

Han EV; photo credit: BYD

Judging from the overall monthly retail volume of NEPVs in China, Chinas locally-owned brands accounted for 50.4% of the entire NEPV market, edging up 0.9 percentage points from a month ago. The market share of new energy vehicle startups stood at 12.8% in the past month, slipping 3.9 percentage points compared to the year-ago period. The CPCA commented that compared to the previous month and year, the performance of such startups as Li Auto and Leapmotor, remained robust.

Outside of China, a total of 92,000 NEPVs were exported by Chinese automakers last month, indicating an impressive 135.7% soar year-on-year and a 1.2% edge up month-on-month. According to the CPCA, NEPVs accounted for about 30.5% of China's total passenger vehicle export volume in May, with 92.6% being battery-electric models.

The Association analyzed that in the overseas markets, A0-level electric vehicles account for 60% of exports and are the absolute mainstay. Domestic companies such as SAIC Motor have shown strong performance in Europe, while BYD is making a mark in Southeast Asia.
By PTI

SEHORE: A two-and-a-half-year-old girl who was pulled out from a borewell in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday after nearly 52 hours of rescue efforts was declared dead at a hospital, police said.

A police official said on the condition of anonymity that the minor had already died in the borewell and when she was pulled out, her body was found decomposing.

The victim's body was sent for post-mortem, he said.

The girl - Srishti - had fallen into the 300-foot borewell in Mungavali village around 1 pm on Tuesday.

She was pulled out at 5.30 pm on Thursday and was rushed to the district hospital in an ambulance for a check-up, another official said.

She was initially stuck at a depth of about 40 feet in the borewell, but due to vibrations caused by machines engaged in the rescue operation, she slid down further to about 100 feet, making the task more difficult, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday.

An official on Thursday said she had further slipped to a depth of around 135 feet.

An Army team also joined the rescue operation, while teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) have already been working to rescue the girl, officials said.

A team of robotic experts also joined the operation on Thursday morning to rescue the girl, they said.

SEHORE: A two-and-a-half-year-old girl who was pulled out from a borewell in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday after nearly 52 hours of rescue efforts was declared dead at a hospital, police said. A police official said on the condition of anonymity that the minor had already died in the borewell and when she was pulled out, her body was found decomposing. The victim's body was sent for post-mortem, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The girl - Srishti - had fallen into the 300-foot borewell in Mungavali village around 1 pm on Tuesday. She was pulled out at 5.30 pm on Thursday and was rushed to the district hospital in an ambulance for a check-up, another official said. She was initially stuck at a depth of about 40 feet in the borewell, but due to vibrations caused by machines engaged in the rescue operation, she slid down further to about 100 feet, making the task more difficult, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday. An official on Thursday said she had further slipped to a depth of around 135 feet. An Army team also joined the rescue operation, while teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) have already been working to rescue the girl, officials said. A team of robotic experts also joined the operation on Thursday morning to rescue the girl, they said.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Three suspects, including a local BJP leader in eastern UPs Basti district, have been arrested for the gangrape and killing of a minor girl.

The victims family has alleged that one of the accused is the Mandal, vice-president of the BJPs Kisan Morcha unit in Basti.

The incident took place on Monday when the girl, 13, had gone to the village market. She was allegedly picked up and raped by the accused, who left her body at a deserted place.

While one accused was held on Tuesday, the other two were arrested on Wednesday. An FIR was lodged a day after the incident under IPC Section 302 (murder), and other sections for gang rape. Sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) were also added.

The victims family alleged that the minor was taken to a deserted school where they allegedly raped her, leading to her death.

The suspects allegedly left her body at another spot. The family cited her autopsy to say she died because of rape. As per Basti SP, Gopal Krishna Choudhary, the body of the girl has been recovered. Strict action will be taken against the culprits, SP said.

LUCKNOW: Three suspects, including a local BJP leader in eastern UPs Basti district, have been arrested for the gangrape and killing of a minor girl. The victims family has alleged that one of the accused is the Mandal, vice-president of the BJPs Kisan Morcha unit in Basti. The incident took place on Monday when the girl, 13, had gone to the village market. She was allegedly picked up and raped by the accused, who left her body at a deserted place.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While one accused was held on Tuesday, the other two were arrested on Wednesday. An FIR was lodged a day after the incident under IPC Section 302 (murder), and other sections for gang rape. Sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) were also added. The victims family alleged that the minor was taken to a deserted school where they allegedly raped her, leading to her death. The suspects allegedly left her body at another spot. The family cited her autopsy to say she died because of rape. As per Basti SP, Gopal Krishna Choudhary, the body of the girl has been recovered. Strict action will be taken against the culprits, SP said.
Sudhir Suryawanshi By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: A 32-year-old woman was killed by her 56-year-old live-in partner in a gruesome manner at Mira Road, the extended suburb of Mumbai.

According to the police, the accused Manoj Sahni killed Saraswati Vaidya 3-4 days back in an inhuman way. The accused first killed his partner, then purchased a tree-cutter to chop his partner Saraswati's dead body into pieces.

Then he used to boil these pieces in a pressure cooker and grind them into the mixer and later disposed of them in a nearby gutter. We recovered over 12-13 pieces of the woman's body from the site and are investigating the cause behind this, said local police.

We have seen that in the recent past, cases like this have increased. We have taken suo moto on this and will write to DG to take care of the case...": National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma.

On the other hand, NCP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule tweeted drawing the attention of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis who is also the home minister. She said that a man living in the Mira Road area of Mumbai killed his live-in partner.  Later, they tried to dispose of her body by cooking it in a cooker and grinding it in a mixer. This incident is very gruesome, inhumane and outrageous.

Ms Sule added, This is the situation where criminals have no fear of the law in this state. Crimes against women are increasing at an alarming rate. State Home Minister ( @Dev_Fadnavis ) needs to pay serious attention to his account. Investigating agencies should try to prosecute the accused in this case in a fast-track court and give him a death sentence. @CMOMaharashtra.

Two days ago, a woman was allegedly raped and later killed by a watchman at a women's hostel at Marine Drive. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said that home minister Devendra Fadnavis has failed to maintain law and order in Maharashtra. He said in broad daylight the crimes are happening while the home minister is busy in communal politics.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde should seek the resignation of Devendra Fadnavis as he failed as home minister. We need better law and order. The fear has to be instilled in the mind of criminals, he said.

MUMBAI: A 32-year-old woman was killed by her 56-year-old live-in partner in a gruesome manner at Mira Road, the extended suburb of Mumbai. According to the police, the accused Manoj Sahni killed Saraswati Vaidya 3-4 days back in an inhuman way. The accused first killed his partner, then purchased a tree-cutter to chop his partner Saraswati's dead body into pieces. Then he used to boil these pieces in a pressure cooker and grind them into the mixer and later disposed of them in a nearby gutter. We recovered over 12-13 pieces of the woman's body from the site and are investigating the cause behind this, said local police.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); We have seen that in the recent past, cases like this have increased. We have taken suo moto on this and will write to DG to take care of the case...": National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma. On the other hand, NCP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule tweeted drawing the attention of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis who is also the home minister. She said that a man living in the Mira Road area of Mumbai killed his live-in partner.  Later, they tried to dispose of her body by cooking it in a cooker and grinding it in a mixer. This incident is very gruesome, inhumane and outrageous. Ms Sule added, This is the situation where criminals have no fear of the law in this state. Crimes against women are increasing at an alarming rate. State Home Minister ( @Dev_Fadnavis ) needs to pay serious attention to his account. Investigating agencies should try to prosecute the accused in this case in a fast-track court and give him a death sentence. @CMOMaharashtra. Two days ago, a woman was allegedly raped and later killed by a watchman at a women's hostel at Marine Drive. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said that home minister Devendra Fadnavis has failed to maintain law and order in Maharashtra. He said in broad daylight the crimes are happening while the home minister is busy in communal politics. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde should seek the resignation of Devendra Fadnavis as he failed as home minister. We need better law and order. The fear has to be instilled in the mind of criminals, he said.
By PTI

MUMBAI: NCP leader Supriya Sule on Thursday described the murder of a woman in the Mira Bhayandar area of Maharashtra's Thane district as "extremely horrific and outrageous" and alleged that crime against women is on the rise in the state as criminals have no fear of law.

She also said that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who handles the home portfolio, should concentrate on his department seriously.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, hit back saying Fadnavis is capable of taking action in the Mira Bhayandar case.

The body of a 36-year-old woman, chopped into several pieces, was found in a flat on the seventh floor of a building in the Mira Bhayandar area of Thane on Wednesday night, police said.

The victim, Saraswati Vaidya, was in a live-in relationship with a man, identified as Manoj Sahani (56), and the couple had been residing in the flat for the last three years. The suspect has been taken into custody.

ALSO READ | Mumbai: Woman chopped into pieces; live-in-partner detained by police

In a tweet, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Sule said, "A woman was killed by her live-in partner in the Mira Road area. The accused tried to dispose of the body by cutting it into pieces, which he crushed in a mixer and boiled in a pressure cooker. This incident is extremely horrific, inhuman and outrageous. Criminals don't fear the rule of law and hence crime against women is on the rise. State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis needs to concentrate on his department seriously. The accused should be tried in a fast-track court and hanged to death," she said in the tweet in which she tagged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Meanwhile, Chitra Wagh, state BJP women's wing chief, hit out at Sule saying she was shedding crocodile tears.

"Fadnavis is capable enough to take action in the Mira Road case. You did not feel like speaking out when a minor girl at Manchar in Pune district was kidnapped by a Muslim boy, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was in power, and was not found for two-and-a-half years. Had the MVA government intervened, then Shraddha Walkar would not have been cut into pieces," she said.

"Even a chameleon will feel ashamed to see how you change colours," Wagh alleged.

Shraddha Walkar was allegedly strangled to death by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala on May 18 last year.

The accused sawed her body into several pieces, which he kept in a refrigerator for almost three weeks at his residence in south Delhi's Mehrauli.

MUMBAI: NCP leader Supriya Sule on Thursday described the murder of a woman in the Mira Bhayandar area of Maharashtra's Thane district as "extremely horrific and outrageous" and alleged that crime against women is on the rise in the state as criminals have no fear of law. She also said that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who handles the home portfolio, should concentrate on his department seriously. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, hit back saying Fadnavis is capable of taking action in the Mira Bhayandar case.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The body of a 36-year-old woman, chopped into several pieces, was found in a flat on the seventh floor of a building in the Mira Bhayandar area of Thane on Wednesday night, police said. The victim, Saraswati Vaidya, was in a live-in relationship with a man, identified as Manoj Sahani (56), and the couple had been residing in the flat for the last three years. The suspect has been taken into custody. ALSO READ | Mumbai: Woman chopped into pieces; live-in-partner detained by police In a tweet, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Sule said, "A woman was killed by her live-in partner in the Mira Road area. The accused tried to dispose of the body by cutting it into pieces, which he crushed in a mixer and boiled in a pressure cooker. This incident is extremely horrific, inhuman and outrageous. Criminals don't fear the rule of law and hence crime against women is on the rise. State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis needs to concentrate on his department seriously. The accused should be tried in a fast-track court and hanged to death," she said in the tweet in which she tagged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Meanwhile, Chitra Wagh, state BJP women's wing chief, hit out at Sule saying she was shedding crocodile tears. "Fadnavis is capable enough to take action in the Mira Road case. You did not feel like speaking out when a minor girl at Manchar in Pune district was kidnapped by a Muslim boy, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was in power, and was not found for two-and-a-half years. Had the MVA government intervened, then Shraddha Walkar would not have been cut into pieces," she said. "Even a chameleon will feel ashamed to see how you change colours," Wagh alleged. Shraddha Walkar was allegedly strangled to death by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala on May 18 last year. The accused sawed her body into several pieces, which he kept in a refrigerator for almost three weeks at his residence in south Delhi's Mehrauli.
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A series of meetings held by the BJP brass here since Monday has set off speculation of an organisational revamp and a possible minor reshuffle in the Union cabinet before the departure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US.

Some ministers could be dropped and given organisational roles ahead of the 2024 polls. Sources said a rejig in the ministries of agriculture, aviation, finance, Jal Shakti, environment, power and rural development is on the cards.

The BJP is also looking at revamping party units in MP, Rajasthan, Bihar, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Kerala.

The party is also expected to announce the name of the leader of the Opposition in Karnataka. Karnataka BJP chief Nalin Kateel has completed his term.

As for Madhya Pradesh, there is a buzz over Union Minister Pralhad Singh Patel being elevated as state unit head. Patel is considered an influential leader who can tone up the partys performance in the state elections later this year. Incumbent BJP state chief V D Sharma is said to not have a good rapport with CM Shivraj Chauhan.

Telangana BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar may get a national role. The BJP brass also discussed the strategy to expand the National Democratic Alliance.

NEW DELHI: A series of meetings held by the BJP brass here since Monday has set off speculation of an organisational revamp and a possible minor reshuffle in the Union cabinet before the departure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US. Some ministers could be dropped and given organisational roles ahead of the 2024 polls. Sources said a rejig in the ministries of agriculture, aviation, finance, Jal Shakti, environment, power and rural development is on the cards. The BJP is also looking at revamping party units in MP, Rajasthan, Bihar, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Kerala.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The party is also expected to announce the name of the leader of the Opposition in Karnataka. Karnataka BJP chief Nalin Kateel has completed his term. As for Madhya Pradesh, there is a buzz over Union Minister Pralhad Singh Patel being elevated as state unit head. Patel is considered an influential leader who can tone up the partys performance in the state elections later this year. Incumbent BJP state chief V D Sharma is said to not have a good rapport with CM Shivraj Chauhan. Telangana BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar may get a national role. The BJP brass also discussed the strategy to expand the National Democratic Alliance.
Narendra Sethi By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: Tension prevails in district Uttarkashis Purola town over an ongoing dispute over a case of love jihad.

The situation in Purola is yet to return to normal after the abduction of a minor girl. Shops of Muslim traders have not opened for the last 15 days.

Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi deployed an additional platoon of Territorial Armed Constabulary (PAC) on Wednesday to maintain law and order in Purola. Speaking to TNIE, Yaduvanshi said, On May 26, police arrested a Hindu and a Muslim youth for allegedly kidnapping a minor girl in Purola. A case has been registered against both under the POCSO Act and theyre in judicial custody.

The Purola Vyapar Mandal has criticised Muslim traders, who have come under public scrutiny citing security reasons and local public outrage, saying they should open their shops at their own risk.

District Panchayat Uttarkashi chief Deepak Bijalwan said the district panchayat wont allow ferry operators to sell goods in the village of Uttarkashi district. Extending support to the agitation of local traders protesting against outside traders, Deepak Bijalwan said that do not rent out the shop to outsiders.

DEHRADUN: Tension prevails in district Uttarkashis Purola town over an ongoing dispute over a case of love jihad. The situation in Purola is yet to return to normal after the abduction of a minor girl. Shops of Muslim traders have not opened for the last 15 days. Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi deployed an additional platoon of Territorial Armed Constabulary (PAC) on Wednesday to maintain law and order in Purola. Speaking to TNIE, Yaduvanshi said, On May 26, police arrested a Hindu and a Muslim youth for allegedly kidnapping a minor girl in Purola. A case has been registered against both under the POCSO Act and theyre in judicial custody.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Purola Vyapar Mandal has criticised Muslim traders, who have come under public scrutiny citing security reasons and local public outrage, saying they should open their shops at their own risk. District Panchayat Uttarkashi chief Deepak Bijalwan said the district panchayat wont allow ferry operators to sell goods in the village of Uttarkashi district. Extending support to the agitation of local traders protesting against outside traders, Deepak Bijalwan said that do not rent out the shop to outsiders.
By Express News Service

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congresss second-in-command and chief minister Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjees wife Rujira was grilled for four hours by the sleuths of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday afternoon at the central agencys Salt Lake office in connection with alleged coal pilferage scam.

Responding to EDs notice, Rujira appeared before the investigating officers at the office in CGO complex around 12.35 pm. She emerged from the office four hours later.

This is the third time the ED has been quizzing Abhisheks wife in connection with the case.

Rujira was on her way to Dubai on Monday when she was stopped by immigration officers at Kolkata airport. The officers cited the lookout notice issued by the ED for stopping her. The ED had asked her to appear before the central agencys office for interrogation on Thursday.

Mamata strongly criticised the ED for stopping Rujira from flying to Dubai.

This is inhuman. Rujiras mother is sick. The Supreme Court earlier said in its order that she can fly after informing the ED. Accordingly, she informed the ED. The central agency should have told her about their objection when she informed them. But the ED issued her notice once she reached the airport.

Abhishek alleged the harassment of his family was aimed at stopping his ongoing outreach campaign ahead of the panchayat elections in the state.

Earlier, Rujira was interrogated by the central agencies on two occasions. The CBI went to her south Kolkata residence and questioned her for two hours and the ED examined her at its office.

The ED is probing into the money train linked to the alleged coal pilferage scam while the CBI is investigating the modus operandi behind the crime.

Abhishek, too, was interrogated by the ED several times at its both Kolkata and Delhi office. Once, he was interrogated for over eight hours by the central agency at its Delhi office.

Sources in the ED claimed that the proceeds of the alleged crime was siphoned off to bank accounts abroad which was in the name of Rujira. We asked her about the origin of the money. If necessary, we will examine her again, said an ED official.

Last year, Rujiras sister Maneka Gambhir was also stopped at Kolkata airport over an ED alert.



KOLKATA: Trinamool Congresss second-in-command and chief minister Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjees wife Rujira was grilled for four hours by the sleuths of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday afternoon at the central agencys Salt Lake office in connection with alleged coal pilferage scam. Responding to EDs notice, Rujira appeared before the investigating officers at the office in CGO complex around 12.35 pm. She emerged from the office four hours later. This is the third time the ED has been quizzing Abhisheks wife in connection with the case. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Rujira was on her way to Dubai on Monday when she was stopped by immigration officers at Kolkata airport. The officers cited the lookout notice issued by the ED for stopping her. The ED had asked her to appear before the central agencys office for interrogation on Thursday. Mamata strongly criticised the ED for stopping Rujira from flying to Dubai. This is inhuman. Rujiras mother is sick. The Supreme Court earlier said in its order that she can fly after informing the ED. Accordingly, she informed the ED. The central agency should have told her about their objection when she informed them. But the ED issued her notice once she reached the airport. Abhishek alleged the harassment of his family was aimed at stopping his ongoing outreach campaign ahead of the panchayat elections in the state. Earlier, Rujira was interrogated by the central agencies on two occasions. The CBI went to her south Kolkata residence and questioned her for two hours and the ED examined her at its office. The ED is probing into the money train linked to the alleged coal pilferage scam while the CBI is investigating the modus operandi behind the crime. Abhishek, too, was interrogated by the ED several times at its both Kolkata and Delhi office. Once, he was interrogated for over eight hours by the central agency at its Delhi office. Sources in the ED claimed that the proceeds of the alleged crime was siphoned off to bank accounts abroad which was in the name of Rujira. We asked her about the origin of the money. If necessary, we will examine her again, said an ED official. Last year, Rujiras sister Maneka Gambhir was also stopped at Kolkata airport over an ED alert.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday launched an all-out attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his "mohabbat ki dukan" pitch, asking if his "mohabbat" meant denouncing the Hindu way of life, killing of Sikhs and seeking outside intervention to harm India's democracy.

BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading "hate" against the country from foreign soil in the name of love and also listed a series of incidents to allege that the Nehru-Gandhi family has a "history of spreading hate."

Leading the charge, Union Minister Smriti Irani raised questions on his claim of running "mohabbat ki dukan" (shop of love) and asked if this love meant denouncing the Hindu way of life, killing of Sikhs, partnering with those who wish ill for India and seeking outside intervention to harm India's democracy.

"What kind of love is this which is not for the country but for your politics. It does not say anything when 'Kerala Story' is shown," she said at a press conference here.

Does this love not extend to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she asked, lauding his spirit of "service", and added that she will be surprised if the Congress has any kind word for him.

"It is incumbent upon the Congress to attack the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 'mohabbat' of the Congress doesn't extend to him," the Union minister for women and child development said.

Slamming Rahul Gandhi over his allegation that minorities are not being treated fairly by the government, Irani said the "Gandhi Khandan" calls itself "protector of minorities" but the expenditure on merit-cum-means scholarship was Rs 860 crore under the Congress-led UPA government while it is Rs 2,691 crore under the Modi government.

On another allocation under the minority affairs ministry, a portfolio she holds, she said it had risen to Rs 31,450 crore now from Rs 12,000 crore under the UPA. These statistics tell the truth about the Congress, Irani said.

In an open letter to the former Congress president, three BJP MPs cited a series of incidents to claim that the Nehru-Gandhi family has a "history of spreading hate" and wondered if he was running "mohabbat ki dukan ya nafrat ka mega mall" (shop of love or mega mall of hate).

"Great to hear about your 'mohabbat ki dukan'. Truly, there is a feeling of mutual connection in love. By following this, we can make society and the country more empowered," Lok Sabha MPs Poonam Mahajan (from Mumbai), Parvesh Sahib Singh (Delhi) and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Rajasthan) said in their nine-page letter to Gandhi.

"If Congress actually follows this positive thinking then how much better it would be. But we have to say with regret that there is a lot of difference between your words and actions," the letter read.

Referring to remarks made by Gandhi during his recent visit to the US, the MPs accused the Congress leader of spreading "hate" against India from foreign soil in the name of love.

"In America, you have spread hatred for your motherland and country with this 'mohabbat ki dukan'. Spreading hatred is not a new thing for your family and your party. You people have mastered it," the MPs alleged in their letter.

"If you turn the pages of your own family's history, they will scream and testify about the stories of hatred, and your whole family has opened a mega mall of hatred," the letter read.

The BJP MPs claimed that the highest number of riots took place during the Congress' rule and alleged mistreatment of many Congress leaders by the Nehru-Gandhi family. Inhumane treatment was also meted out to some relatives by the family, they alleged.

BJP MP and Rahul Gandhi's aunt Maneka Gandhi was forced out of the house by former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1982 even though her "little son in her lap was reeling under high temperature", they claimed.

His grandmother had treated Maneka Gandhi with so much "mohabbat", the MPs said in a dig at Rahul Gandhi.

"Varun Gandhi had personally gone to his aunt Sonia Gandhi's residence at 10 Janpath to invite her to his marriage. Do you remember that neither you nor your mother and sister participated in this marriage to maintain the relationship of love," the BJP MPs said in their letter.

However, Varun Gandhi attended "Priyanka Gandhi's wedding, despite the unbearable humiliation he received from Indira Gandhi", the letter read.

This shows the meaning of "mohabbat" for Rahul Gandhi and it is reflected in his personal relations as well, the MPs said.

Attacking Rahul Gandhi, the BJP leaders claimed thousands of people were killed in Maharashtra after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 and alleged that Congress members were behind the deaths.

They also alleged that instead of giving a message of peace and harmony, the then-prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, made a speech that incited people.

The BJP MPs referred to the death of seers in police firing during their protests against cow slaughter in 1966, when Indira Gandhi was at the helm, and also the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, among other incidents, to corner Rahul Gandhi and his party.

They also cited reports of Nehru's advice to President Rajendra Prasad against attending the funeral of Sardar Patel and his opposition to BR Ambedkar in elections.

Ambedkar was kept at the margins even though he was more qualified than Nehru in every sense, the BJP MPs claimed.

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday launched an all-out attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his "mohabbat ki dukan" pitch, asking if his "mohabbat" meant denouncing the Hindu way of life, killing of Sikhs and seeking outside intervention to harm India's democracy. BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading "hate" against the country from foreign soil in the name of love and also listed a series of incidents to allege that the Nehru-Gandhi family has a "history of spreading hate." Leading the charge, Union Minister Smriti Irani raised questions on his claim of running "mohabbat ki dukan" (shop of love) and asked if this love meant denouncing the Hindu way of life, killing of Sikhs, partnering with those who wish ill for India and seeking outside intervention to harm India's democracy.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "What kind of love is this which is not for the country but for your politics. It does not say anything when 'Kerala Story' is shown," she said at a press conference here. Does this love not extend to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she asked, lauding his spirit of "service", and added that she will be surprised if the Congress has any kind word for him. "It is incumbent upon the Congress to attack the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 'mohabbat' of the Congress doesn't extend to him," the Union minister for women and child development said. Slamming Rahul Gandhi over his allegation that minorities are not being treated fairly by the government, Irani said the "Gandhi Khandan" calls itself "protector of minorities" but the expenditure on merit-cum-means scholarship was Rs 860 crore under the Congress-led UPA government while it is Rs 2,691 crore under the Modi government. On another allocation under the minority affairs ministry, a portfolio she holds, she said it had risen to Rs 31,450 crore now from Rs 12,000 crore under the UPA. These statistics tell the truth about the Congress, Irani said. In an open letter to the former Congress president, three BJP MPs cited a series of incidents to claim that the Nehru-Gandhi family has a "history of spreading hate" and wondered if he was running "mohabbat ki dukan ya nafrat ka mega mall" (shop of love or mega mall of hate). "Great to hear about your 'mohabbat ki dukan'. Truly, there is a feeling of mutual connection in love. By following this, we can make society and the country more empowered," Lok Sabha MPs Poonam Mahajan (from Mumbai), Parvesh Sahib Singh (Delhi) and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Rajasthan) said in their nine-page letter to Gandhi. "If Congress actually follows this positive thinking then how much better it would be. But we have to say with regret that there is a lot of difference between your words and actions," the letter read. Referring to remarks made by Gandhi during his recent visit to the US, the MPs accused the Congress leader of spreading "hate" against India from foreign soil in the name of love. "In America, you have spread hatred for your motherland and country with this 'mohabbat ki dukan'. Spreading hatred is not a new thing for your family and your party. You people have mastered it," the MPs alleged in their letter. "If you turn the pages of your own family's history, they will scream and testify about the stories of hatred, and your whole family has opened a mega mall of hatred," the letter read. The BJP MPs claimed that the highest number of riots took place during the Congress' rule and alleged mistreatment of many Congress leaders by the Nehru-Gandhi family. Inhumane treatment was also meted out to some relatives by the family, they alleged. BJP MP and Rahul Gandhi's aunt Maneka Gandhi was forced out of the house by former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1982 even though her "little son in her lap was reeling under high temperature", they claimed. His grandmother had treated Maneka Gandhi with so much "mohabbat", the MPs said in a dig at Rahul Gandhi. "Varun Gandhi had personally gone to his aunt Sonia Gandhi's residence at 10 Janpath to invite her to his marriage. Do you remember that neither you nor your mother and sister participated in this marriage to maintain the relationship of love," the BJP MPs said in their letter. However, Varun Gandhi attended "Priyanka Gandhi's wedding, despite the unbearable humiliation he received from Indira Gandhi", the letter read. This shows the meaning of "mohabbat" for Rahul Gandhi and it is reflected in his personal relations as well, the MPs said. Attacking Rahul Gandhi, the BJP leaders claimed thousands of people were killed in Maharashtra after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 and alleged that Congress members were behind the deaths. They also alleged that instead of giving a message of peace and harmony, the then-prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, made a speech that incited people. The BJP MPs referred to the death of seers in police firing during their protests against cow slaughter in 1966, when Indira Gandhi was at the helm, and also the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, among other incidents, to corner Rahul Gandhi and his party. They also cited reports of Nehru's advice to President Rajendra Prasad against attending the funeral of Sardar Patel and his opposition to BR Ambedkar in elections. Ambedkar was kept at the margins even though he was more qualified than Nehru in every sense, the BJP MPs claimed.
By PTI

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday attacked the BJP-led central government by claiming that Indian Railways was destroyed the day the practice of presenting a separate Railway Budget was stopped.

The Narendra Modi government merged Railway Budget with the Union Budget in 2017, ending a practice of about 100 years.

"When I was the Railway Minister, we had the option of having six secretaries of Cabinet rank for various railway departments - finance, employee welfare, signalling, engineering and electrical. They helped in coordination among different departments. Today, this coordination has gone," she said.

"Indian Railways was destroyed the day we stopped presenting the Budget separately. No one seems to care about these things these days," Banerjee told reporters.

The TMC supremo's statement came in the aftermath of the June 2 triple train accident in Odisha that left 288 people, including residents of West Bengal, dead. Banerjee also slammed the BJP government at the Centre alleging that it was busy suppressing the truth behind the train crash.

"I have said this earlier too, and I will repeat it again. All we want is the truth about the cause of the accident must come out. However, we have seen how truth has been manipulated, and fake stories are pushed to suppress the real cause of the accident," she said.

Referring to the unrest in Manipur, Banerjee claimed that the Centre was not allowing anybody including the journalists to visit the northeastern state so that it can suppress the truth.

"We have seen how the central government tries to suppress news about Manipur. Journalists aren't allowed to travel there and report freely. Hence, when I say that this government hides facts, it is true. The countrymen will give their reply to the government, I am waiting for that day," she said.

On reports that the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment, writing to the state alleging that it has diverted the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board's funds to pay compensation to the victims of the triple train accident, Banerjee said she has used money from the Disaster Management department.

"What is more important to me is providing aid to the people. I don't see which department the money comes from. Instead of focusing on where I got the money from, they should go do something positive. All funds belong to the state government," she stated.

The BJP is a party of liars who create false narratives, Banerjee asserted. "They (BJP) should be ashamed of themselves for remaining silent over the atrocities taking place in Manipur and Uttar Pradesh," she added.

Alleging that the central government has halted sending funds to West Bengal for numerous projects and schemes, she said she is confident that these issues will be resolved once a new government is installed in New Delhi after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday attacked the BJP-led central government by claiming that Indian Railways was destroyed the day the practice of presenting a separate Railway Budget was stopped. The Narendra Modi government merged Railway Budget with the Union Budget in 2017, ending a practice of about 100 years. "When I was the Railway Minister, we had the option of having six secretaries of Cabinet rank for various railway departments - finance, employee welfare, signalling, engineering and electrical. They helped in coordination among different departments. Today, this coordination has gone," she said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Indian Railways was destroyed the day we stopped presenting the Budget separately. No one seems to care about these things these days," Banerjee told reporters. The TMC supremo's statement came in the aftermath of the June 2 triple train accident in Odisha that left 288 people, including residents of West Bengal, dead. Banerjee also slammed the BJP government at the Centre alleging that it was busy suppressing the truth behind the train crash. "I have said this earlier too, and I will repeat it again. All we want is the truth about the cause of the accident must come out. However, we have seen how truth has been manipulated, and fake stories are pushed to suppress the real cause of the accident," she said. Referring to the unrest in Manipur, Banerjee claimed that the Centre was not allowing anybody including the journalists to visit the northeastern state so that it can suppress the truth. "We have seen how the central government tries to suppress news about Manipur. Journalists aren't allowed to travel there and report freely. Hence, when I say that this government hides facts, it is true. The countrymen will give their reply to the government, I am waiting for that day," she said. On reports that the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment, writing to the state alleging that it has diverted the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board's funds to pay compensation to the victims of the triple train accident, Banerjee said she has used money from the Disaster Management department. "What is more important to me is providing aid to the people. I don't see which department the money comes from. Instead of focusing on where I got the money from, they should go do something positive. All funds belong to the state government," she stated. The BJP is a party of liars who create false narratives, Banerjee asserted. "They (BJP) should be ashamed of themselves for remaining silent over the atrocities taking place in Manipur and Uttar Pradesh," she added. Alleging that the central government has halted sending funds to West Bengal for numerous projects and schemes, she said she is confident that these issues will be resolved once a new government is installed in New Delhi after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
By PTI

TORONTO: A Canadian parliamentary committee has voted unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students who were duped by unscrupulous education consultants in India to enter the country with "fraudulent college admission letters."

The Indian students, mostly from Punjab, face deportation from Canada after the authorities here found their "admission offer letters" to educational institutions fake.

The matter came to light in March when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada.

In a symbolic move, the all-party immigration committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to call on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to waive the inadmissibility of the affected students, The Toronto Star newspaper reported.

The committee also asked the CBSA to provide the students, as many as 700 from India, with an alternative pathway to permanent residence on humanitarian grounds or through a "regularisation" programme, the report said.

Calling the students victims of fraud, Jenny Kwan, a lawmaker who tabled the motion said, "So as a first step, this is absolutely essential and necessary. The students are victims of fraud and should not be penalised."

"These students, I've met with many of them, now are just in such a terrible state. They've lost money, and they are stuck in a terrible situation. And some of them have deportation orders. Others have pending meetings with CBSA," the newspaper quoted Kwan as saying.

"We need to have empathy for those students, and we should not exploit the situation and play politics on this issue of those innocent students," Liberal MP Shafqat Ali said.

The MP for Brampton Centre, where many affected students now reside, added that the students have "gone through and are going through a lot."

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser said, "We are actively pursuing a solution for intl students who are facing uncertainty due to having been admitted to Canada with fraudulent college admission letters."

"Those who have taken advantage of people genuinely hoping to study here will face consequences for their actions," he said in a separate tweet, adding that innocent victims would be given every opportunity to have their cases considered fairly.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities.

"If there were people, who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said in New Delhi.

Jaishankar said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also made a statement in the House of Commons on the issue. "We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said.

Trudeau, responding to a question by Indian-origin MP Jagmeet Singh on the fate of the Indian students, said, "We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters."

"To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims. Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situations and present evidence to support their cases," he said.

"We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case," the Canadian prime minister said on Wednesday.

The parliamentary committee also passed a motion to issue a news release to condemn the actions of the fraudulent "ghost consultants" and also voted to undertake a study over two meetings into the targeted exploitation scheme faced by the Punjabi international students.

The committee has also decided to ask Fraser, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and their staff to appear before the committee to provide a briefing on the situation, the report said.

TORONTO: A Canadian parliamentary committee has voted unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students who were duped by unscrupulous education consultants in India to enter the country with "fraudulent college admission letters." The Indian students, mostly from Punjab, face deportation from Canada after the authorities here found their "admission offer letters" to educational institutions fake. The matter came to light in March when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In a symbolic move, the all-party immigration committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to call on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to waive the inadmissibility of the affected students, The Toronto Star newspaper reported. The committee also asked the CBSA to provide the students, as many as 700 from India, with an alternative pathway to permanent residence on humanitarian grounds or through a "regularisation" programme, the report said. Calling the students victims of fraud, Jenny Kwan, a lawmaker who tabled the motion said, "So as a first step, this is absolutely essential and necessary. The students are victims of fraud and should not be penalised." "These students, I've met with many of them, now are just in such a terrible state. They've lost money, and they are stuck in a terrible situation. And some of them have deportation orders. Others have pending meetings with CBSA," the newspaper quoted Kwan as saying. "We need to have empathy for those students, and we should not exploit the situation and play politics on this issue of those innocent students," Liberal MP Shafqat Ali said. The MP for Brampton Centre, where many affected students now reside, added that the students have "gone through and are going through a lot." Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser said, "We are actively pursuing a solution for intl students who are facing uncertainty due to having been admitted to Canada with fraudulent college admission letters." "Those who have taken advantage of people genuinely hoping to study here will face consequences for their actions," he said in a separate tweet, adding that innocent victims would be given every opportunity to have their cases considered fairly. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities. "If there were people, who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said in New Delhi. Jaishankar said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also made a statement in the House of Commons on the issue. "We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said. Trudeau, responding to a question by Indian-origin MP Jagmeet Singh on the fate of the Indian students, said, "We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters." "To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims. Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situations and present evidence to support their cases," he said. "We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case," the Canadian prime minister said on Wednesday. The parliamentary committee also passed a motion to issue a news release to condemn the actions of the fraudulent "ghost consultants" and also voted to undertake a study over two meetings into the targeted exploitation scheme faced by the Punjabi international students. The committee has also decided to ask Fraser, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and their staff to appear before the committee to provide a briefing on the situation, the report said.
Dubai South, the emirates largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate, has signed an agreement with Beijing New Aerotropolis Holdings Co, China, to set up a comprehensive framework for cooperation.

The two entities plan to encourage mutual growth in areas like economic development, urban land-planning, job creation, training and sustainability.

The agreement was signed by Zhigang Liu, Chairman of Beijing New Aerotropolis, and Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District, Dubai South, in the presence of Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Wang Youguo, Secretary of Beijing Daxing District Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Private sector cooperation

The agreement goes beyond mere economic ties, encompassing the exchange of knowledge, information, and socio-economic statistics related to their respective airport areas in full compliance with all prevailing laws, regulations, and local directives. The strategic alliance underscores a commitment to joint efforts that stimulate cooperation between private enterprises across both countries, ultimately bolstering economic synergy between the two airport zones and jointly pioneering new international trade standards adapted to the evolving digital landscape.

Ahmad said: "This presents a unique opportunity to accelerate our respective economic progression through diverse initiatives. These agreements are aligned with our mandate at Dubai South to contribute to the government's ongoing efforts in diversifying the emirate's economy and to attract foreign direct investments to Dubai. We remain steadfast in our commitment to share our expertise and work closely with Beijing New Aerotropolis to achieve our mutual goals that promise to bring forth reciprocal benefits."

Liu commented: "We are certain that our agreement with Dubai South will yield significant results as it allows us to leverage our respective expertise in developing economic zones and urban master developments. We are delighted to be working closely with the team at Dubai South and anticipate the prospect of exploring additional avenues of collaboration in the future."

Master-planned city

Dubai South was launched as a Dubai Government project in 2006, representing an emerging 145 square-kilometre master-planned city that focuses on an aviation and logistics ecosystem that houses the world's largest airport when fully operational. The city, complemented by a multi-modal transport infrastructure connecting air, land, and sea, is positioned as a global commercial and residential hub and a major contributor to Dubai's social and economic growth and the UAE.

Beijing New Aerotropolis Holdings was established in 2012 as the core platform for developing and constructing the Beijing Daxing International Airport Economic Zone. With the mission of serving Beijing's new airport and building the airport's economic zone, the company implements the national strategy of the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, supports the development of the new airport as an engine for national development, and constructs the economic zone with high standards.-- TradeArabia News Service
Malaysia's defense ministry recently signed an agreement with the Pentagon for the five-year lease of four Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters. This is the first time that this model of American-made technologically advanced aircraft has ended up in the hands of the army in Kuala Lumpur. According to industry experts, it is a taste in view of a possible sale.

The news comes just a few days after the signing of a contract for the modernization of the tactical helicopter fleet. The agreement with the national company Aerotree Defense and Services, worth 40.84 million dollars, was signed on the occasion of the "Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition" ("Lima 2023"). The Malaysian objective is clear: to strengthen and innovate the fleets of the armed forces in the coming years.
Dabur Meswak Recognises and Showcases Rare Stories That Are Sure to Inspire

BusinessWire India, Delhi NCR, June 7 With years of trust, Dabur, the leading FMCG brand has established itself as a familiar name in Indian households.

Dabur Meswak Recognises and Showcases Rare Stories That Are Sure to Inspire

Amongst its portfolio of products, the company has delved deep into the oral care segment with its herbal variants. Dabur Meswak, one of their popular dental care brands, has been created using the extracts from the rare Miswak tree which is known for its immense oral care benefits. What makes this tree even rarer is its resilience to withstand the brutal forces of nature in the dry, arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. The sheer resemblance of the characteristics of the Miswak tree with that of human beings, is what drove Dabur Meswak to begin their journey in highlighting rare and inspiring stories about people, in their campaign - 'Rare Stories by Meswak'. Given that Dabur is a strong propagator of environmental sustainability, there could not have been a better day to kick-start this new campaign than World Environment Day. On that day, Dabur Meswak went live with a which talks about the purpose behind their campaign and allows users to share rare stories about themselves or someone who deserves to have their story told. To check out the story behind the campaign, visit This digital-first campaign - 'Rare Stories by Meswak', conceptualised by Pulp Strategy, throws a spotlight on people who have stepped out of the box to follow their passions and dreams. Dabur Meswak not only acknowledges these stories but also gives it the due glory that it deserves. The main objective of this campaign is to discover people across the country who are doing something different and to provide them with a platform through which their stories can be heard. The campaign will be promoted on Dabur Meswak's social handles, which will redirect users to the microsite where they will be able to submit stories about themselves or someone they know, along with their details. Out of the entries received, 3 lucky winners will be shortlisted who stand a chance to win Amazon vouchers worth INR 25,000 each and get featured in an exclusive film released by Dabur Meswak, which weaves these stories together to build a narrative that connects back to the core idea. Dabur India, Marketing Head - Oral Care, Harkawal Singh commented, saying, "The insight behind the campaign comes from the core ingredient in Dabur Meswak - the rare Miswak tree. Taking this insight forward, we conceived a campaign that focuses on rare stories where people dared to do things differently. With this campaign, we aim to bring forward people from even the remotest corners of the country who have a unique and inspiring story to tell. Because, we believe that every rare story deserves to be heard."If anyone has a rare story to share or knows someone who deserves their story told, visit to submit the rare story.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI07 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Yemeni govt boycotts talks with Houthis over refusal to access detained politician

Aden, June 7: The Yemeni government has voiced its rejection of participation in any future UN-mediated prisoner exchange negotiations with the Houthi militia.

Yemeni govt boycotts talks with Houthis over refusal to access detained politician

The decision comes in response to the militia's refusal to reveal the location of detained politician Mohammed Qahtan and denial of visit by his family and other government officials to him, Xinhua news agency quoted Hadi Haig, head of the government delegation in the prisoner talks, as saying on Twitter."We will not participate in any further talks until this visit occurs. We hope that the UN envoy's office will exert pressure in this regard to expedite progress on this matter."Qahtan, a prominent Yemeni politician of the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah party, was forcefully abducted by the Houthis eight years ago in the capital Sanaa.The Houthis have remained unresponsive to repeated appeals from the UN, local and international human rights groups, as well as the politician's family for access to Qahtan.The lack of cooperation and transparency from the Houthi side has fueled growing concerns over Qahtan's suffering in custody, including the possibility of his death.UN-brokered negotiations in March successfully led to the release of nearly 900 prisoners in April, marking the second-largest prisoner exchange between the warring sides since the start of the Yemen civil war more than eight years ago.High-profile figures, including Nasser Mansour Hadi, the brother of former president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, and Mahmoud Al Subeihi, the country's former defence minister, were among those who were freed.The prisoner swap was considered a vital step toward building trust between the government and the Houthi militia, as well as resolving the protracted crisis in Yemen.IANS07 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Dogetti Presale Suggest Strong Potential Profits Ahead In 2023?

ATK, New Delhi, June 7 Should you buy in 2023? A closer look at Dogetti's presale reveals potential profits as the project continues to unfold.

Dogetti Presale Suggest Strong Potential Profits Ahead In 2023?

Discover how this cryptocurrency is capturing the attention of investors seeking the next significant crypto investment and meme coins with utility.In the world of cryptocurrencies, where volatility is both feared and celebrated, Dogetti has emerged as a fan favorite. Dogetti's popularity has soared, attracting a dedicated community of supporters. As we approach 2023, investors are contemplating whether now is the right time to buy Dogetti.Dogetti utilizes blockchain technology to secure and verify transactions, providing its users with a secure and transparent platform. It also stands out due to its vibrant community and philanthropic initiatives, often rallying behind charitable causes.These unique qualities have endeared Dogetti to investors seeking a cryptocurrency with utility and a sense of humor.A Welcome Boon To Investors, Dogetti Is In The Second Stage Of Its PresaleDogetti is a relatively new token in the presale market, raising a little over $2 million from crypto investors who desire to help build the ecosystem and in the process, get huge returns. Dogetti's roadmap is extensive, with detailed future updates including an NFT collection and a DAO where token holders can vote on many important matters regarding the ecosystem.The meme coin has a unique tokenomics model and will distribute the majority of its tokens - 75% - during the presale with the remaining 25% allocated for marketing, developers, and exchanges.Who Will Dogetti Appeal To And Why?Dogetti's appeal extends beyond traditional investors. It resonates with individuals looking to participate in the cryptocurrency market while embracing a more relaxed and humorous approach. Dogetti's community-driven nature has attracted a passionate following, including meme enthusiasts, crypto investors, and the larger meme coin community.Furthermore, Dogetti's accessibility is another factor that adds to its allure. With a lower price per coin than other cryptocurrencies, it allows investors to enter the market with smaller budgets.This inclusivity has made Dogetti a gateway for newcomers to explore the world of cryptocurrencies. With its unique branding and features, Dogetti aims to capture the attention of investors who believe in the power of meme coins with utility.Should You Buy Dogetti In 2023?Dogetti continues to make waves in the cryptocurrency world, capturing the attention of investors, meme enthusiasts, and philanthropists alike. Its unique qualities, including its vibrant community and charitable initiatives, have propelled it to the forefront of the crypto market.As we approach 2023, the question of whether to buy Dogetti looms large. For those seeking the next significant crypto investment and meme coins with utility, the emerging Dogetti offers intriguing opportunities. Whether you choose to invest or not, staying informed about the ever-evolving crypto market is essential. Visit the website for the latest news, education, and updates.More on Dogetti (DETI)PresaleWebsiteTelegramTwitter(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI07 June 2023

Shared Recently!
TN forest department monitors rogue elephant Arikomban after releasing in wild

Chennai, June 7: Tamil Nadu forest department personnel are camping at the base near Kalakkad-Mundanthurai forest range to monitor the movement of wild tusker Arikomban after it was tranquilised and captured from Cumbum in Theni district and relocated to this forest area on Monday.

TN forest department monitors rogue elephant Arikomban after releasing in wild

Forest officials of Tamil Nadu told IANS that the elephant had taken a refreshing bath in the lower Gothaiyar dam area on Tuesday. There has been protests at the forest check posts when the forest ambulance carrying the elephant reached the border areas of the forest.The forest officials are monitoring the animal through the signals emanating from the radio collar which was attached to the animal when it was tranquilised and captured in Chinnakanal, Idukki district of Kerala on April 29, 2023.The elephant Arikomban hit headlines due to its constant raids of ration shops in Chinnakanal area of Idukki district for getting rice, its favourite food. Several shops and human settlements were destroyed by the elephant during its frequent raids in Idukki.The Tamil Nadu forest department captured the elephant after it entered Cumbum town and wreaked havoc, even causing death of one person who fell down from his two wheeler after the elephant brushed past it.However, animal lovers are opposed to the treatment meted out to the elephant. Stephen Daniel, a wild life activist based out of Coimbatore while speaking to IANS said "The elephant has been tranquilised on two occasions, first in Kerala at Chinnakanal, on April 29, and then again on last Saturday at Cumbum in Tamil Nadu. Firing tranquilisers at the animal will affect its health as from Cumbum, it was standing in the forest ambulance for more than 11 hours at a stretch. The mental and physical agony the animal was undergoing is unfathomable and the forest departments of the two states have lot of answers to give."He also said that the wrong policies of the governments in power to develop human settlements in elephant routes are the root cause of the man-elephant conflicts. The activist said that instead of punishing the policymakers, the establishment was punishing the poor elephant.The forest department officers, however, said that the elephant would have created a lot of damage in the human settlements of Cumbum if it was not captured and relocated to the deep forests in Kanniyakumari district.IANS07 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Cultivation of fruits and vegetables increases in UP from 7.2 per cent to 9.2 per cent under Yogi Govt

Lucknow, June 7: The cultivation of fruits and vegetables has gradually become a field of immense possibilities for the farmers of Uttar Pradesh, as per the Agroforestry Report of 2023.

Cultivation of fruits and vegetables increases in UP from 7.2 per cent to 9.2 per cent under Yogi Govt

The reasons for this include the Yogi Government's consistent appeal to the farmers to diversify cultivation of crops according to market demand for better income; the production of high-quality plants in Centers of Excellence and Mini Centers of Excellence, which are then provided to farmers at minimum rates; controlled temperature and humidity for protected cultivation; and the modernization of markets (Mandis).According to the report, the share of the state in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables has increased from 7.2 per cent to 9.2 per cent in the country within a decade, while the Gross Value Output (GVO) obtained from it has increased from Rs 20,600 crore to Rs 38,000 crore.It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has always encouraged farmers to cultivate fruits and vegetables since his first term in view of their immense potential both in terms of their consumption in domestic and international markets as well as for the growth of processing units.More than a year ago, when the Yogi Government took over for the second time in the state, it set an ambitious target for the Department of Agriculture regarding expansion of the area of cultivation, increase in yield, and processing for the next 5 years.As per the plan, the area under horticulture crops has to be expanded from 11.6 per cent to 16 percent and food processing from 6 per cent to 20 per cent in UP by 2027. This has been done considering the possibility of a large number of processing units to be set up, which will require fruits and vegetables as raw materials on a large scale.Quality planting material (plants and seeds) plays the most important role in achieving the set target in horticulture. For this, the government will set up an excellence center, mini excellence center or Hi-Tech nursery in every district within a stipulated time period. For example, the center of excellence are under construction in Chandauli, Kaushambi, Saharanpur, Lucknow, Kushinagar, and Hapur.Similarly, Mini Centers of Excellence are functional in Bahraich, Ambedkar Nagar, Mau, Fatehpur, Aligarh, Rampur, and Hapur. Mini centers of excellence/hi-tech nurseries are also under construction at Sonbhadra, Moradabad, Agra, Sant Kabir Nagar, Mahoba, Jhansi, Barabanki, Lucknow, Chandauli, Gonda, Balrampur, Badaun, Firozabad, Shamli, and Mirzapur. By 2027, the government plans to have such infrastructure in every district.Due to encouragement from the government and increasing possibilities, the area under cultivation of fruits and vegetables has increased by more than 1.01 lakh hectares and the yield by more than 0.7 per cent in the last 6 years.To provide quality plants to farmers, the Indo Israel Centres of Excellence for Fruits and Vegetables were established in Basti and Kannauj, respectively.To grow quality plants and vegetables out of season by controlling moisture and temperature, the work of promoting protected cultivation is also going on continuously by employing Indo-Israeli technology.In the last 5 years, 177 hectares of polyhouse/shed net were expanded for the production of flowers and vegetables, benefiting 5549 farmers. Constant efforts are made to continue this trend in Yogi-2.0."The most effective means of increasing the income of the farmers in Uttar Pradesh is the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and spices. With nige types of agro-climatic zones, cultivation of all types of fruits, vegetables, and flowers is possible in different regions. Small-marginal farmers will play an important role because they constitute about 90 per cent of the total number of farmers, doing traditional farming of paddy, wheat, sugarcane etc. If their income is to be increased, then they should be encouraged to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and flowers," said SP Singh, a vegetable scientist.ANI07 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Lets Talk Mutual Funds: A Systematic, Smart Way to Make Them Work for You by Monika Halan Releasing on 27 June 2023

PRNewswire, New Delhi, June 7 In Let's Talk Mutual Funds, Monika presents an actionable blueprint for readers who want to build wealth in a smart, swift manner.

Let's Talk Mutual Funds: A Systematic, Smart Way to Make Them Work for You by Monika Halan Releasing on 27 June 2023

Let's Talk Money helped readers plan their financial life in a better way, the feedback from a larger majority was to have a book on how to action the basic investment ideas in the book.In the last decade, the growing popularity of mutual funds have gotten the Indian middle class interested in them. However, there are still many who do not understand mutual funds as an investment tool, are too scared to take the plunge or are simply standing on the sidelines seeing others invest. Monika takes the readers, in her own inimitable style, making the reader understand her investing needs, available product types and eventually taking an informed plunge to build long term wealth."It is my passion to change the way Indians think about money. Let's Talk Mutual Funds takes my earlier work, Let's Talk Money, forward, from organizing finances to managing investments. Let's Talk Mutual Funds gives readers a systematic route to shortlist and select mutual funds. It enables them to build personalized portfolios that suit their unique situations. I take great joy in simplifying complex issues. I use analogies and real-life stories to make this dry topic of investing into an exciting participative ride. Indian investors are pouring more than a trillion rupees a year into mutual funds - I want to give them, and the new investors, a roadmap so they can maximize their potential. Let's Mutual Fund!" says Monika Halan, the author."With Let's Talk Money, Monika Halan started a personal finance revolution in the country. Monika's biggest USP is her ability to explain finance and money to anyone in the easiest manner possible. With Let's Talk Mutual Funds, Monika takes her readers on a new journey where she makes investing in mutual funds not only easier but also answers any questions that any investor has before getting started. If you're thinking of mutual funds, this is the go-to book," says Sachin Sharma, Executive Editor HarperCollins India.ABOUT THE AUTHORMonika Halan is a trusted personal finance writer, speaker, and author who helps families get their money decisions right. She is the author of the bestselling book Let's Talk Money.About HarperCollins Publishers IndiaHarperCollins is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having begun publishing in India in 1992. HarperCollins India publishes some of the finest writers from the Indian Subcontinent and around the world, publishing approximately 200 new books every year, with a print and digital catalogue of more than 2,000 titles across 10 imprints. Its authors have won almost every major literary award including the Man Booker Prize, JCB Prize, DSC Prize, New India Foundation Award, Atta Galatta Prize, Shakti Bhatt Prize, Gourmand Cookbook Award, Publishing Next Award, Tata Literature Live! Award, Gaja Capital Business Book Prize, BICW Award, Sushila Devi Award, Sahitya Akademi Award and Crossword Book Award. HarperCollins India also represents some of the finest publishers in the world including Harvard University Press, Gallup Press, Oneworld, Bonnier Zaffre, Usborne, Dover and Lonely Planet. HarperCollins India has won the Publisher of the Year Award four times at Tata Literature Live! in 2022, 2021, 2018 and 2016, and at Publishing Next in 2021 and 2015. HarperCollins India is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers.30 YEARS OF PUBLISHING IN INDIAAt HarperCollins, we believe in telling the best stories and in finding the widest possible readership for our books in every format possible. We started publishing 30 years ago in India and a great deal has changed since then, but what has remained constant is the passion with which our authors write their books, the love with which readers receive them, and the sheer joy and excitement that we as publishers feel in being a part of the publishing process.Over the years, we've had the pleasure of publishing some of the finest writing from the subcontinent and from around the world, and some of the biggest bestsellers in Indian publishing history. Our books and authors have won a phenomenal range of awards, and we ourselves have been named Publisher of the Year several times. But nothing has meant more to us than the fact that millions of people read the books we publish, and somewhere, a book of ours might be making a difference to someone.As we step into our fourth decade, we go back to that one word - a word which has been a driving force for us all these years.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
President Murmu arrives in Serbia on 4-day visit

Belgrade [Serbia], June 7: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday arrived in Serbia for an official state visit.

President Murmu arrives in Serbia on 4-day visit

President Murmu arrived at the Nikola Tesla Airport, in Belgrade, Serbia.Upon her arrival, the Indian President paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi Bust in Serbia's Gandijeva Street.Nikola Selakovic, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy of Serbia andAleksandar Salic, Mayor of Belgrade were present at Mahatma Gandhi Bust floral tribute event.The president had earlier on Wednesday, departed for Serbia after concluding her visit to Suriname.She will be in Serbia on a state visit till June 9, at the invitation of Serbian President Aleksander Vucic.Murmu was in Suriname from June 4 to 6 at the invitation of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.President Murmu's visit to Serbia comes at a time when tensions have been rising in the past week in Kosovo which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Several clashes are being reported with protesters over the installation of ethnically Albanian mayors in a disputed election.As many as dozens of NATO peacekeepers have sustained injuries this week in northern Kosovo as they clashed with ethnic Serbs, inciting fears of larger escalations between Serbia and Kosovo, The New York Times reported.However, the Ministry of External Affairs has said India does not recognise the declaration of independence of Kosovo, and that the situation in the country won't affect President Draupadi Murmu's visit to Serbia.Addressing a special briefing on the President's visit to Suriname and Serbia, MEA's Secretary West Sanjay Verma said, "Well, we are aware of the recent disturbances in Kosovo, which is at the extreme southern tip of Serbia. We have no reason at this point of time, as I say this, to be concerned that those incidents or have any consequence on the state visit of my president, nor have we been suggested otherwise by the hosts.""On the matter of Kosovo, our stance has been quite clear and consistent that we do not recognise the declaration of independence by Kosovo. We, however, also believe that any differences need to be resolved through dialogue," Verma added.He said he was hopeful that the disturbances in the country over the last few days are resolved peacefully through talks and that there is a de-escalation of the situation.Replying to a media query on whether the President's visit was planned before the political crisis, Verma said it was pre-planned."For a matter of record, this has been a longstanding invitation. I won't remember exactly how long, but at least over a year, year and a half. I think because of the conflict in Ukraine, it was it had to be rescheduled. And now we think it's a conducive time for this visit to take place," Verma added.Serbia does not recognise the sovereignty of Kosovo and has the backing of China, Russia and five other EU nations, which also do not recognise the country.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Chinas shift from military to civilian space programme being seen with suspicion: Report

Beijing, June 7: China recently announced that it would send its first civilian astronaut into space, InsideOver reported, adding that the country's shift from military to civilian space programme is being seen with a lot of suspicion by the global community.

China's shift from military to civilian space programme being seen with suspicion: Report

InsideOver is a news website focusing on world affairs.According to InsideOver, experts do not rule out the possibility of intimate ties between the space program and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), saying that the dual-use nature of space technologies and the military's involvement in some aspects of the space program was a matter of global concern.The dual use technology refers to technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. China's space capabilities, such as satellite technology, can have both civilian and military applications, leading to concerns about the military applications of their space programme.There are concerns about China's space programme contributing to the militarisation of space. The country has been developing technologies and capabilities that can be used for space-based surveillance, intelligence gathering, and potentially offensive operations.This led to worries about an arms race in space and the destabilizing effects it could have on international relations.China has proved its anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities in the past. In 2007, China conducted a test in which it destroyed one of its own satellites with a missile, creating a large amount of space debris, according to InsideOver.The country in 2019, destroyed its own defunct satellites. In April 2021, China launched into orbit the first piece of a permanent space station using its most powerful rocket. Remnants from the rocket finally fell into the Indian Ocean after a 10-day descent.Such actions have raised concerns about the potential militarisation of space and the risk it poses to other countries' satellites.Further, according to InsideOver, the country's space programme lacks transparency, making it difficult to assess its true intentions and capabilities. China has been less open compared to other space-faring nations in sharing information about its space program, leading to suspicions and concerns from the international community.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Haryana CM thanks PM Modi for MSP on crops

Chandigarh, June 7: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the government's farmer-friendly decision of increasing the minimum support price (MSP) for all mandated Kharif crops.

Haryana CM thanks PM Modi for MSP on crops

This decision is another step towards the commitment of the government to double the income of the farmers, Khattar said in a statement.An official spokesperson said the MSP for paddy (common) has been increased from Rs 2,040 to Rs 2,183 per quintal, while the MSP for A-grade paddy has been increased from Rs 2,060 to Rs 2,203 per quintal.The MSP for moong dal has been increased from Rs 7,755 to Rs 8,558 per quintal, Bajra from Rs 2,350 to Rs 2,500 per quintal, ragi from Rs 3,578 to Rs 3,846 per quintal, maize from Rs 1,962 to Rs 2,090 per quintal, and arhar from Rs 6,600 to Rs 7,000 per quintal.The spokesperson said for the last several years, the Central government has been declaring the MSP for both Rabi and Kharif crops before the sowing season starts.IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Older trees accrue more mutations than their younger ones: Study

Washington, June 7: Older, long-lived trees are thought to contribute more to the creation and maintenance of genetic diversity than young, short-lived trees, according to research on the relationship between the growth rate of tropical trees and the frequency of genetic mutations they accumulate.

Older trees accrue more mutations than their younger ones: Study

The study, published as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife, provides what the editors describe as compelling evidence that tree species acquire mutations at a similar yearly rate, independent of cell division and regardless of their growth rate.The findings may be used to inform ecosystem conservation strategies, particularly in the tropical forests of southeast Asia, which are under threat from climate change and deforestation."Biodiversity ultimately results from mutations that provide genetic variation for organisms to adapt to their environment," explains co-lead author Akiko Satake, a Professor in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Japan. "However, how and when these mutations occur in natural environments is poorly understood."Somatic mutations are spontaneous changes in an organism's DNA that occur during its lifespan. They can arise due to external factors such as ultraviolet radiation, or internal factors such as DNA replication errors. It is not clear which of these factors causes mutations more frequently, particularly in tropical ecosystems and trees, which are not as well characterised as their more temperate counterparts.To understand this better, Satake and colleagues examined the rates and patterns of somatic mutations in two species of tropical trees native to central Borneo, Indonesia the slow-growing Shorea laevis (S. laevis), and the fast-growing S. leprosula. The species S. leprosula grows more than three times faster than S. laevis.Comparing the somatic mutations of the two tree species allowed the team to gain insights into the impact of growth rate on the accumulation of these mutations, and its potential role in driving evolution and species diversity. They collected seven DNA samples from the leaves at the highest level of the tree branches, as well as samples from the trunk of each tree, totalling 32 samples. The length and diameter of the trees at breast height was used to determine the average age of each species in the sampling area. S. laevis trees were on average 256 years old, whereas S. leprosula trees were on average 66 years old.To identify the mutations present, the team constructed a reference genetic dataset for each tree species, using the DNA collected from the leaves. The genome sequence was determined using a technique called long-read PacBio RS II and short-read Illumina sequencing. The team extracted DNA twice from each sample, allowing them to pinpoint single nucleotide variants (SNVs) within the same individual by identifying those that were identical between the two samples. The majority of mutations were found to be present within a single tree branch. However, some mutations were found across multiple branches, implying that they had been transmitted between branches at some point during the tree's growth.In both species, the team noticed a linear increase in the number of mutations with physical distance between branches. The rate of mutations per metre was on average 3.7 times greater in the slow-growing S. leavis than in the fast-growing S. leprosula, suggesting that slow-growing trees accumulate more somatic mutations. However, when accounting for the differences in growth rates, and calculating the rate of mutations per year, the two species had equal rates. This finding suggests that somatic mutations accumulate in a clock-like manner as a tree ages, independent of DNA replication and growth rate."We also found that somatic mutations are neutral within an individual - that is, they are neither beneficial nor detrimental to survival. However, those mutations transmitted to the next generation are subject to strong natural selection during seed germination and growth," says co-lead author Ryosuke Imai, Post-doctoral Fellow in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University. "This suggests that somatic mutations accumulate with time, and older trees contribute more towards generating genetic variation and adaptation to their environment, thereby increasing the chances of their species' survival."Imai and colleagues encourage further research into this area. In particular, they say that mathematical modelling would be required to consider the asymmetric division of cells during elongation and branching in order to further validate the findings."In trees, somatic mutations can be transmitted to seeds, resulting in rich genetic variations within subsequent generations," states one of the author Masahiro Kasahara, Associate Professor in the department of computational biology and medical sciences, the University of Tokyo, Japan. "As the tropical rainforests of southeast Asia face the threats of climate change and deforestation, our study suggests that long-lived trees may play a crucial role in maintaining and increasing the genetic variation of these tropical systems."ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
MINNEAPOLISCarnal Media announces that Dillon Stone has signed an exclusive contract with the company.

Originally from Oklahoma and having grown up in Oklahoma City, Stone was an avid churchgoer. After attending a bible college in Kansas, Stone practiced being a pastor for over two years. Around his 25th birthday, he came out and his life subsequently took a wild turn when he became a stripper, met his partner and moved to Spain to explore his own life and sexuality. After leaving Spain for Argentina, where he became a trainer and massage therapist, Stone returned to the U.S. and settled back down in the suburbs of Arkansas.

Stone launched his adult career in the summer of 2022. Having recently moved to Los Angeles, he spends his free time writing as well as performing music, mostly consisting of piano ballads from his church days. He continues to train clients, and takes time to play beach volleyball whenever possible.

From the moment he came out for his first shoot we bonded almost immediately, Carnal founder and CEO Legrand Wolf said. Our experiences coming from religious backgrounds and ultimately breaking free really connected us. Dillon is an incredibly attractive, hunky, handsome man and brings passion/excitement to every scene he performs in.

I discovered Carnal Media while living in Arkansas, as I absolutely fell in love with their work, offered Stone. Once I was in contact with Legrand, I came to Minneapolis for the first shoot on TwinkTop in the summer of 2022. The shoot was great, as everyone was welcoming and encouraging. Legrand and Jays background in church helped me connect even more, as we had many honest discussions about our backgrounds. Everything felt natural, fun, and I truly enjoyed being in front of the camera. I love the connection with my scene partners, and all of the guys Ive had scenes with.
PM Modis state visit to US reflects broadening of strategic partnership

New Delhi, June 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the first Indian PM who will address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time during his upcoming official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. The invitation extended to PM Modi reflects the bipartisan respect and support he enjoys in the United States.

PM Modi's state visit to US reflects broadening of strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is second only to Benjamin Netanyahu, the PM of Israel, in terms of addressing the Joint Meeting of the US Congress. Netanyahu has achieved this honour thrice.It is noteworthy that a Democratic President Joe Biden is inviting the Indian Prime Minister for a White House state dinner, while a Republic Speaker has asked him to address the joint session of Congress, indicating bipartisan support for augmenting Indo-US ties, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.This honour to PM Modi shows that this type of opportunity is granted only to the closest allies of the United States.Upon his arrival, Modi will receive an official welcome and hold bilateral meetings and delegation level talks. President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden will be hosting a state dinner in his honour. In a singular opportunity granted only to the closest allies of the United States, Modi will be addressing a joint session of the American Congress during his visit to the States, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.The US-India relations have grown exponentially since Narendra Modi came to power almost a decade ago, security and economic links with the US have enhanced conspicuously, alongside deepening security cooperation like counterterrorism around shared interests limiting China's influence in the broader Indo-Pacific.Meanwhile, The Biden administration has sought to further broaden the scope of the strategic partnership between the two countries and deepen Indian integration into a shared security architecture after having two decades of deepening strategic linkages.White House press secretary announced that "the President and the First Lady are looking forward to welcoming PM Modi for the official state visit on 22nd June. This will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and close partnership between US-India."State visits at the highest level of protocol are rare in the American system, and PM Modi is just the third state visitor during the Biden Presidency.Historically, Modi will be the third Indian leader ever invited for a state visit to the US, since those of President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in 1963 and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009. During the state dinner hosted by President Obama for PM Singh, the two leaders spoke augustly about a "future that beckons all of us."Modi's state visit will also be one of the longest of any leader to the US. So, in many ways, this visit is a significant signalling of the prominence that the US accords to its relations with India, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.On the agenda are agreements on trade, defence and critical minerals and significant progression of the Indo-US defence partnership, with the signing of a joint production agreement.Ahead of Modi's state visit, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was in India on a two-day visit to explore ways to lay the groundwork for highly anticipated agreements on bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.With bilateral trade reaching a record-breaking USD 191 billion last year, US-India Business Council (USIBC) will also be hosting the INDUS-X conference, scheduled over two days in Washington coinciding with Modi's visit.After decades of intermittently frigid relations, Washington's ties with New Delhi have grown significantly closer over the past twenty years. trade and investment flows have grown alongside shared geostrategic interests and China's growing presence and assertiveness in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region is a concern for both.President Barack Obama declared India a "major defence partner" and the Trump administration's growing concerns about China's regional assertiveness-including along the Sino-Indian border-cemented the US-India security partnership.India was included alongside the United States, Australia, and Japan as a counterweight to Chinese ambitions in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the 'Quad.'New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.This was followed by the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The pact provides Billions of dollars in American arms purchases that were finalised by the PM Modi government, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.However, it did not accede to Trump's demands to stop purchasing the S-400 and other Russian military equipment.With more robust military cooperation such as the acceleration of joint military exercises, there has also been a revival of the US-India Homeland Security Dialogue, which seeks to strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity, technology, and countering violent extremism.These security-oriented steps with steps have been complemented by initiatives such as the launching of a Clean Energy 2030 partnership, etc. Both leaders oversaw the launch of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (ICET) during the Quad Summit in May 2022, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.The signing of the MoU with General Electric deal will be the biggest deliverable of Prime Minister Modi's State visit to the US. India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has selected 99 F414 GE fighter jet engines to power the Mk II version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for the Indian Air Force.One of the most important results of the ICET was the commencement of negotiations on the General Electric (GE) deal to produce GE-F414 jet engines in India, complete with technology transfer.In February this year, the historic deal between Boeing and Air India for the latter to buy more than 200 planes from the American plane manufacturer was announced. Air India is ordering 220 Boeing aircraft valued at USD 34 billion.The orders include 190 737 Max aircraft, 20 of Boeing's 787s, and 10 of its 777Xs. The purchase also includes customer options for an additional 50 737 MAXs and 20 of its 787s, totalling 290 aeroplanes for a total of USD 45.9 billion at the list price.In a phone call, both leaders discussed the importance of the US-India strategic technology partnership and committed to continue working together and in groups like the Quad to advance economic growth and expand cooperation on their shared priorities, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.GE was engaged by the Biden administration, and a proposal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) officials was arrived at. The agreement is to build GE-F414-INS6 engines that will power Tejas-Mk II Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) being built by HAL.Although the final details of the agreement will only be clear once the MoU is signed, it is likely that the transfer of technology (ToT) and the percentage of locally manufactured components will exceed 60 per cent, possibly reaching 75 per cent.Other deliverables include the go-ahead for New Delhi's plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.The US is already India's largest goods trading partner and the only major country with which India has a goods trade surplus. There is also tremendous excitement in the business community over the launch of the initiative INDUS-X, a platform for start-ups and enterprises from both countries to identify collaborations for high-tech innovations within the ambit of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).Both administrations have shown tremendous excitement for the "defence innovation bridge" of which the GE deal is just one element, Modern Diplomacy.eu reproted.This news article is written by Vaishali Basu Sharma. She is an analyst of strategic and economic affairs. She has worked as a consultant with India's National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) for nearly a decade. She is presently associated with the New Delhi-based think tank Policy Perspectives Foundation.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
This is what thalaiva Rajinikanth gifted Tamannaah Bhatia during Jailer shoot

Mumbai, June 7: Actor Tamannaah Bhatia, who will be seen sharing screen space with megastar Rajinikanth, feels fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity of working with the veteran actor.

This is what 'thalaiva' Rajinikanth gifted Tamannaah Bhatia during 'Jailer' shoot

Expressing happiness about it, Tamannah told ANI, "It is a dream come true to work with him (Rajinikanth). I will always cherish the memories spent on 'Jailer' set. He gifted me a book on a spiritual journey. It was so thoughtful of him. He had even autographed it."'Jailer' will be out in theatres on August 10.Meanwhile, Tamannaah is gearing up for the release of her web series 'Jee Karda'.Produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films and directed by Arunima Sharma, the series is co-written by Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal.Aashim Gulati, Suhail Nayyar, Anya Singh, Hussain Dalal, Sayan Banerjee, and Samvedna Suwalka are also a part of the show.The show will take us on a ride filled with fun, drama and emotions capturing the life of seven childhood friends who are different from each other yet deeply connected.From experiencing life together, falling in love, making mistakes and even having their hearts crushed, they learn that even the finest friendships and relationships cannot be flawless. Rishab (Suhail Nayyar) proposes to Lavanya (Tamannaah Bhatia), his longtime girlfriend. Their school friends join the wedding celebrations, but complications arise and relationships take an intriguing twist.Sharing her experience working on the show, Tamannaah said, "The show is very real. It has heart and warmth attached to it. Being a true Mumbai girl, having grown up in this vibrant city. The friendships I formed in school were unlike any other, and I believe those kinds of bonds are irreplaceable. This show truly captures the essence of nostalgia."The show will be out on Prime Video on June 15.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Study finds first five years are crucial for refugee success

Auckland [New Zealand], June 7: Researchers found people from refugee backgrounds who arrived in New Zealand between 1997 and 2020. The study was published in 'Kotuitui New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online.'.

Study finds first five years are crucial for refugee success

The study asked three broad questions What are the rates of refugee access to education and state housing, who stays on benefits rather than working, and what factors contribute to income over time?The findings highlight the importance of the first five years in terms of successful economic outcomes, as well as disparities in income and job status between four sub-groups quota refugees, who are not faring as well, convention refugees, asylum seekers, and those who arrive under the family reunification scheme to join other family members.Quota refugees, of whom New Zealand accepts 1500 per year, already have refugee status (due to a well-founded fear of persecution) before they arrive and go through an initial five-week settlement programme in Auckland; after which they're automatically New Zealand residents and are offered a range of health, education, employment and accommodation support lasting up to two years.The fact that the data reveals this group has the greatest need of support makes sense, as they are often the most vulnerable people in their home countries and include the sub-categories of 'women at risk' and 'medical/disabled', says study lead, Professor Jay Marlowe."This means the government doesn't 'cherry pick' those who are most likely to contribute to the economy, which makes it a humanitarian programme worth celebrating."For quota refugees, settlement support has been historically provided in the first year (and now, in theory, two). There is a case, looking at this data, for extending this to five years, where marked improvements in terms of income and the percentages of people moving into paid employment happen, says Marlowe."That's where you see the greatest shifts in people going from the benefit to wages and salaries or self-employment, and that's the case across all groups. But after five years, positive trends start to level off."And although these findings indicate a need for more assistance for quota groups, the team is not suggesting that the Refugee Resettlement Strategy should be limited to quota refugees, as it is currently, he says."It's clear that all groups follow a similar trend of making positive strides, from different initial starting points, and this is most pronounced in the first five years; extending support to all refugee groups could result in quicker and better employment outcomes, even if that would involve higher short-term funding costs, it would be better economically in the long run."The age you are when you arrive, the amount of time you've been settled, and your gender (women tend to fare worse) are important considerations in terms of job prospects and any policy solutions need to take this into account, he says.The data source for the study is from the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), a massive administrative data set composed of billions of facts about New Zealand individuals and households which draws from sources like government ministries, the IRD and the Census, takes all this data and effectively links it in whatever way it's asked.Administered by Statistics New Zealand as a secure database, IDI can look at things like education, employment, mental health, marital status, housing, housing and mobility; a wide range of information that is carefully guarded and can only be accessed by permission in secure labs.The IDI takes different identifiers, aside from names - things like NHI, passport or visa numbers - and links them to the requested data and draws it all together into a 'spine', providing a unique identifier or code for each individual which is "scrubbed" of anything that would reveal them, says Marlowe."After doing the analysis you have to then send it back to Stats NZ for them to check it doesn't violate any confidentiality protocols."He says his colleague and affiliated CAPRS scholar, Dr Arezeoo Malihi, spent three years identifying this population, analysing the data, and working with advisory committees made up of immigration and legal experts in the sector to make sure the team was interpreting it accurately.He believes it's important to emphasise that this study, across 23 years, is missing the second and third-generation cohort and therefore "doesn't tell the whole story"."There's a quote by Afghan Abbas Nazari, who wrote a book about his time as a refugee after being rescued by the Tampa, where he says something like, 'The first generation builds the foundation to the house, the second builds the house, and the third fills the house'."For many people, what constitutes successful settlement is their children succeeding, rather than themselves."And the number of students from refugee backgrounds, even at the University of Auckland, far surpasses what we would expect relative to the general population, he notes."They are our future workforce, they're committed; they're supporting their families and community, but also the wider society."ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Narengi Military Station in Assam to enhance logistics chain for Army in Eastern theatre

Guwahati, June 8: In view of the security of the Eastern theatre, Narengi Military Station located in Assam's capital city Guwahati has now emerged as one of the important logistics hubs for the Indian army to enhance the logistics chain.

Narengi Military Station in Assam to enhance logistics chain for Army in Eastern theatre

According to the Indian army, the military station covering an area of around 3300 acres of land is one of the logistics hubs of the Indian army and it caters for operational preparedness in the entire eastern theatre.From needle to barrel of a tank, mechanical transport stores, and engineering stores, the military station has provided all kinds of support to the field army.Colonel Monark of Narengi Military Station told ANI that Narengi Military Station is one of the keynotes of logistics for the Eastern Theatre."We basically cater from needle to barrel of a tank for the requirement of the field army. These comprise rations, fuels, ordnance stores which comprise of mechanical transport stores, engineering stores, special equipment, clothing etc. All types of vehicles, and ammunition will need for our field army. Narengi itself has got all the logistics hub here and we are contributing very handsome tools catering for the operational preparedness of the Eastern army. We are supporting the seven states of North East, east of Sankosh river," Colonel Monark said.Notably, the Indian Army has planned to make Narengi Military Station in Assam's capital city Guwahati a completely renewable-based military station.For this initiative, the Indian Army has installed a green solar energy plant with a capacity of 1 MW (Mega Watt) at the military station to benefit the troops of the Indian army.According to the army officials, they have planned to extend the solar energy plant upto 3 MW capacity.The Indian army officials said that they have used 'Make in India' solar panels in its first green solar energy plant.Renewable energy sources are derived from water, wind or sun. Army is looking for a durable power supply in high altitudes to enhance the living conditions of its personnel.They also installed a system of Real-Time Data Acquisition and Required Parameter Monitoring for analysis of Power Generation each day, incorporating weather parameter sensors like wind direction sensor, wind speed sensor, solar radiation sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor and barometer pressure sensor.The present solar energy plant has delivered approximately 0.7 MW of power.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Yogi govt to introduce policy to promote M-Sand in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, June 7: In order to encourage entrepreneurs to manufacture 'M-Sand', the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is considering providing industry status to all the 'M-Sand' units in the state by bringing a new policy.

Yogi govt to introduce policy to promote M-Sand in Uttar Pradesh

The government also proposes to give the benefit of MSME to these units. Additionally, fixed power costs and mineral royalties are also being considered for M-Sand units.The Yogi Adityanath government is coming up with a new policy to promote alternatives to river sand used in construction work and curb illegal sand mining. The policy will focus on the promotion of manufactured sand (M-Sand), which is produced by crushing stones.The final draft of the M-Sand Policy will be prepared after considering the suggestions received from the stakeholders and will be implemented in the state after getting approval from the cabinet.The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Uttar Pradesh, has recently discussed a draft of the M-Sand policy with various stakeholders of the state and the country. According to the Additional Director, Directorate of Geology and Mining, Vipin Kumar Jain, "There is a provision in the policy to give industry status to M-Sand units. Under this, all M-Sand units will be given the benefits of industry status by the Directorate of Industry and Enterprise Promotion, Uttar Pradesh. Along with this, a provision is proposed to provide benefits of the MSME Promotion Policy 2022 as well."He further informed that there is a provision for capital subsidy, stamp duty exemption, and interest exemption. Under capital subsidy, 25 per cent capital subsidy will be given to micro units of Bundelkhand and Purvanchal, 20 per cent to small units and 15 per cent to medium enterprises, whereas, in Madhyanchal and Paschimanchal it will be 20 per cent, 15 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.As for stamp duty exemption, a 100 per cent exemption will be given for Bundelkhand and Purvanchal and 75 per cent for Madhyanchal and Paschimanchal. Along with this, there is also a plan to provide interest subsidies of up to 50 per cent to micro-enterprises with a capping of 25 lakhs for 5 years.In addition to all this, there is also a plan to give many more benefits to M-Sand units. As per the policy draft discussed with the stakeholders, the M-Sand manufacturing units will get benefit of fixed power costs. Under this, reimbursement will be given at the rate of one rupee per unit for 5 years from the date of commercial production.There is also a provision for mineral royalty, under which royalty exemption will be provided on source rock. Not only this, the government has said that 25 per cent of the total sand used in all government engineering departments, including PWD, will be M sand. Gradually, this percentage will be increased from 25 to 50, so that the consumption of sand units can increase.M-sand is made by crushing large stones into fine particles, which are then cleaned and finely graded. It is widely used as a substitute for river sand in construction. Apart from this, M sand can be made in many ways.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
New TV Guy Book by UK Author Offers Birds Eye View of Cambodian Culture and Society

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: A new memoir by a British former Reuters television journalist looks at the funny side of living and working in Cambodia, offering a unique insight into the country, the people and the culture.

New 'TV Guy' Book by UK Author Offers Birds Eye View of Cambodian Culture and Society

The book, Put It in the Chicken, is part of a soon-to-be-published TV Guy series. The TV Guy series will consist of three books - two of which have already been written. One is set in Cambodia and another is set in Myanmar. The third book is a more serious book based on the author's experiences as a British journalist working for Reuters TV covering wars in Sarajevo, civil unrest in Kosovo, and fighting in Africa.The author's first offering, Put It In The Chicken, details some of the events and happenings that involved the author when he set up a number of nationwide TV channels during his tenure in Cambodia, which lasted from 2002 until the present.In Put It in the Chicken, the British author describes how he navigates Cambodian culture and broadcasts Cambodia's first international concert without sound, televises cockfighting, and narrowly escapes being kicked out of the country after upsetting an important local person.I was privileged to have a front-row seat watching Cambodia's development over the past twenty years. While this is not a historical account, this book does give an inside view of the workings of a society that is trying to advance and take its place in the ASEAN community and the world, Felgate says.Also already written and doing the rounds of publishers is Felgate's Reuters TV memoir You Won't Know Us By Name, which follows the journey of a novice TV producer from Baghdad to Sarajevo and then Kosovo before finishing tragically in Sierra Leone in 2000 with the loss of the author's two friends Kurt Schork and Miguel Gil Moreno. Felgate arrived 24 hours before the deaths of Kurt and Miguel and helped deal with the aftermath. The book has a serious tone.Felgate's other book As the Crow Cries is based in Myanmar, where the author worked in 2013 and again in 2017, is currently being edited.Pre-orders for the now-available Cambodia memoir Put It in the Chicken are available at Amazon https//bit.ly/TV-Guy-1More of Felgate's writing can be found at https//glenfelgateauthor.com/PRN08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Erdogan discusses Ukrainian crisis with Putin

Ankara, June 8: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, during a telephonic conversation, discussed about the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Erdogan discusses Ukrainian crisis with Putin

Erdogan stressed that the continuation of consultations with the United Nations to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertiliser would be beneficial, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement published on Wednesday by Erdogan's office.The Turkish President said that the whole world attaches importance to the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets, underlining that the agreement they established through joint efforts plays a vital role in tackling the global food crisis.Erdogan emphasised that Turkiye is determined to continue to make necessary efforts to establish a just peace between Russia and Ukraine.Earlier in the day, Erdogan also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering aid to investigate the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in southern Ukraine.In July 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkey and the United Nations on grain and fertiliser exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis.The memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations on the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertilizer is a parallel agreement with the Black Sea Grain Initiative.While the exports of Ukrainian grain have made strides, Russia has constantly expressed displeasure with the lack of progress in the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertiliser.The initiative, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for another 120 days till March 18, 2023. At that point, Russia only agreed to extend the deal for 60 days, till May 18, 2023. On May 17, Russia agreed to extend the deal for another 60 days.IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Lucknow University to collaborate with Kazakh University

Lucknow, June 8: The Lucknow University (LU) has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Kazakh University of Technology and Business, Astana, Kazakhstan to cooperate in several fields.

Lucknow University to collaborate with Kazakh University

The aim is to develop cooperation and partnership in the fields of IT-technologies, accounting and finance, economics, management, design, biotechnology, ecology and the environment, oil and gas, mining and chemical industries, standardisation and certification, tourism, catering and hotel business.The MoU comes after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) upgraded its ratings to A++ last July and the university has been receiving proposals for collaborations from its counterparts in other countries.Under the agreement, both the parties agreed upon the implementation of joint activities in the field of exchange of students and undergraduates, teaching of experts / teaching staff, and scientific internship for undergraduates.Lucknow University vice chancellor, Prof A.K. Rai said, "In October last year, Governor Anandiben Patel had held a meeting with ambassadors of some countries and vice-chancellors of different universities of Uttar Pradesh.""This MoU is a result of the same meeting. We are ready to share our best practices and research with our international partners," added Prof Rai.IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Turkey expects to boost economy with summer tourism

Ankara, June 8: Turkey is looking forward to tapping into the key summer tourism industry revenues to prop up its ailing economy as foreign traveller have begun to flock into the sunny holiday resorts, industry professionals said.

Turkey expects to boost economy with summer tourism

Every year, this crucial industry, which employs 2.6 million workers, generates billions of dollars, offering much-needed respite for the national economy, reports Xinhua news agency.Turkey's tourism income jumped to $46.3 billion in 2022, a surge of over 50 per cent from $30 billion in 2021, according to official data."In Turkey, tourism has become an indispensable sector for the economy because it generates much-needed foreign currency," Kaan Sahinalp, the Turkish representative of German travel giant TUI, told Xinhua."The tourism industry is vital for the hard currency that it brings about for the economy as a whole," helping to reduce the country's substantial current account deficit, he said.He said he is hopeful that the industry would meet the government's target of 60 million foreign arrivals and $60 billion earnings in 2023.Meanwhile, Sahinalp pointed out that the weakening of the Turkish currency lira would give the country "a serious advantage" compared to its regional competitors in terms of prices.On Wednesday, the lira slipped by over 7 per cent against the greenback, trading at 23 lira against $1, the biggest drop in years.The lira has been weakening since 2018.During the first quarter of 2023, Turkey's tourism income soared by 32.3 per cent to $8.7 billion, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute report on April 30.Local officials are particularly hoping for a good tourism season after devastating earthquakes in February claimed the lives of nearly 51,000 people and led to many hotels along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast hosting displaced survivors for months.The number of Russian holidaymakers may drop due to the Russia-Ukraine war and rising costs, said Recep Yavuz, chairman of the Antalya City Council's Tourism Working Group.In May, arrivals from Russia dropped compared to the previous year, as a result of the weakening purchasing power of the people as the Russian ruble depreciated to a record low, Yavuz told Xinhua.But in Sahinalp's view, this is only temporary and Russian travellers will arrive en masse on the Mediterranean coast in the near future.According to a report released by the World Travel and Tourism Council, Turkey's tourism GDP is expected to increase by about 5.5 per cent on an annual basis over the next decade (2022-2032).IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Indian banks can issue Rupay prepaid forex cards: RBI Governor

Mumbai, June 8: Banks will now be able to issue RuPay Prepaid Forex cards, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das announced on Monday while reading out the monetary policy statement after a three-day deliberation.

Indian banks can issue Rupay prepaid forex cards: RBI Governor

It will expand the reach and acceptance of RuPay cards globally.RBI Governor said RuPay Debit and Credit cards issued by banks in India are gaining increased acceptance abroad."It has now been decided to permit issuance of RuPay Prepaid Forex cards by banks. This will expand the payment options for Indians travelling abroad. Further, RuPay cards will be enabled for issuance in foreign jurisdictions," Das said.Meanwhile, RBI's monetary policy committee unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent. The repo rate is the rate of interest at which RBI lends to other banks.A consistent decline in inflation (currently at an 18-month low) and its potential for further decline may have prompted the central bank to put the brake on the key interest rate again. Most analysts had expected the RBI to continue to keep the repo rate unchanged.Inflation has been a concern for many countries, including advanced economies, but India has managed to steer its inflation trajectory quite well. The RBI in its April meeting, the first in 2023-24, had paused the repo rate.Barring the April pause, the RBI raised the repo rate by 250 basis points cumulatively to 6.5 per cent since May 2022 in the fight against inflation. Raising interest rates is a monetary policy instrument that typically helps suppress demand in the economy, thereby helping the inflation rate decline.Coming to the GDP outlook, the RBI expects India's 2023-24 GDP growth at 6.5 per cent, with quarter Q1 at 8.0 per cent, Q2 at 6.5 per cent, Q3 at 6.0 per cent, and 5.7 per cent. The RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, while reading the monetary policy statement today, said the central bank sees risks to these GDP figures as evenly balanced.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
The Coconino National Forest contains a sizable percentage of Arizonas second-largest landform, the Mogollon Rim. You likely know that the Grand Canyon holds first place in this category. Also called the Tonto Rim, or simply "the Rim," the Mogollon stretches from west of Sedona to near the New Mexico state line.

It was named after the Spanish Governor of the Province of New Mexico, Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon, who served from 17121715. Some have a hard time with the pronunciation of the word Mogollon, which is correctly intoned as muggy-OWN. There is much history and lore associated with this fascinating landform, and American writer Zane Gray did much to popularize the area in the early part of the 20th century.

But what about its geologic origins? The story is no less interesting.

First of all, the Mogollon Rim contains an identical sequence of rock layers as that exposed in the upper half of the Grand Canyon. That is why the Mogollon Rim and the Grand Canyon appear so similar.

However, there is one notable exception. The Mogollon Rim area contains a layer of rock that the Grand Canyon does not, called the Schnebly Hill Formation. It is composed of about 700 feet of red sandstone deposited some 280 million years ago in a sandy desert that was adjacent to a shallow sea. This layer is exposed as you begin a hike up into the West Fork of Oak Creek or on Cathedral Rock. It extends north to underlie Flagstaff but pinches out and disappears entirely by the time the same layers are exposed in Grand Canyons South Rim.

The formation of the Mogollon as a modern landform is a story that begins only about 80 million years ago. If one could go back in time and stand at the site of todays scenic vista at the top of the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks, nothing present on the landscape today would be visible. In fact, instead of standing on top of the Mogollon Rim overlooking the head of Oak Creek Canyon, one could look south along a gently rising plain to the foot of a large mountain range where the city of Prescott would be later founded.

Geologists have given the name Mogollon Highlands to this long-gone mountain range, suggesting a geologic connection between the Rim and the Highlands. These mountains once stretched from near Bisbee through Tucson, Phoenix, Prescott, Kingman and on toward Las Vegas. Of course, no human ever saw the Mogollon Highlands, but the evidence comes from sand and gravel that was washed out of them and preserved in small pockets on top of the Rim today. The gravel contains rock types that are only located in the Prescott area -- a neat bit of detective work to understand the former geography of the region.

The Mogollon Highlands were still delivering gravel north to the Sedona area by about 25 million years ago, but, curiously, the gravel only reached as far as House Mountain volcano near the Village of Oak Creek.

For years, the identical-looking gravels left on the Mogollon Rim and those beneath it were thought to be the same, merely faulted and separated into disjunct positions. I and other geologists conducted detailed mapping of the area and found that the lower gravel was halted on its northward journey by some imposing landform, and we proposed it was likely an early incarnation of the Mogollon Rim.

Thus, the Mogollon Rim was born sometime between 30 and 25 million years ago, as colorful layers of sandstone were progressively stripped back toward the north from the ancient Highlands (yes, the rocks of the Mogollon Rim once stretched much farther south before they were eroded). Later the Highlands were faulted and eroded away entirely, leaving a few gravel deposits in the area of the Mogollon Rim. Portions of the ancestral Rim are preserved beneath the House Mountain volcano.

Over the last 6 million years Oak Creek has carved its beautiful canyon back into the edge of the Rim. The next time you head to Sedona on Highway 89A, stop at the Oak Creek Vista and begin to see this landscape with new eyes!

10 Years of Ask-a-Ranger Columns Coconino Nat'l Forest/Flagstaff Nat'l Monuments
NASA to invest $45mn in small biz to develop tech for future missions

Washington, June 8: NASA plans to invest $45 million in funding to more than 200 small businesses to develop new technologies designed to protect the health of astronauts, lower risk of collision damage to spacecraft, the US space agency has said.

NASA to invest $45mn in small biz to develop tech for future missions

The new awards from NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programme invests in a diverse portfolio of American small businesses and research institutions to support NASA's future missions.For first-round funding, NASA selected 300 proposals from 249 small businesses and 39 research institutions.Each proposal team will receive $150,000 to establish the merit and feasibility of their innovations, for a total agency investment of $45 million, the agency said in a statement.Phase I SBIR contracts are awarded to small businesses and last for six months, while Phase I STTR contracts are awarded to small businesses in partnership with a research institution and last for 13 months."NASA has a key role to play in growing the aerospace ecosystem in our country," said Jenn Gustetic, director of early stage innovation and partnerships for Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at the agency's headquarters in Washington, in the statement."Through these early-stage small business awards, we are inviting more innovators into this growing arena and helping them mature their technologies for not only NASA's use, but for commercial impact," he added.About 30 per cent of the companies selected are first-time NASA SBIR/STTR recipients, while more than a quarter of the selected companies are women-owned, veteran-owned, disadvantaged, and/or HUBzone small businesses.The businesses include nou Systems, a women-owned small business based in Alabama, selected to further develop their technology that will help in microbial monitoring of spacecraft environments.The closed and unique environment on spacecraft makes microbial monitoring of utmost importance to astronauts' health.Another is a veteran-owned HyBrid Space Systems company based in Washington. The two-person company was selected for an SBIR award to help NASA in its efforts to mitigate the potential risk of damage to its spaceflight programmes from orbital debris -- human made objects in Earth orbit that no longer serve a useful purpose."We are proud to work alongside the small businesses and research institutions in need of government investment," said Gynelle Steele, deputy programme executive for NASA's SBIR/STTR programme at NASA Headquarters."This programme enables NASA to nurture pioneering ideas from a diversity of innovators across the country that may not attract the initial private industry funding needed to thrive,a Steele said.IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
I Love You fuses love, betrayal and revenge with drama, suspense

Mumbai, June 8: Actress Rakul Preet Singh, who will be seen sharing the screen with Pavail Gulati in the upcoming romantic thriller 'I Love You', has shared that the film blends love, revenge and betrayal while crossing genres of drama and thriller.

'I Love You' fuses love, betrayal and revenge with drama, suspense

The film, which will be directly released on the OTT, depicts a passionate and dark side of love, and also stars Akshay Oberoi and Kiran Kumar.Talking about the film, Rakul Preet Singh said "'I Love You' is unlike anything I have done before as the storytelling combines the emotion of love, revenge and betrayal while crossing genres of drama, suspense and thriller. Nikhil has made a fantastic Film with a sharp narrative and has been able to extract amazing performances from all the cast members. I am looking forward to the audience's reactions on this one."'I Love You' is a story of Satya Prabhakar, played by Rakul Preet Singh, a working independent woman in Mumbai whose life takes a drastic shift just as she and the love of her life take their relationship to the next level.Pavail Gulati also commented "When Nikhil narrated the Film to me, I was instantly onboard. The story allowed me to shift between and unravel contrasting character shades, which was absolutely thrilling. 'I Love You' is different in its treatment, fast-paced, edgy with vibrance in emotions and at the same time, very enjoyable in its narrative. Eagerly waiting for the audience to see our film."Presented by Jio Studios, 'I Love You' is an Athena iamp; The Vermillion World Production, written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nikhil Mahajan, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Sunir Kheterpal and Gaurav Bose. The film will drop on June 16 on JioCinema.IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Distant warning signal at Gujarat Ports as cyclone Biparjoy hits Arabian Sea

Gandhinagar, June 8: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory to all ports in Gujarat, instructing them to hoist the distant warning (DW II) signal as a deep depression in the Arabian Sea has transformed into a cyclonic storm named Biparjoy.

Distant warning signal at Gujarat Ports as cyclone Biparjoy hits Arabian Sea

According to the IMD, the storm has shifted in a northward direction and poses potential risks to the coastal regions.The cyclonic storm "Biparjoy" remained stationary yesterday over the east-central and southeast Arabian Sea. The IMD bulletin stated that it is expected to gradually intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the same region within the next 24 hours. The storm is currently located approximately 900 km west-southwest of Goa, 1020 km southwest of Mumbai, 1090 km south-southwest of Porbandar, and 1380 km south of Karachi.In light of this weather phenomenon, fishermen have been warned against venturing into the deep sea. The IMD has advised them to refrain from fishing activities due to the potentially hazardous conditions. The cyclonic storm is anticipated to bring squally winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph along the North Gujarat coast, with gusts temporarily reaching 65 kmph. The sea is expected to be rough with waves from mainly westerly directions.For the South Gujarat coast, no warnings have been issued for the first day, but fishermen are advised not to venture into the Central Arabian Sea from 7th June onwards.Fishermen currently out at sea are urged to return to the coast. Specific areas where fishing activities are not advised include the southeast and adjoining central and southwest Arabian Sea on 6th June, central and adjoining areas of the south Arabian Sea from June 7-9, and central and adjoining areas of the north and south Arabian Sea on June 10. Similar warnings have been issued for the Kerala-Karnataka coasts, Lakshadweep-Maldives areas from June 6-7, and Konkan-Goa-Maharashtra coasts from June 8-10.In addition to the fishermen warning, all ports along the Gujarat coast have been instructed to hoist the distant warning signal - II (DW II). This measure aims to alert vessels and ensure the safety of maritime activities in the region.The IMD predicts that Cyclone "Biparjoy" will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the coming hours, with wind speeds potentially reaching 135-145 kmph and gusts up to 160 kmph over the next three to four days. The weather office has urged fishermen to adhere to the warnings and avoid venturing into the sea.The impact of cyclone on the monsoon onset is also being closely monitored. Private forecaster Skymet suggests that the formation of the cyclonic storm may cause a delay in the monsoon onset by two to three days. As the storm progresses, it is expected to move northwards and further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm.IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Agni Prime ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO

New Delhi, June 8: New generation ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' was successfully flight-tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

'Agni Prime' ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO

The Ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' was tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. During the flight test, all objectives were successfully demonstrated, a defence ministry official said on Thursday.According to the Ministry, this was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.The test was conducted in the night hours of June 7. Range Instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking Systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle, the ministry added.Senior officials from DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight-test, which has paved the way for induction of the system into the Armed Forces.The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Armed Forces for the success as well as the copy-book performance of the 'Agni Prime'.Secretary Department of Defence research and development, and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat appreciated the efforts put in by the teams of DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch.IANS08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Indian SaaS shows remarkable resilience, with steady growth projected for 2023 and beyond - report by Chiratae and Zinnov

PRNewswire, Bangalore, June 8 The Indian SaaS industry's resilience shines bright in the face of a stiff funding winter, defying expectations with a projected ~2.

Indian SaaS shows remarkable resilience, with steady growth projected for 2023 and beyond - report by Chiratae and Zinnov

5X growth to reach USD 26 Bn in revenues by 2026. According to "," the latest edition of the India SaaS report, jointly done by Chiratae and , Indian SaaS companies are doubling down on growth (revenue generation) while ensuring operational and capital efficiency.Global Recession - A Concern but Not a Deterrent for Indian SaaSThough concerns of a recession loom large, the Indian SaaS industry has displayed remarkable antifragility to withstand turbulent times. In a recent survey by Chiratae Ventures and Zinnov, an overwhelming 93% of the founders surveyed, anticipate an increase in revenues in the next 12 months. Amidst the wariness of global macro-economic headwinds, 9 out of 10 investors continue to believe in the India advantage and are betting on existing and newer growth areas. While the world and India - to some extent - witnessed layoffs, 96% of the Indian SaaS unicorns and potential unicorns grew their headcount throughout 2022. In a remarkable contrast, US tech start-ups announced 3X higher layoffs than their Indian tech counterparts between January 2022 and March 2023.Despite a widely acknowledged funding winter in the Indian start-up ecosystem, seed-stage funding witnessed a 1.5X increase, while early-stage funding experienced a notable 1.6X surge in value during 2022. In fact, Indian SaaS start-ups secured 3X more funding in 2022 compared to 2019, demonstrating a steady CAGR of 47%. However, the decline in SaaS company valuations in the public markets has greatly affected private markets, driving down late-stage funding. But stable deal volumes in Q1 2023 indicate that the funding slowdown for Indian SaaS companies has bottomed out, signalling a gradual recovery to look forward to in the upcoming quarters.The Numbers Game - Indian SaaS witnesses a NormalizationHousing 1650+ funded SaaS start-ups, India also witnessed a surge in the number of companies surpassing the USD 1Mn+ ARR in 2022. 2022 was also a record-breaking year with ~280 SaaS companies clocking in revenues between USD 1Mn - USD 10Mn, a significant leap from previous years.Notably, global public valuation multiples, which were accelerated by the pandemic, underwent corrections in 2022. However, they have shown a gradual recovery since October 2022, with today's median valuation multiple standing at 6.6X. Although slightly lower than the pre-pandemic median, this trend indicates that Indian SaaS valuation multiples have displayed higher resilience compared to their global counterparts and that the impact of macro-economic variables are less pronounced on them. These numbers evidence the fact that the Indian SaaS ecosystem exhibits greater resistance to economic shocks in comparison to global markets. They also underscore the unwavering belief that founders and investors have in the industry's potential for growth and success.The India advantage also extends to key opportunity areas - DevOps, Cybersecurity, and Vertical SaaS - which will lead the next phase of growth and innovation across SaaS categories. India has emerged as a disruptor in the global DevOps market, becoming the number one contributor to global AI-related GitHub repositories, a function of 10% of the global developer base being located here. Furthermore, the increasing global VC funding in Cybersecurity, coupled with the rapidly evolving threat landscape, presents Indian SaaS companies an opportunity to create and offer innovative Cybersecurity solutions. Vertical SaaS also emerges as an attractive investment opportunity, as 80% of the investors surveyed are more likely to invest in Vertical SaaS start-ups in 2023 as compared to the previous year. India's 70Mn+ SMBs present a lucrative opportunity for Vertical SaaS players to dive into.With approximately 16% of the global AI workforce, India takes the lead in AI product development and emerges as a frontrunner in the latest global trend of Generative AI. This demand arises from a heightened focus on enabling customer experience and content generation, and is being serviced by the 800+ Indian start-ups focused on this technology. The global Generative AI market projected to reach USD 110 Bn by 2030 makes for an attractive investment area in 2023 and beyond. Moreover, India's emergence as a leading player in the global Web 3 market, further solidifies its position. With 11% of the global Web 3 talent in India growing at the fastest rate, this investment theme is hard to miss in the coming years.On the report's launch, Sudhir Sethi, Founder and Chairman, Chiratae Ventures, stated, "We are excited to present the India SaaS report. The SaaS industry in India has hit global scale, and Chiratae leads that scale. Through our advised funds, we have invested over USD 160 Mn in over 35+ SaaS companies, supporting and nurturing notable names such as Pixis, Uniphore, Hevo Data, Healthplix, Pando, and Deepfence to name a few, which have eventually gone on to raise more than ~USD 850 Mn in follow on capital. We have seen successful exits in this sector, including IPO (Newgen), secondary sales (Hevo Data, Uniphore, Manthan), and acquisitions (UnBxD, CloudCherry, Netcore)."On the launch of this report, Venkatesh Peddi, Managing Director at Chiratae Ventures, and head of SaaS investments stated, "The steadfastness of the Indian SaaS industry, coupled with its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics, has led to its outperformance on a global scale. Given India's robust foundation, presence of visionary leaders, and strategic exploration of key sectors, we predict that the Indian SaaS industry is poised for tremendous growth, surpassing the significant milestone of USD 26 Bn by 2026. With 38 SaaS companies in our portfolio, Chiratae remains dedicated to supporting and nurturing the growth of this dynamic industry, solidifying our position as a key player in India's journey towards global SaaS leadership.", CEO at Zinnov, opined, "Indian SaaS start-ups are defying odds and continuing to attract significant investments. The ability of Indian SaaS to create newer categories, ride the wave of repeatable revenue, play the cost and talent arbitrage game, while building for a more discerning consumer, is enabling them to play at par, and in some cases, outshine their global SaaS counterparts. Steady global IT spends, positive investor sentiment, fundamental entrepreneurial rigor and belief, are helping the 'build in India, for India and the world' playbook play out. With the might of India's 3Mn-strong pool of tech talent behind them, Indian SaaS start-ups have solidified their position as a global SaaS powerhouse, and are on a fast-tracked path to shape the global technology landscape.", Partner at Zinnov, asserted, "The single-most common question in the past 18 months has been - If and when will tech stocks recover to 2021 all-time highs? While it's unlikely we will witness those valuation multiples in the near term, we are seeing steady stabilisation and signs of a gradual rebound. Despite challenging circumstances, investors' confidence and founders' resilience remain unwavering. The Indian SaaS ecosystem has exemplified remarkable adaptability and resilience in the face of recessions and external disruptions. This 'herd immunity' indicates that Indian SaaS companies are not just equipped to survive in challenging times but are poised to adapt, evolve, and emerge stronger. With 93% of founders expressing optimism about their revenue growth prospects for the upcoming year, we see a clear shift towards bolstering revenue growth on the back of solid fundamentals - a testament to the future growth and success of the Indian SaaS landscape."Chiratae Ventures is a 16-year-old Indian technology venture capital fund advisor, having advised funds that collectively (across 6 funds) have USD 1.1 Bn AUM, 130+ investments, 48 exits, 8 Unicorns, 3 IPOs and, a track record of having returned capital to LPs in each of the last 12 years. The funds advised by Chiratae Ventures have investments across sectors such as Consumer-Tech, SaaS, Fintech, and Healthtech and have been early backers of companies such as Myntra, Flipkart, Lenskart, FirstCry, PolicyBazaar, Bizongo, Uniphore, Pixis, and Fibe, amongst many othersFounded in 2002, Zinnov is a global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in New York, Santa Clara, Houston, Seattle, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Pune, Japan, and Paris. Over the past 21 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises to develop actionable insights to help them accelerate their technology journeys to create value - across dimensions of revenue, transformation, and optimization. With core expertise in Digital Engineering Talent, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by- Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering talent footprint through center setups and accelerators - in an as-a-service model, as well as optimizing their global portfolios, to achieve higher R and D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity;- Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation;- Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory;- Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes;- Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Intelligent Automation, Cloud, IOT, etc.With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit .(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
SAMCO bets on the future of investing in India - launches SAMCO Active Momentum Fund

PRNewswire, Mumbai, June 8 SAMCO Asset Management Private Limited, a distinguished investment management firm, is thrilled to announce the launch of India's first actively managed momentum fund - SAMCO Active Momentum Fund.

SAMCO bets on the future of investing in India - launches SAMCO Active Momentum Fund

Leveraging the persistent and globally acclaimed momentum anomaly in finance, this pioneering fund aims to deliver exceptional risk-adjusted returns to investors, tapping into the immense potential of momentum investing in the Indian market.The Nifty 200 Momentum 30 index has achieved an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.79% over 18 years, outperforming the broader Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 indices. Similarly, the Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 index has achieved an exceptional CAGR of 21.28% since its inception. Moreover, when compared to the MSCI World Index, which produced 10x returns, the MSCI World Momentum Index delivered a commendable 20x return.(Disclaimer Past returns are no indication of future returns. The index returns do not indicate returns of any scheme and are only mentioned for illustration of momentum as a factor. Price data for MSCI World Index and MSCI Momentum index from June 1994 till March 2023. For Nifty Indices - Returns mentioned are CAGR returns from 1st April 2005 till 28th April 2023.)Based on this extensive market research and a proven track record, SAMCO MF launches India's 1st active momentum fund that utilizes these insights offering investors an opportunity to tap into the remarkable growth potential that market momentum can provide.Extensive historical research conducted by MSCI World Momentum Index substantiates that the Momentum factor has consistently proven itself as one of the most potent generators of alpha. Building upon this powerful investment strategy, SAMCO Active Momentum Fund meticulously selects stocks with momentum characteristics such as breakouts, price leadership, and more, deploying a proprietary momentum-seeking algorithm. By capitalizing on the prevailing price trends, the fund aims to outperform the market and generate superior returns for investors.Umesh Kumar Mehta, Chief Investment Officer (CIO), SAMCO Asset Management Private Limited, said, "Historically, the momentum factor, or the phenomena based on persistence of stock price trends has been one of the strongest return generators. In Momentum investing, active management offers several unique advantages such as a wider investible universe, quicker rebalancing and hedging flexibility during periods of anti-momentum. By investing in stocks exhibiting momentum characteristics, we aim to offer our investors the potential for superior risk-adjusted returns."The fund manager for SAMCO Active Momentum Fund is Paras Matalia, a seasoned investment professional with a deep understanding of momentum-based strategies. With his expertise and experience, Matalia will oversee the fund's investment decisions and work towards maximizing returns for investors.Commenting on the launch, Viraj Gandhi, CEO, SAMCO Asset Management Private Limited, said, "We are excited to introduce SAMCO Active Momentum Fund as India's first actively managed Momentum Fund and this represents an exciting step forward for the Indian investment landscape. We believe this fund will open new avenues for investors seeking to benefit from momentum investing. With our dedicated team and a robust investment strategy, we are confident in delivering value to our investors."The New Fund Offering (NFO) from SAMCO Active Momentum Fund commences on June 15, 2023, and concludes on June 29, 2023. During this period, investors can position their portfolios to benefit from the Momentum factor. An important point for the investors to keep in mind is that the subscriptions will not be accepted after the NFO period until further notice. Furthermore, only those Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) registered during the NFO period will be accepted, with fresh SIP registrations will temporarily be restricted post NFO until further notice.There are several advantages that active management offers in momentum investingSAMCO Asset Management Private Limited takes immense pride in introducing this time-tested investment strategy for the first time to Indian investors, offering them the opportunity to unlock the potential of momentum investing.For more information about SAMCO Active Momentum Fund and the NFO, please visit our website at .Samco Asset Management Pvt Ltd () is the asset manager to the Samco Mutual Fund having SEBI registration No MF-077/21/03 having its registered office at 1003-A, 10th Floor, Naman Midtown, Senapati Bapat Marg, Prabhadevi(W), Mumbai 4000013. Samco Mutual Fund has around 80000+ investors spread across 4000 cities and towns in India. With a customer-centric approach and a team of seasoned professionals, SAMCO Asset Management aims to deliver consistent, long-term value to its clients.Details about the Sponsor, SAMCO Securities Limited, is a wealth-tech start-up headquartered in Mumbai, which is one of India's fastest-growing companies in the Discount Broking Industry. The company aims to solve problems at an extremely affordable cost for its customers who actively trade or invest in the Indian capital markets using algorithms, data science, and artificial intelligence.MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
MP CM Shivraj Chouhan holds meeting with farmers unions

Bhopal, June 8: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a meeting with leaders of farmers' union in the state capital on Thursday, and discussed their issues pertaining to the implementation of schemes and programmes.

MP CM Shivraj Chouhan holds meeting with farmers' unions

During the meeting, CM Chouhan said, "The approach of Kisan Manch towards the problems of farmers is positive and the suggestions are also practical. Therefore, implementing schemes and programs related to farmers can be made more practical and accessible by including the recommendations of the Kisan Manch. The department should work on various components by setting up time limits."During this, the chief minister also held discussions on various issues with the representatives of various organisations, including the office bearers of farmers' unions.State agriculture minister Kamal Patel, Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, and officers of various departments were also present in the meeting.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Monsoon to advance to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Northeast in next 48 hours: IMD

New Delhi, June 8: The monsoon will advance to the remaining parts of Kerala, some parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and the Northeast in the next 48 hours, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday.

Monsoon to advance to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Northeast in next 48 hours: IMD

The Southwest Monsoon hit India on Thursday with its onset over Kerala, a week after the normal date of June 1, said IMD.While talking to ANI, speaking on the forecast for monsoon advancement in the country, IMD Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, the southwest monsoon has reached Kerala today. Monsoon reaches Kerala usually by June 1 but this time it arrived on June 8. There has been a seven-day delay. Kerala received good rainfall in two days and southern Tamil Nadu also has similar conditions.""In the next 48 hours, the monsoon will advance to some areas of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Apart from this, it will also reach the remaining parts of Kerala, some parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The monsoon is also likely to advance to the northeastern states as well in the next 48 hours," he added.Elaborating on the cyclonic storm Biparjoy, he said, "A very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea is gradually moving north. It is expected that it will move further north for some time after which it will change its direction to northwest."In its earlier bulletin, IMD said the cyclone would intensify further gradually during the next 48 hours and move nearly north-northwestwards during the next 3 days."VSCS BIPARJOY over the east-central Arabian Sea, lay centred at 2330hrs IST of 07 Jun 2023 near lat 13.6N and long 66.0E, about 870km west-southwest of Goa, 930km sw of Mumbai. It would intensify further gradually during next 48hrs and move nearly north-northwestwards during next 3days," tweeted IMD.Fishermen are advised not to venture into such cyclone-hit areas in the Arabian Sea and those who are out at sea are advised to return to the coast, the IMD said earlier.ANI08 June 2023

Shared Recently!
Adipurush distributor in Telugu states stares at a loss: Experts

Mumbai, June 8: A day after the 'Adipurush' teaser was launched at a grand event in Tirupati, and garnered over 109 million views on YouTube in 24 hours, and the producers of 'Karthikeya 2' announced that they will give away 10,000 tickets for free in Telangana, the distribution of the Rs 500 crore pan-India film in the Telugu-speaking states has hit a speedbreaker.

'Adipurush' distributor in Telugu states stares at a 'loss': Experts

A major distributor, Dil Raju, has backed out of picking up the rights for the Telugu version of the Prabhas and Kriti Sanon-starrer in what is known as the Hyderabad and Uttarandhra regions in the film trade jargon (the latter including major centres such as Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam).This setback comes within a day after it was reported by the trade media that the OTT rights for 'Adipurush' have been sold to an unconfirmed platform (Amazon Prime Video is the punters' favourite) for Rs 250 crore.According to Track Tollywood, People Media Factory (PMF), which operates out of Seattle and Hyderabad, has picked up the "wholesale rights" of the Telugu version for Rs 170 crore. It has sold the Nizam Zone to Mythri Movie Makers for Rs 50 crore. Six territories of Andhra Pradesh have been bought for Rs 50 crore, while the Ceded Districts (Kurnool, Kadapa, Chittoor and Anantapur) have gone for Rs 17.50 crore.That leaves the People Media Factory with a hole of Rs 52.50 crore and Dil Raju is refusing to bite the bait. Does that reflect on Prabhas's star standing, which hasn't seen much of a reiteration after the two 'Baahubali' films?Film trade analyst Karan Taurani of Elara Capital said that it has more to do with the present state of the South Indian market, which has had quite an unexceptional first half in 2023 after the box-office mega successes of 'RRR', 'KGF 2', 'Ponniyin Selvan-1', 'Vikram' and 'Kantara' last year.In the Telugu market especially in the recent months, another Prabhas-starrer 'Radhe Shyam' and the Samantha Ruth Prabhu film 'Shaakuntalam' are among the films that have turned out to be commercial duds, despite the hype accompanying their release. Even the Nani-starrer 'Dasara', which is at No. 13 on IMDb's list of the 25 top-grossing movies of January-June 2023, hasn't made the kind of money that an 'RRR' or a 'Pushpa The Rise' raked in.Taurani red-flagged a development that is still not being much spoken about. "South Indian content has been facing serious trouble in the last six months," he said. "The occupancy in theatres is down by 25 to 30 per cent, compared with pre-Covid levels. If the footfalls don't come, films won't be able to recover their cost. That explains why distributors are playing it very safe."The Adipurush makers, however, can rest easy, for they have recovered most of their production costs from the OTT deal and the sale to People Media Factory.Talking about the reported OTT deal, Taurani said "OTT contracts are generally pre-sold and it's not easy to breach those contracts in the event of a poor performance of a film."He, however, added a caveat. "Having said that, there could be a clause in the streaming deal with regards to the theatrical performance of a film, subject to how the producers and streamers have locked the deal. In such cases the streamers say that only when the film reaches a certain threshold in theatres, the overflow or a certain amount of money can be given to producers."Specifically on 'Adipurush', Taurani predicted "The opening will be phenomenal but sustaining it might be a problem."IANS09 June 2023

Shared Recently!
The Flagstaff City Council adopted the phase one specific plan and zoning map amendments for the new Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) campus Tuesday night, along with the development agreement.

Plans for the campus have been underway since April 2021, with the current list of items working its way through the city approval process since March.

Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) plans to develop a 172-acre property next to Fort Tuthill County Park as a replacement for the current FMC, alongside a new ambulatory care center (ACC) and, eventually, a larger health and wellness village.

The specific plan, zoning map amendments for the first phase of the project, were up for approval Tuesday after a first reading was approved May 16. The projects development agreement, which also includes some requirements for its second phase, was also brought to this week's meeting.

Phase one of the project is primarily the new hospital, ACC and some supporting work on infrastructure such as parking and roads. Similar items will be brought to the city for approval before phase two -- which will focus more on constructing the surrounding health and wellness village, including housing, retail, research and more.

Mayor Becky Daggett noted that city council will be discussing the site plan for the project, addressing an item that is usually completed between city staff and the applicant without being presented to the public.

City council moved to adopt the three items unanimously, though Vice Mayor Austin Aslan was absent and thus did not vote.

Council moves project forward

Councils questions and NAHs presentations mostly focused on the same three areas: the timing of the planned lowering of Beulah Boulevards intersection with Purple Sage Trail, some specifics of sustainability efforts and addressing misinformation theyd seen in public discussion of the project.

After the presentations and public comments, several councilmembers shared their thoughts on the project, with all of them saying theyd researched the project and met with community members on the subject and that they would like to move the new hospital forward.

I look at this as a regional decision, said Councilmember Miranda Sweet. It doesn't just affect me up here or us or those in the room. It affects a lot of people that are using our medical system. I realize there are a lot of questions and concerns, and this is not perfect and it probably never will be perfect, but I believe we need to start somewhere. I agree with some of my colleagues that we have found the findings to move this project forward.

Councilmember Deborah Harris responded to those asking to delay the project in public comment as well as misinformation shed seen more broadly in the community, comparing it to the response to projects on the Rio de Flag.

We need to understand that this community has grown, is growing and will continue to grow, she said. We would be better served by taking our energies and trying to make sure that were managing that growth appropriately.

Harris added: Progress means making a decision. Keeping this thing going for month after month is another way of stopping the project. We've seen it happen. This is a tactic that will be used millions of times and will continue to be used. ...I would just encourage us to really think about all of those folks who are going to come after we're gone and are going to live in this community. Yes, carbon neutrality, we have to pay attention to that, but it doesn't mean that we have to stop every project that comes to us because we don't like it, because it does not meet our agenda. That just doesn't make sense.

Daggett also addressed the commenters, saying that meetings with several of them had led to some of the additional environmental measures discussed in this meeting (the LEED gold level and carbon measurements, specifically). She also said the concerns with housing and climate related to the project showed her that the city codes needed to be updated to reflect its goals on both items.

Intersection timing

The main change to the development agreement NAH was requesting was a shift in the timing of grading Beulahs intersection with Purple Sage Trail to accommodate a future Interstate 17 underpass.

While NAH will be funding and completing the construction regardless of the timing, it is asking to complete the grading portion at a later time, once the plans for the underpass are more finalized.

The citys request was that NAH complete the grading during this phase of the project, alongside the widening of Beulah and other traffic construction that NAH will already be completing on the project. The underpass has been in the regional plan since before this project started and the city has expressed some concerns about disruption to the hospital, should the grading take place after it has opened.

NAH was asking to delay due to cost (the presentation said the changes to the graduation solution has already increased costs from $5.7 million to over $12 million) and the changing nature of that regional plan.

As part of NAHs presentation, Guillermo Cortes of Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc. spoke about the history of the underpass, as well as NAHs solutions for how the grading could be completed after the hospital opens without disrupting access to the area.

An I-17 underpass at this intersection has been part of the citys plan since 2005, Cortes said, though the project has not yet started to be planned on its own.

As part of his presentation, Cortes outlined some challenges he saw with completing the underpass, including the need for lane closures on the interstate, coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Arizona Department of Transportation, the potential use of Beulah Boulevard for detours and a trenching rather than boring approach to construction.

Overall, he estimated that project would take over two years to complete, using a phased approach similar to the one he outlined for NAHs work on the intersection. (The underpass itself would not be completed by NAH.) At most, he said, the intersection would need to be lowered by 9 feet.

Were not here to argue that the project should be removed or anything; it is in the regional transportation plan. What wed like to see, though, is that it is postponed, Cortes said.

Cortes continued: We looked at what it would do to be able to drain this thing from a gravity perspective versus a pump station. Obviously, we don't want to see pump stations because the maintenance of those pump stations, but ultimately to go ahead and bore under I-17 was quite a bit more costly. That's the reason we're here in the first place -- is to go ahead and lower this intersection is extremely costly. So why not wait, postpone, until that undercrossing is actually funded?

He then explained NAHs proposal for sequencing during the grading, closing only part of the road at a time to allow for continued access to the hospital, including for emergency vehicles. With this plan, NAH is proposing to complete the grading in three phases.

Cortes noted that the plans for Beulah include a 26-foot boulevard in the center of the road in front of campus that was included to accommodate future left-turn lanes as needed. But it also allows additional room during this construction, he said, allowing NAH to lower one side of the road at a time while the other is still in use.

Capacity will obviously be reduced, but we feel by letting employees know that they can access the hospital from the north ... we think we can save the capacity for that Purple Sage and Beulah intersection for the real emergencies, he said.

Councilmember Jim McCarthy noted that he had spoken to experts with both the city and MetroPlan about the underpass who told him that the project will be needed regardless of the hospital -- though the timing is still unknown. He asked that the earlier grading be required, saying it would be more efficient to complete the construction at the same time and noting that the regional plans for moving Beulah had already been changed at NAHs request.

The various entities I've talked to say this is an important road. We cant delete it, so we need to do it. So the issue is when should we do it, he said. ...It's way more efficient to do it now ... [and] from what I understand, it probably will happen.

In response to a question from Councilmember Lori Matthews, Cortes said an overpass is not feasible, as it would require at least 40 feet of filling to go from the other side up and over the highway.

Councilmembers discussed this request when making a motion on the development agreement. Apart from Matthews, who recommended requiring some assurances from NAH and allowing for the delay, they all supported the original recommendation from city staff, requiring the grading to be completed during this phase of construction.

Council approved the development agreement with the original requirement still included.

Residents ask for delay, approval

While there were fewer public comments and attendees than in recent meetings (only seven commented, compared to 40 on May 16), the room still had plenty of residents whod come to watch the FMC-focused part of the meeting.

Five commenters expressed concern with the project, with most specifically bringing up a desire for continued expansion of sustainability efforts.

Michelle James of Friends of Flagstaffs Future, who has commented at almost every meeting on the topic, said the organization was asking that more time and consideration be given to the project, asking city council to place a public referendum on the ballot while citing a similar referendum given by the City of Tempe last year.

F3 believes that the citizens have the right to make the decision about the new hospital, the largest infrastructure project that has been proposed in Flagstaff in many decades, she said. This is a project where many questions remain unanswered, including the total cost to taxpayers and the full impacts to the community of moving the hospital."

After the comment section, the city attorney stated that city council would not be able to create this sort of referendum.

Two commenters focused on environmental efforts, asking that NAH be required to receive the LEED gold certification rather than simply attempting to meet its standards.

Flagstaff is known as a leader in the area of managing its carbon footprint, and we would like to see that continue through the implementation of the goals that are in our regional plan, said Stefan Sommer of the Northern Arizona Climate Alliance. Weve only gotten into this conversation recently, and we think that more could probably have been achieved if wed been in the conversation from the very beginning."

He added: Since they are not seeking the actual certification for [LEED gold], that puts the pressure on you because you will have to be the overseers of that and find some verification.

Another two commenters were in favor of the project: a representative of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and an attorney who is working on the project.

Whitney Cunningham of Aspey, Watkins and Diesel had read letters on behalf of the Odegaards at a few meetings throughout the process, and said he was now sharing his own perspective on the project.

He listed several expansions that had taken place over the 40 years hed lived in Flagstaff (including at Gore, Northern Arizona University and FMCs current building), saying these were generational investments that allowed the city to continue to serve the community as it grew.

NAH has been making a $50 million investment in roads, a $5 million investment in fire facilities, they're going to build a park bigger than Foxglenn, they're going to reduce energy consumption by 50% and fossil fuel usage by 75%. This only happens if this project moves forward, he said. Advocating to make a project as good as it can be is proper and it should happen. Its made this project better, but refusing to compromise, taking an all-or-nothing position, wanting to say no or wanting to say delay or wanting to say defer so this project never occurs is a loss to our community that leaves a lot of empty hands and it makes us poorer. This is a generational investment; we should support it.

In Council's discussion at the end of the meeting, Sweet asked for continued engagement on the project as it continues to develop.

"The work is just beginning," she said. "This is one step in a lot of steps to come and I'm going to rely on all of you to meet with me the night before and ask questions and hopefully make me think more and more about what we're deciding on."

A recording of Tuesdays council meeting is available online, with discussion of the FMC plans beginning about 50 minutes in.
The Flagstaff City Council this week endorsed the effort to create the new Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.

The move comes after Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs endorsed the effort last week, and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited the region last month, speaking with local tribes on the subject.

Both Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett and Vice Mayor Austin Aslan attended Haalands visit.

In speaking to Council, Rose Toehe, the city coordinator for Indigenous initiatives, referenced the permanent ban on uranium mining that a monument designation would create.

It is an issue that has long been controversial in northern Arizona, especially for tribes, with deep historic and cultural ties to the area.

Many of the Indigenous nations in the area, their members have perished or continue to suffer due to uranium mining. The plants, forests, and animal-relatives have suffered and perished as well, Toehe told the council. We all know too well as Indigenous people the devastation left behind and the people left with little recourse.

Throughout the years, it has not been uncommon for the Flagstaff City Council to provided its support to various political or conservation efforts, especially regarding the Grand Canyon and the issue of uranium mining.

In 2017, Council passed a resolution opposing the transport of uranium mined near the Grand Canyon through Flagstaff, declaring the city a nuclear-free zone. Then, in 2019, Council also passed a resolution supporting a long-term federal mining ban around the Canyon.

Currently, new mining claims around the Grand Canyon are paused after a 2012 moratorium was implemented by the Obama administration.

That moratorium could lapse in 2032.

Although the resolution of support is largely symbolic, with a final decision on the national monument to be made by President Joe Biden, it could represent growing support for the monument designation from Anglo communities across northern Arizona.

The most recent push for protections began in April when a coalition of tribes asked the Biden administration to protect 1.1 million acres around the Grand Canyon.

The coalition includes leadership representatives of the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Las Vegas Band of Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

The effort has also been backed by environmental and conservation groups such as the Grand Canyon Trust and Sierra Club.

Advocates say a national monument designation would prevent new mining claims from being issued while maintaining existing uses, such as hiking, hunting, fishing, grazing and camping.
Our County Editor

Dave Hinton is editor of The News-Gazette's Our County section and former editor of the Rantoul Press. He can be reached at dhinton@news-gazette.com.
Download Now

The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print.




Main suspect in 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway arrives in US from Peru to face charges

The main suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway has arrived in the U.S. from Peru to face charges that he tried to extort the missing Alabama teen's mother
The risks of exposure to "forever chemicals" start even before birth, a new study confirms, potentially setting up children for future health issues.

Exposure toper- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy was linked to slightly higher body mass indices and an increased risk of obesity in children, according to a new Environmental Health Perspectives study led by Brown University researchers.

While this link has been suggested in previous research, the data has been inconclusive. The new study, which was funded by theEnvironmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes program at the National Institutes of Health, involves a much broader data set with research sites across the country, said lead author Yun "Jamie" Liu, a postdoctoral research associate in epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health.

The findings were based on eight research cohorts located in different parts of the U.S. as well as with different demographics. This makes our study findings more generalizable to the population as a whole." Yun "Jamie" Liu, postdoctoral research associate in epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health

ECHO is a nationwide research program supported by the NIH with the goal of understanding the effects of a broad range of early environmental influences on child health and development. The study used data collected over two decades from 1,391 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years and their mothers. They were enrolled in ECHO research sites in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Hampshire, Georgia and New York.

Thousands of individual PFAS are used in oil- and water-repellant textiles, personal care products, firefighting foams, food packaging, medical products and many other household products. Toxic PFAS are incredibly durable and are thought to persist in the environment for thousands of years, which is how they've come to be known as "forever chemicals."

The researchers analyzed the levels of seven different PFAS in blood samples collected from mothers during pregnancy. They then calculated each child's body mass index, an approximate measure of body fat.

The researchers found that higher levels of PFAS in mother's blood during pregnancy were related to slightly higher BMIs. Increased risk of obesity was seen equally for male and female children.

These associations were observed even at low levels of PFAS exposure, said senior author Joseph Braun, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Children's Environmental Health at Brown's School of Public Health. This is important to note, Braun said, since PFAS exposures have changed over time as some manufacturers have voluntarily phased out their use in response to concerns of associated health effects as well as environmental persistence.

"The fact that we see these associations at relatively low levels in a contemporary population suggest that even though PFAS usage in products has decreased, pregnant people today could still be at risk of harm," Braun said. "This means, according to our findings, that their children could also be at risk of PFAS-associated harmful health effects."

Over the past 10 years, Braun has been involved with multiple studies on the effects of PFAS on children's health. This type of data, he said, can help inform and influence environmental policy and safety guidelines.

"There is a continued interest in understanding the effects of low-level PFAS exposure on children's health," Braun said. "Studies like this one can help researchers and policymakers better understand the risks of PFAS in order to take effective actions to protect vulnerable populations."

Liu said that future research will examine the associations between maternal PFAS exposure and obesity-related health outcomes in older children, and eventually teens and adults.

The research was supported by the ECHO program, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institute of General Medicine Sciences.
More than half of Medicaid-covered adults in Alabama with Type 2 diabetes did not receive follow-up health care within the recommended two-week period following hospitalization for newly-diagnosed heart failure, according to new research. The analysis, published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association, found worse follow up for African American and Hispanic adults.

The large, racially diverse study also found that African American adults and Hispanic adults were less likely to see a primary care doctor after leaving the hospital compared to similar white adults. When African American adults and Hispanic adults had a follow-up visit, it was about two to three days later than their white peers.

People with Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing heart failure requiring hospitalization. The American Heart Association's guidelines recommend patients hospitalized with heart failure have outpatient follow-up 7-14 days after leaving the hospital.

Alabama, the sixth poorest state in the U.S., is also home to the third-highest number of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The state also has the highest rates of heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular death in the country. Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are among the risk factors for heart failure and disproportionally affect people with low socioeconomic status, which increases the risk for heart failure, according to previous studies.

The study's findings "likely demonstrates system-related factors, such as problems in the transitions of care between hospitals and clinics, and also structural racism that exists in the health care system," said lead study author Yulia Khodneva, M.D, Ph.D., an assistant professor of medicine and primary care physician at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham.

"The study underscores a necessity to develop interventions that will facilitate guideline-directed treatment and care for patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart failure, especially for those with Medicaid or people of underrepresented races and ethnicities," she said.

The analysis found most follow-up visits were well beyond the guideline-stated standard of care:

31% had a medical visit between the third week and up to two months after hospital discharge;

almost 27% did not see a doctor during the 60 days of the study observation period; and

individuals who had no health care clinic visits within 60 days of hospital discharge were more likely, in general, to be men, African American adults, or Hispanic or other adults.

Hopefully, this study will trigger additional, more in-depth studies that may help to explain the reasons for these observed racial disparities and help in the development of interventions to promote prompt follow-up for these patients." Yulia Khodneva, M.D, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine and primary care physician, University of Alabama School of Medicine

Because the study was conducted in Alabama, the results may not be applicable to other U.S. states. Additionally, the research did not include people without Medicaid coverage or commercial insurance plans for comparison.

Study design:

Researchers reviewed data on more than 9,800 adults (average age 53 years; 65% women; 35% men) with Type 2 diabetes and first-time hospitalizations for heart failure covered by Alabama Medicaid between 2010 and 2019.

More than 47% of the people in the analysis were African American adults; about 42% were Non-Hispanic white adults; and 11% were categorized as Hispanic or Asian, Native American or Pacific Islander adults or other. Racial identification was based on self-reported information from patients to Medicaid.

Nearly 20% of the participants lived in a rural area, and more than 80% lived in an urban city or small town. Disability was the reason for Medicaid eligibility in 92% of cases.

Researchers analyzed Medicaid claims for clinic visits after hospital release for follow-up in primary care and specialty care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, within 60 days of hospital discharge.

Co-authors and authors' disclosures are listed in the manuscript. The study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health; the University of Alabama (UAB) Diabetes Research Center; the UAB COVID-19 Caregiving Affected Early-career Research Scientists Retention Program; and the Forge Ahead Center.
The percentage of survivors of cancer reporting functional limitations in the United States has more than doubled over the past 20 years, according to a new study in the journal JAMA Oncology. The work, published May 11, was a collaborative effort from investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, the Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas, and the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center in Minneapolis.

In a study of 51,258 survivors weighted to represent a larger population of approximately 178.8 million people, 3.6 million survivors reported a functional limitation in 1999. That number increased to 8.2 million in 2018  a 2.25-fold increase. The adjusted prevalence of functional limitation was highest among survivors of pancreatic (80.3%) and lung (76.5%) cancers and lowest for survivors of melanoma (62.2%), breast (61.8%) and prostate (59.5%) cancers.

The fact that we are saving more lives from cancer is worth celebrating, but it also warrants a shift toward understanding and improving the quality of life for those who survive. Overall, our study calls for urgent action to address the burden of cancer and its treatment on physical, psychosocial and cognitive function." S.M. Qasim Hussaini, M.D., M.S., study co-author, chief medical oncology fellow and a health systems researcher at the Kimmel Cancer Center

Although cancer survival and the total number of survivors has steadily increased since the early 2000s, there is little information about the quality of life for these patients. The researchers conducted the study to understand whether increasing survivorship was associated with one of the key determinants of quality of life: functional ability. The study was led by Vishal Patel, a medical student at the Dell Medical School. Arjun Gupta, M.D., a medical oncologist and supportive care expert at the University of Minnesota, joined in conducting the study. Patel will move to Johns Hopkins in July.

The investigators reviewed 20 years of records from the National Health Interview Survey, an annual study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that asks patients across the United States about their health conditions. Researchers reviewed responses from 1999 to 2018 to identify people who survived after a cancer diagnosis and to determine if they had any of 12 functional limitations such as inability to stand for more than an hour, difficulty sitting for more than two hours and difficulty participating in social activities without assistance. Most survivors were women (60.2%) and most were age 65 or older (55.4%).

Some 70% of survivors of cancer reported at least one type of functional limitation, which is twice as much as the general population, the researchers say. The study also found that Hispanic and Black survivors experienced a disproportionate increase in functional limitations during the study period, which could indicate improved access to cancer treatment but poorer quality of survivorship care.

"The number of cancer survivors who report any limitation in their daily functional ability has more than doubled in the past 20 years, and this amounts to 8 million such people," says Patel.

Overall, the study calls for urgent action to address the burden of cancer and its treatment, Hussaini says.

"The findings are concerning societally and clinically," he says. "Greater efforts are needed to ensure that cancer survivors have access to high quality survivorship care and that clinicians are more readily able to identify and address the burdens of cancer. At the patient level, our research should spur future efforts investigating the causes of increasing functional limitation, while at the institutional level, it should put more of an emphasis on incorporating outcomes like functional status as key endpoints in clinical trials for novel therapies. Further efforts at the health systems level may consider how survivorship care could be redesigned with better provider training and reimbursement structure."-
A protein found in cells of the hard tick Amblyomma sculptum, the main vector of the bacterium that causes Brazilian spotted fever (also known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever), is essential to the tick's survival while feeding, making it a promising target for development of a vaccine, according to an article published in the journal Parasites & Vectors. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil.

Brazilian spotted fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is transmitted by A. sculptum. The disease is common in the Cerrado (Brazil's savanna-like biome) and degraded areas of Atlantic Rainforest. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, 160 cases were notified annually on average in the past three years, and about 28% were lethal.

Previous research by the same group of scientists, who are affiliated with the Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-USP), had already shown that R. rickettsii prospers in its host because it inhibits the programmed cell death (apoptosis) that controls the tick's immune response, giving the bacterium time to proliferate and infect more cells.

This latest study, which was supported by FAPESP (projects 2013/26450-2, 2020/16462-7 and 2021/03649-4), focused on silencing gene expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) to mitigate bacterial proliferation and make the tick more resistant to infection. To this end, ticks were fed in the laboratory with blood from rabbits infected with R. rickettsii and from non-infected rabbits.

We found that both groups, infected and non-infected, died when they fed, confirming the importance of IAPs to their survival. This information suggests something more interesting than merely blocking infection, which is that it's possible to contain and even reduce the host population." Andrea Cristina Fogaca, last author of the article and professor in the Department of Parasitology at ICB-USP

Tick mortality during the experiment exceeded 92%. These results suggest feeding generated free radicals that activated apoptosis in infected as well as non-infected ticks. The ticks could not survive without the IAP.

Focus on the host

The importance of focusing on the science of A. sculptum in order to develop a vaccine against spotted fever is clear. "Besides being a vector, the tick serves as a reservoir of R. rickettsii in the environment. Once infected, the female transmits the bacteria to its offspring, keeping them active for consecutive generations of the tick population," Fogaca said.

The next steps will include confirming that blood feeding really is the factor that promotes apoptosis via production of reactive oxygen species, validating the IAP's potential use in a vaccine, and extending the experiments to other tick species.

In addition to the medical significance of this research, which could potentially reduce transmission of the bacteria to humans, Fogaca stressed the economic impact of a vaccine that could reduce the density of the tick population infesting cattle and other livestock. Amblyomma ticks feed on the blood of mammals generally, causing anemia in cattle and damaging their hides. There are no estimates of losses to cattle farmers, but there are reports that tick infestation is increasing.
Would third- and fourth-graders buy fewer unhealthy snacks if they were more expensive? The answer provided by researchers at the University of Bonn is nuanced: Some elementary school students do actually pay attention to the price. Others, however, have such strong preferences that they are willing to pay a little more for them. A third group, in contrast, does not yet seem to have sufficient cognitive skills to be significantly influenced by prices. The study illustrates above all how differently children behave when it comes to their snack purchases - a finding that should also be of interest to policymakers. The results have now been published in the journal Food Quality and Preference.

Should I go for the chocolate cookies or maybe the apple slices? Even elementary school children are faced with this decision: The purchasing power of six- to twelve-year-olds in Germany is estimated at more than two billion euros. Many of them invest much of their pocket money in ice cream and other sweet treats. But frequently reaching for unhealthy snacks can have long-term consequences: One in seven children in Germany is considered overweight. At the same time, the number of those who develop diabetes or suffer from cardiovascular problems at a young age is increasing.

In countries like Great Britain, a sugar tax is now levied on sweet drinks." Stefanie Landwehr, doctoral student at the Chair for Agricultural and Food Market Research at the University of Bonn

This measure also seems to be successful with teenagers, as studies suggest. But is this also the case with younger children? And in comparison, what influence do certain brands that are popular in the age group have on the purchase decision?

Cookie, fruit pulp or apple slices?

Landwehr investigated these questions together with Prof. Dr. Monika Hartmann, chair of the department, as well as Prof. Sean B. Cash (Tufts University Boston, USA) and Dr. Ching-Hua Yeh (University of Bonn). The researchers were able to recruit around 120 elementary school students between the ages of seven and ten as test subjects. The young participants were first asked to answer a few questions, such as about their favorite snacks and their knowledge of nutrition. They also completed a simple test on their understanding of quantities. Sample question: If there are 50 children at a children's birthday party, is that a lot or a little? "The results allow conclusions to be drawn about how well children can evaluate numbers," Landwehr explains. "Those who have lower skills in this regard are probably less able to assess prices."

After completing this part, the girls and boys received three euros as a reward. They were then able to buy a snack as part of a simple purchase experiment. The assortment included a chocolate chip cookie (the unhealthiest alternative), a squeeze pack with fruit pulp (slightly healthier), and apple slices (the healthiest choice). The products were offered at three different price levels - 60 cents, one euro or 1.40 euros. In addition, each snack came in two varieties: one from McDonald's, a very well-known brand among children, and a second from an unknown manufacturer.

Now the children were shown photos of two different products at different prices, such as a no-name chocolate cookie for one euro and apple slices from McDonald's for 1.40 euros. The girls and boys could state which product they would buy, but also had the option of choosing neither. The choice was noted on a response card. In total, this experiment was repeated ten times with different snack and price combinations. "So we ended up with ten report cards for each child," explains Prof. Monika Hartmann. These were turned over and shuffled, and the respective child was allowed to draw a card. The choice ticked on it was then implemented: For example, if the card was drawn where the child chose a no-name chocolate cookie for the price of one euro, the child paid and received the cookie.

Cookie fans do not look at the price

Analysis of the data shows that elementary school kids varied widely in their purchase decisions. "In general, they could be divided into three groups," Landwehr says. The cookie lovers who could not be dissuaded from buying their favorite snack even if it was more expensive. The price-sensitive shoppers, who made their decision primarily dependent on the purchase price. And those who did not yet have a clear understanding of cheap or expensive - these were mostly the younger ones. They often tended to choose the fruit pulp; the price did not matter much to them.

Somewhat surprising for the researchers was another result: McDonald's snacks were by no means more popular with the children. On the contrary: On average, they were actually less willing to pay for them than for snacks from unknown manufacturers. "It may be because McDonald's is known more for its burgers and fries and less for apple slices or chocolate cookies," Landwehr speculates. It is quite possible that other brands may well have an effect on children's consumption decisions, she says.

Overall, the study shows that younger children are a very heterogeneous target group: Measures aimed at steering their consumption behavior in a certain direction do not work equally for everyone. "For instance, age and understanding of 'cheap' or 'expensive' plays a significant role in the impact of price signals," Landwehr explains. "However, there are children who have such an understanding but are still unlikely to be influenced by higher prices. In the fight against obesity, it therefore makes sense to rely on a variety of strategies to reach as many girls and boys as possible."

Participating institutions and funding:

In addition to the University of Bonn, Tufts University Boston (USA) was also involved in the study. The work was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
In a recent review published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, researchers discussed the association between cardiovascular health and the exposome, which comprises the cumulative impact of environmental exposures on the well-being and health of an individual.

Study: The Exposome and Cardiovascular Health. Image Credit: SUWITNGAOKAEW/Shutterstock.com

Background

In the nature versus nurture approach to understanding diseases, the exposome has emerged as a complementary concept to the genome. It refers to the cumulative impact of environmental exposures over an individual's lifetime on their health.

Deciphering the impact of the exposome on human health involves the characterization of environmental exposures across an individual's lifespan.

Substantial evidence from various studies indicates that specific components of the exposome are closely linked to cardiovascular health, including built and natural surroundings.

Adverse environmental exposures account for about 40% of the cardiovascular disease burden in African and South Asian countries and contribute significantly to the cardiovascular disease burden globally.

Identifying the various exposome components can help understand the downstream pathways and how environmental exposures affect human health. Furthermore, this knowledge will also help evaluate the effect of environmental exposures during various life activities, such as commute, work, etc., on cardiovascular disease development and progression.

About the study

In the present study, the researchers discussed some of the common technologies used to assess environmental exposures over a lifespan, provided mechanistic and epidemiological perspectives on the link between exposome and cardiovascular disease while highlighting the interactions between environmental factors and mechanistic pathways, and addressed the gaps in current research and potential directions for future studies.

Exposome quantification and characterization

A multidisciplinary approach is required to understand exposome characteristics and their impact on cardiovascular health, and various technologies have been used to understand the diverse facets of environmental exposures.

Exposures involving temperature, air quality, and greenery parameters have been extensively studied using remote sensing tools. Ground-level particulate matter has also been assessed using chemical transport models and satellite imagery, which are then calibrated further using ground-based observations. The impact of particulate matter exposure and its link to cardiovascular disease can be assessed using distinct metabolic, biomarker-based signatures detected from blood samples.

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index can be used to evaluate green cover, an important parameter of the exposome, with values between zero and one indicating green cover and values below 0 indicating water cover.

This parameter can then be used to assess the open areas available for walking and exercise, which is negatively associated with the prevalence of heart disease. Emergent computer vision techniques have also been used to quantify environmental exposure parameters and their effect on health outcomes.

The social vulnerability index, which incorporates demographic and socioeconomic information with census data, can also be employed to understand the impact of psychosocial stressors, which are also a part of the exposome.

Machine learning has also been used recently to identify community-level phenotypes, which encompass environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic risk factors, and understand the association between these phenotypes and cardiovascular mortality.

Environmental exposures and cardiovascular disease

The review comprehensively covered various environmental exposures and their association with cardiovascular disease risk, with detailed insights into the epidemiology and mechanisms involved in the association.

The researchers discussed the impact of short- and long-term exposure to particulate matter below 2.5 microns and the mechanisms through which air pollution, via initiator and transmission pathways and effector mechanisms, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The other components of the exposome include water and land pollution, extreme temperatures, food, built environment, social determinants, age, and climate change.

Among water and land pollutants, the researchers extensively discussed toxic metal pollution and the impact of poisonous metal exposure on cardiovascular health. Chemical pollutants such as perfluoroalkyl substances and bisphenol A were also discussed.

Additionally, in the built environment, the researchers discussed factors such as walkability and access to green spaces in an area, which positively impact cardiovascular health. The effects of food security and consumption of ultra-processed foods on cardiovascular health were also covered in the review.

Major gaps in knowledge comprised the combined impact of multiple exposures on cardiovascular disease risk and the interactions between exposomes and genomes that impact overall and cardiovascular health.

Conclusions

Overall, the review presented an overview of the various tools and techniques used to characterize and quantify environmental exposures and their impact on human health and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The researchers also comprehensively discussed the various components of the exposome, their impacts on cardiovascular health, and possible mechanisms through which they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in the Science of the Total Environment Journal evaluated the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) drugs in river water and their effects on microalgae and cyanobacteria.

Study: COVID-19 pharmaceuticals in aquatic matrices: The threatening effects over cyanobacteria and microalgae. Image Credit: Happy_Nati/Shutterstock.com

Background

Repositioned drugs were adopted in some countries to treat COVID-19 symptoms before a vaccine or treatment was available. In Brazil, the COVID kit comprised azithromycin (AZI), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and ivermectin (IVE), among other drugs.

Because these drugs are not fully absorbed, they are eliminated in urine and feces. Therefore, increased use of these drugs may endanger the aquatic environment due to their toxic effects on the aquatic biota.

These drugs have been reported to be present in aquatic systems in different regions even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in aquatic systems can have negative effects.

The adverse effects of these drugs may stem from the action of the original molecule or its metabolites. Although the concurrent existence of AZI, HCQ, and IVE is expected in water bodies, their interactions and risks are undefined.

About the study

In the present study, researchers examined the levels of IVE, HCQ, and AZI in samples from Brazilian rivers and their impact on the growth, oxidative metabolism, and photosynthesis of cyanobacteria and microalgae. Water samples were collected from three urban rivers (Iguacu, Belem, and Barigui) between August and September 2020. Overall, nine samples were collected, three from each site.

Samples were filtered through glass fiber membranes and concentrated by solid-phase extraction, followed by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis.

Analytical grade AZI, HCQ, and IVE were used to generate calibration curves. Recovery of drugs was determined by spiking samples with a four g/L drug mixture, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was estimated.

Stock cultures of Synechococcus elongatus (Cyanobacterium) and Chlorella vulgaris (microalga) were obtained and maintained. Sterile culture plates were inoculated with stock cultures corresponding to 5 x 105 C. vulgaris cells and 1.3 x 106 S. elongatus cells and exposed to drugs for 72 hours at variable concentrations (2 g/L to 200 g/L).

The cumulative effect of the binary or tertiary drug combinations was also assessed at zero or two g/L concentration of each drug.

The specific growth rate (GR), net photosynthetic rates (Pn), and catalase activities were evaluated. The hazard quotient determined the environmental risk and the potential of drugs to cause adverse effects.

Findings

The researchers detected IVE and AZI in all samples. Only HCQ did not have a 100% detection rate. The mean concentrations of drugs were the highest in samples from the first site (Barigui river). The GR was lower for S. elongatus with AZI or HCQ exposure, irrespective of drug concentrations, while IVE did not impact the GR.

The GR of C. vulgaris was negatively impacted by drugs, irrespective of their concentrations. The lowest half-maximal effective concentration (EC 50 ) was observed for IVE and HCQ for C. vulgaris and S. elongatus, respectively. S. elongatus exposed to HCQ and AZI had higher GR than individual drug exposure.

Likewise, exposure to HCQ and IVE caused higher GR than individual treatment. However, the GR was the lowest when these cells were exposed to all three drugs concurrently. There was a significant decline in Pn for S. elongatus for all treatments.

Cells treated with AZI and HCQ had lower Pn than those exposed to AZI alone. Further, Pn was lower for cells treated with HCQ or all three drugs.

S. elongatus with combined exposure to HCQ and AZI or IVE and HCQ had higher catalase activity than those exposed to individual drugs. Likewise, catalase activity was higher in cells treated with all three drugs than in those treated with HCQ or IVE alone.

For C. vulgaris, the GR was higher for all drug combinations than individual drugs, and Pn was negatively impacted in all treatments.

C. vulgaris cells had lower Pn with combined IVE and HCQ treatment than those treated with IVE alone. Pn of C. vulgaris was lower when exposed to all three drugs compared to combined IVE and AZI treatment or IVE-only exposure. Higher catalase activities were observed for all treatment combinations.

Conclusions

In sum, the researchers demonstrated the presence of three drugs used for COVID-19 in urban Brazilian rivers. The Cyanobacterium was more sensitive to the drugs than the microalga.

IVE exposure significantly impacted photosynthesis for both species. For the Cyanobacterium, additive effects of IVE and AZI and antagonistic effects of HCQ and AZI or IVE and HCQ were observed.

Drug combinations did not affect the growth of the microalga but impacted photosynthesis. Overall, the findings raise concerns about the consequences of the indiscriminate use of drugs on the ecosystem and the need for future studies to assess the long-term risk.
It was a late-spring House of Representatives hearing, where members of Congress and attendees hoped to learn lessons from the pandemic. Witness Marty Makary made a plea.

"I want to thank you for your attempts at civility," Makary, a Johns Hopkins Medicine researcher and surgeon, said softly. Then his tone changed. His voice started to rise, blasting the "intellectual dishonesty" and "very bizarre" decisions of public health officials. Much later, he criticized the "cult" of his critics, some of whom "clap like seals" when certain studies are published. Some critics are "public health oligarchs," he said.

Makary was a marquee witness for this meeting of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. His testimony had the rhythm of a two-step  alternating between an extended hand and a harsh rhetorical slap. It's a characteristic move of this panel, a Republican-led effort to review the response to the pandemic. Both sides of the aisle join in the dance, as members claim to seek cooperation and productive discussions before attacking their preferred coronavirus villains.

One target of the subcommittee's Republican members has drawn concern from public health experts: covid-19 vaccines. Because the attacks range from subtle to overt, there's a fear all vaccines could end up as collateral damage.

During that May 11 hearing, Republican members repeatedly raised questions about coronavirus vaccines. Right-wing star Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) emphasized the vaccines were "experimental" and fellow Georgia Republican Rep. Rich McCormick, an emergency room physician, argued the government was "pushing" FDA-approved boosters "with no evidence and possible real harm."

Some Republican members, who have been investigating for months various pandemic-related matters, are keen to say they're supportive of vaccines  just not many of the policies surrounding covid vaccines. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), who chairs the subcommittee, has said he supports vaccines and claimed he's worried about declining vaccination rates.

During the May hearing, he also two-stepped, arguing the covid shots were "safe as we know it, to a certain point." He questioned the government's safety apparatus, including VAERS, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, a database that receives reports potentially connected to vaccines. He said the committee would be "looking" at it "to make sure it's honest and to be trusted."

It's this two-step  at once proclaiming oneself in favor of vaccines, while validating concerns of vaccine-skeptical audiences  that has sparked worries of deeper vaccine hesitancy taking root.

"It seems to me to be implying the government knows the vaccine to be unsafe" and that it's "covering it up," said Matt Motta, a political scientist at Boston University specializing in public health and vaccine politics. The implication validates some long-held fringe theories about vaccinations, without completely embracing "conspiracism," he said.

Vaccine skeptics run the gamut from individuals with scientific credentials who nevertheless oppose public health policies from a libertarian perspective to individuals endorsing theories about widespread adverse events, or arguing against the need for multiple shots. VAERS is a favorite topic among the latter group. When one witness testifying during the May 11 hearing attempted to defend covid vaccination policies, Taylor Greene cited the number of reports to VAERS as evidence of the vaccines' lack of safety.

That muddles the purpose of the database, Motta said, which gathers unverified and verified reports alike. It's a signal, not a diagnosis. "It's more like a smoke alarm," he said. "It goes off when there's a fire. But it also goes off when you've left an omelet on the stove too long."

In a March hearing focusing on school reopening policies, Democratic members of the panel and a witness from a school nurses association frequently touted the important role covid vaccines played in enabling schools to reopen. Wenstrup offered generalized skepticism. "I heard we were able to get more vaccines for the children," he said. "We didnt know fully if they needed it. A lot of data would show they dont need to vaccinate."

Witnesses can eagerly play into vaccine-skeptical narratives. After a question from Taylor Greene premised on the idea that the covid vaccines "are not vaccines at all," and alleging the government is spreading misinformation about their effectiveness, Makary suggested that while he was not anti-vaccine, it was understandable others were. "I understand why they are angry," he said, in response. "They've been lied to," he said, before criticizing evidence standards for the newest covid boosters, tailored to combat emerging variants.

The signals aren't lost on audiences. The subcommittee has, like most congressional panels, posted important moments from its hearings to Twitter. Anti-vaccine activists and other public health skeptics reply frequently.

"Its hard for me to think of a historical analogue for this  its not often that we have a Congressional committee producing content that has its fingers on the pulse of the anti-vaccine community," Motta wrote in an e-mail, after reviewing many of the subcommittee's tweets. "The committee isnt expressly endorsing anti-vaccine positions, beyond opposition to vaccine mandates; but I think its quite possible that anti-vaccine activists take this information and run with it."

Motta's concern is echoed by the panel's Democratic members. "I pray this hearing does not add to vaccine hesitancy," said Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), who represents Baltimore.

One witness reiterated that point. Many members have a lot of skepticism about vaccines and were not afraid to express that, Tina Tan, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases at Northwestern University, told KFF Health News. She testified at the hearing on behalf of the minority.

Polling is showing a substantial  and politically driven  level of vaccine skepticism that reaches beyond covid. A slim minority of the country is up to date on vaccinations against the coronavirus, including the bivalent booster. And the share of kindergartners receiving the usual round of required vaccines  the measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, inoculation; tetanus; and chickenpox among them  dropped in the 2021-22 school year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Support for leaving vaccination choices to parents, not as school requirements, has risen by 12 percentage points since just before the pandemic, mostly due to a drop among Republicans, according to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center.

And vaccine skepticism is resonating beyond the halls of Congress. Some state governments are considering measures to roll back vaccine mandates for children. As part of a May 18 procedural opinion, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch cited two vaccination mandates  one in the workplace, and one for service members  and wrote that Americans "may have experienced the greatest intrusions on civil liberties in the peacetime history of this country." He made this assertion even though American military personnel have routinely been required to get shots for a host of diseases.

"We can't get to a spot where we're implicitly or explicitly sowing distrust of vaccines," cautioned California Rep. Raul Ruiz, the Democratic ranking member of the coronavirus subcommittee.
The University of Chicago Education Lab today released a new study that found school-based group counseling programs can significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Black and Latina girls.

The study, which evaluated the Working on Womanhood ("WOW") program, a program developed by and for Black and Latina women and girls through the non-profit organization Youth Guidance, comes as girls nationwide experience significant trauma compounded by the pandemic.

WOW was found to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms by 22 percent among adolescent girls in Chicago neighborhood schools, in addition to reductions in anxiety and depression. These are critical findings as young girls in the United States report record levels of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and violence.

The study, published in Science Advances, measured the impact of providing Working on Womanhood's weekly, in-school, group-based mentoring services and skill-building rooted in narrative therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The study included over 2,000 Chicago Public School girls in 9th-11th grade across ten neighborhood high schools, 85 percent of whom were Black or Latina. Girls did not show outward signs of risk factors - most were coming to school regularly and maintained at least a B average.

However, the study team conducted a baseline survey that found staggeringly high rates of trauma exposure - nearly a third of the participating young women had witnessed someone being violently assaulted or killed, and almost half had someone close to them die violently or suddenly.

Prior research has shown violence exposure has a direct impact on student learning  according to one study, Chicago students spend roughly one week out of every month functioning at a lower cognitive level solely because of their proximity to homicides. In this study, the Education Lab found that an astonishing 38 percent of 9th to 11th-grade adolescent girls in Chicago's neighborhood schools exhibited signs of PTSD at baseline  double the rate experienced by service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We are thrilled that the WOW program is generating significant results for Chicago students," said Pedro Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools. "CPS is dedicated to supporting our students in and outside of school  and WOW provides exactly the sort of evidence-based, trauma-informed programming they need to thrive."

"Despite astonishing and increasing levels of trauma among school children, there is a lack of evidence about what school and city leaders can do in response," said Dr. Monica Bhatt, Senior Research Director of the University of Chicago Education Lab, one of the lead researchers on the study. "We hope these findings inform how public and private dollars can address the specific challenges facing young women today  particularly in the wake of a global pandemic which has exacerbated trauma exposure among young people."

The paper, a Randomized Evaluation of a School-Based, Trauma-Informed Group Intervention for Young Women in Chicago, is the first large-scale randomized controlled trial of a school-based trauma mitigation program for young women; it is especially notable given that most research does not focus on evaluating programs specifically designed by Black and Latina women for young Black and Latina girls. Trauma-related mental health research has traditionally focused on treatments for young men, especially with regard to gun violence prevention, even as the consequences of trauma are disproportionately borne by girls.

Young women are more likely than young men to report PTSD symptoms after a traumatic event, suffer from depression, and develop an anxiety disorder. As such, the University of Chicago Education Lab's study fills a critical gap in America's understanding of childhood trauma.

While Chicago students demonstrate extraordinary resilience, we know trauma and violence have a significant impact on student success.That's why the WOW program is so valuable  it's a real solution that disrupts the cycle of trauma and improves students' well-being in and out of the classroom." Dr Janice Jackson, Former CEO, Chicago Public Schools, University of Chicago

The study provides an evidence-based foundation for how school officials can affordably reduce mental health challenges and increase the likelihood of graduation among high-school girls. At a cost of roughly $2,300 per participant, WOW far surpasses the standard cost-effectiveness thresholds used for evaluating medical and public health interventions.

This indicates the WOW program is not only effective, but scalable to other cities and school districts. Youth Guidance has already expanded the program from Chicago Public Schools to a number of other cities, including Dallas, St. Louis, and Boston.

"WOW was developed by and for Black and Latina women to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational trauma," said Nacole Milbrook, Chief Program Officer at Youth Guidance. "We've seen dramatic improvements in the mental health and well-being of the young women we serve, and we're proud that this rigorous study reinforces these results. We look forward to bringing the WOW program to schools and students across the country."

In 2009, the University of Chicago's Crime Lab conducted a similar evaluation of Youth Guidance's Becoming a Man ("BAM") program, a school-based counseling program for high-school boys. They found BAM increased participants' on-time high school graduation rates by 19 percent and cut violent crime arrests in half during the program year. On the strength of these findings, the program expanded nationwide and is now enrolling nearly 10,000 students across eight cities. In 2014, President Barack

Obama joined a BAM meeting which informed the launch of his My Brother's Keeper initiative, which served to support similar programs nationwide.
The Uttar Pradesh government intends to build a high-speed metro link between the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar and Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) officials, the high-speed metro project via the Airport Express Line may have only six stations to ensure a quick commute on the 72km long line.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary DS Mishra will preside over a high-level meeting to finalise the detailed project report (DPR) on June 14. As per NIAL officials, the meeting will include DMRC, the Yamuna Motorway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida), NIAL; the Ministry of Civil Aviation; and the Yamuna International Airport Private Limited among others, to finalise the stations in this mega metro corridor project. The meeting will also discuss the funding pattern.

Previously, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had proposed 12 stations on the corridor, which will run from the New Delhi Metro interchange, where the Airport Express Line begins, to the Noida airport in Jewar. The Uttar Pradesh government wants only six metro stations on this project so that it takes only half an hour to get from Jewar to New Delhi station, stated an unnamed Uttar Pradesh government official as per Hindustan Times report.

Meanwhile, Arun Vir Singh, CEO of NIAL and Yeida said that DMRC proposed 12 stations along the corridor that will run from Jewar airport to the New Delhi metro station in a previous draft, the report added. However, adding more stations will slow down the corridors speed. Hence, NIAL proposed six metro stations along the corridor to allow passengers to travel rapidly between the two airports, Singh added.

The UP government and Yeida will provide multimodal connectivity from Jewar to IGI airport under the terms of the agreement signed by the Jewar airport concessionaire Company, the Zurich International AG of Switzerland, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, and Noida International Airport Limited. This is because Noida Airport is scheduled to start operations on September 29, 2024.

The upcoming project connecting Delhis IGI Airport to Jewar Airport in Noida is expected to be built at a cost of around Rs 13,000 crore.
Research & Ranking, the equity investment advisory firm, a part of Equentis Wealth Advisory Services Private Limited, launched its first investor survey titled The Indian Investor Kundli. It revealed that Indian investors tend to show a strong inclination towards investing directly in equities once they reach the age of 35.

The survey added that over 50% of these investors hail from non-metro cities, indicating a growing interest in financial markets beyond the major urban centres. Notably, around 50% of these investors have yet to experience a complete business cycle, suggesting they may have limited exposure to market fluctuations.

However, a significant majority of around 60% of Indian investors adopt a long-term investing approach, emphasising their commitment to holding investments over extended periods.

The Indian Investor Kundli study aims to understand Indian investor patterns nationwide.

It provides insights into demographics, aspirations, investment style, and portfolio sizes. The report is designed like a Kundli (a horoscope), adding an authentic and visually appealing touch.

Over 2000 respondents participated in this survey conducted over three days.

CAGR factor

On the performance front, around 30% of investors have underperformed the index, while a considerable 27% remain uncertain about their Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

As investors age, their investment journey becomes more fulfilling, particularly after 35. Older Indian investors are keen on upgrading their lifestyle through their investment endeavours.

Furthermore, with increasing age, investors tend to become more comfortable with a lump sum investment approach, reflecting higher confidence and risk tolerance. Moreover, the CAGR tends to improve with age, indicating the potential for enhanced returns over time.

Manish Goel, founder and director, Research & Ranking, said, 50% of the investors have expressed a bullish outlook for FY24. This survey reinforces our belief that there is immense potential in the market, as it demonstrates that individuals across India are eager to upgrade their lifestyle and improve their quality of life, regardless of their location.

Sham Srinivas, VP, marketing, Research & Ranking, added, As marketers, we embrace the power of data-driven decision-making, and this report empowers us to make informed choices that will help us drive meaningful engagement and deliver exceptional results. Its a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, anticipating trends, and adapting swiftly to meet the evolving needs of Indian investors."
Oil marketing companies, such as BPCL, HPCL and Indian Oil, are likely to reduce the prices of petrol and diesel, according to an ANI report quoting government sources. The report said the companies have almost recovered their losses and are nearing normalcy as evident by their positive quarterly results.

The expectation is for the companies to lower the prices of petrol and diesel since they no longer face under-recoveries in these fuels, according to the ANI report.

OMCs have good quarterly results and they are going for another good quarterly results. So, expecting OMCs to cut down the diesel petrol prices as they have no under-recoveries on diesel and petrol," the report quoted a source as saying.

Recently, Saudi Arabia decided to cut oil production by one million barrels per day. The cut is not expected to impact the market due to emerging alternative markets.

On Thursday, June 8, petrol and diesel prices remained constant across New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. The petrol and diesel rates for each day, whether new or unchanged, are announced at 6 am on the day. These, however, vary from state to state due to value-added tax (VAT), freight charges, local taxes, etc.

Petrol has become costlier by 50 paise and diesel by 49 paise in Chhattisgarh. In Bihar, the price of petrol has increased by 27 paise and that of diesel by 25 paise. Petrol and diesel prices have increased in Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka.

On the other hand, petrol has become cheaper by 52 paise and diesel by 50 paise in Maharashtra. Petrol has become cheaper by 30 paise and diesel by 29 paise in Jharkhand. In West Bengal too, petrol has become cheaper by 46 paise and diesel by 43. Talking about metros, there is a slight increase in the price of petrol and diesel in Chennai.
Reserve Bank of Indias Governor Shaktikanta Das on June 8 made it clear that RBI is not thinking of withdrawing Rs 500 notes, or even re-introducing notes in the Rs 1,000 denomination, and requested the public not to speculate on this.

While announcing the decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee on Thursday, Das also informed that about 50% of Rs 2,000 notes in circulation has come back in the banking system since the RBI announced withdrawal of the highest denomination currency last month.

Also Read: Rs 2,000 Note Exchange In SBI, PNB Or HDFC; Check Rules Of Your Bank Here

Last month, the RBI governor had said the majority of the withdrawn Rs 2,000 currency notes are expected to be returned to the banking system by the September 30 deadline.

As on March 31, 2023, he said, Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 3.62 lakh crore were in circulation.

So far, Rs 1.80 lakh crore have come back after the announcement," he said during an interaction with media after releasing the bi-monthly monetary policy.

About 85% of Rs 2,000 notes are coming as deposits in bank accounts and this is in line with expectation, he said.

On May 19, RBI announced the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes as part of its currency management and permitted the exchange of such notes (up to Rs 20,000 in one go) from May 23 onwards. The exchange or deposit window is available till September 30, 2023.

The governor also urged the public not to panic for exchange or deposit of Rs 2,000 notes but should avoid last minute rush.
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd has emerged as a global leader in IT services, business solutions and consulting. This firm offers a consulting-led and integrated portfolio of IT and IT-enabled services. TCS has provided its software services in the United States and England as well. Now, the company has also been chosen for another important project in England.

TCS has been chosen by the Department for Education to administer and enhance the customer experiences for the Teachers Pension Scheme in England and Wales. The company has informed about it in a press release. Teachers Pension Scheme is the second largest public sector pension scheme in the UK with over 2 million members.

TCS has been rewarded with a 10-year contract to manage the scheme administration services. The firm will do so with a future-ready, digitally enabled, omnichannel platform powered by TCS BaNCS (software brand). It will enable accurate administration of pension records, payment of benefits, effective scheme finance management, proactive member engagement and easy access to information. TCS has been providing its services in the UK since 1975 in Company Cloud, Cognitive Business Operations, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, etc.

According to Whitelane Research, TCS is one of the two companies that share the No.1 position in the Service Provider satisfaction ranking. Whitelane Research has published the results of its annual study on IT Outsourcing and IT service provider performance in the BeLux marketplace. According to the information available on the companys website, TCS also provides services to the top 8 retailers, 5 energy companies and 2 pharma companies in the UK.

TCS, a company founded in 1968, also operates in banking, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, retail and consumer business sectors. It is listed in the top 10 companies of Sensex. Tata Consultancy Services is second only to Reliance Industries Limited in terms of market capitalisation in India. More than 5 lakh employees work in the TCS and it has also provided 87 per cent returns to its shareholders in the past five years.
A one-member committee will conduct an inquiry into the rape and murder of an 18-year-old student inside her room at a government hostel in south Mumbai, the Maharashtra government said on Wednesday.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil made the announcement a day after the gruesome crime case to light.

The woman, student of a polytechnic, was allegedly raped and murdered by a security guard at Savitribai Phule Working Womens Hostel in the Charni Road area in the early hours of Tuesday.

The accused subsequently committed suicide by jumping in front of a train, police said.

Dr Nipun Vinayak, state project director, will head the one-member committee. State director of Higher Education and Divisional Joint Director from the Higher Education department will assist him. The inquiry report has to be filed at the earliest, said the government order.

If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
As many as five students were booked here for alleged malpractice during the JEE Advanced entrance examination held on June 4 using an instant messaging platform, police said on Wednesday. The five students, who are all friends and appeared for the JEE Advanced exam, were caught by the officials from different exam centres with mobile phones that they allegedly used for copying in the computer-based test, they said.

JEE Advanced is the entrance test that determines admissions for aspiring students to the premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

The alleged cheating came to light after an invigilator caught a candidate with a cell phone at an exam centre in Mallapur midway through the exam, they said. After verifying his phone, the authorities found questions and answers to the ongoing exam in a group which they created in the messaging app. His brother, a member of the group, who too was writing the exam was also caught for allegedly copying.

After being alerted by the exam authorities, another candidate who was writing the exam at a centre in Secunderabad was caught with a mobile phone and it was found that he was sharing the answers in the group, a police official said adding this candidate was a topper of SSC and Intermediate exams.

Subsequently, two other candidates who were members of the group and writing the exam at other centres were also caught, police said.

The students had hidden the phones in their innerwear while the candidate who took the exam in Secunderabad had hidden the phone in his shoe, police said.

Cases were registered against the students in different police stations on charges of cheating and other sections under the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Telangana Public Examination (Prevention of Malpractice and Unfair Means) Act, police said. Notices were issued to the students as part of further inquiry, they added.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of aspirants appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services exam but only a few make it. Today, let us take a look at the success story of Muktendra Kumar, who cleared the UPSC exam with an All India Rank (AIR) of 819. Muktendra had just started having his lunch at his Saidpur home when his friend called him to inform him that he had cleared the civil service exam.

The 23-year-old, who was preparing for the civil exams for the last three years, is the son of a manual labourer in Uttar Pradeshs Bijnor district. According to The Print, the first thought in Muktendras mind was that his sisters wedding will now be smooth and the leaking roof could be finally fixed.

Muketndra cleared the exam on his second attempt, which makes him eligible for an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) posting. He is also among the growing number of aspirants appearing for the exam in Hindi as their study medium.

Muktendras father Satish Kumar occasionally works in a crusher and transports bricks. The family has been sustained by the governments monthly scheme of providing free rice and wheat.

After the result was announced on May 23, the steady line of visitors to his home to congratulate him has been increasing. Muktendra has become an inspiration in his village but also his community. Speaking with the publication, Muktendra explained that he has never eaten so many sweets in his life as he has these days. I dont even know all these people who are coming, he shared.

But clearing and securing a job is not just the goal for Muktendra. He said that it is very important to remove poverty as the kind of life they have lived is very difficult. A lot has to be done for the backward and the women. I want to do this by joining the service, he added.

He also mentioned coming from a backward background where dreaming is a big thing. He also mentioned that he earlier only knew about SSC (Staff Selection Commission) but when he learned about UPSC, he made it his goal.

According to the UPSC, this year 613 men and 320 women have cleared the exam.
Sushmita Sens brother Rajeev Sen took to his social media handle to confirm his divorce from Charu Asopa. He shared a story with her and wrote, There are no goodbyes. Just two people who just couldnt hold on to each other. Love will stay. We will always remain mom and dad to our daughter.

Earlier in the day, ETimes reached out to the couple, where Rajeev shared, We are divorced. Reportedly, the final hearing for their divorce was scheduled for today. The court had earlier given Charu and Rajeev a cooling-off period of six months. Reportedly, the former couple had also undergone several counselling sessions.

Charu Asopa tied the knot with Sushmita Sens brother Rajeev Sen in June 2019. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl in 2021. However, in June 2022, Charu sent a notice to Rajeev seeking to part ways mutually. Following this, Rajeev also replied to the notice with another notice which accused hiding her first marriage. The two levelled several allegations against each other before they decided to reunite in September 2022 for their daughter. However, in just a few months, the two parted ways again and headed for divorce.

Even though the two have been living separately, they continue to share a cordial relationship. Recently, Rajeev visited Charu Asopas new house in Mumbai to spend time with their daughter, Zaina. He also shared a video from his visit on social media which also featured the former Mere Angne Mein actress.

Earlier, in an interview, Charu mentioned that she and Rajeev want to maintain a cordial relationship so that things do not get difficult for their daughter Ziana when she grows up. When Ziana grows up, she shouldnt feel like shes in a tight spot because her parents dont talk to each other. I dont want to make things difficult for her. Sometimes, things get difficult for me, but main apni beti ke liye itna toh kar hi sakti hun, she told Hindustan Times.
Popular television actor Ravie Dubey recently opened up about battling depression. The Jamai Raja actor shared that for the longest point of time, he was suicidal. He confessed to having these thoughts back in his engineering days.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Ravi opened up about battling suicidal thoughts at an early stage. He shared, Its a matter of not your circumstances, its a matter of your life conditions, its a matter of your life force so if your life force is weak, pretty much like an immune system the smallest of the infections can get very overwhelming but if your immune system is strong your anatomical immune system and your spiritual system as well then the biggest of the crisis will not be overwhelming. You might even be able to derive a lot of benefit out of it so its entirely a matter of life force.

The actor further opened up on why he had these feelings. He shared that it was at a point, when his life force was very weak. Opening up about his engineering days, he shared that he went to college mechanically, and was constantly in his own head. I think at that point in time my life force was very weak so it wasnt the fact that I was failing engineering, but I thought that there is no path forward. I thought Id given 4 years to engineering, and my family has invested their time, money and more important than that, their faith in me.

I go to college, and I just go to college mechanically, thats about it, Im not present there, Im in my own head, Im somewhere, and I cant even pinpoint with accuracy where is that because if I find that then I might be actually able to find where am I supposed to be heading right now. But I was constantly with a foggy brain just walking like a zombie during that time and that kind of got a little overwhelming, he shared.

Looking back at that phase, Ravie shared with Pinkvilla, that with time he has become truly powerful on the inside and has an immune system which is spiritual now. A spiritual immune system that can withstand anything because I have seen more crises after that, but I think I have been very very optimistic when in the face of it, and in fact, Ive been very convinced that its happening for the greater glory and more often than that it has turned out to be that touches.

On a closing note he opened up about battling these thoughts with spirituality. Spending time in silence would be a major thing because what actually overwhelms you is not the circumstance, its the noise, and the noise is within, so if you can somehow find a way to quiet the noise you will be able to see that the next moment is not yet happened. It is a moment of pure potentiality. You can empower yourself more than anybody else. Choosing the right kind of people to invest in, the right kind of conversations to invest in, the right kind of content to invest in, and the right kind of books to invest in, so the right choice is going to empower you. It is going to make your, roots really strong.

DISCLAIMER: This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata).
The past three months have been particularly hard for Maharashtra, with eight cities of the state having faced communal tension or violence.

Cities like Sambhajinagar, Akola, Shegaon and Sangamner in Ahmednagar and Jalgaon, Mumbai and now Kolhapur have been on tenterhooks the past few months, with the opposition parties attacking the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government for the poor law and order situation.

Former state home minister and group leader of Congress in the state legislative council, Satej Patil, who also hails from Kolhapur, had said in a statement: The situation in Kolhapur is very volatile and may lead to communal tension. A few days later, Patils fears came true.

Speaking to the media, Patil said: A few people are targeting me on the basis of the statement I had made a few weeks ago. But let me tell you I made that statement on the basis of instances in Maharashtra. Regarding Kolhapur, when the government and police both had information, they didnt take any proactive action. A night before the incident, WhatsApp messages were circulating to gather in large numbers. Why did the police fail to restrict the crowd? Its the failure of intelligence and Home department.

According to sources in the state government, officers of the Home department have informed the Shinde sarkar that the instances of violence and communal tension have increased since the names of Aurangabad and Osmanabad were changed to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv respectively. They also informed that violence which took place in Malavani area of Mumbai and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on the eve of Ram Navami was planned.

The Home department and state intelligence department are in the dock since the cases of violence have increased. When Fadnavis was chief minister (2014-2019), he had a firm grip on the Home department as he was leading it. However, this time around, despite leading the same department, Fadnavis seems to have lost control over the situation.

As Kolhapur limps back to normalcy, several questions will hound the police  When Hindu organisations had given an advance call for Kolhapur bandh and protest rally, why couldnt the police restrict the crowd? How did the situation become so unmanageable that they had to open tear gas and resort to lathicharge?

Internet services are still suspended in the city as a precaution. So far, police have arrested 36 people in connection with the violence, an official said. Additionally, five cases have been registered by police in the district pertaining to objectionable posts. Five people, including juveniles, have been detained in two of these cases, the police said.

Minister Deepak Kesarkar has instructed the administration to set up separate committees comprising members of all communities to ensure peaceful celebration of all festivals in Kolhapur, as per a release of the district administration. On Wednesday, Kesarkar held a meeting of a peace committee in the evening, Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said, adding that members from various organisations and communities pledged to maintain peace in the city.

MAHARASHTRA ON ALERT

March 31, 2023: In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, stone pelting was reported during the procession of Ram Navami. One person died in police cross-firing, while 76 people were arrested of which nine are minors.

March 31, 2023: Communal tension was reported in Malavani on the eve of Ram Navami and a complaint was registered against 300 people.

March 31, 2023: In Jalgaon, communal tension was reported due to a scuffle over the use of loudspeakers. Forty-five people were arrested.

May 13, 2023: Communal violence took place in Akola due to a post on social media. In this violence, one person lost his life, 10 were injured and more than 100 were arrested by police.

May 14, 2023: In Shevgaon (Ahmadnagar), communal tension was reported when a procession was taken out to celebrate the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Thirty people were arrested and a complaint was filed against 150 people.

May 14, 2023: In Trimbakeshwar, communal tension was reported following which four people were arrested and the state government appointed an SIT to investigate the matter.

June 6, 2023: Post the protest rally taken out against Love Jihad in Sangamner, stone pelting was reported in Samanapur Village.

June 7, 2023: In Kolhapur, violence was reported over a post glorifying Aurangzeb
Tata Groups international budget arm Air India Express (AIXL) on Thursday operated Indias first all-women Haj flight, the airline said in a statement.

This special flight, carrying 145 women pilgrims, was entirely managed by an all-women crew in all critical flight operations roles, supporting the Haj Committee of Indias groundbreaking initiative to have only women passengers on board, it said.

The first all-women Haj flight, IX 3025, departed from Kozhikode to Jeddah at 18:45 IST on Thursday, arriving in Jeddah at 22:45 local time, according to the airline. Pilot Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi were accompanied by cabin crew members Bijitha M B, Sreelakshmi, Sushma Sharma, and Subhangi Biswas, Air India Express said.

Besides, the ground operations as well as aircraft maintenance jobs for the flight were also performed by the women personnel, the airline said. The Haj Committees empowering initiative for women aligns perfectly with Air India Express core values of equality and diversity, as the airlines workforce consists of 50 per cent women, it added.
The Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco, which made an emergency landing in Russias remote town of Magadan after it developed an engine glitch, has finally landed reached its destination.

Flight AI173D landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 0007 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time). All our passengers are being extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and provided other necessary support," Air India said in a statement.

The airliner also thanked government agencies, regulatory authorities, and its staff and partners involved for the support in bringing the passengers to San Francisco and in providing them care while they waited in Russias Magadan.

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement.

Air India sent a ferry aircraft from Mumbai on Wednesday to fly the passengers out of Russia to San Francisco.

Air India had mobilised additional on-ground support at SFO to carry out the clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival.
The cyclone over Arabian Sea, named Biparjoy, has swiftly strengthened into a highly intense cyclonic storm. Meteorologists anticipate a relatively gentle onset of the monsoon in Kerala, accompanied by a feeble progression beyond the southern peninsula, influenced by this cyclone. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated on Wednesday morning that the conditions are favorable for the monsoon to arrive in Kerala within the next two days.

Meteorologists, however, said the cyclone has been impacting the intensity of the monsoon and the onset over Kerala would be mild". The MeT office said the very severe cyclonic storm would intensify further and move northwards during the next three days. However, the IMD has not yet predicted any major impact on countries adjoining the Arabian Sea, including India, Oman, Iran and Pakistan.

Lets Look At Some of The Updates

Cyclone Biparjoy Latest Position

According the latest IMD update, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy laid centered about 850 km west-southwest of Goa, 900 km southwest of Mumbai, 930 km south-southwest of Porbandar and 1220 km south of Karachi.

IMD said it is likely intensify further over the next three days.

VSCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, lay centered at 0830 IST of today, near lat 14.0N & long 66.0E, about 850 km west-southwest of Goa, 900 km southwest of Mumbai, 930 km south-southwest of Porbandar and 1220 km south of Karachi. To intensify further during next 3 days. pic.twitter.com/aXZb3vQTnP India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 8, 2023

Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy VSCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, lay centered at 0830 IST of today, near lat 14.0N & long 66.0E, about 850 km west-southwest of Goa, 900 km southwest of Mumbai, 930 km south-southwest of Porbandar and 1220 km south of Karachi. To intensify further during next 3 days," the IMD tweet read.

RAIN FORECAST

Cyclone Biparjoy impact is expected scattered rains all over Maharashtra and intense rainfall in Mumbai and Pune likely from June 8 to 10.

Meanwhile, according to IMDs June 7 bulletin light to moderate fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorm/lightning/gusty winds are very likely over Kerala, Lakshadweep, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka over the next five days.

Isolated to scattered activity over North Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is also predicted during next five days.

Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Andaman & Nicobar Islands from June 7 to 9, in Kerala from June 7 to 11, in Lakshadweep from June 9 to 11; and On June 10 and 11 in Karnataka.

SEA CONDITIONS FROM TODAY

As per IMD, Sea condition is likely to be very high to phenomenal" over central Arabian Sea and adjoining south Arabian Sea and it is likely to become phenomenal" from evening of June 8 over the same region. Sea condition is likely to be rough over Arabian Sea along & off Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra coasts.

June 9: Sea condition is likely to be phenomenal" over central Arabian Sea. Sea condition is likely to be rough over adjoining areas of Arabian Sea and along and off Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra coasts.

June 10: Sea condition is likely to be phenomenal" over central Arabian Sea. Sea condition is likely to be rough over adjoining areas of north Arabian Sea and along and off Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra coasts.

June 11: Sea condition is likely to be phenomenal" to very high over central and adjoining north Arabian Sea. Sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over adjoining areas of northeast Arabian Sea and along and off Maharashtra-Gujarat coasts.

June 12: Sea condition is likely to be phenomenal" to very high over central and adjoining north Arabian Sea. Sea condition is likely to be rough over adjoining areas of northeast Arabian Sea and along and off Maharashtra-Gujarat coasts.

Cyclone Biparjoy: Latest Position

As per IMDs latest tweet, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy,

over eastcentral Arabian Sea, laid centered at 5:30 am today about 860 km west-southwest of Goa, 910 km southwest of Mumbai.

Cyclone Biparjoy would intensify further and move north-northwestwards, IDM said.

VSCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, lay centered at 0530hrs IST of 08thJune, near lat 13.9N & long 66.0E, about 860km west-southwest of Goa, 910km southwest of Mumbai, would intensify further & move north-northwestwards. pic.twitter.com/6HiSydw2qI India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 8, 2023

Gujarat Govt Says Fully Prepared to Deal With Natural Calamities

With Cyclone Biparjoy impact likely to bring light rain in Gujarat, the state government on Wednesday said it was fully prepared to deal with possible natural calamities.

According to IMD, Biparjoy, the first storm brewing in the Arabian Sea this year, is likely to cause wind gusts of 40 to 50 kmph in coastal districts in the coming days and also bring light rains in parts of the state.

Fishermen in Gujarat have been warned not to venture into the Arabian sea till June 14. The cyclone is likely to cause light rains in Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions between June 9 and 11, an IMD official said.

Weather Warnings

IMD has that predicted coastal areas of Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra are likely to face impact of Cyclone Biparjoy. The weather department has issued a wind warning for these regions for the next five days.

Wind speeds today are expected to go up to 115-125 kmph, and further to 140 kmph from the evening. Areas along the Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra coasts are likely to experience strong winds.

By tomorrow, wind speeds may escalate to 135-145 kmph, gusting up to 160 kmph from the evening, impacting the adjoining areas of the South Arabian Sea, Karnataka, and the Goa-Maharashtra coasts.

On June 10, which is day after tomorrow, winds with speeds of 145-155 kmph, going up to 170 kmph, are expected over the central Arabian Sea. The adjoining areas of the south Arabian Sea, along with the coasts of north Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, may also be impacted.

Landfall

Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall in Pakistan. As per IMDs last update, the very severe cyclonic storm laid centered at 11:30 pm on June 7 about 870km west-southwest of Goa, 930 km southwest of Mumbai.

It would intensify further gradually during next 48 hours and move nearly north-northwestwards during next three days," IMD said.

Biparjoy To Head Northwards

Meteorologists say the tentative track of the system will be in the northward direction but storms at times defy the predicted track and the intensity. Forecasting agencies said the storm has been undergoing rapid intensification", escalating from just a cyclonic circulation to a very severe cyclonic storm in just 48 hours, defying earlier predictions. Atmospheric conditions and cloud mass indicate that the system is likely to sustain the strength of a very severe cyclone till June 12.

Scientists say cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea have been intensifying rapidly and retaining their intensity for a longer duration due to climate change. According to a study Changing status of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean, the frequency, duration, and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea have increased by about 20 per cent in the post-monsoon period and 40 per cent in the pre-monsoon period. There has been a 52 per cent increase in the number of cyclones in the Arabian Sea, while very severe cyclones have increased by 150 per cent.

Increase in Cyclonic Activity Due to Rising Ocean Temp

The increase in cyclone activity in the Arabian Sea is tightly linked to the rising ocean temperatures and increased availability of moisture under global warming. The Arabian Sea used to be cool, but now it is a warm pool," Roxy Mathew Koll, climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, said. The oceans have become warmer already on account of climate change. In fact, a recent study shows that the Arabian Sea has warmed up by almost 1.2 degrees Celsius since March, thus conditions are very much favourable for the rapid intensification of the system (Cyclone Bipajoy) so it has potential to sustain the strength for a longer period," Raghu Murtugudde, Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, University of Maryland and IIT Bombay, said. Mahesh Palawat, vice president (climate and meteorology) Skymet Weather, said the cloud mass is concentrated around this system and enough moisture is not reaching the Kerala coast. Though the criteria for monsoon onset can be met in the next two days, it will not be a thumping start. After the onset over Kerala, the monsoon will remain weak" until the storm degenerates around June 12, he said.

Monsoon Onset Over Kerala Has Varied

Skymet had predicted the monsoon onset over Kerala on June 7 with an error margin of three days. Over the last 150 years, the date of monsoon onset over Kerala has varied widely, the earliest being May 11, 1918 and the most delayed being June 18, 1972, according to IMD data.

The southwest monsoon arrived in the southern state on May 29 last year, June 3 in 2021, June 1 in 2020, June 8 in 2019 and May 29 in 2018. Research shows a delay in the monsoon onset over Kerala (MOK) does not necessarily mean a delay in the monsoon onset over northwest India.

Normal To Below Normal Rainfall for North

Northwest India is expected to see normal to below-normal rainfall. East and northeast, central, and south peninsula are expected to receive normal rainfall at 94-106 per cent of the long-period average of 87 cm. Rainfall less than 90 per cent of the long-period average is considered deficient, between 90 per cent and 95 per cent is below normal, between 105 per cent and 110 per cent is above normal and more than 100 per cent is excess precipitation.

Normal rainfall is critical for Indias agricultural landscape, with 52 per cent of the net cultivated area relying on it. It is also crucial for replenishing of reservoirs critical for drinking water apart from power generation across the country. Rainfed agriculture accounts for about 40 per cent of the countrys total food production, making it a crucial contributor to Indias food security and economic stability.

(With PTI inputs)
In the United States, TikTok has been demonized. According to the hawks in Washington, since its parent company ByteDance is headquartered in Beijing, the popular social media platform must be sharing the data of US users with the Chinese government. In the minds of these ideologically biased US politicians, TikTok is nothing but a tool for the Communist Party of China to spy on the millions of Americans who use it every day and manipulate them. It therefore must be banned in the US.

All this despite there being no evidence that the Chinese authorities have accessed the information of US citizens on the app, and despite TikTok proposing a $1.5 billion restructuring project for its US user data to be stored with US software company Oracle in Texas  that is, "American data stored on American soil, by an American company, overseen by American personnel", as TikTok CEO Shouzi Chew put it.

The witch-hunt now being conducted against TikTok by US politicians cannot but remind people of the McCarthy era. The absurdity of the attack on the app could not have been revealed in a more explicit way than by the recent remarks of US District Court Judge Holly Brady, who lambasted an Indiana attorney general's lawsuit against TikTok for being "political posturing" and nothing more than "hyperbolic allegations", while ruling that the federal court will not take jurisdiction of the state's civil complaint against TikTok.

The Indiana lawsuit, which was filed in December, makes arguments similar to those who allege Beijing could use the video-sharing platform to push pro-China misinformation to the public. A county judge had already ruled against the state attorney general.

In a ruling on May 23, Brady wrote that the attorney general's one-sentence thesis statement was "stretched into a work longer than Kafka's The Metamorphosis", and "more than 90 percent of the (lawsuit) was devoted to irrelevant posturing". "The federal intrigue interjected by Indiana may interest its intended audience  but it is irrelevant to the determination of this case."

Many in the US have already expressed worry that the crackdown against TikTok may infringe upon the First Amendment rights of US citizens when they post and consume content on the platform. In a letter sent to the US Congress before a hearing in March, more than a dozen free speech advocacy groups argued that a potential ban on TikTok would have "serious ramifications for free expression". Such "an ill-advised" move "would impair free speech and set a troubling precedent that could curtail free expression worldwide".

Hopefully such sensible words, as well as the federal judge's remarks, will help bring an end to the farce that is being staged by anti-China zealots.
External Affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Afghan Sikh refugees in West Delhi as part of BJPs outreach campaign on nine years of the Modi government, and said there is a good case" of providing multiple entry Visa to those who want to go back to Afghanistan to tend to their properties and gurdwaras.

Jaishankar was accompanied by Delhi BJP leaders including state president Virendra Sachdeva in his visit to Guru Arjun Dev Gurdwara in West Delhis Mahavir Nagar where he met the refugees.

The former bureaucrat also promised to look into the concerns of the Sikh refugees regarding their citizenship status, passport, and schooling for their children.

I wanted to listen to their concerns. They raised their issues  some want to go back since they have property there. There was also concern about gurdwaras there," he said, interacting with reporters after the visit.

I felt they have a good case of travelling to Afghanistan and coming back and they should be given multiple or double, triple-entry visas. Another issue was how to take forward citizenship as some people are awaiting it," he said.

The minister said he found some refugees who took on Indian citizenship because of their children, later faced problems. It should not be like that. Instead of helping them, the system puts more burden on them." In reply to a question over opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act, Jaishankar said If that law were not there, what would happen to them. This is not a matter of politics, its a matter of humanity." He said that the Afghan Sikh refugees could not have been left to fend for themselves in Afghanistan.

We will certainly do whatever we can do to address their demands and concerns," he said.

He also pointed out that not all refugees wanted an Indian passport, and some wanted to retain their previous passport and others had applied elsewhere for it.

Jaishankar, along with former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, has been deputed by the BJP to oversee a month-long campaign across the seven Lok Sabha constituencies of Delhi to highlight the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in its nine years at the Centre.
The main plaintiff in the Gyanvapi mosque case, Rakhi Singh on Wednesday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu stating that she was considering euthanasia" due to mental pressure because of false propaganda spread against her by her fellow four petitioners and their lawyers.

In the case, my associates, including Lakshmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas, Rekha Pathak, along with (senior) advocate Harishankar Jain, his son advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and their few colleagues, did a false propaganda and defamed me and my uncle and aunt Jitendra Singh Visen and Kiran Singh in May 2022," the petitioner, Rakhi Singh alleged in the letter.

Singh, and four other Hindu women plaintiffs, had filed a plea in a Varanasi court in August 2021, seeking the right to daily worship at Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal in the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The case is being heard in the Varanasi district court.

According to a Hindustan Times report, in the letter, Singh alleged that her fellow petitioners spread a rumour that she was withdrawing the case, when neither any such statement or information was issued from my side nor my uncle Jitendra Singh Visen, pleader on my behalf in the said case, issued any such information.

Thus, the entire Hindu society has been raised against me and my family by creating confusion about us in the entire country due to which I and the entire family of Visenji have come under a lot of mental pressure, the letter said.

Therefore, you are requested to grant me permission for euthanasia and pave the way to get rid of this immense mental pain and agony so that I can attain ultimate peace by sleeping eternally. I will wait for your reply till 9th June 2023 at 9:00 am," the letter added.

Singh further stated in her letter that if no order comes from the President regarding her request, then whatever decision will be taken after that will be my own."

Senior advocate Harishankar Jain, who represents the four plaintiffs, dismissed the allegations. We are contesting the Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi and other related cases with full dedication. All allegations are baseless. I dont want to waste my energy and time by reacting to baseless allegations, he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Another plaintiff, Rekha Pathak, also labelled the allegations as false and said, We are contesting the case consistently. We pray that we get the desired results. Our total focus is on our case. The allegations by Rakhi Singh are false.
Wife of Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva, a gangster who was shot dead in a Lucknow court on Wednesday, has sought protection saying that she will also be killed like her husband.

Gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansaris aide Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva was shot dead on the premises of a Lucknow court on Wednesday. A policeman and a two-year-old girl were injured in the incident.

The alleged assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav (24), a resident of Jaunpur district, was caught from the spot after the shooting took place right outside the courtroom at around 4 pm. Witnesses said the assailant was dressed as a lawyer and fired around six shots.

Payal Maheshwari, wife of Sanjeev Jeeva, has now knocked the Supreme Court seeking interim protection from arrest in a Gangsters Act case. She also sought bail to attend the last rites of her husband.

The state government through standing counsel Garmima Prasad, however, said it wont take any coercive action against the petitioner only considering the humanitarian ground.

Advocate Mujaheeden told the court that the petitioners husband was killed in the incident in Special Court yesterday. She needs to attend the last rites and hence anticipatory bail be granted to her, the advocate said.

She alleged that she could also be killed like her husband and, hence, shall not be arrested.

The top court asked the counsel to supply a copy of the petition to the Uttar Pradesh government as both the sides need to be heard before passing any order.

Court has asked the counsel to mention the matter again after supplying the copy.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday slammed Canada over videos of a parade float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Brampton City on Wednesday. The EAM condemned Canadas evident tolerance of pro-Khalistani elements and said it is not not good for the country and its relationship with India.

Jaishankars remarks came in response to a video that emerged on social media showing a float depicting the assassination of late PM Indira Gandhi. The float was reportedly part of a 5-km long parade taken out by supporters of Khalistan in Canadas Brampton.

Jaishankar said there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence".

Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do thisI think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence," Jaishankar said.

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on reports of late PM Indira Gandhis assassination celebration in Canada; says, I think there is a bigger issue involvedFrankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do pic.twitter.com/VsNP82T1Fb ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

SEE: In Viral Clip, Indira Gandhis Killing Shown in Parade by Khalistan Supporters; Canadian Envoy Appalled

According to reports, the parade was allegedly organised by Khalistani elements on June 4, two days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6.

EAM S Jaishankar on India-China Border Situation

S Jaishankar said India does not get swayed by coercion, inducements and false narratives while speaking on the countrys approach towards Chinas Belt and Road Initiative along the northern border.

Addressing a press conference on Narendra Modi-led government completing nine years, Jaishankar also stated that India has de-legitimized cross-border terrorism.

According to a PTI report, the EAM, in his remarks, further highlighted various aspects of Indias foreign policies and the countrys ties with key countries.

Jaishankar added that most parts of the world now see India as a development partner and that the Global South sees India as a reliable partner. He also said that India is making an important economic impact, which has been recognized globally.

EAM S Jaishankar on Rahul Gandhi

The minister also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying he has a habit of criticising India abroad. He said that it is not in the interest of the country to speak on its internal matters on a global platform. The world is watching us," Jaishankar said referring to a recent statement made by Rahul Gandhi during his US visit.

Rahul Gandhi has a habit of criticising India abroad. I dont think taking national politics out of the country is in the national interest," Jaishankar said.

At an event in the US, Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is driving the Indian car by only looking in the rear-view mirror which will lead to one accident after another."

ALSO READ: PM Modi Driving Indian Car Looking Into Rearview Mirror and Its Crashing: Rahul Gandhi
Four persons were detained for allegedly raping a minor girl in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district, while a search was on for two accused, a police official said on Thursday.

A case of rape and other offences was registered under the Indian Penal Code, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and Information Technology Act on the complaint of the 14-year-old victim, the Satara police station official said.

"Four persons have been detained. Two accused are on the run and efforts are on to nab them," Inspector Prashant Potdar said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the phone and reviewed a number of bilateral, multilateral, and global issues. PM Modi also thanked him for Saudi Arabias support during the evacuation of Indian nationals from violence-hit Sudan via Jeddah.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.

Spoke to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince & PM HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussed boosting ties in connectivity, energy, defense, trade & investment, and exchanged views on regional and global issues. Appreciated his support in safe evacuation of Indians from Sudan and for Haj. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2023

Both leaders reviewed a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on various multilateral and global issues of mutual interest.

During the telephonic conversation, the Crown Price also conveyed his full support to Indias initiatives as part of its ongoing G20 Presidency and said that he looks forward to his visit to the country.

The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, an official statement said.

Under Operation Kaveri, India took its citizens in buses from the conflict zones of Khartoum and other troubled areas to Port Sudan from where they were taken to the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on Indian Air Forces heavy-lift transport aircraft and Indian Navys ships.

From Jeddah, the Indians were brought back home on either commercial flights or IAFs aircraft.
Continuing his visits to the border districts of the state and assessing the drug menace, Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit expressed support on Thursday for a surgical strike" against Pakistan, aiming to teach it a lesson" in response to its alleged hidden war against India."

The Governor has been visiting the border areas of the state since Wednesday to take stock of the security situation and the anti-drug operations conducted by the central forces.

Accusing the neighbouring country of smuggling drugs into Indian territory, he expressed his personal opinion that a surgical strike should be conducted to teach Pakistan a lesson for its alleged involvement in a hidden war" against India. According to him, Pakistan resorts to such tactics due to its inability to directly confront India.

The Governor further called on the need to enhance border security and address the ongoing challenges of infiltration and drug smuggling. He proposed the formation of Village Defence Committees (VDC) within a 10 km radius of villages bordering the India-Pakistan International Borders (IB) with an aim to support security agencies in combating the drug menace across six border districts.

He said his fourth official visit to the border villages was aimed to evaluate existing security measures, understand the evolving threats and boost the morale of the local residents.

My motive was to meet with state and central agencies to gather feedback and improve the interaction between them in order to to stop the smuggling of drugs and weapons from across the border and eradicate drug trafficking," he said.

The drug menace was prevalent more in border belt areas of Amritsar and Tarn Taran, he noted.

During my interaction with the panches and sarpanches of various villages, I was told that even school children were becoming hooked on drugs, likely due to their easy availability in border areas near Pakistan. We need to put a complete stop to this," he said.

He expressed concern about the lack of an antidote to combat the misuse of drones, which were being utilised to smuggle drugs, weapons, and other prohibited materials across the border.

Chief Secretary Punjab Vijay Kumar Janjua, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, In-charge Secretary Ramesh Kumar Genta, Commissioner of Police Nonihal Singh, and other senior officials accompanied the Governor during the visit.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday demanded that female police officials regularly visit womens hostels across Maharashtra to ensure that security measures are in place on those premises.

An NCP delegation submitted a memorandum with demands over womens safety to Director General of Police (DGP) Rajnish Seth, a day after the rape and murder of an 18-year-old girl in a Mumbai hostel came to light.

According to the police, a laundry man who worked as a security guard raped and strangled the girl to death inside her room on the fourth floor of the hostel in South Mumbai. Later, the guard died by coming in front of a local train.

After submitting the memorandum, NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said if such a shocking crime can be committed in a city like Mumbai, it is unimaginable what the situation might be in rural Maharashtra with regard to womens safety.

He said female police officials must regularly visit government, semi-government and private womens hostels to review security measures and gather confidential information about the male staff on the premises as well as road Romeos in the area.

The victims father and one of her friends have told the police that the guard, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, used to harass her. The girls father has also blamed the hostel administration for not taking proper measures, an official said on Wednesday.

The hostel inmates and the male employees there should also be counselled regularly over security issues, Tapase said, stressing that detailed information about the staffers who belong to other states must be compiled.

Similarly, the Shakti Act brought by the Maha Vikas Aghadi government should be implemented and its provisions be made known to all stakeholders, he said.

The Shakti Act aims at curbing heinous crimes against women and children in Maharashtra and it has provisions for strict punishment, including the death penalty, life sentence, and heavy fines apart from speedy trials.

The Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Ajit Pawar, who also belongs to the NCP, on Wednesday visited the Marine Drive police station where the case is registered and consoled the girls family members.
The Karnataka High Court recently observed that in order to claim the post of heraditary archak (temple priest), the line of succession should be on the paternal side and not on the maternal side.

The single judge bench of Justice NS Sanjay Gowda observed so while dealing with pleas moved by two sons of a former archak of Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple at KR Puram, Bangalore East Taluk.

It was the petitioners claim that they were entitled to be appointed as archaks since the archakship of the temple was hereditary.

The petitioners had essentially challenged an order passed in the year 2016 by the Commissioner for Religious and Endowment Department rejecting one of the petitioners request to be appointed as archak of the temple.

The commissioner had then recorded a finding that before the father of the petitioner, his father-in-law was the archak of the temple, and since the archakship of the temple was traceable only towards maternal side of the petitioners, they were not entitled for a claim of hereditary archakship.

Challenging the same, the counsel for the petitioners submitted before the high court that not only the petitioners were entitled to be appointed as the archak of the temple, but also they were not given an adequate opportunity at the time of deciding their representation to establish their right to archakship.

However, the single judge bench noted that the impugned order showed that the petitioners were heard in the matter.

The court further highlighted that it was not a disputed fact in the present matter that in order to claim hereditary archakship at the Sri Mahabaleshwaraswamy Temple, it was necessary that not only the father of the applicant but also the grandfather and great-grandfather should have performed the role of archak of the temple.

The court noted that it was on record that before the father of the petitioners, it was their maternal grandfather who was the archak of the temple.

Therefore, while pointing out that the petitioners were claiming the archakship by virtue of their maternal grandfather being the archak of the temple, the court dismissed their pleas.
In a major move to counter Chinas designs amidst ongoing tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has started the process to build a strategic road towards the right side of the Pangong Lake near the LAC to improve its connectivity to the Army posts near Finger 1 and 2 areas of the lake.

At present, there is no proper road connectivity on the right side of Pangong Lake.

The new 38-km road from Lukung to Chartse, besides offering connectivity to the right side of the Pangong Lake, could also shorten the distance to the contentious Hot Springs area where India and China are engaged in a stand-off since 2020.

News18 has exclusively accessed a bid document of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) issued on June 8, which asks for work to begin on the 38-km long Lukung-Chartse road at the cost of Rs 154 crore with a completion period of 30 months.

The alignment is a greenfield alignment. An existing kacha track may be found along the alignment. Therefore, no carriageway exists along the alignment, the document says. The road will come up as a highway as per NHAI standards, enabling the movement of heavy vehicles with troops and equipment.

Lukung is a village near the western end of the Pangong Lake. Chartse is located near Finger 1 on the right side of Pangong Lake where India has a security post and forces are deployed.

Right now, there is no proper road connectivity to that side of the Pangong Lake but once this road is ready, it will reduce the distance time by one-third to reach these forward areas. A retired officer said it takes over one-and-a-half-hours to reach Chartse from Lukung but the same could reduce to just 30 minutes once the road is ready.

This highly strategic project could also reduce the overall distance to the Hot Springs area, a major friction point between India and China since 2020 where a stand-off continues though some disengagement took place last year.

The take-off point is at km 0.000 Lukung of Lukung-Chartse road of UT of Ladakh and ends at km 37.398. The project alignment is approachable from Lukung side through Tangtse-Lukung road for execution of work, the bid document mentions.

The government in 2020 had waived the requirement of environmental clearance for such strategic projects near the LAC.

There is an ongoing military stand-off at Line of Actual control (LAC) between India and China, which can escalate at any point of time, if remain unresolved. Hence, the construction of these roads is of upmost priority without any undue delay, the document mentions, referring to such projects.

More Strategic Projects on Anvil

India is also working on two other major projects in Ladakh, near LAC, which includes 145 km Chushul-Dungti-Fukche-Demchok road and the highest airfields at Nyoma, which is believed to be an answer to Chinas rapid infrastructure development on its side of the border.

News18 had spoken to the Director General of Border Roads Organisation, Rajeev Chaudhry, two days ago where he had said that Nyoma airfield will be the highest airfield in the world, which will start soon. The Nyoma airfield in Ladakh will be capable of fighter aircraft and was an answer to Chinas infrastructure work.

Replying to a question about the important projects, which are underway in Ladakh, Rajeev Chaudhry said, We are starting Nyoma Airfield very soon which is going to be the highest airfield in the world.

Director General BRO further told News18 that the Chushul-Demchok road along the LAC is also of prime importance to them. The most important project is the Chushul-Dungti-Fukche-Demchok road which is a 145 km-long road along the LAC, 15 KM its hugging LAC. Strategically, this is a very important road, Rajeev Chaudhry said.
FORT PIERRE, S.D. (AP)  The South Dakota State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating a house explosion that killed a young girl and her grandparents and left two young children hospitalized with burns.

The house about 11 miles southwest of Fort Pierre exploded around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, Stanley County Sheriff Brad Rathbun said.

The sheriff said 6-month-old Harper Hupp and her grandmother, LaDonna Hupp, 61, died at the scene. William Hupp, 66, died at a hospital.

A Caring Bridge site set up for the family says a 5-year-old boy suffered burns over 10% of his body and a 3-year-old was burned over 25% of his body.

The childrens parents were at work when the explosion occurred, Rathbun said. The home was destroyed.

Rathbun said neighbors in the rural area heard the blast and alerted authorities.

The South Dakota State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of the explosion. Rathbun said foul play is not suspected.
A 13-year-old girl died after being allegedly gang-raped by three persons, including a minor in Uttar Pradeshs Basti district on Monday, June 5. The victims family has alleged that one of the accused is a BJP leader. Basti BJP district chief, however, said the person in question was removed from the partys Kisan Morcha in 2021 for anti-party" activities.

The accused, a 14-year-old, and the other two aged 23 and 24, were apprehended by the police. A senior police officer said that the cause of death in the post-mortem examination was shock antemortem injury."

According to the girls father, the girl left the house to buy vegetables and was abducted by the accused on her way back home. The accused raped her and left her body at a deserted spot after she succumbed to her injuries.

When my daughter was returning home from the market, the accused picked her up, took her to an abandoned school building and raped her. After she died, they left her body at a deserted spot and fled, the father said.

The girls mother stated that it was one of the accused who called and informed them that their daughter was lying dead nearby the school building.

According to an Indian Express report, the girls father went on to say that the police are not taking action against one of the accused because he is a BJP leader.

The police are not acting against one of the accused because he is a BJP leader and local policemen are often seen with him. He is being given patronage by the police. He is the Mandal vice-president for the BJPs Kisan Morcha unit for our area," the victims father was quoted by Indian Express as saying.

A day after the incident, an FIR was registered under IPC Section 302 (murder), and Sections for gang rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) were added to the FIR during the investigation.

Basti Superintendent of Police Gopal Krishna Choudhary said that the first accused was arrested within four hours. Choudhary further stated that all three accused were arrested within 36 hours, adding that Strict action will be taken against them.

In a similar incident, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in the Sehramau area of Uttar Pradeshs Pilibhit district last week. According to a PTI report, the girls mother filed a complaint with the police alleging a man forcibly took her daughter to a mango orchard and raped her, said Kant Kumar Sharma, Station House Officer of Sehramau police station.

ALSO READ: 15-Year-Old Girl Raped in Uttar Pradesh
It was like a scene straight out of the film The Kerala Story. Only this was real life, in Karnataka. The state unit of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) received a call on its love jihad helpline from the parents of an underage girl from Ramanagara district seeking help to bring back their daughter from the arms of a Muslim man with whom she allegedly had fallen in love.

The undergraduate student claimed to have fallen in love with a Muslim boy who was the brother of one of her classmates. The incident, which took place in 2021, came to the notice of the VHP after the parents of the girl called its 247 helpline in distress.

Not only was she a victim of love jihad but she was also forced to go against her parents wishes and start living with him. She became pregnant even before turning 18. The girls parents called our helpline to help save their daughter. We managed to bring her back and expose her to the truththat he was already married and had trapped this young Hindu girl as part of the love jihad conspiracy. We were lucky to have saved this girl, but there are many more who need to be saved," said a VHP official in charge of the helpline.

Smita (name changed), an IT professional from Mysuru, was married to a Bengaluru-based techie in May last year. After they shifted to Whitefield, she fell in love with a Muslim man and left her husband to live with him. Smitas parents called the VHP helpline in distress and sought intervention to bring back their daughter.

We tried to convince her and speak to her, but she would not budge. After several attempts, we had to give up as they were both adults and their decision was consensual," explained another VHP functionary who attended the distress call and tried to help the girls family.

Love jihad is a term coined by right-wing organisations, alleging that Muslim men entice Hindu women into relationships with the intention of converting them to Islam.

The VHPs helpline, which works in association with several other Hindu organisations, provides legal and medical assistance to girls or families seeking their intervention and legal assistance.

The spotlight is back on the helplines set up by the VHP and Bajrang Dal across the state to help BJP workers in distress and curb love jihad, especially in the background of cabinet minister MB Patils request to set up a helpline called Peaceful Karnataka to ensure nobody spreads hatred or causes societal unrest.

During the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka, many BJP workers were targeted, and it came to our notice that they were charged with false cases. To fight such atrocities against the party workers, the BJP decided to launch a helpline number for all party workers in the state in the next one week," said Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya in a media statement.

In response to Suryas announcement, Patil sought a Peaceful Karnataka helpline.

He tweeted, Requesting @DrParameshwara @PriyankKharge @DKShivakumar @CMofKarnataka to consider setting up a new helpline called Peaceful Karnataka to ensure there is no hatred being spread in Karnataka and keep track of any such incidents. Our agenda is only Development & Progress, and to protect Brand Karnataka."

The BJPs state unit is currently in the advanced phase of launching a round-the-clock helpline that will provide prompt assistance and legal support to distressed or targeted party workers. Sources within the party have confirmed that a specialised team is being trained in collaboration with a legal cell to manage the helpline and initiate legal proceedings as required.

The Congress must define the helpline, its scope, and who can call. They must frame rules regarding which issues will be addressed via that helpline and what action will be taken. They must clarify if they are doing this to help just one minority community or safeguarding the public at large," questioned Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna of the BJP.

Suvarna also said that merely having a helpline will not work; those who are distressed should not be further troubled by making them shuttle between police stations to file a case.

On average, the helplines set up by the VHP across Karnataka receive 90 to 100 calls a month, most of which are from people in distress seeking the organisations intervention to save Hindu girls or act on atrocities against Hindus, say officials from the organisation.

The calls range from police harassment, moral policing, and cases of forced conversions or love jihad," explained Girish Bharadwaj, a Hindutva social activist who also works closely with the VHP. The so-called Peace Helpline that the Congress is talking about is only to please a particular community. When the government speaks about controlling moral policing or zero tolerance for communal violence, why are they shy of naming the groups? Will they speak against the Popular Front of India? What action have they taken against those who conspired to attack our PM and were caught in Dakshina Kannada? Let them clarify who the Peace helpline is for. Is it targeted only for a particular community or is it for everyone?"

The VHP claims that hundreds of women are falling into the blackmail tactics or the trap of love jihad. Apart from that, many young men working to save Hindu dharma and working towards building a strong Hindu Rashtra are being brutally attacked, and many times help does not reach them or their families, they say.

Take the cases of Praveen Nettaru, Sharath Madiwala, and Rudresh. Maybe if they had communicated using the helpline, then we could have saved them. We want to ensure that Hindus feel safe, and so this helpline will help raise an alarm immediately," explained another Mangaluru-based VHP leader.

When a distress call comes in, the caller, after narrating the incident, is connected to a 20-member team comprising doctors, counsellors, and social work volunteers, explained Pradeep Saripalla, Prachara Pramukh (publicity head) of the Mangaluru unit of the VHP.

Many Hindu girls have been converted to Islam, killed, and used to smuggle drugs in the name of love. This happens a lot in coastal Karnataka, and to prevent all such incidents, we have started this love jihad helpline, which can be accessed by anyone who feels he or she has been trapped," he told News18.

While a helpline for VHP workers has been operational nationwide since its establishment by former organisation chief Praveen Togadia, the Mangaluru unit took a step further in December 2022 by launching an anti-love jihad helpline. This helpline aims to support girls who claim to have experienced coerced religious conversions or interfaith marriages.
Sanjeev Jeevas killer knew lawyers wont be frisked in the Lucknow court premises so he dressed as one to carry a pistol and shoot the dreaded gangster inside the courtroom. Less than two months ago, killers disguised as journalists used the same modus operandi to kill Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf at a hospital gate.

In both cases so far, Uttar Pradesh Police has been unable to ascertain any clear motive of the killers who have not been found to be associated with any rival gangs. Jeeva was a dreaded shooter of jailed gangster Mukhtar Ansari.

So, who is assassinating UPs dreaded gangsters and are these contract killings whose orders came from elsewhere? The assailants in the Atiq-Ashraf case  Lavish, Mohit and Arun  claimed after being caught that they had killed the gangster duo to get famous but how they got pistols for the murders in April remains unclear.

In the case of Jeeva, the assailant Vijay Yadav has no serious criminal history and police so far is not aware of any kind of personal rivalry with Jeeva. But he does belong to Jaunpur which has a history of gang wars and he has spent some years in Mumbai as well. For the last one month, Yadav was not in touch with his family, the police have found. This is a similar story to some of Atiqs killers who were also not in touch with their families.

Yadav shot Jeeva with a .357 bore Magnum Alpha pistol and emptied all the six bullets. He knew exactly which courtroom Jeeva will be produced in on Wednesday and patiently waited outside the courtroom while dressed as a lawyer till Jeeva arrived there in police security. He then entered the courtroom and shot Jeeva from the back.

The lawyers have been left enraged over the incident as the policemen in Jeevas security could not react in time to counter Yadav. In fact, the lawyers overpowered Yadav while he was fleeing from the courtroom and handed him over to the police. The incident has raised question marks on how the assailant could enter the court premises with a gun. Though metal detectors and security men are present in the court, most equipment does not work and the lawyers are not frisked. Police suspect that Yadav had done a recce of the court premises before hatching the plan to dress up as a lawyer.

Like the Atiq-Ashraf case, here too there is no clear motive behind the assailants action, increasing the suspicion that these are paid hits on contract. Jeeva was among the top 15 listed gangsters in Uttar Pradesh and had been convicted recently for the murder of BJP leader Brahmdutt Dwivedi. Jeeva faced over two dozen cases, including those of murder, abduction and extortion and had also been booked under the Gangsters Act. He was lodged in a high-security barrack in a Lucknow jail.

Another key aide and shooter of Mukhtar Ansari, Munna Bajrangi, was also killed inside the Baghpat jail in 2018.
After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke his heart out on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United States, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that Gandhi has a habit of criticising India abroad" and that this is not in the interest of the country.

Speaking to reporters, Jaishankar said, Rahul Gandhi has a habit of criticising India abroad. I dont think taking national politics out of the country is in national interest."

Jaishankar also referred to Gandhis recent remarks made at an event in the States and said, the world is watching us".

What had Rahul Gandhi said?

This comes after Gandhi, in his ongoing US visit, made several comments against PM Modi and said that there are people in India who think they know more than God and that the prime minister is one such specimen.

If you sat Modiji with God, he will explain to God how the universe works and God will get confused about what have I created," Rahul Gandhi had said.

Not the first time Jaishankar has responded

Just this week, Jaishankar had took up this issue and reminded Gandhi that it is important to remember that are sometimes things bigger than politics when you step out of the country.

Jaishankar, without naming Rahul Gandhi, gave out a subtle message and asked on Saturday to watch" him when he goes back on how to counter" someone. Jaishankar interacting with the Indian diaspora during his visit to Cape Town to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting.

I may differ strongly with someone but how I counter it  I would like to go back at home and do it. And watch me when I get back," Jaishankar said.

With agency inputs
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2023: Every year on June 8th, World Oceans Day is observed to honour and recognize the immense significance of our planets oceans. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role they play in supporting life on Earth. Throughout the course of history, the oceans have served as essential pathways for trade, transportation, and exploration, connecting civilizations across vast distances and influencing human progress.

Even today, the oceans continue to hold a fundamental place in our daily existence. They maintain the Earths temperature, chemistry, and weather patterns, while also providing indispensable resources like sustenance, clean drinking water, and the very oxygen we breathe. Furthermore, the oceans harbour diverse ecosystems and a rich variety of marine life, contributing to the overall well-being and harmony of our planet.

World Oceans Day 2023: History

The oceans today face numerous challenges. Pollution, overfishing, ocean acidification, and the deterioration of coastal waters threaten the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. These issues also have a direct impact on small-scale fisheries and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

To address these challenges and promote sustainable practices, World Oceans Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. The observance aims to raise awareness about the importance of the oceans, encourage responsible management of marine resources, and inspire action to protect and conserve these vital ecosystems.

The United Nations, through its various agencies such as UNESCO, UNEP, FAO, UNDP, and the International Maritime Organization, plays a significant role in coordinating efforts to safeguard the oceans. These organizations work towards establishing marine protected areas, reducing pollution, regulating fishing practices, and promoting sustainable development and utilization of ocean resources.

World Oceans Day 2023: Significance

The observance serves as a platform to educate people about the importance of oceans in regulating climate, providing oxygen, supporting biodiversity, and preserving overall environmental balance. World Oceans Day also highlights the need for responsible management and conservation of marine resources. It promotes the establishment of marine protected areas, reduction of pollution, prevention of overfishing, and sustainable utilization of oceanic resources.

By raising awareness about these issues, the observance inspires individuals, communities, and governments to take action to safeguard the oceans for future generations.

The day also fosters international cooperation and collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions for addressing the challenges faced by the oceans.
Model-turned-actress Divya Suresh is one of the leading actresses in the Kannada film and TV industries. Apart from her acting prowess, the diva is also known for her amazing fashion choices. She often shares snippets from her personal and professional lives to stay in touch with her fans. However, recently, the actress shared some stunning photographs from her latest photo session, which took the internet by storm.

In the recent photos, Divya is seen slaying in a cotton brown colour printed kurta set. Which she paired with a tiger-printed dupatta. She is looking stunning as always. The actress didnt wear much makeup and kept her traces open. While she rounded off her look with a pair of silver statement earrings, matching bangles, and a pair of white flats.

Take a look at the post:

Seeing the post, fans in the comment section heaped praise on their favourite actress. One of the users commented, " Beautiful", and another one said, Wow". While " Super" wrote the third user.

Well, not only in Indian attire, Divya equally slays in Western clothing. A few days ago, the actress dropped a set of pictures of herself in a full sleeve red and white floral printed dress with cut-out detailing, which took the internet by storm. Divya looked drop-dead gorgeous in the photos. While she rounded off her look with black shades, a sleek neckpiece, and a watch that perfectly complimented her outfit. Its not fashionable to love me," reads the caption.

Seeing the pictures, one of her fans commented, Gorgeous and stunning, darling." Another one said, Queen." Divya initially started her career as a TikTok content creator, where she built a huge fan base. She also opted for a modelling career and appeared in numerous fashion shows. She walked various ramps for the fashion designers in the Kerala Fashion League in 2016. In 2017, she competed in the Miss India South 2017 beauty pageant and finished as the first runner-up.

In 2018, Divya Suresh was cast in the Kannada film Night Out, directed by Lakshmi Naveen. In 2019, she also appeared in the Kannada TV serial Nanna Hendthi MBBS, which aired on Star Suvarna.

However, she came into the limelight after appearing in the popular reality show Bigg Boss Kannada 8, hosted by Kicha Sudeep.
Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra fame actor Dattu More, also known as, Dattaram More recently got married to his girlfriend Swati Ghunage. The actor broke news to his fans by sharing photos from his pre-wedding shoot and writing that he is married in the caption. After much waiting, the actor also shared pictures from his wedding day. For the day Dattu donned an ivory and red sherwani and Swati looked lovely in the blue navrichi saree.

Dattu, who is reserved about his personal life, has revealed his love story. The actor in an interview with local media said that they both are still figuring out how it happened. We met 4-5 years ago through a common friend in Pune and had a very casual acquaintance, he added.

Dattu also mentioned that at the time they connected on Facebook and for two years, they were just Facebook friends and never talked. When Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra was aired, Swati saw him on the show and messaged him and they began talking but it was just casual greetings like good morning and good night in the initial days.

The actor also revealed that when began talking, Swati had just completed her MS and was focused on her business and was constantly busy. So was he with the shows shooting.

We didnt even know that we were connected. We still have the question of how and why we got connected. But it all happened automatically and we came together, he added.

The actors wife, Swati shared that she liked Dattus nature and how he supported her work. While they started talking more, Swati developed feelings for the actor but didnt express them as she was too focused on her work.

Dattu shared that he got the hint when she would text him and then delete it. He also mentioned that Swati used to come home late from work and one night she texted him and it started with hi.

It was good to chat with each other after coming home tired at night and both of us felt these feelings. After a few days, our conversations increased and we used to talk on video calls till 4:30 am. It felt very different then. I used to go to sleep after 4.30 am but she used to wake up at 6:30 am and go to work, he added.

He also mentioned that those conversations never made them tired and they both felt fresh.

On the work front, Dattu is seen in Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra. He plays various roles and characters in the show and brings smiles to the viewers faces.
Nawazuddin Siddiquis ex-wife Aaliya Siddiqui is in love and she is not shying away from accepting it in public. Aaliya Siddiqui recently introduced her new-found love to the world by sharing a mushy photo with a mystery man on her Instagram account. Now in a fresh interview, Aaliya clarified that her new boyfriend has no connection to her estrangement from Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

During a conversation with ETimes, Aaliya reveals that she is in a happy place, No one can judge my character on the basis of how happy I feel. I filed for divorce two years ago, long before I met my companion (the man she shared a picture with on Instagram earlier this week), so he has nothing to do with my broken marriage has ended, but we talk for the sake of our kids. I want Nawaz to do well in life. Our divorce case is still on I have struggled for 19 years. Had I been calculative about these things, I wouldnt have shared about my (new) relationship on social media I was mentally exhausted. I have finally moved on and I am in a happy space."

She added, He is Italian and works in the IT sector. We met in Dubai a year ago at a common friends party and hit it off. He was the one who approached me and we got talking. He is intelligent, simple, extremely respectful, loving and caring. He was a huge emotional support to me in this past year. He wants me to grow in life and be less conscious. He makes me wonder kaash yeh mujhe pehle mila hota. Though he is more comfortable speaking in French and Italian, while I speak Hindi, our common language of communication is English. So, now he is learning Hindi and teaches me his languages. He wants to visit India soon.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Aaliya Siddiquis public spat over their divorce grabbed many headlines. It began when she accused her estranged husband of abuse. She even verbally attacked him for allegedly misusing his power. Earlier, Aaliya had claimed that Nawazuddin disowned their children and alleged that the actors mother Mehrunisa harassed her by not giving her access to the actors Mumbai home. Aaliya also revealed that she already applied for divorce but the court asked the former couple to settle things outside the legal purview.

In a recent chat with News18, Aaliya spoke about why she decided to take to social media to shed light on her marital issues with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. I had to talk about these things in public because I was suffering a lot. I felt like I would suffocate if I didnt. The decision taken by the court finally makes me feel Im at peace. Only I know what I went through mentally. One can imagine the kind of misery a person is in if they talk about their private matters in public, she stated

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Aaliya Siddiqui were married in 2011. The two have two kids together- daughter Shora and son Yaani. Aaliya confirmed heading for a divorce from Nawazuddin in March 2023.
Kriti Sanon and Om Raut came under fire after the Adipurush director was seen kissing the actress in the primise of Tirupati temple. Videos and photos of him kissing went viral and many criticised the duo for the act. Now, Ramayan actress Dipika Chikhlia has weighed in on the controversy, slammed Kriti and suggested is not serious about playing the role of Sita.

Dipika, who played the same role in the televised version of Ramayan, told Aaj Tak that todays actors do not enter the character nor understand its emotions and felt that Ramayana  in this case Adipurush  is merely a film. She added that Kriti might have not connected with the character on a spiritual level.

Kriti is an actress of todays generation. In todays era, kissing or hugging someone is considered a sweet gesture. She would have never thought of herself as Sita Ji. It becomes a matter of emotions. I have lived the character of Sita, while todays actresses just consider it a role. After the film or project is over, they dont care anymore," she told the television channel.

Now lets talk about us. No one dared to take our names on the set. When we were in our characters, many people would come and touch our feet right on the set. It was a different era. At that time, they didnt see us as actors; they saw us as gods. We couldnt even hug anyone, let alone a kiss, Dipika added.

The actress added that after Adipurush releases, Prabhas, Kriti Sanon and other stars will move on with their projects and might even forget the character unlike the stars of the televised versions of Ramayan.

Kriti and Om are yet to react to the controversy.

Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush is a cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana. While Prabhas will be playing the role of Raghav in the film, Kriti Sanon will play Janaki. The film also stars Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist, portraying Ravana. Adipurush is being considered as the biggest film in Prabhas career. It is a mythological drama that has been made on a reported budget of Rs 500 crore. The film is jointly bankrolled by Bhushan Kumars T-series and Retrophiles. The film will be released on June 16, 2023.
Adipurush director Om Raut on Wednesday sparked a controversy on social media after he was clicked kissing Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon on her cheek at Tirupati temple. The team of Adipurush, starring Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan, launched the final trailer of the film at a pre-release event which took place at Sri Venkateswara University Stadium in Tirupati. The event was attended by Prabhas and Kriti.

For More: Adipurush Director Om Raut Kisses Kriti Sanon at Tirupati Temple, Sparks ControversySushmita Sens brother Rajeev Sen took to his social media handle to confirm his divorce from Charu Asopa. He shared a story with her and wrote, There are no goodbyes. Just two people who just couldnt hold on to each other. Love will stay. We will always remain mom and dad to our daughter. The couple had tied the knot back in 2019

For More : Rajeev Sen Confirms Divorce From Charu Asopa, Says Just Couldnt Hold On To Each Other

Telugu stars Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi are all set to get engaged. The actors are getting engaged on June 9, Friday, and the engagement invite has now hit online. On Thursday afternoon, popular Telugu stars spokesperson SivaCherry took to Twitter and not only confirmed the news of the engagement but also shared the digital invite the couple is sharing with their industry friends.

For More: arun Tej, Lavanya Tripathis Engagement Invite Goes Viral, Couple to Exchange Rings on June 9

Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu in Serbia. The Bollywood star took to Instagram and revealed that the actors along with Citadel Indias directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., collectively known as Raj & DK, met the President on Thursday. Sharing the photos, Varun said it was an absolute joy and honour to meet her.

For More : Samantha, Varun Dhawan, Citadel India Team Meet President Droupadi Murmu In Serbia; Photos Go Viral

Tamannaah Bhatia will soon be seen sharing screen space with Rajinikanth in the much-awaited film Jailer. The duo recently wrapped shooting for the same. Post-shoot, the former received a very thoughtful gift from the senior superstar. Reportedly, Rajinikanth gifted Tamannaah, a spiritual book which was was autographed by him.

For More: Rajinikanth Gives This Thoughtful Gift To His Jailer Co-star Tamannaah Bhatia
A new park on the eastern edge of Bismarck honoring North Dakota soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan will open and be dedicated on Saturday.

The park features a picnic shelter, playground, open play area and a Heroes Plaza with a battlefield cross statue memorial honoring fallen soldiers from Bismarck and a fallen soldier hero display honoring fallen National Guard soldiers from around the state.

Heroes Park at 5609 Smette Bend is in the Clear Sky Addition neighborhood east of the heart of Bismarck. All streets in the single-family residential neighborhood are named after fallen Guard soldiers who served in the global war on terrorism.

Clear Sky Addition land developer Matt Geiger built the dark-granite-like hero display that shows the face, rank, name, hometown, company, occupation, date of death, location of death, and age of fallen North Dakota Guard soldiers. Geiger served six years in the Guard and donated the land for the park to the Bismarck Park District.

Across from the display sits the battlefield cross statue memorial built by the North Dakota Heroes Foundation. A battlefield cross is a traditional memorial featuring a helmet, rifle and boots symbolizing the shape of a cross. Solid-bronze plaques with each Bismarck soldier's face, name, birth and death date, company, operation, and the line "Freedom isn't free" will be placed on the memorial. Geiger asked the foundation to build it.

The foundation was founded by Duane Sand, who served 34 years in the Navy and rose to the rank of captain. The nonprofit since 2011 has been building battlefield cross memorials in the hometowns of soldiers from North Dakota who died in Iraq or Afghanistan. Sand intends on placing a memorial in the hometown of each fallen soldier; he has less than half a dozen left to do.

Sand said that the mothers of the fallen soldiers love it and they deserve it.

The memorial in Bismarck joins those that have been placed in Wahpeton, Jamestown, Carrington, New Town, Dickinson and Williston. Sand covers most of the costs to build the monuments. The North Dakota Patriot Guard, a military support group known for their motorcycle escorts, has paid for the plaques with the soldiers' names and faces since 2015.

The North Dakota Heroes Foundation memorial will bear the following names, all from Bismarck: Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, Cpl. Curtis Mehrer, Spc. Tyler Orgaard, Sgt. Thomas Sweet II, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Hendrickson and Spc. Anthony Monroe.

The fallen soldiers hero display will bear the following names of Guard soldiers:

Spc. Jon Fettig, Dickinson;

Sgt. Keith Smette, Makoti;

Spc. Cody Wentz, Williston;

Cpl. Nathan Goodiron, Mandaree;

Spc. Philip Brown, Jamestown;

Spc. Michael Hermanson, Fargo;

Cpl. Christopher Kleinwachter, Wahpeton;

Spc. James Holmes, East Grand Forks;

Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, Bismarck;

Sgt. 1st Class Darren Linde, Devils Lake;

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Hendrickson, Bismarck;

Staff Sgt. Lance Koenig, Fargo;

Cpl. Curtis Mehrer, Bismarck;

Spc. Tyler Orgaard, Bismarck.

The dedication will begin at 10:30 a.m. Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, adjutant general of the state Guard, will speak. The North Dakota Patriot Guard and other groups will attend. The public is invited. A free lunch will be served following the event, at the Bismarck Amvets Club at 2402 Railroad Ave.
Actor Sonakshi Sinha is currently basking in the success of her last release, Dahaad. Her portrayal of a feisty cop in the show won her raving reviews and helped the audience see her in a whole new light. This, however, isnt the first time that Sonakshi has been seen shouldering a woman-oriented story. Earlier, she had headlined Akira (2016), Noor (2017) and Khandaani Shafakhana (2019) but they could not create an impact in the same way that Dahaad did.

Up next, she will be seen in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi, which is touted to be one of the biggest shows of Netflix India. The web show will revolve around themes of love and betrayal in the lives of courtesans in pre-independence India. Sonakshi will be seen playing a courtesan along with Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Sheikh.

In an exclusive chat with News18, Sonakshi opens up on being directed by the ace storyteller, who has earned immense acclaim for envisioning courtesans in Devdas (2002) and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) in the most sensitive and surreal fashion. The 36-year-old reveals that the shoot Heeramandi is currently underway and tells us, When youll be able to watch it is something youll have to ask Sanjay sir (laughs). But what I can tell you is that it has been such an amazing experience watching the genius in action, live in front of you, doing his magic.

Sharing her excitement of being on a Bhansali set, she further adds, Its unreal. Im so happy that Im a part of this project. Sanjay sir is one of the directors who really brings out the best in all his actors and Im truly privileged to be one of them right now.

In February this year, Netflix unveiled the first look of the actors in the show. Sonakshis regal and dramatic look in a gold saree grabbed the attention of many. Speaking about the love and appreciation that came her way for her look, she says, The response to my look has been tremendous. It was a short, fleeting glimpse but people reacted to it in such a positive and wonderful way. It has been very overwhelming for me. The way Sanjay sir projects his heroines and characters is beautiful. Only he can do it.

With Dahaad and now Heeramandi, is the focus now more on being a part of women-led narratives? No no. Ive two films up for release and theres one Im currently shooting for. As an actor, I want to do everything. OTT has opened up a whole new space for actors, makers and writers. Its wonderful. I had signed Dahaad even before the pandemic had happened. I knew it was a long format show on OTT. I just wanted and still want to do good roles irrespective of the platform, states the actor, who also has films like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Kakuda and Nikita Roy And The Book Of Darkness in the pipeline.

Quiz her about a possibility of a sequel to Dahaad and Sonakshi says, Thats a question Ive been asking Reema (Kagti; filmmaker) and Zoya (Akhtar; filmmaker). I really want them to make a second season and even a third, a fourth and a fifth (laughs). But only they can answer this. I cant wait to be Anjali Bhati again. My character changes her name to Anjali Meghwal towards the end of the show but Ill miss being called Bhati saab."
Stephy Zaviour, one of the Malayalam cinema celebrated costume designers, has now donned the directors cap as she makes her debut with Madhura Manohara Moham. After the trailer release, the audience has been eagerly waiting for the team to announce the release date of the film, which has now been finally revealed. Stephy shared the poster of the film and unveiled that it will hit the cinemas on June 16.

The caption of her Instagram post reads, After a long wait and lots of hard work, Im proud to announce that our film Madhura Manohara Moham is coming to the theatres near you on 16th June 2023!" Check out the post here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephy Zaviour (@stephy_zaviour)

Last month, the trailer of Madhura Manohara Moham promised to be an out-an-out family entertainer on the cards. The film seems to touch upon themes such as the inter-faith and inter-caste romance of two couples and how they convince their families. The family drama has the perfect amount of comedy which will be a pure joy ride.

As per the team, the film is set in Pathanamthitta and it will also explore the various traditions followed in the district that have seldom been used in the Malayalam cinema. Watch the trailer here:

The film is headlined by Sharaf U Dheen, Rajisha Vijayan and Bindu Panicker. Actors Malavika VN, Mukundan Unni Associates-fame Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Vijayaraghavan, Althaf Salim, Sunil Sukhada and Biju Sopanam will also be seen in prominent roles. Madhura Manohara Moham has been written by Mahesh Gopal and Jai Vishnu.

The film is produced by B3M Creation, which earlier produced Dhyan Sreenivasans film Bullet Diaries. The music of Madhura Manohara Moham has been given by Heshan Adbul Wahab and the cinematographer of the film is Chandru Selva Raj.

Speaking of Stephy Zaviour, she made her debut in the film industry as a costume designer in 2015. She is also among the few female Malayalam directors in the industry including Geetu Mohandas, Anjali Menon, Vidhu Vincent and Ratheena PT.
The Kerala Story actor Adah Sharma has reacted to a fans claim that her movie is not playing in a single" theatre in Kolkata. On May 8, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had declared a ban on The Kerala Story in the state to avoid any incident of hatred and violence." A few weeks back, the Supreme Court lifted the states ban on the movie.

However, a netizen claimed on Twitter that they are ready to shell out an amount of Rs 500 to watch the film, but not a single show is available in Kolkata." Adah Sharma has apologised to the fan for the inconvenience.

Reacting to the users tweet, Adah replied, Im really really sorry, the ban has been lifted but its not in our hands to screen the film.

Im really really sorry  the ban has been lifted but it's not in our hands to screen the film https://t.co/u89pRxItCX Adah Sharma (@adah_sharma) June 6, 2023

The Kerala Story, starring Adah Sharma, hit theatres on May 5 amid major controversy and multiple petitions challenging its release. It revolves around a Hindu woman from Kerala who is converted to Islam and trafficked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Earlier, in an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, The Kerala Story producer Vipul Shah had claimed that his film was still not getting screens in West Bengal. He alleged that the police officials and authorities were threatening theatre owners and warning them that their licenses would not be renewed if they screened The Kerala Story.

The problem is that in spite of the Supreme Court order, the theatre owners in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are not able to run the film. They are getting threat calls from cops and authorities that if they showcase this film, their licenses will not be renewed, the goons will attack theatres and they will not get protection. So the film is not running in theatres yet. This is happening in two states who claim to be the champions of democracy. They have disregarded Supreme Courts order," Vipul Shah told us.
Shahid Kapoor-starrer Kabir Singh, a remake of the south film Arjun Reddy, was released on June 21, 2019, and it was a box-office success. Shahid and Kiara Advani received accolades from the audience for their performances. Many of the viewers dont know that before Kiara, actress Tara Sutaria was offered to play the female lead in this movie.

Tara has herself revealed this in an interview with The Mumbai Mirror. According to her, she was shooting for Student of the Year 2 and had also signed Marjaavaan at the same time. With two projects in hand, Tara added that she had to refuse Kabir Singh but she loved Shahid and Kiaras performances in the film. Tara said, I dont think I agree with that (the films misogynistic tone). Its not a true story and I think everyone has the artistic right to show what they want in their film. Having said that, I understand and respect everyones opinion."

Tara Sutaria is now looking forward to Apurva, which is being directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. Starring Abhishek Banerjee, Dhairya Karwa, Aashish Dubey and Rajpal Yadav, Apurva is currently in the post-production stage. Star Studios and Cine 1 Studios have backed this film.

Tara shared her happiness about acting in this movie in her Instagram stories. The actress wrote that she has been waiting to do a role in a film like Apurva. According to her, this film will be a tale of the true strength, wit and power which women possess. She mentioned the names of producer Murad Khetani, director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and other cast members.

The actress also shared a photograph of herself with the clapping board in November 2022. She wrote in the caption, Shes fierce, shes strong, she is #APURVA." Fans appreciated the look and wished Tara all the best for this film.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria)

Besides Apurva, Tara will also play a key role in an untitled Kannada film written and directed by Rishab Shetty. Shiva Rajkumar will also act in this movie backed by Jayanna Combines. The movie is currently in the production stage.
Modis BJP is a tragic affront to Indias secular beginnings. Hinduism is at least as ridiculous as Islam. Between them, these two idiotic religions have betrayed the ideals of Nehru and Gandhi.

If one reads this tweet from Richard Dawkins, without knowing the context, one would assume that an act of cataclysmic proportions has been committed by Hindu zealots, similar to 9/11 or worse, to invite such damning terms as ridiculous and idiotic for their religion  Hinduism. Ironically, Dawkins was reacting to an editorial in Nature magazine, which claimed that the topics of the Periodic Table and Charles Darwins Theory of Evolution had been dropped from the school education curriculum in India. As it turned out, it was yet another case of fake news; for, the topics had not been removed but merely shifted from Class X to Class XI.

The damage, however, was already done. Hinduism was now a certified idiotic religion! And its tenets were at least as ridiculous as those of Islam! Ironically, when it comes to Hinduism, one witnesses a rare unanimity in the West across ideological, religious and even political fault lines. Remember Dr Jordan Peterson, a best-selling author and a clinical psychologist by training, who didnt only post an image of Maa Kali in his tweet but also called her sheer unadulterated narcissism in action and the devouring mother arises from the underworld.

Coming back to Dawkins, his tweet has been particularly unsettling given a sense of familiarity most Hindus have for him. They own him up as their own, celebrating his books, especially The God Delusion, for bringing out the ills of organised religions  just the same way they stand for Christopher Hitchens, especially since The Missionary Position exposed Mother Teresa in theory and in practice. What they find hard to believe is that Dawkins, or for that matter Hitchens  just like an old Belfast joke about a person asking another if he were a Protestant or Catholic atheist  remains a Christian atheist at best. Their understanding of Hinduism is based on their own Western experiences.

Dawkins, in that way, is a victim of his own upbringing. Being born a Christian, he understands Christianity and by extension Islam and Judaism  the other two Abrahamic religions. But the same cannot be said for Hinduism, which is everything that Abrahamic religion isnt. In 1929, Japanese thinker Watsuji Tetsuro wrote about three types of cultural ecologies: The Monsoon Climatic Area, the Desert Climatic Area and the Meadow Climatic Area. The ethos of Hinduism-Buddhism represents the monsoon climate; Judaism, Christianity and Islam are the articulations of the desert; and Western technology is a result of the meadowland. The rigid, deterministic, man-versus-nature outlook of Judaism, Christianity and Islam is the result of its desert origin, while a monsoon (riverine) religion like Hinduism is innately non-static like a river  always moving, always evolving, always assimilating, and always updating itself.

What also doesnt help the cause of Hinduism is the fact that it reaches the Western shores in a largely distorted form. Most so-called Hinduism academic centres in the West, attached to American/European universities, are manned by people with deep reservations, if not distrust, for Indias civilisational past. Worse, as Rajiv Malhotra and Vijaya Viswanathan write in their 2022 book Snakes on the Ganga, these very Hinduism centres find donors in some of the richest Indian entrepreneurs. Ironically, while the Western institutions researching Hinduism are run by usual suspects, in India the authorities are largely apologetic about having any Indic centres attached to universities and colleges.

No wonder, for an outsider, the notion of Hinduism is shaped by those who view it with distrust, if not distaste. A Dawkins or a Hitchens, therefore, sees Hinduism in a denigrating light without ever realising their prejudiced mind. No wonder when one reads Dawkins The God Delusion or Hitchens God Is Not Great, one finds nothing about Hinduism, except a few disparaging paragraphs condemning it as an extension of Christianity and Islam. All The God Delusion, for instance, does in the name of explaining Hinduism is that it quotes Jawaharlal Nehru saying how the spectacle of what is called religion, or at any rate organised religion, in India and elsewhere, has filled me with horror and I have frequently condemned it and wished to make a clean sweep of it. He again quotes Nehru to say that in a country like India, which has many faiths and religions, no real nationalism can be built up except on the basis of secularity.

Hitchens God Is Not Great, in that way, fares comparatively better in exploring Hinduism. It at least attempts to see Hinduism  as in the chapter There Is No Eastern Solution  through the prism of Sai Baba and Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh. Even here, Hitchens chooses the physical (or should we say sexual?) aspect of Rajneeshs ashram, and completely glosses over his actual teachings. He reminds the readers how he was irritated to read the little sign at the entrance: Shoes and minds must be left at the gate. This was a double whammy for Hinduism. First, Hitchens chose Rajneeshs sect, which was in the first place organised to woo Western audiences, to reflect upon Hinduism; then, worse, he focused on the most boorish (physical) aspect of that sect to write an obituary for the entire religion.

Alas for his Christian upbringing, Dawkins fails to realise that the very notion of secularism is Christian in nature; it makes little sense in pluralistic societies like India. In fact, Hitchens himself writes in God Is Not Great about how excessive and obsessive secularism backfires, as was the case in Albania, where the then communist state tried to extirpate religion completely and to proclaim an entirely atheist state, leading to even more extreme cults of mediocre human beings. Nehruvian India, obsessed with minority-first secularism, too witnessed a similar Hindu uprising in the 1980s which gathered steam in the coming decades to let Narendra Modi, in 2014, head the first majority government in three decades.

On Darwin too, Dawkins sense of rage against Hinduism is completely misplaced. Darwins Theory of Evolution finds stiff opposition in the West, but it comes naturally to Indians and their sensibilities. As one Los Angeles-based surgeon told authors John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge, If you trust evolution, you distrust God (God is Back: How the Global Rise of Faith is Changing the World; 2009). Theres no such compulsion in India.

In his 1959 article, An Indian Perspective of Darwin (The Centennial Review; Vol 3, No. 4), British-Indian scientist JBS Haldane wrote, To Europeans and Americans, it inevitably seems that Darwins greatest achievement has been to convince educated men and women that biological evolution is a fact, that living plant and animal species are all descended from ancestral species very unlike themselves, and, in particular, that men are descended from animals But in India and China, this distinction has not been made; and according to Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina ethics, animals have rights and duties. My wife has stated categorically that Darwin converted Europe to Hinduism. This is, I think, an exaggeration, but is nearer to the truth than it sounds.

Liberalism and pluralism emerge organically in the Indic scheme of things. Unlike in the West, even religion and science are not antagonistic, irreconcilable blocs in India; they often complement each other. The reason being, as Watsuji Tetsuro articulated almost a century ago, the riverine (monsoon) origins of the Indic civilisation, making it an ever-evolving, ever-assimilating and ever-updating culture  very unlike the desert religions that are static, rigid and commandment-based.

The ethos of the Indic civilisational open-mindedness, a hallmark of unadulterated liberalism, pluralism and rational/scientific outlook, is best articulated in the Rig Vedas Nasadiya Sukta, which begins with the following questions:

There was neither non-existence nor existence then;

Neither the realm of space, nor the sky which is beyond;

What stirred? Where? In whose protection?

The Sukta, then, ends with the following statement:

Whether Gods will created it, or whether He was mute;

Perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not;

Only He who is its overseer in highest heaven knows,

Only He knows, or perhaps He does not know.

Dawkins, if he were true to his rational calling, would relate to  and appreciate  the civilisational idea of India. For, it is this civilisational candidness to indefinite and endless possibilities that has made India an inherently liberal society. The countrys pluralism is definitely not a Nehruvian gift, which Dawkins and Hitchens erroneously want us to believe.

Lets, however, be honest: If the world today finds a grossly misinterpreted idea of India and Hinduism, the failure primarily lies with Indians for having failed to correct that notion more than seven decades after Independence. The government of the day could have done better in bringing in an educational reform wherein the distortions of history and culture are dealt with thoroughly rather than in a piecemeal manner, as seems to be the case today. But one also expects the likes of Dawkins to do the basic research before writing obituaries for a religion that is one of the last surviving widows to the rational, civilisational antiquity of humankind.

Dawkins is a self-proclaimed atheist. What he doesnt realise is that he still bats for Christianity. He criticises Modi for being a Hindu. But the same Dawkins calls Barack Obama an atheist. And then Obama goes to church! (https://newrepublic.com/article/115368/video-richard-dawkins-says-obama-atheist-president.) Maybe his Christian upbringing has stopped him from understanding that, as Micklethwait and Wooldridge write in God Is Back, one reason why Barack Obama beat Hillary Clinton was that he succeeded in out-Godding her. In fact, Obama himself writes in his memoirs, The Audacity of Hope, Kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side of Chicago, I felt Gods spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth.

By unreasonably ridiculing Hinduism, Dawkins manifests the ills of the rootless mind  modern, Western and secular. Its time he stopped being idiotic and ridiculous.

The author is Opinion Editor, Firstpost and News18. He tweets from @Utpal_Kumar1. Views expressed are personal.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has announced that flight testing of Indias Loyal Wingman warrior drone would begin by 2024. The loyal wingman drones will accompany manned Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets. They may be launched from a mother aircraft like the C-130, Jaguar or Su-30 MKI class fighters. They would thereafter be controlled by the fighter through a secure data link. HAL had first displayed a loyal wingman mock-up at their pavilion in Aero India 2021. The indigenous Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) will also have private sector players.

Manned-Unmanned Teaming as a Concept

The maturing of unmanned aerial systems, autonomous operations using artificial intelligence, and more reliable secure data links have made it possible to have a combined mission of manned and unmanned aerial platforms. The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, previously known as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) and the Loyal Wingman project, is a stealth, multirole, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is designed to work as a smart team with existing military aircraft as a force multiplier and complement and extend airborne missions. Without exposing the more expensive manned aircraft to a high-threat environment, the unmanned wingmen could perform Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) or tactical early warning missions, and Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD). The low-cost design allows operators to confidently put it on the front line.

In October 2020, an Apache AH-64E, a Textron Shadow RQ-7BV2 Block 3 tactical UAV and a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range UAV successfully worked together to carry out an air-to-ground missile attack trail. The Franco-German collaboration venture for the Sixth Generation Fighter Aircraft would also include Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) technology.

Many wingmen platforms could be as large as a small fighter, have fighter-like performance, be able to fly long ranges and have large endurance. Integrated sensor packages on board could support many missions. They could even carry weapons. They could fly in a variety of formations and could perform coordinate manoeuvres.

US Loyal Wingman Pushing Ahead

Fielding loyal wingman UAVs is a top priority for the US Air Force (USAF). The experimental stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator is paired with manned aircraft. The aim is to develop cheaper unmanned alternatives to manned aircraft. Valkyrie would escort the F-22 or F-35 during combat missions, and be able to deploy weapons or surveillance systems. Skyborg is a software and hardware package designed to allow a variety of low-cost, loyal wingman UAVs to fly and carry out missions autonomously. A Skyborg-equipped UAV conducted its maiden flight in April 2021. Northrop Grumman Corporation has designed a new autonomous jet fighter aircraft intended to accompany manned combat jets into battle. The Model 437 stealthy jet with over 4,500 km range is a collaboration between Northrop Grumman and aircraft designer Scaled Composites in Mojave, Calif. The drones will fly alongside manned aircraft to help extend the aircrafts sensing range and provide an additional weapons bay. The USAF wants to operationalise unmanned combat aircraft in the fighter category.

More recently, the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) made progress on its Dynetics X-61A Gremlins program, which seeks to deploy and then recover swarms of small, sensor-laden drones, from cargo planes in flight. In October 2021, DARPA flew and successfully recovered in mid-air a small Gremlin drone for the first time using a C-130 to capture the X-61.

Typical Loyal Wingman Operations

Wingman drones could redefine air warfare. Typically, around five UCAVs would be controlled by a single modern manned fighter aircraft. The forward-flying wingmen would broaden the mother aircrafts situational awareness using infrared, electromagnetic, radar or visual sensors. They would also map out the target area, identify the location of radars and air defence systems and clear the corridor for the manned aircraft. The manned aircraft would assess the operational environment and situational awareness and assign tasks to the unmanned aircraft. The physical tactical position of other aircraft in formation would depend on the type of mission.

They could also serve as communications nodes for friendly forces, or conduct electronic warfare operations by jamming enemy radars, communications or other signals. If they are large enough to carry their own armaments, they could carry out their own air-to-air or air-to-ground strikes alongside the manned aircraft, giving the enemy multiple threats to counter. But even without onboard weapons, a swarm of drones could serve as a decoy to befuddle the enemy, sending out false signals that make it difficult for the adversary to differentiate between the manned and unmanned aircraft.

A SEAD and Strike combination could mean the unmanned members could fly nearly 5-7 minutes ahead of the strike. Initial drones will be armed with precision-guided weapons such as air-to-surface missiles or laser-guided bombs. Future versions of the platform will also be able to fire air-to-air missiles to target enemy fighters. Unmanned wingmen could target enemy airfields, army installations, radar sites and enemy surface-to-air missile launchers. A lot of actions would be pre-programmed into the unmanned aircraft. The mother aircraft would be able to make amends. Initially, it may be better that the mother aircraft is a two-seater. Despite AI, total UAV autonomy is still far and has legal issues. MUM-T will combine the strengths and limitations of both the manned and unmanned platforms. Recovery could be aboard the aircraft they are paired with, or on land/water with parachute.

AI and Drone Swarms

UAV Swarming has been possible due to recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), chip technology, and software for robotics, and it has become feasible to design machines exhibiting complex behaviour, achieve mutual coordination and accomplish multiple tasks. Aerial robots can ascend synchronously, communicate with each other in mid-air and create cross-references. Fixed formation group flights and intricate group manoeuvres are possible. The swarm of drones behave and function somewhat like swarms occurring in nature, e.g., honeybee swarms flying in coordination, displaying collective intelligence and each executing a small share of the collective task. Very small drones could weigh 2-3 kg, yet cause a devastating effect if armed, and flown in a swarm of large numbers. Drone swarms can be both remotely operated or fly autonomously. Even a single getting through could be potentially lethal.

Significant Cost and Crew Safety Advantages of MUM-T

Most modern manned fighters cost close to $80 million. Each unmanned wingman is projected to cost under $5 million. The combination will be cheaper, potent and reduce potential casualties. This will also allow better low-risk deeper penetration into highly contested areas. The UAV could fly a much riskier flight profile and do harsh manoeuvres that were restricted in manned aircraft due to physiological limits of the aircrew. A weapon-loaded drone could also do a Kamikaze attack on a very high-value target. Drones will be reusable, but inexpensive enough for the Air Force to afford to lose them in combat. An autonomous drone swarm could be flying independently of the MUM-T for a decoy or independent mission.

Possible Disruptions by Adversary

Counter UAV systems are evolving. These could be through kinetic kill means or electronic jamming or directed energy weapons. The adversary could jam and disrupt the formation communications, and therefore MUM-T will need levels of autonomy that allow the drones to carry out their assigned missions. Also in some contingencies, a protocol of a get home command would have to get automatically generated. Autonomous evasive actions if a threat emerges would need programming. The ethical questions of conducting warfare and potentially killing humans with autonomous devices must still be factored.

China and Russia Pushing Ahead in MUM-T

China is often called the Walmart of small drones. AVIC 601-S is a UAV development program containing a series of Chinese low-observable flying wings. They began with a 2.15 m long Sky Crossbow to gain experience in flying wing design. Sky Crossbows twin-tail was replaced by winglets in the Wind Blade. Once the control laws were mastered in the next design Cloud Bow, the winglets were dispensed with. Finally, the Sharp Sword and Dark Sword were progressed for service induction for reconnaissance and eventually combat missions. Dark Sword has a high emphasis on manoeuvrability which is achieved by adopting canard controls, twin tails and a diverter-less supersonic inlet. Dark Sword allows for loyal wingman or MUM-T with aircraft such as Chengdu J-20.

Russia recently tested its S-70 Okhotnik-B heavy attack drone in an air-to-air combat simulation at the Ashuluk training grounds, an exercise that aimed to assess its compatibility with the Su-57 stealth fighter in an unmanned wingman role.

MUM-T Evolving in India

Indias initial experimentation is being led by HAL with the proposed LCA-based CATS in collaboration with a Bengaluru-based start-up, Newspace Research & Technologies. It will involve a recoverable wingman till the combat radius of 350 km. The range would increase to 800 km for a kamikaze attack on target. The proposal is to have CATS Warrior (CW), CATS Hunter (CH), CATS-Air Launched Flexible Asset (ALFA) and CATS Infinity (CI).

CW autonomous wingman drone would be capable of take-off and landing from land and at sea from an aircraft carrier. It will team up with the existing fighter platforms of the IAF like LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Jaguar which will act like its mothership. It has a composite structure with an internal weapon bay & hybrid design whose front section looks like Boeing Airpower Teaming System wingman and the mid fuselage to its tail like Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie. It will be powered by two modified HAL PTAE-7 or HAL HTFE-25 turbofan engines. The CW will mostly serve as a sensor amplifier, flying ahead of the manned aircraft, using its sensors to feed information back to the mother aircraft. The CW would be equipped with suitable ISR/EW payloads and carry air-to-air missiles or air-to-ground weapons. The CW itself could launch up to 24 ALFA-S swarm drones.

HUNTER will essentially be a wingman that flies like an air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) that carry munitions to a 300 km range. It will use satellite navigation and Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) for guidance and manage autonomous target acquisition. After delivering the payload, CH will be able to return and use its parachute for landing. It could also conduct kamikaze (suicide) missions as it carries around 250 kg of warhead.

ALFA is a system which carries 4 swarm drones inside its container. The container has a range of about 100 km after launch from a combat aircraft. ALFA-S has a 5-8 kg warhead and can fly under its own propulsion and perform autonomous ground-target acquisition and attack. Both the Su 30 MKI and the Jaguar aircraft will be capable of carrying the ALFA-S. The first flight is expected by next year with induction a few years later.

CATS Infinity (CI) drone is to operate at a predetermined position at extremely high altitudes (65,000ft) like a Pseudo Satellite. It would use self-generating power (solar panels) so as to remain aloft for extended periods of time (up to 3 months). It will provide enhanced real-time ISR inputs for deep-strike aerial missions. The first prototype is likely to be completed by 2025.

India must prepare for MUM-T in Contested Environment

For over 20 years, the USAF flew drones like the MQ-9 Reaper in the largely permissive environments of the Middle East and Afghanistan, conducting airstrikes and flying ISR missions. World is now entering a new era where autonomous technologies extend and connect human capabilities across all domains at a small incremental cost. The future wars will be in a greatly contested environment and thus the need for MUM-T. The technologies are fast getting in place. All major air forces are working on MUM-T. Aerial combat is also headed toward this teaming approach.

China has many large UAS under development. Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar Defence has made rapid strides in drone technology and is emerging as a significant player. Iran has a successful drone program. Pakistan is also investing heavily in these relatively cheap force multipliers.

IAFs capability concerns in view of the shortfall in authorised fighter squadrons can also be partly made up through wingman drones, albeit the 42 squadrons will still be required in view of the growing Chinese air threat. The mother-aircraft modification, the wingman drones, and the two-way data link would have to be developed indigenously. The drone sensors such as radar, and electro-optical systems of appropriate size and weight would have to be designed or acquired. The mother-aircraft cockpits would require reconfiguration of the existing cockpit multifunction display and control buttons for passing command instructions to the drones. Many Indian defence start-ups are also working on MUM-T and some are in consultation with HAL. Some important technological breakthroughs would need to be achieved. In view of the leaps China is making in drone swarms and MUM-T, India would have to show urgency and national commitment. It would have to be a collaboration between the public and private sector.

The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed are personal.
Amidst the power tussle between CM Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan Congress, party MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur on Wednesday said if Gehlot publicly announces that he is not a contender for the CM post and will promote young leadership, the party will retain power in the state.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Congress in-charge for Rajasthan Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the Sangod MLA said, If Gehlot ji openly calls a press conference and says that I want to see that the Congress government is repeated in Rajasthan and I am not a contender for the chief ministers post and I will promote the youth, the map will change"

But the attachment (to chair) is more than the intoxication of alcohol," Kundapur was quoted by PTI as saying.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan Hitting Bottom in Progress Due to Gehlots Focus on Saving kursi: Shekhawat

Congress in-charge for Rajasthan Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Wednesday conducted meetings with state ministers and MLAs amid attempts by the partys top brass to broker peace between CM Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot ahead of assembly polls later this year.

Kundanpur further stressed that Gehlot should encourage youths and his son to come forward, adding that when a shopkeeper gets old", the next generation takes over while the elders monitor.

I say firmly what I feel is right. No matter how big and mighty someone is, it does not mean that he cannot make mistakes. People do make mistakes. Wise is the one who accepts after making a mistake. If he does not do so then it reflects ego," he said.

Speaking about Sachin Pilot raising the issue of corruption, Kundanpur said it is in Congress only that leaders can raise an issue and be patiently heard by the party. In the BJP you will be thrown out for speaking," he added.

Reacting to the part MLAs statement on the need for veteran leaders to give way to the youths, Randhawa, said those who make such remarks should set an example. He also added Kundanpur did not mention any such thing to him during the meeting on Wednesday.

Randhawa also asserted that winnability is the criteria for ticket distribution and there is no cut-off age.

We will give tickets to winnable candidates. If there are elderly in our home, do we throw them out saying that they have grown old so move out," he told reporters in Jaipur.
After two failed attempts, the much-awaited opposition meet now seems to be coming together as June 23 was announced as the fresh date on Wednesday evening by JD(U)s Lalan Singh and RJDs Tejashwi Yadav in a joint press conference.

Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh said, After talking to everyone, it is decided that all opposition parties will meet on June 23. The meeting will be held in Patna. The parties will unite against BJP.

Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Uddhav Thackeray (Shivsena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackey), Hemant Soren (JMM), Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), MK Stalin (DMK), D Raja (CPI), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) and Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML) will attend the meeting.

The date was postponed from June 12 because both Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed their inability to attend the meeting then. DMK president Stalin too had conveyed that he would not be able to come on the scheduled date. However, now the leaders have agreed to attend the mega meet in Patna on June 23.

While the Opposition tries to put up a united front, the uncertainty regarding three crucial regional players may throw a spanner in the works. News18 takes a look:

K Chandrasekhar Rao

During the important announcement, the name of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was not taken by both the leaders in the press conference. A highly placed source told CNN-News18 that KCR hasnt made up his mind about joining the one against one bloc since there are differences with Congress. In a public address in Telanganas Nagarkurnool recently, KCR slammed Congress and told people to dump the party in the Bay of Bengal.

Moreover, KCR has occupied himself with the expansion of his Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party in other states. In Maharashtra, BRS has opened its offices in all 288 constituencies and is planning to open regional offices in Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur. The BRS has also planned expansion in Madhya Pradesh. It is also unlikely that KCR will be comfortable with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after his visit to Patna in August last year when KCR told Kumar to sit down as he tried to leave the presser following questions on the Oppositions prime ministerial face. KCR had said: It is too early to say. Let us first sit together. The BRS has nine Lok Sabha and seven Rajya Sabha MPs at present.

Naveen Patnaik

The 76-year-old veteran politician has always been on the fence about supporting the BJP-led NDA or the Congress. In the last few months, Nitish Kumar has held a series of meetings in a bid to bring together opposition parties on a common platform. An attempt was also made on May 9 by the Bihar chief minister but in vain as no politics was discussed in the meeting between him and Patnaik in Bhubaneswar. Ours is a known friendship and we were colleagues many years ago. No discussion was held on any alliances today," Patnaik said after the meeting.

Kumar had said, My relation with his (Patnaiks) father Biju Babu and Naveen ji is very old. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we could not meet. No political discussions were held. We have good relations and there is no need to discuss any politics.

Patnaik has always played safe in the past. Besides, he has no interest in national politics and is happy being the chief minister of Odisha, according to his close aides. The politics of equidistance has always served him well. Amid the Oppositions decision to boycott the inauguration of new Parliament House, Patnaik had announced his participation in the event. BJD has 12 Lok Sabha MPs and nine Rajya Sabha members.

N Chandrababu Naidu

The outcome of the recent Karnataka polls seems to have had a spill-over effect on neighbouring Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Telugu Desam Party chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu flew down to Delhi on June 3 to hold parleys with the top BJP leadership.

Naidus meeting with Amit Shah sparked talks in political circles. It was the first meeting between Naidu and Shah after a bitter parting of ways between the two parties in 2018 when TDP accused the Modi government of showing indifference towards the partys demand for granting special status to Andhra Pradesh.

According to political observers, Naidu is trying to get into an alliance with the BJP as he finds difficult to stand against the YSRCP and chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who is very popular in the state.

It will hence be uncertain for Naidu to attend a united opposition meeting at a time when he is trying to gain the confidence of the BJP. TDP has one Rajya Sabha member and three in Lok Sabha.
Before and after the Karnataka assembly elections, Rahul Gandhis core message to the electors was in the form of five guarantees. These guarantees included 200 units of free electricity to every household every month, 10 kilograms of free rice to every Below Poverty Line (BPL) family member, free bus travel for women, Rs 2,000 to women heads of families, and unemployment allowance to graduates and diploma holders for two years.

Freebies are a captivating electoral tool and the Congress used it to sharpen its poll management, riding high on the anti-incumbency sentiments against the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government. It was the thrust of Rahul Gandhis messages.

On April 16, 2023, while holding his first rally after elections were announced in the state, he said that these five guarantees will be implemented on the very first day in the first cabinet meeting itself if the Congress is voted to power.

Two days before the elections on May 10, Rahul again tweeted, Five guarantees for Karnatakas progress - first day, first cabinet meeting.

After the Congresss spectacular victory on May 13, Rahul thanked the people of Karnataka for believing in the partys campaign, its promises, and the opportunity given. After an impressive win, now came the difficult time for the party to implement these guarantees, with less than a year left to the next Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress government under Siddaramaiah took oath on May 20. Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar was made deputy chief minister. Eight senior MLAs were made cabinet ministers without portfolios. After the government formation, Rahul said the five guarantees will be converted into law in the next two hours. We do not make false assurances. We follow through with our words. The first cabinet meeting of the new government will take place in one to two hours. With that meeting all five guarantees will become laws," he said.

The first cabinet meeting after the government formation the same day gave in-principle approval to implement all these five guarantees but could not convert them into laws. The CM sought time till the next cabinet meeting. Financial implications and mode of operations were to be discussed to implement the five guarantees, it was said.

When Siddaramaiah was asked why all this was not considered while announcing these promises to the electorate, he assured his governments intent to move ahead and implement them. Expecting the promises to cost Rs 50,000 crore a year, the CM said it should not be a problem in a state with a budget of Rs 3 lakh crore.

A calculation with empirical data available for the state shows three of these five guaranteesfree power, Rs 2,000 to the woman head of every family, and unemployment allowance to graduates and diploma holderswere expected to cost a whopping Rs 54,000 crore. Add free food grain and free bus rides for women, and it would go up even further, to around Rs 60,000 crore, though the final cost of these five guarantees can only be known once they are out and operational.

On May 27, two more ministers took oath, taking the total ministerial count to 32, along with the chief minister and the deputy chief minister. The portfolios were announced on May 28.

The second cabinet meeting happened on June 2, when the Siddaramaiah government approved all the promised five guarantees. He assured the state of fulfilling the guarantees within this financial year only. The free power and 10 kg food grains to BPL families schemes will be launched on July 1. The guarantee to give Rs 2,000 to the women heads of families will be launched on August 15. Members from BPL, APL, and Antyodaya card holder families will be eligible for it. Women can avail of free bus rides from June 11 but only on non-AC buses and within Karnataka.

On June 3, a government order was issued for unemployment allowance to graduates and diploma holders. Passed out in 2023 but six months without a job will make a youth eligible. An unemployed graduate will get Rs 3,000 every month for two years while for an unemployed diploma holder, it is Rs 1,500 every month.

It took the Siddaramaiah government 12 days to approve these guarantees. One was launched after 13 days of government formation, another one will be launched on June 11 or after 21 days, the third and fourth ones after 41 days, and the fifth one after 86 days.

The reason the state Congress government has quickly moved to implement four of the five promises is future electoral compulsions.

India will see four big assembly elections later this year, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. The Congress is a key player in these states with its governments in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The assembly elections will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections after some months. The Congress is trying to form a coalition to outdo the BJP and the party has, time and again, indicated that Rahul Gandhi is its prime-ministerial candidate.

To make its electoral road ahead smoother, Karnataka will work as a primer for the Congress. Otherwise, just like there was the anti-incumbency wave against the previous BJP government in the state, there can be similar sentiments against the Congress in states it rules, and this will be a factor not only in the upcoming assembly polls but also in the Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP has done exceedingly well in assembly and Lok Sabha elections since 2014, breaking the jinx in states like Uttar Pradesh and retaining its governments in Gujarat, Assam, and Uttarakhand. Good governance can be the only way forward for the Congress even if it is through the implementation of freebies that are expected to hurt the countrys financial health in the long term.
The Congress high command on Thursday reprimanded Karnataka Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh for his views on the anti-cow slaughter" law in the state and asked him to stay within his limits".

Venkatesh on Saturday had indicated that the Congress government in Karnataka might review the anti-cow slaughter law brought in by the previous BJP dispensation, as he questioned why there was an exception for cows when buffaloes can be slaughtered.

Talking to reporters, Congress general secretary in-charge for Karnataka Randeep Surjewala said he has been told to focus on the welfare of dairy farmers and ensuring they get good prices for milk.

The minister has been told to focus on the work under his ministry and not decide on a policy that does not come under his purview. He has been asked to stay within his limits," he said.

Venkatesh had also said that the state government will discuss and take a decision in the matter.

We have not decided yet. The previous BJP government had brought in a Bill, and in that they have allowed slaughter of buffaloes and male buffaloes, but have said cow slaughter should not be done. We will discuss it and decide," he had said.

The Karnataka minister had said, When buffaloes and male buffaloes can be slaughtered, why not cows? This question will naturally arisewe will discuss and take a decision. No discussion has happened in this regard yet." The BJP had taken a swipe at the Congress on Tuesday, asking if it wants to begin its term in Karnataka with a nod to cow slaughter.

BJP leader and Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Parshottam Rupala had said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Sonia Gandhi should speak on the issue.

Do they (Congress) want their government to start its tenure with cow slaughter," Rupala said, asking Kharge and Gandhi to clarify their stand.
Taha International Company for Industrial Services has announced a game-changing agreement with top South Korean company Hwarim Tech that will help strengthen and expand the cooperation between the two companies within the realm of aluminium processing.

A multi-discipline solutions provider with corporate office in Netherlands, Taha is a specialist in innovative, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective services and offers key equipment and products to the aluminium and steel industries worldwide.

Since 2014, Taha has been providing metal recovery services to Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the worlds largest single site aluminium smelter ex China.

The scope of the partnership encompasses various areas, including boosting technology trade deal of Industry Dust & Gas Extractor System, and aluminium dross treatment system and know-how support & knowledge.

As per the agreement, Taha will supply the Korean company with secondary aluminum materials. The purpose behind this collaboration is to leverage innovative methodologies that promote sustainability and environmental preservation, specifically through the extraction of aluminum metal.

This collaboration is aimed at fostering the exchange of invaluable experiences and knowledge, facilitating the development of investment opportunities and joint cooperation in projects related to the enhancement of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and the exploration of innovative technologies and methodologies within the field of aluminum.

The agreement was signed during the recent visit of a Bahraini trade delegation led by Minister of Industry and Trade, Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, to South Korea.

Taha said that the primary objective of the visit was to foster stronger bilateral investments between the two friendly nations, thus aligning with the economic recovery plan.

This initiative received valuable support from Export Bahrain, further enhancing the prospects of mutual growth and prosperity.

The strategic collaboration aligns with the objectives of Taha International in promoting sustainable development within the aluminum industry and transitioning towards a greener economy, said its top official.

"This signifies our commitment to bolster trade cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and South Korea in the aluminum sector, with a particular focus on advancing aluminum processing technologies," remarked its CEO Ammar Awachi.

"The aim is to foster stronger ties and strategic partnerships between the Bahraini and South Korean aluminum industries, while capitalizing on the South Korean counterparts cutting-edge technologies," he stated.

Under this partnership, the two companies will join forces to offer comprehensive solutions to enterprises operating within the aluminum sector.

"Leveraging our existing economic and trade relations, we intend to establish enduring partnerships and initiatives that facilitate fruitful collaboration and pave the way for future growth plans," he added.

These solutions will revolve around employing cutting-edge technologies to effectively treat aluminum dross and extract aluminum metal in a manner that is both environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

Lauding the collaboration, Awachi said: "Our commitment remains steadfast in exporting our services and products to global markets, while fostering continuous cooperation to drive innovation, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and shape global trends in the utilization of aluminum metal."

"We commend Export Bahrain for their active role in creating a conducive environment for private sector institutions, enabling them to thrive, prosper, and expand their operations," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A man accused of conspiring to smuggle people from Mexico across the U.S-Canada border and through North Dakota has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to 1 1 years in federal prison.

Rodolfo Arzola-Carrillo, 39, a Mexican national living in Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court in Fargo on Wednesday to a charge of conspiracy to transport unauthorized aliens. U.S. District Chief Judge Peter Welte sentenced him to one year of supervised release following his prison time.

Arzola-Carrillo last November "conspired, coordinated and partially carried out" the smuggling of seven people who did not have legal permission to cross the border, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The group included children ages 4 and 9. The plan fell apart due to cold and snow, and the group ended up seeking assistance from the Pembina County Sheriffs Office, which supplied aid and then alerted U.S. Border Patrol.

Co-defendant Ernesto Falcon Jr., also from Georgia, is set for a change-of-plea and sentence hearing on Aug. 21.

As this case and others have shown, attempting to smuggle human beings across the northern border is not just illegal and exploitative, it is also a threat to human life, said Mac Schneider, U.S. attorney for North Dakota. The U.S. Attorneys office will continue working with the U.S. Border Patrol and our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement to hold smugglers accountable, maintain the rule of law and keep people safe.

The incident happened about 10 months after a family of four from India was found frozen to death in Manitoba about 40 feet from the U.S.-Canada border. Investigators believe the family planned to illegally cross into the U.S.

Human smuggling can be very dangerous and Im glad that this came to a successful law enforcement resolution," Chief Patrol Agent Scott Garrett said of the November incident. "Anyone who puts their lives in the hands of a smuggler is putting their life and the lives of their family at risk.
In its ongoing tussle with Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi, the ruling DMK got support from an unlikely quarter  political rival AIADMK also criticised Ravis interference in government work.

On Thursday, former AIADMK minister Sellur Raju hit out at the governor for speaking against the state government. We cannot accept certain views of the governor. At times, the governor speaks like a political representative, he said, adding that the war of words between the government and governor will affect the work for people.

State higher education minister K Ponmudi accused the governor of delaying the convocation at different state universities. It is because of the governor, we could not hold the convocation in universities. Due to this, more than 9,29,542 students are waiting to get their degrees, he said.

He added: It is only in Anna University we have had the convocation and all other universities are waiting for the governor to give a date.

Ponmudi said the state government was always ready to hold convocations at all universities. Many students from government schools had applied to engineering colleges in the state, he added.

Counselling will begin from July 2 for admission to engineering colleges and, this year, 18,600 more students have applied for seats in engineering colleges, he said.

The minister said the Raj Bhavan was trying to invite union ministers for the convocations. It is because the ministers are not able to give dates, the convocations are being delayed and only the governor can reply to this delay, he said.

Former AIADMK minister D Jayakumar said students were affected due to the fight between the state government and the governor. Ravi, in recent times, has criticised the state government. Speaking to vice-chancellors of universities in Ooty recently, he said it was not possible to woo investments by just visiting different countries. This statement came after chief minister MK Stalin visited Singapore and Japan where he signed agreements with investors.

Replying to the governors view, Stalin had said anyone could say anything about Tamil Nadu but the state will always be on top.

The DMKs mouthpiece, Murasoli, on Thursday wanted the governor to come out and face the party politically. The governor must not hide in his post and criticise the state governments good work, it said.
Google on Wednesday announced that it is launching new partnerships to provide financial grants and training to nearly 1,000 local publications across the United States.

In a statement, Google said it also plans to roll out new features to help users discover local stories.

This funding will help local publishers overcome tech challenges, and create strategies and tactics for driving audience growth, individual giving and sponsorship revenue," Chris Jansen, Head of Local News, Global Partnerships, said in a blog post.

Today, @Google is announcing new initiatives to invest in local news organizations across the U.S., supporting the vital role local news plays in our communities. Learn more: https://t.co/8Kesr6V2yX (1/4) Google News Initiative (@GoogleNewsInit) June 8, 2023

This announcement builds on other Google News Initiative (GNI) programs that the company said have helped participants see an over 50 percent increase in digital advertising revenue year over year after they participated in a three-month training program.

It said that GNI programs have helped nonprofit newsrooms see a 87 percent increase in sponsorship revenue, 75 percent increase in ad revenue and 41 percent in event revenue.

Additionally, Google said it will soon launch News Showcase in the US, in partnership with more than 150 news publications, 90 percent of them local or regional.

Were also announcing today that were updating the Following tab on Google News to help local publications surface more frequently on Google News and give readers an easier way to find the news that matters to them, the statement added.
Meta Verified, the subscription service from Metawhich gets you a verified blue checkmark and a host of other benefits, including added account protectionfor a monthly fee, is now available for Indian users.

Available at Rs 699 for iOS and Android users, Meta Verified will authenticate accounts using a government ID proof, instead of having notability as a factor.

The company is also planning to introduce a Rs 599 price tag for web users soon.

Of course, the primary incentive for people to subscribe is the coveted blue tick, which, at this point, has become aspirational. According to Meta, users will now get more protection from impersonation with proactive account monitoring for impersonators who might target people with growing online audiences.

The currently verified users in the countrywho got verified for being notablewill get to retain their checkmarks for free, unlike Twitter, which removed all legacy checkmarks and asked users to pay for Twitter Blue at Rs 900/monthly if they want a checkmark. And, to get the checkmarks, notably, Meta is asking users Rs 300 less in comparison to Twitterand that may appear as more appealing to most Indian users.

The support is currently only limited to English users, but the company has claimed that Hindi users will be getting the support in the coming months as well.

We want to build a subscription offering thats valuable to everyone, including creators, businesses, and our community at large. As part of this vision, we are evolving the meaning of verified accounts on our apps," said the company.

What Do You Need To Get Verified: Who Is Eligible, Requirements And More

Firstly, in order to be eligible to subscribe to the Meta Verified service, users will need to be at least 18 years or older and have a government-issued ID card, such as Aadhar Card or a driving license.

Applicants are then required to submit a government ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account theyre applying for, the company added.

At this point, only individuals can get verified, and not businesses.
Einstein supposedly once said that if you cant explain something simply, you dont understand it well enough. The American start-up Antimatter has put its own spin on this premise to help students with their revision. It offers to help them learn their subjects better by making them into memes.

Memes are humorous or ironic takes on a subject based on a photo, a quote, a GIF or a video excerpt little known to the general public. These communication tools, synonymous with internet culture, are often the preserve of a limited audience of web users who pride themselves on their meme expertise. In many ways, memes are insider jokes: you need a good understanding of the things they reference to find them entertaining.

It is precisely this intimate knowledge of the subject that Antimatter draws on to help students with their revision. The American start-up lets them create memes on the theme of their choice and post them on its platform to encourage the sharing of academic knowledge. To be able to shitpost, you have to understand the subject matter really well," Antimatter founder and CEO, Jonathan Libov, told TechCrunch. In a sense, shitposting is the highest form of consciousness."

The memes available on the Antimatter site are themed on a multitude of school subjects, from mathematics and physics to history and literature. One of them uses an image of Bender, the feisty robot from the TV series Futurama," to allude to the fact that the god Zeus often entrusted critically important tasks to other characters in Greek mythology, including Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus. Another meme refers to the love triangle involving the British art critic John Ruskin, his wife Effie Gray and the Pre-Raphaelite painter John Everett Millais.

While Antimatter describes itself as a revision aid, the company insists that these memes do not absolve students from serious study and revision work. You cant learn from the meme alone, right? You learn from the discussion of the meme," Jonathan Libov told TechCrunch. Its the discussion during that review session when all of the learning really happens, when people are looking at each others memes and explaining what they created."

And the start-up doesnt intend to limit itself to memes and students. Its aim is to offer other formats  including puzzles  to companies, in order to give a fresh twist to the traditional PowerPoint presentations that characterize office life. Its recent $2 million funding round should help it achieve this goal.
A Danish adventurer, Thor Pedersen, has accomplished an extraordinary feat by becoming the first person to travel to every country in the world without flying, at least he claims to be. Embarking on his ambitious mission in October 2013, Pedersen anticipated it would take four years to achieve. After an incredible 3,512-day adventure, he reached his 203rd and final country, the Maldives, aboard a container ship. This monumental achievement places Pedersen among the 150 most-travelled individuals globally.

According to ABC, Thor Pedersens journey goes beyond the official list of 195 countries recognised by the United Nations (UN). Pedersen has also included disputed territories, which has expanded his total count to 203 countries. Throughout his extraordinary adventure, Pedersen ensured to spend a minimum of 24 hours in each country, relying on various modes of transportation such as buses, trains, boats and even container ships.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thor / (@onceuponasaga)

Unlike other travellers who have visited various countries using planes or by breaking up the journey with flights back home, Thor Pedersen completed this feat entirely without flying.

This is something which has never been done before, so it has been hard to foresee everything that would be coming my way. I am proud that I never gave up throughout all of this. I am proud that I was able to show the strength that was required, Pedersen said.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to Pedersen, causing him to be stranded in Hong Kong for two years. Uncertainty surrounding the virus and the evolving danger made him consider abandoning the project. However, during this pause in his plans, he found support from his long-term girlfriend, Le. Interestingly, the couple decided to get married, with Le visiting an impressive 26 times during his global expedition.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thor / (@onceuponasaga)

With a budget of only $20 (approximately Rs 1500) a day, Thor Pedersen financed his journey through personal savings, corporate sponsorships and crowdfunding. Along the way, numerous people joined him on social media, eagerly following his extraordinary journey.

Every time I look at a world map now or a spinning globe, Ill look at it and Ill think, theres someone kind and helpful in each and every one of those countries, and I came across them  and what are the odds of that?" he said.

Thor Pedersen has been tirelessly documenting his experiences and plans to release a feature-length documentary that captures his adventure. Additionally, Pedersen will also publish a book, allowing his followers to delve deeper into his travels.
President Joe Biden voiced confidence Thursday that the United States would provide long-term military support to Ukraine, despite hesitation among some lawmakers in the rival Republican Party.

The fact of the matter is that I believe well have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes," Biden told a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Prince Harry accused a tabloid publisher of industrial scale" phone hacking as he wrapped up almost eight hours of court testimony on Wednesday, becoming the first British royal in over a century to take to the witness stand.

The younger son of King Charles III appeared emotional as he came to the end of his two days cross-examination by a lawyer for Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which publishes The Mirror, Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People.

Its a lot," the 38-year-old prince replied in a barely audible voice after his own lawyer David Sherborne asked him how having to relive upsetting episodes of his life in court had made him feel.

Harry and several other claimants allege the titles engaged in illegal information gathering", including intercepting phone voicemails, to write dozens of stories about him.

I believe phone hacking was at an industrial scale across at least three of its (MGNs) papers and that is beyond doubt," Harry said under renewed questioning by MGN lawyer Andrew Green.

If that was not accepted by the court, he added, I would feel some injustice".

Pressed on why he was singling out MGN, Harry said he believes alleged hacking elsewhere was on a lesser scale and that it started at Mirror group".

He also revealed that part of the motivation for the lawsuit was a desire to do something about the hate that was coming towards me and my wife" in recent years.

All made sense

The last time a royal gave evidence in court was in the 1890s when the future king Edward VII took the stand in a slander trial.

Harry  fifth in line to the throne  has rarely been far from the headlines since quitting royal life in 2020 and relocating to California with his American wife Meghan.

The Duke of Sussex, as he is also known, has launched legal action against several tabloid media groups, alongside barrages of attacks aimed at his family and the monarchy.

In a rarity for a British royal, who normally steer clear of politics, he also hit out at the government during Tuesdays proceedings.

In a lengthy written witness statement, the prince said media intrusion had blighted his life while claiming the state of both the press and government were at rock bottom".

In the witness box and after swearing an oath on the Bible, Harry argued he had been the victim of relentless and distressing media intrusion virtually his entire life.

Some media had blood on their hands, he argued, and said stories written about him had made him paranoid and untrusting in friendships and relationships.

When the practice of phone-hacking came to light, it all made sense", he told the court.

Harry described a sense of being besieged by the media during a trip to Argentina when very aggressive paparazzi" surrounded the ranch where he was staying and local police said the only way to get rid of them would be to pay them off.

He said it became clear that it would be difficult to leave without being chased or swarmed by these individuals".

Land of speculation

MGN has admitted to some evidence" of unlawful information gathering, including for a story about Harry.

But it has denied voicemail interception and also argued that some claims were brought too late by Harry and the other claimants.

In court, the prince faced questions about various aspects of the 33 tabloid stories being considered, covering everything from ex-girlfriends and rumours that army officer James Hewitt was his father, to royal family relations.

Harry admitted that he had no recollection of reading the majority of the articles, which date back over the last 20 years.

He has long had a turbulent relationship with the press and holds the media responsible for the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a 1997 Paris car crash while being pursued by paparazzi.

Allegations that tabloid journalists hacked into celebrities mobile phones first emerged two decades ago and prompted a public inquiry.

It found British newspapers had wreaked havoc with the lives of innocent people", and led to the closure of Britains top-selling newspaper, the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World in 2011.

But MGN lawyer Green suggested Harry was in the land of total speculation" by accusing the publisher of using hacked voicemails for its stories.

Not at all I disagree," the prince responded.
EU nations on Thursday reached agreement on a long-stalled revision of the blocs rules to share the hosting of asylum seekers and migrants more equitably.

Sweden, which holds the blocs rotating presidency, announced the breakthrough after a fraught day of negotiations between EU interior ministers in Luxembourg.

The deal  which needed approval from a majority of countries representing at least 65 percent of the blocs population  comes after years of wrangling over asylum policy.

European interior affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson hailed a hugely significant step" for the EU on migration.

These are not easy decisions for everyone around the table, but they are historic decisions," said German interior minister Nancy Faeser.

The proposal tabled at the meeting called for compulsory help between EU countries, but with an option of doing that in one of two ways.

The priority is for EU countries to share the hosting of asylum-seekers, taking in many that arrive in nations on the blocs outer rim, mainly Greece and Italy.

The agreement said nations that refuse would instead be required to pay a sum of 20,000 euros ($21,000) per person into a fund managed by Brussels.

Poland and Hungary voted against the proposals, while Bulgaria, Malta, Lithuania and Slovakia abstained.

The preliminary agreement opens the way for negotiations with the European Parliament on legislation that could be adopted before European elections in June next year.

Parliament president Roberta Metsola said lawmakers were ready to start negotiations immediately to reach a deal".

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said he was happy that all my proposals" were accepted.

Italy will not be the reception centre of migrants on behalf of Europe," he said.

- Good balance -

The difficult reform has jumped up the blocs agenda as the number of asylum seekers rises, after a pause caused by travel curbs during the Covid pandemic.

The European Commission  haunted by the migrant crisis of 2015  put forward its suggestion for a new migration and asylum pact in 2020 based on a quota system.

But that plan quickly hit the buffers after refusals from Hungary, Poland and other countries that objected to any requirement to take them in.

Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency until the end of this month, presented two compromise texts: one that called for the hosting-or-cash approach by all member states, and the other on asylum procedures on the EUs external borders.

That second text obliges member states to put in place fast-track procedures at the borders for arrivals from countries deemed as safe in order to facilitate their return.

These files constitute the two main pillars of the reform of the EU asylum system and is key to a good balance between responsibility and solidarity," the Swedish presidency tweeted.

Belgian Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor said migrants who statistically had less chance of getting refugee status included citizens from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Bangladesh and Pakistan".

But Oxfam, a charity that aids refugees, has criticised the direction of the talks as EU countries take harsher steps to stem asylum seekers.

It argued prior to the final negotiations that the proposals will not fix the chronic deficiencies in the EU asylum system".

Instead, they signal the EUs desire to barricade Europe from asylum seekers," Oxfam said.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan got bail on Thursday from the Islamabad High Court over new murder charges, granting him relief from arrest in that case for 14 days, his lawyer said.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader interacted with the media in the courtroom. I am sure they will try me in military courts, he said. I believe the military courts have been set up for me.

Cases have been piling up against the ousted PM, even as he has secured bail in several of them.

If military courts are going to be operational for civilians, it means that theres an end to democracy and an end to the judicial system in Pakistan, he told the media.

I am only afraid of Allah and I will not bow down in front of anyone else, Khan said.

He also hit out at former Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa as he hatched a conspiracy against me.

I have complete trust in the courts but I know they are threatening the judges too, said Imran Khan. I will fight till the lastMy appeal to the nation is that its time to stand  stand for your rights.
Pakistans former prime minister Imran Khan has been booked under the anti-terrorism law in the murder case of a supreme court lawyer, his party said on Wednesday.

Advocate Abdul Razzaq Shar was killed on Tuesday in a drive-by shooting in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, while on his way to the provincial high court when targeted by the unknown assailants.

Shars son Siraj Ahmad registered a case on Tuesday, accusing in his FIR that his father was killed at the behest of Khan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf: party chairman.

The PTI party, in a WhatsApp message, confirmed that Khan, 70, was named in the FIR lodged at the Shaheed Jamil Kakar police station of the city.

According to the copy of the FIR shared by the party, the complainant told police that his father had registered a case against Khan and he was receiving threats. I name Imran Khan in the FIR because threats were being given to my father at his behest, he said.

Shar had filed a constitutional petition against Khan and former deputy speaker Qasim Suri in the Balochistan High Court for proceedings under Article 6 that pertained to high treason for illegally dissolving the National Assembly in April 2022 after the joint opposition had moved a no-trust motion against the PTI government.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs aide Attaullah Tarar had alleged that Shar was killed at the behest of Khan to evade accountability in a treason case.

PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan rejected the claim and instead accused Prime Minister Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah of planning the murder.

Separately, a case of fraud was filed against Khan at Islamabads Kohsar Police Station on June 6 for presenting fake receipts to buy Toshakhana gifts.

Khans wife Bushra Bibi and his former aides Shahzad Akbar and Zulfi Bukhari, and a friend of Bibi, Farah Gogi, have been named in the case.

The complainant, a local watch dealer, stated that Khan used fake receipts from his shop to buy and sell the Toshakhana watch.

Khan has already been disqualified in the Toshakhana case by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which also filed a criminal case against him in a district court where the PTI leader had already been indicted.

The case is based on allegations that he sold gifts, including an expensive watch, he received from foreign dignitaries and failed to declare the profit with the ECP.

Khan is facing over 100 cases across the country since he was ousted from power in April last year.
Doug Burgum will continue to execute his full duties as North Dakota governor and receive his full pay as he campaigns for the White House, his office spokesman says.

Burgum on Wednesday made official his plans to seek the GOP nomination to run for president against the presumed Democratic candidate, President Joe Biden. Burgum will campaign Thursday and Friday in Iowa, and Saturday and Sunday in New Hampshire -- two states of critical early importance in the Republican nomination process.

"As he does whenever hes out of state (such as for meetings of the National Governors Association, Republican Governors Association, Western Governors Association etc.), Gov. Burgum will work remotely, communicating with team members, Cabinet officials and others as he makes decisions in the best interest of the state and its citizens," spokesman Mike Nowatzki said in a statement to the Tribune. "He will continue to fulfill his constitutional obligations, including chairing the Industrial Commission and Land Board."

Nowatzki also said Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller will continue with her normal duties. He indicated she would not step in to take charge even if an emergency arose while Burgum was away.

"The governor is able to work remotely. He has spent the last 6  years being accessible as governor whenever emergencies have arisen, regardless of his location," Nowatzki said. "And he can always travel back to the state if needed, just as he could if he were out of state for any other reason."

The North Dakota Highway Patrol provides security for Burgum as governor. Nowatzki declined to say whether Patrol officers would accompany Burgum to campaign events at taxpayer expense, citing policy that the office does not discuss security.

State law says the Patrol shall "provide security and protection for the governor ... to the extent and in a manner the governor and the (Patrol) superintendent deem adequate and appropriate."

Nowatzki referred a question about how Burgum will travel to campaign events to his campaign staff, which did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment.

Cowboy techie?

Burgum's first campaign video and his website at dougburgum.com have a Western theme, showing Burgum on horseback, wearing chaps, fixing fence, sitting around a campfire and roping cattle. But it also portrays him as someone with "world-class" business skills who turned a small software company in a rural state into a billion-dollar business.

University of North Dakota political science professor Mark Jendrysik said the disparate portraits aren't necessarily incompatible. He noted that Burgum is relatively unknown outside of the state and is trying to build recognition.

"The rugged Western image is very popular; it's always been popular," he said. "This is a traditional thing. He's presenting himself as a man of the West from humble roots."

Jendrysik believes consultants might have advised Burgum that a techie image "would turn people off." He also said Burgum has a lot of work ahead "defining himself."

Burgum so far has not waded into the divisive politics that have plagued the Republican Party under Donald Trump, but Jendrysik isn't sure he can avoid it as the campaign progresses.

"If you look at the primary electorate for the Republicans, a lot of those people want the culture wars, they want the flame throwers, they want that sort of thing," he said. "Positioning himself as a calm, confident business voice, I think is a bit out of step."

Jendrysik said culture war themes have led to the rise of Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis -- the two frontrunners for the GOP nomination. For Burgum, "I think it's a bit of hard row to hoe to present yourself as Mitt Romney 2.0," he said, referring to a former GOP presidential nominee who unsuccessfully leaned heavily on his business acumen.

But Jendrysik also thinks that Burgum believes he can succeed and isn't running for other reasons, such as to try to land a Cabinet post in any future Republican administration.

"It's a real long shot, but I don't think anyone announces for president if they don't think they can win," Jendrysik said, adding that "There are a lot less expensive and arduous ways to get a Cabinet post than to run for president. I think he's serious."

Detractors denounce

Not everyone in North Dakota greeted Burgum's announcement with cheers.

The state Democratic-NPL Party issued a scathing statement saying, "The last thing the country needs is another bored billionaire whose need for attention is greater than his commitment to the American people as the president of the greatest country in the world. Burgums presidential campaign will be short, but the harm he has done to North Dakotans will last generations.

Party Chairman Adam Goldwyn said many Democrats were relieved in June 2016 when Burgum defeated "the good ole boys" in the GOP primary election, "thinking hed bring fresh air to the Capitol."

"So it was with great disappointment to watch how Burgums ambition to become president and his need to win a Republican primary fueled by hate and fear has resulted in policies that have taken away the rights and freedoms of North Dakotans," Goldwyn said, referencing Burgum signing bills during the 2023 Legislature that revised the states near total ban on abortion and banned some books from public libraries childrens collections.

Burgum vetoed some other culture war bills, including one that had potential criminal penalties for librarians. But he signed others restricting transgender rights.

Burgum told the Tribune earlier this spring that with a Republican supermajority in the Legislature increasing the odds of veto override votes, he had to "pick his spots" on vetoes and that his approach was "not through a political lens but "through a policy lens, and a policy in terms of whats the right thing for all of North Dakota.

Planned Parenthood issued a statement Wednesday drawing attention to Burgum's signature on the abortion bill and his approval of legislation criminalizing gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

"(Burgum) cannot be trusted with the health care of North Dakotans, let alone the health and well-being of all people in our country," Planned Parenthood State Director Katie Christensen said. "I want to warn everyone -- Burgum's extreme agenda has decimated health care in North Dakota. He will bring his same agenda to D.C. if given the chance.

The North Dakota Republican Party didn't immediately issue a statement or respond to a Tribune request for comment on Burgum's campaign.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is likely to be tried under Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act in a military court for his alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents in which military and state installations were attacked by his party workers, top Pakistan military sources told News18.

The decision was reportedly taken in a meeting chaired by Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the top brass discussed purported evidence against Khan, including how targets for the attack were allegedly selected at his residence on May 8.

The militarys top brass has said that unfounded and baseless allegations against security forces are aimed at misleading the people and maligning armed forces. Its time to fix and tighten up the noose of law around masterminds who rebelled against state, the top military brass vowed, a source told News18.

The source confirmed that the military has collected concrete evidences and taken testimonies from detained military officers who helped PTI workers and politicians on May 9.

The source added that the targets were selected on May 8 at Imran Khans residence in Lahores Zaman Park. The meeting was chaired by party chairman Imran Khan and attended by PTI politicians Yasmeen Rashid, Hammad Azhar, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Mian Mehmood Rasheed, the source said.

The trial of people involved in the attacks on military installations in different parts of the country, including the attack on General Headquarters in Rawalpindi as well as Lahores Jinnah House where the Corps Commander was residing, has already begun.

Imran Khan has denied his involvement in the violence, saying he was in jail when the incidents took place. He has said that the establishment plans to keep him in jail for 10 years in a sedition case.

On May 9, violent protests erupted after the arrest of Khan by paramilitary Rangers in Islamabad. His party workers vandalised over 20 military installations and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. Khan was later released on bail.

The violence elicited a strong reaction from the government and military with vows of taking action against the culprits, leading to an ongoing crackdown against those involved.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested over 10,000 workers of Khans Pakistan party across Pakistan, 4,000 of them from Punjab. Police put the death toll in violent clashes to 10 while Khans party claims 40 of its workers lost their lives in the firing by security personnel.

The Punjab Police had previously claimed, citing a geo-fencing report, that Khan and his close aides allegedly coordinated efforts to storm the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander and other buildings.
Appalled by an event that celebrated" assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Canadian high commissioner Cameron MacKay on Thursday said that there is no place in his country for hate or for the glorification of violence. He added that he categorically condemns" these activities.

The Canadian high commissioners remarks came after a video emerged on social media showing a float depicting the assassination of late PM Indira Gandhi. The float was reportedly part of a 5-km long parade taken out by supporters of Khalistan in Canadas Brampton.

I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities. Cameron MacKay (@HCCanInd) June 7, 2023

Reports stated that parade was held on June 4, two days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star. While News18 cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video, the clip drew reaction from people on social media as they condemned the march.

Does it help Canada's 'Indo-Pacific strategy'? A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it! pic.twitter.com/rBFn7vMKyz Balraj Deol (@BalrajDeol4) June 6, 2023

While a Twitter user commented that the parade is more of reflection of Pakistani Sikh agenda as they are deprived of lot of benefits", others called it shocking at many levels". Another user said, Disgusting. Canada as well the Indians there should know this is completely unacceptable & wont do them any good in any way."

The Operation Bluestar was a military operation carried out in 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple. Indira Gandhis grandson, Rahul Gandhi, was recently heckled by a group of Khalistani supporters during his visit to the United States.

Gandhi was speaking at the Mohabbat Ki Dukaan event organised by Indian Overseas Congress USA in Santa Clara when some people from the audience started raising slogans against him and the Gandhi family in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

An unperturbed Gandhi smiled in response to sloganeering and said: Welcome, welcome  nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukan". The 52-year-old former Congress president then joined his supporters in the audience and responded with Bharat Jodo slogans.

On the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar on June 6, pro-Khalistan slogans were also raised on the Golden Temple premises by supporters and activists of radical Sikh outfits.

The slogans of Khalistan Zindabad were raised by activists of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) led by MP Simranjit Singh Mann and his associate former MP Dhian Singh Mand at the Akal Takht. Mann was also present on the spot.

Radical Sikh outfit Dal Khalsas activists were seen holding placards bearing portraits of slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhidnrawale and raising pro-Khalistan slogans. Hundreds of Sikh youths, led by the Dal Khalsa, were carrying Khalistani flags and photographs of damaged Akal Takht.
A baby took a seat in the Italian parliament for the first time ever on Wednesday, when lawmaker Gilda Sportiello breastfed her son Federico in the Chamber of Deputies, triggering a round of applause from fellow members.

The event would be more commonplace in many countries, but was underlined by the acting lower-house speaker in traditionally male-dominated Italy.

Its the first time, with the backing of all parties. Best wishes to Federico for a long, free, and peaceful life," said Giorgio Mule as he chaired the parliamentary session.

Now well speak quietly."

Fa il suo esordio in aula il piccolo, piccolissimo, figlio Federico, della nostra collega Sportiello: e per la prima volta, con lunita dei Gruppi, in aula con noiLannuncio in Aula alla #Camera il presidente di turno #GiorgioMule provoca gli applausi di tutti i deputati pic.twitter.com/sI8ZqvJhiv  Fanpage.it (@fanpage) June 7, 2023

In November last year a parliamentary rules panel gave the go-ahead to women lawmakers to enter the chamber with their children and breastfeed them up to the age of one.

Too many women stop breastfeeding ahead of time, not by choice, but rather because they are forced to return to the workplace," said Sportiello, from the left-leaning 5-Star Movement.

Giorgia Meloni took office in October as Italys first woman prime minister, but around two-thirds of the countrys lawmakers are men.

While the event on Wednesday was a first for Italy, 13 years ago Licia Ronzulli, now a senator in the centre-right Forza Italia party, breastfed her daughter in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Pat Robertson, the soft-spoken televangelist who helped make Americas Christians a powerful political force while demonizing liberals, feminists and gays as sinners, died Thursday at the age of 93, his organization announced.

The longtime host of The 700 Club" on his huge Christian Broadcasting Network and one-time presidential candidate died at his home in Virginia Beach, according to a network statement.

Robertson promoted a worldview that believes in the inerrancy of the Bible," CBN said.

Today, his influence and legacy crisscross interests and industries that have broken barriers for countless Christian leaders and laypeople."

Broadcasting The 700 Club" daily since 1966, the avuncular Robertson promoted a literal belief in end of times" prophecies of the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel that forecast the destruction of the world to become a Christian paradise.

In practice, he advocated for an extremely conservative Christianity focused on traditional" families and a country founded on the Bible, rejecting the longstanding US principle of separation of church and state.

He defined the world as riven by an epochal fight between Islam and Christianity, and meanwhile spearheaded US Christian support for Israel as the land of the chosen" Jewish people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once called Robertson a tremendous friend of Israel and a tremendous friend of mine."

But he also drew loathing from progressives with his condemnations of feminism and LQBTQ culture as destroying America.

His powerful support in 2016 for Donald Trump  arguably helping seal Trumps presidential victory  further widened the cultural chasm dividing the country.

- Marine, lawyer, minister -

Robertson was born on March 22, 1930 in Lexington, Virginia, son of a conservative Democratic member of the US House of Representatives and then the Senate for 34 years.

After graduating from Virginias Washington and Lee University, in 1948 he joined the US Marines, serving in Korea.

He then graduated from Yale Law School, was ordained a Baptist minister, and in short order launched in 1961 what became the massive CBN empire from a small television station in Tidewater Virginia.

After CBNs early financial struggles, he named The 700 Club" for an early core of 70 supporters who pledged $10 each month.

The program mixed news, spiritual and lifestyle stories along with interviews of public figures, and became a hit especially in rural communities across the country.

That made it a mainstream stop for political candidates courting Christian voters: guests included Republican Ronald Reagan and Democrat Jimmy Carter.

Robertson expanded into other media business, launching what became the popular, conservative Family Channel" on cable television, and the influential Christian-based Regent University in Virginia Beach.

- Push into politics -

In 1987, he launched the Christian Coalition, seeking to bring together different Christian denominations as a force for the conservative values he espoused.

Ever since, the organization has been at the forefront of the US culture wars, pressuring Congress and the White House on moral and religious issues such as abortion and the separation of church and state.

In 1990, he launched the American Center for Law and Justice, a legal lobby to advance Christian religious rights against secularism in the courts.

Robertson himself sought political office, running unsuccessfully in the Republican presidential primary in 1988.

But what he built had a lasting impact: a conservative Christian voter bloc instrumental in bringing Trump to power and still exercising enormous influence over the Republican Party.

He shattered the stained glass window," TD Jakes, a Dallas pastor said in CBNs statement. People of faith were taken seriously beyond the church house and into the White House."

- Controversies -

But there were controversies along the way.

He courted Democratic Republic of the Congo dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and Zimbabwes Robert Mugabe, hoping to convert their countries to Christian states where gay people were banned  while investing in diamond mining in a deal with Mobutu.

In 2001, as America reeled from the September 11 attacks, Robertson endorsed the view that tolerance for lesbians, gays and doctors carrying out abortions had drawn Gods wrath on the country.

In 2005, he called for the United States to assassinate then Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Its a whole lot cheaper than starting a war," he quipped on The 700 Club."

And last year, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin was compelled by God" to attack Ukraine, because it was predicted in the Book of Ezekiel as a step toward the end of times.

Washingtons political establishment was remarkably quiet Thursday in response to Robertsons death.

Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, said Robertson touched so many lives and changed so many hearts."

He stood for America  and more importantly, for truth and faith," she said.

But on the left, there was little sympathy.

Robertsons death doesnt mean we must overlook his long record of extremist rhetoric," wrote Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Robertson spent most of his time spreading hate, conspiracy theories and lies," he said.
Russia intends to block European Union countries from hosting next years U.N. international climate negotiations, according to internal emails seen by Reuters, a potential setback for EU-member Bulgarias competition with Azerbaijan and Armenia to draw the massive conference.

Moscows intervention shows how geopolitical disputes since Russias invasion of Ukraine last year are complicating global efforts to combat climate change. It also risks delaying a final choice on the host of COP29, which could reduce preparation time for the event.

Bulgaria and non-EU country Armenia had put themselves forward to host the summit, a role that can bring international prestige and the opportunity to promote domestic efforts to combat climate change - along with costs, intense media scrutiny and heavy logistical demands.

Azerbaijan added its name to the running this week.

Azerbaijan is ready to be the host country for such an important event," Umayra Taghiyeva, Azerbaijans deputy minister of ecology and natural resources, told Reuters on Wednesday in the countrys first public confirmation of its long-speculated bid.

Rights to host the gatherings rotate between the United Nations five global regions, with Eastern Europe hosting in 2024. The 23 countries in that region must select their host candidate unanimously. If Russia vetoed all EU countries, then Armenia or Azerbaijan could still be in the running.

EU-member Czech Republic is no longer interested in hosting, but is considering bidding to host a preparatory pre-COP" event if Bulgaria takes the main summit, a Czech official said on Wednesday.

Russias delegation to the UN climate body (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC) sent an email to other Eastern European country representatives in April in which it said it would not support an EU host.

In the email, which has not been previously reported, Russias delegation said EU countries had taken a politicized" approach to deciding the host country which had resulted in Russian-endorsed candidates being blocked.

It is reasonable to believe that EU countries, driven by politics from Brussels, do not have the capacity to serve as honest and effective brokers of global climate negotiations under the UNFCCC," it said.

Russias special presidential representative on climate, Ruslan Edelgeriev, declined to confirm if Russia would oppose Bulgarias candidacy.

Bulgaria is not the only candidate to host COP29 in 2024. The issue will be decided in strict accordance with the procedures provided by Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC," Edelgeriev said in written responses to questions.

The 27-country EU, alongside Western allies including Britain and the United States, has condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine and slapped sanctions on Moscow over the war.

The Eastern European country group is discussing the issue at a U.N. meeting this week in Bonn, Germany. All countries would usually then confirm the groups decision at this years COP28 summit, which begins in November.

If the group cannot agree, a fallback option could be to host the event at the U.N. climate change bodys permanent offices in Bonn - although that would require backing from the German government.

THREE-WAY RACE

During last years U.N. climate conference, Bulgarias president, Rumen Radev, indicated the country would be willing to host the event, and Bulgaria was pressing ahead with its bid in late May with support from other EU countries.

This week, Bulgaria formed a new government, however, which has yet to confirm it still wants to host. Bulgarias environment ministry did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Arzerbaijan and Armenia - neighbouring countries that are in a decades-long dispute over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh - have both confirmed they are also in the running.

At the moment, we have not been blocked by any country from the Eastern European region," Emin Garabaghli, head of the international cooperation division in Azerbaijans ministry of ecology, told Reuters.

The annual U.N. climate summits draw tens of thousands of delegates from nearly 200 countries, as well as companies, investors and industry lobbyists.

The United Arab Emirates will host this years COP28 conference on behalf of the Asia Pacific group.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saudi Arabia was not being forced to choose between Washington and Beijing, striking a conciliatory tone in Riyadh following tensions with the long-time ally.

Blinken, appearing alongside his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the end of a three-day visit, denied that Saudi Arabias warming ties with China were a problem for the United States.

He added that the United States supported the humanitarian goals that Prince Faisal said were behind lifting Syrias suspension from the Arab League, a move that was condemned by Washington.

Weve been very clear were not asking anyone to choose between the United States and China," Blinken told media after a meeting of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

Were simply trying to demonstrate the benefits of our partnership and the affirmative agenda that we bring."

China demonstrated its growing clout in the Middle East when it brokered a surprise rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March, seven years after the heavyweights severed ties.

Riyadhs strengthening relations with Beijing follow recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and the US, its decades-old security guarantor, mainly over human rights and oil prices.

- Not zero-sum game -

Washington is also seen as playing a reduced role in the region, where it has long acted as a protector to its allies including Saudi Arabia, the worlds biggest oil exporter.

But Prince Faisal said relations with the US and China were not a zero-sum game" for Saudi Arabia.

We are all capable of having multiple partnerships and multiple engagements and the US does the same in many instances," he said.

So Im not caught up in this really negative view of this. I think we can actually build a partnership that crosses these borders."

As if to demonstrate these multiple partnerships", de facto Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, and also hosted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro this week.

Preserving the stability of the global energy market was discussed extensively," a Kremlin statement said, referring to the phone call.

- Sceptical of Assad -

Blinkens trip comes at a time of quickly shifting alliances in the region triggered by the detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which reopened its embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia has also resumed ties with Syria, whose leader Bashar al-Assad last month attended his first Arab League summit since the start of Syrias 12-year civil war.

Regardless of what one thinks about Bashar al-Assad, we took the only pathway to resolving the humanitarian challenges that we face in the aftermath of the Syrian crisis," Prince Faisal said.

Blinken said the US did not agree with lifting Syrias Arab League suspension, but was aligned with the goals of working towards a peace process, stopping the re-emergence of IS, allowing access to humanitarian aid and stopping the captagon trade.

I have to admit we are sceptical of Assads willingness to take the necessary steps, but were aligned with our partners here on what those steps are, and on the ultimate targets," he said.

Earlier, the US pledged $148 million for stabilisation efforts in Iraq and Syria and joined Saudi Arabia in urging Western states to repatriate foreign IS fighters and their relatives.

The ministerial meeting of the international coalition against IS aimed at raising $601 million for a stabilisation fund, with $300 million pledged so far, a statement said.

At the start of Thursdays session, Prince Faisal said it was disheartening and absolutely unacceptable" that some wealthy countries had not repatriated citizens who had travelled to Iraq and Syria to join IS.

To those countries, you must step up, you must take your responsibility," he said, in comments echoed by Blinken.

The caliphate", which IS proclaimed across swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, was declared defeated in 2019 following counter-offensives in both Iraq and Syria.

Thousands of jihadists and their family members continue to be held in detention centres and informal camps where US commanders have warned they could fuel an IS revival.

Despite repeated calls for their repatriation, foreign governments have allowed only a trickle to return home, fearing security threats and domestic political backlash.
Seven people including six children have been injured in a mass stabbing in the French town of Annecy on Thursday, AFP quoted security sources as saying.

The incident unfolded after a man armed with a knife attacked a group of children aged around three years old at 9:45 am on Thursday at a park near the lake in the town. A local lawmaker, Antoine Armand, tweeted that children were attacked on a playground and called the attack abominable.

At least three of the victims were said to be in critical condition, the security source said.

One suspect was arrested immediately after the attack and is currently in police custody, a spokesperson for the local prefecture said.

#Breaking: Just in - Reports of an mass stabbing attack at a park in #Annecy, #France, reports that the suspect wore a tulband on his head injuring at least 8 minors with 2 minors critically injured being airlifted, the school had an outdoors event taking the children to the pic.twitter.com/wWzLyE63XQ Sotiri Dimpinoudis (@sotiridi) June 8, 2023

The suspect has reportedly told police he was a Syrian asylum seeker, a police source told AFP. The attackers identity is being verified and has not been confirmed, according to the source, who added that he is thought to be unknown to security services.

President Emmanuel Macron denounced the attack and called it absolute cowardice".

Attaque dune lachete absolue ce matin dans un parc a Annecy. Des enfants et un adulte sont entre la vie et la mort. La Nation est sous le choc. Nos pensees les accompagnent ainsi que leurs familles et les secours mobilises. Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 8, 2023

Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are fighting for their lives. The nation is shocked. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services," he wrote on Twitter.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin informed in a tweet that the culprit has been arrested thanks to the rapid reaction of security forces".

Plusieurs personnes dont des enfants ont ete blesses par un individu arme dun couteau dans un square a Annecy. Lindividu a ete interpelle grace a lintervention tres rapide des forces de lordre. Gerald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) June 8, 2023

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne will travel to the town of Annecy on Thursday, an aide reportedly said.

In Paris, lawmakers interrupted a debate to hold a moment of silence for the victims, BFMTV reported.
After a shocking video of a tableau featuring Indira Gandhis assassination surfaced on social media, the Canadian High Commissioner has criticised the event and said there is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence.

I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities, High Commissioner for Canada in India Cameron MacKay said in a tweet .

I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities. Cameron MacKay (@HCCanInd) June 7, 2023

The reaction comes amid mounting criticism over an event in Canada where a tableau featuring the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards was paraded in Brampton.

The tableau celebrating the assassination of the late PM was part of a 5-km long parade in Brampton on 4 June. A video of the incident has been making rounds on the internet, in which the statue of Indira Gandhi can be seen drenched in blood.

The video of the tableau has been criticised by people and netizens attacked Canadas Justin Trudeau government for the negligence.

Does it help Canadas Indo-Pacific strategy? A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it! Balraj Deol wrote on Twitter.

Does it help Canada's 'Indo-Pacific strategy'? A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it! pic.twitter.com/rBFn7vMKyz Balraj Deol (@BalrajDeol4) June 6, 2023

Indira Gandhi, the first female prime minister of India, was assassinated at her residence in New Delhi on October 31, 1984 by her bodyguards after the controversial Operation Bluestar was carried out.

Under the operation, the Indian Army launched an attack to remove pro-Khalistan militants from the Golden Temple in Punjabs Amritsar, which is Sikhisms holiest site. The operation and the violence that unfolded led to massive protests by the Sikh community.

The shocking incident comes just days after the National Security Advisor to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau remarked that India was meddling in Canadas internal affairs.

When I talk about foreign interference and economic security, Im now talking about a number of state actors and non-state proxies. NSA Jody Thomas reportedly said on Friday.

This includes Russia, Iran, India. That said, the actor that comes up most on these issues, and its no surprise to anybody, is China, she added.

Earlier in March, India had summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to convey its strong concerns about the actions by pro-Khalistani extremist elements against Indian diplomatic missions in Canada in recent time.
The US Department of State has said that there were less than 50 American citizens on board the San Francisco-bound Air India flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russias remote town of Magadan.

We understand that there were less than 50 US citizens aboard that flight. We also understand that a relief aircraft is expected to arrive later today to assist the Air India flight and the passengers continue on with their route," Vedant Patel, the deputy spokesperson of the State department, told reporters on Wednesday at his daily news conference.

The Flight AI173 was diverted to Magadan on Tuesday due to an engine glitch in the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft.

The flight, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew, landed safely, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement Tuesday evening.

Responding to a question, Patel deferred to Air India to speak to any other specifics about their further movements and any of the technical issues.

We are not aware of any outreach from some of these American citizens to our embassy and consular officials in Russia and so dont have anything additional to offer, Patel said.
FARGO  North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a former software entrepreneur who enacted a slate of laws this year advancing conservative policies on culture war issues, highlighted his small-town roots and business experience as he announced his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination on Wednesday.

Burgum, 66, joins a long list of contenders hoping to dent former President Donald Trumps early lead in the race. The governor of the nation's fourth-least populous state kicked off his campaign in Fargo, near the tiny farm town of Arthur where he grew up.

Small-town values have guided me my entire life, Burgum told the crowd. And frankly, big cities could use more ideas and more values from small towns right now.

Burgum spoke under a sign declaring him A new leader for a changing economy," echoing a slogan from his successful 2016 gubernatorial campaign. Reelected in 2020, he's eligible to run for a third time in 2024.

In 1983, he founded Great Plains Software, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2001. Burgum stayed on as a Microsoft vice president until 2007.

Many prominent North Dakota Republicans attended the event, held at a former church in downtown Fargo, including two former governors and several state lawmakers.

Burgum said he and the Legislature turned a budget deficit into a surplus, cut taxes and red tape, bolstered cybersecurity, and revitalized North Dakota's main streets. He also said they increased spending on education, strengthened tribal relations and boosted energy production. He said his state is one of the very few thats growing and getting younger, with some of the lowest unemployment in the country.

We know we could do the same for America, he said. Right now, the world, our economy, are both changing rapidly. And how we respond will define our future.

North Dakota is one of the country's top oil-producing states. Burgum alluded to that when he said energy policy cant be separated from economic or national security policy. He called on America to produce more energy to sell to its friends.

"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin only dared to invade Ukraine because our allies in Western Europe are all dependent on Russian energy, he said.

Known to few outside North Dakota, Burgum faces an immense challenge in a field dominated by Trump and the better-known governor in the race, Ron DeSantis of Florida. Trump's super PAC dismissed Burgum's entry, predicting in a statement that Burgum will waste millions of dollars only to lose."

As evidence of Burgums long odds, he wasnt even the most notable candidate to announce a presidential campaign on Wednesday. Four hundred miles to the south, former Vice President Mike Pence launched his White House bid in Iowa.

Burgum will campaign Thursday and Friday in Iowa, home of the first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses, and Saturday and Sunday in New Hampshire, which hosts the first GOP primary.

Burgums predecessor, former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, acknowledged Burgum faces a tremendous challenge, but said he has taken on big challenges throughout his life and surprised everyone with his success.

I think people will see that this is an exceptional person. He does not have any of the crazy baggage that comes with a Donald Trump or even with a Ron DeSantis, and people will soon realize that thats what we need, Dalrymple said in an interview.

Laws that Burgum signed this year include banning abortion with few exceptions up to six weeks gestation and several restricting trans rights.

LGBTQ advocates demonstrated outside the hall. Cody Schuler, advocacy manager for the American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota, pointed to Burgums past reluctance to wade into culture war and gender expression issues.

He feels the governor sold out the queer community because he wanted to run for president, and did not stick what he has said for years for political reasons.

In addition to Trump, DeSantis and Pence, Burgum will be facing off against former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, anti-woke activist Vivek Ramaswamy, conservative talk radio host Larry Elder and businessman Perry Johnson.

The GOP nominee is expected to face Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024.

Bradley Salberg, a 16-year-old Grand Forks high school student who waited in line for photos with the governor, said Burgum would do much better than Biden ever will. He said the small-town message resonated with him most.

I think hes going to be a lot better with small towns in the U.S. and getting more of the vote from the rural areas of the country compared with Trump and DeSantis, he said.

Governor Doug Burgum in photos Close North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, left, presents the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to philanthropist and former Microsoft Corp. executive Doug Burgum Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in Fargo, N.D. The award is the state's highest honor. (AP Photo/Dave Kolpack) New North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks with Cabinet members on his first day of office at the state Capitol in Bismarck. Chief Justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court Gerald VandeWalle, left, administers the oath of office to Governor Doug Burgum on Tuesday in the house chambers. Watching from left are Tom Burgum, 18, first lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum and Jesse Burgum, 20. Standing Rock Sioux tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II, left, greets North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum in Memorial Hall of the state Capitol in Bismarck after the governor's State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature in January. Burgum mentioned Archambault in his address to the Legislature in 2017. Gov. Doug Burgum and first lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum head to the receiving line after the State of the State Address in 2017. Gov. Doug Burgum opened North Dakota's 65th legislative assembly on Jan. 4, 2017, in front of a joint session of the Legislature, where he delivered the State of the State Address. Burgum touched on a number of topics, but a continuing theme was lifelong education and compassion. "Learning begins with humility. Everyone has something to teach us," he said. President Donald Trump was greeted Wednesday by dignitaries, including Gov. Doug Burgum, and supporters after arriving on Air Force One at the Bismarck Municipal Airport. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum poses for photos with President Donald Trump as they greet the dozens of invited guests on the Bismarck Municipal Airport tarmac after Trump arrived on Air Force One on Wednesday. The president would then go on to speak at the Andeavor Mandan Refinery about tax reform. Joining President Donald Trump, left, on stage at the Adeavor Mandan Refinery were from left Sen. John Hoeven, Governor Doug Burgum, Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, Rep. Kevin Cramer and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp. President Trump invited the officials to the stage during his welcoming remarks on Wednesday afternoon. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks during the 2019 Main Street ND Summit held at the Bismarck Event Center. North Dakota first lady Kathryn Burgum is using her personal story of recovery to remove the stigma of drug and alcohol addiction. North Dakota first lady Kathryn Burgum and Gov. Doug Burgum are champions for the Office of Recovery Reinvented. The office is guided by an advisory council chaired by the first lady, who has advocated recovery from addiction in sharing her personal story as a recovering alcoholic. Gov. Doug Burgum has sought "to institutionalize the displays of gratitude" in state government during his administration. Over the years, Burgum has documented his many gratitudes as daily reflections in a journal. Gov. Doug Burgum hosts a press briefing on the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic on March 27. It was one of nearly 100 briefings he held in 2020. Burgum easily won a second term in office in the November election, receiving 66% of the vote. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum at his COVID-19 briefing on Aug. 26, 2020, at the state Capitol in Bismarck. Gov. Doug Burgum presents his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature in January 2021. Gov. Doug Burgum (near U.S. flag) and U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., welcome home members of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment on Sunday in Grand Forks. Gov. Doug Burgum, at the state Capitol on April 27. Gov. Doug Burgum speaks to The Bismarck Tribune Editorial Board on Tuesday about the recent legislative session. +18 +18 +18 +18 +18 +18 +18 +18 +18 +18
Planting of spring wheat is close to wrapping up in North Dakota, and the portion of the crop that has emerged is in decent shape thanks to ample moisture.

Seeding progress is at 92%, on pace with the average, according to the weekly crop report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. About two-thirds of the planted crop has emerged, and all but 2% of it is rated in fair, good or excellent condition.

The winter wheat crop has started to head out, and that crop also is 98% in fair, good or excellent condition.

Planting of soybeans is 79% done, of barley 90% finished and of corn 91% complete -- all near the average pace.

Topsoil moisture and subsoil moisture statewide both are rated 72% adequate to surplus, down from last week. But the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows little change in conditions over the week. About one-fifth of North Dakota is rated abnormally dry, the weakest of five categories.

Pasture and range conditions and stockwater supplies are unchanged over the week, at 87% fair to good and 96% adequate to surplus, respectively.

The wildfire danger was rated low across the state on Thursday, according to the Department of Emergency Services.

The National Weather Service's weekend weather forecast for Bismarck-Mandan calls for sunny skies and high temperatures in the 70s, normal for this time of year, with breezy conditions on Saturday.

The U.S. Drought Monitor is a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Drought Mitigation Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
UPDATE

Jun 8, 2023 4:12 AM CDT

An Australian man who admitted killing a gay American by punching him off a cliff top in Sydney in 1988 was sentenced on Thursday to nine years in prison, ending the victim's familys 35-year battle for justice. Scott Phillip White, 52, had pleaded guilty in the New South Wales state Supreme Court to Los Angeles-born Scott Johnsons manslaughter, the AP reports. White pleaded guilty last year to the then-27-year-olds murdera greater crimeand was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison. But he changed his mind and had the murder conviction overturned on appeal. "I think our familys got some peace and I would even say closure, Steve Johnson, the victim's brother, told reporters Thursday. "The killers behind bars and hes admitted to doing it. I fell like Ive done right by Scott."

Nov 18, 2022 7:51 AM CST

An Australian appeals court on Friday overturned the conviction of a man who temporarily admitted murdering an American who fell to his death in 1988 from a Sydney cliff top that was known as a gay meeting place. Scott White, 52, was sentenced in May to 12 years and seven months in prison for the murder of 27-year-old mathematician Scott Johnson. White had surprised his lawyers by pleading guilty to murder during a pre-trial court hearing in January. About 20 minutes later, White signed a statement saying that he had been "confused" when he pleaded guilty, had not caused Johnsons death, and wanted to plead not guilty.

White, who has an intellectual disability, explained to his lawyers that he had pleaded guilty due to stresses including seeing the alleged victims Boston-based brother Steve Johnson in court. The older brother had offered his own $1 million reward for information leading to the prosecution of Scott Johnsons killer months before Whites arrest in 2020. Three judges of the New South Wales state Court of Criminal Appeal in Sydney on Friday ruled that White should have been allowed to reverse his guilty plea, quashing his conviction and sentence, per the AP. The judges said there was a question about Whites culpability for murder that could have been raised in a trial. A trial could have resulted in his acquittal or conviction of the lesser crime of manslaughter.

Scott Johnsons death was initially called a suicide, but his family pressed for further investigation. A coroner in 2017 found a number of assaults, some fatal, where the victims had been targeted because they were thought to be gay. In sentencing White, a judge said she did not find beyond reasonable doubt that the murder was a gay hate crime, which would have led to a longer prison term. Los Angeles-born Scott Johnson had been openly gay. White faces a potential life sentence if convicted again. (Read more backstory on the case here.)
A prominent Republican donor has been charged with spraying wasp insecticide at police officers guarding the US Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Peter Moloney, 58, was arrested Wednesday in Bayport, New York, CBS News reports. He's charged in Washington, DC, with eight counts, including civil disorder, assaulting a member of the media, and assaulting and resisting police officers. "Moloney did not simply march to the Capitol with other protestors," an FBI agent stated in an affidavit, per NBC News. "He brought protective eyewear, a helmet, and a can of Black Flag Wasp, Hornet & Yellow Jacket Killer."

Moloney co-owns a chain of Long Island funeral homes. Campaign finance data show he's donated thousands of dollars to former President Donald Trump, the Republican National Committee, and other GOP candidates and causes. Charging documents say Moloney's son went to the Capitol with him, but he has not been charged. Dan Moloney, the other company owner, issued a statement to NBC saying, "The alleged actions taken by an individual on his own time are in no way reflective of the core values of Moloney Funeral Home."

An online network called Sedition Hunters that's identified hundreds of Capitol rioters tied Moloney to the attack two years ago. Members have been critical of the FBI over the fact that Moloney had not been arrested, expressing frustration that he's posted about vacations he's taken while others were charged and convicted. Prosecutors acknowledged the Sedition Hunters' help. Moloney's bond was set Wednesday at $100,000, per News 12 Long Island. He did not answer reporters' questions as he left federal court in Central Islip. (Read more Capitol attack stories.)
President Biden issued his fifth veto Wednesday in an effort to save his student debt relief planan issue that's already awaiting decisions by the Supreme Court. "Congressional Republicans led an effort to pass a bill blocking my Administration's plan to provide up to $20,000 in student debt relief to working and middle class Americans," Biden tweeted. "I won't back down on helping hardworking folks." His veto could be overridden by the votes of two-thirds of House and Senate members, but the plan's opponents lack that much support, the Hill reports.

Loan forgiveness was a Biden campaign pledge, USA Today points out, and his efforts are in trouble. On top of the bill vetoed Wednesday, this month's debt ceiling deal passed by Congress blocks another extension of the pause on student student loan payments, a pandemic measure. The president brought up the fact that "some of the same members of Congress who want to cut student aid personally received loans to keep their small businesses afloat during the pandemic," per CNN. The program isn't in operation now, and the Supreme Court is projected to decide this summer on two cases that could end it. (Read more President Biden stories.)
Former President Trump's legal team has been informed he is a target of special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's post-presidency handling of classified documents, a sign that an indictment could be coming soon. NBC News reports the notification took place Monday during the Trump team's meeting with Justice Department prosecutors. The New York Times reports this is "the clearest signal yet that the former president is likely to face charges in the investigation," and CNN notes that this news makes it clear the federal probe is indeed focused on the actions of Trump himself, not just those in his orbit.

Asked by the Times if he'd been told he would be indicted, Trump replied only that it was "not true." He later posted a message to his Truth Social platform saying, "No one has told me Im being indicted." (He went on to add that he's simply a "Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI.") Meanwhile, witnesses were still appearing in front of a federal grand jury in Miami that is hearing evidence in the case Wednesday, including one of Trump's former spokesmen, Taylor Budowich. A grand jury in Washington was also hearing testimony, but witnesses have not appeared there since sometime in May, and it's not clear whether an indictment might be filed in Washington, Miami, or both.

It's also not clear when one might be filed, but the Hill reports the "political world is bracing" for the possibility, and on Tuesday, former Attorney General Bill Barr said he considers this "the most dangerous legal risk facing" Trump. The special counsel's office also has a separate inquiry into Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, and a prosecutor in Georgia is looking into his attempts to overturn his loss in that state in particular. Trump has already, of course, been indicted at the state level in a hush money case in New York. If he's indicted in the classified documents case, it would be the first time a former US president has been prosecuted at the federal level, the Washington Post reports. (Read more Donald Trump stories.)
Mike Pence played up the achievements of what he calls the "Trump/Pence" administration at a CNN town hall on Wednesday night while also trying to draw a contrast between himself and his former boss. In what CNN describes as his "sharpest criticism" of Trump at the Iowa event, the former vice president slammed the former president for having described Vladimir Putin as a "genius" after Russia invaded Ukraine. I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal, and I know who needs to win the war in Ukraine, Pence said. "And its the people fighting for their freedom and fighting to restore their national sovereignty in Ukraine."

Pence also said that unlike Trump, he would not pardon anybody involved in the Capitol attack. "I have no interest or no intention of pardoning those that assaulted police officers or vandalized our Capitol," he said "They need to answer to the law." Earlier Wednesday, Pence, who was targeted by Trump supporters after he refused to block the certification of President Biden's election victory, focused on the events of that day in a speech to supporters, the Hill reports. "The American people deserve to know on that fateful day, President Trump also demanded I choose between him and our Constitution," Pence said. "Now, voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution, and I always will."

Pence said that while his differences with Trump on the 2020 election remain, there are also "profound differences about the future of this country, the future of the Republican Party." But he praised the administration's record on issues including immigration and abortion, saying he "couldnt be more proud to have been vice president in an administration that appointed three of the justices that sent Roe v. Wade to the ash heap of history where it belongs," the New York Times reports. (Read more Mike Pence stories.)
A new report cited by Fortune details a "happy middle ground" reached by many companies and their workers on coming back to the office now that the worst of the pandemic has passed. That "truce" of sorts entails hybrid arrangements, in which staffers come in a few days a week, then spend of the rest of the workweek performing their duties remotely. Some companies, however, are still having growing pains with those setups, including Google, which this week updated its hybrid policy to crack down on employees who flout their deals and "are consistently absent from the office," per CNBC.

The Washington Post notes that for more than a year, Google has had its workers come into the office three days a week. But in a Wednesday email, the tech giant's chief people officer, Fiona Cicconi, said that those who've been ignoring the in-office part of the deal would start to see that reflected in their performance reviews, and that attendance would be tracked via workers' employee badges. "There's just no substitute for coming together in person," Cicconi wrote, per CNBC. She even made a special request to workers who have fully remote arrangements to consider switching to a hybrid schedule if they live near enough to a Google site. "Our offices are where you'll be most connected to Googles community," she noted.

Google is just one example of what the Post calls the "tug of war" taking place between workers, who came to appreciate the flexibility of remote work introduced during the pandemic, and employers, who "are adamant the office is still a necessary nexus for innovation and collaboration." Some firms are still sticking with more-flexible arrangements, including Verizon, Airbnb, and Spotify, whose "Work From Anywhere" program has been in place since 2021. And then there's Salesforce, which has recently started balking on remote work but decided to use a more "unusual tactic" to cajole workers back into the office, per the Post: The company will donate $10 to local charities for each day a staffer works in person between June 12 and June 23.

But Insider lists other companies that are putting the pressure on to come back to the cubicles, at least for part of the week, including Amazon, Disney, Meta, and Twitter, the latter of which has more or less nixed remote work completely. "Not everyone believes in 'magical hallway conversations,' but there's no question that working together in the same room makes a positive difference," Google's Cicconi wrote in her email, per CNBC. (Read more remote working stories.)
Medical experts and researchers are still wrangling with the intricacies of long COVID, the label given to health issues that persist or emerge after one's initial bout with the coronavirus is believed to have "ended." Now, a study out of the UK sheds more light on how patients with long COVID might fare over timeand it's not the best of news. "Shockingly, our research has revealed that long COVID can leave people with worse fatigue and quality of life than some cancers," study co-author William Henley says, per the Guardian.

In their research published in the BMJ Open journal, scientists from University College London and the University of Exeter examined more than 3,750 patients referred to a clinic after still dealing with symptoms for at least three months after their original coronavirus infection. The patients90% of whom were between the ages of 18 and 65 (ie, working age)used an app to answer questions about their levels of fatigue, depression, anxiety, brain fog, and breathlessness, as well as how these factors affected their routine activity. More than half said they'd been unable to work for at least one day over the past month, while 20% of them said they hadn't been able to work at all.

Fatigue was the symptom that was cited the most, and many subjects had fatigue scores that ranked lower than those of patients with cancer-related anemia or serious kidney disease. As for quality of life, many long COVID patients saw scores lower than those of patients with advanced metastatic cancers (ie, stage 4 lung cancer), while the impact of long COVID on their day-to-day activities ranked lower than patients who'd had a stroke, and about the same as patients with Parkinson's disease.

"Long COVID is an invisible condition, and many people are left trying to manage significant changes to how they can function," Henley notes. He adds that "support and understanding" for long COVID patients isn't yet the same as for patients with other, more well-known conditions, and he urges more studies "to enable the development of evidence-based services to support people trying to manage this debilitating new condition." Another study co-author, Henry Goodfellow, notes that about 17% of people who contract COVID end up with long COVID, per a release. (Read more discoveries stories.)
In February 2022, my column explored staffing trends at North Dakotas public colleges and universities. Today I bring you an update on these trends by adding data from 2021-22 (see https://tinyURL.com/ND-higher-ed-staff-update for the data).

To monitor the health of our public colleges and universities, its important to track the prevalence of their tenured or tenure-track full-time faculty positions. Further, its key to compare tenure-track faculty prevalence with that of other instructional positions, such as part-time or non-tenure-track instructors. Campuses with decreasing full-time tenure-track positions  and an increasing reliance on other instructors  are moving away from norms that have made many campuses and college towns so great.

While new cohorts of students bring energy to higher ed communities, tenure-track faculty are the bedrock of any campus. These faculty accept lower salaries than they could earn in another sector so that they can build stable and meaningful lives at a college or university campus. This is because the passion these faculty have for teaching students or conducting research, paired with a degree of intellectual freedom and job security offered by tenure, results in psychic income.

Its normal for a campus to have an ever-changing student body. Undergraduate and graduate students attend for several years to achieve their educational goals and then proceed to their careers. The stability of tenure-track faculty offers a key contrast. Such faculty offer continuity as students navigate their years, building supportive relationships with students. These faculty also take root and contribute to their neighborhoods, their own childrens schools, local nonprofits, municipal governments, and more. Our communities dont benefit as much from adjunct higher ed lecturers who are just passing through. Stable, rooted faculty are healthy not just for the institutions they directly serve, but for their broader communities.

So what are the latest trends among our states public institutions? In brief, many are increasingly relying on non-tenure-track or part-time instructors and/or decreasing their numbers of tenure-track faculty. Each institution has its own pattern of changes seen in 2021-22. For instance, Bismarck State College, the North Dakota State College of Science, and Williston State College decreased tenured/tenure-track positions  while increasingly relying on other instructional positions  but to varying degrees.

UND and Valley City State University decreased tenured/tenure-track positions without significant increases to other instructional positions. Dakota College at Bottineau decreased tenured/tenure-track and part-time instructor positions in favor of non-tenure-track full-time instructors.

NDSU had little change to full-time instructional positions (tenure-track and non-tenure-track alike) while greatly increasing graduate teaching assistants. Meanwhile, NDSU reduced other part-time instructors.

Dickinson State University, Lake Region State College, and Mayville State University mostly held steady on tenured/tenure-track positions. However, Mayville decreased the number of other types of instructors while Dickinson and Lake Region increased their reliance on such instructors.

Finally, Minot State University stands out as the only institution to grow tenured/tenure-track positions while decreasing other instructional positions, based on the 2021-22 data.

The trends are interesting in light of ND House Bill 1446 from our recent legislative session. Although it ultimately failed, the bill would have damaged tenure at BSC and DSU and paved the way for the legislature to damage tenure at other institutions in future sessions. The bill would have reduced academic freedom, silenced dissent, and risked retaliation toward tenured faculty members. It would have also made the affected institutions less attractive for prospective tenure-track hires  cutting off ones nose to spite ones face, so to speak.

For the moment, tenure is safe. However, many institutions are swapping tenure-track positions for those of less value to prospective employees and communities. This is not an inevitability; it is a choice that our state and communities can reject.
In a case that could have major implications for policing across America, the former school resource officer who failed to enter the building where a gunman massacred 17 people in 2018 has gone on trial. Scot Peterson faces charges including seven felony counts of child neglect in connection with the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the New York Times reports. In opening statements Wednesday, prosecutors said that when Peterson arrived at the scene with his gun drawn, he took cover in an alcove instead of entering the three-story Building 1200and remained there for more than 40 minutes, until long after the shooting had stopped. Prosecutors said he could have saved lives if he had followed his training and entered the building to confront the shooter.

The trial is the first of its kind in US history, the AP reports. Peterson's lawyers have argued that the child neglect charges are unjustified because police officers are not classed as caregivers under Florida law. The neglect charges relate to four students who were killed and three who were wounded on the building's third floor after Peterson arrived at the scene. He also faces three counts of misdemeanor culpable negligence related to adults who were shotand one count of perjury. Prosecutors say Peterson was lying when he told investigators that he only heard two or three shots from Building 1200 and didn't see students running from it.

A former student testified Wednesday that she helped classmates provide first aid to the injured for 20 minutes before authorities arrived, CNN reports. "It felt like an eternity, and the whole time we were all just waiting for the police to come, just to have somebody knock on the door and take us out of that horror," Danielle Gilbert said.

Peterson, 60, retired soon after the shooting and was fired retroactively. He has said that he couldn't tell where the gunshots were coming from and sheltered in the alcove because he thought there could be a sniper. In his opening statement Wednesday, defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh said his client was "thrown under the bus" by a sheriff who needed to find a scapegoat. "He is not a criminal," Eiglarsh said, per the Times. (Read more Parkland school shooting stories.)
An endangered Hawaiian monk seal rescued as a severely malnourished pup was released back into the wild and subsequently killed by a human, officials say. The female juvenile known as Malama, officially dubbed RQ76, was found dead on Oahu's Ohikilolo Beach on March 12, just two months after her release, according to a statement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The seal, just under a year old, died from "severe blunt-force trauma" in what appears to have been an intentional killing, according to officials, who are offering a $5,000 reward for information that helps solve the case.

"We're asking for help from anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the killing of this endangered animal," said Frank Giaretto of NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement, per USA Today. He added the attack was "not only a violation of federal law but a hateful act against all the people who call Hawaii their home." Hawaiian monk seals are found only in the Hawaiian islands. State and federal laws protect the population of about 1,570 seals.

Malama was just 2 months old when officials whisked the malnourished pup from Oahu's Manana Island Seabird Sanctuary to the Marine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital on the Big Island last August, noting she was unlikely to survive without intervention, per the Washington Post. A team "provided months of dedicated care to rehabilitate her, getting her back up to a healthy weight" before her return to Oahu in January, the NOAA said. "She headed right for the water" and quickly caught a sea cucumber, per the Post.

Her killing only weeks later outraged many in the community, including attorney Michael Wheeler. "It's tragic that, you know, someone would do this horrific act on such a beautiful creature," he tells Hawaii News Now. Though Wheeler raised $2,700 to add to the reward, the NOAA said it's "not able to accept funds from outside parties." Wheeler says the money will go to a group that cares for the endangered seals instead. (Read more seals stories.)
Talk of a cold war between the US and China will likely be heightened by reports that China is planning to build a spy base in Cuba. The Wall Street Journal, citing "US officials familiar with highly classified intelligence," reports that Beijing and Havana have struck a deal in which Cuba will allow the electronic eavesdropping station to be built in return for several billion dollars. According to the Journal, the signals intelligence base just 100 miles from Florida would allow China to monitor American ship traffic and communications from throughout the southeastern US, which is home to numerous military bases, including Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, the country's biggest.

The Journal's sources described intelligence on the spy base as "convincing," though they declined to say whether construction had already begun. The only overseas Chinese military base that China has officially acknowledged is in Djiboutiand the only foreign base in Cuba is the American base at Guantanamo Bay, which Cuba has long considered an illegal occupation. The Soviet Union, and later Russia, operated its largest overseas signals intelligence station in Cuba from 1962 to 2002. Analysts say China is likely to argue that a Cuban base is justified because of American intelligence activities close to China.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that while he won't comment on specifics, the US is well aware of, and taking steps to counter, China's "efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere." Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, described by Reuters as a "vocal China and Cuba hawk," tweeted: "The threat to America from #Cuba isn't just real, it is far worse than this." He accused the Biden administration of not caring, adding that "they have people who actually want to appease the regime." (Read more Cuba stories.)
An unlocked vehicle is not a safe place to store food, Colorado wildlife officials warned in sharing a video of a bear that sniffed out dog food inside a pickup truck, went in after it, then locked itself inside. In a cellphone video, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer revealed the bear sitting calmly in the front passenger seat of the vehicle parked in a driveway in Evergreen as though ready for a ride. He said the bear initially got into a trash can, shown overturned beside the truck, then opened a door of the truck "to get dog food inside," per Fox News. Now, "we are going to let him out," the officer said.

The officer unlocked the door, then pulled on the handle, and the bear quickly took its exit. "Get out of here! Move, go go go!" the officer shouted as the bear ran for a nearby tree line, stopping once to examine its surroundings. The CPW's Northeast Region office viewed the case as a "good lesson to bring in food from your vehicles," noting "bears can smell it and learn how to open doors," per KLTV. Thankfully they have yet to learn to drive. (Read more Colorado stories.)
There hasn't been a new amendment to the United States Constitution since the 27th Amendment in 1992and that one took more than 200 years to ratifybut California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing for a 28th to deal with gun violence. According to a statement from the Democratic governor's office, the proposed 28th Amendment would "enshrine fundamental, broadly supported gun safety measures into law," while "leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting Americas gun-owning tradition." Newsom says he believes support for the amendment could "accelerate in a pretty profound and pronounced way" if this year's wave of mass killings continues.

Newsom's office said the amendment would add four measures to the Constitution: raising the federal minimum age to buy a gun from 18 to 21, mandating universal background checks, instituting a "reasonable waiting period" for all gun purchases, and banning "civilian purchase of assault weapons." Fox reports that the proposed amendment has "virtually no chance" of passing the House and Senate, given that it would require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Newsom plans to instead seek an Article V convention of states to draft the amendment, which is likely to be just as much of a longshotit would require two-thirds of state legislatures to pass a resolution calling for a convention, and the amendment would have to be ratified by at least 33 other states besides California.

Newsom tells Politico he's well aware of the obstacles, but he wants to do something to counter the "echo chamber of despair" amid the rise in mass shootingsand the rolling back of gun control measures in the courts. "I dont know what the hell else to do. I dont know what else is the answer," he says. "I got four damn kids, dude, I cant take it anymore." He adds: "I mean, when they go to the mall now, when they go to a movie theater, when they go to a birthday partylet alone going to school. And I have to have conversations with them about this." The situation, he says, "is insane. Its absolute insanity. And the biggest and most insane thing we can do is the same old BS and just point fingers. So, lets give this a shot." (Read more gun control stories.)
President Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday reiterated their commitment to help Ukraine repel Russia's ongoing invasion, while agreeing to step up cooperation on clean energy and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. In wide-ranging talks at the White House, the leaders said they agreed on a new "21st century partnership" that includes greater cooperation between the two countries on clean energy transition, development of emerging technologies, and protecting technology that is critical to national security. The discussion, their most sustained interaction so far, also covered China, economic security, a new critical minerals agreement and more, the AP reports.

"We will put our values front and center," Biden said as he and Sunak sat down in the Oval Office. At a joint news conference later, the president said there was no issue on which "our nations are not leading together." Sunak acknowledged that he and Biden are facing a daunting moment. The visit to Washington is Sunaks first since becoming prime minister in October, though he'd met face-to-face with Biden four times. "Our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools," Sunak said. He wants the UK to play a central role in the development of artificial intelligence, per the AP.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine was high on the agenda. The US and UK are the biggest donors to the Ukraine's war effort and play a central role in a long-term effort announced last month to train, and eventually equip, Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. Biden expressed confidence that Congress would continue to provide Ukraine funding despite hesitation among Republican leaders at the growing cost of the war. He also reflected that the two countries have worked through some of the toughest moments in modern history side-by-side, recalling the meetings that Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt held in the White House. "They asserted that the strength of the partnership between Great Britain and the United States was strength of the free world," Biden told Sunak. "I still think there's truth to that assertion."

(Read more US-British relations stories.)
UPDATE

Jun 9, 2023 12:18 PM CDT

A plea of "not guilty" was entered Friday in a US federal court in Alabama on behalf of Joran van der Sloot, the Dutch man accused of killing 18-year-old Natalee Holloway in Aruba in 2005. Per CNN, van der Sloot, extradited Thursday from Peru to the US, is facing charges of extortion and wire fraud after allegedly trying to sell info on where Holloway's remains might be to Beth Holloway, Natalee's mom, in 2010. During the hearing, US Magistrate Judge Gray Borden said he'd only accept a not guilty plea, and that if van der Sloot wanted to plead guilty, he'd have to do so another time in front of a different judge. Fox News reports that Beth Holloway sat in one of the front three rows of the courtroom during Friday's proceedings, and "appeared to keep her eyes on van der Sloot almost the entire time." Her attorney has said she's "ecstatic" van der Sloot is now in the US, per CNN.

Jun 8, 2023 2:36 PM CDT

The family of Natalee Holloway may finally get some measure of justice against the main suspect in her 2005 disappearance. Joran van der Sloot landed in Alabama on Thursday after being extradited from Peru, reports CNN. The 35-year-old, however, is not being charged with harming Holloway but with wire fraud and extortion for demanding $250,000 from Holloway's mother in exchange for the location of her daughter's remains, per the New York Times. Prosecutors say he received $25,000 of that money, at which point a 2010 search of the location he provided yielded no remains.

Authorities declared Holloway dead in 2012, seven years after the 18-year-old from Birmingham disappeared while on a school trip to Aruba. Van der Sloot is serving a life sentence in Peru for the murder of 21-year-old Peruvian student Stephany Flores, who was killed five years to the day of Holloway's disappearance, per People. Van der Sloot has not been charged with Holloway's death or disappearance, and he has never confessed to killing her. In 2008, a journalist recording him talking about her in a sting operation, and the suspect asserted that nobody would ever find her body. "Never to be found," he said, per the Times. (Read more Joran Van der Sloot stories.)
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 50F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 50F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.
President Joe Biden, walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of a working session on Ukraine during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima on May 21, 2023 [Reuters/Susan Walsh]

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, much has been said about Russian President Vladimir Putins miscalculations. Last October, I wrote about Putins vanity and megalomania which led him to overestimate Russian military capabilities, underestimate Ukrainian capacity for resistance, and miscalculate NATO's unity and America's strategic resolve.

But the Russian president is not the only one making bad judgements with devastating consequences in Ukraine and beyond.

As the war drags on with no end in sight, it is important to address US President Joe Biden's  and his Western allies  miscalculations in Ukraine as well. These, unsurprisingly, mirror Russia's own failures, as both leaders prove incapable of learning the lessons of imperial hubris.

From the start, Biden took the moral high ground, framing the conflict in Ukraine as a global one between democracy and autocracy, between respect for international law and national sovereignty and the scourge of Russian aggression. Yet, he pleaded with world autocrats to join the crusade and disregarded America's own illegal wars.

He underestimated the power of Russian nationalism and rejected Moscow's fears of NATO expansion towards its borders as baseless excuses for Russian imperialism.

In the months leading up to the war, Biden undermined efforts to implement the Minsk agreements signed in 2014 and 2015 to end the conflict in the Donbas region. They were meant to pave the way for the creation of two autonomous Russian areas in eastern Ukraine and stave off the expansion of Russian intervention in the country.

AD

Both Ukraine and Russia had signed on, but France and Germany, which helped conclude and refine these agreements, failed to push hard enough for their implementation. Despite having much to lose from a devastating European war, European powers did little to stop the escalation.

Biden also underestimated Russias military endurance, betting on Ukrainians defeating it just as the Afghans defeated the Soviet Union with help from the United States.

But for Moscow, Ukraine is far more important and strategic than Afghanistan, considering its shared history and geographic proximity. From Putins perspective, Ukraine is vital for Russias national security and his regimes survival. Clearly, he would rather have it destroyed than see it join a Western alliance.

During the first year of the war, Russian setbacks from Kyiv to Kharkiv demonstrated Ukraines resolve and resilience. But the tide of war began to change this year. As the fall of Bakhmut after months of vicious fighting has shown, Russia is no less resilient or determined to win. That is a recipe for a devastating stalemate.

iden has also overestimated Ukraines capacity for war. This is not to be confused with courage and steadfastness, of which the Ukrainians have demonstrated plenty, and which allowed them to launch a successful counter-offensive last year.

AD

But the war has thus far been fought conventionally on Ukrainian territory, allowing the greater Russian firepower to overwhelm Ukraines smaller military and destroy much of its economy.

These setbacks have not deterred the US and its allies from doubling down. On May 19, the US-led G7 countries meeting in Hiroshima vowed to renew their commitment to provide the financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support Ukraine requires for as long as it takes.

This is yet another indication that the US and its allies are getting bogged down in mission creep. What began with sending ammunition to Ukraine, expanded to supplying artillery and American and German tanks, Patriot defence systems, and drones, which allow Ukraine to take the fight into Russian territory.

Most recently, the US has agreed to the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to challenge Russias air superiority. Moscow has warned that providing Kyiv with this aircraft will lead to a dangerous escalation, while experts have questioned its immediate utility for the Ukrainian army without outside help manning it.

From the looks of it, any future victory on the battlefield may prove to be a pyrrhic one, with the costs by far outweighing the gains. If the much-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive somehow succeeds in extracting a dramatic victory from the jaws of defeat, this could push Russia to use nuclear weapons in response, wreaking havoc in Ukraine and the rest of Europe.

AD

Even if Moscow resorts to deploying tactical nuclear weapons, which have smaller explosive power and are meant for use on the battlefield against enemy bases and troops, the ramification of such a move for European  indeed world  security and peace, cannot be overstated.

Some in the US administration consider the Russian threats of nuclear retaliation as no more than a bluff to deter further Western intervention.

I hope they are right. I think they are wrong.

Since 2000, the Kremlin has lowered the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, stating that they may be used not only in case of a threat to the countrys very existence, but also to repel armed aggression if all other means of resolving a crisis situation have been exhausted or turn out to be ineffective.

Lastly, just as Putin underestimated Western unity in their support of Ukraine, Biden underestimated the rest of the worlds indifference to what appears  from the perspective of the Global South  as a protracted European conflict that is Europes problem. As the rest of the world continues to trade with Russia, Western sanctions are failing to change Moscows calculus.

AD

In sum, both Russia and the West have failed to pursue diplomacy as purposefully and stubbornly as they have pursued war. Both sides are digging in for the long haul, stacking the decks, stoking fears of nuclear annihilation, and framing the conflict as a win or die situation. Considering the irreconcilable differences between Russia and the West, the war is not likely to end in a peace agreement, at least not in the foreseeable future.

Ultimately, the conflict may reach a stalemate and a long-term cessation of hostilities, similar to the 70-year-long ceasefire between North and South Korea, in which Russia may insist on a demilitarised zone that cuts through Ukraine from Kharkiv in the north to Kherson in the south.

Meanwhile, as the war takes its toll on Russian and Western security and stability, China emerges unscathed. And to US displeasure, it is becoming a more powerful and credible world leader than ever before.
Loath as I am to give the vile Tucker Carlson even scintilla of extra attention, it's pretty important that the Right's darling pundit opened up his new show on Twitter with rank anti-Semitism.

In a lengthy defense of his hero Vladimir Putin, he called the Jewish president of Ukraine "sweaty and rat-like,  a persecutor of Christians, a friend of Blackrock."

When Tucker Carlson and Twitter team up, how can the result be anything else?

I'm compelled to provide a link here, but I certainly don't recommend you watch the video. Just know that it starts with reprehensible cheerleading for Russia, and ends with a litany of conspiracy theories, like: We don't know what happened on 9/11; nor what happened to JFK; and UFOs are real  aliens are flying aircraft over our cities, but the media won't tell you because it only wants you to think about racism.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

stc Bahrain, a leading telecommunications provider, announced achieving the highest ranking in 12 quality of service parameters, including the top three categories, according to the latest 2022 Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) Mobile QoS report conducted from 30 Oct 2022 to 18 January 2023.

With its nationwide 5G coverage network, stc Bahrain said it has successfully extended its services to both residential and business areas with speed and low latency, delivering an exceptional user experience.

Notably, stcs 5G network has been acknowledged as the fastest in the Kingdom, with record upload and download speeds and high computing capabilities.

This enables high-resolution video streaming, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), multimedia content, and seamless online data communications.

In addition, stc Bahrain has been ranked first for Best Voice Quality of Service and Best Web Experience.

This recognition, stc said, reflects the cutting-edge technology and innovation it brings to Bahrain, empowering the community to embrace a new digital way of life.

Nezar Banabeela, CEO of stc Bahrain, expressed his pride in the companys achievements, stating, It is a testament to our high-network quality and wide 5G coverage bandwidth across Bahrain and our capabilities to fuel 5G experiences for customers and businesses.

This is important to us as we continue to push new boundaries in technology, to provide state-of-the-art and next-generation connectivity services to our customers while contributing to making Bahrain more digitally enabled.
In February, a Los Angeles man picked up a chair on Facebook Marketplace for $50. That same chair, made by Danish furniture designer Frits Henningsen, just sold in a Sotheby's auction for $85,000!

The circa 1935 leather chair, described by the auction house as a "Rare High-back Wing Chair," was only estimated to sell for between $30,000 to $50,000. The man who found the chair, Justin Miller, shared a video of himself watching the live auction online on Wednesday. Needless to say, he was pretty excited at the results! Miller stands to collect a big chunk of change, even minus any fees.

Catalogue Note:
OTTAWA, ON, June 7, 2023 /CNW/ - Members of the media are invited to join the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, for the raising of the Pride flag on Parliament Hill, alongside Members of Parliament, and special guests.

Date: June 8, 2023



Time: 9:00 a.m. ET



Location: Centre Block Lawn

Parliament Hill

111 Wellington Street

Ottawa, ON



Notes for media:

Members of the media who wish to attend this event must register by 8:00 a.m. ET on June 8, 2023, by emailing [email protected].

Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada:

SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada

For further information: Johise Namwira, Press Secretary and Issues Manager, Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, 873-353-0985, [email protected]; Media Relations: Women and Gender Equality Canada, 819-420-6530, [email protected]
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

STAFFORD - Voters will have to go to the polls for a third time after the $45.8 million proposed budget was rejected 992 to 713 on Wednesday.

"The vote was for a reduction in services," said Board of Finance Chairman Fran Moriarty during a Board of Finance meeting that was held after the referendum.



The board voted to cut $209,037 from the town government budget, $339,089 from the education budget, and $9,600 from the library, a total reduction of $557,726.

The new proposed tax rate for real estate and personal property is 36.77 mills, an increase of 0.99 mills. The motor vehicle tax will be 32.46 mills due to the statewide cap.

One mill represents $1 of taxes for each $1,000 of assessed property value.

"The town needs the money. I've looked at our budget, I've looked very carefully, and there is no extra. We need the money," said Board of Education Chairwoman Laura Lybarger, who was with a group of people holding "Vote Yes" signs across the street from the library, where the referendum was held. "If it fails, the Board of Finance is going to cut more out of the budget, and we're going to lose programs. We've already lost some really good people because of the last one."

"I wish that more people supported our town. I don't think they realize what exactly goes into running it," said Lybarger.

"The taxes are outrageous in this town, and we're paying for all of the people that live downtown, and the low incomes, and it's crazy," said Andrea Eldridge, who voted against the budget. "I could go down to southern Connecticut in the beautiful towns, and live there for lower taxes than I pay here in Stafford."

"I grew up in Somers, and everybody said Somers was very expensive," she said. "When I moved to this town, I actually thought they made a mistake on my property taxes, and they said no, the mill rate's much higher in Stafford. I wish I did my homework because now we are taxed through the roof here."

Kenny Mcquaid agreed that the taxes are high, adding that though there should be more cuts, it shouldn't be to education.

"They're threatening us with cutting things - now the bus rides. It has nothing to do with the kids. Other departments in town need to be cut," he said.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

NEW HAVEN  Police Thursday announced the arrest of a 25-year-old Hartford man in connection with a fatal 2020 shooting on Grace Street.

According to police, Jonathan Frater is charged with murder in the Nov. 17, 2020, death of Tylee Bellamy, who was 24. Assistant Police Chief Bertram Etienne said Frater, who is incarcerated in Hartford pending trial in an unrelated case, is being held in lieu of $1.5 million bail.

Etienne said Hartford police were "extremely instrumental" in making the arrest, and said police believe Bellamy's killing was the result of a robbery and that a firearm was stolen.

At a press conference Thursday announcing the arrest, Bellamy's mother, Krystal Woodhouse, and grandmother Lorraine Bellamy made emotional pleas for there to be an end to violence.

Woodhouse said she had a difficult childhood of her own, and Tylee Bellamy, her first-born, brought her the joy she needed.

"That little boy was going to show me love, and that's what he did," she said.

Woodhouse urged parents not to tolerate violence or drugs so that problems don't escalate.

"These streets are taking our kids," she said. "Everybody needs to be held accountable."

Lorraine Bellamy said Tylee Bellamy was the second grandson she lost to gun violence, in addition to a son.

"We're burying so many young kids," she said.

Bellamy left behind four children after his death.

"He don't feel that pain. I feel that pain every night," Woodhouse said.

Thursday's announcement was the second announcement of a New Haven homicide arrest in two days.

On Wednesday, police announced they were extraditing Chamar Kelley, 21, from a North Carolina jail where he is in custody on unrelated charges. New Haven police said they are charging Kelley with murder, first-degree robbery and carrying a pistol without a permit following the Nov. 6, 2020, homicide of Allen Leeshaw Freeman on Bassett Street.

Also Wednesday, police announced a $25,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the stabbing death of Southern Connecticut State University student Nico Saraceni in October 2022.
Dale Wheatley is the transportation coordinator for the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois (AGA) which "procures, prepares and preserves donations for medical and scientific study." Still, Wheatley was surprised to show up at work to find three severed heads sitting on his desk.

According to Wheatley, the day before the grisly discovery, he had expressed to management his concern that the bodies under the organizations care are being mishandled.

"They're sending donors back because of mold and rot, bugs. It's deplorable," Wheatley said.

Seems that some of his colleagues didn't appreciate Wheatley speaking up.

From FOX32:
WEST HAVEN  The case had been cold for decades when Detective Tammy Murray got the call.

It was 2013, and Michelle Clark was on the other line. Clark is medicolegal death investigator in the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and she had a lead on the possible identity of a woman whose remains were found in West Haven in 1979.

Ultimately, the lead did not pan out, but it set the two women on a quest to find out Jane Does real name. And now, 10 years later, they believe DNA technology has put them on the brink of finding their answer.

In recent years, forensic genealogy companies have garnered attention for successfully working with law enforcement to help solve missing persons cases, some of them decades old.

In April, for example, the firm Identifinders International used DNA technology to help the East Haven Police Department identify a 1975 homicide victim.

Clark and Murray are working with a different company, called Othram, on their case, which is shrouded in mystery.

Until recently, there was little to no media coverage of West Havens Jane Doe. Her remains were found on April 20, 1979, next to Route 34 on what then was New Haven Water Co. property, police said.

Because of the state of Jane Does remains, her cause and manner of death were undetermined, according to James Gill, the states chief medical examiner.

When she was found she was completely skeletonized, Clark said. There were no signs of  bullet wounds or stab wounds. There was nothing that we could (use to) determine cause of death.

Murray recently reviewed crime scene photos, she said, and found that Jane Doe did not appear to have been buried.

She had a few items with her, including a Westclox brand folding travel alarm clock in a red case and a black, lace bra, Murray said.

Authorities have estimated that, by spring of 1979, Jane Doe could have been dead anywhere from one to eight years, and that she was between 18 and 30 years old.

Going cold

Investigators originally did not have much to go on. The case was picked up again in 1981, when Jane Does mandible was found near the area where her remains first were discovered, according to Murray.

The case then went quiet for another decade, according to Murray.

The next time it was reopened was in 1991. ... A major casebook was compiled at that time, she said. Other than putting this book together, I dont think they were able to put together any further leads on it.

It would be another 20 years before police got another lead. That happened in 2013, with Clarks phone call to Murray.

Jane Does mitochondrial DNA had matched that of a woman named Lynne Schulze, a Middlebury College student who went missing in 1971, Murray said.

But while mitochondrial DNA can help rule people in or out, is not individualizing, Clark said. Investigators ruled out Schulze using dental records, Murray said.

We were really hoping it was her, but it wasnt, said Clark.

Still, the lead was the start of a 10-year quest for Murray and Clark.

In the years that followed, they took various steps to try to move the case forward. Murray revisited the site where Jane Does remains were found and brought cadaver dogs to try to locate additional parts of her skeleton, which is still incomplete, Murray said.

In late 2013, the pair sent images of Jane Does skull to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which created a composite sketch of Jane Does face, according to Murray.

Occasionally, individuals who thought the woman might be their missing loved one would surface, Murray said. The pair also investigated whether Jane Does remains might match women who went missing out of Vernon and Waterbury, she said.

None of them was their Jane Doe.

Technology brings hope

With advances in DNA technology, however, Murray and Clark believe their luck is about to change. Clark has been working with Othram, a forensics company that collaborates with law enforcement to identify human remains, to finally identify Jane Doe.

They have not yet succeeded  it costs $7,500 for the testing Othram performs, Murray said. The team has launched a crowdfunding campaign on DNASolves, a database owned by Othram, raising $3,200 as of Wednesday, according to DNASolves website.

Compared to the overtime departments use for missing persons cases, Murray said, the cost seems minimal.

The money pays for Othram to perform DNA extraction and sequencing, and for genealogists to work the case, according to Clark.

The genealogists are close, she said. But we dont have a name.

Investigators know little about how Jane Doe died. If they can find out who she was, however, that could change.

Law enforcement can work their way backwards, Clark said. To find out who she was with, what she did the last 48 hours before she went missing.

But perhaps most importantly, Murray said, identifying Jane Doe could bring closure to her family.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin has handed cash-strapped Milwaukee a lifeline to stave off bankruptcy, allowing the city to raise sales taxes without voter approval as part of a larger local government and K-12 schools funding plan, according to a bipartisan deal announced Thursday Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers.

Evers called it a transformative deal that will rescue Milwaukee from the threat of bankruptcy, something that would have devastating consequences for communities in every corner of our state and our state economy as a whole.

As part of the deal, the GOP-controlled Legislature agreed to spending an additional $1 billion on K-12 schools, along with increasing payments to families whose children attend taxpayer-funded private voucher schools. Evers, a former state superintendent of education in the first year of his second term as governor, has made spending more on education a cornerstone of his time in office.

The much-discussed local government funding plan has taken on urgency in the Legislature this year. Milwaukee officials have warned about dire consequences and deep cuts as the city faces bankruptcy by 2025. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson warned lawmakers of catastrophic budget cuts" if a deal for more funding wasn't reached.

Milwaukee, the states largest city and a Democratic stronghold, faces an underfunded pension system. Milwaukee has increasingly become reliant on federal pandemic aid to fund its essential services, which city leaders have said cost $150 million more per year to maintain.

The largest sticking point in reaching a new funding deal had been who would determine whether Milwaukee city and county can raise the local sales tax to pay for pension costs and emergency services.

Milwaukee officials, Senate Republicans and Evers wanted the decision to rest with local governing boards. But Assembly Republicans passed a bill last month that would require voters to decide whether to raise sales taxes.

Under the deal announced Thursday, local governing boards in the city and county could approve raising the sales tax with a two-thirds majority vote. Milwaukee is the only city of its size in the country that is not allowed to have its own sales tax.

Roughly $1.6 billion in aid to local governments known as shared revenue  would be paid for by tapping 20% of the states 5-cent sales tax. Aid would then grow along with sales tax revenue.

The plan would increase funding to counties, cities, towns and villages with under 110,000 population by at least 20%. That could only be spent on police and fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency response communications, public works and transportation. The city and county of Milwaukee would see a 10% increase, but could ask voters to raise the local sales tax for more money.

Shared revenue to local governments has remained nearly unchanged for almost 30 years and was cut in 2004, 2010 and 2012.

The bill would also cut aid to communities that reduce the number of police officers and firefighters and ban public health officials from ordering businesses closed for more than 30 days, with the local governing body able to extend that once for another 30 days.

It would also ban local advisory referenda questions on everything except those for certain projects that would be funded with property tax money. The bill would not allow questions on hot-button issues like whether voters support abortion rights or legalizing marijuana.

Democrats, health leaders and others have criticized those provisions, which have long been a part of the plan. But with Evers on board, the proposal was likely to speed through the Legislature on Wednesday and be signed into law.

The agreement also calls for spending $50 million more on reading and literacy programs in schools, increasing special education funding by 33% and spending $30 million on mental health in schools. It also eliminates a tax on business equipment and furnishings known as the personal property tax.

The deal was announced a month before the 10th anniversary of Detroit's filing for bankruptcy, the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history. Detroit emerged from bankruptcy in December 2014, having restructured or wiped out $7 billion in debt. The city was forced to follow a state-monitored spending plan and has been able to build cash surpluses.

Wisconsin state law does not allow for cities to declare bankruptcy, which means the Legislature would have to vote to allow Milwaukee to take that step if the city were to run out of money.

____

Associated Press writer Corey Williams contributed to this report from Detroit.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Luci Baines Johnson was a somewhat impatient 18-year-old on Aug. 6, 1965, when she happened to be on what she called daddy duty, meaning I was supposed to accompany him to important occasions.

The occasion that day was President Lyndon Johnsons scheduled signing of the Voting Rights Act, which Congress had passed the day before. She assumed the ceremony would be in the East Room of the White House, where the Civil Rights Act had been signed the previous year.

And that would probably take an hour and then I could be on my way, she recalled in a recent interview from the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas.

Instead, her father met her and guided her to the South Portico, where the presidential motorcade was waiting. They were going to Congress.

Knowing a trip to Capitol Hill would take more time than she anticipated, she asked why.

We are going to Congress because there are going to be some courageous men and women who may not be returning to Congress because of the stand they have taken on voting rights, she recalled her father telling her. And there are going to be some extraordinary men and women who will be able to come to the Congress because of this great day. Thats why were going to Congress.

Johnson, who stood behind her father during the signings, knew the significance of the law and asked him afterward why he had presented the first signing pen to Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen, a Republican from Illinois, when so many civil rights champions were on hand.

Luci Baines, I did not have to say or do anything to convince one of those great civil rights leaders to be for that legislation, she recalled him saying. If Everett Dirksen hadnt been willing to be so courageous to support it, too, and more importantly brought his people along ... wed never have had a law.

Johnson said personal relationships and events in her fathers life influenced his thinking on civil rights and voting rights, as well as many of the social programs he helped establish.

Some of that can be traced to his life before politics when he was a teacher in Cotulla, Texas, where most of his students were Mexican American. They were wonderful and eager, but often hungry and very poor, she said.

He thought hed grown up poor so he would understand what their plight was like, she said. But he had never gone without a toothbrush. He had never gone without toothpaste. He had never gone without shoes. He had never known the kind of discrimination that they had known.

He swore if he ever got in a position to change the trajectory of the lives of people of color he would, she said.

Johnson said she was saddened in 2013 when the Supreme Court released its ruling in Shelby County v. Holder, which essentially ended a provision of the Voting Rights Act mandating the way states were included on the list of those needing to get advance approval for voting-related changes.

I cried because I knew what was coming. I knew that there were parts of this country, including my home state, my fathers home state, that would take advantage of the fact that there would no longer be an opportunity to have the federal government ensure that everyone in the community had the right and equal access to the voting booth, she said.

I have seen over a lifetime so much take place that has tried to close the doors on all those rights, she said. Im 75 years old now, and my energies are less than they once were, but for all of my days I will do all I can to try to keep those doors open to people of color, people who are discriminated against because of their age, or their ethnicity or their physical handicaps.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling on another core provision of the Voting Rights Act, one that is designed to protect the voting rights of minorities. A 5-4 court majority sided with plaintiffs who had argued that Alabama's congressional maps diluted the influence of Black voters.

Johnson said she wants to continue fighting to protect voting rights and maintain her fathers legacy.

I dont want to get to heaven one day, and I hope I do, and have to say to my father, it was gutted to death on my watch, she said.

___

The Associated Press coverage of race and voting receives support from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
A federal high court in Abuja has extended the order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) from detaining Abdulaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara.

Donatus Okorowo, the presiding judge, extended the order on Thursday, after Michael Aondoaka, Yaris counsel and a former minister of justice, made an oral application to the effect.

Okorowo also restrained the Department of State Services (DSS) from detaining the former governor.

In May 2022, the EFCC arrested Yari over alleged fraud relating to the subsidy reinvestment and empowerment programme (SURE-P).

The former Zamfara governor was also arrested in connection to the fraud allegations levelled against Ahmed Idris, the suspended accountant-general of the federation.

His hurdles with the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS come amid his ambition to become the senate president in the 10th national assembly.

On Monday, Aondoakaa filed a motion asking the judge to stop the DSS, EFCC, and ICPC from detaining Yari.

Okorowo ordered the respondents (EFCC, ICPC, DSS) to show cause on the next adjourned date (Thursday) on why the prayers sought on the motion ex-parte should not be granted.

The development occurred after a plea for an adjournment moved by Gloria Ogbason, lawyer to the EFCC, and Kemi Odogun, counsel representing the ICPC, to enable them to file their responses to Yaris motion.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Aondoakaa informed the court that all the respondents had been served as directed by the court.

Yari had, through his team of lawyers led by the former minister of justice, filed the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ANJ/CS/785/23 and sued the EFCC, ICPC and DSS as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

In the application, the former governor prayed the court for an order restraining the respondents from detaining and preventing him from attending or participating in the proclamation of the 10th senate by President Bola Tinubu on June 13.

Yari said his aspiration to contest the position of senate president had drawn consternation from some members of his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which had resorted to using the respondents and their agents to harass him.

Yari said if the order was not given, his rights would have been breached by the respondents.

Okorowo adjourned the matter until June 27 and barred the EFCC, ICPC and DSS from detaining Yari until they appear to show cause on the next adjourned date.
Fox News' Laura Ingraham went into attack mode against scientists who are warning New Yorkers to take precautions against the air pollution caused by the Canadian wildfires. In addition to making fun of TV reporters wearing masks to protect themselves and questioning why the woke media hasn't complained about China's chronic air pollution, she invited expert Steven Milloy on her show to explain why New Yorkers had nothing to be concerned about.

According to Wikiepedia, Milloy is lawyer and lobbyist known for challenging the science behind public protection policies. He has close ties to the tobacco and oil industries. He also has a mean streak.

Milloy told Ingraham that the particulate matter from the fire is simply "innocuous" "carbon particles." He said, "There's nothing in them. They have no effect. EPA has all this testing on real-life human beings it shows no effect. This is total junk science."

But the EPA's website says that particulate matter has deleterious effects. Small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and have been linked to serious health issues like premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms, with heart or lung disease patients, children, and older adults being most at risk.

Fox guest: There's just no health riskWe have this kind of air in India and China all the time, no public health emergency this doesn't kill anybody, this doesn't make anybody cough, this is not a health event particulate matter is just very fine soot, they're innocuous. pic.twitter.com/DB0hDmqRwC  Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) June 8, 2023

Here's a transcript of Ingraham's conversation with Milloy:

Steven Milloy

The air is ugly, it's unpleasant to breathe. And for a lot of people, they get anxiety over it. But the reality is there's no health risk. Okay, there's EPA research, they've done lots of clinical research on asthmatics, on elderly asthmatics, on children, on elderly with heart disease, not a cough or wheeze from any of them. We have this kind of air in India and China all the time. No public health emergency.

Laura Ingraham

Speaking of  do you notice like in all the coverage of you know, [CNN chief climate correspondent] Bill Weir, the tailpipes, all this? They never, ever mentioned the fact that China is the number one polluter in the world never.

Steven Milloy

Yeah, this is like clean air in China. I mean, it's really bad. You know, they in the winter, they never turn on their scrubbers for the air pollution because they don't care. Weir has no idea what he's talking about. This doesn't kill anybody. This doesn't make anybody cough. This is not a health event. This has got nothing to do with climate. First off, these are this is wildfire smoke, this is natural. This is not because of climate change, fossil fuel, you know, internal combustion engines. He just has no idea what he's talking about.

Laura Ingraham

All day, by the way, it seemed like the media figures that we've become accustomed to seeing on television during these crises, they seem like they were back in their element, in kind of almost enjoying the moment of wearing masks again. Didn't they seem to have a little pep in their step with those masks? Now, they talked about the dangers of something called "particulate matter" from the smoke. Here's CNN earlier,

CNN reporter

Consider wearing a mask and that is because of the particulate matter in the air. This is among the tiniest, most dangerous kind of pollutants and it's the kind of thing found in this wildfire smoke. These particles are so small, they can get into the lungs when you breathe them in, get into the bloodstream, and cause all kinds of health issues.

Laura Ingraham

Steve, we're back at the masks. Ramin Oskoui is watching from heaven by the way, from Maine, I know you are. Go ahead.

Steven Milloy

Yeah, this is crazy. This is all particulate matter, but particulate matter was not a concern until EPA invented it as one in the 1990s and they've been writing into the Obama administration, now the Biden administration.

Laura Ingraham

What is it? Are there health concerns?

Steven Milloy

No. particulate matter is very fine soot.

Laura Ingraham

Well, you don't want to be breathing that in.

Steven Milloy

They're just carbon particles. They're innocuous, okay? They're innocuous. There's nothing in them. They have no effect. EPA has all this testing on real life human beings it shows no effect. This is total junk science.




A former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has stated that he has come back to restructure the All Progressives Congress, APC in Osun State.





The former two term governor of Osun State who maintained that he did not offend anybody also sought forgiveness from persons who felt aggrieved by him.





Aregbesola made this known on Wednesday as residents of the state and members of the Osun APC welcomed him back to the state.





At the event, which was held at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, Aregbesola explained that it was unfortunate that some people mismanaged the affairs of the APC and ran it aground.





He said he had in 2019 called for the unity of the party with a warning that failure to unite different interest groups in the party would not produce any good result.





In his words, I am here today to seek restructuring of the party. I didnt offend anybody, but whoever feels that we offended him or her should forgive us.





We seek forgiveness from those who thought we offended and those who sought our downfall.





We seek forgiveness from those who are smearing our image, though we never offended them.





We supported them with all I have to see to their success. I didnt ask for anything from them. I need to emphasise that I didnt ask for anything from them. But they chose to repay evil for good.





We were here in 2019 after the Supreme Court affirmed the mandate of the former governor. I called for unity in the party. I warned that disunity will not produce any good result. But the devil didnt allow those who handled the partys affairs to listen.





However, we are here for the restructuring of the party. That is why we are begging anybody that feels that we offended him or her to forgive us.





The former Minister later paid visits to the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji and Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromalaran, where he presented his score cards.





Prior to the 2022 gubernatorial election in Osun State, there was a falling apart in the Osun APC as former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola disagreed with his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola.





The party also splintered into two camps with some members belonging to the IleriOluwa faction of Oyetola and others belonging to The Osun Progressives, TOP.





As a result, there were parallel primaries which threw up two APC party chairmen in the state.





Violence was rife in the party which culminated in two daylight attacks on TOP members during their meetings and an armed attack on Rauf Aregbesolas convoy in Osogbo in 2022.
Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, says he is supporting Godswill Akpabio, a former minister of Niger Delta affairs, for senate president because he is the preferred candidate of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking when he appeared on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday, Ndume said Tinubu also told him to spearhead Akpabios campaign and ensure he becomes the number three citizen.

Even though the All Progressives Congress (APC) has chosen Akpabio to be senate president, the likes of Abdulaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara, and Orji Uzor Kalu, chief whip of the senate, have insisted on contesting the position.

The Borno senator said supporting the former senate minority leader is about justice and doing what is right.

There are so many that contributed to my reason to stand for Akpabio, because one the president had interest and had Akpabio as his preferred candidate and number two, he had the confidence of asking me to lead the campaign, he said.

Most importantly, it is about justice, about equity, about the constitution and doing what is right and standing for what is justful for this country.

This country belongs to all of us. The constitution says that the country should be run in such a way that no tribe or religion in this country will feel marginalised.

The right thing to do is to get someone from the south-south particularly and beneficiary of that happens to be Akpabio. He is the most ranking from that area, he has the experience and he is from the south-south.

The 10th national assembly will be inaugurated on June 13.




Tupac Shakur, the late rap legend, has received a star on Hollywoods Walk of Fame, nearly three decades after he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting.





This comes after a brief but remarkable career that saw him rise from backup dancer to self-proclaimed gangsta and one of hip-hops most important artists.





At the unveiling ceremony in Los Angeles, his sister Sekyiwa Set Shakur said, It fills my heart with honour to stand here today representing the Shakur family.





Tupac knew deep down that he was born to do great things. And I had the honour of seeing his grandeur as his little sister.





Shakur, 25, sold over 75 million records, with singles including California Love and Changes.





He also became a pivotal character in a much-publicized rivalry between East and West Coast hip-hop, fueled by promoters.





Although born in New York, Shakur migrated to California with his family as a youngster. He became one of the most recognisable names in the West Coast scene before being assassinated in Las Vegas in September 1996.





The circumstances of Shakurs death remain unknown. Wednesdays event took place nine days before his 52nd birthday.





His identification as a gangsta rapper occurred near the conclusion of his brief life, when he had numerous brushes with violence and was imprisoned on sexual assault charges.
Former US Vice-President Mike Pence has launched his bid for the presidency.

Speaking at a community college in Iowa on Wednesday, Pence accused former President Donald Trump of abandoning conservative principles.

He also accused Trump of dereliction of duty on January 6, 2021  the day the US Capitol Building was invaded by insurrectionists.

Pence said Trumps supporters besieged the Capitol after the former president insisted he could overturn election results.

The former vice-president, who is one of the frontrunners for the Republican ticket, also condemned Trumps anti-conservative values and abortion stance.

He said Trump should never be re-elected for putting himself above the US constitution.

I believe anyone that puts themselves over the constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the constitution should never be president of the United States again, Pence said.

After leading the most pro-life administration in American history, Donald Trump and others in this race are retreating from the cause of the unborn.

The sanctity of life has been our partys calling for half a century-long before Trump was a part of it. Now he treats it as an inconvenience, even blaming our election losses in 2022 on overturning Roe v. Wade.

Pence pledged to restore a threshold of civility in public life, saying the country needs leaders who know the difference between the politics of outrage and standing firm.




The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded that the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, be arrested in connection with the fraudulent Nigeria Air.





This is contained in a statement signed by the groups national coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko.





HURIWA, a human rights advocacy group, questioned Sirikas hasty debut of Nigeria Air on May 26, the last official day of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.





The group urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the former minister now that the Senate and House Committees on Aviation have both determined that the project was a fraud.





The Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt. Dapo Olumide, told legislators on Tuesday that the aircraft paraded as Nigeria Air plane belonged to Ethiopian Airlines and not Nigeria whereas Sirika paraded the aircraft as being owned by Nigeria.





This is fraud of the highest order and the lawmakers have labelled it so, including the suspension of all activities regarding the sham called national carrier.





The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must swing into action now that both the upper and lower chambers have declared the project as a fraud. The anti-graft agency must swiftly arrest, investigate and prosecute the ex-minister, if found culpable.





There are a lot of questions that Sirika must be made to answer, including the whereabouts of the N85 billion splurged on the project.





In fact, aside that the so-called national carrier has not secured a single aircraft for its operations, it has also failed to secure Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , he said.





The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had in July 2018 unveiled the much-awaited new national carrier during the Farnborough Air Show in London.





In eight years, the Buhari administration with Sirika as the arrowhead spent over N85 billion on Nigeria Air, as shown in data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Compilation of Budgetary Allocations between 2016 and 2023.





At separate meetings with the Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt. Dapo Olumide, on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Senate Aviation Committee, Sen. Biodun Olujimi and the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, both agreed that the launch of Nigeria Air was a fraud.





Olumide admitted that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft used to unveil the countrys national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines.





He said the aircraft returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling.




There was panic at the Anambra State House of Assembly as four armed men, suspected to be operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, tried to whisk away a member-elect for Nnewi North constituency, Mr Onyekachukwu Ike.





The armed men drove into the Assembly complex in three vehicles and grabbed the member-elect after he participated in a valedictory thanksgiving mass for the seventh Assembly.





They forced the member-elect into their vehicle and were trying to drive out of the Assembly complex when security personnel quickly locked the exit gate.





The Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs Esther Aneto, and other senior staff lamented that the suspected DSS operatives did not inform them or even the Police personnel at the Assembly before trying to whisk Ike away.





One of the suspected DSS operatives, however, explained that they had a court order to arrest the member-elect.





It took the intervention of the Speaker, Dr Uche Okafor, and the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, who came to represent the Governor at the Valedictory session of the seventh Assembly, before the member-elect was released.




Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has alleged there was massive looting of the government house in Makurdi by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the watch of former Governor Samuel Ortom.





Alia alleged that he met no single official car or a truck to operate with as they were all carted away.





In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, the governor stated that his decision to sweep away all last-minute appointments made by the former governor remains irreversible.





The statement is coming on the heels of calls by the PDP in the state that Alia should reverse his decision that led to the nullification of all last-minute appointments made by Ortom.





But Alia urged the PDP to seek forgiveness from the people of the state and stop playing to the gallery, claiming it had imposed untold pain and penury on the people.





The governor disclosed that he inherited an empty treasury and a whopping huge debt profile of N187.56 billion accompanied by accumulated months of unpaid salaries and entitlements of civil servants and pensioners in the state.





The PDP looted Government House to a point that the new government under Governor Hyacinth Alia, met no single car or truck in Government House. The governors visits to agencies and parastatals have uncovered the highest level of rot ever witnessed in the history of Benue State.





The same party that left an empty treasury in the state and ripped off the economic system of the people is now claiming to be standing on high moral grounds to offer untenable and ill-motivated criticisms to undermine the collective wisdom of the Benue populace.





The level of decay caused by the immediate past administration stinks in the severely vandalized offices of state civil servants, such that the new government must have to start from scratch to acquire the necessary equipment for the system to start working again, part of the statement read.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 election, Mr Peter Obi, on Thursday, sought an order of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) to interrogate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the experts on Information and Communication Technology ICT) used for the conduct of the election.

In two separate motions argued on his behalf by Mr Patrick Ikweto, SAN, Obi sought to know the quality of the ICT experts deployed in the use of technology for the conduct of election.

In the two motions, Obi and LP posed 12 questions to be forwarded to the electoral body for answers so as to aid him and LP in establishing their allegations of poor conduct, especially malpractices in the conduct of the election.

He claimed that the request, if granted, would assist him in the effective presentation of his petition challenging the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the election.

However, INEC, represented by Mr Kemi Pinhero, SAN objected to Obis bid to subject his client to interrogation through incompetent applications.

The senior lawyer argued that Obis applications had become belated because he brought them outside the time allowed by law.

Specifically, Pinhero argued that such an application ought to have been brought and argued during the pre-hearing session, adding that bringing the application outside the pre-hearing session has robbed the court of jurisdiction to hear it.

He insisted that the application must fail because it is a waste of time, adding that the precious time of the court must not be expended on such a request.

President Tinubu, represented by Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN and the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented by Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also kicked against granting of the request, insisting that the application is grossly incompetent in the face of the law.

Meanwhile, the Presiding Justice, Haruna Tsammani has reserved ruling on the applications.

Justice Tsammani also fixed June 9 for further hearing into the petition.
The spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, AMEN, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has warned those attacking him, especially on social media, that he will keep talking.

He insisted that social media cannot control the voice of prophecy.

Mbakas statement was contained in a video posted on the ministrys Facebook page.

The video was recorded while the cleric was ministering in one of his church programmes.

The fiery cleric said God reveals the future through vision, and people will see it.

Apparently referring to Peter Obis loss in the 2023 presidential election, Mbaka said:

Please, if the gift you have is not genuine, ask God for the real one; stop fabricating things. When there is a lot of noise on social media, then somebody begins to speak because you think that if millions of people are speaking of somebody, that means the majority will win the vote. No, it is a different thing from prophecy and vision.

In a vision, God will reveal to you the future. You will see it. It was so clear. Even in the time of Jonathan, I told him, look at what the Holy Spirit says you should do, remove this person if you want to win the election. If you dont remove him, you will lose, and Buhari will take over'.

People will never understand Father Mbaka, and they will begin to talk rubbish on social media. Whether you understand me or not, I will keep talking.

Social media cannot control the voice of prophecy because, in the end, it will happen the way God said it must happen, he said.
Abubakar Malami, the immediate past attorney-general of the federation (AGF), advised former President Muhammadu Buhari to decline assent to the bill on uniform retirement age for judicial officers.

TheCable reports that Malami told the former president that approval of the bill would create a huge financial and unexpected burden for the federal government.

On May 2, the national assembly directed Amos Ojo, its clerk, to transmit the bill to Buhari for assent.

The proposed alteration was entitled Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Altercation) (No.37) Bill, 2023.

The constitutional bill seeks to extend the retirement age of high court judges  and others  from 65 to 70 years.

The retirement age of justices of the appeal and supreme courts is already pegged at 70.

The bill also seeks to ensure uniformity in the pension rights of judicial officers of superior courts of record specified in section 6(5) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

The courts listed in section 6(5) are the supreme court, court of appeal, federal high court, high court of Abuja, high courts of states, sharia court of appeal, national industrial court, and customary courts of appeal, among others.

MALAMIS MEMO TO BUHARI

In a memo dated May 23 and addressed to the office of the chief of staff to the president, Malami said the bill appears to be far-reaching, unduly wide, ambiguous, adding that it made no justification for the extension of retirement age and benefits for judges.

Malami averred that the bill would lead to stagnation in the career growth of judges, adding that those currently on the bench would have to stay longer, preventing others from being elevated in higher courts.

The former AGF said the bill, if approved, may lead to further agitation for the extension of the retirement age of justices of the supreme court and court of appeal.

Accordingly, the federal government enacted the Federal Judicial Officers (Administration of Pension) Act 2007, which transferred the responsibility and administration of pension of the federal judicial officers from the department of establishments in the office of the head of service of the federation to the National Judicial Council, Malami wrote in the memo.

Similarly, State Governments are responsible for the pension of judicial officers in the state courts of record.

These provisions are now being amended by the fifth alteration which now restricts the power of the federal government to make law with respect to Judicial Officers who retire after the age of 65.

Regardless of extant economic realities of the federal government, by virtue of the fifth alteration, all judges who retire after attaining 65 years of age would be entitled to payment of their salaries for life, including all allowances in addition to any other benefit to which they may be entitled.

By virtue of the constitution, the only persons entitled to payment of their last salaries for life as pension are the President, Vice-President and Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. In the case of the latter, its only applicable if the justices retire at or after the age of 65 and have spent not less than 15 years.

Malami added that the proposed alteration of the constitution also eliminated the responsibility of states to pay these altered retirement benefits.
International arrivals to destinations in the Middle East during the first quarter of 2023 were 15% higher than in the same period of 2019, making it the first global region to exceed pre-pandemic numbers, according to UNWTO data.



For the Middle East, tourism represents an unrivalled driver of employment and opportunity, as well as economic diversification and resilience, delegations from 12 countries heard at the 49th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Middle East at the Dead Sea, Jordan.



Tourism leaders from across the Middle East discussed the sectors development across the region, including as a driver of inclusive employment and rural development.



Jordan welcomed 4.6 million tourists in 2022, close to the 4.8 million recorded in 2029, with receipts from tourism totalling $5.8 billion for the year



On the eve of the Regional Commission meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein to congratulate him on the "rapid and remarkable" recovery of Jordanian tourism. The Secretary-General also commended the strong support shown to tourism by the Jordanian Royal Family and the Government, including for ongoing work to diversify the sector.



Zurab Pololikashvili said: "Tourism has shown its resilience in the face of crisis. And now, recovery is well underway  with all the challenges and opportunities this brings. For the Middle East, tourism represents an unrivalled driver of employment and opportunity, as well as economic diversification and resilience."



UNWTO Supports Members' Priorities in the Middle East

Participants, representing 12 of the 13 UNWTO Member States in the region, and including 7 Ministers of Tourism, benefitted from a comprehensive overview of the Organization's progress achieving its Programme of Work.:



 Education: Members were given an overview of UNWTO's work to advance one of its key priorities for tourism. Key achievements include an agreement signed with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop tourism education, including through online courses with the potential to reach up to 300 million people worldwide, and the Jobs Factory, linking 50 employers with 100,000 jobseekers. UNWTO is also launching a first Undergraduate Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management and developing plans to make tourism a high school subject.

 Tourism for Rural Development: The UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is growing as a global hub of tourism for rural development. Members were updated on its work, including the Best Tourism Villages initiative, which is welcoming applications for its third edition.

 Innovation: UNWTO is working with its Members to make the Middle East a hub of tourism innovation. Recent initiatives include the Women in Tech Start-Up Competition for the Middle East, aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs across the region, and the Tourism Tech Adventures forum held in Qatar.



Looking ahead

In line with UNWTO's statutory obligations, Members from the Middle East agreed:

 Jordan will serve as the Chair of the Commission for the Middle East for the period 2023 to 2025. Egypt and Kuwait will serve as the Vice Chairs.

 The Commission will meet in Oman for its 50th meeting.  TradeArabia News Service
Ever wanted to call an Uber but were disappointed because they didn't have an "armed driver" option? Well, a new Georgia-based rideshare company's now got you covered. Phil Lewis, Senior Editor at HuffPost, tweeted the news today: "A new rideshare company in Georgia will let you hire an armed driver to get you to your destination."

Candace McCowan for WSB-TV reports:

The owner of Black Wolf, Kerry Kingbrown, told Channel 2s Candace McCowan that the idea for the company came from taking a friend's daughter to school six months ago.

After just one month on the market, Black Wolf has already been downloaded approximately 90,000 times.

Kingbrown is a professional bodyguard who spent years working for celebrities and politicians.

He says at the end of last year, he had an idea to make security accessible for everyone.

"We have clients from the political realm to the everyday blue-collar worker," he explained . . .

Kingbrown says he took note of all the violent incidents involving rideshare drivers and their customers, and wanted to make a change.

"Our drivers are military, law enforcement, those who have been in the private security world for over five years. That's the minimum we require," he said. "They can see a situation brewing before it happens."




Former Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo has maintained that Rivers State is not a Christian state.





Dokubo was reacting to Fubaras remark on assumption of office that Rivers State is a Christian state.





In a Facebook live, the former Niger Delta warlord lamented that Fubara started his term on the wrong footing.





He stressed that such a comment goes against the principles of inclusivity and religious freedom.





Dokubo maintained that the Governor lacked the authority to unilaterally declare the state a Christian one.





According to Dokubo: I am using this medium to advise the governor, Sim Fubara, to better retract the statement.





I want him to know that Rivers state is not and will never be a Christian state. With such a statement, I can say that the Governor is starting on a wrong footing.
A high court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers, has sentenced Chidiebere Okoroafor, a popular pastor in the state, to death for killing Orlunma Nwagba, his choir mistress.

Okoroafor is the general overseer of the Altar of Solution and Healing Assembly based in Oyigbo LGA of the state.

The embattled cleric was said to have killed Nwagba after allegedly impregnating her.

He was also arraigned for murdering Chigozie Ezenwa, Nwagbas friend, and her 11-month-old baby.

In his ruling, Stanley Benson, the trial judge, convicted the pastor of the murder charges and ordered that he should be hanged by his neck until he dies or be executed by lethal injection.

The judge said the prosecution proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. He added that the confessional statements made by the cleric were very indicting.

Reacting to the development, Precious Ordu, the prosecuting counsel from the state ministry of justice, hailed the court ruling.

Ordu also commended the International Federation of Women Lawyers for ensuring that justice was served in the case.

But Innocent Ekpu, the defence counsel, said his client would appeal the judgement.

The court held that there was no eyewitness, not even one throughout the trial. The court also held that there was no circumstantial evidence linking the fellow to murder, he said.

But that the court convicted him of murder on account of his confessional statements. We, as counsel to the defendant, have decided to appeal the case.

We are going to file our notice of appeal as quickly as possible because we have grounds on which we believe that the defendant did not commit the offence. And that the trial court misapprehended the facts and also misconceived the law.




President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Economic Council (NEC) led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to begin the process of working on interventions to cushion the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians.

This is even as the independent major oil marketers have pledged to donate no fewer than 100 high capacity buses to the federal government for mass transit operations.

The cheering news was dropped by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who led the representatives of some major oil marketers on a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

Addressing State House correspondents after the closed door meeting, Abiodun said the marketers were in the Presidential Villa to express solidarity with the President for his bold decision to end the subsidy regime.

He noted that Tinubus action showed his determination and courage to remove the hermorage that had bedeviled the country for decades.

The governor said that while there would be some discomfort on the part of the people, the move would eventually pay off as there can be no gains without pain.

Also speaking at the briefing, spokesperson of the major oil marketers, Dame Winifred Agbani said the courtesy visit was to express their joy for the removal of fuel subsidy, adding that they have waited for too long for the removal of subsidy on petroleum products to happen.

According to her, Nigeria has already spent in five months over N2 trillion on subsidy and by years end will spend over N6.7 trillion mark, pointing out that the country cannot sustain it anymore.

She revealed that the marketers are aware that the removal of subsidy will hurt Nigerians in the short term but will benefit the masses in the long run.

She therefore announced the intention of the major oil marketers to donate 50 to 100 mass transit buses as a way to help the success of the initiative, hoping that other well meaning corporate bodies can do the same.

Those who came with Agbani, who is the Chairman of North West Oil and Gas Ltd are Raymond Ogbeche of Rain Oil Limited; Chris Igwe, OFR of Mainland Oil and Gas Ltd and Chairman of MOMAN.
President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Thursday, vehemently kicked against the bid by the former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku to engage ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to give evidence in his petition challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku in the bid to establish the alleged irregularities against the election had subpoenaed three ad-hoc workers of INEC to give first hand account of their experiences during the presidential election of February 25.

He had specifically requested them to offer explanations on how the results of the presidential election results were transmitted.

However, Tinubu, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, objected to the use of statements made on oath by the witnesses to be tendered at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in aid of Atikus petition.

The grouse of the President and the APC was that the statements of the ad-hoc workers were not front loaded at the time of filing the petition.

Olanipekun, SAN, who cited several provisions of the law against the use of the witnesses argued that since they were subpoenaed by Atiku as the petitioner, he ought to have front loaded their statements on oath along with the petition.

He asked the Court to reject the witnesses and discontenance their statements on grounds of violating the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Tinubus arguments against the subpoenaed witnesses were adopted by Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who stood for the APC and Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, who appeared for INEC.

However, Atikus lead counsel, Chris Uche SAN asked the Court to dismiss the objections on the grounds that they were utterly misplaced and misconceived.

Uche argued that the objections by Tinubu, APC and INEC were deliberate ploy designed to delay proceedings.

The senior lawyer insisted that the statements of the subpoenaed witnesses could not have been front loaded along with the petition because they had not been summoned at the time of filing the petition.

He asked the Court to discontenance the objections of the three respondents and hold that they are not regular additional witnesses envisaged in the law cited by Olanipekun.

Although the Court stood down for ruling, the Presiding Justice of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani on resumption, announced that ruling in the objections had been reserved.

Justice Tsammani however ordered that the evidence of the three subpoenaed witnesses be taken and the respondents to cross examine them.
The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy.

Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday, Wike stressed that electing Tinubu was not a mistake.

According to Wike: He has shown leadership from the first day he took the oath. If we are to tell ourselves the truth, it cant be business as usual; this subsidy is gone. How many presidents can take such a decision? For me, that is leadership, and hes prepared for the job.

Its a hard decision, but he has to take it, and no good leader who means well for his people will start playing games.

During his campaign, he said it; even PDP said it, so they all know that this is the problem for this country. We didnt make a mistake; this is the kind of leadership we need in this country.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains known as G5.

The meeting is taking place at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Members of the G5 include Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state; Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers state, and Samuel Ortom, the immediate past governor of Benue.

Others are Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the former governors of Abia and Enugu, respectively.

While the details of the meeting are not known yet, it may not be unconnected to Tinubus consultations to form his cabinet.

THE G5 AND PDP CRISIS

The G5  a sub-entity of the Integrity Group of the PDP  rose to prominence after Atiku Abubakar won the PDPs presidential primary election in May 2022.

Prior to the election, the party stakeholders who formed Integrity Group had demanded that the presidential ticket be zoned to the south in line with the rotation system in the partys constitution.

Following Atikus primary election victory, the G5 demanded Iyorchia Ayus resignation as the partys national chairman.

The governors based their argument on the premise that the presidential candidate and chairman cannot be from the same region. But Ayu stayed put, and as a result, the G5 governors abstained from the PDP presidential campaign.

Wike and his allies finally had their way in March when Ayu was suspended by his ward over alleged anti-party activities. A federal high court subsequently barred him from acting as the partys chairperson.

Among the G5 governors, Makinde won reelection as governor while three others  Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Ugwuanyi  failed in their bids to secure senatorial seats.

Sim Fubara, Wikes preferred candidate, won the election to succeed him as Rivers governor.

In May, after the presidential poll, Tinubu said he could not have won without the support of Wike.

I went through a gruesome campaign, fought hard, supported by many of you and I won. Fair and square. Nyesom, I say thank you for your contribution to my victory, Tinubu said.




The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, in the last election, Omoyele Sowore, has slammed the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and other members of the G-5 over their recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, former governors who are now called the G-String, met with the president in Abuja on Thursday.

Reacting to the meeting, Sowore in a tweet on his official handle, name the former governors Hustlers United, alleging that Wike is now dealing with the reality of his wicked and corrupt existence.

The tweet reads, FROM G-5 TO G-STRING: HUSTLERS UNITED! From so-called Powerful G-5 Governors to Perforated G-String Ex-Governors (except for Makinde who is a serving governor).

The hustle is real. @GovWike is now dealing with the reality of his wicked and corrupt existence, just like the ex-Abia Gov. Isi-Slippers, and that loudspeaker and Mr. Do-Nothing from Benue who used Fulani as an excuse to never get anything done, not even salaries of his workers. Like the Bourbons of France, They had learned nothing and forgotten nothing. [sic].
A Saudi national accused of stealing a school bus in New Jersey and driving it to Pennsylvania before getting caught in the Poconos is not mentally competent to stand trial, a U.S. federal judge has ruled.

Bader Alzahrani, 22, is facing charges from incidents in January, including receipt of a stolen vehicle transportation of a stolen vehicle in federal court, and motor vehicle theft, burglary, theft of moveable property, criminal damage and criminal trespass.

In an order signed March 27, federal Judge Michael Hammer said based on a psychiatric report sealed by the court, Alzahrani has a mental disease or defect that makes him unable to understand the court proceedings and properly participate in his defense.
The Newark City Council on Wednesday adopted an ordinance that limits rent increases to 5% a year in newly constructed buildings that had been exempt from rent control by a state law intended to encourage housing construction.

The 6-3 vote pit supporters who say rising rents were fueling a housing crisis in Newark, making the city unaffordable to longtime residents, against opponents who insist it will discourage new construction and serve outsiders who could afford to move into luxury apartments built during the citys decade-long building boom.

Council President Lamonica McIver, who supported the measure, said it would protect new and longtime Newark residents, including low and moderate-income people who live in affordable units required in any new building under the citys inclusionary zoning ordinance.

Everybody that lives in new development is not new to the City of Newark, McIver said.

Last month the Council introduced the ordinance after Mayor Ras J. Baraka proposed it to address a growing affordability problem in the states largest city. Newark continues to lag behind the state in per capita income and other economic indexes while leading the state in people living in shelters and on the street.

In 1987, state lawmakers sought to boost New Jerseys housing supply by exempting newly constructed buildings from local rent control ordinances for 30 years or the length of their financing.

Newarks ordinance takes advantage of a provision in the statute, 2A:42-84.1, allowing municipalities to protect tenants against unconscionable rent hikes, though the law does not specify what that means, leaving it up to housing court judges to decide on a case-by-case basis.

The maximum allowable increase was originally put at 5% every two years when the council first took up the ordinance on May 3, but later changed to 5% annually. Violations carry a $1,250 fine.

The city has a separate rent control ordinance that applies to older housing not exempted by state law, limiting annual increases to the level of the consumer price index or 4%, whichever is lower.

Members of the public applauded the Councils vote at the afternoon meeting, where several spoke in support of the measure.

Im a Newark resident, and I cant afford to live here, said Tallaucha Hunter, 52, a disabled grandmother who was born and raised in the city. Where am I going to go?

Hunters question echoed a point by David Troutt, founding director of the Rutgers Center on Law, Inequality and Metropolitan Equity (CLiME), who has authored recent reports chronicling Newarks affordability problem, which has grown as market-rate development has migrated west from Jersey City, one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country.

The city has, in many respects, become a playground for outside investors, Troutt said of Newark. The affordability crisis in Newark is getting worse and likely to get much worse over time.

One member of the public who spoke against the measure was Nicholas Kikis, vice president for legislative and regulatory affairs at the New Jersey Apartment Association, which represents landlords.

Kikis said he recognized the growing affordability problem in Newark, but he told council members, I think the ordinance before you is the wrong solution to that crisis. Referring to the 1987 statute, he added that the ordinance does not comply with state law.

On Wednesday, the citys corporation counsel, Kenyatta Stewart, defended the measures legality.

Along with McIver, Councilmembers C. Lawrence Crump, Louise Scott-Roundtree, Patrick Council, Dupre Kelly and Michael Silva voted for the ordinance. Councilmembers Luis Quintana, Carlos Gonzalez and Anibal Ramos voted against it.

Ramos said one of his constituents rents doubled even though he lived in an older, rent-controlled building. Asserting that the city was failing to enforce its existing rent control ordinance, Ramos questioned how it could extend its efforts to additional, new buildings occupied mainly by wealthier new residents.

This ordinance wont do anything but benefit those tenants who are able to afford that opening rent moving forward, he said.

Nobody knows Jersey better than N.J.com. Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com
One New Jersey health system meets weekly to discuss its critical drug shortages.

Another has been forced to communicate regularly.

And one oncologist says she has enough lifesaving cancer drugs for her patients  for now at least.

It is really at crisis level, said Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, an oncologist for Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care in Paramus.

Fourteen cancer drugs are officially in short supply nationally, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Among them: two vital chemotherapy treatments  carboplatin and cisplatin.

Some oncologists across the United States have been forced to delay treatment for patients and even ration drugs due to the shortages.

Just from what Ive heard and have read in the news, some patients have had their treatment adjusted, meaning theyve had to completely switch protocols, Teplinsky said. Some patients in the country have not been able to get their drug at all. Some people are waiting to get a drug.

And so it really is impacting patients on a day-to-day level.

Dr. Julie Gralow, the chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, has never seen anything like this.

I dont know of a time thats worse than this, she told NBC News. Whats different about this shortage is ... just the broad applicability of these drugs, how important they are globally, in the U.S., in the treatment of many diseases.

Several New Jersey health systems say their cancer drug supplies were holding for now. But they vary depending on the facility.

And no one seems completely at ease.

Shortages of carboplatin and cisplatin were the big ones hospitals have been dealing with, Teplinsky said.

I dont think theres anyone right now whos swimming in the drugs, she said.

Its a frightening reality for patients hoping to receive treatment without worrying about a drug suddenly being unavailable.

Valley, the Ridgewood-based hospital ranked among the states best, has maintained a supply for its patients, according to Teplinsky. And those supplies have grown slightly in recent weeks.

But were absolutely not out of the woods, she said, and the hospital is still being very careful with its stock.

Other places are completely out, Teplinsky said.

The shortages of carboplatin and cisplatin are especially concerning because theyre used to treat a variety of cancer and tumor types, experts say.

What that looks like is a patient  lets say they need carboplatin for their uterine cancer  they may not be able to get it, Teplinsky explained. And unfortunately, its not as simple as substituting one drug for the other.

The other drugs may not be as effective in that tumor type. It may have different side effects and different impacts and how that patient will experience it. So it really is very  stressful and potentially can negatively impact (the) outcome.

Its uncharted territory. So much so that the American Society of Clinical Oncology is still developing guidelines just in case doses need to be adjusted or alternative treatments need to be considered.

Valley oncologists touch base regularly to ensure they have adequate supplies.

A lot of it depends on: Will we have other newly diagnosed patients who need more chemo? Teplinsky said. So we may have enough based on our anticipated numbers  but we are in close contact on a very regular basis with (our) pharmacy and talking to our colleagues and really coming up with a system of how can we make sure that every single one of our patients who needs the drug can get it?

It begs the question: What happens if supplies run out? What criteria will be considered?

Some of the options were once unthinkable for doctors.

That has been kind of proposed by ASCO in terms of how  to ration, who to prioritize, because I think thats something that nobody thinks about, Teplinsky said. Again, you think as a patient, Hey, I need chemo. Im gonna get it, and its all going to be fine. 

But they talk about: Do we give it more to people who need it for curative purposes, rather than people who have metastatic disease? And thats really terrible that here we are in 2023, and we have to ration chemotherapy.

Drug shortages are nothing new, but the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem.

Nearly 80% of manufacturing facilities producing active pharmaceutical ingredients  the key ingredients that provide a drugs intended effect  are located outside the U.S., according to a government report released in March outlining the nations sapped drug supply.

The report, authored by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, noted critical generic drugs, particularly sterile injectable products regularly used in hospitals, were at an increased risk for shortages.

Drugs like and cisplatin and carboplatin.

The shortage of carboplatin  a chemotherapy that treats ovarian, cervical, endometrial and non-small cell lung cancers  is in short supply due in part to a manufacturer in India halting production over quality concerns.

Its a common problem. Often, just a handful of manufacturers  and sometimes only one  make vital drugs or the active ingredients in them. When that company faces a production or financial issue, theres often nowhere else to turn.

Supply chain problems and a continued U.S. overreliance on both foreign and geographically concentrated sources for medications and their raw materials are at the heart of dozens of drug shortages, the Senate committee report said.

Those shortages have cascading effects on patient care, causing delays in treatment, increasing the risk of medication errors, and requiring the use of less effective alternative treatments, it noted.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., the ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, called the shortage of drugs like carboplatin and cisplatin heartbreaking and unacceptable in a May statement.

He said the FDA was pursuing all options to boost supply.

The agency is working with manufacturers to expand production of the drugs by expediting review of new manufacturing lines, facilities, and suppliers of ingredients, Pallone said in the statement. It is also identifying and contacting potential sources for temporary importation of carboplatin and cisplatin to ensure patients have access to these critically needed cancer treatments.

He added: Unfortunately, carboplatin and cisplatin are just the latest in a line of drug shortages that are becoming all too common.

In late May, the FDA authorized a China-based pharmaceutical company to import cisplatin as a temporary solution.

Even hospitals and health systems with adequate supplies have to constantly evaluate their stock.

Of course, its on our radar, said Robert Pellechio, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer for RWJBarnabas Health.

The health system has been fortunate, he said, but noted that it holds weekly meetings dedicated to identifying what drugs are in short supply and how to move supply around to the right spots where theyre needed the most.

We have a number of hospitals within our network and along with pharmaceutical suppliers that have been keeping us whole, Pellechio said.

Some hospitals have better access to suppliers than others.

RWJBarnabas has cultivated relationships not only with pharmaceutical wholesalers but also pharma companies themselves, according to Pellechio. It pays off in emergency situations, he added.

A lot of health systems dont deal directly with Pfizer or Accord and some of the drug companies that deal through wholesalers. And so they have to wait for the wholesaler (for) that drug before they can order it, he said.

Though Valleys supplies have been holding, Teplinsky said she still is being upfront with patients.

I am a firm believer in patients being informed, and Id rather them hear from me first than hearing about it on the news and kind of panicking, she said.

Here are the cancer drugs on the FDAs shortage list:

Amifostine

Azacitidine

Capecitabine

Carboplatin

Cisplatin

Cytarabine

Dacarbazine

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Fludarabine phosphate

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate

Leucovorin calcium

Lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan

Methotrexate

Streptozocin

For more information on drug shortages, visit FDA.gov.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com.
Gregory Lee Rodvelt, a 71-year-old man from southern Oregon, was found guilty by a federal jury in Medford for multiple crimes related to booby-trapping a home. When bomb technicians from the Oregon State Police and the FBI went to the house, they discovered various traps and security measures set up by Rodvelt, including steel animal traps affixed to a gate post and under the hood of the minivan, spike strips, and a modified rat trap connected to the garage door.

The Department of Justice press release highlighted the most inventive trap, which involved a hot tub placed on its side and rigged in such a way that opening a gate would activate a mechanical trigger, causing the spa to roll toward the person opening the gate.

Rodvelt was arrested when an FBI bomb technician opened the front door, triggering a homemade shotgun device connected to a wheelchair. The device discharged a .410 shotgun shell, resulting in an injury to the technician.

This week, Rodvelt was found guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Previously:
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital has appointed Alan Lee as its new president.

The promotion took effect Wednesday, according to a statement from RWJBarnabas Health, the hospitals parent health system.

Lee, who previously served as chief operating officer at the New Brunswick facility, will continue as COO in the interim while the hospital looks for a successor, the statement said.

Robert Wood Johnson University is a 965-bed hospital with campuses in New Brunswick (Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick) and Somerville (Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset).

Bill Arnold, an RWJBarnabas Health executive vice president and president of the networks southern region, had served as president since 2021.

Lee joined the hospital last year after working in leadership roles at New York-Presbyterian for nearly 15 years. He will continue to report to Arnold, who is also the hospitals CEO.

Lee  whose career began in hotel management  served as vice president of support services and patient experience at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, vice president at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center and as chief operating officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

Since joining RWJUH in the fall of 2021, Alan has assembled a strong operations leadership team that has yielded results against our strategic plan to become a premier academic medical center at the core of the RWJBarnabas Health academic health system, Arnold said in the statement. I expect this momentum to continue under his leadership at the hospital and through our partnership with Rutgers University.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com.
The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) and the Archdiocese of Newark have announced the establishment of an addiction treatment referral program for individuals suffering from acute opiate addiction, effective July 1, 2023.

The Archdiocese and NJRC signed a memorandum of understanding to acknowledge the collaboration and coordinate and integrate services and care for adults with substance use disorders.

In these past several years, there have been approximately three thousand overdose deaths annually in New Jersey due to the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl addiction crisis, said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark.

The Archdiocese recognizes the need for greater resources and support for adults struggling with opiate addiction who often turn to a parish seeking help. This partnership between NJRC and the Archdiocese will provide an opportunity for our brothers and sisters to receive addiction treatment when in critical need. They will be connected to appropriate treatment services immediately following a referral from the Archdiocese, he said.

Training sessions will be provided to priests of the Archdiocese by the NJRC, which are voluntary, regarding referrals to addiction treatment services while collaborating with them to identify individuals seeking and requiring treatment.

The training is meant to provide a better understanding of the scope of the opioid crisis and what treatment options are available. The priests will provide appropriate NJRC referral information to individuals interested in receiving such services.

Those in need of addiction treatment services will then contact NJRCs Chief Operating Officer Robert Carter, who will be responsible for referring people to a clinical professional within a treatment agency that will evaluate potential clients.

Within 48 hours of a referral, NJRC will ensure clinical assessments and clinically appropriate addiction treatment services for referred individuals, says NJRC COO Robert Carter. These services will include intake processing, creating a personalized long-term treatment plan, detoxification, ambulatory withdrawal management, induction of anti-craving medications to aid in treating opioid substance abuse, residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and induction of medication-assisted treatment, as needed and appropriate.

NJRC will document its services through a database and will conduct follow-ups with referred individuals so long as the appropriate confidentiality releases are obtained. Individuals will be enrolled and referred to NJRCs Employment Orientation program to learn essential work skills and gain access to job-readiness workshops.

Additional wrap-around services such as job training and employment, mental health and medical care, transportation, and license restoration services will be provided, along with bi-annual progress reports to the Archdiocese for referred individuals.

Thanks to Cardinal Tobins leadership and vision, we are taking a bold, immediate step to addressing the addiction crisis, said NJRC Chair Jim McGreevey. So many families simply do not know where to turn in the midst of a suffering son or daughter. Now, parish priests, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers will have a referral source that will provide treatment within 48 hours. When someone is suffering and seeks help, we need to move quickly. As a result of this partnership, we are doing so.

For more information, go to www.njreentry.org.
A 73-year-old Union City Department of Public Works employee was struck and killed by a 16-year-old driver Monday morning, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said.

The crash, which occurred at 7:36 a.m. in the area of Palisade Avenue and 36th Street, is under investigation by the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Union City Police Department.

Responding officers located Fortunato Rojas-Solis, who was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at approximately 5:15 p.m.
A man from New York has been arrested after a religious leader at an Islamic center in New Jersey reported receiving threatening text messages from him, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said.

The staff of New Brunswick Islamic Center, located in the town of North Brunswick, told police on May 26 that its Spiritual Director received multiple threatening text messages, officials said. Investigators consider the messages to be credible and explicit.

Detectives identified Bronx, New York resident Khaliyk L. Sellers, 40, as the alleged sender of the messages and he was arrested the next day by local police in Chester Township, Pennsylvania, authorities said.
A 31-year-old massage therapist was arrested Tuesday, weeks after police say he sexually assaulted a woman during a massage session.

Stefan J. Barnes Jr., of Manchester, was charged with criminal sexual contact and sexual assault, Wall police said Wednesday.

The 23-year-old client reported Barnes to police after he allegedly touched her inappropriately twice during a massage session on May 23 at Massage Heights on Route 35, officials said.
The orange-sepia toned wildfire haze blanketing the state continued to make travel an ordeal for a second straight day, with flights delayed at airports from Newark to Philadelphia, but reduced speeds were lifted on several bridges.

New Jersey Motor Vehicle inspection stations were closed on Thursday, which the state Motor Vehicle Commission announced in a Tweet.
The Office of the Attorney General has opened an investigation into suspected bias crimes in Manchester Township, which include swastikas spray painted on homes and a suspicious house fire.

One suspect is currently in custody, the office said. Officials have not released the persons identity or said whether the person has been charged.

The crimes were reported in the towns Pine Lake Park neighborhood on Tuesday night, according to Mayor Robert Arace. The fire occurred at a home that was under construction, burning it to the ground, the mayor said.

As your mayor and neighbor, I am appalled by these actions and will not stand for such harm done to any of our residents, Arace said. I fully condemn acts of vandalism in our town, but more specifically and emphatically, acts of vandalism fueled by hatred. Additionally, I want to address the act of possible arson which placed our Manchester residents at high risk as forest fires continue to rise in New Jersey this season.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office and township police are assisting with the investigation.

Random acts of hate designed to instill fear and to violate New Jerseyans sense of security and belonging, solely based on who they are and what they believe in, will be dealt with swiftly and harshly by law enforcement, said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. Those who feel entitled to trample on their neighbors rights to live in peace and exercise their constitutional freedoms will not find a safe haven in New Jersey.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Essential workers forgotten

Following three years of appeals from unions, from a contingent of essential workers who delivered a fervent demand for hazard-pay to New Jersey legislators in June of 2022, repeated pleas to county Commissioners to exercise some measure of political pressure to secure the hazard-pay being diverted by select operatives who prefer to remain anonymous, we, the disenfranchised essential workers whom the governor praised during the lockdown period, are left out in the cold.

However, the lingering mystery behind this impermeable wall of political silence for three years has at last been exposed to the chagrin and fury of those of us who reported to work under conditions of trepidation and uncertainty, risking our own health and the health of our families. It appears there was an ominous design to the political sidestepping surrounding the hazard-pay issue: Our esteemed governor very discreetly sat on $3 billion in federal COVID-relief money through the lockdown and in the time since.

Now we are informed that Murphy had other plans for what is called leftover pandemic aid monies... note that this clever bit of semantics doesnt include more accurate terminology like deliberately withheld or politically appropriated.

In April of this year we were informed: Gov. Phil Murphy is proposing more than a dozen ways New Jersey should spend its remaining federal pandemic aid, with funding for Jersey Shore boardwalks and aid for local governments facing rising employee health care costs among his requests.

You might take note that within the ways that our governor plans to spend these remaining funds, there is unsurprisingly no reference to the thousands of essential workers who were not only entitled to the money, but were praised effusively by the very same governor who slyly appropriated the funds for a discreet transfer into this years budget. Consequently, the duplicity in Trenton widens: If past practice is repeated this year, a deal will once again be made behind closed doors, with the public likely learning only in the final days before the budget deadline exactly how Murphy and majority Democratic lawmakers agreed to use the leftover federal aid.

Peter Soehl, Parks Worker, Washington Park, Union City

McCarthy better than Biden

I just have to respond to the article from Tom Moran from the far-left Star-Ledger (Biden outmaneuvers the MAGA crowd. Again, May 31).

Well, Joe Biden was crying for eight months that he wasnt making any kind of deal with Speaker McCarthy. What happened, Tom? Joe Biden folded. McCarthy happens to be the most popular politician.

For eight months, all Biden did was talk, while the Republican House passed a good bill. Whats the problem with all the states giving back ALL the COVID-19 money that was not spent? COVID is over; give back all the money before it goes missing, You know what I mean?

Whats the problem with able-bodied people working for the taxpayer money they receive? A good days work is good for the soul.

The Biden/Harris ticket is a total disaster for our country. I have never seen our country in worse shape: $32 trillion in debt; millions of illegal border crossings; crime; drugs; homeless everywhere; on the edge of a nuclear war with Russia; on edge of war with China; depleted oil reserves; cant find baby formula; crucial shortages of some of our life-saving medicines.

The guy cant even walk without falling down. And Kamala Harris. Heaven help us all if she ever gets in the Oval Office. She isnt qualified to run and operate a hot dog wagon. A new CNN poll -- yes, CNN -- states that 66% of Americans call a Biden/Harris win in 2024 a disaster or setback. Bidens approval numbers are among the lowest for a first-time president since Eisenhower.

Mike Armstrong, Bayonne

Bayonne projects left to die

Mayor Jimmy Davis uses Bayonnes Public Law Office as an elephant graveyard for dying projects. He sends them there to be forgotten.

Two projects that come to mind are the windmills repair and restoration and the ferry dock at Cape Liberty Cruise Port.

There may be more.

Carl Hoetzl, Bayonne

Send letters to the editor and guest columns for The Jersey Journal to jjletters@jjournal.com.
It was a quick sell for a home in Bergen County that hit the market for just six days and got 88 offers.

The two-family in Lyndhurst drew more than 200 people to an open house and 184 appointments for showings.

There was a line of people waiting to get in ... before my agent got there, said Jan R. Kwapniewski, president of Coccia Realty. In the 38 years I have been selling real estate, I never had such an amount of showings on a single house in six days.

The two-family house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The first unit, which includes the first floor and a finished basement, has two bedrooms and three bathrooms. The second unit occupies the second and third floors and has two bedrooms and one bathroom.

It was listed for $590,000 on May 22 and the final showings were on May 28.

Although we had offers in the first few days, we advised the seller it was in their best interest to keep the property on the market for a full week, Kwapniewski said. This was a good strategy as the phenomenal offers received two days into the listing were low in comparison to the offers received after a full week of showings.

All of the offers were over list price, and some were as high as 20% over list price. The contract price cant be disclosed until after closing.

The seller did not accept the highest dollar offer but selected an offer where the buyer made certain concessions  namely a waiver of lender appraisal and a waiver of the home inspection contingency clause as well as a 30 day closing, Kwapniewski said.

Data is not available on two-family homes, specifically. But single family homes in Bergen County sold for a median sales price of $650,000 in April, according to the most recent data available from New Jersey Realtors.

The house generated so much interest, Kwapniewski said because inventory is low, the home is in good condition and its convenient to the train.

A two family home in Clifton recently generated 120 offers and sold for $150,000 over its $449,000 asking price.

Are you an agent, buyer or seller who is active in this changing market? Do you have tips about New Jerseys real estate market? Unusual listings? Let us know.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com.
The air quality in New Jersey has dropped dramatically over the afternoon and evening hours Wednesday, resulting in the worst air quality the state has seen in at least 43 years. But whats to blame?

South flowing winds are carrying smoke from the massive wildfires in southeast Canada and the Quebec area down into the northeastern United States, Ben Charles, a lead meteorologist at WeatherWorks, told NJ Advance Media.
The volunteer-run Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida, whose mission is, "to ensure respect for all wildlife through education and conservation, while providing orphaned, injured and displaced animals with a second chance at life" recently posted this sweet story on their Facebook page about an opossum rescue. They explain:

Today, one of our volunteers was able to do the unthinkable and saved a small opossum who was teetering on the side of the Matthews Bridge! With the help of Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the opossum was rescued and is being relocated to a safer place in the wild.

They also posted a photo of the rescued opossum, swaddled in a fluffy pink blanket, looking absolutely marvelous. The comments are hilarious. Sarah Powers wrote: "That's show business, dahling," while Jen Clark exclaimed, "That little guy looks like they just had the BEST. DAY. EVER!"

You have to go see the photoit will make you laugh!
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
Sanguiche is Alex Overbys pop-up hoagie sandwich venture. Overby is a native of North Louisiana who spent summers on the East Coast as a child, learning to cook from his grandfather.

Overby passed the early days of the pandemic by making quarts of cold curry. He dubbed the endeavor Curried Away and distributed food mostly among friends. But that effort snowballed, and he realized he could do pop-up cooking full-time to make a living.

Like many, he binge-watched The Sopranos while stuck at home, and the fictional New Jersey mobsters  whose lives revolve around eating delicious food as much as committing felonies  inspired him to get back to his sandwich-making, Italian-American roots.

He launched Sanguiche in October of last year, drawing from old family recipes. Sandwich offerings include a cold-cut combo, chicken parm, eggplant parm, meatball sub and others, in addition to garlic bread and fried goodies like mozzarella sticks and eggplant fries.

If Sopranos characters were to order from Sanguiche, he jokes, Janice would have a Caprese sandwich and loudly talk about how shes not eating meat this month, and then go and eat Bobbys cold-cut hoagie behind everyones back.

In the meantime, New Orleanians can try these hoagies out at Zony Mash, where Sanguiche is popping up Thursdays and Fridays, 3-9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 1-9 p.m. Visit Instagram @sanguichenola for more information.

Gambit: Whats the concept behind Sanguiche?

Alex Overby: Sanguiche goes back to my Italian family roots and the first things I was introduced to that really got me excited about cooking  like, the first time learning to make red sauce; learning that bologna is a shadow of mortadella; learning to pickle peppers.

I spent my summers in Albany, New York, with my grandfather, which is where I learned all of my Italian recipes. My first summer out of high school I had a job at a place called Cafe Capriccio, and Ive been cooking professionally ever since.

We are also just trying to fill a bit of a void here. New Orleans has the po-boy thing on lock, but its like the only type of sandwich you can get around here. We use a hoagie roll. A very common thing at our pop-ups is people will be like, Hey, Im from Jersey, youre doing it right. Or, Im from Philly  youre close, but you should do it like this. We actually took a man from Phillys advice and sharpened up our provolones.

The chicken parm sandwich is, by a mile, our most popular. We filet it and pound it out by hand, then we do a breadcrumb coating, deep-fry it with our own red gravy, fresh mozzarella cheese and our secret blend of herbs and spices.

Gambit: What do you like about being a part of the pop-up scene?

Overby: Its fun to hop around town and see what other people are doing. Theres a lot of creative young chefs doing a lot of fun stuff. The pop-up scene just gives people more opportunities. Its more democratic. We probably wouldnt be able to do it any other way ourselves. It gives us the chance to do it from the ground-up without any outside investment. Zony Mash gives us a good opportunity to practice these skills without having a mortgage. The plan is to eventually turn it into a brick-and-mortar, but not this year.

Gambit: What else is on the menu this summer?

Overby: We have a couple items were adding to the menu this week. We had classics last year that we wanted to bring back, like a Caprese sandwich, a cold option for vegetarians in the summer. Were also working on a couple specials, including a cold-cut sandwich named after the family dog called The Cassie. Shes a Pitbull mix, I call her a swamp dingo. Ill bring home salami and throw her a couple a night. It makes sense that it would be stuff she would like.
The Louisiana Legislature Thursday approved legislation limiting minors access to public library books, sending the bill to Gov. John Bel Edwards desk on the final day of the legislative session.

Senate Bill 7 by Sen. Heather Cloud, a Turkey Creek Republican, would require libraries to make available a card option parents could select for minors banning them from checking out books deemed by their local library board to be sexually explicit as defined in the bill.

While the bill had more than a solid majority of support in the House and Senate, disagreement over a few amendments sent the bill to a conference committee, where lawmakers worked on a compromise.

In the final version of the bill, a library patron 18 and older could only challenge a title they believe to be sexually explicit in the parish they reside in. That would trigger the parish library board to determine if the book should be on the list of titles minors with restricted library cards cant check out.

The conference committee rejected a provision that would have required ten people to challenge a book before a library board would have to review it. The author of that piece, Houma Republican Rep. Tanner Magee, said earlier this week he hoped it would prevent a busybody from challenging a bunch of books.

But Cloud objected and ultimately the committee took that part out. Members did keep Magees amendment requiring a person to be 18 to challenge the book and reside in the parish where they are challenging the title.

The conference committee also did away with an amendment by Rep. Mary DuBuisson, a Slidell Republican, that would have given libraries until Jan. 1, 2025, to adopt and implement a card system that complies with the law. Instead, they kept the Jan. 1, 2024, date to adopt the system, but gave libraries an additional six months to implement it.

The bill is part of a wave of national legislation targeting library books, which has caused some libraries to remove books from shelves. Books challenged across the country are often books about LGBTQ people and/or people of color.

If signed by the governor, the Louisiana bill would not require libraries to remove books deemed sexually explicit from shelves or move them to a different section of the library. But it would restrict what books children and teenagers can access, and those titles would vary from parish to parish.

Rep. Mandie Landry, a New Orleans Democrat and lawyer, said on June 6 that having different lists of restricted materials in each parish could raise constitutional issues. Several library bills in other states have been challenged in court.
56,650 dimes is an astonishing amount of dimes. But that's how many Cari Mae Bulthuis, a single mother working as a server in California's Riverside County, collected in about 13 years to be able to send her daughter to Hawai'i for a high school graduation trip. Inspired by an article about Hawai'i with the phrase "Paradise for Pennies," Bulthuis started collecting dimes when her only child, Violet Cayton, was just 4 years old.

The collection, mostly from her tips at Abby's Cafe, was converted into a graduation gift for Violet who recently graduated with several honors from West Valley High School in Hemet, California.

NBC Los Angeles:

"At the end of the shift, I would sometimes trade out a dollar for dimes so I could add to the collection," Bulthuis said. "A lot of customers would leave me handfuls of dimes for the collection. "I did every single shift for my girl. It's what we do as a parent. You just want to be able to give to them."

The day after Violet's graduation, the dimes, a total of 1,133 rolls, were brought to the bank and deposited. The grand total of the collection was $5,665, which will fund a seven-day trip to Oahu for mom and daughter.
Ideas we should steal: Daddy & me

A New York program bridges the word gap for children of the incarcerated
A New Orleans man accused of repeatedly vandalizing a Metairie church -- and defiling the sanctuary by rubbing his bare buttocks on the altar -- pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

Paul Laborde Jr., 56, a registered sex offender who also served prison time for beating his father to death in 2004, is charged with burglary and three counts of institutional vandalism, according to Jefferson Parish court records.

Laborde was arrested April 25 after Sheriff's Office investigators say he thrice crept onto the closed campus of St. Edwards the Confessor Roman Catholic Church and damaged statues on the property. One statue, a 100-year-old image of the Virgin Mary, suffered about $4,000 in damage, authorities said.
A bloc of conservatives in the Louisiana House have sparred for weeks with more moderate Republicans and legislative leadership, vowing that at least 36 of them would hold the line and cut spending.

But Wednesday, their effort petered out in a series of failed votes on the House floor as the chamber voted overwhelmingly to lift a spending limit at the heart of a major political rift in the Legislature.

In the days before the vote, political pressure mounted on lawmakers to support raising the cap. The Senate and Gov. John Bel Edwards were aligned on a plan to spend an influx of money on things such as coastal restoration and infrastructure. In the end, just 19 of the original 36 conservative House members voted against that plan  well short of the votes needed to block the required two-thirds majority. All but one Democrat joined 52 Republicans in voting to lift the spending cap.
Its not the biggest or flashiest of local developers, but Savarino Cos. isnt afraid to take on and turn around some of the regions dirtiest properties.

From Niagara County to the Southern Tier, the Buffalo-based company owned and led by Samuel J. Savarino and his brother, Robert A. Savarino, has gained a reputation for tackling brownfield cleanup and historic renovation projects that dont attract a lot of attention from others because of their location.

Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week.

Brownfield properties are sites that have been contaminated by prior years of commercial and industrial use, with pollutants ranging from chemicals and oils to metals and slag. And with Western New Yorks long manufacturing heritage, there are plenty of brownfield sites across the region.

But before they can be safely redeveloped, particularly for housing, they have to be cleaned up, often involving removal of not only the obvious pollutants but also a layer of soil, and then laying down a new layer or even a solid cover.

Thats a costly and time-consuming process. But under the states Brownfield Cleanup Program, developers and property owners who remediate the properties can receive tax credits that can cover up to 20% each of the qualified cleanup and new construction costs, or as much as 40%.

Its a great program, said Paul Ciminelli, CEO of Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. whose past brownfield redevelopment projects includes the Conventus Building on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, the 201 Ellicott affordable housing project and the West End condominium project at Waterfront Village.

Its worth it, especially for an industrial city like Buffalo that has a lot of challenging environmental issues with a lot of its developable sites, he said. Between that and the historic tax credit program, those two are the main reasons why the city is seeing so much development in the last 20 years.

The program is subject to state supervision and can be time-consuming, but that lucrative additional funding can often be the difference in making projects work financially.

The challenge you have with it is getting paid from the state, Ciminelli added. You have to negotiate with the state on a number of items in terms of what theyll accept in terms of credits and then getting the funding.

Many developers have used that process and those credits extensively in Western New York, including for projects such as the Trico Building in downtown Buffalo, the Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park in South Buffalo, the Millard Fillmore Hospital campus at Gates Circle, the former Bethlehem Steel campus in Lackawanna, the Barcalo in the Old First Ward, the Pierce-Arrow Administration Building, among others.

But Savarino seeks them out. Most recently, its turning a 3-acre parcel of land in Batavia that formerly housed a tire sales business and construction firm into the Ellicott Station mixed-use project.

Its renovating the former C.E. Welch Building in Westfield  onetime home of Welchs Grape Juice Co.  into 46 mixed-income apartments and commercial space. Its pursuing a cleanup and redevelopment of a polluted site on Howell Street in Buffalo, along the Scajaquada Creek.

And in Dunkirk, Savarino has three buildings under contract and is proposing projects to the city so it can tap into state Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding, including for converting the four-story Old Macaroni Co. building on the waterfront into first-floor commercial space for the current owner with three floors of residential units above.

I give a lot of credit to my brother, Sam, who has never met a complex project he didnt like, Robert Savarino saidduring a presentation to the Western New York State Commercial Association of Realtors last month. Deals have a way of finding our company because no one else could make them work. But theyre highly complex and theyre not for the faint of heart, and they take a long time.

Its latest array of diverse projects includes an industrial reuse in Black Rock, a food-storage hub in South Buffalo and a high-end condo community in Amherst, as well as other ventures in Olean and Falconer.

We will look for dirty sites, as long as we can find an end use, Savarino said. If a site is dirty, and its in a neighborhood, surrounded by homes, thats our mission. That is the mecca for us.

Tonawanda Street

In Black Rock, the developer has three adjacent industrial warehouse buildings at 125, 133 and 135 Tonawanda St., under contract from three different owners, in preparation for a $20.4 million cleanup and adaptive reuse project that would receive both historic and brownfield tax credits, Savarino said. Thats across the street from the Black Rock Freight House Lofts that developer Karl Frizlen completed in a former shed building.

The three daylight-factory buildings consist of two-, three- and four-story structures, with a total of 83,500 square feet of space. The two largest are connected by an elevator shaft, and all were originally owned and occupied by the U.S. Hame Co., which was formed in 1902 in Buffalo and produced the curved wooden or metal projections that are part of the collar of a draft horse. Currently, the buildings are used for auto-repair, storage and other purposes.

Designs by Silvestri Architects call for 108 units of workforce housing in the trapezoidal-shaped buildings, with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments targeted at households earning an average of 80% of the area median income, but ranging between 60% and 120%.

The units would include giant replica factory windows, tall ceilings, polished concrete floors and industrial mushroom-shaped concrete columns, while the overall project would include a courtyard and dog-walk area, rooftop patios, a restaurant and greenspace. Itll be pretty funky, said Sam Savarino.

Like the Howell Street project, the three buildings are in a polluted area just north of Scajaquada Creek, where plans for a future pedestrian bridge at Dart Street would connect the area to SUNY Buffalo State. The 3.75-acre site is contaminated with petroleum, metals and radioactive slag materialthat has to be handled gingerly and exported out of state, Savarino said.

We tend to gravitate toward areas that are more historic or dirty, Savarino said. They are historic, and the site is very dirty.

Savarino is asking the city for new sidewalks, underground power lines, landscaping and other improvements for the dead-end Watts Street.

The National Park Service initially balked at approving historic tax credits, Savarino said, because so many buildings around it have been demolished. But the agency eventually agreed after the developer focused instead on the history of the Hame Co. and its many patents. The credits will also be enhanced because of the affordable housing and because the site is in a Brownfield Opportunity Area.

Its an expensive proposition, but one we think is going to make a real nice project for us, Rob Savarino said. The community of Black Rock is a very special place. Ive always loved that area. Its eclectic, and it has a feel that I just like. And its all connected by a path.

Food storage

In South Buffalo, Savarino is proposing to construct a pair of federally certified food supply facilities in the Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park, designed to help prevent future disruptions to the food-supply chain like the country experienced during the pandemic.

Savarino already has two highly contaminated pieces of land under contract through an exclusivity agreement with the Buffalo Urban Development Corp., which spent years transforming the former Hanna Furnace property into a business park. The parcels contain slag mixed with petroleum, so an extensive cleanup would be required.

Using funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Build Back Better program, as well as brownfield and New Markets tax credits, Savarino would spend $18 million to build up to 150,000 to 200,000 square feet ofpre-engineered cold storage space.

The firm is negotiating with potential tenants but does not have commitments yet.

We might make the decision to start half the project before we consummate a deal, Savarino said.

Amherst condos

Savarino is taking over a proposed residential project in Amherst from Paul Bliss MEL Investors, on the site of the former Gleason Nursery landscaping business. But where Bliss had planned a 13-lot subdivision of single-family homes on the L-shaped property at 4774 and 4780 Sheridan Drive, Savarino is proposing about 20 condo-style homes or carriage houses.

The 5-acre site is located on the north side of Sheridan, between Fleetwood Terrace and Jordan Road, across from Park Country Club. Savarino put it under contract in May, and plans to demolish Gleason Nursery and two single-family homes, before starting to remediate the entire site because of the use of herbicides and pesticides.

Why do we look at a project like that? Because the land is dirty, and we think we can solve it, Savarino said.

If approved by the state, the for-sale homes would be classified as condos, giving tax breaks to the buyers. Its not terribly dense. Its duplexes, but high-end, Savarino said. Its not like were rolling in there with a three-story apartment complex.
Trader Joe's could be coming to New Orleans, a source close to the development disclosed last week. And that news had many fans of the California-based grocery store chain celebrating.

+7 Trader Joe's could be coming to New Orleans. Find out where. Trader Joe's, the California-based grocery chain with a cult-like following, is planning to open a store on Tulane Avenue late next year, acco

It would be the store's first location in the New Orleans city limits, but not the first in the metro area; the Metairie location has been open since 2016.

Trader Joe's is known for its smaller stores with a curated selection of unique products -- from snacks to frozen foods -- that are not available anywhere else. And those unique products are a big part of what the chain's fans love about it.

The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com asked readers on social media to share what they like the most about Trader Joe's.

Best Trader Joe's snacks, according to readers
M&T Banks office space inside the Lafayette Court Building used to look anything but cutting edge.

Drop ceilings and high-walled cubicles gave off a 1980s vibe. But after $24 million in renovations, M&T transformed the Main Street space into a sleek, companion tech hub for its operations down Main Street in Seneca One tower.

The bank hopes the renovations will create an appealing work environment for tech workers, at a time when employers are trying to bring workers back in person more often.

Its important for recruiting, said Keith Belanger, M&Ts senior vice president of corporate services. Its important for retention. Its important for actually getting the work done, because it supports the way we want to work.

The renovated space sets the tone for M&T employees working on technology innovation, Belanger said. We can show them they dont have to go to Boston to work in a cool environment.

M&T has asked its nonbranch employees to come in at least three days a week, and some teams are coming in more frequently, said Mike Wisler, M&Ts chief information officer.

Were getting well over 1,000 in Seneca (One) three days a week right now.

The Lafayette Court tech hub can accommodate about 500 employees. Wisler said theres value in employees collaborating in person.

I think individuals are recognizing that balance is shifting toward, they actually want to be in and around their colleagues, he said. The types of problems we solve require to be kind of in and around each other.

Wilser said M&T is within a couple of hundred employees of meeting its goal of 1,000 net new technologist jobs, which was announced along with plans for the Seneca One tech hub a few years ago.

M&T renovated four of its five floors at Lafayette Court for the new tech hub. Employees sit around the perimeter, with access to natural light and views of the Central Terminal, City Hall and the former Goldome building. Private meeting spaces are grouped in the middle.

M&Ts lease at Lafayette Court was up last year, but the bank opted to stay and contribute to the vision of an innovation corridor stretching to the medical campus, Belanger said.

We could have housed this tech hub anywhere, he said. We could have put it alongside the existing tech hub we built at Seneca One. But we didnt want to leave a hole in the middle of our downtown that the community would then have to refill.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz praised that decision. We often have seen in the past, unfortunately, other Buffalo-based businesses that have gone elsewhere, but M&T hasnt, he said.

M&T partnered with architectural firm CannonDesign for the Lafayette Court project. The bank wanted something that was unique but with a wow factor similar to Seneca One, Belanger said.

The layout suits how M&T tech employees work, joining different teams as projects evolve, said Michael Tunkey, design principal with the firm.

You need innovation, he said. You need to get people out of cubicles and start mixing it up, innovating a little bit.

Lafayette Courts owner, Ciminelli Real Estate Corp., made about $10 million in improvements to the building, including the elevators, the HVAC system, a fitness center and a renovated lobby.

M&T has invested about $100 million at its major downtown locations in the past three years, Belanger said. We have 6,000 seats down here. We have a lot of employees, so you can make a lot of impact.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires was still drifting south over Western New York for a fourth consecutive day, but on Thursday, it seemed the worst was over.

Today is much improved, said National Weather Service of Buffalo meteorologist Tony Ansuini on Thursday morning.

While air quality advisories remained in effect Thursday and were extended through today for Western New York, New York City and Long Island City, the haze over Buffalo had thinned considerably by Thursday.

After the air quality index hit 230 Thursday afternoon, a level the EPA considers very unhealthy, on Thursday, Buffalos air hovered between moderate and unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Thank the clouds.

The cloud cover over Western New York was helping keep the giant plumes of smoke away from the surface Thursday.

If it were clear right now, it would be a very different story, Ansuini said. So that will help us out.

Still, the smell of smoke lingered and peoples eyes and throats and air passages were irritated after the Buffalo area  unfamiliar with the impacts of wildfires  dealt with another day of smoke-filled haze. Smoke from more than 100 wildfires in Quebec has polluted the air over a large swath of the Northeast and East Coast over the last couple of days, with Central New York and New York City experiencing unprecedented smoke that turned their skies red and prompted warnings for residents to stay inside as much as possible.

In Erie County, health officials urged residents to minimize exposure to the smoky air.

Buffalo schools announced all outdoor activities would be canceled again today.

Forecasters said that better conditions were expected late tonight into Saturday as winds shift from the north to west. Some spotty showers were also in the forecast.

In the meantime, the Erie County Health Department advised residents to consider postponing work outdoors and outdoor sports, keep children inside and make sure windows and doors are closed.

The Health Department was making a limited supply of N95-style masks available in the Rath Building lobby, 95 Franklin St. The City of Buffalo was also preparing to distribute N95 masks at some community centers.

Robert Oliver and his girlfriend, Delisa Lewis, were walking by the Northwest Community Center on Lawn Street as a pickup truck loaded with boxes of masks were dropped off.

They said for the most part, they have tried to stay inside to avoid the smoke. Its bad, Oliver said. You get the stuff all over your car.

Lewis, who was wearing a black face mask, said she noticed what she thought were larger particles in the air Wednesday night. I thought it was bugs at first, she said. Then I said, no, this is ashes.

They felt better about the air Thursday and were comfortable being outside.

Keith Gregory, a window glazer who was working at the community center, said he has been busy the last few days working on replacing windows.

The boss said if you start feel fatigued cut it down. So we just took our time. Did it little by little.

Gregory said he has asthma so he has been careful to take his time while working. He said his cousin who also has asthma ended up going to the emergency room. They left the window open, Gregory said. So for some people, I guess it affects them more.

Gov. Kathy Hochul called the air quality issue an extraordinary event that has impacted virtually everyone in New York, especially those in New York City where air quality numbers were well into the 400s.

I dont think theres a single person who hasnt felt something, something different. You know, more frequent coughing and just the tightness in the throat and watering of the eyes. And those are for people who are healthy. For those who have health conditions underlying already, its a real challenge for them, she said.

She also announced that a team of Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers would deploy to assist firefighters in Quebec. They will join firefighters from New Hampshire and Maine in Canada.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Thursday urged Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to call on the U.S. Forest Services to immediately double the personnel deployed to Canada to fight these forest fires, stop the fire, and ultimately end the spread of hazardous air flowing from these wildfires into New York State.
A Buffalo teen was arraigned Wednesday in Erie County Court on criminal possession of a weapon charges for allegedly bringing a ghost gun inside the Academy School P.S. 131 @86, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors said the 17-year-old was charged before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman with one count each of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, both felonies.

The adolescent, a student at the school, is alleged to have walked through a weapons detection system inside the school building on St. Lawrence Avenue April 25 when a school security officer found the disassembled handgun while searching his backpack. Prosecutors said the student fled after the weapon was confiscated.

The school was locked down and police were notified. The weapon was submitted into evidence by the Buffalo Police Department and the youth was arrested Wednesday on the indictment warrant.

He is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court July 25.
When he heard about the May 20 flash mob incident at a Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce carnival, it hit Ramzi Hassan.

Hassan is president of the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce, and his group is hosting the inaugural four-day SummerFest June 15-18.

In Tinley, more than 400 teenagers communicating via social media converged at the Armed Forces Weekend Carnival. Fights ensued with one officer hurt and five juveniles taken into custody before being released to the their parents.

The May 21 portion of the event was canceled because of the threat of more violence.

Orland Park, the chamber, police and fire have a game plan to keep SummerFest safe. Hassan talked about it during a chamber-sponsored State of the Village address May 24 at the Orland Park Civic Center.

We truly have one of the best police departments and fire districts in the country, Hassan said, lauding Police Chief Eric Rossi and Fire Chief Michael Schofield. They have been working with the village and the chamber in recognizing the potential threat exactly like what happened (in Tinley Park) and minimize it.

Hassan outlined the plan for the event, which will include a carnival, live music, outdoor market and community expo at 142nd Street and LaGrange Road.

Our event will have a secure perimeter, checkpoints, metal detectors, bag checks  and my dad said he will come with his belt. It stings when I say that," Hassan said.

In all seriousness, because of these recent events and to ensure the comfort and the enjoyment of SummerFest, the chamber and the village will employ the youth supervision policy similar to the one currently active in Orland Square Mall.

No person under the age of 19 will be admitted to SummerFest without being accompanied by an adult 21-years of age or older, Hassan said. The maximum number of attendees under that age accompanied by an adult is four.

IDs will be checked and wristbands will be given to all patrons for identification purposes. The wristbands will vary in colors, and they will change every day.

He said an unaccompanied minor will be escorted to a tent in a police staging area until a parent or guardian is notified and picks up the child.

The chamber started putting SummerFest together in January. At the time the chamber officials never thought they would have to deal with something like this.

Unfortunately, this is the world we live in now, and if we are to successfully put on these events in these communities, we will have to step up security and fill in the gaps where parents are falling short, Hassan said.

Events in the suburbs cancelled because of the Tinley Park melee include the decades-old RidgeFest in Chicago Ridge, that was scheduled for July 28-30.

Hassan is happy to have the backing of the village on SummerFest.

I say this all the time but there is no greater partnership than the one the chamber of commerce has with the municipality it serves, Hassan said.
A flash mob incident at a Tinley Park carnival has people on edge as to what is going to happen at other big events in the village.

Mayor Michael Glotz is promising tighter controls on future events.

Practices such as bag checks, defined event perimeters, youth supervision policies and other safety measures will be an ongoing part of large-scale events that have the potential to attract large crowds, Glotz said in a statement released May 23.

Its a sad reality, but gone are the days when we could hold an open event of this size without these measures in place.

Tinley Park is known for parades, festivals, running races and other free events that could be targets.

The affected event was the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Carnival, held May 20 in the train station parking lot on 80th Avenue.

But according to Glotz, teenagers organized on social media and more than 400 converged at this event. some wearing ski masks, and began fighting and attacking people, according to reports.

One officer was hurt and five juveniles were taken into custody and later released to their parents.

The event was scheduled to continue May 21, but it was cancelled because of the previous nights melee.

Officials have no plans to call off other events in the village, including its Music in the Plaza series, an Independence Day celebration and the Tinley Park Block Party.

In addition to scaring a lot of families and young children who were trying to enjoy a fun night out, the incident resulted in a police officer being injured and our police department issuing citations to several out-of-town teenagers for fighting in public, Glotz said. We unfortunately were also forced to cancel Sundays carnival after police discovered that another flash mob was being planned on social media that day. It was a tough decision, but the safety of our residents and visitors is paramount and takes precedence over everything else.

He said added precautions are a must, because this activity doesnt appear to be going away soon.

We only have to look as far as similar incidents at the Lombard Spring Fever Carnival and the 31st Street Beach in Chicago to see that these flash mobs are a growing trend that we must be prepared for, he said.

Glotz praised the police department.

Im incredibly proud of how the Tinley Park Police Department responded that night, Glotz said. Thanks to their quick response and the aid of several neighboring police departments, we were able to get things under control and stop a bad situation from escalating into something much worse.

The event could have spilled over into the surrounding neighborhood, but fortunately our officers were able to contain the incident to the 80th Avenue grounds. There was also very little damage caused to property, and all of our officers acted with the highest level of professionalism. Public safety was their priority during the incident, and they were fantastic in that regard.

Glotz was angered by racially motivated social media comments.

The village does not condone hate speech of any kind, he said. I implore all of you to conduct your interactions on social media with the same civility and respect youd expect in return.

The mayor criticized State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort, saying that he began contacting the local press shortly after the Armed Forces Carnival incident, asking that they publish stories on how Tinley Park failed to secure the event and how it had to be evacuated.

At a time when he should have been offering us assistance, he chose instead to sow division within our community and spread misinformation, Glotz continued. The only way to get through tough situations like this is by working together, not through covert attacks like the one Sen. Hastings attempted.

Hastings told Southland Your Times that the accusation wasnt true and that the mayor should just focus on his town. For the last three years, the mayor has been infatuated with his harsh criticism of me.

Hastings said Glotz is upset because of his opposition to the Tinley Park Mental Health Center being sold to the Tinley Park-Park District for $1, which the Illinois House approved in late May.

Hell kick and scream and do anything to defame or degrade somebody when he doesnt get his way, Hastings said.

Glotz said people seeking a refund for tickets to the May 21 portion of the carnival should contact Windy City Amusements at 630-443-4547 or the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce at 708-532-5700.

He added the village cannot offer refunds.
EAST CHICAGO  A major investment in life-saving cardiac care at St. Catherine Hospital is being hailed as a victory for East Chicago.

The long-standing hospital in the Indiana Harbor neighborhood landed a $1.5 million federal grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration to improve health care access for people who are medically vulnerable or underinsured.

U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan helped line up the money and helped announce the investment.

"Today is a victory for the residents of East Chicago because it's access to health care," he said. "I was born at St. Catherine Hospital. My grandparents were taken here. My mom and dad were cared for here. My sister was a candy striper here and went on to become a nurse practitioner for Northwestern. This was and still is an anchor for the community."

East Chicago leaders were concerned about the hospital's future after Franciscan Health decided to close the similarly aged former St. Margaret Hospital in neighboring Hammond, Northwest Indiana's most populous city.

"They wanted to make sure the safety-net hospital continued," he said. "What today is about is assuring the city of East Chicago and every resident that St. Catherine is thriving and investing in new technology that gives them access to care equal to anywhere around the world. This is an investment in East Chicago itself, and it allows the residents to understand they have access to quality care here in the city."

When Mrvan was North Township trustee, he often heard complaints from residents that they didn't have access to care.

"This is a safety-net hospital. That means it takes care of the most vulnerable populations," he said. "This technology is the gold standard for Northwest Indiana. It's the same technology you would have in the city of Chicago, but it's right here in East Chicago. The hospital is working to provide world-class health care. As a congressman, I will listen to your concerns and try to provide access to health care, the best technology and the best for East Chicago."

St. Catherine CEO Leo Correa said the hospital continues to provide advanced technology to East Chicago and surrounding communities.

"St. Catherine Hospital is committed to ensuring that our community has state-of-the-art cardiac care close to home," Correa said. "It's a well-known fact that in the 1960s, St. Catherine Hospital became the choice facility in the Chicagoland area for the treatment of heart disease, performing the first open-heart surgery in Northwest Indiana. And today, we continue to invest in cardiac care and treating heart disease."

The hospital will install an Azurion 7 C20 Catalyst table, an image-guided therapy system that provides high-quality images with low doses of X-rays. Philips Healthcare is installing the new technology in its cath lab, which is undergoing a multiphase modernization project.

It will allow for precision diagnosis and treatment for patients. The new technology can capture uncommon angiography views, provide real-time 3-D impressions for complex vascular interventions and better visualize stent and balloon placement in coronary arteries.

"Our patients and clinicians benefit from the fast procedure times, reduced radiation exposure and superior image quality of this new technology," said Mary Miller, director of Cardiovascular Services.

St. Catherine Hospital has long placed an emphasis on cardiac care while serving the community for nearly a century, Correa said.

"During that time, we built a reputation for providing unparalleled cardiac care," he said. "That did not happen by chance. That's the result of an intentional investment in top health care providers and resources.

"We have fortified a culture of excellence in cardiac care by continuing to invest in skilled specialists and technologies to diagnose and treat heart disease. St. Catherine, along with our fellow hospitals in Community Healthcare System, Community Hospital in Munster and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, operates one of the largest and most advanced cardiovascular programs in Northwest Indiana. Our hospitals are certified chest-pain centers that are fully accredited by the Joint Commission or the American College of Cardiology.

"Every day, highly skilled cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, electrophysiologic and cardiac support staff walk through our doors and use their expertise to treat patients who put their trust in us."
Catholic parishes around Northwest Indiana are inviting the community to join in the celebration of Corpus Christi.

Public processions Sunday with the Eucharist will honor the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus. The feast day is also known as Corpus Christi Sunday.

Catholics believe the bread and wine presented at Mass become the actual Body and Blood of Christ through the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the words of Jesus at the Last Supper.

In a Eucharistic procession, the Eucharistic host is placed in a golden stand called a monstrance. The priest or deacon then processes with the Eucharist, also known as the Blessed Sacrament, in the monstrance with the faithful following behind him, singing hymns and reciting prayers.

Here is a list of Eucharistic processions scheduled around the Region:

 Chesterton: St. Patrick Parish, immediately following the 11a.m. Mass.

 Crown Point: St. Mary Church to St. Matthias at 1 p.m.

 Hammond: St. Casimir Church to All Saints Church at 1:45 p.m.

 Hobart: St. Bridget, after 10:30 a.m. Mass.

 Lake Station: St. Francis Xavier, after the noon Mass.

 Michigan City: Queen of All Saints to St. Mary's at 2 p.m.

 Schererville: St. Michael Church after the 11:30 a.m. Mass (starting around 12:30 or 12:45 p.m.)

 St. John: St. John the Evangelist at 1 p.m., starting at Prairie West Park and proceeding to the Blessed Sacrament chapel.

 Valparaiso: St. Paul Church, after the 11:30 a.m. Mass.

The parish Eucharistic Processions are in concert with the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist.

The revival officially launched in June 2022, and its milestone event will be a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17 to 21, 2024. To learn more about the National Eucharistic Revival, visit eucharisticrevival.org.

For the most up-to-date information on the Eucharistic processions in the Diocese of Gary and the Eucharistic Revival in Northwest Indiana, including a large gathering Aug. 26 at Bishop Noll Institute, visit dcgary.org/eucharistic-revival. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted at dcgary.org/event/corpus-christi-processions.
The Congressional Steel Caucus held its annual hearing on the state of the steel industry Wednesday and touted its initiatives to help steelworkers, while saying more needed to be done.

United States Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, the vice chairman of the bipartisan committee, testified the steel sector contributes to economic vitality and the strength of the country's manufacturing base.

"I am proud to represent Indianas First Congressional District, which as you are well aware is home to an incredible steel workforce and steel production capabilities," he said. "As the grandson of a card-carrying member of the United Steelworkers, who spent 50 years in the steel mills in East Chicago, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, and to join everyone in this room in supporting and advocating for the long-term success and vitality of the domestic steel industry."

Congress has worked to protect domestic steel mills and steelworker jobs, such as by supporting supply chain improvements and new technologies, he said.

"In my first term of Congress, I was proud to be able to support several laws that aim to strengthen our economy and make historic investments in our nations economic and transportation infrastructure," Mrvan said. "For example, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is continuing to deliver necessary investments in our roads, bridges, rail and ports, and as these funds are dispersed, we will continue to conduct oversight of and promote the maximum benefit of the expanded Buy America requirements."

The federal government needs to continue to protect the domestic steel industry from steel dumping, such as by preserving tariffs, Mrvan argued.

"Finally, I appreciate the collaboration of Chairman Crawford and other members of the caucus on recent communications to support the full and fair enforcement of our trade laws, including letters advocating for the continuation of Section 232 steel tariffs, addressing the recent surge of Mexican steel imports, and supporting additional funds for the work of the International Trade Commission and the International Trade Administration," he said. "We know that American workers can compete with anyone in the world when given a level playing field, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues to enhance our trade remedy abilities."

Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves testified that steel dumping has been hurting the electric steel industry. He urged Congress to protect domestic production of the metal that's used in electric vehicle engines, power transformers and electricity distribution.

Cleveland-Cliffs is now making more electrical steels than it can sell at fair market prices, Goncalves said.
CROWN POINT  A 29-year-old Hammond man was taken into custody for firing a gun into the ground during a dispute with a woman he knows.

Crown Point officers were called out around 2 a.m. Monday to the 400 block of Morningside Drive in response to reports of shots fired.

They found a man and woman exiting a yard in the area, and the pair told officers they were just out walking and talking, enjoying the nice night, police said.

Police said they determined that the man, identified as Isaac Dutton, had been drinking alcohol.

"The female subject advised while speaking with Dutton, they began arguing about their relationship," police said. "Dutton became angry and forcibly removed a gun from the female subject's holster and shot several rounds into the ground.

Northwest Indiana man charged with stalking, threatening Taylor Swift: 'We will destroy you,' accusations say "(Mitchell) Taebel still maintains a delusion that he and the ARTIST will be married and, if elected President, that the ARTIST will be his First Lady," charges say.

"The female subject told police she was scared for her life and was trying to calm Dutton down while walking back to the car."

Dutton was arrested without incident and taken to Lake County Jail. He faces a felony count of criminal recklessness and misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.
Cynthia L. Matla cut checks to herself while executive director and bookkeeper for the Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce for more than three years while running the organization, and used the money for personal reasons.

The scheme came to a stunning halt in 2022, when the organizations bank account was overdrawn.

Matla, 46, pleaded guilty Thursday before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to third-degree grand larceny and criminal tax fraud, both felonies.

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said in a news release that Matla stole more than $168,000 from the chamber between Jan. 1, 2019 and Aug. 29, 2022. She also failed to report accurate income to New York State.

Flynn said Matla issued checks to herself and used the chambers debit card to buy personal items.

As part of the plea, Matla paid full restitution of $178,682.96 to the Southtowns Regional Chamber and state Department of Taxation and Finance.

The Hamburg-based nonprofit chamber has more than 1,000 members. It collaborates directly with community and government leaders in the Town of Evans, the Village of Angola, the Town of Hamburg, villages of Hamburg and Blasdell and the City of Lackawanna.

The chamber said it learned of the missing money Aug. 29, 2022, and immediately called a board meeting to fire Matla. Marketing Director Jamie L. Decker was named interim executive director and later appointed to the post permanently.

Our entire organization is grateful for the accountability and justice being upheld against the crimes and atrocities committed against our organization and the communities we serve at large, Decker said.

I hope that the victim feels that justice has been served not only by this defendant pleading guilty for the crime, but that they have been made whole by her paying full restitution today, Flynn said.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 14. Malta faces up to seven years in prison.
PORTAGE  Motorists are warned to avoid the area near Portage High School on Thursday because a large crowd is expected for graduation.

The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the campus, on U.S. 6 at Airport Road.

"We are expecting an extremely large amount of traffic to converge on the area," police said.

Northbound Airport Road will be closed at U.S. 6, access to American Way will be closed in both directions at Airport Road, and the southeast entrance to the high school at American Way will be closed.

Those attending the graduation event should enter the school property from Airport Road at Pan Am Boulevard, from the north-south access road off Lute Road and from Scottsdale Road.

Northwest Indiana man charged with stalking, threatening Taylor Swift: 'We will destroy you,' accusations say "(Mitchell) Taebel still maintains a delusion that he and the ARTIST will be married and, if elected President, that the ARTIST will be his First Lady," charges say.

A limited amount of handicap-accessible parking will be available by entering from Scottsdale Road and from Lute Road, police said. Those seeking that parking are encouraged to arrive early.

"Graduation typically draws thousands of attendees to the area and often a large majority attempt to arrive around 6:30 or later," police said.

"Even with traffic and parking plans in place, extensive delays are unavoidable, especially the closer we get to the event time. Please plan your travel time accordingly."

Photos: Valparaiso High School graduation 2023
VALPARAISO  Valparaiso police say a 20-year-old woman kicked at and spit in the face of a police officer while being taken into custody on allegations of breaking into a residence and entering and damaging two vehicles.

Gracey Lovitt of Mishawaka faces felony charges of residential entry and battery against a public safety official, and misdemeanor charges of resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, court records show.

A resident of the 800 block of Lafayette Street reportedly told police that around 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Lovitt opened an unlocked front door, entered the house uninvited and threw property around while yelling incoherently.

She is also accused of entering a vehicle in the 800 block of Napoleon Street and another in the 800 block of Lafayette Street and causing damage to the interiors.

While being placed in the rear of a squad car, Lovitt spit in the face of a Valparaiso police officer and repeatedly kicked him in the shin, according to charging documents.

Northwest Indiana man charged with stalking, threatening Taylor Swift: 'We will destroy you,' accusations say "(Mitchell) Taebel still maintains a delusion that he and the ARTIST will be married and, if elected President, that the ARTIST will be his First Lady," charges say.

Lovitt also ignored the orders of officers, attempted to force her way past them, and repeatedly screamed at officers and bystanders, police said.

Lovitt has bonded out of the Porter County Jail. Her case is pending with Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail Brandon York Rebecca Edwards Gracey Lovitt Christopher Harbison Mathew Koch Ronald Deluna Marlene Fair Wendell Webb Barry Smith James Wayte Dwayne McMullen Curtis Sconyers Jerry McGee Kelvin Breland Jr. Daniel Calvillo Cortez Jones Luis Sanchez-Espinoza Brisedia Montenegro-Barrera Christopher Loar Jeremy Lewis Tataneisha Jones Marktwain Green William Munchenburg Robert Rohweder Michael Vasquez Tylor Ahrens Kevin Byrnes Jennifer Steinke Alyssa Ramirez Nicholas Rangel Eric Henderson Justan Ostertage Catherine Gallas Amarion Bradford Amy Aliaga John Garner III Jalen Ray Danny Contreras Tianna Campbell
A Michigan City man who pleaded guilty last year to felony escape believes he's entitled to a shorter prison term because his breaking out of a sheriff's "paddy wagon" helped expose a weakness in law enforcement transportation security.

Master Porter, 24, was sentenced to three years in prison for escaping from a sheriff's department transport vehicle following his March 27, 2022, arrest in LaPorte County, according to court records.

Records show Porter was found by deputies walking near U.S. 20 after a witness called 911 to report they saw Porter repeatedly striking a woman in the head inside a vehicle parked at a Gallops gas station.

Porter initially fled when approached by sheriff's officers but eventually was detained in a nearby garage following a short chase, according to court records.

Records show officers then discovered Porter had several outstanding warrants and he was placed under arrest but again attempted to run away as he was being walked to a patrol vehicle.

Porter subsequently was placed in the sheriff's "paddy wagon" for transport to the LaPorte County Jail. But, along the way, Porter repeatedly kicked the vehicle's back door until it broke open and he escaped, according to court records.

Records show Porter was recaptured a few hours later.

Porter argued in a filing at the Indiana Court of Appeals that his three-year sentence for escape, the advisory sentence for a Level 5 felony, was excessive given his efforts to improve the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department.

"No one was harmed. The offense did not involve any weapons or threats. Instead, the officers discovered the security of their 'paddy wagon' was defective and susceptible to escape by merely repetitive kicking. Mr. Porter, fortunately, is not a dangerous individual, and, ultimately, an important lesson was learned by all," Porter said.

The three-judge appellate panel was unpersuaded.

It said Porter's prison term, negotiated as part of a plea deal, was not inappropriate given the nature of his offense and his extensive criminal record.

Gallery: Indiana historical markers in the Region First Physician Great Sauk (Sac) Trail St. John's Lutheran Church Tolleston Dutch in the Calumet Region St. John Township School, District #2 The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section Froebel School - side 1 Froebel School Stewart Settlement House Stewart Settlement House Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Bailly Homestead Iron Brigade Willow Creek Confrontation Ogden ski jump.jpg Teale 1.jpg Teale 2.jpg Steel 1.jpg Steel 2.jpg Civil War camps.jpg Old lighthouse.jpg Railroad.jpg Camp Anderson.jpg Boundary line 1.jpg Boundary line 2.jpg LaPorte courthouse 1.jpg LaPorte courthouse 2.jpg Carnegie 1.jpg Carnegie 2.jpg Rumely Co 1.jpg Rumely Co 2.jpg Lincoln train 1.jpg Lincoln train 2.jpg LaPorte university 1.jpg Laporte university 2.jpg Gary Roosevelt 1 Gary Roosevelt 2
George Winston, who during decades when pop and rock dominated the musical landscape became a best-selling musician by playing soothing piano instrumentals in a style that was often described as new age but that he liked to call rural folk piano, died on Sunday in Williamsport, Pa. He was 74.

His publicist, Jesse Cutler, said the cause was cancer. Mr. Winston, who lived in the Bay Area, had dealt with several cancers for years while continuing to record and perform; he credited a 2013 bone marrow transplant with extending his life. He was staying in Williamsport near where his tour manager lives, Mr. Cutler said.

Mr. Winston released his first album, Ballads and Blues, in 1972, but it was Autumn, released in 1980 on the fledgling Windham Hill label, based in Palo Alto, Calif., that propelled his career. It consisted of seven solo piano compositions that were, like most of his music, inspired by nature. They bore simple titles  Sea, Moon, Woods  and hit a sweet spot for many listeners. Sales soared into the hundreds of thousands.

By attuning his emotions to the serenity, order and power of nature rather than to the violently frenetic tones of our contemporary cityscape, Lee Underwood wrote in a review in DownBeat, Winston provides us with a perfect aural and psychological antidote to the urban madness.
This year there is a pall over Pride.

As the L.G.B.T.Q. community celebrates Pride Month, we are besieged by a malicious, coordinated legislative attack.

Theres been a notable rise in the number of anti-L.G.B.T.Q. bills since 2018, and that number has recently accelerated, with the 2023 state legislative year being the worst on record.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, in 2023 there have been more than 525 such bills introduced in 41 states, with more than 75 bills signed into law as of June 5. In Florida  the state that became known for its Dont Say Gay law  just last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that banned gender transition care for minors and prohibited public school employees from asking children their preferred pronouns.

As Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, recently told me, the number of signed bills is likely to move higher: Theres 12 more that are sitting on governors desks, so you could be at nearly 100 new restrictions on the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community by the end of this cycle.
House Republicans late Wednesday canceled plans to begin contempt of Congress proceedings against Christopher A. Wray, the F.B.I. director, after the agency agreed to make available to all members of the Oversight Committee a document containing a years-old unsubstantiated allegation of bribery against President Biden.

The decision was a rare dialing back of a concerted effort by House Republicans to target the federal law enforcement agency as they seek to push accusations of wrongdoing by Mr. Biden.

Mr. Wrays team allowed Representative James Comer, Republican of Kentucky and chairman of the Oversight Committee, and Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat, to view a redacted copy of the document in a secure area of the Capitol on Monday and briefed them on it for more than an hour.

But the F.B.I. declined to allow lawmakers to take copies of the document out of the secure facility or to show them an unredacted version that reveals the name of a longtime bureau informant, arguing such an action could compromise its source and scare other informants from cooperating with the bureaus investigations.
Ron DeSantiss decision to send migrants from near the Mexico border to the capital city of California is at first glance the latest in a series of escalating clashes between the Florida governor and his Democratic counterpart, Gavin Newsom.

But the performative gambit in the early days of Mr. DeSantiss 2024 presidential run is better understood as an opening bid to prove to Republican primary voters that he can be just as much a provocateur, and every bit as incendiary, as former President Donald J. Trump.

For Mr. DeSantis, the flights illustrate the broader bet he has made that the animating energy in the Republican Party today has shifted from conservatism to confrontationalism. And that in this new era, nothing is more fundamental than picking fights and making the right enemies, whether its the migrants who have slogged sometimes thousands of miles to slip through the border, the news media or the chief executive of the biggest blue state on the map.

Mr. DeSantis has used this playbook before. He ordered up flights from the Texas border last year to the symbolically liberal hamlet of Marthas Vineyard, a stunt that drew exactly the outrage he sought. Those flights are now a staple of his stump speech, usually to cheers from the crowd. His allies in the Florida Legislature earmarked $12 million of taxpayer money into the state budget this year for just this purpose.
Im no detective, but I do know Jay, Cassandra Church, who worked on Harmontown with Mr. Johnston, wrote in a tweet that has since been deleted. He said he was there. And thats him in the picture. So

The F.B.I. said three associates of Mr. Johnstons identified him in the Jan. 6 photographs.

One associate provided the F.B.I. with a text message in which Mr. Johnston acknowledged being at the Capitol on Jan. 6, stating: The news presented it as an attack. It actually wasnt. Thought it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed.

Mr. Johnston was also said to have assisted other rioters by pouring water over their eyes after they had been sprayed.

The Daily Beast reported in December 2021 that Mr. Johnston had been banned from voicing his recurring character, Jimmy Pesto Sr., on the Fox show Bobs Burgers after the Jan. 6 riot.
Hard-right Republicans pressed their mutiny against Speaker Kevin McCarthy into a second day on Wednesday, keeping control of the House floor in a raw display of their power that raised questions about whether the speaker could continue to govern his slim and fractious majority.

Mr. McCarthy, who enraged ultraconservative Republicans by striking a compromise with President Biden to suspend the debt limit, has yet to face a bid to depose him, as some hard-right members have threatened. But the rebellion has left him, at least for now, as speaker in name only, deprived of a governing majority.

House Leadership couldnt Hold the Line, Representative Matt Gaetz, Republican of Florida and a leader of the rebellion, tweeted on Wednesday. Now we Hold the Floor.

After being forced for the second day in a row to cancel votes as they haggled privately with members of the House Freedom Caucus to get them to relent, leaders told Republican lawmakers on Wednesday evening that they were scrapping votes for the remainder of the week. In a remarkable act of intraparty aggression, about a dozen rebels ground the chamber to a halt on Tuesday by siding with Democrats to defeat a procedural measure needed to allow legislation to move forward, and business cannot resume until they back down and vote with their own party.
Hundreds of blazes have overwhelmed local resources and renewed calls for a national firefighting service in Canada, where wildfire emergency response management is handled by provinces and territories.

Richard Cannings, a member of Parliament with the left-leaning New Democratic Party, called an emergency debate in Parliament this week to discuss the state of the wildfires.

Its clear that we need to re-evaluate the federal role in wildfire protection and response and develop a more proactive process instead of the present reactive one, Mr. Cannings said.

Canadas system usually relies on the provinces and territories sharing resources. But the widespread nature of the current fires has made that impossible and led to shortfalls. As a result, firefighters from the United States, South Africa, France, Australia and New Zealand, along with members of the Canadian Armed Forces, are supporting local fire crews.
In 2006, the British artist Hurvin Anderson painted his first barbershop scene. In Barbershop, reflections from the mirrors above a worktop create a series of rectangular patterns, like an abstract painting. In front, two slightly disordered chairs sit surrounded by scraps of hair, as if the clients have only just left, and the viewer is next to sit down.

The scene is based on an establishment in Andersons hometown, Birmingham, which the 58-year-old has painted numerous times over the last decade and a half, as he has similarly returned to a number of barbershops in London and Jamaica. Many of these works are now on view, until Nov. 5, at Hurvin Anderson: Salon Paintings at the Hepworth Wakefield, a museum in northern England. (The name of the show, chosen by Anderson, refers to both hair salons and the historical art exhibitions in Paris.)
In 2018, the artist Richard Mosse was understandably weary. He had spent most of the last decade in places torn by conflict and civil unrest.

In the early 2010s, the Irish-born New York-based artist had worked for five years in the Democratic Republic of Congo, photographing and filming the humanitarian disaster that has claimed millions of lives and displaced millions more. That project led to another video and photographic series focusing on the European refugee crisis unfolding around the Mediterranean. Before that, he had embedded with the U.S. Army in Iraq.

I was exhausted, Mosse said recently, as he recounted the events that led to his latest film installation, Broken Spectre, filmed in the Amazon rainforest from 2018 to 2021. I thought Id put the superego aside, and just enjoy the simple pleasures of photography. This project essentially began with portraits of orchids.

Mosse booked himself into a remote ecolodge in the Ecuadorean cloud forest, and began photographing plants, lichens, mycelium and insects with a macro lens. He found that many organisms phosphoresce under ultraviolet light, so he created dramatic Technicolor images of the teeming biodiversity on the forest floor.
When Joan Rivers died in 2014, ending one of the greatest careers in modern comedy, several groups were interested in acquiring her archives, which included a meticulously organized collection of 65,000 typewritten jokes.

Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, recalled a conversation with a representative from the Smithsonian Institution who wanted the catalog of jokes but said it would not be on permanent display. Her mind instantly went to the final tracking shot of Raiders of the Lost Ark, in which the golden Ark of the Covenant is locked inside a crate and placed in a vast warehouse with hundreds of other crates.

I couldnt do that because so much of who she was is in those files, Melissa Rivers told me on a video call from Los Angeles. For her mother, a pioneering stand-up and withering critic of celebrity fashion, a view was always important.

Instead, Rivers is donating the extensive collection to the National Comedy Center, the high-tech museum in Jamestown, N.Y., joining the archives of A-list comics like George Carlin and Carl Reiner. The fact that the jokes will be accessible is only one of the reasons for Melissa Riverss decision.
The sun is shining, the waves are lapping against the shore, and the crowds are filing into a giant tent for the first sessions of the day at the Calabash International Literary Festival, on Jamaicas low-key southern coast.

Its Saturday morning, and a wonder that people are awake at all  many, including writers, were up until the wee hours at the reggae concert next door, which capped the opening nights literary programs. Private tents dot the beach behind the stage, where some festivalgoers have slept.

Jamaicas poet laureate, Olive Senior, stops to embrace old friends at the entrance to the grounds, making plans to catch up soon. Meanwhile, busloads arrive from the capital and other points across the island.

By 10 a.m. more than a thousand people have filled the seats, gazing out at what might be the worlds most breathtaking stage, framed by ocean and blue sky. Margaret Busby, the trailblazing British publisher, begins with a discussion of her anthology New Daughters of Africa, followed by a conversation featuring the regal dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, who, at 70, has just released Time Come, collecting a half-century of his commentary on culture and politics.
Our recommended books this week take you from the depths of the ocean to the heights of the sky: Brad Foxs The Bathysphere Book recounts a fascinating episode of deep-sea exploration in the 1930s (with gorgeous illustrations), and S.C. Gwynnes His Majestys Airship revisits a British dirigible disaster from 1930 that was even deadlier than the notorious crash of the Hindenburg seven years later. We also recommend a true-crime narrative, a book arguing that math and literature have more in common than you might think and, in fiction, new novels by Mary Beth Keane, John Banville, Dolki Min and more. Happy reading.

Gregory Cowles

THE HALF MOON

Mary Beth Keane

This absorbing novel by the author of Ask Again, Yes is about a faltering marriage and a failing bar in a small, not-necessarily-thriving town. The triumph comes in the small, unexpected moments that have a way of standing in for something full of meaning.
The Supreme Court ruled that Alabama had diluted the power of Black voters by drawing a congressional voting map with a single district in which they made up a majority.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, both members of the courts conservative wing, joined its three liberal members in the 5-to-4 ruling, which requires the state to draw a second district in which Black voters have the opportunity to elect representatives of their choice.

Advocates had feared the case would undermine the Voting Rights Act, a landmark legislative achievement of the civil rights movement. Instead, it appeared to emerge largely unscathed.

The court in recent years has been systematically cutting back on the voting rights act, and there was every reason to think that they would continue to do so in the context of redistricting, our colleague Adam Liptak said. To have a 5-4 majority going in a different direction, if only to uphold the status quo, was a big surprise.
Ukraine mounts a major attack in the south

A senior U.S. official said that the Ukrainian assault in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia appeared to be a main thrust of its long-anticipated counteroffensive to retake territory from Russia. The stakes are high for Kyiv and its Western allies.

The Ukrainian forces in Zaporizhzhia included German Leopard 2 tanks and U.S. Bradley fighting vehicles, the official said. The attack involved some of the troops the U.S. and other allies of Ukraine had trained and equipped especially for the counteroffensive.

Russian military officials said that their forces had withstood the assault and inflicted heavy casualties. The U.S. official confirmed that Ukraines Army had suffered casualties in the early fighting. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine, which has said it would remain silent on details.

Stakes: If Ukraine fails to break through Russias lines, support could shrink  and Kyiv could come under pressure from allies to enter serious negotiations to end or freeze the conflict.
Because A.I. is such a powerful new technology, in order for it to work well in society, it really needs some rules, Dr. Kornbluth said. We have to make sure that what it doesnt do is cause harm.

The same-day events  one encouraging work in artificial intelligence and the other cautioning against deploying the technology too hastily  mirrored the larger debate currently raging in the United States over the promise and potential peril of A.I.

Both student workshops were organized by an M.I.T. initiative on responsible A.I. whose donors include Amazon, Google and Microsoft. And they underscored a question that has vexed school districts across the nation this year: How should schools prepare students to navigate a world in which, according to some prominent A.I. developers, the ascendancy of A.I.-powered tools seems all but inevitable?

Teaching A.I. in schools is not new. Courses like computer science and civics now regularly include exercises on the societal impacts of facial recognition and other automated systems.
Khanmigo is among the wave of new A.I.-powered learning tools. It was developed by Khan Academy, a nonprofit education giant whose video tutorials and practice problems have been used by tens of millions of students.

Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy  and of Khan Lab School, a separate nonprofit organization  said he hoped the chatbot would democratize student access to individualized tutoring. He also said it could greatly help teachers with tasks like lesson planning, freeing them up to spend more time with their students.

Itll enable every student in the United States, and eventually on the planet, to effectively have a world-class personal tutor, Mr. Khan said.

Hundreds of public schools already use Khan Academys online lessons for math and other subjects. Now the nonprofit, which introduced Khanmigo this year, is pilot-testing the tutoring bot with districts, including Newark Public Schools in New Jersey.

Khan Academy developed the bot with guardrails for schools, Mr. Khan said. These include a monitoring system that is designed to alert teachers if students using Khanmigo seem fixated on issues like self-harm. Mr. Khan said his group was studying Khanmigos effectiveness and planned to make it widely available to districts this fall.
We understand how disorienting and unsettling it can be when we become the news, and these recent changes can be difficult to navigate, both personally and professionally, they said, adding, Now, its time for us as the leadership of CNN to meet the moment, as you have done time and again.

CNN declined to comment.

In interviews, some CNN journalists expressed frustration with the wall-to-wall coverage of the network and Mr. Licht, and they expressed hope it would end soon. (The networks audience devoured the story; the only mention of Mr. Licht on the morning editorial call was related to CNNs article on his ouster, which was among the most popular on the networks digital platforms on Wednesday, according to three people familiar with its readership.)

CNNs new leaders will have to deal with many challenges that Mr. Licht was in the middle of trying to overcome. The companys traditional business, which relies mostly on TV advertising and cable fees, is facing long-term decay. Its digital operation is in the middle of an overhaul. It is preparing to cover the 2024 presidential election, a consequential event for the network and its business. And its morning and prime-time programming is still being fine-tuned, leaving crucial slots in CNNs lineup unfinished.

On some of those fronts, CNN is making progress. The network is considering new anchors to team up with the CNN veteran Poppy Harlow in the morning, including the White House correspondent Phil Mattingly and the correspondent Rahel Solomon, according to two people familiar with the discussions.

Athan Stephanopoulos, whom Mr. Licht hired last year as CNNs chief digital officer, has laid out a plan to generate $1 billion over the next several years. And the company is hosting a series of town hall forums for presidential contenders, including one next week with former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism recently concluded a trade destination workshop in Dubai that attracted over 30 key travel trade stakeholders in the market to explore the vibrant tourism offerings of Israel.



The event concluded with a networking lunch and a lucky draw sponsored by the airline partner to the travel agents.



In the welcome speech, Liron Zaslansky  Consul General of the State of Israel in Dubai emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Israel and the UAE through tourism. "This workshop was an excellent opportunity to showcase the diverse attractions of Israel and encourage more travellers from the UAE to explore our beautiful country," said Zaslansky.



The event highlighted an in-depth overview of Israel's top tourist destinations, including the bustling cityscape of Tel Aviv, the sacred landmarks of Jerusalem, the historical charm of Acre, the serene landscapes of Galilee and the stunning natural wonders from the serene beaches of the Mediterranean to the lowest point on earth- the Dead Sea.



Larissa Samoilovich, Director of new markets development, Israel Ministry of Tourism said: "We are delighted to collaborate with partners to promote Israel a destination to travel in the UAE market. We look forward to welcoming UAE tourists to witness the wonders of our country like ancient archaeological sites, innovative technology hubs, we hope this platform was a good opportunity for travel professionals to encourage their clients to discover the magic of Israel. This year, our focus would be to introduce Israel Exactly like Nowhere Else.



Israel Ministry of Tourism is promoting the country as a destination targeting families, FIT experiential travellers, religious and leisure travellers through various B2B and B2C activities like media and trade familiarization trips, roadshows, destination seminars, cooperation with travel trade and airlines.



As part of its wider promotional activities in this region, the Ministry of Tourism is all set to launch a special edition magazine for the UAE market called Discover Israel entailing content in English and Arabic this year.  TradeArabia News Service
Barring a last-minute change, an eight-year effort by a state coalition to change school disciplinary policies from suspension-focused to restorative will again stall in Albany when legislative sessions conclude Friday.

Solutions Not Suspensions, the title of the bill, isnt expected to pass this session, the New York Civil Liberties Union said.

Its really disappointing, said Johanna Miller, director of the Educational Policy Center at the NYCLU. Youngsters who worked on this bill were freshmen in high school when they started  theyre now graduating from college.

Despite the state-level inaction, local anti-suspension advocates continue to apply pressure on Buffalo Schools.

The hotline allows advocates to help Buffalo parents and students with the suspension process, including representation at suspension hearings, filing appeals or joining in restorative conferences. Concerned families may leave a voicemail and will be contacted by a coalition member for more information.

The district does not support the new hotline, said Buffalo Schools spokesperson Jeffrey Hammond in a statement earlier this week.

These advocates already know that while suspending a student is a last resort, the Buffalo Public School District will take the necessary actions to maintain a safe learning environment for all students, Hammond wrote in an email. That is why the Districts student code of conduct contains a progressive tiered approach to discipline.

Hammond said parents should contact school administrators rather than calling a third-party hotline that lacks the ability to reach a resolution. He said parents unsatisfied with a disciplinary response may call district administration at 716-816-4678.

Are school suspensions effective? Advocates press Buffalo schools to find a better way "We have no evidence that restorative practices are happening, and restorative conferences are extremely rare," said Jessics Bauer Walker president of Community Health Worker Network of Buffalo.

Anti-suspension advocates say Buffalo suspends Black students at 2.5 times the rate of white students and continues to suspend pre-kindergarteners through third-graders, a policy long condemned by the State Education Department. In April, 42 students in pre-kindergarten through third grade were suspended, according to district data.

Quinn Carroll, Western Region organizer of the NYCLU, spotlighted other areas in which the coalition believes Buffalo is falling short  and how the hotline could help.

We continue to see a lack of due process, a lack of translation into parents dominant language, a lack of disability accommodations and other violations of state law when it comes to students being suspended, Carroll said this week.

The fight against suspending students is rooted in national data: 2021 research from three major universities illustrates racial inequities in suspensions and shows a school-to-prison pipeline, especially for students suspended multiple times.

Buffalo Schools has emphasized progress in reducing suspensions. Long-term suspensions  six days or more  have dropped from 1,298 last year to 987 this year, through April. Short-term suspensions have dropped similarly, from 5,053 to 4,660.

Jessica Bauer Walker, executive director of CoNECT, said the districts published data does not include in-school suspensions, total days lost to suspension and number of kids sent home instead of going through formal disciplinary measures.

The district and anti-suspension advocates share a general, immediate goal: to reduce suspensions. Both praise Buffalos progressive code of conduct, unveiled under Superintendent Tonja M. Williams, which separates infractions into four tiers.

We The Parents' Sam Radford speaks in support of Solutions Not Suspensions Samuel Radford III, leader of We The Parents and the WNY Educational Equity Taskforce, said changes to Buffalo's discipline policy are possibl

Students whose actions fall in tiers I and II engage in restorative strategies such as behavioral interventions, conferences focused on repairing relationships and solving problems, and meeting with community partners. Tiers III and IV include more serious incidents and lead to suspensions of varying lengths.

Williams has said no school administrator wants to suspend students, but its sometimes necessary to ensure the safety of all students.

According to the NYCLUs Miller, discretionary areas in the code of conduct, which administrators may respond to with suspension or restorative practices, lead to inequity. She said insubordination, in particular, is the biggest driver of discrimination and Buffalo is the most prominent example.

Miller said New York State United Teachers advocacy against Solutions Not Suspensions swayed the expected state legislative outcome. She said the union fears losing the safety blanket of suspensions for classroom control.

Samantha White of WNY Law Center explains why subjective suspensions lead to racial disparities Samantha White, an attorney for the WNY Law Center and part of a local coalition against suspending students, described why discretionary susp

NYSUT President Melinda Person, in her May testimony to Legislature, said teachers support the bills intent and want to keep students in the classroom, but that safe learning is paramount.

Our concerns come from the real-world classroom experience of our members, who have a duty to educate and support all their students, Person said.

Dina Thompson, executive director of the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, a district partner and coalition member, shared a balanced perspective about suspensions in which nuance should not be disregarded.

The mistake is that if you have to respond punitively that there cant be a restorative action with it  its not an either-or, its an and,  Thompson said.

Sometimes there are issues where people have to be accountable, responsible for their behavior, she said. That might be a punitive response. But how are we reintegrating people back into the community in a healthy way? How are we resourcing them in a way where theyre not making the same mistake again?
Her division was reduced as part of cost-cutting measures by Mr. Licht, who announced in October that CNN would stop buying original TV series and documentary films and that Ms. Entelis would explore developing a studio focused on long-form content.

Before joining CNN, Ms. Entelis worked at ABC News for 30 years, starting as a producer and rising through various leadership roles. She was one of three executives chosen last year to lead CNN on an interim basis after the ouster of its previous chief executive, Jeff Zucker.

Virginia Moseley

Virginia Moseley, 61, is CNNs executive vice president of editorial, in charge of all news gathering for TV and digital across the United States.

She was promoted to that job in July 2022 by Mr. Licht after a decade at the network, which she joined as a deputy in the Washington bureau. She oversees all U.S. bureaus and is responsible for coverage plans for reporting teams including the White House and Congress.

Ms. Moseley previously worked for 18 years at ABC News, where she was a senior Washington producer for Good Morning America. She is married to Thomas R. Nides, the U.S. ambassador to Israel.
When a friend went for an interview at Doubleday in Manhattan, Mr. Snyder tagged along, and before long was hired as a trainee. He was named assistant marketing director in 1958 after demonstrating that he was one of the few people at Doubleday who knew the precise number of books that had been published, ordered, sold and returned in a given period  an ability he likened to his fathers feel for the value of fabric for overcoats.

He could rub the material of a jacket between his thumb and forefinger, Mr. Snyder said in The Times Magazine profile, and in no more than a second, proclaim, $3.34 a yard. He would be right to the penny. I had that gift of feel when it came to books.

In a climate that Mr. Snyder helped create, he billed himself as a businessman rather than as a man of letters. As Mr. Korda put it, Theres no law that says that publishers have to read books; Dick had a wonderful instinct for relying on his editors.

Mr. Snyders three other marriages, to Ruth Freund, Laura Yorke and Terresa Liu, also ended in divorce. In addition to his son Matthew, from his marriage to Ms. Freund, he is survived by a daughter from that marriage, Jackie; two other sons, Richard Elliott Snyder Jr. and Coleman Yorke, from his marriage to Ms. Yorke; and two grandchildren.

Mr. Snyder thrived under Simon & Schusters ownership by Gulf and Western Industries, which bought the company in 1975. But when the owners founder and chairman, Charles G. Bludhorn, died in 1983 and was succeeded by Martin Davis, an executive at Paramount Pictures, a Gulf and Western subsidiary, Mr. Snyder feuded with him. At one point Mr. Davis rejected his advice to invest in an educational publisher being offered at a fire sale price.
Its not officially summer yet in the Northern Hemisphere. But the extremes are already here.

Fires are burning across the breadth of Canada, blanketing parts of the eastern United States with choking, orange-gray smoke. Puerto Rico is under a severe heat alert as other parts of the world have been recently. Earths oceans have heated up at an alarming rate.

Human-caused climate change is a force behind extremes like these. Though there is no specific research yet attributing this weeks events to global warming, the science is unequivocal that global warming significantly increases the chances of severe wildfires and heat waves like the ones affecting major parts of North America today.

Now comes a global weather pattern known as El Nino, which can drive up temperatures and set heat records. Thursday morning, scientists announced its arrival.

Taken together, the weeks extremes offer one clear takeaway: The worlds richest continent remains unprepared for the hazards of the not-too-distant future. A sign of that came on Wednesday when Canadas prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said his government may soon create a disaster response agency in order to make sure were doing everything we can to predict, protect and act ahead of more of these events coming.
Barry Newman, whose terse integrity and understated rebelliousness made the 1971 movie Vanishing Point an enduring hit in the annals of American cinema about the open road, died on May 11 in Manhattan. He was 92.

The death, in a hospital, which was not widely reported until this week, was confirmed by his wife, Angela Newman. While seeking treatment for back pain, she said, he came down with a lung infection that spread to his spine and heart.

Mr. Newman was briefly a leading man in movies and television in the 1970s. He starred as a Harvard-educated defense attorney who moved to a small Southwestern town to work criminal cases in the 1970 feature film The Lawyer, and he reprised the character, Tony Petrocelli, in an NBC legal drama, Petrocelli, which ran from 1974 to 1976.

Two decades later, he returned to prominence as a character actor, with small roles in memorable movies like Steven Soderberghs The Limey (1999); Bowfinger, also in 1999, alongside Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy; and 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002), a romantic comedy starring Josh Hartnett.
One of the best things about Daliland, Mary Harrons amused and amusing fictional look at the singular Salvador Dali, is that it isnt a cradle-to-grave exhumation. Instead, the movie focuses on a period in Dalis later years when he was widely, wrongly and seemingly permanently eclipsed both by the commercial profile of his art and by the flamboyant scandal he had made of his life. Harrons result is less a consummate portrait and more a distillation of a sensibility, as if she had dropped Dali in an alcohol still to extract his very essence.

The man, the myth and the mustache are all here, albeit modestly. Harrons path into Dalis world is through an invented character, James (the newcomer Christopher Briney), whos recently landed a job at the artists New York gallery. An anodyne pretty boy, James serves as a proxy for the viewer, a wide-eyed tourist in a seductively foreign land. He enters partly by chance, although his looks and good timing help: Dali (Ben Kingsley), whos struggling to produce sufficient new work for an upcoming show, recruits James as an assistant, ushering him into the frantic, at times funny and often bleak bacchanalia of the movies title.

Much of the story takes place in 1974, starting with one of Dalis customary winter sojourns at the St. Regis Hotel in New York. There, in a spacious suite wreathed in cigarette smoke and throbbing with rock music, he and his formidable, sometimes terrifying wife, Gala (Barbara Sukowa), preside over a glittery circus thats populated by beautiful people and supplicating waiters, and watched over by Dali s longtime aide, Captain Moore (Rupert Graves). Amid the ostrich boas, flowing Champagne and lines of coke, the slack-jawed James meets hangers-on like Alice Cooper (Mark McKenna) as well as the artists muse Amanda Lear (Andreja Pejic), and one exceedingly dull love interest, Ginesta (Suki Waterhouse).

James isnt all that interesting, either, and theres too much of him in the movie. This isnt Brineys fault; hes pleasant to look at, and he manages his transition from tourist to accidental Dali-wood guide well enough. Its just that once Dali and Gala swan in, they immediately and rightly become the only characters you want to spend time with. Theyre entertaining, for one, having long settled into roles that feed their public profiles and public relations: Shes the money-grubbing dominatrix while he alternately cowers, begs for her attention and upstages her. The relationship provides tension and mystery that the well-matched Kingsley and Sukowa complicate with gargoyle masks and shocks of vulnerability.
Do I have initiative? Richard Montanez (played by Jesse Garcia) asks his wife, Judy (Annie Gonzalez), in the dramatic comedy Flamin Hot, directed with affectionate brio by the actor Eva Longoria. Montanez, on whose memoir this fictionalized story is based, is eyeing an application for a job at the Frito-Lay facility in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. While hes stumped about that word  initiative  soon enough hell embody it, as he goes from being a janitor to becoming a family man behind a Cheetos flavor that extended the snack makers reach, launching Montanezs marketing career.

Garcia and Gonzalez possess poignant chemistry as the economically struggling couple. They first meet as children. He, a child of farm workers, is being bullied in the lunchroom and at home; she has a bruise that suggests they might have more in common than simply being the brown kids at a predominately white elementary school. Montanezs youth is recounted in a sometimes boastful, sometimes self-deprecating, always upbeat voice-over that softens the edges of his childhood, which include routine bigotry and outright racism, but also brutality and judgment from his father, Vacho (Emilio Rivera).

Montanez came of age in the late 60s and early 70s, and the pride and resistance of the Chicano Movement, while adjacent, were not central to his upbringing. Instead, as he tells us in an account that swings from the present to the past, from the biographical to the fantastical, he found friends in a gang. It wasnt until Judy got pregnant that the pair agreed that things had to change.
When Raphael, a great slab of a man, trudges into the French film Scarlet, he carries an unbearable burden. World War I has just ended and, like other combatants, hes on his way home near-broken. When he arrives, he discovers that his wife has died, leaving him with a baby, Juliette. He mourns his wife but the girl soon becomes his sun and his moon, and in time the lodestar that takes this picturesque tale from one historical era to the next.

Scarlet is the story of a father, a daughter and the different realms that surround them like concentric rings: their tiny community, the nearby village that turns from them and, in the distance, the inevitable, rapidly changing world of booming cities, mass production and social revolution. Over the passing years, things happen to our characters, gentle and kind things, but also shaming, rejection and violence. They will persevere, fortified by their humanity, by their rooted sense of place and by the enduring strength of their affections.

Much as he did in Martin Eden, his bold adaptation of the Jack London novel, the Italian director Pietro Marcello has again charted an atypical narrative course. Scarlet is based on a novel, Scarlet Sails, by the Russian writer Alexander Grin (or Green, depending on the translation). Marcello  who wrote the script with three others  has borrowed from Grins story while taking it in new directions. Yet, as in the novel, a crucial focus remains the relationship between the father, played by a remarkable Raphael Thiery, and the daughter, who over the course of the film is played by four children and by an adult, Juliette Jouan.

Scarlet opens on a sober note with what appears to be colorized documentary footage of postwar scenes, striking archival images set to the funereal tolling of bells that soon gives way to the kind of hissing and crackling noises you sometimes hear in old films. Raphael enters shortly afterward, a lonely uniformed figure limping across a dark, desolate French field. Within seconds, he is heavy-footing his way through a village and down a path sliced into a pretty opening in some woods, his body backlit by the breaking dawn. He looks like hes making an entrance onto a stage, which suits a character on the precipice of a new adventure.
In the short, a group of Black friends confronted by a killer must decide who is the Blackest  and therefore liable to be killed first. Of course, the comedy lies in what naturally ensues: Everyone gathered tries to prove they are the least Black. One character retches through repeated attempts at insisting that All lives matter, the invalidating response to Black Lives Matter. After seeing the sketch, Oliver tracked down Perkins to adapt the piece into a feature. (The Blackening recreates the short in one of its funniest scenes.) Initially attached as a producer, Tim Story, best known for Barbershop (2002), fell in love with the script and additionally opted to direct. Its something that I really wanted to get to the screen, Story said.

The comedian and actress Yvonne Orji, who plays Morgan, was also drawn to the subversive script. Were turning the stereotype on its head and I love whenever stereotypes are tipped over, she said.

Foregrounding Black characters in the horror genre upends a fraught legacy that has often deployed them as comic relief or unceremoniously dispensed with them; Perkins explained that it was a purposeful decision to play with these archetypes so that the film is in constant conversation with this history. My character is a Gay Best Friend, which is a trope. All of these characters, at the beginning, their origin is a trope, he said. Then we use the movie to constantly feed that character. And allowing the trope to become a fully realized character was the goal.
They arrived as the concentration of pollutants in the air hit the highest levels ever recorded in the city and with the skyline blurred by smoke from wildfires in Canada. Familiar landmarks were pale shadows in the distance. The Chrysler Building? Its silvery cap was not shining. The Statue of Liberty? It was a silhouette in the orange-brownish haze.

The Poynters soon bought themselves masks. He was wearing his as he panned the viewing scope on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building on Tuesday. There was not much to see, and today may not be much better. The National Weather Service said the haze would linger because the weather system pushing it around the atmosphere was relatively stagnant.

The AirNow Index had climbed through unhealthy to very unhealthy and, finally, to hazardous. The air quality index in New York City climbed to a new and unwanted record that topped one set just the day before. And the air quality record on Tuesday broke a record that had stood for 21 years, when another rash of wildfires from Canada sent smoky air south.

High readings are not unusual in smoggy places like Jakarta or New Delhi. But they are rare in New York, where state and federal laws have helped to reduce emissions. Mayor Eric Adams put into words what many New Yorkers had probably thought when they looked out a window or walked down a street: What the hell is this? he said at a news conference.

Gov. Kathy Hochul called the worsening air quality an emergency crisis that extended across New York State, and urged people to stay inside: Please dont go out if you dont have to, the governor said. Much of the state was under an air quality health advisory alert, indicating that the index was expected to pass 100. Mike Hardiman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said that Binghamton looks like Mars and smells like cigars.
As the court hearing in Manhattan began, the lawyer, Steven A. Schwartz, appeared nervously upbeat, grinning while talking with his legal team. Nearly two hours later, Mr. Schwartz sat slumped, his shoulders drooping and his head rising barely above the back of his chair.

For nearly two hours Thursday, Mr. Schwartz was grilled by a judge in a hearing ordered after the disclosure that the lawyer had created a legal brief for a case in Federal District Court that was filled with fake judicial opinions and legal citations, all generated by ChatGPT. The judge, P. Kevin Castel, said he would now consider whether to impose sanctions on Mr. Schwartz and his partner, Peter LoDuca, whose name was on the brief.

At times during the hearing, Mr. Schwartz squeezed his eyes shut and rubbed his forehead with his left hand. He stammered and his voice dropped. He repeatedly tried to explain why he did not conduct further research into the cases that ChatGPT had provided to him.

God, I wish I did that, and I didnt do it, Mr. Schwartz said, adding that he felt embarrassed, humiliated and deeply remorseful.
News / National

by Staff reporter

BULAWAYO city's parking management company, Tendy Three Investments (Pvt) Ltd has said it is not losing sleep over a five-day parking boycott call by the Bulawayo Business Development Association (BBDA) and implored residents not to be "used" by people with ulterior motives.TTI executive director and board chairman, Mr Lizwe Mabuza said demands by BBDA were not only unreasonable but were actually being propelled by rivals who lost the tender.According to the fliers circulating on social media, BBDA said the boycott will run from June 12 to June 17 during which motorists must not park their cars on any TTI paid parking zone."Do not park your car on the paid parking TTI zones during this period but instead look for alternative parking. In the event you can't find alternative parking, leave your car at home and use public transport during this entire period," reads the flier."Educate your community on the importance of peacefully participating in this boycott as we all collectively restore the dignity and business confidence in our great city of Bulawayo. Do not stay away from the CBD, continue with your usual business without supporting the TTI and BCC project."BBDA slammed TTI for not consulting motorists and other stakeholders."We want to pay US$1 per day, we don't want ghost tickets and we don't want careless clamping. We want to be involved in the decisions that affect us," reads the flier.Chronicle established that the flier originated from one Farai Manganda who upon being quizzed about the boycott calls declined to comment."What name do you need, send an email to the address on the flier, the secretary general will respond to you, you will get the name from there," he said.Mr Mabuza said if those behind boycott calls were genuine, they would have sought dialogue with his company."These guys never sought audience with us and this is not to say we are worried about their misguided position, not at all. We are not losing sleep over the boycott calls and mind you Zimbabwe is a democratic country after all," he said."What we know is that genuine business people in the city have been engaged and are fully behind this whole project, especially the new packages that we have introduced as shown by the numbers that have purchased some of the packages which has surpassed 150 and still growing."Mr Mabuza said BBDA has its own motive which is totally opposite from the city's objectives of moving along with the rest of the world, including creating employment for locals. TTI employs over 200 workers.
Why It Matters: The decline hurts job seekers without college degrees and worsens disparities.

New York is on the verge of a crisis, when it comes to jobs that are accessible to New Yorkers without a college degree, Mr. Bowles said, and the decline is contributing to widening racial disparities.

More than 70 percent of the citys 301,700 retail jobs are held by Black, Hispanic and Asian workers, a disproportionate share of whom did not finish college. Over a fifth of that work force is under the age of 25.

In the first quarter of the year, the unemployment rate for Black New Yorkers was 12.2 percent, compared to 1.3 percent for white New Yorkers  the biggest gap this century.

A spokeswoman for City Hall pointed to Mayor Eric Adamss New New York plans for economic development, and said that he was proud to have ushered in a 99 percent recovery of private-sector jobs post-pandemic, but did not address why New York was losing more retail jobs than the national average.

Background: Moving to a new sector is difficult.

The industries in New York that are growing  tech, finance, health, legal and accounting services  are not accessible to the work force that has been laid off, Mr. Bowles said.

And growing sectors that are accessible might not meet demand or offer the same level of pay.

The average annual wage across all retail sectors in 2021 was $53,900, according to Dr. James Parrott, the director of economic and fiscal policy at the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School.

Jobs for couriers and messengers, who made $48,180 on average in 2021, have risen more than 20 percent in the last three years, a reflection of an uptick in e-commerce. But that amounted to only 4,300 new jobs, Mr. Bowles said.

The growth of home health care services has also been sharp, with a gain of 41,700 new jobs, but those positions tend to pay far less than some retail jobs.

Home health aides, predominantly women of color, were paid an average $30,560 in 2021, according to Dr. Parrott.

Theyre basically getting paid minimum wage, he said.

Whats Next: Job training and more housing are key.

The working-age population of New York City was down 400,000 people in March and April of 2023, compared to the start of 2020, which hurt retail demand, Dr. Parrott said.

To counter the losses in retail, Mr. Bowles said, the city should invest in job training programs that can help retail workers transition to other fields.

The report also recommended offering tax incentives to encourage in-person shopping and, most crucially, expanding new affordable housing in the five boroughs to increase foot traffic and shore up demand.
If the Supreme Court rules this term that affirmative action is unconstitutional, relying on a case called Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, one response will be to chalk it up to the changed composition of the court. After Donald Trump added three justices, legal arguments that had repeatedly failed to convince justices over 45 years of constitutional wrangling suddenly fell on more sympathetic ears.

That view may be true in part. But its inadequate to describe why affirmative action is in danger. Affirmative action is on a shaky footing not just because the composition of the court has changed but also because the composition of the country has changed. Demography has caused the moral ground to fall out from under the policy.

Affirmative action dates from executive orders issued by Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s. The policy was meant to help Black people at a time when the country was effectively biracial, with white people outnumbering Black people by a ratio of about seven to one.

Those facts were directly relevant to the logic of the policy. Giving a break to a few Black students might have meant denying a chance to the equivalent number of white students. But because white people constituted an overwhelming majority, the number of white applicants disadvantaged by affirmative action was relatively low. They tended to be borderline admissions cases. They were hard to identify with any specificity. And advantages were being redistributed from descendants of the former oppressor race (white people) to descendants of the former oppressed race (Black people). In a literal sense, it was discrimination  but it did not necessarily feel like discrimination.
His central insight, that the only way to beat Trump is by taking him on directly, is almost certainly correct. It was a pleasure to watch him mock his passive-aggressive competitors with their coded criticisms of the ex-president. He intoned, with mock earnestness, We need a leader who looks forward, not backwards. The crowd burst out laughing. Then, as if solving a puzzle, he exclaimed: Oooh! Youre talking about the way he still thinks the 2020 election was stolen! And you wont say it wasnt stolen!

It was even more amusing listening to Christie tear into Trump. He called him a bitter, angry man who wants power back for himself and told a story about Trump urging him, when he was governor, to declare bankruptcy for the State of New Jersey. He imitated Trump like Alec Baldwin would on Saturday Night Live. He even went after Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner  whose father, youll remember, he helped put in prison when he was a prosecutor  for the $2 billion investment Kushner secured from a fund led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. The grift from this family is breathtaking, he said.

But my enjoyment of his newfound Resistance shtick doesnt bode well for Christie. The people he needs to win over are not liberal New York Times columnists, but voters who hate liberal New York Times columnists. The trick, for a Republican, is going to be painting Trump as a weak loser who will sabotage right-wing priorities. At times Christie tried to do this, as when he criticized Trump for his failure to build the border wall and repeal the Affordable Care Act. But many of his criticisms were decidedly centrist. He attacked Trump for idolizing Vladimir Putin and trying to extort President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, admitting, in an offhand line, that Biden deserves admiration for uniting Europe against Russian aggression. He praised John McCain, expounded on the necessity of compromise and agreed with one questioner that Trump had traumatized the country.

At one point, in response to a question about drug prices, Christie spoke about the need to protect pharmaceutical innovation, lauding Pfizers investment in mRNA vaccines. I appreciate that he wont pander to his partys Covid skepticism, but I also cant imagine this going over well with the Republican electorate. Later, in response to a question about reproductive justice from a young woman who appeared to be pro-choice, he said the matter should be entirely left up to the states, which should be free to enact laws as permissive or as restrictive as they wish. That might be a good stance for a general election, but it is sure to alienate influential right-wing activists.

So what is Christie up to? One theory is that he wants to redeem himself after his humiliating embrace of Trump by filleting him on the debate stage, much as he did to Marco Rubio in 2016. But to qualify for the debates, Republican candidates must have at least 1 percent support across several polls, have at least 40,000 individual donors from 20 states or territories and pledge to support whoever wins the Republican nomination. Even if Christie clears the polling and donor thresholds, hes already sworn never to back Trump again, and his entire campaign is premised on Trumps total unfitness.
Its possible that he had a change of heart, but its more likely that his institutionalist side kicked in.

He may have sided with Black Alabamians because he has genuinely changed his skeptical views about race-conscious remedies since he wrote the opinion for Shelby County, a case he did not even cite in his opinion in Milligan. He could have seen Milligan as simply applying well-settled precedents. But as recently as last year, when Alabama sought a stay before the 2022 elections of the lower-court ruling the court just affirmed, Chief Justice Roberts suggested rethinking or tinkering with those precedents even as he opposed the stay. (Justice Kavanaugh joined the other conservatives in imposing the stay, but he said he did so because the lower-court ruling came too close to the election, not on the merits of Alabamas arguments on appeal.)

But perhaps a more plausible answer for the chief justices blinking is that he could foresee the additional social upheaval and opprobrium that would have been generated against the Supreme Court had it ended significant minority representation in Congress and statehouses. Showing the court as an institution sometimes willing to side with minority plaintiffs could prove very important, especially if, as expected, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Kavanaugh soon join the other conservative justices in rejecting race-based affirmative action in college admissions.

Why were so many court watchers, including me, expecting a different decision in this case? Since Congress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965 and amended it in 1982, the Supreme Court has repeatedly weighed in on its scope and meaning. Section 5 required states and localities with a history of racial discrimination in voting to get federal approval before changing their voting rules, with the burden of demonstrating that those changes would not make minority voters worse off. The court repeatedly upheld the constitutionality of Section 5.

By 2013, however, the court held that Congress no longer had the power to require federal preapproval of voting changes. In Shelby County, Chief Justice Roberts declared that history did not end in 1965 and that considerable improvement in the South made continued federal oversight unconstitutional.
For generations, deep-pocketed donors have called the shots in New York State politics, leaving ordinary voters with less power and less of a voice in their government. Incumbent lawmakers are bankrolled by moneyed special interests and are routinely re-elected with little competition, and there has been no real alternative to the traditional system of big campaign contributions influencing candidates and politics. One recent study by the Brennan Center for Justice showed that just 200 people contributed $15.9 million to candidates in New York state elections last year, outspending the 206,000 people who donated $13.5 million in amounts of $250 or less.

A law passed in 2019, one of the most promising New York campaign reforms in decades, was supposed to change that: It created a public financing system that encourages small-dollar contributions to political candidates and promotes competition for legislative seats that are often viewed as sinecures for incumbents. This new system was intended to give voters a wider choice of candidates, improving the democratic process by giving voters a better chance of electing people to state office who represent their interests and raising the mediocre quality of governance in New York. But this week, in the final days of the legislative session, the Democratic lawmakers who dominate the capital are preparing to severely weaken those reforms.

The changes proposed by lawmakers would protect incumbents and discourage challengers  the opposite of the programs goal. Suddenly a program that would have encouraged small donations would no longer do anything of the sort; in fact, it would supplement donations as large as $18,000 with matching funds from taxpayers, a complete turnabout from the original intent of the system promised to voters by reformers elected in 2018 and a perversion of the promise of most other public financing programs, including New York Citys. Lawmakers are likely to vote on the bill on Friday; if it passes, as expected, Gov. Kathy Hochul should veto it and preserve a system aimed at empowering ordinary New Yorkers.
If I had to sum up the current debate within the American right, Id describe it as a contest between liberty and authority. To what extent should the political project of the conservative movement focus on the preservation of individual and institutional freedom versus expanding the power of the state to advance conservative ends? This was at the heart of my recent critique of Ron DeSantis when he officially entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination, and its at the heart of my larger breach (along, of course, with profound concerns about character) with the Trumpist, nationalist right.

The dispute between liberty and authority has become a subtext of the Republican presidential primary contest. You can see it when Nikki Haley challenges DeSantis for using state resources to punish Disney for opposing Florida laws that restrict instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in public school classrooms. You can see it when Asa Hutchinson says, Its not the role of government to punish a business when you disagree with what theyre saying or a position that they take. Tim Scott has said much the same thing, agreeing that its improper to weaponize government against private corporate expression.

You can see this dispute perhaps most starkly in the state-by-state conflicts over education. To what extent should the education culture wars be resolved by liberty or by authority? The liberty side of the argument seeks greater school choice, so that parents from all income backgrounds can enjoy the kinds of choices that wealthy parents take for granted. It also respects the free speech rights of students and the academic freedom of professors, so that the state doesnt become the final arbiter of truth.
GENOA, Nev.  Thick gray wildfire smoke is pouring down from Canada into the Northeast this week, but it may have a silver lining. Every summer and fall, wildfires in America wreck homes, air quality and lives. While many of the current fires in Canada were caused by lightning that landed on dry forests, here in the States, lightning is rarely the culprit. An astonishing 80 percent are caused by human carelessness. That means they could have been prevented with smarter behavior in our increasingly flammable wild lands. With so much smoke polluting the air so early in the fire season, maybe we can finally stop thinking of wildfires as out of our control.

In the American West, evidence of fire foolishness is all around us. Nearly two years ago, the Caldor fire was allegedly started by a father and son who appear to have gone out shooting in a dry forest during Californias peak fire season, while smoke from the massive Dixie fire still hung heavy in the air. The Caldor fire scorched nearly 222,000 acres, destroyed 1,005 structures, injured multiple people and sent my husband and me packing ahead of the evacuation order.

When I drive past the moonscaped mountains and blackened tree skeletons where lush green forest used to be before the fire, I still get sad, then mad.

Lives lost. Landscapes destroyed. Habitats gone. And yet we continue to find new ways to be fire foolish in the wild lands. A gender-reveal party with a pyrotechnic smoke bomb on a high-heat, low-humidity day. A couple of campers whose plan to leave no trace went awry when they decided to light their excrement on fire. Marital bliss celebrated with the release of sky lanterns.
Ive long been a fan of No Labels, the organization that works to reduce political polarization and Washington gridlock. I spoke at its launch event in 2010. Ive admired the Problem Solvers Caucus, a No Labels-inspired effort that brings Republicans and Democrats in Congress together to craft bipartisan legislation. Last September, when No Labels wanted to go public with its latest project, I was happy to use my column to introduce it to people.

That project is a $70 million effort to secure ballot access for a potential third presidential candidate in 2024. America needs an insurance policy, the folks at No Labels argued. If the two major parties continue to go off to the extremes, then voters should have a more moderate option, a unity ticket of Republicans and Democrats who are willing to compromise to get things done.

In the nine months since my column appeared, No Labels analysts have conducted polling that they believe shows that their as yet to be selected third candidate could actually win the White House. Today, they argue, the electorate is roughly evenly split among those who lean Democratic, those who lean Republican and the unaffiliated. Theres clearly an opening for a third option.
The other gift will be the $1 billion a year in congestion pricing revenue that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will use to secure $15 billion in bonds to pay for improvements to mass transit in the city. Those upgrades will reduce waiting times and onboard delays  and the precious time subway passengers lose as a result.

Either outcome would be a godsend. The combination has the potential to be transformational for New Yorkers.

Why, then, do many people seem anxious about, if not downright opposed to, congestion pricing? Entitlement plays a part: Why should we suddenly be forced to pay for something that had been free? Another reason surely is disbelief. Many people dont believe that the revenues  the $1 billion a year from drivers  will actually improve mass transit services. The M.T.A. is a money pit, people say.

They may have a point. But the subway, bus and commuter rail services that the M.T.A. operates are also a marvel and a necessity. After the pandemic lockdowns, the system still delivers 2.5 times as many people a day into the Manhattan core as cars and trucks do, though that is down from four times as many before Covid struck. Still, the M.T.A. must build and manage far more effectively. The same political will that got congestion pricing written into law must be marshaled to eliminate layers of consultants, to bring work rules into the 21st century and to make design-build contracting, in which the project designer and the contractor work together under one contract from the beginning, the rule.

People are also unconvinced that congestion pricing will, in fact, cut congestion. Urban gridlock has come to appear immutable in the United States, perhaps nowhere more so than in the Manhattan core, where travel speeds were averaging a maddening 7 miles per hour before the pandemic. Why should congestion pricing succeed where a century of other remedies  like widening roads to only then narrow them again  has failed?
Dr. Yusef-Zadeh, a dedicated explorer of the galaxys heart of darkness, and his colleagues had already detected radio filaments, thin magnetic tubes of energy 150 light-years long, running perpendicular to the galactic plane like the pickets of a fence.

The new filaments are shorter  a few light-years in length  and they run in a different direction, parallel to the galactic plane rather than through it. It was a surprise to suddenly find a new population of structures that seem to be pointing in the direction of the black hole, Yusef-Zadeh said in a news release issued by Northwestern University. I was actually stunned when I saw these.

He added in an email: The filaments show up nicely once you know what you are looking for. It was an awe moment for us to realize these filaments were pointing toward the black hole.

The geometry of the new streaks suggests that the black hole is spinning on an axis that is likewise parallel to the plane, Dr. Yusef-Zadeh added. The energy is squeezed out from the poles like toothpaste from a tube. Astronomers still do not know what the perpendicular vertical filaments are, he said.

Future observations with the Event Horizon Telescope, the far-flung network of Earthbound observation posts that in 2022 produced the first image of Sagittarius A*, should shed further light on the behavior and orientation of the black hole, Dr. Yusef-Zahed said. He added: It is satisfying when one finds order in the middle of a chaotic field of the nucleus of our galaxy.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe has recorded a more than 100 percent increase in tourist arrivals, a significant step in the recovery of the country's cash cow hospitality sector which was still recovering from disruptions caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic in the past three years.This was revealed Wednesday by tourism minister Mangaliso Ndlovu while speaking in Harare at the relaunch of the newly refurbished Cresta Lodge, which was also commemorating its 30th anniversary."According to the latest UNWTO Tourism Barometer as outlined in the ZTA tourism report on the first quarter of 2023, international tourist arrivals reached 80% of the pre-pandemic levels, indicating a significant rebound," Ndlovu said."During this period, approximately 235 million tourists travelled globally, more than double the number from the same period in 2022."Tourist arrivals in Zimbabwe during the first quarter of 2023 rose by 108% from 130,536 in 2022 to 271,188."A total of 1.95 million local trips were registered during the first quarter from 1,87 million trips recorded in 2022."Overall, domestic trips rose by 4% during the first quarter."Minister Ndlovu added, "Investments worth US$105.4 million were recorded in the tourism sector, an increase of 167% compared to the same period in 2022."We have also witnessed a growth in airlines accessing the destination with the Zambian Airways and the Royal National Eswatini Airways introducing flights during the first quarter of 2023."Meanwhile, Cresta Lodge Managing Director, Chipo Mandela said over the last 10 years, Cresta Hotels have invested over US$15 million in the form of refurbishment at all its facilities across Zimbabwe."The refurbishment programme now completed saw major works in all bedrooms and suites, public areas and in key background operational sites."It was undertaken at a cost of US$1.3 million and was carried out in the past year, helping us prepare Cresta Lodge for the growth and development we expect as we move out of the Covid era into a brighter future all round."
Mark Russell, a performance art curator and former artistic director of Performance Space 122, debuted the first Under the Radar in January 2005. A scrappy, shimmering mishmash of mostly American experimental work, the festival occupied St. Anns Warehouse in Brooklyn, with satellite productions elsewhere. There was theater, there was dance, there was work that fell between and among mediums.

Oskar Eustis, then the newly appointed artistic director of the Public Theater, attended that iteration, which presented an early version of Elevator Repair Services Gatz. He invited Russell to bring the festival to the Public the following year.

It was the first artistic choice I made, Eustis said in a recent phone interview. But after 17 years and 16 festivals, the Public has made a different choice. During a mid-May meeting, Russell was informed that the Public, citing financial reasons, would not produce the festival in 2024 and that Russells employment at the theater would soon be terminated.

Russell, reached by video call in Brussels, where he was scouting new work at the Kunstenfestivaldesarts, had a bittersweet reaction.
Websites like HotelTonight have long tried to solve the dilemma of when to book hotel rooms to get the best rates. Online travel agencies like Booking.com and Hopper have added price protection programs for the same reason. And still travelers complain about how hard it is to find a good deal on a hotel. Now a new site, HotelSlash, joins the quest, promising discounted hotel rates to members and a tracking service that monitors reservations for price dips.

Were travel hackers at heart, said Jonathan Weinberg, the chief executive and a co-founder of HotelSlash. He also runs AutoSlash, a platform for rental car deals that will track reservations and tip off travelers to any decrease in prices so that they can cancel  most car rental agencies allow free cancellations  and rebook at the lower rate.

HotelSlash, he added, targets cost-conscious leisure travelers.

For the next three months, the site is offering a 90-day free trial, though Mr. Weinberg said it will always offer a limited free-trial period for new users; thereafter, annual membership costs $29.95.

How does it work and what are the benefits of enlisting a rate hawk? The answers follow.

Booking rooms

Users can book hotel rooms through HotelSlash by choosing their destination (either a specific hotel or a city), dates of travel and number of travelers. Unlike other booking sites, HotelSlash sends an email with a link to the results, adding a step to the process. The email shows up within minutes, and the results are robust. Even when I searched for a specific property  the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas  I got its room prices as well as prices for nearby hotels, including a variety of room types and rates, such as prepaid nonrefundable and refundable.
Carroll Cooley, a detective whose interrogation of a rape suspect named Ernesto Miranda helped lead to the landmark decision by the Supreme Court that compelled the police to make criminal suspects aware of their right against self-incrimination and their right to have a lawyer present, died on May 29 at his home in Phoenix. He was 87.

His wife, Gleora (Caron) Cooley, said the cause was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Mr. Cooley had been a detective in the Phoenix Police Department for about a year when, in March 1963, he and a colleague pursued Mr. Miranda for the rape and kidnapping of an 18-year-old woman. Mr. Miranda was found at his home and taken to the police station.

He wasnt handcuffed because he was not yet under arrest, Detective Cooley said in a speaking engagement in 2016, as quoted by the newspaper The Arizona Republic, and Mr. Miranda wasnt told that he needed a lawyer because there was no legal requirement to do so.

At the police station, the victim identified Mr. Miranda  published accounts differ over whether it was in a lineup or a direct confrontation  and, after being interrogated by the detectives, he wrote out a confession, which began: Seen a girl walking up street stopped a little ahead of her got out of car walked towards her grabbed her by the arm and asked to get in car. Got in car without force tied hands and ankles.
Why it matters: He faces charges in the United States.

Mr. van der Sloot was being extradited to face federal charges of wire fraud and extortion in Alabama related to the Holloway case. Prosecutors say he tried to demand a $250,000 payment from Ms. Holloways mother, Beth Holloway, claiming to have knowledge of the location of the missing girls remains. He received $25,000 from Beth Holloway after providing false information, according to prosecutors. Mr. van der Sloot has not been charged in Ms. Holloways death or disappearance.

The Peruvian authorities announced last month that they would allow Mr. van der Sloot to be temporarily extradited to the United States. This week, he tried to appeal the extradition, after saying he wouldnt.

Maximo Altez, Mr. van der Sloots lawyer, said his client, who is a citizen of the Netherlands, had changed his mind after meeting with Dutch diplomats in Peru, The Associated Press reported.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the specifics of the case and did not confirm whether diplomats in Peru had visited Mr. van der Sloot.

The Netherlands cant get involved in the local due process in another country, Casper Soetekouw, a spokesman, said. But he added that Dutch citizens in foreign detention could receive help from local diplomats. That includes visiting a prisoner, he said.

Mr. van der Sloot is serving a sentence for the murder of Stephany Flores, 21, a Peruvian student. He had met Ms. Flores at a casino, where he was attending a poker tournament, and later murdered her in a hotel room in Lima, in 2010. Mr. van der Sloot pleaded guilty in 2012 and was sentenced to 28 years in prison.

Background: A long-running unsolved mystery.

Ms. Holloway was 18 when she disappeared after a night out in Aruba on May 30, 2005, during a trip with her Alabama high school class. She has never been found, and a judge declared her legally dead in 2012. The unsolved case has generated years of public interest in the United States, including news coverage as well as true-crime books and feature films.

Mr. van der Sloot never admitted to killing Ms. Holloway. But in 2008, Peter R. de Vries, a Dutch crime reporter, organized a sting operation for his television show in which he tried to solve the case with hidden cameras.

In the episode, Mr. van der Sloot can be seen in the passenger seat of a car with an informant, skirting a confession but heavily implying that he had knowledge of what happened to Ms. Holloway.

The informant asked Mr. van der Sloot if he thought that anyone would ever find Ms. Holloway.

No, Mr. van der Sloot answered. Never to be found.

Remy Tumin contributed reporting.
A man convicted of fatally shooting a scientist camping in a California state park with his two children in 2018 was sentenced to life in prison for the murder and other charges, the authorities said.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter sentenced Anthony Rauda, now 46, to 119 years to life in prison on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said in a statement.

Mr. Rauda was arrested in October 2018 for shooting Tristan Beaudette, 35, in a tent where he had been camping with his children, who were 2 and 4 years old at the time, at Malibu Creek State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains outside Los Angeles. Mr. Beaudette was a research scientist at a large pharmaceutical company in nearby Orange County.

Image Anthony Rauda, in 2016. Credit... California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, via Associated Press

In May, Mr. Rauda was convicted of one count of second-degree murder, the district attorneys office said, and two counts of attempted murder, even though Mr. Beaudettes two children were not harmed.
When Ember Reichgott Junge, a Democratic state senator from Minnesota, sponsored the countrys first charter school law in 1991, she envisioned a new kind of public school.

Parents, she said, were clamoring for more school choice, not unlike today. Republicans tended to be for school vouchers, which help families pay for private school, including religious education. Fellow Democrats often wanted more funding for traditional public schools.

Charter schools gained support as an alternative: Paid for with taxpayer dollars, but run independently, the schools would offer families new options, but set firmly in the sphere of public education.

It was always public  always, Ms. Reichgott Junge, now 69, said in an interview.

Now, three decades later, the very idea that charters are public schools is being challenged in Oklahoma, which just approved the first religious charter school in the nation.
More than 30 years ago, a Baptist television star had a vision.

Pat Robertson imagined a nation where conservative Christian values reigned in the halls of power. Abortion would be illegal. Prayer would be restored to public schools. Crosses would be prominently displayed in city halls and courthouses. Conservative Christian believers would no longer be ignored, as he felt they were.

Mr. Robertson ran for president in 1988, hoping to channel evangelistic popularity from his growing television empire, the Christian Broadcasting Network, into Republican political might. Ultimately he failed  even devout Christians worried about the intensity with which the celebrity minister blended church and state.

And yet, by the time of his death on Thursday, the vision he championed had gained more power than he could have ever thought possible. The alliance between evangelical Christianity and Republican politics has fused, even as America has grown increasingly secular. The polarizing rhetoric of his often inflammatory views has become a defining feature of American politics.

Mr. Robertson lived to see the Supreme Court overturn the right to abortion established by Roe v. Wade, a president move the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, and an entire mass of conservative Christian voters resist what they felt was their declining place in American life by electing Donald J. Trump, a man who promised to restore their power.
Dr. Ashish Jha, who coordinated the White Houses coronavirus pandemic response for the last year, will leave the Biden administration and return to his previous post as dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University.

In a statement announcing Dr. Jhas departure, Mr. Biden praised him for having effectively translated and communicated complex scientific challenges into concrete actions that helped save and improve the lives of millions of Americans.

Dr. Jha plans to leave the White House on June 15, according to a senior administration official familiar with the timing.

Mr. Jha joined the administration in April 2022 as the United States and the rest of the world were emerging from the worst effects of the pandemic. He replaced Jeffrey D. Zients, Mr. Bidens first Covid coordinator, who is now the presidents chief of staff.
By the time Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken wrapped up a visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, he and Saudi officials had discussed cooperation on a smorgasbord of issues: Iran, Sudan, the Islamic State, regional infrastructure, clean energy and the potential normalization of Saudi-Israel relations.

Mr. Blinken gave effusive remarks on the work being done at a news conference in Riyadh: It is critical for expanding opportunity and driving progress for our people and for people around the world.

It was the type of bonhomie that American officials usually reserve for close allies. Mr. Blinkens three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, which included a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the nations de facto leader, is the most obvious effort yet by the Biden administration to move past the hostility that President Biden expressed at the prince and his government last fall.

The blowup took place after Saudi officials cut oil production despite a perception by U.S. officials that they had agreed to increase it. Mr. Biden vowed to impose consequences. But in the months since, the president and his top aides have come to accept what they see as a hard reality of the new geopolitical landscape, say analysts and people familiar with U.S. officials discussions: that Washington cannot afford to alienate powerful partners if it intends to compete with China and Russia across the globe.
With his right flank in open revolt and keeping a stranglehold on the House floor, Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces two unappealing choices for how to govern.

He can cater to the demands of hard-right members of his conference, pushing through bills that will face a bipartisan legislative buzz saw in the Senate. Or he can steer around them on crucial issues, teaming up with Democrats to pass spending bills and other vital measures, and contend with constant threats to his job from his own party  if not outright removal.

The surprise attack on the G.O.P. leadership this week by nearly a dozen extreme right Republicans shut down the House with no resolution in sight, sidelining the partys political messaging bill on gas stoves that was never going to become law. But it also created a paralyzing political quandary for Mr. McCarthy that foreshadows much bigger problems.

The right-wing factions tool of choice for the rebellion  opposing a routine procedural measure known as a rule that is normally a strict party-line vote  was a reminder that, in a closely divided House, the group could easily wreak havoc with the annual spending bills that are beginning to take shape now that the debt limit crisis is over.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF does not want opposition political parties to participate in the August 23 elections, which is why the government approved the exorbitant nomination costs that candidates must pay to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has claimed.Mwonzora claimed Zanu-PF was paying for all its candidates while other political parties that intended to field candidates in all 210 constituencies in the country were struggling to raise the nomination costs.The MDC leader said some candidates in his party, notably those in Parliament, would have to pay their own nomination fees.Last year on August 19, 2022, ZEC and the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs gazetted the hike of nomination costs, access to voters roll, and electoral maps fees for election candidates through a basket of legislative instruments, SI 144 and 145 of 2022.Aspiring presidential candidates must pay US$20 000, a 1 900 percent rise from US$1 000 charged in 2018, while Members of Parliament will pay US$1 000, a 1 900 percent increase from US$50.Proportional Representation (PR) lists for Parliament and Provincial councils must pay US$100 while the Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, already decreed that there were to be no reversals on these nomination fees.Mwonzora said the nomination fees were prohibitive and deliberately set so Zanu-PF could stop people from contesting."That is a lot of money under these circumstances but the motivation is to stop people from contesting that is Zanu-PF for you because Zanu-PF is paying for all its candidates," he said in an interview with CITE.He noted not every political party was well-resourced like the ruling Zanu-PF."Raising the candidate fees is very, very difficult. In fact, the candidate fees are very prohibitive because it means for a party like MDC which wants to field the 210 MPs it requires something like $360 000, which is almost half a million," said the MDC leader."That is US$210 000 for the 210 candidates, then add the US$100 for all proportional lists. We are trying to fundraise for that."Mwonzora stated the MDC will play its role in paying for its candidates, but would be unable to cover all fees, which implies that some candidates may have to fund themselves."The party will assess its financial position to see whether it can afford to pay for all the candidates or that some candidates, especially those in Parliament already, can pay for themselves," said the MDC leader and added he too was looking for wellwishers to raise the US$20 000 for presidential candidates."Someone wrote (mockingly) that Mwonzora is not going to be able to pay for himself but US$20 000 is a lot of money."
At another point, he said, Im proud of everything that we did during our administration to come alongside families and businesses in the midst of the worst pandemic in 100 years.

He made frequent overtures to evangelical voters.

Mr. Pence, the former governor of Indiana, is a man of deep faith, and his allies see an opening to connect with evangelical voters in Iowa, the leadoff caucus state that is home to many socially conservative voters.

Mr. Pence spoke about his personal faith journey and sprinkled his remarks with references to the Bible. He also emphasized his opposition to abortion rights, pledging that we will not rest or relent until we restore the sanctity of life to the center of American law in every state in the country.

If I have the great privilege to serve as president of the United States, Ill support the cause of life at every level, he said, even as he acknowledged that we have a long way to go to win the hearts and minds of the American people.

Some Republican presidential candidates have been reluctant to give specifics on their positions regarding abortion policy, or have modulated how they approach it depending on the audience. Mr. Pence seemed eager to discuss the subject, but he faces stiff competition for the voters who are often most moved by the issue. White evangelical voters ultimately became one of Mr. Trumps most crucial constituencies, and many other candidates, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, are competing hard to make inroads with those voters as well.
When the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Alabamas congressional map had diluted the power of Black voters, it was a long-sought victory for voting rights activists, who had grown increasingly alarmed at the courts previous decisions that have hollowed out the Voting Rights Act.

The decision also is likely to reverberate across the South, and could force multiple states with pending Voting Rights Act challenges to redraw their own maps.

In Alabama, a state with a tortured history of Jim Crow laws and voter suppression, the courts ruling against the legislatively drawn maps was a significant victory for Black voters. The court affirmed a lower courts decision to create a second congressional district in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it.

And the ruling offered many Alabama voters a much-needed assurance that the Voting Rights Acts other protections held strong, especially in a state that was the origin of one of the most damaging decisions to the landmark act.
Mr. Trumps legal team believed the prosecutors comment may have been a veiled threat designed to pressure the lawyer into getting his client to become a cooperating witness, the people said.

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mr. Smith, declined to comment.

At a news conference on Thursday with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain, President Biden was asked how he could convince the public that the Justice Department was fair in the wake of Mr. Trumps repeated attacks. He responded, I have never once, not one single time, suggested to the Justice Department what they should do or not do relative to bringing a charge or not bringing a charge.

Throughout his life, Mr. Trump has treated every challenge to him like an ongoing negotiation. His impulse is to go directly to the person he considers the top official of an organization to lodge his complaints. That was the case when the special counsel Robert S. Mueller III was appointed in 2017; Mr. Trumps advisers had to stop him from trying to reach out directly to Mr. Mueller to argue his case.

By broadcasting his complaints on social media rather than making them in court papers to a judge, Mr. Trump avoided the normal method of lodging accusations about prosecutorial misconduct  a method that, of course, also puts a burden of veracity and accuracy on the accuser.

Should an indictment be filed, he could choose to include his complaints in a motion to dismiss the case. In theory, he could also file a motion before any charges are filed using the complaints to attack the process of investigating him with the grand jury.
The Supreme Court, in a surprise decision, ruled on Thursday that Alabama had diluted the power of Black voters in drawing a congressional voting map, reaffirming a landmark civil rights law that had been thought to be in peril.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who has often voted to restrict voting rights and is generally skeptical of race-conscious decision making by the government, wrote the majority opinion in the 5-to-4 ruling, stunning election-law experts. In agreeing that race may play a role in redistricting, the chief justice was joined by Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and the courts three liberal members, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Voting rights advocates had feared that the decision would further undermine the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a central legislative achievement of the civil rights movement whose reach the courts conservative majority has eroded in recent years. Instead, the law appeared to emerge unscathed from its latest encounter with the court.

The case concerned a voting map redrawn by Republican lawmakers after the 2020 census, leaving only one majority Black congressional district in a state with seven districts and a Black voting-age population that had grown to about 26 percent.
The state of Texas will place a 1,000-foot floating barrier in the middle of the Rio Grande to prevent migrants from entering the United States, Gov. Greg Abbott said on Thursday, the latest in a series of escalating maneuvers by state leaders to address illegal crossings.

Mr. Abbott said the barrier, a floating border wall made up of four-foot-wide buoys, would be first placed in the water off the city of Eagle Pass, an already heavily fortified section of the border that Texas officials have said is a prime location for migrant crossings.

Though the floating barrier would cover only a small section of the 1,254-mile border in Texas, Mr. Abbott said the buoys could be moved to other hot spots and expanded in the future.

We can put mile after mile after mile of these buoys, Mr. Abbott said at a news conference, flanked by photos showing what the barrier would look like once deployed on July 7. When were dealing with gatherings of 100 or 1,000, one of the goals is to slow down and deter as many of them as possible.
Walking through Nagu, a small town in the mountains of southwestern China, the signs of a vibrant Muslim community are ubiquitous. Loudspeakers broadcast passages from a Chinese translation of the Quran. Women in head scarves shuttle rowdy children home from school. Arabic script decorates the outside of homes.

Towering over it all is the Najiaying Mosque, a white building topped with an emerald dome and four minarets that reach 230 feet into the air. For decades, the mosque has been the pride of the Muslim Hui ethnic minority that lives here.

Last month, it was also the scene of a confrontation.

On the morning of May 27, after the authorities drove construction cranes into the mosques courtyard, a crowd of residents confronted the hundreds of police officers in riot gear who had been deployed to oversee the work. As the officers blocked the mosque and used pepper spray, residents threw water bottles and bricks.

The rare clashes, described in interviews with eyewitnesses and captured on videos posted on social media, show how one aspect of the Chinese Communist Partys campaign to exert greater control over religion could grow more volatile.
A knife-wielding man stabbed four children and two adults at a park and a playground in southeastern France on Thursday, in an attack that horrified the country and that President Emmanuel Macron called absolutely cowardly.

The authorities said that a suspect, a Syrian asylum seeker who arrived in France last fall, had been arrested in the attack, which took place in Annecy, a city of about 130,000 people in the French Alps. Most of the wounded were hospitalized with critical injuries.

The incident was not being treated as a terrorist incident so far, the authorities said.

The brazen stabbing of very young children  ages 22 months to 3 years  shattered a peaceful morning in one of Annecys bucolic lakeside parks, and quickly sparked outrage across the country, where past attacks have left deep scars. It also set off political recriminations over immigration.

The nation is in shock, Mr. Macron said on Twitter.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who hurried to Annecy after the stabbings, said the victims had been savagely attacked.
Russian forces shelled the flood-stricken city of Kherson on Thursday, striking close to an evacuation point, only hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the city to witness the aftermath of the destruction of a dam on the Dnipro River earlier this week.

Hundreds of people who were gathered near an evacuation point at Ship Square, in the heart of the city, scrambled for cover when explosions rang out, witnesses said, describing multiple strikes in and around the square.

Volunteers, medics, emergency workers and rescue teams involved in coordinating aid efforts have been meeting on higher ground near the square, which is itself flooded but is being used as an evacuation point because it is a known landmark.

Nine people were injured in the shelling near the evacuation point, among them one policeman, one emergency worker and one volunteer from Germany, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson regional military administration.
When police forces in Western Europe cracked an encrypted phone app popular with narco-traffickers, the messages they deciphered from the Balkan nation of Montenegro provided shocking evidence of a state captured by crime.

A Montenegrin police officer discussed cocaine shipments with a notorious crime boss, and the son of the head of the countrys supreme court offered to skew verdicts and help with smuggling. Another police officer sent photographs to the leader of an organized crime group to show how his police unit had roughed up members of a rival crime gang. One victim had a pistol stuffed into his throat.

The messages, shared with prosecutors in Montenegro in 2021 but only acted on last year, helped to accelerate the fall of Milo Djukanovic, 61, Europes longest-serving elected leader until his defeat in a presidential election in April. Rumors had swirled for years of Mr. Djukanovics collusion with criminals, something he has always denied.

It was evident that the institutions were captured by corruption and organized crime, Mr. Djukanovics successor, Jakov Milatovic, 36, said in an interview last month on his first day at work as president in Podgorica, the capital.
Pope Francis spent a day of rest on Thursday and his recovery was progressing well, the Vatican said Thursday evening, a day after he underwent abdominal surgery.

Francis, who is 86, was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital following medical tests this week. He has suffered from various medical issues over the past few years. The Vatican said that respiratory and other important parameters were stable.

He was well enough to receive communion in the afternoon in his room in a 10th-floor suite reserved for popes at the Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital in Rome.

Surgeons operated on what is known as an incisional hernia, typically the consequence of previous operations, that had been causing painful intestinal blockages that were occurring with greater frequency.
TORONTO, June 8, 2023 /CNW/ - A visit to Israel, one of the most iconic countries in the world, and a cornerstone in history as well as the home of the 3 monotheistic religions never been so exciting and meaningful. With exceeding 2019 record year tourist numbers by 22% the demand for visiting the country is higher then ever. As you think of your next vacation, Israel offers the ideal package  diverse landscapes, bustling culinary scene, and great weather.

Tel Aviv Pride Parade - 200,000 partiers last year. (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

Here are 6 recommendations from a much longer list of well known attractions and of the beaten path uniquely Israel experiences for this Summer and many others throughout the year:

1. Tel Aviv Pride Parade!

The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality Tel Aviv Travel Guide - Tel Aviv's Official Tourism Website (tel-aviv.gov.il) is delighted to announce the return of its iconic Pride Parade on June 8th! The famous parade marks the climax of the annual Pride Month events in Tel Aviv. Each year the parade attracts thousands of visitors and in 2022 over 200,000 people attended! It is also recognized as one of the leading events on the global LGBTQ calendar and the largest event of its kind in the Middle East.

The parade will take place on the beautiful iconic Tel Aviv Promenade that runs along Tel Aviv's fabulous Mediterranean coastline and translates into one of the world's biggest beach parties! The following day, on June 9th, celebrations will continue. Tel Aviv Pride vibes that reach around the globe!

2. Jerusalem  the ultimate combination of a holy city with modern touch.

Take the high-speed train for a 25-minute door-to-door ride or experience a Sherut (shared taxi shuttle) straight to Jerusalem. Drop off your bags and head straight to Jaffa Gate of "The Old City" and take a walking tour of Jerusalem's distinct 4 quarters  experience the Arab market that winds its way through the ancient walled city. It is recognized as a key UNESCO World Heritage site, where thousands of years of glorious history seamlessly intertwine with modern day life. At the same time, the city's strikingly modern attractions promise around the clock excitement and pleasure for all lovers of culture, arts, music, and culinary delights. Whether simply for the cultural experience, history & archaeology, street food bites exploration, or to experience true religious pilgrimage, Jerusalem offers something for everyone.

iTravelJerusalem: Jerusalem's Official Travel, Tour and Attractions Website

3. For Adventure seekers  Israel National Parks Authority  uncovering the past.

Whether fans of history and archaeology, or simply to connect with the diverse geography and topography presented throughout Israel. Hikers, mountain bikers, bird watchers, rock climbers, jeep safari or camel riders, and those choosing to simply connect with nature and camp under the stars. One of the major projects is The Ancient Sussita (Hyppos) archeological site, recently reopened to the public. Watch the video: In the city "set above a mountain" - YouTube

  - Israel Nature and Parks Authority

4. Culinary - The "foodie" that reaches from Tel Aviv, Israel to Toronto, Canada?

From the vast array of street food inspired by ethnic flavors, or international fast-food chains, to larger culinary hot spots where innovative Israeli chefs are making their mark. Where to eat is part of the buzz factor generated by the local population and for visiting tourists.

Most consider Tel Aviv as the food capital of Israel with its over 4,000 eating establishments just in greater Tel Aviv to choose from. As for line-ups around the block, in 2011, Israeli Chef Eyal Shani added another to that growing number. Miznon was opened in Tel Aviv, and in 2023, Miznon expanded into Canada's upscale Yorkville, Toronto neighborhood location. Miznon is known to be a strong supporter of fresh local farm-to-table ingredients to create a new kind of Mediterranean street food experience, even in Toronto. Grabbing a connection to Israel via a unique Israeli inspired experience does work to inspire culinary foodie travel to the places where it originated.

Asif Culinary Institute of Israel - Recipes, Cookbooks and Cafe

5. The best single malt in the world - and it's not from Scotland.

In an off-the-beaten-path commercial building on the edge of Tel Aviv sits M+H (Milk & Honey) Distillery https://mh-distillery.com/ . One of their popular spirits, M&H Elements Sherry, was recently voted the world's best single malt whisky at by the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. The win perfectly exemplifies the distillery's commitment to excellence. It is made using the finest sherry and ex-bourbon casks and is crafted with great care and attention to detail. The M&H Elements Sherry is the first and only single malt whisky in the world, aged in kosher Sherry casks. This single malt reveals robust flavors of red fruit, dark chocolate, and oaky notes. M+H products are available at fine liquor merchants across Canada and around the globe.

https://whiskymag.com/magazine/190

6. Mediterranean Cruising  Creating unforgettable passenger experiences in Israel.

For centuries the Mediterranean coastline of Israel has been the landing spot for travellers and even conquerors. From biblical times to the Knights of the Crusades and centuries onward including Emperor Napoleon, Israel has been a hugely desired destination for all sorts of cruises. There is a growing popularity to explore the new nautical and land frontier for enriched travel.

Major international cruise companies landing or sailing from Israel's two cruise ship ports at Haifa or Ashdod, offer pre-cruise and post-cruise options for multi-day or shorter tours. Such opportunities draw on carefully designed itineraries specially crafted to highlight the natural beauty and spectacular culture and uniqueness of Israel. Visiting cruise passengers gain the capacity to dive deep and embrace unique cultural immersion and discovery in the cradle of civilization on journeys encompassing Israel, among other Mediterranean ports of call, with the goal to further inspire and become global citizens through travel.

https://www.jpost.com/tags/cruise

Tel Aviv parade along Mediterranean beach front. (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

Jerusalem, exactly like nowhere else! (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

Sleeping under the stars in the Negev Desert. (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

Capturing the culinary uniqueness of Israeli cuisine. (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

Distilling Israeli Single Malt. Who would ever imagine? (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

Haifa Port - Cruise Ship central for launches and landings. (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

Israel Ministry of Tourism Logo (CNW Group/Consulate General of Israel)

SOURCE Consulate General of Israel

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2023/08/c6480.html
A Ukrainian soldier with the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Donetsk region on Wednesday.

Ukrainian forces mounted a major attack early Thursday in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, as Ukraines Army went on the offensive on multiple fronts in an operation that carries high stakes for Kyiv and its Western allies.

A senior U.S. official said that Thursdays attack appeared to be a main thrust of a much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. For months, Kyiv officials have been mobilizing new units, gathering advanced weapons and training for what its leaders have billed as a major attack aimed at pushing Russian forces back and retaking occupied territory.

The advancing Ukrainian forces in Zaporizhzhia included German Leopard 2 tanks and American Bradley fighting vehicles, a strong indication that the counteroffensive was underway in several locations, according to the official, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential briefings on operational details.

In addition, the attack involved some of the troops the United States and other allies of Ukraine have trained and equipped especially for the counteroffensive, military analysts said.

It appears some of the new brigades Ukraine stood up for this counteroffensive have been committed, which indicates the counteroffensive is underway, said Rob Lee, a senior fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Ukrainian forces have made some tactical gains and sustained losses.

For their part, Russian military officials maintained on Thursday that the counteroffensive had started and claimed that Moscows forces had withstood the Ukrainian assault, inflicting heavy casualties. It was impossible to immediately confirm the Russian claim.

The senior U.S. official confirmed that advancing Ukrainian troops had suffered casualties in the early fighting.

There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials, who have said they will remain silent on details of the counteroffensive for operational secrecy.

In recent days, Russia has reported that Ukrainian forces have launched attacks on front lines in the east and south. The fighting in the east, in the Donetsk region, prompted the American authorities to say earlier this week that the counteroffensive may have begun.

Taken together, these attacks suggest Ukrainian forces are increasingly on the offensive, though it remains unclear whether the recent assaults on Russian are preludes to a larger push or mark the start of the main attack.

Military analysts say they expect Ukraines commanders to wait to see which of several advancing forces achieves the most success before making that one the main thrust of the overall attack. Kyivs forces are looking for weaknesses in the Russian line.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday that Moscows forces had repelled a Ukrainian attack near Novodarivka, in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

A Ukrainian deputy defense minister, Hanna Malyar, said a battle was underway in the area of Velyka Novosilka, a larger town about 10 miles away in the Donetsk region, but it was unclear if she was referring to the same clash.

Russias defense minister, Sergei K. Shoigu, said that forces of Ukraines 47th Mechanized Brigade including dozens of armored vehicles made an attempt to break through Russias defense but that Moscows air and ground forces repelled the attack. His account could not be verified.

The 47th Mechanized Brigade is one of several Ukrainian units that have been trained and equipped with advanced equipment, including Bradleys, for the counteroffensive.

Pro-war Russian military bloggers, who have become a major source of information from the front lines, said Ukraine had stepped up attacks on the Zaporizhzhia front but claimed on Thursday morning that Russian defenses were holding, aided by sustained strikes by the Russian Air Force.

After a day of continuous fighting, theres indirect information about insignificant puncturing of defenses, there are no breakthroughs, the former Russian paramilitary commander Igor Girkin wrote on the Telegram messaging app on Thursday morning. It was impossible to immediately verify his claim.

Heavy fighting was also reported farther west in the Zaporizhzhia region, near the town of Orikhiv, where the Ms. Malyar said the enemy is actively on the defensive; and more than 120 miles away to the northeast, around the city of Bakhmut, scene of the wars longest and bloodiest battle.

Aerial videos and photos, posted online by pro-Moscow military bloggers and the Russian military, show Ukrainian columns, including what appear to be Leopard 2 tanks and Bradley armored vehicles, moving toward Russian lines southeast of Orikhiv and coming under fire. Several of the armored vehicles were destroyed, according to the images, which were verified by The New York Times.

Ms. Malyar told Ukrainian news broadcasters that Bakhmut, where Russians seized the city but Ukrainians have been advancing in recent days on its flanks, remains at the epicenter where we have gone from defense to offensive.

Britains defense intelligence agency said in its daily assessment on Thursday that heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front. It added: In most areas Ukraine holds the initiative.

Image Ukrainian soldiers of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade using a multiple-launch rocket system to strike Russian positions in the Donetsk region of Ukraine on Thursday. Credit... Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

Billions of dollars worth of weapons  including the Leopard 2s and Bradleys  were rushed to Ukraine for use in their campaign. Crews were quickly trained; Britain, the United States and other allies trained nine of 12 newly formed and equipped brigades expected to take part in the fighting, alongside other Ukrainian units.

Ivan Nechepurenko , Christiaan Triebert and Christoph Koettl contributed reporting.
New satellite images released by Planet Labs late on Wednesday offer some of the clearest glimpses yet of the scale of flooding in cities and villages downstream from the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine, which was destroyed on Tuesday.

While thousands in affected areas have been evacuated, the total number of people brought to safety remains a fraction of the roughly 41,000 on both sides of the Dnipro River who Ukrainian officials have estimated were at risk from the flooding.
Ukrainian forces mounted a major attack in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia on Thursday, taking the offensive against the invading Russians in multiple places in the east and south, but there was no indication of a breakthrough in an operation that carries high stakes for Kyiv and its Western allies.

Three senior U.S. officials, as well as military analysts, said that a long-awaited major Ukrainian counteroffensive appeared to be underway, after months spent mobilizing and training new units, and arming them with advanced Western weapons. A strong indication, they said, was the Ukrainians use in combat on Thursday of German Leopard tanks and American Bradley fighting vehicles.

It appears some of the new brigades Ukraine stood up for this counteroffensive have been committed, which indicates the counteroffensive is underway, said Rob Lee, a senior fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Ukrainian forces have made some tactical gains and sustained losses.

The United States and other Ukrainian allies trained and equipped the nine brigades that were designed to lead Ukraines counteroffensive to recapture Russian-occupied land. Ukraine is widely expected to mount a multipronged assault along a front that arcs for hundreds of miles, focusing on a swath of the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Ukraines plans target specific areas to try to break through Russian lines, but can adjust to concentrate on those thrusts that prove most successful, U.S. officials said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine visited the flood-stricken city of Kherson on Thursday, trying to rally the regions emergency workers, who were struggling under Russian artillery fire to evacuate thousands of people from cities and settlements left submerged by the destruction of a major dam this week.

Even as rescue workers took boats through flooded streets to get people to safety, Russian forces assailed the city on Thursday afternoon. Shelling struck near an evacuation point at the heart of Kherson, close to where Mr. Zelensky had stood hours earlier, and sent hundreds of people ducking for cover in floodwaters that have loosed land mines and mixed with toxic material.

There was nowhere to hide, said Serhiy Ludensky, a volunteer from an animal care center, who was on a boat near a flooded square when the shelling struck. The people on the boat managed to break down the door of a flooded dormitory to take shelter there until the explosions stopped. He said he could hear people screaming.

The monthslong bombardment of Kherson, which Russian soldiers once occupied in southern Ukraine, has not let up since an explosion on Tuesday at the Kakhovka dam, up the Dnipro River.
The Supreme Court made a lurch to the right a year ago in blockbuster decisions on abortion, guns, religion and climate change.

The court  dominated by a 6-to-3 conservative majority, including three justices appointed by President Donald J. Trump  faces another set of important cases this term, including ones on affirmative action, student loans and civil rights for gay people. Its rulings will help answer questions about whether the move to the right will continue  and whether the court's decisions are out of step with public opinion.

According to a survey conducted in April by researchers at Harvard, Stanford and the University of Texas, the public is often  but hardly always  divided along partisan lines on how the court should rule in significant cases from the term that started in October and is expected to end in late June. Here is a look at those cases.
Editors note: After publication of this article, the city revised its pollution measurements on June 9, lowering them by nearly 50 percent. The article and chart have been updated to reflect this change.

Fine Particle Pollution at Seven Locations in New York City 100 300 400 micrograms per cubic meter June 2 June 3 June 4 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 8 June 9 460: Wednesdays peak value 465: Record daily avg. in Portland, Ore. (2020 wildfires) 177: Record daily avg. in San Francisco (2018 wildfires) 204: Record daily avg. in N.Y.C. on Wednesday 86: Previous record daily avg. in N.Y.C. (2003) 35: E.P.A.s safe daily average levels Source: Provisional data from the New York City Community Air Survey and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Curves show hourly concentrations of PM2.5 particles, measured in micrograms per cubic meter, for seven N.Y.C. locations, as of 12 p.m. on Friday. Records reflect the Environmental Protection Agency s highest daily average PM2.5 concentration for a given city from 1999 to 2023. Recent E.P.A. records are subject to revision.

The air in New York City on Wednesday wasnt just bad by the citys standards. It was historically bad.

The chart above shows the concentration of a particularly dangerous kind of air pollution according to provisional data measured by the New York City Community Air Survey and the states Department of Environmental Conservation from a network of sensors around the city.

Those sensors measured levels of particles 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, brought by wind from wildfires in Canada. Wednesdays daily average was the highest since recording in New York began in 1999, according to data compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency. (The second-highest level was on Tuesday.) Wednesdays level of pollution was also higher than the worst daily average record in San Francisco  on Nov. 16, 2018, when wildfires were blazing in Northern California  and, at its peak, it approached average pollution levels recorded in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 13, 2020, during the worst of its pollution from nearby wildfires.

The citys pollution sensors are calibrated differently from those used by the Environmental Protection Agency to record measurements in those other cities, according to Patrick Gallahue, a spokesman for the citys Department of Health. On Friday, the city reduced the levels reported by the sensors by nearly 50 percent, citing a calibration algorithm. Our chart above has been updated to reflect those new levels.

The small particles measured by the sensors  each about a 30th as wide as a human hair  are dangerous to human health because they are tiny enough to penetrate into the lungs and bloodstream. The Environmental Protection Agency closely tracks pollution of this type from smokestacks and vehicles.

Thirty-five micrograms of the particles per cubic meter of air is considered a safe average level in the air for one day, according to the agency. Wednesdays average level in seven stations across the city was around 200, nearly 6 times as much as that threshold.

Wednesdays pollution, of course, was not caused by a power plant or vehicles, but by major wildfires in Canada, mostly in Quebec. Fires of this magnitude are unusual in the eastern part of North America, said Eric James, a research associate at the University of Colorado, who works on the model used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to predict the movement of smoke from wildfires. The East Coast tends to have more rain in the summer than the western half of the continent, where wildfires are so common that they have a season. An unusual weather pattern pushing the pollution down the coast is also a culprit, he said.

Near-surface smoke as of New York Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

How long the air will stay dangerous depends on what happens with the fires, the weather in Canada and the wind. Weather forecasters trying to predict the air quality struggle to make estimates with much precision beyond a 48-hour window, Mr. James said. Their models rely on satellite measurements of the magnitude of wildfires, but do not predict whether the fires will get better or worse over time, beyond a typical pattern of growing slightly stronger during the hot part of the day and slightly weaker at night.

Predicting the wind that moves the smoke around is also a challenge, particularly during the summer. Wind during the winter tends to be more predictable. Summer winds are often produced by thunderstorms, which are small, local and typically short-lived. By Friday, though the fires continued to burn, air in the city had improved considerably.
Mexican authorities are still struggling to find answers to the seemingly unexplained fainting of hundreds of middle school students all over the country in the fall of last year.

On September 23, 2022, 12 students (11 girls and 1 boy) at the Federal 1 public secondary school in Tapachula, Mexico spontaneously collapsed in their classrooms, in the bathrooms, and in the school courtyard. Another 22 middle school students reported symptoms like severe headaches and vomiting. Interestingly, some of the affected students reported smelling something smoky in the air, like the scent of burning leaves, which led investigators to believe that drugs like marijuana had probably been to blame, but tests came back negative. Other students reported seeing a mustard-color powder in the bathroom on that day, but toxicology analysis again revealed nothing of interest. Eventually, doctors concluded that the kids had suffered panic attacks, but in the following days, similar incidents started being reported at other schools across Mexico

Photo: Element5 Digital/Unsplash

Two weeks after the Federal 1 middle school incident, at least 68 students lost consciousness, started vomiting, or suddenly became disoriented at a middle school in Bochil, a rural community in the Mexican state of Chiapas, around 150 miles from Tapachula. Several of the children needed to be hospitalized, but this time toxicology tests detected traces of cocaine in four of them.

On October 11, there was another incident at the Federal 1 school in Tapachula. This time, another 18 children started fainting on school grounds for no apparent reason. One of them, a girl named Esmeralda, was also involved in the first fainting incident. Once again, she lost consciousness but was back to her normal self in about 12 hours. She told her mother that she had smelled the strange burning odor while in the girls bathroom before starting to feel dizzy and collapsing to the ground. This time, a team of specially-trained sniffer dogs were brought in, but they didnt detect anything.

Over the next couple of months, hundreds of students at six different middle schools in four Mexican states hundreds of miles apart experienced fainting, unexplained dizziness, headaches and vomiting, and several of them needed several days, even weeks, to recover. In total, 227 children, mostly girls, were affected across the entire country, and authorities still dont have a proper explanation for what happened.

Photo: Scott Webb/Unsplash

At one point, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador included updates about the school fainting episodes in his daily press conferences, and even after the incidents stopped occurring, theories about their cause flooded social media networks. They included fertilizer poisoning, bacteria contamination, drugs, gas leaks, and water contamination, but no one had any evidence.

Its possible theres something going on at the school and they dont want us to find out, Esmeraldas mother said, adding that she had paid for drug tests, believing that her daughter had been drugged, but they all came back negative.

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, over time, the general consensus became that drugs had been involved. Some expressed concern about increasing drug use among middle school children, while others feared a twisted plot orchestrated by Mexican drug cartels. The latter theory was fueled by reports of shady characters hanging around schools in Bochil, and that several episodes had occurred in Chiapas, which lies on a well-known path for drug and migrant smugglers.

Photo: Taylor Flowe/Unsplash

Six of the kids involved in the original episode at Federal 1 were called to the Chiapas district attorneys office to be questioned by a psychologist, but their depositions didnt really help the investigation. In the DA report, there were mentions of probable intoxication through food and probable transmission through the air, while another report blamed a probable intoxication with stimulants for the episode in Bochil.

The mystery of this fainting epidemic intrigued many experts throughout Mexico and one of them, Dr. Carlos Alberto Pantoja Melendez, an epidemiologist from Mexico City, actually conducted his own investigation based on the data available. He gradually ruled out drugs, because so many of the affected children had tested negative for a variety of psychotropic substances, and bacteria from contaminated food, insecticide poisoning, or heatstroke were also unlikely because they would have required too many coincidences to occur simultaneously.

Pantoja Melendez deduced that, because most of the children had not felt sick prior to fainting or exhibiting symptoms like vomiting or dizziness, the episodes could not have been caused by anything ingested orally. Furthermore, many of the affected schools were not located close to farms or factories, so intoxication with pesticides or other industrial chemicals was also ruled out. In the doctors view, the only possible, albeit unlikely, cause was mass hysteria, aka mass psychogenic illness.

Apparently, mass hysteria is an extremely rare phenomenon where someone exhibits symptoms like fainting, twitching or screaming and then other people in their proximity involuntarily replicate the symptoms. It sometimes occurs in people who are emotionally close and where people spend a lot of time together, and it can last anywhere from a few hours to a few months. However, a big question remains  how could hysteria spread across hundreds of miles, through different states, among people who had never interacted with each other? The answer could be social media.

It used to be that you had to be there. You had to be in the room, Dr. Robert Bartholomew, a psychology professor at the University of Auckland, told Insider Magazine. But now social media is an extension of our senses, and were always playing catch up I think we are on the verge of a much bigger, global epidemic.

Melendez and Bartholomew are now the only two people still investigating last years fainting epidemic, and their theory is that it was an episode of mass hysteria caused by the Internet and a combination of psychological and developmental disturbances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.



These children were in their homes for almost two years. That is significant in relation to the connection between the brain and the immune system, Pantoja-Melendez said. Weve seen all sorts of weird things happen the past year.

The two doctors plan to visit the affected schools this summer and interview the children to hopefully find an answer to this enigma.


San Jacinto River Authority (TX) Needs PR Support Wed., Jun. 7, 2023 The San Jacinto River Authority is looking for a PR partner to support its Woodlands division that serves as a wholesaler to 11 municipal utility districts in Texas and is in need of an infrastructure overhaul.
Tullamore Musical Society have been nominated for four Association of Irish Musical awards (AIMS) for their sold out production of Michael Collins - the musical drama in the new Esker Arts centre in Tullamore.

Colin Hughes was nominated as best supporting actor for his role as the loyal Joe Emmet. The friend and Confidante to Michael Collins. Colins characterisation epitomised the excitement of working with Michael Collins and gave us an insight into why he was so revered. This Colins 18th appearance with TMS having joined as one of the children in Fiddler on the Roof in 1993 and he is also double jobbing as the Chairman of the society this year so has really stepped up to the mark this year.

The society under the expert care of Musical Director Enda O Conor received a nomination for best chorus. Audiences were blown away by the fantastic harmonies and power that the ensemble displayed particularly in the bigger emotional numbers as well as the haunting prion sequence with the male chorus. There wasnt a dry eye in the house when the rousing chorus of the act one finale Every heart awakens reverberated through the theatre.

Georgie OToole received a nomination for Best Programme. This is Georgies first nomination. Georgie worked very hard along with Diarmuid Guinan from Brosna press to create the 32 page programme and was noted for its visual appeal as well as the striking photographs used. Georgie also worked to create the visual projections used as backdrops for the show which were noted as being powerful and evocative.

Nominated for best Stage Management we have Wayne Handy. Wayne has been stage manage in Tullamore for many years, his experience and guidance really came to light when navigating this difficult show, Wayne has received multiple nominations , winning the award in 2019 with Clara MS for their production of Chicago. Wayne also offeres professional, affordable and set building to societies around the country and had constructed the set for tullkmore for many years.

The AIMS awards ceremony will take place in Killarney on June 17th. We wish all our nominees the best of luck. We would also like to extend our congratulations to our neighbouring societies Birr and Portlaoise on their respective nominations and cant wait to celebrate with everyone.
AN extension to Croghan Community Centre which was funded by a number of Government schemes has been officailly opened.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys opened the extension recently.

The centre received almost 100,000 under the CLAR programme.

Minister Humphreys also officially launched the 2018 Town and Village Renewal project which undertook physical works to regularise and improve visitor access to the top of Croghan Hill enhancing the visitor experience and tapping into Ireland's Ancient East tourism brand.

Welcoming Minister Humphreys to Offaly, Cathaoirleach of Edenderry Municipal District, Cllr Robert McDermott noted that funding such as CLAR, TVR, ORIS from the Department of Rural and Community Development ensures that rural communities continue to benefit from the economic, social and environmental opportunities creating vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also serving as a social, cultural and recreational hubs for the local community.

We would like to officially express our most sincere gratitude to all the Regeneration funding streams from her Department and the transformational change these schemes have brought to rural towns and villages in Offaly under Our Rural Future Policy, added Cllr McDermott.

He said that relations between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Offaly County Council has always been strong.

He concluded: I would like to commend all Croghan Community groups on their continuous work in making Croghan a more attractive location for themselves and visitors.

Shirley Reynolds, Croghan Development Association, paid tribute to the effort of the existing and previous committees who have worked diligently to develop the Community Centre.

Cllr Liam Quinn referred to the suite of projects already delivered in Croghan, especially the access walk to Croghan Hill and the future projects planned including the greenway link to Croghan.
The Biden administration is creating a new position at the U.S. Department of Justice to help tackle the illicit trafficking of U.S. weapons into the Caribbean  many of them being shipped through South Florida ports.

The new initiative is among several new investments Vice President Kamala Harris will announce Thursday as she makes a historic visit to Nassau, Bahamas, for a high-level meeting with leaders of the 15-member Caribbean Community known as CARICOM and the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is not part of the mostly English-speaking regional bloc of former British territories but its president, Luis Abinader, has joined in the discussions with Harris over U.S.-Caribbean relations for over a year.

During the visit, Harris will seek to highlight the U.S. commitment and plans for strengthening what had been fraught relations during the administration of Donald Trump. One step she hopes will demonstrate that is the announcement of the creation of the Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions in the Justice Department to increase information sharing as traffickers are prosecuted.

Disrupting illicit firearms trafficking in the Caribbean is a shared priority for the United States and our Caribbean partners and an important aspect of our cooperation to address rising levels of crime and violence in the region, a senior administration official said.

The official added that Harris will also discuss the implication of the new bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law by President Biden last year. The law increases penalties for firearms trafficking and straw buyers  individuals who fraudulently purchase weapons and then resell them. The practice is common in states like Florida and has helped to fuel unlawful weapons exports and violent crime in the Caribbean region.

Since 2020, the Caribbean area, with its sun-kissed beaches and laid back lifestyles, has also become a top smuggling destination for illegal U.S. firearms, which are leading to rising homicide rates. The Caribbean region now accounts for about half of all firearms export investigations by U.S. federal agencies.

That led several Caribbean governments including The Bahamas earlier this year to support the government of Mexico in a $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers. Their friend-of-the-court brief in the First U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston was later followed by a request from three members of Congress to its investigating arm, the General Accounting Office, for a probe of the illegal pipeline into the region.

Harris visit to The Bahamas is historic. She is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the island-nation since its independence in 1973. The last high level White House visitor was President John F. Kennedy in 1962 when the Bahamas, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence next month, was still a British territory.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis is currently the chairman of the Caribbean Community group CARICOM and will co-host the gathering alongside Harris. In a brief statement, Davis said his 700-island archipelago, just off the southeastern coast of Florida, is proud to welcome Harris during Caribbean-American Heritage Month as we celebrate the enduring partnerships through our nations.

Together, we will address the challenges of climate change and work towards a sustainable future, he said.

Harris will be joined by several senior administration officials ,including Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols. On Friday, Nichols will make remarks at the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 Climate Resilient Clean Energy Summit hosted by the Atlantic Councils Caribbean Initiative on Paradise Island. The intention of the conference is to facilitate connections between Caribbean and U.S. governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and philanthropists to identify, build and operate new clean energy projects in the region.

The Bahamas meeting will be the fourth discussion between Harris and Caribbean leaders. Like the previous discussions, including one at last years Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, the focus will be on climate change, access to low-interest development financing, clean energy and security.

The senior administration official said Thursdays gathering isreally an acute demonstration of how important she sees this partnership and how important she sees leader-level engagement with Caribbean counterparts.

She views strengthening our partnership is key to our shared prosperity and security, the official said about Harris, who is of Jamaican descent.

Following a bilateral meeting with Davis shortly after her arrival, Harris will move into wider closed-door discussions with leaders. She will announce more than $100 million, including $98 million in new funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to address climate, energy, food security, and humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean.

A primary focus of the Bahamas meeting will be the climate crisis and initiatives being taken through the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030. Among the steps already taken is the facilitation of clean energy infrastructure development, climate adaption projects and technical assistance projects, her team said.

We have provided assistance to deploy solar micro-grids to develop geothermal power projects to train a clean energy workforce and to sport battery storage and energy grids among other projects, said the senior administration official. Weve built Caribbean capacity with regard to disaster preparedness, and we work to bring investors to the Caribbean to identify and develop new clean energy projects.

Another issue of priority for Caribbean leaders is access to development financing,on. which Harris has worked with leaders in Washington and elsewhere, the official said. She has asked the new president of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, to join her as she informs leaders of the U.S. policy position for reforming multilateral development lending.

Haiti

There will also be special attention on Haiti where the humanitarian and security crises are worsening., and Davis is set to host a three-day meeting on behalf of CARICOM, starting on Sunday in Jamaica with some of Haitis politicians in hopes of forging a governance agreement in lieu of elections.

Though Caribbean leaders in February rejected the call to support the deployment of a multinational force to help Haitis beleaguered national police, Harris will reiterate the United States support for such a force.

She will also announce more than $50 million in new humanitarian aid and will announce support for the extension of the Haitian Hemisphere Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension, trade preferences for Haiti, which are due for renewal in 2025, the senior official said.

At the meeting the vice president will also announce tens of millions of dollars in new initiatives in the area of energy and climate and also focused on Haiti, a member of CARICOM.

Among the other announcements Harris will make:

 $20 million for the Caribbean Climate Investment Program to mobilize the private sector to deploy new technologies to help with climate adaptation.

 $15 million to support disaster risk reduction and emergency response efforts.

 Assistance to help Caribbean nations investigate and prosecute firearms trafficking.

 The establishment of two new U.S. embassies and additional diplomatic support presence in the eastern Caribbean, where residents from the region have to travel to Barbados for embassy services.
A suspected knifeman has been arrested after several very young children  including one in a pushchair  were stabbed in a lakeside park in the French Alps.

Adults were also attacked in the town of Annecy on Thursday.

At least two children and one adult have been left with life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

The suspect is a 31-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker, police said.

One of the injured children is British, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.

He said: Our thoughts are with the victims and the families and we stand ready to support the French authorities in whichever way we can.

Mr Cleverly said he was also aware that one of the people, one of the children injured, was a British national.

We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family, he said.

And of course we stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this terrible time.

Video on social media appeared to show the attack in a childrens play park.

Footage showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a blade as people screamed for help.

He appeared to shout on name of Jesus Christ as he waved his knife in the air while people around could be heard yelling: Police! Police!

He slashed at a man carrying rucksacks who tried to approach him, seemingly trying to stop the attack.

Inside the enclosed play area, a panicked woman frantically pushed a pushchair as the attacker approached, shouting for help and ramming the pushchair into the parks barriers in her terror.

She tried to fend off the attacker but could not stop him from leaning over the pushchair and stabbing downwards repeatedly.

The shrill cries of a child followed.

The man strolled almost casually out of the park, letting himself out through a gate, with the man carrying two rucksacks still chasing after him.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as one of absolute cowardice.

Of the victims, he said children and an adult are between life and death.

The nation is in shock, he tweeted.

Local police said the four child victims are all under the age of five.

National police said two of the children, both about three, suffered life-threatening injuries, as did one adult.

A witness who spoke to French broadcaster BFMTV said he saw the attacker jumping on an elderly man and stabbing him repeatedly.

The witness said he shouted at police to act.

I screamed, screamed at them to intervene, he said.

An ice cream seller who works in the waterside park said he had seen the alleged attacker there several days earlier, looking out at the lake ringed by mountains.

Local police said a second adult was hurt and was being treated with the others in hospital.

They gave no other details about the victim and the discrepancy in the number of adult victims was not immediately explained.

Local politician Antoine Armand told BFMTV from the National Assembly building in Paris the victims include very young children who were savagely attacked.

The attack happened near a primary school, he said.

In Paris, politicians interrupted a debate to hold a moment of silence for the victims.

Assembly president Yael Braun-Pivet said: There are some very young children who are in critical condition and I invite you to respect a minute of silence for them, for their families, and so that, we hope, the consequences of this very grave attack do not lead to the nation grieving.
Legacy of Karunanidhi: Stalin's Ascension & Dravidian Model

Chennai

oi-Oneindia English Desk

It has been five years since the passing of M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the revered leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. In the wake of his demise, some right-wing critics speculated that the DMK would not come to power without him, questioning the suitability of his son M.K. Stalin as the Chief Minister.

In 2021, the voters of Tamil Nadu proved these skeptics wrong by electing Stalin with a resounding majority. Since assuming office as the Chief Minister of the State, Stalin has embarked on a transformative journey, embracing his father's legacy while implementing his own vision for Tamil Nadu.

This article explores the significant milestones and achievements of Stalin's rule, particularly the establishment of the "Dravidian model" and his unwavering commitment to progressive governance.

Embracing the legacy

While taking oath as Chief Minister, Stalin invoked the memory of his father by stating his expanded name -- "I Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin..." This gesture reflected his deep reverence for his father and emphasised the continuation of Karunanidhi's legacy in his leadership. It was not just a swearing-in ceremony, but an honour to his late father. It showed his commitment to preserving the DMK's core values and the profound influence of Karunanidhi on Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

Dravidian model

Recognising the need for a distinctive policy framework, Stalin coined the term "Dravidian model" to encapsulate his vision for governance. Building on the foundation laid by the Justice Party, which gave birth to the Dravidian movement in 1916, Stalin sought to extend and enhance the progressive principles espoused by his predecessors. His goal was to create a society free from caste-based discrimination, superstition and social inequality.

Education and welfare

Taking a proactive approach to education and welfare, Stalin initiated a pilot program in Madurai to provide breakfast to government school children. The scheme's success was evident in improved attendance rates, with some schools reporting near 100% attendance. As a result, the program has been expanded statewide, benefiting children across Tamil Nadu and promoting better educational outcomes.

Technological advancement

Following in the footsteps of his father, who spearheaded the establishment of the 'Tidel Park' in Chennai, Stalin has continued to foster technological advancements in the State. Acknowledging the significant growth of the software industry in Tamil Nadu, Stalin announced ambitious projects, including the Tidel Park in Madurai and Vellore and mini parks in Villupuram and Tirupur. These initiatives aim to decentralize the technological revolution, making it more accessible to citizens across various districts.

Empowering farmers

Inspired by Karunanidhi's historic announcement in 1990, Stalin extended support to the agricultural community through his own initiatives. In two years of his rule, Stalin's administration provided free electricity connections to 1.5 lakh farmers, a milestone that surpassed the achievements of any previous regime in Tamil Nadu. This measure significantly alleviated the burden on farmers and contributed to their overall well-being.

Social reforms

Following the footsteps of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, the pioneering social reformer, Karunanidhi passed a law in 1970 allowing individuals from all castes to become priests. Though it faced hurdles and legal battles, the verdict eventually came in support of the reform. Under Stalin's leadership, the State government issued appointment orders to 58 individuals from diverse castes as priests, further advancing the cause of caste equality.

Preserving tradition

Continuing the fight initiated during Karunanidhi's tenure, Stalin played a crucial role in securing legal permission for the traditional sport of Jallikattu. His swift action in organising a session of the State Assembly immediately after assuming power facilitated lifting of the ban on Jallikattu. This victory showcased Stalin's commitment to upholding Tamil traditions while safeguarding animal rights.

Legal battle for recognition

After a legal battle to secure a place for Karunanidhi's memorial next to Annadurai Samadhi in the Marina, Stalin emerged victorious. By fighting for this recognition, he not only honoured his father but also marked his ascension as the third-generation leader of the DMK. This legal struggle underscored the determination and leadership qualities that define Stalin's tenure.

Under Stalin's leadership, Tamil Nadu has witnessed significant progress. By embracing his father's legacy while imprinting his unique vision on the State's governance, Stalin has proven himself as a capable and compassionate leader.

From implementing the Dravidian model to prioritising education, welfare and technological advancements, he has carved a distinct path for Tamil Nadu's future. By continuing to build upon the progressive ideals of the DMK, Stalin is shaping a Tamil Nadu that reflects the aspirations of its people and upholds the principles of social justice and equality.
Opinion: Enfranchising The Neglected In Nepal

Feature

lekhaka-Jagdish N Singh

Nepal's new Citizenship Act is highly beneficial to the hitherto neglected sections of its population. For want of it, the people of Nepal, who have had close links with India, suffered a lot in the past. More importantly, the Act would lead to an all-inclusive enfranchisement in Nepal. It would help Nepal emerge as a really modern State.

In a significant development the other day, Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel approved the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Observers say this reflects the determination of the current government of Prime Minister Pushp Kamal Dahal in Kathmandu to extend the citizenship of the country to the hitherto neglected sections of its population.

The provisions of the new Act to acquire Nepali citizenship are simple. Accordingly, now the foreign women, married to Nepali men, can get naturalized citizenship just after submitting a photocopy of their marriage certificates. No Nepali citizen can be deprived of the right to obtain citizenship. They can acquire naturalized citizenship and citizenship by descent. A minor, who does not have the address of their father or mother within Nepal, will be considered a citizen of Nepal as a descendant.

A person, who was born in Nepal from a Nepali mother and settled in Nepal and whose father has not been identified, can obtain the country's citizenship. All that would be needed in such cases is that the person and the related mother make a self-declaration. Also, non-resident Nepalis can obtain the country's citizenship.

The children of citizens, who acquired Nepalis citizenship on the basis of birth before September 20, 2015, i.e. before the promulgation of the present Constitution, can obtain Nepali citizenship on the basis of descent after they reach the age of 16.

OPINION: Will Minorities Be Better Off In Nepal Now?

The new provisions to acquire Nepalese citizenship would lead to enfranchising a vast number of people in the country. According to an estimate, about half a million children born from these citizens by birth will be eligible for citizenship by descent. The Bill will enable children of citizens by birth and single Nepali mothers to obtain Nepali citizenship by descent. Members of gender and sexual minority will get their citizenship with their identity.

The observers say the new Act would grant of citizenship to the hitherto neglected sections of the Nepalese population. This would be very beneficial to them. For want of it, the people of Nepal who have had close links with India, suffered a lot in the past. With the acquisition of Nepali citizenship, they are likely to find themselves better placed in the country.

More importantly, the new Citizenship Act would lead to an all-inclusive enfranchisement in Nepal. This would help Nepal emerge as a really modern State. A modern State is supposed to grant every individual citizenship in the country and reflect their wills and aspirations in its governance.

Nepal today claims to be moving towards establishing a modern State. It has been a signatory to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights since 1991. The UDHR explicitly commands, "Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality." But presently, the number of the people without citizenship in Nepal constitutes almost a quarter of its entire adult population.

Nepal still remains largely patriarchal. Citizenship is traditionally inherited from the father. In cases, where the father is either unknown, has moved away, or refuses to recognize his children, the children are Stateless. At the end of Nepal's 2006 Civil War, Nepal did have a new constitution, under which nationality laws were relaxed and women were able to pass citizenship on to their children. But these rights have existed mostly on paper only.

The observers say the Dahal government must now see to it that the new Citizenship Act is implemented hassle-free on the ground. It is likely to find this hard. It may have to face the opponents of the Act at home. The opponents are alleging that, in his authentication of the Citizenship Bill, President Paudel did not follow the set procedure. He signed the Bill simply after the Council of Ministers sent a letter urging him to do so. The opponents assert that the Bill ought to have come to the President from the country's Parliament.

The strength of the opponents may not be undermined. It may be recalled that President Paudel's predecessor Bidya Devi Bhandari put the Bill on hold in September last even though both Houses of the country's parliament had passed it and sent to her for authentication for the second time. Prior to becoming the President of Nepal, she had been affiliated to the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist).

(Jagdish N. Singh is a senior journalist based in New Delhi. He is also Senior Distinguished Fellow at the Gatestone Institute, New York)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of OneIndia and OneIndia does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
By Tetsushi Kajimoto

TOKYO (Reuters) -Debt-laden Sri Lanka should be able to conclude a new round of restructuring talks by September or November at the latest, its president said on Thursday, adding that the negotiations had made "remarkable" progress.

The island nation defaulted on its foreign debt for the first time in its history in April last year, as the worst financial crisis since its independence from Britain in 1948 crushed its economy.

Sri Lanka secured a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund in March and has previously said it aims to complete talks on restructuring debt owed to bilateral creditors and overseas bondholders by September.

It was not clear whether President Ranil Wickremesinghe's comment signalled a possible delay in the process. He was speaking as he began a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the latter's office in Tokyo.

The two leaders affirmed the importance of transparent and fair debt restructuring, according to a summary of their discussions issued by Japan.

"We have made remarkable headway as far as the debt restructuring talks are concerned," Wickremesinghe said.

"(We) should be able to conclude by September, or November the latest," which he said would mark an end to Sri Lanka's economic crisis.

A Japanese finance ministry official said they did not believe the president was signalling a delay.

Kishida, speaking after his first meeting with the Sri Lankan leader since last September, told a forum: "Sri Lanka is a hub of the Indian Ocean. Japan has led the debate among its creditor countries, and we will continue to contribute and strive to help Sri Lanka get back on a track for growth."

CHINA HOLDS THE KEY

Last month, France, India and Japan unveiled a common platform for talks among bilateral creditors to co-ordinate restructuring of the debt.

"We have now started a creditors' meeting and all for a successful conclusion before the end of 2023," Wickremesinghe said. "Sri Lanka is dedicated to ensure equal treatment for all creditors. We want this exercise to succeed because our experience will enable more middle-income countries to utilise the IMF in ensuring multilateral coordination for debt relief."

Analysts remain sceptical about whether the September deadline can be met.

"I don't think creditors' meetings will be concluded by this year-end," said Toru Nishihama, emerging market analyst at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. "China, as the largest creditor, holds the key to creditors' meetings. It must first make it clear on what conditions it lent to Sri Lanka though."

The IMF called this week for timely restructuring pacts with the country's creditors. The global lender said Sri Lanka's macroeconomic situation was improving, although earlier it had predicted the economy would contract 3% this year.

Sri Lanka owes $7.1 billion to its creditors, with $3 billion owed to China, $1.6 billion to India and $2.4 billion to the Paris Club, a group of creditor nations.

At the meeting with Kishida, Wickremesinghe expressed regret over past actions related to Japan including when Sri Lanka called off a major infrastructure deal signed with Tokyo.

The president suggested his country was now keen to restart multiple investment projects with Japan.

"We re-commence the projects that were suspended or cancelled," he said.

(Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Hugh Lawson)
Birthday Ends In Tragedy As Youth Killed By His Friends Over Food Bill In Mumbai

Mumbai: 56-Year-Old Man Kills Live-In Partner, Chops Body Into Pieces, Boils Them In Cooker

India

oi-Prakash KL

In an incident similar to Shraddha Walkar's murder case, a 36-year-old woman was brutally murdered by her 56-year-old partner before cutting her body into pieces.

As per the police, the accused Manoj Sahni killed Saraswati Vaidya three or four days back and after that, he purchased a tree-cutter to chop her body into pieces.

Police say that the accused boiled pieces of her body in a pressure cooker and later filled them into plastic bags to dispose of them. They further say that over 12-13 pieces of the woman's body were recovered from the site.

The couple had been living in flat 704 at Geeta Akash Deep building in Geeta Nagar Phase 7 over the past three years, according to a report in India Today.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | 32-year-old woman killed by 56-year-old live-in partner | As per Police, the accused Manoj Sahni killed Saraswati Vaidya 3-4 days back and after that, he purchased a tree-cutter to chop her into pieces. Police say that the accused boiled pieces of her body pic.twitter.com/ilFUfWVOLY  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

The cops knocked on the doors of his house after neighbours alerted them about a foul smell emanating from his flat on Wednesday evening.

Sakshi Murder Case: Knife Used By Accused Sahil Recovered By Delhi Police

"Manoj Sahani and Saraswati Vaidya were in a live-in relationship and used to live in the Geeta Akash Deep building. The couple had a fight over some matter following which the woman was murdered by her partner. Her body was cut into pieces with a cutter. When we reached the house and opened the door, we understood it was a case of murder and the suspect tried to hide the evidence, " the website quoted Jayant Bajbale, deputy commissioner of police (zone 1), as saying.

The cops are yet to find out the motive behind the murder and the reason why he dismembered her body.

Last year, Shraddha Walkar, a girl from Mumbai, was murdered by her boyfriend Aaftab Poonawala in Delhi. He had cut her body into 35 pieces after strangling her to death. Although he killed her in May, the incident came to light months later.
Air India Extends Apology, Offers Refund For Passengers Stranded In Russia

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Air India has issued a formal apology to the passengers aboard its flight that was diverted to Magadan, Russia, due to a technical issue in one of its engines. The airline has taken responsibility for the inconvenience caused and has decided to offer full refunds for the tickets of all passengers on the flight. Additionally, Air India has provided them with travel vouchers as a gesture of goodwill.

The incident occurred when a Boeing 777 aircraft, en route from New Delhi to San Francisco with 216 passengers and 16 crew members, had to make an emergency landing at Magadan Airport. Following the diversion, the passengers and crew were accommodated in temporary arrangements within the remote Russian town.

To resolve the situation, Air India arranged for a replacement flight to transport the stranded passengers back to San Francisco International Airport. Today, the flight successfully landed, ensuring the safe return of all affected travelers.

Expressing his remorse on behalf of Air India, Rajesh Dogra, the airline's Chief Customer Experience and Ground Handling Officer, issued a statement, saying, "Please allow me to sincerely apologise, on behalf of Air India, for the extended delay in bringing you to San Francisco. Your safety was the highest priority throughout. As such, we will fully refund the fare of your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel in Air India. Although we cannot change the past, I trust this gesture conveys our sincere regrets for the disruption and inconvenience."

Air India's Ferry Flight With Stranded Passengers From Russia Reaches San Francisco

The United States State Department was closely monitoring the situation as there were a limited number of U.S. nationals onboard the flight. Air India's swift action and resolution efforts have been acknowledged, ensuring the welfare and safe return of all passengers affected by the unexpected diversion.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 17:31 [IST]
Are You Not Worried, We Are: Sibal Tells Shah After Lucknow Court Shooting

India

oi-PTI

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday took a swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the killing of people in police custody and asked whether he was worried over such incidents. Sibal's dig at Shah came a day after gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari's aide Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva was shot dead on the premises of a Lucknow court.

A policeman and a two-year-old girl were injured in the incident. In a tweet, Sibal said, "How and Why: 41 people have been killed in police custody in UP(2017-2022). Recently: Jiva shot dead in Lucknow court in police custody.Atiq and Ashraf shot dead while in police custody. Tullu Tajpuria shot dead in Tihar. Amit ji: Are you not worried? We are!"

In Wednesday's incident, the alleged assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav (24), was caught on the spot after the shooting took place right outside a courtroom at around 4 pm. Eyewitnesses said the assailant was dressed as a lawyer and fired around six shots.

The assailant opened fire when Jeeva, who was serving life imprisonment in Lucknow jail, was brought to the court for a hearing in a case, police officials said. The incident comes nearly two months after gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were gunned down by three assailants while being taken in police custody to a hospital for a medical examination in Prayagraj on April 15.

Mukhtar Ansari's Aide Killed Inside Court Premises; UP CM Forms SIT To Probe Incident

Opposition parties have hit out at the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre over Wednesday's incident. Sibal, who was a Union minister during the UPA 1 and UPA 2 governments, quit the Congress in May last year and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent member with the Samajwadi Party's support. He recently floated the non-electoral platform 'Insaaf', aimed at fighting injustice.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 13:33 [IST]
When Justice Nazeer disagreed with the BJP in the triple talaq and an Ayodhya-related case

Gyanvapi Case Hindu Petitioner Writes to President Seeking Euthanasia, Cites 'Mental Pressure'

India

oi-Prakash KL

Rakhi Singh, the petitioner in the Gyanvapi Mosque case, has written to the President of India that she is "considering euthanasia" due to mental pressure as her fellow four women petitioners in the case and their lawyers are spreading false propaganda against her.

The five Hindu women petitioners had filed the case in the court of the civil judge (senior division), Varanasi in August 2021, seeking the right to daily worship at Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

"In the case, my associates, including Lakshmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas, Rekha Pathak, along with (senior) advocate Harishankar Jain, his son advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and their few colleagues, did a false propaganda and defamed me and my uncle and aunt Jitendra Singh Visen and Kiran Singh in May 2022," IANS quoted Rakhi Singh as saying in the letter to the President.

Rakhi Singh has claimed that they spread rumours that she was withdrawing the case, while "neither any such statement or information was issued from my side nor my uncle Jitendra Singh Visen, pleader on my behalf in the said case, issued any such information."

"Thus, the entire Hindu society has been raised against me and my family by creating a confusion about us in the entire country due to which I and the entire family of Visenji have come under a lot of mental pressure," she said in the letter.

Singh has said that would wait for the President's response till 9 am on June 9 (Friday) after which she would take her own decision.

"Therefore, you are requested to grant me the permission of euthanasia and pave the way to get rid of this immense mental pain and agony so that I can attain ultimate peace by sleeping eternally. I will wait for your reply till 9th June 2023 at 9:00 am," the letter said.

Hindu Petitioner To Withdraw From Gyanvapi Cases Over Alleged Harassment

"If no order comes from you, then whatever decision will be taken after that will be my own," she concluded.

It has to be noted that this is the second time that differences have cropped up between the petitioners. Rakhi Singh had opposed a petition for carbon dating of a disputed structure found inside the Gyanvapi mosque in September 2022.

However, senior advocate Harishankar Jain, who represents four Hindu women plaintiffs, rubbished the allegations. "We are contesting the Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi and other related cases with full dedication. All allegations are baseless. I do not want to waste my energy and time by reacting to baseless allegations," he said.

The petition was filed by five women seeking permission for daily worship of Hindu deities whose idols are said to be located on an outer wall of the Gyanvapi mosque, which is located close to Kashi Vishwanath temple.

According to the five women, the current premises of the mosque were once a Hindu temple, which was demolished by the Mughal Ruler Aurangzeb. Subsequently, the present mosque structure was constructed in its place.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 11:24 [IST]
Watch Me When I Get Back: Jaishankar Subtly Tells Rahul Gandhi What Not To Do Abroad

Jaishankar Defends 'Akhand Bharat' Mural in New Parliament, Responds to Pakistan's Criticism

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended the mural depicting the idea of 'Akhand Bharat' in the new Parliament building.

Reacting to Pakistan's criticism against it, Jaishankar said, "The mural of undivided India shows the spread of the Ashoka empire, and the idea of a responsible and people-oriented governance. Pakistan cannot understand it because it does not have the power to understand."

Jaishankar said the neighbouring countries will understand the meaning of the mural. Talking about Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Jaishankar said, "As far as PoK is concerned, we have made our stand clear. It is not just ours, but the country's and the Parliament's stance."

Earlier in May, Jaishankar referred to Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as the "promoter, justifier and a spokesperson of the terror industry". Bhutto attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting in Goa.

Watch Me When I Get Back: Jaishankar Subtly Tells Rahul Gandhi What Not To Do Abroad

The new Parliament building, inaugurated by PM Modi on May 28, has a mural that shows the map of ancient India. Important kingdoms and ancient cities have been marked in the mural showing ancient India till Taxila or Takshashila, currently in Pakistan, was part of India. The names of ancient cities are also mentioned in this painting. Countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan protested against the map.

Jaishankar also attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the remarks he made in the US against PM Modi and the ruling BJP. Jaishankar said Gandhi speaks a lot without having a proper understanding of the facts. The EAM also said the Gandhi scion had a habit of criticising India abroad.

CRITICISM AGAINST AKHAND BHARAT MURAL

The mural of the ancient map of India has drawn ire from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Several Nepal leaders reacted strongly to the mural and some of them even asked Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to raise the issue with New Delhi.

Former Prime Minister of Nepal Babura M Bhattarai said, "The Akhand Bharat mural in the new Parliament building is controversial, unnecessary and harmful to the diplomatic strategies between neighboring countries, including Nepal."

Last week, Pakistan's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Mumta J. Zehra Baloch expressed concern over the mural installed in the new Parliament building.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 21:15 [IST]
Man Who Killed Live-in Partner, Chopped Body Sent To Police Custody Till June 16

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

A 56-year-old man was arrested after the chopped body parts of his live-in partner were recovered from a flat in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Thursday.

A court has remanded the man, identified as Manoj Sane, in police custody till June 16, he said. Victim Saraswati Vaidya (36) was in a live-in relationship Sane and the couple resided in a flat on the seventh floor of a building in the Mira-Bhayandar area for the past three years, the official said.

Police on Wednesday were alerted by local residents about a foul smell emanating from the flat, said an official from Naya Nagar police station.

A team rushed to the spot and found the decomposed body of the woman which was cut into several pieces, said the official. She was later identified as Vaidya. The crime also sparked a war of words between the Opposition and the BJP, a ruling partner in the state. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule described the murder as ''extremely horrific and outrageous'' and alleged that crimes against women were on the rise in the state as criminals have no fear of law.

''A woman was killed by her live-in partner in Mira Road area. The accused tried to dispose of the body by cutting it into pieces, which he crushed in a mixer and boiled in a pressure cooker. This incident is extremely horrific, inhuman and outrageous,'' tweeted the NCP Member of Parliament. She also said that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who handles the home portfolio, should concentrate on his department seriously.

Mumbai Murder: Victim Was Orphan, Had Met Live-In Partner at Ration Shop In 2014

Chitra Wagh, state BJP women's wing chief, hit out at Sule saying she was shedding crocodile tears.

''Fadnavis is capable enough to take action in the Mira Road case. But you did not feel like speaking out when a minor girl at Manchar in Pune district was kidnapped by a Muslim boy, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was in power, and was not found for two-and-a-half years. Had the MVA government intervened, then Shraddha Walkar would not have been cut into pieces,'' she said.

''Even a chameleon will feel ashamed to see how you change colours,'' Wagh alleged.

Shraddha Walkar was allegedly strangled to death by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala on May 18 last year. The accused sawed her body into several pieces, which he kept in a refrigerator for almost three weeks at his residence in south Delhi's Mehrauli.
Mumbai Live In Partner Murder Case: First Picture Of Alleged Killer Released

India

oi-Prakash KL

The Mumbai Police has released the first picture of Manoj Sahni, who allegedly killed his live-in partner a few days ago in Mumbai.

56-year-old Manoj Sahni killed his partner Saraswati Vaidya days ago. He was arrested by cops on Wednesday. According to the cops, Sahni murdered Vaidya three or four days back after which he purchased a tree-cutter to chop her body into pieces.

The shocking part of the story is the accused boiled pieces of her body in a pressure cooker and later filled them into plastic bags to dispose of them. They further say that over 12-13 pieces of the woman's body were recovered from the site. The police say that he possibly cut her body into pieces so that it becomes easy for him to dispose of it.

The accused stayed with Vaidya at an apartment building in Geeta Nagar Phase 7 for the past three years.

However, the Nayanagar PS got a call from his neighbours around 7 pm on Wednesday as they complained of a foul smell from his flat. Upon coming to his flat, they discovered the woman's body parts.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | 32-year-old woman killed by 56-year-old live-in partner | As per Police, the accused Manoj Sahni killed Saraswati Vaidya 3-4 days back and after that, he purchased a tree-cutter to chop her into pieces. Police say that the accused boiled pieces of her body pic.twitter.com/ilFUfWVOLY  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

56-Year-Old Man Kills Live-In Partner, Chops Body Into Pieces, Boils Them In Cooker

"Manoj Sahani and Saraswati Vaidya were in a live-in relationship and used to live in the Geeta Akash Deep building. The couple had a fight over some matter following which the woman was murdered by her partner. Her body was cut into pieces with a cutter. When we reached the house and opened the door, we understood it was a case of murder and the suspect tried to hide the evidence, " the website quoted Jayant Bajbale, deputy commissioner of police (zone 1), as saying.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Women has taken suo-moto cognizance of the incident. "We have seen that in the recent past, cases like this have increased. we have taken suo moto on this and will write to DG to take care of the case," National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma told the ANI.
From Porn Sites To How To Dispose Of A Body: What Mumbai Murder Accused Search History Revealed

Mumbai Murder: Victim Was Orphan, Had Met Live-In Partner at Ration Shop In 2014

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In a shocking turn of events, the dismembered body of 32-year-old Saraswati Vaidya was discovered in her seventh-floor apartment in Mira Road, Mumbai. The prime suspect in the case is her live-in partner, 56-year-old Manoj Sane, whom she had met at a ration shop back in 2014.

Sane, who was employed at the Borivali-based ration shop, and Vaidya quickly developed a romantic relationship and eventually decided to move in together. However, their seemingly ordinary coexistence took a sinister turn, leading to a gruesome murder that has left the community in shock.

Saraswati, an orphan, met her tragic demise as her body was found dismembered and scattered throughout the apartment. Police arrived at the scene to a horrifying sight-body parts were discovered in buckets and some had been subjected to boiling in a cooker.

Neighbors became suspicious when a putrid odor permeated the vicinity, arousing concerns about what might be happening behind the closed doors of apartment no. 704. Few had known the names of the couple before this ghastly incident, as they kept to themselves.

Manoj, who had been living separately from his family despite owning a house in Borivali, revealed to the police that the ration shop had closed on May 29. Meanwhile, he and Vaidya had been residing together in their apartment for the past five years. According to reports, police force divulged that the couple had a history of frequent fights.

Mumbai: Was Mira Road Murder Accused Influenced By Shraddha Walkar Case?

The chilling murder came to light when authorities forcibly entered the apartment around 7 pm on Wednesday, prompted by a concerned neighbor named Somesh Srivastava, who had detected the foul smell emanating from the couple's flat. Srivastava knocked on their door but received no response. He then heard a sound resembling a spray, following which Manoj Sane emerged.

"Manoj Sane informed me that he was leaving for some work. Subsequently, I immediately alerted the building administration, and together we notified the police," recounted Srivastava.

The decomposed body parts were carefully collected in plastic bags and bed sheets before being sent to Mumbai's JJ Hospital for further analysis. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jayant Bajbale, confirmed that a murder case had been registered at the Naya Nagar police station.

Sane, however, claimed that his partner had taken poison and committed suicide. The police are currently investigating the case, piecing together evidence to determine the truth behind this tragic incident that has shaken the local community to its core.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 17:09 [IST]
Should Be A Limit To Politics: Jaishankar On Opposition Boycott Of New Parliament Launch

Watch Me When I Get Back: Jaishankar Subtly Tells Rahul Gandhi What Not To Do Abroad

Not Good For Canada: EAM On Khalistan Radicals In Brampton Recreating Indira Gandhi's Murder

India

oi-Prakash KL

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday slammed Canada for giving space to separatists and extremist elements after a video showed a parade float in Canada's Brampton city celebrating the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

At a media briefing, S Jaishankar said Canada allowing anti-India elements to operate from its soil is not good for the bilateral relationship as well as for itself. "I think there is a bigger issue involved. And the bigger issue involved really is the space that Canada has continuously and frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this," he said.

"Because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history. It is not only one incident, however, egregious it may be," Jaishankar said.

"I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence and I think it is not good for relationships and not good for Canada," he added.

Does it help Canada's 'Indo-Pacific strategy'? A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it! pic.twitter.com/rBFn7vMKyz  Balraj Deol (@BalrajDeol4) June 6, 2023

His response comes after a purported clip showed a parade float, allegedly organized by Khalistani supporters, showcasing the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Reportedly, the video was shot on June 4, two days before the 39th anniversary of 'Operation Blue Star'.

Operation Bluestar was the Army operation which was carried out in June 1984 to flush out the militants from the Golden Temple.

Canada expels top Chinese diplomat as ties between two nations worsens

On the orders of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Indian Army stormed into the Golden Temple to contain Sikh militancy under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab. It was informed that Bhindranwale had stashed large quantities of arms in the Golden Temple premises.

Going by the viral clip, the parade was held with a message claiming the assassination was "Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib".

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay has slammed the incident and said that there is "no place for hate or glorification of violence in Canada".

"I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," Cameron MacKay tweeted.

Responding to Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's National Security Adviser Jody Thomas's comment that India was among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada, S Jaishankar said, "The phrase which came to my mind was 'Ulta chor kotwal ko daante..."
Pragya Thakur Makes Bhopal Girl Watch The Kerala Story, She Elopes With Muslim Days Later

India

oi-Prakash KL

Days after a woman watched the controversial movie 'The Kerala Story' with BJP leader Pragya Singh Thakur in Madhya Pradesh, she reportedly eloped with her Muslim boyfriend. The incident is reported from Bhopal.

In an attempt to persuade the 20-year-old girl to break up with her Muslim boyfriend Yusuf Khan, Pragya Singh Thakur made the girl watch 'The Kerala Story'. For the uninitiated, the film deals with how Hindu women are trapped by radical Muslims, converted to Islam and then sent to Arab countries as sex slaves.

Unfortunately, the movie seems like had little impact on the girl as she eloped with her boyfriend.

Her parents then filed a complaint alleging that she stole Rs 70,000 and jewellery with her while blaming the boy for trapping her with "sweet talks" to elope with him. The money and jewellery were meant for her marriage.

However, the girl has released a video where she claimed that she escaped from her home of her own will.

Fact Check: This Hindu Woman Did Not Call Off Her marriage After Watching the Kerala Story

The girl had gone missing on May 11 after which the family had sought Thakur's help. Once she was traced and brought back, the BJP leader then made her watch 'The Kerala Story' along with other girls. She escaped again from her house on May 15.

The 20-year-old girl, who is studying nursing, got to know about Yusuf through his sister.

A school dropout, Yusuf reportedly has a history sheet and is accused of crimes such as assault, theft, and arson.

Yusuf's sister has claimed that he has tried to break up the relationship but succumbed to the pressure exerted by the 20-year-old girl.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 10:01 [IST]
Online Learning

Offering Online Students a Front Row Learning Experience

At some point in our academic careers, most of us have found ourselves stuck in the back of an overcrowded lecture hall. Too far from the presenter to see or hear much of anything, it wasn't long before we lost interest, started on other work, or took a nap. Anyone sitting in those first few rows may have been enlightened and inspired, but for the rest of us, the class was less than productive. Higher education has set out to change that.

In recent years, distance education has gotten a bad rap. Students may feel invisible, instructors face content-delivery challenges, and technology is difficult to navigate  for everyone. In their rush to jump into the next generation of every new learning platform, some institutions have forced instructors, learners, and curriculum delivery into arbitrary frameworks defying intuitive use. For Texas State University's Division of Information Technology, taking the default route was, quite simply, unacceptable. Envisioning a higher level of quality and engagement for learners and instructors, the division forged its own path, designing an online education experience alongside  and for  the humans who use it.

Virtual learning has existed, in one form or another, since the 1960s. The advent of the World Wide Web in the 1990s accelerated distance learning's evolution, and the pandemic ushered in a chaos of online learning methods. Unfortunately, some of those panic models stuck. Students suffered through lectures delivered from beneath a professor's chin and heard about content on slides they couldn't see. Instructors were underprepared to use the technology provided to them, much less convey content with it. The faculty became stressed, students grew frustrated, and the learning backslide began.

Inspiring Instructors

By 2018, Texas State's Ken Pierce had enough. As the university's chief information officer and vice president for information technology, Pierce decided to map a solution by starting with the indisputable key to successful online learning: the instructor. Pierce's goal was to create a user-friendly online learning environment instructors would be eager to use. Working with Dr. Carlos Balam-Kuk Solis in the Technology Innovation Office, as well as the Learning Spaces Design team of Brian Shanks and Atkins Fleming, Pierce laid out a plan for what he dubbed "The Teaching Space of Tomorrow."

Texas State University's Teaching Space of Tomorrow

The Teaching Space of Tomorrow is a combined streaming studio and faculty office. To gather direct and real-time feedback from faculty, the space needed an instructor-in-residence. Enter Dr. Seth Frei, a lecturing instructor for Texas State's McCoy College of Business Department of Management. With Frei as their muse, the team set out to create the most user-friendly online teaching environment possible. Since most solutions prioritize the learner's needs, this might sound like putting the cart before the horse. But Pierce knew innovation would require disruption, so he instructed the team to focus on the instructor. Solis explained the strategy this way: "An engaged instructor leads to an engaged learner." Frei's input, and feedback gathered from students, proved invaluable. Student Urvi Dalal described her experience with instruction from the Teaching Space of Tomorrow as "having an extra layer of quality." Dalal went on to explain, "The overall presentation quality helped retain my attention, which I believe helped me succeed in the class."

Engaging Students

To ensure students remain engaged by studio-quality presentations, instructors in the Teaching Space of Tomorrow have customized technology at their fingertips. From the room's generously sized podium, the lecturer controls multiple displays using a laptop and an interactive tablet. Across the room, a pair of large TV screens show the faces of up to 98 students per class. Two more monitors allow the instructor to follow students' chat and questions, and a fifth screen displays the instructor's presentation. Using production lighting, sound, and microphone systems, the Teaching Space of Tomorrow places every student in the front row. In the virtual space, asking questions and collaborating with other students is even easier than in a large traditional classroom. Instead of being stuck in the back of a dark lecture hall, the Teaching Space of Tomorrow brings each student face to face with their instructor and classmates. As Dalal observed: "Even though it's a class full of a hundred, two hundred people, I could directly have a conversation with the professor."

After Frei's inaugural residency ended, Dr. Lea Velez stepped in. Velez, a licensed master social worker and clinical lecturer in Texas State's School of Social Work, continued the Teaching Space of Tomorrow's evolution by using it for community outreach. As a lifelong social worker, Velez is a deep believer in community responsibility. Working with the local San Marcos organization Hands of Hope, Velez taught an online computer skills course for women struggling to emerge from hardship. The course was an enormous success. Now, Velez has set her sights set on another marginalized population, offering computer skills classes to older adult residents of a nearby assisted living facility. In addition to pioneering community outreach, Velez teaches her Texas State courses from the space, as well.

Changing Perceptions

Pierce will tell you, "Online learning is here to stay. It isn't going anywhere." He plans to make sure the Teaching Space of Tomorrow continues to transform online education wherever Texas State University's star is found. When Velez passes the baton to the next set of instructors, they will inherit a space of nearly limitless possibility. Subsequent instructors will continue customizing the space to achieve their unique visions, and its usage will undergo more change. Therein lies the value of the Teaching Space of Tomorrow  the excitement it generates. When instructors are inspired by a teaching environment, rather than overwhelmed by it, their energy translates directly into the student learning experience. Instead of shouting to be heard in the back of a cavernous classroom while learners nod off, instructors can interact with their students face to face. The Teaching Space of Tomorrow is a game changer for online learning. No one sleeps through these lectures. Now everyone has the best seat in the house.
Are You Not Worried, We Are: Sibal Tells Shah After Lucknow Court Shooting

Slain Gangster's Wife Seeks Anticipatory Bail In Criminal Case

India

oi-PTI

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea by the wife of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari's aide Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva, who was shot dead on Lucknow court premises, seeking anticipatory bail in a criminal case lodged against her.

The matter was mentioned before a vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal by a lawyer appearing for the wife of the gangster. The lawyer told the bench that Jeeva was shot dead on Wednesday and sought protection from arrest for his wife to attend the last rites.

UP Additional Advocate General Garima Prashad assured the court that the state would not take any action against Jeeva's wife Payal Maheshwari. Payal Maheshwari approched the seeking interim protection from arrest in a Gangsters Act case and also sought bail to attend the last rites of her husband.

The alleged assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav (24), a resident of Jaunpur district, was caught on the spot after the shooting took place right outside a courtroom at around 4 pm, police said. Eyewitnesses said the assailant was dressed as a lawyer and fired around six shots.

Are You Not Worried, We Are: Sibal Tells Shah After Lucknow Court Shooting

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The assailant opened fire when Jeeva (48), who was serving a life term in a Lucknow jail, was brought to the court for hearing in a case.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 14:51 [IST]
Was Normal For Girls To Deliver Child Before Turning 17; Read Manusmriti: Gujarat HC

India

oi-PTI

It was once normal for girls to marry at a young age and deliver a child before they turned 17, a judge of the Gujarat High Court has remarked while hearing a minor rape survivor's plea for permission to terminate her pregnancy.

While indicating that he might not allow the petition if both the girl and foetus were healthy, Justice Samir Dave of the high court also referred to the Manusmriti during the hearing on Wednesday.

The rape survivor is 16 years and 11 months old and carrying a seven-month-old foetus. Her father moved the HC seeking permission for abortion as the pregnancy had crossed the 24-week threshold up to which abortion can be performed without a court's leave. On Wednesday, his lawyer sought an early hearing, saying the family was concerned because of the girl's age.

Justice Dave said there was anxiety because ''we are living in the 21st century''.

''Ask your mother or great-grandmother. Fourteen-fifteen was the maximum age (for marriage), and girls used to give birth to their first child before turning 17. And girls get mature before boys....Though you may not read, but you should read Manusmriti once,'' he added.

As the expected date of delivery is August 16, he consulted expert doctors in his chamber, the judge informed the lawyer.

''The court can consider (allowing abortion) if any serious ailments are found in the foetus or the girl. But if both are normal, it will be very difficult for the court to pass such an order,'' the judge said.

Nudity Should Not Be Tied To Sex: Kerala High Court

In the end, the court directed the Medical Superintendent of Rajkot Civil Hospital to get the girl examined by a panel of doctors to find out if the medical termination of pregnancy was advisable.

The doctors should also carry out ossification test on the girl and a psychiatrist should ascertain her mental condition, Justice Dave said, asking the hospital to submit reports by June 15, the next date of hearing.

During the hearing, the judge also advised the girl's lawyer to start looking for options in case the medical opinion went against the termination of pregnancy.

''I will not give permission if both are found healthy. The weight of the foetus is also good...What will you do if the girl gives birth and the child lives? Who will take care of that child? I will also inquire if there are government schemes for such children. You should also check if someone can adopt that child,'' said the judge.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 21:33 [IST]
Is Aadhaar, PAN Or Any Other ID Proof Required To Exchange Rs 2,000 Notes? Banks Clarify

Will The Withdrawal Of The Rs 2,000 Notes Have An Impact On The Fake Currency Industry?

Will RBI Withdraw Rs 500 Notes? Details Here

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Following the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 notes from circulation, the rumor mills have been abuzz with discussions and speculations surrounding the fate of Rs 500 notes.

Additionally, murmurs have emerged suggesting that the central bank may be considering the reintroduction of Rs 1,000 notes.

Governor Shaktikanta Das of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) addressed speculations on Thursday, stating that the central bank has no intention of withdrawing Rs 500 notes from circulation or reintroducing Rs 1,000 notes. During a press conference unveiling the second bi-monthly monetary policy for FY24, Das urged the public not to engage in speculative discussions.

Dismissing rumors of the return of Rs 1,000 notes, Das also highlighted the active return of Rs 2,000 notes that were previously in circulation. Notably, the printing of Rs 2,000 notes was halted in 2018.

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged; GDP Growth Projected at 6.5% for FY24: Shaktikanta Das

Providing statistics on the return of Rs 2,000 notes, Das said, "A total of Rs 3.62 lakh crore worth of Rs 2,000 banknotes were in circulation. Following the announcement, approximately Rs 1.8 lakh crore worth of Rs 2,000 banknotes have been returned. This accounts for roughly 50 percent of the Rs 2,000 banknotes that were in circulation."

Das further said that out of the total returned notes, 85 percent of them were deposited through banks.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 22:19 [IST]
All job interviews at Google offices to be virtual as it restricts visits to curb coronavirus risk

SFO Police urged to take immediate action against those responsible for Indian consulate vandalism

Air India's Ferry Flight With Stranded Passengers From Russia Reaches San Francisco

International

oi-Prakash KL

An Air India ferry flight that was moved from Mumbai to pick up passengers stranded for nearly two days in Russia's Magadan safely landed in San Francisco.

As per the airline, Flight AI173D landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 0007 hours on 08 June 2023 (local time). "All our passengers are being extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and provided other necessary support," Air India said in a tweet.

"Flight AI173D from Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne for San Francisco (SFO), carrying all passengers and crew. The flight departed GDX at 1027 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time) and is expected to arrive at SFO at 0015 Hours on 08 June 2023 (local time)," the airline said in an earlier statement.

Air India had mobilised additional on-ground support at SFO to carry out the clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival, it said. "The team at SFO is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including but not limited to medical care, ground transportation, and onward connections in applicable cases," the press release from Air India added.

Recommended Video

Air India flight for stranded passengers depart for San Francisco from Russia | Oneindia News

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch. The stranded passengers were housed in dormitories. "Given the infrastructural limitations around the remote airport, we can confirm that all passengers were eventually moved to makeshift accommodations, after making sincere attempts to accommodate passengers in hotel locally with the help of local government authorities.

As we do not have any Air India staff based in the remote town of Magadan or in Russia, all ground support being provided to the passengers in the best possible in this unusual circumstance through our round the clock liaison with the Consulate General of India in Vladivostok, Ministry of External Affair, local ground handlers and the Russian authorities," a press release from Air India said.

A replacement flight was sent from Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon.

On the other hand, the US Department of State has said that there were less than 50 American citizens on board the San Francisco-bound Air India flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russia's remote town of Magadan.

"We understand that there were less than 50 US citizens aboard that flight. We also understand that a relief aircraft is expected to arrive later today to assist the Air India flight and the passengers continue on with their route," Vedant Patel, the deputy spokesperson of the State Department, told reporters.
India Will Do Whatever Is Possible To Find Solution To Ukraine Conflict: PM Modi Tells Zelenskyy

Ukraine: Kakhovka Dam Flooding To Immerse More Areas

International

dwnews-DW News

Water levels were expected to rise by another meter (about 3 feet) by Thursday following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, Ukrainian authorities predicted.

While the flood's force was expected to ease on Wednesday, the rise in water levels would engulf more downstream areas along the banks of the Dnieper.

Russian state media has reported that flooding could last up to 10 days in the Kherson region.

The Kakhovka dam collapsed on Tuesday. It remained unclear what caused it.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of deliberately destroying the dam, while the Kremlin has blamed Kyiv's shelling for the breach.

Ukraine, Russia Trade Blame For Dam Collapse At UN

"The destruction of one of the largest water reservoirs in Ukraine is absolutely deliberate ... Hundreds of thousands of people have been left without normal access to drinking water," Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Moscow-installed authorities have imposed a state of emergency in the Russian-annexed part of the region.

In the Ukrainian-controlled side of Kherson at least 1,582 houses have been flooded, and some 1,457 people have been evacuated overnight, governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said.

Officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the UN have said that the damage will take days to assess and warned of a lengthy recovery period.

UN aid chief Martin Griffiths told the Security Council that the dam breach "will have grave and far-reaching consequences for thousands of people in southern Ukraine on both sides of the front line through the loss of homes, food, safe water, and livelihoods."

"The sheer magnitude of the catastrophe will only become fully realized in the coming days," he said.

Here are some of the other developments concerning Russia's war in Ukraine on Wednesday, June 7:

ICRC says dam destruction caused 'quite severe' consequences

The humanitarian consequences of the floods resulting from the destruction of the Kakhovka dam are "already quite severe," said Achille Despres, a Spokesperson at the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Despres told DW on Wednesday that ICRC personnel were on the ground since the day before, to help evacuate those affected by the floods. Already 800 civilians were evacuated on Tuesday, with over 50 more on Wednesday.

Despres added that the difficult situation on the ground adds to the "already dire humanitarian situation following more than 15 months of military hostilities and active armed conflict in the immediate vicinity of these areas."

He noted that the ICRC teams on the ground were facing an even harder time due to the location of the dam, which has affected both Ukrainian and Russian-controlled parts. ICRC personnel were particularly facing difficulty in accessing the Russian side.

"And this highlights the fact that in humanitarian crises it's paramount that humanitarian actors, neutral humanitarian actors can have access to population, to communities in need."

For 160 years since its establishment, the ICRC has prided itself on its neutrality, working hand in hand with authorities often branded as aggressors by the international community to reach civilians in need of assistance.

Russian, Ukrainian authorities evacuate some 6,000 after flooding

Around 6,000 individuals have been evacuated from areas of the Dnieper river flooded due to the Kakhovka dam's destruction, Russian and Ukrainian authorities have said.

Ukraine's Interior Minister Oleg Klymenko said in televised remarks that 1,894 citizens have been evacuated in Ukrainian-controlled areas. He added that rescuers, police and volunteers continued the evacuation efforts in the Kherson region.

Meanwhile, the Moscow-installed head of the region Vladimir Saldo said on Telegram that over 4,000 people were evacuated in the part of Kherson occupied by Russia.

"It is a bit premature to talk about going back," Saldo said, advising people to wait in centers for the displaced.

'No critical risk to Zaporizhzhia plant now', nuclear researcher says

The destruction of the Kakhovka dam has thus far not posed an "imminent or critical risk" to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, nuclear researcher Mariana Budjeryn said.

Speaking to DW on Wednesday, the senior research associate at the Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center said the UN Atomic Energy Agency and Ukraine's nuclear operator both confirmed there was not yet any risk.

She warned, however, that for a nuclear power plant to safely and securely operate, it needed a constant and reliable water supply.

Budjeryn noted that the destruction of the dam has led to a dramatic drop in the reservoir levels, which after a certain level, could mean the plant's pumping system would fall short.

Though the plant was designed with backup systems, the researcher reminded that "nuclear power plants are not designed to operate in a war zone and they're not designed to operate in constantly responding to these very critical and drastic changes in conditions."

"And my concern is the state of the operating staff that is constantly put in a position to respond to the situation. And they're already working under really difficult conditions of occupation by the Russian forces."

Ukraine's health ministry warns of diseases, fish die-off in Kherson

Ukraine's Health Ministry has issued a warning on the spread of diseases and mass fish die-offs that could be caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.

The ministry said that chemicals and pathogens could enter wells and water bodies in the southern Kherson region due to flooding.

It said that ministry experts were analyzing water samples.

Ukraine's Health Ministry said that there will be mass fish die-offs once floodwaters recede.

The ministry announced that antibiotics stocks in the region would be increased.

Fish consumption has also been banned to minimize the risk of botulism.

Erdogan suggests probe into dam breach

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has proposed the establishment of an international commission tasked with examining the destruction of Ukraine's Kakhovka dam.

He made the comments in calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Erdogan's office said.

Erdogan said that "a commission could be established with the participation of experts from the warring parties, the United Nations and the international community, including Turkey, for a detailed investigation into the explosion."

Turkey's president told Putin that "it is important to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the explosion at the Kakhovka dam in a way that leaves no room for suspicion."

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said that he spoke of the "humanitarian and environmental consequences" of the destruction of the dam in his call with Erdogan.

Similarly, Putin told Erdogan the incident had led to a "large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe" and called the breach a "barbaric act."

War in Ukraine and Ethiopia guarantees grim record in 2022

The number of people killed in wars and conflicts reached the highest number since the Rwandan genocide, the Uppsala Conflict Data Program found.

Researchers of the program at the University of Uppsala in Sweden said at least 237,000 people were killed in military conflicts in 2022.

Most fatalities were in Ukraine and Ethiopia, where at least 181,000 combat-related deaths were recorded.

Ukraine might have featured in headlines more but the civil war in Ethiopia between the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the government was the bloodiest conflict of 2022.

More than 100,000 people were killed in Ethiopia in 2022, and more than 81,000 in Ukraine.

Russia to boost security at Zaporizhzhia for IAEA visit

Russian state-owned news agency TASS reported Moscow would take extensive security measures at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine during a visit by International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi next week.

Grossi said he would travel to the plant following an attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam.

The Kakhovka dam feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.

The IAEA said it saw "no short-term risk to nuclear safety and security" as "back-up options" were available.

UK Intelligence doesn't foresee threat to Zaporizhzhia due to flooding

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is "highly unlikely to face immediate additional safety issues" due to the damage caused to the Kakhovka dam, the United Kingdom's defense ministry said.

In their latest intelligence briefing on Twitter, the ministry said the dam's structure would likely deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding.

The intelligence update stated water levels in the Kakhovka Reservoir were at a record high before the collapse.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 07 June 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/rwUTq4SxS4



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/13Juyo2ZcR  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) June 7, 2023

China trade with Russia hits highest level since start of the war

China's trade with Russia reached an all-time high of $20.5 billion (19.2 billion) in May.

China has become Russia's biggest export market and an important source of manufactured goods.

It has boosted its imports, especially energy, from Russia by 10% to $11.3 billion as Beijing capitalizes on price cuts.

Chinese exports to Russia surged 114% to $9.3 billion.

During a summit in March,Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin pledged to boost trade to $200 billion in 2023 as they hailed their "no limits" partnership.

Western nations have criticized Beijing for not condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine and for indirectly supporting its sanctions-hit ally.

Two Russian towns lose power in attack

Two towns in Russia's western Kursk region lost electricity in an overnight attack, Roman Starovoy, the regional governor, said.

He claimed Ukraine dropped explosives on an electricity substation situated near the border.

"One of the workers received shrapnel wounds while restoring power supply. He is in the central district hospital, and doctors are giving him all necessary treatment," Starovoy told the Reuters news agency.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine will not be stopped by Russia's explosion of dam

Ukraine will not let the explosion of the Kakhovka dam stop it from reclaiming occupied territories, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"The disaster caused by Russian terrorists at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant will not stop Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelenskyy said in his evening video message late on Tuesday. At the same time, he promised help to those affected in the flooded region.

According to Zelenskyy's account, the blowing up of the dam was intended to slow down the Ukrainian counteroffensive. "We will still liberate our entire country," he said. Such attacks could not prevent Russia's defeat, he said, but would only lead to Moscow having to pay higher damages in the end.

The Ukrainian prosecutor general had already turned to the International Criminal Court (ICC) with a request for an investigation into the explosion, he said.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said the government was doing everything it could to rescue flood victims and provide the population with drinking water.

Russian forces shell ammonia pipeline in Ukraine's Kharkiv region

Russian forces repeatedly fired at an ammonia pipeline in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, a local governor said on Tuesday, a conduit potentially crucial for the extension of a deal allowing the safe export of grains and fertilizers from Black Sea ports.

The extension next month of the Black Sea Grain initiative, a pact struck in July 2022 to help stop global food prices rising, could hinge on the reopening of the pipeline.

The ammonia pipeline, the world's longest, stretches about 2,470 kilometers (1,534 miles) from Russia's Togliatti on the Volga River to three Black Sea ports. It has been shut down since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

There was no recorded leakage from the late Tuesday shelling that hit the pipeline near the village of Masiutivka and an overnight shelling near the village of Zapadne, said Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of Ukraine's Kharkiv region.

Source: DW
The second-in-command of the dreaded Islamic State militant group has been killed in a US air strike in northern Iraq, the White House has said. Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali, also known as Hajji Mutazz was killed on August 18 while travelling in a vehicle near Mosul, Iraq, along with an ISIL media operative known as Abu Abdullah, White House spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. The White House said the dead leader was a primary coordinator for moving weapons, explosives, vehicles, and people between Iraq and Syria.
Annecy is the prefecture and largest city of the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region of Southeastern France. It lies on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, 35 kilometres (22 mi) south of Geneva, Switzerland. Nicknamed the "Pearl of the French Alps" in Raoul Blanchard's monograph describing its location between lake and mountains, the city controls the northern entrance to the lake gorge. Due to a lack of available building land between the lake and the protected Semnoz mountain, its population has remained stable, around 50,000 inhabitants, since 1950. However, the 2017 merger with several ex-communes extended the population of the city to 128,199 inhabitants and that of the urban area to 177,622, placing Annecy seventh in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region.
Healthcare workers have walked off the job at three major Sydney hospitals, accusing the premier of lying to them about a pay rise.
A Sydney woman who claimed she could not remember stabbing her lover after discovering he had been cheating has been found guilty of his murder.
Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said the deal is a "good balance" of responsibility toward those seeking asylum and solidarity in the EU. Earlier, Germany voiced concerns about protections for children.
 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd.

All rights reserved.

One News is a registered trademark

of One News Page Ltd.
This audio is created with AI assistance Russia is likely continuing to sabotage Ukrainian grain shipments to force concessions on..

Upworthy 09 Jun 2023
Football.london 10 Jun 2023

West Ham United's Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals has followed up his celebrations of the Europa Conference League win by getting..
The government has blocked the release of documents which would show the decision-making behind a controversial investigation into the redevelopment of Teesside.
Former President Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail in Iowa Thursday and continued the drumbeat of attacks against his top rival, Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor spent two days crisscrossing the state earlier this week. (June 1)


The Florida governors campaign said it had around 40,000 donors in May, an average of more than $200 per donor  a figure far higher than is typical for a campaign heavily funded by grass-roots support.
Mike Pence opened his 2024 presidential bid Wednesday with an unusually forceful denunciation of former President Donald Trump over Jan. 6. Pence is the first vice president in modern history to challenge his former running mate. (June 7)


PARIS  Eight young children and one adult were stabbed in a knife attack at a beauty spot in southern France on Thursday, police said. Police said the children were as young as three years old. Three of those injured were in a serious condition, police said. The French National Police told NBC



#frenchnationalpolice #lakeannecy #alps #interior #geralddarmanin #nancying #patricksmith
Ukrainian rescuers have been venturing into Russian-held areas despite shelling as they search for residents stranded by massive flooding from a destroyed dam.
Upworthy 08 Jun 2023

A webcam is streaming the most recent eruption of Hawaii's Kilaueaone of the world's most active volcanoes. Scientists began..
Greater Newcastle is a regional metropolitan area and the second-most-populated district in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It includes the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie; it is the hub of the Lower Hunter region, which includes most parts of the local government areas of City of Newcastle, City of Lake Macquarie, City of Cessnock, City of Maitland and Port Stephens Council.
A wristwatch is not used as a time tool anymore. It's more of a jewellery, status symbol, or fashion statement now. When it comes to luxury brands, there are world-class models which are tagged at unimaginable prices.

India's own Bangalore Watch Company is fast emerging as a major force to reckon with in the world of luxury wristwatch industry. It has just launched two latest models with a unique design of, literally, cosmic proportions.

Manzinus

The two new watches - called Manzinus and Earthshine - celebrate Indias Chandrayaan missions. Adding some more glitter to the glory, the Manzinus model carries a piece of an outer-space Meteorite stone recovered from Sweden.

Indias space ambitions started in the 1970s, while our Moon missions did not take off until the 2000s," said Nirupesh Joshi, co-founder and creative director of Bangalore Watch Company. "Unlike the US or the former USSR, we did not have powerful rockets to take a straight path to the moon; but ISROs ingenuity led Chandrayaan missions to use Earths gravity to slingshot to the moon. This was a genius move and an inspiring story, he said.

In 2019, we launched the Apogee collection as a tribute to the Indian space program. We made a limited-edition watch called the Extraterrestrial which contained a dial made of an outer-space meteorite that we recovered from Sweden. This watch received worldwide acclaim and our owners community loved it. Indias moon missions are inspiring, so we wanted to create a collection to commemorate it, said Mercy Amalraj, co-founder and head of ownership experience.

The Manzinus and Earthshine models are made of a high-grade stainless-steel inner core with a ceramic outer body. Since this is a unique coating combination developed for Bangalore Watch Company, the material is called Cerasteel. The Cerasteel cases are mated with a domed Sapphire crystal, built for 100 metres of water tightness, and are powered by a Swiss automatic movement.

The Manzinus model is named after the Manzinus crater located at the South pole of the Moon. This crater was the planned landing site of the Chandrayaan-2 mission; the Earthshine model is inspired by the faint-brown glow that appears with the crescent moon.

Earthshine

To make the Manzinus watch special, the company sourced meteorite rocks from Sweden to create watch dials. Called the Muonionalusta meteorite, these rocks have unique patterns due to millions of years spent in space. Each watch is unique in its pattern, and no two watches are alike.

Meteorites are outer space rocks, they mostly burn up when entering Earths atmosphere. But some of them make it through. We found one such rock and worked with our manufacturing partners in Switzerland to make watch dials. Because of the unique patterns on this material, the watches are special and have become collectors items said Nirupesh Joshi.

"It was a breathtaking experience when I held a meteorite piece in my hand for the first time. So I am sure that a person who owns a watch with that cosmic specimen would be equally elated," Nirupesh told Onmanorama.

Manzinus

The Owners Community is spread across 35 countries worldwide. They are people who seek out brands that are special and connect to them emotionally. "Our watches are not just high-quality timepieces built to last a lifetime, they also tell stories that allow our Owners to connect with these watches and make them conversation pieces, said Mercy.

The Earthshine and Manzinus watches are priced at Rs 92,000 and Rs 1,22,000 respectively. They can be pre-ordered on the company's website www.bangalorewatchco.in starting today.

Earthshine

Bangalore Watch Company produces world-class, affordable luxury wristwatches from India. Each collection, produced in limited numbers, tells stories from the Indian Air Force and the Indian space program, among others.

Bengaluru couple Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj left behind their tech-consulting careers overseas to start the Bangalore Watch Company in 2018 and now enjoy an enthusiastic following around the world.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

These days, it seems as if it happened in another world. I'm thinking of that June afternoon in 2015 when The Donald rode a Trump Tower escalator down to waiting reporters (and a cheering crowd of "" yes! "" actors he had hired at $50 a pop) to announce that he was going to run for president. In that speech, he took the crowd and those reporters with him on a quick trip, however metaphoric, southwest, swearing he would build a "great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall." Why? Because, of course, Mexico was sending its worst people northwards. "They're not sending you. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. "

But count on one thing, the man who only recently was convicted of" well, not quite raping but "sexually abusing" E. Jean Carroll" sure didn't think many of them were "good people" like him, nor does he now. Admittedly, he neither successfully built much of that "big, beautiful wall" of his, nor managed to make Mexico pay for any of the wildly expensive parts he did get constructed (47 new miles, the rest replacing fencing already there). And yet, almost eight years later, without an escalator in sight, in some fashion he's still on that border. Only recently, for instance, the former president running for the Republican nomination in 2024 swore that when he returned to the White House, he would quickly issue an executive order ensuring that the children of undocumented immigrants "will not receive automatic U.S. citizenship"; in other words, he would end the "birthright citizenship" guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, something he had promised to do in 2015 and again as president.

And of course, with the race for that nomination heating up, in mid-May, Ron DeSantis tried to out-Trump Trump by dispatching 800 members of the Florida National Guard, 200 agents from the state Department of Law Enforcement, 101 state highway patrol troopers, 20 agents from the State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Emergency Management, 5 fixed-wing aircraft, 17 unmanned drones, and 10 boats to" yes, you guessed it, Texas's border with Mexico "" for, well" at least 30 days as the Trump/covid era Title 42 border expulsion policy finally ended.

What you wouldn't know, however, unless you were reading the work of TomDispatch regular and border expert Todd Miller, was that, while the Republicans made (mostly fake) border policy their pride, joy, and nightmare first class, what he calls the border-industrial complex has been making a fortune off American taxpayers by fortifying that border in ways that fit not Trump's wall-eyed vision of prevention, but one more in keeping with our increasingly AI-ed world. Let me not tell you more though, just suggest you get on the nearest escalator and head down this page to Miller's latest border foray to see for yourself. Tom

The Real Border Surge

The End of Title 42 and the Triumph of the Border-Industrial Complex

By Todd Miller

On May 11th, I was with a group of people at the bottom of the Paso del Norte bridge in Ciudad Jua'rez, Mexico. Suddenly, I realized that I didn't have the small change needed to cross the bridge and return to El Paso, Texas, where I was attending the 16th annual Border Security Expo. Worse yet, this was just three hours before Title 42, the pandemic-era rapid-expulsion border policy instituted by the Trump administration, was set to expire. The media was already in overdrive on the subject, producing apocalyptic scenarios like one in the New York Post reporting that "hordes" of "illegals" were on their way toward the border.

While I searched for those coins, a woman approached me, dug 35 cents out of a small purse "" precisely what it cost! "" and handed the change to me. She then did so for the others in our group. When I pulled a 20-peso bill from my wallet to repay her, she kept her fist clenched and wouldn't accept the money.

Having lived, reported, and traveled in Latin America for more than two decades, such generosity didn't entirely surprise me, though it did contradict so much of the media-generated hype about what was going on at this historic border moment. Since Joe Biden took office in 2021, the pressure on his administration to rescind Trump's Title 42 had only grown. Now, it was finally going to happen "" and hell was on the horizon.

But at that expo in El Paso that brought together top brass from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), its border and immigration enforcement agencies, and private industry, I was learning that preparations for such a shift had been underway for years and "" don't be shocked! "" the corporations attending planned to profit from it in a big-time fashion.

Seeing the phase-out of Title 42 through the lens of a growing border-industrial complex proved grimly illuminating. Border officials and industry representatives continued to insist that just on the other side of the border was a world of "cartels," "adversaries," and "criminals," including, undoubtedly, this woman forcing change on me. By then, I had heard all too many warnings that, were the United States to let its guard down, however briefly, there would be an infernal "border surge."

As I later stood in the halls of that expo, however, I became aware of another type of surge not being discussed either there or in the media. And I'm not just thinking about the extra members of the National Guard and other forces the Biden administration and Texas Governor Greg Abbott only recently sent to that very border. What I have in mind is the surge of ever higher budgets and record numbers of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracts guaranteed to ensure that those borderlands will remain one of the most militarized and surveilled places on planet Earth.

Robo-Dogs at the Expo

Earlier that day, I found myself standing in front of the Ghost Robotics booth. There sat a vendor and, in front of him, a chrome-colored robotic dog on a puke-green carpet. Behind him, a large sign said: "Robots that Feel the World." He was explaining to prospective customers that the robo-dog could run at a pace of up to nine miles an hour. A vendor in the adjacent booth, Persistent Systems, that claimed to connect "soldiers, sensors, unmanned systems, and cameras in a dynamic network," was not impressed. (Those, by the way, were but two of nearly 200 companies in that large exhibition hall.). He said, "I'll take my dog any day," meaning his living and breathing dog.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has recently been flexing his humanitarian credentials by begging for his own company's products to be regulated by the US government.

Speaking to a Senate judiciary committee whilst sporting his best "concerned android" face, Altman said: "We think that regulatory intervention by governments will be critical to mitigate the risks of increasingly powerful models." He even offered to help the government regulate his new product.

Wow! What a great guy, offering to clip his own company's wings for the greater good. It isn't often that big business goes hand in hand with a deep compassion towards humanity, but this Silicon Valley corporate drone has somehow managed to maintain concern for his fellow human beings whilst simultaneously spending all of his time with machines.
By David Swanson, Executive Director of World BEYOND War; Kathy Kelly, President of World BEYOND War; John Reuwer, Board Member of World BEYOND War; Brad Wolf, Director of Peace Action, Lancaster, PA

Forty-eight hours before a global peace conference in Vienna, Austria, was to begin, the venue host abruptly cancelled. Peace, it seems, cannot be discussed, especially peace in Ukraine.

This news is a disturbing step in a growing trend.

Owners of the venue which was to host the Summit for Peace in Ukraine, announced on Wednesday, 7 June, 2023, their decision to cancel the agreement holding the summit on their premises. Fortunately, a new location was secured in Vienna (and anyone on Earth can sign up to take part online), but not before a smear campaign against the summit had been launched.

The venue owners reportedly explained: "We have decided to comply with the wishes of Ukraine and its embassy operating in Austria and have cancelled the rental of all rooms in the GB catamaran for the event 'International Summit for Peace in Ukraine' next weekend."

This was not just one venue taking this position. "On Wednesday, the Press Club Concordia also refused to make its premises in a central location in downtown Vienna available for a press conference of the 'summit'."

Supporters of the summit note the chilling innuendo caused by the abrupt cancellation of the summit. Speakers widely regarded for their moral and intellectual guidance have been undermined in statements intended to justify objections to the summit.

This is not an isolated incident. Western liberal ideals have long asserted that the best answer to mistaken speech was wiser speech and more of it. We now have a rapidly growing liberal consensus in favor, instead, of censoring media outlets, canceling speaking events, and forbidding people with unwanted points of view from even gathering together. Powers are being granted to governments, social media platforms, and other tech corporations that believers in democratic self-governance spent centuries claiming nobody should have.

Those who turn against free speech are often groups afraid they cannot win an honest debate. And so, they take up censorship. The movement for peace in Ukraine can take this as a compliment. Governments fear such a discussion of peace and instead smear this peace summit and the speakers.

An Austrian press report announced on Thursday that the venue (GB Catamaran) had been withdrawn because the event was "under suspicion of propaganda." What sort of propaganda? Well: "According to its own statements, the 'International Summit for Peace in Ukraine' wanted to show ways out of the war." Under international law, propaganda for war is illegal and must be banned. Not a single nation on Earth complies with that requirement, raising up the value of free speech as trumping the rule of law. But speaking in favor of bringing a war to an end has now acquired the status of forbidden propaganda.

Moreover, the report explains, "some announced participants have no current fear of contact with the media of the aggressor." In other words, if talk of negotiating peace is shut out of the media controlled by only one side of a war, speaking to media controlled by the other side "" even to say exactly what one would have said to any other media outlet "" is grounds for not only censorship but a ban on meeting and strategizing.

The report gives some specifics: "The internationally prominent U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs, for example, as well as Anuradha Chenoy, ex-dean of India's Jawarharlal Nehru University and an important representative of global civil society networking, have given interviews to the TV station Russia Today (RT). The channel has been blocked across the Union for Russian war propaganda in the wake of EU sanctions. Sachs also answered questions from Russian TV host and war advocate Vladimir Solovyov in December 2022. Solovyov has often called for attacking Germany and Great Britain as well."

The "Press Club Concordia" also explained that the problem was that Jeffrey Sachs might do an interview on Russian media.

Not only is diplomacy shunned, but speaking to members of the media with whom one disagrees is equated with advocating whatever those journalists have advocated. This can only contribute to distrust, enmity, and war without end.

Not only did the venue say it was doing the wishes of the Ukrainian embassy, but the Ukrainian ambassador to Austria tweeted that peace activists were the fifth column and henchmen of the Russian government.

And who created the idea that the whole world must obey the wishes of the government of Ukraine? The government of the United States "" a country where little time passes these days without news of some event cancelled to fulfill the wishes of the government of Israel.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
From a long list of over 1000 enterprises in the Philippines, Eastvantage was one of just a little over fifty companies chosen to be featured in a new book. The title - appropriately called The Evangelists: Insights from the Leaders of the Nations Most Beloved Brands - features insights from the marketing and communication leaders of some of the nations most iconic brands, including Eastvantages very own Beth Ballesteros. Eastvantage is 
SIOUX FALLS, Iowa (June 7, 2023) - Republican presidential candidate Ryan Binkley is speaking all over Iowa again this week - meeting with state leaders in government and the Republican Party as well as voters and journalists spreading his message of unity and fiscal responsibility. "It's such an honor to share the stage with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Washington can learn a lot from her leadership. She has opened up educational 
Republican leaders in the state Senate and Assembly say measures to provide Milwaukee with much-needed funding could be stripped from an extensive local aid bill if a deal isnt reached with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

In addition, deliberations on Wisconsins two-year budget will be put on hold after this week until the Republican-controlled Legislature and Evers come to an agreement on the bill, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, told reporters Wednesday.

Hours later, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, reiterated Vos stance that, if Evers doesnt agree to a version of the bill approved by both chambers, lawmakers will advance a bill that strips provisions that would allow Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to increase their local sales tax revenue to address pension debt.

Today we made our last, best offer to the Governor, LeMahieu said in a statement. If an agreement is not reached today, the Senate will pursue a shared revenue proposal that does not include an option for Milwaukee to raise additional sales tax revenue.

LeMahieu did not provide details on the new agreement, which comes weeks after he and Vos became divided on the Milwaukee provision in the bill.

The offer we put forth is fair, LeMahieu added. It is a product of months of work and negotiations. The Governor has a chance to save Wisconsins largest city and most populous county from bankruptcy. We hope he takes it.

The hold on budget deliberations, which will begin after the Legislatures finance committee meets Thursday, comes just a few weeks before the states 2023-25 two-year spending plan is slated to take effect. If Evers doesnt sign a budget effective by July 1, the state would continue operating using spending levels set in the previous two-year budget.

Republicans say discussion on Wisconsins two-year spending plan cannot proceed until an agreement is reached on the local aid bill, which boosts state funds to local communities through Wisconsins shared revenue program. The budget committee has yet to take up major spending items including K-12 funding and tax cuts.

We hope to have those negotiations be successful soon so we can continue our work, said Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, who co-chairs the Legislatures budget committee, adding that the committee cant sign off on certain requests without knowing how much money lawmakers approve in the local funding proposal.

At its core, the measure would boost local aid by diverting 20% of the states 5% sales tax to local communities through Wisconsins shared revenue program. If signed into law, future state aid to communities and counties would be directly tied to the state sales tax. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have largely supported those provisions of the bill.

But division has surfaced between GOP leaders over a component in the bill allowing Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to increase their local sales tax revenue. Assembly Republicans passed a version of the bill allowing Milwaukee County to increase its 0.5% sales tax by 0.375 percentage points and Milwaukee to impose a 2% sales tax to fund pension debt, but only if voters approve those increases.

Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, told reporters Wednesday putting the measure before voters would be a death sentence for Milwaukee because it would fail.

Before passing the amended version of the bill in May, Vos declared his chamber was done negotiating on the matter. However, LeMahieu said the following day he wants to strip the public vote measure from the bill and allow the Milwaukee Common Council and Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors to approve the local tax increases  a provision opposed by Vos but supported by Evers and local officials.

LeMahieu said on WISNs UpFront Sunday he didnt have 17 Republican votes in the Senate to make the change.

I am hopeful we will be able to find the answer on shared revenue, trying to stick with the parameters close to where the Assembly passed this bill, not having wholesale radical changes to it, Vos said.

Without an agreement on state funding for local communities in the next few days, Vos said, We will just focus on the balance of the bill, which is repealing the personal property tax and making sure that every community around the state is not held hostage by Milwaukees problem.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson told lawmakers last month mounting pension obligations have put Milwaukee on a path to catastrophic budget cuts that would have to be made by 2025 if funding is not increased.

LeMahieu didnt take questions from reporters after the Senates floor session Wednesday.

Asked to respond to Republicans comments Wednesday, Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback said the governors position on the negotiations hasnt changed since he said Wednesday morning that he hopes to figure out the proposal by the end of this week or very soon.

Wisconsins shared revenue program was created in 1911 and initially provided local municipalities 70% of state income tax collections, while counties and the state received the remaining 20% and 10%, respectively.

Shared revenue remains among the states biggest programs. But the past few decades it has dropped from 12.5% of the general fund budget in 1994-95 to less than 5% now, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday reiterated their commitment to help Ukraine repel Russia's ongoing invasion, while agreeing to step up cooperation on challenges their economies face with artificial intelligence, clean energy, and critical minerals.

The leaders said the first of its kind agreementwhat they are calling the Atlantic Declarationwill serve as a framework for the two countries on the development of emerging technologies, protecting technology that is critical to national security and other economic security issues.

We will put our values front and center," Biden said as the two leaders started talks in the Oval Office. He later added at a joint news conference that the agreement will help both nations adapt and upgrade our partnership to ensure our countries remain on the cutting edge of a rapidly changing world.

As part of the declaration announced Thursday, the two sides will kick off negotiations on the use of minerals from the U.K. that are critical in the production of electric vehicles that are eligible for U.S. tax credits. The administration has also opened talks with the European Union and forged a deal with Japan that allow certain critical raw materials for EVs to be treated as if they were sourced in the United States.

Allies have raised concerns about incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act favoring the North American auto industry. The legislation  one of Biden's key policy victories  invests some $375 billion to transition the United States to cleaner cars and energy sources.

Biden and Sunak have already had four face-to-face meetings since Sunak became prime minister in October, but the talks in Washington offered the two leaders a chance for their most sustained interaction to date.

Sunak reflected on the significant conversations their respective predecessors have had over the years in the Oval Office and acknowledged that both he and Biden were facing their own daunting moment. The visit to Washington is Sunaks first since becoming Britains prime minister in October.

Our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools, Sunak said.

The 15-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine was high on the agenda. The U.S. and U.K. are the two biggest donors to the Ukraine war effort and play a central role in a long-term effort announced last month to train, and eventually equip, Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Biden reiterated confidence that Congress would continue to provide Ukraine funding as needed despite some hesitation among Republican leaders at the growing cost of the war for American taxpayers.

The U.S. and the U.K. have stood together to support Ukraine, Biden said at the start of their meeting.

Sunak also made the case to Biden for U.K. Defense Minister Ben Wallace to succeed outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who is set to end his term leading the 31-member alliance in September. Stoltenberg is slated to meet with Biden in Washington on Monday, and leaders from the alliance are set to gather in Lithuania on July 11-12 for their annual summit.

Asked if it was time for a U.K. leader for NATO, Biden said it may be" but that remains to be seen.

Were going to have to get a consensus within NATO, he said.

Biden also reflected that the two countries have worked through some of the toughest moments in modern history side-by-side, recalling the meetings that Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt held in the White House.

You know Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over 70 years ago and they asserted that the strength of the partnership between Great Britain and the United States was strength of the free world," Biden told Sunak. I still think theres truth to that assertion.

Sunak is keen to make the U.K. a key player in artificial intelligence, and announced that his government will gather politicians, scientists and tech executives for a summit on AI safety in the fall.

He said it was vital to ensure that paradigm-shifting new technologies are harnessed for the good of humanity.

No one country can do this alone," Sunak said Wednesday. This is going to take a global effort.

Biden said the challenges that comes with the advancement of AI technology are staggering.

It is a limitless capacity and possibility but we have to do it with great care, said Biden, who added that he welcomed the U.K.'s leadership on the issue.

Sunak's visit comes as U.S. and British intelligence officials are still trying to sort out blame for the breaching of a major dam in southern Ukraine, which sent floodwaters gushing through towns and over farmland. Neither Washington nor London has officially accused Russia of blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam.

Sunak said Wednesday that U.K. intelligence services are still assessing the evidence, but if it does prove to be intentional, it will represent a new low ... an appalling barbarism on Russias part.

Russia throughout this war has used as a deliberate active strategy to target civilian infrastructure, he told broadcaster ITV in Washington.

The two sides looked to demonstrate that the U.S.-U.K. relationship remains as strong as ever despite recent political and economic upheaval in the U.K. Sunak is one of three British prime ministers Biden has dealt with since taking office in 2021, and the administrations have had differences over Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland.

Nonetheless, there's a sense in the Biden administration that the U.S.-U.K. relationship is back on more stable footing after the sometimes choppy tenure of Boris Johnson and the 45-day premiership of Liz Truss.

I think theres a sense of relief to some degree, not just in the White House, but throughout Washington, that the Sunak government has been very pragmatic and maintained the U.K.s robust commitment to Ukraine and to increasing defense spending, said Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He added that with Sunak, theres also been somewhat of a return to pragmatism on economic issues and relations with the European Union post-Brexit.

Sunak at the press conference sought to hammer home that the U.K. remains as reliable an ally as ever."

"I know some people have wondered what kind of partner Britain would be after we left the EU," Sunak said. "Id say judge us by our actions."

Biden invited Sunak to stay at Blair House, the official presidential guest residence on Lafayette Square. Before the U.S. government purchased Blair House in 1942, foreign leaders visiting the president often stayed at the White House.

In a lighter moment, the president began telling the story of how in the pre-Blair House days Churchill wandered toward the president's family quarters in the wee hours to rouse the sleeping Roosevelt for conversation. First lady Eleanor Roosevelt was said to have cut off Churchill before he could make it to the president.

"Don't worry," Sunak interjected. You wont see me bothering you and the first lady.



Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
Gladwin Pride flew its rainbow flags for the first time in 2020.

On Saturday, June 10, the organization is celebrating its third year together, united in support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The event is organized in part by Christ the King Lutheran Church. It will kick off at 11 a.m. with a march and two speakers before going into a picnic with live music, a new addition this year, said Pastor Emily Olsen.

Music will be presented by Taylor Tatum from Flint and her DJ.

"Last year, we kind of just had speakers and a playlist," Olsen said. "This year, having live music and a DJ will add a lot to this year's Pride (celebration)."

The Pride celebration took a hiatus in 2021 and returned in 2022.

Community groups, including Community Mental Health, will have tables set up to offer support and provide resources, Olsen said. The Gladwin Artists' Guild will provide face painting services.

Last year, around 150 people attended the event, many of which were teenagers, Olsen said. This year, she expects similar attendance or greater.

There has been a "very positive" community response to the events, she said.

"Pride is really good for the health and safety of a lot of people," Olsen said.

On Friday, June 9, Christ the King Lutheran will host a Pride-themed sign painting party at 5 p.m., Olsen said. There will be supplies and snacks available.
BIG RAPIDS  Manna Pantry in Big Rapids is celebrating giving back by recognizing one local resident who has helped the pantry in a big way.

Kimberlee Brooks, along with her family, recently donated 300 pounds of food and other non-food items.

Brooks knows what it is like to try to feed a large family with little money, and how local food pantries can provide a needed intervention, pantry director Bonnie Clark said.

I had $15 to feed my family of seven for a week, Brooks said. I went to a pantry and received help. I appreciate what these pantries do.

Brooks reached out to Manna Pantry wanting to help out and donate.

Kimberlee wanted to involve her whole family and asked for a list of what we needed so she could have her children shop. And did they shop. Clark said. They brought 285 pounds of food and 17 pounds of non-food items (to the pantry). The family took our list of items that we give to clients and purchased right from that list  items we give out every day. This is so welcomed, as Feeding America West Michigan is receiving less items that we can purchase at reduced costs.

Brooks and her children, Hope, Faith, Aaron and Jesse, came to Manna Pantry, 315 S. State St., with their vehicle loaded with donations and took the time to carry everything into the facility, she said.

When Brooks asked about opportunities to volunteer with the pantry, Clark told her about the program with the Mecosta Osceola ISD Transition Center where students come in for about 30-45 minutes stocking shelves and preparing the pantry for the day.

Kimberlee looked at her kids, and they all agreed to do this, Clark said. I am so overwhelmed by this familys generosity. Not only did they provide food for our clients, but they will also be giving their time to provide much needed behind the scenes service.

Manna Pantry is currently in need of a Tuesday and Wednesday stocker, as well as donations. Anyone interested in volunteering may call 231-408-2940.
A proposal headed to Gov. Tony Evers' desk after Assembly passage Wednesday would increase the maximum prison time for people who produce or sell drugs that cause another person's death.

The legislation, SB 101, comes after the state Department of Health Services last year reported a record 1,427 opioid overdose deaths in 2021, 16.3% more than the previous record in 2020 and more than twice the toll from six and seven years earlier. Health officials blame fentanyl for much of the increase.

The Senate already approved the legislation, 28-3. The Assembly passed it Wednesday on a voice vote. Given its vast bipartisan support, Evers is likely to sign the measure into law.

Under the proposal, the maximum penalty for causing another person's death by manufacturing, distributing or delivering many controlled substances, analogs of those substances, ketamine or flunitrazepam would increase from a 25-year prison sentence to a 40-year sentence. The maximum extended supervision period would also shift from 15 to 20 years under the new bill.

Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback didn't respond to a request for comment.

Several police organizations supported the measure. The only organization that registered to oppose it was the ACLU of Wisconsin.

"While reducing rates of overdose deaths is certainly an urgent priority, SB 101 won't alleviate the crisis," ACLU of Wisconsin policy analyst Jon McCray Jones said. "An extensive body of research - as well as our own lived experiences - tells us that punitive drug laws don't reduce drug use, substance abuse disorder, or overdoses."

The state is expanding efforts to curb opioid overdoses with what is expected to be more than $500 million in opioid lawsuit settlement funds over nearly two decades.

A plan approved by the state Legislature in September, which adjusted a plan by DHS, detailed spending for $31 million in settlement funds the state received last year. Another $8 million is expected to come in 2023, according to the DHS.

Some $10 million is being spent on upgrading or building new addiction treatment facilities, with $6 million going to tribal nations for prevention and treatment and $3 million going to law enforcement grants. Another $3 million is expanding availability of naloxone, or Narcan, the overdose-reversal drug, and $2 million is boosting distribution of fentanyl test strips.

Some 91% of opioid overdose deaths in 2021 involved fentanyl or other synthetic opioids, with fentanyl overdoses nearly doubling from 2019 to 2021, the state Department of Health Services said in a public health advisory in August.

Fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids are increasingly showing up in other drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills and even marijuana, state officials say.

In most cases, users are unaware that the substance they're using has been laced with fentanyl, Paul Krupski, director of opioid initiatives for DHS, said in a statement last year.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysia and Indonesia signed agreements Thursday that ended longstanding maritime border disputes and vowed to bolster cooperation to fight highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil.

Visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of two landmark treaties on the delimitation of the nations' territorial seas in parts of the Straits of Malacca and the Sulawesi Sea. Other signed pacts included plans to improve border crossings, strengthen border trade and promote investment.

After 18 years of negotiations ... praise be to God, it has finally been resolved, Widodo told a joint news conference, in reference to the sea treaties.

Widodo arrived in Malaysia on Wednesday accompanied by his wife and Cabinet ministers after a short visit to Singapore. His two-day visit reciprocates Anwar's trip to Indonesia in January, shortly after Anwar took office.

In a joint statement after their meeting, the leaders said the signing of the treaties will provide a strong foundation for future maritime boundary negotiations. They pledged to resolve other land boundary issues by June 2024.

The two leaders also reiterated their stand to cooperate closely to battle the European Union's highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil. They urged the EU to work toward a fair and equitable resolution.

We will speak in one voice to defend the palm oil industry, Anwar told the news conference.

The EU introduced a new law this year banning the import of commodities linked to deforestation, a move that is expected to hit Malaysia and Indonesia. The two countries, which jointly account for 85% of global palm oil output, reportedly sent a joint mission to Brussels last week to try and resolve the matter with the EU.

Jokowi said the two countries also agreed to set up a mechanism to better protect Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, without giving details. Indonesians make up the bulk of over two million foreign workers in Malaysia, mostly in plantations, industries and as maids.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

ANKENY, Iowa (AP)  Former Vice President Mike Pence opened his bid for the Republican nomination for president Wednesday with a firm denunciation of former President Donald Trump, accusing his two-time running mate of abandoning conservative principles and being guilty of dereliction of duty on Jan. 6, 2021.

On that perilous day, Pence said, as Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol after the president falsely insisted his vice president could overturn the election results, Trump "demanded I choose between him and our Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice.

Pence is the first vice president in modern history to challenge the president under whom he served. While he spent much of his speech, delivered at a community college in a suburb of Des Moines, criticizing Democratic President Joe Biden and the direction he has taken the country, he also addressed Jan. 6 head-on, saying Trump had disqualified himself when he declared falsely that Pence had the power to keep him in office.

Trumps statements about mass voting fraud led a mob of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, sending Pence and his family scrambling for safety as some in the crowd chanted, Hang Mike Pence!

I believe anyone that puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United Sates again," the former vice president said.

Pence has spent much of the past two-and-a-half-years grappling with fallout from that day as he has tried to chart a political future in a party that remains deeply loyal to Trump and is filled with many who still believe Trumps lies that the 2020 election was stolen and that Pence somehow could reject the results.

While Pence has criticized Trump as he has worked to forge an identity of his own outside the former president's shadow, he has generally done so obliquely, reflecting Trump's continued popularity in the party. But Wednesday, as Pence made his pitch to voters for the first time as a declared candidate, he did not hold his tongue.

He accused the former president of abandoning the conservative values he ran on, including on abortion.

Pence, who supports a national ban on the procedure, said: After leading the most pro-life administration in American history, Donald Trump and others in this race are retreating from the cause of the unborn. The sanctity of life has been our partys calling for half a century  long before Donald Trump was a part of it. Now he treats it as an inconvenience, even blaming our election losses in 2022 on overturning Roe v. Wade."

Trump has declined to say what limits he supports nationally and has blamed some midterm candidates strong rhetoric for their losses last November.

Pence also bemoaned the current politics of grudges and grievances," saying the country needs leaders who know the difference between the politics of outrage and standing firm."

We will restore a threshold of civility in public life, he pledged.

Nonetheless, in an interview with Fox News after his speech, Pence said he will absolutely support the Republican nominee," even if it's Trump. And during a CNN town hall Wednesday night, Pence said he does not believe Trump should be indicted in the Mar-a-Lago documents case  even if federal prosecutors have evidence he committed a crime.

I would just hope that there would be a way for them to move forward without the dramatic and drastic and divisive step of indicting (the) former president of the United States," he said. He also refused to say whether, if elected, he would pardon Trump, if Trump were convicted.

Trump offered no response to Pence's opening speech, but his supporters shot back.

"The question most GOP voters are asking themselves about Pences candidacy is Why? said Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for a Trump-backing super PAC.

With Pence's entry into the race, on his 64th birthday, the GOP field is largely set. It includes Trump, who's leading in early polls, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who remains in second, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Pence's campaign will test the party's appetite for a socially conservative and deeply religious candidate who has criticized the populist tide that has swept through his party under Trump. Pence, in many ways, represents a throwback to a party from days past. Unlike Trump and DeSantis, he argues cuts to Social Security and Medicare must be on the table and has blasted those who have questioned why the U.S. should continue to send aid to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.

Pence and his advisers see Iowa  the state that will cast the first votes of the GOP nominating calendar  as key to his pathway to the nomination. Its caucusgoers include a large portion of evangelical Christian voters, whom they see as a natural constituency for Pence, a social conservative who often talks about his faith.

But Pence faces steep challenges. Despite being one of the best-known Republican candidates in the crowded field, he is viewed skeptically by voters on both the left and the right. Trump critics consider him complicit in the former president's most indefensible actions, while many Trump loyalists have maligned him as a traitor, partly to blame for denying the president a second term.

A CNN poll conducted last month found 45% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they would not support Pence under any circumstance. And in Iowa, a March Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found Pence with higher unfavorable ratings than all the other candidates it asked about, including Trump and DeSantis.

But Pence, who has visited Iowa more than a dozen times since leaving office, has been warmly welcomed by voters during his trips.

His Wednesday audience included a number of Iowa Republican officials, including former Iowa Rep. Greg Ganske, whose time in Congress overlapped briefly with Pences.

Im here because were friends, said Ganske, who represented the Des Moines area in the House. Still, he said he hadn't figured out who he was going to support in the caucuses. We have a lot of good candidates, he said.

John Steuterman, a 44-year-old insurance executive, said he was drawn to Pences experience in the White House and was tired of the negativity another Trump term would bring.

Mike Pence is a decent man, he said. But asked whether he was locked in for Pence in the leadoff caucuses, Steuterman said, Im not married to the idea, but Im going to watch and listen and Im going to follow this guy."

It was the same for Dave Bubeck, who lives in Grimes and praised Pence as a super professional guy," statesmanlike, and a man of high character"  with the capacity to serve as president. But I think theres other good candidates, too, he said, adding he would wait and see how it all shakes out.

Asked why he wasn't sold on Pence, Bubeck said: Maybe hes a little too nice. ... I dont know if hes tough enough for what we need right now. That would be my hesitancy.

Pence's decision to focus on Jan. 6 reflects his advisers' strategy that the Capitol attack has to be confronted directly.

His argument resonated with Ruth Ehler, a retired teacher from West Des Moines who attended the speech.

The Constitution is the document of our country and I stood by him on Jan. 6 when he followed the Constitution. If thats where he feels he differs from our past president, its a great point for him to make, Ehler said.

And yet, Ehler could not say whether she was leaning toward supporting Pence in the caucuses.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court on Thursday gave whiskey maker Jack Daniel's reason to raise a glass, handing the company a new chance to win a trademark dispute with the makers of the Bad Spaniels dog toy.

In announcing the decision for a unanimous court, Justice Elena Kagan was in an unusually playful mood. At one point while reading a summary of the opinion in the courtroom Kagan held up the toy, which squeaks and mimics the whiskeys signature bottle.

Kagan said a lower court's reasoning was flawed when it ruled for the makers of the rubber chew toy. The court did not decide whether the toy's maker had violated trademark law but instead sent the case back for further review.

This case is about dog toys and whiskey, two items seldom appearing in the same sentence, Kagan wrote in an opinion for the court. At another point, Kagan asked readers to Recall what the bottle looks like (or better yet, retrieve a bottle from wherever you keep liquor; it's probably there)" before inserting a color picture of it.

Arizona-based VIP Products has been selling its Bad Spaniels toy since 2014. Its part of the company's Silly Squeakers line of chew toys that mimic liquor, beer, wine and soda bottles. They include Mountain Drool, which parodies Mountain Dew, and Heini Sniffn, which parodies Heineken beer.

While Jack Daniels bottles have the words Old No. 7 brand and Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey, the toy proclaims: The Old No. 2 on Your Tennessee Carpet. The original bottle notes it is 40% alcohol by volume. The parody features a dogs face and says its 43% Poo by Vol. and 100% Smelly.

The packaging of the toy, which retails for around $20, notes in small font: This product is not affiliated with Jack Daniel Distillery.

Jack Daniels, based in Lynchburg, Tennessee, wasn't amused. Its lawyers argued that the toy misleads customers, profits from Jack Daniels hard-earned goodwill and associates its whiskey with excrement.

At the center of the case is the Lanham Act, the country's core federal trademark law. It prohibits using a trademark in a way likely to cause confusion ... as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of ... goods.

A lower court never got to the issue of consumer confusion, however, because it said the toy was an expressive work communicating a humorous message and therefore needed to be evaluated under a different test. Kagan said that was a mistake and that the only question in this case going forward is whether the Bad Spaniels marks are likely to cause confusion.

Kagan also said a lower court erred in its analysis of Jack Daniel's claim against the toy company for linking its whiskey to less savory substances.

The opinion was one of four the court issued Thursday, including a 5-4 ruling in favor of Black voters in Alabama in a congressional redistricting case. The case had been closely watched for its potential to weaken the landmark Voting Rights Act.

The case is Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc. v. VIP Products LLC, 22-148.
Paducah, KY (42003)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 56F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 56F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The war in Ethiopias Tigray region caused over 100,000 battle-related deaths in 2022, above the Russian invasion of Ukraine which accounted for more than 81,000 deaths, according to new conflict trends data released on Wednesday
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Presidential Council has welcomed the results of the meetings in Morocco of the 6 + 6 Joint Commission of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, responsible for drafting the electoral laws
A recently implemented state policy requiring students to get the meningitis vaccine and medical providers to document a history of chickenpox in order for children to skip a vaccine against that disease has been blocked by the Republican-led Legislature Wednesday.

The Wisconsin Senate voted along party lines and Assembly approved on a voice vote Wednesday to send a pair of bills back to committee that block the state Department of Health Services rule, which has been supported by medical groups like the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, the Wisconsin Medical Society and the Wisconsin Association of School Nurses.

By moving the bills back to committee, Republicans are able to temporarily block the rule without sending formal legislation to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who would almost certainly veto it.

Under the policy, which was announced in February, the meningitis vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease types A, C, W and Y, was required at seventh grade, with a booster dose required at 12th grade. The vaccine wasnt required before.

Parents who want their children to avoid the chickenpox vaccine would have to provide documentation of prior chickenpox infection from a medical professional. Previously, parents could get exceptions by saying their children had chickenpox.

The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules voted 6-4, along party lines, to suspend the rules, making the provisions unenforceable through April 2024, according to the office of committee co-chair Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater.

Wisconsin's most recent vaccination rates in child care centers and schools show a decline, as parents and providers put vaccinations on hold during the pandemic. That's the case in other states, too.

In the 2021-22 school year, 88.7% of students met the minimum immunization requirements, a 3.2% decrease from the previous year. Some 3.3% of students were behind schedule on their vaccinations, a 0.4% increase from the previous year. Data from this school year won't be available for a month or two, officials said.
Valmet to Supply Ahlstrom's Aspa Mill with IQ Web Inspection System

June 7, 2023 - Valmet will supply a Valmet IQ Web Inspection System for pulp dirt count to Ahlstrom's Aspa mill in Sweden. The dirt measurement will cover the full width of production.

According to Valmet, the target is to improve the line efficiency of pulp drying and to achieve high quality of the pulp.

"We're delighted to provide Ahlstrom with our web inspection solution to help the Aspa mill classify different dirt particles with real-time detection and advanced image analysis, meeting the industry's increasing demand," says Jan Theorell, Sales Manager, Automation Systems, Valmet.

Thomas Eriksson, Manager, Technical Customer Service, Ahlstrom Aspa Bruk, added, "With the system, we will be able to detect and classify dirt particles more effectively, which ensures high quality of the pulp. This supports streamlining and optimizing our processes."

The Valmet IQ Web Inspection System for dirt count uses unique high-power lighting and intelligent camera technology to detect dirt and shive defects that used to go unnoticed. ISO 5350-2 standard-based classification and automated online analysis help to identify and resolve critical defects and ensure continuous online quality control.

Valmet's delivery is scheduled for October 2023.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries.

SOURCE: Valmet
ANDRITZ Acquires Dan-Web Machinery, Provider of Airlaid Nonwovens Equipment

Dan-Web engineers, designs and builds customized machines and turnkey plants to produce airlaid nonwovens for baby diapers, fem care, incontinence products, wipes, and other applications. Dan-Web engineers, designs and builds customized machines and turnkey plants to produce airlaid nonwovens for baby diapers, fem care, incontinence products, wipes, and other applications.

June 8, 2023 - ANDRITZ has signed an agreement with Dan-Web Machinery A/S based in Galten, Denmark, to take over 100% of its shares. Dan-Web is a leading supplier of a wide range of technologies for the production of airlaid nonwovens.

Dan-Web engineers, designs and builds customized machines and turnkey plants to produce airlaid nonwovens for baby diapers, fem care, incontinence products, wipes, and other applications. With 50 employees at the facility in Galten, the company has been a successful provider of equipment and services to the airlaid industry for almost 50 years.

With this acquisition, ANDRITZ Nonwoven is adding competence in airlaid technology to its comprehensive product portfolio.

Andreas Lukas, Head of ANDRITZ Nonwoven adds: "After more than two decades of successful collaboration, we now have decided to move closer together, which allows both of us to further develop certain processes much faster," said Andreas Lukas, Head of ANDRITZ Nonwoven. "I would like to personally thank Kurt Soerensen for his trust in ANDRITZ and look very much forward to having the Dan-Web team on board."

Dan-Web's product range also enables ANDRITZ to participate in the drylaid cellulose process for the production of environmentally friendly packaging and single-use products. Dan-Web is a leading supplier of hammer mills and forming head technologies for these pulp-based applications, which fits well with ANDRITZ's expertise in pulp technologies.

Kurt Soerensen, President of Dan-Web, said, "I am delighted about joining forces with ANDRITZ. As part of the ANDRITZ GROUP, our product portfolio will be integrated into first-class process applications. Our common approach is to put a focus on further developing the range of environmentally friendly production technologies for the nonwovens industry."

ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets.

SOURCE: ANDRITZ
Photo: (Photo : Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)

The Human Rights Campaign has officially declared a state of emergency to safeguard LGBTQ rights.

In response to an alarming surge in anti-LGBTQ legislation across the United States, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has declared a state of emergency, marking the first time in its four-decade history that the nation's largest civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals has taken such action.

The HRC warns that the multiplying threats faced by millions in the LGBTQ+ community are not just perceived but are real, tangible, and dangerous.

This declaration aims to draw attention to the urgent need for support, protection, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ Americans amidst an onslaught of discriminatory measures.

Unprecedented Wave of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

As reported by CBS, the historic announcement of the state of emergency by the Human Rights Campaign comes in the wake of an unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation in 2023.

The LGBTQ+ community has been subjected to escalating violence, and their rights have become a contentious issue in the lead-up to the 2024 election. This hostile legislative environment has led to a climate of fear and insecurity for LGBTQ+ individuals across the nation.

According to data from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced this year alone, surpassing the total number introduced in the previous year.

State legislatures in the United States have witnessed the introduction of at least 417 bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights, doubling the number of such bills introduced in 2022. These bills encompass a range of discriminatory measures, including pronoun refusal laws, forced outing laws for students, bans on drag performances, and restrictive measures known as "don't say LGBTQ+ laws."

HRC Declares Nationwide State of Emergency

According to CNN, the Human Rights Campaign's declaration of a state of emergency seeks to shed light on the dire circumstances faced by LGBTQ+ Americans.

The LGBTQ+ community has been disproportionately affected by targeted violence, leading to families uprooting their lives in search of safer states. Moreover, this surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has triggered a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia, putting the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals at risk.

To accompany the emergency declaration, the Human Rights Campaign plans to release a comprehensive digital guidebook. This resource will provide crucial health and safety information, state-by-state summaries of LGBTQ+ laws, "know your rights" guidance, and resources to support LGBTQ+ travelers and those residing in states with hostile environments.

Read Also: Mindful Nutrition: 6 American Foods Japanese Nutritionists Discourage Serving To Children

Impacts and Resistance

The impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is already being felt in various communities. In Florida, where 49 people tragically lost their lives at the Pulse gay nightclub, Club Q in Colorado recently became the site of another massacre, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive protection and support.

The Human Rights Campaign's state of emergency declaration aligns with the beginning of Pride Month, during which LGBTQ+ communities typically celebrate their identities and advocate for their rights.

However, this year, pride events have faced cancellations in some Florida towns due to the implementation of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Furthermore, the HRC's call to action echoes concerns raised by other civil rights organizations.

As per Axios, the NAACP issued a formal travel advisory for Florida, denouncing the state's increasing hostility towards African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The declaration of a state of emergency by the Human Rights Campaign underscores the urgency of the situation faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. With a record-breaking number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced and enacted, the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ Americans hang in the balance.

As Pride Month commences, it serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and acceptance continues.

The Human Rights Campaign and its allies remain committed to defending the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and ensuring that they are neither erased nor marginalized.

Related Article: Montana Governor Signs Bill Defining 'Sex' as Male or Female, LGBTQ+ Advocates Protest
Photo: (Photo : Vantha Thang from Pexels)

Social work is a growing field, offering a plethora of career opportunities to its graduates. Though you can pursue your social work career with a bachelor's degree, it may only restrict to entry-level positions in most cases.

For more advanced skills and qualifications and to become a suitable candidate for higher-level positions, getting a master's in social work (MSW) is necessary.

A master's in social work degree prepares you with the skills and knowledge to work in multiple social work settings. You can engage in direct practice with individuals and families or participate in community advocacy and policy development.

Another benefit of an MSW is that you can choose between online or offline modes based on your preference. States like Massachusetts offer multiple online and on-campus MSW degrees. Currently, 10 CSWE-accredited MSW programs are being offered in Massachusetts, with the option to pursue them full-time or part-time, according to Social Work License Map.

If you want an MSW degree to advance your career or shift from your existing position, here are some reasons to get an MSW degree.

1. Impart knowledge of diverse areas

An MSW degree's curriculum imparts you with knowledge of diverse areas preparing you to handle complex real-life social problems. Most highly-prestigious programs focus on social justice, human behavior, cultural awareness and diversity, and research. They aim to prepare you for the challenging yet rewarding tasks of social work.

2. Offered by highly prestigious universities

One of the reasons to get an MSW degree is that many highly prestigious graduate schools and colleges offer this program. Additionally, their programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). States like Massachusetts are prominent for offering some of the country's best social work programs. Moreover, students who cannot attend on-campus classes can opt for online MSW programs in Massachusetts.

Apart from the flexibility inherently associated with an online degree, some colleges' social work programs also offer advanced and traditional tracks to choose the pace of your degree program. You can complete an advanced program in as few as 16 months.

3. Advancing your career opportunities

With an MSW, you can expect to have access to more career and professional development opportunities. These opportunities might be hard to find with a bachelor's degree.

Many leadership and management-related jobs in social work require candidates to have a master's degree to be eligible for the position. Hence, if you aspire to acquire managerial and higher responsibility roles, you should get a master's in social work.

4. Developing specialized expertise

A master's degree in social work helps you get in-depth knowledge of a specific area of the field, making you an expert in that domain. Once you have specialized skills and qualifications in a social work domain, you are more likely to be preferred for job positions over those with generic knowledge. Therefore, developing focused expertise in a social work area is a compelling reason to pursue an MSW.

You can specialize in various domains and concentrations within an MSW program. Some of the specialization options available to you are:

Clinical social work

Mental health

Child and family welfare

Healthcare social work

Substance abuse

Gerontology

By specializing in a certain social work area, you can gain the expertise to address multifaceted social issues and meet the diverse needs of the populations you serve. For instance, a specialization in clinical social work makes you an expert in advanced counseling techniques, diagnosis and treatment planning, and ethical issues in clinical practice.

5. Pursuing research opportunities

You can also pursue research positions with an MSE degree. Researching a social work field allows you to add to the existing body of knowledge. Plus, it makes you capable of helping current and future social work students and professionals.

Research also helps you better understand the populations you serve and their challenges. Ultimately, you can develop more effective interventions to support them.

Research experience can also help you land lucrative career opportunities. Employers often look for social workers with research experience, particularly in roles such as policy analysts, program evaluators, or grant writers.

You can engage in research projects individually or as part of a team. You may also work with faculty members and other researchers to discover new ideas and approaches to addressing social issues.

6. Enhancing your critical thinking and analytical skills

MSW programs strongly emphasize the use of evidence-based practice and critical analysis. All well-designed social work syllabi aim to prepare students to work in complex social and human service systems.

The knowledge and skills learned during the MSW program make you proficient in using data and research. It imparts you with critical thinking and analytical skills to inform your social work practice.

You can learn to critically analyze composite social issues and cultivate effective interventions that address the root causes of these issues. Your practical skills in program evaluation, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice can make you an asset for today's healthcare and human service systems.

7. Increasing cultural competency

A master's in social work polishes your understanding of your various cultures. MSW strongly underscores the knowledge of diversity and recognizing individual differences among people.

With an MSW, you can better understand how cultural, socioeconomic, and political factors shape individuals' and communities' experiences and requirements. You learn to collaborate with people from different cultures and preferences in a respectful, inclusive, and effective manner.

An MSW also provides you with opportunities to apply your knowledge of cultural competency. You can engage in experimental learning through field placements, internships, and community-based projects and use your cultural competency skills in real-world settings.

8. Contributing to social justice and advocacy efforts

MSW programs prepare students to advance the rights, prospects, and welfare of ostracized and oppressed populations.

An MSW program gives you knowledge and skills to understand and have discourse on social injustices, such as poverty, racism, homophobia, sexism, and ableism.

You may learn to collaborate with discriminated and marginalized individuals and communities and develop and implement advocacy strategies and policy changes.

Additionally, as a student, you can work with communities organizing political activism and advocate policy improvements independently and as part of a team.

If you are interested in social justice and advocacy efforts even after your degree program, you can work as a policy analyst, community organizer, and lobbyist.

Conclusion

The benefits of pursuing an MSW are significant, from equipping you with crucial knowledge to bring change positive change to improving your career opportunities. So, evaluate if this program is worth your time, effort, and money, and then make a decision that'll help you and others around you.
Photo: (Photo : Ben Seymour on Unsplash)

Oxford College, a prominent institution within Oxford University, has stirred up controversy with its recently announced policy that allows for the expulsion of students who misgender their peers. Regent's Park College, one of the 44 colleges within the university, unveiled a "Trans Inclusion Statement," outlining their intolerance towards transphobia and their commitment to protecting transgender individuals from bullying and harassment.

According to FOX News, the policy explicitly addresses the act of misgendering, which refers to the use of pronouns that do not correspond with a transgender person's gender identity. According to the statement, persistently misgendering someone, even if claimed to be accidental, may be considered harassment. The college emphasizes that individuals perceived to be transgender, including those who are intersex, are protected from any form of bullying or harassment, regardless of the accuracy of the perception.

Oxford College Sets Strict Guidelines for Student Behavior

According to The Telegraph, the college's stance on transphobic harassment or bullying aligns with U.K. law, including the Equality Act of 2010, which prohibits discrimination based on various characteristics, such as gender reassignment and sexual orientation. Any transphobic behavior that violates the college's harassment policy could result in disciplinary action, potentially leading to expulsion or dismissal.

Notably, the policy also extends its protection to individuals who do not identify as transgender but fall outside the traditional gender binary. Making jokes about trans people is expressly forbidden, as the college seeks to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.

Critics of the policy argue that it infringes on free speech rights and stifles open discussion on matters of gender and identity. The case of a Christian math teacher, Joshua Sutcliffe, who was banned from the teaching profession for misgendering a student, has been cited as an example of the alleged suppression of dissenting views. Sutcliffe claims that the U.K. education system allows only one perspective on gender and sexuality, effectively silencing those with differing beliefs.

The controversy surrounding Oxford College's policy echoes broader concerns about the erosion of free speech on university campuses. Even the chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Patten, has voiced apprehension about the proliferation of "safe spaces," criticizing the idea as contradictory to the principles of intellectual exploration and free expression.

Critics argue that while it is essential to create an inclusive environment for all students, policies like these risk limiting open dialogue and impeding the free exchange of ideas. They contend that universities should be spaces where diverse perspectives can be shared and debated, allowing for the growth and development of knowledge. They fear that the policy's potential consequences, such as expulsion, may have a chilling effect on free speech and deter students from engaging in challenging conversations.

Proponents of the policy, on the other hand, assert that it is crucial to protect marginalized groups, including transgender individuals, from discrimination and harm. They argue that misgendering and transphobic behavior can have severe psychological and emotional consequences for those targeted. The policy aims to foster an environment where all students feel safe, respected, and included.

Read Also: Oxford School Shooting: Suspect Showed Red Flags and Disturbing Texts to Parents Before Incident

Oxford Chancellor's Perspective: Free Speech and Safe Spaces Clash in University Setting

According to LBC, the ongoing debate surrounding this issue highlights the complexities involved in navigating the intersections of gender, identity, and free expression in educational institutions. As discussions surrounding gender and identity continue to evolve, universities find themselves grappling with the challenge of fostering an inclusive environment while preserving open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

Finding a balance between respecting individuals' rights and safeguarding academic freedom is no easy task. It requires ongoing dialogue, empathy, and a willingness to engage in thoughtful and respectful conversations. While policies like the one implemented by Oxford College aim to protect the rights of transgender individuals, concerns regarding free speech and academic freedom should also be taken into account.

In the pursuit of creating inclusive spaces, it is essential for universities to explore alternative approaches that address concerns from all sides. This could involve fostering dialogue, providing education and awareness programs, and promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Ultimately, universities play a crucial role in shaping future generations and advancing society's understanding of complex issues. As such, it is imperative to find a way to foster an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist, dissenting views can be respectfully debated, and all individuals feel valued and respected. Only by engaging in meaningful dialogue can universities truly fulfill their mission of intellectual exploration and academic excellence while nurturing a climate of inclusivity and free expression.

Related Article: Virginia Legislators Introduce Sage's Law to Prevent Misgendering as Child Abuse
Photo: (Photo : Scott Olson / Getty Images)

In a major federal investigation, meatpacking and produce companies operating in at least 11 states have come under scrutiny for alleged child labor violations.

Meatpacking and produce companies across the country, from Virginia to Colorado, are now being examined for their potential involvement in hiring underage migrants in violation of child labor laws. While the specific names of the companies under investigation have not been disclosed, the allegations raise serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable migrant children in these sectors.

The probe, conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations and the Justice Department, with the involvement of White House officials, aims to address the increasing prevalence of child labor in these industries.

Federal Push Against Child Labor

According to NBC News, the surge in child labor, particularly among Guatemalan teenagers, can be attributed to multiple factors, including economic challenges in their home country, increased migration of unaccompanied children, and a labor shortage in the United States.

These teenagers often resort to falsifying paperwork, including stolen identities, in an attempt to appear older and authorized to work legally in the country.

With over 260,000 unaccompanied migrant children released into the United States in the past two years, almost half of them from Guatemala, addressing the systemic issues that drive child labor becomes crucial.

Advocates for migrant children's rights have welcomed the investigation and emphasized the importance of continued dedication and resources from the federal government.

Wendy Young, the president of Kids in Need of Defense, a legal aid organization for migrant children, expressed optimism regarding the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies working together to address the problem. However, she emphasized the need for sustained commitment to effectively combat child labor violations.

Last month, as reported by the Associated Press, the Biden administration called upon major meat processing companies in the United States to take proactive measures to prevent the illegal employment of children in hazardous roles within their facilities.

In response to a recent investigation revealing the presence of over 100 underage workers performing overnight shifts engaged in tasks involving perilous equipment such as skull splitters and sharp bone saws, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has written a letter to the 18 largest meat and poultry producers, urging them to thoroughly assess their hiring practices as well as those of their suppliers.

This initiative aims to address the critical issue of child labor and promote safer working conditions for all employees.

Read Also: 13-Year-Old Jaden Soong Makes History at US Open Qualifier as Youngest Finalist

The Need for Sustained Effort

Under the Biden administration, various government agencies, including the Labor Department, have joined forces to combat child labor violations.

Disturbingly, the Labor Department has reported a staggering 69% increase in the number of children employed in violation of child labor laws since 2018. This alarming trend has prompted intensified efforts to address the issue comprehensively.

While no charges have been filed yet, the officials involved in the investigation have indicated that penalties could range from civil fines to criminal charges.

By expanding the inquiry to include multiple agencies, such as Homeland Security Investigations, the Justice Department, and the White House, the federal government demonstrates a united front in tackling this serious issue. While the investigation continues, companies previously found in violation of child labor laws have faced repercussions.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), based in Wisconsin, paid $1.5 million in civil penalties after a Labor Department investigation revealed the employment of over 100 children across 13 locations in eight states. The company has maintained that any child hired by them used false documentation to obtain employment.

To address the issue, PSSI has announced the launch of a $10 million fund aimed at enhancing the well-being of children in the communities they serve and combating the rising problem of underage workers.

Related Article: Increasing Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Triggers Human Rights Campaign To Declare State of Emergency
Photo: (Photo : KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

In a devastating turn of events, an 18-year-old high school graduate and his father were fatally shot on Tuesday after a high school graduation ceremony on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond. The shooting left five others injured, according to the Richmond Police Department.

According to NBC, the victims were identified as Shawn Jackson, the 18-year-old graduate, and Renzo Smith, 36, the father of the young graduate. Tameeka Jackson-Smith, the wife and mother of the victims, confirmed their identities and shared the heartbreaking news of their tragic deaths. United Communities Against Crime, a local organization, also released the names of the father and son on behalf of the grieving family.

19-Year-Old Suspect Detained in Connection with Fatal VCU Shooting

Richmond's interim police chief, Rick Edwards, announced at a news conference that a 19-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was initially taken into custody as a suspect in the shooting. Another person who was detained during the investigation was found to be uninvolved. The suspect faces two counts of second-degree murder, and authorities believe that he had a connection with at least one of the victims.

According to AP News, Renzo Smith had attended the graduation ceremony to celebrate his son's milestone achievement, as stated by Chief Edwards. However, the police had not yet publicly released the names of the victims at the time of reporting.

The five injured victims, all male and ranging in age from 14 to 58, were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. Among them, a 31-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries, while the remaining four had injuries deemed not life-threatening, according to the police. In addition to the gunshot victims, nine individuals were treated for anxiety and minor injuries, and two people sought medical attention for falls. Furthermore, a 9-year-old child who was struck by a car during the chaos received initial treatment at the scene and was later taken to the hospital.

Read Also: 6-Year-Old Virginia Boy Got Gun for Shooting Teacher From His Mom's Top Shelf

Richmond Public Schools Offer Counseling as District Mourns Graduation Day Loss

Mayor Levar M. Stoney expressed his grief, particularly highlighting the involvement of children in this tragic incident that occurred on what was meant to be a joyous graduation day. Stoney emphasized the need to address the ongoing violence and trauma inflicted upon the community, urging an end to such senseless acts.The shooting occurred at Monroe Park, an open space located on the VCU campus, at approximately 5:13 p.m. Four firearms were recovered from the scene, as confirmed by Chief Edwards.

According to ABC, the graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School took place at 4 p.m. at the nearby Altria Theater, adjacent to Monroe Park. Richmond Public Schools issued a notice stating that the shooting had occurred in the park following the graduation ceremony. As a result, all district schools would remain closed on Wednesday, and all high school graduation ceremonies scheduled for the week were canceled.

Superintendent Jason Kamras, speaking at a news conference, expressed his deep sadness and frustration at the tragic turn of events. Kamras pleaded with the community to put an end to the violence that affects children, teachers, and families, emphasizing the toll it takes on everyone involved. Virginia Commonwealth University initially alerted the campus community about an "active threat" on campus but later clarified that there was no ongoing threat while maintaining a heavy police presence at Monroe Park.

Virginia Commonwealth President Michael Rao expressed his grief and shock over the shooting, emphasizing that graduations should be occasions of happiness and celebration. As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of Shawn Jackson and Renzo Smith, and authorities continue their efforts to bring justice to the victims and their grieving families.

Related Article: Michigan State University Deadly Shooting Kills 3 Students, 5 Injured
Photo: (Photo : y y on Unsplash)

Violent clashes erupted on Tuesday as protesters gathered outside a Los Angeles County school district building where board members were convening to vote on whether to recognize June as Pride Month. The Glendale Police Department reported three arrests amidst the heated demonstrations.

Police Intervene as Violence Mars Discussions on Pride Month

According to NBC, hundreds of people assembled outside the Glendale Unified School District headquarters, with opposing groups expressing their views on the school district's LGBTQ policies. Anti-LGBTQ protesters brandished American flags and chanted slogans such as "Leave our kids alone" and the names of the school board members. According to the Los Angeles Times, in contrast, counterprotesters waved Pride flags and held up signs denouncing anti-LGBTQ sentiments.

Approximately one hour into the public comment portion of the board meeting, law enforcement declared the protests an "unlawful assembly" due to instances of physical violence, including the unauthorized use of pepper spray. Attendees at the school board meeting were instructed to shelter in place while the building's entrance was cordoned off with yellow tape by the police.

The Glendale Police Department stated that although most of the protest remained peaceful, a small group engaged in behavior deemed unsafe. Three individuals were arrested and removed from the scene. Later in the evening, around 6 p.m., after unsuccessful attempts to de-escalate the situation, the police issued a dispersal order for the entire protest.

Following the dispersal of the protests, the school board voted unanimously to recognize June as Pride Month. Nayiri Nahabedian, president of the school board, highlighted that this marked the fourth consecutive year in which the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) acknowledged and supported Pride Month, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Read Also: Hundreds of Protesters Shut Down Dearborn School Board Meeting, Angry Over LGBTQ Books

Los Angeles LGBT Center Responds: Condemns Violence, Commends School Board's Support

The Los Angeles LGBT Center responded to the incident, condemning the violence and expressing gratitude to the school board for standing by the safety and acceptance of Glendale's students and families. Terra Russell-Slavin, chief impact officer of the center, affirmed that community organizers reported significant support for the LGBTQ community among Glendale parents and educators attending the school board meeting.

The center's statement emphasized that the school board's agenda solely revolved around recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and lamented how a meeting that could have been amicable turned into a shelter-in-place situation, instilling fear among participants.

Conservatives have increasingly criticized discussions of gender and sexuality in education, arguing against their inclusion in school curricula. This sentiment aligns with recent legislative efforts across the United States aimed at restricting gender-affirming healthcare access for transgender youth and limiting conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools.

In a separate incident last week, an unidentified individual broke into Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood, California, and burned a rainbow flag ahead of a scheduled Pride-themed assembly. The incident is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department as a potential hate crime.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center, along with citing the Trevor Project's research, emphasized that LGBTQ inclusion in education can help reduce emotional distress and the risk of suicide among youth. The ongoing clashes and controversies surrounding LGBTQ-inclusive curricula underscore the importance of open and respectful dialogue in shaping inclusive and safe learning environments for all students.

Related Article: Increasing Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Triggers Human Rights Campaign To Declare State of Emergency
Choosing to Pursue Truth; Received Tradition; Carnal Man & the Bible; Venial Sin; Newman No Innovator; Immaculate Conception; Marys In Partu Virginity; Catholic Prooftexts = Sola Scriptura?; Bible & Marys Perpetual Virginity

The late Steve Hays (1959-2020) was a Calvinist (and anti-Catholic) apologist, who was very active on his blog, called Triablogue (now continued by Jason Engwer). His 695-page self-published book, Catholicism  a collection of articles from his site  has graciously been made available for free. On 9 September 2006, Hays was quite  almost extraordinarily  charitable towards me. He wrote then:

I dont think Ive ever accused him of being a traitor or apostate or infidel. . . . I have nothing to say, one way or the other, regarding his state of grace. But his sincerity is unquestionable. I also dont dislike him. . . . I dont think theres anything malicious about Armstrongunlike some people who come to mind. In addition, I dont think Ive ever said he was unintelligent. For the record, its obvious that Armstrong has a quick, nimble mind. Two-and-a-half years later, starting in April 2009 and up through December 2011 (in the following quotations) his opinion radically changed, and he claimed that I have an evil character, am actually evil, ego-maniac, narcissist, idolater, self-idolater, hack who pretends to be a professional apologist, given to chicanery, one who doesnt do any real research, a stalwart enemy of the faith . . . no better than [the atheists] Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens, with an intent to destroy faith in Gods word, schizophrenic, emotionally unhinged, one who doesnt trust in the merit of Christ alone for salvation, has no peace of mind, a bipolar solipsist, split-personality, and a bad man. He wasnt one to mince words! See more gory details. I feel no need whatsoever to reciprocate these silly and sinful insults. I just wanted the record to be known. Ive always maintained that Hays was a very intelligent man, but habitually a sophist in methodology; sincere and well-meaning, but tragically and systematically wrong and misguided regarding Catholicism. Thats what Im addressing, not the state of his heart and soul (let alone his eternal destiny). Its a theological discussion. This is one of many planned critiques of his book (see my reasons why I decided to do this). Rather than list them all here, interested readers are directed to the Steve Hays section of my Anti-Catholicism web page, where they will all be listed. My Bible citations are from the RSV. Steves words will be in blue.

*****

[Chapter 9: Magisterium]

Two paradigms

Roman Catholicism privileges the outlook of select individuals, viz. popes, bishops in ecumenical councils, Latin Fathers, church Doctors. [p. 514]

The Bible privileges the outlook of select individuals, viz. patriarchs, prophets, bishops at the Jerusalem council, apostles, Bible writers, evangelists like Paul and Peter.

Theres a problem with positing inhuman standards of certainty. An artificial standard that humans cant attain. Everyone loses out when you set the bar that high. [p. 514]

Theres no problem with positing divine and biblical standards of certainty: a blessing or gift that humans cant attain without Gods grace. Everyone wins out when God sets the bar that high, so that human beings can know spiritual and theological truth.

In addition, each of us is ultimately at the mercy of divine providence for what we believe. [p. 514]

Joshua 24:15 And if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths.

Its ultimately up to God whether your particular aptitude and experience guide you into truth. [p. 514]

Whether articles of faith must be certain depends on the kind of world we live in. Has God put us in a world where articles of faith must be certain? What if God put us in a world where articles of faith must only be likely? Can we know in advance of the fact which of those two worlds we inhabit? Isnt that something we must discover? [p. 533]

1 Timothy 2:3-4 . . . God our Savior, [4] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

In the text [2 Thes 2:15] you initially cited, Paul points to his own teaching, and not some free-floating paradosis [tradition]. [p. 516]

1 Corinthians 15:3-7 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas [Peter], then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Catholics will make certain theological and ethical mistakes which some Protestants will avoid because Protestants dont stop with the received answers but scrutinize them. [p. 517]

2 Timothy 3:6-8 . . . burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, [7] who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. [8] As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith;

Private interpretation

The Bible is propositional revelation. The meaning of Scripture can be understood by outright unbelievers. In that respect, understanding the Bible is no different than understanding a secular text. The role of the Holy Spirit is to engender receptivity to the message, not comprehension of the message. [p. 525]

1 Corinthians 1:18-21 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart. [20] Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [21] For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 2:11-14, 16 For what person knows a mans thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. [13] And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit. [14] The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. . . . [16] For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Romans 1:18, 21-22 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth.[21] for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. [22] Claiming to be wise, they became fools, . . . 2 Peter 3:15-16 . . . So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, [16] speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures.

Catholic fideism

From a Protestant perspective, not all theological errors are culpable errors, much less damnably culpable. [p. 534]

From a Catholic perspective, not all theological errors are culpable errors, much less damnably culpable. This is precisely the [biblical and common sense] distinction we make between venial and mortal sin.

Theres no reason to think God will punish Christians who make innocent mistakes. [p. 534]

We totally agree. So does St. Paul:

1 Timothy 1:12-13 he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, [13] though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,

John Henry Newman . . . invented the theory of development. [p. 534]

For the umpteenth time (repetition is a good teacher, except when lies like this are repeated), Cardinal Newman invented nothing. He developed one particularly fine-tuned and in-depth theory of development, completely from notions of development of doctrine that had been developing for over 1400 years: from St. Augustine and (especially) St. Vincent of Lerins, through Aquinas and others, to Mohler twenty years before Newmans Essay came out in 1845.

Nowadays we see how the magisterium uses the theory of development to abrogate entrenched tradition and rationalize theological innovations. [p. 534]

Thats a lie, too. In fact, the Catholic Church roundly condemned evolution of dogma, which is very different from development of doctrine. Theyre not the same at all. Nothing has changed in that regard. Hays is over his head, and true to form, he ignorantly and rather stupidly and irresponsibly conflated the two concepts (one orthodox and espoused by the Catholic Church and the other heretical and condemned by her). In a past reply I documented how the pope most opposed to modernism, Pope St. Pius X, gave a ringing endorsement of the orthodoxy of St. Cardinal Newmans thinking, including development. As John Adams said, facts are stubborn things.

[Chapter 10: Marian Dogmas]

Marian mythology

What would count as evidence for the Immaculate Conception? What kind of evidence would even be probative? In the nature of the case, there could be no physical evidence for the Immaculate Conception. [p. 536]

As in my many defenses of it: 1) the meaning of kecharitomene in Luke 1:28 (full of grace), 2) what it means to be full of grace, according to Paul (without sin), 3) the fittingness (yes, that is a biblical concept) of Mary being without sin, original and actual, as the Mother of God, 4) analogies to other holy figures made holy by God in the womb in accordance with their high calling, 5) the biblical and patristic typology of the New or Second Eve, who reversed the no of Eve with a yes to God, 6) #3 and #5 lead logically to a special miraculous act of grace by God at the very beginning of Marys existence; i.e., at her conception, 7) pondering why an angel would hail Mary, 8) the possibility and actuality of other sinless creatures in the Bible (analogy), 9) The NT analogy of Mary as the new ark of the covenant.

In what respect, if at all, would the Immaculate Conception even be detectable to Mary or her parents? [p. 536]

Primarily by special revelation, which is precisely what Mary received. God sent the angel Gabriel to her. Secondly, as she went through life, due to being preserved from original sin, Mary wouldnt be burdened by the concupiscence (tendency or desire to sin) that the rest of us labor under, and she would come to be aware of that by talking to others who did have to deal with it. Her lack of actual sin would also set her apart from everyone around her except for Jesus.

Assuming (ex hypothesi) that Mary was sinless, what evidence could there be that she was sinless from the moment of her conception, rather than at some later stage in utero, or as a newborn baby, or one-year-old? In other words, if God intervened to exempt her from the stain of original sin, how would Mary or her parents know when that happened? Even in principle, how could there be any evidence for the timing of Gods intervention? [p. 536]

Good and interesting question. Im just speculating (hopefully piously!), but I think that it would be an extrapolation from knowledge of Old Testament saints like Jeremiah being chosen and set aside from the womb and pondering that such a special grace may as well be from the very beginning of her preborn life or conception, according to what was known (biologically) of such things in those days. They knew that a person began in the womb (as a result of intercourse), formed by God because that is biblical (in the Psalms and elsewhere). They didnt know that it was so early that it had no detectable signs. They didnt know about DNA, etc.

In other words, Mary would have had to think about it and speculate, just as Duns Scotus later did. Whether she actually worked all that out, we simply dont know. But in any event, she didnt have to for it to be true. Its interesting to think about, but has absolutely no bearing on whether the doctrine is true or not. If I dont know how my stomach and intestines and colon and kidneys and liver digest and filter food, it doesnt follow that they arent doing so in my body. They are what they are and they do what they do, regardless of my state of knowledge about their workings.

For that matter, surely the church fathers had a different understanding of conception and the moment of conception, than we do, thanks to modern gynecology and related disciplines. [p. 536]

Yes they did, because of the primitive state of biology and reproductive biology. So for centuries they held to Mary being actually sinless, but not freed from original sin. Some may perhaps have thought (I dont recall examples) that her sanctification began in the womb, analogous to Jeremiah, John the Baptist, etc. Freedom from actual sin is the kernel of the more developed doctrine of freedom from original sin (taking it back to her conception rather than her birth), which was first probably fully understood by Blessed Duns Scotus (c. 1265-1308).

Since Hays had no understanding of development of doctrine at all, and rejected it in his ignorance, all of this would be gibberish to him. He thought that every doctrine emerged from the pages of the Bible whole and entire, and incapable of any further development. Hence he stated that Chalcedonian Christology was lower than that of the Bible.

So what does the traditional dogma even mean? [p. 536]

It means that the kernel (actual sinlessness based on fittingness as the Mother of God) was there from the beginning: indeed in Luke 1:28 and that it was developed over many centuries as the Immaculate Conception, to be declared as a dogma at the highest level in 1854. Catholics actually believe that pious Christians can ponder spiritual things, even for many centuries, and come to deeper understandings of them, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Is it not far more likely that this belief evolved through multiple stages of theological speculation? [p. 536]

Yes, it went through a long process, but it consistently developed rather than evolved (like a dinosaur to a mammal or suchlike) into something totally other than what it was from the beginning.

Consider the virginity in partu. What would even count as evidence for that claim? Would there be physical evidence? [p. 536]

Obviously the evidence was an intact hymen after the birth of Jesus, which is what the ancients meant by virginity during birth, and traditionally the physical meaning of virginity, as opposed to the lack of engagement in sexual intercourse, as today. And the Blessed Virgin Mary would know this and know what she went through (or didnt go through) during the miraculous birth and could tell Luke this information. Its not difficult to figure these things out (whether one believes them or not). This is the evidence, and in this case its empirical / physical.

Notice two clashing Catholic paradigms. On the one hand is the old, pre-Newmanesque, Counter-Reformation (a la Bellarmine) paradigm, where you attempt to prooftext Catholic dogma from Scripture. [p. 537]

Funny, Ive been doing that for 32 years. Its what I am probably most known for in my apologetics.

Yet so many Catholics fight tooth-n-nail for these traditional prooftexts, as if they really believe in sola scripture [sic], which makes them cling for dear life some Biblical warrant for each and every Catholic dogma. [p. 537]

Sola Scriptura is the belief that Scripture is the final authority and standard and only infallible one for doctrine and theology. Its the Protestant rule of faith. Catholics producing biblical proof for Catholic doctrines is simply systematic theology: done by all sorts of Christians. Its apples and oranges, or more like apples and squash. The two have nothing to do with each other. So why did Hays make this silly comparison?

The schizophrenia is something to behold. Perhaps psychotropic medication will relieve the unbearable tension. [p. 537]

Since Hays equation doesnt fly in the first place, the melodramatic and sophistical potshot based on the wrongly imagined contradiction flowing from the non-comparison simply makes Hays look ridiculous. Its a familiar trait. Some old saying about dont spit in the wind . . .  comes to mind.

Notice that defending Catholicism is just as complicated as defending Protestantism. [p. 537]

Yeah? Having defended both, I find Catholicism much easier to defend, because there are a great many more applicable biblical evidences to bring to bear. Catholicism takes all of the Bible into account. Protestantism (i.e., in its many guises) tends to greatly emphasize merely a few prooftexts that are employed over and over, while many other relevant passages are ignored.

Is the PVM a big deal?

The onus is not on Protestants to provide evidence to the contrary, but on Catholics to provide sufficient evidence. Its not incumbent on me to disprove something for which theres no good evidence. If you tell me theres a genie in the bottle, the burden of proof is not on me to prove you wrong. [p. 540]

Plenty of biblical evidence exists for the perpetual virginity of Mary. I recently wrote a succinct nine-point summary of it (I wont bother indenting so much material):

1) In comparing Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40, and John 19:25, we find that James and Joseph (mentioned in Matthew 13:55 with Simon and Jude as Jesus brothers) are the sons of Mary, wife of Clopas. This other Mary (Mt 27:61; 28:1) is called the Blessed Virgin Marys adelphe in John 19:25. Assuming that there are not two women named Mary in one family, this usage apparently means cousin or more distant relative. Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3 mention Simon, Jude and sisters along with James and Joseph, calling all adelphoi. The most plausible interpretation of all this related data is a use of adelphos as cousins (or possibly, step-brothers) rather than siblings. We know for sure, from the above information, that James and Joseph were not Jesus siblings. . . .

2) Jude is called the Lords brother in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. If this is the same Jude who wrote the epistle bearing that name (as many think), he calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James (Jude 1:1). Now, suppose for a moment that he was Jesus blood brother. In that case, he refrains from referring to himself as the Lords own sibling (while we are told that such a phraseology occurs several times in the New Testament, referring to a sibling relationship) and chooses instead to identify himself as James brother. This is far too strange and implausible to believe. Moreover, James also refrains from calling himself Jesus brother, in his epistle (James 1:1: servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ): even though St. Paul calls him the Lords brother (Gal 1:19).

3) Commenter Alex Lielbardis brought up this further argument:

Mark 6:4 And Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin [(,  / suggenes)], and in his own house. (cf. Jn 7:5: For even his brothers did not believe in him.)

He added:

The plural Greek word used refers to kinsfolk, relatives, or fellow countrymen. This same word is used by Luke in his account of the Annunciation which in the singular form specifically means a cousin: And behold, your kinswoman [ / syngenis] Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren (Luke 1:36). Thus, Jesus apparently replies with his cousins (relatives or kin) in mind, in response to what was said by those who were offended at him.

The context of this incident was His preaching in His hometown of Nazareth. Both Mark (6:3) and the parallel text in Matthew (13:55-56), in the immediate context mention four brothers of Jesus and also, unnamed sisters. Jesus was catching flak from these relatives in His hometown. Both Matthew and Mark record Jesus as saying in response that a prophet is not honored in his own house.

4) Luke 2:41-51 describes Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple at the age of twelve, for the required observance of Passover. Everyone agrees that He was the first child of Mary, so if there were up to five or more siblings, as some maintain (or even one), why is there no hint of them at all in this account? I recently wrote in-depth about this. If Jesus had brothers or sisters and He was the oldest, then He certainly would have had siblings at 12 years old, when His parents took Him to Jerusalem for the Passover (Luke 2:41-50)  particularly since Mary was estimated to have been around 16 at His birth, which would make her still only around 28 at this time. Were to believe that it makes sense that she bore her first child at 16 and then had no more from 16-28, and then more than four after that? Thats not very plausible at all.

5) The Blessed Virgin Mary is committed to the care of the Apostle John by Jesus from the Cross (John 19:26-27). Jesus certainly wouldnt have done this if He had brothers (all of whom would have been younger than He was).

6) Nowhere does the New Testament state that any of Jesus brothers (adelphoi) are the children of Jesus mother Mary, even when they are referenced together (cf. Mark 3:31 ff.; 6:3 ff.; John 2:12; Acts 1:14). So for example, in Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55. Jesus is called the son of Mary and the carpenters son and only He is referred to in this way. The others (four brothers named in each passage) are not. It happens again in the book of Acts:

Acts 1:14 All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers

See how a distinction is made between Mary as the mother of Jesus and his brothers, who are not called Marys sons? Nor is she called their mother. These verses do not read in a siblings way. Svendsen writes: We further read that Jesus has brothers and sisters (in texts that place them with his mother), from which we infer that these are biological siblings (p. 58), but he doesnt delve deep enough into the texts, to notice the important distinctions made, as I have above. It looks like he simply sees only what he wants to see.

7) In the New Testament, none of these brothers are ever called Josephs children, anywhere, either.

8) Much has been written about the use of adelphos in the NT. Its range of use is almost precisely like how it is used in the works of the first century Jewish historian Josephus (as we would expect, since he was a fellow Israelite and lived in the same period). In Antiquities, Book XVIII, ch. 4, sec. 6, Josephus refers to Philip, Herods brother (likely using adelphos there). In Wars of the Jews, Book II, ch. 6, sec. 1, he refers to Archelauss brother Philip. But we know that they were not siblings (sons of the same mother and father). In Wars of the Jews, Book II, ch. 7, sec. 4, Josephus mentions Alexander, who was the brother of Archelaus, . . . This Alexander was the son of Herod the king . . . Again, he likely uses adelphos, but is not referring to literal siblings, since we know that this Alexanders mother was Mariamne. Wikipedia (Philip the Tetrarch) informs us that Philip was son of Herod the Great and his fifth wife, Cleopatra of Jerusalem, . . . half-brother of Herod Antipas and Herod Archelaus. The mother of the latter two men was Malthace.

Now I shall compare Josephus use of terms for relatives (excluding the straightforward terms mother, father, son, daughter), over against that of the NT. Adelphos appears in the NT 346 times and syngeneis [cousin] only appears twelve times. Anepsios [cousin] appears once (Col 4:10). Here is the breakdown of NT terms for relatives (in the RSV):

brethren 191

brother(s) 159

sister 24

mother-in-law 5

daughter-in-law 3

father-in-law 1

cousin 1

uncle / aunt / nephew / niece 0

son-in-law 0

kin 1

Out of these 385 instances, 374 of them (or 97%) are either brother, brethren, or sister. The one appearance of cousin is 0.26% of the whole. Likewise, in Josephus (Antiquities and Wars of the Jews), out of 1024 terms for relative, 867 (85%) are brother, brethren, or sister. The thirteen appearances of cousin are 1.3% of the whole: remarkably similar usage to the NT, which also uses adelphos for non-siblings.

9) The same strikingly similar usage is found in the Septuagint (LXX): the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Adelphos appears 649 times (99%), syngeneis only appears five times (0.76%), and anepsios appears once (0.15%).

See my related paper, Josephus & Brothers of Jesus Redux (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [2-18-23], and many other treatments of the general topic on my Blessed Virgin Mary web page.

Did Hays (at least in this immediate section) deal with any of this considerable amount of biblical argumentation? No, he didnt (what an incredible surprise). He may not have even been aware of any or most of it.

I will not give the dignity of a reply to blasphemous comments about Mary that Hays made on pages 540 and 541.

***

Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,300+ free online articles (the most comprehensive one-stop Catholic apologetics site) or fifty-one books have helped you (by Gods grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. Or you may believe my work is worthy to support for the purpose of apologetics and evangelism in general. If so, please seriously consider a much-needed financial contribution. Im always in need of more funds: especially monthly support. The laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV). 1 December 2021 was my 20th anniversary as a full-time Catholic apologist, and February 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my blog. PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: apologistdave@gmail.com. Youll see the term Catholic Used Book Service, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing, including 100% tax deduction, etc., see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart!

***

Photo credit: The Whore of Babylon (workshop of Lucas Cranach): colorized illustration from Martin Luthers 1534 translation of the Bible [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

***

Summary: The late Steve Hays was a Calvinist and anti-Catholic writer and apologist. This is one of my many critiques of Hays Catholicism: a 695-page self-published volume.
If youve ever tried using your cellular data while traveling abroad, then you already know how prohibitively expensive the practice can be. Want to avoid paying those exorbitant roaming fees? Then you need an Instabridge eSim Lifetime Plan  currently only $149 during our Fathers Day Sale.

With an Instabridge eSim you can use your existing phone to access the web while traveling abroad. You can send and receive emails, use instant messaging services, access your social media accounts, and more. And since an Instabridge eSim costs just $149 for a lifetime plan during our Fathers Day Sale, its easily better than paying roaming fees.

Just select the Instabridge eSim plan that suits your needs. There are plans for people who travel to the US, Canada, Germany, or Australia. And, depending on the plan you choose, youll get anywhere from 1GB to 4GB per month  With opportunities to earn bonus data just by watching ads. If you travel a lot, then its a must have. And since its on sale, its economical too.

Get your father an Instabridge eSim Lifetime Plan which includes 2GB of US data per month for just $149, but only until 11:59pm on June 11th.

Instabridge eSIM: Lifetime Plan  $149.00

See Deal

Prices subject to change.
Information is from police reports and may be incomplete depending on the status of an investigation. Phone numbers are nonemergency.
Its finally time to bling out your PC! Microsoft has begun testing its Dynamic Lighting feature for the PCs RGB hardware, as well as a prettier File Explorer and updated emoji.

Windows 11 Insider Preview build 23475 for the Dev Channel adds support for the Dynamic Lighting feature that Microsoft recently announced, which attempts to unify the various utilities for controlling the RGB hardware made by different manufacturers inside a common interface. Several device manufacturers including Acer, Asus, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly have partnered with Microsoft on Dynamic Lighting, Microsoft said.

Right now, though, the list of potentially compatible devices is small: basically a variety of Razer peripherals and not much else. Microsoft also indicated that even those peripherals have yet to be formally verified for compatibility, so theres no guarantee they will work. (Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a full list.) The fact that there is now a single point of control within Windows for RGB peripherals and components, though, is exciting; to date, RGB lighting controls have largely been handled by a variety of manufacturer-specific utility apps plus some more generic utilities.

If you have one of the approved peripherals and the new build, you can find the Dynamic Lighting controls within the Windows Settings list, specifically the Settings > Personalization > Dynamic Lighting menu. Theres an additional caveat: Because of the new codes instability, Microsoft recommends that you use wired, rather than wireless, peripherals.

Microsofts Settings menu will control your PCs RGB lighting with the new Dynamic Lighting control. Microsoft

Though Dynamic Lighting is certainly the flagship feature of this build, theres a nice change arriving in File Explorer, too. The default file manager within Windows will add a carousel view as well as better insights into how much storage remains within your OneDrive subscription.

Microsoft has tweaked File Explorer before, ensuring that you see how much storage you have in the cloud, and how much more you potentially need to buy.

Windows 11s updated File Explorer. Microsoft

Microsoft is also adding support for Unicode Emoji 15, which will tweak Microsofts emoji.

Microsofts latest build does fall under the Dev Channel, which means that theres no guarantee that it will come to market until it hits the Beta Channel or the Release Preview Channel. Still, given the significance of the new features, wed expect them to push through into the Beta Channel before long.

Microsoft provided a list of Dynamic Lighting-compatible hardware that was current as of press time. A more up-to-date list can be found at the Dynamic Lighting Hardware MS Learn page, Microsoft said.

Unicode Emoji 15, as imagined by Microsoft. Microsoft

Keyboards:

Coming soon: Asus ROG Scope II Wireless 96 Gaming Keyboard

Razer BlackWidow V3

Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro

Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini

Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

Razer DeathStalker V2

Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro

Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro TKL

Razer Huntsman Mini

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog

Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition

Razer Huntsman V2

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog

Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless

Razer Ornata V2

Razer Ornata V3

Razer Ornata V3 TKL

Razer Turret Keyboard Xbox One Edition

Mice:
Probably no other hardware category has seen such rapid improvements as webcams, thanks to the work-from-home zeitgeist spurred on by the pandemic. Manufacturers now realize that 1080p resolution, proper lighting, and improved audio are quickly becoming basic requirements. Premium options often go far beyond.

However, most laptops still ship with a 720p webcam, so a 1080p webcam can be a step upwhat better way to stand out from the pack on your next Teams call? There are even premium models with integrated ring lights for a few dollars more. Other, more expensive options feature 4K resolution or higher refresh rates, which will make a noticeable difference to both you, your friends, and your colleagues.

We havent tested every one of these webcams, but weve selected out the best webcams based on specs and bundled extras, including our own reviews. You can also refer to our separate story on the best Windows Hello webcams to buy a webcam for videoconferencing and to log you in to your PC. Weve taken two recommendations from that list, however, and added them here: a premium and budget webcam with Windows Hello. You might be surprised to see one recommended as a best webcam, period  because it is.

To help you choose, check out our buying advice below our recommendations. We dont list all of our webcam reviews, and we sometimes reinstate picks. For example, the eMeet C960 Webcam received a price cut and a minor update, which pushes it back into our recommended webcams.

Anker PowerConf C200  Best overall webcam Pros 2K (1440p) resolution

Adjustable field of view

Solid low-light performance

18-month warranty Cons Lacks 60fps support

Anker software is necessary for full control

Color balance is middling Best Prices Today: Weve replaced the Logitech C920e as our best webcam pick if only because Anker simply offers so much more for less. First off, Ankers PowerConf C200 provides an upgraded 1440p resolution, better than 1080p to make you look clearer and more professional. Second, this webcam offers an adjustable field of view (65, 78, and 95 degrees) meaning that you can manually crop out portions of the background you dont want to be visible. For some reason, Amazon markets this as a Mac webcam. Anker provides Windows drivers, so you dont need to worry about that. However, you will need Ankers software to take full advantage of all the webcams featurese.g, though the USB-A cable makes this a plug-and-play device, the software is necessary to adjust the field-of-view function. The PowerConf C200 includes noise-cancelling mics and an integrated privacy shutter, which turns off the whole devicea plus, if youre concerned about a bad guy somehow hacking your mic and listening to your conversations with your family, boss, and pets. You can even adjust the mic pickup to focus on you, versus omnidirectionally. Reviewers have some concerns about the color accuracy, but the low-light performance makes up for ityou shouldnt need a ring light. For all this, and for about $60? Thats a solid deal. Theres an upgraded C300 model for an additional $40, but we think this is a better deal. Logitech C920e Business Webcam  Best overall webcam, runner-up Pros Three-year warranty

Exposure and color controls

78.5-degree viewing angle

1080p Cons Lacks 60fps support Best Prices Today: The 1080p Logitech C920e webcam is the most recent version of the venerable Logitech C920, probably the most iconic webcam of the last few years. Confused about whether you should buy the C920e or the C920s? Logitech describes the C920e as a business camera, and the C920s as the consumer versiontheyre otherwise identical, save that the C920e has a three-year warranty versus a two-year warranty, while costing the same. The C920e reportedly offers lighting and color controls that the C920s does not, as well. Both cameras use a narrower 78.5-degree viewing angle, which focuses on your face better than webcams that use a 90-degree viewing angle. Its also an autofocus camera, which helps justify its higher price. The C920e connects to your laptop using a USB-A cable measuring 5 feet. Aside from a lack of 60fps support, this is still a great webcam. We prefer it, in fact, to Logitechs most recent webcam, the Logitech Brio 305, which is slightly more expensive and lacks the 1.2X zoom the C920e offers. A number of Asian companies are starting to match what the C920e offers on paper, but its superb video quality could be harder to mimic. You can refer to our Logitech C920 review for more information. Monoprice 2K USB Webcam  Best budget webcam Pros Fantastic price

2K resolution, with autofocus

Works well as a laptop webcam

Bonus ring light Cons Review unit broke after a fall

Tends to overexpose the user

Lousy mic quality

DIY privacy shutter Best Prices Today: Monoprice appears to have discounted this webcam to $34.99, and for that price its hard to pass up. Our review of this webcam, below, points out its flaws: It tends to overexpose the user, even without the integrated ring light, and the mic quality is poor. The DIY privacy shutter is a little goofy but works fine. Honestly, if youre the kind of person who can look past a few quirks, theres a lot to like here. The 2K (1440p) / 30Hz resolution looks even sharper than a 1080p cam, for one. You will tend to look blown out a bit if you use and are lit by an external display. As a plain-Jane webcam that hooks onto your laptop screen, however, the white balance evens out just fine. The mics are one of its irredeemable flaws, though. If your laptop has an integrated mic, you may find that its better than what Monoprices webcam offers. After our review, we accidentally flipped it backwards off the display, and it stopped working. Read our full Monoprice 2K USB Webcam review eMeet SmartCam C960  Best budget webcam runner-up Pros Great value

1080p, 30Hz Cons Not so great in low-light scenarios, especially with color

Middling mic

Stick-on privacy shutter Best Prices Today: The eMeet SmartCam C960 is the most popular webcam on Amazon at press time, and for good reasonits been around since the early days of the pandemic. The 1080p Smartcam C960 used to be a 1080p, 30Hz webcam that shipped with a small tripod. The upgraded model now offers a stickum DIY privacy shutter, which it lacked before. We test webcams in both a dimmer, basement office as well as in a brighter, upstairs room. Wed recommend the latter as the best environment for using the eMeet SmartCam C960, though you can buy a ring light to help brighten the image. (You can also just use a monitor, and just use a blank Windows Notepad window to generate a bright white box.) This is what a budget webcam gets you: a great price, albeit with compromises. Read our full eMeet C960 Webcam review Anker B600 Video Bar  Best premium webcam Pros 65, 78, and 95 degree viewing angles

Built-in speaker, microphone, and light bar

Adjustable settings for brightness, contrast, and more

Privacy shutter

Swivel mount Cons 30fps

Too heavy for use with a laptop screen Best Prices Today: The price tag on Ankers premium B600 video bar may cause double-takes. But this webcam packs in the features. Inside is a 2K resolution camera, four-microphone array, speaker, and built-in light that also serves as a privacy guardand you get a high level of control over all the hardware. Capacitive buttons on the device let you mute the mic, adjust the intensity of the light, and turn the light on and off. Though a bit fiddly, they work and solidly cover the basics. Theres an LED light that indicates the mics status, too. The companion AnkerWork app expands your settings. Choosing between viewing angles of 65, 78, and 95 degrees is fast, as is downscaling the default resolution from 2K to 1080p, 720p, or 360p. You can also tune the brightness, sharpness, saturation, and contrast of your video feed, alter the light bars color temperature, and set the lights brightness to auto adjust based on ambient conditions. This webcam is an extremely nice all-in-one solution, so long as youre parked at a desk. (This video bar and its swiveling mount require a monitor for proper support.) The camera is clear and crisp, the speaker gets plenty loud, the mic holds its own against many laptops and earbuds, and the light is handy in dark rooms or for balancing out harsh backlighting. You can use the B600 as a speakerphone, too, eliminating problems with other callers hearing themselves as they speak. Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra  Best premium 4K webcam Pros DSLR-quality imaging

4K options, HDR too

Terrific configurability

Lens cap as well as a privacy shield Cons Whew, that price!

Average mic quality

No Windows Hello

Limited purchase options; just Razer.com for now Best Prices Today: The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra claims to offer DSLR-quality images, and boy, it comes pretty close! Unfortunately, many webcams have a wispy, ghosty effect when capturing video, and youll find none of that hereyoull look like a professional caught on camera. This is simply one of the best webcams you can buy, though youll pay for the privilege, too. The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra captures video at 4K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz, using autofocusing technology that does a great job. HDR is also an option, though youll probably prefer to turn off this option. The field-of-view varies between 72 degrees and 82 degrees, depending on the resolution. Manual pan and zoom are available, but you might wonder why the camera cant orient itself toward your face automatically. Otherwise, the Razer Synapse software offers an absolute ton of configurability. About the only thing that could stand to be improved is the micyou may prefer using your laptops mic instead. Read our full Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra review Logitech Brio 4K  Best premium 4K webcam runner-up Pros Sharply detailed resolution with vibrant colors

Wide-angle field of view

Infrared-based facial recognition Cons Expensive

4K-ready apps and services are still scarce Best Prices Today: It may be weird to reinstate a 6-year-old webcam as our preferred 4K runner-up pick, but the fact remains that at $199 (and a discounted price of $132, right now) the Logitech Brio 4K simply offers more for your money than the previous pick, the Dell UltraSharp 4K. Logitech offers a mic (the Dell doesnt, oddly) and everything the Dell offers except for AI-powered pan and zoom capabilities, for the same price. However, Logitech also offers Windows Hello capabilities, which means that it will log you in automatically, too. Logitech also allows you to control the field of view, a feature that cuts out your background and focuses the video on you. About the only gotcha is that the higher-speed 60Hz capture rate isnt available at 4K resolution, just the lower ones instead. Theres still a lot to like about this camera. We dont expect it to live forever in our best picks, but for now we think its worth including. Read our full Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam review NexiGo N980P  Best webcam for wide-angle Pros 60fps

120-degree viewing angle

Privacy shutter Cons Lack of fine adjustments Best Prices Today: This fixed-focus 1080p webcam captures frames at a smooth 60 frames per second, as opposed to the more standard 30fps. Youll look smoother and more lifelike as a result. The camera also captures at a 120-degree angle, which might not be ideal for a home user but can work quite well in a living room or conference room. This webcam is very highly reviewed on Amazon, with reviewers praising it for its color balance but criticizing it for its inability to be finely adjusted. Its still a fixed-focus camera thoughif you want an autofocusing model wed recommend you pay about $100 for the upgraded NexiGo N680p instead. Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam  Best premium webcam for Windows Hello Pros Sharply detailed resolution with vibrant colors

Wide-angle field of view

Infrared-based facial recognition Cons Expensive Best Prices Today: If were being honest (and price is no object) the Dell UltraSharp webcam above would be our top pick for a Windows Hello webcam  a webcam that not only can show you off on Zoom or Teams, but can also log you in via biometric identification. But Logitechs also feeling the heat, and it has lowered the price of its Brio 4K as a result. We cant help but recommend it. The Brio 4Kstill ranks highly among premium webcams, primarily because its one of the few autofocusing webcams that captures in 4K resolution. The Brio includes a ton of features to make you look great, and its Windows Hello support will log you in in a snap. Read our full Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam review MouseComputer Facial Recognition Webcam  Best budget webcam for Windows Hello Pros Inexpensive, but decent quality Cons 720p resolution

You may need to disable your PC's own webcam Best Prices Today: Our separate story on Windows Hello webcams offers cheaper options than the MouseComputer webcam, but the image quality of the webcam itself appears to be betteror, conversely, the competition is fudging on whether they offer true 1080p resolution. In any event, this $65 or so webcam seems to offer what youll need, plus Windows Hello functionality. Users have complained that youll need to make sure Windows is up to date and that your webcam is directly plugged into your laptop. Theres no privacy shutter, unfortunately.

How to shop for a webcam

A standalone 1080p webcam cant add Windows Hello to your system, but it can greatly improve how you look on your next Zoom call. Heres what to look for. Youll probably ask yourself: Should I prioritize a 60fps webcam over an autofocusing webcam? What about 4K? Wed say that if you have to choose one, prioritize a 1080p webcam, then a higher refresh rate, then jump up to 4K. If you can get more than one feature, great! Unless youll be moving about a lot, a fixed-focus webcam will do just fine.

Its important to note that of the three major videoconferencing services (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet) only Teams will automatically scale up your video to 1080p if your network and your webcam support it. You can enable 1080p video in Zoom and (finally!) in Google Meet, but they require some manual adjustment in the apps Settings menu. In other word, only Teams will automatically take advantage of a 1080 webcam. On the other hand, its not unreasonable to imagine that all three services will eventually auto-scale video calls to take advantage of a 1080p camera, so its not a bad investment.

You might not have thought about it, but consider, too, that looking like youre on television will subtly lend you authority. People gravitate toward celebrities, and a 4K, 60Hz webcam is basically what your TV offers. If youre an executive or making sales calls over Zoom or Teams, a premium webcam may give you an edge. Thats why professional streamers use them, after all.

Adjustable or fixed focus

Dont worry about fixed-focus, as virtually all webcams have been pre-configured at a focal length thats about the distance between your face and your laptop or monitor. Youll need to account for this with tripods, however, or pay a little more for an autofocusing webcam. Autofocus webcams are handy for situations where you may be moving about the room, but beware distracting webcams that frequently refocus.

Higher frame rates

A standard webcam captures video at 30 frames per second, and will look normal. Youll notice the smoothness of a 60fps camera though, and so will people youre on a video call with.

Field of view (FOV)

The cameras field of view can vary. A 90-degree FOV helps people focus on you (and perhaps not the mess youve hidden off to the side). A 110-degree or higher FOV works better for group shots, although distortion can become a problem the wider your FOV gets. A 65-degree FOV may be perfect if its just you.

Think of a 90-degree FOV as one that would show two people seated side-by-side at what you would consider a standard distance from a webcam, or a foot or two. A 110-degree FOV can show three people, squeezed a bit close together. Keep in mind that many videoconferencing applications offer the option of virtual backgrounds, which eliminate visual clutter.

Privacy shutter

These devices are not a privacy threat, for the simple reason that they can be unplugged easily. Most have a flip-down privacy shutter, but you could always put tape over the camera or drape it with a dark cloth.

Ring lights

Yes, integrated ring lights are now a thing on premium webcams, and worth the money if lighting is a challenge for you. While the integrated light will certainly help with lighting, a big bright display in front of you can serve a similar function. You can also purchase a ring light separately.

Windows Hello

You may have used Windows Hello with a fingerprint reader or another laptop. The camera simply recognizes you, logging you in. Its exceptionally convenient. We have a separate article on the best Windows Hello webcams.

Tripod bundle

With so many webcams on the market, manufacturers are trying hard to differentiate their products. The new trend is a small tripod, which gives you more options for mounting the camera. Not all webcams include this, Normally, however, you can simply clip the webcam to the top of a display or a laptop with its jaws clamp.

AI

Theres a potential wild card that may be attached to webcams in the future: artificial intelligence, specifically Windows Studio Effects. Right now, the current Surface Pro 9 (5G) uses the AI capabilities in the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor to apply background blue, automatic panning effects, and more. (Our review discusses this.) Other laptops that use Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors dont include AI capabilitiesyet. Specific models in the 13th-gen mobile Core and AMD Ryzen 7000 Mobile series include some basic AI capabilities, and future processors in both families may offer AI capabilities and therefore Windows Studio Effects.

What this essentially means is that wed expect future webcams to pan and zoom automatically to keep you in the frame. Few do this today, however.
Fidelity Bank, Ghanas largest privately-owned indigenous bank, has committed to embarking on an expanded and ambitious sustainability and social impact strategy that focuses on three pillars: sustainable finance, sustainable operations, and corporate social responsibility.



In line with this ambition, the bank has set up a fully-fledged Partnerships, Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility department to drive this agenda. The new department is to work collaboratively with all other departments of the business to integrate sustainability principles across all the Banks activities and operations. This is to ensure that the Bank achieves the dual objective ofproviding maximum value to stakeholders without compromising its impact on the environment and society.



The Sustainability vision of the Bank is to create a sustainable future for all Ghanaians, by supporting inclusive economic growth, reducing its environmental footprint, maintaining high standards of governance and ethics, and engaging with stakeholders to build trust and foster long-term partnerships.



Key among the initiatives listed as part of this wide-reaching Sustainability and Social Impact plan is the Banks flagship CSR intervention dubbed Orange Impact which is already underway. The Orange Impact project seeks to support fifteen marginalised schools across the country with a suite of customized needs-based resource and facility upgrades over a 3-year period.



This came to light at the Banks recent virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held on Friday May 26, 2023. The meeting gave shareholders the opportunity to consider and adopt the report of the directors for the fiscal year ended 31st December 2022.



Addressing shareholders during the virtual AGM, the immediate past Board Chairman of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Edward Effah reiterated the Banks renewed focus on ESG as an integral imperative of its overarching business strategy., As a financial institution, we are acutely aware of our role in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet, communities, and economy. We have begun integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concepts into all aspects of our operations after making significant strides in our sustainability journey over the last year. We have also ensured that, our strategy aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, we acknowledge that sustainability is an ongoing process, and we are dedicated to continuously enhancing our sustainability practices and positively impacting the environment around us.



Speaking on the three pillars of the banks sustainability agenda, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, Julian Opuni stated that, the sustainable finance pillar will see the bank collaborating with customers and stakeholders to develop financing solutions that drive economic growth while safeguarding the environment and promoting social progress. On the sustainable operations pillar, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and incorporate gender diversity into our operations, lending, and credit management practices. On the CSR front the bank will support economic empowerment for target groups and increase access to quality education by providing learning, teaching materials, and improving infrastructure.



Mr. Opuni also highlighted some major strides the Bank has already made in the CSR and renewable energy space. In 2022, the bank installed solar energy at our newly opened Kaneshie Branch, and this is in line with our initiative to deploy renewable energy across all Fidelity Bank locations.



He added, In November 2022, the bank began the construction of a six-unit classroom block for the Duose D/A Primary School in Duose, Upper West Region. Many students were learning under trees or in dilapidated structures that posed a threat to them.I am happy to report that by mid-June 2023, we will be handing overthe new six-unitschool building to the people of Duose D/A Primary School. This is the first of many such undertakings that we will be finalizing throughout the course of the next three years.



On the banks fiscal performance, the Managing Director, reported that notwithstanding the macro-economic volatilities that confronted the banking sector in 2022, the bank proved resilient and recorded a 29% increase in operating income as well as a decline in the Banks cost to income ratio from49% in 2021 to 46% in 2022.The bank also recorded a 22% increase in customer depositswhich grew to GH 10.06 billion,anda 20% growth in loans andadvances.He noted that the Banks capital adequacy ratio of 16% is significantlyabove regulatory and prudential requirements; a clear indicator that Fidelity Bank is solvent.



The newly appointed Board Chairman of Fidelity Bank, Mr. James Reynolds Baiden whose appointment was ratified during the AGM,noted that the Bank is already on the upswing and has registered a profit of over GHS150 million in the first quarter of 2023.He averred that this development augurs well for the performance of the Bank in the ensuing year. Mr. Baiden further assured shareholders and customers that the board, management, and staff of the Bank are working assiduously to fully restore the Bank to its upward trajectory on all performance benchmarks. He added, I must also reiterate that based on the foregoing reports, there is no iota of doubt that Fidelity has once again weathered the storm and bounced back stronger. Our customers can rest assured that their funds are safe with us, and I urge them to continue enjoying the best Banking experience in Ghana via our various branches, agencies, and digital platforms.







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 Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has been programmed to brief Parliament this week on the Just ended SIM re-registration exercise and deactivation of unregistered SIM Cards.



Presenting the business statement for the week, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu disclosed the move has become necessary due to the heightened agitation by affected subscribers.



The Minister was consequently asked to appear before the MPs on Thursday.



Hundreds of mobile network subscribers whove had their Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards deactivated have been thronging some telecommunication services centres to have their lines restored.



This if after the National Communications Authority(NCA) deactivated the SIMS after the deadline for re-registration expired.



As of Wednesday, May 30, about 11 million active SIM cards were yet to be re-registered with the Ghana Card.













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 Government of Ghana through Community Water and Sanitation Agency has handed over site for work to commence on a Ghc50 million water supply project for Goaso, Ahafo Regional Capital.



The project which is to end the current water crises following the creation of new region and Goaso been it's Capital with fast growing populations has been awarded to two contractors, Pumptech limited and Beda Engineers Construction Limited is expected to be completed in two years period.



Currently Goaso has only 690 household water supply, 14 functional standpipes and the rest depends on either private water supply or water well but with new project every household will get water.



The project has 7 new boreholes, two 200m water storage tanks, 20 standpipes, two fire hydrants, Office complex, construction of solar farm and has 20 design.



The Chief Executive Officer of Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) said the creation of Ahafo region and the growing populations of it's Capital Goaso, prompted government to initiate the project benefits at least over 100,000 population.



The Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon George Boakye said the current Goaso water project was constructed in 2002 and it's now woefully adequate for residents in Goaso.



Hon. Boakye has therefore commended President Nana Akufo Addo for the project and assured him of effective monitoring of the contractors on site to deliver the accurate designs and quality of work.



Nana Kwasi Bosompra I, Omanhene of Goaso Traditional Council urges the contractors to engage the services of local youth in executing the project.

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
Johnnie Walker, the worlds number one Scotch Whisky brand (IWSR 2020), has announced that Red Label and Black Label will no longer come in cardboard packaging as part of a wider packaging strategy with a focus on reduce, reuse and recycle. Johnnie Walker has stepped out of the box!



This initiative forms part of the brands commitment towards taking bold steps to building a more sustainable future. The removal of cardboard packaging across Johnnie Walker Black Label and Red Label will not only reinforce the brands commitment to championing sustainability and building Ghanas circular economy, but also contribute to eliminating over 7,000 tonnes of carbon from Diageos supply chain.



Stepping out of the Box, a sustainability campaign by Johnnie Walker, forms part of Guinness Ghanas 10-year ESG action plan to become sustainable by design by 2030 known as Society 2030: Spirit of Progress. Through this initiative, over 100 million cardboard packaging will be phased out globally, representing 50% of total Scotch cardboard individual bottle cartons.



Commenting on the initiative, Marketing & Innovations Director of Guinness Ghana, producers of Johnnie Walker, Estella Muzito said, For us at Guinness Ghana and Diageo, doing business the right way underpins all our operations. We continue to take active steps towards championing sustainability and becoming sustainable by design. The Stepping Out of The Box Campaign is a step forward in that direction and achieving Society 2030: Spirit of Progress  our 10-year ESG action plan to help create a more inclusive and sustainable world.





MarketingManager for Spirits & RTDs at Guinness Ghana, Yaa Amoah-Owusu added that Johnnie Walker will continue to take bold steps towards building a sustainable future. Johnnie Walkers decision to step out of the box is part of our commitment to champion sustainability and meeting the changing needs of our consumers. We understand what sustainability means to our consumers and the value of building a more sustainable society.



Consumers want brands and businesses to take the right decisions towards building a more sustainable society. We understand that as we step out of the box, it also poses some implications on the quality and the authenticity of our brand. We have put measures in place to fight counterfeiting. Johnnie Walker will continue to take bold steps in ensuring this. Together, we must do our part to make sure this happens., she added.



In line with this, Johnnie Walker has also announced a partnership with the Forestry Commission. The partnership will see the brand undertake a multi-year tree planting campaign to support governments greener future agenda.



Keep Walking!

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 Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has called for a collective effort to effectively and efficiently manage the Land Borders of the country as Africa marks Africa Border Day. "Let us continue to work towards effective and efficient border management, and not make our borders barriers that divide us, but bridges that connect us and promote peace, security, and development for our nations and our continent"



Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, 7th June, 2023 in commemoration of the thirteenth (13th) African Border Day, the Minister said "an efficient and effective border management is sine qua non to our noble and historic quest to provide a secured continent to enable us unleash prosperity for the long-suffering peoples of Africa. Particularly, given that, for us here in Africa, our border lines were drawn without our consent and involvement, and without regard to our cultural, traditional and political heritage, boundary issues will remain key to our security, and peaceful coexistence" He stressed.



Giving a brief background on the reason for the celebration of the day, Hon. Jinapor said the African Border Day was adopted by African Ministers in charge of Border Issues, at their second Meeting held in 2010, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to promote the importance of the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) to peace, regional, and continental integration.



The African Day he said is also used to celebrate the progress Africa has made, individually as member states of the African Union, and collectively as a continent, in securing and managing boundaries of the various countries, and to forge a common path for dealing with the challenges that still lie ahead.



The Minister opined that this years African Border Day celebration is a very significant one as it calls on all of Africa to reflect on the importance of the borders to national and regional security, stability, and sustainable development.

The Minister also noted that boundaries are not just physical barriers that separate countries; they are complex systems that require effective management, coordination, and cooperation among all stakeholders.

"As a continent, our efforts at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity along borders, continue to be hindered by several challenges, such as transnational organised crime, terrorism, violent extremism, smuggling and irregular migration."



" It was to deal with these challenges, accelerate work on cross-border cooperation and peaceful resolution of border disputes, as well as promote efficient and effective integrated border management, that the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation (also known as the Niamey Convention), was adopted in 2014" He continued.

Hon. Jinapor therefore appreciated the efforts of the Members of Parliament for their cooperation which saw to the swift ratification of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation in the First Meeting of Third Session of this Parliament.



He also thanked all the security services that have been involved in the exercise. "As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to working together to overcome the challenges confronting our borders. Let us promote greater cooperation among our countries, regional organisations, and international partners to ensure that our borders are secure, stable, and conducive for the prosperity of the Africa peoples"



Minister Jinapor highly commended the Ghana Boundary Commission, under the leadership of its tenacious Coordinator, Major General Emmanuel W. Kotia, for the hard work they are doing to secure, demarcate and delimit the international boundaries in accordance with the Ghana Boundary Commission Act, 2010 (Act 795).

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
As part of efforts of the Police Administration to deepen engagement with its stakeholders, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare today paid a feedback-driven working visit to the offices of Citi TV and Despite media at Tesano and Abeka Junction in Accra.



The IGP who was accompanied by some members of the Police Management Board and the Accra Regional Police Commander interacted with the management of both media houses led by Mr. Samuel Atta Mensah for the Citi side and Dr. Fadda Dickson for Despite Media and requested for feedback on the performance of the Police Service and the general state of security, law and order in the country.



On their part, the officials of the two media houses, during their respective sessions expressed their gratitude to the IGP and the Ghana Police Service for keeping the peace of the country. They commended the police for the enhanced police visibility programme, various road safety interventions and also acknowledged the significant reduction in incidents of robbery across the country.



They however called on the Police to have more frequent engagements with the media and create better avenues for information sharing. Another issue raised was the need for improved police presence especially on weekends and at night.



In his response, the IGP acknowleged the gatekeeping role of the media in Ghana and assured that the Police is ever ready to collaborate with the media to deliver quality policing services to Ghanaians as the Ghana Service Police strives to become the best institution in the country and a reference point for the rest of Africa and beyond.



Officers who accompanied the IGP include COP/Mr. Paul Manly Awini, Director-General/NPD; COP/Ernest Kwabena Owusu, Director-General/Research and Planning, DCOP/ Faustina Andoh Kwofie, Director-General/CID; DCOP/ Mr. Okyere-Darko Essuman, Director-General Technical (Ag.); and the Accra Regional Police Commander, COP/Dr. Saibu Pabi Gariba.





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
Police in Kuntanase, Ashanti Region, are investigating a distressing incident in Tetrefu, Bosomtwe District, after a burnt body was discovered in a vehicle that had caught fire.



The shocking discovery, made by local residents along the Tetrefu-Homabenase road on Monday, has raised concerns about a potential case involving arson and murder.



Due to the extent of the burns, the gender of the deceased could not be immediately determined.



Upon receiving the report, the police swiftly dispatched officers to the scene, who subsequently conveyed the burnt body to the morgue.



Kusi Obuodum, the assemblyman for the area, revealed that efforts are underway to identify the victim and shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.



The vehicle was parked in-between Tetrefu-Homabenase road. Even that, whoever did it, drove the car about 40 metres away from the main road before committing the crime.



We have no idea what might have led to the death of the victim and so we immediately informed the police at Kuntanase who have since taken over investigations into the incident told Asaaseradio.com



As investigations into the incident are ongoing, the burnt saloon car bearing the registration number GT-2887-22 has been towed by the police for further examination.



Local authorities are working diligently to uncover any leads or evidence that may assist in solving this grim case.



The community of Tetrefu remains in shock, grappling with the tragic discovery and the uncertainty surrounding the victim's identity and motive behind the crime.



The police at Kuntanase have commenced an investigation and are determined to bring those responsible to justice.











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 New Patriotic Party (NPP) faithfuls in the diaspora have endorsed the candidacy of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the party into the 2024 elections.



The Diaspora4Bawumia group is appealing to their party delegates to vote for Dr. Bawumia flanked by his wife, the Second Lady Samira Bawumia, during the partys impending presidential primary.



They believe the couple will make exceptional leaders to bring major transformation to Ghana.



Dr Bawumia must win, and this is re-echoed in the voice of the Diaspora, a statement issued by their Chairman, Kingsley Ahenkora-Duodu, who resides in the UK, said.



They further believed the Second Lady is the kind of instrumental woman that the nation needs to support her husband to bring development.



Samira's youthful charisma, persuasive abilities, and fashionable allure will attract the gatherings of young Ghanaians, particularly young women. Her influence will be instrumental in winning over Zongo women, galvanizing support from the youth, and appealing to the general voting populace on behalf of the NPP.



A remarkable surge of lady-led campaign groups will emerge to rally behind Samira, promoting Dr Bawumia and the NPP. She will not only be a firebrand campaigner for her husband and the party but also an essential asset in Dr Bawumia's potential presidency, parts of the statement pointed out.



Read full statement below:



NPP CAMPAIGN 2024: VOTE BAWUMIA, GET SAMIRA FREED



In the realm of potential first ladies actively engaged in campaign platforms for either the NPP or NDC, Samira Bawumia stands out alongside Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. Her captivating presence ignited tremendous enthusiasm during the NPP rallies of the 2016 and 2020 campaigns. The 2024 campaign would be very exciting to have Samira Bawumia going after Mahama as a potential First Lady. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia must win the NPPs presidential primaries to make this happen.



NDC ran more efficient campaigns when Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu led separate teams to criss-cross the whole country. While Rawlings led a group of party stalwarts in the south, Nana Konadu met women in the north with her 31st December Women's Wing of the party. Those were crowd-pulling days for NDC, and their rallies were ecstatic with party supporters and floating voters. However, with Dr Bawumia and Samira, the table turns in favour of the NPP.



In 2020, Mahama leveraged his female vice-presidential candidate to gain more support from women, akin to Nana Konadu's contributions to Rawlings and the NDC. With Dr Bawumia as the presidential candidate, Samira's efforts will intensify to counter Jane Naana's campaign in the event she partners with Mahama again. Moreover, if Jane does not join forces with Mahama in the 2024 elections, Samira will make deeper inroads into NDC's strongholds. None of the ten presidential candidates possesses a dynamic campaigning spouse capable of executing this strategic endeavour to break the eight.



Samira's youthful charisma, persuasive abilities, and fashionable allure will attract the gatherings of young Ghanaians, particularly young women. Her influence will be instrumental in winning over Zongo women, galvanizing support from the youth, and appealing to the general voting populace on behalf of the NPP. A remarkable surge of lady-led campaign groups will emerge to rally behind Samira, promoting Dr Bawumia and the NPP. She will not only be a firebrand campaigner for her husband and the party but also an essential asset in Dr Bawumia's potential presidency.



Ghana is poised to witness an exceptional duo reminiscent of the experience of Barack and Michelle Obama as the first gentleman and first lady. It would be an experience to behold. Dr Bawumia must win, and this is re-echoed in the voice of the Diaspora.



Diaspora4DMB!



Diaspora4Bawumia!



The Diaspora Voice!



Kwasi Owusu-Afriyie - Finland

(Comms & Research Director, Disapora4DMB)



Kingsley Ahenkora-Duodu - UK

(Chairman, Diaspora4DMB)

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
What rings true for Caden Garner is the spirit of unity born out of shared sacrifice.

When Im at these ceremonies, the line-of-duty deaths, the thing that really touches me is seeing all these people come together for a greater cause, the Newburg youth said.

Were not there to make ourselves look good, he said. Were there to support the families. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. I wanted to do a project that really captures what it is like.

A rising junior at Shippensburg Area Senior High School, Garner recently completed his Eagle Scout project by donating a ceremonial bell to Cumberland County for use by its honor guard of first-responders.

All my life, Ive been surrounded by this aspect, Garner said. Ive seen all these different ceremonies. My father [Jeff] is a career firefighter. My mother [Claudia] is the financial manager for the 911 center. I wanted to do something that stands out. I decided that Cumberland County was in need of a bell.

In May 2022, Garner turned inspiration into action by using a 3-D printer to develop a prototype of the bell and its pedestal measuring about 6 inches high by 2 inches wide. He then used the scale model to complete the paperwork necessary to submit an application before the regional council, which gave the go-ahead.

A big struggle with any Eagle Scout project is the amount of packet work you have to do, Garner said. The entire booklet is 32 pages long. It took me five days of working on it just to get the proposal area done. That was a big challenge for me because I dont like to sit in front of a [computer] screen for long periods of time. I told myself that itll all be worth it in the end. That pushed me through this challenge.

As an early step, Garner was able to network with Michael Browne of SSC Consulting Inc., of Elkton, Maryland, who donated about $3,000 worth of materials to the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety in support of the project. Garner then arranged to have local companies craft the materials into the components his team of scouts used to assemble the pedestal and its carrying case.

Agar Welding & Steel of Walnut Bottom made the metal frame to support four mahogany panels jointed by Hill Crest Custom Mouldings of Shippensburg. Meanwhile, Muffin Enterprises of Carlisle made the plates that are attached to each panel.

The pedestal has four sides, each representing a different branch of the first-responder community. Each side has a black-and-white American flag positioned above the prayer for members of that branch.

The design allows the pedestal to be turned so that the appropriate branch for the memorial service faces the audience, Garner said. A stripe on each flag has the color representing the branch  blue for police, red for fire companies, white for EMS services and yellow for emergency dispatchers.

A lot of times, the prayers will be used during memorial services, Garner said. I put them there [on the pedestal] more as a comfort to the families so that they could read the prayers.

We had to pick up supplies and gather up quotes, he said. We had to lay-out the flags and prayers. We had to paint the travel case.

Four scouts and a scoutmaster helped to assemble the components. At first, there was worry over the final product.

As it went on to the halfway point, you start to see the progress and you really become proud of what you have done so far, Garner said. You are really looking forward to that end result.

But not everything went smoothly. Lacquering the panels took longer than expected because Garner was not always satisfied with the outcome and each new coat took 24 hours to dry.

We had to repeat that process almost eight times, Garner said. During that process, I braided the pull chord [for the bell] with basic red, white and blue. That helped to bring it all together.

An anonymous source donated the 20-pound bell that previously saw service on a wrecked firetruck. The completed pedestal weighs about 40 pounds and is about four feet tall by two feet wide.

The bell is removable from the top and affixed to a piece of wood that has holes in the middle for the bolts to come down, Garner said. When it got all done, it made me feel good inside. I stood back and realized this thing was going to be used for so many years. Its going to be a symbol of honor and remembrance.

The bell was donated during a recent meeting of the county commissioners. During the meeting, Silver Spring Township Police Chief Chris Raubenstine thanked Garner for his efforts.

This helps us respect the families of those who are no longer with us, said Raubenstine, who was representing the Cumberland County Chiefs of Police Association.

The use of a bell in the fire service dates back to when call boxes were at street corners to alert firefighters to an emergency, said Jeff Garner, a captain with the Loudoun County fire department in Virginia.

When a firefighter is killed in the line of duty, the tolling of the bell signifies the loss of a comrade, Jeff Garner said. Its called the five-five-five. Five rings, a pause, five rings, a pause, and five rings. His time is done. His duty is done. He has now completed his service.

In 2020, Cumberland County formed an honor guard of first-responders from all four service branches who participate not only in memorial services, but such celebrations as dedicating new fire apparatus, Claudia Garner said. We have about 40 members. We are there to support the families and the affected agencies.
Some NPP Group from Assin North who are domiciled in the Ashanti Region have expressed their displeasure at the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Chairman Wontumi, for his lack of interest in the impending by-election in the Assin North constituency.



The group says the apathetic attitude of Chairman Wontumi towards the upcoming elections, which is few weeks away, is unfortunate and could adversely affect the chances of the ruling party recapturing the seat.



In a strongly worded statement issued and signed by Conveners of the group, Joseph Nsaaba and Yaw Agyemang Kakraba on Wednesday, the group cited the role Chairman Wontumi played in the recently held by-election at Kumawu and the impact he made, indicating that they expected him to assume similar role as the Assin North by-election beckons.



According to them, the upcoming election should not be seen as an assignment exclusively limited to party executives in the Assin North or the Central Region alone, but instead should all well-meaning members of the party.



"This is why we find the silence of Chairman Wontumi and his team very worrying; In Kumawu for example, Chairman Wontumi pitched camp in the constituency and worked very hard to achieve a resounding victory. Why is he not doing same for Assin North? " the group queried



They are therefore appealing to the national leadership of the party to prevail upon Chairman Wontumi to join the NPP campaign trail in the Assin North constituency

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Member of Parliament aspirant on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Gyakie Quayson has made a bold statement to support his candidacy, indicating that he will fight for the constituency with his last breath.



He made this statement when he visited the Assin North constituency to campaign ahead of the by-election slated for June 27, 2023.



In a video posted by Accra-based TV3 and sighted by GhanaWeb, the ousted MP was expressing his unwavering determination to continue to fight for the seat despite facing setbacks and being removed from office.



I will fight for Assin North with my last breath. In every family, there is a Judas, as you are trying to pack things up others will be ready to destroy. But I know whoever is fighting something not for selfish gain but for the gains of the public, God crowns his efforts. The vision here is not a selfish vision. It is a vision for the whole Assin North community and its people. So, I know definitely we will achieve it, he said.



The MP aspirant further called on his supporter and members of the National Democratic Congress to consolidate their efforts to capture recapture the seat in the by-election.



Let us all put our efforts together. And those saying that, once Joe Quayson steps foot here we will arrest him, among others. I came here from Accra nobody was able to stop me. I dont fear anything, I only fear God. In the life I have lived, there is nothing that will done by will cause me to fear. As much as I have lived, I am no longer moved by anything done to me, he added.



He continued to say that regardless of the disruption, he will still stand for the Assin North Constituency.



Whatever they do, I will stand for Assin North he declared.



















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
Prof. Smart Sarpong, a Senior Research Fellow of the Kumasi Technical University, has called on the various political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to assist the Electoral Commission deliver a better job instead of opposing the Commission.



NDC Communications Director, Sammy Gyamfi, in a statement dated June 5 accused the EC and the New Patriotic Party of adopting a wrong approach in the selection of a parliamentary candidate by the NPP for the upcoming Assin North by-election.



NDC Accuses EC Of Election Fraud



Sammy Gyamfi alleged an illegal plot by the EC and the governing party to smuggle the name of their parliamentary aspirant into the Assin North voters register, stating this action reeks of bias and has clouded the EC's judgement and interpretation of CI 127 as contained in the Commissions document.



In a statement, the NDC Communication Officer claimed that the ruling party, in collaboration with the EC, plans to transfer and insert Charles Opokus name into the voters register despite him not being a registered voter in the Assin North constituency.



We are closely monitoring this situation and shall take every legitimate step to ensure that this illegal plot is not carried out by the Electoral Commission and their collaborators in the NPP, Mr. Gyamfi stressed.



EC Replies NDC



But the EC has described the allegations as unfounded and baseless saying "Ghanas democracy has come of age and we call on Sammy Gyamfi to exercise maturity, decorum and truth in his discussions on the EC. We urge him to go out and campaign and leave the EC alone".



It also stated; "Over the years Sammy Gyamfi and his party have put out false claims aimed at maligning the integrity of the EC. This was evident in their petition to the Supreme Court after the 2020 Elections alleging that they had won the Elections.



"It is well known that they could not provide evidence in Court to support their allegations. This current allegation is no different. It is baseless and unfounded and a figment of the imagination of the National Communication Officer."



The Commission called on "all well-meaning Ghanaians to ignore" the NDC allegations.



'You Can't Beat EC, Join Them'



Tackling the matter during Peace FM's 'kokrokoo' morning programme, Prof. Smart Sarpong noted that the EC's role in Ghana's electoral system cannot be underrated and asked the parties to desist from tarnishing its image.



He urged the parties to support the EC to improve their works but not to say things that will bring its reputation into disrepute.



"Under this constitution, they are a body that is impossible to remove from our elections...If you can't beat the EC, you can't do anything election without the EC, join the EC; participate in everything and make sure it has become better. Let's make the EC better," he told Nana Yaw Kesseh.



He appealed to the NDC to find ways to amicably solve their differences with the EC.



"Let this be the final response in my view...We have a nation to build," he advised.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Bernard Allotey Jacobs has hailed the disqualified Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, whose disqualification has called for a by-election to be held in the Assin North constituency.



Mr. James Gyakye Quayson's legitimacy to hold himself as a Parliamentarian was overturned by a Supreme Court on grounds that he held dual citizenship at the time he was elected as MP.



Despite his debarment, the National Democratic Congress says it will still present Mr. Gyakye Quayson to contest the by-election.



Touching on the matter, Allotey Jacobs touted the embattled NDC MP as a "good man", hence finding it difficult to grasp why he would allow himself to be in such a trouble.



To him, Mr. Gyakye Quayson brought this on himself, however "he is a good man. In spite of everything, he is a good man but the law is the law"





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Electoral Commission of Ghana recently urged citizens to disregard what the commission deemed as "baseless and unfounded" allegations made by Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), regarding the upcoming by-election in Assin North.



Sammy Gyamfi had asserted that the Electoral Commission is relying solely on the 1992 constitution to determine the qualification of parliamentary candidates.



He argued that the provisions of CI 127, specifically the Nomination Form, should also be taken into consideration.



In a press release, the Commission refuted Gyamfi's claims and emphasized its adherence to the constitutional guidelines in determining parliamentary candidates' eligibility.



However, the response from the EC has sparked a reaction from Koku Anyidoho, former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, who has expressed his displeasure with Gyamfi's allegations.



Taking to social media, Anyidoho referred to him as a "demon" and accused him of intentionally tarnishing the party's image.



In his social media post on June 7, 2023, Anyidoho shared the EC's response stating, "So, when will my people stop this blatant and needless pouring of stench on the image of the Party? It is obvious that the 'demons who crept into the Party' are on a mission to destroy the Party.



"How can a revolutionary party now be reduced to such rubble? I weep for NDC," he questioned.





So, when will my people stop this blatant and needless pouring of stench on the image of the Party? It is obvious that the demons who crept into the Party .. are on a mission to destroy the Party. How can a revolutionary party now be reduced to such rubble? I weep for NDC. pic.twitter.com/90Zc6Cy6ap  Samuel Koku Anyidoho (@KokuAnyidoho) June 7, 2023





Read the EC's full Rejoinder below



RE: ELIGIBILITY OF QUALIFIED NPP PARLIAMENTARY ASPIRANT IN THE ASSIN NORTH BY-ELECTION



TRANSPARENCY FAIRNESS INTEGRITY ELECTORAL COMMISSION GHANA



The attention of the Electoral Commission has been drawn to another misleading statement by the National Communication Officer of the NDC.



The Commission in its previous response to the National Communication Officer, stated that per Article 94 of the 1992 Constitution, a person qualifies to contest as a candidate for a Parliamentary Election so long as he is a registered voter, at least 21 years of age, hails from or, is a resident, or has resided in the constituency for a total of five (5) years in the last ten (10) years preceding the election he/she seeks to contest. This is the position of the 1992 Constitution which is the fundamental law of Ghana.



The National Communication Officer of the NDC in his response makes the claim that the EC only relied on the 1992 Constitution to make the case that a person need not be a registered voter in the Constituency he/she intends to stand for election. He asserts that the EC should have also relied on the CI 127 and in particular the Nomination Form contained in CI 127 before arriving at the conclusion that a person need not be a registered voter in the same Constituency he/she intends to contest.



To buttress his point, he states that the phrase of the same Constituency, on the Parliamentary Nomination Form, implies that a candidate for parliamentary election must be a registered voter in the same Constituency he/she intends to contest and that the phrase of the same Constituency on the Nomination Form should override the Constitution. This argument is flawed.



For the benefit of the public, the Nomination Form states as follows:



We the undersigned registered voters in ..................... Constituency do hereby nominate............. of the same Constituency to stand for election as a Member of Parliament, and we hereby certify that to the best of our knowledge he/she is qualified to be elected as such.



Clearly, as stated above, the Nomination Form only requires those nominating a candidate for a parliamentary election in a Constituency to be registered voters in the same Constituency, and not the candidate who is being nominated to contest. The candidate is only required to hail from or reside in the Constituency to qualify to contest in that Constituency. If one should interpret what is stated on the Parliamentary Nomination Form to imply that the candidate must also be a registered voter in the same Constituency, that would be absurd, unreasonable, illogical, and unconstitutional to borrow some of the words of Sammy Gyamfi.



Was Sammy Gyamfi not aware of this phrase, of the same Constituency on the Nomination Form before allowing their candidate for the Kumawu By-Election who is NOT a registered voter in Kumawu to contest for the recent By- Election?



For the information of the general public, the NDC Candidate for the recent By-Election Mr. Kwasi Amankwaa is not a registered voter in the Kumawu Constituency. He is a registered voter in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, yet he contested in the Kumawu By-Election because he hails from there. Why didnt the NDC raise this issue ahead of the Kumawu Constituency By-Election?



The fact still remains that the allegation by Sammy Gyamfi to the effect that the EC is working with the NPP to sneak an unregistered voter into the Assin North register is FALSE. It is untrue and we call on Sammy Gyamfi to prove this.



Over the years Sammy Gyamfi and his party have put out false claims aimed at maligning the integrity of the EC. This was evident in their petition to the Supreme Court after the 2020 Elections alleging that they had won the Elections. It is well known that they could not provide evidence in Court to support their allegations. This current allegation is no different. It is baseless and unfounded and a figment of the imagination of the National Communication Officer. We call on all well meaning Ghanaians to ignore it.



Ghanas democracy has come of age and we call on Sammy Gyamfi to exercise maturity, decorum and truth in his discussions on the EC. We urge him to go out and campaign and leave the EC alone.



As a Commission we remain committed to conducting transparent, peaceful and credible elections. We will devote our time to fulfilling our constitutional mandate, having provided the public with the truth on this matter.



SIGNED

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT























Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a lecturer at the Central University, has slammed the Electoral Commission over its response to the NDC National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, regarding his allegations against the Commission.



Sammy Gyamfi has accused the EC of foul play towards the upcoming Assin North by-election alleging the Commission wants to smuggle an NPP parliamentary aspirant into the election.



He claims the ruling party is in collaboration with the EC to insert a certain Charles Opoku's name into the voters register.



Mr. Gyamfi argued that the NPP parliamentary candidate is not a registered voter in the Assin North constituency.



We are closely monitoring this situation and shall take every legitimate step to ensure that this illegal plot is not carried out by the Electoral Commission and their collaborators in the NPP, he stressed in a statement.



But the EC, in reply, finds the accusations baseless stating "over the years Sammy Gyamfi and his party have put out false claims aimed at maligning the integrity of the EC. This was evident in their petition to the Supreme Court after the 2020 Elections alleging that they had won the Elections".



"It is well known that they could not provide evidence in Court to support their allegations. This current allegation is no different. It is baseless and unfounded and a figment of the imagination of the National Communication Officer. We call on all well meaning Ghanaians to ignore it.



"Ghanas democracy has come of age and we call on Sammy Gyamfi to exercise maturity, decorum and truth in his discussions on the EC. We urge him to go out and campaign and leave the EC alone," the Commission added.



Tackling the issue during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah faulted the EC for over their statement which, to him, was very personal against the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



He advised the Electoral Commissioners to bottle up their emotions stressing the Commission is supposed to be a referee in Ghana's elections and so found it distasteful for them to come at the NDC.



To him, the Commission should have directed their message directly to Sammy Gyamfi as an individual without bringing the NDC into the matter.



"Ghanaians have vested you with their power to conduct elections. Don't be emotional," Dr. Otchere-Ankrah fired at EC.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Ugandan dance troupe Ghetto Kids missed out on the top three slots at the last stage of Britains Got Talent competition on Sunday, thanking fans for their "unwavering support throughout the competition".



The group of six children are aged between six and 13, and came from impoverished backgrounds in Uganda's capital Kampala before being taken in and cared for by their guardian-turned-manager Dauda Kavuma.



Ghetto Kids was among the 10 finalists in the competition  which was won by Viggo Venn, a 33-year-old comedian from Norway. The second place was taken by 13-year-old dancer Lilliana Clifton while magician Cillian OConnor, 14, came third.



The Ugandan group already made history after becoming the first act to be given a "golden buzzer" by one of the judges before they had even finished their performance - which sent them straight to the semi-final.



They then received the most public votes, giving them a place at the final alongside nine other contestants.



It has added to the group's already considerable fame - the Ghetto Kids already had millions of YouTube views under their belts before joining the UK talent show, and featured in a music video for US-Moroccan rap star French Montana in 2017.

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
OCALA, Fla.  A woman accused of shooting and killing a mother in front of her kids last week in a shocking end to an ongoing feud between neighbors was arrested Tuesday.

Susan Louise Lorincz, 58, who is white, was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault in the death of Ajike Owens, a Black mother of four, Sheriff Billy Woods said in a statement.

Authorities came under pressure Tuesday to arrest and charge Lorincz, who fired the gun and killed Owens in a case that has put Floridas divisive stand your ground law back into the spotlight.

In a video posted on Facebook late Tuesday night, the sheriff said this was not a stand your ground case but simply a killing.

Now many of you were struggling to understand why there was not an immediate arrest, the sheriff said. The laws here in the state of Florida are clear. Now I may not like them. I may not agree with them. But however, those laws I will follow.

The video shared by the sheriffs office shows two detectives and a deputy leading Lorincz down a hallway with her hands behind her back.

Jail records show she was booked, but did not list a lawyer who could speak on her behalf. Lorincz did not attend the first court hearing on Wednesday since shes undergoing medical testing, sheriffs officials said in a statement.

During a news conference at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday afternoon, the victims family, friends and community leaders joined civil rights attorney Ben Crump in thanking the sheriff for making the arrest, while calling for justice for Owens.

A protester, holds a poster of Ajike Owens at the Marion County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Ocala, demanding the arrest of a woman who shot and killed Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four, last Friday night, June 2. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP

This is not a difficult case, Crump said. He called on the state attorneys office to zealously prosecute the shooter.

Crump, along with Owenss mother and multiple neighbors noted during the news conference that the feud the sheriff spoke of was between Lorincz and neighborhood children, who often played in a lot outside her home. Neighbors said Lorincz frequently called the children vile names and antagonized them.

That was the case on Friday night, they said. Sheriffs deputies responded to a trespassing call and found Owens with gunshot wounds.

The neighborhood of single-story duplexes and quadruplexes is in the rolling hills outside of Ocala. The area is known for its thoroughbred horse farms, which surround the working-class neighborhood.

Lorincz told investigators that she acted in self-defense, and that Owens, 35, had been trying to break down her door before she fired the gun, the sheriff said. She also told them that Owens had come after her in the past, and had previously attacked her.

Sheriff Woods said the investigation, which included eyewitness statements, established that Lorinczs actions were not justifiable under Florida law.

Earlier the sheriff had said that because of the stand your ground law he couldnt make an arrest unless he could prove the shooter did not act in self-defense.

According to the sheriffs account, Owens was shot moments after going to Lorinczs apartment because she had yelled had at Owens children as they played outside. He said Lorincz had thrown a pair of skates that hit one of the children.

The sheriffs office hasnt confirmed there were slurs uttered or said whether race was a factor in the shooting.

This image taken from video provided by the Marion County Sheriffs Office shows Susan Lorincz, center, after her arrest in Ocala, Fla., Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Lorincz is accused of fatally shooting her neighbor, Ajike Owens, a Black mother of four.AP

Owens mother, Pamela Dias, said Wednesday that her two young grandsons, ages 12 and 9, are dealing with feelings of guilt  because they were with their mom outside Lorinczs house that evening, and saw her get shot.

Our 12-year-old blames himself for the death of his mother because he couldnt save her. He couldnt give her CPR, Dias said.

Hours before the arrest on Tuesday, some three dozen protesters, most of them Black, gathered outside the Marion County Judicial Center, demanding the shooters arrest. The chief prosecutor, State Attorney William Gladson, met with them and urged patience while the investigation continued.

If we are going to make a case we need as much time and as much evidence as possible, Gladson said. I dont want to compromise any criminal investigation.

In a statement late Tuesday, Crump said while Owens family is relieved that an arrest has been made, they remain concerned it has taken this long because archaic laws like Stand Your Ground exist Crump also represented the family of Trayvon Martin who was fatally shot by George Zimmerman in central Florida in 2012.

Lauren Smith, 40, lives across the street from where the shooting happened. She was on her porch that day and saw one of Owens young sons pacing, and yelling, They shot my mama, they shot my mama.

She ran toward the house, and started chest compressions until a rescue crew arrived. She said there wasnt an altercation and that Owens didnt have a weapon.

She was angry all the time that the children were playing out there, Smith said. She would say nasty things to them. Just nasty. Smith, who is white, described the neighborhood is family friendly.

The sheriff said that since January 2021, deputies responded at least a half-dozen calls in connection with what police described as feuding between Owens and Lorincz.

There was a lot of aggressiveness from both of them, back and forth, the sheriff said Lorincz told investigators. Whether it be banging on the doors, banging on the walls and threats being made. And then at that moment is when Ms. Owens was shot through the door.

Stand your ground cases are deemed justifiable five times more frequently when a white shooter kills a Black victim, according to Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

A small memorial is seen outside an apartment, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Ocala, Fla., where Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four was killed in a Friday night, June 2, shooting that Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said was the culmination of a 2-year feud between neighbors. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP

In 2017, Florida lawmakers shifted the burden of proof from a person claiming self-defense to prosecutors. Before the change in law, prosecutors could charge someone with a shooting, and then defense attorneys would have to present an affirmative defense for why their client shouldnt be convicted. Now authorities must rule out self-defense before bringing charges.

Stand your ground and castle doctrine cases  which allow residents to defend themselves either by law or court precedent when threatened  have sparked outrage amid a spate of shootings across the country.

In April, 84-year-old Andrew Lester, a white man, shot and injured 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who rang his doorbell in Kansas City. Yarl mistakenly went to the wrong house to pick up his younger siblings. Lester faces criminal charges. At trial, he may argue that he thought someone was trying to break into his house.

Missouri and Florida are among about 30 states that have stand your ground laws.

The most well-known examples of the stand your ground argument came up in the trial of George Zimmerman, who fatally shot Trayvon Martin in 2012.

Owens mother said she will now raise her four young grandchildren.

I pray that God gives me the strength, the wisdom and the ability to raise these children as our daughter would have us to do, Dias said, of receiving childcare help from family and friends. I thank God that I dont have to do it alone.

Curt Anderson and Freida Frisaro of The Associated Press wrote this story. Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale.

More:

Central Pa. man charged in death of mother-in-law: reports

Woman shot in head, man shot in back on Pa. street: reports
Four people have been charged for crimes relating to a prostitution ring, including two from Pennsylvania.

The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced indictments for Jennie Lawson, 37, of Dillslburg, and Tracey Lawson, 57, of Thomasville, as well as Anton Panin, 40, of Hollywood, Florida, and Viktoriia Zakirova, 32, of Miami.

The four are being charged in connection to an alleged prostitution enterprise called XO Companions. According to Gerard M. Karam, U.S. Attorney General for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the four conspired to recruit women from Russia and other eastern European nations, and transport them to the United States for work in prostitution. The Lawsons and Panin are further charged with money laundering.

Authorities claim that once the women were in the United States, they would travel across the country to meet clients in major cities, then send cash to the to the Lawsons, who in turn transported it to Panin in Florida. They further claim defendants are also accused of operating a password-protected website which clients used to view schedules and order services.

The indictment in this case has dismantled an extensive and long-running commercial sex enterprise that exploited countless women and repeatedly violated U.S. laws, said U.S. Attorney Karam in a press release. We commend the law enforcement agents who coordinated across multiple agencies and worked tirelessly in the investigation that led to these charges.

The investigation was led by the Diplomatic Security Service, along with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation agents, Homeland Security agents, and the FBI, as the alleged crimes are connected to exploitation of U.S. travel visas for illegal purposes.
Its time for some drag racing family fun.

Horsepower for Hope, organized by Pettus Automotive, takes place Saturday at the Bonne Terre Drag Strip. The track is located at 7640 Black Berry Ln. in Bonne Terre.

The annual event is a fundraiser for Camp Hope, a veterans organization located outside of Farmington.

Camp Hope is a retreat for military veterans wounded in war. William and Galia White created Camp Hope as a tribute to their son Christopher, who was killed while fighting in Iraq. The organizations mission is to honor the fallen by helping the wounded. They offer all-expenses-paid adventures and comradery for service men and women who gave selflessly for Americans freedom.

Gates open for the Saturday fund-raiser at 8 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m. Trials begin at noon. The small tire purse is $3,500.

Admission is $10 for spectators and free for kids 12 and under.

Raffles, bounce house, kids activities and other events also take place at the event.

Several Pettus Automotive employees are preparing and serving concessions throughout the day. All funds raised from food sales also go directly to Camp Hope.

Event Organizer Shawna Pettus said this annual event keeps growing and requires many volunteers to make it a success.

Well have a lot of racing for the day and it takes a ton of volunteers to pull this event off, she said. From our employees to community members to our family and friends, they all step up to help raise money for Camp Hope.

Pettus said Horsepower for Hope is also an expensive event to pull off so they rely on sponsors for the annual fundraising event.

Were very grateful for the businesses who support this annual event for Camp Hope, she said. We couldnt do this without our local business owners and communitys support.

Sponsors for this event include Platinum Partners Griffin Automotive, Blue Creek Productions and Unico Bank; Gold-Level Sponsors Save A Lot, Mills Cleaning, Confi-Dents, Marlers Towing Service, First State Community Bank DeSoto and Bonne Terre, VP Get N Go, DeSoto Fuels, Prestigious Sheen Hardwood, D&S Fence, CBI Street Cars, 660 Grudge Street, Kozzys Bar and Grill, Bryant Restoration, Bullseye Equipment & Tool Rental, Pettus Trailers, and APG Customs; and Small Tire Sponsor Mineral Area Well Services.

Horsepower for Hope started in 2015 and continued through 2019. The event returns this year after many requests from racers and the community.

Camp Hope is still doing the work and theyre still needing funding, said Pettus, so were returning to continue to help make a difference for our veterans.

She said Pettus Automotive has always been involved in the community. When they decided to do a drag-racing event several years ago, they knew they wanted to find an organization that helps veterans.

We feel like veterans and American muscle cars parallel and are the perfect combination, said Pettus. Were helping to fund Camp Hope and their mission with our event and it all adds up to a wonderful community event.

She added that the event is pulling in many cars from different areas for this years event.

I didnt realize that I liked drag racing until we got into doing this event, she said. Its really an exciting day and something I look forward to each year. Weve had so many businesses and people come on board and look forward to this event.

Visit Horsepowerforhope.org or CampHopeUSA.org for more details.
A Montgomery County man was sentenced to 12 1/2 to 30 years in prison for killing his boyfriend and burying the body in a Philadelphia arboretum.

Keshaun Sheffield, 21, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of third-degree murder for fatally stabbing Rashid Young, 22, in their Pottstown apartment in 2019 during an argument, according to reports from The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Pottstown Mercury.

In pleading guilty, Sheffield avoided a possible first-degree murder conviction, which comes with a life prison term.
It took three decades, but the heinous, murderous acts of Bryan Patrick Miller  aka the Arizona Zombie Hunter -- have finally caught up with him. And they will cost him his life.

An Arizona superior court judge on Wednesday sentenced Miller, 50, to death for the brutal, bloody first-degree knife murders of Angela Brosso, formerly of Lower Allen Township, Pa., and Melanie Bernas, 17. Both murders took place in the early 1990s along the metro Phoenix canal system as the women were biking there. Miller also raped both women, possibly as they were dying or dead.

The defendant did not just murder them. He brutalized them. And he evaded capture for over 20 years, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Suzanne Cohen was quoted as saying, explaining why she condemned Miller to die, rather than serve life in prison for the Arizona Canal Killings.

There is no question that what the defendant did deserves the death penalty, Cohen said.

Brosso, a 22-year-old from Cumberland County who relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, was stabbed and beheaded in Nov. 1992 while on a pre-birthday celebration ride on her newly tuned-up purple mountain bike. She was a 1989 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School  and Millers first victim.

Millers knife attack was so frenzied, Brosso was nearly cut in half at the waist, according to forensic testimony. The exact number of stab wounds couldnt be calculated; there were just too many.

Her body was discovered along the canal trail the next morning. Brossos head would not be found for 11 more days. It was located in a grate in the canal about a mile and a half away from where her body was found.

READ MORE:

Angela Brossos mother, Linda Brosso Strock, still lives on the West Shore. She didnt respond to PennLives repeated attempts to contact her for comment on her daughters case.

Ten months later another brutally stabbed female was found floating in the canal. This time it was a 17-year-old girl who was supposed to be home sick from school. Instead, Melanie Bernas went out for a bike ride along the canal in September 1993, only to encounter Miller.

Bernas suffered a deep stab wound to her back. Just like Brosso, the fatal knife plunge severed Bernas aorta and pierced her lung. Unlike Brosso, a cross was carved into Bernas chest, along with the initials WSC. The meaning of the initials was never determined.

Many more graphic details of both murders were chronicled by police, pathologists and forensic experts who testified at the trial.

The unsolved killings in the fall of 1992 and 1993 had Phoenix on edge as the desert city braced for the bloody reign of a brutal serial killer. Instead, the killings stopped. The sensational case grew cold for 22 years.

Then in January 2015, a DNA breakthrough finally linked the semen found at both murder scenes to Miller.

Miller was known as the Zombie Hunter for the converted police car that was parked in his driveway. Miller would splatter the old black-and-white police cruiser with fake blood, much to the delight of trick-or-treating neighborhood kids.

Photo of Bryan Patrick Miller, convicted in the 1992 murder of Angela Brosso in Phoenix, Az., from his Facebook account "Arizona Zombie Hunter".

The car remained in his driveway right up until the day a breakthrough DNA match led to Millers 2015 arrest, some 22 years after his alleged crimes. Detectives used a fake job interview to lure Miller. They obtained his DNA from the lip of a beverage container he drank from during the ruse interview.

When the tests came back, they had their killer.

Following a months-long bench trial that began in October 2022, Judge Cohen in April found Miller guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of attempted sexual assault.

She handed down a death sentence to Miller on Wednesday afternoon, completing the sentencing phase of the trial  and closing a bloody chapter in Arizona history.

According to an account of Cohens ruling by AZcentral, the question was whether Millers tortured childhood as chronicled during the trial was enough to warrant the leniency of a life sentence.

The answer is no, she said.
NEW YORK  The chief executive CNN pushed out of a job on Wednesday faced mounting problems in his first year leading the struggling network: viewership and profits were declining, programming blunders were growing and the networks journalists were losing confidence by the day.

Chris Lichts very bad year culminated in a damning magazine profile last week, and just a few days later his tumultuous 13-month tenure was over.

Licht, 51, was informed of his ouster Wednesday morning, and it was announced to the staff at the daily editorial meeting  the same place where Licht had said two days earlier that he would fight like hell to earn the trust of those around him.

The executive who hired and fired Licht  David Zaslav, the CEO of CNN parent company Warner Bros. Discovery  accepted some of the blame for the networks turmoil over the past year, and he appointed a four-person interim leadership team. Zaslav promised CNN staff a thorough search for Lichts replacement.

This really caps a tumultuous year for CNN that has seen shrinking profits, programming mistakes and really low employee morale, CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy said on his own network Wednesday.

Licht had a mandate to focus on news and try to and make CNN more palatable to both sides of the countrys political divide; Republicans had become increasingly suspicious of the network following repeated attacks by former President Donald Trump.

But some at the network saw the way that change was communicated as a repudiation of their past work. A live town hall interview with Trump last month drew widespread criticism, with the former president overwhelming moderator Kaitlan Collins with several misstatements, as a pro-Trump live audience cheered him on.

Earlier in the year, Licht revamped the networks morning show, but that proved unsuccessful and led to the firing of longtime personality Don Lemon. Efforts to build a new prime-time lineup moved slowly, with Collins only recently appointed to fill at 9 p.m. hour that had been without a permanent host since Chris Cuomo was fired in December 2021.

Licht oversaw layoffs last year following Zaslavs decision to shutter the CNN+ streaming service only weeks after it had started. There were other cutbacks: shows hosted by Lisa Ling and Stanley Tucci were axed, along with the Reliable Sources media program and its host, Brian Stelter.

Licht, who had produced MSNBCs Morning Joe, CBS morning news show and Stephen Colberts late-night show, was appointed by Zaslav just over a year ago to replace an internally popular predecessor, Jeff Zucker. Zucker was fired for not revealing a consensual relationship with a fellow CNN executive.

Ultimately, the promotion from a show producer to leading an international news organization proved too steep a challenge.

Then-CNN anchor Don Lemon speaks during a Democratic presidential debate in Detroit on July 31, 2019.

Zaslav said in a memo to CNN staff members that the job was never going to be easy, especially at a time of great disruption and transformation.

Chris poured his heart and soul into it, he said. He has a deep love for journalism and this business and that has been evident throughout his tenure. Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we had hoped  and ultimately thats on me.

Licht did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

A lengthy profile of Licht in Atlantic magazine that came out on Friday, titled Inside the Meltdown at CNN, proved embarrassing and likely sealed his fate. Author Tim Alberta discussed how Lichts effort to reach viewers turned off by CNNs hostility to Trump had failed and damaged his standing with CNN journalists.

Lichts theory of CNN  what had gone wrong, how to fix it, and why doing so could lift the entire industry  made a lot of sense, Alberta wrote. The execution of that theory? Another story. Every move he made, big programming decisions and small tactical maneuvers alike, seemed to backfire.

In the piece, Licht talked about how some of CNNs COVID coverage had been high-strung and lost touch with the country, a criticism that angered many in the newsroom.

Ultimately, Alberta could not get Zaslav to agree to an on-the-record assessment of Lichts tenure, an ominous sign.

Some of CNNs chief anchors  Jake Tapper, Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett  had privately expressed their reservations about Lichts leadership, according to a Wall Street Journal article that was posted Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, viewers were disappearing, a decline exacerbated by the quickening trend of consumers cutting the cord from traditional cable. CNNs prime-time viewership of 494,000 in May was down 16% from April and was less than half of its closest news rival, MSNBC. It was down 25% from the average of 660,000 in May 2022.

CNNs profits have also been sinking. The network generated $892 million in profit in 2022, down from $1.08 billion in 2020, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Chris Cuomo attends The Hollywood Reporter's annual Most Powerful People in Media cocktail reception on April 11, 2019, in New York. CNN fired Cuomo for the role he played in defense of his brother, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as he fought sexual harassment charges. CNN said Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, it was still investigating but additional information had come to light.Evan Agostini | Invision/AP

Zaslav appointed four current CNN executives  Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy  to run the network while a search for a replacement is conducted. Leavy, a top Zaslav aide from Warner Bros. Discovery, was appointed chief operating officer last week to help shore up CNNs management.

We are in good hands, allowing us to take the time we need to run a thoughtful and thorough search for a new leader, Zaslav said in the memo.

CNN also let go of two public relations executives on Wednesday  Kris Coratti Kelly and Matt Dornic.

David Bauder of The Associated Press wrote this story.

More:

Krispy Kreme seeking Chief Doughnut Dreamer to create a new flavor and get a yearlong sweet deal

Kendall Jenners dating history displayed on T-shirt worn by sister Kim Kardashian goes viral: reports
Luna Italian Cuisine in Mechanicsburg is now open for lunch.

Owner Vito Serradella said the restaurant at 100 Legacy Park, which opened in March, started serving lunch last week. The menu offers pizzas, salads and pastas.

Luna, named after the Italian word for moon, is located at Legacy Park, a mixed-use development. With its dining room, euro-style bar and Saturday night disco pub with music, Luna is anything but a typical Italian-American restaurant.

Pizza varieties feature margherita, vegetarian, and a Diavolo with mozzarella, salami, chili, olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Salad selections include salmon, tuna, grilled chicken, shrimp, steak and Cesar on chopped romaine, while pasta choices range from spaghetti with meatballs to a pappardelle with creamy avocado and shrimp.

READ MORE: Mediterranean restaurant opens in central Pa.

Prices are $5 for a beer/glass of wine up to between $12 and $14 for salads and pizzas.

Serradella, who also owns Vitos Italian Restaurant in Lower Allen Township and Vitos Pizza in Upper Allen Township, said he decided to open Luna because so many people relocating from New York and New Jersey are looking for an upscale Italian restaurant.

Its open 11 a.m.-10 p.m Monday and Wednesday-Friday, noon-2 a.m. Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesdays.

READ MORE:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today issued a warning to consumers saying they should not buy Momaid brand infant loungers sold on Amazon.

The commission said the loungers do not meet the federal Infant Sleep Products Rule that became effective in 2022. The loungers pose a risk of suffocation and a fall hazard to infants.

The commissioner said the loungers not only do not have a required stand but also fail to meet the side height, markings and labeling, and instructional literature requirements. These failures create an unsafe sleeping environment for infants.

The lounger and its packaging also lack a tracking label containing certain required information, including the date of manufacture.

The seller, Zhejiang Juster Trading LLC, of China, is not cooperating with the CPSC on a recall of this product and is not offering a remedy to consumers.

Earlier this week, the commission and The Boppy Company asked people not to use its infant loungers - or sell them online - after the death of 10 infants linked to the products.

The Boppy Company recalled 3.3 million of its loungers in 2021.

The Momaid loungers, the commission said, were advertised as a Baby Lounger Portable Infant Co Sleeping Bassinet Newborn Cocoon Snuggle Reversible Nest Bed Travel Crib. They were sold with a pillow and in four different printed fabrics: Banana Gray Leaf, Blue Palm Leaf, Mint Lychee Leaf and Pink Lychee Leaf.

They were sold on Amazon and other retail websites for $55.

The commission said the loungers also lack a label.

Although the Infant Sleep Products rule is applicable to products manufactured on or after June 23, 2022, CPSC urges firms to consider stopping sale of non-compliant infant sleep products regardless of the date of manufacture.

These loungers do not have a required date of manufacture labeled on the product or packaging, and therefore, the CPSC urges consumers to stop using the loungers, cut the fabric, and dispose of the fabric and the pillow immediately.

The commission said the infants should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface without blankets, pillows or crib bumpers.

READ MORE

Recalled Rock n Play sleepers still sold on Facebook Marketplace after 100 infant deaths, safety agency says.

Infant head-shaping pillows increase risk of suffocation and death, FDA says.
A woman has been accused of killing her mother in Maryland.

The woman, together with her daughter, is said to have attempted to get rid of the body via dismemberment and use of a grill.

USA Today reports how Candace Craig, 44, and her daughter, Salia Hardy, 19, were arrested this week by the Prince Georges County Police Department.

According to a release posted to the police departments website, patrol officers had gone to the Landover home of victim Margaret Craig, 71, on Thursday, June 2, after receiving a call from a worried individual who hadnt heard from her in a few days. Candace allowed the officers to enter, and the Homicide and Evidence Units were later notified after the cops noticed an odor in the basement.

The same police department release states that investigators deduced how Candace had murdered her mother on May 23 and had attempted to dispose of her remains with the help of her daughter. The former has been charged with first and second degree murder while her daughter has been charged with accessory after the fact. Both women remain in custody of the Department of Corrections.

The detectives of the Homicide Unit will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that both suspects are held accountable for their cruel and criminal behavior, tells Commander of the departments Major Crimes Division, Major David Blazer, via the release.

The motive behind the murder remains unknown. Anyone with any information relevant to the case is urged to call detectives at 301-516-2512 or via the anonymous Crimes Solvers tip hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
KHERSON, Ukraine  Authorities rushed to rescue hundreds of people stranded on rooftops and supply drinking water to areas flooded by a collapsed dam in southern Ukraine on Wednesday, in a growing humanitarian and ecological disaster along a river that forms part of the front line in the 15-month war.

The collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and emptying of its reservoir on the Dnieper River added to the misery the region has suffered for more than a year from artillery and missile attacks.

With humanitarian and ecological disasters still unfolding, its already clear that tens of thousands of people have been deprived of drinking water, many are homeless, crops are ruined, land mines have been displaced, and the stage is set for long-term electricity shortages.

Some residents of Russia-occupied areas hit by high water complained that help was slow in arriving, with some stranded on roofs and streets passable only by boat in scenes more like natural disasters than wars. Others refused to leave.

The first report of casualties from the disaster emerged, with a mayor reporting three dead. At least 4,000 people have been evacuated from both the Russian and Ukrainian-controlled sides of the river, officials said, with the true scale of the disaster yet to emerge in an affected area that was home to more than 60,000 people. Russia-appointed authorities in the occupied parts of the Kherson region reported 15,000 flooded homes.

The dam and reservoir, essential for fresh water and irrigation for southern Ukraine, lies in the Kherson region that Moscow illegally annexed in September and has occupied for the past year. The reservoir is also critical for water supplies to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Ukraine holds the Dniepers western bank, while Russia controls the low-lying eastern side, which is more vulnerable to flooding.

The high water could wash away this seasons crops, while the depleted Kakhovka reservoir would deny adequate irrigation for years. The reservoirs loss also complicates any efforts to rebuild and restart the destroyed hydroelectric power station and ensure cooling water for any future attempts to restart the shut-down Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

A day after the dams collapse, the cause remained unclear, with both sides blaming each other. Some experts cited wartime damage and neglect, although others argued that Russia might have destroyed it for military reasons. Either way, concluded analyst Michael Kofman, Russia is responsible, either by virtue of action or by virtue of the fact that it controlled the dam.

Its going to lead to lasting damage to agriculture, provision of drinkable water. And its going to wipe out entire communities, Kofman  who is with the Center for Naval Analyses, a U.S. research group  told PBS NewsHour.

Streets are flooded in Kherson, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 7, 2023 after the walls of the Kakhovka dam collapsed. (AP Photo/Libkos)AP

Many residents had fled the region because of the fighting, but clear estimates of those remaining werent available.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with officials on how to provide drinking water to residents, as well as assess damage to wetlands, farms and other property from what he called a crime of ecocide and a man-made strike on the environment, after which nature will have to recover for decades.

Speaking in English in a video posted on YouTube, Zelenskyy said it was impossible to predict how much of the chemicals and oil products stored in flooded areas will end up in rivers and the sea.

Ukraines agriculture ministry warned, The fields in the south of Ukraine next year can turn into deserts.

In the Moscow-controlled city of Oleshky, Lera, 19, told The Associated Press the first floor of her home was flooded.

Everything around us is floating. People are standing on rooftops and asking for help, but no one is evacuating them, said Lera, who declined to give her last name for fear of reprisals.

Most Russian troops fled Oleshky shortly after the dam incident, Lera said, although a military checkpoint remains, and boats with people trying to leave have come under fire from soldiers. Her claim couldnt be independently verified.

Mayor Yevhen Ryschuk, who left the city after the Russians took control last year, reported three dead and said hundreds of residents need to be evacuated from their roofs. He said 90% of Oleshky is flooded and facing a humanitarian crisis without electricity, potable water and food, as well as possible groundwater contamination.

Animals werent spared, with some pets trapped. Officials said the Kazkova Dibrova Zoo in Nova Kakhovka was under water and that only swans and ducks could escape. Mayor Vladimir Leontyev said that the flooding killed thousands of animals in a nature preserve.

Hundreds of animals trapped in Oleshky require urgent rescue, volunteers helping a local shelter told the AP.

Civilians in the city of Kherson clutched personal belongings as they waded through knee-deep water or rode rubber rafts. Video showed rescuers carrying people to safety, and what looked like the triangular roof of a building floating downstream.

Aerial footage showed flooded streets in the Russia-controlled city of Nova Kakhovka on the eastern side of the Dnieper, where Leontyev said that seven people were missing, although believed to be alive.

In his first public comments on the disaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin repeated Moscows line that Ukraine is to blame for destroying the Kakhovka dam.

A woman is evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 7, 2023 after the Kakhovka dam was blown up. (AP Photo/Roman Hrytsyna)AP

In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin alleged that Kyiv authorities had escalated war crimes, openly using terrorist methods and staging acts of sabotage on Russian territory, the Kremlin said in its account of the call.

It was unclear how the dam disaster would affect the war and Ukraines counteroffensive against Russian troops. Artillery booms served as background to rescue efforts as people scrambled to leave the danger zone.

Kofman, the analyst, said he didnt think the dam collapse will substantially affect Ukrainian military prospects when it comes to their offensive this summer.

When you look at the situation along the Dnieper River  on the one hand, the flooding is going to damage the defenses that the Russian military built alongside the riverbank, he told PBS. On the other hand, its going to make a Ukrainian cross-river operation exceedingly difficult.

Addressing blame, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said Russia has a greater and clearer interest in flooding the lower Dnieper despite the damage to their own prepared defensive positions.

With some indications emerging that Ukraine might already have begun its long-anticipated counteroffensive, the ISW said Russian forces may think breaching the dam could cover a possible retreat and delay Ukraines campaign.

Experts noted that the 1950s-era dam, about 70 kilometers (44 miles) to the east of the city of Kherson, was believed to be in disrepair and vulnerable to collapse because water was already brimming over when the wall gave way. It hadnt been producing power since November, according to officials.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said the Kakhovka reservoir was at record high levels before the breach and that the dam is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding.

A woman is evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 7, 2023 after the walls of the Kakhovka dam collapsed. (AP Photo/Roman Hrytsyna)AP

The scale of the damage to the dam was unknown, but officials hoped to rebuild the complex once the Russians leave, said Ihor Syrota, general director of the Ukrainian national hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo. Workers, meanwhile, are holding water in other upstream reservoirs to compensate in part for the loss of the dam, he said.

Wheat and corn prices spiked Tuesday on fears over Ukraines ability to ship grain to developing nations where people are struggling with hunger and high food prices. Prices stabilized Wednesday.

Vasilisa Stepanenko of The Associated Press wrote this story.

Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Hanna Arhirova in Warsaw, Poland, and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
One lucky high school graduate was granted a seven-day trip to Hawaii as a graduation gift, all thanks to the efforts of her hardworking mother, who saved up $5,665 in dimes over the course of a decade to pay for the trip while working as a restaurant server.

The mother and daughter will take off in July for Oahu and itll be the first time either of them has visited the state, NBC Los Angeles reported.

This was all made possible by the perseverance of Cari Mae Bulthius, who began planning for the trip when her 17-year-old daughter Violet Cayton was just 4 years old. The idea came to the single mother when she saw an article about Hawaii that read, Paradise for Pennies.

It had this beautiful picture of the palm tree and the ocean, said Bulthuis to NBC Los Angeles. I crossed it out and put Dimes.

With her daughter in mind as motivation, Bulthuis collected most of the dimes from what she earned from tips while working as a server at Abbys Cafe in Riverside County in Hemet, California, according to a report from NBC Los Angeles.

At the end of the shift, I would sometimes trade out a dollar for dimes so I could add to the collection, Bulthuis said to the outlet. A lot of customers would leave me handfuls of dimes for the collection.

I did every single shift for my girl. Its what we do as a parent. You just want to be able to give to them, she said.

As the years went by, the collection of dimes grew. Bulthuis father helped by rolling up the coins and storing them at his Fallbrook home.

Finally this year, her daughter graduated from West Valley High School with a slew of honors that included Athlete of the Year and even the schools prom queen.

Bulthuis went to cash in the dimes at her bank the day after graduation, only to delightfully discover that she exceeded her goal with a grand total of $5,665 in dimes.

Taken aback by the total, Cayton said shes excited to be able to visit a place she thought was so far out of reach.

Im very grateful, Cayton said to NBC. I love my mom so much.

Read More:
SALT LAKE CITY  Republican lawmakers rallied with more than one hundred Bible-toting parents and children at Utahs Capitol on Wednesday to protest a school districts decision to remove the Bible from middle and elementary school libraries in the wake of a GOP-backed sensitive materials law passed two years ago.

Concerned parents and children holding signs that read The Bible is the original textbook and Remove porn, not the Bible, said they were outraged after the Davis School District announced that a review committee concluded the Bible was too violent or vulgar for young children. The committee ruled that it did not qualify as obscene or pornographic under the sensitive materials law, but used its own discretion to remove it from libraries below the high school level.

Karlee Vincent, a Davis County mother of three kids carrying childrens Bibles to the demonstration, said districts could weigh banning certain titles with controversial material, but not religious texts like the Bible.

We love the Bible. We love God. And we need God in our nation, she said.

The anonymously made challenge to the Bible appears to have been submitted as a statement to undermine the two-year-old law, noting the sacred text contains instances of incest, prostitution and rape. It derided the review procedures as a bad faith process and attacked groups that have pushed to remove certain titles from schools, including Parents United and its Utah-based affiliate.

The Bible removal is the highest-profile effort to remove a book from a school in Utah since the Legislature passed a law requiring school districts to create new pathways for residents to challenge sensitive materials and used a statute-based definition on pornography to define them. It has put a crossroads in front of proponents of scrutinizing materials available in schools. The pushback has also emboldened book-banning critics, who argue anger at removing the Bible illustrates arbitrary and political double standards and the issues inherent to removing books that have certain content.

If folks are outraged about the Bible being banned, they should be outraged about all the books that are being censored, Kasey Meehan, who directs the Freedom to Read program at the writers organization PEN America, said last week.

Utah Parents United President Nichole Mason said she worried the spotlight the Bible ban turned on Utah distracted from conversations about obscene materials that remain in school libraries. Defending Utahs sensitive materials law, Mason noted that the committee determined the Bible didnt qualify as pornographic under state statute. She doubled down on her stance that Utah should give parents more say in whats in their kids schools.

God Bless America that we can challenge any book out there! Mason said.

State Rep. Ken Ivory, the sensitive materials laws Republican sponsor, rebuffed the idea that his law paved the way for the Bible to be banned. Though he defended the review process after the sacred texts removal, he said on Wednesday that the Davis School District had overstepped its role by removing the Bible from middle and elementary schools because of criteria not in state law.

He said criticism of the review process that led to the banning of the Bible didnt relinquish the need for oversight from parents and administrators about materials in schools.

Should we have age appropriate limits for children in school? Almost universally anyone of good faith says Yes. The question is then: What should those limits be? he said.

Ivory urged the Legislature to change the law so book removal decisions have to be overseen by elected officials at open public meetings, not the kind of committee that decided to remove the Bible from middle and elementary schools in the Davis School District.

Utah is among a longer list of Republican-led states that have in recent years expanded residents ability to challenge books and curriculum in schools and libraries. Lobbied by an ascendant parents rights movement, lawmakers from Florida to Wyoming have increasingly scrutinized what books are available, touching off outrage about content related to race, sex and gender in particular. New state laws have given parents additional power to challenge books and opened librarians up to potential criminal charges if they provide minors content deemed harmful.

People gather during a rally Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City. Bible-toting parents and Republican lawmakers convened on Utah's Capitol to protest a suburban school district that announced it had removed the Bible from some schools last week. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)AP

Neither Ivory nor parents took issue with efforts to remove other books, including the race- and LGBTQ-related titles that account for the majority of book challenges.

Many parents and people of faith at Wednesdays protest said they had heard little of book banning efforts until news about the Bibles removal broke last week. They defended the Bibles role as a foundational text, saying it shouldnt be compared to other books that parents have challenged. They said the committees decision affirmed long-simmering distrust against public schools and those who make decisions governing them.

I hope it will be part of our schools, not only to give information to our minds but character to our hearts  and the greatest character of all is Jesus Christ, Tad Callister, the former Sunday School General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said of the Bible and Book of Mormon as an audience applauded.

Sam Metz of The Associated Press wrote this story.

More:

WWE Hall of Famer and legendary fan favorite heel has died

Cumberland County man gets prison term for clubbing woman during drunken rampage
As large swaths of the northeast are plunged into hazy conditions due to the smoke from wildfires in Canada, people arent the only ones at risk from pollutants in the air.

An air quality alert remains in effect for the Harrisburg area, putting children, the elderly, and people with asthma, heart disease and lung disease at risk.

But exposure to the pollution currently in the air also puts pets at risk, according to the American Humane organization.

In a statement, Dr. Thomas Edling, chief veterinary officer with American Humane, said that Americans should take precautions to keep all members of their family safeeven the furry ones.

Here is a list of steps from American Humane that can help protect dogs and cats during air quality alerts:

Limit your dog or cats time outdoors.

Keep doors and windows shut.

Avoid strenuous exerciseincluding playing fetch, going for a jog, or taking a long walk.

Take your pet outside for short potty breaks and come immediately back inside.

Bring outdoor water bowls inside so it doesnt collect airborne particles associated with the smoke.

If you have to be outside, mornings are best when the weather is cooler.

Smoky conditions triggered by wildfires can affect cats and dogs just like humans, and pet owners should act accordingly, Edling said in the statement. Shorter walks to avoid strained breathing and monitoring your animal for coughing, sneezing, and general respiratory issues is recommended. Animals with inherent breathing problemsincluding French Bulldogs and Pugsor older animals should be under even closer observation.
FARMINGTON, Mo.  If you were building a pair of foster parents in the lab, you could do a lot worse than Ayla Chadbourne and Elizabeth Hartmann.

Chadbourne is a public defender. She supervises the Farmington office. Hartmann works for the Missouri Childrens Division. Both are in helping professions, as Chadbourne puts it. They have a five-bedroom house in the country in St. Francois County. Last year, they went through the arduous process of becoming foster parents. There are classes to take and home inspections. Finances and backgrounds are checked.

Both of them knew that the Childrens Division was constantly advertising for more foster parents. The division is understaffed, and it has long been unable to find foster parents for all the children in the system.

Weve always wanted to foster or adopt, Chadbourne says. There are thousands of kids in foster care in Missouri who need homes.

In March, they finished the process. Because Hartmann works in the Childrens Division in St. Francois County, they asked if Jefferson County would serve as the county to place children in their home. A supervisor there signed off in May. They received their official state license as foster parents, signed off by Director Darrell Missey. About a week later, a Jefferson County case worker called Chadbourne with the good news that he had a placement for the couple: Three siblings who needed a foster home.

They got to work on the details, setting up doctors and day care. They bought some new furniture and things for the kids at the house. Then came the call from Ann Brockman, the field support manager for the region. She told Chadbourne that the couple would not be allowed to be foster parents  ever  as long as Hartmann worked for the Childrens Division.

The choices offered the couple were equally awful. Hartmann could quit the job she loves, that she is very good at, and a Childrens Division that struggles to find employees would be short yet another one, or they could give up on being foster parents.

We have a license, Chadbourne says, Theyre just not going to let us use it. I dont know why they wouldnt want us to foster.

The culprit, apparently, is a rule in the Childrens Division manual that has been around since 2009, according to Childrens Division spokeswoman Heather Dolce. It says that Childrens Division employees cant foster children through the state, except in a few rare exceptions. They can adopt, but only if parental rights have been terminated.

The problem, as Chadbourne sees it, is the rule doesnt seem to apply to everybody. Just three years ago, for instance, Jennifer Tidball, the former head of the Department of Social Services, which oversees the Childrens Division, was involved in a dispute over foster care. Tidball was trying to adopt two children she was fostering while both the mother and father of those children were battling in court to get them back.

What good is a policy, Chadbourne asks, if its not applied uniformly?

Thats a question she and Hartmann would like to ask in a formal appeal process, but the Childrens Division wont give them one. The couple has asked for an Alternative Care Review Board hearing, but Brockman and another supervisor, Pam Alston, told them they werent eligible for such a hearing. Alston, by the way, has adopted a child through the Childrens Division, a point Chadbourne brought up in an email exchange with her.

The policy of not allowing Childrens Division employees to foster is a good one, Missey, the director, told Chadbourne in an email. He didnt respond to her questions about whether it was being applied fairly, or why the rule doesnt appear in any state statutes or codes of regulation.

Richard Wexler, a national expert on foster care who is the executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, believes the policy  if its applied across the board  is a fair one. He said so during the Tidball dispute, and he agrees that it should apply to Chadbourne and Hartmann. You cant unlearn the information you learn and the contacts you gain by being on the inside, Wexler says.

Of course, he regularly takes issue with the Childrens Division claim that foster parents are in such demand. Thats only because Missouri is an outlier, taking children from biological parents at a rate often about 80% above the national average, Wexler says.

Chadbourne and Hartmann dont plan to give up their quest. Without a clear rule that is in state law and applied evenly across the board, they believe theyre being discriminated against by a department that, if the rule was so important, never should have licensed them in the first place.

There is nothing in the law that says you can discriminate against us based on employment, Chadbourne says. If theyre not going to let us foster then they shouldnt have licensed us.
Maryland State Police arrested Lisa Adrienne Lea, one of the two drivers charged in the Baltimore Beltway crash in March that resulted in the deaths of six construction workers.

Lea, a 54-year-old from Randallstown, turned herself in Wednesday at the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack, where she is being processed, the state police said in a news release.

She was indicted by a grand jury Monday on charges of felony vehicular negligent manslaughter but police were not able to find her initially. She faces a total of 28 charges, including death of a vulnerable person, aggressive driving and driving while impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. The indictment does not specify which drug Lea allegedly had taken.

Lea was driving an Acura TLX sedan on Interstate 695 north of the exits onto Interstate 70 and Security Boulevard and south of Liberty Road on March 22 when she attempted to move into the left lane. Her car collided with a Volkswagen Jetta operated by Melachi Duane Darnell Brown, 20, of Windsor Mill.

The Acura then traveled through a gap in the jersey barriers protecting the work site, striking six workers who died at the scene.

Five of the victims  Rolando Ruiz, 46, of Laurel; Carlos Orlando Villatoro Escobar, 43, and his brother, Jose Armando Escobar, 52, both of Frederick; Mahlon Simmons III, 31, and his father, Mahlon Simmons II, 52, both of Union Bridge  were employees of Concrete General. Sybil Lee DiMaggio, 46, of Severna Parkworked as an inspector for KCI Technologies.

They were working on a project to reduce congestion on the beltway from I-70 to Maryland 43 in White Marsh by converting portions of the existing median into a travel lane during rush hours.

Lea was seriously injured in the crash and treated at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Brown did not report any injuries.

On Tuesday, Baltimore County District Judge Kathleen Murphy ordered Brown, who also was charged with negligent vehicular manslaughter, to be held on home detention.

Emergency personnel work at the scene of fatal crash along Interstate 695 near Woodlawn, Md., Wednesday, March 22, 2023. At least six people were dead after a crash that closed the Baltimore Beltway in both directions Wednesday, snarling traffic along the west side of the highway that encircles the city, Maryland State Police said. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Sun via AP)AP

Baltimore County Assistant States Attorney said in court Tuesday that Brown was driving 111 mph when the Acura and the Volkswagen collided, according to data recorded by the vehicles and obtained by Maryland State Police. Both drivers were traveling faster than the work zone speed limit of 55 mph, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Browns defense attorney Michael Tomko said Lea triggered the accident by striking Browns car while changing lanes.

Leas bail bond review hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday.

Cassidy Jensen of the Baltimore Sun wrote this story.

2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Court documents made public Thursday revealed more details about the man police say drove himself and two other the scene of a triple homicide in Lebanon last week.

Ivan Claudio Rosero, 33, drove Alex Torres Santos and James Fernandez-Reyes to the 400 block of North Fifth Street in Lebanon to kill 19-year-old Joshua Lugo Perez May 30, police say.

The flurry of 27 bullets fired from the trios guns killed Perez, brothers Sebastian Perez-Salome, 9, and Jesus Perez-Salome, 8, according to police. They also injured Luis Cancel, a neighbor.

Police said Rosero drove the participants in the shooting in a white BMW owned by his girlfriend, Tiffany Koziara.

A witness told police that the white BMW SUV sped off east down Arnold Street minutes after the shooting, then north on Fourth Street, according to police.

Video surveillance showed the SUV parking at Rosero and Koziaras home on the first block of Cumberland Street, before the three defendants exited the vehicle.

Police said Claudio Rosero ditched his sweatshirt and gun inside the residence, before the three got into a black sedan and left the residence, according to police.

Claudio Roseros girlfriend, Tiffany Koziara, told police she owns a white 2013 BMW SUV, a black 2018 Mercedes Benz sedan and a black 2014 Nissan Maxima. When Lebanon County SWAT and Lebanon City Police searched the residence, the white BMW was not present.

The United States Marshals Service arrested Claudio Rosero Tuesday night in the north Philadelphia area, according to Hess Graf.

District Judge John Ditzler arraigned Claudio Rosero on three homicide charges Wednesday morning and denied him bail.

Koziara faces hindering apprehension charges. Police said Koziara lied about Claudio Roseros whereabouts, remained in contact with Claudio Rosero while knowing police were searching for him and even booked a hotel room for him in Atlantic City, New Jersey, according to Hess Graf.

Koziara told police the last contact the two had was when she texted him about cheating on her May 31. She also told police she only discussed the murders in the context of news coverage of the incident.

However, when police searched Koziaras phone, they found WhatsApp messages with Claudio Rosero and plans to book a hotel room in the Atlantic City area on Sunday.

READ MORE:

Air quality worsens back to red alert status for much of Pa.

Pennsylvania uses the most toilet paper, the quiet hero, in the U.S.: Mr. Rooter

Growing up in family pizza shop, owner opens Mediterranean restaurant in central Pa.
Editors Note: This story has been updated to include additional context about murder rates in the United States.

The girlfriend of a man involved in the triple homicide of two children and a 19-year-old in Lebanon has been arrested for hindering apprehension.

Tiffany Koziara, 34, of Cumberland Street in Lebanon, has been arrested for giving false information about the location of Ivan Claudio Rosero, the third person charged in the May 30 shootings on North 5th Street in Lebanon.

The shooting, which occurred at around 10 p.m., killed brothers Sebastian Perez-Salome, 9, and Jesus Perez-Salome, 8, as well as Joshua Lugo Perez, 19, authorities said.

Koziara lied about Roseros whereabouts, remained in contact with Rosero while knowing police were searching for him and even booked a hotel room for him in Atlantic City, New Jersey, according to Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf.

Koziara, Claudio Roseros girlfriend and mother of his son, told police the last contact the two had was when she texted him about cheating on her May 31. She also told police she only discussed the murders in the context of news coverage of the incident.

However, when police searched Koziaras phone, they found WhatsApp messages with Claudio Rosero and plans to book a hotel room in the Atlantic City area on Sunday.

The United States Marshals Service arrested Claudio Rosero Tuesday night in the north Philadelphia area, according to Hess Graf.

Claudio Rosero skipped town after the shootings and fled to North Philadelphia, where he was found in public among acquaintances Tuesday night, Hess Graf said. No charges are being filed against the acquaintances, she said.

District Judge John Ditzler arraigned Claudio Rosero on three homicide charges Wednesday morning and denied bail.

Claudio Rosero admitted to police he drove the vehicle that transported him, Alex Santos Torres and James Fernandez-Reyes to the scene of the murder May 30, Hess Graf said.

Police said Claudio Rosero confessed his role, saying he drove the other two defendants to the crime scene and fired multiple rounds during the shootings.

Staff at Magisterial District Judge Aurelis Figueroa have refused to release any judicial documents related to the case to reporters. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts released Koziaras criminal complaint Wednesday afternoon. Claudio Roseros criminal complaint has not yet been released.

Alex Torres Santos and James Fernandez-Reyes were charged with three counts of homicide each for a Tuesday, May 30, 2023, shooting in Lebanon. (Lebanon County District Attorney's Office)

Police arrested Torres Santos, 22, and Fernandez Reyes, 16, last week. Fernandez Reyes is being charged as an adult while Hess Graf is pursuing the death penalty for Torres Santos and Claudio Rosero.

At some point, enough is enough, she said. If this doesnt send a message, Im not sure what will.

There were four shooting deaths in 2018, three in 2019, two in 2020, seven in 2021, five in 2022, and four in 2023 so far, according to Hess Graf.

When I say numbers are rising, numbers are in fact rising, Hess Graf said. Thats not just us, thats across the state and across the nation.

Murder rates are down 12 percent in more than 90 cities that have released 2023 data, compared to the same date in 2022, according to ahdatalytics. Big cities tend to amplify that trend, The Atlantic said in a June 5 report.

READ MORE:

Air quality worsens in central Pa., prompting red alert

Police searching for two central Pa. teenagers

Cumberland County man gets prison term for clubbing woman during drunken rampage
President Lyndon Johnson delivers the commencement address at Howard University on June 4, 1965.

Of all the civil rights policies enacted by U.S President Lyndon Johnson, affirmative action is arguably one of the most enduring  and most challenged.

Johnson made it clear during a commencement address at Howard University on June 4, 1965, where he stood.

In his speech, To Fulfill These Rights, Johnson argued that civil rights were only as secure as society and the government were willing to make them.

Nothing in any country touches us more profoundly, and nothing is more freighted with meaning for our own destiny than the revolution of the Negro American, Johnson said.

In my view as a scholar of the history of affirmative action, Johnsons speech and the legal structure it helped produce directly contradict those who would dismantle affirmative action and besmirch diversity programs today.

As the Supreme Court looks ready to strike down affirmative action in college admissions, its my belief that unlike the courts conservative majority, Johnson understood that the U.S. could not serve as a moral leader around the world if it did not acknowledge its past of racial injustices and try to make amends.

Equality as a result

Johnson knew that changing laws was only part of the solution to racial disparities and systemic racism.

Freedom is not enough, he declared. You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, you are free to compete with all the others, and still justly believe that you have been completely fair.

In proposing to address these injustices, Johnson laid out a phrase that would become a defense of affirmative action.

We seek not just legal equity but human ability, not just equality as a right and a theory but equality as a fact and equality as a result.

Achieving this latter goal, Johnson explained, would be the more profound stage of the battle for civil rights.

Johnson rejected the idea that individual merit was the sole basis for measuring equality.

Ability is stretched or stunted by the family that you live with, and the neighborhood you live in  by the school you go to and the poverty or the richness of your surroundings, Johnson said. It is the product of a hundred unseen forces playing upon the little infant, the child, and finally the man.

Johnson took a structural view of discrimination against Black Americans and explained that racial differences could not be understood as isolated infirmities.

They are a seamless web, Johnson said. They cause each other. They result from each other. They reinforce each other.

Negro poverty is not white poverty, Johnson said, but rather the consequence of ancient brutality, past injustice and present prejudice.

Johnson also rejected comparisons to other minorities who immigrated to the U.S. and had allegedly overcome discrimination through assimilation.

They did not have the heritage of centuries to overcome, Johnson said, and they did not have a cultural tradition which had been twisted and battered by endless years of hatred and hopelessness, nor were they excluded  these others  because of race or color  a feeling whose dark intensity is matched by no other prejudice in our society.

A constant challenge

That profound battle over how to address the legacies of slavery, Jim Crow and modern-day inequalities is once again before the Supreme Court.

Though the court is the most diverse in American history  with three justices of color and four women  the conservatives, who have historically opposed affirmative action programs, hold a 6-3 majority.

And that majority has the power to ban the use of race when the court issues a decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. A decision is expected in June 2023.

At the time of Johnsons speech, the U.S. faced growing opposition to its escalating war in Vietnam and racial unrest across the country.

But Johnson was determined to achieve his goal of racial equality. During his commencement address, Johnson heralded the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that he signed into law on July 2, 1964, and prohibited workplace discrimination. He also promised passage of the Voting Rights Act that would ban discriminatory voting practices. Johnson signed that into law on Aug. 6, 1965.

And shortly after his speech, Johnson signed Executive Order 11246 on Sept. 24, 1965.

It charged the Department of Labor with taking affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed  without regard to their race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

For Johnson, racial justice was attainable and, once achieved, would alleviate social strife at home and advance the United States standing abroad.

Despite urging civil rights activists to light that candle of understanding in the heart of all America, even Johnson became disillusioned with the racial politics of forming a more perfect union.

In the aftermath of urban riots in Newark, New Jersey, Detroit and other U.S. cities in 1967, Johnson created the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders  better known as the Kerner Commission  to investigate the causes of the riots and suggest remedies.

The commission recommended billions of dollars worth of new government programs, including sweeping federal initiatives directed at improving educational and employment opportunities, public services and housing in Black urban neighborhoods.

The commission found that white racism was the basic cause of the racial unrest.

Although the report was a bestseller, Johnson found the conclusions politically untenable and distanced himself from the commission report.

Torn between his need to balance Southern votes and his ambition to leave a strong civil rights legacy, Johnson proceeded along a very cautious path.

He did nothing about the report.

U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke, Black Massachusetts Republican, was one of the 11 members on the commission.

In his book Bridging the Divide, Brooke explained Johnsons reticence.

In retrospect, he wrote, I can see that our report was too strong for him to take. It suggested that all his great achievements  his civil rights legislation, his antipoverty programs, Head Start, housing legislation, and all the rest of it  had been only a beginning. It asked him, in an election year, to endorse the idea that white America bore much of the responsibility for black rioting and rebellion.

Even for a politician like Johnson, that proved too much to handle.

Travis Knoll, Adjunct Professor of History, University of North Carolina  Charlotte

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
WASHINGTON  The yearslong feud between congressional Republicans and the FBI is reaching a new level of rancor as lawmakers prepare a resolution to hold bureau director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress.

Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has scheduled a committee vote for Thursday morning on the contempt resolution against Wray. He says the FBI has failed to comply with a lawful subpoena for an FBI record that documents an unverified tip about President Joe Biden.

The resolution to hold Wray in contempt  which would have to be approved by the full House  is just the latest broadside from Republicans against the FBI. They accuse the bureau of harboring bias against conservatives dating back to Donald Trumps presidency and allege the bureau is now stonewalling legitimate congressional oversight.

Release of the document in question, FBI officials have warned, would jeopardize the safety of the confidential human source who received the unverified tip.

What to know about the clash between Republicans and the FBI:

___

THE SUBPOENA

Comer issued a subpoena to Wray on May 3 after GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa received a whistleblower complaint. They said they were told the bureau has a document that describes an alleged criminal scheme involving Biden and a foreign national relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions when Biden was vice president.

It has been alleged that the document includes a precise description of how the alleged criminal scheme was employed as well as its purpose, Comer and Grassley wrote in a letter to Wray.

Both men have said they do not know if information is true, but insist the allegations warrant further investigation. The White House has accused Republicans of floating anonymous innuendo.

___

WHAT IS THE DOCUMENT IN QUESTION?

The document Republicans are focused on is what is known as an FD-1023 form, which is used by federal agents to record tips and information they receive from confidential human sources. The FBI says such documents can contain uncorroborated and incomplete information, and that the record of a tip does not validate the information.

The Biden document was written up by a longtime FBI source that both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible. In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine. Hunter Biden worked on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

FILE - House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman Rep. James Comer Jr., R-Ky., accompanied by House Republicans, speaks during a news conference on their investigation into the Biden Family on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)AP

At the time, then-Attorney General William Barr told reporters that he was being cautious about information coming out of Ukraine. The House impeached then-President Donald Trump in 2020 over his push for the Ukrainian government to investigate the Bidens.

___

WHY DO REPUBLICANS WANT THE RECORD?

House Republicans have used their power in the majority to aggressively investigate Joe Biden and the business dealings of Hunter Biden, including examining foreign payments and other aspects of the familys finances. Since January, Comer has obtained thousands of pages of financial records from Biden family members through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions

In the contempt resolution against Wray, the Oversight Committee says foreign payments to members of the Biden family could have implications for national security. It said it needs the FBI record as it considers whether legislation is needed to fix deficiencies in the financial disclosure requirements that apply to presidents, vice presidents and their families.

The committee is also demanding the FBI record be provided without redactions. The form that Comer has seen contained a significant amount of highly relevant information to the Committees investigation that was blacked out, the committee said, including the names of individuals who could be called in as witnesses.

___

WHY IS THE FBI REFUSING TO TURN OVER THE DOCUMENT?

The bureau has pushed back Comers threats to hold Wray in contempt and warned of grave risk to confidential human sources and the law enforcement process if the FBI record were released to the public.

Protecting the identities and information provided by confidential human sources from unnecessary disclosure or undue influence is therefore critical not only because of safety concerns but also to avoid chilling their candor or willingness to continue reporting to the FBI, Christopher Dunham, an acting FBI assistant director, wrote to Comer last month.

In an attempt to comply with the subpoena, FBI officials came to the Capitol on Monday to brief Comer and Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the panel, about the document. The briefing, which the bureau described as an extraordinary accommodation, lasted more than an hour and was conducted privately in a secure space because FBI officials said the several-page form contains sensitive information.

Both Raskin and Comer received a slightly redacted copy of the FD-1023 document during the briefing and were allowed to take notes on the substance of the form, though they werent allowed to keep it.

Frank Montoya, a former FBI supervisor who specialized in counterintelligence, said he worried that giving information about law enforcement sources to Congress could set a dangerous precedent and damage the FBIs work.

FILE - President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden leave Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Johns Island, S.C., after attending a Mass on Aug. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Whos going to want to come in and tell you things if your identity cant be protected,, especially in high-profile investigations, he said.

Beyond that, Montoya said, distributing to Congress information that could theoretically be relevant in an ongoing investigation risks impeding it. If Im working on a case and youre posting all my information online or in the newspapers or on the evening news...to make a political point  any chance I have of making that case is at risk, Montoya said.

___

WHATS NEXT?

Comer said that the FBI briefing about the record was no substitute for providing a copy to the committee without redactions. He said he will move forward Thursday with holding Wray in contempt of Congress.

The investigation is not dead, Comer told reporters. This is only the beginning.

The first step in the contempt process will be holding a committee vote to send the resolution to the House floor. If the House approves that resolution and holds Wray in contempt, it would be up to the Justice Department  where Wray works  to decide whether to prosecute him.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters he would bring the contempt resolution against Wray to the floor as soon as next week.

Successful prosecutions for contempt of Congress are rare, though not unheard of. Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury on contempt charges last year after a referral from the House Jan. 6 committee.

Theres also precedent for contempt charges against senior Justice Department figures. House Republicans approved a contempt charge against then-Attorney General Eric Holder in 2012, though the U.S. attorneys office in Washington declined to bring a case.

The FBI says the contempt vote is unwarranted considering the bureau had continuously demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committees request, while protecting the safety of sources and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

The White House dismissed Comers contempt push as another fact-free stunt intended to damage the President politically and get himself media attention.

Farnoush Amiri and Eric Tucker of The Associated Press wrote this story.

More:

Pa. Senate approves state agencys name change in hopes of a culture change

Stripped of Medicaid, Pennsylvanians call for a public healthcare advocate to reassess the system
NEW YORK (AP)  With weather systems expected to barely budge, the smoky blanket billowing from wildfires in Quebec and Nova Scotia and sending plumes of fine particulate matter as far away as North Carolina and northern Europe should persist into Thursday and possibly the weekend.

That means at least another day, or more, of a dystopian-style detour thats chased players from ballfields, actors from Broadway stages, delayed thousands of flights and sparked a resurgence in mask wearing and remote work  all while raising concerns about the health effects of prolonged exposure to such bad air.

Officials warned residents to stay inside and limit or avoid outdoor activities, extending Code Red air quality alerts in some places.

47 1 / 47 Smoke from Canadian wildfires causes problems in U.S.

The weather system thats driving the great Canadian-American smoke out  a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia  will probably be hanging around at least for the next few days, U.S. National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey said.

Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy, at least until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out, Ramsey said. Since the fires are raging  theyre really large  theyre probably going to continue for weeks. But its really just going be all about the wind shift.

That means Pennsylvania and its neighbors could see smoke into the weekend. Heres why theres so much of it:

GENESIS OF THE SMOKE

Unusually hot, dry weather that wouldnt stop gave rise to the wildfires.

The month of May was just off the charts  record warm in much of Canada, said Eric James, a modeling expert with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science at the University of Colorado, who is also with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A warming planet will produce hotter and longer heat waves, making for bigger, smokier fires, according to Joel Thornton, professor and chair of the department of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington.

Firefighters battle a grass fire in Kamloops, British Columbia, Monday, June 5, 2023. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)AP

A firefighter directs water on a grass fire in Kamloops, British Columbia, Monday, June 5, 2023. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)AP

The Quebec-area fires are big and relatively close, about 500 to 600 miles from Rhode Island and they followed wildfires in Nova Scotia.

I dont remember fires of this scale in the last 10 years, James said of the Quebec blazes.

Smoke from fires in western Canada have been drifting into the United States for weeks. But its recent fires in Quebec that have produced the dangerous east coast haze.

WHY IS SMOKE REACHING SO FAR AWAY?

Strong winds high up in the atmosphere can transport smoke long distances, and its common for large, violent fires to create unhealthy conditions hundreds of miles away from where forests are burning.

But the right mix of circumstances had to align for the smoke to blanket major U.S. cities: A dry, hot spring set the stage. Then weather did the rest, said Bob Henson, meteorologist with Yale Climate Change Connections.

In Canada, air is circulating counterclockwise around a low pressure system near Nova Scotia. That sends air south over the fires in Quebec. There the air picks up smoke, and then turns east over New York state, carrying smoke to the eastern seaboard.

Its a simple matter of trajectory, Henson said. The smoke goes where the wind takes it.

This wind pattern isnt particularly rare. But the confluence of events is.

The timing of this weather patterns is unfortunately overlapping with a situation that was ripe for large fires, Thornton said.

Weather patterns change and the worst conditions should only last a day or two. Some smoke, however, could linger for a week or more, according to James.

WHAT IS SMOKE ACTUALLY?

Its not just one sort of chemical, said Rima Habre, an expert in air quality and exposure science at the University of Southern California. It could have gases and carbons and toxic metals. As it travels, Habre said, the wind also changes and can contain ozone.

Much of what we see in the air and measure is small particles, or PM 2.5. These are so small they can get deep into the lungs, where oxygen enters your circulation.

Mostly we worry about inflammation in the lungs, Habre said, from high levels of pollution. But with climate change amping up fires, increasingly she is worried about broader numbers of people being exposed to less extreme smoke for weeks or months, she said.

Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposure and will not have long-lasting health effects, according to the EPA advisory. But that is less true for a large category of people, including children whose lungs are still developing, older adults, and people with lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Stay inside, keeping your doors, windows and fireplaces shut, is the advice. Air conditioning on the recirculation setting can help filter out some particles, and air filters can remove many more.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift in and smother the U.S., many Americans are wondering if or when its safe to go outside.

Fortunately, theres a simple technology to answer that question.

A free website named AirNow provides live air quality information from any location -- from city, state, national and world levels. AirNow measures each region by using a color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI), which ranges from green (good) to maroon (hazardous). AQI also assigns numeric values to each level.

Harrisburg, for example, has an AQI of 353 as of Thursday morning. Thats in the hazardous zone.

A good AQI ranges from 0-50, moderate from 51-100, unhealthy for sensitive groups from 101-150, and hazardous from 301 and above.

AirNows outdoor activity guidance recommends people in any region measuring a red unhealthy AQI of 150 or above consider moving intense outdoor activities indoors or rescheduling them to another day or time.

AirNow also includes an interactive map, which allows you to zoom in or out for real-time data, and also tracks smoke forecasts.

AirNow is a partnership of the Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state, local, and tribal air quality agencies, according to its website.

Related:

Poor air quality puts pets at risk too: Heres how to keep them safe

Even with long, rainless stretch, central Pa. remains well short of drought status
Firefighters battle a grass fire on an acreage behind a residential property in Kamloops, B.C., Monday, June 5, 2023. A small but aggressive wildfire on Vancouver Island is burning beside the only major highway linking Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet to the rest of British Columbia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A Facebook post from last weekend's Farmington Country Days is going viral with nearly 2,000 shares and a reach of more than 112K people as part of an effort to find a little girl who wanted to pet a horse, but couldn't because the parade was moving on. The post features the Belgrade State Bank wagon pulled by two beautiful Clydesdale horses, driven by Julie Loughary in Friday evening's Country Days Parade. In the picture, a young girl with wavy, strawberry-red hair, wearing a white dress with green patterns and sandals, stands off to the wagon's side, looking at the horses. Anyone who knows the identity of the girl in the picture can contact Executive Director Candy Hente with the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce at 573-756-3615, Julie Loughary with Belgrade State Bank at 314-420-5343, or the Daily Journal at 573-747-3667. The owner of the horses would like to arrange for a personal meeting between the girl and the horses.
In the Bristol Bay region, sockeye salmon runs have been booming while Chinook runs have dwindled. Now scientists are seeking to enlist fishing crews in the effort to find out why, as well as what can be done about the Chinook troubles.

A community-focused program called Skipper Science is asking for Bristol Bay fishermen working on the salmon-rich Nushagak River to record the prevalence, locations and conditions of Chinook salmon they encounter  and the places where they are not found.

The Nushagak project is a partnership between Skipper Science, the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association and the University of Washingtons Alaska Salmon Program. As with other Skipper Science projects, the Nushagak Chinook mapping project involves a computer app through which fishing crew members can record observations by cellphone.

For Bristol Bay fishermen, the Chinook question is a matter of some urgency, even though they concentrate on sockeye. The dire condition of Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, could restrict harvests of Nushagak sockeyes, even though the latter are plentiful.

After analyzing the situation, which includes lost opportunities for harvests of plentiful sockeye, the Alaska Board of Fisheries in March approved a rule that establishes Chinook-protecting prerequisites for opening of any salmon fishing in the river.

Theres a lot at stake here in terms of the sockeye resource and what impact kings might have on it, said Andy Wink, executive director of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association.

Aside from potentially lost economic opportunities worth millions of dollars, there is a possibility of over-escapement of sockeye, meaning too many fish crowding the spawning grounds, he said.

Chinook salmon have been on decline throughout their range, and there are some theories about why that is so.

Some experts believe there are widespread problems in the ocean. The ocean is a big place, and a lot of things can happen there, Wink said.

He believes that one contributor is an increase in salmon-eating marine mammals, particularly orcas, which he said have moved northward in large numbers. Sea lions and orcas in particular eat a lot of king salmon, he said.

Climate change in the ocean could be having myriad effects, scientists say, including a speed-up of Chinook metabolism that makes the fish mature earlier and return to spawning rivers in smaller size. University of Washington scientists have documented smaller Chinook salmon through their range.

Warming of upriver areas could also have an effect. For example, there has been an uptick in the Yukon River of Ichthyophonus, a parasite that with infection rates in fish that are more prevalent in higher water temperatures. There has also been documentation of heat stress among salmon in the upper Yukon River and elsewhere. Biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies and organizations have been studying those and other potential salmon problems.

Skipper Science is a relatively new program, but it builds on some long traditions of direct observation by those closest to nature.

The program was established in 2021 as an outgrowth of the Indigenous Sentinels Network, based in the Bering Sea island community of St. Paul. There are now numerous communities, fishing organizations and state and federal agencies that are partners in the Skipper Science program.

The AlaskaBeacon.com is a donor-funded independent news organization in Alaska.
Park Hills is going to be rocking on Saturday. With a rock swap, that is.

Missouri Mines State Historic Site is set for the return of the annual Rock Swap on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event takes place at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site located at 400 State Highway 32 in Park Hills. Event attendees can view, buy, sell, or swap many rock-related items such as minerals, fossils, rocks, rock jewelry, and even rock art.

This is the 23rd year for the event and the first time it has been held since the COVID-19 pandemic. Carrie Lykins, the site administrator, says the staff is very excited to host the event this year. This was one of the worst times in our modern history, but when you come back from this, you're like, really excited that a ton of people are gonna come, said Lykins.

Even with all the excitement, Lykins said she has some butterflies. She hopes to do the history of the site justice with accurate representation and education through interactive experiences. In the past, people from all over the country have come out to swap rare and unique geological items. This year, local geology expert and Curator Art Hebrank will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer attendee questions. Also new this year, attendees can get in on a game of Rock Bingo every two hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Heidi Loony, Historic Site Specialist, is organizing the event and says 15-20 vendors are currently signed up. Looney says many of the vendors are interested in swapping. Hobbyists and vendors can set up a free booth after filling out an application. To get an application for booth space or more information on vendor space, contact the site office at 573-431-6226. Booths will be located outside, and vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, shade tents, and other items. No electricity or other amenities are available in the outdoor booth area. Each booth space is approximately 12 x 12.

The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours at no charge. A free, half-hour guided tour will take place at 2 p.m. and an hour-long, in-depth tour will set off at 3 p.m. The normal entry fee is $4 for adults, $3 for kids 6-12 and kids under 6 are free. The Power House Museum has two galleries that document the history of lead mining in the Mineral Area. The first gallery is a display of machinery used during mining operations, and the second gallery houses an amazing mineral collection and other geological features.

Lykins hopes the event will encourage people to come out and enjoy the day. She said she hopes people will come and learn while having fun. She says the event will be an all-day affair and encourages attendees to bring food and drinks and take advantage of what this local historic site has to offer.

In 1923, the St. Joseph Lead Company purchased the Federal Mill No. 3 lead-concentrating complex, known today as the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. According to the Missouri State Parks website, St. Joe Lead improved the mill and made it the largest lead mill in the world. The website says, at its peak, the complex housed 25 buildings including the powerhouse, headframe and primary crusher, mill, flotation plant, filter and dryer building machine shop, carpenter shop, sawmill, and electrical shop. Mill No. 3 remained in operation until 1972.

In 1975, St. Joe Lead donated the mill complex and adjoining lands to the State of Missouri for use as a state park. When the Missouri Department of Natural Resources took possession in 1976, the 8,244-acre tract was named St. Joe State Park. The 25-acre mill complex was designated a historic site in 1980.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, go to mostateparks.com.
Global Poker Grand Prix Turbo Series Montreal Edition Runs June 16-18

June 08, 2023 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S.

Shortly after the Bounty Series V concludes on Global Poker, which is currently underway, the social poker site will host another exciting series that runs right into the upcoming Montreal Formula 1 race.

The Grand Prix Turbo Series Montreal runs from June 16-18 and features four daily Gold Coins (GC) tournaments and four daily Sweeps Coins (SC) tournaments. Both series wrap with the biggest event of them all  the Main Event.

Top 5 Global Poker Tips and Hacks to Get FREE Sweeps Coins

Grand Prix Turbo Series Details

The series begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 16 with a GC 11,000 and SC 11 no-limit hold'em hyper-turbo event. Each tournament is of the hyper-turbo variety, which is quite appealing to those who don't want to invest countless hours grinding out a tournament.

Each event, including the Main Event will be GC 11,000 or SC 11 to enter. As for the Main Event, the prizes are going to huge. Entrance into the big tournament, which starts at 5 p.m. ET on June 18, is GC 11,000 or SC 11, depending on which one (or both) you'd like to compete in. In the GC Main Event, there will be a boosted GC 25,000,000 added on, and then for the SC Main Event, there will be an SC 50,000 boosted on to the prize pool.

This is the second installment of a Grand Prix Turbo Series on Global Poker. The first one took place May 5-7 in support of the Miami, Florida Formula 1 race. At the end of the F1 season, the overall Sweeps Coin winner on Global Poker will win an exclusive trip to Italy and more specifically the Ferrari factory in Maranello. Gold Coin series crushers are eligible to win some epic Global Poker swag.

Gold Coins Full Schedule

Date Time Tournament Gold Coins Fri June 16 2023 20:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 01 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Fri June 16 2023 21:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 02 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Fri June 16 2023 21:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 03 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Fri June 16 2023 22:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 04 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sat June 17 2023 15:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 05 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sat June 17 2023 16:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 06 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sat June 17 2023 16:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 07 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sat June 17 2023 17:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 08 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sun June 18 2023 15:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 09 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sun June 18 2023 16:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 10 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sun June 18 2023 16:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 11 - GC 5,000,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000 Sun June 18 2023 17:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 12 - Main Event - GC 25,000,000 Added [Deep Hyper-Turbo] GC 11,000

Global Poker Promo Code: POKERNEWS Use our promo code POKERNEWS to play now at Global Poker. PLAY NOW

Sweeps Coins Full Schedule

Date Time Tournament Sweeps Coins Fri June 16 2023 20:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 01 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Fri June 16 2023 21:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 02 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Fri June 16 2023 21:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 03 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Fri June 16 2023 22:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 04 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sat June 17 2023 15:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 05 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sat June 17 2023 16:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 06 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sat June 17 2023 16:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 07 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sat June 17 2023 17:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 08 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sun June 18 2023 15:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 09 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sun June 18 2023 16:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 10 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sun June 18 2023 16:30 Grand Prix Turbo Series 11 - SC 10,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC 11 Sun June 18 2023 17:00 Grand Prix Turbo Series 12 - Main Event - SC 50,000 Added [Deep Hyper-Turbo] SC 11

Sharelines Find out details about the Global Poker (@official_glp) Grand Prix Turbo Series Montreal.
After a record-breaking field of 301 entrants, the final 13 of Event #16: $25,000 No-Limit Holdem of the 2023 World Series of Poker at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas has been set. A flurry of late entrants pushed the number over 300, and they saw their prize pool grow to $7,073,500, which saw the final 46 players all guaranteed $40,000, while in first place sits a whopping $1,698,215 on top of the prestigious bracelet.

Sitting on top of the chip counts is Czech player Roman Hrabec, who returns with 6,050,000. Seventh on Czech Republics all-time money list, Hrabec came into Day 2 with a middling stack after bagging up the day prior. Throughout most of the day, he was stuck with shorter stack, navigating and surviving as the field dwindled down, but a late-night surge saw him quickly ascend up the counts.

He doubled up through and knocked out multiple opponents in the last few levels of the night and played a massive pot with Kristen Foxen, who was one of the bigger stacks at the time, that saw him take the lead. Hrabec only has one prior WSOP final table in the 2022 $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo where he finished in sixth place for $31,733. With this cash today, he has secured his best-ever live WSOP cash to add to his $2,019,029 in lifetime earnings, and has put himself in a position to win his first bracelet.

End of Day Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Roman Hrabec Czech Republic 6,050,000 60 2 Frank Funaro United States 5,065,000 50 3 Aleksejs Ponakovs Latvia 4,470,000 44 4 Joao Vieira Portugal 4,090,000 40 5 Brian Rast United States 3,965,000 39 6 Isaac Haxton United States 3,820,000 38 7 Taylor Von Kriegenbergh United States 3,280,000 32 8 Darren Elias United States 2,790,000 27 9 Lewis Spencer United Kingdom 2,705,000 27 10 Kristen Foxen Canada 2,675,000 26 11 Jorge Consiglieri United States 2,650,000 26 12 Michael Jozoff United States 2,085,000 20 13 Ryan O'Donnell United Kingdom 1,570,000 15

Nipping on Hrabec's heels is Frank Funaro, who ended the day with 5,065,000. Funaro came into the day as slightly shorter than Hrabec, but an early rise saw a dominant performance from the young East Coast man as he navigated through the field. Funaro has been playing high-stakes tournaments for the last couple of years, and his recent lifetime best score of $1,301,000 suggests he is on quite the streak.

Frank Funaro comes into the final day second in chips

A trio of bracelet winners occupy the next few spots in the chip counts as Aleksejs Ponakovs (4,470,000), Joao Vieira (4,090,000), and Brian Rast (3,965,000) all secured bags by the end of the day. Ponakovs burst onto the live poker scene last year when he beat Phil Ivey heads up in the 2022 WSOP $100,000 NLH for a career-best score of $1,897,363.

Ponakovs' online prowess is known far and wide, with a chance now for his second WSOP bracelet. Vieira is on his quest for a third bracelet; he won his first bracelet in 2019 and his second in 2022, both in no-limit holdem. With 84 WSOP cashes and number one on Portugals all-time money list with $7,144,537 in lifetime earnings, Vieira looks to add another entry to a decorated resume.

Never too far away from winning any bracelet is Brian Rast, who looks to win his sixth WSOP bracelet with a win in this event. Rast has WSOP cashes dating back to 2005, and his five bracelets are a testament to his staying power and longevity as a player. With his stack coming into the final day, his first 2023 WSOP cash could be a rather sizable sum with some jewelry to go along with it.

Isaac Haxton (3,820,000) stayed at the top of the chip counts throughout the majority of the day and has added another sizable cash to his resume. Haxton has been playing WSOP for many years, and despite all of his numerous accolades, a WSOP bracelet has eluded him thus far. He looks to change that on June 8 when the players return.

Another player who has come close to capturing some poker gold is Taylor Von Kriegenbergh (3,280,000). Kriegenberghs stack swung throughout the day from leader to shortest and back again. With his best cash in a WSOP event being a 13th-place finish in this event last year, his sights are set on improving upon that score.

Brian Rast comes into the final day fifth in chips and with as many bracelets as the rest of the field combined.

Darren Elias (2,790,000) looked to be out of the tournament late in the night when he lost almost all of his chips to Jorge Consiglieri (2,650,000) on a king-high board with king-jack against Consiglieris aces. Through some timely doubles, Elias was able to remain in contention, and the player nicknamed End Boss will indeed be quite the challenge to overcome with his years of experience and results.

Young gun Lewis Spencer (2,705,000) also found his way to a bag, and he returns having secured the second biggest cash of his career. Spencer final tabled last years WSOP $2,500 Freezeout and finished in seventh place for his highest WSOP finish. With a deep run in the 2021 WSOP Main Event, his burst onto the scene has been quite a solid one as he looks to add more to his growing list.

Kristen Foxen

The only other WSOP bracelet winner in the field is Canadas Kristen Foxen (2,675,000), who looks to add a third bracelet to her collection. Multiple-time Female GPI player of the year, Foxens results speak for themselves, as she currently sits in 15th place on Canadas all-time money list. With a win in this event, she looks to be only the second woman to win three bracelets.

Newcomer to the WSOP Jorge Consiglieri adds his best live cash wherever he places tomorrow. With just one other WSOP cash to date, Consiglieris Cinderella story could be complete here with a win over this field of professionals.

The youngest player left in the field, at 23, Michael Jozoff (2,085,000) ended his day after a path that included many ups and downs. Flirting with the chip lead for much of the day, dropping down to the shortest stack, to rising back up again, he looks to be only the second player born in the 2000s to win a live WSOP bracelet.

Ryan ODonnell (1,570,000) is the final player to bag tonight, sitting at just over 15 big blinds coming back for Day 3. ODonnell vaulted into the chip lead after knocking out two opponents, before dropping down to the shortest stack after doubling up Ponakovs. The UK resident finds his best WSOP finish after only his third cash today. He looks to add the first 2023 WSOP bracelet to the UK as he returns to the action.

Day 2 Action

Play kicked off fast and furious today as players registered with mere seconds left on registration to sit down and play. The field dropped quickly as many players like Josh Reichard, Joe McKeehen, Freddy Deeb, Brian Kim, Bin Weng, and David Peters all found themselves falling on the wrong side of the money bubble.

Bubble play ended when Cary Katz queen-jack on a jack high board, could not hold against Isaac Haxtons king-ten for a gutshot and an overcard. The king came on the turn and Katz became the unfortunate bubble boy.

Cary Katz Bubbles 25k

Post Bubble Play

Many notables found themselves not making the final day. Players like Brock Wilson (42nd-$40,000), Calvin Anderson (34th - $43,750), Dan Smith (27th - $50,000), WSOP 2021 $25k champion Tyler Cornell (22nd - $56,931), and WSOP 2022 Main Event Champion Espen Jorstad (16th - $56,931).

Calvin Lee became the last player to exit the night. He got in his final chips with ace-five against Consiglieris ace-ten and failed to improve, leaving himself in 14th place and collecting $66,415 for his efforts.

Players will return on June 8 at noon in the Horseshoe. Level 19 is the first level of play with blinds at 50,000/100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. Each level will last one hour, with players taking a 15-minute break after every two levels. Play will continue until a winner is crowned, with the final table being live-streamed.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for all updates regarding the 2023 WSOP.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

Former President Donald Trump referred to German Chancellor Angela Merkel as that bitch and described Germans using the derogatory term krauts, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post journalists Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, who interviewed more than 140 sources for their book, I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trumps Catastrophic Final Year.

According to their sources, Trump was speaking to advisers about NATO and the U.S.-German relationship at a meeting in the Oval Office when he referred to Merkel as that bitch Merkel.

I know the fucking krauts,' Trump went on, using a derogatory term that was used against the Germans in World War I and World War II. The authors write: Trump then pointed to a framed photograph of his father, Fred Trump, displayed on the table behind the Resolute Desk and said, I was raised by the biggest kraut of them all.'

Trump has denied making the remarks, according to a spokesperson.

The news comes as Merkel is set to meet with President Joe Biden to discuss the future of U.S.-German relations. It will be her final appearance before she steps down in the fall.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

The Supreme Court  yes, the one with the two sketchy justices whove had to request extensions for their financial disclosure filings  has done something kind of decent on Thursday. To the surprise of most, in what is described as a huge ruling, the court today preserved federal voting rights protections in Alabama that many thought would be further gutted by this conservative court.

In Allen v. Milligan, the Courts ruling affirmed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Alabama officials were ordered by the court to redraw the states congressional map to allow an additional Black majority district to more accurately reflect the fact that 27% of the state is Black. Theyve previously only had the majority in one of Alabamas seven drawn congressional districts.

The same justice who years ago gutted a different section of the Voting Rights Act, Chief Justice John Roberts, wrote the opinion for the majority.

In a 5-4 decision with the three liberals, Roberts and Kavanaugh, the court affirmed a lower court ruling that found Alabama violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting Black peoples votes via (Republican) gerrymandered maps.

The Campaign Legal Center weighed in on the decision, GOOD NEWS today from #SCOTUS on #VotingRights. The Supreme Court upheld the voting rights of Black Alabamians in #AllenVMilligan and prevented politicians from using unfair voting maps to drown out Black voices. More to come as we analyze the decision.

In a statement sent to PoliticusUSA, Paul Smith, senior vice president at Campaign Legal Center, wrote, We are heartened that the Supreme Court upheld Section 2 of the VRA, one of the most important tools available to ensure every voter, particularly Black and brown voters who have historically been denied the freedom to vote, has an equal voice in our democracy.

A huge ruling today that preserves federal voting rights protections that many advocates thought were certainly lost or at least likely to be (further) gutted, Chris Geidner of Law Dork wrote, sharing a link to the decision.

A 2017 AP analysis showed Alabama was saddled with one of the most gerrymandered congressional maps in the country.

While both parties have engaged in gerrymandering, since 2010 the Republican Party have abused their power to gerrymander maps to such a degree that the laws being passed or not passed often do not reflect the actual will of American voters. The AP summarized a Brennan Center report as not only found a persistent Republican advantage in gerrymandered maps, but also clear evidence that aggressive gerrymandering is distorting the nations congressional maps, posing a threat to democracy.

This level of gerrymandering has been a large part of the corruption of our political processes that has kept us from getting things most voters want, like gun control.

In a functioning democracy, no party would have control over maps. They would be nonpartisan and fair to all voters. The ongoing attacks on Black voters coming via policy, gerrymandering, lawsuits, harassment and voter roll purging from the Republican side of the aisle is an affront to every Americans morality and sense of pride in their own country. Every citizen of this country should be fairly represented and their voice should count equally.

The Supreme Court didnt do the Republicans bidding for a change of pace, so its a good day for democracy.
A Facebook post from last weekend's Farmington Country Days is going viral with nearly 2,000 shares and a reach of more than 112K people as part of an effort to find a little girl who wanted to pet a horse.

The post features the Belgrade State Bank wagon pulled by two beautiful Clydesdale horses, driven by Julie Loughary in Friday evening's Country Days Parade. In the picture, a young girl with wavy, strawberry-red hair, wearing a white dress with green patterns and sandals, stands off to the wagon's side, looking at the horses.

The post reads, HELP NEEDED do you know who this adorable little girl is? If so, can you tag her parents in this post? She wanted to pet the Belgrade Clydesdales at the parade, but they had to take off and she was very disappointed. Belgrade State Bank would like to arrange a special Clydesdale meet and greet for her. Thanks for your help!

Sometime later, the post read, UPDATE you guys are awesome but we still HAVENT found her. We cant keep up with the comments so we need her parents to private message our Facebook page or the Belgrade State Bank page!

A follower of the post, Rachel McAlister-Bennett, submitted a personal photo that shows the girl standing near a child whose arm is in a sling. The girls face is obscured by the head of one of the passing Clydesdales. Other photos taken by the Daily Journal show the girl near the same boy in the arm sling and with adults. The girl appears to be standing with a group of people on the corner of Washington and Columbia streets nearest U.S. Bank and they are directly in front of a black GMC truck parked at the curb.

Anyone who knows the identity of the girl in the picture can contact Executive Director Candy Hente with the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce at 573-756-3615, Julie Loughary with Belgrade State Bank at 314-420-5343, or the Daily Journal at 573-747-3667.

Julie Loughary is the vice president of Belgrade State Bank and owns the Clydesdales that have been used to pull the Belgrade State Wagon since 2018 in community parades. During the Country Days parade, she said, the girl stepped into the street and asked to pet the horses while the parade was briefly stopped. Loughary said her husband was about to pick the girl up and let her pet the horses when the parade began moving again and the opportunity was lost.

Why didnt I just stop? It would have taken two seconds, Loughary said in a phone interview. She indicated she regretted not pausing when she remembers the look of disappointment on the girls face, but she said past experience has taught her not to stop along the parade route to allow for petting the horses because a crowd of people might take advantage of the opportunity to also pet the horses and the parade could be ruined.

When Loughary saw the picture, she said, she knew she must try to find the girl to offer her a meet-and-greet with the Clydesdales Gunner, 10, and Zucco, 14. Loughary spoke with Hente, the photographer of the popular picture, and Hente posted the picture to the Farmington Country Days Facebook page.

Hente said she is amazed by the amount of traffic the post is receiving.

This is the highest-reaching post weve ever made, Hente said.

The comments on the post appear to be all positive, helpful and hopeful.

"Omg, I love humans sometimes!!!" enthused one commenter. "Wow! That's awesome!" posted another commenter.

Many more comments involve people tagging others who might be able to help.

A professional photographer has offered to take free pictures during the meet-and-greet if the girl is ever found. Loughary said she hopes the parents of the girl are OK with the search and are willing to allow the Clydesdale meeting to take place.

IN PHOTOS: Search for girl goes viral Girl (1).jpg Girl (2).jpg Girl (3).jpg Girl (4).jpg Girl (5).jpg Girl (6).jpg Girl (7).jpg
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Mike Rounds R-SD) have introduced the Transferring Illicit Assets to Ukraine Act. The legislation aims to provide the Department of Justice (DOJ) with more authority to transfer forfeited Russian assets to Ukraine. The senators believe that defeating Putin and supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight against the Russian invasion must remain a top priority. The bipartisan legislation would authorize the DOJ to expand its ability to seize Russian assets and send them directly to Ukraine for defense and rebuilding.

Transferring assets seized from those aiding and abetting Putins barbaric invasion will help Ukraine defend and rebuild their homeland, said Sen. Blumenthal in a statement provided to PolitcusUSA. Our measure  targeting the ill-gotten profits of oligarchs, sanctioned companies, and others supporting Russias war machine  gives DOJ the tools it needs to embolden our allies. This is a critical time for Ukraines fight for freedom. Im proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort.

The senators have stated that it is a crucial time for Ukraine, and the asset forfeiture bill will allow them to transfer more forfeited assets from Putins cronies to Ukraine to apply to the war effort. The legislation targets the ill-gotten profits of oligarchs, sanctioned companies, and others supporting Russias war machine. It gives DOJ the tools it needs to embolden allies and help Ukraine defend and rebuild their homeland.

This is a crucial time for Ukraine. Our efforts to assist Ukraine in liberating their country from the Russian invasion and Senator Manchins asset forfeiture bill will allow us to transfer more forfeited assets from Putins cronies to Ukraine for them to apply to the war effort, said Senator Graham. A win-win for all.

Under current authority, DOJ can only transfer to Ukraine assets forfeited from violations of select Russia-related sanctions. The first and only use of this authority occurred in February 2023 when Attorney General Merrick Garland authorized a transfer of $5.4 million forfeited from a sanctioned Russian oligarch. With expanded authority from Congress, DOJ could transfer far more assets from bad actors to support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.

The Transferring Illicit Assets to Ukraine Act would expand DOJs existing authority to apply to the proceeds of forfeited assets from any sanction or export control involving Russia or Belarus related to Russias invasion of Ukraine. The legislation would require a report from the Attorney General, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of State outlining a plan for using this new authority and semiannual reports from these same entities on the use of this authority for the benefit of Ukraine.

The bipartisan Senate effort demonstrates the commitment of the United States to the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom, which stands in contrast to the House where the Republican majority is divided on supporting Ukraine and Kevin McCarthy has signaled that Republicans will not support more aid.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

With news swirling that Special Counsel Jack Smith could indict him at any time, Donald Trump is coming totally unglued on social media.

In an all caps late night rant, Trump wrote:

SHOCKING! ONE OF THE TOP PROSECUTORS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF INJUSTICE WAS REPORTEDLY SO OBSESSED WITH GETTING TRUMP THAT HE TRIED TO BRIBE & INTIMIDATE A LAWYER REPRESENTING SOMEONE BEING TARGETED & HARASSED TO FALSELY ACCUSE & FABRICATE A STORY ABOUT PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP & A CRIME THAT DOESNT EXIST. THIS CRIMINAL & SALACIOUS ACT FROM WITHIN THE DOJ HAS BROUGHT SHAME & EMBARRASSMENT TO THIS ONCE GREAT & RESPECTED INSTITUTION. BECAUSE OF THIS, THERE IS NOW EXTREME TURMOIL INSIDE THE DOJ..

Page 2. A TOP OVERZEALOUS & DISHONEST DOJ PROSECUTOR OFFERED A WITNESS LAWYER AN IMPORTANT JUDGESHIP IN THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IF HIS CLIENT FLIPS ON PRESIDENT TRUMP, WHO HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG! THE HIGHLY RESPECTED LAWYER WAS INCENSED & DISGUSTED AT THIS CORRUPT & ILLEGAL OFFER. THE FAKE CASE AGAINST ME MUST BE IMMEDIATELY DROPPED, AND THE INSPECTOR GENERAL SHOULD LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS & THE MANY OTHER ALL TOO OBVIOUS WRONGDOINGS & CRIMES TAKING PLACE AT THE DOJ & FBI!

Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social:

Wow, this is turning out to be the greatest & most vicious instance of ELECTION INTERFERENCE in the history of our Country. Remember, Im leading DeSanctimonious BIG in the Polls but, more importantly, Im leading Biden by a lot. Also, & perhaps most importantly, they are launching all of the many Fake Investigations against me RIGHT SMACK IN THE MIDDLE OF MY CAMPAIGN, something which is unheard of & not supposed to happen. DOJ, FBI, NEW YORK A.G., NEW YORK D.A., ATLANTA D.A. FASCISTS ALL!

Trump followed up the above rant with a claim that no one has told him that he is being indicted:

Donald Trump is clearly scared. His own people are stating that the Justice Department notified the former president and told him that he is a target who is likely facing indictment. When Trump denies that something is going to happen, that means that it probably definitely going to happen.

Trump has lived his entire life using his money to exert control and power over others, but he has no control or power over Special Counsel Jack Smith, so he trying to attack the credibility of the potential case against him with unfounded allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.

The bigger the meltdown, the more likely the news is going to be terrible for Trump, and judging from his most recent blowups, Trumps biggest fear that he would be federally charged and go to prison is close to coming true.
Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.

Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.

To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers 
A Georgia man is facing an animal cruelty charge after he left his dog in a hot car while he was at work, according to law enforcement.

Prince William Dennis, 28, of Blythe, was arrested and charged June 5 with ill-treatment of animals, according to jail records.

Around 10:19 a.m. June 3, police responded to the 2530 block of Whiskey Road in reference to an animal in distress in a hot car, according to an incident report from Aiken Department of Public Safety.

Police located a vehicle with a Georgia tag and found a dog inside with a bowl for water and another that appeared to be for food, but there was no food inside the bowl, the report said.

A woman told police she didnt know how long the car had been in the parking lot and the dog needed food, the report said.

Later that day, police returned to the incident location and the dog was still in the vehicle and was out of water, the report said.

The temperature of the car was 86 degrees, the report said.

The dog was secured and was transported to a local ASPCA, the report said.

Dennis called police asking about his dog and stated he had to be at work at 9 a.m. and has to leave an hour early to get to work on time, the report said.

Dennis said he takes his dog with him when he goes to work and leaves him in the car, while he periodically checks on the dog, the report said.

Dennis stated the last time he checked on the dog was around 10 a.m. and found the dog gone around 3 p.m.

Dennis was booked as an inmate and has been released.
Aiken Standard reporter

Bianca Moorman is a public safety and courts reporter for the Aiken Standard, with the occasional coverage of other community news and features.

She is a Roanoke, Virginia native and received an undergraduate degree from James Madison University and a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.

She worked for The Meridian Star in Mississippi and The Savannah Morning News. Her writing and photography has also appeared in The Associated Press.

She can be reached at @biancarmooman or bmoorman@aikenstandard.com.

To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers 
A member of the South Carolina House of Representatives Aiken County delegation has endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

S.C. Rep. Bill Hixon, R-North Augusta, introduced and endorsed DeSantis at a Lexington County campaign stop Friday.

"We need somebody that can beat the current president," Hixon said. "When I look at how DeSantis has run the state of Florida and the things he stands for, those are my beliefs."

Hixon mentioned DeSantis's ongoing legal battle with Disney and his efforts to change the curriculum of Florida's schools. He also mentioned DeSantis's military background.

Hixon added DeSantis would be the first president with military service since George H.W. Bush and asked who would be better qualified to be a commander in chief than a former member of the military.

DeSantis served in the Navy. He was an advisor to Seal Team One and served at Guantanamo Bay and in Iraq.

Hixon said he felt DeSantis would spend more time in South Carolina because of his wife's connection to the state.

Casey DeSantis graduated from the College of Charleston. Her parents reside in Aiken County.

Hixon said he did not make his endorsement lightly. He said he started looking at candidates a couple of weeks ago prior to the entry of former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Hixon said he supported former President Donald Trump in his 2020 reelection bid but added that a lot has changed since then.

"He needs to listen more and don't talk as much," Hixon said. "Everybody that I deal with in North Augusta said if he would keep his mouth shut they would like him more."

Hixon said he hesitated to endorse DeSantis because of the candidacy of U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., but said Scott's campaign never called and asked for his help.

"I didn't want to hurt Tim Scott's feelings, I like him," Hixon said. "I don't have anything personally against Tim Scott. I've told many people and I've told the DeSantis people this: if something happens and Sen. Scott doesn't make the nominee, if Gov. DeSantis is the nominee, I'd love for him to choose Tim Scott as his vice presidential candidate."
The entrance to the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System building in Jefferson City. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Inside pension bills with provisions to encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom and protect the finances of the Missouri Sheriffs Retirement System are provisions that could boost the incomes of Gov. Mike Parson, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and at least three legislators.

But the ideas biggest legislative proponents, who actually dont stand to gain from it becoming law, argue its not about any particular elected official, but rather an issue of fairness and ensuring state employees arent disincentivized from running for office.

Under current law, anyone eligible for a pension from the Missouri State Employees Retirement System, also called MOSERS, cannot receive their benefits if they are elected to the legislature or statewide office.

And while benefits are suspended, MOSERS does not add cost-of-living adjustments to the annuity.

The bills include provisions touching many state-operated pension systems. The bill to encourage teachers would allow them to earn more in non-educator roles at school districts, or even return to the classroom for four years, without losing benefits. The bill that includes the sheriffs retirement system would mandate a monthly contribution to be deducted from each sheriffs salary and a minimum benefit of $1,000 a month.

The lawmakers responsible for putting the provision into the two pension bills awaiting action by Parson said they did it because people who have earned benefits in other state-operated retirement systems do not lose their pension if they get elected to the General Assembly or statewide office..

These people worked for this, said Rep. Bill Owen, a Springfield Republican who pushed for the change but will not benefit from it. No other public pension fund denies you your pension.

State employees covered by MOSERS, including statewide elected officials, receive a pension equal to 1.6% of the average of their highest 36 months of wages times the number of years employed by the state.

State workers can start earning a full pension when their years of service plus their age equals 80. Employees hired before 2000 who do not qualify for that provision must have five years of service and be 65 to receive their annuity. Employees hired after 2000 can retire at 62 with five years of state employment.

Lawmakers receive $150 for every two-year session, or part of a session, if they are in office for three or more sessions. Once out of office, a former lawmaker must be 55 or older to receive the pension.

The change in the bills on Parsons desk creates an exemption to the law requiring retirees to give up their benefits if they return to work in state government for more than 20 hours a week.

Candy Smith, spokeswoman for MOSERS, confirmed that any official who meets the requirements for receiving a pension can begin their benefits if the bill becomes law.

The bill would allow a member to receive, while serving as a member of the General Assembly or as a statewide elected official, a retirement benefit for which they are eligible, she wrote in an email to The Independent.

Parson and Kehoe would be eligible under the bill because of their time as state lawmakers. Parson is a former sheriff and eligible for benefits from the Missouri Sheriffs Retirement System. He is eligible for a MOSERS legislative pension of $900 a month for his 12 years in the House and Senate.

Parsons office did not respond to a request for comment on whether he would sign the bills or apply for his MOSERS pension if he becomes eligible.

Kehoe, a former auto dealer, is eligible for a MOSERS pension of $600 a month for seven years in the state Senate. Kehoe, a candidate for governor, would not apply for his legislative pension while in office if he becomes eligible, spokeswoman Gabby Picard wrote in an email.

There are two House members  Reps. Kent Haden, R-Mexico, and John Black, R-Springfield  and one senator, Sen. Karla Eslinger, who could receive MOSERS benefits if they were not legislators.

There are four other lawmakers who are vested in the system, which means they are eligible for a pension when they reach the minimum age.

Haden, a veterinarian, was state epidemiologist for the Department of Agriculture. Black, an attorney, was general counsel for Missouri State University in Springfield. Eslinger was deputy commissioner for four years in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Haden worked for the agriculture department for 11 years. He became aware of the provision as the bills were coming to the floor in May, he said. He was absent for the vote on the bill with teacher provisions and voted for the one that deals with the sheriffs retirement.

He has other income, he said, but hes not going to turn the money down if it becomes available.

It is going to be nice to have, he said. I probably would never have recovered the money.

Black, who also served as counsel to City Utilities in Springfield, is receiving a pension for that work from the Local Government Employees Retirement System, known as LAGERS, but not for his 12 years at Missouri State.

Black, too, was aware of the provisions. He voted present on the sheriffs retirement bill and in favor of the bill with teacher provisions.

Black said hes not bothered personally that he isnt receiving a MOSERS pension but said the benefit is far more important to people who spent their entire career in state government.

People with 20 or 30 years, for many of them, it would be an incredible sacrifice to give up the pension they have earned, Black said. This allows people with significant experience in state government to provide the benefit of that experience to the state.

Eslinger, through a staff member, declined to comment.

Owen sponsored the allowance for lawmaker and statewide official benefits in a standalone bill and said he wasnt thinking about who could currently benefit when he introduced the bill.

There are more than two dozen former educators, more than a half-dozen former MoDOT and Missouri State Highway Patrol employees and at least 10 who worked for local governments in the House and Senate. Not all are old enough to receive their vested pensions but many are.

Former public employees covered by MOSERS  a group that includes most four-year state universities as well as most state departments  generally cannot afford the financial sacrifice of being a lawmaker, which brings a $37,711 annual salary, Owen said.

One way former local officials, teachers and highway patrol troopers contribute to legislative business is by providing insight into those agencies and governments, Owen said. It isnt right to exclude a category of potential candidates, he said.

We need a broad array of people with strong backgrounds, Owen said. Why should we exclude that experience?

State Rep. Barry Hovis, R-Cape Girardeau, included Owens proposal in Senate bills that he handled as chairman of the House Pensions Committee. Hes a retired police officer receiving a pension from the Local Government Employees Retirement System.

He said he knew a handful of current officials could benefit from the change if signed by Parson, but said fairness was a bigger concern.

The thought process, the bottom line is, we didnt want to prohibit people who have been long-time employees, and that there was a penalty that wouldnt allow them to run for office, Hovis said.
A North Augusta mother is facing an abuse charge after her child was admitted to an Atlanta hospital with injuries.

Danielle Davis, 24, of was arrested and charged June 6 with abuse to inflict great bodily injury upon a child, according to jail records.

Davis is the second person facing charges after the victims father, Darrel Timpson, 27, of North Augusta was arrested and charged May 12 with abuse to inflict great injury upon a child.

Police received an intake from the South Carolina Department of Social Services April 18 in reference to potential abuse towards a juvenile, according to an incident report from North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

The intake stated the victim was brought to a childrens healthcare facility in Atlanta for seizures and twitching, the report said.

The intake stated there was a suspicion for abuse, given the victims injuries, the report said.

The injuries included head trauma due to brain bleeding, old bleeding, torn bridging veins on the brain, two new rib fractures and one rib fracture that was healing, but no bruising was found on the victim, the report said.

The complainant said the childs parents stated the child was not around other children and doesnt go to a daycare or any other childcare facility, the Aiken Standard reported.

The child also received an MRI and X-rays to check for more broken bones, the paper said.

Davis and Timpson were interviewed separately and denied any trauma, falls or injuries, but stated that the child has seemed more tired lately, the report said.

The victim was admitted to an intensive care unit at the hospital for further treatment, the report said.

Davis and Timpson are listed inmates at the Aiken County detention center.

Davis has a $50,000 bond and Timpson has a $60,000 bond.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
A new townhouse development in West Ashley aims to offer homeownership to service-industry workers and entry-level earners as part of the larger effort to bring affordable housing to the Charleston area, where home prices have more than doubled in the past 10 years.

Prosperity Builders, a division of The Berry Co. that focuses on workforce housing, and the nonprofit Charleston Redevelopment Corp. broke ground June 8 on a 40-unit development with affordability tied to the buyers income.

Bermuda Pointe Towns, off Ashley River Road near Church Creek, will include 30 units that will be for sale between 80 percent and 120 percent of the area median income. Ten will be offered at the market rate, with pricing starting in the mid-$300,000s. Down payment assistance from $10,000 to $80,000 will be offered, depending on income.

For more information Go to BPTowns.com

Contact Ali Bring at 843-226-1043 or ali@prosperitybldr.com

The area median income for a single person in Charleston County is $68,100. A buyer who meets those qualifications would could get up to $50,000 in down-payment assistance. Someone making 80 percent of of the median could qualify for up to $80,000 in down-payment aid, while someone earning 120 percent could get up to $10,000.

The loan, which is treated as a second mortgage, is forgiven at a percentage each year that the home is occupied. If the buyer sells the property before the entire amount is forgiven, the remainder must be repaid. That amount would then transfer to a new owner to help with down-payment assistance.

ABOUT THE SERIES Priced Out is an occasional series about the widespread impacts of soaring rents and the search for solutions. With rents jumping 30 percent or more in just two years in some of South Carolinas largest cities, tenants are feeling the strain and business groups say its getting harder to attract workers to the area. Want to share your experience and contribute to the conversation? Email David Slade, at dslade@postandcourier.com.

"It's a very meaningful way for someone with resources that has been paying rent to own a home and earn equity," said Tony Berry with The Berry Co.

The financial assistance comes through the firms partnership with Charleston Redevelopment, which uses grant money from the city to help with housing affordability. The group invested about $1.4 million in the $11 million townhome project. The rest of the funding comes through a bank loan and Prosperity Builders.

"We are focusing on the need for affordable workforce housing," said Fred Johnson, CEO of Charleston Redevelopment. "This didn't happen without a partnership."

Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email

Sign Up!

The first of 10 three-story buildings already under construction on 5 acres on Waterfowl Lane is expected to be completed by early fall. Work on the entire project could be finished by early 2024.

Units will offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the third floor, with living space, kitchen and half bath on the second level. The bottom floor includes a garage for up to two cars parked in tandem, as well as storage space.

The joint venture, a higher-unit density allowance from the city, constructing all of the units at once and other strategies allow the project to be built at a cost of up to 30 percent "less than what the current market is able to produce," Berry said.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg called the project another "small bite" in the city's goal of increasing the affordable housing stock.

"The need for affordable housing for working families is critical," he said. "That's what this is all about."

The project comes on the heels of a similar townhouse deal that Prosperity Builders developed in northern Mount Pleasant.

The firm partnered with Housing for All Mount Pleasant on the 36-unit Gregorie Ferry Towns, which was completed last August on Winnowing Way off S.C. Highway 41.

The median price of a house in the Charleston area was $414,000 in April, a 65 percent increase from 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic. It's more than twice the 2013 figure of about $204,000.
South Carolinas oldest newspaper celebrates a milestone this month.

Georgetown Times, which traces its history back to 1798, has been part of the Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group for half a century. The company also owns The Post and Courier, which has multiple newsrooms across South Carolina.

We are excited that Georgetown Times has reached its 50th anniversary as part of the Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group family, said P.J. Browning, CEO of Evening Post Publishing. Georgetown Times was the first newspaper launched in the state of South Carolina and we are proud to be a part of the legacy of covering the Georgetown community.

To mark the occasion, the newspapers leadership is hosting a celebration from 5-7 p.m. on June 8 at Marker 42 Lowcountry Cantina at 929 Front St. The companys leaders will be there along with members of the reporting staff, including the papers new editor Charles Perry.

This is an organization with such a rich history, Perry said. The milestone is a testament to Evening Post Publishings commitment to journalism and to the Georgetown community.

The Georgetown area did not have a regular newspaper until after the Revolutionary War.

Originally known as the Georgetown Gazette, the Times earliest ancestor was first published on May 8, 1798. It began as a four-page publication serving the bustling seaport.

In early 1799, the paper was a weekly with a subscription price of $5 per year.

The newspaper changed hands and names multiple times over the generations, though its been consistently known as Georgetown Times since 1921.

In the early 20th century, other local papers launched and fizzled, but the Georgetown Times continued.

Evening Post Publishing bought the paper in 1973.

In recent years, the company has expanded its coverage to include the Myrtle Beach market, and Evening Post Publishing continues to invest in sharing the stories of the community.

"We're at 225 years and counting," Perry said.
GEORGETOWN  Georgetown once again has a farmers market.

When the Screven Street market shut down this year, it left the community seeking a place to buy farm-fresh produce directly from those growing the fruits and vegetables.

Enter the Growers Market.

The new market hit the corner of Prince and Fraser streets on June 3, and it's scheduled to be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, year-round.

Susan Lumpkin, a member of the city's arts and cultural commission, is careful to call the project the Growers Market, appropriate in that 50 percent of the items for sale on June 3 came straight from South Carolina farmers. Crafts, along with processed and commercial items, comprised the other half, though she said much more is still to come.

Lumpkin also noted that her interactions with city officials have been smooth thus far, including with Scott Whittier of Utilities and Public Works.

"Because we're going to eventually have food trucks there," Lumpkin said. "So we're going to need electricity."

Lumpkin estimated that the June 3 event yielded about 14-15 vendors, but more are expected in the coming weeks. About 100 shoppers showed up, she said.

"Bread people, who make homemade bread, sold out by 9:30," Lumpkin said. "It starts at 9, (goes) to 1. We had people there at 8 o'clock, shopping."

Georgetown County officials shuttered the Screven Street market because participation had dwindled to just a few vendors, county spokeswoman Jackie Broach said.

"It was no longer making sense," she said.

Georgetown Public Information Officer Cindy Thompson said the city previously left the farmers market business to the county. But that changed on May 18 when the city council approved a memorandum of understanding with The Growers Market, bringing it to the former site of City Hall.

"We had that vacant property sitting and thought that would give great visibility," Thompson said. "The county was not going to be doing their farmers market on Screven Street this year, so they picked it up and ran with it."

The June 10 Growers Market will run alongside Georgetown's first annual Art and Wine Walk, an event Lumpkin said is "huge" for the city's quest to become an S.C. Arts Commission-designated cultural district. It would be just the 10th district in the state.

"'Under the Oaks' is what we call it," Lumpkin said of The Growers Market, referencing the oak trees that line Georgetown's Historic District. "All those trees, it's wonderful for its coolness. There's a nice breeze coming in, and plus, we're getting all those people on (U.S.) 17 coming in. We love it."
A fast-casual Mediterranean chain opened its second Greenville County location.

Cava, a Washington, D.C.-founded restaurant, added a location on Haywood Road attached to other fast food chain Five Guys and near furniture store Havertys.

The chain opened its first location in the county in the former Zoes Kitchen location on Augusta Road in Greenville in 2022. There are six other Cava locations in South Carolina, per its website.

It serves greens, grains and salad bowls with add-ins like falafel and hummus. The new Cava can be found at 586 Haywood Rd.

More Upstate investments

Five companies have tapped the Upstate as a place to grow their businesses, collectively funneling more money and jobs into the region.

A poultry processing solutions company announced on May 17 its plan to open its first South Carolina distribution center in Oconee County, investing $10.8 million and creating 25 new jobs. Meyn America, based in Ball Ground, Ga., provides poultry processing companies in over 100 countries with equipment and systems.

The company plans to buy 36 acres to build an 80,000-square-foot distribution site in Westminster in the Oconee Industry and Technology Park. The center will distribute equipment parts for both its North and South American customers.

The operations are expected to start in the third quarter of 2023.

Also in Oconee County, a technology company officially announced its capital expenditure and job creation plan, after announcing forthcoming closure its Minnesota facility in an effort to consolidate and improve the company's supply chain. The technology and production will be relocated to its 50-year-old West Union plant.

Itron plans to grow its West Union operation with a capital expenditure of $28.5 million over three years, creating nearly 100 new jobs. The company  which "innovates the way utilities and cities manage energy and water," per a release  plans to grow its facility on state Highway 11 and establish a "Center of Excellence for manufacturing operations in North America."

The Upstate plant current makes electric and gas meters, and the reconfiguration will allow for the production of gas and water endpoints. The expansion should be complete by the end of the year.

About 40 miles northeast of West Union, a manufacturer of pumps announced plans to grow its Pickens County operations with a $5.3 million investment that will add 25 new jobs.

Sulzer Pumps Soultions, Inc.  a subsidiary of the Swiss-based company Sulzer Ltd.  makes pumps for pulp and paper processing, biofuels production, clean water systems and wastewater treatment. It provides a wide range of products and auxiliary equipment.

The plan in Easley will grow to support new product lines.

In Greenwood County, a home fashions producer is opening a manufacturing and distribution center but did not disclose its planned investment or job creation.

Envogue International plans to open at 201 Puckett Ferry Rd. The over 122,000-square-foot facility will be used to make and distribute home textiles, including pillow filling and warehousing. The company plans to be online in June.

Greenwood County welcomes Envogue to our thriving business community," Greenwood County Council Chairman Chuck Moates said in a statement. "We're delighted their relocation brings a new tenant to the former Fujifilm campus, and we look forward to watching them succeed in the years to come.

Gaffney Bakery, a maker of frozen bakery items, also announced it would start operations in Cherokee County with a $96 million investment and create 260 jobs. The company plans to purchase and renovate an existing bakery facility at 131 Corporate Dr. in Gaffney. Operations are expected to be online at the end of 2024.

Thats all for this week. Email your thoughts, tips, releases and newsy bits to smirah@postandcourier.com.
The Charleston panel in charge of reviewing development plans for Union Pier has slowed down its process by a month after hearing from residents concerned about the project's fast pace.

But the hiatus, while welcomed by many, isn't likely to disrupt the State Ports Authority's timeline for selling the waterfront site.

Hundreds of people showed up June 7 at the city's Planning Commission meeting to express their opinions on the massive redevelopment project expected to reshape a key waterfront area of downtown.

The State Ports Authority wants to sell its 64-acre cruise ship hub, known as the Union Pier Terminal, by the end of this year. Before that happens, the maritime agency wants the city to approve a nearly 400-page document  called a Planned Unit Development, or PUD  that outlines how the property can and cannot be redeveloped. The SPA has hired Los Angeles-based developer Lowe, which has an office in Charleston, to create the zoning proposal.

The commission said it will wait another month  until the week of July 10  before making its recommendation to City Council, which has the final say on the plan's approval.

The time period still has the council on track to take up the matter at its July 18 meeting, as planned.

About 70 people spoke during the meeting, adding their comments to nearly 500 written responses submitted earlier. Many of the speakers expressed criticism that the process has been moving forward too quickly, with too many questions unaddressed.

The speed of which this process has happened is not consistent with how our city of Charleston plans its future," said resident Gary Bunton. He added "The number of questions outstanding are too many to count."

Barbara Melvin, the SPA's president and CEO, said the agency is still making changes to the plan based on public feedback.

"We expect it to continue to evolve," Melvin said. "We do not feel like it is in its final form."

The meeting was the Planning Commission's first opportunity to indicate its support or opposition to the proposal, with most members deciding against publicly stating an opinion until they had more time to digest the hundreds of comments they've heard and read. Two members spoke emphatically against it.

"This plan doesnt need Band-Aids, it needs reconstructive surgery," said commission member Jimmy Bailey.

Although the SPA has stressed that adjustments to the proposal can be made later, the zoning approvals being considered by the Planning Commission set the ceiling for what is allowed on the property, including how tall and how dense it can become, as well as how much affordable housing and park space will be required.

Staff from the citys Department of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability have the option to provide a recommendation to the commission about how the body should vote but declined to do so.

As we all know, this plan is something that has been evolving, said Robert Summerfield, the city's planning director. Staff is still working on a few key points.

The city's staff did outline a list of recommended changes to the plan. Those include:

Limit the total number of hotel rooms to 300, with no hotel exceeding 150 rooms;

Make the plan to phase in park space more strict, including a requirement that the proposed waterfront walkway be built at the same time as the Bennett Rice Mill facade park and other parks in the first phase of construction; and

Ensure the state and federal permitting process for the offshore park proposed on top of existing piers begins within a year of when the first 25 percent of the project's buildout is completed.

The plan's details

Over the last several weeks, local environmental and historic preservation advocates have rushed to parse through and communicate their opinions on the voluminous planning document for the site, which has been updated numerous times. The most recent version was made available last week.

Shortly before the June 7 meeting, city officials reached an agreement with the SPA on the affordable housing components of the plan.

It calls for the construction of 367 affordable housing units, 240 of which must be located on the Union Pier site. The on-site units must be completed at the same pace as the rest of the project is built. In essence, when one-fourth of the site is built, one-fourth of the affordable units must be completed as well. They also must remain affordable  that is, attainable by those earning up to 120 percent of the city's median family income  for 30 years. At the end of the 30-year period, the city will get first priority to buy the units.

The affordable housing agreement also calls for a 1 percent transfer fee for real estate transactions on Union Pier that will go toward future affordable housing initiatives in the city.

Those in the real estate industry are divided over the redevelopment proposal.

Displacement is happening because we do not have enough housing available at all price levels, said Katesha Breland, president of the Trident Association of Realtors. Union Pier will help provide balance in the housing market."

A group of real estate professionals that penned a June 2 letter to the city opposing the project disagreed.

"The plan is inconsistent with the historic fabric and architecture of Charleston," said the group of 14 real estate leaders from agencies including Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty, Handsome Properties, The Cassina Group, Oyster Point Real Estate, Maison Real Estate, Lois Lane Properties, Disher, Hamrick & Myers Real Estate, William Means Real Estate and Carriage Properties.

"The allowable height and density of the buildings is in conflict with the built environment," the group stated. "The lack of green space is a poor design feature that urbanists rejected long ago. Cities that have parks and green open spaces for residents have been proven to be safer and healthier for the residents," the letter reads.

Although some environmentalists have said density in urban areas can limit suburban sprawl and reduce traffic emissions, the Coastal Conservation League and Charleston Waterkeeper are opposing the Union Pier plan because of the property's vulnerability to flooding.

I think 'climate, climate, climate' should be the first thing you should think about and that is coming from someone whose house has flooded twice, said nearby resident Marie Vandivort.

Faith Rivers James, the conservation league's executive director, said Union Pier is not suitable for maximum density because it requires fill dirt to be brought in to elevate the property above the floodplain. She said the city has been and needs to continue to encourage density on high land.

"(The plan) keeps this neighborhood high and dry, but is it going to rain down on the neighborhoods around it?" Rivers James said.

Concerns over density

The Planning Commission is considering four rezoning votes for the Union Pier project. One vote will determine height limits, and another will determine whether hotels are allowed.

Height limits have been contested by city staff, the mayor and the coalition of preservation and environmental groups. Although some adjustments have been made to the distribution of height limits on the site, the planning document still allows for up to seven-story buildings.

Jacob Lindsey, the city's former planning director who is now a vice president with Lowe, said revisions to the plan have reduced overall building sizes by 170,000 square feet.

"The height has not just been redistributed across the site," Lindsey said.

The latest proposal also removed any reference to an overall limit on the number of hotel rooms allowed on the property. The plan originally called for a maximum of 600 hotel rooms. City staff recommended that be reduced to 300.

Other aspects of the plan remained largely the same between the last Technical Review Committee meeting and the submission to the Planning Commission. That includes the park space and stormwater management strategies.

The new version includes a plan to phase in park space in a specific order. A promenade around the Bennett Rice Mill facade will be built first, along with the northern half of the property. Additional park space will be in phase two on the southern half of the property. The waterfront park will be built last, according to the planning document.

Rivers James said she isn't sure the last phase of park space at the waterfront will be built as proposed because of its location atop existing piers in the Cooper River. The proposal would require a complex series of approvals from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The stormwater management proposals remained largely the same. Those include building the site atop more than 15 feet of fill, incorporating green infrastructure like bioswales and building a portion of a storm surge protection wall.

Rivers James said those appear less detailed than in previous versions and are still not binding enough to ensure they will be built as proposed.

Process questions

As city staff, local advocates and residents have rushed to take in all aspects of the Union Pier proposal over its various iterations, many have questioned if there is another way forward.

One of the Planning Commissions' votes at its next meeting will be an amendment to the citys comprehensive plan so that it changes the recommended use for the Union Pier site. A comprehensive plan is a document that South Carolina state law requires cities to adopt every 10 years. Through a rigorous planning and public input process, a comprehensive plan outlines recommended uses for nearly every property. Although it is not legally binding, the plan is the main document the commission uses to guide its decisions.

When Charleston adopted its comprehensive plan in 2021, the Union Pier property was labeled as a future planning area, with no specific guidelines for its use. The SPA is now requesting an amendment to the plan to give Union Pier a "city center" designation, which allows the most density.

Several speakers said the sites designation should be determined the same way the rest of the comprehensive plan is done  by city planners, public input and paid consultants, not a single landowner.

The original plan was a very lowball proposal," said Marcus McDonald, lead organizer of Charleston Black Lives Matter. "Too often, we mistake concessions for progress.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation also weighed in before the meeting, saying the SPA should establish an "ideas lab" to gather community feedback and input from many different urban design professionals. That process, the group said, could result in multiple options for the city to consider approving rather than trying to make adjustments to just one.

Melvin, the SPA's president, said the agency has not closed the door to revisions but wants to sell the property by the end of this year. Proceeds from the sale would be used to help pay for port facilities such as the second phase of the Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston.

"We have listened and we have incorporated feedback into the proposal," Melvin said. "We believe the plan is stronger because of the extensive public and city engagement. And please know, we are still listening."

The SPA solicited ideas from the public beginning in August, two months after it announced Union Pier would no longer be the home port for Carnival Cruise Line once the agency's contract with the cruise operator expires at the end of 2024. Union Pier will still host day trips from cruise ships.

When a redevelopment plan was submitted to the city earlier this year, several groups criticized the lack of features requested during the SPA's public input process. Since then, the proposal has been altered multiple times, but its overall design hasnt changed substantially.

In the end, the SPA doesn't have to pursue a PUD for Union Pier, because it could sell the property under its current "light industrial" zoning without any further approvals from the city.

Financing questions

The amount of future tax revenue generated from Union Pier's redevelopment declines as calls for less density, additional green space and more affordable housing are met, and that could impact how roads, parks, stormwater management, utilities and other infrastructure are funded.

The SPA wants the city to create a tax increment financing district for Union Pier, where the additional property taxes created by redevelopment will be used to pay for the site's infrastructure. The SPA currently pays no property taxes, so all of the taxes generated by improvements at Union Pier would be used for those purposes. The tradeoff is that none of the taxes will go to schools, Charleston County or other city needs.

The plan calls for Union Pier's developer to pay for the infrastructure up front and be reimbursed over the 25-year life of the tax district. If the proposal is scaled back too much, the SPA has said, the tax revenue might not be able to fund some of the proposed improvements.

Until Wednesday, however, the agency had not detailed how much those improvements will cost.

Melvin told the Planning Commission the roads, drainage, parks and other work will require the tax district to generate $275 million.

The SPA also wants the city to create a second tax district, called a municipal improvement district, in which property owners within Union Pier would be charged a fee. That money will backstop the tax increment plan if its revenue falls short and be used to cover maintenance costs for the roads, parks and other infrastructure.

Both of those tax district proposals would be considered by City Council on July 18, the same day as the Union Pier redevelopment plan.

City Council is not obligated to follow the Planning Commission's recommendation, although for less complex proposals it usually does. Although the council is scheduled to hear the proposals on Jul 18, it has the ability to defer its vote for up to one year. If the council does not vote on it within a year, the plan would be automatically denied.
FLORENCE  Alternative certification is opening up nontraditional pathways to teaching in South Carolina.

People with a bachelors degree in nearly any area can sign up with multiple programs to earn their teaching certification while working in the classroom.

Florence 1 Schools welcomes those teachers.

We've always had, for years. teachers that we hire through alternative pathways, said the districts Chief Personnel Officer Nathaniel Marshall.

South Carolina has 11 approved alternative route programs for teachers. Some, such as TeachCharleston and the Greenville Alternative Teacher Education Program, are area specific. Others, such as the Program of Alternative Certification for Educators, are state-based and available at most public school districts.

Florence 1 Schools typically uses three alternative certification programs, holds information sessions and makes a place for those in the programs.

The districts focus at informational sessions is on the Program of Alternative Certification for Educators, Teachers of Tomorrow and the American Board for alternative certifications. All three offer programs that allow those with a bachelors degree to obtain teaching certification.

We get a lot of people that call or stop by and say, hey, I want to teach, but I didn't go to a teacher prep program, Marshall said.

Individuals with a clear background check and bachelors degree who have not student taught through a traditional teacher prep program are eligible to participate in an alternative certification program.

The district hires around 20 teachers each year that are on track to complete their certification through an alternative pathway. Many are career changers, individuals who have already worked a career in their field but want to teach, others are college graduates who want to try teaching.

Colleges just had their graduations and there's a group of people that may not know what's next, Marshall said.

Teachers going through alternative certification cant choose any subject they want. Programs typically tell potential educators what they would be eligible to teach based off of their college transcripts.

Someone with a biology degree would be eligible to teach a science class, not an art class.

Each of the alternative certification programs require testing of some kind. Most use the Praxis II to test subject-area content knowledge while others such as the American Board have their own tests. The test typically takes place before being accepted into a program.

The Praxis exams are pretty tough, said Courtney Clayton, the districts executive director of teaching and learning. I think its a good thing that any alternative program is requiring them.

The programs all have different requirements after testing. Some are more self-paced with online modules and courses. Others are more structured and require in-person learning through scheduled meetings and seminars.

Educators going through one of these programs can begin teaching while seeking certification. The programs each give teachers around 3 years to complete program requirements. Teachers receive a professional certification after completing necessary requirements.

The districts information sessions have been held for more than 4 years near the end of May. Plans for additional alternative certification programs are in development.
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, has selected Missouri State Parks as a finalist for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

We are thrilled to be selected as a National Gold Medal finalist, said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. It is an honor for Missouri State Parks to be nationally recognized for ongoing efforts to address the needs of park and site visitors by providing safe and equitable spaces, high level customer service and innovative programming.

Missouri is one of a handful of states that does not charge entrance fees to its state parks, thanks in part to the Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax.

The citizen support for our parks is outstanding, said Buntin. The last time the sales tax renewed, it passed by 80% of the voters across Missouri. The sales tax helps give every Missourian the opportunity to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation while exploring Missouris history.

Missouri State Parks is competing against three other state park systems for the top award: Ohio State Parks and Watercraft; Texas State Parks; and Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails. The National Recreation and Park Association will announce the winner at its annual conference in October in Dallas.

This recognition can be attributed to an outstanding and dedicated group of professional team members caring for our 92 state parks and historic sites, said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. We are very proud of our team and the work they do each and every day to provide a quality experience for our visitors.

For more information concerning the Gold Medal Award program, visit https://aapra.org/National-Gold-Medal-Award.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Its been years since weve seen a lot of examples in Washington of Republicans and Democrats putting aside their ideological differences and working together for the best interests of our nation and world, so things that we once would have taken for granted have become worthy of celebrating.

It is in that vein that we applaud the bipartisan deal passed last week to avoid a U.S. government default.

Unlike the other recent laws touted as bipartisan  the infrastructure law, the gun-safety law, the CHIPS Act  this one didnt have much of anything either side wanted. Instead, it was an acknowledgement that getting our way is less important than doing our jobs.

Also unlike those other laws, it was truly bipartisan  as in the two parties really working together, as opposed to a handful of Republicans joining a Democratic majority for show or to clear a supermajority threshold in the Senate. It was in fact negotiated by the top elected officials in the two parties  President Joe Biden and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy  and it was supported by 165 Democrats and 149 Republicans in the House and 45 Democrats and 17 Republicans in the Senate.

That makes it all the more embarrassing, disturbing, shameful  you pick the word  that six of South Carolinas nine members of the Congress (all Republicans) joined the anti-American minorities in the two parties in voting against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023: Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Reps. Nancy Mace, Russell Fry, Ralph Norman and William Timmons. When we're adding up the reasons to vote for or against them for reelection, this should go near the top of the "no" side of the ledger.

Our S.C. critics said silly things about giving a blank check to the president  as if any president is allowed to spend money without congressional authorization. When presidents try to get around that prohibition with executive orders  and presidents from both sides have tried  those efforts are rightly challenged in court, as is the case with Mr. Bidens student loan forgiveness order.

And since the deal does nothing to stop the Congress from passing other appropriations bills, even Mr. Grahams argument that the bill didnt increase military spending enough in light of our need to support Ukraine in the war being waged by Russia was an unacceptable reason to vote no on a bill that was necessary to avoid the national and worldwide economic tsunami that could have been triggered by default by the strongest, richest and most important nation in the world.

In light of the opposition, we applaud South Carolina's three other representatives, Republicans Joe Wilson and Jeff Duncan and Democrat Jim Clyburn, for putting country first and voting for a bill that they probably could have found long lists of reasons to oppose, because they understood that some things are more important than what they want.

We happen to like the general balance the bill struck, preserving the bulk of the already-authorized spending while imposing modest limits on the future growth of spending. In fact, our nation needs tighter limits on spending, or else higher taxes, or more likely both, and that needs to be a priority going forward, but that's going to take a larger consensus that simply was not achievable in this context.

But the best thing about the bill  besides the overriding fact that it averted potential catastrophe  is that it wasnt simply bipartisan. It was a true compromise, between two sides that wanted very different things, where both sides got a lot less than they wanted and some things they didnt want. We'd like to hope that having done that, Mr. McCarthy will be willing to engage on more difficult issues  and that Mr. Biden will be a willing partner. Getting our rising national debt under control would be an ideal place to start, but we'd be happy for them to work together on any of a number of other disputes that have become intractable not because there aren't reasonable compromises, but because no one has been willing to make those compromises.

Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier.
FLORENCE  Construction of an $810 million AESC battery cell factory will begin in the next few weeks, AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the factory June 7.

Hundreds attended the ceremony, including Gov. Henry McMaster, Florence Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin, Florence County Council Chairman Willard Dorriety Jr., and Florence residents.

The factory will create 1,170 jobs, which McMaster said would provide "great careers."

"It sends yet another signal around the world that companies can go anywhere but are choosing South Carolina," McMaster said.

The factory will be located on 876 acres, but will have empty acreage it can use to expand. The initial plant will use about 500 acres. Deaton said any expansions could be coming "in the very, very near term."

Ervin said it was important that the factory have room to grow in order to support Florence as it continues to expand.

"It will not only affect the people to date, but the ones in the future," Ervin said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership Gregg Robinson said the battery cell plant will be almost nine times the size of Wilson High School across the street.

"It's a transformational opportunity for us," Robinson said.

Ervin said the factory being across from the school, "with so much invested in STEM," would allow students to visit the factory and learn about it and working there.

"Now you have a futuristic plant that is bringing in the future of the auto industry here to Florence, South Carolina," Ervin said. "You can't beat something like that."

Battery cells from the factory will be sent to the BMW plant in Spartanburg to be used in electric vehicles the plant makes.

The plant had its second-highest production total in 2022 of over 400,000 vehicles since the plant's creation in 1994.

BMW also led the nation in automotive exports by value for the ninth year straight, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

South Carolina's most recent expansion into the automobile industry came with the Scout Motors deal in Richland County, which saw $1.29 billion in incentives.

South Carolina saw over 13,000 jobs added in the automobile industry and $9.6 billion in capital investment between 2017 and 2022, according to the South Carolina Commerce Department's website.

"We are truly excited about the future of South Carolina in this industry," South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey said. "We are very excited for Florence and for your local community as you become part of the automobile story for South Carolina."

Deaton said the "very strong, skilled workforce" and the over 72,000 people employed by the automobile industry in South Carolina were a few of the main reasons the company came to the state.

He said the company has started hiring for the factory. The employees are "preparing the foundation for all of our business here."

Dorriety credited Francis-Marion University and Florence-Darlington Technical College with helping to make the workforce that enabled Florence's economic growth.

He also said Florence County will be unrecognizable in 10 years when it comes to economic development.

"The growth that can move out from here will be unbelievable," Dorriety said.

Mass production of battery cells is expected to begin toward the end of 2025, Deaton said.
FLORENCE  Hundreds filled the seats and crowded around the edges as Florence celebrated the groundbreaking of the $810 million battery plant brought to the county by the electric vehicle battery manufacturer AESC.

Its the biggest development in the area in recent memory.

"We've made history," said Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin, one of multiple local and state officials to speak at the ceremony. "But history is actually building the future, for everyone here, but also for the generations to come."

Elected officials, industry representatives and curious residents mingled beneath a white tent marking the spot where the 1.5 million square-foot plant will stand one day. They were eager to promote their organizations or businesses and take advantage of the growth promised by the Japanese company.

Jeff McKay, the executive director of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance, which promotes economic development across the Pee Dee, said he thinks the factory will raise fortunes throughout the region.

Calling the plant transformational, he said the workers and investment it brings will pave the way for future development in Florence and the rest of the region, both in related industries that follow in AESCs footsteps and in other industries that are simply taking advantage of the growth it promotes.

Our hopes and thoughts are that this will be felt throughout the breadth of the Pee Dee, he said.

The AESC electric vehicle battery plant will be located on 876 acres across from Wilson High School in north Florence. The factory, which will create more than a thousand new jobs, will serve BMWs electric vehicle plant in Spartanburg.

While representatives from many of Florences largest industries were present, so were representatives from its smaller industries.

TownePlace Suites General Manager Jenine Shaffer and assistant general manager Heather Harrelson were among a handful of hospitality industry representatives who attended the event to make connections and promote their businesses.

Already, TownePlace Suites and its sister hotels have seen people affiliated with AESC become customers. With more than a thousand workers heading to Florence in the coming years, Shaffer and Harrelson said, theyre optimistic their hotel will see even more growth in the near future.

In Florences tight housing market, some people relocating to the area end up temporarily staying in a hotel before moving into a permanent residence.

Our property has an advantage, because we're extended stay, so if they're relocating people, it's a good place to go, Shaffer said.

Robert Ware, a member of Pee Dee Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors, said he hopes AESC will bring more customers to the airport, especially after business tumbled during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was at the event to promote the Florence airport as a more convenient option compared to those in Columbia or Myrtle Beach.

Were a small airport, but we want to grow, Ware said, adding Were about to find out if were ready for that.

Harold Frasier lives just down the road from the AESC plant, on Tradd Court, in the same house hes lived in since 1978. He said he plans to report back to his neighbors about the event.

Frasier had nothing but good things to say about the potential impact of the plant on the area. He hoped it would improve the economy and provide more opportunities for workers.

We need more industry on this side of town, he said.

Those hoping the AESC plant will raise their fortunes may have a little longer to wait, though. The plant is scheduled to be fully up and running by the end of 2025.
The battle for South Carolina's evangelical Christian voters just got a lot more complicated.

Former Vice President Mike Pence entered the Republican presidential race June 7 as a longtime favorite of Christian conservatives, declaring his candidacy in a campaign launch video where he invoked God four times, quoted scripture from Luke 12:48 and professed that he still has faith that "God is not done with America yet."

But even with Pence's entrance into the race, South Carolina evangelicals are still weighing their options in the current GOP presidential primary field, with some questioning if Pence will be able to stand out in a crowded contest where multiple contenders are proclaiming their Christian faith while courting voters.

Pence has introduced himself as "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican  in that order." But U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., also has a faith-forward introduction, and is known for saying, "I am a Christian, who is a conservative  and you may have noticed that I'm Black."

Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and former United Nations ambassador, has also been vocal about her faith. She quoted Joshua 1:9 at her campaign launch in downtown Charleston and told supporters that she believes the American people are "full of love and we are sustained by faith."

And that's not including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who on his first statewide swing through South Carolina as a presidential candidate met privately with a small group of pastors and other Christian leaders before he took the stage to address thousands in Greenville.

"I just don't know what the lane is for Pence to run on, other than to get a sliver of the evangelical vote, but its going to be a divided vote," predicted Bill Monroe, the pastor and founder of Florence Baptist Temple. "It may even neuter the power of the evangelical vote this time. We just don't know."

Further complicating the choice of Christian voters is former President Donald Trump, the current frontrunner in the race.

Despite his more opaque personal religious practices and tendency toward divisive rhetoric, evangelicals helped thrust Trump into the White House. According to a study from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, Trump has seen his support grow among White evangelical voters, expanding from 77 percent in 2016 to 84 percent in 2020.

Dave Wilson is the former president of the Palmetto Family Council, a conservative Christian nonprofit based in Columbia that lobbies for what it considers to be "Biblical values," such as heterosexual marriage and bans on abortion.

He said that Trump remains a factor for evangelicals as they weigh who will earn their support. Wilson also said it's important to remember that evangelicals don't vote based solely on their Christian beliefs.

They, too, want to back a winner.

The question now, Wilson said, is whether evangelicals will stick with Trump or are eyeing other conservative contenders. Already that could be happening.

"A lot of evangelicals I knew who voted for Donald Trump told me they they were voting for Mike Pence for vice president  not Donald Trump for president," Wilson said. " That mix of people may have started looking elsewhere because, while Pence has been here a lot, I don't know that he has done everything he needs to yet in order to differentiate himself from the old Trump-Pence ticket.

"And whether he likes it or not," Wilson continued, "the voting populous still sees him in the shadow of Donald Trump."

As an alternative to Trump and Pence, pastors and faith leaders in the state said many evangelical voters in the Palmetto State have expressed initial interest in Scott, a fellow South Carolinian who once considered becoming a preacher.

He frequently cites Bible verses from memory when speaking with voters and often engages in call-and-response interactions in a nod to a familiar tradition of Southern preachers.

Others are eyeing the likes of DeSantis, the governor of the Sunshine State who has signed bills that ban gender-affirming care for minors and target drag show performances.

Even so, Pence has been making an early, serious and sustained play for South Carolina's White evangelical voting base.

Before he officially launched his presidential campaign, most of his visits to the state revolved around stops to religious institutions that included, among others, book signings at churches, a fireside chat at Bob Jones University and delivering a keynote address at a fundraising banquet for a Christian pregnancy center.

Last summer, Pence spoke at the Florence Baptist Temple, where he delivered a speech weeks after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, toppling a half-century of national precedent and returning the legality of abortions to state legislators.

Monroe, the church's pastor and founder, said that the visit came at the request of Pence's team after they reached out to former S.C. GOP chairman Chad Connelly, who also used to be the faith outreach director of the Republican National Committee.

Monroe and Connelly separately confirmed that Pence not only wanted to deliver a speech on the abortion fight at a church in the Southeast, but preferably wanted to make the address in South Carolina, which votes third in the Republican presidential nominating calendar.

The event drew hundreds to the church on a Wednesday night.

"Were not a Pence congregation. Were a conservative congregation," Monroe said, adding that he will not endorse a candidate but plans to encourage his members to vote.

"I preach with a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other. Because of that, I dont want to turn my pulpit into a political stump, but I do want to direct my congregation to understand the issues and then vote based on their Biblical beliefs," he said.

Connelly is now the leader of Faith Wins, an organization focused on educating, mobilizing and activating faith leaders to leverage influence in the political process.

His group has met with six presidential candidates and held 29 pastor meetings in South Carolina since January. Still, he cautioned that it may be too soon to tell which candidate will take off with the evangelical voter base. But nobody in the 2024 race  not even a former president or a former vice president  can rest on their laurels.

"The president wants to assume he's got their vote because of what he did, but pastors don't normally endorse, and I can tell you they want the president to earn their vote and their congregations' vote just like anybody else," Connelly said.

Tony Beam, an ordained pastor who is also the director of the office of public policy for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, was part of the small group that met privately with DeSantis last week.

Almost half a million people are members of the S.C. Baptist Convention, which has roughly 2,100 churches across the Palmetto State. And Beam said they are still in "growth mode" rather than seeing its congregants turn away from the church.

Among his fellow Christians, Beam said most are drawn to Pence, Scott and DeSantis. He cited Scott's recent appearance on "The View" as an example of what evangelicals are looking for in their next GOP presidential nominee.

"He was able to push back, make his points, and do so without coming across as angry and insulting. I am hungry for Christian evangelical leaders who can present the truth in a manner thats winsome and not caustic," Beam said.

But is that enough?

"At the end of the day, most evangelicals want to make sure the person they get behind has a legitimate path," Beam said, adding, "And I think we are all waiting to see what happens."
ROCK HILL  Rock Hill could add a new 198-unit continuing-care facility after the Planning Commission approved site plans on June 6.

The 200,000-square-foot, four-story facility, located at 193 Old Rawlinson Road, would hold a combination of 100 independent, 66 assisted living and 32 memory care units, along with a pub, game room, beauty salon and theater for residents.

The Planning Commission unanimously accepted the site plans, which will now go back to the city for additional review before construction begins.

"I want to say thank you for coming to Rock Hill," Planning Commission member Darrell Watts said during the meeting. "...The need is here."

Smith/Packett, the Virginia-based developer of the 198-unit facility, has a sister company, Charleston-based Harmony Senior Services, which focuses on senior living. Harmony features about 45 communities across the Eastern seaboard similar to the proposed Rock Hill site plan.

Logan Puckett, senior development coordinator for Smith/Packett, said the company chose Rock Hill based on the age and income demographics of the region, along with proximity to I-77 and Piedmont Medical Center. The group estimated that the project would bring 100 new jobs to the Rock Hill area.

"We're not just theoretically throwing darts at the wall," he said.

Currently, the roughly 12.2-acre site is owned by Joslin Partners, who purchased it in 2006 for $1.75 million, according to York County records.

It sits on a wooded parcel near the corner of Heckle Boulevard and Rawlinson Road, considered one of the most congested areas in York County, according to Dennis Fields of the City of Rock Hill Planning and Development department. A Walmart, Bojangles, Burger King, Zaxby's and U-Haul Moving & Storage Unit are among the businesses within 1 mile of the site.

Smith/Packett has proposed a separate public street between Old Rawlinson Road and Bates Street to alleviate some traffic. It could also add sidewalks around the facility following additional review from city staff.

The city will now consider civil construction and building plans from the developers, with construction expected, at the earliest, by late 2023 or early 2024.

Despite the heavy traffic in the area, commission members said they are excited to add a new business to the street.

"I'm just happy," Planning Commission member Stephanie Haselrig said, "it's not another storage unit out there."
From the moment Lisa Goldsworthy of Gravity & Other Myths saunters onto stage casually chatting to the audience, you get a hunch this is not going to be your typical razzle-dazzle, high-flying acrobatics act.

And when she is then joined by one, and then other, performers to create a collective din of imperceptible observations, you begin to glean why this particular work by the Australian acrobatics troupe is called Out of Chaos.

Sure, there will be gasps and oh, no she didnt moments. There is ample evidence of rigor in feat after feat that does give the notion of gravity a run for its validity.

But this work by the repeat Spoleto participant is conceived to get under the hood of the stage experience and strips it of the stuff that obscures it. A sort of Aussie-inflected A Chorus Line run amok, it trains an unfiltered spotlight on performing by way of anxiety-checked interior monologues and prompts when a daunting physical demand is underway to regularly convey the mental and literal sweat involved in putting on a circus act.

To that end, many in the company are literally standing in front of the audience in their underwear. The costumes are almost non-costumes: assorted bras, slouchy pants, rumpled button-downs or bare chests, together reading like the garb of a roommate you ran into rummaging in the fridge for a midnight snack.

At the same time, the performers are at the onset cloaked in murky darkness. When the show begins, we are plunged into it along with them, only to get glimpses of dimly lit human bridges, towers and two-person butt-over-face formations, teasing us to want more.

And when more light lets loose, it often takes the form of glaring spots that are at times trained our way. The performers themselves position the stages footlights, audibly telegraphing the mechanics behind the stage magic. That includes breaking the so-called fourth wall between performer and patron when Goldsworthy fields questions from them and offers off-the-cuff answers for a spell.

This yin-yang interplay unfolds in the acrobatics too, in a razors edge of power and trust. Performers confront each other, one assertively cupping a partners neck and forcibly guiding the supplicated other to swiftly bend and slip through their legs. One will contain another in a hula hoop, while they both level gazes at each other. Sure, its all in good fun, but the jokes are met with an undercurrent of the physical intensity at play.

Composer/musician/vocalist Ekrim Eli Phoenix engages in an endurance contest with ensemble members, to see if his breath can outpace their poses. When at one point he is prostrate on the floor, painfully emitting a labored pitch, a performer stands on his stomach. The audience groans in empathy.

Gravity & Other Myths makes the acrobatic look effortless, with liquid-smooth transitions and a marvel-worthy ability to alight human towers in swift, single bounds. The humor-laced ensemble by no means stands on ceremony, even if it does so on another performers staggeringly strong shoulders. It is jokey and casual, disarmingly candid.

And while their company name positions gravity as a myth, they fully leverage it to their end, with full-body encounters on the stage floor to propel them, undulating with enviable elasticity to spin and fold and thrust and fly.

With an assist of lulling, chanting music, eventually things take a turn for the transcendent. Vocals are joined by the soft chimes of Tibetan singing bowls, rung with performers positioned on stairs in the audience. We are guided to a higher plane as one performer is placed higher and higher on a series of platforms like a mountaintop ascetic.

In the end, one rousing assertion out of chaos is offered from stage, which is how the support of the others is what strengthens resolve and allays fears. Would that we all had such scrappy, sweaty muscle in our corner, underwear and all.
Charlottesville police are looking for a man in connection to a May 16 shooting on Preston Avenue in the city.

Eighteen-year-old Zayon Payne has been charged with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and with attempted malicious wounding.

The warrant for Panyes arrest is in connection to the daytime shooting on Preston Avenue in mid-May that blocked traffic and caused Charlottesville City Schools to delay dismissal.

According to police, they received a call that 10 shots had been fired out of a black Nissan Sentra across the street between the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Preston Avenue at 2:40 p.m. on May 16, police spokesman Kyle Ervin told The Daily Progress at the time.

The intersection is busy and the surrounding neighborhood is popular, home to several University of Virginia students, Washington Park and Trinity Episcopal Church.

Payne is the second suspect in the shooting. Authorities arrested and charged 21-year-old Kyhiem Kier with possessing a firearm as a felon on May 30.

The Charlottesville area has had a recent rise in gun violence. According to an ongoing Daily Progress tally, gunfire has taken the lives of 14 people and left 23 others injured since September of last year.

According to current and former law enforcement officials, the numbers have eclipsed all statistics in recent memory.

Anyone with any information regarding Paynes whereabouts is encouraged to contact Charlottesville police at (434) 970-3280 or the anonymous CrimeStoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000.
On Friday, the second day of June, my grandmother Sarat Amoke Adeyanju passed on. She was buried on Saturday according to Islamic rites at our maternal hometown of Oyo. We knew the end was coming. When you have someone as old as she was (93 years, or 101, by other calculations), you expect that phone call. Maami, as we called her, was pretty old, but when the end finally came, it was still no less shocking and painful.

Those who have known me for years must know how fond I am of my grandmother. She was not just my mothers mother but also my mother. She was an abiyamo in the truest sense of the word. She raised my sister and me in our earliest formative years. My childhood memories are full of her loving presence. You could never have doubted her love for us. It was a love that loves without asking you to do anything in return other than bask in its purity. She was a nurturer. She was a protector who shielded us from diminishing forces, whether physical or spiritual. She would stand in the gap between heaven and earth to solicit divine benevolence for her children. As a child, I thought she worried too much about us. When I became a mother, I finally understood that instinct that propels a woman to pray to the sacred divine to control the forces controlling the world for the sake of her children.

Years ago, an Airtel commercial featured Idowu Phillips (Mama Rainbow) praying for her child endlessly. Every moment of that ad reminded me of my grandmother because that was how she prayed for us on the phone. Whenever Maami called me on the phone, she would tell me, Anytime I come to your mind, just say amen, amen because I have prayed for you. Yes, she prayed a lot for us. The power of her prayers has held me up. In my professional life, my grandmothers expressions of her spirituality have been instructive in my understanding of faith and power. Despite the religious differences, her understanding of God has been pivotal to my understanding of the whys and hows of belief.

In the days since her death, I have been calling up memories. In my mind, I have returned to Oyo, walked through the long corridor of our family homestead, and burst into the backyard where we used to play. Some of my understanding of the world started here. I made some of my most unforgettable memories in this place. I will share one. I must have been maybe five or six then. I do not know for sure, but I was pretty young. That day, I entered the house from wherever. There was a plastic jerrycan of palm oil in the corridor. I picked it up and looked inside. The thing had coagulated. I shook the jerry can, but it would not budge. I still wonder what mischief possessed me that I would care that much about the thickened palm oil to the point that I would light the cooking (kerosene) stove placed in that corridor, set the jerrycan on it, and walk away to play.

When I came back later, there was a commotion underway. My grandfathers co-wives had emerged from their respective rooms and converged in that corridor, talking excitedly. Some other people were there too. The floor was a red oil mess. For some reason, they knew I was the culprit when I showed up. I must have looked that guilty. I still have very vivid recollections of those enraged adults scolding me. I was scared. I was expecting punishment. I thought the world would end, and on my head too! What did Maami do? She just opened her bedroom door and pushed me inside. I remember someone asked her if she would not even beat me, and she said, No.

When I saw her in Ibadan in 2015, she brought up this incident. I thought she would have forgotten; she was shocked that I remembered the story enough to corroborate aspects of it.

But you were very young! she said.

Yes, I was pretty young, but that scene has stayed with me all my life. There was something about a bunch of adults all scolding you, being frightened, feeling regretful and fearful, and being acquitted by your grandmother who made no fuss, that just gets burnished into your mind forever. A few times in my life when I have faced some trouble, I have recalled that incident, especially the moment I passed from meeting all the fury directed at me to the comforting silence of my grandmothers room, to remind myself that I will be alright. Sometimes too, when I yell at my children for being mischievous, I remind myself that I once did something worse. Maamis handling of the incident made all the difference. I wish I had that patience.

Maami also used to write us letters. She was not formally educated, but she taught herself to write. My mother told me that it was not until she was older that she realised that her mother, who helped her to read, could not even read! Maami would point at the letters in her schoolbook, ask her what it was, and then ask her to repeat them. Now I think of Maamis written letters to us as treasures that should have been saved. The efforts she put into surpassing her limitations testify to her unimpeachable faith in formal education, as not just a means to upward mobility but moral development too.

She would encourage you to study, saying if you do well, you could become a doctor, a lawyer, and a judge! She always combined the three as if you could be all of them concurrently. Also, there was no nuisance you could display as a child that, to her, was not uncurable with just five words: go and carry your books. Just read! I try that with my children, but it does not work the same way. Whenever they are restless, I ask them to read their books.

Usually, they respond, But I dont feel like reading! I still wonder why telling my grandmother that I did not feel like reading never occurred to me.

When I had my daughter, my grandmother called me and gave me some names for her to bear. Then she said I could choose whichever oriki I wanted. It was a moment I had been waiting for. I told her I had already chosen the oriki. My daughter would share her name, Amoke. She was delighted. She told me she was honoured.

Since Friday, when the news of her demise came, I have been scrolling through my phone album and leafing through an old family album to find photos of memories I might have forgotten but must now recall. It is incredible how the moments frozen into images can quickly thaw when warm salty tears touch them.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A movement to revolutionize the way Virginia  and ultimately the entire nation  elects its leaders has come to Charlottesville.

And advocates told a crowd gathered in the city on Tuesday they think they have the votes to have ranked choice voting adopted in both Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County.

With lofty promises of reducing polarization in American politics, Liz White and Nick Co spoke to a crowd of roughly 25 people at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Tuesday night about installing a new voting system in the Charlottesville area.

I discovered ranked choice voting, and it captured my heart, Co, a Navy veteran, told the crowd. It could save democracy.

In Cos telling, after finishing his naval service last year, he was distraught to find how toxic American politics are today.

Why are Americans fighting other Americans? he asked.

In researching solutions, Co came across Veterans for Political Innovation, a group that mobilizes U.S. veterans to advocate for ranked choice voting. Co and White claim the system would reduce toxicity in American politics by incentivizing parties to compromise and avoid extremist positions.

Currently, in Albemarle County and Charlottesville, when voters hit the ballot box they select just one candidate for office. Whichever candidate receives the most votes wins.

With ranked choice voting, citizens would be able to rank each of the candidates based on preference, first, second, third and so on. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated. The eliminated candidates supporters then have their votes allocated elsewhere.

They still stay in the conversation, said White, who works with UpVote Virginia, which describes itself as a democracy reform organization. They get to weigh in with their second choice.

Their votes are given to their second-choice candidate. If still no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the lowest tally is eliminated.

This process continues until one of the candidates obtains a majority of votes.

While it may sound confusing, White insisted its an easy experience for voters.

We all know how to rank. We do it all the time, she said.

To show the concept in action, White and Co had attendees rank five cookies: Oreo, Chips Ahoy, Fudge Stripes, Milano and Nutter Butter.

After making their selections, voters went to different parts of the room with their cookie allies: Chips Ahoy fans on one side, Oreo fans on another and so forth.

One school-age girl in glasses stood alone as the only Nutter Butter supporter, receiving a round of applause from the crowd for her independence.

Alas, Nutter Butter had the fewest votes and was thus eliminated. She then made her way to join the fans of her second choice: Chips Ahoy, a group that welcomed her with open arms.

This process of elimination and reallocation continued until only two candidates remained standing: Oreo and Milano. Oreo eked out a narrow victory.

Those in attendance seemed to enjoy the experience, and there was limited confusion.

There were 8-year-old kids in there with ballots, so if they can figure it out so can we, said Andy Homyk.

Homyk told The Daily Progress he first heard of ranked choice voting years ago and was excited with the recent prospect of it coming to the Charlottesville area.

It may sound a little crazy to say, but I think its got a lot of ability to change the way that our society operates on a larger scale, he said, adding it would disincentive citizens from exclusively voting down party lines.

Holly Hintz said she learned of ranked choice voting from Homyk, her son-in-law. She told The Daily Progress she joined the Tuesday night info session to learn more and left feeling confident that ranked choice voting could help fix a political system she called skewed. Ranked choice voting, she said, would increase engagement among discouraged young people.

I have three granddaughters who were born this year, and we need to make the world a better place for them, Hintz said.

In order for ranked choice voting to be enacted in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, it will need support from at least three Charlottesville City Council members and four members of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors. According to Co and White, they have the numbers.

Charlottesville Mayor Lloyd Snook did not immediately return a request for comment from The Daily Progress.

But Donna Price, chair of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors, said she believes the board is generally supportive of ranked choice voting. However, she said she couldnt speak to the position of every individual supervisor.

For her own part, Price said she would likely vote to approve the new voting system if given the opportunity.

That said, she wrote in an email to The Daily Progress, until an actual ordinance is put before me, I cannot say how I will vote because details matter and I need the details of a specific ordinance in order to reach a final decision on it.
Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has had its own fair shares of turbulence and bliss. With democracy stabilising after 29 years of military rule, West Africas largest economy on 29 May inaugurated its 16th head of state since independence and fifth elected president since 1999.

The former British colony created in 1914 gained independence in 1960 after many decades of anti-colonial struggle. In 1959, with Sir James Robertson as the last colonial governor-general, and the representative of the crown, Nigeria held a parliamentary election that would formally launch it into independence under the leadership of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Mr Robertson served from 1955 to 1960 before handing over to Nigerias first and last prime minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Mr Balewa was elected prime minister in 1960 after the coming together of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), and some smaller political parties. He was supported to become prime minister by his principal, Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto who chose to remain the Premier of the Northern Region.

With Mr Balewa as prime minister and head of government. Nnamdi Azikiwe of the NCNC was appointed governor-general at independence in 1960 to replace Mr Robertson.

In 1963, Nigeria became a republic and Mr Azikiwe became the president as the Queen of England ceased to be Nigerias head of state.

The First Republic: 1963 to 1966

Nigeria became a republic on 1 October 1963. Mr Balewa remained prime minister and head of government while Mr Azikiwe was appointed president and head of state.

On 30 December 1964, Nigeria held its first post-independence elections, but it was marred by violence. The NPC again won the highest number of seats in the federal parliament and Mr Balewa was reappointed prime minister.

The elections were boycotted in some parts of the country and were not held until 18 March 1965 in some constituencies in the Eastern Region, Lagos and Mid-Western Region.

About 10 months later, on 15 January 1966, a coup detat led by Kaduna Nzeogwu, a major in the army, brought the First Republic to an end. This coup led to the death of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa; Premier of the Northern Region Ahmadu Bello; Premier of the Western Region Samuel Akintola and some top military officers.

Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was the most senior military officer at the time, emerged as head of state after the coup failed but the rump of the civilian government was pressured to hand over power to the military.

Six months later on 29 July, Mr Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated and Yakubu Gowon, a lieutenant colonel at the time, became head of state. He held power for nine years until 29 July, 1975, when he was ousted in a bloodless coup.

Mr Gowon had the longest reign at a stretch for any head of state or president since independence.

As head of state in 1967, he started a process which forever changed Nigeria. He divided the four regions of the country into 12 states on 27 May. Three days after (30 May), Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, the military governor of the Eastern Region, declared the regions secession, naming it the Republic of Biafra.

A civil war broke out on 6 July 1967 and lasted for 30 months until 13 January 1970 when the key actors on the Biafran side surrendered to the Nigerian government. The war officially ended on 15 July 1970.

On July 29, 1975, Mr Gowon was ousted in a bloodless coup that ushered in Murtala Mohammed. Mr Mohammed created a new federal capital in 1976 to replace Lagos and created seven new states, bringing the number of states to 19.

After just seven months in office, on 13 February, Mr Mohammed was killed in an abortive coup led by Bukar Suka Dimka. Mr Mohammeds deputy, Olusegun Obasanjo, a lieutenant-general at the time, was appointed the new head of state by his military colleagues.

Second Republic: 1979 to 1983

In 1978, the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) was constituted by the Obasanjo regime to conduct elections for the return of civil rule. In the general elections of 1979, Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) emerged as president.

On 1 October 1979, Mr Obasanjo handed over to the new president, marking the beginning of the Nigerian Second Republic after 13 years of the first military interregnum.

Mr Shagari won a second term in a disputed general election. The Second Republic ended three months later on 31 December when Sani Abacha, a brigadier general, announced the overthrow of Mr Shagari. The coupists named Muhammadu Buhari, an army major-general,as head of state with Tunde Idiagbon, a brigadier-general, as his deputy.

On 27 August 1985, army chief Ibrahim Babangida ousted Mr Buhari in a palace coup and named himself president. Mr Babangida created two new states in 1987, bringing the number of states in the country to 21. In April 1990, a coup attempt led by Gideon Orkar failed. Mr Orkar was later executed alongside 48 soldiers who were involved in the plot in 1990.

On 27 August 1991, Mr Babangida created additional nine states to bring the total to 30 states. In December, he formally relocated the federal capital and seat of government to Abuja.

Third Republic

Mr Babangida promised to end military rule in 1990 but moved the date forward to 1992 and then 1993 when he finally conducted a presidential election on 12 June after 10 years of military rule. Returns from the election showed that Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated his only rival, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the poll. But rather than allow the electoral commission to declare the winner, Mr Babangida annulled the election, throwing the country into a political impasse.

On 26 August 1993, Mr Babangida stepped aside amidst an upheaval across the country and appointed Ernest Shonekan, a former Chairman/Managing Director of the United African Company of Nigeria (UAC) Plc, as the head of an Interim National Government (ING). On 11 November, a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Dolapo Alinsanya, declared the ING illegal.

Six days later, on 17 November, Mr Babangidas long-time ally whom he had appointed the military chief as he departed, forced Mr Shonekan to resign, returning Nigeria to full-blown military rule again.

On 15 May 1994, pro-democracy agitators mainly from the southern part of the country formed the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). The organisation led the campaign against the Abacha junta. It called on Mr Abacha to step down and install the winner of the June 12, 1993 election, Mr Abiola, as president.

The following month, Mr Abiola declared himself president. He was declared wanted for alleged treason and a N50,000 reward placed for information leading to his arrest. He was later arrested and placed under house arrest until he died on 8 July, 1998.

Mr Abacha had died suddenly a month ealier on 8 June 1998 and Abdulsalami Abubakar, another army general, took over as head of state. He was Mr Abachas chief of defence staff but chose to swiftly tranfer power to civilians. He organised a short transition programme that led to elections from the last quarter of 1998. The following year, on 29 May, 1999, Mr Abubakar ushered the country into civilian rule, ending the second military interregnum after 16 years. That also marked the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

The Fourth Republic

Mr Abubakar handed over to Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May 1999. The former military head of state had won the presidential election that was held earlier in the year. Mr Obasanjo was elected president under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was in office for eight years after winning re-election in 2003.

On 29 May, 2007, a new elected president was inaugurated in the person of Umaru YarAdua also of the PDP, marking a historic first civilian-to-civilian transition in Nigeria.

On 23 November, 2009, Mr YarAdua left Nigeria for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia and was never seen in public again. On 9 February 2010, the National Assembly, invoking the doctrine of necessity, declared the vice president, Goodluck Jonathan, acting president following months of uncertainty about Mr YarAduas health.

On 24 February, 2010, Mr YarAdua was brought back to Nigeria under the cover of darkness. He died nine days later on 5 May 2010.Mr Jonathan served out the remainder of the YarAdua term and won the 2011 presidential election. His administration was marred by a spike in insecurity as well as the birth and growth of several violent non-state actors. He lost the presidency to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.

Mr Buhari was sworn-in as president on 29 May 2015, marking the beginning of an eight-year presidency following his reelection in 2019. Mr Buharis tenure was characterised by a high debt burden, unemployment, an increase in kidnapping and banditry, and shrinking civic space.

Mr Buhari passed on the mantle of leadership to Bola Tinubu who was sworn in as Nigerias 16th head of state since 1960 and the fifth president since the return to civil rule in 1999.

Timeline of Nigerias Heads of State

1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa 1959  1966

2. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi January 1966  July 1966

3. Yakubu Gowon 1966 -1975

4. Murtala Mohammed July 1975  February 1976

5. Olusegun Obasanjo 1976  1979

6. Shehu Shagari 1979  1983

7. Muhammadu Buhari 1983  1985

8. Ibrahim Babangida 1985  1993

9. Ernest Shonekan August 1993  November 1993

10. Sani Abacha 1993  1998

11. Abdulsalami Abubakar 1998 -1999

12. Olusegun Obasanjo 1999  2007

13. Umaru YarAdua 2007  2010

14. Goodluck Jonathan 2010- 2015

15. Muhammadu Buhari 2015-2023

16. Bola Tinubu 2023-

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


World Oceans Day on 8 June is an opportunity to reflect on the oceans vital role in sustainable development, food security and climate change resilience. All of these are imperative for Africa, which is highly susceptible to the damage wrought by climate change.

Safeguarding the oceans is a collective responsibility that could draw Africa and Europe closer together. The foundation for cooperation is well established, but both continents commissions and member states have several barriers to overcome. Blue economies also need more prominence in their existing partnership.

Multinational cooperation on ocean health delivered a landmark achievement this year. In March, United Nations (UN) member states concluded the global High Seas Treaty to protect biodiversity in waters beyond national jurisdiction. This demonstrated a shift in thinking away from the free seas concept and the reckless exploitation that resulted, towards conservation and concern about harmful practices.

The treaty shows that countries recognise the need for cooperation to protect the common heritage of humankind, as stipulated in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. With over 60% of the ocean lying outside countries jurisdiction, this space represents perhaps the most interconnected single ecosystem on the planet. Shared responsibility for the governance of ocean resources is necessary for sustainable development and climate action.

African countries played a prominent role in this positive step, and many are enthusiastic about ocean governance, including taking regional and global leadership roles. This corresponds with the continents growing recognition of the blue economy as an avenue for economic growth, climate resilience and poverty alleviation in Africa. Partners outside the region will be key to achieving these outcomes.

In April, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Josefa Sacko, highlighted the importance of enhancing cross-continental cooperation on the blue economy. In particular, she noted the need to strengthen [Africas] partnership with Europe, to identify areas of joint work that can reinforce existing collaboration.

Closer AU-European Union (EU) ties make sense, as cooperation is already happening in other sectors, like health, security and development. And their blue economy approaches have complementary strengths that can be mutually beneficial. Furthermore, the two regions shared maritime spaces and interconnected ecosystems serve as natural strategic areas for joint efforts.

Several African blue economy projects have already received substantial EU support. Kenyas Go Blue initiative links sea-land development by promoting the inclusion of women and youth in the ocean economy. The goal is to improve coastal infrastructure, economic growth, marine conservation and maritime governance.

The need for a cross-continental blue economy partnership is clear when considering transboundary threats such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, rising sea levels, pollution and biodiversity loss.

READ ALSO: High Seas Treaty needs African support to work

However, several obstacles hinder cooperation. First, there is a discrepancy between the stated strategic and shared interests in the conservation and management of ocean resources and the realities of illegal fishing in African waters. EU member states fishing boats have often been implicated in illegal fishing in African waters, depriving communities of their livelihoods and forcing them to take greater risks while fishing.

Harmful fisheries subsidies are also an issue, despite a deal struck last year at the World Trade Organization. And the continued lack of transparency in the fishing sector enables illegal fishing. For instance, the EU has negotiated numerous agreements with non-EU states under its sustainable fisheries partnerships. Although these deals are rooted in sustainability, they have been criticised for loopholes that allow EU vessel owners to hide their ownership and avoid responsibility.

The second obstacle facing the AU-EU relationship is its asymmetrical nature. Many African countries lag behind in maritime governance. Their institutional challenges and a misalignment in blue economy aims and progress mean the partnership might benefit Europe disproportionately.

The unbalanced relationship could also manifest in other ways. The EU was recently accused of using aid to pressure an African country to withdraw a proposal that would impact EU tuna fishing companies in the Indian Ocean. The EU denies this, but the bloc may struggle to balance its long-term sustainability goals with member states short-term business interests. Added to that is the lack of resources or political will among African countries to detect and prosecute offenders in African waters.

At the 2022 sixth AU-EU summit, leaders committed to a 2030 vision on peace and security, migration and mobility, energy security and a green transition, supported through the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package. The blue economy wasnt explicitly mentioned, but that is likely to change given the impetus for multinational ocean action and implementation of the new High Seas Treaty.

Oceans are essential and cross-cutting for each UN Sustainable Development Goal  not just SDG 14, which encompasses sea conservation. Both Africa and Europe stand to gain from a partnership that includes the blue economy. Tangible progress will however require more than just summit diplomacy.

Both parties must share responsibilities and benefits. That requires transparency, acknowledging each others strengths and weaknesses, and focusing on a blue future that delivers prosperity for all.

Denys Reva, Researcher and David Willima, Research Officer, Maritime, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Pretoria

Research for this article was funded by the Government of Norway.

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Thursday, urged the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make its ICT officials available for interrogation by his team of lawyers and experts.

Mr Obi seeks to interrogate INECs ICT officials regarding the use of the Internet in the conduct of the 25 February presidential election.

Mr Obi is challenging the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as winner of the poll.

He is alleging manipulation of the electoral process by INEC in favour of Mr Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He alleged fraud and non-compliance with statutory provisions.

Earlier on Thursday, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who is similarly challenging Mr Tinubus victory in the election, got two of INECs ad hoc electoral officers to testify for him in court.

When it was turn of Mr Obis case at the court on Thursday, his lawyer, Patrick Ikweto, sought to know the quality of the ICT experts and professionals who superintended the presidential election.

In two requests, Mr Ikweto urged the court to order the electoral commission to supply him with the names and other details of its ICT professionals that deployed electronic devices for the conduct of the election.

READ ALSO:

Mr Ikweto formulated 12 questions to be forwarded to INEC.

According to Mr Obis legal team, if the court grants their request, it would enable them to ask relevant questions and elicit responses that would aid their suit.

Objections

But, INECs lawywr, Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed Mr Obis applications to subject electoral officials to interrogation.

Mr Pinheiro argued that the requests were incompetent.

He contended that Mr Obis requests ought to have come during the courts pre-hearing session.

The court had held its pre-hearing sessions for two weeks when it streamedlined the procedures for the trial of the substantive petition.

Mr Pinhero further contended that the court lacked the jurisdiction to grant Mr Obis applications.

Mr Tinubus lawyer, Akin Olujimi and APC counterpart, Lateef Fagbemi, both SANs, aligned with INEC in opposing Mr Obis requests.

The lawyers argued that the applications were incompetent, urging the court to dismiss them.

After taking the lawyers arguments, the five-member panel of the court, led by Haruna Tsammani, reserved ruling on the requests.

Meanwhile, the court adjourned further hearing of the suit until Friday.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Ibom Air, a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Wednesday marked its fourth anniversary of commercial flight operations in the country.

The airline on 7 June 2019 launched its inaugural flight, taking off from its operational base  Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to Nigerias commercial city, Lagos.

Reflecting on the airlines operations in the past four years, its Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi, said the airline has witnessed tremendous growth beyond its business plan projections.

These significant milestones were achieved through the careful and painstaking execution of our business plan and the hard work and dedication of our very committed staff compliment.

This is contained in a statement by the Group Manager, Marketing and Communications of the airline, Aniekan Essienette.

With only four years of commercial operations, Ibom Air is rated as one of the most successful airlines in the country and has garnered several awards including the best airline award for three consecutive years  2020, 2021 and 2022.

With seven aircraft (five Bombardier CR900s and two Airbus A220-300) in its fleets, the airline flies 11 routes covering six cities in the country  Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu and Uyo.

Ibom Air in November 2021 signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 10 A220 aircraft to boost its fleet, an addition that will see the airline expanding its commercial flights to West and Central Africa.

As part of the efforts to kick start the international flight, the state government on 28 May commissioned an International Terminal, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, a new taxiway and an apron extension to cater for the anticipated influx of people at the operational base of the airline.

Earlier in the year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) awarded the airline a safety certification.

READ ALSO: Ibom Air receives international safety certification

Speaking on the award, Mr Uriesi said, The achievement of IOSA certification, the imminent entry into service of the new, ultra-modern hub terminal in our home base, the commencement of aircraft maintenance at the brand-new MRO facility also in Uyo, and the forthcoming delivery of our first brand new Airbus A220-300, together represent a pivotal moment for the Company as we prepare to expand our services into West and Central Africa in the second half of the year.

To mark its 4th anniversary, Ibom Air has planned a fun event on 9 June to fete customers and other partners of the airline.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The emergence of Bola Tinubu as president will lead to the return of Nigerians in the diaspora, who fled the country due to political and economic reasons, Alex Kabba, a journalist.

Mr Kabba, a former Abuja Bureau Chief of The News Magazine, fled the country during the brutal media suppression by the then-military regime of late Sani Abacha.

During an interaction with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, he said some Nigerians in the diaspora attended the swearing-in of Mr Tinubu because they identify with him as a former exile.

Mr Kabba explained that sound economic policies, combined with the shared history between the old exiles and Mr Tinubu, will spur the mass return. He added that he has concluded plans to return to Nigeria now that Mr Tinubu is in charge of the country.

Many Nigerians are scattered around the world, not only the political exiles but economic exiles. Some of the policies of this government are going to give many the impetus to relocate back. Like me, who is also planning to relocate back because I know that Nigeria is in the hands of President Tinubu, the country is going to laugh.

It is very rare for those who fought or fight for democracy to come and reap the reward. Most times, they are never recognised. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they are killed, Mr Kabba said.

He said the former Lagos State governor was the first president in the Fourth Republic that participated in the fight against military rule.

He said: While many who are enjoying this democracy were hiding under their mothers bed, Asiwaju (Mr Tinubu) was in the forefront of the NADECO movement along with some journalists that they called guerrilla journalistsI was one of those journalists  who were giving the military sleepless night. That is the man Asiwaju Tinubu. He was a general in that field when we were fighting the military.

READ ALSO: Tinubu seeks Europes support to tackle poverty

Since 1999, of all the presidents that we have had, none had been part of the struggle for Nigerias democracy. This is the first president that we have had that was in the trenches, fought the military government and has been deservingly rewarded with the number one citizens. So of us came from New York for the inauguration.

Mr Tinubu, a leading member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), fled Nigeria in 1994 but returned after the death of Mr Abacha in 1998. From 1999 to 2007, he served as the governor of Lagos State.

On 29 May, he was sworn-in as the president after winning the February presidential election.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has set a new rule that requires pilgrims not to spend more than five days in Madina before moving to Makkah.

The commission, in a statement issued by its Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawak, said the policy would help to prevent the overcrowding of Madina.

Mr Ubandawaki stated that the commission has commenced the implementation of the new policy already, adding that it followed thorough consultations.

The new policy becomes imperative following the complaint of overcrowding of Nigerian pilgrims in the City of Madina, he said.

He stated that NAHCON is committed to giving pilgrims the privilege of spending time in both citiesMakkah and Madina. He added that if overcrowding is not controlled, Nigeria may be sanctioned by the Saudi authorities.

If the policy must be sustained, then the number of days our pilgrims must stay in Madina had to be reduced. It is well known that Hajj is fast changing with new development and realities.

If the commission must achieve the objectives of making the 2023 Hajj seamless and comfortable for our pilgrims, it is important to synchronise the airlift of pilgrims to the Holy Land with the bed space available, he said.

He added, As tough a decision this may seem, we felt it is a necessary action we need to take so that we wont be at the receiving end of Saudi laws and at the same time, it was considered more utilitarian for Nigerian pilgrims to spend five days in Madina thereby allowing more pilgrims to travel to Madina.

Over 96,000 pilgrims from Nigeria are expected to participate in the 2023 exercise.

The Command and Control Centre of NAHCON said over 30,000 pilgrims from Nigeria have already arrived in Saudi Arabia.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A civil society group, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development has condemned the looting spree that allegedly took place in Abia State towards the end of Governor Okezie Ikpeazus administration.

Mr Ikpeazu served as the governor of the state between 29 May 2015 and 29 May 2023, before handing over to the incumbent governor of the state, Alex Otti.

In a statement on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Nelson Nwafor, the group said it was alarmed by Mr Ottis recent directive asking Mr Ikpeazus appointees and officials to return the governments properties in their possession.

Gov Ottis allegations

Mr Otti had, on Saturday, accused some unnamed officials of the state government who served under Mr Ikpeazus administration of holding on to the governments properties.

It has come to the knowledge of the state government that some government officials, including appointees of the past administration, are still holding on to government properties, such as vehicles, generators, laptops and other assets, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kenneth Kalu, said in a statement.

Anyone who is in possession of government properties is hereby directed to return such to the office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6th 2023, obtain a necessary acknowledgement from the SSGs office, the SSG, a professor, stated.

The statement did not specifically say that the officials looted the government properties.

Allegations by the civil society group

The Abia State-based civil society group, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, said it had observed that, aside from the looting of government properties, public schools and hospitals in the state were allegedly being converted to private business. In contrast, some other schools have continued to lose parcels of land converted to other uses by past officials.

This is a sad development, the group said.

The group added that the looting spree in Abia State at this time was worrying, given that the states debt stock- both domestic and foreign  was limiting the states budgetary performance.

Already, the infrastructure gap in Abia is deficit and huge, requiring therefore that no single attention be diverted to official looting of public property and equipment, it said.

Abia treasury already looks lean, so what use is the looting of public properties in health institutions, government offices and departments?

Govt confirms conversion allegations

When contacted on Thursday, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the spokesperson to Governor Otti, confirmed the alleged conversion of public institutions and lands to personal use by past officials.

The public institutions that hitherto existed and were known to belong to Abia State Government  many of them have been converted for personal use, Mr Ekeoma told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday.

He listed some affected institutions, including Azikiwe Road Primary School, Aba, Old Court Primary School and Wilcox Primary School, among others.

For example, that of Azikiwe Road Primary School, Aba, they (the past officials) knocked down the (school) building, divided the land into two, built a two-storey building on one side and three storey building on the other side, the spokesperson stated

Call on Otti

The civil society group called on Governor Otti to go the extra mile in taking punitive measures against the past officials who looted the government properties.

It also called for the review of the activities of some school headmasters and headmistresses in the state.

This call (is) as a result of the lawless and reckless conversion of school and public building to repurposed religious centres and churches, the group explained.

It backed the freezing of Abia State Government accounts and suspension of revenue collection agents in the state by Mr Otti, saying the decision would help the new administration to normalise authority.

The group stressed that the state revenue was shrinking and that there was a need to improve the revenue generation in the state to help budget performance and financing.

It pointed out that Mr Ikpeazus administration awarded revenue collection contracts to unprofessional bodies, which caused financial leakages and loopholes, resulting in the states revenue falling within N14 billion annually.

The group urged all ministries, departments and agencies, as well as various permanent secretaries, to work in the interest of Abia State to achieve stability in fiscal and financial policies of the state.

This period, in the history of the state, calls for financial discipline and disclosure, not secrecy.

It is our belief that the government will, in time, relax the restriction on the (states) account and restructure taxation to create a buffer around social security and other such investment capable of lifting Abians out of poverty as the state has fallen on hard times, it stated.

Ikpeazus spokesperson reacts

When contacted on Thursday morning, the then spokesperson to Mr Ikpeazu, Onyebuchi Ememanka, described the allegation as incorrect, saying the group did not know how the government operated.

Mr Ememanka, a lawyer, told PREMIUM TIMES that what happened was that some officials of the past administration only left with personal properties they bought and used in their offices.

He said some of the officials acquired some properties by themselves either because such properties were not present in their offices or official apartments or that the properties were not in good condition.

The former spokesperson said, for instance, given that the chairs he met in his office were not good enough on the assumption of office at the Government House, Umuahia, he brought some chairs as well as some of his photo enlargements.

He said he informed some civil servants working at the government house of the developments.

The day I was leaving my office, I packed those enlargements  up to 10 of them  some people saw me and were moping, wondering what I was carrying because I covered them, he said.

In the government house where I worked, I did not get any official vehicle, but I got an official number plate. People could see me driving my car and thought it was a government vehicle, Mr Ememanka stated.

He added that only the civil servants are in a position to raise the alarm of looting.

The former spokesperson said it would be difficult to loot government properties from the Government House given that the civil servants would usually check an inventory file in every office to ascertain that the things inherited by a former official were present before allowing him to leave.

You cannot even cross the government house. There are security men all over the place.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A man and his girlfriend were, on Wednesday, stripped by an angry mob for allegedly killing two yet-to-be-identified young men in Ihiala, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The identities of the two suspects were still unclear as of the time this report was filed.

A video clip, which showed the suspects being paraded naked, has been circulating on various WhatsApp groups.

In the clip, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the suspects were spotted carrying the victims in a wheelbarrow to an unknown destination while the mob hurled abuses, accusing them of killing them to perform a ritual.

The victims were lying lifeless in the wheelbarrow with blood stains on their bodies.

The mob claimed the suspects were engaged in internet fraud, locally referred to as Yahoo Yahoo.

Yahoo Yahoo (people). Because you want to make money, see people you have killed, a voice was heard speaking in Igbo in the clips background.

They  a man and a woman  killed the people for a money ritual. They are internet fraudsters, the voice added.

While one suspect pushed the wheelbarrow, the other assisted by pulling a rope tied in front of the barrow, apparently to ease movement.

Police speak

However, the police in Anambra State said, contrary to the claims by the mob, what happened was not a case of ritual killing but a pure incident of murder.

In a statement on Thursday, the police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police rescued the two suspects while they were about to be lynched by the mob at a junction in the community.

Preliminary information reveals that the two  a man and a woman  who were humiliated and paraded as shown in the video by the angry mob were erroneously accused by the mob as they were seen at the scene where the murder took place, Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, said without giving details.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were already receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital while the corpses had been deposited in a morgue.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Echeng Echeng, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for investigation, Mr Ikenga said.

Mr Echeng appealed to residents of the area to remain calm and law-abiding.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Chinonso Ajah, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on three communities in the council area.

Mr Ajah, who stated this in Abakaliki on Thursday, said the decision followed recurring restiveness in the communities.

He listed the communities as Okposi, Ugwulangwu and Uburu, the hometown of the immediate past Governor, David Umahi.

The curfew, which is intended to check the restiveness, takes effect from 6 p.m. on Thursday till further notice, he added.

All forms of movements, including activities of motorcyclists and commercial tricycle operators within the areas, have been outlawed.

READ ALSO: Ebonyi court building damaged by fire

The people are advised to adhere to this directive to avoid further threats to peace in the council area, Mr Ajah stressed.

He advised traditional and religious leaders, as well as town union executives, to sensitise their subjects on the need to comply with the curfew.

This is because violators will be dealt with severely, the council chairman stated.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Award-winning journalist Emilia Diaz-Struck has been named the incoming executive director of the Global Investigative Journalism Network, an association of more than 240 investigative journalism nonprofits throughout the world.

Diaz-Struck will join GIJN as editor-at-large in mid-August, and then become executive director in September at the biennial conference of the network in Gothenburg, Sweden, September 19- 22.

GIJNs founding executive director, David Kaplan, announced last year his intention to retire in 2023. Kaplan has guided the dramatic expansion of GIJN in activities and staff for more than ten years.

Diaz-Struck comes to GIJN from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, where she has played a key role in groundbreaking global investigations into corruption and money laundering, including the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Panama Papers.

Brant Houston, chair of the GIJN board of directors, said that Diaz-Struck was unanimously chosen after an extensive five-month search.

We are extremely pleased that Emilia Diaz-Struck will join GIJN as executive director, Houston said. Highly respected in the investigative journalism community, she brings a broad range of experience and skills; shes been a reporter, a data editor, a co-founder of a local media organization, a journalism educator, and a manager at high-impact global investigative collaborations. She has the vision, passion, and experience to lead GIJN at a time of enormous challenges for investigative reporting worldwide.

Diaz-Struck said: I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work with GIJNs excellent staff in 24 countries, the board, and the global investigative journalism community. Together, we will continue empowering our network and strengthening the reach we have as investigative journalists around the world.

Diaz-Struck emphasized that GIJN plays an essential role for investigative journalists.

These are exciting and challenging times for our profession, she said. We will continue developing a space that allows journalists to share knowledge, innovative techniques, and resources. This will help develop stories that are vital for democracies and citizens on all continents. The courage, quality, and passion that our global community puts into each investigation continues to be a great source of inspiration to me. I am immensely honored to be in a position that can help us build the future of our craft together.

Kaplan praised the selection of Diaz-Struck and said he looked forward to working with her during the transition.

Thanks to our extraordinary supporters around the globe, GIJN has never been stronger, Kaplan noted. At a time when watchdog media is under siege worldwide, we are in more languages, in more countries, and training more journalists with the latest tools and tech. What better time to pass the torch to a new generation of investigative journalists.

READ ALSO:

Emilia Diaz-Struck, Kaplan added, represents the best of our profession  a consummate reporting pro, a data journalism pioneer, an educator, and an inspiring leader. I have no doubt Emilia will take GIJN and our global community to the next level.

Diaz-Struck will become the new executive director as GIJN celebrates its 20th anniversary at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference.

Diaz-Struck has worked for over a decade on more than 20 ICIJ award-winning investigative collaborations, including: Offshore Leaks, Panama Papers, Implant Files, FinCEN Files, and Pandora Papers. As part of her collaborative efforts, she has worked with journalists in more than 110 countries and territories and has been a popular speaker at GIJNs conferences.

She also has led ICIJs data and research team, a multidisciplinary group that has mined millions of records, coordinated efforts with journalists to retrieve public data from dozens of jurisdictions using records requests, and produced datasets and resources for reporters around the world. Diaz-Struck also coordinated ICIJs partnerships in Latin America, helping expand the consortiums network in the region.

Diaz-Struck began her journalism career in Venezuela where she was a pioneer in data journalism and investigative reporting collaborations. She also co-founded the investigative newsroom Armando.info and was a professor at the Central University of Venezuela.

She was investigative reporter and coordinator at the Press and Society Institute of Venezuela (IPYS Venezuela) and helped with fundraising efforts there.

She has been a contributor to many newsrooms, including the Washington Post, El Universal, and El Mundo in Venezuela, and was a reporter in residence for the New England Center for Investigative Reporting at Boston University and CONNECTAS. She also has been a guest lecturer at Columbia University.

As executive director, Diaz-Struck will assume the leadership of a network that has experienced phenomenal growth under the guidance of Kaplan and GIJNs board of directors.

GIJN has grown from 35 member nonprofits in 2003 to 244 in 90 countries in 2022. It had an annual budget in 2022 of US$2.3 million with staff in 24 countries. It has more than 400,000 social media followers and since 2012 has trained more than 15,000 journalists at conferences, workshops, and webinars. It also has awarded more than 1,000 conference fellowships to journalists from developing and transitioning countries and developed a multilingual resource center with more than 1,500 tip sheets, reporting guides, and videos accessed by journalists daily from 140 countries.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Kellen Squire says he wants to set the record straight after his challenger in the Democratic primary made much of online comments Squire made in 2017 identifying himself as fervently and unashamedly pro-life.

Now a candidate in the Democratic primary for the House of Delegates 55th District, Squire said on Wednesday that writing those words online years ago  when he was a running for office as a Democrat in a heavily Republican district  was a mistake.

I was trying to get people who would consider themselves pro-life to vote for a pro-choice Democrat, he told The Daily Progress. Obviously, it didnt hit the mark and I got in a bunch of trouble for doing it.

Squire has provided a number of explanations since his 2017 remarks were published in The Daily Progress last month, previously chalking it up to poor framing while also claiming it was a Democratic counter operations strategy he was trying to deploy.

Now, Squire is more blunt: It was political miscalculation.

Experts, politicians weigh in on Laufer-Squire race One party insider who asked to remain anonymous was blunt. The race, they said, has become a s--tshow.

Its a mistake that I made and I can either try and excuse it away or I can be like, Nope, thats my mistake that I made. And I can take it and move forward, because thats the only way that you learn, he said Wednesday after a press conference at Northside Library just north of Charlottesville to address dishonest attacks being levied against his campaign.

Sara Ratcliffe, a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates' 62nd District, attended the press conference to stand by Squire. The embattled candidate made a rookie mistake, she told The Daily Progress.

He was not a politician, and his messaging was very confusing, she said. I think it backfired and people got confused.

Equivocation on abortion emerges in another Democratic primary In an Albemarle-based House District, Amy Laufer questions whether Kellen Squire has always backed abortion access.

Squires rival in the race has used his past remarks against him. In mailers sent to voters and in statements online, Laufer has questioned his commitment to reproductive rights.

The spat between the two Democrats has attracted the attention of local and state leaders and even national lobbying groups.

One state Democratic Party insider, who asked not to be named, went so far as to call the race a stshow.

The political food fight began when Laufer, a former Charlottesville School Board member, sent out mailers over Memorial Day weekend, quoting Squires 2017 writing and claiming, Kellen Squires own words show you cant trust him to protect reproductive rights.

Emilys List, a political action committee that supports Democratic pro-abortion women in elections around the country and has allied itself with Laufer, told The Daily Progress that Squire has proven he is willing to flip-flop on womens fundamental freedoms.

Roughly 30 supporters attended Squires press conference at the Northside Library, where he was flanked by local officials including Charlottesville City Council members Michael Payne and Brian Pinkston.

Last week the Laufer campaign used false and misleading campaign literature, Pinkston said, reading a statement signed by himself and those sticking by Squire. We are sad that a Democrat would attack a colleague in this way.

Laufers campaign has been unmoved by the explanations provided by Squire and his surrogates.

Voters deserve to know that Kellen said in his 2017 race he was unashamedly pro-life, the campaign said in a statement to The Daily Progress on Wednesday. There is no context that makes those words acceptable.

While Pinkston and Payne are defending Squire, their fellow City Council member Leah Puryear is not.

His explanation about his past stances defies believability, Puryear said in a statement sent to The Daily Progress. He either was lying then or hes lying now. Either way, voters need to be able to trust their representatives to be honest with them.

Squire said the criticism is rehashing a conversation he had with pro-abortion groups in 2017, when he was confronted by Planned Parenthood and others pro-abortion groups about his online remarks.

They grilled me pretty hard in 2017, he said.

Squire claimed that, after a difficult discussion, Planned Parenthood stood behind his 2017 candidacy because he owned up to his comments and they knew him as a fierce protector of choice and abortion access.

I said, I didnt do it the way I should have. I thought I was the smartest person in the room and Id be the one to finally turn the table on this, he recalled, alluding to his attempt to persuade Republicans to vote for a Democrat in his 2017 race.

The controversy over the resurfaced comments has become a focal point of the primary, and Squire believes it is sucking oxygen away from issues that matter to Democratic voters.

We need to fight for our values, not against each other, he told supporters Wednesday.

If elected, Squire, who is an emergency room nurse who has provided abortion services himself, said he wants to codify abortion rights into the Virginia constitution and prevent health care providers from being criminally targeted for performing abortions.

Virginia isnt a place to not just protect our people, but we have to protect tens of millions across the south. Theyre counting on us to hold the line on abortion access, he said.

Just how damaging the infighting will be for either Squire or Laufer remains unclear. Voters will have a final say when they hit the ballot box on June 20.
The Senate has rejected the controversial National Water Resources Bill, 2023 presented to the two chambers of the National Assembly as an executive bill.

The bill was listed for concurrence for consideration and passage at the plenary on Tuesday but members of the upper legislative chamber objected to the passage of the bill on the ground that they do not have its details proposed by the former president.

The water resource bill was presented to the National Assembly in 2017. It seeks to transfer the control of water resources from the states to the federal government.

It sought to establish federal government agencies such as the National Council on Water Resources, Nigeria Water Resources Regulatory Commission, River Basin Development Authorities, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, and the National Water Resources Institute.

The agencies will provide for the regulation, equitable and sustainable development, management, use and conservation of Nigerias surface water and groundwater resources, the bill states.

When the bill was read for concurrence at the plenary on Tuesday, Gabriel Suswam (Benue North-West), raised Order 85 of the Senate Rules, which provides that senators must have full details of the provisions of any bill coming for concurrence.

James Manager (Delta South) seconded the order 85 of the senate standing rule.

Controversy

The controversial bill was first introduced in the 8th National Assembly but it provoked outrage as some Nigerians interpreted it as moves by the federal government to take control of water resources from the states.

At the time, some prominent Nigerians including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, spoke against it.

The bill was again introduced as an executive bill in 2020 and passed by the House of Representatives. Many Nigerians and groups again kicked against the proposed law and the House subsequently withdrew it.

The decision on the bill was rescinded by the lower chamber two months after a motion was moved by Ben Mzondu (PDP, Benue).

Mr Mzondu faulted the process of reconsidering the bill, noting that it was not properly passed.

But the then Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, insisted that the bill must be passed to save the water sector.

In June 2022, it was reintroduced by the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) and was read for the first time.

Following complaints by some of the lawmakers, Mr Soli explained that he will not be part of any shenanigan that will put any community in Nigeria at disadvantage. He also said it had input from state governors.

I just want to inform the members now that the bill has been re-gazetted. Now Im calling on the clerk to please ensure that the bill goes to every member because of the importance of the bill and I call on my colleagues to please kindly take time and read that bill, and subject that bill to a third party. You have time now to subject that bill back home during our holidays.

We will not take that bill in a haste. We will give every member the opportunity to look at that bill from clause one to the 154 clauses, he said then.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Senate has passed a bill seeking to mandate authorities of secondary schools to include lessons on how to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in their curriculum for students.

The bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Ibrahim Gobir, and titled Mandatory Inclusion of Preventive Measures on Sexual and Gender Based Violence into the Curriculum of all levels of Secondary Schools in Nigeria Bill, 2023.

It was passed at the plenary presided over by the Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, on Wednesday.

Leading debate on the bill, Mr Gobir said compulsory inclusion of the SGBV in school curriculum will expose secondary students to dangers involved in committing the act.

He also said making such mandatory would curb the rising occurrence of SGBV and will further address child protection rights and related issues such as sexual violence, rape and harassment.

It is cost-effective, timely and sustainable. Like it is said, a stitch in time saves nine. The bill, when enacted, will tackle the prevalent issues of the SGBV and will further address child protection rights and related issues such as sexual violence, rape and harassment.

To reduce cases of the SGBV and its related offence, experts have mentioned that individuals, groups and systematic interventions should be implemented in schools and must include students, teachers, administrators and parents participation.

This is one of the systematic approaches to tackling this issue by early intervention by catching them young with this enlightenment which will also put our children on their toes to detect the red flags and be on guard. This will also avail them the opportunity to referral pathways for reportage.

The goal is to have at least 80 per cent of all the participating students achieving satisfactory knowledge within 12 months of the rollout to each cohort. When they learn, they will pass to their siblings, friends and generations. This is a more sustainable systematic approach to solving this problem.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has accused the Inspector General of police of refusing to investigate allegations of vote buying and electoral violence against Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Mr Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 18th March governorship election, beating Mr Adebutu to the secind position.

But the PDP candidate is challenging the outcome of the election at the tribunal.

However, the police last week charged Mr Adebutu before the Ogun State high court for allegedly buying votes in the election. The police said he is at large, in the suit which has nine other persons charged alongside Mr Adebutu.

But Mr Adebutu said his party had six weeks ago also written a petition to the Inspector General of Police, alleging that Mr Abiodun and the APC also bought votes and perpetrated electoral violence and intimidation of voters during the governorship election.

Mr Adebutu spoke through the media director of his campaign organisation, Afolabi Orekoya, in Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

He accused the governor and APC of using the police to intimidate and harass him and PDP members in the state.

Context

PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported how a police report indicted Mr Adebutu of using N2 billion to induce voters with Verve prepaid ATM cards loaded with N10,000 each.

This police report followed investigation of a petition by the state chairman of the APC in the state, Abdullahi Sanusi.

Acting upon the petition, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice charged Mr Adebutu and nine other persons associated with the PDP before an Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun state.

In a separate suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, the government also charged Zenith Bank and two of its top officials for allegedly aiding Mr Adebutu to commit the alleged offense.

But Mr Adebutus aide in his statement alleged that Mr Abiodun and the APC also used N3 billion of public funds to induce voters and deploy thugs to disrupt elections in several parts of the state.

We have petitioned the Nigerian police for the past six weeks, but we are surprised why the police has not opened up an investigation into our petition against Abiodun and the APC on the votes bought by them.

It is everywhere in the media that Governor Dapo Abiodun induced voters with tax payers money.

This is why they are covering up all the shenanigans and they have not allowed the police to do their job.

We are calling on the IGP to please in the interest of the good people of Ogun State allow this petition to see the light of the day, they should not cover it up, they should not suppress it.

We know all the moves the Governor have been making to ensure that all these investigations are not being carried out.

We are appealing to the IGP to speedily allow thorough investigation into how Dapo Abiodun used about N3bn of tax payers money to buy votes in Ogun State with the help of One Card limited.

Reacting to the suit filed by the federal government against him, Mr Adebutu said he had not been served any court document regarding the suit.

He described the suit as an abuse of court process and a plot by Mr Abiodun and the APC to distract the tribunal from doing its job.

He also denied that he travelled out of the country to evade police arrest, saying he travelled on 25 April for medical check-up.

We are just seeing it also in the media and I will just want to make some points clear. Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu has not been served with any court document as regards any charges expect for the media trial that we are seeing all around to mislead the public and the tribunal.

Contacted for reaction, the police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said he was not aware of any petition by the PDP.

I am not aware of any of such petition, when we get information about it we would react to it adequately, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal High Court in Abuja has extended its earlier order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and State Security Service (SSS) from detaining a former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari.

The judge, Donatus Okorowo, extended the order on Thursday after Mr Yaris counsel, Michael Aondoaka, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made an oral application to the effect.

The development occurred following a plea for an adjournment moved by the lawyer to the EFCC, Gloria Ogbason, and her ICPC counterpart, Kemi Odogun, to enable them to file their responses to Mr Yaris motion.

Mr Okorowo had on 5 June issued the order restraining the law enforcement agencies from detaining Mr Yari, a senator-elect, pending the hearing and determination of an application filed by Mr Yari.

Mr Yari, under investigation by EFCC and ICPC, had applied for the court to shield him from detention, which he said could unfairly derail his aspiration to run for the Senate Presidents seat in the upcoming 10th National Assembly.

The judge then ordered the agencies sued to appear in court to show cause why the prayers sought on the motion ex-parte should not be granted.

Upon resumed hearing in the matter, Mr Aondoaka, Mr Yaris lawyer, informed that all the respondents had been served as directed by the court.

Ms Ogbason, who acknowledged receiving Mr Yaris processes on 5 June, said they had yet to file their response.

Therefore, we will be asking for a date since we are still within time to file, my lord, she said.

Corroborating Ms Ogbasons submission, Ms Odogun, who said the ICPC was served on 6 June, also sought an adjournment

In accordance with the rules of this court, we are still within time to file, and we intend to show cause, my lord, she also said.

Mr Aondoaka did not oppose the respondents intention to respond to his application. But he said: We will only be asking for an order extending the order made on 5 June because the order was given by the court to abridge the time to show cause.

The senior lawyer also said there was proof of service of their application on the SSS (the 3rd defendant in the suit), though the agency was not represented in court.

The lawyers representing the EFCC and ICPC did not object to Mr Aondoakas application for an extension of the order.

Mr Okorowo, who adjourned the matter until 27 June, barred the EFCC, ICPC and SSS from detaining Yari until they appear to show cause on the next adjourned date.

APC after me  Yari

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10th National Assembly will be inaugurated on 13 June after a proclamation by President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Yari, a two-term ex-governor of Zamfara, had indicated an interest in vying for the position of the Senate president of the 10th assembly.

Mr Yari had, through his team of lawyers led by Mr Aondoaaa, filed the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ANJ/CS/785/23.

In the motion dated and filed on 2 June, Mr Yari sued the EFCC, ICPC and SSS as 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively.

In the application, the former governor prayed to the court for an order restraining the respondents and their officials from arresting, detaining and preventing him from attending or participating in the Proclamation of the 10th Senate by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on June 13 pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice.

In a 15-ground argument given by the senator-elect, he said his aspiration to contest the position of President of the Senate had received overwhelming support from the general public and amongst distinguished senators-elect irrespective of party affiliations.

According to him, the support the applicant has continued to garner across party lines has drawn consternation from some members of his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party, he alleged, had resorted to using the respondents and their agents to harass and threaten to arrest and detain the applicant on trumped-up charges for the period leading to the first sitting of the Senate when nominations and election of presiding officers shall be constituted.

The respondents and their agents have threatened to violate the applicants rights as enshrined in the Constitution by unlawfully threatening to arrest and detain the applicant up to the period of the First Sitting of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 13th June 2023, without a warrant of arrest and informing him in writing the reasons for the arrest and detention.

The respondents and their agents violated the applicants fundamental human rights as enshrined under Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The respondents and their agents are mandated to operate within the ambit of their establishment laws and to respect the fundamental human rights of the Applicant as enshrined in the Constitution, he said.

Yari said if the order were not given, his rights would have been breached by the respondents. (NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Two ad hoc electoral officers, on Thursday, took the witness stand at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja, narrating their experience with uploading the results of the 25 February election to the IReV server.

The witnesses  Friday Egwuma and Grace Timothy  were engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the disputed poll.

But they were subpoenaed by the five-member court based on the request of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku got the witnesses subpoenaed to testify in support of his petition, which he filed at the court in March to challenge the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February poll.

The respondents to Atikus petition  INEC, President Tinubu, and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC)  had on Wednesday prevented the INECs ad hoc officers from testifying on the grounds that they needed more time to peruse the witnesses written statements.

Testimony

At the resumed hearing, Atikus lawyer, Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), led the two INECs ad hoc officers in evidence.

Testifying, Mr Egwuma, who was an INEC ad-hoc presiding officer at polling unit 017 at Aba-North Local Government Area of Abia State, said the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machine failed to transmit the results sheet on the presidential election to INECs IREV portal.

I successfully uploaded results sheets from the National Assembly elections on the INEC IReV portal, but when it came to the presidential election results sheet, it failed to upload, Mr Egwuma told the court while being cross-examined by Abubakar Mahmoud, INECs lawyer.

However, Mr Egwuma told the court that there was a provision for offline transmission of results, which allowed failed electronic transmission of results sheets to take place when the network was restored.

While being cross-examined by Mr Tinubus lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, Mr Egwuma, Atikus 12th witness, said the Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won the election at his polling unit.

Mr Obi is also contesting the outcome of the presidential election. He came third in the race, but he is urging the court to declare him president or order a fresh poll.

READ ALSO:

APCs lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi, a SAN, tried to discredit Mr Egwuma as INECs presiding officer at polling unit 017 at Aba-North council area of Abia State.

Mr Fagbemi said the presiding officer at polling unit 017 during the 25 February election was Faga Kehen and not Mr Egwuma.

But Mr Egwuma insisted that he was the presiding officer for the polling unit.

The second INEC ad hoc officer, Grace Timothy, during her turn in the witness box, told the court she effectively deployed the BVAS machines during the February elections for accreditation of voters.

Ms Timothy, also a corps member, said she presided over the polls in Bauchi State.

Under cross-examination by Mr Mahmoud, Ms Timothy said, I used the BVAS machine for accreditation of voters. But the only difficulty was uploading election results on the IReV portal.

She, however, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election.

Ms Timothy, who hails from Dawaki Village in Plateau State, was Atikus 12th witness at the ongoing hearing of the petition.

After her testimony, the court adjourned proceedings in the suit until Friday.

Objections

Earlier, when Mr Uche was leading Mr Egwuma to adopt his witness statement on oath, President Tinubu s counsel, Wole Olanipakun, a SAN, objected.

Mr Olanipekun submitted that the statement was not listed and front-loaded alongside other list of witnesses as required by the provision of the Electoral Act

He said the law did not distinguish between regular or subpoenaed witnesses, as he insisted that the statement of all witnesses must be frontloaded.

He said the subpoenaed witnesses statements were not frontloaded alongside the other witnesses in the petition as they should be.

Mr Olanipakun urged the court to uphold his objection.

In his own submission, counsel for INEC, Abubakar Mahmoud, also a SAN, said as of the time of filing the petition, the petitioners ought to have filed the subpoenaed witnesses statements on oath and frontload them.

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN counsel for APC, in his submission, aligned with both the 1st and 2nd respondents counsel.

He added that the petitioners could apply for an extension of time to file additional witnesses.

However, Atikus lead counsel, Mr Uche, asked the court to dismiss the objections on the grounds that they were utterly misplaced and misconceived.

He submitted that the objections by Mr Tinubu, APC and INEC were deliberate ploys designed to delay proceedings.

Mr Uche insisted that the statements of the subpoenaed witnesses could not have been frontloaded along with the petition because the witnesses had not been summoned at the time of filing the petition.

He asked the court to discountenance the objections of the three respondents and hold that they are not regular additional witnesses envisaged in the law cited by Mr Olanipekun.

The court allowed the subpoenaed witnesses to testify and reserved its ruling on the objections till its final judgement.

After the witnesses completed their testimonies, the court adjourned further proceedings until Friday.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has invited heads of various communities, groups and institutions to a town hall meeting on Saturday.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Onyia, a professor, said the meeting was pursuant to the cancellation of the sit-at-home order by the state government which took effect on 5 June.

The SSG said the scheduled meeting was a follow-up to Mr Mbahs earlier consultations with various groups about ending the sit-at-home in the state.

The meeting is to be held at Banquet Hall, Old Government Lodge, at 10:30 a.m., according to the statement.

Those invited to the meeting include religious leaders, traditional rulers, leaders of civil society organisations, leaders of transport unions and heads of banks as well as other financial institutions, heads of security agencies, leaders of neighbourhood watch and forest guard groups, vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts of tertiary institutions in the state, market union leaders, members of hotel owners union, state leaders of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the National Union of Local Government Employees.

Others were leaders of proprietors of private schools, representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and principals of secondary schools, heads of radio, television and other media organisations, student leaders in tertiary institutions, leaders of non-indigene groups, leaders of motor parks, leaders of the association of Enugu town unions, chairpersons of Inter-Party Advisory council as well as Conference of Political Parties.

Mr Mbah had, last week, banned the continuation of the sit-at-home usually enforced by a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Government will enforce this with all the powers at its disposal, Mr Mbah had said.

The governor, on Saturday, subsequently asked all schools, markets, retail outlets, hospitals and transporters to stop obeying the Monday sit-at-home order in the state or face sanctions.

But PREMIUM TIMES reported that the civil action continued last Monday despite Mr Mbahs pronouncement.

It was learnt that the governor called the meeting to convince the leaders to prevail on their people to stop obeying the sit-at-home order in the state on Mondays.

Background

IPOB, in August 2021, introduced a sit-at-home order every Monday across the South-east to pressure the Nigerian government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for alleged terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The separatist group later suspended the order, in preference for it to be implemented only on days Mr Kanu appears in court.

But despite its suspension, residents of the five South-east states  Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Anambra  have been observing the Monday sit-at-home order, primarily out of fear.

IPOB has repeatedly disowned the Monday sit-at-home across the region, saying those who still enforce the order were criminals attempting to blackmail the separatists group.

A leader of Autopilot, a faction of the IPOB, Simon Ekpa, has been insisting on the continuation of the suspended sit-at-home order in the region.

IPOB is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants to be carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


President Bola Tinubu is meeting with some former and current governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are members of the G5 governors, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The G5 governors comprise four former governors  Samuel Ortom (Benue), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Ugwuany (Enugui, Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and the current governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.

The group came about after the PDP presidential primaries, where former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, defeated Mr Wike and others to become the partys presidential candidate.

The G5, led by Mr Wike, demanded the resignation of the former PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to pave the way for a southerner to lead the party to achieve a regional balance. While making the demands, they openly opposed Atiku and refused to campaign for him.

In addition, Mr Wike, on several occasions, admitted to working with the APC during the presidential election, which Mr Tinubu won in the state.

Before the election, the G-5 group met with Mr Tinubu outside the country, and many believe an agreement was reached between them.

Messrs Wike and Makinde have had a couple of meetings with Mr Tinubu. However, this is the first meeting with all the G5 members.

READ ALSO:

Messrs Ortom, Uguwanyi and Ikpeazu lost their bids to move to the Senate as they were defeated at the polls, while Mr Makinde got re-elected for a second term.

Since his inauguration, Mr Tinubu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been holding meetings with different groups, including opposition politicians.

It is not clear what the agenda of the ongoing meeting is.

Details later..

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A 30-year-old photographer on Wednesday allegedly hanged himself inside his bedroom in Babura Local Government, Jigawa State, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) said.

Adamu Shehu, the spokesperson of the NSCDC, said the photographer, Usman Goga, committed suicide four months after his marriage.

His wife discovered his body after she returned home from a visit to relatives.

The deceaseds wife said her husband dropped her at one of his relatives houses that fateful day (Wednesday) around 2:00 p.m. with a promise to pick her up later in the evening, but he never returned to do so, Mr Shehu added.

Around 5:00 p.m., the wife called his phone severally without response which made her took a commercial vehicle back home, and on reaching there, she realised that she was without keys and decided to call his phone again, yet there was no response.

She requested the assistance of the commercial motorcyclist to jump over the fence and unlock the main entrance from inside. Upon opening the door, she saw her husbands motorcycle parked inside, which is very unusual.

She hurried inside, where she saw the body his body hanging from a ceiling fan hook in their bedroom. She fainted at the horrific sight, and it was the motorcyclist who shouted for help, and neighbours rushed to the scene, Mr Shehu narrated.

According to the official, the remains of the photographer were then untied, brought down and rushed to the hospital, where he was certified dead by a medical practitioner.

Investigation into the incident revealed that a bedside drawer was used on top of a 6 by 6 sized bed to reach the ceiling where the hook is fixed, and the rope was tied to it; the bedside drawer was then pushed off possibly with legs too dislodged or rather suspend the body from the hook.

Close associates (of the deceased) disclosed that the deceased has an inherent mental disorder that turns up occasionally. He married his wife about four months ago and was living happily with his wife until the unfortunate incident. Further Investigation is ongoing, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


President Bola Tinubu has assented to a constitutional amendment bill harmonising the retirement age of judges across courts.

The Director of Information, State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the president signed the bill presented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly.

In exercising the powers vested in him under the 1999 Constitution as amended, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday at the State House assented to a fresh amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Tinubu signed into law the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No.37), 2023 presented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly.

With the signing of the constitutional amendment Bill, retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers have been effectively brought into uniformity and other related matters.

Before now, state and federal high court judges must quit the bench once they clocked 65.

Similarly, judges of the National Industrial Court and Sharia and customary courts of appeal must retire at 65.

But judges of both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court can remain on the bench till they are 70.

The bill signed into law by Mr Tinubu on Thursday raised the retirement age of the judges of the lower courts from 65 to 70. This brings the retirement of the lower court judges to par with that of the judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

The Nigerian constitution refers to these courts as superior courts of record, a prestigious designation that separates them from magistrate courts and other inferior courts.

The presiding officers of the inferior courts are not under the direct disciplinary control of the National Judicial Council (NJC), unlike the judges of the superior courts of record.

The State House statement said Thursday that President, while signing the bill, pledged his administrations dedication to strengthening the judiciary, ensuring the rule of law, and empowering judicial officers to execute their responsibilities effectively.

The Senate had passed the bill on 3 May, almost four weeks to the end of the tenure of then President Muhammadu Buhari.

With the concurrent passage of the bill, the National Assembly subsequently directed its Clerk to transmit the Constitution Alteration Bill 20, which approves the uniform retirement age for judicial officers in Nigeria, to the president for assent.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled: Passage of Constitution (Fifth) Alteration Bill No. 20 (Uniform Retirement Age for Judicial Officers), 2023 at plenary on Tuesday.

The bill sought to extend the retirement age of High Court judges from 65 to 70 years.

The motion, which was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review, Ovie Omo-Agege, was in line with provisions of the Authentication Act.

READ ALSO:

Recall that on Tuesday, April 4, the Clerk to the National Assembly was directed to transmit Constitution Alteration Bill No. 47 (Establishment of State Security Council) after it met the requirement of Section 9(2) of the Constitution to Mr President for his assent.

Recall also that Sokoto State House of Assembly was among the State Houses of Assembly that were yet to forward their resolution. Others are Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Plateau, Sokoto and Taraba State Houses of Assembly.

Aware that Sokoto state House of Assembly has forwarded its resolution; and convinced that with the approval of Sokoto State House of Assembly, the Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 20 (Uniform Retirement Age for Judicial Officers), has met the provisions of Section 9(2) of the Constitution, for passage, Mr Omo-Agege said.

This is one of the key elements of the Ninth Senate legislative agenda to reform the judiciary.

Having a uniform retirement age for the Judiciary will remove the backlog of cases and ensure speedy dispensation of justice, he said.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan expressed delight over the development.

This is very important amendment to the Constitution, and we are happy that it is going to be part of our legacy as the 9th National Assembly, he said,

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


With a debt profile of N77 trillion, Nigeria is the sixth largest recipient of Chinese loans in the continent. A 2022 World Bank International Development Association report shows that China accounts for 66% of debt-service payments by Nigeria, and the total bilateral debt owed China, according the Debt Management Office, as of 30th June, 2022, was about $3.9 billion. This was as the nation reportedly spent 96.3% of its revenue on debt servicing same year.

In November 2021, arising from the impact of the COVID-19 on global economies, multiple reports alluded to the fact that the government of Uganda was set to forfeit its only international airport to China due to the alleged failure to pay back a loan of about $207 million from the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank), which the country obtained in 2015 to finance the expansion and facelift of the Entebbe International Airport. Although, the Chinese and local authorities swiftly denied the reports, the clandestine nature and conditions of Chinese loans were accentuated at the time and they remain a source of concern for experts.

The lack of scrutiny and due diligence by officials and authorities, amidst claims of toxic clauses, and the indifference of the Chinese government, despite knowledge of the fiscal crisis and unsustainability of loans in the recipient countries, have led to claims of a deliberate foreign policy on the part of the Chinese government to set a debt trap for African countries (debt diplomacy) in order to expand its dominance and influence in the region.

The Chinese government today is the largest creditor for infrastructure projects in Africa. Chatam House, in December last year, reported that Chinese lenders currently contribute to 12% of Africas private and public external debt, which increased more than fivefold to $696 billion from 2000 to 2020. Across the continent, there is a wave of repayment crises, with some countries asking for renegotiations of terms and deferment of interest payments as a result of the global economic meltdown and growth contraction occasioned by the Russia/Ukrainian war. This is also attributed to the slow recovery from the impact of COVID-19. The devaluation of local currencies against the US dollar and other legal tenders, which were used to obtain the loans, has also exacerbated the crises.

For instance, the Ghanaian economy ran into its worst crisis in 2022, with the Cedi becoming the worst performing currency in the world, after reportedly losing 45.1% of its value to the US dollar. Part of the causative factors of the crisis were unsustainable Chinese loans for large scale projects. This put the nation at risk of ceding its future energy sales and earnings from mineral resources to the Chinese government, if the conditions for the countrys eight collateralised loans are unmet, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Nigeria is not left out of the concentration of corrosive capital in the continent. By the way, corrosive capital, an initiative popularised alongside constructive capital by the Center for International Private Enterprise, are inflows either in the form of loans, foreign direct investment (FDI) or aid generally characterised by opacity, the lack of due diligence and accountability frameworks, and which are usually not market oriented.

Also, in late May 2023, in what was seen as an attempt at gaining information on the volume of debt owed to Beijing, Reuters reported what it described as years-long series of digital intrusions against key ministries and state institutions in Kenya by the Chinese government. The report noted that further compromises may occur as the requirement for understanding upcoming repayment strategies becomes needed, which is expected, owing to the straining revenue crisis in the country.

Nigeria is not left out of the concentration of corrosive capital in the continent. By the way, corrosive capital, an initiative popularised alongside constructive capital by the Center for International Private Enterprise, are inflows either in the form of loans, foreign direct investment (FDI) or aid generally characterised by opacity, the lack of due diligence and accountability frameworks, and which are usually not market oriented. The overriding goal of corrosive capital is to feed corruption in both the receiving and originating countries, and to ultimately weaken democratic institutions in the receiving country.

With a debt profile of N77 trillion, Nigeria is the sixth largest recipient of Chinese loans in the continent. A 2022 World Bank International Development Association report shows that China accounts for 66% of debt-service payments by Nigeria, and the total bilateral debt owed China, according the Debt Management Office, as of 30th June, 2022, was about $3.9 billion. This was as the nation reportedly spent 96.3% of its revenue on debt servicing same year. It was also projected, during the presentation of the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), that the government will spend N6.31 trillion on debt servicing in 2023, accounting for about 74.6% of the nations projected revenue of N8.46 trillion.

The point of this intervention is not to say that all Chinese loans are outright corrosive, but one must be wary of the lack of transparency and due diligence surrounding the inflow of capital into the country. The point must also be noted that no creditor wants a bad debt, hence the opacity and non-disclosure of clauses, with little consideration for the capacity of the receiving country to pay back, is not in any partys best interest, and we should all be bothered by and interrogate the fact that collateralisation clauses are inserted into conditions for these loans.

The nations fiscal handlers under the current administration must beware of and retrace their steps to avoid slipping deeper into a debt trap. To neutralise corrosive capital, the new administration must entrench transparency measures in its operations. It must strengthen the public procurement process and encourage the participation of stakeholders, especially the civil society, in monitoring its activities.

In fairness to the Chinese government and other lenders, African leaders are not forced into obtaining these loans, and loan credit in itself is not a bad economic choice, but the lack of a sustainability plan built into these loans, with some of them obtained to fund recurrent expenditure and feed the corruption of leaders, is disturbing.

The nations fiscal handlers under the current administration must beware of and retrace their steps to avoid slipping deeper into a debt trap. To neutralise corrosive capital, the new administration must entrench transparency measures in its operations. It must strengthen the public procurement process and encourage the participation of stakeholders, especially the civil society, in monitoring its activities. Data from the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watchs (CeFTIW) Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) has shown the paucity of information on governments procurement processes, which has become a conduit for public sector corruption. Digitisation must therefore be a top priority.

The government must urgently seek ways of generating revenue internally, and only obtain constructive and market oriented foreign capital. To demonstrate commitment to fighting corruption, the administration must expedite an e-procurement drive, which remained a rhetoric during the last administration.

Victor Agi is the Public Relations Lead at the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch and writes from Abuja. He can be reached via v.agi@fiscaltransparency.org

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Goodwill is betting big on the charity of Charlottesville residents, opening its third location in the city last week: a donation center on Pantops.

Goodwill is confident in the local market, said Jim Forer, vice president of donated goods at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, which serves central, southwest and southside Virginia.

Charlottesvillians, he told The Daily Progress, have supported us very strongly over the years with their donations and were looking forward to continuing that partnership.

Plans for a new location have been in the works since last year, according to Forer. The new donation center joins the Mill Creek retail store and the larger retail location on U.S. 29, which gets really good donations, Forer said.

But we realized that in Charlottesville, we have an opportunity to gather more donations to help our mission and to create more jobs, said Forer. Pantops area is a very high-traffic area with a lot of cars that go through that area on a daily basis, and that area is continuing to grow.

Donations have been averaging between 10 and 25 a day, according to Mike Johnson, a staffer at the new location.

Most folks that come here really want to shop, and you explain to them that its just a warehouse donation center, Johnson told the Daily Progress, glancing at a clipboard amid sorted bins of knickknacks, technology, dishware and clothes. But they love it, though. Theyre very happy that this place is open.

Two Goodwill stores, including one on Pantops, were consolidated in 2019 into the current location on U.S. 29, the former Gander Mountain store. The new donation center is more convenient for donors in the area, Forer said. And so far, feedback has been good.

Theres a lot of competition for donations, Forer said, referring to other resale stores in the Charlottesville area, which include a Salvation Army Family Store on Cherry Avenue, Twice is Nice on Preston Avenue and the Habitat Store on Harris Street. At Goodwill were very efficient with our donations and as far as creating sales and opportunities at our retail stores.

Johnson said he thinks traffic at the new center is going to pick up once the word really gets out. Forer said donations are already picking up every day, with additional plans to increase marketing for the new location.

We're just very excited to have just another footprint in the Charlottesville market, Forer said. They have supported us very strongly over the years.

The donation center at 1311 Stony Point Road is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The level of diversity in Africa has necessitated the rise in marginal identities and their marginalisation rate. While it is desirable to keep the tenets of culture intact at all times, one fundamental characteristic of culture is its susceptibility to change and its ability to accommodate those changes, expand, and adapt them, with contemporariness subjected to the details of the people.

Nothing is far worse than the tyranny of the majority, and if one hides under the primacy of the majority, it will not always be a representation of the truth, reality, and the right perception. The majority can always be wrong. Many of the greatest atrocities in human history are committed by the general subscriptions of the majority and justifications therefrom. The domination of one group over the others creates the margin in society, casting some into the quest of finding their strength and re-understanding their identities. Africa has more than 1.4 billion people, but with a high rate of diversities, understanding, culture, and conviction. Also, the propensity of general similarities of societal attitudes has exerted similar problems across the continent.

The fate of marginal identities has much to question and a lot to discuss, despite the easy exits Africans take from advancing such discussions and ignoring the obvious. Those with marginal identities are evidence of realities and their discriminations, oppression, and subjugation are disguised issues the continent enjoys suffocating luxuries from and cares less about giving the marginals breathing space, which will be discussed in this part. Diversity ought to foster unity and strengthen the development of the continent because of the availability of creative variety, making it a model for all. Unfortunately, ethnic hegemony, fundamentalism, gender domination and subjections, extreme cultural conservativeness, and prejudicial convictions have created more gaps among the people. While these are unsurprising, the deafening silence, oblivion, and discussion-apathy that those who matter in the continent have shown towards the subject put one in fear of what is yet to come.

Millions of Africans die year in and year out from the hegemony of the majority, which drives many into psychological and physical damage. One then tends to ask what the fate of minorities would be in years to come. The LGBTQI+ persons are victims of entire citizenries and systems, including rural dwellers who make up about 52.13% of Africans and are destructively cut off from the mainstream supply lines; refugees, displaced and stateless individuals subjected to inhuman treatments, constant persecution, and wasting away at borders and camps, despite the supposed celebrated African unity mentality; slaves and pawns that society have drawn out their wills to the hands of some wicked individuals; disabled people with lesser societal attentions, with the few given to them objectised; marginalised ethnic groups; politically disadvantaged women and youth; secluded women; and people living with albinism. Many of these are common marginal identities with daily unfavourable encounters with others.

The level of diversity in Africa has necessitated the rise in marginal identities and their marginalisation rate. While it is desirable to keep the tenets of culture intact at all times, one fundamental characteristic of culture is its susceptibility to change and its ability to accommodate those changes, expand, and adapt them, with contemporariness subjected to the details of the people. Societies change, and Africa has seen several developments in ethical values in recent times, as many of our convictions are questioned and their continuous viabilities are in doubt. The influx of globalisation and modern cultural advancements that have diffused into Africa, has allowed people to gain and regain consciousness about their identity and re-construe the perspective understanding of who they are.

Society is ideologically expanding on all fronts and there is nothing anyone can do about it, no matter how long parts of society hold back. Do not get me wrong. I do not state that African cultural values should change or that the novel perspectives about values should displace the traditional preconceptions that would be a step towards attracting identity loss and defeating all the aims of the Pan-Africanism and Africanism endeavours made in the past and striving in the presence. The position is that the culture must adjust to accommodate people who are inhumanly subjected to identical massacre, personality conflict and oppression. It is to say that the culture should shell off dangerously prejudicial values. For instance, the killing of twins was part of the conviction of the Efik people in Nigeria, who believed the children were a bad omen. Such trials by ordeal and other similar cultures have given way because of their negative impacts on society, despite the resistance of some people. This is the same spirit of logic I draw this disposition from and it compounds the need for cultural adjustment.

Another identity worth contemplating is women who continuously fall victim to societal bias against the role of women and the understanding of women. Africa has a special hierarchical approach to social structure, and after the advent of colonialism, the response to the status of women has worsened from the level and rate of patriarchal prejudice that existed before. However, one must state that the continent has been moving positively towards gender inclusion and reconstructing the role of women.

Issues around LGBTQI+ persons in Africa are one of the most controversial subjects of discussion to raise in Africa, even among scholars. This stems from Africans understanding of the subject as there is a general disposition about it because of its strong contradiction of several African cultural values and ethics. Gender and sexuality are a core to African institutions, defining all activities and behavioural spaces in which people operate. As a result, one will understand the disposition of the continent to non-conformist sexualities and societal reactions to them. In several quarters, they are perceived to be an abomination to society, which may attract spiritual repercussions because of their capacity to degrade social contracts and fibres. Therefore, one cannot claim that the boasts of Africa in the spirit and existence of diversity spread to tolerance towards the LGBTQI+ community. This explains the disposition of the African governments and the jamborees of anti-gay or anti-sodomy legislation and policies that limit the constitutional rights of people with different sexualities.

Harsh societal reactions, vulnerability, and marginalisation towards the LGBTQI+ community is a global phenomenon, as has been asserted by the Human Right Watch report in 2015, but Africa takes a strong position in antagonistic dispositions. Aside from cultural disposition, a strong angle to understanding the peoples reactions towards the community is the level of understanding an average African has about members of the community. Africa sees the identity as an emerging and novel culture inherited from Eurocentric domination and American influence, rather than biological or instinctive orientations. Furthermore, Africans discuss it in lieu of spiritual conditioning that points against the emotional states of the African mind. Hence, they are subject to public criticism, embarrassed on the streets, sometimes stripped naked to shame the devil, and killed in the most inhuman manners on very bad days. But LGBTQI+ persons are human first, and many of them get their sexual orientations beyond their will and control. Would what is be considered non-existent? No matter how biased society might be, it is important to protect the people who identify as such, first as a human, before considering sexuality.

Another identity worth contemplating is women who continuously fall victim to societal bias against the role of women and the understanding of women. Africa has a special hierarchical approach to social structure, and after the advent of colonialism, the response to the status of women has worsened from the level and rate of patriarchal prejudice that existed before. However, one must state that the continent has been moving positively towards gender inclusion and reconstructing the role of women. Politics, social roles, sexualities, and identification are problems women face in African society. There is large political marginalisation in terms of contesting or participating in roles and elections. Although the political spaces in Africa have been opening up to women, the continent has seen female presidents and leaders like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Slyvie Kiningi, Ivy Matsepe-Cassaburi, Rose Francine Rogombe, Joyce Hilda Banda, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Sahle-Work Zewde, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and other influential female African leaders. In Nigerias 2023 general elections, there was a considerable increase in the number of female voters  with 52.5% as males, and close to 47.5% being female. However, females still face social discrimination in the continent as several believe that the only place they can function is the home.

In addition, millions of African women still live in seclusion in one form or the other, including Purdah systems, widowhood, and different religio-cultural conditionings. Some of them are cut off from the rest of society, incapacitating them and reducing their role in the developmental process of the continent. This results from beliefs, as several of the secluded women are not victims but have done so intentionally. Hence, addressing marginalisation in this context must be done within the confines of culture and tradition. Womens sexuality is taken very seriously in an average African society. It is the reason for many conservative cultures and opinions about women and a driving factor behind the evils of female genital mutilation and rigid sexual rules around women. The sacred African angles to womens sexuality have brought about spiritual constructions that have attracted nebulous assaults and ritualism towards women because of the conception that they are especially spiritually different.

People living with disabilities are another identity that society has not been able to open its arms towards, and when such sympathy is given, it is often in the most embarrassing forms. Africans have generally stereotyped people with disability with some level of condemnation. It does not matter what one does; as far as one is living with a disability, you are considered poor and discriminated against because society does not expect any level of mental or physical ability from people with disabilities.

Also, ethnic differences and conflicts result from marginalisation, creating compulsory but strong marginal identities. The diverse characteristics of the continent have brought about the existence of a small minority groups shocked by the hegemonies of the majority. Crisis in Ethiopia, rivalries in Zimbabwe, agitations in Nigeria, unrests in Rwanda and Burundi, Kenyan wars, and other unrest in Mali and others are largely traceable to ethnic marginalisation and domination. This has claimed millions of lives on the continent and rendered many helpless. Ethnicity is the test of African unity and the continent is failing woefully in this regard.

In 2021, it was stated that Africa has about 52.13% of its population dwelling in rural areas. This shows that sometimes majority and minority factors are not often based on the number in comparison but influence in comparison. Burundi alone has about 85.94% of its population living in rural areas. According to the World Bank, there are no less than 687,081,738 Africans in rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. Individuals are the majority but have minority voices and influence, except in certain situations. Interestingly, the food-producing populations are rural dwellers, yet development often passes over them. The continuous marginalisation of these people is as dangerous to the continent as taking slow and gradual poisons. On a larger scale, this goes to the root of refugees, stateless, and displaced persons, who are not considered key to societal constructions.

People living with disabilities are another identity that society has not been able to open its arms towards, and when such sympathy is given, it is often in the most embarrassing forms. Africans have generally stereotyped people with disability with some level of condemnation. It does not matter what one does; as far as one is living with a disability, you are considered poor and discriminated against because society does not expect any level of mental or physical ability from people with disabilities. It is more pitiful that a spiritual status is attached to these persons, making them vulnerable to abuse, violence, ritual killing, and objectification. More particularly, people with albinism, hunchbacks, twins, and others with special forms of birth are subjected to consistent violations, abuse, and ritualism. Countries like Tanzania, Malawi, Nigeria, and others have reported cases of grievous assaults and killings of people with albinos. They are often seen as ritual objects and materials for power.

Notably, the first step towards achieving reasonable solutions is to allow society become more tolerant through awareness and collaborative approaches. There is need for orientation change across Africa and the development of enforceability measures. Without doubt, solutions to several of these discriminatory social convictions are not in aggressive movements, as many international and non-profit organisations have taken gradual steps that incorporate cultural and traditional peculiarities.

Toyin Falola, a professor of History, University Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at The University of Texas at Austin, is the Bobapitan of Ibadanland.

This is part 1 of the extract of the 2023 Audrey Richards Distinguished Public Lecture, University of Cambridge, 7 June 2023.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


In his final weeks in office, former President Muhammadu Buhari played his Commander-in-Chief role to the hilt, attending the Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navys Presidential Fleet Review, and a Regimental Dinner hosted in his honour by the Defence Headquarters.

At each event, he dressed in ceremonial military uniform, appearing as a Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet, and Marshal of the Air Force, respectively. These events were a fitting culmination of eight years as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Eight years that saw the biggest investment by any Administration in almost forty years. For the Nigerian Navy, the Buhari scorecard includes twenty Capital Ships, and more than 300 other platforms, including locally-built ones: Riverine Patrol Boats, Rigid Hall Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), River Town Boats, Inshore Patrol Craft, Barges, and many more.

In July 2021, the Falcon Eye Alignment, the Nigerian Navys state-of-the-art Maritime Surveillance and Intelligence System, was commissioned. Complementing this is the new Integrated National Security & Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue Project, spearheaded by NIMASA, and operated in partnership with the Navy and the Air Force.

Nigerias newest Warship, NNS KADA, was delivered in May 2022, a year after the arrival of NNS LANA, a brand-new Offshore Hydrographic Survey Vessel. A few months after delivery, in August 2022, NNS KADA saw its first operation: deployment to Guinea Bissau, where it conveyed Nigerian troops and materiel to support the ECOWAS Stabilization Force there. It was also placed on standby when the crisis in Sudan broke out, its capacity to transport up to a thousand persons making it useful as a potential backup to the planned air evacuations.

On 21 May, the Chief of Naval Staff announced the receipt of Presidential approval for the modernization (refit/refurbishment/remodeling) of its 41-year-old Flagship, the frigate, NNS ARADU. Now, two weeks later, the Navy has proceeded to sign an agreement with Dearsan Shipyard of Turkey to implement this.

The Nigerian Navy has in recent years also launched new Bases in Borno (Lake Chad), Imo (Lake Oguta), Lagos (Lekki-Epe) and Kano, as well as codified and documented the Naval Doctrine for the first time in its history. In January 2023, it hosted the annual Exercise Obangame Express, the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western and Central Africa, and is currently leading the transnational effort to establish and operationalise a Gulf of Guinea Maritime Task Force.

For the Nigerian Army, the Buhari scorecard includes hundreds of MRAPS, custom-built VT-4 battle tanks, ST-1 light tanks, SH-5 artillery guns, Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicles (ARRV) / Mine Sweepers, Infantry fighting Vehicles, drones, and other equipment.

The Army also established two new Divisions (6-Division in Port Harcourt and 8-Division, Sokoto), the Land Forces Simulation Center Nigeria (LFSCN), and the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, and a Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School. A Nigerian Army Aviation Unit has been created and is being operationalized, to provide close air support, casualty evacuation, logistics delivery, among other supporting roles for the Army.

For the Air Force, more than 40 new aircraft have already been delivered (including a dozen A29 Super Tucano fighter aircraft, 10 X Super Mushshak, 5 X Mi-35M Helicopters, 3 X JF-17 Thunder, etc.), with about forty additional ones already ordered and awaiting delivery.

The Nigerian Air Force also, under former President Buhari, established two new Commands, in the two geopolitical zones where it previously had no Command representation  the Ground Training Command (GTC) in the South-East (Enugu) and the Special Forces Command in the North-East (Bauchi).

These are in addition to the training of hundreds of pilots and Special Forces personnel, and the establishment of new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Special Forces Training Centers across the country.

The NAF has also recently developed and launched fourteen new Operational Doctrines, while also updating the existing Basic Air Power Doctrine.

Asides former President Shagari, President Buhari is the President who has bought the most platforms for the Nigerian Air Force, says the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao. Weve never had it this good, since Shagari.

In an excerpt from a documentary shown at the Regimental Dinner, the CAS, a fighter pilot, recalled flying from Yola (where the NAF had been forced to relocate its operational headquarters, on account of Maiduguri being under siege) to Sambisa Forest, to fire a single practice rocket at insurgents, in 2015. That was how bad things were when President Buhari assumed office. Today the NAF inventory contains some of the most modern and advanced weapon systems and munitions in the world.

On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, has spoken about President Buharis uncommon support for the Nigerian Navy, which has been truly transformational for the fortunes of the Service.

Also under former President Buharis watch, Nigeria established the Defence Space Administration (DSA), the Defence Research and Development Bureau, the Nigerian Army University (NAU), and the Nigerian Navys Admiralty University. In 2018, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) was upgraded to University status.

AFIT is currently collaborating with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) on the assembly of helicopters in Nigeria, with technical support from a Belgian firm. AFIT has also spearheaded the development of a remote-controlled gunnery, vehicle-mounted rockets, among others.

Late in 2022, Defence Space Administration launched Nigerias first military satellite, DELSAT-1, which will support both military and civilian activities, including geo-mapping and terrain analysis, search and rescue, monitoring and protection of critical national assets, etc.

The 2023 Presidential Fleet Review, the sixth in the history of the Nigerian Navy, also saw the Launch of Nigerias new Maritime Security Strategy. This new Strategy joins the Revised National Counterterrorism Strategy (2016), Revised National Defence Policy (2017), the National Security Strategy (2019), National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy (2021) and the National Crisis Management Doctrine (2022).

In addition to these are the establishment of a National Center for the Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanism, a National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACCSALW), and a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

Under President Buhari, military recruitment increased by as much as 100 percent for soldiers and 400 percent for airmen, with similar increases as well in the numbers of commissioned personnel. In his time in office, more than 60,000 new soldiers were recruited, in addition to thousands commissioned from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Since 2015, tens of thousands of children and wards of personnel of deceased Nigerian Armed Forces have been placed on military scholarships. In 2021, President Buhari approved 134.7 billion Naira for the payment of Security Debarment Allowance, a newly-introduced welfare package for all retired Nigerian military personnel.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor, speaking at the Regimental Dinner, acknowledged President Buharis unprecedented support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the entire defense and security architecture. President Buhari, he added, restored strength and prestige to the Nigerian military. When the annals of Nigerian military history are opened for introspection, the name and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari will be annotated.

In terms of local technical capacity, under President Buhari the Nigerian Air Force began the reactivation/upgrade of dormant aircraft, with several since successfully reactivated. The Nigerian Navy through the Naval Dockyard Limited has ramped up local assembly of Seaward Defence Boats and other vessels.

In January 2017, the Nigerian Army held its first-ever Research and Innovation Summit. Following this, the Army established the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Assembly Company in 2018. The NAVMC has since designed and produced MRAPS, Infantry Patrol Vehicles, Tactical Patrol Vehicles, and Light Tactical Vehicles, among others.

In 2021, the Nigerian Army, through its Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee (AWLG), acquired a minority shareholding in Proforce, Nigerias leading indigenous Defence Manufacturer.

The Nigerian Armed Forces are indeed now at their most-resourced and motivated, in decades. President Buhari has stood by us; we are going to remember him for a very long time, says the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major General Samuel Adebayo.

Boko Haram and ISWAP are on the back foot in the North-East, and their goal of establishing a Caliphate on Nigerian territory is dead and buried. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Nigerians have since returned to their homesteads, while close to 80,000 thousands of terrorist fighters and their families have surrendered to the authorities since May 2021.

Across the country, and especially in the North West and North Central, the battle against banditry and kidnapping continues. If ever there was any time to be confident that this battle will eventually be won, it is now.

In March 2022, Nigeria was delisted by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), from its global list of piracy-prone countries. It has been reported recently that the increasing safety in Nigerias offshore waters is beginning to trigger a decline in shipping and insurance costs related to Nigeria.

A month later, in April 2022, the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with NNPC Limited launched Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, the biggest anti-oil-theft operation in recent times. This operation has in the last one year helped Nigerias oil production surge back towards its OPEC quota.

All of these investments in the Armed Forces should be seen as foundation-laying elements for a truly safe and secure Nigeria. The results of such efforts do not materialize overnight, but they are certain to emerge with time.

President Buhari has no doubt left a solid foundation for President Tinubu to build upon, and in the months and years ahead, Nigeria will reap the positive outcomes.

I find it especially heartwarming that among the highlights of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus first week in office was his visit to the new Complex housing the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), inaugurated by President Buhari in March 2023.

In his words at the new ONSA/NCTC Complex, President Tinubu, impressed by what he saw, said, It is a great joy to see that we are getting proactive resources to prepare ourselves, adding that If we as Nigerians are looking for economic revival, prosperity and development, then we have to give priority to security.

@toluogunlesi

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Although an anti-governmentalist, Fred Onyeoziri was also highly connected with the people in government who mostly admired his intellect and courted his friendship. While he was open to associating with respectable government people and politicians of like minds, he always insisted that such relationships must be guided and rooted in his uncompromising principles.

What was likely to hit you at first encounter with Fred Onyeoziri was his personable nature. Yes, he was such a pleasant person  full of life, charming, calm, and always unassuming.

He even got more amiable when he spoke. What came out was always a disarming logic and brilliance too hot to be concealed, not even by an unparallelled humility and a quiet mien that often ensconced his innate being  the essential Fred Onyeoziri.

A master debater in his secondary school days, he initially wanted to study English but got to Ibadan and changed his mind. He ended up enrolling to study Political Science at the University of Ibadan. And what an astute political scientist he ended up becoming, after winning the Faculty Prize as the Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Yes, Professor Fred Onyeoziri was not your cream chocolate intellectual; he was a solid one. He was not just a political scientist, he was a political scientist of the critical tradition. Of course, you cannot study under the great David Easton at the Chicago School and turn out ordinary.

As a scholar, Onyeoziri was excellent, probing and always asking questions after questions, which an uninitiated may find somewhat offensive and discomforting. But that was his methodological way of searching for the truth and unleashing excellence. He always said that if he attended a lecture or seminar and refused to ask a question, it was because he probably did not want to embarrass someone, or simply wanted to be quiet. According to him, there was no perfect presentation anywhere that could not be questioned, either because of its premise or conclusion.

Moreover, he was original in thinking and marshalled his points with profound brilliance and clarity. Yet, Onyeoziri never claimed to know-it-all or pretend to any epistemic superiority, especially when dealing with people of lesser education. Rather, he would make you comfortable by coming down to your level to ensure you enjoy the debate or argument. Of course, that is the mark of a great teacher.

As a teacher, Professor Fred Onyeoziri was well respected, not only in the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, where he taught and trained generations of students, many of whom are now accomplished teachers and administrators in their own rights. Indeed, he was respected and even adored for his brilliance, quality of his work and promotion of the university with his journalistic writings.

Professor Onyeoziri was a very strict teacher who never compromised the standards, no matter who was involved. Many of his students used to grumble about what they called his stinginess with marks. But he never believed he was stingy in his grading of scripts. Rather he argued that any student who worked hard enough would pass any of his courses, no matter how abstract they may be. And as a disciplined teacher, Onyeoziri often argued that the best way to compensate a hard-working student for his or her efforts and preserve the quality and standard of education, was to ensure that only those who deserved to pass were allowed to pass. Passing his course, of course, began with satisfying the mandatory percentage attendance of the course. Any student who did not attend Professor Onyeoziris classes regularly by at least meeting the minimum prescribed number of attendances automatically failed because s/he would never be allowed to write the exams. That was how strict he was as a teacher!

Even then, Onyeoziri was very open and accessible to his students. He believed that he was a lecturer first and foremost for students. He was always ready to help his student in any possible way he could. Knowing the dearth of quality books on campus, he readily lent his books to his students and was ever ready to explain sticky points to them. And he did all these without any airs. Because of his American background, Professor Onyeoziri, unlike some other lecturers, was very open to criticisms and would surrender to superior a arguments, even if it was coming from one of his students.

Without doubt Onyeoziri was adored in the University of Ibadan by both students and staff of the institution. In the 80s and 90s, wherever he passed on campus, you could hear someone whispering and pointing to his direction, That is Fred Onyeoziri, the one that writes those things in The Guardian. That was the kind of aura he exuded. Yes, Fred Onyeoziri brought honour and fame to the University of Ibadan with his Friday weekly column in The Guardian in the 80s and 90s during the military era. His writings were not only so critical of the military governments of the era, that many people feared for his safety, but they also reflected the quality of intellection at the University of Ibadan, which made his colleagues and even the university administrators proud.

At a time, he was regarded as the strongest voice against the transition programme of General Ibrahim Babangida (which he correctly predicted to be leading nowhere) in the media, but surprisingly he was never arrested for one day. Onyeoziri reasoned that the military left him alone probably because they discovered he was honest with his criticisms, since he never belonged to any political party or rights groups, except ASUU. He was simply a harmless lecturer who happened to hold conversations with his imaginary friend from Mars, Professor Zuko. Just to tell how Fred Onyeoziris writings were rated, his column led every Friday in The Guardian, with the great polyglot, Reuben Abati, following!

Interestingly, one of the courses he taught in Ibadan, which defined his essence as a patriot and helped to mould the political orientations of generations was, The Citizen and the State. In teaching this course, Onyeoziri always argued that while citizens have rights and owe their country an obligation, that obligation is never elastic but has limits. Not only did Professor Onyeoziri leave behind a well-researched and methodologically-heavy book, The Citizen and the State, he also delivered an unforgettable Faculty Lecture in the early 90s, in the heat of activism against Babangidas military regime titled, The Limits of Political Obligation, wherein he warned of the grave dangers inherent in citizens giving unquestioned obligations to the state.

In terms of his media engagements, Professor Onyeoziri was not just an iconic columnist, he was also a media executive. He was member of the editorial board of The Guardian Newspapers and sustained one of the most widely read columns in the country for many years. He was later the chairman of editorial board of The Post Express newspapers and much later, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the paper.

At The Post Express, Professor Onyeoziri was noted for his unwavering belief in justice and fairness. He hired staff without knowing where they hailed from, as long as they were qualified for their positions. And he defended the rights and entitlements of his staff and was always a father figure to the employees, even to the detriment of his own personal finances. And whenever there were conflicts between the publisher of the newspaper and the journalists, Onyeoziri always stood with the staff to the chagrin of the publisher. That was the essential Fred Onyeoziri!

Although an anti-governmentalist, Fred Onyeoziri was also highly connected with the people in government who mostly admired his intellect and courted his friendship. While he was open to associating with respectable government people and politicians of like minds, he always insisted that such relationships must be guided and rooted in his uncompromising principles. It was therefore not unusual for him to receive requests from top government people and politicians to help them review their policy papers or help them craft one. For example, during the fight against Obasanjos third-term bid, Onyeoziri right from his office in the ivory towers in Ibadan played a crucial role in providing theoretical and intellectual armament that helped in defeating the tenure elongation bill which he considered immoral.

It was therefore fitting that Professor Onyeoziri did not limit his excellent knowledge of politics to the classrooms and newspaper pages. He was tapped by the late Ojo Maduekwe to head the research directorate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In that position he tried to bring some order, democratic principles, and intellectual perspectives to operational activities of the ruling party. And it did not take time for Professor Onyeoziris brilliance and honesty to be noticed and appreciated by the topmost echelon at Wadata House. He was to be appointed the Secretary of the PDP Presidential Screening Committee for the 2007 presidential election. As usual Professor Onyeoziri executed this function with great aplomb and missionary zeal.

So excited about the way he administered the screening, the late Umaru Musa YarAdua sent out an invitation to Professor Onyeoziri later in the evening after his screening. Guess what? Onyeoziri turned down the president-in-waiting saying it was unethical to meet an aspirant they had just screened before the official release of the results. And this was happening at a time politicians were ready to give an arm and a leg to meet YarAdua. Onyeoziri was always ready to sacrifice his own personal gains and opportunities whenever they clash with the principles of honesty and integrity. The Essential Fred Onyeoziri.

Professor Onyeoziri was to be appointed later as the political adviser to the National Chairman of the PDP, the now late Chief Vincent Eze Ogbulafor. As adviser to the national chairman of the ruling party, Professor Onyeoziri figured that he could use his new position to effect public policies in the interest of the ordinary people in the country by nudging the party into a path of obedience to rule of law and democratic ideals. The suspicious side-eyes that politicians in the country normally throw at intellectuals did not help Professor Onyeoziris revolutionary drive at the PDP. It did not take long before the entire NWC of the PDP began to see the political adviser as an obstacle to their anti-democratic activities in the party because of his insistence that democracy is a rule governed system among politicians who only see politics as the end that justifies the means. Professor Onyeoziri in his candour never failed to let the powers that be at PDP during that time know the truth; that the party was living on borrowed time. He predicted, and rightly so, that with the way the PDP was behaving, any day a formidable opposition party emerges in the country, PDP will lose power irretrievably. And it came to pass!

Sometimes it is difficult not to think that the word brilliance was not specifically created to describe Professor Fred Onyeoziri because it is hard to meet anyone with better clarity of thoughts and more original in thinking.

But beyond all these, Professor Onyeoziri was an amazing person.

He loved even those that hated him; gave without waiting to receive back. He exhibited calmness in the face of adversity and never had any space for vengeance in his beautiful heart. A kind soul, he was always ready to help in any way he could, and valued friendship greatly. In fact, he considered no sacrifice too much for a friend.

Above all things he loved God so dearly.

Born Frederick Eze Chikezie Onyeoziri on 21 July, 1941, into the family of late Abraham Chikezie and late Mrs Racheal Iheomadinihu Onyeoziri of Umuokehi-Okpuala, Ohuhu in todays Umuahia North Local Government Council, Abia State, Nigeria, Fred Onyeoziri died in Abuja on 28 February.

The remains of a good man will be interred on 10 June, at his Ohuhu hometown, Umuahia, Abia State.

Adieu my teacher, boss, mentor and confidant.

Uche Ugboajah, Editor-in-Chief of Ikengaonline, was a student and later SA to Professor Fred Onyeoziri at the PDP.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday sacked some workers recently employed by his predecessor, Samuel Ortom.

While employing the workers, Mr Ortom had argued that the new workers would boost the states dwindling workforce.

The new governor also reversed the recent promotion of some directors, promoted to permanent secretaries by Mr Ortom.

All recent appointments into the State Civil Service made by the outgone administration from May 2022 to date are hereby nullified with immediate effect.

All Civil Servants and or persons appointed Permanent Secretaries from the month of January 2023 to date should revert to their previous positions forthwith, Mr Alias chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement also ordered workers who have retired but are yet to vacate their position or are being retained in contract appointments to retire immediately.

Postings and transfers made in the state civil service from October 2022 to date are hereby nullified. The affected staff should revert to their former ranks, stations or offices with immediate effect.

PDP kicks

At a press conference in Makurdi, the state capital, on Wednesday, the acting chairman of the Benue State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Isaac Mffo, described the directive as unlawful, insensitive and callous.

Mr Mffo noted that the affected civil servants were given lawful appointments into the state civil service..

The insensitivity in the Benue State Governors action becomes more glaring when viewed against the backdrop of the untold hardship which Nigerians were subjected to under the recently expired Buhari regime.

Governor Alia should, therefore, without delay rescinds the sack order he has issued to the thousands of civil servants in the state Mr Mffo appealed to the governor, he said.

Mr Mffo reminded Mr Alia of similar last-minute appointments into the federal civil service by the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, which President Bola Tinubu inherited.

Mr Tinubu was inaugurated as Nigerias 16th president on 29 May in Abuja.

But Messrs Buhari and Tinubu are members of the APC.

A trend

A similar scenario occurred in 2015, James Ornguga, an APC stalwart, said Mr Ortom relieved some civil servants of their jobs after he succeeded Gabriel Suswam.

Mr Ortom had won the governorship election on the platform of the APC but later defected to the PDP before the end of his first term.

According to Mr Ornguga, In 2014, I was the graduate representative of the SURE- P Internship Programme in Benue State.

Gov Suswam officially absorbed all of us into the state civil service as contained in his handover report.

Shockingly, Gov Ortom took over and sacked us.

Mr Ornguga, the APC organising secretary in Benue, added that he and others sought redress in court, but their hopes were dashed.

Mr Alia, a Catholic priest, won the governorship election as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating Mr Ortoms preferred candidate, Titus Uba, of the (PDP).

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


At the event in Kaduna where the immediate former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, told some Muslim clerics why he chose to run a Muslim-dominated government in Kaduna State, the former governor also spoke about President Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

PREMIUM TIMES earlier published the transcript of what Mr El-Rufai said about his decision to promote a Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket in Kaduna. We became aware of the second part of the video after the first part had been published.

Mr El-Rufai made the commenta in Hausa. Below is the English translation.

Now, a lot has been said about the federal government. Its true what Professor Akintola said, we the APC governors and we decided that the South should produce the next president because that was the promise that was made. It was a verbal agreement but God knows whether an agreement was written or verbal. When we discovered that some people were scheming that a northerner must be the next president, we said no. This is not what we are. We are Muslims, were northerners, weve traditions and we cant back down on our pledges. We said no. That was the first step.

The next step, when they agreed with that or when they noticed that they could do nothing, they backed down. We sat down to decide on who would be able to win the seat because he has what it takes to win an election and secondly we can bring an end to politics of religion and ethnicity in this country. We decided on Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu). When we took the decision to support Asiwaju, I was not on good terms with him, we were fighting. But Professor Akintola came with their leaders from Lagos and commended us for deciding that a Southerner should emerge. They said the Yoruba in the South-west have problems. When a Muslim wants to contest an election theyll say he shouldnt contest because he will not win an election. What they believed was that its only a Christian from the South-west who can contest so a Muslim from the North is selected as his vice. They said it has not happened since Abiola; they wanted to replicate that. We asked them to go and decide on who would contest and they said Asiwaju. I told them Im not on good terms with him but he (Akintola) said we should reconcile for the sake of Islam and I said we will reconcile.

READ ALSO:

Asiwaju got the ticket and when he got it we knew he would have no option but to pick a Muslim as his vice; if not, he would lose the election. Just as I said, politics is all about calculation, there is no room for manoeuvre. God knows our intention. And I swear to God we stood our ground to actualise that, we didnt do it for our gain. Myself and Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, didnt do it for any gain. Maybe the others needed something but me and Matawalle I did that to bring an end to the religious issue and to give Muslims from the South-west a sense of belonging to rule. And God despite the religious gang-up, God made Asiwaju the winner.

What we are able to achieve in Kaduna, weve now achieved it on the national level. There is no liar that can say he will do politics of Christianity and win the election. Peter Obi tried it but this is where he is now. Weve brought an end to that. Theyve kept quiet. Ever since Asiwaju emerged, CAN has remained mute. This is how to ensure peace and stability in this country. If we do it again and again everything will be normal. To God, that was what we did. And some of us believe weve finished our work. Asiwaju has won and weve done our part. Our call is for you to pray for him to get the right people to work with.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Thursday, met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, and pledged to work together to provide the benefits of democracy to the people.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Mr Eno said he solicited President Tinubus intervention in the Ibom Deep Seaport, a project that is believed would provide jobs to thousands of people and change the economic fortunes of the state when completed.

The governor also urged the president to complete the Calabar  Itu Road, whose contract was awarded by President Muhammadu Buharis administration.

There are lots of things we expect from the federal government, and its only with that cooperation that we can work together and achieve the common good; whatever I know I can do to bring the dividends of democracy to my people, I will do it.

I also mentioned to him the export license, the free zone for our airport so that the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility there, we will be able to bring in spare parts to service the aeroplanes.

These are strategic partnerships that we want with the federal government. So, I talked about it, and he has promised to look into it, and I believe him, Mr Eno said.

READ ALSO:

The MRO facility, whose capacity can sit eight Airbus A220S at the same time, was one of the airport infrastructure commissioned on 28 May by Mr Enos predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, in preparation to kick start international flights for the state-owned airline  Ibom Air.

An International Terminal with a capacity to process three million passengers, a new taxiway and an apron extension was also commissioned at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

Subsidy removal palliatives

Speaking on the removal of petroleum subsidy, which has pushed petrol price from N189 to N540 and inflicted economic pain on the people, Mr Eno said he would take measures to address it in his state next week.

He told reporters that his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, had distributed some palliatives to all the local government areas in the state on Wednesday but did not mention the kind of palliatives that was shared.

Several states, including Kwara and Edo States, have taken several measures to cushion the effect of the hike in the price of petrol for workers in the state by reducing work days for civil servants from five to three.

In Edo, Governor Godwin Obaseki had promised to further increase the minimum wage of workers in the state from the current N40,000 when the earnings accrue to the state from subsidy removal is paid.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A Catholic priest has been shot dead in Edo State, south-south Nigeria.

The Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze, confirmed the incident in a notice on Thursday to the priests and members of the archdiocese. He said the victim, identified as Charles Igechi, was shot on Wednesday while on his way back to his place of assignment at St. Michael College, Ikhueniro, Edo, where he was serving as vice principal of the college.

Mr Akubeze said the priests remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, and that the incident has been reported to the appropriate security agency.

They (security agency) are working on the case. We pray that the perpetrators of this evil act will be brought to the face of justice, the archbishop said in the notice which also called for prayers for the repose of the soul of the slain priest.

I entrust you all to the maternal intercession of our Lady of Sorrow. May God continue to guide all the faithful in the archdiocese of Benin City and may the soul of Rev Fr Charles Igechi find peace and tranquility in the loving embrace of our risen saviour, the archbishop added.

PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately contact the police for their comment on the incident.

READ ALSO:

The late Mr Igechi was ordained a priest on 13 August last year.

Thirty-nine Catholic priests were killed, while 30 were abducted across Nigeria in 2022, according to a report.

The killing and kidnapping of Catholic priests is part of the wider insecurity across Nigeria that has seen hundreds of people killed and kidnapped in the past year.

The new Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, held his first security council meeting this week where he tasked security chiefs to share information and design a new framework to tackle the security challenges.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the State Security Service (SSS) to allow Mr Kanu to seek independent medical care.

Mr Ejimakor, who made the appeal on a post via his verified Twitter handle on Wednesday, said that Mr Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), needs urgent medical care, particularly for his ear.

Dear President Tinubu: Few days ago, I passionately urged you to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. You havent.

Today, I respectfully urge you to direct the SSS to immediately permit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the freewill to seek independent medical care, particularly for the ear surgery he needs as of now, he wrote.

The lawyer, in an earlier tweet, claimed he had gone through so much trouble to advance the cause of arranging proper medical care for the IPOB leader, but that the SSS did not allow that to happen.

He attached a copy of a letter to the tweet. The letter was signed by the lawyer.

The letter, dated 6 June and addressed to the director-general of the SSS, was in response to a medical report of Mr Kanu believed to have been made by the SSS medical unit.

This letter serves as a formal introduction as well as an accreditation for the two doctors who have been selected by the Kanu family to examine Mazi Nnamdi Kanus medical records/report generated by the SSS medical unit, Mr Ejimakor wrote in the letter.

The lawyer identified the medical doctors as Uche Ukwuije, a consultant Otolaryngologist and David Ukoha, a family physician.

The doctors were scheduled to be at the SSS headquarters at 2 p.m. the same day in the company of Mr Kanus brother, Emmanuel, according to the letter.

Onyendu (Kanu) must get the proper medical care that he needs from physicians of his own choice, Mr Ejimakor said in apparent frustration, indicating that the move was rebuffed by the SSS.

Background

Mr Kanu was first arrested in 2015 under the administration of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The IPOB leader was later granted bail in April 2017. He fled the country after an invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State, by the Nigerian military in September of that year.

He was re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021, about four years after he fled the country.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on 13 October, held that the IPOB leader was extra-ordinarily renditioned to Nigeria and that the action was a flagrant violation of the countrys extradition treaty and also a breach of his fundamental human rights.

The court, therefore, struck out the terrorism charges filed against Mr Kanu by the Nigerian government and ordered his release from the custody of the State Security Service.

READ ALSO: Enugu governor asks Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

But the government refused to release the IPOB leader insisting that he (Kanu) could be unavailable in subsequent court proceedings if released and that his release would cause insecurity in the South-east.

The government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, later appealed the court ruling and subsequently obtained an order staying the execution of the court judgement at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court is yet to rule on the substantive appeal by the government.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Annie Okonkwo, a former Nigerian senator, is dead.

Mr Okonkwo died in the United States after a prolonged illness, according to a family source.

A former Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Uche Nworah, also confirmed the death of the former senator in a Facebook post on Thursday.

I just woke up to the sad news of Agunaechembas passing (Senator Annie Okonkwo). Agu was a kind man and benefactor to many. A colossus in community affairs and Nigerian politics, Mr Nworah, a close ally of the deceased, wrote.

I am a beneficiary of his kindness and the kindness of the Okonkwos. He has finished his race on earth and will be greatly missed, he added.

The late Okonkwo died at 63.

A renowned entrepreneur and politician, Mr Okonkwo hailed from Ojoto, a community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but later defected to the All Progressives Congress.

He represented Anambra Central District from 2007 to 2011 on the platform of the PDP and was succeeded by Chris Ngige, the immediate past minister of Labour and Employment.

READ ALSO:

The deceased contested governorship elections in Anambra State on different occasions during his active political days but failed to win.

Born on 23 May 1960, Mr Okonkwo obtained an advanced diploma in marketing and an advanced diploma in commercial law and practice from the University of Lagos.

He was also an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School, where he obtained an advanced diploma in management.

During his days in the Senate, Mr Okonkwo was a member of committees on agriculture, upstream petroleum resources, police affairs, and the environment.

Soludo reacts

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has expressed sadness over the death of the former senator.

On behalf of the Anambra government and the entire people of the State, I commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased over this painful loss.

I pray the good Lord grants his soul eternal rest and the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, the governor said in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Christian Aburime.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Thank you for reading!

To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99.
Since 2013, KBP Brands has given more than $3.4 million to Our Military Kids through a biannual Charity Coupon Drive.

OAKTON, Va., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Our Military Kids (OMK) is proud to celebrate 10 years of support from restaurant franchisee KBP Brands, with $3.4 million donated to fund more than 11,000 OMK activity scholarships over the last decade. With KBP Brands' partnership, OMK has never turned away eligible military children from pursuing their favorite activities while a parent is deployed with the National Guard or Reserve or recovering from combat-related injuries.

Esther is one of more than 11,000 military children who have received an Our Military Kids activity scholarship to fund their favorite extracurricular activity in the past decade thanks to support from KBP Brands.

"Over the last decade, KBP and our local KFCs throughout Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, and Texas have proudly supported Our Military Kids," said Matt Hansen, Chief Operating Officer of KBP Brands. "Our connection to OMK remains strong and we are committed to impacting the lives of military families across the U.S."

Twice a year, KBP Brands employees at KFC restaurants across the country raise funds for their charity of choice by selling $1 KFC Coupon Books worth more than $30 in savings. During the Spring 2023 Charity Coupon Drive, 270 KBP Brands restaurants elected to support OMK with the majority located throughout Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, and Texas.

"Truly, we could not say we served every eligible child without this creative, generous fundraising campaign," said Kara Dallman, OMK executive director and retired Navy Veteran. "The military kids we serve are often not near military installations or resources like their active-duty peers so when we recognize them and pay for extracurriculars, their whole world becomes a less stressful place!"

The next KBP Brands Charity Coupon Drive kicks off this Fall at KFC restaurants across 13 states. Stay updated on participating locations and future campaigns at: www.ourmilitarykids.org/kfc

About Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids recognizes the sacrifice of children of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11, combat-injured service members or Veterans by offering extracurricular activity grants that build children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.

About KBP Brands

KBP Brands, headquartered in Overland Park, KS, has been named one of the 10 Fastest-Growing Restaurant Chains and one of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Businesses in North America. Currently, KBP Brands operates more than 800 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants across the Nation.

SOURCE Our Military Kids
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A1 Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "AWON") would like to announce that it has upgraded its services with OTC Markets, Inc. ("OTC Markets") to provide Level 2 Quote Data to the public.

The Company has paid the annual fee to OTC Markets to allow for real-time, two-sided complete quotes and orderbook data to be provided online to our shareholders on our landing page with OTC Markets (e.g., OTC Link NQB ATS). Additionally, the Company has registered a new web site address and Twitter account to be used to release information to its public shareholders in a timely manner (e.g., both of which are provided at the end of this release).

In addition to the above, the Company will be announcing a new Chief Executive officer next week and is currently in negotiations on two acquisitions which should be finalized and announced in the next forty-five days. The Company also expects to be completed with its planned Uplist to OTCQB within thirty days. The Company will keep its public shareholders advised as to these material events as they occur, and the appropriate supplemental filings are completed with OTC Markets.

Disclaimer Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements that we make may constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions. In addition, words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," and future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "could," "should," and "would," as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.

ABOUT US

A1 Group, Inc. is a Nevada corporation, is a public quoted Pink Sheet OTC issuer under the ticker symbol "AWON" (the "Company"). The Company reports as an alternative reporting issuer with OTC Markets Group, Inc. and is currently in its mandatory required filings (e.g., Pink Sheet Current). The Company has acquired assets to become a producer of oxygen-enhanced water products intended to help improve one's health, wellness, and lifestyle. The company's products will be produced were produced using a proprietary O4 molecule that is BPA-free and contained higher oxygen content than regular water and is packed with post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, enabling consumers to increase stamina, improve focus and promote faster recovery. Additionally, the Company plans on becoming a regional co-packer of water products for large clients.

CONTACT

15169 North Scottsdale Road

Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

(775)-537-3627

Company Web Site: www.AwonBeverages.com

Twitter: @A1Beverages

Company Email: [email protected]

SOURCE A1 Group, Inc.
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SECURITIES.

LYSAKER, Norway, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aker BP ASA (the "Company") incorporated as a public limited liability company (Nw. allmennaksjeselskap) under the laws of Norway, announced today that it has increased the Capped Maximum Amount (as defined below) previously disclosed in the Offer to Purchase dated June 7, 2023 (the "Offer to Purchase"). Other than the upsize of the Capped Maximum Amount, no other terms of the Offers (as defined below) are being amended in this announcement and there is no change to the terms of the Any and All Tender Offer (as defined below) contained in the Offer to Purchase.

The Company is offering to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding 3.000% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") validly tendered on or before the Any and All Expiration Date (the "Any and All Tender Offer"). In addition, the Company is offering to purchase for cash Capped Tender Offer Notes (as defined below) up to an amount corresponding to a combined aggregate Total Consideration and/or Late Tender Offer Consideration, as applicable, (each as defined below) (in each case excluding Accrued Interest payable in respect of Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered equal to the upsized amount of U.S.$1,000 million (previously U.S.$500 million) less the aggregate Total Consideration (excluding Accrued Interest) applied in connection with the Any and All Tender Offer (the "Capped Maximum Amount") in the following order of priority:

in the first instance, to the extent the Capped Maximum Amount has not been exceeded, 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026 issued by the Company (the " January 2026 Notes") which are validly tendered on or before the Early Tender Date (as defined below);

Notes") which are validly tendered on or before the Early Tender Date (as defined below); in the second instance, to the extent the Capped Maximum Amount has not been exceeded, 2.000% Senior Notes due 2026 issued by the Company (with Lundin Energy Finance B.V. as original issuer) (the " July 2026 Notes", together with the January 2026 Notes, the "Capped Tender Offer Notes") which are validly tendered on or before the Early Tender Date;

Notes", together with the Notes, the "Capped Tender Offer Notes") which are validly tendered on or before the Early Tender Date; in the third instance, to the extent the Capped Maximum Amount has not been exceeded, January 2026 Notes which are validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but on or before the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date; and

Notes which are validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but on or before the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date; and finally, to the extent the Capped Maximum Amount has not been exceeded, July 2026 Notes which are validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but on or before the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date.

As set out above, and for the avoidance of doubt, all Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered on or before the Early Tender Date shall be accepted in priority to Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but on or before the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date. To the extent Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered on or before the Early Tender Date would cause the Capped Maximum Amount to be exceeded, then no Capped Tender Offer Notes tendered after the Early Tender Date shall be accepted.

The 2025 Notes and the Capped Tender Offer Notes are herein referred to as the "Notes". The offers to purchase the Capped Tender Offer Notes are herein referred to as the "Capped Tender Offers" and each a "Capped Tender Offer". The Capped Tender Offers together with the Any and All Tender Offer are herein referred to as the "Offers" and each an "Offer".

The purpose of the Offers, together with the offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.600% Senior Notes due 2028 and $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2033 announced on June 7, 2023 (the "New Notes Offering"), is to proactively manage the Company's debt portfolio and to extend the average maturity profile of the Company's existing debt. A purchase agreement, subject to customary closing conditions, has been signed in respect of the New Notes Offering.

As previously disclosed in the Offer to Purchase, consummation of each Offer is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, without limitation, the pricing of no less than $1,000 million in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes Offering (the "New Financing Condition") and the conditions set out in the Offer to Purchase. As of June 7, 2023, the New Financing Condition has been satisfied. Subject to applicable law, the Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive any and all conditions to any or all of the Offers, including to further increase the Capped Maximum Amount. Capitalized terms used in this announcement but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase.

The following tables summarize certain information regarding the Offers:

Any and All Tender Offer by the Company for Notes Listed Below

Title of

Security CUSIP/ISIN Maturity Date Principal Amount

Outstanding(1) U.S.

Treasury

Reference

Security Bloomberg

Reference Page Fixed Spread Aker BP ASA 3.000% Senior Notes due 2025 due 2025

(the "2025

Notes") 00973RAE3 / US00973RAE36 R0139KAA8 / USR0139KAA80 January 15, 2025 U.S.$500,000,000 4.250% U.S. Treasury due May 31, 2025 FIT1 105 bps

Capped Tender Offer by the Company for Capped Tender Offer Notes

Listed Below Up to the Capped Maximum Amount

Title of

Security CUSIP/ISIN Principal Amount

Outstanding(1) Maturity

Date U.S.

Treasury

Reference

Security Bloomberg

Reference

Page Fixed

Spread Early

Tender

Payment(2) Acceptance

Priority

Level(3) Aker BP ASA 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "January 2026 Notes") 00973RAG8 / US00973RAG83 R0139KAC4/ USR0139KAC47 U.S.$500,000,000 January 15,

2026 3.625% U.S. Treasury due May 15, 2026 FIT1 110 bps U.S.$50.00

per

U.S.$1,000 1st Priority if

validly

tendered on

or before the

Early Tender

Date; 3rd

Priority if

validly

tendered after

the Early

Tender Date Aker BP ASA

2.000% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "July 2026 Notes") 55037AAA6 /US55037AAA60 N5369RAA7 /USN5369RAA79 U.S.$1,000,000,000 July 15,

2026 3.625% U.S. Treasury due May 15, 2026 FIT1 115 bps U.S.$50.00

per

U.S.$1,000 2nd Priority if

validly

tendered on

or before the

Early Tender

Date; 4th

Priority if

validly

tendered after

the Early

Tender Date





















Notes: (1) As at the date of the Offer to Purchase.



(2) The Total Consideration (as defined below) for Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date (as defined below) and accepted for purchase is calculated using the applicable Fixed Spread (as defined below) and when calculated in such manner is already inclusive of the Early Tender Payment equal to the applicable amount set forth in the second table above. Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but prior to or at the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date will be eligible to receive the Late Tender Offer Consideration, which is equal to the Total Consideration minus the Early Tender Payment.



(3) The Company is offering to purchase Capped Tender Offer Notes for an aggregate Total Consideration and/or Late Tender Offer Consideration, as applicable, (in each case excluding Accrued Interest) up to and including the Capped Maximum Amount. If the aggregate Total Consideration and/or Late Tender Offer Consideration, as applicable, (in each case excluding Accrued Interest) required for Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered in the Offers exceeds the Capped Maximum Amount, the Company will accept such Notes in accordance with the acceptance priority levels set forth above (the "Acceptance Priority Levels").

The Any and All Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 13, 2023 unless the Company extends the Any and All Tender Offer (such date and time, the "Any and All Expiration Date"). The withdrawal deadline for the Any and All Tender Offer will be 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 13, 2023 (the "Any and All Withdrawal Deadline"), unless extended by the Company. Following the Any and All Expiration Date, the Company will accept 2025 Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Any and All Expiration Date (including those validly tendered by the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Offer to Purchase) provided that all conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase have been satisfied or waived by the Company and such accepted 2025 Notes will be settled promptly thereafter (the "Any and All Settlement Date"). It is anticipated that the Any and All Settlement Date for the 2025 Notes will be June 16, 2023, the third business day after the Any and All Expiration Date.

Concurrent with and in the same announcement of the results of the Any and All Tender Offer by the Company, the Company will announce the Capped Maximum Amount.

Holders of Capped Tender Offer Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 21, 2023 (the "Early Tender Date") and accepted for purchase will be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration. The Company will accept such Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered up to the Capped Maximum Amount, subject to the Acceptance Priority Level and proration, at or prior to the Early Tender Date provided that all conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase have been satisfied or waived by the Company and such accepted Capped Tender Offer Notes will be settled promptly thereafter (the "Capped Tender Offers Early Settlement Date"). It is anticipated that the Capped Tender Offers Early Settlement Date will be June 23, 2023, the second business day after the Early Tender Date.

Each Capped Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 7, 2023, or any other date and time to which the Company extends such Capped Tender Offer (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to a Capped Tender Offer, the "Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date"). The withdrawal deadline for the Capped Tender Offer will be 5:00 p.m., New York City time, June 21, 2023 (the "Capped Tender Offer Withdrawal Deadline"), unless extended by the Company. Holders of any Capped Tender Offer Notes that are validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but prior to or at the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date and that are accepted for purchase will receive the applicable Late Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below). The Company will accept such Capped Tender Offer Notes validly tendered up to the Capped Maximum Amount, subject to the Acceptance Priority Level and proration, at or prior to the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date provided that all conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase have been satisfied or waived by the Company and such accepted Capped Tender Offer Notes will be settled promptly thereafter (the "Capped Tender Offers Final Settlement Date"). It is anticipated that the Capped Tender Offers Final Settlement Date for the Capped Tender Offer Notes will be July 11, 2023, the second business day after the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date.

Such acceptance for the relevant series of Capped Tender Offer Notes subject to proration will be calculated by multiplying the principal amount of the relevant Capped Tender Offer Notes, represented by each tender instruction in respect of such series of Capped Tender Offer Notes requiring proration by a Scaling Factor. The Company will make any such calculations on or about the Early Tender Date and on or about the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date, as applicable. Accordingly, Capped Tender Offer Notes will be prorated separately at each of the Early Tender Date and Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date, as applicable. For further details and conditions of proration, please see the section titled "The Offers  Acceptance Priority; Proration" in the Offer to Purchase.

The "Total Consideration" payable for each series of Notes will be a price per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of such series of Notes equal to an amount (rounded to the nearest cent, with half a cent rounded upwards), calculated in accordance with Appendix B of the Offer to Purchase and with reference to the Any and All Settlement Date or Capped Tender Offers Early Settlement Date, as applicable, that would reflect a yield to the applicable maturity date or par call date, as applicable, of such series of Notes equal to the sum of (i) the Reference Yield (as defined below) for such series, determined at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time), on the Any and All Expiration Date in the case of the Any and All Tender Offer and 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day following the Early Tender Date in the case of the Capped Tender Offers plus (ii) the fixed spread applicable to such series, as set forth in the tables above (the "Fixed Spread"). The "Reference Yield" means the bid side yield to maturity (rounded to the nearest 0.001% with 0.0005% rounded upwards), determined in accordance with market convention, of the applicable U.S. Treasury reference security listed in the tables above (the "Reference Security") for such series, based on the bid side price for the relevant Reference Securities as reporting on the relevant Bloomberg Reference Page (that appears in the two tables above) at the applicable price determination date, as the case may be. The sum of the Fixed Spread and the Reference Yield is referred to as the "Repurchase Yield". The Total Consideration, as calculated using the Fixed Spread for each series of Capped Tender Offer Notes set forth in the second table above, includes the Early Tender Payment. Holders of any Capped Tender Offer Notes that are validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but prior to or at the Capped Tender Offers Expiration Date and that are accepted for purchase will receive the applicable Total Consideration minus an amount in cash equal to the applicable amount set forth in the second table above under the heading "Early Tender Payment" (the "Early Tender Payment"). The Total Consideration minus the Early Tender Payment is referred to as the "Late Tender Offer Consideration."

In addition to the Total Consideration or the Late Tender Offer Consideration, as applicable, all Holders of Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from, and including, the applicable last interest payment date up to, but not including, the Any and All Settlement Date, the Capped Tender Offers Early Settlement Date or the Capped Tender Offers Final Settlement Date (each as defined below), as applicable ("Accrued Interest"), payable on the Any and All Settlement Date, the Capped Tender Offers Early Settlement Date or the Capped Tender Offers Final Settlement Date (each, a "Settlement Date"), as applicable.

The Offer to Purchase sets out the full terms of the Offers. Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available from the Information and Tender Agents at the telephone number or e- mail address set out below. Holders may also contact the Dealer Managers at the telephone numbers or addresses set out below for information concerning the Offers. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offers.

DEALER MANAGERS





Citigroup Global Markets Limited Citigroup Center Canada Square, Canary Wharf London, E14 5LB United Kingdom Attention: Liability Management Group Europe: +44 20 7986 8969 U.S. Toll-Free: +1 (800) 558 3745 U.S.: +1 (212) 723 6106 Email: [email protected]



Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc. 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Floor New York, New York 10019, United States of America Attention: Liability Management Tel (U.S. Toll Free): +1 (866) 807-6030 Email: [email protected] DNB Markets, Inc. 30 Hudson Yards, 81st Floor, New York, New York, 10001 United States of America Attention: Bond Sales Desk Tel: +1 212 681 3800 ING Financial Markets LLC 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036 United States of America Attention: Liability Management U.S.: + 1 (646) 424 8972 Email: [email protected] J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: +1 (212) 834-4045 Toll-Free: +1 (866) 834-4666 MUFG Securities Americas Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor New York, New York 10020 Attention: Liability Management U.S.: +1 (212) 405-7481 Toll-Free: +1 (877) 744-4532 Europe: +44 207 628 5555 / +33 1 70 91 42 55 Email: [email protected]

THE INFORMATION AND TENDER AGENT

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, New York 10005

Banks and brokers call:

(212) 269-5550

All others call toll free:

(800) 549-6864

Email: [email protected]

The Offer to Purchase and any other relevant notice and documents with respect to the Offers will be available at www.dfking.com/aker, operated by the Information and Tender Agent for the purpose of the Offers.

OFFER RESTRICTIONS

General

This announcement is not an Offer to Purchase any Notes or a solicitation of an offer to sell any Notes. The Offer is being made solely by means of the Offer to Purchase. Neither the Company, the Dealer Managers nor the Information and Tender Agent makes any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender any or all of their Notes for payment pursuant to the Offers.

The distribution of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase is restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this announcement or the Offer to Purchase comes are required by the Companies, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves of and to observe any such restrictions.

Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase constitutes, nor may they be used in connection with, an offer to buy Notes or a solicitation to sell Notes by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such an offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or a solicitation. Neither the Company, the Dealer Managers nor the Information and Tender Agent accepts any responsibility for any violation by any person of the restrictions applicable in any jurisdiction.

European Economic Area

The Offers are not being made in any Member State of the European Economic Area, other than to persons who are "qualified investors" as defined in Regulation (EU) No 2017/1129 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"), or in other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation. This EEA selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out in this Offer to Purchase.

United Kingdom

The communication of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase by the Company and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA"), as amended. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order")), persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Order, persons who are qualified investors of the kind described in Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.), persons who otherwise fall within an exemption set forth in the Order such that section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply or any other persons to whom the Offers may otherwise lawfully be made under the Order and all other applicable securities laws.

Italy

None of the Offers, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. The Offers are being carried out in Italy as exempted offers pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy can tender Notes for purchase in the Offers through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 16190 of 29 October 2007, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority.

Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Notes and/or the Offers.

France

The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in the Republic of France ("France"). Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other document or material relating to the Offers has been or shall be distributed to the public in France and only (i) providers of investment services relating to portfolio management for the account of third parties (personnes fournissant le service d'investissement de gestion de portefeuille pour compte de tiers) and/or (ii) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies), acting for their own account, with the exception of individuals, within the meaning ascribed to them in, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-1, L.411-2 and D.411-1 of the French Code monetaire et financier, and applicable regulations thereunder, are eligible to participate in the Offers. This announcement, the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or offering materials relating to the Offers have not been and will not be submitted for clearance to nor approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers.

Belgium

Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been submitted to or will be submitted for approval or recognition to the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autoriteit voor financiele diensten en markten / Autorite des services et marches financiers) and, accordingly, the Offers may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Articles 3 and 6 of the Belgian Law of 1 April 2007 on public takeover bids as amended or replaced from time to time. Accordingly, the Offers may not be advertised and the Offers will not be extended, and neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar documents) have been or shall be distributed or made available, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than "qualified investors" in the sense of Article 10 of the Belgian Law of 16 June 2006 on the public offer of placement instruments and the admission to trading of placement instruments on regulated markets, acting on their own account. Insofar as Belgium is concerned, this announcement and the Offer to Purchase have been issued only for the personal use of the above qualified investors and exclusively for the purpose of the Offers. Accordingly, the information contained in this announcement and the Offer to Purchase may not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any other person in Belgium.

Switzerland

Neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Notes constitutes an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the Notes described herein. The Notes may not be publicly offered, sold or advertised, directly or indirectly, in, into or from Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Offer to Purchase or this announcement or the Notes constitutes a prospectus or a key information document within the meaning of articles 35 and 58 of the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA"), and neither this announcement, nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Offer to Purchase or the Notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland. In particular, none of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document produced in connection with this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or the Notes have been or will be approved by a Swiss review body (Prospektprufstelle) according to article 52 FinSA, or by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA under the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act.

Norway

This announcement and the Offer to Purchase has not been and will not be filed with or approved by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Nw. Finanstilsynet), the Oslo Stock Exchange (Nw. Oslo brs) or any other regulatory authority in Norway. The Notes have not been offered or sold and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in Norway, unless in compliance with Chapter 7 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act of June 29, 2007 No. 75 (Nw. verdipapirhandelloven) and secondary regulations issued pursuant thereto, as amended or replaced from time to time (the "Securities Trading Act"). Accordingly, this announcement and the Offer to Purchase may not be made available nor may the Notes otherwise be marketed and offered for sale in Norway other than in circumstances that are deemed not to be a marketing of an offer to the public in Norway in accordance with the Securities Trading Act.

SOURCE Aker BP ASA
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lee Duncan, President and CEO of Alliance Group, has accepted an invitation to serve a three-year term on the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business Alumni Board, effective July 1, 2023.

Lee Duncan, President and CEO of Alliance Group

The Terry Alumni Board, acting in an advisory capacity to the Dean and faculty of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, carries a noble cause of fostering a continual affiliation between former students and the institution. Duncan's commitment to community building, coupled with his remarkable achievements in the business world, make him a valuable addition to the Board.

In his new role, Duncan will support Terry programs and activities, participating in numerous initiatives such as the Alumni Awards and Gala, Student of the Year, Terry Third Thursday, and the Women's Conference. He will serve not only as a mentor to current students and young alumni but also as a promoter of the institution's philanthropic priorities.

"Lee's passion for the Terry College of Business and the University of Georgia is tremendous," said Jason Huggins, incoming Terry Alumni Board President. "We look forward to his contributions and service as we continue to grow our engagement with Terry Alums around the country."

Duncan's appointment reaffirms the Terry College of Business' commitment to engaging its alumni in active roles that enhance the quality of education, network opportunities, and overall student experience.

About Lee Duncan:

In his time at Alliance Group, the life insurance marketing organization has flourished, establishing themselves as a leading IMO for independent life insurance agents and agencies. Since joining the company in 2003, Lee has played an integral role in the growth and development of Alliance Group, from a $8m production total in 2003 to a record $56m in 2022. With more than 5,000 independent agents nationally, Alliance Group is currently protecting over 150,000 American families with more than $30 billion of Living Benefits coverage.

About Terry College of Business:

The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia is the state's flagship business school. Terry offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, equipping students with a strong foundation in business principles and the opportunity to develop specific expertise in a specialized area.

About Alliance Group:

As "The Living Benefits IMO," Alliance Group provides independent agents and agencies with superior marketing and training solutions. Since 1998, Alliance Group has been helping life insurance agency partners spread awareness about Living Benefits life insurance, while also helping them solve clients' tax-free retirement, mortgage protection, small business planning, and estate planning needs. Alliance Group has an A+ rating on BBB. The company's main website is https://www.alliancegrouplife.com

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE Alliance Group
LAS VEGAS, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Antonia J.A. Hock & Associates, a leading global consulting company, announced today that due to exceptionally strong annual growth, the firm is expanding with the addition of two new consulting practices. The Customer Experience Practice and the Employee Experience Practice are anchored by award-winning expertise, a deep and broad innovation toolkit, and a flair for creating unparalleled experiences that delight employees and customers alike.

Antonia J.A. Hock (PRNewsfoto/Antonia J.A. Hock & Associates)

"In the past twelve months, we have seen phenomenal growth in our core consulting business, helping clients of all sizes transform their companies though business innovation and consumer behavior initiatives", said Antonia Hock, the firm's founder & CEO. "Given the deep background our consultants have across technology, hospitality and organizational behavior, it was a logical next step to complement our existing consulting areas with our new Customer Experience and Employee Experience practices."

The Customer Experience Practice has six new consulting offerings focused on blending strategy, tactical execution, impact, and scale: Customer Experience Transformation; World-Class Wow Playbook; Signature Customer Journey Design; Patient Experience Transformation; Customer Service Transformation; and Behavior Excellence Standards.

has six new consulting offerings focused on blending strategy, tactical execution, impact, and scale: Customer Experience Transformation; World-Class Wow Playbook; Signature Customer Journey Design; Patient Experience Transformation; Customer Service Transformation; and Behavior Excellence Standards. The Employee Experience Practice also has six new consulting offerings designed to create positive, thriving, work environments: Employee Experience Transformation; Behavior Excellence Standards; Onboarding & Employee Journey Design; Culture Assessment and Recommendations; Signature Employee Experience Design; and Building a High-Performing, Deeply Engaged Culture.

In addition to the two new practice areas, the firm has expanded its Leadership practice by adding several new transformational leadership consulting offerings. "We have found that a bespoke consulting approach yields much deeper permanent leadership behavior and mindset change than generic one-size-fits-all courses and retreats", said Nicolas Orolin, the firm's Chief Delivery Officer. "As a result, we are excited to launch these new initiatives to better serve our clients' leadership teams across all levels of their organization".

To support these expansion plans, the firm will soon open a second U.S. office in Houston, Texas. A London office is due to open in the third-quarter this year to support the firm's strong growth in Europe.

About Antonia J.A. Hock & Associates

Antonia J.A. Hock & Associates is a global consulting firm focused on customer and employee experience and leadership consulting. Our clients rely on our deep passion for experience and results-driven expertise to help them strengthen their customer experience, employee engagement, leadership and business performance. More information can be found at www.antoniahock.com.

Contact: William Andrews (725) 666-5700 or [email protected]

SOURCE Antonia J.A. Hock & Associates
MUMBAI, India and SHANGHAI, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arctech, the world's leading solar tracking, racking, and BIPV provider has announced it is poised to provide accumulated 662 MW SkyLine II solar tracking solution for two projects with strategic partners in India, marking the company's milestone in 2023 following the 2.8 GW mega project last year.

Arctech signs 242 MW project in India with Sterling & Wilson Arctech 420 MW Contract Signing Ceremony with Torrent Power ( Left: Mr.& LN& Lalwani, Executive& Officer& of& Torrent& Power. Right: Gail Chen, GM of EAI at Arctech and CEO of Jash Energy)

The 242 MW project with Sterling & Wilson is located in Rajasthan, where the company struck a deal and successfully finished the shipment of the 1.7 GW of 1P SkyLine trackers by 2021. By the end of 2022, Rajasthan already has historically over 19GW of renewable energy capacity as India's largest state. This deal marks the third project Arctech and Sterling & Wilson have worked on together after the accumulated capacity of 191 MW historical portfolio in the MENA area.

During the recently closed SNEC PV POWER EXPO in May, Arctech also announced it had harvested another 420MW SkyLine II project with Torrent Power, the project locates in Surel, India.

The company's dedication to local content and service is on par with the local market uptake as it is inevitably the next move for the Indian renewable energy supply chain. In August 2022, Arctech celebrated the inauguration of its first joint venture manufacturing base, Jash Energy in Mundra, India with a 3 GW annual capacity, capable of producing all major components for its solar tracker products.

SkyLine II is a flagship product with a peculiar edge in the Indian market. The first 1P (one-in-portrait) tracker designed with a synchronous multi-point drive mechanism enables a new possibility of designing the plant using trackers with identical pile configurations, overcoming the uncertainty faced in the early stage of plant design and construction. The synchronous multi-point drive mechanism technology rigidifies the tracker to the point of enabling 0deg wind stow mode, hence reducing the difference of wind pressure and post loads between the exterior and interior of the PV plant. By doing so, Skyline II enables a new possibility of designing the plant using trackers with identical pile configurations, overcoming the uncertainty faced in the early stage of plant design and construction.

Gail remarked, " Arctech will continue to operate, develop and deeply cultivate local supply chain in the Indian market, optimizing efficiency and reducing the cost of solar projects to proactively respond to the Indian Government's Mission 500GW by 2030."

SOURCE Arctech
MARIE CLAIRE'S AMBITION ISSUE IS POWERED BY PAYPAL

NEW YORK, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Publishing announces that Ariana DeBose covers Marie Claire's Ambition Issue, which just went live across Marie Claire's digital platforms. This digital issue's theme explores ambition and the intricacies that women have to navigate when they are labeled as such.

Ariana Debose covers Marie Claire's Ambition Issue. The Ambition Issue is powered by PayPal. Tweet this Ariana DeBose Cover Star of Marie Claire

"Marie Claire has long been the magazine brand for ambitious women," says Danielle McNally, acting Editor in Chief. "Ambition has not always served women well, at times branding them 'try-hards' or leading them to burnout. That's why we're reclaiming the word with our Ambition Issue, and creating a celebration of success in whatever's most important to you, whether that's your current career, a completely new one, your home life, or even your well-being. And who better to demonstrate that than our cover star, Ariana DeBose, who has quickly risen from musical theater ensemble player to marquee movie star and weathered the internet storms that come with that."

The Ambition Issue, powered by PayPal, will also feature the magazine's inaugural Hollywood's Next A-List portfolio, a collection of the performers Marie Claire's culture editors believe have what it takes to command film and television screens for years to come. The list, headlined by Ariana DeBose also features Maude Apatow, Jennie Kim, Bella Ramsey, Ayo Edebiri, Halle Bailey and more. Look for deep dive stories into aging ambitiously, showcasing how bio-hacking, metabolic aesthetics, and a niche sect of functional medicine are making it possible to anti-age our insides. An excerpt from Alisha Fernandez Miranda's recently published book, "My What If Year," in which she details quitting her job as PR exec at 40 to be an intern, showing readers that it's never too late to go do what will fulfill you. Along with interviews with experts and anecdotes from real women discussing all of the ways people can be ambitious in their life and career that aren't obvious.

Visit marieclaire.com for additional information.

About Future

Future is a global multi-platform media company and leading digital publisher, with scalable brands and diversified revenue streams. Every month, it connects over 500 million people worldwide with their passions, through expert content, world-class events, and cutting-edge proprietary technology. Every year, Future attracts millions of consumers to its brands' websites, magazines, events, and social spaces. Its market-leading portfolio of over 250 brands spans technology, games, entertainment, women's lifestyle, wealth, knowledge, music, photography, sports, home interest, and B2B sectors. Brands include: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, Gamesradar+, CinemaBlend, Marie Claire, Who What Wear, Homes & Gardens, Kiplinger, The Week, Guitar World, Digital Camera World, Space.com, Smartbrief, and more. Discover more at: www.futureplc.com

SOURCE Future Publishing
A Linn County judge sentenced an Albany man to seven years and five months in prison for domestic violence and sex abuse.

Jeremiah Rojas, 33, pleaded no contest to felony counts of first-degree sexual abuse and strangulation constituting domestic violence on Wednesday, June 7 in Linn County Circuit Court.

Rojas was sentenced to 75 months for the sexual abuse charge, the mandatory minimum sentence under Oregons Measure 11 law, and an additional 14 months for the strangulation charge. He was also sentenced to 10 years of post-prison supervision.

The prosecution said Rojas was previously convicted of violent crimes against the same victim in another jurisdiction. After relocating to Albany, Rojas began a campaign of power and control over the victim, according to prosecutor Lindy Brownback.

In January of 22 is when he became physically violent with her after an argument, Brownback said. He strangled her to the point of seeing stars and she couldnt scream. She experienced some substantial pain from this act.

The victim was pregnant at the time and staying with Rojas, Brownback said, adding she began wearing multiple layers of pants to prevent him from having sexual intercourse against her will.

But that didnt stop Rojas, according to Brownback, who said there was some evidence Rojas forced himself on the victim just days after she gave birth. Judge Keith Stein appeared taken aback and physically repulsed by the prosecutors recounting of Rojas crimes.

Defense attorney Rex White Jr. cited a substance abuse problem that Rojas was suffering from during the time of the crimes and would benefit from treatment during his incarceration. The victim, speaking remotely during the court proceeding, agreed that Rojas needs substance abuse treatment.

I just hope he gets help, she said. After speaking, she could be heard sobbing over the phone.

Responding to the substance abuse claims, Stein said thats outweighed by the prosecutions description of repeated forcible rapes along with a history of violence involving assaults and domestic violence, and the grand jurys determination that the strangulation constituted attempted murder.

The degree of viciousness and savagery involved in this violence is something that cannot be excused by a substance abuse issue, Stein said. And I find that connection to be somewhat laughable here.

Rojas was arrested by Albany Police Department in August on suspicion of rape, assault and strangulation. He was initially charged with three counts of first-degree rape, four counts of fourth-degree assault, menacing and strangulation.

The judge dismissed counts of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree rape, menacing and fourth-degree assault under Rojas plea agreement.

Court documents alleged Rojas knew the victim was pregnant during at least some of the criminal acts, noting they took place over multiple time spans between January and May 2022.
DUBLIN, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Automotive Hypervisor Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The automotive hypervisor market was valued at US$588.491 million in 2021.



An automotive hypervisor is a highly sophisticated software layer that enables multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single hardware platform, such as a car's electronic control unit (ECU). It is a crucial technology that provides a secure and reliable environment for running critical and non-critical applications in isolation.

By acting as a virtualization layer between the hardware and the operating systems, the hypervisor manages the system resources and provides a secure communication mechanism between the guest operating systems. The use of an automotive hypervisor is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry, where integrating multiple systems and technologies into vehicles is becoming more complex.

With the rise of connected cars and the increasing popularity of autonomous driving technologies, automakers are looking for ways to develop new features and functions quickly and efficiently. The hypervisor provides a secure and reliable environment for running multiple applications and operating systems on a single hardware platform, enabling automakers to meet the demands of the modern automotive market.



The automotive hypervisor market is driven by increasing demand for connected cars, growing adoption of autonomous driving technologies, and increasing focus on cybersecurity.



Increasing demand for connected cars - With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the increasing popularity of connected cars, automotive manufacturers are looking for ways to integrate multiple systems and technologies into their vehicles. Automotive hypervisors can provide a secure and reliable environment for running various applications and operating systems on a single hardware platform, enabling automakers to develop new features and functions quickly and efficiently.



Growing adoption of autonomous driving technologies - Autonomous driving is another significant driver of the automotive hypervisor market. As vehicles become more advanced and automated, the need for secure and reliable software systems that can run multiple functions and applications simultaneously is becoming increasingly important.

Automotive hypervisors can provide the necessary virtualization capabilities to support autonomous driving systems, ensuring that critical functions such as steering, braking, and acceleration remain separate from non-critical functions such as infotainment and navigation. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 94% of all accidents are caused by human error, making autonomous driving technologies a potential solution for reducing accidents and fatalities.



Increasing focus on cybersecurity. With the growing number of connected devices and systems in modern vehicles, cybersecurity has become a major concern for automotive manufacturers. Automotive hypervisors can help improve these systems' security by separating critical and non-critical functions and providing secure communication channels between them.

This can help prevent cyber-attacks and ensure the vehicle's and its occupants' safety and security. In addition, the US Department of Transportation has also launched the Automotive Cybersecurity Best Practices initiative to promote developing and implementing industry-wide cybersecurity best practices. The initiative aims to address cybersecurity risks associated with modern vehicles, including threats to safety and privacy.



Based on vehicle type, the automotive hypervisor market is expected to witness positive growth in the passenger cars segment.



Automotive hypervisors offer several benefits to passenger cars, such as increased safety and security, improved performance, and reduced power consumption. These advantages make hypervisors a viable solution for modern passenger cars. Passenger cars have various electronic control units (ECUs) that manage different functions, such as engine control, braking, and infotainment systems. The adoption of hypervisors allows multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single ECU, which reduces the system's overall complexity, leading to better performance and cost savings.



North America accounted for a significant global automotive hypervisor market share in 2021.



Based on geography, the automotive hypervisor market is segmented into North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The North American automotive hypervisor market is expected to experience significant growth during the projected period. Factors such as the growing demand for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to drive the market's growth. In addition, the presence of established automotive companies and leading technology providers in the region are likely to contribute to the market's expansion. Moreover, implementing stringent safety regulations and increasing focus on improving vehicle safety are anticipated to create opportunities for market growth in North America. In addition, the region's developed infrastructure and rising investments in R&D activities are expected further to augment the development of the automotive hypervisor market.



Market Segmentation:

By Vehicle Type

Passenger Cars

Commercial Vehicles

By Type

Bare Metal or Type 1

Hosted or Type 2

By Geography

North America

USA

Canada

Mexico

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Others

Europe

Germany

France

United Kingdom

Spain

Others

Middle East and Africa

and Saudi Arabia

UAE

Israel

Others

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Indonesia

Taiwan

Others

Key Topics Covered:



1. INTRODUCTION



2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4. MARKET DYNAMICS



5. AUTOMOTIVE HYPERVISOR MARKET BY VEHICLE TYPE



6. AUTOMOTIVE HYPERVISOR MARKET BY TYPE

7. AUTOMOTIVE HYPERVISOR MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY



8. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS



9. COMPANY PROFILES



Companies Mentioned

Siemens

BlackBerry Limited

Green Hills Software

Wind River Systems, Inc.

OpenSynergy

ETAS

Elektrobit

HARMAN International

Renesas Electronics Corporation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/v4xepa

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
ALPHARETTA, Ga., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Respiratory Health (RH) business to SunMed Group Holdings, LLC (SunMed).

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, SunMed is a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of consumable medical devices for anesthesia and respiratory care with a comprehensive product portfolio that spans the continuum of care from first responders to hospitals and home care.

The divestiture of the RH business represents a key component of Avanos' ongoing three-year transformation process, and accelerates the Company's efforts to focus its portfolio on markets where it is well positioned to succeed.

"Earlier this year, we shared our strategy and intent to optimize our portfolio by focusing on higher-margin and higher-growth markets  particularly in our Digestive Health and Pain Management & Recovery product categories," said Joe Woody, Avanos chief executive officer. "We expect that divesting the Respiratory Health business  along with our ongoing SKU rationalization initiatives and future M&A opportunities  will allow us to meaningfully transform the financial profile of Avanos."

"SunMed has deep experience and strong expertise in the global respiratory health consumables market, making it an ideal home for Avanos' RH business," said Hank Struik, SunMed's chief executive officer. "We believe Avanos' BALLARD* closed-suction technology will be a powerful addition to SunMed's broad and growing portfolio."

Sale of the RH Business

The transaction includes substantially all of the assets primarily used in the RH business, including fixed assets, inventory, intangible assets  including the BALLARD*, MICROCUFF* and endOclear* brands  and long-term leases for two manufacturing facilities located in Mexico (Magdalena and Nogales 2).

Avanos will provide transition services after closing as SunMed works to integrate its new RH business within its product portfolio.

The net proceeds from the transaction will enhance Avanos' balance sheet flexibility and provide additional capacity for Avanos to deploy capital in a focused and disciplined approach to M&A in the Company's core categories and markets.

The transaction is expected to close in late 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company plans to share additional details about the transaction during its Investor Day event on June 20, 2023.

Alston & Bird LLP is serving as legal counsel to Avanos. Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as SunMed's legal counsel.

About Avanos Medical, Inc.

Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) is a medical technology company focused on delivering clinically superior medical device solutions that will help patients get back to the things that matter. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, we are committed to addressing some of today's most important healthcare needs, including providing a vital lifeline for nutrition to patients from hospital to home, and reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery. We develop, manufacture and market our recognized brands globally and hold leading market positions in multiple categories across our portfolio. For more information, visit Avanos.com and follow Avanos Medical on Twitter (@AvanosMedical), LinkedIn and Facebook.

About SunMed Group Holdings, LLC

SunMed, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with manufacturing and distribution sites in the United States, Mexico, China and Europe, is a leading medical device manufacturer, offering one of the most comprehensive portfolios of consumable anesthesia and respiratory care products. SunMed's product portfolio spans the continuum of care from first responders to hospitals and home care, with safety, patient comfort and clinical performance in mind. SunMed's comprehensive portfolio of trusted respiratory care and anesthesia products include premier brands such as Salter Labs, Ethox Medical, Ventlab and Westmed. Currently, SunMed has over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space, providing comprehensive expertise in all plastics materials and conversionsupported by a world-class Quality Management System. Frazier Healthcare Partners, a leading healthcare investment firm, acquired a majority ownership stake in SunMed in 2021.

* Registered Trademark or Trademark of Avanos Medical, Inc., or its affiliates.  2018 AVNS. All rights reserved.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains information that includes or is based on "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of Avanos Medical, Inc. to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements include statements regarding the impact of the transaction on the Company's financial profile, and its ability to enhance the Company's balance sheet and provide additional capacity for the Company to deploy capital, and the expected timing of the closing. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to successfully execute on or achieve the expected benefits of its transformation process. The information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as may be required by the securities laws.

Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact future results is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Avanos Medical, Inc.
CHICAGO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Azzur Group today announces the appointment of Brian Salbilla to Director of Azzur Chicago, Azzur Group 's GxP advisory and consulting operation serving the Greater Chicago region and Midwestern United States.

Brian Salbilla, Director of Consulting, Azzur Chicago

Brian brings to Azzur Group more than 20 years of GxP experience with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies, specializing in quality management system (QMS) implementation, CAPA, documentation, audits, IT systems, and new product development. In his role, Brian will work with Azzur business experts to continue advancing Azzur Chicago's client service offerings in the region, delivering best-in-class advisory and consulting services that allow manufacturers to employ risk-averse, fit-for-purpose, and phase-appropriate GxP solutions.

"I'm excited to begin the next stage of my career at Azzur Group, serving the life science community of Chicago and the Greater Midwest. Together with Azzur Labs, Azzur Consulting offers unique solutions and testing that affords our clients local, comprehensive services necessary to meet the demands of the industry," said Brian Salbilla, Director of Azzur Chicago.

Most recently, Brian served as senior manager of GxP systems and compliance for Phathom Pharmaceuticals, before which he spent more than 16 years developing his career within the quality department at Baxter International. He holds a master of science degree in molecular biology from the California State University at Northridge and a bachelor of arts degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of California Berkeley. He is certified with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Certified Quality Engineer and a Certified Quality Manager/Organizational Excellence.

Originally established in 2020, Azzur Chicago is complemented by Azzur Labs Chicago, which offers analytical compliance testing for the life sciences and healthcare industries.

"We are pleased to welcome Brian to the Azzur Group family," said Allison Kerska , President, Azzur Consulting. "Brian's industry experience and past leadership allow him to understand the challenges faced by our clients, as well as unique solutions to support their GxP efforts."

For more information about Azzur Group, visit Azzur.com .

About Azzur Group

From Discovery to Delivery, Azzur Group provides the life science community full life-cycle solutions for all their GxP needs. From Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand facilities, to our labs, training centers and consulting offices across the nation, Azzur Group helps organizations start, scale, and sustain their growing enterprises. With nearly four decades of service to the life science community, we have become a trusted partner to the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and healthcare companies, as well as their supply chain. Follow us on LinkedIn . For more information, visit Azzur.com .

SOURCE Azzur Group, LLC
Buenos Aires, June 8, 2023  Banco BBVA Argentina S.A (NYSE; BYMA; MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) announced yesterday the dividend payment notice of the first installment

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

Dividends Payment Notice

The Shareholders of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. are hereby notified that, as resolved by the General Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders  Meeting held on April 28, 2023, the authorization of the Argentine Central Bank Financial and Exchange Entities Authority obtained on May 31, 2023 and the Board of Directors meeting held on June 7, 2023, the Bank will make available and pay to its existing shareholders on the Bank share register as of June 22, 2023 (the "Cut-Off Date") installment 1, as of June 27, 2023 (the "Payment Date"), of a dividend through the delivery of 8.254.072.169 in principal amount of the Argentine Treasury bill in pesos adjusted by CER at a discount due November 21, 2023. (ISIN ARARGE520DT9) Ticker X23N3 (CV code 9197) at a ratio of nominal value 13.4714156856 of the above mentioned security for each Company share of $ 1 par value, which represents 1370.99 % of the capital stock of AR$ 612,710,079. Fractions of less than 1 will be settled in Pesos, at the closing price of the record date.

Shareholders who choose to receive Argentine Pesos must send, for each installment, a written notice, signed by the holder of the shares to that end, from June 7 to June 22, 2023 including this date, on business days within that period, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. at the following e-mail address: [email protected], or to Torre BBVA, Av. Cordoba 111, 26th. Floor, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. C/O Ezequiel Serra.

The amount of the cash dividend corresponding to installment 1 amounts to Ps. 8,400,169,246.50, which represents Ps. 13.7098597434 per share.

In this case, the dividend will be made available through Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. at Av. Cordoba 111, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Payment Date: June 27.

Cut-Off Date: June 22.

The dividend will be made available as from the date indicated above, through Caja de Valores S.A., located at 25 de Mayo 362, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, on business days from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., where the required formalities must be complied with and settlements will be made in accordance with the regulatory deadlines.

Those shareholders who hold their shares in the Shareholders Registry kept by Caja de Valores S.A. on behalf of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. should contact such entity at the e-mail address [email protected] to obtain information on the procedure applicable for the purpose of disposing of the securities as dividends in kind.

Holders of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) will receive payment through the depository bank, Bank of New York Mellon, as of the date resulting from the application of the rules in force in the jurisdiction where Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.'s ADSs are listed. In this regard, the cut-off and/or payment dates may differ from those reported herein.

It is expressly stated that the Shareholders holdings recorded as of the Cut-Off Date for each installment will be the only ones taken into account for purposes of the payment of the declared dividend. Notices given by those who are not holders of shares of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. as of the Cut-Off Date shall be deemed not to have been submitted and shall be null and void.

From the distribution of dividends, the amounts duly paid by Banco BBVA Argentina S.A., in its capacity as Substitute Obligor for the Personal Property Tax corresponding to the periods 2021 and 2022 of Shareholders who have been subject to such tax, shall be deducted, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of the last paragraph of section incorporated by Law No. 26,452 after section 25 of Law No. 23,966.

Income tax is not withheld in this installment.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.
Buenos Aires, June 8, 2023  Banco BBVA Argentina S.A (NYSE; BYMA; MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) announced yesterday the approval of dividend payment schedule

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Shareholders of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. are hereby notified that, as resolved by the General Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders  Meeting held on April 28, 2023, the authorization of the Argentine Central Bank Financial and Exchange Entities Authority obtained on May 31, 2023 and the Board of Directors meeting held on June 7, 2023, the payment of a dividend in the amount of AR$ 50,401,015,479 to be paid in kind through the delivery of 49,524,433,015 in aggregate principal amount of the Argentine Treasury bill in pesos adjusted by CER at a discount due November 23, 2023. (ISIN ARARGE520DT9) Ticker X23N3 (CV code 9197) was approved and the following dividend payment schedule was resolved:

2023 Installment

N Cut-Off Date Payment

date Argentine Treasury Bill in Pesos adjusted by

CER at a discount due on November 21, 2023. Principal Amount 1 June 22 June 27 8,254,072,169. 2 July 17 July 20 8,254,072,169. 3 August 3 August 8 8,254,072,169. 4 September 5 September 8 8,254,072,169. 5 October 2 October 5 8,254,072,169. 6 October 27 November 1 8,254,072,169.

Each time the dividend is made available, the corresponding payment notice will be issued, stating again: i) the amount of securities to be made available to the shareholders; ii) the amount of securities per share; and iii) whether the dividend to be paid is subject to any type of tax withholding. Fractions of less than 1 will be settled in Pesos, at the closing price of the record date.

In this regard, it is hereby informed that:

i) The payment dividends to all Shareholders shall be made in kind, unless they express, for each installment, their decision to receive it in Argentine Pesos.

The dividend will be made available as of the indicated date, through Caja de Valores S.A. located at 25 de Mayo 362, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires; on business days from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., where they must comply with the required formalities and the settlements will be made in accordance with the regulatory deadlines.

ii) Shareholders who choose to receive Argentine pesos must send a written notice, signed by the holder of the shares, to Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. at the following e-mail address: [email protected], or on business days to Torre BBVA, Av. Cordoba 111, 26 th. Floor, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. C/O Ezequiel Serra, the term to do so will be informed in the corresponding payment notice. In this case, the dividend will be made available through Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. at Av. Cordoba 111, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Those shareholders who hold their shares in the Shareholders' Registry kept by Caja de Valores S.A. on behalf of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. should contact such entity at the e-mail address [email protected] to obtain information on the procedure applicable for the purpose of disposing of the securities as dividends in kind.

Holders of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) will receive payment through the depository bank, Bank of New York Mellon, as of the date resulting from the application of the rules in force in the jurisdiction where Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.'s ADSs are listed. In this regard, the cut-off and/or payment dates may differ from those reported herein.

It is expressly stated that the Shareholders holdings of shares recorded as of the Cut-Off Date will be the only ones taken into account for purposes of the payment of the declared dividend. Notices given by those who are not holders of shares of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. as of the Cut-Off Date shall be deemed not to have been submitted and shall be null and void.

From the distribution of dividends, the amounts duly paid by Banco BBVA Argentina S.A., in its capacity as Substitute Obligor for the Personal Property Tax corresponding to the periods 2021 and 2022 of Shareholders who have been subject to such tax, shall be deducted, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of the last paragraph of section incorporated by Law No. 26,452 after section 25 of Law No. 23,966.

Likewise, it is informed that with respect to Income Tax, in each payment notice, the tax withholding will be determined, if applicable.

Simultaneously with this document, the notice corresponding to the payment of the dividend corresponding to installment 1 is published.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.
Cooperation between Abiec and Imaflora could raise from 16 to 39 the number of meatpackers that adopt unified socioenvironmental criteria in cattle purchases

SAO PAULO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Imaflora and the Brazilian Association of Beef Exporting Industries (Abiec) today announced that the latter has formally adhered to the Boi na Linha (Beef On Track) Protocol jointly developed with the Federal Prosecution Office to establish socioenvironmental criteria in cattle purchases throughout Brazil. Currently, of the 39 members of ABIEC, 16 have already adhered to the protocol, including the 3 largest in Brazil. The aim of the cooperation is to share the standard among all members.

As a result of a term of technical cooperation between Imaflora and Abiec, a program will be put together to allow for gradual and inclusive expansion of the use of the Beef On Track protocol by all associate members of the entity throughout Brazil.

"Given the standing of the Abiec members, we will improve the business environment by standardizing the origination procedures and criteria within the sector", says Marina Piatto, executive director of Imaflora.

"This cooperation is a fundamental step for promoting a sustainable beef cattle value chain in Brazil, by sharing the expertise, already acquired by Imaflora, with all our members", says Antonio Camardelli, president of Abiec.

The cooperation between the two entities will also positively differentiate the Abiec members within the domestic and external markets, and among consumers, investors and other interested parties, raising the value of legal livestock farming produce while supporting the country's climate commitments and countering illegality.

"Our ambition is to have every company operating in the Amazon adhere to the protocol within one year, and other member companies within two years" says Fernando Sampaio, Sustainability Director of Abiec.

The 16 companies account for 74% of the cattle slaughtered at federally inspected (SIF) meatpacking plants in the Amazon, and 63% of total (SIF) slaughter in Brazil .

The cooperation will permit engagement and training of Abiec member meatpackers and has the potential to reach the 39 companies that account for 84% of federally inspected slaughtering in the Legal Amazon region, 80% of SIF-inspected slaughtering in Brazil and 98% of Brazilian exports.

About Beef On Track:

The Beef On Track program is the outcome of a long process, led by Imaflora and the Federal Prosecution Office, of conversations among them, other civil society organizations and meatpackers with the intention of harmonizing and strengthening the socioenvironmental commitment within the beef cattle value chain in the Amazon and boosting its implementation.

The approach of the Beef On Track program aims to put cattle producers, meatpackers, supermarkets, investors, government agents and civil society organizations on the same page. The objective is to foster good practices by means of harmonized processes involving monitoring, audits and progress reports to increase the transparency of the chain.

The monitoring criteria used in the Boi na Linha protocol are available at:

www.boinalinha.org/

About Abiec:

The Brazilian Association of Beef Exporting Industries (Abiec) was founded in 1979 and is today the main representative of the industry in the international areas of trade regulations, sanitary requirements and open markets.

Abiec's attributions include bringing together, coordinating, promoting, expanding, representing and defending in and out of court, in Brazil or abroad, the interests of the beef and beef product exporting industries throughout Brazil, seeking to contribute with solutions for the general and specific problems of the class involving government or private sector entities

Since 2009, we have advocated for sustainable livestock farming by encouraging our members to adopt socioenvironmental risk management instruments in raw material procurement, while supporting the implementation of good practices in the industry .

www.abiec.com.br/

About Imaflora:

Imaflora, (Institute for Forest and Agricultural Stewardship and Certification), is a Brazilian NGO founded in 1995.

The Institute is present throughout Brazil, promoting actions that contribute to both conserving natural resources and improving and maintaining the quality of life of rural and forest workers, traditional and indigenous peoples, quilombola communities and family farmers.

Through integrated and innovative solutions, Imaflora has shown itself to be an agent for change in the forestry and livestock farming sectors, demonstrating that it is possible to: Reconcile production with conservancy; combine social, environmental and economic benefits and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

www.imaflora.org

For further information, contact Imaflora's Press Agency:

Vanessa Fontes

+551194105.8309

[email protected]

SOURCE Imaflora
Wide-area motion imagery (WAMI) system tested as payload for Air-Launched Effects platform

FAIRFAX, Va., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Logos Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America, announced today that its BlackKite IR wide-area motion imagery (WAMI) pod was, for the first time ever, successfully employed on a U.S. Army Group 4 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) during the Experimentation Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE) 23, held at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, this past month.

BlackKite Wami Pod

The BlackKite WAMI system, which can image, track and record hundreds of targets moving across a city-sized area, was used in experimental long-range detection and identification missions during EDGE 23, with the Group 4 UAS serving as a surrogate platform for a future Air-Launched Effects (ALE) drone being pursued by the Army.

"We demonstrated how our lightweight BlackKite pod could be used in the long-range detection of enemy vehicles and air defense systems," said Doug Rombough, VP of Business Development at Logos Technologies. "And even though the Group 4 UAS was only meant to serve as a surrogate for ALE, we also showed how our platform-agnostic BlackKite pod could work with long-endurance Group 4 UAS."

BlackKite weighs less than 38 pounds in the podded version and can been mounted to planes, helicopters, and Group 3 (or larger) UAS. When BlackKite is placed inside an existing payload bay, it only adds 25 pounds to the platform. At an altitude of 12,000 feet, BlackKite can image a 16 square kilometer area, detecting and tracking in real time multiple moving vehicles and dismounts. It can also store greater than eight hours of recorded and geo-referenced imagery with its onboard processor.

"BlackKite can stream both live and archived imagery to users on the ground, so they have perfect situational awareness whatever the missionbe it, force protection, tactical-level persistent surveillance, route reconnaissance and overwatch, or border security," said Rombough.

A subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America, Logos Technologies LLC specializes in advanced sensors, wide-area motion imagery, advanced analytics and the processing of large, multisource datasets. Logos serves government customers, including the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and Department of Homeland Security, as well as a range of customers in commercial and international markets.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Logos Technologies LLC
BOCA RATON, Fla. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boca Fertility, a premier fertility treatment center in Boca Raton, FL, is pleased to announce the addition of two highly regarded fertility specialists, Dr. Cheri Margolis and Dr. Leah Roberts, to its esteemed team.

The arrival of Dr. Margolis and Dr. Roberts marks an exciting new chapter for Boca Fertility, enhancing the clinic's capabilities in fertility preservation, in vitro fertilization, third-party reproduction, and preimplantation genetics and diagnostics, among other fertility services. Both doctors recently completed their fellowships at Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) in New Jersey and are thrilled to return to their roots in Florida, further strengthening Boca Fertility's position as one of the leading fertility centers in the state.

Dr. Margolis expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I am truly honored to return to my hometown and join the incredible team at Boca Fertility. Having trained at some of the largest IVF centers in the country with exceptional patient outcomes, I am privileged to bring the most advanced, innovative, and evidence-based treatments to families in southern Florida."

With the addition of these new physicians, Boca Fertility aims to expand its reach in southern Florida, serving more patients and helping create more families. Dr. Moshe Peress, Founder & Medical Director of Boca Fertility, shared his excitement about the new additions, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the Boca Fertility physician team, and the bright future the practice holds with Dr. Roberts and Dr. Margolis. Their partnership will enable us to continue providing industry-leading fertility solutions to more individuals in South Florida, raising the bar for excellence in patient experiences."

Dr. Roberts, who recognizes the transformative impact of Boca Fertility's comprehensive and compassionate fertility care, expressed her excitement, saying, "I am eager to collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals who share the common goal of delivering exceptional care and achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients."

Established in 1982, Boca Fertility holds the distinction of being the first clinic in Palm Beach County to offer in vitro fertilization (IVF). Since then, it has maintained its position as a leading fertility center in southern Florida. The clinic's commitment to delivering outstanding care and exceptional patient experiences has garnered national recognition, including being featured in the Top 10% of Newsweek's 2023 Best Fertility Clinics in America.

To learn more about Boca Fertility's state-of-the-art fertility treatment center and services, please visit www.bocafertility.com.

About Boca Fertility:

Boca Fertility is a premier fertility treatment center located in Boca Raton, Florida. Established in 1982, the clinic offers a wide range of cutting-edge fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility preservation, and preimplantation genetic testing. Boca Fertility is dedicated to providing personalized care and delivering excellent outcomes for its patients.

SOURCE Boca Fertility
The global breast cancer drugs market is experiencing growth due to several factors, such as the rise in the prevalence of breast cancer cases, advancements in diagnostic technologies, and high investments in research and development

PORTLAND, Ore., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Breast Cancer Drugs Market by Therapy (Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy), Age Group (Below 55 Years and Above 55 Years), and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores and Retail Pharmacies, and Online Providers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232032." According to the report, the global breast cancer drugs market was valued at $26.4 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $59.3 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2032.

Download Sample Report- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/11488

Prime Determinants of Growth

The global breast cancer drugs market is experiencing growth due to several factors, such as the rise in the prevalence of breast cancer cases, advancements in diagnostic technologies, and high investments in research and development. However, adverse effects of medications used for treating breast cancer are hampering the breast cancer drugs market growth. On the contrary, the high growth potential in untapped emerging economies is expected to offer remunerative opportunities for expansion of the breast cancer drugs market during the forecast period.

Report Coverage & Details

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $26.4 Billion Market Size in 2032 $59.3 Billion CAGR 8.4 % No. of Pages in Report 252 Segments Covered Therapy, Age Group, Distribution Channel and Region Drivers Rise in the prevalence of breast cancer cases Advancements in diagnostic technologies High investments in research and development Opportunity High growth potential in untapped emerging economies Restraints Adverse effects associated with the use cancer drugs

COVID-19 Scenario

The pandemic has led to disruptions in healthcare systems worldwide, including delays in cancer screenings, diagnosis, and treatment.

In addition, non-urgent medical procedures and appointments were postponed or canceled to prioritize resources for COVID-19 patients. This had resulted in a burden of breast cancer cases and delayed initiation or adjustments of treatment regimens, impacting the demand for breast cancer drugs.

However, the breast cancer drugs market has gradually recovered from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. As healthcare systems stabilize and resume normal operations, there is an opportunity for the key players in the market to regain momentum and address the backlog of breast cancer cases that were postponed or delayed.

Procure Complete Report (252 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures)

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/breast-cancer-drugs-market

The targeted therapy segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on therapy, the targeted therapy segment held the largest share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global breast cancer drugs market revenue, and is projected to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Owing to rise in adoption of targeted therapy in breast cancer treatment. On the other hand, hormonal therapy is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 9.2% during forecast period. Owing to proven efficacy of hormonal therapy in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cases and wide availability of hormonal drugs for breast cancer treatment.

The above 55 years segment to maintain its dominance during the forecast period

Based on age group, the above 55 years segment held the largest share in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the global breast cancer drugs market revenue, and is projected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. However, the same segment would showcase the highest CAGR of 8.6% during forecast period. This is due to rise in number of breast cancer cases diagnosed in this age group.

The drug stores and retail pharmacies segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on distribution channel, the drug stores and retail pharmacies segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, holding more than half of the global breast cancer drugs market revenue, and is expected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Owing to the widespread availability of retail pharmacies and extensive chain distribution systems. However, the online providers segment is estimated to register highest CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2032. This is attributed to the increasing user preference for online pharmacies and their popularity

For Purchase Inquiry- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/11488

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

Based on region, North America held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global breast cancer drugs market revenue, and is projected to maintain its dominance by 2032. Owing to the presence of a large patient population suffering from breast cancer, the strong presence of key players, ease of drug availability, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies in the healthcare system, and a higher number of research, development, and innovation activities. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2032. This is due to an increase in investments for the development of anti-cancer agents, an increase in the number of breast cancer cases, and a rise in awareness related to available treatment options, thereby driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Leading Market Players-

Novartis AG

Pfizer Inc.

AstraZeneca Plc

Eli Lilly and Company

Merck and Co., Inc.

Bristol Myers Squibb Company

Zydus Lifesciences Limited

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global breast cancer drugs market. These players have adopted different strategies, such as acquisition, product launch, product approval, and funding, to increase their market share and maintain dominant positions in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolios, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Trending Reports in Healthcare Sector

Europe In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030

Coronary Stents Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030

Precision Medicine Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030

Viral Vector and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030

AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model):

AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports.

Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access

About Allied Market Research:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domains. AMR offers its services across 11 industry verticals including Life Sciences, Consumer Goods, Materials & Chemicals, Construction & Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Semiconductor & Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, ICT & Media, Aerospace & Defense, and BFSI.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact:

David Correa

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285

UK: +44-845-528-1300

Hong Kong: +852-301-84916

India (Pune): +91-20-66346060

Fax: +1-855-550-5975

[email protected]

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/3950895/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Allied Market Research
Collection storage at Royal British Columbia Museum on Vancouver Island

PANNINGEN, Netherlands, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bruynzeel Storage Systems has received the largest order in its corporate history with the collection storage of the Royal British Columbia Museum in Canada. The new Collections and Research Building (CRB) will open in 2026 and will store an impressive collection of more than 7 million artefacts and British Columbia's archives. It is one of the most important history museums in Canada. The current museum building dates back to 1886 and attracts millions of visitors annually. The value of the new building project is over 180 million. Of the total area of 15,000m2, Bruynzeel furnishes almost half with its storage systems. It is also one of the first projects to be built with low carbon steel. Bruynzeel is the global market leader in storage systems for libraries, archives and museums.

Sustainability important criteria in procurement

Located on Vancouver Island, in a suburb of capital Victoria, the museum offers a rich overview of the history of the province of British Columbia. The new building not only gives the museum more space, but it also contributes to the museum's greater sustainability goals. By choosing a solution with partially movable aisles, the building's space is used as efficiently as possible. This saves money, time and CO2 emissions. Mobile solutions can reduce space requirements by as much as 50%.

Cooperation with US subsidiary Delta

Bruynzeel is carrying out a significant part of the project with its U.S. subsidiary Delta Designs Ltd, which was acquired in March '23. Delta Designs is known for its top-of-the-line hermetically sealed museum grade cabinets designed to preserve fragile objects.

The Kansas-based company has worked with leading institutions like the Guggenheim Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, MIT Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, the Smithsonian, the Art Institute of Chicago, Harvard and many other notable Ivy League Universities.

Together, Bruynzeel and Delta offer the best total solutions for museums, institutions and precious collections. Bruynzeel works with respected clients such as Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, Centre Pompidou, CC-NL (CollectieCentrum Nederland), the Louvre, Rijksmuseum, Science Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, the Vatican and the University of St Andrews.

Low Carbon steel

The systems supplied by Bruynzeel for the Royal British Columbia Museum (art racks, static and mobile shelving, cabinets) are fitted with Bruynzeel GreenSteel wherever possible. This steel provides a CO2 saving of more than 90% compared to the common standard in the market. This makes it currently the most sustainable steel option. For this, Bruynzeel is working with Arcelor Mittal and accredited XCarb certificates. The next goal is to be able to use hydrogen-produced steel from 2030, Bruynzeel GreenSteel 2.0. This represents the next important step towards climate neutral steel. Bruynzeel's ambition is to significantly increase production with GreenSteel in the coming years.

Bruynzeel also recently implemented Bruynzeel GreenSteel in the new sustainable library of the famous Scottish 'University of St Andrews'. This is one of the largest and oldest research libraries in the UK. The university was founded in 1413 and the impressive library has a collection of more than one million books, some of which dates back to the early 15th century.

Alexander Collot d'Escury, CEO of Bruynzeel Storage Systems: "We are extremely proud that the management of Royal British Columbia Museum has chosen Bruynzeel for the storage of its impressive collections. Important in acquiring the contract was sustainability. Not only do we apply Bruynzeel GreenSteel wherever possible, but we are also the most sustainable supplier in the industry. In this way, organizations can contribute to significant changes throughout the supply chain and a future with minimal CO2 impact. We deliver the highest quality storage systems from Bruynzeel and our new subsidiary Delta Designs to ensure long-term preservation of precious collections."

Climate neutral

Bruynzeel has been climate neutral in its own operations (Scope 1 and 2, GHG protocol1) since 2021. A renewed audit was conducted by Deloitte for 2022. Bruynzeel has committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi2) to achieve 'Net Zero' for Scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2045. As part of the focus on continuous improvements, energy consumption per product produced has been reduced by more than 10% by 2022.

Bruynzeel storage systems has the lowest CO2 footprint in the industry, and as "The Footprint Reduction Company," Bruynzeel aims to further strengthen its position as the most sustainable manufacturer in the coming years.

About Bruynzeel Storage Systems

Bruynzeel Storage Systems was founded in 1953 as part of the Bruynzeel Group and became independent in the 1980s. The company operates in the museum, archive, library and office markets with customers including the Louvre Paris and Abu Dhabi, the Boijmans van Beuningen Depot, the British government's National Archives and Schiphol Airport. The Netherlands-based company is also growing rapidly in mobile storage solutions for healthcare, retail, industrial and vertical farming.

Bruynzeel Storage Systems is the European market leader for innovative and space-saving mobile storage systems. Bruynzeel supplies mobile storage systems worldwide with the most innovative functionality and safety for users and objects. Bruynzeel helps these organizations use their space as efficiently and effectively as possible. Less space required means lower costs and has a huge positive impact on the carbon footprint. Bruynzeel itself is climate neutral in its own operations (Scope 1 and Scope 2). Its solutions have the lowest carbon footprint in the industry. As "The Footprint Reduction Company," Bruynzeel's mission is to support organizations in reducing their carbon footprint.

Early 2023, Delta Designs Ltd became part of the Bruynzeel Storage Group. Delta Designs is a leader in North America for the storage of museum, university and research institution collections and is known for its custom-made, high-quality museum cabinets. Delta has worked with leading institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, MIT Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, the Smithsonian, the Art Institute of Chicago, Harvard and many other notable Ivy League Universities.

In addition to its own 11 offices in Europe and the United States, Bruynzeel operates through an extensive network of long-term partners & distributors in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, North America, Australia and Asia. All systems are produced in its factories in the Netherlands and America. The company has more than 250 employees and with its best-in-class manufacturing process, Bruynzeel is able to deliver mobile storage systems with high quality and design with very short production and delivery times.

Website: www.bruynzeel-storage.com

Appendix: Illustrations LINK

Note1: https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/ghg-protocol-revised.pdf

Note2: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/companies-taking-action#table

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096617/Bruynzeel_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Bruynzeel
Qatars sovereign wealth fund is reportedly still in the mix to acquire Vodafone Egypt shares from Telecom Egypt Egypt, with a deal potentially to be announced this month, reported Daily News Egypt.

The newspaper cited anonymous sources that claimed the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) intends to acquire the whole 45% stake Telecom Egypt holds in Vodafone. But the Egyptian government harbours concerns over the state-owned operators divestment of shares in its rival but did not disclose further detail.

The sources said if conditions are met, then an initial deal closure could occur before June 30. They also speculated the QIA could swoop in for the rest of the shares (55%) held by Vodacom Group.

South Africa-based Vodacom hailed its acquisition of Vodafone Egypt shares for an immediate lift in revenues.

We reported last year the QIA was discussing with the Egyptian government in regards to acquiring around US$2.5 billion of state holdings in various companies, including Vodafone Egypt.
Capella will provide high resolution commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery for evaluation in support of Earth Science Research.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Capella Space, an American space tech company and the world's leading provider of commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery for a wide range of government, commercial and scientific applications, today announced it has been awarded a five year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) by NASA's Earth Science Division for the purchase of its high resolution SAR imagery and data for evaluation to determine their suitability for advancing NASA's science and application goals.

Under this sole-source agreement, NASA will have access to Capella's commercial SAR image products, which range from 0.5 to 1.2 meter ground resolution and represent one of the highest resolution imagery capabilities offered by any SAR provider. The agreement will facilitate fixed price call-off contracts valued up to $7 million per call, effective for five years from the date of the agreement.

Capella Space awarded five year blanket purchase agreement by NASA for the purchase of its high resolution SAR data Tweet this

This BPA is funded by the Earth Science Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in support of NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. Imagery procured under this agreement will provide NASA's Earth Science Division with additional perspective for scientific research of Earth's interconnected systems, enhancing existing NASA datasets.

"As the first operator of an American commercial SAR constellation, we are thrilled to support NASA's research efforts," said Payam Banazadeh, CEO and founder of Capella Space. "The BPA Framework allows NASA's Earth Science Division to take advantage of our growing constellation of commercial SAR satellites across a wide diversity of orbits. We look forward to supporting this highly valuable scientific research effort."

"NASA is excited for the opportunity to evaluate high resolution SAR data from Capella Space in the context of our Earth Science research, analysis and applications portfolios," said Dr. Will McCarty, NASA CSDA Program Scientist. "With the advent of SAR from commercial sources like Capella Space, we are interested how these small satellite constellations can supplement our existing NASA datasets and capabilities. Ultimately, we aim to leverage these data to provide new perspectives on the scientific priorities of the Earth Science Division."

This award builds on the strong partnerships Capella Space has developed with other US government agencies including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO), U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the U.S. Space Force.

To learn more about Capella Space's high-resolution data and offerings, please visit the Capella website.

About Capella Space

Capella Space is an American space tech company with data and satellite solutions for government and commercial use. A pioneer in the Earth observation industry, Capella is the first U.S. company with a constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, delivering high quality and resolution SAR imagery commercially available. Capella provides easy access to frequent and timely information affecting dozens of industries worldwide, including defense and intelligence, supply chain, insurance, maritime and others. Its market-leading SAR satellites are matched with unparalleled data infrastructure to quickly deliver reliable global insights that sharpen our understanding of the changing world  improving decisions about commerce, conservation, and security on Earth. Headquartered in San Francisco, California with additional locations in Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C., Capella's satellites are operated, designed, and manufactured in the USA. Learn more at www.capellaspace.com.

SOURCE Capella Space
Narrowing fiscal year 2023 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to $5.65 to $5.80 , from $5.60 to $5.80 (13% growth at the mid-point) 1

to , from to (13% growth at the mid-point) Providing preliminary fiscal year 2024 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance of $6.45 to $6.70 (15% growth at the mid-points)

to (15% growth at the mid-points) Providing long-term financial targets reflecting 12% to 14% growth of non-GAAP diluted EPS (3-year CAGR) 2

Raising long-term financial target for Pharmaceutical segment profit to 4% to 6% growth, from "low-single digit to mid-single digit" growth



Updating Medical Improvement Plan timeline for $650M+ in segment profit to FY26 3

Board of Directors approved new $3.5B share repurchase authorization expiring December 31, 2027 ; company plans to execute at least $2.0B of share repurchases over the next three years

share repurchase authorization expiring ; company plans to execute at least of share repurchases over the next three years Company provides strategic updates

DUBLIN, Ohio, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) today will host an Investor Day beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET, where among other updates, management will detail its growth strategies to maximize the company's potential for all stakeholders and move healthcare forward.

"We are excited to further share the actions we are collectively taking to build upon our progress and capture the significant opportunities clearly in front of us," said Jason Hollar, Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Health. "We're becoming a simplified and more focused Cardinal Health. We believe in our resilient underlying core business and our plans to drive growth."

The company will also discuss its long-term financial outlook and updated capital allocation framework.

Aaron Alt, Chief Financial Officer of Cardinal Health commented, "We have strong momentum as an enterprise, evidenced by the double-digit non-GAAP diluted EPS growth reflected in our narrowed fiscal 2023 guidance, our preliminary guidance for fiscal 2024 and in our long-term targets. With our strong balance sheet, robust cash flow generation, disciplined capital allocation framework and the plans we are communicating today, we are well positioned to maximize shareholder value creation."

Strategic updates

While Cardinal Health's business and portfolio review remains active and ongoing, the company has completed a preliminary assessment of the enterprise strategy and a more detailed review of the Pharmaceutical segment.

At an enterprise level, Cardinal Health is continuing its path towards becoming a simplified and more focused company. The company is prioritizing expansion in Specialty as the key long-term growth driver and investment opportunity for the enterprise. The company remains focused on realizing the growth opportunities ahead in both segments through its updated Pharmaceutical segment strategy and the Medical Improvement Plan.

The company continues to focus on executing the Medical Improvement Plan on the updated timeline, which remains a critical priority for the enterprise. The company is continuing to drive ongoing initiatives and invest in the business to support customers' needs and achieve its long-term target.

With respect to the completed work for the Pharmaceutical segment, the company is sharing the following:

Launching Navista Network

Cardinal Health is launching Navista Network supporting community oncologists and enabling them to remain independent as part of the company's focus on expanding in Specialty.

Accelerating Outcomes

As separately disclosed, the company announced the merger of its Outcomes business into Transaction Data Systems (TDS) which will expand solutions to retail pharmacies.

Investing in Nuclear & Precision Health Solutions

Additionally, after evaluating strategic alternatives for Nuclear & Precision Health Solutions, the company has determined retaining and investing in the business will drive the most long-term value for shareholders. The company announced a phase two investment for its Center for Theranostics Advancement in support of continued product development over the next several years.

Fiscal year 2023 guidance update

The company is narrowing its fiscal year 2023 guidance ranges for non-GAAP diluted EPS and Pharmaceutical segment profit:

Non-GAAP diluted EPS: $5.65 to $5.80 , from $5.60 to $5.80 (13% growth at the mid-point)

to , from to (13% growth at the mid-point) Pharmaceutical segment profit: 11% to 12% growth, from 10.5% to 12% growth

The company is reiterating its other fiscal year 2023 guidance assumptions provided on May 4th, 2023.

Preliminary fiscal year 2024 guidance

The company is providing preliminary guidance for fiscal year 2024:

Non-GAAP diluted EPS $6.45 to $6.70 Adjusted free cash flow ~$2.0B Capital expenditures ~$500M Interest and other $110M to $130M Non-GAAP effective tax rate 23% to 25% Pharmaceutical:

Revenue ~10% growth Segment profit 4% to 6% growth Medical:

Revenue ~3% growth Segment profit ~$400M

Long-term targets

The company is providing updated long-term targets for fiscal years 2024 to 2026 (3-year CAGRs as of fiscal year 2023 guidance baseline):

Non-GAAP diluted EPS 12% to 14% growth Pharmaceutical:

Revenue ~10% growth Segment profit 4% to 6% growth4 Medical:

Revenue 3% to 4% growth Segment profit $650M+ in FY263 Share Repurchases at least $2B5

Capital deployment updates

The company will provide a long-term capital allocation framework to drive shareholder value creation. Additionally, the Board approved a new $3.5B share repurchase authorization expiring December 31, 2027, reflecting $4.75B in total capacity for share repurchases.

Webcast

Cardinal Health will host a webcast today from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. To access the webcast and corresponding slide presentation, go to the Investor Relations page at ir.cardinalhealth.com . No access code is required. Presentation slides and a webcast replay will be available on the Investor Relations page for 12 months.

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for health care facilities. With more than 50 years in business, operations in more than 30 countries and approximately 46,500 employees globally, Cardinal Health is essential to care. Information about Cardinal Health is available at cardinalhealth.com.

Contacts

Media: Erich Timmerman, [email protected] and 614.757.8231

Investors: Kevin Moran, [email protected] and 614.757.7942

1GAAP refers to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. This news release includes GAAP financial measures as well as non-GAAP financial measures, which are financial measures not calculated in accordance with GAAP. The company does not provide forward-looking guidance on a GAAP basis because the items that the company excludes from GAAP to calculate the comparable non-GAAP measure can be dependent on future events that are less capable of being controlled or reliably predicted by management and are not part of the company's routine operating activities. Additionally, management does not forecast many of the excluded items for internal use and therefore cannot create or rely on outlook done on a GAAP basis. The occurrence, timing and amount of any of the items excluded from GAAP to calculate non-GAAP could significantly impact the company's GAAP results. Over the past five fiscal years, the excluded items have impacted the company's EPS from $0.75 to $18.06, which includes a $17.54 charge related to the opioid litigation recognized in fiscal year 2020.

2FY24 to FY26 CAGR; as of FY23 guidance baseline.

3Previously $650M+ by FY25. The company is currently analyzing how this financial update to the Medical segment may impact other components of its GAAP financial statements, including goodwill. This analysis is subject to completion of the company's standard quarter-end closing procedures; however, it is possible that the goodwill of the Medical Unit (Medical operating segment excluding Cardinal Health at-Home Solutions division) could be impaired by up to $1.1 billion, which was the carrying value of the Medical Unit goodwill at March 31, 2023.

4Previously "low-single digit to mid-single digit" segment profit growth.

5Includes base share repurchases of $500M per year plus $500M of additional share repurchases in Q4 FY23 and/or Q1 FY24.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements addressing expectations, prospects, estimates and other matters that are dependent upon future events or developments. These statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will," "should," "could," "would," "project," "continue," "likely," and similar expressions, and include statements reflecting future results or guidance, statements of outlook and various accruals and estimates. These matters are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied. These risks and uncertainties include risks arising from ongoing inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints, including the risk that our plans to mitigate such effects may not be as successful as we anticipate; the possibility that our Medical unit goodwill could be further impaired due to additional changes to our long-term financial plan, increases in global interest rates or unfavorable changes in the U.S. statutory tax rate; risks associated with our strategic updates, including the risk that certain initiatives may not be successful, may create unintended consequences, and the risk that we may not realize expected benefits; competitive pressures in Cardinal Health's various lines of business; the performance of our generics program, including the amount or rate of generic deflation and our ability to offset generic deflation and maintain other financial and strategic benefits through our generic sourcing venture or other components of our generics programs; ongoing risks associated with the distribution of opioids, including the financial impact associated with the settlements with governmental authorities and the risk that challenges to our plans to take tax deductions for opioid-related losses could adversely impact our financial results; risks arising from the Department of Justice investigation which we believe concerns our anti-diversion program and risks associated with the injunctive relief requirements under the national settlement, including the risk that we may incur higher costs or operational challenges in the implementation and maintenance of the required changes; risks associated with the manufacture and sourcing of certain products, including risks related to our ability and the ability of third-party manufacturers to import or export certain products or component parts and to comply with applicable regulations; our ability to manage uncertainties associated with the pricing of branded pharmaceuticals; and risks associated with our cost savings initiatives or other business process initiatives, such as the Medical Improvement Plan, including the possibility that they could fail to achieve the intended results. Cardinal Health is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Cardinal Health's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports and exhibits to those reports. This release reflects management's views as of June 8, 2023. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Cardinal Health undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that goals, targets or projections will be met, and no assurance can be given that any commitment, expectation, initiative or plan in this report can or will be achieved or completed. Cardinal Health provides definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures and their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures at ir.cardinalhealth.com.

SOURCE Cardinal Health
BEIJING, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- An expert in the preservation of cultural relics, Ma Yanru, 59, is hard at work restoring an iron sword from the Han Dynasty, that dates back over 2,000 years.

Peering into a microscope, Ma finds gold threads intertwined on the sword and wood grains on the scabbard. She concludes that the grains suggest the material came from a broadleaf forest.

CGTN: Why does preserving its cultural heritage matter so much to China?

Ma said a lot of information could be gleaned from the Han sword, which has a very high historical value as it was one of the best cold weapons in ancient China.

"Whether it is the Chinese culture or cultures from the rest of the world, all cultural inheritance can be made possible through the preservation of material things," Ma said.

"When you see a stuff, it reminds you of people relating to it, and that drives you to explore into the life of ancient people and their culture."

"With these material things, you can verify your assumptions and find answers," Ma added.

Ma is one of many cultural relic restoration experts in China  the cradle of one of the world's oldest civilizations and a country that stresses the significance of protecting cultural and natural heritage.

An old Chinese proverb goes, "All things in the world have their laws for survival and development, but they know how to preserve their roots."

President Xi Jinping has echoed this sentiment, often emphasizing the importance of protecting cultural heritage. He believes that the longevity of Chinese civilization is due to this fundamental understanding of one's roots.

Over the past 10 years, China has made notable progress in protecting artifacts.

By the end of 2021, there were 108 million sets of state-owned movable cultural relics and about 767,000 immovable ones in the country, according to Rao Quan, vice minister of culture and tourism, adding that the total number of world heritage sites in China has reached 56, ranking second in the world.

Steady progress has also been made in protecting intangible cultural heritage. To date, China boasts 42 items on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, the most in the world, according to a national conference on cultural relics held last July.

Major projects for protecting cultural relics associated with the Great Wall, the Grand Canal and others have been completed, and tens of thousands of valuable curated or excavated cultural relics have been restored, it was announced at the conference.

Noting that China's fine traditional culture is the crystallization of the wisdom of Chinese civilization, the report delivered by Xi at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stressed that China will do more to protect cultural artifacts and heritage and better protect and preserve historical and cultural heritage in the course of urban and rural development.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-06-07/Why-does-preserving-its-cultural-heritage-matter-so-much-to-China--1krGH3GGzMA/index.html

SOURCE CGTN
TAIPEI, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chenbro Micom Co., Ltd., a pioneer in designing and manufacturing own-brand rackmount systems and professional server chassis, won three awards in the Architectural Design category at 2023 MUSE Design Awardsthe Platinum Award for Sustainable Living/Green, the Gold Award for Office Building, and the Gold Award for Factories & Warehouse. In 2022, it also won the Official Selection Award at the London International Creative Competition (LICC). The design of its factory, which contributes to carbon reduction and energy conservation, underscores Chenbro's commitment to sustainable development, building connections with local communities, and fostering a corporate culture centered on well-being and happiness.

Chenbro's Chiayi Factory Recognized at MUSE Design Awards for Commitment to Sustainability

"The awards bestowed on the Chiayi factory are inspiring and an honor for our team," said Maggi Chen, Chairperson and Chief Strategy Officer of Chenbro. "Our goal is to create a building with a style that is different from traditional factories. By giving the factory a mission and vision that goes beyond manufacturing, we integrate elements of technology, environmental protection, ecology, humanism, art, and innovation, symbolizing the common good. In short, we aim to construct a building with the essence of ESG, which connects Chiayi's local culture. We seek to stimulate dialogue with employees, global customers, supply partners, and even the general public, conveying the corporate philosophy of diligence and sincerity and a sustainable vision of connecting for the greater good."

Realizing Chenbro's ESG philosophy with green building standards

Traditionally factories were expected to focus solely on manufacturing and production, resulting in boxy and unoriginal architectural designs that lacked aesthetic appeal. The Chiayi factory's design concept was inspired by Chenbro's server chassis. The building resembles stacked servers and incorporates architectural techniques such as light and shadow, layering, and spatial displacement to create a unique sense of space that links technology, culture, and nature. Indeed, the aesthetics and innovative technology of Chenbro's Chiayi factory have successfully upended traditional conceptions and accentuated the company's forward-looking mindset.

In line with Chenbro's ESG philosophy, the Chiayi factory was designed to reduce its environmental impact by adhering closely to the EEWH green building standards of ecology, energy saving, waste reduction, and health. The factory incorporated various sustainable development features such as a rainwater harvesting, vertical greening, solar power generation, airflow, and chimney effect to improve the microclimate of the factory and respond to local climate conditions.

In terms of energy saving, the factory adopted a steel structure and incorporated a nine-meter-high ceiling and low-emissivity glass to reduce reliance on air conditioning. A solar energy system with an annual power generation capacity of 1.54 GW was installed on the roof to achieve energy conservation, effectively reducing carbon emissions. "The factory obtained its ISO 14064-1 certification this year. Chenbro is actively working on a carbon reduction plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050," said Corona Chen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of Chenbro.

For waste reduction, the industrial park was extensively greened. Over 1,300 trees and lawns were planted, reducing the use of hard pavement. A 1,060-ton water storage tank was built for rainwater collection, which can be used for watering plants. Through an eco-pond, the factory aims to support biodiversity.

Additionally, the Chiayi plant is a humane space that promotes employee well-being and happiness. It aims to foster openness and vitality and, complemented by local culture, create art and leisure spaces. Indeed, it serves as a platform that can be shared and used to inspire even more connections.

Maggi Chen further said that Chenbro leverages the Chiayi factory to link corporate operations and environmental sustainability initiatives, as well as to share its energy-saving and carbon-reducing philosophy with its employees and customers. Looking ahead, Chenbro aspires to establish more partnerships in order to continue advancing toward a more sustainable future.

SOURCE Chenbro Micom Co., Ltd.
Sebert Landscape plans to use its new RC Mowers Autonomous Mowing Robots to safely meet the company's innovation initiatives

CHICAGO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sebert Landscape, a full-service commercial landscape contractor serving Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin, is among the first landscaping companies in the United States to add the innovative new RC Mowers Autonomous Mowing Robots to its fleet of efficient and inventive lawncare equipment.

Sebert Landscape says its adoption of RC Mowers Autonomous Mowing Robots as part of its landscaping fleet shows the company's committment to sustainability, innovation and client satisfaction.

"I'm so proud to be one of the first companies to deploy this new technology," said Jeff Sebert, founder and CEO of the Bartlett, Illinois-based landscaping company. "Our business model has always seen to it that we remain on the cutting edge of sustainability, innovation and green technology. This self-driving mower will fit right in with our goal of taking a lean operational approach to landscaping. We want to make the most of every budget while still providing the best service for our customers using the most up-to-date technology."

Sebert Landscape is one of the early adopters of the new AMRs, which were developed by RC Mowers, a leading manufacturer of robotic mowers in Green Bay, Wisconsin. RC Mowers announced the new technology last fall and began delivery of the state-of-the-art autonomous mowers in May.

"Since our establishment in 2018, it has been our ambition to introduce this revolutionary product to our customers and we are thrilled to deliver on that promise," said Michael Brandt, CEO of RC Mowers. "As part of our AMR customer experience, we conduct comprehensive training and certification programs for the customer's management and mowing staff to ensure safe and efficient operation of the Autonomous Mowing Robots."

Brandt noted that one operator can generate the same revenue as a crew of three, reducing reliance on labor while enhancing profitability. Mowing services, traditionally a landscaping company's primary revenue source, often yield minimal profits. The introduction of the AMRs presents an opportunity to address this challenge and increase overall operational efficiency.

The AMRs were developed by RC Mowers' team of heavy-hitters from the military and aviation and robotics industries and are an attractive alternative for landscapers who look to new technology to improve their customer service.

Sebert said the adoption of the AMRs showcases the landscaping company's commitment to sustainability, innovation and client satisfaction and solidifies its position as an industry leader paving the way for a greener and more efficient future. The AMRs will be deployed to a select group of clients who will be informed on what to expect from the self-driving mowers.

"We believe that landscaping companies that are early adopters of autonomous technology will have a competitive advantage over those who are struggling to hire enough workers," Sebert said. "The companies who embrace autonomy will be able to grow and scale their businesses while allowing their best talent to do the high-value work they prefer."

The AMRs are distributed through RC Mowers' established dealer network throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. The new AMR line joins RC Mowers' American-made powerhouse of remote-operated robotic mowers.

For more information about Sebert Landscape, please visit https://sebert.com/.

About Sebert Landscape

Sebert Landscape is a full-service commercial landscape contractor with a unique sustainable approach it calls "the new green." The new green is changing the landscape industry by finding solutions that benefit customers and respect the environment. Sebert was established in 1985 by Jeff Sebert while working out of a local garage and small office. The company has grown into the fifth largest full-service commercial landscape company in the Midwest with more than 600 employees and seven regional branch offices. For more information, visit https://sebert.com/.

About RC Mowers

Founded in 2018 and based near Green Bay, Wisconsin, closely-held RC Mowers manufactures autonomous and remote-operated robotic mowers that solve the biggest challenges and improve opportunities for profitability and growth for landscaping contractors, public works departments, city, county, state and federal parks systems and roads departments, and more. All of RC Mowers' robotic mowers are designed and manufactured in the United States, have a 30-day buy-back guarantee and come with a 72-hour parts shipping guarantee. They are redefining the business of mowing. For more information, visit https://www.rcmowersusa.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Sebert Landscape
DALLAS, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Civitas Capital Group, a Dallas-based alternative investment manager offering niche opportunities in U.S. real estate, today announced that commercial real estate finance and investment management executive Marisa Lizak has joined the firm as Managing Director, Investments.

In this role, Lizak will focus on managing the credit strategy of the firm and expanding the firm's equity and debt investor base across the Civitas lodging platform, as well as growing Civitas' credit business across the firm's other target asset classes, including multifamily and niche opportunistic investments.

Lizak will take an active role in the capital raising process for the firm's lodging-focused investment vehicles, including engagement with institutional LPs, consultants, and other counterparties. She will also play a large part in overseeing deal underwriting and structuring, portfolio performance, and credit risk management in addition to assisting in the execution of capital markets initiatives.

"Marisa's hiring continues Civitas' commitment to institutional-quality investment management," says Heather Jones, Chief Operating Officer for Civitas. "She brings with her a broad and deep analytical knowledge of the sector, enabling Civitas to accelerate our growth strategy."

"I'm excited to join the Civitas team," Lizak says. "Our collective deep transactional experience and shared passion for hospitality uniquely positions us to provide investors with interesting investment opportunities while cultivating a sense of partnership."

Lizak joins Civitas after a career that spans more than two decades in which she has led the investment strategy, underwriting, structuring, fundraising, investor relations, and portfolio/asset management of highly complex, transitional CRE assets, across all asset types (with a focus on hospitality), geographic markets, and positions within the capital stack, and through various points in the real estate cycle.

With over a decade on the lending side, Lizak has underwritten, structured, and closed more than $10B of debtrelated transactions for leading financial institutions, most notably as SVP & Head of Underwriting at Starwood Property Trust. Having worked with both balance sheet and CMBS lenders, her experience covers the full debt stack of senior, mezzanine, and preferred equity on a floating and fixed rate basis for bridge, construction, and permanent financing.

Lizak most recently held leadership positions as COO of Global Hospitality Investment Group, an early-stage private equity real estate firm focused on hotel assets located in major cities worldwide, and as CIO of Axle Companies, a Korean Family Office, where Lizak oversaw an investment portfolio with primary assets in hotel real estate and focused on optimizing existing and sourcing new investment opportunities.

Prior to joining Axle, Lizak was Director of Capital Markets & Investment Management at Ethika Investments, LLC, where she implemented strategic thought leadership for debt and equity capital markets activities as well as executed capital raising, IR, and investment strategy initiatives related to the company's private equity real estate funds (value-add/opportunistic and credit).

Lizak holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.

ABOUT CIVITAS CAPITAL GROUP

Civitas Capital Group is a nimble alternative investment manager offering compelling, niche opportunities in U.S. real estate. Civitas exists to create opportunities that enrich our communities, investors, and employees alike. Driven by relentless creativity, Civitas digs deeper to uncover opportunities that others miss. Follow Civitas Capital Group on LinkedIn. Learn more at civitascapital.com.

SOURCE Civitas Capital Group
Agency Calls for Increased Drowning Prevention Efforts This Summer for Families with Children and Historically Excluded Communities

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual drowning and submersion report released today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that fatal child drownings and nonfatal drowning injuries for children under age 15 remain high. CPSC urges families with young children and those in historically excluded communities to make water safety a priority, particularly as they spend more time in and around pools during the summer. Child drownings continue to be the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 years old.

CPSC's latest data for the U.S. show the following for children younger than 15 years of age:

Between 2018 and 2020, there was an average of 371 pool- or spa-related fatal drownings reported per year.

The number of fatal drownings in 2020 was 340, down approximately 7 percent from previous year, when 367 fatal child drownings occurred.

The number of estimated non-fatal drowning injuries in 2022 was 6,400, which was statistically the same as 2021.

Additionally, the report highlighted drowning hazards in children younger than 5 years of age:

On average, from 2020 through 2022, there were an estimated 6,300 pool- or spa-related, hospital emergency department (ED)-treated, nonfatal drowning injuries each year. Seventy-six percent of these nonfatal drowning injuries involved children younger than 5 years of age.

Pool- or spa-related fatal child drownings involving children younger than 5 years of age increased 10 percent in 2020 with 279 fatalities reported, compared to 2019 when 254 fatalities were reported. Of the reported pool- or spa-related fatal child drownings, 75 percent involved children younger than 5 years of age.

Where location was known, 80 percent of reported fatal child drownings occurred in residential settings such as the victim's home, or that of a family member, friend, or neighbor, with 91 percent of those drownings occurring in those younger than 5 years of age.

The report also highlights stark racial disparities in drowning fatalities. Out of the 63 percent of all drowning fatalities involving children whose race is identified, African American children made up 21 percent of all drownings.

For older children  aged 5 to 14 with race identified  45 percent of drowning deaths involved African Americans. These data highlight the need to reach historically excluded communities with water safety information and support.

"The fatalities from drowning and non-fatal drowning injuries are still high, so water safety vigilance remains crucially important this summer and all year," said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. "CPSC urges parents and caregivers to follow Pool Safely safety steps. And I especially encourage everyone to use layers of protection. For example, you should install proper barriers, covers, and alarms on or around your pool, as well as designate an adult to always supervise children in the water. CPSC is working to raise awareness with our drowning prevention efforts and to collaborate with diverse communities to get the word out to help reduce pool- and spa-related injuries and fatalities."

Parents and caregivers can follow Pool Safely's simple steps to keep children safer in and around the water:

Never leave a child unattended in or near water, and always designate an adult Water Watcher. This person should not be reading, texting, using a phone or being otherwise distracted. In addition to pools and spas, this warning includes bathtubs, buckets, decorative ponds, and fountains.

If you own a pool or spa, install layers of protection, including barriers to prevent an unsupervised child from accessing the water. Homes can use door alarms, pool covers, and self-closing, self-latching devices on fence gates and doors that access pools.

Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults. Many communities offer online CPR training.

Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.

Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid entrapments.

Ensure any pool and spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal safety standards. If you do not know, ask your pool service provider about safer drain covers.

You can read the full CPSC drowning and entrapment reports by visiting PoolSafely .gov .

Note: CPSC's report addresses nonfatal drownings for the period 2020 through 2022 and fatal drownings for the period 2018 through 2020, reflecting a lag in the reporting of fatal drowning statistics.

Pool Safely , a national public education campaign supporting the requirements of Section 1407 of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act , works with collaborators around the country to reduce child drownings, nonfatal drownings and entrapment incidents in swimming pools and spas. Parents, caregivers and the media are encouraged to visit: PoolSafely.gov or to follow Pool Safely on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram for vital safety information regarding the prevention of child drownings in and around pools and spas.

For more information, contact Nikki Fleming in CPSC's Office of Communications at [email protected] .

Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:

- Visit CPSC.gov.

- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.

- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.

- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.

- Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).

- Contact a media specialist.

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using Momaid infant loungers because they do not comply with federal safety standards for infant sleep products, posing a risk of suffocation and a fall hazard to infants.

The loungers fail to meet the safety requirements of CPSC's Infant Sleep Products Rule because they do not have a stand. In addition, the lounger fails to meet the side height, markings and labeling, and instructional literature requirements. These failures create an unsafe sleeping environment for infants. The lounger and its packaging also lack a tracking label containing certain required information, including the date of manufacture.

The seller, Zhejiang Juster Trading LLC, of China, is not cooperating with the CPSC on a recall of this product and is not offering a remedy to consumers.

The infant loungers were advertised as a Baby Lounger Portable Infant Co Sleeping Bassinet Newborn Cocoon Snuggle Reversible Nest Bed Travel Crib. They were sold with a pillow and in four different printed fabrics: Banana Gray Leaf, Blue Palm Leaf, Mint Lychee Leaf and Pink Lychee Leaf. The loungers were sold online at www.amazon.com and other websites for about $55. There is no labeling on the infant loungers.

Although the Infant Sleep Products rule is applicable to products manufactured on or after June 23, 2022, CPSC urges firms to consider stopping sale of non-compliant infant sleep products regardless of the date of manufacture. These loungers do not have a required date of manufacture labeled on the product or packaging, and therefore, the CPSC urges consumers to stop using the loungers, cut the fabric, and dispose of the fabric and the pillow immediately. Report any incidents involving product injuries or defects to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Parents and caregivers are reminded:

The best place for an infant to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard.

Use a fitted sheet only and never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items to an infant's sleeping environment.

Infants should always be placed to sleep on their back. Infants who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment with a firm, flat surface such as a crib, bassinet or play yard.

Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:

Visit CPSC.gov.

Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.

Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.

Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).

Contact a media specialist.

Release Number: 23-220

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
$3.2 million will enhance rehabilitation for people with brain injuries, contribute to the field

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anonymous gifts totaling $3,180,000 to the Craig Hospital Foundation will support Craig's industry-leading work applying the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to challenging behaviors following brain injury.

Damage to certain areas of the brain can result in repetitive, threatening, or aggressive behaviors or disinhibition, lack of empathy, or apathy. Family members, employers, and friends often consider these neurobehavioral issues to be the most problematic outcome of a loved one's brain injury. In addition to being upsetting to families, these behaviors can be difficult to manage and can result in staff injuries and increased costs due to workers' compensation claims and the expense of intensive monitoring.

While behavior analysis services are often prescribed for people with developmental disabilities, such as autism, it has seldom been used and is not funded by insurance companies to treat challenging behaviors resulting from brain injury.

In 2020, Craig Hospital formally launched the groundbreaking Neurobehavioral Program. Led by Director of Psychology Dr. Toby Huston and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Arielle Reindeau, MS, BCBA, CBIS, the program serves patients and families with hands-on, evidence-based behavior management plans to decrease challenging behaviors and increase adaptive behaviors. This support allows patients to fully participate in their rehabilitation program and optimize their recovery.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts write individualized patient behavior plans and serve as reliable resources for care team members. These analysts also offer specialized training to Craig clinicians to give them the skills to properly define, intervene, and track changes in behavior.

"The Neurobehavioral Program provides patients with individualized plans and data to assist the interdisciplinary team and families in meeting behavioral needs," explains Reindeau. "Patients, staff, and families are given tools and skills to assist in promoting adaptive behaviors and managing challenging behaviors in the inpatient setting. Each individual plan is written by the interdisciplinary team with the oversight of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). These plans assist with the creation of safe environments, the use of procedural learning, and the safe management of dangerous behaviors. Patients and families also meet with BCBAs prior to discharge to help create tools for their next setting. The goal is to meet each patient and their support systems where they currently are in their recovery, while providing compassionate and dignified care."

Adds a Craig Hospital donor, "Can you imagine bringing home someone you love who, due to an accident, has become aggressive or even violent, and there is no plan for how you are to manage this? It seems that this is a perfect opportunity for philanthropy to step in to help by providing some amazing people at Craig Hospital the ability to address this previously overlooked, but critical, aspect of neurorehabilitation."

The $3M+ donation from donors will allow Craig to increase the number of trained behavior specialists to provide behavioral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and expand these services into the outpatient setting. The gift will also fund additional training so that all individuals involved in a patient's care can learn the principles and interventions of Applied Behavior Analysis.

In addition, the Neurobehavioral Team will collect data, conduct research and publish and present their findings to enhance knowledge and understanding in other brain injury settings.

"There is a better way to manage behaviors in rehabilitation settings and a better way to improve outcomes for our patients and families," explains Dr. Eric Spier, medical director of the brain injury program at Craig. "By utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis, we can speak the same language, manage behaviors consistently, and work towards mutual goals. We are very grateful to our donors because these gifts allow us to put this crucial tool into the hands of the many individuals who will pass through Craig's halls."

About Craig Hospital

Craig Hospital is a world-renowned neurorehabilitation hospital and research center specializing in the care of people who have sustained a spinal cord and/or a brain injury. Located in Englewood, Colo., Craig Hospital is a 93-bed, private, not-for-profit care facility providing a comprehensive system of inpatient and outpatient medical care, rehabilitation, neurosurgical rehabilitative care, and long-term follow-up services. Half of Craig's patients come from outside of Colorado. Craig has been ranked as a Best Hospital for Rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report for 33 consecutive years. Craig received the NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality in 2009, 2012 through 2015, 2020, and 2022 for the highest quality outcomes in nursing care in a rehabilitation facility. Craig also received its 4th recognition for excellence in nursing from the American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program in 2020, ensuring Magnet designation until the year 2025. Craig was voted by employees as a "Top Workplace" by the Denver Post in 2012 through 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022, was ranked in the top 150 places to work in healthcare by Becker's Healthcare in 2014, and was named a 2021 Top Workplace USA by Energage. For more information, visit craighospital.org.

About The Craig Hospital Foundation

As one of the only stand-alone, not-for-profit hospitals in Colorado, Craig Hospital relies on donor support to provide cutting-edge, holistic care. The Craig Hospital Foundation is an independent 501 (c)(3) that exists solely to support the hospital, its programs, and its patients. Operating in accordance with the philosophy of Craig Hospital, the Foundation builds lifelong relationships with contributors, raises funds, and dedicates its resources to further advance the needs of Craig Hospital and those it serves. Guided by a dedicated and civic-minded board of directors, the Craig Hospital Foundation offers members of the community many meaningful ways to support the hospital's work in helping people rebuild their lives. craighospital.org/foundation.

SOURCE The Craig Hospital Foundation
The Princeton Digital Group, a leading developer and operator of internet infrastructure across Asia, has signed a renewable power consumption agreement (PCA) with a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), one of Indias largest renewable energy companies.

Under the agreement, PDGs MU1 data centre in Airoli, Mumbai will use power generated by a solar project located in Nanded district, Maharashtra. The project is a captive development with investment from both companies that will provide PDGs MU1 with its first phase of renewable energy. The project will commence generation in steps. It started on 1 June 2023.

PDG says that the 25-year agreement will enable it to take a meaningful step towards digital decarbonisation by establishing a roadmap for its MU1 data centre to be powered with up to 50% renewable energy. PDG is committed to work towards achieving net zero for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.

As a multi-country operator in Asia, PDG says it is working with leading renewable energy companies in the region to transition its portfolio of data centres from conventional power to low or zero-carbon energy options.

In December 2022, PDG launched the first phase of its MU1 data centre, providing 48 MW of IT capacity across two buildings. The data centre is Mumbais first IGBC Platinum certified facility, a premium green data centre certification and Indias first Open Compute Project (OCP)-ready-certified facility. It is also an Uptime Tier III-certified facility.

As PDG points out, cloud and digital adoption continue to surge in India, leading to unprecedented growth in digital infrastructure and, one assumes, pressure to find clean alternatives to conventional energy sources as power demand rises. The pressure will surely be on other companies to follow, or improve on, PDGs example.
Johnson City-based company to add more than 35 employees in manufacturing, operations, and corporate functions

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Laboratories, a leading global skincare company, celebrated the completion of a 60,000-square-foot expansion today at its manufacturing complex in Johnson City, Tennessee.

A year in the making, the $7.5 million expansion project at Lafe Cox Drive considerably increases manufacturing and warehouse space to support business growth. The approximately 250,000-square-foot facility manufactures and distributes a diverse portfolio of aesthetic, premium, and therapeutic skincare products for domestic and international markets. Crown produces and distributes science-based global dermatological brands such as PanOxyl acne wash, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, StriVectin anti-aging skin care, and the recently launched BIOJUVE brand, a living microbiome technology serum.

Over the past five years, Crown has invested $27M in capital in the Johnson City manufacturing complex as its product portfolio and workforce has expanded to support rapid growth.

"Crown's steady and significant growth has brought physical capacity challenges," said Jeff Bedard, President and CEO of the Johnson City-based company. "Our production demands have nearly doubled in the past few years. With that increased production comes additional componentry, cartons and materials. By expanding our footprint and adding 60,000 square feet, we can now support our expanding customer base with greater efficiency and world-class service."

"This is a great day for Crown and our community," said Nadeem Moiz, Crown's Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer. "This investment and expanded footprint will allow Crown to support additional volumes, product complexity, and advanced technical requirements. We expect this growth will bring new and exciting opportunities for our employees and stakeholders in this community."

The expansion has created a need for Crown to grow its local workforce. The company is actively recruiting for at least 35 positions, including positions in manufacturing, packaging, quality, maintenance, accounting, and other corporate positions in Johnson City, with more planned for later in the year. As a result, the company is offering sign-on and retention incentives. Crown offers a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility beginning on the first day of employment, that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement, and more. In addition to competitive wages, all positions are eligible to participate in the company's incentive plan. Visit www.workatcrown.com for more information and a list of openings.

About Crown Laboratories, Inc.

Crown, a privately held, fully integrated global skincare company, is committed to developing and providing a diverse portfolio of aesthetic, premium and therapeutic skincare products that improve the quality of life for its consumers throughout their skincare journey. An innovative company focused on skin science for life, Crown's unyielding pursuit of delivering therapeutic excellence and enhanced patient outcomes is why it has become a leader in Dermatology and Aesthetics. Crown has been listed on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies List for nine years and has expanded its distribution to over 42 countries. For more information, visit www.crownlaboratories.com.

SOURCE Crown Laboratories, Inc.
New career hub is part of company's commitment to extend accessible job training, placement to Detroit's overlooked pools of talent

WOONSOCKET, R.I., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a demonstration of its ongoing commitment to address social determinants of health, such as employment and economic stability, CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) today announced the opening of its newest Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. The innovation hub, which features a mock retail store, pharmacy, and other professional education programs, is designed to provide Detroiters access to opportunity and inclusive pathways to meaningful careers, including comprehensive skills training, job placement and community health services. The new CVS Health WITC is now available for use by the Detroit Metro community, with enrollment open for programs beginning July 2023.

"We recognize each person's value and help individuals unlock their full potential through our collaborative approach to workforce development," said Ernie Dupont, Executive Director of Workforce Initiatives, CVS Health. "Providing comprehensive workforce development and job placement opportunities, especially to pools of talent who are often overlooked or face barriers to employment, has the power to transform lives. To be most effective and build healthier communities, we need to work closely with leading community organizations, like Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit."

The new WITC is housed within the headquarters of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit at 311 Grand River Road and is tailored to the specific needs of the community.

Programs are specifically designed for individuals facing barriers to opportunity including people with disabilities, mature workers, youth, and veterans who may not only need jobs, but also additional support to help ensure long-term success. Through the CVS Health Second Chance Program, the WITC will also provide training to returning citizens, which works with justice-involved individuals and prepares them for gainful employment with greater success.

"Goodwill of Greater Detroit is proud to partner with CVS Health to launch this innovative training program for area residents," said Dan Varner, President and CEO, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. "This new WITC, one of only a handful in the country, is more evidence of our shared commitment to giving people a 'hand up' to achieve their aspirations. It builds a new pathway to meaningful work  one of many we will launch over the next 18 months  and we welcome all who want to take advantage of it."

In addition to the new WITC, CVS Health has made several recent commitments to address social determinants of health across Michigan. Earlier this year, the company invested more than $11MM to build a 53-unit multifamily affordable housing community in Detroit's historic Brush Park neighborhood. In addition, the company's Aetna business also recently awarded $250,000 in grants to 10 community partners across the state, including Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. The grants support organizations that work to meet health and social care needs, such as those related to physical and mental health, food security, workforce training and housing stability.

For nearly two decades, the company's Workforce Initiatives program has helped thousands of people in historically underserved communities overcome barriers to employment and access meaningful career opportunities. Workforce Initiatives partners with community organizations, state and federal agencies, schools, universities and faith-based groups to offer a variety of programs that promote successful employment transitions, career development and advancement for people with diverse backgrounds.

CVS Health WITCs demonstrate the company's commitment to economic development within diverse communities, by building upon the company's successful local collaborations across the country. In addition to the new Detroit location, CVS Health operates WITCs in Boston; Cleveland; Jackson, Tenn.; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Woonsocket, R.I.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues  including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health  whether that's managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system  and their personal health care  by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

About Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit

For over 100 years, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit has been a leader in making a difference in people's lives. We are committed to providing second chances, growing and restoring independence and dignity, and improving the quality of life for our community members. Through the support and partnership with community partners, employers and funders we are able to provide job training, social services, job placement, retention services, and work opportunities to hundreds of thousands of metro Detroiters. Goodwill of Greater Detroit's work is cemented in its founding belief in helping people, and their families move from poverty and dependence to prosperity and independence.

CVS Health media contact

Charlie Rice-Minoso

224-213-1135

[email protected]

Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit media contact

Gayle Joseph

313-557-8606

[email protected]

SOURCE CVS Health
Deltek's Philippines office has been recognized once again by the World HRD Congress as one of Asia's best employer brands

HERNDON, Va., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, announced that it has once again been named as one of Asia's best employer brands. Since 2012, Deltek has received this recognition eleven times from the Best Employer Brands. The awards, organized by the World HRD Congress, highlight employers from various geographical regions in Asia that are committed to creating positive experiences for employees. The awards recognize the top organizations within Asia that are exemplary in HR and have used marketing communications effectively for Human Resources development.

Deltek's office in The Philippines distinguished itself from other nominees through its award-winning Talent Management and Employee Engagement strategies by utilizing communications effectively in attracting, retaining, and developing talent. In addition to Deltek being named a Best Employer Brand, Cecille Manlapaz, CHRP, Director of APAC and EMEA Talent Acquisition at Deltek, has also been recognized as a Top Most HR Leader in The Philippines for her ability to drive positive change, foster a culture of inclusivity, and implement effective HR strategies.

"Deltek wouldn't be the company that it is without our employees. We're proud that our team in The Philippines has been recognized again for their amazing collaborative spirit and the passion for work that they show up with every day," said Ed Hutner, SVP of Human Resources at Deltek. "We are also incredibly proud of Cecille Manlapaz and her accomplishments on being named a Top HR leader. On behalf of the entire Deltek team, I'd like to express my gratitude to the World HRD Congress for this prestigious award."

Learn more about Deltek's award-winning team.

About Deltek

Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. www.deltek.com

Deltek Contact:

Deltek Media Relations Team

[email protected]

SOURCE Deltek
DALLAS, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Scaffold Supply, LLC (DSS) of Houston, TX in conjunction with Highlander Partners L.P are pleased to announce the acquisition of the Granite Industries business, headquartered in Archbold, Ohio. Granite is a major manufacturer of frame scaffold, carts and dollies and staging equipment that adds significant breadth to DSS's robust product offering. Granite was founded in 1997 by Steve Wyse. Steve and his team have built a solid reputation over 26 years as a highly innovative and high-quality domestic equipment manufacturer.

Direct Scaffold Supply

Granite has expanded from a frame and utility scaffolding manufacturer to other innovative lines of business, including powered carts and wheelbarrows for numerous industrial, commercial and agricultural applications sold under the Overland Carts trade name. Granite's "Power Snappy" units set the standard for electric powered mobile scaffold units for acoustic ceiling, sheet rock and electric wiring applications.

DSS CEO Mike Doxey said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Granite Industries. Granite's products and manufacturing expertise bring another set of product and service offerings to the company to help us realize our vision of providing the best quality and customer service experience in our industry. We have known the Wyse family for some time, and we consider it an honor and privilege to continue their legacy with Granite Industries. Our acquisitions of both Granite in Ohio and C&J Scaffolding in California have significantly expanded both our product offering and geographic footprint."

Mike Knigin, DSS Chairman and Managing Director at Highlander Partners added, "Granite brings to DSS a wealth of industry expertise, additional engineering capability, geographic expansion into the Midwest and a domestic manufacturing capability that further contributes to DSS's objective of building the premier engineered solutions provider for its served markets." Knigin continued, "The Granite acquisition is highly complementary with the DSS enterprise, and we look forward to identifying additional strategic add-on opportunities for this high growth platform."

About DSS

Founded in 1999, the DSS Companies have been providing Scaffolding, Shoring, Forming and OEM manufacturing services globally. DSS has grown to be a key provider to the North and South American construction industry, with a direct presence in the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific. DSS prides itself on a commitment to customer service, quality products, and the best possible value for its customers. For more information, visit www.dss.net.

About Highlander Partners

Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with more than $3 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience. Highlander Partners employs a buy-and-build investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow both organically and through acquisitions. For more information, visit www.highlander-partners.com.

SOURCE Highlander Partners, L.P.
HEALDSBURG, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dry Creek Vineyard is proud to announce that the California State Fair honored Sonoma County wine pioneer David S. Stare as the recipient of their "Wine Lifetime Achievement Award" during yesterday's ceremony. Stare is one of two recipients for the 2022 year alongside legendary wine writer Bob Thompson, as the State Fair Advisory has recognized multiple industry experts across award categories due to delayed events during the pandemic.

Winery Founder David S. Stare

Coming west in the late 1960s with little more than a dream to start his own winery, David Stare is the original innovator of present-day Dry Creek Valley.

"It was 1971, and I was studying winemaking at UC Davis during the week and searching for vineyard property on the weekends. It was on one of those visits that I discovered the Dry Creek area and immediately fell in love," said Stare.

As the first new winery in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition, Dry Creek Vineyard has become the flagship producer of Fume Blanc and Zinfandel in Sonoma County. Over the last 51 years, the winery has also developed an international reputation for its Dry Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Bordeaux varietals and Meritage blends, continuing to craft classically styled, terroir-driven, appellation-focused wines.

Stare's pioneering legacy reflects his lasting impact. Among the many achievements during his career, Stare was:

First to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley in 1972.

First to produce a Fume Blanc in Sonoma County .

. First to initiate the appellation status for the Dry Creek Valley in 1983.

First to label a wine with the Dry Creek Valley appellation.

Ranked among California's first proponents of Bordeaux-style blending.

first proponents of Bordeaux-style blending. First to release a wine using the classification of "Meritage" (1985 vintage) on the label to classify Dry Creek Vineyard's Bordeaux-style blend.

First to champion Zinfandel among world-class vinifera.

First to coin the term "Old Vines" Zinfandel, beginning with the 1985 vintage.

The journey to establish Dry Creek Valley as a premier winegrowing region was never easy, but David Stare remained persistent in his vision despite skepticism from agricultural critics.

"All along the way, I was told that my ideas had never been done before. Being a kid from Boston, I was just bullheaded enough to do what I wanted to do," said Stare. "I am so proud that Dry Creek Vineyard remains one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries from Sonoma County consistently producing 90-plus point wines!"

Stare's work extends far beyond the five-decades-old family winery. As a community leader, he has served as President of the Society of Blancs, President of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and President of the Sonoma County Wineries Association, as well as serving on the board of directors of the California Wine Institute. He was recently honored with Wine Enthusiast Magazine's "American Wine Legend" award as well in 2022.

With a passion for philanthropy, Stare continues to serve as the Board Chairman for Global Partners of Development, initiating Vineyards to Villages in 2012, a program that raises money from the wine industry to bring clean water to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. His family winery Dry Creek Vineyard continues to pave the way to an innovative future, led by the second generation and Stare's daughter, Kim Stare Wallace.

Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley's flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 50 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave's daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections. To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE Dry Creek Vineyard
BOGOTA, Colombia, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that the International Chamber of Commerce decided in favor of Refineria de Cartagena S.A.S ("Reficar"), a subsidiary company of Ecopetrol S.A., in the framework of an arbitration proceeding against Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., CB&I (UK) Limited and CBI Colombiana S.A. (collectively "CB&I"), in connection with the arbitration proceedings against Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., CB&I (UK) Limited and CBI Colombiana S.A. (collectively "CB&I"), in connection with the execution and performance of the EPC Contract (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contract) entered into between the two companies for the expansion and modernization of the refinery located in the city of Cartagena.

The arbitration process was initiated through a request filed by Reficar in March 2016 as a result of CB&I's conduct in the planning and execution of the EPC Contract.

The unanimous decision of this Arbitral Tribunal confirmed the liability of the contractor CB&I for breaching its obligations under the EPC Contract.

The Arbitral Tribunal sentenced CB&I to the payment of more than one (1) billion dollars in favor of Reficar plus the interests caused since December 31, 2015. Additionally, the tribunal dismissed CB&I's claims for approximately US$400 million and ordered the liquidation of the EPC Contract, as requested by Reficar.

The decision of the Arbitral Tribunal may be subject to formal corrections and clarifications at the request of the parties.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets (a)

Carolina Tovar Aragon

Email: [email protected]

Head of Corporate Communications (a)

Juan Guillermo Londono

Correo electronico: [email protected]

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
James Murchie , Co-Founder and CEO of Energy income Partners, LLC (EIP) issued a letter to the Board of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. informing of its intent to vote against the proposed combination.

, Co-Founder and CEO of Energy income Partners, LLC (EIP) issued a letter to the Board of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. informing of its intent to vote against the proposed combination. EIP believes that taxes paid by investors will exceed the premium offered by ONEOK and any other potential benefits from the merger.

EIP wants Magellan to remain a stand-alone entity whose returns on invested capital are far superior to ONEOK.

WESTPORT, Conn., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Income Partners, LLC the fourth largest shareholder in Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. issued a letter to Magellan's Board stating its intention to vote against the proposed combination of ONEOK, Inc. and Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

June 8, 2023

Magellan GP, LLC

One Williams Center, MD-28-1

Tulsa, OK 74172

Attn: Douglas J. May

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

RE: Proposed Combination of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and ONEOK, Inc.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

Energy Income Partners ("EIP") managed funds and accounts are long-term owners of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. units, aggregating approximately 3% of its outstanding units making EIP the fourth largest unitholder.

EIP intends to vote against the proposed combination of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. ("Magellan") and ONEOK, Inc. ("ONEOK") because we believe the taxes paid by our funds and investors will exceed the premium offered by ONEOK and any potential benefits from the merger. Moreover, we want to see Magellan remain as a stand-alone entity whose returns on invested capital are far superior to ONEOK.

As a high yielding partnership, the tax cost basis of a unitholder's units can decline rapidly over time as dividends are treated for tax purposes as a return of capital. The longer the units are held, the more the tax basis declines and the higher the deferred tax liability. Most of this tax is due only when the units are sold, and this proposed transaction is a sale for tax purposes and prevents unitholders from further deferring that tax liability.

This tax liability is a combination of recaptured income tax and capital gains tax that is difficult for most retail investors to calculate. So, with this letter we are urging the Board to direct management to include in the S-4 a full and detailed quantitative analysis of the tax consequences to Magellan unitholders of the proposed merger with ONEOK, as we believe you are required to do. This analysis also needs to feature prominently in all future communication by Magellan as it was not done in either merger press release.

The table below shows that the length of time EIP has held its units is similar, although shorter, than management's previous estimates for all Magellan unitholders. Using the average tax cost basis for our funds, we estimate that a retail investor in Magellan would have an average tax liability of between $10 and $12 per unit depending on their marginal federal tax bracket vs. the ~$9 premium offered by ONEOK (as of 6/6/23). Our $10 estimate assumes the 25% federal tax rate while the $12 assumes the top 37% rate. Both include a 20% long-term capital gains tax, the 3.8% Affordable Care Act tax and an average state income tax rate of 5%.

Table 1  Portion of Units by Holding Period

% of Units in Each Holding Period Cohort Holding Period Magellan in Total EIP Funds > 10 Yrs. 25 % 14 % 5  10 Yrs. 10 % 6 % 0  5 Yrs. 65 % 80 % Total 100 % 100 %

Source: Magellan/ONEOK Proposed Merger Highlights Presentation, May 2023 and EIP Estimates

Since the average Magellan unitholder has held their units longer than EIP, their tax bill would be higher on average. Such a tax bill paid by all 202 million units outstanding would amount to well over $2 billion. Compared to the purported tax benefit to the combined ONEOK/Magellan entity of $1.5 billion, only 23% of which would accrue to Magellan unitholders post-merger, this deal represents an enormous transfer of value from Magellan unitholders to the Internal Revenue Service and ONEOK shareholders.

The numbers underlying our voting decision are estimates, but they are based on our most current tax data and should be a warning to all unitholders to do these calculations for themselves. While the tax brackets of each unitholder are unknown to Magellan, a table laying out the tax liability for each tax lot year showing the tax due for different combined tax rates would be required for unitholders to make an informed decision. EIP has the resources to do these complex tax calculations, the average retail investor may not. Our voting decision and our decision to write this letter and release it are also based on the process in which this matter is being presented to the unitholders without full disclosure.

In addition, it should be noted that this tax liability would have been mitigated enormously had Magellan chosen to convert to a C-corporation from a partnership. Two years ago, we proposed a shareholder resolution and had subsequent communications with Magellan management that we believe ultimately resulted in the Magellan C-Corp conversion analysis that was released in February of 2021. In that analysis, management chose to prominently display a highly quantitative assessment of long-term tax costs of a conversion at the corporate level and relegated to the Appendix a qualitative reference to the tax benefits to unitholders. Magellan management's approach to its communication of this proposed merger with ONEOK follows a similar pattern.

Finally, while the S-4 will likely describe the strategic benefits and costs of this transaction, it cannot address the issue of portfolio diversification for the unitholder who would lose the ability to hold ONEOK shares and Magellan units in the proportion of their choosing. If EIP wanted to own an investment that is 77% ONEOK and 23% Magellan, which we do not, we can do that by purchasing more ONEOK on the open market without incurring this enormous tax liability.

Sincerely,

James Murchie

CEO and Co-Founder, Energy Income Partners, LLC

About Energy Income Partners, LLC

Founded in 2003, Energy Income Partners (EIP), LLC is an asset manager based in Westport, CT focusing on energy infrastructure. EIP's team has significant experience in the energy, pipeline and utility industries. As of May 31, 2023 EIP has $5 billion in assets under management. www.eipinvestments.com

Disclosures:

This communication does not in any way constitute a proxy solicitation, which may be done only pursuant to a definitive written proxy statement or an applicable exemption from the proxy statement requirements. This communication states how we intend to vote our stock of the Company and the reasons therefor, made under Rule 14a-1(l)(2)(iv) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Energy Income Partners, LLC conducted its own analysis based upon information available to it at the time of the analysis which may change at any time without notice and does not make any warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any analysis, data point, assumption or opinion presented herein.

Distribution of this letter, regardless of the means or format of its delivery, does not constitute the provision of tax advice by EIP, nor should any general analysis piece be relied upon for the formulation of any targeted tax strategy. For more information regarding specific personal or corporate tax matters, including, but not limited to, personal tax implications relating to specific portfolio transactions, please consult a qualified tax professional.

SOURCE Energy Income Partners, LLC
SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global enterprise mobility management market size is estimated to reach USD 69.12 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 23.8% from 2023 to 2030, according to the recent reports of Grand View Research, Inc. The market growth can be attributed to the proliferation of mobile devices and the rising trend of work from policies led by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, end-user companies shifting focus on remote working to improve employees' productivity is creating a favorable environment for the market. Enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions enable end-user companies to update, control, or erase the data of mobile devices remotely, supporting the market growth.

Key Industry Insights & Findings from the report:

The services segment is expected to register a CAGR of 24.7% from 2023 to 2030. Shifting end-user focus on adopting customized EMM solutions as per business needs and optimizing their operating costs is driving the growth of the services segment.

The Mobile Identity Management (MIM) segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 26.6% from 2023 to 2030. The MIM segment enables secure access to digital content, ensures data security, & privacy, and provides user-friendly experiences, creating a positive outlook for the EMM market.

The professional services segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 25.2% from 2023 to 2030. The professional services ensure smooth deployment of the enterprise mobility management solution and assist organizations in secure connection of their mobile devices with cloud platforms, supporting the industry trend. Further, it also helps in managing various solutions such as mobile workforce management, mobile data management, and mobile security, driving the growth of the market.

The support & maintenance segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 27.0% from 2023 to 2030. The EMM support & maintenance services assist organizations in improving the operational efficiency of the deployed EMM solutions and upgrade the EMM solution regularly to make them capable of providing security against evolving cybersecurity threats.

The cloud-based segment is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 25.2% from 2023 to 2030. The significant growth can be attributed to the hassle-free deployment of cloud-based EMM solutions, low investment in physical infrastructure, and enhanced remote management. Market players' focus on developing diverse cloud-based EMM solutions is expected to fuel the growth of the cloud-based market in the forecast period.

The small & medium-sized enterprises segment is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 24.5% from 2023 to 2030. The rising digital security concerns and availability of low-cost EMM solutions are propelling the growth of the EMM market in SMEs.

The retail segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 28.0% from 2023 to 2030. Retailers are using mobile devices, such as Point-of-sale (POS) terminals and kiosks, to enhance the customers' shopping experience. To ensure the security and data privacy of all these mobile devices, retailers are investing in cyber security solutions, creating robust opportunities for the market in the retail sector.

The Asia Pacific segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 26.1% from 2023 to 2030. The growing public & private investment in digitalization and various countries' government emphasis on strengthening digital security across the country is accelerating the proliferation of the Asia Pacific market.

Read 130-page market research report, "Enterprise Mobility Management Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Solution, By Software, By Services, By Professional Services, By Deployment, By Enterprise Size, By Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030", published by Grand View Research.

Enterprise Mobility Management Market Growth & Trends

Rapid development in network infrastructure, supportive government initiatives for digitization, and the increasing trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) are some of the key factors attracting hackers & cybercriminals, resulting in data theft and data loss from mobile devices. The majority of end-user companies are adopting EMM solutions to protect their business-critical data from mobile devices, creating robust opportunities for the market. EMM solutions also offer various benefits to employees through their mobile devices, such as remote access to enterprise resources, a secure web browser, mobile threat defense, mobile content management, mobile device provisioning, and document editing.

The increasing demand for enterprise mobility management solutions across the globe is encouraging market players to invest in their R&D to expand their product portfolio, supporting the growth of the market for enterprise mobility management. Companies such as Sektor, HMD Global, and Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd. are adopting various business strategies to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in May 2021, the consumer electronics company, HMD Global launched an EMM solution, HMD Enable Pro, to assist organizations in enhancing the security of smartphones and setting up security policies. Further, in August 2021, mobile device company Sektor partnered with SOTI, an EMM firm, to strengthen its EMM portfolio and expand its business operations in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia.

Enterprise Mobility Management Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global enterprise mobility management market based on solution, software, services, professional services, deployment, enterprise size, vertical, and region

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Solution Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Software

Services

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Software Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Mobile Device Management

Mobile Identity Management

Mobile Content Management

Mobile Application Management

Others (Mobile Expense Management, Identity and Access Management)

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Services Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Professional Services

Managed Services

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Professional Services Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Consulting

Integration

Support and Maintenance

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Cloud

On-premise

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Enterprise Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Large Enterprises

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion,2018 - 2030)

BFSI

IT and Telecom

Retail

Healthcare

Transportation and Logistics

Manufacturing

Government

Others (Aerospace & Defense, Education)

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

Germany



U.K.



France



Italy



Spain

Asia Pacific

China



India



Japan



South Korea



Australia

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico



Argentina

Middle East & Africa

& U.A.E



Saudi Arabia



South Africa

List of Key Players in the Enterprise Mobility Management Market

Cisco Systems, Inc.

SAP SE

Broadcom, Inc.

AppTec GmbH

VMware, Inc.

Citrix Systems

Ivanti

IBM Corporation

Microsoft Corporation

Micro Focus

Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd.

Matrix42

Sophos

Blackberry

Esper

Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research:

Mobile Security Market - The global mobile security market size is expected to reach USD 7.08 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 10.7% from 2020 to 2027, according to the new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. Mobile security breaches, data thefts, and phishing attacks continue to rise with the growing number of portable devices. Furthermore, growing stringent regulations in organizations and increasing IT complexities in business environments are expected to drive the demand for safety solutions and services. The threat actors are increasingly targeting consumers and businesses of all sizes by taking advantage of their vulnerabilities in device infrastructures, solutions, and online services.

The global mobile security market size is expected to reach by 2027, registering a CAGR of 10.7% from 2020 to 2027, according to the new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. Mobile security breaches, data thefts, and phishing attacks continue to rise with the growing number of portable devices. Furthermore, growing stringent regulations in organizations and increasing IT complexities in business environments are expected to drive the demand for safety solutions and services. The threat actors are increasingly targeting consumers and businesses of all sizes by taking advantage of their vulnerabilities in device infrastructures, solutions, and online services. Unified Threat Management Market - The global unified threat management market size is expected to reach USD 10.09 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, according to a new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. Unified threat management (UTM) solutions eliminate the need for enhanced technical support and require fewer updates and contracts to manage network. This helps the end users to increase IT staff productivity and minimize operational costs. Latest trends, such as Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD), web applications, and virtualization, have compelled enterprises to prepare for emerging security risks in their networks, in addition to the growing concerns of internal and external threats. Growing number of such threats is impelling enterprises to adopt UTM solutions.

- The global unified threat management market size is expected to reach by 2025 at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, according to a new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. Unified threat management (UTM) solutions eliminate the need for enhanced technical support and require fewer updates and contracts to manage network. This helps the end users to increase IT staff productivity and minimize operational costs. Latest trends, such as Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD), web applications, and virtualization, have compelled enterprises to prepare for emerging security risks in their networks, in addition to the growing concerns of internal and external threats. Growing number of such threats is impelling enterprises to adopt UTM solutions. Cyber Insurance Market - The global cyber insurance market size is expected to reach USD 19.2 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 25.6% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Cyber insurance is anticipated to aid businesses in minimizing losses incurred due to potential threats of cybercrimes such as ransomware, malware, distributed denial-of-service attacks, or other threats, which can severely compromise a network. Cyber insurance covers the liability of a business for breach of data, comprising sensitive customer information such as credit card details, social security numbers, drivers' license numbers, account details, and health records.

Browse through Grand View Research's Network Security Industry Research Reports.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: 1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com

Grand View Compass | Astra ESG Solutions

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc
BEND, Ore., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GON: Action movie star Danny Trejo's passion for sensational flavors has transcended the silver screen with the opening of Trejo's Tacos in March 2016. Now, prepare for the hottest news yetTrejo's Tacos, in collaboration with Adoboloco, unveils its brand new hot sauce!

Experience Food Nirvana with Trejo's Tacos Hot SauceHollywood's Spiciest Secret Revealed! Tweet this Photo Courtesy: Trejo's Tacos // Danny Trejo enjoy his new Trinidad Moruga hot sauce on Trejo's Tacos Nachos!

Danny describes this sauce as an explosion of flavors, perfectly balanced to deliver a solid punch without scorching your taste buds. It's smoky, spicy, and with a touch of sweetness. Trejo recommends it on scrambled eggs or any dish you desire. Trejo's Hot Sauce isn't just an ordinary taco companionit has the power to elevate any dish it graces!

Initially, only 1000 custom bottles, personally autographed by Danny Trejo, were available, and are quickly selling out. But now, ADOBOLOCO, in collaboration with Trejo's Tacos, is thrilled to announce the release of a standard hot sauce bottle version, ensuring that everyone can savor the magnificence of this delectable hot sauce.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

 Awesome!

This is some of the best hot sauce I've had. I ordered one bottle and after just the first use I knew I had to order more.

James, Queen Creek, AZ

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

During the challenging times of the pandemic, Tim Parsons, co-founder of Adoboloco, dedicated himself to crafting new sauce formulas. Trejo's Tacos received some of the new flavors and the overwhelming positive feedback led to the transformation of the limited edition run into a production sauce. The new size was unveiled a couple of weeks ago, giving customers a second chance to indulge!

ABOUT ADOBOLOCO: Founded in Maui, Hawaii, in 2011, ADOBOLOCO is a family-owned business known for creating extraordinary flavors using simple, high-quality ingredients. With meticulous craftsmanship and passion, ADOBOLOCO sauces deliver unparalleled intensity and uniqueness. They expanded their reach to the West Coast and the nation with a facility in Bend, Oregon, in 2020, offering private label, collaborative sauces, and custom formulations.

For further information, please visit the following links:

Tim Parsons

ADOBOLOCO

Phone: (541) 913-3938

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ADOBOLOCO
CHICAGO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With growing traditional financial institutions' acceptance, service expansion, service integration with AI and automation, data analytics emphasis, worldwide expansion, and improved security and compliance, the future of the Fintech as a Service (FaaS) business appears bright. These patterns show that FaaS will continue to develop and thrive as the financial services sector moves forward.

The Fintech as a Service (FaaS) Market is expected to experience substantial growth, with projections indicating a rise from USD 310.5 billion in 2023 to USD 676.9 billion by 2028, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 16.9%, during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The growth of the FaaS market is driven by factors such as the emergence of cloud computing technology which will facilitate operational flexibility and scalability for businesses and increasing market demand for efficient compliance and regulatory solutions.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Fintech as a Service (FaaS) Market"

237 - Tables

43 - Figures

268 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=9388805

Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2017-2028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 20232028 Forecast units Value (USD Billion) Segments Covered Type, Technology, Application, End User, and Regions Geographies covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Major vendors in the global FaaS market include PayPal (US), Mastercard (US), Fiserv (US), Block (US), Rapyd (UK), Envestnet (US), Upstart (US), Solid Financial Technologies (US) and many more.

Based on the Fintech as a Service market, the Payment segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecasted period

Payments are essential to financial transactions, and virtually every business and individual requires payment capabilities. The payment segment encompasses various services, such as payment processing, digital wallets, peer-to-peer transfers, and mobile payments. The rapid growth of e-commerce, coupled with the increasing digitization of financial transactions, has fueled the demand for payment services. Businesses and consumers increasingly embrace online and mobile payments, driving the expansion of the payment segment within the FaaS market. Fintech companies have introduced innovative payment solutions that challenge traditional payment methods. These disruptive solutions offer improved user experiences, faster transactions, lower costs, and enhanced security. Payment services have a global market reach, as businesses and individuals worldwide engage in cross-border transactions. FaaS providers offering payment solutions can cater to customers globally, expanding their market size and revenue potential.

By Application, Compliance & Regulatory Support to hold a larger market size during the forecast period

Compliance and regulatory support are vital in mitigating risks associated with financial transactions and ensuring the security and integrity of customer data. FaaS providers offer compliance and regulatory support solutions to help financial institutions comply with these regulations more quickly and efficiently. These solutions can include software, services, and data that can help financial institutions to automate compliance processes, identify and mitigate risks, and track compliance status. The use of fintech as a service solution for compliance and regulatory support is growing rapidly as financial institutions are looking for ways to reduce the cost and complexity of compliance. This growth is expected to continue in the coming years as the regulatory environment becomes more complex and financial institutions seek to improve their compliance posture. These benefits create a massive demand for FaaS solutions in the market.

By region, Asia Pacific is to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

In recent years, Asia Pacific has undergone tremendous economic and political changes. Governments in the Asia Pacific are supportive of fintech innovation. This provides a favorable environment for the growth of fintech. Asia Pacific is home to the world's largest and fastest-growing population; hence, Mobile payments are becoming increasingly popular. The rising smartphone penetration and the growing demand for convenient and secure payment methods are driving the growth in this region. The region is experiencing rapid economic growth that increases disposable income and the need for financial services. The FaaS market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth will be driven by the rising demand for financial services, the increasing adoption of new technologies, and the supportive regulatory environment.

Inquiry Before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=9388805

Fintech as a Service (FaaS) Market Dynamics

Driver:

Operational flexibility and scalability with advent of cloud computing technology

Innovation of AI and blockchain

Growth in demand for streamlined compliance and regulatory solutions

Restraint:

Complexity involved in integration with legacy systems

Issues related to data security and privacy

Risks associated with geopolitical and macroeconomic factors

Opportunities:

Increase in shift toward digital banking and payments

Leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency

Expansion of cross-border payments and remittances

Challenges:

Lack of interoperability and standardization

Complexity and cost associated with financial regulations

Scalability and infrastructure challenges of FaaS

Top Key Companies in Fintech as a Service (FaaS) Market:

PayPal (US), Mastercard (US), Fiserv (US), Block (US), Rapyd (UK), Envestnet (US), Upstart (US), Solid Financial Technologies (US), FIS (US), Synctera (US), Stripe (US), Adyen (Netherlands), Dwolla (US), Finastra (UK), Revolut (UK), Fispan (Canada), NIUM (SG), Airwallex (AUS), SoFi (US), Marqeta (US), Finix (US), Synapse (US), are the key players and other players in the FaaS market.

Recent Developments

In May 2023 , Rapyd announced its strategic partnership with Belvo. This partnership merges Rapyd's expansive international payment infrastructure with Belvo's deep knowledge and proficiency in Open Banking, resulting in a powerful synergy that unlocks new business opportunities across the region.

, Rapyd announced its strategic partnership with Belvo. This partnership merges Rapyd's expansive international payment infrastructure with Belvo's deep knowledge and proficiency in Open Banking, resulting in a powerful synergy that unlocks new business opportunities across the region. In April 2023 , Block launched Tap To Pay for Android. Tap To Pay on Android lets sellers accept payments directly from their phones without additional hardware.

, Block launched Tap To Pay for Android. Tap To Pay on Android lets sellers accept payments directly from their phones without additional hardware. In April 2023 , Fiserv announced its collaboration with Equifax. Fiserv and Equifax will launch collaborative commercial solutions that employ new analytics to bolster business authentication, expedite account acquisition, and elevate risk evaluation.

, Fiserv announced its collaboration with Equifax. Fiserv and Equifax will launch collaborative commercial solutions that employ new analytics to bolster business authentication, expedite account acquisition, and elevate risk evaluation. In March 2023 , Mastercard acquired Baffin Bay Networks. This strategic acquisition will enable Mastercard to strengthen its ability to assist businesses in tackling the ever-evolving threat landscape of cyberattacks.

, Mastercard acquired Baffin Bay Networks. This strategic acquisition will enable Mastercard to strengthen its ability to assist businesses in tackling the ever-evolving threat landscape of cyberattacks. In February 2023 , Upstart announced a partnership with The Bank of Denver . This partnership enables The Bank of Denver to provide its customers with a wider range of financial solutions through Upstart's cutting-edge platform, including personal and auto refinance loans.

Fintech as a Service (FaaS) Market Advantages:

Companies can quickly start and scale their financial services operations thanks to FaaS. Businesses can avoid the time-consuming process of creating their own systems from scratch by utilising the fintech providers' already-existing infrastructure and technology. This shortens the time it takes for new financial services and products to reach the market, enabling businesses to react swiftly to client demands and market trends.

It can be difficult and expensive to implement a complete financial services platform. FaaS does away with the requirement for substantial upfront expenditures on infrastructure, technology, and personnel. Instead, businesses can adopt pay-as-you-go or subscription-based ready-to-use, plug-and-play solutions provided by fintech providers. Businesses may deploy their resources more effectively and concentrate on key strengths thanks to this cost-effective strategy.

FaaS suppliers often provide extremely scalable platforms that can handle business development and changing needs. Fintech companies are able to easily scale up their infrastructure to manage growing transaction volumes and user bases as consumer demand rises. This scalability gives businesses the freedom to expand their operations without having to worry about expensive infrastructure updates or capacity limitations.

Since the financial sector is so heavily regulated, complying with regulations can be difficult and time-consuming. FaaS suppliers are experts in navigating the regulatory environment and making sure that their platforms follow the relevant guidelines. By implementing FaaS, businesses may transfer the responsibility for regulatory compliance to knowledgeable providers, minimising risks and expenses associated with compliance.

Companies can assign management and upkeep of financial operations and infrastructure to specialised providers by using FaaS. By focusing on their core capabilities and strategic ambitions, firms are able to avoid devoting time and energy to the management of intricate financial systems. FaaS enables businesses to concentrate on providing value to their clients and setting themselves out from the competition.

Report Objectives

To define, describe, and forecast the FaaS market based on type, technology, application, identity, end user, and regions

To provide detailed information about the major factors (drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges) influencing the growth of the fintech as a service market

To forecast the fintech as a service market size across five main regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East and Africa , and Latin America

, , , and , and To analyze subsegments of the market with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market

To profile the key players of the fintech as a service market and comprehensively analyze their market size and core competencies

To analyze the opportunities for stakeholders by identifying the high-growth segments of the market

To track and analyze competitive developments, such as product enhancements and new product launches; acquisitions; and partnerships and collaborations, in the global fintech as a service market.

Browse Adjacent Markets: Software and Services Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Law Enforcement Software Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Metaverse in Gaming Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Metaverse in Education Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Smart Cities Market - Global Forecast to 2027

Chatbot Market - Global Forecast to 2028

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/fintech-as-a-service-market.asp

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/fintech-as-a-service.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Connecticut Sees Jump in Corporate Expansions as Five German Companies Grow Their Operations

NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AdvanceCT today announced that several German companies recently expanded their business or started expansion projects in Connecticut, including TRUMPF, BioMed X, Roehm, BYK North America and Eppendorf North America.

Farmington-based TRUMPF Inc. will add a 55,800 sq. ft. smart factory to their existing facility and invest an additional $40M as part of the project. This project will be TRUMPF's seventh expansion in Connecticut since the company first set up operations in 1969.

"Smart factories are critical to the next generation of manufacturing. Not only do smart factories keep manufacturers efficient, productive and competitive in the market, these advanced facilities create technology-oriented jobs where people want to work today, and in the future," said TRUMPF Inc. President & CEO Lutz Labisch. "We hope the TRUMPF Inc. Smart Factory that will be housed in this expansion will serve as model for manufacturers in Connecticut and across the United States by highlighting what can be achieved in automated and connected precision sheet metal production. It will be a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that our employees are proud to work in and present to the thousands of guests who visit our campus here in Farmington each year."

Heidelberg-based BioMed X, a biomedical research institute, recently announced its first U.S. location in New Haven, which will focus on immunology and tissue engineering research. The initial phase of their operations will employ 6 researchers and be located in close proximity to Yale University, one of the life sciences industry's most valued research partners.

Roehm, a German manufacturing company producing specialty chemicals, announced a 15,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center located nearby its existing production facility in Wallingford. Roehm's newly built "Center of Excellence" is home to development of molding compound technology for the medical, automotive, lighting, and household goods industries. The company will employ an additional 8 people and focus on CYROLITE and ACRYLITE molding compound solutions.

Eppendorf North America, a manufacturer of laboratory equipment and supplies and subsidiary of the Hamburg-based Eppendorf Group, opened a 238,000 sq ft state-of-the-art distribution facility in Enfield, Connecticut, adding to their already considerable presence in the state.

Aside from its German locations, Eppendorf officials tout the Enfield operation as one of their most critical locations globally, representing about 30% of their manufacturing efforts and 90% of North American distribution.

Additionally, chemical and measuring instrument manufacturer BYK North America, subsidiary of Wesel, Germany-based BYK, has committed to expanding at their Wallingford headquarters adding to the rapid corporate growth that the company has experienced over the last year.

"German companies have always had an affinity for Connecticut", said Peter Denious, CEO of AdvanceCT. "Companies find the talent and expertise they need, particularly in advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Connecticut's economy is in many ways a mirror image of the German economy: a deep focus on engineering, R&D and innovation. Our costs are significantly lower than our neighbors and we have the experienced highly trained and educated workforce that German companies need."

"The TRUMPF, BioMed X, BYK North America, Eppendorf North America and Roehm expansions are in good company with many other German companies in Connecticut, such as Boehringer Ingelheim, and Henkel", said John Bourdeaux, President of AdvanceCT. "Connecticut has a strong research and development infrastructure underpinned by Yale and the University of Connecticut. Connecticut is an excellent place for German Mittelstand companies to locate and grow. We expect to see more German pharmaceutical and medical device companies enter the North American market through Connecticut."

Connecticut, the third smallest state in the U.S. by area, is home to over 98 German companies.

About AdvanceCT

AdvanceCT is a business-driven nonprofit that works to engage, retain, and recruit businesses to Connecticut. AdvanceCT collaborates with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and our partners to implement high impact, equitable economic development. Our team advocates for and promotes Connecticut as a location for companies to compete and grow. www.advancect.org

SOURCE AdvanceCT
A Hawaiian navigator-led cultural and culinary voyage is the newest in the luxury resort's Unforgettable Experience series, which connects guests to some of the island's most compelling people and places

WAILEA and MAUI, Hawaii, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a five-star, five-diamond resort dedicated to celebrating and sharing the rich Hawaiian culture of the islands, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea unveils its newest Unforgettable Experience : 'A Wayfinder's Journey,' part of an exclusive collection of personalized, once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experiences led by local insights that delve deeply into authentic island culture.

"A Wayfinder's Journey" connects guests to culture, community, and deep-rooted culinary traditions. Tweet this A private evening sail hosted by distinguished Hawaiian navigator, Kala Baybayan Tanaka, includes a multi-course canoe-plant inspired menu by Four Seasons Maui Chef Samual Taganeca, which is prepared and presented onboard.

Launching on June 8, 2023, in tandem with World Oceans Day, 'A Wayfinder's Journey' is a private sailing ocean adventure that departs at sunset and exemplifies the Resort's immersive and culturally-driven luxury travel experiences, melding Hawaii's heritage, traditions, and respect for its waterways over the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by Hawaiian navigator, Kala Baybayan Tanaka , the three-hour under-the-stars private luxury Trilogy catamaran excursion and canoe plant culinary journey can be reserved for up to six guests and promises to be an immersive multi-sensory culinary and cultural experience under the stars.

Connecting culture, community, and deep-rooted culinary traditions that date back centuries, the experience will be led by Hawai'i's distinguished female navigator, Kala Baybayan Tanaka who will guide guests through a journey back in time. Guests will learn about her Polynesian ancestors who navigated the open ocean roads using only the stars, swells, and other natural elements in waa kaulua (double-hulled voyaging canoes), carrying indigenous "canoe plants," vital to their survival and perpetuation of culture on these long voyages across the open sea. These "canoe plants," as they are known today, had been cultivated by the Polynesians for millennia and sustained their societies as they moved out across the Pacific. Polynesians brought many precious items with them on their long journeys of two-way voyaging to Hawai'i including some 24 differing canoe plants to Hawai'i that are still considered a vital (and delicious) part of modern Hawaiian life today.

A transportive journey back in time, the experience at sea includes a multi-course tasting inspired by native canoe plants such as kalo (taro), ulu (breadfruit), and uala (sweet potato), masterfully prepared and artfully presented by Four Seasons Resort Maui Chef Samual Taganeca and paired with unique wines curated by Four Seasons Resort Maui Wine Director Aaron Wood-Snyderman.

The canoe plant-inspired tasting menu offers a taste of Hawaii's history with highlights including:

Breadfruit Gnocchi (Breadfruit | Ulu ): Bacon Espuma

Bacon Espuma Kampachi Crudo (Coconut | Niu ): Coconut Gazpacho, Pickled Fresno, Finger Lime Caviar, Coconut Crisp, Fennel Radish Slaw

Coconut Gazpacho, Pickled Fresno, Finger Lime Caviar, Coconut Crisp, Fennel Radish Slaw Poi Panna Cotta (Taro | Kalo ): American Caviar, Frisee, Bitter Crema, Kalo Crisps

American Caviar, Frisee, Bitter Crema, Kalo Crisps Grilled Hee (Turmeric |  Olena ): Ginger-Turmeric Miso Lackage, Pea Tendrils, Sugar Snap Pea, Turmeric Lemongrass Emulsion

Ginger-Turmeric Miso Lackage, Pea Tendrils, Sugar Snap Pea, Turmeric Lemongrass Emulsion Seared Ahi (Sweet Potato |  Uala ): Molokai Sweet Potato, Alii Mushrooms, Seafood Bordelaise, Pea Shoots

Molokai Sweet Potato, Alii Mushrooms, Seafood Bordelaise, Pea Shoots The Banana (Banana | Maia): Iholena banana flambe marmalade, fresh coconut mousse, chocolate whipped ganache

As the journey continues, innate storyteller and expert navigator Tanaka shares the "magic of the stars," bringing a nuanced and deeply special cultural lore to life, providing an experience that is part storytelling and part-astronomy lesson, all equally fascinating and truly special.

Alongside other master navigators, Tanaka has navigated Hawaiian canoes on long journeys, such as from Hawai'i to Tahiti, without modern instrumentsjust the stars, wind, swells, and animals as her guides. On her home island of Maui, she is an educator, a mother of three, and a navigator at Hui O Wa'a Kaulua, Maui's Voyaging Society, which will receive a portion of the proceeds from every 'A Wayfinder's Journey' experience. Representing the next wave of navigators, Tanaka's mission is to perpetuate this important part of Hawaii's culture and history.

Tanaka is also a longtime collaborator with Four Seasons Resort Maui, leading the Resort's seasonal 'Hawaiian Star Stories' program, where she recounts the brave history of her Polynesian ancestors as well as shows guests how to spot the constellations important to navigation, including Maui's infamous fishhook (Manaiakalani), providing a complimentary experience for all guests to enjoy.

'A Wayfinder's Journey' Unforgettable Experience starts at USD $15,500 for up to six guests and can be reserved directly via the Concierge team at [email protected].

About Four Seasons Resort Maui

Maui's iconic Forbes Five-Star resort is nestled on 15 acres of the breathtaking Wailea Coast. The 383-room oceanfront property is world-renowned for its comfortable opulence, impeccable service, luxurious amenities, and for living in harmony with its environment and community. The resort in Maui is also home to one of the nation's top-rated spas committed to wellness and three of Hawai'i's most acclaimed restaurantsFerraro's Bar e Ristorante, Spago Maui and DUO Steak and Seafood. This sophisticated home away from home caters to the needs and interests of all generationsoffering world-class activities and one-of-a-kind Unforgettable Experiences, a museum quality art collection, three pools overlooking the azure-blue Pacific Ocean including an adults-only Serenity Pool with exclusive Missoni-designed cabanas, and more. Four Seasons Resort Maui, a Hawaiian vacation destination geared to action adventurers, those guests wishing to practice the fine art of doing nothing at all, and everyone in between.

About Trilogy Excursions

A luxury sailing company founded in 1973 by the Coon family in Maui, Hawaii, with an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, Trilogy Excursions has created lifelong memories that span the generations for countless guests from around the world. As a sustainable eco-tour company, Trilogy has pioneered and lead the boating industry in environmental "best practices" including retrofitting all vessels to pump waste into onshore disposal systems, eliminating single-use plastics, and the adoption of the day-use mooring system; protecting the reefs around Maui Nui. Their fleet of 7 custom-built sailing catamarans depart from Lahaina Harbor, Maalaea Harbor, and off Ka'anapali Beach. They are best known for their snorkel and sunset sails along with their flagship tour, "Discover Lana'i".

Media contact: Crissa Hiranaga, [email protected]

SOURCE Four Seasons Resort Maui
Bored Room Ventures mobilizes web3 community to fight hunger, feed families around the globe

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting tomorrow, Bored Room Ventures will present "From Hunger to Hope," a web3 charity art exhibition supporting Compassion International during the global food crisis. The world is hungrier than ever, with children in poverty among the most vulnerable. According to World Food Program, as many as 828 million people go to bed hungry each night, and extreme weather, rising costs, and conflict are worsening the most severe food shortage the world has seen in decades.

"From Hunger to Hope" a web3 art exhibition fighting hunger around the globe, will run from June 9-23.

That's why Bored Room Ventures is bringing the web3 community together to combat this hunger crisis  partnering with Compassion to draw attention to the plight of children and families struggling with food security and feed 20,000 people in immediate need.

The art exhibition will begin on June 9, with the auction of eight one-of-a-kind (1/1) non fungible tokens (NFTs) created by world-renowned digital artists and two open editions, which can be minted by anyone who contributes a minimum of $50 to fight hunger at fromhungertohope.xyz. Participating artists and projects include Jeremy Cowart, Julie Pacino, Tennessee Loveless, Joelle McTigue, Rachel Wood, Pixelmon, BBRC, and Sad Girls Bar.

Digital artist Jeremy Cowart has a long history with Compassion, recently traveling to Peru to meet one of the children he sponsors. He shares, "I've always said my mission is at the intersection of creativity and empathy. So any time I can connect art to serving and loving others, I'm really intrigued. To combine my love of art and NFTs with my love of the work Compassion does  it was a no-brainer."

"From Hunger to Hope" will take place both online and in the metaverse, where users can engage in an immersive 3D digital art gallery. The NFTs will be minted on the Ethereum blockchain, paired with impact data that shows how the funds raised are being used to aid those around the world. The event will wrap with an in-person viewing of the artwork on June 22 at the Superchief Gallery NFT in New York, N.Y. before officially concluding on June 23.

Rachel Wood, a featured artist in the event, hopes to encourage others to be generous and place a higher value on education in the fight against hunger. She explains, "By eradicating hunger, we empower individuals to lead vibrant, purposeful lives, making a difference in their communities and the world at large. Through education, we ignite a spark of hope and optimism, enabling people to realize their potential to shape their destinies and build a radiant future for themselves and those around them."

Last July, Compassion experienced this "spark of hope and optimism" when the organization launched its first-ever NFT collection, "Many Hands." In just 25 minutes, the collection was completely sold out, raising $220,000 to provide 32 Haitian students with a full four years of university tuition, a laptop, leadership development training, and continuous support for their education. More than 1,200 individuals participated in the mint, and the message was clear  tech-forward Christians and philanthropists want to show up for others and see web3 used for good.

Stephen McCaskell, a principal product manager on Compassion's innovation team, concludes, "Web3 is all about the empowering nature of decentralization. We are truly inspired by the ability of web3 artists and communities to rally around a shared mission of mitigating the global food crisis. It's a profound testament to what's possible when development organizations and web3 communities unify on behalf of the vulnerable."

For more information on "From Hunger to Hope," visit fromhungertohope.xyz. To learn more about Compassion's web3 presence, join our Discord (where you can ask Compassion staff questions directly through the #support channel) or follow us on Twitter at @Compassion_3 .

About Compassion International

Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2022, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit compassion.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Allison Wilburn

219-384-8177

[email protected]

SOURCE Compassion International
For the Very First Time the World's Biggest Bounce Park is Making its Way to the East Coast, and It's Bringing Non-Stop Fun all Summer Long

MILFORD, Conn., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FUNBOX the World's Biggest Bounce Park is finally making its way to the east coast, and it's bringing the ultimate outdoor adventure to Connecticut. Due to high demand, the FUNBOX franchise has rapidly expanded across the US, with locations popping up across California, Arizona, and Utah. Now, for the very first time, the "Instagram-worthy" theme park for kids is opening its doors in Milford at The Connecticut Post Mall on Friday June 9th, 2023.

FUNBOX is a 25,000-sq.-ft., inflatable playground filled with 10 play zones, including Tumble Temple, Marshmallow Mountain, Gumball's Gallop, and a giant obstacle course big enough for the whole family.

The World's Biggest Bounce Park will only be in Milford for a limited time, with Labor Day being your last chance to catch the fun.

The company's founder, Antonio Nieves, is a former foster youth whose passion is to advocate for children who are aging out of the foster care system. As a result, every FUNBOX location is committed to giving back to the community with Milford proudly supporting Connecticut Alliance of Foster & Adoptive Families (CAFAF), an organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of foster, adoptive and relative caregivers by providing support, training, and advocacy. The Alliance works in partnership with child welfare professionals and the entire community to nurture child safety, well-being, and stability for foster youth. By coming to the World's Biggest Bounce Park, families will not only create lasting memories, but will be making a difference in the lives of children and teenagers who need it the most.

"Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families (CAFAF) does all it can to support all members of our foster, adoptive and kinship families. We have a special place in our heart for teens and youth experiencing foster care, and are committed to conducting and arranging fun and empowering activities for our teens and youth," said Margaret M. Doherty, Executive Director, Connecticut Alliance of Foster & Adoptive Families.

"CAFAF is delighted to be selected by FUNBOX CT to be its community partner in promoting and empowering our youth! Thank you, FUNBOX CT!"

FUNBOX is thrilled to bring the World's Biggest Bounce Park to Milford and is excited to support CAFAF. "We believe that every child deserves a happy childhood, and we're committed to doing our part to make that a reality," said Antonio Nieves, founder of FUNBOX.

"We are thrilled that FUNBOX has chosen Connecticut Post Mall as their first New England location. We love bringing new family-friendly experiences to the community, and couldn't be more excited to welcome this new attraction to Milford," said Ken Sterba, General Manager of Connecticut Post Mall.

The World's Biggest Bounce Park will be open at the Connecticut Post Mall. The hours of operation are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 6:00pm.

For opening weekend only, tickets start at $12. Starting Monday June 12, general admission starts at $22 for approximately 90-minute jumping sessions, and all guests must have a paid general admission ticket.

Toddlers from ages 0-2 and seniors over 65 years are free when accompanied by a ticketed customer. It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry; any unused or unscanned tickets are honored within 30 days of the original ticket date. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult, and the adult must remain at FUNBOX while their children are inside the inflatables.

For more information, visit the FUNBOX website at www.funbox.com or follow them on social media. Come and join the fun, and bounce with us at the World's Biggest Bounce Park!

Location:

Connecticut Post Mall

1201 Boston Post Road

Milford, Connecticut 06460

Connecticut Post Mall

Contact Information:

Erin Sloan

Franchisee

[email protected]

626-705-1480



Dana Lewis

Publicist

Dana Lewis Public Relations

[email protected]

818-536-3100

SOURCE FUNBOX
VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Gene Biotechnology Enterprises Ltd., doing business as Gene Bio Medical, is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as the commercialization business partner for an innovative research initiative led by esteemed RNA biochemistry expert, Professor Peter Unrau of Simon Fraser University's (SFU) Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.

Dr. Unrau's dedicated team of nine SFU researchers is spearheading an initiative entitled "Sensitive and Accurate Diagnostics for Pandemic Response and Environmental testing" under the auspices of the Canada Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF) and the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF). This ambitious endeavor seeks to redefine the landscape of diagnostic technologies. The initiative is focused on bolstering global readiness for future pandemics and expediting the translation of pivotal research findings into commercially viable products.

As a crucial part of this initiative, Gene Bio Medical will lend its expertise and capabilities to the commercialization and manufacturing aspects of these potentially groundbreaking technologies. Gene Bio Medical's involvement will ensure that the scientific breakthroughs achieved by the research team can be effectively transitioned into practical, commercially viable solutions.

The integrated program coordinated by the Canadian Institute for Experimental Biomedical Hub (CIEBH) is part of a national endeavour. CIEBH is one of five hubs, coordinating research and infrastructure project submissions toward a share of $570M in federal funding from the CBRF program.

This partnership underscores Gene Bio Medical's commitment to supporting and facilitating biomedical advancements in Canada and around the globe. The company is proud to be collaborating with Simon Fraser University, playing a vital role in the translation of important biomedical research into practical solutions that can positively impact global health.

About Gene Bio Medical

Gene Biotechnology Enterprises Ltd., operating as Gene Bio Medical, is a leader in the field of biomedical commercialization and manufacturing. Their involvement in major research projects underlines their commitment to the development of groundbreaking technologies and products that can positively impact global health.

Gene Bio Medical is a biotechnology innovator with demonstrated commercialization capability in the Life Sciences industry. As a fast-growing biomedical company with its own manufacturing lines, Gene Bio Medical collaborates with worldwide partners and universities to provide global healthcare professionals and customers with the latest leading-edge technologies that help improve health and quality of life, revolutionizing healthcare. The company has a mission is to provide the world with the best possible diagnostic solutions to enable them to diagnose and prevent potential health issues. Gene Bio Medical strives to be the market leader in providing high-quality, evidence-based, cost-effective, and reliable products that are accessible to everyone.

SOURCE Gene Bio Medical
GETTYSBURG, Pa., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for the rumble of engines and the roar of excitement as Gettysburg Bike Week returns for its annual celebration of motorcycle culture. From July 6th through July 9th, 2023 motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country will gather in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for an action-packed event filled with Live Music, Bikes Shows, Tattoo Contest, and much more!

Gettysburg Bike Week July 6-9th, 2023 will be full of great music, rides and events. This years headliners include Night Ranger and Ace Frehley. Tickets start at just $20! Fun for the whole family at Gettysburg Bike Week!

Gettysburg Bike Week is a premier motorcycle rally that has become a must-attend event for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. With its scenic location and rich historical significance, Gettysburg provides the perfect backdrop for a four-day celebration of all things motorcycle-related.

The event kicks off at the Allstar Event Complex with non-stop action throughout the weekend. Attendees can explore a vast vendor area offering a wide array of motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel; along with enjoying delicious food from local vendors and engaging with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. This event also features the always-anticipated Antique Bike Show, The Third Annual Jeremy Plank Memorial Ride, and The Moto Motion Stunt Show. There is something for everyone at the Gettysburg Bike Week 2023 and new for this year is additional asphalt parking and vendor areas!

One of the highlights of Gettysburg Bike Week is the live music lineup! "We just keep rolling," says GBW event coordinator Kelly Shue. "We're always trying to top the year before, and we're giving it a run with this year's Friday and Saturday headliners: Night Ranger and Ace Frehley!"

Gettysburg Bike Week goers can look forward to Friday night's musical main event as one of the most famous lead guitarists in the world, Ace Frehley, who played for one of the most successful rock bands in history, will come out and rock on stage! As a self-taught musician, Ace Frehley became known to the world over as the lead guitar player for mega rock band KISS, but he's also enjoyed a storied solo career and released albums on his own that have gone platinum.

One of the premier arena rock bands of the '80s, Night Ranger, has for decades delivered hit after hit and enthralled thousands with their live shows around the world and will perform on the main stage Saturday night! The band will bring its energetic brand of glam rock to the Gettysburg Bike Week Main Stage as Saturday night headliners, playing a mix of new tunes and classics like "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian."

There is always something happening at Gettysburg Bike Week, ensuring non-stop excitement throughout the event. We are thrilled to welcome motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country to Gettysburg Bike Week 2023. Attendees can kick back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of talented musicians while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. More live music acts are in the works and will be announced as they're booked.

And, of course, no rally would be complete without great riding, and Gettysburg has some of the best. Whether riders want to see historic battlegrounds or just hit the road for a great cruise, hundreds of miles of the best riding in the East surrounds Gettysburg. In addition to fantastic solo riding, Gettysburg Bike Week 2023 also features awesome group rides.

Tickets for Gettysburg Bike Week's 23rd Anniversary Rally can be purchased here .

New and returning riders can find updates, schedules of events, lodging information, passes, and anything they ever needed to know about Eastern Pennsylvania's definitive motorcycle rally Gettysburg Bike Week by visiting https://www.gettysburgbikeweek.com/ . Follow GBW Twitter: @GburgBikeWk. To contact Gettysburg Bike Week, e-mail [email protected] .

Contact:

Ken Conte

[email protected]

970.227.3588

SOURCE Gettysburg Bike Week
DUBLIN, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Peptide Therapeutics Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The peptide therapeutics market is expected to register a CAGR of 9.66% over the forecast period.

Companies Mentioned

Eli Lilly and Company

Amgen Inc.

Pfizer Inc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Ever Neuro Pharma GmbH

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd

AstraZeneca PLC

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

Novo Nordisk AS

Novartis AG

Zealand Pharma AG

SELLAS Life Sciences Group (Galena Biopharmaceuticals)

The major factors driving the market growth are the increasing prevalence of cancer and metabolic disorders, rising investments in research and development of novel drugs, and technological advancements in peptide therapeutics.



Cancer cases are increasing worldwide. Globocan 2020 reported that by 2040, cancer cases worldwide are expected to increase by 56.7% of the current cancer cases. Studies have reported the significant results of peptide therapeutics in cancer treatment. For instance, in February 2021, an article published in the journal SCB reported that new-generation peptide therapeutics target cancer-specific signatures. Hence, they hold enormous potential for cancer therapy and diagnosis. Therefore, the increasing number of cancer cases and the significant effect of peptide therapeutics in cancer treatment is driving the growth of the studied market.



Also, the rising prevalence of some metabolic disorders, such as genetic disorders, organ dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction, is fueling the growth of the studied market. Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive glucocerebroside storage in macrophages, predominantly in bone, bone marrow, liver, and spleen

In July 2022, an article published in the journal JPHO asserted that the prevalence of GD in global birth was 1.5 cases per 100,000 live births. The overall global prevalence of GD was 0.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The high prevalence of such metabolic disorders is fueling the demand for peptide therapeutics for treating metabolic disorders, thereby driving the growth of the studied market.



Furthermore, the technological development and introduction of new peptide therapeutics for treating chronic diseases like cancer are also fueling the growth of the studied market. In May 2021, ISSAR Pharmaceuticals decided to license out its peptide-based new NCEs with pre-IND filing and the United States patent for various unmet healthcare needs of the population, making it affordable and accessible for better health outcomes. Such developments are driving the growth of the studied market.



Therefore, the studied market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to the increasing prevalence of cancer and metabolic disorders, rising investments in research and development of novel drugs, and technological advancements. However, instability issues of peptide therapeutics, the high cost of developing drugs, and stringent regulatory requirements for drug approval are expected to restrain the market growth.

Peptide Therapeutics Market Trends

Cancer Segment Expected to Witness Significant Growth

The cancer segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Peptide therapeutics are targeted in drug delivery for cancer due to their high specificity, discernment, small sizes, ease of modification, and high biocompatibility. Factors such as the growing burden of cancer, the launch of products, and research and development are driving the segment's growth.



The increasing frequency of cancer globally and increasing prescription of peptide therapeutics for cancer treatment are the key factors responsible for the dominance of this segment. For instance, in the Cancer Facts & Figures 2022 data published by the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the US in 2022. Thus, the high prevalence of cancer cases globally is expected to play a vital role in the growth of the studied segment over the forecast period.



Furthermore, technological developments and new product launches are fueling the studied market's growth. In March 2022, BioNTech SE reported the expansion of its strategic collaboration with Regeneron to advance the Company's FixVaccandidate BNT116 in combination with Libtayo (cemiplimab), a PD-1 inhibitor, in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Under the terms of the agreement, the companies plan to jointly conduct clinical trials to evaluate their combination in different patient populations with advanced NSCLC.



Moreover, the funding and investments for developing cancer vaccines are fueling this segment's growth. In September 2022, the Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation (GIRF) in Chicago granted ElicioTherapeutics a USD 2.8 million grant to fund research for two therapeutic cancer vaccines. ELI-007 is being developed to target BRAF gene mutations, whereas ELI-008 is being designed to target p53 hotspot mutations in solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer, melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).



Thus, the segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to the increasing number of cancer cases, technological developments, and the efficiency of peptide therapeutics in cancer treatment.

North America Expected to Witness Significant Growth

North America is expected to dominate the overall market throughout the forecast period. The market growth is due to various crucial factors, such as increased awareness levels relating to peptide therapeutic products, the increasing necessity for diagnostics in cancer and other diseases, and the developing biotechnology industry.



The high incidence of diseases such as cancer, CVDs, and diabetes creates demand for new biopharmaceuticals in the country. For instance, as per the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2021 released in November 2021, an estimated 229,200 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer. Thus, such high numbers of cancer cases are creating opportunities for new peptide therapeutics in the country and driving the studied market.



The rising prevalence of chronic diseases among the Mexican population is also expected to drive the market's growth. For instance, the IDF published in December 2021 estimated 14 million adults in Mexico living with diabetes. Peptides like amide (GLP-1) are effective in diabetes treatment. This is expected to raise the demand for peptide therapeutics, thereby contributing to the growth of the market in the region over the forecast period.



Furthermore, the rising government initiatives are also driving the growth of the studied market in the region. For instance, in February 2022, the Government of Nova Scotia province reported that Nova Scotians enrolled in Pharmacare programs that will begin switching to a biosimilar version of certain biologic drugs, including some insulins and medications, for treating Crohn's disease and rheumatism. More than 10,000 Canadians have safely switched to a biosimilar as part of this initiative. The increasing population using biosimilar drugs is also expected to contribute to the growth of the market in the region.



Thus, the rising awareness levels relating to peptide therapeutic products, technological advancements due to the presence of key market players, and rising cases of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes are driving the growth of this market in the region over the forecast period.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION



2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4 MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Market Drivers

4.2.1 Increasing Prevalence of Cancer and Metabolic Disorders

4.2.2 Rising Investments in Research and Development of Novel Drugs

4.2.3 Technological Advancements

4.3 Market Restraints

4.3.1 Instability of Peptides

4.3.2 High Cost of Developing Drugs and Stringent Regulatory Requirements for Drug Approval

4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis



5 MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD Million)

5.1 By Marketing Type

5.1.1 Generic

5.1.2 Branded

5.2 By Application

5.2.1 Gastrointestinal Disorders

5.2.2 Neurological Disorders

5.2.3 Metabolic Disorders

5.2.4 Cancer

5.2.5 Other Applications

5.3 By Route of Administration

5.3.1 Parenteral

5.3.2 Oral

5.3.3 Other Routes of Administration

5.4 By Geography

5.4.1 North America

5.4.1.1 United States

5.4.1.2 Canada

5.4.1.3 Mexico

5.4.2 Europe

5.4.2.1 Germany

5.4.2.2 United Kingdom

5.4.2.3 France

5.4.2.4 Italy

5.4.2.5 Spain

5.4.2.6 Rest of Europe

5.4.3 Asia-Pacific

5.4.3.1 China

5.4.3.2 Japan

5.4.3.3 India

5.4.3.4 Australia

5.4.3.5 South Korea

5.4.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific

5.4.4 Middle East and Africa

5.4.4.1 GCC

5.4.4.2 South Africa

5.4.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa

5.4.5 South America

5.4.5.1 Brazil

5.4.5.2 Argentina

5.4.5.3 Rest of South America



6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Company Profiles

6.1.1 Eli Lilly and Company

6.1.2 Amgen Inc.

6.1.3 Pfizer Inc.

6.1.4 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

6.1.5 Ever Neuro Pharma GmbH

6.1.6 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

6.1.7 Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd

6.1.8 AstraZeneca PLC

6.1.9 GlaxoSmithKline PLC

6.1.10 Novo Nordisk AS

6.1.11 Novartis AG

6.1.12 Zealand Pharma AG

6.1.13 SELLAS Life Sciences Group (Galena Biopharmaceuticals)



7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jfn3av

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Prenatal and Newborn Genetic Testing Market By Product Type, By Screening, By Disease, By End User: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

According to this report the prenatal and newborn genetic testing market was valued at $4,891.51 million in 2021 and is estimated to reach $14,727.30 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.5% from 2022 to 2031.

Key Market Players

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Mettler Toledo

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Abbott Laboratories

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

BGI Group

PerkinElmer Inc.

Natera, Inc.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Prenatal and newborn genetic screening are the tests performed during pregnancy and after the birth of newborns. These tests are performed to detect any genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities in an early stage of pregnancy and as soon as after the birth of a newborn. Prenatal and newborn screening detect congenital abnormalities including, Down's syndrome, phenylketonuria, sickle cell anemia, and others. These tests are performed by using PCR, spectrophotometer, and non-invasive prenatal testing.



Key factors driving the growth of the prenatal and newborn genetic testing market include an increase in awareness for early disease diagnosis by using various prenatal and newborn genetic tests and a rise in initiatives taken by the government to implement newborn screening in healthcare facilities.

For instance, the State Public Health department of the U.S. manages each state's newborn screening program, which is designed to ensure that all newborns should receive diagnostic testing for genetic disorders.

In addition, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, newborn screening is the most extensive genetic screening program in the U.S., with approximately 4 million infants screened annually. The goal of this public health program is to decrease mortality by screening for disorders which will enhance health outcomes.

In this screening program, the most common conditions diagnosed by newborn screening are medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, Down's syndrome, primary congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and others. Therefore, a rise in government initiatives and awareness of prenatal and newborn screening boosts the growth of the market.



In addition, the National Library of Medicine estimated that phenylketonuria occurs in 1 in 10,000 newborns. For instance, according to the data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in May 2022, sickle cell disease occurs in 1 out of 365 African and American births.

Furthermore, the rise in technological advancement is the key factor that boosts market growth. For instance, in August 2022, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG launched the Digital LightCycler System a next-generation digital PCR system that helps physicians to better understand the nature of genetic diseases. This system is designed for performing highly sensitive and precise RNA and DNA analysis.



The market also offers growth opportunities to the key players in the market. The rise in awareness about minimally invasive prenatal testing in under-developed and developing countries such as India and China is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for market growth.

Moreover, the rise in disposable income in India and China also contributes toward the market growth during the forecast period. In addition, an increase in the number of genetic screenings of pregnant women and newborn babies, growth in the number of healthcare policies for genetic testing, and the adoption of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in developed and developing countries are expected to create growth opportunities for the prenatal and newborn genetic testing market.

Furthermore, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) became available in Germany as a publicly reimbursed test in 2022 which is expected to increase prenatal testing during the forecast period.



Moreover, the increase in the prevalence of genetic diseases including Edward syndrome, Patau syndrome, and Down's syndrome in newborns and the rise in demand for genetic testing in the prenatal and newborn populations are the key factors that drive the market growth.

For instance, the data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in November 2022, each year about 6,000 babies born in the U.S. have Down syndrome. Thus, rise in the prevalence of genetic diseases increases the demand for prenatal and newborn testing, which, in turn, contributes to the growth of the market.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increase in prevalence of genetic diseases among infants

Rise in demand for non-invasive prenatal testing

Restraints

High cost of complex prenatal and newborn genetic testing

Opportunities

Lucrative growth opportunities in developing countries

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the prenatal and newborn genetic testing market analysis from 2021 to 2031 to identify the prevailing prenatal and newborn genetic testing market opportunities.

The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.

Porter's Five Forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.

In-depth analysis of the prenatal and newborn genetic testing market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.

Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.

Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.

The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global prenatal and newborn genetic testing market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth Strategies.

Key Market Segments

By Product Type

Consumables

Instruments

By Screening

Non-invasive Prenatal Testing

Chronic Villus Sampling

Amniocentesis

Maternal Serum Screening

By Disease

others

Downs Syndrome

Phenylketonuria

Cystic Fibrosis

Sickle Cell Anemia

By End User

Hospital

Maternity and Specialty Clinics

Diagnostic centers

By Region

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

UK

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

Japan

China

Australia

India

South Korea

Rest of Asia-Pacific

LAMEA

Brazil

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Rest of LAMEA

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mvwj0x

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Top 7 Armored Vehicles Manufacturers - Annual Strategy Dossier - 2023 - Key Strategies, Plans, SWOT, Trends & Growth Avenues and Market Outlook - GDLS & GDELS, BAE Systems, Oshkosh Defense, Rheinmetall, KNDS, Iveco Defense, Hanwha Defense" company profile has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report analyzes & provides comprehensive insights into the Global Top 7 Armored Vehicle OEMs with focus on a blend of quantitative & qualitative analysis.

The report provides detailed analysis on the OEMs, including, comprehensive analysis of business portfolio and strategic market positioning, overall strategy focus, key strategies & plans for medium term, financial analysis and a detailed SWOT analysis for each OEM against the backdrop of emerging, rapid shifts in the geopolitical dynamics, equations & landscape and technological leapfrogging.

The report also projects market evolution for the Global A&D market over medium term with analysis of emerging market scenario, defense spending growth projections, key market & technology trends, issues & challenges, key growth domains and potential growth opportunities

Land systems, led by the Iron Triangle of MBTs, IFVs & Artillery Guns/SPHs, are back in the reckoning following the renewed threat to Europe, especially to Central & Eastern European nations, from Russian belligerence since the invasion of Ukraine and the return of World War-I style trench warfare after over a century in Southern & Eastern Ukraine marking an effective resurgence for the King of the Kill Zone.

The looming spectre of land warfare over the plains of Europe has the entire region spooked up once again and frantically preparing to defend itself through the revitalization of European defense industrial base which is underway in full swing after decades of neglect & apathy.

The focus has been on the modernization & replacement of legacy, Cold war-era systems with latest, next-gen systems incorporating cutting-edge technologies & capabilities providing effective capabilities overmatch against Russian systems & armor. Additionally, rapid ramp up of production for munitions, especially, artillery shells to replenish depleted stock levels given the ongoing U.S. & NATO security assistance to Ukraine and to meet growing demand levels & increased preparedness levels to meet the imminent threat



Poland has been leading the pack of European nations having already placed a huge order for around 250 M1A2 upgraded Abrams MBTs worth $4.5 billion, in addition, to plans to locally produce up to 1,000 South Korean K2 Black Panther MBTs, 672 K9 Self Propelled Howitzers and 288 K239 Chunmoo MRLS, worth almost a massive $14.5 billion, while also contemplating plans to procure AS-21 Redback IFVs.

The Cold-war era British Challenger 2 MBTs are already headed for another series of capabilities upgrade, in addition, to procurement of Boxer wheeled & Ajax tracked armored vehicles as part of fleet recapitalization plans of the British Army. Across the English Channel, the first lot of upgraded French Leclercs, featuring an all digital backbone & enhanced protection, have just been delivered to the French Army in late 2022 with another batch due in 2023.

German tank-maker KMW, too, has been contemplating plans & gearing up to ramp up production rates for the Leopard 2A7 MBTs based on market signals and to capitalize on a revised German strategic defense posture following 'Zeitenwande' while also meeting growing regional requirements over near to medium term. However, the upcoming Franco-German joint MGCS program is likely to be the core, long-term growth pivot for the industry going forward



The U.S., too, has been drawing up plans for an eventual replacement for two of the core assets of its BCTs, namely, the M1 Abrams MBT & the M2 Bradley IFVs. The incumbent OEM, GDLS, has already showcased AbramsX, featuring an AI backbone and diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, as a replacement for the M1 Abrams operated by the U.S. Army which is also looking to replace its combat proven Bradley IFVs under the OMFV program.

Away from traditional armor strongholds, the U.S. & Europe, Australia's flagship Land 400 program has effectively heralded an armor renaissance down under with the award of multiple, big ticket contract awards for armored vehicles procurement under multiple phases over the past decade to replace Australian Army's ageing platforms and to beef up domestic defense industrial base under a local production model



Key Topics Covered:



Business Structure & Snapshot - For each of the Global Top 7 Armored Vehicles Manufacturers

Founded

Headquartered

Business Segments

Employees

Revenues

Market Capitalization

Key Executives

Shareholding/Ownership Pattern & Structure

Financial Performance Snapshot - For each Industry OEM

Revenue Base & Growth Trend

Revenues Split by Key Segments

Revenues Split by Key Geographic Markets & Regions

Gross Earnings & Margin Trend

Operating Earnings & Operating Margin Trend

Return on Sales Trend

Profitability Growth Trend

Cash Flow from Operations

R&D Expenditure Trend

CAPEX Trend

Order Intake Trend

Order Backlog Position & Growth Trend

SWOT Analysis - For each of the Top 7 Industry Players

Strengths to be Leveraged

Weaknesses to be worked on

Opportunities to be capitalized upon

Threats to be negated & mitigated

Strategy Focus across OEMs - Near to Medium Term - For the Top 7 Armored Vehicles Manufacturers

GDLS & GDELS

BAE Systems plc

Oshkosh Corporation

Rheinmetall AG

KNDS

Iveco Defense

Hanwha Defense

Analysis of Key Strategies & Plans for the Armored Vehicles Manufacturers

Analysis Coverage:

Business and Product Portfolio Strategies & Plans

Market, Segment, Domain & Program Specific Strategies & Plans

R&D Strategies & Plans

Growth Strategies & Plans

Business and Corporate Strategies & Plans

Sales & Marketing Strategies & Plans

Production/Manufacturing Strategies & Plans

Financial Strategies & Plans

Acquisitions, Strategic Alliances & JVs

Other Strategies & Strategic Initiatives

Global Armored Vehicles Market - Force Field Analysis - Analysis of Driving & Restraining Forces and their Overall Dynamics

Strategic Market Outlook - Global Armored Vehicles Market - 2023-2032

Analysis of the Emerging Market Scenario for Armored Vehicles

Global Defense Spending - Trends & Growth Projections

Top 5 Defense Spending Nations & Defense Budgetary Trends

Key Growth & Technology Investment Priority Areas

Key Upcoming Armored Vehicle Programs

Emerging Technologies

Market Outlook & Demand Growth Projections for Armored Vehicles - 2023-2032

For more information about this company profile visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/aq25fk

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.

Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Ultrapure Water Market by Equipment, Material, Service (Filtration, Consumables/Aftermarket), Application (Washing Fluid, Process Feed), End-use Industry (Semiconductor, Power, Pharmaceutical), and Region - Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global ultrapure water market is projected to reach USD 12.1 billion by 2027 from USD 8 billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. Ultrapure water is used in a wide variety of applications, including semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and laboratory research. In order to avoid corrosion and other problems, ultrapure water is also used in power generation and other industrial processes.

Ultrapure water is used in the semiconductor industry as a cleaning agent, in the power industry to make steam to drive steam turbines, and the pharmaceutical industry uses it as an ingredient in products as well as a cleaning agent. The growth of the semiconductor industry is expected to fuel the growth of the market for ultrapure water in the coming years.

Washing fluid segment is estimated to be the second-fastest growing in terms of value amongst other applications in the ultrapure water market, during the forecast period

Ultrapure water is used as a washing fluid in clean room practices to avoid contamination of products. Semiconductor wafer fabrication and flat screen display are the two end-use industries where ultrapure water is used as washing fluid. The pharmaceutical industry is another sector where ultrapure water is used as a washing fluid in sterile and non-sterile areas.

Pharmaceutical is projected to grow into the second-fastest growing end-use industry in the ultrapure water market, in terms of value

In the pharmaceutical industry, ultrapure water is used for the preparation of drug formulations. This is because even small amounts of impurities in the water can potentially affect the safety and efficacy of drug formulations. Several processes in the manufacture of pharmaceutical also make use of ultrapure water, including the sterilization of items like injectable medications as well as the cleaning of surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination.

Middle East & Africa is projected to be the third-fastest in the ultrapure water market during the forecast period

The Middle East & Africa is an emerging market for ultrapure water and is expected to witness good growth in the coming years. Rising investments by foreign companies, production activities undertaken in semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, and rising living standard are driving the demand for ultrapure water in this region. Saudi Arabia is witnessing a rising demand for ultrapure Water due to the growth in the semiconductor and oil & gas industries in the country.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Growing Demand in Electronics and Semiconductor Industries

Increasing Adoption of Desalination Technologies

Restraints

Limited Availability of Water Resources

Opportunities

Increasing Investment for Wafer Washing in Emerging Economies

Increasing Installation of Supercritical and Ultra-Supercritical Coal Power Plants

Challenges

Meeting High-Standard Requirements for Nanotechnology

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Premium Insights

5 Market Overview

6 Ultrapure Water Market, by Equipment, Materials, and Services

7 Ultrapure Water Market, by Application

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Washing Fluid

7.2.1 Semiconductor

7.2.2 Pharmaceutical

7.3 Process Feed

7.3.1 Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication

7.3.2 Flat Screen Display

8 Ultrapure Water Market, by Technology

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Reverse Osmosis (RO)

8.3 Ultrafiltration (UF)

8.4 Nanofiltration

8.5 Ion Exchange Resin

8.6 Tank Vent Filtration

8.7 Resin Trap Filtration

8.8 Degasification

8.9 Electrodeionization (EDI)

8.10 Others

9 Ultrapure Water Market, by End-use Industry

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Semiconductor

9.2.1 Wafers

9.2.2 Flat Panel Displays

9.2.3 Electronic Components

9.3 Power

9.3.1 Gas Turbine Power

9.3.2 Coal-Fired Power

9.4 Pharmaceutical

9.4.1 Reagents

9.4.2 Cell Culture

9.4.3 Clinical Analyzers

9.5 Others

10 Ultrapure Water Market, by Region

11 Competitive Landscape

12 Company Profiles

13 Appendix

Companies Mentioned

Aqua-Chem, Inc.

Aquatech International LLC

Aries Chemical, Inc.

Asahi Kasei

Culligan

Danaher Corporation

DuPont

Ecolab

Evoqua Water Technologies

Hydranautics

Ion Exchange India Ltd.

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

Mann+Hummel

Membrane Group

Memstar USA

NGK Insulators

NX Filtration BV

Organo Corporation

Osmoflo

Ovivo

Pentair

Synder Filtration Inc.

Veolia

VWS UK Ltd.

Waterprofessionals

Wigen Water Technologies

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/orjv4i

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
Over $1.7 million raised to support health care for Napa's essential workers

SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- El Arenal, Jalisco-based ultra-premium Loco Tequila made its Napa Valley debut to great fanfare at the annual Vida OLE! Dinner and Auction on May 20. Recently named "Best Overall Tequila" by Robb Report, Loco Tequila provided the highest earning live auction lot of the evening, with an exceptionally curated Mexico City-based trip with unique access to top art and gastronomy experiences which sold for $100,000. The success of the lot was momentous for the legacy tequila brand, which was recently introduced into the United States in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hosted at Sullivan Rutherford Estate, the weekend's events raised over $1.7 million in support of health care for Napa Valley's essential workers.

Maestro Tequilero and Creador of Loco Tequila, Alberto Navarro, who authored the award-winning "Larousse del Tequila," was a guest of honor at the event. Navarro was thrilled to speak with guests about Loco Tequila and the team's commitment to preserving and rescuing the original identity of blue Weber agave. With more than 200 acres of agave fields, Loco Tequila was developed as a tequila of terruno (terroir), melding 200-year-old artisanal tequila-making methods with today's high-touch farming and innovation.

Loco Tequila was developed as a tequila of terruno (terroir), preserving 200-year-old artisanal tequila-making methods. Tweet this

In addition to a limited-edition, hand-painted bottle of Loco Puro Corazon, Loco Tequila's auction lot offered an unparalleled experience in Mexico City, widely regarded as a cultural epicenter of gastronomy, art and history. The package featured unsurpassed hospitality through invitation-only access to renowned artists' workshops and private-dining experiences at some of the world's finest restaurants, including Quintonil and Garum; and a stay at the founders' private estate designed by celebrated architect Ricardo Legorreta.

"Loco Tequila was born through a crazy vision with the mission of paying homage to those pioneers, artists, creators, and innovators who are not afraid to do things differently," said Juan Pablo Torres Padilla, Managing Partner of Loco Tequila USA. "We were honored to contribute to the fundraising efforts and toast the OLE Health founders, our Estate's founder James O'Neil Sullivan, Rick Jones, John Shafer and all those in attendance who no doubt have dared to believe and to follow their passions."

Photos from the event can be found linked here.

About Loco Tequila

Born from a passion to showcase Mexico's history, art and legacy with an exceptional spirit that rescues the original identity of the blue agave, Loco Tequila has redefined the standards of excellence by incorporating ancestral methods with innovative techniques. The home of Loco Tequila is Hacienda La Providencia, an estate rich with tradition and a reputation for superior quality dating back to the 1700s. Unique to the industry, Loco Tequila owns and farms over 200 acres of agave within El Arenal, Jalisco. The proprietary fields are expertly managed by third generation Maestro Agavero, Jose Antonio Sanchez Lopez. Directing the fermentation and distillation process is Creador and Maestro Tequilero, Alberto Navarro. The team's goal is to achieve prominent and balanced agave flavors expressive of terroir, never masked by commonly used additives or flavors. Loco Tequila produces three distillations: Loco Blanco ($135), the flagship tequila that balances power and purity; Loco Ambar ($199) a limited edition reposado blended from Loco Blanco that was rested in four hand selected barrels for 6-8 months; and Loco Puro Corazon ($349), a pristine, elegant and rare expression, meticulously selected from the "pure heart" of the distillation.

For more information about Loco Tequila, please visit https://loco-tequila.com/ and follow @locotequilausa .

SOURCE Loco Tequila USA
SAN JOSE, Calif. and BENGALURU, India , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a 'Born Digital. Born Agile', Mindful IT Company, today announced that its Cyber Risk Protection Platform (CRPP) is honored with the 'Best Security Operations Centre of The Year' at the Annual India CISO Summit & Awards 2023.

Happiest Minds CRPP solution wins Best Security Operation Centre of the Year at the CISO Summit & Awards 2023

The India CISO Summit & Awards 2023 by Synnex brings together top technology Leaders from the fraternity. The summit witness's cybersecurity leaders from the world's largest enterprises hear and discuss strategies to secure their organizations in a hyperconnected world.

Speaking about the win, Ms. Priya Kanduri, SVP & CTO, Infrastructure Management & Security Services, said, "We are honored that our CRPP solution - Happiest Mind's cutting edge technology lead MSS platform - is recognized as the 'Best Security Operation Centre of The Year 2023'. We thank the Jury and Synnex Group for this recognition and honor. It's been great interacting with fellow cybersecurity professionals during the event! We look forward to more such prestigious wins in the future."

Happiest Minds' Cyber Risk Protection Platform (CRPP) is a cohesive and integrated approach to cyber security  one that leverages multiple technologies working in tandem to effectively address cyber security risks through the entire threat defense lifecycle: detection, protection, and prevention. CRPP leverages multiple security technologies, providing deeper analytics and insights for an integrated approach to handle the overall threat lifecycle, address cyber security risks holistically, and stay ahead of the curve.

About Happiest Minds' CRPP solution:

The Cyber Risk Protection Platform (CRPP) is a cloud-hosted platform that provides complete security posture visibility based on risk, identity, data, and environmental awareness. To provide deeper analytics and insights, CRPP is built by leveraging multiple security technologies, including SIEM, next-generation network and endpoint security, identity management, and data security. It all adds to a highly effective, integrated, and holistic approach to addressing the threat lifecycle.

To learn more about Happiest Minds Technologies' CRPP, please visit: https://www.happiestminds.com/solutions/cyber-risk-protection-platform/

About Happiest Minds Technologies:

Happiest Minds' Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a Mindful IT Company, enables digital transformation for enterprises and technology providers by delivering seamless customer experiences, business efficiency and actionable insights. We do this by leveraging a spectrum of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud, digital process automation, internet of things, robotics/drones, security, virtual/augmented reality, and more. Positioned as 'Born Digital. Born Agile', our capabilities span digital solutions, infrastructure, product engineering and security. We deliver these services across industry sectors such as automotive, BFSI, consumer packaged goods, e-commerce, edutech, engineering R&D, hi-tech, manufacturing, retail, and travel/transportation/hospitality.

A Great Place to Work-Certified company, Happiest Minds is headquartered in Bangalore, India, with operations in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

Media Contact: [email protected]

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096718/Best_Security_Operation_Centre.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1812236/4077442/Happiest_Minds_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Happiest Minds Technologies Limited
SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawke Media, the fastest-growing marketing consultancy agency in the United States, is taking the marketing world by storm with another acquisition. The acquisition of Tribute Media will extend Hawke's marketing empire and mission to Tribute Media and its clients.

Hawke Media acquires Tribute Media.

Tribute Media is a web marketing agency based in Meridian, Idaho that has been providing top-level digital marketing expertise for clients for all things digital marketing since 2007. The company has built more than 700 websites and performed web marketing services and HubSpot Marketing & CRM implementation for companies all over the world. The brand and the experts behind it are highly credentialed and maintain the status of a Gold HubSpot agency.

"Tribute Media is thrilled to experience the extent of the Hawke Nest and continue to bring great performance to our clients." said Corey Smith, Founder of Tribute Media, "When Hawke Media taps you on the shoulder, you answer. We're so glad that we could work out an agreement that worked for both of us."

Hawke Media CEO & Founder Erik Huberman launched Hawke Media in 2014 and it is now valued at over $150 million. This acquisition is not typical of Hawke Media's standard acquisitions in that Tribute Media is an agency on the rise looking to prove itself with high-quality performance and customer care. In proper Hawke Media fashion, the brand likes to be ahead of the curb on trends and predicts a bright future for Tribute Media.

Hawke Media hopes to see the brand's values in the organization after taking on additional celebrity projects and working with top names in the industry like Crocs, Redbull, Heidi Klum Intimates, Proactiv, Casamigos, and more! With this new addition to their team, Hawke looks forward to providing even more exceptional service for their current and future clients.

"We are thrilled about this acquisition," said Erik Huberman, CEO & Founder of Hawke Media. "Tribute's core values align perfectly with ours; we look forward to creating an even better experience for our customers as we continue to grow our reach. I'm mostly excited to bring Tribute's web expertise to our portfolio of Hawke experts. The Tribute team and the Hawke team have a lot of complementary values. We're ready to bring an even better experience to our clientele."

CONTACT: Alyssa Mosher, 3104517295, [email protected]

SOURCE Hawke Media
The award-winning Los Cabos resort introduces new culinary experiences with renowned guest chefs and new agave library

LOS CABOS, Mexico, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enhancing the unforgettable culinary journeys offered at the award-winning Hilton Los Cabos , the beachfront resort announces the debut of its Baja Food & Wine Journey , a series of seasonal culinary events that bring together renowned chefs such as James Beard and Top Chef finalists to collaborate with Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez for a culinary adventure like no other. The resort's expanded food and beverage experiences also include the new La Biblioteca space which is home to an extensive collection of agave spirits, including more than 200 varieties for interactive tastings.

Hilton Los Cabos Announces New Guest Chef Series and Reimagined Elevated Tequileria Tweet this Hilton Los Cabos

"Hilton Los Cabos prides itself on offering bespoke food and beverage experiences that not only celebrate the rich and diverse flavors known to Mexico, but those that reinterpret global traditions for a one-of-a-kind epicurean destination," said Director of Food & Beverage Octavio Munoz. "We're thrilled to be welcoming such a high caliber group of esteemed chefs to join Chef Mauricio, plus our elevated agave experiences, as we embark on this culinary journey together."

BAJA FOOD & WINE JOURNEY

Hilton Los Cabos' 16-year veteran Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez and the resort's culinary team have curated weekend-long tasting experiences with renowned guest chefs to spotlight the best of the region with inspiration intertwined from each of the chef's specialty cuisines complemented by exceptional wines from Mexico's notable Valle de Guadalupe vineyards. The weekend itineraries include a meet-and-greet cocktail reception, an immersion in the new agave offering, La Biblioteca, and seaside soiree and celebration of fine cuisine, and curated culinary-focused programming incorporated throughout. Guests will dine in style overlooking the Pacific, which aside from offering a shimmering backdrop, also serves as the wild source for many of the flavorful dishes. A dazzling display of fireworks will cap the evening.

Guest Chef John Tesar: June 8-10

Today, Hilton Los Cabos welcomes chef and restaurateur John Tesar, a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist and former contestant on Top Chef with an influential culinary career spanning four-decades. Chef Tesar is most known for his classically trained approach to seafood and steakhouse cuisine with a gastronomic footprint that spans beyond the Southwest to both coasts and a long-term dry-aging process he has come to perfect. Kicking off the series, John is featuring a five-course tasting menu that highlights flavors from his one Michelin-starred restaurant Knife & Spoon and award-winning Dallas-based restaurant Knife with pairings from the Vinos de la Reina Winery in the Valle de Guadalupe region.

Guest Chef Tiffany Derry: July 2-4

Joining the resort in July is celebrity chef Tiffany Derry of Tiffany Derry Concepts and co-founder of purpose-driven hospitality group TD2, with concepts including Roots Chicken Shack and Roots Southern Table. The former Top Chef contestant, TV personality, and Texas-native will bring the origins of Southern cuisine from her heritage and curate an upscale five-course Fourth of July BBQ celebration alongside Chef Mauricio. The guest chef menu will feature the best of the south's flavors with Mexican flair paired with wines from the Valle de Guadalupe region.

LA BIBILOTECA

In addition to Baja Food & Wine Journey, Hilton Los Cabos continues to build upon its exceptional culinary offerings with the introduction of its new La Biblioteca. Helmed by Tequila Master Ana Martinez, La Bibiloteca is home to an extensive collection of agave spirits, including more than 200 varieties on display. Guests can experience an in-depth exploration, where Ana will showcase agave distillates through a private tasting and discovery of Mexico's most iconic regions known for their distilled spirits and agave plants. Tastings are paired with small bites or guests can work with the culinary team to craft a coursed-menu, all set in an eye-catching space.

A CULINARY OASIS

Hilton Los Cabos is home to six refined culinary concepts that deliver a distinct, multi-sensory experience from fine dining to casual poolside bites. Spotlighting the best of the region with global influence, Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez and his team of culinary artisans have curated an unforgettable epicurean experience - including the award-winning Mediterranean fare from Vela that highlights quintessential traditions from Italy, France and Spain - to Lena where the alchemy of fire and food combine a feast fit for the senses with hearth-roasted vegetables and fresh-caught fish paired with a raw bar and housemade empanadas. Rounding out the food and beverage programming, Talavera offers Cabo's best breakfast buffet and an authentic Mexican feast for dinner, Mio a swim-up sushi bar with handcrafted rolls and ceviches, along with light fare available at Enclave Beach Club.

For more information or to book a stay timed to Baja Food & Wine, please visit hiltonloscabos.com and follow @hitlonloscabos on Instagram.

Read more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at Stories.Hilton.com .

About Hilton Los Cabos

Situated along one of Los Cabos' only swimmer-friendly beaches, Hilton Los Cabos is a 264-room resort that recently revealed a multi-million dollar renovation including 14 brand new Plunge Pool Oceanfront Suites and energetic rum-centric Enclave Beach Club outfitted with cliffside cabanas and sunken fire pits. Helmed by Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez, Hilton Los Cabos is home to six refined culinary concepts including the award-winning Vela featuring Mediterranean fare, as well as woodfired bites at Lena, scratch-made ingredients at Talavera and swim-up sushi bar, Mio. The resort boasts the only 7,000 square foot eforea spa, indoor/outdoor movement studio offering cutting edge equipment and private classes, and multiple pools including a Kids Splash Zone and adults-only infinity pool. For more information, please visit http://www.hiltonloscabos.com .

SOURCE Hilton Los Cabos
New cocktails with authentic glacier ice, fresh fish and wildlife spotting highlight enhanced experience

SEATTLE, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With Holland America Line's "Alaska Up Close," guests on Alaska cruises are deeply immersed in the local culture with informative onboard programming, sea-to-table dining and award-winning shore excursions. The premium cruise line is introducing new facets of the program throughout the 2023 Alaska season that offer an even more engaging guest experience.

"We want our guests to have experiences they can't find anywhere else." Tweet this Westerdam in Glacier Bay, Alaska. (PRNewsfoto/Holland America Line)

Added to every Alaska cruise, guests will find new localized cuisine, cocktails featuring authentic glacier ice, an Alaska-themed brunch, Huna native presentation and wildlife experts to help guests spot the abundance of indigenous animals from the ship's deck. The program continues to deliver workshops and lectures, EXC Talks exploring the stories of real Alaskans and dining events featuring the culinary traditions of the region.

"Since launching Alaska Up Close we've introduced incredible programming that brings an authentic Alaska experience to our guests like no other cruise line," said Michael Smith, senior vice president, guests experience and product development. "This season we're growing the program to embed Alaskan fresh fish and wildlife spotting into the cruise on an even more expansive scale, from new localized cuisine and cocktails to exciting lectures and wildlife viewing. We want our guests to have experiences they can't find anywhere else."

A New Way to Experience Glaciers

Four new cocktails feature authentic Alaska glacier ice harvested by state permit among floating glacier bergs in Prince William Sound and prepared to the highest standard under Alaskan authority. Holland America Line is the only cruise line serving glacier ice, giving guests the unique experience of safely tasting real glacier ice from the waters of Alaska. The cocktails with the glacier ice include:

Juneau Gin & Tonic" features Juneauper Gin that's produced in Juneau, Alaska .

. " Alaska's Blue Ice" has De Kuyper Blue Curacao, X Rum, pineapple juice. Velvet Falernum and Dry Vermouth.

Blue Ice" has De Kuyper Blue Curacao, X Rum, pineapple juice. Velvet Falernum and Dry Vermouth. Blue Iceberg: Juneauper Gin, apricot brandy, Blue Curacao and lime juice.

Black & Blue: a choice of Jonnie Walker Black or Jack Daniels Black Label served over glacier ice.

Holland America Line also is serving new hot cocktails during scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm and Hubbard Glacier:

Glacier Bay Coffee: Baileys Irish Cream and Malibu Coconut Rum.

Alaska Railroad Coffee: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlua and Cream.

Gold Rush Coffee : Grand Marnier, Coffee and Hot Chocolate.

: Grand Marnier, Coffee and Hot Chocolate. Northern Lights: Creme de Cacao, Kahlua and Brandy.

Alaska Brunch Highlights Local Flavors

Offered once per cruise, all dishes on the new Alaska Brunch menu in the Dining Room have been created with the influence of fresh, local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The selections range from sweet to savory and include Alaskan Blueberry Pancakes, Salmon & Potato Chowder, Wild Forest Mushroom and Tarragon Crepes, Kodiak Steak and Egg Skillet, Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes, Biscuits with Gravy and Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Home Smoked Gulf of Alaska Cod Benny.

A Taste of Alaska in Lido Market

During Alaska cruises, the casual Lido Market features special dishes and theme nights. Guests can enjoy a Salmon Bake dinner and Seafood Boil pop-up dinner on all cruises, and a Gold Rush dinner on 14-plus day cruises

Sustainable Seafood

In 2022, Holland America Line was awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification  making it the first cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. On any Alaska cruise, the line serves more than 2,000 pounds of Alaska Salmon, 1,000 pounds of Alaska cod, 800 pounds of Alaska halibut, 500 pounds of Alaska rockfish and more.

All menus highlight "Taste Alaska" by calling out region-specific dishes and fresh fish options.

EXC Talks and Presentations Bring Alaska to Life

Holland America Line's EXC Talks continue to bring each destination to life with captivating storytelling and expert commentary. On Alaska cruises, guests can attend "Ancestral Memories," "Breaking the Ice Ceiling," "Pacific Giants," "The Iditarod" and "We Are Alaska" to learn more about local culture and customs.

New to the EXC programming, Holland America Line is bringing on a Huna Native Interpreter in traditional dress during the stay at Juneau to introduce guests to the history of the Tlingit people with "Native Voices: Stories of the Tlingit People."

Wildlife Experts and Park Rangers

A new wildlife expert on board helps guests witness the majestic animals found in Alaska. Guests can be on the lookout for humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, moose, sea otters, caribou, black and grizzly bears, Dall's porpoise and more. The daily program highlights designated times to meet the wildlife expert on deck to go in search of the animals in their natural environment.

Holland America Line also is introducing a Wildlife Spotting Guide that points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to spot each species. Between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., all wildlife sightings will be announced so guests may go on deck and enjoy viewing.

During Glacier Bay scenic cruising, Holland America Line continues to bring on a Glacier Bay National Park Ranger for the day to engage with guests and talk about Alaska's most famous national park.

All cruises on Westerdam roundtrip from Seattle feature a presentation by The Alaska Raptor Center at Sitka. Hosted by the wildlife expert, one of the center's Avian Care Specialists comes aboard with a raptor (eagle, hawk, owl, etc.) to share insights about Alaska's majestic birds in the World Stage.

On Deck for A Cause: Alaska's Parks

For the 2023 Alaska season, Holland America Line is donating proceeds from the "On Deck for a Cause" event aboard ships in the region to Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit education partner of Alaska's parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands. Called "On Deck for a Cause: Alaska's Parks," guests on all Alaska cruises are invited to donate $25 to participate in a noncompetitive 5k fundraising walk aboard every sailing.

Holland America Line has six ships exploring Alaska in 2023 on seven- or 14-day cruises from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; and Whittier/Anchorage, Alaska, along with Cruisetours up to 18 days, which combine an overland to Denali National Park and the Yukon plus a cruise.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line

Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL andNYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years  longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

CONTACT: Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: [email protected]

SOURCE Holland America Line
CHICAGO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, announced today that it has acquired seven related firms in Michigan, including Johnston Lewis Associates, Inc; Business Benefits Resource, LLC, Joseph Aiello & Associates, Inc.; T. Souphis Insurance Consulting LLC; Custom Results Corporate Consulting; Creative Benefit Solutions; and Health Insurance Consultants (collectively, Project Motown Holding Company). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered just outside of Detroit in Troy, Michigan, the seven firms have been working together since 2012 as members of ICA, one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in Michigan. Project Motown Holding Company (Project Motown) is a platform agency with more than 60 employees, specializing in commercial insurance, employee benefits, employer compliance requirements, HR technology, employee wellness and wealth management services. The addition of Project Motown makes Hub one of the largest leading brokers in Michigan.

"This is a game-changer for us, and more importantly, for our clients in the State of Michigan," said Caroly Hofstee, President of Hub Midwest East. "Our combined capabilities and vast experiences provide clients with enormous depth of services in multiple key areas, especially in employee benefits, property and casualty, employer sponsored retirement plans, and wealth management."

The seven member firms' leadership, including Jay Sawmiller, Greg Liposky, Dan Wilhelm, Steve McCain, Steve Rosser, Joe Aiello, Jim Bokshan, Ed Clink, Diane Christensen, Ted Souphis, and their respective teams will join Hub Midwest East.

"Hub's infinite deep bench resources, and talented and specialized teams, enables us to offer significantly expanded expertise and solutions to our clients," said Liposky. "We look forward to continuing our commitment to serve the regional community, elevating our clients experience and deliver best in class consultative solutions  a shared core value among all of our firms."

The firms were represented by the consulting firm Reagan Consulting for the transaction.

About Hub's M&A Activities

Hub International Limited is committed to growing organically and through acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and strengthen industry and product expertise. For more information on the Hub M&A experience, visit WeAreHub.com.

About Hub International

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker and financial services firm providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 16,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub's vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, visit Hub Media Center.

CONTACT:

Media: Jessica Wiltse

Phone: 312-596-7573

[email protected]

M&A: Clark Wormer

Phone: 312-279-4848

[email protected]



SOURCE Hub International Limited
MUNICH, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IFCO, the world's leading provider of Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) is expanding its support for FareShare and The Felix Project, two of the leading food redistribution charities in the UK. The overriding goal of the three-way partnership is to make it easier, faster and cost neutral for producers, suppliers and retailers to donate their surplus food to the charitable organizations, while at the same time ensuring that FareShare and The Felix Project can deliver healthy fresh food to people in need more safely and efficiently. Both organizations work closely with the food industry to source good surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, landfill or anaerobic digestion.

Using IFCO reusable packaging containers, volunteers unload Felix van. Volunteers sort and prepare surplus food that has been donated by retailers in IFCO reusable packaging containers.

This collaboration agreement reinforces IFCOs commitment to help reduce food waste in the fresh produce supply chain. In October 2022, the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) selected IFCO as their official partner for Reusable Packaging Containers. Since then, food banks across Europe (including FareShare and the Felix Project) have already received donated sustainable RPCs to support their food distribution to charities.

While food donations are not a long-term solution to food poverty, IFCO recognizes that the professional redistribution of quality surplus food has an important role to play. For this reason, IFCO has now made it even easier for suppliers and retailers to donate fresh produce in IFCO RPCs into the FareShare and The Felix Project networks. Although producers and retailers have always been able to transport food donations in IFCO RPCs, this partnership ensures the faster flow of fresh produce from even more suppliers through to food banks, as well as the simplified return of RPCs into the IFCO pooling system. One aspect of the partnership taps into IFCO digital solutions, as both FareShare and The Felix Project now use the MyIFCO app to declare and schedule the pick-up of IFCO RPCs, ensuring a much smoother return process.

FareShare is the UK's largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. They work with the food industry to source and distribute over 50,000 tonnes of good surplus food to 8,500 organizations across the UK each year, the equivalent of around 128 million meals for vulnerable people. By being directly involved in the UK operation, IFCO is providing essential support to the charity.

Kris Gibbon-Walsh, Director of Network, Community & Operations at FareShare said: "IFCO has contributed to our mission in a strategic, pragmatic and impactful way. With IFCO on board, we have reduced the typical barriers that often prevent suppliers and retailers from donating surplus food, namely time, effort and costs. This partnership automatically expands our network of potential suppliers across the UK and internationally. Currently FareShare is experiencing skyrocketing demand due to the cost-of-living crisis, and so this support from IFCO is needed more than ever so that we can deliver more nutritious food to the people in our local communities who need it most."

The Felix Project is London's largest food redistribution charity. In 2022 they redistributed the equivalent of over 29 million meals and supplied food to every London Borough. It is part of the FareShare network, but also works independently to source over half of its own high quality surplus food, which is then delivered to around 1,000 charitable organizations and schools in the capital.

Richard Smith, Deputy Head of Food Supply at The Felix Project said: "The IFCO partnership has helped us to attract new suppliers, including manufacturers. In the past, some were keen to donate surplus food but were hesitant because of the potential extra cost or workload involved. Now, thanks to the support of IFCO, they are able and eager to become part of our network."

IFCO is determined to reduce food waste to make the global fresh grocery supply chain more sustainable. That's why IFCO RPCs are designed to protect fresh products along the entire value chain, so that the food arrives in better condition for a longer shelf life and is therefore less likely to end up in landfill. Independent scientific studies have proven RPCs help reduce food waste across the supply chain, by providing superior product protection and ventilation. Since 2016, IFCO has partnered with FareShare to support their important mission to fight hunger and food waste and has been working with The Felix Project since 2020.

Neil Stewart, Asset Control Manager at IFCO who leads UK food bank collaboration, said: "We are proud and excited to be supporting FareShare and The Felix Project, two organizations that are so incredibly passionate about getting good surplus food to vulnerable people. We hope that our contribution means that more suppliers will join the network and more communities can be reached, particularly at a time when such services are so desperately needed. On a more personal level, many of our UK IFCO employees have been so impressed by the impact of FareShare and The Felix Project that they will be using some of their annual paid volunteering leave to help at the food banks and distribution centers run by the charities. It's a sign that the UK IFCO team is fully committed to making this partnership work."

Additional information

IFCO is the leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, serving customers in 50+ countries. IFCO operates a pool of over 370 million Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) globally, which are used for 2 billion shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, bread, and other items from suppliers to grocery retailers every year. IFCO RPCs ensure a better fresh food supply chain by protecting freshness and quality and lowering costs, food waste and environmental impact compared to single-use packaging. More: www.ifco.com | Follow us on LinkedIn @IFCO SYSTEMS

About FareShare

FareShare is the UK's biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste. We take good-to-eat surplus food from across the food industry, sort it in our regional warehouses across the UK, and pass it onto a network of nearly 8,500 charities and community groups. These include food banks and pantries, hostels, refuges, community centers, older people's lunch clubs, school clubs, and hospices. Three-quarters of the organizations we provide food to, support children and families. During the last financial year, 2022-23, FareShare redistributed the equivalent of nearly 128 million meals - that's 4 meals every second.

About The Felix Project

The Felix Project is London's largest food redistribution charity. Founded in 2016, it rescues good food that cannot be sold and delivers it directly to around 1,000 organizations and schools that support those in need. Our vision is a London where no one goes hungry and good food is never wasted. In 2022, we delivered enough food to make more than 29 million meals. For more information, visit: www.thefelixproject.org

SOURCE IFCO
MONTREAL, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Virtual Artifacts Inc. is excited to announce the launch of Hibe News, an innovative online platform that seamlessly merges social networking and search engine features. Hibe News sets out to redefine the digital media landscape by providing users with access to authentic content from verified publishers and to ensure fair compensation for media outlets.

Hibe News by Virtual Artifacts Inc., a revolutionary online platform empowering authentic content and fair compensation for publishers (CNW Group/Virtual Artifacts Inc.)

In an era of widespread misinformation and disinformation online, Hibe News creates an ecosystem of trustworthy news media sources based on rigorous verification protocols to provide a digital place for diverse voices and exchange of ideas, allowing people to make informed decisions.

Hibe News offers a unique news consumption experience by integrating social networking and search engine features, becoming the go-to destination for users seeking trusted and high-quality content while connecting with like-minded individuals.

Through its mutually beneficial revenue sharing model with publishers, Hibe News is in line with the global legislative initiatives, such as Bill C-18 in Canada, California's Journalism Preservation Act, and similar bills proposed by the U.S congress and the European Union, all echoing the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code in Australia.

"We are thrilled to introduce Hibe News. Our platform is built on the principles of authenticity and will support the journalism industry's sustainability," said Jean Dobey, Founder and CEO of Virtual Artifacts. "Hibe News fills a crucial gap in the digital media landscape and aims to empower verified publishers while fostering transparency, promoting accountability, and ensuring an engaged citizenry."

To join the private beta of Hibe News, please visit https://www.hibe.com. A group of users will be selected to experience the platform firsthand and provide feedback.

About Virtual Artifacts Inc.

Based in Montreal (Quebec), Virtual Artifacts builds unique and innovative privacy protection, identity management and systems interoperability technologies to tackle the challenges faced by consumers and businesses in today's digital age. VA is guided by the beliefs that technologies should be aligned with people's choices and values, be used to bring communities closer together and make societies more open, while helping businesses grow and compete fairly. In its mission of giving people the power to connect and interact on their own terms, VA provides pioneering technology tools that ensure a right balance between businesses and consumers' interests.

For more information, please visit https://virtualartifacts.com or contact us at [email protected]

SOURCE Virtual Artifacts Inc.
ONTARIO, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a car owner, there's nothing more frustrating than having the vehicle stall or break down unexpectedly. That's why having a reliable and efficient diagnostic tool is crucial for every car owner. The MUCAR CDE900 PRO is a top-of-the-line diagnostic tool that will help car owners identify and fix any issues with their car quickly and efficiently.

With a 5-inch touch screen and a 1.2m diagnostic cable, the MUCAR CDE900 PRO offers a user-friendly interface that makes car diagnostics a breeze. Powered by Android 6.0 and an MT6580 4-Core Cortex Chip, it boasts lightning-fast processing speeds and can handle even the most complex diagnostic tasks with ease.

It comes with an impressive 2+32G ROM and a 3150mAh battery, it's ability to insert a memory card no larger than 256G to expand the memory. Ensuring that you have enough storage space and power to diagnose multiple cars with ease. It also offers full OBD2 functions, including reading and clearing error codes, and a 4-in-1 data stream that covers ABS, SRS, TCM, and ECM systems (only $39.95 if needed).

One of the most significant advantages of the MUCAR CDE900 PRO is its lifetime free updates. Car owners can unlock full system diagnostics for just USD 99.95. Additionally, they can perform 28 reset functions with lifetime free updates (unlock one reset function for USD 15.95, full Rest functions unlock online payment of just USD 79.95). Also they can unlock 1 Brand Full System Diagnostics + 28 Reset Functions + ECU Coding + Active Test for 59.95USD.

The MUCAR CDE900 PRO also offers a professional diagnosis report, Bluetooth/email share printing, and support for 17 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages. It supports all vehicles with OBDII protocol after 1996 and the following communication protocols: ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000), ISO 15765-4 (CAN), ISO 9141-2 (iso), ISO 14229 (uds), and SAEJ 1850 (VPW&PWM).

MUCAR CDE900 PRO is a fantastic investment for car owners, mechanics, and technicians. Its comprehensive diagnostic functions, lifetime free updates, and user-friendly interface make it an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to keep their car in top shape. With its high-end features and affordable price, it's a must-have for anyone who takes their car maintenance seriously. Order it today and experience the convenience and efficiency of the MUCAR CDE900 PRO.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2095365/CDE900_PRO.mp4

SOURCE Mucar Tech
LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Just Climate, an investment business established by Generation Investment Management to address the net-zero challenge at scale, has today announced the closing of its inaugural fund, Climate Assets Fund I (the "Fund"). The Fund exceeded its $1 billion target, raising $1.5 billion in institutional capital to invest in the highest impact solutions that can radically reduce or remove emissions, while generating attractive risk-adjusted financial returns.[1]

The Fund closed with a diverse set of institutional investors with a far-reaching geographical spread, including California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS), PSP Investments, AP4, Colonial First State Investments, Builders Asset Management and AP2; as well as other pensions, sovereign wealth funds, insurers, financial institutions, endowments, foundations and family offices from North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

The Fund's founding investor group included Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund which anchored the Fund, IMAS Foundation, Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, Harvard Management Company, the Imprint Group of Goldman Sachs as well as Hall Capital Partners and its clients.

Clara Barby CBE, Senior Partner of Just Climate, said: "Establishing climate-led investing as a capital allocation imperative is core to our mission. We start with climate impact, identify solutions that will make the biggest difference, and then direct and scale institutional capital to those solutions that we believe can generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.[1] We're grateful that many of the world's most significant institutional investors see the opportunity that climate-led investing represents  for capital markets, for the planet and for people everywhere."

The Fund will be part of Just Climate's industrial climate solutions focus and will pursue investments in growth-stage, asset-heavy companies globally which have the potential to deliver transformational climate impact across some of the highest-emitting, hard-to-abate industries  including energy, mobility, industry and buildings  in order to generate outsized emissions abatement in the next decade.

Shaun Kingsbury CBE, Chief Investment Officer of Just Climate, said: "More than 50% of the world's emissions come from the hard-to-abate industries. Without radical and urgent changes to the way that the financial sector approaches the decarbonisation challenge in these industries, which are the building blocks of our economy, there will be no net zero by 2050. Proven, transformational climate solutions are being developed to decarbonise the industrial sectors. With the right investment support, we believe they can scale rapidly to achieve better gross margins, a lower cost of capital and widespread market adoption."

Just Climate has made three investments from the Fund to date, in:

ABB E-mobility - a Swiss-based global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.

H2 Green Steel - a Sweden -based industrial start-up which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the steel industry.

-based industrial start-up which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the steel industry. Meva Energy - a Sweden -based provider of an innovative gasification technology to generate renewable energy for manufacturing sectors.

Just Climate's integrated approach to impact management is embodied in the Fund's long-term incentive structure. Under the Fund's integrated performance fee, financial returns drive the amount of performance fee accruable. How much of the performance fee is ultimately available is 100% linked to the delivery of ambitious greenhouse gas abatement goals. With this approach, Just Climate is demonstrating its conviction that climate solutions for the hard-to-abate industries are capable of delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns and highest climate impact.[1]

Since being established by Generation Investment Management in October 2021, Just Climate has built a team of investment professionals who combine skills in growth equity, project finance, engineering and impact measurement with the capabilities to find and support business models that can provide transformational solutions for the hard-to-abate industries.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as fund counsel. Aztec Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.A. is administrator for the Fund.

About Just Climate

Just Climate is an investment business dedicated to climate-led investing to address the net-zero challenge at scale. Our ambition is to identify and invest in high-impact solutions for climate mitigation, as well as to catalyse and multiply capital to scale them. We seek to harness the power of institutional capital to accelerate, and to set a new standard for, climate-led investing.

Just Climate LLP is an appointed representative of Generation Investment Management LLP, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For further information, please visit www.justclimate.com or 'Just Climate' on LinkedIn.

About Generation Investment Management

Generation Investment Management LLP is dedicated to long-term investing, integrated sustainability research and client alignment. It is an independent, private, owner-managed partnership established in 2004 and headquartered in London, with a US presence in San Francisco, with more than $42 billion of assets under management and supervision (as of 31 March 2023).[2] For further information, please visit www.generationim.com.

1. Just Climate seeks to deliver attractive risk-adjusted financial returns, but there can be no guarantee this goal will be achieved.

2. Assets under management as at 31 March 2023 are $32.1 billion and assets under supervision (AUS) as at 31 December 2022 are $10.6 billion. AUS form part of our Long-term Equity strategy and include assets where Generation sourced, structured and/or negotiated the investment and in relation to which it provides certain ongoing advisory services for a fee.

Media contact:

Richard Campbell

[email protected]

+44 (0)7775 784933

SOURCE Just Climate
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is preparing for changes in the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program.

As of July 31, the minimum disability rating requirement for the program will increase to 40%, ending the grandfather clause that has been in effect since 2017.

ADVA encourages veterans or loved ones needing information or assistance with applying to visit one of ADVAs 63 Veterans Service Offices around the state.

Applications for dependents of eligible veterans rated 20-30% must be received in the ADVA headquarters office no later than July 30.

The Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program provides assistance with tuition, books, and instructional fees for dependents who qualify. Eligible students attending an eligible public or private institution may receive up to the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Cap (currently $250 per credit hour) and up to $1,000 for the combination of textbooks and instructional fees each semester after other grants and scholarships have been utilized.

There are approximately 16,000 students enrolled in the program. You can learn more about the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program on the ADVA website.
New RET Antennas Mean Higher Network Coverage, Lower Maintenance for Wireless Networks

IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KP Performance Antennas, an Infinite Electronics brand and a manufacturer of wireless network antennas, has announced the launch of a new line of remote electrical tilt (RET) antennas for wireless communication networks.

The new RET antennas are designed to provide enhanced network coverage and capacity while reducing maintenance costs. They are ideal for use in LTE, 5G and other cellular networks.

KP's new RET antennas bring higher network coverage, lower maintenance for wireless networks.

KP's new RET antennas feature AISG 2.0 remote electrical tilt technology, available in 2 to 12 or 0 to 10 options, that allows for precise antenna adjustments. With this capability, network operators can adjust the tilt of the antenna remotely. This helps to optimize the coverage and capacity of the network, which is particularly useful in areas with varying terrain or high interference. Being able to remotely control the coverage also enables antenna adjustments without costly tower climbs or network downtime.

The RET antennas have options for two, four or six connector ports. This allows for multiple frequencies to be covered with one antenna and reduces the need for additional hardware.

The new antennas have 4.3-10 female connectors and offer low passive intermodulation, ensuring that the signal quality remains high and stable.

Additionally, KP's RET antennas are designed to cover global 5G bands in 1710-2690 MHz or 694-960 MHz omni, making them ideal for use in a wide range of applications.

"Our new RET antennas offer real-time adjustments to the antenna's radiation pattern, enabling network operators to optimize network performance. These products can withstand harsh weather and offer high-gain performance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications," said Kevin Hietpas, Antenna Product Line Manager.

KP's new remote electrical tilt (RET) antennas are in stock and available for same-day shipping. For inquiries, please call 1-855-276-5772.

About KP Performance Antennas:

For over 15 years KP Performance Antennas has helped wireless network installers and IT professionals maximize ROI with products engineered to exceed industry expectations by delivering superior throughput, greater service coverage, dependable performance and reduced maintenance costs, while also providing responsive service, expert technical support and same-day shipping. KP is an Infinite Electronics brand.

About Infinite Electronics:

Based in Irvine, Calif., Infinite Electronics is a global electronics supplier offering a broad range of components, assemblies and wired/wireless connectivity solutions to the aerospace/defense, industrial, government, consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical and telecommunications markets. Its brands are Pasternack, Fairview Microwave, L-com, MilesTek, ShowMeCables, NavePoint, INC Installs, Integra Optics, PolyPhaser, Transtector, KP Performance Antennas, RadioWaves and Aiconics. Infinite serves its customers with deep technical expertise and support. Its broad inventory is available for immediate shipment, fulfilling unplanned demand for engineers and technical buyers. Infinite is a Warburg Pincus portfolio company.

SOURCE KP Performance Antennas
The International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA) announces the 29th edition of the Conference of Montreal (June 1214th 2023), with high-level speakers from government, business and civil society

MONTREAL, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - The Conference of Montreal, one of the largest and most established economic conferences in North America, today unveiled its program for the 2023 edition. This year's event, held under the theme "Thriving in a World in Transition", will feature more than 180 high-level speakers including international delegations and the heads of Ericsson, Moderna, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Franklin Templeton and Rio Tinto.

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade for Canada, will take part in a fireside chat to discuss trade, sustainability and resiliency. From his side, Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec's Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and region of Montreal, will speak on Quebec's economic opportunities and initiatives surrounding a greener and more sustainable economy.

The 29th edition of the conference is organized by the IEFA in association with Integra Capital, and will take place at the Hotel Bonaventure in Montreal. Sessions will cover the role of green finance, the decarbonization of the energy industry, the electrification of mobility, critical minerals, to cyber defence, aerospace innovation and AI.

Quotes

"2023 will go down in history as a critical turning point for the global economy", explained Nicholas Remillard, CEO of the IEFA. "We are witnessing the onset of recession, the extent of which we do not know, and the public and private sectors must work together to minimize its impact. In addition, we have to ensure that this resiliency to future global events encompasses climate change. I am honoured to welcome everyone to the Conference of Montreal as we seek to address these issues together", he added.

"At the Conference of Montreal, I look forward to discussing the ways in which Canada can work across the globe with partners to increase the competitiveness and resilience of our economies, and to secure good, sustainable jobs for our people", expressed The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade for Canada.

"Quebec stands out internationally thanks to its green economy. Our hydroelectricity, our efforts to decarbonize our industries and our major investments in strategic sectors are all winning conditions for a successful energy transition and to become the first carbon-neutral state in North America", said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region.

"Major international gatherings are key opportunities for building bridges between economies. I'm delighted to see that the Conference of Montreal is calling on world leaders to reflect on ways to prosper while taking into account the climate emergency, as well as promoting innovation and economic development. These issues are becoming inseparable and require concerted action from all quarters," declared Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante.

The preliminary list of speakers includes:

Boon Chye Loh , CEO, Singapore Exchange (SGX Group)

, CEO, Singapore Exchange (SGX Group) Matthew Chamberlain , CEO, London Metal Exchange

, CEO, London Metal Exchange Jenny Johnson , President and CEO, Franklin Templeton

, President and CEO, Borje Ekholm , President and CEO, Ericsson

, President and CEO, Ericsson Jean Paul Chauvet , CEO, Lightspeed

, CEO, Lightspeed Rich Lesser , Global Chairman, BCG

, Global Chairman, BCG Geoffrey Roux de Bezieux , President, Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)

, President, Mouvement des Entreprises de (MEDEF) Arvind Raman , Chief Information Security Officer, BlackBerry

, Chief Information Security Officer, BlackBerry Thierry Dassault , Deputy CEO, Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault

, Deputy CEO, Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault Laurent Germain , CEO, Egis

, CEO, Egis Ivan Vella , Chief Executive, Aluminium, Rio Tinto

, Chief Executive, Aluminium, Rio Tinto Jesse Vincent-Herscovici , CEO, Axelys

, CEO, Axelys Rafaele Tordjman , CEO, Jeito Capital

, CEO, Jeito Capital Noubar Afeyan , Co-Founder and Chairman, Moderna; Founder and CEO, Flagship Pioneering

, Co-Founder and Chairman, Moderna; Founder and CEO, Flagship Pioneering Dino Bianco , CEO, Kruger Products

, CEO, Kruger Products Pierre Fitzgibbon , Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region, Quebec

, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region, Quebec Pierre Moscovici , First President, Cour des comptes ( France )

, First President, Cour des comptes ( ) Valerie Plante , Mayor of Montreal

, Mayor of Ion Sterian, CEO, Transgaz

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming days.

The complete program, as well as the list of confirmed speakers, is updated regularly. For further information, please visit the Conference of Montreal's website.

Date: June 12th-14th, 2023 Location: Hotel Bonaventure, 900 Rue de la Gauchetiere O, Montreal, QC H5A 1E4 Theme: Thriving in a World in Transition Monday, June 12th  Economy, Finance and Decarbonisation

Tuesday, June 13th  Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure

Wednesday, June 14th  Innovation, Globalisation and Society

About The Conference of Montreal

Launched in 1994, the Conference of Montreal (CDM) brings together decision makers from all spheres of society to address the most pressing issues of our time. In the past three decades, Conference of Montreal has evolved to become an internationally recognized multi-day event attended by world leaders and decision makers from the worlds of government, business, and academia, who convene to discuss topics ranging from the economy and global leadership to sustainability, energy and innovation. The event's geographic location in the heart of French Canada offers audiences a rare sociopolitical economic insight which spans both a North American and European perspective, while also examining best practice worldwide.

The conference is organized by the IEFA (International Economic Forum of the Americas), which also hosts the Toronto Global Forum, World Strategic Forum (held in Miami), Conference of Paris and IEFA LatAm Forum (held in Buenos Aires).

Media Accreditation

Media accreditation requests can be submitted via this form. Requests for speaker interviews can be sent to Simon Leblanc ([email protected]).

SOURCE International Economic Forum of the Americas
Mavrck releases a new version of search powered by AI to help brands identify more influencer and creator partners

BOSTON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mavrck , the all-in-one enterprise influencer marketing platform today announced enhanced search capabilities backed by the power of AI, a better way for brands to find creators and influencers for partnerships. The creator economy continues to grow, with over 300 million people identifying as creators today, according to Adobe . It's even more important for brands to discover the right creator partners to reach consumers.

"Millions of people now make a living monetizing their passion and creativity," said Lyle Stevens, Co-Founder and CEO of Mavrck. "Our enhanced search capabilities will make that discovery of creators easier for brands while empowering the growing passion economy."

In this new search feature, whenever a user types in a keyword or hashtag, it will automatically broaden the search to cover related terms and even emojis that creators use in their bios and captions. By expanding the initial search, marketers will organically discover creators that have a high likelihood of resonating with a new or niche segment of their target audience they might not have discovered before - increasing brand reach, engagement, and conversions.

Features and benefits of Mavrck's enhanced search by AI include:

Increased efficiency: Streamline creator discovery by conducting a single search that will output more pertinent results, consolidating effort and saving time.

Discover related audiences: Expand partnership opportunities by discovering related segments of target audiences.

Optimized for ROI: Discover influencers who have a higher likelihood of resonating with a brand's target audience, which can lead to increased engagement, conversions, and sales.

"The new AI feature has made it so much easier to find creators that truly match what our brand stands for and makes sure that we get the best results for us and the influencers," says Lauren DeCarlo, an influencer marketer at Lumineux, a Mavrck customer.

AI Enhanced Search is currently available to all Mavrck customers. This is one of several AI-enhanced features released by Mavrck within its social media and influencer marketing solutions. For more information on Mavrck's suite of products and services, please visit Mavrck.co .

ABOUT MAVRCK

Mavrck is the all-in-one enterprise influencer marketing platform that enables brands to grow their business with authentic content consumers trust. With Mavrck, marketers can easily identify creators, oversee campaigns, evaluate return on investment, and amplify their programs - all from a single platform. Trusted by world-renowned brands including P&G, General Mills, Lyft, and Sephora, Mavrck empowers marketers to achieve and scale their influencer marketing goals.

Mavrck acquired Later , a market-leading self-service social media planning platform in 2022 with an investment from Summit Partners. Later's platform includes Linkin.bio, the first ever bio link solution, built to help brands streamline and optimize their social media tasks. Together, Later and Mavrck offer a comprehensive suite of products and services that empower customers to achieve their social media marketing goals.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachael Cihlar

VP, Strategy and Corporate Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Mavrck
The residential services business group says its collaboration with the three companies in Pittsburgh and Cape Coral, Fla. will allow the companies to scale their growth and retain leadership

TAMPA, Fla., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Legacy Service Partners, an industry leading group of residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services businesses in 16 states, has partnered with two Pittsburgh area home service companies and a third in Cape Coral, Florida to grow its presence in both states.

Legacy has added McVay Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, owned by Michael Arendosh, and Mister Sewer and Gator Drain and Plumbing, owned by Jason Daugherty, to its platform of residential service companies.

As part of the acquisitions, McVay and Mister Sewer will combine operations along with McVay's previously acquired Arendosh Services business to create a new, rebranded, singular platform in the Pittsburgh area. The combined business will be a market leader in sewer and drain installations, maintenance and repair and intends to offer additional home services through a combination of organic and inorganic growth initiatives.

"It's an honor to work with Michael, Jason and each of their respective leadership teams" said Legacy CEO and Co-Founder Rob Millock. "Mike and Jason care deeply about their employees and the communities they serve, and their passion for our industry is infectious. We look forward to our role in helping them continue to provide a trusted service to the Pittsburgh and Cape Coral areas through our collaborative efforts."

Mister Sewer was created with the goal of providing specialized sewer and drain repair and installation on demand and in a fair and honest manner. Daugherty's other home service business, Gator Drain and Plumbing, was started in 2016 and provides plumbing maintenance and repair services to areas across southwest Florida.

"Legacy's back-end financial, human resources and marketing support is a boon for Mister Sewer and Gator," Daugherty said. "We're certain that this partnership spells out great things for the future of our companies and our ongoing ability to provide Pittsburgh and Cape Coral residents with the trustworthy technicians and reliable service Mister Sewer and Gator have become known for."

McVay has provided plumbing services in the greater Pittsburgh area for more than 30 years and has worked to provide residents with cutting edge plumbing technology and reliable customer service.

"McVay is thankful to have a partner like Legacy Service Partners on its side," Arendosh said. "We know they have our best interests in mind and we're sure to benefit from their general business support. Legacy's strong business development resources and processes will help McVay continue to scale our growth trajectory and make this a great place for our employees to work."

Legacy has worked with a variety of qualified home service brands to provide them with the financial, marketing, human resources and data-driven support they need to thrive since 2021. For more information about Legacy Service Partners, please visit https://legacyservicepartners.com/.

About Legacy Service Partners

Legacy Service Partners is a leading group of residential services business operating across more than 30 brands in 16 states. The locations offer home repair, replacement and maintenance services in heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services. The company serves nearly half a million customers annually and has more than 1,500 team members in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Nashville, Tennessee; Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, Florida; West Texas and Weatherford/Ft. Worth, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Fairfield, Connecticut; Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Fort Collins, Colorado; Middletown, New Jersey; Lincoln, Nebraska; Boston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Legacy Service Partners
Named in honor of fallen firefighter Billy Moon, Kristina Moon was presented with the "Billy Moon Medal of Life" in recognition of her tireless advocacy of organ donation, and in doing so, preserving Billy's legacy as an organ donor hero.

NEW YORK, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LiveOnNY is proud to announce that the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) presented the inaugural "Billy Moon Medal of Life" to Ms. Kristina Moon.

Established by the FDNY, the "Billy Moon Medal of Life" honors individuals who exemplify Billy's benevolence and compassion for others. Billy's decision to become an organ donor saved multiple lives and brought hope to those in desperate need of a lifesaving organ.

Named in honor of fallen firefighter Billy Moon, Kristina Moon was presented with the Billy Moon Medal of Life in recognition of her tireless advocacy of organ donation

"The FDNY is honored to present the inaugural 'Billy Moon Medal of Life' to Kristina Moon for her advocacy and support of helping those in need. She and Billy represent the generosity of our community and we are forever grateful for their gifts of life," said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

This prestigious medal is a testament to FDNY Fire Fighter Moon's heroism; he was a hero in life, and he is a hero in death; he saved the lives of five individuals who were in desperate need of a heart, liver, lungs and kidneys, including two FDNY firefighters.

Kristina Moon, the wife of Billy Moon, was presented with this prestigious award in recognition of Billy's remarkable act of generosity. Her unwavering support and understanding of Billy's decision to be an organ donor have sparked a movement to encourage more people than ever to say 'yes' to donation, helping countless individuals live on through the gift of organ donation.

"Our New York Community is grateful to the FDNY for honoring Billy's compassionate act of organ donation. LiveOnNY is humbled by Billy's compassion and proud to have joined Kristina in honoring Billy's decision to share his precious gifts of life to help others in need," said LiveOnNY President and CEO Leonard Achan RN, MA, ANP.

About LiveOnNY

LiveOnNY is a nonprofit, federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving lives, providing comfort, and strengthening legacies through organ, eye, and tissue donation. The OPO, which was established in 1978, serves a culturally and ethnically diverse population of 13 million residents in New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley. Working closely with transplant centers and hospitals, LiveOnNY coordinates organ, eye, and tissue donation for transplant, educates the public and healthcare professionals about donation and transplantation, and promotes the importance of signing up on the New York State Donate Life Registry. LiveOnNY works closely with 11 transplant centers, nearly 100 hospitals, and several tissue and eye banks. LiveOnNY is a member of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which oversees the organ transplant waiting list in the U.S. For more information, please visit LiveOnNY.org.

SOURCE LiveOnNY
ANDERNACH, Germany, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LTS LOHMANN Therapie-Systeme AG ("LTS"), a leading pharmaceutical technology company that develops and manufactures innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches ("TTS"), Oral Thin Films ("OTF") and Micro Array Patches ("MAP") has completed its acquisition of the Sorrel wearable injection device business ("Sorrel") with headquarters in Netanya, Israel, from Eitan Medical Ltd ("Eitan Medical"). Terms of the transaction, previously announced on April 20, were not disclosed.

The acquisition of Sorrel is a crucial step in LTS' strategy to broaden its portfolio of drug delivery platforms. Sorrel's large volume wearable injector technologies will enable LTS to go beyond its current passive technology offerings. It opens new opportunities for LTS to support pharma partners in the field of large molecules and biologics.

With the acquisition, Sorrel will become part of the worldwide network of LTS and operate as a new LTS division named LTS Device Technologies. Dr Andrei Yosef has been appointed as President and General Manager of LTS Device Technologies.

Bas van Buijtenen, CEO of LTS, commented: "The acquisition of our new Device Technologies platform catapults LTS into the world of drug delivery for large molecules, and fulfils our mission to bring empowering solutions to patients that rely on cumbersome and expensive therapies requiring in-clinic administration or multiple injections. The Sorrel solutions set a new standard for performance, quality, reliability, and patient convenience in wearable injection devices. The technology is now ready for commercial launch and will accelerate its scale-up within LTS, benefiting from LTS's global reach and reputation. We are excited to welcome Dr. Andrei Yosef and his talented team to our organization."

- Cross reference: Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) -

About LTS

LTS LOHMANN Therapie-Systeme AG is a leading pharmaceutical technology company that develops and manufactures innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches ("TTS") and Oral Thin Films ("OTF") for the pharmaceutical industry. LTS commercial offering encompasses more than 20 marketed products and a diverse pipeline of more than 30 development projects targeting multiple disease indications. LTS's innovation pipeline contains both partner-funded as well as proprietary, LTS-funded projects. LTS maintains its leading position through the continuous refinement of its core TTS and OTF technologies and by advancing emerging drug delivery technologies, including Micro Array Patches (MAP) for the transdermal delivery of large molecule, biological actives. Founded in 1984, LTS operates today from three sites: in Andernach, Germany, West Caldwell, NJ, USA and St. Paul, MN, USA. LTS has also a representative office in Shanghai, China.

Contact:

Dr. Iris Schnitzler

[email protected]

+49 (0) 2632 99-0

SOURCE LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
YOSEMITE VALLEY, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In surprising and welcome news for thousands of Yosemite fans, Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120 West, the most direct route to Yosemite from the San Francisco Bay Area, is reopening this Saturday, June 10th.

With Yosemite Valley access reopening after a long-awaited period, local insiders at Visit Tuolumne County, Rush Creek and Evergreen Lodges, are eagerly welcoming visitors to embark on unparalleled adventures filled with breathtaking scenery and epic waterfalls and wildflowers that just won't quit.

Yosemite's Tunnel View

Located at the gateway to Yosemite National Park, Rush Creek Lodge & Spa and Evergreen Lodge stand as exceptional basecamps for Yosemite adventures. From guided tours, to local hikes, hanging out at the pool, or spending a relaxing day at the Yosemite-inspired spa, guests worldwide are having the time of their lives. Rush Creek Lodge's "15 Local Attractions and Activities at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa at Yosemite" is filled with tips from locals and recent guests sharing their ultimate Yosemite adventure.

"We're thrilled to extend a warm welcome to visitors as Yosemite Valley opens back up to an extraordinary summer season with unprecedented waterfalls throughout the region. Our Lodges offer a perfect starting point, whether joining one of our friendly guides for a tour, or simply visiting our Recreation Desk for free planning advice on where to go for the best experience," says Josh Bailey, Recreation Manager at the lodges.

With its rich history entwined in the Gold Rush era, Tuolumne County offers a treasure trove of remarkable outdoor experiences and fascinating cultural heritage. Whether visitors are seeking thrilling adventures or serene moments amidst nature's splendor, Tuolumne County has it all. The County's "21 Things to Do in Tuolumne" is the perfect guide to uncovering the hidden gems that the area has to offer.

Lisa Mayo, Visit Tuolumne County's CEO and President comments, "While we understand that many people want to visit the iconic Yosemite Valley Floor, we encourage visitors to explore the lesser-known areas of Yosemite. Our charming Gold Rush and High Sierra towns are experiencing a resurgence of new generations of artists, retailers, craft beverage pioneers and restaurateurs that surprise and delight visitors every day."

Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne County, Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, and Evergreen Lodge continue to welcome visitors who will undoubtedly be enchanted by the pristine beauty and rich heritage of Tuolumne County. Whether hiking the iconic trails of Yosemite National Park, gazing at the majestic waterfalls, or immersing in the captivating Gold Rush history, Tuolumne County and the Lodges serve as a destination within a destination to enrich the wonders of nature and the soul.

ABOUT VISIT TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Visit Tuolumne ("to-all-o-me") County (VTC) is the official destination marketing organization for Tuolumne County in Northern California. Tuolumne County is just a 2 1/2-hour drive east of the San Francisco Bay Area. The main highways leading to the picturesque drive from the Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west and Highway 49 from the north. The State Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park is considered the "front door" of the park for the Bay Area. For more information, go to VistTCToday.com.

ABOUT RUSH CREEK LODGE & SPA

A fresh take on the Yosemite experience, Rush Creek opened at the doorstep of Yosemite in summer 2016. The contemporary mountain lodge offers 143 guest rooms, and extensive amenities including Restaurant/Tavern, guided recreation program and Yosemite-inspired Spa. Rush Creek is a Certified B Corporation, meeting social sustainability and environmental performance standards, including a fully self-funded on-site youth employment program and a host of environmental initiatives.

ABOUT EVERGREEN LODGE

Evergreen Lodge sits one mile from Yosemite's western border and the entrance to Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy. The lodge blends modern comforts with the relaxed approach and activities of a mountain ranch, and the timeless warmth of a historic 1920s lodge. Evergreen features cozy cabins, custom campsites and two exclusive vacation rentals. Since 2007, Evergreen has been a certified B Corporation, using profits to self-fund and operate an innovative on-site Youth Employment Program teaching job and life skills to Bay Area youth, while also maintaining high standards for environmental stewardship.

SOURCE Visit Tuolumne County, Rush Creek and Evergreen Lodge
Teens want to talk about the issue and parents know they should but they just don't

Parents and caregivers unfamiliar with gaming and streaming platforms

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As more focus is being placed on how much time teens spend on the internet, specifically social media and gaming sites - new research from the McCain Institute's R.E.A.L. Friends Don't campaign spotlights just how little parents and teens are actually communicating about the potential dangers that exist online. The study, titled "The R.E.A.L. Talk: What parents and teens know they should be talking about, but aren't," uncovered a serious lack of important conversations happening between parents and their kids regarding online grooming and risky behavior like sexting and sharing nude photos.

"This research reveals what experts have long warned would happen due to increased time spent online during the pandemic. Our work confirms the urgent need to get accurate, actionable information about online safety into the hands of parents and teens," says Kelsey Syms, program manager of Combatting Human Trafficking at the McCain Institute. "The R.E.A.L. Friends Don't campaign serves as a go-to resource to help parents and teens have these conversations and safely navigate the digital world."

Released in conjunction with National Internet Safety Month taking place throughout June, the findings shine a light on the need for more dialogue surrounding internet safety. Almost half of parents and caregivers (45%) haven't talked to their kids about sexting and sharing nude photos online, and over a third (36%) said they haven't discussed online grooming with their child. Yet, over 90% of caregivers believe these three topics are at least somewhat important to discuss with their children, including 8 in 10 caregivers who say they are "very important," exposing a concerning discrepancy between parents' beliefs and actions.

Additionally, the study found that many parents are alarmingly in the dark about gaming and streaming platforms where chats with strangers often take place. Platforms like Minecraft, Roblox, and Discord had the highest gap between caregiver familiarity and minor usage.

The McCain Institute identified significant barriers that must be overcome in order to create substantive dialogue on safe internet behavior. For instance, the main obstacle preventing parents from discussing sexting and sharing nude photos with their children is the belief that their child is too young for such a conversation. And among those parents who have discussed the topic of sexting or sharing nude photos, the risk of embarrassment was a top concern about having the discussion. Meanwhile, among minors, more than 25% feel that their caregivers' unwillingness to talk about sexting or grooming is the main reason why they haven't had these conversations.

"Having a conversation with your child about safe online behavior is more important than ever," said Kristen Abrams, senior director of Combatting Human Trafficking at the McCain Institute. "As a parent, I recognize that it can be challenging. However, it is vital that our kids know they can look to us for guidance and seek help if something goes wrong or makes them feel uncomfortable."

The nationwide study included 600 online interviews with minors aged 13-17 and 805 online interviews with parents and caregivers of 9-17-year-olds. The margin of error for the minors audience is 4.0 at the 95% confidence level, while the margin of error for the caregivers audience is 3.5 at the 95% confidence level. The margin of error for both audiences is higher among subgroups.

About R.E.A.L. Friends Don't

The R.E.AL. Friends Don't campaign increases awareness and educates parents, caregivers, and young people about online safety, and empowers parents to protect their children from harmful content, grooming, or online exploitation. The campaign employs an integrated suite of activities to reach those most at risk ranging from an online resource hub to billboards to influencer-driven social media campaigns, and public art.

About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University

The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family's dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs advance democracy and human rights, empower character-driven leaders, combat human trafficking, and prevent targeted violence. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world's most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.

About Arizona State University

Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.

Contact:

Patrick McCann

[email protected]

202-601-4288

Mike Loughran

[email protected]

SOURCE McCain Institute
Strengthens MTA's national presence.

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Technology Associates, LLC ("MTA"), a leader in medical gas services, testing and equipment; is pleased to announce the acquisition of Premier Medical, Inc. ("Premier"). Premier is headquartered in Tennessee with a branch office in Florida. Their marquis customer base and high-quality employees expand MTA's footprint into the Tennessee and Arkansas markets, while strengthening MTA's market leading position in Florida.

Premier Medical Inc.

Founded in 2000 by Christian Rife, and currently led in partnership with Jonathan Rife, Premier is a leader in medical gas services and equipment. "We are thrilled to announce the transaction with MTA. This was the best decision for our company, employees, and customers," said Christian. "I believe by implementing MTA's strong corporate culture and industry leading services, Premier Medical is in a great position to grow and flourish for many years to come. We are excited about the opportunities."

Bringing these two medical gas leaders together will expand MTA's critically important technician teams, enabling both companies to service their local customers more efficiently. Leveraging MTA's infrastructure and back-office platform, Premier will now have access to robust and flexible software platforms for the benefit of employees and customers. "Together, we will broaden our service offerings, expand our footprint, and leverage technology to drive customer success," said Val Marks, MTA CEO. "It's a real win/win for customers and employees."

Chris and Jon are seasoned leaders in the industry with a strong and committed customer following. MTA is honored and excited to have the Premier Medical team join the MTA family of companies. Chris and Jon are excited to continue in executive roles within MTA.

MTA, LLC is a national leader in healthcare compliance testing, inspection, certification, calibration, and equipment. As a single source provider, MTA delivers a wide range of services and equipment for Medical Gas, Environmental Monitoring, Calibration and Controlled Environment services on a national basis. MTA has nearly 40 years of industry experience. Branch offices are in FL, TX, AZ, KS, IN and PA with technicians across the U.S.

Premier Medical, Inc has over 30 years of experience in the Health Care industry and is committed to being the leading provider in Medical Gas Equipment and Testing services. Premier primarily focuses on Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Florida but does provide sales and services to clients across the United States.

Media Contact:

Valeri Marks

Medical Technology Associates, LLC

727 548-8600

[email protected]

SOURCE Medical Technology Associates
Public poll brings light to consumers' loss of trust in food companies' progress toward their animal welfare goals

LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, June 8, Mercy For Animals released the results of a public opinion poll revealing that consumers believe food companies such as Dunkin', McCormick, and Best Western lack transparency about their progress toward certain animal welfare goals. Ahead of the fall launch of the third annual International Cage-Free Equity Index report, consumers are demanding that companies that have pledged to go cage-free in their global egg supplies but have been fully or partially silent on the status of their transitions share their progress toward 100% cage-free supply chains worldwide.

These food companies are losing consumer trust:

Food companies not transparent on progress towards commitment to source eggs from cage-free hens, says Mercy For Animals Tweet this

Least trusted restaurant chain: Dunkin' parent company Inspire Brands announced in 2021 its commitment to transitioning to a 100% cage-free global egg supply by 2025, but the company has reported progress only for Dunkin' in the United States , leaving its progress in Asia , Latin America , the Middle East , Europe , and Oceania unknown.





parent company Inspire Brands announced in 2021 its commitment to transitioning to a 100% cage-free global egg supply by 2025, but the company has reported progress only for Dunkin' in , leaving its progress in , , the , , and Oceania unknown. Least trusted food giant: In 2017, McCormick pledged to use only cage-free eggs in its products by 2025. But the company has reported progress only for McCormick-controlled operations, leading consumers to wonder about other McCormick-branded products, such as the egg-heavy McCormick mayonnaise made under contract in Mexico by Grupo Herdez .





In 2017, pledged to use only cage-free eggs in its products by 2025. But the company has reported progress only for McCormick-controlled operations, leading consumers to wonder about other McCormick-branded products, such as the egg-heavy McCormick mayonnaise made under contract in by . Least trusted hotel chain: In 2019, Best Western said it would annually publish progress toward its 100% cage-free deadline of 2025, but it has not followed through. The lack of transparency raises concerns about Best Western's efforts to reach its proclaimed global cage-free goal.

"Over 100 companies around the world have pledged to stop buying eggs from suppliers that force hens into cruel cages," said Chris Liptrot, global vice president of corporate engagement at Mercy For Animals. "Committing to banning cages is a great step for animal welfare, but only if companies follow through on their word. While many of these companies are sharing progress on their cage-free pledges, some companies have not yet disclosed whether they are fulfilling their pledges globally. Mercy For Animals urges the companies lacking in transparency to honor consumer trust by sharing their global progress on their cage-free egg commitments."

Other companies, such as KFC, Elior, Melia Hotels, and Louvre Hotels, have also not been forthcoming in reporting fully on their global cage-free egg commitments.

Hens suffer in extreme confinement:

In factory farms worldwide, 84% of hens raised for eggs are crammed in groups into small wire cages. Each hen suffers an estimated average of 11,207 hours of pain (equivalent to about 466 days) in her shortened life.





Caged birds are too restricted to walk, spread their wings, or engage in many other behaviors essential to their well-being. Running, jumping, foraging, and dustbathing are impossible.





Cage confinement increases hens' likelihood of painful health problems, such as foot lesions, bone loss, and liver disease. Caging is also associated with significantly higher rates of salmonella infection, raising serious food-safety concerns for consumers.

This is why Mercy For Animals, with the help of the consumer poll, is calling attention to food corporations that have not yet publicly reported their global cage-free progress years after announcing their pledges to ban all cages in their operations worldwide.

Countries around the world should immediately outlaw cages and give hens the freedom to walk more than a few steps, nest, perch, forage, and spread their wings.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Chris Liptrot, contact Ronnika A. McFall at [email protected] or 404-398-7804.

Mercy For Animals is a leading international nonprofit working to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. Active in Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, and the United States, the organization has conducted more than 100 investigations of factory farms and slaughterhouses, influenced more than 500 corporate policies, and helped pass historic legislation to ban cages for farmed animals. Join us at MercyForAnimals.org .

SOURCE Mercy For Animals
WASHINGTON  The Force Management Hall of Fame welcomed its 19th member as John J. Twohig, a retired colonel and Army civilian, was inducted during a ceremony at the Pentagon June 1.

His induction comes after 48 years of service, more than 25 of which he led U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Commands Force Design Directorate.

We are in the Hall of Heroes, which I think is very appropriate because John has been a hero to so many, said Maj. Gen. Michelle A. Schmidt, director of Force Development, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs. I know I speak for all Army senior leaders in expressing our sincere gratitude to John for his incredible contributions toward building the most capable, resilient and ready Army for our nation.

The Army established a Force Management Hall of Fame in 2005 to publicly recognize the contributions of outstanding Army force managers, uniformed and civilian. Those selected made significant and lasting contributions to the force management community which designs the structure of the service.

Following his first 22 years of service, many as an artillery officer, Twohig led the FDD at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, during his remaining eight years of active-duty service.

The opportunity to stabilize the family and be a part of preparing the Army to face current and future threats was too good to pass up, he said during his induction speech.

Upon retirement, he transitioned to an Army civilian role continuing in the position of FDD director.

His team developed hundreds of operational force design and structural solutions to help the Army meet the demands of contemporary and future warfare. He was personally involved in every major operating force transformation of this century, including the current multi-domain capable Army 2030 force structure.

Our work is extremely important, Schmidt said. What we do day in, and day out is about our soldiers, to ensure they are organized and equipped to accomplish their mission and come home safely. John, you have done this. You have done this year after year and decade after decade. So, thank you for all you have done and for leading the way.

Twohig was a leader in the design of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team, conversion of the entire Army to the modular force, and led an Army-wide grade rebalance to allow for proper end-strength adjustments. He retired from service in 2022.

His plaque will be on display at the Pentagon near the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs offices.

It is a great and unexpected honor to be inducted into the Force Management Hall of Fame, he said. I want to acknowledge that I would not be here today without the support and collaboration from the entire force management community. They were always focused on the challenges we faced, always focused on being part of the solution.
Mr. Cabrera brings nearly four decades of industry experience to new role

PITTSBURGH, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Tony Cabrera, P.E., has been promoted to Office Executive for the firm's Phoenix, Arizona, office. In this role, Mr. Cabrera will lead a multi-disciplinary team in executing client projects and continuing to expand the business with new clients, markets and capabilities.

"Michael Baker's Phoenix office offers a full spectrum of services and is one of four Federal Centers of Excellence for the Western Region," said Trudi Lim, P.E., LEED AP, Western Regional Director at Michael Baker International. "I look forward to the Phoenix team Making a Difference under Tony's leadership as they solve complex infrastructure challenges for our clients throughout Arizona and continue our company's legacy of delivering expertise, experience, innovation and integrity."

Mr. Cabrera brings nearly four decades of experience to his new role with Michael Baker and has a proven track record leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver excellence across a wide spectrum of clients. He has led a diverse range of infrastructure projects throughout Arizona and elsewhere, which has allowed him to work on virtually every aspect of civil engineering. His experience on multiple Design-Build transportation projects allows a perspective and value-added component to integrate end-user needs, such as construction and maintenance innovations, into the design for more desirable and complete projects.

Prior to joining Michael Baker in January 2022 as Transportation Group Manager, Mr. Cabrera was a Senior Project/Program Manager at WSP. Before that, he was a Sector Leader at Stantec and a Project Manager with Jacobs. He also served as a Project Designer for both Entranco and the Arizona Department of Transportation. Mr. Cabrera is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) and Society of American Military Engineers (SAME).

About Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations  like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

The firm's more than 3,500 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while Reimagining Michael Baker to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm over the next five years.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

Contact: Julia Covelli

[email protected]

(866) 293-4609

SOURCE Michael Baker International
DENVER, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Morris Animal Foundation, a global leader in advancing animal health, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month with June 15 declared as Morris Animal Foundation Day by Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr. founded Morris Animal Foundation (originally called the Buddy Foundation) to improve the health and well-being of animals everywhere in 1948.

The Foundation traces its roots back to 1948, when a forward-thinking veterinarian  Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr.  founded the organization to improve the health and well-being of animals everywhere. As the Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary, it reflects on its decades of work  funding nearly 3,000 studies to date  and its continued push to advance veterinary medicine on a global scale.

Currently, the Foundation has about 200 active studies aimed at addressing significant health challenges in dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. This includes the largest cancer-focused study of its kind in dogs, improved and novel vaccines for infectious diseases in cats, as well as critical research to safeguard endangered species worldwide. Every year, the Foundation funds a new set of impactful studies to meet emerging health needs.

Morris Animal Foundation through the years:

In 1950, the Foundation funded its first two studies, which investigated cat and dog nutrition at Rutgers University and Iowa State University , respectively.

and , respectively. About a decade later, the Foundation ventured into equine health, supporting its first nutrition health study for horses.

By 1967, the Foundation expanded its research to include wildlife studies, with its first study focusing on bacterial blood infections in zoo animals.

In 1971, actress Betty White joined the Foundation as Trustee, and served as Board President from 1982-85.

joined the Foundation as Trustee, and served as Board President from 1982-85. In 1986, funding from the Foundation led to the establishment of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, the first effort to provide desperately needed veterinary care to the highly endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda .

. In 2012, the Foundation launched its Golden Retriever Lifetime Study , the most comprehensive, prospective study collecting health data on 3,000+ golden retrievers to help identify risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs.

, the most comprehensive, prospective study collecting health data on 3,000+ golden retrievers to help identify risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs. Thanks to the Foundation's long history of funding animal health research, veterinarians and wildlife managers have better diagnostics, treatments and even some cures for diseases and other health challenges for animals in their care and in the field.

As Morris Animal Foundation continues its journey, it remains committed to improving the health and well-being of animals around the world through scientific research, training new veterinary researchers and continued advancements in veterinary medicine.

About Morris Animal Foundation

Morris Animal Foundation's mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $149 million in nearly 3,000 critical studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org .

SOURCE Morris Animal Foundation
Prestigious International Awards Program Recognizes Outstanding Educational Technology Products and Companies

HURON, Ohio, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- n2y , provider of comprehensive, technology-powered solutions for students with unique learning challenges, today announced that its Unique Learning System has been selected as winner of the "Special Education Solution of the Year" award in the 5th annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by EdTech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market.

Unique Learning System (ULS) is a special education core curriculum for students with moderate to severe disabilities. It also ensures IEP, state, and federal compliance for educators and administrators.

As a solution, ULS is a single easy-to-navigate platform with differentiated lessons and activities aligned to all 50 states' extended standards. It provides robust academic programs such as ELA, math, science, and social studies as well as transition and life skills support.

Skills and standards are covered in each unit to ensure students get the necessary repetition needed to achieve proficiency. Point-of-use instructional tools, guides, and an alignment document enable students in pre-K through transition to access materials in every unit of study.

With ULS, teachers are easily able to prepare, deliver, and assess instruction, and ULS provides automatic data and reporting, as well as ways to demonstrate student progress. Students using ULS can access a customized Student View that offers a real-time connection with the teacher and lessons and activities that are automatically tailored to their skill level. Accessibility options like text-to-speech are also available.

"Both new and seasoned educators rely on evidence- and research-based methodologies and strategies to create lesson plans that resonate with special needs students while also empowering them to participate, learn, and achieve IEP goals," said James Johnson, managing director, EdTech Breakthrough. "We're pleased to recognize n2y for their breakthrough Unique Learning System that delivers on this need, setting itself apart from others as a powerful solution that provides inclusive, age-appropriate, and standards-aligned instruction, assessments, and reporting. It's a total special education solution meeting the needs of the whole child."

n2y CEO Ed Holmes said, "The latest research is guiding our work every step of the way, and Unique Learning System's platform has been expertly designed to ensure teachers maximize the content and supports. We're proud to accept the 2023 award for 'Special Education Solution of the Year.' ULS brings educators the most inclusive, evidence-based content and instructional support available for their special education programs, like Science of Reading and high-leverage practices. In this way, educators can regain valuable time to focus on helping every student achieve their best."

The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work, and success in a range of educational technology categories, including Student Engagement, School Administration, Adaptive Learning, STEM Education, Remote Learning, Career Preparation, and many more. This year's program attracted more than 2,400 nominations from over 16 different countries throughout the world.

About N2Y

n2y is changing the lives of special education administrators and teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals, and all the students they serve. Its award-winning solutions are designed specifically to address the needs of the whole child and help unique learners meet their state's standards. Multiple integrated, evidence and researchbased solutions empower educators to teach and students to achieve. Differentiated, standards-based academic instruction, enhanced by proactive behavior management, combines with collaborative IEP development to support learning for every student. For more information on these solutions, please visit n2y.com .

About EdTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, school administration, career preparation, language learning, STEM and more. For more information, visit EdTechBreakthrough.com .

SOURCE n2y
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation today announced Christopher Fortier, PharmD, FASHP, CPEL, will join as President of its 503B Outsourcing Facility.

In his new role, Fortier will oversee all operations at the industry-leading facility that produces sterile medications for hospitals and medical facilities across America in an effort to alleviate their drug shortage needs.

Christopher Fortier, PharmD, FASHP, CPEL

"Chris has not only the education and skill, but also the knowledge of what major hospitals and pharmacies around the country need every day," said Nephron CEO and Owner Lou Kennedy. "That combination will be an invaluable asset to the Nephron team."

Prior to joining Nephron, Fortier was the Chief Pharmacy Officer at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was responsible for leading all aspects of Mass General's pharmacy enterprise. He chaired the Mass General Brigham Chief Pharmacy Officer's Council and was responsible for leading large-scale pharmacy initiatives at the health system level.

Fortier has served in healthcare leadership roles for numerous state and national professional organizations, has been published in multiple healthcare journals, and has been featured in a variety of media outlets including NBC Nightly News, the Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, Bloomberg, and the Washington Post.

Fortier received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Connecticut and completed a PGY-1/PGY-2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center in Charleston. He has given over 100 national and international presentations, is a course coordinator at Harvard Medical School, and has academic appointments at the University of North Carolina  Chapel Hill, the University of Connecticut, and Northeastern University. Fortier is a Fellow of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and has also been certified as a Pharmacy Executive Leader by ASHP.

Fortier serves as chair of the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy Board of Directors and vice chair of United Way of Greater New Bedford Board of Directors.

A West Columbia, S.C.-based company, Nephron develops and produces safe, affordable generic inhalation solutions and suspension products. The company also operates an industry-leading 503B Outsourcing Facility division which produces pre-filled sterile syringes, luer-lock vials, IV bottles and IV bags for hospitals across America, in an effort to alleviate drug shortage needs. For more information, please visit www.nephronpharm.com.

Contact: Connor Watkins, [email protected]

SOURCE Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Coming in 100% environmentally-friendly packaging, $10 from every purchase will be donated in support of coral restoration projects.

CUPERTINO, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazfit, a leading global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company, has today unveiled the Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition). This Amazfit special edition outdoor smartwatch deepens Zepp Health's sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive, with the implementation of 100% environmentally friendly materials in its packaging and our partnerships with Coral Guardian - a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore coral ecosystems - as well as with adidas for the Move For The Planet challenge campaign.

Zepp Health and Coral Guardian: Partners for the Ocean

For the launch of the Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition), Zepp Health and its brand Amazfit have partnered with Coral Guardian - a non-profit company whose mission is to protect and restore coral ecosystems, with recent projects in the Sea of Flores, Indonesia, and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain.

As part of this partnership and in honor of World Ocean Day, Zepp Health will be donating $10 USD for every Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition) purchased, which will go to supporting Coral Guardian's restoration project in the Hatamin Marine Protected Area in Indonesia. Customers will also receive a certificate thanking them for their contribution to the project, as well as photographs of the restored coral once it has sprung to life.

Pengtao Yu, VP Corporate Design, Brand & Consumer Marketing at Zepp Health, said "There is an intrinsic link between the outdoor Amazfit T-Rex Series and the natural world, and we are delighted to partner with Coral Guardian in supporting their sustainable coral restoration project. As a company, we take great care to implement sustainable practices and materials into our product development process, and we thank every Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition) user for being part of this important project, and for their contribution to helping Coral Guardian in restoring damaged coral reefs."

Coco Tamlyn, Director of Coral Guardian, said "We're grateful to count on the support of Zepp Health. This cooperation is precious and will help us restore a damaged coral reef in Indonesia, as well as raise awareness about these beautiful and fragile ecosystems."

Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition)

This special edition adds a new bold Ocean Blue color scheme to the Amazfit T-Rex 2, for a design that reflects the strength of both the ocean and this rugged outdoor smartwatch. Created with an emphasis on sustainability, the Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition) features a reprocessed silicone strap, and similarly to the recently launched Amazfit T-Rex Ultra, it also comes in packaging made from 100% environmentally friendly materials - including biodegradable plastic (which makes up only 6% of the entire packaging), biodegradable non-mineral ink, and biodegradable electroplated aluminum (used in the hot stamping process).

Amazfit and adidas: Move For The Planet

As integration partners with an eye on sustainability, Amazfit and adidas have invited their global communities of active users to join the Move For The Planet challenge in the adidas Running app.

For the duration of this challenge, running from June 1-12, 2023, every 10 minutes of movement synced by Amazfit users from their Zepp App account to their adidas Running account will see adidas donate 1 to projects that educate communities on sustainability through sport.

In order to encourage the global Amazfit community to engage with this challenge and get moving, Amazfit released a free downloadable watch face with the support of adidas, to help users keep the planet on their minds every time they look at their watch.

Stuart Wells, Vice President of Marketing at adidas Runtastic, said "We're stoked to take the cooperation with Amazfit to a new level this year with the Move For The Planet campaign. As a sustainability leader, we value working with Amazfit who share our ambition to make a positive impact on the planet".

Through implementing more eco-friendly production processes and packaging materials, enhanced smart wearable device power-efficiency offered by the proprietary Zepp OS, and strategic collaborations with sustainability-minded partners, Zepp Health aims to raise environmental awareness among its global community of millions of users, and participate in the realization of a greener future.

The Amazfit T-Rex Ocean Blue (Special Edition) is now available to pre-order via the official Amazfit website store, with prices starting from $229.99 USD and 229.90 Euro (prices may vary depending on location).

For more information, please visit https://www.amazfit.com/en/ and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Pre-order your Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ocean Blue (Special Edition) today:

https://www.amazfit.com/products/amazfit-t-rex-2

Learn more about Coral Guardian: https://www.coralguardian.org/en/

Join the adidas Move For The Planet challenge:

https://www.runtastic.com/challenges/runtastic/384f615e-6f4d-4622-bbb9-b351f1160981/join?utm_source=amazfit&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=mftp23_aj&utm_content=mftp_campaign_amazfit

Join the Amazfit Global community in adidas Running: https://adirun.app/tAHd

About Amazfit

Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company. Offering a wide selection of smart watches and bands, Amazfit's brand essence is "Up Your Game", encouraging users to live their passions and express their active spirits freely. Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health's proprietary health management platform that delivers cloud-based 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users attain their wellness goals. With outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won many design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award.

Launched in 2015, Amazfit is today embraced by millions of users. Its products are available in more than 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information about Amazfit, visit www.amazfit.com.

SOURCE Amazfit
Part of the Oregon Community Solar Program, the Myrtle Creek-based project will improve local biodiversity while lowering energy bills for Oregonians

MYRTLE CREEK, Ore., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SolRiver Capital, a leading renewable energy investment firm, is excited to unveil plans for the Canyonville Solar Project, which will combine sustainable energy generation with agricultural practices. Canyonville will be the first Oregon Community Solar Program available in Douglas County, helping residents there and throughout Oregon save money every month.

With respect for the land, neighbor's views and area wildlife, and screened from public view behind trees on all sides, the agrisolar project in Myrtle Creek will combine solar power generation with agricultural land use.

The Canyonville Solar Project will create a pathway to energy independence for the community. And now, not only those who own their own homes and have ample roof space for solar panels, but any community member  including renters, businesses and commercial sites  can subscribe to the program and participate in solar. What all participants have in common is simple: they'll save money on their energy bills while building a sense of community.

Canyonville will integrate several agrisolar features, seamlessly blending solar energy and sustainable farming practices, to unlock a future where energy self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Dual Use - Solar & Ag. The solar panels will be positioned to enable certain crops to thrive, optimizing land utilization and promoting food production alongside renewable energy generation. By utilizing the same land for both purposes, Canyonville exemplifies our commitment to self-reliance and sustainability. Goats for Mowing. Local goats, and other grazing animals, will be allowed to eat overgrown grass. This helps reduces the need for mechanical mowers, while giving a good meal to the animals. Bee Hives. With bees on the decline, we know bees (and beekeepers) need our help. Beekeepers will maintain bee hive boxes on the property, providing benefits to farmers throughout the county. Critter-Friendly Fences. Special fences are used to allow small animals such as turtles, squirrels and bunnies to run freely through the site, while larger animals such as cattle are kept from wandering in. Biodiversity Enhancement. By cultivating diverse ecosystems, native plants and pollinator-friendly vegetation will be thoughtfully integrated, fostering ecological balance and supporting the flourishing of local wildlife. Community Solar Empowerment. The Canyonville Solar Project is also an exceptional community-centric endeavor that empowers individuals to reduce their reliance on traditional power sources and forge a path to a more self-reliant future.

SolRiver Capital warmly invites all Oregon residents to participate in the community solar revolution by subscribing to the Canyonville Solar Project, and following our progress by following us on Facebook. By choosing to purchase energy from this pioneering initiative, individuals will become active participants in the clean energy transition, supporting local agriculture, driving sustainable development and taking a significant step towards energy independence for our community.

About SolRiver Capital

SolRiver Capital is a clean energy investment fund dedicated to financing the acquisition, development, and construction of distributed generation and utility-scale projects. Focusing on solar and storage, SolRiver owns and operates over 200 MW of projects across the U.S. from Oregon to New York. Founded in 2016, SolRiver's team combines top-tier developers, financial professionals, and operational experts with over 15 years' experience each. SolRiver utilizes a streamlined approach to underwriting and transactions, allowing it to close and fund projects quickly. For more information on SolRiver Capital, visit www.solrivercapital.com.

Contact:

Judy Campbell

[email protected]

SolRiver Capital

[email protected]

(720) 307-2672

SOURCE SolRiver Capital
Sir Richard Roberts joins 120 new members elected to the academy in 2023

IPSWICH, Mass., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, New England Biolabs (NEB) announced that Sir Richard Roberts, Nobel Prize winner and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at NEB, has been inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), a private, nonprofit society of distinguished scientific scholars committed to furthering science and scientific research in the USA. Scientists elected to NAS are selected by their peers based on their exceptional contributions in research.

"I've been very fortunate to witness my research contribute to our evolving understanding of the life sciences over the course of my career," said Roberts. "I continue to be humbled and motivated by the impact scientists can have  particularly when we work collectively and choose to help others."

Roberts was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993 for his contribution to the discovery of introns in eukaryotic DNA and the mechanism of gene splicing, which allows a gene to code for multiple proteins. Roberts was also instrumental in isolating most of the world's rst known restriction enzymes. He served as a consultant and chairman of NEB's scientific advisory board from 1975 and joined the company as CSO in 1992.

"We're proud to see Rich recognized for his profound impact on the study and applications of molecular biology, and we're thankful for the integral role he has played at the company as a visionary scientist, leader and mentor," said Salvatore Russello, NEB's CEO "NEB's investment in basic research ensures we stay connected to our customers and drives scientific breakthroughs. Rich has been instrumental in the success of our program."

At NEB, Roberts works alongside Tom Evans, NEB's Executive Director of Research, to guide the company's research program. Roberts' current research focus is on using bioinformatics to drive enzyme discovery, combined with the experimental testing of enzyme function. Collectively, NEB scientists have authored over 1,450 publications to date, on topics that include understanding DNA enzyme structure and function, protein expression and modification, chemical biology, parasitology, and genome and RNA biology.

A full list of newly elected NAS members can be seen here.

About New England Biolabs

Established in the mid 1970s, New England Biolabs, Inc. is the industry leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications and now offers the largest selection of recombinant and native enzymes for genomic research. NEB continues to expand its product offerings into areas related to PCR, gene expression, sample preparation for next generation sequencing, synthetic biology, glycobiology, epigenetics, and RNA analysis. Additionally, NEB is focused on strengthening alliances that enable new technologies to reach key market sectors, including molecular diagnostics, clinical sequencing, and nucleic acid-based therapeutics and vaccines, and also offers a series of product customization services, including lyophilization. New England Biolabs is a privately held company, headquartered in Ipswich, MA, USA, and has extensive worldwide distribution through a network of exclusive distributors, agents and subsidiaries located in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the UK. For more information about New England Biolabs visit www.neb.com.

NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS and NEB are registered trademarks of New England Biolabs, Inc.

SOURCE New England Biolabs
SAN DIEGO, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year, North Island Credit Union has partnered with the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) to provide four $2,500 college scholarships to local students. The North Island Credit Union 2023 Scholarships were awarded through the NCAAWA's Scholarship Program, created to assist young African American women in acquiring higher education from an academic institution.

North Island Credit Union 2023 Scholarship recipients through the NCAAWA Program include:

Shaylee Anderson , a resident of Oceanside, will pursue a degree in Communications Students at San Diego State University .

, a resident of Oceanside, will pursue a degree in Communications Students at . Sage Creek High School graduate Amaya Huggins will attend California State University San Marcos with a major in Liberal Studies.

graduate will attend with a major in Liberal Studies. Courtney Huggins , who recently graduated from Sage Creek High School , will study Child & Adolescent Development at California State University San Marcos beginning this fall.

, who recently graduated from , will study Child & Adolescent Development at beginning this fall. Carlsbad resident McEachern Lena , is pursuing a degree in Economics & Earth Science at Stanford University .

Photos of the recipients available here.

"It is an honor to once again partner with the North County African American Women's Association to provide these scholarships and financial literacy programming as we join in their mission to empower young women in our communities. We applaud the important work the organization is doing to provide this essential support network," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "We congratulate these exceptional students and wish them much success in their college careers and beyond."

NCAAWA President Linda Berry commented, "As an organization that stands on the premise of enhancing the lives of women and girls in San Diego North County, we thank North Island Credit Union for their continued partnership and support by providing exceptional scholarships for deserving young women. It is through partnerships such as these that allow North County African American Women's Association to continue its mission and contributions within our community. Congratulations to our awardees and thank you to North Island Credit Union for your continued support."

Through its annual scholarship program, North Island Credit Union has worked to support the educational goals of outstanding students within its local communities since 2005. Now in its third year, the credit union's partnership with NCAAWA has provided $30,000 in educational assistance to specifically support North County female students of African American descent. The credit union also provides financial literacy training for upper class high school girls in NCAAWA's Global Ambassadors Mentoring Program. This program aims to empower young girls of color with leadership development skills, increased understanding of financial literacy and global issues that impact social and career development.

The NCAAWA Vision is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in North San Diego County. To date, the organization has provided over $394,750 in scholarship awards and grants to help young women further their education.

About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 170,000 members and assets of over $4.5 billion, California Credit Union has 24 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu.

About North County African American Women's Association

Established in 1995, the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) is an all-inclusive non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization located in North San Diego County. Its mission is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in San Diego's North County to increase their self-sufficiency. Maintaining its charitable, educational, and recreational objectives, the organization, through its mission, has opened support to all women in San Diego's North County, celebrating ethnic and racial pride.

SOURCE North Island Credit Union
Company achieves major milestone with its groundbreaking hand-held image-guided percutaneous access device

WESTON, Fla., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Obvius Robotics, Inc., a medical device company that has developed an innovative technology platform for performing percutaneous access, today announced the successful completion of its first human cases.

The cases were conducted at The Sanatorio Italiano in Asuncion, Paraguay under the supervision of principle investigator Adrian Ebner, MD. The clinical team successfully placed central venous catheters (CVC) during 19 procedures using the company's CERTA Access System. This system combines image guidance and precise, targeted needle placement in a hand-held device that enables clinicians to quickly and reliably identify target structures such as blood vessels, and rapidly gain access for procedures such as CVC placement in the subclavian and jugular veins. The median time for access was under 3 minutes.

"We know that early central venous catheter insertion yields the best results in reducing mortality and hospitalization in acutely ill ICU and ER patients," stated William Cohn, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Obvius Robotics and inventor of the CERTA Access System. "CERTA enables clinicians of various levels of experience to quickly and reliably treat these patients, and in so doing, democratizes and standardizes a common procedure that today requires a certain level of skill and experience."

The Obvius Robotics CERTA Access System is a development stage device that enables clinicians to single-handedly target anatomical structures and access them with the push of a button using a proprietary targeting system and needle assembly. While the product is not yet available for sale, the company is preparing for regulatory clearance and commercialization.

"This successful first-in-human study comes after two years of rigorous work proving the design and value proposition in a preclinical setting," stated Russell Seiber, CEO and President of Obvius Robotics. "We hope this will mark an important milestone in bringing this potentially groundbreaking technology to patients on a global scale."

About Obvius Robotics

Obvius Robotics is a privately held medical device company based in South Florida with clinical offices in the Center for Device Innovation at the Texas Medical Center, Houston, that is developing technology for image-guided access of structures within the body. The platform technology, the CERTA Access System, incorporates robotics and imaging to improve the accuracy, safety, and consistency of accessing targeted anatomy. The company's first clinical application is central venous catheter placement, a high-volume procedure in which CERTA has the potential to aid clinicians of varying levels of training and experience in safely and effectively achieving vascular access. Note: The CERTA Access System is not approved or cleared for use in patients in any geography at this time.

SOURCE OBVIUS Robotics, Inc.
FORT NOVOSELAfter a career spanning five decades, the Ellis D. Parker Elementary School music director performed his live performance swan song accompanied by his last group of band students May 23 at the school.

Marcus Hart retired June 2 from his position at the school that he held since August 1982, developing the title Legend, along the way, according to his boss, Dr. Vicki Gilmer, principal of the school.

Mr. Hart is a legend  I think he has been nominated for teacher of the year almost every year, said Gilmer, who herself retired May 31 after 33 years at the school. He impacts kids in such a positive way and his talents are endless. Every time a student returns to visit, the first question is always, Is Mr. Hart here? I am so proud to have had the privilege of working with him.

Hart said his experience with offering beginner guitar lessons as a teen helped lead him into teaching, eventually landing him a substitute teaching gig at Ozark City Schools before moving onto post to work with military children.

The Petersburg, Virginia, native said the thing he enjoyed most about his career was watching students enjoying music  progressing from one level to another on their instrument and observing those lightbulb moments.

While admitting that he faced many challenges throughout his career teaching music to military youth, he said scheduling was the toughest. I simply worked around it and found ways to make things work.

But those challenges couldnt lessen the impact he made on Fort Novosel youth throughout the decades.

Theres scientific evidence that suggests that people who play or are somehow involved with music often do well in other areas, Hart said. As for impact, it was the students and my love for music that had an impact on me  it has been my privilege to work with our military youth.

He said if he could speak with all his former students at one time, he would give them a big thank you!

Thank you for time and for sharing your passion for music, Hart added. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you.

Hart said he plans on spending more time with his family, fishing, and playing a little music.

Ive even toyed with the idea of getting back into flyingif I can pass the physical, he said with a smile.
CLEVELAND, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio Warehouse Equipment announced today it has completed a major rebrand to NexTier Equipment for its business nationally headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

The company's decision to change its name is an important step in strengthening its position as a leader in the used equipment market and executing an aggressive growth strategy through national expansion. "Today marks a significant milestone for our business and allows us the opportunity to accelerate partnerships, transform our customer experience and expand upon the innovative product and service solutions we offer," said Travis Kruse, President of NexTier Equipment. "We believe this investment will enable us to broaden our portfolio of options to meet the unique needs of our diverse client base."

The former Ohio Warehouse Equipment has been widely recognized for quality products and outstanding service since its inception in 2009. Now, with the combined strength of its parent company GNCO, Inc., the company will continue to deliver value to its customers through a wider range of solutions at regionally located equipment hubs, and a comprehensive support network spanning coast to coast.

The name change, effective immediately, will be reflected across all company communications and branding materials.

About NexTier Equipment

NexTier Equipment is a market leader in providing high-quality preowned equipment specializing in forklifts, railcar movers, construction equipment and yard spotters. With over 100 years of combined experience, NexTier is a global destination for wholesale, retail and service across diversified industries such as warehousing and distribution, construction and lumber yards, machine shops, recycling centers and agriculture facilities. For more information, visit nextierequipment.com.

SOURCE NexTier
IRVINE, Calif. and NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ONIT Sciences, an agriculture company specializing in organic input technologies, and MGX Global Trade Canada Corp, an international import/export company, announced today that MGX will serve as the exclusive authorized distributor for ONIT's innovative organic products across three major agricultural regions.

"This agreement with MGX is evidence of ONIT's commitment to provide natural, organic agriculture inputs that perform as well or better than traditional chemical products to farmers around the world," stated Jeff Moses, president of ONIT Sciences. "MGX is a proven performer, with a world-class team and deep connections to major crop producers in each region they serve. We are extremely excited to open these new markets and help support organic initiatives in countries that have been harmed by chemical farming protocols."

MGX to serve as the exclusive distributor for ONIT's innovative organic products across three major agricultural regions Tweet this

MGX will carry all ONIT Science products, including its flagship ONIT Grow, a powerful bio-stimulant, surfactant and soil amendment that uses all-natural, organic ingredients to penetrate even the toughest plant surface to stimulate plant vigor and yield. Increases in yield have been documented as high as 40% in some crops. Also available through MGX is the company's ONIT Input Plus and ONIT Input products, which help farmers significantly reduce costs by enhancing uptake and absorption of any nutrient, fertilizer or other input that it is mixed with.

"At MGX, we are excited about this new opportunity that will be a great extension to our existing lineup of quality products. From our initial research, we can see that the ONIT's organic products will be well received within the agricultural communities and within the governments," stated Moe Negin, Founder of MGX Global Trade Canada Corp. "Our mission is to give back to local communities in rural areas by supplying environmentally sustainable products to help our planet and for healthier future generations."

Territories covered by this exclusive Authorized Distributor agreement include:

South America

o Colombia , Peru , Brazil , Mexico , Panama , Argentina , Chile





o Midde East / North Africa

o Algeria , Turkey , Dubai , UAE , Bahrain , Egypt , Oman , Libya , Saudia Arabia, Qatar , Kuwait , Lebanon , Iraq , Israel , Jordan , Syria , Tunisia , Yemen





o UAE Saudia Philippines

"Within South America, we have established interest for ONIT products and are in the process of working with the local governments and Ministries of Agriculture to bring in the ONIT lineup. One Ministry has mentioned they would have an interest in creating a program and offering subsidies to local farmers to purchase the products through them." Moe Negin explained. "Our first introduction into the marketplace will be this July, as the MGX team, along with ONIT representatives, will attend the largest Agro Expo for South America in Bogota, Colombia."

"We are establishing a distribution system throughout the Middle East and Africa, as there is growing demand and research proving the effectiveness of ONIT products within the agriculture community," continued Mr. Negin. "We are working closely with government scientists to explore use-cases for ONIT products that are specific to the region's geography and crops. This work could lead to new formulations that could expand ONIT's product line to address these unique environments."

About ONIT Sciences

ONIT Sciences (Organic Natural Input Technologies) is an agriculture technology company whose mission is to increase plant health and crop yield through natural, organic, non-GMO sciences while maximizing value to customers, shareholders, partners and employees. Established in 2018, the company maintains offices in Irvine, California.

About MGX Global Trade Canada Corp

MGX is a Canadian registered import/export corporation in the province of British Columbia. Our main industry is in the green coffee business as we are coffee growers in Colombia for over a century. As a registered grower with the Coffee Federation of Colombia, we supply both green beans and roasted coffee around the world. In addition, we have established solid relationships throughout Latin America and the Middle East supplying fruits, vegetables, lentils, cooking oil, pistachio/assorted nuts, paper products, and more.

SOURCE ONIT Sciences
New Waveguide Power Amps Meet Needs of SATCOM, Radar, Wireless, 5G, More

IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pasternack, an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products, has released a new series of waveguide power amplifiers designed to cover high mm-wave frequency bands ranging from 26.5 GHz to 96 GHz.

This line of waveguide power amplifiers offers exceptional performance and versatility to meet the demands of industries such as SATCOM, radar, wireless infrastructure, 5G and more.

Pasternack's new waveguide power amps meet the needs of satellite communications, radar, wireless, 5G and more.

These new waveguide power amplifiers leverage advanced GaAs and GaN MMIC semiconductor technology, providing high efficiency in a compact package. With gain levels ranging from 25 dB to 35 dB and output Psat levels between 20 dBm and 31 dBm, these amplifiers ensure optimal performance across popular Ka, Q, U, V, E and W bands.

Pasternack's waveguide power amplifiers are designed to withstand harsh environments, boasting rugged, MIL-grade, gold-plated aluminum waveguide packages. They operate in temperatures from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 176 F (minus 40 Celsius to 80 C). They can endure exposure up to 95% relative humidity and altitudes up to 10,000 feet.

These waveguide power amplifiers are ideal for a variety of airborne and ground-based applications, including satellite communications, wireless infrastructure, 5G networks, radar systems, research and development, prototype/proof of concept, and test and measurement.

"Our new waveguide power amplifiers enable our customers to harness the power of high mm-wave frequencies for their diverse applications. We are confident that these amplifiers will greatly benefit industries requiring high-performance communication and networking systems," said Tim Galla, Product Line Manager.

Pasternack's new waveguide power amplifiers are in stock and available for same-day shipping. For inquiries, call +1-949-261-1920

About Pasternack:

A leader in RF products since 1972, Pasternack is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and supplier offering the industry's largest selection of active and passive RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products available for same-day shipping. Pasternack is an Infinite Electronics brand.

About Infinite Electronics:

Based in Irvine, Calif., Infinite Electronics offers a broad range of components, assemblies and wired/wireless connectivity solutions to the aerospace/defense, industrial, government, consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical and telecommunications markets. Its brands are Pasternack, Fairview Microwave, L-com, MilesTek, ShowMeCables, NavePoint, INC Installs, Integra Optics, PolyPhaser, Transtector, KP Performance Antennas, RadioWaves and Aiconics. Infinite serves its customers with deep technical expertise and support. Its broad inventory is available for immediate shipment, fulfilling unplanned demand for engineers and technical buyers. Infinite is a Warburg Pincus portfolio company.

Press Contact:

Peter McNeil

Pasternack

17792 Fitch

Irvine, Calif. 92614

(978) 682-6936

SOURCE Pasternack
$61.5 million will fund 309 housing initiatives in all 67 counties

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today announced the recipients of a new round of funding for housing programs made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. PHFA has identified 309 housing and community development initiatives in all 67 counties that will share a portion of the total $61.5 million in PHARE funding for fiscal year 2022-23. The PHARE fund is managed by PHFA.

"PHARE is one of our most popular programs because local leaders and organizations determine the best application of the funding to address their housing needs," said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. "During the last decade, the PHARE program has an impressive record of accomplishment, in great part because of the high quality of the proposals submitted by groups who best understand the housing needs in their communities."

Funding for these PHARE awards comes from two main sources. Since 2012, the program has received a portion of the impact fees collected from natural gas companies operating in the state with the goal of addressing the housing shortage caused by the impact of drilling. That is supplemented with funding provided by a portion of the realty transfer tax. The PHARE fund is often referred to as the state's Housing Trust Fund.

PHFA anticipates that today's PHARE funding will impact Pennsylvania households through a variety of affordable housing efforts including:

752 new, affordable housing units will be created with PHARE funds

2,046 affordable housing units will be preserved/rehabilitated

346 units rehabilitated/preserved through the funding of 4% tax credit projects

84 new single-family homes to be created

489 housing units will be created or rehabilitated specifically for households in danger of homelessness

592 potential new homebuyers to receive down payment and closing cost assistance

More than 11,600 families/households to receive housing counseling and financial education

More than 10,700 families/households to receive housing assistance (rent, utilities, transportation)

PHFA staff report that at least 66% of the $61.5 million allocated today will be used to fund housing projects benefiting households with incomes below 50% of the area median income.

A list of the proposals receiving PHARE funding is available at www.phfa.org/legislation/act105.aspx. See the bullet for "Funding Announcements."

About PHFA

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $17.1 billion of funding for more than 192,816 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 103,328 rental units, distributed approximately $239 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 50,660 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

Media contact:

Scott Elliott

717-649-6522 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
ATLANTA, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Planeteers around the world are responding to the UN World Environment Day and World Ocean Day call to ACTION -- to turn the tide on plastic! With support from Captain Planet Foundation, young people (ages 10-25) are hosting Planeteer WIND Summits in more than 20 locations around the world the last week of July. These Summits will engage passionate young people who want to tackle plastic pollution and build more resilient, circular economies in their communities.

Planeteer WIND Summits are taking place in-person in communities across Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Ecuador, The Gambia, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Somalia, Thailand, Tunisia, UK, and the USA, with a global virtual option as well. They are an initiative of the Planeteer Alliance, a program of the Captain Planet Foundation that supports a global community of young people taking action to implement solutions that will create a climate positive future for all.

PLANETEERS ARE TURNING THE TIDE ON PLASTIC IN COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD Tweet this

WIND represents cycles and circularity for Planeteers who are working to stop the flow of plastics and build circular economies in their communities. WIND Summit hosts will engage with local leaders in science, advocacy, and industry to empower participants with the skills and information they need to lobby their governments, engage corporations, compile research for media, and more. Following the Summits, participants will continue building community support by leading their own climate solution campaign or contributing their skill set to an existing climate solutions team.

"Global cooperation is essential to turn the tide on plastic pollution and end the climate crisis we're currently facing," says Diego Arreola Fernandez, a Planeteer from Mexico City and founder of Green Speaking. "Through the Planeteer Alliance and Summits, my team and I have been able to connect and work with other young advocates in places like Mexico, Kenya, India, Korea, and Thailand to create campaigns that address plastic pollution in different ways, and join together in the global youth-led effort for climate action!"

To learn more about Planeteer Alliance and the WIND Summit Series, click here .

ABOUT CAPTAIN PLANET FOUNDATION

Now in its 32nd year, this US-based NGO works collaboratively to engage and empower young people to be problem solvers for the planet. More than 1.7 million children have directly participated in CPF's programs, which have funded 3,600+ projects, impacting 11.4 million youth. www.captainplanetfdn.org

SOURCE Captain Planet Foundation
The company's flagship ActivPanel 9 wins Student Engagement Innovator of the Year award

SEATTLE, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Promethean, a leading global education technology company, has received the highest honors from the 2023 EdTech Breakthrough Awards. The newest interactive display from Promethean, the ActivPanel 9, won a Breakthrough Award in the "Student Engagement Innovator of the Year" category.

Edtech Breakthrough Awards 2023

Powered by Promethean's patented ActivSync technology, the ActivPanel 9 responds to the evolving educational environment by breaking down barriers between devices, enabling increased connectivity and collaboration, and supporting hybrid and in-classroom learning. It provides busy, overworked teachers with the ability to create seamless workflows, design engaging and interactive lessons, customize their personal panel settings, and experience greater mobility.

EdTech Breakthrough established the global Breakthrough Awards to honor excellence in creativity and recognize the achievements of companies, technologies, and products in educational technology. This year, more than 2,400 nominees were under consideration for awards in 26 categories, including student personalization and engagement.

"We're thrilled to be recognized by the EdTech Breakthrough Awards and to be placed among other breakthrough leaders in this exciting field," said Jennifer Foreman, chief marketing officer at Promethean. "Promethean is committed to providing educators around the world with transformational edtech tools that help students achieve to their fullest potential. It's an honor to be celebrated as one of education technology's most creative innovators."

To learn more about Promethean's award-winning products, please visit

http://www.prometheanworld.com/.

About Promethean

Promethean is a leading education technology company working to transform the way the world learns and collaborates. From our founding in Blackburn, England, more than 25 years ago to our global operations serving 126 countries today, we've continued to explore, innovate, and inspiredesigning learning and collaboration tools that are built for breakthroughs. Our award-winning interactive display, ActivPanel, and lesson delivery software, ActivInspire and ClassFlow, were designed to engage students, connect colleagues, and bring out the brilliance in everyone. With headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and offices worldwide, Promethean is a subsidiary of the NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) group of companies. Visit us at PrometheanWorld.com.

2023 Promethean. All Rights Reserved. Promethean, the Promethean logo, ActivPanel, ActivSync, ActivInspire, ActivConnect, ActivSound, ClassFlow, ActivPen, and Vellum are trademarks or registered trademarks of Promethean Limited in the United Kingdom, United States, and other countries around the world. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically identified as such, Promethean's use of third-party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship, or endorsement between Promethean and the owners of these trademarks.

SOURCE Promethean
Maine-based company plans to introduce business lines, product offerings to global experts and potential customers

GUILFORD, Maine, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Puritan Medical Productsthe world's most trusted manufacturer of swabsannounced that the company will attend two international trade shows this summer, exhibiting its world-renowned swabs and other products. Puritan will also demonstrate its expertise in topics like automation, pandemic response, and virus protection, participating in panel discussions, joining in-depth symposiums, and introducing its various experts to their global counterparts.

We are America's swab experts, and we look forward to discussing it at two pivotal trade shows this summer Tweet this Puritan's recent booth that was displayed at ECCMID 2023.

From June 15th to 19th, Puritan will attend ASM Microbe 2023, hosted by the American Society for Microbiology in Houston, Texas. The company will be at Booth #1125 during the event, which is the largest microbial sciences gathering in the world. Puritan will highlight Puritan's key business linesand core product offeringsto thousands of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals who are on the forefront of medical advancement. Event information can be accessed here.

In the following month, Puritan will attend the 2023 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo, hosted by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. The company will exhibit at Booth #4115, with the event being held in Anaheim, California from July 23rd to the 27th. Puritan will play a pivotal part in exploring the cutting-edge science and technology that are shaping the future of laboratory medicine, with the event featuring more than 800 exhibitors and over 200 new products and services. More information can be found here.

"We are America's swab experts, and we look forward to discussing it at two pivotal trade shows this summer," said Bob Shultz, President and CFO at Puritan. "Puritan has a unique opportunity to expand its international presence while also connecting with existing customers, explaining why our unique approach to customization is applicable to a wide range of industries. From California to Texas and other countries, Puritan changes the world for the better on a daily basis, and we couldn't be prouder to share that story with others."

To schedule an interview, please contact Virginia Templet at

[email protected].

Editor's Note:

Click the image above or the link below to access a downloadable version.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/NMC-Clients/Puritan/IMG_8783.jpg

About Puritan Medical Products:

Puritan was founded in 1919 as a toothpick manufacturer with the goal of producing a quality product that people needed and delivering it with superior customer service. Family owned and operated, Puritan is proud of the families and the rural, small-town work ethic that make the company what they are today: a world-class manufacturer with customers on seven continents. With an ever-expanding line of medical products made of the most up-to-date materials and manufacturing processes, Puritan delivers innovative solutions for even the most demanding application. For more information go to www.puritanmedproducts.com.

Media Contact:

Virginia Templet, Marketing Director

[email protected]

SOURCE Puritan Medical Products Company LLC
Company's FlexASO programs targeting STATHMIN-2 and UNC13A showed three-fold potency, two-fold biodistribution improvement, improved safety, and greatly reduced off-target activity over standard ASOs

QurAlis' FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform designed to improve ASO performance, correct mis-splicing to restore synapse function, optimize distribution to deeper brain regions, and improve disease outcomes

Data to be showcased in an oral presentation at 3rd Annual Oligonucleotides for CNS Summit

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- QurAlis Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing breakthrough precision medicines for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets, today announced it will present new preclinical data showing the potential of the company's antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) generated from its proprietary FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform. Data from two of QurAlis' FlexASO programs targeting rescue of STATHMIN-2 (STMN2) and UNC13A showed up to three-fold improvement over standard ASOs in both potency and biodistribution, and significantly reduced off-target effects, often from approximately 50 to 0, in human motor neurons. In addition, QurAlis' FlexASOs were not associated with cytokine or chemokine production. Observations from both programs therefore indicate that FlexASO technology results in a higher therapeutic index than observed with traditional ASO.

"QurAlis' FlexASO platform is based on unique and novel insights. We designed the platform to improve ASO performance, correct mis-splicing, and optimize distribution to deeper brain regions with the goal of identifying novel precision-medicine candidates for serious neurodegenerative diseases like sporadic ALS and frontotemporal dementia," said Kasper Roet, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of QurAlis. "These new preclinical data showed that our ASOs targeting restoration of STMN2 and UNC13A exhibited significantly higher potency, greater biodistribution, and reduced off-target activity over standard ASOs. We are excited by these promising data and look forward to continue advancing our programs so that we can fulfill our mission of bringing transformative disease-modifying therapies to patients with significant neurodegenerative diseases in desperate need of options."

QurAlis will present these data in an oral presentation at the 3rd Annual Oligonucleotides for CNS Summit being held June 7-8, 2023 in Boston, MA. Daniel Elbaum, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of QurAlis, will present on June 8, 2023 at 8:00 AM ET, in a talk entitled, "Recent Advances in the Development of Splice Switching Oligonucleotides for CNS Diseases."

The QurAlis FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform was developed to generate splice-switching ASOs with improved potency and an increased therapeutic index. In addition to STMN2 and UNC13A, QurAlis is currently exploring this ASO technology for multiple other disease targets.

About STATHMIN-2, TDP-43, and UNC13A

STATHMIN-2 (STMN2) is a well-validated protein important for neural repair and axonal stability, the expression of which is significantly decreased in nearly all ALS patients. Also known as SCG-10, STMN2 is a protein essential for the stabilization of microtubules which form an important component of the cytoskeleton of cells and axons. STMN2 is highly expressed in human motor neurons, the cells that primarily degenerate in patients suffering from ALS. In animal models, STMN2 deletion was found to cause axonal degeneration and loss of muscle innervation, which is the primary functional deficit that leads to paralysis in ALS patients.

Using human neuronal stem cell models from ALS patients, QurAlis co-founder and former Harvard professor Kevin Eggan, Ph.D., discovered in 2019 that the expression of STMN2 is regulated by TDP-43. The Eggan Lab showed that loss of normal TDP-43 function leads to a highly significant decrease in expression of STMN2 and an impairment in neuronal repair which could be rescued by restoring STMN2 levels. These results were published in Nature Neuroscience.

In addition to nearly all ALS patients, TDP-43 pathology is also associated with approximately 50 percent of patients with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the second most common form of dementia; about a third of Alzheimer's Disease patients; and up to seven percent of Parkinson's disease patients.

UNC13A is an essential regulator of neurotransmitter release at synapses. In ALS and FTD, TDP-43 accumulates in the cytoplasm and no longer maintains its normal function controlling RNA metabolism in the nucleus. Due to its loss, certain pre-mRNA transcripts are mis-spliced resulting in expression of a cryptic exon-containing transcript that interferes with appropriate protein generation. UNC13A is a pre-mRNA that is mis-spliced due to loss of TDP-43 in disease. Fifty-eight percent of ALS patients and up to half of FTD patients carry a single nuclear polymorphism in the UNC13A gene which greatly exacerbates UNC13A mis-splicing leading to loss of function of the UNC13A protein.

There are currently no cures for ALS or FTD. Limited therapeutic options are available for ALS and FTD patients who are in desperate need for effective therapies.

About QurAlis Corporation

QurAlis is trailblazing the path to conquering amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets with next-generation precision medicines. QurAlis' proprietary platforms and unique biomarkers enable the design and development of drugs that act directly on disease-causing genetic alterations. Founded by an internationally recognized team of neurodegenerative biologists from Harvard Medical School and Harvard University, QurAlis is advancing a deep pipeline of antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs including addressing sub-forms of ALS that account for the majority of ALS patients. For more information, please visit www.quralis.com or follow us on Twitter @QurAlisCo.

SOURCE QurAlis
INDIANAPOLIS, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rebel Rates is the #1 Insurance Agent Search Directory & Rate Comparison Website that's disrupting the online insurance marketplace by arming consumers with live insurance quote engines that help consumers compare which insurance companies offers some of the best unbiased rates to save money then helping them find a helpful Top Local Agent on their directory for all questions, free expert advice and coverage at great affordable rates and excellent customer service.

Agents with Hearts & Angel Wishes

Rebel Rates has experienced significant growth by helping thousands of families save on all their insurance needs such as Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Final Expense, Dental Plans, Annuities and Long-Term Care. The company invests heavily in technology and will be adding future quote engines such as Home & Auto to help every day Americans save on all their insurance needs.

Consumers can find a helpful Top Local Agent in their area by going to www.rebelrates.com/local-agents/find-top-agents and simply Entering Their Zip Code and Selecting the type of Insurance Product they want, then click Search Top Local Agents to view all agents within a 75-mile radius of that zip code. These agents specialize in the coverage the user is looking for.

To See How Much a Consumer Could Be Saving, go to www.RebelRates.com to take their free quote engines for a spin and find information to contact a helpful Top Local Agent to apply for coverage in minutes at great affordable rates, along with free expert advice and excellent customer service.

Rebel Rates Gives Back - Helping Kids With Cancer One Policy at a Time

Get a policy with our Top Local Agents with Hearts. Not only does the company provide free quote engines to help consumers compare best unbiased rates to save money along with providing free expert advice and coverage at best rates with our Top Local Agents, they also have Big Hearts. Top Local Agents, along with Rebel Rates, donate a portion of agents' profile listing fees to help support Angel Wishes to kids with cancer. Top Local Agents can also make small donations towards a Kids Angel Wishes every time a policy is issued to a customer who contacted them through the Rebel Rates website. When consumers support the kindhearted Top Local Agents with Hearts by getting their insurance policy with them, they're helping to support and grant more Angel Wishes to kids with cancer one policy at a time.

Media Contact:

Lori Dunn

[email protected]

1-800-470-2911

SOURCE Rebel Rates
NEW YORK, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Zion Market Research study, The global Bladeless Wind Turbines market size was evaluated at $14.01 billion in 2022 and is slated to hit $30.01 billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 10.3% between 2023 and 2030.

Report Link with All Related Graphs & Charts: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/bladeless-wind-turbines-market-size

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: Overview

Bladeless wind turbines, also known as bladeless wind energy converters or Vortex-induced vibration wind generators, are a type of wind turbine that operates without traditional rotating blades. Unlike conventional wind turbines that utilize large spinning blades to capture wind energy, bladeless wind turbines harness wind power through a different mechanism. Bladeless wind turbines typically consist of a tall vertical or slightly inclined structure, with the absence of rotating blades being the distinguishing feature. Instead of relying on the aerodynamic lift generated by rotating blades, bladeless wind turbines employ alternative techniques to extract energy from the wind. Bladeless wind turbines offer several potential advantages over traditional wind turbines. They are often considered more visually appealing since they lack large rotating blades. They also have the potential to be quieter and require less maintenance since they have fewer moving parts. Additionally, bladeless wind turbines may be safer for birds and bats, as they eliminate the risk of collisions with spinning blades.

Get a Free Sample Report with All Related Graphs & Charts (with COVID 19 Impact Analysis): https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/bladeless-wind-turbines-market-size

Our Free Sample Report Includes:

2023 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis

COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis Included

211 + Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research)

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request

2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends

Includes an Updated List of tables & figures

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis

Zion Market Research methodology

Key Industry Insights & Findings of the Bladeless Wind Turbines Market Reports:

As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global bladeless wind turbines market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 8.5% over the forecast period (2023-2030).

In terms of revenue, the global bladeless wind turbines market size was valued at around USD 60.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 116.2 billion , by 2030.

in 2022 and is projected to reach , by 2030. The growing renewable energy demand across the globe is expected to drive the bladeless wind turbines market growth over the forecast period.

Based on the application, the domestic purpose segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period.

Based on the end user, the residential segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period.

Zion Market Research published the latest report titled "Bladeless Wind Turbines Market By Application (Marine Off-Grid Systems, Agriculture, Telecom, Remote Telemetry, Domestic Purposes, Rail Signaling, Signage, And Others), By End User (Residential, Utility, Commercial, Industrial, And Others), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023  2030" into their research database.

Industry Dynamics:

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: Growth Drivers

Growing demand for renewable energy sources drives the market growth.

The devastating effects of global warming are being seen by everyone. If the temperature rise is not promptly and properly halted, climate change will intensify in the ensuing decades. The need of containing climate change has been recognized by individuals, civil society groups, businesses, industries, and governments all over the world to prevent the loss of millions of future lives, properties, and financial resources. The effort to address the worldwide issue of climate change is gaining momentum. The adoption of renewable energy sources is one of the crucial variables being encouraged to reduce reliance on and exploitation of fossil fuels. To fulfill the world's energy needs, there is a renewed effort being made to create better, more sophisticated technology that can harvest wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Wind power is a clean, renewable, economical, and ecologically benign energy source. The disadvantages of traditional wind turbines have been eliminated by the bladeless wind turbine, hastening the global adoption of wind energy. As a result, the global market for bladeless wind turbines will expand due to the expanding need for renewable energy sources in light of the threat posed by climate change.

Safety for wildlife propels the market expansion

Traditional wind turbines have been associated with bird and bat collisions due to their rotating blades. Bladeless wind turbines eliminate this risk, making them more wildlife-friendly. This advantage appeals to environmental organizations and regulatory bodies, driving the adoption of bladeless wind turbines in areas with high biodiversity.

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: Restraints

Lack of efficiency limits the market growth.

Bladeless wind turbines are currently less efficient compared to conventional wind turbines in terms of energy conversion. The technology is still in the early stages of development, and further improvements are needed to enhance the efficiency and power output of bladeless designs. Low efficiency can limit their competitiveness and hinder their broader adoption.

Directly Purchase a Copy of the Report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/bladeless-wind-turbines-market-size

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: Opportunities

Technological advancements offer a lucrative opportunity for the market growth.

Research and development spending in wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and other related technologies has surged as a result of the rising emphasis on expanding the usage and deployment of renewable energy sources in the face of the climate change challenge. Bladeless wind turbine development is a perfect example of expanding research and development. The bladeless wind turbine technology will evolve, giving higher productivity and efficiency, with technical breakthroughs and increasing capital spending on research and innovation. Therefore, over the projection period, there will be plenty of lucrative prospects for the bladeless wind turbine market due to technical improvements and rising research & development spending on bladeless wind turbine technology.

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: Challenges

Regulatory and grid integration poses a major challenge.

The integration of bladeless wind turbines into existing power grids may require modifications and adaptations to accommodate the unique characteristics of the technology. Regulatory frameworks and grid connection requirements may not be fully tailored to bladeless turbines, potentially posing challenges for project developers in terms of permitting, grid connection, and compliance with industry standards.

Global Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: Segmentation

The global bladeless wind turbines industry is segmented based on application, end user, and region.

Based on the application, the global market is bifurcated into marine off-grid systems, agriculture, telecom, remote telemetry, domestic purposes, rail signaling, signage, and others. The domestic purposes segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period. The main objective of technological developments and breakthroughs in this sector is the construction of bladeless wind turbines for use on roofs of residences or workplaces. They are an excellent source of pure, renewable energy. It may be connected to the electrical distribution system, which can supply the energy requirements of a residential or business facility by powering lighting, appliances, electric heating & cooling, and vehicle & bike charging. In addition to being a resource that is abundant and uncontrolled, wind also generates power without the use of fuel and without endangering the environment, making it economical and useful in the long run. In rural areas, it is significantly more affordable than conventional energy sources. Thereby, driving the segment growth over the forecast period.

Based on the end user, the global bladeless wind turbines industry is bifurcated into residential, utility, commercial, industrial, and others. The residential segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. Wind energy may be used in residential settings for heating, lighting, cooling, washing machines, running gadgets, and running refrigerators. One of the most affordable home-based renewable energy systems with no emissions or pollutants is a compact bladeless wind electric system. They are portable, easy to set up and maintain. These wind energy systems might cut the price of power by 50% to 90%, according to research. The bladeless wind turbines are ideal for rooftop installation. Bladeless wind turbines will be used by the residential sector more frequently as a result of rising thermal energy source power prices and developing climate change apprehension. The government also encourages the use of renewable energy sources, which will accelerate the growth of the sector.

Get More Insight before [email protected]: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/bladeless-wind-turbines-market-size

List of Key Players in Bladeless Wind Turbines Market:

Enercon

GE Renewable Energy

Goldwind

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Nordex

Senvion

Siemens

Suzlon and Envision

Vestas General Electric

Altair Engineering Inc.

Nord-Lock International AB

Aeromine Technologies

Vortex Bladeless

Others

Key questions answered in this report:

What are the growth rate forecast and market size for Bladeless Wind Turbines Market?

What are the key driving factors propelling the Bladeless Wind Turbines Market forward?

What are the most important companies in the Bladeless Wind Turbines Market Industry?

What segments does the Bladeless Wind Turbines Market cover?

How can I receive a free copy of the Bladeless Wind Turbines Market sample report and company profiles?

Report Scope:

Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2021 USD 60.5 Billion Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 116.2 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of almost 8.5% 2023-2030 Base Year 2022 Historic Years 2016  2021 Forecast Years 2023  2030 Segments Covered By Application, By End User, and By Region Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2022 to 2030 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, and Rest of World Countries Covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others Companies Covered Enercon, GE Renewable Energy, Goldwind, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nordex, Senvion, Siemens, Suzlon and Envision, Vestas General Electric, Altair Engineering Inc., Nord-Lock International AB, Aeromine Technologies and Vortex Bladeless among others. Report Coverage Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's five forces analysis, PEST analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, market attractiveness analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and COVID-19 impact analysis. Customization Scope Avail of customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/7228

Free Brochure: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/requestbrochure/bladeless-wind-turbines-market-size

Recent Developments

In October 2022 , Aeromine Technologies patented a revolutionary bladeless wind energy unit that attempts to compete with rooftop solar as a nearby source of renewable energy that can be incorporated into the built environment. At the same price as rooftop solar, the scalable, "motionless" wind energy unit can generate 50% more electricity.

Aeromine Technologies patented a revolutionary bladeless wind energy unit that attempts to compete with rooftop solar as a nearby source of renewable energy that can be incorporated into the built environment. At the same price as rooftop solar, the scalable, "motionless" wind energy unit can generate 50% more electricity. In January 2023 , the Vestas prototype V236-15.0MW wind turbine produced its first kWh of power successfully. At the Danish "sterild Test Centre," the turbine is presently fully installed. The most powerful wind turbine in the world, the V236-15.0MW, with an annual output of 80 GWh. That would save the yearly emission of more than 418,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the environment, according to Vestas, and power almost 20,000 houses in Europe . The V236-15.0MW Vestas can produce more energy yearly with fewer turbines because of its 115.5m blades and capacity factor of over 60%. The Vestas V236-15.0MW is the world's highest wind turbine, at 919 feet tall.

Regional Dominance:

North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to dominate the global bladeless wind turbine market over the forecast period. Governments' increased emphasis on the development, marketing, and adoption of renewable energy sources like wind energy will result in an expansion of the regional market. Large market players encourage technological advancement and innovation, which benefits the market's growth. Through the projection period, the market's growth will be accelerated by the availability of bladeless wind turbines and the rising public awareness of climate change. Public investment in renewable energy sources has increased, which is positive for the market for bladeless wind turbines.

The Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth in the region is attributed to the rising energy demand and government support for renewable energy targets. The region is witnessing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, resulting in increased energy demand. Bladeless wind turbines offer a renewable energy solution that can help meet this demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating carbon emissions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, over half of the world's energy is consumed in the Asia-Pacific area, and fossil fuels make up 85% of that consumption there. Over the previous ten years, electrification rates have increased significantly. In 2019, the regional electrification rate was 96.6 percent. Therefore, these facts support the market expansion over the forecast period.

Global Bladeless Wind Turbines Market is segmented as follows:

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: By Application Outlook (2022-2030)

Marine Off-Grid Systems

Agriculture

Telecom

Remote Telemetry

Domestic Purposes

Rail Signaling

Signage

Others

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: By End User Outlook (2022-2030)

Residential

Utility

Commercial

Industrial

Others

Bladeless Wind Turbines Market: By Region Outlook (2022-2030)

North America

The U.S.

Canada

Europe

France

The UK

Spain

Germany

Italy

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Southeast Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

GCC

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

Browse Other Related Research Reports from Zion Market Research

District Cooling Market : The global district cooling market size was worth around USD 26.9 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 45.84 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.91% between 2023 and 2030.

The global district cooling market size was worth around in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.91% between 2023 and 2030. Smart Water Management Market : The global smart water management market size was evaluated at $14.01 billion in 2022 and is slated to hit $30.01 billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 10.3% between 2023 and 2030.

The global smart water management market size was evaluated at in 2022 and is slated to hit by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 10.3% between 2023 and 2030. Maracuja Oil Market : The global maracuja oil market was valued at $2.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $5.4 billion by the end of 2030.

The global maracuja oil market was valued at in 2021 and is projected to reach by the end of 2030. Utility Poles Market : The current value of the global utility poles market stands at USD 46 billion in 2021, and it is expected to shoot up to USD 70.1 billion by 2030 at a CAGR rate of 3.8% for the forecast period of 2022  2030.

The current value of the global utility poles market stands at in 2021, and it is expected to shoot up to by 2030 at a CAGR rate of 3.8% for the forecast period of 2022  2030. Finished Lubricant Market: The global Finished Lubricant Market accrued earnings worth approximately 158 (USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 187(USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 3.2% over the period from 2021 to 2028.

Browse through Zion Market Research's coverage of the Global Energy & Mining Industry

Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

About Us

Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, and company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.

Contact Us:

Zion Market Research

244 Fifth Avenue, Suite N202

New York, 10001, United States

Tel: +1 (844) 845-5245

USA/Canada Toll-Free No. +1 (855) 465-4651

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1605489/Zion_Market_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Zion Market Research
CINCINNATI, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today RGF Staffing launches an ambitious social program, designed to connect underserved people and communities around the world to education, training and work. The RGF Connect program will bridge the gap: it consists of different social initiatives, tailored to local challenges, which will add up to create a global movement for real, meaningful change. RGF Connect will result in an exciting leap forward as we work towards creating more inclusive societies around the world.

"The RGF Connect initiative is all about building bridges and breaking down barriers", says RGF Staffing's CEO Rob Zandbergen. "Our company is committed to offering opportunities for life, and the fact is that there are still far too many people around the world who experience persistent obstacles in their search for employment and a meaningful career. I'm excited about the positive impact this will have on many individuals. I'm convinced RGF Connect will create local ripples around the world, which cause a global wave."

Staffmark Group's RGF Connect program helps those preparing to exit the U.S. justice system secure employment. Tweet this

Local initiatives: heartwarming and meaningful

The RGF Connect program has been thoroughly prepared by enthusiastic 'RGF Connectors' working for and with RGF Staffing's operating companies around the world, including Staffmark Group. Local initiatives are about to be unveiled, each of them aimed at a specific group of people who currently face barriers to employment.

Staffmark Group's program helps those preparing to exit the U.S. justice system build a solid foundation for their future. Maintaining employment is a vital aspect of their re-entry into society but finding a job can be a challenge due to the stigma and discrimination associated with having a criminal record.

"At Staffmark Group, we are the heart between people and jobs. Through our Staffmark Group RGF Connect initiative, we are helping people build a solid foundation for their future," said Stacey Lane, CEO of Staffmark Group. "We are building potential and breaking prejudice, building communities and breaking bias, and building bridges and breaking barriers. This initiative is a fresh start that brings inclusion and equality to our participants."

By working while incarcerated, participants learn valuable skills, such as time management, communication, and teamwork. Furthermore, the program provides participants with a sense of purpose and a positive outlook on their future.

"Most sustainable staffing company"

"The RGF Connect program is fully in line with our ambition to become the most sustainable staffing company by 2030", says Yvonne Mastenbroek (Chief Sustainability Officer RGF Staffing). "We're putting people first, and we're breaking down barriers, stigmas and prejudice. RGF Connect will help us take our ESG agenda to the next level, embedding it in our DNA. It will help us, as a global company, to work towards the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive society for everyone."

About RGF Staffing

RGF Staffing is a leading global network of HR service providers. Together, the local brands employ approximately 265,000 talents across four continents. Our local experts are passionate about connecting people with jobs that give them opportunities to thrive. We believe that we have the ability and responsibility to drive positive, transformative change. This is why we incorporate ESG throughout our operations and contribute to a sustainable world.

RGF Staffing is part of Recruit Holdings, a Japanese publicly traded company with leading brands including Indeed and Glassdoor. RGF Staffing includes strong local brands such as Advantage Resourcing, Bright Plus, Chandler Macleod, CSI Companies, Peoplebank, Recruit Staffing, Secretary Plus, Solvus, Staffmark, Staff Service, Start People, Unique and USG Professionals. For further information please visit www.rgfstaffing.com

About Staffmark Group

Staffmark Group is one of the largest staffing companies in the United States and has been providing outstanding service for over 40 years. A proud member of RGF Staffing, Staffmark Group operates in over 400 locations, providing staffing solutions across a comprehensive range of disciplines, including contingent staffing, direct/permanent hire, on-site staffing management services, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and master service provider (MSP). To learn more about Staffmark Group, visit www.staffmarkgroup.com.

Watch the RGF Connect video: https://vimeo.com/831845488/15a6c77c59

Visit the RGF Connect webpages: rgfconnect.com

Visit the Staffmark Group RGF Connect webpage: www.staffmarkgroup.com/rgf-connect

SOURCE Staffmark Group
Company Names Amazon Ads Veteran Srishti Gupta as CPO

NEW YORK, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rokt , the leading ecommerce technology company using machine learning to make transactions more relevant to each shopper, today announced it has named Srishti Gupta as Chief Product Officer (CPO), Josh DeFrain as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Craig Galvin as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective immediately. Gupta, a former director at Amazon, will direct all product-related activities as the company continues to scale its product suite and will report directly to Chief Product and Engineering Officer Bill Barton. DeFrain will be Rokt's first CISO and will lead the company's information security efforts, also reporting directly to Barton. Galvin, who previously served as Rokt's SVP of Business Development, will lead the company's global business development teams, including a new strategic key accounts team, and report directly to Chief Commercial Officer Elizabeth Buchanan.

Gupta is a seasoned executive and product leader who has built high-growth B2B and B2C products across advertising channels ranging from search to display and connected TV to live sports. She most recently served as Director of Ads Measurement at Amazon, where she led the development of cross-channel measurement products and drove partnerships with research firms. Prior to that, Gupta served as President, Digital and Media Solutions, at IRI, where she built high-performance audience-targeting and analytics services for CPG, healthcare and retail clients.

Rokt Names Amazon Ads Veteran Srishti Gupta as CPO Tweet this

"Rokt is on a phenomenal trajectory and I'm thrilled to join the company to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional results and accelerate our growth," said Gupta.

Josh DeFrain is an accomplished information security executive with 15 years of experience. Prior to joining Rokt, he served as CISO at Flatiron Health, where he built the company's product security, cloud security, GRC, incident detection/response and security engineering verticals and protected the medical records of over 3.5 million patients. Prior to that, DeFrain was Global Cyber Security Operations Director at Capital One, where he built four teams of more than 50 analysts, engineers and developers who were responsible for security monitoring, incident response, SIEM and software engineering for cyber operations. In addition to his corporate experience, DeFrain has served as a contractor to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where he built big data platforms to identify targeted cyberattack campaigns from nation-state actors.

"Data security is a top priority for Rokt and I'm excited to lead the company's talented and dedicated security team," said DeFrain.

"Srishti's strategic expertise, product management skills and team-building abilities will be crucial to our ongoing success and Josh's extensive experience and leadership capabilities will be instrumental in expanding our security programs and ensuring the safety of Rokt's assets," said Bill Barton, Rokt's Chief Product and Engineering Officer. "We are excited to welcome them both to the Rokt team and look forward to working closely with them as we continue to deliver against our ecommerce vision."

Galvin, who joined Rokt in March 2022, is a digital industry pioneer with over 25 years of business development experience. Galvin began his career as one of the first employees of Yahoo! Australia, where he was instrumental in driving the success of the local operation and helping build several Australian companies' early internet strategies He then went on to co-found and build and build one of Australia's leading and most awarded digital agencies, whiteGREY, working with brands that included Telstra, Commonwealth Bank Australia, Lion, Coca-Cola, Lexus and Panasonic.

"As Rokt continues on its remarkable growth trajectory, we are thrilled to see Craig take over the CRO role," said Elizabeth Buchanan, Rokt's Chief Commercial Officer. "As we focus on long-term strategies for solving some of the biggest challenges in ecommerce, we are very pleased to have Craig lead business development during this pivotal moment in our business."

"Helping accelerate Rokt's growth over the past year has been highly rewarding and I'm looking forward to driving global impact for the business as we continue to revolutionize the online shopping experience," said Galvin.

About Rokt

Rokt is the global leader in ecommerce technology, enabling companies to drive incremental value from every transaction by offering highly relevant messages at the moment customers are most likely to convert. Rokt's machine learning technology has powered billions of global transactions annually for the world's leading companies, including Live Nation, AMC Theatres, PayPal, Uber, Hulu, Staples, Lands' End, and HelloFresh. Founded in Australia, with US headquarters in New York City, the company operates in 15 countries across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Rokt for a second year in a row joined the fastest-growing private companies in the US on the Inc. 5000 list in 2022.

To learn more, visit Rokt.com .

Media Contact

Tarana Mehta

[email protected]

SOURCE ROKT Pte. Ltd.
Swit will provide their collaboration tool to SKT and SKB for enhanced communication and efficiency.

The collaboration includes integration with internal solutions of SKT and SKB as well as joint R&D for AI technologies.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Swit Technologies (CEO, Josh Lee), a global collaboration platform and work OS solution provider, announced that SK Telecom (SKT) and SK Broadband (SKB) are joining the folds as Swit's clients, and they look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.

SK Telecom and SK Broadband Adopt Global Work OS Swit.

In an unofficial capacity, Swit has collaborated with SKT and SKB consistently. In September last year, Swit secured a strategic investment from SK Broadband and entered into a partnership with the company. In February this year, Swit, sponsored by SK Telecom, participated in and introduced the idea of "AI-Powered Swit " at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023, the world's largest mobile and connectivity event held in Spain.

By adopting Swit, which combines Work OS and a SaaS Integration Platform (SIP), SK Telecom and SK Broadband will be able to manage enterprise-level projects across organizations under Enterprise company-in-company (CIC), and create a more efficient communication environment by consolidating the various communication tools spread across different departments.

Swit provides interoperability with third-party apps such as Microsoft 365 and financial ERP systems used by SK Telecom and SK Broadband, enabling a seamless working environment without silos. Swit also supports an enhanced mobile working environment through integration with SK Broadband's mobile platform 'TokTok', and provides features such as transparent work history logs, enhancing employee experience and productivity for both companies.

Moreover, integration with SK's internal solutions will be made possible in the Swit Developers' website through Swit's SIP environment that supports no-code configuration, a custom developer environment, a public marketplace, and automation.

Kyeong Deog Kim, EVP of Enterprise CIC at SKT, stated, "SK Telecom and SK Broadband are seeking employee convenience as well as expansion of business for customers by integrating our internal solutions with Swit, which offers a SIP environment. Since the investment last year, Swit has consistently shown its commitment to creating a more efficient enterprise collaboration solution through its product."

Josh Lee, co-founder and CEO of Swit said, "In collaboration with SKT and SKB, as they are transitioning into AI companies, Swit will continue to provide a platform that enhances the employee experience for all SK Group customers in addition to introducing features such as automatic task creation following conference calls, automatic generation of recommended industry-specific templates, project success, and risk predictions."

Media inquiries

Sophie Park, Swit Technologies Inc. PR Lead ([email protected])

About Swit

Swit Technologies Inc., a future collaboration OS provider, was founded in 2018 in Silicon Valley. 'Swit' in its current form that combines messenger and task management features was officially launched in March, 2019. Featured on Silicon Valley's IT magazine CIO Review as one of the "Most Promising Remote Work Tech Solution Providers" and winning the "Growth Startup of the Year" by Startup Grind Global Conference in which 4,00 startups from 133 countries participate, Swit was acclaimed by many in Korea and abroad. Swit was recommended for Google Workspace as an innovative solution in 2022, and named to the world's largest enterprise software marketplace G2's Best Software List in project management for two years in a row. As of now, a cumulative number of 40,000 teams and businesses from 184 countries are using Swit.

SOURCE Swit Technologies Inc.
CHICAGO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The sleep apnea devices industry is poised for significant growth and innovation in the near future. With increasing awareness about the detrimental effects of untreated sleep apnea, coupled with advancements in technology, the demand for effective and user-friendly devices is expected to soar. Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to create next-generation sleep apnea devices that offer improved comfort, accuracy, and ease of use. These devices will integrate cutting-edge features such as advanced sensors, wireless connectivity, and artificial intelligence algorithms to provide personalized therapy and real-time monitoring. Additionally, the industry will witness a surge in portable and wearable sleep apnea devices, catering to the growing trend of home-based treatments and remote patient monitoring. As a result, patients will have access to a wider range of options, empowering them to manage their sleep apnea more effectively and enhance their overall quality of life.

Sleep Apnea Devices Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $5.8 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $8.0 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The growth of this market is majorly driven by increasing number of companies venturing into the sleep apnea devices and oral appliances market. Furthermore, large pool of undiagnosed sleep apnea patients is expected to drive the growth of sleep apnea devices market.

Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=719

Browse in-depth TOC on "Sleep Apnea Devices Market"

316 - Tables

47 - Figures

315 - Pages

Sleep Apnea Devices Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $5.8 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $8.0 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% Market Size Available for 20212028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, and End user Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Increasing focus on telemedicine, mHealth and AI Key Market Drivers Growing awareness of effects of untreated sleep apnea

PAP devices segment is expected to account for the largest share in 2022.

Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices are the first line of treatment for sleep apnea. The therapeutic sleep apnea devices market, by product, has been segmented into positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, facial interfaces (masks), accessories, oral appliances, adaptive servo-ventilators, and other therapeutic devices. PAP devices dominate the market and are most often rented or purchased through a home healthcare company, also known as a durable medical equipment company.

The sleep laboratories, clinics & hospitals segment held the largest market share in the sleep apnea devices market.

By end user, the global sleep apnea devices market is broadly segmented into sleep laboratories, clinics & hospitals and home care settings/individuals. The high expenditure of the treatment regime incurred from personalized care and the high-precision diagnosis drives growth in this segment. However, home care settings/individual are expected to observe high growth rate as home care allows individuals to receive treatment for sleep apnea in the comfort of their own homes and with advancement of technology data tracking and remote monitoring capabilities are enhanced.

North America dominates the global sleep apnea devices market

Based on the region, the sleep apnea devices market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America market is driven by various grants and funds available for research on sleep apnea by government and private organizations. Europe is the second-largest market for sleep apnea devices market due to the increasing number of innovative products being launched in the market are expected to drive market growth in Europe. Asia Pacific will observe high growth during forecast period with its increasing healthcare infrastructure with better access to medical facilities.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=719https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=90799911&utm_source=Prnewswire&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=paidpr

Sleep Apnea Devices Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Large pool of undiagnosed sleep apnea patients Favorable reimbursements and financial aid for sleep apnea devices and therapies Growing awareness about the ill effects of untreated sleep apnea Growing usage of oral appliances Increasing number of companies venturing into the sleep apnea devices and oral appliances markets

Restraints:

High cost of CPAP machines Complex referral pathways, long waiting periods, and product recalls

Opportunities:

Growing demand for home sleep apnea tests (HSATs) Increasing focus on telemedicine, mHealth (mobile health), and artificial intelligence

Challenges:

Lack of patient compliance

Key Market Players:

Major players in sleep apnea devices market include ResMed (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (New Zealand).

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=719

Recent Developments:

In 2022, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare ( New Zealand ) launched Evora Full , a compact full-face mask for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment in US.

) launched , a compact full-face mask for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment in US. In 2021, ResMed (US) acquired MEDIFOX DAN ( Germany ) the German-based clinical, financial, and operational solutions provider to drive leadership in out-of-hospital software solutions for USD 1 Billion

) the German-based clinical, financial, and operational solutions provider to drive leadership in out-of-hospital software solutions for In 2021, Oventus ( Australia ) signed a partnership with Aeroflow Healthcare (US). The partnership focuses on providing Oventus' OSA treatment solutions, including O2Vent Optima, directly to consumers via sleep clinics in the US.

) signed a partnership with Aeroflow Healthcare (US). The partnership focuses on providing Oventus' OSA treatment solutions, including O2Vent Optima, directly to consumers via sleep clinics in the US. In 2020, Koninklijke Philips N.V. ( Netherlands ) launched the DreamWear Silicone Pillows in North America . These pillows use 3D facial scan data to fit diverse populations.

Sleep Apnea Devices Market Advantages:

Improved Quality of Sleep: Sleep apnea devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, help individuals with sleep apnea breathe more easily and maintain proper oxygen levels throughout the night. By effectively treating sleep apnea, these devices promote restful and uninterrupted sleep, leading to improved overall sleep quality and daytime functioning.

Health Benefits: Untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. Sleep apnea devices play a crucial role in managing and reducing these risks by ensuring proper airflow and oxygenation during sleep, thereby improving cardiovascular health and reducing the incidence of associated health conditions.

Enhanced Energy and Alertness: Sleep apnea often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. By addressing sleep apnea, these devices help individuals wake up feeling refreshed, revitalized, and more alert during the day. Improved energy levels positively impact productivity, concentration, and overall cognitive functioning.

Non-Invasive Treatment: Sleep apnea devices provide a non-invasive alternative to surgical interventions or other invasive procedures. They offer a comfortable and user-friendly solution that can be easily incorporated into one's bedtime routine, eliminating the need for more intrusive treatment methods.

Customizable and Personalized Therapy: Modern sleep apnea devices are equipped with advanced features that allow for personalized therapy. These devices can be adjusted to meet individual needs, including pressure settings, mask types, and humidity levels, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness for each patient.

Growing Technological Advancements: The sleep apnea devices market is experiencing rapid technological advancements. Manufacturers are continually introducing innovative features such as wireless connectivity, smartphone applications, and data tracking capabilities. These advancements enable remote monitoring, data analysis, and better patient-doctor communication, leading to more efficient and personalized care.

Increased Accessibility and Awareness: With the growing prevalence of sleep apnea and increased awareness about its impact on health, there has been a rise in the availability and accessibility of sleep apnea devices. These devices are now more widely distributed, making them accessible to a larger population and ensuring that individuals with sleep apnea can seek timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Overall, the sleep apnea devices market offers significant advantages by providing effective, non-invasive, and customizable solutions to manage sleep apnea, promote restful sleep, and improve overall health and well-being.

Sleep Apnea Devices Market - Report Highlights:

In the latest edition of the report, the main market is segmented by product, end user, and region.

The study includes an analysis of the latest average selling prices (ASP) for different devices in the sleep apnea devices market.

The research study comprises the latest patent analysis, trade analysis, supply chain analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, and value chain analysis of technologies/solutions used in the sleep apnea devices market.

The new market study includes information on trends/disruptions impacting customer businesses.

The new market study includes information on key conferences & events in 20232024.

The new market study includes information on the key stakeholders in the buying process.

The 25 companies profiled in the report are classified in the company evaluation quadrant.

The study provides the revenue share analysis of the top players in the sleep apnea devices market.

The research study consists of the latest market share analysis of the top players in the sleep apnea devices market.

The study provides details of the strategies of the top 15 players in the market.

The research study comprises 25 players. These companies have emerged as key market players due to their products and strategic investments in the sleep apnea devices market.

Updated financial information/product portfolio of players: The new edition of the report provides updated financial information in the context of the sleep apnea devices market from 2020 to 2022 (depending on availability) for each listed company in graphical representation.

Updated market developments of profiled players: The current report includes the market developments from January 2020 to April 2023 .

to . The existing report includes an analysis of the impact of recession on the sleep apnea devices the market overview section.

Related Reports:

Pulse Oximeter Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Patient Monitoring Devices Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Home Healthcare Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Respiratory Care Devices Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

About MarketsandMarkets:

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/sleep-apnea-devices-market.asp

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/sleep-apnea-devices.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Jollibee Foods Corporation's Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer to Lead Brand

DENVER, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Smashburger, the leading fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its hand-smashed to order burgers, announced today that Jose Minana Jr. has been appointed as interim president of Smashburger in place of Carl Bachmann upon his departure from the company on June 30th. Minana is the chief sustainability and public affairs officer for Smashburger's parent company, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and will serve as the president until the permanent lead executive has been appointed.

Minana has over 25 years of experience working for the Jollibee Foods Corporation and has held multiple positions within the global restaurant company. Before being named the chief sustainability and public affairs officer in 2019, Minana was the group president for Jollibee Foods Corporation's business across the North American continent. Additionally, he spent time leading business development for the global restaurant company's brands in Vietnam and Philippines.

"I'm honored to work closely with the Smashburger leadership team at such an exciting time for the brand. We will look to maintain the strong momentum that Smashburger has built and accelerate our nationwide expansion in both new and existing markets," said Minana.

"We are confident that Minana and our committed Smashburger leadership team will continue to build on this year's gains and position the company for more success in the coming months," said Ernesto Tanmantiong, president and chief executive officer of Jollibee Foods Corporation. "We thank Carl for his valuable contributions to Smashburger since joining our team in 2019."

Founded in 2007 in Denver, CO, Smashburger is a better-burger brand known for its innovative approach to crafting delicious and high-quality burgers. From the way the burgers are cooked, to the unique flavors they offer, Smashburger is constantly pushing the boundaries of what a burger can be. With 240 locations across 34 states and seven countries, Smashburger is the quickest fast casual concept to hit the 200-restaurant milestone and has sustained consistent growth due to its ongoing brand innovation, which helps drive store profitability and build guest loyalty. This past year, the brand also redefined its portfolio with the launch of a new restaurant design with some locations offering a full-service bar.

About Smashburger

Smashburger is a leading fast-casual better burger restaurant known for its Certified Angus Beef burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices and seal in the flavor. In addition to burgers, Smashburger offers grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, turkey and black bean burgers, fresh salads, signature side items such as Brussels sprouts and SmashFries, and hand-spun shakes. Founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger is a recognized Stevie American Business Award winner and was ranked as one of Fast Casual's top 25 brands in its 2023 Top 100 Movers & Shakers Award. The brand has - 240 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 34 states and seven countries. To learn more, visit smashburgerfranchising.com.

Contact:

Nate Rubinstein

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Smashburger
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas together with its parent, Sumitomo Corporation Japan, has acquired Saconix LLC Tweet this

Sumitomo agreed to fully acquire Saconix from Dallas based owners, Copperbeck Energy Partners, a portfolio company of Tailwater Capital, LLC. Saconix is one of the leading sulfuric acid distributors in North America providing logistics and storage solutions with strategically located assets, adding value through its functions and services that are very similar to Sulphuric Acid Trading Company (SATCO) Tampa, FL, another SC Group company.

With this acquisition, SC expands its footprint in the U.S. sulfuric acid business, adding operations and access now in both the Gulf region and West Coast region, including California, Nevada and Arizona.

"We identified Saconix as a strategic investment because its business model is extremely compatible with our current investments, and brings a high potential of growth synergy for our Sulfuric Acid business in the U.S., increasing our global competitiveness," said Masaya Sato, Basic Chemical Group General Manager of SCOA. "We expect to provide additional value and high service to our customers through the strong synergies of our global Sulfuric Acid business."

Sulfuric acid is the most widely distributed basic chemical in the world, and it is an essential chemical for people's lives because its uses span an extremely wide range of fields, including agriculture, industry, mining and textiles. Sulfuric acid is becoming increasingly important because of its increasing use at mining sites, such as copper, lithium and rare earth metals, which supports the realization of expecting a green society, and in the agricultural and fertilizer sectors, due to the increasing demand for food as the global population grows.

The Sumitomo Corporation Group's sulfuric acid business began with the export of sulfuric acid produced from the smelting of nonferrous metals from Japan, and since 1994, when it acquired INTERACID TRADING S.A. (Lausanne, Headquarters), parent company of SATCO. The SC group company handles one of the world's largest sulfuric acid maritime transport transactions and provides a wide range of logistics services in countries such as the U.S. and Chile, including the trading of sulfuric acid by sea, the regional distribution, and the storage of sulfuric acid. INTERACID owns and operates its own storage tanks for sulfuric acid, providing customers with just-in-time delivery of product, and if needed, leasing of storage tank space to customers requiring personalized logistics services.

Saconix owns, leases and operates in 7 strategic logistics facilities in the U.S. Gulf and West Coast. After the acquisition, we will firmly secure the leading position in the industry with handling more than 3.5milion tons of sulfuric acid by utilizing 19 tanks with approximately 330,000 tons capacity as the group total.

This acquisition represents Sumitomo Corporation's ongoing commitment to expanding business and facilitating global carbon reduction to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

About Sumitomo Corporation of Americas

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the company, established in 1952, is headquartered in New York City with nine offices in major U.S. cities. SCOA is responsible of activities in the Americas for Sumitomo Corporation, one of the world's leading traders of goods and services. As an integrated business enterprise, the firm has emerged as a major organizer of multinational projects, an expediter of ideas, an important international investor and financier, and a powerful force for distribution of products and global communications through a network of offices worldwide. Its core business units include Tubular Products, Environment and Infrastructure, Steel and Non Ferrous Metals, Transportation and Construction Systems, Chemicals and Electronics, Media and IOT Applications, Real Estate, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Food. For more information, visit www.sumitomocorp.com.

About Sumitomo Corporation's CCUS Initiatives

Sumitomo Corporation has highlighted mitigation of climate change as one of its key areas of focus, and has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050. Sumitomo Corporation recognizes that CCUS is a key technology to combat climate change, and in January 2023 established a dedicated global CCUS team within the Energy Innovation Initiative. This new team will capitalize on existing resources to establish new business along the whole CCUS value chain, including CO 2 separation and capture, transport and storage and utilization of the captured carbon.

Saconix Overview

Company name : Saconix LLC (Saconix) Headquarters Location : Roswell, Georgia, USA Base : West US and Gulf Coast regions Business Overview : Provision of sales, procurement, storage and logistics services for Sulfuric Acid Net sales : Approximately USD 102 million (FY 2022) Incorporation of a company : 2017 Number of employees : 22 Website : https://saconix.com/

SOURCE Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Nearly a Quarter Report "Extreme Frustration" with Resizing Process

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz Software , a global leader in software development for cross media content publishing, announced today a survey that shows designers struggle with the repetition of redesigning graphics for various sizes, for instance when creating ads for various ad networks or social media platforms.

Infographic on Resizing Images

The survey of over 350 designers found that 51% delegate this task to someone else, while 43% of designers are stuck resizing graphics on their own. For those who handle the task on their own, 85% struggle with their resizing process, and 22% find their resizing process extremely frustrating.

Designers spend significant portions of their time  in some cases most of their time  redesigning multiple graphics for a single project or campaign. For those resizing images, 76% spend at least 20 hours weekly resizing graphics  with over half (52%) spending at least 30 hours.

As to why they are spending so much time resizing, the scope of their projects may be to blame. Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) designers typically create at least four graphics for a single project, including 33% who typically create at least seven.

For the designers resizing images, 96% say an effective responsive design tool would be helpful. Additionally, three in four (75%) say that a responsive design tool would have a big impact on their job, including 34% who say it would be life changing.

The survey found that designers recognize the problem. Over 90% of designers believe there is room for improvement in their process of redesigning graphics for different dimensions.

"We understand that designers are spending a lot of time doing monotonous work that prevents them from focusing on creative aspects of being a designer," said Santa Cruz Software CEO Mark Hilton. "Our team is working on a new solution that is going to radically reduce the time designers spend redesigning graphics for various digital marketing and social media campaigns. We're very excited to make this announcement in the coming months."

Visit here to learn more about this upcoming project .

When asked about the kinds of graphics they are creating, 75% say social media ads, 59% say display ads, 59% say social media graphics, and 42% say website graphics.

About Santa Cruz Software

Santa Cruz Software offers a suite of tools to connect Adobe and Microsoft applications to other Cloud Services, enabling teams to collaborate seamlessly on projects without ever leaving their applications. Enjoy simplified version control, easy asset search and seamless connection between your shared team assets. Santa Cruz Software features are designed to streamline brand compliance, empower collaboration between teams and increase productivity. Solutions range from integratable Dynamic Templates based upon Adobe InDesign (PrintUI), DAM connectors for Adobe applications and Microsoft Office applications (LinkrUI) and turnkey collateral/campaign portals (BrandingUI). For more information, visit the Santa Cruz Software website.

All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.

Media Contact:

David Haefele

FortyThree, Inc.

[email protected]

831.888.9011

SOURCE Santa Cruz Software
Sustainability Magazine , a renowned publication under the BizClik brand, proudly announces its recognition as the top-ranked ESG Magazine by Feedspot

LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leading authority in the realm of sustainability, Sustainability Magazine offers a wealth of knowledge and insights for both businesses and individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet and society. With a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns, the magazine covers a diverse range of subjects, including sustainable energy, socially responsible investing, the circular economy, ethical supply chains and various other related areas.

Feedspot, recognised as the Internet's Largest Human Curated Database of Bloggers and Podcasts, meticulously curated its list of "Best ESG Magazines" from a vast selection of blogs on the web. The ranking was determined based on factors such as website traffic, social media followers, domain authority and content originality. Sustainability Magazine emerged as the clear frontrunner, solidifying its position as the premier ESG resource.

"The team behind Sustainability Magazine are thrilled to be named the top-ranked ESG magazine by Feedspot," says Lucy Buchholz, Editor in Chief of Sustainability Magazine.

"The ranking reflects our dedication to sharing the latest ESG news, and we will continue to work hard to ensure we remain the number one platform for sustainability updates."

Sustainability Magazine , a BizClik brand, is a leading publication at the forefront of sustainability, offering valuable insights, trends, and news for businesses and individuals committed to building a sustainable future. With a strong emphasis on ESG issues, the magazine explores a wide range of topics, providing readers with the knowledge and inspiration needed to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

Glen White, Founder and CEO of BizClik says:

"Sustainability Magazine was created due to the growing demand for content around Sustainability, ESG, Diversity & Net Zero topics across large-scale enterprises.

Thanks to massive interest & growth from our corporate clients, Sustainability Magazine has become more than just a magazine, it's now the No.1 platform and ecosystem for all aspects of sustainability. Sustainability Magazine now encompasses its range of Magazine inc Energy & EV, leading websites and newsletters, our weekly Top 10's cover everything and our three annual Top 100 listings cover Top 100 Women in Sustainability, Top 100 Sustainable Companies and Top 100 Leaders in Sustainability.

And since 2022, our Sustainability LIVE London conference & exhibition has hosted 100's of the most influential sustainability leaders - presenting to 1000's of in-person and virtual attendees from all across the globe. Sustainability Magazine has also announced that it will launch its very own 'Global Sustainability & ESG Awards' at SUSTAINABILITY LIVE London on Sep 6/7th which with be hosted at the Business Design Centre ."

Sustainability Magazine also recently ran its first Sustainability LIVE USA event which was a huge success and expects to run its events again in the U.K. in 2024 along with events for the Middle East, Asia & again in the USA."

BizClik is a UK-based media company with a global portfolio of leading industry, business and lifestyle digital communities.

BizClik's portfolio includes Technology & AI, Finance & Insurance, Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Energy & Mining, Construction, Healthcare, Mobile & Data Centres and EV. For further information, please visit https://www.bizclikmedia.com/

You can read the latest news in Sustainability Magazine by clicking HERE .

You can now sign up for the Sustainability LIVE conference at the Business Design Centre from the 6th - 7th September 2023. Click HERE .

Visit www.bizclikmedia.com to discover more about BizClik's media portfolio.

BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, with a growing portfolio of sector-leading global brands and events.

SOURCE BizClik
AUSTIN, Texas, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tabulera, a leading provider of benefit plan premium administration software, is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the PrismHR Live event, taking place on June 25-27 in Austin, TX at the JW Marriott. Tabulera will be showcasing its innovative solutions at Booth 4.

Tabulera's robust Benefits Reconciliation module helps PEOs reconcile carrier invoices against PrismHR enrollment and payroll data. By eliminating benefit premium write-offs, Tabulera ensures accurate billing and enables PEOs to quickly identify variances between systems at the employee and plan level, pinpointing misconfigurations, data entry errors, and carrier billing discrepancies. With Tabulera, PEOs can create employee plan-level transaction registers, providing a clear balance history down to the penny and facilitating the proper collection or adjustment of premium variances. Additionally, Tabulera offers seamless integration with PrismHR, allowing for automatic updates of new PEO clients and rates.

"We are thrilled to participate in PrismHR Live and showcase our benefits reconciliation solutions for the second time," said Doug Devlin, CEO of Tabulera. "Our platform offers a comprehensive approach to premium administration, helping PEOs streamline their processes, reduce waste, and maintain compliance. We look forward to connecting with attendees and demonstrating the value Tabulera brings to the industry."

PrismHR Live is a premier event for PEO and HR service provider professionals, offering educational sessions, networking opportunities, and access to industry-leading vendors and solutions. Tabulera's presence at the event highlights its commitment to supporting PEOs and providing them with the tools they need to optimize benefits reconciliation processes.

Visit Tabulera at Booth 4 during PrismHR Live to learn more about how their solutions can help PEOs improve benefits reconciliation accuracy and efficiency.

About Tabulera:

Tabulera is a leading provider of benefit plan premium administration software. With a focus on benefits reconciliation, Tabulera helps PEOs and organizations streamline their processes, eliminate write-offs, and identify discrepancies for accurate billing. The platform integrates seamlessly with PrismHR and offers comprehensive features such as Benefits Reconciliation and Payment Automation.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Tabulera enables businesses to manage their benefit plan invoices with ease and transparency. To learn more, visit www.tabulera.com.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Tabulera, Inc.
NEW YORK, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TaxBit, the industry-leading provider of tax and accounting solutions for digital assets, is set to embark on a transformative phase of innovation and expansion with the appointment of Lindsey Argalas as CEO. In this significant leadership transition, Austin Woodward, the current CEO, and Co-Founder, will transition into the role of Chairman of the Board. At the same time, Lindsey Argalas, the company's Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of CEO, effective June 8, 2023.

TaxBit Appoints Lindsey Argalas as CEO, Ushering in a New Era of Innovation and Growth Tweet this Lindsey Argalas, CEO, TaxBit

As Chairman of the Board, Austin Woodward will leverage his profound industry knowledge and status as TaxBit's co-founder to steer the company's strategic partnerships and shape the company's long-term vision. During his tenure as TaxBit's CEO, TaxBit achieved remarkable milestones, securing $230M in funding from leading investors, pioneering business models in digital asset tax and accounting compliance, and building a market-leading company across Enterprise and Government verticals. Current customers include the IRS, PayPal, Fidelity, Google, and many more.

Austin Woodward commented on his role transition: "I am tremendously proud of our achievements at TaxBit, and I eagerly anticipate embarking on the next phase of my journey as Chairman of the Board. This transition enables me to dedicate my efforts to nurturing strategic partnerships, fostering innovation, and offering guidance to ensure TaxBit's ongoing success. I have complete confidence in Lindsey's capabilities to lead the company into this exciting era of growth and innovation."

Lindsey Argalas, TaxBit's newly appointed CEO, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of operational excellence to her role. With her background at Santander and Intuit, Lindsey is well-positioned to lead TaxBit into its next business phase. Her strategic thinking, passion for innovation, and deep understanding of the industry will drive TaxBit's growth and deliver exceptional value to clients and partners. As TaxBit enters this transformative phase under Argalas's leadership, the future holds immense potential for continued innovation, growth, and remarkable achievements across the digital assets ecosystem.

Lindsey Argalas expressed her excitement about her new role: "I am honored to lead TaxBit at this pivotal moment. TaxBit's innovative solutions have already revolutionized the digital asset tax and accounting landscape. I look forward to building on the company's success and leveraging my experience to drive global expansion, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver unrivaled value to our clients and partners worldwide."

Tom Loverro, TaxBit Board Member and GP at IVP expressed his confidence in TaxBit expressing, "Fintech businesses require constant adaptation to thrive. With Austin's transition to Chairman and Lindsey's appointment to CEO, TaxBit is demonstrating its ability to maneuver adroitly and set the company up for enduring success.

About TaxBit

TaxBit is the leading tax and accounting solution for the digital asset class, designed by CPAs and tax attorneys. Its platform caters to top exchanges, businesses, governments, and individuals in the industry. TaxBit has secured over $230 million from leading global investors to automate regulatory tax and accounting compliance hurdles, paving the way for the widespread adoption of digital assets at scale. TaxBit is headquartered in Salt Lake City and Seattle.

For more information about TaxBit, please visit taxbit.com.

Media Inquiries:

Michelle O'Connor, VP Global Communications 801-332-9105

Sydney Jacobs, Communications Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE TaxBit
Australia and Singapore have a strong and productive bilateral relationship based on long-standing political, economic, defence and Commonwealth links.

Singapores outward-looking, export-oriented approach to trade has established the country as a strategic global hub for multinational businesses operating in Asia, says Mr Stephen Skulley, Austrades Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner Singapore.

Recent economic reforms have helped Singapore become a financial, trade and wealth management hub for the region and a global hub for currency and commodity trading, transhipment and oil and gas refining, he continues.

According to government statistics, there are 37,400 international companies with headquarters in Singapore, which include 7,000 multinationals. More than half of these companies use Singapore as the regional headquarters for their Asia-Pacific business.

The total merchandise trade between Australia and Singapore in 2021-22 totalled A$46.8 billion, comprised of:

Exports: A$21.2 billion

Imports: A25.6 billion

In 2021, total Australian investment in Singapore was A$62 billion, and total investment from Singapore was A$121 billion. More comprehensive trade data can be found here on the DFAT website.

Long-standing bi-lateral ties

The Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed in 2003. SAFTA has been revised six times, with the most recent update on 8 December 2020. This revision reflected the entry into force of the Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) and updated SAFTAs Electronic Commerce chapter into a Digital Economy chapter.

The landmark DEA harnesses digital transformation and technology to expand trade and economic ties in our region, says Mr Skulley. The DEA also provides modernised trade rules that assist businesses and consumers to engage with and benefit from digital trade and the digital economy.

Australia and Singapore  along with Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam  are members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), which entered into force on 1 January 2022. The Republic of Korea followed on 1 February 2022 and Malaysia on 18 March 2022.

Australia and Singapore are also members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which entered into force on 30 December 2018.

Singapore and Australia have also signed the Australia  Singapore Fintech Bridge Agreement to strengthen cooperation between the FinTech ecosystems of both countries. Mr Skulley says the Australia-Singapore FinTech Bridge sets out a framework for both authorities to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on fintech, to facilitate trade, investment and ecosystem development in the fintech sector.

The framework also supports the mutual establishment of fintech companies looking to expand in each others markets and encourages fintech companies to use the facilities and assistance available to explore new business opportunities and reduce barriers to entry.

Supplied by Austrade

It will also help both authorities build on current engagements to strengthen linkages between Australia and Singapore for policy officials, regulators and industry groups.

The Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement (GEA) was signed by Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and Singapores Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong on 18 October 2022.

The GEA is a first-of-its-kind agreement that supports Australias economic, trade, investment, and climate change objectives, he continues, Under the GEA, Australia and Singapore will jointly implement 17 practical initiatives in the green economy. Examples of green growth sectors include renewable and clean energy, agribusiness and food, maritime and aviation and transition finance.

Lucrative sectors for Aussie exporters

Food and Agribusiness

Singapore imports over 90 per cent of its agricultural needs due to limited land available for agriculture, and Australia is viewed as a trusted and reliable food partner.

Ms Amelia Walsh, Austrades Trade & Investment Commissioner Singapore says that Australia was one of the top five suppliers to Singapore for chilled meat, dairy, honey, fresh produce, cereals, flour, oil, sugars and beverages, including alcohol, in 2021.

Singapore is also Australias largest export market for pork and eggs. There is also demand for dairy products; fresh fruit and vegetables; seafood; and ready-to-eat convenience foods.

Health

Australian capabilities are widely regarded and promoted across ASEAN through partnerships with health accelerators Medtech Accelerator, Life Science Innovation hub (LSI) in Queensland and APACMed, according to Ms Walsh.

Fintech

Singapore is a leading location for fintech funding across ASEAN, attracting almost every fintech category seeking funding, with the payments category the most dominant. Singapore offers a springboard to ASEAN, with opportunities across ESG & Sustainability, and embedded finance/ extended finance/ decentralised finance.

Education

Australia has maintained its position as a preferred destination by Singaporeans seeking higher education abroad despite the flat trend in student commencement numbers onshore, Ms Walsh notes. Singapore is a small, competitive market with limited growth potential, in part due to decreasing birth rates and the expansion of local offerings.

Opportunities for research and development, partnerships and curriculum delivery in Singapore are set to develop further with the recent Singapore Australia Green Economy Agreement (GEA) signed in October 2022; Singapores Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020/2025 Plan; and the 2022 SkillsFuture Report, detailing priority skills with demand growth across the green, digital and care industries.

Emerging Export Opportunities

Green Economy

Singapore has announced its target to reach net zero by 2050. In addition to domestically focused plans to drive sustainability (e.g. all internal combustion engine vehicles off the road by 2040, greening 80% of buildings by 2030), Singapore plans to be a regional hub for green finance and carbon markets.

The Singapore-Australia GEA has laid the foundations for cross-border economy activities that drive green growth, including facilitating flows of environmental goods and services, green and transition finance, and clean energy. This will provide opportunities for Australian businesses in this emerging sector, says Mr Skulley

Resources and Energy

At present, over 95 per cent of Singapores electricity is generated from imported natural gas. In keeping with its targets for net zero, renewable energy will become an increasingly important sector.

Singapore aims to import up to 4 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity from neighbouring countries by 2035, spearheading regional grid connectivity. It also envisages up to 50 per cent of its domestic electricity to be powered by clean hydrogen by 2050, he continues.

As the worlds largest maritime bunkering hub, and one of the leading air hubs, Singapore will also play a key role in shaping global transitions to green shipping and aviation.

Supplied by Austrade

Digital Economy

Singapore has invested in becoming a digital economy hub. It is ranked first in Asia for digital readiness and start-up talent and has the worlds highest fibre-to-the-home penetration, which stands at 95 per cent. It also continues to pursue international agreements and mechanisms to increase its digital connectivity, seeking to be the connector between Southeast Asia to the rest of the world.

Key opportunities are linked to technology trends: Virtual reality, AI, Autonomous mobility, Edge computing and Quantum computing.

Mr Skulley says: The innovative Singapore-Australia DEA will assist Australian businesses to take advantage through a range of new trade rules and a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation, including data innovation, artificial intelligence, personal data protection and trade facilitation.

Aviation and Aerospace

Singapore is the regional hub for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) aerospace aircraft engine and components manufacturing, as well as the hub for maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO).

With the ongoing recovery of the aerospace sector to near pre-covid levels, the aerospace sector to near is seeing a higher demand globally for aircraft parts and MRO, and there are emerging signs of an uptick in the sourcing of accredited aerospace sub-components and systems. Mr Skulley notes that this is an area where Australia is well-positioned to participate in the GVC sourcing programs of the international primes, for example, Rolls Royce, GE, and Pratt & Whitney.

Aged Care

With a population of 5.64 million, Singapore has one of the highest median incomes in the world. However, 25 per cent of its population is projected to be aged 65 and older by 2030, so having a quality of life in their later years are major concerns for the elderly in Singapore.

Ms Walsh says: The biggest challenges centre on biophysical and psychological health: physical frailty/disability, sensory impairment such as hearing loss, chronic conditions such as dementia or diabetes, and psychological challenges such as mental health and availability of community support.

Opportunities in mental wellness therapies/programs, assistive technologies (e.g., tech platforms for connecting caregivers and care recipients) and autonomous mobility solutions.

Health and Medical

The Singapore Ministry of Health oversees healthcare in Singapore, which is a mixture of a government-run, publicly funded universal healthcare system and a private-sector model.

Financing healthcare costs is done through direct government subsidies, compulsory comprehensive savings, national healthcare insurance, and cost sharing. The Singapore public health insurance system is based on programs run by the Central Provident Fund, primarily Medisave, a mandatory medical savings account.

Emerging opportunities for exporters are:

Growth in telemedicine and digital health (accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic)

Investment in the ageing population and chronic diseases (e.g., geriatric care, chronic disease management and palliative care)

Personalised medicine and precision care (including genomics research)

Investment in health and wellness (to promote healthy lifestyles)

What it takes to succeed in Singapore

Singapore is a mature, sophisticated, and highly competitive market, especially as it is a strategic global hub for multinational businesses operating in Asia.

Mr Skulley stresses that to succeed in the market, Australian exporters must build trust and relationships with service delivery agencies, and local industry partners.

He also notes that although establishing a presence in Singapore is relatively straightforward, operating costs for rents and staff are high.

Austrade contact information

Stephen Skulley, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner Singapore, Austrade

Amelia Walsh, Trade & Investment Commissioner Singapore, Austrade

Email: info@austrade.gov.au Contact: 13 28 78

To learn more about how Austrade can help your business, visit Austrade.gov.au

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The Offer provides Alpha shareholders with the opportunity to realize compelling, immediate and certain value

Tecpetrol is a credible and experienced counterparty with clear path to closing

Shareholders who have questions with respect to the Offer may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the Depositary and Information Agent for the Offer, at 1-877-452-7184 (North America Toll Free), 416-304-0211 (Calls Outside North America) or by email at [email protected]

TORONTO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tecpetrol Investments S.L. ("Tecpetrol"), a member of the Techint Group, announced today that it has now formally commenced its previously-announced offer (the "Offer") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares ("Shares") of Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) ("Alpha"), a Canadian incorporated, headquartered and listed company.

The notice and advertisement of the Offer appears in the June 8, 2023 editions of The Globe & Mail and La Presse and the offer and take-over bid circular (the "Offer and Circular") and related documents have been filed with the Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR under Alpha's profile at www.sedar.com.

The Consideration

Under the terms and conditions of the Offer, Alpha shareholders will receive cash consideration of C$1.24 per Share, providing Alpha shareholders with the opportunity to realize compelling, immediate and certain value in an all-cash transaction with a credible transaction partner with a clear path to closing.

The Offer is open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on September 22, 2023, unless the Offer is extended, accelerated or withdrawn by Tecpetrol in accordance with its terms. Tecpetrol has requested a list of security holders from Alpha and will mail the Offer and Circular and related documents to Alpha security holders as soon as practicable after receipt of such list.

Tecpetrol remains open to engaging in constructive discussions (on a non-exclusive basis) with Alpha with a view to increasing the offer price. Tecpetrol is prepared to do so on terms that protect the confidentiality of those discussions regarding price without inappropriately limiting the opportunity for shareholders to decide whether to accept the Offer or otherwise restricting Tecpetrol's strategic options.

Reasons to Accept the Offer

As further described in the Offer and Circular, Tecpetrol believes the Offer provides significant benefits and the reasons to tender to the Offer include, among others:

An attractive cash payment and immediate liquidity to shareholders through de-risked transaction;

A credible and experienced counterparty with clear path to closing;

Alpha's standalone plan remains challenging and underfunded;

An opportunity for shareholders to determine the outcome of their investment; and

No financing condition.

Offer Details

The Offer is subject to certain conditions being satisfied or, where permitted, waived at or prior to the expiry of the Offer. Such conditions include, among others described in the Offer and Circular: (a) there having been validly deposited under the Offer and not withdrawn that number of Shares which represent more than 50% of the outstanding Shares, excluding those Shares beneficially owned, or over which control or direction is exercised, by Tecpetrol or by any Person acting jointly or in concert with Tecpetrol, which is a statutory non-waivable condition; (b) there having been validly deposited under the Offer and not withdrawn that number of Shares (together with associated rights under Alpha's shareholder rights plan) which represent at the expiry of the Offer at least two-thirds of the outstanding Shares on a fully-diluted basis; (c) Tecpetrol having determined that there has not occurred a material adverse effect in respect of Alpha; and (d) Tecpetrol having determined that Alpha has not taken any action or disclosed that it intends to take any action that might make it inadvisable for Tecpetrol to proceed with the Offer, such as the entering into any definitive agreement or transaction under or in connection with the sale process disclosed by Alpha in its June 5, 2023 news release. The Offer is not subject to any due diligence or access condition, financing condition or Tecpetrol shareholder approval condition. In addition, to the knowledge of Tecpetrol, there are no regulatory approvals required in connection with the Offer.

Tecpetrol encourages Alpha shareholders to read the full details of the Offer and other important information set forth in the Offer and Circular and related documents, including instructions on how Alpha shareholders can tender their Shares under the Offer.

Shareholders who have questions or require assistance in tendering their Shares may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the Depositary and Information Agent for the Offer, by telephone toll-free inside North America at 1-877-452-7184, or outside North America at 1-416-304-0211, or by email at [email protected].

About the Tecpetrol Energy Transition Unit

Tecpetrol's Energy Transition Unit is Techint Group's dedicated business unit responsible for advancing its position in the global energy transition through investments in decarbonized energy sources, carriers and technologies, with the objective of contributing to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. As part of this initiative through its subsidiary Techenergy Lithium S.A., Tecpetrol has built a lithium processing pilot plant in northern Argentina engineered for scale, which supports a production flowsheet involving direct lithium extraction. For additional information on Tecpetrol, please visit its website at https://www.tecpetrol.com/en.

The Techint Group is a global conglomerate with diversified business lines in steelmaking, complex infrastructure construction, design and construction of industrial plans and machinery, technologies for the metals and mining industries, oil and gas exploration and production and research-oriented health facilities. Through our six main companies  Tenaris S.A. (NYSE and Mexico: TS and EXM Italy: TEN), Ternium S.A. (NYSE: TX), Techint Engineering & Construction, Tenova, Tecpetrol and Humanitas  the Techint Group operates on six continents, employs 79,300 employees and generates over US$33 billion in annual revenue. We have an extensive track record of completing large transactions in industrial and extractive sectors around the globe, including in Canada, and in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. For additional information on the Techint Group, please visit its website at https://www.techintgroup.com/en.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward looking information". Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and is therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects", "intends" or variations of such words, and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although Tecpetrol believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and have been based on information and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking information and such factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to Tecpetrol, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tecpetrol or the completion of the Offer to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include, without limitation: the ultimate outcome of any possible transaction between Tecpetrol and Alpha, including the possibility that Alpha will or will not accept a transaction with Tecpetrol; actions taken by Alpha; actions taken by security holders of Alpha in respect of the Offer; that the conditions of the Offer may not be satisfied or waived by the Offeror at the expiry of the Offer period; and the pendency or completion of the Offer or any subsequent transaction. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on Tecpetrol's beliefs and opinions at the time the information is given, and there should be no expectation that this forward-looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Tecpetrol expressly disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by applicable law.

Disclaimers

This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any securities. The Offer will be made solely by, and subject to the terms and conditions set out in, the formal offer and take-over bid circular, letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery. The Offer will not be made to, nor will deposits be accepted from or on behalf of, shareholders in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.

The Offer will be made for the securities of a Canadian company that does not have securities registered under section 12 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act"). Accordingly, the Offer is not subject to section 14(d) of the U.S. Exchange Act or Regulation 14D or Rule 14e-1 of Regulation 14E. The Offer will be made in the United States with respect to securities of a "foreign private issuer", as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the U.S. Exchange Act, in accordance with Canadian corporate and securities law requirements. Shareholders in the United States should be aware that such requirements are different from those of the United States applicable to tender offers under the U.S. Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

The Offer and all contracts resulting from acceptance thereof will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Accordingly, the provisions of the German Takeover Code (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz) do not apply to the Offer.

None of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, any United States state securities commission or the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority has approved or disapproved (or will approve or disapprove) the Offer, or passed (or will pass) any comment upon the fairness or the merits of the Offer or upon the adequacy or completeness of the information contained in this news release or in any other document relating to the Offer. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.

Media Contact, Alexandre Meterissian, Email: [email protected]; Investor Relations, Jorge Dimopulos, Email: [email protected]; Shareholder Questions / Tendering Assistance, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, Toll-Free: 1-877-452-7184, Outside North America: 1-416-304-0211, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Tecpetrol
OKLAHOMA CITY, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City is providing financial support at no-cost for software and cybersecurity training through Code Fellows, a leading tech education provider of software and cybersecurity engineering programs. The partnership aims to provide access to education and career opportunities in the tech industry for underserved communities in Oklahoma City.

The Alliance

Applicants who wish to pursue training in Software Development or Cybersecurity Engineering can apply at no cost on the Code Fellow website . The courses are taught online with live instruction and vary in length from one day to six months. To qualify, individuals must live in Oklahoma City since March 3, 2021 and meet one of four criteria related to income, employment status, federal benefits or living in a Qualified Census Tract. Those guidelines are outlined on the Alliance website .

"We identified workforce needs in several industries as being key to helping people in Oklahoma City gain in-demand career training to advance their career or find a new job opportunity," said Kenton Tsoodle, president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City. "The investment in our workforce, and this partnership with Code Fellows, fosters a culture of learning and also helps to maintain and grow our small business economy, the backbone of Oklahoma City's economy."

One of the key strengths of the Code Fellows Program is its dedication to keeping pace with the rapidly evolving tech industry. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest coding fundamentals and advanced cybersecurity concepts. By offering cutting-edge instruction, the program equips students with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly changing landscape of technology.

"I firmly believe that true transformation and empowerment come when organizations join forces with a common purpose. Partnering together with The Alliance allows us to extend our reach and impact, bringing education and skills training to underserved populations in Oklahoma City," said Mitch Robertson, SVP of Business Development and Growth for Code Fellows. "We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Together, we can unlock the untapped potential within these communities, empowering individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. By combining our expertise and resources, we can make a lasting difference and create a ripple effect of positive change that will be felt for generations to come."

About The Alliance:

The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City is the economic development entity that coordinates land, incentives and economic tools that help Oklahoma City prosper. In addition to managing several economic entities such as the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority and Oklahoma City Redevelopment Authority, The Alliance works in collaboration with public and private entities to begin or invigorate development projects. Since 2020, The Alliance has coordinated COVID relief programs for small businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and individuals looking to improve their career options. The programs are funded through federal ARPA allocations to the City of Oklahoma City. The OKC Rescue Program, developed by The Alliance in 2022, underwrites training and education opportunities for qualifying individuals through established training partners such as Code Fellows.

About Code Fellows:

Code Fellows is a premier technical skills training academy, delivering high-quality live instruction both online and in person to people from all backgrounds. Learners are guided toward vocational change and life transformation through software development, technical operations, cybersecurity and career training. They guide people from all backgrounds to change their lives through fast-paced, career-focused education. They shape passionate learners with immersive training to meet industry needs and improve diversity.

Code Fellows has taught thousands of graduates and iterated on their curriculum and format to ensure students receive the most industry-relevant training as effectively and efficiently as possible. Students are immersed in their learning with daily lectures, pair programming, weekly presentations from full-time instructional staff who are seasoned industry professionals, one-week project sprints, and more. Code Fellows graduates work at Amazon, Microsoft, Zillow, Expedia, XBOX, NIKE, Starbucks, Nordstrom, and over 800 other companies.

CONTACT

Mitch Robertson

[email protected]

206-681-9318

SOURCE Code Fellows
Belize Tourism Board Launches a Catchy Social Media Campaign for World Oceans Day 2023

BELIZE CITY, Belize, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a bold yet playful call to action for World Oceans Day 2023, the Belize Tourism Board launched today a social media campaign "Reef With A Beef," aimed to raise awareness on ocean sustainability through humor.

This tongue-in-cheek initiative was born from the reality that while Belize is doing a great deal to protect its oceans, there are others around the world who simply aren't doing enough. As a 10,000-year resident of the ocean, the Belize Barrier Reef is a natural spokesperson to represent the frustrations of those who see what's happening. The Reef With A Beef (RWAB) will be active on its "personal" Twitter and Instagram accounts  both @ReefWithABeef  and will engage with followers in "trash talk" to bring awareness to the alarming levels of worldwide ocean pollution. The reef will call out anything and anyone who may be harming its habitat on a global scale.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest barrier reef in the world. It extends 185 miles along the full length of the Belizean coast and is home to hundreds of species of coral and fish, and is a hot spot for divers, snorkelers and biologists from all over the world.

"Conservation has always been part of Belize's DNA," said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize's Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. "Through intensive efforts spanning decades, nearly half of the entire nation has been protected as either nature preserve/reserve, wildlife sanctuary or national park. Our Belize Barrier Reef is the greatest illustration of our drive and passion for conservation, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is the premier natural landscape which serves as one of our most visited eco-tourism attraction that draws thousands of snorkeling and diving enthusiasts to our nation every year."

Minister Mahler continued: "The goal of this campaign is not only to promote the Reef's brand on an international scale, but also to provide a platform to learn about the value of this incredibly beautiful yet very fragile marine ecosystem and encourage positive actions that'll not only preserve but also allow the Belize Barrier Reef to thrive for thousands more years to come."

In the last few years, Belize has made huge strides in improving the country's sustainability initiatives, including designating no-take marine protected areas, banning off-shore drilling, establishing the Fish Right Eat Right program, and more, and is now considered one of the most biodiverse and environmentally conscious destinations in the Caribbean and Central America. To learn more, visit travelbelize.org.

About Belize Tourism Board

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Belize Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and it is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The BTB works in conjunction with members of the private sector  including the Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association and Belize National Tour Operators Association  and is dedicated to building tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of its responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize as a premier tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. Among its outreach to the international travel market, the BTB markets the country's unique attractions to travelers, members of the travel trade industry and media outlets in key markets. The BTB is also dedicated to developing and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instill high quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.travelbelize.org.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Belize Tourism Board
MEDELLIN, Colombia, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Green Coffee Company (GCC), a Legacy Group portfolio company and Colombia's largest coffee producer, announced today that it has closed its $25 million Series C equity funding round.

The company's financing to-date has been funded by more than 450 individual accredited and high-net-worth individual investors primarily from the U.S., who have invested over $60 million in the business. Direct investments from 'mass affluent' or high-net-worth individuals is a growing trend for Legacy Group's emerging market opportunities.

"The company's $60 million in financing to-date has been funded by more than 450 high-net-worth individual investors." Tweet this Green Coffee Company Farms - Antioquia, Colombia

"The Green Coffee Company is offering unprecedented access to investment in one of the world's most timeless and in-demand commodities: Coffee. We're the only operator at-scale giving accredited international investors this opportunity," said Cole Shephard, founder of GCC and partner at Legacy Group. "The $25 million Series C equity raise is a testament to the credibility we have in the market. With our ever-expanding investor base, this raise brings our total equity funding to-date to over $60 million. In a market like Colombia, the impact we can have with this capital is market-defining and will be globally disruptive to how we drink coffee."

Proceeds from the funding round will expand the company's Colombian farming operations, as it looks to become the world's largest producer of arabica coffee, to accelerate its U.S.-based coffee roasting operations and to enable the company to launch lines of liquors and spirits distilled from coffee cherries and other coffee 'waste.' The company is currently seeking $65 million of institutional debt capital to supplement the equity raise in order to execute on its expansion plans.

Kevan Zipin, an investor since 2018, said of the company, "Being a part of this raise is phenomenal. What Cole, Adam, and the whole team are bringing to the world of coffee is incredibly compelling and unique. With their constant communication and insight, every new step has me feeling like I am a part of the developmental process."

Since its founding in 2017, GCC now has total landholdings in excess of 9,000 acres and more than 11,500,000 coffee trees under ownership, which makes the company more than two times larger than any other coffee producer in the country. With intentions of becoming the world's largest producer of arabica coffee in the next two years, GCC is considering a potential 2026 U.S. IPO exit.

About the Green Coffee Company

The Green Coffee Company is a consolidated coffee farming operation headquartered in the U.S. with operations based in Colombia. GCC has complete control of the supply chain: from cultivation to processing to direct trade with end-clients. GCC's holistic approach to the coffee sector and commitment to best environmental practices not only establishes the long-term profitability and sustainability of the business, but also improves the quality of the coffee produced on the farms.

About Legacy Group

Legacy Group is a leading investment firm in Latin America with a strict focus on high-quality LATAM businesses for international high-net-worth & accredited investors that can produce outsized returns. With over $60 million of investment under management, our mission is to continue to build and source a concentrated portfolio of disruptive businesses for our clients through our on-the-ground experience that can quickly become market leaders in underinvested yet macroeconomically significant industries in Latin America. As just one example, in 2017, Legacy Group founded the Green Coffee Company, which has since become Colombia's largest coffee producer. For more information contact Legacy Group at [email protected] or visit their website at https://legacy-group.co/ .

SOURCE Legacy Group
NOTTINGHAM, England, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The integration of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology into gaming experiences has revolutionized the industry, offering unique opportunities for innovation and monetization. Reputable market research firms, such as MarketsandMarkets have projected the global blockchain game development market to grow recording a staggering CAGR of 70.3% between 2022 to 2027. To simplify the process and assist users in finding the perfect partner, Antier Solutions have meticulously researched and compiled a list of the top 10 crypto game development companies in 2023.

Top 10 Crypto Game Development Companies in 2023

As gamers increasingly seek more immersive experiences that leverage these technologies, the demand for crypto games continues to soar. However, cryptoprenurs face significant challenges when it comes to selecting the right crypto game development company.

With a multitude of options available, finding the best blockchain gaming company can be a daunting task.

1. Antier

Antier, a world-leading crypto game development company, is well-positioned to help users capitalize on the booming blockchain games industry, which attracted a staggering $739 million in investment during the first quarter of 2023. With its unmatched expertise in blockchain technology, Antier offers a comprehensive range of tailored services. They have a seasoned team of experts passionate about creating highly immersive crypto games and delivering cutting-edge gaming solutions for success. Their services go beyond game development, covering conceptualization, design, deployment, and marketing. The company prioritizes trust, transparency, and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of building strong partnerships. Overall, Antier is not just another game development company; they are a trailblazer in the crypto gaming industry.

Founded In 2003

Location: India (Headquarters), UK, UAE, USA , Canada

2. Blockchain App Factory

Blockchain App Factory is another renowned Blockchain Game Development company that offers comprehensive services for launching users' own NFT venture swiftly. With their experts' creativity and innovation, they claim to create engaging gaming storylines and designs. From conception to implementation, the company provides end-to-end services, ensuring a seamless experience for the clients. They are dedicated to creating impressive gaming experiences with a strong focus on visuals and gameplay mechanics. When it comes to finding a reliable partner for one's game development journey, Blockchain App Factory is a name they can trust.

Founded In: 2017

Location: India

3. Whimsey Games

Whimsey Games is a company with a team of the Best Crypto Game developers who possess experience in delivering innovative NFT games. They have a reputation for their client-focused approach and understanding of market dynamics. By leveraging blockchain technology, they aim to provide unique and rewarding gaming experiences that enhance player engagement and foster long-term loyalty. Whimsey Games identifies itself as one of the notable companies in the industry, known for offering commendable services in developing captivating games.

Founded In: 2018

Location: Ukraine

4. The NineHertz

The NineHertz is an ISO-certified company known for its team of skilled crypto game developers. They claim to deliver secure gaming solutions that are in line with industry trends. One of their strengths lies in their experience with developing games on different blockchain platforms. They offer ready-to-launch NFT game clones inspired by popular games, providing a convenient option to start one's game development journey. If one is considering creating a game similar to Axie Infinity, partnering with The NineHertz could be worth considering.

Founded In: 2008

Location: India

5. Juego Studios

Juego Studios is one of the top 10 Blockchain Game Development Companies that boasts an impressive portfolio of NFT games. Their team of professionals claims to create games that are visually appealing for the players. With a strong presence in the industry, they have garnered significant recognition, including being featured in the Forbes India Marquee Entrepreneur Special. Their reputation is built on their resolve to deliver top-notch games. One of the standout features of Juego Studios is its dedicated game art and design team.

Founded In: 2013

Location: India

6. Game-Ace

This blockchain game development studio avows offering appealing and crypto-friendly game ideas. They have a diverse team capable of developing cross-platform games across various genres like arcade, adventure, racing, casino, role-playing, and sports. Besides, they possess experience in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, elevating the gaming experience by immersing players in captivating virtual worlds. Their innovative approach and technical proficiency contribute to their recognition as a respected company in the industry, offering a sufficient gaming experience.

Founded In: 2005

Location: Cyprus

7. Starloop Studios

This full-cycle game development studio is known for deploying fine development strategies and offering flexible collaboration models. They assert their expertise in crafting blockchain-based games that thrive on an international level. Starloop Studios primarily caters to small and medium-scale businesses. Their team is skilled in numerous blockchain platforms. Gamma4, Binamon, and Crypto Raiders are some of their latest NFT game projects. The company recognizes itself as one of the Top 10 Blockchain Game Development Companies that promise timely delivery and transparency throughout the development process.

Founded in: 2011

Location: Spain

8. Kevuru Games

Kevuru Games has been delivering streamlined blockchain gaming solutions for years. Their services encompass a wide range of game styles and genres. The professionals here prioritize certain remunerative features like cross-platform trades and interoperability for satisfactory NFT game development. They place a high value on customer satisfaction. This game art studio extolls its adherence to best security practices, communication, utilization of up-to-date tools, and higher scalability compared to others. In addition to crypto game development services, they offer comprehensive VR and mobile game development services.

Founded In: 2011

Location: Ukraine

9. Suffescom Solutions

If someone is looking for Blockchain Game Development Companies that specialize in Metaverse NFT-based game development, Suffescom Solutions is available to assist them in creating a gaming platform. Their team utilizes various tools such as Figma, SketchUp, Maya, Photon, Unreal Engine, and more for designing and developing games aimed at the next generation of players. They have received satisfactory online ratings that demonstrate their competence. Additionally, they offer security and maintenance services for one's game after its launch in the market.

Founded In: 2013

Location: India

10. Inoru

Inoru is a game development company specializing in crypto and Web 3 technologies. They possess an experience of more than a decade in NFT game development and offer a range of customization options for their clients. The company claims to provide high-quality solutions at competitive prices that generate significant revenue. They have worked with clients like Evai and Live NFT. The primary goal of their experts is to design a well-developed game that is equipped with advanced functionalities.

Founded In 2006

Location: Japan

Conclusion

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing a top crypto game development company, it is crucial to consider various factors such as their services, expertise, and track record of previous projects. It is important to keep in mind that dedicating time to assessing these aspects will help users discover a company that can deliver the desired results and brings their crypto game development vision to life.

Website: https://www.antiersolutions.com/

Telegram: https://t.me/antiersupport

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antiersolutions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/antiersolutions/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096625/Antier_Top_Crypto_game_Dev.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1933749/3993752/Antier_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Antier Solutions
Dynamic Nonprofit Executive Courtney Bugler to Propel Prostate Cancer Movement

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After a nationwide executive search, ZERO Prostate Cancer proudly announces Courtney Bugler, CFRE, as its new President and CEO, effective August 7. Bugler, a trailblazing nonprofit leader with extensive executive experience in national health nonprofits, fundraising, and advocacy, will succeed the current President and CEO, Jamie Bearse, as part of a planned transition .

Courtney Bugler, CFRE

Under Bearse's leadership, ZERO Prostate Cancer grew into a premier, nationally-recognized nonprofit, making significant strides in patient support, awareness, and research. As Bearse transitions to start his own nonprofit consulting business, Bugler is poised to continue the organization's impactful work.

Previously, she spearheaded substantial organizational change and growth as the National Director of the Race for the Cure / MORE THAN PINK Walk Series at Susan G. Komen, leading a nationwide affiliated staff of 200 to successfully transform a top-ten National Peer-to-Peer Walk Series. While at Komen, she also spearheaded the rollout of a new brand and restructured a support team of fundraisers to drive a yearly revenue budget of nearly $50 million.

"The selection of Courtney Bugler as our new President and CEO represents anexciting chapter in our evolution of ZERO Prostate Cancer. With her remarkableleadership skills and proven ability to drive transformative change in breast cancer and other movements,I'm confident that Courtney will guide our organization to new heights and accelerateour efforts to end prostate cancer," said Tom Bognanno, ZERO's Board of Directors Chair. "Her passion for the cause, combined with her deep understanding of nonprofits and her own personal journey with cancer, positions her well to lead ZERO into a futurefilled with hope and progress."

Bugler has also held leadership positions at JDRF International and the Young Survival Coalition, where she made significant contributions to organizational growth, developed programs for underserved populations, and advocated for health equity in the state of Georgia. She is a trained cancer patient navigator, a consumer reviewer, and mentor for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Most recently, Bugler served as the Chief Development and Marketing Officer at the Piedmont Park Conservancy, where she played a pivotal role in elevating the organization's profile and expanding its philanthropic efforts, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

"As a caregiver to my father, who currently lives with prostate cancer, and as a 17-year breast cancer survivor, I'm humbled to work on behalf of the organization at the forefront of the fight to end this disease," said Courtney Bugler. "I've spent my career and personal life advocating for more cancer awareness, funding, patient resources, and health equity. With prostate cancer cases on the rise, it's more urgent than ever to help all men understand their risk and the importance of early detection. I look forward to working alongside the inspiring ZERO community, our partners, and all who are impacted by this disease to save lives together."

About ZERO Prostate Cancer:

ZERO Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. ZERO advances research, provides support, and creates solutions to achieve health equity to meet the most critical needs of our community. From early detection to survivorship, ZERO is the premier resource for prostate cancer patients and their families to access comprehensive support, make meaningful connections, and take action to save lives. Our dedicated national and chapter staff is joined by a growing team of passionate volunteer champions to increase advocacy, awareness, and community engagement to ZERO out prostate cancer. ZERO is recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. ZERO spends more on programs than any other prostate cancer charity, dedicating 85 cents of every dollar to support, education, and research.

Media Contact:

ZERO - Colony Brown

[email protected]

202-640-8265

SOURCE ZERO Prostate Cancer
Get ready to shine at the prestigious 2023 Australian Womens Small Business Champion Awards and the Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards.

The best part? Entries are absolutely free until July 21st and 27th, respectively.

But wait, theres more. If you submit your entry by Wednesday, June 21st, you can be recognised as a champion in your field and automatically enter a draw for a generous cash prize of $2,500.

Now, you might be wondering: how can you make your business award application stand out from the competition? Well, seasoned business awards judge Jo Buchanan has got your back. With her extensive experience as the Chief Operating Officer of Castaway Forecasting, a leading small business, Ms Buchanan has reviewed countless award applications. As the deadline approaches, shes here to spill her top tips for crafting a winning application.

Review the eligibility guidelines

Make sure you meet all the requirements and criteria for the award youre applying for.

Answer, answer, answer

Ensure that you provide thorough and complete answers to all the questions asked in the application. Stick to the word limit provided.

Early bird gets the award!

Be sure to work on your application before the last minute. Set aside dedicated time each week for a few weeks leading up to the submission deadline.

Be the real deal

Judges can often tell if youve used a consultant to write your application. While theres nothing wrong with seeking assistance, remember that judges value authenticity and want to see the real you.

Open up and spill the tea

Share your story without holding back. Embrace both your successes and challenges, and be proud of your journey.

Show them the money

Judges are bound by confidentiality, so dont be afraid to include your financial information. It can be a distinguishing factor when competing with other businesses for the award.

Oops, I spelled it again

Rest assured that minor spelling errors wont penalise your application. Focus on the content and quality of your submission.

Get your creative juices flowing

Have fun with your application. Get creative and incorporate humour where appropriate. This will help your application stand out from the rest.

Believe in yourself

If your small business has positively impacted your community and you have valuable experiences to share, remember that you deserve recognition.

Attend the main event and grow your network

If youre fortunate enough to receive an award, make sure to attend the ceremony. Enjoy the praise and celebrate your achievements. Additionally, please take advantage of the networking opportunities at these events, as they can be valuable for your business.

The highly anticipated 2023 Australian Womens Small Business Champion Awards features a whopping 55 categories, providing a platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements of these exceptional entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, the Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards takes centre stage as the nations sole awards programme dedicated to Trades. With 44 industry categories, these awards honour the valuable contributions made by trade business owners to their communities.

The winners of the womens awards will be unveiled on Saturday, September 23, 2023, while the trades award winners will be announced the day before, on Friday, September 22, 2023. The grand ceremonies will occur at the brand-new Western Sydney Conference Centre in Penrith, New South Wales.

So, seize this golden opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial prowess and propel your business to new heights. Submit your award application today and let your business shine! Head to womensbusinesschampions.com.au and tradesbusinesschampions.com.au to complete your submission.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Australias business community has launched a collective campaign opposing the same job, same pay reforms proposed by the Albanese government.

Representing various sectors, including small businesses, builders, farmers, the recruitment industry, minerals and gas sectors, the Business Council of Australia, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, these employer groups have joined forces in expressing their concerns.

The Labor party made a pre-election promise to enact legislation ensuring that labor hire workers receive equal pay for performing the same job as employees within their businesses. The implementation of this reform is targeted for the second half of 2023.

According to the consultation paper released by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations in April, labor hire workers would be considered to be performing the same job if they carry out duties that are equivalent to those covered by a workplace pay agreement (known as an enterprise agreement), an award safety net, or if they perform duties comparable to those of directly employed individuals working for the host company.

According to COSBOA, the Same Job, Same Pay proposals are misleading and do not promote equal pay for men and women, fairness, or justice as their name suggests. Instead, they contend that the reforms would enforce a requirement for employers to pay inexperienced workers the same wages as those with decades of knowledge and experience.

They further argue that this policy would prevent workers from earning higher pay through hard work or longer hours if their colleagues do not share the same level of ambition or work ethic. COSBOA believes that this regressive approach would deprive Australian workers of flexibility and individual treatment, as well as hinder their ability to negotiate higher wages for increased effort.

COSBOA asserts that the Same Job, Same Pay reforms would eliminate worker incentives and reduce productivity, which they argue is unfair to both workers and employers. They believe there are alternative approaches that would lead to better pay for workers.

Additionally, COSBOA expresses concern that these changes would make it more challenging for small businesses to engage with larger companies, rendering many service providers economically unviable. They argue that the reforms would also impose significant limitations on companies seeking to expand, undertake new projects, develop infrastructure, or manage their operations according to their own strategies.

According to COSBOA, businesses of all sizes require the ability to adjust their operations in response to economic conditions and seize opportunities as they arise.

What are they saying?

Andrew McKellar, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argues that the Same Job, Same Pay concept is misleading and unfair, as it limits rewards for effort and experience while impeding flexibility desired by workers and needed by businesses. He challenges claims that labour hire workers are paid less, stating that, on average, they earn more than permanent employees. He warns that eliminating flexibility will harm the economy, punish workers, and increase costs for consumers.

Samantha McCulloch, CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association, emphasises the industrys commitment to fair and equitable pay based on effort and experience. She highlights the need for an industrial relations framework that supports operational flexibility and improved productivity to ensure a competitive and affordable gas supply for Australias cleaner energy future.

Jennifer Westacott, CEO of the Business Council of Australia, expresses concern that the proposed laws would hinder the recognition of experience and effort, making it impossible to reward workers accordingly. She predicts negative consequences for workers struggling with the cost of living and warns that the country will become unattractive for investment, resulting in fewer jobs.

Matthew Addison, Chair of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, expresses concerns that the Same Job Same Pay proposal may negatively impact productive relationships between employers and employees. He calls for reform to address identified problems without unintended adverse consequences.

Shaun Schmitke, Acting CEO of Master Builders Australia, argues that independent subcontracting is a legitimate engagement method in the building and construction industry. He warns that the proposed changes would curtail the autonomy of subcontractors, hinder their ability to negotiate wages and conditions and restrict their project choices. He believes these changes would introduce uncertainty, commercial risk, and negative consequences for the community, consumers, and industry already facing disruptions and economic uncertainty.

Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, questions the fairness of demanding the same pay for individuals with differing levels of experience. She emphasizes that workplaces should reward effort, experience, skills, and qualifications, acknowledging the unique nature of each workplace and the varied ambitions and values of workers. She criticizes the policy as another attack on Australian businesses, hindering economic recovery and the countrys role in the clean energy sector.

Tony Mahar, CEO of the National Farmers Federation, highlights the challenges the Same Job, Same Pay proposal would pose for farmers, who often operate small, family-run businesses without access to legal or HR support. He argues that the policy would create chaos and confusion during peak periods like harvest, where contractor numbers can surge significantly. Mahar believes loyalty and experience should be rewarded and suggests that complex and costly regulations will make food production more expensive for everyday Australians.

Charles Cameron, CEO of the Recruitment, Consulting & Staffing Association, warns that the proposed changes will slow down Australias speed to market. He criticizes the complex audits required to determine the definition of the same job and the corresponding pay level, which will hinder Australias competitiveness. He questions whether this regulatory burden aligns with the investment brand Australia aims to portray.

The government aims to legislate the proposed law in the second half of 2023.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Ankara, June 8 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, during a telephonic conversation, discussed about the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Erdogan stressed that the continuation of consultations with the United Nations to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertiliser would be beneficial, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement published on Wednesday by Erdogan's office.

The Turkish President said that the whole world attaches importance to the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets, underlining that the agreement they established through joint efforts plays a vital role in tackling the global food crisis.

Erdogan emphasised that TArkiye is determined to continue to make necessary efforts to establish a just peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering aid to investigate the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in southern Ukraine.

In July 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkey and the United Nations on grain and fertiliser exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis.

The memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations on the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertilizer is a parallel agreement with the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

While the exports of Ukrainian grain have made strides, Russia has constantly expressed displeasure with the lack of progress in the facilitation of exports of Russian food and fertiliser.

The initiative, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for another 120 days till March 18, 2023. At that point, Russia only agreed to extend the deal for 60 days, till May 18, 2023. On May 17, Russia agreed to extend the deal for another 60 days.
Varanasi, June 8 : In a shocking development, Rakhi Singh, the main petitioner seeking the right to daily worship inside the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, has written to President Draupadi Murmu, alleging that her fellow four petitioners in the case and their lawyers spread false propaganda against her, and she is "considering euthanasia" due to mental pressure.

Singh, along with four other Hindu women petitioners, had filed the case in the court of the civil judge (senior division), Varanasi in August 2021, seeking the right to daily worship at Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

The case is currently being heard in the Varanasi district court.

"In the case, my associates, including Lakshmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas, Rekha Pathak, along with (senior) advocate Harishankar Jain, his son advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and their few colleagues, did a false propaganda and defamed me and my uncle and aunt Jitendra Singh Visen and Kiran Singh in May 2022," Rakhi Singh alleged in the letter.

She alleged that they spread a rumour that she was withdrawing the case, while "neither any such statement or information was issued from my side nor my uncle Jitendra Singh Visen, pleader on my behalf in the said case, issued any such information." "Thus, the entire Hindu society has been raised against me and my family by creating a confusion about us in the entire country due to which I and the entire family of Visenji have come under a lot of mental pressure," she wrote.

"Therefore, you are requested to grant me the permission of euthanasia and pave the way to get rid of this immense mental pain and agony so that I can attain ultimate peace by sleeping eternally. I will wait for your reply till 9th June 2023 at 9:00 am," the letter said.

"If no order comes from you, then whatever decision will be taken after that will be my own," she concluded.

This is the second time that Singh has publicly aired differences with the other plaintiffs. In September 2022, she had opposed a petition for carbon dating of a disputed structure found inside the Gyanvapi mosque. The Hindu side claims it is a Shivling while the Muslim side says it is part of an ablution tank.

Senior advocate Harishankar Jain, who represents four Hindu women plaintiffs, dismissed the allegations. "We are contesting the Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi and other related cases with full dedication. All allegations are baseless. I do not want to waste my energy and time by reacting to baseless allegations," he said.

One of the Hindu women petitioners, Rekha Pathak, said, "We are contesting the case consistently. We pray that we get the desired results. Our total focus is on our case. The allegations by Rakhi Singh are false." On May 23, the Varanasi district court ordered that all seven cases of the same nature related to the Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi case be consolidated and heard together, with Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi case as the leading case.

On June 4, Visen announced that him and his family were separating themselves from all cases related to the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi, citing "lack of resources" and alleged "harassment" from various quarters.
This weekly feature from Dynamic Business runs down the weeks top funding rounds from Australia and the US. Check out last weeks biggest funding rounds here.

Mash secures $2 million in pre-Series A financing

Mash, a rising creative powerhouse catering to innovative brands seeking expansion in Asia-Pacific markets, has announced the successful closure of its pre-Series A funding round, raising $2 million. This marks the first infusion of external capital for the company, with the entire round being financed by J Bell Family office, based in Melbourne.

Carbon Growth Partners aims to raise $200 million for Carbon Credits Fund

Carbon Growth Partners (CGP), a specialised investor in the carbon market, has reopened its Carbon Growth Fund No.2 with a target of raising $200 million by mid-2024, including an initial $20 million before June 2023. The fund aims to achieve a 20% annual return by investing in a diversified portfolio of carbon credits and carbon offset projects.

Antler secures $285 million to support growth-stage startups

Startup accelerator Antler has unveiled its new Elevate fund, totalling $452 million, aimed at providing support for startups beyond the early-stage phase and up to Series C. Originally established in Singapore in 2015, Antler has expanded its presence globally, including the launch of its Australian branch in 2019.

The program incentivises aspiring entrepreneurs by offering financial assistance to pursue their business ideas over a ten-week period, with the most promising ventures receiving further funding.

ImmVirX raises $25 million in Series B financing

Life sciences startup ImmVirX has successfully raised $25 million in a Series B funding round, with Sydney VC OneVentures contributing $15 million as a cornerstone investment. ImmVirX specialises in developing cancer treatments utilising oncolytic viral immunotherapies, which target and destroy cancer cells while minimising harm to healthy cells.

Carta Healthcare secures $25 million in Series B funding

Carta Healthcare has closed its Series B funding round, raising $25 million, thanks to additional investments from Memorial Hermann Health System and UnityPoint Health. The company plans to allocate the funds towards scaling its operations and advancing product development. Founded in 2017 and led by CEO Matt Hollingsworth, Carta Healthcare empowers health systems to enhance patient care through its innovative solutions.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
New York, June 8 : An appeals court in the US has unanimously rejected the bail plea of an Indian-origin driver who allegedly slammed his truck into a car killing two 14 year-old boys on the spot and injuring two others last month in New York.

Prosecutors at a Brooklyn appeals court said new evidence showed that defendant Amandeep Singh, 34, was driving almost 100 mph while drunk and high on cocaine at the time of the accident, a Newsday report said.

Singh, charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, two counts each of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault, leaving the scene of an auto accident with a fatality and driving while intoxicated, did not appear in the court.

Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Michael Bushwack told the court last week that the toxicology reports taken four hours after the mishap found Singh had a 0.15 blood alcohol level -- nearly double the legal limit.

Arguing against his bail, prosecutors said they've also obtained receipts and security cameras that showed Singh was drinking at two bars before the crash, along with surveillance video from the scene of the accident, the Newsday reported.

That evidence, along with Singh's significant financial resources, multiple passports and extensive international travel, make him a serious flight risk, the court was told.

Citing that his client is "not going to flee" and is not a flight risk, Defence attorney James Kousouros suggested $1 million bail and home confinement with GPS monitoring and said that Singh would surrender both his American and Indian passports.

He told the court that Singh, married with two kids, has a successful contracting business that employs 35 full-time workers and has contracts to work on local schools.

Bushwack disputed the defence's argument, saying Singh attempted to flee in the moments after the fatal crash, as law enforcement found him hiding near a dumpster in a shopping centre parking lot.

"The flight from the scene is concerning and it strongly suggests that if released on bail, the defendant is likely to flee again rather than return to court," Associate Justice Valerie Brathwaite Nelson said after hearing the arguments.

Singh was driving his 2019 Dodge Ram south in the northbound lanes on North Broadway in Jericho when he smashed into a 2019 Alfa Romeo four-door sedan with four male teens inside, Nassau County Police said.

Police said that the pickup truck went airborne, spinning, and landing 300 feet away.

According to Newsday, when police first questioned Singh at the scene, he was so intoxicated that he "thought he was in New Jersey".

While two teens -- identified as Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz -- were pronounced dead at the scene, the other two, aged 16 and 17, were taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.

Singh had previously been convicted of a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and gang assault as a teenager.
New Delhi, June 8 : When she told the women jail inmates to scream as hard as they could, there was a stunned silence.

Most were apprehensive, the guards tensed up. But they finally screamed -- at the top of their voices. After a few minutes of doing that, many started wailing, some laughed hard. And that was the point Marta Ramirez knew she had 'touched' them.

Every Saturday, Chandigarh-based Ramirez, originally from Spain, takes time off from her restaurant and pizzeria to go to Model Jail (Burail jail) in the city and teach Yoga to women inmates voluntarily. She may not be able to completely decipher what the inmates say, but the yoga teacher feels in many moments, words and language become redundant.

Back in 2022, it took her six months and paperwork to get permission to start the classes in the jail. For someone who moved to India in 2002 to work with Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, she calls meeting her yoga teacher in Manali an act of faith. And it was in his class that she met her husband too, and finally settled in Chandigarh.

The first day at the Model Jail was about meeting women who were extremely suspicious. "Many thought I was an undercover cop. What is this foreigner doing here? Why does she want us to learn yoga," Marta, whose mother worked with jail inmates in Barcelona smiles.

And it was on the first day itself that Ramirez, a qualified yoga teacher from different institutes in the country and abroad realised that the techniques she used in the outside world will not work here. She remembers feeling an invisible barrier between the inmate and her. "How do you break that? How do you ensure that these women who have been through so much, trust you enough to get on the path of healing?" Ramirez remembers many would just jump if she touched their ankles. Perhaps 'touch' brought back many memories.

Out of the more than 50 inmates, only a few approached her. In the course of time, some more joined the group, but there were always those who would look from a distance. For some, healing always remains a distant mirage.

"There are several techniques, and breathwork that facilitates the release of emotions. I am not looking at making their bodies flexible. The aim is to allow them to contact an inner part which they think has left them." Now many inmates look forward to her visits, and not just for Yoga. There are long conversations, and she feels nothing is lost in translation. Some tell her they would not be in jail "next Saturday". Ramirez knows captivity can make time go in circles. Those inmates are still there, every time. "I never ask them why they are here. The focus is on what they will do when they are out. The whole effort is directed towards the fact that the time they have in jail is an 'opportunity' to release bruised emotions." And yes, now that she has been allowed to bring an audio speaker inside, the inmates are learning Salsa and the instructor - Indian dance moves. "Well, I am getting better every week." She talks about the trauma stored in the bodies of those who have acted against the law - either for survival or intentionally. "Most are still waiting for bail and many do not even know if they will be released. They are curious about things, they are open to talking about everything. Maybe, the Yoga class is also an excuse to speak to a neutral party who will not judge them. And for the children who live with inmates there, who join us for chanting, it can be an adventure." Ramirez has also been approached to teach Yoga to police personnel there and male inmates too. "I do not know when or if that would happen. But I am glad that I have been able to give a chance to some people to exhale," she concludes.

(Sukant Deepak can be reached at sukant.d@ians.in)
Washington, June 8 : After months of speculation, former US Vice President Mike Pence has finally launched his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and said that Donald Trump "should never" be the President again for his actions in the aftermath of the 2020 polls.

At his formal campaign launch on Wednesday in Ankeny, Iowa, the 64-year-old recalled how his former boss, who he served under in the White House from 2017-21, had asked him to block the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 election win as Pence presided over Congress on January 6, 2021 -- the day of the Capitol riot, reports CNN.

"The American people deserve to know, on that day, President Trump also demanded I choose between him and the Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution, and I always will," Pence said to applause from the crowd at Des Moines Area Community College.

"I believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States. And anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be President of the United States again," Pence said of Trump who is currently the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination.

This was Pence's most forceful repudiation of Trump to date.

"The former President continues to insist that I had the right to overturn the election. President Trump was wrong then, and he is wrong now. I will always believe, by God's grace, I did my duty on that day, I kept my oath, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution and the laws of this country," he said.

The former Indiana Governor also took shots at President Biden, arguing that neither he nor Trump are similar to average Americans who know how to "treat each other with kindness and respect even when we disagree", the BBC reported.

Also hitting out at another Republican 2024 rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his recent remarks about the war in Ukraine, Pence said: "Donald Trump and others who would seek the presidency would walk away from our traditional role on the world stage." At a CNN town hall later in the day in Des Moines, Pence repeated his criticism, but on the subject of Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents, he said it would "be terribly divisive to the country" if the former president were to be indicted by federal investigators over his actions and a possible obstruction of justice.

"This kind of action by the Department of Justice (DOJ) I think would only fuel further division in the country... I hope the DOJ thinks better of it and resolves these issues without an indictment," he added.

Pence joins a growing field of Republican hopefuls, which so far has been dominated by Trump and DeSantis.

On Tuesday, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a onetime Trump ally who helped him prepare for the 2020 presidential debates, announced his candidacy.

The other in the running are former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

On Wednesday, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum also announced that he was entering the race.
San Francisco, June 8 : Meta-owned Instagram's recommendation algorithms are allegedly promoting networks of pedophiles who commission and sell child sexual abuse content on the popular image sharing platform, the media reported.

In a tweet, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that the findings are "extremely concerning".

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the platform "helps connect and promote a vast network of accounts openly devoted to the commission and purchase of underage-sex content".

This was revealed during a joint investigation by The WSJ and researchers at Stanford University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

"The Meta unit's systems for fostering communities have guided users to child-sex content" while the social networking platform has claimed it is "improving internal controls".

Accounts found by the researchers are advertised using blatant and explicit hashtags like #pedowhore, #preteensex, and #pedobait.

When researchers set up a test account and viewed content shared by these networks, they were immediately recommended more accounts to follow.

"Following just a handful of these recommendations was enough to flood a test account with content that sexualizes children," the report claimed.

Meta told the Journal that it had failed to act on these reports and that "it was reviewing its internal processes".

Alex Stamos, head of Stanford's Internet Observatory and former chief security officer for Meta, was quoted as saying that a team of three academics with limited access could find such a huge network should set off alarms at Meta.

"I hope the company reinvests in human investigators," Stamos was quoted as saying.

The Stanford investigators found "128 accounts offering to sell child-sex-abuse material on Twitter, less than a third the number they found on Instagram".

David Thiel, chief technologist at the Stanford Internet Observatory, was quoted as saying that one has to "put guardrails in place for something that growth-intensive to still be nominally safe, and Instagram hasn't".

-- Syndicated from IANS
Thiruvananthapuram, June 8 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is set to leave for New York to attend the diaspora meet - Loka Kerala Sabha - will on Friday land in the city which is shrouded in thick smoke and haze emanating from wildfires in Canada.

Vijayan, who arrives on Friday in New York, will visit the 9/11 memorial besides the UN headquarters.

The diaspora event is spread over two days and his participation in it starts on Saturday and Sunday and both these events happen in Times Square, which at the moment is engulfed in smoke.

Much of the smoke is coming from Quebec, where 150 fires are burning and millions of people in North America have been advised to wear N95 masks outdoors as smoke from Canada's wildfires is blowing across the US, turning the air quality "unhealthy".
Panaji, June 8 : During a raid, Goa Police rescued two Nepalese girls from a prostitution racket and arrested three people in connection.

Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Nidhin Valsan said that a Crime Branch team led by Inspector Laxi Amonkar conducted the Immoral Traffic Prevention raid on Wednesday at a hotel in Bardez.

The three arrested have been identified as Lal Vishan Das Sarai (37) from Ahmedabad, Suraj Dharmaraj Sharma (25) from Assam and Vishal Kumar (21) from Kannauj.

"They were supplying the girls to customers for the purpose of prostitution in the vicinity of public place and the accused person were found living on the earnings earned through the racket," senior police said.
Ankara, June 8 : Turkey is looking forward to tapping into the key summer tourism industry revenues to prop up its ailing economy as foreign traveller have begun to flock into the sunny holiday resorts, industry professionals said.

Every year, this crucial industry, which employs 2.6 million workers, generates billions of dollars, offering much-needed respite for the national economy, reports Xinhua news agency.

Turkey's tourism income jumped to $46.3 billion in 2022, a surge of over 50 per cent from $30 billion in 2021, according to official data.

"In Turkey, tourism has become an indispensable sector for the economy because it generates much-needed foreign currency," Kaan Sahinalp, the Turkish representative of German travel giant TUI, told Xinhua.

"The tourism industry is vital for the hard currency that it brings about for the economy as a whole," helping to reduce the country's substantial current account deficit, he said.

He said he is hopeful that the industry would meet the government's target of 60 million foreign arrivals and $60 billion earnings in 2023.

Meanwhile, Sahinalp pointed out that the weakening of the Turkish currency lira would give the country "a serious advantage" compared to its regional competitors in terms of prices.

On Wednesday, the lira slipped by over 7 per cent against the greenback, trading at 23 lira against $1, the biggest drop in years.

The lira has been weakening since 2018.

During the first quarter of 2023, Turkey's tourism income soared by 32.3 per cent to $8.7 billion, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute report on April 30.

Local officials are particularly hoping for a good tourism season after devastating earthquakes in February claimed the lives of nearly 51,000 people and led to many hotels along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast hosting displaced survivors for months.

The number of Russian holidaymakers may drop due to the Russia-Ukraine war and rising costs, said Recep Yavuz, chairman of the Antalya City Council's Tourism Working Group.

In May, arrivals from Russia dropped compared to the previous year, as a result of the weakening purchasing power of the people as the Russian ruble depreciated to a record low, Yavuz told Xinhua.

But in Sahinalp's view, this is only temporary and Russian travellers will arrive en masse on the Mediterranean coast in the near future.

According to a report released by the World Travel and Tourism Council, Turkey's tourism GDP is expected to increase by about 5.5 per cent on an annual basis over the next decade (2022-2032).
Bhopal, June 8 : The Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta department has sought an inquiry report against senior BJP leader and Urban Development Minister Bhupendra Singh over a complaint of disproportionate assets.

Inquiry was sought on the basis of a complaint against him filed by a Congress leader, Puneet Tandon.

Tandon is the head of RTI cell of Madhya Pradesh Congress unit, and he has accused the minister of having disproportionate wealth and has demanded an inquiry.

On the babis of Tandon's complaint, the Lokayukta has issued a directive to the Director General of Special Police Establishment (Lokayukta) to register a case and conduct an inquiry.

"Lokayukta has sought an inquiry report by August 8 about the Congress leader's complaint against Urban Development Minister Bhupendra Singh," said an official.

The minister, however, claimed the opposition was trying to tarnish his image and he would file a defamation suit against the Congress leaders.

The cse comes at a time when the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are just five months away and the ruling BJP is trying hard to reduce the anti-incumbency feeling and the growing sentiment of people against the corruption allegations against the BJP government.

Bhupendra Singh (63), MLA from Khurai in Sagar district, had also supervised the 'Mahakal Lok' corridor project in Ujjain. Singh, who was the Home Minister (2013-2018) during the previous tenure of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, was also reportedly said to be challenging the state leadership.

Singh was also elected as an MP from the Sagar Lok Sabha constituency in 2009.
Chennai, June 8 : The Tamil Nadu forest department has appointed a five-member research team for the protection and conservation of the state animal, Nilgiri tahr.

According to the department, the team will conduct a month-long field visits to Nilgiri tahr habitats across the state and will interact with local NGOs and people who are involved in the conservation of the animal.

The team will function from the department's campus in Coimbatore North till a new building is constructed.

S. Balasubramanian, Field Director of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), briefed the research team on the nature and scope of the ambitious Nilgiris Tahr Project, which the state government launched in 2022.

GIS application will be used for tracking the animal population and senior WWF scientists who were present during the briefing explained the usage of technology in mapping the animal population.

The team is headed by the research coordinator and senior scientist S. Priyanka and comprises B. Subbaiyan (Ph.D Botany), S. Gokul Prasath (Msc. Zoology), N. Rajesh Kumar (Msc Environmental Science) and K. Manigandan (Msc Wildlife Biology).
Jaipur, June 8 : After a patch up meeting held in Delhi recently, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for the first time has reacted, and said that 'reconciliation with Sachin Pilot is permanent'.

"Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Organisation General Secretary K.C. Venugopal made us sit and talk," he said further.

"The question is not personal, but it is of the country. Today Congress is the need of the country," he explained further.

Regarding the Manesar case, the CM said, "I have forgiven everyone. As soon as I left the hotel in Jaisalmer, I said "forget it, go ahead." The CM said that he has known Pilot since the age of two and a half years. Pilot himself told this to him during the reconciliation meeting held in Delhi, he added.

In an interview to a media house going viral on social media, he said, he also spoke on the demand of Pilot, and said, "RPSC committee is constitutional and hence cannot be dissolved.

"He is a member of our party, so his words carry more weight. We had inquired after his demand but there is no such provision that we should dissolve the RPSC committee. This is a constitutional matter," he added.

Speaking on the issue of Congress's MLAs calling a parallel meeting on September 25, 2022, he said, "It was unimaginable for me not to pass the resolution given by the then Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Then after visiting Tanot Mata temple, I had also told the media that the two-line proposal has to be passed." "When we reached Jaipur, we came to know that MLAs had gathered at Dhariwal ji's house. Perception was made that why I am getting this done. Even though I didn't know. I want to say that the Congress of Rajasthan has always been with high command. I would do anything for that family. Whatever be the situation, I am ready to do anything for this family," he added.
On June 6, the Kakhovka dam in Ukraines Kherson Oblast was breached and its hydroelectric power plant, destroyed. The dam had been seized by Russian troops soon after the invasion of Ukraine began and is to this day under Russian control. And although it is not yet clear if the collapse was caused by structural failure or sabotage, there is no doubt that the collapse of the dam would not have happened if Russia had not attacked Ukraine.

It was Russia that started this war, it was Russia that occupied this area of Ukraine, and it was Russian forces that took over the dam illegally last year and have been occupying ever since, said U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs Robert Wood.



Deliberate attacks on civilian objects are prohibited by the law of war. As a party to Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, Russia has an obligation not to attack works or installations containing 'dangerous forces, including dams,' if such an attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and severe losses among the civilian population, he said.

Indeed, in the words of Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam is one of the most significant incidents of damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of the Russian Federations invasion of Ukraine.

Furthermore, The dams destruction undermines the stability of Ukraines power supply and could create additional challenges to maintaining safety in and around the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, said Ambassador Wood.

[The] Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plants cooling pond, which draws water from the dams reservoir, must maintain its integrity and access to water, which is essential for cooling the reactors and their spent fuel, he said. We call on Russia to reconnect the sensors that automatically report data to Ukraines civilian regulators, and to allow the IAEA to ensure the international community has reliable information on any radioactivity around the plant.

The United States will continue to work with the international community to hold Russia to account for its aggression. We will continue to support Ukraine to defend itself in the face of the Kremlins brutality, said Ambassador Wood. The way forward is clear: Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraines internationally recognized borders. It must end this war. And it must end the untold human suffering it has wrought.
Los Angeles, June 8 : Actor Ncuti Gatwa's parents couldn't afford to fund his acting career.

The 30-year-old star is set to take over the title role in BBC series 'Doctor Who' when it returns for its next series and will also appear in the upcoming film 'Barbie' alongside Margot Robbie and is now spearheading The BMW Filmmaking Challenge along with Terri White and Asif Kapadia as they search for a winning film from five shorts to premiere as part of the Closing Night of the BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express on October 15.

He said: "My advice to anyone trying to get into film is to keep knocking on doors. If the door closes in your face, jump through the window!" The actor admitted that with no financial backing it is tough, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"Artistic pursuits if you don't have financial backing are very difficult, I didn't have parents that were able to financially support me. I had a dream that I had to make sure I pursued, so that's hard." Terri White said: "There is an undeniable sense of excitement surrounding short films as a medium in our country. The short film not only encourages greater representation -- as a more accessible medium that doesn't need deep pockets -- it's also traditionally been a place where filmmakers can play, experiment and innovate with new technologies and visual approaches.

"I have confidence that this competition will showcase exceptional entries and potentially unearth a future star in the world of film. Film shifts culture and culture shifts film. It's a symbiotic relationship that has always been at the heart of our cinematic experiences. With platforms like YouTube and Vimeo and tech now in everyone's pockets, making and distributing the moving image has never been easier. But what about watching? "As our lives have become lived more on the move, we've found the cinematic experience lagging - who wants to watch something brilliant on a tiny device? The ultra-wide BMWi7 theatre screen is a bridge between the tellies in our homes and the big screens at the pictures. A massive step on for on-the-go screen culture."
New Delhi, June 8 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recently conducted searches at seven locations in Jharkhand and Bihar in connection with the murder of Naresh Singh Bhokta by CPI(Maoist), a banned terrorist organisation, an official said here on Thursday.

Bhokta was abducted and killed on November 2, 2018, after being labelled as a police informer by the top leadership and Naxal cadres of CPI (Maoist) at a so-called 'Jan Adalat' (public hearing) called by the banned terrorist outfit. His body was found near village Badhai Bigha in the area of Police Station Madanpur of Aurangabad district, Bihar.

The probe agency conducted searches on the premises of the accused and suspected in Gaya and Aurangabad districts of Bihar and Palamu in Jharkhand.

"The searches were conducted on the residential premises of five arrested Commanders and two suspected OGWs/supporters of the CPI (Maoist). The searches led to the seizure of various digital devices, mobile phones, SIM cards, along with incriminating documents," said the official.

Initially, the Bihar Police was handling the matter, but later it was handed over to the NIA on June 4, 2022.

A total of nine persons have been arrested in the case so far. In February 2023, the NIA filed a supplementary charge sheet against one accused Ajay Singh Bhokta.

"During investigations, the NIA discovered the involvement of top CPI (Maoist) Commanders in the murder conspiracy, and had recovered the weapons and vehicles used in the killing," said the official.
Islamabad, June 8 : China, Pakistan and Iran held their first counter-terrorism dialogue in Beijing in a move that suggests new alignments in the region, the Foreign Office in Islamabad confirmed.

The Office issued a statement confirming the first meeting of Pakistan-China-Iran Trilateral Consultation on counter terrorism and security was held at Directors General level on Tuesday in Beijing, reports The Express Tribune.

Abdul Hameed, Director General (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan; Bai Tian, Director General of the Department of External Security Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China; and Seyed Rasoul Mosavi, Assistant to the Foreign Minister and Director General of South Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran; led their respective delegations.

The statement said the delegations held detailed discussions on the regional security situation, particularly the threat of terrorism faced by the region.

Based on the outcome of these consultations, they decided to institutionalise the Trilateral Consultations on counter terrorism and security for which further details will be worked out, The Express Tribune reported.

A separate statement issued by the Chinese foreign ministry also said that the three countries had "in-depth" exchanges on the regional counter-terrorism situation, and decided to hold the meeting on a regular basis.

The meeting is seen as new alignments in the region with China in the lead role. Beijing recently brokered a landmark deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran led to the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries, The Express Tribune reported.

Many observers believe that China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia to name a few are the natural allies as their interests are converging in the increasingly bipolar world.
Mumbai, June 8 : Sumbul Touqeer Khan, who has become a household name post her stint in the 'Bigg Boss' house, is all geared up for her music video in which teams up with her sister Saniya.

Television stars are increasingly taking to music videos and Sumbul was to be seen in Fahmaan's latest video 'Beirada', but the final video was shot with Hiba Nawab.

At Munawar Faruqui's album launch on Wednesday evening, the actress was present and she spoke about her upcoming music video. "My next music video is very special for me, my sister and my father," she said. "The song has been sung by me and Saniya. We are trying our best to give our hundred per cent to it. The song is almost ready now and we are waiting to shoot. The video will be a big surprise for my fans." Conveying her best wishes to Munawar, Sumbul said: "He has sung the song really well. It is a beautiful song and the hard work of the team is clearly visible in it. Munawar is a very good person and I'd definitely love to work with him."
Gandhinagar, June 8 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory to all ports in Gujarat, instructing them to hoist the distant warning (DW II) signal as a deep depression in the Arabian Sea has transformed into a cyclonic storm named "Biparjoy." According to the IMD, the storm has shifted in a northward direction and poses potential risks to the coastal regions.

The cyclonic storm "Biparjoy" remained stationary yesterday over the east-central and southeast Arabian Sea. The IMD bulletin stated that it is expected to gradually intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the same region within the next 24 hours. The storm is currently located approximately 900 km west-southwest of Goa, 1020 km southwest of Mumbai, 1090 km south-southwest of Porbandar, and 1380 km south of Karachi.

In light of this weather phenomenon, fishermen have been warned against venturing into the deep sea. The IMD has advised them to refrain from fishing activities due to the potentially hazardous conditions. The cyclonic storm is anticipated to bring squally winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph along the North Gujarat coast, with gusts temporarily reaching 65 kmph. The sea is expected to be rough with waves from mainly westerly directions.

For the South Gujarat coast, no warnings have been issued for the first day, but fishermen are advised not to venture into the Central Arabian Sea from 7th June onwards.

Fishermen currently out at sea are urged to return to the coast. Specific areas where fishing activities are not advised include the southeast and adjoining central and southwest Arabian Sea on 6th June, central and adjoining areas of the south Arabian Sea from June 7-9, and central and adjoining areas of the north and south Arabian Sea on June 10. Similar warnings have been issued for the Kerala-Karnataka coasts, Lakshadweep-Maldives areas from June 6-7, and Konkan-Goa-Maharashtra coasts from June 8-10.

In addition to the fishermen warning, all ports along the Gujarat coast have been instructed to hoist the distant warning signal - II (DW II). This measure aims to alert vessels and ensure the safety of maritime activities in the region.

The IMD predicts that Cyclone "Biparjoy" will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the coming hours, with wind speeds potentially reaching 135-145 kmph and gusts up to 160 kmph over the next three to four days. The weather office has urged fishermen to adhere to the warnings and avoid venturing into the sea.

The impact of cyclone on the monsoon onset is also being closely monitored. Private forecaster Skymet suggests that the formation of the cyclonic storm may cause a delay in the monsoon onset by two to three days. As the storm progresses, it is expected to move northwards and further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm.
New Delhi, June 8 : New generation ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' was successfully flight-tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' was tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. During the flight test, all objectives were successfully demonstrated, a defence ministry official said on Thursday.

According to the Ministry, this was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.

The test was conducted in the night hours of June 7. Range Instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking Systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle, the ministry added.

Senior officials from DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight-test, which has paved the way for induction of the system into the Armed Forces.

The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Armed Forces for the success as well as the copy-book performance of the 'Agni Prime'.

Secretary Department of Defence research and development, and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat appreciated the efforts put in by the teams of DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch.
Mumbai, June 8 : Two days after the rape and murder of an 18-year-old girl in a government-run Savitridevi Phule Women's Hostel, the NCP led a delegation to the Director General of Police (DGP) Rajnish Seth and submitted a memorandum of demands, here on Thursday.

In their memo, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) delegation asked the DGP to ensure that women officers/constables reach out with regular visits to the women/girls' hostels in their jurisdiction and interact with the hostelites to learn of their problems.

They also urged Seth to prepare secret dossiers on the local 'romeos' or suspect male employees of such hostels and their behaviour with the women inmates to avoid recurrence of similar incidents.

The NCP leaders said the police must also keep an eye on the male or private employees of these hostels and take full information on the antecedents of those hailing from out of Maharashtra as a precaution.

"We have also demanded that the government and police must implement and launch awareness campaigns of the stringent Shakti Act enacted by the Maharashtra government to prevent any such incidents in the future," said NCP Chief Spokesperson Mahesh Tapase.

The delegation comprised Tapase, National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto and other leaders like Surekha Pednekar, Raja Rajpurkar, Mahesh Chavan and others.

The state government is under severe fire from the MVA constituents -- Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), besides prominent social leaders, female activists and commoners after the Mumbai hostel tragedy.

They are rooting for ensuring the security of women/girls who come to live-work in the city from different parts of Maharashtra, the rest of India and even from abroad.

The state government has set up two different committees to probe the incident and the issue of safety-security at all women's hostels in the state, besides the ongoing police investigations.
Lucknow, June 8 : The security of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official residence on Kalidas Marg, is being upgraded following recent threats.

The entire stretch on Kalidas Marg is to be enhanced further and equipped with latest security and check point devices worth Rs 25.15 crore.

This process will include security enhancement at the roundabout known as Rajiv Chowk near the chief minister's residence, at entry, exit and check point at the Kalidas Marg and from La Martiniere College roundabout to entry and exit point of Kalidas Marg, as well as entry to the helipad near the residence.

A senior government official said, "The security enhancement at the chief minister's residence has been recommended by the security consultancy report of Central Industrial Security Force that guards Yogi Adityanath. The security review is regularly done at frequent intervals and this security enhancement was suggested after multiple threats to the chief minister from anonymous people in the past few months." He said the government order had been issued for release of Rs 2,15,68,500 for purchase of advanced gadgets, peripheral devices and installation by the home department.

The government order reads that the list of gadgets include one 3D under vehicle surveillance system (UVSS) for complete scanning underside of any moving vehicle entering the restricted area, two units of boom barriers used to block vehicular or pedestrian access through a controlled point, two units of tyre killers to prevent unauthorised vehicles at entry/exit points, two units of shallow road blocker and five units fixed bollards at the Rajiv Chowk entrance to the Kalidas Marg.

Besides, three boom barriers, three shallow road blockers, one barrier lift system for blocking side roads between the chief minister's house and Janta Darbar and two fixed bollards at the side entry of the CM residence are also included in the list.

Similarly, there is one 3D under vehicle surveillance system, three boom barriers, two tyre killers, three shallow road blocker and five units of fixed bollards for blocking the space at the La Martiniere College roundabout to entry and exit point of the Kalidas Marg as well as entry at helipad near by.

The proposal for increasing security of Gorakhpur's Gorakhnath Math and temple premises, which houses Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence, has already been cleared with latest security devices worth Rs 24.58 crore.

The list of gadgets includes an anti-drone system, a high-quality drone, bulletproof Morcha covered from three sides, non-lethal taser guns, wedge barriers, bollard system, night vision devices, integrated command and control system devices and many other things.

An integrated command and control system device will be installed at the temple. Wedge barrier and boom barrier will also be a part of the intensified security system at the temple.

The police personnel deployed for security will be equipped with bulletproof jackets for which its 24 units will be purchased, apart from seven binoculars and 42 torches.
Chennai, June 8 : Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac), which is the state government body engaged in the sale of liquor, is planning an extensive crackdown on employees following complaints that they were charging extra money above the bill amount per bottle of liquor.

Sources in Tasmac told IANS that several people from various corners of the state have been complaining against the Tasmac salesmen charging Rs 5 to 10 per bottle above the MRP when they buy liquor bottles.

On Tuesday, Tasmac transferred a salesman from its outlet in Nachiyapuram in Tenkasi for charging Rs 5 extra from a customer. The customer had directly complained to the Tasmac manager that he was forced to shell out Rs 5 extra for a quarter bottle of Vodka. The salesman, according to the complainant, forcefully collected Rs 5 extra above the MRP.

The customer, S. Vijayakumar in his complaint before the district authorities of Tasmac, said that the salesman had forcefully taken Rs 5 extra money.

In the financial year 2022-23, Tasmac touched a revenue of Rs 44,098.56 crore while in 2021-22 the sale was only Rs 36,050.65 crore.

Tasmac has 5,329 outlets across the state and has commenced a crackdown on the sales people who are engaged in collecting extra money from consumers.

Sources in Tasmac told IANS that this has been the practice among certain employees of the agency for quite a few years now and after receiving several complaints, the Tasmac has commenced the crackdown.
United Nations, June 8 : Christian Ritscher, the head of a UN investigative team on crimes committed by the Islamic State (IS) terror group in Iraq, has called for the adoption of an appropriate domestic legal framework in the country that allows for trials to happen.

Ritscher said such a domestic legal framework can be considered the main challenge that needs to be addressed to yield the desired results in Iraq, reports Xinhua news agency.

His team remains committed to supporting the Iraq-led process for the implementation of a legal framework that enables the prosecution of IS criminal acts as international crimes -- war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide -- before national courts, Ritscher told the UN Security Council in a briefing.

The establishment of a joint working group in March 2023 with the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law, the Iraqi State Council and senior members of the judiciary, as well as key parliamentarians, is an important step forward in this regard, he noted.

The UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State (UNITAD) remains at the disposal of the Iraqi authorities to provide technical support, leverage international expertise and share best practices, said Ritscher.

The other two elements for the success of UNITAD's work are competent courts and admissible and reliable evidence, he said.

The issue of competent courts is the easiest of the three. UNITAD already works closely with competent investigative judges in Iraq, and is enhancing their capacities and ensuring that Iraqi courts are ready to hold IS perpetrators accountable for their international crimes, he said.

On admissible and reliable evidence, Ritscher said there is no shortage of evidence on IS crimes in Iraq, and the main challenge is: what should be done with this evidence; how can the significant volumes of documents and the sheer amount of information be dealt with; and most importantly, how should the integral chain of custody for such evidence be maintained.

"What we aim to do is to ensure that this evidence is admissible before any competent court, whether in Iraq or in other states where prosecutions of IS members for international crimes are taking place," he said.

UNITAD is assisting the Iraqi judiciary to organise and access considerable volumes of IS records and battlefield evidence notably via a mega digitization project. Led by UNITAD, digitization operations have been launched at five courts in Iraq and two further courts will follow in the coming months. Some 8 million pages of IS documents from the holdings of the Iraqi authorities, including Kurdish authorities, have been digitised so far, he said.

As a next step, UNITAD is establishing a central archive that will be the unified repository of all digitized evidence against the IS, he said.

As a perspective for the future, this central repository will play a key role in supporting prosecutions of IS perpetrators for their international crimes in Iraq, and it could be a milestone in founding a comprehensive e-justice system in Iraq, according to Ritscher.

"IS's criminality constitutes some of the most gruesome acts we have seen in recent history. Individuals responsible for such acts must be identified, tried and convicted for their crimes," he said, using another acronym for the IS terrorist group.
Leading southeastern U.S. natural gas provider Gas South today (June 7) announced its new partnership with Coolray, an outstanding provider specializing in cooling, heating, plumbing and electrical services throughout Georgia, to help bring exclusive deals to Georgia customers on home energy products and services. The partnership marks the first time a natural gas provider and a home services company have linked up to provide shared customer savings in the Atlanta market.

"After receiving many inquiries from our natural gas customers about setting up plumbing and other services, we recognized a unique opportunity to collaborate with Coolray, a trusted local service provider who could deliver the additional services our customers were asking for," said Kevin Greiner, President and CEO of Gas South. "This strategic partnership will elevate our ability to support our customers' needs, while helping them save big in the process. Coolray is the ideal partner in our shared commitment to unlock value for our customers."

Gas South has established a dedicated Coolray service line, where customers can access an array of services featuring exclusive discounts on Coolray home products and services for being a Gas South customer and vice versa.

Customers of Gas South can take advantage of Coolray deals including discounts on products like water heaters and HVAC systems, in addition to services such as HVAC tune-ups, attic insulation and whole home surge protection. Coolray customers can get Gas South benefits including a $10 bill credit for ten months of service.

"As partners, we are able to provide better support, savings, and overall satisfaction to our mutual customers," said Christopher Bean, President of Coolray. "Natural Gas is essential for furnaces, water heaters, and backup electrical generators. Gas South is an exemplary service provider to whom we can comfortably refer our customers for the best in natural gas service. Coolray's extensive trades service teams can quickly service and repair natural gas piping for Gas South customers and help reduce their energy consumption bills through Coolray's insulation and attic ventilation services. Our combined service offerings and customer experience values companion very well together."

Beyond a mutual focus on providing excellent customer care, Gas South and Coolray are dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve through various charitable initiatives. Through its ongoing mission to Be A Fuel for Good, Gas South has committed to giving 5% of its annual profits to children in need. Coolray supports youth, charities and service organizations through its Coolray Cares program. Both companies are also long-time sponsors of the Atlanta Braves and have the highest Google ratings in Georgia for their respective industries.

To learn more about Gas South and Coolray's partnership, please visit coolray.com/gassouth.

About Gas South

Gas South is one of the largest retail natural gas providers to over 440,000 residential, business and government customers across 14 states. Gas South is an Atlanta-based subsidiary of Cobb EMC, providing simple natural gas plans and excellent customer service. Gas South upholds its mission to Be A Fuel For Good by giving back 5% of their annual profits to help children in need, prioritizing basic needs, education and health. The company has donated more than $12 million to charities since 2006, including $3.2 million in 2022, its largest year ever for corporate giving. To learn more about Gas South and its mission to Be A Fuel For Good, visit www.GasSouth.com.

About Coolray

Coolray, a Wrench Group company, is the southeast's leader in home maintenance and repair services, specializing in heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and water solution services. The Coolray Company of Brands include Coolray, Mr. Plumber and BriteBox Electrical and have been serving customers throughout the southeast since 1966 with more than 650 team members.

Media Contacts:

Aliya Seymour

aseymour@thewilbertgroup.com

Shawn Malayter

smalayter@greenhousepartners.com
Jaipur, June 8 : Amid the ongoing tussel within the Congress in Rajashan, party MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur has said that Ashok Gehlot should give up his claim on the CM's post and bring forward the young leaders in the party.

Kundanpur , who is an MLA from Sangod Assembly constituency, triggered the political discussion on Wednesday by advising Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to leave the claim.

"If you follow my suggestion, it will repeat. Gehlot ji should hold a press conference and come on stage and say that I am not the chief ministerial candidate, I will put forward new people, the situation will get changed tomorrow itself. The intoxication of power is more than the intoxication of alcohol," he added.

In response to Kundanpur's statement, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the Congress in-charge in Rajasthan, advised the elderly leaders to "give up their fascination for power and give a chance to the youth".
Chennai, June 8 : Rogue tusker 'Arikomban' which was tranquilised and captured from Cumbum in Tamil Nadu's Theni district on Monday, has been spotted near the Kodayar dam.

The elephant which was first captured by the Kerala forest department on April 29 and relocated to the Periyar Tiger Force (PTR) had ventured into the Cumbum town. Tragically in the milieu of locating him in the town, a security officer Palraj fell off his two-wheeler and later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.

This led to the Tamil Nadu forest department deciding to capture the tusker. A strong 150-member forest department officials drawn from across the state were monitoring its movement. He was finally tranquilised and captured on Monday and released in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve area.

A radio collar was fitted after 'Arikomban' was captured in Kerala and its movement is being monitored through the signals.

Tamil Nadu forest department Additional Chief Secretary, Supriya Sahu in a tweet said, "Cleans the grass well in tranquil waters before eating. Looks like soaking in the calm and beauty of his new home which we pray should be forever. Time will tell #Arikomban # TNForest #elephants".

Tamil Nadu forest department is closely monitoring the animal with a team of ten forest watchers, four forest range officers, two Deputy directors deployed for this. Senior veterinarians of the Tamil Nadu forest department are also in the forest department team.

Arikomban presence near the Kodayar dam has been confirmed by the Kerala forest department.
New Delhi, June 8 : Indian actors NTR Jr and Ram Charan's blockbuster film 'RRR', which won an Oscar, is what comes to 'Transformers Rise Of The Beasts' star Anthony Ramos's mind when asked about Indian cinema.

Talking about Indian cinema and what does he know about it, pat came the reply from Ramos, who plays the role of Noah in the Steven Caple Jr's directorial: "It has to be 'RRR'." 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' is the seventh installment in the Transformers live-action film series. It stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, as well as the voice talents of Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Liza Koshy, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, Colman Domingo, Cristo Fernandez, Tongayi Chirisa, and returning franchise regulars Peter Cullen, John DiMaggio, and David Sobolov.

'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts', which is all set to release on June 9 by Paramount Pictures, has a big scoop of humour mixed with foot-tapping background score.

How much does humour and music help in amping up a film? Ramos said: "It helps a film lift a film up. Sometimes films can get a little heavy. It is nice to laugh. It's nice to laugh and hear a good song every once in a while in a movie to keep it moving and keep you engaged." Asked what makes the sci-fi genre so popular among all age groups, Ramos shared that the reason is "escape".

He said: "People go to the movies to escape. When have you seen a giant robot in your life. We go to the movies to see things that either you might relate to, something that can happen in real life or you are like this could never happen 'I can't wait to see how they do this' on the big screen." This is a great time to be in Hollywood courtesy inclusivity and diversity taking centre stage. Ramos, who is Afro-Latino and is of Puerto Rican descent, could not agree more.

"Yeah, even the voice characters like Michelle Yeoh, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, (it's) a really mixed cast of actors. I think Hollywood and producers and filmmakers, they have become more open about diversifying cast."
Bhopal, June 8 : More than 48 hours after a little girl fell into a borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district, a team of robotic experts and the Army on Thursday joined the rescue operation.

The two-and-half-years-old girl, who was stuck at 25-30 ft depth in the 300-ft deep borewell, has slipped further down, according to Sehore district administration.

"We have lowered a robot into the borewell to collect information and we are processing the data by scanning to know about the child's health condition," Mahesh Arya, the robotic team in-charge told the media.

A team of the Indian Army also joined the rescue operation late on Wednesday night. However, it was yet to ascertain the condition of the child.

According to the district administration officials, oxygen was being supplied to the girl in the borewell through a pipe. With more than 46 hours gone, the task to pull the girl out of the borewell has become more difficult as she has slipped further down and got stuck at a depth of nearly 100 ft, as per the officials.

The girl, named Srishti, fell into the borewell at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday and since then efforts have been on to rescue her.

As many as 12 earth-moving and other machines were also currently engaged in the rescue operation, they said. CM Chouhan and a team of officials were in touch with the district authorities to supervise the rescue operation, they said.
Kathmandu, June 8 : As the row over India's 'Akhand Bharat Map' placed in the new Parliament building is intensifying among the opposition parties in Nepal, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has put a new 'Greater Nepal' map in his office as a counter move.

Although the Nepal government as remained silent on the issue, the opposition parties, including the CPN-UML, have opposed the map which shows the Himalayan nation as part of the ancient Indian landmass.

They have and asked the government to take up the matter with India.

Mayor Shah, who is currently in Bengaluru for his wife's treatment, had placed the map in his office before his visit to India.

At one time, the territory of Nepal was spread from the Teesta in the east to the Sutlej in the west. However, after the war with the British, Nepal lost a large part of its land.

After the war, the territories from Mechi to Teesta and from Mahakali to Sutlej were permanently annexed to India.

On March 4, 1816, the Sugauli Treaty was signed between Nepal and the East India Company, which reduced the territory of Nepal to Mechi-Mahakali.

The 'Greater Nepal' map in Shah's office incorporate areas from East Teesta to West Kangra which is currently Indian territories.

Voices are still being raised that India should return those lands to Nepal.

Nationalist activist Phanindra Nepal has been campaigning for Greater Nepal for a long time.

On Thursday, Gagan Thapa, General Secretary of Nepali Congress, the largest party in Parliament, said that the country should also official publish the 'Greater Nepal' map.

"If any county publishes the cultural map and moves ahead, Nepal also holds the right to publish the map of Greater Nepal and think over it. If Nepal thinks of publishing the new map, India should not object to it. Rather it should accept it," Thapa added.

Amidst the ongoing row, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday came to India's defence over the 'Akhand Bharat' map, saying it was not a political issue.

In an address to the National Assembly, Prachanda, as the Prime Minister is popularly known, said that he had raised the issue during his recently-concluded India visit.

"We raised the issue of the new Indian map which is placed in Parliament. We have not made a detailed stud but as reported in the media, we raised this issue on a serious note. But in its response, the Indian side said that it was a cultural and historic map and not a political one. This should not be seen as a political way. It needs to be studied. But I have raised it," he said.

Boundary disputes have been taking place in the areas of Kalapani, Lipu Lekh and Limpiydhura which are currently under Indian territory that Nepal also lays claims to.

In response to Indian claims, the Nepal government in 2020 issued a new political map incorporating the areas as part of its territory.

This dispute brought bilateral ties to an all time low.
New Delhi, June 8 : The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to examine a plea against the 15-day interim bail to Raghav Magunta, son of YSR Congress Party MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, by the Delhi High Court.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the ED, submitted before a vacation bench comprising justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal that the matter needs urgent hearing. Raju vehemently argued that his regular bail was rejected and interim bail on grounds of wife's sickness was also denied.

Seeking a stay on the high court order, Raju submitted that now suddenly mother-in-law slips in the bathroom and she is under observation and there is nothing serious.

Raju said, "His father is an MP who can look after her. Three siblings are there to take care and despite that the high court has granted bail." After hearing brief submissions, the apex court agreed to examine the matter on Friday.

On Wednesday, the high court granted interim bail to Magunta after noting that his mother-in-law has been hospitalised. Magunta is an accused in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case.

The trial court had earlier declined to grant interim bail saying that it cannot be ignored that the accused was being prosecuted for money laundering which is a serious economic offence.

The CBI and ED are investigating the case against senior AAP leader and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, Magunta and others, claiming that there are irregularities, which were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours were extended to licence holders. Sisodia, who is an accused in the case, is currently in jail.

In November 2021, the Delhi government implemented the excise policy but scrapped it at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption.
Chikkamagaluru : , June 8 (IANS) A Karnataka woman's letter on how she was forced to attend nature's call in public in the absence of public toilets at a pilgrimage centre in Chikkamagalur district has gone viral on social media.

Jademma, the devotee, who wrote the letter in Kannada, has described her ordeal in detail.

She has urged President Droupadi Murmu to ensure the construction of public toilets at the pilgrimage centres, which are visited by lakhs of people. She also stated that the President is an inspiration and symbol of confidence for a woman like her.

The letter reads, "the main objective of the letter is to bring forth the pain of common women like me.

"Few days ago, I visited Bababudangiri Datta Peeta, Mullaiyyanagiri and Seethalaiahyyanagiri, all Hindu pilgrimage centers. At Bababudangiri, I started to get a sensation for nature's call. I could not find a public toilet. Suppressing the urge, I climbed Mullaiyyanagiri hill. I searched for toilets but to no avail.

"Later, I climbed Seethalaiahyyanagiri and looked for the public toilet. Every moment the sensation was growing stronger. I could not tolerate it and swallowing humiliation, I peed in the public place swallowing the humiliation and insult.

"Every day, people fight for their religions and gods. But, their negligence towards building toilets is unfortunate. When we get the urge for nature's call, we forget which religion we belong to and attend it. If there is any place in the world which is used by people of all religions at all places, it is the toilet.

"You are also a woman like me. But, you don't face my problems as you are in power and you have people to serve you. But, non availability of toilets has brought down the dignity of women like me. You can understand the pressure of a normal woman regarding attending nature's call.

"Women know the difficulties faced by women. The absence of a public toilet at a Pilgrimage centre visited by lakhs of people is a violation of Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. We have reached Mars but could not build a toilet at these pilgrimage centers.

"India is the capital of diabetes in the world. They are highly dependent on public toilets. The people of Karnataka won't forget if you build a toilet facility here."
Chennai, June 8 : With only a small number of passengers of two ill-fated trains involved in the June 2 Odisha tragedy seems to have opted for the Rs 10 lakhs insurance cover by paying just Re.035 paise and now it is time for the Centre to bundle the cover with all the tickets booked through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd's (IRCTC) online portal, said insurance professionals.

As per the initial indications, only a small number of passengers of the two passenger trains have opted for the travel accident insurance cover while booking through the IRCTC portal.

Replying to a list of questions sent to SBI General Insurance's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kishore Kumar Poludasu, a company spokesperson told IANS: "As per data available, SBI General has covered 351 passengers." According to the SBI General Insurance official, a few claims for injury have been lodged with the company by the passengers of the two trains.

On the other hand, Roopam Asthana, Wholetime Director and CEO of Liberty General Insurance did not respond to the questions sent to him by IANS.

In that tragic accident, 288 passengers were killed and more than 1,000 others injured.

The IRCTC has selected SBI General Insurance and Liberty General Insurance to offer the travel accident insurance cover.

Those who reserveed tickets through IRCTC booking portal can opt for accident insurance for Rs 10 lakhs by paying a paltry premium of Re 0.35 paise.

The policy covers death/disabilities/medical expenses due to a train accident during the travel.

Both the companies declined to answer as to how the number of policies are divided between the two insurers when the tickets are booked.

Similarly the top officials of the two companies remained silent when queried about covering all the passengers which in turn would bring down the premium amount.

An industry official said the two insurers get an equal number of policies while the passengers book their tickets through the IRCTC portal. However, the number of passengers covered under a policy/ticket would differ.

"Even though they would like to have an insurance cover, not many passengers while booking a Tatkal train ticket on the IRCTC portal will be inclined to click on the insurance cover box as their main goal to reserve a ticket as every second counts during that time," the insurance official said.

Further if all the train passengers are offered the travel insurance cover then the premium amount will further come down from 35 paise.

According to IRCTC's regulatory filing of investor call transcript, during the last quarter of FY23, a total number of 10.44 crore tickets have been booked and 14.54 crores passengers have been booked on these tickets.

For the entire FY23, IRCTC had earned Rs.802 crore revenue from the internet ticketing service.

A total of 43 crore tickets were booked on IRCTC portal, the company said.

And in the last quarter of FY23, the convenience fee that IRCTC had earned was nearly Rs197 crore.

When the insurance scheme was started in 2016, the premium was 0.92 paise per passenger with Shriram General Insurance Company Ltd, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd, and Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Ltd being the insurers.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)
New Delhi, June 8 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday brushed aside the controversy over the purported 'Akhand Bharat' map in the new Parliament building, saying that it's not a political issue and friendly nations like Nepal have understood India's explanation, however a nation like Pakistan does not have the capability to understand it.

The minister said this in response to a question on the issue being raised in friendly neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

"The (external affairs ministry) spokesperson (Arindam Bagchi) has already explained that the map depicts the spread of the Ashokan empire," Jaishankar said when asked about the controversy over it.

To a supplementary question on whether the explanation remained the same for both friendly nations like Nepal as well as not so friendly nations like Pakistan, the minister quipped, "I don't think it is a political issue. Friendly nations have understood it. Pakistan does not have the capability to understand it." Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who had visited India last week, was asked about the map on his return.

On Wednesday, Prachanda told the National Assembly that the map was not political and he had raised the issue during his recently concluded India visit, during which he met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and other top leaders.

"We raised the issue of the new Indian map which is placed in Parliament. We have not made a detailed study but as reported in the media, we raised this issue on a serious note. But in its response, the Indian side said it was a cultural and historic map and not a political one. This should not be seen in a political way. It needs to be studied. But I have raised it," Prachanda said.

Last week the controversy over the map raged, as some BJP leaders including parliamentary affairs as well as coal and mines minister Pralhad Joshi alluded it to the depiction of 'Akhand Bharat' or unified India.

The external affairs ministry also had to give a clarification on it, after questions were asked about the map not going down well in countries like Nepal and Pakistan.

"The mural in question depicts the spread of the Ashokan empire and the idea of responsible and people-oriented governance that (Emperor Ashoka) adopted and propagated," Bagchi had said in response to questions on the map last week.

"That's what the mural and the plaque in front of the mural says. I really don't have anything further to add to that. I'm certainly not going to comment on statements that other political leaders might have made," he had added.
Los Angeles, June 8 : Director Zack Snyder's sci-fi epic drama 'Rebel Moon' will be divided into two movies, before it hits Netflix on December 22 due to its massive length.

Initially asked to trim its runtime, Snyder argued that cutting the runtime would ruin the movie's themes, character arcs and plot points.

So instead, the director decided to release the movie in two parts with the release dates being fairly close to one another though the second part's date has not been revealed yet, a good choice given Netflix's release schedule.

In addition to that, on Vanity Fair, the director gave a big reveal of the movie sharing first images of the movie on Vanity Fair while revealing little of the things to come.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Snyder said: "The first version of Rebel Moon to hit screens will be a fantasy adventure "that anyone can enjoy and watch." The later cut will be strictly for adults. "I think for fans of mine and people who are ready to take a deeper, harder dive, that'll be fun for them." A somewhat polarising figure in Hollywood, Zack Snyder is known for his originality as well as usually taking things on the longer side which causes a mixed response from audiences. While space adventures and sci-fi is nothing new in Hollywood, original ones are a rarity as most follow generic plots.

So it would be interesting to see what Zack Snyder will do, because one things you can definitely expect from the director is creative and original ideas, good or bad.

In simpler terms, it would seem that the director of films such as '300', 'The Watchmen', 'Man of Steel', 'Batman Vs Superman', 'Zack Snyder's Justice League', 'Army of the Dead' etc is doing a Star Wars style space adventure with his own twist on it. So, the director once again embarks on a world-building adventure full of action, space ships, various planets, robots and a pretty interesting storyline.

Netflix Tudum has given the following description of the movie: "Rebel Moon takes place in a far flung corner of the galaxy, where the peaceful moon colony Veldt is being forced to surrender their harvest to the military horde of the tyrannical Mother World." "Desperate to protect her adopted home world - and well aware of the ruthless brutality of the Imperium - a mysterious young woman embarks on a high-stakes interstellar mission to gather warriors from around the galaxy who will help deliver them from evil." "Inspired by the classic 1954 Akira Kurosawa film Seven Samurai, Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon' will be a two-part adventure beyond your wildest dreams, starring a cast of galactic adventurers who are not to be messed with."
ELKO  A Battle Mountain man died Tuesday in a single-vehicle crash about 10 miles east of Battle Mountain.

Nevada State Police troopers were called to the scene on Frontage Road 02 near county mile marker 8 in Lander County at 4:54 a.m. June 7.

Preliminary investigation determined that a black Ford Ranger was traveling east on the frontage road in the eastbound travel lane.

As the vehicle was negotiating the curved roadway, the driver drove off the right side of the roadway and overcorrected causing the vehicle to cross over the center lane line, travel across the westbound travel lane, and drive off the left side of the roadway. He overcorrected again and the vehicle subsequently overturned.

NSP said the driver, Arturo Arrellano, 19, of Battle Mountain, was unrestrained in the vehicle and completely ejected from the vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Impairment is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash, troopers stated.

The crash is being investigated by the Nevada Highway Patrol Northern Command East Multi-Disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction Team. If you were a witness to this incident, or have any information regarding the crash, please contact Sergeant Mitch Payne of the NHP Elko Office at 775-753- 1111.

This was the NSP Northern Command Easts ninth fatal crash for 2023 resulting in 10 fatalities.
Wellington, June 8 : New Zealand's accommodation and food services had an 8.9 per cent annual increase in filled job numbers for the year ended March 2023, which was 12,196, according to figures released by the statistics department on Thursday.

Stats NZ said the growth in job numbers in the hospitality sector coincides with the opening of New Zealand's borders, and a rise in overseas visitors since the middle of last year, reports Xinhua news agency.

Across all industries filled jobs numbers were up 2.8 per cent in the March 2023 quarter, when compared with the March 2022 quarter, it said.

"Filled job numbers in accommodation and food services lifted strongly during the latter part of 2022, and this has continued into this year," business employment insights manager Sue Chapman said.

The annual increase in accommodation and food services filled jobs was nearly twice that of the next largest increase, professional, scientific and technical services, which was up 3.5 per cent in the March 2023 quarter compared with the March 2022 quarter, Chapman said.

Healthcare and social assistance grew by 6,019 filled jobs, or 2.4 per cent, in the same period, she said.
Bhopal, June 8 : In a new twist to the hijab row in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the management of the school -- where the controversy erupted over a poster of topper students (girls) wearing head scarves --, has been accused of having terror links.

The controversy broke out at a private English medium school 'Ganga Jamuna' in Damoh district when a poster of topper students, including Hindu girls, wearing hijab emerged.

Amid allegations of 'religious conversion' and 'terror funding', Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.

MP BJP head V. D. Sharma, who has levelled serious allegations against the school management and pushing for an inquiry, said DGP Sudhir Saxena and Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains will supervise the high-level inquiry ordered by Chief Minister Chouhan.

Meanwhile, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said investigation in the matter was at primary stage and the names of accused involved in alleged 'religious conversation' will be revealed soon. When asked about the alleged terror funding link, Mishra said the central agency will conduct an inquiry.

"Central agency NIA will investigate the terror funding link issue. As of now, NIA has not approached MP police for the same. If MP police asks for assistance, there will be full cooperation," Mishra said while briefing the press on Thursday.

Mishra also said that staff members of Ganga Jamuna school will be interrogated to identify the particular person who forced students for alleged 'religious conversion'.

"As the investigation proceeds, the name of the particular accused involved in the case would be revealed. An FIR against the school management was lodged on Wednesday and accordingly a case has been registered under Section 289 A, 506 B of IPC along with Juvenile Justice Act," he added.

Damoh district SP Rakesh Singh has said the issue has become very sensitive and further action would be taken on the basis of statements of women (students) who were allegedly forced to convert their religion.

While briefing the press on Wednesday, SP Singh mentioned that regular instructions were received from the state government and following which an inquiry was conducted and the case has been registered on the basis of statements of two - three women.

"Regular directions were being issued from the state government, following which an investigation was carried out. Cognizance was taken on the basis of statements of two women and the FIR was lodged," Rakesh Singh stated.

State government had ordered the derecognition of the registration of Ganga Jamuna school within 24 hours when the controversy broke out last week.

The order issued by Damoh district education department, however, has not mentioned the alleged hijab controversy, instead it claimed the action was taken as the school management did not comply with the norms properly. For instance, lack of separate washrooms for girl students and benches for the students etc.

The row erupted after a poster of topper students of Ganga Jamna school in Damoh recently went viral on social media where all girl students including Hindus and Jains were seen wearing a headscarf.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Priyank Kanoongo, in a tweet on Wednesday, said that sections of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, tampering with the map of the nation and violation of constitutional provisions have been added in the FIR against the school management.

In another related incident, a group of BJP workers threw ink at the Damoh district education officer S.K. Mishra in his office premises while he was leaving in his car. A video of the incident also surfaced in which some people were seen stopping the car and throwing ink at him.

What action plan the state government has prepared for the future of students enrolled with Damoh-based Ganga Jamuna School is yet to be seen as it has been deregistered.

Despite repeated attempts by IANS, the school management refused to comment on this issue.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses a press conference on the completion of nine years of the PM Narendra Modi government, in New Delhi, on Thursday, June 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Twitter) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, June 8 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday strongly criticised Canada after visuals of a parade float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in that country's Brampton city surfaced, wondering 'why it gives space to extremists'.

Addressing a press conference to highlight achievements of the Centre in the last nine years in terms of foreign policy, Jaishankar said in response to the incident, "I don't know why Canada does this. Giving space to extremist elements is not good for it." "Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this. I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence," he added.

To another query on a Canadian government official blaming India of meddling in its affairs, Jaishankar quipped, "Rather we have complaints against Canada on the space it gives to Khalistani elements. It is like the saying in Hindi - 'Ulta chor kotwal ko daante'." The minister went on to add that such incidents of Khalistani elements creating ruckus have also occurred in many other countries like the UK and Australia.

"Our request to all these nations is that they should not be taken seriously, as these are marginal elements and are a small minority," Jaishankar said.

Meanwhile on the issue of many Indian students facing deportation in Canada due to fraudulent admissions, Jaishankar said that they should not be penalised for someone else's crime.

The external affairs minister said the students took admission and studied at those colleges in good faith and it is "unfair to punish" them.

"For some time now, there is this case of students, who the Canadians say did not study in the college in which they should have, and when they applied for a work permit, they got into difficulties," Jaishankar said.

Hundreds of Indian students, mainly from Punjab, are facing deportation from Canada after the authorities there, found "admission offer letters" to educational institutions to be fake.

"From the very start, we have taken up this case and our point is, the students studied in good faith. If there were people who misled them, the culpable parties should be acted against. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook their education in good faith. I think the Canadians also accept that it would be unfair if a student has done no wrong. We will continue to press," Jaishankar added.
New Delhi, June 8 : The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim protection from arrest to a Muslim doctor allegedly accused of raping a Hindu woman on the pretext of marriage.

A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file its response in the matter, while directing the petitioner not to enter Moradabad, the place of registration of the case, till the next date of hearing.

Counsel, representing the woman complainant, objected to the interim protection from arrest granted to Dr Abdul Qadir, submitting that the man is a crorepati and contended that "this is a case of love jihad....".

The accused doctor, on the pretext of marriage, established sexual relations with the complainant, counsel added.

After hearing submissions from the doctor's counsel, the bench said "We grant interim protection from arrest to the petitioner in the case registered in Moradabad until the next date of hearing." It made it clear that the petitioner shall not enter Moradabad till the next date of hearing and shall not enter into any communication directly or indirectly with the complainant. "Issue notice. Returnable in 4 weeks", said the bench.

The petitioner moved the apex court challenging a May 10 Allahabad High Court order, which dismissed his anticipatory bail application.

The petition, filed through advocate G. Indira, said that the issue which is central to the facts of the case is that the complainant's lawyer is trying to extort money to the tune of Rs 1 crore by turning out a case of "love" into an incident of "love jihad".

The plea said that lawyer's endeavour since beginning is to give a nomenclature to the relationship of the petitioner and the complainant a political and religious colour.

The plea said: "The petitioner herein and the complainant/informant/prosecutrix were in live-in relationship started in the year 2019 but the relation later turned sour following which the complainant/informant/prosecutrix filed a case against the petitioner herein by even writing that the petitioner herein portrayed himself as Hindu man by allegedly stating his name as Kabir, which is contrary to the records of the case."
Koppal : , June 8 (IANS) After the death of a 10-year-old girl, the death toll due to consumption of contaminated water rose to three in the Koppal district of Karnataka on Thursday.

The deceased is identified as Nirmala Erappa Belagal, a resident of Bijakal village in Koppal district.

The girl developed severe symptoms of vomiting and loose motion on Wednesday evening and is reportedly in critical condition.

She was taken to the hospital on Thursday morning and succumbed.

Locals expressed their anger over the negligence of district authorities as more than 40 persons have fallen sick due to consumption of contaminated water.

Nirmala's parents had gone to Kerala for work and she was left at the residence of a relative.

When Nirmala developed severe symptoms, the relatives had to take her to the local hospital. Since there were many patients, the doctor had asked the girl's relatives to take her to the Kustagi hospital.

Following the incident, the district health officials rushed to the village.

Alakananda Malagi, District Health Officer, has said that the health department has opened a temporary health centre in the village and a facility is provided to conduct blood tests of patients.

The water samples of surrounding villages have been sent for laboratory tests.

He also added that the exact cause of death of the girl will be ascertained by the expert opinion.

Locals alleged that the drinking water was mixed with sewage water due to the negligence of the authorities resulting in the tragedy.

On June 5, a nine-month-old infant and a 60-year-old woman died in the hospital following consumption of contaminated water in Basarihala village in the district.

The authorities have declared a three-day holiday for the school in Basarihala village considering the safety of the children.

The people are fearing an outbreak of cholera in the village and concerned about the situation turning serious.
Dehradun, June 8 : BJP leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a 'patriot'.

He mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for 'merely' sharing the surname.

The BJP leader also targeted Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal.

Speaking to reporters at the party's district headquarters in Ballia on Wednesday, Rawat said, "Gandhi ji was killed. That is a different issue. But as far as I have understood and read Godse, he too was a patriot. We do not agree with the killing of Gandhi ji." Targeting the former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Rawat said that merely having the Gandhi surname did not make Rahul Gandhi's ideology Gandhian.

Rawat said that making a show of wearing the 'janeu', does not change Rahul Gandhi's identity.

"He just talks," Rawat claimed, accusing Rahul of cashing in on Gandhi's name.

Reacting to Rahul's statement in the US, Rawat said: "His efforts will not help the party and soon it (Congress) will be a thing of the past." The former CM said: "Rahul is speaking out of frustration, seeing the deteriorating condition of his party. He is speaking in mental stress. The public will not accept a person going through mental stress." On the SP President Akhilesh Yadav's meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the BJP leader said, "There is no bigger theatrical leader in this country than Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Akhilesh Yadav wants to learn theatrics from Kejriwal." Rawat said that Yadav had plunged Uttar Pradesh into 'goonda raj' during his term as chief minister. "The SP recruited gangsters and made the mafia respectable. People would again reject SP," he claimed.
Bhubaneswar, June 8 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police has arrested one more person in the OTP selling and sharing scam, a police official said on Thursday.

Earlier, three cyber criminals were arrested for sharing OTP of pre-activated SIMs to some criminals and suspected Pakistani agents. They were identified as Pathani Samant Lenka (35), Saroj Kumar Nayak alias (26) and Soumya Pattanaik (19).

The present accused is identified as Pradyumna Kumar Sahoo (32) of Nayagarh district. He is a graduate and had earlier worked as a territory sales executive in Idea and as Jio Point manager. Now he is working at Black buck, Fastag Company, the official said.

According to the STF, Pradyumna had sold more than 500 pre-activated SIMs and 150+ preactivated Paytm Wallets to Pathani Samanta Lenka, who was arrested earlier in this case. These SIMs and Wallets were sold to various cyber criminals and PIO (Pakistani Intelligence Operatives).

Some of the pre-activated SIMs and wallets were used by PIOs/ISI agents who are located inside Pakistan mainly from Karachi and Balochistan. Further investigation in this regard is going on, the STF official said.

During investigation, the task force officials found that the accused used to generate multiple SIMs on the same identity by fooling the unsuspecting customers on the pretext of some technical glitches.

For activation of different wallets, i.e., PhonePe, Google Pay and others, the registered mobile phone numbers (which are linked with the bank account) were mandatory.

However, in the case of a Paytm wallet account, once activated, others along with the main customer can also operate it after using the user id and password. The STF is going to analyze this and if needed, will write to Paytm to change the settings, the official informed.
Kolkata, June 8 : West Bengal Police on Thursday faced the ire of Justice Raasekha Mantha for not cooperating with the three-member special investigation team constituted by the high court to probe the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl at Kaliganj in North Dinajpur district.

In May this year, while forming the three-member SIT of the-then Special Commissioner of Kolkata Police, Damayanti Sen, retired IG Pankaj Dutta, and retired Joint Director of CBI, Upen Biswas, Justice Raasekha Mantha specifically directed the state police to fully cooperate with the investigating team members.

Meanwhile, Sen was transferred from her current posting to a lesser significant post of additional director general (training) of state police.

Justice Mantha on Thursday observed that no cooperation has been extended from the state police. "Will I have to give the order for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe in the matter now?" Justice Mantha questioned.

He also observed that from the allegations and argument presented in the court, it is amply clear that the state administration is making all attempts so that the SIT cannot function smoothly. "In such a way, the state government is inviting problems for itself," Justice Mantha observed.

The state government counsel informed the court that the administration is not aware of this non-cooperation aspect. He also told the court that the state government has challenged the order on formation of the SIT at a division bench of the Calcutta High Court. "The matter might come up for hearing next week," the state government counsel informed the court.

Justice Mantha then observed that it is not possible that the state government is not aware of the non-cooperation aspect. He also directed the state home department, which comes under the direct charge of the chief minister Mamata Banerjee, to submit a report on this non-cooperation aspect to his court within the next seven days.
Shamli : , June 8 (IANS) The mortal remains of gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva, who was shot dead in a court room in Lucknow, were consigned to flames amid the tight security in Adampur village in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district.

The body of Jeeva was brought by the police and the last rites were performed by his son.

Jeeva's wife Payal Maheshwari was not present.

Meanwhile, the post-mortem report of gangster Jeeva, said that 16 bullet entry and exit points in the body show that eight bullets were fired.

Six bullets hit Jeeva's chest and two hit his hand, and he was brought dead to the Balrampur hospital.
Chennai, June 8 : The American Centre, located inside the US Consulate General Chennai, will conduct a panel discussion with young leaders from the the community on 'LGBTQI+ community and questions on belonging'.

The panelists are Natasha, who works at a leading multinational corporation (MNC) in Chennai; Malini Jeevarathnam, filmmaker and founder of Veytikaari Productions; and Chethana, lawyer and founder of SWAN (Safe Workplace Network). Vasanth Venkatachari, Director at Cognizant Technologies, will moderate the panel.

The American Centre is celebrating Pride Month and the programmes on June 10 is anchored around this theme. The centre will also conduct a book-reading session for young children (ages 4 to 8) on diversity.

At 3:30 p.m., Education USA will present a session on 'Diversity and Inclusion in US classrooms'. Diversity and inclusion are key aspects of US higher education that make them stand out to welcome students from different backgrounds.

US Consulate General Chennai's Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Bullock said: "We are excited to welcome the public to the American Centre once again on a Saturday! Our patrons and visitors have been looking forward to a Saturday opening to attend our programs, visit the Centre, and meet our Education USA and US-India Educational Foundation advisors for a long time." It is to be noted that American Centre has been an integral part of Chennai's cultural and literary landscape for the last 76 years and is a powerhouse of books, discussions, cultural events, and resource materials.

On June 10, the public can access the American Centre without a prior appointment and attend various programmes lined up from morning to evening, in addition to gaining access to thousands of books on varied topics.

To enter the American Centre, visitors are requested to carry an original Indian government-issued photo identity card and enter from the Cathedral Road entrance. Cell phones must be deposited at the security counter of the Consulate General. Other electronic devices, including iPads/smart watches/laptops, etc., are not allowed. Wearing masks is mandatory to enter the building.
WASHINGTON D.C.  U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) to provide relief for impacted taxpayers in states that have issued state-level disaster declarations.

Currently, the IRS has the authority to postpone filing deadlines in the event of a presidentially-declared federal disaster, but this does not extend to state-level emergencies. Companion legislation is being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) and David Kustoff (R-Tenn.-08).

Each year, the state of Nevada declares state-level emergencies for disasters like flooding and wildfires. Under current law, Nevadans are not eligible for any tax relief for these state disaster declarations unless theyre also declared by the President of the United States. Cortez Mastos legislation would ensure that states get the support they need to recover from natural disasters.

Elko County was recently included in an Emergency Declaration on May 29 signed by Gov. Joe Lombardo that enables the state and impacted counties and tribes across northern Nevada to receive federal assistance in the event of damage due to flooding from spring thaw waters.

While Im glad the administration heeded my call and issued a federal disaster declaration for some Nevada counties impacted by severe flooding, there are still communities in Nevada suffering from intense snowmelt that arent covered by this declaration. Across the country, too many communities harmed by natural disasters each year miss out on the critical tax relief that comes with federal recognition, said Senator Cortez Masto. My bipartisan bill will fix this problem and support more Nevada taxpayers experiencing extreme weather and wildfires.

Louisianians have been hit with all the storms nature has to offer. While our people do the hard work of rebuilding, even a little commonsense help can go a long way, including extensions for filing taxes. This bill would make sure that Louisiana has the freedom to provide disaster victims with the federal tax extensions they need to recover. Im thankful to partner with Sen. Cortez Masto on this effort, said Senator Kennedy.

For many, when disaster strikes, its a struggle to recover from the blow and get back on their feet, said Senator Van Hollen. This bipartisan bill provides financial flexibility for Americans impacted by disaster so they can focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.

Many Tennesseans lose their livelihoods when a natural disaster hits, and it is essential that they are eligible to receive tax relief from the federal government regardless of if the president declared a major disaster or state of emergency, said Senator Blackburn. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would ensure that when extreme weather or natural disasters strike Tennessee, the governor can extend tax relief to those who have been affected.

When a natural disaster strikes, ruining homes, communities, and lives, the last thing a survivor should be worried about is filing their taxes, said Representative Chu. Unfortunately, the IRS can only grant deadline extensions to federally declared emergencies, which are often declared days or weeks after a governor declares a state-level emergency. In California, where wildfires or earthquakes can strike without warning, taxpayers must waste their valuable time and resources filing for penalty waivers and extensions. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act is a common-sense, reasonable solution to this problem by extending that IRS authority to state-declared disasters and states of emergency.

Over the years, West Tennessee families and businesses have been impacted by natural disasters, said Representative Kustoff. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act will provide relief to taxpayers affected by such crises so that they can focus on what matters most: caring for loved ones and rebuilding their communities. I urge my colleagues to support this crucial legislation that will give Americans impacted by natural disasters the flexibility they need to recover.

The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would allow the governor of a state or territory to extend a federal tax filing deadline in the event of a state-declared emergency or disaster, which happens automatically for federally-declared disasters. Extending this authority to states gives them the ability to provide relief independent of the federal governments involvement in an emergency or natural disaster. The legislation would also expand the mandatory federal filing extension from 60 days to 120 days.

Senator Cortez Masto is committed to ensuring Nevadans have access to resources in the face of natural disasters that threaten the state. Senators Cortez Masto successfully advocated President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for numerous counties in Nevada in the wake of unprecedented winter storms. She also joined her colleagues in asking the White House for federal funds to help Nevada fight wildfires and extreme drought.
New Delhi, June 8 : As the southwest monsoon finally made its entrance in Kerala on Thursday, its most-delayed arrival in seven years, certain parts of India are now grappling with scorching heatwave conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings that several regions would be affected in the coming days with the heat wave.

It forecasts that Bihar will experience heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from June 8 to 12, while Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand are expected to endure similar conditions from June 8 to 11.A "Additionally, Odisha and the sub-Himalayan West Bengal region will likely face heatwave conditions during June 8-10. Telangana will experience high temperatures on June 8 and 9, while parts of Uttar Pradesh will persist with heatwave conditions until June 11," the IMD said.

Amidst this heatwave, southwest monsoon has advanced into remaining parts of south Arabian Sea and some parts of central Arabian Sea, entire Lakshadweep area, Kerala, parts of Tamil Nadu, remaining parts of Gulf of Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar and Bay of Bengal on Thursday.

"Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala today," said the IMD.

"Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest monsoon into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, remaining parts of Kerala, some more parts of Tamil Nadu, some parts of Karnataka and some more parts of southwest, Central and northeast Bay of Bengal and some parts of northeastern states during next 48 hours," it said.

Meanwhile, a senior official of IMD said that temperatures in northwest India are likely to rise, reaching as high as 40-42 degree Celsius.

"However, no heatwave conditions are anticipated in the region for the next four to five days. In contrast, east India and adjoining areas of northwest India, such as east Uttar Pradesh, are currently experiencing heatwave conditions.

While eastern India grapples with extreme heat, other parts of the country have encountered unexpected hailstorms and excessive rainfall.

The IMD also issued a warning on Thursday, cautioning about isolated hailstorms in Uttarakhand on June 11 and 12.

Meteorologists attribute the unusual surplus of rainfall and below-normal temperatures during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) to an increased frequency of western disturbances.

These weather systems originate in the Mediterranean region and bring untimely rain to northwest India.

Meanwhile, the western coast of India is bracing itself for heavy rainfall over the upcoming weekend as Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies. Previously, meteorologists had mentioned that the cyclone was influencing the intensity of the monsoon, leading to a "mild" onset over Kerala.
Jaipur, June 8 : A fresh speculation is making rounds in the political circles of Rajasthan in the backdrop of "rivalry" between former state unit Congress president Sachin Pilot and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, plucking possibilities of the ex-deputy chief minister floating a new political party.

This matter of late has been drawing a lot of heat as June 11 -- the death anniversary of Sachin Pilot's father, former Union Minister Rajesh Pilot, is approaching.

On June 11, Sachin Pilot visits Dausa every year to pay tribute to his father on his death anniversary. Dausa had been a constituency of his late father, Rajesh Pilot, who is still a respected figure among farmers.

This year, however, there is a buzz about the possible move of Sachin Pilot on June 11, because of the developments that took place in the last three months.

On April 11, Pilot observed a day's fast, demanding the Gehlot government launch a probe against the alleged corruption cases against former chief minister Vasundhara Raje during her tenure. The Congress, which was in opposition then, had raised those issues.

On May 11, Pilot started the Jan Sangharsh Yatra, which lasted five days. He had travelled from Ajmer to Jaipur.

Now, as the date -- June 11 -- is nearing, speculations are being made about Pilot's next probable step.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee member Sushil Asopa, said "these are sponsored speculations".

"A party cannot be floated overnight without any preparations.A probe needs to be initiated into who are spreading such rumours," he said.

On being asked who would be accompanying Sachin Pilot to Dausa, the Congress leader said: "Same supporters and followers who have been visiting Dausa each year to pay tributes to their leader on his death anniversary will be visiting there." Meanwhile, there are also discussions on how CM Gehlot and Congress' Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhwa have softened their stand on Pilot.

While Gehlot said that a patch-up with Pilot is permanent, Randhawa also called for senior leaders to make room for the youth.

Party sources said that the recent meeting of former CM Vasundhara Raje with veteran BJP leaders have made Congress leaders tense.

There are chances that Raje would be made the campaign committee chief and, in such a scenario, Pilot would be required to combat her, as it was the former deputy CM who raised the issues of corruption under the previous BJP government, which, analysts believe, helped the Congress score some crucial points in the 2018 Assembly polls.

"Hence, there comes a change in strategy of party leaders who have softened their stand on Pilot," a source aware of the developments said.
Lucknow, June 8 : As heatwave sweeps across Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government has extended summer vacation in schools till June 26 to provide relief to the children and save them from the possibility of sunstroke.

Earlier, the schools were scheduled to resume classes on June 15.

The schools will, however, open for one day on June 21 on the occasion of International Yoga Day.

A notification in this regard been issued by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Council to all the District Basic Education Officers saying that the council schools will remain closed until June 26 now and reopen on June 27.

The School Management Committee will be authorised to take decisions regarding summer vacation in recognised schools run under the council.

Before the school reopens on June 27, the government said that sanitation, cleanliness of toilets, pure drinking water and proper seating arrangements should be ensured for students in the school.

Director General, School Education, Vijay Kiran Anand said, "There is a forecast of extreme heat conditions with possibility of sunstroke due to exposure to the sun in the state in the next few days. Extreme heat can have adverse effects on young children. Keeping this in mind, the summer vacation has been extended till June 26." Classes will start from June 27. Till then the children of basic schools will continue their study and homework given during the summer vacation through 'Diksha App'.

Yellow alert has been issued as the Meteorological Department has warned of severe heatwaves in many districts of the state.
San Francisco, June 8 : Automaker Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia have now faced a new lawsuit from New York City in the US, following a large number of vehicle thefts that went viral on TikTok and other social media platforms in recent years.

The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York claimed in its lawsuit that the automakers were negligent in failing to include anti-theft devices in their vehicles, which would have made them much more difficult to steal, reports The Verge.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the news.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the so-called "Kia Challenge" has led to hundreds of car thefts nationwide, including at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities.

A group of thieves known as the "Kia Boys" would post instructional videos on YouTube and TikTok about how to steal Kia vehicles. The videos showed how to bypass the vehicles' security systems using tools as simple as a USB cable.

In September last year, Hyundai and Kia have been sued in the US for a defect in their cars that was exposed in a TikTok challenge, which resulted in vehicle thefts soaring across the country.

A class-action lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Orange County, California, alleging that Kias built between 2011 and 2021 and Hyundai cars built from 2015 to 2021 were "deliberately" built without "engine immobilisers".

The challenge arrived on TikTok first and then on YouTube in July last year, and police in several cities in the US reported a serious rise in car thefts.

Last month, both automakers agreed to a $200 million settlement to resolve class-action litigation with owners of certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilising anti-theft devices, or the so-called "Kia Challenge".
New Delhi, June 8 : A plea has been moved in the Supreme Court against the Telangana High Court order allowing anticipatory bail to YSRCP MP from Kadapa Y.S. Avinash Reddy in the 2019 murder case of former Andhra Pradesh Minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing Dr Suneetha Narreddy, daughter of the deceased, mentioned the matter before a vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal and urged them to grant an urgent hearing on the plea.

The bench asked Luthra to mention the matter again on Friday.

Dr Narreddy contended that the high court virtually accepted the entire case put forth by the accused and disregarded the evidence collected by the CBI. In the special leave petition, she contended that the Kadapa MP from the ruling party had not cooperated with the CBI by evading three notices for appearance.

The plea submitted that the high court allowed the anticipatory bail to the accused contrary to the law laid down by this court. It argued that the high court held a mini trial and gave findings and made comments on the merits of the prosecution case.

On May 31, the Telangana High Court granted anticipatory bail to Avinash Reddy with certain conditions in the murder case. Justice M. Laxman, who had completed the hearing last week, pronounced the order on Wednesday.

The court directed that the MP should not leave the country without the prior permission from the CBI. "The petitioner shall not tamper with the prosecution witnesses or alter any evidence," read the order.

The MP had not appeared before the CBI on May 16 and May 19 in Hyderabad. On May 16, he cited prior fixed official engagements in Pulivendula as the reason and sought four days' time. On May 19, he conveyed to the CBI that he would not be able to appear before it as his mother took ill. She was admitted to a hospital in Kurnool and the MP was also staying there.

The central agency had issued a fresh notice on May 19, directing him to appear before it at its Hyderabad office on May 22.

Amid reports of the CBI officials reaching Kurnool for possible arrest, he wrote to the CBI seeking exemption from appearance till May 27 in view of his mother's condition.

Vivekananda Reddy, brother of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and uncle of present Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, was murdered at his residence in Pulivendula on March 15, 2019, weeks before the elections.

Last month, the CBI arrested Avinash Reddy's father Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, a cousin of Rajasekhara Reddy.
Kolkata: Security personnel outside the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office before the arrival of Rujira Banerjee, wife of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with a coal scam and other issues, in Kolkata on Thursday, June 08, 2023. (Photo:Ku Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata: Rujira Banerjee, wife of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, arrives at Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in connection with a coal scam and other issues at Salt Lake in Kolkata, on Thursday, June, 08, 2023. (Photo:Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, June 8 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday questioned Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee's wife, Rujira Narula Banerjee, in its Kolkata office, in connection with the multi-crore coal smuggling case.

Rujira Narula was questioned for around four hours.

She was seen coming out of the ED office with a smile on her face. She, however, refused to interact with the media and did not answer any of the questions asked by the reporters.

The ED officials were also light-lipped.

According to sources, she was questioned by a three-member team of ED officials who arrived from Delhi to Kolkata on Thursday morning.

They came with a three-page questionnaire containing around 25 questions pertaining to different financial transactions.

The questioning at the ED office in Salt Lake began on Thursday afternoon.

Although the scheduled time of her arrival was 11 a.m., she arrived at around 12.30 p.m., and the questioning began soon after that.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday refused to answer any questions from the media on the matter.

"This is my family matter. Please do not ask me any questions on this issue. Rujira is a good woman. She is extremely calm," the Chief Minister said at the state secretariat.

On June 5, Rujira Narula was first stopped by the immigration department at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport from boarding a Dubai-bound aircraft citing a lookout notice by the ED.

Soon after that, she was served a notice by the ED, asking her to be present for questioning at the agency's office on Thursday.
New Delhi, June 8 : The Congress has called upon External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take decisive action in response to a float that portrayed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during a parade in Brampton, Canada.

Milind Deora, a Congress leader and former Union minister, shared a video circulating on social media that allegedly captured the float depicting Gandhi's assassination at the parade.

Expressing his dismay, Deora tweeted: "As an Indian, I am deeply disturbed by the 5 km-long parade held in Brampton, Canada, which featured a depiction of the assassination of Indira Gandhi." "It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Minister's assassination," he said on twitter.

"This extremism deserves universal condemnation & a united response," he tweeted.

Responding to Deora's tweet, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed his agreement and stated: "I entirely agree! This is despicable and @DrSJaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities."
New Delhi, June 8 : The Delhi Police have arrested a husband-wife duo for allegedly snatching the mobile phone of a woman in Delhi's Dwarka area, an official said on Thursday.

The accused were identified as Anuj Verma (32) and Kiran (26), residents of Om Vihar in Delhi's Uttam Nagar area.

The official added that Verma is also found previously involved in eight cases of snatching and theft registered in the city.

According to police, on June 3, a man and a woman on scooter had snatched a mobile phone from a woman when she was coming from Dwarka Sector-13 Metro station.

During investigation, police scanned CCTV cameras in the area and the accused were traced to Uttam Nagar.

As per CCTV, it was revealed that the husband-wife duo came from the ISKON temple side on the scooter and committed the snatching.

"On Wednesday, police received specific inputs regarding Verma following which a trap was laid at Om Vihar in Uttam Nagar and Verma was apprehended. While frisking, a snatched mobile phone was recovered from his possession," said M. Harsha Vardhan, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka).

Upon questioning, Verma disclosed that he, along with his wife Kiran, had snatched the mobile phone.

"Later, his wife was also apprehended who confessed her involvement in the snatching case and one snatched phone and the scooter used in the crime were recovered," the DCP added.
Kolkata, June 8 : The elections for the three-tier panchayat system in West Bengal will be held in a single phase on July 8, newly-appointed State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha announced on Thursday.

"The election will be for two tiers in Darjeeling and Kalimpong district and for three tiers in the remaining part of the state. The process of nomination will start from July 9 and will continue till June 15. The model code of conduct will be applicable from Thursday only," Sinha told reporters.

The last day of the withdrawal of the nomination will be June 20.

Polling time will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and counting will probably be on July 11.

This means that the polling will take place at a time when already full-fledged monsoons will be arriving in West Bengal. However, the State Election Commissioner claimed that the arrival of the monsoons will not be much inconvenience in smoothly conducting the polls.

However, he did not specify whether his office will be seeking deployment of central paramilitary forces in rural civic body polls. According to him, it is too premature to make any comment on this count.

"This will be decided after discussion with the state government. All I can say is that everyone should have faith in the state government which is capable of conducting free and fair polls," Sinha said.

He also did not give any specific answer whether online nomination will be allowed which was done in the last rural civic body polls 2018 following an order of the Calcutta High Court. "The question on this count is relevant but too premature," he said.

The polls will be conducted for 58,694 seats in 3,317 gram panchayats in the state scattered over 22 districts in the state.

--IANS src/vd

A
Jaipur, June 8 : Back-to-back meetings being scheduled in New Delhi to discuss the BJP's election strategy for the states, including Rajasthan, going to poll later this year, has triggered speculations of change in leadership in the party's state unit.

Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also held a meeting with BJP's national General Secretary, Organisation, B.L. Santhosh in New Delhi on Wednesday after which it is being discussed if she will be appointed as the party's election campaign committee chief.

Party sources confirmed to IANS that the meeting also discussed if social equations in the state have been balanced and if any further changes at the party's organisational level are required.

In the election year, the saffron party doesn't want much changes, but it is still being considered that Brahmin candidates are Presidents of the BJP and BJYM.

While C.P. Joshi is the state BJP chief, Himanshu Sharma is the state BJYM President and the latter could be replaced.

Similarly, speculations are rife if the state BJP In-charge Arun Singh and state BJP Organisational Secretary Chandrashekhar will be retained or changed.

Meanwhile, IANS contacted Raje's office to know the details of the meetings, but the officials preferred staying silent on the issue.

However, they confirmed that she will be travelling to Jharkhand on June 13-15. While these dates could be rescheduled, as of now these are the tentative dates.

Raje, as per officials, will embark on this Jharkhand tour for three days as she has been made the in-charge of the Mahasampark Abhiyan in Jharkhand for the Modi government's achievements in the last nine years.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung presents the Friendship Order

to the Kaysone Phomvihane museum. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung praised and thanked the museum for its effective activities over the past time, contributing to honouring President Ho Chi Minh, who is a national liberation hero of Vietnam and a great man of culture of the world, an embodiment of the special friendship between the two countries.

He also expressed his hope that the museum will continue to promote the sound work, helping to cement the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

For his part, Director of the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum Department Xayalath Phoneyalak expressed his honour as the museum received the noble order of the State of Vietnam.

The department is being assigned by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to be in charge of the construction and management of President Ho Chi Minh's memorial sites in three locations in Vientiane, the provinces of Khammuane and Savannakhet.

He also emphasised works carried out by the two sides have contributed to further strengthen the great and long-standing friendship relations between Vietnam and Laos./.
Gurugram, June 8 : A woman and a man have been arrested for extorting Rs 50,000 from a man through a honeytrap in Gurugram, police said.

Benita Kumari (27), a native of Bihar, and Mahesh Phogat (30), a resident of Rohtak, were arrested by the Gurugram Police on a complaint filed by the victim at DLF Phase-3 police station on Wednesday.

According to the police, the woman met the complainant on the 'Bumble App'. On May 28, the woman took the victim to a hotel located in Sector-23, Gurugram and encouraged him to drink beer, but realising something was wrong, he refused to drink beer and came out of the hotel.

Later, the woman called up the complainant and said that she was misbehaved and molested by him and threatened to complain against him at Police Station DLF Ph-III, Gurugram.

Thereafter, she along with her companion demanded Rs 5 lakh from the victim and finally it was settled at Rs 2 lakh.

On Wednesday, the complainant gave Rs 50,000 to Mahesh Phogat and assured him to give the rest of the money in the evening. After that the victim came to Police Station DLF Ph-III, Gurugram and lodged his complaint.

Following a complaint, the police laid a trap and arrested the man red-handed from Moulsari market near Sai temple while taking the remaining amount and also recovered Rs 50,000 which was extorted by the duo criminals.

After Phogat's disclosure, police nabbed the woman from U-Block of DLF Phase-3 in Gurugram on Wednesday.

"The woman works as an advisor in a private IT company and currently lives in Gurugram while her co-accused Mahesh Phogat runs an NGO in Delhi. Both of them cheated the victims by befriending them through a dating/chatting app and by calling their targets to a hotel. She also filed fake molestation and rape cases to extort money," police said.

A total of Rs 50,000 and two mobile phones have been recovered from their possession.

"The duo accused had met in Gurugram itself and they became friends and planned to commit crimes. They have so far made about one dozen people their victims and they have also filed false allegations of rape, and molestation against about five people. However, four cases have been found registered against them about honeytrap cases in Gurugram so far," Vikas Kaushik, ACP (DLF) said.
London, June 8 : An Indian-origin nurse appeared in court for allegedly killing a seven-year-old boy at a private children's hospital in Britain in 2016 by switching off his vital breathing device.

Anuradha Bhupathiraju, 62, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter for turning off the breathing monitor for more than two hours without a doctor's permission, the Daily Mail reported.

As a consequence, James Dwerryhouse died of severe brain injury.

Bhupathiraju, with more than three decades of nursing experience, appeared before the Westminster magistrates last week, and confirmed her name, date of birth and her address.

Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring, granted her bail pending a plea hearing at Southwark crown court due this month. He also prohibited her from leaving the UK and ordered her to surrender her passport.

James, who suffered from a number of health conditions, including needing to be fed through a tube, bowel problems and epilepsy, had gone to the hospital on August 25, 2016 for a routine bowel operation. He was attached to the breathing equipment as he suffered from sleep apnoea, a condition that results in life-threatening pauses in breathing.

James' father had testified during the inquest that his son was playful and energetic after he regained consciousness following his surgery on August 25. But the parents received an early morning call from the hospital stating that James was unwell and they were required to come immediately.

After arriving, the parents observed that their son's eyes were partially closed and he had rashes all over his body. According to Daily Mail, the equipment was allegedly removed during the early hours of the morning, and James died on August 28.
New Delhi, June 8 : The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from the Uttar Pradesh government on a plea by an octogenarian man seeking bail in a milk adulteration case, in which he was convicted nearly four decades ago.

A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal queried counsel, representing the petitioner Virendra Singh, to explain the reasons for delay in filing the appeal. Counsel agreed that there was a ten-year delay challenging the high court order and pointed out that it was not intentional as his client was residing at a different address as per the record.

Counsel submitted that his client got to know about the high court order when he was asked to surrender in the month of April following a non-bailable arrest warrant issued against him by the trial court.

After hearing submissions, the bench said, "Issue notice on the application seeking condonation of delay as well as on the petition." On June 6, the Supreme Court had agreed to examine a plea by Singh hailing from Uttar Pradesh, convicted for selling adulterated milk, nearly four decades ago, seeking suspension of his sentence and bail.

Singh's counsel sought urgent listing of the plea seeking a direction to suspend the conviction and sentence, citing his 85-year-old client's deteriorating health.

The lawyer urged the court to release Singh on bail pending a decision on his petition for suspension of sentence.

The petitioner has claimed that he is suffering from various ailments including asthma and also undergoing treatment at the jail hospital in Bulandshahr.

Singh was apprehended selling adulterated milk in October 1981 and he was convicted in September 1984 by a trial court. The trial court sentenced him to one year rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 under the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

He moved the sessions court against the trial court order, which affirmed the trial court order in July 1987.

He moved the Allahabad High Court in July 1987, which delivered a verdict in January 2013, upholding his conviction but reduced the sentence to six months rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 2,000.

After being on bail for over three decades, the petitioner surrendered before the trial court in April 2023 and deposited the Rs 2,000 fine. He was arrested and sent to jail.

Singh is currently lodged in Bulandshahar district jail. He has sought, as an interim relief, quashing of charges levelled against him in August 1984, under section 7/16 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.

He claimed that the case against him was lodged after he was allegedly found selling adulterated milk in October 1981. The plea contended that a food inspector checked the milk and obtained samples.

Singh moved the apex court seeking a direction to suspend his conviction and sentence against the backdrop of his deteriorating health.
San Francisco, June 8 : About 44 per cent of small business owners said that they expect to hire fewer people in the future because of AI capabilities, a new report has shown.

According to Canada-based software company FreshBooks, small business owners are less convinced that AI is coming for their jobs and/or the jobs of their employees, with two-thirds disagreeing that AI will replace them.

"In the world of small business, it appears that owners don't feel particularly threatened and don't believe artificial intelligence can do their jobs just as well as they can. On the other hand, their eyes are wide open to the potential of using AI as a support to help them scale," said Mara Reiff, Chief Data Officer at FreshBooks.

About 1,000 small business owners from various industries in the US and Canada participated in the survey.

Nearly 25 per cent of small business owners said they're currently using or testing generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, Google Bard and Microsoft Bing.

Two out of three business owners said they'll try generative AI for work within the next 12 months, demonstrating that most small businesses will be using the technology within a year.

The large majority of current generative AI adopters said they're using it to generate text, while a slim majority are applying it to create images or to conduct general business research.

When non-adopters were asked what has prevented them from using generative AI, the report showed that 46 per cent were not yet clear on how generative AI could benefit their business.

The second highest reason cited was a lack of knowledge, with 32 per cent saying they were unsure of how to begin applying generative AI to their businesses.

Larger businesses more often cited a lack of time as one of the barriers they had to try AI versus smaller businesses.

Further, the report said that over half of small business owners (60 per cent) agree that AI will dramatically change their business within the next five years.

When asked which areas of their business they expect AI to have the most impact on in the coming years, owners named Business Analytics, Sales & Marketing, and Customer Communications as the most affected.

Using AI for HR/Recruiting and Service Delivery was rated as the least likely to play a significant role.
New Delhi, June 8 : A Lieutenant Colonel, who was posted at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun, was court-martialled by the Army after he was held guilty for having an 'inappropriate relationship' with a woman clerk at the academy, and donating sperm for her in-vitro fertility treatment.

The General Court Martial (GCM) of the officer concluded on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to all charges against him.

The officer has been awarded forfeiture of three years service for the purpose of substantive rank of Lt Colonel, three years seniority of rank and three years service for increased pay.

The GCM against the Lt Colonel commenced on April 11.

The Lt Colonel belongs to the Army Educational Corps. At the time of the incident, the officer was posted at IMA Dehradun.

The officer developed a relationship with the woman clerk working in the IMA. The husband of the female clerk is posted as Havildar of the Corps of Engineers. At the same time, the Lt Colonel was married and has two children.

During the court martial proceedings, it was revealed that the Lt Colonel had accompanied the woman on several occasions for her in-vitro fertility treatment and also donated sperm.

The woman filed a complaint with the police and subsequently with the Army authorities after the officer stopped contacting her following his transfer from the IMA.

The officer was given a chance to defend himself during the court martial.

The accused officer was defended by two defence counsel.

During proceedings, the Lt Colonel initially pleaded 'not guilty'. However, after the woman provided evidence, including Whatsapp chats and phone recordings, the officer withdrew his plea of 'not guilty' and pleaded 'guilty to all the charges'.
Mumbai, June 8 : As 'Adipurush' gears up for its theatrical release bringing forth the tale of Ramayana, another film on the same theme is in the making. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, who essayed the role of Sita in the blockbuster film 'RRR', is set to portray Goddess Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's much-anticipated film, 'Ramayana'.

As per media reports, Alia has been confirmed to play Sita opposite real-life husband Ranbir Kapoor, who will be seen as Lord Ram. For those wondering if Nitesh Tiwari's film was shelved, there's good news.

The film is totally on track. Alia was also spotted outside Nitesh Tiwari's office recently. Nitesh, who is known for films like 'Dangal', 'Chhichhore', is currently busy with his next film starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer 'Bawaal' which is based on World War.

This will be the second collaboration between Alia and Ranbir after their last film 'Brahmastra'.
Bengaluru, June 8 : A shocking incident of a para-medical student being raped by her boyfriend and his friend came to light in in Bengaluru city on Thursday, police said.

Accused Purushottam and his friend Chetan have been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to police, the victim, a paramedical student, hails from Tumakuru district. The accused, who also hails from Koratagere town in Tumakuru district, got introduced to her two years ago and both fell in love.

The two had met a week ago and Purushottam had taken her mobile and came to Bengaluru. As she asked him to return it, he asked her to come to Bengaluru and collect it from the Majestic area of the central business district.

When the girl came to Bengaluru on June 6, Purushottam convinced her to go along with him to the residence of his friend in Girinagar area. It is alleged that after locking her up inside the house, both the accused allegedly raped her.

The neighbors, after hearing the screams of the young woman, had come to her help and called the police. Police had rescued the young woman and arrested both the accused. Further investigations are on.
New Delhi, June 8 : US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said on Thursday that consular teams in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi are on track to process the highest number of Indian student visa applications in history this year.

"This summer, we're on track to process the highest number of Indian student visa applications in the history of this Mission," Garcetti said in a tweet praising his consular teams.

"A huge shoutout to my incredible consular teams in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi for their exceptional efforts in issuing the highest number of student visas globally in 2022!," he tweeted on Thursday.

Garcetti's remarks came a day after the US Mission in India held its seventh annual Student Visa Day with Consular Officers from the five states interviewing almost 3,500 Indian student visa applicants.

Stating that education ties have been a cornerstone of US-India partnership, Garcetti had said that one out of every five US student visas was issued in India in 2022 -- more than the proportion of the Indian population in the world.

"In the coming weeks, we will be releasing tens of thousands of student visa appointments for July and August," Garcetti said.

Last year, a record-breaking 125,000 Indians were issued student visas, which is more than were issued to any other nationality, according to a US Embassy statement.

In 2022, Indians were issued the highest numbers of H&L employment visas (65 per cent) and F1 student visas (17.5 per cent) worldwide. This year, more than 200,000 Indian students are studying at US academic institutions, representing more than 20 per cent of international students currently in the United States, the statement added.
New Delhi, June 8 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that the government has never ruled out diplomacy in the case of Indian national and former navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who he said is being kept in captivity in Pakistan in violation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgement, and also in case of eight Indians facing trial in Qatar.

Speaking to mediapersons, he said that both were "exceptional situations" and therefore, the government has never ruled out diplomacy.

"It is in the DNA of this government to help Indians facing difficulties abroad, whether they are officials or students. And these are (referring to Jadhav and the trial of Indians held captive in Qatar) exceptional situations. We have never ruled out diplomacy," he said.

Referring to Jadhav's case, Jaishankar said that he was kidnapped by Pakistan and is being held in violation of the ICJ judgement.

On the Qatar issue, he said that three hearings have been conducted so far, and the government is giving support for legal representation to the captive Indian nationals, even though there is no clarity on charges against them.

Kulbhushan Jadhav is an Indian national who is on death row in Pakistan. He has been accused by Pakistan of carrying out espionage and sabotage activities against it at the behest of India's intelligence agencies.

India has denied the allegations.

His execution, however, was stayed by Pakistan after India filed an appeal against the judgement at the ICJ on May 18, 2017.

The court pronounced its verdict in the case on July 17, 2019, rejecting India's appeal for Jadhav's release and ordered Pakistan to suspend the execution.

The ICJ ruled that Pakistan would have to review the entire process of the trial and conviction of Jadhav and provide India with consular access.

Following the order, Islamabad granted consular access to Jadhav.

On September 2, 2019, Indian Charge d' Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia had met Jadhav at a Pakistani sub-jail.

Eight former Indian Navy officers, who were working for a private firm, were detained by the Qatari intelligence service in Doha last year.

However, the kingdom is yet to share the charges against them.

The former Indian Navy personnel who are currently undergoing a trial in Qatar reportedly have been charged with the offence of spying for Israel on the country's advanced submarines, as per reports.
Chennai, June 8 : The Tamil Nadu Police on Thursday arrested an advocate, who is a supporter of the BJP, for spreading false information regarding the Odisha train accident.

Advocate Senthil Kumar, a supporter of BJP in Thuckalay in Kanniyakumari district, had tweeted that Bahanaga Baazar railway station master Mohammed Sheriff Ahmed went underground after the tragic train accident and that he should be questioned.

Inquiries revealed that one S.B. Mohanty was on duty as Station Superintendent at the time of the accident and one S.K. Patnayak was the station manager.

It was also found that there was no one working in the name of Mohammed Sheriff Ahmed in the station.

A DMK member, Dinesh Kumar filed a complaint with the police accusing Senthil Kumar for spreading wrong information through his Twitter account with the idea of creating religious division and hatred.

The Thuckalay police registered a case under Sections 153( wantonly giving provocation with the intent to cause riot), 153A (committing offence in any place of worship or in any assembly engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies), 505(1)(b)(causing or likely to cause fear or alarm to the public) and 505 (2) against the advocate and arrested him.

The Tamil Nadu Police headquarters when contacted said that further investigation is underway in the case.
An airplane flies over New York, the United States, on June 7, 2023. Central and eastern areas of New York state will come under an air quality health advisory on Wednesday as air quality worsens amid wildfires in Canada, according to the New York state government. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

NEW YORK, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Central and eastern areas of New York state will come under an air quality health advisory on Wednesday as air quality worsens amid wildfires in Canada, according to the New York state government.

Levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an air quality index (AQI) value of 100, said the state's government.

The New York City government is urging residents to limit their outdoor activities to only what is absolutely necessary, especially if they have heart or breathing problems, according to a post on social media.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service, rampant wildfires in the Canadian province of Quebec brought widespread haze and smoke to the Northeast and Great Lakes areas of the United States.

The combo photo shows wildfire smoke from Canada shrouding New York, the United States, on June 7, 2023 (Top) and the Manhattan skyline at sunset in New York, on May 21, 2023 (Bottom). Central and eastern areas of New York state will come under an air quality health advisory on June 7 as air quality worsens amid wildfires in Canada, according to the New York state government. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

The U.S. Capitol building is shrouded in haze, as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings unhealthy air quality to the East Coast, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

The U.S. Capitol building, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial are shrouded in haze, as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings unhealthy air quality to the East Coast, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building are shrouded in haze, as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings unhealthy air quality to the East Coast, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building are shrouded in haze, as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings unhealthy air quality to the East Coast, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

A National Park ranger wearing a face mask is seen with the U.S. Capitol building shrouded in haze in the background, as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings unhealthy air quality to the East Coast, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

The Lincoln Memorial is shrouded in haze, as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings unhealthy air quality to the East Coast, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. is shrouded in haze viewed from the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings unhealthy air quality to the East Coast, the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

Editor: ZAD
Kabul, June 8 : An explosion inside a mosque in north-east Afghanistan has caused multiple casualties, media reports said.

Reports said several local Taliban officials were among those killed or wounded.

A local official said the blast took place during a prayer service for the deputy governor of Badakhshan province, who was killed by a car bomb earlier this week, BBC reported.

The Islamic State militant group said they carried out the car bomb attack.

Muizuddin Ahmadi, the local Taliban head of information, said it was unclear how many people have been killed in the mosque blast in the provincial capital, Faizabad, but there had been multiple casualties.

Mourners were attending the funeral of Maulvi Ahmadi, the Taliban deputy governor of Badakhshan, who was killed on his way to work on Tuesday. One other person was also killed while six were wounded in that attack, BBC reported.

Two sources confirmed to the BBC that two local Taliban officials were killed at the mosque, including the former police commander of northern Baghlan province.

Eyewitnesses said gunfire could be heard after the explosion.

Footage shows several casualties arriving at the hospital in the capital by ambulance, BBC reported.
Mumbai/Thane, June 8 : The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) took a strong note of the rape-cum-murder of an 18-year-old girl in a government-run Mumbai hostel and the gory killing of a 32-year-old woman in Thane by her live-in partner, here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule sought death sentence for the accused live-in partner.

MSCW Chairperson Rupali Chakankar said that these shocking incidents have shaken entire Maharashtra, and demanded strong action from the Mumbai Police and Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police in the matters.

"The woman (Mira Road, Thane district) has been brutally murdered and her body has been cut into small pieces... The matter is of a very serious nature. The (MBVV) Police Commissioner should take immediate action and submit a factual report to the MSCW," Chakankar said in a letter to the MBVV Police.

On Wednesday, a delegation of MSCW comprising other members like Utkarsha Roopatte and Suprada Fatarpekar met the family of the Mumbai student victim and assured that they would get justice.

The delegation also met Marine Lines Police Station to inquire about the case progress, inspected the hostel premises, its management and staff, and found that the CCTVs there have not been working for the past one year.

"There is shortage of manpower, no women security personnel, no complaint box or any helpline contact number for the girls, and the hostel superintendent is overloaded. The girl's family has alleged that she had informed them about the harassment but no action was taken. All these matters should be thoroughly investigated," demanded Chakankar.

Terming the Mira Road incident in which a man killed his live-in partner as 'very gruesome, inhumane and outrageous', Sule said that crimes against women are increasing at an alarming rate.

"This is the situation where criminals have no fear of law in this state. The Home Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) needs to pay serious attention to his department. The investigating agencies should try to prosecute the accused in this case in fast-track court and get him the death sentence," demanded Sule.
Chandigarh, June 8 : Haryana is set to host a two-day G-20 conference on crime and security from July 13 in Gurugram amid the presence of over 600 delegates.

Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Thursday reviewed the preparations for the summit in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state government.

During the meeting, he highlighted various initiatives to enhance the delegates' experience, including an exhibition showcasing Haryana's journey of progress and cultural heritage, as well as a captivating cultural programmes.

Kaushal said an exhibition will be organised to provide the delegates with a deeper understanding of Haryana's vibrant history and its path towards progress and development.

In addition, the Higher Education Department has planned a series of seminars, essay writing competitions, and other engaging events in colleges and universities across the state.

These activities will encourage scholarly discussions and critical thinking among students, fostering intellectual growth and knowledge exchange.

The G20 conference is being organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

The international partners will be Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), while national partners will include the Data Security Council of India, Rashtriya Raksha University, National Forensic Science University, the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

The G-20 Conference aims to address the pressing issues and challenges posed by emerging technologies such as non-fungible tokens, artificial intelligence and the Metaverse, and their impact on crime and security.

The conference will provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and develop strategies to combat the evolving landscape of criminal activities in the digital realm, appraised by the officers of the MHA.
Imphal, June 8 : The Kuki tribals in Manipur have again reiterated their demand to create a separate administration, equivalent to a separate state for them, even though the Central and state governments, on a number of occasions, rejected any division of the northeastern state.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), an apex body of the Kuki tribals, in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claimed that the ongoing violence in Manipur was a pre-planned ethnic cleansing campaign against the Kuki community by the majority Meiteis and this has become clearer day by day.

KIM General Secretary Khaikhoradh Gangte, in the letter, alleged that during a recent interview to media, Meitei Leepun chief Pramot Singh made a damning revelation that he and his organisation were in the know about the "genocide" being planned against the Kuki people.

"How the hate campaign against the Kuki people transformed into ethnic cleansing under a very communal government was also very clear through the contents of the interview given by Meitel Leepun chief Pramot Singh," Gangte said and demanded to declare the Meitei Leepun as outlawed organisation.

The KIM said that in the interview, "filled with hatred and malice against the Kuki people, Pramot Singh categorically issued a stern warning to the Kuki people that the Meiteis are still discussing among themselves on how to go about annihilating the Kuki people".

Demanding arrest of Pramot Singh, the KIM said: "The enemy to them is the Kuki community and living together with a group of people who want to annihilate us is impossible. Hence, the urgent need for total separation from Manipur where the Kuki community can live peacefully as dignified Indian citizens, living in their ancestral lands under the Constitution of India." A week after the ethnic violence started in Manipur, 10 MLAs belonging to Kuki tribals (including seven ruling BJP members) demanded a separate administration equivalent to a separate state for the tribals in Manipur.

After the May 3 and the subsequent ethnic violence, all the 10 MLAs belonging to the Kuki community have accused the N. Biren Singh government of "failing miserably" to protect the community. Therefore, they have resolved to pursue a "separate administration under the Constitution of India and live peacefully as neighbours with Manipur".

Both Biren Singh and Amit Shah, after his four day Manipur visit, categorically rejected the separate state demand for the tribals.

The tribals constitute around 37 to 40 per cent of the total 2.72 million population (as per the 2011 census) of Manipur.
Mumbai, June 8 : Actor Himanshu Malhotra, who will be seen in the upcoming murder mystery show 'Mauka Ya Dhokha', has said that the show boasts of a story that pushes an actor out of their comfort zone.

'Mauka Ya Dhokha' is a streaming show which also stars Samikssha Batnagar and Aabhaas Mehta.

Talking about the show, Himanshu said: "'Mauka Ya Dhokha' is a story that pushes an actor to step out of his comfort zone. Amit Sehgal my character is trapped because of his one single wish that spirals his life out of control. It was difficult trying to portray a nuanced character that's very different from who I am in real life." He further mentioned: "I took it as a challenge to innovate and change to get into the skin of a character that was very well written. It took me a lot of effort, time, and dedication to prepare for this role and to give my best for my followers out there. The show is indeed an intriguing murder mystery that will offer a never seen encounter for the audience. The twists and turns with each passing episode will unveil different shades of other characters which will give a roller coaster ride experience to the viewers." 'Mauka Ya Dhokha' is streaming on Hungama Play.
Chandigarh, June 8 : Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday said the state government will provide free legal assistance to 700 students facing deportation from Canada.

Most of these students belong to Punjab and they will be assisted by lawyers who are experts in immigration laws in Canada. Besides, Dhaliwal has written a letter to all MPs of Punjab origin in Canada to solve the issues of these students so that the future of the children can be secured.

Presiding over a meeting with civil and police officers associated with the NRI Department here, Dhaliwal issued instructions to all Deputy Commissioners and the SSPs to scrutinise the documents of travel agents and immigration agencies and send a report by July 10.

He expressed concern that many travel agents are running immigration agencies illegally.

Dhaliwal said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already given clear instructions to improve the system. He said if the system would be transparent and clean, then there will be less scope for human trafficking by illegal travel and immigration agencies.

He said a special campaign against fake travel agents and immigration agencies would soon be launched in Punjab.

The minister said in the past 10 years, if any immigrant Punjabi has been deliberately implicated in a wrong case, it should be brought to their attention. Such cases will be investigated and justice will be given to the victim.

Taking an exclusive initiative, this time NRI meetings will be held for the first time in those villages whose immigrants have done good work in their villages or earned the name at the national or international level.

Dhaliwal said the NRI meetings to be held at the district level from July 15 to August 30. He invited all non-resident Punjabis to bring their problems during NRI meetings and efforts will be made to solve every problem on the spot.
Chennai, June 8 : Tamil Nadu Health Minister, Ma Subramanian has said that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has allowed the Government Stanley Medical College and the Government Dharmapuri Medical College to continue to operate and allowed admission for undergraduate students.

The Minister, while addressing mediapersons at Saidapet on the sidelines of an event at the urban health centre, added that the NMC has withdrawn the notice sent to both the medical colleges derecognising them after the compliance report has been submitted.

Subramanian said that the NMC will soon issue a written statement.

Two weeks ago, the NMC following an inspection had withdrawn recognition to three medical colleges in Tamil Nadu -- Government Stanley Medical College, Government Dharmapuri Medical College and K.A.P. Viswanathan Government Medical College, Tiruchi.

The NMC had cited certain minor deficiencies of CCTV cameras and the biometric system of attendance.

The Tamil Nadu Health Department officials visited New Delhi and said that the minor deficiencies would be addressed.

NMC officials undertook an inspection at the Government Stanley Medical College and Government Dharmapuri Medical college and conducted field level and virtual inspections.

After a detailed inspection, the NMC has withdrawn its letter derecognising the two medical colleges.

The Health Minister said that a virtual inspection would be conducted at the Tiruchi Government medical college on Friday.

He also added that several parties were creating rumours in the media that the medical colleges in Tamil Nadu were being shutdown.

He said that the Tamil Nadu Health Department had already released a clarification and said that this was a routine process.

The Minister also added that the NMC had conducted inspections in 140 medical colleges across the country and said that it is a continuous process for the NMC to point out minor deficiencies and the respective departments to rectify them.
Cuttack, June 8 : The State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha is going to impose fines against vehicles plying without High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) from June 23, an official said on Thursday.

The deadline for affixation of the High Security Registration Plate on the old vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019 carrying the Odisha registration mark, ended on February 28. It is observed that some vehicles are plying on roads without affixing HSRP.

Therefore, the STA has decided to conduct a special drive from June 23, 2023 to detect such vehicles plying without HSRP and impose penalty, said Lalmohan Sethi, additional commissioner transport (road safety & enforcement).

So far, a total of 40,93,608 vehicle owners have booked slots, out of which HSRP has been affixed in 35,87,577 vehicles. Vehicles owners are advised to affix HSRP at the earliest to avoid penalty, he said.

In case, the vehicle is not affixed with HSRP, e-challan shall be issued against the offending vehicle and attract a fine of Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000, he warned.

Notably, the HSRP has already been made mandatory for all new vehicles registered on or after April 1, 2019.

In accordance with the directives of Supreme Court of India and central government, state transport department has made affixation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) mandatory for all classes of old vehicles which were registered prior to April 1, 2019.
Mumbai, June 8 : Two days after the brutal rape-cum-murder of an 18-year-old girl student residing at the Savitridevi Phule Women's Hostel, various political parties on Thursday upped the ante against the Maharashtra government, and demanded the ratifiation of the 'Shakti Act'.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) have demanded stringent action in the matter, while Union Minister of State for Social Justice, Ramdas Athawale, will meet the victim's family on Friday.

NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said if this is the situation in a crowded city like Mumbai, what will be the scenario in the mofussil parts of the state where women stay in hostels.

Condemning the incident, AAP Mumbai President Preeti Sharma-Menon said it is shocking that the crime took place in the most policed area of the state - a few minutes from both the Mantralaya and the Raj Bhavan, the seats of power.

"The tragedy is personal to us at AAP because the victim's father is our worker in Akolaa. He trusted the state and put his young girl in its care, only to be betrayed by a callous and incompetent administration," Sharma-Menon said.

VBA President Prakash Ambedkar went to meet the officers at the Marine Drive police station for an update on the investigation, while his party activists staged a demonstration outside the premises demanding justice for the victim.

Tapase said that the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi government had introduced the Shakti Act - designed on the lines of the Disha Act of Andhra Pradesh.

"The Act was passed in December 2021 with a majority in the Maharashtra Legislature and even the (then) opposition BJP had supported it. It was sent for the Centre's ratification, but till June 2023, it has not been approved. Had this law been approved, the (hostel) girl could have been spared of the torture and her life could have been saved," Tapase pointed out.

According to Sharma-Menon, the hostel is in abysmal condition and the role of the warden could be of 'wilful abetment' as the authorities permitted an unauthorised man to live on the premises meant only for women.

"The hostel warden should be booked for aiding/abetting this heinous act. A transparent inquiry should be conducted into the running of all the state hostels and ensure strict rules barring men there. Also, the government must announce a dignified compensation for the victim's family," said Sharma-Menon.

Tapase said the Union Home Ministry should clarify to the people "why an important law like the Shakti Act of Maharashtra was not taken up and why the MVA government's decision has been kept pending by the BJP government".

Meanwhile, Athawale will visit the family members of the deceased girl in Mumbai on Friday and offer his condolences.
New Delhi, June 8 : A 12-year-old girl and her elder sister were molested by two people in east Delhi's Madhu Vihar area, police said, adding that a manhunt has been initiated to nab the accused, who are on the run.

The accused have been identified as Luv Aditya Sharma and Kush Sharma.

According to police, a police control room call was received at Madhu Vihar police station on Wednesday evening stating that a woman's modesty has been outraged following which a police team was dispatched to the spot.

"When the police reached the spot, a counsellor was already attending the victim woman, who levelled allegations against Luv Aditya Sharma and Kush Sharma," said a senior police official.

In her complaint, the victim alleged that her father had taken a loan of Rs 15 lakh from both the accused people and returned Rs 23 lakh through HSBC bank.

However, even after returning the loan, the duo was threatening to kidnap her 12-year-old younger sister and sell her to some "Kotha" (brothel). The victim also alleged that the accused people even touched her younger sister inappropriately.

Accordingly, based on her complaint, the police have registered an FIR under section 354 (Assault of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354 A (Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the official added.
White clouds and mist were seen around the peaks and forests of Taihang Mountain in Zuoquan county, Shanxi province, after several days of rain. [Photo by Zhao Weidong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

After several consecutive days of rainfall, Zuoquan county in Shanxi province welcomed sunshine and a sea of clouds.

Awe-inspiring scenes also graced the county's Taihang Mountain, attracting tourists and photographers in large numbers.

9

1

Editor: JYZ
Bengaluru, June 8 : Amid the warning of the BJP that it won't sit quiet over revision of the academic syllabus in the state, Karnataka's Congress government on Thursday said that it has already taken up the process of revision of textbooks.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa told the Assembly that during the ongoing academic year, the "unscientific" and "anti-constitutional" content would be revised.

"The previous BJP government has added objectionable content in the syllabus. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself is concerned about revision of those aspects," he said.

"Many rounds of talks have taken place with academic experts. Authors and litterateurs have also given their opinions. The experts who are giving advice that the syllabus taught to children should be scientific and have social orientation are not connected to any political parties.

"The suggestion is given with a concern that the young minds should not be fed with the wrong knowledge. The experts will also give their recommendations on which aspects of the syllabus should be continued and which of them should be dropped. Based on that the government has sent a circular to the schools," Bangarappa said.

"Since the textbooks have already been published and reached schools, it is not possible to publish revised syllabus. Presently, the students are not taught the syllabus yet. The government will release the guidelines at an appropriate time in this regard. A decision would be taken in this regard in the next cabinet meeting," he added.

"The action will be taken in the interest of the children. These are very sensitive matters. They have to be discussed in the cabinet. There is also a need for large scale discussions and it has to be done keeping the interest of the children in mind," the minister noted.

The previous BJP government has revised the state syllabus and added lessons on RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and included texts of right wing thinkers stirring a huge controversy. The BJP government has also dropped alleged glorification of erstwhile Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan.
Thane, June 8 : A Thane court on Thursday sent Manoj Sane, who allegedly killed his live-in partner at their rented flat in Mira Road town, to police custody till June 16 even as it emerged that he is reportedly suffering from AIDS, while his "house of horror" revealed more macabre secrets.

Sane, 56, was arrested late on Wednesday after he tried to flee from a police team that barged into his flat following complaints from the neighbours of a stench emanating from his home for the past couple of days.

In a new twist, Sane has claimed to the investigators that the victim - his live-in partner, Saraswati Vaidya, 32, had allegedly consumed poison and committed suicide, but the police have rubbished the claims as an attempt to "mislead" the probe into the mind-numbing crime.

Continuing its probe, the police discovered that the flat in which the chilling crime was committed is a veritable "house of horrors" bang in the midst of a quiet and unsuspecting middle-class residential locality.

There were at least three buckets stuffed with body parts of the victim, lots of blood splattered on the floor, walls and the bathroom, an electric saw, sharp knives, a mixer-grinder and a pressure cooker, a nauseating stench emanating from there, which Sane tried to "kill" by spraying lots of air-fresheners.

Police have also recovered some bottles of oil, which he purportedly used to smear on the body parts to delay the stench, and later surreptitiously disposed off many pieces.

He allegedly boiled some body parts in a cooker and fed them to stray dogs in the vicinity and is also suspected to have dumped some pieces into the nearby mangroves.

Now, Sane - charged with murder, conspiracy, attempt to destroy evidence, etc - is said to be suffering from HIV but police are awaiting his medical report for further verification.

The police are also waiting for the forensic reports on the woman's body parts and other evidence the accused attempted to unsuccessfully destroy in his nearly-barren 7th floor flat in Akashdeep Building in Geeta Nagar area of Mira Road, a town that developed 35 years ago.

The exact motives of the chilling murder are yet to be ascertained, but Sane, who appears unrepentant, is being grilled by police teams.

Rattled by the revelations, the shaken residents in Mira Road discuss the sensational case in hushed tones, and some recall the couple as aloof, not mingling with the people around them and mostly keeping to themselves.

The inhuman murder - coming to light barely 24 hours after the brutal rape-cum-murder of an Akola girl in a government hostel in Mumbai - has created an uproar in political circles and rage among the masses and an outpour of angst on the social media.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
Imphal, June 8 : The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned a Rs 101.75 crore package to provide relief to the people displaced due to the ethnic violence in Manipur, a top official said on Thursday.

Security advisor to the Manipur government, Kuldiep Singh, said that during his four-day Manipur visit last week (May 29 to June 1), Home Minister Amit Shah had directed the state government to send a proposal to the MHA for a relief package for the displaced people.

Currently, around 37,450 people from different communities are being sheltered in 272 relief camps, including community halls, in 13 districts of Manipur.

Singh also said that with the recovery of another 27 arms and 245 pieces of ammunition in the last 24 hours, the security forces in Manipur have so far recovered 896 sophisticated and automatic arms and 11,763 pieces of ammunition, which were looted from the police and various other security establishments since the ethnic riots broke out in the state on May 3.

The security forces have also recovered 200 live bombs from different districts.

Singh said that curfew has been relaxed for 12 hours in five valley districts, and for 10 hours and eight hours in the neighbouring hill districts.

There is no curfew in six other hill districts, including Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Kamjong.

Movement of vehicles through National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) carrying essential items has been ensured.

Combined teams of state and central forces have intensified combing operations in many parts of the state, he said.

Ministers and MLAs in Manipur are appealing to people and civil society organisations for peace and normalcy in the state.

Security forces are also organising meetings with civil society organisations, village heads and others, appealing them to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

The ethnic violence in Manipur has claimed over 100 lives and injured more than 320 people besides damaging a large number of government and private properties and vehicles.
Mumbai, June 8 : A day after the 'Adipurush' teaser was launched at a grand event in Tirupati, and garnered over 109 million views on YouTube in 24 hours, and the producers of 'Karthikeya 2' announced that they will give away 10,000 tickets for free in Telangana, the distribution of the Rs 500 crore pan-India film in the Telugu-speaking states has hit a speedbreaker.

A major distributor, Dil Raju, has backed out of picking up the rights for the Telugu version of the Prabhas and Kriti Sanon-starrer in what is known as the Hyderabad and Uttarandhra regions in the film trade jargon (the latter including major centres such as Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam).

This setback comes within a day after it was reported by the trade media that the OTT rights for 'Adipurush' have been sold to an unconfirmed platform (Amazon Prime Video is the punters' favourite) for Rs 250 crore.

According to Track Tollywood, People Media Factory (PMF), which operates out of Seattle and Hyderabad, has picked up the "wholesale rights" of the Telugu version for Rs 170 crore. It has sold the Nizam Zone to Mythri Movie Makers for Rs 50 crore. Six territories of Andhra Pradesh have been bought for Rs 50 crore, while the Ceded Districts (Kurnool, Kadapa, Chittoor and Anantapur) have gone for Rs 17.50 crore.

That leaves the People Media Factory with a hole of Rs 52.50 crore and Dil Raju is refusing to bite the bait. Does that reflect on Prabhas's star standing, which hasn't seen much of a reiteration after the two 'Baahubali' films? Film trade analyst Karan Taurani of Elara Capital said that it has more to do with the present state of the South Indian market, which has had quite an unexceptional first half in 2023 after the box-office mega successes of 'RRR', 'KGF 2', 'Ponniyin Selvan-1', 'Vikram' and 'Kantara' last year.

In the Telugu market especially in the recent months, another Prabhas-starrer 'Radhe Shyam' and the Samantha Ruth Prabhu film 'Shaakuntalam' are among the films that have turned out to be commercial duds, despite the hype accompanying their release. Even the Nani-starrer 'Dasara', which is at No. 13 on IMDb's list of the 25 top-grossing movies of January-June 2023, hasn't made the kind of money that an 'RRR' or a 'Pushpa: The Rise' raked in.

Taurani red-flagged a development that is still not being much spoken about. "South Indian content has been facing serious trouble in the last six months," he said. "The occupancy in theatres is down by 25 to 30 per cent, compared with pre-Covid levels. If the footfalls don't come, films won't be able to recover their cost. That explains why distributors are playing it very safe." The Adipurush makers, however, can rest easy, for they have recovered most of their production costs from the OTT deal and the sale to People Media Factory.

Talking about the reported OTT deal, Taurani said: "OTT contracts are generally pre-sold and it's not easy to breach those contracts in the event of a poor performance of a film." He, however, added a caveat. "Having said that, there could be a clause in the streaming deal with regards to the theatrical performance of a film, subject to how the producers and streamers have locked the deal. In such cases the streamers say that only when the film reaches a certain threshold in theatres, the overflow or a certain amount of money can be given to producers." Specifically on 'Adipurush', Taurani predicted: "The opening will be phenomenal but sustaining it might be a problem."
New Delhi, June 8 : A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed the bail application of Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, accused in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.

Special judge M. K. Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court denied Pillai relief, stating that his involvement in the matter was more serious than that of some other accused who are still incarcerated.

"This court is prima facie of the view that there is a genuine case made out by the investigating agency before this court showing active involvement of the applicant in commission of the alleged offence of money laundering and thus, this court is not able to arrive at any finding contrary to the said view," he said.

The court stated that the evidence and material collected during the investigation speaks volumes of his involvement in commission of the alleged offence of money laundering and his association with the other conspirators.

Pillai's counsel argued that his client's arrest in the case was not legal or justified.

The judge, rejecting the submission, said that the regular bail applications of other co-accused in this case -- Sameer Mahendru, Vijay Nair, Abhishek Boinpally, Benoy Babu, P. Sarath Chandra Reddy, Raghav Magunta, and Manish Sisodia -- stand already dismissed by this court and the role of this applicant in commission of the alleged offence of money laundering is found to be more serious and grave than the role played by some of the above co-accused.

Pillai was not only involved in mere conspiracy, but based on initial evidence, he was also linked to various actions concerning the proceeds. These actions involved hiding, owning, obtaining, or utilising the proceeds and presenting them as legitimate assets, he added.

Moreover, the court stated that the evidence gathered against Pillai indicated, on the surface, that he willingly participated in these activities and was fully aware of their nature and intentions.

It also highlighted that Pillai played a significant and active role in the conspiracy, the formation of a cartel, and the payment and repayment of kickbacks.

This conclusion was based on multiple statements provided not only by Pillai himself but also by other accused individuals, including Dinesh Arora, who is an accused-turned-approver in a related corruption case.

In addition, the judge dismissed an argument put forth by Pillai's counsel regarding the retraction of his statements.

The judge expressed doubts about the circumstances and manner in which the retraction was made, suggesting that it appeared to be an afterthought or influenced by external factors.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Pillai on March 6 after questioning him for hours in connection with the case.

The agency named the cartel 'South Group', and it allegedly includes BRS leader K. Kavitha; Sarath Reddy, the promoter of Aurobindo Pharma; YSRCP MP from Ongole Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy; his son Raghav Magunta and others.

The South Group was represented by Pillai, Abhishek Boinpally and Babu, the agency claimed.
Patna, June 8 : Ahead of the opposition leaders' meeting scheduled in Patna on June 23, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Chirag Paswan claimed on Thursday that the 'so-called' opposition unity will crumble just like the Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge in Bihar's Bhagalpur district that collapsed last Sunday.

"They (opposition parties) might assemble at one place and do photo-ops, but their unity is not possible. We are watching such an opposition unity since 2014. They do photo-ops while holding hands, but nothing happens at the time of elections. The same will happen in next year's Lok Sabha elections," Paswan said.

"The ambitiona of these opposition leaders are so high that Chief Ministers of different states are projecting themselves as the Prime Ministerial face. Evevn the Chief Minister of Bihar (Nitish Kumar) will not be accepted by the leaders of the opposition parties. When the people of Bihar do not accept him as the Chief Minister, how can the leaders of the opposition parties do that," he added.

Bihar BJP spokesperson Arvind Kumar Singh said: "The leaders of the Mahagathbandhan have lost their political ground due to massive corruption and hence they are just doing show-off of opposition unity. The foundation of Bihar government is based on corruption and Nitish Kumar is trying to save his image by holding opposition unity meetings.

"How could opposition unity be possible when Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee and the Congress cannot come together on one platform. It is also not clear as to who will be the PM face of the opposition. The bigger parties like the Congress will not accept Nitish Kumar or Mamata Banerjee to lead the opposition." "Opposition unity will also crumble like the bridge that collapsed in Bhagalpur district on Sunday," he added.

When contacted, JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said: "BJP was in alliance with JD-U in Bihar and they know what its status was. When we asked them to sit, they sat down. When we asked them to stand up, they stood up.

"They are asking who would be the PM face of the opposition. I want to clarify that the real question is not who will be the PM, but how to save democracy. The opposition unity meeting is taking place in Bihar and we are the hosts. Discussions on seat-sharing arrangements will also take place at the right time."
Student entrepreneurs engaging with each other in Tangen Hall, the home of Venture Lab and innovative student programs such as those supported by the Wolpows and The Arbour Way Foundation.

Penn President Liz Magill and Wharton Dean Erika James are delighted to announce a $10 million gift to establish the Robin S. Wolpow, PAR14 and Marc B. Wolpow, W80, PAR14 Fund for Healthcare Entrepreneurship at Venture Lab, the center for student entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania. The Wolpows landmark gift, facilitated through the Arbour Way Foundation (AWF), will create vibrant programming focused on healthcare innovation and co-curricular learning and collaboration across the University of Pennsylvania.

We are extraordinarily grateful to Robin and Marc Wolpow for sharing in Penns goal to ignite innovation across disciplines, said President Magill. Their visionary gift will provide the resources for students and faculty to develop, test, and scale more of their innovative ideas to have a long-lasting impact on healthcare. It will spur the launch of startups that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and the broader community.

The Wolpows commitment will establish and enhance connections across Penn to nurture student opportunities in healthcare entrepreneurship. With the Wolpows gift, Venture Lab will invite seasoned executives with experience in entrepreneurship to lead a healthcare vertical and provide invaluable insights to students. It will create a launchpad for student exploration through events, workshops, and internshipsas well as awards and prizes supporting pre-seed startup development and discovery costs. An incubator and accelerator will engage Penn faculty and alumni experts and support student ventures in the healthcare space. The Wolpows gift will also fund case studies, research, a dedicated course, and an acceleration lab enabling students to examine alumni ventures and undertake consulting projects.

I am deeply grateful for Robin and Marcs devotion to expanding upon the Venture Lab ecosystem through healthcare entrepreneurship, said Dean Erika James. Venture Lab is a true destination for incubating and launching startups, providing Wharton and Penn students with the tools and the support they need to bring their ideas to fruition. The Wolpows philanthropic vision and involvement will match the entrepreneurial ambitions of students, bringing them together with one another as well as alumni and faculty leaders to tackle problems and create imperative solutions in healthcare.

This leadership donation from the Wolpows coincides with their establishment of The Arbour Way Foundation, which supports health equity, educational opportunity, reproductive rights, and environmental defense. While Marc Wolpow earned his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School in 1980, he started his Penn education as a student of Arts and Sciences, with the intention of studying medicine. Wolpow went on to lead a purposeful career in finance and private equity, and remained strongly interested in healthcare.

The Wolpows have been dedicated champions of healthcare and the arts, as well as loyal and committed sponsors of Wharton and Penn. The Wolpows are joined in their support of Penn by their daughter and Penn alumna, Nina W. Rosborough, C14, who currently serves on the Advisory Board for Kelly Writers House.

Student entrepreneurs at Wharton and Penn possess unparalleled drive, enthusiasm, and creativity, said Lori Rosenkopf, Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship, Simon and Midge Palley Professor, and Wharton Faculty Director at Venture Lab. I am thrilled to partner with the Wolpows in offering these new opportunities to Venture Labs innovators. The healthcare space is one that is ripe for disruption, and I know we will see impactful businesses, products, and ideas launched in the coming years. Vice Dean Rosenkopf continued, The Wolpows have extended their generosity of time and insight from the start, providing a sturdy foundation with a multitude of supportive resources to build momentum in the years ahead.

The Wolpows have been deeply involved with Penn and Wharton for decades, making diverse contributions to various causes. They have strengthened creative programs at Penn through several initiatives, including the Kelly Writers House, the RealArts Internship Fund, the Creative Ventures Fund, and the Wolpow Family Support Fund. These programs provide support for Penn undergraduate student summer internships, projects, programs, and mentoring. Additionally, the Wolpows have established the Wolpow Family Endowed Scholarship for undergraduate students at Wharton and the Wolpow Family Faculty Scholar Award for junior faculty at the School. They are also loyal donors to The Wharton Fund and the Penn Fund, which provide important unrestricted funding for the School and University, respectively.

We are delighted to provide foundational support to the Venture Lab and to partner with Wharton and Penn in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that spurs innovation in healthcare, said Marc Wolpow. Robin and I want to provide an enduring platform that catalyzes collaboration and allows budding entrepreneurs and students to push the boundaries of what is possible and bring their most audacious ideas to life. With this gift, Robin and I hope to provide opportunities and help support future leaders, as much as future businesses.

Marc Wolpow is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Audax Group, a leading alternative investment manager with offices in Boston, New York, San Francisco, and London. Marc and Robin launched AWF in 2022 and over the past year, the foundation has supported Boston Childrens Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The American Civil Liberties Union, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), among other philanthropic organizations. Marc has extensive experience serving public organizations through prior memberships on the boards of trustees of Boston Childrens Hospital, Dartmouth Health, The Belmont Hill School, and The Park School. He is also an emeritus member of Whartons Undergraduate Executive Board.

Venture Lab, housed in one of the Universitys newest buildings, Tangen Hall, is a partnership of the Wharton School, Penn Engineering, and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. The program initially launched as Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs and evolved into Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship before being revamped as Venture Lab. Though Venture Lab is the newest incarnation, it has been the home of entrepreneurship on campus with a 50-year history.

Through Venture Lab and its former iterations, Wharton and Penn have supported many young entrepreneurs in dreaming up and starting their new business ideas, giving founders the knowledge, experience, and backing necessary to bring innovation to the world.

About the Wharton School

Founded in 1881 as the worlds first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Educations individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit http://www.wharton.upenn.edu.

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740, is an Ivy League institution with a distinctive past. Its 12 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools are located in Philadelphia on an attractive urban campus that serves a diverse community of more than 20,000 students from throughout the nation and around the world. Ranked consistently among the top universities in the nation, Penn has a longstanding reputation for excellence in graduate and professional education.

About The Arbour Way Foundation

The Arbour Way Foundation (AWF) was established in the spring of 2022 to support programs in health equity, educational opportunity, reproductive rights and environmental defense. Created by Audax Group Co-Founder Marc Wolpow and his wife Robin, AWF is positioned to be a value-added donor able to amplify the impact of its financial support through a collaborative venture philanthropy approach to giving.


On June 1, 2023, the Republican Party of Jessamine County (RPJC) adopted a series of steps to respond to the Republican Party of Kentuckys decision that ruled the RPJC July 22, 2022, censure resolution of Mitch McConnell was out of order. In response, the RPJC passed the following motions:

1. To approve the draft Declaration of Reprimand which reprimands and severely disapproves of Mitch McConnell.

2. To affirm and NOT rescind the censure document of July 20, 2022 and to challenge the decision of the Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) ruling censures of politicians out of order.

3. To re-elect Bob Barney as spokesperson for the County Committee on the matter of the censure and subsequent formal Declaration of Reprimand of Senator Mitch McConnell.

4. To approve the June 2, 2023 draft letter to Chairman Mac Brown of the Republican Party of Kentucky expressing the countys serious disapproval of the RPK decision that ruled the censure of Mitch McConnell is/was "out of order".

5. To approve the June 2, 2023 draft letter to the Republican National Committee in support of the Hardin County Appeal regarding the RPK decision that a censure was out of order unless an individual is a member of the group publishing the censure.

6. To Approve the Draft Press Release of June 6, 2023.

All of the above related documents have now been published at http://www.censuremitch.com.

Barney explained, It is extremely important that the RNC not allow the decision of the RPK to stand. If it does, they are agreeing with the RPK that the RNCs own censures of Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger were out of order. Remaining silent means the RNC is also agreeing that other censures of Republican politicians who betray the platform of the Republican Party are also out of order."

On July 22, 2022, the Republican Party of Jessamine County censured Mitch McConnell for his vote to support the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Democrat authored bill provided 750 million dollars to states that adopted red flag laws. McConnells support and vote for that bill rankled Jessamine Countys Republicans who let their unhappiness be known by censuring McConnell and widely publishing their censure. Subsequently 8 other counties passed their own censures for the same reason.

The most recent of the nine censures was by Hardin County who passed their censure by majority vote over the vigorous opposition of their former chair. The chair then filed a formal complaint with the 2nd District of the Republican Party of Kentucky against her own county partys action. The 2nd District ignored the rationale set out by the chair for why the censure was out of order, admitted nothing in the rules of the RPK prohibited censure, but then went on to construct the argument that censures are prohibited by Roberts Rules of Order.

Roberts Rules of Order are the rules for conducting meetings that virtually all political and business organization are governed by, including both the Republican and Democrat parties.

Barney noted, Even Mitch McConnell, considered by some a brilliant parliamentarian, didnt come up with that bizarre argument when he objected to the RNC censures of Cheney and Kinzinger. The 2nd district constructed this argument out of thin air and now the RPK has signed on to this nonsense. As a Republican, its embarrassing to see such behavior.

Following the 2nd District ruling against Hardin County, the county appealed to the RPK, which upheld the 2nd District decision. The effect of that ruling was to render all nine counties censures out of order.

Barney added, I am shocked to the degree to which the RPK is willing to pervert Roberts Rules of Order to protect Mitch McConnell even when he betrays the party platforms position on the Second Amendment. They have made McConnells efforts to abridge our Second Amendment rights even worse by now making their own effort to abridge our First Amendment rights.

Barney does not expect the RPK to change its position without assistance from the RNC. With that in mind, he is determined to campaign vigorously until the RNC examines the situation and makes their own ruling.
The United States Navy Memorial will present retired U.S. Navy Master Chief William Goines, the Navys first African American SEAL, with the 2023 Lone Sailor Award.

The Lone Sailor Award is presented to Sea Service veterans who have excelled with distinction in their respective careers during or after their service. William Goines was nominated for the award by Rear Admiral Julius Caesar, USN (Ret.).

"At 87 years old, Master Chief William Bill Goines is a towering figure who loves the Navy. He excelled as a Navy SEAL deploying on dangerous missions and was a part of the early establishment of the Navy SEALS in 1962. Master Chief Goines faced headwinds as the first African American Navy SEAL but overcame them through grit, determination, and a love of the Nation. Hes an inspiration to all through his humility. It is an honor to nominate him!"

William Goines was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1936, and as a child moved with his family to Lockland in suburban Cincinnati. His father worked in the automotive industry and had a second job in a pool hall.

Goines attended all-black Lockland Wayne High School. In his junior year, after seeing the movie The Frogmen, he was inspired to join the Navy. He went to see a recruiter but was instructed to finish high school first.

After receiving his diploma, Goines enlisted in the Navy in 1955. At the time, African American recruits were tracked to become stewards (merged into culinary specialists in 1975). However, a man from Goines' hometown told him he should strive to do more. Goines was promised training for underwater demolition, but plans changed, and he was sent to Malta, where 11 months later, he eventually would begin Frogman training with U.S. Navy officers, enlisted soldiers, U.S. Army Rangers, and foreign naval officers.

After three weeks, all the Rangers had dropped out. In 1957, Goines was one of only 14 of those training to complete the training, which also included a Norwegian Navy Officer who went on to become the Chief of the Royal Navy of Norway. When President John F. Kennedy formed the first two SEAL teams in 1962 - Team One on the West Coast and Team Two on the East Coast - Goines became one of 40 chosen to join Team Two and the only African American Navy SEAL.

Goines served three tours in the Vietnam War with SEAL teams, going twice with 14-man platoons and once leading a Vietnamese unit. He was fluent in English, French, and Spanish but found it hard to learn Vietnamese in combat. However, he managed to teach Spanish to some of his Vietnamese interpreters for radio communication.

In 1976, Goines was selected to become part of the Chuting Stars, a Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, where he served for five years, performing 640 free falls and 194 static line jumps. During one jump in Pennsylvania, he landed wrong on a hill and "smashed all the cartilage" in his knees.

Goines retired from the Navy in 1987 as a Master Chief Petty Officer after 32 years of service. He has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Following his discharge, he relocated to Portsmouth, Virginia, and served as the chief of police for a school system for 14 years. He later worked to recruit more people of color into Navy SEALs.

Master Chief Goines will join an impressive list of men and women who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience to become successful in their subsequent careers and lives while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

The U.S. Navy Memorial will present him with the Lone Sailor Award during a celebratory gala dinner in Washington, D.C., in September 2023.

Master Chief Goines represents all of the attributes of a Lone Sailor Awardee, reaching heights that others havent achieved before them, setting an example for others to emulate, and living a life of distinguished service, said retired Rear Admiral Frank Thorp, President and CEO of the Navy Memorial.

To learn more about the Lone Sailor Award and see past recipients, visit http://www.NavyMemorial.org. If youre interested in attending or becoming a sponsor of the 2023 dinner, contact Lisa Barker at lbarker@navymemorial.org.

---

The US Navy Memorial is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present and future; and to Inform the public about their service. The Navy Memorial is located at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004.
Campbell & Company, an employee-owned national consulting firm with expertise in helping organizations create greater impact through fundraising, communications, strategic information services, and executive search, today announces the promotion of Katelyn Martin to Managing Director of Strategic Information Services (SIS). Martin succeeds Carrie Dahlquist, who has led the SIS practice since its inception in April 2011.

Martin has been with Campbell & Company since 2013, most recently serving as the Associate Director of SIS. In her new role as Managing Director, Martin will be accountable for the continuing growth of this vital area of Campbell & Companys business  supporting the growing team of analysts and technical professionals, building awareness of the teams capabilities in the market, and continuing to partner with clients.

When SIS started as a practice at our firm over ten years ago, we envisioned how using data and systems would transform our sector, states Carrie Dahlquist, former Managing Director, now Senior Counsel. That trend has only accelerated, and Im thrilled that Katelyn will lead our team as we continue to support our clients.

With over ten years of experience, Martin has counseled clients across all sectors in roles ranging from prospect management counsel to interim development staff support. She brings an analytical yet empathetic approach to her client engagements. She takes particular interest in leveraging data to influence decision-making and in developing systems and processes to ensure rewarding donor experiences and great fundraising outcomes.

Martins development experience prior to joining Campbell & Company in 2013 included roles with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and the Boston Childrens Chorus. Previously, she was a consultant with The Hackett Group, a management consulting firm serving a wide array of Fortune 500 clients. "I am excited to be leading this innovative, collaborative team. I think we really shine working in partnership with our clients  I look forward to helping them use their data, technology systems, and operational processes to support strategic decision-making within development and across the organization, states Katelyn Martin, Managing Director.

For more information about Campbell & Companys Strategic Information Services, visit campbellcompany.com.

About Campbell & Company

Campbell & Company is an employee-owned national consulting firm that helps organizations create greater impact through fundraising, communications, strategic information services, and executive search. Since 1976, Campbell & Company has helped organizations advance in all sectors, including human services, arts & culture, education, healthcare, environment, associations and membership associations, and civic and public affairs. Underlying all our work is a shared focus on the Campbell & Company mission: to collaborate and innovate with people who change lives through philanthropic vision and action. Visit us at http://www.campbellcompany.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

For media inquiries, please contact Lola Banjo, Campbell & Companys Director of Marketing, at lola.banjo@campbellcompany.com or call 312.896.8893.
People visit the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

SHENZHEN, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off in Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises.

A digital China exhibition area has been set up for the first time to highlight and promote national-level market players, major platforms, and the latest technological innovations in the cultural industries.

Forums, conferences, contract signings, and creative contests will also be organized to share information and boost the innovative development of the cultural industries.

Since its founding in 2004, the cultural fair has seen a continuous expansion in its exhibition scale, visitor number and degree of internationalization. It has become an important platform to promote the development and opening up of the Chinese cultural industries. 

People visit the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Dancers perform at the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Dancers perform at the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Dancers perform ballet at the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People enter the exhibition hall of the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the exhibition area of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 7, 2023. The 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair kicked off here on Wednesday, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the country's cultural industry.

The five-day national-level fair, featuring mainly offline events, has attracted more than 3,500 government bodies, cultural organizations and enterprises. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Editor: JYZ
The Black Pride Festival 2023 will run from June 28th to July 2nd presented by Oakland Black Pride, a nonprofit organization. Celebrate the Magic of We, is the theme that conveys we are truly our greatest gift. The third annual Black Pride Festival welcomes family, friends and allies to celebrate Oaklands LGBTQOC communities. It encompasses a joy-filled week of activities and the spirit of the Stonewall Uprising that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ liberation movement, as our guide.

Sponsors of Oakland Black Pride 2023 are Gilead Sciences, Square, and the City of Oakland. Partners include Kissel Uptown Hotel and GetSomeJoy Wellness Agency. For more information about corporate partnerships, please email Partners@OaklandBlackPride.org.

Oakland is a cultural melting pot with a rich history of resilience and revolution, said Olaywa K. Austin, founder and chief executive officer of Oakland Black Pride. So, we curated a festival that embraces these elements with the brilliance and beauty of Oaklands LGBTQOC communities and allies, according to Austin who founded OBP in 2020, to empower and uplift Black LGBTQOC communities in the Oakland-Bay Area region.

Black Pride Festival 2023

The festival begins June 28th with Breaking Bread: A Benefit Dinner, a seven-course tasting menu presented by Chef Preeti Mistry (Juhu Beach Club + Top Chef Season 6). Breaking Bread spotlights culinary contributions of QPOC and gives the attendees a chance to sample cuisines and perspectives that are often overlooked. Buy tickets.

Oakland Black Pride festival events also include (festival schedule):



ONLINE Pride Panels and Workshop, June 29th

Queer Pub Crawl, June 30th

Queer Expo, July 1st

Queer Kickball Tournament, July 2nd

Black Pride Brunch, July 2nd

Closing event, The Cookout, July 2nd

Stonewall Uprisings: The Very Essence of Pride

Remembering and honoring events and people in queer history that sparked activism and progress toward equality, is the foundation of planning the OPB festival, and the organization's year-round programs. Most notably is the Stonewall uprisings in the New York City, Greenwich Village neighborhood. Although the Stonewall Inn was one of the few establishments to welcome and employ LGBTQ+ people when homosexuality was illegal and stigmatized, LGBTQ+ patrons were routinely harassed, and subject to violence by police. On June 28, 1969 police raided the inn and attacked patrons including Marsha Johnson a trans Black woman and Sylvia Rivera a trans latina who were present. But, they fought back, inspiring other patrons to do the same. This led to six days of unrest which marked a turning point in the gay rights civil rights movement.

We are honored to welcome back the Oakland Black Pride Festival for its third year, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. The contribution of the Black queer community is immeasurable and we are delighted to support the efforts of an organization that has done so much to educate, empower, and celebrate some of the most vulnerable in our City.

About Oakland Black Pride: Oakland Black Pride is a nonprofit organization that devises solutions to shift the systems that make it difficult to service the needs of people within communities most directly impacted by systemic inequities with emphasis on low- and middle- income areas of Oakland, CA and the Regional Bay Area. It has three pillars of programming including the Springboard Program, the QTBIPOC Social Circle, and the Black Pride Festival. To learn more about the organization and its programs and services visit http://www.oaklandblackpride.org
We are thrilled to announce that NineTwoThree has been recognized as one of Boston's Fast50 top 15 growing companies! "Thriving in such a competitive market helps validate our approach to building a global team of experts and forming close partnerships with our clients." - Andrew Amann, NineTwoThree Studio

NineTwoThree Studio and their global team of mobile, web and AI app developers was recognized by Boston Business Journal as the 11th fastest growing private company in Massachusetts.

Were honored to be recognized for our growth in as tech-driven and innovation-focused a city as Boston, said NineTwoThree CEO and Co-Founder, Andrew Amann. Thriving in such a competitive market helps validate our approach to building a global team of experts and forming close partnerships with our clients.

Founders Andrew Amann and Pavel Kirillov originally formed the NineTwoThree team to build a Boston-based SaaS application, Inigo, which was acquired in 2017. Over the past decade, NineTwoThree has evolved into a full engineering and product design studio that has built 14 internal startups and over 60 client apps. The company's recent growth also coincides with the growth in demand for their key areas of service  mobile app development, machine learning, Generative AI, and IoT. The studio has grown to a global team of over 60 employees and has been listed by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America multiple years in a row.

The Boston Business Journals Fast50 lists the top 50 companies in Massachusetts based on their revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. In order to qualify, companies on the 2023 Fast50 must be based in Massachusetts with reported revenues of $500,000 or more in 2019 and $1 million or more in 2022.

NineTwoThree credits their growth with the ability to create long-lasting partnerships. In 2022, the agency retained 100% of its employees, even through major global conflicts. The founders believe that focusing on culture and deploying the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) has contributed to the sustainability of both clients and employees.

We have the honor of being seen as long-term partners to our clients, said Amann. By focusing on helping our clients grow their businesses, weve been able to see incredible growth ourselves. Were looking forward to even greater growth in the coming year.

About NineTwoThree Studio

Since launching in 2012, NineTwoThree Studio has helped launch numerous software products and systems for clients and emerging companies and has been named for two years to the fastest-growing private companies in America on the Inc 5000 list. The studio builds custom products for established brands and funded startups. As a venture studio that learned what worked from building 60 client apps and 14 startups up to one billion dollars, NineTwoThree operates from a proven playbook to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver high-quality software engineering. The studio is actively scaling its footprint across the industrial, financial, healthcare, last-mile delivery, IoT, eCommerce, wellness, and other industries, creating products for the largest brands in the world, as well as funded startups. Learn more by visiting https://www.ninetwothree.co/ and following the brand on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
ARC (Association of Related Churches) is happy to announce that it held a successful 2023 ARC Conference. Organizers were able to reach more people than ever this year, thanks to the fact that the event was hosted at two venues simultaneously for the first time.

From April 25-26, ARC church leaders held the annual conference at two campuses of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. The two locations provided the organization with more space so that additional people could attend the impactful event to learn from and connect with others.

The conference was attended by thousands of ARC church planters, church leaders, and pastors, all of whom gathered together so they could become better equipped to help their local church community thrive. The event included plenty of worship, impactful messages, breakout sessions and various opportunities for people to meet new people and build new relationships with other people in ministry.

This all goes to one of the main tenets of ARC (Association of Related Churches), which is that no one should do ministry alone.

One of the highlights of the 2023 ARC Conference was the ARC Women Luncheon, held for the first time this year.

Dino Rizzo, the executive director of ARC churches, kicked off the conference by sharing what the organization has already been able to accomplish in 2023 and where it is headed in the future.

"I believe with all my heart that ARC's future is existing churches becoming sending churches that prepare healthy church planters to be trained by ARC, to plant in undersaturated cities and in population growth cities, to fulfill the Great Commission."

Other speakers included Chad Fisher, who, along with his wife Katie, serves as the lead pastor of Rock City Church in Columbus, Ohio, and are members of the ARC Lead Team; Miles McPherson, the pastor of The Rock Church in San Diego, California; Chad Veach, who along with his wife Julia, pastor at Zoe Church in Los Angeles; and Charlotte Gambill, a teaching pastor at the Church of the Highlands who along with her husband Steve helped build Life Church in Europe.

Another highlight of the two-day event was when Pastor Chris Hodges spoke during Tuesday night's session at the Grandview location of Church of the Highlands. Pastor Chris Hodges is one of the founders of ARC (Association of Related Churches) as well as the lead pastor at Church of the Highlands.

During his talk, he shared an honest message about pastoring and what it means to him.

"My calling has a competitor. It's comfort. If you are looking for comfort, you are in the wrong business," Hodges told the audience. "You have to embrace the hard. If you embrace the hard and know that it's part of the calling, you actually start to enjoy the hard because it's part of the calling."

To learn more about ARC (Association of Related Churches) and how you can join the movement to launch an impactful church in your community, visit arcchurches.com.

About ARC (Association of Related Churches)

ARC (Association of Related Churches) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus. ARC exists to see a thriving church in every community, reaching people with the message of Jesus. Since its beginning in 2001, ARC has grown into a global organization and has helped plant more than 1,000 churches.


Reallusion releases Cartoon Animator 5.1

Cartoon Animator 5.1 (CTA 5.1) is a powerful 2D animation software created specifically for illustrators and professionals in the field. It offers a wide range of features, including lip-sync generation, drawing tools, photo animation, and PSD/SVG animation capabilities. CTA has been continuously evolving its feature set in recent years, and the 5.1 update introduces two major additions.

The first significant feature is the roundtrip vector editing workflow with Adobe Illustrator. By leveraging the power of Illustrator, artists can bring their vector artwork seamlessly into CTA, enhancing their animations with detailed and scalable visuals. The second highly anticipated feature is the introduction of image sequences. This addition is particularly exciting for traditional 2D animators who excel at free-hand sequence drawings. With image sequences, artists can now unleash their creativity and explore a wide range of expressive possibilities beyond the limitations of 2D bone-driven animation. Furthermore, CTA 5.1 supports popular GIF or APNG sequences, offering the ability to apply instant animated effects sourced online or derived from third-party tools.

Cartoon Animator revolutionizes the world of design by bridging the gap between static graphics/images and captivating animations. Through the power of CTA and its compatibility with PSD/SVG tools, it effortlessly resolves all design challenges. Regardless of whether you're undertaking ambitious projects or just beginning your creative journey, CTA 5.1 offers the ultimate solutions for achieving time-saving, high-quality production that propels you to new heights in 2D animation.

See the latest updates in CTA 5.1:

Sequence Image Animation

By utilizing image sequences, artists can explore various forms of hand-drawn animation to break free of prior limitations. This includes showcasing intricate frame-by-frame drawing processes, crafting dynamic 360-degree rotations, and integrating visual effects. It's as simple as synchronizing the sequence image layers with your preferred PSD/SVG tools like Photoshop or Illustrator to achieve a fluid workflow.

New Key Features:



Effortlessly import image sequences to CTA, with support for both PSD (bitmap) and SVG (vector) formats.

Transform grouped sequences into multiple animations that can be triggered with a single click on the object.

Refine sequence image effects using the Timeline Editor.

Integrate motion enhancers, including free-form deformation.

Supports ongoing modifications of sequence images via Photoshop and Illustrator.

GIF & APNG Animation

With CTA, users can effortlessly import animation assets in GIF or APNG format with ubiquitous support on the web. These assets can be easily obtained online or created by the artists themselves. Simply drag and drop premade GIFs or APNG files into CTA, or convert them into animation sequences for further editing with just a few clicks.

New Key Features:



Once GIFs are imported into CTA, they are automatically converted into standard image sequences, opening new avenues for editing.

Users can effortlessly create APNGs by generating 24-bit true-color frame data using 3D software or a video editor of their choice.

Vector Animation: Roundtrip Editing

CTA offers a comprehensive solution for animating in Illustrator by enabling real-time roundtrip editing of SVG files. By offering a way to unleash your creativity with highly optimized vector graphics, you can bring your ideas to life like never before.

New Key Features:



Launch exciting vector characters or props to Illustrator and synchronize SVG updates with CTA.

Add new elements to existing objects with bone-rig and motion effects while retaining the original settings.

Recommended Assets

To fully take advantage of CTA 5.1s powerful new features and see what CTA5.1 can do, make sure to look into these new content series.

Make Me Actor  Bring any object or image to life as a talking actor.

Instructional Tools  Motion graphic templates for interactive learning.

Know more about Cartoon Animator 5.1: https://www.reallusion.com/cartoon-animator/default.html

FREE for 30 days, and get 1,700+ ready-made content: https://www.reallusion.com/cartoon-animator/download.html
Guharoy, Miller, Zuniga, Taylor join CHC Board

Today, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities announced four new board members were unanimously elected to its national board of directors:



Pavni Aeshini Guharoy, owner of MetaMorph, LLC

Howard Miller, partner at Lapine Group

Art Taylor, president & CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance

Juan Zuniga, managing partner at Rimon Law

Were delighted to welcome these talented new leaders to the CHC board, said Adam Rothschild, investor, consultant and CHC board chair. We invest significant time in intentional board recruitment. All our board leaders are deeply committed to equity and health and bring diverse subject matter expertise to CHC to accelerate our work.

Pavni Aeshini Guharoy, MPH, is a digital marketing expert with over 22 years of experience at the intersection of public health, client service, and community engagement, focusing on health disparities and their impact on people of color. In 2022, Guharoy established her own consulting firm to engage a wider variety of organizations and deepen her efforts to serve communities of color. She is also a community photographer who strives to reframe mainstream stereotypes. Guharoy is an adult immigrant from India and cherishes her languages, food, and cultural heritage.

Howard Miller is a partner at Lapine Group and has 30 years of experience in the planning and execution of strategic and technology-based solutions focused on increased stakeholder satisfaction and organizational growth. Previously, he worked for American Express, Andersen Consulting and Unisys Corporation. Millers clients range from philanthropic foundations and cultural arts to financial services and healthcare. Miller earned a degree in Engineering from Cornell University.

Herman Art Taylor is president and chief executive officer of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance - give.org. Previously, Taylor headed the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. (OICA) and before that, worked for Keystone Foods Corporation, UGI Corporation and Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was a Certified Public Accountant. He earned a Bachelors in business administration from Franklin and Marshall College plus received an honorary Doctor of Laws. He acquired a J.D. from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. Taylor is a trustee of Franklin & Marshall College and serves on the boards of Convergence, American Non Profits, The International Committee on Fundraising Organizations, The Fundraising Standard and National Assembly Business Services. Taylor also serves as lecturer at Columbia Universitys M.S. Nonprofit Management Program and in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropys Doctorate of Philanthropic Leadership program.

Juan E. Zuniga is an international transactions attorney who has worked on cross-border transactions throughout the United States, Latin America and in over 60 other countries. He is also the Managing Partner of Rimon Law. Prior to Rimon, Zuniga was the founding partner of Cross Border Law Group, P.C. He received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College. Zuniga has also devoted a considerable portion of his career to pro bono legal services for various 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and to diversity initiatives in the legal industry. He has received numerous awards for his pro bono efforts and is consistently ranked by Super Lawyers in the field of cross-border real estate law.

CHC has a bold vision to create a world where every person in every community has an opportunity to live their healthiest life, said Dr. Jean Accius, CHC president and CEO. This important work requires collective will and collective action from strong leaders across multiple industries and sectors. We couldnt be more grateful for our board of directors and their ongoing strategic guidance, helping drive us forward and expand our impact.

CHCs distinguished board of directors is led by an executive committee of officers: Adam Rothschild, board chair; Alison Braman, co-vice chair; Tenbit Emiru, co-vice chair; Charleeda Redman, secretary; and Abu Arif, treasurer.

ABOUT CHC: CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

CHC: Creating Healthier Communities exists so that every person in every community has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. We leverage partnerships to raise funds, deliver programs and elevate solutions in communities. We focus on awareness and access, education and advocacy, and philanthropy. Together with partners, weve been creating healthier communities for more than 65 years. Join us at chcimpact.org or @chcimpact.
In fact, our vision is more critical than before because of the challenges facing childrens hospitals and the growing health needs of kids, said Teri Nestel, President & CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Over the weekend, 100 + celebrities and influencers joined in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the national nonprofit Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. The five-day social media campaign highlighted the need for donations to the nonprofits local member hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to Marie Osmond and John Schneider, two of the nonprofits co-founders, some participants in the campaign include Jack Black, Wayne Brady, Andy Cohen, Misty Copeland, Mark Cuban, Adam Devine, Jennifer Garner, Toby Keith, Tori Kelley, Jimmy Kimmel, Julie Chen Moonves, Chris Pratt, Nicole Richie, Robin Roberts, Blake Shelton and Sage Steele.

The date of the social campaign is no coincidence  it marks the anniversary of the nonprofits first telethon in 1983.

For 40 years, Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals has worked to change kids health to change the future. It has raised over $8.5 billion since its inception to provide funding to support purchases of life-saving equipment, charitable care, educational resources, innovative research and more. The nonprofits footprint has grown from 22 member hospitals in 15 U.S. states to 170 member hospitals across the U.S. and Canada that care for more than 12 million kids annually. Donations are unrestricted so that hospitals can use them to address the most urgent needs in their communities.

Celebrities have been a part of Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals since the very beginning, including our celebrity co-founders Marie Osmond and John Schneider, said Teri Nestel, president & CEO of Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. Since then, hundreds of celebrities have offered support in various ways. Their involvement has been essential in raising awareness for our mission and inspiring donations to advance care for kids.

One celebrity who has been a supporter for many years and hosted one of the early CMN Hospitals telethons is Good Morning Americas Robin Roberts.

"Its been my honor to be a part of the network over the years  I have such fond memories of being with you and Ill continue to watch you all change kids' health to change the future, for all of us! Congratulations! Roberts said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

As we celebrate our fortieth year, we remain unconditionally committed to our vision of changing kids health to change the future, said Nestel, whos been a part of Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals in various roles for 34 years. In fact, our vision is more critical than before because of the challenges facing childrens hospitals and the growing health needs of kids.

While the social media campaign has concluded, the need for donations continues. For more information on Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals and how to support your local member hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

About Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals:

Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 childrens hospitals supporting the health of 12 million kids annually across the U.S. and Canada. Donations go to local hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids and families minds at ease during difficult hospital stays and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Together, we can change kids health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals and your local childrens hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.


Daniels Law illustrates the need for data privacy and sensitive and informed municipal data governance. Municipal governments face significant challenges to achieving data transparency while protecting information, the public, and public officials.

Messaging Architects, an eMazzanti Technologies Company and municipal information governance expert, explains Daniels Law and how it relates to public information in a new article. The informative article first relates the origin and scope of Daniels law in New Jersey.

The author explains that Daniel's Law was enacted in response to the fatal shooting of Daniel Anderl, a relative of Judge Esther Salas. The gunman had obtained the home address of Judge Salas from public records. Thus, the law prohibits the disclosure of the home addresses and phone numbers of certain public officials. He also relates several examples of harm to public officials that illustrate how public records can put public servants and their families at risk.

Daniels Law illustrates the need for data privacy and sensitive and informed municipal data governance, stated Greg Smith, Vice President of Services Delivery at Messaging Architects. Municipal governments face significant challenges to achieving data transparency while protecting information, the public, and public officials.

Below are a few excerpts from the article, Daniel's Law Highlights the Need to Redact Public Records.

What is Daniel's Law in New Jersey?

Daniel's Law (P.L. 2021, c. 371) was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on January 19, 2021, in response to the fatal shooting of Daniel Anderl. The gunman had obtained the home address of Judge Esther Salas from public records. The attacker also wounded Mark Anderl, the husband of Judge Salas, before killing himself.

Daniel's Law prohibits the disclosure of the home addresses and phone numbers of certain public officials. The law protects active or retired federal and state judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers, and their immediate family members. It prohibits their information from being published on websites controlled by state, county, and local government agencies.

Why is Daniel's Law important?

Daniel's Law also recognizes that public records are not always benign or harmless. Indeed, they can be used for nefarious purposes by those who intend to harm others. By creating a mechanism for redacting personal information from public records, Daniel's Law balances the need for transparency and accountability with the desire for security and protection.

Pre-Daniels Law Harm

These examples illustrate how public records can put public servants and their families at risk. Daniel's Law serves as a step towards preventing such tragedies by ensuring that those who serve justice can do so without fear. Implemented by various agencies, Daniels law and similar statutes require compliance and effective information governance to succeed.

Partner with Municipal Data Governance Specialists

The consultants at Messaging Architects partner with municipalities nationwide to build cost-efficient data governance strategies. With proven tools and deep expertise, they help organizations streamline records management, implement data compliance monitoring, and strengthen data security.

Have you read?

Information Governance Consulting Services Streamline Governance Strategy

5 Reasons to Implement Information Governance You May Have Missed

About Messaging Architects

Messaging Architects specializes in effectively managing and securing an organizations most precious asset, its information. With over 20 years of information management and technology consulting experience, the Messaging Architects team has provided corporations, educational intuitions, health care facilities and nonprofits with methodologies, procedures, and technology to keep their data organized, compliant and secure.

About eMazzanti Technologies

eMazzantis team of trained, certified IT experts rapidly deliver increased revenue growth, data security and productivity for clients ranging from law firms to high-end global retailers, expertly providing advanced business cyber security, retail and payment technology, digital marketing services, cloud and mobile solutions, multi-site implementations, 247 outsourced network management, remote monitoring, and support.

eMazzantis consistent growth landed them on the Inc. 5000 list 9X. Recognized as a 4X Microsoft Partner of the Year, the #1 ranked NYC area MSP, NJ Business of the Year, and 5X WatchGuard Partner of the Year, the company excels as a trusted outsourced IT partner! Contact: 1-866-362-9926, info@emazzanti.net or http://www.emazzanti.net Twitter: @emazzanti Facebook: Facebook.com/emazzantitechnologies.
Although education is often rhetorically or aspirationally lauded as the great equalizer, far-reaching inequities persist. The legal process is one avenue to address inequities in education. However, the law can also exacerbate inequities. This is particularly the case when either privileged or under-resourced families navigate gray areas in the law, including federal laws related to students with disabilitiesspecifically, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

In a policy brief released today by NEPC, Section 504 Plans: Examining Inequitable Access and Misuse, Maria M. Lewis of Penn State University and Raquel Muniz of Boston College present research and emerging trends that should inform policymaking around Section 504.

The brief notes that Section 504 currently favors powerful and privileged families because of its broad eligibility criteria, a lack of funding to support implementation, and its substantial deference to the professional judgment of educators and external evaluators. Accommodations can be a powerful tool to promote equity for students with disabilities and it is important that all students who need accommodations have access to them. Federal disability law allows affluent parents, families, and students to leverage their power and privilege to pursue accommodations when neededand even when theyre not. Consequently, the federal law can leave minoritized caregivers who lack resourcessuch as money to pay for private evaluatorsunable to access 504 accommodations, including extended testing time, modified classroom assignments, and breaks.

Lewis and Muniz also explain how research and emerging trends have raised increasing concerns about unfairness and abuses of disability policies, particularly with regard to intersectional disadvantages and advantages that may emerge in the implementation of Section 504, depending on a students social identities. For example, a single individual may be disadvantaged by ableism and classism, or ableism and racism. The converse is also true: An individual with multiple privileged social identities may experience compounded advantages.

Because many of these inequities are systemic, the authors conclude by providing recommendations that include policy actions at the federal, state, and local levels.

Find Section 504 Plans: Examining Inequitable Access and Misuse, by Maria M. Lewis and Raquel Muniz, at:

https://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/504-plan

This policy brief was made possible in part by the support of the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice (greatlakescenter.org).

The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), a university research center housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, sponsors research, produces policy briefs, and publishes expert third-party reviews of think tank reports. NEPC publications are written in accessible language and are intended for a broad audience that includes academic experts, policymakers, the media, and the general public. Our mission is to provide high-quality information in support of democratic deliberation about education policy. We are guided by the belief that the democratic governance of public education is strengthened when policies are based on sound evidence and support a multiracial society that is inclusive, kind, and just. Visit us at: http://nepc.colorado.edu
Participants experienced hands-on learning opportunities at the 2023 SAWC Spring | WHS | DLS. The meeting was one of HMP Global's record-breaking spring events.

HMP Global, the leading omnichannel healthcare events and education company, saw record-breaking attendance, abstract submissions, and corporate support for its major spring 2023 meetings, signaling a strong return to in-person events and reaching pre-pandemic participation levels.

The mix of industry-leading, established meetings and new offerings this spring include Rx and Illicit Drug Summit and Psych Congress NP Institute held in April; the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring | WHS | DLS and Senior Living Executive Conference, held in May, and Psych Congress Elevate and West Coast Symposium which took place in early June. Combined, the meetings drew more than 12,000 clinicians, researchers, exhibitors and other supporters for world-class educational and networking opportunities.

Our communities were hungry for the chance to meet in person after the COVID-19 lockdowns and converting conferences to a virtual format for two years, said Jeff Hennessy, Chairman and CEO, HMP Global. There is great value in bringing people together to collaborate, engage, and gain strategies and best practices that ultimately improve care for patients around the world. It is exciting to see our meetings return to pre-pandemic attendance levels at this scale, and an honor to know that clinicians continue to choose HMP Global as their trusted source for continuing education.

Overall, HMP Globals full slate of meetings for 2023 is experiencing an across-the-board surge in the number of research abstracts submitted for presentation. So far this year, multiple conferences (including SAWC Spring | WHS | DLS) have received record-breaking numbers of abstract submissions, and the upcoming World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, to be held June 28  July 1 in Barcelona, also broke records for its 500-plus abstract submissions received.

Many clinical trials require in-person visits to clinics, and this was largely halted during the pandemic, said Randy Robbin, president, HMP Education, the medical education arm of HMP Global. Now, research is proceeding as normal again and the work that was paused during the pandemic is concluding. We are seeing some exciting, practice-changing research results presented at our meetings this year. This provides a golden opportunity for clinicians to learn and grow professionally.

The newest addition to HMP Globals Psych Congress portfolio of events, the Psych Congress NP Institute, held its inaugural meeting in April in Boston. It was the most successful event launch in company history, breaking records for first-year attendance with more than 800 nurse practitioners, corporate sponsors, and supporters participating. Led by the world-class experts of Psych Congress, the event featured psychopharmacology education, deep dives into foundational principles, and terminology on treatment, disease, and medication classes.

The NP Institute was an awesome experience, said attendee Jordan Madden, APRN, PrairieCare Medical Group. Im in my first year of practice and I learned so much great information that I can immediately implement into my practice.

HMP Globals 2023 Rx Summit, Americas largest meeting focused on the drug misuse and overdose crisis, drew more than 3,500 participants from federal to family to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta in April. At this meeting, Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), announced from the main stage that the Biden-Harris administration officially designated fentanyl adulterated or associated with xylazine as an emerging threat to the United States. It was the first time this designation authority was used since it passed congress in 2018.

Rx Summit was a great opportunity to meet people and network, said Guanhui Chen, a post-graduate year 1 pharmacy resident and a presenter at Rx Summit. This is the biggest conference I have ever attended, and our session on xylazine was very well received. People approached us afterward and asked questions for 45 minutes.  It was an honor to be here.

While SAWC Springs partnership with the Wound Healing Society (WHS) is a long-standing one, 2023 was the first year the meeting also co-located with the Diabetic Limb Salvage (DLS) conference. This years meeting drew nearly 3,000 clinicians, faculty presenters, researchers, and supporters including 165 exhibiting companies and sponsors.

More than 500 abstracts were submitted to SAWC Spring | WHS | DLS, and 450 posters displayed late-breaking wound care research, new advances, strategies, and techniques to improve care and outcomes for patients. The meeting is dedicated to the research, management, treatment, and prevention of wounds; and through its partnership with DLS, this years event featured more limb salvage-focused topics in the educational program.

In its second year organizing the Senior Living Executive Conference, the official meeting of Argentum, HMP Global reported more than 2,000 participants and nearly 300 sponsors at its 2023 meeting in New Orleans. The Senior Living Executive Conference educational program focused on the latest policy developments, emerging issues impacting seniors and senior care facilities, and updates from experts on what the future holds for the industry.

Id highly recommend the Senior Living Executive Conference to anyone who wants to learn more about the senior living industry, network with peers, create relationships, and to move the industry forward, said attendee Christy Van Der Westhuizen, SVP of Sales and Marketing, Legend Senior Living.

While the record participation levels are expected to continue at HMP Globals in-person meetings for the remainder of 2023, the company also continues a robust offering of virtual meetings across a range of therapeutic areas. The virtual programs ensure affordable, accessible options for clinicians to obtain continuing education credits and further their professional growth and development.

To view the full portfolio of events, and to register for upcoming meetings, visit hmpglobal.com.portfolio.

ABOUT HMP GLOBAL

HMP Global is the force behind Healthcare Made Practical  and is an omnichannel leader in healthcare content, events, and education, with a mission to improve patient care. The company produces accredited medical education events  in person and online via its proprietary VRTX Virtual platform  and clinically relevant, evidence-based content for the global healthcare community across a range of therapeutic areas. Its brands include the HMP Global Learning Network, healthcare's most comprehensive source for news and information; Psych Congress, the largest independent mental health meeting in the U.S.; the Evolution of Psychotherapy, the worlds largest independent educational event for mental health professionals; the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC), the leading, global gathering for interdisciplinary cardiovascular specialists; EMS World Expo, North America's largest EMT and paramedic event; and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world. For more information, visit hmpglobal.com.
Innovative tools to help educators personalize learning and students achieve success took top honors in 1EdTechs Learning Impact Awards.

1EdTech Consortium (1EdTech), the world-leading non-profit collaborative committed to creating an open, trusted and innovative edtech ecosystem, recognized eight edtech projects during the 2023 Learning Impact Conference for their innovations and bold strategies implemented in an educational setting to power unlimited potential in every learner.

Platinum Awards went to Pennsylvania State Universitys use of course insights and the University of Central Florida and Realizeit for an adaptive learning program.

Penn States Course Insights provides data and analytics to convey learning-related insights to instructors and gives them a holistic view of the student learning experience. This allows instructors to adapt their courses, monitor the impact of those changes over time, and support a reflective teaching process.

University of Central Floridas Adaptive Learning program provides adaptive learning, online homework and assessment capabilities, making it easier for educators to tailor lessons, and offers more flexibility for students to complete their work.

The 1EdTech community is constantly looking toward the future of digital teaching and learning and what we need to power learner potential, said Dr. Rob Abel, 1EdTech CEO. "The Learning Impact Awards program offers exemplary projects with clear evidence of improving learning impact and outcomes that other institutions can replicate. This years award winners represent the best of the best, moving us all toward an open, trusted and innovative digital ecosystem.

The 2023 Learning Impact Award Winners are:

Platinum Awards



Penn State University Teaching and Learning with Technology for Course Insights: Learning Analytics for Instructors

University of Central Florida and Realizeit for Implementing Personalized Adaptive Learning at UCF

Gold Awards



The Stanford Center for Professional Development and BCdiploma for their Partnership for Personalized and Verifiable Blockchain Credentials

University of Maryland Global Campus for MARS: UMCGs Virtual and AI Applied Learning Environment

Silver Awards



Georgia Department of Education and Common Good Learning Tools for SuitCASE: Force-Multiplying the Power of CASE for Georgias Digital Learning Ecosystem

Iowa State University and VitalSource for Applying AI-Generated Practice to Textbooks to Improve Teaching and Learning

Bronze Awards



Kennesaw State University for their Micro-Credential Initiative

Modesto City Schools and Power School for Leveraging Interoperable Edtech to Automate, Streamline, and Centralize Data

The Learning Impact Awards finalists are judged on their impact on personalized learning, institutional performance, and the digital learning ecosystem as they address the most significant challenges facing education and lifelong learning. Award winners are selected after presentations and interviews with educators from K-12 and higher education, and evaluations from Learning Impact conference attendees and the edtech community at large.

A complete list of finalists with links to their projects can be found on 1EdTechs Learning Impact Awards page.

About 1EdTech

1EdTech is a member-based non-profit community partnership of leading educational providers at all levels, government organizations, and edtech suppliers working together to enable better digital teaching and learning. Together we power learner potential by accelerating an open, trusted, and innovative education ecosystem in which products work together to enable better learning.

1EdTech hosts the annual Learning Impact conference and other engagement opportunities to advance the leadership and ideas that shape the future of learning. 1EdTech is supported by an affiliated public charity, the 1EdTech Foundation, that puts philanthropic funds to work for our cause. Visit our website at 1edtech.org.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is disappointed with the reaction of the UN and the Red Cross to the explosion of the dam of Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP) and the destruction of Kakhovka reservoir.

"The UN and the Red Cross should 'be the first to save lives, as this is what these structures were created for,'" he said in an interview with Bild on Wednesday.

Zelenskyy is deeply disappointed with the response of the two organizations to requests from Ukraine: "We have not received a response. I am shocked. If there was a reaction, it was 'very diplomatic," he said.

He linked the explosion of the dam at Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant with the planned counteroffensive. "They are afraid that we will launch a counteroffensive in this direction, and they want to make it difficult to liberate our territories," the president said.

"A year ago we said that we had information that something was about to happen" and also that the dam would be mined. Ukraine "shared this information with our partners," he said.

"Everyone said there was a high risk that the dam would be blown up if the enemy felt that we were striking these areas to free them," he said.

Zelenskyy, he said, is not surprised by the disaster: "We are no longer surprised by what Russia is doing. Torture, rape  it all happened. This is their way of waging war," he said.
Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the lawsuit against B.S.D. Capital, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a lawsuit against B.S.D. Capital, Inc. alleging the company violated Labor Code  2699, et seq. seeking penalties for DEFENDANTs alleged violation of California Labor Code  201-203, 204 et seq., 210, 218, 221, 226(a), 226.7, 227.3, 246, 510, 512, 558(a)(1)(2), 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, and 2802. The lawsuit against B.S.D. Capital, Inc. is currently pending in the Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. 23STCV10241. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here.

According to the lawsuit filed, B.S.D. Capital, Inc. allegedly failed to fully relieve Plaintiff and other Aggrieved Employees for their legally required thirty (30) minute meals breaks. Employees were also allegedly required, from time to time, to work in excess of four (4) hours without being provided the legally required ten (10) minute rest periods. The California Supreme Court defines off-duty rest periods as the time during which an employee is relieved from all work-related duties and free from employer control.

PAGA is a mechanism by which the State of California itself can enforce state labor laws through the employee suing under the PAGA who do so as the proxy or agent of the state's labor law enforcement agencies. An action to recover civil penalties under PAGA is fundamentally a law enforcement action designed to protect the public and not to benefit private parties. The purpose of PAGA is not to recover damages or restitution, but to create a means of "deputizing" citizens as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code.

For more information about the lawsuit against B.S.D. Capital, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County, and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other types of illegal workplace conduct.

***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT***
Line Up of the 11 Gorgona Vintages Every vintage makes us more proud, and the 2022 vintage is no different, as it ushers us into the second decade of our social project

Marchesi Frescobaldi releases the 11th harvest of the Gorgona island winery, the unique social project on the Tuscan Archipelagos famed isle, a testament to the familys ever growing ambition and passion. Every June we celebrate by opening a bottle of the inaugural vintage of the cru wine of Marchesi Frescobaldis ninth wine estate, a Vermentino and Ansonica blend produced on Gorgona, Italys only remaining penal colony, established in 1869. The first vintage was in 2012, and ever since, the wine has been made by the inmates of that institution, who take part in a social rehabilitative project which grants them the opportunity to learn wine making skills, while spending their time profitably and investing in their future outside the actual prison walls. Gorgona is a noble representation of recovery and redemption, and a high quality wine that has today reached world markets in its current 2022 vintage.

Every vintage makes us more proud, and the 2022 vintage is no different, as it ushers us into the second decade of our social project, stated Marchesi Frescobaldi President Lamberto Frescobaldi. This vineyard of little more than two hectares brings forth a wine that is literally inimitable and innately exclusive, a symbol of hope and freedom that aims at reaching the worlds audiences. Here at Gorgona, we see the uniqueness of a terroir, and of a project, though a mere handful of bottles, that never ceases to give us excitement and hope.

Each years label is conceived as a dedicated edition newsletter that communicates a different aspect of the island. Gorgona 2022 underlines, once again, the extraordinary biodiversity that this unassuming island has succeeded in preserving, this time celebrating the wild orchids that flourish here in so many varieties and flower at so many different times.

The small vineyard of iron-rich soils on Gorgona has a magnificent eastern exposure, and is superbly protected from winds. This vineyard was initially planted in 1999 with successive planting in 2015 and 2018 of Vermentino and Ansonica, which have remained the supporting pillars of this wonderful wine.

Gorgona 2022 appears shimmering, brilliant straw-yellow with gold-flecked highlights. Its bouquet releases a veritable explosion of Mediterranean flora of spring and summer wildflowers, such as daisies, chamomile, hawthorn, mimosa, and broom, that segue into a procession of clean-edged fragrances of tropical fruit, mango, and pineapple, and passionfruit. Emerging next are citrusy notes of citron and mandarin, which yield in turn to a conclusion lifted by earthy mineral and sea salt. The savory palate is pleasurably crisp and seems endless, seamlessly mirroring the aromatics encountered on the nose.

Year after year, Gorgona successfully reaches the complexity and intensity Marchesi Frescobaldi had intended with this project, something so unique that it could only yield a wine as extraordinary as such.

#

THE VISION

The project began in August 2012. Before it involved wine production, it was a multi-year project involving collaboration with the authorities of the penal colony, whose objective was to involve the inmates in practical viticultural work. Under the supervision of Frescobaldi agronomists and winemakers, the inmates restored and cultivated a one-hectare vineyard on the island, to which over the years Frescobaldi added another 1.3 hectares of vines.

THE PROJECT

The Gorgona project was launched in August 2012, fruit of a collaboration between Frescobaldi and Gorgona, Europes only remaining island-penitentiary. The inmates spend the final period of their detention here, working and living in contact with nature, creating for themselves a professional means of re-joining the workforce and the community at large. The project took root in a small vineyard lying in the heart of an amphitheatre high over the sea; its goal was to enable the inmates to gain personal, hands-on, professional experience in the field of viticulture. Under the supervision of Frescobaldi agronomists and winemakers, a few rows of organically-grown Sangiovese and Vermentino Nero yielded Gorgona Rosso, with the 2015 vintage, which matured in large terracotta jars. With additional plantings in 2015, that vineyard has grown today to almost two and a half hectares of Vermentino and Ansonica, which now produce Gorgona, the perfect expression of the uniqueness of this corner of earth and the work of man, and eloquent symbol of hope and freedom.

STAGES OF THE PROJECT

In May 2013, the first vintage of Gorgona (2012) was submitted to the authorities in Rome, and in September Lamberto Frescobaldi presented magnum number 0 to Giorgio Napolitano, President of Italy.

In June 2014, Frescobaldi signed a 15-year contract for collaboration with the administration of the penal colony, and the winery hired and paid two inmates to work in the Gorgona vineyard.

In February 2015, under supervision by Frescobaldi winemakers, inmates planted another hectare of Vermentino, to involve more inmates in the viticultural work and to obtain, in another four years, a better-quality wine. The total hectares thus rose to 2.3.

In June 2018, the sixth vintage of Gorgona was bottled, 2017, in an edition of 9,000 bottles. The bottle label focused on the island fauna, which was perfectly adapted to the islands biodiversity: wild rabbits, peregrine falcons, and seagulls, who chose Gorgona as their nesting place.

MARCHESI FRESCOBALDI

The Frescobaldi family, which has been making celebrated, ultra-premium wines in Toscana for over 700 years, is one of Italys leading wine producers. It passionately combines tradition with innovation and firmly believes in respect for its growing areas and in growing ever higher-quality grapes in its vineyards. It is recognised world-wide for the wines from its estates--Tenuta Castiglioni, Tenuta CastelGiocondo, Tenuta Perano, Castello Nipozzano, Castello Pomino, Tenuta Ammiraglia, Tenuta Calimaia, Remole, Poggio Verrano and Gorgona.
Laurie A. Hanson, Esq. Hanson has long had a passion for helping individuals with special needs. At just 14 years old, she was recognized by the city of Chicago as Junior Volunteer of the Year for her work with children with autism.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (https://naela.org) is pleased to announce that Laurie A. Hanson, Esq., was named the 2023 recipient of the NAELA Theresa Award, which recognizes the outstanding efforts made by individuals who go above and beyond in helping and advocating for people with disabilities.

Established in 1992, the Theresa Foundation (https://theresafoundation.org) supports arts, music, dance, and recreational programs through grants to help children with special needs attain the highest level of educational, artistic, emotional, physical, and intellectual achievement possible. The Theresa Foundation was created by NAELA member attorney Vincent J. Russo, CELA, CAP, Fellow, and his wife, Susan, in honor of their daughter, Theresa, who was born severely disabled and passed away when she was just five-and-a-half years old.

This years Theresa Award recipient, attorney Laurie Hanson, has long had a passion for helping individuals with special needs. At just 14 years old, she was recognized by the city of Chicago as Junior Volunteer of the Year for her work with children with autism.

Starting out in a male-dominated field, Hanson has established herself as a trusted advocate for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families. She is a 1984 graduate of Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, where she was a member of the law review and editor-in-chief of the Womens Law Forum. Hanson practiced for 15 years at the Senior Law Project of the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis. She was awarded the Dawn Carlson Family Advocate Award in 2003 for her efforts in working with families with aging adults and in drafting Minnesotas third-party custody statute.

Hanson currently serves as a partner at Northwoods Law Group in Minneapolis, where she focuses her practice in the areas of elder care law and government benefits eligibility. She recently won a significant case before the Minnesota Supreme Court, Pfoser v. Harpstead  a major victory for Medicaid recipients over age 65 transferring assets into pooled special needs trusts to improve their quality of life.

Hanson regularly serves as faculty and makes presentations on elder law topics at continuing legal education courses for attorneys nationally and in Minnesota. She is active in the Twin Cities community, giving presentations to nursing home family councils, church groups, community groups, and law schools.

In honor of the award, the Theresa Foundation is making a $5,000 donation in Hansons name to Camp Knutson (https://www.lssmn.org/campknutson), a camp for children and adults with disabilities, medical conditions, and other identified needs. Hanson has worked with them for the past 15 years and strongly believes that the camp is in line with the mission of the Theresa Foundation.

About NAELA

Established in 1987, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is the only national association of attorneys that conditions membership on a commitment to the Aspirational Standards for the Practice of Elder and Special Needs Law. Understanding that older adults and people with disabilities need holistic, person-centered legal services, NAELAs 4,000+ members represent the diversity of practice. With a network including lawyers, judges, legal professors, law students, and others, we work to advance the dignity and independence of older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. Learn more at https://naela.org.
"We like to say that Edwin is a safe virtual sandbox giving students choice and autonomy in their learning. Our legacy at Nelson is one of always looking forward, and creating content to engage learners in ways that work for them as part of our transformational story."

EdTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market, today announced that Nelson, Canadas leading education and content provider, has been selected as winner of the Enhanced Curriculum Solution of the Year award in the 5th annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program, recognizing the breakthrough innovation of Nelsons Edwin digital learning ecosystem.

Edwin combines curriculum-linked content, with current contemporary issues that results in a safe and engaging way for students to learn. Through interactive tools and unparelled supports, Edwin provides students and educators the opportunity to learn while measuring impact and outcomes.

Edwin goes beyond traditional classroom materials with learning tools to let students explore, create and collaborate. Edwin also offers a deep library of culturally relevant, evergreen resources. Educators are able to find easy options for differentiation to ensure success for all learners. Curated Edwin Collections are also available depending on the needs of each classroom.

Edwins breakthrough learning tools drive engagement in ways that are right for each learner. The course material also helps with student engagement, as students become excited to learn, following their curiosity across curriculum and taking control of their own learning.

Educators are able to have all a subjects resources in one place. In addition, Edwins team of educators support users daily through the unique model of the Classroom Edwin Success Team. The learning experience becomes a unique, tailored approach that differs based on the needs of educators and students while supporting them to achieve their goals, answer pressing questions, and bring interactive learning experiences to life.

With its ease of use, continuous access, and ready-to-use Collections, Edwin is unlike anything else in the classroom today. Nelsons solution supports both educators and students and gives them a head start  making it a clear choice for our 2023 Enhanced Curriculum Solution of the Year award. said James Johnson, managing director, EdTech Breakthrough. Less time spent planning by educators means more time with students and getting classrooms engaged. The measurable impacts on student achievement that Edwin provides through its curated content is also key in promoting equity in education.

The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of educational technology categories, including Student Engagement, School Administration, Adaptive Learning, STEM Education, Remote Learning, Career Preparation and many more. This years program attracted more than 2,400 nominations from over 16 different countries throughout the world.

We like to say that Edwin is a safe virtual sandbox giving students choice and autonomy in their learning. Our legacy at Nelson is one of always looking forward, and creating content to engage learners in ways that work for them as part of our transformational story. This award from EdTech Breakthrough is a milestone in our journey, said Steve Brown, Nelson CEO. We designed Edwin to provide a common user experience for multiple sources of content, with a focus on a customized level of support through listening and adapting to the needs of students and educators that may vary from district to district. The result is a learning experience that is unique and impactful throughout the Edwin journey. Most importantly we wanted to provide a solution that can be personalized to the needs of every student and educator.

Edwin is used in tens of thousands of classrooms with active daily and weekly usage well above 85%.

####

About EdTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, school administration, career preparation, language learning, STEM and more. For more information, visit EdTechBreakthrough.com.

About Nelson

For over a century, Nelson has worked in partnership with Canadian educators to develop quality resources that are tied to curricula and that meet provincial learning expectations. As Canadas largest educational publisher, Nelson dedicates its business efforts to the creation of quality, innovative solutions that empower learning success by supporting the needs of every student and educator. Visit nelson.com to learn more.
Chicago Realtor Maggie Antillon-Mathews presents stories of Hispanic women discussing their experiences working in real estate in Latinas in Real Estate Vol. II" by Fig Factor Media. I have met and worked with many incredible women in the real estate field who were eager to share their stories as well. I felt their stories deserved to be heard, and I wanted to create a platform to amplify their voices.

After receiving much positive feedback and coverage, Chicago Realtor Maggie Antillon-Mathews presents 15 new stories of Hispanic women who discuss their challenges and successes working in real estate in Latinas in Real Estate Vol. II.

Available on Amazon, this newest addition to the anthology features authors from different states such as Florida, California and Tennessee who share their personal experiences and life lessons in this inspiring anthology.

The participating authors are the following:



Pattie Santiago

Richelle Moreno

Joanna Segoviano

Rosie Rodriguez

Angelica Angie Henry

Maria Figueroa

Cindy Meza

Pamela Re

Rosa Castaneda-Velazquez

Mabel Guzman

Laura Moa

Irma Deleon

Yoly Magana-Valencia

Maria De Lourdes Rios

Ana Sol

Antillon-Mathews explained that creating Volume II was a natural thing to do. I have met and worked with many incredible women in the real estate field who were eager to share their stories as well. I felt their stories deserved to be heard, and I wanted to create a platform to amplify their voices. Readers appreciated the authenticity and reliability of the stories, and were inspired by the unique perspectives and experiences of the Latina women featured.

Reading these stories can help other Latinas who want to join this field as a potential career path. According to Zippias research of real estate demographics and 2021 statistics in the United States, "13% of real estate agents are Latino."

According to Antillon-Mathews, Latinas face specific challenges such bias and discrimination to gender, ethnicity or language skills; lack of access to funding, mentorship and professional development opportunities; and cultural barriers. Despite all these situations, she sees a very bright future for Latinas in real estate.

As the Hispanic/Latino population continues to grow and becomes a significant force in the U.S. economy, Latinas in the field are likely to benefit from increased demand for their services, she explained. Additionally, efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry are likely to create more opportunities for Latinas and other underrepresented groups. Ultimately, the success of Latinas in real estate will depend on their ability to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities in a rapidly changing market.

For more information, visit https://www.latinasinre.com/.

About Maggie A. Mathews:

Magda Antillon-Mathews, better known as Maggie, is a highly-acclaimed business leader, an educator in the real estate industry, and a top-producing managing broker. Originally a social worker, Antillon-Mathews has a passion for helping others.

Antillon-Mathews has served the real estate community for over 20 plus years. She has dedicated her talents to buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the Chicagoland area and its suburbs. During her leadership, Antillon-Mathews has been an integral part of the exponential growth and success of Realty of Chicago. As a result, she was awarded managing broker of the year by the Chicago Association of REALTORS (2021-2022).

Antillon-Mathews has collaborated on three books, is a two-time best-selling author, and her latest best-selling book, Latinas in Real Estate: Stories of Passion, Resilience, and Breaking Barriers of Latinas in the Real Estate Industry, which was published in May, is now available on Amazon. The book is an anthology of stories from Latina women like Antillon-Mathews who have found success in the industry. To date, the book has been well-received by readers and critics alike. Antillon-Mathews asserts that her life ministry is to be the change and make a difference in the world. "Latinas in Real Estate's" success has resulted in landing in seven categories in Amazon Best Seller, a placement in the NAR library, featured segments on NBC 5 and Telemundo, many speaking opportunities, and much more!

About Fig Factor Media:

Fig Factor Media Publishing is an international publishing company with a "beeping" heart. Fig Factor Media has helped many authors achieve and support their dream of impacting their communities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Fig Factor Media is the official publisher of Today's Inspired Latina. For more information, http://www.figfactormedia.com.

###
Health experts from University of California Center for Climate Health and Equity are available to talk with the media about the impact of wildfire smoke on health, especially for those in vulnerable communities. Additionally, they can share recommended protective actions people can take and infographics on the topic.

WHO: Experts from the UC Center for Climate Health and Equity:



Arianne Teherani, Ph.D., founding co-director, who spearheads research and advocacy efforts on education for climate change, ecosystems degradation, sustainability, and health.

Sheri Weiser, M.D., MPH, founding co-director, whose research has focused on the impact of extreme weather events, food insecurity and other social and structural factors on treatment outcomes for chronic diseases.

MORE INFORATION: Visit the Center for Climate Health and Equitys Wildfires & Health Education Hub for information on the broad range of health effects of wildfires and advice on what people can do to protect themselves from wildfire smoke. Infographics are available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

ABOUT THE UC CENTER FOR CLIMATE HEALTH AND EQUITY

The University of California Center for Climate, Health and Equity, is dedicated to the proposition that taking action on climate change is one of the most powerful health interventions of our time. The center is devoted to tackling the serious health issues that climate change is causing and working to make sure solutions are adopted equitably.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH

University of California Health comprises six academic health centers, 20 health professional schools, a Global Health Institute and systemwide services that improve the health of patients and the Universitys students, faculty and employees. All of UCs hospitals are ranked among the best in California and its medical schools and health professional schools are nationally ranked in their respective areas. More information and news from University of California Health is available on its website.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the central and local authorities to provide assistance to people affected by the terrorist attack at Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP).

"We will provide drinking water to everyone. In all regions, districts, cities and villages where it is necessary. All the necessary supply systems will be put in place where there is currently a delivery of drinking water. Sustainability of supply is the main principle," he said in a video address on Wednesday.

"The world will be with us. Our partners are fully informed about what is happening and what kind of help we need. Whatever the economic, social and environmental consequences of this disaster, all the basics of life will be preserved," he said.

"We see all the problems and will do everything possible and impossible to solve the problems created by the occupiers," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, "the direct responsibility of state and local authorities in all affected communities and regions is to help people. From the Government and the State Emergency Service to regional authorities and local communities, everyone is involved to the maximum extent possible to save and protect as many people as possible."

"Everyone should take this task personally. And I am grateful to those who do," the president said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Kherson region, where he held a coordination meeting to eliminate the consequences of the explosion of the dam of Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP).

"There are many important issues: the operational situation in the region, which has developed as a result of the disaster, the evacuation of the population from potential flood zones, the elimination of an emergency caused by a dam explosion, the organization of life support for flooded territories. The prospects for updating the region's ecosystem and the operational military situation in the zone of a man-made disaster," he said on Thursday in the Telegram channel.

"It is important to calculate the losses and allocate funds for compensation to residents affected by the disaster, and develop a program to compensate for losses or relocate enterprises within Kherson," he also said.
Indigo Books & Music, Canada's dominant bookstore chain, announced that founder Heather Reisman will be retiring and stepping down as executive Chair and as a director of Indigo. The change is effective as of August 22. In addition, four board members have resigned: Frank Clegg, Howard Grosfield, Anne Marie O'Donovan and Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa. Dr. Oruwa said they were stepping down because of her loss of confidence in board leadership and because of mistreatment, in a press release; no reason was given for the departure of the other three board members.

"The time has come for me to retire from an active role at Indigo," Reisman said. "Deciding when it is time to move on is one of the toughest decisions a founder must make, but I know this is the right moment for me. I firmly believe the Indigo family, spanning from coast to coast, is the best in the business, and the company has a bright future. Building Indigo over the past 25 years has been the adventure of a lifetime. As I embark on this new chapter, I will be rooting for the company every step of the way."

Indigo has been faced with several challenges in the past year, notably a ransomware attack that compromised the personal information of employees and took down the chain's online operation for several weeks in February. Full service to the company's internal and external services wasn't fully restored for more than a month.

The company struggled during the pandemic, suffering from extensive and lengthy lockdowns across Canada and especially in Ontario. In the quarter December 31, 2022 sales slipped 1.9%, to C$422.7 million, and profits dropped 24%, to C$35.2 million. The full year results are expected to be released on June 27. Indigo has also lost investor confidence over the past several years, with its stock price falling from C$19 a share in 2018 to about C$2 today.

As of the end of 2022, Indigo operated 88 superstores under the names Chapters and Indigo and 84 small format stores, under the names Coles and Indigospirit. It employs approximately 5,000 people across Canada.

The company celebrated is 25th anniversary last year. In 2021, there was a significant leadership change at the company when Peter Ruis was named president, and on September 5, 2022 he was appointed CEO, taking over from Reisman. Ruis, who is British, has 30 years of experience in retail, most recently at Anthropologie and John Lewis.
Workers at the Barnes & Noble flagship store in New York City's Union Square have voted 97% in favor of joining the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

In a press release announcing the decision on June 7, the RWDSU said it will represent over 100 workers at the store in contract negotiations, commencing this year. The workers in the proposed bargaining units include booksellers, baristas, cashiers, and all non-supervisory employees at the store.

Senior bookseller Jessica Sepple said she was "proud" of her coworkers and "excited to move forward as a unionized bookstore" and RWDSU member. "We still have work ahead of ourselves, but today we have shown how dedicated we are to improving our store for ourselves and each other," she said. "We are ready to create a better workplace and a better future for Barnes & Noble employees.

Barnes & Noble Union Square has become the third store of the giant bookseller to unionize, with workers at the store citing workplace safety issues, substandard pay, and unstable working conditions as reasons for their organizing efforts. Last month, Barnes & Noble workers in Hadley, Mass., joined the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 1459, and workers at B&N's Park Slope, Brooklyn, location voted to hold a union election. In addition, workers at Barnes & Noble College Booksellers at Rutgers Universitya store operated by the separate company Barnes & Noble Educationunanimously voted to join the RWDSU.

RWDSU president Stuart Appelbaum said that unionization has also been gaining momentum among independent bookstores. RWDSU represents workers at bookstores including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore, and Book Culture.

Together, with their colleagues in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and just across the water in Brooklyn, Barnes & Noble workers in Union Square have sent a message all across the nationthe bookstore industry can and must treat workers with dignity and respect," said Appelbaum. "Workers at this store not only organized and won their union voice, but they did so with management literally above their heads in the corporate headquarters, which is housed just above the store in the same building."

Through unionization, the workers set an example for Barnes & Noble workers across the country that "change is possible in the industry," said Appelbaum. Barnes & Noble Union Square senior barista Victoria Sedita shared that joining the union will provide the bookstore's cafe workers a chance to bargain for a wage that reflects the "rigorous level of work we perform during each shift."

"Time and time again, Barnes & Noble has treated their baristas like secondary employees to their booksellers," said Sedita. "Many do not understand the level of work that is required to run their cafes. Now, we have a chance to safely advocate for what we need in order to create a safer and healthier work environment.

According to the RWDSU, the unionization vote at the store was conducted by an in-person secret ballot vote, overseen by the National Labor Relations Board.

Its a disappointment that humane wages and employment safety are subjects that Barnes & Noble has hesitated to offer from the beginning of employment," said bookseller Page Lyerly. "Any worker at Barnes & Noble, at any level or any position, deserves courtesy. This union ensures our financial security, employment safety, & justified respect that we should have been granted from the start.

According to the RWDSU, workers at the flagship store faced continued safety issues amid the rebound from the pandemic, including workplace harassment, unfair scheduling practices, and favoritism by management. Union representatives said they are looking to address these issues in their first contract negotiations.
Evacuated residents of Kherson region can receive financial aid from Danish Refugee Council

Evacuated residents of Kherson region can receive financial assistance from the Danish Refugee Council, the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine said.

"Ukrainians who are evacuated from Kherson region to Mykolaiv due to flooding can register for financial assistance from the Danish Refugee Council," the ministry's press service said.

It is noted that registration takes place on the territory of the Railway Station and the Bus Station in Mykolaiv.

"In order to do this, it is required to approach a Danish Refugee Council representative wearing a vest with a logo, or to places marked with banners of the organization," the ministry said.

In particular, to register for benefits, you must provide a passport and an individual tax number.
Downpatrick & County Down Railway are on the look to give away Railbus RB3 to a good home after the vehicle has become surplus to requirement and is taking up space that could be used for other purposes.

The heritage railway has already advertised the sale in Ireland but is now looking further afield to see if the Railbus can be donated to a new home.

The BREL Railbus RB3 was built in Derby in 1981 and was moved to Northern Ireland Railways in 1982 to support capacity requirements on the Coleraine to Portrush line, but was unable to do so and was moved on to inspection duties before being withdrawn in 1992.

The Railbus then spent some time in the Transport Museum in Cultra ahead of making its way to the Downpatrick & County Down Railway in 2001, where it enjoyed a short spell running passenger services before going into storage.

The vehicle was also hauled as stock in 2012 on a few occasions in 2012 before returning to indoor storage before being stored outdoors in 2018.

The vehicle's physical condition is reasonable both internally and externally, with expected wear and tear for its age. RB3 carries a few cosmetic issues including:

A passenger saloon broken window

Damage to fibreglass bumpers

The vehicle cabs are fully complete with all internal parts and also the passenger saloon, which also has a number of spare windows available.

Mechanically, RBS features:

Leyland TL11 200hp diesel engine

SCG gearboxes

Gmeinder final drive to one axle

The vehicle's mechanical make-up is very much like that of a Pacer to which RB3 is considered a predecessor.

Whilst running with Northern Ireland Railways and also at Downpatrick and County Down Railway underwent several mechanical and electrical issues and features a lively' ride quality.

Both British Rail and Northern Ireland Railway could keep the issues repaired and RB3 up and running however, Downpatrick and County Down Railway does not have the ability or the volunteer base with the expertise to repair the faults or make necessary modifications to support the vehicles running which is how it ended up being stored for so many years.

The issues ailing the Railbus include fuel starvation to the engine and the need for a major modification to the brakes, which were similarly carried out on Pacers.

Last started in 2012, RB3 could not move under its own power and the railway cannot ascertain whether it will start currently. When the railbus was last hauled as stock in 2012, its air systems were run via the train supply and were in normal working order.

Interested parties can contact [email protected] for more information.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave instructions on a fair calculation of damage and the allocation of funds for compensation to residents affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP).

In addition, the head of state instructed to develop a program for compensating for damage or relocating enterprises within Kherson, the press service of the President's Office reported on Thursday.

Zelenskyy held a coordination meeting in Kherson to deal with the consequences of the emergency caused by the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, the organization of life support in the flooded territories and the restoration of the region's ecosystem, the press service of the President's Office reported on Thursday.

"Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs and headquarters chief for the liquidation of consequences of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant explosion, reported on the operational situation in the region as a result of the disaster and the evacuation of the population from the flooded areas. According to him, the losses as a result of the terrorist act were assessed, the probable risks were calculated, and the tasks of providing the affected population with water and electricity, overcoming possible sanitary and epidemic threats, and evacuation measures were defined," the report notes.

"Rail and road transport has been prepared for the evacuation of people. Residents of the flooded settlements are provided with food in full. Work is underway to supply drinking water. Evacuation points have been set up at selected healthcare facilities," Klymenko also said.

Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Serhiy Kruk and CEO of Ukrhydroenergo Ihor Syrota reported on the progress of the emergency response to the dam explosion.
Above, the location in the capital's Chinatown where Biden aide Kathy Chung in 2017 transferred boxes with top-secret material. She also figured in the Chinagate fundraising investigation of the 1990s.



June 8, 2023 By Paul Sperry , RealClearInvestigationsJune 8, 2023 The custodian of Joe Bidens vice presidential records, a key witness in his classified documents probe, was caught up in another documents scandal while working at the Commerce Department during the Clinton administration, court records reveal.



Longtime Biden aide and gatekeeper Kathy S. Chung, who has been interviewed by federal prosecutors and congressional investigators in the Biden case, was part of a team sanctioned for withholding and even destroying key documents in the federal case that sought sensitive records from a central figure in the so-called Chinagate fundraising investigation of the late 1990s, RealClearInvestigations has learned exclusively.

Hunter Biden: Questions about the period in 2017-2018 when the Chinese were wiring almost $6 million to Hunter and his uncle Jimmy. A special prosecutor is now investigating whether Biden unlawfully handled top secret materials in early 2017, when he tasked Chung with removing boxes containing classified documents from the White House and storing them at various private offices in D.C., including the Chinatown neighborhood. Some of the highly sensitive papers also ended up at his home in Wilmington, Del.

Noting that Chung came into Bidens orbit through working with the presidents son, Hunter, during the 1990s, congressional investigators want to know if the Biden family dealings in China have anything to do with the stockpiling of classified documents. They note that the mishandling of White House papers took place during the 14-month period in 2017-2018 when the Chinese were wiring almost $6 million in payments to Hunter and his uncle Jimmy Biden without providing any known legitimate services. They have expressed concern that the payments, which were flagged by the U.S. Treasury Department, were part of a Chinese intelligence-gathering operation.



Chung is central to the Justice Departments investigation of Bidens breach of classified documents.

James Biden, with wife Sara: Were payments to him part of a Chinese intelligence-gathering operation? On Jan. 4, federal agents interviewed Chung while working with an investigative team led by U.S. Attorney John Lausch, who was tasked to conduct a preliminary probe of the security breach. Alarmed by what his investigators reported back to him about Chung's role in the possible illegal removal and retention of state secrets, Lausch urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel. The following day Garland complied, naming veteran federal prosecutor Robert K. Hur to take over the criminal case as special counsel. Hur's office reportedly has obtained more than 100 pages of documents from Chung, including emails and text messages.



While Donald Trump and Mike Pence are also under investigation for removing classified documents from the White House and storing them at their private residences, GOP congressional investigators say comparisons to Trump and Pence miss the point. In interviews with RCI, they insisted that Biden's document scandal is potentially more serious than just mishandling state secrets. They suspect it could mushroom into a counterespionage case involving China and national security, though the White House dismisses such speculation as baseless.

Robert Hur, special counsel: His office reportedly obtained more than 100 pages of documents from Kathy Chung. Chungs lawyer Bill Taylor did not return a request for comment. But in an earlier statement, he scolded Republicans for suggesting someone is a traitor without any evidence."



Chungs dual role  as an aide to Joe Biden when he was vice president and a friend of Hunter Biden, who emails show received sensitive information from Chung from his fathers office  further highlights the murky ethics that exist between the Biden familys public service and business interests.

Hunter Biden and Chung have a long history dating back to their days working together at the Commerce Department during Bill Clintons presidency. It was there that Chung  a longtime Democrat working in the federal bureaucracy  became a witness in a case involving convicted Chinagate fundraiser Jian-Nan John" Huang, who was a top Commerce official.

to a felony violation of campaign finance laws for arranging illegal foreign donations. John Huang: In 1999, pleaded guilty In 1993, President Clinton named Huang, a China-born banker friend from Little Rock, deputy assistant secretary of international economic affairs at Commerce, where he was responsible for Asian trade matters. Within a month, Huang was given a top secret security clearance and received twice-weekly intelligence briefings by CIA analysts. At the same time, it was later revealed, he was meeting regularly with Chinese diplomats and other officials tied to Beijing.



Watchdog group Judicial Watch sought documents concerning Huangs access to trade secrets and his trips to China. Chung was one of the administrators responsible for producing such documents under the Freedom of Information Act.



But the department was sanctioned for withholding and even destroying key documents in the federal case  Judicial Watch Inc. v. U.S. Department of Commerce, et al  in which Huang was listed as the lead defendant. After U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled Commerce's search grossly inadequate and unlawful, Chung and her superiors were ordered to conduct another search. Still, Chung came up short in producing Huang-related documents from the computer of her boss, Melissa Moss, in the Office of Business Liaison, according to her sworn declaration in the case, a copy of which was obtained by RCI. A Clinton appointee like Hunter Biden, Moss worked with Huang on controversial Asian and other foreign trade junkets for Democrat donors. She came to Commerce from the Democratic National Committee, where she had served as finance director.



In performing this search, I was assisted by an employee of the Computer Help Desk who informed me that some documents could not be opened, Chung told the court in the 1999 affidavit, which was never uploaded to PACER, the electronic federal court records system. (After several requests to the court, Leayrohn King, a records clerk for the U.S. District Court for D.C., provided RCI a copy of Chung's declaration and commented that it was odd that it was missing from PACER. The court has since made it available in the online docket system.)



Chung, who now works as a top aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, was not directly accused of wrongdoing. But lawyers for Judicial Watch complained her department was covering up for Huang, whom they suspected was trading government secrets and access to China.



While Chung remained at the Commerce Department, Huang left to work for the Clinton reelection effort. He raised almost $3 million for the DNC and Clinton in 1996, half of which was later found illegal or improper and returned because the donations came from foreign sources, many of them tied to Beijing.



The Justice Department, through a specially appointed task force, investigated Huang as a possible agent of influence for China. In 1999, Huang pleaded guilty to a felony violation of campaign finance laws for arranging illegal foreign donations. Even though the felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, he was sentenced to one year of probation and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in their investigation of several co-conspirators.

2013: Trusted Biden aide Kathy Chung handled details of the visit to Beijing of the Vice President with granddaughter Finnegan and son Hunter. After Hunter Biden left the Commerce Department in 2001, where he served as executive director of e-commerce policy, he joined a K Street law firm founded by William Oldaker, a major political donor of his father. Records obtained by RCI show lawyers for Oldaker, Biden & Belair LLP represented another boss of Chung at the Commerce Department in the ongoing FOIA case, which wasnt settled until 2004.



A decade later, Hunter recommended his father hire Chung as his personal assistant in the Office of Vice President, according to emails found on his abandoned laptop. Starting in July 2012, Chung was responsible for overseeing then-Vice President Bidens office affairs, including handling his briefing books and scheduling his travel abroad. She handled the details for Hunter Biden's controversial 2013 trip to Beijing with the vice president, during which Hunter met with Chinese investment partners and arranged for his father to shake one of their hands. Emails show Chung also invited Hunter to attend a 2015 lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the State Department.



In January 2017, as Biden moved out of the White House, Chung helped pack 13 boxes with files from his office cabinets and store them at a transition office nearby, according to a partial transcript of Chungs recent deposition taken behind closed doors at the Capitol. Around July 2017, Chung reloaded the boxes in her car and moved them to a private office that she leased in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, before they ended up early the next year at the China-funded Penn Biden Center in D.C., according to the transcript.



The boxes turned out to contain dozens of highly classified documents, including ones so secret they could only be viewed in a Sensitive Compartment Information Facility, or SCIF. Yet they were found last year in an unlocked storage room at the center that required no key to access. (The White House initially claimed, falsely, they were stored in a locked closet.) Prosecutors are investigating the chain of custody of those loosely stored intelligence papers to determine whether any were copied or passed through foreign hands.



Chung, who held a Top Secret security clearance and had experience handling and identifying classified documents, told congressional investigators she was unaware the boxes contained classified material  even though some of the file folders in the boxes were emblazoned with cover sheets stating they contained secret government documents. She insisted she never noticed any classified papers or saw any classified markings, even though she unpacked the boxes when she relocated them to the center and then re-packed them last summer at the request of Bidens lawyers.



At least 20 highly classified papers marked at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level were found at the center, which the FBI searched earlier this year. The materials reportedly covered Ukraine, Iran, and the United Kingdom, among other foreign countries.



Chung helped Biden research his 2017 memoir, Promise Me, Dad. Its not known if Biden or Chung referenced any of the materials from the boxes for his book, which was published in November 2017 and revealed insider accounts of Bidens various roles in U.S. foreign policy, including Ukraine. Biden listed Chung first among people he acknowledged for their contributions: Thank you for all of this, and more, to Kathy Chung. A House GOP depiction of the alleged China-to-Bidens money trail. Ye, left, gifted Hunter an $80,000 diamond. Overlapping Scandals? Hunter first made contact with Chinese executives with CEFC China Energy, a suspected front for Chinese intelligence, in 2015. Emails found on Hunters abandoned laptop show a CEFC adviser arranged a private Washington dinner in December 2015 with Hunter and then-CEFC Chairman Ye Jianming, who reportedly has ties to the Chinese military.



In an email Chung sent to Hunter Biden that same year, she included a list of personal cell phone numbers for high-profile Washington officials, including then-White House chief of staff Denis McDonough, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and several Cabinet secretaries, as well as Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and a number of powerful senators and members of Congress.



House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer speculated that Hunter may have been trying to "prove his worth to these people that were paying these enormous sums of money to him, in part by showing them he had cell numbers for powerful individuals.



Chung continued her dealings with Hunter Biden after she left the White House. On Feb. 2, 2017, shortly after Chung packed up Bidens White House files, Hunter emailed Chung to ask her to come work with me ... so that I can make everyone money. The next year, messages found on Hunters laptop show Chung sent Biden family members a link to an encrypted messaging app called Signal and urged them to install it on their electronic devices.



Later in February 2017, Hunter received an $80,000 diamond from Ye, who left the rare gem with a thank-you note at Hunter's hotel room after they met in Miami. In an interview with The New Yorker magazine, Hunter admitted taking the expensive stone, though he says he doubts it was meant as a bribe.



Comer said he is investigating whether the Bidens' Chinese partners had access to the classified documents found. He noted that Hunter Biden, in 2017, planned to share office space in D.C. with another one of his Chinese partners, Gongwen Kevin" Dong, who was the CEFC money man who signed off on the wire payments to the Bidens.



This level of access and opportunity raises questions about who had access to the classified documents, Comer said.
Property details:

Read Entire Auction Before Bidding Read Entire Auction Before Bidding. Read TERMS and CONDITIONS. Read Before Bid! This is a CASH SALE! Not for Payments! No Minimum! No Reserve! High Bid Wins This Auction! Delinquent Tax Sale Mineral Rights on 67.5 Acres, Santa Rosa, Florida Panhandle. (see pics & county info for details) About 67.5 acres of subsurface rights (mineral rights only - land is not included) by Pace, in Santa Rosa County Florida, in a Major Oil Field Area! This is for a lien for 50% ...

Price: $ 173 Seller State of Residence: Florida Property Address: Mulat Rd @ 30.579368, -87.097004 Type: Mineral Rights Zip/Postal Code: 32583 Zoning: Subsurface Rights City: Pace State/Province: Florida Location: , Florida

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby Florida
Property details:

1.25 ACRES IN NEW SMYRNA BEACHVOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA High bid wins! Cash sale!Last lot available in this area! ABOUT THE PROPERTY:Parcel Number: 830501040920, Alt key 3749774Size: 1.25 AcreWell: Must Install Septic: Must installUtilities - NearbyProperty Type: Vacant ResidentialTaxes: Approx $60/yearHOA: NoneDocument Fee $299 Payment/Terms: Payment accepted via Zelle, Venmo, cashiers check, or wire transfer. We do not take Paypal, as they will no longer allow real estate transaction payments...

Price: $ 2,500 Seller State of Residence: California Type: New Smyrna Beach Zip/Postal Code: 32168 Zoning: Residential State/Province: Florida Location: 305**, Cleveland, Georgia

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby Florida
HOME > Bling Empire Netflix

'Bling Empire' star Anna Shay dies suddenly after suffering stroke

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/07/2023



star Anna Shay has suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at age 62.



ADVERTISEMENT Anna died after suffering a stroke, People



"It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away at the early age of 62 from a stroke," Anna's family told the magazine in a statement.



"Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten."



Anna was a fan favorite on . She began appearing on the Netflix series back on Season 1 in 2021.



"I wasn't even expecting to be in front of the camera," Anna previously told People of her success on the reality show.



"I'm very shy and I went along with whatever situation was happening. I was just being me."



On the latest season of , which was released on Netflix in October, Anna was reportedly shown telling her co-stars, "There are more things in life than superficial bullsh-t."



Anna -- whose father was the founder of Pacific Architects and Engineers, a global contractor for American defense services -- was known to be very "super, super wealthy," according to 's Kane Lim.



Anna is survived by her son Kenny Kemp and her grandchildren.



Anna's friends have been grieving her loss on social media ever since the reality TV star's death made headlines.



Kane wrote, "You will be missed @annashay93. Rest in Peace. You had a nonchalance about you that was mesmerizing and captivated audience around the world. I was lucky to get to know the real you and not many knew about our friendship off camera."



"We had a real friendship and though the show made things or even portrayed us a little crazy at times you knew who I really was as a person and had my back in the end," Kane continued.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

"We spent most of the pandemic together, slaying it on Rodeo dr, grocery shopping, making Japanese plum wine and doing silly things. Thank you for your company. I will always remember you for your tenacity for life and resilience and whether the camera is on or off you, you slayyyy. Continue to slay in the heavens. Love Kane."



Kevin Kreider shared on Instagram that "you never know when your last goodbye will be," adding of Anna's passing, "So unexpected and wished when I saw you last for lunch I would have taken a moment to smell the roses and had one last adventure with you."



Kelly Mi Li shared a slideshow of photos with Anna and gushed about how she was "truly one of a kind" and will be missed forever.



Kim Lee expressed shocked by admitting in an Instagram post, "I can't believe I'm writing this right now. Anna, we're going to miss you. I'm glad we got to cross paths. I cried and laughed with you and shared so much memories with you on screen."



"I loved your realness and humor and one thing u taught all of us is not to take life too serious," Kim noted. "Anna Shay we love you Queen!! You will forever be missed. #BLINGEMPIRE."



Christine Chiu, despite her on-screen tension with Anna, recalled a special off-screen moment she had shared with Anna, and Jaime Xie penned via Instagram Stories, "You will be so dearly missed. Rest in peace Anna. Our many memories together will stay forever in my heart."



About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON GOOGLE NEWS star Anna Shay has suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at age 62.Anna died after suffering a stroke, People reported "It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away at the early age of 62 from a stroke," Anna's family told the magazine in a statement."Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten."Anna was a fan favorite on . She began appearing on the Netflix series back on Season 1 in 2021."I wasn't even expecting to be in front of the camera," Anna previously told People of her success on the reality show."I'm very shy and I went along with whatever situation was happening. I was just being me."On the latest season of , which was released on Netflix in October, Anna was reportedly shown telling her co-stars, "There are more things in life than superficial bullsh-t."Anna -- whose father was the founder of Pacific Architects and Engineers, a global contractor for American defense services -- was known to be very "super, super wealthy," according to 's Kane Lim.Anna is survived by her son Kenny Kemp and her grandchildren.Anna's friends have been grieving her loss on social media ever since the reality TV star's death made headlines.Kane wrote, "You will be missed @annashay93. Rest in Peace. You had a nonchalance about you that was mesmerizing and captivated audience around the world. I was lucky to get to know the real you and not many knew about our friendship off camera.""We had a real friendship and though the show made things or even portrayed us a little crazy at times you knew who I really was as a person and had my back in the end," Kane continued."We spent most of the pandemic together, slaying it on Rodeo dr, grocery shopping, making Japanese plum wine and doing silly things. Thank you for your company. I will always remember you for your tenacity for life and resilience and whether the camera is on or off you, you slayyyy. Continue to slay in the heavens. Love Kane."Kevin Kreider shared on Instagram that "you never know when your last goodbye will be," adding of Anna's passing, "So unexpected and wished when I saw you last for lunch I would have taken a moment to smell the roses and had one last adventure with you."Kelly Mi Li shared a slideshow of photos with Anna and gushed about how she was "truly one of a kind" and will be missed forever.Kim Lee expressed shocked by admitting in an Instagram post, "I can't believe I'm writing this right now. Anna, we're going to miss you. I'm glad we got to cross paths. I cried and laughed with you and shared so much memories with you on screen.""I loved your realness and humor and one thing u taught all of us is not to take life too serious," Kim noted. "Anna Shay we love you Queen!! You will forever be missed. #BLINGEMPIRE."Christine Chiu, despite her on-screen tension with Anna, recalled a special off-screen moment she had shared with Anna, and Jaime Xie penned via Instagram Stories, "You will be so dearly missed. Rest in peace Anna. Our many memories together will stay forever in my heart." BLING EMPIRE MORE BLING EMPIRE NEWS << PRIOR STORY

'The Bachelorette' star Rachel Recchia shares advice for dealng with a bad breakup NEXT STORY >>

'The Bachelorette' alum Becca Kufrin shows off baby bump and new sonogram photo

Get more Reality TV World! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or add our RSS feed.













ADVERTISEMENT

























ADVERTISEMENT



















































Page generated Sun Jun 11, 2023 19:49 pm in 0.71865510940552 seconds




CBS announced additional performances for the Tony Awards on Thursday. The Awards show airs Sunday at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT on CBS.

ADVERTISEMENT

2022 Tony winner Joaquina Kalukango will perform, as will the casts of A Beautiful Noise and Funny Girl. CBS also teased "a special performance" in honor of Lifetime Achievement in Theater winners Joel Grey and John Kander.

Additionally, casts of the shows Camelot, Into the Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will perform.

Previously, Skylar Astin announced he and Julianne Hough are hosting a pre-show. Ariana DeBose hosts the awards, which will be unscripted due to the Writers Guild of America strike.
Dancing with the Stars alum Julianne Hough and So Help Me Todd star Skylar Astin are set to host The Tony Awards: Act One, a live pre-show with exclusive content.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Let's gooooo!!!!!! See you Sunday for @TheTonyAwards," Astin tweeted Wednesday.

The program is set to air free on Pluto TV on June 11 from 6:30-8 p.m. EDT.

West Side Story Oscar winner Ariana DeBose will preside over the main event on CBS after that.

The event honoring excellence in Broadway theater will take place at the United Palace in New York City's Washington Heights.

Some Like It Hot leads the field of this year's nominees with 13, including Best Musical.

& Juliet, New York, New York and Shucked followed with nine nominations each, while Kimberly Akimbo and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street both have eight.

Ain't No Mo', A Doll's House, Into the Woods, Leopoldstadt and Parade are each up for six awards.
A BUDGET PISTOL THAT BRINGS MORE THAN YOU EXPECT

Were in a golden age of budget-priced pistols that are also durable and reliable. While there are lots of options out there, one of the best might be the Palmetto State Armory Dagger line.

A clone of the ever-popular Glock Gen 3, the Dagger has some new tricks that deserve a closer look.

PSA DAGGER SPECS

Model: Palmetto Dagger Compact

Caliber: 9mm

Action: Striker Fired

Weight: 22.4oz (unloaded)

Overall Length: 7.15

Overall Width: 1.28

Overall Height: 4.78 (Without Mag)

Barrel Length: 3.9

Barrel Material: Stainless Steel

Barrel Finish: DLC Coating

Twist Rate: SAAMI Spec 1:10

Slide Material: Stainless Steel

Slide Finish: DLC Coating

Frame: Polymer

Front Sight: Steel  White Dot

Rear Sight: Steel  White Two Dot

Safety: Striker Block Safety & Trigger Safety

Magazine: Comes with One (1) 15rd Magazine

A GLOCK BY ANY OTHER NAME

The Glock 17 was invented in 1982, and the Glock 19 would follow a few years later in 88. Here we are 35 years later, and while Glock is on their 5th generation of Perfection, there are also at least a dozen Glock 17/19 clones on the market. Mostly clones of the Gen 3, since that has become more or less the defacto standard.

Why? Because it works. It works really, really well. And its pretty inexpensive to make. The Glock 17/19 isnt a complex design, thats part of what makes it work so well, and its a well-understood design.

Feel free to roast me in the comments, but I would almost equate Glocks design to the AR-15. As long as it is made to spec, the parts arent crummy, and there isnt a major deviation from the standard, its actually pretty hard to make a bad AR-15 or, in our case, a bad Glock.

Does that mean every AR-15 is on par with Knights Armament? Of course not. But unless youre doing Tier 1 green-eye-spooky stuff, will it matter?

There are a lot of brands in the firearms world that dont really have much of a personal identity, but there are a few that stand out as being unique in what they offer.

Palmetto State Armory, in my experience, is one such brand. Their place in the world is exactly what they claim it is  We want to sell as many AR-15 and AK-47 rifles as we can and put them into common use in America today.

I would say that now extends to their Dagger line as well. Not that Glock clones werent in common use already, but more is more.

The PSA Dagger is mechanically a Glock 19 Gen 3 clone. Parts are interchangeable, from the slide to the sights to the trigger to the magazines. The Dagger Compact is a G19 with different clothes, some different features, and a much lower price.

One major feature that does make the Dagger stand out is the fact that much like a SIG Sauer P320, Dagger Compact, and Dagger full-size parts are mix-and-match. A compact slide can go on a full-size frame, a full-size slide on a compact frame, etc.

This is something Glock can't do. The G17 and G19 use a radically different barrel geometry that makes the two incompatible. The Dagger solving this issue opens the door for some really cool options if you're so inclined.

OPTIONS, LOTS OF OPTIONS

PSA offers its Dagger in a huge range of options. Full-size (Glock 17 size), Compact (Glock 19 size), or Micro (Glock 43x size)

Honestly, its a little overwhelming. Customizing your Glock or Glock-clone is a hobby in itself for some people, but with the Dagger, you can probably order exactly what you want without too much trouble.

Threaded barrels, TiN coated barrels, optics ready, rear sight forward of the optic cut, green slides, FDE slides, colored frames, suppressor sights, get a Dagger and an AR-15 package, Dagger with 10 magazines package, American flag Cerakote Dagger, just the frame, just the slide, the list goes on, and on.

All of these for way, way less than you might expect. The base Dagger is about $300. Dagger + 10 magazines run about $400.

Even the fanciest Dagger still tops out at about $400 and comes optics ready, threaded and TiN coated barrel, rear sight forward of the optic, with a slide that has extra cuts.

ON THE RANGE

This Dagger is as basic as they come. Iron sights, no optic, just a standard Compact sized Dagger with nothing fancy. MSRP is $300, and it came with a single Magpul Glock 19 magazine.

I made zero changes or modifications to this gun before review. Just shot it clean as is.

I used an even mix of Glock magazines, Magpul PMAGs for Glock, and a couple of Torkmags that were sent to me to try out.

Glock 19 magazine with a +5 extension plate (20-round total), Torkmag (20-round), and Magpul PMAG (15-round)

The Glock and PMAGs are nothing special, but the Torkmags are interesting. Glock pattern magazines that are G17 with a +2 extension size but hold 20 rounds.

Ive run about 500 rounds through the Dagger. Most of that was standard FMJ, but about 100 rounds of various defensive rounds like Hornady Critical Defense. So far, 500 for 500. No malfs, no failures, zero problems. This shouldnt be surprising since, at this point, this should be exactly what we expect from a gun like this.

Big thanks to Hornady for providing some of the defensive ammo, and to AmmunitionToGo.com for sending a big package of FMJ out.

The Good

I really like the texturing of the grip. It doesnt look like it would be very aggressive, but its actually really grippy and feels good in my hand. It isnt harsh or sharp, so it doesnt wear to badly when you carry IWB, but it does grab your hand when you grip down on it. Huge props for that, and, to me, a major improvement over Glocks texturing.

Slide serrations arent groundbreaking, but theyre deep, easy to grab, and are on the front and rear of the slide.

The 3-dot metal iron sights are a nice plus and a lot more durable than other options. I would have liked the base Dagger to have night sights, but thats an upgrade.

The slide release is as expected, but the takedown lever is nice. Very easy to grab and use. While Glocks isnt bad, I would say the Daggers is easier.

Cutout in the bottom of the frame makes stripping magazines out super easy. Big fan of this.

The Okay

Trigger pull isnt 2011, but its not the worst, either. My old EDC Glock had an Apex kit and a TyrentCNC trigger shoe to make the trigger shorter, slightly lighter, and much crisper.

Side-by-side, the Daggers trigger is as good as my upgraded Glock trigger and much better than the stock Glock trigger. Its a little different, but it is as good, in my opinion.

The Daggers trigger is a hinged trigger that acts the same as Glocks trigger safety, just a different presentation of it. Hinged triggers arent my favorite since they tend to feel squishy, but at least you dont have a trigger blade digging into your finger.

The pull itself is a bit long and soft, but that in itself is a safety feature.

When you hit the wall, its decently firm and well-defined. Not a glass-rod break, but not horrible either. Overtravel is extremely short (love that), and the reset is also very short (love it also.)

Overall, I like the trigger of the Dagger  but at the same time, it isnt competition quality or something that will knock your socks off. Its good for what it is, a compact CCW trigger.

The Bad

This is mostly a me problem, but I cant reach the magazine release. My thumbs are a little short, and I normally like extended magazine releases on nearly all of my pistols (my EDC Glock had an extended mag release), so I recognize this is partly just my physiology. That said, the mag release on the Dagger is really short. I can normally at least touch the magazine release with my thumb, but on the Dagger, I cant at all.

Not really a problem and something that is easy to fix if you want, but its something that exists. Arguably, this is a feature and not a bug since its harder to drop your mag accidentally, and thats not horrible on a CCW.

Flat-out not a fan of the rail on the dust cover of the Dagger. I know its Glock-spec, and this means that all of your Glock-spec lights and lasers will fit the Dagger, but I really hate Glock has made this a standard thing, and it limits people (and the market) as a whole. Ill spare you my rant on this topic, but the bottom line is I would rather see a true 1913 Pic rail spec on the dust cover.

That being said, there isnt anything wrong with it since it does work for what it is. My lights with their Glock fitment blocks had zero issues locking into the rail.

LOOSE ROUNDS

Dollar for dollar, Im not sure there is a pistol on the market that can touch the Dagger line. The price is just crazy low, and you get a ton of gun for the money.

Sure, the Dagger isnt the fanciest 2011 or anything super sexy like that. It is exactly what it presents itself to be, a high-value pistol that anyone and everyone can own that will get the job done.

Getting a good defensive pistol has never been easier. Or, for a little more money, you can get an optics-ready home defense/CCW pistol or get your pistol with 10 magazines for loads of range training. All of these are great options and still come in at a rock-bottom price.

The Dagger isnt my new CCW or my new favorite gun, but I wouldnt feel unsafe or under-armed carrying one or keeping one on my bedside table. For me, this is likely going to be a secondary home-defense gun, like a bathroom gun or an ottoman gun. For the price, I might get a few more and just sprinkle them throughout the house.
SBI detains top management, owners of concern supplied components for Russia's military-industrial complex; among detainees is ex-MP of Party of Regions

Officers of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) are identifying and detaining top management and owners of a concern that supplied components for the military-industrial complex of Russia, among the detainees is a former MP, a member of the Party of Regions, the SBI said.

SBI Communications Adviser Tetiana Sapian said on the air of the national telethon on Thursday that it was an investigation into the supply of components for the military-industrial complex of Russia by the concern, which has factories in Sumy and Poltava.

According to Sapian, these factories made certain components and sent them to the Russian market even after the full-scale invasion.

"Since 2014 the plant has continued to export 95% of its products to the Russian market," she said.

"Today, investigators and operatives of SBI under the procedural leadership of the Prosecutor General's Office are establishing and detaining the owners and top management of this concern, which continued to provide the Russian military-industrial complex with components," Sapian said.

According to her, part of the top management of enterprises has already been detained, part is being established. "Suspicions are being voiced of creating a criminal organization and complicity with the aggressor state," she said. "In particular, the organizer of the scheme, a former MP, a member of the Party of Regions, was detained today, more than 30 searches are currently being carried out," the SBI communications adviser said.

She said the former MP is the founder and owner of the concern, but she did not say the name of the deputy. According to Sapian, during the searches, in particular, Russian passports were found. She said the investigation of the case had been going on for more than a year.

Another part of the participants in the scheme, as noted by the communications adviser, will be put on the wanted list.

"Among the suspects there are citizens of Russia. So far, suspicions will be brought against them in absentia," she said.

The communications adviser said at present the work of enterprises is limited, the supply of components through third countries to Russia is blocked.

According to her, during Russia's full-scale invasion into Ukraine, the concern supplied products to Russia through controlled foreign and Russian lining companies.

"It was these sealing companies that made an order from the Ukrainian manufacturer  factories located in Sumy and Poltava... then the products were transferred to a third party, as it turned out, this is Russia," Sapian said.
India's import of discounted crude oil from the Russian Federation hit an all-time high in May, with state-run refiner IOC becoming the biggest importer of Russian oil, relegating Reliance Industries to the second place, trade and shipping data show.

Photograph: Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters

Indian imports of Russian oil, accounting for over 46 per cent of its total crude oil imports in May, have grown after strong backing by New Delhi, with state-run refiners powering imports of discounted crude.

Discounts on Russian oil average around $10 a barrel, said an official from a state-run refiner. IOC's May purchases rose by 64 per cent on the month, and accounted for half of its total crude imports last month, ship tracking data show.

India imported about 65 million barrels of Russian crude in May compared to 60 million barrels in April, and 26 million barrels in May 2022, according to data from Paris-based commodity market intelligence firm Kpler.

IOC bought 23 million barrels last month compared to Reliance's 15 million barrels.

That compares to Reliance and IOC's purchases of 16 million barrels and 14 million barrels in April respectively.

India's oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri told at industry event last week that it makes no sense to have energy availability without affordability.

India's top ministers have on several occasions stressed on Indian refiners pursuing the cheapest source of oil to ensure affordable fuels for Indian consumers in spite of sustained pressure from Washington and Brussels to moderate purchases of Russian oil.

But IOC, which saves hundreds of millions of dollars on Russian oil purchases, has not passed on its gains from cheaper supplies to Indian consumers at the pump.

Russian oil supplies exceeded the combined shipments of the next six biggest shippers, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, UAE, Kuwait and the US in May.

Supplies from the US dropped to four million barrels in May and 16 million barrels in May 2021, prior to the Ukraine war, reflecting how Russia has eaten into US market share, Kplers ship-tracking data shows.

US share of the Indian oil market has dropped to less than 3 per cent last month from 13 per cent in May 2021.

Purchases from Russia averaged around 2.1 million barrels a day in May, predominantly of Russian Urals--a medium, sour grade similar to Gulf crude.

Indias crude imports totaled 4.5 million barrels a day.

Urals, a grade that typically trades below a G-7 grouping-imposed price cap, accounts for 68 per cent.

Most of the remaining grades such as Sokol, ESPO and Varandey, light and sweet crudes that are more expensive than heavier oils, typically trade above the cap.

But Indian state-run refiners insist all their Russian imports trade below the price cap.

ONGC chairman Arun Kumar Singh said at a recent media briefing that MRPLs Russian oil imports fall below the price cap.

Refiners said the invoices presented to banks have pricing details, which are given by sellers and never exceed the cap.

The US-led G7 imposed a $60 a barrel cap on the loading price of exports of Russian crude in December.

Since then, Indian purchases from Russia have jumped by 76 per cent.
An Air India flight landed safely in San Francisco on Thursday carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members from Magadan in far east Russia where they were stranded for two days after the original aircraft had to be diverted following a mid-air engine glitch.

IMAGE An Air India flight halts at the San Francisco International Airport, USA. Photograph: PTI Photo

The airline apologised to the customers for the "extended delay", regretted the disruption and inconvenience caused to them and also announced full refund of their ticket price along with a voucher for future travel on Air India.

Air India's non-stop flight AI-173 for San Francisco had taken off from Delhi on June 6 at 4.23 am and was scheduled to land in San Francisco the next day at 7 am (local time).

However, one of the aircraft's engines suffered a glitch mid-air, forcing the cockpit crew to land the aircraft in emergency at an airport in the port city of Magadan.

On Wednesday, Air India dispatched a ferry flight from Mumbai to Magadan, with food, essentials and a team of engineers, to fly the stranded passengers and crew to their destination, which landed there at 0614 hours (local time) on June 8 and later departed for San Francisco from the port city at 1027 hours.

"Flight AI173D landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 0007 hours on 08 June 2023 (local time)," the carrier said.

The touchdown for these 232 persons at San Francisco at 7 minutes past midnight on Thursday, however, happened after more than 56 hours from the time they stepped into the aircraft.

Magadan is located on the shores of the Sea of Okhotsk in north-eastern Russia and falls under the administrative centre of Magadan Oblast. The port town is about 10,167 kilometres from Moscow. It takes around 7 hours and 37 minutes to reach Magadan from Moscow by air.

Air India, which is now owned by the home-grown salt-to-steel conglomerate Tata Group, has announced it will compensate all passengers with "full refund and voucher for travel in future" for this "extended delay".

Besides expressing "regret" for the disruption and inconvenience, the airline also "sincerely apologised" to the customers for the "extended delay" in bringing them to their destination, as per the communication sent out to customers by its Chief Customer Experience and Ground Handling Officer Rajesh Dogra.

"We will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India," Dogra said in the communication.

Among the passengers, there were less than 50 American citizens on board the flight that was diverted to Magadan and had to make an emergency landing in the remote city, the US Department of States had said.

"We understand that there were less than 50 US citizens aboard that flight. We also understand that a relief aircraft is expected to arrive later today to assist the Air India flight and the passengers continue on with their route," Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson of the state department, told reporters on Wednesday at his daily news conference.

The private full-service carrier justified its flight crew's decision to land at a place which did not have adequate facilities for the stranded people, saying that "safety" was the highest priority throughout.

"The aircraft encountered a technical issue whereby the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine. Out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport rather than continue the journey," Air India said.

It also said that while the facilities in Magadan, a small city, may not have met the standard we would normally aim to provide, "we are grateful for your tolerance and understanding that our local agents and crew did their best under the circumstances."

After initially stating that the passengers and crew were accommodated "in hotels locally", Air India later said that the "infrastructure constraints" forced it to lodge them in make-shift accommodations.

Air India in its communication also said that though it dispatched a relief flight at the earliest possible opportunity given the need to obtain insurance and flight plan approvals, clearly, the duration of delay was "long", and the "experience was not what we aspire to offer".
The government believes firms which are subject to China's laws could be forced to hand over information to Beijing's security services.

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: PTI Photo

The government has no plans of providing trusted source certificates to Chinese telecom equipment manufacturers such as Huawei and ZTE yet, thereby keeping them locked out of India's telecom sector, according to officials in the Department of Telecommunications.

Officials pointed at national security concerns to block Chinese firms in telecom.

In the backdrop of Shein, a Chinese fashion major, making a comeback three years after it was forced to shut its India business, there was expectation that Chinese vendors may be allowed in telecom.

Shein is coming through a joint venture with Reliance Industries.

In fact, telecom ventures with Chinese vendors have also been reported in the recent past, with no confirmation on the status of approvals.

In early April, media reports suggested Vodafone Idea had placed orders with ZTE for its 4G network expansion in certain circles.

However, the company has not officially confirmed the reports till date. Queries sent to Vodafone Idea on the matter did not elicit a response.

When contacted, DoT officials said none of the major private telecom service providers had sourced "un-authoriSed" equipment so far.

Officials told Business Standard that national security concerns surrounding companies such as Huawei and ZTE prompted the government to keep them out when the issue came under discussions recently.

They said two telecom service providers (TSPs) had recently informally requested the government to reconsider whether certain categories of telecom gear could be sourced from China.

The companies had cited cost pressure while seeking Chinese gears at a time when network expansion for both 5G and 4G continues in India.

Without the coveted 'trusted source' tags, the companies can't supply network equipment to the Indian market.

Products manufactured by the Chinese firms have also not received trusted product approvals.

While India has banned several Chinese-origin apps, it hasn't explicitly barred the telecom equipment makers. But without the requisite permissions, they have been fast eclipsed in India by their competitors including Siemens, Cisco and Samsung.

"Apart from being a sensitive sector, telecommunications in India is at a crucial stage owing to the 5G rollout. The devices which are driving the massive economic and industrial change not only have to be technologically fool-proof, but also have to be sourced from parties who have to be beyond reproach," a senior DoT official said.

The issue is being monitored closely but there is no change in policy position at the moment, he said.

Industry insiders said TSPs have tweaked their supply chains to shift their sourcing requirement to non-Chinese companies.

Case in point, the ongoing 5G rollout by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel has been powered by Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment from Finland-based telecom equipment giants Nokia and Ericsson.

Higher scrutiny

The government believes firms which are subject to China's laws could be forced to hand over information to Beijing's security services.

The companies have denied this, but officials in India pointed to a rash of restrictions placed on Chinese hardware manufacturers globally.

The US had first placed restrictions on Chinese telecom companies deemed to be national security risks back in May 2019.

Additional restrictions on companies including Huawei and ZTE were placed in November 2022 when the US Federal Communications Commission expanded its ban on the sale and import of Chinese technology and especially telecom and video surveillance equipment.

After confrontations between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh in 2020, the government announced a national security directive on the telecom sector.

Announced in December 2020, it aimed at preserving the integrity of the supply chain and prioritising Indian suppliers over international ones in the sector.

As a result, with effect from June 15, 2021, telecom service providers have been mandatorily required to connect to their networks only those new devices which are designated as 'trusted products' from 'trusted sources'.

The National Cyber Security Coordinator is the designated authority for determining whether a vendor or product can be given these coveted tags as well as the methodology for such inclusion.

The determination is based on approval of a committee called the National Security Committee on Telecom.

Multiple sources in the know said the committee had not taken a call on the paperwork submitted by Chinese firms to secure authorisation.

Chinese manufacturers had till recently dominated the telecom sector because of their competitive prices and tailor-made solutions for Indian customers.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have had large exposure to these companies.

More than 50 per cent of the telecom equipment used by state-owned BSNL was from Chinese manufacturers too, data provided by the Department of Telecom to Parliament in 2020 shows.

This includes 44 per cent from Huawei and 9 per cent from ZTE.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The three-tier panchayat polls in West Bengal, seen as a litmus test ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will be held on July 8.

IMAGE: West Bengal State Election Commissioner Rajiv Sinha declares the date of panchayat election during a press conference in Kolkata, June 8, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha on Thursday said that the village council elections will be held on a single day, with the deadline for filing nominations set for June 15. The votes will be counted on July 11.

The opposition parties alleged that the time given for filing nominations is not enough as a huge number of candidates will have to file nominations for over 70,000 seats in just seven days, a contention mocked by the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee conceded that the elections, which were scheduled in May, were delayed.

"The panchayat polls are scheduled for July 8. The last date for filing nominations is June 15. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is June 20," Sinha said in a press conference in New Delhi.

During the state's three-tier Panchayat elections, there will be contests in 928 seats across 22 Zilla Parishads, 9,730 Panchayat Samiti seats, and 63,229 Gram Panchayats seats.

Around 5.67 crore people are eligible to vote in the elections.

Sinha did not directly address whether the elections would be conducted under the supervision of central forces, as demanded by opposition parties.

"The state possesses an adequate police force to ensure fair and transparent elections. We should have complete trust in the state police," he stated.

In 2013, the panchayat polls were held with central forces stationed at every polling booth in the state. Despite their deployment, the TMC, which had been in power for two years at that time, won over 85 per cent of the seats, with the opposition alleging malpractices.

Asked about the opposition parties' concerns that the rural polls might witness violence as was the case in the 2018 panchayat polls, Sinha exuded confidence that the elections will be peaceful.

"Why should I doubt whether the elections will be peaceful or not? We are confident that the elections will be peaceful and fair," asserted the SEC who was appointed on Wednesday.

In the 2018 rural polls, the TMC won 90 per cent of the Panchayat seats in the state and all 22 Zilla Parishads. However, these elections were marred by widespread violence and malpractices, with the opposition alleging they were prevented from filing nominations in several seats across the state.

Sinha dismissed a question regarding announcement of the election date without an all-party meeting, stating that there was "no such rule that dates cannot be announced without an all-party meeting."

The ruling TMC dismissed the demand to deploy central forces as "unreasonable."

"The Trinamool Congress is prepared for the Panchayat polls. The opposition will witness the party's support. In no state, rural polls are conducted with the deployment of central forces. So why should Bengal be an exception? The demand is unrealistic and irrational," stated TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh.

Mocking the opposition for complaining about lack of time to file nominations, Ghosh said, "If they can't find candidates, we will provide them with one."

The opposition BJP criticised the unilateral announcement by the SEC as "murder of democracy" and questioned the feasibility of filing nominations for over 70,000 seats within a span of just seven days.

"For the first time ever, the Panchayat Elections have been announced unilaterally without convening a single all-party meeting at the block levels, district levels, or at state level," Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari tweeted.

The BJP leader expressed concerns about the lack of dialogue regarding the security measures for the upcoming single-phase elections.

He also claimed that the SEC intends to work like a frontal organisation of the TMC.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha will be held responsible for any casualty resulting from potential election-related violence due to this hasty declaration and lack of reasonable diligence," he added.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was sceptical about whether the polls would be free and fair.

We have seen how elections are held under the TMC regime using the state police. We have witnessed loot of people's mandate during the 2018 panchayat elections, he said.

Communist Party of India-Marxist state secretary Mohammed Salim congratulated newly-appointed SEC Rajiva Sinha for promptly announcing the panchayat elections within a day of his taking over, while demanding that the constitutional body be as alert and take prompt action till the elections on July 8.

"We had expected such a hurried announcement and were prepared for it," he said.

Salim said that to ensure a free and fair election, an ecosystem has to be created to ensure that the police administration, general administration and the election machinery are impartial.

With most of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal having rural and semi-rural areas administered by panchayats, the results of the panchayat polls are considered to be an indicator of which way the state will vote in the 2024 general elections.
The five persons detained in Maharashtra's Kolhapur for allegedly keeping offensive social media account status and an image of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan were college-going minors and a probe was underway to find what or who prompted them to indulge in such an act, a senior police official said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Members of the Hindu organisations stage a protest demanding strict action against two people for posting objectionable status on social media, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk, in Kolhapur, June 7, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Kolhapur city in western Maharashtra saw violent protests from right-wing outfits on Wednesday over some persons keeping an image of Tipu Sultan and an offensive audio message as their social media status.

"Two cases were filed in the city in regard to the objectionable posts and five youths were detained. All these youths are minors and college-going students. We are finding out whom they are associated with and who provoked them to keep such a status," Kolhapur superintendent of police Mahendra Pandit said.

"Their phones have been seized and are being analysed. As per preliminary information provided by these five, they had copied each other's social media status and used it for their accounts. Moreover, initial probe hints at videos being downloaded from the internet," the SP told a press conference.

The SP also said the youth had an inkling of trouble ahead as they had deleted their social media accounts around the time when some persons approached the police over the objectionable status.

"We are trying to retrieve the app and data to find out where they got the videos. As of now, we cannot say whether they were provoked. We are also investigating some social media accounts that are trying to set a particular narrative. Details like who these belong to, when they were created, mobile numbers they are associated with are being ascertained," Pandit informed.

In connection with the violence that took place at Shivaji Chowk on Wednesday, three cases have been registered against 300-400 persons, and 36 persons have been rounded up, while three juveniles have been detained, the SP said.

CCTV clips from the area were being checked to identify those who indulged in stone pelting and a probe is also underway to see if provocative speeches were made during the agitation, he said.

The internet service shutdown, which was put in place as a precautionary measure, will be in effect till midnight (Thursday-Friday), the SP informed.

Queried about a stone pelting incident in Wadange village, Pandit said he had visited the site on Wednesday night and efforts were on to nab those involved.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's address at the inauguration of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's East Delhi campus on Thursday was interrupted by chants of 'Modi, Modi', with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of creating a ruckus at the event.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses the inauguration of Dr BR Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence, at Dariyapur Kalan in New Delhi. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

In a swipe at those who interrupted him, the chief minister said if the education system could improve through 'such slogan' shouting, it would have in the last 70 years.

During his address, Kejriwal was speaking about the Delhi government's school education model when a section of the audience started chanting 'Modi, Modi' slogans.

"Please let me speak for five minutes. I urge people from this party and the other party to let me speak," he said.

"I know you might not like my ideas and thoughts. You can make comments but this is not right. Everyone has the right to speak in this democracy," he said on being interrupted again.

The AAP alleged that BJP workers created a 'ruckus' during the programme but Kejriwal silenced them through his brilliant reply.

While the inauguration event was underway, there was sloganeering outside the campus as well between AAP and BJP workers.

The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's east Delhi campus has become the latest flashpoint between the AAP-led city government and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, with both sides claiming that they would inaugurate the newly built campus.

Both the parties have accused one another of trying to take undue credit for the new campus.
India on Thursday warned Canada against giving space to separatists and extremists elements, saying it was not good for the bilateral ties, days after a video of a float, depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, at a parade in Brampton went viral on social media.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he has a similar message to the United Kingdom and Australia against allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from their territories.

On the issue of around 700 Indian students facing deportation from Canada due to fraudulent admissions, the external affairs minister said that India is in touch with Canada over it.

Asked about the Brampton event, the minister said, "I think there is a bigger issue involved. And the bigger issue involved really is the space that Canada has continuously and frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this."

"Because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history. It is not only one incident, however egregious it may be," Jaishankar said.

"I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence and I think it is not good for relationships and not good for Canada," he added.

A video has emerged on social media that showed a float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, in what appeared to be a glorification of violence by Sikh separatists. It was reportedly part of a parade that was organised by some Khalistani elements in Brampton.

Asked about reports of the Canadian NSA criticising India For commenting on Canada's internal matter, Jaishankar used a Hindi phrase.

"The phrase that came to mind is actually a Hindi phrase which is ulta chor kotwal ko daate (the pot calling the kettle black).. If anybody has a complaint, we have a complaint about Canada... I was very perplexed by what I heard," he said.

Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay tweeted that there is no place in Canada for "hate or for the glorification of violence".

"I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," he said.

On the activities of Khalistani elements, Jaishankar said India has issues in the UK and Australia as well, apart from Canada.

"Our point is that they are a very small minority. They do not represent any significant body of opinion. Our plea (to these countries) has been that please understand that these are marginal elements, extremist elements; they are not good for you, they are not good for us, they are not good for the relationship," he said.

"It is not a message limited to Canada. Canada came up because you raised it and certain things have happened recently in Canada. If it happened somewhere we would have said the same things," Jaishankar said.

On some Indian students facing deportation from Canada over charges that they did not study in the colleges they applied for, Jaishankar said India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities.

"If there were people who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said.

The external affairs minister said the Canadian prime minister has also made a statement in the house of commons on the issue.

"We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said.

Meanwhile, the Congress leader and former Union minister Milind Deora shared the purported video on Twitter and said, "As an Indian, I'm appalled by the 5 km-long parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi," he tweeted.

"It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history and the pain caused by its Prime Minister's assassination," Deora said.

The Congress leader asserted that this extremism deserves universal condemnation and a united response.

Tagging Deora's tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "I entirely agree! This is despicable and Dr S Jaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities."

Responding to Deora's tweet, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, "You are completely right... There should be no politics in condemning this despicable act across party lines."

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said an Indian prime minister was assassinated by separatist forces and her assassination has been glorified by pro-Khalistan extremists in Canada.

"And all that our government has done is make this one general comment -- without even naming Smt Indira Gandhi. Our national interests and security must be above any political concerns. India must take this up officially with the Canadian government," Shrinate tweeted.

The Congress also asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not spoken to his counterpart and why the Canadian envoy not summoned to lodge a strong protest over the issue.
With as many as 82 bodies of victims of the Balasore train crash which occurred nearly a week ago remaining, Odisha government Thursday held discussions with the officials from West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand seeking help in early identification and disposal of the human remains preserved in Bhubaneswar.

IMAGE: NDRF personnel carry the recovered bodies of passengers in the Odisha train accident, at Bahanaga railway station of Balasore district in Odisha, June 3, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange said, "We are also coordinating with other state government officials to verify the claimants and speed up the identification process."

Kulange also said that the BMC is coordinating between Railways and AIIMS Bhubaneswar. He said the officials of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have been requested to help expedite body identification.

"A control room has been set up to assist relatives of the victims. Food and lodging facilities are also being provided to people coming to receive bodies," he added.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar said out of the 162 bodies kept at the institute, 80 bodies have been handed over to the families of deceased persons while 82 other remain unidentified.

What has come as a problem is that some bodies are being claimed by multiple families, Therefore, DNA sampling is the only scientific process left for handling over the bodies.

"We have collected about 50 DNA samples. In the first batch 29 samples were sent to AIIMS Delhi and its test reports are expected within two more days. Once the DNA report reaches her, we can give some of these bodies to their rightful family," an official of AIIMS Bhubaneswar said.

BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said, "The bodies are preserved at below minus 18 degree Centigrade in containers and there is no fear of further decay.",

Meanwhile, Srikand Dey, a resident of Kuchvihar in West Bengal, alleged that his son's body numbed 14 among the dead bodies, has been handed over to a family in Bihar.

"The officials told me to undergo DNA testing and I have done so. But, before the DNA report came, the body has been handed over to some other," he alleged.
Until end of war, NATO states not to send their troops to Ukraine  FM Kuleba

NATO countries will not send troops to the territory of Ukraine until the end of the war, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said.

"Until the end of the war on the territory of Ukraine, foreign states will not send their troops to Ukraine. Moreover, we do not ask for this. We say: give us weapons," Kuleba said on the air of the Snidanok 1+1 television program on Thursday.

Kuleba also said that after Ukraine becomes a member of NATO, when the war ends, Ukrainian brigades will be stationed in other NATO countries and will protect them.

The minister reiterated that Ukraine's membership in NATO cannot end the war, but it will prevent new wars.

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told The Guardian that as part of the discussion on future security guarantees for Ukraine, individual NATO members may agree to the introduction of their troops into Ukrainian territory.

According to Rasmussen, if NATO fails to decide on steps for Ukraine's membership or its security guarantee at the Vilnius summit, "there is a clear possibility that some countries individually might take action."

"We know that Poland is very engaged in providing concrete assistance to Ukraine. And I wouldnt exclude the possibility that Poland would engage even stronger in this context on a national basis and be followed by the Baltic states, maybe including the possibility of troops on the ground," Rasmussen said.

According to the former Secretary General of the Alliance, Warsaw "would seriously consider going in and assemble a coalition of the willing if Ukraine doesnt get anything in Vilnius," and it would be quite legal for Ukraine to seek such military assistance.
The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the response of the Uttar Pradesh government to the bail plea of an octogenarian man who was convicted of selling adulterated buffalo milk and awarded jail sentence more than 38 years ago.

IMAGE: The Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo

Virendra Singh, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was caught selling adulterated milk on October 7, 1981 and was convicted on September 29, 1984 by a trial court, which awarded him one year rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

He challenged the order before the Bulandshahr sessions court, which on July 14, 1987 affirmed the trial court's order and upheld his conviction and sentence under the Act.

Aggrieved by the sessions court's order, Singh moved the Allahabad high court on July 28, 1987.

The high court, by a verdict passed on January 30, 2013, upheld his conviction but reduced the sentence to six months rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 2,000.

Singh, who was on bail for nearly four decades, surrendered before the trial court on April 20, 2023 and deposited the Rs 2,000 fine, more than a decade after the high court order. He was arrested and sent to jail.

A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal told advocate Ajesh Kumar Chawla, appearing for Singh, to explain the reasons for the delay in filing the appeal.

Chawla conceded there was a delay of 10 years in filing the appeal against the high court order but said it was not intentional.

He said as Singh was residing at an address that was different from what is mentioned in the court records, he was unaware of the high court order.

"He (Singh) came to know about the high court order only when he was asked to surrender in the month of April following a non-bailable arrest warrant issued against him by the trial court. Since then no time was wasted and he has filed the appeal in the Supreme Court," he submitted.

The bench said it cannot pass an ex-parte order and is issuing notice to the state government on the issue of delay as well as on the petition.

"Issue notice on the application seeking condonation of delay as well as on the petition," the bench said in its order.

Chawla said as per the high court order, he has to serve six months in jail, and if the matter is not heard urgently, his appeal will become infructuous.

Let the state government file its response to the plea, the bench told the lawyer.

Singh, now more than 85 years of age, has moved the top court for suspension of his sentence and bail on grounds that he is suffering from various ailments including asthma.

On June 6, Singh, through his lawyer Satish Kumar, sought urgent listing of the petition due to his deteriorating health.

The octogenarian has claimed in his plea that he is undergoing treatment at the jail hospital in Bulandshahr where his condition continues to worsen.

Singh's petition says the case against him was lodged after he was allegedly found selling adulterated milk on October 7, 1981. It says a food inspector checked the milk and obtained samples.

"...one part was sent to the public analyst, and as per report of the public analyst, the milk was found adulterated as the alleged fatty solids were 28 per cent less than standard and non fatty solids were 12 per cent less than the standard," the plea said.

It said Singh has filed the Special Leave Petition seeking the indulgence of the court to suspend his conviction and sentence in view of his deteriorating health.

Singh, who is currently lodged in Bulandshahar district jail, has sought as an interim relief quashing of charges levelled against him on August 1, 1984 before the trial court under section 7/16 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.

He has claimed he was a bus conductor by profession and had travelled from his native village Kiryawali to Kalyanpur for buying milk for religious rituals.

Singh said he was intercepted by food inspector H C Gupta when he was heading home from Kalyanpur.

Samples of the milk he was carrying were obtained and sent for analysis during which they were found to be adulterated.
The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday summoned senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, asking him to appear before its officers on June 13 in connection with its investigation into the primary school jobs scam in West Bengal.

IMAGE: Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee speaks to villagers at Salboni, in Medinipur, West Bengal, May 29, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Banerjee, considered number two in the party, declined to comply with the notice, citing his engagement with an ongoing mass outreach campaign and upcoming panchayat polls.

The notice was served hours after the central agency grilled Banerjee's wife Rujira for nearly four hours in connection with the coal pilferage case.

"Abhishek Banerjee has been asked to appear before our officers on June 13 at our Kolkata office at 11 am. We have called him for questioning for the alleged illegal appointments in different state-run and -aided schools," an ED official told PTI.

The officer said that the questioning will mainly be focussed on inputs received from arrested accused Sujay Krishan Bhadra aka 'Kalighat er Kaku" (uncle of Kalighat) and Kuntal Ghosh.

"We needed to cross-check him on the answers from Mr Bhadra and Mr Ghosh. We also have questions based on our findings of the scam," he said.

The TMC MP was grilled by Central Bureau of Investigation officers at their Kolkata office for over nine hours on May 20 in connection with their investigation into the primary school jobs scam.

Later in the night, while addressing a press conference in Nadia district, Banerjee said he does not have time to waste as he considers the questioning pointless.

Today my wife was questioned. The ED then sent me a notice to appear before it on June 13. Let me make it very clear that I am not a servant of the BJP, that I have to appear before the (central) agencies whenever they want.

I won't be able to go to the ED office as I will be busy with the mass outreach programme and campaigning for the panchayat polls which will be held on July 8, he said.

Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary, expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ED by providing it required documents and said he could "attend the questioning only after the conclusion of the panchayat polls".

He said he is not obligated to appear before investigative agencies at their whims.

These are just attempts to stop the successful mass outreach campaign. But such tricks won't work, Banerjee said.

Every time, central agencies have summoned me, I have cooperated with them. But there should be a limit to this harassment. Last time, the CBI summoned me, they wasted my nine hours, he said.

The ED has so far arrested West Bengal's former education minister Partha Chatterjee, his friend, and several TMC leaders including MLAs and education department officials for their alleged involvement in the multi-crore scam.

The CBI and the ED are investigating the case and the alleged money trail involved in it on orders of the Calcutta high court.
Schools in Madhya Pradesh will not be allowed to indulge in 'religious conversion' and impose a dress code that is not as per "Indian culture," Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Thursday as an FIR was registered against a school in Damoh over a uniform row.

IMAGE: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presents a letter during the inauguration ceremony of 'Ladli Behna Sammelan', in Balaghat, June 7, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

He had ordered probe into the allegations against the private school that it made students wear hijab-like headscarves, Chouhan told reporters in Morena.

"All such schools in the state will be probed. No institution will be allowed to indulge in religious conversion or impose dress code which is not as per Indian culture and tradition," he said.

"We are conducting an in-depth probe into this incident and will not spare the accused involved in it," he added.

The CM was in Morena to attend the wedding of the son of a security personnel.

The security personnel has been working for Chouhan for the last 25 years.

Earlier in the day, home minister Narottam Mishra informed reporters in Bhopal that a case had been registered against the Damoh school under Indian Penal Code sections 295(A) (outraging religious feelings) and 506(B) (criminal intimidation).

Stern action will be taken according to the findings of the probe, he added.

The state education department last week suspended the recognition of Ganga Jamuna Higher Secondary School in Damoh, about 250 km from state capital Bhopal, after one of its posters allegedly showed girls, including Hindu students, wearing headscarves that looked like hijab as part of the uniform.

On Wednesday, three Bharatiya Janata Party leaders were booked after they allegedly threw ink on district education officer of Damoh accusing him of favouring the school.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said the 'Gruha Jyoti' free electricity scheme would be launched on August 1, while the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme that provides Rs 2,000 assistance per month to women identified as heads of families on August 17 or 18.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses a press conference in Bengaluru, June 2, 2023. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is also seen. Photograph: ANI Photo

The announcement came after the chief minister held a high level meeting with senior government officials on Thursday to discuss the implementation of both schemes, which are part of five poll guarantees of the Congress.

The government is planning to launch the Gruha Jyoti scheme on August 1 at Kalaburgi, while discussions were held to launch the Gruha Lakshmi scheme on August 17 or 18 in Belagavi.

Siddaramaiah instructed the officials to simplify the application process for all guarantee schemes, and avoid asking unnecessary information and documents.

Also, if applications are rejected, appropriate reasons should be cited, he said, as he warned the officials against rejecting them for silly reasons.

Since a large number of applications are expected to be submitted for all the guarantee schemes, the CM directed the officials of the e-governance department to increase the capacity of the Seva Sindhu portal in accordance with the huge amount of data submitted, his office said in a release.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Siddaramaiah clarified that officers have been directed to extend Gruha Jyoti, fee power scheme to tenants also.

For the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, women from Blow Poverty Line and Above Poverty Line families can apply, but tax payers and GST registered families cannot avail this facility, he said.

Noting that his government was planning to launch the Gruha Jyoti scheme on August 1, the CM instructed the officials to clear all doubts about the guidelines of this scheme and make the citizens aware.

Registration for the Gruha Jyoti scheme can be done through Seva Sindhu Portal.

In addition, help desks will be established in all electricity supply companies.

The registration process will start from June 15.

Application can be submitted through Bangalore One, Karnataka One, Gram One centers and also at home through computer or mobile app.

New house owners or new tenants will also be given free electricity facilities based on the state average of electricity consumption, the release said quoting the CM.

Once the average of one year is available, based on this data, free electricity will be provided.

Arrears of old electricity bills will be allowed to be paid till September 30.

Tenants can avail this facility by submitting the agreement letter, Aadhaar card, R. R. No., and voter ID of the same address.

On the Grusha Lakshi scheme, discussions were held to launch the scheme on August 17 or 18 in Belagavi.

The application process will start from June 15. One can apply for this scheme online through Seva Sindhu portal.

Similarly, applications can also be submitted in person at 'Nadakacheris', where separate counters will be set up for this purpose.

Applicants should provide Ration Card Number, Aadhaar Card Number of wife and husband, bank account details with Aadhaar combination.

Copies of these documents can also be submitted with offline applications.

The scheme amount will be deposited directly into the bank account of the eligible beneficiaries through DBT.

It is estimated that this scheme will reach around 85 per cent of families in the state.

APL card holders who are not tax payers, have no GST registration will also get this facility.
Several female students of Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School in Srinagar staged a protest against its administration on Thursday, alleging that they were denied entry to the institute for wearing the abaya.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

A loose-fitting, full-length robe, abaya is a worn by Muslim women.

"We are told we should go to a madrasa if we want to wear an abaya. We were not allowed inside the school," said one of the protesting students.

The students alleged the school administration told them they were "ruining the atmosphere of the school" by wearing the abaya.

School principal Memroz Shafi said the students have been told that they can wear abaya from home to school, but they should take it off inside the school premises.

"We told them to wear a long white-coloured hijab or a large dupatta as that is part of the school uniform. They come wearing colourful abayas, with different designs which is not part of the uniform," he said.

The principal said the students should follow a proper dress code in order to maintain decorum in the school.

National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said it was unfortunate to witness such incidents in Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir.

"Wearing a hijab should be a personal choice, and there should be no interference in matters of religious attire. It is unfortunate to witness such incidents in a Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir," Sadiq said in a tweet.

The NC chief spokesperson said the party opposes the school directive and urged the administration to take immediate corrective action.

"We strongly oppose this and urge for immediate corrective action. This is the Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School Rainawari Srinagar. I request the @OfficeOfLGJandK, @SrinagarPolice and @AsadamAijaz (deputy commissioner Srinagar) to intervene promptly before the situation escalates," he said.
In the wake of protests over the alleged suicide of an engineering student of a private college in Kottayam district, the Kerala government on Thursday announced the formation of 'grievance redressal cells' to look into complaints lodged by students in colleges and universities in the state.

IMAGE: Shraddha was a student of Amal Jyothi College of Engineering in Kanjirappally, Kerala. Photograph: Courtesy Amal Jyothi College of Engineering/Twitter

Shraddha, a second-year student, was found hanging inside her hostel room on June 2.

The students had alleged that some teachers were harassing them in the name of internal tests. But, the college management rejected the charges and said they didn't know why the student committed such an act.

Student outfits including the Students' Federation of India and Kerala Students Union had held separate protest marches to the private engineering college in Kanjirappally against the 'suicide' of the student.

The proposed panel would be headed by principals in colleges and heads of the departments in universities respectively.

Higher education minister R Bindu, who made the announcement during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, said besides the two teachers recommended by the panel chairpersons, representatives of student unions and nominees of Parent Teachers' Association and university syndicate would also be part of the new committee.

One of the representatives of the teachers and students of the grievances cell would be a woman.

"Seven members will be the quorum of the meetings of the grievance redressal cell and the chairpersons have the moral responsibility to implement the decisions taken by the majority members," the minister said.

Noting that the powers of the panel have been fixed, she said the students can approach it regarding various issues including the denial of certificates without any valid reason, imposition of exorbitant fees, exam-related complaints and division in the name of caste, religion and sex.

Any kind of physical and mental torture from college/university authorities', teachers, other staff or co-students can be brought to the new panel.

If the students have not got justice from the existing forums in the respective institutions, they can approach the grievance redressal cell with their complaints, the minister said.

If the student has any complaint regarding the decision of the cell, he or she can approach the appellate committee or the existing tribunal with an appeal and its decision would be final.

Each institution has the legal responsibility to implement this final decision and those who violate it would face stringent action including imposition of fine, cancellation of affiliation, withdrawal of government funds and so on, the minister warned.

On the complaints regarding internal marks, Bindhu said they were envisaged for the constant evaluation of students' abilities and should not be used as a tool to control and threaten students in educational institutions.

Directions would be issued to universities to ensure clear-cut criteria for giving internal marks, she added.
Ahead of the Opposition meeting of 15 parties, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday said that all the leaders will be attending the meet, however, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao attendance could not be confirmed.

IMAGE: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Photograph: ANI Photo

Tejashwi Yadav said that could not have a word with Telangana CM but rest all leaders are coming.

"Could not have a word with KCR (Telangana CM) but rest all leaders are coming...almost 15 parties will be attending the meet...from every party, the main leader is coming not just a representative," Bihar Deputy CM said.

The Opposition meeting will take place on June 23 in Bihar's Patna.

Several prominent opposition leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee will attend the opposition meeting, to be convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The meeting is aimed at laying the groundwork for the coming together of like-minded Opposition parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government at the Centre, was originally scheduled to be held on June 12 but now it will take place on June 23.

However, the meeting was pushed back after several Opposition leaders, including Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, expressed their inability to attend the meeting on June 12, citing prior engagements and preoccupations.

Nitish Kumar has been rooting for Opposition unity since he left the National Democratic Alliance and joined the Grand Alliance to form a new government in August last year.
As media phenomenon, Arikomban is in a different league.

Efforts to capture the elephant were telecast live.

Local three-wheeler drivers started a fans association for the pachyderm.

A film has now been announced based on Arikomban's life.

IMAGE: Arikomban is transported by forest officials to the forest of upper Kodayar in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, Monday, June 5, 2023. Photograph: PTI Photo

Less than a month after he was relocated to a new home in an operation that was telecast live, Kerala's marauding elephant Arikomban was back on TV in an even more dramatic fashion on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

This time the location was Cambam in Tamil Nadu.

The elephant, which had been relocated to the Periyar Tiger Reserve from Chinnakanal in Idukki district following complaints of it raiding ration shops and becoming a nuisance there, could be seen on television running on Cambam's roads, damaging vehicles and periodically finding refuge in groves.

Saturday's high drama was after days of concern that the elephant in its wanderings, may be reverting to human proximity.

Some even speculated that it could be picking its way back to Chinnakanal.

A rice-loving tusker, Arikomban's name is a combination of the Malayalam word for rice (ari) and tusker (komban). His raids on ration shops have been attributed to his craving for rice.

The tusker is also alleged to have killed people. According to R S Arun, chief conservator of forest (high range circle) with the forest department in Kerala, of seven deaths Arikomban has been linked to, he is the confirmed culprit in three.

The original decision of the forest department was to capture the elephant and send it to an elephant rehabilitation centre, which is the general remedy for rogue tuskers in India.

But it didn't sit well with animal lovers. The animal welfare organisation, People for Animals, filed a petition in court. Their action was prompted by a few reasons.

To begin with, they felt that the picturisation of Arikomban as a killer of many people wasn't supported by credible evidence.

Then there was the backdrop of Chinnakanal as a place long associated with elephants.

There is even a locality called Anayirangal (literally meaning a spot where elephants descend) there.

So, is the Arikomban problem a case of animals in the way of people or people in the way of animals?

Settlers, political undercurrents and the presence of businesses that count on land ownership, fuel the suspicion.

In Kerala's hills, livelihood issues and commercial interests are present.

Amidst such an architecture of priorities, trading the primacy of the human being for wildlife, is not an easy proposition.

IMAGE: Forest department and police officials on May 28 tried to capture Arikomban in Surulipatti village in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. The forest department took a kumki elephant as part of the mission to capture Arikomban. Photograph: ANI Photo

Shifting Arikomban to a rehabilitation centre was another point of disagreement.

Not everyone has a high opinion about Kerala's elephant rehabilitation centres or the process, which breaks down and trains captured tuskers into 'kumki' elephants (kumkis are trained elephants used in operations to trap wild elephants).

According to Latha Indira of People for Animals, when a news report appeared in which the forest minister pointed to removing a clutch of troublesome tuskers from the trouble prone area and not just Arikomban, the animal welfare organisation decided to act.

Subsequently, a court-appointed expert committee supported relocation and monitoring Arikomban's wanderings using a radio collar.

The tranquilising operation of April 29 was the third such instance with rogue elephants in Kerala in 2023.

In January, two elephants -- Palakkad Tusker-7 (PT-7) and Pandalur Makhna-2 (PM-2) -- had been tranquilised and removed from the areas they troubled. PT-7 was a crop raider; PM-2 wasn't a crop raider, but liked rice.

Dr Arun Zachariah, chief veterinary surgeon of Kerala's forest department, was involved in both these operations. He categorises such elephants as habitual conflict animals.

"Theirs is an acquired trait," he said. Because they have access to nutritious food, these animals also tend to be healthy and well-built.

The tranquilising of Arikomban was among the most challenging assignments he had handled. Veterinary surgeons like him call on their longstanding experience dealing with wildlife in the field, to decide tranquilizer dosage.

Observation and judgement are critical. That aside, what made the task in Chinnakanal particularly difficult was the steep terrain and the fact that an elephant for relocation must be transported standing.

"I couldn't afford to have the animal stumble and fall anywhere," he said.

On April 29, the second day of their search for the tusker, the team found Arikomban engaged in a fight with another tusker called Chakkakomban, named so after his love for jackfruit (chakka in Malayalam means jackfruit).

It took 3-4 hours for the team to disengage the battling elephants, separate the targeted animal, tranquilise it progressively and move it to a spot of their choice, where a truck could be brought to load the animal.

All this while Chakkakomban kept an eye on the unfolding drama. The operation wasn't an easy task. In such situations, an irritated tusker may charge at the forest personnel.

'One had to monitor and manage the risk to both the animal and the team,' Dr Zachariah said.

He had elected to do "topping", wherein mild doses of the tranquiliser are repeatedly administered to get the targeted animal to a sufficiently sedated state by the time it reaches the point where it is loaded onto a truck.

Causing additional concern was that the loading spot was between a hill and a dam. If a sedated animal accidentally hits the water, it will drown.

Things went well. Once the sedation took effect, the carefully chosen kumkis (they had been trained for the task) got the tusker onto the truck.

For Dr Zachariah, this was his second tryst with tranquilising and capturing the animal. Back in 2017, he had been part of a team that attempted the same.

On that occasion, the kumkis brought for the task had retreated, seeing Arikomban's aggression.

Rogue elephants are not new in Kerala. Years ago, a tusker called Kolakolli had been a headache in the Peppara region of Thiruvananthapuram district.

In 2006, Kolakolli was captured. It died in captivity.

Wikipedia's page on the tusker says it was accused of killing a dozen people.

In his hey days, Kolakolli's activities were often reported in the print media. There are videos of it after its capture, on YouTube.

PT-7 had its share of limelight and live telecast.

Capturing PM-2 was a comparatively quiet affair. But nothing compares to Arikomban.

As media phenomenon, he is in a different league. Efforts to capture the elephant were telecast live.

In the months the tusker hogged media attention in Kerala, it split those tracking news about it into different camps.

There were those who wanted Arikomban taken off to an elephant rehabilitation centre (as the government planned to do) or relocated (as animal welfare activists opposed to the government's plan, suggested).

There were also those who made it a pop hero.

At Anakkara, in the aftermath of Arikomban's relocation, local three-wheeler drivers started a fans association for the pachyderm.

In a video available on YouTube, they can be heard voicing their disapproval of the elephant being uprooted from familiar surroundings and cast far away. Forming the fans association was a form of protest, they said.

Arikomban crept into daily conversation and banter, an inadvertent emblem of what happens when humans encroach onto spaces meant for wildlife. Then, there was the analogy it conjured with its ways; cocking a snook at the imagination of humans.

The animal found traction on social media (eventually this would include a WhatsApp group that came under investigation because it sought to raise funds in the name of feeding the wild tusker).

IMAGE: Mission Arikomban is underway in Kerala's Munnar to capture the rice-eating elephant, who has become a menace in the area. Photograph: ANI Photo

In Kerala, where rice is synonymous with food, a rice-craving elephant may have felt that much human.

There have been media reports featuring people who remember Arikomban growing up alone after his mother's death and returning every year to the spot she died.

The late April-telecast of Arikomban being tranquilised and captured, mentioned that while the elephant was being cornered, Chakkakomban had hung around in the vicinity. Also cited was a female elephant with calf in tow.

The sum total of such imagery and how it was processed by the public added to the Arikomban lore.

Meanwhile in Chinnakanal, some people voiced their approval at the removal of Arikomban from their backyard.

A few admitted that they would miss the rogue, who had become a familiar presence in the region.

One person I spoke to in Thiruvananthapuram, remembered an elderly woman interviewed by the media in Chinnakanal, who seemed to nurse no grudge against the tusker despite her house damaged when the elephant tried to get rice from the kitchen.

On May 8, 2023, The Indian Express reported that actor turned director Sajid Yahiya had announced a film based on Arikomban's life.

Dr Harikumar M S is a journalist turned academician, who is currently assistant professor at the department of communication and journalism, University of Kerala. He put the Arikomban episode in perspective.

To begin with, there is the long-standing affection for elephants in Kerala culture, which always made narratives around them popular.

"In the decades gone by when only print media was around, the elephant Guruvayoor Keshavan was often written about," he recalled.

Closer to the present, human-animal conflicts have escalated in Kerala, a state with sizable high range-farming practised close to forest areas.

Within this context of human-animal conflict, a few additional factors influenced the evolution of Arikomban's story, Dr Harikumar said.

There was the court's involvement (the litigation went all the way to the Supreme Court), the longer time taken for the government to act given the multiple angles opened up and finally, an eyeballs-led media/digital media approach that made the elephant's story seem quite human.

Creating a human impression was not without its accompanying problems. Some of the imagery generated, contradicts the real nature of elephants.

Adult male Asian elephants are known to prefer solitary life and they are not monogamous, Dr Zachariah said.

As Arikomban became more and more human in the public mind, the science of capturing and managing the tusker failed to impress people as much.

When technical aspects of the operation -- like tranquilliser dosage for instance -- got bandied about without due seriousness, Dr Zachariah felt disappointed. "Where's the science?" he asked.

Compared to the case of Arikomban, capturing and shifting PT-7 and PM-2 had featured much less distraction, he said.

Shyam G Menon is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Ivan Menezes and Arvind Subramanian -- whose birthdays were separated by a month and 3 days in 1959 -- became close friends attending the economics course at St Stephen's.

Ivan went on to be a respected leader in business circles while Arvind acquired a reputation as an international economist and briefly served as chief economic advisor in the first Modi government.

Ivan -- Sir Ivan as he was known in the British media after he was knighted by King Charles III this year -- died suddenly on Wednesday morning after stomach surgery.

Arvind remembers with fondness an dear friend whose loss will never be filled

IMAGE: Ivan Menezes, CEO of Diageo, speaks during the Ketel One Vodka Celebrates the 325th Anniversary of The Nolet Family Distillery at The Nolet Family Distillery on May 14, 2016 in Schiedam, The Netherlands. Photograph: Michel Porro/Getty Images for Ketel One

The St Stephen's College Economics (Honours) batch of 1979 is considered as one of the more accomplished cohorts, delivering, as someone quipped, a CJI, CEOs, CMDs and a CEA.

A class of just 75 students counted in its midst -- and I am sure I am committing serious sins of omission -- Dhananjaya Chandrachud and Sanjay Kaul (Chief Justice and Justice respectively in today's Supreme Court), Ajay Banga (former head of Mastercard and now president of the World Bank), Abhishek Singhvi (leading Supreme Court lawyer and Congress politician), Sarita Nayyar (World Economic Forum), Vinayak Chatterjee (an infrastructure entrepreneur), and K P Krishnan and Manjeev Puri (illustrious civil servants).

One can make the case, however, that the Chuppa Rustam, the hidden jewel, in that illustrious roster was Ivan, or Sir Ivan, Menezes, the recently knighted CEO of the beverage company Diageo, who has just passed away.

Full disclosure: I think my first obsessive, possessive and only half-requited -- as we would joke -- 'love' was Ivan. I saw him first slouching down the corridor of St Stephen's College nearly 50 years ago and was instantly smitten (as was everyone else around him). We were bridge partners, colleagues on the college humour magazine Kooler Talk (me as passenger, Ivan as a real wit), nearly inseparable for five years.

Ivan was one of only two people with whom I have shared juvenile, tear-welling, rib-hurting laughter.

Just the thought of us preparing for our BA exams together in the hot summer of Lutyens' Delhi, erupting as we read aloud in the early morning hours the incomprehensible economics textbook, which rambled 'twelfthly...thirteenthly...sixteenthly...', brings a surge of emotions today. Those moments and the memories they have morphed into will be irreplaceably priceless.

The friendship with Ivan, even if time, distance and temperaments precluded complete intimacy, has gratifyingly now travelled across generations to our children.

A brief bio would track Ivan's steady, heady climb from St Stephen's Delhi to IIM Ahmedabad to Nestle, his first corporate job in India and then on to the Kellogg School of Management in the USA.

This was followed by a long stint in the consulting company Booz Allen to Whirlpool, Guinness and eventually to the top of the global corporate pole of Diageo, the world's iconic beverage company, where he presided over ten years of solid success.

But success was only one-half of what made Ivan Menezes special.

In the St Stephen's of our time, the haloed ones were the 5-pointers (the maximum score then in the school-leaving ISC exam). Mostly products of places such as Doon School, Mayo College, St. Columba's, St. Xavier's and La Martiniere, you could identify them by their strutting confidence as if '5-pointer' was etched on their foreheads.

Ivan was referred to as the fraud 5-pointer not because he was any less bright than his preening peers or that he did not come from one of those elitist bastions, but because he didn't draw attention to his brilliance and behaved as if he thought himself unworthy of that distinction.

All of St Stephen's -- girls and guys, batchmates and seniors, Anglophiles and Biharis -- flocked to that easy, low-key modesty and charm.

Not only did he not flaunt his accomplishments, Ivan did not flaunt his antecedents, either.

Son of a highly regarded civil servant and chairman of the Railway Board, and brother of arguably the first high-profile Indian success in corporate America way back in the 1970s, Ivan's pedigree was sterling.

But you wouldn't know it unless you got to know him well.

In the scarcity era that was pre-liberalisation India, owning a pair of Levis jeans was a measure of your standing. For most Stephanians they were an advertisement, for Ivan they were just another accessory.

(On my first courting outing, Ivan generously lent me a pair to save me from my ill-fitting, out-of-fashion bell-bottom trousers stitched in the backstreets of Triplicane in Madras.)

Over-successful men tend to inflict two types of collateral damage.

They leave behind a residue of resentment within their neglected families and their inevitably competitive, professional climb leaves a trail of embittered or jealous peers.

Ivan avoided both.

IMAGE: Ivan Menezes and Shibani Menezes attend the Capitol File welcome reception at the British ambassador's residence in Washington, DC, April 29, 2016. Photograph: Kris Connor/Getty Images for Capitol File Magazine

A true 'family' man, the Menezes household exuded hospitality and warmth to scores of relatives and friends. At the core of that hospitality is his bubbly, generous wife Gopa and the collective of the Menezes household with its strong internal bonds.

Youngsters would flock there for shelter, gossip and food with Bartender and Chef Ivan fussing over the guests while mixing Diageo-only cocktails and executing the meal; but they would flock above all for the enveloping warmth and hospitality.

I did not keep close track of Ivan's corporate career, but I am confident that he made many friends and few, if any, enemies. Quiet achievement that could speak for itself rather than self-promotion and throwing sharp elbows was Ivan's deserved way to the top.

From very early on it was clear that Ivan's unique ability was dispassionate and decisive decision-making, an almost Solomonic ability to weigh, assess and judge. The quantity of utterances from Ivan was low and the ratio of good sense to drivel in them was infinitely high.

The paradox of Ivan was that his wide circle of friends and well-wishers was not the result of a proactively outgoing personality; nor did it reflect the magnetic pull of a scintillating raconteur easily dispensing ideas and insight. Rather, it was simply the result of an indefinable 'presence' that combined phenomenal success uncontaminated by vanity or self-assertion.

That presence carried the calm and groundedness of someone with apparently no troubled past to afflict the present and no ghost of schoolyard bullies to slay. You wanted to be close to and bask in that wholesome presence devoid of edge or undercurrent.

IMAGE: Ivan Menezes, CEO of Diageo, speaks at the annual Reuters IMPACT summit in London, October 3, 2022. Photograph: Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters

At the pinnacle of success but on the verge of a rich and new inning of his life, Ivan's passing away seems tragically premature. The family will be inconsolable. Yet, it was such a fulfilled life.

One might say that Ivan had and did it all -- phenomenal conventional success; a close, loving family; a wide circle of friends and acquaintances; and a record of unostentatious generosity to friends and causes. In short, a life, enjoyed to the hilt, and well and honourably lived.

Aristotle would have envied Ivan.

Good night, sweet prince.

Arvind Subramanian belonged to the St Stephen's Economics (Honours) class of 1979.
In the south and east of the country, active hostilities continue in a number of directions, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said.

"The battles for Velyka Novoselka in Novopalovsky direction are continuing. In Zaporizhyia direction in Horikhiv area, the enemy is in active defense," Maliar said on Telegram.

In the east, active actions of Ukrainian troops are underway in Bakhmut direction, fighting continues.

"In some places the enemy is trying to go on the offensive, but unsuccessfully," the deputy defense minister noted.

In Kupyansk and Shakhtar directions, the enemy is launching air strikes and shelling.

In Avdiyivka and Lymany directions, the enemy is making attempts to advance, but unsuccessfully.

Fighting also continues in Maryinka direction. The Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks near the town of Maryinka, inflicting significant losses on it.
About the size of a penny, a bog elfin, its wings folded up over its body, sips nectar among the petals of a rhodora flower.
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

Dale and Nancy Gassett live in Guilford. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  The family of the murder victim whose case is chronicled by the hit podcast Serial asked Marylands highest court on Thursday to give crime victims a right to be heard and challenge evidence at hearings.

Young Lee, whose sister Hae Min Lee was killed in 1999, says the family didn't get sufficient notice to attend a hearing last fall where the man convicted of her murder, Adnan Syed, had his sentence overturned. An intermediate appellate court agreed with the family and reinstated Syed's sentence, although he remains free while the case works its way through the courts.

On Thursday, attorneys for Young Lee filed a petition asking the state Supreme Court to review legal issues raised by the family. The petition says the intermediate appellate court ruling falls short because it leaves no one to speak on the Lee familys behalf.

While Syeds release last year was a high-profile example of a growing movement within the criminal justice system to acknowledge and correct past mistakes, the ongoing case in Maryland appellate courts has highlighted questions about the rights of crime victims.

Last September, Young Lee was notified on a Friday afternoon that the hearing would take place the following Monday. Lee lives in California, and the hearing would take place in Maryland. When the hearing began, an attorney representing the family requested a one-week postponement so Lee could travel to Baltimore. A judge denied the request but allowed Lee to address the court via Zoom.

The Maryland Declaration of Rights requires that state agents treat crime victims with dignity, respect and sensitivity," said David Sanford, an attorney for the family, in a news release Thursday. Young Lee should have the right to meaningfully participate in a hearing that could potentially vacate a murder conviction.

Syed, who has always maintained his innocence, was freed after prosecutors reviewed the case and found alternative suspects as well as unreliable evidence used at trial.

In the news release announcing Thursday's court filing, Lee's attorneys said the family does not take a position on Mr. Syeds underlying guilt or innocence, only that Mr. Lee receive the procedural rights he is owed, and that the circuit court proceed in an open and transparent manner.

An attorney for Syed also filed a petition last month asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the reinstatement of his conviction.

Syed was 17 when Hae Min Lee, his high school ex-girlfriend and classmate, was found strangled to death and buried in a makeshift grave in 1999. He was arrested weeks later and ultimately convicted of murder in 2000. He received life in prison, plus 30 years.
NEW YORK (AP)  Richard Snyder, a visionary and imperious executive at Simon & Schuster who in bold-faced style presided over the publishers exponential rise during the second half of the 20th century and helped define an era of consolidation and growing corporate power, has died. He was 90.

Snyder died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles, according to his son Matthew Snyder, who said he had been in failing health.

Dick Snyder led Simon & Schuster through some of its most storied and eventful years," the company said Wednesday in a statement. He built Simon & Schuster into one of the largest and most influential publishing companies in the world, known for headline-making nonfiction, bestselling fiction and timeless classics.

Snyder was among those who helped transform the industry. When he joined Simon & Schuster as a sales assistant in the early 1960s, publishing houses were mostly privately owned, some still run by their founders. By the time he was forced out by Viacom in 1994, Simon & Schuster and such rivals as Random House and HarperCollins were under corporate ownership and had bought out numerous former competitors.

President of Simon & Schuster Inc. starting in 1975, and CEO from 1978 to 1994, Snyder built a modern company in ways at times too modern for the world of books. Simon & Schuster's revenues multiplied from around $40 million annually in the 1970s to more than $2 billion by the mid-1990s, making it at the time the countrys largest publisher, a position now held by Penguin Random House.

Bestsellers during Snyders reign included Mary Higgins Clarks crime thrillers and such Pulitzer Prize winners as David McCulloughs Truman and Larry McMurtrys Lonesome Dove. Snyder also was an early advocate for electronic publishing and computerizing business operations, and he vastly expanded Simon & Schuster by purchasing such educational companies as Prentice Hall and Esquire Inc., spending more than $1 billion overall on acquisitions.

'You cannot be a publisher any longer without also being a businessman,'' Snyder told The New York Times in 1984. The thought that you can publish just because you love books is a sure prescription for failure.''

Those who knew him could not help talking about him. The New Yorker labeled him a warrior-king, and former Simon & Schuster editor Robert Gottlieb recalled his Ahab-like determination to see Simon & Schuster outgrow Random House. Colleagues who departed the company shared stories about his profane, peak-volume tirades, although Gottlieb would note that this famously difficult man could command loyalty, respect and even affection. Another Simon & Schuster editor, Michael Korda, wrote of Snyders skin-deep commitment to literary fiction  because most of it loses money.

Simon & Schuster did publish Philip Roth, Graham Greene and Joan Didion, among others, and Snyder played a direct role in making the company a favorite home for the inside story on Washington. In fall 1972, as the Watergate scandal was taking off, Snyder personally lobbied Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein for a book on their groundbreaking journalism, what became All the Presidents Men. He met them at the Hay-Adams hotel in Washington, on a day they had erred on a key fact about President Nixons chief of staff H.R. Haldeman, and convinced them to publish with Simon & Schuster  even though a rival was offering more money.

Dick looked us straight in the eye and he was very direct and I felt we'd get his total backing, Woodward told The New York Times in 1992. I was right. If he'd ever ducked, or flinched or blinked, I'd say so. But he never has. He's brave. He cares. He always does what he says he'll do. And he's tough, tough, tough."

Released in June 1974, two months before Nixons resignation, All the Presidents Men was a landmark in American publishing, a book-length investigative work on a sitting president and his administration. It spent months on bestseller lists, was adapted into an Oscar-winning movie of the same name and helped launch a wave of timely political releases  including Woodward and Bernsteins coda on the Nixon years, Final Days  that has continued to the present day.

With surefire instinct, Dick made All the Presidents Men not only newsworthy but news, Korda wrote in his 1999 memoir, Another Life. This was what the French call les actualities, news as it happens.

Woodward and Bernstein recalled Snyder as a publisher who always stood by them.

Dick was brave and he was tough  a visionary who understood that, like our great editor at the Washington Post, Ben Bradlee, the buck stopped with him  and he would never waver, even under threats from a sitting President, they said in a joint statement Wednesday. That commitment also extended to an enduring friendship as a mentor and avuncular presence for us throughout Dicks life.

Simon & Schuster eventually signed up memoirs by such fallen Nixon officials as John Dean, John Ehrlichman and John Mitchell, along with books by Nixon himself and Ronald Reagan, whose memoir was released just months before Simon & Schuster published Kitty Kelleys notorious Nancy Reagan, which suggested the former first lady had an affair with Frank Sinatra. Woodward has stayed with Simon & Schuster for decades, his long run of No. 1 sellers including Veil, Plan of Attack and the Trump-era Fear. Some of the countrys most popular historians, including McCullough and fellow Pulitzer winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, were longtime Simon & Schuster authors.

Snyder rose and fell by the hard and random rules of corporate culture. His power grew even as the company changed ownership and organization several times, but soon after Viacom purchased Simon & Schuster in 1994, he was fired for not being a team player and his career never recovered. He attempted to revive the childrens imprint Golden Books, for which he worked early in his career, but the business went bankrupt and within a few years was sold.

Snyder also endowed a lecture series at his alma mater, Tufts University, with Woodward among the speakers. In the late 1980s, he helped establish the nonprofit National Book Foundation, which presents the National Book Awards.

He had four children and was married four times, most recently to Terresa Liu Snyder whom he later sued, alleging she took millions of dollars from him and and left him in dire financial condition.

Snyder's most notable marriage was to fellow publishing executive Joni Evans, with their decade as one of the industrys leading power couples  Korda would call them the book world's Prince Charles and Lady Di  ending with a very public divorce in the late 1980s.

Born in Brooklyn, Snyder would remember himself as a poor student in a house without books who expected to join his fathers overcoat business. When his father turned him away, he instead found work as a trainee at Doubleday, where his immersion in numbers and the fine print of contracts set him apart. Within two years, he was at Simon & Schuster. Doubleday fired him, he later told the Times, for telling them how wrong they were doing everything.''

___

This story has been corrected to show that Snyder became president in 1975.
Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman arrived in Kherson to help victims of flooding caused by the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovka reservoir, but came under fire from the Russian occupiers.

"I'm in Kherson, we were sailing following people and miraculously survived," Azman wrote on Facebook on Thursday, attaching to the message a video where he tells about his trip on the streets of Kherson, but the story is interrupted by the shelling.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Ben Crump, the Rev. Al Sharpton says, is Black Americas attorney general.

In less than a decade, the Florida-based attorney has become the voice for the families of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Tyre Nichols -- Black people whose deaths at the hands of police and vigilantes sparked a movement.

He has won multimillion-dollar settlements in police brutality cases. Hes pushed cities to ban no-knock warrants. He has told a congressional committee that reform is needed because its become painfully obvious we have two systems of justice; one for white Americans and one for Black Americans.

And hes stood with Black farmers taking on an agribusiness giant, and families exposed to lead-contaminated water in Flint, Michigan.

This week, he's standing with the family of Ajike Owens, a Black woman fatally shot after going to the Ocala, Florida, apartment of her white neighbor, who earlier had yelled at and allegedly assaulted Owens children as they played nearby. He called on the state attorneys office to zealously prosecute the shooter.

Hes a real believer in what hes doing. He has taken the attacks. He has taken the cases that others wouldnt take, Sharpton said, adding, People can go to him. The reason I trust him is because he has never misled me. Good or bad, hell tell me the truth about a client.

These days, he seems to be everywhere. A Florida law school now bears his name. Last year, Netflix released Civil, a documentary about his civil rights work. And in the year prior, TIME named him to its 100 Most Influential People list.

In April of 2021, he joined with George Floyd's family in celebrating the conviction of ex-cop Derek Chauvin. Then he was among the mourners at the funeral for Daunte Wright, who was shot during a traffic stop in suburban Minneapolis in the week leading up to Chauvins verdict  a juxtaposition he finds incredible.

If ever there was a time for police to be on their best behavior, if ever there was a time for them to use the greatest standard of care, if ever there was a time for them to de-escalate, it was during this trial, which I believe was one of the most consequential police (and) civil rights cases in our history, Crump told The Associated Press in 2021.

___

EDITORS NOTE: The Associated Press initially published a version of this profile of Ben Crump on May 2, 2021.

___

Critics see him as an opportunist who never fails to show up amid another tragedy. But those who know Crump say hes been fighting for fairness long before his name was in headlines.

Where theres injustice, thats where he wants to be, said Ronald Haley, a Louisiana attorney, whos among a wide network of lawyers Crump works with on lawsuits. He understands hes needed everywhere, but he also understands he cant be everywhere.

Crump, 51, is a tireless worker who mixes Southern charm, a talent for attracting media attention to his cases and a firm belief that racism afflicts the nation, and the courts are the place to take it on.

He has an uncanny way of making his clients feel like kin, they say.

He has never missed a Thanksgiving to check in on me, he calls on Christmas, said Allisa Findley, who first met Crump three days after her brother, Botham Jean, was fatally shot in his apartment by a white Dallas police officer who mistook the Black mans apartment for her own.

Even the little things, he makes time for it, when there are no cameras rolling, she said. He does feel like family. I consider Ben family.

Terrence Floyd, a younger brother of George Floyd, said Crumps attention and care for his family over the last year has bonded them beyond the attorney-client relationship.

It feels like its more family-based than business, he said. After a while, I went from calling him Mr. Crump to calling him Unc, like he was one of my uncles.

Crump keeps up a dizzying schedule that takes him all over, but he makes sure hes home for Sunday services at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife and their 8-year-old daughter, Brooklyn; he also helped raise two cousins and became their legal guardian.

I look at my daughter, Crump said, I look in her eyes, and then I look in the eyes of my nieces and nephews, and my little cousins  all these little Black and brown children. You see so much hope, so much optimism in their eyes. We've got to give them a better world.

He added: What I'm trying to do, as much as I can, even sometimes singlehandedly, is increase the value of Black life.

Crumps path to becoming a lawyer and advocate began while growing up in Lumberton, North Carolina, where he was the oldest of nine siblings and step-siblings.

In his book Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People, he described learning in elementary school that a white classmates weekly allowance was as much as what his mother made in a week working two jobs at a shoe factory and a hotel laundry.

I wanted to understand why people on the white side of the tracks had it so good and Black people on our side of the tracks had it so bad, he wrote.

He often recounts how he learned about the world by reading the newspaper to his grandmother and how his mother taught him the story of famed civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall, who became his hero.

He has always gravitated toward leadership and being the answer to injustice, said Sean Pittman, an attorney who has been his friend for 30 years, since they met at Florida State University. There, Crump was president of the Black Student Union and led protests to bring attention to how the school recruited and treated Black students.

But his rise from personal injury attorney to a voice of Black America began in 2013 when he represented the family of Trayvon Martin, a teenager killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida. He then took on the case for the family of Michael Brown who was fatally shot by a white officer near St. Louis.

Crump organized marches and brought media attention to both of their deaths  each happening during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

He has gone on to win financial settlements in about 200 police brutality cases. In March of 2021, the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay $27 million to settle a civil lawsuit from George Floyds family, which Crump at the time said is the largest pretrial civil rights lawsuit settlement ever.

I keep hoping and believing, if we can make them pay multimillions of dollars every time they shoot a Black person in the back, that there will be less Black people shot in the back, Crump said. That's my theory, but it remains unanswered because they keep killing us..

In recent years, Crump waded into the TV and film world. He had a brief role in the 2017 film Marshall, which tells of the early life of his hero, who became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice.

His higher profile has brought more scrutiny and turned him into a frequent target. Conservative author Candace Owens in April accused Crump of trying to profit from police shootings and encouraging violent protests.

Keeping racial issues alive has become a business in America, she told Fox News Channels Laura Ingraham. Its Al Sharpton yesterday, Jesse Jackson tomorrow, Ben Crump today.

It doesn't really bother Crump: You can't care what the enemies of equality think of you," he said. It would be the height of arrogance to think that everybody is going to love you. It's not a popularity contest."

Its fitting that he is now mentioned among the giants of civil rights, said John Bowman, who has known him since Michael Brown's killing and has served as president of the St. Louis County NAACP.

I cant get in his head and say he charted out this course, and said, Im going to be the next strongest voice for injustice, Bowman said. I do know that when the call was made, he didnt shy away or step back from it.

But Crump says he eventually would like to step back from it all.

I literally pray for the day when I can close down the police brutality division of my law firm, he said, because I am so tired of seeing Black people killed by the police unjustifiably. I'd like to tell my staff that we no longer have to fight in the courts, or be counselors to so many grieving mothers and fathers.

____

Morrison reported from New York City. Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio.

____

Morrison is a member of AP's Race and Ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aaronlmorrison. Also, follow Seewer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jseewerap.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Wildfires burning hundreds of miles away in Canada impacted Connecticuts air quality for a fourth day Thursday, but experts say the worst may soon be over.

The poor air quality has been caused by strong winds bringing smoke to the U.S. from wildfires raging in Quebec and northern Ontario.

Bob Henson, a meteorologist with Yale Climate Change Connections, said the weather patterns will shift and the worst conditions should only last a few more days.

"On Friday, we expect the smoke plume over us will continue to slowly disperse," said Paul Copleman, a spokesperson for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

He said the air quality is expected to downgrade to levels considered to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, instead of unhealthy for everyone.

"Over the weekend, we do not expect any new smoke plumes from Canada to impact Connecticut," Copleman continued. "If a new plume does develop, it should remain to our west. On Saturday and Sunday, the smoke will continue to slowly disperse, but will likely still be an issue."

"By Monday, the blocked weather pattern will change, which should allow the smoke to be cleared out of Connecticut completely on Monday," Copelman added.

Residents in Fairfield County will be the last to see improving air quality, since the smoke will clear from east to west, Copleman noted.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned that climate change could worsen the Canadian fire season, potentially making these air quality events more common.

Scientists predict that the fire season in Canada will be longer and more intense as a result of climate change, so there is a chance we will see more of these kinds of events, EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said in a statement Thursday.

By early Thursday afternoon, the air was considered unhealthy across most of Connecticut, meaning the amount of fine particle pollution could cause some health effects to the general public. Connecticuts air ranged from 155 in Groton and up to 180 in Bridgeport on the air quality index, according to data from AirNow.gov.

There was some improvement in the easternmost parts of Windham and New London counties, which had air considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and fell between 101 and 150 on the air quality index. The northeast corner of Windham County, including Putnam, had moderate air quality between 51 and 100 on the air quality index, data showed.

Just the day before, multiple sites in southwestern Connecticut reported hazardous levels  301 or higher on the scale.

The unhealthy air has caused many schools to postpone outdoor activities, such as field trips, or move them inside. After consulting with meteorologists and medical professionals, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athlete Conference postponed Thursdays boys and girls lacrosse state tournament semifinals to Friday.

Gov. Ned Lamont urged Connecticut residents to stay inside as the smoke produced unhealthy levels.

If you dont need to be outside, particularly if you have respiratory issues or other similar ailments, it is strongly encouraged to stay indoors to the greatest extent possible until air quality improves, Lamont said in a statement released by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the state Department of Public Health, reiterated that people should avoid being outdoors for prolonged periods of time, if possible.

Those with underlying medical conditions, as well as children and older adults, are considered sensitive populations and are most at risk, she added.

KN95 and N95 masks are effective at filtering smoke; if you have one available, consider wearing one while outdoors until the air quality improves, the commissioner said, referring to two commonly available types of respirator masks.

Many hospitals in the state were operating business as usual and did not see an influx of patients Thursday, despite the poor air quality, according to the Connecticut Hospital Association.

We do know that there are serious health risks related to these conditions, especially for individuals who have respiratory issues, and reasonable precautions are important to protect the publics health, including limiting time outdoors until the air quality improves, as discussed in various advisories, the association said in a statement. Connecticuts hospitals and health systems are ready to treat all patients if they are experiencing exacerbated respiratory conditions.

The state Department of Public Health reported a slightly higher number of asthma visits at emergency departments and urgent care centers in the past few days compared with last week.

However, DPH noted it wasn't enough days to draw conclusions. The agency also noted the number of cases are not much different compared to certain periods of bad allergy seasons.

St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport saw a slight uptick in patients in the past two days, but the number leveled off by Thursday, according to Dr. Steven Valassis, the chair of emergency medicine for the hospital.

Valassis said the hospital mainly saw more patients complaining of respiratory issues, such as shortness of breath and wheezing.

Yale New Haven Health, Stamford Health, UConn Health and Nuvance Health, which has emergency departments at Norwalk, Danbury, New Milford and Sharon hospitals, also had not seen an influx in patients with air-quality-related conditions Thursday.

Dr. Brooks Walsh, who specializes in emergency medicine at Bridgeport Hospital, a Yale New Haven Health facility, said Wednesday he is concerned about the smoke impacting peoples decisions about whether to seek medical care. Exposure to these small particulates can cause a number of problems beyond temporary irritation and is strongly linked to increased heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the lungs, he said.

I would worry that someone delays care thinking that its just the smoke causing a little problem, a little irritation in their chest perhaps or some shortness of breath, he said. He encouraged people to seek emergency care if they have a serious condition and concerns.

He also is concerned about how the smoke impacts residents chronic exposure to pollution.

We have issues in Connecticut, and especially in certain communities in Connecticut, with chronic exposure to particulate pollution, he said.

I think this is something new for us, he said. And were not used to processing this threat yet and, unfortunately, it looks like we may become more used to it in the future.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Update: Air quality alerts continued in Connecticut Friday. Read more live coverage here.

Air quality alerts have again been issued in Connecticut on Thursday as smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada continues to blow across the region.

In New York City, the dense haze of smoke from the wildfires caused the city to register the worst air pollution in the world Wednesday.

That evening, air quality monitoring sites in southwestern Connecticut reported "hazardous" levels of fine particulate pollution from the fires, meaning it was unsafe to go outside. New York City Mayor Eric Adams directed residents to once again wear masks as air quality was expected to get worse.

"Poor air quality from Canadian wildfires will continue to impact the region is expected to continue through Thursday with air quality advisories in place," the National Weather Service said.



Live updates: Check real-time air quality updates on our interactive map

As of Thursday morning, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued an air quality action day for fine particulates through midnight across the entire state.

"An air quality action day means that fine particulates concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards," the National Weather Service said in a bulletin.

Strawberry farm conscious of poor air quality in Shelton

Tom Harbinson, long-time facilities and hospitality manager at Jones Family Farms and Winery in Shelton, said the poor air-quality conditions and haze will not damage the farms crops.

"We are mindful that working outdoors in this environment and the unhealthy potential for staff and guests," said Harbinson, adding the farm is in the midst of its annual strawberry-picking season.

"(On Wednesday and Thursday), we had staff out early in the morning to pre-pick strawberries so we will have them available for those guests coming here who do not want to walk in these conditions," Harbinson added.

Harbinson said he has seen a number of guests coming in wearing N95 masks.

Some residents unphased by air quality

While local towns and schools have been taking precautions in response to the poor air quality, some area residents have been navigating the change in air climate without any issues.

"I have no problem," said Woodbury resident Pete Carroll while on an excavation job along Kent Road in New Milford. "I'm 73 and it's fine."

Over in New Preston, a group of juniors from Henry Abbott Technical High School finished their plumbing work on a house for Housatonic Habitat before the air climate took a turn for the unhealthy.

"We were pretty much finished with the house two days ago," said student Chris Martino mid-Thursday morning. "We got lucky overall."

Scattered showers on Friday, but still hazy

In its weather forecast, the National Weather Service reports Friday will bringscattered rain showers and possibly some thunderstorms. It reports that most of the state will see that weather in the afternoon, but there will still be widespread haze in most areas.

Moving into the evening Friday, the NWS said there will still be haze in the northwest and southeast parts of the state.

Even folks from Los Angeles find the Canadian smoke apocalyptic

In Milford from California to open a Bounce House at the Connecticut Post Mall, you can forgive Francisco and Timothy Cedillos for seeing nothing unusual in Thursdays smoky skies.

"Were from Downtown LA, so we're kind of used to bad air quality," 28-year-old Timothy Cedillos said.

"We've never been here. We've never been to New York," said 23-year-old Francisco Cedillos, who has been married to Timothy almost three years and lives with him in Chino. "Landing and seeing how everything was, I thought it was normal. Someone from here told me, 'No, it's not like this normally. The smoke isn't.' We're like, what smoke?"

Still, they wore disposable particulate respirator masks, even in their rental SUV as they sat parked and taking in West River Street near the Milford Green.

"We're just shocked that the smoke is from Canada, that Canada is affecting here," Francisco Cedillos said. "It's just crazy."

"I know right now it is less [bad], but I also have asthma, so I am kind of feeling the repercussions of not wearing one yesterday when it was probably at the worst," Timothy Cedillos said. "It's all preventative at this point. My family says that I am being dramatic, but the news says you have to have the mask on to protect yourself from the smoke. I am just doing my due diligence."

"We did read online that it's like smoking one cigarette an hour," said Francisco Cedillos. "The sky is so orange it is apocalyptic in a way. Its pretty scary."

Air quality conditions are expected to improve Friday

Experts say the worst of the air quality issues may soon be over. Bob Henson, a meteorologist with Yale Climate Change Connections, said the weather patterns will shift and the worst conditions should only last a few more days.

Some smoke, however, could linger for a week or more, according to Paul Farrell, the acting bureau chief of air management at the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.



In Photos: Poor air quality in CT creates hazy skies, red-looking sun

Conditions are expected to improve Friday, DEEP said.

"On Friday, we expect the smoke plume over us will continue to slowly disperse," said DEEP spokesperson Paul Copleman. He said the air quality is expected to downgrade to levels considered to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, instead of unhealthy for everyone.

"Over the weekend, we do not expect any new smoke plumes from Canada to impact Connecticut," Copleman said. "If a new plume does develop, it should remain to our west. On Saturday and Sunday, the smoke will continue to slowly disperse but will likely still be an issue."

"By Monday, the blocked weather pattern will change, which should allow the smoke to be cleared out of Connecticut completely on Monday," Copelman said.

Residents in Fairfield County will be the last to see improving air quality, as the air is expected to clear from east to west, Copleman noted.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned that climate change could worsen the fire season, potentially making these air quality events more common.

Scientists predict that the fire season in Canada will be longer and more intense as a result of climate change, so there is a chance we will see more of these kinds of events, EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said in a statement Thursday.

By early Thursday afternoon, the air was considered unhealthy across most of the state, meaning the amount of fine particle pollution could cause some health effects to the general public. Connecticuts air ranged from 155 in Groton and up to 180 in Bridgeport on the Air Quality Index, according to data from AirNow.gov.

UConn Health giving away 100 indoor air filters to public

UConn Health said it is giving away 100 do-it-yourself air filters known as Corsi-Rosenthal boxes. The filters were built by UConn faculty, students and staff as part of the ongoing cross-campus UConn Indoor Air Quality Initiative, UConn Health said in a news release.

The filters can protect against the unhealthy particles contained in wildfire smoke, UConn Health said.

The giveaway is today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., first-come, first-serve, at UConn Health's outpatient pavilion at 135 Dowling Way in Farmington. The distribution will include dozens of free, already built air filter devices and dozens of tool kits with the necessary supplies and directions on how to build your own device at home.

"The California Department of Public Health recommends the inexpensive D-I-Y tool to its states residents as a helpful wildfire air quality intervention. Connecticuts DPH is also supportive of this mitigation tool," the release said.

UConn Health said experts at the UConn School of Medicine have found DIY air filter devices can help clean the air of the wildfire smoke consisting mostly of tiny particles produced by combustion and suspended in the air.

"These airborne particles can cause both immediate and long-term health effects," UConn Health said. "People should be advised to take measures to reduce their exposure, especially if they are in a vulnerable population, such as the elderly, young children or people with respiratory diseases."

How are hospitals faring with the increased risks of poor air quality?

For many hospitals in Connecticut, it's business as usual. There has not been an influx of patients, despite the poor air quality, according to the Connecticut Hospital Association.

"We do know that there are serious health risks related to these conditions, especially for individuals who have respiratory issues, and reasonable precautions are important to protect the public's health, including limiting time outdoors until the air quality improves, as discussed in various advisories," the association said in a statement Thursday. "Connecticut's hospitals and health systems are ready to treat all patients if they are experiencing exacerbated respiratory conditions."

The Connecticut Department of Health reported a slightly higher number of asthma-related visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers the past few days compared to last week.

However, DPH noted that since this is such a small number of days, they need to continue monitoring the situation before drawing conclusions. The agency also noted that the number of cases are not that different compared to bad allergy seasons.

St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport saw a small uptick in patients the past two days, but it seems to have leveled off by Thursday, according to Dr. Steven Valassis, the chair of emergency medicine for the hospital.

On Wednesday, the hospital saw an increase in patients complaining of respiratory issues, such as shortness of breath and wheezing, Valassis said.

"The poor air quality secondary to the wildfires is triggering symptoms in patients with underlying pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions," Valassis added Wednesday, and urged anyone who develops respiratory distress to seek emergency care.

Yale New Haven Health, Stamford Health, UConn Health, Nuvance Health, which has emergency departments at Norwalk, Danbury, New Milford and Sharon hospitals, have also not seen more patients with conditions related to poor air-quality Thursday.

"I suspect people are doing a good job of staying indoors," Dr. Alise Frallicciardi, the medical director of emergency medicine at UConn Health, said Thursday.

Dr. Anumeha Singh, the medical director of emergency medicine at Hartford Hopsital, also said there has not been a significant increase in respiratory patients recently. The hospital has been prepared to see more COPD and asthma exacerbation, which are the chief issues they expect to see with the poor air quality and is also educating patients who have lung issues.

Dr. Brooks Walsh, who specializes in emergency medicine at Bridgeport Hospital, a Yale New Haven Health facility, said Wednesday he is concerned, about the smoke impacting peoples decision about whether or not to seek medical care. Exposure to these small particulates can cause a number of problems beyond temporary irritation and is strongly linked to increased heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the lungs, he said.

"I would worry that someone delays care, thinking that its just the smoke causing a little problem, a little irritation in their chest perhaps or some shortness of breath," he said.

He encouraged people to seek emergency care if they have a serious condition and concerns. He also said he is worried about the smoke's impact on those with chronic exposure to pollution.

"I think this is something new for us," he said. "And we're not used to processing this threat yet and, unfortunately, it looks like we may become more used to it in the future."

Connecticut zoos adapt to the air quality

People aren't the only Connecticut residents facing Thursday's poor air quality.

At the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, which dozens of farm animals call home, staff have been switching out water and food for animals more than usual because of the wildfires.

Were making sure no particles get into them, said Lisa Monachelli, director of education for the center.

She said animals at the center all have shelter and have the option to come in and out.

We obviously are trying to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible, Monachelli said.

Due to the unhealthy air, some school programs have been canceled, Monachelli said.

Staff at the museum and nature center have been wearing masks and spending shorter lengths of time outdoors.

I think everybody was OK, the education director said. We checked on everybody multiple times and made sure that staff was good to go.

Officials at Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport are monitoring the animals and are ready to move them inside if the smoke worsens, just as they did Wednesday afternoon, the zoo's director, Gregg Dancho, said late Thursday morning.

The zoo has also suspended routine things, such as medical visits, training and lawn maintenance, to help keep the animals calm and their breathing down as the long period of smoky conditions and poor air quality continue presenting respiratory concerns.

The whole idea is to keep them relaxed, Dancho said.

He said staff have been monitoring the animals, especially the older ones, since the smoke started to hit the state from the wildfires several days ago and will continue to monitor them for another month or so to see if there are any long-term effects with what he called unprecedented conditions. He said no one really knows what the effects will be since there hasnt been this long of a period of smoke.

Its just being very aware of the animals health and welfare in an unprecedented situation, he said, advising people to also do the same for their own pets at home and bring them inside if needed.

Most of the animals, save for the deer and bison, are able to go to some indoor structure at the zoo, either as part of their own enclosures or by being brought into the zoos animal care center, which is air conditioned.

Residents adjust to another day of wildfire smoke in Connecticut

Sandra Diamond Fox / Hearst Connecticut Media

Rand Wheeler, a supervisor with Eversource, who was working with his crew on Mill Plain Road in Danbury on Thursday afternoon, said he definitely noticed a difference in the air over the past few days.

"It smells like plastic. It's colder. There is no sun. It's foggy," Rand, a Woodbury resident, said, adding Wednesday was "really bad."

He said he has never smelled anything like it before.

"Not in my lifetime," he said.

Sandra Diamond Fox / Hearst Connecticut Media

Jessica Ruotolo, of Newtown, and her 3-year-old daughter, Noelle Ruotolo, were both wearing N-95 masks while shopping in the plaza near Trader Joe's in Danbury.

"We used to live in Nevada so I'm not a stranger to wildfires, unfortunately. It's wild. I just want to keep my kids safe. We love to be outside. I have really bad allergies. Five minutes in this, I get a headache.

"I'm so sensitive. Even before the really bad days came, I could feel a scratchy throat and headache," she said.

"In my car, I feel like it's still not great, so I personally wear my mask in the car," she added.

Her son goes to Sandy Hook Elementary School, and she said they kept all the children indoors Wednesday.

Friday 'looks like a better day,' meteorologist says

Thursday may be the most smoke Connecticut sees in the coming days, but there is still some uncertainty in the forecast.

Right now it looks like today is the worst of it for the next couple of days, Jim Connolly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services office in New York, said in a phone call Thursday.

The dense, smoky air is expected to potentially lessen sometime after midnight, according to Connolly. Friday looks like a better day, Connolly said, though parts of eastern Connecticut, especially at the coast, might be more troublesome, and Saturday, hopefully, will see some improvement.

Connolly acknowledged that forecasting the air quality for the coming days is a little tricky; there are numerous factors working together to create the thick haze and smokey smell outside.

Its not a slam-dunk forecast at this point, he noted.

Lamont encourages residents to stay indoors

Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday urged people to stay inside as state environmental officials predicted smoke from the wildfires in Canada would produce unhealthy levels of air pollution across the state.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the smoke is expected to slowly disperse throughout the day

If you dont need to be outside, particularly if you have respiratory issues or other similar ailments, it is strongly encouraged to stay indoors to the greatest extent possible until air quality improves, Lamont said in a statement released by DEEP.

What were seeing this week is dramatic, unhealthy, and unprecedented, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. Air pollution from Canadian wildfires, made worse by climate change, is now impacting the air we breathe for a fourth straight day."

"We recommend that people follow guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health to protect themselves from experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution," she added.

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Department of Public Health reiterated that people should "avoid being outdoors for prolonged periods of time, if possible."

"Those with underlying medical conditions, as well as children and older adults, are considered sensitive populations and are most at risk," she added.

"KN95 and N95 masks are effective at filtering smoke; if you have one available, consider wearing one while outdoors until the air quality improves," the commissioner said, referring to two commonly available types of respirator masks.

Why is smoke reaching so far away?

Strong winds high up in the atmosphere can transport smoke long distances and its common for large, violent fires to create unhealthy conditions hundreds of miles away from where forests are burning.

But the right mix of circumstances had to align for the smoke to blanket major U.S. cities: A dry, hot spring set the stage. Then weather did the rest, said Bob Henson, meteorologist with Yale Climate Change Connections.

In Canada, air is circulating counterclockwise around a low pressure system near Nova Scotia. That sends air south over the fires in Quebec. There the air picks up smoke, and then turns east over New York state, carrying smoke to the eastern seaboard.

Its a simple matter of trajectory, Henson said. The smoke goes where the wind takes it.

This wind pattern isnt particularly rare. But the confluence of events is.

The timing of this weather patterns is unfortunately overlapping with a situation that was ripe for large fires, Thornton said.

Weather patterns change and the worst conditions should only last a day or two. Some smoke, however, could linger for a week or more, according to Paul Farrell, the acting bureau chief of air management at the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Hartford schools move 'rigorous' activities indoors

Hartford Public Schools are allowing some outdoor events to go forward, but have postponed or moved indoors any that involve "rigorous" activity, a schools spokesperson said Thursday.

The distinction means things like recess and field days will either be moved inside or rescheduled for another day, said Jesse Sugarman, the district spokesperson.

Less active events like outdoor field trips will proceed as scheduled.

"Thats a little more passive, weve allowed those to go forward," Sugarman said.

He said the decision was made in consultation with the district's health and safety director.

On Wednesday, many districts moved school activities entirely inside. But on Thursday, a few school districts took a more measured approach, with some citing forecasts showing the smoke was expected to clear throughout the day.

CIAC postpones high school lacrosse playoff games

After medical and meteorological consultation, the CIAC has postponed todays boys and girls lacrosse state tournament semifinals on Thursday due to air quality issues.

All 12 games will now be hosted by the higher-seeded school on Friday. Multiple neutral site host locations that were available today were not available Friday due to other commitments.

The lacrosse championship schedule for the weekend has also been impacted. No CIAC lacrosse state championships will take place on Saturday. The schedule will now be held Sunday and Monday at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield.

Weather service: Smoke pushing south into this evening, more possible Friday

The National Weather Service said smoke near the ground in Connecticut and Massachusetts could push south into the evening hours, according to its simulations.

"Another batch of smoke may impact areas near the south coast on (Friday) ... but better conditions are expected elsewhere," the weather service said.

The forecast shows the smoke on Friday swirling in a dense cloud east across the Long Island Sound before coming inland on the eastern side of the state.

Smoke continues to affect CT schools

The smoke continued to disrupt school activities around Connecticut on Thursday, with some districts opting to hold events inside, while others took a more measured approach.

In Milford, Norwalk, Shelton and Waterbury, district officials canceled or moved outdoor activities inside on Thursday.

Trumbull Superintendent Martin Semmel said activities are outside today in his district given the weather forecast for improving conditions throughout the day.

"We are watching for any changes," Semmel said.

In Stamford, district officials left the decision about where to hold activities up to individual principals.

Building principals have been adapting outdoor activity schedules over the last two days, as needed, and will continue to do so until air quality improves, read a statement sent Wednesday afternoon from Superintendent Tamu Lucero.

With the last day of school set for Wednesday of next week, many schools have outdoor activities planned in the final days of classes, Lucero wrote. All three high schools will hold graduation ceremonies next Tuesday.

The end of the school year is a busy time and I know many of our schools have special outdoor activities planned for students, Lucero wrote. We will make every effort to continue with these activities as long as it is deemed safe to do so.

In Waterbury, Gilmartin Elementary School canceled a trip to Lake Compounce because the park closed, a district spokesperson said. Other adjustments were also made to plans for field day.

Norwalk officials said in a statement posted to the districts website that cancellations included all outdoor field trips and after-school activities. The district canceled, postponed or suspended all outdoor activities Wednesday as well, due to the air quality advisory, according to Emily Morgan, district spokesperson.

Like yesterday, our schools are trying to reschedule those field trips if possible (we have one more week of school), or plan/schedule alternative events, Morgan said in an email. Recess and other outdoor activities occurring during school hours will be moved inside the building.

In Stratford, schools Nursing Supervisor Kim Velazquez said air quality was being monitored closely. The district elected to cancel all indoor and outdoor activities in the afternoon and evening on Wednesday when conditions worsened, Velazquez said.

"Currently, no changes have been made regarding graduation ceremonies. As in past years, we have a backup plan if the events need to be relocated indoors," she added.

EPA: Climate change driving longer, more intense Canadian fire season

With smoke from wildfires burning in Quebec and Northern Ontario still causing unhealthy air quality in Connecticut late Thursday morning, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned climate change could only make the fire season worse.

"Scientists predict that the fire season in Canada will be longer and more intense as a result of climate change, so there is a chance we will see more of these kinds of events, EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said in a statement Thursday.

Smoke plumes from the fires carry microscopic particles that can irritate people's respiratory systems. In Connecticut, the air has improved since Wednesday afternoon in much of the state, but levels of air pollution still remain at unhealthy levels for everyone, not just those who are sensitive to air pollution, according to the EPA.

"EPA encourages people to check their Air Quality Index (AQI) throughout the day to be aware of their local air quality and take steps to reduce smoke exposure and protect their health," Cash said. "Pay attention to any health symptoms if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or are pregnant. Get medical help if you need it.

Healthy adults and children should quickly recover from exposure to smoke, but people with chronic diseases like asthma or other lung or heart conditions "are at greater risk of experiencing more severe health effects," the EPA said.

Children, people who are pregnant and adults over the age of 65 are also vulnerable.

Health officials are encouraging people who must be outside to wear an N95 mask to reduce the amount of smoke they breathe in.

Wildfire smoke may exacerbate heart health issues, AHA warns

Most people associate smoke drifting in from the Canadian wildfires with breathing problems and respiratory issues, but exposure poses an increased risk for heart disease, the American Heart Association warned Thursday.

Wildfire smoke contains a lot of pollutants, including fine, microscopic particles linked to cardiovascular risk, said Dr. Comilla Sasson, the vice president for science and innovation at the American Heart Association and a practicing emergency medicine physician.

Several studies following the California wildfires in recent years linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, as well as a higher number of visits to local emergency rooms for cardiovascular disease-related issues, the AHA said.

One study from 2020 discovered that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests up to 70 percent. The risk was particularly elevated among adults between 35 and 64 years old and in communities with lower socioeconomic status, according to the AHA.

Wildfire smoke exposure is also linked to increased rates of emergency room visits, not just for breathing trouble, but also for heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, pulmonary embolism and strokes. These increases were most notable in adults aged 65 or older.

People with underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors should know the signs of a heart attack and stroke. If you or someone youre with is experiencing serious symptoms, call 911 immediately. Knowing how to perform CPR in the event of a cardiac arrest may also be helpful.

What's the air quality in your town? Check this map

We have a map showing the wind and different air quality levels reported around the state. Take a look here.

The fires could mean air quality fluctuates over the next few weeks

The head of the bureau of air management at Connecticut's environmental protection agency warned Wednesday that if weather patterns repeat themselves, smoke from the wildfires burning in Canada could impact the region on and off "for the next several weeks."

With the high levels of pollution the state saw Wednesday afternoon, it's "going to take some time for that pollution that's already here to clear out," said Paul Farrell, the acting bureau chief of air management at the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

"Unfortunately, if the weather pattern presents itself in a similar situation as today, we could find ourselves looking at the smoke on again, off again, for the next several weeks," Farrell said in an interview with Hearst Connecticut Media on Wednesday.

In the immediate future, the air quality is expected to clear up to "moderate" levels by Friday, according to federal forecasters. That would mean the air quality is acceptable to most people, with possible risk for "those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution," according to AirNow.gov.

The smoke plume from Canada carries with it microscopic particles that are the fraction of the width of a strand of hair. The particles can get down into the lower respiratory system, where they can cause health problems.

Which Metro-North stations are distributing free N95 masks

N95 respirators are being distributed for free at a handful of Connecticut train stations along Metro-North's New Haven line.

The Connecticut stations where masks will be handed out are: Stamford, South Norwalk, Bridgeport and New Haven.

Masks will also be distributed at several Metro-North stops in New York. Those stations are: Grand Central Terminal, Harlem-125th Street, New Rochelle, Fordham, White Plains, Croton Harmon and Poughkeepsie

Wednesday night, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in a tweet that 1 million of the respirators would be distributed Thursday morning.

Hochul said 400,000 of the masks would be distributed at public transit stations, the Javits Center and parks. The remaining 600,000 will be available to local governments from the New York Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services stockpile, the governor said.

How to wear an N95 mask

With smoke still producing unhealthy air quality in the region, public officials have encouraged Connecticut and New York residents to again wear masks.

For filtering out the fine particles from the wildfire smoke, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to avoid "comfort" or "dust" masks sold at the hardware store. Instead look for an N95 or P100 respirator that's certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The mask will have NIOSH and N95 or P100 written on it.

To work properly, a respirator must have a good seal around your face, the CDC says. You want to put the mask on your face with clean, dry hands. Hold the mask in your hand with your fingers on the nose piece, then pull the top strap of the mask over your head, followed by the bottom strap. Make sure the straps don't crisscross, the CDC says.

Once the mask is on your face, use your fingertips with both hands to mold the nose piece to the shape of your nose.

To remove it, pull the respirator off by the strap without touching the filter element, discard it, and then wash your hands.

CT may get relief from smoke on Friday

The forecast for Friday indicates Connecticut's Air Quality Index may fall to "moderate" levels of pollution, indicating some relief from the smoke may finally be coming.

The forecast map doesn't provide an exact Air Quality Index number for Connecticut. The index is measured on a color-coded scale from 0 to 500, with higher numbers representing greater amounts of air pollution.

The forecast for Friday shows the Air Quality Index across Connecticut is expected to be yellow, or moderate, which corresponds with an AQI of 51 to 100. On Wednesday afternoon, the AQI peaked at over 350 in parts of southwestern Connecticut.

"Moderate" levels of air pollution mean the air quality is "acceptable," according to AirNow.gov.

"However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution," the federal inter-agency website said.

New Haven libraries provide shelter from smoke

New Haven's director of emergency management said all of the city's libraries can be used as shelter from the smoke during normal business hours "until air quality improves."

"Air quality is expected to further improve today and throughout the next few days as well," Rick Fontana, the emergency management director, said in an update.

The Air Quality Index in the city fell to 169 Thursday from 253 the previous day.

Fontana said residents are encouraged to wear an N95 or KN95 face masks for protection, and masks are available upon request.

In the meantime, he said people at greater risk from the air pollution should reduce their time outdoors, consider moving any outdoor activities inside and avoid trenuous activities outdoors.

Vulnerable groups include people with heart and lung conditions, children and older adults.

Everyone else should consider lower intensity activities, "like walking instead of running," Fontana said, wait to be active outdoors until air quality improves and shorten the time spent active outdoors.

The Air Quality Index has improved today, but remains 'unhealthy'

The Air Quality Index  a measure health and weather officials use to report the level of air pollution  has improved in Connecticut as of Thursday morning, but conditions still remain "unhealthy" across most of the state.

On Wednesday evening, multiple monitoring sites in southwestern Connecticut were painted maroon, reporting "hazardous" levels of fine particle pollution from the wildfires burning in eastern Canada. The level is the highest registered on the color-coded Air Quality Index scale.

The scale also measures air quality on a 0 to 500 number scale, with higher values representing greater concentrations of pollutants. Around 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, the Air Quality Index measured 355 in Westport, according to one monitoring site.

As of 5 a.m. Thursday, most monitoring sites in Connecticut were painted red, representing "unhealthy" levels of pollution from fine particles. A few sites were reporting the Air Quality Index level just below that in orange, or "unhealthy for certain groups."

One site in Greenwich was painted purple for "very unhealthy," the data shows.

Connecticut forecast for Thursday

The forecast on Thursday calls for hazy weather in the morning from the wildfire smoke, followed by a chance of scattered showers in the afternoon.

In northwestern Connecticut, there's a chance thunderstorms could develop in the afternoon, possibly producing hail.

Temperatures will be slightly cool, with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s.

Smoke plume could move south, improving air quality

Simulations from the National Weather Service show the plume of smoke from the wildfires burning in Canada could get pushed south throughout the day Thursday, possibly bringing some relief to northern parts of the region.

The smoke would still be "focused" along the the southern shorelines of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, however, the weather service said.

Staff Writers Liz Hardaway, Ignacio Laguarda, Richard Chumney, Kaitlin Lyle, Nick Sambides, Kalleen Ozanic, Sandra Diamond Fox, Katrina Koerting and Brian Gioiele contributed reporting
MIAMI (AP)  Donald Trump said Thursday that he was indicted for mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate, a remarkable development that makes him the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges by the federal government that he once oversaw.

The indictment carries unmistakably grave legal consequences, including the possibility of prison if he's convicted.

But it also has enormous political implications, potentially upending a Republican presidential primary that Trump had been dominating and testing anew the willingness of GOP voters and party leaders to stick with a now twice-indicted candidate who could face still more charges. And it sets the stage for a sensational trial centered on claims that a man once entrusted to safeguard the nation's most closely guarded secrets willfully, and illegally, hoarded sensitive national security information.

The Justice Department did not immediately confirm the indictment publicly. But two people familiar with the situation who were not authorized to discuss it publicly said the indictment included seven criminal counts. One of those people said Trump's lawyers were contacted by prosecutors shortly before he announced on his Truth Social platform that he had been indicted.

Within 20 minutes of his announcement, Trump began fundraising off it for his 2024 presidential campaign. He declared his innocence in a video and repeated his familiar refrain that the investigation is a witch hunt. He said he planned to be in court Tuesday afternoon in Miami, where a grand jury had been meeting to hear evidence as recently as this week.

The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in New York and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he faces, legal experts  as well as Trump's own aides  had long seen the Mar-a-Lago probe as the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trumps attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when.

Appearing Thursday night on CNN, Trump attorney James Trusty said the indictment includes charges of willful retention of national defense information  a crime under the Espionage Act, which polices the handling of government secrets  obstruction, false statements and conspiracy.

The case is a milestone for a Justice Department that had investigated Trump for years  as president and private citizen  but had never before charged him with a crime. The most notable investigation was an earlier special counsel probe into ties between his 2016 campaign and Russia, but prosecutors in that probe cited Justice Department policy against indicting a sitting president. Once he left office, though, he lost that protection.

The inquiry took a major step forward last November when Attorney General Merrick Garland, a soft-spoken former federal judge who has long stated that no person should be regarded as above the law, appointed Jack Smith, a war crimes prosecutor with an aggressive, hard-charging reputation to lead both the documents probe as well as a separate investigation into efforts to subvert the 2020 election.

The indictment arises from a monthslong investigation into whether Trump broke the law by holding onto hundreds of documents marked classified at his Palm Beach property, Mar-a-Lago, and whether he took steps to obstruct the governments efforts to recover the records.

Prosecutors have said that Trump took roughly 300 classified documents to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House, including some 100 that were seized by the FBI last August in a search of the home that underscored the gravity of the Justice Departments investigation. Trump has repeatedly insisted that he was entitled to keep the classified documents when he left the White House, and has also claimed without evidence that he had declassified them.

Court records unsealed last year showed federal investigators believed they had probable cause that multiple crimes had been committed, including the retention of national defense information, destruction of government records and obstruction.

Since then, the Justice Department has amassed additional evidence and secured grand jury testimony from people close to Trump, including his own lawyers. The statutes governing the handling of classified records and obstruction are felonies that could carry years in prison in the event of a conviction.

It remains unclear how much it will damage Trump's standing given that his first indictment generated millions of dollars in contributions from angry supporters and didnt weaken him in the polls. But no matter what, the indictment -- and legal fight that follows -- will throw Trump back into the spotlight, sucking attention away from the other candidates who are trying to build momentum in the race.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Trump opponent in the primary, condemned the indictment on Twitter, saying it represented the weaponization of federal law enforcement.

The former president has long sought to use his legal troubles to his political advantage, complaining on social media and at public events that the cases are being driven by Democratic prosecutors out to hurt his 2024 election campaign. He is likely to rely on that playbook again, reviving his longstanding claims that the Justice Department  which, during his presidency, investigated whether his 2016 campaign had colluded with Russia  is somehow weaponized against him.

Trumps legal troubles extend beyond the New York indictment and classified documents case.

Smith is separately investigating efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. And the district attorney in Georgias Fulton County is investigating Trump over alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election in that state.

Signs had mounted for weeks that an indictment was near, including a Monday meeting between Trumps lawyers and Justice Department officials. His lawyers had also recently been notified that he was the target of the investigation, the clearest sign yet that an indictment was looming.

Though the bulk of the investigative work had been handled in Washington, with a grand jury meeting there for months, it recently emerged that prosecutors were presenting evidence before a separate panel in Florida, where many of the alleged acts of obstruction scrutinized by prosecutors took place.

The Justice Department has said Trump repeatedly resisted efforts by the National Archives and Records Administration to get the documents back. After months of back-and-forth, Trump representatives returned 15 boxes of records in January 2022, including about 184 documents that officials said had classified markings on them.

FBI and Justice Department investigators issued a subpoena in May 2022 for classified documents that remained in Trumps possession. But after a Trump lawyer provided three dozen records and asserted that a diligent search of the property had been done, officials came to suspect even more documents remained.

The investigation had simmered quietly for months until last August, when FBI agents served a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago and removed 33 boxes containing classified records, including top-secret documents stashed in a storage room and desk drawer and commingled with personal belongings. Some records were so sensitive that investigators needed upgraded security clearances to review them, the Justice Department has said.

The investigation into Trump had appeared complicated  politically, if not legally  by the discovery of documents with classified markings in the Delaware home and former Washington office of President Joe Biden, as well as in the Indiana home of former Vice President Mike Pence. The Justice Department recently informed Pence that he would not face charges, while a second special counsel continues to investigate Bidens handling of classified documents.

But compared with Trump, there are key differences in the facts and legal issues surrounding Bidens and Pences handling of documents, including that representatives for both men say the documents were voluntarily turned over to investigators as soon as they were found. In contrast, investigators quickly zeroed on whether Trump, who for four years as president expressed disdain for the FBI and Justice Department, had sought to obstruct the inquiry by refusing to turn over all the requested documents.

_____

Tucker reported from Washington. Colvin reported from Des Moines, Iowa.
The aviation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out 18 strikes on the areas of concentration of personnel and two on the antiaircraft missile systems of the Russian occupiers during the day, according to the operational information on the Russian invasion as of 18:00 Thursday posted on the Facebook page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Units of the missile forces and artillery of Ukraine during the day hit five control points, six areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment of the Russian occupiers, two anti-aircraft missile systems, eight artillery units in firing positions and two other important enemy objects.
Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and the makers of Citadel are currently shooting for the last schedule of the action series in Serbia. The actors took to their social media to share a picture from their trip. In the photo, the cast and crew of the series posed with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

Along with the actors, the makers of the Indian version of Citadel, director duo Raj and DK were also seen in the photo. Sharing the picture on social media, Varun expressed his joy upon meeting the President. Along the picture, he mentioned how it was a privilege to meet Murmu abroad.

Varun posted the picture on his Instagram stories along with the Indian flag. Samantha also reposted the photo on her social media and wrote Madam President over it. The actors were dressed in professional attire in the photo.

(Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Varun Dhawan with President of India | Image: Varun Dhawan/Instagram)

Varun Dhawan arrives in Serbia

(Varun Dhawan uploaded a selfie before flying to Serbia. I Image: Varun Dhawan/Instagram)

Earlier, Varun Dhawan took to Instagram stories en route to Serbia and said that they are shooting for the last schedule of Citadel. On June 3, the actor poste a selfie from the airport. He captioned the photo last sched spyverse, noting that the web series is nearing completion.

Varun Dhawan calls Samantha Ruth Prabhu hard-working

(Citadel lead actors twin in black.I Image: Varun Dhawan/Instagram)

In a conversation with PTI, Varun spoke highly of his co-star in the series. He mentioned that Samantha is one of the hardest working actors and that he cannot be doing something mediocre with her. Talking about the Indian adaptation of Citadel, the actor has assured that the audiences will witness a never-seen-before" series.

Priyanka Chopra headliner to be remade India

(Priyanka Chopra from a still in Citadel | Image: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)

Created by the Russo Brothers, Citadel is originally an American series headlined by Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden. Ever since its inception, the makers realised that there need to be various local adaptations of the series. The responsibility of helming the Indian Citadel lies with the director duo Raj & DK.
A Kerala government delegation led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan left for an eight-day trip to the United States of America and Cuba on Thursday morning. The delegation, also comprising Speaker A N Shamseer and State Finance Minister K N Balagopal, would be attending various events, including the American Regional Conference of the Loka Kerala Sabha which was marred by controversy after allegations cropped up that money was being charged from expatriates to stand or sit close to Vijayan during the three-day programme.

The opposition Congress had contended that it was "embarrassing" for the state that amounts ranging from USD 25,000 to USD 100,000 was being charged as part of the "offer" to sit or stand close to the Kerala Chief Minister during the Loka Kerala Sabha, a Non-resident Keralites convention which will be held in New York on June 9, 10 and 11.

The ruling Left in the state and the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) denied the allegations of fundraising. The ruling CPI(M) in the state had contended the event organisers only collected money as "sponsorship" and the government had no involvement in it.

Vijayan will be in the US till June 14, on which date he will depart for Havana, the capital city of Cuba, from New York, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a press note. While in the US, the Kerala CM will inaugurate the American Regional Conference of the Loka Kerala Sabha on June 10 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square area of New York, the CMO statement said.

Prior to that, on June 9, Vijayan will visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York and thereafter go to see the UN headquarters, it said. The chief minister will also inaugurate a Business Investment Meet which will be held at Marriot Marquis on June 11, according to his itinerary given in the statement.

During his US visit, Vijayan will also meet Malayali investors in America, prominent Malayali expatriates, IT experts, students and women entrepreneurs, the press note said. Vijayan will also address the expatriate community at a public meeting in New York's iconic Times Square, it said.

On June 12, he will meet the World Bank's South Asia Regional Vice-President Martin Reiser in Washington DC, it added. On June 13, the chief minister will personally visit and understand the Maryland waste management systems and on June 14, he will leave New York for Havana, the statement said. Vijayan will participate in various programmes in Havana on June 15 and 16, meet with various dignitaries and also visit places of historical importance, including the Jose Marti Memorial.
The Russian occupiers have rotated missile carriers on combat duty in the Black Sea, according to the Operational Command Pivden (South).

"Having brought a surface [missile carrier] with eight Calibers to the base point, put an underwater with four carriers on duty," the Facebook post says.

It is noted that the level of missile threat remains high.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and thanked him for his country's "excellent support" during evacuation of Indians from Sudan in April, while also conveying best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.

During the telephonic conversation, the leaders reviewed a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on various multilateral and global issues of mutual interest, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.

Modi thanked Saudi Arabian Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia's "excellent support" during evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan via Jeddah in April 2023, the statement said.

Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed his full support to India's initiatives as part of its ongoing G20 Presidency and said he looks forward to his visit to India, the statement said.

The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, it said.

India had set up a transit facility at Jeddah in April to evacuate Indians from strife-torn Sudan. Under its evacuation mission 'Operation Kaveri', India took the evacuees from Sudan to Jeddah from where they returned home.
An orphanage in Sudan's war-torn capital has been evacuated following the deaths of more than 70 infants, toddlers and older children from hunger and illness over the past couple of months, the U.N. childrens agency and a local charity said Wednesday.

The tragedy at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage made headlines late last month as fighting raged outside between Sudans military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The deaths have highlighted the heavy toll inflicted on civilians since mid-April when the clashes erupted between forces loyal to Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and RSF forces led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

About 300 children at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage in Khartoum were transferred to a safer location elsewhere in the northeastern African nation, said Ricardo Pires, a spokesman for the U.N. childrens agency, UNICEF.

Sudans ministries of social development and health have taken charge of the children, while UNICEF has provided humanitarian support including medical care, food, educational activities and play, Pires said in an email to The Associated Press.

He said the children had received medical checks following their long journey to their new location, adding that any child requiring hospitalization will have access to healthcare.

Pires didn't give further details, including where and when were the children taken. However, Nazim Sirag, an activist who heads the local charity Hadhreen, said in a phone interview that they were ferried late Tuesday to a newly established facility in Madani, the capital city of Jazira province, about 135 kilometers (85 miles) southeast of Khartoum.

Sirag, whose charity led humanitarian efforts to help the orphanage and other nursing homes in Khartoum, said at least 71 children died at the Al-Mayqoma since the war in Sudan began on April 15.

Among the dead were babies as young as three months, according to death certificates obtained by the AP. The certificates listed circulatory collapse as a cause of death, but also mentioned other contributing factors such as fever, dehydration, malnutrition, and failure to thrive.

Their relocation followed an online campaign led by local activists and international charities, which intensified after the death of 26 children in two days at the orphanage in late May. The children had been trapped in the fighting for over seven weeks as food and other supplies dwindled. The facility was inaccessible because of the war had turned the capital and other urban areas into battlefields.

The safe movement of these incredibly vulnerable children to a place of safety offers a ray of light in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Mandeep OBrien, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, said in a statement. Many millions of children remain at risk across Sudan."

The fighting has inflicted a heavy toll on civilians, particularly children. More than 860 civilians, including at least 190 children, were killed and thousands of others were wounded since April 15, according to Sudans Doctors Syndicate which tracks civilian casualties. The tally is likely to be much higher.

The conflict has forced more than 1.9 million people to flee their homes, including around 477,000 who crossed into neighboring countries, according to the U.N.'s migration agency. Others remain trapped inside their homes, unable to escape as food and water supplies dwindle. The clashes have also disrupted the work of humanitarian groups.

There have been reports of sexual violence, including the rape of women and girls in Khartoum and the western Darfur region, which have seen some of the worst fighting in the conflict. Almost all reported cases of sexual attacks were blamed on the RSF, which didnt respond to repeated requests for comment.
The Czech government approved a Defense Ministry plan on Wednesday to acquire 246 CV90 armoured combat vehicles as part of a massive modernisation of the military amid the Russian war against Ukraine.

Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said the deal to get the infantry fighting vehicles made by Sweden's BAE Systems Hagglunds AB is worth 59.7 billion Czech crowns ($2.7 billion).

The ministry signed the deal with the Swedish side on Wednesday.

Cernochova said the first CV90s should be delivered in 2026 and all of them by 2030.

In a statement, Sweden's Defense Minister Pal Jonson said he was convinced that combat vehicle 90 is the right choice for the Czech Republic.

According to the website of BAE Systems Hagglunds, there are currently 15 variants of the CV90 in service in seven countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

Czech authorities also announced they would negotiate with the German government over a possible deal to acquire German-made Leopard 2A8 tanks.

The Czech military has been using modernized versions of the Soviet-era T-72 tanks and will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany as compensation after they gave Ukraine dozens of T-72 tanks.

The Czech have been also negotiating with the U.S. side to acquire 24 F-35 fighter jets but no deal has yet been approved.
In an election that reflected strong global opposition to Russia's war against Ukraine, NATO and European Union member Slovenia soundly defeated Moscow's close ally Belarus on Tuesday for a seat on the UN Security Council starting in January.

The race between the two members of the UN's East European group was the only contested election for five seats on the UN's most powerful body, and was closely watched because of their opposing views on Russia's February 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine.

In the secret ballot election in the 193-member General Assembly, Slovenia received 153 votes while Belarus got 38 votes.

UN member states doubtlessly decided that Belarus' grave human rights abuses at home and whitewashing of Russian atrocities in Ukraine disqualify it from serving on the Security Council, a crucial body for safeguarding human rights, said Louis Charbonneau, UN director at Human Rights Watch.

The four other countries elected to the Security Council to serve two-year terms, who faced no opposition, were Guyana, which received 191 votes, Sierra Leone with 188 votes, Algeria with 184 votes and South Korea with 180 votes.

The 10 non-permanent seats on the council are allotted to regional groups, who usually select candidates, but sometimes cannot agree on an uncontested slate.

The five new council members will start their terms on Jan. 1, replacing five countries whose two-year terms end on December 31  Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and United Arab Emirates.

They will join the five veto-wielding permanent members of the council  the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France  and the five countries elected last year: Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland.

The Security Council is charged with maintaining international peace and security, but because of Russia's veto power it has been unable to take action on Ukraine.

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon told reporters she was surprised at the support for her country. She said it proves that Slovenia convinced the vast majority of UN member nations that it can be a reliable partner." As a small country committed to multilateralism it's extremely important to speak to everyone and embrace all parts of the world, and to work together for a better world, Fajon said. She would not talk about the Ukraine war.

Slovenia, which was part of Yugoslavia before it broke up in the early 1990s, will be joining the council for the second time since 1998-99. This will also be Sierra Leone's second time on the council.

Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister David Francis told reporters it was a great day for this small, progressive, confident country  that has made the transition from war to peace to return to the council after 53 years.

Francis said his country knows the devastation of civil war and the plight of bitterly divided communities, and will bring its experience to the Security Council because it knows what the United Nations can do in terms of deploying large peacekeeping and peace support operations. South Korea's UN Ambassador Joonkook Hwang said his country's four priorities when it joins the council will be peacekeeping and peacebuilding, promoting women in these activities, cybersecurity, and the impact of climate on security as well as counterterrorism and North Korea's nuclear program.

He expressed hope that the council, which has been blocked by Russia and China from responding to the North's escalating nuclear and ballistic missile programs, will be able to speak with a unified voice, because this is not just about your politics but about violations of international law and multiple Security Council resolutions.

This will be the third time on the council for South Korea and Guyana and the fourth time for Algeria.
A student at the Jiangxi Vocational Technical College of Industry Trade in the southeastern Chinese city of Nanchang was shocked to find the head of a rat in the rice he was served at the school cafeteria. But it was the response of school authorities that raised millions of eyebrows on Weibo, China's Twitter. The creature in the rice was a duck, not a rat, the school said, warning students not to discuss the incident online. But the head in the picture had rodent teeth, and the dispute drew more than 310 million views online. Many netizens reached back 2,200 years to highlight a Qin Dynasty idiom, "calling a deer a horse," which describes the deliberate pushing of a falsehood.
If next months election isnt free, the E.U. could raise tariffs  a move that could cause factory closures.

Prime Minister Hun Sen talks with a garment factory worker during his visit to Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone on Aug. 23, 2017.

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday urged thousands of garment workers to speak out against the opposition Candlelight Party and its efforts to bring international sanctions against the countrys garment industry.

Workers must dare to point to any opposition party officials who have urged foreigners not to invest in Cambodia and buy products from Cambodia, he said during a public event in Kampong Chhnang province attended by local garment factory workers.

You need to say, You are the person who destroys us, the prime minister said. Other opposition parties are opposing the government but they don't urge foreigners not to buy products."

Cambodian workers at a garment factory in Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aug. 23, 2017. Credit: Heng Sinith/AP





Hun Sens speech comes almost six weeks before the July 23 parliamentary election.

The Candlelight Party has gathered support over the last several years with a policy platform centered around improving social welfare benefits and raising the minimum monthly wage for garment workers and civil servants.

But the National Election Committee last month blocked it from appealing on the ballot, citing inadequate paperwork. Several foreign embassies have criticized the ruling party for undermining Cambodias democracy.

The European Union in March threatened to raise tariffs if Cambodia doesnt improve its human rights record and hold free and fair elections this year.

An EU resolution said Cambodia risks further suspension of its participation in the regional blocs Everything But Arms scheme, or EBA, which allows Phnom Penh access to the European market without tariffs.

The EU already withdrew about 20% of the EBA scheme in 2020, equivalent to about US$1.1 billion of Cambodias Europe-bound exports.

Hun Sen said in March in response to the resolution that Cambodia doesnt need foreign aid or preferential trade agreements because its economy is strong enough to survive on its own.

On Thursday, he said that international sanctions could result in the loss of garment factory jobs.

Finland-based political analyst Kim Sok said Hun Sen should blame himself for any sanctions because he has destroyed the opposition party and democracy in Cambodia.

Hun Sen is worried that he will get international pressure after the election that will worsen the workers situations, he said.

Translated by Samean Yun. Edited by Matt Reed.
Earlier this week, the Cambodian leader worried that the new Thai government would target migrant workers.

Prime Minister Hun Sen (right) and Chinas ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wentian, at a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a expressway in Phnom Penh on June 7, 2023.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday that he was reassured after seeing a statement from Thailands Move Forward Party that said it would not expel Cambodian migrant workers if it forms a government.

Hun Sen said on Sunday he was worried that a new Thai government would enact policies that would jeopardize the status of migrant workers from neighboring countries.

This policy will not be supported by Cambodia and Laos, he said. Cambodia doesnt have much but I want to leave a message: Please watch out. I dont want to advise Thai politicians but please watch out.

Cambodias Ministry of Labor has said that at least 1.2 million Cambodians are working in Thailand.

Migrant construction workers travel in the back of a crew cab in Bangkok, May 25, 2020. Credit: Gemunu Amarasinghe/AP





Move Forward, the top vote-getting party in the May 14 election, denied it has a policy to repatriate migrant workers.

The party's stance is to protect the welfare and labor rights of all workers in Thailand, regardless of their nationalities, it said in a statement on Thursday. The Move Forward Party recognizes the importance of the contribution made by the migrant workforce to the economic and social development of Thailand.

Move Forward and Pheu Thai  Thailands two largest opposition parties  dealt a resounding defeat to the countrys pro-military establishment in last months election. But an alliance of eight parties remains short of the 376 seats required to govern in Thailands 750-seat bicameral legislature, and no new government has been formed.

Thai economys need for migrant workers

On Thursday, Hun Sen said he welcomed the Move Forward statement.

So now we don't have any concerns that the workers will leave Thailand, he said during a public event with thousands of garment factory workers in Kampong Chhnang province.

But Sou Piseth, a migrant worker in Thailand, speculated that Hun Sen was making the statements simply to gain votes ahead of the July 23 elections.

He pointed out that Hun Sens government didnt do anything to help workers who were stuck in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew (left) and leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, wave in Bangkok, May 17, 2023. Move Forward party denied it has a policy to repatriate migrant workers. Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP





Mao Saron, another migrant worker in Thailand, told Radio Free Asia on Thursday he isnt concerned that a new Thai government would expel migrant workers because Thailand relies on workers to boost its economy.

Dy The Hoya, the migration program director at the Phnom Penh-based Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights, or CENTRAL, also said he wasnt worried about Thailand sending thousands of Cambodians back across the border.

Thailand wont expel workers because they benefit from them as well, he said.

Move Forward said in its statement that it would like to expand and improve regular pathways for migrant workers and ensure that those pathways are free from extortion, coercion, or other forms of exploitation.

Translated by Samean Yun. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
Dangerous incidents in South China Sea and Taiwan Strait made worse by Beijings refusal to talk, official says.

A Chinese J-16 fighter jet carries out a maneuver that the U.S. military said was unnecessarily aggressive near an American reconnaissance plane flying above contested waters in the South China Sea, May 26, 2023.

A rise in dangerous maneuvers by Chinas military risks a crisis or conflict in the South China Sea or Taiwan Strait, the U.S. assistant secretary of defense responsible for the region said Thursday.

The Pentagon has in the past two weeks released footage of two incidents of near-accidents involving Chinese vessels.

The first, from May 26, shows a Chinese jet veering suddenly in front of a U.S. reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea. The second, from June 2, shows a similar maneuver from a Chinese warship.

Its part of a steep rise in aggressive, unprofessional, risky, unsafe behavior that has also included the release of flares and chaff  clusters of metal pieces  at U.S.-allied aircraft, said Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs.

The Chinese warship Luyang III cuts in front of the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon, as seen from the deck of the destroyer, in the Taiwan Strait, June 3, 2023.(U.S. Navy via Reuters)

It's dangerous, it's risky, and it tempts an incident that could lead to some kind of crisis or conflict, Ratner said at an event at the Center for a New American Security, adding that it was made worse by a breakdown in communications between the two militaries.

It's happening in the context of [Chinas military] being unwilling to engage with the United States in military-to-military communications  not just crisis communications, but dialogue as well, he said.

American defense officials have complained about their Chinese counterparts refusal to speak on the phone since U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken nixed a February trip to Beijing after an alleged Chinese spy balloon was discovered over the United States.

Chinas new defense minister, Li Shangfu, also declined an invitation to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin when they were in Singapore last weekend for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.

We think that's really problematic, Ratner said.

Cold thaw

Ratners comments come amid strained efforts by U.S. diplomats to re-engage with China after nearly a year of rising tensions that began with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis August visit to Taiwan.

The relationship has been further strained by the spy balloon, Blinkens canceled Beijing trip, an unofficial visit to the United States by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and U.S. efforts to cut Chinas technology sector off from high-end American microchips.

Meanwhile, there has also been no shortage of warnings from U.S. generals of an imminent invasion of Taiwan by China as early as later this year, and Republican and Democratic lawmakers have seized on China policy as a rare area of bipartisan unity.

However, two senior U.S. officials were in Beijing on Monday in an attempt to pave the way for a new Blinken visit to Beijing, and there have been reports the U.S. secretary of state will make the trip within weeks. President Joe Biden has also predicted a thaw.

Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs in Washington. (RFA Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

But such efforts to move toward a thaw in relations are being complicated by the rise in near-accidents between the two militaries, which Chinese officials have blamed on the U.S. side.

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told Radio Free Asia last month that the provocative and dangerous moves by American military vessels in their close-in reconnaissance on China was the ultimate cause of the recent near-accidents.

Ratner told the CNAS conference any suggestion that the U.S. military was even partly to blame in the incidents makes me want to tear my hair out given the aggressive maneuvers from China.

We're going to continue to fly, sail and operate safely and responsibly, in accordance with international law, as we have been doing, he said Thursday. This is a major problem.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Changs wife says the sentence is a form of political persecution, amid ongoing fears for his health.

A court in the northern Chinese province of Shaanxi has jailed prominent rights lawyer Chang Weiping for three-and-a-half years after he attended a gathering of dissidents in the southeastern city of Xiamen in December 2019.

The Feng County Peoples Court handed down the sentence to Chang  whose lawyers say he has suffered torture in incommunicado detention  after finding him guilty of incitement to subvert state power at a secret trial.

The sentence came eight weeks after authorities in Shandong province handed down a 14-year sentence to prominent dissident Xu Zhiyong and a 12-year term to rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi, who also attended the Xiamen gathering, on the same charges, prompting an international outcry.

Subversion charges are frequently used by the ruling Chinese Communist Party to target peaceful critics of the regime.

Changs wife Chen Zijuan dismissed the case against her husband as absurd.

His sentence of three-and-a-half years ... may appear more lenient than those of Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi, but the whole case against him was ridiculous from start to finish, Chen said.

Even a day in prison would have been too much.

De facto travel ban

Before his trial, Chang had been held for a long time under residential surveillance at a designated location, which rights groups say is associated with a higher risk of torture and mistreatment in detention.

Lawyers representing Chang, Xu and Ding have all reported that they were tortured during their time in pretrial detention.

He has been locked up in the detention center for a very long time already, and Im very concerned about his health, Chen said, adding that her husband has also been sentenced to two-and-a-half years deprivation of political rights, which she said was a de facto travel ban.

The point of the so-called deprivation of political rights is to stop him from leaving the country, she said.

Judging from past practice ... even if political prisoners are released after serving their sentences ... they are unlikely to have true freedom but be under surveillance, and they wont have the freedom to leave the country, Chen said.

She added that Chang is still considering whether or not to appeal, according to his lawyer.

Rights attorney Liu Shihui said any appeal would just be a question of going through the motions, however.

Everyone knows that the sentence is never changed in these sorts of cases involving prisoners of conscience, Liu said. Its a form of political persecution.

They have delayed this case for more than three years before pronouncing sentence ... and everyone knows that life in those detention centers is hell on earth, and a year seems like a whole lifetime, he said.

No legal basis at all

U.S.-based rights activist and legal scholar Teng Biao said Chang had gotten off relatively lightly compared with Xu and Ding, whom the authorities seem to regard as the main culprits behind the Xiamen dinner gathering.

They probably think Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi were the ringleaders in the Xiamen case, but from a legal point of view, neither Xu, Ding nor Chang or anyone else [accused] in this case have committed any crime, Teng said.

Arresting them and sending them to prison for subversion of state power is pure political persecution and a gross violation of their civil rights and freedoms, and has no legal basis at all, regardless of how lenient the sentence may be, he said.

Chang, who was only allowed to meet with a lawyer after nearly a year in detention, was strapped immobile into a tiger chair torture device for six days straight, and deprived of food and sleep, his lawyer said in September 2021.

Dings lawyers say he was restrained in a tiger chair between April 1 and April 8, 2020, and interrogated for 21 hours a day, subjected to sleep deprivation and limited food and water.

Xu has told his lawyer that he was subjected to similar treatment in the tiger chair while detained in Shandongs Yantai city.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Matt Reed.
Some 2,334 people have been evacuated from the flooding zone in connection with the undermining of the Kakhovka HPP by the Russian Federation as of 18:00, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine reported on the Telegram channel.

In turn, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko reported from the scene that the occupiers fired at Beryslav and Beryslav district in Kherson region.

"Terrorists have just shelled the town of Beryslav and Beryslav district with guided aerial bombs, and we are now only establishing the consequences of these bombings, so we can once again state that the Russian regime is showing its terrorist face," the press service quoted the minister as saying.

In addition, Klymenko appealed to everyone who helps eliminate the consequences of the disaster: "We clearly need to work together. The only team in a single system. We need to know how many boats we have, how many forces we have  people and equipment. Therefore, a big request to everyone who is involved and has a desire to continue to join in the elimination of consequences. First, contact the Headquarters for the Elimination of Consequences, it works around the clock. After all, only together we can prove that we are an indomitable nation," the minister said.
Recent college graduate Liu Qian works in the room she rents in an apartment in Beijing, July 7, 2022. Credit: Olivia Zhang/AP

A man looks at job information at an employment fair in Zhengzhou, Henan province, Feb.19, 2014. Credit: Jason Lee/Reuters

A student poses for a photo with her parents after her last exam of the National College Entrance Examination in Huaian, eastern Jiangsu province, June 9, 2022. Credit: AFP

Students run out in celebration after the last National College Entrance Exam in Changsha, Hunan Province, June 9, 2022. Credit: Chen Sihan/Xinhua via Getty Images

High school students go through exam papers, ahead of the National College Entrance Examination in Handan, Hebei province, May 17, 2023. Credit: AFP

Students review textbooks outside a school just before their first day of the gaokao exam in Beijing, June 7, 2023. Credit: Andy Wong/AP

Parents wait outside a school as students sit for the National College Entrance Examination in Nanjing, Jiangsu province on June 7, 2023 Credit: AFP

Parents wait outside a school during the first day of the National College Entrance Examination in Nanjing, China's eastern Jiangsu province on June 7, 2023. Credit: AFP

Students arrive to sit for the National College Entrance Examination in Wuhan, Hubei province, June 7, 2023. Credit: AFP

Students stand in lines to enter school on the first day of China's gaokao exam in Beijing, June 7, 2023. Credit: Wang Zhao/AFP

Police motorcades, guarded fleets of vans carrying exam papers and throngs of mask-wearing teens pouring into gymnasium halls were a common scene across China as a record number of students take the national college entrance exam, or gaokao, this week.

The 13 million test-takers is the largest group to sit the exam in a single year since it was reinstituted in 1977 following the Cultural Revolution.

A requirement for gaining a place at university in China, the pressure of sitting the days-long test has been known to bring about fainting and trips to the hospital.

This year, the stress may be compounded not only by the competition from the volume of test-takers, but also by the grim employment outlook being faced by young people in China.

The country is experiencing what appears to be its worst unemployment crisis since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949.

Nearly one-fifth of those between 16 and 24 years old are out of work, according to surveys, and national joblessness is thought to be at levels not seen since the financial crisis of 2008.

The pessimistic atmosphere has renewed criticism of the gaokao system, even as authorities attempt to tamp down on disaffection over perceived economic and educational failures.

No guarantee to a middle class life

According to Wu Qiang, an independent scholar in Beijing, the surge in the number of exam takers is being driven in part by more children of migrant parents participating in the test this year.

High school students go through exam papers, ahead of the National College Entrance Examinations, known as the gaokao, in Handan, Hebei province, May 17, 2023. Credit: AFP

But in the current economic climate, they face the prospect of being conscripted into the gig economy instead of the more comfortable lives once promised by obtaining a university degree.

Rather than graduating into the middle class, they become the equivalent of urban migrant workers, delivering food and so on for an income, Wu said.

Many Chinese parents, especially those from rural areas, regard the college entrance examinations as the only way to change their childrens destinies, said Feng Chongyi, associate professor at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia.

But in reality, they may find disappointment - they invest heavily in school but face bleak job prospects after graduation, said Feng.

They get a few years of study back home, but it provides them with little in the way of advantages. College majors are not matched for jobs either  a lot of it is way too academic, he said.

State programs unlikely to help

The market for all graduates - not just ones from rural backgrounds- is difficult.

According to the Global Times, a state newspaper, China will have 11.58 million fresh college graduates in 2023 - a record high.

At the same time, the youth unemployment rate sits at 20.4% for the 16-24 age group, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Parents stand and watch as students enter a school to sit for the gaokao exam in Beijing, June 7, 2023. Credit: Andy Wong/AP

In an effort to fix the problem, Chinas Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has launched a 100-day campaign to provide more than 10 million jobs for college graduates and other young people, according to state media.

The campaign will target high-demand, scarce and cutting-edge sectors such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and environmental protection. It will also focus on areas with high concentrations of colleges, large numbers of graduates and high mobility of employment.

The ministry will set up an online recruitment platform and hold various online activities such as live broadcasts with jobs, visits to enterprises, video job fairs and cloud recruitment.

It seems unlikely that this latest of Chinas innumerable campaigns  in this case dubbed the 100-day, 10-million jobs Career Leads the Future, Build Dreams in Youth  will be the magic elixir China needs, however.

Critics say problems of youth unemployment run much deeper - and that it starts with an education system that is clearly not working for many graduates.

Wang, a retired teacher from Guizhou University who only wished to give his last name, told RFAs Mandarin service he believes the education system is not fair, regardless of how the government promotes employment campaigns.

Job seekers visit a booth at a job fair in Beijing, Feb. 16, 2023. Credit: Florence Lo/Reuters

In our countrys traditional culture reading thousands of books is regarded as the way to success, but restrictive regulations on college admissions means that talented students from small cities and rural areas lose out on places at prestigious schools, he said.

At the same time there is a widespread phenomenon of wealthy families spending money to buy points to get their children better admissions scores, which leaves students from less well-off families at a disadvantage.

Other scholars told RFAs Mandarin service that they agreed the gaokao is problematic.

The exam is too focused on scores and ignores the cultivation of students comprehensive quality, they say. Many students give up extracurricular and social activities  as well as other opportunities  in order to pursue good grades.

This leads to a lack of innovation and practical abilities  and many of them end up pursuing menial, low-paid jobs.

Yet speaking up about the problem is risky.

As Reuters noted last year, after Li Xunlei, a well-known economist, reported that over 70 million jobs had disappeared due to the pandemic, his post was deleted and he was removed from his leadership post.

Edited by Boer Deng and Mike Firn.
North Korean authorities in Chongjin [shown] have cracked down on people dying their hair, wearing unapproved styles of clothing, and brewing moonshine.

North Korea is punishing people who engage in minor anti-socialist behaviors like dying their hair, wearing unapproved styles of clothing and brewing moonshine, by sending them to work on rural farms to atone, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.

Anti-socialist behavior is the vague term North Koreas government uses to describe activities deemed to be South Korean, foreign or capitalist cultural practices.

In 2020 the country passed the Rejection of Reactionary Thought and Culture Act, which laid out punishments for specific anti-socialist acts, including multi-year prison sentences for watching South Korean media.

But some offenses are not as serious as others, and violators caught in recent crackdowns in the northeastern city of Chongjin can expect to receive a relatively mild sentence of only five days working on the farm, a resident there told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

[Theyre] cracking down on making or selling clothes in the market that are not our style, the resident said, using the Korean term uri, which literally means our but refers to concepts that have originated in or are ubiquitously accepted as part of Korean culture.

Clothing and hairstyles

He said that tight clothes, clothing that reveals the shoulder and clothing with foreign letters on them were all anti-socialist.

Socialist Patriotic Youth League patrols are also cracking down on young men and women who dye their hair yellow or brown, grow their hair long and wear jeans or tight-fitting clothes in public, the resident said.

Recently, the authorities have instructed barbers and hairdressers not to dye customers' hair brown or do strange hairstyles, such as clipping only the side of the hair and leaving the front and back, he said. This kind of hair is a priority for crackdown on the street.

The source said that using foreign currency is also grounds for punishment.

If they catch you, they will take you to the countryside in a car, he said. You will be planting rice or weeding for the next five days.

The resident said that when people are caught and sent to work, it is not only they who suffer.

At our factory, two young men and one woman are not coming to work because they have been mobilized for planting rice after they were caught on the street wearing clothes and hairstyles that are not our style, he said.

Ruthlessly

Every morning when the factory holds a meeting, the officials advise them not to get caught in the crackdown because the factory requires them to be at their posts, the resident said.

This crackdown is proceeding ruthlessly. Its different than usual, he said. Its strange that this kind of punishment coincides with the rice planting and weeding season, he said.

Authorities in Chongjin are raiding the citys Kangdok neighborhood on a weekly basis, hoping to catch people making moonshine in their homes, another resident of the city told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely.

Kangdok became a haven for a home-brewed alcoholic drink called nongtaegi during the 1994-1998 North Korean famine, which followed after the countrys economy collapsed.

The people of Kangdok needed to make a living somehow and began producing nongtaegi in large quantities and selling it all over Chongjins surrounding North Hamgyong province.

Some people are lucky enough to avoid the crackdowns, but there are also some who get caught red-handed while making alcohol, the second resident said. Their brewing machines and corn kernels they prepared to make the alcohol were confiscated.

Moonshine is a slightly more serious offense, so the illicit brewers were sent to the farms for 10 days, he said.

Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
Affected residents of Laos and Thailand have had little say in the planning process.

The future site of Laos Phou Ngoy Dam is seen in this undated photo.

Pressing ahead with its vision to become the Battery of Southeast Asia, the government of Laos is going forward with plans to build its seventh of nine mainstream dams on the Mekong River, despite widespread concerns that it could inflict social and environmental damage.

The 728-megawatt Phou Ngoy Dam, with a projected completion date of 2029, would join the currently operational Xayaburi and Don Sahong Dams as well as the Pak Beng, Pak Lay, Luang Prabang and Sanakham Dams, in various stages of planning. Two others, Pak Chom and Ban Koum, will follow.

The US$2.4 billion dam is a joint investment between the Charoen Energy and Water Asia Company of Thailand and the Lao government, and will be constructed through a partnership between South Koreas Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction and Korea Western Power.

Electricity generated by the dam will mostly be sold to Thailand, although it will also be used to power parts of southern Laos.

Laos has built dozens of hydropower dams on the Mekong and its tributaries under its Battery of Southeast Asia vision, with ultimate plans for scores more hoping to export the electricity they generate to other countries in the region.

Though the Lao government sees power generation as a way to boost the countrys economy, the projects are controversial because of their environmental impact, displacement of villagers without adequate compensation, and questionable financial and power demand arrangements.

Villagers dont need the dam

Plans for the project are currently in the last stage of discussions between investors and related sectors, after which they will be submitted to the Mekong River Commission to undergo a six-month Prior Consultation and Agreement, or PNPCA, process.

The Mekong River Commission is an inter-government agency that works with regional governments to manage the Mekongs resources.

While the government is prepared to press ahead with the project, the more than 7,000 residents of 86 villages in Laos Champasak province and inhabitants of six villages in neighboring Thailands Ubon Ratchathani province who will be forced to relocate for its construction arent so sure.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal, they told RFA Lao that the current proposal for the dam will impact their livelihoods and destroy the Mekong ecosystem that their families have relied on for generations.

A dam affects everything, like fishing, said a Ubon Ratchathani resident. When the dam releases water, the level of water is high. Its unusual. Its not a phenomenon. The truth is, villagers dont need the dam, period.

The resident said the dam will lead to flooding and landslides along the Mekong, interrupt transportation routes, and cause drought when water is stored.

A second resident of Ubon Ratchathani expressed frustration that villagers who will be affected by the dam have been left out of the decision-making process.

Before construction, the dam developers and the government should consult with villagers  they cant just go ahead and build it, they said. Villagers need to know how much the dam will affect them because their livelihoods depend on the Mekong River.

An artist's rendering of the Phuo Ngoy Dam in Laos. Credit: Charoen Energy and Water Asia Company Limited





Nothing we can do to resist

A villager in Laos Champasak province said residents dont want to move, but if they must, they should be involved in discussions about compensation.

No official came to talk with us about whether we will be evacuated or not, he said. We have lived in this village for many years. We have a stable life, but if we have to move we dont know where we will go.

A resident of Champasaks Pakse district bemoaned the lack of recourse for Lao villagers impacted by the governments dam-building spree.

Villagers cant do anything to stop dam building in Laos, he said. If the government wants to build one, there is nothing we can do to resist.

Activists say that more than 1 million people will be directly or indirectly affected by the Phu Ngoy dam due to its impact on the environment, navigation, fishing, and water flow.

In March, Thai and Chinese investors signed a power purchase agreement that paves the way for the construction of the Pak Lay Dam, the third dam to be built on the Mekong in Laos.

The project in the Pak Lay district of northern Laos Xayaburi province  delayed for several years  could see work on basic infrastructure like a bridge and road access start immediately, according to an official from the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

Construction on the main structure is scheduled to begin early next year and the dam is expected to be open for business by 2032.

Translated by Sidney Khotpanya. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Aid groups had obtained permission to travel in the state only a day earlier.

People collect water from Pyitawtha lake, filled with flood water in cyclone-impacted Rathedaung, Rakhine State on May 25, 2023.

Myanmars junta has issued a blanket ban on transportation for aid groups operating in Rakhine state only a day after granting them permission to assist victims of one of the worst cyclones to hit the country in a decade.

The Central Committee for the Rakhine state government on Wednesday approved transportation access to domestic and international aid groups assisting in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha, which made landfall on May 14 with sustained winds reaching over 220 kilometers per hour (137 mph), killing more than 400 people and decimating much of the state.

On Thursday, Rakhine State Minister of Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura issued a letter saying that the junta had suspended the order. No explanation was provided.

Aid workers have told RFA that In northern Rakhine, more than 90% of houses and buildings were damaged by the storm, but more than two weeks later, many people have yet to receive aid. The situation prompted several Rakhine humanitarian organizations to issue a joint statement last week urging junta authorities to speed up relief efforts and not to restrict the work of civil society groups.

An aerial view of damages following Cyclone Mocha's landfall in Sittwe, Rakhine State. Credit: Myanmar Military via AP

An official with an international aid group, who declined to be named for security reasons, told RFA that the flip-flop had delayed urgently needed supplies from reaching at-risk populations.

Aid groups such as the U.N., INGOs [international NGOs] and NGOs had applied for access to help the cyclone victims and the state government approved it yesterday, but the junta overrode it, he said. Ive heard that the ban was imposed by the union-level junta in Naypyidaw.

A domestic NGO official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, called the juntas rescinding of access to cyclone victims unacceptable.

People are starving and some have to live out in the open without a roof or walls, he said. The militarys ban of international humanitarian assistance at such a critical moment when the victims are facing various hardships proves that we are living under an inhumane government.

Workers rebuild a damaged UN World Food Program warehouse in Sittwe in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha's landfall. Credit: Sai Aung Main/AFP

The official noted that with the disaster so recent, it is too early to focus on rebuilding Rakhine state.

Its still an emergency situation when urgent help and rescue are of vital importance, he said, calling for an immediate lift to the ban.

Not a political issue

Pe Than, an ethnic Rakhine politician and former lawmaker in Naypyidaws Lower House, went further, saying the juntas ban is the same as inflicting harm on cyclone victims.

"At a time when we are in need of a lot of domestic and foreign aid  I can't understand [the junta] closing off access like this, he said. This issue is not a political one, nor is it related to the military. It is humanitarian, which is simply a matter of welcoming those who will help. I was shocked to see that what is happening is the reverse.

Workers sort through food at a damaged UN World Food Program warehouse in Sittwe in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha's landfall. Myanmars junta on Thursday issued a blanket ban on transportation for aid groups operating in Rakhine state only a day after State Government granting them permission to assist victims. Credit: Sai Aung Main/AFP

Attempts by RFA to contact Hla Thein, the juntas spokesman and attorney general for Rakhine state, by telephone regarding the ban rang unanswered Thursday.

The junta announced on May 21 that a total of 148 Rakhine and Rohingya people died in Sittwe, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun and Myebon townships due to Cyclone Mocha.

Emergency assistance is needed in cyclone-affected townships of Sittwe, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Myebon and Mrauk-U, where many residential homes have been damaged and food and drinking water are in short supply.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Villagers forced to flee their homes due to junta raids in Sagaing region in a photograph taken on April 21, 2023

Junta troops have shot dead six people in a raid on a village in Myanmars northern Sagaing region, residents and Peoples Defense Force officials told RFA Thursday.

They entered Monywas Yae Kan Su village on Wednesday morning, killing four anti-regime soldiers, two of them still in their teens.

Troops then shot dead two civilians as they tried to run away, according to locals.

Soe Gyi, acting battalion commander of Monywa District Defense Force Battalion-27 identified the dead members of his group as 20-year-old Khin Yadanar Oo, 18-year-old Zin Zin Soe, 17-year-old Ah Thay Lay, and a 24-year old known by the initials B.E.

He said a junta column with about 80 soldiers suddenly arrived in the village at dawn, taking his troops by surprise.

[The camp] was raided when the patrol had withdrawn for physical training, he said.

Four PDF [Peoples Defense Force] members were arrested, shot dead on the spot and burned.

Defense force members fired back but then had to retreat due to lack of support and weapons, he said, adding that troops seized hand-made guns, bullets, communication equipment, uniforms and nine motorbikes.

Residents said troops killed a 50-year-old and an 18-year-old who tried to flee during the raid. They didnt name the two men.

Pro-junta social media channels said troops killed five Peoples Defense Force members, not four, and didnt mention the civilians. They said the three men and two women were hiding in a village school.

The Telegram channels also confirmed reports that junta troops seized weapons and ammunition.

Locals said junta troops have raided five villages near Monywa in recent days, forcing around 2,000 people to flee Yae Kan Su village. The number driven out of the other four villages is not yet known.

Nearly 750,000 people have been forced to abandon their homes in Sagaing due to fighting since the Feb. 2021 coup, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

RFAs calls to Sagaing regions junta spokesperson and social affairs minister, Aing Hlang, went unanswered Thursday.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.
The non-combat drills will take place near Indonesias Natuna Islands in September.

A China Coast Guard ship is seen from an Indonesian Naval ship during a patrol at Indonesias Exclusive Economic Zone to the north of Natuna island, Indonesia, Jan. 11, 2020.

Southeast Asian nations will hold their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea, ASEAN chair Indonesia said Thursday, amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington in the disputed waterway and Taiwan Strait.

The non-combat drills will take place near Indonesias Natuna Islands in September as a show of unity among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesian military officials said.

All [ASEAN countries] have confirmed that they will attend, Julius Widjojono, a spokesman for Indonesias armed forces, told BenarNews, adding the drill would be an annual event. However, there had been no confirmation from Myanmar on whether it would take part, Julius said. Strife-torn Myanmar is persona non grata at major ASEAN meetings.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Taiwan and ASEAN member-states Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. While Indonesia does not regard itself as a party to the South China Sea dispute, Beijing claims historic rights to parts of that sea overlapping Indonesia's exclusive economic zone in and around the Natunas.

Indonesias military commander Adm. Yudo Margono, who proposed the ASEAN drill during a meeting of the blocs defense forces chiefs on Wednesday in Bali, said the exercises would enhance regional stability.

Indonesia will continue to promote a safe, peaceful and stable region free from any threats and disturbances that threaten the sovereignty of the states, Yudo said in a statement Wednesday.

A safe sea will automatically boost our countries economy.

Strong message to the major powers

The ASEAN drill, dubbed ASEAN Solidity Exercise, or Asec01N, will involve army, navy and air force units from the member-states, and Timor Leste, an observer state. The exercises will focus on maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.

Khairul Fahmi, a military and security analyst at the Jakarta-based Institute for Security and Strategic Studies, said the exercise was a good initiative by Indonesia.

This is a concrete form of defense diplomacy to build trust, reduce concerns and misunderstandings between countries, especially ASEAN. Plus, there will be many challenges and threats to Indonesias national interests, Fahmi said.

He said Indonesias initiative also affirmed its sovereign rights in the North Natuna Sea, which China claims as part of its historical rights marked by a nine-dash line that overlaps with other countries exclusive economic zones.

This is part of ASEANs efforts to jointly play a more strategic role in maintaining regional stability, Fahmi said.

At the same time, it sends a strong message to the major powers that have interests in the region, especially in the North Natuna Sea, not to ignore ASEAN.

China has built military installations on some of the islands and reefs it controls in the South China Sea. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that Chinas claims had no legal basis under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), but Beijing rejected the ruling and continues to assert its presence.

Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia have accused China of disrupting their oil and gas exploration activities with frequent incursions by Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships, leading to confrontations. ASEAN and China have been negotiating a code of conduct for years to manage disputes peacefully, but progress has been glacial.

The United States, which is not a claimant but is in a defense treaty with the Philippines, has challenged Chinas claims by conducting freedom of navigation operations in the waterway.

While officials from some ASEAN states have expressed worry about the possibility of war breaking out between the superpowers over Taiwan, Washington and Manila earlier this year struck a deal to give U.S. forces expanded access to military bases in the Philippines  a move that angered China.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news organization.
Computer science major was arrested in 2017 for trying to evade censors and obtain illegal information.

A view of Xinjiang University in Urumqi, capital of northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in an undated photo.

A Uyghur university student named Mehmut Memtimin who was arrested more than five years ago by police in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region is serving a 13-year prison sentence, a policeman involved in his apprehension said.

His crime: Using a virtual private network, or VPN, to bypass official internet sensors and view illegal information, according to a police officer linked to Xinjiang University who asked to be identified only as Abduweli.

The reason for his arrest was that he posed a threat to national security by using a VPN, Abdulweli said. He was sentenced to 13 years and is serving time in Tumshuq Prison, in Kashgar prefectures Maralbeshi county.

Memtimin was a computer science student at Xinjiang Universitys Institute of Information and Technology in Urumqi.

His arrest came at a time when authorities were jailing Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in re-education camps and prisons for alleged extremist behavior, such as previous trips or contacts abroad or religious activities. Many were jailed in Tumshuq Prison.

Many Chinese citizens use VPNs to evade censors, but rarely are they arrested and punished for doing so.

Memtimin was forcibly detained by police from his hometown of Qaghiliq, about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) from Urumqi, according to information compiled by independent researcher Gene Bunin.

Bunin, who spent nearly five years in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region researching the Uyghur language, runs the Xinjiang Victims Database, a platform that collects records of Uyghurs and other Turkic minority peoples detained there.

His information, based on data from the Xinjiang Police Files leaked and publicly disclosed in 2022, indicates that Memtimin was arrested at noon on Dec. 7, 2017.

Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.

Editors' note: RFA Uyghur Service journalists operate in challenging circumstances, so in reporting this story and to ensure their safety, we chose not to reveal their affiliation with RFA.
The EU needs to raise such cases in bilateral rights dialogue, Human Rights Watch says.

Twelve activists and bloggers in Vietnam have been imprisoned for exercising their basic rights, Human Rights Watch says.

A Vietnamese climate activist serving a five-year prison sentence for tax evasion will begin a hunger strike on Friday unless he is immediately and unconditionally released, his wife told Radio Free Asia.

Lawyer and environmentalist Dang Dinh Bach, 44, who had campaigned to reduce Vietnams reliance on coal, was arrested in June 2021 and then sentenced to five years in jail.

Bach was director of the Law and Policy of Sustainable Development Research Center, which works with communities affected by development, poor industrial practices and environmental degradation to help them understand and enforce their rights.

Authorities accused him of not paying taxes for sponsorships his organization received from foreign donors. He is one of several Vietnamese activists sentenced for tax evasiona charge that rights groups say is politically motivated.

In a conversation with RFAs Vietnamese Service on Thursday, Bachs wife, Tran Phuong Thao, said he planned to start a hunger strike the next day. She said he had already been skipping meals and had only been eating one meal a day since March 17.

He wants to send his sincere love to all species and people, said Thao. The hunger strike is for the environment, justice, and climate. He wants to take action to awaken everyones love to protect Mother Nature and combat climate change.

Bach also told his wife that the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese government should reconsider their stance on environmental activists, as they are not a threat to political security.

[They should] stop ungrounded arrests and wrongful convictions, said Thao. Also, [Vietnam] must implement its commitments against climate change in a responsible and substantive manner.

Thao said that it would be her husbands fourth hunger strike, which could last for many days and be dangerous. Bach asked his family to stop sending food to him in prison except for hydration and electrolyte replenishment packs for emergency use.

Bach said he would regularly send two letters to his family each month, she said, and if no letters arrived, that meant he was in danger in prison.

Rights dialogue

The news from Bachs wife comes on the eve of a bilateral human rights dialogue with the European Union.

The regional bloc should add cases like Bachs to the agenda for discussion, New York-based Human Rights Watch, or HRW, said in a statement Thursday.

The EU claimed its 2020 Free Trade Agreement would encourage Vietnam to improve its human rights record, but just the opposite has happened, said Phil Robertson, HRWs deputy Asia director.

Hanois disregard for rights has already made it clear that the EU needs to consider actions that go beyond simply issuing statements and hoping for the best.

HRW recalled that the expectation for the establishment of the a EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement Domestic Advisory Group was to promote Vietnamese independent civil society groups participation in monitoring the implementation of the EVFTA trade and sustainable development provisions, but cited the tax related arrests of Bach, and another activist Mai Phan Loi, as evidence to the contrary.

HRW also urged the EU to press the Vietnamese government to amend or repeal several vague penal code articles which the authorities frequently use to repress civil and political rights, as well as two constitutional articles which allow for restrictions on human rights for reasons of national security that go beyond what is permissible under international human rights law.

The EU should get serious about pressing the Vietnamese government to convert rights pledges into genuine reform, Robertson said. Its not much of a rights dialogue if Vietnam officials are just going through the motions, expressing platitudes, and waiting for the meeting to end.

Political prisoners

In May 2023, HRW made a submission to the EU on the human rights situation in Vietnam, and urged the bloc to press the Vietnamese authorities to immediately release all political prisoners and detainees.

Among the hundreds of cases raised in the submission was that of Onion Bae Bui Tuan Lam, who is serving a 5-year sentence on propaganda charges.

Lam, 39, who ran a beef noodle stall in Danang, achieved notoriety in 2021 after posting an online video mimicking the Turkish chef Nusret Gokce, known as Salt Bae.

The video was widely seen as a mockery of Vietnams minister of public security, To Lam, who was caught on film being hand-fed one of Salt Baes gold-encrusted steaks by the chef at his London restaurant at a cost of 1,450 pounds (US$1,790).

In a conversation with RFA about Lams recent trial in May, his lengthy sentence, and the upcoming EU-Vietnam human rights dialogue, his wife, Le Thanh Lam said that rights organizations in the EU and UN understand how Vietnamese authorities have done many wrongful things the family.

My kids lost their right to have a father next to them while their father did not do anything unlawful. Everything my husband did is [allowed] under Vietnams Constitution and laws, she said. He only exercised freedom of speech and other human rights enshrined in the U.N. documents that Vietnam signed.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
Giving birth is a life or death struggle for women in Afghanistan, where roughly one mother is believed to die every two hours from preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications.

Even mothers who survive face the stark reality that their newborns may not, with the Taliban's Health Ministry estimating 22 children die for every 1,000 live births.



"Why would a woman need to go to the hospital?" 31-year-old Zia Gul, a resident of the northern Parwan Province, recalled her husband saying during her difficult pregnancies. "There are only men at the hospital; there are no female doctors."



Gul told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that her husband's refusal to let her see a doctor contributed to the loss of two of her newborn children.



Gul's experience is in line with those of many Afghan women, particularly in conservative rural areas, who are bound by the Islamic custom of mahram. The practice prohibits women from leaving their home without a male relative, bars them from being treated by male doctors, and gives them little say in their own health decisions.

But the traditional customs enforced by Gul's in-laws, who allowed no discussion on the matter, are just one of the many factors that contribute to high maternal mortality in Afghanistan's deeply patriarchal society.



Years of political upheaval, economic woes, the exodus of medical professionals, low literacy and public awareness on health issues, poor infrastructure, and the lack of access to medical care in remote areas all add up to astonishingly high maternal mortality rates.



Among The World's Worst



According to statistics compiled by the World Bank, the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), and other UN agencies, 1,450 mothers were dying for every 100,000 live births by 2000, shortly before the Taliban was ousted from power.



Over the course of the next 20 years, due to increased funding and attention paid to maternal health care and awareness by the UNPFA, international aid agencies such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and the Afghan government, that number was cut by more than half to 620 deaths by 2020.



The Taliban's seizure of power in August 2021 raised fears that the extremist group would reimpose the draconian policies of its first stint in power from 1996-2001, including the banning of female education and employment as it enforced mahram.

Many of those fears have been realized. Girls above the sixth grade have been barred from attending school, women are banned from pursuing university education, and women are no longer allowed to work for international aid agencies. Marham is also more prevalent, with women officially required to wear the all-encompassing burqa and remain at home unless accompanied by a male relative.



Once again, according to Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza, the UNFPA's representative in Afghanistan, women's ability to freely access health facilities to seek maternal and newborn care has been restricted.



No outside nationwide statistics have been made available since 2020, but the Afghan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, citing recent figures from the Taliban-led government's Health Ministry, told Radio Azadi that the maternal mortality ratio has risen only slightly under Taliban rule.



While the figure, 638 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, is the same number recorded by the international community in 2017, it is still high enough to rank Afghanistan among the world's 10 worst in terms of maternal mortality.



That the situation has remained relatively stable is also difficult to fathom, considering the vast numbers of doctors who fled the country as the Taliban regained power, the country's dire economic situation and multiple humanitarian crises, and the increased pressures on aid workers and on Afghan women.



The state health-care system, propped up by foreign aid for two decades, has also suffered from a dramatic drop in international funding since the Taliban takeover.



Health workers and outside agencies say the damage done to the health sector is undeniable.



"The system has changed in our country. Naturally, it had an impact on the country's economy and the services that the government provides to the people," Hamid Jabari, an Afghan physician who was expelled from the country by the Taliban, told Radio Azadi. "The negative effects are being felt, including the lack of professionals in government, especially the health sector."

Some of the losses are offset by the continued involvement of outside organizations, including private hospitals, the UNFPA, and MSF, which have been able to continue to employ women despite the Taliban's ban on women aid workers due to an exemption for health workers.



But tremendous obstacles remain. Bodiroza said in written comments that "despite the exemption of the health sector from the ban on female humanitarian workers, the sector is also suffering from the ban as there are NGOs that indirectly support efficient delivery of health services -- not as frontline health workers but as back office staff, for example."



Afghan women health-care workers, in turn, told Radio Azadi they are being prevented from carrying out their work or expanding their expertise, even as the contributing factors to maternal mortality become more severe. The result is that newborns or pregnant women are now at greater risk of preventable deaths during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the first few weeks after childbirth.



"Many pregnant women can't access antenatal or postnatal care, and the health system struggles to treat women who experience complications in pregnancy," Tomas Bendl, field communications manager for MSF in Afghanistan, told RFE/RL in written comments. "A shortage of qualified female health-care staff also affects access to health care, as maternity and sometimes pediatric wards are women-only spaces."



Dangers At Home



Hussain Sayer, a doctor from Parwan Province, told Radio Azadi that childbirth should ideally take place at a maternity hospital under the care of an obstetrician.



He said it was a "bad custom" for women to be denied access to health facilities during their pregnancies and warned that the only available option for many women -- home birth -- carries great risk.



In the event of births taking place at home, he said, they should be supervised by a trained midwife.

But while great emphasis was made over the past two decades to increase the number of professional midwives in Afghanistan capable of providing medical assistance during pregnancies, deliveries, and postnatal care, many Afghan women who entered the profession say they are unable to help.



Nadia, a midwife who spoke to Radio Azadi on condition that only her first name be used, said many of her colleagues who specialized in gynecology and obstetrics are "unemployed and stay at home" since the Taliban takeover.



Another midwife, who declined to give her name due to security concerns, said fear prevents many of her colleagues from working.



"Midwives don't go from place to place to assist with births -- that's why the problems have increased," she told Radio Azadi. "Every midwife is afraid for her life."



Restrictions on women's mobility have had a harmful effect on efforts to educate communities on women's health in remote areas of the country, according to the UNFPA's Bodiroza.



Even when male family members do allow women to visit health-care facilities, the difficulties in reaching them in rural areas limits the number of visits and can mean help is often administered too late.

"I took my wife to the clinic by motorcycle," Abdul Samad, a resident of the southeastern Ghazni Province told Radio Azadi, explaining he lived far from the nearest village with maternity facilities.



While Samad managed to get his wife to a doctor, shortly after he left to retrieve her mother, he received bad news. "Half an hour later, I received a call saying my wife was in agony," he said. "When I returned, I saw they were right" -- both his wife and their newborn child had died.



Continuing Efforts



It is difficult to assess where Afghanistan truly stands in terms of maternal mortality, but the benefits of continued outreach efforts and on-the-ground medical aid are obvious.



Bendl said MSF operates two projects in Afghanistan that focus on maternal health care, among other things, and employ more than 1,700 medical professionals in Afghanistan, of whom more than half are women.



Last year, MSF assisted in more than 42,700 deliveries, more than 8,000 of which were marked by obstetric complications. In Lashkar Gah, capital of the southern Helmand Province, MSF's support for a hospital resulted in an average maternal mortality rate of 0.1 percent. In the southeastern Khost Province, where MSF operates a maternity hospital, the mortality rate was 0.02 percent.



Bodiroza of the UNFPA said the agency continues "to deliver a full range of maternal health services in Afghanistan" and supports facilities and delivers essential reproductive health supplies in 32 out of the country's 34 provinces.



Despite the positives, those involved in providing health services in Afghanistan say much more needs to be done.

Bodiroza said the UNFPA estimates that without immediate and sustained support for reproductive health services, the situation could lead to an additional 51,000 maternal deaths by 2025.

Adding that "reproductive health services are therefore more critical than ever," Bodiroza said the UN agency is aiming to reach 10.6 million people -- including 6.8 million women and girls -- in remote areas with reproductive health support.



Bendl said that "there is no doubt that a dysfunctional health system, widespread poverty, and increased restrictions placed on women are at the heart of the current humanitarian crisis."



"If we want the situation to improve," he said, "policymakers, donors, and local authorities must urgently focus on strengthening primary medical care." And women, he said, "must be allowed to pursue further education and employment opportunities, to raise income for their families and to ensure there are sufficient female health workers in the country to meet the needs."

Written and reported by Michael Scollon, with additional reporting by Radio Azadi correspondents Ahmad Hanayish and Sahar Lewal
Ukrainian forces claim to have retaken two villages in the Donetsk region as a days-old counteroffensive to push Russian forces out of the country gathers steam.

Ukrainian troops said they captured Neskuchne and Blagodatne on June 10 and 11 respectively, posting photos on social media from the center of the villages, a claim RFE/RL could not confirm.

Military bloggers said Ukrainian forces are now attacking the next two villages to the south, Makarivka and Urozhayne, along a road that eventually leads to the outskirts of Mariupol located 130 kilometers away.

However, Ukrainian forces moving in that direction have yet to reach the heavily fortified Russian lines, which are located about 10 kilometers south of the current fighting, experts noted.

Russia, for its part, has claimed that it has repelled Ukrainian attacks, recently posting photos of destroyed armored vehicles NATO had given to Ukraine.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensives, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.

On June 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged that the long-expected counteroffensive had begun.

"Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine, but I will not say in detail what stage they are at," Zelenskiy said.

Military experts have said Ukraines current counteroffensive will be much tougher than the one undertaken last year as Russia has had months to build extensive defensive fortifications.

There have been reports of heavy casualties on both sides since the counteroffensive began.

Many analysts have speculated that Ukraine will seek to move southeast toward Mariupol, an industrial city on the the Sea of Azov, in order to cutoff and encircle Russian forces to the west.

Ukraines counteroffensive is taking place in several directions along the 1,000 kilometer front.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in Donetsk and Luhansk regions in their June 11 update. Zelenskiy said there was also heavy fighting on the southern fronts.

Dam Burst

The counteroffensive has been complicated by the bursting on June 6 of the Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of mining the dam and deliberately causing its destruction to flood Kherson region in the south and slow down its counteroffensive.

"The explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station was apparently carried out with the intention of preventing the Ukrainian Defense Forces from launching an offensive in the Kherson sector," Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said in a Telegram post on June 11.

Russia, which gained control of the dam shortly after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has steadfastly rejected the accusations.

Ukraine retook the city of Kherson on the west bank of the Dnieper River last year and had recently been conducting reconnaissance missions on the east bank controlled by Russia.

Malyar added that the destruction of the dam was also intended to allow Russian reserves in the region to be deployed to reinforce the areas of Zaporizhzhya and Bakhmut, the Donetsk city that had been the epicenter of the war for most of 2023.

A Ukrainian military spokesman said on June 10 that Ukrainian forces had advanced more than a kilometer at a number of points along the front line near Bakhmut.

Although Russia's private Wagner mercenary group gained control of most of Bakhmut last month, Kyiv denies that the city is completely held by Russian forces and said fighting is ongoing.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War has said that the Ukrainian armed forces appear to have also made some gains in their offensive in the Zaporizhzhya region in the south.

The Russian military has said it successfully repelled attacks in both areas. The Russian Defense Ministry has released video footage in recent days showing what it said were numerous strikes on Ukrainian armored vehicles and tanks, including German Leopard 2 tanks and U.S. Bradley fighting vehicles.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu awarded medals on June 11 to soldiers it said had destroyed the foreign weaponry donated to Kyiv.

A UN official warned on June 10 of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the dam breach and resulting flooding.

UN Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths told AP that an extraordinary 700,000 people are in need of drinking water and said that the crisis will likely lead to lower grain exports, higher food prices around the world, and less to eat for millions in need. "The truth is this is only the beginning of seeing the consequences of this act," Griffiths said.

On June 11, the British Defense Ministry said in an intelligence assessment that the destruction of the dam "has almost certainly severely disrupted" the primary source of fresh water to Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Water at the dam's reservoir had likely dropped below the inlet that feeds water to the canal delivering water to the peninsula, according to the assessment. Water is expected to stop flowing in the canal as a result, reducing the availability of fresh water in the south of the Kherson region and in northern Crimea..

The British Defense Ministry said that it expected the Russian authorities to meet civilians' water needs by using reservoirs, water rationing, drilling new wells, and bottled water.

It said that communities on both sides of the Dnieper face a sanitation crisis, limited access to safe water, and an increased risk of water-borne diseases.

Rescue efforts continued on June 11, with the Ukrainian Interior Ministry saying that 35 people, including seven children, remain unaccounted for in the Kherson region. Five people in Kherson and one person in the region of Mykolayiv have died as a result of the floods.

The Ukrainian authorities said that 32 towns and villages on the west bank of the Dnieper controlled by Ukrainian forces are still under water.

Evacuation efforts were also reported on the eastern bank of the river, which is more vulnerable to flooding.

Each side has accused the other of shelling civilians during the rescue efforts.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Current Time, Reuters, AP, and dpa.
Ukraine has handed over to NATO a list of urgent humanitarian needs to overcome the consequences of Russia's explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and will soon receive assistance within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Coordination Center for Responding to Natural Disasters and Catastrophes, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported.

This was discussed at an urgent meeting of the UkraineNATO Commission, convened on the initiative of the Ukrainian side. The meeting was attended by Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.

Ukraine has submitted a request to the Euro-Atlantic Coordination Center for Responding to Natural Disasters and Catastrophes, in which it outlined the specific needs of the Ukrainian side. I am grateful to NATO and some allies for their prompt readiness to help Ukraine overcome the consequences of the terrorist attack by Russia at the Kakhovka HPP, the minister said.

Kuleba stressed that the Kakhovka disaster demonstrates the absence of limits in the commission of crimes by Russia. According to him, as long as Russia occupies Ukrainian land, the threat of new Russian crimes will persist. That is why the assistance of NATO allies to liberate the entire territory of Ukraine is of critical importance.

"I call on our partners to further strengthen Ukraine's defense capability, in particular, to continue the speedy delivery of artillery ammunition and 155-caliber cannons," the minister stressed.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister also called on partners to take decisions at the NATO summit in Vilnius that bring Ukraine closer to joining the Alliance. In his opinion, Ukraine's membership in NATO benefits the Alliance, since Ukraine is already making a significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security, acting according to NATO standards and using NATO weapons.

"Ukraine's membership will help prevent future wars after this war ends with the victory of our state. Ukraine as part of the Alliance will be a reliable shield protecting its eastern flank and will be able to effectively deter a potential aggressor. There is no doubt that Ukraine's membership will make NATO stronger. In fact, we are already strengthening the Alliance, protecting its members from potential new waves of Russian aggression, as well as sharing military experience," Kuleba stressed.
For the second time in just months, Baku has warned its citizens against traveling to Iran in the wake of a deadly attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran in January that it blamed on the "unstable situation in the Islamic republic."

In what has become a habit in recent weeks, Iranian officials have been angered over the perceived obstinacy of its northwestern neighbor and the encroachment of regional adversaries on what Tehran believes to be its backyard.

Azerbaijan's increasingly cozy relations with Iran's archfoe, Israel -- highlighted by defense deals, the opening of an embassy in Tel Aviv in March, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog's first visit to Azerbaijan last month -- has become a reliable trigger for Tehran as its own ties with Baku hit new lows.

Tehran does not officially recognize Israel, which it refers to disparagingly as a Palestinian-killing "Zionist regime" and accuses of having designs on sabotage and unrest within Iran's borders.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has warned against the travel of its citizens to Iran! This is the same policy that the president of the fake, child-killing, and occupying Zionist regime took during his recent trip to Baku," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani tweeted on June 5. "What should scare the people of Azerbaijan is the Zionist regime, not civilized and Islamic Iran."

Complicated Relationship

Herzog's visit, during which he said he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed in depth "the regional security structure that is threatened by Iran," appeared to have struck a nerve in Tehran.

"From the standpoint of the Islamic republic, the close relations of Azerbaijan with Israel is a major problem, [as is] the active presence of Israel in the military sphere [of Azerbaijan] and providing it with weaponry and the tight economic and security ties between the two countries," Iran analyst Touraj Atabaki, professor emeritus and chairman of the social history of the Middle East and Central Asia at Leiden University, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

But Baku's budding ties with Israel are just one among many factors straining Iran's relationship with Azerbaijan, a fellow Shi'a-majority country.

Observers say the relationship has been complicated ever since Azerbaijan became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. But things became even more problematic when Baku retook territory along Iran's border during its 2020 war with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.

While Tehran supported Azerbaijan's claim to territory occupied by Iranian ally Armenia, it has strongly opposed Baku's intention to use the retaken lands to build the east-west Zangezur Corridor, which would connect mainland Azerbaijan to its Naxcivan exclave and open a long-sought trade route to Tehran's rival, Turkey, and beyond.

The plan was boosted by the Russian-brokered cease-fire that ended the war over Nagorno-Karabakh and called for "all economic and transport connections in the region to be unblocked."

While Iran launched large-scale military exercises dubbed "Mighty Iran" along its border with Naxcivan in October 2022 -- a show of force to underscore that it would not "permit the blockage" of its trade and transport links to Armenia -- the initiative has moved forward.

As talk of a possible peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan pick up steam, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk announced on May 31 that the two sides were close to an agreement that would pave the way for the route through Armenia and Azerbaijani territory previously occupied by Yerevan, and "open the road to Russia, the countries of the European Union, and Iran."

As Iran seeks to boost its sanctions-circumventing trade with Russia, including with the completion of a second north-south route that would also pass through Azerbaijan, the prospect of seeing a trade route crossing its passage to Armenia remains a serious bone of contention.

"Iran doesn't like this corridor because in the larger competition and struggle between Tehran and Baku it weakens Iran if this corridor is created, because right now Azerbaijan has to use Iranian airspace or territory to resupply Naxcivan," said Luke Coffey, a foreign policy expert at the Washington-based Hudson Institute think tank.

The Zangezur Corridor, if completed, would mean that "Iran will become less important in the eyes of policymakers in Baku, and perhaps Azerbaijan would feel emboldened to take a more hard line against Iran," Coffey told RFE/RL.

'Mighty Iran' And Shi'ite Brotherhood

Such a scenario does not sit well with Iran, which has worked to exert its influence in Azerbaijan.

"A significant segment of the Azerbaijani population is Shi'a and since the creation of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic republic has considered Azerbaijan as the backyard for the [expansion] of the influence of its brand of Shi'ism," Atabaki said.

Tehran is also wary of the effects the loss of influence on Baku will have on Iran's large ethnic Azeri population, separated from Azerbaijan by the Aras River and located primarily in Iran's East and West Azerbaijan provinces.

During the 2020 war over Nagorno-Karabakh, Coffey said, images emerged on social media of ethnic Azeris in Iran "waving Azerbaijani flags on the other side of the river, literally cheering on, like a spectator event, the advancements of the Azerbaijani armed forces."

In November 2022, Baku stoked tensions with Iran by staging its own military exercises along the Iranian border, with Aliyev saying they were necessary to show Tehran that "we are not afraid of them."

"We will do our best to protect the secular lifestyle of Azerbaijan and Azeris around the world, including in Iran," Aliyev added. "They are part of our people."

A Turning Point

Amid the continuing back and forth, the January attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran was seen by some observers as a turning point in bilateral relations.

Azerbaijan evacuated its embassy staff following the January 27 attack, in which a security guard was killed and two others injured when a gunman stormed the complex and opened fire. Baku blamed the attack on the Iranian secret service and called it an "act of terrorism."

In February, the Azerbaijani authorities said that they had detained nearly 40 people on suspicion of spying for Iran.

The fray worsened in March with the alleged assassination attempt on Fazil Mustafa, an Azerbaijani lawmaker who had been critical of Iran. Following the arrest in April of four people in connection with the incident, Baku accused Tehran of orchestrating the plot.

Two weeks later, Azerbaijani media reported the arrest of 20 people allegedly affiliated with Iran's Intelligence Ministry who were accused of promoting "the Islamic republic's propaganda, spreading religious superstitions, [and] attempting to overthrow the secular government of Baku."

In a tit-for-tat move, Tehran and Baku expelled four of each other's diplomats in April. And while diplomatic relations continued, the strains were evident as the two countries' foreign ministers held a series of phone calls that month in which Iran made clear that Tehran did not approve of Baku's relations with Israel.

"Only enemies benefit from the existence of differences" between the two countries, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying by Iran's Shargh daily.

Iran's vice president in charge of economic affairs, Mohsen Rezaei, went a step further while addressing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the western Lorestan Province.

"The incitement of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the signing of arms contracts between Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan was aimed at creating riots in the north of Iran, and to shift the thinking and focus of the army, the IRGC and the government of Iran to the north so that Israel can bomb Iran's nuclear sites," Shargh quoted Rezaei as saying.

On May 16, the Azerbaijani authorities announced another haul of individuals it said were recruited by Iran to disrupt Azerbaijan's constitutional order and establish Islamic law. This time, Baku claimed, the seven men detained had allegedly planned to assassinate Azerbaijani public figures.

The Feud Continues

That set the scene for the visit to Baku by Herzog in late May, held under strict security out of fear of Iranian retaliation.

After meeting Herzog, Aliyev lauded the boost that Israeli weaponry had given his country "to modernize our defense capability and allow us to defend our statehood, our national interests, and our territorial integrity."

Nearly 70 percent of Azerbaijan's arms imports between 2016 and 2020 were from Israel, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Herzog, in his comments after meeting Aliyev, said that "we expect to develop cooperation between us in many fields."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Kanaani again took to Twitter to air Tehran's views on the development, writing on March 31 that "none of the regional moves of the Zionist regime remain hidden from the penetrating eyes of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The next day, an Iranian opposition hacking group released alleged classified Iranian government documents that appeared to shed light on the January embassy attack and indicated the need to reevaluate Tehran's diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan.

The documents, purportedly distributed among top Iranian officials, included advice on how to distance Azerbaijani society from its government and attributed Baku's policies to "Zionist" influence.

That potential bombshell was followed by Azerbaijan's announcement on June 2 that it had closed Iran's cultural attache office in Baku, citing "recent disagreements" between the two countries.

And on June 3 came the spark for Kanaani's latest Twitter outburst: Azerbaijan's renewed travel warning advising its citizens not to travel to Iran and for those who are already there to be vigilant.

Within seconds of blasting Azerbaijan and its ties with Israel in his first tweet on June 5, Kanaani took a softer line, writing that Iran would still "open our arms to our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters," with the goal of continued "mutual respect and respect for neighborhood customs."

But in his comments to Radio Farda on June 7, Iran expert Atabaki expressed skepticism, saying that "the Islamic republic is not planning to see its ties with Azerbaijan as an equal relationship."

And that mindset, Atabaki said, had allowed relations to reach their current low.
Father Grigory, a Russian Orthodox priest serving a village outside of St. Petersburg, views his current situation as akin to that of the early Christians who were persecuted by the Romans.

"A prefect and some Christian could live on the same street, and nothing would happen to the Christian until the prefect writes on an official form that the man is a Christian," explained Grigory, who requested that his real name be withheld for fear of repercussions. "Then a case would be opened. That is how it is now. Until someone writes, nothing happens. But as soon as there is a denunciation, they go through your finances and visit your workplace. Then you are charged with 'discrediting the Russian authorities.'"



"When we discuss what is happening these days, we speak like in the Harry Potter books  about 'he who must not be named,'" he added, referring to Russian President Vladmir Putin.



Grigory is one of an unknown number of Russian priests who quietly oppose Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and Putin's increasingly authoritarian and jingoistic policies. They are struggling to keep their positions and their ties to their communities even as their consciences push them to oppose the Russian Orthodox Church's official support for the war and for Putin -- whose rule the church's leader, Patriarch Kirill, once called a "miracle of God.



"I act as a partisan whenever I can," Grigory said.

Belarusian theologian Natallya Vasilevich -- the founder of Christians Against War, which monitors repressions against Christians of all confessions in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus for their anti-war positions and provides assistance to victims -- says there are "many" such priests in Russia.



"When priests speak out against war, they do it without attracting attention," she said. "They are simply trying to save their church and their community from this virus, the infection of misanthropy."



"Under these circumstances, nonparticipation in evil has become a very important act," Vasilevich added.



'It Was My Duty'



Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill has long been a champion of the war and a close ally of Putin's, turning a blind eye to his authoritarian ways while relishing his promotion of social conservatism. In the early days of the war, the Patriarchate ordered priests to pray for peace, but in September it reworded the prayer to instead appeal for Russia's victory. Priests have been encouraged to help muster troops and to bless them as they head for the front.



Kirill has said "sacrifice in the course of carrying out your military duty washes away all sins."

Archpriest Andrei Tkachev, for example, has developed a massive social media following -- more than 1.5 million followers on Telegram -- with his fiery support of the war and his insistence that Russia is "the new Israel" which is "hated by God's enemies."

But in March 2022, a group of Orthodox priests issued an open letter calling for an end to the war. Since then, nearly 300 have signed it.



Father Aleksandr, who also leads a rural church about an hour and a half outside of St. Petersburg and who also asked that his name be changed for this story, was among the original signatories.



"As a priest, as a person with a certain public role, I had to announce my position," Aleksandr told RFE/RL about the letter. "It was my duty."



After the letter was published, Aleksandr said, he was summoned to a private meeting at which he was pressured to give his word that he would not sign any more letters. He was also instructed not to make public statements about the war.



"I gave my word," he said. "And there have been no more meetings since."



Some priests, however, have been swept up in the general crackdown on dissent that has been ratcheted up as the war has dragged on. In March 2022, Father Ioann Burdin was fined after state authorities claimed he "discredited the armed forces," becoming the first Russian punished under a law that was hastily adopted in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion and that has become a key element in the crackdown since. Afterward, Burdin was removed from his post following denunciations by conservative Orthodox activists.

Aleksandr said a local resident has launched a similar effort to pressure the church to remove him.



"A person whom I do not know has been collecting signatures in our little village against me," Aleksandr said. "Some parishioners told me that such a letter exists. But as far as I know, no one has signed it."



'His Brain Finally Kicked In'



Since 2014, when Moscow occupied the Ukrainian region of Crimea and fomented a separatist conflict in parts of eastern Ukraine, parishioners have been coming to Grigory, seeking his blessing for their plans to volunteer to fight in Ukraine's Donbas region.



The priest said he tries to convince them to change their minds instead.



"I definitely saved one," Grigory told RFE/RL. "And I'm proud of that. He has five children, and he was going to volunteer! He'd already submitted his documents, but he took them back. His brain finally kicked in."



"The main reason why they go to the war is because they don't have jobs," he added.

Aleksandr says he does not bless volunteers because such rites are for people who are in the throes of making a decision, rather than those who have already chosen their path.



Priests who oppose the war live in constant fear of being defrocked, said Aleksandr, which can happen "at the stroke of a pen."



"My job as a priest is to give people, as best as I can, direction on how to save their souls under the present conditions," he mused. "If a person is constantly angry at others and the world around him, if he is gnawed by feelings of envy, oppressed by despondency, if he is frightened or oppressed, then it is my job to somehow, as they say, raise him up off his knees."



'How To Breathe Under Water'



Andrei Kordochkin is a Russian Orthodox priest at a church in Madrid, Spain, who has also been denounced and reprimanded for his anti-war statements.



Kordochkin was a co-author of the 2022 letter against the war, which he says has been criticized from being "insufficiently radical" in its condemnation of the war and avoids terms like "aggression" and "invasion."



"But the goal of the church is always fostering repentance," he said in defense of its message. "It can't be offensive or degrading. It can't stand as a judge over people because ultimately we all stand before God."

Kordochkin believes there is a significant number of anti-war clerics working in Russia.



"I know many of them personally," he said. "They are absolutely against the war, but they face a hard choice: In order to speak publicly, they would have to emigrate."



Otherwise, he said, they could face arrest and prison like Father Ioann Kurmoyarov, who has been held in St. Petersburg since July 2022 on charges of "discrediting" the Russian armed forces.



Kordochkin added that priests have been chastened by the case of Father Ioann Koval, a Moscow priest who was defrocked in May for changing the text of the obligatory prayer On Holy Rus to plead for "peace" instead of for "victory."

"In that case, it wasn't just a judgment of him," Kordochkin said. "It was a judgment on all of us. We all were made to understand what is allowed and what is forbidden."



The plight of anti-war Orthodox priests in Russia is reminiscent of a lyric by Russian rock legend Boris Grebenshchikov in which he asks God to "teach us how to breathe under water," Kordochkin said.



"These words perfectly convey the current situation," he said. "There are no right decisions under these circumstances. We are experiencing the rapid radicalization of society, so there is no public place left for dissent. And this is true both of society and of the church."

Written by RFE/RL's Robert Coalson based on reporting from Russia by RFE/RL's North.Realities
A woman has been killed in Beryslav district of Kherson region as a result of Russian shelling, another local resident has been injured.

According to Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office, at about 15:30 on June 8, the Russian army fired on Beryslav district.

"As a result of the shelling of one of the settlements, a woman has died under the rubble of a house. Another local resident has been injured," the report says.

According to preliminary data, Russian troops attacked the settlement with guided aerial bombs.

A pretrial investigation has been launched into violations of the laws and customs of war connected with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Ukrainian troops attacked enemy positions with a captured Russian tank and retook land north of Bakhmut. The gains by Ukrainian forces come after Russia's Wagner mercenary group said it took control of the city and was handing it over to regular Russian forces. Current Time correspondent Andriy Kuzakov spoke with the Ukrainian soldiers about the assault and what the recaptured land means for future maneuvers.
KHERSON, Ukraine -- A thick plume of smoke stretching across the horizon behind the overflowing Dnieper and the level of water flooding the riverbank: Those two things commanded the attention of residents of this southern Ukrainian city who were lucky enough to have their homes left intact as a humanitarian and environmental crisis unfolded around them following the destruction of a huge dam 70 kilometers upstream. For Karyna Kublenka, it was a nightmare that had haunted her childhood. "Back at school, we were taught what to do in case of a breach of the Nova Kakhovka dam," said Kublenka, who came to the elevated Glory Park with her husband, Oleh, on June 7 to take in the drastically changed view of the Dnieper and its wide delta. "Although it was supposed to be caused by a possible earthquake, not a Russian terrorist act," she added, echoing President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and millions of Ukrainians who say that Russia deliberately destroyed the dam as part of its war against their country.

Karyna and Oleh, who are in their 30s, run a coffee shop in Kherson. They brought their year-old son Mykyta -- a child born under Russian occupation -- to look at the river flooding an area stretching kilometers away from the city, which Ukraine took back from retreating Russian forces during a counteroffensive last fall. Just 24 hours earlier, they were packing their personal belongings, fearing that they would have to evacuate. "But the water did not reach our apartment, and we are not going to leave," Oleh said. Amir Seitbekov and Lyuba Lavrynenko, another couple sitting by the riverbank, watched the water as it rose, covering successive steps of a vast staircase stretching from the shoreline to the Eternal Flame monument that commemorates the liberation of Kherson from Nazi occupation in World War II. "It looks like the Russians are drowning just like us, but they are also burning after our boys hit them," said Seitbekov, an auto mechanic, pointing at the plume of smoke.

More than a day after the breach of the Nova Kakhovka dam, the Dnieper -- Ukraine's largest river, which normally flows quietly through Kherson on its way to the Black Sea -- was roaring like a massive mountain stream. The abnormal sound caused by an abundance of water speeding downriver mixed eerily with what has become a familiar din in this front-line city: the loud bangs of outgoing artillery rounds. Not far from Glory Park, the ruins of the Antonivskiy Bridge -- which was blown up as Russian troops retreated to the eastern bank of the Dnieper and Ukraine liberated Kherson in November -- seemed to sink deeper as the waters rose. Ukrainian soldiers calmly patrolled Khersonska Street, which is adjacent to the riverbank and until recently was under continuous mortar and sniper fire from Russian forces on the other side.

"They flooded their own positions and left their own soldiers to their own devices," a soldier with the call sign Dobriy told RFE/RL. He was celebrating his 34th birthday and was in a bright mood despite the ongoing flooding of the city. "The Russians are growing desperate," he said, adding that speculation that Russia would blow up the Nova Kakhovka dam had been persisted since Russia seized control of it in the first days of the large-scale invasion in February 2022. The long-term consequences of the breach are unknown, as is its exact cause. But in the coming days and weeks alone it is expected to have an enormous humanitarian and environmental cost, and it may affect the course of a long-awaited new counteroffensive against Russian forces who hold swaths of territory in southern and eastern Ukraine.

The massive flooding trapped thousands of people in their homes and killed scores of animals. Ukrainian authorities estimated that some 42,000 people in the Kherson region were at risk from flooding. Many thousands are left without access to electricity and drinking water. Adding to the crisis, the Health Ministry warned about the possible contamination of water in wells, rivers, and lakes in the flooded area. Two days after the breach, the water level was still rising, and more and more Kherson residents -- especially those from the most hard-hit Korabel district, which is on an island, and the Dnieper embankment -- were forced to evacuate and seek shelter. Since the evacuation started in Kherson, rescuers have brought in groups of people who had stayed in their homes, hoping in vain that the floodwaters would not reach them. Unable to save their possessions, they were coming with only documents in their bare hands and frightened, soaking-wet dogs and cats.

One of them, Mykola Blonskiy, stood meters away from the flooded part of Kherson with a puppy in his arms and a box full of chirping yellow chicks. Less than an hour earlier, he and his wife, Neonilla, had left their dacha on Velykiy Potomkin Island on the Dnieper, where they moved due to the war. Neonilla clutched a thick old bible, the only thing she took from the house. "We hoped the water wouldn't reach us but ended up climbing onto a roof and waiting for a rescue boat to come," Blonskiy said. The elderly couple wanted to "hide away from the war" in their secluded summer cottage, Neonilla said, but now their "asylum is underwater." Another survivor, Volodymyr Barsak, 66, said he woke up several hours ago and realized that the first floor of his building was underwater. Barsak, a former firefighter, left his third-floor apartment through the window, wearing just black trunks, and had a set of keys hanging from his necklace.

"I don't know what I'm going to do yet," he said after talking to family on a mobile phone. He did not leave his home during the eighth-month Russian occupation, which he called "the worst period of my life," but now he was driven out of it by the rising waters. "What is going on now is not even evacuation; it's a lifesaving mission for those who did not evacuate when it was still possible," Yevhen Ihorovych, 29, an IT specialist turned volunteer working in Kherson, told RFE/RL. Ihorovych, who had to leave his native Kherson region town of Skadovsk when it was occupied by Russian forces over a year ago, said that he believes people under the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper are in a more dire situation.
RFE/RL visited a village in the Kherson region of Ukraine, which was flooded after a large dam broke on the Dnieper River. According to local residents, people from the village were evacuated. The water level was so high that it had reached the roofs of the houses.
Details added, first published at 09:46

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the direction of Brun settlement of the Garakilsa district, using small arms subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions in the direction of Ahmadli settlement of the Lachin region on June 7, at 22:45 (GMT+4), Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.

Also, members of illegal Armenian armed detachments in the territory of Azerbaijan, where the Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed, subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Armys positions stationed in the direction of Shusha city on June 8, at 07:40 (GMT+4).

Azerbaijan took adequate retaliatory measures in these directions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Baku hosted a "round table" on the topic "The issue of South Azerbaijan in the regional and international plane" today, Trend reports.

During the meeting, representatives of the Azerbaijani expert and academic community, head of the Tabriz Research Institute (TEBAREN), lecturer at Ankara University, Turkologist Mamedrza Heyat discussed the issue of South Azerbaijan in the context of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, the problem of the native language and the drying up of Lake Urmia in South Azerbaijan.

In addition, the coverage of these issues at the regional and international levels was discussed.

Mamedrza Heyat noted that the issue of South Azerbaijan is a "red line" for Azerbaijan.

Speaking about the draining of Lake Urmia by Iran, he said that it has become a political issue, and the goal is to oust the Azerbaijanis.

"The draining of Lake Urmia also creates serious environmental problems. If this continues, the areas around the lake will become uninhabitable," he added.
A GIRL born with spina bifida died aged four after suffering a severe brain condition, an inquest heard.

Doncaster Coroners Court was told Sydney Megson had undergone surgery at just a day old for the condition after being born prematurely.

She was treated by the community paediatric team in Rotherham, Sheffield Childrens Hospital and at her local GP surgery, Brinsworth Medical Centre, during her short life.

The medical cause of death was given as chronic hydrocephalus, of which one symptom can be an enlarged head, with the inquest told the little girls head had not been measured for more than two years by any of the services treating her.

Sydneys death was confirmed at Rotherham Hospital at 7.12am on April 2 last year after was found on her back in bed and not breathing in bed at 6am.

The inquest was told she had not been feeling herself the night before and had been off sick from school most of the preceding week.

Between January and April, she had been suffering from a cough at night, after which she often vomited, and she had also snored and breathed noisily.

The inquest heard her mother Anna Megson had tried to perform CPR but realised her daughter was not responding.

An ambulance was called and CPR continued there and at the hospital before Sydneys death was confirmed.

Pathologist Dr Sophie Stenton gave the medical cause of death as chronic hydrocephalus  too much spinal fluid being produced which leads to excess fluid in and pressure on the brain.

Dr Stenton said hydrocephalus can be caused by conditions such as spina bifida and Ms Megson told the inquest she had been informed shortly after Sydneys birth the risk of developing hydrocephalus was up to 89 per cent until the age of two when it dropped to 11 per cent.

Her daughter, who had a good sense of humour and was obsessed with animals and the outdoors, had been developing well and meeting educational milestones.

While she sometimes needed catheterisation and incontinence pads, she would not appear any different to other children despite her health issues.

Consultant neurosurgeon Patricia De-Lacy from Sheffield Childrens Hospital said infants heads were measured regularly up until the age of two when they were measured annually.

The court heard Sydney's head was last measured in December 2019 and was 47.9cm in circumference.

She was not measured again by any of the services treating her until the post-mortem, when it was 53cm.

The Assistant Doncaster Coroner, Ms Georgina Gibbs, told the court she had real concerns about the failure to do so.

GP Dr Manish Singh said there had been numerous appointments, mainly via telephone, between the surgery and both Ms Megson and her grandmother about coughing and sleeping problems, and an inhaler had been prescribed as various GPs thought it could be asthma or a respiratory condition.

Ms Megson said she had contacted Dr De-Lacy by email in December 2021 about the possibility of hydrocephalus after noting Sydney had a polyp in her nostril but was reassured by Dr De-Lacy and Sydney was referred to the ear, nose and throat team.

Due to a backlog, the earliest appointment that could be made for her was in May 2022  a month after she died, and just a month short of her fifth birthday.

Dr De-Lacy told the court had Sydney had her head measured it was likely she would have been sent for a CT scan and if hydrocephalus was suspected it would have likely led to inter-cranial pressure monitoring and potentially shunt surgery.

Dr De-Lacy also asked the coroner to consider whether three viruses common in children and the respiratory infection noted by the pathologist in Sydney may have played a part in her death as, in her view, the infection could have led to increased pressure on the brain.

Ms Gibbs contacted Ms Stenton overnight for clarification and was told it did not cause death but could be considered a contributory factor.

Summarising, Ms Gibbs told the court if a head measurement had taken place it would have been a red flag for hydrocephalus which would have led to further investigations.

But she said the threshold for neglect was very, very high and went on to make no finding of neglect in relation to Sydneys care.

Cause of death was recorded as chronic hydrocephalus, with the respiratory tract infection a contributory factor. She stressed it was not the cause, adding: There is simply no dispute about that.

Ms Gibbs recorded a combination conclusion of a short form of natural causes with a narrative conclusion of: Sydney Megson was born with spina bifida, which increases the likelihood of hydrocephalus, which condition if left untreated can be fatal, as here.

There was a missed opportunity over an extended period to detect Sydney Megsons increasing head circumference.

Had such basic measurements been performed more regularly, as was required, this would most likely have revealed increasing hydrocephalus and led to inter-cranial pressure monitoring, and subsequent shunt surgery to drain extra fluid and prevent pressure in the brain.
AHOY there, ship mates!

Captain Jack has heard a much-loved childrens book is being brought to the stage and touring community venues across the region  and he has a family ticket to giveaway to a lucky Clipper Club member!

Anna Hibiscus Song by Atinuke has been co-produced by Sheffield-based African theatre company Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres and is a theatrical adaptation of Atinukes popular childrens book told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling.

Suitable for children aged 3+ and their families, it is the story of a young girl named Anna Hibiscus who lives in Nigeria and is so filled with happiness she sings about it.

It will first be performed at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse in Sheffield from Friday 7 to Saturday, July 15.

The show will then embark on a run of 11 show dates in Yorkshire community venues between Tuesday 18 and Sunday, July 30.

These performances, seating up to 50 people each, will be pay as you can to make sure performances are accessible and inclusive for as many families as possible.

The show comes to Rotherhams Riverside Library and Neighbourhood Hub on Monday 24 and Tuesday, July 25.

On Monday there will be performances at 2 pm and 5.30 pm.

On Tuesday there will be performances at 11am and 2pm.

Captain Jack has a family ticket for four to giveaway to the show of the lucky winning Clipper Club members choice.

To be in with a chance answer the following question:

Competition closes at noon on Monday, June 26, 2023.

Good luck!

To see the full tour line-up and to reserve seats, visit www.utopiatheatre.co.uk.
France's payroll employment increased in the first quarter, reflecting the improvement in private sector job creation, final data from the statistical office INSEE showed Thursday.

Overall payroll employment grew 0.3 percent, or 92,400, in the first quarter. This was slightly faster than the 0.2 percent, or 55,400 jobs, created in the fourth quarter.

Payroll employment has grown for the ninth straight month.

The overall increase was mainly due to a 0.4 percent rise in private payroll employment. The latest figure for private payroll employment was revised up from the 0.2 percent increase seen in the flash estimate published on May 5.

At the same time, public payroll employment remained virtually stable in the first quarter, rising only 0.1 percent.

In the first quarter, temporary employment fell by 2.2 percent, reversing a 0.2 percent rise in the previous quarter.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits increased by much more than expected in the week ended June 3rd, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday.

The report said initial jobless claims climbed to 261,000, an increase of 28,000 from the previous week's revised level of 233,000.

Economists had expected jobless claims to inch up to 235,000 from the 232,000 originally reported for the previous week.

With the much bigger than expected advance, jobless claims reached their highest level since hitting 264,000 in the week ended October 30, 2021.

"Initial jobless claims jumped to their highest level since October 2021 but it's likely more noise than signal," said Matthew Martin, U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics.

"Initial claims can be volatile around holidays and the new data include Memorial Day," he added. "Therefore, the increase in new filings don't warrant any change to the baseline forecast."

The Labor Department said the less volatile four-week moving average also rose to 237,250, an increase of 7,500 from the previous week's revised average of 229,750.

Meanwhile, the report said continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, fell by 37,000 to 1.757 million in the week ended May 27th.

The four-week moving average of continuing claims also dipped to 1,784,750, a decrease of 12,500 from the previous week's revised average of 1,797,250.

Last Friday, the Labor Department released its closely watched monthly jobs report, showing U.S. employment surged by much more than expected in the month of May.

The report showed non-farm employment soared by 339,000 jobs in May after spiking by an upwardly revised 294,000 jobs in April.

Economists had expected employment to climb by 190,000 jobs compared to the jump of 253,000 jobs originally reported for the previous month.

Meanwhile, the Labor Department said the unemployment rate rose to 3.7 percent in May from 3.4 percent in April. The unemployment rate was expected to inch up to 3.5 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Forex News
The United States has offered $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of a Sweden-based man for conspiring to participate in transnational organized crime.

The U.S. Department of State offered the reward for the capture of Maximilian Rivkin, who marketed an encrypted communications network for drug traffickers  unaware that the was developed by the FBI.

Rivkin, a Swedish-based criminal of Serbian origin, was the administrator of the ANOM network, an encrypted communication service used by transnational criminals throughout the world.

In 2018, the FBI infiltrated the platform.

Many criminal conversations were uncovered during the investigation, including those of Rivkin. From December 2020 through the spring of 2021, the FBI shared copies of Rivkin's criminal conversations with the Swedish Police Authority, which implicated Rivkin in participating in conspiracies of murder, drug trafficking, money laundering and kidnapping.

On May 28, 2021, Rivkin was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California for international racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking and money laundering.

The State Department announced the reward jointly with the Swedish Police Authority, who charged Rivkin with narcotics smuggling and trafficking.

Those who have information regarding Rivkin have been urged to contact U.S. investigators by email at SD_Rivkin_Reward@fbi.gov or Swedish investigators by email at efterlyst@polisen.se

This joint reward offer reinforces the U.S. efforts to disrupt and deter transnational criminal activity globally and to build a global coalition to address synthetic drug threats, the State Department said.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Honda Cars India Ltd. revealed that Elevate is the first of the five SUVs for Indian market

The Japanese brand re-opened its account in SUV space of India by unveiling Elevate compact SUV. At this event, HCIL revealed some key strategies it has on its cards for the Indian market. For starters, Honda Elevate will be on offer in India first and more global markets will follow soon.

The company intends to make its Indian manufacturing plants, its export hub. Elevate will be the first of five SUVs planned by Honda. Elevate Electric launch has also been confirmed. This will be Hondas first fully electric SUV for India and launch will happen within the next three years (by 2026).

Honda Plans 5 New SUVs

Takuya Tsumura, CEO and President of HCIL, promised a strong product strategy for India. Of these 5 new SUVs, one will be Elevate and second will be an electric SUV based on Elevate. It is not clear as to which will be the other three SUVs.

Considering competition launch plans, there could be a smaller entry level SUV to rival the likes of upcoming Punch EV and the Exter EV. While the other could be a mid-size electric SUV, bigger than the Elevate. It will rival the upcoming XUV700 electric and Safari electric.

Also, Honda intends to bring its global models to India again via CKD or CBU route to fortify its portfolio in the country. As of now, Honda only has Amaze sub 4m sedan and City compact sedan on sale in India.

The company will manufacture Elevate at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. Honda is likely to increase production capacity to incorporate Elevate and upcoming future vehicles. Honda currently has 326 dealerships across 238 cities and all of these dealerships will see an upgrade in customer interface along with Elevates launch.

Hondas product positioning with Elevate

Compact SUVs are currently one of the highest-selling SUV segments in India with over 36K units sold in April 2023. Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos dominate this segment while Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has entered top 3. This is a highly competitive segment and Honda is betting big in this space with Elevate. Given that India is one of the fastest-growing markets, there is scope for growth.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Deputy Defense Minister - Head of the Main Department of Military-Technical Supply of Azerbaijan Agil Gurbanov, who is on a visit to Italy, met with the country's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on June 7, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

At the meeting, which was also attended by the Commander of the Naval Forces of Azerbaijan, Vice Admiral Subkhan Bakirov, a detailed exchange of views took place on the prospects for the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy in the field of military, military-technical and military education, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.

In conclusion, the importance of mutual visits in the development of relations based on a strategic partnership between the two countries was emphasized.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the direction of Brun settlement of the Garakilsa district, using small arms subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions in the direction of Ahmadli settlement of the Lachin region on June 7, at 22:45 (GMT+4), Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.

Also, members of illegal Armenian armed detachments in the territory of Azerbaijan, where the Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed, subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Armys positions stationed in the direction of Shusha city on June 8, at 07:40 (GMT+4).

Azerbaijan took adequate retaliatory measures in these directions.

Members of illegal Armenian armed groups (which weren't withdrawn from Azerbaijan's Karabakh, contrary to the trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 second Karabakh war) under the guise of agricultural work attempted to set up long-term fortifications in front of the positions of the Azerbaijani army in the direction of Khojaly district.

According to the ministry, as a result of the urgent measures taken by Azerbaijani units, the work was immediately stopped.
Ive been asked to explain what PDF, ZIP and RTF files are used for. PDF means Portable Document Format, which is a file type traditionally created with Adobe Acrobat. Acrobat produces documents that can be opened by anyone, anywhere, on any computer.

To view a PDF, you can use Acrobat Reader, which comes preinstalled on all Windows and Apple computers. Or it can be freely downloaded from Adobe.com.

Unlike most documents that depend on your having a compatible app on your computer (such as WordPerfect or Microsoft Word) PDFs are designed to come out exactly the same on all computers.

Advertisement

This is why most government paperwork items (such as IRS forms) are downloadable as PDFs.

Its also worth noting that many book publishers will only accept manuscript submissions as PDFs.

Adobe Acrobat has historically cost about $500, but its currently offered as an online subscription for $13 to $15 per month. However, certain free apps, such as Google Drive/Docs, are capable of creating simple PDFs. Create a Google Doc and then click on File>Export>PDF to convert it.

Also, LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice (free from libreoffice.org and openoffice.org) are MSOffice-compatible suites with which you can create simple PDFs.

Speaking of MSOffice, versions 2007 and later have built-in PDF creation tools.

Thus, creating a PDF is relatively easy; however, editing an existing PDF usually requires Adobe Acrobat. Well, Acrobat can be downloaded from Adobe.com for a seven-day free online trial.

As for ZIP, the words zip and unzip are synonyms for compress and decompress, regarding digital files. Think of a compressed file as dehydrated food that had all its water removed to make it smaller and lighter for shipping and storage. Add water and it becomes usable again.

Downloadable apps are often zipped to speed up their transfer time, but they must be unzipped in order to run them. In the early days of PCs, a program called WinZip was used for these conversions, but recent versions of Windows have built-in unzipping capabilities. Double-clicking any file with a .ZIP extension should open it to unzip in Windows.

IMPORTANT! Cybercriminals have been known to conceal viruses in files with ZIP extensions! If you receive an email with an attached ZIP file that you are not expecting do NOT open it  delete it immediately!

If you want to zip a file within Windows, right-click it, choose Send To: New>Compressed (Zipped) Folder and follow the prompts.

I prefer using the free program named JZIP from www.jzip.com.

Copying compressed files to an external storage device or a free online storage service, such as Google Docs, is a great way to back up lengthy documents.

Also, be aware that when you zip a file, you are merely copying and exporting it. The original document remains intact.

RTF stands for Rich Text Format and is the default file-name extension for Wordpad files. However, RTF files can be opened by any modern word processor, including Word, Wordperfect, LibreOffice, AbiWord and OpenOffice.

Contact Don Edrington at (949) 891-1731 or donedrington@gmail.com.
San Onofre Beach, where a shark bite left a 35-year-old woman fighting for her life, is one of Southern Californias Californias white shark hot spots, said Chris Lowe, a professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach.

Tagging data, fishermens catch and beachgoer observations all indicate that the popular San Diego surf spot, along with Ventura, Santa Monica Bay and Huntington Beach, has long been a nursery for the ocean predators.

These are areas where young white sharks occur, Lowe said. We know that based on known fishing records dating back to the 1930s.

Advertisement

Shark bites at the site seem to bear that out. More than half the shark attacks that have occurred in San Diego County since 2004 took place at San Onofre, according to figures from the Shark Research Committee, a nonprofit organization that shark attacks on the West Coast. As of Saturday there have been 11 shark attacks in the county in that time, including six at San Onofre.

Other reports from San Onofre and surrounding areas also confirm that white sharks are regular visitors. Recent videos showed sharks breaching in the water beyond the surf break, and in 2010 a paddle boarder captured GoPro footage of a baby white shark circling his board. In nearby San Clemente, at least three fishermen landed white sharks from the shore or pier between 2013 and 2016.

As alarming as shark encounters may seem, theyre rarely a threat to people, said Nicole Nasby Lucas, a researcher with the Oceanside-based Marine Conservation Science Institute. Mature white sharks prefer the open ocean, or marine mammal rookeries at the Farallon or Channel Islands. The younger sharks feed exclusively on fish, and dont start hunting seals or sea lions until theyre about 10 feet long, scientists said. So its unusual for one to bite a human, as it did on Saturday.

Generally its not a threat for people, because they only eat fish, as juveniles, she said. It could be the only time there would be danger from a juvenile would be if you are swimming in a school of fish.

Young white sharks tend to swim just outside the surf break, but sometimes come closer; Lowe said he has caught them in water ranging from 12 feet to just three feet deep.

Smaller sharks can definitely get into that shallow water, he said.

While the baby sharks favor the three northern beaches, he said juveniles from 1 to 3 years old - about six to nine feet long  often gravitate to San Onofre.

If those other places are the nursery, lets think of that as preschool for white sharks, he said.

Lowe said its not clear why the sharks linger there, but said San Onofres abundant food supply could be part of it.

Its a very productive habitat, (with) stingray, halibut, croakers and barred sand-bass, usually species that are living on the bottom, Lowe said. These are species that are easy for them to catch.

As seals and sea lions have recovered from near extinction, white sharks, which hunt marine mammals as adults, have also flourished. Stingrays, a favored prey of juveniles, are also on the rise, Lowe said.

It seems like the number of juvenile (white sharks) is going up, so from everything we tell, the population is healthy and increasing, Nasby said.

With sharks swimming alongside people, beachgoers should be predator smart and avoid remote locations, murky water and river mouths, which can deposit decaying animals that may attract sharks, Lowe said.

Millions of people go in the water each year without incident, so they need to be aware, but they dont need to be afraid to go in the water, he said.

Note: a previous version of this article misidentified the prey of juvenile white sharks. The young sharks often eat stingrays.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Azerbaijani NGOs have issued a statement in protest against the Armenian project, which will lead to a new environmental disaster in Armenia's Arazdayan district, Trend reports.

According to the report published in Armenian media, Armenia is preparing to build a large metallurgical plant in Arazdayan, a region bordering on Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. A total of $70 million will be invested in the construction.

"The toxic chemical waste generated by this metallurgical plant can have a tremendous impact on the regions ecosystem. The risk of this waste being discharged into the Araz river is a wake-up call for both the river's wildlife and the large farms using the Araz water for irrigation. Armenias failure to comply with any international mining industry standards poses a serious environmental threat to both Azerbaijan and the region as a whole," the NGOs said in the statement.

The construction of such an enterprise on the border without agreement with the Azerbaijani side represents a flagrant violation of the 1991 Espoo Convention On Environmental Impact Assessment in the Trans-boundary Context. Azerbaijan and Armenia are parties to that Convention, and proceeding from the Espoo Convention, an assessment of the environmental impact of this plant should be carried out, relevant institutions of Azerbaijan should review the assessment document related to the construction.

The opinion of the Azerbaijanis living close to the region should be taken into account, said the statement.

"Armenia's non-compliance with these requirements once again shows that it is pursuing a destructive policy in the region, blatantly violating provisions of international documents to which it is a signatory, as well as its international obligations," said the NGOs.

"Armenia's policy of environmental terror and ecocide against Azerbaijan is not new. The fact that the Metsamor nuclear power plant has been posing a threat to the regions environment for many years, the large-scale environmental tragedies committed in Karabakh during the occupation, and the discharge of chemical waste into the Okhchuchay river without prior treatment are further evidence of that. Armenia has severely polluted the Okhchuchay river. This exposes the ecosystem of the part of the river passing through the territory of Azerbaijan to irreversible degradation. German Cronimet company is involved in this environmental crime alongside Armenia. Unfortunately, the German government has not taken any tangible steps in this direction," the statement notes.

The NGOs said that by committing these environmental crimes, Armenia completely violates the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the third goal on ensuring everyone's health, the 6th goal on clean water and sanitation, the 13th goal on combating the consequences of climate change, and the 15th goal on protecting the soil ecosystem.

"The UN recognized a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right in 2022. By causing serious damage to the environment, Armenia grossly violates the human rights of the population of Azerbaijan, including the region as a whole. Moreover, according to various international documents, including the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, economic activity must be carried out without cause any harm to human rights. In this case, Armenia behaves irresponsibly, ignores the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and puts its own economic interests above everything else," said the statement.

The NGOs said that as environmental non-governmental organizations operating in Azerbaijan, they appeal to relevant international organizations, including the UN Environment Program, the World Health Organization, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Environment, the UN Special Rapporteur on Harmful Substances and Human Rights, "urging them to react to this and put an end to Armenia's unending environmental terror".

"We appeal to the government of the US to urge the company preparing to build the large metallurgical plant in the Arazdayan district and registered in its territory to act responsibly. Officials of the US, including those of the US Embassies in Azerbaijan and Armenia, should not remain tight-lipped, but should express their opinion on the issue," said the statement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The necessary measures are being taken to improve the border infrastructure and improve the social protection of personnel in Azerbaijan, Head of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Elchin Guliyev said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the 86th meeting of the Council of Commanders of the Border Troops of the Commonwealth of Independent States in Baku.

He noted that the issues of ensuring border security are under the special attention of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

"Over the past 20 years, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited various military units of the State Border Service more than 40 times and personally got acquainted with the situation in the units. A set of measures to improve the border security system has been implemented and continues to be implemented with the direct support of the president," he said.

According to Elchin Guliyev, special attention is paid to the creation of border infrastructure in the liberated territories from Armenian occupation [after the Second Karabakh War].

"After the restoration of the territorial integrity of the country, the necessary measures have been taken to organize service and combat activities in the liberated areas of the state border. Gubadli Separate Border Division, rapid reaction force brigades, and various military units have been created," he said.
Researchers from University of St. Gallen and Columbia Business School published a new Journal of Marketing article that examines how the perceived meaning of manual labor can help predict the adoption of autonomous products.

The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled "Meaning of Manual Labor Impedes Consumer Adoption of Autonomous Products" and is authored by Emanuel de Bellis, Gita Venkataramani Johar, and Nicola Poletti.

Whether it is cleaning homes or mowing lawns, consumers increasingly delegate manual tasks to autonomous products. These gadgets operate without human oversight and free consumers from mundane chores. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that people feel a sense of satisfaction when they complete household chores. Are autonomous products such as robot vacuums and cooking machines depriving consumers from meaningful experiences?

This new research shows that, despite unquestionable benefits such as gains in efficiency and convenience, autonomous products strip away a source of meaning in life. As a result, consumers are hesitant to buy these products.

The researchers argue that manual labor is an important source of meaning in life. This is in line with research showing that everyday tasks have value -- chores such as cleaning may not make us happy, but they add meaning to our lives. As de Bellis explains, "Our studies show that 'meaning of manual labor' causes consumers to reject autonomous products. For example, these consumers have a more negative attitude toward autonomous products and are also more prone to believe in the disadvantages of autonomous products relative to their advantages."

Highlight Saving Time for Other Meaningful Tasks

On one hand, autonomous products take over tasks from consumers, typically leading to a reduction in manual labor and hence in the ability to derive meaning from manual tasks. On the other hand, by taking over manual tasks, autonomous products provide consumers with the opportunity to spend time on other, potentially more meaningful, tasks and activities. "We suggest that companies highlight so-called alternative sources of meaning in life, which should reduce consumers' need to derive meaning specifically from manual tasks. Highlighting other sources of meaning, such as through family or hobbies, at the time of the adoption decision should counteract the negative effect on autonomous product adoption," says Johar.

In fact, a key value proposition for many of these technologies is that they free up time. iRobot claims that its robotic vacuum cleaner Roomba saves owners as much as 110 hours of cleaning a year. Some companies go even a step further by suggesting what consumers could do with their freed-up time. For example, German home appliance company Vorwerk promotes its cooking machine Thermomix with "more family time" and "Thermomix does the work so you can make time for what matters most." Instead of promoting the quality of task completion (i.e., cooking a delicious meal), the company emphasizes that consumers can spend time on other, arguably more meaningful, activities.

This study demonstrates that the perceived meaning of manual labor (MML) -- a novel concept introduced by the researchers -- is key to predicting the adoption of autonomous products. Poletti says that "Consumers with a high MML tend to resist the delegation of manual tasks to autonomous products, irrespective of whether these tasks are central to one's identity or not. Marketers can start by segmenting consumers into high and low MML consumers." Unlike other personality variables that can only be reliably measured using complex psychometric scales, the extent of consumers' MML might be assessed simply by observing their behavioral characteristics, such as whether consumers tend to do the dishes by hand, whether they prefer a manual car transmission, or what type of activities and hobbies they pursue. Activities like woodworking, cookery, painting, and fishing are likely predictors of high MML. Similarly, companies can measure likes on social media for specific activities and hobbies that involve manual labor. Finally, practitioners can ask consumers to rate the degree to which manual versus cognitive tasks are meaningful to them. Having segmented consumers according to their MML, marketers can better target and focus their messages and efforts.

In promotions, firms can highlight the meaningful time consumers gain with the use of autonomous products (e.g., "this product allows you to spend time on more meaningful tasks and pursuits than cleaning"). Such an intervention can prevent the detrimental effects of meaning of manual labor on autonomous product adoption.
Newly discovered biomarker signatures point to a whole range of previously unknown organisms that dominated complex life on Earth about a billion years ago. They differed from complex eukaryotic life as we know it, such as animals, plants and algae in their cell structure and likely metabolism, which was adapted to a world that had far less oxygen in the atmosphere than today. An international team of researchers, including GFZ geochemist Christian Hallmann, now reports on this breakthrough for the field of evolutionary geobiology in the journal Nature.

The previously unknown "protosteroids" were shown to be surprisingly abundant throughout Earths Middle Ages. The primordial molecules were produced at an earlier stage of eukaryotic complexity -- extending the current record of fossil steroids beyond 800 and up to 1,600 million years ago. Eukaryotes is the term for a kingdom of life including all animals, plants and algae and set apart from bacteria by having a complex cell structure that includes a nucleus, as well as a more complex molecular machinery. "The highlight of this finding is not just the extension of the current molecular record of eukaryotes," Hallmann says: "Given that the last common ancestor of all modern eukaryotes, including us humans, was likely capable of producing 'regular' modern sterols, chances are high that the eukaryotes responsible for these rare signatures belonged to the stem of the phylogenetic tree."

Unprecedented glimpse of a lost world

This "stem" represents the common ancestral lineage that was a precursor to all still living branches of eukaryotes. Its representatives are long extinct, yet details of their nature may shed more light on the conditions surrounding the evolution of complex life. Although more research is needed to evaluate what percentage of protosteroids may have had a rare bacterial source, the discovery of these new molecules not only reconciles the geological record of traditional fossils with that of fossil lipid molecules, but yields a rare and unprecedented glimpse of a lost world of ancient life. The competitive demise of stem group eukaryotes, marked by the first appearance of modern fossil steroids some 800 Million years ago, may reflect one of the most incisive events in the evolution of increasingly complex life.

"Almost all eukaryotes biosynthesise steroids, such as cholesterol that is produced by humans and most other animals" adds Benjamin Nettersheim from the University of Bremen, first author of the study -- "due to potentially adverse health effects of elevated cholesterol levels in humans, cholesterol doesn't have the best reputation from a medical perspective. However, these lipid molecules are integral parts of eukaryotic cell membranes where they aid in a variety of physiological functions. By searching for fossilised steroids in ancient rocks, we can trace the evolution of increasingly complex life."

What the Nobel laureate thaught impossible...

Nobel laureate Konrad Bloch had already speculated about such a biomarker in an essay almost 30 years ago. Bloch suggested that short-lived intermediates in the modern biosynthesis of steroids may not always have been intermediates. He believed that lipid biosynthesis evolved in parallel with changing environmental conditions throughout Earth history. In contrast to Bloch, who did not believe that these ancient intermediates could ever be found, Nettersheim started searching for protosteroids in ancient rocks that were deposited at a time when those intermediates could actually have been the final product.

But how to find such molecules in ancient rocks? "We employed a combination of techniques to first convert various modern steroids to their fossilised equivalent; otherwise we wouldn't have even known what to look for," says Jochen Brocks, professor at the Australian National University who shares the first-authorship of the new study with Nettersheim. Scientists had overlooked these molecules for decades because they do not conform to typical molecular search images. "Once we knew our target, we discovered that dozens of other rocks, taken from billion-year-old waterways across the world, were oozing with similar fossil molecules."

The oldest samples with the biomarker are from the Barney Creek Formation in Australia and are 1.64 billion years old. The rock record of the next 800 Million years only yields fossil molecules of primordial eukaryotes before molecular signatures of modern eukaryotes first appear in the Tonian period. According to Nettersheim "the Tonian Transformation emerges as one of the most profound ecological turning points in our planet's history." Hallmann adds that "both primordial stem groups and modern eukaryotic representatives such as red algae may have lived side by side for many hundreds of millions of years." During this time, however, the Earth's atmosphere became increasingly enriched with oxygen -- a metabolic product of cyanobacteria and of the first eukaryotic algae that would have been toxic to many other organisms. Later, global "Snowball Earth" glaciations occurred and the protosterol communities largely died out. The last common ancestor of all living eukaryotes may have lived 1.2 to 1.8 billion years ago. Its descendants were likely better able to survive heat and cold as well as UV radiation and displaced their primordial relatives.

Since all stem group eukaryotes are long extinct, we will never know for certain how most of our early relatives looked like, but artistic efforts have created tentative visualisations (see pictures attached), while the primordial steroids may eventually shed more light on their biochemistry and lifestyle. "Earth was a microbial world for much of its history and left few traces." Nettersheim concludes. Research at ANU, MARUM and GFZ continues to pursue tracing the roots of our existence -- the discovery of protosterols now brings us one step closer to understanding how our earliest ancestors lived and evolved.
For decades, the fields of physics and chemistry have maintained that the atoms and molecules that make up the natural world define the character of solid matter. Salt crystals get their crystalline quality from the ionic bond between sodium and chloride ions, metals like iron or copper get their strength from the metallic bonds between iron or copper atoms, and rubbers get their stretchiness from the flexible bonds within polymers that constitute the rubber. The same principle applies for materials like fungi, bacteria, and wood.

Or so the story goes.

A new paper published today in Nature upends that paradigm, and argues that the character of many biological materials is actually created by the water that permeates these materials. Water gives rise to a solid and goes on to define the properties of that solid, all the while maintaining its liquid characteristics. In their paper, the authors group these and other materials into a new class of matter that they call "hydration solids," which they say "acquire their structural rigidity, the defining characteristic of the solid state, from the fluid permeating their pores." The new understanding of biological matter can help answer questions that have dogged scientists for years.

"I think this is a really special moment in science," Ozgur Sahin, a professor of Biological Sciences and Physics and one of the paper's authors, said. "It's unifying something incredibly diverse and complex with a simple explanation. It's a big surprise, an intellectual delight."

Steven G. Harrellson, who recently completed doctoral studies in Columbia's physics department, and is an author on the study, used the metaphor of a building to describe the team's finding: "If you think of biological materials like a skyscraper, the molecular building blocks are the steel frames that hold them up, and water in between the molecular building blocks is the air inside the steel frames. We discovered that some skyscrapers aren't supported by their steel frames, but by the air within those frames."

"This idea may seem hard to believe, but it resolves mysteries and helps predict the existence of exciting phenomena in materials," Sahin added.

When water is in its liquid form, its molecules strike a fine balance between order and disorder. But when the molecules that form biological materials combine with water, they tip the balance toward order: Water wants to return to its original state. As a result, the water molecules push the biological matter's molecules away. That pushing force, called the hydration force, was identified in the 1970s, but its impact on biological matter was thought to be limited. This new paper's argument that the hydration force is what defines the character of biological matter almost entirely, including how soft or hard it is, thus comes as a surprise.

We have long known that biological materials absorb ambient moisture. Think, for example, of a wooden door, that expands during a humid spell. This research, however, shows that that ambient water is much more central to wood, fungi, plants, and other natural materials' character than we had ever known.

The team found that bringing water to the front and center allowed them to describe the characteristics that familiar organic materials display with very simple math. Previous models of how water interacts with organic matter have required advanced computer simulations to predict the properties of the material. The simplicity of the formulas that the team found can predict these properties suggests that they're onto something.

To take one example, the team found that the simple equation E=Al/ neatly describes how a material's elasticity changes based on factors including humidity, temperature, and molecule size. (E in this equation refers to the elasticity of a material; A is a factor that depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment; l is the approximate size of biological molecules and  is the distance over which hydration forces lose their strength).

"The more we worked on this project, the simpler the answers became," Harrellson said, adding that the experience "is very rare in science."

The new findings emerged from Professor Sahin's ongoing research into the strange behavior of spores, dormant bacterial cells. For years, Sahin and his students have studied spores to understand why they expand forcefully when water is added to them and contract when water is removed. (Several years ago, Sahin and colleagues garnered media coverage for harnessing that capability to create small engine-like contraptions powered by spores.)

Around 2012, Sahin decided to take a step back to ask why the spores behave the way they do. He was joined by researchers Michael S. DeLay and Xi Chen, authors on the new paper, who were then members of his lab. Their experiments did not provide a resolution to the mysterious behavior of spores. "We ended up with more mysteries than when we started," Sahin remembers. They were stuck, but the mysteries they encountered were hinting that there was something worth pursuing.

After years of pondering potential explanations, it occurred to Sahin that the mysteries the team continually encountered could be explained if the hydration force governed the way that water moved in spores.

The team had to do more experiments to test the idea. In 2018, Harrellson, who is now a software engineer at the data analytics firm Palantir, joined the project.

"When we initially tackled the project, it seemed impossibly complicated. We were trying to explain several different effects, each with their own unsatisfying formula. Once we started using hydration forces, every one of the old formulas could be stripped away. When only hydration forces were left, it felt like our feet finally hit the ground. It was amazing, and a huge relief; things made sense," he said.

The results of those experiments led the team and their collaborators to this paper. In addition to Harrellson, DeLay, Chen, and Sahin, the paper's other authors are Ahmet-Hamdi Cavusoglu, Jonathan Dworkin, and Howard A. Stone. Adam Driks of Loyola University Chicago, who also contributed research, passed away before the completion of the work. Funding for the research was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science and Basic Energy Sciences; by the Office of Naval Research; by the National Institutes of Health; and by the David and Lucile Packard Fellows Program.

The paper's findings apply to huge amounts of the world around us: Hygroscopic biological materials-that is, biological materials that allow water in and out of them-potentially make up anywhere from 50% to 90% of the living world around us, including all of the world's wood, but also other familiar materials like bamboo, cotton, pine cones, wool, hair, fingernails, pollen grains in plants, the outer skin of animals, and bacterial and fungal spores that help these organisms survive and reproduce.

The term coined in the paper, "hydration solids," applies to any natural material that's responsive to the ambient humidity around it. With the equations that the team identified, they and other researchers can now predict materials' mechanical properties from basic physics principles. So far that was true mainly of gases, thanks to the well-known general gas equation, which has been known to scientists since the 19th century.

"When we take a walk in the woods, we think of the trees and plants around us as typical solids. This research shows that we should really think of those trees and plants as towers of water holding sugars and proteins in place," Sahin said: "It's really water's world."
Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, resumed its eruption on Wednesday, displaying mesmerizing fountains of lava within the safe confines of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.

Mount Kilauea Erupts for the Second Time This Year

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory announced that the eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano began on Wednesday morning, June 7. As per CNN's report, the observatory detected the onset of the eruption at approximately 4:44 a.m. HST on June 7, 2023, within the Halemaumau crater in Kilauea's summit caldera, which is located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

During the initial stages of the eruption, webcam images revealed fissures at the base of Halemaumau crater, resulting in lava flows on the crater floor. The activity is currently confined to Halemaumau, and the hazards associated with the eruption will be continually evaluated as it progresses, as stated by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

This is the second time Mount Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, has erupted this year. The alert level for Kilauea has been raised to red, indicating a "warning" status. However, there is currently no indication that populated areas are at risk.

The eruption is contained within the national park, and the National Park Service (NPS) has identified safe locations for visitors to observe the event. The NPS advises following safety precautions and respecting the significance of the eruption as a sacred event. The eruption is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the park.

This recent eruption follows previous activity in January and increased unrest in May. In 2018, a major eruption of Kilauea resulted in significant destruction, with slow-moving lava engulfing hundreds of homes and filling Kapoho Bay. The interaction of lava with the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean caused steam and hazardous particles, emphasizing the importance of caution during volcanic events.

Despite the spectacle and attraction of the eruption, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring public safety within the designated areas.

READ ALSO: Lava Sound Serves as Music to Volcanologist's Ears; New Study Describes the Rhythms Behind Kilauea Volcano's 10-Year Eruption

Authorities Raise Alert for Volcanic Gas

A live video from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) captures the mesmerizing sight of glowing lava forcefully spewing into the air from the summit of the volcano.

As per NPR, authorities have issued a code red alert for the area, indicating a high level of alertness and potential danger. According to the USGS, significant amounts of volcanic gas, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, are continuously being released during the eruption.

The mixture of volcanic gas with the atmosphere can create volcanic smog, a haze that poses health risks to humans, livestock, and crops, particularly in downwind areas.

The eruption also brings additional hazards such as unstable walls, ground cracking, rockfalls, and the formation of "Pele's hair." These are delicate glass fibers formed from gas bubbles that elongate into thin strands and can become airborne, posing further risks.



RELATED ARTICLE: Kilauea Volcanic Eruption Finally Ceased After 61 Days; USGS Confirms Lava No Longer Flowing

Check out more news and information on Volcano Eruptions on Science Times.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. A total of 19 documents regulating the further activities of the Council were signed, following the results of the 86th meeting of the Council of Commanders of the Border Troops of the CIS member States in Baku, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Commanders, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Commanders of Border Troops - Chairman of the Coordination Service, Colonel-General Alexander Manilov told the reporters, Trend reports.

"The main attention was paid to the situation on the external borders of the CIS," he said.

The 86th meeting of the Council of Commanders of the Border Troops of the CIS member states has held in Baku today.

The participants of the meeting discussed the situation on the external borders of the CIS member states, the organization of the 87th meeting of the Council of Commanders of the CIS Border Troops and its draft agenda. There was also an exchange of views on other issues according to the agenda of the event.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Chair of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova has sent a letter to the newly elected Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Numan Kurtulmus, the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (Parliament) told Trend.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, on her own behalf and on behalf of the deputies of the Milli Majlis, has congratulated Numan Kurtulmus on his election to the post of Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and conveyed her best wishes to him in the letter.

The strategic alliance between the two countries based on the "One nation, two states" motto is successfully developing in all spheres, including in the field of inter-parliamentary relations.

Gafarova invited Numan Kurtulmus to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan.

The speakers of the parliaments of both countries held a telephone conversation on the same day. The speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) once again congratulated Numan Kurtulmus and wished him success in his future activities. The chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye thanked for the congratulations and said that he would spare no effort to further develop ties between the parliaments of both countries.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The Council of Commanders of the Border Troops of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is working on two new documents, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Commanders of the Border Troops - Chairman of the Coordination Service, Colonel-General Alexander Manilov told reporters, Trend reports.

Manilov made the remark on the sidelines of the 86th meeting of the Council of Commanders of the Border Troops in Baku.

"We are developing two main documents. The first document is a program to strengthen border security until 2030. The second document concerns the basics of the information policy of the CIS member states in the border sphere," he said.

The official expressed hope that these documents will be worked out in the near future, and proposals from all interacting parties will be taken into account to solve common tasks of the member states.

"The chairman of the committee for scientific work informed about the results of the development of three scientific studies in the field of border security. Approaches to the implementation of recommendations on further border cooperation were approved," Manilov added.

The meeting participants discussed the situation on the external borders of the CIS member states, the issue of organizing the 87th meeting of the Council of Commanders of the Border Troops of the CIS countries and the draft agenda.

Besides, an exchange of views on other issues according to the agenda of the event was conducted.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Work is underway to determine the exact dates for the next meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministry made the remark, commenting on the planned meeting of the heads of the two countries' foreign ministries in Washington.

"We hope that this meeting will take place in the near future. Usually, there is a practice of announcing the exact dates of the meeting by the host country," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry explained.

Today the Armenian side spread information about the "postponement" of the meeting in the US, allegedly "at the request of Azerbaijan".
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a document on amendments to the decree "On measures to establish ASAN Kommunal centers", Trend reports.

According to the decree, the Azeristiliktejhizat OJSC will provide its services in the field of servicing individuals and legal entities in the centers of "ASAN Kommunal".
A federal district court in the Western District of New York entered a final judgment by default against Tarek D. Bahgat, an investment adviser formerly based in Amherst, New York.

The SEC's complaint alleged that Bahgat misappropriated over $378,000 from seven of his investment advisory clients. The SEC alleged that Bahgat illicitly obtained internet access to some of his clients' brokerage accounts by impersonating, or having his co-defendant, Lauramarie Colangelo, impersonate Bahgat's clients during telephone calls with broker-dealers holding the clients' accounts. This enabled Bahgat to cause money to be transferred from the clients' account to Bahgat and to his company, relief defendant WealthCFO, LLC. The SEC's complaint charged Bahgat with violating Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act"). The complaint sought permanent injunctions, disgorgement, prejudgment interest and civil penalties from Bahgat.

The SEC obtained a default judgment against Bahgat after he didn't respond to the Commission's complaint. On June 6, 2023, the Court enjoined Bahgat from violating Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Advisers Act; ordered Bahgat to disgorge $378,021.97; $142,057.43 in prejudgment interest; and imposed a civil penalty of $378,854.00 pursuant to Section 209(e) of the Advisers Act.

Final judgments have previously been entered against defendant Colangelo and relief defendant WealthCFO.

For further information, see Litigation Releases No. 23951 (Sept. 29, 2017), No. 24192 (July 10, 2018), and No. 24284 (Sept. 21, 2018).
When Sterling Heights launched their Think Sterling Green campaign in April, organizers of the sustainability initiative promised that there were plenty of green-minded announcements yet to come. One such program was announced on Wednesday, June 7, as the city has partnered with General Motors Dealers to install 17 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at various public spaces throughout the city by the end of the year.[Related: Read 'A vital step forward': Sterling Heights launches new Think Sterling Green sustainability initiative on Metromode.]A public-private partnership, the Sterling Heights-General Motors Dealer Community Charging Program will add 17 EV charging stations to the citys inventory  and with each station able to charge two cars, that means 34 additional EVs will be able to simultaneously charge their vehicles by the beginning of 2024. Sterling Heights provides the land, GM Dealers underwrite the cost, and State Electric Company will install and maintain the stations, which are produced by Flo.The EV charging station plan puts four stations at City Hall Campus; two at the Community Center; three at Dodge Park; and one each at the Senior Center, Schoenherr Towers, Baumgartner Park, Nelson Park, and DPW. Three stations will also be installed at Delia Park, with two going on 18 Mile and one on Ryan Road.The EV charging station partnership coincides with the city announcing its Electric Vehicle Master Plan, which encourages EV use, educating property owners and developers on the benefits of installing EV charging infrastructure, and implementing EVs into the citys fleet, the latter of which will begin as a pilot program later this year.The complete EV Charging Station Master Plan is available online Fifty-two percent of our residents either own or are considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, so we knew we needed to ramp up efforts and be ready to handle this new model of transportation, which is why the new Community Charging Program partnership is so critical, says Sterling Heights Sustainability Commission Chairman Nathan Inks. With our help, the City has really been leaning in to sustainability and recently launched a brand called Think Sterling Green to help promote all the sustainability initiatives we are advancing in Sterling Heights. Its exciting to see our efforts moving forward.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
George and Eliza Taylor.

In 2020, George Getschman, a board member of the Friends of the Birmingham Museum and a Greenwood Cemetery tour guide, was doing research on a Civil War Veteran when he came across an unusual obituary for George Basil Taylor.Upon further research, he discovered that not only was Taylor buried in the historic cemetery, but the obituary stated that he was formerly enslaved. His wife, Eliza, died six months after him; they both had escaped from the South using the Underground Railroad network.While they appeared in the cemetery records, there is no [personal] information in the cemetery records, so it was just by luck that I happened to read the obituary, says Getschman about his discovery.This started an extensive research project for the museum with most of the research being performed by Donna Casaceli, museum specialist, and archivist, and Leslie Pielack, the museum director.Everything we know about the Taylors and subsequently the Underground Railroad activities in the area comes from their research, Getschman says, adding that it took about three years of dedicated research to uncover the details.Since this discovery and subsequent research, Greenwood Cemetery is now counted as one of the National Parks Service's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom sites. Casaceli, who just received her graduate certificate in Archival Administration, was thankful for the chance to piece the story together.This was a major challenge and opportunity, Casaceli reflects. They were born into slavery, so birth certificates did not exist.Moreover, most of the enslaved did not have last names or they took the last names of their owners. In many cases, Casaceli had to research the property of slave owners in the South to find correlations to either Eliza's or Georges story to match records.George Taylor mentioned in an interview that he was held by Elizabeth Greathouse. We were able to track down her original estate and going then through probate records and slave registry we found out that she inherited a young boy named George.Casaceli also mentions that in the same interview, Taylor explains his fathers name was Basil Taylor, and in the same town was a freed Black man named Basil Taylor."It took a lot of phone calls, a lot of emails; it was three years of research, she says. But its like a treasure hunt, and when you can bring these stories to the community it makes all the hard work worthwhile.George Basil Taylor was formerly enslaved in Northern Kentucky and escaped in 1855 through routes in Southfield. His wife Eliza escaped to Royal Oak where she was seeking to reunite with her mother who lived there. While enslaved in Alabama, Eliza Taylor experienced the auction block three times. When she finally escaped to seek refuge with her mother, she had not seen her in 22 years.Though we dont know many details about Elizas escape, we have a first-hand account of George Taylors escape as published in The Detroit Journal in 1889, and republished in the Birmingham Eccentric George [Taylor] had a very scary escape, reports Getschman. After one close encounter of recapture, he was eventually caught by bounty hunters, people who roamed through the northern free states trying to catch escaped slaves. The magistrate in George Taylors case, however, was an abolitionist and argued that there wasnt enough evidence that George Taylor had escaped, so he was set free.For a while, George Taylor went to Canada, but he eventually came back to the area and worked as a farmhand. In the 1870s he married Eliza Dosier and they had a farm together. After moving around some, they eventually returned to retire in Michigan. They joined the Presbyterian church and lived in Birmingham for the rest of their lives.In addition to farming, they helped orphaned children reunite with their parents or find people willing to adopt them after emancipation. They were always fostering children, mentioned Getschman.When the Civil War ended, emancipated children of the South had nowhere to go. According to Casacelis research, the Taylors had a revolving door of foster children for years after the Civil War.In some of the census records we saw children listed in one year then the next census theyre not in the house; another group is in the house. The children are coming in and out with a single name so we cant track them. There were a lot of children who were pulled away from their mothers and fathers. Many children at the end of the Civil War were often left [without care].Detroit and its surrounding towns were a place of refuge for the formerly enslaved and an area sought after because of its sympathies with the abolitionist movement. Often people would escape to Michigan and decide to stay.However, the danger of re-enslavement didnt always end at the Mason-Dixon line an bounty hunters were prevalent, especially in states like New York. They were common in Michigan because, Getschman explains, it was the endpoint of the Underground Railroad before Canada.In some cases, freedom seekers were hidden in wagons with hay or hidden bottoms while they were transported from place to place. There were also stockholders, someone who funded the Railroad system.A conductor, explains Casaceli, was a person who transported people through stations. A station master owned the barn or house where the people would stay.It was a network, not a secret trail, and according to Casaceli, most "station masters" or "conductors" didnt know what happened to the freedom seekers at the next station, they would rarely know where the people were going next.Because the graves of Eliza and George Taylor were unmarked, the Friends of the Birmingham Museum got together with the Daughters of the American Revolutions Piety Hill Chapter to help raise funds to build a monument in the cemetery dedicated to the Taylors and their courageous escape to freedom.The cost of the monument was going to come to almost $9,000 but in just six months the community raised $57,000 dollars for the initiative. The group is hoping to host a debut of the monument sometime this month.
Dave Bulkowski, the executive director of Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), likes to say that buildings are disabled if they arent accessible.A house that doesnt have the ability to welcome family and friends is a house with a disability, rather than the person who cant access it, Bulkowski says.DAKC has organized Absolutely Accessible Kent on June 14 from 1-4 p.m. at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids to show the long-term benefits of universal and inclusive design. This approach goes beyond ADA and is the best way to future-proof space, whether residential or commercial.DAKC is bringing in national experts to explore the issue of universal design, beginning with Randy Lewis, former senior vice president of logistics and supply chain at Walgreens, who will deliver the keynote speech.Lewis was running these massive logistics centers for the drugstore chain when he started to think about how to create space in his work environment for people with autism, like his son. The more the company worked to include his son, the more they found everyones productivity went up. One example was as simple as enlarging the small screen and the buttons on it to pick up orders.Creating an inclusive environment pays huge positive dividends. It's not just the right thing to do from a social perspective. It is the right thing to do from a business perspective, says Bukowski.Other presenters include Noam Platt, a certified health care architect, and Steve Wright, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist.Platt is the founder of MakeGood, a 501c3 organization that designs assistive technology for people globally. He is an award-winning specialist in producing technology for the disability community. Platt will detail how architects can play exciting and important roles in new realms of adaptive product design, fueled by transformative technologies within maker communities.Wright has nearly four decades of experience in covering urban design, planning, architecture, and Universal Design. He will give a highly visual presentation about Universal Design as a powerful approach to creating places that are welcoming and accessible to all. Attendees will learn from concrete examples of good, bad, and ugly accessible designs in neighborhoods, parks, plazas, sidewalks, crosswalks, transit stops, buildings, and other elements of the built environment.Theres a growing interest in making both residences and workplaces accessible. Bulkowski recently pitched the idea of universal design to building developers at the Building Michigan Communities conference, sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).The pitch was to hire us and our partners, Display Network Michigan, around the state to help you design homes that don't have disabilities. And we won. That was the No. one idea that people wanted to steal, says Bulkowski.The Grand Rapids-based DAKC has 14 nonprofit siblings around the state, part of Disability Network Michigan. One in four people in the U.S. has a disability, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We help people with disabilities set goals for their own lives and knock down the barriers between here and there. We do systems change work, which is this whole Absolutely Accessible Kent,Bulkowski says.He adds theres a tendency to label those with disabilities with the phrase most vulnerable, which immediately evokes pity. A more accurate description is the most excluded, says Bulkowski, noting that people with disabilities often can't go somewhere because the bus doesn't go there because there's no accessible bathroom or accessible doorway.Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has made a huge commitment to address this issue by contracting with DACK to grow the accessibility and inclusion of downtown Grand Rapids.Research from that partnership has identified what are the barriers for people with disabilities to coming downtown. Surprisingly, it wasnt finding accessible parking or a restroom, which tied for No. 2 on the list, but the uncertainty of navigating the downtown when it came to transportation, restrooms and even the steepness of sidewalks.So how are DAKC and DGRI addressing that uncertainty?Theres a group of people with disabilities who have signed up as test pilots to come up with hacks for the downtown. They are exploring these issues. One discovery is that the worst place to park if you're in a wheelchair is below Calder Plaza. Thats because the elevators are locked after 5 p.m.So you could park less than 20 feet from the Calder and not be able to get there unless you go all the way around the back. We need to teach people with disabilities the best places to park and other things that people need to know because right now, the uncertainty is a big issue, says Bulkowski.This article is part of a multi-year series Disability Inclusion , exploring the state of West Michigans growing disability community. The series is made possible through a partnership with Centers for Independent Living organizations across West Michigan.
Young people make posters that call attention to life without violence during Urban Alliances summer Life Camp.

Youngster write letters of compassion during the Life Camp. They are messages to those who have been involved and gun violence and those who may consider it.

Tuesday, June 13, at Tree of Life School, 2001 Cameron St.

Tuesday, July 11, at Trenches Community Church, 1003 Gayle Ave.

Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Douglass Community Association, 1000 W. Patterson St.

Young people ages 11-16 are shown participating in events during last summers Urban Alliances Life Camp.

Saturday, June 10, at Urban Alliance, 1009 E. Stockbridge Ave.

Saturday, July 8, at Eastside Neighborhood Association, 1301 E. Main St.

Saturday, Aug. 5, at Douglass Community Association, 1000 W. Patterson St.

Playing with paint ball guns and water guns are among the activities during Life Camp, a series of Saturday day camps hosted by Urban Alliance and other organizations.

A young man is shown creating an anti-violence poster during last years Life Camp in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Lyceum panelists with founder Matthew Miller.

Matthew Miller, Lyceum founder, introduces the panel members.

Panel member Dr. Dough McLaughlin is the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council Executive Director.

Danielle Marschke contributing to question segment

Dr. Lynne Heasley, WMU Professor of Environment and Sustainability, was a panelist.

Attendee sharing the group's takeaways

Matthew Miller, Lyceum founder, introduces the panel members.

Lyceum attendee submitting a question

A list of Lyceum group discussion topics.

Lyceum attendees in a group discussion.

The third Kalamazoo Lyceum, held in Cooper's Glen Auditorium of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, focused on the theme of nature.
Washington suspend son aide alimentaire a l'Ethiopie en raison de detournements





Le gouvernement americain a annonce la suspension de son aide alimentaire a l'Ethiopie en raison de detournements massifs de cette assistance, a annonce jeudi l'Agence americaine pour le developpement international (USAID).





"L'USAID a decouvert, en coordination avec le gouvernement de l'Ethiopie, une operation generalisee et coordonnee de detournement de l'aide alimentaire. En consequence (...) nous ne pouvons pas continuer a fournir de l'aide alimentaire tant que nous ne serons pas surs que des reformes auront ete mises en place", a indique un porte-parole de l'USAID.








BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a document on amendments to the decree "On ensuring the activities of the Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Businesses", Trend report.

According to the new decree, the "List of services provided to micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the "Houses of small and medium-sized businesses" has been expanded.

Azeristiliktejhizat OJSC has been added to this list.
Emploi : Macky Sall propose de recourir a la convention Etat-employeurs

Macky Sall a demande mercredi au gouvernement dutiliser les mecanismes de la convention liant lEtat et les employeurs pour accroitre les possibilites de recrutement des jeunes diplomes arrivant chaque annee sur le marche du travail.







Le president de la Republique a demande aux ministres en charge de lEmploi et du Travail dengager [] loptimisation des mecanismes de la convention nationale Etat-employeurs en vue de lelargissement des possibilites de recrutements des jeunes diplomes qui arrivent massivement, chaque annee, sur le marche du travail, lit-on dans le communique du Conseil des ministres.





Il les appelle aussi a associer a cette tache les partenaires sociaux.





Le president de la Republique a demande en meme temps aux membres du gouvernement de veiller a lamelioration de lapprovisionnement en eau des populations.





Pour ce faire, le ministre de lEau et de lAssainissement est invite par le chef de lEtat a prendre toutes les mesures adequates en relation avec la SONES, SENEAU, lOFOR et les delegataires de service public en milieu rural.





Macky Sall leur demande de sassurer de lamelioration continue du fonctionnement et de la gestion des systemes hydrauliques, sur letendue du territoire national.





Il souhaite le fonctionnement normal des collectivites territoriales.





Le president de la Republique a demande au ministre des Finances et du Budget, ainsi qua son collegue charge des Collectivites territoriales, de prendre toutes les mesures necessaires, en relation avec les executifs territoriaux, afin dasseoir un dialogue social permanent visant lamelioration des conditions dexercice des agents de la fonction publique territoriale.





Macky Sall leur recommande egalement dassurer le fonctionnement adequat des services administratifs des collectivites territoriales.








BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Chair of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova has sent a letter to the 29th Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Mustafa Sentop, the Milli Majlis (Parliament) told Trend.

Gafarova noted the success achieved by the parliament of the brotherly country during Sentop's activity as chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and stressed that relations between the highest legislative bodies of the brotherly countries have further developed and reached a qualitatively new level during this period.

Chair of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova also held a telephone conversation with Mustafa Sentop today. Gafarova once again thanked Mustafa Sentop for his contribution to the development of inter-parliamentary relations during his tenure as Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and wished him success in his future activities.

Mustafa Sentop expressed gratitude to Sahiba Gafarova for the high assessment of his activities as chairman of the Turkish parliament. He noted that he will make efforts to further deepen relations between the two brotherly countries in the future.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The fact that Azerbaijan is so quickly reviving Karabakh is an indication of the contribution it will make to the region in the future, Former Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zlatko Lagumdzija told Trend.

"Now is the time to establish peace in the region. Holding meetings between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is very important. Many issues are discussed at these meetings, and one of them is the peaceful coexistence of the two peoples. Representatives of different peoples and religions have been living together in peace and respect in Azerbaijan for centuries," he said.

Zlatko Lagumdzija noted that this is the third time he has visited Karabakh.

"Every time I come, I see the development, the rapid construction that is happening here, and I am amazed," he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation Mikhail Bocharnikov on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic activity, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, during the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation and the prospects for its development. The dynamic development of relations was emphasized.

Bayramov expressed gratitude to Ambassador Mikhail Bocharnikov for his contribution to the development of Azerbaijani-Russian relations, and support in effectively resolving emerging issues and wished him success in his future activities.

Bocharnikov, in turn, expressed gratitude for the relations of friendship and cooperation shown to him during his activity in Azerbaijan. During the meeting, other issues of mutual interest related to bilateral relations were also discussed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The attempt by Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, to distort the essence of issues in a number of directions, and mislead both the international community and Armenian society, while avoiding the obligations undertaken by Armenia, during his interview to the Public Television of June 4, 2023, is unacceptable, Ministry of Foreign affairs of Azerbaijan commented, Trend reports.

"At the outset, regarding the claim on the foundation of the delimitation process, it should be noted that, in line with the statements of both the Prague and Sochi meetings the delimitation is considered to be carried out on the basis of the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty. In general, reference to the UN Charter and the Alma-Ata Declaration was made in the context of the mentioned principles. It is well known to the Armenian side that there are no agreement in these and other meetings about the maps on which basis the delimitation will be carried out," the ministry noted.

"Due to international experience, unlike Armenia, the delimitation process by Azerbaijan with some of its neighbors has been carried out not based on a specially selected map, but on the basis of the analysis and review of all legally significant documents. It is possible to apply this experience with Armenia as well. In this regard, instead of insisting on special reference to some 1975 map, it would be more useful for the Armenian side to start the delimitation work. It should not be forgotten that after the Patriotic War of 2020, it was Armenia that did not respond to the proposal for delimitation of the borders with Armenia for a long time," the ministry added.

Ministry went on to say that Armenias accusation against Azerbaijan of aggression towards Armenia, which held the territories of Azerbaijan under occupation for nearly 30 years, is still occupying 8 villages of Azerbaijan, has not completely withdrawn its forces from the territory of Azerbaijan despite the written and verbal agreements reached, delay to return of 8 villages to Azerbaijan under various pretexts, as well as the continuation of military provocations, is completely unfounded.

"Everyone remembers Armen Grigoryan, who declared that the Armenian armed forces will be withdrawn from the territory of Azerbaijan in September of last year, contrary to the provisions of the trilateral statement, and therefore with this statement confirmed how Armenia has continued acts of aggression against the territories of Azerbaijan. In this context, Armenia's populist declaration about commitment to the peace process does not fit into any logic," the ministry said.

"The allegations by Armen Grigoryan during an interview that Azerbaijan has promised to release 10 of the detained Armenians, in fact, indicates the intention by the Armenian side to cover up cases such as disregard of international humanitarian law and principles of humanism, and Armenia's non-reciprocation of confidence-building measures conducted by Azerbaijan on unconditional immediate return of Armenian detainees, especially more than 10 Armenian soldiers who crossed the border by mistake," the statement noted.

Ministry's statement also mentioned the fact that contrary to paragraph 9 of the trilateral statement, unrestored transport connection between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, prolongation of the process with various excuses, and political polemics instead of ensuring the construction of new transport communications connecting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the western regions of Azerbaijan, are clear examples of Armenia's obstruction of the process.

"It is ridiculous that an Armenian official, who cannot digest the daily free passage of dozens of Armenian residents through the Lachin border crossing in both directions by following the appropriate procedures, claims that the Lachin road is closed. At the same time, an immediate end to interfering in the issue of reintegration of Armenian residents would be an indication that Armenia respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan not in words but in deeds," the ministry emphasized.

At last, the ministry added that instead of advancing the peace process in the region, the statement by Armenian officials that his country has entered a new period of arms buildup shows that this country has not yet learned from history. We remind the Armenian side, who wants to evade his obligations by misinterpreting the agreements, that this destructive activity, besides not serving to restore peace in the region, primarily is not in favor of Armenia.
Volt Resources Ltd (ASX:VRC) (FRA:RBL) (OTCMKTS:VLTRF) is critical minerals and battery material company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. We are a graphite producer and an emerging natural graphite anode producer. Volt has a 70% interest in the Zavalievsky Graphite business in Ukraine. The ZG mine and processing facilities have been in operation since 1934 and are near key markets with significant developments in lithium-ion battery production. ZG benefits from an existing customer base and graphite product supply chains based on excellent transport infrastructure covering road, rail, river, and sea freight combined with reliable grid power, ample potable ground water supply and good communications.

Volt acquired three licence applications that are prospective for lithium-borate mineralisation. The licence applications are in respect to a total area of 291km2, located in Serbia and are west and south-west of the Serbian capital, Belgrade.

Volt is progressing the development of its large wholly owned Bunyu Graphite Project in Tanzania. The Bunyu Graphite Project is ideally located near to critical infrastructure with sealed roads running through the project area and ready access to the deep-water port of Mtwara 140km from the Project. In 2018, Volt reported the completion of the Feasibility Study into the Stage 1 development of the Bunyu Graphite Project. The Stage 1 development is based on a mining and processing plant annual throughput rate of 400,000 tonnes of ore to produce on average 23,700tpa of graphite products. A key objective of the Stage 1 development is to establish infrastructure and market position in support of the development of the significantly larger Stage 2 expansion project at Bunyu.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. On June 8, from 11:25 to 18:40, members of the illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed, periodically fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani Army located in the direction of the Fuzuli, Khojaly and Shusha regions, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

The Azerbaijani Army took adequate response measures.

In addition, members of the illegal Armenian armed formations under the guise of agricultural work tried to establish long-term fortifications in front of the positions of the Azerbaijani Army, located in the directions of Aghdam, Fuzuli, Khojavend, Khojaly and Shusha regions.

As a result of urgent measures taken by the Azerbaijani units, work was immediately stopped.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Baku is a perfect bridge that connects East and West and serves not only trade and economic purposes, but will also serve cultural and political purposes in the future, Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Claudio Taffuri said at the event dedicated to the Republic Day of Italy, Trend reports.

According to him, Italy is firmly convinced of the strategic role that Azerbaijan plays today and will play in the coming years.

"However, in order for this "bridge" to withstand the load, a solid foundation is needed. This means that we must join forces in the name of balance and stability. In this regard, Italy and the EU will always support Azerbaijan," the ambassador said.

Currently, Italy remains the largest trading partner of Azerbaijan with a turnover of $5.9 billion (Jan.-Apr. 2023) and a total share in the trade turnover of 33.05 percent.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Italy and Azerbaijan can cooperate in terms of technological expertise, starting with the energy transition, Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Claudio Taffuri said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the event dedicated to the Republic Day of Italy.

"This is demonstrated by the latest signed agreements, as well as the positive experience of TAP, which is a clear example of the true potential and prospects of our partnership," he said.
India and the US will discuss ways to strengthen their strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the country on June 22. Both countries will also discuss ways to enhance the strategic technology partnership, specifically focussed on defence, the US press secretary, Karine Jean Pierre said in Washington.

PM Modi and US President Joe Biden will also discuss ways to strengthen the shared commitment towards ensuring a free, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, she added while addressing the mediapersons. PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US on June 22 following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

He will be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time during his upcoming official state visit to that country.
Indian-origin professor Joyeeta Gupta has been awarded the Spinoza Prize, the highest distinction in Dutch science, for her scientific work focusing on a "just and sustainable world". Gupta, Professor of Environment and Development in the Global South at the University of Amsterdam since 2013, was chosen by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) selection committee for her "incredibly broad and interdisciplinary" research.

Also referred to sometimes as the 'Dutch Nobel Prize', the award will give Gupta 1.5 million euros to spend on scientific research and activities related to knowledge utilization. Gupta's research involves solutions to issues arising from climate change through good governance. At the core of her research is an attempt to unravel the connections between the climate crisis, global water challenges, possible solutions and justice, a University of Amsterdam statement read.

"Justice for both people and the planet is the common thread in Joyeeta's work. She is relentlessly committed to climate justice, always looking beyond the boundaries of disciplines, realising that this is the only way to approach the climate issue," said Peter-Paul Verbeek, Rector Magnificus of the University of Amsterdam. Gupta, who is the twelfth researcher from the University of Amsterdam to receive the award, will be officially honoured on October 4 at a presentation ceremony.

She studied at Delhi University, Gujarat University and Harvard Law School, and obtained her PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She is also a professor at the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. In addition to her professorship, Gupta is co-chair of the Earth Commission, founded by Future Earth and supported by the Global Challenges Foundation, the University statement said.

She was also lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) between 1988 and 2014, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former US Vice President Al Gore.
Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is here, and websites focused on the festival, like Rakhibazaar, are providing services that connect families across borders and celebrate the occasion globally.

Festival like Rakhi is made to be celebrated with one's family, but some people have to celebrate it away from their families. In such situations, companies like Rakhibazaar come in and solve the problem.

Hearing it from the Founder and CEO of Rakhibazaar.com, Mr. Deelip Kumar, on how people can celebrate Raksha Bandhan from any corner of the world. With technology leaping giants step forward, the world is becoming smaller and closer daily. And innovations like these help in cherishing the few charismatic moments of life.

Heres what sets Rakhibazaar apart from the industry, according to the founder of the company:

Ultimate variety of Rakhis

The website is designed in such a way that anyone can do shopping from Rakhibazaar. There are rakhis for every age group, and personalization is also provided so that every sister can send their brother Rakhi with a personal touch of love. The massive collection of Rakhis at Rakhibazaar is created while considering the budget orientation.

The collection has everything, from premium Rakhi, such as designer Rakhi and pure chandan Rakhi, to basic mauli rakhi. Options such as Rakhi with Puja Thali and Designer Rakhi by Rakhibazaar are highly appreciated by consumers and are their best-selling products.

The variety is not simply limited to Rakhis only but also the Rakhi combos as well. The combo includes everything one would want to share with loved ones: chocolates, sweets, dry fruits, plants, and many more.

This plethora of options seems always to continue when it comes to offerings in Rakhi Bazaar. Rakhibazaar also goes the extra mile and provides gifts for sisters, which means that it is a complete solution for gifting in Raksha Bandhan.

Designer Rakhi by Rakhibazaar: Celebrate with style and elegance

Rakhibazaar.com takes pride in offering an exquisite collection of designer Rakhis. These Rakhis are a piece of art when it comes to the craftsmanship with which they are designed, keeping in mind the elegance and modern look to it as well as keeping the traditional legacy.

Every Rakhi design aims to enhance the love and affection between siblings. The designer Rakhis at Rakhi Bazaar are made using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

From intricately woven threads to embellishments with pearls, stones, and detailed work, these Rakhis truly reflect craftsmanship and elegance. By online Rakhi shopping from Rakhibazaar the customer enjoys the festival with style, elegance, and class.

Rakhibazaar: joining families Worldwide

Nowadays, everything is shifting to online platforms, and so is the case with Rakhi. Rakhibazaar has provided an easy-to-use Rakhi shopping experience for over a decade. One can do Rakhi shopping online from Rakhibazaar within just minutes, saving time.

With just a few clicks, one can explore an extensive collection of beautifully crafted Rakhis and Rakhi gift hampers designed to suit every taste and preference. Rakhibazaar boasts a wide range of designer Rakhis that perfectly blend traditional and contemporary styles.

From intricately designed Rakhi threads to elegant bracelets adorned with precious stones and beads, the platform offers a plethora of options. Whether the customer has a penchant for classic designs or prefers something more trendy and personalized, Rakhibazaar has something to cater to every choice.

Send Raksha Bandhan gift hampers to any part of the globe and bridge the distance

Rakhibazaar provides services to up to 100 countries. Now Rakhibazaar also provides free shipping so that customers can send Rakhi to the USA with free shipping or anywhere around the world through the website.

Living far away from the family should never dampen the spirit of celebrations. Now, one can express their love and affection by sending a beautiful Rakhi to their brother across the globe without any worries about shipping costs.

Send Rakhi globally with blazing speed

If the Rakhi is delivered late, it will spoil the feelings and love, and Rakhibazaar cant let this happen to their customers. That's why they are very particular about their service. Rakhibazaar always aims to deliver the Rakhi gift parcel as fast as possible and within the time limit so that love can be spread to every corner of the world where Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated.

The Final Verdict

Rakhibazaar is the one-stop solution for sending Rakhi this Raksha Bandhan. Rakhibazaar provides its huge Rakhi collection with free shipping globally and is available across the globe in up to 100+ countries. The huge variety of designs paired with top-notch service makes customers always choose Rakhibazaar for the best Raksha Bandhan celebrations.

About the company

Rakhibazaar.com is a popular website that provides a pleasing and satisfying experience of shopping for Rakhi online. With its extensive collection of designer Rakhis, Rakhi gift hampers, and seamless delivery services, Rakhibazaar has become a trusted choice for customers worldwide. The platform values customer satisfaction and strives to exceed expectations with its high-quality products, convenient shopping process, and exceptional customer service.
Rebel Foods, a cloud kitchen startup, has made a significant move by distributing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) to more than 5,000 individuals working across 350 kitchens and corporate offices. This latest distribution has raised the total value of ESOPs held by Rebel Foods employees to an impressive $65 million (equivalent to Rs 550 crore). The companys pioneering action has positioned it as the first foodtech firm in India to implement such a widespread ESOP distribution, covering various levels and regions.

Rebel Foods recently unveiled its second consecutive ESOP liquidation program, providing an opportunity for existing shareholders to liquidate their vested options. This program allows both current and former employees of Rebel Foods to convert their vested options into liquid assets within a one-year timeframe.

Through this ESOP programme, we aim to democratise wealth creation for our team and recognise their passion, customer centricity, and performance. We will continue creating similar opportunities in the future while rewarding our employees for their hard work, contribution, and belief in Rebels vision and mission, Ankur Sharma, Co-founder of Rebel Foods, said.

According to a press statement, Rebel Foods has emphasized that the distribution of ESOPs will foster wealth creation among a diverse range of employees, including kitchen staff, riders, runners, administrative teams, and corporate staff across India, the UAE, and the UK. The company aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture and empower its workforce through employee ownership, fostering a sense of shared success and the Rebel Spirit.

Rebel, established in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, has built a network of 4,000 cloud kitchens under 45 brands, serving as online restaurants. Its operations span multiple countries, including India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, the UAE, and the UK. Recently, the company secured a debt funding of Rs 75 crore ($9.1 million) from prominent investors, Northern Arc and Stride Ventures. This marks Rebels fourth successful round of debt financing.
Yulu Bikes, a electric mobility startup, may apply for an initial public offering (IPO) in FY26, according to its CEO, who believes small-format, battery-powered cars will generate enough investor interest in the coming years. The Bengaluru-based firm, which has a strategic alliance with Bajaj Auto, predicts an increase in demand for such tech-brd vehicles due to increased road congestion and the government's commitment to sustainable transportation.

Meanwhile, the Amit Gupta-founded company is aiming to raise both debt and stock to fund its operations in the short to medium term. Yulu received USD 9 million from the US Development Finance Corporation to help fund its growth aspirations. Last September, the company secured a USD 82 million Series B funding round led by automotive components manufacturer Magna International.

The number of low-speed 'Miracle' motorcycles with an 80-kilometer range deployed in Mumbai has surged 11 times from 500 a year earlier. According to Gupta, Delhi and Bengaluru have shown comparable traction.

Chetak Technologies, a subsidiary of Bajaj Auto, develops and manufactures all Yulu models. Yulu is owned by a company based in Pune, which owns less than 20 per cent of the company. Wynn, Yulu's first personal electric two-wheeler, was unveiled last month with an introductory price of USD 55,555. Its third-generation drugs, Miracle GR and Dex GR, were released earlier this year. Yulu plans to deploy 100,000 vehicles by the end of 2023-24, resulting in 1 million to 1.5 million monthly active users.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y  A 42-year-old man faces an attempted murder charge in connection with a brutal stabbing in his Arden Heights neighborhood, authorities said.

Joseph Fratta was arrested in the bloody encounter that occurred around 4 a.m. on May 27 in the vicinity of the suspects home on Rolling Hill Green, according to the criminal complaint and police.

The victim was a stranger walking on a nearby trail when the suspect allegedly approached, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

Fratta used a knife to stab the 31-year-old man in the abdomen three times and he also slashed the victims back and neck, the complaint alleges.

As a result, the victim suffered bleeding and substantial pain from three puncture wounds in his abdomen and lacerations in his back and neck, police said.

The victim was taken to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze.

In addition to attempted murder, Fratta has been charged with attempted assault, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Fratta, who stands about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds, was arrested on the morning of June 1. He is free on bond set at $150,000/$75,000 and due back in Criminal Court on Aug. 3, according to public records.

The suspect has no prior arrests in New York City, the source said.

An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



RELATED COVERAGE: Recent Staten Island news

>> Details emerge about fake-gun scare at Tottenville High School on Staten Island

>> Fitness hearing paves way for new trial for Staten Island man accused of slaying parents

>> NYPD: 19-year-old shot in back and leg on Staten Island; shell casing recovered at the scene, source says

>> Sources detail terrifying gunpoint robbery of smoke shop on Staten Island: Worker hit in head, tied up

>> Mayhem in Stapleton: NYPD probing multiple shootings in community over weekend
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. During the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Italy has always supported Azerbaijan, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the event dedicated to the Day of the Republic of Italy.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity in 2020. Whether during the conflict or in the post-conflict period, Italy has always expressed a fair point of view, the minister said.

According to Babayev, it is no coincidence that among Western countries, it was Italian officials who were the first to visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

"Besides, it was the companies from friendly Italy that were among the first invited to start operations in the territories of the country liberated from occupation," the minister added.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. More than 300 criminal convictions were tossed by a Manhattan judge Tuesday after it was found that several of the NYPD officers who worked those cases engaged in illegal activities, the New York Times reported.

The nine former cops were found guilty of accepting bribes, planting drugs on people and other crimes.

Judge Kevin McGrath acted at the request of the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, which is investigating 1,100 cases tied to the disgraced officers.

The office moved last fall to overturn 188 convictions the officers helped to secure.

District attorneys across the city have moved to vacate hundreds of convictions in recent years as new information has come to light about the NYPD members who investigated those cases. The 2020 repeal of 50-a  the state law that shielded law enforcements records  has also made it easier in recent years to learn about officer misconduct.

In 2022, a Staten Island man who spent more than 20 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of a fatal shooting on Staten Island received a pre-litigation settlement of $7 million from New York City, Comptroller Brad Lander announced on Monday.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  History will be made on Staten Island on Sunday, June 11, when the Filipino community celebrates under a unified banner for the first time as they commemorate the 125th anniversary of the countrys independence from Spanish rule.

The Philippine Independence Celebration of Staten Island (PICOSI), will kick off with a mass at noon at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton celebrated by the Rev. Rhey Garcia, followed by musical performances, cultural dances and various vendors.

The Inaugural Philippine Independence Celebration of Staten Island will take place Sunday. (Courtesy of PICOSI)

Among the entertainers will be the Filipino Club of Susan Wagner High School, which will perform the folk dance known as Tinikling. It involves people clapping and sliding bamboo poles while one or more dancers rhythmically step over and in between them.

Members of Susan Wagner's Filipino Club practice "Tinikling," a traditional Philippine folk dance that involves rhythmically dancing over and in between bamboo poles as they are clapped together and against the floor, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Its very exciting and special to be part of something like this, said Heidi Andrade, senior captain of the Filipino Club of Susan Wagner. Despite not being of Filipino descent, Andrade joined the club after witnessing the dance firsthand during her freshman year. At first I fell a lot, but after about six months I got the hang of it and it became really fun,' she said.

The event is expected to have more than 1,000 attendees from all over the the tri-state area.

The brainchild of Father Rhey, the event marks the coordination of 14 different Island-based organizations serving the 12,000 Filipinos in the community, according to PICOSI chairperson Ederlinda Miranda.

When we first brought in the leaders, we told them you werent here to represent your organizations, youre here to represent the people of Staten Island, said Miranda. We only had our first conversation in December and it was a really short window, but these community leaders made it easy to get things done because they felt so passionate about getting this done.

The Inaugural Philippine Independence Celebration of Staten Island will take place Sunday. (Courtesy of PICOSI)

Added Miranda: This is going to be a great way to learn about the culture and the people and experience just a little bit of the Philippines on Staten Island.

More information can be found on the organizations website, PICOSI.org or on its Instagram page @thePICOSI.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Parts of New York City could see another afternoon bout with smoke from Canadian wildfires, but city officials said Thursday that things are getting better this week.

Mayor Eric Adams said at an unrelated press conference that most of the smoke had passed the city but that an afternoon sea breeze could send some back into the southern boroughs. Staten Island is the southernmost part of the state.

The mayor reiterated his administrations recommendations for New Yorkers to stay indoors if possible and wear high-quality masks like N95s and KN95s if heading outdoors.

We are expecting gradual improvement through the early afternoon today, but a sea breeze this afternoon could push smoke back over the city, he said. It would be great to see the sun again, but the wind is going to determine that.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, Staten Island had an Air Quality Index value of 188 putting it in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) unhealthy range, but far below the records saw Wednesday that put the values over 400.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a press conference in Albany that the problem caused by Canadian wildfires has impacted every part of the state except the Adirondacks. Typically, most parts of the state see an Air Quality Index value of about 35, according to the governor.

We still have individual spikes of over 400 in some regions. The message is that this is not over, Hochul said. We might get a little respite, but I dont want people to let down their guard.

City and state officials on Thursday began handing out high quality masks at locations around the city including at the FDNY Engine 160 Rescue 5 Division 8 firehouse at 1850 Clove Rd. and at Clay Pit Ponds State Park at 83 Nielsen Ave.

Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said Thursday that he expects a front forecast for Tuesday should be able to resolve the smoke thats inundated the five boroughs.

Things are progressing in the right direction, he said. Over the next few days, things will progressively get better.

Areas north of New York City, which have served as early warning systems for forecasters monitoring the flow of smoke toward the metropolitan area, are in better standing Thursday than they were 24 hours prior. Syracuse has visibility in the range of three to four miles, according to Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather Tom Kines, with greater conditions present in Rochester.

Air quality conditions could still deteriorate from thresholds established Thursday morning.

CLICK HERE FOR HOUR-BY-HOUR UPDATES ON THE BOROUGHS AIR QUALITY INDEX

It doesnt look like its going to get as bad as yesterday, Kines said. Having said that, theres still gonna be haze and smoke issues today, but I dont think well see visibility lower as drastically as it did yesterday.

MORE NYC NEWS

DSNY trash collection to continue despite warnings against physical exertion amid NYC smoke emergency

FDNY says no firehouses used to house migrants, despite fake memo

NYC officials say wildfire smoke emergency could last days, expect problem through summer

Staten Island Republicans dispute statement about 2 local churches set to house migrants

NYC to use 2 Staten Island churches as shelter for asylum seekers
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Wildlife Conservation Society, the organization responsible for overseeing New York Citys major zoos and aquarium, said its locations would remain closed Thursday after smoke from Canadian wildfires shuttered the spaces yesterday afternoon.

Due to the continued high air quality index caused by the Canadian wildfires, all the WCS parks  Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium  will be closed today, June 8, for the safety of our staff, visitors and animals, the organization wrote on Twitter.

Due to the continued high air quality index caused by the Canadian wildfires, all the WCS parks  Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium  will be closed today, June 8, for the safety of our staff, visitors and animals.  WCS  (@TheWCS) June 8, 2023

Animals will remain indoors where possible, the Wildlife Conservation Society said, and staff continue to monitor the health of animals in the organizations care and take necessary precautions.

Through Thursday morning, no animals have shown adverse effects or were exhibiting any issues related to the deteriorated air quality.

People who have tickets can email onlinetickets@wcs.org using the subject line June 8 Ticket Reschedule for assistance. Include an order number and a new date for a visit.

The Staten Island Zoo closed early on Wednesday, but a message on its website indicated it would resume normal operation hours on Thursday.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York legislation that would automatically seal criminal records after a passage of time is expected to pass the Democrat-controlled legislature this week, but Republicans made clear Thursday that they are not on board.

A group of GOP members of the state Assembly, including Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn), joined law enforcement officials to speak out against the Clean Slate Act.

Tannousis, a former prosecutor on Staten Island and in the Bronx, said their objection to the legislation was not an opposition to second chances, but that a current system already exists in which people convicted of a crime can apply for their cases to be sealed, taking that request to a judge.

The Clean Slate Act would wipe out that system -- a lengthy and difficult process, which relies on a judges discretion  and set a time period for many criminal cases to be automatically sealed.

We want people to become productive members of society and get a piece of that American dream, Tannousis said before going into some of his experience as a prosecutor. Defendants that were charged with all sorts of crimes either plea bargained down to a lower charge or decided to take their case to trial, and every single one of them did it with the understanding that if they were convicted or if they took a plea that it would appear on their permanent record.

Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (at podium) addresses the media in Albany Thursday, June 8, 2023 . (Courtesy: Republican Assembly Conference)

Multiple law enforcement officials who spoke at Thursdays press conference likened the legislation as a gift to criminals comparing it to bail and discovery reforms that have become a conservative punching bag over the past five years.

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon wasnt at the Albany press conference but echoed those sentiments in a statement posted to Twitter.

Albany legislative leaders are once again putting the interests of criminals over law-abiding citizens and the victims of crime, he said. Those who are convicted of breaking the law should get a second chance to resume a law-abiding life after they pay their debt to society But, pretending their crime never happened or victims were not hurt by it, is fundamentally unfair to those who live lives free of crime.

WHAT THE CLEAN SLATE ACT WOULD DO

The Clean Slate Act would automatically seal records three years after a misdemeanor conviction, assuming no other misdemeanor occurred in that time, and eight years after a felony conviction with the same stipulation -- with the exception of sex crimes, murder and the other most serious offenses, which would not be sealed.

Those with cases eligible for sealing also cant have pending cases in or out of New York.

As currently written, the legislation would also keep the sealed record accessible for certain hiring purposes around the state, like positions that work with vulnerable populations such as children or law enforcement jobs.

The legislation gained support from liberal elected officials and business leaders, because of the economic impact it would have in the state.

City Comptroller Brad Lander estimated in a May report that the legislation would impact more than half a million people in the five boroughs who would see an increase of an estimated $2.4 billion in annual wages. Those higher wages would help spur more economic activity in the area.

THE CURRENT SYSTEM FOR SEALING A CASE

According to the state court system, there is no ability, outside a few marijuana crimes, to have a criminal record erased, but people convicted of crimes can apply for a case to be sealed after 10 years.

The state requires applicants to have no more than two misdemeanor convictions or no more than one felony and one misdemeanor conviction while being crime-free for 10 years. The court also makes exceptions for people with more than two convictions if theyre related to the same incident.

If an applicant meets those requirements, they then have to make their way through an application process that starts with a request for a certificate of disposition related to each conviction. Each request form then needs to be brought to the court with a $5 fee for courts located outside of New York City, and a fee of $10 in the five boroughs.

Upon receiving that certificate, the applicant needs to fill out a separate notarized sealing application submitted with evidence of rehabilitation, like proof of employment or community services, education transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Applicants also need to send copies of the materials submitted to the court to the district attorneys where their convictions occurred. The district attorney notifications also require a notarized affidavit of service.

After that, whether a case will be sealed is still left to the discretion of a judge, and finding out if the case was sealed requires the person to fill out another application.

A SECOND CHANCE

Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz (D-Queens), who sponsors the legislation in the Assembly chamber, said earlier this week that she expects the legislation to pass after a three-way deal among the Assembly, Senate, and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

If they committed a crime, paid their dues to society and stayed out of trouble, we should give them a second chance at life, she wrote on Twitter May 31. A chance to work, a chance to feed their family, a chance to end perpetual punishment.

MORE POLITICAL NEWS

This proposed New York law would provide more information to crime victims

Gov. Hochul promises bail reform changes in state budget

Rep. Malliotakis says shed support legislation limiting Congress members stock trades

N.Y. governor, attorney general want another shot at congressional district lines

Has anything been done to prevent voter fraud in New York?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Canadian wildfire smoke is expected to last days, according to forecasters.

As of 9 a.m. Thursday, Staten Islands Air Quality Index value sat at 215, a level considered very unhealthy.

City officials expect the air quality to worsen Thursday as well.

The colors on air quality maps signify certain levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Heres what the colors on the map mean.

Air quality is measured through the air quality index, also known as AQI. The Environmental Protection Agency measures five major air pollutants to create six levels of concern. The higher the AQI the more unhealthy the air quality gets.

Green zone: Good. The AQI value for your community is between 0 and 50. Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no health risk, according to the EPA.

Yellow zone: Moderate. The AQI is between 51 and 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, pollution in this range may pose a moderate health concern for a very small number of individuals. People who are unusually sensitive to ozone or particle pollution may experience respiratory symptoms.

Orange zone: Unhealthy for sensitive groups. When AQI values are between 101 and 150, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, but the general public is unlikely to be affected. The EPA says ozone pollution at this level poses a greater risk for people with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, and particle pollution at this level poses a greater risk to people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children.

Red zone: Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects when AQI values are between 151 and 200. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Purple zone: Very unhealthy. AQI values between 201 and 300 trigger a health alert, meaning everyone may experience more serious health effects.

Maroon zone: Hazardous. AQI values over 300 trigger health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is even more likely to be affected by serious health effects.

As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, the map showed Staten Island in the red and purple zones.

As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, Staten Island's air quality sat in the red and purple zones.

CANADA FIRES

Canadian officials expanded evacuation orders on Wednesday and asked other countries for help fighting more than 420 fires nationwide.

Canadas wildfire season started early this year and accelerated very quickly, exhausting firefighting resources across the country, Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre spokesperson Jennifer Kamau said.

Kamau said more than 950 firefighters and other personnel have already arrived from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and crews from Costa Rica will be arriving soon.

Associated Press material was used in this report.



RELATED COVERAGE: Canadian wildfires

>> When will NYC air quality improve? Heres latest forecast on wildfire smoke.

>> NYC air quality remains in very unhealthy zone Thursday as Canada wildfire smoke persists

>> NYC air quality in historic plummet Wednesday as smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfs area

>> Canadian wildfires: Heres how to check air quality levels in your neighborhood

>> NYC officials say wildfire smoke emergency could last days, expect problem through summer
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York Citys air quality remained in a zone considered very unhealthy Thursday morning as wildfire smoke from Canada continued to cast an unnatural haze over the five boroughs.

Staten Islands early-morning Air Quality Index value  measuring pollution on a value between zero and 500  stood at 223 as of 6 a.m., according to AirNow.gov. At that level, pollutants are considered to be in concentrations dangerous for everyone, regardless of their individual risk factors.

The sunrise came with an off-colored haze that has now become familiar over the past three days, when smoke from wildfires blazing throughout Canada began affecting air quality over New York City. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality alert for the entire metropolitan area that will remain in effect until at least midnight tonight.

When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects, read the alert.

Air quality trends between June 7 and June 8, 2023. (AirNow.Gov)

Air quality improved slightly from historic levels reached in the mid-afternoon hours on Wednesday, but officials and forecasters previously warned additional rounds of smoke would likely be an issue for days over New York City.

Mayor Eric Adams during an afternoon briefing said the citys air quality index hit 484, the highest measure on the scale since the 1960s. The citys air quality was again forecasted to deteriorate Thursday afternoon, he noted.

While air quality conditions are anticipated to temporarily improve later tonight through tomorrow morning, they are expected to deteriorate further tomorrow afternoon and evening as smoke moves back over the city, he said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday the worsening air quality in New York is an emergency crisis and added she expects the issue to last several days. People have to prepare for this over the long haul, said Hochul.

Children were already scheduled to have Thursday off from school, but city officials also told faculty, who normally would have attended in-person training sessions, to instead work remotely. The Staten Island Ferry ran limited service Wednesday due to low visibility, and events throughout the five boroughs were canceled as a result of the widespread and dangerous haze.

Particulate matter, known as PM2.5 because they are smaller than 2.5 micrometers across, is among the main concerns from wildfire smoke. Those particles can become embedded in lungs and cause cascading problems, flaring up inflammation and exacerbating chronic lung disease. The pollutant has been linked to developmental problems in children and premature death.

Masks are back on as people walk through Stapleton as smoke from Canadian wildfires casts a haze over Staten Island's North Shore. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

Health officials urged residents to wear well-fitting high-quality masks to reduce the risk of prolonged exposure to pollutants. Hochul said 400,000 masks would be distributed Thursday at MTA stations, state parks, the Javits Center and the Port Authority Bus terminal, with an additional 600,000 masks available for local governments to pick up.

The FDNY will be distributing masks in all five boroughs, according to the agency, with a limit of two masks per person. The Staten Island stockpile will be located at 1850 Clove Road, the FDNY said in a tweet.

Doctors on the borough warned symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, excessive coughing, lightheadedness or chest pain could occur after long exposures to the smoke, especially for people with asthma or other health conditions. Children and older adults are also at heightened risk.

Wildfires in Canada continue to severely impact the air quality. The FDNY will be distributing N-95 masks at several locations. Limit is 2 masks per person. For a full list of air quality tips and how to stay safe, head to https://t.co/mOBjaJb69r pic.twitter.com/5Tf6mhC1ZY  FDNY (@FDNY) June 8, 2023

RELATED COVERAGE: Canadian wildfires

>> NYC air quality in historic plummet Wednesday as smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfs area

>> Canadian wildfires: Heres how to check air quality levels in your neighborhood

>> NYC officials say wildfire smoke emergency could last days, expect problem through summer
Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal.

Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.



We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.



A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued a statement in connection with the construction of a large metallurgical plant in the territory of Armenia, bordering Azerbaijan, with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Trend reports citing the ministry.

The statement said Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan posted on his social media account information and videos confirming the construction of a large steel plant with an annual production capacity of 180,000 tons on an area of 16,500 square meters in the village of Yeraskh (Arazdeen), located on the border Armenia with Azerbaijan, with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

"This means that Armenia is once again flagrantly violating the norms and principles of international law, especially the provisions of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention).

Thus, according to the provisions of the Espoo Convention, if a large-scale economic activity planned by a party to the Convention on its territory has a negative impact on the environment on the territory of other countries, this activity must be agreed with the relevant authorities of this country, and a document must be prepared on environmental impact assessment.

Also, as a party to the Espoo Convention, Armenia had to ensure the participation of Azerbaijan and the public in the affected areas in the transboundary environmental impact assessment procedure before the start of this activity.

We inform you that this is not the first time that Armenia does not comply with the norms of international law, including environmental law. Some time ago, Azerbaijan filed a lawsuit against Armenia under the Espoo Convention regarding plans to build a new nuclear reactor on the territory of the Metsamor nuclear power plant, and it was decided that Armenia did not comply with the provisions of the Convention.

Everyone knows that the mining industry in Armenia has a serious negative impact on the ecological environment of Azerbaijan. The industrial waters of the large mining enterprises of Armenia - the Gajaran copper-molybdenum plant and the Gafan ore-dressing plant with a high chemical content - have been intensively polluting the transboundary Okhchuchay for a long time.

These facts show that such illegal actions of Armenia have become a source of danger not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the ecological environment of the entire region.

We strongly condemn the actions of Armenia that damage the ecological security of the region and contradict the norms of international law, and we call on the international community to pay special attention to this issue," - statement says.
San Mateo, CA (94402)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 66F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 55F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
The Victorian governments ban on metro print advertising has been described as a blow to the states newspapers that will mean millions of dollars shift away from Victorias two largest titles, The Age and Herald Sun.

The decision, which comes into effect on July 1, was based on judgement about where the audience is, Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday.

Were not making any apology for focusing our efforts much more acutely on online, digital [and] television  thats where the audience is and thats where the return on investment for taxpayers is, Andrews said.

Premier Daniel Andrews will shift the focus of government advertising to online and digital television. Credit: Dan Peled

In 2022, state and federal governments spent $40.1 million on advertising in newspapers, almost a fifth of the $209.3 million in total newspaper bookings, according to Standard Media Index. Total print bookings declined by 8.2 per cent in 2022, while $106.9 million was spent digitally, a rise of 7.1 per cent year-on-year.
Its a live conversation between the Chinese diaspora of then told by the Chinese diaspora of now. Stewart was dramaturg for Kings first play at STC, White Pearl. Credit: Steven Siewert She continues: This is an Australian story at its heart. It is also about the Chinese diaspora. And it is also about how the Chinese diaspora reflect on where theyve been, and where they are now. One of the challenges of adapting the novel was its heightened prose, says King. Classical Chinese is almost like Chinese Shakespeare. Another was its origins as a serial, like the novels of Charles Dickens - which means cliffhangers, an unwieldy cast of characters, and a sprawling plot: Its designed to keep you coming back for the next instalment in a very Dickensian way. So, Ive conflated a lot of the characters.

King also wanted to enmesh the historical, social, and political context of the gold rush in the story  including the extra taxes imposed on Chinese migrants. She did this by inventing a narrator character, the Preacher, a device that allows her to comment on the politics of the novel. Loading She felt confident of pulling these threads together thanks to her broad swathe of research, including visits to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, and reading on the history of Chinese migration to the goldfields and the way panning for gold permanently damaged the soil and the ecosystem. As I did successive drafts of the play, all of that stuff started to get more and more incorporated, she says. Stewart thinks the play and the way it tells the origin story of Chinese migration to Australia invites people to think about the question of legacy.

People become so obsessed with the mark theyre going to leave behind, she says. The play, for me, it throws up [the idea that] no matter which way you go about it  whether youre morally virtuous or whether you do whatever the hell you want  it has the same result if youre from a historically marginalised group. The characters in the play come from different cultural groups in China but have to find community to survive in a new country, where there is the constant threat of violence from white settlers, Stewart explains. Kimie Tsukakoshi in The Poison of Polygamy at La Boite Theatre in Brisbane last month. Credit: CSQUARE Media Theres the same thing with creatives of colour, says Stewart. We also all come from different communities and different lived experiences, but because of the way this country treats people who are not Caucasian, historically weve had to band together. Its impossible then to escape the question of legacy  a question that lingers on the directors mind, as the new artistic director of La Boite Theatre in Brisbane and the only woman of colour in Australia to lead a major non-Indigenous theatre company.

Youre constantly thinking about keeping the door open, so youre not the last person to do what it is that youre doing, says Stewart. You have the weight of your community on your shoulders. King, who has had local success with her plays White Pearl (Sydney Theatre Company/National Theatre of Parramatta) and Golden Shield (Melbourne Theatre Company), left Australia for postgraduate study in New York because she couldnt see a place for herself in the local industry. White Pearl opened in Sydney in 2019, and was remounted in 2022. Credit: Phil Erbacher While Australian theatre and media more broadly have become more diverse in the last few years, she says, were still lagging behind the rest of the world massively. I feel hopeful about the direction that its going in, but I still feel like theres massive work that needs to be done in having media in this country that is reflective of its population.

Loading That work is one of the things that keeps bringing her back to present her work in Australia - despite the opportunities she is offered in the UK and the US (including on HBOs adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyens Pulitzer-winning novel The Sympathizer, starring Robert Downey Jr and Sandra Oh). I feel a cultural responsibility to keep coming back and making work here to forward that conversation, King says. She has become one of a group of theatre makers helping to build an Asian Australian theatre canon, which also includes works such as Single Asian Female by Michelle Law and Golden Blood by Merlynn Tong (who stars in The Poison of Polygamy). This is not hyperbole: its the most meaningful thing that Ive done in my life, says King.
Stalking. Hidden cameras. Online abuse. Australias park rangers have been subjected to vitriol and threats to family members for years over the removal and culling of feral horses from national parks.

Now environmental groups and unions want federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and her state and territory counterparts to take co-ordinated and urgent control of feral horse management and condemn acts of intimidation and violence towards parks staff.

Feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park, where numbers have increased by 30 per cent. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Soaring numbers of feral horses in the Australian alps are causing the rapid degradation of delicate and unique ecosystems, according to a letter sent to the environment ministers from groups including the Invasive Species Council and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).

The issue will be considered by a meeting of state and territory environment ministers on Friday.
Advertisement

Eating outCocktails and spirits Last drinks: Eight of Melbournes best late-night bars Rock on beyond midnight or just go for that final quiet nightcap at hard-to-find cocktail spots, a rollicking dive bar and a vinyl-lovers paradise. Tomas Telegramma June 9, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Few things are as anti-climactic as a bar calling last drinks while youre buzzing, mid-conversation and mid-cocktail, and have given no thought your next destination. As the clock nears midnight, knowing where to go (and, importantly, that the next venue will be open) is the key to avoid the night fizzling. So, keep the momentum going into the early hours at these eight Melbourne bars with excellent drinks, vibes and sometimes even snacks. The negroni at Above Board. Supplied Above Board Finding Melbournes ultimate hidden bar can be a bit of a task for the unacquainted. Therell likely be some to-ing, fro-ing and Google Maps-ing in the laneway behind Smith Streets Beermash bar. But any embarrassment will be quelled as soon as you can snag a seat at the U-shaped bar. Co-owner and head bartender Hayden Lambert serves cocktails and bad banter until 1am daily, meaning its a late-night ride-or-die for many Melburnians. (Make a beeline after dinner to avoid being left lingering too long in the corridor, watching all the fun unfold.) A tight edit of classic cocktails is done deftly; your nightcap  or supercharger  is sorted. But the cheekily named signatures deserve attention, too; the left-field Salty Boi mixes Fernet-Branca, Oloroso and banana miso.

Advertisement

aboveboardbar.com, open daily 6pm1am Baby Snakes Since slithering onto Chambers Street in Footscray in between lockdowns, Baby Snakes has become one of the most solid options in the area for late-night boozing. Its got plenty of west-side pride, a playful multi-coloured fit-out, and a strong line-up of DJs and local bands. But its owner Mark Nelsons strong  but not too serious  wine program that helps Baby Snakes punch above its weight. (He co-founded Collingwoods The Moon and Malverns Milton Wine Shop, so he knows vino.) Nothing by the glass is more than $16 (win) and there are some large-format options to work through with your mates. Plus, find fun frozen cocktails and an Old Fashioned involving peanut butter. babysnakes.com.au, open Fri 3pm1am, Sat 1pm1am

Advertisement

World-class cocktail bar Black Pearl in Fitzroy. Daniel Pockett Melbourne bar Black Pearl named world's best at cocktail industry Oscars Black Pearl As PM becomes AM in the inner north, its almost as if this Fitzroy institution has a magnetic appeal. Its a pearler of a cocktail bar, world-class even, and its staying power is even more impressive considering the drinking den is turning the big 2-1 this year. In the two decades leading up to this milestone, Black Pearl has made its name by serving consistently on-the-money cocktails; hosting collabs and pop-ups with some of the cocktail worlds biggest names; and as a breeding ground for a crop of seriously exciting Aussie bartenders. But accolades aside, theres still something about coming in hot on a random Thursday night, slinking up the stairs into The Attic and ordering cocktails you wont find elsewhere until you incidentally check your phone and its 2.56am. blackpearlbar.com.au, open Wed to Mon 5pm3am

Advertisement

Caretakers Cottage in Melbournes CBD won Bar of the Year in the 2023 Good Food Guide. Caretaker's Cottage might be Melbourne CBD's smallest (and most charming) pub Caretakers Cottage Little pub, big vibes. And they just get bigger as the night goes on, so much so that last drinks almost always feels premature (even at 1am). This isnt really the kind of place you stumble upon; its in an old, homey bluestone cottage obscured by the Wesley Place church on Little Lonsdale Street. But that means everyone whos here is here for a good time  and probably closing time  sinking head-y pints of Guinness or the mainstay Milk Punch (currently its a red-velvet version). The pub is from the team behind Fancy Free, so we were expecting big things. Naturally, they delivered. And then the Worlds 50 Best Bars reinforced what we knew, ranking it 60th best in the world in the 2022 longlist. caretakerscottage.bar, open Tue to Sat 4pm1am

Advertisement

Michael Madrusan at The Everleigh. Karen Woo The Everleigh About as quintessential as Melbourne cocktail bars come, the Everleigh is a lesson in old-school cool. With the glam of the Roaring Twenties, and open every single night, what Michael and Zara Madrusan (Heartbreaker, below, and Bar Margaux) have created is in a league of its own. Order almost any cocktail you can conceive and itll appear without your bartender missing a beat  they know drinks intimately. Or go down the bartenders choice route, being quizzed on your cocktail preferences and presented with something truly bespoke. The service is A-plus here; as you slip to the bathroom, the bartender might slip your martini into the freezer to keep it ice-cold for you. theeverleigh.com, open daily 5pm1am Melbournes beloved late-night bar, Heartbreaker in Russell Street. www.anthonystrong.com.au

Advertisement

Review Heartbreaker Heartbreaker Dont be alarmed if the bartenders  in between pulling pints  start swinging the emerald-green pendant lights above the bar to within an inch of their lives. Its a sure-fire sign the night is heating up at the Madrusans boisterous CBD bar. After dark, the glowing red Heartbreaker neon sign beckons you in from the corner of Russell and Lonsdale streets. And once youre in, youre not just staying for one drink. To keep you occupied until the early hours: a jukebox jam-packed with rocknroll classics, a pool table encouraging (friendly) rivalry between punters, and whopping New York-style pizzas by the slice from Connies, a hole in the wall out back. Plus, topnotch cocktails are ready-made by the Everleigh Bottling Co, so waiting in line wont kill your buzz. heartbreakerbar.com.au, open Mon to Wed 5pm1am, Thu to Sat 3pm3am, Sun 5pm1am Her, a multi-storey venue in Melbourne. Parker Blain

Advertisement

14.5 / 20 Review Your inside guide to Melbourne's Her (and BKK) Her HQ Group  the team behind Arbory Bar & Eatery and Arbory Afloat  has been showing Melburnians a good time for a long time. But its latest undertaking, the multilevel and multi-venue Her in the city, is carving out a niche in the late-night landscape. Theres something for everyone, every night of the week, in this vertical laneway. So, expect a delightfully eclectic crowd. The rooftop bar offers all-seasons comfort with a retractable roof and heaters; nitro espresso martinis, so you can keep on keeping on; and a superb post-10pm supper menu, courtesy of in-house Thai eatery BKK, from Thursday to Sunday. On the ground floor is the elegant, French-inspired Her Bar, where the signature cocktail is, of course, the French 75. But if youre really kicking on, your final destination should be the hidden, most-often-heaving vinyl paradise, Music Room. her.melbourne, open Music Room Mon to Wed 4pm1am, Thu 4pm2am, Fri 4pm3am, Sat 2pm3am, Sun 2pm2am; Her Rooftop daily 11.30am1am; Her Bar Fri & Sat 8am3am

Advertisement

Leonards House of Love Theres a lot to love about Leonards. The south-side party bar is just beyond Chapel Street and all its rudimentary raucousness, but it draws a slightly different crowd with retro 70s style, beers and burgs for days, and Big House-Party Energy (see: pool table and picklebacks). Its just the right amount of rowdy, and with that formula, its an unsurprisingly safe bet when it comes to post-midnight antics  open Monday to Sunday until at least 1am. New to the House of Love repertoire, though, is a late-night menu thats available until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. It includes the Wilson Street bars signature cheeseburger (starring a juicy brisket-and-short-rib patty); spicy, glazed fried-chicken tenders; and poutine doused in cheese curds and piping hot gravy. leonardshouseoflove.com.au, open Mon to Thu 5pm1am, Fri & Sat 12pm3am, Sun 12pm1am

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
Advertisement

FoodBallarat Pure gold: Ten of the best places to eat, drink and stay in Ballarat A hotbed of activity during the 1850s gold rush, the central Victorian town now offers a rich vein of food and drink experiences. Emma Breheny and Gemima Cody June 8, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Heading to Ballarat for a weekend of eating and drinking is not a common activity  but it should be. Only 117 kilometres from Melbourne, the gold rush town is now flush with wine bars, specialty coffee is a given, and theres an electric atmosphere of creativity and collaboration between producers. And the openings keep on coming. Start with this list and be prepared to discover even more when you visit. Cobbs Coffee

Tucked into a corner of one of Ballarats (many) imposing heritage buildings, this blink-and-youll-miss it coffee spot is a hive of activity as soon as doors open. Discerning locals come for single origin and house blends by Rumble Coffee, based in Melbournes west, who are partners in the business started by local Brendan Wrigley. Wrigley, whose CV includes Melbournes Top Paddock and Londons Rosslyn, aims to give people the best five minutes of their day. Food is simple: three-cheese toasties, classic roast chicken sandwiches or prosciutto with parsley pesto  all on bread from 1816 Bakehouse, who also supply pastries. 2 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, cobbscoffee.com.au Renard

A bar that claims to be a bistro-esque discotheque is always worth checking out. And Renard, occupying a double shopfront, has plenty of room to groove. A mod 1960s vibe is parlayed by old films projected on the wall, archways between the two rooms and booths in brown and green. Find your perfect nook (theres one for parties of all sizes) and get into smart bar snacks like local Salt Kitchen chorizo, grilled and matched with grape and cauliflower. In the glass might be Rhubi Rhude with rhubarb gin, pomegranate and strawberry, or a cocktail driven by Aussie flavours. 209 Mair Street, Ballarat, renardballarat.com.au

Advertisement

Pencilmark Wine Room is where fine-diner Underbar used to be. Travis Price Pencilmark Wine Room With Underbar moving to finer digs, the original space on the corner of Pencilmark Lane has been given a poppy, punk art makeover and turned into a wine-dining bottle-o where the snacking comes easy and the set-menu lunch ($65) is one of the best deals in town. Familiar wine bar hits are executed with a touch that sets a high bar. See tomato and burrata salad turbocharged by a red pepper pesto, and the freshest calamari curls captured in impossibly fine batter with lemony dressed greens. Sundays bring rogue specials such as banh mi. Its also the perfect place to get a snackshot of the regions best produce, from Salt Kitchens truffled salami served on 1816s focaccia to gin from local Larrikin distillery and heavy-hitting wines from Pat Sullivan, available by the glass. 3 Doveton Street North, Ballarat, pencilmark.com.au Ragazzone restaurant in Ballarat is one of the highlights of a visit to the former gold rush town. Lachlan Phyland

Advertisement

Ragazzone Is it the 36-month-aged leg of local prosciutto being sliced at the bar (and draped over Italian gnocco fritto pastry puffs)? The energetic space with its peachy wine-lined walls? Or the menu packed with bright pastas and dishes that truly walk their seasonal talk? Whatever it is, the buzz you might have heard around Ragazzone is genuine. As winter sets in, there might be pine mushrooms tumbled with light ricotta gnocchi and walnuts, or a cheesecake brightened by mandarin and a scoop of orange sorbet. 319 Mair Street, Ballarat Central, ragazzone.com.au Roy Hammond

An aristocratic salon atmosphere, a choice of 10 gin and tonics and monthly tours of cocktails inspired by different countries together create a secret sauce at Roy Hammond. The 100-seat spirit and wine bar is jammed year-round, even at its outdoor tables on chilly nights. The owners, also behind brewpub Aunty Jacks, hone in here on spirits and the spice routes that supported their spread around the world. A glowing back bar displays 400 distillations, and the menu offers Asian-inspired bar snacks, such as bulgogi beef tacos or five different baos.

Advertisement

24-28 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat, royhammond.com.au

The gold rush-era Hotel Vera has undergone a lavish renovation. Leon Schoots Hotel Vera Even judged against sky-high competition in the luxury hotel game, this renovation of a 19th-century mansion into seven deluxe suites puts Hotel Vera in the top tier. Check-in takes place in the firelit lounge over herbal tea. Every suite is stocked with Salus lotions, cocktails from Melbourne bar Byrdiand Dyson hairdryers, but is otherwise unique, from the pet-friendly Lonarch room, which has its own courtyard, to the more stately rooms upstairs whose ceilings soar high above the freestanding bathtubs. It doesnt hurt that dinner at the hotels fine-diner, Underbar (see below), might start with a Byrdi Old Fashioned from your mini-bar before heading downstairs. For all its old-world charm, tech nerds will love the minutiae: electronic blinds, the TV disguised as artwork and chargers for your Apple watch. 710 Sturt Street, Ballarat, hotelballarat.com.au

Advertisement

Mr Jones Chef Damien Jones Thai-inspired restaurant Catfish was a longtime shining star of the Ballarat food scene before he decided to rebrand as Mr Jones and return to his classical roots in 2018. But that detour didnt stick, and last year Mr Jones reclaimed its hatted status for its modern iteration of Thai classics, built on local produce. Its a banquet-only festival ($69 on Thursdays, $95 at weekends) of Western Plains Pork suckling pig salad, and Murray cod red curry bracketed by bright snacks. And if that buy-in is more than youre ready for, the local secret is that every Friday they release an a la carte takeaway menu for eating a la bathrobe. Check their socials. 42-44 Main Road, Bakery Hill, mrjonesdining.com.au. Inside Ballarats cosy and colourful Pancho restaurant. Simon Schluter Pancho

Advertisement

Whod have thunk Ballarat was home to perhaps Victorias most legitimate fried chicken (a crisp exterior-to-juicy-fleshed situation whose shell is more spice than batter) alongside some of its best chicken tacos (the juicy, fatty meat and pickled onions riding on a dual layer of charred tortillas)? The pandemic somewhat muted the reputation of Pancho since it opened in 2019, but dont expect that to last. This Latin American bar, where folk art fills every space and the caipirinhas and Modello beers fly as thick and fast as the cheesy arepas (Colombias fried maize flour pockets) is gaining heat by the minute. Grab those dunkable lamb birria tacos while you can. 36 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat, facebook.com/panchoballarat Hot Chicken Project Ballarat A few clicks away is another address for fried chicken fans. Igni chef Aaron Turners love letter to Nashville spice-coated chicken made landfall in Ballarat late last year, expanding from its Geelong base. The casual spot is for those who like their music loud and guitar-heavy, their wine funky, and their spice levels stratospheric. All the ingredients that put the original on the map are there, from southern-inspired sides like turnip greens, squishy squares of white bread to absorb the heat, and gigantic buckets of chicken that have daredevil written all over them. 23 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat, instagram.com/thehotchickenproject

Advertisement

Derek Boath behind the chefs counter at Underbar. Simon Schluter Underbar Chef Derek Boaths micro fine diner has traded its communal table and dinner party energy for minimalist blondwood tables and wafting drapes at the luxurious Hotel Vera. To match its glam new surrounds, the menu is also bigger, bolder and more belt-buckling than ever. Unchanged: absolute precision from the former Per Se chef. See the delicate set custard washed in a genre-defining mushroom consomme, or sticky ebi prawns shrouded in scales fashioned from minuscule pickled carrot slices. But brace yourself. Dinner might start with a duck fat doughnut to dip in rillettes and end with heavenly, hefty croissants and a triple bill of chocolate creams. Its a big billing with a big bill ($210), but embrace that gold rush-era excess. 710 Sturt Street, Ballarat, underbar.com.au
Advertisement

Review Eating outDarlinghurst A kaleidoscope of flavour: Takam leads the pack as the Filipino food trend finally takes off Callan Boys June 9, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

This story is part of the June 10 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories .

1 / 7 Takam is a cafe (and doughnut shop) by day, and serves a five-course tasting menu on Saturday nights. Jennifer Soo 2 / 7 Chicken inasal (marinated, coal-roasted chicken thighs) is a kaleidoscope of concentrated flavour. Jennifer Soo 3 / 7 Scallop topped with finger lime, perched on pureed corn and palapa. Jennifer Soo 4 / 7 Go-to dish: Kinalas beef noodle soup with hard-boiled egg and pork crackling. Jennifer Soo 5 / 7 Chicken and vegetable empanadas. Jennifer Soo 6 / 7 Takam Filipino eatery in Darlinghurst. Jennifer Soo 7 / 7 The tasting menu might feature grilled pork glazed with soy sauce and calamansi. Jennifer Soo Previous Slide Next Slide 14.5 / 20 How we score Filipino$$$ Filipino food is deliciously  and somewhat intimidatingly  diverse. There are fire, smoke and viscous soups, deeply spiced sausages and caramel flans. Its a cuisine of juicy meats and complex ferments and just about everything else you might expect from a country with a history of Chinese immigration, Mexican trade and Spanish colonisation. For the past few years, Filipino food has also been touted by Australian food writers  including me  as the next big thing. However, because of its huge diversity, with regional dishes across about 2000 inhabited islands, it has traditionally been harder to define and market. But now a new generation of Filipino chefs is giving it a red-hot go, and leading the pack is the team at Takam.

Advertisement

Filipino isnt the next big thing; it just might be the food trend of 2023. The tiny eatery opened on Darlinghursts main dining strip in February. Its a modest space prettied up with yellow craspedias and ceramic vases. Filipino pastry chef Miko Aspiras sells his excellent Dont Doughnuts treats from the same address, while Takams three head chefs  wife-and-husband team Aileen Aguirre and Francis Dela Cruz, and their longtime friend, Lesley Roque  cook a short selection of their home countrys dishes in an open kitchen. Service starts at 11am, which is a good time to arrive. I made the rookie error of rolling up at 2pm on a Sunday recently and everything was sold out. Sydneys Filipino community has taken to Takam with much enthusiasm and tables for the Saturday night-only tasting menu are booked out at least a month in advance. Go-to dish: Kinalas beef noodle soup. Jennifer Soo

Advertisement

Kinalas noodle soup ($21) is your go-to for brunch or lunch, featuring a restorative beef broth poured over pork crackling, boiled egg and a frizz of chilli threads; think Filipino ramen and youre some of the way there. A traditional kinalas would likely include meat picked from a long-simmered cows head, but Takam uses a beef rib instead. Pancit palabok ($24) is another deeply satisfying noodle option, pulsing with the funk of shrimp sauce, tinapa (smoked fish) and fleshy grilled king prawns. Baked empanadas ($4.50 each) are the size of your palm and chock-full with a creamy chicken and vegetable mix that could also be the filling for a great pot pie. The empanada pastry is lighter than the Argentinian version, but two are still sufficiently filling for a lunch on the go. Chicken and vegetable empanadas. Jennifer Soo Chicken inasal ($18/$33), meanwhile, stars coal-roasted chook thigh marinated in lemongrass and hit with spiced vinegar and calamansi, a sweet-sour citrus thats essential to so many Filipino dishes. Its a kaleidoscope of concentrated flavours, accompanied by garlic rice, pickled paw paw and a bay leaf-infused oil made from rendered chicken-skin fat.

Advertisement

If you manage to land a table for the five-course tasting menu ($95 per person), your Saturday night will likely start with a buttery chicken liver spread beneath a snowfall of queso and chives. Perhaps therell be a charcoal-grilled ox-tongue skewer, too. Braised octopus was the highlight when I visited three weekends ago, the tentacles poking out of an inky pool of garlic-heavy adobo, before a main event of terrifically juicy grilled pork glazed with soy sauce and calamansi. The tasting menu might feature grilled pork glazed with soy sauce and calamansi. Jennifer Soo You may also have the chance to add Jervis Bay-farmed mussels ($19) to your order; I cant recommend doing this enough. Eight chubby bivalves sit on a bed of XO sauce made from tangy, garlicky, longganisa pork sausage, with house-baked bread provided to soak up all the rust-coloured oil. A single-serve scallop topped with finger lime ($12) is another optional extra for the tasting menu, perched on pureed corn and palapa, a spicy-sweet condiment of toasted coconut, spring onions and ginger.

Advertisement

Aguirre and Dela Cruz tell me that theyd love to move to a larger site in the next year and offer more elevated dishes, such as the scallop and mussels, more nights a week. Scallop perched on pureed corn and palapa and topped with finger lime. Jennifer Soo They can only accommodate 10 dinner guests at a time, but a Friday evening service to help meet demand is on the cards. A licence to pour wine is also forthcoming. Watch this delicious space. In further Pinoy adventures, skewer specialist Smoky Cravings has just opened a Parramatta location after finding charcoal-grilled success in Lakemba, Tempe and Ramsgate. Sir Manong serves nourishing adobo braises in Rooty Hill at the same time as ube, a purple-hued yam much loved in the Philippines, is flavouring ice-cream and cheesecakes everywhere. Filipino isnt the next big thing; it just might be the food trend of 2023.

Advertisement

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
Advertisement

Eating outBest of Rhythm and booze: Give these four Sydney vinyl bars a spin Come for the sounds, stay for the drinks at these new-school listening bars. Amy Cooper June 8, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Records are back. Real ones that live in a sleeve, spin on a turntable and bathe you in incomparably rich sound. And along with the vinyl revival comes a new breed of bars with an analogue soul. Inspired by post-war Japanese listening bars, where records were played on superb sound systems for the masses unable to afford either, Sydneys new vinyl bars connect LP-hungry audiences with high-fidelity sounds and vast record collections. Theyre a comfort to people like me, who loved records the first time around but offloaded theirs in a moment of Marie Kondo madness, and just as fun for digital natives discovering how much better their Spotify favourites sound this way. Good drinks are made to accompany good sounds. Both are mindful, sensory, adore company and defy digitalisation, which are all excellent reasons to give these four bars a spin. Food and drinks and DJs spinning vinyl are equal lures to Barangaroos Rekodo. James Brickwood

Advertisement

Rekodo Audiophiles salivate over Rekodos Klipsch La Scala AK5 speakers, McIntosh amps and turntables, exceptional acoustics and line-up of vinyl-only DJs, including Daniel Lupica, Paul Jextra and Trent Rackus. But this being a Matt Moran production, drinks and food are equally likely to coax you into Barangaroo Houses middle level. Head chef Tara Chuas jukebox of share-friendly Japanese dishes  from wagyu tataki and shiitake skewers to whole snapper karaage  encourages friends to cue up a selection paired with sake, Japanese whisky or cocktails that dig deep into a Japanese grocery basket for harmonious mixes, including the Marigold Spritz (persimmon wine, Aperol, pineapple vinegar, persimmon liqueur, lime and yuzu). Level 1, 35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo, barangaroohouse.com.au/rekodo Newtown sake bar Ante. Brook Mitchell

Advertisement

Ante If theres a sake equivalent of vinyl music, its junmai-shu (pure rice sake), distinguished by its depth, nuance and richness. Fortuitously, Antes co-owner, Matt Young, imports exactly that through Black Market Sake, and also happens to own a 2500-strong record collection. Both passions combine with chef Jemma Whitemans sake-sympathetic seasonal menu in an unpretentious, inclusive setting on Newtowns King Street. Good Food hat 15 / 20 Review Is it a bar? Is it a restaurant? Newtown venue ups the Ante for the best-of-both trend Antes list is all about exploration, with more than 60 sakes by the glass or carafe and many more rare sips, including Youngs picks of shochu, umeshu and amari (because why not?), as well as sake flights. Plus theres all that tasty vinyl on the back bar and custom-designed acoustics making every spin sing.

Advertisement

146 King Street, Newtown, ante.bar Patrons of the Hive Bar in Erskineville are encouraged to BYO records. The Hive Bar When this corner local first opened in 2009, vinyls renaissance was yet to come. But Hive then, as now, was cheerfully oblivious to trends. Instead, a community grew naturally around Hives infectious passion for vinyl, with BYO records encouraged and devotees including 702 ABCs Robbie Buck and DJ collective Queen Bee spinning discs while regulars rest their drinks beside the decks and talk tunes. Hive was championing local produce before that was a thing, too, and the burger menu gives equal billing to vegan and ethically reared meat options. All beers and house spirits are Aussie, garnish comes from the lemon myrtle tree outside, and the signature Bloody Mary gets its zing from vegan Worcestershire sauce, boosted by house-made jalapeno poppers on Sundays.

Advertisement

93 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, thehivebar.com.au Shades EDDY, Central Stations pop-up cultural precinct, really found its groove when the team from Surry Hills Golden Age Cinema and Bar kitted out a Transport for NSW office with a custom-built Pitt & Giblin speaker system, disco-inspired cocktails and a splash of neon. On any given week the turntable might be spinning Ukrainian post-punk, left-field electronica or 90s House music.

Advertisement

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited two Armenian citizens, who were detained on May 26, yesterday, Head of the Public Relations Department of the ICRC office in Baku Ilaha Huseynova told Trend.

A one-on-one meeting was held with the detainees. They were given the opportunity to contact their families through a letter from the Red Cross.

"The ICRC evaluates the conditions of detention and treatment of detainees and creates conditions for restoring or maintaining contact with their families in accordance with its mandate. In accordance with the ICRC procedures, observations and recommendations in connection with visits are brought only to the detaining party," she said.
The Nazi badges worn by their soldiers have been embarrassing for Ukraine, and they have been censored, just as the Australian Defence Force censored a photo of Ben Roberts-Smith wearing the racist Crusaders Cross on his uniform in 2011, when he was still a war hero. Removing the photos of their soldiers, the Ukraine defence ministry stated: After studying this case, we came to the conclusion that this logo can be interpreted ambiguously.

Loading

But Ukraine is fighting a war, not a culture war. In the West, culture is the proxy battlefield. Last week, Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters came under attack for performing songs from the 1979 album The Wall. For 44 years, The Wall has been taken as Waters wrote it: a satire of totalitarian regimes, especially Nazism, in which a pseudo-swastika and jackbooted dictator uses music to brainwash his sheeplike audience. Waters has made statements against Israeli government policy, and somehow this has dovetailed with his songs to get Waters cancelled. Detached from all context and Waters intended meaning, the images become repugnant. Sensitivity, with time, has not lessened but sharpened and warped into a new form. Waters has spoken against the new censorship and the inversion of his message, which of course only makes him look like an old white man shaking his fist at the turning of the earth.

The Australian Nazi will, of course, take solace in his persecution complex. Being fundamentally stupid and incapable of detecting multiple meanings in one symbol, he might offer Waters a haven; for 44 years he might have been singing along with The Walls Nazi-like anthems thinking they approved of him. Here, lately, he has fought and won the War on Stan Grant, and he can cheer for his innocence projects and his martyrs, his Novak Djokovic, his #IStandWIthBen. He always feels that he is losing his cultural wars against feminazis, climate Nazis, COVID Nazis, gay Nazis (no such trouble with plain Nazis  perhaps he feels the sting of cultural appropriation). Being a loser is where he draws his strength.

In banning Nazi symbols, Australian governments clearly want to contain cultural skirmishes from tipping over into actual violence. But banning cultural artefacts gives our Nazi the opportunity to mutate, an opportunity he will seize. Already, he has created his own language for public display: he wears a black bucket hat, black clothes, a black mask, and he waves the Australian flag. It might be hard for a government to ban those.
Uranium ban

The Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, moved today to quell a threatened revolt in the Labor Party by announcing a ban on exports of uranium to France, including a shipment due to be made soon. In talks in Paris tomorrow with President Mitterrand and other French leaders, Mr Hawke will use uranium exports as a lever to try to extract concessions on French testing in the Pacific. His tough new stand reverses the position he took before leaving Australia.

Test tube triplets

After eight years of wanting a baby, four years on an infertility program and one miscarriage, Mrs Elaine Guare gave birth yesterday to the worlds first test tube triplets. She looked up from her bed at the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide and said: Arent they beautiful? The babies are Chenana Jade Elizabeth, Aaron Michael Anthony and Jessica Rae. The first born, Chenana, was named after the obstetrician, Dr Christopher Chen.

Hung up
On the same day a man was jailed for the manslaughter of Scott Johnson a submission to the inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes exposed the obfuscation and bloody-mindedness of the NSW Polices investigation into how the young American mathematician came to be found dead at the base of a Manly cliff in the summer of 1988.

That the crime and the punishment took 35 years to finally meet lies at the feet of the NSW Police and is an indelible black mark against those we expect to protect us.

Scott Johnson (left) and his killer, Scott White.

Scott Phillip White was sentenced to a maximum nine years jail on Thursday after pleading guilty to killing Johnson, the 27-year-old PhD student who became emblematic of NSW Polices four-decade-long obfuscation on solving gay hate crimes.

The submissions, filed by counsel assisting the inquiry, reveal senior police hostility towards Johnsons family with mobile texts between the head of homicide and a detective chief inspector discussing a fresh inquest: I want all the hard work you have done to come out in court for what it is and show the Johnsons for what they are. We need to let that happen and cant jeopardise that now by letting them win. Both officers have since left the force.
The inner west pub which shot to fame after appearing in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is for sale almost eight years after it last traded for $6.5 million.

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville will be listed on the market shortly.

Publican Fraser Short confirmed the LGBTQI venue was for sale but would not say how much he hoped to sell it for.

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville is for sale. Credit: James Brickwood

Well have to wait and see what happens, Short said.
A teenage boy has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed two members of his family, including an 11-year-old girl, at a house near Brisbane, leaving them critically injured.

Police arrested the 16-year-old after emergency services were called to a property at Normanton Close in Rosewood, Ipswich.

Responders found the 39-year-old mother and her 11-year-old daughter after the incident at the house on Thursday night, with police confirming the pair had numerous stab wounds to the abdomen.

The teenage boy, who police said lived at the home, was taken into custody without incident.
Geelongs two largest and most established Catholic schools will trial an experimental timetable that puts senior students in charge of their own learning, including periods of remote study, as well as shorter lunch breaks and a bigger emphasis on wellbeing.

Sacred Heart and St Josephs colleges say the changes will push students to be more independent and better prepare them for life beyond the cocooned environment of school.

Two of Geelongs biggest Catholic schools are introducing an experimental timetable. Credit: AFR

But some parents have pushed back fiercely against the plans, accusing the schools of treating their children like guinea pigs and potentially even setting them up for academic failure after three years of COVID-related learning disruption.

Sacred Heart College principal Anna Negro said the timetable for 2024 would enable students to move from an industrial age school with time-based organisational practices that have long since outlived their historic function, to vibrant learning communities that better reflect and prepare the students for life beyond school, whether that be work and/or further study.
But of the top 10 communities to receive assistance, seven are in seats held by either the Liberal National Party, the Nationals or the Liberal Party. They include the seat of Farrer in the far south-west of NSW ($545)  held by Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley  and the LNP-held seats of Wide Bay ($543), Leichhardt ($526) and Flynn ($565) in Queensland, plus the Nationals-held seat of Mallee in Victorias far north-west ($524). As a share of income, the two biggest winners are people on income support in the Burnett and Maryborough areas of Queensland at 0.8 per cent. Both are in LNP-held seats. Just outside the top 10 is the Inverell-Tenterfield area ($522) in the northern NSW seat held by former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce.

The least amount of welfare assistance will flow to the inner-west Sydney suburbs of Marrickville, Sydenham and Petersham, which all sit in Albaneses electorate of Grayndler. The average household boost there is estimated at less than $4. Some of the most disadvantaged parts of the country will also receive very little from the welfare reforms. Two communities  the west Pilbara and the Kimberley  in the vast West Australian seat of Durack will receive, on average, $14 and $8 respectively. The seat is held by the Liberal Party. The Labor-held seat of Lingiari, which covers almost all the Northern Territory, has three communities in the bottom 10.

Sydneys eastern suburbs in the Wentworth seat held by independent Allegra Spender; the Melbourne CBD, which is represented by Greens leader Adam Bandt; and the Sydney CBD, held by Labors Tanya Plibersek, are also in the bottom 10 seats for welfare assistance. Phillips said while the welfare changes were modest in aggregate, they were worth just under $500 a year to households in the bottom 40 per cent of income distribution. He said the largest gains would go to those receiving the JobSeeker payment, while 1.3 million households would get some relief via the increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance. The increase in JobSeeker is a welcome increase following a slightly larger increase of $50 per fortnight under the Morrison government, he said. While welcome, the JobSeeker payment is still around 30 per cent lower than the age pension and should be lifted further.

The increase in JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Austudy, estimated to cost $4.9 billion over five years, is due to start from September 20. Nine months after that, the stage three tax cuts  now expected to cost more than $310 billion over a decade  are due to start. The 37 per cent marginal tax bracket will be abolished, the 32.5 per cent rate will be reduced to 30 per cent, and the threshold for the 45 per cent rate will be increased to $200,000. All workers earning more than $45,000 will get some benefit from the cuts that were first legislated in 2019.

But Phillips analysis confirms voters in some of the nations wealthiest areas will enjoy substantial boosts to their income. The biggest winners will be Manly residents in the seat of Warringah on Sydneys northern beaches  held by independent Zali Steggall  with an average household tax cut worth $4765 a year. The second-largest gain will be in the Ku-ring-gai area, on Sydneys upper north shore in the Liberal-held seat of Bradfield, at $4544. The third-largest increase will be in the Marrickville and Balmain areas of Sydney that sit in Albaneses electorate. The gain there is estimated at $4372. Albaneses seat is the only Labor-held electorate in the top 10 by income gain from the tax cuts. All the others are either held by teal independents, such as Goldstein ($3717) and Kooyong ($4472) in Melbourne, or the Liberal Party.
Qantas wants to hire 300 pilots and engineers from overseas over the next five years to bolster its domestic fleet, sparking union claims the national carrier is trying to suppress wages amid a war over looming industrial relations reforms.

The airline, which was targeted by unions this week over its labour-hire practices, says a local skills shortage means it needs to look abroad for staff  including 10 officers and training captains for its new A220 fleet  to cope with increasing demand for travel post-COVID.

An Airbus A220 in production. Qantas will replace its fleet of 20 717s with the A220s. Credit: Bloomberg Businessweek

The Australian and International Pilots Association says the 10 A220 staff could be recruited from existing ranks, while the airline argues that no Australians are qualified to fly the new jet.

Its important to keep this in perspective. Were creating thousands of new Australian jobs over the

next five years, which is in contrast to the roughly 60 a year were looking to recruit overseas under

this agreement, a Qantas spokesperson said.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has denied the force has a culture problem despite a string of high-profile cases, including the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland after she was Tasered by an officer.

In her first press conference since the aged care resident who suffered from dementia was Tasered last month, Catley faced a barrage of questions over a series of incidents which have raised questions about the police in NSW.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley is facing questions about a series of high-profile cases involving police. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Calling policing a very dangerous occupation, Catley defended officers as very well-trained and said they are doing the job that we ask them to do and that is to keep our community safe.

Besides the Nowland case, police have also faced criticism over the death of Sydney woman Tatiana Dokhotaru, whose body was located almost 24 hours after a woman called triple zero over fears she was being assaulted. Two other officers  Ryan Barlow and Jay Maleckas  have also been convicted in the past month over separate high-profile assault cases.
Potenza has more than 3.8 million followers on TikTok  a following large enough that it can translate into lucrative brand deals, bonuses and merchandise sales. Her videos, she said, have earned her more than $US200,000 ($302,000) annually. Making a CringeTok video Popular creators on TikTok can make a living in all kinds of niches on the platform, including by doing makeup, dealing watches, being old  even drinking flavoured water. But CringeTok is more like putting on a show. Riri Bichri started posting CringeTok videos in 2020, and by April, she had quit her job as an electrical engineer to pursue content creation full time. Credit: Lexi Parra for The New York Times To craft the perfect CringeTok video, creators mine the depths of the internet and their own experiences for traits they can exaggerate. Identifying behaviours that make us recoil, such as self-absorption and obliviousness, requires an ironic amount of self-reflection. Cringe comedy creators often build time for dreaming up sketches into their schedules. Filming can take as little as an hour  often from the comfort of the creators bedrooms.

These videos are different from unintentionally cringey videos in which an overabundance of earnestness combined with a lack of self-awareness leaves viewers feeling uncomfortable. In those cases, were not laughing with you, Potenza said. Were laughing at you. Riri Bichri started posting CringeTok videos in 2020, and by April, she had quit her job as an electrical engineer to pursue content creation full time. She has built a following of 800,000 subscribers by drawing on 2000s rom-com tropes, fan fiction and her own cringey behavior for inspiration. If Im not embarrassed by what I did yesterday, if Im not cringing about what I did yesterday, I did not grow, Bichri said.

Brad Podray, 40, is an orthodontist in Des Moines, Iowa, whose TikTok account, the Scumbag Dad, was originally a riff on the work of another TikTok creator, Nick Cho. Known online as Your Korean Dad, Cho plays a wholesome, fatherly figure who treats viewers as if they were his beloved children. A lot of my main comedy is based on identifying trends and deconstructing them to the point where they are no longer recognisable from the original inspiration, Podray said. Loading His POV-style videos feature a series of short sketches in which the Scumbag Dad exposes his fictional kid to progressively volatile situations. Early in Season One of the parodies, Podray steals his childs prescription pain medication, and by Season Six, his child is helping him assassinate drug dealers. I never got to complete the series, unfortunately, because TikTok banned me too many times, Podray said. TikTok prohibits videos featuring youth exploitation and abuse, fictional or otherwise, in its community guidelines, but Podray continues to make other kinds of parody videos. He said he earned about $US150,000 a year from his content on TikTok and YouTube.

How it all works In July 2020, TikTok established the Creator Fund to reward popular accounts and encourage content creation. It initially pledged to distribute $US200 million and now expects the fund to grow beyond $US1 billion. How much each creator gets, however, can vary. Payouts from the Creator Fund are based on a number of factors, said Maria Jung, TikToks global product communications manager. These factors include what region your video is viewed in, engagement on your video and the extent to which your video adheres to our community guidelines and terms of service. Wendell Scott, 32, is a production coordinator in Atlanta who instructs Delta Air Lines on how to make effective social media content. He uses his downtime to create TikTok videos, some of which have millions of views. Credit: Wulf Bradley for The New York Times It has been widely reported that eligible creators typically get a few cents for every thousand views a video gets, although Jung wouldnt confirm that number.

Creators with millions of followers and views per video can make a few thousand dollars a month from the Creator Fund. Having an engaged TikTok audience also allows creators to extend their reach on other social platforms. Meta discontinued their Reels Play bonus program in March, but creators can still earn money from Facebook Ad Reels, a program that operates similarly to YouTubes revenue-sharing model. Cross-posting content to increase revenue streams is a common practice among creators. It wasnt until I became monetised on YouTube that I actually started making real money, Potenza said. In order to make this a living, you have to utilise a lot of different methods to make it sustainable. YouTubes business model is different from TikToks in that it shares 50 per cent of its ad revenue with its creators.

The combined revenue from social platforms can be significant, but the most lucrative opportunities come from brand partnerships. Loading Potenza recently created a sketch in which she played John Wicks therapist to promote the latest movie in the John Wick franchise. Podrays sponsors include Insta360, a camera company, and Lovehoney, an online sex toy store. As their follower counts and average views per video grow, so do their rates. Potenza secured her first brand deal in 2020 and filmed a branded video for $US150. The next year, as her account grew and she hired an agent to help her negotiate, her rate increased to $US5,000 per video. These days, she wouldnt accept anything less than $US10,000 for a sponsored post. Bichri has gotten brand deals with companies such as CashApp, Bubble Skincare and Pluto TV, but shes unsure how much money she has earned because, she said, her agency hasnt paid her for work she has done.

A nationwide TikTok ban, proposed in Congress because of the apps Chinese ownership, would put all creator revenue streams  not to mention hard work  into question. Watching a bunch of congresspeople talking at the CEO of TikTok about things they dont understand was really embarrassing, Potenza said. It makes me super pro-China at this point. Everythings cringe What isnt cringe today can be cringe tomorrow. Much like death and taxes, cringe comes for everyone eventually. So, it shouldnt come as a surprise that brands are interested in participating. Being authentically embarrassing is still authentic.
Subscription to paid content

Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Steflogix is joining the campaign Food Standards Save Lives, led by the World Health Organization.

The NIPA students of Hospitality 1 recently completed their food handlers course which was facilitated by Steflogix. On June 7th, 2023 the students received their food handlers certificates. Michael Somersall, General Manager of Steflogix told the students that this day was an extra special occasion as they received their certificates on World Food Safety Day. By obtaining their certification, the students took an important step in taking their role to ensure Food is prepared and served in a safe manner.

The NIPA students have completed their studies and are now ready to enter the workforce. Businesses who are looking for well-trained employees should definitely contact NIPA when they are busy recruiting, Somersall said.

According to the World Health Organization, statistics have shown that more than 600 million people get sick, and 420 000 die every year from eating contaminated food. Nobody should die from eating food as this can be prevented.

This year the theme Food standards save lives, highlights the role of established food safety practices and standards, which ensure food safety and quality.

Everyone has a role to play when it comes to preventing Foodborne illnesses. World Food Safety Day offers an opportunity for everyone to get informed and involved.

The World Health Organization has issued a call to action:

Policymakers

Make safe food an easy choice by shaping public support programmes, such as food aid, school feeding, and other publicly owned food outlets. Focus on establishing a robust national food safety system and ensure it complies with food safety standards. Encourage and engage in multisectoral collaboration at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

Food businesses

Engage employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to grow and develop a food safety culture. Comply with national and international food standards.

Educational institutions and workplaces

Promote safe food handling. Engage with families and involve them in food safety activities. Support food safety education.

Consumers

Practice safe food handling at home and follow WHO's Five Keys to Safer Food: keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

Steflogix is committed to promoting safe food-handling practices. We will continue to help our clients become and remain food safety compliant by providing guidance, training, and creating tailor-made solutions to eliminate, prevent and reduce food safety hazards that can impact their organization and our community.
Gold Terra Deep Drill Hole Intersects Con Shear with Visible Gold Specks on Con Mine Option Property, NWT

Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSX-V: YGT; Frankfurt: TX0; OTCQX: YGTFF) (aGold Terraa or the aCompanya)  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/gold-terra-resource-corp/  is pleased to provide an update on the deep drilling program designed to test gold mineralization at depth below the Con Mine deposit (1938-2003), where 5.1 million ounces of gold was produced at an average grade of 16 g/t. The Con Mine Option (CMO) Property is under option from subsidiaries of Newmont Corporation and is acquirable by the Company upon fulfillment of certain conditions set out in the CMO Property agreement, as reported in the Company\-s news release datedA November 22, 2021 .A

Hole GTCM23-055 intersected 22.5 metres of the Con Shear starting at 858 metres with several visible gold (VG) specks reported during logging (See figures 2, 3 and photo 1). The Con shear was mined from 1938 until the 1960a?s with the C1 shaft to a depth of 800 metres and produced 1 Moz @ 20 g/t gold. The deposit was thought to be cutoff by a Granite intrusive. The current hole has demonstrated that the Con Shear is open at depth and in all directions, therefore warranting further drilling to assess its excellent potential to add ounces on the CMO.

Hole GTCM23-055 is progressing well currently at a depth of 1,135 metres towards its primary target, the Campbell Shear, at a depth of 2,000 metres where very high-grade gold intersections have been reported in historic underground drill holes.A

Chairman and CEO, Gerald Panneton, commented, \Intersecting the Con Shear is a big plus for our drilling program. We are excited about the Con Shear intersection as this mineralized zone has the potential to add additional ounces to our current mineral resource, and where we already have existing infrastructure at depth.a A

An update on the CMO property deep drilling program will be presented by Chairman and CEO, Gerald Panneton at the John Tumazos Very Independent Research 2023 Virtual Conference virtually on Wednesday, June 7th at 9:45am EDT. The webcast may be accessed through the Companya?s website atA Upcoming Events | Gold Terra Resource Corp. (goldterracorp.com). The replay will be available within 24 hours after the presentation.

Webcast Link: Please register at:A https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5058770965778204758.A After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Con and Campbell Shear Targets

The former Con Mine is a world-class gold deposit and part of the prolific Yellowknife mining camp where 6.1 M ounces of high-grade gold were recovered from the underground operation from both the Con Shear and Campbell Shear. The first deep drill hole of the summer program, GTCM23-055, has intersected the Con Shear from 858-880.5 metres (22.5 metres) and is on track to intersect the primary Campbell Shear target below 2,000 metres as shown in Figure 1. The opportunity will exist to wedge off the initial hole and target other high-grade zones in the area.A

In addition to the Con Shear the deep drill hole has intersected several felsic intrusive bodies above and below the Con Shear that contain mineralized quartz veins. Limited sampling from historical underground drill holes on these felsic intrusive bodies reported several multi-gram gold intersections. Gold Terra will be testing these mineralized zones for potentially adding to its mineral resources. A The location of drill hole GTCM23-055 and the Con Shear and Campbell Shear zones are shown in Figure 2 and 3.

The focus of the 2023 drilling program is to expand the September 2022 initial Mineral Resource Estimate (aMREa) (see September 7, 2022, press release) of 109,000 Indicated ounces of contained gold and 432,000 Inferred ounces of contained gold between surface and to a depth of 400 metres below surface along a 2-kilometre corridor of the Campbell Shear. Refer to the A October 21, 2022 technical report, titled \Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the CMO Property, Yellowknife City Gold Project, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada\ with an effective date of September 2, 2022, by Qualified Person, Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P. Geo., SGS Geological Services, which can be found on the Company\-s website atA https://www.goldterracorp.comA and on SEDAR atA www.sedar.com.

Qualified Persons

Joe Campbell, P. Geo., Senior Technical Advisor for Gold Terra is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

A About Gold Terra

The YCG project encompasses 800 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometers of the City of Yellowknife, the YCG is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power, and skilled tradespeople. Gold Terra is currently focusing its drilling on the prolific Campbell Shear, where 14 Moz of gold has been produced, and most recently on the Con Mine Option claims immediately south of the past producing Con Mine (1938-2003).

The YCG and CMO property lie on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometers of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that host the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company\-s exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company\-s objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource could ever be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of aMeasured Mineral Resources,a aIndicated Mineral Resources,a or aInferred Mineral Resourcesa will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource estimates contained herein may be subject to legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of such mineral resources. Refer to the Technical Report, once filed, for more information with respect to the key assumptions, parameters, methods and risks of determination associated with the foregoing.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The Company prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Terms relating to Mineral Resources in this news release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended (\CIM Standards\). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the \SEC\) has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the \SEC Modernization Rules\) to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of \Measured Mineral Resources\, \Indicated Mineral Resources\ and \Inferred Mineral Resources\, which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Standards. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of \Proven Mineral Reserves\ and \Probable Mineral Reserves\ to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Standards.

U.S. investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are \substantially similar\ to corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any Mineral Resources that the Company may report as \Measured Mineral Resources\, \Indicated Mineral Resources\ and \Inferred Mineral Resources\ under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the Mineral Resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of \Inferred Mineral Resources\ cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute \forward-looking information\ within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (\forward-looking information\). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as \plans\, \expects\ or \does not expect\, \is expected\, \budget\, \scheduled\, \estimates\, \forecasts\, \intends\, \anticipates\ or \does not anticipate\, or \believes\, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results \will\, \may\, \could\, \would\, \might\ or \will be taken\, \occur\ or \be achieved\ or the negative connotations thereof.

All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear, potentially adding ounces to the Companya?s current YCG mineral resource, and the Company\-s objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company\-s actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the \Risk Factors\ section in the Company\-s most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company\-s profile at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would 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. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. 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. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.
Mongolia has coveted raw materials

In Mongolia there are critical metals and also lithium.

Just recently, French President Macron visited Mongolia. France cherishes the hope that the country can supply critical raw materials. And Macron was not the first politician from Europe to make an appearance there. After all, Western politicians are trying to secure the supply of critical raw materials for their countries. In addition, dependencies on China are to be curbed as far as possible. By the way, a uranium mine is currently being developed in Mongolia. And soon, 450,000 tons of copper are to be produced each year. Although Mongolia supplies almost all of the raw materials extracted from the ground go to China, Mongolia is also interested in trading with other countries. And there are many raw materials in Mongolia, for example coal, copper, gold, but also rare earths, phosphate, zeolite or graphite.

Green technologies need critical metals, with the coveted lithium for lithium-ion batteries in electromobility and many portable devices at the top of the list, of course. In Mongolia, for example, ION Energy (- https://www.rohstoff-tv.com/mediathek/unternehmen/profile/ion-energy-ltd/ -) is working on two promising lithium projects, the flagship Baavhai Uul project and the Urgach Naran project. Recently, ION Energy added another lithium project, in the Northwest Territories, Kananda. Rare earths, such as neodymium, are used in wind turbines and electric motors, as well as in many technical devices in fuel cells or in aviation.

These rare earths are not only found in Mongolia, but also in the USA, for example in the projects of US Critical Metals (- https://www.rohstoff-tv.com/mediathek/unternehmen/profile/us-critical-metals-corp/A -) in Montana and Idaho. The U.S. also wants to free itself from dependencies as much as possible. The company\-s projects contain rare earths, lithium, uranium, and cobalt.

In accordance with A34 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), I would like to point out that partners, authors and employees may hold shares in the respective companies addressed and that there is therefore a possible conflict of interest. No guarantee for the translation into German. Only the English version of this news is valid.

Disclaimer: The information provided does not constitute any form of recommendation or advice. Express reference is made to the risks involved in securities trading. No liability can be accepted for any damages arising from the use of this blog. I would like to point out that shares and especially warrant investments are fundamentally associated with risk. The total loss of the invested capital cannot be excluded. All information and sources are carefully researched. However, no guarantee is given for the correctness of all contents. Despite the greatest care, I expressly reserve the right to make a mistake, especially with regard to figures and prices. The information contained is taken from sources that are considered reliable, but in no way claim to be correct or complete. Due to judicial decisions the contents of linked external pages are to be answered for (so among other things regional court Hamburg, in the judgement of 12.05.1998  312 O 85/98), as long as no explicit dissociation from these takes place. Despite careful control of the contents, I do not assume any liability for the contents of linked external pages. The respective operators are exclusively responsible for their content. The disclaimer of Swiss Resource Capital AG applies additionally: https://www.resource-capital.ch/de/disclaimer-agb/.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Moldova hopes to import gas from Azerbaijan, State Secretary of Moldovas Ministry of Energy Constantin Borosan said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

He noted that until 2021, Moldova was 100 percent dependent on a single source of natural gas, Russia.

"We no longer consume natural gas from that country. Moldova was forced to quickly undergo a challenging process of procuring natural gas from European markets. We had no prior experience in this sphere. With the support of the United States, the European Union, and Romania, we now procure natural gas from the European market. Of course, these are short-term projects, and we would like to establish contracts for longer periods, spanning several years. Moldova is currently seeking such solutions. We have previously expressed our interest in purchasing natural gas from Azerbaijan and hope that it will be possible. As for other countries from which we are considering gas procurement, Romania, which has its own sources, is certainly one of them," said Borosan.

Additionally, as the state secretary highlighted, the Romanian company ROMGAZ has signed a contract with Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR for natural gas supplies.

"This contract stipulates that if necessary, ROMGAZ will supply gas to Moldova. We also currently procure gas through the state company Energocom within the project with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), involving suppliers and companies from the United States, Ukraine, Romania, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The EU Energy Platform is already in place, bringing together sellers and buyers of gas. We see clear advantages in this platform and believe it can serve as a good tool for Moldova and Azerbaijan in terms of long-term cooperation in the field of natural gas," he added.

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
W hen the Barclay brothers bought the Telegraph titles in 2004 the new ownership was supposed to usher in a period of stability after their predecessor, the Canadian press baron Conrad Black, was sued by his own company. He was eventually sentenced to six and a half years in a US prison for fraud before being granted a pardon by Donald Trump.

And at first the new proprietors  Sir Frederick and Sir David  enjoyed success. They were well known in the City but were regarded as secretive. They were tough negotiators and had already dabbled in the press with the doomed Sunday Business, but their main interests seemed to be in property. Their most obvious trait was a desire for privacy. What did they want with a newspaper? The trappings of the London media world seemed of little interest.

For a while it seemed to work, at least as well as anyone expected. The peak arguably came in 2009 when the Telegraph launched an investigation into MPs expenses claims based on millions of leaked documents. It was a journalistic triumph and a service to the nation. Maybe the Barclays brothers did get newspapers  or at least knew enough to leave the running of them to people who did.

Since then, life has got dramatically harder, culminating in the tumultuous events of recent days that look set to strip the Barclay family of control of their newspaper titles. The paper is still going, and is profitable, but staff turnover has been high and some say it is not a fun place to work.

Maybe the attention of the Barclays was diverted. There was family infighting with plots worthy of TVs Succession. Sir David died. His sons were accused of bugging conversations with Sir Frederick at The Ritz. A later statement from the family declaring unity was not taken entirely seriously. Sir Frederick narrowly avoided a prison sentence himself for contempt over failing to honour a 100 million divorce settlement to his wife of 34 years, Lady Hiroko Barclay.

The Ritz was sold to the fury of Sir Frederick, who now faces the loss of some of the most prestigious titles in the UK. A price of 700 million is under discussion.

The Barclays fatal mistake was to fall foul of their bank lenders. Lloyds Bank had simply had enough of their failure to service or repay debts and in effect pulled the plug. Potential buyers will want to take a very close look under the bonnet of the business to see what they would be buying and what potential surprises lurk underneath.

For the Barclay family, their stint at the apex of the UK media world appears to be over and the future of the Telegraph titles is once again plunged into uncertainty.

The Barclays downfall is the sort of story their own newspapers would relish  if it were not happening quite so close to home.
K elloggs has announced that having a degree will no longer be a requirement for most jobs at the company.

The cereal and snacks giant said the move was part of its drive to become a more inclusive employer by reducing barriers to a job and recognising that having a degree does not always reflect the contribution someone can make.

The change was trialled with the Field Sales team last autumn and is being rolled out to the wider business.

Sam Thornton, Kelloggs sales director, said it was tough not going to university when friends were accepting places.

By ditching the need to have a degree we hope more people from different backgrounds will consider Kellogg as somewhere for their career

He started working on the shop floor in a local supermarket before going on a management training programme.

People are surprised to hear I havent got a degree and assume I must have gone to university, he said.

Its always stood out to me how many companies still ask for a degree as part of job requirements, so its amazing to see Kellogg remove that barrier.

Chris Silcock, Kelloggs UK managing director, said: At Kellogg we believe everyone should have a place at the table and by ditching the need to have a degree we hope more people from different backgrounds will consider Kellogg as somewhere for their career, not just those who went to university.

A degree tied to a specific regulated profession, such as legal counsel or engineers, is still required.

Rosalind Goates, head of advocacy and campaigns at the Social Mobility Foundation said: Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not.

It is encouraging to see top employers such as Kelloggs recognise this and remove degree requirements for roles where they are not needed. Doing so allows organisations to assess candidates based on their potential and skills and ensures employers attract from the widest talent pool.

We welcome Kelloggs decision and hope more employers will follow suit to create a society where talent from all backgrounds is nurtured, harnessed and rewarded.
A merican tourists, and even a few analysts, are fond of calling Europe quaint. Its stereotype in North America is as a museum, where nothing much happens. This could not be further from the truth. Beset by war, Europes politicians are once again struggling to come up with a new answer to that question which has evaded them forever. How to govern, or at least manage, a politically chaotic continent?

This is about more than the EU. European leaders are trying to figure out two things. Will Ukraine join Nato? Or stay stuck in a no mans land? And what about non-EU states like Britain, essential to European security? How are they going to fit into the continents politics? As ever, Emmanuel Macron thinks he has the answer.

Last week I watched and briefly spoke to the French president at the Globsec Forum in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, where in front of an audience of central and eastern European policymakers, he tried to answer that question. Macron, whose standing suffered terribly in the run-up to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine due to his willingness to negotiate with Vladimir Putin, was on a charm offensive.

Presenting himself, if not exactly humbly, as a man from a country that hadnt always got everything right in the region, what he said matters hugely.

In public, Macron laid out what he felt should be the answer to Ukraines relationship with Nato. To the relief of many Southern and Western European diplomats, and disappointment of many of Ukraines closest Central and Eastern European allies, he said that he didnt think the country, at war with Russia, should be admitted as a full member of the alliance. This would cover Ukraine by Natos Article 5, which pledges all members to support a country attacked, and though the language itself is slippery it is usually seen as a promise to join any necessary war to defend them from invasion.

However, Macron said Ukraine should enjoy higher security guarantees than the ones Israel enjoys from the West  where there is no formal pledge or alliance, but it receives military aid from the United States, which has historically resupplied it at moments critical to its survival.

The solution, Macron said, should be somewhere in between. But what about the wider Europe? The one that includes Britain? Here a French idea has already started to come to life. This is the European Political Community, a new meeting of heads of state, for all European countries except Russia, which came together for its second meeting in Moldova last week.

Macrons vision for the EPC is like this. He hopes it will eventually become a body capable of resolving problems, taking actions or decisions  rather like a large European version of the G7 or the G20. This way, he thinks, Britain can stay involved in European politics in a format run for and by Europeans, and not only in Nato.

German officials are highly sceptical of this venture. But the fact it even got off the ground despite their scepticism shows there is demand amongst the non-EU members on the continent. This is how French officials see its make up. First there are EU members, like France and Slovakia. Then there are future EU members, such as Ukraine and Moldova. Then there are ex-members or half-members, such as Britain and Norway. Finally, there are future partners in an eventual post-war European security order, which is why both Azerbaijan and Armenia, recently in conflict, are there.

The European Political Community is asking Britain a question. After so much acrimony Macron has built a European house that post-Brexit Britain can live in. But what does it want from it?

European officials believe that this structure offers a chance for Britain to build a new set of agreements  for example on migration, climate, security or corruption  that amount to a softer form of non-intrusive sovereign association with Europe acceptable to both sides of the political divide in Europe.

Across Central and Eastern Europe, many officials are hoping the UK will answer this question with ambition  helping to also build a house that can house Ukraine on its long road to European membership. The next summit is due to take place in Spain in October. By then Britain should be ready to answer.

Ben Judah is the author of This Is Europe: The Way We Live Now published next week by Picador
T ourists think its all tea at The Ritz or bumping into Hugh Grant and his floppy hair, but for a true London experience, you really need to have your bike stolen. And once seized, theres precious little chance of getting it back.

In fact, 93 per cent of the 15,899 reported bike thefts in the capital last year were closed by the Metropolitan Police without a suspect being identified, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.

Now, as someone with no investigative mind  Ive seen Agatha Christies The Mousetrap twice and on neither occasion could I have told you who done it  Im always amazed the police catch anyone at all. But bike theft has become so pervasive and visible  you see videos of organised groups with industrial-sized bolt cutters snatching them in broad daylight  that it makes one question the social contract.

Take this one example. Last year, Faisal Islam, the BBCs Economics Editor, tweeted that his own bike had been nicked. It had an internal tracker and couldnt be ridden without a code and so he could see it being ferried, presumably by van, from London Bridge to East Ham.

A day after reporting it stolen, Islam was informed by police that they were closing the case, despite the fact that he said the bike was beaming its location, and if they identified the vehicle police might have cracked an entire gang operation.

Of course, the Met have to direct resources where they see fit and ruthlessly prioritise. London is a big city with plenty to police. Throw in counter-terrorism to the odd coronation and you can see how the demands start to add up.

But bike theft isnt a minor offence. Cycles are many peoples main mode of transport, while the crime disproportionally affects households with incomes below 10,000 and people aged 16-34, according to the Office for National Statistics.

In 2019, Londons Police Cycle Task Force was disbanded, with Sadiq Khan stating that he wanted to focus resources on knife and violent crime. This seems fair enough and I dont know what the answer is or how much of a difference the rollout of safer storage facilities in residential areas, near transport hubs and offices would make.

But if we want more people to cycle, as the Mayor does, both for health and climate reasons, we do need them to be able to keep hold of their bikes.

In the comment pages, Ben Judah says Emmanuel Macron has a plan that gives Brexit Britain a proper place in Europe. Anna van Praagh reveals she wasnt breastfed as a child and is perfectly clever. And want to buy? Youd be better off downloading Hinge than Rightmove, suggests Prudence Ivey.

Finally, an ode to autocorrect: farewell to a ducking beloved nuisance.

This article appears in our newsletter, West End Final  delivered 4pm daily  bringing you the very best of the paper, from culture and comment to features and sport. Sign up here.
B ig-name performers are on the bill for Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the 2023 brochure having been launched on Thursday.

The comedy line-up features everyone from newcomers to household names, from reality TV stars to game show contestants.

The event takes place every August and is considered one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet, or so say the organisers!

It is also highly inclusive and anyone can perform.

You can see our detailed guide about the performers here or keep reading for the lowdown on just about everything else happening in the Scottish capital this summer.

Some big name comics are on the bill / ES

When is Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023?

The 2023 edition is taking place from August 4 to 28.

Who is on the line-up?

Some of the famous comics who have signed up are Bridget Christie, Adam Kay, Frank Skinner, Sara Pascoe, and Rhod Gilbert.

Once more, click here for a more detailed line-up, and keep an eye out for our dedicated new names section coming soon.

How can I get tickets?

There are currently 2,993 results for whats on at the various venues - so it is fair to say there is a reasonable choice of what to see. Many are on for the entire month.

Tickets start at next to nothing and can all be bought online from the festivals official page.

Can I perform at the Edinburgh Festival?

Anyone can take part in the Edinburgh Fringe as a performer on stage or even in the street - and the website has a complete guide.

All shows must be registered. There is still time to do this, although now the programme has been printed it will be web only. It is also possible to do an online event.

There is also a section on the website to help venues looking to host acts.

A LNER train / PA Wire

How can I get from London to Edinburgh?

Around 70 trains per day leave London for Edinburgh (Waverley) and the journey takes just under five hours with prices starting from 19.90.

Also, flights to Edinburgh leave Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton Airports. It is possible to make the trip by air with prices starting from 35 return.

You can also choose to drive, and the journey takes around seven hours if you do not stop.
E mily Blunt has said she gets irritated when she is told a female character is a badass as she does not feel this is an accurate description of heroic women.

The award-winning actress, 40, is set to star in Christopher Nolans new film Oppenheimer alongside Cillian Murphy which explores the story of the eponymous US scientist and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

In an interview with Harpers Bazaar, Blunt discussed the new role and her desire to play complex female characters.

I get irritated when Im told: Shes a badass. Thats not interesting to me because thats not real life, she told the magazine.

What I like is that sense of a fish out of water, someone whos struggling, whos haphazardly clawing their way out.

Women are heroic when theyre in way over their heads.

In Nolans forthcoming film, Blunt stars as Kitty Oppenheimer, who she says wasnt an easy woman to portray.

Harpers Bazaar UK/Tom Schirmacher

Kitty was the real-life wife of J Robert Oppenheimer who was known as the father of the atomic bomb for his role in the Manhattan Project  Americas plan to be the first to develop nuclear weapons in the Second World War.

Reflecting on what it was like to play Kitty, The Devil Wears Prada star said: She wasnt an easy woman  she definitely didnt conform to the 1950s housewife ideal, and yet she found herself confined to an ironing board in Mexicos Los Alamos, which must have driven her mad.

I found her so interesting to play, because she was a great scientist herself, but limited by the era she lived in.

A lot of women a few generations ahead of me werent allowed the juggle of a career and children  there was an expectation they should choose, and if they did choose their career, they were frowned upon.

Even now, I see women in their 70s whose whole identity has been caught up in motherhood, and then once thats done, theres this sense of, well, who am I and how do I reclaim myself?

Having spent decades in the film industry, Blunt said it could still be hard on young women who wanted to act.

Harpers Bazaar UK/Tom Schirmacher

She said: My toes curl when people tell me, My daughter wants to be an actress.

I want to say, Dont do it! Because its a hard industry and it can be very disappointing.

A lot of people tell you not to take things personally  but its completely personal, especially when youre being judged on how you look.

So you just have to endure that side of things.

With her face often appearing on billboards, the star said she had reached a level of fame which could sometimes cause her feelings of dissociation.

This could affect her two children as well, who she shares with her husband John Krasinski, known for his role as Jim Halpert in The Office.

Blunt said: When I see myself up on a billboard, I have this complete dissociation with it Im like, whos that?

And I can see my children doing the same  they might say, oh, theres mama, but its not exciting for them.

Whats exciting for them is when I can pick them up from school and take them swimming.

The July/August issue of Harpers Bazaar UK is on sale from June 8.
L indsay Lohan has said she cant wait to be a mother as she revealed the parenting advice that her former co-star Jamie Lee Curtis gave her.

The Mean Girls actress, 36, announced she was expecting her first child in March by posting a photo on her Instagram of a baby grow with coming soon written across the item.

In an interview with US magazine Allure, Lohan shared her excitement and the unexciting way she told her husband Bader Shammas the happy news.

I cant wait to see what the feeling is and what its like to just be a mom, she said.

She also admitted she has been finding pending motherhood overwhelming but in a good way, adding that she has been tearful lately.

Happy tears. Thats just who I am. Though now, its probably baby emotion.

She married her financier husband in April 2022 and later that year she fell pregnant.

Ben Hassett

The actress recalled that she took a pregnancy test and after it confirmed her suspicions, she walked into the next room and announced the news to her husband.

It was so unexciting. I walked into the room, I threw the test down. I was like, Guess what? He goes, We are?, she said.

Lohans breakout role came in the 1998 film The Parent Trap in which she played estranged twin sisters Hallie Parker and Annie James.

It was a critical success and helped launch Lohans acting career.

She went on to star in multiple popular noughties films including Mean Girls, Freaky Friday, Herbie Fully Loaded and Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen.

Lohan revealed that her Freaky Friday on-screen mother, Jamie Lee Curtis, was among those who have given her advice.

I spoke to Jamie Lee Curtis recently and she was like, You just bring the baby with you and everything will be fine', she said.

Lohan took a partial step back from the Hollywood limelight after years of tabloid attention alongside pop star Britney Spears and US socialite Paris Hilton.

Ben Hassett

She has returned to screens of recent following a rom-com deal with Netflix which included last years Falling for Christmas and this years Irish Wish.

The actress is now considering her next career move, saying that living in Dubai gives me that space to have my own vision of what I need to do next.

Do I want to build my own brand? Do I want to relaunch a new production company? All of these kinds of things I can take time to think about, she added.
T om Hollanders performance has critics swooning over Patriots at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The acclaimed actor plays Boris Berezovsky  a man who, according to our reviewer Nick Curtis, was an oligarch who wanted to save Russia through capitalism, at considerable personal profit.

Hollander stars opposite Will Keen as Vladimir Putin, with the two men in discussion as to what direction Russia should take throughout the 1990s.

Patriots will be at the Noel Coward until August 19, having made the step up to the West End from the Almeida theatre in Islington.

But what is Patriots about and is this a true story of recent Russian history?

What happens in Patriots?

Vladimir Putin is a central part of the story / Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Rupert Goolds production begins in 1991, in the immediate aftermath of the fall of Communism and the destruction of the Berlin Wall.

In the days of Boris Yeltsins regime, maths prodigy Boris Berezovsky is able to get rich through the selloff of Russian assets. He considers himself a patriot and, with the help of Roman Abramovich, amongst others, he is able to help his friend Vladimir Putin ascend to the Kremlin.

However, the Putin dream gradually turns into a nightmare as the friend becomes a foe around the time the politician became an autocrat. Or so we are led to believe.

Who was Tom Hollanders character Boris Berezovsky in real life?

Born in 1946 in Moscow, Mr Berezovsky had a relatively unnoteworthy career until the 1990s, when the plutocrat did indeed make a 2 billion fortune through business deals as the Russian state was privatised.

He invested in car manufacturing and set up the All-Russia Automobile Alliance. Alongside this, he took over television channels and assisted Mr Abramovich in buying an oil company. He was also a politician  which will be explored below.

All of his success was achieved despite an attempt on his life in the form of a car bombing.

Mr Berezovsky was married twice and had a third partner at the time of his death. He was 67 when he died in 2013.

What was Boris Berezovskys relationship with Vladimir Putin?

Will Keen as Vladimir Putin and Tom Hollander as Boris Berezovsky in Patriots / Marc Brenner

What makes the play interesting is the contrasting fortunes of both men and how they play a part in each others fortunes.

Mr Berezovsky was a supporter of 1990s Russian premier Boris Yeltsin, and helped to finance and organise the presidents re-election campaign in 1996.

In the subsequent years, he established a tight-knit circle of advisors around Mr Yeltsin, called The Family, with the aim of finding a suitable successor who was considered more electable than their heir-in-theory, Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov.

Mr Putin was deputy mayor of St Petersburg when he called on Mr Berezovsky for help in getting to the Kremlin. And, in only a few years, the influence of The Family was key in helping deliver Mr Putin to the brink  with the current Russian president taking over from Mr Yeltsin in 2000.

Mr Berezovsky was himself elected to the Duma, the Russian assembly, on the back of a show of support for Mr Putin. However, in 2000, he resigned and turned against Mr Putin, who in turn became an enemy. Mr Berezovsky left Russia towards the end of 2000.

He began to sell off his Russian assets and was granted political asylum in the UK, where he lived in Berkshire, although never far from scrutiny or legal action.

How did Boris Berezovsky die?

A coroner recorded an open verdict on the death of Mr Berezovsky after he died in 2013.

He was found hanging by a scarf in the bathroom of his ex-wifes home in Ascot. But, while his postmortem was said to not reveal any signs of foul play, it was also not ruled that he had killed himself.
W omen are facing a black hole in funding for contraception-based research, according to a new Channel 4 documentary.

Titled Davina McCalls Pill Revolution, the show sees McCall follow up her successful documentary on the menopause by examining British womens access to and relationship with contraception.

Over the course of the show, McCall  and a series of experts  explain how a lack of funding and research has made women strangers to the hormones theyre putting inside their bodies.

Sadly, there is so little research done into womens health, and it means that were scrabbling around for science-based evidence to do with contraception, McCall explains during the show.

It makes me angry because [women] deserve better. Better research. Better knowledge. Better quality of care. More funding. And why should we compromise our quality of life to prevent pregnancy? This is a conversation we have to have.

The few statistics that do exist are alarming. A survey of 4,000 women carried out for the documentary showed that 77 per cent of women experienced side effects that included headaches, depression and mood swings. Of those, a third stopped taking it.

Freedom of information requests conducted for Pill Revolution also showed that in some parts of the country, women are taking over a year to get a coil fitted  while at the same time, the rate of abortion in women over 35 has increased significantly.

Over the course of the hour-long show, McCall talks to young women about their experiences on the pill, chats with charities dedicated to improving awareness of different contraceptive methods and talks openly about her own experiences of using it.

She even takes the step of getting her Mirena contraceptive coil changed live on air, by leading gynaecologist Dame Lesley Regan.

Tom Barnes / Channel 4

I wanted to do it to try and take the fear out of it, she told a crowd at a screening last week. Most people say to me, Look, Im absolutely terrified you dont hear the good stories. Lots of women have coils fitted and its great. And well, not great. But its okay.

Regan, who was also present at the screening, also drew attention to the fact that contraception, despite having myriad benefits, is actually harder to get hold of than ever due to NHS budgets being cut and lengthy GP waiting times.

This is a fact: contraception is the single most cost-effective intervention in healthcare. And theres nobody in the heart world or the lung world or the vaccine world that would disagree with that, she said.

So you could create more good from allowing women to select if and when, and how many times and with whom they choose or choose not to get pregnant, than with any other health intervention.

Contraception is not only used for preventing pregnancy: it helps regulate hormone use, manage menopausal symptoms, and is used by women between the ages of ten (which is often when puberty starts) and 50.

However, the subject remains very much taboo in mainstream media and even among women  something that McCall hopes the documentary will change.

We have to be very, very careful that we dont go down the American route, where that we are more and more marginalised as sexual beings, because that would be a terrible thing, McCall said.

The contraceptive pill (Tim Ireland/PA) / PA Archive

Denying us access to contraception is a really huge part of that. And the idea that it is harder now to access contraception than it was 10, 20 years ago is obscene. That is really terrible.

Talking to the panel  which included Alice Pelton, founder of contraception information charity The Lowdown, Regan and Simphiwe Sesane, a Contraception and Sexual Health Nurse Consultant  McCall discussed the need for better education at school level.

Weve got a massive number of adolescents. And we dont give them the tools they need to embark on life, particularly the women, Regan said. We need to make sure that girls understand about having menstrual periods and boys understand that every girl that they know, and their mum and their sister, are also going to have them. Then everything flows from that.

Regan added that she was currently in the process of urgently setting up a review group with the Department of Education, aimed at reviewing sex education in schools.

Its going to take a long time, like everything else, to get a change. But Im sure this is the right way to go; we have to give young people the tools they need to be part of the solution.

McCall, for her part, is hoping that her documentary will start the revolution that the title implies. At the end, I was really, really f**king angry. But I was also really, really full of hope, she says.

I met a lot of really cool, very young people who are making a change. And we need to literally support them, and keep this kind of tsunami of interest and questioning going, because this is where the change is going to happen. And now is the time to do it.

Davina McCalls Pill Revolution will air on Channel 4 on June 8
Assyrians Seek Congressional Support For Genocide Recognition

A congregation of Assyrians gathered in Washington, D.C., on June 6 to give their backing to a bill that would recognize a massacre of their people by Iraqi Muslims during the mid-20th century.

Assyrians hail from northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, and parts of Turkey. Almost entirely Christian due to the early evangelizing efforts of St. Thomas the Apostle, Assyrians are one of the oldest cultures in the world, responsible for world wonders like the Gates of Nineveh, recently destroyed by the Islamic State, and renowned classics like "The Epic of Gilgamesh."

Though they once lived peacefully in their ancestral homelands, where some communities have persisted for over 5,000 years, the political upheavals of the 20th and 21st centuries shattered this comfort.

Following the end of World War 1, the Ottoman Empire, which had kept a relative peace in the broader Middle East for a millennium, was dissolved as part of the Treaty of Versailles. Territories of the former Ottoman Empire were split apart, often without much regard for the ethnic, cultural, and religious differences of peoples.

Because of this division, Assyrians found themselves placed in the same country with Shia and Sunni Muslims still fuming over their previous defeat.

In 1933, tensions between the two religions boiled over, leading to the Simele massacre, a Muslim-backed massacre of Christian Assyrians who had fled to the small town of Simele to escape Muslim incursions against them. Historical accounts vary, but between 3,000 and 6,000 Assyrians were killed in the massacre, leading ultimately to a diaspora that has only accelerated amid the escalated threats of the 20th century.

Now, a bipartisan duo is seeking passage of a resolution recognizing the massacre, and Assyrians from around the world gathered in Washington to express their support for the measure.

The measure is sponsored by Reps. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). It would recognize the genocide for legal purposes.

Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) speaks in favor of a resolution recognizing a Muslim genocide of Christian Assyrians in Iraq during the mid-20th century. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

"The resilience and endurance of the Assyrian people is commendable and praiseworthy, despite being victims of an ethnocide that is being continued by the Islamic State," the resolution reads. "The Assyrian community across the world continues to feel the effects of the Assyrian Genocide, including families that have never been reunited."

Thus, the measure would "commemorate the Assyrian Genocide through official recognition and remembrance; reject efforts to enlist, engage, or otherwise associate the United States Government with denial of the Assyrian Genocide or any other genocide; call upon the Republic of Turkey to officially recognize the Assyrian Genocide; and encourage education and public understanding of the facts of the Assyrian Genocide, including the United States' role in the humanitarian relief effort, and the relevance of the Assyrian Genocide to modern-day crimes against humanity."

Lesko told The Epoch Times that she was sponsoring the measure because "I think it's important for people to know what happened to the Assyrian people. And I think it's important to recognize it so that it doesn't happen again."

Speaking at the event, Schakowsky echoed this sentiment, saying, "We have to name it, and we have to pass it."

Epoch Times Photo

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) speaks in favor of a resolution recognizing a Muslim genocide of Christian Assyrians in Iraq during the mid-20th century. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Though the resolution is not controversial, it has previously languished in committee after being introduced during previous Congresses.

"It's been 90 years that we've been trying to get worldwide recognition about this atrocity against unarmed women and children," said Sam Darmo, an Assyrian American who was instrumental in pushing Lesko to back the resolution. He thanked Lesko for "spearheading this in Washington."

The two helped secure the passage of a similar measure at the local level in Arizona, Darmo said, "but this is the first time we're doing it at the federal level.

"It feels good," Darmo said, indicating that the measure would help bring attention to the "martyrs" who died in the massacre. "This way, these things will not happen again."

Juliana Taimoorazy, president and founder of the Iraqi Christian Relief Council, said the resolution is "crucial" in that it would "finally give a voice to the deceased and dead who fought and died for our cause."

Juliana Taimoorazy, president and founder of the Iraqi Christian Relief Council, speaks with reporters in Washington on June 6, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

She noted that even though the massacre is in the distant past, the Assyrian people "have continued to suffer."

During the reign of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party, Assyrians were relatively well protected, guests said, so long as they didn't cross the dictator's totalitarian Iraqi nationalist aspirations.

One guest joked that people were "oppressed equally" under Hussein.

That fell apart in 2003, following the American invasion of Iraq. Hussein was killed in the invasion, and the region quickly descended into a maelstrom of chaos, famine, and political instability.

Thus, many Assyrians living in Iraq were forced to leave the country for more tolerant places like Syria, Turkey, Europe, and North America.

In the wake of advances by the Islamic State, the few Christian Assyrian people still living in Iraq are increasingly being pushed out, accelerating the centuries-long diaspora that began with the Simele massacre.
F rom the very second that he walks into Queens Parks Alice House on a Tuesday lunchtime, everything about Louis Theroux feels familiar. How dyou do? Im Louis, he says, in exactly the same way that I, and you, have seen him do countless times during his programmes (who else, I think at the time and long after, still says How dyou do?).

Our server approaches to take our order. Is the romesco nice? Theroux asks. Its pretty good, she says. Only pretty good? Whats really good? he asks, with characteristic inquisitiveness, that inimitably wry smile starting to form. Well, the grilled cheese toastie, obviously, she enthuses. Oh, thats a classic, right? Our server nods. The grilled cheese toastie it is. It is perhaps an obvious first question, but how does one of the UKs foremost interviewers feel about being interviewed? Actually, I dont mind it, he says, post-first bite of what does indeed look like a fine cheese toastie. I have a slight tendency to overshare, so I have to be careful.

Why? Because I dont want to bore people. I also dont want people to feel, Oh, theres that f***ing guy again, why doesnt he leave us alone? Im conscious of not giving people too much of myself. The truth is I have to slightly ration my self-revelation, otherwise Id be out there just wangling on about any random shit that comes to mind.

Tom Cruise would be a great guest: I would want to talk to him about Scientology

We are meeting, ostensibly at least, to discuss The Louis Theroux Podcast, which he has made with Spotify. First up in a series that also includes Nick Cave (They spoke for over three hours, a man from Spotify tells me later) is an interview with Shania Twain that is both moving (her life, for the uninitiated, has not been a bowl of roses) and very, very charming: seguing into a quite lovely discussion about her favourite swear words. Its a crowded marketplace, the podcast marketplace, he says. Im conscious of that. I do try and stay in touch with the idea that, yes, theyre supposed to be revealing and insightful and gentle and relaxed and curious, but they should also be funny and fun. It is revealing as well: whats your tolerance for swearing? And then to hear her say f*** a whole lot.

Therouxs first foray into podcasting came during lockdown when he was  does this sound familiar?  bored and drinking too much (It was, Six oclock, time to open the prosecco. People would say, But its Tuesday. And?). Those shows, the Grounded With series, were made with the BBC, where pretty much all of his work in the past has appeared.

Louis Theroux photographed by Camille Vivier for ES Magazine. He wears a hat by Idea LTD and suit, shirt and tie by Dries Van Noten / ES Magazine

There does seem to be something of an exodus over at the Beeb these days, I say. I dont like the idea of being part of an exodus, he counters. And I do still think of myself as being part of the BBC. I still make my TV programmes for the BBC. Ive got a great relationship with the BBC, but with respect to my podcasts, the ones I host, it made more sense to do them for Spotify. Is it the reach? Or maybe the money? I would say all of the above, really, he smiles. I dont think money is ever a reason to do something on its own. But with a business to think about, my production company, that factors into it. I have a team around me: basically my wife, my agent, then a couple of people. We talked about decisions and it felt like a way of generating a decent income, but also reaching a different kind of people and reaching maybe for a global audience. Streaming  Netflix, Spotify  theyre out there and we cant pretend theyre not. I suppose this is me checking that out and seeing what its like.

I dont want people to feel, Oh, theres that f***ing guy again, why doesnt he leave us alone?

As you are doubtless aware, this Singapore-born, Catford-raised 53-year-old father of three is, in some ways, more well-known now than ever. Since his first Weird Weekends with some born-again Christians aired in 1998, we have witnessed him having all kinds of conversations  sometimes heated, sometimes funny, always compelling  with all kinds of people, famous and not famous.

We have watched him evolve from a little bit of a prankster asking cheeky questions, or just trying to generate small moments of comedy into the more probing, deeper diving profiler evident in his interviews with Stormzy last year (and Shania, and Nick Cave later this year). Weve seen his style of documentary  Theroux made a programme about Joe Exotic of Tiger King fame way back in 2011  become a staggeringly, globally popular Netflix genre in and of itself. We (or at least the under-15s in our life) have even seen him become a viral rap sensation via Jiggle Jiggle  My money dont jiggle jiggle/It folds  based on lines from one of his old docs Amelia Dimoldenberg got him to re-rap during their Chicken Shop Date encounter.

Louis Theroux photographed by Camille Vivier for ES Magazine. He wears Bottega Veneta / Camille Vivier for ES Magazine

Basically, in 2023, Theroux is more than likely to be as famous, if not more so, than most of his interview subjects. Is this a hindrance or a positive? Id like to think a positive. I dont think Stormzy would have sat down with me if he hadnt seen and enjoyed my programmes. He doesnt give a lot of interviews. If there was a universe where I, as Louis Theroux, hadnt had a career on television and I was trying to get an interview with Stormzy, Im not sure how I would even begin.

Sure. But how does it affect the actual process of interrogating someone? When youve got Stormzy opening with Ive wanted to meet you for a long time or Shania telling you shes a huge fan of your work? Well, when Im speaking to someone whos never seen one of my programmes  which believe it or not does happen  its a different dynamic. Its a more clinical dynamic. In some ways, it feels like conventional journalism, which is great. Like more of a straightforward piece of journalism.

As Theroux says this, I cant help but think of the documentary in which he was thwarted by Martin Bashir in securing the big Michael Jackson interview and went rogue, desperately scrabbling around trying  and emphatically succeeding  in finding a story. Does he not miss that kind of hustle? It was a fun one to make, he says. It was also stressful and it wasnt a way of working I was keen to repeat. So much of what I enjoy in programme making is the sense of being invited: being invited to spend two weeks in a prison, in a strange religious group, in a world where the rules are different, whether its gangsta rap or the porn industry. So when youre trying to hustle and in the act of making the programme, youre conscious that youve havent got all the things that you need. Youre slightly feeling youre having to push at the door to get in. Its not the part of it that I love.

Louis Theroux photographed by Camille Vivier for ES Magazine. Jacket by Martine Rose, shirt by Paul Smith, Trousers from Our Legacy at matches.com, shoes by Horatio footwear / Camille Vivier for ES Magazine

How did he feel when the stuff about Bashirs unscrupulous methods in securing his Diana interview came out? I try not to take pleasure in the misfortunes of other people. And I know hes got some health things. I think he quite evidently behaved really badly. Its not just the act of having done it. Its also the fact that the people around him seemingly went along with it, then slightly covered it up. I cant quite figure out what happened. But it wasnt good.

We are, I say, now living through something of a golden age for bombshell interviews. Our interview unfortunately takes place a few days before the Phillip Schofield/Amol Rajan encounter. Theroux also says he hasnt seen any of the Prince Harry stuff. But surely he must get jealous when someone nails a blockbuster? In the manner of, say, Emily Maitlis with Prince Andrew? There might be a little bit of that. I think that would be normal, right? I think we tend as people to reduce human emotions to unitary states of being, like, Oh, youre jealous, or youre happy, or youre threatened, or youre thrilled. Actually, all these states can coexist. My main feeling with respect to that Prince Andrew interview was wow, thats extraordinary. I couldnt stop going around comparing my reaction with other peoples. All the quotable moments, either laughing or cringing. There was a lot of thinking, Wow, what an extraordinary interview. But some tiny part of me was also saying, Would have been nice if it was me.

Louis Theroux photographed by Camille Vivier for ES Magazine wearing Celine / Camille Vivier for ES Magazine

Would he have been able to get the same jaw-dropping results? My impression from watching was that Prince Andrew went into that interview saying exactly what he wanted to say. I dont think it takes anything away from Emily Maitlis to acknowledge that. He probably thought hed nailed it.

I wonder whether he has ever considered doing some harder-hitting, more Newsnight-type interviews. Politicians are naturally averse to controversy or speaking in a way thats likely to get them a bad headline. Theyre sort of risk-averse. Would he fancy his chances of finally getting Boris to directly answer a question? Or unpicking Trump? I think Id prefer to go for Trump if I was given the choice. Trump would be a global phenomenon, a documentary the whole world would want to watch. Trump is a bigger story: more compelling, a more fascinating figure. How you would get to him, I dont really know. Ive often thought about that. If you could see how he affects the people in his orbit, maybe with respect to Melania, specifically. Whats behind that relationship? What level of exposure do they have to each other? To what extent is that relationship grounded in something real? Its hard to know. There was a theory for a while that she was being kept hostage.

Still on his dream interviewee list, he says, are Dave Chappelle. Tom Cruise would be a great guest: I would want to talk to him about Scientology, having made my own documentary about it, find out how he relates to it. Beyonce, clearly, Adele. Sadly for Theroux  well, sadly for all of us  last year he met Barry Humphries for the first time, in his Dame Edna Everage incarnation. Id always been a fan, obviously, and to meet him in the flesh and find hes a nice guy and super funny I was talking to people close to him, Barry was up for it. And then he died.

Louis Theroux photographed by Camille Vivier for ES Magazine wearing Celine / Camille Vivier for ES Magazine

Regarding the podcast, he does also say that he wants to guard against having too many people who are old, because he wants it to have multi-generational appeal. Is he hoping all those Jiggle Jiggle fans whose first encounter with him was on TikTok will go back and discover his earlier work? Well, based on attention experienced randomly and out and about, the constituency for Jiggle Jiggle is largely eight, nine, 10-year-old children. I dont think they are going to naturally be in the audience for a documentary about serious mental health issues or prisons, or white-separatist gangs or crime in Milwaukee. But that being said, if they want to watch those programmes, then thats up to their parents.

The toastie is gone and it is now time to go. Theroux has a meeting, then another meeting, then an interview with a pop star Im speaking to on Friday, and we have to sit down and do a master interview. I wouldnt say at this stage Im anxious, but Im conscious thats something that Ill need to get on top of, deal with. But I feel surprisingly relaxed. And thats not good. I have to be anxious in the necessary proportions, he says. So Id better go and find something.

The Louis Theroux Podcast is out now on Spotify

Photographer: Camille Vivier

Stylist: Jessica Skeete-Cross

Set Designer: Lyndon Ogbourne at The Wall Group

Grooming: Liz Taw at The Wall Group using UpCircle Beauty

Stylists assistant: Benjamin Carnall

Photographers assistants: Emma Ercolani and Kadare Aliu
U p in value to around 1,475 from just over 991 at the start of the year, Ethereum (ETH) has had a good year to date, but its current value only puts it back to roughly where it was this time last year.

Like all cryptocurrencies, Ethereum (ETH) is volatile and strongly influenced by supply, demand, competition and sentiment.

Weve taken a look at how each of these four factors could affect ETH prices in the foreseeable future.

Supply

Unlike bitcoin , theres no total limit to how much ETH can be mined. However, there is an annual cap of 18,000,000.

But a major change to Ethereum last September altered the way in which and the rate at which ETH is supplied.

Prior to September 2022, miners were rewarded with 2 ETH for each block added to the Ethereum blockchain. While new blocks are added to bitcoins blockchain every 10 minutes, Ethereum blocks were added every 13 to 15 seconds.

Miners were also rewarded for creating so-called Uncle Blocks. An Uncle Block is created when two or more miners create blocks at the same time. Since only one can be added to the blockchain, the creators of blocks that arent added (Uncle Blocks) are compensated with between 0.06ETH and 1.75ETH.

While bitcoins value is derived, in part, from its scarcity, Ethereums supply doesnt currently have a bearing on its value. Assuming theres no immediate surge in demand for ETH, supply rates should remain relatively constant.

However, Ethereum has changed its consensus mechanism from proof of work to proof of stake.

In practical terms, this means ETH is no longer mined by those with the computational horsepower to guess a 64-character alphanumeric string from trillions of possible combinations.

Instead, it is mined by those with the greater probability of being chosen as a validator because of the amount of ETH theyve staked for the opportunity.

Under Ethereum 2.0, supply could decline by 2% annually, according to Ethereum tracker Ultra Sound Money. Rewards for adding a block to the Ethereum blockchain are more than 90% lower than they were under proof of work.

Verdict on supply: ETH prices have been trending upwards since the new consensus mechanism took effect. In general, prices are likely to keep rising.

Invest with a crypto brand trusted by millions Buy and sell 70+ cryptoassets on a secure, easy-to-use platform Own Crypto

Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in the UK. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

Demand

The number of daily Ethereum transactions gives us an indication of the demand for the asset. 1.07 million transactions were carried out on 7 June 2023, this is down from 1.14 million last month and significantly down from its all-time high of around 1.7 million transactions on 9 May 2022, but typical for the token.

The number of Google searches for the keyword Ethereum peaked in May last year before falling significantly. For 2023 so far, searches are continuing to trend downwards.

As you need an active Ethereum address to trade in ETH, the number of daily active addresses can also give us an indication of demand.

There were around 441,000 active Ethereum addresses as of 7 June, which is up from 357,000 last month but down significantly since Januarys peak of 631,000 active addresses.

Verdict on demand : Transactions and active addresses are trending downwards. Prices could follow suit. Active addresses, however, are up.

Competition

As the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, Ethereum is often pitted against the number one cryptocurrency, bitcoin.

While bitcoin was designed to only facilitate payments, Ethereum was designed to also facilitate dApps and smart contracts. But while, as such, the coins are not directly comparable, comparisons persist.

The merge of the two Ethereum blockchains in September moved Ethereum from being in competition with bitcoin and its proof of work consensus mechanism to being in competition with other altcoins that use proof of stake as a consensus mechanism, such as Cardano (ADA) and Solana (SOL).

The so-called crypto winter that wiped around 50% off the value of bitcoin and around 70% off the value of ETH since the start of 2022 has also affected Ethereums competition. Cardano (ADA) has fallen in value by around 60% since January and Solana (SOL) has fallen by around 80%, meaning Ethereums losses havent been its competitors gains.

Even stablecoins, created as less volatile alternatives to traditional crypto assets, have been negatively affected by global economic factors.

One recent change was the introduction of BRC-20 tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain, as an analogue to ERC-20 tokens. While there was an initial surge in interest in BRC-20 tokens such as Ordi and Pepe, prices fell sharply and it remains to be seen whether the new standard has any staying power.

Verdict on competition: With unchanged pressure from competitors, prices could remain flat or climb.

Sentiment

ETH prices are affected by peoples opinions of it.

Investors use fear and greed indices to gauge market sentiment. When an index shows a market is in a fear phase, it means asset holders are selling because theyre worried about prices falling. In a greed phase, traders are buying because they believe prices will increase and theyll make a profit.

The widely cited Crypto Fear & Greed Index at alternative.me currently says the crypto market (not ETH specifically) is in a Neutral state, which means people arent expecting prices to rise or fall. The indexs status is unchanged for the past few months, meaning sentiment hasnt changed either way.

Critics of fear and greed indices argue that while theyre useful for tracking sentiment, theyre not a good predictor of price movements, however.

ETH outflow from crypto exchanges can also be used to gauge sentiment. The more a currency is flowing out of an exchange and into wallets, the more is being held on to - perhaps in anticipation of price rises.

Withdrawals figures have gone through peaks and troughs all year, but outflow numbers are broadly flat for the year to date.

The merger of ETH1 and ETH2 is thought to have affected market sentiment positively too. Moving to a more sustainable consensus mechanism is seen as a positive by many, and could be a boon to ETHs value, but the merger has yet to affect prices in any significant way.

Verdict on sentiment: Prices may remain flat or rise in the medium term.

Invest with a crypto brand trusted by millions Buy and sell 70+ cryptoassets on a secure, easy-to-use platform Own Crypto
P erhaps no building style has drawn more passionate detractors than Brutalism, a post-war architecture movement that produced some of Londons most recognisable landmarks  from social housing to the Hayward Gallery.

Before he acceded to the throne King Charles III was one such critic of modern architecture, but for every vocal opponent theres a loyal fan who gets giddy over Denys Lasdun or dreams of a Barbican flat with all the modernist trimmings intact.

Weve rounded up 10 of the best Brutalist flats on the market now.

Barbican, EC2

825,000

Barbican Estate, EC2Y / Nicola Lee

Barrel vaulted one-bedroom flat on the top floor of Defoe House with south-facing reception. Blank slate interiors and no chain.

Nicola Lee, 020 3840 3426

Lambeth, SE11

600,000

Lollard Street, SE11 / Urban Spaces

Spacious one-bedroom apartment within gated Baylis Old School conversion. Balcony, utility room and second bathroom.

Urban Spaces, 020 3910 0873

Highgate, N19

475,000

Whittington Estate, N19 / Quicklister

Chain-free flat in Peter Tabori-designed Whittington Estate, within walking distance of Hampstead Heath. One bedroom plus study.

Quicklister, 020 3840 3908

Brixton, SW9

425,000

Clarewood Walk, SW9 / Dexters

Split-level, four-bedroom apartment in distinctive Southwyck House, close to Brixton stations, local shops and Brockwell Park.

Dexters, 020 8742 4140

Bethnal Green, E2

495,000

Claredale Street, E2 / Easthaus

Compact but smartly renovated one-bedroom flat in Keeling House, designed by Denys Lasdun of National Theatre fame.

Easthaus, 020 3909 6481

Highgate, N6

7 million

Swains Lane, N6 / Knight Frank

Remarkable four-bedroom house on the edge of Highgate Cemetery with a wealth of glazing. Integrated garage and cinema room.

Knight Frank, 020 3869 4758

Notting Hill, W10

1.15 million

Golbourne Road, W10 / The Modern House

Renovated apartment in Erno Goldfingers Trellick Tower, with three bedrooms, extra WC and utility space, plus herringbone floors.

The Modern House, 020 3834 8558

Bloomsbury, WC1N

750,000

Bernard Street, WC1N / Frank Harris & Co

Two-bedroom flat on the top floor of The Brunswick Centre in the heart of Bloomsbury. Unusual glazed reception room.

Frank Harris & Co, 020 7405 4444

City of London, EC1Y

500,000

Golden Lane Estate, EC1Y / Nicola Lee

Barrel vaulted top-floor apartment with one bedroom, separate kitchen and original built-in storage. Offered chain-free.

Nicola Lee, 020 3840 3426
When the Ang Lee adaptation of Annie Proulxs short story Brokeback Mountain premiered in 2005, there was a cultural struggle over the films identity. The synopsis - gay cowboy movie - was met by indignant critics who viewed this epithet as reductive, and instead cast the film as a universal love story which was only incidentally gay.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in Ang Lees 2005 version of Brokeback Mountain

In the Los Angeles Times, for instance, Kenneth Turan wrote that Brokeback Mountain is a deeply felt, emotional love story that deals with the uncharted, mysterious ways of the human heart just as many mainstream films have before it. The two lovers here just happen to be men. Despite good intentions, this reading undermined the film and novels main purpose, namely to explore and profile the effects of the closet. Some people got it, of course: Daniel Mendelsohn opened his criticism in the New York Review of Books by affirming that Brokeback Mountain is a tale about two homosexual men. Two gay men, skewering the reluctance to be explicit about the films themes and content from reviewers, the films promotional materials, and the Golden Globes, where the film was decorated with three major awards.

When it premiered, Brokeback Mountain wasnt necessarily radical cinema but it was provocative - with two, straight lead actors, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, playing out erotic homosexual fantasies. Mendez, the 41-year-old acclaimed author of Rainbow Milk, remembers the film as premiering at an opportune moment from a UK perspective  coming two years after the repealing of Section 28  it was the right film at the right time to demystify queer desire and critique the constraints gay men have faced.

Mendez, author of Rainbow Milk / Christa Holka

In 2023, such roles arent a risk to an actors career, and audiences have had greater insights into the lives and loves of gay men: the popular films Moonlight and Call Me By Your Name, adapted from stage and literature respectively, have delved into masculine desire, whilst in television the Channel 4 series Its A Sin documented the AIDs crisis in Britain and its specific devastation of gay male communities.

So as I queue to see the stage adaptation of the novel, at Nica Burnss new theater @sohoplace - Brokeback Mountain, a play with music - a question emerges: what is the value in a reappraisal when there is space to develop new, bolder, more confrontational queer narratives?

Manuel Harlen

Today, we find ourselves at yet another crossroads in terms of the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people: the Florida board in the United States has recently approved an expansion to the Dont Say Gay ban, and with rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime in Britain, an emboldened gender critical movement, and the recent National Conservatism conference preaching about the need for households to have a mother and a father.

Surely this is a time for us to be making and centering political art which fearlessly names and lionises the sexualities and gender identities of the people it portrays?

Brokeback Mountain, a play with music, sees director Jonathan Butterell and composer Dan Gillespie Sells reunite after the success of their collaboration on gay musical Everybodys Talking About Jamie, which follows a 16-year-old aspiring drag queen overcoming homophobic bullying to become an out and proud sensation.

That alone could ring alarm bells, but thankfully there is no such glitzy rainbow razzmatazz brought to Brokeback Mountain. Starring Emmy-winner Mike Faist and Oscar-nominee Lucas Hedges as Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar respectively, the play is true to the tense, masculine, aggressive, and feral tones of its source materials, although without the production of a Hollywood feature film, and running 40 minutes shorter, it is even more stripped back and reliant on audience imagination. It is emphasised as a play with music as opposed to a musical as neither of the lead actors sing, and its copy on the @sohoplace website describes it as an intense tale of an irresistible and hidden love spanning twenty years and its tragic consequences. Unsurprisingly, there are no results when you Ctrl + F for gay sex or homo.

Brokeback Mountain (Mark Seliger/PA)

Entering the theatre for a Friday evening performance, it is clear enough that the storys cult following is predominantly gay men, who make up the majority of the audience, a good proportion of them appearing to be over the age of 40. These men belong to a generation immersed in the discourse around the films original release  about its gayness, the heterosexuality of the lead actors etc.

I am not of this generation, and my cultural references are different but I still found myself profoundly moved by the play - its images of Jack and Ennis campside singing and playing the harmonica, their bodies on top of each other, hugging from behind, stroking each other - they were familiar scenes of affection which stirred a kind of romantic longing within me. I was surprised by my emotional response - I had anticipated the play to feel detached from my lived reality but I admit it had me thinking of past lovers, and even of times Ive felt scared to kiss or hold a partners hand in public.

Manuel Harlan

That the play is a sentimental story which can move you is of course politically important. Being exposed to depictions of tenderness, love, and the pleasure of gay sex can feel like a necessary reminder of the happiness denied to those who are forced into the traditional sphere of compulsory heterosexuality. But that question remains: given everything LGBTQ+ people face today, shouldnt we be making more radical stories?

Mendez, tells me that back in 2005, they watched Brokeback Mountain on DVD reluctantly, because a white gay friend insisted I saw it. They were reluctant because it was about two white men and a reminder of how the dominant narrative of gay culture excluded me. Mendez also felt that had the racial identity of at least one of the characters been different not only would their privacy have been impossible, because of segregation and the fact that they were being surveilled by their boss, but the film would not have been as successful. These arguments feel as on-point now, about the play, as they did then, about the film: post-Moonlight there is still an unfortunate dearth of Black gay male stories which tackle the specific complexities of forming relations as a Black gay man; a rehashing of the ultimate white ideal of gay cinema is arguably tired.

Mendezs novel, Rainbow Milk, deals with the spiritual ruin, and specter of eternal death, which haunts a Black gay Jamaican character raised in a family of Jehovahs witnesses, emphasising the impossible prospect of living openly in the presence of his family.

Rainbow Milk is currently being adapted for television and so perhaps a renaissance for more diverse gay stories with locations and realities more specific to diverse experiences is on the horizon, but for now we must be content with revisiting a canon which is overwhelmingly white and masculine.
Londons reputation on the global fashion map is maintained by a secret weapon: a constant stream of new, maverick designers.

By now, it is a well-oiled sewing machine. There are the schools: Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Westminster. The support systems: Fashion East and the British Fashion Councils NEWGEN. And the prizes: The Queen Elizabeth II Design Award, the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and The Woolmark Prize. Together they set the fledgling gang of Alexander McQueen hopefuls on the best trajectory possible.

Tomorrow, celebrations return as London Fashion Week runs for four days, with a scaled-down June offering. The slot, once reserved for menswear designers, is genderless in 2023. However, it remains male-centric and is followed by the mens collections of Milan and Paris. The spring/summer 2024 shows will be defined by a handful of headline shows each day, including Daniel W Fletcher, Saul Nash and Martine Rose. It promises to prove, once again, that inquisitive design is in this citys seams. As cult-favourite menswear designer Stefan Cooke puts it: London feels like the primordial ooze of menswear. So many talented designers have studied here and then gone on to change the menswear industry.

From the woman adding a queer, female touch to her menswear to the man bridging the gap between the West and West Africa and a breakout star from Mays CSM graduate collection  these are the names set to change how men dress:

Aaron Esh

Aaron Esh / PR handout

The name to drop around any art school-goers. Its about the feelings of sophistication, elegance and chic but dressing that boy walking down Kingsland High Street, says Aaron Esh, who founded his label after graduating from Central Saint Martinss MA Fashion in 2022. Look for the well-cut, muted-tone tailoring with subversive twists: waistcoats wrap up into halter neck tops, while puff skirt-cum-shorts are made with Gore-Tex. Im looking at the hallmarks of luxury fashion  tailoring, craft, beautiful fabrics, amazing fabric  but rooting it in realism, he says.

@aaron.esh

Derrick

Derrick / PR handout

As the son of Robin Derrick, former creative director of British Vogue, and make-up artist Lisa Eldridge, Luke Derrick had sure footing when entering fashion. His 2021 brand launch proved he had the skill to back it up, too. I want to resuscitate British tailoring and formalwear, creating collections that respond to the urgency of contemporary urban life, he says. The label celebrates a philosophy of designing to get away with it  for the era of on-the-move urban flux; from the Zoom call, to the Central line, to the office, and stepping out into the night. A recent highlight was meeting King Charles in May. The royal opinion was marvellous trousers, by the way, he says.

@lukederrick

Labrum

Labrum / PR handout

Labrum was the undisputed champion of Februarys fashion week, as the Sierra Leonean designer took over Brixton Village Market with the help of artist Yinka Illori. The result was an evening of music, poetry, dance and, importantly, a forward-thinking, tailored collection punctuated with stamp prints which spoke to his brand tagline: designed by an immigrant. It is a modern-day menswear brand telling the untold stories of West Africa and London to help bridge the cultural gap, says designer Foday Dumbuya, who founded the label in 2014. In May, he was presented with The Queen Elizabeth II Design Award by King Charles. Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of not only myself but the countless individuals who have supported me and my vision, he says.

@labrumlondon

SS Daley

SS Daley / PR handout

He is one of Londons leading lights. Last year, Daley benefited from the 300,000 LVMH Prize for young designers, and in February he boasted Ian McKellen on the catwalk and Anna Wintour sat on the front row. The brand looks to take the classic, traditional ideas of British heritage and subvert them into modern contexts, he says of his whimsical, Brideshead Revisited meets swoon-worthy sailor designs. His big break came after he dressed Harry Styles for his Golden music video in 2020, the same year he graduated from the University of Westminster. We started by selling and making the odd pair of trousers in my bedroom, and now we have a thriving direct-to-consumer business and global wholesale accounts, he says.

@ss_daley

JordanLuca

JordanLuca / PR handout

Design duo and real-life couple Jordan Bowen and Luca Marchetto are their own best advert  you can rely on spotting the Italian-born, London-based pair at every great party dressed in their sexy, slashed denim or collaboration pieces with Gucci and Lonsdale. Were inspired by the people we know and admire, and the collections are a response to our life together in London. Were not nostalgic and believe the best time is always now,  they say, of the brand they founded in 2018. Were self-referential designers and where we are from creates the clash between Italian heritage and the raw intensity of London. This city is still the best place to be creative and to be constantly inspired by its radical thinkers and visceral talent.

@jordanluca_ltd

Carlota Barrera

Carlota Barrera / PR handout

Barrera is the woman putting her stamp on genderless style. I founded the brand as a queer woman to present a modern vision of core garments through a very personal female gaze, she says. It is inspired by Spanish heritage, queer history and evolving gender identities. Her soft masculinity look, debuted in 2019, is defined by subtle cut-out shirts, slouchy suits and touches of bullfighting traje de luces uniforms. In part, she thanks London for her success. The city has always been a vibrant and diverse hub for the creative industry, and it has been particularly supportive of the inclusive fashion movement.

@carlotabarrera

Olly Shinder

Olly Shinder / PR handout

Shinder has great promise just one year into founding his label and leaving Central Saint Martins. For him, sexy techwear is king. Its about having fun with clothes and adding something new and beautiful to the world, the designer, best known for his way with zips, says. I sold my graduate collection to stores for spring/summer 2023, and in the last year have joined Dover Street Market Paris, an incubator who help me with the business parts of running a brand. He has had some help at home too  the debut designs were photographed by his boyfriend Wolfgang Tillmans, hinting at some priceless one-on-one brand consultancy.

@olly.shinder

Av Vattev

Av Vattev / PR handout

Av Vattev did not enjoy a smooth start. The Bulgarian designer founded his label in 2020, and was subsequently struck down by the pandemic. It was a tricky start, but it gave me the time to work on the brands values, he says. The core of Av Vattev is based on Seventies freedom of expression, coming from the music and performance scenes. His pattern cutting is excellent, meaning classic bowling shirts or tailored trousers are rejuvenated with applique panels in contrast shades. A bonus: 70 per cent of his output is made using deadstock fabrics.

@avvattev

Eden Tan

Eden Tan / PR handout

He was the star of Central Saint Martins BA Fashion graduate collection in May, and snagged the LOreal Professionnel Young Talent Award (which is more a prestige thing, but they give you 2,000, he says). He whipped up a frenzy making six looks without cutting any fabric off the rolls, which billowed into long trains as they closed the 134 collection show. I have been making use of different materials that were going to waste  making bags, wallets, keychains from bike tyres; bags from rugs; bags from jackets and more, he says. So these looks use folds, gathers and the odd slit here and there to edge close enough to archetypal clothes in the hope that people can suspend their disbelief that all theyre looking at is a roll of fabric wrapped around someone.

@edentan_

Daniel W Fletcher

Daniel W Fletcher / PR handout

Fletcher is one of the biggest names set to show this week, with a runway planned at The Royal Academy on Friday. Its my dream venue and I have a collaboration with Savile Row tailors Huntsman to create nine suits as part of the collection, he says. DWF is all about re-imagining British heritage. Whilst my inspiration comes from the familiar, the output is darker, sexier and consciously designed for the world today. The designer, who founded the label in 2015 and was appointed creative director of Fiorucci in 2019, is best recognised for sleek, contrast denim jackets and navy satin slacks and shirts.

@danielwfletcher

Saul Nash

Saul Nash / PR handout

Nashs dance-oriented label has benefited from all the support London has to offer. He began showing with talent incubator Fashion East in 2019 before becoming a recipient of the British Fashion Councils NEWGEN financial and mentorship support initiative last year. London has been extremely supportive. I think the magic here is that they really champion new talent and this is essential for emerging talent or young businesses, says the designer, who also won the Woolmark Prize and The Queen Elizabeth II Design Award in 2022. My brand creates technical garments which are cut and designed for the liberation of movement, he says.

@saul.nash

Stefan Cooke

Stefan Cooke / PR handout

This label has a diehard fanbase, as anyone cramming to get into their sample sale earlier this year can testify to. It was founded by partners Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt in 2017, and earned a name with slashed sweaters and upcycled handbags and trompe loeil printed slacks. When we started, we were trying to create the most intricate, beautifully crafted techniques in the most DIY way possible due to our financial circumstances. As the brand has grown, we no longer have the same total financial constraint, but we still try to push subverted, outsider techniques to a luxury level. Its hardcore craft refined to severity on neo-traditional menswear, says Cooke. We are so grateful to have a cult audience who we really identify with.

@stefan_cooke
It was but seven summers ago when the governments Social Mobility Commission said that if you wanted to be an investment banker a brown shoe was as positive for your career prospects as having a neck tattoo. That view seems prehistoric now.

But times change, people change, the world changes. No more so than in Downing Street. Or rather, when the occupant of Downing Street burdened himself on the British Border Force on Monday morning. His shoes were brown, they were big, and they were boots made by Timberland, the brand favoured by the late rapper TUPAC.

Some wags on Twitter suggested that his coastal visit was not so much about stopping the boats, as his party terms it, but rather should be about stopping the boots. As the old adage goes, Dont trust a man in brown shoes.

Rishi Sunaks Timberland boots have been mocked on social media this week / PA

He looked like a cross between a hipster lumberjack and a scout master from Stoke

We can only assume that the product of Winchester and Oxford - such as he is - was affecting what he thought was a man of action pose. In fact, he looked like a cross between a hipster lumberjack and a scout master from Stoke. You can only wonder who is advising him on his clothes. You might also wonder if that person has eyes.

One of the most interesting things was that those on twitter didnt so much make fun of the fact he was wearing boots with suit trousers and shirt, but rather that those boots were brown.

There has long been a peculiar snobbery about brown shoes. It all began with an off-hand comment by the supreme big-cheese that was Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India for Queen Victoria and Edward VII, a gentleman never wears brown in town he said. His influence ran large. And this rather silly pronouncement became almost gospel for the London beau monde. This was in his latter years, and as Winston Churchill said of Curzons career and life: The morning had been golden; the noontide was bronze; and the evening lead. So, perhaps that lead had gone to his head.

For those termed gentlemen the brown shoe was to only be worn in the brown mud of the countryside. For the rest of us, such mores never entered the mind. Why would it? A shoe is a shoe, after all.

Who can doubt the valour and dash of an RAF pilot. Before the first World War, pilots wore brown shoes. And they did so because the airfield dust would make a gents shoes unsmart. For the same reason, sailors in the navy wore black shoes because of the coal and tar. Practicality reigned supreme and sensibly so.

Shoes, for some, carry a message. Sometimes that message is rather forthright. As in when the Wrexham striker Paul Mullin wore boots with the words f*** the tories plastered across them. The club let it slide once, but decreed it was too rich a brew for them. Our cousins across the ocean are more direct in their ire. In 2016, one of the Vice Presidents of New Balance trainers, Matt LeBretton, said things are going to move in the right direction. He was referring to the presidency of Donald Trump. He added for good measure that under President Obama, a deaf ear had been turned to New Balance. It remains unclear what level of importance trainers rate in the day to day workload of a US president. Many people, it was reported, burned their New Balance trainers.

More than the fact the Prime Minister was wearing boots, is that those boots came from New Hampshire in the US of A. Was it some political message? / Getty Images

The Prime Minister is not the first politician to be lampooned for their choice of shoes. In 2019 Diane Abbott was eviscerated for wearing two odd shoes. To be fair, we have all had those half-awake moments. Much to my mothers annoyance I havent worn matched socks probably since the London Olympics in 2012. Mornings are not easy, after all.

More than the fact the Prime Minister was wearing boots, and boots of brown at that, is that those boots came from New Hampshire in the US of A. Was it some political message?

Perhaps some inducement to President Biden to do a favourable trade deal. Who can say. But one thing is clear, as a country, its time to stop the boots, Prime Minister.
A n actor has told how he was coerced into performing simulated sex acts in a fake Skype audition by the con queen of Hollywood  who was posing as a female film producer.

Hargobind Tahilramani, 43, is facing extradition to the US accused of being the mastermind of a 1.0 million US dollar (800,000) scam against more than 300 victims between 2013 and 2020.

He is said to have used fake accents and altered his voice to sound like female film executives to fool industry professionals, including actors, screenwriters and photographers.

Actor and writer Eoin OBrien, 45, told the PA news agency he was left 15,000 dollars (12,000) out of pocket after he was contacted by someone posing as Hollywood producer Deborah Snyder  who is known for working with her director husband Zack Snyder on films including 300 and Watchmen.

I was coerced into performing simulated sex acts over Skype by the con queen in the guise of an audition. When I discovered it wasnt who he claimed and also a male I felt violated

Convinced he was in the running for a breakthrough role in a DC Justice League film, Mr OBrien, who is from Dublin, said he was pressured to go all out in a one-way video audition.

I was coerced into performing simulated sex acts over Skype by the con queen in the guise of an audition, he said.

When I discovered it wasnt who he claimed and also a male I felt violated.

Mr OBrien flew to Jakarta at his own expense having been promised a 5,000 dollar (4,000) fee before handing over thousands of dollars for shooting permits, which he was assured would be reimbursed.

But after four days of being driven to remote locations, Bangkok-based Mr OBrien realised he had been scammed and fled Indonesia in the middle of the night.

He has now written an upcoming film, Kiss Of The Con Queen, based on his experience, which is currently in production.

Directed by Tom Waller, Mr OBrien stars alongside Sleeping With the Enemy star Patrick Bergin and Ravi Patel as the con queen.

This guy would just crush people for fun and sexually harass people, including myself, for his personal gratification, said Mr OBrien.

Posing as a female Hollywood producer, the con queen used my dreams as bait, defrauded me of thousands, coerced me into simulated sex acts over Skype in the guise of an audition, and got me to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

Ironically, by overcoming this experience Ive earned what he used as bait  my dream of playing a lead role in a big film.

Tahilramani was arrested following an FBI investigation in November 2020 in a 60-a-night Aparthotel, in Manchester, where he had allegedly claimed to be a writer for Netflix and said he needed 10 rooms because he was working for The Bourne Identity director Doug Liman.

He faces an eight-count indictment in California including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, and five counts of aggravated identity theft, carrying a maximum penalty of two years each.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring this week approved his extradition to the US and sent the case to Home Secretary Suella Braverman for a formal decision following an extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Tahilramani entered the UK in late 2016 and has claimed asylum, having lived in the country illegally after his entry visa expired, and his claim will have to be determined before he is extradited.

The court heard there are a large number of victims, including some UK victims who are not subject to the US indictment or prosecution and his lawyers claimed a substantial amount of the alleged conduct took place while he was in the UK.

But he has not been charged with any offences in the UK and Mr OBrien said: I want him to face justice for what he did to all of his victims, not just those in the US.

He was living in Britain and committed a lot of his scams there, so why is he only being tried in the US for US victims?

What about all the British and Irish victims?

Once he had been arrested in Manchester I thought he would be charged.

But the British authorities have washed their hands of fraud and sex crimes by sending him to the US.

The one thing I agree with him about is that a UK courtroom would be a great place for us to meet and see him face justice for every victim he abused, especially in the UK from where he ran his operation.

The Home Secretary must hold him to account here first.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We do not comment on individual cases.
T he family of an innocent student gunned down in a mistaken identity murder in west London have vowed that his killers will be brought to justice as a 20k reward was offered on the third anniversary of his death.

Alexander Kareem - whose sister is a serving Metropolitan Police officer - was shot near his home in Shepherds Bush in the early hours of June 8 2020.

He was carrying sweets and fizzy drinks riding an e-scooter as he returned from a local shop. Police believe he was gunned down by someone inside a white Range Rover.

The car - which had fake plates and was stolen - was later found burnt out just three miles away, while 9mm ammunition was recovered from the scene. The firearm was never recovered.

Alexander Kareem / PA Archive

Nine people, including a boy aged 16, were arrested over the 20-year-olds death but have been released and told they will face no further action.

The young mans sister PC Khafi Kareem described how the death had left a hole in their hearts and that she asks herself daily if she is doing enough to apprehend the killers.

The mother of two, who has a large social media following after appearing on Nigerian Big Brother, said: Our world has been shattered. I cannot put a plaster on my mothers heart, the hole will be there forever.

Our lives have been changed forever. Those who did this think they may have got away with this but they havent. This is not over we are convinced they will be caught. They may even hand themselves in, how can they live with this on their conscience? We will not give up. I hear Alexs voice spurring us on.

Kabir Kareem and Khafi Kareem, the brother and sister of Alexander Kareem / PA

Ms Kareem added: People in the community know who the killers are. Please come forward, my brother was totally innocent, not in a gang or connected with anything. He was shot by mistake in the most brutal way, we cannot live in a London like this. I have young children how can we accept this? I used to be a person who went out and didnt worry about anything even if its was late. That has changed now I worry, everything is different.

Alexanders older brother Kabir Kareem has spoken of his fear of reprisals from the criminals who murdered his brother but ruled out moving away from the area he was brought up.

He said: I think that would be letting Alex down. We must find these people, they could be around me in the community which is a frightening thought but we need justice. My brother was buying sweets in a shop and was shot dead for nothing. This cannot be allowed to happen.

PA

He described how his brother was looking forward to going to university. He had taught himself how to build a computer and was tipped to be the first millionaire in the family.

Police are hoping a 20k Crimestoppers reward will help produce new lines of inquiry as part of the inquiry dubbed operation SAVEH.

Detective inspector Rebecca Woodsford said: We are hoping the reward will help, with the cost of living crisis 20k is a lot of money. Also maybe someone who knows something and has not been to us previously may be in a better position now to give information. Maybe they are older and have had time to reflect. We are determined to get these people.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 4830/07 JUN23. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A retired colonel, who was the deputy director of the Governments Covid-19 task force, has been cleared of falsely claiming 43,470 to pay his childrens boarding school fees.

Prosecutors said Marcus Reedman, 51, claimed continuity of education allowance (CEA) payments to help fund his three childrens 75,000-a-year private school fees, which matched his entire British Army salary.

Reedmans last job was as the deputy director of the Covid-19 task force with the rank of acting brigadier.

During his Army career, he was pictured alongside the King, who was then the Prince of Wales, and David Cameron, who was prime minister at the time.

Prosecutors said he cheated the system to dishonestly collect taxpayers money while he was posted to a desk job at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in Whitehall.

Reedmans eldest daughter and son attended Brighton College, costing about 30,000 each a year, while his youngest daughter was a daygirl at the Marlborough House prep school in Kent, for which no CEA was claimed.

To be eligible for the scheme  aimed at allowing the children of service personnel to stay at the same school while their serving parent is posted around the country or abroad  he had to be accompanied by his wife, Astrid Reedman.

He was alleged to have wrongly claimed the payments while she and his family were living at the family home in Rye, East Sussex, instead of his residence at work address (RWA) in Biggin Hill, south-east London.

The soldier, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, told jurors he was serving accompanied throughout the period October 1 2016 until August 17 2017.

He was acquitted of fraud by a jury at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday after 15 hours of deliberation.

His supporters in the public gallery cheered and he bowed to Judge Nicholas Rimmer before leaving the court.

Giving evidence, Reedman said he attended a prep school before completing state education and joined the Army aged 23.

He told jurors he decided to send his children to private school because his daughter was being severely bullied.

But he said he was not wedded to the idea and denied he had dishonestly defrauded the MoD.

When asked if he had moved to Biggin Hill alone, he said: No, I moved with my family, and told the jury his wife had not moved back to Rye by October 2016.
T he driver in the Croydon tram disaster broke down in court as he told jurors: In some ways I held myself responsible.

Alfred Dorris, 49, was allegedly going three times the speed he was supposed to be doing before his tram derailed on a sharp curve at Sandilands in south London, killing seven passengers and seriously injuring 19 more.

Dorris is on trial at the Old Bailey for failing to take reasonable care of the health and safety of himself and his 69 passengers on Tram 2551 on November 9 2016.

The prosecution alleged Dorris may have had a micro-sleep or become disorientated before the crash.

On Thursday, Dorris broke down in front of victims families when he gave evidence for the first time in Court One of the Old Bailey.

In some ways I held myself responsible for what happened. I could not explain how it happened

He became distressed and wiped away tears as he described being arrested and put in the back of a police van after the crash, having never been in trouble before.

The married father-of-one said: I was told that I was being arrested for manslaughter because of multiple fatalities.

I was broken. I could not believe what I was hearing.

On arrival at a police station, he said: I broke down. One of the officers kind of put his hand on my shoulder, tapped me in a reassuring way that was quite nice, to be honest. I was taken to a police cell.

By then, he said the adrenalin was starting to wear off and he felt sick and suffered physical pain in his right side.

Later, he was released under investigation and took his family to stay in a hotel for four weeks due to the intense media interest in the disaster.

On his state of mind at the time, he said: I was just all over the place, just broken, disbelief at what had happened.

In some ways I held myself responsible for what happened. I could not explain how it happened.

The defendant said lighting in the tunnel on the approach to the sharp turn where the derailment happened was inconsistent, and in the dark he had to rely on his route knowledge and experience as a driver.

Defence barrister Miles Bennett said: You said one of the issues causing you upset just after the event and into 2017 was you could not piece together in your mind what had happened and how you got to this state.

Even with the passage of time now are you able to tell the jury how it is you became disorientated?

The defendant replied: No.

Dorris said he had got confused before the crash but not due to a lack of concentration as it had been a normal average day up until that point.

He went on to describe how he continued to struggle with what happened and reached his lowest point during the lockdown when he was unable to start treatment for severe case of PTSD.

For me being in lockdown with my family suffering as I was I just got worse and worse, a ticking timebomb waiting to go off and the family was in the firing line.

One day I just lost control and me and my wife at the time had an altercation and I became very aggressive towards her and that was the beginning of the end of my marriage and we separated.

That was the last time I saw my family, the last time I saw my daughter.

The defendant said he was excused from taking part in the inquest into the victims deaths.

Mr Bennett asked whether he regarded tram driving as just a job.

The defendant replied: I was proud of my job. I enjoyed my job. What I was doing was important to me.

For me, I was always on time, smartly dressed. My appearance was really important to me. Im wearing a uniform so Im representing the company. I wanted to leave a good impression and be proud.

On his attitude to driving, he told jurors: For me it was all about customer comfort. I want them to feel they had a comfortable ride, always smooth. Thats my driving style.

Mr Bennett asked: Did you have any problems with fatigue when you went onto permanent earlies working on the trams?

Dorris replied: No, never.

Asked what he would have done if he had felt tired before a shift, he said: I could have just explained I was not feeling fit to work and they would sign me off.

The court heard how Dorris had applied to work on the trams in 2008 as a stepping stone to realise his ambition of becoming a train driver on the railways.

He underwent 13 weeks of training, which involved learning the route and becoming competent in driving and manoeuvring the tram.

Since qualifying, he said there had been only a few occasions he needed to use the emergency or hazard section of the traction brake controller when people had walked in front of the train.

Previously, he had also worked early shifts as a bus driver and a milkman.

He had never felt sleepy or fatigued in those jobs, preferring the hours because they fitted around my family life, he said.

In his job as a bus driver, his only accident had been a little scuff with a car at Sloane Square on his first day out on his own, the defendant said.

Dorris, from Beckenham, south-east London, denies a single charge of failing to take reasonable care at work under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
S ome aspects of the City of Edinburgh Councils short-term let licensing policy are unlawful, a judge has ruled.

Landlords and a property marketing company (the petitioners) took legal action against the council over its short-term let (SLT) licensing policy and welcomed the ruling as a victory for law and common sense.

The policy, due to come into force in October, comes amid concern about the high number of short-term lets such as Airbnb-type properties in the Scottish capital.

The four petitioners challenged what is described as a rebuttable presumption against granting licences for secondary letting in tenements.

This would place the onus on the applicant to show why their application should still be granted notwithstanding the policy.

They also challenged the absence of any regime for temporary licences for secondary letting, and a requirement in respect of all secondary lets that bedrooms, living rooms and hallways must be covered by a suitable floor covering such as a carpet.

Following a judicial review, Lord Braid found the rules around the rebuttable presumption are irrational, since they do not support the statutory purpose of the licensing regime. As such, they are unlawful.

In relation to temporary licences, he found the policy is unlawful at common law insofar as it does not provide for the grant of temporary licences for secondary letting.

He also found the rules on floor coverings unlawful, stating: To the extent that the policy requires carpets for all secondary lets, including ground floor flats and detached houses, I consider that it is irrational and, to the extent that it could expose a licence holder to significant expense for no good reason, it is oppressive and does go beyond what is necessary to control noise.

Those opposing the scheme donated more than 300,000 through crowdfunding to help fund the judicial review at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

In a statement afterwards, the petitioners said: As the largest crowdfunded case in the history of the UK, the petitioner team are deeply grateful to the many small, local businesses that supported the campaign financially in such uncertain times.

We have yet to fully digest the detail of the decision but we hope that this will give common cause to both the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council to seek a fresh approach that aims to collaborate and work with local operators of self-catering accommodation, recognising the many good things it brings to the economy and people of Scotland.

The impact of this will not be confined to the capital as the decision has ramifications for licensing schemes across Scotland

The Association of Scotlands Self-Caterers welcomed the decision.

Its chief executive Fiona Campbell said: The fact this was the biggest Crowdfunder in Scottish legal history demonstrates the strength of feeling that the councils licensing plans were an existential threat to the livelihoods of operators.

The impact of this will not be confined to the capital as the decision has ramifications for licensing schemes across Scotland.

The Scottish Government need to go back to the drawing board on short-term let regulation and engage constructively with industry to provide a regulatory framework that works for all stakeholders.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day said: Ive received todays judgment and am pleased that weve been successful in defending large parts of our policy.

While Im obviously disappointed that the court didnt find in favour of our policy on secondary lets, I make absolutely no apology for seeking to protect our residents.

Its no secret that we face unique housing pressures here in Edinburgh, with a small but densely populated city centre and fast growing population, and its crucial for us to strike the right balance between promoting our visitor economy while looking after the people that live here all year round.

Our residents have told us that, in many cases, STLs are hollowing out their communities, reducing housing supply and increasing housing costs. We cant forget that many have endured years of disturbance and anti-social behaviour and we will continue to work hard to get this right.

The court acknowledged our intention to find a solution to this and agreed that it was legitimate to use both planning and licensing policy. We welcome the clarity hes provided and will now consider our next steps in more detail.

We remain committed to ensuring the whole city benefits from our thriving visitor economy, but it has to be managed and it has to be sustainable  and I continue to believe that fair and effective STL controls would be an important step in the right direction.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The challenge was specific to the City of Edinburgh Councils implementation of the short-term let licensing scheme, it was not a challenge to the licensing scheme itself.

The short-term lets licensing scheme has been in force for the whole of Scotland since October 2022. It allows local authorities and communities to take action to manage issues more effectively in response to local circumstances.

The core component of our licensing scheme is a mandatory set of safety standards that apply to all short-term lets which are vital to ensure the safety of guests and neighbours.
F ormer health secretary Matt Hancock feared being pushed down an escalator by an anti-vaccination protester who accused him of murdering people during the coronavirus pandemic, he told a court.

Geza Tarjanyi, 62, of Leyland in Lancashire, who has denied causing harassment without violence, is accused of shoulder-barging the MP and shouting ridiculous conspiracy theories on two separate occasions on January 19 and 24.

Mr Hancock told a trial at Westminster Magistrates Court: As a public figure, I cant recall a time when I felt as intimidated as this.

I felt physically intimidated and felt like I needed to get to a place of safety, he (Tarjanyi) was being completely unreasonable. I didnt know what further unreasonable actions he would take

On the first occasion, Mr Hancock, along with a member of his staff, passed an anti-vaccination protest near Parliament, before Tarjanyi filmed him, asked him why he had killed so many people and shoulder-barged him during a five-minute interaction.

Appearing in person as a witness, the MP told the court: I felt physically intimidated and felt like I needed to get to a place of safety, he was being completely unreasonable.

I didnt know what further unreasonable actions he would take.

Mr Hancock went on: It made me feel unsafe going about my place of work, it made me feel frustrated that instead of engaging in a normal debate, someone was trying to intimidate me, I thought that was unacceptable.

He added: I had a pretty good impression he had been taken over by these ridiculous conspiracy theories.

A few days later, at around 8am, after Mr Hancock had had breakfast with the Prime Minister, Tarjanyi followed the MP through Westminster underground station and onto a train for around 10 minutes, again accusing him of murdering people.

Mr Hancock said he recognised the defendant and felt more intimidated because he was on his own and tried to get Transport for London (TfL) staff to intervene.

But he told the court that Tarjanyi began harassing anybody who was going to come to my aid and continued following him through the station.

Mr Hancock said he then stopped at the top of an escalator to resolve the situation but felt the defendant pushing him towards it.

He said: Obviously I was extremely worried at this time. If I had lost my balance at that point, I would have tumbled down the escalator.

I had to work to maintain my balance and stop myself falling down the escalator

Its a long escalator, I could see a long escalator moving away from me, and I was being pushed from behind.

I had to work to maintain my balance and stop myself falling down the escalator.

The former health secretary feared Tarjanyi was willing to commit a crime, alleging the defendant had told him he wanted to go to court.

He added: One of the reasons I hadnt reported the incident on January 19 was because I dont want these people with these untrue beliefs to get further publicity from harassing me.

Tarjanyi then got onto the Jubilee Line train with Mr Hancock and accused him of murdering millions of people before they were separated at Bond Street station.

The defendants mobile phone footage of the second incident, played to the court, showed him calling Mr Hancock a murderous scumbag and saying lockdown amounted to the harassment of the country due to his lies and deceit.

You (Mr Hancock) exaggerated what happened on both of these occasions either to get sympathy or to stop Mr Tarjanyi saying what he wished to say

Nutan Fatania, prosecuting, said: Mr Hancock felt shaken up by both incidents and concerned for his personal safety.

Mr Hancock told her: I didnt get on the Tube for some time after because I didnt want any further incidents that put my safety at risk.

Parveen Mansoor, defending, said Tarjanyi denies any physical contact and believes it was Mr Hancock who barged into him.

She added: He denies assaulting him in any way shape or form.

Ms Mansoor suggested Mr Hancock had not been pushed during the incidents, arguing the defendant merely walked into him after he stopped.

Mr Hancock responded: Oh please  the idea that it was my fault he walked into me is ridiculous.

Ms Mansoor went on: You exaggerated what happened on both of these occasions either to get sympathy or to stop Mr Tarjanyi saying what he wished to say.

The MP told the court: I wouldnt make such an accusation lightly, and I certainly wouldnt if it was untrue.

Asked again why the first incident was not reported, Mr Hancock replied: I didnt want to give him the oxygen of publicity for wholly false and dangerous conspiracy theories.

Mr Hancock, 44, was health secretary when the coronavirus pandemic struck and was a key figure in the lockdown restrictions and vaccine rollout that followed.

He resigned after leaked CCTV images showed him kissing an adviser in his office, in breach of his own social-distancing guidance.

Mr Hancock later angered colleagues and constituents by flying to the Australian jungle to appear on Im A Celebrity  Get Me Out Of Here! in November 2022.

Having been stripped of the Conservative whip over the appearance, he said he would not contest his West Suffolk seat at the next election when he would step down.

The trial has been adjourned until July 4.
F ormer Health Secretary Matt Hancock feared he was about to be shoved down a Tube escalator during a confrontation with an anti-vaccine protestor, a court has heard.

The MP for West Suffolk claims he was harassed by Geza Tarjanyi, 63, during two incidents in January, when he was pursued on his walk towards Parliament and as he took a London Underground train.

Giving evidence, Mr Hancock said he had just finished breakfast in Downing Street with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on January 24 when he was pursued by Tarjanyi.

He said he recognised the man from an incident five days earlier, when he says Tarjanyi shoulder-barged him on a walk to Parliament while persistently shouting questions and accusations.

Videos were played to the court, showing Tarjanyi in the first incident accusing Mr Hancock of murdering people as the MP walked down the street.

After Mr Hancock enters the Parliamentary estate, Tarjanyi can be heard calling him a murdering scumbag and suggesting he and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been murdering people withe vaccines.

Mr Hancock said both incidents left him feeling intimidated and in fear, and he accused Tarjanyi of shoving him during the second incident as they went into Westminster tube station.

Im trying to get on to the escalator, to get away from him, and he was now having a go at the person who had come to my aid, he said.

At this stage, I didnt know what I was going to do to get away from him.

I felt extremely intimidated, I also felt the behaviour was outrageous.

He said Tarjanyi had accused him of murdering millions of people, repeated a conspiracy theory popular with anti-vaxxers about a US drug, and allegedly shouted at him repeatedly before they reached the station.

Geza Tarjanyi (PA) / PA Archive

The man pushed into me, and I felt myself being pushed towards the top of the escalator, the MP said.

Obviously I was extremely worried at this time. If I had lost my balance at that point, I would have tumbled down the escalator. Its a long escalator, I could see a long escalator moving away from me, and I was being pushed from behind.

I had to work to maintain my balance and stop myself falling down the escalator.

Tarjanyi is accused of haranguing Mr Hancock during the short Tube ride to Bond Street, when the MP was accompanied by a Transport for London worker to safety.

He carried on shouting at me and members of the public, it was quite a packed train, and members of the public on the train tried to pursuade him to desist, said Mr Hancock.

I felt intimidated.

He said Tarjanyi was heard saying Ive been arrested 16 times and I want to go to court, and Mr Hancock told the court: This made me alarmed.

If you have been to court before, you would be prepared to commit a crime in order to get there. That obviously made me feel unsafe.

Mr Hancock said he is aware of a haphazard protest camp in Whitehall, believing it to be occupied by conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers.

He said their views are ridiculous, and told the court he is anxious not to help them gain extra publicity.

I didnt want to encourage people to harass me, and I didnt want conspiracy theories to get further traction as they are wholly inaccurate.

By this stage, I knew the man in question was prepared to do what it takes to end up in court. It puts you in a very difficult position as a public figure.

In the video of the Tube station incident Tarjanyi mentions the drug hydroxychloroquine, which Mr Hancock said was another indicator that the man shouting at him was a conspiracy theorist.

It was thought by some people that hydroxychloroquine would cure you from Covid, or help if you caught Covid, he said.

There were a number of people who didnt rely on the scientific evidence, including President Donald Trump. It (hydroxychloroquine) was then tested in a scientific, rigorous clinical trial in the UK and the results were found it had no impact on the treatment of Covid.

He told the court he is regularly stopped by the public for selfies, questions, and polite conversation, but said of Tarjanyi: This felt materially different from normal interactions with the public.

He added: In my time as a public figure, I cant recall a time when I felt as intimidated as this.

In the Tube train incident, Tarjanyi mentioned Mr Hancocks recent stint on Im a Celebrity....Get Me Out Of Here, and shouts: You are a celebrity? Get you in prison.

Tarjanyi is also heard calling a TfL worker an idiot and being told by Tube passengers to stop shouting.

Parveen Mansoor, defending, said Tarjanyi denies any physical contact and believes it was Mr Hancock who barged into him.

She added: He denies assaulting him in any way shape or form.

Ms Mansoor suggested Mr Hancock had not been pushed during the incidents, arguing the defendant merely walked into him after he stopped.

Oh please, replied Mr Hancock. The idea that it was my fault he walked into me is ridiculous.

Ms Mansoor went on: You exaggerated what happened on both of these occasions either to get sympathy or to stop Mr Tarjanyi saying what he wished to say.

The MP told the court: I wouldnt make such an accusation lightly, and I certainly wouldnt if it was untrue.

Tarjanyi, from Leyland in Lancashire, filmed himself in the two interactions with Mr Hancock, and denies the charge of harassment.

He says there was no deliberate physical contact, he accuses Mr Hancock of barging into him, and he denies his behaviour amounted to harassment.

The court heard he says he is a journalist who was exercising his rights to question a public figure.

The trial has been adjourned until July 4.
D ramatic footage has been released of the chaotic moments inside a Croydon police station after a Met Police Sergeant was shot dead by a handcuffed suspect.

Louis De Zoysa, 25, is accused of murdering Sgt Matt Ratana with an antique revolver after he had been caught by police carrying ammunition and cannabis.

Police did not discover the gun when he was taken into custody, Northampton crown court has heard, and Sgt Ratana was shot in the chest during the process of booking in De Zoysa.

Footage shown to jurors and released on Thursday shows De Zoysa being spoken to by Sgt Ratana, who introduces himself and explains the possible charges he faces.

When the Sergeant tells De Zoysa he is about to be searched, the alleged gunman is seen standing up and contorting his body.

In the moments after the shooting, other police officers are seen bundling De Zoysa to the ground in the cell.

De Zoysa was himself shot in the neck in the incident, while Sgt Ratana was rushed to hospital but died from the gunshot wound.

Imran Khan KC, defending, told the jury on Wednesday De Zoysa said he was suffering an autistic meltdown at the time of the shooting and did not mean to or want to kill Sergeant Ratana, or to cause him really serious harm.

Opening the case on Wednesday, prosecutor Duncan Penny KC described the footage: Louis De Zoysa was holding the gun in his right hand. He fired the gun directly at the chest of Sergeant Ratana.

A second shot, fired a second after the first shot, hit Sgt Ratana in the leg but was not the fatal wound, the court heard.

Moments after the fatal first round was fired, Mr Penny said, another police officer was continuing to pull De Zoysa backwards.

The Crowns barrister added: At the time, the gun was in Louis De Zoysas right hand. At the same time, Louis De Zoysas right hand was lifted up towards the right side of Louis De Zoysas head.

The actions of Louis De Zoysa and (the male officer struggling with him) both affected where the gun was pointing. Their actions combined to make the gun point up towards the left wall of the cell.

As the gun was raised, Louis De Zoysa fired the gun a third time. The shot hit the left wall of the cell.

Mr Penny said the male officer then wrestled De Zoysa to the ground while a female officer took hold of her taser and tried to fire it twice.

In the 16 seconds after the shot hit the wall, the jury was told, De Zoysa was on the floor on his left side  with his gun underneath him.

A muffled bang was then heard, which the prosecution say was the fourth shot which caused the injuries to De Zoysa.

Mr Penny said: Any electrical charge from the taser cannot have caused Louis De Zoysa to fire the fourth shot because the gunshot can be heard before the taser.

On Thursday, a ballistics expert demonstrated to a jury how the antique revolver worked, and gave jurors the chance to hold the weapon and fire plastic bullets from it.

Forensic scientist and ballistics expert Anthony Miller explained that the gun was loaded with dummy bullets and was completely safe to be used in the court room, although it was aimed at the ceiling while being fired as an extra precaution.

Mr Miller told the court he had examined the revolver and the ammunition that was recovered after the incident.

Asked by prosecutor Duncan Penny KC if the gun went off by accident during his rigorous testing, Mr Miller said it did not.

Speaking in short and simple sentences so De Zoysa, who suffered brain damage after being hit in the neck by a bullet during the incident, could follow proceedings, Mr Miller said: I dropped it on the ground, I struck it with a cloth-faced hammer and I generally treated it roughly.

The prosecution alleges De Zoysa pulled the trigger on purpose four times while he was handcuffed in a holding room at the custody centre in Croydon, south London, on September 25 2020.

The first and second shots hit Sgt Ratana, the third hit the wall during a struggle with officers and a fourth hit De Zoysa himself.

Prosecutors say the gun and holster were probably concealed under one of his armpits when he was first arrested.

De Zoysa had been detained on London Road, Norbury, south London, during the early hours of September 25 2020 after a stop and search by officers found he had cannabis and seven rounds of ammunition on him, put handcuffed in the back of a police van and taken to the custody centre.

De Zoysa, who sat in the dock in a wheelchair alongside an intermediary, has denied murder.

The trial continues.
A n armed robber who targeted bookmakers across south and southeast London has been jailed following an operation by the Met Polices Flying Squad.

Michael Lindo, 41, of no fixed address, was sentenced to eight years at Croydon Crown Court on June 7 after pleading guilty to 15 offences relating to nine armed and attempted armed robberies last year.

From May to September 2022, Lindo stole 9,000 from bookmakers where often there was a lone female member of staff.

Detective sergeant Paul Bartlett, from the Mets Flying Squad, said: Lindo is a prolific and dangerous man who thought nothing of terrifying the victims in these incidents in order to get what he wanted.

These are people who were going about their work as normal when they were thrust into situations in which they feared for their lives.

The effects of these kind of incidents cant be underestimated; there may be no physical injury but the psychological impact can be devastating.

Lindo would enter the premises, face hidden by a mask, before approaching the counter and demanding cash from the cashier / Met Police

It is no exaggeration to say that London is a safer place with him behind bars.

In September 2022, the Flying Squad began conducted surveillance on Lindo who was also on licence having served six of an 11-year sentence for a previous armed robbery offence.

He was then arrested on September 20 after he entered a bookmakers in Tooting.

The Flying Squad had gathered a large volume of CCTV surveillance, witness testimony and forensic data, which caused Lindo to plead guilty.

His offences included:

- 6 May 2022: Armed robbery of a betting shop in Lower Addiscombe Road Croydon - 3,342 stolen

- 11 June: Attempted armed robbery of a betting shop in Brockley Road, SE4

- 11 June: Attempted armed robbery of a betting shop in Milkwood Road, SE24

- 11 June: Attempted armed robbery of a betting shop in Acorn Parade, SE15

- 11 August: Armed robbery of a betting shop in Croydon Road, SE20 - 700 stolen

- 15 August: Armed robbery of a betting shop in Brixton Hill, SW2 - 4,500 stolen

- 3 September: Armed robbery of a betting shop in Streatham Road - 475 stolen

- 3 September: Attempted armed robbery of a betting shop in Streatham Road

- 20 September: Attempted armed robbery of a betting shop in London Road, SW17
R ussian racing driver Nikita Mazepin has lost the latest round of a High Court fight with British government ministers after being made subject to sanctions in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Mazepin, 24, used to race in Formula 1 for Haas and is looking for a new team.

He wants sanctions lifted and has taken legal action against Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

A judge is due to oversee a trial on July 19.

Lawyers representing Mr Mazepin on Thursday asked Mr Justice Linden, at a High Court hearing in London, to suspend sanctions in the interim so he could travel to Britain and begin negotiations with Formula 1 teams based in the UK as soon as possible.

The judge dismissed their application.

I accept ... that the perception may arise, at least in some sections of the public, that there are always ways around the UK sanctions regime

Government lawyers had said Mr Mazepins application for interim relief should be refused.

Judges have heard that Mr Mazepin and his father, Dmitry Mazepin  a Russian businessman  had been made subject to sanctions in mid-March 2022.

They have heard how Haas had terminated its relationship with Mr Mazepin in early March 2022, following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and he had not driven for a Formula 1 team since.

Mr Mazepin and his father are subject to an asset freeze and travel ban, judges have heard.

Lawyers representing the Government said sanctions were a key aspect of Britains attempts to address the situation in Ukraine.

They raised concern about what the public perception would be if Mr Mazepins application was granted.

The claimant is a relatively prominent public figure and a racing driver, said the judge.

I accept  that the perception may arise, at least in some sections of the public, that there are always ways around the UK sanctions regime.

He said he was quite satisfied that the balance of evidence weighed against granting interim relief.

The judge suggested that, in any event, Mr Mazepin would struggle to negotiate a contract with an F1 team until his claim for relief from sanctions had been finally resolved.

Lawyers representing Mr Mazepin argue that he has been sanctioned only because he is his fathers son.

They told the judge there was no evidence that he supported the Russian regime or Russias actions in Ukraine  and argued that the sanctions were unfair and draconian.
E urostar passengers are facing railway strikes and the suspension of the route to Disneyland Paris and Amsterdam.

In a blow to leisure and business travel, the direct link from Kings Cross, London to Marne-la-Vallee for Disneyland Paris was suspended on June 7 until the end of 2023. Passengers will need to change at Lille or Paris Gare du Nord as part of changes announced last year.

Also the direct link between Kings Cross and Amsterdam will be suspended from June 2024 until, at least, May 2025. This is to enable major engineering work at Amsterdam Centraal. The connection with Rotterdam will also be suspended.

Amsterdam Centraal has been served from London since 2018 and is to undergo a seven-year renovation to create more space, as passenger numbers are expected to grow by one-third up to 2030.

We have taken the decision not to run the direct Disney service between London and Marne-la-Vallee in summer 2023, Eurostar said last year. Whilst we continue to recover financially from the pandemic and monitor developments in the proposed EU Entry-Exit system, we need to focus on our core routes to ensure we can continue to provide the high level of service and experience that our customers rightly expect.

In addition, there is likely to be some disruption this summer, with strikes set to affect the traditional Eurostar routes from London to Paris and Brussels. Here is the lowdown.

Rishi Sunak boards the Eurostar / Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street

Can you still take the Eurostar to Paris Gare Du Nord and Disneyland Paris?

Theres been a series of ongoing strikes in France since March 7, a Eurostar statement reads, adding: New days of mobilisation may be announced by French unions at short notice.

It said the latest strikes in June will not affect Eurostar itself but passengers could be delayed for connecting services into France. It is advisable to check before travelling to see if fresh strikes will affect journeys.

However, as for the link to Disneyland Paris, this connection will not be running directly from London until the end of the year for the reasons outlined above.

Well be reviewing our plans for 2024 during 2023, Eurostar has said.

For holidaymakers looking to get to Euro Disney, Eurostar suggests catching a train to Lille Europe and taking a connecting French high-speed train (TGV) from Lille Europe to Marne-la-Vallee  Chessy. Alternatively, book for Paris Gare du Nord and from there take local RER trains to Disneyland Paris.

For the latest updates, visit Eurostars website.

Time is running out for journeys to Amsterdam / ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Can you still take the Eurostar to Amsterdam?

Yes, at least until June 2024 when the 12-month hiatus begins. However, there may be some industrial action or engineering works that mean services are delayed or cancelled.

Visit Eurostars website for updates

What are the Eurostar destinations from London?

Core routes connect through Ebbsfleet and Ashford in Kent directly to:
F irefighters were called to a blaze at a row of houses in north London on Thursday morning.

Up to ten fire engines attended the fire at Moss Hall Grove in North Finchley which was reported at 10.37am.

The fire brigade said the blaze had spread across a row of four terrace houses on the ground and first floor of the block. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage and was extinguished at 12.55pm.

A picture provided by the London Fire Brigade showed the roof of the terrace block smouldering and seriously damaged following the blaze. Two of the properties suffered severe damage while a third was largely destroyed. There have been no reports of injuries.

Seventy firefighters from stations across Hendon, Southgate, Mill Hill, Hornsey and surrounding fire stations attended.
T he head of the Metropolitan Police has apologised for past failings towards the LGBT+ community in what a renowned gay rights campaigner has hailed as a historic first.

Peter Tatchell thanked Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley for being the first UK police chief to say sorry for decades-long victimisation of this community.

The Peter Tatchell Foundation has been leading an #ApologiseNow! campaign calling on all UK police chiefs to apologise for past homophobic persecution.

Sir Mark, in a letter to Mr Tatchell, acknowledged that while police had to enforce the law at the time when homosexuality was criminalised, the way this was sometimes done had failed the community and persist(s) in the collective memory of LGBT+ Londoners of all ages.

Part of the letter said: The Met has had systems and processes in place which have led to bias and discrimination in the way we have policed Londons communities, and in the way we have treated our officers and staff, over many decades.

Recent cases of appalling behaviour by some officers have revealed that there are still racists, misogynists, homophobes and transphobes in the organisation, and we have already doubled down on rooting out those who corrupt and abuse their position.

It added: I am clear that there is much for us to do. I am sorry to all of the communities we have let down for the failings of the past and look forward to building a new Met for London, one all Londoners can be proud of and in which they can have confidence.

The Met boss apologised in March in the wake of the damning report by Baroness Casey which found there was racism, misogyny and homophobia in the force.

But Mr Tatchell said the apology he received by letter yesterday was a ground-breaking step forward that draws a line under past Met persecution. It is hoped Sir Marks words will be repeated by other police chiefs in the UK, the campaigner said. Mr Tatchell said: We are not asking the police to apologise for enforcing the law, but to apologise for the often illegal and abusive way they enforced it.

The police did not make the law but they chose to enforce it in ways that today would be deemed illegal and unacceptable.

He added: We thank Sir Mark Rowley for being the first UK police chief to say sorry. His apology is a ground-breaking step forward that will, we hope, spur other police forces to follow suit. It draws a line under past Met persecution. This will help strengthen LGBT+ trust and confidence in the police; encouraging more LGBTs to report hate crime, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Mr Tatchell has previously said he agreed that the Met was institutionally homophobic, referring to the forces failure to fully investigate the murder of four young gay men by serial killer Stephen Port.
T he Royal Academy of Arts launched its summer exhibition this week with great fanfare. So what does veteran art historian and curator Sir Norman Rosenthal think of the show? Sir Norman seems well placed to give an opinion, considering he masterminded the RAs exhibitions for three decades. But wait. I cant tell you what I think because I wasnt invited, he groaned when the Londoner asked for his verdict last night at a party at Toklas restaurant, Aldwych. They didnt invite me! I mean, I did run the place for 30 years, you know. On Tuesday night, the RA opened the annual show at Burlington House with its now-traditional summer party.

The bash is a must-attend event for art world somebodies and, increasingly, celebrities with aesthetic sensibilities. Channel 4 comedian Joe Lycett, for example, has even been included as an exhibiting artist. The Londoner noticed a few old hands were absent. Perhaps they wouldnt take kindly to this years pop culture influence? I think they would rather forget about me, said Sir Norman, taking the slight personally. It was noted. The only other thing I would say is this: if you like art and you live in London, the new Anselm Kiefer show at White Cube is worth a detour. Its in Bermondsey.

Serpentines queen of forgiveness

Lina Ghotmeh / AFP via Getty Images

Architect Lina Ghotmeh is a let-bygones-be-bygones sort. When we saw her yesterday, at the Serpentine Pavilion she designed, she was at pains to thank us for the two-star review the Standard gave the structure on Monday. We labelled it a bland dish.

After appearing in a live conversation with Hans Ulrich-Obrist, director of the Serpentine Galleries, Ghotmeh revealed a hidden meaning behind the design. It thinks about the royal presence, like a crown that is sitting, that is hovering around, that talks about the history of these Royal Parks. How topical. Its about bringing architecture closer to the people, she added.

Philippe Sands supports the reds?

Philippe Sands / Global Images Ukraine via Getty

Velvet-voiced human rights lawyer and best-selling author Philippe Sands feels Sir Keir Starmer is getting a bit of a rough ride from journalists like yours truly. He told The Londoner yesterday that hes not the very dour image thats presented. He is a great friend and a thoroughly decent person. The two watch Arsenal together fairly regularly. Apparently thats where the Labour leaders exciting side comes out.

Sir Keir is desperately seeking celebrity endorsements before the next election, splashing 50,000 on a celeb hunter for Labour HQ. Will Sands be one of them? Im more of a friend than an endorser. Sands has written extensively about international law in books such as East West Street and warns us his views on the Governments asylum policies are probably unprintable. So, is that a tick for the red team?

Our singing would rock you

Londoners Diary 8th June 2023 1 / 5 Londoners Diary 8th June 2023 "We Will Rock You" Gala Night - VIP Arrivals Dave Benett Castillo De Ibiza Sunset Rooftop Party Dave Benett/Getty Images for Castillo de Ibiza Castillo De Ibiza Sunset Rooftop Party Dave Benett/Getty Images for Castillo de Ibiza "We Will Rock You" Gala Night - VIP Arrivals Dave Benett

We ran into Dame Emma Thompson and her daughter Gaia Wise at the relaunch of We Will Rock You last night. Thompson told us it was her 12th time seeing the show. David Mitchell and Victoria Coren Mitchell were also there, silent as mice in their seats. We sing, but with nobody listening  we wouldnt inflict that on anyone, said Coren Mitchell. Her husband told us: I never sing along to anything. Even in Christmas carols, I just mime! Munroe Bergdorf, Maxim Magnus and Tigerlily Taylor attended Castillo de Ibizas roof party at the Pavilion.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 8. I propose to hold the Regional Climate Change summit in 2026 in Kazakhstan under the auspices of the UN, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the opening ceremony of the Astana International Forum, Trend reports from the scene.

Climate change poses the biggest risks. Central Asia is particularly vulnerable to climate change and the risks from water scarcity are only rising. In this regard, water and climate change are closely linked, he said.

At the same time, to discuss these and other climate related issues in the region, President Tokayev has proposed to establish a project office of the Central Asian countries in Almaty.

President Tokayev added that the two biggest rivers of Central Asian region - the Syr Darya and Amu Darya  will lose an estimated 15 percent by 2050.

To prevent environmental disaster in the region, we urge that more resources to be allocated to support the International Fund to Save the Aral Sea, he added.
J oe Biden said it may be time for a British Nato leader in a boost for Ben Wallaces hopes of taking the alliances top job.

The prospect of the Defence Secretary taking the role was raised in talks between Rishi Sunak and the US president at the White House.

Mr Biden appeared to indicate Mr Wallace was a very qualified individual but it remains to be seen who will get the job.

Natos current secretary general Jens Stoltenberg steps down at the end of September.

The last Briton to lead the alliance was Lord Robertson, who held the role between 1999 and 2003.

Asked if it was time for another Briton to lead the alliance, Mr Biden said: Maybe, that remains to be seen.

We are going to have to get a consensus within Nato to see that happen.

They have a candidate who is a very qualified individual.

But, he added, there would have to be a lot of discussion at Nato to determine the outcome of the process.
B oris Johnsons resignation honours list should be put through the shredder, according to an opposition party, following reports Rishi Sunak has accepted his recommendations for peerages.

The Times reported that the Prime Minister is expected to accept Mr Johnsons long-awaited resignation honours list, with the paper reporting that it could be published in a matter of weeks.

According to a Whitehall source quoted by the newspaper, Mr Sunak is hoping to clear the decks by signing off the awards, which are said to have been a source of contention between the two figures.

The Prime Minister, asked about the reports during his trip to the US, said he could not comment on his predecessors submission.

The buck stops with Sunak - he must ensure that Johnson's honours list is put through the shredder

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused the Prime Minister of rewarding failure by allegedly giving the list the green light.

The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party, she said.

Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country  if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure its just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else.

The buck stops with Sunak  he must ensure that Johnsons honours list is put through the shredder.

Mr Sunak remained tight-lipped about whether he had accepted the nominations list, which is said to contain about 50 names, when quizzed in Washington DC on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said: I can completely understand the interest in this topic.

All I can say is there is a process that is currently under way. It has not concluded yet and until it does, it would not be right for me to comment any further.

His rival, Sir Keir Starmer, suggested the Conservative Party leader was having to appease different bits of the governing party with his handling of the honours roll.

Whether its Boris Johnsons WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnsons peerages, all the Prime Minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country, the Labour leader said during a visit to a steelworks in Scunthorpe.

There are suggestions that the list could spark at least two by-elections for the Conservatives.

Early electoral battles could be held in the seats of former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow.

Mr Sharma holds a 4,000-vote majority over Labour in his Reading West constituency and a by-election would likely be closely fought by Sir Keirs party, which is well ahead of the Tories in the polls.

Ms Dorries, who has already announced her plan to quit as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire at the next election, has a majority of more than 24,600 over the main Opposition party.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack is also reportedly set to be offered a peerage by Mr Johnson.

The Cabinet minister has announced he will stand down at the next national poll but has ruled out triggering a by-election in his Dumfries and Galloway constituency to take up a seat in the House of Lords before then.

Nigel Adams, another close ally of Mr Johnson who also is not planning on standing again, is also said to be keen to avoid a by-election.

Ms Dorries said she has not been told whether she is on Mr Johnsons honours list.

She has previously said that she thought staying in place until a general election would be absolutely the right thing to do if she was on his list but recognised there were objections to that stance.

Speaking on her TalkTV programme last month, Ms Dorries said: Apparently the House of Lords Appointment Committee has said that would be constitutionally improper.

They dont say that would be constitutionally impossible. They say improper.

Ms Dorries said the committee need probably to update their processes due to the UK being in politically unstable times after having three No 10 incumbents in a matter of months last year.

Mr Johnsons spokesman said: We strictly do not comment on honours.

Former prime minister Liz Truss, despite being the shortest serving prime minister in modern British political history, has also reportedly submitted a short resignation honours list.
B oris Johnsons resignation honours list could be published as soon as Friday, according to reports that also suggest two Tory MPs have been struck from it to avoid potentially damaging by-elections.

An opposition party urged Rishi Sunak to put the list through the shredder following reports the Prime Minister has accepted his predecessors recommendations for peerages.

But the Times reported that the long-awaited list has been trimmed, with casualties including former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Sir Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow.

The buck stops with Sunak - he must ensure that Johnson's honours list is put through the shredder

The pair were expected to stand down to take peerages, which would have left Mr Sunak facing two early electoral battles in their seats.

Sir Alok holds a 4,000-vote majority over Labour in his Reading West constituency and a by-election would likely be closely fought by Sir Keir Starmers party, which is well ahead of the Tories in the polls.

Ms Dorries, who has already announced her plan to quit as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire at the next election, has a majority of more than 24,600 over the main Opposition party.

Ms Dorries and Sir Aloks names have been resubmitted to the House of Lords Appointments Committee for vetting and their peerages could be granted further down the line, according to the Times.

Mr Johnsons father, Stanley Johnson, has also been taken off the list, the newspaper said.

The nomination prompted accusations of cronyism, after Mr Johnson already nominated his brother Jo Johnson for a peerage in 2020.

It also drew criticism after senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes and a journalist in 2021 publicly accused Stanley Johnson, a former MEP, of touching them at Conservative party conferences.

Ms Nokes, chairwoman of the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, accused Stanley Johnson of forcefully smacking her on the backside and making a vulgar comment at the Conservative Party conference in 2003.

Stanley Johnson said after that he had no recollection of either incident.

The Times reported earlier that Mr Sunak is hoping to clear the decks by signing off the awards, which are said to have been a source of contention between the two figures.

The Prime Minister, asked about the reports during his trip to the US, said he could not comment on his predecessors submission.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused Mr Sunak of rewarding failure by allegedly giving the list the green light.

The fact that one of the most scandal-ridden prime ministers is now allowed to stuff his cronies in the Lords after a failed premiership tells the British public everything they need to know about this Conservative Party, she said.

Boris Johnson caused crisis after crisis in this country  if Rishi Sunak rewards his failure its just proof it is one rule for the Conservatives and another for everyone else.

The buck stops with Sunak  he must ensure that Johnsons honours list is put through the shredder.

Mr Sunak remained tight-lipped about whether he had accepted the nominations list, which is said to contain about 50 names, when quizzed in Washington DC on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said: I can completely understand the interest in this topic.

All I can say is there is a process that is currently under way. It has not concluded yet and until it does, it would not be right for me to comment any further.

His rival Sir Keir suggested the Conservative Party leader was having to appease different bits of the governing party with his handling of the honours roll.

Whether its Boris Johnsons WhatsApp messages, Boris Johnsons peerages, all the Prime Minister is doing is managing his own party instead of running the country, the Labour leader said during a visit to a steelworks in Scunthorpe.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack is also reportedly set to be offered a peerage by Mr Johnson.

The Cabinet minister has announced he will stand down at the next national poll but has ruled out triggering a by-election in his Dumfries and Galloway constituency to take up a seat in the House of Lords before then.

Nigel Adams, another close ally of Mr Johnson who also is not planning on standing again, is also said to be keen to avoid a by-election.

Mr Johnsons spokesman said: We strictly do not comment on honours.

Former prime minister Liz Truss, despite being the shortest serving prime minister in modern British political history, has also reportedly submitted a short resignation honours list.
R ishi Sunak denied on Thursday there had been a broken promise on Brexit despite the failure to deliver the much-trumpeted US-UK free trade deal seven years after the referendum on quitting the EU.

The Prime Minister was grilled about the lack of such a landmark pact ahead of talks in the White House with Joe Biden.

Asked about an ambition outlined in the 2019 Conservative manifesto to complete an agreement within the first three years of Government, Mr Sunak argued that the war in Ukraine and the pandemic meant that the "macroeconomic situation" had changed.

He told broadcasters on his trip Washington: "Since then weve had a pandemic, weve had a war in Ukraine, and that has changed the macroeconomic situation. The right response to that is ensure that were focusing our engagement economically on the things that will make the most difference."

He added: "Actually, what Ill be talking to President Biden about today is how can the UK and the US work together to ensure security for our citizens? I think thats the thing that we should be focusing on right now."

A free trade deal was not expected to be a significant issue on the agenda, if at all, for the discussions between the two world leaders in the Oval Office.

Shortly before the June 2016 In/Out referendum, the then US president Barack Obama warned that the UK would be at the back of the queue for a trade deal with the US if the country chose to leave the EU.

Brexiteers angrily criticised his warning which has so far turned out to be true, with such an agreement believed now to be on the back burner at least until after the next General Election in Britain, expected in 2024.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the Conservatives had failed to secure a trade agreement with the US.

Sir Keir said: "In 2019, the Conservative Party had in their manifesto that they'd have a trade agreement with the US by 2022. So, it's clear they've failed on that promise amongst many other promises.

"But that's not the only failure. They've got no strategy, they've got no way of taking the country forward, and what we need is an industrial strategy, a plan for growth.

Economists say Brexit will cost workers in the UK arounad 1,300 a year, compared to if the country had stayed in the European trading bloc.

The Government has trumpeted trade deals with other countries but they amount to only a fraction of the business done with EU nations which has been hit by the UK splintering away from the major trading bloc.

Farming chiefs and former Environment Secretary George Eustice have also criticised a trade pact struck by the Government with Australia, which they say is biased against the agricultural sector in Britain.

The Brexiteers pledge that quitting the EU would allow Britain to take back control of its borders is also in tatters with net legal migration having risen to more than 600,000 a year, and thousands of people risking their lives to cross the Channel in small boats to reach the UK.
N early one in four pupils at state schools in England is now eligible for free school meals, while a record one in five has a first language other than English, new figures show.

Eligibility for free school meals stood at 23.8% of all pupils in January this year, the equivalent of two million children  up from 22.5%, or 1.9 million, in January 2022.

A school leaders union said the numbers should serve as a wake-up call about the appallingly high levels of childhood poverty in England.

The figure has increased every year since January 2018, when it stood at 13.6% or 1.1 million, according to data published by the Department for Education (DfE).

Children in state-funded schools in England can receive free meals if a parent or carer is receiving one of a number of benefits, including Universal Credit, child tax credits or income support.

Free meals can also be available to households unable to claim benefits but which meet certain criteria, such as children of work visa holders or families holding a British National Overseas passport who have moved to the UK from Hong Kong.

All pupils who have become eligible for free school meals since April 1 2018 will remain eligible until March 2025 as part of protections introduced during the roll-out of Universal Credit  a factor that is likely to have contributed to the ongoing increase.

But Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said the figures do not reveal the full scale of the problem due to limits on eligibility.

He said: The very high level of free school meal eligibility should serve as a wake-up call about the appallingly high levels of childhood poverty in England.

Yet these shocking figures in themselves do not reveal the full extent of the problem because there are many more families who are struggling but who do not qualify for free school meal provision as eligibility is limited to those whose household income is less than 7,400 a year.

The government must, as a matter of urgency, extend free school meals provision to all families in receipt of Universal Credit and it must put its tired rhetoric about levelling up into practice by committing to end the scourge of child poverty.

Social mobility organisation the Sutton Trust echoed this sentiment, saying the data is a worrying indicator of increasing poverty and lower incomes.

Without radical intervention and increased provision for those who need it most, the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged children will widen

Carl Cullinane, director of research and policy, said: The government should extend free school meals to all children whose families are on Universal Credit.

Without radical intervention and increased provision for those who need it most, the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged children will widen.

Action for Children said the figures significantly understate the scale of the problem of children being too hungry to learn because many children in working poor households are not eligible for free school meals and that hundreds of thousands of children in poverty are missing out.

A DfE spokesperson said it had extended eligibility several times to more groups of children than any other government over the past half a century.

The proportion of pupils eligible for free meals is typically higher in state-funded primary schools than secondary schools and the latest figures confirm this trend, at 24.0% and 22.7% respectively.

There are also sharp differences in eligibility across regions of England and ethnic groups.

The highest rate is for north-east England, where 30.4% of all state-funded pupils are eligible for free school meals, while the lowest is south-east England at 18.8%.

When comparing the figures by ethnicity, rates are highest among pupils identifying as white Traveller of Irish heritage (64.7%), white Gypsy/Roma (54.8%), mixed white and black Caribbean (43.4%) and black Caribbean (42.8%).

Rates are lowest among pupils of Indian (7.4%) and Chinese (7.8%) ethnicity.

Meanwhile one in five (20.2%) pupils at state-funded schools in England in January 2023 were recorded as having a first language known or believed to be other than English.

The proportion is up from 19.5% in January 2022 and is the highest since the current data began in January 2016, when it stood at 18.0%.

The figures for 2023 vary between primary (22.0%) and secondary schools (18.1%), with even sharper differences across the regions, from a high of 44.0% of pupils in London to 8.3% in north-east England.

A pupil is recorded to have English as an additional language if they are exposed to a language at home that is known or believed to be other than English.

This is not a measure of English language proficiency or a good proxy for recent immigration, the DfE added.

Separate statistics released on Thursday showed almost half of children and young people in need of special educational support waited beyond the 20-week time limit for a new education, health and care (EHC) plan.

The DfE said that of those plans where a decision to issue a new plan was within the 2022 calendar year, 50.7% were issued within the time limit  down from 59.9% in 2021.

This is the lowest level for any year since 2015.

National disability charity Sense warned that disabled schoolchildren are missing out on vital support.

Head of policy Sarah White said: EHC plans are vital for disabled children to access support which enables them to thrive. Without them, education, health and care services are limited in what support they can provide and children wont get the best start in life.

It is hugely disappointing that nearly half of families are not receiving this plan within the legal time limit.

This leaves thousands of disabled children at risk of falling through the cracks, with potentially catastrophic knock-on effects on their education and health, which could have lifelong consequences.
C aroline Lucas has announced she will stand down at the next general election, after being elected as the very first Green Party MP back in 2010.

Since then, she has stood as the Green Party leader twice, as well as serving as Brighton Pavilion MP.

In a statement, Ms Lucas said that the pressures of her role meant she had not been able to focus on the challenges that drive me  the nature and climate emergencies.

Nonetheless, she described it as the privilege of my life to serve this extraordinary constituency and community.

Other Green Party members have paid tribute to Ms Lucas, with the partys co-leader, Carla Denyer, describing her as a force of nature and saying that the party was so proud of her achievements.

But what position does Ms Lucas departure leave the Green Party in?

How many MPs does the Green Party have?

The Green Party currently has just one representative in the House of Commons (Ms Lucas), as well as two in the House of Lords.

However, there are also more than 700 councillors at local government level and three members of the London Assembly.

The news comes after the party made record-breaking gains in the local council elections in May.

With Ms Lucas stepping down, however, this would leave no other MPs for the party unless another Green Party politician wins a seat.

Its expected that Labour will now seek to win Ms Lucass seat in Brighton and Hove, after local council elections showed strong Labour support in the most recent elections.

Who is the Green Partys leader?

Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay have served as the party's co-leaders since October 2021.

Ms Lucas herself served her first period as Green leader between 2008 and 2012, while her second came alongside co-leader Jonathan Bartley for two years from September 2016.
R ishi Sunak and Joe Biden hailed the strength of the UK/US relationship as they met at the White House for talks on artificial intelligence, economic co-operation and Ukraine.

The Prime Minister and US president spoke in the Oval Office about the brutal invasion of Ukraine and the technological revolution sweeping the world.

Mr Biden  who inadvertently described the Prime Minister as Mr President  told reporters the special relationship was in real good shape.

Together, we are providing economic and humanitarian aid and security systems to Ukraine in their fight against a brutal invasion from Russia, the president said.

The global economy is undergoing the greatest transformation that has occurred since the industrial revolution, he added.

Mr Biden told Mr Sunak: Were going solve all the problems of the world in the next 20 minutes.

He referenced Winston Churchills wartime visit to the White House and Mr Sunak said: Its daunting to think of the conversations that our predecessors had in this room when they had to speak of wars that they fought together, peace won together, incredible change in the lives of our citizens.

I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the industrial revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm

And again, for the first time in over half-a-century, we face a war on the European continent.

And as weve done before, the US and the UK, have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will.

But also I completely agree with what you said, our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the industrial revolution, as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools for harm.

Before their meeting, Mr Sunak announced the UK would host the first global summit on AI safety.

The summit, which would be held in the autumn, would consider the need for international co-ordinated action to mitigate the risks of the emerging technology.
S adiq Khan has demanded that the Home Secretary rule out plans for a barge housing hundreds of asylum seekers in Londons Royal Docks.

The Mayor on Thursday wrote to Suella Braverman outlining his strong opposition to unsafe and unworkable proposals to moor refugee accommodation in King George V Dock - just a stones throw both from City Airport and his own offices.

But City Hall warned Mr Khan would not be able to block the scheme if the Government pressed ahead.

Today I have written to the Home Secretary to outline my strong opposition to any proposals to use London as the location of barges to accommodate those seeking asylum in the UK, Mr Khan said.

We were recently approached by the Home Office asking to use the Royal Docks as a location for a barge. To be clear these plans would be unsafe and unworkable, and they risk the health and wellbeing of already highly vulnerable people.

London has a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has spoken out against the plans / PA Wire

He accused the Government of fostering a cruel and inhumane approach to asylum seekers.

Ministers need to completely rethink their plans as a matter of urgency, he added.

The Home Office approached the Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) some weeks ago about the possibility of mooring a barge for asylum seekers in the east London docks.

Newham Council and the Metropolitan Police are understood to be opposed to the proposition on safety grounds. RoDMA has raised a formal objection.

However, the Mayor does not have veto powers over the area and the Home Office could press ahead if the Government passed primary legislation.

Newham councillor Dr Rohit Dasgupta said: We are completely opposed to this plan. Newham is a borough of sanctuary and we will not allow the UK government [to] play their politics of hate here.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed on Monday that the Government had acquired two giant barges to house about 1,000 people seeking refuge in the UK.

Their locations have not yet been confirmed, but Liverpool and Middlesborough are understood to be under consideration.

A third barge will be moored off the coast of Dorset.

A Home Office spokesman refused to comment on the Royal Docks, but said: The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites.

It comes as the Government pressing ahead with parliamentary scrutiny of it controversial small boats legislation into the early hours of the morning was branded disgraceful.

A detailed debate on the Illegal Migration Bill continued until after 4am this morning in the House of Lords.

Critics argued it was disappointing that matters, including the care of unaccompanied migrant children and detention of pregnant women, were being dealt with in such a way.

The proceedings of the upper chamber, which started at 3pm on Wednesday were eventually adjourned shortly before dawn at 4.16am.

Labour former minister Lord Bach said: Can I for my own part say how disgraceful I think it is we are debating these really important and serious matters at this hour in the morning.
P ermission to berth a barge housing asylum seekers at an east London docks has been rejected, it has been confirmed.

Londons Royal Docks said it had informed the Home Office last month that water beside City Airport would not be appropriate as a potential location to moor one of its floating accommodation vessels for refugees.

The use of barges is part of Government efforts to deter migrants from embarking on dangerous Channel crossings in small boats and to reduce the amount spent on hotels for those arriving in Britain via unlawful routes.

Labour Mayor of London Mr Khan had set out his objections publicly to the suggestion a location in the capital could be chosen for such a vessel.

He has since written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to express his support for the Royal Docks decision to deny permission for a barge.

I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Governments plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels

I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Royal Docks Management Authority to reject the use of King George V Dock as a berth to accommodate people seeking asylum, he told the Cabinet minister in a letter seen by the PA news agency.

I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the Governments policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels.

Scott Derben, managing director of Londons Royal Docks, told PA: Londons Royal Docks were approached by the Home Office to look at the feasibility of berthing a cruise ship to house asylum seekers.

After investigation, it was concluded that this would not be an appropriate use for the Royal Docks.

The Home Office were informed of this decision in May.

Mr Khan said the UKs capital had a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge as he set out his deep concerns about the Conservative Government policy of housing asylum seekers on barges.

He told Mrs Braverman there was no evidence that barge accommodation would act as a deterrent to those seeking to come to Britain and argued it would leave large numbers of people in wholly unsuitable conditions.

The former MP also said the boats would be highly visible and that those being housed in them could be at significant risk from targeting by far-right protests.

I would urge you in the strongest possible terms to abandon the Governments plans to accommodate those seeking asylum in vessels, he added.

Rishi Sunak this week insisted that his pledge to stop the boats was starting to work, as he revealed two more giant vessels will be used for migrant accommodation.

The Prime Minister declined to say where the two new barges would be moored, but there has been speculation that the vessels could be moored near Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

The Guardian also reported the Royal Docks was among a number of other locations being discussed as part of plans to acquire more barges and former cruise ships.

A Home Office spokeswoman, asked about Royal Docks stance, said: The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels.

This is why we continue to source new alternative sites and vessels to accommodate migrants, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.

We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.

It comes as Labour accused ministers of quietly ditching the two-tier refugee system, which was introduced under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

In a written ministerial statement to MPs, immigration minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the differentiation policy would be paused from July.

This means we will stop taking grouping decisions under the differentiated asylum system after these rules changes and those individuals who are successful in their asylum application, including those who are granted humanitarian protection, will receive the same conditions.

Our ability to remove failed asylum applicants remains unchanged, he said.

Mr Jenrick said that the policy, which created two separate approaches to refugees depending on their route to the UK, had been the right approach when it came into force last June.

Since then, the scale of the challenge facing the UK, like other countries, has grown, he said.

He added that the Illegal Migration Bill now represents a considerably stronger means of tackling the same issue that the differentiation policy sought to address.

The Governments Illegal Migration Bill is currently in the Lords, where it has faced strong criticism and close scrutiny from peers.

But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said that Labour had warned that the policy would only make the bureaucracy and chaos worse.

Even worse, they have slipped out the announcement in a written statement to avoid publicity or scrutiny by Parliament or the press.

This is a damning indictment of the Conservatives flagship immigration Bill, and of their entire record on small boats, and shows ministers have no idea what they are doing to fix the Tory small boats chaos.

Labour will fix the asylum system that has been broken under 13 years of the Tories.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the move was the right decision.

He said: The Government is now admitting that its flagship Nationality and Borders Act has failed to deliver.

As was predicted by us and other refugee organisations, it hasnt deterred desperate men, women and children from taking dangerous journeys but has simply led to unnecessary misery for many refugees, leaving them stuck in limbo unable to move on with their lives.
A British girl is one of the four children who were wounded after a Syrian asylum seeker went on a rampage with a knife in a playground in France, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has confirmed.

The attack occurred near to Lake Annecy, in the east of the country on Thursday morning which left all four in a critical condition. Two adults were injured following the attack, one of whom also suffered life-threatening injuries.

Speaking at an OECD ministerial council press conference in France, just hours after the attack, Mr Cleverly said: Our thoughts are with the victims and the families, and we stand ready to support the French authorities in whichever way we can.

We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family. And of course we stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this terrible time.

Speaking to reporters, Line Bonnet-Mathis, the prosecutor of Annecy, cofirmed that two of the children were aged 2, one 3, and another a 22-month-old - one of the children was Dutch.

The suspect, identified as a 31-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker, has been detained by police.

According to Ms Bonnet-Mathis, the suspect has had refugee status in Sweden for the last 10 years. She added that the motive for the attack is unclear at this time but is not related to terrorism and tha the he had no criminal or psychiatric record.

AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images

In an update to its travel advice for France, the Foreign Office said: On 8 June, there was an attack in Annecy, South East France. Six people, including four children, were injured.

If you are in the area, follow the advice of local authorities. If you require consular support, call the British Consulate in Paris on +33 (0)1 44 51 31 00.

Video of the attack showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a knife, as people screamed for help.

He slashed at a man carrying rucksacks who tried to approach him, seemingly trying to stop the attack. Inside the enclosed play park itself, a panicked woman frantically pushed a stroller as the attacker approached, yelling "Help! Help!" and ramming the stroller into the park's barriers in her terror.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the assault as an "attack of absolute cowardice." Of the victims, he said "children and an adult are between life and death."

The nation is in shock, Mr Macron tweeted.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier tweeted: My thoughts are with all of those affected by the shocking attack in Annecy this morning.

Calling it a truly cowardly act, he said: The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.
A father has scaled the UKs highest peak carrying a 100kg barbell to raise money for research into motor neurone disease.

David Dooher set off at 7pm on Wednesday, the day he turned 38, from the Ben Nevis Inn and reached the 4,406ft summit early on Thursday afternoon.

He undertook the challenge to raise money for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, launched in 2017 by Doddie Weir. Weir died last November aged 52 after a six-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

Mr Dooher said the barbell, similar to the weight of a giant panda, represents the burden carried by those who live with MND, and their families.

After reaching the summit of Ben Nevis, Mr Dooher, a member of Police Scotlands mountain rescue team, said: It feels amazing to be finished  very sore and tiring  but amazing.

Id be lying if I said it wasnt tougher than expected, but this wasnt meant to be easy, and there was no greater motivator than who Im doing this for: Doddies memory and everyone affected by MND.

The interest in the challenge and the outpouring of support has been incredible, its spurred me on every step of the way.

I want to thank everyone; my support team, the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, everybody who sent messages of support and encouragement, and the wider MND community for their backing.

It means the world and I hope that this effort will play some part, no matter how small, in helping to find effective treatments and one day a cure for this devastating disease.

Mr Dooher trained six days per week, every week, for the last six months ahead of the challenge, and upped his calorie intake beyond 4,000 calories during his training.

The father-of-two, from Uddingston in South Lanarkshire, bagged several Munros with a barbell on his back in preparation, including Ben Vorlich with 95kg and Ben Lomond with 75kg, but scaling Ben Nevis was his toughest climb yet.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, he said: I want it to be difficult and painful. Ive already been emotional during some walks just because of the pain and exhaustion, but that adds to the magnitude for me, so Im not afraid to show it.

Ive received so many lovely messages from families of people diagnosed, or whose family have passed away due to MND. That reinforces the reasons for why Im tackling the task. Ill be thinking about Doddie with every step.

Its been a big sacrifice. Ill take a week off to recover once Im done and maybe start planning a wee holiday when its all over.

He has already raised more than 13,000 and anyone interested in donating can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-dooher.

Paul Thompson, director of fundraising at My Name5 Doddie Foundation, said: We are blown away by Davids efforts. His training alone is unthinkable.

We are very grateful to him, and to everyone who has donated.
T he blue badge parking scheme in England has been extended in recent years to include people with hidden disabilities.

Those with conditions such as dementia, anxiety disorders or brain injuries can now apply for a badge to help them travel to work, socialise and access shops and services.

The changes marked the biggest shake-up to the scheme since it was introduced nearly 50 years ago, and means holders can park free of charge in pay and display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines, while in London they are exempted from the congestion charge. There are limited exemptions for the ULEZ charge until 2025.

Here's everything you need to know about the changes.

Pay and display bays are free for blue badge holders / PA

What are the changes to the blue badge scheme?

The Department for Transport (DfT) has extended the criteria to include people who cannot walk without considerable psychological distress or risking serious harm.

This means people who find walking longer distances difficult, such as those with autism, dementia, Parkinson's and arthritis, can park closer to their destination without time limits or charges in pay and display bays.

Where can you park with a blue badge?

The badge is linked to you and not your vehicle, meaning that if you swap cars you can still use your badge, and this includes taxis you are travelling in.

While the rules differ between councils, the standard rules are that with a blue badge you can park:

On streets with parking meters or pay and display machines without having to pay

On streets with disabled parking bays without charge or time limits, unless a sign says otherwise

On single and double yellow lines for up to three hours, unless there is a sign saying no loading

However, these don't apply to off-street car parks or private roads. It is a criminal offence to use someone else's badge and it could land you with a 1,000 fine.

Your badge could be revoked if you misuse it or allow others to use it.

Who is eligible for a blue badge?

According to the DfT, you will automatically qualify for a blue badge if you are over two years old and:

Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance

Receive a personal independence payment (PIP) and can't walk more than 50 metres

Receive the mobility component of PIP on the grounds that you can't undertake any journey as it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

Are registered blind

Receive a war pensoner's mobility supplement

Received a lump sum payment as part of the armed forces compensation scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability

If you don't meet these criteria, you could also apply for the badge if you:

Cannot walk at all or have considerable difficulty in walking

Have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly but cannot operate pay and display parking machines

Have a child under three who has a medical condition that means he or she needs to be kept near a vehicle or accompanied by bulky medical equipment

Thanks to the extension of the criteria to include those with hidden disabilities, the following people can apply for a blue badge:

Those who are a signifiant risk to themselves or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks

Those who struggle severely to plan or follow a journey

Those who find it difficult or impossible to control their actions and lack awareness of the impact they can have on others

Those who regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control

Those who frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces

How can I apply for a blue badge?

Local councils administer blue badges and people are advised to contact theirs to find out more about the scheme and get an application form.

The assessment process will only begin once the authority has all the evidence, and it may take 12 weeks or more.

People can also apply for a new badge or renew an old one on the Government website.

A badge costs up to 10 in England and 20 in Scotland, and is free in Wales.
T he number of far-right terror convicts in prison has risen to a record high in a new sign of the rising threat posed by neo-Nazi and similar forms of extremism, official figures revealed on Thursday.

The Home Office statistics show that 65 inmates in custody at the end of March were being held for crimes motivated by extreme right-wing ideology.

The new total was eight higher than the equivalent figure 12 months earlier and represents a huge leap on the four far-right inmates recorded in March 2016.

The figures  which also show that most terror convicts jailed last year will be released within the next decade  will heighten concern about the increased numbers of Britons being drawn into far-right extremism.

Police have previously expressed fears about the influence of toxic social media content on vulnerable young men in particular and todays figures show that significant numbers of teenagers are continuing to be arrested.

They reveal that 24 suspects aged 17 or under were held over the past 12 months on suspicion of terror-related offending inspired by Islamist, far-right or other ideologies. Another 25 suspects were arrested who were aged between 18 and 20.

Despite the rise in far-right inmates, Islamists, who accounted for two thirds of the 232 terrorist prisoners held at the end of March, still form the bulk of the terrorists held in custody.

Thursdays figures also show that 41 terrorist prisoners were released from custody over the past year and that most of the 49 people convicted of terror-related offences last year will be released within the next decade.

The sentences handed down to them included 15 people given sentences of between one and four years and five handed terms of less than 12 months. Only one life term was imposed, while there were two other sentences of 10 years or more.
H ealth authorities have issued the first heat-health alert of the year for six regions ahead of a surge in temperature this coming weekend.

High temperatures on Friday and this weekend will affect those over 65 and with pre-existing health conditions, experts have warned.

The health alerts are for London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, the South East, and the South West.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office said the alert would apply for 72 hours from 9am on Friday.

London is likely to see thundery showers on Saturday, despite temperatures hitting a high of 24 C, according to the Met Office.

Saturday will be the warmest day, with forecasters expecting it to reach 27 C or 28 C, with a small chance of it hitting 29 C, north of London.

In a statement, the UKHSA warned of an impact across the health and social-care sector if current forecasted temperatures are reached.

The health agency urged people to check on family, friends, and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell during the spell of hot weather.

But how does the weather affect those who are working?

While the hot weather offers lots of opportunities for fun in the sun, it can also pose challenges for those trying to work out how to cope with hot temperatures, and also continue being productive at work.

As well as making sure you have a fan to hand, here are your rights when working in the heat.

What is the legal maximum working temperature?

UK Weather: Summer Heatwave 2022 1 / 68 UK Weather: Summer Heatwave 2022 A young girl rides her inflatable pelican in the sea at Fistral Beach Getty Images Sunrise over London Jeremy Selwyn A man cools off in a fountain during the hot weather in London REUTERS scorchedsummer22a People look out toward the Old Royal Naval College, and the Canary Wharf financial district, past the sun-scorched grass in Greenwich Park, south east London AFP via Getty Images People enjoy the hot weather at Hathersage open air swimming pool at Hope Valley, near Sheffield PA The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the fishing village of Mousehole in Penzance, Cornwal PA Three swimmers pictured keeping cool with a swim at Beckenham Place Park, Kent Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd People take pictures of the sunset from Greenwich Park REUTERS Dry fields of grassland near Perranporth, Cornwall PA A police officer poring water water on a police horse on Whitehall PA People jump into the sea at Brighton, AFP via Getty Images Pedestrians walk in the sunshine near the Elizabeth Tower of the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images Lara Arrizabalaga, lifeguard with PTP Coaching at Beckenham Place Park, Kent Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd A view of people on the beach in Margate, Kent PA A matrix sign over the A19 road towards Teesside displays an extreme weather advisory PA Children cool off in the Southbank Centre fountain Reuters Beachgoers enjoy the sun and the sea at Blackpool AFP via Getty Images A child enjoys the hot weather at Hathersage open air swimming pool at Hope Valley, near Sheffield. PA A woman wears an umbrella shield on her head during hot weather in Trafalgar Square PA People look out toward the Old Royal Naval College, and the Canary Wharf financial district, past the sun-scorched grass in Greenwich Park AFP via Getty Images A young family of Tufted ducks run past a soldier from the Queens Guard on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace PA People enjoy the hot weather at Hathersage open air swimming pool at Hope Valley, near Sheffield PA Crowds sit along the harbour wall enjoying the good weather during the Bristol Harbour Festival PA Crowds enjoy the hot weather at the beach in Broadstairs, Kent PA Serpentine Swimmers Supplied People on the beach at Barry Island PA People enjoy the hot weather at Hathersage open air swimming pool at Hope Valley, near Sheffield. PA Fans enjoy the warm weather during the Vitality Blast T20 semi-final match at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham PA Swimmers in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool suspended 35 meters above ground between two apartment buildings, during hot weather in Nine Elms PA People enjoy the sun in Embankment Gardens, PA Emily Maitlis enjoys an early morning swim in the Serpentine Hyde Park Supplied A gardener waters plants in the SuperBloom wild flower garden at the Tower of London PA Red ruffed lemurs enjoy a frozen ice pop filled with fruit at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling PA People use an umbrella to shade themselves from the sun near Tower Bridge PA People enjoy the hot weather outside their homes in Liverpool Getty Images Early morning swimmers in the Serpentine Supplied People relax in the hot weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset PA Early morning swimmers in the Serpentine as temperatures rise in London Supplied Kayan the orangutan licks a frozen juice bottle at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire. PA PA Wire Crowds are seen enjoying the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth Getty Images Wimbledon REUTERS TRNSMT Festival at Glasgow Green Getty Images People watch the Wimbledon mens singles final tennis match on a giant screen next to the Regents canal at Granary Square REUTERS A man on a jet ski enjoys the warm weather on Scarborough beach, North Yorkshire PA Wire Rosie Elms, co-owner of Lordington Lavender in West Sussex, gathers bunches of lavender as she walks through the rows of lavender on her and her husbands farm near Chichester PA People enjoying the warm weather on Scarborough beach, North Yorkshire. PA Richmond Park REUTERS People in pedalos on the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London. PA People cycling through Hyde Park PA People enjoying the warm weather on Scarborough beach, North Yorkshire PA

Theres a recommended minimum temperature for a workplace, although it isnt set in law  16C, or 13C if employees are doing physical work.

However, things are less clear when it comes to a maximum temperature.

There is no official legal maximum working temperature, but the Government states that, during working hours, the temperature of all indoor working spaces must be reasonable.

Employers must also stick to health and safety at work, including:

keeping the temperature at a comfortable level

providing clean and fresh air

What should employers do if its too hot inside the office?

Trade Unions have campaigned for a legal maximum temperature for indoor work, of 27C - 30 C so that employers and workers know when action should be taken.

The Union of Shop, Disruptive and Allied Workers (USDAW) has called for the Government to make it a legal requirement for employers to adopt cooling measures when the workplace temperature hits 24 C.

Cooling measures could include things like air conditioning, opening windows, and turning on fans. However, if none of these options is available, the office may be an unsuitable place for working.

The general secretary of the USDAW said: Indoor workers need cool drinks, more frequent breaks, relaxed dress code, along with opportunities to remove and replace face coverings.

The TUC workers union said: An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures.

Can you stop working if it gets too hot and can you work from home?

If you are not able to work from home, or you are unable to change your working conditions in order to account for unusually high temperatures, it is possible you may have to stop working in order to protect your health.

An employee is allowed to stop working if they believe that their working environment is damaging their health. If they are then penalised for that, they are liable to make a claim at an employment tribunal.

What are the recommendations for those working outside?

Doing physical labour outside while there are very high temperatures could put the body under considerable strain.

The USDAW says that workers labouring outside should be provided with sun and heat protection, as well as shade if possible.

They should also have access to suncream, suitable clothing, and water to remain hydrated.
T his month is the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush arriving in the UK with around 800 Caribbean migrants on board.

Events have been organised around the capital in June to mark the event, celebrating a generation of migrants that helped transform Britain over subsequent decades. Read our guide to Windrush 75 events here.

The initial cohort were among the first arrivals after the British Nationality Act came into effect which provided citizenship to members of the British Empire.

Over the following two decades, as many as half a million people arrived in the UK  a large proportion of whom came from the Caribbean.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by Baroness Floella Benjamin, Windrush passengers Alford Gardner and John Richards and children at the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument at Waterloo Station, / PA

When did the Windrush ship arrive?

HMT Empire Windrush came to the port of Tilbury, near London, on June 22, 1948.

It became the most well-known landing of a period which saw thousands arrive in the UK from countries within the former British Empire. It was the first arrival to be received with national news coverage.

However, it was not the first large ship to carry over Caribbean migrants. The SS Ormonde docked at Liverpool in March 1947 with 421 passengers and then the SS Almanzora came to Southampton the following December with 200 on board.

What happened to the Empire Windrush ship?

The ship started life in 1930 as a passenger liner and cruise ship operating under German control under the name Monte Rosa.

The vessel was taken by the British after the Second World War and renamed HMT Empire Windrush before being put back into service in 1947.

Based in London, the ship was owned by the Ministry of War Transport and operated by the New Zealand Shipping Company as transport for the Navy.

But in 1954, it caught fire while en route from Japan to the UK and began to sink. All but four of the 1,498 on board were rescued, but the ship could not be salvaged. It sunk off the coast of Algeria, where it remains to this day.

How long did the Windrush journey take?

Demand for tickets was high, with the British government having advertised in the Caribbean with the UK needing workers - having lost personnel in the war.

Once on board, the journey took around one month from start to finish.

What countries did the Windrush generation come from?

The Windrush collected migrants from Trinidad, Jamaica, Tampico, Cuba and Bermuda throughout May 1948.

Some 66 Polish migrants were also on board, having spent some of the war in Mexico after the Nazi occupation of their home country.

Migrants were promised prospects of employment in institutions such as the RAF and NHS.

What happened to the Windrush generation when they arrived?

Those arriving were often the victims of racist attitudes within employment and were forced to accept jobs and wages beneath their skillset.

However, those coming in made a significant contribution to the arts, education and culture scenes within the UK at the time, with the country gradually diversifying.
A heat warning is in place from Friday morning in London as temperatures are set to soar to 31C over the weekend amid thunderstorms.

A yellow alert warning has been issued for the capital from 9am on Friday to 9am on Monday June 12 by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as well as many other parts of the UK.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in London on Saturday from 2pm to 9pm.

Temperatures are set to reach a high of 25C in London on Friday and a scorching 31C on Saturday, with a chance of heavy showers or thunderstorms developing later on Saturday.

The showers are forecast to continue on Sunday and Monday, and are expected to be heavy and thundery at times. Temperatures are set to stay warm during the nights as well.

A yellow alert has also been issued in the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber.

UK Hot Weather | June 2023 1 / 28 UK Hot Weather | June 2023 PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA

A yellow alert issued on Wednesday in West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East and the South West was escalated to an amber alert on Thursday.

Weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, and at this level we may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, not just the most vulnerable, the UKHSA said.

Both yellow and amber alerts remain in place from 9am on Friday 9 June to 9am on Monday 12 June.

Under the new HHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, a yellow alert means more demand on health care services by vulnerable people is expected, and over 65s, or those with pre-existing health conditions, are at an increased risk.

An amber alert is when increased demand is likely to be felt across the whole health service, with potential for the whole population to be at risk, not just vulnerable people.

Britons have been urged to check on vulnerable relatives and avoid the sun during the hottest time of day, between 11am and 3pm.

The warning comes after weeks of prolonged high pressure which has led to the recent sun and high temperatures but as the high pressure moves north, the UK is expected to see higher temperatures as well as thunder, hail and rain hit central and southern England and Wales.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UKHSA, said: Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.
A body that has washed up on a Dover beach is believed to be that of missing Amazon worker Upale Kaloshi.

The 21-year-old was reported missing on May 21, after last being seen in Dover, with police releasing a CCTV image of him ordering at a cafe.

Concerns for Mr Kaloshi, from Deptford, south-east London, grew after he failed to turn up to his night shift at an Amazon warehouse in Dartford, his family said.

On Thursday his older sister Lukondo Kaloshi, 24, claimed that the familys private investigator had discovered a body that matched the description of Upale by a shore in Dover.

Kent Police confirmed a body was found on Wednesday but said formal identification was still ongoing.

She wrote an emotional update on Instagram alongside videos of Upale dancing and getting annoyed by her guitar skills in their bedroom.

If [police] acted sooner with urgency like we constantly begged them to, we could have found him.

She said: This is the worst thing Ive ever experienced in my life and Im truly sorry for people who have gone through this.

For those who didnt know Upale, this is Upale. He is intelligent, so hard working , so likeable, if youve ever met him, I promise youd never forget him.

This still makes no sense and Im sorry you were failed little bro. We love you so much Upale.

Im still looking out the window waiting for you to come back I refuse to believe this.

This was meant to be your testimony Upale, we were so excited to hear it after the way people have prayed for you! Just to confirm his Identity, we have to wait for a month?!? A month?! This system is horrible.

She added: Unfortunately, we received the worst news weve ever heard. A body was found matching the description of Upale by a shore in Dover yesterday morning; the body was found by our private investigator. He was there for 7 days! 7 days! It all doesnt make sense!

Upales disappearance was described at the time as being completely opposite from his normal behaviour.

His cousin added on Twitter: Had the police done something sooner we would not be in this position now Im here wondering why, how and what? My heart is completely broken.

Please keep my family and him in your prayers. Until we meet again little brother. Rest in Peace. I love you .

A Kent Police spokesman said: On Wednesday 7 June 2023, the body of a man was discovered near Dover. Officers attended and sadly the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of a 21-year-old man from south-east London, who was reported missing on Sunday 21 May, have been informed.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
A t least four children aged as young as three have been wounded after a Syrian asylum seeker went on the rampage with a knife in a park in France on Thursday morning.

The attacker struck close to Lake Annecy, in the east of country.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said: Several people including children were injured by an individual armed with a knife in a square in Annecy. The individual was arrested thanks to the very rapid intervention of the police.

Mr Darmanin confirmed that five people were wounded, including four young children, two of whom are in intensive care. The attacker was arrested by police soon afterwards following a brief struggle close to the park, which is in a square in the Alpine town.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are between life and death. The Nation is in shock. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services that mobilised.

An investigating source said the attacker was Syrian asylum seeker named as Abdalmash H, aged 32.

A man armed with a knife running away after he attacked a group of pre-school children playing by a lake / AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said: The man was shouting in English, and caused absolute panic when he started attacking the little ones.

He wanted to hurt as many people as he could. He caused carnage. The young children were just easy targets.

Francois Astorg, the Mayor of Annecy, said: Appalling attack this morning on the Paquier park in Annecy. All my thoughts to the victims and families.

REUTERS

A local lawmaker, Antoine Armand, tweeted that children were attacked on a playground. He called the attack "abominable."

In Paris, lawmakers interrupted a debate to hold a moment of silence for the victims, BFMTV reported.
I n recent years, government officials and industry leaders alike have become concerned with the prevelance of misinformation on the internet, created and spread through various technological means.

Internet gatekeepers are now considering new ways to ensure users can trust online content as misinformation and disinformation continue to spread.

Google has announced two features to help people establish which pictures are real and which are algorithmically generated. The About This Image tool will allow users to see where a photo originates or has been sourced while the search engine will add markups to the original files, clearly labelling them as AI-generated if that is the case.

Meanwhile, social media sites are being encouraged to add trust and distrust buttons to help users flag potentially harmful content. A study by researchers from University College London found it could lead to a reduction in the amount of incorrect information shared.

It is not the first time that internet giants have tried to impose greater regulation on what gets shared  with the Ukraine war, climate crisis, US presidential elections and Covid-19 recovery all meaning there is a lot at stake and emphasising the need for the truth to be protected.

Aside from the tools provided by big tech companies, how can you protect yourself against misinformation and disinformation? Take a look at our guide to find out more.

About This Image, powered by Google, will be released soon / Google

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

To start off with, misinformation is the sharing of false or inaccurate information, sometimes mistakenly, while disinformation is intended to mislead.

What kind of fake content is being shared online?

Mistruth being shared online is not a new phenomenon. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has pushed the battle for online truth to a new frontier with both sides sharing content that has been found to have been incorrect. The war has thrown up several types of misinformation and disinformation, which have also been seen in other scenarios and contexts.

Deepfake video

Towards the beginning of the Ukraine war, a video was shared that appeared to show Volodymyr Zelensky surrendering.

The president, in this fake video, is doctored to say: My advice to you is to lay down arms and return to your families. It is not worth it dying in this war. My advice to you is to live. I am going to do the same."

Doctored pictures

Technologies can be used to distort or alter images that may otherwise be innocuous (see an example).

CGI/video game content

Ukraine is also guilty of sharing information which has been proved to be wrong. In this example, the countrys ministry of defence tweeted an image of what was said to be an aerial dogfight. It was later revealed that the footage was from the video game Digital Combat Simulator World.

Old images or information

Explosions at a chemical plant in Tianjin in China from 2015 have been falsely used to illustrate battle in Ukraine.

This has also been true of footage shared of Russian troops parachuting, which was actually a training exercise in 2015.

A fire in Tianjin not a battlefield in Ukraine / AFP/Getty

False claims

Untruths and false information were a particular problem during the height of the Covid-19 crisis and continue to be so today.

Ukraine has been called a Nazi state while others have denied the invasion is even happening.

Is social media being fact-checked?

In February, Twitter, Alphabet (Google/YouTube) and Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) all responded to explain how they would look into the issue of misinformation and disinformation.

Meta said: Were fighting the spread of misinformation on our apps, and putting more restrictions and transparency on state-controlled media outlets to help people know if what they see is coming from a publication that may be under the influence of a government.

Yoel Roth, Twitter's head of security and safety, confirmed last year that the company will prioritise removing potentially false information about crisis events such as the war.

While this first iteration is focused on international armed conflict, starting with the war in Ukraine, we plan to update and expand the policy to include additional forms of crisis, he said.

YouTube said it will block both news outlets, while Google has banned RT and Sputnik from its Play app store.

Meta, Alphabet and Twitter have all been asked for an updated comment. Twitters press office sent back an email containing only a poo emoji.

How do I check my sources?

Here are five things you can do.

1. Check the source domain

Fake news websites might look convincing but could have spelling errors in their url or use an unusual extension such as .infonet  rather than .com.

2. Who is the author?

Googling the names of journalists should reveal if they work for a credible news organisation.

3. Could it be a joke?

Parody websites and Twitter feeds can often fool people.

4. Look at fact-checking websites

Websites such as Snopes and BBC Reality Check examine news articles or claims that could be misleading.

5. Keep a critical mindset

If something looks weird  it might be. Check or cross reference what you have seen with another source.

How do I spot fake images?

When it comes to images  as mentioned above  Google is in the process of making it easier to see where a file has originated.

But for the moment spotting a fake image can be as easy as running a reverse image search. Google Chrome and browser extension RevEye offer right-click options to reverse search images.

Search engines Yandex, TinEye and Bing allow users to search by URL or upload images to see if they have been previously published online.

With deepfake videos, if a surprising or significant announcement is made  it might be worth studying the speaker for signs of Photoshopping. In the case of the video of Mr Zelensky mentioned earlier, his head was seen to be out of proportion to his body and his lower half does not move. However, with improvements to deepfake videos it may become harder to spot obvious tech clangers.
R ussian soldiers became stuck in a tree after their own army was accused of laying waste to Ukraines Kakhova dam.

Footage posted on social media shows a group of Russian soldiers attempting to climb down from a tree  before soon realising they cannot due to the rushing water underneath.

Ukraine has claimed that Russia blew up the dam from within on Tuesday, accusing them of triggering an explosion that has turned the downstream areas into a waterlogged wasteland. In response, Moscow has blamed military strikes ordered by Kyiv.

Captain Andrei Pidlisnyi, an officer in Ukraines armed forces, told CNN on Wednesday that Russian forces were swept away by floodwaters while trying to escape following the collapse of the dam.

All the regiments the Russians had on that side were flooded, he said.

He claimed that many Russian troops were killed or wounded in the chaos.

In a statement, Ukraines military said the flooding in Kherson had forced Russian troops to retreat by up to 15km and had practically halved Russian shelling.

The Standard could not independently verify the footage.

Hundreds of Ukrainians were rescued from rooftops in the flood-stricken southern region of Kherson on Thursday after the destruction of the dam.

Drone video showed areas where often only the roofs were visible above the flooding.

The region's governor said some 600 square kilometres remains under water.

The dam collapse happened as Ukraine prepared a major counteroffensive to recapture land occupied by the Russian army.

In its daily Ukraine briefing, the UK Ministry of Defence on Thursday reported heavy fighting along multiple sectors of the front, adding that Kyiv held the initiative in most areas.

Russian shelling killed a civilian in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, about 60 km downstream from the dam, on Thursday as people were being evacuated, Ukraine's Prosecutor General said.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson regional administration, said about 1,700 people had been evacuated in Ukraine-controlled areas as of Wednesday.
U kraine has unleashed its counter-offensive to break through Russian defences and force Vladimir Putins troops to retreat, military experts said on Thursday.

The Institute for the Study of War stressed that activity throughout Ukraine is consistent with a variety of indicators that Ukrainian counter-offensive operations are underway across the battle zone.

But the Washington-based think tank also warned that Ukraine may suffer its heaviest casualties at the start of the counter-offensive as its military seeks to breach the Russian lines.

It came after British defence chiefs said that Ukrainian forces had seized the initiative in heavy fighting in several areas of the frontline.

There were also earlier reports from Russian sources of an attempted major advance in the south eastern Zaporizhzhia province.

Two senior US officials told CNN that Ukrainian forces suffered losses in heavy equipment and soldiers as they ran into tougher than expected resistance as they sought to break Russian lines in recent days.

But it was not yet confirmed whether this was a battlefield probing move or a significant escalation in the widely-expected counter-offensive.

How successful, or not, it had been was also yet to emerge.

However, a breakthrough here could damage the Russian land bridge between most of its forces in Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula which Moscow annexed in 2014.

The battle for the eastern town of Bakhmut in the Donetsk province of the Donbas region was continuing with Ukrainian troops reported to be advancing on its flanks.

Bakhmut, captured last month by Vladimir Putins Wagner Group private army, has been largely destroyed in some of the fiercest battles in Europe since the Second World War.

Wagner and regular Russian troops are estimated by western officials to have suffered 60,000 casualties in the fighting for the town, with around a third of them fatalities, with Ukrainian forces also suffering heavy losses.

In its latest intelligence update on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence in London said: Amidst a highly complex operational picture, heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front. In most areas Ukraine holds the initiative.

Russian forces are likely still being ordered to return to the offensive as soon as possible.

Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city, where the front line has changed little since 2015.

The Institute for the Study of War said Russian sources were claiming that Ukrainian forces conducted ground attacks on the administrative border between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia provinces on June 7.

The Washington-based think tank added that Russian and Ukrainian forces reportedly also engaged in skirmishes in western Zaporizhzhia.

Later on Thursday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said his forces had repelled large-scale overnight attempts by Ukrainian troops to break through the frontline in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and had inflicted heavy losses on them.

These claims could not be independently verified and need to be treated with caution given the propaganda issued by the Kremlin and defence ministry in Moscow.

He alleged Russian forces had repelled four separate overnight Ukrainian attacks along the southern front and that Kyiv's forces had been forced to retreat.

"At 1.30 a.m. today the enemy attempted to break through our defences in the Zaporizhzhia direction with forces from the 47th Mechanised Brigade numbering up to 1,500 men and 150 armoured vehicles," Shoigu said in a statement.

"The enemy was detected in time by our reconnaissance forces and a preventative strike was delivered by our artillery and aviation forces and using anti-tank weapons."

Shoigu alleged that Ukraine had lost 30 tanks, 11 armoured infantry vehicles and up to 350 soldiers. He gave even higher figures for Ukrainian losses purportedly suffered over a 24-hour period yesterday.

Previous Russian claims about fighting around the eastern town of Bakhmut have failed to fully recognise Ukrainian successes on the flanks so even if the Russians repelled four attacks, it may be that others also took place but were not being highlighted.

The UK defence briefing also stressed: Through 07 June 2023, flood levels continued to rise in the lower Dnipro (River), following the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, but will likely start to recede during 08 June 2023.

Shelling has complicated some attempts to evacuate displaced civilians from inundated areas.

The flooding was said to have caused major damage to Russian first defensive lines on the east side of the vast Dnipro River, as well as forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, and leaving many animals dead.

Moscow was being increasingly blamed for the dam breach on Tuesday as it was controlled by Russian forces.

Britain has not directly blamed Russia for blowing up the dam which has caused widespread flooding including in the southern city of Kherson.

But Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow was responsible for the ecocide crime.

In his overnight address, he also appealed for a huge humanitarian global response to the flooding crisis.

He said: The situation in the occupied part of Kherson region is absolutely catastrophic.

The occupiers simply abandoned people in these terrible conditions. Without rescue, without water, just on the rooftops in flooded communities.

He added: Now we need a clear and quick response from the world to what is happening. It is even impossible to establish for sure how many people in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region may die without rescue, without drinking water, without food, without medical care.

Our military and special services are rescuing people as much as it is possible, despite the shelling.

But large-scale efforts are needed. We need international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, to immediately join the rescue operation and help people in the occupied part of Kherson region.

Each person who dies there is a verdict on the existing international architecture and international organizations that have forgotten how to save lives.

Around 14,000 houses have been flooded after Ukraine's Kakhovka dam burst, with around 4,300 people evacuated, Russian state-owned news agency TASS cited the country's security services as saying on Thursday.

Around 600 sq km of Ukraine's southern Kherson region is under water, 68 per cent of which are located on the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River, the regional governor said on Thursday.

Oleksandr Prokudin wrote on the Telegram messaging app that the average water level as of Thursday morning was 5.61 meters.

The World Bank will support Ukraine by conducting a rapid assessment of damages and needs after the destruction of a huge hydroelectric dam on front lines between Russian and Ukrainian forces, a top bank official said.

Anna Bjerde, the World Bank's managing director for operations, in a tweet said the destruction of the Kakhovka dam had "many very serious consequences for essential service delivery and the broader environment."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, also writing on Twitter, said he spoke with Ms Bjerde about the impact of the dam's collapse, and she assured him the World Bank would carry out a rapid assessment of the damages and needs.
U krainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has visited the flood-hit region of Kherson to evaluate the response to damage caused by the dam breach.

The Ukrainian leader said he is helping to assess efforts to evacuate civilians, provide them with drinking water and other support and try to stanch vast environmental damage.

Mr Zelensky also raised the prospect of funding allocations to help compensate residents and businesses driven from their homes and offices by rising waters.

Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each other for the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station and dam on Tuesday, which unleashed torrents of flood water from the Dnipro River.

Ukraine: Kakhovka Dam 1 / 36 Ukraine: Kakhovka Dam A view shows flooded residential buildings after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, in Kherson REUTERS A local resident carry a wet dog during evacuation from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, UkrainE AP A view shows a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, amid Russias attack on Ukraine REUTERS A woman is evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine AP A view shows flooded residential buildings after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, in Kherson REUTERS Volunteers evacuate dogs and goats from the flooded city in Kherson, Ukraine AP A view shows a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, in Kherson REUTERS A view shows flooded residential buildings after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in Kherson, Ukraine REUTERS A view shows flooded residential buildings after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in Kherson, Ukraine REUTERS Streets are flooded in Kherson, Ukraine AP Emergency workers evacuate residents in a rubber boat from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukrain AP Streets are flooded in Kherson, Ukraine AP Rescue workers attempt to tow boats carrying residents being evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine AP A view shows the House of Culture on a flooded street in Nova Kakhovka after the nearby dam was breached in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in the Kherson Region, Russian-controlled Ukrain via REUTERS A local resident makes her way through a flooded road after the walls of the Kakhovka dam collapsed overnight, in Kherson, Ukrain AP Damage at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Dam at Nova Kakhovka, near Kherson ENERGOATEM/AFP via Getty Images General view of the Nova Kakhovka dam that was breached in Kherson region, Ukraine ES Composite A boy walks along a flooded street in the town of Kherson, following flooding caused by damage sustained at the Kakhovka HPP dam AFP via Getty Images Rescue workers attempt to tow boats carrying residents being evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukrain AP A town (top) along the Dnipro river in Kherson on May 15, 2023 and the same town on June 6, 2023 after it was flooded following an attack on a major Russian-held dam in southern Ukraine which unleashed a torrent of water that flooded two dozen villages and forced the evacuation of 17,000 people, sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster Satellite image A2023 Maxar Tech Rescue workers attempt to tow boats carrying residents being evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukrain AP Rescue workers attempt to tow boats carrying residents being evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine AP Local residents carry their belongings as they evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine AP Local residents look at a partially flooded area of Kherson following damage sustained at Kakhovka HPP dam AFP via Getty Images A local resident stands with his bicycle in a flooded street in the town of Kherson, following flooding caused by damage sustained at the Kakhovka HPP dam AFP via Getty Images Red Cross workers drive along a street in Kherson, Ukraine, which was flooded after the Kakhovka dam was blown up AP A local resident with a bike and a dog walks along the street past the buildings in Kherson, Ukraine AP

"Many important issues were discussed. The operational situation in the region as a result of the disaster, evacuation of the population from potential flood zones, elimination of the emergency caused by the dam explosion, organization of life support for the flooded areas,"Mr Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app under video footage of his visit.

"Also, the prospects for restoring the region's ecosystem and the operational military situation in the man-made disaster area."

Meanwhile, the Kremlin-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, a Russian-occupied town three miles from the collapsed dam, reported on Russian state TV that five of seven residents declared missing after the dam breach are dead.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER

The two others have been found and efforts were being made to evacuate them, Vladimir Leontyev added.

At least 4,000 people have been evacuated from both the Russian and Ukrainian-controlled sides of the Dnipro river, which has become part of the frontline between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the more than 15-month-old war, officials said.

The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an area that was home to more than 60,000 people.
T urkey has blocked all of the countrys access to adult subscription site OnlyFans following a campaign by conservatives against the platform over pornography.

The site has reportedly been banned over morality concerns, which have been backed by the countrys leaders.

The platform, which is based in London, is popular for hosting porn content from sex workers and models, but the country-wide ban in Turkey is expected to be implemented imminently.

The ban has not been officially announced by the country, but local reports have said that access is already being prohibited.

Users attempting to access OnlyFans are now being restricted, and met with warning messages that state the connection is no longer secure.

The supposed ban came after a petition was created that called for its prohibition, saying that it promotes the pursuit of money through immoral means.

The petition was passed to the Turkish Government, with the unnamed petitioner asking for a complete ban on OnlyFans and all similar platforms, citing the potential erosion of public morals and the Turkish family structure if decisive action is not taken.

Social-media users have taken to sites such as Twitter to now say that, although it will be banned, people in Turkey would still be able to access the site using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

But who else has taken issue with the site? Here is everything we know.

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is an online platform which is a subscription site, for adults, set up in 2016.

Users must be 18 to sign up and users typically pay for content, such as live streams, photos, and videos, from their favourite creators via a monthly membership.

Content is created by YouTubers, fitness trainers, models, content creators, and public figures but it is mostly used by adult content creators for content that is of a sexual nature.

Is OnlyFans careful with subscribers?

The site says it has a minimum age sign-up of 18, but critics such as the Internet Matters groups have previously voiced concerns over this being aptly monitored.

The site introduced a new account-verification process in 2019 and creators must provide a selfie and their ID to set up an account.

In a statement, OnlyFans previously said: We constantly review our systems to ensure they are as robust as possible. If we are alerted to any underage individual who has gained or tried to gain illegitimate access to the platform, we will always take immediate steps to investigate and suspend the account.

Which countries have banned the site?

Turkey is not the first country to have banned the platform, and it joins a host of others who have made a stand.

Dubai

The country has a strict policy against adult content, and the government has taken steps to block access to the platform since its creation.

Russia

Russia blocked access to the site in February of this year, after local reports were made that access had been stopped with a restricted error message popping up for locals.

The government cited the platforms immoral content as the reason for the ban.

OnlyFans said in a statement: Over the past few months, we have explored several options to continue providing our services to creators impacted by the Russia/Ukraine war.

However, due to a further tightening of payment restrictions to and from Russia, OnlyFans can no longer properly serve our Russian creator community.

India

The country has access to the site but it is illegal in India to post content as a creator.

Anyone who posts sexual content online is regarded as breaking the law per Indian legislation, and theres no exception on the platform.

Belarus

In Belarus, the government previously blocked access to OnlyFans due to its anti-social content but the site is not illegal to access. The government has also historically taken steps to block access to other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter.
C aroline Calloway, the infamous Instagrammer and self-titled scammer, will finally publish her debut novel, four years after it was first announced.

Aptly titled Scammer, Calloway revealed that she was working on her memoir in 2019. It was due to be shipped in the summer of 2020, but never transpired.

Scammer is her second attempt at a memoir, following a failed book deal in 2016 that landed her in $100,000 of debt.

Now, her debut book is reportedly due to be self-published on June 16, and is currently available for pre-order for a whopping $65 (51).

So who is Caroline Calloway and why is she controversial?

What is Caroline Calloway famous for?

Caroline Calloway, born Caroline Gotschall, rose to social media fame by documenting her experience studying the history of art at Cambridge University between 2013 and 2016, after dropping out of New York University.

In an interview with Vanity Fair , she revealed that she got accepted into Cambridge on her third try, with a fraudulent application.

I lied on my application, she revealed. I forged my transcript when I got in.

Initially buying 40,000 followers for less than 5 in 2013, her posts eventually found a real audience of fans enthralled by her glamorous life of Harry Potter-like castles, Jane Austen-like balls at one of the worlds most prestigious universities.

A series of controversies in recent years has seen Calloway gain more than 645,000 Instagram followers, and her name continuously hit headlinesfor better or for worse.

But all press is good press, as far as the influencer is concerned.

I love fame, Calloway told the Guardian in 2020, I love being written about.

I dont really mind if people think Im a bad writer, she said, if they dont understand my weird Instagram performance art or they find my long captions annoying. Thats part of the package of being in the public eye, and honestly I find it exhilarating.

Caroline Calloway first announced that she was working on the book in 2019 / Getty Images for Shorty Awards

Why is Caroline Calloway controversial?

Calloway came under fire in early 2019 for organising creativity workshops for $165, before cancelling several locations and moving them to New York City, as reported by Pajiba .

Having earned a reputation for being a scammer, Calloway then launched another creativity workshop event, titled The Scam, in August 2019 (a Vice reporter, Anna Iovine, attended the workshop undercover after Calloway explicitly said that members of the press were not invited).

In September 2019, Calloways former friend and NYU classmate Natalie Beach wrote a viral expose for The Cut, in which she claimed that she was responsible for writing the Instagram captions that Calloway won her following for.

Beach also claimed that Calloway invited her to collaborate as an author on a book proposal, And We Were Like, which was eventually bought by Flatiron in 2016 for $375,000 (with Natalie expecting a percentage of the deal).

Calloway was allegedly paid a $100,000 advance, which she had to pay back after backing out of the book deal in 2017.

Despite the damning light Calloway was portrayed in Beachs essay, she capitalised on the vitality of the article by promising to publish a response to Beach, in the form of a memoir titled Scammer.

She published an essay titled I am Caroline Calloway, published in three parts behind a paywall on her website in early 2020, with the proceeds going towards Direct Relief.

Later that year, Calloway launched an OnlyFans account in which she shared explicit images of herself dressed as literary characters, what she called emotionally poignant, softcore cerebral porn.

Caroline Calloway went viral in 2019 for her $165 creativity workshops. / Getty Images for Shorty Awards

She announced her account with a nude photo on Twitter, by way of an apology for posting her essay behind a paywall.

The move sparked a backlash among sex workers who accused Calloway of capitalising on her platform at a time when many full-time sex workers were struggling due to the pandemic.

In 2022, Calloways former landlord allegedly sued her for not paying $40,000 in rent, as reported by the Daily Beast .

She moved from New York in spring 2022 and now lives in Sarasota, Florida.

When is Caroline Calloways book out?

Calloway claimed on her Instagram that the book would be released on June 16. The luxury first edition is currently available to pre-order for $65.

In a note on her website, she wrote: I hope you cherish this precious first edition as much as I have LOVED pouring my motherf****** soul into every scrap of fancy paper and satin ribbon and stupid ink in it.

My greatest wish is that a generation or two of chaotic-good women from now, your ancestors will giggle and delight in the fact that you (you!) bought this internet heirloom.

Or maybe theyll sell it at auction for a pretty penny! Who knows!
T he Government should support a global moratorium on deep-sea mining, a group of UK television stars has said.

Olivia Colman, Jim Carter, Stephen Fry, Robert Lindsay and Joanna Lumley are urging the UK to join a growing number of governments and companies around the world calling for a halt on the industry before it can begin.

Thirty-one exploration contracts have been issued by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) although no company is allowed to begin extracting yet.

They are searching for deposits of minerals such as cobalt, zinc and magnesium that are often used in renewable technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.

Many scientists, activists, governments and businesses are concerned that mining will destroy barely understood and fragile ecosystems on the sea floor.

Researchers from the Natural History Museum believe there are up to 8,000 undiscovered species in an area of the Pacific called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, which has become a focus for mining companies.

Ms Colman said: Its crucial the Government fully considers the long-term consequences of deep-sea mining  the latest in a long list of threats to our beleaguered oceans.

The deep ocean is home to diverse and fragile life forms that we are only just beginning to understand. To forge ahead risks damaging ecosystems to a point from which they may never recover.

The UK Government has said it will not sponsor or support deep-sea mining contracts unless there is sufficient scientific evidence about its potential effects on ecosystems and until strong and enforceable environmental regulations and standards are in place.

It has rejected a moratorium, arguing it is better to be involved in negotiating for the introduction of environmental protections.

UN member states, including the UK, agreed to the Global Ocean Treaty in March. It aims to protect large areas of marine life by putting stricter regulations on deep-sea mining and fishing.

Mr Fry said: Just months after the Government celebrated its role in the historic UN Ocean Treaty, it appears rather hypocritical to forge ahead with discussions on deep-sea mining.

Deep-sea mining for minerals destroys little-known ecosystems on the sea floor / Alamy/PA

The serious and ongoing concerns expressed by scientists regarding the risks deep-sea mining poses to marine life should be more than sufficient to dissuade the Government.

Instead of enabling the expansion of this destructive new industry, the Government must honour its commitment to ocean protection and unite with others who are firmly opposed to deep sea mining.

The actors call comes ahead of a round of talks at the ISA, whose 167 members including the UK are facing commercial pressure to allow deep sea mining to begin, Greenpeace said.

More than 700 scientists from 44 countries have signed an open letter calling for the industry to be paused while companies including Samsung, Google and Volvo have said they will refuse to use metals obtained from the seabed.

Andrew Tobert, Greenpeace UK oceans campaigner, said: The Governments lack of action on deep-sea mining runs completely counter to its claims to be a global leader on marine protection.

Not only that, it undermines its contribution towards securing the UN Ocean Treaty.

In two weeks time governments will formally adopt the treaty and then the UK must act to swiftly ratify it.

Alongside this, its crucial UK ministers take a strong stance on deep sea mining ahead of the ISA meeting in July.

A moratorium is whats needed  thats not a million miles away from the UKs stated precautionary approach. What are they waiting for?
S trictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared a health update after undergoing surgery amid her breast cancer treatment.

The 32-year-old announced shed been diagnosed with breast cancer last month after discovering a lump on her breast in April while preparing to go on her honeymoon in the Maldives with husband Ben Jones.

And on Wednesday the dancer revealed that she was in hospital undergoing treatment and said that shes more determined than ever to get back on the dance floor.

After her operation, Dowden took to her Instagram Story to update her social media followers about her treatment and revealed that her surgery had been successful.

She wrote: Surgery went well. Big thanks to my two surgeons and nurses who have been so utterly amazing and looking after me.

Very sore but focusing on the positives they said the surgery went well! Thanks for all the support and messages.

Dowden revealed that her surgery went well / Instagram/Amy Dowden

Ahead of going under the knife, the BBC star shared a selfie from her hospital bed and said that she was determined to return to the Strictly dance floor.

She captioned the post: Step one to beating cancer! Rrrrrrready for this fight and more determined than ever to get back on the dance floor.

After sharing her sentiments, the ballroom pro was inundated with well wishes from fans and her Strictly co-stars.

Strictly pro Karen Hauer commented: Love you you got this while former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball penned: huge love and strength to you beautiful Amy.

Dowdens former Strictly partner Tom Fletcher added: Sending you all the love today. Us Fletchers are right behind you. X

Last month, the Caerphilly-born star, who joined the BBC dance competition show in 2017, shared her cancer diagnosis on Instagram, telling fans that she is determined to return to the dance floor as soon as she can.

She wrote: Hey all, Ive got some news which isnt easy to share. Ive recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but Im determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it.

Dowden added a pink love heart, signing off with Welsh love Amy with a kiss.
T he UK will host the first global summit on artificial intelligence (AI) this autumn, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced.

This week, while on a trip to the US, Mr Sunak has announced that political leaders and tech companies will come together to agree safety measures to evaluate and monitor the most significant risks from AI.

The Prime Minister said: AI has an incredible potential to transform our lives for the better. But we need to make sure it is developed and used in a way that is safe and secure.

Time and time again throughout history, we have invented paradigm-shifting new technologies and we have harnessed them for the good of humanity. That is what we must do again.

He added: No one country can do this alone. This is going to take a global effort. But with our vast expertise and commitment to an open, democratic international system, the UK will stand together with our allies to lead the way.

In May, dozens of AI experts signed a letter, organised by the Center for AI Safety , calling for leaders to work to reduce societal-scale risks from AI.

Among the signatories was the godfather of AI, Geoffrey Hinton , who resigned from his Google job and warned of the dangers of AI technology .

Sam Altman and Ilya Sutskever, the chief executive and co-founder respectively of ChatGPT developer OpenAI, also signed the letter.

The Prime Minister responded by saying he had stressed to AI companies the importance of putting guardrails in place so development is safe and secure, at a roundtable with AI leaders.

Government ministers and advisors have previously warned of the dangers of AI.

Matt Clifford, Sunaks adviser on the technology, warned that AI could be capable of creating technology that could kill people in just two years.

And this week, Paul Scully, minister for tech and digital economy, said that both a dystopia and a utopia could be possible with the use of AI.

Ahead of the summit in the autumn, foreign secretary James Cleverly will convene the first briefing of the UN Security Council on the opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence for international peace and security, in July.

The UK is a world-leader in AI, just behind the US and China, with the sector contributing 3.7 billion to the economy .
W hile we can all agree that London is very much in the south of England, those of us brought to the capital from beyond zone six will have often faced one unanswerable question: are we technically northern?

Now a tongue-in-cheek analysis aims to answer the question of where the north of England officially begins once and for all, with a little help from artificial intelligence.

In carrying out their study, researchers took a look at two food-to-go chains: northern powerhouse Greggs, and southern mainstay Pret. The former was founded in Tyneside in 1951, with the latter opening its first shop in Hampstead in 1984.

The paper  titled The Greggs-Pret Index: a Machine Learning analysis of consumer habits as a metric for the socio-economic North-South divide in England  adapts an algorithm usually used to study nuclear reactions to assess the prominence of the two shops across England, and thus reveal where the south gives way to the north. The fact that there are more Greggs stores than Prets is taken into account.

The food we eat is a very good indicator of whether someone is northern or southern, said Dr Robin Smith, a physicist at Sheffield Hallam University who led the study. Greggs is very popular in the north, where people do seem to prefer a steak bake.

We are fascinated by the north-south divide, so it is good to have a way of working out where it starts. In particular, the abstract of the tongue-in-cheek analysis states that it aims to highlight more serious factors highlighting the North-South divide, such as life expectancy, education, and poverty.

So where does the North begin?

The North-South dividing line as determined by the Artificial Neural Network regression analysis of Greggs and Pret locations. The heatmap denotes the calculated 'Northern-ness' and 'Southern-ness' as a function of location. The black line is a separating contour line. / ResearchGate

The optimal north/south line isnt a straight one. It essentially slices off the southeast of England, starting off from just above Poole and shooting upwards towards Skegness via the Watford Gap  often earmarked as the turning point  before dipping down to absorb the north coast of Norfolk.

The North-South dividing line as determined by the Greggs and Pret shops analysed using the SVM. Greggs shops are plotted in blue, and Pret in red. / ResearchGate

Curiously, that means that Cornwall  the most southern county in the UK  is for the purposes of this analysis, northern. But thats chiefly down to a lack of data: the county contains just two Greggs stores, and is yet to experience the simple delights of a Pret Chicken Ceasar and Bacon Baguette.

While a secondary analysis  using Waitrose (established: Acton, 1904) and Morrisons (established: Bradford, 1899)  produced different results, it still includes the Watford Gap, suggesting it remains as good a marker as any.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The project of constructing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway holds particular significance for Kyrgyzstan and other countries in the region, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, said at the second meeting of the Heads of Central Asian countries and the President of the European Council Charles Michel in Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata city, Trend reports.

"For Central Asian countries, it will be a significant advantage to shape our region as a unified geo-economic space, where all forms of economic cooperation and interaction are successfully formed. The growth driver for the economies of Central Asia is the development of regional transit, transportation, and logistics potential," the president said. "The project for the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway construction holds particular significance for our country and other neighboring countries in the region", he added.

According to him, the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project will break the transportation deadlock in the region. It will establish connectivity among nearly 4 billion people and enhance transportation routes from Asia, through Turkiye, to Europe, the Middle East, Iran, the Persian Gulf countries, and North Africa.

An agreement on the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway was signed on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Samarkand on September 14, 2022.

The railway will have a total length of 523 kilometers, with 213 kilometers in China, 260 kilometers in Kyrgyzstan, which will include approximately 90 tunnels and a final stretch of 50 kilometers in Uzbekistan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Tajikistan and Russia discussed the current state and opportunities for the development of comprehensive cooperation, Trend reports.

According to the official source of Tajikistan, these issues were discussed between President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who arrived in Dushanbe on a working visit.

The sides focused on the issues of bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, trade, and cultural and humanitarian fields. With this in mind, they noted the importance of gradually expanding mutually beneficial partnerships in these areas.

In turn, Rahmon noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of the development of bilateral ties in all areas of mutual interest and also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in various sectors of the economy, education, migration, as well as interregional cooperation.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on issues of the international and regional agenda, in particular, on the Afghan issue.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 6. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved a law on the adoption of an agreement with Azerbaijan and Turkiye on trade and economic cooperation, Trend reports.

According to official data, in December last year, at the trilateral summit of the heads of state of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Turkiye, held in the Turkmen city of Turkmenbashi, a document aimed at activating the economic partnership between the three countries was presented.

Furthermore, the Parliament of Turkmenistan earlier unanimously voted for the adoption of this bill.

Meanwhile, the trilateral agreement plays an important role in strengthening regional cooperation in various fields and reflects the mutual interest of the countries in expanding cooperation.
All citizens of this country should know that the budget is extremely tight and giving more money to someone means cutting from someone else, the main reason being the fact that budget revenues in Romania are the lowest in Europe, of 27% of GDP, said on Thursday Valentin Lazea, chief economist at the National Bank of Romania (BNR), present at the Annual Conference of the Association of Financial and Banking Analysts from Romania.

"So, we have 27% [budget revenues] of GDP, an extremely small pie for which extremely many people are fighting. Until we understand that we all have to pay state taxes, because when introduced the single quota, so they said, we make a small single quota, but let everyone pay. Well, the day after the single quota was introduced, the phones started: could you give us, sector x, an exemption, lower tax to sector y etc. So as long as a large part or several parts of the workforce refuse to pay taxes or have exemptions in the sense of not paying taxes, that is the situation. Giving money to teachers or anyone means taking money from someone else. It's that simple. The answer or the solution is again to return to the true, single rate, for everyone to pay their taxes," Valentin Lazea argued.

He also mentioned that the budget was cut, from the start, very optimistically, and the tasks towards tax authority ANAF were unrealistically high.

"There are at least two percent of the GDP that are lost during collection through legal exemptions for non-payment of legal taxes, plus one percent of GDP from non-payment of VAT, which has other causes. First of all, the non-connection of cash registers, computer programs that are missing at Ministry of Finance, etc. So, add these two percent of GDP plus another percent of GDP for the non-collection of VAT, and with three percent of GDP, some measures could be added here and there. But, it's an election year, and so on", said Lazea.

Asked about a possible change in the taxation system, he explained that in recent years Romania has relied on low taxation and a cheap workforce.

"We in Romania should give up this mantra with which we have been parading for 18 years, that Romania must be attractive through low taxes and cheap labor. In fact, this type of thinking has prevented us from being competitive where we should have been competitive, through education, through research expenses, through infrastructure development. We said: we will be competitive through low taxes and cheap labor. The result is the one you see," Valentin Lazea said.AGERPRES
The Canadian ambassador to Romania received, on Thursday, the Emblem of Honor of the Department for Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations, on the occasion of the end of the mission in our country, the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) informs on Thursday, in a statement sent to AGERPRES.

The secretary of state for Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations, Simona Cojocaru, offered, on Thursday, in a ceremony organized at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence, the Emblem of Honor of the Department for Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations to the Canadian ambassador in Romania, Annick Goulet, on the occasion of the end of the latter's mission in our country.

The Emblem of Honor was awarded for the special role of ambassador Annick Goulet in strengthening bilateral relations between Romania and Canada in the political-military field and for the constant support provided in the development of joint projects, the cited source mentions.

The secretary of state recalled the special role of ambassador Annick Goulet in promoting the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, by highlighting the visit to Romania, in 2022, of Canada's ambassador for WPS, Jacqueline O'Neill.
Corrections officers to protest before European Commission Representation in Romania.

Romania's corrections officers are protesting today from 11:00 a.m. before the European Commission Representation in Romania, dissatisfied with the terms and conditions imposed by the European Commission in relation to amending the Military Pensions Law, told Agerpres.

"The European Commission is blackmailing the Romanian Parliament into passing the Military Pensions Law as wanted by Brussels or else Romania will no longer receive approximately 1.4 billion euros. The government has sold Romanians' defence, public order and security for 1.4 billion euros, money that will not go to hospitals, schools or highways, but to the pockets of political companies," the National Administration of Penitentiaries Trade Unions Federation (FSANP) says in a press release.

They tell the European Commission that Romania is not the only EU or NATO state that has a different system for calculating military pensions. France, Germany, Poland, Belgium are countries where securing the income of reserve defence, public order and national security workers is based on a state pension system similar to the one in Romania.

"The European Commission is turning the police, military and corrections officers into the guinea pigs of Europe. After the experiment in Romania, will other NATO countries follow?"

They add that the politicians in the ruling coalition returned from Brussels with tough conditions regarding state military pensions.

"Despite the alarm signals raised by the police and penitentiary unions, the 'orders in an envelope' that the European Commission gave to Romania led to the depopulation and deprofessionalisation of the state's law enforcement institutions. The 'Brussels diktat' - as Romanian politicians hint - regarding the amendment of the State Military Pensions Law raises questions about Romania's independence in terms of domestic policy and national interest. The corrections officers understand the general interest of the European Union, but they ask themselves the legitimate question: Do we still need the 588 parliamentarians? Do we still need 20 ministers, a prime minister and two deputy prime ministers? The politicians have shown that they no longer need policemen, soldiers or corrections officers," FSANP concludes.
The transformation of the Romanian health system is a slow, discontinuous and fragmented process, placing Romania among the EU states with the highest number of preventable deaths, but by 2027 all the regions of the country will have new hospitals, argues Minister of European Investments and Projects Marcel Bolos.

The government adopted on Thursday an emergency ordinance that regulates the measures required to implement public health infrastructure projects financed from non-reimbursable external funds available under the 2021 - 2027 Health Program, and from loans raised from international financial institutions.

"When I took over at the Ministry of European Investments and Projects, the hospital infrastructure was not included in the 2021 - 2027 Health Program, despite many public hospitals being in an advanced stage of wear and tear, and an insufficient number of public hospitals having being built in the last 25 years, let alone large-scale public hospitals. Now we know for sure that in 2027 we will have new hospitals in every corner of the country," Bolos said according to a ministry release.

A novelty in the regulatory act adopted on Thursday is that the financing for future strategic investments in infrastructure can combine non-reimbursable external funds with an EIB loan.

"The two priorities of the Health Program referred to in the ordinance adopted today mean at least 7 large hospitals (county, single specialty or transplant centers) built from scratch and equipped, and another 20 municipal and city public hospitals built or rehabilitated and properly equipped. The financing contracts for all these facilities will be concluded until the end of the year, for us to have enough time to carry out the specific procedures for investments of such importance and scope," the minister of European investments and projects said.

The regulatory act sets in place the general framework for the methodology and selection criteria for public investment projects in the health sector, which are approved by the Health Program Monitoring Committee, upon the proposal of the Health Program Managing Authority based on the framework criteria laid out in the ordinance.

The eligible value financed under the Health Program for investments in new hospital infrastructures - county hospitals/county emergency hospitals, single speciality hospitals - bedded health facilities is a minimum of 5 million euros and a maximum of 500 million euros.

Investments include building expansion/modernization/rehabilitation works, including connection/expansion/revamping/rehabilitation works to existing buildings and the endowment with specific medical equipment, including green transition and digitization measures, as well as new construction works, including the installation of specific medical equipment, green and digital transition included.

For smaller-scale investments in the public infrastructure of city and municipal hospitals, the eligible value is set according to specific investment categories at a minimum of 5 million euros and a maximum of 75 million euros for bedded municipal facilities, and at a minimum of 5 million euros and a maximum of 45 million euros for city health facilities.

Bolos emphasized that with the regulations adopted on Thursday, investments of almost 2 billion euros in Romanian hospitals have entered the final stage.

The lists of projects selected by the Ministry of European Investments and Projects for financing under the Health Program are approved by government decision after the completion of the contracting process.

The calls for projects of investment in existing/new infrastructures of city, municipal, county, emergency county hospitals and single speciality hospitals will open during the third quarter of 2023.

The Health Program, approved at the end of November by the European Commission, is a multi-fund program with a total allocation of 5.8 billion euros, which includes financing from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund, as well as a loan component of 2 billion euros via the European Investment Bank.

Separately from the Cohesion Policy, 2.45 billion euros will be allocated through Component 12 - Health of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for: capacity development for the management of health public funds (70 million euros); health investment capacity building (30 million euros); increasing the capacity for the management of health services and human resources (80 million euros); investments in pre-hospital infrastructure (314 million euros); hospital infrastructure (1.9 billion euros). AGERPRES
Gov't establishes funding eligibility under operational programme healthcare.

At a meeting today, the government will consider an emergency ordinance for the implementation of projects that qualify for non-reimbursable European funds under operational programme healthcare, told Agerpres.

"Today, we are making the decision by which Romania will carry out projects for building new hospitals, modernising existing ones, and equipping them with modern equipment. These are projects that will be carried out under operational programme healthcare on cohesion funds. We are talking about 6 billion euros that are allocated to this ambitious program," Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said at the beginning of the meeting.

According to Health Minister Alexandru Rafila, 22 counties will qualify for investment in hospitals under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) as well. Funds will be allocated progressively until 2030, and they include infrastructure investment. At the same time, under this project, programmes such as one to fight cancer will be possible to finance.

"This new project can reduce the gaps that exist in the provision of hospital medical care between the various counties. In practice, we are now discussing eligibility criteria based on which local or central administrations can submit projects in order to become eligible under this programme. But it's not all about infrastructure, as it's about many more. It's about developing programmes, starting with prevention programmes, primary medical assistance and, last but not least, the fight against non-communicable diseases, including cancer, for funding under the programme," Rafila said.

The draft emergency ordinance provides for measures to implement public healthcare infrastructure projects on non-reimbursable external funds under the Healthcare Programme and on loans from international financial institutions.

"The emergency ordinance regulates the measures for the implementation of public healthcare infrastructure projects on non-reimbursable external funds under the programme healthcare and on loans from international financial institutions by establishing a framework for the methodology and selection criteria for public investment projects which funding contracts are to be concluded in accordance with the rules established by the applicant's guidelines of the operational programme healthcare management authority,"according to the explanatory notes.
Gov't meeting: Memorandum regarding pay scale of beginner teacher to be approved.

The Government will approve on Thursday's meeting, a memorandum on the adoption of general principles to improve the status of teaching, auxiliary teaching and non-teaching staff in the national education system and the enhancement of teaching careers, told Agerpres.

The memorandum shows among other things, as a proposed measure: "The prioritization of the dialogue between the Labour and Social Solidarity Ministry and the representatives of the trade union federations in education on the salary scale of the subsequent occupational family, which shall be included in the future Salary Law. The new law will be based on the principle that the basic salary of the beginner teacher/university assistant will be set at the level of the average gross salary in the economy, used to base the state social security budget for 2023."

Another measure mentioned in the document aims to "establish a provision in the collective labour contract at the level of the 'pre-university education' sector, whereby during the period of rest leave, as well as for paid leave days, the education staff will be entitled to a holiday entitlement calculated in relation to the number of days of leave multiplied with the average daily basic salary and the increments/entitlement they receive, according to the law, corresponding to each calendar month in which the holiday is taken."

The Government will also pass a memorandum on Romania's standpoint regarding the establishment of a permanent Secretariat to manage the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process).

A draft decision will also be approved to supplement the number of positions allocated for military higher education in the 2023-2024 academic year, within the limits imposed by national accreditations and the enrollment capacity of higher education institutions, in order to train qualified personnel needed for military structures.

Within the meeting there will also be approved a draft emergency ordinance on some measures for the implementation of public health infrastructure projects financed by non-reimbursable external funds under the Health Programme and loans contracted with International Financial Institutions.
Health employees, march to Revolution Square to picket Health and Labour Ministries.

Health employees, who protested for an hour in the Victoriei Square, unhappy with the wages in the system, left on Tuesday for the Revolution Square to picket the Health Ministry and the Labour Ministry, union leaders estimating that more than 4,000 people will participate in the protest, told Agerpres.

"We have stood outside the Government for an hour and now we are marching to the Labour Ministry and the Health Ministry, where we will picket the two ministries, then we will move on to the Palace of Parliament, where we will hold another one-hour rally. We have promises that we will be called to discussions in all the places we are protesting," Vice-president of the "Sanitary Solidarity" Federation (FSSR) Daniel Bulboaca told AGERPRES on Thursday.

He said that signatures shall be further collected for the launch of a general strike in the health sector, if the unionists' demands are not resolved.

"We continue to collect signatures for the general strike. If 50% plus one of the health employees will sign the tables and agree to make the supreme gesture - an interruption of the activity being unpaid during this period - we will start the health strike at the earliest after July 1," the union leader said.

The "Sanitary Solidarity" Federation of Romania is organising on Thursday the Health protest and march in Bucharest, a rally which started at 11:00hrs in the Victoriei Square and will end around 14:30hrs in the Constitution Square.

Representatives of the public health system present at the protest will support the granting of all the rights provided by the current salary law, namely: the granting of the basic salary at the level of 2022 for all health employees; the reporting of bonuses for working conditions to the basic salaries for auxiliary health staff (nurses, caretakers, stretcher bearers), Technical, Economic and Socio-Administrative personnel and health workers; the reporting of shift bonuses and for working on legal days off to the basic salaries in payment for all categories of staff; the payment of doctors who are on duty at the hourly rate of the basic norm.
The High Court of Cassation and Justice ordered on Thursday the termination of the criminal proceedings against Mihai Theodor Eugeniu, a high school student radicalised on behalf of a Middle Eastern fundamentalist organisation, who discussed with another student how to blow up the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

Three judges of the Supreme Court found that the offences of which Mihai Theodor Eugeniu was accused, namely the promotion of a message through propaganda committed by any means with the intention of instigating the commission of an act of terrorism and association for the purpose of committing acts of terrorism, were statute-barred, with two decisions of the Constitutional Court having been applied in this respect.

On the other hand, Mihai Theodor Eugeniu was acquitted of two other offences under Law 535/2004 on combating terrorism, as well as child pornography.

This is the first case of a Romanian accused of terrorist propaganda to avoid prosecution with the help of the Constitutional Court.AGERPRES
IGPF: Almost 94,000 people enter Romania on Wednesday, of whom approximately 11,400 Ukrainians.

The General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPF) informs that, on Wednesday, a number of 93,900 people entered Romania through border points, of whom 11,391 were Ukrainian citizens, told Agerpres.

According to a release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, approximately 181,700 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, with over 48,200 means of transport, completed the control formalities at the border crossing points nationwide, both on the way in and on the way out.

As of 10 February 2022 (the pre-conflict period),a number of 4,457,979 Ukrainian citizens have entered Romania.

In the relevant areas - the border crossing points and the "green border," the border policemen discovered 62 illegalities (41 offences and 21 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, with the amount of fines enforced exceeds 30,300 RON.

Assets of an estimated value of approximately 145,910 RON were impounded.

On Wednesday, a number of 17 foreign citizens were not allowed to enter the country because they didn't meet the requirements stipulated by the law, while a number of 18 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 8. In recent years, a completely different and new cooperation has emerged in Central Asia, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, said, speaking at the Astana International Forum (AIF 2023), Trend reports from the scene.

"Currently, we are facing challenges such as climate change, water and natural resource scarcity, socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, and an energy crisis. These factors pose a serious threat to sustainable development. These issues also hinder the development of the global economy, which is in a complex situation. There is also a change in previously established trade routes. At this stage, it is important for us to work together and establish a constructive dialogue. I would like to highlight the countries of Central Asia as a shining example of partnership," said Aripov.

According to the PM, the systematic political solutions proposed by the heads of state of Central Asian countries contribute to the timely resolution of the existing issues today.

"In recent years, a completely different and new cooperation has emerged in Central Asia. This, in turn, will help address the most difficult problems in the region," he noted.

Aripov also pointed out that the trade turnover between the countries of Central Asia has grown several times and is surpassing the previous indicators.
Muresan: The Spanish government will be a supporter of Romania's accession to Schengen, regardless of election outcome.

Romania will have in the government of Spain a supporter of its accession to the Schengen area regardless of the result of the early elections there, National Liberal Party (PNL) MEP Siegfried Muresan told AGERPRES on Wednesday.

"On July 1, Spain takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union and I have seen there highly favourable statements and active support from Spanish officials. Although early elections will be held in Spain on July 23 and a change of government - the centre-right pro-European party won by a wide margin the regional elections two weeks ago and will probably win the general election as well - the good news is that in Spain, on issues related to European affairs, there are no differences in position between the outgoing centre-left party and the centre-right party that will take over," Muresan told AGERPRES in a phone interview.

"So Romania will have a supporter in the Spanish government, regardless of the result of the general election there," he added.

Asked if he tried to talk with the Spanish MEPs from the Popular Party who are affiliated with the European People's Party (EPP), of which he is the vice-president, in order to receive assurances that they will also support Romania's accession to the Schengen area, Muresan said he did "this very week."

He added that in terms of foreign policy, Spain has always been a predictable, pro-European member state of the European Union, with continuity in foreign policy.

He called a right one Romania's decision not to have the subject of accession on the agenda of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council meeting before the last holdout, Austria, changes course.

"We are now implementing all these pilot projects at Romania's external border, including for the satisfaction of this last holdout. As soon as this last resisting state withdraws its objection, the matter will be on the agenda," said Muresan.

In the meantime, he added, Romania's desideratum enjoys full support in the political group he belongs to, the EPP, with one exception.

"On any occasion, all the leaders of the EPP, the member parties, all with one exception, voice their support, the only exception being the party of the Austrian chancellour, the only one of the three Austrian parties that are against it," said Muresan in connection to the Austrian Socialist Party and the far-right formation.

"So it is an Austrian problem, it is not a centre-left or centre-right problem; it is not even a bilateral problem between Austria and Romania, it is a domestic Austrian problem generated by the fact that in Austria there is a problem with migration. But Romania is not the cause of their problem."

Muresan went on to say that Romania has very clearly announced that it will support any European measure that contributes to the management of the migration flow, but that in Austria the issue of migration - which is real in Austria - continues to be unfairly mixed with the expansion of the Schengen area.

Regarding Romania's accession this year, a stated objective of both the European Commission and the Romanian officials managing the issue, Muresan says that "the time is favourable" and the intention "justified," including the fact that the number of migrants that entered Austria is now reduced as against one year ago.

Asked if a failure of Romania's accession to Schengen in 2023 would be a tragedy, Muresan replied that "it would be the perpetuation of an injustice and an incorrect gesture towards Romania."
National Union of Students in Romania - alongside the teachers on strike: We want facts, not words.

The National Union of Students in Romania (UNSR) announces that it stands with the teachers in the country who are on strike, the students members of the organization will wear a white bandana during the exams, as a sign of solidarity with the teachers, told Agerpres.

"The National Union of Students in Romania stands with the teachers in the country who are on strike against a political leadership directly threatening the most important factor of man as a human being, education. Young people want facts and not words, and this motivates them to get involved within some protests which directly influence the society in which they live," the UNSR conveyed.

Young students, members of the UNSR, "decided to get involved in order to make a change."

"On Friday, June 9, 2023, they will wear a white bandana during exams, as a sign of solidarity for the teachers who are struggling with a system divided by political classes without levers and communication channels to address the current issue in a unified manner. The students hope that through dialogue progress will be achieved, and if not, they are prepared to join the teachers in the protests which will take place in the different cities across the country," the National Union of Students in Romania press release also showed.
PM Ciuca: We are approving a memorandum offerring additional guarantees regarding salaries of begginer teachers.

On Thursday, the government will approve a memorandum by which it undertakes to offer additional guarantees regarding the salary of begginer teachers and investments regarding the infrastructure of educational institutions, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said on Thursday, told Agerpres.

At the same time, the head of the Executive expressed his belief that once the memorandum is published in the Official Journal, the teachers will understand the commitment of the governing coalition and will make the decision to return to the department.

"Today, precisely in order to provide additional guarantees regarding the implementation of the measures we have adopted, we will approve a memorandum within a statement that we will approve in the Government and publish in the Official Journal. We included exactly the elements related to the salaries for beginners in education in the salary grid specific to the new salary law and, of course, the other measures that were foreseen within the memorandum regarding investments in infrastructure in educational institutions," declared Nicolae Ciuca, on Thursday, during the Government meeting.

He also mentioned the fact that he undertook, together with the leader of the social democrats, Marcel Ciolacu, on behalf of the PNL (National Liberal Party) and the PSD (Social Democratic Party), the signing of a political commitment to offer those guarantees to determine the teaching staff and other categories of personnel in Education to resume the educational process, to complete the school year.

"This is not just about the relationship between union members and the Government, it is about the impact and consequences of these decisions on millions of children, on millions of parents, and, most importantly, on hundreds of thousands of children who are going to supports the National Exam and the Baccalaureate. All these issues I am convinced that our teachers understand and also understand the call for trust and reason that they make from the Government table to end this strike and to be able to complete and close the school year, concretizing everything we discussed in official documents that are absolutely binding for the Government of Romania in respecting the commitments we have towards the education system," Ciuca also stated.

The Prime Minister also reiterated the fact that Education and Health are priorities of the current governing coalition.
PSD's Ciolacu: I'm sorry government has to answer for what others should've done in 30 years.

National chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday that he is sorry that the incumbent government and ruling coalition have to answer for things that should have been done by others in 30 years, adding that the commitment of the political leaders to the trade unions will be respected, told Agerpres.

"I'm sorry that the incumbent government and ruling coalition have to answer for things that others should have done in 30 years, but at the moment we have a political commitment that these things will happen. However, it is an agreement that I signed together with the prime minister, who is also the national chairman of the National Liberal Party (PNL) and I, as the national leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) - which owns everything it has promised and did some of the things - believe that this is how things will happen, because no politician can afford to do otherwise when he undertakes such a thing. I still believe that the most important things moving forward are the children and to reassure the parents and overcome this period. Then, before July 15, as we promised, together with the labour minister we will finalise the scale that will be included in the new pay law," said Ciolacu when asked to comment on the fact that the strike in education is not over.

He added that it is "a correct thing" that the unions are no longer coming to further negotiations with the government, but are waiting to see the promised memorandum.

Asked if the government can do more than so far, that is issue an ordinance to increase teachers' pay, Ciolacu said: "You cannot issue an ordinance dealing with a future law."
Romania will be a clear provider of solidarity and responsibility, which only confirms its constructive and responsible conduct in managing the migration issue at the European Union level, said on Thursday in Luxembourg the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), Alexandru Marcoci, who represents Romania at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting.

"The progress of negotiations on the two proposals of the Pact on Migration and Asylum is likely to send an important message on our common capacity to respond to the new realities and challenges brought about by migration, even if we have to recognise that implementing these decisions will not be an easy task for most of us," Marcoci told the public session of the JHA Council debate on migration and asylum reform.

He underlined that Romania has consistently taken a constructive approach to the overall negotiations on the proposals of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and that it maintains this approach.

"Romania has the second longest external border in the European Union and can therefore be considered, from the perspective of the applicability of the proposals, a country of first entry," said the Secretary of State.

Romania will therefore have to enforce the border procedure reflected in the Asylum Procedures Directive, "with all the additional obligations and commitments arising therefrom".

"Romania also intends to contribute, together with the other Member States, to the solidarity measures in the regulation on migration and asylum management. In practice, Romania will thus be a net provider of solidarity and responsibility, which only confirms its constructive and responsible conduct in managing migration issues at EU level," said Alexandru Marcoci.

Alexandru Marcoci also used this opportunity to give a message on the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, which was not on the agenda of the JHA meeting.

"The report on the Schengen area reiterates the importance of strengthening the principles of unity, mutual trust, partnership and solidarity in order to consolidate the functioning of the Schengen area, principles that are not applied to Romania in the case of the legitimate expectation to join Schengen," the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Internal Affairs told his EU colleagues present at the meeting.AGERPRES
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that, at the request of minister Bogdan Aurescu, the ambassador of the Russian Federation in Bucharest was informed on Thursday, during a meeting with the secretary of state for Strategic Affairs, about the decision of the Romanian authorities to reduce the diplomatic and technical-administrative staff of the Russian Federation in Romania by limiting its number to a level close to that of the diplomatic and technical-administrative representation of Romania in the Russian Federation, a statement sent by MAE to AGERPRES reads.

According to the decision of the Romanian authorities, the Russian Federation must slash the number of positions in Romania by 51 positions, i.e. by 21 diplomatic positions and by 30 technical-administrative personnel positions, respectively by reducing the staff actually at the post in our country by 40 persons, i.e. with 11 diplomats and 29 people belonging to the technical-administrative staff (the difference between the number of posts and the number of staff actually at the post is explained by the fact that not all positions on the scheme of Russian personnel in Romania are currently filled).

The choice of the positions that will be cut and the people who will have to leave Romania will belong (in this phase) to the Russian Federation, respecting the limitations related to each category (diplomats, respectively technical-administrative staff). Thus, the total number of diplomatic and technical-administrative positions of the Russian Federation in Romania is reduced by 61 pct, and the effective number of personnel by 55.5 pct, the MAE says.

The measure was adopted in accordance with the provisions of art. 11 paragraph 1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961 ("In the absence of an explicit agreement on the mission, the receiving state may request that this force be maintained within the limits of what it considers reasonable and normal, considering the circumstances and the existing conditions in this state and the needs of the mission in question") and reflects the current level of bilateral relations, drastically reduced by Romania after the Russian Federation launched the war of aggression against Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

The Russian side was also informed about the fact that it has at most 30 days to implement the decision of the Romanian side.

If this deadline is not respected, the Romanian MAE will take measures to implement the decision by withdrawing the accreditation of some members of the diplomatic and technical-administrative staff of the Russian Federation in Romania in order to ensure compliance with the ceiling decided for the limitation of Russian staff in our country.
The Host

Julie Rovner KFF Health News

Julie Rovner is chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News weekly health policy news podcast, What the Health? A noted expert on health policy issues, Julie is the author of the critically praised reference book Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z, now in its third edition.

A final deal cut between President Joe Biden and House Republicans extends the U.S. debt ceiling deadline to 2025 and reins in some spending. The bill signed into law by the president will preserve many programs at their current funding levels, and Democrats were able to prevent any changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Still, millions of Americans are likely to lose their Medicaid coverage this year as states are once again allowed to redetermine who is eligible and who is not; Medicaid rolls were frozen for three years due to the pandemic. Data from states that have begun to disenroll people suggests that the vast majority of those losing insurance are not those who are no longer eligible, but instead people who failed to complete required paperwork  if they received it in the first place.

This weeks panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, and Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call.

Panelists

Jessie Hellmann CQ Roll Call

Joanne Kenen Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico

Lauren Weber The Washington Post

Among the takeaways from this weeks episode:

Lawmakers and White House officials spared health programs from substantial spending cuts in a last-minute agreement to raise the nations debt ceiling. And Biden named Mandy Cohen, a former North Carolina health director who worked in the Obama administration, to be the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though she lacks academic credentials in infectious diseases, Cohen enters the job with a reputation as someone who can listen and be listened to by both Democrats and Republicans.

The removal of many Americans from the Medicaid program, post-public health emergency, is going as expected: With hundreds of thousands already stripped from the rolls, most have been deemed ineligible not because they dont meet the criteria, but because they failed to file the proper paperwork in time. Nearly 95 million people were on Medicaid before the unwinding began.

Eastern and now southern parts of the United States are experiencing hazardous air quality conditions as wildfire smoke drifts from Canada, raising the urgency surrounding conversations about the health effects of climate change.

The drugmaker Merck & Co. sued the federal government this week, challenging its ability to press drugmakers into negotiations over what Medicare will pay for some of the most expensive drugs. Experts predict Mercks coercion argument could fall flat because drugmakers voluntarily choose to participate in Medicare, though it is unlikely this will be the last lawsuit over the issue.

In abortion news, some doctors are pushing back against the Indiana medical boards decision to reprimand and fine an OB-GYN who spoke out about providing an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio. The doctors argue the decision could set a bad precedent and suppress doctors efforts to communicate with the public about health issues.

Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News senior correspondent Sarah Jane Tribble, who reported the latest KFF Health News-NPR Bill of the Month feature, about a patient with Swiss health insurance who experienced the sticker shock of the U.S. health care system after an emergency appendectomy. If you have an outrageous or exorbitant medical bill you want to share with us, you can do that here.

Plus, for extra credit, the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too:

Julie Rovner: The New York Times This Nonprofit Health System Cuts Off Patients With Medical Debt, by Sarah Kliff and Jessica Silver-Greenberg.

Jessie Hellmann: MLives During the Darkest Days of COVID, Some Michigan Hospitals Made 100s of Millions, by Matthew Miller and Danielle Salisbury.

Joanne Kenen: Politico Magazines Can Hospitals Turn Into Climate Change Fighting Machines? by Joanne Kenen.

Lauren Weber: The Washington Posts Smoke Brings a Warning: Theres No Escaping Climates Threat to Health, by Dan Diamond, Joshua Partlow, Brady Dennis, and Emmanuel Felton.

Also mentioned in this weeks episode:

KFF Health News As Medicaid Purge Begins, Staggering Numbers of Americans Lose Coverage, by Hannah Recht.

Credits

Francis Ying Audio producer Emmarie Huetteman Editor

To hear all our podcasts, click here.

And subscribe to KFF Health News What the Health? on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

USE OUR CONTENT

This story can be republished for free (details).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Serious crises continue in various sectors of Iran's economy. One of these crises is, of course, the gasoline crisis, which the Iranian regime has not been able to solve so far.

On November 15, 2019, a quota was set for the sale of gasoline to citizens in Iran in order to reduce gasoline consumption and prevent gasoline smuggling.

Thus, the monthly quota of gasoline at 15,000 rials (about $0.35 at the official exchange rate, $0.03 at the black market) for each private car is 60 liters, while at 30,000 rials (about $0.71 at the official exchange rate, $0.06 at the black market) is 150 liters.

Of course, if we pay attention to these prices, it is noticeable that gasoline is largely cheap in Iran. Because the price of 1 liter of bottled water is around 50,000 rials (about $1.19 at the official exchange rate, $0.10 at the black market).

Due to improper use of gasoline and gas in the country, more than $30 billion of subsidies are provided in Iran annually.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Oil Minister and the CEO of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC) Jalil Salari said recently that there is an inequality in the production and consumption of gasoline in Iran.According to him, gasoline consumption in Iran is 110 million liters per day. At the same time, consumption is of the same amount.

Considering that more than 1 million cars enter Iran's consumer market per year and not a single car is scrapped, Iran will have to import gasoline to compensate for the resulting imbalance. Because issuing approximately 1.2 million gasoline fuel cards to new cars (a fuel card is given to each car for the purpose of buying gasoline with a quota in Iran) means an increase in daily consumption by 3.5 million liters.

The increase in the price of gasoline in October 2019 caused serious problems. At that time, Iranian citizens seriously protested, with which the regime had to deal with. Various organizations claimed that thousands of people died in those protests in Iran.

Since then, it has become safe to say that "the Iranian regime is afraid of increasing the price of gasoline." However, the fact that the price of gasoline is cheap in the country, and that the regime sells gasoline to people with subsidies and concessions, does not bode well for the regime, which is already drowning in an economic crisis.

In this context, it is necessary to focus on two issues. The first issue is that various high-level Iranian officials have repeatedly and specifically stated that the price of gasoline in Iran will not increase. The second issue is the rumors about the increase in the price of gasoline.

Almost every day, one of the main issues is discussed in the Iranian media and public - the price of gasoline. Rumor has it that the regime is interested in raising the price of gasoline, but fears that it will not be able to avoid a public backlash or even a new wave of protests.

Apparently, the issue of gasoline in Iran is one of the knotty problems. But this problem is only a small tip of the iceberg of the country's economic crisis.
THURSDAY, June 8, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- After three hours of surgery on Wednesday, Pope Francis was recovering at Gemelli hospital in Rome on Thursday.

Pope Francis had a hernia in his abdominal wall repaired, along with the removal of scar tissue in his intestine that had created a partial blockage and was causing him pain, the Associated Press reported.

Doctors placed a prosthetic mesh in his abdominal wall to repair the hernia, which had not yet led to protrusion of the intestine through the tear. They did not find other pathologies. The tissue that was removed was benign, the AP reported.

It appears they operated on him in a timely fashion, with no compromise to his intestine, Dr. Walter Longo, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, told the AP.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences at Gemelli, called the surgery successful. Alfieri had performed the popes 2021 colon surgery, the AP reported.

Pope Francis was awake and joking after the latest procedure, the Vatican said in a statement released Thursday.

The 86-year-old pontiff is expected to be in the hospital for several days and has canceled all papal audiences through June 18, the Vatican noted.

The stay at the health facility will last several days to allow for the normal post-operative course and full functional recovery, the Vatican said.

He is then expected to get back to work with a busy summer that includes a four-day visit to Portugal the first week of August and a trip to Mongolia starting Aug. 31, the AP reported.

Pope Francis may take longer to recover from the surgery because it was longer at three hours than a typical 60- to 90-minute hernia operation, the AP reported. Alfieri said scar tissue was completely removed.

Although Pope Francis has previously said he hadnt responded well to general anesthetic used to remove 13 inches of his large intestine in 2021, Alfieri said the pope had no adverse reactions to the anesthesia then or during this latest surgery.

Clearly, no one likes to be operated on and put to sleep because the moment were put under, we lose consciousness, he told an evening news conference at the hospital with the Vatican spokesman by his side, the AP reported. But there was no physiological problem two years ago or today.

His likely greatest issue after surgery will be managing pain, Dr. Manish Chand, a professor of surgery at University College London who specializes in colon procedures, told the AP.

In the first six weeks after this type of surgery, youre at risk of getting a recurrence again, Chand said.

Abdominal surgery can also affect lung function, Dr. Robin Phillips, an emeritus professor of colon surgery at Imperial College London, told the AP. Pope Francis had part of one lung removed when he was young and was recently treated for bronchitis.

I suspect they are doing it now because they are worried it might become more complicated and result in an emergency operation, which would carry an even bigger risk..., Phillips said.

More information

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has more on hernia surgery.

SOURCES: The Vatican, news release, June 8, 2023; Associated Press
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

(THE CONVERSATION) Aside from the political and legal implications of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade  ending the constitutional right to abortion  are the real-world effects the ruling will have. Millions of women in the U.S. will be affected by the ruling.

Research by the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights, suggests that around 1 in 4 American women have an abortion by the age of 45, with those seeking the procedure more likely to come from low-income families. Many of these poorer women will be adversely affected by the additional travel and costs they are now more likely to face when seeking an abortion.

But the Supreme Courts decision will touch the lives of women across America, regardless of economic status. Here are some articles The Conversation has published addressing the impact of overturning Roe on womens health and well-being.

The risk to life of staying pregnant

The research is clear: Access to safe, legal abortion saves lives. Amanda Jean Stevenson, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, notes that women who are unable to access safe abortions suffer a slew of negative consequences for their health and well-being.

Stevensons research has looked at what would happen should the U.S. end all abortions nationwide. To be clear, this is not what will happen now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe. Instead, the decision to ban the procedure will be left to the states  around half of which are expected to prohibit or severely restrict abortion. Nonetheless, Stevensons data underlines an important point: Pregnancy carries a greater risk for women than having an abortion.

Abortion is incredibly safe for pregnant people in the U.S., with 0.44 deaths per 100,000 procedures from 2013 to 2017. In contrast, 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births occurred in 2019, she writes.

Stevenson estimates that the annual number of pregnancy-related deaths would increase by 21% overall, or 140 additional deaths, by the second year after a ban. The jump in deaths would be even higher among non-Hispanic Black women.

Delays and third-trimester terminations

Women living in states that heavily restrict abortion access already face delays when it comes to obtaining a procedure to end their pregnancy. And this pushes some pregnant women into seeking terminations during their third trimester.

Abortions after 21 weeks of pregnancy remain exceedingly rare. When they do occur, it tends to be the result of one or two things, according toKatrina Kimport at the University of California, San Francisco. The first is new information relating to a pregnancy, such as problems with fetal development. The other reason is existing barriers to abortion access. State policies, such as bans on public insurance coverage of abortion, mean that economically disadvantaged women may not be able to afford an abortion when they first want one. Such delays can cause women to seek out the procedure later in pregnancy.

The Supreme Court ruling will inevitably worsen the problem for women living in states that ban abortion.

Kimport explains: For people in states where abortion is banned, having to travel across state lines is likely to delay people in obtaining abortion care, potentially into the third trimester. And people in states where abortion is still legal may also be pushed into the third trimester as an influx of out-of-state patients could lead to delays for in-state patients.

Abortion pills  a safe alternative

The Supreme Court decision allows states to put in place their own laws governing abortion. But when it comes to medication abortion, or abortion pills, it is more complicated.

Abortion pills, introduced into the U.S. in 2000, have opened up the options for women seeking to end a pregnancy. But up until the pandemic, they were highly regulated  for example, the medication had to be provided in person and at abortion clinics. The pandemic changed all this. Women could have the medication mailed to them after a telehealth consultation with a clinician. Gone, too, was the requirement that the patient undergo an ultrasound before being prescribed the pills.

Some conservative states are already eyeing laws to clamp down on abortion pills. But this might put them at odds with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which allows mail-order pharmacies to send out medication. Meanwhile, some liberal states have said they will enact laws protecting doctors who prescribe abortion pills to women living in states with abortion bans.

With pills set to become a new battleground in the abortion debate, The Conversation invited three experts  Claire Brindis and Daniel Grossman of the University of California, San Francisco, along with Lauren Owens of the University of Michigan  to contribute to a panel discussion on medication abortion. The key takeaways from that discussion: Abortion pills are effective and very safe.

Moreover, as Ushma Upadhyay of the University of California, San Francisco, found, the prescribing of abortion pills via telehealth consultations carries no additional risk. Writing up the findings of her study for a separate article for The Conversation, Upadhyay notes that screening for a patients eligibility based on their medical history instead of physical exam or ultrasound was just as safe and effective as in-person tests and exams.

Editors note: This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversations archives.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/what-the-supreme-courts-ruling-on-abortion-means-for-womens-health-and-well-being-4-essential-reads-185543.
The bullfight in St. Louis is dead. Long rest the bullfight. It went down and out Sunday afternoon in a remarkable series of dramatic and laughable happenings that have not been equaled in some respects since one-half of Rome howled for glee while the other half burned.

Eight thousand persons paid $1 each to see the bullfight in a brand new big amphitheater upon the hill between the Stadium and the Epworth Hotel. The authorities stopped the fight even before it began, and the management refused to return the entrance money. This was at ten minutes before 5 o'clock. Twenty minutes later the crowd, now a mob, began wrecking the amusement company's office, and there was a riot in which windows were smashed, in which pistols flashed, and out of which came many a bleeding and broken head.

Thirty minutes later the mob had returned to the big amphitheater, had brought in the bulls, taken possession of the bullfighting paraphernalia of the Spanish matadors, and was giving a bullfight of its own, with three bulls in the ring, a dozen American bullfighters badgering them with red serapes and thrusting them with small canes while the mob howled like the bandar-log and pelted the pestered bulls with chairs, bottled soda water. oranges and bananas.

An hour and 10 minutes after the refusal to refund the money, the mob freed the seven bulls and the eight horses of the picadors, sent them scurrying across fields out of harms way, and deliberately fired the big amphitheater, compelling the bullfighters, who were eating dinner in rooms under the grandstand, to flee for their lives, giving the World's Fair special fire department the first severe fright it has had, and burning to a black round scar on the ground one of the biggest amphitheaters around St. Louis.
Joe Holleman Joe Holleman is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Joe Holleman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

If piling up international awards is a good way to grab a Nobel Prize, Washington University professor Dr. Jeffrey I. Gordon just might want to book a flexible-flight date to Sweden.

Once again, Gordon  aka the Father of the Gut Microbiome  has been honored internationally for his work in the field of medicine.

On Wednesday, Gordon won the Princess of Asturias Award in Spain for his contributions to research into the essential role of communities of microorganisms in life on earth.

Gordon, who is the director of the Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, has been a pioneer in the research of the role gut microbiomes play in causing obesity and childhood malnutrition.

Gut microbiomes, simply put, are the microorganisms that live in the intestinal tract and are key to the digestion of food and regulation of metabolism and immunity.

On the popular culture side, Gordon was featured in 2020 on 60 Minutes. The show tied Gordons work with the rising popularity of probiotics, which are marketed as aids to maintaining good digestive health.

This weeks award in Spain is just the latest laurel he has earned in the last seven years. Here is a list of Gordons awards, many of them bestowed on people who then go on to receive the Nobel Prize for Medicine:

 2021: Gordon won the International Balzan Award from Switzerland.

 2019: Gordon was awarded the Frontiers of Knowledge Award from the BBVA Foundation. Three previous winners have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

 2018: The Royal Society awarded Gordon the Copley Medal, the most prestigious scientific award in the United Kingdom. The award has been given to 52 winners of the Nobel Prize.

 2017: Gordon scored a trio of triumphs: the Sanofi-Institut Pasteur International Award, the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University (43 Horwitz winners went on to Nobel Prizes), and the Massry Prize (12 went on to Nobels).

 2016: Gordon won the Steven C. Beering Award. Six past Beering winners eventually ended up with Nobels.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis jury convicted a man Thursday of first-degree murder for a July 2020 killing at bar in the citys Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood.

Kennice Brock, 51, faced trial this week in the fatal shooting of Carl Netter at a barbecue outside of the Bikers Corner bar on North Vandeventer Avenue.

Prosecutors argued Brock was flashing his gun and Netter tried to calm him down, but instead, Netter ended up dead. Defense attorneys, however, said Netter was harassing Brock and that Brock feared for his life so he fired his weapon, accidentally killing Netter.

The trial lasted three days and included testimony from multiple people who were at the bar that night and a video of the killing. In all, jurors took an afternoon to convict Brock.

This was a story of love and hate that ends in a tragic murder, prosecutor Srikant Chigurupati said.

Brock, of Memphis, showed up on July 15, 2020, at a barbecue with a friend from work, prosecutors said. Everybody at the bar was drinking. At one point, Brock stood up, took a step back and shot Netter twice in the leg. One of the wounds caused excessive bleeding. Netter was taken to a hospital where he died.

Brock fled to Memphis, police said, and was charged in April 2021 with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

His trial began Monday. Prosecutors argued that Brock pulled out his gun and was threatening to shoot, but Netter tried de-escalate the situation.

Put the gun away, Im not a threat, the prosecutor said Netter told Brock.

In the video, Brock had his gun out for approximately 20 seconds before he shot at Netter, whose back was turned, Chigurupati said.

The idea it was self-defense is flat-out stupid, Chigurupati said, arguing it was not self-defense at all in any way, shape or form.

But defense attorneys told a different story.

They said Netter was actually the aggressor. Witnesses testified that they had to tell Netter multiple times to leave Brock alone, Brocks attorney Tyson Cole said.

On top of that, Brock had reason to be worried for his own safety, Cole said. Multiple bar patrons were carrying guns themselves, he said.

Even the location of the fatal wound showed that Brock wasnt trying to kill Netter, Cole said.

He shot a leg because this was an accident, he said. If someone wanted to kill someone they would not shoot at the leg.

Ultimately, jurors convicted Brock of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. That means Brock will receive automatic life in prison without possibility of parole.

Post-Dispatch reporter Katie Kull contributed to this report.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey moved Thursday for the ouster of the Iron County sheriff, who is accused of helping a friend in a kidnapping plot.

In a lawsuit using the same legal tactic Bailey used in his bid to force former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner from office, he alleges Iron County Sheriff Jeffery Burkett failed to perform his duties and has engaged in acts of misconduct and malfeasance.

The petition alleges that Burkett is unfit to hold office after allegedly helping Rick Gaston, an Iron County resident, with a plot to kidnap Gastons children from their mother after a domestic dispute.

As Attorney General, I will always work to hold accountable those who refuse to do their job as required by Missouri statute, Bailey said in a statement. To that end, I am moving for the removal of the Iron County Sheriff, and I demand that he resign effective immediately.

The filing holds that Burkett has knowingly or willfully failed and refused to perform official acts and duties with respect to the execution or enforcement of criminal laws of the State, and has engaged in willful acts of misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in office.

Burkett was released from the Jefferson County Jail in April after posting $250,000 bail.

Burkett, along with two sheriffs deputies, were first charged in March.

Burkett faces three felonies and six misdemeanors, including participating knowingly in criminal street gang activities, tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution and first-degree stalking.

Burketts attorney, Gabe Crocker, earlier said as part of Burketts bail conditions, the sheriff has effectively been removed from office already. Burkett isnt allowed to serve as sheriff while his case is pending.

In a statement, Crocker said Thursday, I am disappointed that the Attorney Generals Office would attempt to remove an elected official from office before any evidence has been heard in a court of law. However, I have been told that the Attorney General is a very reasonable and grounded individual and I look forward to working with his office to resolve this matter.

Baileys office argues that Burkett abused his power and authority as an elected sheriff by encouraging other law enforcement officers to make illegal arrests and detentions, knowing that he had no jurisdiction or authority and knowing that the arrests and seizures lacked any probable cause or reasonable suspicion.

The petition further says Burketts actions of utilizing his office and its resources, including two deputies, to further criminal acts and conspiracies, were willful acts of misconduct, malfeasance, and misfeasance, and constitute willful and fraudulent violations of his official duty to enforce the criminal laws of the State.

The petition also asks the Court to remove Burkett from office immediately due to the Missouri Department of Public Safetys temporary suspension of his peace officer certification.

Burketts release on bond came with several conditions, including GPS monitoring and a prohibition on serving as a law enforcement officer in any capacity.

The sheriff is charged with, among other crimes, falsely reporting to 911 dispatchers that the childs mother had kidnapped the girl and that she was in danger.

The sheriff and his two deputies also are accused of using pings from the mothers cellphone to try to track her whereabouts. The criminal street gang charge alleges they were organized to commit the crimes.

The mother and child ended up at the home of a Jefferson County sheriffs official and they were fine.
CHICAGO  Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the states $50.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year into law Wednesday, hailing it for being balanced and what he called its transformative investments in early childhood, K-12 and higher education.

Pritzker, flanked by fellow Democrats Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, signed the budget at Christopher House, a pre-K through eighth grade nonprofit school, to highlight state spending on early childhood development with an initial $250 million investment in a new program called Smart Start that aims to expand preschool access.

The budget also invests $350 million for K-12 education throughout the state as well as $100 million for college scholarships and to provide free access to community colleges.

It also has funding to hire and train 200 state police officers, contributes an additional $200 million to the states pension systems beyond whats required and makes ongoing contributions to the states budget stabilization fund, set to surpass $2 billion.

Our budgets have allowed thousands more students to stay in Illinois because they can afford a college degree. Balanced budgets have allowed us to modernize our infrastructure, build nation-leading clean energy production, attract industries of the future like quantum computing, and prioritize childcare for working families and our youngest children, Pritzker said in a statement.

Passing this budget, Harmon said, was an exercise in trust, working together to prioritize paying down debt, shoring up our Rainy Day Fund and ensuring a durable, balanced budget.

Welch said that with this budget were building a stronger economy and putting our state back on sound fiscal footing, while also making smart investments in priorities like education, health care, and local communities.

The budget reflects projected revenues of $50.6 billion and expenditures of $50.4 billion, resulting in a $183 million surplus.

No Republicans in either chamber of the General Assembly supported the budget.

The fiscal year 2024 budget takes effect July 1.
ST. LOUIS  The city, county and every other circuit court in the state have until the end of Thursday to adhere to a constitutional deadline and expunge low-level marijuana charges from the criminal records of tens of thousands of people  a change more than half of Missouri voters supported in a historic vote last year.

Its a daunting task. Since recreational marijuana sales became legal in February, the St. Louis City Court announced a review of more than 20,000 cases to be considered for expungement. Some 5,000 of those have already been evaluated and deemed ineligible, often because people charged with misdemeanor or felony marijuana possession also face charges for violent felonies, said Joel Currier, the courts chief communication officer.

As of Wednesday, the citys court had cleared the records of more than 200 marijuana cases; in St. Louis County, the 21st Judicial District had expunged more than 1,000 cases. This is the first step in a statewide effort to eliminate criminal records specifically for marijuana, which has boosted the states economy since legalization.

Its a really extensive process they have to go through, said Currier. Staff is reviewing digitized case files, while archived paper cases from before 2010 still sit in boxes. They are going as fast as they can with the manpower they have.

While the deadline for misdemeanor cases is June 8, there is no penalty for not meeting it. Courts have been processing both misdemeanor and felony cases, and will continue, officials said. The deadline for felony marijuana charges is December 8.

Elad Gross, a civil rights attorney, has participated in expungement clinics where he says attendees often reiterate that prior marijuana convictions have prevented them from securing housing and jobs.

Having a fair justice system, in helping those reintegrate into society in the right way is an important part of the justice system, or at least it should be, said Gross.

When you shut people out who could be very productive because of petty small crimes or a felony theyve already paid the price for, thats not helping anybody, he said.

As of June 7, marijuana expungements in St. Louis city and county make up less than 3% of about 46,000 marijuana expungements across Missouri. That low percentage for St. Louis, which has the highest percentage of Black people in the state, has caught the attention of justice organizations, such as the St. Louis NAACP, which advocated for Amendment 3.

Across the country, Black people are arrested for marijuana possession more than any other race. Efforts from local politicians and prosecutors to decriminalize marijuana preceded the legalization of recreational marijuana in the Show-Me state.

Logistical hurdles remain. For example, courts arent sure exactly how far back case reviews should reach.

Courts are also searching for resources to get through the stacks of cases. Tasked with reviewing each marijuana-related case, St. Louis city and county courts leaned on the state for funding. The city received a grant for $140,000 and the county received a grant for $34,000 and allocated money to hire clerks, mostly retirees, according to representatives for both courts.

Statewide, the Department of Corrections estimated 27 people incarcerated on felony marijuana charges should have been freed under Amendment 3, and 565 people on probation or parole qualify to be released from its supervision. However, Missouris DOC said it did not know how many people, if any, have been affected so far.

State Sen. Karla May said she was met with the similar confusion when trying to aid a constituent on probation for a marijuana charge. Gross joined May and State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley last month to host an expungement clinic at St. Louis County Community College, which helped about 200 people navigate the expungement process.

It was worth it because they needed to start a new lease on life, said May. We have to reform our criminal justice system.

May and Bosley helped craft and pass a state law set to go into affect in August designed to aid the process by eliminating fees for all expungements and other revisions.

Legal Missouri was the primary organization that led the states legalization of marijuana, and its campaign manager, John Payne, says they continue to watch the implementation of Amendment 3.

Getting close to 50,000 expungements processedthats tremendous, and I think we will get past 100,000 by the time its all said and done, said Payne.
An amusement park in the Ozark Mountains near Branson, Missouri, is investigating a report that a guest was told he couldnt enter the park with an LGBTQ+ Pride bag.

A mother said on Facebook that her son was told Wednesday he couldnt bring the rainbow-hued bag into Silver Dollar City, an 1880s theme park featuring rides and other attractions.

The woman wrote in a now-deleted Facebook post Wednesday that her son wasnt allowed to bring the tote bag, which said BE POWERFUL, HUMAN, LOVING, UNIQUE, INSPIRING & DESERVING in various colors, into the amusement park.

She said someone at the gate told her son that people dont agree with that here, and that he needed to turn the tote inside out or put it in his vehicle if he wanted to enter the park, she said. If he unfolded it later to display the message, the person at the gate allegedly said other staff would be alerted to kick him out.

In a statement, Silver Dollar City said it was aware of the post and investigated the incident by identifying and contacting the guest, reviewing entry security footage and interviewing team members who were working that day.

Its important to us that every team member and guest is treated with love and respect, regardless of their beliefs, values, sexual orientation, age, or background, the park wrote.

The park said the actions described in the post do not align with the companys values, policies or team member training.

Park officials later said they found security footage of the individuals holding the bag right-side-out as they walked through the park. Security officials told investigators that the individuals were, in fact, asked to cover T-shirts that violated the parks dress code. However, the park did not provide specific details about those alleged violations.

The group complied with the request to cover their T-shirts and continued into the park, officials said. Following their investigation, park officials maintained no guest was asked to leave the premises or turn a bag inside out.

According to its dress code, the park does not allow clothing that may be offensive or inappropriate, including anything with profanity or suggestive material.

The park does not make specific references to LGBTQ+-related apparel in its policy.

Updated at 4:14 p.m.
What is the plan for dealing with lawlessness in St. Louis?

I am a St. Louis city resident and I am tired. I have garbage in my alley from businesses that wont clean it up. I see people speeding and running red lights every day, multiple times a day. I see cars with temporary license plates that expired as far back as 2020. I rarely see police while out driving in the city.

My question for our leaders is: What is the plan? Are we going to use any of the federal or settlement money to hire more police? This doesnt even get into the crime issues, its just a livability issue. The only laws that have any effect are the ones that are enforced and maintained. Are we just an honor system now? That will not work. What is the plan?

Anne Stroube  St. Louis

AIDS is still a global scourge that requires U.S. assistance

Regarding Tony Messengers column The American middle still exists in politics. We just saw it in St. Louis. (June 5): He notes that when both political parties work together, progress is possible on both the national and local levels, as evidenced by the agreement on the federal debt ceiling and the replacement of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner.

Such bipartisanship can also achieve success in global relations. 20 years ago, President George W. Bush, in the face of the worldwide AIDS pandemic, created the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). With support from both sides of the aisle, the program has saved more than 25 million lives around the world and has resulted in 5.5 million babies being born HIV-free.

In spite of PEPFARs success, there is still more work to be done. AIDS remains a crisis, taking more than 600,000 lives a year globally. This year, Congress will reauthorize PEPFAR. Hopefully the bipartisanship noted by Messenger will prevail, and both parties will once again come together to fully fund the life-saving work of this program.

Greg Campbell  Creve Coeur

Lessons of Nazi Germany mustnt be lost on American today

Regarding the letter to the editor Todays book-banners are playing with a dangerous history (June 5): I agree. We just returned from Germany. We visited historically significant cities and hired private guides with expertise in World War II and the Holocaust. We were told how Hitler promised to make Germany great again by stoking fear and division, and claiming immigrants (mostly Eastern European Jews) were taking jobs from good Germans and that many of these immigrants were criminals and rapists. Hitler also railed against news organizations that challenged him, effectively labeling them fake news.

We visited the city of Potsdam, where the Nazis burned books in the town square. There is a plaque with a prescient poem from Heinrich Heine. Translated, a portion of it reads: That was but a prelude; where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people as well. We also visited Dachau, and saw the large brick ovens that were used to burn Jews and other undesirable people.

Our guides cautioned that what happened in Germany can happen anywhere. Evil thrives when there is ignorance, apathy and fear. The U.S. is not immune to it. We are barreling toward it.

Catherine Garner  St. Louis

Teen development on crime, trans issues inconsistent

Regarding the editorial A miscarriage of justice in the making (June 5): The Post-Dispatch Editorial Board wrote about the then-pending execution of double-murderer Michael Tisius that voluminous medical data shows that the pre-frontal cortex  the part of the brain that provides reasoning and impulse control  arent fully developed until people are into their 20s.

I look forward to the boards consistent application of this logic toward the transgender youth seeking to butcher their bodies and enforce their preferred pronouns onto the rest of civil society. Something tells me I shouldnt hold my breath.

Daniel Elway  Albuquerque, N.M.

Donald Trumps illegal behavior continues to threaten America

Regarding former President Donald Trumps response (in all caps) on Truth Social to his lawyers meeting with federal prosecutors about his handling of national security documents (How can DOJ possibly charge me, who did nothing wrong, when no other presidents were charged) illustrates his belief that hes above the law.

He has violated federal law in removing, keeping and taking measures preventing the return of national security documents. Now comes the revelations of an audio tape capturing Trump acknowledging keeping classified documents, and the suspicious draining of a Mar-a-Lago swimming pool, flooding a room where computer servers containing surveillance video logs were kept.

Because of his reckless, nihilistic behavior, Trump took the country to a moment many believed was impossible: the attempted overthrow of our government. And now theres the possibility he will be convicted of a federal crime. Given the likely response of white nationalist terrorist groups, the country could face another perilous moment.

Stephan Thomas  St. Louis

Read letters online at STLtoday.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. An MoU to cooperate in submarine production was inked between defence shipyard Mazagon Docks (MDL) and German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) on Wednesday, as a precursor to submission of a bid for the over Rs 42,000 crore project to build for the Navy, Trend reports.

The non-binding and non-financial MoU was inked in the presence of visiting , who on Tuesday had said that TKMS was in a good place in the race for the submarine-building programme that could become a flagship project in India-Germany defence ties.

As per the MoU, TKMS will contribute to the engineering and design of the submarines as well as the consultancy support for this joint project. MDL, in turn, will take responsibility for constructing and delivering the submarines, an official said.

Spanish firm Navantia and South Korean Daewoo are the other foreign contenders in the competition for the `Project-75 India project, which was first granted acceptance for necessity by the Indian defence ministry way back in November 2007.

The P-75I was supposed to be the first project under the strategic partnership policy promulgated in May 2017, but has been dogged by huge delays.

Under the global tender finally issued in July 2021, MDL or the private Larsen & Toubro shipyard will be selected to build the six stealth conventional submarines, with both landattack cruise missiles and air-independent propulsion (AIP), with foreign collaboration.

The commercial-technical bids now have to be submitted by August 1 after several extensions. French and Russian companies are out of the race because they do not have submarines with operational AIP, which extends the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines, as earlier reported by TOI.

It will take almost a decade for the first such submarine to roll out after the contract is eventually inked. Apart from the six new French-origin Scorpene submarines, constructed under the over Rs 23,000 crore `Project-75 at MDL, the Navy is grappling with just six old Russian Kilo-class and four German HDW submarines in its conventional underwater fleet.

China, incidentally, has over 50 diesel-electric and 10 nuclear submarines. It is also supplying eight new Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines with AIP to Pakistan.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Suncor Energy



Ron Janvier's story, and that of many more inspiring Indigenous People from northern Alberta to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and places in between, can be found in the 2022 edition of Suncor's Pathways magazine. Our Pathways magazine is a representation of our ongoing commitment to the Journey of Reconciliation. Visit Suncor.com to read more stories.

A welder by vocation, Ron Janvier was always more comfortable working with metal than words.

"As my career progressed, I began to take on new roles in planning, business analysis and reliability that required me to write more reports, which was a challenge for me," says Ron, who worked for Syncrude for 33 years before retiring in 2012. "But I had several good mentors and one of them, Colleen Kearney, encouraged me with writing. She told me, Use words to your advantage and paint a picture. That's how you will get results.' Those were wise words."

Ron has continued to follow that advice in retirement, though his focus now is on retelling the stories of his childhood rather than building business cases. The Chipewyan Prairie First Nation Elder published his first children's book, Sakisak and the Squirrel, last year. It was something of an accident as Ron didn't start out wanting to author a book.

"My wife, Shelly, was developing curriculum for Head Start, a program to help children living on First Nations get ready for school, in the Treaty 8 territory. She had found many Cree children's stories, and stories from other regions, but nothing from the Dene in the Wood Buffalo region," says Ron. "So, she asked me to write down some of the tales that I learned growing up. Stories were very important for us as youngsters-it's a big part of how we learned. These stories were shared from generation to generation by knowledge keepers, who always told us to carry the stories down."

Ron wrote down 10 of his favourite stories from childhood, which involved Sakisak, a mythical character who created animals and would change their colours to protect them.

"An archeologist who has studied the history of the Prairie Chipewyan First Nation really liked the stories and suggested I turn them into the book," he says. "It was the right time for me to take something like that on. I started writing during the pandemic when I was stuck at home and could concentrate without any distractions."

Working with illustrator Terresa Dersch, Ron finished the story. Calgary-based publisher Joey Podlubny released the book in April 2021.

"I've done a lot of public readings, including the recent Athabasca Tribal Council festival in Fort McMurray," he says. "I've decided I'm going to write another book about Sakisak and a weasel. I've learned so much from this experience. My son Ryan, who is a graphic artist, will illustrate the next book, so it is a real family affair."

And Ron hopes the books, with their lessons about animals and their behaviours, will help children of all ages better understand the natural world as well as Dene storytelling. "It's important to preserve these stories and the wisdom within them for future generations."

Ron Janvier's story, and that of many more inspiring Indigenous People from northern Alberta to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and places in between, can be found in the 2022 edition of Pathways magazine. Visit our Pathways magazine page to read more.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Suncor Energy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Suncor Energy

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/suncor-energy

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Suncor Energy

View source version on accesswire.com:
BETHLEHEM, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Community Action Lehigh Valley has received a three-year, $150,000 grant from KeyBank Foundation to support The Seed Farm, a partner of Second Harvest Food Bank and program of Community Action Lehigh Valley, an anti-poverty nonprofit aiming to improve the quality of life by building economic opportunity. The Seed Farm provides new farmers with valuable, practical experience and skills on their training farm as well as the opportunity to launch sustainable farm businesses on site in Emmaus, PA.

The Seed Farm carries out a critical part of Second Harvest Food Bank's mission through its agricultural incubator program, which provides new agricultural businesses with intensive training in production, marketing, business planning, and equipment operation, helping to remove barriers to economic opportunities that new farmers often face. With assistance from The Seed Farm, many viable and diverse farm businesses have been launched, which in turn, contribute to the production of nutritious, locally grown food distributed to under-resourced communities by Second Harvest Food Bank's charitable food network.

"Our agricultural incubator provides access to land, equipment, education, and infrastructure to address the barriers of new farm entry, with an emphasis on access for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and women," said Katy Hunter, Program Administrator. "Our goal is to help new farmers create viable careers to address the concerning decline in farms across our region and the nation, and we are thrilled that KeyBank sees value in our work."

Developed by Lehigh County and Penn State Extension to support the farmland preservation program, The Seed Farm was established to cultivate the next generation of farmers to take over preserved farmland. Since 1989, Lehigh County has preserved over 26,000 acres of farmland. In 2019, The Seed Farm merged with Community Action Lehigh Valley's Second Harvest Food Bank. Through the merger, The Seed Farm continues its core mission of growing new farmers and strengthening the local agriculture system, while also taking on a more focused approach to utilizing the charitable food network for food distribution.

"As a community-minded bank, KeyBank's mission is to help our clients and communities thrive," said KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer & Community Relations Manager, Chiwuike Owunwanne. "The Seed Farm's mission aligns closely with Key's philanthropic focus areas such as job creation and workforce development, the removal of barriers to economic opportunities for diverse populations and addressing food insecurity for our most vulnerable citizens. We are proud to support their work."

About Community Action Lehigh Valley

Community Action is an anti-poverty nonprofit that improves the quality of life by building a community in which all people have access to economic opportunity, the ability to pursue that opportunity, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Community Action offers programs and services in: Advocacy, Business Start-Up and Development, Food Access and Nutrition, Housing, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Youth. To learn more, visit communityactionlv.org or @communityactionlv.

About The Seed Farm

The Seed Farm provides training opportunities, access to land and equipment, and business start-up assistance to emerging farmers on their 42-acre farm in Emmaus, PA. Through the Farm Business Incubator program, beginning farmers with business plans may launch their own farm on site. They produce and market their own products, while having access to land, equipment, and infrastructure at reduced rates and receive continued guidance from farm mentors and Seed Farm staff. To learn more, visit theseedfarm.org or @theseedfarm.

About KeyBank Foundation

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank's purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation's mission is advanced through three funding priorities - neighbors, education, and workforce - and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $198 billion as of March 31, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

From left - Amy Boccadoro, Associate Executive Director for Planning at Community Action; David Sell, Farm Manager at The Seed Farm; Julianna Gimpert, Planner at Community Action; Katy Hunter, Program Administrator at The Seed Farm; Dawn Godshall, Executive Director at Community Action; Dawn Godshall, Executive Director at Community Action; Chris Hudock, Associate Executive Director for Business Development at Community Action; Lesa Christian, Branch Manager, KeyBank Emmaus branch; Chiwuike Owunwanne, Corporate Responsibility Officer & Community Relations Manager, KeyBank; and Heather Andujar, Loan Officer, KeyBank.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: KeyBank

View source version on accesswire.com:
RESULTS OF IRISH HIGH COURT CONVENED SHAREHOLDER MEETING & EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

DUBLIN, IRELAND / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / All resolutions proposed at the Irish High Court Convened Shareholder Meeting and the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company (the "Meetings") held earlier today, 8 June 2023, in connection with the proposal to transfer the Company's primary listing to the New York Stock Exchange and the transfer of the Company's listing category of ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from a premium listing to a standard listing together with the approval of a scheme of arrangement to effect the migration of the settlement system applicable to the Company's ordinary shares held electronically from Euroclear Bank to the Depositary Trust Company (the "Scheme"), were duly passed.

The full text of the resolutions is set out in the circular to Shareholders, which includes the Notices of the Meetings, issued on 9 May 2023 (the "Circular") and can be found on the Company's website, www.crh.com.

Voting at the Meetings was conducted by way of a poll and the results are available on the Company's website.

The Scheme is subject to certain conditions which are set out in the scheme document (included in the Circular), including approval by the Irish High Court of the Scheme.

For the purposes of Listing Rule 9.6.3, copies of the resolutions passed at the meetings have been submitted to the U.K. National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at:

https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

Enquiries

Contact

Neil Colgan

Company Secretary

Tel: 00 3531 6344340

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: CRH PLC

View source version on accesswire.com:
WEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Fast Fire Watch Company, the leading provider of fire watch services in the United States, announced that it has expanded its operations to all 50 states. The company's expansion comes in response to growing demand for its services from businesses and organizations of all sizes. The Fast Fire Watch Company is the US's most trusted fire watch services company.

The Fast Fire Watch Company is a fire watch security guard company, run by retired fire service professionals who know about life safety and how to help. They offer long-term, and temporary fire watch guards, to clients who are being threatened with shutdowns. They care about safety, and do whatever it takes to ensure the best fire watch security, at the best rates. They are excited to announce their expansion to all 50 states. This expansion will allow them to better serve their customers and help them protect their property from fire. They are committed to providing customers with the highest quality fire watch services.

If the fire alarm system or water-based fire protection system in their building isn't functioning properly, any property owner may find themselves in difficult circumstances. It may result in closures by the authorities and significant losses. The NFPA and municipal ordinances require the hire of qualified fire watch guards, which is a sensible option. And that's precisely where The Fast Fire Watch Services Company come into play.

Fast Fire Watch Company offers a variety of fire watch services, including:

24/7 fire watch

Mobile fire watch

Temporary fire watch

Permanent fire watch

The company's fire watch services are designed to help businesses and organizations prevent fires and protect their property. Fast Fire Watch Company's team of experienced fire watch professionals are trained to identify and respond to fire hazards, and they are equipped with the latest fire suppression equipment.

With the understanding that fire is a serious threat to businesses and organizations. That's why they offer a comprehensive range of fire watch services to prevent fires and protect property. They are committed to providing their customers with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their property is protected from fire.

To avoid fines and business shutdown, hire the #1 rated fire watch guards in the USA. Hire a professional fire watch officer. Call them now to get the best fire watch services company at the BEST RATES.

ABOUT

The Fast Fire Watch Company is the US's most trusted fire watch services company. They are always ready at a moment's notice to provide customers with the highest-rated fire watch security guard services in the USA and now all 50 states. The company offer fire watch security officers for events, construction sites, dispensaries, and hot work. For both, the short and long term, they have NFPA & OSHA-certified security fire watch officers. With offices nationwide and operations in every State, they have the ability to provide a guard quickly.

To learn more about Fast Fire Watch Company and its fire watch services, please visit The Fast Fire Watch Company .

Media Contact

Organization: The Fast Fire Watch Company

Contact Person: Noah Navarro

Website: https://fastfirewatchguards.com/

Email: [email protected]

City: West Palm Beach

State: Florida

Country: United States

PR Contact

King Newswire

[email protected]

SOURCE: The Fast Fire Watch Company

View source version on accesswire.com:
Gender-neutral names have been slowly gaining ground since the 1960s, according to BeenVerified analysis.

NEW YORK / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Gender-neutral names hit a record high last year, accounting for nearly 15% of all birth names. BeenVerified, a people search company, examined Social Security Administration records to discover the rising popularity in unisex names and the most popular gender-neutral names in 2022, with Logan taking the top spot.

BeenVerified

BeenVerified logo

For the purposes of this study, we defined unisex names as those in which at least 5% of names were given to an opposite gender-or one out of every 20 births. Here are the top 10 unisex names in 2022:

Rank Name 2022 Birth Count Female % Male % 1 Logan 8,420 10.0% 90.0% 2 Ezra 8,396 5.4% 94.6% 3 Avery 7,883 79.0% 21.0% 4 Dylan 7,215 7.2% 92.8% 5 Carter 6,875 8.0% 92.0% 6 Riley 6,475 75.5% 24.5% 7 Parker 6,243 38.5% 61.5% 8 Kai 5,699 6.2% 93.8% 9 Angel 5,658 10.5% 89.5% 10 Cameron 5,541 10.9% 89.1%

While gender-neutral names hit a high last year, it's a practice that's been growing for years. Since 1923, there are certain unisex names that parents continue to pick for their new bundles of joy.

Rank Name Birth Count Female % Male % 1 Kelly 553,230 85.5% 14.5% 2 Jordan 524,150 25.5% 74.5% 3 Terry 518,718 18.6% 81.4% 4 Taylor 437,436 74.8% 25.2% 5 Willie 431,957 19.4% 80.6% 6 Alexis 408,634 83.8% 16.2% 7 Jean 405,889 94.7% 5.3% 8 Logan 397,265 7.4% 92.6% 9 Leslie 358,823 74.5% 25.5% 10 Jamie 355,751 75.6% 24.4%

Unisex names were most popular in Louisiana (18.9% of 2022 birth names), followed by Mississippi (18.8%) Georgia (17.9%), Alabama (17.5%), then Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee (17.0% each).

States with the lowest percentage of births with gender-neutral names in 2022 were Rhode Island (10.6%), followed by New Mexico and Wyoming (10.7% each), New Jersey (10.8%) and Vermont (11.4%).

Check out where your name stacks up or check for potential baby names using BeenVerified's interactive name search tool, which shows birth numbers over the past 100 years, percentage male and female and most popular year for the name:

About BeenVerified

BeenVerified's mission is to help people discover, understand and use public data in their everyday lives. BeenVerified and our associated websites curate dozens of public data sources and proprietary data sets to give people easy and affordable access to billions of public records, including a people search tool.

For more information, contact Kerry Sherin ([email protected]) or Erin Kemp ([email protected]).

Contact Information

Kerry Sherin

PR Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE: BeenVerified

View source version on accesswire.com:
MAGIC Announces first look into August event lineup. Fashion expert Remi Bader among speakers at MAGIC Social House.

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / MAGIC Las Vegas, the premier three-day fashion wholesale event co-located with PROJECT and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas, provides a glance into the talent lineup and guest speakers taking the stage at the upcoming keystone event, August 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Grammy Award winning rapper, actor, business mogul and philanthropist Ludacris will perform at the MAGIC Las Vegas annual opening night party, Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World on Monday, August 7. Doors will open 6:00 pm, all registered attendees over 21 are encouraged to come and celebrate the first day of MAGIC Las Vegas.

"From the red carpet to the big screen, Ludacris was the perfect choice to perform at our popular opening night party to keep the energy going post show. This industry event is to celebrate our amazing fashion community and allow opportunities for all our marketplace attendees to network in one space. The new outdoor pool venue with exclusive VIP cabanas is going to create a whole new festival like experience for our guests and they can take the underground Tesla Loop from the convention center to get directly there," says Kelly Helfman, President, Informa Markets Fashion.

MAGIC Las Vegas will host daily education and expert panel sessions discussing current topics facing the fashion industry today. This season, the MAGIC Social House will host Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient Remi Bader, notable content creator and curve model, to discuss her experience in fashion and bring unique insight to the audience in Las Vegas.

"MAGIC Las Vegas is a true reflection of the ever-evolving business of fashion, and we aim to showcase voices of influence in a multifaceted industry which continues to drive advancements in accessibility, inclusivity and creativity. Remi Bader is the fresh perspective on today's fashion and our guests can experience firsthand the revolution of fashion that content creators like Remi are leading," says Kelly Helfman, President, Informa Markets Fashion.

Limited spaces remain. To become an exhibitor, attendee or to register as press please visit www.magicfashionevents.com.

Follow @magicfashionevents to stay up to date on participating brands, special guests and speakers.

About MAGIC:

MAGIC is a high-energy fashion experience and home to the industry's largest selection of trend-driven and young contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories. Fusing scale with curation to drive commerce, creativity, and connections, MAGIC joins a global audience of retail buyers - from big-box to boutique - with influencers, media, and industry thought leaders. More than just events, MAGIC is a deeply rooted community, and a place brands and retailers call home. For more information, please visit: www.magicfashionevents.com.

About Informa Markets:

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, 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, visit www.informamarkets.com.

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - FASHION

View source version on accesswire.com:
AUSTIN, MN / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Hormel Foods, a Fortune 500 global branded food company (NYSE: HRL), is proud to welcome the newest class of inspired interns to its award-winning summer internship program. The company is hosting 87 college students who represent over 40 colleges and universities throughout the United States.

For multiple years in a row, Vault has recognized Hormel Foods - which converts 75% of its interns into full-time team members - for having one of the nation's best internship programs. Last year, the company was ranked No. 5 in the retail and consumer product category and No. 13 for tech and engineering internships.

"We are thrilled to welcome our impressive class of summer interns," said Amy Sheehan, director of talent acquisition at Hormel Foods. "Our internship program is an excellent opportunity for those looking to build a career with us and experience all that working for an industry-leading Fortune 500 company can offer. It's exciting to see how every year we can build on this program and continue to elevate the experience for our intern classes."

Throughout the duration of the 10-week program, interns experience real business scenarios within every functional group of the company including sales, marketing, analytics, operations, engineering, IT, R&D, quality control, corporate communications, insights and innovation. Each Hormel Foods summer internship is paid, with interns typically gaining 40 hours of experience per week. The program, which officially kicked off May 30, will run through Aug. 4.

Sheehan and her team have created a hands-on experience for these students, providing them with opportunities to work with all levels of management. The Hormel Foods family of companies has created one cohesive internship program across the organization that provides a consistent experience and allows the interns to see the many career paths across the entire organization. The summer interns can be found working at the corporate headquarters, in regional sales offices throughout the country, and with various Hormel Foods production facilities.

"We have worked hard to build our impressive program and provide our interns with a best-in-class experience," Sheehan said. "We are committed to providing these professionals with the experience they need and expect from us as a global company. We are excited to be working with this talented group and look forward to the valued contributions they will be making throughout the summer."

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS - INSPIRED PEOPLE. INSPIRED FOOD."

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement - Inspired People. Inspired Food." - to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and https://csr.hormelfoods.com/.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Hormel Foods Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Hormel Foods Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/hormel-foods-corporation

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Hormel Foods Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:
Reduction of Capital

EASTLEIGH, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / i3 Energy plc ("i3", "i3 Energy", or the "Company") (AIM:I3E)(TSX:ITE), an independent oil and gas company with assets and operations in the UK and Canada, today announces that its Notice of Annual General Meeting (the "Circular") was posted to Shareholders yesterday. The Circular contains details of, among other things, a proposed reduction of capital (the "Capital Reduction").

Terms used in this announcement have the same meaning given to them in the Circular.

Notice of Annual General Meeting ("AGM")

The Circular, which was posted to Shareholders yesterday, is available on the Company's website at https://i3.energy.

The AGM is to be held at the offices of W H Ireland Limited at 24 Martin Lane, London, EC4R 0DR at 11 a.m. (BST) on 30 June 2023.

Shareholders are strongly encouraged to appoint the Chair of the meeting as their proxy for the AGM. This will ensure that your vote will be counted even if attendance at the AGM is restricted or you are unable to attend.

The results of the votes on the resolution proposed at the AGM will be announced as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the AGM and will be available on the Company's website.

Proposed Capital Reduction

The Board considers it highly desirable that the Company has the maximum flexibility to consider the payment of dividends and otherwise return value to Shareholders. However, the Company will be precluded from the payment of any dividends or other distributions or the redemption or buy-back of its shares in the absence of it having sufficient distributable reserves.

The Company's share premium account currently stands at approximately 51,000,000. As at 31 May 2023, the Company had retained earnings of approximately 6,000,000. It is proposed that the Company's share premium account be cancelled (the "Capital Reduction"). The proposed Capital Reduction is intended to increase retained earnings by an amount equal to the amount standing to the credit of the Company's share premium account.

The purpose of the Company's cancellation of its share premium account is to create further distributable reserves in the Company to facilitate the future payment of dividends (in cash or otherwise) to Shareholders, where justified by the profits of the Company, or to allow the redemption or buy-back of the Company's shares (or other distributions to Shareholders).

If the proposed cancellation of the Company's share premium account is approved by Shareholders at the AGM, it will be subject to the scrutiny of, and confirmation by, the High Court of England and Wales (the "High Court") which will take due account of the protection of creditors. Subject to that confirmation and registration by the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales of the order of the High Court, the Capital Reduction is expected to take effect later this year.

The Board anticipates that the cancellation of the Company's share premium account will result in the creation of further distributable reserves. However, this is subject to: (i) there being no materially negative change in the financial position or prospects of the Company; and (ii) any provision that the court requires the Company to make for the protection of its creditors (although the Board does not expect any undertakings or similar measures to be required). This will give the Company the maximum flexibility to consider the payment of dividends and otherwise return value to the Shareholders, should the Board consider it appropriate. It should however be noted that if the Company is required to give undertakings to the High Court, this may delay the Company's ability to pay dividends and otherwise return value to Shareholders.

Following the implementation of the Capital Reduction, there will be no change in the nominal value of the Company's shares or the number of shares in issue. The Capital Reduction in itself will not involve any distribution or repayment of share premium by the Company and will not reduce the underlying net assets of the Company.

The Directors reserve the right to abandon or discontinue any application to the High Court for confirmation of the Capital Reduction if the Directors believe that the terms required to obtain confirmation are unsatisfactory to the Company or if, as the result of a material unforeseen event, the Directors consider that to continue with the Capital Reduction would be inappropriate or inadvisable.

Timetable of Principal Events

The expected timetable of principal events with respect to the Capital Reduction are as follows (more precise dates will be announced following the conclusion of the AGM):

PRINCIPAL EVENT TIME AND DATE Annual General Meeting 11 a.m. (BST) on 30 June 2023 Expected date for the directions hearing for the High Court to consider the Capital Reduction application July 2023 Expected date for the hearing by the High Court to confirm the Capital Reduction Late July / August 2023 Expected date that the Capital Reduction becomes effective August 2023

Notes

1. The dates set out in this timetable and throughout this document that fall after the date of publication of this document are based on the Company's current expectations and are subject to change. The times and dates are indicative only and will depend, among other things, on the date upon which the High Court of England and Wales confirms the Capital Reduction. The provisional final hearing date will be subject to change and dependent on the High Court.

2. The timetable assumes that there is no adjournment of the AGM. If the scheduled date for the AGM changes, the revised date and/or time will be notified to Shareholders by an announcement made by the Company through a RIS.

3. All times shown are London times unless otherwise stated.

Enquiries:

i3 Energy plc

Majid Shafiq (CEO) c/o Camarco

Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8338 WH Ireland Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker)

James Joyce, Darshan Patel

Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1666 Tennyson Securities (Joint Broker)

Peter Krens

Tel: +44 (0) 207 186 9030 Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Joint Broker)

Ashton Clanfield, Callum Stewart

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Camarco

Georgia Edmonds, Violet Wilson, Sam Morris

Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8338

Notes to Editors:

i3 Energy is an oil and gas Company with a low cost, diversified, growing production base in Canada's most prolific hydrocarbon region, the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and appraisal assets in the North Sea with significant upside.

The Company is well positioned to deliver future growth through the optimisation of its existing 100% owned asset base and the acquisition of long life, low decline conventional production assets.

i3 is dedicated to responsible corporate practices and the environment, and places high value on adhering to strong Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") practices. i3 is proud of its performance to date as a responsible steward of the environment, people, and capital management. The Company is committed to maintaining an ESG strategy, which has broader implications for long-term value creation, as these benefits extend beyond regulatory requirements.

i3 Energy is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol I3E and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ITE. For further information on i3 Energy please visit https://i3.energy/.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: i3 Energy PLC

View source version on accesswire.com:
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / (MARV:TSX.V)(O4T:GR)(MARVF:OTCQB); and Falcon Gold Corp. (FG:TSX.V)(3FA:GR)(FGLDF:OTCQB) together (the Alliance), jointly hold 1402 claims (the "Property") totaling 35,050 hectares located along the Baie Verte Brompton Line ("BVBL") in Central Newfoundland. Marvel and Falcon have agreed to option their interests in the Property to Carmanah Minerals Corp. ("Carmanah"). Carmanah recently announced the acquisition of the Hare Hill Pluton Rare Earth Project covering 162 claims totaling 4,050 hectares in Western Newfoundland. The property is directly contiguous to the recent "Bottom Brook Acquisition" by York Harbour Metals Inc. announced December 21, 2022.

The Hare Hill granitic system is prospective for Rare-earth mineralization, as recently reported by York Harbour Metals whose grab rock samples returned total rare earth oxide grades (TREO) grades between 3.45% and 21.63% TREO. Previously, Kirrin Resources Inc. reported drilling results that included 4.47% TREO over 5.64m core lengths and 1.16% TREO over 15.3m core lengths on the Bottom Brook project in February 2011.

Carmanah will make cash payments totaling $155,000 over a 4-year period and issue 5 million common shares, and 5 million share purchase warrants exercisable at 10 cents per share for a period of 3 years from the date of issue. (3,000,000 shares issued to Marvel and $93,000), (2,000,000 shares issued to Falcon and $62,000) 60/40split in favor of Marvel. Marvel and Falcon's properties will be subject to a 2.5% NSR (Net Smelter Royalty) Carmanah can purchase 1% for $1,000,000 cash payment.

This transaction is beneficial for Marvel and Falcon, having a large equity stake in Carmanah positions both companies very well as exploration at the BVBL moves forward, while the option agreement assists Carmanah to develop a significant portfolio of prospective properties. The BVBL acquisition will allow Carmanah to become a dominant new player with ground next to York Harbour's Bottom Brook Property which has recently announced an aggressive exploration program.

Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased to have been able to work an option deal with Carmanah Minerals, Carmanah presents a great opportunity for all companies while allowing us to share in the success of potentially a new district scale discovery. Marvel currently has approximately 90,000 hectares of prospective ground - tied to major structures in Gander, Hope Brook, and the Victoria Lake Area. We look forward to new developments coming out of the BVBL as the area is quickly becoming known for its rare earth potential."

Figure 1 - Location of Marvel / Falcon's Baie Verte Projects Optioned to Carmanah Mineral Corp.

The transaction is considered a non-arm's length as a result of the companies having directors and officers in common and is subject to TSX-V approval.

Qualified Person

Greg Robinson, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Marvel Discovery Corp.

Marvel, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for over 25 years, is a Canadian based emerging resource company. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in:

Newfoundland (Slip, Gander North, Gander South, Victoria Lake, Baie Verte, and Hope Brook - Au Prospects )

) Atikokan, Ontario (BlackFly - Au Prospect )

) Elliot Lake, Ontario (East Bull - Ni-Cu-PGE Prospect)

Quebec (Duhamel - Ni-Cu-Co prospect & Titanium, Vanadium, and Chromium Prospect)

Prince George, British Columbia (Wicheeda North - Rare Earth Elements Prospect)

The Company's website is: https://marveldiscovery.ca/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Marvel Discovery Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

President/Chief Executive Officer, Director

Tel: 604 716 0551 email: [email protected]

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the proposed Arrangement. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Marvel Discovery Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV:REVV) ("Revolve" or the "Company"), an owner, operator and developer of renewable energy projects, is pleased to announce the expansion of its business into the Canadian renewable energy market. The expansion completes the last phase of its market strategy with the Company's renewable energy operations now covering the entire North American market.

Canada has become an increasingly attractive market for renewable energy development particularly with the Canadian governments C$35 billion green investment tax credit package announced in March of this year as part of the Made in Canada Plan.

The Company intends to build both a utility scale development portfolio and a distributed generation business consistent with its strategy for the US and Mexican markets.

Early-stage development activities have already commenced over the last number of weeks with the Company targeting an initial portfolio of utility scale development projects by the end of the year. The Company is focusing on solar and battery storage opportunities in the short term while also commencing feasibility work on potential locations for wind projects.

In support of this expansion the Company is also pleased to announce its membership of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA).

About Revolve

Revolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects in the US and Mexico with a portfolio of 2,838MW under development. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions, which installs and operates sub 20MW "behind the meter" distributed generation (or "DG") assets. Revolve Renewable Business Solutions currently has an operating portfolio of 6MW with an additional 3MW under construction.

Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from "greenfield" through to "ready to build" (or "RTB") status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 1,550MW of projects.

Going forward, Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating DG assets

For further information contact:

Steve Dalton, CEO

[email protected]

or

Sunita Prasad

VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Phone: +1 778-885-5550

[email protected]

Forward Looking Information

Although Revolve believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Revolve can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans of Revolve and Revolve's management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business in the United States and Mexico, including the planned MW capacity of its projects; its expansion into the distributed generation market; potential opportunities in the distributed generation market; the completion and timing of the development of its planned portfolio of distributed generation projects; the completion of the Transaction, including final approval of the transaction by the TSXV; potential revenues and cashflows generated from its DG division; and the Company's plans to develop, construct and finance rooftop solar, battery storage and energy efficiency projects of up to 5MW and enter into long term power purchase agreements for the sale of electricity from the projects with the underlying customers. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve and/or Revolve, respectively.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, having regard to the Company's experience and its perception of historical trends, and includes, but is not limited to, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions relating to the extent of regulations pertaining to the Company's projects and Revolve's ability to continue as going concern. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information, including but not limited to: the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises, including COVID-19; labour availability; disruptions to the Company's supply chains; changes to regulatory environment, including interpretation of production tax credits; armed hostilities and geopolitical conflicts; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; risks related to the development and potential development of the Company's projects; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy; as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Revolve as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Revolve does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Revolve Renewable Power Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Amid concerns about artificial intelligence gaining human-like cognitive abilities, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Wednesday sought to reassure that the generative AI major was looking to build a tool and not a creature, Trend reports.

Lets have a system in place so that we can audit people who are doing it (developing AI-based solutions), licence it, and have safety tests before deployment. I think it is an important idea and we are pleasantly surprised about the enthusiasm there is around the world, Altman said. He was speaking at The Economic Times Conversations, with journalists and industry leaders.

He is likely to meet top government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Altman, on questions about whether OpenAIs stand on strict regulations was aimed at a regulatory capture of the technology to put down any competitor that may emerge in the future, stressed smaller companies should not be regulated. He further said India could take the lead in conversations around global regulation for AI, as it hosts the G20 summit later this year.

Altman appeared positive about Indias potential as a major AI market. It's super impressive to see what India has done on making technology a national asset, he said, adding that OpenAI will be focused on training its AI models around the nations cultural and linguistic diversity. We want the entire world to be represented within our AI systems.

Altman said his company was delighted to see the adoption of and enthusiasm for ChatGPT in India.

On the potential impact of AI-generated misinformation and deep fake videos, the OpenAI CEO said society will rise to the occasion quickly with techniques like watermarking detectors and cryptographic signing to prove authenticity. He expressed concerns about possible persuasive personification systems built with AI.

There is a lot of fear right now about the impact this is going to have on elections and our society and how we trust the media that we see... But there is a related thing that is relatively getting discussed less, which is customised, one-on-one interactive persuasion and I think people are going to be able to create that are very good at it, Altman said.

He also appeared receptive to the idea of AI posing a risk to human linguistic, cultural, and geopolitical systems. He said: We need to build systems in a way to address that risk and it's going to be a very complicated geopolitical challenge."

Asked what impact generative AI solutions will have on jobs, especially in a market like India, Altman said: Every tech revolution leads to job change. This is no exception. Some jobs will go away but there will be newer, better jobs. Maybe the problem is, we don't have nearly enough people to do the jobs that we want to do.

Speaking on AIs impact on human creativity, he stressed that human creativity, the fulfilment from work, that's not going anywhere. Just that the expectations may go up.

On the future of OpenAI and ChatGPT, he said theres a lot of work to do before GPT 5. There needs to be more safety audits. What I lose the most sleep over is the hypothetical idea that we already have done something really bad by launching ChatGPT. That maybe there was something hard and complicated in there (the system) that we didn't understand and have already kicked it off."

Altman pointed out that the curve in AI is going to be much steeper. Systems in the near future will be dramatically different. None of the current systems matters. We are on an exponential curve, really, he said. Chat GPT 3.5 is like the old grey-scale Nokia phone and the iPhone 14 of AI will be coming soon, he added.
The Hashtag Asia Awards celebrates the most exceptional achievements in social media marketing throughout Asia and Oceania.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / June 8, 2023 / Leading digital marketing and SEO company Gold Coast-wide, Zib Digital, is thrilled to announce their Head of Social, Rochelle Jones, has been selected as a judge for the prestigious Hashtag Asia Awards. This esteemed event recognises and celebrates the best moments in social media marketing across Asia and Oceania. Rochelle's appointment to the panel of senior industry professionals showcases the outstanding reputation and expertise of Zib Digital as the leading digital marketing and SEO agency in Gold Coast and beyond.





Zib Digital

Zib Digital





The Hashtag Asia Awards, now in its second year, brings together a distinguished group of digital and social media professionals to evaluate entries from various sectors, including telcos, FMCG brands, retail, small businesses and renowned beauty and consumer goods companies.

Rochelle is currently reviewing entries and assessing the entrants' key goals, strategies, execution rollouts and achieved results. Her involvement in this highly demanding task reflects her commitment to excellence and her desire to gain invaluable insights into the latest trends and strategies in the field of social media marketing.

The event culminates in an exciting award night scheduled to take place in Singapore in June. The anticipation surrounding the event has sparked an increased interest within Zib Digital to further excel in their field and continuously provide industry-leading services across social media, email marketing, pay-per-click advertising and SEO Gold Coast and beyond.

"At Zib Digital, we are immensely proud of Rochelle's appointment as a judge for the Hashtag Asia Awards," a spokesperson for the company said. "Her selection reflects not only her individual expertise but also our company's commitment to delivering exceptional results and staying at the forefront of the digital marketing industry. We congratulate Rochelle on this outstanding achievement and are confident her participation will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional digital marketing services to our clients."

For more information about Zib Digital and their range of digital marketing and SEO services Gold Coast-wide, visit www.zibdigital.com.au

About Zib Digital

Zib Digital is a leading digital marketing agency in Australia and New Zealand. With a team of experts specialising in SEO, pay-per-click advertising, social media and email marketing, Zib Digital empowers businesses to maximise their online presence and drive sustainable growth.

Contact Information

Zib Digital

Manager

(03) 8685 9290

SOURCE: Zib Digital

View source version on accesswire.com:
(Updated - June 8, 2023 4:03 AM EDT)

Evercore ISI analyst Robert Ottenstein upgraded Brown Forman (NYSE: BF-B) from Underperform to In Line with a price target of $68.00 (from $60.00).

The analyst comments "Upgrade to In Line  valuation lofty, but more reasonable now. Brown-Forman has tremendous brand assets, a demonstrated record of patient and effective innovation, and a long growth runway. It deserves to trade at a substantial premium to the Staples sector. Current valuation of 29.5x P/E and 22.0x EV/EBITDA on C2024 declined from nearly ~40x NTM P/E over 2020-21. Despite recent declines, valuation is still demanding, and we prefer Diageo, which is trading at ~18.0x C2024 P/E, for exposure to U.S. spirits and emerging markets. Whiskey accounts for >70% of BFs volumes, making the firm highly susceptible to potential changes in consumer tastes, but recent diversification into high-end gin and rum with Gin Mare and Diplomatico, as well as continued investment in tequila and RTDs, makes us more comfortable with the firms portfolio."



For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Brown Forman click here. For more ratings news on Brown Forman click here.

Shares of Brown Forman closed at $64.77 yesterday.
Wells Fargo economists on when will a recession arrive: "Since our previous monthly economic outlook, the United States has made progress evading the largest downside risks to our forecast. We still expect the delayed effects of monetary tightening and tighter credit availability to dampen economic growth. However, the enduring strength of the labor market prompted upward adjustments to our forecasts for employment, real disposable income and consumption, shifting the expected start of the downturn closer to the end of this year."
NEWBERG, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Graduation ceremonies for Destinations Career Academy of Oregon (ORDCA), Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA) and Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills (ISOR-PH), online public charter schools serving K-12 students throughout the state, will celebrate students ready to start the next chapter of their lives. ORDCA, CVA, and ISOR-PH will celebrate its graduates in person with a commencement ceremony on June 10th at 3:00 PM. The virtual ceremony will take place on June 9th at 3:00 PM. RSVP for the virtual ceremony https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4159829/625E3C052BE424B132817BFD5E8B5CD9.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005257/en/

We are looking forward to celebrating our graduates and the unique milestones each of our students have reached to get to this point, said ORDCA, CVA & ISOR-PH Head of School, Melissa Hausmann. I am inspired by their hard work and am excited to see what the future holds for them.

Collectively, the class of 2023  includes 103 graduates from the three schools and approximately 103 students will graduate with a cumulative GPA of 2.6. Graduates from ORDCA, CVA, and ISOR-PH are exploring and have been accepted to universities in-state, including Oregon State University, Portland State University, and Oregon Institute of Technology. Many students are also headed straight into the workforce or will continue at positions that they have held throughout high school. Students attending ORDCA have the opportunity to earn Career Field Certifications, the class of 2023 has 24 students who completed their Career Pathway. In addition, 6 students are receiving the National Art Honor Society Awards for their excellence in our art programs.

The Valedictorians for CVA, ORDCA and ISOR-PH, respectively are: Kalani Potter, Kristine Ko and Alexis Arellano. The Salutatorians for CVA are: Sophia Moran and Carrie Seilhan; ORDCA: Shyanne Smarr and Rox Orcutt; ISOR-PH: Ashlynn Gauthier and Linda Lou-Deranian.

The ceremonys keynote speaker for the virtual ceremony will be State Representative Emily McIntire. The ceremonys keynote speaker for the live ceremony will be the schools Graduation Express Coordinator, Amanda Sloan.

ORDCA, CVA, and ISOR-PH graduates have crossed the finish line of graduation and are ready to take the next step towards their future. Students enroll in virtual school for a number of reasonssome were looking for the safe learning environment that online school provides, some were looking to get back on track to earn their high school diploma, and others found a community of students and teachers where they could belong for the rest of their academic career and beyond. ORDCA, CVA, and ISOR-PH students access a robust online curriculum in the core subjects and a host of electives and attend live virtual classes taught by state-certified teachers.

Each school is inviting all families and friends worldwide to join the celebration. Details of the graduation ceremonies are as follows:

WHAT: Destinations Career Academy of Oregon, Cascade Virtual Academy, and Insight School of Oregon  Painted Hills 2023 Graduation Ceremony

WHEN: In-person graduation: Saturday, June 10th, 3:00 PM. Virtual graduation: Friday, June 9th, 3:00 PM.

WHERE: George Fox University, Bauman Auditorium 414 N Meridian St, Newberg, OR 97132

CONTACT: For any questions about the celebrations, please contact Head of School, Melissa Hausmann at [email protected]. For media inquiries, please contact Ken Schwartz at [email protected].

About Destinations Career Academy of Oregon

Destinations Career Academy of Oregon (ORDCA) is a full-time online public charter school authorized by Mitchell School District that serves students in grades 9-12 statewide. ORDCA combines traditional high school academics with industry-relevant, career-focused electivesgiving students a jump-start on their college and career goals. As part of the Oregon public school system, ORDCA is tuition-free and provides families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride Company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build skills for their future. For more information about ORDCA, visit https://ordca.k12.com/.

About Cascade Virtual Academy

Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA) is an online public charter school authorized by Mitchell School District that serves students in K-12th grade throughout the state of Oregon. As part of the Oregon public school system, CVA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nations leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information on CVA, visit http://cva.k12.com.

About Insight School of Oregon-Painted Hills

Insight School of Oregon-Painted Hills (ISOR-PH) is a full-time online public charter school serving Oregon students in grades 7-12 and focuses on credit recovery for students who have fallen behind in high school credit or need more academic support. As part of the Oregon public school system, ISOR-PH is tuition-free, and gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nations leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about ISOR-PH, visit or-ph.insightschools.net.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005257/en/

Ken Schwartz

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Source: Stride, Inc.
Intense fires raging in Canada spread clouds of dangerous pollution across much of the eastern United States - U.S. authorities issue air quality alerts

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As wildfires continue to rage in Eastern Canada, safeguarding indoor air quality is an essential concern for many parts of the Northeast, with alerts extended to the Midwest and south to the Carolinas. In response to the dire conditions, Warburg Lee, CEO of Alen, offers the following tips for protecting your air:

Seal your Environment: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke, smog and pollution from entering your home. Seal any gaps or cracks in windows, doors, and walls with tape, weatherstripping or caulk.

Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke, smog and pollution from entering your home. Seal any gaps or cracks in windows, doors, and walls with tape, weatherstripping or caulk. Monitor Indoor Air Quality : Indoor air quality monitors measure the level of particulate matter and pollutants inside your home. It will help you assess the effectiveness of your efforts and take necessary actions accordingly.

: Indoor air quality monitors measure the level of particulate matter and pollutants inside your home. It will help you assess the effectiveness of your efforts and take necessary actions accordingly. Use Air Purifiers: Public health experts recommend using H13 medical-grade HEPA air filters that capture 99.9% of airborne particles, such as smoke, as small as 0.1 microns. It is highly recommended to use an air purifier with a maximum coverage area slightly larger than your room, as max coverage is based on the units highest fan speed. This allows the air purifier to do its job effectively at a lower, quieter speed 24/7.

Public health experts recommend using H13 medical-grade HEPA air filters that capture 99.9% of airborne particles, such as smoke, as small as 0.1 microns. It is highly recommended to use an air purifier with a maximum coverage area slightly larger than your room, as max coverage is based on the units highest fan speed. This allows the air purifier to do its job effectively at a lower, quieter speed 24/7. Create a Clean Zone: Designate a specific room in your home as a clean zone where you can minimize smoke, smog and pollution exposure. Keep this room as smoke-free as possible, using air purifiers and keeping windows and doors closed.

Wildfires not only cause destruction to natural landscapes but also release harmful pollutants, such as smoke, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), into the atmosphere. These pollutants can infiltrate homes, affecting the health and well-being of residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and young children.

Alen provides nationwide support for communities and individuals facing harmful smoke inhalation from dangerous wildfires. Listed as a Best Air Purifier for Wildfire Smoke by Consumer Reports, Alens top-rated purifiers and smoke filters provide proven wildfire smoke protection. To date, Alen air purifiers have been used by over one million customers in over 70,000 classrooms, 200,000 homes and over 1,200 businesses nationwide.

About Alen

Alen is an Austin-based innovator of top-rated True HEPA air purifiers and filters with over 20,000 five-star reviews from customers. Driven by the belief that wellness begins with pure air, Alens mission is to improve the quality of life and safety within homes and workplaces by making the best air purification products on the planet. Alen inspires a healthier life and peace of mind for everyone through clean and safe air. Customers can now control and monitor its BreatheSmart air purifiers on its free Alen Air mobile app on IOS and Android devices. To learn more about Alens commitment to pure air visit www.alen.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005804/en/

Tiffany Rodriguez

310-824-9000

[email protected]

Source: Alen
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of a (Excellent) of Palms Insurance Company, Limited (Palms) (George Town, Cayman Islands). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of a- (Excellent) of Palms Specialty Insurance Company, Inc. (Palms Specialty) (Delaware). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings of Palms reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The ratings of Palms Specialty reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM.

Both companies are wholly owned by NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. (NEECH), which, in turn, is wholly owned by NextEra Energy, Inc. (NextEra) [NYSE: NEE]. Palms is a single-parent insurer, which underwrites insurance risks of NextEra and its affiliates, providing specialized direct and assumed property, casualty, workers compensation, automobile liability and employers liability coverages.

The ratings reflect Palms strongest risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), consistent positive operating performance and conservative balance sheet strategies, as well as its strong management and significant role within the risk management structure of its parent, NEECH. The ratings also recognize Palms history of maintaining sufficient capital and financial resources to support its ongoing obligations.

Palms Specialty was formed in 2022 as a specialty insurer focusing on the U.S. excess and surplus lines accounts, providing coverage for specialty property, professional lines and other specialty lines with manageable gross limits. The ratings reflect Palms Specialtys strategic importance to its parent company.

The very strong balance sheet assessment is based on Palms Specialtys supportive risk-adjusted capital that meets AM Bests guidelines for newly formed organizations. AM Best expects that Palms Specialty will continue to maintain supportive risk-adjusted capital levels throughout its start-up phase, based on balance sheet projections provided by Palms Specialtys management. AM Best assesses Palms Specialtys operating performance as adequate, based on its clearly defined business plan and income statement projections that contemplate a level of implementation and execution risk for a newly formed entity. AM Best views Palms Specialtys business profile as limited, given the execution risk associated with a start-up entity and the degree of competition in its selected market. This risk is mitigated somewhat by the management teams experience in the targeted business class, along with the parent companys brand and track record of success. Palms Specialty is expected to benefit from the parent companys established and tested ERM framework.

Negative rating action could occur if Palms Specialtys actual operating performance or balance sheet strength materially differ to the downside from its initial business plan.

AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated in the United States and throughout the world. For current Bests Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005531/en/

Fred Eslami

Associate Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5406

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

[email protected]

Daniel Teclaw

Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5394

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent) of Police Health Plan Limited (PHP) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect PHPs balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. In addition, the ratings factor in a neutral impact from the companys ultimate ownership by the New Zealand Police Association (NZPA).

PHPs balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation that remains at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). This reflects the companys moderate underwriting leverage and conservative investment approach. As a public-benefit insurer dedicated only to its captive membership base, AM Best views the companys financial flexibility as limited, although this is mitigated partially by its prudent capital management and capability of internal capital generation. An offsetting balance sheet factor is the companys modest capital base, which results in higher sensitivity of capital adequacy to stress scenarios or fluctuations in performance.

AM Best assesses PHPs operating performance as adequate, with a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 5.4% (fiscal years 2018-2022), albeit with a moderate level of volatility over this period. PHP benefits from an efficient cost structure that allows it to offer competitive health coverage and premiums to its members. The company delivered robust underwriting profits over the past four fiscal years (2019-2022). However, as a not-for-profit insurer, given that the companys regulatory solvency ratio is higher than its internal target and it does not pay dividends, PHP plans to return its excess capital to policyholders by maintaining an elevated level of loss ratio over the medium term. Prospectively, AM Best expects PHP to maintain long-term performance close to break-even despite weaker underwriting results. However, if its claims experience significantly deviates unfavorably from the plan, AM Best expects the company to adjust premium rates rapidly as demonstrated in the past.

PHP provides health insurance exclusively to current and former members of the New Zealand police and their families. Despite having a relatively small premium base in New Zealands health insurance market, the companys business profile assessment factors in its high penetration rate within the police force and its close integration with the NZPA, which gives rise to synergy and efficiency benefits. PHP has preferential access to NZPAs member base, benefits from low distribution costs and shares overhead with the broader group.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005536/en/

Ken Lau

Senior Financial Analyst

+65 6303 5025

[email protected]

Michael Dunckley, CFA

Director, Analytics

+65 6303 5020

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
Collaboration Between Alliance Members and Global Academic Community to Drive Future Media Standards and Formats on June 19

GHENT, Belgium--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) announced today that it will host the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023 in conjunction with QoMEX 2023, in Ghent, Belgium. The Alliance workshop will take place on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. This workshop marks the first time the Alliances event will be held in Europe, bringing together an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders and academic pioneers in the field of media codecs. To access the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023 full workshop agenda and presentation abstracts, visit bit.ly/AOMWorkshop.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005142/en/

AOMedia announced today that it will host the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023 in conjunction with QoMEX 2023, in Ghent, Belgium on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Graphic: Business Wire)

To register for the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023, visit bit.ly/45u2jBi

Attendees can dive deep into captivating presentations about cutting-edge topics including groundbreaking video compression research, software decoder analysis, film grain synthesis, and much more.

The AOMedia Research Workshop serves as a premier platform for Alliance member companies and esteemed academics to share the latest research findings, exchange innovative ideas, and explore emerging trends in media codecs and processing, as well as industry applications of these technologies. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from renowned experts hailing from Alliance members Amazon, Ateme, Google, Meta, Netflix, Visionular and more.

For more information about the AOMedia Research Workshop Europe 2023, please visit bit.ly/AOMWorkshop.

About the Alliance for Open Media

Launched in 2015, the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) was formed to define and develop technologies to address marketplace demand for open standards for media compression and delivery. Board-level, Founding Members include Amazon, Apple, Cisco, Google, Huawei, Intel, Meta, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netflix, NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics and Tencent. AOMedias open-source, royalty-free video codec AV1 is a significant milestone in the ability to deliver a next-generation video format that is interoperable, open, optimized for internet delivery and scalable to any modern device at any bandwidth. Visit www.aomedia.org or follow AOMedia on LinkedIn and Twitter at @a4omedia.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005142/en/

Media

Alexa Stewart

AOMedia Public Relations

Tel: +1 781.876.6242

Email: [email protected]

Melissa Bednar

AOMedia Public Relations

Tel: +1 781.876.8962

Email: [email protected]

Source: Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia)
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cactus, Inc. (NYSE: WHD) (Cactus or the Company) today announced that the board of directors of the Company has authorized the Company to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Common Shares), for an aggregate purchase price of up to $150 million in open market transactions or block trades, in privately negotiated transactions, through the use of trading plans or any other method permitted under U.S. securities laws, rules and regulations. The Company intends to utilize Rule 10b-18 and one or more Rule 10b5-1 trading plans in connection with the repurchases.

Scott Bender, President and CEO of Cactus, commented, I am very pleased to announce the approval of our inaugural repurchase authorization. This decision reflects our expectation of stronger cash generation from both the Cactus and FlexSteel businesses through industry cycles, which we believe is not considered in our current equity value. As noted in our updated investor presentation released today, we now expect Q2 2023 results in both segments to exceed prior guidance, despite our expectation that the U.S. onshore rig count will end the quarter at approximately 650 rigs. We intend to continue to invest in attractive organic growth opportunities, pay down debt, evaluate attractive M&A opportunities and maintain a sustainable dividend while executing repurchases under this authorization.

The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase any particular amount of shares, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Companys discretion. Repurchases will be made on a discretionary basis at times and in amounts as determined by management. Repurchases will be based on a variety of factors, such as economic and market conditions, available cash, applicable legal requirements and other factors.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including forward-looking statements regarding the stock repurchase program. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Cactus control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including may, believe, expect, intend, anticipate, plan, should, estimate, continue, potential, will, hope or other similar words and include the Companys expectation of future performance. These statements discuss future expectations, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition, or state other forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which can be affected by assumptions used or by risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other factors noted in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, any Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the other documents that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The risk factors and other factors noted therein could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Cactus disclaims any duty to update and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

About Cactus, Inc.

Cactus designs, manufactures, sells or rents a range of highly engineered pressure control and spoolable pipe technologies. Its products are sold and rented principally for onshore unconventional oil and gas wells and are utilized during the drilling, completion and production phases of its customers wells. In addition, it provides field services for its products and rental items to assist with the installation, maintenance and handling of the equipment. Cactus operates service centers throughout North America and Australia, while also providing equipment and services in select international markets.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230607005883/en/

Alan Boyd, 713-904-4669

Director of Corporate Development and Investor Relations

[email protected]

Source: Cactus, Inc.
Founders Melanie Perkins, Cameron Adams and Cliff Obrecht introduce Canva for Districts product at education event hosted at the companys new flagship Austin campus

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Canva, the worlds only all-in-one visual communication platform, today added to its rapidly expanding portfolio of products with the launch of Canva for Districts, just two months after the launch of its Canva for Campus product aimed at colleges and universities. The launch of Canva for Districts comes as Canvas education usage surges, with school adoption increasing more than 5 times in the last year alone.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005681/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Canva for Districts brings new ways for large school districts to communicate and collaborate visually, counting major districts including X as initial adopters. Today, more than 45 million teachers and students use Canvas education products  an accelerating figure that has nearly doubled since 2022.

About Canva for Districts

Canva for Districts provides entire school districts with completely free access to Canvas suite of education tools. From lesson plans and classroom posters to infographics and certificates, Canva has become an invaluable tool for under-resourced and overtaxed teachers who need a user-friendly solution without the burden of a steep learning curve. The launch coincides with a surge in demand for visual communication in the classroom, with more than 600,000 schools across the globe now embracing Canva for learning.

Canva for Districts combines the best of Canvas Visual Suite including Presentations, Documents, Websites, Video and Print with a number of specialized features designed for learning at scale.

This includes such features as:

Easy district-wide access and rollout options with Single Sign-On (SSO)

School Brand Kits for the effortless management of school brands

Centralized account provisioning and publishing controls

Seamless integration with Learning Management Systems such as Google Classroom

Free professional development resources

Dedicated district set-up to see the full potential of visual communication in the classroom

Canva is an indispensable tool for teachers who want to spark creativity, ingenuity and boundless imagination from their students, said Cameron Adams, Canvas Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. Canva for Districts is yet another way for us to keep democratising design, and there has never been a more apt and enthusiastic audience than the education community. There are already more than 45 million educators and students using Canva every month, so were excited about the new levels of impact we will now have in the classroom."

Nearly three million teachers and students from districts, including the Austin Independent School District, Fairfax County Public Schools and Wichita Public Schools, have been engaged in Canva for Districts in the last few months ahead of todays official public launch.

This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity to provide the many students we serve with cutting-edge learning tools at no cost, said Rob Dickson, Chief Information Officer for Wichita Public Schools. Our innovative teachers and staff now have free access to a powerful new platform that inspires creativity, engages 21st century learners, and empowers students with the skills of tomorrow.

Canvas Education Event

Canva shared news of Canva For Districts at the opening of its Austin, Texas campus this week, where it hosted a series of events for local education communities. This included a number of hands-on learning activities and design workshops for educators, as well as presentation with our founders. The companys physical footprint is growing - in addition to the new Austin office, the company recently introduced its first European campus in London, and a new campus in Melbourne, Australia earlier this year. Canva now has 8 offices worldwide and is currently looking to increase its global headcount by more than 1,300 people by the end of the year.

About Canva

Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, documents, websites, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005681/en/

Press Contact

Grace Langford

[email protected]

Barbara Roy

[email protected]

Press Assets

Canva Press Hub

Source: Canva
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said that 200-220 more airports, heliports and water aerodromes will be built in the country over the next five years.

The union minister was addressing media persons in the national capital while highlighting the work done by the aviation sector in the last nine years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "Whatever the governments have done in the past 68 years, the Modi government has done it in the 9 years. The number has reached from 74 to 148. We aim to make it 200-220 in the next five years including heliports and water aerodromes".

He added that eight airports have been built in the northeast part of the country. "There were some states in the region where there were no airports but today, Arunachal Pradesh has three new airports, Sikkim also has an airport now," Jyotiraditya Scindia said.

The minister spoke on the metro capacity, "We currently have six large metros (Bombay, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata). The capacity of these metros is 22 crores. The target is to double the capacity of these six metros, including Jevar and Navi Mumbai, in the next eight years".

Praising the government, Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "Be in the Covid-19 pandemic or the 'Operation Ganga' (Carried out to bring back the Indian students stuck in Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war), the civil aviation ministry had a major role to play in bringing back our civilians to India".

Jyotiraditya Scindia's press conference on the completion of nine years of the Modi government was held under the 'Mega Jan-Sampark Abhiyan' in which the ministers of the Bharatiya Janata Party will visit the capitals of each State and show the report card of the work done in the last nine years.
Platinum Partnership gives Adobe Commerce customers a fast, easy, risk-free way to grow international ecommerce sales.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Digital River, a global ecommerce enabler directly connecting brands and buyers, today announced their selection as an Adobe Platinum Partner for cross-border ecommerce and merchant of record solutions. The partnership with Digital River empowers Adobe Commerce customers to simplify international expansion and reach new customers with frictionless, localized shopping experiences.

Adobe Commerce customers will be able to access Digital Rivers localization capabilities within their existing platform, with the flexibility to configure checkout components and global logistics as desired. With Digital Rivers cross-border merchant of record solution, international shoppers will be able to see pricing in local currency, pay up front for any duties and taxes, and make purchases with popular local payment options. In addition, Digital River performs important back-office services as part of their cross-border offering including:

Minimize fraud and chargebacks

File and remit taxes

Streamline international shipping and returns

Simplify accounting with easy settlements and reporting

Together, Adobe Commerce and Digital River offer brands a powerful solution for growing international ecommerce sales, whether physical goods, or digital products and subscriptions.

We are excited to have Digital River be an Adobe Platinum Partner, said Jason Knell, Senior Director, Content and Commerce Partnerships at Adobe. Their existing strong relationships with our sales teams, product team and joint merchants make us confident this partnership will be a success.

We are very excited about this close partnership with Adobe Commerce. We share a goal of helping brands extend their global reach to drive greater levels of growth, said Ted Rogers, Chief Marketing Officer at Digital River. Our existing mutual clients are a shining example of how the native integration between our systems can be leveraged to drive international cross border expansion.

To learn more about accelerating global revenue growth and simplifying ecommerce, please visit us here.

About Digital River

Digital River empowers ecommerce brands to confidently accelerate growth in more than 240 markets worldwide. The company connects brands and buyers directly, staying behind the scenes to manage international payments, tax, fraud, compliance, and localization. Digital River customers also leverage Digital Rivers robust global logistics network to enable fast, low cost, local and cross-border shipping and returns. The chosen partner of thousands of brands across the Americas, Europe and Asia, Digital River is global commerce growth, simplified.

Digital River is headquartered in Minneapolis with offices across the U.S., Asia, Europe, and South America. For more details, visit DigitalRiver.com.

Digital River is a registered trademark of Digital River, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks, registrations, or copyrights of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005289/en/

Mary Swanson

Sr Director, Strategic Marketing

Digital River

+1 952.239.8828

[email protected]

Source: Digital River
SAINT-EUSTACHE, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HGregoire is ranked 158th in the ranking of the 300 largest companies in Quebec published by Les Affaires, with its more than 770 employees in Quebec and more than 1,800 employees in the United States.

At times like these, we can truly step back and admire the progress we have made for ourselves, our industry, but, more importantly, in our customer's life, says John Hairabedian, president of HGregoire. We are a proud Quebec company and hope to continue to grow and to be able to make a difference in the community.

HGregoire is experiencing rapid growth, both in terms of the number of employees and its turnover. The company also won the prestigious Les Mercuriades 2023 award, in the Productivity Growth - Investissement Quebec category.

HGregoire now has 30 dealerships in North America. The company, whose head office is located in Saint-Eustache, intends to continue its expansion on both sides of the border in the coming years, always with the aim of better serving its customers.

About HGregoire

Founded in 1993, HGregoire  which includes both HGregoire and HGreg.com  is committed to simplifying the process of buying a vehicle based on values of excellence, transparency, judicious use of technology and a refreshing customer-centric philosophy. With a passionate team of more than 1,700 car enthusiasts, HGregoire operates 32 dealerships in North America, including 20 in Quebec, offering new and used vehicles. To find out more, visit www.hgregoire.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005003/en/

For information:

Deborah Jourdanne

HGregoire

450 472-7272, extension 1183

[email protected]

Penelope Carreau

Torchia Communications

514 984-6123

[email protected]

Source: HGregoire
OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LSB Industries, Inc. (LSB), (NYSE: LXU), today announced that its Vice President of Investor Relations, Fred Buonocore, will participate in the Wells Fargo Industrials Conference at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago on Tuesday, June 13th.

Mr. Buonocore will be available for one-on-one meetings all day. To schedule a meeting please contact your Wells Fargo sales representative or Mr. Buonocore directly at [email protected].

About LSB Industries, Inc.

LSB Industries, Inc., headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is committed to playing a leadership role in the energy transition through the production of low and no carbon products that build, feed and power the world. The LSB team is dedicated to building a culture of excellence in customer experiences as we currently deliver essential products across the agricultural, industrial, and mining end markets and, in the future, the energy markets. The company manufactures ammonia and ammonia-related products at facilities in Cherokee, Alabama, El Dorado, Arkansas and Pryor, Oklahoma and operates a facility for a global chemical company in Baytown, Texas. Additional information about LSB can be found on our website at www.lsbindustries.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005451/en/

Investor Contacts:

Fred Buonocore, CFA, Vice President of Investor Relations

(405) 510-3550

[email protected]



Media Contact:

David Kimmel, Director of Communications

(405) 815-4645

[email protected]

Source: LSB Industries, Inc.
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mary Kay is celebrating Oceans Week by reaffirming its decades-long partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support ocean conservation and coral reef protection. Coral reefs, often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, cover less than 1% of the worlds surface area but support 25% of all marine life and over one billion people.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005582/en/

Dr. Elizabeth McLeod, The Nature Conservancys Global Oceans Director, conducting research in Ulong Channel, Palau as part of the Super Reefs project, a collaborative effort to discover the secrets of super reefs with support from Mary Kay. (Credit:  Kip Evans/CCC Marketing)

Because traditional reef conservation strategies have not been enough to counter the global loss of coral reefs, Mary Kay, a signatory to the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles, is supporting experts from TNC, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and Stanford University as they lead a collaborative effort to discover the secrets of super reefs  a diverse coral community within a reef system that is more resistant or resilient to damaging heatwaves  in efforts to predict, prove, and protect critical coral reefs.

Mary Kays continued support of TNCs Global Oceans and Super Reefs programs allows researchers to assess reef health, identify potential super reef locations, and discuss opportunities to improve reef management locally. This information will help guide conservation and restoration efforts. Current areas of interest for super reefs work include Hawaii, Palau, Indonesia, the Marshall Islands, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Belize.

Like all rivers and tributaries, most good things in our world lead back to oceans, said Deborah Gibbins, Chief Operations Officer at Mary Kay Inc. Mary Kay is working with partners like The Nature Conservancy to protect Earths most valuable resources. Clean, healthy water isnt just essential to our businessits essential for life everywhere.

TNC is committed to conserving 4 billion hectares of the ocean by 2030, and we are grateful for support from Mary Kay to help achieve this critical goal. Strong partnerships with governments, non-profits, companies, and local communities are essential to our success, said Dr. Lizzie Mcleod, TNCs Global Oceans Director.

This year, Mary Kay will also continue its support of the Coastal Wetlands in Texas, the beauty brands home state. In 2023, TNC will continue working toward its three-year project objectives:

identify priority wetland areas for protection and restoration across more than 27,000 kilometers of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico,

produce a Coastal Conservation and Restoration Action Plan for Texas three blue carbon ecosystemsmangroves, salt marsh, and seagrassincluding mapping areas where we expect wetlands will migrate in the future due to climate change,

assess the feasibility of blue carbon markets to support long-term wetland management needs in Texas, and

identify a dynamic coastal wetland site that can be established as a living laboratory to share conservation techniques, explore blue carbon offsets, and highlight the importance of these critical ecosystems.

In 1990, Mary Kay and TNC announced their partnership. Mary Kays conservation efforts started off close to home, focusing on protecting and preserving the natural resources of Texas. Over the last 33 years, Mary Kays support has grown to hundreds of projects in partnership with TNC including ocean work and coral reef restoration around the globe. Through its partnership with TNC, Mary Kay has also elevated womens leadership in marine conservation to sustain programs that build gender equity into conservation efforts.

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich womens lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partnerswe use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005582/en/

Mary Kay Inc.

Corporate Communications

marykay.com/newsroom

972.687.5332 or [email protected]

Source: Mary Kay
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FlightHub Group, a subsidiary of Momentum Ventures, joined forces with multiple partners in 2022 to provide relief efforts to those impacted by Ukraines ongoing crisis. In a partnership with 4Ukraine.ca and Air Transat, FlightHub provided free flights, booking assistance, and donations to Ukrainians affected by the conflict. The initiative aimed to ease the burden of those affected by the crisis and provide them with access to safe and reliable transportation to Canada. To date, FlightHub has sponsored over $117,000 CAD in flights, moving 222 people to safety.

FlightHub Group also entered into a partnership with WestJet to provide transportation services for GlobalMedic's field team members traveling to and from areas near conflict-affected Ukraine. In a collaborative effort, WestJet operated flights between European gateways on its network, while FlightHub transported the GlobalMedic team from these gateways to neighboring countries of Ukraine, sponsoring the transportation of 22 passengers abroad.

The efforts were a significant step towards alleviating the suffering of those impacted by the crisis. "FlightHub Groups relief efforts are a testament to their commitment to supporting communities in need," said Matt Keezer, CEO of Momentum Ventures. "Momentum Ventures recognizes the importance of using available resources to make a positive impact in the world. We are proud of FlightHub Group and their partners for taking part in these initiatives and supporting those affected by the ongoing conflict in the country."

Momentum Ventures dedication to promoting responsible business practices is reflected in its support of initiatives such as FlightHubs, which aim to provide assistance to those in need. These initiatives were prime examples of the power of collaboration and the positive impact that can be achieved when companies work together towards a common goal.

About Momentum Ventures

Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Momentum Ventures is a company committed to creating and growing startups that have the potential to make a significant impact in their industries. Momentum Ventures has created several successful online companies including FlightHub, one of North America's largest online travel agencies with annual sales of 3B per year. Since its founding in 2014, Momentum Ventures' focus on execution excellence and teamwork, combined with an extraordinary level of grit and commitment has helped them establish a reputation for creating successful startups.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005320/en/

Press

Bianca Cuffaro

[email protected]

+1 438-230-5465

Source: Momentum Ventures
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects over 14 million individuals in the US

Despite the urgent need, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat CUD; behavioral treatments have shown limited benefit

AEF0117 is the first of a new pharmacologic class, type 1 cannabinoid receptor signaling-specific inhibitors (CB1-SSi), with a unique mechanism of action and greater safety and efficacy than prior generations of CB1 inhibitors

In a phase 2a clinical study in volunteers with CUD, AEF0117 produced statistically significant reductions in the positive subjective and reinforcing effects of smoked cannabis

BORDEAUX, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Aelis Farma (ISIN: FR0014007ZB4  Ticker: AELIS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for brain diseases, today announced publication of a series of studies describing a new pharmacological class, cannabinoid receptor 1 signaling-specific inhibitors (CB1-SSi), and its first drug candidate, AEF0117, for the treatment of cannabis use disorder (CUD).

The report, Signaling-specific inhibition of the CB1 receptor for cannabis use disorder: phase 1 and phase 2a randomized trials, was published online by the journal Nature Medicine.

AEF0117 is the first compound that selectively inhibits the CB1 receptor signaling pathway responsible for the addictive effects of cannabis, without interfering with the receptor's fundamental physiological and behavioral functions. This breakthrough approach differs from previous CB1 receptor antagonists that, due to their broad blockade of all CB1 receptor activity, caused significant adverse effects preventing their clinical use.

AEF0117, discovered and developed by Aelis Farma, is the first of the new pharmacologic class, CB1-SSi, which is based on a natural brain mechanism that combats CB1 receptor hyperactivity. This mechanism was discovered by the research group of Aelis Farma Chief Executive Officer Pier Vincenzo Piazza, MD, PhD, when he was the director of the Neurocentre Magendie of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Bordeaux.1 This unique mechanism of action enables CB1-SSi to inhibit only the cellular signals involved in CUD  without disrupting the receptors physiological activity. The CB1-SSi class and AEF0117 represent a breakthrough in CB1 pharmacology.

This landmark article culminates more than a decade of research, from discovery of this natural brain mechanism to our proof-of-concept clinical trial, said Dr. Piazza. We are delighted to contribute to the field of neuropharmacology with a class of drugs never tested in humans before. Now, we at Aelis are sponsoring a large, placebo-controlled phase 2b study in collaboration with Columbia University Irving Medical Center, enrolling 330 participants with CUD to evaluate three dose levels of AEF0117 in treating cannabis addiction. Results should be available by mid-2024.

Because of its unique mechanism of action, AEF0117 significantly reduced phase 2a study participants self-reported ratings of the positive subjective effects of cannabis, the primary outcome measure, by a mean of 38% (p

No other medication has been shown to safely reduce the direct effects of smoked cannabis in daily cannabis smokers, said Margaret (Meg) Haney, PhD, supervisor of the phase 1 studies and principal investigator of the 2a proof-of-concept study, and Professor of Neurobiology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she is the Director of the Cannabis Research Laboratory and Co-Director of the Substance Use Research Center. These novel findings clearly suggest that AEF0117 may be an effective approach for patients seeking treatment for CUD.

Aelis Farma thanks the volunteer study participants, Dr. Haney and her team at Columbia, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, and all the participating study centers and staff for their assistance.

About Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis use is widespread and often leads to CUD, the current definition of problematic cannabis use, which encompasses addiction.2 CUD affects about 14.2 million individuals in the U.S,3 and its prevalence is increasing worldwide.4 Currently, CUD is treated using evidence-based behavioral treatments, which often have poor adherence and limited success.5 No medications are approved by the FDA to treat CUD.

About AEF0117

AEF0117 is the first drug candidate of the new pharmacological class of CB1-SSi, a rationally designed analog of pregnenolone, the naturally occurring steroid hormone that binds to a specific site on the CB1 receptor. Pregnenolone and AEF0117 do not modify the binding of agonists to the CB1 but only block certain signaling pathways activated by cannabinoid agonists, such as THC, on the CB1. Through this selective mechanism of action, AEF0117 potently inhibits THCs behavioral effects without altering normal behavior. Unlike pregnenolone, AEF0117, is highly bioavailable when taken orally, exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic properties for once-daily administration, and is not converted into other steroids. AEF0117 has a 13,000-fold therapeutic index (i.e., the ratio between the toxic and active dose).

The clinical investigation of AEF0117 to date consists of two phase 1 safety studies (NCT03325595, NCT03443895) and one phase 2a proof-of-concept study (NCT03717272). The phase 1 single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose studies, performed in healthy volunteers, demonstrate that AEF0117 is safe, well tolerated and produces no behavioral changes relative to placebo. AEF0117 has favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics, allowing for once daily dosing, which facilitates medication compliance. The phase 2a study, conducted in 29 randomized participants with CUD who smoked cannabis daily (averaging 2-3 grams/day), demonstrated that AEF0117 significantly decreased both the positive subjective effects of cannabis (the main study endpoint) and the frequency of cannabis use (key secondary objective) without precipitating withdrawal, which has tended to limit the acceptability of inhibitors for addiction treatment.

The development of AEF0117 was made possible by a broad multinational collaboration with the Aelis Farma team. Several research groups of the Neurocentre Magendie of INSERM in Bordeaux contributed to the early preclinical development of AEF0117. The U.S. intramural program of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) performed some of the preclinical experiments. Columbia University Irving Medical Center played a seminal role in the coordination and execution of the clinical studies. AEF0117 development has been supported by two NIDA grants, a first grant of $3.3 million and a second one of $4.5 million. AEF0117, is protected by a patent owned by INSERM and University of Bordeaux. Aelis Farma holds an exclusive worldwide license to AEF0117.

Development of AEF0117 as a treatment for cannabis addiction is currently ongoing. A phase 2b U.S. multi-center study, sponsored by Aelis Farma and coordinated by Professor Frances Levin of Columbia University, which will include 330 participants with CUD, is comparing the efficacy of three AEF0117 doses with placebo. Initial results are expected mid-2024. Aelis Farma and Columbia University are also conducting a complementary series of clinical pharmacokinetic studies and nonclinical regulatory studies to prepare AEF0117 for the Phase 3 program.

In summary, AEF0117 is the first drug candidate in the new pharmacological class of CB1-SSi, which exhibits high specificity, signaling selectivity, and affinity for the CB1 receptor at a distinct site from where cannabinoid agonists such as THC bind. Because of this selective molecular mechanism of action, AEF0117 potently inhibits the intoxicating effects produced by cannabis and reduces cannabis use without the behavioral side effects of the past generation of CB1 receptor antagonists that prevented their use in humans. This profile suggests that AEF0117 has the potential to be a safe and novel treatment for CUD, supporting continued confirmatory investigations in phase 2b and phase 3 clinical trials.

About Nature Medicine

The description of AEF0117 development in Nature Medicine is unique as it describes the complete development of this new pharmacological class by Aelis Farma, including the chemical design and characterization of the signaling-specific inhibitors of the CB1 receptor (CB1-SSi) in collaboration with INSERM; the discovery and development of AEF0117 by Aelis Farma; as well as the clinical investigation with the contributions of Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Nature Medicine is a monthly journal publishing original peer-reviewed research in all areas of medicine based on its originality, timeliness, interdisciplinary interest, and impact on improving human health. Nature Medicine also publishes commissioned content, including News, Reviews and Perspectives, aimed at contextualizing the latest advances in translational and clinical research to reach a wide audience of M.D. and Ph.D. readers. All editorial decisions are made by a team of full-time professional editors. Nature Medicines 2-year Impact Factor (2021): 87.241

Collaboration with Indivior

Aelis Farma, in June 2021, signed an exclusive option license agreement with Indivior PLC ("Indivior"), a global pharmaceutical company working to help change patients lives by developing medicines to treat substance use disorders and serious mental illnesses, for the development and commercialization of AEF0117 as a treatment for disorders related to excessive cannabis use. As part of this collaboration, Aelis Farma has received $30 million (option payment) and is eligible to receive, if the option is exercised by Indivior after the current phase 2b, a $100 million license fee (potentially by the end of 2024) and supplementary payments, up to $340 million, in development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties in the mid-teen percentage range on global net sales. The option gives Indivior the right to assume all development and commercialization activities for AEF0117 upon successful completion of the phase 2b study. Phase 3 studies and commercialization would then be at Indiviors direction and expenses, while Aelis Farma funds and manages the current Phase 2b.

About AELIS FARMA

Founded in Bordeaux in 2013, Aelis Farma is a biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of drugs, the Signaling-Specific inhibitors of the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system (CB1-SSi). CB1-SSi have been developed by Aelis Farma based on the discovery of a natural brain defense mechanism by the team led by Dr. Pier Vincenzo Piazza, the Companys CEO, when he was director of Neurocentre Magendie of the INSERM in Bordeaux. By mimicking this natural mechanism, CB1-SSi appear to selectively inhibit the disease-related activity of the CB1 receptor without disrupting its normal physiological activity. Thus CB1-SSi have significant potential for the treatment of numerous brain diseases.

Aelis Farma is developing two first-in-class clinical-stage drug candidates: AEF0117 for the treatment of CUD, currently being tested in a phase 2b study in the United States; and AEF0217 for cognitive disorders, including those of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), currently in a phase 1/2 study in Spain. The Company also has a portfolio of innovative CB1-SSi for the treatment of other disorders associated with a dysregulation of the activity of the CB1 receptor.

Aelis Farma draws on the talents of more than 20 highly qualified employees.

For more information, visit www.aelisfarma.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

ISIN: FR0014007ZB4

Ticker: AELIS

B Compartment of Euronext Paris

Forward-looking statements

Some information contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, not historical data. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions about Aelis Farma's current and future strategy and the environment in which Aelis Farma operates. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements, or industry results or other events, to differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those set out and described in detail in Chapter 3 "Risk Factors" of Aelis Farma's registration document approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers on January 14, 2022, under number I.22-003.

These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and Aelis Farma expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or corrections to the forward-looking statements included in this press release to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such forward-looking statement is based. Forward-looking information and statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond Aelis Farma's control. Actual results could differ materially from those described in, or implied or projected by, forward-looking information and statements.

References

1. Vallee M, Vitiello S, Bellocchio L, et al. Pregnenolone Can Protect the Brain from Cannabis Intoxication. Science 2014;343(6166):94-98. DOI: doi:10.1126/science.1243985.

2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - V: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service. Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville, MD. 2021. Accessed May 16, 2023

4. Reece AS, Hulse GK. Quadruple convergence  rising cannabis prevalence, intensity, concentration and use disorder treatment. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe 2021;10:100245. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100245.

5. Gates PJ, Sabioni P, Copeland J, Le Foll B, Gowing L. Psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;2016(5):Cd005336. (In eng). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005336.pub4.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005533/en/

AELIS FARMA

Pier Vincenzo Piazza, MD, PhD

CEO

Corresponding author

[email protected]

NewCap

Dusan Oresansky/

Aurelie Manavarere

Investor Relations

[email protected]

+33 1 44 71 94 92

NewCap

Arthur Rouille

Media Relations

[email protected]

+33 1 44 71 00 15

RXMD

Charlotte Wray

Media Relations

[email protected]

+1 646 247 3405

Source: Aelis Farma
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New Found Gold Corp. (New Found or the Company) (TSX-V: NFG, NYSE-A: NFGC) is pleased to announce the results from 15 diamond drill holes that were completed as part of a follow-up drill program at the new Iceberg discovery, a high-grade zone located 300m northeast of Keats Main along the highly prospective Appleton Fault Zone (AFZ). New Founds 100%-owned Queensway project comprises a 1,662 km2 area, accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway, 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005336/en/

Figure 1: Photos of mineralization: Left: at ~102.5m from NFGC-23-1201, Right: at ~144m from NFGC-23-1208, Bottom Left: at ~129m from NFGC-23-1247 and Bottom Right: at ~240m from NFGC-23-1261A. ^Note that these photos are not intended to be representative of gold mineralization in NFGC-23-1201, NFGC-23-1208, NFGC-23-1247 and NFGC-23-1261A. (Photo: Business Wire)

Iceberg Highlights:

Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Zone NFGC-23-12011 102.15 109.00 6.85 20.67 Iceberg Including 102.15 102.75 0.60 193.00 Including 108.40 109.00 0.60 25.70 NFGC-23-1261A2 237.55 247.00 9.45 25.98 Iceberg Including 237.55 238.50 0.95 10.11 Including 239.80 240.40 0.60 372.37

Table 1: Iceberg Drilling Highlights

Note that the host structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping and true widths are generally estimated to be 170% to 95% and 2 40% to 70%. Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed in drill core which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum core length of 2m with a maximum of 4m consecutive dilution. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness.

NFGC-23-1261A intersected 26.0 g/t Au over 9.45m in a 25m step-out to the south of previously reported 19.6 g/t Au over 5.25m in NFGC-23-1217 (May 31, 2023), extending the Iceberg-Iceberg East segment of the Keats Baseline Fault Zone (KBFZ) to 575m in strike length. This intercept is the deepest high-grade hit yet at Iceberg and expands the drill-defined depth from 135m to 160m.

in a of previously reported 19.6 g/t Au over 5.25m in NFGC-23-1217 (May 31, 2023), extending the Iceberg-Iceberg East segment of the Keats Baseline Fault Zone (KBFZ) to This intercept is the deepest high-grade hit yet at Iceberg and expands the drill-defined NFGC-23-1201 intersected 20.7 g/t Au over 6.85m 50m along strike to the southwest of previously released 105 g/t Au over 27.05m in NFGC-23-1210 (June 5, 2023), further demonstrating strong continuity of high-grade gold at Iceberg.

50m along strike to the southwest of previously released 105 g/t Au over 27.05m in NFGC-23-1210 (June 5, 2023), further demonstrating strong continuity of high-grade gold at Iceberg. Continued step-out drilling expanding the KBFZ at Iceberg East has intercepted several highlight intervals including 1.58 g/t Au over 8.70m , 1.73 g/t Au over 5.30m and 2.88 g/t Au over 9.95m in NFGC-23-1208, 3.51 g/t Au over 4.05m in NFGC-23-1247 and 1.38 g/t Au over 9.70m in NFGC-23-1226 and all occur within 100m from surface (see Table 2).

has intercepted several highlight intervals including , and in NFGC-23-1208, in NFGC-23-1247 and in NFGC-23-1226 and all occur within (see Table 2). Iceberg-Iceberg East remains open in all directions and drilling is ongoing to expand along strike and to depth with several intervals currently pending assay results (Figures 1-4).

Greg Matheson, Chief Operating Officer of New Found, stated: It is still early days at Iceberg, where we continue to receive a myriad of high-grade results. As shown in Figure 3 below on long section, we have roughly 50 holes pending from this zone with almost all occurring within the first 200m from surface. We look forward to getting a full grasp of this zone as we continue to chase it to depth and along strike.

Drillhole Details

Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Zone NFGC-23-11704 19.60 23.80 4.20 1.87 Iceberg NFGC-23-11761 174.00 177.00 3.00 1.44 Iceberg NFGC-23-11814 82.00 84.00 2.00 4.12 Iceberg Including 82.00 82.60 0.60 12.05 And4 120.70 122.90 2.20 1.49 NFGC-23-1186 No Significant Values Iceberg East NFGC-23-11883 65.60 67.85 2.25 2.98 Iceberg Including 67.35 67.85 0.50 13.00 And2 94.15 99.60 5.45 5.54 Including 94.15 94.95 0.80 33.10 NFGC-23-11901 180.90 183.70 2.80 6.63 Iceberg Including 181.25 181.70 0.45 36.33 And1 214.55 216.60 2.05 10.41 Including 214.55 215.15 0.60 34.29 NFGC-23-11951 269.70 272.35 2.65 1.80 Iceberg NFGC-23-12011 102.15 109.00 6.85 20.67 Iceberg Including 102.15 102.75 0.60 193.00 Including 108.40 109.00 0.60 25.70 NFGC-23-12084 112.85 121.55 8.70 1.58 Iceberg East And4 126.70 132.00 5.30 1.73 And2 139.45 149.40 9.95 2.88 Including 143.85 144.40 0.55 29.21 NFGC-23-12262 132.90 142.60 9.70 1.38 Iceberg East And2 149.15 151.40 2.25 1.15 NFGC-23-1240 No Significant Values Iceberg East NFGC-23-12471 125.40 129.45 4.05 3.51 Iceberg East Including 129.00 129.45 0.45 12.31 NFGC-23-12531 130.70 135.20 4.50 2.96 Iceberg East Including 134.55 135.20 0.65 15.32 NFGC-23-1261A2 237.55 247.00 9.45 25.98 Iceberg Including 237.55 238.50 0.95 10.11 Including 239.80 240.40 0.60 372.37 NFGC-23-12671 71.10 74.00 2.90 1.38 Iceberg

Table 2: Summary of composite results reported in this press release for Iceberg and Iceberg East

Note that the host structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping and true widths are generally estimated to be 170% to 95%, 2 40% to 70% and 310% to 40% of reported intervals. 4True widths are unknown that this time. Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed in drill core which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum core length of 2m with a maximum of 4m consecutive dilution. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness.

Hole No. Azi () Dip () Length (m) UTM E UTM N Prospect NFGC-23-1170 300 -45 214 658399 5427763 Iceberg NFGC-23-1176 300 -45 323 658416 5427695 Iceberg NFGC-23-1181 300 -45 233 658422 5427751 Iceberg NFGC-23-1186 300 -45 426 658679 5427832 Iceberg East NFGC-23-1188 300 -45 251 658397 5427734 Iceberg NFGC-23-1190 300 -45 362 658428 5427660 Iceberg NFGC-23-1195 300 -45 428 658436 5427569 Iceberg NFGC-23-1201 300 -45 215 658451 5427762 Iceberg NFGC-23-1208 300 -45 387 658665 5427898 Iceberg East NFGC-23-1226 299 -45.5 318 658723 5427923 Iceberg East NFGC-23-1240 299 -45.5 183 658705 5427991 Iceberg East NFGC-23-1247 299 -45.5 249 658747 5427966 Iceberg East NFGC-23-1253 299 -45.5 199 658700 5427936 Iceberg East NFGC-23-1261A 297 -45.5 395 658447 5427649 Iceberg NFGC-23-1267 299 -45.5 354 658613 5427929 Iceberg East

Table 3: Details of drill holes reported in this press release

Queensway 500,000m Drill Program Update

The Company is currently undertaking a 500,000m drill program at Queensway and approximately 57,000m of core is currently pending assay results.

Sampling, Sub-sampling, and Laboratory

All drilling recovers HQ core. Drill core is split in half using a diamond saw or a hydraulic splitter for rare intersections with incompetent core.

A geologist examines the drill core and marks out the intervals to be sampled and the cutting line. Sample lengths are mostly 1.0 meter and adjusted to respect lithological and/or mineralogical contacts and isolate narrow (

Technicians saw the core along the defined cutting line. One-half of the core is kept as a witness sample and the other half is submitted for analysis. Individual sample bags are sealed and placed into totes, sealed and marked with the contents.

New Found submits samples for gold determination by fire assay to ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS) and by photon assay to MSALABS (MSA) since June 2022. ALS and MSA operate under a commercial contract with New Found.

Drill core samples are shipped to ALS for sample preparation in Sudbury, Ontario, Thunder Bay, Ontario, or Moncton, New Brunswick. ALS is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory for the fire assay method.

Drill core samples are also submitted to MSA in Val-dOr, Quebec. MSA operates numerous laboratories worldwide and maintains ISO-17025 accreditation for many metal determination methods. Accreditation of the photon assay method at the MSA Val DOr laboratory is in progress.

At ALS, the entire sample is crushed to approximately 70% passing 2mm. A 3,000-g split is pulverized. Routine samples do not have visible gold (VG) identified and are not within a mineralized zone. Routine samples are assayed for gold by 30-g fire assay with an inductively-couple plasma spectrometry (ICP) finish. If the initial 30-g fire assay gold result is over 1 g/t, the remainder of the 3,000-g split is screened at 106 microns for screened metallics assay. For the screened metallics assay, the entire coarse fraction (sized greater than 106 microns) is fire assayed and two splits of the fine fraction (sized less than 106 microns) are fire assayed. The three assays are combined on a weight-averaged basis. Samples that have VG identified or fall within a mineralized interval are automatically submitted for screened metallic assay for gold.

At MSA, the entire sample is crushed to approximately 70% passing 2mm. For routine samples that do not have VG identified and are not within a mineralized zone, the samples are riffle split to fill two 450g jars for photon assay. The assays reported from both jars are combined on a weight-averaged basis. If one of the jars assays greater than 1 g/t, the remaining crushed material is weighed into multiple jars and are submitted for photon assay.

For samples that have VG identified or are within a mineralized zone, the entire crushed sample is weighed into multiple jars and are submitted for photon assay. The assays from all jars are combined on a weight-averaged basis.

All samples prepared at ALS or MSA are also analyzed for a multi-element ICP package (ALS method code ME-ICP61) at ALS Vancouver.

Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with industry best practices. Standards and blanks account for a minimum of 10% of the samples in addition to the laboratorys internal quality assurance programs.

Quality Control data are evaluated on receipt from the laboratories for failures. Appropriate action is taken if assay results for standards and blanks fall outside allowed tolerances. All results stated have passed New Founds quality control protocols.

New Founds quality control program also includes submission of the second half of the core for approximately 5% of the drilled intervals. In addition, approximately 1% of sample pulps for mineralized samples are submitted for re-analysis to a second ISO-accredited laboratory for check assays.

The Company does not recognize any factors of drilling, sampling or recovery that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the assay data disclosed.

The assay data disclosed in this news release have been verified by the Companys Qualified Person against the original assay certificates.

The Company notes that it has not completed any economic evaluations of its Queensway Project and that the Queensway Project does not have any resources or reserves.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Greg Matheson, P. Geo., Chief Operating Officer, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Matheson consents to the publication of this press release dated June 8, 2023, by New Found. Mr. Matheson certifies that this press release fairly and accurately represents the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this press release.

About New Found Gold Corp.

New Found holds a 100% interest in the Queensway Project, located 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and just 18km from Gander International Airport. The project is intersected by the Trans-Canada Highway and has logging roads crosscutting the project, high voltage electric power lines running through the project area, and easy access to a highly skilled workforce. The Company is currently undertaking a 500,000m drill program at Queensway and is well funded for this program with cash and marketable securities of approximately $52 million as of June 2023.

Please see the Companys website at www.newfoundgold.ca and the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Acknowledgements

New Found acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Contact

To contact the Company, please visit the Companys website, www.newfoundgold.ca and make your request through our investor inquiry form. Our management has a pledge to be in touch with any investor inquiries within 24 hours.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to exploration, drilling and mineralization on the Companys Queensway gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador; assay results; the interpretation of drilling and assay results, the results of the drilling program, mineralization and the discovery of zones of high-grade gold mineralization; plans for future exploration and drilling and the timing of same; the merits of the Queensway project; future press releases by the Company; and funding of the drilling program. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, interpreted, intends, estimates, projects, aims, suggests, indicate, often, target, future, likely, pending, potential, goal, objective, prospective, possibly, preliminary, and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, can, could or should occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of assay results and the drilling program, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Managements discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005336/en/

New Found Gold Corp.

Per: "Collin Kettell"

Collin Kettell, Chief Executive Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (845) 535-1486

Source: New Found Gold Corp.
Recognizes First Graduate from the 22+ Adult Diploma Program

MAUMEE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The students of Ohio Digital Learning School (ODLS), a full-time online public high school and credit recovery program, will be celebrated for their achievements with an in-person commencement ceremony on June 12th at 4:00 p.m. in Cleveland.

ODLS is committed to helping students earn their high school diploma by removing the barriers that are impeding them, helping them achieve their dreams. ODLS is an ideal online learning option for students who may have dropped out in the past or who are at-risk of not graduating; as well as adult students earning their diploma through the schools new 22+ Adult Diploma Program.

The first graduate of the 22+ program is 28-year-old Blake McAngus of Canton, OH, who wanted to return to school to earn his diploma to make a better life for his family after becoming a father.

It feels great. I wanted to do this for my future so I can now move on and get the certification I need in truck driving to be able to better provide for my son, said McAngus.

ODLS has 431 graduates earning their diplomas this year, including 99 who graduated in the first semester. Within the class of 2023, there are 20 students who are graduating a year early and 17 who are first in their families to graduate.

Our students have overcome a lot of adversity to achieve this academic milestone, and we couldnt be prouder for them to see the payoff, said Laura Houghton, Operations Manager for Ohio Digital Learning School. This ceremony is more than just a diploma; it is an opportunity to spotlight each students hard work and celebrate their future.

The ceremonys student-voted staff speaker will be School Counselor Janson Jacobsen.

Details of the graduation ceremony are as follows:

WHAT: Ohio Digital Learning School 2023 Graduation Ceremony

WHEN: June 12, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. EST

WHERE: Parma-Snow Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

2121 Snow Road

Parma, OH 44134

CONTACT: For any questions about the ceremony, please contact Mahailey Albain at [email protected]. For media inquiries, please contact Ken Schwartz at [email protected].

About Ohio Digital Learning School

Ohio Digital Learning School, authorized by the Ohio Council of Community Schools, is a tuition-free online public charter school serving students in grades 9 through 12, ages 16-21. As part of the Ohio public school system, ODLS provides families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride Company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build skills for their future. For more information about ODLS, visit odls.k12.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005065/en/

Ken Schwartz

[email protected]

Source: Stride, Inc.
Statewide contract will enable children, adults and families to realize their best health

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Leading health and wellness company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) has been recommended by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to deliver health care coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries across the state, anticipated to start in early to mid-2024. Humanas Medicaid division, Humana Healthy Horizons, will administer the coverage in Oklahoma.

Through SoonerSelect, the Oklahoma Medicaid managed care program  focused on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Childrens Health Insurance Program, and Medicaid Expansion populations  Humana will serve children and adults across the state with the goal of improving their health and well-being.

At Humana, we work to put our members health first, and we are committed to improving the wellbeing of the communities we serve. We are honored to bring our human-centered approach to care to Oklahomans covered under the states Medicaid managed care program, and we look forward to partnering with the state to address members physical and mental wellness, as well as the critical social determinants that affect the health of the population, said Humana Healthy Horizons President John Barger. Were proud to have served communities across the state for more than three decades, and we look forward to collaborating with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Oklahoma health care provider community to deliver quality health care services to Oklahomas most vulnerable residents.

Humana is one of three plan administrators selected as part of a statewide Medicaid managed care procurement issued this year in Oklahoma.

We are privileged to serve Oklahomans and address their comprehensive whole-person health needs, said Joseph Fairbanks, CEO of Humana Healthy Horizons in Oklahoma. Through our collaboration with the state, providers, and community-based organizations we look forward to driving positive health outcomes for Oklahomans as they face the personal and public health challenges that affect their quality of life.

Humana currently serves a total of more than 270,000 Oklahomans, across multiple business lines. The company provides coordinated medical, wellness and pharmacy benefits coverage to its Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan members in Oklahoma. Humana also administers health care coverage for members of the military, military retirees and their dependents through the federal TRICARE program. Humanas participation in Oklahomas new Medicaid program will allow the company to bring its services to more Oklahomans across the state.

In addition, Humana is proud to be a community partner in Oklahoma and were addressing urgent and long-term community needs. During the pandemic, for instance, Humana invested nearly $1 million in relief to six local organizations that faced an unprecedented demand from Oklahomans in need of critical services.

About Humana Healthy Horizons

Humana manages Medicaid benefits for more than 1 million members nationally under the Humana Healthy Horizons brand, which reflects our expertise in managing complex populations, our commitment to creating solutions that lead to a better quality of life for our members, and our efforts to deliver human care that makes the healthcare experience easier, more personalized and more caring.

During more than two decades of serving people with Medicaid, Humana and Humana Healthy Horizons have developed a wide range of capabilities to serve children, parents, childless adults, and beneficiaries that are aged, blind or disabled. We integrate physical health, behavioral health, pharmacy, long-term care, and social services for a whole-person approach to improve the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve.

Humana Healthy Horizons serves Medicaid enrollees through the following programs:

Medicaid Managed Care (MMC)

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)

Medicare Advantage Dual-eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs)

Humana Healthy Horizons is a Medicaid Product offered by affiliates of Humana Inc.

About Humana

Humana Inc. is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.

To accomplish that, we support physicians and other health care professionals as they work to deliver the right care in the right place for their patients, our members. Our range of clinical capabilities, resources and tools  such as in-home care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, data analytics and wellness solutions  combine to produce a simplified experience that makes health care easier to navigate and more effective.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the companys web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:

Annual reports to stockholders

Securities and Exchange Commission filings

Most recent investor conference presentations

Quarterly earnings news releases and conference calls

Calendar of events

Corporate Governance information

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005541/en/

Jim Turner

Humana Corporate Communications

[email protected]

502.608.2897

Source: Humana Inc.
WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA), a tuition-free online public school serving students statewide in grades 4-12, is announcing a new initiative to support students-in-need. Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, CODCA will offer a Free and Reduced Lunch Program to all eligible students, ensuring access to nutritious meals even while learning from home.

In what may be the first-ever online school implementing such a program with funds provided by Stride, Inc., CODCA is recognizing the importance of adequate nutrition for academic success. Taking proactive measures to address the challenges faced by students and families in an online learning environment, the program will provide a daily stipend per student to eligible families, helping them cover the costs of daily meals.

"No child should go hungry, period," said Teri Cady, Executive Director at CODCA. "We are committed to ensuring that all our students have access to nutritious meals regardless of their financial circumstances. It is one more way we are proud to enhance their overall educational experience and set them up for long-term success."

To qualify for the program, families must meet attendance requirements and ensure students are actively engaged in their online learning. The stipend will be distributed directly to parents via a digitally emailed grocery gift card to empower them to make the best choices in purchasing quality food for their children.

Students enroll in online school for many reasonsincluding those who may have fallen academically off track or are looking to get a head start on future careers. In addition to a traditional curriculum, CODCA students can participate in the schools career and college prep program and enroll in classes that will introduce them to potential careers in agriculture, business, IT, health and human services, and STEM fields. Eligible students can earn college credits while still in high school, gaining a head start on higher education and potentially saving thousands of dollars in college tuition costs.

Enrollment at CODCA is now open for the 2023-2024 school year. For more information and enrollment support, please visit codca.k12.com or call 800-705-1528.

About Destinations Career Academy of Colorado

Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA) is an accredited, full-time public-school program of the Julesburg School District that serves Colorado students in grades 4-12. As part of the Colorado public school system, CODCA is tuition-free, and gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by provided by Stride K12. The nations leading provider of online and blended education programs, Stride (NYSE: LRN) offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build their skills for the future. For more information about CODCA, visit codca.k12.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005139/en/

Ken Schwartz

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Source: Stride, Inc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. During Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Australia last month, he and his counterpart Anthony Albanese reiterated their commitment to concluding CECA by the end of 2023, Trend reports.

June is shaping up as a busy month for crucial negotiations by India on three trade agreements  new pacts with the UK and the European Union (EU), and a stage-two comprehensive deal with Australia, officials aware of the developments said.

The fifth round of negotiations for the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) will be held in New Delhi during June 19-23, while the tenth round of talks with the UK is set to conclude on June 9, the officials said, requesting anonymity. The fifth round of India-EU negotiations on an investment protection agreement will also be held in Delhi during June 26-29.

After operationalising the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) with Australia last December, the two partners are pursuing the next level of the deal, a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Schedules for the third and fourth rounds of negotiations for this have been finalised in the first half of this month (June 5-16) and the first half of next month (July 3-14), one of the officials said.

The idea is to pave the way for early conclusion of the talks, the official added. India and Australia are enhancing the scope of ECTA, signed on April 2, 2022, and ratified by parliaments of the two countries last November. As per the agreement, the deal came into force a month after the exchange of documents on December 29.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Australia last month, he and his counterpart Anthony Albanese reiterated their commitment to concluding CECA by the end of 2023.

CECA will take economic ties to a strategic level as Australia is expected to offer assured supplies of critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt without any disruption, the official said. The two sides held exploratory discussions covering 13 subjects at the second round held in Sydney during April 17-21.

The two sides will, however, have to deal with tricky issues such as Australias demand for greater access to Indias market for its wines and agricultural products, the officials said.

Australian high commissioner Barry OFarrell said: Negotiations for the Australia-India CECA are ongoing, building on the successes of our ECTA. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese have welcomed swift progress in negotiations and for an early conclusion of an ambitious CECA.

Negotiations with Australia are progressing fast because a highly successful trade deal is already operational. However, the same pace is missing in talks with the EU because of the involvement of several stakeholders from the European bloc, a second official said.

The India-EU FTA negotiations were formally re-launched in June 2022 as a follow up to an announcement by the leadership of the two sides in May 2021. The talks cover 23 policy areas or chapters, and four rounds of negotiations, involving matters pertaining to goods and services, were completed till March, the officials said.

While the third round marked the beginning of real negotiations, the fourth round was aimed at speeding up work on texts and deepening mutual understanding of convergences and divergences between India and the EU. The fourth round also focused on the exchange of offers on market access in goods, services and investments, and participation in public procurements.

In the crucial area of digital trade, the two sides discussed 15 articles, including data flows, privacy, principles for access to and use of the internet for digital trade, and right to regulate, and there was good progress on several provisions, the officials said.
MECHANICSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), announced today that it has signed an agreement with Farmington Township, Clarion County, to purchase the townships water and wastewater systems for $5.545 million. The systems serve 1,017 customers in Farmington Township.

Pennsylvania American Water has been serving Farmington Township as a bulk water customer for decades, and we look forward to operating the water distribution system and becoming the wastewater provider for this community, said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner. Farmington residents will join the more than 2.4 million people across the Commonwealth that already rely on Pennsylvania American Water to expertly operate, manage and invest in their water and wastewater services.

Farmington Township explored the potential sale of its water and wastewater systems for the last year and a half, citing that proceeds from the sale would be used to pay off debt and fund other township capital improvement projects. The agreement follows a recent vote by the Township to accept Pennsylvania American Waters offer.

Throughout this process, Pennsylvania American Water has reaffirmed its long-standing reputation as an excellent community partner who is dedicated to providing high-level service, said Matt Sherbine, Township Supervisor. The sale of our water and wastewater systems will unburden the Township of having to continually address regulatory issues and allow the experts at Pennsylvania American to make needed investments in an aging system, while enabling our community to focus on more important needs of our citizens.

Upon ownership, Pennsylvania American Water plans to invest over $3 million for system improvements to meet regulatory, safety and security standards.

As part of the agreement, Pennsylvania American Water will adopt the townships current water and wastewater rates. The companys rates are regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), and any future rate changes would have to be reviewed and approved by the PUC. Pennsylvania American Water offers grants and discounted services to its low-income wastewater customers who qualify through its H2O Help to Others Program.

Pennsylvania American Water and Farmington Township will seek approval of the acquisition from the PUC and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The transaction is expected to be complete in 2024.

About Pennsylvania American Water

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005776/en/

Media:

Brent Robinson

Manager, Government Affairs

724-263-0625

[email protected]

Source: Pennsylvania American Water
Industry Leading Technology Vendor to Demonstrate the Power of Analytics to Support High-Quality, Affordable Care

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PointClickCare Technologies, a leading healthcare technology platform enabling meaningful collaboration and access to realtime insights at every stage of the patient healthcare journey, announced its presence at Americas Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) 2023, the nation's leading conference on the latest developments affecting the healthcare industry. The company will join the healthcare community from June 13-15 in Portland, Oregon, showcasing its award-winning solutions at booth #1703.

At PointClickCare, were continuing to invest in the intersection of acute and post-acute care to help optimize value-based care for all stakeholders, including health plans, said Brian Drozdowicz, SVP & General Manager of Acute & Payer Markets at PointClickCare. We're looking forward to onsite conversations about how combining the right information with healthcare collaboration is key to enhancing care coordination strategy, improving patient outcomes and ultimately, health plan performance.

Now, more than ever, health plans, especially Medicare Advantage plans, can benefit financially when they improve quality for members, through actively monitoring and managing network quality performance. Without technology, it is impossible to identify plan members in real-time so that providers can ultimately support transitions in care. As part of its presence at the show, PointClickCare invites attendees to join this important industry conversation  the benefit of care collaboration across the continuum.

The Next Level in Quality: Closing Time Sensitive Care Gaps (June 15, 1:30 PM PT, Room B110, Level 1)  Join Shivani Goyal, PhD, Senior Product Leader and Nicole Sunder, LCSW, CCM, Director, Health Plan Solution Design of PointClickCare, for a discussion around the importance of quality management in a value-based care world.

Attendees will learn how health plans can leverage Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) performance data and real-time analytics to hone strategies to close time sensitive care gaps, including how to aggregate and layer admission, discharge and transfer data and develop effective strategies to address open and time sensitive care gaps.

Heading to AHIP 2023? Visit PointClickCare on the show floor at booth #1703 or schedule time to connect with us to learn more: https://pointclickcare.com/campaign/ahip-2023-portland/.

About PointClickCare

PointClickCare is a leading healthcare technology platform enabling meaningful collaboration and access to realtime insights at every stage of the patient healthcare journey. PointClickCares single platform spans the care continuum, fostering proactive, holistic decisionmaking and improved outcomes for all. Today, PointClickCare enables care collaboration and value-based care delivery for millions across North America connecting more than 27,000 longterm and postacute care providers, over 3,100 hospitals and health systems, 2,200 ambulatory clinics, every major U.S. health plan across the U.S, and over 70 state and Government agencies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005177/en/

Nicole Das

Media Relations

[email protected]



Alison Minaglia

Analyst Relations

[email protected]

Source: PointClickCare Technologies
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, to exhibit Ryder Last Mile services at the Home Delivery World 2023 conference in Philadelphia, Pa., from June 14-15, 2023.

During Home Delivery World, Ryder experts will address the growing need for last mile delivery services for big-and-bulky goods as retail and e-commerce companies are faced with the challenges of getting products to customers faster and trying to move distribution centers closer to consumers. Ryder will also showcase its Ryder Last Mile solution at booth #310 during Home Delivery World and will provide demonstrations around the latest enhancements to the customer-facing order visibility technology, RyderViewTM.

Ryder Last Mile is a customizable delivery solution for big-and-bulky goods supported by more than 158 hubs nationwide that can cover 100% of the U.S., including Puerto Rico and Hawaii, within a two-day delivery timeframe. Ryder Last Mile offers a flexible two-hour delivery window, paperless documentation, and easy integration with four tiers of service  Front Door; Over the Threshold; Room of Choice; and White Glove Delivery, which includes assembly, hook-up, and installation  that all include a seamless product return and repair process, when needed.

To enhance the Ryder Last Mile customer experience, Ryder continues to invest in RyderView, which provides consumers with real-time tracking, self-service scheduling, and notifications via email, text messages, or automated calls. RyderViews technology-driven routing is engineered based on predictive analytics, with complete tracking from pick-up through delivery directly on the application. RyderView offers seamless integration into a companys customer-facing order tracking application, as well as into Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that include order import, status updates, scheduling and exception management. At delivery, RyderView offers electronic proof of delivery and an option to complete an automated customer survey once a delivery team completes the last mile component of the order journey.

With fresh challenges facing supply chains, especially around the final mile, cutting-edge solutions such as RyderView can help make the visibility of the order journey more streamlined than ever before. Events such as Home Delivery World are critical for spotlighting innovation and sharing expertise from across the industry, says Joel Eigege, Ryder vice president of supply chain operations for Ryder Last Mile. In a time where consumers want to know the status of their order within seconds of placing it, the expanded visibility and control Ryder provides customers with RyderView demonstrates the value were adding to the overall customer experience that will help them retain and attract brand loyalty. Companies across numerous industries trust Ryder Last Mile to maintain consistent customer satisfaction and enhance brand integrity through proven technology-driven solutions.

During Home Delivery World, which will be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center, Ryder industry experts will focus on last mile delivery solutions, electric vehicles, and industrial real estate planning. Ryders diverse lineup of leaders during Home Delivery World includes:

Joel Eigege, VP of supply chain operations, will join a panel discussion on June 14 at 12pm ET titled Building effective partnerships and transportation networks to handle heavy goods

Carlo Rodriguez, group director for advanced vehicle technology and RyderElectric+TM, will present on the market benefits of electric fleet implementation on June 14 at 11:40am

Peter Medrano, director for real estate planning, will join a panel on June 14 at 12pm titled How rapidly can industrial real estate adapt to last mile changes?

Please contact Jonathan Mayor at [email protected] to coordinate any on-site or remote media interviews during Home Delivery World.

About Ryder System, Inc.

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, full-service leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the worlds most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 260,000 commercial vehicles and operates approximately 300 warehouses encompassing more than 95 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs, military veteran recruitment initiatives, and the hiring of a diverse workforce. For more information, visit www.ryder.com.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including our expectations with respect to fleets-commerce, Ryder Last Mile and RyderView, are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

ryder-scs

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005258/en/

Jonathan Mayor, 305-500-3161, [email protected]

Amy Federman, 305-500-4989, [email protected]

Source: Ryder System, Inc.
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The United Steelworkers union (USW) is gratified with the verdict in the criminal trial of a supervisor found guilty of criminal negligence causing the death of 18-year-old worker Michael Henderson at Springhill Construction in 2018.

Henderson died while he was in a four-foot-wide utility hole and a plug holding back water slid out. He was pinned to a wall as the water rushed in, well above his head.

The extent of supervisor Jason Kings negligence was highlighted in his testimony at trial and the judges findings of fact. King had failed to read any of the companys safety manuals or the manual setting out his duties and responsibilities as a supervisor. He failed to follow obvious safety direction of the plugs manufacturer and failed to comply with the legislative requirements for confined-space work.

The Steelworkers union welcomes this verdict. Serious workplace injuries and fatalities have continued to occur without consequence to supervisors or companies. While the Westray Law was not applied here, our union is gratified that someone is being held criminally responsible for the young workers death as Westray requires, said Marty Warren, USW National Director.

Between 2004 and 2022, the Westray amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada have been used in approximately 23 incidents to bring criminal negligence charges in cases of serious worker injury and death. Of those 23 cases, charges were brought against 13 corporations and 17 individuals.

As of early 2022, there have been only nine successful prosecutions under the Westray amendments  four in Quebec, four in Ontario and one in British Columbia. Those prosecutions resulted in the conviction of seven corporations and two individuals. Sentences have been relatively minor.

This young workers death, like many, many workplace deaths, was preventable. There is a reason we have laws and regulations in our workplaces  it is so workers are kept safe and go home in one piece after each shift. I hope this verdict sends a message to employers that there is indeed a price to pay for neglecting to keep workers healthy and safe, said Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada).

We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Michael Hendersons family and friends. The New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL) will continue to work with the Steelworkers union in ensuring that there is greater knowledge of the Westray Law and its application, if needed, in our province. Together, we will continue fighting to make sure workers across New Brunswick are safe and healthy at work, said Daniel Legere, NBFL President.

Links:

USW Westray Legal Brief, 2022

Westray: 30 years

USWs campaign: Stop the Killing, Enforce the Law

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005621/en/

For more information

Sylvia Boyce, USW Health, Safety and the Environment, [email protected], 905-741-9830

Daniel Legere, New Brunswick Federation of Labour President, [email protected], 506-869-0424

Lorei Leigh De Los Reyes, USW Communications, [email protected], 416-544-6009

Source: United Steelworkers
Strengthens portfolio with market-defining BALLARD*, MICROCUFF* and endOclear brands

Enhances position as premier, completely dedicated consumable breathing products company

Provides expanded North American manufacturing footprint and innovation expertise

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SunMed, a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of consumable medical devices for anesthesia and respiratory care, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) (Avanos), under which SunMed will acquire Avanos respiratory health business, including the BALLARD*, MICROCUFF* and endOclear product lines. This combination further expands the breadth of SunMeds leading product offering, providing customers with a one-stop source for the most trusted and highest-quality brands in anesthesia and respiratory care, which support the best outcomes for patients.

Through the transaction, SunMed is adding market leading brands to its expansive and growing portfolio, providing healthcare providers and patients with even more options. The BALLARD*, MICROCUFF* and endOclear brands include closed suction catheters, endotracheal tubes and oral care solutions, whose products have achieved strong trust, recognition and respect among healthcare providers around the world for their high quality and advanced technology. Included in the transaction, in addition to expanding its product lines with these respiratory consumables, SunMed is acquiring two Avanos manufacturing facilities in Mexico and R&D expertise that support these brands.

Adding these complementary brands into our growing portfolio solidifies SunMeds leadership as the premier manufacturer of the anesthesia and respiratory consumables that define product excellence and serve patients across the continuum of care, said Hank Struik, CEO of SunMed. These products are the standard bearers of closed suction and endotracheal consumables and we deeply admire the clinical results that these exceptional products provide for patients in critical care and the trust they have built with practitioners. Leveraging the expertise behind these successful brands, this transaction also supports our ability to drive growth and innovation, not just for the respiratory brands we are acquiring, but for our comprehensive breathing care platform. Combined with our expansive anesthesia and respiratory consumables business, we are further strengthening SunMeds ability to serve more clinicians around the world so they can provide the best patient outcomes.

Divesting our Respiratory Health business is a key element of Avanos ongoing three-year transformation process, said Joe Woody, Avanos CEO. Were confident that SunMed is an excellent fit for our RH brands  including BALLARD*, MICROCUFF* and endOclear  and that these products will be strong additions to the companys robust portfolio.

The proposed transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed by late 2023.

About SunMed

SunMed, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan with manufacturing and distribution sites in the United States, Mexico, China and Europe, is a leading medical device manufacturer, offering one of the most comprehensive portfolios of consumable anesthesia and respiratory care products. SunMeds product portfolio spans the continuum of care from first responders to hospitals and home care, with safety, patient comfort and clinical performance in mind. SunMeds comprehensive portfolio of trusted anesthesia products and respiratory care include premier brands such as Salter Labs, Ethox Medical, Ventlab, Westmed, Airlife and Vital Signs. Currently, SunMed has over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space, providing comprehensive expertise in all plastics materials and conversionsupported by a world-class Quality Management System. Frazier Healthcare Partners, a leading healthcare investment firm, acquired a majority ownership stake in SunMed in 2021.

About Avanos Medical, Inc.

Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) is a medical technology company focused on delivering clinically superior medical device solutions that will help patients get back to the things that matter. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, we are committed to addressing some of todays most important healthcare needs, including providing a vital lifeline for nutrition to patients from hospital to home, and reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery. We develop, manufacture and market our recognized brands globally and hold leading market positions in multiple categories across our portfolio. For more information, visit Avanos.com and follow Avanos Medical on Twitter (@AvanosMedical), LinkedIn and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230607005849/en/

SunMed

Media

FGS Global

[email protected]

Source: SunMed
HAMBURG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aircraft Interiors Expo  Teledyne Controls, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies (NYSE: TDY), is pleased to announce that its ACES cabin environment monitoring system has won the Crystal Cabin Award in the Health and Safety category. The Crystal Cabin Award is the only international award that recognizes outstanding aircraft interior innovation and concepts, and has been presented at the Aircraft Interiors Expo for the last 16 years.

We are honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious industry award, said Mehrdad Radmehr, President of Teledyne Controls. Passengers have become more concerned about cabin air quality, and yet most aircraft today do not have onboard air monitoring systems, he explained. Teledyne ACES was developed to give operators the means to fully understand air quality in their aircraft, address potential air quality issues with comprehensive data, and ultimately deliver a safer flying experience for their passengers.

The first FAA- and EASA-certified Cabin Air Monitoring System, Teledyne ACES is a complete and autonomous solution that enables aircraft operators to monitor, measure and analyze air quality in the cabin and flight deck.

With wireless connectivity to a secure cloud service portal, Teledyne ACES laboratory-grade sensor technology continuously monitors and records the air quality in the cabin and flight deck for potentially harmful contaminants.

The extensive air quality data collected during flight is available in real time on any mobile device through the ACES mobile app, and via secure web access to the ACES Cloud Service Portal, which provides configurable dashboards, custom alerts, and comprehensive reports that enable the operator to validate the air quality in the airplane, identify emerging issues and document maintenance efforts.

Teledyne ACES was specifically designed for the aviation industry. It combines Teledyne Technologies' world-leading expertise in air quality and gas monitoring with Teledyne Controls' decades of experience in designing, manufacturing, and certifying aircraft data management and connectivity systems.

About Teledyne Controls

An integral part of the Aerospace Electronics segment, Teledyne Controls is a wholly owned subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. Teledyne Controls is a leading manufacturer and innovator of a wide range of data management solutions designed to help aircraft operators collect, distribute, and analyze aircraft data more efficiently. Teledyne Controls maintains worldwide facilities and a global network of field representatives to support its many airlines, airframe, and military customers. To learn more about Teledyne Controls, visit: www.teledynecontrols.com, or follow the Company on social media at: LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

About Teledyne Technologies

Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace, and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledynes operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledynes website at www.teledyne.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005673/en/

Media Contact:

Nathalie Bollecker

(310) 765-3625

Source: Teledyne Controls
BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) (Terran Orbital or the Company), a global leader in satellite-based solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, today announced final launch preparations for the RUNNER-1 satellite. The satellite will be launched aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-8 rideshare mission scheduled from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005362/en/

Terran Orbital and ImageSat International (ISI) Prepare for the Launch of the RUNNER-1 Earth Observation Satellite (Image Credit: Terran Orbital)

RUNNER-1, developed jointly by Terran Orbital and ImageSat International Ltd. (TASE: ISI) (ImageSat International or ISI), Israels largest space company and a world leader in space-based intelligence solutions, is a multi-purpose remote sensing satellite capable of sub-meter high-resolution multi-spectral imaging and color video.

The satellite is slated to join ISI's constellation of satellites and provide services to the Chilean Government as part of the contract awarded to ISI to build out the countrys national space program.

The RUNNER-1 satellite is based on Terran Orbitals advanced avionics platform and a unique electro-optical mission system developed by ISI. Along with a ground control system and advanced AI capabilities, the RUNNER-1 system enables effective collection and analysis of information and provides a rapid response for various scenarios, including infrastructure monitoring, natural disasters, security events, climate change, and more.

RUNNER-1 will also serve the Chilean government in its national space development program, which was awarded to ISI following an extensive international tender process. The satellite, domestically called FASat Delta, is a key component of the Chilean national space program vision.

Chile's national space program ("Sistema Nacional Espacial") is a holistic program for the construction of a future space-based ecosystem, created to generate public value, social development, and increased wealth for the country, as part of which ISI will provide an extensive national infrastructure, including geo-location data management systems, development, science, education, a provisional for AI capabilities, and advanced space-based technology solutions.

Terran Orbital is ecstatic to announce Runner-1s upcoming launch, said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell. RUNNER-1s rapid response capabilities will change the world. Working with ISI and the Chilean Space program to develop this revolutionary satellite has been an absolute joy. We look forward to continuing to work with ISI and the Chilean Space Program in the future.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com.

About ISI

ImageSat International (ISI), controlled by private equity fund FIMI, is Israel's largest space company, providing its international customers with imagery intelligence based, among other things, on earth observation satellites from the EROS family and New Space satellites that it has developed. The solutions provided by the company combine very high-resolution observation satellites and a variety of sensors, command and control systems as well as analytics systems and AI-based civilian applications for processing satellite images and other intelligence products. Learn more at www.imagesatintl.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005362/en/

Terran Orbital

Investor Relations Contact

Jonathan Siegmann

[email protected]

949-202-8476

Media Contact

Virginia Norder

[email protected]

949-508-6404

ISI

Corporate Marketing Manager

Suf Barzam

[email protected]

+972-3-7960600

Source: Terran Orbital
Nearly 1.4 million people have been displaced within Sudan or to neighbouring countries since the conflict erupted on April 15.

LEIDEN, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The IKEA Foundation has donated 5 million to Medecins Sans Frontieres - Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to provide urgent medical care and supplies to people affected by the recent fighting in Sudan. It has also donated 6.7 million to Better Shelter to deploy 3,000 units to meet the immediate shelter needs of people displaced by the deadly conflict.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005375/en/

Illustration of fighting in Khartoum, Sudan Copyright: MSF/Atsuhiko Ochiai Countries: Sudan Date taken / Date Recorded: 04 May, 2023 Caption / Description: Aerial view captures the fighting and violence that erupted in Khartoum, Sudan. (Photo: Business Wire)

Intense fighting broke out in Khartoum, Sudan on 15 April and has since spread to other parts of the country. Local hospitals have been overwhelmed as people arrive with serious injuries caused by gunshots, explosions and airstrikes. The countrys health system, which has been struggling for decades, is facing a huge increase in needs and a shortage of supplies.

Within Sudan, many of those forced to flee are arriving in overcrowded urban areas already hosting internally displaced people. Sudan is also hosting more than one million refugees who have fled violence in neighbouring countries. This is placing immense strain on overstretched resources and exposing vulnerable people to risks such as evictions, family separation and gender-based violence.

Per Heggenes, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, said: The violence in Sudan is a devastating human tragedy. It is our responsibility to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire. We strongly urge other funders to join us in delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance to Sudan. Lets come together and make a tangible difference in the lives of those devastated by the conflict

Urgent life-saving care by MSF

The IKEA Foundations donation will help MSF provide life-saving care both through medical interventions and by distributing supplies. It will also contribute to supporting MSF's activities across 10 states in Sudan. MSF teams have been treating war wounded, providing healthcare services and supplies, and water and sanitation.

Stephen Cornish  Director General  Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)  Geneva Operational Centre said: As the conflict in Sudan spirals into its second month and humanitarian needs outstrip response capacity, IKEA Foundations backing of our medical work across the country marks a collective resolution to take all possible measures to support those caught in the violence.

The contribution is a testament to the determination and professionalism of our teams on the ground, who despite the many challenges and obstacles remain committed to extending life-saving healthcare. We are deeply thankful for the steadfast support of the IKEA Foundation. Todays donation of 5 million will go a long way in helping us to provide humanitarian and medical aid to those most affected by the ongoing crisis.

Immediate shelter needs by Better Shelter

An estimated 1.4 million Sudanese people have been displaced by this conflict already. This includes people fleeing internally and those crossing borders into neighbouring countries, including Chad and Ethiopia. Food, shelter, and protection services are among peoples urgent needs. To meet the immediate need for shelter as expressed by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Better Shelter will deploy 3,000 units immediately to neighbouring countries.

Johan Mast, Acting Manager Director, Better Shelter, said: The current situation in Sudan is alarming. Millions of people are experiencing insecurity, food and water scarcity, and various challenges that require urgent attention. We are very grateful for the IKEA Foundation stepping in to assist and pleased to offer shelter to 15,000 individuals affected by the crisis. Shelter is a fundamental human need that provides physical protection and helps with emotional healing and recovery from the traumatic experiences they have endured.

About the IKEA Foundation

The IKEA Foundation is a strategic philanthropy that focuses its grant making efforts on tackling the two biggest threats to childrens futures: poverty and climate change. It currently grants more than 200 million per year to help improve family incomes and quality of life while protecting the planet from climate change. Since 2009, the IKEA Foundation has granted more than 1.8 billion to create a better future for children and their families.

In 2021 the Board of the IKEA Foundation decided to make an additional 1 billion available over the next five years to accelerate the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions.

When an emergency strikes, time is of the essence. To provide the most efficient response, the IKEA Foundation provides extraordinary emergency funding to a select few partner organisations, who work mainly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In 2023 we have provided more than 31 Million in emergency funding.

About Medecins Sans Frontieres

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) translates to Doctors without Borders, is a non-profit, self-governed, member-based organisation. MSF provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. MSF teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff. Their actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.

Since 1978, as a first-hand witness and responder to the dire needs of the Sudanese people, MSF has mobilised teams across 12 states, implemented around 20 projects from primary and secondary healthcare, mobile clinics, nutrition, reproductive and mental healthcare to vaccination, health promotion, and water and sanitation.

About Better Shelter

Better Shelter is a humanitarian non-profit organisation based in Sweden. It started developing temporary shelters more than ten years ago, with a big mission dedicated to sheltering displaced persons with safety, dignity and hope on their path towards a more stable life in a permanent home of their own. While its work has grown in scale, the small team continues to support partners and deliver shelters internationally from warehouses in Poland, Turkiye, and Panama.

Since 2015, Better Shelter has delivered more than 85,000 shelters to emergency, crisis, and development programs in over 80 countries. Better Shelter has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced persons through collaborations with humanitarian NGOs and INGOs, UN bodies, philanthropic foundations, and academic institutions, including the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, the IKEA Foundation and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. www.bettershelter.org

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005375/en/

Lotika Mehta, [email protected]

Source: The IKEA Foundation
Recipient is Army Veteran Gilbert Guzman Jr., training developer for U.S. Department of Defense

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Together with the Military Police Regimental Association (MPRA), the University of Phoenix is proud to announce Gilbert Guzman Jr., SFC (Ret), as the recipient of this full-tuition scholarship for a bachelors degree or masters degree program for standard MPRA members or immediate family members of a standard MPRA member. Together with its members, MPRA works to provide a variety of services and assistance to Military Police leaders, soldiers and their families around the world.

Receiving this scholarship is a great honor, Guzman shares. I am both humbled and excited to be selected to receive this award because it will help me pursue my educational goals and work towards becoming an Instructional System Specialist for the Department of Defense. Guzman plans to earn a Master of Arts in Education at University of Phoenix with the scholarship, a goal that he developed while serving in the US Army MP Corps for more than 20 years.

At University of Phoenix we are proud of our continued commitment to making career-relevant education pathways accessible to our veteran community, states Eric Ryan, Marine Corps veteran and senior director of Military Operations at University of Phoenix. We are proud to offer this scholarship to Mr. Guzman, and his commitment to his fellow servicemembers is inspiring. We look forward to seeing him thrive as he continues his educational journey with us, and we stand ready to support him every step of the way.

Military members and families may encounter challenges of time, commitments, and circumstance to reaching their academic and career goals. The University of Phoenix Military Police Regimental Association Scholarship is intended to recognize military service commitment and provide an opportunity to further education goals for military police members and families. In addition, the award highlights the resilience of military members and their service.

"With the ever-changing landscape that military service often brings, to not only the service member but also our families, this scholarship is a great opportunity provided by the University of Phoenix to our Military Police Leaders, Soldiers and Family Members. This is a unique and once in a lifetime experience to continue to pursue their educational goals, states Rick Harne, MPRA's Executive Director. Funding is always a huge roadblock for many, and this generous donation removes that barrier. The MPRA has enjoyed a long tradition of working with the University of Phoenix and this is yet another example to showcase this.

Guzman shares he is looking forward to continuing his education with the support of the scholarship. I am excited to apply what I will learn towards the development of training products that will be used to train Soldiers and Department of Defense Civilians who attend the Military Police School here at Fort Leonard Wood, Guzman states. Having served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years, I can say our institutions of learning are a big part of what makes our army the greatest in the world. I am truly blessed to be a part of it all.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About the Military Police Regimental Association

The MPRAs mission is to Promote the history and preserve the traditions of the Military Police Corps Regiment while supporting Military Police Leadership, Soldiers and Families Army wide. It serves Military Police Leaders, Soldiers, and Families with dignity, respect, responsibility and stewardship of our resources with integrity, transparency and accountability. About  Military Police Regimental Association (mpraonline.org)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005806/en/

Sharla Hooper

University of Phoenix

[email protected]

Michele Mitchum

University of Phoenix

[email protected]

Source: University of Phoenix
Recognized for her community and leadership excellence, Fink receives the award and delivers the keynote address at 2023 Arizona LGBTQ+ Unity Summit

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- University of Phoenix is pleased to announce that Julie Fink, vice president of human resources, is a recipient of the 2023 Arizona LGBTQ+ Leader Award by the Arizona Diversity Council (AZDC), an organization committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow and leverage their knowledge of diversity. Award recipients were honored at the AZDC LGBTQ+ Unity Summit, The Evolution of Pride: Transformative DEI, on June 8, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona, where Fink also delivered the keynote address.

Julie is a strong, principled people leader and this award is a powerful testament to her work, states Cheryl Naumann, SPHR, chief human resources officer. Her focus on making sure our team members have a true sense of belonging within our workplace community has been instrumental in building our culture here at University of Phoenix.

The Arizona LGBTQ+ Leader Award recognizes leaders who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community and serve as role models with high visibility, striving to promote inclusiveness in the workplace, championing LGBTQ+ protections, and sustaining a record of influencing positive change in the community.

"We proudly recognize Julie Fink as our 2023 LGBTQ+ Leader Awardee, states Onjalai Brown, Business Development and Event Programmer at National Diversity Council. It is imperative to acknowledge leaders for their dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Julie is a champion for DEI and the impact goes beyond Arizona. She has partnered with the National Diversity Council as speaker and facilitator for NDC's Certification Program and became a Certified Diversity Professional herself. Now we get to take a moment to spotlight how incredible she is.

The Summit is a Pride Month event and welcomes employers, LGBTQ+ community members and allies from across the region to join in a day dedicated to supporting participants candidly discussing the benefits and challenges that accompany the effective inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender team members in the workplace. Speakers and attendees explore how organizations can better serve their LGBTQ+ employees, customers and clients, as well as the importance of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies both in the workforce and within the community. Finks keynote address, This is Why Were Here, opened the event.

"This Summit is one of many important events to provide perspective, best practices and celebration for those in and allies of the LGBTQ+ community, states Fink. I have a responsibility as both a senior leader in my company, in society and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community to continue to step out, speak up and come out every day to make the workplace and society a more welcoming, accepting place.

In her current role as vice president of Human Resources, Fink and her team are responsible for HR support to the Chief Human Resources Officer providing strategic direction and leadership to a team of human resources directors and business partners to achieve effective and consistent implementation and execution of applicable human resources strategies within all business units. Fink serves on the University of Phoenix Presidents Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and is the executive sponsor of the Employee Resources Groups (ERGs). She is a certified diversity professional through the National Diversity Council.

Fink was instrumental in launching the Universitys first ERGs which have grown from two to five over the past six years, now with over 1,000 members. She also led efforts to support the University achieving a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundations Corporate Equality Index for five consecutive years. This achievement established University of Phoenix as a Best Places to Work for LGBT employees.

Fink has been with the University of Phoenix since 2012.

The AZDC serves as a resource for diversity best practices and leadership development in the Arizona region through a variety of events and programs, including the Summit and the awards. Learn more about AZDC here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005675/en/

Sharla Hooper

University of Phoenix

[email protected]

Source: University of Phoenix
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Two weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modis State visit, India and the US held the first Strategic Trade Dialogue with a focused agenda of reviewing existing US export control regulations that affect the development of strategic trade in emerging and critical technologies in Washington DC on Tuesday.

Foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra led the Indian delegation while State departments undersecretary for political affairs Victoria Nuland and Commerce departments undersecretary for industry and security Alan Estevez led the US side during the talks. The new dialogue mechanism was launched during commerce secretary Gina Raimondos visit to New Delhi in March and represents a key institutional innovation to unlock the potential of high-tech trade between the two countries envisaged as a part of the initiative on critical and emerging technologies (ICET).

In a statement after the talks, the Indian side said that the dialogue focused on ways in which both governments can facilitate the development and trade of technologies in critical domains such as semiconductors, space, telecom, quantum, AI, defence, biotech and others.

Giving a flavour of the talks and outcomes, the statement said that India and the US reviewed the relevant bilateral export control regulations with the objective of building and diversifying resilient supply chains for these strategic technologies. They reviewed ongoing cooperation in multilateral export control regimes and agreed to share best practices. They agreed to hold workshops to enhance awareness about export control regimes among industry, academia and other stakeholders. And they acknowledged the that the dialogue will be instrumental in enabling co-production, co-development and enhanced industrial collaborations in critical technologies.

To monitor progress in deepening cooperation in the bilateral high-tech trade and technology partnership, India and the US have agreed to set up a working group and continue the dialogue.

After the meeting, Nuland thanked Kwatra for a very productive dialogue. Together we will grow our economies and create jobs through increased bilateral trade and better high-tech collaboration. The dialogue comes in the wake of US secretary of defense Lloyd Austins visit to New Delhi this week, where both sides concluded a defence industrial road map which too will require flexibility by the US on export control issues.

The presence of both the State and Commerce departments in the dialogue represents the complexity of the process in the US where different arms of the administration have jurisdiction over different export control regimes. While the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), administered by State department, controls export and import of defence related articles, services and technologies, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplements (DFARS), administered by department of defense (DoD), provide a standard set of processes for government acquisitions. In addition, the bureau of industry and security in commerce department maintains and strengthens export controls and treaty compliance systems. And then, there are export control mechanisms that are controlled by the US Congress. Flexibility both in the executive and then legislative branches will be essential to fulfil the promises of ICET.

Explaining the significance of the dialogue, Kriti Upadhyaya, founding director of the INDUS Tech Council and vice-president of C2Ci Americas, said that focused on easing regulatory restrictions, the strategic trade dialogue was likely to have grappled with issues such as ITAR and DFARS. An ITAR license is generally required for the transfer of sensitive technologies from the US. Indian firms will benefit from India-specific exemptions, and a more transparent and time-bound ITAR licensing process. Similarly, presently, Indian firms cannot supply to the US DoD under most regular circumstances as India is not a DFARS-qualifying country.

She added that a reciprocal defence procurement agreement, which Austin mentioned during his India visit, will potentially be needed to make India a DFARS qualifying country. Easing export control and other regulations can make the pathway for co-development and co-production much smoother and open the US defense market to Indian firms, said Upadhyaya.

Atul Keshap, president of the United States-India Business Council, said that the amount of energy and political capital being dedicated by both sides to address export controls and tech releasability issues ahead of the state visit sent a signal of confidence to key business sectors and civil society. This thrust around tech-transfer within our high trust ecosystem demonstrates that our two governments can work effectively through complex areas of negotiation when they focus their energies and establish mechanisms like ICET to accelerate interagency coordination with full political backing from leaders.
With Automation and AI top of mind, the leading iPaaS hosted its second company-wide hackathon with over a third of the company registering to compete

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Workato, the leading enterprise automation platform, announced the winning teams and solutions of this years company-wide Automation Hackathon. Created to reimagine the possibilities with automation and AI, Workatos Automation Hackathon was open to all employees, regardless of department, technical background, or tenure at the company. The panel of judges reviewed over 48 entries from across the company with 50% of our administration team participating, while 45% of our legal team also submitted solutions. Led by Workatos Chief Information Office, Carter Busse, and Stephanie Dwight, Senior Director, Automations and Applications, the competition emphasized the low-code/no-code capabilities of all Workato employees. With a spotlight on generative AI and tools like ChatGPT, participants were encouraged to leverage Workatos own OpenAI Connector.

With a month to ideate, develop, and execute a hack on the Workato platform, employees were able to work across departments and with colleagues they wouldnt normally interact with on a regular basis. This Hackathon encouraged all Workato employees to tap into the creative side of automation using the companys own automation tools. Workato aimed to empower employees to realize their full potential and showcase how automation is not about replacing humans, but about letting everyone focus more on valuable and meaningful work.

The great thing about working with a low-code/no-code platform is that anyone can use it and feel empowered, regardless of their technical background. With a safe environment, people from every department across an organization can and should bring their ideas to life, said Carter Busse, CIO at Workato. With AI at the forefront of every discussion, over 30% of our company participated in creating tactical, useful, and creative AI and automation solutions for our platform and community. I am beyond proud of the 48 teams that submitted to this years Automation Hackathon, demonstrating the power of automation and AI.

All entries were evaluated on Business Value, Marketability, Completeness, Creativity, and Artificial Intelligence. The following winners were selected by a panel of internal judges:

Best Use Case for AI | Team Isabelle: Based in Europe and Singapore, Team Isabelle developed Chronicler, a ChatGPT fueled solution that helps individuals find documentation and notes on recipes that have been built by users. Through the Recipe Chronicler, you can easily fill out a form for the recipe in question which will trigger a workflow using ChatGPT which generates the document. Users can then make corrections to the document and mark it complete which then starts the process of creating a page within Confluence. The Confluence page contains the AI-powered summary of the recipe, timestamps, and who created it, along with a link to the recipe. Chronicler helps solve the ongoing problem of not documenting recipe workflow.

Based in Europe and Singapore, developed Chronicler, a ChatGPT fueled solution that helps individuals find documentation and notes on recipes that have been built by users. Through the Recipe Chronicler, you can easily fill out a form for the recipe in question which will trigger a workflow using ChatGPT which generates the document. Users can then make corrections to the document and mark it complete which then starts the process of creating a page within Confluence. The Confluence page contains the AI-powered summary of the recipe, timestamps, and who created it, along with a link to the recipe. Chronicler helps solve the ongoing problem of not documenting recipe workflow. Most Creative | Team GAST Pedal: Based in the U.S., Team GAST Pedal created DossNow, a tool to help sales teams build a dossier of information for intake calls before they even happen. Through Google Calendar invites, DossNow will pull all available information from your CRM and public domains like LinkedIn, to help you learn who youre talking to, why theyre on this call and any other background information thats important to take the prospect to the next phase. DossNow helps save time and effort in compiling research necessary for initial intake calls.

Based in the U.S., Team created DossNow, a tool to help sales teams build a dossier of information for intake calls before they even happen. Through Google Calendar invites, DossNow will pull all available information from your CRM and public domains like LinkedIn, to help you learn who youre talking to, why theyre on this call and any other background information thats important to take the prospect to the next phase. DossNow helps save time and effort in compiling research necessary for initial intake calls. Most Innovative | Team The Wizard: Based in the U.S., Team The Wizard developed Accelerators on Workato solution, which is a framework that allows users to submit requests to get accelerators deployed to their workspace with zero manual effort required. This will help speed up the time to value for Workato accelerators and helps take the guesswork out of setting the accelerator up. All of this is captured in an easy-to-fill-out form with minimal parameters required, which then enables an entire integration or process automatically.

Based in the U.S., developed Accelerators on Workato solution, which is a framework that allows users to submit requests to get accelerators deployed to their workspace with zero manual effort required. This will help speed up the time to value for Workato accelerators and helps take the guesswork out of setting the accelerator up. All of this is captured in an easy-to-fill-out form with minimal parameters required, which then enables an entire integration or process automatically. Biggest Value for Customers | Team Ocean Pacific Peace: Based in Singapore and Japan, Team Ocean Pacific Peace wanted to create a solution that would help both our CSM teams and customers break through certain language barriers. Team Ocean Pacific Peace found that a lot of Workato employees were wasting time asking if certain case study decks were translated into different languages. To their surprise, there wasnt a solution that could easily and accurately translate entire decks into different languages. Enter Deckbot version 2 which uses Google Translate and an additional verification step to accurately translate a deck into the customers first language. The updated Deckbot follows the same formatting as the original deck, reduces time spent on updated content and translating by up to 90%, and saves the verified translated version into Highspot for others to use.

Based in Singapore and Japan, wanted to create a solution that would help both our CSM teams and customers break through certain language barriers. Team Ocean Pacific Peace found that a lot of Workato employees were wasting time asking if certain case study decks were translated into different languages. To their surprise, there wasnt a solution that could easily and accurately translate entire decks into different languages. Enter Deckbot version 2 which uses Google Translate and an additional verification step to accurately translate a deck into the customers first language. The updated Deckbot follows the same formatting as the original deck, reduces time spent on updated content and translating by up to 90%, and saves the verified translated version into Highspot for others to use. Biggest Internal Use Impact | Team M.F.J.P.: Based in Singapore and the Philippines, Team M.F.J.P. wanted to address the time spent creating and executing events, from webinars to in-person customer and partner events. Introducing EventBot, which automates the heaving lifting and legwork of event creation and management. The event organizer can enter information such as when the event will take place, location, reason for the event, and more. EventBot then generates a list of assets that will need to be completed ahead of time as well as an event campaign in Marketo, event tool kit, copy for email invites, notifications every time theres a new sign-up, generate name tags in Google Slides, and more. With EventBot, human error is decreased, teams can save 5-8 hours of time per event, and EventBot even increases productivity.

Based in Singapore and the Philippines, wanted to address the time spent creating and executing events, from webinars to in-person customer and partner events. Introducing EventBot, which automates the heaving lifting and legwork of event creation and management. The event organizer can enter information such as when the event will take place, location, reason for the event, and more. EventBot then generates a list of assets that will need to be completed ahead of time as well as an event campaign in Marketo, event tool kit, copy for email invites, notifications every time theres a new sign-up, generate name tags in Google Slides, and more. With EventBot, human error is decreased, teams can save 5-8 hours of time per event, and EventBot even increases productivity. Best Overall Hack | Team Did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire, Harry? He asked calmly: Based in the U.S. and Singapore, Team Did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire, Harry? He asked calmly developed the Eventful Pipe Gen Pack that helps cut down the time spent on pre- and post-event logistics for demand gen teams. First, users will fill out a pre-event form which is captured by a Workato recipe. Once a recipe is created it triggers a sequence of other automations including a Marketo campaign. Zoom invites, Salesforce data, an event kit, and more. After an event has concluded, an event summary deck is created with ChatGPT that includes a segmented attendees list as well as a generated list of potential leads that you can follow up with within 24 hours of the event. The Eventful Pipe Gen Pack will help reduce event ops from 10 hours to 5 minutes and help teams always hit their pipeline goals.

For the second year in a row, our team of curious, innovative, and talented individuals delivered tangible solutions for our Automation Hackathon. This type of commitment and participation truly speaks to not only the culture and people at Workato but also how versatile and easy our AI and automation tools are to use, said Stephanie Dwight, Senior Director, Automations and Applications. With teams representing our global reach, this years winners exemplify how transformational AI and automation are together. Id like to thank everyone who participated and demonstrated Workatos commitment to excellence.

Named a Leader in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for iPaaS, Workato enables enterprises to automate their business processes across the organization by integrating their applications, data, and experiences. Designed with best-in-class security and governance, scalability, performance, and availability, Workatos low-code, no-code platform makes it easy for IT and business teams to integrate their applications and automate their processes, drawing from thousands of automation recipes built by the Workato community. With Workatos democratized approach to automation and integration, business technologists are empowered to fuel their organizations digital transformation.

To read more about the companys Automation Hackathon and check out the winning video submissions, visit here. For more about Workato and the future of automation and AI, please visit www.workato.com.

About Workato

The leader in enterprise automation, Workato helps organizations work faster and smarter without compromising security and governance. Built for Business and IT users, Workato is trusted by over 17,000 of the world's top brands, including Broadcom, Intuit, and Box. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., Workato is backed by Altimeter Capital, Battery Ventures, Insight Venture Partners, Tiger Global, and Redpoint Ventures. For more information, visit workato.com or connect with us on social media:

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005527/en/

Joseph Hollister

Communications Manager

[email protected]

Source: Workato
AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Money20/20, the worlds leading fintech show, regarded as the place where money does business, announced that ZeroLabs, a renewable energy-focused SaaS, won Europes Got Access, the ultimate pitch battle for climate fintech startups.

Money2020 Europe has welcomed a record number of startups this year at the show. Championing innovators is at the core of what Money20/20 stands for and Europe's Got Access provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for startups to demonstrate their greenest and most groundbreaking products and services in the fight against climate change.

The top five startups were selected to pitch to a panel of judges live on the Encore stage at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam for a chance to win a $100,000 uncapped SAFE investment from Commerce Ventures. Europes Got Access builds on the success of Americas Got Access, launched at Money20/20 USA in 2022, whose winners were Zirtue and Remynt.

Beltran Berrocal, Co-founder & CEO of ZeroLabs: "We are honoured and excited to be announced as the winners of Europes Got Access at Money20/20. At ZeroLabs we are committed to creating a more sustainable future by helping businesses transition to clean energy in an easier, quicker, and more transparent way. The prize money will help us scale up our team and efforts to reach more companies and individuals and boost climate action globally. We thank Money20/20 and Commerce Ventures for this fantastic opportunity and for giving us an amazing platform to spread our message and onboard the fintech industry onto the mission to zero emissions.

The distinguished panel of judges for Europe's Got Access includes:

Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Money20/20

Dan Rosen, Founding Partner, Commerce Ventures

Katherine Brown, Head of Sustainability, Visa Europe

Liz Rich, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development, Bloomberg LP

Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Money20/20, said: We are thrilled to announce ZeroLabs as the winner of Europes Got Access. A rapidly growing fintech making remarkable strides towards democratising access to provable renewable energy. Congratulations to ZeroLabs and the other four finalists.

Our aim is to invest and support fintech innovators with a wider purpose impacting our industry. ZeroLabs impressed us with their unique approach and their ambition towards a greener future. Congratulations ZeroLabs and to all of the finalists, said Dan Rosen, Founding Partner of Commerce Ventures.

Congratulations to all other finalists who got to pitch live on the main stage at Money20/20 in Amsterdam:

Net Purpose -- a startup streaming facts on the social and environmental outcomes of companies and investment portfolios to help investors launch, grow, and report on sustainable and impact funds.

Clima Cash -- an Estonian startup looking to unlock the potential of individuals in the fight against climate change by paying real rewards to anyone reducing their own carbon footprint.

Eljun -- emerging out of the Swedish climate fintech space, Eljun is a web3 payment solution that rewards users with free, convenient, and sustainable transportation.

Gokind -- enables banks and investment platforms to expose how the companies consumers buy from and invest in perform with regard to diversity, emission cutting and much more.

Liz Rich, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Bloomberg LP, oversees corporate development activities from M&A to strategic investing and commercial partnerships. As a Europes Got Access judge, she noted the remarkable ingenuity and dedication displayed by the finalists in the competition.

I am impressed by the creativity of the ideas brought to us by todays finalists and their commitment to building impactful solutions towards a greener future. Congratulations to ZeroLabs for winning Europes Got Access at Money20/20 and to the finalists, said Liz Rich, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Bloomberg LP.

Katherine Brown, Head of Inclusive Impact & Sustainability at Visa Europe, is passionate about creating positive social and environmental change in the business world. Commenting on Europes Got Access, Katherine emphasised Visa's commitment to supporting these visionary entrepreneurs in scaling and expanding their solutions.

Congratulations to ZeroLabs and all the finalists. We take great pride in helping innovative fintech and climate tech entrepreneurs to scale and grow through our open network, so their solutions can have an even wider impact and make a difference for people, businesses, and economies, said Katherine Brown, Head of Inclusive Impact & Sustainability at Visa Europe.

ENDS

About Money20/20

Founded in 2011, Money20/20 creates destination shows where the most innovative people in payments, fintech and the broader financial services industry connect. Famed for their high-impact networking, the Europe edition, held in Amsterdam (6-8 June 2023) and the USA edition, held in Las Vegas (22-25 October 2023), are regarded as the place where money does business by financial services professionals. Money20/20 today officially launched an Asia edition in Bangkok on 23-25 April 2024. Money20/20 is the space where the industry's smartest visionaries and innovators come together to create the future of money. Visit Money20/20s Asia site here. Money20/20 is an Ascential show. Follow Money20/20 on Twitter and LinkedIn for show developments and updates.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005398/en/

Tina Loncaric

Global Head of Public Relations

Money20/20

[email protected]

+1 469 288 5556

Source: Money20/20
FILE PHOTO: Pump jacks operate at sunset in an oil field in Midland, Texas U.S. August 22, 2018. REUTERS/Nick Oxford

By Laura Sanicola

(Reuters) -Oil prices settled lower on Thursday but rebounded from earlier losses after the U.S. and Iran both denied a report that they were close to a nuclear deal.

Oil fell by more than $3 on the report that the U.S. would give Iran sanctions relief to export oil in return for Tehran reducing uranium enrichment.

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council called the report "false and misleading".

Brent crude settled down 99 cents, or 1.3%, at $75.96 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled down $1.24, or 1.7%, to $71.29.

"If there's no Iran deal then we're back where we were before, focused more on fuel demand," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

Oil prices were lower earlier after the U.S. reported a larger-than-expected rise in gasoline inventories on Wednesday. That raised concern about U.S. fuel demand, with the peak summer driving season well under way.

Demand concerns outweighed the prospect of tighter supply after Saudi Arabia pledged at a weekend OPEC+ meeting to cut crude output by 1 million barrels per day in July. That unilateral cut was in addition to the group's broader deal to extend existing supply curbs into 2024.

Oil prices could get a lift if the U.S. Federal Reserve skips a rate hike at its next meeting on June 13-14, said Tamas Varga from PVM brokerage. Economists polled by Reuters expect no hike at the meeting.

The U.S. dollar was slightly weaker on Thursday, making oil cheaper for buyers holding other currencies.

(Reporting by Laura Sanicola; Additional reporting by Jeslyn Lerh; Editing by Chris Reese, Sharon Singleton and Lisa Shumaker)
Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Respiratory Health (RH) business to SunMed Group Holdings, LLC (SunMed).

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan , SunMed is a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of consumable medical devices for anesthesia and respiratory care with a comprehensive product portfolio that spans the continuum of care from first responders to hospitals and home care.

The divestiture of the RH business represents a key component of Avanos' ongoing three-year transformation process, and accelerates the Company's efforts to focus its portfolio on markets where it is well positioned to succeed.

"Earlier this year, we shared our strategy and intent to optimize our portfolio by focusing on higher-margin and higher-growth markets  particularly in our Digestive Health and Pain Management & Recovery product categories," said Joe Woody , Avanos chief executive officer. "We expect that divesting the Respiratory Health business  along with our ongoing SKU rationalization initiatives and future M&A opportunities  will allow us to meaningfully transform the financial profile of Avanos."

"SunMed has deep experience and strong expertise in the global respiratory health consumables market, making it an ideal home for Avanos' RH business," said Hank Struik , SunMed's chief executive officer. "We believe Avanos' BALLARD* closed-suction technology will be a powerful addition to SunMed's broad and growing portfolio."

Sale of the RH Business

The transaction includes substantially all of the assets primarily used in the RH business, including fixed assets, inventory, intangible assets  including the BALLARD*, MICROCUFF* and endOclear* brands  and long-term leases for two manufacturing facilities located in Mexico (Magdalena and Nogales 2).

Avanos will provide transition services after closing as SunMed works to integrate its new RH business within its product portfolio.

The net proceeds from the transaction will enhance Avanos' balance sheet flexibility and provide additional capacity for Avanos to deploy capital in a focused and disciplined approach to M&A in the Company's core categories and markets.

The transaction is expected to close in late 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company plans to share additional details about the transaction during its Investor Day event on June 20, 2023 .

Alston & Bird LLP is serving as legal counsel to Avanos. Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as SunMed's legal counsel.
Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a leading global life sciences company, today announced that Fortrea Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Labcorp ("Fortrea"), has launched an offering of senior secured notes due 2030 (the "Notes"), subject to market conditions and other customary factors, in connection with the previously announced spinoff of Fortrea into a separate publicly traded company (the "Spinoff").

Fortrea intends to use the proceeds of the issuance of the Notes being offered by it to fund a portion of an expected approximately $1,605 million cash distribution to Labcorp as partial consideration for the assets that will be contributed to Fortrea in connection with the Spinoff and funding a portion of the fees and expenses related to this offering and the transactions related to the Spinoff.

Upon closing, Fortrea will deposit the gross proceeds of the Notes in an escrow account until the date that certain conditions are satisfied. The proceeds will be released (such date, the "Release Date") on the day of and prior to, among other things, the consummation of the Spinoff; provided, however, that, in the event that, among other things, (i) certain conditions have not occurred by September 30, 2023 or (ii) Labcorp decides to no longer pursue the Spinoff, Fortrea will be required to redeem the Notes at 100% of the issue price of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date (the "Special Mandatory Redemption").

Prior to the Release Date, the Notes will be secured on a first-priority basis by a lien on the escrow account in which the proceeds will be deposited. Upon the consummation of the Spinoff, the notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed, on a senior secured basis, by each of Fortrea's existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries organized in the United States or England and Wales (subject to certain exceptions) and will be secured, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, by a first priority lien on substantially all tangible and intangible personal property and material real property of Fortrea and the subsidiary guarantors, other than certain excluded assets. The closing of the offering of the Notes is expected to occur on or about June 27, 2023 , subject to customary closing conditions.

The Notes will be offered, in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers and, pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act, to non- U.S. persons outside the United States . The Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum.
Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM,TSX: NGT) announced today it has suspended operations at the Companys Penasquito mine in Mexico while refuting claims by the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers of the Mexican Republic (the Union) regarding violating legal regulations and labor agreements. The Company urged the Union to abide by the mutually agreed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated and signed by both parties in June of 2022.

On June 7, 2023, the Union notified the Company of a strike action demanding an increase in the uncapped profit sharing benefit provided for in the CBA from 10 percent to 20 percent, representing a 100 percent increase. In response to the strike notice, Minera Penasquito has suspended operations in a safe and orderly manner. Essential activities related to safety, security and environmental monitoring and protection continue.

Prior to the strike action, Newmont attempted, in good faith, to resolve disputes regarding the provisions in the CBA, negotiated and signed by both parties for the period of June 2022 through June 2024. This agreement covered a range of benefits, including an annual profit sharing provision based on a consistent calculation formula. The calculation method was previously agreed with the Union and applies the same formula to calculate the profit sharing benefit payments for both 2022 and 2023. On May 30, 2023, Minera Penasquito paid all eligible employees the mutually agreed upon 10 percent profit sharing benefit for 2023, accurately and on time.

Newmont remains willing to participate in conciliation meetings to reach a resolution in accordance with the CBA, and will continue to adhere to legal procedures, respecting the rights of all its employees, inviting the Union to engage in a constructive dialogue, and providing the authorities with all requested information. Newmont is committed to the highest standards for integrity and transparency, and looks forward to returning its focus to safe and sustainable mining at Penasquito for the benefit of the workforce and surrounding communities.

In 2022, Penasquito contributed US$1.9 billion in economic value to Mexico, including US$643 million in employee wages and benefits, tax and royalty payments to federal, state and local governments, and investments in community infrastructure and water projects. Minera Penasquito is the largest employer in Zacatecas, Mexico with a direct workforce of more than 5,000. The mine supports another 28,000 people and their families in neighboring communities and across the country who are part of the mines local and national supply chain.
Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO), a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products, today announced the appointment of industry professional Patrick Lockwood-Taylor as its new President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, effective June 30, 2023.

Mr. Lockwood-Taylor joins Perrigo from Bayer AG, where he served a dual role as President of the approximately $15 billion revenue Bayer U.S. business and Regional President of Consumer Health North America, achieving high single-digit growth during his tenure. As Regional President of Consumer Health North America from 2018-2023, he returned the business to revenue and market share growth after multi-year declines, delivered strong compound annual growth rates, achieved best-in-class innovation led growth and expanded operating margins. Before Bayer, Mr. Lockwood-Taylor served as President and CEO of The Oneida Group Inc., a private company. Prior to this position, he spent more than 20 years with Procter & Gamble in various roles, including brand franchise and general management leadership positions. During his tenure as Senior Vice President for Procter and Gamble's Personal Health Care business, he also served as Chair of the Consumer Health Products Industry Association (CHPA). In total, Mr. Lockwood-Taylor's career spans more than 25 years of experience in global consumer product leadership roles, including positions in operations management, sales, marketing, country management and general management across four continents. He holds first class joint honors degrees in economics and management studies from Leeds University, and a Professional Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Orlando D. Ashford, stated, "Today's announcement is the culmination of our succession planning and a thorough global search process to identify the next Perrigo CEO. The entire Board is confident that Patrick is the right leader to relentlessly execute on our Optimize & Accelerate strategy. Patrick is a proven winner with a deep knowledge of the consumer self-care industry who promotes a performance driven and inclusive culture centered around innovation, creates industry leading in-house digital marketing and e-commerce capabilities, fosters Rx-to-OTC switches, and transforms customer partnerships through mutual business development. The Board and I look forward to working with him and the leadership team to bring an intense focus on operational execution and drive long-term value for our shareholders." Ashford continued, "I would also like to thank Murray for his leadership over the past five years. We are grateful for his service and wish him the best in his retirement."

Incoming President and CEO, Patrick Lockwood-Taylor , commented, "I am honored to be appointed as Perrigo's next President and CEO. Perrigo is a unique consumer business with a strong portfolio of global brands and store brands, a meaningful presence in important self-care categories, and an exciting runway for growth. The Company has earned the attention of many within the self-care industry, and I have closely followed its tremendous progress over the years. I look forward to working with the Board, leadership team and my 10,000 Perrigo colleagues around the world to achieve the Company's stated goals and deliver strong returns for shareholders." Lockwood-Taylor continued, "I would also like to thank Murray for all that he has done for Perrigo and look forward to working with him on a smooth transition."

Murray S. Kessler, commented, "I am extremely excited about Patrick taking the reins to lead Perrigo. His deep knowledge of the industry, incredible passion for brand-building and customer relationships along with his proven track record are exactly what is needed to take the strong foundation that has been put in place and turn it into consistent results and strong value creation for all Perrigo stakeholders. I believe in Patrick's ability to deliver the Company's strategic plan and I will do everything in my power to support Patrick in the transition." Kessler continued, "Once again, I'd like to thank everyone at Perrigo who made my time at the Company one of the most rewarding of my career."
Toyota Motors (NYSE: TM) announced Thursday that the Japanese automotive company will be investing nearly $50 million to construct a new laboratory facility at its North American R&D headquarters in York Township, Michigan to evaluate batteries for electric and electrified vehicles.

The new lab will play a crucial role in ensuring Toyota's batteries meet the specific requirements of North American customers. Its primary focus will be to verify the performance, quality, and durability of Toyota's automotive batteries. Anticipated to commence operations in 2025, the new battery lab is poised to provide valuable insights and assurance in meeting the demands of the North American market.

This new investment in our North American R&D operation, which has been a key pillar of the Michigan automotive industry for more than 50 years, shows Toyotas directional shift towards electrification for all, said Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), Research and Development. By adding these critical evaluation capabilities around automotive batteries, our team is positioned to better serve the needs of our customers, including Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the latter of which will soon be assembling the recently announced all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV.

In addition to battery development, the lab will undertake various activities such as evaluating Level 2 and Level 3 charging capabilities, assessing connectivity to power sources and infrastructure. Furthermore, there are plans to upgrade the chassis dynamometers at both Toyota R&D campuses in York Township and Ann Arbor to facilitate comprehensive evaluations of full battery electric vehicles. These enhancements will enable thorough testing and analysis to support Toyota's advancements in electric vehicle technology.

Todays investment by Toyota demonstrates Michigans leadership in pioneering the future of mobility, said Governor Whitmer. The $50 million investment in a new laboratory facility to evaluate electric vehicle batteries will create high-skilled, good-paying jobs in Saline and support efforts to help electric vehicles run longer and go farther than ever before.

Shares of TM are up 0.82% in mid-day trading on Thursday.

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]
FILE PHOTO: Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors Company speaks at the 2022 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 2, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake

By David Shepardson and Joseph White

(Reuters) -General Motors will join Ford in adopting Tesla's North American charging plug standard and give GM electric-vehicle buyers access to the Tesla Supercharger network under an agreement announced on Thursday.

GM's move, which follows a similar decision by Ford to embrace Tesla's charging plug standard, means three of the top EV sellers in the North American market have now agreed on a standard for charging hardware. The agreement was announced by GM CEO Mary Barra and Tesla chief Elon Musk in a Twitter Spaces event.

Investors applauded the deal, and the prospect of one charging hardware standard for the North American market. GM shares rose more than 4% after the bell and Tesla shares rose 4%.

The alliance among the three leading rival U.S. EV manufacturers has significant commercial and public policy implications.

The Biden administration made adoption of a rival "combined charging system" (CCS) standard a requirement in order for companies to be eligible for billions of dollars of federal subsidies for new charging stations on some 7,500 miles (12,070 km) of the nation's busiest roadways. The alliance among Tesla, Ford and GM challenges the White House's direction.

But Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told CNBC in May after the Ford-Tesla deal that the industry will eventually converge on one system but that adapters would allow cross- usage.

Tesla, GM and Ford together account for about 70% of current U.S. EV sales. Industry executives see differing EV charging connectors as a barrier to wider consumer adoption of electric vehicles.

"I think this is just going to be a fundamentally great thing for the advancement of electric vehicles," Musk said during the Twitter Spaces conversation with Barra.

"I think it all just got a little better," Barra said.

GM could save $400 million from the agreement, Barra told CNBC in an interview Thursday.

'SNOWBALL EFFECT'

From a consumer standpoint, the deals with the Detroit automakers look like a win for Tesla, which invested heavily to deploy its distinctive fast-charging stations across North America when most other automakers delegated charging to third parties.

Tesla Superchargers account for about 60% of the total fast chargers in the United States and Canada, according to U.S. Department of Energy data.

"This is pretty huge," Consumer Reports senior policy analyst Chris Harto said. "I could see this being kind of a snowball effect of more and more automakers jumping on board and shifting towards the Tesla standard."

For GM and Ford, the deals are a wager that the benefits of giving their customers access to Tesla's extensive rapid charging network outweigh the risks that their customers will like what they see and choose Tesla for their next purchase.

The alliance among Tesla, GM and Ford puts pressure on other automakers and independent charging network operators that had adopted the CCS standard. A U.S. move to Tesla's standard could be difficult for rival charging station manufacturers that are already setting up shop in the United States to make equipment that conforms to CCS standards.

"It does make it much more likely that NACS will win out in North America over CCS," said David Whiston of Morningstar Research, referring to Tesla's North American Charging Standard. Other charging providers could still use the CCS standard and rely on adapters to serve Tesla, Ford and GM vehicles, he added.

Shares of charging companies ChargePoint and EVgo were both down more than 4% in after-hours trading on Thursday.

GM said it will equip EVs with connectors based on the Tesla North American Charging Standard design starting in 2025. Next year, current owners of GM EVs will be able to use 12,000 Tesla fast chargers in North America, and adapters will be made available.

Musk said Tesla "is not going to do anything to prefer Teslas" as more rival brands access the Supercharger network. "It will be an even playing field ... The most important thing is we advance the electric vehicle revolution."

Ford CEO Jim Farley held a similar discussion with Musk on Twitter last month announcing the No. 2 U.S. automaker had reached agreement with Tesla to allow its electric vehicle owners to gain access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in North America in early 2024.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Joseph White in DetroitAdditional reporting by Hyun Joo Jin and Abhirup Roy in San Francisco, Kannaki Deka and Niket Nishant in Bengaluru and Jarrett Renshaw in PhiladelphiaEditing by Peter Henderson, Sayantani Ghosh and Matthew Lewis)
CHICAGO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 66degrees, a Google Cloud Premier Partner, announces a partnership with Google Cloud to develop new generative AI solutions. The partnership is a continuation of the work 66degrees has been doing with Google Cloud, including the development of best practices for building more traditional AI/ML solutions.

66degrees has been a Google Cloud partner since 2011. The firm has 500+ Google Cloud certifications, 84 Expertise designations and 12 Specializations, including Cloud Migration - Services, Data Analytics - Services, Work Transformation - Enterprise, Infrastructure - Services and Machine Learning - Services. 66degrees was the Google Cloud Expertise Partner of the Month in April 2023.

As a Google Cloud partner, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of generative AI, said Matt Kestian, CEO of 66degrees. It has unveiled a new era of creativity and innovation, empowering businesses to reimagine what's possible. From generating code, content or hyper-realistic images to crafting personalized customer experiences, generative AI is revolutionizing industries and unlocking untapped potential. Embracing this transformative technology is not just an option; it's a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to lead and thrive in the digital age."

66degrees will help launch and deploy new and innovative solutions to organizations across industries, says Jim Anderson, Vice President, NA Partner Ecosystem & Channels at Google Cloud. Were excited to expand our work with 66degrees and customers to accelerate their AI-driven transformations.

66degrees has a dedicated Data Science practice consisting of data scientists and AI/ML experts who work with clients to unlock valuable business insights and enable data-driven digital transformation. For example, the Data Science team worked with Designer Brands to improve its customer personalization and recommendations using Google Clouds smart analytics and AI/ML capabilities.

Recently, 66degrees began incorporating generative AI into its AI/ML projects. Already, the Data Science team is building solutions for Education, Customer Experience and Customer Support using Google Clouds foundation models and generative AI capabilities in Vertex AI.

Vertex AI provides purpose built tools for data scientists and ML engineers to efficiently and responsibly automate, standardize and manage ML projects throughout the entire development life cycle. Using Vertex AI, data scientists and ML engineers can easily train, test, monitor, deploy and govern ML models at scale, reducing the work needed to maintain model performance in production and enabling scientists and engineers to focus on innovation code.

Google Cloud has consistently demonstrated its leadership in AI and ML, starting with the original frameworks for Large Language Models, which is why were excited to continue and expand our partnership, said David McDaniel, a Google Cloud Fellow, Field CTO & Chief Architect at 66degrees. Clients will benefit from our deep Google Cloud and AI/ML expertise, which has led to the development of new solutions across industries and departments.

About 66degrees

66degrees helps organizations modernize their cloud and data infrastructure and develop data-driven solutions using Google Cloud, while making sure everythings done securely. In the current environment, so many companies are looking to modernize that its hard to find the Google specific skills or experience needed. To achieve their business objectives, it takes a consulting partner who brings a build stronger, innovate faster, optimize together approach. This is why companies ranging from born-in-the-cloud disruptors to world-class enterprises rely on 66degrees, an award-winning Google Cloud partner. More info at www.66degrees.com.

Contact:Kevin Wolf[email protected]

Source: 66degrees
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has asserted his four-day-long recent visit to India has played a pivotal role to take the relationship between the two nations to new heights.

Addressing the meeting of the National Assembly to appraise the assembly about his the entourage of India from May 31-June 3, PM Dahal highlighted the progress made during the visit.

"Nepal and India have very old as well as intimate relations. My visit focused on further deepening the existing relation in between the two nations. Focus was laid on economic issues that would benefit the nation for a long whereas on the political side, increasing mutual trust in the coming days progressive talks would be held to solve the rising issues," Dahal said.

"Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at (New Delhi's) Hyderabad House was important among all. During the bilateral meeting talks about trade, transportation, investments, power trade and cross-border transmission line, irrigation, measures to control inundation and floods, agriculture, crossborder connectivity-railways, ICP, bridges as well as dry ports- these issues related to infrastructural development was focused primarily," the Nepal PM said addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Dahal also stated that PM Modi also talked about taking the Nepal-India relations to the Himalayan heights. Prime Minister Dahal reiterated that his four-day-long official visit to India at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was centred on further consolidating bilateral relations.

Dahal asserted that positive agreements have been made in matters of trade, transit, irrigation, agriculture, cross-border petroleum pipeline construction, integrated check posts and infrastructure development. He also informed the Parliament that seven papers have been signed and exchanged between Nepal and India during his recent India visit.

PM Dahal added that Nepal's transit facility has been ensured through India's domestic waterway. He also stressed that his India visit has contributed to making the Nepal-India relations multi-dimensional and further strengthening them.

Noting that he also held talks on resolving flood and inundation problems in Nepal-India border areas, PM Dahal said talks were held regarding the construction of a concrete bridge at Jhulaghat with India's support and grants to GP Koirala Institute of Health Science.
TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alzheimer Society of Ontario is encouraged by todays Health Canada approval of three biomarker tests developed by Roche Diagnostics to detect indicators of Alzheimers disease pathology. The tests are an additional, less costly option for health care providers and families to gain information and make advanced care decisions with greater certainty.

With over 275,000 Ontarians living with dementia todayand three times that number within the next 30 yearsOntario needs new and innovative options for detecting and diagnosing Alzheimers disease, said Cathy Barrick, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. We hope todays approval marks the beginning of scientific breakthroughs leading to timely, reliable, inexpensive, and less-invasive diagnostic options.

Todays announcement marks the latest in a series of positive news in Alzheimers disease research. In the span of six months, the US has approved a promising treatment for Alzheimers disease, that same therapy (lecanemab) has been submitted for Health Canada approval, and a separate treatment, donanemab, reported positive phase three trial results. These successive stories are giving families in Ontario hope that, soon and for the first time ever, they will have access to not just one but multiple treatment options for Alzheimers disease.

But Ontario is not ready.

Researchers and industry have done their part, and ground-breaking detection and treatment options will soon be coming to market. It is now up to provincial and territorial governments to not only fund these breakthrough products, but prepare for their arrival, continued Ms. Barrick. Ministries of Health across the country must act now to update their standards, practices, and billing codes so we are ready to take advantage of new technologies as soon as they become available.

About the Alzheimer Society of Ontario

The Alzheimer Society is a federation of 26 frontline community support service providers, operating in every community across Ontario. We supported over 95,000 clients last year, including both care partners and people living with dementia. We provide education and training to physicians and other health care professionals, as well as to the general public, and work to reduce the stigma that is far too often associated with dementia. As a health service provider, we offer system navigation, care partner respite, adult day programs, therapeutic recreation, and so much more at little or, for nearly all of our programs, no cost to families. With hundreds of staff and thousands of volunteers we seek to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia, and to promote research into a cure. Learn more and find an Alzheimer Society near you: https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/about-us/find-your-local-alzheimer-society

Media Contact

Beth Merrick, ZAZOU Communications [email protected] / (416) 473-9881

Alzheimer Society of Ontario staff are available for media interviews in English and French.

Source: Alzheimer Society of Ontario
NEW YORK, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Directed Technologies officially opened a US$10 million (AU$15 million) Connected Mobility Innovation Centre allowing it to meet an ever-increasing global demand for its connected vehicle technology and IoT solutions that save lives, reduce emissions, and enhance productivity.

The Centre will double its capabilities in next-generation fleet vehicle digitisation and electrification while providing a foundation for Directed Technologies to scale its class-leading solutions to global markets. It is one of the few full-stack solution centres of its kind globally.

Directed Technologies is known for its cutting-edge factory-fit connected solutions for a variety of fleet and passenger vehicles including trucks, trailers, cars, motorbikes, and electric delivery vehicles and the state-of-the-art centre will place Australia at the centre of global connected vehicle opportunities.

The companys telematics devices are already used in over 2,500 vehicle fleets globally, including leading truck brands like PACCAR (Kenworth and DAF), HINO and Mercedes-Benz. It also monitors over 5000 vehicles for global delivery brand FedEx across 15 countries significantly improving vehicle visibility outside of depot locations. Directed Technologies has also been selected by renowned brands like Ford to export locally designed hardware solutions to the global passenger vehicle market.

The Connected Mobility Innovation Centre currently manages 200 terabytes of data, processing 20 billion probe data points a day, including live video feeds, vehicle and driver behaviour alerts and efficiency measures and vehicle fault codes.

It provides customers with a live view and advanced analytical insights of their people, vehicles, and assets across the global road network to support fleet optimisation and driver assistance programs that reduce congestion, cut carbon emissions through fuel savings and, most importantly, save lives.

The company has seen rapid growth in Australia and New Zealand, with the homegrown technology now exported throughout 15 APAC countries including Japan and South Korea.

Steve Siolis, CEO of the Directed Group, said, Weve built a world-class facility and developed innovative solutions for the worlds biggest transport companies that have allowed us to compete against global competitors  and win.

This facility is the only one of its kind nationally and one of the few full-stack solution centres of its kind globally. With all telematics solutions designed and built right here on site, our full-service offering is our secret sauce as we scale around the globe.

Brent Stafford, Executive Director of Directed Technologies, said, What's unique about this facility is that we have hardware engineers, firmware engineers, cloud engineers, and GUI engineers all working collaboratively with production and manufacturing in one facility. It gives us agility to respond to our customers at unparalleled speed and customisation which is significant as we scale around the world.

About Directed Technologies

www.DirectedTechnologies.com.au is a digital innovation partner of choice, curating connected technology solutions at scale that save lives, reduce emissions, and enhance productivity.

Its global team designs, manufactures and manages tailored end-to-end solutions for automotive, transport and logistics and other organisations on a digital transformation journey. Founded on deep industry expertise and an engrained culture of customer collaboration, its services span hardware, software, cloud services and business intelligence.

The award-winning team has grown to more than 220, headquartered in Melbourne Airport, Australia, with a growing global footprint across New Zealand, Thailand, South Africa, and Hungary.

Directed Technologies innovative automotive solutions are found in more than 2,500 vehicle fleets globally, including 25% of trucks on Australian roads being supplied with factory fitted telematics systems designed and built by Directed. The business continues to experience rapid growth, increasing its revenue by 45% year-on-year in FY22.

Directed Technologies is part of the Directed Group, which includes Directed Australia, a leading developer, supplier, and distributor of Mobile and Consumer Electronics across Australia and New Zealand.

Media Contact Mitchell Blincoe Keep Left PR on behalf of Directed Technologies [email protected] +61 427 801 843 https://keepleft.com.au/

Source: Directed Technologies
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cornish Metals Inc. (TSX-V/AIM: CUSN) (Cornish Metals or the Company) announces that it has sent the Notice of Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders ("Meeting") and Management Information Circular to shareholders. All documents are also available on the Companys website here.

The Meeting will be held remotely via live audio teleconference on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 09:00 a.m. (PST) and shareholders of the Company will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. Instructions on how to join the virtual meeting are set out in the Management Proxy Circular (page 6).

Immediately following the conclusion of the Meeting, the Company intends to host a separate online webinar to provide shareholders with the opportunity to attend a presentation in respect of the Companys current activities. For further information on this online webinar and for details on how to attend, please preregister by 12:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) or 8:00 p.m. (London time) on June 27, 2023 here.

For additional information please contact:

In North America:

Irene Dorsman at (604) 200 6664 or by e-mail at [email protected]

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Tel: +44 203 470 0470 Richard Morrison Charlie Bouverat Grant Barker Hannam & Partners(Joint Broker) Tel: +44 207 907 8500 Matthew Hasson Andrew Chubb Jay Ashfield BlytheRay(Financial PR/IR-London) Tel: +44 207 138 3204 Tim Blythe [email protected] Megan Ray [email protected]

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard D. WilliamsRichard D. Williams, P.Geo

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.

Caution regarding forward looking statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions at the time such statements are made, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to receipt of regulatory approvals, risks related to general economic and market conditions; risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic and any variants of COVID-19 which may arise; risks related to the availability of financing; the timing and content of upcoming work programmes; actual results of proposed exploration activities; possible variations in Mineral Resources or grade; outcome of the current Feasibility Study; projected dates to commence mining operations; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations.

Although Cornish Metals has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Cornish Metals undertakes no obligation or responsibility to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Source: Cornish Metals Inc.
MONTREAL and SAN FRANCISCO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coveo (TSX: CVO), a leader in AI platforms that transform digital experiences with intelligent search, recommendations, 1:1 personalization, and merchandising, announced today the official field launch of the Coveo Relevance Generative AnsweringTM Design Partner Program with 18 large global customers, giving them access to the beta solution for testing at enterprise scale. Coveo also announced an early adopter offer, limited to current enterprise customers. Today, the product will be unveiled and demonstrated with live enterprise data at the Coveo Relevance 360 event in Menlo Park, California.

The Coveo Relevance CloudTM, a world-leading Relevance AI Platform, now offers enterprise grade Generative Answering that brings factually accurate and contextually relevant question answering, combined with enterprise grade security from multiple sources of enterprise content. Coveo Relevance Generative Answering brings Large Language Models (LLMs) technology on top of the secure unified indexing and relevance capabilities of Coveo's market-leading Relevance Cloud AI platform. This makes generative answering using LLMs applicable within enterprises, where security, privacy, factuality, real-time sources of truth, relevance, and access to multiple sources of content are all key imperatives. This is more than a decade in the making, building on Coveos powerful Relevance Cloud AI Platform.

We have seen unprecedented customer interest in Coveo Relevance Generative Answering, and we look forward to demonstrating its power for the enterprise, said Louis Tetu, Chairman and CEO at Coveo. Our strategy has been last-to-hype, first-to-results, building on our leadership in large scale enterprise search and relevance. Generative AI is the natural extension of our Coveo Relevance Cloud AI Platform, which already included LLM-powered functions since 2021, as it can feed LLMs with the unified secure indexing, security, privacy and relevance all necessary for enterprise compliance at scale. Coveo Relevance Generative Answering solves the key CIO headaches with generative AI, such as hallucinations, veracity, security, privacy and a lack of source of truth which are hindering enterprises from leveraging this technology in a brand safe way. Our platform creates the spinal AI capability enterprises need to deliver modern, intelligent and conversational experiences at scale. Enterprises that dont adopt this type of AI capability, will compete against it.

Coveo Relevance Generative Answering capability is designed to solve eight critical challenges:

Unsecure Environment  The Coveo Relevance Generative Answering solution is built on top of Coveos secure indexing at its core. Robust security measures protect valuable assets, ensuring that data remains secure throughout the generative answering content generation process. Lack of Confidentiality and Privacy  Coveo Relevance Generative Answering protects confidentiality and privacy, ensuring that valuable data remains secure within organizational boundaries and proprietary content is not shared with public engines, or used in a generated answer. Hallucinations or Lack of Accuracy  Leading brands cannot hallucinate. The Coveo Relevance Generative Answering capability maintains factual accuracy at scale without compromising brands credibility. Outdated Facts & Answers  Coveo Relevance Generative Answering leverages real-time data sources from the unified index, enabling answers to be generated that are consistent with enterprise content. Non-Compliancy and Validity  Coveo Relevance Generative Answering establishes seamless links with sources of truth, allowing users to verify and validate the accuracy and credibility of generated answers. Content Decentralization  Coveo Relevance Generative Answering is built on the power of the Coveo unified secure indexing and enrichment of enterprise content using Coveo AI. By integrating multiple content sources securely, it enables exponential growth in generative AI capabilities. Siloed Search & Chat Channels  Search and generative answering should not operate as separate silos; the future lies in their coherent integration. Coveo Relevance Generative Answering bridges the gap by delivering a unified and consistent user and veracity experience across all search and chat channels, as they are fed from the same unified index and relevance mechanisms. Generative AI Chat is Expensive  By leveraging advanced search and relevance algorithms, combined with LLMs, Coveo eliminates the need for costly alternatives. With this approach, enterprises can get results for a fraction of the cost typically associated with generative AI, offsetting the fact that chat can be 100x to 1,000x more expensive than query-based search.

GenAI Live Product DemonstrationsToday, customers and prospects will join Coveo leadership for a conference and a Coveo Relevance Generative Answering live product demonstration in Menlo Park, California. For those that missed the opportunity to join the event, there are two upcoming webinars hosted by Laurent Simoneau, co-founder, President and CTO at Coveo. Join the webinar to discover the power of this technology made for the enterprise and its users.

There are two available dates to see a live demo webinar, Go Beyond the Hype. Watch What GenAI Can Do For Your Enterprise, Now. Register here.

June 14th at 11 am ET / 8 am PT

June 21st at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT

Exclusive Pricing Offer for Early AdoptersCoveo has been the trusted enterprise applied AI platform for early adopters in the digital experience space, said Louis Tetu. Our market-leading AI platform, the Coveo Relevance CloudTM recently celebrated 12 years of delivering relevance through digital experiences that drive business impact. To demonstrate our appreciation we are offering our early adopter customers the opportunity to take advantage of an aggressive early pricing offer.

Coveo enterprise customers with self-service use cases can take advantage of an exclusive offer for the Coveo Relevance Generative Answering capability when they enroll by the end of July.

This is only the beginning! With GenAI part of the Coveo AI platform, Coveo will extend the technology to various other use cases, including but not limited to: workplace and website search, commerce digital experiences and additional customer service use cases like agent assist.

Visit our websiteRead our GenAI blog

About Coveo Solutions

We believe AI is a competitive imperative to deliver the delightful and relevant digital experiences people expect, while maximizing profitability. Coveo accelerates the application of AI platforms in enterprises, helping them personalize and profitize every experience at scale.

The Coveo Relevance Cloud platform is a market-leading AI platform that enhances search, recommendations, personalization, and merchandising intelligence in digital experiences across commerce, service, website, and workplace applications. Coveos platform includes analytics, AI model testing capabilities, and can easily integrate into almost any digital user experience a large enterprise delivers. Our platform is cloud-native SaaS, multi-tenant, API-first, and headless.

Coveo has been a pioneer in the application of AI within the enterprise. Our Coveo Relevance Generative Answering capability, which integrates LLM technologies with Coveo's platform to feed generative AI with a common, secure unified index and real-time content, helps to drive relevance at scale, consistent factuality, secure sources of truth across all channels, and specifically solves the key challenges found with other generative AI platforms for the enterprise.

We help hundreds of the worlds leading brands create tangible financial value. We believe our platform is differentiated by its sophisticated applied AI, designed to deliver highly relevant, bespoke digital experiences that drive superior business outcomes. In addition, our platforms scalability, rapid time to value, enterprise-grade security and compliance, and native integrations with other third-party technology applications set us apart. We are a Salesforce Summit ISV Partner, an SAP Endorsed App, and an Adobe Accelerate Exchange Partner.

Coveo is a trademark of Coveo Solutions, Inc.

Stay up to date on the latest Coveo news and content by subscribing to the Coveo blog, and following Coveo on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, forward-looking information), including as it relates to our Coveo Relevance Generative Answering capability, its functions and the challenges it is designed to solve. This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as may, would, should, could, might, will, achieve, occur, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, plan, foresee, believe, continue, target, opportunity, strategy, scheduled, outlook, forecast, projection, or prospect, the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent managements expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events or circumstances.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates, and assumptions that we considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements are made. Although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what we believe are reasonable assumptions, actual results may vary from the forward-looking information contained herein. Certain assumptions made in preparing the forward-looking information contained in herein include, without limitation: our ability to successfully roll-out our Coveo Relevance Generative Answering capability with the features discussed and within the intended timing; our ability to capitalize on growth opportunities and implement our growth strategy; our ability to attract new customers, both domestically and internationally; the success of our efforts to expand our product portfolio and market reach; our ability to maintain successful strategic relationships with partners and other third parties; our future capital requirements; the available liquidity under our revolving credit facility; the accuracy of our estimates of market opportunity and growth forecasts; our success in identifying and evaluating, as well as financing and integrating, any acquisitions, partnerships, or joint ventures; our ability to execute on our expansion plans; the significant influence of our principal shareholders; and the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to macro-economic uncertainties and the risk factors described under Risk Factors in the Companys most recently filed Annual Information Form available under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made.

Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. Although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.

You should not rely on this forward-looking information, as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those contemplated by this forward-looking information as a result of such risks and uncertainties. Additional information will also be set forth in other public filings that we make available under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com from time to time. The forward-looking information provided in this press release relates only to events or information as of the date hereof, and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, we do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Highwire PRCoveo[email protected]+1 418-263-1111

Source: Coveo Solutions Inc.
QUEBEC CITY, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crakmedia is always proud to celebrate its peoples talent and recognize their exceptional contributions to the industry. The company is pleased to announce that Marie-Eve Rigali has been nominated for the Women in Tech Excellence Awards 2023 in three categories: Hero of the Year, Engineer of the Year and Innovator of the Year. A pioneer tracing her own path in a traditionally masculine field, these nominations highlight her extraordinary contribution to Crakmedia in the last 11 years. For Nicolas Chretien, president and founder of the company, great achievements by the women building the future of Crakmedia are an incredible matter of pride and must be celebrated!

After a significant career change, Marie-Eve joined Crakmedias R&D team back in 2012. She has held several specialized positions as an individual contributor: release manager, project manager, technical analyst, and she is now a product owner. Her specialty is to elaborate complex algorithms and tracking systems allowing for the real-time optimization of Crakmedias advertising campaigns. When asked about what makes her the proudest, she says:

I work on so many projects simultaneously, and Im incredibly proud of all the support and the training Im able to provide to development teams, but also to everyone in the company who needs to understand my work better.

Women in Tech Excellence Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women working in technology. This field remains to this day overwhelmingly masculine, and women who wish to set themselves apart face many challenges. The awards aim at increasing womens visibility in technology and showcase role models for young girls who might hesitate to pursue STEM.

About Crakmedia

World leader in web marketing, performance marketing, web development and traffic monetization, Crakmedia is an international corporation based in Quebec City, Canada. Their expertise covers digital content creation, advertising campaigns personalization, data and website analysis, brand management, SEO, media buying, advertising brokerage, web development and creating cutting-edge technologies. To learn more about Crakmedia: crakmedia.com/

About Women in Tech Excellence Awards

Holding their 7th edition in London, United Kingdom, the Women in Tech Excellence Awards recognizes and promotes womens incredible talents and achievements in technology. The annual ceremony has celebrated the success of more than 1800 women since its inception. The awards ceremony will be held in Londo on November 23. To learn more about Women in Tech Excellence Awards: womenintechexcellence.co.uk/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35279995-55be-4943-8262-cfc279a9f16e

Media Relations: Caroline Perron - 418-571-1208 - [email protected]

Women in Tech Excellence Awards 2023 Women in Tech Excellence Awards 2023

Source: Crakmedia
Vancouver, B.C., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent Waste Solutions Inc. (EWS or the Company), is pleased to announce it has entered into an MOU with Hago Energetics Benefit Corporation (Hago) for the two Companies to develop Green Hydrogen.

EWS has the worlds leading Thermolysis technology. It is able to convert various carbon waste, such as wood waste, waste tires, and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and into renewable natural gas (biogas), biochar, and other valuable commodities.

Hago has developed a revolutionary, patented and proprietary technology that is able to convert biogas into Methanol, which is a liquid and easy to store on ships, trains, and other vehicles. New and proven fuel cell technologies are able to strip the Hydrogen from Methanol in order to power Hydrogen fuel cells, which can drive vehicles, trains, and ships. The only by-product from fuel cells is water vapor.

States Kevin Hull, CEO of Emergent Waste Solutions: I am incredibly excited about this partnership, as this will be a revolutionary combination of technologies that can provide the world with Green Hydrogen. The adoption of fuel cells has been held back by the difficulties and dangers of storing and transporting hydrogen. By using Methanol generated from waste by ATS, Hago and EWS will be able to help the world reduce its CO2 emissions.

Explains Wilson Hago, PhD, CEO and founder of Hago Energetics Benefit Corporation: This combination of technologies will be a game changer. Hago has developed a disruptive technology that is able to generate methanol from Methane. The biggest source of methane is natural gas. By jointly developing plants with EWS, we will close the loop, and be able to generate for the first time Green Hydrogen from waste.

Both Mr. Hull and Mr. Hago wish to thank Dr. Ray Kronquist and Army of Volunteers for Earth for its role in finding and connecting these companies.

About Emergent Waste Solutions Inc.

EWS is a BC company with exclusive Canadian rights to deploy the world leading Advanced Thermolysis System (ATS) technology. ATS is an innovative, secure, efficient, and proven method for the conversion of waste materials such as MSW, plastics, biomass, and livestock waste into marketable products, such as activated carbon, carbon black, biochar, syngas, and bio-oil. The Company has global rights for this technology for most countries. It currently has over $200 MM of potential projects in the pipeline.

About Hago Energetics Benefit Corporation

Hagos mission is to contribute to reducing global warming. Our focus areas are green hydrogen production and carbon dioxide capture and utilization. It has been recognized for its innovative technologies, including by NASA where it won a NASA CO2 Conversion Challenge Award.

Further information on Hago can be found at: https://hagoenergetics.com .

About Green Hydrogen

Green Hydrogen is produced by use of renewable energies in its production. This makes it a clean, sustainable fuel with zero net contribution of Greenhouse gasses.

Its important is that it can replace fossil fuels in areas and uses that have been difficult to decarbonize, such as rail transportation, long-haul trucks, and marine industries.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Kevin HullCEO

You are invited to click here to view the company website for more information about our technology and products: http://www.ewscanada.com

Fp

For further information contact:

[email protected], (604)741-1956

Source: Emergent Waste Solutions Inc.
TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Despite a housing shortage in many cities across the country, the number of housing units in 26.4 per cent of Canadas urban neighbourhoodsmore than one-in-fouractually declined from 2016 to 2021, according to a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

Policymakers across the board acknowledge there is a lack of new housing in Canadas cities, and yet, large swaths of the urban landscape have seen little to no increase in the number of housing units, or worse, theyve actually seen a decline, said Josef Filipowicz, a senior fellow with the Fraser Institute and co-author of Making Room for Growth: Housing Intensification in Canadas Cities, 2016-2021.

The study finds that from 2016 to 2021, more than half (54.2 per cent) of Canadas housing stock growth occurred in existing urban neighbourhoods instead of unused, undeveloped landwhats known as intensification.

Of those new housing units that were built in pre-existing urban neighbourhoods (called census tracts by Statistics Canada), 50.9 per cent were built in just five per cent of neighbourhoods.

Crucially, half of all neighbourhoods in Canadian cities saw the number of housing units increase by less than one per cent. And 26.4 per cent of urban neighbourhoods actually saw a decline in the total number of housing units during the same time period.

What growth we are seeing in new housing units across Canadian cities, it is largely happening in very small pockets, said Steve Lafleur, Fraser Institute senior fellow and study co-author.

To more meaningfully tackle the housing shortage in Canada, policymakers will have to look at ways to create more housing units of all types across our urban areas, and not just in certain small pockets.

MEDIA CONTACT:Steve Lafleur, Senior FellowFraser Institute

Josef Filipowicz, Senior FellowFraser Institute

To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:Drue MacPherson, Media Relations, Fraser Institute604-688-0221 ext. 721[email protected]

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org

Source: Fraser Institute
WASHINGTON, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Friday, June 9, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the voice in President Bidens Cabinet for Americas more than 33 million small businesses, and White House Senior Advisor to the President and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu will visit Detroit to highlight President Bidens Investing in America agenda. Administrator Guzman and Mr. Landrieu will be joined by Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mayor Mike Duggan, and small business owner Tarolyn Buckles for a press conference on infrastructure developments in the Detroit community, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This legislation has resulted in a historic $5.2 billion in funding for 208 infrastructure projects throughout Michigan. That includes $4.4 billion for in transportation projects, revitalizing Michigans roads and bridges, making them safer as people travel to work and school, and as businesses ship supplies and products across the globe.

Friday, June 9WHO: SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas GuzmanWhite House Senior Advisor to the President and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) Mayor Mike DugganPresident and CEO of Onyx Enterprise, Inc. Project and Construction, Tarolyn Buckles

WHAT: Press Conference highlighting infrastructure developments in the Detroit community, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. WHEN: 12:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Location provided upon RSVP

HOW: Members of the media must RSVP for this event by emailing [email protected].

Members of the media are invited to attend but must RSVP in advance to Isabella Ristuccia at [email protected]. Please provide the full name, mobile numbers, and email addresses of any media personnel planning to attend.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Christine Nazer Saah U.S. Small Business Administration 202-205-6175 [email protected]

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
LAS VEGAS, NV, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Golden Star Enterprises Ltd. (OTCMARKETS: GSPT) DBA Super Fresh Foods (the Company) is pleased to announce it has formalized its first expansion into the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and will be launching a regionally focused meal subscription site to be announced.

The framework has been completed for the new website and testing has been completed. The following regions are to be launched first: Maple, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Aurora, King City, New Market. These areas have a combined population of over 1.2 million residents providing an excellent potential customer base.

The Company will offer its proven popular meal items, as well as introducing new menu additions including soups, salads, breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Our goal is to make our customers lives easierand tastier in four easy steps!

1. Place your order online.

2. Let our chefs create.

3. We deliver.

4. You enjoy!!!

No planning, shopping or cooking required!

Benny Doro, CEO of the Company, commented, Our subscription-based meal production and delivery company is changing the way people think about food. Super Fresh Foods offers a convenient, affordable, and delicious way to eat healthy meals without having to spend hours at the shops or in the kitchen. With so many options to choose from, it has never been easier to eat well while maintaining a busy lifestyle.

Conference call

The Company will be hosting a conference call on Tuesday, June 13th at 1 pm EST where Benny Doro, CEO, will be sharing a company update and the plans for further expansion.

Benny Doro, CEO of the Company, noted, As a public company, one of the main goals of Super Fresh Foods is to ensure that shareholders are getting value for their investment. Building shareholder value is a key component of the Companys plans, and we have developed a strategic and thoughtful approach to our growth. Please join me next Tuesday as we share our vision.

Please join using this link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/300302967

Meeting ID: 300302967

One tap to join audio only from a smartphone:+16504191505,,300302967# United States (San Mateo, CA)

Or dial:+1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA)

Access Code/Meeting ID: 300302967

International numbers available: https://v.ringcentral.com/teleconference

About Super Fresh Foods

Super Fresh Foods Inc. is a direct-to-consumer successful meal subscription company which uses a customized proprietary software to manage its logistics by tracking meals from ordering, ingredient acquisition, meal preparation, delivery, and payment across a broad platform of meal delivery assets.

Super Fresh Foods was established in 2022 and operates through a partnership with All Your Foods in the Vancouver, British Columbia metropolitan area to deliver meals under its All Your Meals brand.

All Your Meals is for people who want to eat healthy food without sacrificing taste and without the hassle of preparing every meal at home. Using proprietary Super Fresh recipes, the All Your Foods kitchen delivers our delicious meals for clients to heat and eat, without sacrificing the freshness or flavor we expect from a home cooked meal. Please visit www.superfreshfoods.ca

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding future events. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "will," "will be," "anticipate," "predict," expect "continue," "future," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause views and expectations to change. The Company assumes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:Patrick Smyth250-222-7478[email protected]

Source: Super Fresh Foods Inc.
GAZTRANSPORT ET TECHNIGAZ

Societe anonyme with a share capital of 370,783.57

Registered office: 1 route de Versailles  78470 Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse, France

662 001 403 R.C.S. Versailles

Main terms and conditions of the share buy-back programme in accordance with the conditions and obligations set by Articles 241-1 and seq. of the General Regulations of the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF)

Implementation of the share buy-back programme authorised by the Combined Shareholders meeting on June 7, 2023

Issuer: GTT / ISIN code: FR 0011726835 (compartment A)

Stock concerned : Ordinary shares

Implementation authorized by:Combined Shareholders meeting on June 7, 2023

Implementation decision date:June 7, 2023

Maximum proportion of the share capital that may be acquired pursuant to the Shareholders authorization: 10% of the number of ordinary shares composing GTTs share capital, or, for indicative purposes 3,707,835 shares on the basis of the capital as at December 31, 2022.

It is specified that:

(i) the number of shares acquired for retention and their subsequent presentation in a merger, split or contribution transaction cannot exceed 5% of its share capital;

(ii) when the shares are bought back to improve liquidity under the conditions defined by the general regulations of the Autorite des Marches Financiers, the number of shares used for calculating the above-specified 10% limit corresponds to the number of shares bought, less the number of shares sold, during the period of the authorisation;

(iii) the Company may not directly or indirectly own more than 10% of its capital.

Maximum purchase price: 180 per share (fees not included).

Maximum amount of purchases authorized by the programme: 667,410,300.

Objectives of the programme:

 the implementation of any share purchase option plan of the Company under the provisions of Articles L. 225-177 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, or any similar plan;

 the allocation or sale of shares to employees or corporate officers of the Company or of Group companies under the conditions and in accordance with the procedures allowed by law, notably with respect to Company profit-sharing; or the implementation of any employee savings scheme under the conditions provided for by law, specifically Articles L. 3332-1 et seq. of the French Labour Code, the sale of shares previously acquired by the Company pursuant to this resolution or providing for the free allocation of these shares in the form of a top-up of Company securities and/or to replace the discount;

 the delivery of shares upon the exercise of rights attached to securities giving right to repayment, conversion, exchange, presentation of a warrant, or any other means of allocating shares of the Company;

 more generally, to honour the obligations linked to share option programs or other plans for allocation of shares to employees or corporate officers of the Company or those of an associated company;

 the retaining and later delivery of shares (in exchange, payment or other) as part of an acquisition transaction, limited to 5% of the number of shares comprising the share capital;

 the cancellation of all or part of the shares bought back under a resolution of a Shareholders Meeting in force; and

 the stimulation of the secondary market or the liquidity of the shares by an investment services provider acting under a liquidity contract in compliance with the market practice recognised by the Autorite des Marches Financiers.

This share buyback program would also be intended to allow the Company to operate for any other authorised purpose or purpose that would be authorised by any applicable laws or regulations in force and to implement any practice that would be allowed by the Autorite des Marches Financiers. In such event, the Company would inform its shareholders through a press release.

The acquisition, sale or transfer of shares may be carried out, on one or more occasions, by any means authorised by the legal and regulatory provisions in force, on regulated markets, multilateral trading facilities, systematic internalisers or over-the-counter, including by acquisition or sale of blocks of shares (without limiting the portion of the buyback program that may be carried out by this means), by tender offer or exchange offer, or by use of options or other forward financial instruments or by delivery of shares following the issue of securities giving access to the Companys capital by conversion, exchange, redemption, exercise of a warrant or in any other manner, either directly or indirectly through an investment services provider.

The Board of Directors may use this authorisation at any time, within the limits authorised by legal and regulatory provisions and those provided for in this resolution (except during a period of tender offer for the Companys shares).

Programme duration: from the release of this description of the programme and until December 6, 2023, i.e. a period of 18 months as from the date of the Combined Shareholders meeting dated June 7, 2023.

Breakdown of the treasury shares held: At June 7, 2023, the Company hold 250 shares in the frame of its liquidity agreement signed with Rothschild Martin Maurel to make a market in GTT shares, and compliant with the AMAFI ethical charter recognised by the AMF, and held 125,285 shares outside the liquidity contract, representing a total of 0.34% of the share capital.

This document is published, in accordance with the AMF General Regulations, on June 8, 2023 prior to the implementation of the programme.

Attachment
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkiye's newly appointed Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a telephone conversation, Trend reports.

Blinken congratulated his colleague on his new appointment.

Sweden's membership in NATO, the processes of normalization of relations between Turkiye and Armenia, as well as between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the purchase and modernization of the F-16 and the grain agreement were discussed.

The sides emphasized their readiness to meet to discuss a common agenda between Turkiye and the US.
NEW YORK, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Before the US legalized wormwood - the infamous herb associated with absinthe - in 2007, childhood friends Taras Hrabowsky and Sasha Selimotic were already using it to distill complex fine spirits. Utilizing the naturally abundant Artemisia Absinthium growing on Hrabowskys familys farm in upstate New York, the two took advantage of what was, essentially, a blank slate when it came to defining new methods of distillation. Now, almost 20 years later, Standard Wormwood Distillery is quietly upending tradition. Located at Industry City in Brooklyn,, the small-batch distillerys team of only four stocks and operates an entire cocktail bar using only its own house-made spirits, cordials, and bitters.

Our cocktails taste like nothing else because they cant be made anywhere else, Selimotic said, leaning on a bartop of French and American oak wrapped in iron and copper. To run our bar, we make four spirits, two vermouths, two aperitivi, and an amaro, alongside hundreds of bitters and macerations.

A traditional cocktail bar designs its drinks around pre-existing spirits, but Standard Wormwood Distillery takes the opposite approach, crafting the spirits for their cocktails. Signature cocktails like the Coyote, ranging from earthy and smoky to vegetal and minty, belies the years of practice it took to imagine and create its constituent parts. For classic cocktails like the Sazerac, they pare down and reconstruct the spirit, aromatics, bitters, and absinthe from scratch to produce a version unlike any other.

After nearly two decades of experimentation, Hrabowsky and Selimotic have produced a series of firsts: the first wormwood rye, the first wormwood gin, the first wormwood agave spirit, and the first wormwood rum, to say nothing of their cordials, cocktails, and house-made bitters.

We have the range to either adhere to tradition or depart from it, Hrabowsky said. We choose to create our version of what cocktails and spirits can be, beginning to end, regardless of categories.

Visitors are invited to try a well-rounded selection that includes:

Wormwood Rye - Finished with American and French oak makes for a complex and layered take on whiskey with subtle notes of oaky butterscotch, toasted maple, campfire, and rye spice made for sipping or mixing.

Finished with American and French oak makes for a complex and layered take on whiskey with subtle notes of oaky butterscotch, toasted maple, campfire, and rye spice made for sipping or mixing. Wormwood Gin - Fresh botanical vapour infusions deliver a bright, crisp citrus flavor with deeper, floral notes ideal for serving neat or in a twist on the classic Martini.

Fresh botanical vapour infusions deliver a bright, crisp citrus flavor with deeper, floral notes ideal for serving neat or in a twist on the classic Martini. Wormwood Agave - Whole agave hearts and leaves are slow-smoked over mesquite and oak at our farm giving the finished spirit a smooth vegetal spiciness and a delicate smoky finish.

Whole agave hearts and leaves are slow-smoked over mesquite and oak at our farm giving the finished spirit a smooth vegetal spiciness and a delicate smoky finish. Wormwood Rum - Influenced by a vast array of rums, bringing together funky, spiced tropical notes. Opening up with bright fresh grassiness, then subtle hints of banana and pineapple before finishing with warming vanilla and clove notes. Perfect for fresh classics like daiquiris and boozy complex tiki cocktails.

Influenced by a vast array of rums, bringing together funky, spiced tropical notes. Opening up with bright fresh grassiness, then subtle hints of banana and pineapple before finishing with warming vanilla and clove notes. Perfect for fresh classics like daiquiris and boozy complex tiki cocktails. Wormwood Amaro - A complex and unique bitter digestif. Vapour infused with cardamom, clove, and black walnut, then lightly oak aged and a short rest with smoked apples and wormwood for deep layers of tobacco, eucalyptus, and citrus.

A complex and unique bitter digestif. Vapour infused with cardamom, clove, and black walnut, then lightly oak aged and a short rest with smoked apples and wormwood for deep layers of tobacco, eucalyptus, and citrus. Rose Aperitivo - Bright floral aromatics from rhodiola root lend both berry-forward and bitter flavors to compliment farm-sourced Powis Castle, a hybrid varietal of wormwood.

Bright floral aromatics from rhodiola root lend both berry-forward and bitter flavors to compliment farm-sourced Powis Castle, a hybrid varietal of wormwood. Dry Wermut (vermouth) - Elecampane root, tarragon, and lavender infuse a wildflower essence to a fortified white wine base from New York-based Anthony Road Wine Co in the Finger Lakes, delicately flavored to evoke fresh spring blossoms.

Elecampane root, tarragon, and lavender infuse a wildflower essence to a fortified white wine base from New York-based Anthony Road Wine Co in the Finger Lakes, delicately flavored to evoke fresh spring blossoms. Meadow Aperitivo - This wormwood spirit is infused with citrus-replicating herbs. Redstem wormwood and lemon myrtle elicit notes of watermelon and lemon with a slightly bitter and refreshing finish.

This wormwood spirit is infused with citrus-replicating herbs. Redstem wormwood and lemon myrtle elicit notes of watermelon and lemon with a slightly bitter and refreshing finish. Bitter-Sweet Wermut - Creating a complex foundation for the unique blending of berry, bitter spices, and Silver Queen, a surprising depth of flavor fortifies a Cabernet Franc wine from Anthony Road Wine Co; a perfect fit for classics like a Manhattan, Negroni, or Americano Spritz.

Ranging from locally sourced ingredients grown on the family farm to obscure and eccentric herbs and ingredients, Standard Wormwood Distillerys ever-expanding seasonal menu of libations is approachable for both the casual and informed taster alike. The uplifting synergy of modern wood and stained glass architecture establishes a warm inviting atmosphere in which to relax and savor the moment.

Open weekly Wednesday - Sunday; enjoy happy hour every Wednesday from 4 - 8 p.m. Learn more at standardwormwood.com and find distinctive Standard Wormwood spirits in select locales around New York. Follow @standardwormwooddistillery on Instagram for upcoming live events, seasonal cocktails, book parties, and more.

About Standard Wormwood Distillery:

Founded in 2012 by lifelong friends and New York State natives Taras Hrabowsky and Sasha Selimotic, Brooklyns Standard Wormwood Distillery pushes the boundaries of Wormwood-derived spirits while also creating a new model for cocktail bars, making everything in-house. Every distinctive spirit, liqueur, and cordial features a surprising depth of flavor imbued by an extraordinary blend of fresh fruits, herbs, and spices, along with locally-sourced wormwood varieties from the Hrabowsky family farm. Enjoy their delightful classic and reinvented cocktails and spirits in a lively open-air lounge that presents a refreshing oasis amid the bustling Industry City landscape (open weekly Wednesday - Sunday; happy hour Wednesday 4 - 8 p.m.). Learn more at standardwormwood.com and find distinctive Standard Wormwood spirits in select locales around New York. Follow @standardwormwooddistillery on Instagram for upcoming live events, seasonal cocktails, book parties, and more.

Jessi Kopachpr + marketing call/ 805-570-2599

Source: Standard Wormwood Distillery
Geneva, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investor group NewGAMe and Bruellan requests an EGM to replace GAM's board and implement an alternative plan to turnaround the business

Geneva, 8 June 2023  The investor group comprised of Newgame SA and Bruellan SA, which controls approximately 9.2% of the issued share capital of GAM Holding AG (GAM), has called for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders to revoke GAM's incumbent board and elect a new one with a clear plan to turnaround the business.

Liontrusts all-share exchange offer, which has been unanimously recommended by GAMs current board, significantly undervalues the company, is highly conditional, values GAMs FMS business at zero, and may not be completed before the end of 2023 or beyond, if at all. The investor group expects GAM shareholders will share this assessment, and as a result reject Liontrusts inadequate offer by the end of the offer period, currently scheduled to expire on 21 July 2023.

In this event, GAMs incumbent directors must take responsibility for this failure and resign. Should they be unwilling to do so, GAMs shareholders must be given the opportunity to revoke the current board, and replace it.

The investor group is convinced that a more focused board and management team can generate better value for GAMs shareholders and is proposing a slate of industry veterans with significant asset management and banking industry expertise with a particular focus on key areas that must be rebuilt at the firm: hedge funds, alternatives and wealth management.

Antoine Spillmann, Executive Partner of global wealth management firm Bruellan and former vice president of the Swiss Association of Asset Managers (SAAM), is the investor groups candidate for Chairperson of the board. Charlotte Aubin, Carlos Esteve, Anthony Maarek, and Fabien Pictet are the proposed other candidates to the board.

The investor group has requested that the relevant EGM be convened within the six-week period contemplated in GAMs articles of association, and be held on or about 16 August 2023.

If elected, the new board will activate its plans to unlock significant value at GAM with (i) a transparent sale of GAMs Fund Management Services business that benefits shareholders (ii) rationalizing the cost structure, (iii) expanding GAMs offering of high value-added investment products, and (iv) rebuilding a credible wealth management business under the GAM brand name.

A detailed presentation can be found on the NewGAMe website at this link.





Media contacts

Cornelia Schnepf  FinElk

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.newgam.ch

About NewGAMe

NewGAMe SA is a Geneva-based company owned by a number of investors with experience in the financial sector. It is controlled by Rock Investment, a French-incorporated entity that is owned by NJJ Holding, the personal holding company of Xavier Niel. Albert Saporta, a hedge fund industry veteran with 40 years experience in global financial markets, serves as the director of NewGAMe SA.

About Bruellan

Bruellan SA is an independent provider of global wealth management solutions. The company was founded in 1991 and is located in Geneva, Lausanne, Crans-Montana and Verbier.

https://www.bruellan.ch/





Biographies of the candidates to the Board of Directors

Antoine Spillmann is Executive Partner of Bruellan SA, an independent provider of global wealth management solutions and asset management. Before acquiring Bruellan in 2001, Mr. Spillmann worked as a Managing Director at BryanGarnier & Cie Ltd, a company that he had founded in London in 1996, and whose wealth management business was transferred to Bruellan in 2001. Prior to that, from 1994 to 1996, Mr. Spillmann worked as a Director at ABN Amro Hoare Govett in London, and from 1992 to 1994 as a Director at Lehman Brothers International also in London. Prior to that, Mr. Spillmann held various positions in London at S.G. Warburg Securities (from 1989 to 1992), UBS Philips & Drew (from 1988 to 1989) and Paine Webber (from 1985 to 1988).

Mr. Spillmann is a Swiss citizen. He holds diplomas in corporate finance and in investment management from the London Business School. He is a director of ArcelorMittal Holdings AG in Zug, Switzerland.

Charlotte Aubin is President of the GreenWish Group, an investment and strategic advisory firm specialized in infrastructure, energy and digital transition transactions, which she founded in 2010. Ms. Aubin further acts as Strategic and Investment Advisor to CM Arkea and its SICAV Schelcher Infrastructure Transition Debt. Since 2021, Ms. Aubin also chairs the Board of Directors of Perfwave SA, a telecom optimization software company that serves international telecom operators. Prior to founding GreenWish, from 2000 to 2009, Ms. Aubin was Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Investment Management in Paris responsible for French and Swiss institutional business. From 1996 to 1999, she held a business development function at Alfi Gestion (now Candriam Asset Management), a French/Luxembourg asset management firm.

Ms. Aubin is a French national residing in Switzerland. She graduated from the ESSEC Business School. She is President of GreenWish SAS, Paris, Chair of the Board of Directors of Perfwave SA, Geneva, and sole Director of GreenWish SA, Geneva.

Carlos Esteve retired in April 2023 from his post of Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banque Heritage SA, Geneva, a bank that he founded in 1986 initially under the name "Heritage" Finance and Trust Company until it received a banking license, and of which he was the Chief Executive Officer from 1986 to 2018. Prior to joining the Heritage group, from 1982 to June 1986, Mr. Esteve worked at the research and analysis departments of the bank Morgan Grenfell in London and in Geneva. Before joining Morgan Grenfell, Mr. Esteve worked as auditor and financial consultant at Arthur Andersen & Co in Geneva.

Mr. Esteve is a Swiss, Spanish and U.S. citizen. He holds a Master degree of the Hautes Etudes Commerciales of the University of Lausanne.

Anthony Maarek is the Managing Director of NJJ Holding, Paris, the personal holding company of Xavier Niel, which invests in various sectors such as telecom, technology, media and real estate. Before joining NJJ Holding in 2018, Mr. Maarek was a Partner in the Audit & Assurance department of Deloitte Paris, where he led the firm's accounting advisory and capital markets practice. Prior to becoming a Partner in 2011, Mr. Maarek held various positions at Deloitte, the professional services firm, in New York and Paris.

Mr. Maarek is a French national. He is a French Chartered and Certified Public Accountant and holds a MBA from University of Paris 1 Sorbonne. He holds board and senior positions in various entities of the NJJ group.

Fabien Pictet is a former Managing Partner of Fabien Pictet and Partners Global Holdings, an asset management group that he founded in 1997. Prior to establishing that firm, from 1985 to 1997, Mr. Pictet held various positions within the Pictet private banking group, ultimately becoming a partner of Pictet & Cie in 1996. Prior to working at the Pictet private banking group, from 1983 to 1985, Mr. Pictet worked as an institutional salesperson at Merrill Lynch in New York.

Mr. Pictet is a Swiss citizen. He has a BA in Economics from the University of San Francisco, and a Master in Finance from the American Graduate School of International Management, Glendale, Arizona.
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As we celebrate World Oceans Day, Irving Shipbuilding is pleased to announce our $545,000 commitment to the Green Harbour Project by the Verschuren Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The Green Harbour Project aims to make Halifax Harbour a net zero emitter by 2050, making it a leader in green technology.

The project will be tailored to each stakeholder's decarbonization needs and monitor progress over time, with milestones at year 2030, 2040, and 2050 (see timeline below).

Irving Shipbuilding is leading the way with vital funding that supports our first steps in understanding Halifax harbours carbon footprint on the path to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Others in the harbour are already taking proactive steps, such as the electrification of the ferries. The modelling we do will enable others to map their own path, provided they have sufficient data to engage and partner in deploying both biofuel, digital and future decarbonizing technologies, said Beth Mason, President & CEO, Verschuren Centre.

With Irving Shipbuildings support, the Verschuren Centre will work to test new technologies and share findings with Harbour partners to accelerate the path to net zero. This investment will go towards identifying the best biofuel technology for marine vessels, with three technologies currently identified for analysis and potential commercial use. These initiatives are crucial in achieving the emissions reduction targets of net zero by 2050, which aligns with the provincial and federal decarbonization goals.

(Left to right) Tharindu Suraweera-Arachchilage  Bio Manufacturing Scientist I, and Roger Gumbau-Brisa - Carbon Transformation Senior Scientist, analyzing data in the Verschuren Centre testing lab, Sydney, NS.

Our government knows that in order to better protect our environment and bring Canada to a net zero future by 2050, we need collective efforts. That is why Irving Shipyards investment in the Green Harbour Project, made under the National Shipbuilding Strategys Value Proposition, will help to make the Halifax Harbour cleaner and safer, while also helping us achieve our climate goals, said the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

The Green Harbour Project paves the way for a sustainable future, cutting the path to net zero for Canadian harbours and ensuring a better tomorrow for our future generations, Scott Lewis, Vice President, Commercial at the Verschuren Centre.

Initiatives like the Green Harbour Project are an important part of our collective efforts within the marine community to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable future, said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. Analyzing data, developing new technologies, measuring results and working with partners are all components in overall greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

We are pleased to mark World Oceans Day with this exciting new partnership with the Verschuren Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The Green Harbour Project is launched with $545,000 in foundational funding from Irving Shipbuilding. The project is focused on achieving net zero carbon emissions in Halifax Harbour by 2050 and will occur in several phases including data collection, research, and the potential deployment of new technologies. The National Shipbuilding Strategy is about more than just ships. Through our Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitment we are offsetting the value of purchases to build ships that we must make outside of Canada, with coast-to coast-to coast investments in Canada that advance the Blue Economy, research, and innovation, Aaron Plamondon, Director, Industrial Participation, Irving Shipbuilding.

About Irving Shipbuilding: Irving Shipbuilding is Canadas National Shipbuilder, selected in 2011 to build the new fleet of combat vessels to the Royal Canadian Navy. To date, three Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships (AOPS) have been delivered and a further three are underway. The company will also build two custom AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard before commencing the larger Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) Fleet. To date over $5.34 billion in investments have been made across Canada as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Our team of 2300 shipbuilders are proudly based in Halifax, NS and includes the largest team of apprentices in Atlantic Canada. www.shipsforcanada.ca

About Verschuren Centre Inc.: The Verschuren Centre Inc. is an independent clean technology development and deployment facility located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The goal of the Centre is to accelerate the transition to a green and circular economy, ultimately meeting net-zero targets in an efficient manner. The VC uses this focus to develop and scale sustainable solutions, connect cleantech innovation to industry, and accelerate decarbonization towards a net-zero future.

CONTACTS:Mary KeithVice President, CommunicationsIrving Shipbuilding [email protected] Office: 902-484-2435 | Cell: 506-650-8209 Lindsay BurnsManager of Net Zero PathwaysVerschuren Centre [email protected] 902-410-6217

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f08d9909-7b68-4155-b61f-0817e70b6815

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7bf30c4-287e-46c0-8891-cb3d87f4253e

A video accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1530d15-32a0-4c4c-9bff-b74915e8c029

Analyzing data in the Verschuren Centre testing lab, Sydney, NS (Left to right) Tharindu Suraweera-Arachchilage  Bio Manufacturing Scientist I, and Roger Gumbau-Brisa - Carbon Transformation Senior Scientist, analyzing data in the Verschuren Centre testing lab, Sydney, NS. Green Harbour Project The goal of the Green Harbour Project is to implement current and new technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and gas emissions and create opportunities for future reductions.

Source: J.D. Irving, Limited
NEW GLASGOW, Nova Scotia, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J.J. MacKay Canada Limited today announced that James MacKay has been named President as George MacKay enters retirement. James MacKay previously held the position of Vice President Sales.



Together, we have worked hand in hand the past 15 years to evolve the company and the product offerings that we have today. I am very proud of the commitment and tenacity that James has shown over the years in growing and promoting MacKay, and I am excited to see even more innovative products, create ever greater value to our customers across North America and around the world, said George MacKay.

Since joining the company in 2007, James has become the driving force behind many of MacKays unique offerings. Always listening to what customers are looking for, James has spearheaded the development of new hardware designs, improvements, and administered software enhancements. Most notably has been the new design and development of the mkBeacon parking meter and the MacKay Tango pay station.

I am honored to become President of our family business. I grew up in the parking industry so it is fitting that I am able to now lead our organization into its next evolution and continue its legacy, said James MacKay. I remain committed to providing quality services and innovative solutions that our customers have come to know and expect from MacKay.

Although stepping down from the daily operation and role of President that George MacKay has held for over forty (40) years, he will continue as a member of the Board of Directors. Technology has brought many changes to parking. James is passionate about the possibilities that technology brings to the industry and has a vision for the future. I really appreciate the great work done by our incredible people during my time leading MacKay and I am confident that our growth will only accelerate in the years to come under James leadership, said George MacKay.

About J.J. MacKay Canada Limited:

J.J. MacKay Canada Limited is a Nova Scotia based company and an industry leader in the manufacture and supply of innovative parking equipment and parking solutions. We have been providing our parking products, services and solutions to Canadian, US, and international clients for over 60 years. The parking IT solutions we provide include traditional client/server applications with associated databases installed at our client sites, as well as products that require customized software development, mobile applications, web based (remote) applications and client data hosting. Our web site is https://mackaymeters.com

For additional information, contact:

James MacKay, President

Tel: 1-888-462-2529 x 295

Email: [email protected]
TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifeist Wellness Inc. (Lifeist or the Company) (TSXV: LFST) (FRANKFURT: M5B) (OTCMKTS: LFSWF), a health-tech company that leverages advancements in science and technology to build breakthrough companies that transform human wellness, is pleased to announce the highly successful launch of its premium multi-pack cannabis concentrate offerings in British Columbia through its Canadian cannabis business unit, CannMart Inc. (CannMart). The introduction of Roilty Shatter multipacks in April resulted in exceptional sales, with over 3,000 units sold.

Our successful launch in British Columbia further solidifies Roiltys trajectory of robust growth, building upon its accomplishments in Ontario, Canada's largest provincial cannabis market," said Daniel Stern, CEO of CannMart. Discerning consumers in BC highly value the convenience and value proposition of Roilty's multi-packs. Renowned for its exceptional quality and dedication to crafting top-notch concentrates, Roilty has garnered significant recognition. The strong reception and demand for Roilty's multi-pack offerings are a testament to our ability to meet consumer preferences and drive growth within the cannabis market. The early accomplishment in BC paves the way for future expansions and the introduction of exciting products in other regions.

In the British Columbia market, Roilty exclusively offers concentrate SKUs, achieving a significant 44% store penetration without the support of complementary distillate vape products. Over the past 30 days, the brand has experienced a remarkable 22% increase in points of distribution. The highly anticipated launch of Roilty's multi-pack, featuring Catacomb Kush 0.5G and The Mountain Kush 0.5G shatters in a single package, was met with tremendous success, with stock selling out in less than four weeks contributing to the province's average month-over-month growth of 26%. The multi-packs provide convenience and variety, catering to diverse preferences and offering individuals an opportunity to explore different cannabis experiences in a single package.

The success of this multi-pack offering in the province of British Columbia is mirrored in the release of the same formats in Ontario. Initially the province took on a single multi-pack through the OCS flow-through model which allows for retailers to order directly from a licensed producer. The model allows stores to curate their in-store product mix more effectively for their consumer's needs. The OCS has taken on more multi-packs from Roilty, increasing the SKU count to 6 multi-packs by the end of Q3 2023, including 4 general list products, and 2 flow-through offerings. The strong performance in both British Columbia and Ontario has contributed to increasing gross margins for CannMart and improved overall profitability for Lifeist.

About Lifeist Wellness Inc.

Sitting at the forefront of the post-pandemic wellness revolution, Lifeist leverages advancements in science and technology to build breakthrough companies that transform human wellness. Portfolio business units include: CannMart, which operates a B2B wholesale distribution business facilitating recreational cannabis sales to Canadian provincial government control boards including for CannMart Labs, a BHO extraction facility producing high margin cannabis 2.0 products; Australian Vapes, one of Australias largest online retailers of vaporizers and accessories; and Mikra, a biosciences and consumer wellness company developing and selling innovative therapies for cellular health.

Information on Lifeist and its businesses can be accessed through the links below:

www.lifeist.comhttps://cannmart.comhttps://www.roilty.cohttps://wearemikra.com/www.australianvaporizers.com.au

ContactsMeni Morim, Lifeist Wellness Inc., CEOPh: 647-362-0390Email: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not historical in nature contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as may, expect, likely, should, would, plan, anticipate, intend, potential, proposed, estimate, believe or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will happen.

The forward-looking information contained herein, including, without limitation, statements related to expectations relating to Roiltys general growth prospects in other provinces, are made as of the date of this news release and is based on assumptions management believed to be reasonable at the time such statements were made, including without limitation, expectations that Roiltys sales will remain strong and the increased product offering in Ontario will be approved by the OCS and available for purchase by consumers as anticipated. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. Such factors include, without limitation: the failure to develop and launch for sale the said SKUs as anticipated and in a timely manner, Roilty failing to continue to achieve anticipated sales levels and risks relating to the Companys ability to execute its business strategy and the benefits realizable therefrom. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Companys current MD&A filed under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Source: Lifeist Wellness Inc.

Source: Lifeist Wellness Inc.
WASHINGTON and TULSA, Okla., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The LRS-Hill Joint Venture, LLC announced today it was awarded an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDC) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Tulsa District to provide the full spectrum of A-E support services for potential projects throughout USACE Tulsas area of operations. The contract has a duration of five years with a total possible consultant fee revenue of $25 million.

LRS-Hill is joined by team firms Stanley Consultants, Inc., Terracon Consultants, Inc., Poole Fire Protection, OCMI Inc., and Midland Surveying and Mapping. This team offers to USACE Tulsa the depth and breadth of expertise to support any conceivable assignment under IDC, including multiple, concurrent assignments.

Under the IDC, LRS-Hill may be called upon to provide onsite reviews of contractor-submitted shop drawings and submittals for conformance with the approved plans and specifications; daily onsite evaluations of construction methods and materials; onsite interpretations of plans and specifications; daily evaluations of jobsite safety, onsite evaluation of construction progress; and daily onsite evaluations of construction for conformance with applicable building codes.

The Tulsa Districts mission is expansive, and includes ongoing projects related to flood control along the Red and Arkansas Rivers, among other waterways; military construction at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), Vance AFB, Altus AFB, Sheppard AFB, Fort Sill, and the McAlester Army Ammunition Plan in Oklahoma. They have also helped to construct numerous civil, navigation, water safety, recreation, dam safety, and hydroelectric projects as well. USACE Tulsa operates within Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.

LRS Federal CEO Sean Logan explained, LRS was founded to serve clients exactly like USACE Tulsa with a diverse mission over a wide geographic area. The LRS-Hill JV has the breadth and depth to answer any support that USACE may have.

Hill International First Vice President, Federal Programs Ed Newman said of the award, The Tulsa District requires a capable and deep team of A-E support professionals to support their missions, and LRS-Hill built our team to deliver expertise of any type at any time. Were ready to support the District as needed.

About LRS Federal

LRS Federal, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with headquarters outside Annapolis, Maryland, supports Federal healthcare and facilities projects nationwide with a focus on construction management, engineering, environmental services, green energy initiatives, and program/project management support. To learn more about LRS Federal, visit LRS Federal.com.

LRS Federal 565 Benfield Road | Suite 400 Severna Park, MD 21146 Tom Scott, PMP President (410) 544-3570 x317 [email protected]

About Hill International

Hill International, with more than 3,200 professionals in over 100 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management, project management oversight, advisory, dispute resolution, facilities management, and other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News- Record magazine recently ranked Hill as one of the largest construction management firms in the United States. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com.

Hill is exclusively a program, project, and construction management provider, meaning we have one focus as a company: protecting client interests. Free of any potential conflicts, our entire business is geared towards helping clients achieve their desired outcomes. We are dedicated to exceeding expectations throughout the entire construction project lifecycle and adapt to the needs of each assignment to develop tailored approaches and solutions to meet those needs.

Hill is a proud member of the Global Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. family of companies. Learn more about GISI at www.gisi.com.

Hill International, Inc. Elizabeth J. Zipf, LEED AP BD+C Senior Vice President (215) 309-7707 [email protected]

Source: Hill International, Inc.
NEW YORK, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mount Sinai Health System today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center, located at 45 Rivington Street in Lower Manhattan. Click here to watch a video and learn more about the new Center.

The $140 million facilitybelieved to be the largest private investment in mental health care in New York State historywill transform behavioral health care in New York City by serving as a comprehensive one-stop shop for mental health care, substance use treatment, and primary care.

Mount Sinai leaders were joined at the event by Ann Marie T. Sullivan, MD, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH); Zoraida Diaz, Downstate District Director, Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS); Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine; and New York City Council Members Carlina Rivera and Christopher Marte, among others.

We believe everyone should have access to the care they need in a setting that is convenient, supportive, and purpose-builtand that is exactly what the Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center provides for New Yorkers," said Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. This Center brings our existing behavioral health offerings downtown together and expands our services, ensuring our patients have the high-quality care they deserve, directly in the communities where they live and work.

We are immensely proud to open the Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center, which represents a monumental step forward for both behavioral health care and health innovation in New York City, said Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs of the Mount Sinai Health System. This new facility will help change the lives of thousands of patients and introduce a new model of comprehensive care that will improve the entire field of behavioral health for decades to come.

The new center features a robust, integrated continuum of behavioral health services all under one roof. In addition to inpatient care, it will provide critically needed intensive outpatient and crisis services, including a Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, and one of New York States first Intensive Crisis Residences. The Intensive Crisis Residence is a short-term therapeutic residence in a home-like setting for people experiencing acute mental health crises that are not severe enough to require hospitalization. It can also serve as a step-down from an acute hospital stay to help patients transition more safely back into the community. At the new center, general outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment services are integrated with primary care services, providing seamless access and comprehensive care for our communities overall health needs.

In addition, the Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center will serve as a hub for innovation, continually expanding and improving behavioral health services available in New York City. By bringing these services under one roof and adding critical new programs, this center will offer a full continuum of care, an integrated process to coordinate care, and a seamless system to access other specialized behavioral health services across the Mount Sinai Health System.

This new facility will address some of the critical gaps in behavioral health services that New Yorkers downtown currently face, giving them access to the care they need when and where they need it, said Grant Mitchell, MD, Chair of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. By expanding the services offered at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, this new behavioral health center will ensure we continue to provide the excellent care our patients deserve.

Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Centers transformation of the current system for behavioral health treatment goes hand in hand with basic and clinical research. The new center is part of Mount Sinais Department of Psychiatry, a national leader in basic and clinical research with $59 million in grant funding in 2022, more than 40 labs, 130 research faculty members, and 15 major research centers. All patients of the Center will have the opportunity to participate in research and clinical trials that contribute to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge and care. These trials provide early and exclusive access to innovative therapeutic approaches that could have beneficial, life-changing outcomes.

The facility means dedicated space and resources for the Department of Psychiatry and behavioral health across the Health System, says Rene S. Kahn, MD, PhD, Esther and Joseph Klingenstein Professor of Psychiatry at Icahn Mount Sinai and Chair of Psychiatry for the Mount Sinai Health System. That means we can focus our extensive academic, clinical, and training expertise on developing a research program, delivering quality care to our patients, and launching new programs and approaches for treatment.

A key tenet of the Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center is a commitment to treat all patients and families with dignity, compassion, and respect. This commitment to providing an outstanding patient experience extends to the warm, healing environment created inside the building. The tall ceilings, abundant natural light, artwork, and outdoor courtyard are designed to create a sense of peace and calm. Welcome rooms, recovery areas, and therapy spaces facilitate dignity and wellness for patients.

The new Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center is a welcome addition to New Yorks behavioral healthcare system. In addition to New York Citys first Intensive Crisis Residence, the Center will also improve access to a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services and integrate primary care into mental health and substance use treatments, all in one location. Congratulations to Mount Sinai for this important addition to their health care system, said Dr. Sullivan, the OMH Commissioner.

This new facility removes barriers to critical services and ensures that individuals seeking treatment have one-stop access to person-centered comprehensive services in a comfortable, supportive environment, said Chinazo Cunningham, MD, Commissioner of OASAS. We are committed to developing and strengthening integrated models of care to help improve outcomes across the populations we serve."

The Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center is part of Mount Sinais innovative effort to transform care downtown. To date, Mount Sinai has invested more than $1 billion in its downtown network that includes building a network of 20 outpatient and ambulatory care facilities below 34th Street to provide comprehensive care throughout downtown Manhattan.

Lendlease provided construction management services for the renovation of the late-1800s building into the new Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center.

About the Mount Sinai Health SystemMount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 43,000 employees working across eight hospitals, over 400 outpatient practices, nearly 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advanced health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time  discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it.

Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 7,300 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. We are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals, receiving high "Honor Roll" status, and are highly ranked: No. 1 in Geriatrics and top 20 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Urology. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 12 in Ophthalmology. U.S. News & World Reports Best Childrens Hospitals ranks Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital among the countrys best in several pediatric specialties.For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Media Contact: Elizabeth Dowling Mount Sinai Press Office 347-541-0212 [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7c8a587-8c44-40dd-9805-4d3178c4a6b6

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center Opening Mount Sinai Health System celebrates new Mount Sinai-Behavioral Health Center, Thursday, June 8, 2023, in New York.

Source: Mount Sinai Health System
MERIDIAN, Idaho, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mountain America Credit Union is hosting a public grand opening for its new branch in Meridian, Idaho. The event will provide a variety of family-friendly activities including food, shaved ice, outdoor games, face painting and guests can enter to win a Bakcou electric scooter.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on the image or link below:

Known as the Ten Mile branch, the welcoming and inviting atmosphere promotes a positive member experience for visitors. During the grand opening, members and the public can tour the new building. Branch staff also plan to answer questions and assist new members with financial products like checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, and a variety of other services.

A branch is more than just a building; it is an investment in a community, said Sterling Nielsen, Mountain America Credit Unions president and chief executive officer. Our staff are here to make a difference in the lives of each member who walks through those doors by giving a personalized experience that cant be surpassed by the most sophisticated of electronic services.

The new Meridian Ten Mile branch is located at 6161 N. Ten Mile Road. The lobby and drive-through are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

My team and I are thrilled to serve the residents of Meridian in such a vibrant, growing area, said Tiffany Vincent, branch manager at Mountain America Credit Union. Meridian is at the center of the Treasure Valley, and its our privilege to offer exceptional experiences while helping members achieve their financial dreams.

Vincent began her credit union career in Nampa, Idaho over ten years ago. As branch manager, she is responsible for training and developing team members and ensuring that the team executes the credit unions mission of helping members define and achieve their financial dreams.

The new branch provides traditional savings accounts, insurance, investments, auto and RV loans, and a full array of mortgage loans and services. As a federally chartered credit union, Mountain America provides an additional broad assortment of services including real estate and business lending.

To learn more about Mountain America Credit Union, visit https://www.macu.com/accounts.

Mountain America is insured by NCUA. Membership is required-based on eligibility. Loans on approved credit. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID 462815.

About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $16 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile-banking technology, over 100 branches across six states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain Americaguiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.

macu.com/newsroom

Source: Mountain America Credit Union
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ThoughtSpot, the AI-Powered analytics company, will host a Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp for high school students at No-Cost for a 3rd time in the Fall of 2023. The AI Bootcamp in Mountain View will be targeted at underserved high school students (9th-12th grade) and will introduce these high school students to basic AI concepts and skills.

ThoughtSpot is one of 28+ host companies selected to host camps across the US in Fall 2023.

The ThoughtSpot Bootcamp will be held over four consecutive Saturdays starting on October 14th and ending on November 4th .The bootcamp will run each Saturday from 11-3pm PT and if accepted, high school students must commit to attending all 4 sessions.

The student and parent application are now open at markcubanai.org/thoughtspotpr. Students do not need any prior experience with computer science, programming, or robotics to apply and attend.

With AI being a relevant topic on many news sources, students will learn what artificial intelligence is and is not, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, and the ethical implications of AI systems including but not limited to TikTok recommendations, smart home assistants, facial recognition, and self-driving cars to name a few. Participants will also learn how Large Language Models like ChatGPT are changing life as we know it by answering questions, telling original stories, and even writing computer code.

Students will benefit from volunteer corporate mentor instructors who are knowledgeable about AI, ML and data science and able to help students quickly understand material normally taught at a collegiate level. As part of the 4-hour curriculum, students will work with open source tools each day to build their own AI applications related to Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Generative AI.

The Mark Cuban Foundation provides the bootcamps curriculum materials, trains corporate volunteer mentors, and recruits and scores applications for local student selected to attend camp. In addition, the Mark Cuban Foundation and ThoughtSpot work together to provide food, transportation, and access to laptops for students at no-cost throughout the duration of Bootcamp.

It was a lot of fun, I learned things I didn't even know were possible with A.I. and their real-world applications showed me just how much it will change our world." - Brandon B., 10th Grade, 2022 AI Bootcamp Participant

Founded by Mark Cuban in 2019, the AI Bootcamp initiative has hosted no-cost AI bootcamps for students across several US cities, including Dallas, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Atlantic City to name a few. The Mark Cuban Foundation has impacted 900+ students to date and has a goal to increase that number year over year.

Students interested in applying to the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp should do so before Friday, September 8th, 2023 at markcubanai.org/thoughtspotpr. To see our 2023 camp locations and to learn more about the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamps, please visit markcubanai.org/faq.

Contact: Carli Lidiak, Mark Cuban Foundation

Phone: 309-840-0348

Email: [email protected]

Source: Mark Cuban Foundation
 Transforms Process Automation for Business Users 

SAN FRANCISCO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pipefy, the global industry leader in no-code process automation, today announced the upcoming release of Pipefy AI, a first-of-its-kind technology that combines artificial intelligence with Pipefys no-code process management and automation platform. Pipefy AI enhances process management efforts by delivering crucial data insights and accelerating the speed at which processes can be built. The result is better decision-making and greater operational efficiency throughout the enterprise.

Pipefy AI harnesses the power of OpenAI and GPT-4 to enhance data analysis and help teams model and optimize any type of process.

By combining artificial intelligence with Pipefys process management platform, we are taking no-code to the next level and enabling users to access new data analysis and process efficiency features, said Alessio Alionco, CEO of Pipefy. In a matter of seconds, Pipefy AI can help business leaders and their teams detect trends, uncover root causes, and automate their processes, easier and faster than ever before.

With Pipefy AI, users will be able to ask any question about their current processes or data sets and receive an answer in seconds. To complement its data analysis capabilities, Pipefy AI also helps users complete a wide range of previously manual tasks.

Another core component of Pipefy AI is its ability to create custom processes based on the parameters and requirements set by the requester. Its goal is to build the most efficient version of the users process for them, every time. Users simply tell the AI what kind of process or workflow they need, what kinds of data they want to collect, and any other characteristics theyd like it to have  Pipefy AI does the rest.

Pipefy AI demonstrates the evolution of the Pipefy platform to keep pace with changing business needs and advances in technology, added Alionco. Pipefy AI fulfills the promise of no-code, which is to make it easier for everyone in the business to work smarter and faster, and make better decisions every day. Its about providing process optimization capabilities for everyone, so that businesses can achieve process efficiency everywhere.

Pipefy AI will become available to current Pipefy users in the coming weeks. Those wanting to experience Pipefy AI can join the waitlist to be notified when the features are available.

About Pipefy

Pipefy is the no-code process automation platform that increases team productivity and efficiency, centralizes data, and standardizes processes for teams in IT, Finance, HR, Customer Operations, and more. Through its workflow automation and no-code framework, Pipefy helps businesses achieve operational efficiency and process excellence for every team in every department.

Headquartered in Curitiba, Brazil and San Francisco, Pipefy is used in more than 215 countries by leading enterprises such as Visa, IBM, Volvo, Santander, and Kraft Heinz. Among its many recognitions, Pipefy was named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing companies in North America, in November 2022.

For more media information, contact:Lisa Hendrickson, LCH Communications for Pipefy[email protected]516-643-1642

Source: Pipefy
ADS ADS

The stars have aligned again. In the furthest reaches of expressive watchmaking, artistry and innovation have crossed celestial paths once more as Roger Dubuis and Dr. Woo continue their cosmic journey in design. Like the vast space beyond our world, inspiration has been limitless , allowing two traditional crafts to be fused into a single bold creation.

Introducing the Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier

Following an astonishing Monotourbillon release in 2021, this is the second dedicated launch between these two partners. This time, the iconic tattoo artist Dr. Woo steps back into Roger Dubuis most important room, the Manufacture itself, to lend his skilful touch to the Excalibur Monobalancier. In 2022, this renowned timepiece was recrafted and reshaped with clean-cut lines along the case and movement, and a palette of modern materials, turning it into the perfect playground for the Maisons collaboration with its Urban Culture Tribe. Through exceptional skill and watchmaking ingenuity, the Excalibur Monobalancier is now the ultimate canvas for creativity.

For Dr. Woo, the inspiration heads towards complex surfaces of ceramic, where time moves between the forces of sun, Earth and moon.

Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier  Roger Dubuis

A Shared Spirit

With the invention of Hyper Horology, Roger Dubuis has continually sought to upturn the rules, and drive traditional watchmaking into a contemporary new era through daring craftsmanship, performance, and innovation.

Likewise, Dr. Woo is a master of his art and a respected name within the urban culture scene. Having tattooed for some of the biggest names in the world of celebrity and beyond, he has always brought purposeful expression to his work. His signature style is a striking deviation from the heavy lines and bright colours of traditional tattooing, and his distinctive ultra-fine style has transformed not only the imagery, but also the culture of his craft, as he envisions an exciting space to grow and develop.

Together, Roger Dubuis and Dr. Woo are the perfect companions for design exploration. Attention to detail is paramount. Progress is essential.

A Galaxy in Motion

The voyage into this powerful Monobalancier watch begins on the dial, where three celestial bodies take centre stage. Between 10 and 11 oclock, youll find the fiery rotation of the sun, laser-engraved with meticulous lines, shapes, and dots on a PVD black brass plate. Covering the calibres micro-rotor, the plate is in constant motion, churning quickly and hypnotically as the wearer moves their wrist.

Next is the Earth. Covering the barrel, between 4 and 5 oclock, this revolving energy source is once again embellished with Dr. Woos delicate art and is ingeniously linked to the turning of the watchs hands. This allows the disc to complete one peaceful turn every 6 hours and 40 minutes (or 3.6 rotations per day).

Finally, the design journey passes via the moon. A slender crescent at 8 oclock, adorned in fine circles and lines, and beautifully revealing the inner workings of the balance wheel beneath. The wondrous sliver of light represents a waning crescent moon, a meaningful time associated with intuition and understanding.

As if staring into the night sky, this fantastic vision of spiralling components has a transfixing quality that will captivate the wearer for hours. The theme is further replicated on the caseback, where the sun, Earth, and moon have been inscribed alongside Dr. Woos own name.

Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier  Roger Dubuis

A New Trajectory

Other symbols play a prominent role too. One that needs no introduction is the signature spider of Dr. Woo, positioned between 2 and 3 oclock. This secret passenger was already on board in the first Edition released in 2021. Now, the spider returns, this time engraved in black on a sapphire disc inside the watch, positioned on the flange. Its a motif of strength and protection that gives each of these timepieces a solid connection to the artist.

Continuing further, the inside sapphire disc is also radiantly engraved with a gold metallised Roger Dubuis astral star  reinterpreted through this unique collaboration. It symbolizes the cosmic journey of the 3D carved rocket ship, which began in the first Limited Edition timepiece, and now explores a new galaxy around the sun, Earth, and moon. Not only do the points of the star connect with pink gold-tone hour markers, but the final beam at 9 oclock completes its trajectory, which hurtles towards an unknown but promising future. Where next? We can only imagine.

In His Words

Talking about the new Monobalancier timepiece, Dr. Woo says, Within this design, we were able to contemplate the way time moves in our galaxy, as our own SolarSystem is such an incredible place of enduring rhythms and shifting patterns. With their one-of-a-kind Hyper Horology approach, Roger Dubuis delivered a truly powerful and innovative platform for our creativity to flow.

Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier  Roger Dubuis

Mastering Ceramic

The new Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier is housed within a sleek black ceramic case. While most watchmakers will adapt their ceramic cases to suit the material, Roger Dubuis has achieved the opposite. In a display of true prowess, the Maison has refused to compromise on its sharp case shape and has manipulated the difficult material so that it conforms to the exact structure desired.

While this process takes 15 times longer than crafting the same case from gold, its a painstaking task that has multiple benefits for the wearer. Hyper-resistant to daily scratches and refusing to tarnish over time, Roger Dubuis ceramic timepieces are a sublime combination of durability and style.

This 42mm ceramic case is engraved with Dr. Woos symbolic language. From sharp triangles that bounce forth from the ground, to full circles that represent infinite human connection, his enigmatic iconography surrounds the bezel and flange. Open to its own interpretation, the distinctive array of geometric symbols is curious and compelling, and is also stamped on the calf-skin leather strap. To enable personal creativity to shine, the strap features a versatile quick release system, enabling the wearer to switch it in seconds.

The Iconic Excalibur Monobalancier Calibre

The Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier is powered by the automatic RD720SQ - a calibre already well-known for its performance. The micro-rotor, covered by the sun, is designed to minimise vibrations, while the remarkable inertia of its balance wheel maximises stability and reduces its sensitivity to shocks. The advanced mechanics of the diamond-coated silicon escapement wheel, paired with diamond-coated silicon pallet-stones, ensure an impressive 72 hours of power reserve, bringing even more practicality and comfort to the wearer.

Complying with the ultra-respected Poincon de Geneve certification, the Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier is designed like a contemporary work of art. Every single component is finished by hand, highlighting an exceptional standard of skill and passion.

Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier  Roger Dubuis

The Art of Permanence

Like the meeting of ink on skin, this is a watch of permanent significance. An enduring reminder to chase every horizon and to live every hour as if it has no bounds. The Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier is a rare piece of stardust in theworld of Hyper Horology. Limited to just 28 pieces, it is instantly collectible and provides the opportunity to share in a truly unique collaboration.
DENVER, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pax8, the leading cloud commerce marketplace, welcomes Redstor, a global leader in cloud backup and recovery that will revolutionize Managed Service Providers (MSPs) backup offerings. Redstors AI-powered cloud backup solution guarantees MSPs instant recovery of files across cloud infrastructure, SaaS business apps like M365, Google Workspace, Salesforce and Quickbooks, as well as on-prem data, while eliminating the need for hardware and mitigating against cyber risks. Redstor helps MSPs fuel growth, improve operational efficiency and reduce risk through its software which is uniquely built for the cloud and engineered to scale rapidly with product-led growth at its core.

Data loss can be catastrophic for any business, said Ryan Burton, Vice President of Product Strategy at Pax8. We are excited to partner with Redstor to arm our partners with an incredibly robust backup solution to safeguard their customers most valuable asset  their data.

Redstor, with offices in the, US, UK and South Africa, boasts an enviable reputation for delivering robust, category-leading backup solutions to the channel. Consistently ranked on G2.com as a leader across 16 categories including online backup and DRaaS, Redstor helps MSPs to drive market-leading revenue retention and enhanced margins.

Were seeing unprecedented demand for our software, especially around the protection of M365, Google Workspace, QuickBooks Online and Azure VM environments. Recognizing the need for superior solutions, we built better, refusing to settle for mediocrity, commented James Griffin, CEO, Redstor. We are relentless in our belief that everything can always be improved. The Pax8 partnership further expands our ability to bring a smarter backup product to the thousands of global MSPs who need and deserve a better solution to the protection of modern workloads.

Redstor empowers Pax8 partners to:

Fuel Growth: Tap into new revenue streams by protecting critical applications and workloads such as Azure VMs, Salesforce, QuickBooks and Xero, all with 30-day free end user trials.

Optimize Efficiency: Manage all customers and the protection of their data from a single app, instantly recover customer data from the cloud and benefit from seamless billing integration with Pax8.

Reduce Risk: Leverage AI-powered malware detection and data tagging and classification to enable safe recovery from cyber-attacks and help identify sensitive and business critical data.

This breakthrough partnership further amplifies Pax8's expansive marketplace, providing MSPs with a comprehensive suite of solutions to overcome today's most daunting data protection challenges.

To learn more about Pax8 and Redstor, please visit www.pax8.com.

About Pax8Pax8 is the worlds favorite cloud marketplace for IT professionals to buy, sell, and manage best-in-class technology solutions. Pioneering the future of modern business, Pax8 has cloud-enabled more than 400,000 enterprises through its channel partners and processes one million monthly transactions. Pax8s award-winning technology enables managed service providers (MSPs) to accelerate growth, increase efficiency, and reduce risk so their businesses can thrive. The innovative company has ranked in the Inc. 5000 for five years in a row. Join the revolution at pax8.com.

Follow Pax8 on Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube

About RedstorRedstor offers MSPs the smartest backup and recovery platform along with leading sales, marketing and technical support. Built for the cloud and fast to scale, the Redstor platform unifies the protection of cloud infrastructure, SaaS business applications and on-prem data via a single app (RedApp), delivering market-leading revenue retention, bigger margins, and simple pricing to MSPs.

Follow Redstor on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter

Pax8 Media Contact:Melissa Gallegos, Communications Director[email protected]

Redstor Media Contact: Gareth Case, CMO [email protected]

Source: Pax8
NEW YORK, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of Eqonex Limited f/k/a Diginex Limited (OTC: EQOSQ) securities between March 7, 2022 and November 29, 2022, both dates inclusive (the Class Period) and/or unregistered securities between April 8, 2021 and April 20, 2023 (the Unregistered Securities Class Period) (collectively, the Classes), of the important June 20, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline.



SO WHAT: If you purchased EQONEX securities during the Class Period and/or unregistered securities (including EQO Tokens) between April 8, 2021 and April 20, 2023 you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the EQONEX class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=15304 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 20, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants were not interested in leveraging the EQONEX Exchange or deploying resources to strengthen that technology; (2) EQONEX had no way of paying Bifinity, a payments technology company affiliated with Binance, back pursuant to the loan agreement; (3) defendants had no intention of consummating a merger between EQONEX and Bifinity or Binance; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the EQONEX class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=15304 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com
Toronto, Ontario, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Sunday, June 11, 2023, TVO Today Live is heading to Ottawa for a special on-stage conversation with the renowned comedian Samantha Bee. She has earned an international following as the host of Full Frontal and a correspondent on The Daily Show. In what promises to be a memorable event, Bee with discuss the pivotal role late-night comedians play in politics.

The free public event will take place at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Steve Paikin of TVO Todays The Agenda will lead a discussion on Bees comedy, career and the unique political moment happening now in Canada and the United States. Eventbrite registration for this event has nearly sold out.

Samantha Bee is rightly renowned as an Emmy-winning comedian, says John Ferri, VP of Programming and Content at TVO. But like all great satirists, her work is anchored in an astute understanding of culture and politics. In her case, that understanding encompasses both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.

TVO will broadcast a recording of this conversation on Thursday, June 15 at 9 pm ET and it will also be available on The Agendas YouTube channel earlier the same day. Visit the TVO Today Live series page to get the latest information and sign up for email updates.

TVO Today Live is made possible through generous support from The Wilson Foundation, whose mission is to strengthen and enrich Canada in education leadership, community, history and heritage, and public service. Events take place in communities across the province and feature conversations with community leaders and experts to inspire civic engagement.

Politics & Punchlines: A Conversation with Samantha BeeSunday, June 11, 2023Doors: 4:30 pm Event begins: 5 pmCarleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre290 Lisgar StreetOttawa, OntarioRSVP: Eventbrite

Media contact: Andrea MacBeth [email protected]

- 30 -

ABOUT TVO MEDIA EDUCATION GROUPTVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through video, audio, games, courses, newsletters and articles, were investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. Funded primarily by the Province of Ontario, TVO is a registered charity supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. For more information, visit TVO.me, TVO.org and TVOkids.com.

Stream TVO on your favourite device.Sign up to receive TVO media releases by email.

Media contact:

Andrea MacBethDirector, Corporate CommunicationsTVO [email protected]

Social:

Twitter: @TheAgenda Facebook: @TheAgenda Instagram: @TheAgendaTVO YouTube: @TheAgenda

Andrea MacBeth TVO [email protected]

Source: TVO
MANALAPAN, N.J., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sun Pacific Holding Corp. (Other OTC: SNPW) announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sun Pacific Power Corp (SPPC) has executed an exclusive contract to purchase and distribute solar panels in the USA on behalf of its partner GEP New Energy Co. Ltd. This contract is set up for a 2-year period to support our new marketing and distribution program. SNPW will launch its own product production at our 1.2GW manufacturing facility. The GEP Energy contract can cover excess orders while we prepare our new solar manufacturing facility and it is ready to launch operations.

Nicholas Campanella, CEO of Sun Pacific Holding Corp, stated, While we recently started our sales and marketing campaign, we felt we had a need to be prepared with inventory for our USA sales while we wait to build out our own factory.

We have structured a 2-year exclusive agreement with GEP New Energy which will also help us as we prepare for our own factory. The GEP New Energy plan will help bring new technology such as Bi-Facial panels including Perc and Topcon in conjunction with technical expertise to our new factory we are working to develop with Pt.IDN technical team.

We plan to bring over 5MW of solar panels to be housed in NJ and CA for sales and distribution to EPC contractors that we are working with and for our own use on developing projects. Our first order will roughly start us with 18 containers for CA and NJ which will provide a better logistical distribution opportunity.

Mr. Campanella further added, We are working with our sales and marketing using various products including GEP New Energy panels and then we will have them for additional OEM products in excess of our 1.2GW plant. This way we will not be so limited in our launch and be able to meet the growing USA demand for advanced solar power products. 

About Sun Pacific Holding Corp.

Sun Pacific Holding Corp. (Other OTC: SNPW) uses management's knowledge and experience to serve its customers and now its shareholders through quality service and equipment, working to keep customers satisfied, and by doing our part in protecting the environment with smart green technology. For more information, visit www.sunpacificholding.com.

About GEP New Energy Co Ltd.

GEP (Vietnam) New Energy Co., Ltd. Produces high-efficiency solar cells and solar photovoltaic modules, with a factory based in 18A-, Zone B, Guiwu 3rd Industrial Zone, Fuliang Community, Guiwu District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam.

A fully automatic high-efficiency PV Module Production Line, covering an area of 25 acres of land.

GEP (Vietnam) New Energy introduces the most advanced photovoltaic manufacturing equipment in China and abroad, and brings together highly qualified professional and technical personnel and management elites in the solar energy industry.

GEP-Solar has passed the ISO9001 Quality Management System Certification, ISO14001 Environmental Management System Certification, OHSAS45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification, and gets the title of Jiangsu Hi-Tech enterprise. The PV modules produced by GEP-Solar are listed in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of People's Republic of China. Ultra-thin and high efficiency Double Glass panels developed by the company have been awarded the certificate of Jiangsu new and high-tech product.

Our automatic workshop has been awarded the title of Zhenjiang intelligent workshop. At the same time, the company's series of products through UL, TUV, CE, CB, CQC, CEC, PVCYCLE, CQC, PV leader, Salt fog Test, anti PID test and other products certifications.

The goal of GEP Solar is to create itself as "The pioneer of Solar Green Energy".

https://www.gep-newenergy.com/contact.html

Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future expansion or financial results) and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's OTC Markets filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and other similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the company. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

IR ContactSun Pacific Holding Corp345 Highway 9 South Suite 388Manalapan, NJ 07726Phone: +1 (888) 845-0242 Email: [email protected]

Source: Sun Pacific Holding Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. (Terra or the Company) (CSE:TERA) has agreed to settle outstanding debt in the amount of CDN$77,923 (the Debt) owing to an arms length creditor by issuing an aggregate of 916,749 common shares in the capital of the Company (the Common Shares) at a price of $0.085 per Common Share (the Shares for Debt Transaction). The Board of Directors has determined it is in the best interests of the Company to settle the outstanding Debt by the issuance of the Common Shares in order to preserve the Companys cash for ongoing operations.

Closing of the Shares for Debt Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and intends to close as soon as practicable. The Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Shares for Debt Transaction will be subject to a hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day from the date of issuance.

About the CompanyTerra Balcanica is a polymetallic exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, 100% of the Kaludra and Ceovishte mineral exploration licences in Serbia. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety and environmental management.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terra Balcanica Resources Corp.

Aleksandar (Alex) MiskovicPresident and CEO

For further information, please contact [email protected], or visit our website at www.terrabresources.com.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively forward-looking statements). The use of any of the words will, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Source: Terra Balcanica Resources Corp.
US$22 million transaction, including minimal US$1.5 million cash component, expected to be immediately accretive on an EBITDA and cashflow basis

8,500 square foot dispensary located in close proximity to Delaware, with no other dispensaries within a 25-mile radius

TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TerrAscend Corp. ("TerrAscend" or the "Company") (CSE: TER) (OTCQX: TRSSF), a leading North American cannabis operator, today announced that on June 7, 2023 it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Derby 1, LLC (d/b/a Peninsula Alternative Health), a medical dispensary in Maryland. The transaction will add a second dispensary to the Companys Maryland footprint in advance of adult-use sales, which will begin on July 1, 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, TerrAscend will acquire Peninsula Alternative Health (Peninsula) for total consideration of US$22.1 million (the "Transaction"), including US$1.5 million in cash, with the remainder in a combination of existing debt, a sellers note, and stock. The transaction, which is expected to be immediately accretive to TerrAscend on an EBITDA and cashflow basis, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

Peninsula Alternative Health is one of the highest performing medical dispensaries in Maryland with a net revenue run rate in 2023 of approximately US$14 million. Strategically located near the Delaware border in Salisbury, Maryland, this 8,500 square foot dispensary has no direct competitor within a 25-mile radius. TerrAscend expects to achieve significant sales and margin improvement by supplying a complete selection of its high-quality brands including Kind Tree, Gage, Cookies and Wana. Following the close of the Transaction, TerrAscend's retail footprint will increase to 35 dispensaries nationwide.

Adding a second, high-performing medical dispensary in Maryland is an important step in our strategy to become a market leader in the state, said Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of TerrAscend. We expect Peninsula to quickly become one of our highest performing dispensaries nationwide. With less than 30 days until the launch of adult use in Maryland, we are focused on additional acquisitions and reaching the four-dispensary cap as our northeast business unit will soon be operating in Maryland under the same successful business model we built in NJ.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About TerrAscendTerrAscend is a leading North American cannabis operator with vertically integrated operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan and California and retail operations in Canada. TerrAscend operates The Apothecarium and Gage dispensary retail locations as well as scaled cultivation, processing, and manufacturing facilities in its core markets. TerrAscend's cultivation and manufacturing practices yield consistent, high-quality cannabis, providing industry-leading product selection to both the medical and legal adult-use markets. The Company owns several synergistic businesses and brands including Gage Cannabis, The Apothecarium, Ilera Healthcare, Kind Tree, Legend, State Flower, and Valhalla Confections. For more information visit www.terrascend.com.

Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United StatesInvestors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the US Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable US federal money laundering legislation.

While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward non-enforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with medical or adult-use cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve TerrAscend of liability under U.S. federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against TerrAscend. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of TerrAscend and any proceedings brought against TerrAscend thereunder may adversely affect TerrAscend's operations and financial performance.

Forward Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, may, would, could, will, likely, expect, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook and other similar expressions, and include statements with respect to future revenue and profits. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is 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 relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment, and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the success of the launch of adult use sales in Maryland and in the Peninsula transaction specifically, current and future market conditions; risks related to federal, state, provincial, territorial, local and foreign government laws, rules and regulations, including federal and state laws in the United States relating to cannabis operations in the United States; and the risk factors set out in the Companys most recently filed MD&A, filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the section titled Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2023.

The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether, as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

For more information regarding TerrAscend:Keith StaufferChief Financial Officer717-343-5386[email protected]

Briana ChesterMATTIO Communications424-465-4419[email protected]

Source: TerrAscend
NEW YORK, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the United Nations will host its annual World Oceans Day celebration with the 2023 theme Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing. Produced by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs in partnership with Oceanic Global, and supported by Panerai, United Nations World Oceans Day 2023 (UN WOD) will feature keynote speeches, panels, and presentations from names including the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Actor Jason Momoa, Oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Actor Lucas Bravo, OceanX Founder Ray Dalio, Aquanaut Fabien Cousteau, Marine Biologist Diva Amon, NASA Astronauts Woody Hoburg and Steve Bowen, Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroue, and Oceanic Global Founder Lea dAuriol, to name a few. The days dynamic programming will explore how Earth is more than it may seem and reshape how we view the planet to finally put the ocean first. United Nations World Oceans Day 2023 will once again bring together UN Delegates and global thought leaders for an in-person gathering at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event will also be virtually accessible to the public via live stream from 10 am - 1:30 pm EDT on the United Nations World Oceans Day website (www.unworldoceansday.org) with the content reshared on the social channels @unworldoceansday.

The ocean covers the majority of the earth, but we have only explored ~5 percent of its waters. The ocean sustains humanity and provides us with protection, nourishment, economic opportunities, tourism, transportation, climate regulation and more. Nonetheless, despite humanitys utter reliance on it, compared to the breadth and depth of what it gives us, the ocean receives less than a fragment of our attention and resources in return. Recent studies show that the ocean remains a severe concern across most sectors including: scientific research and capacity, funding for sustainable development, philanthropic giving, intergovernmental processes, policy-making, and more. In short, were missing out on the oceans vast potential, because weve yet to look beyond the surface. But with human activity and the effects of climate change increasingly undermining the benefits we receive from the ocean, and devastating marine environments before weve had a chance to understand them, all stakeholders need to prioritize the ocean. There is no time to wait. Thats why this UN World Oceans Day, the tides are changing. In celebration of the United Nations World Oceans Day 2023 theme, Planet Ocean, UN delegates, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, celebrities, youth activists, and more will generate a new wave of excitement towards prioritizing and protecting the ocean, and the entirety of our blue planet. Through a series of keynotes, fire-side chats, and solution-oriented spotlights the event will underscore humanitys interconnectivity to the ocean and illustrate its cross-sector potential. The curation of global thought leaders and advocates will also shed light on missed opportunities, and work to bridge gaps across representation, knowledge, innovation, and capacity building to better understand the ocean for all that it has to offer  and for the wonder that it is.

UN WOD 2023 also marks the 10th anniversary of the Photo Competition for World Oceans Day, with the winners of the milestone competition to be announced during the days program by curator Ellen Cuylaerts. In addition to the Photo Competition, other artistic elements integrated into the event include the debut original scores by composer Toni Castells and the premiere of short format films from event contributors OceanX and Discover Earth. The celebration will also feature a performance and water ceremony by Maori Sonic Weaver, Whaia.

The annual United Nations World Oceans Day event serves as the kick-off World Ocean Week during which subsequent events hosted by members of the Friends of UN World Oceans Day platform and other ocean enthusiasts from around the world will continue the conversation surrounding the official theme of UN World Oceans Day 2023 Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing and the themes call to action Time to Put the Ocean First.

ABOUT UNITED NATIONS WORLD OCEANS DAY

Since its inception in 2008, United Nations World Oceans Day (UN WOD) has celebrated the ocean and its importance to the planet and our lives, while raising awareness about the many threats it faces. As the challenges to the ocean continue to grow, so does the need to understand and mobilize globally. In celebration of the 2023 theme, Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing, the United Nations is joining forces with decision makers, scientists, private sector executives, civil society representatives, indigenous communities, celebrities and youth activists and more, to put the ocean first. The annual June 8th celebration is hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs in partnership with Oceanic Global since 2019. Following the format of previous years, the 2023 World Oceans Day event will be hosted in-person at the UN Headquarters in New York and broadcast globally via UNTV. For more information visit www.unworldoceansday.org

ABOUT OCEANIC GLOBAL

Founded in 2016, Oceanic Global (OG) reconnects humanity to the ocean as the beating heart of the earth, and provides tangible solutions and blueprints for coexisting in harmony with the natural world. The 501c3 non-profit builds tools, mobilizes communities, and develops educational resources and standards that inspire global action and catalyze cross-sector change. In 2018, Oceanic Global launched the Blue Standard (Blue), a first-of-its-kind cross industry standard that establishes universal accountability for responsible business leadership, with over 400 + global businesses in 30+ countries and 7 global governments engaged to date. Oceanic Global is based in New York, New York with international hubs and volunteer bases in New York, London, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Tulum, and Hong Kong. Reflective of its global reach, the organization has additionally been the non-profit partner to United Nations World Oceans Day since 2019. www.oceanic.global

CONTACTS

Media Contact:Natasha Berg P. 631.241.0398E. [email protected]

Source: Oceanic Global
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Three Sixty Solar Ltd. (NEO: VSOL) (OTC: VSOLF) (Three Sixty, Three Sixty Solar, or the Company), an innovative alternative energy design, manufacture, and sales organization focused on solar equipment supply to the global marketplace, was proud to present to more than 260 of Yereq Geo Energys sales team, educating them on Three Sixtys solar tower technology.

Key Points:

Yereq Geo Energy brought together more than 260 members of their sales team for a sales conference this week in Las Vegas, NV.

Three Sixty CEO Brian Roth was invited to educate the team on solar tower technology and the sales process.

The geographic reach of the sales team represents states from coast to coast, as well as countries including Mexico, the Philippines, and more.

Three Sixty Solars CEO, Brian Roth states, Im very excited to be working with the Yereq Geo team and hearing the excitement in the room for adding our technology to their product portfolio. The conversations that some of the team are already having demonstrate that our partnership with Rustin Industries and Yereq Geo Energy has been well received by the sales team and we anticipate project opportunities shortly. Im energized about our project pipeline and confident we will see projects kicked off in the months ahead.

Rustin Industries LLC President, John Rustin states, We have had so many of sales team asking when they can get more information about Three Sixty Solar and the solar towers. Im pleased that Brian was able to come to our conference this week and share everything with the team. We all cant wait to get rolling with the projects in our pipeline.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Brian Roth

Brian Roth,Chief Executive Officer & DirectorThree Sixty Solar Ltd.www.threesixtysolar.com

About Three Sixty Solar Ltd. (NEO: VSOL)

Three Sixty Solar Ltd. is an all-Canadian enterprise which focuses on solar equipment supply to the global market. The companys premier product line is the patent pending SVS series commercial solar tower. According to Statistics MRC, the solar farm sector is set to grow to around $296 billion by 2028. Three Sixty Solars unique tower concept is a high density, clean energy solution that uses up to 90% less land space than conventional solar farms and can co-locate adjacent to homes, retail, agriculture, and industry, thus minimizing line loss and maximizing energy delivery in places where renewables have been difficult to install until now. In multi-tower applications, developers can utilize the spaces between towers to better leverage land assets through additional revenue generating activities. Designed to withstand major instances of extreme weather, Three Sixty Solar offers a clean energy solution with minimal environmental and habitat impact. To find our more, visit: www.threesixtysolar.com and please watch our video. To stay informed, please sign up to receive news alerts and follow us on Instagram (@threesixtysolar.vsol), Twitter (@ThreeSixtySolar), and Facebook (@threesixtysolar.vsol).

Forward Looking Information Disclaimer

This letter contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding future plans, objectives, or economic performance, or the assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as may, would, could, will, likely, except, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to potential projects to come out of the partnership between the Company, Rustin Industries and Yereq Geo, and the timing of any such potential projects.

Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, key personnel and qualified employees continuing their involvement with the Company; the Companys ability to secure additional financing on reasonable terms; the competitive conditions of the sector in which the Company operates; and laws and any amendments thereto applicable to the Company.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that 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, including, without limitation, risks relating to the future business plans of the Company; risks that the Company will not be able to retain its key personnel; risks that the Company will not be able to secure financing on reasonable terms or at all, as well as all of the other risks as described under the heading Risks Factors in the Companys filing statement dated August 3, 2022 filed under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Companys management to predict all such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information or events after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law, including securities laws.

Neither the Neo Exchange Inc. nor any securities regulatory authority has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Three Sixty Solar Ltd.Investor RelationsEmail: [email protected] Telephone: +1 (778) 383-6743

Sales & InquiriesEmail: [email protected] Telephone: +1 (877) 684-1972

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fab8a9fa-1a90-4f81-a0f2-da48751c65da

Three Sixty Solar Presents to Yereq Geo Energy Three Sixty Solar Presents to Yereq Geo Energy at International Sales Conference in Las Vegas

Source: Three Sixty Solar Ltd.
MALVERN, Pa., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced that the company has received a 2022 Supplier Excellence Award from TTI honoring its contributions to TTIs business operations. The award puts Vishay in the top five manufacturers represented by TTI in Europe. With the award win  the companys 12th in a row in Europe  Vishay continues to maintain its Platinum Level supplier status in the region. The highest award level given, Platinum status requires five consecutive years of recognition.

TTI is an authorized specialty distributor of passive, connector, electromechanical, and discrete semiconductor components, and the distributor of choice for industrial, military, aerospace, and consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide. Vishay is one of the worlds largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components.

The awards program centers on quality measurements that include on-time delivery, receiving quality, customer quality, administrative quality, sales support, and business systems. Winners are determined by performance points for these criteria.

Congratulations to Vishay on achieving the Supplier Excellence Award for the 12th time here in Europe, said Glyn Dennehy, President EMEA, TTI. Its a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Vishay organization that they have been able to meet and exceed the requirements of this program, and we can clearly see the benefits it brings to TTI and all our Vishay customers in providing the best possible quality and service levels.

Were proud to have our efforts in Europe acknowledged with a Supplier Excellence Award for the 12th year in a row, said Stefan Fischer, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Europe, at Vishay. Year after year, the competition for this prestigious honor becomes more challenging, so upholding our status as a Platinum Level supplier for the last seven years is no small feat. It underscores our commitment to delivering a superior customer experience, which serves as the foundation for our continued mutual growth.

Vishay manufactures one of the worlds largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Serving customers worldwide, Vishay is The DNA of tech. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH). More on Vishay at www.Vishay.com.

The DNA of tech is a trademark of Vishay Intertechnology.

Vishay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VishayIntertechnology Vishay Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/vishayindust

Link to DNA of Tech image:https://www.flickr.com/photos/vishay/50342588442/sizes/l/

For more information please contact:Vishay IntertechnologyPeter Henrici, +1 408 567-8400[email protected] orRedpinesBob Decker, +1 415 409-0233[email protected]

Source: Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX: WM, OTCQX: WLBMF) (Wallbridge or the Company) today announced that it has extended gold mineralization at the Companys 100%-owned Martiniere Gold project (Martiniere) 300 metres east of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) footprint. The results build upon step-out hole (MR-22-036) completed in late 2022, which identified the presence of significant gold mineralization east of the main deposit (see press release dated Oct. 12, 2022 and Fig. 1).

Attila Pentek, Wallbridges Vice President, Exploration, commented:

We are excited to report that all of our follow-up holes in the M1 Target area to date have encountered gold mineralization, validating the potential to significantly expand the footprint of the Martiniere deposit to the east. Since commencing our exploration work at Martiniere in 2021, we have doubled the MRE at the project, and these results continue to reinforce the large size potential of the Martiniere gold system. In addition, a recently completed high-resolution airborne magnetic survey is providing valuable information to further improve the success of our property-wide targeting as we continue to follow up on these strong results.

Highlights

MR-23-041 (a 300-metre undercut of MR-22-036) intersected 5.15 g/t Au over 4.00 metres , including 9.28 g/t Au over 1.55 metres .

, including . MR-23-042, collared 250 metres to the east of MR-22-036, intersected 1.63 g/t Au over 19.35 metres , including 6.96 g/t Au over 2.30 metres .

, including . New drill holes confirm increased presence of porphyritic intrusive rocks towards the east, similar to the Bug Lake Porphyry, one of the main controls on gold mineralization at Martiniere.

Martiniere Exploration Program Underway

Prior to the temporary suspension of operations due to forest fires the Company had three drill rigs operating on its Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend property: two at its Martiniere gold project and one that was in the process of moving from Fenelon to Grasset East to test favorable target areas on this eastern, unexplored part of the land package. At Martiniere, additional holes are planned to continue testing the M1 Target following the results announced today.

So far, Wallbridge has completed over 10,000 meters of drilling at Martiniere as part of its 2023 exploration program. Assays results are being released today for three drill holes from the 2023 Martiniere drill program and two holes completed at the end of 2022. Assay results for 14 drill holes testing other exploration targets at Martiniere are currently pending (Fig. 2).

In addition to the drilling campaign, a high-resolution airborne magnetic survey was completed over Martiniere (Fig. 2), which is providing valuable information for drill targeting through the identification of potential host rocks and gold-bearing structures property wide.

Assay QA/QC and Qualified Persons

Drill core samples from the ongoing drill program at Martiniere are cut and bagged either on-site or by contractors and transported to SGS Canada Inc. for analysis. Samples, including standards and blanks for quality assurance and quality control, were prepared and analyzed at the laboratories. Samples are crushed to 90% less than 2mm. A 1kg riffle split is pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. 50g samples are analyzed by fire assay and AAS or ICP. Samples >10g/t Au are automatically analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish or screen metallic analysis. To test for coarse free gold and additional quality assurance and quality control, Wallbridge requests screen metallic analysis for samples containing visible gold. These and future assay results may vary from time to time due to re-analysis for quality assurance and quality control.

The Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release is Christopher Kelly, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Geologist of Wallbridge.

Figure 1. Martiniere Gold Property, Plan View

Figure 2. Martiniere Gold Project, Total Magnetic Survey (TMI)

Table 1. Martiniere Gold Property, Recent Drill Assay Highlights (1,4) Drill Hole From To Length Au Au Cut(2) VG(3) Zone/Corridor (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) South of Bug Lake South Zone MR-22-039 181.00 182.50 1.50 0.78 0.78 New Zones MR-22-039 204.00 205.50 1.50 0.81 0.81 New Zones Target 1- Eastern Extension MR-22-038 362.00 363.10 1.10 1.61 1.61 New Zones MR-22-038 485.10 486.40 1.30 1.84 1.84 New Zones MR-23-040 384.00 385.50 1.50 2.69 2.69 New Zones MR-23-040 450.00 451.50 1.50 1.45 1.45 New Zones MR-23-040 485.50 488.50 3.00 0.72 0.72 New Zones MR-23-041 231.00 231.50 0.50 2.52 2.52 VG New Zones MR-23-041 234.00 235.50 1.50 1.20 1.20 New Zones MR-23-041 253.50 255.00 1.50 0.73 0.73 New Zones MR-23-041 298.80 299.55 0.75 1.27 1.27 New Zones MR-23-041 302.00 303.00 1.00 1.99 1.99 New Zones MR-23-041 390.80 392.70 1.90 1.66 1.66 New Zones MR-23-041 444.75 445.60 0.85 1.71 1.71 New Zones MR-23-041 465.00 466.50 1.50 0.69 0.69 New Zones MR-23-041 554.15 559.00 4.85 0.83 0.83 New Zones MR-23-041 560.60 564.60 4.00 5.15 5.15 VG New Zones Including 560.60 562.15 1.55 9.28 9.28 VG New Zones MR-23-042 136.00 137.50 1.50 0.82 0.82 New Zones MR-23-042 154.00 155.00 1.00 4.08 4.08 New Zones MR-23-042 254.65 274.00 19.35 1.63 1.63 New Zones Including 266.60 268.90 2.30 6.96 6.96 New Zones

Note: There is currently insufficient information available from these new zones to estimate the true widths of intersections.

(1) Table includes only assay results received since the latest press release dated October 12, 2022(2) Au cut (high-grade capping) at: 25 g/t Au(3) Intervals containing visible gold (VG)(4) Metal factor of at least 0.95 g/t*m

All figures and a table with drill hole information of recently completed holes are posted on the Companys website under Current Program at https://wallbridgemining.com/our-projects/martiniere/.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is focused on creating value through the exploration and sustainable development of gold projects along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend while respecting the environment and communities where it operates.

Wallbridges flagship project, Fenelon Gold (Fenelon), is located on the highly prospective Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property in Quebecs Northern Abitibi region. An updated mineral resource estimate completed in January 2023 yielded significantly improved grades and additional ounces at the 100%-owned Fenelon and Martiniere projects, incorporating a combined 3.05 million ounces of indicated gold resources and 2.35 million ounces of inferred gold resources.

Fenelon and Martiniere are located within an 830 km2 exploration land package controlled by Wallbridge. The Company believes that these two deposits have good potential for economic development, especially given their proximity to existing hydro-electric power and transportation infrastructure. In addition, Wallbridge believes that the extensive land package is extremely prospective for the discovery of additional gold deposits.

Wallbridge also holds a 19.9% interest in the common shares of Archer Exploration Corp. (Archer) as a result of the sale of the Companys portfolio of nickel assets in Ontario and Quebec in November of 2022.

Wallbridge will continue to focus on its core Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property while enabling shareholders to participate in the potential economic upside in Archer.

For further information please visit the Companys website at www.wallbridgemining.com or contact:

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

Marz Kord, P. Eng., M. Sc., MBAPresident & CEOTel: (705) 6829297 ext. 251Email: [email protected]

Victoria Vargas, B.Sc. (Hon.) Economics, MBAInvestor Relations AdvisorEmail: [email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively, FLI) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. FLI is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this press release.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are FLI that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Generally, FLI can be identified by the use of statements that include words such as seeks, believes, anticipates, plans, continues, budget, scheduled, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, projects, predicts, proposes, "potential", targets and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results may, will, could, would, should or might, be taken, occur or be achieved.

FLI herein includes but is not limited to: statements regarding the potential future performance of Archer common shares; future drill results; the Companys ability to convert inferred resources into measured and indicated resources; environmental matters; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used to estimate the MREs at the Fenelon Gold (defined below) and Martiniere (defined below) properties (collectively the Deposits); the prospects, if any, of the Deposits; future drilling at the Deposits; and the significance of historic exploration activities and results.

FLI is designed to help you understand managements current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this press release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances. Unless otherwise noted, this press release has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI, or information contained herein.

Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI.

Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include: the results of exploration activities, the Companys financial position and general economic conditions, the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the Deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to estimate the MREs; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; the results of exploration activities; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental expectations; community and non-governmental actions; and any impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Deposits, the Companys financial position, the Companys ability to secure required funding, or operations. In addition to the MD&A, risks and uncertainties about Wallbridge's business are discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedar.com.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The disclosure relating to the Deposits and MREs in this press release and referred to herein was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used in this press release are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained in this press release providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Investors are cautioned that while terms, are substantially similar to CIM Definition Standards, there are differences in the definitions and standards under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af66973e-937e-4c98-9918-0e77c3fbb2b1https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/172b897e-a77e-4660-925e-bb28bc729245

Figure 1 Martiniere Gold Property, Plan View Figure 2 Martiniere Gold Project, Total Magnetic Survey (TMI)

Source: Wallbridge Mining Company Limited
Damage assessment using satellite images



After a natural disaster hits, the damage assessment of homes and buildings can take months.



To address this challenge, researchers (in collaboration with Simon Fraser University) developed a new deep-learning model called DAHiTrA, which uses high-resolution satellite images to classify different levels of destruction after natural disasters. This can be helpful after large-scale events like Hurricane Harvey.



The model recognizes the geographic features in different locations and captures the changes over time. It then compares images of a building taken before and after a disaster to determine the level of damage. It can also be applied to other types of civil infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.



The satellite images are available within 24 hours, and our models are fast, Mostafavi said. So, the day after an event, you can know how many buildings have been damaged, the extent of the damage and how many buildings have major damage.



One of the fundamental strengths of DAHiTrA is its ability to accurately determine the boundaries of a building, which allows for more precise damage assessment. It also detects multiple types of damage, including collapse, partial damage and water damage.



The model analyzes large volumes of satellite images in a short time, which is essential for rapid response and recovery efforts after a disaster. This allows for faster and more accurate damage assessments, which can help communities and governments allocate resources more effectively.



Mostafavi said the team is actively working with government agencies, emergency management offices and even international organizations to use their model to assess building damage. One recent example is a use-case project with the Texas Department of Emergency Management.



Proactive recovery monitoring after disasters



Researchers also examined how people recover after a disaster, specifically during the short-term period after a hurricane. The study focuses on when people return home after evacuating and how long they can stay in their homes without having to move out again. The study uses location-based data to see how quickly people in different areas can do these things.



The study found that more than half of the census tracts in Harris County returned from evacuation within five days after the landfall of Hurricane Harvey and stopped moving out after six weeks. Some areas take longer than others to recover, and there are differences among different groups of people.



Researchers examined how people of different socio-demographic statuses (like income or rental status) responded to flooding. By looking at how quickly they evacuated or relocated, the team could understand different recovery patterns in various subpopulations. While the study shows it took longer to return in flooded areas than in nonflooded areas, there wasnt a significant difference between the two areas regarding evacuation and relocation for low-income populations.



The return time of high-income census tracts were longer than those of low-income census tracts when flooded, indicating the inability of low-income populations to evacuate and relocate. The study also found that areas with shorter return durations may not be more resilient to disaster, as they may indicate challenges faced by low-income and minority populations that require additional assistance and resources.



Future direction



Our vision is to create a future where data science and AI technologies are leveraged to predict, prepare for and equitably respond to natural hazards, enabling us to mitigate their impact on communities, Mostafavi said. Our work so far shows the promising potential of big data and AI for augmenting different capabilities needed for disaster resilience. We are collaborating with various public and private sector organizations to develop, scale and deploy the AI technologies created in the lab.
LONDON, THE UNITED KINGDOM, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Worldcoin, a transparent protocol, thrives through the support of a global consortium of developers, individuals, economists, and technical maestros striving to broaden participation in and access to the global economy. The Worldcoin Foundation serves as the administrative arm poised to foster and evolve the Worldcoin community until it attains self-sufficiency. The anticipated launch of Worldcoin in the first half of 2023 is on the horizon, with the commencement of its global tour now in full swing.

About Worldcoin.

Worldcoin germinated from the original idea: "What if there existed a method to disseminate a novel digital token equity to everyone globally, free of charge?" Propelled by this query, Worldcoin was conceived and has since amplified its mission to encompass a broader spectrum: establishing the world's largest identity and financial public utility, thereby enabling universal participation in the global economy.

Worldcoin is an open-source protocol, conceived with the ambition of facilitating universal involvement in the global economy. Its architecture is inherently decentralized, implying that ultimate supervision and decision-making will be shouldered by its user community.

Those backing Worldcoin are zealously creating synergistic tools to help actualize its mission. These tools comprise:

World ID - A privacy-oriented digital identity designed to tackle critical identity challenges, inclusive of authenticating unique individual identities.

Worldcoin Token - The inaugural global token distributed free to unique individuals, earmarked for practical usage and future governance.

World App - A fully self-custodial application utilizing Worldcoin tokens, Cryptocurrency, stable coins, and traditional currencies for global payments, purchases, and transfers.

It's important to note, the unique digital identity procured via the World ID plays a pivotal role in a networked world replete with increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence, exemplifying human uniqueness. The Worldcoin protocol aspires to become the largest identity and financial public network worldwide, accessible to everyone, irrespective of their nationality, background, or economic status.

What is the Orb, and why does Worldcoin require it?

The Orb is an imaging device, utilized for verifying your authentic and unique individuality and ensuring that you have not previously received Worldcoin ID authentication. It is essential as it offers the only reliable and secure method to ascertain uniqueness and individual identity, while simultaneously safeguarding privacy.

How does the Orb work?

The Orb operates by capturing and processing images and distinctive iris patterns of individuals to examine their authenticity, uniqueness, and verify that they haven't previously received Worldcoin ID authentication. Since no two individuals share identical iris patterns and these patterns are exceedingly challenging to forge, the Orb can accurately distinguish individuals without gathering any additional information about them, even their names.

Understanding the Orb and Why Worldcoin Utilizes Biometric Technology

Why does Worldcoin employ iris biometric technology?

When Worldcoin was in its infancy, we didn't envision developing a biometric imaging device. Constructing customized hardware is daunting and costly, an endeavor nobody willingly embarks on if avoidable.

Our mission was to freely distribute a novel digital token to every person worldwide, serving as a means to assist their entry and participation in the global economy. We only set out to create the Orb after concluding that biometric technology was the sole realistic avenue to achieve our objectives.

Our research suggests that iris scanning offers the most accurate biometric technology, boasting an acceptable user experience and has been successfully tested on a large scale. This is because the iris exhibits robust anti-fraud properties and rich data, implying that it can be used to precisely distinguish billions of unique humans. The richer the data of biometric markers like the iris, the fairer and more inclusive the system becomes.

Given that commercially available iris imaging devices failed to meet our technical or security needs, we spent years developing our device to facilitate the democratization of the global economy in the most inclusive manner possible.

The Global Airdrop of Worldcoin Tokens $WLD is Underway.

What is the amount of Worldcoin tokens I will receive upon validating my uniqueness?

Every individual who verifies their uniqueness via the Orb can claim Worldcoin tokens for free within their World App, as long as they are located in a place offering Worldcoin tokens. Currently, qualifying authenticated users can claim 25 free Worldcoin tokens at launch. Users can check their token balance within the World App at any time.

Orb Tour

In addition to the current Worldcoin operations, the Worldcoin Community Operations Team will be attending web3 conferences in selected global cities during the spring and summer. Here, they will provide education and answer questions about Worldcoin, promoting the registration of World IDs via the Orb.

The multi-city global tour kicked off in Tokyo in April 2023, marking the first time individuals in many places across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia will experience the Orb.

Orb Sales Information

From May to July, the Worldcoin Orb will be available for a limited time in the following cities: Berlin, Dubai, London, Mexico City, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, Seoul, and Tokyo.

If users need a secure, reliable, and convenient identity authentication device, the Orb is their optimum choice. You are welcome to visit one of the cities mentioned during the tour, learn more about the Orb and Worldcoin, and purchase the trusted identity authentication device. If users cannot visit these cities, they can purchase directly online.

Link: https://promotem.worldcoinshop.club

David Smith Astra Capital info at worldcoin.fan

Source: Worldcoin
Worldlines 2023 Annual General Meeting

Approval of all resolutions submitted by the Board of directors

Paris La Defense, June 8, 2023 - Worldline [Euronext: WLN], a global leader in payment services held today its Annual General Meeting chaired by Mr. Bernard Bourigeaud, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The General Shareholders Meeting was held physically and gathered a large quorum of 80,20%. It was broadcast live and is available for replay on the Company's website.

All resolutions have been approved. The General Meeting approved, in particular, the Company and consolidated accounts for the financial year ending December 31st, 2022.

The General Meeting approved the renewal of Directors term of office of Mrs. Giulia Fitzpatrick, Mr. Bernard Bourigeaud1, Mr. Gilles Grapinet, Mr. Gilles Arditti1, Mr. Aldo Cardoso1 and Mr. Thierry Sommelet1 for a term of three (3) years. All renewed directors assigned to committees retain their membership.

At the end of this General Meeting, the Board of Directors of Worldline now comprises 17 Directors, including two Directors representing the employees Mrs. Marie-Christine Lebert, whose term was renewed as representative of the Social and Economic Committee, and Mr. Stephan Van Hellemont, who was newly appointed as representative of European Works Council.

With 66% of independent Directors, the composition of the Board is well-balanced and allows an adequate representation of its main shareholders and strategic partners. The Board is composed of 40% by women and of a diversity of profiles that ensures solid and complementary skills.

Furthermore, the General Meeting approved the elements of compensation and benefits for 2022 granted to Mr. Bernard Bourigeaud, Chairman of the Board of Directors, to Mr. Gilles Grapinet, Chief Executive Officer, and to Mr. Marc-Henri Desportes, Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The General Meeting also approved the 2023 compensation policies applicable to the corporate officers.

The Shareholders approved the renewal of the authorization granted to the Board of Directors with regards to share buybacks, as well as the authorizations and financial delegations regarding the issue of shares and/or securities notably with and without preferential subscription rights of shareholders, as the case may be.

The delegations granted to the Board to increase the share capital reserved for employees who are members of a company or group savings plan or employees of the Companys foreign subsidiaries were also renewed.

The shareholders also approved the authorization granted to the Board to allocate performance shares and stock-options of the Company to employees and/or corporate officers of the Company or Group companies.

Lastly, the shareholders voted in favour of amending the Companys Bylaws to raise the age limit of the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors held after the Shareholders' General Meeting unanimously decided to confirm the reappointment of Mr. Bernard Bourigeaud as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Gilles Grapinet as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Marc-Henri Desportes as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Georges Pauget as Lead Independent Director.

The results of voting on all resolutions submitted to Shareholders are available on the Companys website: www.investors.worldline.com/en/general-meeting-of-shareholders.

Contacts

Investor Relations

Laurent Marie

+33 7 84 50 18 90

[email protected]

Benoit dAmecourt

+33 6 75 51 41 47

[email protected]

Communication

Sandrine van der Ghinst

+32 499 585 380

[email protected]

Helene Carlander

+33 7 72 25 96 04

[email protected]

Follow us

About Worldline

Worldline [Euronext: WLN] helps businesses of all shapes and sizes to accelerate their growth journey  quickly, simply, and securely. With advanced payments technology, local expertise and solutions customised for hundreds of markets and industries, Worldline powers the growth of over one million businesses around the world. Worldline generated a 4.4 billion euros revenue in 2022. worldline.com

Worldlines corporate purpose (raison detre) is to design and operate leading digital payment and transactional solutions that enable sustainable economic growth and reinforce trust and security in our societies. Worldline makes them environmentally friendly, widely accessible, and supports social transformation.

1 Independent Director

Attachment
EDISON, N.J., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zerify Inc., (OTC PINK: ZRFY), the 22-year-old cybersecurity company focused on Secure Video Conferencing & Endpoint GAP Security is proud to announce that their new version of Zerify Defender solves a long-standing cyber security issue for NISTs SP 800-171, the publication that outlines the required security standards and practices for non-federal organizations that handle controlled unclassified data (CUI) on their networks.

This is a watershed moment for Zerify, the cybersecurity community and every organization that handles CUI data, says Mark L. Kay, CEO of Zerify. Until now, there has been no known solution for addressing NIST 800-171 control (3.13.12), which required organizations to Prohibit remote activation of collaborative computing devices and provide indication of devices in use to users present at the device. Zerify Defender goes above and beyond this requirement by introducing advanced features that revolutionize device protection, says Kay.

One of Zerify Defender's key functionalities is its ability to prohibit remote activation of collaborative computing devices. By implementing this control, Zerify Defender ensures that only authorized users physically present at the device can activate them, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches: as validated by a third-party testing lab, says Kay.

Zerify Defender's unique approach lies in its proactive measures to secure your computer's camera, microphone, speakers, keyboard, clipboard, and screen-sharing functionality against malicious actors and malware, says Kay. By actively preventing unauthorized access to these vital components, Zerify Defender effectively eliminates threats that aim to compromise sensitive information or invade user privacy.

Furthermore, Zerify Defender provides clear indications to users present at the device regarding its current usage. Users will receive real-time notifications about any attempts to connect to the device, empowering them to identify and thwart potential threats promptly, says Kay.

Having the industrys only validated solution that addresses NIST 800-171 control (3.13.12) opens a world of opportunity for Zerify, says Kay, CUI data is everywhere, not only are there numerous government agencies & contractors, theres also Defense, Healthcare, Finance and many other industries that handle CUI data.

The timing of this announcement is also perfect for us, says Kay, as stated in our last press release, Zerify just signed a partnership agreement with TD SYNNEX, the global IT solutions aggregator, and today two of our employees are at their South Carolina facility meeting with key government managers and others.

Zerify Technologies remains committed to providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that address the evolving needs of organizations. With Zerify Defender, businesses can confidently protect their sensitive information and fortify their compliance with NIST 800-171 control 3.13.12, mitigating the risks of cyberattacks and ensuring the confidentiality of CUI.

For more information about Zerify Defender and how it can help your organization achieve compliance, please visit www.zerify.com/defender or contact our sales team at [email protected].

About Zerify:Zerify Inc. (OTC PINK: ZRFY), formerly StrikeForce Technologies, is an Edison, New Jersey-based company with over two decades of experience in cybersecurity solutions. The company is focused on Secure Video Conferencing & Endpoint Gap Security. Its technologies help to prevent cyber theft and data security breaches for consumers, corporations and government agencies through powerful multi-factor out-of-band authentication and keystroke encryption. The technology also protects cameras, microphones and speakers, keeping computers and confidential data secure even when one is offline and not on a video conference. No other video conferencing service on the market, such as Zoom, Webex, LogMeIn, MS Teams or BlueJeans, offers this level of cybersecurity protections.

Zerify Contact,Mark L. Kay[email protected](732) 661-9641

Source: Zerify
As competition within the legal marijuana industry gets tougher and other factors, such as adverse weather and high taxes, eat into profits, companies are having to go the extra mile in order to drive sales up and stay afloat. One California company is taking lessons from the boutique wine business to grow its business.

The Bohemian Chemist, a Philo, California craft cannabis brand, has turned to its location in Mendocino County (renowned for wineries) and the

Read More>>

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the companys newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern  our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420

Denver, Colorado

http://www.CNW420.com

303.498.7722 Office

[email protected]

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
The wave of cannabis reform that has swept across America over the past two decades doesnt seem to be stopping any time soon. By April 2023, nearly 40 states had medical marijuana markets while close to two dozen states allowed recreational cannabis sales.

California legalized recreational cannabis in November 2016 and was

Read More>>

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the companys newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern  our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420

Denver, Colorado

http://www.CNW420.com

303.498.7722 Office

[email protected]

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Allied Gold Corp Limited ("Allied"), Allied Merger Corporation ("AMC") and Mondavi Ventures Ltd. ("Mondavi") are pleased to announce that in connection with the previously announced business combination and financing, aimed at creating the next generation senior gold producer, Allied has now set a closing date for the business combination and reverse take-over transaction (the "Going Public Event") of on or about July 17, 2023, and applied for a listing of the resulting issuer's common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). In connection with the listing process, Allied has completed comparative audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, submitted a draft annual information form ("AIF"), which serves as the detailed disclosure and listing document, and will submit National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") technical reports on its material mines and projects, being the Sadiola mine and the Kurmuk project. Allied has also complemented the proposed board of directors, with the appointment of an additional independent director and with a further independent director appointment in process, and finalized the composition of the proposed senior management team.

Business Combination Details

As previously announced, Allied, AMC, and Mondavi entered into a binding letter agreement dated May 11, 2023, outlining the terms of the business combination and Going Public Event. The agreement stipulates that Mondavi, a reporting issuer in Canada, will undergo the Going Public Event whereby the current shareholders of Allied and AMC will receive common shares of resulting issuer Mondavi, to be renamed Allied Gold Corporation ("AGC") in connection with the completion of the Going Public Event and will be the resulting public issuer carrying on the business of Allied.

The proposed structure of the Going Public Event involves the respective amalgamations of Allied and AMC with two newly-incorporated, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Mondavi. These post-amalgamated subsidiaries will be wholly-owned subsidiaries of AGC upon completion of the Going Public Event.

Closing is subject to the execution and completion of definitive agreements, completion of the Financing (as defined herein), completion of all conditions precedent to the Going Public Event and receipt of all required regulatory, corporate, shareholder and third-party approvals and consents, including the approval of the TSX.

Listing Application and Reporting Requirements

Allied has taken a significant step towards achieving its TSX listing by submitting the initial listing application. In support of the listing application, Allied has submitted, among other documents, comparative audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and a draft AIF. The AIF serves as the formal listing document and a fulsome disclosure document for investors, with the disclosure including, among other information, summaries of the material mines and projects of Allied based on the independent National Instrument 43-101 technical reports which will also soon be submitted for review with the TSX. Allied is progressing with satisfying all of its listing and reporting requirements. The AIF, financial statements and independent National Instrument 43-101 technical reports will be made available to the public on Mondavi's SEDAR profile as soon as practicable following the normal review process of the TSX.

Governance and Management

The initial board of directors of AGC will be comprised of Peter Marrone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Justin Dibb, Vice Chairman, Daniel Racine, Stephan Theron, Jane Sadowsky, John Begeman, Dino Titaro, and John Beardsworth, who bring a wealth of knowledge and accomplishments to AGC. A lead director will be appointed from amongst the independent directors. The proposed board will formally meet on June 10, 2023 to review corporate and business prospects of the Company. Management of AGC will be led by Peter Marrone as Chairman and CEO, Daniel Racine as President, and with Jason Leblanc as Chief Financial Officer, Basie Maree as Chief Operations Officer, Greg Winch as Chief Geology and Strategic Officer, Gerardo Fernandez as Chief Development Officer, Sofia Tsakos as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, and Richard Campbell as Senior Vice President, Human Resources. One additional independent director has been identified and is now going through the internal review process. Similarly, the selection of an additional senior officer reporting to the chief executive officer and board, whose responsibilities will include matters relating to health, safety, environment, community relations, and governance is in process. Management and major shareholders of Allied and AMC have agreed to customary lockups in connection with the Financing and the Going Public Event.

Financing Update

In connection with the completion of the Going Public Event, AMC and Allied are conducting a subscription receipt financing (the "Financing") to raise minimum aggregate gross proceeds of US$300 million. The Financing initiative encompasses a private placement of approximately US$200 million in common share subscription receipts and approximately US$100 million in unsecured convertible debenture subscription receipts. The Financing is being led by National Bank Financial Inc. ("NBF"), Stifel GMP ("Stifel GMP"), and Canaccord Genuity Corp. ("Canaccord" and together with NBF and Stifel GMP, the "Active Bookrunners") on their own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of agents including BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, Cormark Securities Inc. and SCP Resource Finance LP.

The subscription receipts are being offered for sale to purchasers in: (i) all of the provinces and territories of Canada pursuant to available private placement exemptions; (ii) the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to available exemptions from the registration requirements under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"); and (iii) offshore jurisdictions pursuant to available prospectus or registration exemptions in accordance with applicable laws as agreed upon between AMC, Allied and the Active Bookrunners. The net proceeds generated through the Financing will be utilized by AGC to execute Allied's planned growth strategy, encompassing ongoing optimization and development efforts, as well as addressing general working capital requirements. The parties anticipate completing the Financing, subject to satisfaction of all closing conditions, some time before the completion of the Going Public Event, which will mark a significant milestone in advancing Allied's strategic objectives.

Upon completion of the Going Public Event, investors will receive common shares or convertible debentures of AGC, as applicable, which convertible debentures are convertible into common shares of AGC. Allied has applied to list all such common shares on the TSX. The common shares will be freely tradeable in Canada in accordance with, and subject to, compliance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

About Allied Gold Corp Limited

Allied is a private company focused on gold mining asset transformation in Africa. Allied has three mines and several development and exploration projects in Africa where it has significant operating experience. Operations are located in Cte d'Ivoire, Mali, Ethiopia and Egypt. Led by a team of mine developers with proven success in adding value to tier one assets, Allied aspires to become a mid-tier next generation gold producer in Africa and ultimately a leading senior global gold producer.

About Allied Merger Corporation

AMC is a company formed and capitalized by the former principals of Yamana Gold Inc. ("Former Yamana Principals"), Peter Marrone, Daniel Racine, Jason LeBlanc, Gerardo Fernandez and Sofia Tsakos, for the purposes of financing and assisting the development of high-quality mining opportunities and along with SummitNorth Inc., an investor in AMC, has agreed to the foregoing business and management arrangements with Allied.

About Mondavi Ventures Ltd.

Mondavi is an unlisted public company organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. The business of Mondavi is the investigation and evaluation of business opportunities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Allied Gold Corp Limited

Stephan Theron

Email: [email protected]

Allied Merger Corporation

(On behalf of the Former Yamana Principals)

Gerardo Fernandez

Tel: +1 (647) 526-4258

Email: [email protected]

Mondavi Ventures Ltd.

Scott Ackerman

Tel: +1 (778) 331-8505

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. The securities referred to in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represents only Allied's, AMC's or Mondavi's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Allied's, AMC's and Mondavi's control. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or the negative or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information contained herein includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Financing and the Going Public Event, including the structure, timing, completion, and terms and conditions thereof, including receipt of TSX listing approval; the use of proceeds of the Financing; the proposed board and management of AGC as the public resulting issuer; expectations for the effects of the Financing and the Going Public Event; and the business of Allied.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Allied, AMC and Mondavi are alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Allied, AMC or Mondavi to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Allied, AMC and Mondavi have made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the ability to consummate the Financing and the Going Public Event on the proposed terms and on the proposed timeline anticipated, or at all; the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the Financing and the Going Public Event on the proposed terms and schedule; the ability to satisfy any applicable TSX listing conditions; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the Financing and the Going Public Event on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, contractors and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Although Allied, AMC and Mondavi believe that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release, and none of Allied, AMC or Mondavi undertakes to update any forward-looking information that is contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

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/169121
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - ALX Resources Corp.(TSXV: AL) (FSE: 6LLN) (OTC: ALXEF)("ALX" or the "Company")announced today an update on its lithium exploration activities at the Hydra Lithium Project ("Hydra") in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, and the results of a biogeochemical survey carried out at the Anchor Lithium Project ("Anchor") located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Hydra Lithium Project, James Bay Region, Quebec

ALX has temporarily suspended its 2023 prospecting program at Hydra, located in the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay region of Quebec, following an emergency fire evacuation notice from the Ministre des Ressources naturelles et des Forets, or, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (the "Ministry"). In the interest of public safety due to the high-risk conditions in the region, the Ministry has banned forest access on Crown land and has ordered the closure of roads to help prevent forest fires. In accordance with the notice, ALX has demobilized its helicopter and field crew from its base at Radisson, Quebec. The Company will closely monitor the situation in the coming weeks and looks forward to resuming exploration at Hydra when conditions permit.

Anchor Lithium Project, Nova Scotia

ALX's exploration goal at Anchor is to discover new lithium-bearing pegmatites similar to those found at the nearby Brazil Lake Pegmatite Deposit ("Brazil Lake"). ALX initiated surface work at Anchor in late 2022 and carried out a biogeochemical sampling survey at the Drake sub-project in the form of tree bark sampling. This geochemical technique has proved to be successful in areas of the Meguma Terrane where there is little to no outcrop exposure. ALX's geological team collected one hundred and thirty (130) 50-gram bark samples from red spruce trees in a 1.0 kilometre grid pattern. The analytical results were received in May 2023 and show a pronounced lithium-cesium-tantalum ("LCT") "stacking" anomaly in the southern portion of the Drake claim block. Other LCT anomalies were identified in the central part of Drake from the biogeochemical survey that deserve follow-up work.





Figure 1:Drake Biogeochemical Sampling Locations andLithium Anomalies at Drake



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3046/169229_figure1.jpg







Figure 2:Cesium Anomalies at Drakeand Tantalum Anomalies at Drake

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3046/169229_figure%202.jpg

The 2023 biogeochemical survey results in overburden-covered terrain have successfully identified new LCT targets at Drake. The survey results have revealed eleven lithium anomalies, mostly pooled into two zones that warrant further work, some with coincident cesium and tantalum anomalies. Rubidium also showed elevated values across the Drake property.

In May 2023, ALX applied to the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund for financial grants to assist the Company in carrying out additional geochemical surveys at Drake, and at the Yankee sub-project. The Company plans follow-up surface work later in 2023 to develop drill targets at Anchor.





ALX's Anchor Lithium Project Claims in Nova Scotia, Canada

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3046/169229_fd1289b9f4831ac2_005full.jpg

To view further information on Anchor, click here

About Anchor

Anchor consists of two sub-projects totaling approximately 31,808 hectares (78,598 acres) known as Yankee (16,659 ha.) and Drake (15,149 ha.) This emerging lithium district in Nova Scotia hosts Brazil Lake, which is located approximately 10 kilometres (6.6 miles) due south of Drake. In 2022, Champlain Mineral Ventures Ltd., a private Nova Scotia company, published a NI 43-101 compliant technical report on Brazil Lake that stated the following calculated mineral resource estimates:

Measured & Indicated: (Combined Pit Constrained and Underground Constrained): 553,000 tonnes grading 1.3% Li 2 O: 1

O: Inferred: (Combined Pit Constrained and Underground Constrained): 381,000 tonnes grading 1.48% Li 2 O), at a combined cut-off of 0.48% Li 2 O and 0.98 Li 2 O.1

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resources Estimate for the Brazil Lake Project (Lithium-Bearing Pegmatite Deposit) Nova Scotia, Canada, prepared for Champlain Mineral Ventures Ltd, by Michael Cullen P.Geo., Matthew Harrington, P. Geo., and Lawrence Elgert, P.Eng, of Mercator Geological Services. The quoted Mineral Resources Estimates are combined Pit Constrained (0.48% Li2o cut-off grade) and Underground Constrained (0.98% Li2O cut-off grade) resources.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Murray, P.Geo., President of Resourceful Geoscience Solutions, a consultant to ALX, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101.

QA/QC samples were inserted into the biogeochemical sample series at every 26th sample to evaluate the reliability of both laboratory and field sampling methods, increasing the total number of samples to be analyzed to 134. Quality control was established for laboratory methods by inserting a "blank" sample, of which the general chemical composition is known to be devoid of elements of interest. Quality control was established for field methods by obtaining and analyzing a field duplicate.

Biogeochemical samples were shipped to ALS Laboratories in Moncton, NB. Samples were prepared using the VEG-ASH01 method, with the requested analytical packages ME-VEG41a (ashed) and VEG41a-FAC. In this method, the bark sample is ashed at 475C for 24 hours, resulting in the concentration of several elements of interest and results in little to no loss of elements except those of high volatility (e.g., Br and Hg). Pre- and post-ashing weights were reported; when post-ashing weights are calculated back to the original pre-ashed weights, detection limits can be reduced by an order of magnitude.

Geostatistics from Brazil Lake quoted in this news release were taken directly from publicly-available disclosure. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by operators unrelated to ALX and have not been directly verified nor confirmed by its Qualified Person, but create a scientific basis for ongoing work in the Anchor project area. Management further cautions that historical results or discoveries on adjacent or nearby mineral properties are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on ALX's mineral properties.

About ALX

ALX is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "AL", on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "6LLN" and in the United States OTC market under the symbol "ALXEF".

ALX's mandate is to provide shareholders with multiple opportunities for discovery by exploring a portfolio of prospective mineral properties in Canada, which include lithium, uranium, nickel-copper-cobalt and gold projects. The Company uses the latest exploration technologies and holds interests in over 220,000 hectares of prospective lands in Saskatchewan, a stable jurisdiction that hosts the highest-grade uranium mines in the world, a producing gold mine, and production from base metals mines, both current and historical.

ALX owns 100% interests in eight lithium exploration properties staked in 2022-2023 collectively known as the Hydra Lithium Project, located in the James Bay region of northern Quebec, Canada, a 100% interest in the Anchor Lithium Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, and 100% interests in the Crystal Lithium Project and the Reindeer Lithium Project, both located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada.

ALX's uranium holdings in northern Saskatchewan include 100% interests in the Gibbons Creek Uranium Project, the Sabre Uranium Project, the Bradley Uranium Project, and the Javelin and McKenzie Lake Uranium Projects, a 40% interest in the Black Lake Uranium Project (a joint venture with Uranium Energy Corporation and Orano Canada Inc.), and a 20% interest in the Hook-Carter Uranium Project, located within the uranium-rich Patterson Lake Corridor with Denison Mines Corp. (80% interest) as operator of exploration since 2016.

ALX also owns 100% interests in the Firebird Nickel Project (now under option to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., who can earn up to an 80% interest), the Flying Vee Nickel/Gold and Sceptre Gold projects, and can earn up to an 80% interest in the Alligator Lake Gold Project, all located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. ALX owns, or can earn, up to 100% interests in the Electra Nickel Project and the Cannon Copper Project located in historic mining districts of Ontario, Canada, the Vixen Gold Project (now under option to First Mining Gold Corp., who can earn up to a 100% interest in two stages), and in the Draco VMS Project in Norway.

For more information about the Company, please visit the ALX corporate website at www.alxresources.com or contact Roger Leschuk, Manager, Corporate Communications at: PH: 604.629.0293 or Toll-Free: 866.629.8368, or by email: [email protected]

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of ALX Resources Corp.

"Warren Stanyer"

Warren Stanyer, CEO and Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include: ALX's 2023 exploration plans at the Anchor Lithium Project, and ALX's ability to continue to expend funds at that project. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that ALX may not be able to fully finance exploration on our exploration projects, including drilling; our initial findings at our exploration projects may prove to be unworthy of further expenditures; commodity prices may not support further exploration expenditures; exploration programs may be delayed or changed due to any delays experienced in consultation and engagement activities with First Nations communities and local landowners in the region, and the results of such consultations; and economic, competitive, governmental, societal, public health, weather, environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and share price. Even if we explore and develop our projects, and even if lithium, uranium, nickel, copper, gold or other metals or minerals are discovered in quantity, ALX's projects may not be commercially viable. Additional risk factors are discussed in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, we will not update these forward-looking statement risk factors.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169229
Historical Drill Results Include 82 m Grading 0.91% Copper

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Cascada Silver Corp. (CSE: CSS) ("Cascada") is pleased to report that it has signed a binding agreement to enter into an option to acquire a 100% interest in the 250-hectare Mina Guanaca Copper Property ("Guanana Project") located 110 kilometres northeast of the City of Copiap, Region III, Chile (Figure 1) at elevations below 3,000 metres. The Guanaca Project is currently the focus of small-scale open pit mining of copper oxide mineralization. Significant molybdenum along with gold and silver mineralization is associated with the copper mineralization.

"We very pleased to have entered into an agreement to acquire the high-quality Mina Guanaca Copper Property," said Carl Hansen, Cascada's CEO. "The Guanaca Project has been the focus of only minor exploration and those activities have been focused on the near surface high grade copper oxide mineralization which has been intermittently mined over the past years. Clearly outlined drilling targets have been identified not only to depth beneath the area of current mining activities but also below the overburden gravels which cover the majority of the property. The Guanaca Project, which is easily accessible, is drill ready."

The copper mineralization at the Guanaca Project is associated with a brecciated tonalite located along the contact between a volcano-sedimentary sequence to the south and granitic intrusives to the north. A series of intersecting faults, centred on the area of the open pit, are interpreted as being the conduit for the mineralizing fluids. At surface, mineralization is dominated by copper oxides, including malachite and azurite, which have formed along factures and within the breccia matrix. At depth, chalcopyrite and bornite are reported. Historically, a narrow ramp and small shaft accessed the mineralized breccia to a depth of approximately 60 metres: neither are currently safely accessible.

Three short programs have been reported on the property for a total of 1,550 metres of drilling: 573 metres in five diamond drill holes (1994, Empresa Nacional de Mineria ("ENAMI")); 10 underground diamond drill holes for 536 metres (1995, C.M. San Andres - limited information available) and 441 metres of reverse circulation drilling in 6 holes completed in 2020 by Sociedad Legal Minera Guanaca Una de Sierra Vicuna ("SLMG"), the owner of the property. The majority of the drilling was completed in the immediate area of the main mineralized breccia (Figure 2). Table 1 summarizes the historical drill assay results with highlights including:

82 metres grading 0.91% total Cu, 0.67% soluble Cu (drill hole SE1, ENAMI);

41 metres grading 2.3% total Cu (hole ST2, C.M. Andres); and

56 metres grading 0.82% total Cu, 0.64% soluble Cu (drill hole GR5, SLMG).

Only copper assays are reported from the drill hole sampling.

A sample from the open pit mineralization, collected by First Quantum Minerals Ltd. during a property examination, assayed at ALS Labs and reported in 2022, returned 2.51% Cu, 0.107 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au, 2.86 g/t Ag and 0.22% molybdenum.

Historical Results Note : Cascada has not undertaken any independent investigation of any sampling from the Guanaca Project nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical drilling in order to verify the results. The reader is cautioned upon relying on the accuracy of the historical results presented; however, Cascada considers the historical assay results relevant as it will use the results as a guide to plan future exploration programs and considers the data to be reliable for these purposes.

Table 1 - Guanaca Historical Drill Results1

Hole Ref # From To Interval 2 End of

Hole %CuTotal %CuSoluble metres Enami 3 SE1 16 98 82 176 0.91 0.67 SE2 6 68 62 100 0.77 0.56 SE3 18 73 55 140 0.50 0.31 SE4 2 10 8 77 0.87 0.37 SE5 -- -- -- -- -- -- San Andres 4 ST1 0 24 24 84 1.3 n/a ST2 0 41 41 62 2.3 n/a ST5 0 10 10 50 2.2 n/a SLMG 3 GR1 79 121 42 160 0.76 0.49 GR2 -- -- -- 80 -- -- GR3 11 47 36 47 0.71 0.54 GR4 14 47 33 47 1.15 0.90 GR5 10 66 56 67 0.82 0.64 GR6 27 37 10 40 0.77 0.44





Notes:

See "Historical Results Note" immediately prior to Table 1. Interval represents downhole assay interval. Insufficient information regarding the geometry of the mineralized body is available in order to determine true width of the assay interval. Enami and SLMG assay intervals composited at a 0.2% CuT cut-off grade and 1 metre of internal waste with the exception of GR5 which contains a 4 metre interval grading 0.09% CuT. San Andres underground drill results are only available on a plan map and not all assay intervals results are reported. Cutoff grade is unknown. Holes are reported to have been drilled from the bottom of the shaft.

Historical Geophysical Surveys

A 2019 ground magnetic survey over the Guanaca Project (Figure 3) shows the existence a distinct magnetic low coinciding with the highly altered and mineralized tonalites of Mina Guanaca related to the hydrothermal destruction of magnetic. Additional magnetic lows, noted as Target 1 and Target 2, which lie under overburden, represent high priority drill targets.

An induced polarization survey along 4 lines (5.75 km) was completed in 2019 (Figure 4). A chargeability low coincides with Mina Guanaca related to almost complete oxidization of sulphides near surface. The chargeability low extends to the southeast along Profile 3 beneath overburden. At depths of 200 to 300 metres below Mina Guanaca, a significant chargeability high was outlined which is potentially related to sulphide mineralization associated with a porphyry system representing an additional high priority drill target.

Guanaca Project Agreement Terms

Under the terms of the letter agreement, an initial payment of US$100,000 is payable to the vendor (the "Vendor") of Guanaca Project upon the signing of the option agreement with a second payment of US$100,000 due upon the 6-month anniversary of the signing date. A further series of payments are payable as follows: US$200,000 at 12 months; US$300,000 at 18 months; US$500,000 at 24 months; US$1,300,000 at 36 months; and US$2,500,000 upon the 48-month anniversary for total payments of US$5,000,000 over 4 years. Work commitments comprising 1,250 metres of drilling per annum over the earn-in period are required. In addition, upon completion of the above noted obligations, the Vendor will receive a 2.5% net smelter royalty of which half (1.25%) can be repurchased for US$2,250,000 one year from the start of commercial production.

The current lessee of the mining property, Empresa Minera El Salado Ltda., will be allowed to continue mining operations at a rate of 1,500 tonne per month for a minimum of 12 months.

NI 43-101 Technical Disclosure

The Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, for Cascada's exploration activities in Chile is Sergio Diaz, a resident of Santiago, Chile. Mr. Diaz is a Public Registered Person for Reserves and Resources N 51, in Chile and is also registered in the Colegio de Geologos de Chile under N 315.

About Cascada Silver Corp.

Cascada is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration opportunities in Chile. Cascada's team of successful exploration professionals are dedicated to the discovery of mineral deposits that can be progressed into economically viable development projects creating value for all stakeholders.

On behalf of Cascada Silver Corp.,

Carl Hansen, CEO

Phone: 416-907-9969

For additional information, please contact us at:

[email protected]

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections and forecasts. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: plans for the evaluation of exploration properties; the success of evaluation plans; the success of exploration activities; mine development prospects; and, potential for future metals production. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: changes in economic parameters and assumptions; all aspects related to the timing of exploration activities and receipt of exploration results; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals price; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of economic and technical studies; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration; as well as those factors disclosed in Cascada's publicly filed documents.

Although Cascada has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts

responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.





Figure 1 - Location of the Mina Guanaca Copper Property Region III, Chile

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_001full.jpg.





Figure 2 - Geology and Assay Plan of Historical Drilling Results Mina Guanaca Copper Property Region III Chile

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_002full.jpg.





Figure 3 - Ground Magnetics Survey (2019) Mina Guanaca Copper Property

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_003full.jpg.





Figure 4 - Induced Polarization Survey (2019) Mina Guanaca Copper Property

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7721/169248_e5c5b227e4bcd81f_004full.jpg.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169248
Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 7, 2023) - Collabera Digital, a leading provider of Digital Engineering services, and Katonic.ai, an Australian AI-ML company, announced they had joined forces to help organizations capitalize on the potential of Generative AI.



Collabera Digital, accelerating digital journeys

This partnership aims to fine-tune Generative AI models and install them directly on the organization's infrastructure, ensuring complete security and high precision. Companies can instantly produce text, images, codes, or video content using the Large Language Models' (LLMs) ability to understand user prompts and context.

Moreover, the Collabera Digital and Katonic.ai Partnership offers an all-encompassing Generative AI solution. Using Katonic.ai's award-winning Machine Learning Operations Platform (MLOps), businesses can manage data preparation, model training, deployment, monitoring, and end-to-end automation with high reliability and efficiency.

With its vast network and client base in APAC, Collabera Digital will bring Katonic.ai's solution to new and existing clients in the region. "Generative AI could automate or augment around 65% of tasks across industries, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and reducing costs.

We are delighted to partner with Katonic.ai to offer these upgrades to our clients in APAC," said Anil Snehi, Executive Vice President & Regional Head of APAC, Collabera Digital.

"We are very excited about this partnership with Collabera Digital," said Prem Naraindas, Founder and CEO at Katonic.ai. "By combining our expertise in AI and Collabera Digital's network and reach, we can make it easier for businesses to take advantage of generative AI capabilities quickly, securely, and cost-effectively."

Collabera Digital and Katonic.ai are also collaborating to establish Generative AI labs in key cities in APAC. These labs, set to launch in the coming months, will create an ecosystem for innovation, collaboration, and the development of new AI-based solutions for growth. Additionally, they will serve as a platform for knowledge transfer and research, bridging the gap between industry and academia.

About Collabera Digital

Collabera Digital helps tech-forward organizations accelerate their digital journeys. Our digital engineering capabilities in data, analytics, cloud, automation, and cybersecurity, coupled with a strong foundation in talent transformation, help clients innovate faster and with lower risk to thrive in the digital economy.

Established in 2010 and with over 25 offices in 11 countries across APAC & Europe, Collabera Digital serves more than 300 clients, including Fortune 500 companies. With 10,000+ professionals, we are a team of innovators and thinkers who thrive by capturing digital transformation opportunities.

For more information, please visit https://collaberadigital.com.

About Katonic.ai

Katonic.ai, with offices in India, Australia, and Singapore, is backed by Australia's largest investment fund, Artesian Investments, and Boab AI. Katonic.ai helps businesses realise the value of enterprise AI faster by helping their ML models to production quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. The Katonic.ai MLOps platform simplifies development and operationalisation and is fully open, flexible, and language agnostic. The platform runs in a Kubernetes cluster and can be deployed anywhere, such as multi-cloud, on-premises, or the edge.

Katonic.ai is the only AI company from APAC to be featured in the prestigious Everest Group's MLOps Products PEAK Matrix 2022 and to win the Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Entrepreneurial Company of the Year Award in the APAC MLOps industry.

Contact details

Vinutha Naik

Global Marketing Head

Collabera Digital

[email protected]

Neel Jadhav

VP - Marketing

Katonic.ai

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/168479
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 7, 2023) - Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) (WKN: A1JQW5) ("Defiance" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the recently completed drill program. Results from drill holes DDSA-23-64, DDSA-23-65, DDSA-23-66 and 66A are reported in this release. The Company is awaiting assay results from DDSA-23-67 through DDSA-23-72, an additional six drill holes.

Drilling encountered the highest-grade and widest-width mineralization ever drilled at the San Acacio project. Drill hole DDSA-23-66 returned the widest width drilled to date: 41.83 m of 157.30 g/t Ag (from 225.60 m to 267.43 m) including 15.96 metres of 379.90 g/t Ag (from 251.47 m to 267.43 m). Within this interval is a sub-interval grading 5510 g/t Ag or 6014 g/t AgEq from 265.54 m to 265.80 m. The company is extremely encouraged by these results, which validate the hypothesis that additional very high-grade mineralization is present in the Veta Grande camp.

Chris Wright, Chairman & CEO, stated: "We are extremely encouraged by the continued success of our drilling campaigns at the San Acacio project. As a result of diligent targeting and modeling work, leading to multiple successful phases of drilling, our technical team has been able to further demonstrate the continued potential to outline a large mineral system within the historical San Acacio mine area on the Veta Grande vein system. We look forward to reporting additional results as they become available to the company."

Highlights:

DDSA-23-66 - Returned the widest width and highest grade that the company has drilled to date at the Zacatecas District project. Drilling returned an intercept of 41.83 m (from 225.60 m to 267.43 m) of 157.30 g/t Ag or 169 g/t AgEq. This interval returned high-grade sub-intervals including 15.96 m (from 251.47 m to 267.43 m) of 379.90 g/t Ag or 407 g/t AgEq . Included in this intercept is 3.43 m (from 251.47 m to 254.90 m) of 653.38 g/t Ag or 684 g/t AgEq and 1.00 m (from 264.80 m to 265.80 m) of 2350 g/t Ag or 2500 g/t AgEq with a very high-grade sub-interval from 265.54 m to 265.80 m of 5510 g/t Ag or 6014 g/t AgEq. This hole encountered historical workings in two locations (from 238.60 m to 240.00 m and 254.90 m to 260.30 m) for which a zero value was applied to the composited results. Additional drilling in this area is planned to follow up on these exceptional results.

DDSA-23-66A - Intercepted 9.86 m of 98.52 g/t Ag (from 260.00 m to 269.86 m) or 116 g/t AgEq , including an interval of 1.54 m of 467.40 g/t Ag (from 264.34 m to 265.88 m) or 529 g/t AgEq.

DDSA-23-64 - Encountered two significant zones of appreciable silver grade: 4.80 m of 349.37 g/t Ag (from 236.72 m to 241.52 m) or 376 g/t AgEq including 1.32 m of 1264 g/t Ag (from 239.07 m to 240.39 m) or 1358 g/t AgEq and 3.21 m of 200.05 g/t Ag (from 256.22 m to 259.43 m) or 243 g/t AgEq.

Select table of results:

Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Ag g/t Au g/t Pb % Zn % AgEq g/t DDSA-23-64 218.84 220.47 1.63 136.44 0.10 0.06 0.20 152 DDSA-23-64 236.72 241.52 4.80 349.37 0.14 0.14 0.35 376 Including 239.07 240.39 1.32 1264.42 0.52 0.51 1.20 1358 DDSA-23-64 255.38 260.03 4.65 144.63 0.08 0.04 0.18 158 Including 256.22 259.43 3.21 200.05 0.09 1.07 0.21 243 Including 258.59 259.43 0.84 728.00 0.32 0.17 0.72 781 DDSA-23-65 452.95 454.07 1.12 64.94 0.18 0.15 0.54 101 DDSA-23-65 611.50 613.00 1.50 85.06 0.11 0.04 0.14 100 DDSA-23-66 216.84 217.85 1.01 237.02 0.07 0.02 0.04 245 DDSA-23-66 225.60 267.43 41.83 157.30 0.07 0.05 0.16 169 Including 251.47 267.43 15.96 379.90 0.15 0.12 0.37 407 Including 251.47 254.90 3.43 653.38 0.24 0.10 0.28 684 Including 264.80 265.80 1.00 2350.20 0.51 0.77 2.78 2500 Including 265.54 265.80 0.26 5510.00 1.51 2.63 9.86 6014 DDSA-23-66A 260.00 269.86 9.86 98.52 0.10 0.08 0.24 116 Including 264.34 269.86 5.52 144.39 0.11 0.09 0.33 166 Including 264.34 265.88 1.54 467.40 0.29 0.28 0.96 529



Table 1. Silver equivalent is calculated using the following formula: Silver-Equivalent (AgEq) = [(Au_ppm x 64.18635)+(Ag_ppm x 0.784156)+(Pb_ppm x 20.94389)+(Zn_ppm x 24.69174)]/ 0.784156. Metal price assumptions are Au: $1996.42, Ag: $24.39, Pb: $0.95, Zn: $1.12. A 30-day metal price average is used to determine USD metal prices, and 100% recovery has been assumed for all metals. At this stage of the project, reliable metallurgy has yet to be completed, and the reader is cautioned that 100% recoveries are never achieved. True thickness is assumed to be 50%-80% of downhole width.

Plan Map of Drilling at the San Acacio Project:





Figure 1. Plan map of drilling at the San Acacio project. Holes reported in this release are shown in yellow. Coordinates are in UTM WGS84 Zone 13N.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2950/169179_4f72f308b467c8ca_001full.jpg



Cross Section of DDSA-23-66 and 66A:





Figure 2. Cross-section showing the results of holes DDSA-23-66 and 66A.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2950/169179_4f72f308b467c8ca_002full.jpg

Discussion of Results:

DDSA-23-64 was drilled near the northwest boundary of the San Acacio property (Figure 1) to test and better define hanging wall veinlet zones that typically contain high-grade silver in this part of the property. Three hanging wall veinlet zones with silver mineralization, including two with appreciable width, were intersected in this hole. These intercepts and their structural data will be used to constrain the mineralized hanging wall zones for the upcoming resource update.

The upper zone from 218.84 m to 220.47 m returned 136.44 g/t Ag or 152 g/t AgEq, while the lower zones intersected 4.80 m of 349.37 g/t Ag (from 236.72 m to 241.52 m) or 376 g/t AgEq including 1.32 m of 1264 g/t Ag (from 239.07 m to 240.39 m) or 1358 g/t AgEq and 3.21 m of 200.05 g/t Ag (from 256.22 m to 259.43 m) or 243 g/t AgEq within a wider zone of 4.65m of 144.63 g/t Ag or 158 g/t AgEq (from 255.38 m to 260.03 m). The main Veta Grande structure was intersected at 392.54 m, and while mineralized, contained lower grades than the hanging-wall splays.

DDSA-23-65 was drilled in the central zone of the San Acacio resource area and specifically targeted an apparent high-grade hanging wall structure previously tagged in an historical underground drill hole (Figure 1). Hole DDSA-23-65 intersected several splay zones, including 1.12 m at 101 g/t AgEq from 452.95 m to 454.07 m. Historical drilling appears to have drilled along a narrow splay zone rather than perpendicular to the splay structure. Additionally, the Veta Grande structure was encountered below these splay zones, and intersected a zone of anomalous silver including 1.50 m at 100 g/t AgEq.

DDSA-23-66 was drilled in the eastern portion of the San Acacio resource area near the zone with the deepest known historical workings (Figures 1 and 2). This hole was designed as an infill hole within the resource area and a structural hole to increase the confidence of both the locations and grades of the hanging wall splays and the Veta Grande structure in this zone. High grades were encountered in both the hanging wall splays and in the Veta Grande structure itself. This hole drilled the widest mineralized interval and the highest silver grade to date in historical and recent diamond drilling at San Acacio.

Several historical workings within the reported intervals were encountered in this hole (from 238.60 m to 240.00 m and from 254.90 m to 260.30 m); regardless, the grades and widths intersected in this hole support the hypothesis that significant mineralized material and bonanza grades remain within the historical San Acacio mine area. The reported interval includes 41.83 m (from 225.60 m to 267.43 m) of 157.30 g/t Ag or 169 g/t AgEq, and several sub-intervals, as highlighted above, including 15.96 m (from 251.47 m to 267.43 m) of 379.90 g/t Ag or 407 g/t AgEq, and a very high-grade sub-interval from 265.54 m to 265.80 m of 5510 g/t Ag or 6014 g/t AgEq. Metal values for the composited intervals that include the empty historic workings were calculated using zero grade for the downhole widths that returned no material. The hole was lost in an old mine tunnel beneath the Veta Grande at 297.10 m and re-entered as DDSA-23-66A.

DDSA-23-66A is the continuation of DDSA-23-66, with core drilling started from 260 m down hole, bypassing the working where DDSA-23-66 was lost. This hole intersected a similar interval of the main Veta Grande structure and high-grade footwall veinlets, with 9.86 m of 98.52 g/t Ag (from 260.00 m to 269.86 m) or 116 g/t AgEq and includes an interval of 1.54 m of 467.40 g/t Ag (from 264.34 m to 265.88 m) or 529 g/t AgEq.

Collar Information for Reported Drill Holes:

Hole Number Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip Easting Northing Elevation (m) DDSA-23-64 482.30 010 -58 751224 2526350 2619 DDSA-23-65 671.50 073 -49 751622 2525927 2672 DDSA-23-66 468.48 052 -62 752044 2525940 2642 DDSA-23-66A 483.20 052 -62 752044 2525940 2642



Table 2. Drill collar details. All coordinates in WGS84 UTM Zone 13N.

Discussion of QAQC and Analytical Procedure:

Samples were selected based on the lithology, alteration, and mineralization characteristics; sample size ranges from 0.25 - 2m in width. All altered and mineralized intervals were sent for assay. One blank, one standard, and one duplicate were included within every twenty samples. Standard materials are certified reference materials [CRMs] from OREAS and contain a range of Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, and Zn values. Blanks, standards, and duplicates did not detect any issues with the analytical results.

Samples were analyzed by ALS Chemex Laboratories. Sample preparation was performed at the Zacatecas, Mexico, prep facility, and analyses were performed at the Vancouver, Canada, analytical facility. All elements except Au and Hg were analyzed by a multi-element geochemistry method utilizing a four-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS detection [ME-MS61m]; mercury was analyzed after a separate aqua regia digest by ICP-MS. Overlimit assays for Ag, Pb, and Zn were conducted using the OG62 method (multi-acid digest with ICP-AES/AAS finish). Gold was measured by fire-assay with an ICP-AES finish [50g sample, Au-ICP22].

About Defiance Silver Corp.

Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (WKN: A1JQW5) is an exploration company advancing the district-scale San Acacio Deposit, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District and the Tepal Gold/Copper Project in Michoacn state, Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring, advancing, and developing several operating mines and advanced resource projects Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand the San Acacio and Tepal projects to become premier Mexican silver and gold deposits.

Mr. George Cavey, P. Geo, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information concerning the Company's material mineral properties contained in this press release.

On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp.

"Chris Wright"

Chairman of the Board

For more information, please contact: Investor Relations at +1 (604) 343-4677 or via email at [email protected].

www.defiancesilver.com

Suite 2900-550 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3

Canada

Tel: +1 (604) 343-4677

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer

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.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information contained in this news release which are not statements of historical facts may be "forward-looking information" for the purposes of Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "plan", "intends", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", "schedule", "understand" and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the Company's expectations regarding the ability of the Mining Bureau of Mexico City to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company, cooperation with the Mining Bureau relating to such reinstatement and the potential for any successful solution resulting therefrom.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Defiance, are inherently subject to significant technical, political, business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Factors and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the inability of the Company to regain possession of its concessions; political risks associated with the Company's operations in Mexico; the failure of the Mining Bureau in Mexico City to take any coercive action to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company; and the inability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enforce their legal rights in certain circumstances. For additional risk factors, please see the Company's most recently filed Management Discussions & Analysis for its quarter ended March 31, 2021 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

There can be no assurances that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as many factors and future events, both known and unknown could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary or differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained herein or incorporated by reference. Accordingly, all such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to Defiance, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is made as at the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, changes in circumstances or any other events affecting 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/169179
The Legislative Committee of the Egyptian National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) held a panel discussion on Wednesday on fair criminal trials, preparing recommendations that will be presented to parliament.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Eastern Platinum Limited (TSX: ELR) (JSE: EPS) ("Eastplats" or the "Company") announces that it has received conditional acceptance from the Toronto Stock Exchange to extend the expiry date of 5,960,000 of its outstanding unlisted common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") originally issued on June 26, 2020, in conjunction with the previously disclosed settlement agreement with AlphaGlobal Capital Inc. For further information concerning the original issuance of the Warrants, please refer to the press release of the Company dated June 26, 2020.

Each Warrant currently entitles the holder to purchase one common share at a price of CDN$0.24 per common share at any time up to 5:00 p.m. local time in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 26, 2023 (the "Expiry Date"). Effective on June 26, 2023, the Company will extend Expiry Date to June 26, 2024. All of the other warrant terms remain unchanged.

About Eastern Platinum Limited

Eastplats owns directly and indirectly a number of PGM and chrome assets in the Republic of South Africa. All of the Company's properties are situated on the western limb (Crocodile River Mine) and eastern limb (Kennedy's Vale, Spitzkop Mareesburg) of the Bushveld Complex, the geological environment that hosts approximately 80% of the world's PGM-bearing ore.

Operations at the Crocodile River Mine currently include re-mining and processing its tailings resource to produce PGM and chrome concentrates from the Barplats Zandfontein tailings dam.

For further information, please contact:

EASTERN PLATINUM LIMITED

Wylie Hui, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary

[email protected] (email)

(604) 800-8200 (phone)

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "will," "plan," "intends," "may," "could," "expects," "anticipates" and similar expressions. Further disclosure of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and other forward-looking statements are discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to: the extension of the expiry date of the Warrants. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, commodity prices, lower than expected grades and quantities of resources, need for additional funding, availability of such additional funding and that funding will be on acceptable terms, economic conditions, currency fluctuations, competition and regulations, legal proceedings and risks related to operations in foreign countries.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date they are given and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169186
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Lion Rock Resources Inc. (TSXV: ROAR) (FSE: KGB1) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to acquire the Revell Lithium Project. The Project is located 25 km east of Ignace, Ontario and consists of 112 claims covering 2,350 ha. The Revell Lithium Project lies on trend of the Raleigh Lake pegmatite field, which hosts the Raleigh Lake Lithium-Rubidium deposit.

Acquisition Highlights

The Revell Lithium Property. The 2,350 ha property is located near the triple junction of the Western Wabigoon, Winnipeg River and Marmion Subprovinces. It is underlain by prospective S-Type granite and felsic to intermediate metavolcanics. The underexplored property is on trend with the Raleigh Lake pegmatite field.

Ontario's Lithium Exploration Boom. As a leading location for lithium exploration, Ontario has seen rapid advancement of early-stage projects with government support. Nearby projects include the Raleigh Lake Lithium Project, where a recently announced mineral resource estimate included 2.3 Mt at 0.64% Li 2 O (Measured and Indicated) and 3.9 Mt at 0.58% Li 2 O (Inferred).

Planned Work Program. In Summer 2023, the Company will commence a comprehensive exploration campaign, initially focusing on prospecting, mapping and sampling pegmatites at the Revell Lithium Property.

Figure 1.The Revell Project location map showing nearby claims and lithium occurrences.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8985/169369_20f17df764e1ea05_001full.jpg

About the Revell Lithium Project

The Revell Lithium Project is comprised of 112 claims covering 2,350 ha, approximately 25 km west of Ignace, Ontario. The Project is situated near the triple junction of the Western Wabigoon, Winnipeg River, and Marmion Subprovinces. It is underlain by prospective S-Type granite and felsic to intermediate metavolcanics. The property is accessible by road and strategically located with proximity to infrastructure and recent lithium discoveries.

Terms of Agreement

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, the Company must make payments and share issuances as follows:

1,600,000 common shares on acceptance of the Option Agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV Acceptance"); $150,000 on or before the date that is six months following TSXV Acceptance; and 2,000,000 common shares and $100,000 on or before the first anniversary to TSXV Acceptance.

Also under the terms of the Option Agreement, the property will be subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty, one-half of which can be purchased by the Company for $500,000.

The above transaction is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Carl Ginn, P.Geo., consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.

About Lion Rock Resources Inc.

Lion Rock Resources is northwestern Ontario's newest goldcopper explorer. The Company's flagship property, the Maybrun, is a pastproducing mine (Maybrun goldcopper deposit) that was placed on care and maintenance in 1974 for several years prior to an exploration program conducted by Opawica Explorations Inc. in 2005. The Maybrun project is located in the Atikwa Lake area of the Kenora Mining Division, approximately 80 kilometres southeast of Kenora, in northwestern Ontario.

On Behalf of the Board

R. Dale Ginn, President & Chief Executive Officer

O: 604-678-5308

E: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169369
Begins 2023 with Strong Financial Improvements and Increased Technology Licensing Revenues

Corsicana, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (OTCQB: MEEC) ("ME 2 C Environmental "or the "Company"), a leading environmental technology firm, has reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023.

The company reports the following financial improvements when compared to December 31, 2022. For the period ending on March 31, 2023:

Cash on hand increased by $1.0 Million

Technology Licensing Revenues increased by $0.4 Million

In addition, the Company reported total revenue of $3.0 Million for the quarter and had working capital of $1.8 Million at March 31, 2023.

"The Company continues to operate from the solid industry position that we are establishing in our core business, mercury emissions capture technologies," stated Richard MacPherson, Chief Executive Officer of ME 2 C Environmental. "Due to our IP efforts across the coal-fired utility industry, our technology licensing revenues grew significantly during the period. Our revenues were slightly lower, by approximately $300,000, as several large utility customers took earlier than usual maintenance shutdowns; however, we gained significant new supply business during this first quarter. As we move further into 2023, we expect that our technology licensing revenues will continue to grow and, with a stable coal-fired power market, we expect the second quarter of this year to show increased supply revenues as our customers meet growing energy demands. Our revenues remain on track to yield significant year-over-year improvements as we have experienced consistently during the last few years."

Continued MacPherson, "As we move into the second half of 2023, our expansion efforts into new markets and technologies remain actively underway. The conditional approval to list onto the TSX Venture Exchange and new, significant mercury emissions supply business were marked achievements during this quarter of 2023. We are moving into this year financially strong and will continue to progress as we move through this year," concluded MacPherson.

About ME2C Environmental

ME 2 C Environmental is a leading environmental technologies company developing and delivering patented and proprietary solutions to the global power industry. ME 2 C's leading-edge mercury emissions technologies and services have been shown to achieve emissions removal at a significantly lower cost and with less operational impact than currently used methods, while maintaining and/or increasing power plant output and preserving the marketability of byproducts for beneficial use. ME 2 C Environmental is a trade name of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. For more information, please visit http://www.me2cenvironmental.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, content herein may contain "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are generally identified by using words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "expect," "intend," "will," and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Matters that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors, the ability to satisfy the conditions to listing on the TSX-V; the loss of major customers; dependence on availability and retention of key suppliers; changes, or lack of changes, in environmental regulations; risks related to advancements in technologies; lack of diversification in the Company's business; risks related to intellectual property, including the ability to protect intellectual property and the success of the ongoing patent litigation; competition risks; changes in demand for coal as a fuel source for electricity production; ability to retain key personnel; business interruptions as a result of COVID-19; absence of a liquid public market for our common stock; share price volatility; and, the potential that dividends may never be declared. In addition, this release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management's best analysis only as of the date of this release. ME 2 C Environmental does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Further information concerning issues that could materially affect financial performance or other forward-looking statements contained in this release can be found in ME 2 C Environmental's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or Canadian securities regulators.

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.

ME 2 C Environmental Contact:

Stacey Hyatt

Corporate Communications

ME 2 C Environmental

Main: 614-505-6115 x-1001

Direct: 404-226-4217

[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

Jessica Butt

IR Representative

Adelaide Capital

Direct: 416-844-6202

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169165
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - New Break Resources Ltd. (CSE:NBRK)("New Break" or the "Company")announces the repricing of 1,730,000 common share purchase warrants with an exercise price of $0.20 and an expiry date of June 23, 2023 (the "Repriced Warrants"), to $0.15, effective immediately (the "Warrant Repricing"). Following the Warrant Repricing, the Company will have an aggregate of 6,274,200 outstanding warrants, having an exercise price of $0.15 and an expiry date of June 23, 2023 (collectively, the "Subject Warrants"). The Company's management considers the Warrant Repricing to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and aligns the exercise price of all warrants having an expiry date of June 23, 2023, which expiry date is not being extended.

Under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"), the proposed Warrant Repricing is subject to the unanimous consent of the registered holders of the outstanding Repriced Warrants. The Company confirms that it has received written consent from all holders of Repriced Warrants having an exercise price of $0.20, consenting to the repricing of the Repriced Warrants.

In addition, the Company has established an exercise incentive program (the "Incentive Program") with respect to all of the 6,274,200 Subject Warrants. Under the Incentive Program, each holder of a Subject Warrant who exercises part or all of their Subject Warrants between the date hereof and June 23, 2023, will be granted one common share purchase warrant (each an "Incentive Warrant") for each exercised Subject Warrant. Each Incentive Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share (an "Incentive Warrant Share") of the Company at a price of $0.20 per common share for a period of thee (3) years from the date of issuance. The Incentive Warrant will be subject to an acceleration clause, whereby if the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the CSE is equal to $0.40 or higher for five non-consecutive trading days, over a 365-day period, the Company may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants to the date that is 20 business days from the date of the issuance of a news release by the Company announcing the exercise of the acceleration right.

Warrant Holders who wish to participate in the Incentive Program will be required to deliver the applicable warrant exercise documents to the Company to exercise their respective Subject Warrants and in consideration for the issuance of the Incentive Warrants. The Subject Warrants which remain unexercised as at June 23, 2023, will expire on that date and no further Incentive Warrants will be issued. The Company anticipates using the proceeds from the exercise of any Subject Warrants for working capital purposes.

The Incentive Warrants and the Incentive Warrant Shares, if issued, will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance of the Incentive Warrants. The Warrant Repricing and the Incentive Program are subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the approval of the CSE.

About New Break Resources Ltd.

New Break is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a dual vision for value creation. In northern Ontario, New Break is focused on its Moray Project, in a well-established mining camp, within proximity to existing infrastructure, while at the same time, through our prospective land holdings in Nunavut, we provide our shareholders with significant exposure to the vast potential for exploration success in one of the most up and coming regions in Canada for gold exploration and production. New Break is supported by a highly experienced team of mining professionals committed to placing a premium on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. Information on New Break is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.newbreakresources.ca. New Break began trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (www.thecse.com) on September 7, 2022 under the symbol CSE: NBRK.

For further information on New Break, please visit www.newbreakresources.ca or contact:

Michael Farrant, President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 416-278-4149

E-mail: [email protected]

And follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

No stock exchange, regulation securities provider, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to receipt of regulatory and stock exchange approvals, grants of equity-based compensation, renouncement of flow-through exploration expenses, property agreements, timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, an inability to predict and counteract the effects global events on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains etc. Forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions and therefore involves inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise any forward-looking information, except as may be required by law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's financial statements and management's discussion and analysis (the "Filings"), such Filings available upon request.

Not for dissemination in the United States of America or through U.S. newswire services.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169244
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Ophir Gold Corp. (TSXV: OPHR) (OTCQB: KPZIF) (FSE: 80M)(the "Company" or "Ophir")is pleased to announce, that further to its press release of May 10, 2023, the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement through the issuance of 8,571,428 flow-through units (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.35 per FT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,999,999 (the "Offering").

Each FT Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company, issued on a flow-through basis (each, a "FT Share") and one whole common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), issued on a non-flow-through basis. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.40 per Common Share for a period of three (3) years from date of issuance. Each FT Share and Warrant will qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and also qualify for the Canadian government's Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.

A total of 428,571 FT Units and 857,149 finder's warrants ("Finder's Warrants") were issued in connection with the Offering to Churchill SIG Pty Ltd. of Subiaco, Western Australia ("Churchill"). The Finder's Warrants are exercisable into one Common Share in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.35 per Common Share for a period of three years. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and for any individual subscribers who are resident or subject to tax in the Province of Quebec or any subscribers who is a partnership of which a partner or limited partner is subject to tax in the Province of Quebec, will qualify as "exploration base relating to certain Qubec exploration expenses" within the meaning contained in section 726.4.10 of the Quebec Tax Act and "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining exploration expenses or oil and gas exploration expenses" within the meaning contained in section 726.4.17.2 of the Quebec Tax Act.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About the Company

Ophir Gold Corp. is a diversified exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the past producing Breccia Gold Property located in Lemhi County, Idaho. The Company has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Property over a three-year period from Canagold Resources Ltd. (formerly Canarc Resource Corp.) and DG Resource Management Ltd.

The Company also has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Radis Lithium Property over a three-year period from Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury Gold Mines Limited.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Shawn Westcott"

Ophir Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Shawn Westcott, CEO

Phone 1 (604) 365 6681

[email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (referred to as "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" including statements relating to: (i) exploration plans for the Company's mineral properties, (ii) potential results of exploration programs, and (iii) the potential for and details of mineralization on the Company's properties. 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: risk related to the 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 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, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169261
The Customer has renewed its subscription for the Company's high-margin software offering. 'Plurilock AI'

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solutions provider for workforces, is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a contract renewal for its flagship software platform, 'Plurilock AI' with a U.S. management consulting company (the "Customer").

According to the terms of the contract, the Customer will license the cloud security functionality of the Plurilock AI platform, which includes Single Sign-On and Access Control Management.

"We are delighted to have renewed a contract with a U.S. management consulting company for our flagship AI-driven cybersecurity solution," said Ian L. Paterson, CEO of Plurilock. "Our technology software platform offers advanced cybersecurity capabilities with an emphasis on zero-trust principles, which enables our customers to bolster their cyber defenses."

About Plurilock

Plurilock secures workforces, delivering least privilege access management and advanced IT solutions to commercial and government customers worldwide. With industry-leading artificial intelligence and patented real-time identity confirmation technology, Plurilock combines next-generation cybersecurity with a comprehensive line of products and services that enable teams across North America and the globe to compute safely in a remote work world.

For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com or contact:

Ian L. Paterson

Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]

416.800.1566

Prit Singh

Investor Relations

[email protected]

905.510.7636

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, the success of the Company in obtaining new or extended contracts or orders; the Company's ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; and unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169166
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Rockcliff Metals Corporation(CSE: RCLF) (OTCQB: RKCLF)("Rockcliff" or the "Company")is pleased to provide an exploration update from the winter drilling completed at its Snow Lake Project ("The Project") located in central Manitoba. Drilling was concentrated at the Bur Property where excellent road access from the mining town of Snow Lake exists. The Project consists of four copper-zinc-gold-silver dominant anchor deposits (Bur, Talbot, Tower, and Rail) and several other grass roots prospects all centered around Snow Lake. The Project is part of the Flin Flon-Snow Lake Greenstone Belt ("The Belt"), the largest Paleoproterozoic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") district and one of the most prolific VMS districts in the world.

Bur Property VMS Winter Drill Program

Geophysical VMS Targets Identified: A total of 1,379 metres of drilling were completed in four holes. Drilling tested four separate geophysical conductive targets near the existing high-grade Bur VMS (copper-zinc) Deposit (see Figure 1). All targets were intersected and explained by fine grained to massive pyrite sulphides in graphitic fault breccia. No appreciable copper-zinc mineralization was intersected in the four holes completed.

Figure 1: Plan View of Bur VMS Deposit and Location of TDEM VMS Winter Drill Targets. The Targets were Identified as Pyrite Rich Sulphides (non-copper-zinc bearing) within Graphitic Breccia.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3071/169168_f5034f36b402da55_001full.jpg

Rockcliff completed a NI 43-101 Technical Report in Q4 2021 on the Bur Property and press released the report on November 22, 2021. The Technical Report prepared by Stantec, with an effective date of October 26, 2021, is summarized below.

Bur VMS Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate at a 2.3% CuEq Cut-Off Grade (1-12 )

Classification Tonnes

(k) Cu

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) CuEq

(%) Cu

(Mlbs) Zn

(Mlbs) Au

(koz) Ag

(koz) CuEq

(Mlbs) Measured 338 1.54 3.58 0.05 12.94 2.87 11.48 26.68 0.54 140.62 21.39 Indicated 2,679 1.70 6.45 0.02 3.41 3.97 100.41 380.95 1.72 293.71 234.48 Measured/Indicated 3,017 1.69 6.13 0.02 4.48 3.84 112.37 407.59 1.94 434.41 255.33 Inferred 2.342 1.03 8.65 0.00 0.91 4.04 53.18 446.62 0.00 68.52 208.59

CIM definitions are followed for classification of Mineral Resource. Mineral resources are contained within a mineralized vein (zone) dipping at approximately 60 degrees towards the northwest whose closest vertical depth from surface is 6 m and maximum vertical depth is 1,274 m. Resources are constrained to a minimum true vein thickness of 0.2 m and where calculated block revenues after recovery are greater than costs for mining. CuEq (%) = Cu (%) + Zn (%) x 0.347 + Au(gpt) x 0.430 +Ag(gpt) x 0.005 ZnEq (%) = Cu (%) x 2.885 + Zn (%) + Au(gpt) x 1.241 + Ag(gpt) x 0.016 CuEq and ZnEq formulas are calculated using the following revenue inputs: Cu US$ 3.26/lb, Zn US$ 1.13/lb, Au US$ 1,744/oz, and Ag US$ 22.05/oz. Metal recoveries are: 80% Cu, 80% Zn, 40% Au and 40% Ag. Mining costs used to determine prospects for eventual economic extraction total C$110/t. US$ to C$ exchange rate applied is 1:1.31. Specific gravity for the mineralized zone is fixed at 3.1. Totals may not represent the sum of the parts due to rounding. The Mineral Resource estimate has been prepared by Derek Loveday, P. Geo. of Stantec Consulting Services Ltd. in conformity with CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices" guidelines and are reported in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators NI 43-101. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that any mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserve. The 100% owned Bur Property is part of the Company's extensive Manitoba property portfolio, has excellent infrastructure with a year-round access road, clearing for portable buildings, and a box cut and portal. The Bur Property lies within the Flin Flon-Snow Lake greenstone belt, the largest Paleoproterozoic VMS district in the world and the most prolific VMS district in Canada.

A copy of the Technical Report is available on the Company's SEDAR issuer profile at www.SEDAR.com and the Company's website at http://rockcliffmetals.com.

The 100% owned Bur Property is strategically located approximately 30 kilometres by gravel and paved road from the center of the Snow Lake Mining Camp. The Bur VMS Deposit is a strategic, high-grade, and significant resource of copper and zinc. It remains open at depth and along strike.

New Bur Property Pegmatite Potential:

Multiple pegmatite dykes between 0.5 metres to almost 15.0 metres (not true thickness) were intersected by drilling which was initially focused on identifying the conductive targets described above. Several of the dykes that were intersected hosted beryl, tourmaline, spodumene and lepidolite minerals. Recent lab results returned minor, anomalous lithium confirming that the pegmatite dykes are lithium bearing and are part of the Wekusko Lake Pegmatite Field ("WLPF"). The WLPF is known to host several nearby historical lithium-rich pegmatite deposits and recent exploration by others has discovered numerous additional lithium-bearing pegmatites in the area (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Location of the Wekusko Lake Pegmatite Field (WLPF) from Regional Scale Mapping, 2023 Drill Locations, and Rockcliff's Bur and Sails Properties( black property outline), Historical Nearby Lithium Deposits and Pegmatite Swarms within the WLPF.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3071/169168_f5034f36b402da55_002full.jpg

At Bur, regional evidence exists outlining significant lithium potential. Historical mapping has identified the presence of at least three clusters of pegmatites associated with an evolved, mature granite-granodiorite batholith. Pegmatites have been identified on surface sporadically across the entire 15.0 kilometres length of the property and were observed in many historical drill holes designed to test only VMS potential. The Bur property is significantly underexplored for its lithium potential.

Summer/Fall exploration plans are to resample any pegmatites dykes located in historical drill holes, boots on the ground geology to locate, sample and map pegmatite dykes to identify those with the highest lithium potential.

Additional Bur drill hole information is summarized below.

Hole # UTM-E UTM-N Dip Azimuth Length-metres RBur23-066 458622 6093102 -65 125 302 RBur23-067 459258 6093294 -65 125 386 RBur23-068 459657 6094009 -65 125 335 RBur23-069 460215 6094500 -50 135 356

Penex Property Winter Drilling

A total of 1,000 metres of drilling in four to six holes were planned to test the 2.6 kilometers long airborne geophysical target identified in historical airborne surveys and in a recently completed surface geophysical survey. Unfortunately, due to recurring mild winter weather, frost did not penetrate deep enough to completely freeze the numerous underlying bogs to safely allow heavy machinery across the 8.0 kilometres long access road completed by Rockcliff to get to the drill targets. Drilling is now planned for next year when required ground conditions will hopefully be realized.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Samples of half core were packaged and shipped directly from Rockcliff's core facility in Snow Lake to ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS), in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ALS is a Canadian assay laboratory and is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025. Each bagged core sample was dried, crushed to 70% passing 10 mesh and a 250g pulp is pulverized to 85% passing 150 mesh for assaying. A 0.5g cut is taken from each pulp for base metal analyses and leached in a multi acid (total) digestion and then analyzed for copper, lead, zinc, and silver by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Gold concentrations are determined by fire assay using a 30g charge followed by an atomic absorption finish. Samples greater than the upper detection limit (3000 ppb) are reanalyzed using fire assay gravimetric using a 1 assay ton charge. A 0.2g cut is taken from each pulp for lithium and other trace and rare earth metals and leached in a sodium peroxide fusion to ensure complete recovery, then analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Rockcliff inserted certified blanks and standards in the sample stream to ensure lab integrity. Rockcliff has no relationship with ALS other than ALS being a service provider to the Company.

Ken Lapierre P.Geo., Interim President, and CEO of Rockcliff, a Qualified Person in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101, has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this press release.

About Rockcliff Metals Corporation

Rockcliff is a Canadian exploration and resource Company with several advanced-stage, high-grade VMS dominant deposits in the Snow Lake area of central Manitoba. The Company is a major landholder in The Belt which hosts the largest Paleoproterozoic VMS district in the world, hosting high-grade mines, deposits and grass roots prospects containing copper, zinc, gold and silver. The Company's extensive portfolio of properties totals approximately 4,000 km and includes six 100% owned high grade, undeveloped VMS deposits. Rockcliff's (49% ownership) seventh high grade VMS deposit, the Talbot Copper Deposit, is a joint Venture with Hudbay (51% ownership).

Find out more, visit our website and social media:

Website: http://rockcliffmetals.com

Twitter: @RockcliffMetals

LinkedIn: Rockcliff Metals Corp

Facebook: Rockcliff Metals Corporation

For further information, please contact:

Rockcliff Metals Corporation

Ken Lapierre

Interim President & CEO

Cell: (647) 678-3879

[email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although Rockcliff believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not a guarantee of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169168
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is pleased to announce the commencement of drilling at its Buck Main project, which marks the beginning of a multi-stage exploration program across its 52,000 hectare project area in central British Columbia.

Highlights

Significant drilling at the Buck Main zone: Approximately 3,500 metres over 15 priority diamond drill holes in previously untested areas, both laterally and at depth.

Improved understanding of controls on mineralization: Recent drill intercepts at Buck Main were incorporated into an updated 3D model which has led to an improved understanding of the geological and structural controls of mineralization, which will assist in ongoing drill planning and targeting.

Drilling designed to test untested areas: Planned drill holes will test recently recognized fault structures and veins that are often associated with high-grade mineralization elsewhere within the Buck Main zone.

"We have acquired and expanded a significant land package in an emerging polymetallic belt in central B.C., and our recent oversubscribed financing allows us to hit the ground running," stated Sharyn Alexander, Sun Summit's President. "Updating our geological modelling and structural analysis at Buck Main has led to a refinement of the known controls on mineralization. This new understanding has helped in the planning of step-out drill holes focused on targeting new zones of potential high-grade and bulk-tonnage mineralization. In addition, our multi-stage exploration program will provide ongoing newsflow throughout the summer as we continue to explore emerging targets on our expanding project area."

Buck Main Drilling

Drilling at Buck Main is expected to commence mid-June and will initially consist of approximately 3,500 metres over 15 drill holes. The drill program was designed to test the potential high-grade core of the epithermal-related gold-silver-zinc system with a particular focus on previously unrecognized fault structures and high-density vein zones.

Drilling will incorporate new insights from the recently updated 3D model which allowed for the refinement of host lithologies and structures that are thought to control emplacement of hydrothermal breccias and vein sets in the overall structural corridor setting. In particular, modeling has allowed for the refinement of sub-units of key host andesitic volcaniclastic and dacitic pyroclastic rocks with a particular focus on structural controls that appear to define host plunge orientations thus far unrecognized at Buck Main. Modeling also revealed quartz feldspar dykes (QFPs) likely were emplaced in a later mineralization event. Other targets include hydrothermal breccias thought to occur at the modeled intersection of growth and transform faults, and presumed heavily disseminated mineralization domains where growth faults may project into coarse, dacitic pyroclastic sub-units. Additional drilling will be considered based on a successful outcome.





Figure 1. Proposed drill areas at Buck Main

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6142/169177_eb2cb577d4966982_001full.jpg

Since 2020, the Company has completed 84 drill holes at Buck Main for over 30,000 metres. Results demonstrate significant mineral deposit potential with district wide size and scale opportunities. Recent drilling focused on expanding the footprint of near-surface bulk tonnage-style mineralization and demonstrated strong expansion potential to west, north and south. The known mineralized footprint measures over one kilometre in strike length with mineralization open in all directions.

Broad zones of bulk tonnage-style disseminated mineralization are indicated by:

0.71 g/t Au, 5.6 g/t Ag, 0.62% Zn over 187 m (BK21-033)

1.07 g/t Au, 5.5 g/t Ag, 0.65% Zn over 109 m (BK21-017)

Significant high-grade mineralization is indicated by:

49.6 g/t Au, 10.8 g/t Ag, 0.06% Zn over 1.5 m (BK20-012)

246 g/t Au, 66.7 g/t Ag, 0.02% Zn over 0.5 m (BK21-020)

38.0 g/t Au, 137 g/t Ag, 5.9% Zn over 1.1 m (BK22-083)

Note drill intercepts are measured downhole and are not true widths.



National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

This news release has been approved by Sun Summit's Vice President Exploration, Ken MacDonald, P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has also verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying the technical information in this news release.

Community Engagement

Sun Summit is engaging with First Nations on whose territory the Buck Project is located and is discussing their interests and identifying contract and work opportunities, as well as opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations as the project continues.

About the Buck Project

The Buck Project is situated in a historic mining district near Houston, B.C., with excellent nearby infrastructure that allows for year-round, road-accessible exploration.

The project is host to the Buck Main intermediate-sulfidation epithermal-related gold-silver-zinc system. Most of the mineralization drilled to date at Buck Main consists of long, continuous zones of disseminated and breccia-hosted, bulk tonnage-style gold-silver-zinc. Vein-hosted, high-grade mineralization has also been intersected near the center of Buck Main.

Exploration at the Buck Project is focused on investigating the lateral and vertical extent of gold-silver-zinc mineralization at the Buck Main system, and to define additional drill targets across the entire land package through systematic exploration programs.

About Sun Summit

Sun Summit Minerals (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on expansion and discovery of district scale gold and copper assets in north-central British Columbia.

Sun Summit is committed to environmental and social responsibility, with a focus on accountable development and building respectful and beneficial relationships with Indigenous and local communities.

Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com.

Link to Figures

Figure 1:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fig1_Buck_Drilling_June8_NR.jpg

For further information, contact:

Sharyn Alexander

President

[email protected]

Roger Blair

Acuity Advisory Corp., Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Tel. 778-588-9606

Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; the impact of exploration competition; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169177
Highlights:

New assessment and 3D model validate larger than expected salt dome - confirming potential to store more than 35 million cubic meters, or the equivalent of 180,000 tonnes of hydrogen - would make Fishell's Dome the largest salt storage facility on North America's east coast.

The Company continues to strengthen its highly qualified and connected team to advance the development of the Fischell Salt Dome as part of Newfoundland and Labrador's clean energy industry.

The Board continues to evaluate the timing and method of creating liquidity for current Triple Point shareholders.

St. John's, Newfoundland--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - Triple Point Resources Ltd. ("Triple Point" or the "Company"), a leading provider of clean energy underground storage solutions, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Phase 1 Dome Assessment for its 100% owned Fischell Salt Dome, located 30 km south of Stephenville on the west coast of Newfoundland.

The assessment, conducted by RESPEC, a global expert in hydrogen salt caverns, confirms that Fischell property contains a massive Gulf Coast Style salt dome, different from common bedded salt formations. Results are based on a high-resolution ground gravity survey, seismic data and several historic exploration wells - all confirming a thick salt dome formation suitable for hydrogen storage.

Fischell's Dome offers the potential to store more than 35 million cubic meters of hydrogen, or the equivalent of 180,000 tonnes of hydrogen. This makes the Fischell asset much larger than expected and the largest known dome on the east coast of North America.

The report confirms Fischell's Dome has space for several caverns, each capable of storing over 8,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, offering massive storage that could store all the energy from projects currently proposed by Newfoundland and Labrador's wind energy industry.

In comparison, the ACES Delta Hubs in Delta, Utah, USA, is currently constructing two hydrogen caverns with a capacity of 5,500 tonnes. ACES Delta is one of the world's largest clean hydrogen storage projects in construction.

Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9807/169228_d905207b8483c93a_001full.jpg

"The Phase 1 Dome assessment results are incredibly exciting for us," said Julie Lemieux, CEO of Triple Point Resources. "The confirmation of Fischell's impressive potential storage capacity is a game changer for wind project viability and sets a new standard for energy storage in the region. This milestone further solidifies Triple Point's position as a leader in advancing clean-energy solutions in Newfoundland and Labrador and the significant role our project will have in the transition to a sustainable future."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Crown Land Call for Bids for Wind Energy Projects has attracted significant international interest, with twenty-four applications submitted, highlighting the need for clean energy storage that can be provided by Triple Point's Fischell Salt Dome. The Province is expected to announce the selected proponents in the coming months.

Triple Point will then continue working with proponents to complete initial engineering work and better understand the scale and timing requirements for the development of the Fischell Salt Dome project, ensuring seamless integration with the region's renewable energy operations. Triple Point will also accelerate stakeholder, community, and Indigenous engagement. The Company is committed to working closely with local and Indigenous communities as well as provincial stakeholders to maximize economic opportunities and minimize potential environmental effects associated with the dome's development.

"Our primary objective is to establish robust and safe infrastructure for green hydrogen, while prioritizing the environment and sustainability. We recognize the importance of collaborating with local communities and ensuring their voices are heard throughout this process," added Lemieux. "We are committed to transparent communication and providing the necessary information to address concerns and identify mutual benefits."

Corporate Update

Triple Point's Board of Directors (the "Board") continues to support the development and positioning of the Fischell's Dome as a clean energy storage hub for eastern Canada, as well as the ongoing evaluation of other energy storage projects globally. It is also evaluating the timing and method of creating liquidity and value for Triple Point shareholders. The positive dome assessment, future Crown Land results and marketplace conditions are all being considered to maximize value.

The Triple Point Board is proud to announce the addition of exceptional team members who bring diverse and valuable industry expertise to propel the Company's mission of advancing clean energy innovation:

Julie Lemieux, CEO of Triple Point, has over 25 years of experience in strategic business management, governance and stakeholder engagement. Lemieux's leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in positioning Triple Point's flagship project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

John Anderson, Chairman of Triple Point, has extensive capital market and leadership experience and played a crucial role in shaping the spin off from Atlas Salt. Anderson's capital market connection is invaluable to Triple Point's success. Anderson is also a board member of Atlas Salt Inc.

A notable addition to Triple Point is Mr. Don Lacey, who joins the team as Vice President of Business Development. Lacey brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role, having previously served as the Vice President of Operations for Plains Midstream, where he managed and operated an integrated energy processing and storage system, including a suite of salt caverns throughout North America. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of cavern operations will be instrumental in driving the success of Triple Point storage projects.

New Director, Josee Tremblay, brings extensive corporate and industrial knowledge to Triple Point. Her former role as the VP of East Coast Canada for Suncor and her current position as a Principal at Strategic Decisions Group have equipped her with valuable connections in Newfoundland and Labrador, further strengthening Triple Point's local engagement efforts.

Fraser Edison, Director, brings a wealth of experience and insight to Triple Point, as well as a vast network of industry and governmental in Newfoundland and Labrador, which will contribute to the Company's approach to developing its dome in the province. Edison is a board member of the Atlas Salt Inc and Vulcan Minerals Inc.

The addition of these high-caliber team members underscores Triple Point's commitment to assembling a diverse and skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and delivering sustainable energy solutions.

Qualified Person

Marty Henning, P.Geo, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical contents of this news release as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Visit www.Triplepoint.ca for more information.

About RESPEC

RESPEC is a global leader in diverse technologies and draws from a wide array of expertise, products, and services to deliver world-class solutions for business, mining, energy, water, natural resources, urban development, infrastructure, and enterprise services. RESPEC's subsurface experts have evaluated over 1,000 caverns in nearly every major cavern storage region in the world. Its over 50-year history underground has helped to pioneer in-house specialty software and rock lab testing that focuses on designing solution-mined and conventionally mined storage caverns. RESPEC also plays a similar role with the ACES Delta in Utah, the world's largest green hydrogen project under construction. Website.

About Triple Point Resources Ltd.

Triple Point Resources Ltd. is a Canadian based company focused on developing clean energy storage solutions for the growing hydrogen economy. The Company aims to provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective storage solutions for renewable energy sources. Triple Point is committed to working with local communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable development practices that benefit everyone. Triple Point is part of the transition to a sustainable energy future. Website.

For inquiries or investor relations, please contact:

Julie Lemieux

Chief Executive Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 709-214-5721

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information or statements ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities legislation and rules. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will be", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Such statements include that the Company's sale dome assets are suitable for and can be commercially utilized for hydrogen storage, that demand for such storage will in the future exist at commercially viable levels, that expected capacity can be achieved, and that the Company will be successful in developing such project with the support of all stakeholders. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169228
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 8, 2023) - US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) (OTCQB: USCUF) (FSE: C730) ("US Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling crews have arrived onsite to commence the 2023 exploration drill program at the Company's wholly-owned Moonlight-Superior Project, located in Plumas County, California.

The Moonlight-Superior Project has a mineral resource estimate of 1.3 billion pounds of copper indicated and 1 billion pounds of copper inferred across three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels. The resource estimate is contained in the National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Technical Report and Resource Estimate for the Superior Project, Plumas County, California, with an effective date of November 15, 2013, available on US Copper's website and on SEDAR.

The 2023 exploration drill program will focus on the Engels deposit and include 15 reverse circulation drill holes into the oxide cap that sits on top of the Engels sulfide deposit. Sample intercepts from prior drill programs at Engels reveal a high-grade copper oxide cap developed to depths greater than 230 feet ("ft") over an area of at least 1,000 ft by 500 ft (see news release dated March 1, 2023).

The main objectives of the 2023 drill program include:

Upgrading and potentially expanding the current oxide resource estimate; Providing samples for preliminary metallurgical evaluation; and Providing initial data for inclusion in a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") on the Engels oxide deposit.

The 2023 exploration drilling program has been designed to further delineate and define the oxide resource at the Engels Project. Based on exploration results, the Company is planning to undertake a PEA to evaluate a starter, open pit mining operation at Engels, while evaluating the potential for larger-scale mining scenarios which could see the three deposits developed into a long-life, profitable mining operation.

"In 1960, the United States ("U.S.") produced 35% of global mined copper. Today, the U.S. produces just 6% of global mined copper and reported a copper import reliance of 45%. In response to our current environment of rapidly growing demand and disruptive global and geopolitical issues, senior copper industry leaders have speculated publicly about a lack of investable projects worldwide. Acknowledging these realities, we believe it is time for the U.S. to rebuild a secure, reliable, responsible and economic domestic copper supply. Results from our 2023 exploration drill program are expected to assist US Copper in evaluating the potential to quickly develop an oxide open pit operation at the Engels deposit, an initial step in rebuilding domestic copper supply," commented Stephen Dunn, President and CEO, of US Copper.

Background

The Engels deposit is one of 3 significant copper deposits on US Copper's Moonlight-Superior property. It is located 6,000 ft east of our 300 million tons ("MT") 0.30% copper Moonlight deposit and 11,000 ft north of the 60 MT 0.43% copper Superior deposit (see "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" dated April 12, 2018). Initial efforts to mine-process the oxide (carbonate) ore in the early 1900's failed due to technological shortcomings. In 1914-15, sulfide ore was discovered at Engels during development of the 5th level, and shortly thereafter, Engels and the nearby Superior properties were consolidated under the Engels Mining Company and production and processing of the sulfide ore began. Consolidated production from Engels-Superior in the 1915-1930 period yielded approximately 4.2 MT of ore at a grade of 2.2% copper. The majority of the production came from Engels. Mine workings at Engels are extensive and include many tens of thousands of feet of drifts, crosscuts, and stopes on ten levels accessed by adits and six levels accessed from a winze sunk from the No. 10 level.

In the 1960s-70s, Placer AMEX did extensive work in the district which resulted in the discovery of the Moonlight deposit, partial delineation of the Superior deposit and an evaluation of the Engels deposit that included an internal company open pit estimate of 19 MT of sulfide material with a grade of 0.63% Copper.

US Copper had a PEA prepared on its Moonlight deposit in 2018 that showed positive economics at $3.15 per pound copper. It was determined that providing higher grade ore from our Superior and/or Engels deposits into the Moonlight mine plan would substantially enhance the Project's economics by potentially increasing cash flows in the initial years of production. The recently completed drill program at Superior was designed specifically for that purpose, and this Engels Phase I Program will outline the potential for a second starter pit for the Moonlight plant. Ultimately, the updated Engels and Superior resources will be incorporated into a revised Moonlight PEA.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by George Cole, M.Sc., Director of US Copper who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. George Cole is a Registered Professional Geologist through AIPG (CPG-11687).

About US Copper Corp

US Copper controls approximately 13 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District in Plumas County, NE California; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets.

The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915-1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 MT of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits.

The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer Amex during the 1960's. Details of the resources on US Copper's property and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" dated April 12, 2018, on both the Company's website at www.uscoppercorp.com or on www.sedar.com under the US Copper Corp profile.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn

President, CEO and Director

US Copper Corp.

T: (416) 361-2827

E: [email protected].

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned", "intends" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/169241
Egypt announced on Saturday that it was imposing visa entry for Sudanese citizens arriving at the Egyptian borders in order to regulate the process, not limit or restrict entry, according to a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Two years post-inception, the company reflects on its impact on soil health and climate-smart agricultural practices across the country

TAMPA, Fla. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Agoro Carbon Alliance , a global business created for farmers and ranchers to earn additional revenue through farming and ranching practice changes that improve soil health, today celebrates the company's second anniversary by sharing its latest results. In just two years, Agoro Carbon has boosted farmer and rancher incomes, bringing the total to more than $15 million in payments made to farmers and ranchers since the company began. With growers across 24 states enrolled in the program, Agoro Carbon estimates that 5 million tons of carbon will be sequestered over the course of 10 years.

Two years post-inception, the company reflects on its impact on soil health and climate-smart agricultural practices

With strong new farmer and rancher signups in its second year, Agoro Carbon has paid more to farmers and ranchers than other leading carbon programs on the market in the same two-year time frame. This is due in part to the company's unique position in the market, with a sole focus on farmer and rancher success. Backed by Yara International, Agoro Carbon is committed to supporting farmers and rancher livelihoods and their journey in the carbon market by enabling them to reap the rewards of carbon farming and ranching, from enhanced soil health to increased resilience to building a new, lucrative source of income.

"In just two years, Agoro Carbon Alliance has seen immense growth and success throughout the United States and we could not have done it without the farmers and ranchers who partner with us to increase the longevity of their operations," said Agoro Carbon interim CEO, Elliot Formal . "Agoro Carbon is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers and ranchers every step of the way along their carbon journey, providing them with agronomic support that will result in more sustainable businesses and improving bottom lines. Our program is committed to generating the highest quality soil carbon credits in the market through our robust scientific expertise and collaborations with leading universities."

One of the most important elements of a successful carbon program is accurately measuring soil organic carbon (SOC), or the amount of carbon stored in the soil. Through scientifically proven modeling, soil sampling design and lab analysis, Agoro Carbon built a robust SOC measurement process that empowers the company to accurately measure carbon stored in the soil before, during and after farmers and ranchers deploy new practice changes like rotational grazing or cover crops. Together with farmers and ranchers, Agoro Carbon estimates they will sequester more than 5 million tons of carbon over the next 10 years.

Brian Miller , a farmer from Spiceland, Indiana , has been working with Agoro Carbon over the last two years.



"I chose Agoro Carbon because they were the first people I talked to that were excited about changes we were going to make on our farm," said Miller in an interview with Successful Farming . "In 2021, we knew we were going to move to cover crops on every acre, so I knew it was time to join a carbon alliance. I have a really good relationship with Agoro Carbon  I joined in November 2021 and in January 2022 I got my first payment."

Looking Ahead

Today marks two years since Agoro Carbon's inception, and the company aims to build upon its momentum. The U.S. is a key market for carbon sequestration, which is driven by the willingness of American farmers and ranchers to engage in regenerative agriculture practices. By leveraging the company's knowledgeable agronomists and Grower Success team, farmers and ranchers can be assured that Agoro Carbon will be with them at each step of their carbon journey. From measuring soil organic carbon to developing a customized contract to getting paid for practice changes that will pay dividends to the land, Agoro Carbon makes carbon farming and ranching easy.

To calculate carbon earning potential on a piece of row crop or rangeland, please visit AgoroCarbonAlliance.com/Calculate-Your-Carbon-Potential or visit AgoroCarbonAlliance.com to learn more.

About Agoro Carbon Alliance

Agoro Carbon Alliance is creating a new solution to our planet's carbon challenge that's grounded in the soil. Our partners are committed to Agoro Carbon's ambition of decarbonizing farming on a global scale by helping to transform practices on every farm, generating reliable Farm Carbon Credits and certified climate-smart crops.

Guided by transparency, security and collaboration, we create incentive for farmers, buyers, and consumers to choose change from the ground up. Agoro Carbon leverages Yara's deep agronomic knowledge and credibility to make it possible for every farm to transition to climate-smart farming practices, restoring carbon to the world's soils, and reversing the effects of climate change. Meet our members and join the journey at AgoroCarbonAlliance.com .

CONTACT:

Erin Hilke-Wicker

For Agoro Carbon Alliance

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agoro-carbon-makes-15-million-in-payments-to-us-farmers-and-ranchers-in-first-two-years-301845594.html

SOURCE Agoro Carbon Alliance
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lee Duncan , President and CEO of Alliance Group, has accepted an invitation to serve a three-year term on the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business Alumni Board, effective July 1, 2023 .

The Terry Alumni Board, acting in an advisory capacity to the Dean and faculty of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, carries a noble cause of fostering a continual affiliation between former students and the institution. Duncan's commitment to community building, coupled with his remarkable achievements in the business world, make him a valuable addition to the Board.

In his new role, Duncan will support Terry programs and activities, participating in numerous initiatives such as the Alumni Awards and Gala, Student of the Year, Terry Third Thursday, and the Women's Conference. He will serve not only as a mentor to current students and young alumni but also as a promoter of the institution's philanthropic priorities.

"Lee's passion for the Terry College of Business and the University of Georgia is tremendous," said Jason Huggins , incoming Terry Alumni Board President . "We look forward to his contributions and service as we continue to grow our engagement with Terry Alums around the country."

Duncan's appointment reaffirms the Terry College of Business' commitment to engaging its alumni in active roles that enhance the quality of education, network opportunities, and overall student experience.

About Lee Duncan :

In his time at Alliance Group, the life insurance marketing organization has flourished, establishing themselves as a leading IMO for independent life insurance agents and agencies. Since joining the company in 2003, Lee has played an integral role in the growth and development of Alliance Group, from a $8m production total in 2003 to a record $56m in 2022. With more than 5,000 independent agents nationally, Alliance Group is currently protecting over 150,000 American families with more than $30 billion of Living Benefits coverage.

About Terry College of Business:

The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia is the state's flagship business school. Terry offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, equipping students with a strong foundation in business principles and the opportunity to develop specific expertise in a specialized area.

About Alliance Group:

As "The Living Benefits IMO," Alliance Group provides independent agents and agencies with superior marketing and training solutions. Since 1998, Alliance Group has been helping life insurance agency partners spread awareness about Living Benefits life insurance, while also helping them solve clients' tax-free retirement, mortgage protection, small business planning, and estate planning needs. Alliance Group has an A+ rating on BBB. The company's main website is https://www.alliancegrouplife.com

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alliance-groups-lee-duncan-appointed-to-ugas-terry-college-alumni-board-301845683.html

SOURCE Alliance Group
Platform Offers Flexibility and Cost-Effective Growth Across Smart Building Offerings

RICHARDSON, Texas and TORONTO , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HFR Networks, leading the industry with intelligent xHaul RAN Transport and Edge Access solutions, and Andorix, a smart building enabler and system integrator, today announced Andorix has deployed HFR Networks' flexiHaul M6424 time sensitive networking (TSN) platform. This converged platform is being used to deliver wholesale in-building managed services including; consumer broadband, enterprise services, and RAN transport for MNOs and private wireless network services.

The flexiHaul M6424 Packet TSN Switch with embedded vOLT pluggable modules supports the blending of time sensitive mobile traffic alongside Ethernet services while delivering high network performance with ultra-low latency. This solution leverages multiplexing packet technology and virtualized XGS-Passive Optical Network (PON) infrastructure to significantly enhance fiber capacity to lower costs, while also maximizing flexibility in delivering converged services over common infrastructure investments.

By utilizing HFR Networks' solutions to operate a converged in-building network, Andorix is able to quickly scale multiple cloud-based smart building services to various customer markets on a single platform. Besides minimizing complexity and providing enormous flexibility, this solution dramatically reduces the network equipment required while also decreasing deployment cycle times. As a result, Andorix is achieving substantial cost savings while also increasing business agility.

"With HFR Networks, we are able to provide our customers, the owners and operators of commercial smart buildings and multi-dwelling residential units, with the highest quality of network services to meet their tenants' ever-growing demands for faster and better network connectivity," said Wayne Kim , CEO and Founding Partner, Andorix. "As we scale our projects across the United States and Canada , HFR Networks allows us to offer the highest quality service while lowering our deployment costs and simplifying our operations, resulting in a positive impact on our bottom line."

"We are excited to be working with Andorix to deliver wholesale in-building offerings across RAN transport and broadband services for consumer and enterprise customers," stated Paul Crann , President, HFR Networks. "Our solutions are uniquely designed to deliver converged services with unsurpassed flexibility and attractive economics enabling Andorix as they lead a large number of innovative smart building projects."

About HFR Networks:

HFR Networks, Inc. is leading the industry with our flexiHaul portfolio of intelligent xHaul RAN Transport and Edge Access solutions. We solve today's most critical RAN transport demands, especially when fiber is constrained for fronthaul or backhaul applications. Our solutions have optimized economics for this segment of the network, while also delivering high performance, simplified operations, interoperability across wireless technologies, and a diverse ecosystem of 3rd party RAN suppliers. HFR Networks' technological leadership helps customers to lower costs for 4G operations, while also accelerating new 5G and Ethernet services. We enable advanced mobile networks by utilizing nanosecond timing to connect radios using CPRI and eCPRI, within both traditional and cloud-based mobile architectures. For more information, visit www.hfrnetworks.com.

About Andorix:

Andorix is a smart building enabler and systems integrator for real estate portfolios. We help real estate owners and operators maximize their property values by modernizing and optimizing their building operations with a focus on security, scalability and efficiency. Purpose-built for real estate operators, our vendor-agnostic digital infrastructure solution provides a platform to support 5G, IoT and future smart building technologies. For more information, visit andorix.com.

For more information, contact:

Kelly Friedland , Director of Marketing

HFR Networks

+1 781-640-4864

[email protected]

Aleshia Ing

Andorix

+1 647-963-4433

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/andorix-deploys-hfr-networks-time-sensitive-networking-switch-to-deliver-converged-in-building-services-301846249.html

SOURCE HFR Networks
MUMBAI, India and SHANGHAI , June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arctech, the world's leading solar tracking, racking, and BIPV provider has announced it is poised to provide accumulated 662 MW SkyLine II solar tracking solution for two projects with strategic partners in India , marking the company's milestone in 2023 following the 2.8 GW mega project last year.

The 242 MW project with Sterling & Wilson is located in Rajasthan , where the company struck a deal and successfully finished the shipment of the 1.7 GW of 1P SkyLine trackers by 2021. By the end of 2022, Rajasthan already has historically over 19GW of renewable energy capacity as India's largest state. This deal marks the third project Arctech and Sterling & Wilson have worked on together after the accumulated capacity of 191 MW historical portfolio in the MENA area.

During the recently closed SNEC PV POWER EXPO in May, Arctech also announced it had harvested another 420MW SkyLine II project with Torrent Power, the project locates in Surel, India .

The company's dedication to local content and service is on par with the local market uptake as it is inevitably the next move for the Indian renewable energy supply chain. In August 2022 , Arctech celebrated the inauguration of its first joint venture manufacturing base, Jash Energy in Mundra, India with a 3 GW annual capacity, capable of producing all major components for its solar tracker products.

SkyLine II is a flagship product with a peculiar edge in the Indian market. The first 1P (one-in-portrait) tracker designed with a synchronous multi-point drive mechanism enables a new possibility of designing the plant using trackers with identical pile configurations, overcoming the uncertainty faced in the early stage of plant design and construction. The synchronous multi-point drive mechanism technology rigidifies the tracker to the point of enabling 0deg wind stow mode, hence reducing the difference of wind pressure and post loads between the exterior and interior of the PV plant. By doing so, Skyline II enables a new possibility of designing the plant using trackers with identical pile configurations, overcoming the uncertainty faced in the early stage of plant design and construction.

Gail remarked, " Arctech will continue to operate, develop and deeply cultivate local supply chain in the Indian market, optimizing efficiency and reducing the cost of solar projects to proactively respond to the Indian Government's Mission 500GW by 2030."

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arctech-bags-2-new-contracts-in-indian-market-to-supply-total-662-mw-1p-tracking-solution-301845688.html

SOURCE Arctech
MEXICO CITY and LIMA, Peru , June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Auna S.A.A. ("Auna" or the "Company") announced today the expiration of its previously announced solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") of consents (the "Consents") and receipt of the requisite Consents from holders (the "Holders") of Auna's outstanding 6.500% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Notes") to effect a certain amendment to the indenture governing the Notes (as amended from time to time, the "Indenture"), as described in the Consent Solicitation Statement, dated May 24, 2023 (the "Consent Solicitation Statement"). As of 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on June 7, 2023 (such time and date, the "Expiration Date"), the Holders of at least a majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes had validly delivered and had not validly revoked Consents to the Proposed Amendment (the "Requisite Consents"). As of the Expiration Date, Auna had accepted all Consents validly delivered pursuant to the Consent Solicitation. Accordingly, Auna and the trustee will enter into a supplemental indenture (the "Supplemental Indenture") to the Indenture effecting the Proposed Amendment (as defined in the Consent Solicitation Statement).

Auna will pay to Holders who delivered valid and unrevoked Consents to the Proposed Amendment on or prior to the Expiration Date (the "Consenting Holders") an amount equal to U.S. $1.25 per U.S. $1,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes (the "Consent Payment") to The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") for the benefit of the Consenting Holders, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. Auna expects to pay, or cause to be paid, the Consent Payment on June 8, 2022 (the "Settlement Date"). No accrued interest will be paid in respect of the Consent Payment. Although the Supplemental Indenture and the related Proposed Amendment will become effective immediately upon execution at the Consent Time (as defined in the Consent Solicitation Statement), such Proposed Amendment will not be operative until the Consent Payment to DTC for the benefit of the Holders is paid on the Settlement Date.

The Consent Solicitation was made solely by the Consent Solicitation Statement and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. This announcement is for information purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security and is not a solicitation of consents with respect to the Proposed Amendment or any securities. The Consent Solicitation was not made in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such solicitation under applicable state or foreign securities or blue sky laws.

Banco BTG Pactual S.A.  Cayman Branch , HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Santander US Capital Markets LLC acted as the Solicitation Agents for the Consent Solicitation. Global Bondholder Services Corporation acted as the Information and Tabulation Agent for the Consent Solicitation.

About Auna

Founded in 1989, Auna is one of the largest companies in Latin America's healthcare industry. The Company operates 16 hospitals and 10 healthcare centers at all levels of complexity in Mexico , Peru and Colombia . Auna is the leading provider of oncology healthcare plans with a fully integrated model that services over one million members in Peru , and as of recently, 2.5 million members in dental and vision insurance in Mexico . Since 2018, Auna has expanded rapidly, not only through growth in its oncology segment and execution of organic developments, but also through the acquisition of important healthcare players in the high growth markets of Mexico and Colombia . Auna is backed by Enfoca, its controlling shareholder, and one of the leading investment firms in Latin America .

Forward-Looking Statements

Disclosures in this press release contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that management expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include statements regarding the consummation of the Consent Solicitation, including the timing thereof, the Proposed Amendment and the execution of the Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by Auna based on its management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Auna, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include risks set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. Any forward-looking statement applies only as of the date on which such statement is made and Auna does not intend to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Auna S.A.A.

Investor Relations:

Ana Maria Mora

Head of Investor Relations

[email protected]

Tel: +519-6307-6282

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/auna-saa-announces-expiration-and-receipt-of-requisite-consents-with-respect-to-consent-solicitation-for-senior-notes-due-2025-301845583.html

SOURCE Auna S.A.A.
CHICAGO , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Azzur Group today announces the appointment of Brian Salbilla to Director of Azzur Chicago, Azzur Group 's GxP advisory and consulting operation serving the Greater Chicago region and Midwestern United States.

Brian brings to Azzur Group more than 20 years of GxP experience with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies, specializing in quality management system (QMS) implementation, CAPA, documentation, audits, IT systems, and new product development. In his role, Brian will work with Azzur business experts to continue advancing Azzur Chicago's client service offerings in the region, delivering best-in-class advisory and consulting services that allow manufacturers to employ risk-averse, fit-for-purpose, and phase-appropriate GxP solutions.

"I'm excited to begin the next stage of my career at Azzur Group, serving the life science community of Chicago and the Greater Midwest. Together with Azzur Labs, Azzur Consulting offers unique solutions and testing that affords our clients local, comprehensive services necessary to meet the demands of the industry," said Brian Salbilla , Director of Azzur Chicago.

Most recently, Brian served as senior manager of GxP systems and compliance for Phathom Pharmaceuticals, before which he spent more than 16 years developing his career within the quality department at Baxter International. He holds a master of science degree in molecular biology from the California State University at Northridge and a bachelor of arts degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of California Berkeley. He is certified with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Certified Quality Engineer and a Certified Quality Manager/Organizational Excellence.

Originally established in 2020, Azzur Chicago is complemented by Azzur Labs Chicago, which offers analytical compliance testing for the life sciences and healthcare industries.

"We are pleased to welcome Brian to the Azzur Group family," said Allison Kerska , President, Azzur Consulting. "Brian's industry experience and past leadership allow him to understand the challenges faced by our clients, as well as unique solutions to support their GxP efforts."

For more information about Azzur Group, visit Azzur.com .

About Azzur Group

From Discovery to Delivery, Azzur Group provides the life science community full life-cycle solutions for all their GxP needs. From Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand facilities, to our labs, training centers and consulting offices across the nation, Azzur Group helps organizations start, scale, and sustain their growing enterprises. With nearly four decades of service to the life science community, we have become a trusted partner to the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and healthcare companies, as well as their supply chain. Follow us on LinkedIn . For more information, visit Azzur.com .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/azzur-group-names-quality-management-expert-brian-salbilla-director-of-its-chicago-based-gxp-consulting-operation-301846499.html

SOURCE Azzur Group, LLC
Buenos Aires , June 8, 2023  Banco BBVA Argentina S.A (NYSE; BYMA; MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) announced yesterday the dividend payment notice of the first installment

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

Dividends Payment Notice

The Shareholders of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. are hereby notified that, as resolved by the General Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders  Meeting held on April 28, 2023 , the authorization of the Argentine Central Bank Financial and Exchange Entities Authority obtained on May 31, 2023 and the Board of Directors meeting held on June 7, 2023 , the Bank will make available and pay to its existing shareholders on the Bank share register as of June 22, 2023 (the "Cut-Off Date") installment 1, as of June 27, 2023 (the "Payment Date"), of a dividend through the delivery of 8.254.072.169 in principal amount of the Argentine Treasury bill in pesos adjusted by CER at a discount due November 21, 2023 . (ISIN ARARGE520DT9) Ticker X23N3 (CV code 9197) at a ratio of nominal value 13.4714156856 of the above mentioned security for each Company share of $ 1 par value, which represents 1370.99 % of the capital stock of AR$ 612,710,079. Fractions of less than 1 will be settled in Pesos, at the closing price of the record date.

Shareholders who choose to receive Argentine Pesos must send, for each installment, a written notice, signed by the holder of the shares to that end, from June 7 to June 22, 2023 including this date, on business days within that period, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. at the following e-mail address: [email protected], or to Torre BBVA, Av. Cordoba 111, 26th. Floor, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. C/O Ezequiel Serra.

The amount of the cash dividend corresponding to installment 1 amounts to Ps. 8,400,169,246.50, which represents Ps. 13.7098597434 per share.

In this case, the dividend will be made available through Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm . at Av. Cordoba 111, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Payment Date: June 27 .

Cut-Off Date: June 22 .

The dividend will be made available as from the date indicated above, through Caja de Valores S.A., located at 25 de Mayo 362, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, on business days from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , where the required formalities must be complied with and settlements will be made in accordance with the regulatory deadlines.

Those shareholders who hold their shares in the Shareholders Registry kept by Caja de Valores S.A. on behalf of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. should contact such entity at the e-mail address [email protected] to obtain information on the procedure applicable for the purpose of disposing of the securities as dividends in kind.

Holders of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) will receive payment through the depository bank, Bank of New York Mellon, as of the date resulting from the application of the rules in force in the jurisdiction where Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.'s ADSs are listed. In this regard, the cut-off and/or payment dates may differ from those reported herein.

It is expressly stated that the Shareholders holdings recorded as of the Cut-Off Date for each installment will be the only ones taken into account for purposes of the payment of the declared dividend. Notices given by those who are not holders of shares of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. as of the Cut-Off Date shall be deemed not to have been submitted and shall be null and void.

From the distribution of dividends, the amounts duly paid by Banco BBVA Argentina S.A., in its capacity as Substitute Obligor for the Personal Property Tax corresponding to the periods 2021 and 2022 of Shareholders who have been subject to such tax, shall be deducted, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of the last paragraph of section incorporated by Law No. 26,452 after section 25 of Law No. 23,966.

Income tax is not withheld in this installment.

Contact: [email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banco-bbva-argentina-sa-announces-dividend-payment-notice-301846194.html

SOURCE Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allison Beardsley has opened her newest and second fitness brand " Red Lite Gym ," in Bentonville, Arkansas ; a far-off location compared to where she started her first fitness franchise brand Club Pilates, in San Diego . Allison explains, "The fact that I can make Red Lite Gym profitable in a tiny market, like northwest Arkansas , with a population of around 500,000 people in a 50-mile radius, means WE WILL ROCK THIS in markets like San Diego which has 4+ million people in a 50-mile radius."

Beardsley is inspired by the broad demographic of members Red Lite Gym can serve, she explains, " Red Lite Gym is able to serve the same demographic as my first company Club Pilates, and we do, but what is so beautiful is we can help people who you would never observe in a Pilates Reformer class, or Pure Barre, or Orange Theory. I truly believe Red Lite Gym will become the largest fitness franchise concept in the world, once the cat is out of the bag on how awesome red-light therapy is, especially combined with exercise; people did not know what Pilates was back when I started Club Pilates, and Red Lite Gym is basically in the same situation." She further explains the benefits in describing, "I feel like I am in my 20's again, and I am in my 40'sit is thanks to red light therapy; red light is literally the fountain of youth discovered!"

Allison Beardsley , continues as a disruptor in the fitness and franchise world, carving out new market niches by making luxury concepts affordable and accessible. Red Lite Gym uses the only FDA-cleared, class 2 medical body wrap device in the U.S. and it is clinically proven for inches loss, reduced pain, and increased blood flow. Beardsley explains, "Not all red-light devices are the same, and if you intend to serve millions of people and franchise, and make claims like, inches loss, and reduced pain, then you have to use a legit device that has proven efficacy or else you are violating lots of federal regulations."

Red Lite Gym celebrates its 1-Year anniversary of being opened August 1 st, 2023. Beardsley intends to start filing her franchise documents after the one-year anniversary. Her innovative new startup sounds expensive but is affordable, with monthly memberships starting at only $69 .

CONTACT: Allison Beardsley , [email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-pilates-founder-allison-beardsley-creates-new-brand-red-lite-gym-301846644.html
90% of employees in Canada agreed that ComForCare is a great place to work for giving back

VANCOUVER , BC, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ComForCare , a franchised provider of in-home caregiving services, has recently received the honor of being named one of the 2023 Best Workplaces for Giving Back by Great Place To Work in Canada . This marks the first year ComForCare has earned this prestigious certification with 90% of employees agreeing that "I feel good about the way our organization contributes to the community." It is the second year, ComForCare designated as a Great Place to Work in Canada .

ComForCare received this honor after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work. Such recognition confirms the positive workplace culture cultivated by ComForCare franchisees, as well as the brand's emphasis on helping others live their best lives.

The list is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by Great Place to Work. To be eligible for this list, organizations must be Great Place to Work- Certified and have exceptionally high scores from employees on the Trust Index survey.

"We are incredibly honored to have been certified on the esteemed 2023 Best Workplaces for Giving Back in Canada ," stated J.J. Sorrenti , CEO of Best Life Brands, the parent company of ComForCare. "Our devoted franchisees go above and beyond to prioritize caregiver fulfillment, resulting in increased loyalty and enhanced client satisfaction. Caregivers truly form the core of our business, and it is our utmost priority to ensure they feel valued and take pride in being part of our company."

Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture, certifies employers based on how fairly employees are treated. In addition, companies are assessed on how well they create an exceptional employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, or any other aspect of an employee's character or role.

Earning Great Place to Work Certification proves that a company has an excellent employee experience, validated by their own staff. Certification is entirely based on what employees say, especially how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Being Certified provides a company with a literal badge of excellence. It denotes to current employees, jobseekers, and other companies within their industry that their organization is the best of the best.

Learn more about careers at ComForCare today or refer someone to join this vital field.

About ComForCare Home Care:

ComForCare is a premier franchised provider of in-home caregiving services with more than 215 independently-owned and operated locations in Canada and the U.S. , helping older adults live independently in their own homes. ComForCare is committed to helping people live their best lives possible and offers special programs, including fall risk prevention, dementia care, meaningful activities, and Joyful Memories music. Founded in 1996, ComForCare was acquired by private equity firm The Riverside Company in 2017 and is now part of Best Life Brands, which has plans for continued expansion of service brands across the continuum of care. ComForCare has earned a ranking of 291 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list. For more information, visit www.comforcare.ca .

About Great Place to Work:

Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. A global research and consulting firm, Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In Canada , Great Place to Work produces both industry and demographic specific Best Workplace lists, and represents the voices of 500,000 employees across industry. This is part of the world's largest annual workplace study, recognizing the world's Best Workplaces in a series of national lists including those published by The Globe & Mail (Canada) and Fortune magazine ( USA ). Visit us at www.greatplacetowork.ca

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comforcare-named-a-certified-2023-great-place-to-work-for-giving-back-in-canada-301845552.html

SOURCE ComForCare Home Care
LOS ANGELES , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Connect Homes, an industry-leading prefab housing provider, is participating in the Innovative Housing Showcase in Washington , D.C., this week, where it will highlight a range of modular housing products that seek to be part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis.

The three-day event, hosted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and held on the National Mall , will feature new building technologies, including Connect Homes' "Connect 1," a 460-square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that is delivered complete and has been installed throughout California. The home is an accessible way to provide more density on single-family zoned lots.

"The Connect Homes dwellings are not only beautiful but practical," said Gordon Stott , a Connect Homes co-founder. "We are proud to participate in this event where we can work with policymakers and highlight our efforts to alleviate the affordable housing crisis. We need quality homes built quicker and less expensively, and Connect Homes is showing off our homes that do both."

Connect Homes and the rest of the showcase will be featured June 9-11 between 4th Street and 7th Street, SW, on the National Mall in Washington .

Additionally, Connect Homes is highlighting its Connect Shelter system, a widely-implemented, dignified modular housing solution designed to assist with the homelessness crisis. Each shelter is divided into individual units, built to give people the dignity and security of their own private space and private entrances  with optional features such as ensuite bathrooms and kitchenettes. Connect Homes is providing homeless shelter solutions for several communities in California .

"It's exciting seeing Connect Homes' design and build quality deployed at all ends of the housing spectrum," Stott added. "That Connect Shelters is also one of the most efficient ways to provide housing to those in need makes it a win-win."

Based in Los Angeles, Connect Homes features a line of standard homes that are easily adapted to a client's needs. Connect Homes provides high-design, high-performance homes at a fraction of the time and cost of custom residential architecture and building.

About Connect Homes

Connect Homes' patented modular system can deliver affordable modern, green homes to national housing markets from their advanced California factory, a first for the industry. Connect Homes was launched in 2013 by architects seeking to revolutionize the single-family home market by turning high-end custom residential architecture into a scalable product that more people can afford. Their Connect Shelters line expands on the original vision, serving dignified housing solutions to those experiencing critical housing needs. For more information, http://connect-homes.com .

Contact

Jenny Werwa

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/connect-homes-affordable-housing-solutions-to-be-featured-in-national-exhibition-301846403.html

SOURCE Connect Homes
Donald Trump will address his supporters Saturday for the first time since his indictment on multiple federal charges shot the 2024 presidential election race into uncharted and potentially deeply destabilizing territory.
Johnson City -based company to add more than 35 employees in manufacturing, operations, and corporate functions

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Laboratories, a leading global skincare company, celebrated the completion of a 60,000-square-foot expansion today at its manufacturing complex in Johnson City, Tennessee .

A year in the making, the $7.5 million expansion project at Lafe Cox Drive considerably increases manufacturing and warehouse space to support business growth. The approximately 250,000-square-foot facility manufactures and distributes a diverse portfolio of aesthetic, premium, and therapeutic skincare products for domestic and international markets. Crown produces and distributes science-based global dermatological brands such as PanOxyl acne wash, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, StriVectin anti-aging skin care, and the recently launched BIOJUVE brand, a living microbiome technology serum.

Over the past five years, Crown has invested $27M in capital in the Johnson City manufacturing complex as its product portfolio and workforce has expanded to support rapid growth.

"Crown's steady and significant growth has brought physical capacity challenges," said Jeff Bedard , President and CEO of the Johnson City -based company. "Our production demands have nearly doubled in the past few years. With that increased production comes additional componentry, cartons and materials. By expanding our footprint and adding 60,000 square feet, we can now support our expanding customer base with greater efficiency and world-class service."

"This is a great day for Crown and our community," said Nadeem Moiz , Crown's Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer. "This investment and expanded footprint will allow Crown to support additional volumes, product complexity, and advanced technical requirements. We expect this growth will bring new and exciting opportunities for our employees and stakeholders in this community."

The expansion has created a need for Crown to grow its local workforce. The company is actively recruiting for at least 35 positions, including positions in manufacturing, packaging, quality, maintenance, accounting, and other corporate positions in Johnson City , with more planned for later in the year. As a result, the company is offering sign-on and retention incentives. Crown offers a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility beginning on the first day of employment, that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement, and more. In addition to competitive wages, all positions are eligible to participate in the company's incentive plan. Visit www.workatcrown.com for more information and a list of openings.

About Crown Laboratories, Inc.

Crown, a privately held, fully integrated global skincare company, is committed to developing and providing a diverse portfolio of aesthetic, premium and therapeutic skincare products that improve the quality of life for its consumers throughout their skincare journey. An innovative company focused on skin science for life, Crown's unyielding pursuit of delivering therapeutic excellence and enhanced patient outcomes is why it has become a leader in Dermatology and Aesthetics. Crown has been listed on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies List for nine years and has expanded its distribution to over 42 countries. For more information, visit www.crownlaboratories.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crown-laboratories-celebrates-opening-of-expanded-production-facility-301844108.html

SOURCE Crown Laboratories, Inc.
LOGAN, Utah , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Colorado Convention Center in Denver , the first international electric bicycle trade show will be held June 8th-11th, 2023 . Cyrusher, a well-known electric bicycle manufacturer, will be one of the exhibitors to showcase the latest Cyrusher products at booth 6603, providing more cutting-edge information and advanced technology demonstrations about electric bicycles.

About (e)Revolution

(e)Revolution is the first national e-bike trade show in the United States , providing a networking platform for e-bike producers, dealers and suppliers, and most importantly, bicyclists. Denver , one of the nation's most bike-friendly cities with 850 miles of urban bike trails in the metro area, is a perfect fit with the spirit of the City Outdoors Urban Adventure brand. (e)Revolution is a comprehensive platform that not only offers retailers a place to showcase their products and technical expertise but also enables consumers to get a hands-on experience with different ebike models, participate in interactive demonstrations, and exchange experiences with more enthusiasts. It's the perfect way to learn more about ebikes and find the best one for you.

In the outdoor recreation industry, e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular due to favorable legislation and society's attempts to reduce carbon emissions.

"With sales expected to double in the next five years, eBikes are one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation markets," said Lance Camisasca , (e)revolution Show Director. "(e)revolution addresses the need for innovative eBikes brands and suppliers to take advantage of this future growth by providing a venue where they can engage directly with both retailers and consumers in an industry-wide event."

Cyrusher Products Preview

Cyrusher will showcase its flagship products and demonstrate diverse mobility solutions. The showcase will provide an interactive platform for attendees to explore and learn about the company's products. Visitors will be able to interact with engineers on-site and take part in bike test rides for a more intuitive riding experience. In addition, the Cyrusher team will be on hand to guide the introduction of specific information about the charging and operation of e-bikes, assisting consumers in learning more about electrified riding.

Classic Models on the exhibition

Ranger All terrain electric bike

6061 Aluminum full suspension frame

750W Bafang Motor

52V 20Ah Samsung lithium battery Waterproof IP65 (included)

Up to 56miles range

Kenda 26" x 4" puncture-resistant fat tires

Logan hydraulic 180mm disc brakes front + rear

hydraulic 180mm disc brakes front + rear Front Suspension: Suspension fork with lockout and adjustment

Rear Suspension: Air suspension 165x750 lbs 3 mags

Trax Step-through All terrain electric bike

6061 Aluminum full suspension frame

750W Bafang Motor

52V 20Ah LG lithium battery Waterproof IP65 (included)

Up to 56miles range

Kenda 26" x 4" puncture-resistant fat tires

Logan hydraulic 180mm disc brakes front + rear

hydraulic 180mm disc brakes front + rear Front Suspension: Suspension fork with lockout and adjustment

Rear Suspension: Air suspension 165x750 lbs 3 mags

Ovia Step-through All terrain electric bike

6061 Aluminum full suspension frame

750W Bafang Motor

52V 17Ah lithium battery Waterproof IP65 (included)

Up to 52miles range

INNOVA 20" x 4" puncture-resistant fat tires

Logan full hydraulic 180 / 203mm disc brakes front + rear

full hydraulic 180 / 203mm disc brakes front + rear Front Suspension: Oil & Spring Suspension fork with adjustment

Rear Suspension: Air suspension 165x750 lbs

Kommoda Step-through electric bike

6061 Aluminum full suspension frame

750W Bafang Motor

48V 14Ah LG/ Samsung lithium battery Waterproof IP65 (included)

Up to 50 miles range

Chaoyang 20" x 4" puncture-resistant fat tires

Zoom hydraulic 180mm disc brakes front + rear

Front Suspension: Oil & Spring Suspension fork with adjustment

Rear Suspension: Spring suspension 165x750 lbs

New sights on the exhibition

Scout Wider seat electric bike

A new Scout electric bike, which has yet to be announced on the official website, will also be unveiled during this event. Scout is a wide saddle model developed to give riders a more pleasant riding experience by incorporating comments from Cyrusher riders. Riders will experience an enjoyable riding experience with powerful performance parameters.

Cyrusher has always focused on the emerging trend for the future of electrification, following the movement of the times, hoping to provide consumers with better quality electrified personal mobility products to influence more consumers, thus contributing to the pace of green building in cities. As the world works towards an electrified future, Cyrusher looks forward to taking e-bikes to a broader area and demonstrating how electric power can reduce emissions and combat climate change, enabling the public to build a more livable and equitable community.

(e)Revolution helps build a more comprehensive industry network for the e-bike industry, providing national face-to-face events for retailers, suppliers, etc., colliding new inspiration for information technology exchanges and enabling more consumers to experience the joy of electric mobility for an empowered green society.

About Cyrusher

Cyrusher is a reputable producer of electric bicycles for professionals that have been successfully marketed in more than 10 nations worldwide. The brand's electric bicycles pass rigorous international quality tests and meet CE, UL, Rhos and FCC requirements. Additionally, Australia , China , the EU, Japan , Korea and the USA have registered and approved the brand. An offline store test-ride service has also been introduced in a number of nations, including the USA , UK and France . Cyrusher will keep expanding its range of vehicles to satisfy the needs of more riders, offering a solution for zero-carbon, fast and convenient urban commuting.

Don't miss out on the location information:

Exhibits date: Thur, June 8, 2023 - Sun, June 11, 2023

Cyrusher Booth: #6603

Exhibits highlight:

Cyrusher Fat Tire Electric Bike (Ranger, Kommoda, Ovia, Trax and Scout)

If you're interested in Cyrusher specialized electric bikes, you can find more information about Cyrusher at the following links.

Cyrusher Contact:

US official website: www.cyrusher.com

UK official website: www.cyrusher.co.uk

French official website: www.cyrusher.fr

German official website: www.cyrusher.de

Phone: (800) 778-0116

Email: [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cyrusher-ebike-model-makes-its-debut-at-e-revolution-301845943.html

SOURCE cyrusher
TAIPEI , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link Corporation announced today that its AQUILA PRO AI M30 AX3000 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router has acquired the ETSI EN 303 645 cybersecurity certification in May with the assistance of Auray Technology, making D-Link the first networking brand in Taiwan to obtain this certificate issued by the Nemko Group.

ETSI EN 303 645 is the European standard for cybersecurity requirements in IoT devices. It focuses on ensuring the privacy, integrity, and overall security of IoT devices, protecting them against potential vulnerabilities and threats.

"We are thrilled to be the first networking brand in Taiwan to acquire the ETSI EN 303 645 product certification for the AQUILA PRO AI M30 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router," said Victor Kuo , chairman of D-Link Corporation. "This achievement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide secure and reliable networking solutions. We believe that cybersecurity is paramount in today's interconnected world, and this certification validates our efforts in ensuring the highest level of protection for our customers' IoT devices."

As a global leader in designing and developing networking and connectivity products, D-Link has long been committed to networking equipment and services, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. In anticipation of the upcoming implementation of consumer IoT network security requirements by the EU in recent years, D-Link initiated a project in 2022 to address these requirements. In addition to optimizing product development specifications for cybersecurity, D-Link has actively empowered its product researchers, with nearly 100 colleagues completing ETSI EN 303 645-related training last year alone. Now, through the collaboration between Nemko Taiwan and its partner lab, Auray , D-Link has become the first networking company in Taiwan to obtain the International EU Standards ETSI EN 303 645 certification. This certification enables its products to meet consumer specifications aligned with international network security standards, thereby providing D-Link with a significant competitive advantage.

For more information about the M30 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router, please visit www.dlink.com/en/products/m30-ax3000-mesh-router

About D-Link

D-Link is a global leader in designing and developing networking and connectivity products and total solutions for consumers, small businesses, medium to large-sized enterprises, and service providers. From relatively modest beginnings in Taiwan , the company has grown into an award-winning global brand in 44 countries. Find out more about D-Link at www.dlink.com

About Nemko

Nemko, established in 1933 as the Norwegian National Commodity Inspection Bureau, specializes in testing and certifying electrical and electronic products in Norway . Today, Nemko is a global company with over 500 employees and 25 branches across four continents. As a notified body authorized by the European Community, Nemko offers certification services for various directives including low voltage, electromagnetic compatibility, medical equipment, explosion-proof equipment, telecommunications equipment, and maritime equipment. With its extensive expertise, Nemko provides testing and certification services worldwide, ensuring smooth market access for your products in different countries. Find out more about Nemko at www.nemko.com

About Auray

The Auray OTIC and Security Lab is the first Asia OTIC Lab approved by O-RAN Alliance and dedicated to the development of 5G Open-RAN. Its main business of Auray Technology Corp, which is an SME contributor of the O-RAN ALLIANCE, is a third-party test laboratory focusing on communication technology with cross-disciplinary expansion and integration services in Taiwan .

As one of the qualified O-RAN Alliance Open Testing and Integration Centres (OTIC), Auray OTIC and Security Lab provides a collaborative, open, and impartial working environment. Find out more about Auray at https://www.auray.com.tw/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/d-link-is-taiwans-first-networking-brand-to-acquire-the-etsi-en-303-645-certification-301846018.html

SOURCE D-Link Corporation
First in-person InstructureCon since 2019 highlights latest edtech trends through more than 130 sessions from fellow educators and inspiring thinkers

SALT LAKE CITY , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Instructure, the maker of Canvas, announces the lineup for its annual conference, InstructureCon 2023. Already known as one of the premier education technology and digital learning conferences, InstructureCon takes a huge leap forward this year as it addresses some of the most impactful edtech insights and tips on resilience, wellness and self-care for educators. The professional learning event for educators and edtech users, with a 2023 theme of Making Moments, will feature prominent keynotes from Deepak Chopra , Arianna Huffington and Dr. Jordan Nguyen .

This year's event will take place on July 26-28 , at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Denver . Around 50 valued Instructure partners are sponsors and will be in attendance throughout the event to provide insights into the latest developments in edtech. AWS and K16 Solutions are the exclusive Diamond sponsors of InstructureCon 2023, and Lincoln Learning Solutions and Class Technologies are Platinum sponsors.

"At InstructureCon 2023, we'll be focusing on moments  big and small  that make an impact. These moments of celebration, accomplishment and joy are the very reason we continue to work with educators," said Melissa Loble , Chief Customer Experience Officer at Instructure. "We'll reflect on moments from our past, experience how we're making a difference in education today and discover the future these moments will help create."

Over 12,000 participants attended last year's virtual InstructureCon event, with impactful presentations by Adam Grant and Simone Giertz . Keynote speakers from previous years have included inspiring innovators and thought leaders such as LeVar Burton , will.i.am, Malcolm Gladwell , Bettina Love and Dan Heath .

The 2023 featured speakers include:

Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. For the past 30 years, Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution. He's the founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality. A prolific author, he has written more than 90 books, which have been translated into 43 languages, with many of those titles landing on the New York Times bestseller list.

Arianna Hufftington is the founder and CEO of Thrive Global, a leading behavior change tech company with the mission of changing the way we work and live by ending the collective delusion that burnout is the price we must pay for success. She is also the founder of The Huffington Post, one of the most widely read and frequently cited media brands on the Internet. Her last two books, "Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom and Wonder" and "The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time" both became instant international bestsellers.

Dr. Jordan Nguyen is a leading Australian engineer, award-winning documentary presenter, inventor and author of the book "A Human's Guide to the Future." He is committed to improving as many lives as possible and being a driving force behind both human and technological evolution. As the founder of the social business Psykinetic, he designs life-changing inclusive technology for people with disability, for aged-care and beyond. As a documentary presenter, he's witnessed some of the greatest advancements of our time, and he believes our young generations are the changemakers of tomorrow with the potential to create solutions to the world's biggest challenges.

Drawing on the Making Moments theme of the conference, CEO Steve Daly will share the connective moments from Instructure's past that have led the company where it is today. And how the journey of continued collaboration and innovation to equip learner-centered success has led to the creation of the Instructure Learning Platform. Melissa Loble will welcome customers and discuss the company's partnership with the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners initiative which has a goal to provide accessible world-class business and entrepreneurship education to millions of unemployed, underemployed and refugee workers around the globe at no cost.

Nguyen will be involved in multiple facets of InstructureCon with a keynote focused on the technological advancements that will impact and evolve education and learning in the future. Chief Product Officer Shiren Vijiasingam will take attendees through the product roadmap as he shares Instructure's evolution from a single product focus to a platform experience designed to reach more students in more ways. President and Chief Operating Officer, Chris Ball will host a fireside chat with Huffington focused on the critical need for wellness and self-care to help educators address burnout. Chief Strategy Officer Mitch Benson will introduce InstructureCon's closing keynote speaker, Chopra, as the company looks to embrace its ever-evolving global community in support of lifelong learning.

For more information about InstructureCon, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page and the event agenda .

ABOUT INSTRUCTURE

Instructure (NYSE: INST) is an education technology company dedicated to elevating student success, amplifying the power of teaching and inspiring everyone to learn together. Today the Instructure Learning Platform supports tens of millions of educators and learners around the world. Learn more at www.instructure.com .

CONTACT:

Brian Watkins

Corporate Communications

Instructure

801-658-7525

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deepak-chopra-arianna-huffington-dr-jordan-nguyen-to-keynote-instructurecon-2023-conference-301845843.html

SOURCE Instructure, Canvas
BOGOTA, Colombia , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that the International Chamber of Commerce decided in favor of Refineria de Cartagena S.A.S ("Reficar"), a subsidiary company of Ecopetrol S.A., in the framework of an arbitration proceeding against Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., CB&I (UK) Limited and CBI Colombiana S.A. (collectively "CB&I"), in connection with the arbitration proceedings against Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., CB&I (UK) Limited and CBI Colombiana S.A. (collectively "CB&I"), in connection with the execution and performance of the EPC Contract (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contract) entered into between the two companies for the expansion and modernization of the refinery located in the city of Cartagena .

The arbitration process was initiated through a request filed by Reficar in March 2016 as a result of CB&I's conduct in the planning and execution of the EPC Contract.

The unanimous decision of this Arbitral Tribunal confirmed the liability of the contractor CB&I for breaching its obligations under the EPC Contract.

The Arbitral Tribunal sentenced CB&I to the payment of more than one (1) billion dollars in favor of Reficar plus the interests caused since December 31, 2015 . Additionally, the tribunal dismissed CB&I's claims for approximately US$400 million and ordered the liquidation of the EPC Contract, as requested by Reficar.

The decision of the Arbitral Tribunal may be subject to formal corrections and clarifications at the request of the parties.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia , it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico ), Brazil , and Mexico , and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil , Chile , Peru , and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile , and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets (a)

Carolina Tovar Aragon

Email: [email protected]

Head of Corporate Communications (a)

Juan Guillermo Londono

Correo electronico: [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ecopetrol-informs-about-an-arbitration-decision-issued-in-favor-of-reficar-sas-301846122.html

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
LONDON , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fastmarkets, an industry-leading cross-commodity price reporting agency (PRA), will today ( June 8 ) launch a new suite of green steel prices.

Green steel, also known as low-carbon emission or sustainable steel, refers to the production of steel using environmentally friendly and energy-efficient processes that minimize carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Traditional steel production methods, such as the blast furnace route, are highly carbon-intensive and contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Our new green steel benchmarks will assess the price differential against traditional flat steel prices, creating transparency for the industry and supporting the investment decisions needed to reduce emissions.

These prices are a world first and serve an important need  demand for sustainable steel continues to grow.

The decarbonization of Europe's steel industry is being driven by the EU's emissions trading system (ETS), as well as growing demand among downstream sectors including the automotive industry.

Steelmaking accounts for 7-9% of global CO2 emissions, the majority of which come from coal-based blast furnaces. Most steel produced from traditional blast furnaces emits around two tonnes or more of CO2 for each tonne of steel produced.

Many steelmakers have announced large investments to replace their blast furnaces with scrap-based electric-arc furnaces (EAFs) and a shift to hydrogen-reduced iron plants.

Fastmarkets' green steel, domestic flat-rolled differential ex works Northern Europe will be assessed weekly against the established Fastmarkets Northern European hot rolled coil (HRC) index.

A daily inferred green steel base price will also be calculated based on the Fastmarkets HRC index and the green steel differential to provide real-time transparency.

The green steel prices will capture the differential between traditional flat-rolled steel prices and prices for steel produced with emissions (including scopes 1, 2 & 3) of maximum 1 tonne CO2 per tonne of steel.

All production methods and raw-materials will be considered, including scrap-based production and steel made from hydrogen-reduced iron.

In parallel, Fastmarkets has continued to develop its price series for high-grade iron ore, metallics and ferrous scrap.

Andrew Wells , Global Steel & Ferro-alloys Editor at Fastmarkets, said: "Following extensive research and discussions across the industry, we are well-placed to bring clarity and transparency to a market that is fast becoming a priority area for all steel industry players committed to the energy transition. Steel made with significantly reduced CO2 emissions is widely expected to account for 30% of the European market by 2030."

Raju Daswani , CEO of Fastmarkets, added: "The transition to green steel production is a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality and addressing climate change. It aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable and low-carbon economy. We are excited to work with the industry on its decarbonization journey and help define, measure and communicate green standards and prices to support this transition."

ABOUT FASTMARKETS

Fastmarkets is an industry-leading price reporting agency (PRA) and information provider for global commodities, providing price data, news, analytics and events for the agriculture, forest products, metals and mining, and new generation energy markets. Fastmarkets' data is critical for customers seeking to understand and predict dynamic, sometimes opaque markets, enabling trading and risk management. Fastmarkets is a global business with a 130-year history built on trust and deep market knowledge. It has more than 500 employees spread across global locations in the UK , US, China , Singapore , Brazil , Belgium and Finland .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fastmarkets-launches-european-green-steel-prices-to-bring-transparency-to-industrys-drive-to-decarbonization-301845378.html

SOURCE Fastmarkets
NEW YORK and MADRID , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TransPerfect Life Sciences , a leading provider of services and technologies to support global clinical trials and product development for the biopharmaceutical industry, today announced that GEICAM has selected Trial Interactive's eTMF and supporting TMF services to streamline operations for current and future studies.

Based in Madrid, Spain , GEICAM is a not-for-profit organization leading academic breast cancer research. Founded nearly 30 years ago, GEICAM has conducted more than 148 studies and is now comprised of more than 900 experts across 200 Spanish hospitals. Its mission is to promote independent clinical, epidemiological, and translational research in oncology as well as to improve health outcomes, prevention, and medical education for professionals, patients, and the general population.

To meet the needs of its growing organization, GEICAM is implementing Trial Interactive's eTMF to scale its TMF management capabilities while improving speed, quality, and compliance.

The Trial Interactive eClinical platform was designed by clinical professionals for clinical professionals. It is used by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO companies to streamline product development lifecycles in a secure, 21 CFR Part 11-compliant environment. By offering a fully integrated experience, Trial Interactive improves speed and quality across site identification, site selection, personnel training, study start-up, and site activation through eTMF management and closeout. The Trial Interactive platform comprises clinical research-focused products that simplify tasks, oversight, compliance, and audits/inspections.

"The growth of our organization requires a partner who can not only provide essential technology but also the services to help us scale," said Gema Sanz , Head of Clinical Operations for GEICAM. "We chose Trial Interactive because they offer the best of both."

TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe commented, "TransPerfect is a longtime supporter of breast cancer research, and it is our privilege to assist GEICAM in its mission."

About GEICAM

Founded in 1995, GEICAM is a non-profit organization leading academic breast cancer research in Spain. Today, GEICAM is comprised of more than 900 experts based in over 200 Spanish hospitals, and has carried out over 100 studies involving more than 66,000 women and men. GEICAM's mission is to promote independent clinical, epidemiological, and translational research in oncology, with a multidisciplinary approach and under quality criteria, to improve health outcomes, as well as prevention, medical education, and the dissemination of the knowledge of breast cancer to patients and general society.

More information about GEICAM is available at www.geicam.org.

About Trial Interactive

TransPerfect's Trial Interactive is an industry leader in practical eClinical innovation that simplifies and automates clinical processes for sponsors, CROs, and sites around the world. The 21 CFR Part 11-compliant unified platform delivers an author-to-archive collaboration experience with solutions for clinical document management, site selection, site activation, e-learning, compliance training, quality, and more with seamless solution interoperability and indexing to the eTMF. Trial Interactive is consistently selected by clinical professionals for providing the most comprehensive yet intuitive experience with the most complete offering of technology and expert TMF services. Trial Interactive helps study teams streamline their operations by cutting unnecessary expenses, expediting timelines, reducing compliance risks, and improving operational excellence. For more information on Trial Interactive, please contact [email protected] or +1 212.400.8848, or visit www.trialinteractive.com .

About TransPerfect Life Sciences

TransPerfect Life Sciences specializes in supporting global development and commercialization of drugs, treatments, and devices designed to improve and save lives. Our comprehensive solutions include eTMF and eClinical technologies, paper TMF migration, pharmacovigilance and safety solutions, translation and language services, and call center support. With offices in more than 100 cities worldwide, TransPerfect is the ideal partner to ensure that your global launch makes a global impact. For more information, please visit our website at https://lifesciences.transperfect.com/.

About TransPerfect

TransPerfect is the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business. From offices in more than 100 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 200+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 6,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect's GlobalLink technology to simplify the management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York , with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong . For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/geicam-selects-transperfects-trial-interactive-etmf-and-tmf-management-solutions-301846227.html

SOURCE TransPerfect
LONDON , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Business Worldwide Magazine has twice honoured the CEO of Feddie Ocean Distillery. Martin Halberg received two accolades at the 2023 CEO Awards: 'Most Innovative CEO in the Spirits Industry' and ' Europe ' & 'Visionary CEO of the Year, Norway '.

The awards aim to name and celebrate the business world's most inspirational leaders, across a variety of sectors. Unlike other business awards which focus on the overall success of companies, here the spotlight is on the unique individuals that lead them. The purpose is to give inspirational people the recognition they deserve while motivating others to achieve similar successes.

Establishing a distillery from an oceanic island location accessible only by ferry requires an ambitious vision. Martin Hallberg , CEO of Feddie Ocean Distillery, has brought the vision of a remote Norwegian island to the food and drink industry. Fedje island is a picturesque gem which was once a bustling fishing centre. Among its close-knit community is an enterprise specialising in handcrafted whisky, gin and Scandinavian akvavit. Martin Halberg , a leading name in the restaurant and international distribution industry for many years, is bringing their artisan beverages to a new audience.

Feddie Ocean Distillery is special for many reasons, but one of the most notable differences about this island enterprise is that it's owned 100% by female investors. The owners consist of professional investors as well as first time investors, and have created a dynamic network within itself.

The spirits industry has long been dominated by men, but the company's inspirational female founder and major shareholder has built an impressive reputation for running women centred networks. Feddie aims to empower women to step up and invest in the industry. The company now has more than 600 female investors and continues to play an active role in inspiring and encouraging more women to invest and own stocks. Feddie also runs a 'Young Sisters' programme aimed at daughters of shareholders, who are provided with expert training and tuition by professional investors and motivated to develop their own investment strategy in companies they form themselves.

A passionate advocate of the whole culture and history around global alcohol production, Martin Hallberg is committed to putting Feddie Ocean Distillery on the international map.

To find out more about the distillery, its products, development plans, investment opportunities and contact details, visit the company website: https://www.feddiedistillery.com/.

About Business Worldwide Magazine

Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.

W: www.bwmonline.com

Contact:

David Jones

Awards Department

E: [email protected]

T: + 44 207 993 5951

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/head-of-feddie-ocean-distillery-wins-two-2023-business-worldwide-magazine-ceo-awards-301845833.html

SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine
The award-winning Los Cabos resort introduces new culinary experiences with renowned guest chefs and new agave library

LOS CABOS, Mexico , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enhancing the unforgettable culinary journeys offered at the award-winning Hilton Los Cabos , the beachfront resort announces the debut of its Baja Food & Wine Journey , a series of seasonal culinary events that bring together renowned chefs such as James Beard and Top Chef finalists to collaborate with Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez for a culinary adventure like no other. The resort's expanded food and beverage experiences also include the new La Biblioteca space which is home to an extensive collection of agave spirits, including more than 200 varieties for interactive tastings.

Hilton Los Cabos Announces New Guest Chef Series and Reimagined Elevated Tequileria

" Hilton Los Cabos prides itself on offering bespoke food and beverage experiences that not only celebrate the rich and diverse flavors known to Mexico , but those that reinterpret global traditions for a one-of-a-kind epicurean destination," said Director of Food & Beverage Octavio Munoz . "We're thrilled to be welcoming such a high caliber group of esteemed chefs to join Chef Mauricio , plus our elevated agave experiences, as we embark on this culinary journey together."

BAJA FOOD & WINE JOURNEY

Hilton Los Cabos' 16-year veteran Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez and the resort's culinary team have curated weekend-long tasting experiences with renowned guest chefs to spotlight the best of the region with inspiration intertwined from each of the chef's specialty cuisines complemented by exceptional wines from Mexico's notable Valle de Guadalupe vineyards. The weekend itineraries include a meet-and-greet cocktail reception, an immersion in the new agave offering, La Biblioteca, and seaside soiree and celebration of fine cuisine, and curated culinary-focused programming incorporated throughout. Guests will dine in style overlooking the Pacific, which aside from offering a shimmering backdrop, also serves as the wild source for many of the flavorful dishes. A dazzling display of fireworks will cap the evening.

Guest Chef John Tesar : June 8-10

Today, Hilton Los Cabos welcomes chef and restaurateur John Tesar , a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist and former contestant on Top Chef with an influential culinary career spanning four-decades. Chef Tesar is most known for his classically trained approach to seafood and steakhouse cuisine with a gastronomic footprint that spans beyond the Southwest to both coasts and a long-term dry-aging process he has come to perfect. Kicking off the series, John is featuring a five-course tasting menu that highlights flavors from his one Michelin-starred restaurant Knife & Spoon and award-winning Dallas -based restaurant Knife with pairings from the Vinos de la Reina Winery in the Valle de Guadalupe region.

Guest Chef Tiffany Derry : July 2-4

Joining the resort in July is celebrity chef Tiffany Derry of Tiffany Derry Concepts and co-founder of purpose-driven hospitality group TD2, with concepts including Roots Chicken Shack and Roots Southern Table. The former Top Chef contestant, TV personality, and Texas -native will bring the origins of Southern cuisine from her heritage and curate an upscale five-course Fourth of July BBQ celebration alongside Chef Mauricio . The guest chef menu will feature the best of the south's flavors with Mexican flair paired with wines from the Valle de Guadalupe region.

LA BIBILOTECA

In addition to Baja Food & Wine Journey, Hilton Los Cabos continues to build upon its exceptional culinary offerings with the introduction of its new La Biblioteca. Helmed by Tequila Master Ana Martinez , La Bibiloteca is home to an extensive collection of agave spirits, including more than 200 varieties on display. Guests can experience an in-depth exploration, where Ana will showcase agave distillates through a private tasting and discovery of Mexico's most iconic regions known for their distilled spirits and agave plants. Tastings are paired with small bites or guests can work with the culinary team to craft a coursed-menu, all set in an eye-catching space.

A CULINARY OASIS

Hilton Los Cabos is home to six refined culinary concepts that deliver a distinct, multi-sensory experience from fine dining to casual poolside bites. Spotlighting the best of the region with global influence, Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez and his team of culinary artisans have curated an unforgettable epicurean experience - including the award-winning Mediterranean fare from Vela that highlights quintessential traditions from Italy , France and Spain - to Lena where the alchemy of fire and food combine a feast fit for the senses with hearth-roasted vegetables and fresh-caught fish paired with a raw bar and housemade empanadas. Rounding out the food and beverage programming, Talavera offers Cabo's best breakfast buffet and an authentic Mexican feast for dinner, Mio a swim-up sushi bar with handcrafted rolls and ceviches, along with light fare available at Enclave Beach Club.

For more information or to book a stay timed to Baja Food & Wine, please visit hiltonloscabos.com and follow @hitlonloscabos on Instagram.

Read more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at Stories.Hilton.com .

About Hilton Los Cabos

Situated along one of Los Cabos' only swimmer-friendly beaches, Hilton Los Cabos is a 264-room resort that recently revealed a multi-million dollar renovation including 14 brand new Plunge Pool Oceanfront Suites and energetic rum-centric Enclave Beach Club outfitted with cliffside cabanas and sunken fire pits. Helmed by Executive Chef Mauricio Lopez , Hilton Los Cabos is home to six refined culinary concepts including the award-winning Vela featuring Mediterranean fare, as well as woodfired bites at Lena, scratch-made ingredients at Talavera and swim-up sushi bar, Mio. The resort boasts the only 7,000 square foot eforea spa, indoor/outdoor movement studio offering cutting edge equipment and private classes, and multiple pools including a Kids Splash Zone and adults-only infinity pool. For more information, please visit http://www.hiltonloscabos.com .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hilton-los-cabos-announces-new-guest-chef-series-and-reimagined-elevated-tequileria-301846732.html
DUBAI, UAE , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hive Furniture Show, the GCC's only dedicated event focusing on big-box retailers and wholesale traders, announces the launch of its third edition which is 50% as big as last year's. The 2023 edition will be taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from 14  16 June, 10 a.m.  6 p.m. daily.

Showcasing exquisitely curated furniture from around the world, Hive Furniture Show will grant buyers from over 40 countries the opportunity to explore the latest furniture trends and network with manufacturers from across the globe under one roof. The show will host over 180 global exhibitors from 15 countries who will showcase their collections, spanning furniture pieces for offices, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor furniture.

To support sustainable furniture, this edition we will also host a webinar for all factories to guide them on how to apply sustainable practices across their operations. A tree will also be planted for each factory that will participate in the seminar in coordination with the authorised environmental entities.

Gautam Mulani , co-founder of Hive Furniture Show, said: "We were pleased with the great response we received during the first two editions of the event and anticipate the huge regional potential that the furniture sector has over the coming years. As the UAE celebrates the Year of Sustainability, we are proud to contribute by engaging our stakeholders and empowering them to become more sustainable and therefore play a part for a better environment."

Manish Bhatia , co-founder of Hive Furniture Show, said: "The furniture market size in the Middle East in 2022 was estimated at USD 3.61 billion and is expected to grow to USD 4.36 billion by 2026, and we are ready through our show to cater to this growth by attracting the top manufacturers from across the globe. We are confident that Hive Furniture Show will grow further over the coming years to cater to the growing regional demand for quality furniture."

The furniture business in the UAE is one of the major businesses uplifted by the real estate sector. Increased construction activity  both in residential and commercial properties  rising urbanisation, and the increase in disposable income are some of the major factors attributing to the growth of the GCC furniture market. In the United Arab Emirates specifically, people are continuously increasing their spending on home renovation, such as living rooms and kitchens, and are investing in higher-quality furniture products.

The 2023 Hive Furniture Show will be 50% the size of last year's edition and is anticipating more than 7,000 trade buyers from 40 countries. In attendance will be buyers from several countries including the UAE , Australia , Kenya , Tanzania , India , among others.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hive-furniture-show-announces-its-new-edition-attracts-over-180-global-exhibitors-from-15-countries-301845885.html

SOURCE Hive Furniture Show
During her first visit to Egypt, Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), spoke to Al-Ahram regarding the latest developments in the countrys reform programme and the delays behind the funds scheduled review.
ATLANTA , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Invesco Advisers, Inc., a subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ), announced today portfolio management changes for the following Invesco closed-end municipal funds (the "Funds"):

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II (NYSE American: VKI)

Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: VCV)

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust (NYSE: OIA)

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust (NYSE: VMO)

Invesco Municipal Trust (NYSE: VKQ)

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: VPV)

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: IQI)

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals (NYSE: VGM)

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals (NYSE: VTN)

Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: IIM)

Effective June 30, 2023 , the following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II, Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust, Invesco Municipal Trust, Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust, Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals and Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust's portfolio:

Mark Paris , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. John "Jack" Connelly, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2016.

Joshua Cooney , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 1999.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 1999. Tim O'Reilly , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. John Schorle , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. Rebecca Setcavage , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. Ms. Setcavage was associated with OppenheimerFunds , a global asset management firm from 2017 to 2019.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. was associated with , a global asset management firm from 2017 to 2019. Julius Williams , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

Effective June 30, 2023 , the following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust and Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals' portfolio:

Mark Paris , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. Michael Camarella , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2003 to 2019, Mr. Camarella was associated with OppenheimerFunds , a global asset management firm.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2003 to 2019, was associated with , a global asset management firm. John "Jack" Connelly, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2016.

Scott Cottier , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2002 to 2019, Mr. Cottier was associated with OppenheimerFunds , a global asset management firm.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2002 to 2019, was associated with , a global asset management firm. Mark DeMitry , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2001 to 2019, Mr. DeMitry was associated with OppenheimerFunds , a global asset management firm.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2001 to 2019, was associated with , a global asset management firm. Tim O'Reilly , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. John Schorle , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. Julius Williams , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

Effective June 30, 2023 , the following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust's portfolio:

Mark Paris , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. John "Jack" Connelly, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2016.

Tim O'Reilly , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. John Schorle , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. Julius Williams , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

Effective June 30, 2023 , the following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust's portfolio:

Mark Paris , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. John "Jack" Connelly, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2016.

Joshua Cooney , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 1999.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 1999. Elizabeth Mossow , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2007 to 2019, Ms. Mossow was associated with OppenheimerFunds , a global asset management firm.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2019. From 2007 to 2019, was associated with , a global asset management firm. Tim O'Reilly , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. John Schorle , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

, Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010. Julius Williams , Portfolio Manager, who has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2010.

The year in which each Portfolio Manager became jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of their Fund(s) is set forth below:



VKI VCV OIA VMO VKQ VPV IQI VGM VTN IIM Mark Paris 2015 2015 2009 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 Michael Camarella N/A 2021 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2021 N/A John "Jack" Connelly 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 Joshua Cooney 2021 N/A N/A 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 N/A 2021 Scott Cottier N/A 2021 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2021 N/A Mark DeMitry N/A 2021 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2021 N/A Elizabeth Mossow N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2021 N/A N/A N/A N/A Tim O'Reilly 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 John Schorle 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 Rebecca Setcavage 2021 N/A N/A 2021 2021 N/A 2021 2021 N/A 2021 Julius Williams 2015 2011 2015 2015 2015 2009 2015 2015 2009 2015

For more information, call 1-800-341-2929.

This communication is not intended to, and shall not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of any of the Invesco Funds, including the Funds.

About Invesco Ltd.

Invesco Ltd. is a global independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. Our distinctive investment teams deliver a comprehensive range of active, passive and alternative investment capabilities. With offices in more than 20 countries, Invesco managed $1.4 trillion in assets on behalf of clients worldwide as of March 31, 2023 . For more information, visit www.invesco.com.

Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the U.S. distributor for Invesco Ltd.'s retail products. Invesco Advisers, Inc. is an investment adviser; it provides investment advisory services to individual and institutional clients and does not sell securities. Each entity is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.

Note: There is no assurance that a closed-end fund will achieve its investment objective. Common shares are bought on the secondary market and may trade at a discount or premium to NAV. Regular brokerage commissions apply.

NOT A DEPOSIT l NOT FDIC INSURED l NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Contact: Jeaneen Terrio [email protected] 212-278-9205

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/invesco-advisers-announces-portfolio-management-changes-for-invesco-municipal-closed-end-funds-301846089.html

SOURCE Invesco Ltd.
NORWALK, Conn. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LBB Specialties (LBBS), a leader in specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution in North America , announced a new partnership with Verdant Specialty Solutions. LBB Specialties will exclusively represent Verdant's portfolio in Personal Care and be the preferred partner for Home & Hygiene Solutions in Arizona , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Nevada , New Mexico , Oklahoma , Texas , Utah , and the Southeastern United States with comprehensive warehousing in each of these regions.

LBB Specialties (LBBS) announced a new partnership with Verdant Specialty Solutions.

"LBB Specialties is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Verdant Specialty Solutions, which expands even further our access to core chemistries for home and personal care," said Christopher Nork , Senior Vice President of LBB Specialties Personal Care.

Verdant is a specialty chemical manufacturer with globally recognized brands and technologies with manufacturing locations in the US and Europe with a long history of providing solutions to the personal care, home & hygiene, and industrial segments.

"Verdant's range of surfactant-based solutions complement LBB Specialties' portfolio of active care ingredients, serving skin, hair, color cosmetics, toiletries, and home & hygiene applications," said Todd Nelmark , President, and Chief Commercial Officer of Verdant Specialty Solutions. "The partnership between Verdant and LBBS is a great fit for both companies, and we look forward to continuing to drive growth in our chosen segments."

For more information on Verdant Specialty Solutions, please visit https://www.verdantspecialty.com/personal-care-products .

LBB Specialties is a leader in North American specialty chemicals and ingredients. It is a diversified supplier serving end-markets including personal care, food & nutrition, advanced materials, and life sciences. LBB Specialties generates approximately $500 million in revenue and employs over 110 commercial team members. www.LBBSpecialties.com

Media Contact:

Courtney Flood

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lbb-specialties-announces-principal-partnership-with-verdant-specialty-solutions-301846258.html

SOURCE LBB Specialties LLC
The International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA) announces the 29th edition of the Conference of Montreal (June 1214th 2023), with high-level speakers from government, business and civil society

MONTREAL , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - The Conference of Montreal , one of the largest and most established economic conferences in North America , today unveiled its program for the 2023 edition. This year's event, held under the theme "Thriving in a World in Transition", will feature more than 180 high-level speakers including international delegations and the heads of Ericsson, Moderna, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Franklin Templeton and Rio Tinto.

The Honourable Mary Ng , Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade for Canada , will take part in a fireside chat to discuss trade, sustainability and resiliency. From his side, Pierre Fitzgibbon , Quebec 's Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and region of Montreal , will speak on Quebec 's economic opportunities and initiatives surrounding a greener and more sustainable economy.

The 29th edition of the conference is organized by the IEFA in association with Integra Capital, and will take place at the Hotel Bonaventure in Montreal . Sessions will cover the role of green finance, the decarbonization of the energy industry, the electrification of mobility, critical minerals, to cyber defence, aerospace innovation and AI.

Quotes

"2023 will go down in history as a critical turning point for the global economy", explained Nicholas Remillard , CEO of the IEFA. "We are witnessing the onset of recession, the extent of which we do not know, and the public and private sectors must work together to minimize its impact. In addition, we have to ensure that this resiliency to future global events encompasses climate change. I am honoured to welcome everyone to the Conference of Montreal as we seek to address these issues together", he added.

"At the Conference of Montreal , I look forward to discussing the ways in which Canada can work across the globe with partners to increase the competitiveness and resilience of our economies, and to secure good, sustainable jobs for our people", expressed The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade for Canada .

" Quebec stands out internationally thanks to its green economy. Our hydroelectricity, our efforts to decarbonize our industries and our major investments in strategic sectors are all winning conditions for a successful energy transition and to become the first carbon-neutral state in North America ", said Pierre Fitzgibbon , Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region .

"Major international gatherings are key opportunities for building bridges between economies. I'm delighted to see that the Conference of Montreal is calling on world leaders to reflect on ways to prosper while taking into account the climate emergency, as well as promoting innovation and economic development. These issues are becoming inseparable and require concerted action from all quarters," declared Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante .

The preliminary list of speakers includes:

Boon Chye Loh , CEO, Singapore Exchange ( SGX Group )

, CEO, Singapore Exchange ( ) Matthew Chamberlain , CEO, London Metal Exchange

, CEO, Jenny Johnson , President and CEO, Franklin Templeton

, President and CEO, Borje Ekholm , President and CEO, Ericsson

, President and CEO, Ericsson Jean Paul Chauvet , CEO, Lightspeed

, CEO, Rich Lesser , Global Chairman, BCG

, Global Chairman, BCG Geoffrey Roux de Bezieux , President, Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)

, President, Mouvement des Entreprises de (MEDEF) Arvind Raman , Chief Information Security Officer, BlackBerry

, Chief Information Security Officer, BlackBerry Thierry Dassault , Deputy CEO, Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault

, Deputy CEO, Laurent Germain , CEO, Egis

, CEO, Egis Ivan Vella , Chief Executive, Aluminium, Rio Tinto

, Chief Executive, Aluminium, Rio Tinto Jesse Vincent-Herscovici , CEO, Axelys

, CEO, Axelys Rafaele Tordjman , CEO, Jeito Capital

, CEO, Noubar Afeyan , Co-Founder and Chairman, Moderna; Founder and CEO, Flagship Pioneering

, Co-Founder and Chairman, Moderna; Founder and CEO, Flagship Pioneering Dino Bianco , CEO, Kruger Products

, CEO, Kruger Products Pierre Fitzgibbon , Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region , Quebec

, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the , Pierre Moscovici , First President, Cour des comptes ( France )

, First President, Cour des comptes ( ) Valerie Plante , Mayor of Montreal

, Mayor of Ion Sterian , CEO, Transgaz

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming days.

The complete program, as well as the list of confirmed speakers, is updated regularly. For further information, please visit the Conference of Montreal 's website.

Date: June 12th-14th, 2023 Location: Hotel Bonaventure, 900 Rue de la Gauchetiere O, Montreal, QC H5A 1E4 Theme: Thriving in a World in Transition Monday, June 12th  Economy, Finance and Decarbonisation

Tuesday, June 13th  Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure

Wednesday, June 14th  Innovation, Globalisation and Society

About The Conference of Montreal

Launched in 1994, the Conference of Montreal (CDM) brings together decision makers from all spheres of society to address the most pressing issues of our time. In the past three decades, Conference of Montreal has evolved to become an internationally recognized multi-day event attended by world leaders and decision makers from the worlds of government, business, and academia, who convene to discuss topics ranging from the economy and global leadership to sustainability, energy and innovation. The event's geographic location in the heart of French Canada offers audiences a rare sociopolitical economic insight which spans both a North American and European perspective, while also examining best practice worldwide.

The conference is organized by the IEFA (International Economic Forum of the Americas), which also hosts the Toronto Global Forum, World Strategic Forum (held in Miami ), Conference of Paris and IEFA LatAm Forum (held in Buenos Aires ).

Media Accreditation

Media accreditation requests can be submitted via this form. Requests for speaker interviews can be sent to Simon Leblanc ([email protected]).

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leaders-to-convene-in-quebec-for-the-conference-of-montreal-301846275.html

SOURCE International Economic Forum of the Americas
XNRGY recently completed a substantial growth capital raise from institutional investors, MacKinnon, Bennett & Co. (MKB) and Idealist Capital , and has obtained new developer financing for its Arizona plant construction from The Boyer Company





The company secured financing for 275,000 sq. ft. of capacity, as well as an option for an additional 750,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, in order to meet rapidly growing customer demand





XNRGY is positioned to become one of the largest providers of energy efficient climate solutions

MONTREAL , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - XNRGY Climate Systems ("XNRGY"), a leader in the design and manufacturing of energy efficient commercial HVAC systems, today announced that it has secured the financing for phase one of its U.S. headquarters in Mesa, Arizona . Located next to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport , the new Arizona facility will include 250,000 sq. ft. of production capacity along with 25,000 sq. ft. of office space and is expected to be completed by 2024. The financing has been provided by its new development partner, The Boyer Company. XNRGY has also secured additional options from The Boyer Company to finance an additional 750,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space at the Mesa, Arizona site.

The Arizona facility will add significant capacity and pan-North American coverage to better support its clients. Led by industry pioneers with decades of combined working experience, XNRGY is on a mission to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial buildings. XNRGY's high-performance HVAC systems are designed to increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and provide superior indoor air quality to mission critical customers including hospitals, clean rooms, educational institutions, and data centers.

XNRGY's estimated investment and economic impact to Arizona of $300 million USD is significant and will create more than 1,200 employment opportunities. All construction phases are targeted for completion within 5 years.

"This expansion is reflective of our steadfast commitment to our customers by providing them with additional production capacity, shorter lead times, and the latest climate tech innovations," said Wais Jalali , the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of XNRGY. "I am excited to embark on this next stage of growth with our valued partner, The Boyer Company, to better serve our customers," he said.

"With our new Arizona manufacturing facility, XNRGY will take the lead in sustainability and environmental impact through technology. We will continue to design and manufacture our climate technology solutions for our customers while also building a facility that itself reduces carbon footprint and water usage through our own innovations," said Larry Hopkins , Chief Technology Officer at XNRGY. "The facility's leading edge is further evidenced by the inclusion of an R&D Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) Lab which will demonstrate visualization technologies for key metrics such as power usage efficiency and data center performance indicators," he said.

"XNRGY is exactly the type of company we hoped to attract to our Gateway East development," said Matt Jensen who is a partner with the project developer, The Boyer Company. "We are excited to get the initial building underway and look forward to helping XNRGY grow to meet proliferating customer needs."

About XNRGY Climate Systems

XNRGY is a privately held climate technology company that designs, engineers, and manufactures sophisticated, sustainable innovative solutions focused on reducing carbon footprint, water usage and energy consumption. Key products include large custom refrigeration and chilled water air handling units, vertical and horizontal CRAC and CRAH units up to 600 kW, clean room systems, energy recovery systems, low dewpoint EV manufacturing units, and factory installed turnkey controls platform. XNRGY uses BIM/CFD to prevent transient performance failures in mission-critical facilities. XNRGY looks at iso vectors and pressure distribution to design the most efficient systems for clients. This contributes to lower KW while delivering the maximum air to the buildings as well as adding to LEED and NET ZERO initiatives (Paris Climate Accord). To learn more about XNRGY, visit www.xnrgy.com

About The Boyer Company

The Boyer Company is a full-service developer and manager of industrial, retail, office, residential, medical, government, and other specialty property types. Boyer is a preferred development partner for a wide variety of public entities, having the expertise and financial stability to successfully work on public-private projects with a number of governmental entities. The company is focused on creating positive long-term relationships with clients. Boyer is one of the largest development firms in the Western United States having developed over 43 million square feet of commercial space since 1972. The company is currently working on over $1B in active development projects. To learn more about Boyer, visit www.boyercompany.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-climate-tech-company-xnrgy-announces-phase-one-of-its-new-arizona-manufacturing-facility-301846493.html

SOURCE XNRGY Climate Systems ULC
Toronto Pearson International Airport will deploy the HEXWAVE walkthrough security detection portal to seamlessly screen for potential concealed threats

WILMINGTON, Mass. and TORONTO , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. ("Liberty" or the "Company") (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FRANKFURT: LD2A), a leading technology provider of AI-based next generation detection solutions for concealed weapons and threats, is pleased to announce that its HEXWAVE system was selected by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to determine how its capability can be used and deployed at Toronto Pearson International Airport , Canada 's largest airport.

"As industry leaders, we are excited to be the first airport in the world to acquire the HEXWAVE system to evaluate how best to use in our broader airport security program," said Dwayne MacIntosh , Director, Corporate Safety and Security, GTAA. "We plan to roll out the use of HEXWAVE in the second half of this year, working with airport stakeholders to assess the best locations to provide enhanced security and an improved screening experience in non-traditional areas of the airport. We are excited to work with Liberty Defense as we are continually looking to innovate and improve the overall safety of our airport."

Unlike weapon detection technology, HEXWAVE uses millimeter wave, advanced 3D imaging, and AI to detect all types of concealed metallic and non-metallic threats and other prohibited items  without the passenger having to divest common items. The system allows for rapid, automated screening using a high-throughput, contactless, walkthrough portal to detect liquid, powder, and plastic explosives, 3D printed ghost guns, and other threats of concern today that enhanced metal detectors on the market cannot detect.

"We are thrilled that the GTAA has selected Liberty Defense to bring the HEXWAVE to the Toronto Pearson airport ," said Bill Frain , CEO of Liberty Defense. "The flexibility of the HEXWAVE allows the GTAA to quickly deploy and move the HEXWAVE to areas inside and outside the airport. We are thrilled to work with them on their continued aviation industry innovation."

For updates and news, please visit the Company website to subscribe to email alerts or follow Liberty Defense on social channels.

On Behalf of Liberty Defense

Bill Frain

CEO & Director

About Liberty Defense

Liberty Defense (TSXV: SCAN, OTCQB: LDDFF, FRANKFURT: LD2A) provides multi-technology security solutions for concealed weapons detection in high volume foot traffic areas and locations requiring enhanced security such as airports, stadiums, schools, and more. Liberty's HEXWAVE product, for which the company has secured an exclusive license from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a technology transfer agreement for patents related to active 3D radar imaging technology, provides discrete, modular, and scalable protection to provide layered, stand-off detection capability of metallic and non-metallic weapons. Liberty has also recently licensed the millimeter wave-based, High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) body scanner and shoe scanner technologies as part of its technology portfolio. Liberty is committed to protecting communities and preserving peace of mind through superior security detection solutions. Learn more: LibertyDefense.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although Liberty believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Liberty. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Liberty's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of the parties; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general development, market and industry conditions. The parties undertake no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of their securities or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

Liberty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Liberty's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Liberty has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Liberty as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Liberty does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liberty-defense-receives-contract-from-the-greater-toronto-airports-authority-to-provide-enhanced-screening-with-hexwave-301846049.html

SOURCE Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.
DENVER , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Morris Animal Foundation, a global leader in advancing animal health, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month with June 15 declared as Morris Animal Foundation Day by Colorado Governor Jared Polis .

The Foundation traces its roots back to 1948, when a forward-thinking veterinarian  Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr .  founded the organization to improve the health and well-being of animals everywhere. As the Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary, it reflects on its decades of work  funding nearly 3,000 studies to date  and its continued push to advance veterinary medicine on a global scale.

Currently, the Foundation has about 200 active studies aimed at addressing significant health challenges in dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. This includes the largest cancer-focused study of its kind in dogs, improved and novel vaccines for infectious diseases in cats, as well as critical research to safeguard endangered species worldwide. Every year, the Foundation funds a new set of impactful studies to meet emerging health needs.

Morris Animal Foundation through the years:

In 1950, the Foundation funded its first two studies, which investigated cat and dog nutrition at Rutgers University and Iowa State University , respectively.

and , respectively. About a decade later, the Foundation ventured into equine health, supporting its first nutrition health study for horses.

By 1967, the Foundation expanded its research to include wildlife studies, with its first study focusing on bacterial blood infections in zoo animals.

In 1971, actress Betty White joined the Foundation as Trustee, and served as Board President from 1982-85.

joined the Foundation as Trustee, and served as Board President from 1982-85. In 1986, funding from the Foundation led to the establishment of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project , the first effort to provide desperately needed veterinary care to the highly endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda .

, the first effort to provide desperately needed veterinary care to the highly endangered mountain gorillas of . In 2012, the Foundation launched its Golden Retriever Lifetime Study , the most comprehensive, prospective study collecting health data on 3,000+ golden retrievers to help identify risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs.

, the most comprehensive, prospective study collecting health data on 3,000+ golden retrievers to help identify risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs. Thanks to the Foundation's long history of funding animal health research, veterinarians and wildlife managers have better diagnostics, treatments and even some cures for diseases and other health challenges for animals in their care and in the field.

As Morris Animal Foundation continues its journey, it remains committed to improving the health and well-being of animals around the world through scientific research, training new veterinary researchers and continued advancements in veterinary medicine.

About Morris Animal Foundation

Morris Animal Foundation's mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado , it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $149 million in nearly 3,000 critical studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/morris-animal-foundation-marks-75th-anniversary-reflects-on-decades-of-advancing-animal-health-research-301846529.html

SOURCE Morris Animal Foundation
Writers, photographers, and video producers honored in national program

LOS ANGELES , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Motor Press Guild, the nation's largest association of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, has just announced the award winners in its Best of Automotive Journalism program. The awards were presented at the MPG's 2023 Drive Day event at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu . The awards program, drawing entrants from across the nation, is designed to promote the highest caliber work in the automotive media.

"As an organization that promotes and protect automotive journalists, the Motor Press Guild is proud to honor the best of their creations," Jack R. Nerad , President of the Motor Press Guild, said. "The fine reporting and creativity of each of the award winners is impressive, and we hope the awards will inspire others to strive for their high levels of achievement."

The MPG Best of Automotive Journalism Awards program honors books, articles, photographs, and audio-visual creations. Each year the highest achievement in auto journalism from among the individual category award winners is recognized with the Dean Batchelor Award, an award named after a legendary writer and editor who set the standard for fine auto journalism.

The following is a list of the creators and their works that won individual categories in the awards. To qualify, an article, audio-visual, book, or photograph must have been published for the first time in calendar-year 2022.

Bob D'Olivo Award for Photography

Jan Wagner , "NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Brandon Jones walked away from this"

Best Book Award

Randy Lanier with A.J. Baime, Survival of the Fastest

Best Feature Article Award

Mercedes Lilienthal (New York Times), "10 States, 2,400 Miles and More Than 100 Classic Cars"

Best Road Test Article Award

Basem Wasef (Motor1.com), "2023 McLaren Artura First Drive Review: The Second Life Of Supercars"

Best News Article Award

Daniel Miller (Los Angeles Times), "Dream cars and some legal fender benders"

Best of Audio Visual Award

Basem Wasef and Anna Wyckoff , "Why Does She Hate the Mercedes-Benz W140?"

Dean Batchelor Award for Excellence in Auto Journalism

Basem Wasef

About the MPG Awards

Established by the Motor Press Guild in 1995, the MPG Best of Automotive Journalism awards program and the Dean Batchelor Award recognize excellence in automotive journalism as exemplified by the man the ultimate award is named after  legendary former editor of Road & Track magazine, Dean Batchelor . The goal of the awards program is to inspire automotive journalists to produce work of the highest professional caliber that exemplifies the exceptional standards Batchelor established.

Press Contact: Michelle Suzuki

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motor-press-guild-announces-best-of-auto-journalism-award-winners-301845978.html

SOURCE Motor Press Guild
SAN DIEGO , June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year, North Island Credit Union has partnered with the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) to provide four $2,500 college scholarships to local students. The North Island Credit Union 2023 Scholarships were awarded through the NCAAWA's Scholarship Program, created to assist young African American women in acquiring higher education from an academic institution.

North Island Credit Union 2023 Scholarship recipients through the NCAAWA Program include:

Shaylee Anderson , a resident of Oceanside, will pursue a degree in Communications Students at San Diego State University .

, a resident of Oceanside, will pursue a degree in Communications Students at . Sage Creek High School graduate Amaya Huggins will attend California State University San Marcos with a major in Liberal Studies.

graduate will attend with a major in Liberal Studies. Courtney Huggins , who recently graduated from Sage Creek High School , will study Child & Adolescent Development at California State University San Marcos beginning this fall.

, who recently graduated from , will study Child & at beginning this fall. Carlsbad resident McEachern Lena , is pursuing a degree in Economics & Earth Science at Stanford University .

Photos of the recipients available here.

"It is an honor to once again partner with the North County African American Women's Association to provide these scholarships and financial literacy programming as we join in their mission to empower young women in our communities. We applaud the important work the organization is doing to provide this essential support network," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell . "We congratulate these exceptional students and wish them much success in their college careers and beyond."

NCAAWA President Linda Berry commented, "As an organization that stands on the premise of enhancing the lives of women and girls in San Diego North County, we thank North Island Credit Union for their continued partnership and support by providing exceptional scholarships for deserving young women. It is through partnerships such as these that allow North County African American Women's Association to continue its mission and contributions within our community. Congratulations to our awardees and thank you to North Island Credit Union for your continued support."

Through its annual scholarship program, North Island Credit Union has worked to support the educational goals of outstanding students within its local communities since 2005. Now in its third year, the credit union's partnership with NCAAWA has provided $30,000 in educational assistance to specifically support North County female students of African American descent. The credit union also provides financial literacy training for upper class high school girls in NCAAWA's Global Ambassadors Mentoring Program. This program aims to empower young girls of color with leadership development skills, increased understanding of financial literacy and global issues that impact social and career development.

The NCAAWA Vision is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in North San Diego County . To date, the organization has provided over $394,750 in scholarship awards and grants to help young women further their education.

About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California . With more than 170,000 members and assets of over $4.5 billion , California Credit Union has 24 branches throughout Los Angeles , Orange , and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu.

About North County African American Women's Association

Established in 1995, the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) is an all-inclusive non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization located in North San Diego County . Its mission is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in San Diego's North County to increase their self-sufficiency. Maintaining its charitable, educational, and recreational objectives, the organization, through its mission, has opened support to all women in San Diego's North County , celebrating ethnic and racial pride.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/north-island-credit-union-partners-with-north-county-african-american-womens-association-to-award-four-college-scholarships-301845618.html

SOURCE North Island Credit Union
HUNTINGTON, Ind. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc., (OTCQB: NIDB), the parent company of First Federal Savings Bank, has announced that the Corporation will execute a forward share split of two (2) new common shares for each one (1) old common share. All shareholders of record as of the record date of June 30, 2023 will be entitled to the share split to be implemented on July 14, 2023 .

The Company had 1,216,335 outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2023 and will increase to 2,432,670 outstanding common shares after the split.

Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc. is headquartered at 648 N. Jefferson Street , Huntington, Indiana . The company offers a full array of banking and financial brokerage services to its customers through its main office in Huntington and six full-service Indiana offices in Huntington (2), Warsaw (2) and Fort Wayne (2). The Company is traded on the OTC Markets Group, Inc. (www.otcmarkets.com) utilizing the OTCQB platform under the symbol "NIDB". Our web site address is www.firstfedindiana.bank.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northeast-indiana-bancorp-inc-announces-a-2-for-1-stock-split-301846515.html

SOURCE Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc.
Promotion Supports PWSC's Legacy of Homebuilding and Risk Management Expertise

CHANTILLY, Va. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional Warranty Service Corporation (PWSC) today announced the promotion of Paul Weckerly to President and CEO. He succeeds Tyler Gordy , who led the company from 2017 to 2023.

Weckerly joined PWSC as Vice President and General Counsel in 2018 and has played a critical role in its growth over the past five years, making him the clear choice to lead the company going forward.

"PWSC has been a trusted name in homebuilder warranties since the mid-1990s, and I'm proud of the work we've done in the past few years to continue that tradition," said Gordy. "We've maintained the values and expertise that have always made PWSC a world-class partner while making great strides to modernize our approach and mitigate even more risk for our customers. Paul has been instrumental in everything we've done, so I leave knowing the company could not be in better hands."

Gordy and Weckerly have guided PWSC through phenomenal growth together. In the past two years, they've re-branded the company, introduced new technologies and launched a suite of successful products, including a builder's risk insurance program and a warranty program for property managers. Their crowning achievement occurred last year when PWSC was acquired by PCF Insurance Services, a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage firm.

"Paul's proven ability to navigate complex risk management challenges in the homebuilding industry, as well as his strategic mindset, will help PWSC continue its growth trajectory," said Jenni Lee Crocker , President of PCF Insurance Services. "He will strike the perfect balance of consistency and innovation for the PWSC leadership team."

Weckerly possesses 20 years of homebuilding and construction defect litigation experience. As the company's new leader, he's driven to continue PWSC's growth through a continued focus on quality, thought leadership and the industry expertise for which PWSC is known.

"We really have something special at PWSC, and I'm both thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to lead PWSC through its next phase," said Weckerly. "Our team has hands-on homebuilding experience that enables us to bring a unique perspective when serving our clients. When you pair that with our strong carrier relationships and a supportive parent company like PCF, it's a true differentiator."

About PWSC

PWSC is a nationally recognized warranty and insurance provider, protecting more than 1.9 million homes, homeowners, and America's top builders and property managers. As the housing market continues to evolve, so does PWSC. With over a century of combined in-house builder experience with multiple top 10 builders, the PWSC team leads the charge in offering groundbreaking, comprehensive risk management solutions to the residential construction and real estate industries. For more information, visit pwsc.com.

About PCF Insurance Services

A top 20 U.S. broker headquartered in Lehi, Utah , PCF Insurance Services is a leading full-service consultant and insurance brokerage firm offering a broad array of commercial, life and health, employee benefits, and workers' compensation solutions. Propelled by its people, PCF Insurance's agency-centric operating model and entrepreneurial environment support its tremendous growth profile, offering partner agencies alignment through equity ownership, significant leadership incentives, and resources. Ranked #20 on Business Insurance's 2022 Top 100 Brokers and #13 on Insurance Journal's 2022 Top Property/Casualty Agencies, PCF Insurance is a notable leader in the insurance space, with 3,100 employees across the U.S. Visit pcfins.com for more information.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pwsc-appoints-paul-weckerly-as-president-and-ceo-301846399.html

SOURCE PCF Insurance Services
Egypt assumed presidency of the steering committee of the New Partnership for Africas Development Agency (NEPAD) during a virtual meeting attended by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday, Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy stated.

NEPAD, which is the development arm of the African Union (AU), organises and finances projects and programs to achieve sustainable development goals in the continent.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame handed over the two-year presidency of the steering committee to Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi via video conference.

The meeting was attended by African heads of state and government as well as members of the committee, Fahmy added.

The NEPAD strategic framework document was prepared in 2001 by the leaders of the five initiating states - Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa - in response to a mandate given to them by the Summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union.

Financing to face Int'l economic crisis

In his acceptance speech, the Egyptian president reviewed Egypt's priorities during its presidency of the NEPAD steering committee.

El-Sisi called for new and non-traditional financing resources, especially in light of the international economic crisis that undermines development efforts in Africa.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation to settle the accumulated debt crisis to put the continent on the way to economic recovery.

Mobililising resources - Sharing expertise

El-Sisi also noted that Egypt, as president of NEPAD, will seek to mobilise financial resources in areas of priority for Africa  including infrastructure development  in a way that ensures achieving the goals of the African Development Agenda 2063.

The list of priorities, he explained, includes 69 projects during the period from 2021-2030.

These projects include, for example, the navigational line between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Cairo-Cape Town Road.

Egypt will also focus on industrial transformation , El-Sisi added.

In this context, the president stated, Egypt intends to build on the results achieved during the extraordinary African Summit on Industralisation that was held in Niamey in November 2022 .

El-Sisi also stressed the importance of speeding up the realisation of the aspirations targeted by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and completing negotiations on all its additional protocols.

He explained that the AfCFTA will provide African countries with opportunities to integrate into the global economy and to increase job opportunities, especially among youth and women.

The Egyptian president also underlined the necessity of sharing African expertise in the area of developing infrastructure, including Egypt's own experiment in developing infrastructure over the past eight years.

He also cited cooperation between Egypt and Tanzania on building the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP) as an example of sharing expertise.

"[JNHPP] is a model to follow for cooperation between African countries in the field of development  and we are fully prepared to share the experience of Egyptian companies with other sister African countries," El-Sisi stressed.

He called for intensifying cooperation with global partners and international financing institutions to bridge the financing gap in sustainable development projects and reduce debt burdens for the most affected countries.

The president also urged taking advantage of the new initiatives put forward during the partnership summits of the AU.

El-Sisi said he looks forward to hearing the proposals of the heads of state and government and of members of the NEPAD steering committee in this regard.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Company's FlexASO programs targeting STATHMIN-2 and UNC13A showed three-fold potency, two-fold biodistribution improvement, improved safety, and greatly reduced off-target activity over standard ASOs

QurAlis' FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform designed to improve ASO performance, correct mis-splicing to restore synapse function, optimize distribution to deeper brain regions, and improve disease outcomes

Data to be showcased in an oral presentation at 3rd Annual Oligonucleotides for CNS Summit

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- QurAlis Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing breakthrough precision medicines for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets, today announced it will present new preclinical data showing the potential of the company's antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) generated from its proprietary FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform. Data from two of QurAlis' FlexASO programs targeting rescue of STATHMIN-2 (STMN2) and UNC13A showed up to three-fold improvement over standard ASOs in both potency and biodistribution, and significantly reduced off-target effects, often from approximately 50 to 0, in human motor neurons. In addition, QurAlis' FlexASOs were not associated with cytokine or chemokine production. Observations from both programs therefore indicate that FlexASO technology results in a higher therapeutic index than observed with traditional ASO.

"QurAlis' FlexASO platform is based on unique and novel insights. We designed the platform to improve ASO performance, correct mis-splicing, and optimize distribution to deeper brain regions with the goal of identifying novel precision-medicine candidates for serious neurodegenerative diseases like sporadic ALS and frontotemporal dementia," said Kasper Roet , Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of QurAlis. "These new preclinical data showed that our ASOs targeting restoration of STMN2 and UNC13A exhibited significantly higher potency, greater biodistribution, and reduced off-target activity over standard ASOs. We are excited by these promising data and look forward to continue advancing our programs so that we can fulfill our mission of bringing transformative disease-modifying therapies to patients with significant neurodegenerative diseases in desperate need of options."

QurAlis will present these data in an oral presentation at the 3rd Annual Oligonucleotides for CNS Summit being held June 7-8, 2023 in Boston, MA. Daniel Elbaum, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of QurAlis, will present on June 8, 2023 at 8:00 AM ET , in a talk entitled, "Recent Advances in the Development of Splice Switching Oligonucleotides for CNS Diseases."

The QurAlis FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform was developed to generate splice-switching ASOs with improved potency and an increased therapeutic index. In addition to STMN2 and UNC13A, QurAlis is currently exploring this ASO technology for multiple other disease targets.

About STATHMIN-2, TDP-43, and UNC13A

STATHMIN-2 (STMN2) is a well-validated protein important for neural repair and axonal stability, the expression of which is significantly decreased in nearly all ALS patients. Also known as SCG-10, STMN2 is a protein essential for the stabilization of microtubules which form an important component of the cytoskeleton of cells and axons. STMN2 is highly expressed in human motor neurons, the cells that primarily degenerate in patients suffering from ALS. In animal models, STMN2 deletion was found to cause axonal degeneration and loss of muscle innervation, which is the primary functional deficit that leads to paralysis in ALS patients.

Using human neuronal stem cell models from ALS patients, QurAlis co-founder and former Harvard professor Kevin Eggan , Ph.D., discovered in 2019 that the expression of STMN2 is regulated by TDP-43. The Eggan Lab showed that loss of normal TDP-43 function leads to a highly significant decrease in expression of STMN2 and an impairment in neuronal repair which could be rescued by restoring STMN2 levels. These results were published in Nature Neuroscience.

In addition to nearly all ALS patients, TDP-43 pathology is also associated with approximately 50 percent of patients with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the second most common form of dementia; about a third of Alzheimer's Disease patients; and up to seven percent of Parkinson's disease patients.

UNC13A is an essential regulator of neurotransmitter release at synapses. In ALS and FTD, TDP-43 accumulates in the cytoplasm and no longer maintains its normal function controlling RNA metabolism in the nucleus. Due to its loss, certain pre-mRNA transcripts are mis-spliced resulting in expression of a cryptic exon-containing transcript that interferes with appropriate protein generation. UNC13A is a pre-mRNA that is mis-spliced due to loss of TDP-43 in disease. Fifty-eight percent of ALS patients and up to half of FTD patients carry a single nuclear polymorphism in the UNC13A gene which greatly exacerbates UNC13A mis-splicing leading to loss of function of the UNC13A protein.

There are currently no cures for ALS or FTD. Limited therapeutic options are available for ALS and FTD patients who are in desperate need for effective therapies.

About QurAlis Corporation

QurAlis is trailblazing the path to conquering amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets with next-generation precision medicines. QurAlis' proprietary platforms and unique biomarkers enable the design and development of drugs that act directly on disease-causing genetic alterations. Founded by an internationally recognized team of neurodegenerative biologists from Harvard Medical School and Harvard University, QurAlis is advancing a deep pipeline of antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs including addressing sub-forms of ALS that account for the majority of ALS patients. For more information, please visit www.quralis.com or follow us on Twitter @QurAlisCo.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quralis-flexasos-show-high-potency-and-improved-safety-over-standard-asos-301844579.html

SOURCE QurAlis
Seven-Time Grammy Winner & Two-Time Academy Award Nominee

will lead SFJAZZ's Artistic Programming and Creative Direction

SAN FRANCISCO , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SFJAZZ announces the appointment of Seven-Time Grammy Winner and Two-Time Academy Award Nominee Terence Blanchard as Executive Artistic Director. This new position will lead the organization's artistic programming and guide its overall creative direction. Blanchard's appointment comes as SFJAZZ Founder Randall Kline prepares to step down this year from the organization he founded in 1983.

Terence Blanchard Named SFJAZZ Executive Artistic Director

This year, SFJAZZ is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and the 10th Birthday of the award-winning SFJAZZ Center. Blanchard joins SFJAZZ as it presents the 40th San Francisco Jazz Festival and the 2023-2024 season beginning September 7 .

Blanchard is a renowned composer, bandleader, and trumpet player who has been a consistent artistic force for making powerful musical statements for over 40 years. From his stint with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers to writing scores for Spike Lee and other films, he is unique in the jazz world as an artist whose creative endeavors go far beyond the genre into film scoring, crafting television series soundscapes, and conceiving grand operas that have been recognized at the highest levels of art appreciation. A recipient of a 2018 USA Artist Fellowship and a 2023 Peabody Medal, Blanchard is also a passionate educational mentor, having held positions at the Berklee College of Music, The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and as Chair of Jazz Studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, amongst many others. Additionally, Blanchard has been at the forefront of giving voice in his works to socio-cultural issues and racial injustices of our time.

Blanchard has had a long relationship with SFJAZZ and has performed numerous times at the SFJAZZ Center and for the organization. From 2014-2016, he was a SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director and, in 2016, presented his opera Champion: An Opera in Jazz. Most recently, in August 2022 , his E-Collective with Turtle Island Quartet performed at the SFJAZZ Center.

As Executive Artistic Director, Blanchard will be the artistic leader of the organization and will help formulate and implement artistic programming across diverse disciplines and genres. He will work closely with the teams at SFJAZZ to curate year-round concert programming, expand the SFJAZZ 'At Home' digital platform, and further develop community engagement and educational offerings. Blanchard's appointment comes after a national search, conducted by Arts Consulting Group.

Said Blanchard, "I am honored and excited to become a part of such an amazing and historic institution. SFJAZZ has meant so much to the development of America's Greatest artform. I am looking forward to collaborating with the staff while also bringing my own ideas about how to move our music forward and continue the SFJAZZ mission to explore the full spectrum of jazzfrom its origins to its diverse and evolving expressions around the world today. I cannot wait to continue this journey."

CONTACT: Marshall Lamm , [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sfjazz-appoints-terence-blanchard-executive-artistic-director-301845441.html

SOURCE SFJAZZ
In the last year, StockX authenticators stopped nearly $30M worth of fake sneakers from trading on the platform

The company's latest verification report also reveals the most counterfeited products in the last year

DETROIT , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aptly timed with World Anticounterfeiting Day, a new StockX report released today details the platform's latest verification advancements and metrics. Big Facts: The Verification Report offers a snapshot of StockX's rigorous review process and its impact on consumers around the world. The report reveals that in the past year, StockX rejected nearly $90 million worth of products that did not meet verification standards. It also outlines quality control metrics including the top reasons products are rejected during the verification process. Topping StockX's list of reasons for rejection is the presence of manufacturing defects (27%), with fake products (20%) being the second most cited factor for product failure. The report also notes that over the last 12 months, StockX authenticators stopped nearly $30 million worth of fake sneakers from trading on the platform.

Today, the StockX team spans hundreds of authenticators across the globe. In just the last 12 months, the company has opened three new authentication centers, adding more than 180,000 square feet to its global footprint.

"I am proud of the global team we've built and our commitment to helping millions of customers secure the products they love at the right price," said StockX CEO Scott Cutler . "Knowledge is power, and this report offers visibility into our verification process and our efforts to deliver a best-in-class experience to buyers and sellers around the world."

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the counterfeit industry has grown to a whopping $500 billion market  and StockX works hard to protect customers from unknowingly participating in it. The company has expanded its use of machine learning which helps predict high versus low risk, and embedded technologies like RFID and QR codes which provide additional data points for StockX to leverage during its verification process.

"As bad actors continue to up their game, so does StockX," said Paul Foley , the company's head of brand protection. "We've made significant investments this year and we remain committed to evolving our use of technology, enhancing our systems, and employing industry experts in every corner of the world."

The report also reveals which counterfeit products StockX authenticators have seen most frequently throughout the last year. Historically, high-value products were the most counterfeited, but the latest StockX data shows that even high demand lower price point items aren't immune to counterfeiting. The most popular fake sneaker and handbag over the last 12 months  the Nike Dunk Low Retro White Black Panda and the Telfar Shopping Bag Medium Black  boast average resale prices of less than $200 and $300 , respectively.

For more information on the report, visit https://stockx.com/about/sx-market-insights/big-facts-the-verification-report/ .

About StockX

StockX is proud to be a Detroit -based technology leader focused on the large and growing online market for sneakers, apparel and accessories, electronics, collectibles and trading cards. StockX's powerful platform connects buyers and sellers of high-demand consumer goods from around the world using dynamic pricing mechanics. This approach affords access and market visibility powered by real-time data that empowers buyers and sellers to determine and transact based on market value. The StockX platform features hundreds of brands across verticals including Jordan Brand , adidas, Nike, Supreme, BAPE, Off-White, Louis Vuitton , Gucci; collectibles from artists including KAWS and Takashi Murakami ; and electronics from industry-leading manufacturers Sony, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Apple. Launched in 2016, StockX employs around 1,500 people across offices and 13 authentication centers around the world. Learn more at www.stockx.com .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stockx-releases-new-verification-report-citing-platform-rejected-nearly-90-million-worth-of-products-301845557.html

SOURCE StockX
5-Year Deal Goes to Ratification After Union Review in Chicago Next Week

WASHINGTON , June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) and ABF Freight System have tentatively agreed to terms for a new national contract.

Once ratified, the proposed five-year contract will provide members with wage increases and improvements to benefits and working conditions, among other gains.

Teamster representatives will meet in Chicago next week to review the tentative agreement before sending it to the membership for a ratification vote.

"At the start of negotiations, we promised to fight like hell for our members at ABF. I can confidently say that we did just that. This tentative agreement is a testament to our hard work, strength, and determination at the bargaining table," said John A. Murphy , Teamsters Freight Division Director. "I want to thank the entire negotiating team for their hard work and commitment throughout the bargaining process, especially our rank-and-file members who served on the committee."

The Teamsters represent approximately 8,600 ABF truck drivers, dock workers, and other members nationwide. The current five-year agreement expires June 30 .

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S. , Canada , and Puerto Rico . Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Daniel Moskowitz , (770) 262-4971

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teamsters-abf-reach-tentative-agreement-on-new-contract-301845447.html

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Leveraging on Skit.ai's Voice AI technology, the company has recorded over 53% engagement and an impressive 25% RPC, underlining the swift consumer adoption of Voice AI.

NEW YORK , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Skit.ai, the leading Conversational Voice AI solution provider in the Account Receivable Management (ARM) sector, announced its partnership with Transfinancial Companies LLC. This strategic collaboration empowers Transfinancial, a Louisiana -based collection agency that has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector, to overcome prevalent challenges in debt collection by streamlining their process and accelerating revenue recovery.

Transfinancial Companies grappled with common industry challenges like agent scarcity, escalating collection costs, low consumer connectivity, difficulty achieving scale, and meeting compliance requirements. These difficulties are symptomatic of broader ARM industry issues, accentuated by stringent regulations and volatile economic conditions. Implementing Skit.ai's Augmented Voice Intelligence (AVI) platform, Transfinancial Companies has incised a pivotal shift in their debt collection process. With this solution, apart from enhancing the consumer experiences, the company has achieved significant outcomes such as an over 53% engagement rate, a high Right Party Contact (RPC) of over 25% while dialing over 200,000 calls, leading to a remarkable increase in the overall return on investment.

Anthony Verdicanno, President & C.O.O. at Transfinancial Companies, stated, "Skit.ai's technology has proved very effective, breaking even very early and moving beyond it. Their platform smoothly integrated with our payment gateways effortlessly handled high call volumes, and adhered strictly to compliance standards. Furthermore, the improvements in collections also testify that consumers have begun to prefer conversing with Skit.ai's Voice AI solution and are becoming habitual in making on-call payments. This is the right step in improving consumer experience as we can now reach them at the right time, with the right message, and make their repayment journey more pleasant."

Skit.ai is not merely transforming collection processes for Transfinancial; it's leading a paradigm shift within the entire ARM industry. This partnership is a significant milestone for Skit.ai as it underscores that its Voice AI solution has yet again found rapid acceptance with consumers who have begun to enjoy the convenience that comes with intelligent automation.

"Our solution has proven to be a cost-effective option for the ARM industry. Transfinancial Companies have tackled critical concerns such as the availability of skilled agents and retaining them with our product. Since our deployment, they have reached out to over 200,000 consumers and achieved a significant milestone of a 53% engagement rate. Collection agencies that deploy our solution will be able to experience similar results and provide an enhanced consumer experience," Stated Sourabh Gupta , Founder, and CEO of Skit.ai.

To learn more about how Skit.ai has modernized the debt collection processes of Transfinancial Companies, LLC, book a meeting and speak to an expert at Skit.ai.

About Transfinancial Companies, LLC. :

Transfinancial Companies Credit Recovery and Management Systems Is a collection agency located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana . They have been in business since 1992. Transfinancial Companies collect debts for hospitals and other providers in the healthcare industry. https://www.transfinancialco.com

About Skit.ai:

Skit.ai is the leading Conversational Voice AI company in the ARM industry, enabling collection agencies to streamline and accelerate revenue recovery. Skit.ai's Compliant, Configurable, and Easy-to-deploy solution enables enterprises to automate nearly one million weekly consumer conversations. Skit.ai has been awarded several awards & recognitions, including Disruptive Technology of the Year 2022 by CCW; Stevie Bronze Winner 2022 by The International Business Awards; Gold Globee CEO Awards 2022. Skit.ai is headquartered in New York City , NY. https://Skit.ai

For Media Queries, Contact: [email protected]

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096612/Transfinancial_and_Skit_ai_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transfinancial-companies-llc-capitalize-on-skitai-to-modernize-debt-collection-processes-while-enhancing-consumer-experience-301845951.html

SOURCE Skit.ai
OPLOG, leading Turkish fulfillment company renowned for its innovative TARQAN robotics tech, opens its first U.S. fulfillment center in Chicago

ISTANBUL and CHICAGO , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OPLOG, Turkey's fastest growing tech-enabled fulfillment company, has recently opened its first U.S. -based warehouse in Chicago . Boasting 10,000 square meters of space and utilizing automation as well as its in-house warehouse management technologies, OPLOG's new fulfillment center provides technology-enabled logistics services to clients with unprecedented convenience. Having served global brands like Sony, Herbalife, and Tupperware, OPLOG's U.S. expansion further supports the company's mission of achieving pan-European growth and beyond. Any interested U.S. -based clients can visit the OPLOG website for more details.

Along with their multiple fulfillment centers in Turkey , the U.K. , and now the U.S. , OPLOG's new Chicago warehouse offers significant benefits to B2B and B2C businesses, localizing and expediting their distribution and fulfillment operations to customers across the U.S. and the world. By integrating its user-friendly inventory management software with physical fulfillment operations, OPLOG's international network enables clients to control their operations from OPLOG-ONE, a single unified dashboard, further enhancing their customers' efficiency and global reach.

Setting up their new operations in the bustling city of Chicago , OPLOG is taking advantage of the location's unparalleled logistical benefits. Chicago is a prime locale for businesses to maximize growth potential - home to O'Hare International Airport , 35 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, hundreds of warehouses and distribution centers, and an extensive network of highways and railways. OPLOG CEO Halit Develioglu emphasizes the significance of the U.S. market, saying, " The United States remains an immensely vital market for the e-commerce industry, and its significance continues to grow. It comes as no surprise that numerous businesses across the globe aspire to enter the U.S. market and establish a strong presence here." This new center will enable OPLOG to capitalize on the city's vast opportunities and serve regional and national markets more effectively. Not stopping with the United States , though, OPLOG has eyes to strategically expand into new European cities in 2023.

Develioglu highlights the importance of embracing the evolving landscape, stating, "Omnichannel fulfillment is the new era for B2B and B2C enterprises. As we look ahead to the future of fulfillment, its reach extends far beyond the realm of e-commerce businesses. Our new fulfillment center in Chicago will provide a comprehensive solution that combines the efficiencies of e-commerce fulfillment with the adaptability required for B2B operations." By leveraging the latest automation and robotics technology, OPLOG provides innovative logistic solutions to ensure a steady flow of products from their warehouses.

OPLOG's proprietary software and robotics technology revolutionizes the logistics industry by enabling more cost-efficient order processing, faster delivery times, and increased customer satisfaction. Their in-house developed system utilizes advanced capabilities, earning recognition as Turkey's leading tech-enabled logistics company. A key component of OPLOG's technology suite is TARQAN, a fulfillment robot developed in-house to improve efficiency and business quality by up to 300%. TARQAN can be used in various ways, such as depalletizing, inducting items into a small sortable center, and more. TARQAN ultimately reduces labor costs while maximizing efficiency within warehouses.

OPLOG is on a mission to becoming the preferred partner for growing businesses in the rapidly changing global e-commerce environment. With the support of investors and strategic partners, OPLOG is well-positioned to lead the on-demand fulfillment industry into the future.

For more information about OPLOG's practices, policies, and services, please visit their website or contact them directly.

About OPLOG

OPLOG was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey . OPLOG is a leading tech-enabled fulfillment company with state-of-the-art warehouses in Chicago , Istanbul , Gebze, Dilovasi, London , and Ankara . OPLOG enables e-commerce brands to operate in various markets without physical boundaries through its international fulfillment network and the ability to track all the inventory and operational processes in several OPLOG fulfillment centers. With the latest 11m investment from ESAS Private Equity, OPLOG employs over 350 staff, including 100 engineers and developers.

For further information, please visit www.oplog.io.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096483/OPLOG.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096484/OPLOG.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096499/OPLOG_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/turkish-tech-enabled-fulfillment-company-oplog-opens-its-first-us-warehouse-301845847.html

SOURCE OPLOG
DULLES, Va. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unanet, the leading provider of project-based ERP and CRM for government contractors (GovCons), today announced that Craig Halliday , Unanet's CEO, was selected to the 2023 Wash100 list by Executive Mosaic, a thought leader and influential presence in government and GovCon communications. Halliday accepted the award yesterday, giving special thanks to Unanet's thousands of customers and employees for whom he dedicated the honor.

The Wash100 award is GovCon's most powerful accolade and honors the top 100 executives of consequence in the GovCon community. The selection is based on the executives' proven contributions to government missions and most importantly, their continued distinction, achievements and positive impacts across the federal landscape throughout the year. In its tenth year of recognition, the Wash100 received a record-breaking number of nominations, further underscoring Halliday's steady leadership amid the dynamic and complex industry.

"The honor may be in my name, but the true credit goes to our nationwide team which works tirelessly to serve customers so their businesses can succeed," said Halliday. "Together, we've built an unyielding culture of service and innovation, which GovCons everywhere are responding to. I'm excited for what the future holds and how we'll continue pushing the boundaries to deliver on behalf of the businesses that propel government agencies."

In addition to the Wash100 award, the Northern Virginia Tech Council (NVTC) recently selected Halliday as one of its Tech 100, and Unanet's controller, Samantha Ross , as one of its 'Rising Stars' during its 2023 Greater Washington Technology CFO awards. The consistent recognition demonstrates Unanet's leadership in the GovCon industry, which was once dominated by only one legacy software provider, but today offers businesses a variety of modern alternatives.

"Building on 10 years of unmatched excellence, this year's historic Wash100 award selection features the most impressive and prestigious roster of elite executive leaders in our history. These powerful and influential individuals who have been chosen are a prime representation of the last decade of tumultuous growth, technology advancement and acceleration across the public and private sectors," said Jim Garrettson , Executive Mosaic's founder and CEO. "Welcoming Craig to this list is a special privilege."

About Unanet

Unanet is a leading provider of project-based ERP and CRM solutions purpose-built for government contractors, architecture, engineering, construction, and professional services. More than 3,700 project-driven organizations depend on Unanet to turn their information into actionable insights, drive better decision-making, and accelerate business growth. All backed by a people-centered team invested in the success of your projects, people, and financials. For more information, visit www.unanet.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unanet-ceo-craig-halliday-selected-to-prestigious-2023-wash100-list-301846265.html

SOURCE Unanet
MADISON, Wis. , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WEA Member Benefits , a leading financial services organization created by public educators in Wisconsin , is thrilled to unveil its groundbreaking national online term life insurance platform for the public education marketplace.

WEA Member Benefits launches national online term life insurance platform for the public education marketplace.

In a strategic partnership with Haven Life , WEA Member Benefits now offers PK-12 public school employees across the nation the ability to purchase Haven Life's accessible term life insurance products. Haven Life , a digital life insurance agency fully owned and supported by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual, AM Best rating of A++), is renowned for its long-standing history, customer-centric approach, and unwavering commitment to providing superior service.

Through the user-friendly website weabenefits.com/national/life-insurance, eligible PK-12 public school employees and their immediate family members can effortlessly secure a low-cost Haven Simple policy. The online application process is quick, seamless, and hassle-free, embodying simplicity and convenience.

Applying for coverage has never been easier:

Obtain a personalized quote by providing basic health information.

by providing basic health information. Complete the online application in minutes and get a decision instantly.

in minutes and get a decision instantly. Enjoy the convenience of Haven Simple, a term life insurance product that does not require a medical exam .

. Benefit from coverage options of up to $1,000,000 .

. Obtain a no-obligation estimate of coverage and costno personal information required.

Haven Simple and Haven Term policies offer an array of flexible coverage amounts, customizable term lengths, and tailored features to suit the unique financial needs of public school employees*.

This partnership has been further strengthened by the inclusion of Haven Simple and Haven Term policies in Associates of Clifton Park's (AOCP) extensive portfolio of life insurance offerings. AOCP, a prominent national leader in matching individuals with insurance coverage that fits their needs, provides access to licensed agents who specialize in helping clients find a policy to suit their unique needs.

David Kijek , President and CEO of WEA Member Benefits, expressed his enthusiasm about this innovative collaboration, stating, "Member Benefits was created by Wisconsin's public school employees for Wisconsin's public school employees over fifty years ago. We are thrilled to expand our trusted financial products and insurance programs beyond Wisconsin to public school employees in all fifty states, to help guide them on their financial journey. Haven Life's financial security, coupled with their affordable rates and user-friendly platform, were pivotal factors in our decision to embark on this partnership. Whether individuals choose to purchase directly through our website or with the support of AOCP's expert agents, we are delighted to offer yet another resource to empower public school employees and their families to achieve long-term financial security."

For more information about WEA Member Benefits, please visit weabenefits.com/national.

About WEA Member Benefits

For over 50 years, WEA Member Benefits has been instrumental in helping Wisconsin public school employees achieve their financial goals through personal insurance, retirement, and investment programs. Operating as a trust with a commitment to reinvesting profits into programs that benefit participants, WEA Member Benefits stands apart from traditional institutions by prioritizing the needs of those they serve. With competitively priced, top-quality products, the organization boasts one of the industry's highest customer retention and satisfaction rates. Discover more at weabenefits.com.

About Haven Life

Haven Life Insurance Agency, LLC (Haven Life) is re-thinking how people financially protect the ones they love. Haven Life is committed to delivering exceptional products, delightful purchasing experiences, and meaningful moments of service to the modern life insurance customer.

Haven Simple is a Simplified Issue Term Life Insurance Policy (ICC20 HAVEN SIMPLE in certain states, including NC) issued by C.M. Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT 06082. Policy and rider form numbers and features may vary by state and may not be available in all states. Our Agency license number in California is OK71922 and in Arkansas 100139527.

Haven Term is a Term Life Insurance Policy (ICC21 HAVEN TERM in certain states, including NC; HAVEN TERM CA21 in California ) issued by C.M. Life Insurance Company (C.M. Life), Enfield, CT 06082. In New York (DTC-NY) and in other states it is issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 01111-0001. Haven Term coverage amount available for those ages 20-59 is up to $3M .

Issuing the policy or paying its benefits depends on the applicant's insurability, based on their answers to the health questions in the application, and their truthfulness.

*Please note that if you reside in NY, DE, ND, or SD, where Haven Simple is currently unavailable, we encourage you to explore Haven Term. This fully medically underwritten life insurance policy does require a medical exam.

About Associates of Clifton Park

Associates of Clifton Park (AOCP) has been a pioneer and national authority in the life and long-term care insurance business for over 25 years. With a professional staff, including a Geriatric Care Manager who is a national speaker on the importance of planning and education, AOCP has been serving consumers and their respective advisors in all 50 states. They have been instrumental in educating consumers and placing over $1 billion of coverage in force and its client base includes some of the largest financial institutions and insurance distribution organizations in the country.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wea-member-benefits-launches-innovative-online-term-life-insurance-platform-for-nations-public-education-market-301846693.html

SOURCE WEA Member Benefits
Dynamic Nonprofit Executive Courtney Bugler to Propel Prostate Cancer Movement

WASHINGTON , June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After a nationwide executive search, ZERO Prostate Cancer proudly announces Courtney Bugler , CFRE, as its new President and CEO, effective August 7 . Bugler, a trailblazing nonprofit leader with extensive executive experience in national health nonprofits, fundraising, and advocacy, will succeed the current President and CEO, Jamie Bearse , as part of a planned transition .

Under Bearse's leadership, ZERO Prostate Cancer grew into a premier, nationally-recognized nonprofit, making significant strides in patient support, awareness, and research. As Bearse transitions to start his own nonprofit consulting business, Bugler is poised to continue the organization's impactful work.

Previously, she spearheaded substantial organizational change and growth as the National Director of the Race for the Cure / MORE THAN PINK Walk Series at Susan G. Komen, leading a nationwide affiliated staff of 200 to successfully transform a top-ten National Peer-to- Peer Walk Series . While at Komen, she also spearheaded the rollout of a new brand and restructured a support team of fundraisers to drive a yearly revenue budget of nearly $50 million .

"The selection of Courtney Bugler as our new President and CEO represents anexciting chapter in our evolution of ZERO Prostate Cancer. With her remarkableleadership skills and proven ability to drive transformative change in breast cancer and other movements,I'm confident that Courtney will guide our organization to new heights and accelerateour efforts to end prostate cancer," said Tom Bognanno , ZERO's Board of Directors Chair. "Her passion for the cause, combined with her deep understanding of nonprofits and her own personal journey with cancer, positions her well to lead ZERO into a futurefilled with hope and progress."

Bugler has also held leadership positions at JDRF International and the Young Survival Coalition, where she made significant contributions to organizational growth, developed programs for underserved populations, and advocated for health equity in the state of Georgia . She is a trained cancer patient navigator, a consumer reviewer, and mentor for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Most recently, Bugler served as the Chief Development and Marketing Officer at the Piedmont Park Conservancy, where she played a pivotal role in elevating the organization's profile and expanding its philanthropic efforts, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

"As a caregiver to my father, who currently lives with prostate cancer, and as a 17-year breast cancer survivor, I'm humbled to work on behalf of the organization at the forefront of the fight to end this disease," said Courtney Bugler . "I've spent my career and personal life advocating for more cancer awareness, funding, patient resources, and health equity. With prostate cancer cases on the rise, it's more urgent than ever to help all men understand their risk and the importance of early detection. I look forward to working alongside the inspiring ZERO community, our partners, and all who are impacted by this disease to save lives together."

About ZERO Prostate Cancer:

ZERO Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. ZERO advances research, provides support, and creates solutions to achieve health equity to meet the most critical needs of our community. From early detection to survivorship, ZERO is the premier resource for prostate cancer patients and their families to access comprehensive support, make meaningful connections, and take action to save lives. Our dedicated national and chapter staff is joined by a growing team of passionate volunteer champions to increase advocacy, awareness, and community engagement to ZERO out prostate cancer. ZERO is recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. ZERO spends more on programs than any other prostate cancer charity, dedicating 85 cents of every dollar to support, education, and research.

Media Contact:

ZERO - Colony Brown

[email protected]

202-640-8265

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zero-prostate-cancer-taps-breast-cancer-leader-and-survivor-as-next-president-and-ceo-301846345.html

SOURCE ZERO Prostate Cancer
FILE PHOTO: The logo of the web service Amazon is pictured in this June 8, 2017 illustration photo. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/Illustration/File Photo

By Foo Yun Chee

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Amazon should not pay 250 million euros ($268 million)in back taxes to Luxembourg as ordered by EU competition enforcers, an adviser to Europe's top court said on Thursday, as she cited errors in the EU regulator's assessment.

The European Commission in its 2017 decision said Amazon paid no taxes on almost three-quarters of its profits from EU operations due to a Luxembourg tax arrangement allowing it to channel profits to a holding company tax-free.

The EU antitrust watchdog equated the tax deal to illegal state aid. However, a lower tribunal in 2021 scrapped the EU decision, dealing a blow to EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager's crackdown on preferential deals.

"The Commission erred in deciding that Luxembourg had granted unauthorised state aid to Amazon in the form of tax advantages," Advocate General Juliane Kokott at the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) said in a non-binding opinion.

"The reference system relied on by the Commission in order to review whether there was a selective advantage, namely the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines rather than Luxembourg law, was incorrect," she said.

Kokott said the General Court's judgment annulling the EU decision should be upheld.

The CJEU, which normally follows such recommendations in four out of five cases, will rule in the coming months.

The case is C-457/21 P Commission v Luxembourg and Others.

($1 = 0.9339 euros)

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee and Benoit Van Overstraeten; editing by Jason Neely)
The Egyptian cabinet passed a draft law in its weekly meeting to regulate the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in the country, according to a statement.

The draft law proposes the establishment of a Permanent Committee for Refugee Affairs as the primary legal entity on all refugee matters, the statement continued, which will be created within three months of the law's issuance.

The committee, based in Cairo, will gather relevant statistics and data on the number of refugees in Egypt and report to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

The committee will collaborate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), other pertinent international organizations, and domestic authorities to provide optimal services and assistance to all refugees, according to the statement.

The draft law stipulates that refugees and asylum seekers must formalize their status within one year of the law's bylaws being ratified.

Refugee registration in Egypt

Although Egypt had not passed any laws related to refugees and asylum seekers, it ratified the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, a multilateral treaty which mandates that countries are responsible for providing protection to anyone seeking asylum on their soil.

Hence, all asylum-related activities, such as reception, registration, documentation, and refugee status determination, are handled by the UNHCR office in Egypt on behalf of the government. Once an individual is acknowledged as a refugee by the UNHCR, they come under the protection of Egypt.

After registering with the UNHCR, asylum seekers or refugees need to acquire a residence permit from the Egyptian authorities to legalize their stay.

Last year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that Egypt hosts over 9 million migrants and host community members from 133 countries, including four million Sudanese, 1.5 million Syrians, one million Yemenis, and one million Libyans-making up 80 percent of the country's foreign residents.

Egypt is home to over 288,000 registered asylum-seekers and refugees from 60 countries, based on UNHCR figures and registration data, with most of them coming from Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Somalia.

The UNHCR confirmed that Egypt is presently the largest host of Sudanese refugees, primarily due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Egypt has allowed entry to 164,000 Sudanese individuals as of late May.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks during a press conference, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico June 5, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo

By Dave Graham

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador this week intervened in the increasingly fractious race to succeed him, a move party insiders said was aimed at warding off potential division and protecting the commanding political power base he has built.

Under pressure for months from Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard to get contenders seeking the presidential nomination of the ruling National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) to step down before campaigning, Lopez Obrador this week finally went along with the idea, according to three party sources familiar with the matter.

In a dinner with party leaders in Mexico City on Monday, Lopez Obrador proposed that MORENA's contenders resign to ensure a level playing field, and that the party this weekend decide on rules for the selection process, the sources said.

"He's closing every loophole to prevent any disagreement," one of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The president's office did not reply to a request for comment.

On Thursday morning, Lopez Obrador was asked about what was discussed at the MORENA dinner, and said: "We spoke of the need to remain united to guarantee the transformation of Mexico."

Ebrard, a leading contender to succeed Lopez Obrador, on Tuesday announced that he would step down next week. Ebrard's main rivals are likely to follow suit soon, the president himself suggested on Wednesday.

MORENA is expected to pick a candidate as soon as September. Mexico's next presidential election is in June 2024.

In public, the MORENA hopefuls have largely maintained a veneer of civility. But sniping between the rival camps behind the scenes has begun to erode the image of all-conquering unity the president tries to project for his party.

Under Lopez Obrador, MORENA in less than five years has replaced the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) as the establishment party. On Sunday, it captured Mexico's most populous state after nearly a century of PRI rule.

However, in another election in the northern state of Coahuila that day, MORENA suffered a crushing defeat after infighting split its vote.

Lopez Obrador has been urging MORENA to fight for a two-thirds congressional super-majority next year.

That could allow him to push through contentious constitutional changes to the judiciary, which has persistently impeded his efforts to increase state control over the economy, before he leaves office on Sept. 30, 2024.

If MORENA is roiled by internal dissent, the prospect of such control looks remote.

UNITY

MORENA now controls the federal Congress, over two-thirds of Mexico's states, and opinion polls make it the hot favorite to win the 2024 presidential election.

Lopez Obrador's personal popularity has bolstered support for his party. But under Mexican law, presidents may only serve a single six-year term.

Because of MORENA's dominance, the contest to secure the party's candidacy has become a virtual de facto presidential election in the eyes of many analysts.

Most recent polling gives Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum a slight edge over Ebrard in the succession battle, and senior aides to the president have told Reuters they believe she is Lopez Obrador's preferred candidate.

He has repeatedly denied this, and insisted that the process be transparent and beyond reproach.

Ebrard, a veteran aide of Lopez Obrador who succeeded him as Mexico City mayor in 2006, has aired concerns that rivals such as Sheinbaum with domestic political mandates have an advantage, and that all contenders should therefore give up their office.

Those concerns have fed the impression that Ebrard might leave MORENA for another party, which the president is eager to avoid, said Andres Rozental, a former deputy foreign minister.

Ebrard has dismissed talk he could leave MORENA.

"The most important thing for Lopez Obrador right now is to keep his movement united and alive," Rozental said.

As recently as Monday, Sheinbaum was saying she had no intention of stepping down before the MORENA selection process had concluded. She was unaware what the president would propose that very evening, according to one of the party sources.

Her office had no immediate comment.

Having to resign would take away Sheinbaum's main platform, working to Ebrard's advantage, Rozental said.

But he still expected her to prevail in the end - and for the president's exhortations for the contenders to play by MORENA's rules, and remain civil, to be obeyed.

Not to do so, he said, would be "almost suicidal."

(This story has been refiled to correct the spelling of the state of Coahuila in paragraph 11)

(Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Mark Porter and Marguerita Choy)
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission logo and representations of cryptocurrency Binance are seen in this illustration taken June 6, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

By Hannah Lang

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Other U.S. crypto exchanges are likely to be in the firing line after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this week sued Coinbase and Binance, two of the world's largest crypto exchanges, for allegedly breaching its rules.

The SEC on Tuesday alleged Coinbase traded at least 13 crypto assets that are securities and which should have been registered, while on Monday it also accused Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, of offering 12 cryptocurrency coins without registering them as securities.

The lawsuits expand the overall number of cryptocurrencies that the SEC has explicitly identified as securities. That raises questions about other exchanges that have also allowed U.S. investors to trade those tokens, such as Kraken, Gemini, Crypto.com and Okcoin, and whether they could be at risk of regulatory action, industry executives said. Some exchanges may look to de-list the tokens in question.

"All U.S. exchanges should now be on notice that they may be subject to enforcement action if they permit, or have permitted, these tokens to be traded," said Jason Allegrante, chief legal and compliance officer at Fireblocks, a digital asset infrastructure provider.

A spokesperson for crypto exchange Bitstamp said the company takes "all new regulatory developments very seriously" and is "currently reviewing the new information that has come out this week to determine what actions to take."

Both Coinbase and Binance deny the SEC's allegations and have pledged to vigorously defend themselves in court. The SEC declined to comment.

While crypto companies started out in a regulatory gray area, the SEC under the leadership of Gary Gensler has steadily asserted the agency's jurisdiction over the industry, arguing most tokens meet the definition of a security and should be subject to the same strict disclosure rules.

The agency has brought more than 130 crypto lawsuits and settlements to date, according to data from consultancy Cornerstone Research and the SEC website, and in several of those cases has named specific tokens as securities.

The Coinbase and Binance suits this week expand that list to include some commonly traded tokens, such as Solana, Cardano and Polygon.

"We would not be surprised to see more lawsuits from the U.S. regulators, and possibly the Department of Justice, in the next few weeks," said Scott Freeman, co-founder of JST Digital, a financial services firm focusing on digital assets.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment.

Crypto companies, including Coinbase and Binance, dispute the SEC's authority, saying many tokens are more akin to commodities, and have repeatedly called for regulators to create clear rules rather than assert their jurisdiction via enforcement actions.

"We do not list securities. For every asset we list, our teams conduct thorough risk and security evaluations which includes a comprehensive legal and compliance process. We will continue to closely monitor this case and others for precedential rulings," a spokesperson for Kraken said.

Gemini, Crypto.com and Okcoin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

'DESTROY THE CRYPTO ECONOMY'

The latest lawsuits will play out in court, which could take years. An SEC suit alleging Ripple's XRP token is a security, for example, has been under litigation for more than two years.

But whether the SEC wins or loses, the suits send a strong signal to the industry that the agency is not going to let up, executives said. While big crypto companies can afford to fight the SEC, smaller companies have filed for bankruptcy following SEC enforcement actions, including crypto exchange Beaxy.

"I don't think that this SEC under this leadership necessarily cares whether they win or lose in the courts. I think what they are engaging in is a coordinated campaign to essentially destroy the crypto economy in the United States," Stuart Alderoty, chief legal officer at Ripple, told the Piper Sandler Global Exchange & Fintech Conference in New York on Wednesday.

Gensler has suggested an industry shake-out would be good for investors.

"I disagree with the notion ... that crypto intermediary compliance isn't possible," Gensler said in a speech on Thursday, adding however that "it takes work."

According to analysts at Bernstein, roughly 90% of crypto trading already takes place outside the U.S. Executives said they expected exchanges to continue to expand into international regions that have more favorable regulations.

Coinbase, for example, has previously said it would consider moving its global headquarters outside of the U.S.

"I would imagine that other firms spooked by the prevalent trend for regulation by enforcement will follow suit," said Katharine Wooller, business unit director at Coincover, a provider of insurance for digital assets.

(Reporting by Hannah Lang in Washington; Additional reporting by John McCrank in New York and Susan Heavey in Washington; Additional reporting and writing by Michelle Price; Editing by Stephen Coates and Paul Simao)
Smartphone with Epic Games logo is seen in front of Apple logo in this illustration taken, May 2, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

By Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) - Apple and "Fortnite" maker Epic Games on Wednesday both asked a U.S. appeals court to reconsider its April ruling in an antitrust case that could force Apple to change payment practices in its App Store.

Apple and Epic, in separate court filings, mounted challenges to a ruling by a three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Lawyers for the two companies said the panel should rehear the case or the court should convene "en banc," as an 11-judge panel, to reconsider the dispute.

The April three-judge ruling upheld a 2021 order in California federal court in Epic's lawsuit which accused Apple of unlawfully requiring software developers to pay up to 30% in commissions on consumers' in-app purchases.

The trial judge found that Apple violated a California state unfair competition law, but not U.S. antitrust provisions. Apple's new filing challenged a nationwide injunction over conduct Apple said was "procompetitive and does not violate the antitrust laws."

Epic's 9th Circuit filing argued that its claims against Apple directly implicate the "core purpose" of U.S. antitrust law to foster competition. Epic also argued that the appeals court did not conduct a "rigorous" balancing between asserted asserted consumer benefits and anticompetitive effects of Apple's practices.

Federal appeals courts do not often grant en banc requests. Last year, the 9th Circuit received 646 petitions asking the court for en banc rehearings. During that period, the court granted 12 requests. In 2021, the court granted en banc review in nine cases.

The U.S. Supreme Court could have the final say on the outcome.

Representatives for Apple and Epic had no immediate comment.

The lower court ruling is on hold pending further appellate proceedings.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers' ruling said Apple could not bar AppStore developers from providing links and buttons that direct consumers to payment options outside of Apple's in-app purchase system.

Gonzalez Rogers did not provide any direction on how Apple must allow those links or buttons.

Competition authorities in other countries, including South Korea, the Netherlands and Japan, have taken steps to force Apple to open up its in-app payment systems.

The case is Epic Games Inc v. Apple Inc, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 21-16506.

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; editing by Leigh Jones)
U.S. President Joe Biden answers a question during a joint news conference with Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the East Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., June 8, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday it remains to be seen whether it's time for a British secretary general of NATO, adding that the organization's allies need to discuss candidates for the leadership role.

During a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House, Biden was asked if it's time for a British NATO secretary general. He responded: "Maybe."

Sunak had been expected to try to win Biden's backing for defense minister Ben Wallace's bid to become the next NATO chief.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; writing by Jasper Ward; editing by Tim Ahmann)
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar

KABUL (Reuters) -An explosion inside a mosque in northern Afghanistan on Thursday killed at least 11 people during the funeral of the Taliban's provincial deputy governor, who died in an attack earlier this week, officials said.

The Taliban-run Ministry of Interior said that more than 30 people were also injured in the blast in Badakhshan, a province in the far north that shares borders with China and Tajikistan.

A former police commander of northern Baghlan province, Safiullah Samim, was among the dead, according to a statement offering condolences from another police chief, Najibullah Badakhshi.

Ashraf Nael, a resident of Faizabad, said he was in a nearby court building when he heard a blast at around 11:00 a.m. (0630 GMT), muffled by the mosque walls, before many ambulances rushed towards the scene.

Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a car bomb on Tuesday that killed Badakhshan's deputy governor.

The Taliban administration has been carrying out raids against members of Islamic State, which has claimed several major attacks in urban centres.

The Islamic State group has targeted Taliban administration officials, and claimed the killing of the governor of northern Balkh province in an attack in March.

(Reporting by Mohammad Yunus YawarWriting by Charlotte GreenfieldEditing by Peter Graff and Bernadette Baum)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a joint press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2023. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri/Pool

By Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis

RIYADH (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday Saudi Arabia's reform efforts will be more successful if the kingdom expands human rights, as he concluded a visit aimed at repairing strained U.S.-Saudi relations.

Speaking at a press conference alongside his Saudi counterpart, Blinken said the "historic" reform drive known as Vision 2030 would require Saudi Arabia to attract talent from around the world.

"I think its on its own merits and in Saudi Arabias interests to continue to pursue this modernisation including the expansion of human rights," Blinken said.

He said he raised with Saudi officials specific cases of U.S. citizens detained in Saudi Arabia, but declined to go into details.

As well as some U.S. nationals who are subject to travel bans, human rights advocates say scores of activists and dissidents are in prison or on trial in the kingdom.

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has spearheaded the Vision 2030 initiative, was involved in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Prince Mohammed denied ordering Khashoggi's killing but acknowledged later that it occurred "under my watch".

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said in response to a question about Riyadh's human rights record that the kingdom had gone through a "significant reform process" but that the government was driven by "the needs and desires of the Saudi people" and not pressure from other countries.

We are always open to having a dialogue with our friends, but we dont respond to pressure. When we do anything, we do it in our own interests," he said.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk in Riyadh and Simon Lewis in Washington, editing by Mark Heinrich)
FILE PHOTO: An aerial view shows destructions in the frontline city of Bakhmut, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released on May 21, 2023. Press Service of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Machanized Brig

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain announced a new sanctions package against Belarus on Thursday for its role in facilitating Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including import bans and new measures aimed at preventing internet propaganda.

Belarus, led by President Alexander Lukashenko since 1994, is Russia's staunchest ally among ex-Soviet states and allowed its territory to be used to launch the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Last month Russia moved ahead with a decision to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory.

"This new package ratchets up the economic pressure on Lukashenko and his regime which actively facilitates the Russian war effort and ignores Ukraines territorial integrity," British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a statement.

The new package includes banning the import of gold, cement, wood and rubber from Belarus and blocking exports to Belarus from Britain of banknotes and machinery, as well as goods, technologies and materials that could be used to produce chemical and biological weapons.

Britain said it would also be able to prevent designated Belarusian media companies from "spreading propaganda in the UK" with social media companies and internet service providers restricting access to the websites of sanctioned Belarusian media organisations.

The British government will also take steps to crack down on those circumventing sanctions, including through limiting the funds Belarus is able to raise by further restricting Belarusian access to UK financial markets.

(Reporting by Muvija M and Kylie MacLellan; editing by William James)
Carvana logo is seen in this illustration taken June 27, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

By Nathan Gomes and Sinead Carew

(Reuters) -Shares of used-car retailer Carvana Co closed up 56.0% on Thursday with some help from traders covering their bearish bets after the company forecast second-quarter adjusted earnings above Wall Street expectations due to cost-cutting initiatives.

During the session Carvana shares rose as much as 68% to $26.09, which was a more than eight-month high for the stock. The shares last traded at $24.23 with more than 173 million shares changing hands for a record high trading volume.

Debt-laden Carvana said it expects to report second-quarter adjusted earnings before interest tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) above $50 million. In May it had forecast a quarterly profit, but did not provide numbers until Thursday.

This EBITDA forecast exceeded consensus expectations for a loss of $6 million according to Stephens analyst Daniel Imbro, who had estimated EBITDA of $1.0 million-plus.

The Tempe, Arizona-based company said non-GAAP total gross profit per unit (GPU) would be above $6,000, a record for the company and an improvement of 63% from the year-ago quarter.

While sell-side analysts were impressed with the numbers, Thursday's move also led to a short squeeze, which occurs when many investors bet that a stock will decline but they have to rush to cover their bets when its price rallies instead.

"The short squeeze definitely helped but it wasn't the primary driver of the price move, which was really due to long buying because there were so many shares traded" said Ihor Dusaniwsky, head of predictive analytics at markets data provider S3 Partners. He estimated that about 47 million Carvana shares were sold short ahead of the company's forecast.

By the Thursday's close, Carvana short-sellers were down over $1 billion year-to-date compared with their $596 million year-to-date market losses on Wednesday, Dusaniwsky said.

Short sellers make bearish bets by borrowing securities for a fee and immediately selling them with an aim to repurchase them at a lower price in the future, then return them to the lender and pocket the difference.

Carvana has been trimming inventory and slashing advertising expenses to help move closer to profitability and attain positive free cash flow.

"We are impressed with Carvana's ability to improve its non-GAAP operating metrics as the shift to profitability, while sacrificing growth, has realized benefits faster than we anticipated," wrote Stephens' Imbro.

Carvana had ended 2022 at $4.74. But even with Thursday's rally it was still far below its 2021 peak of $376.83.

(Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru and Sinead Carew in New YorkEditing by Lance Tupper, Matthew Lewis and Diane Craft)
A woman feeds a child as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) evacuates children and caretakers from the Mygoma Orphanage in Khartoum, in Wad Madani, Sudan, in this handout image released on June 7, 2023. ICRC/Handout via REUTERS

CAIRO (Reuters) - About 300 children have been evacuated from an orphanage in Sudan's capital Khartoum where dozens of orphans were found last month to have died since mid-April due to nearby fighting between rival military factions.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which facilitated the evacuation late on Wednesday, said the children aged between 1 and 15 had been taken to a safer location in Wad Madani, about 200 kilometres (125 miles) southeast of Khartoum.

The ICRC said in its initial statement that 280 children and 70 caretakers had been evacuated, and an ICRC spokesperson said the number of evacuated children had risen to 300 by Thursday morning.

That number was confirmed by Siddig Frini, general manager at the Khartoum state ministry of social development, which oversees care centres.

The evacuation offered "a ray of light in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Sudan", said Mandeep O'Brien, the representative in Sudan for U.N. children's agency UNICEF.

On May 29, Reuters reported that at least 50 children had died  dozens of them babies  at the state-run orphanage, known as Mygoma, since the start of the conflict in Khartoum on April 15.

An orphanage official and doctor who works there said the deaths were mainly caused by malnourishment, dehydration and infections as most staff were kept away by the fighting.

Hadhreen, a volunteer group that has been helping at the orphanage, said on Wednesday it had confirmed the deaths of 71 children at the orphanage since the conflict started.

No official death toll has been issued. The orphanage was home to about 400 young children before the conflict began.

Frini declined to provide figures on the death toll. The director of the orphanage and the health ministry couldn't immediately be reached.

"Many millions of children remain at risk across Sudan," UNICEF's O'Brien said in a statement. "Their lives and their futures are being endangered by this conflict every day."

(Reporting by Maggie Michael and Nafisa Eltahir; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Jan Harvey)
By Anna Mehler Paperny and Kyaw Soe Oo

TORONTO (Reuters) - Just when it seemed safe to unmask, some Canadians are donning the face coverings made ubiquitous during the coronavirus pandemic as a protection against hazardous smoky conditions as wildfires ravage much of the country.

Canada is seeing its worst-ever start to wildfire season as blazes burn from the western provinces to Atlantic Canada. Smoke from wildfires in Quebec has settled over southern Ontario and travelled into the United States, disrupting flights and sending people indoors.

Some mask companies that sold protective equipment during the pandemic have turned to wildfire marketing. On Wednesday mask supplier United Canada sent out an email with "Wildfire Season Safety Tips" that included an N95 mask. Canada Strong sent out an email Tuesday titled "Ontario Smoke will be Intense - Helpful Tips."

Neither responded Thursday when asked whether they have seen an uptick in mask interest.

Rivi Hume-Beardall could feel the difference when she stepped outside.

"It kind of hurts and just the minute I stepped outside, it was a little harder to breathe. So I just put a mask on."

The 18-year-old Toronto resident has asthma, and "I don't want my lungs to get damaged at all," she told Reuters Thursday.

It's "a little disheartening" to be wearing a mask again, she said, but "that's what you have to do. ... I don't want to regret not wearing one."

Hume-Beardall added she hopes the spectre of smoky air "is a little bit of a wakeup call to people around the environment."

The concern with this smoky air is particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter - small enough to get inside not only the lungs but the bloodstream, said Samantha Green, a family doctor with Unity Health in Toronto.

Studies in people have linked wildfire smoke with higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrests, increases in emergency room visits for respiratory conditions, and weakened immune defenses. Wildfires have also been linked with eye irritation and skin problems.

When the air quality health index is above 7, "then everyone who is spending time outdoors should be wearing" a mask, Green said, adding that protections are needed for people who are more exposed to air pollutants because they work outdoors or are homeless.

"We know things are worsening and we need to be better prepared on a systems level," she added.

Marietta Haberer, 77, started wearing an N95 left over from her pandemic supply on Wednesday. The campfire smell in the air "is fine if you're camping," she said.

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; editing by Diane Craft)
The United States remains committed to its Gulf Arab partners, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Gulf diplomats in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, at a time of rapidly shifting regional alliances.

Blinken spoke during a Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meeting in the capital Riyadh following talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and the kingdom's de-facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"The United States is in this region to say we remain deeply invested in partnering with all of you," Blinken said at the opening of the US-GCC ministerial meeting on strategic partnership.

"The GCC is the core of our vision for a Middle East that is more stable, more secure, more prosperous," he added.

The meetings came a day after Blinken flew into Jeddah, kickstarting a visit aimed at boosting ties with ally Saudi Arabia, which has begun forging closer relations with Washington's rivals.

Relations between the decades-old allies have been strained in recent times, mainly over human rights and oil, after US pleas for help in bringing down skyrocketing prices last year were dismissed.

The three-day visit is Blinken's first since the kingdom restored diplomatic ties with Iran, which the West considers a pariah over its contested nuclear activities and involvement in regional conflicts.

On Tuesday, the day Blinken arrived, Iran reopened its embassy in Riyadh after a seven-year closure, with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli hailing a "new era" in ties.

On the same day, Prince Mohammed hosted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the head of a fellow oil power who has long sparred with Washington.

Last month, in a major shift, Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad attended an Arab League summit in Jeddah, his first since Syria's membership was suspended at the start of its 12-year civil war. Washington criticised the decision to invite Assad.

Open, candid discussion

Wednesday's meeting at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh was attended by Qatar's prime minister among other leading Gulf officials.

On the agenda were key regional issues, including conflicts in Yemen, Sudan, Syria and the Palestinian territories.

"Together, we are working to achieve a... resolution to the conflict in Yemen," and to "continue to counter Iran's destabilising behaviour," including recent seizures of tankers in international waters, Blinken told the GCC ministers.

"We are determined to find a political solution in Syria that maintains its unity and sovereignty and meets the aspirations of its people," he added.

"We are also collaborating with countries in the region to widen and deepen the normalisation of relations with Israel."

Shortly before the meeting, Blinked held talks with Saudi Arabia's top diplomat.

The two "resolved to continue to work together to counter terrorism, to support efforts to bring about a lasting peace in Yemen, and to promote stability, security, de-escalation, and integration in the region," the US State Department said.

"The two sides pledged to continue their strong cooperation to end the fighting in Sudan," it added in a statement.

Since announcing resumed relations with Iran in March, Saudi Arabia has restored ties with Tehran ally Syria and ramped up a push for peace in Yemen, where it has for years led a military coalition against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

Regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Iran have been at loggerheads for years, backing opposing sides in a number of conflicts around the volatile region.

On Tuesday, Blinken had "an open, candid discussion" with the 37-year-old Prince Mohammed in Jeddah, a US official said on condition of anonymity.

"The secretary raised human rights both generally and with regards to specific issues," the official said.

The meeting, which lasted about 100 minutes, touched on topics including Saudi Arabia's support for US evacuations from Sudan, the need for political dialogue in Yemen, and Arab relations with Israel.

The two men discussed "our shared priorities, including countering terrorism through the D-ISIS Coalition, achieving peace in Yemen, and deepening economic and scientific cooperation", Blinken said on social media.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Relatives carry the body of Elhaji Cisse, who was killed during clashes between supporters of Senegal opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and security forces after Sonko was sentenced to prison, during Elhaji Cisse funeral ceremony outside his house, in Dakar

By Edward McAllister

DAKAR (Reuters) - A student who died in Senegal's capital Dakar on Friday during clashes between security forces and protesters was killed by a live round in his back, an autopsy report seen by Reuters showed.

Elhaji Cisse, 26, was shot yards from his home in a suburb of Dakar on Friday evening as he returned from praying at a nearby mosque, his brother and friends told Reuters.

Hundreds attended his funeral in Dakar's Grand Yoff neighbourhood, and later at a cemetery by the ocean, where Cisse was laid to rest covered in a shroud.

The autopsy results, which have not been previously reported, said Cisse was shot in the back and that the bullet punctured his right lung before exiting around his upper arm.

It was not clear who killed Cisse. His brother and friends said security forces shot at protesters and that Cisse was caught in the middle. Reuters was unable to verify this.

At least 16 people have died and hundreds were injured in the worst riots in the West African country in decades, sparked by a jail sentencing given to popular opposition figure Ousmane Sonko that could rule him out of presidential elections in February.

Protesters ransacked petrol stations, banks, businesses and a central university campus. The police responded with tear gas and what rights groups have described as a heavy handed response. More than 500 people have been arrested.

"The recent deaths and injuries of protesters set a worrying tone for the 2024 presidential elections and should be thoroughly investigated," Carine Kaneza Nantulya, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement on Monday.

President Macky Sall on Wednesday called for an investigation into the violence. Much of the anger is directed towards him for failing to rule out running for a third term in office. Under Senegalese law, presidents are limited to two terms.

(Reporting by Edward McAllister; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
By Ben Blanchard and Robert Muller

TAIPEI/PRAGUE (Reuters) -Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu will make a previously unannounced visit to Europe next week, four sources briefed on the matter said, and is expected to appear with the Czech president at one event in a diplomatic breakthrough.

Taiwan, which is claimed by China, has no formal diplomatic ties with any European country except the Vatican. Beijing regularly denounces any form of contact between Taiwanese and foreign officials, viewing it as encouraging global recognition of Taiwan's separate status from China.

But there are extensive informal relations, and Central and Eastern European countries have been particularly keen to show support for Taiwan - especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine - defying Beijing's anger about such contacts and lessening Taiwan's international diplomatic isolation.

Two of the sources, who like the others spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak with the media, said Wu was expected visit Brussels, headquarters of the European Union, but declined to give details.

Two of the other sources said he would also visit Prague.

Wu will attend a security conference in Prague on June 14, and is due to speak immediately after Czech President Petr Pavel opens the event. This would be highly unusual given European leaders generally do not share the stage with senior Taiwanese officials, one of the sources said.

Taiwan's foreign ministry declined to comment on Wu's Europe travel plans. Pavel's office did not answer calls seeking comment.

The European External Action Service, the EU's foreign affairs arm, declined to comment on the Brussels plans, saying: "It is not for us to communicate about third partners' visits and activities".

China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wu made a low-key trip to Brussels in 2021, part of a visit to the continent that also took in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where he spoke at a think-tank event in Bratislava and met local officials including Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib.

Wu also visited Europe in 2019, speaking at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit in Denmark.

In January, then-Czech President-elect Pavel and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen spoke by telephone shortly after his election, in a diplomatic coup for Taiwan that infuriated China.

Beijing has been most angered by Lithuania's decision to allow Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius in 2021 and has downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania and pressured multinationals to sever links with the nation of 2.8 million people.

Beijing views Taiwan as being part of "one China" and demands other countries recognise its sovereignty claims, which Taiwan's democratically-elected government rejects.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Robert Muller; Additional reporting by Ryan Woo in Beijing and Andrew Gray in Brussels; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Andrew Tendo, 31, a medical clinic officer sits at his working station at the Ice Breakers Uganda (IBU) clinic in Makindye that supports HIV/AIDS programmes and treatment for the LGBTQ community in Salaama road, Kampala, Uganda June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Abuba

KAMPALA (Reuters) - The HIV/AIDS treatment centre in Kampala is almost empty, days after Uganda enacted one of the most draconian anti-gay laws on Earth.

The usual daily influx of around 50 patients has all but dried up, say staff. Antiretroviral drugs pile up unused.

Andrew Tendo, resident medical officer at the US-funded clinic, warned that new waves of HIV infections were forming even as vulnerable people stayed away from treatment centres, afraid of being identified and arrested under the new laws.

"The LGBT community in Uganda is on lockdown now," he said. "They don't have preventive services. They cannot access condoms ... they cannot access ARTs (antiretrovirals)."

Under the bill, which President Yoweri Museveni signed into law last week, gay sex is punishable by life in prison while "aggravated homosexuality" - which includes transmitting HIV - is punishable by death.

Until this year, the Kampala clinic had been a beacon of success for the fight against HIV in Uganda, where 1.4 million people live with the virus and 17,000 die a year as a result of its ravages, according to the state-run Uganda AIDS Commission.

Now, though, when patients do come in, it's often out of absolute necessity, said Tendo, adding that the HIV cases presenting had become more severe as people skipped treatments.

Uganda's health minister disputed a suggestion from a US official that the law would reverse the country's gains fighting HIV/AIDS, saying last week that the government would ensure that prevention programmes would remain accessible to those that needed them.

The health ministry declined to comment for this article.

Nonetheless, the trend of HIV patients staying away from treatment centres is being mirrored on a national level, according to Mary Borgman, country director for the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which funds the Kampala clinic and about 80 other drop-in centres across Uganda.

She said fear had increasingly been deterring people from coming in for treatment ever since the anti-gay bill was introduced in parliament in March.

'AFRAID TO LEAVE HOME'

A rare patient visiting the Kampala clinic said he despaired at the new legislation.

"I felt so sad when the law was enacted because we fear PEPFAR will cut off funding for the free services we have been receiving," said the 27-year-old gay man, who asked not to be identified for fear of being targeted by authorities.

"Members of the LGBT community are afraid to leave their homes, which means even if the funds are not cut some will still not seek services, and that's very depressing to think about."

Such fears of reduced American funding aren't far-fetched; after Museveni signed the bill into law, US President Joe Biden directed his National Security Council to evaluate the implications for US engagement with Uganda, including PEPFAR.

In the 2021/2022 fiscal year, PEPFAR provided $418.4 million in funding to Uganda, more than half of the country's HIV/AIDS treatment budget.

The programme has been instrumental in Uganda's progress against HIV/AIDS, which includes a nearly ten-fold reduction in mother-to-child HIV transmission over the past two decades.

PEPFAR estimates its support for the scale-up of antiretroviral treatments in Uganda helped avert nearly 600,000 HIV-related deaths between 2004 and 2022.

Borgman said the American government was acutely aware of the impact any funding cuts would have on vulnerable communities, including LGBTQ Ugandans.

"The review is around whether we can operate within the environment that we are provided with," Borgman said, without elaborating on specific legal concerns.

REPORTING GAY ACTIVITY

Lillian Mworeko, the East African regional coordinator for the International Community of Women living with HIV/AIDS, said some providers feared that offering medical services to LGBTQ patients could be classed as "promoting" homosexuality, an offence punishable by 20 years in prison under the new law.

The Ugandan bill toughened up an existing British colonial-era law, under which gay sex was already illegal. Proponents say the new legislation is needed to counter what they allege are efforts by LGBTQ Ugandans to recruit children into homosexuality.

The amended version signed by Museveni didn't criminalise merely identifying as LGBTQ - as a previous version did - and revised a measure that required people to report gay activity to only oblige reporting when a child was involved.

At the Kampala clinic, run by local charity Icebreakers Uganda, medical officer Tendo said he understood the fears of LGBTQ people in Uganda who often endured painful lives, featuring rejection by their families and arrests.

"The majority of these people, like transgender or queer people, have gone through a lot already," he added. "They wouldn't want to be in a place where they can be raided or detained at any time."

(Editing by Aaron Ross and Pravin Char)
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar attends a high level meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the situation amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in N

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's foreign minister on Thursday hit out at Canada for allowing a float in a parade depicting the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, perceived to be glorification of violence by Sikh separatists.

"I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence," S. Jaishankar told reporters in New Delhi while commenting about the tableau in a parade.

"I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada," he said.

Canada's High Commissioner for India also condemned the incident at a parade by Sikh activists in the Canadian city of Brampton. Video circulated in recent days on the internet showed a tableau from the parade featuring Gandhi wearing a blood-stained white saree with her hands up as turban-clad men pointed guns at her. A poster behind the scene read: "Revenge".

"I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi," Cameron MacKay said on Twitter.

"There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities."

Reuters was not immediately able to reach the organisers of the parade for comment.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 by two Sikh bodyguards after she allowed the storming of the holiest Sikh temple, aimed at flushing out Sikh separatists who demanded an independent homeland to be known as Khalistan.

The storming of the temple angered Sikhs around the world. The death toll in the attack remains disputed, with Indian authorities putting it in the hundreds and Sikh groups in the thousands.

Canada has the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India.

Earlier this year India summoned Canada's High Commissioner to convey concern over pro-Khalistan protesters in Canada who breached the security of India's diplomatic mission and consulates.

Bilateral commercial relations between the two countries are worth $100 billion, which includes $70 billion of Canadian portfolio investment, according to Indian figures.

(Reporting by Rupam Jain; Editing by Peter Graff)
By Angelo Amante

ROME (Reuters) -The prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands will travel at the weekend to Tunisia along with the European Commission president, looking to make progress in unblocking loans from the International Monetary Fund for the north African state.

Talks between Tunisia and the IMF for a $1.9 billion loan have been stalled for months, with Tunisian President Kais Saied rejecting key reform commitments to obtain the money and failing to publicly embrace a deal.

Europe is especially concerned that, without the funds, Tunisia faces a full-blown financial crisis that could push a fresh wave of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life in Europe.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday she hoped the trip on Sunday could facilitate talks between Tunis and the IMF, adding she was confident a deal could be reached if both parties were open to negotiation.

"The destabilisation of Tunisia would have serious repercussions on the stability of the whole of North Africa ... and those repercussions would also reach us," Meloni said after a meeting in Rome with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will join Meloni and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Tunis. Public discontent in the Netherlands over asylum seekers is one of Rutte's main domestic political problems.

The joint trip follows a meeting between Meloni and President Saied in Tunisia earlier this week.

Saied seized most powers in 2021, shutting down parliament and moving to rule by decree. In February, he told security forces to expel all illegal immigrants, denouncing what he said was a conspiracy to change Tunisia's demographics by making it more African and less Arab.

The resulting crackdown helped fuel a surge in migrant departures towards Italy. About 26,555 of the 51,215 boat migrants who have reached Italy so far this year set sail from Tunisia, the latest United Nations data shows, against 3,658 in the same period of 2022.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; additional reporting by Toby Sterling in Amsterdam; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Local children look on at Japan's westernmost inhabited Yonaguni Island in Yonaguni, Okinawa prefecture, Japan, October 26, 2021. Picture taken October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo

By Takaya Yamaguchi

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan aims to reform labour law, easing the way for couples to work and share household chores, in a bid to avert an expected sharp fall in the number of its young people by the 2030s, three government sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said a fast-ageing Japan has a last chance to reverse a decline in births, which could hurt economic growth and social security, before the 2030s bring a drop in the share of young people in the population.

Kishida is set to unveil a final version of his child care policy at a news conference on June 13.

The labour reforms will allow workers to opt for a more flexible work-style such as three days off each week, the sources, who sought anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to media, told Reuters.

Further regulation to be adopted in fiscal 2024 will put a uniform cap on overtime. The new plan also aims for those who engage in care or undergo fertility treatment to hold down jobs.

The child allowance plan calls for abolition of income limits on recipients, while clarifying that such allowances are available until a deadline of March 31 subsequent to attaining the age of 18, up from 15 now.

The draft plan seeks to further rectify long working hours so that both parents can share household chores without throwing an unfair burden on mothers.

Men working long hours have traditionally formed the bulk of the workforce at many Japanese firms, but reform proponents say this forces women to shoulder a disproportionate share of domestic chores.

Government officials could not immediately be reached for comment outside business hours.

(Writing by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Isuzu is seen during the 87th International Motor Show at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland March 8, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese truck maker Isuzu Motors said on Thursday it was not planning to move a factory to Indonesia from Thailand, a day after the Indonesian industry minister signalled it would.

"While our company continues to focus on Indonesia as a major market, there are no plans to relocate a Thai factory to Indonesia," an Isuzu spokesperson said.

The company had made no announcement on the matter, the spokesperson added. Isuzu already has a factory in Karawang, Indonesia.

Indonesian Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said on Wednesday that Isuzu planned to move the factory and could start production as early as next year.

A senior industry ministry official maintained late on Thursday that Isuzu would be relocating its factory to Indonesia.

"Maybe they haven't really communicated it. But it's confirmed they want to relocate UD Truck (their truck factory)," Taufiek Bawazier, a director general at Indonesia's industry ministry, told reporters.

Shares of some Thai auto parts companies sold off on Thursday following the comment from the Indonesian industry minister.

Isuzu began building trucks in Thailand 60 years ago.

(Reporting by Daniel Leussink in Tokyo and Stefanno Sulaiman and Bernadette Christina in Jakarta. Editing by Gerry Doyle and Sriraj Kalluvila)
FILE PHOTO: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a news conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin after a meeting of the State Council on youth policy in Moscow, Russia, December 22, 2022. Sputnik/Valeriy Sharifulin/Pool via REUTERS

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Thursday accused Ukraine of shelling Russian rescue workers in the area flooded after the huge Kakhovka dam in Ukraine's Kherson region was breached earlier this week

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian rescue workers in the area were working hard, but said the Ukrainian military was making their work more dangerous.

"The difficulty is that in a lot of places they (the rescuers) are forced to work in conditions of ongoing shelling from Ukraine, and this complicates their work," Peskov told reporters.

He did not provide any immediate evidence for his assertion.

Ukrainian officials on Wednesday accused Russian forces of shelling rescue workers on the Kyiv-held right (west) bank of the Dnipro river. Moscow controls the left (east) bank.

The breach of the Kakhovka dam on Tuesday has led to massive flooding of the Dnipro river estuary downstream, with thousands evacuated and settlements on both side of the river inundated by water.

Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin was monitoring the situation in the region, but did not currently have any plans to visit the disaster area.

(Reporting by Reuters reporters; Writing by Kevin Liffey; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Assistant Prime Minister Osama El-Gohary said on Thursday the government is considering divesting its stakes in 250 companies under its privatization programme.

El-Gohary's remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from the US Treasury Department, which is visiting Cairo to discuss Egypt's privatization programme and its progress.

The committee supervising the privatization programme has identified 800 companies with governmental stakes. It has been decided that 250 of the 800 companies can be offered now. The committee will decide when and how the rest can be offered, El-Gohary said in a statement published on the Egyptian cabinet's Facebook page.

Egypt, which has been suffering from a shortage of hard currency -- chiefly the US dollar -- announced in February a privatization programme to sell stakes in 32 state-owned companies to collect $2.5 billion by the end of the current fiscal year on 31 June.

The programme is part of the government's commitments under the 46-month loan programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Although the commitments include selling state-owned assets, the government has, so far, only announced that it would sell state-owned Paint and Chemicals Industries (PACHIN) and a stake in Telecom Egypt, although the latter had not been included in the initial 32-company list.

Meanwhile, Egypt is awaiting a review from the IMF to receive the second loan tranche, amounting to $347 million.

The review, which was scheduled to take place in March, was postponed to June. The IMF has not yet conducted the review owing to the difficulties preventing Egypt from fulfilling all its commitments. Nevertheless, sources inside the IMF said the review will be conducted by the end of June.

IMF senior resident representative in Egypt, Said Bakhache, told Ahram Online on Wednesday that Antoinette M. Sayeh, deputy managing director of the IMF, will visit Egypt next week to meet with Egyptian officials to discuss the state of the economy. She is also expected to discuss the reforms needed to ensure the stability of the Egyptian economy and boost inclusive growth.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin said on Thursday that there would be a "negative impact" on the fate of a Black Sea grain deal from a blast which damaged a pipeline used to export Russian ammonia via Ukraine that Moscow wants restarted.

The Togliatti-Odesa pipeline, which once pumped up to 2.5 million tonnes of ammonia annually for global export to Ukraine's Pivdennyi port on the Black Sea from Togliatti in western Russia, has lain idle since the start of the war in February last year.

Russia has accused Ukrainian forces of blowing up a part of the pipeline, the world's longest carrying ammonia, in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Monday. The regional Ukrainian governor said Russia had shelled the pipeline on Tuesday. Neither side provided evidence to back their allegations.

Asked by reporters about how the damaged pipeline could affect the fate of the Black Sea grain deal, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "It can only have a negative impact."

He described it as "yet another complication in terms of extending the deal," adding that Russia did not know "what kind of destruction" there had been to the ammonia pipeline.

Russia has threatened to walk away from the Black Sea grain deal on July 17 if demands to improve its own food and fertilizer exports are not met. The deal, struck in July last year, facilitates the "safe navigation" of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers - including ammonia - for export to global markets.

U.N. officials are continuing discussions with all the parties to the deal, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday.

"We're continuing our efforts through as many avenues as we can given the importance of all of this to the fight against global hunger and ensuring that the prices of food do not spike on the global market," Dujarric told reporters.

The Ukraine grain Black Sea export deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey to help alleviate a global food crisis worsened by conflict disrupting exports from two of the world's leading grain suppliers.

To help persuade Russia to allow Ukraine to resume its Black Sea grain exports last year, a separate three-year agreement was also struck in July in which the United Nations agreed to help Russia with its food and fertiliser exports.

Dujarric said top U.N. trade official Rebeca Grynspan is due to meet with Russian officials in Geneva on Friday "as part of our routine contacts on our efforts to facilitate the trade in Russian fertilizer and Russian grain."

Russian Industry and Trade minister Denis Manturov said earlier on Thursday that Moscow had no access to the damaged part of the pipeline and did not expect to be granted it, the Interfax news agency reported.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that it would take between one and three months to repair the damaged section of the pipeline.

(Reporting by Reuters reporters; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Jonathan Oatis)
ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's top representative in the European Parliament said on Thursday he had reached a deal with prosecutors to settle an alleged political corruption case.

Carlo Fidanza, the speaker for Meloni's right-wing Brothers of Italy party in the EU assembly, emphasised in a statement that the settlement implied no admission of guilt.

Under the deal, backed by Milan prosecutors but still needing final approval from a judge, Fidanza would receive a suspended 16-month jail term, legal sources said.

The suspended sentence would not bar the lawmaker from running in next year's EU parliament elections, the sources added.

Fidanza said he accepted it "reluctantly" to "avoid a long trial with an uncertain outcome", even as he reiterated his innocence, in order to focus on his re-election campaign.

He was investigated for hiring the 17-year-old son of a party colleague as an assistant, in what Fidanza insisted was part of a political deal, rather than a case of corruption.

Fidanza, 46, is working on behalf of Meloni to strike a deal between the European conservatives group and the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) after the 2024 EU elections.

(Reporting by Emilio Parodi and Alvise Armellini; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
People pass near a campaign poster as Montenegro prepares for snap parliamentary elections in Podgorica, Montenegro June 8, 2023. REUTERS/Stevo Vasiljevic

PODGORICA (Reuters) - Montenegro holds a snap election on Sunday for a new government expected to implement economic reforms, improve infrastructure and take the NATO member state closer to European Union membership.

The vote will be the first since Milo Djukanovic, former leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), lost the presidential election in April and stepped down after 30 years in power in the small former Yugoslav republic.

Over the years Montenegro has been divided between those who identify as Montenegrins and those who see themselves as Serbs and opposed the country's 2006 independence from a union with neighbouring, much larger Serbia.

A poll by the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM) last month placed the pro-European Movement Europe Now (PES) party, which also favours closer ties with Serbia, in the lead with 29.1% ahead of the parliamentary election.

The PES's Jakov Milatovic won the April presidential vote.

During the parliamentary campaign, PES party chief and ex-finance minister Milojko Spajic said he wanted to focus on the improvements to an economy laden with mismanagement and graft, and heavily reliant on revenues from Adriatic seaside tourism.

"We are the only ones talking about infrastructure, about tax reforms. No one else is talking about it," he said.

The CEDEM poll put the pro-EU DPS under acting chief Danijel Zivkovic in second place with 24.1% support, with the Serb nationalist, pro-Russia Democratic Front (DF) trailing on 13.2%.

Zivkovic said if the DPS won it would end a period of political paralysis in which two governments that came to power on the back of 2020 protests backed by the influential Serbian Orthodox Church were felled by no-confidence votes.

Victory ... is extremely important in order to form a stable, European and reformist government that will move Montenegro away from deadlock and get it back on the right track, he said.

Many ordinary Montenegrins said they wanted a government that would bring stability and build on the country's status as a candidate for EU membership, which will require rooting out corruption, nepotism and organised crime.

"Some order needs to prevail, because we are currently living in some kind of anarchy, Branko Pavlovic, 37, said in the capital Podgorica.

I expect that we will unite as a nation, ... that our life will move to a better European world," said 24-year-old Anja Petrovic.

Montenegro joined NATO in 2017, a year after a botched coup attempt that the government blamed on Russian agents and Serbian nationalists. Moscow dismissed such claims as absurd and the Serbian government denied involvement.

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, Montenegro - unlike Serbia - joined EU sanctions against Moscow. The Kremlin has placed Montenegro on its list of unfriendly states.

(Reporting by Stevo Vasiljevic, Ivana Sekularac and Aleksandar Vasovic; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Space can be an unfriendly place for the human body, with microgravity conditions and other factors tampering with our physiology, from head to toe - head, of course, being a primary concern.

A new NASA-funded study provides a deeper understanding of the issue. Researchers said on Thursday that astronauts who traveled on the International Space Station (ISS) or NASA space shuttles on missions lasting at least six months experienced significant expansion of the cerebral ventricles - spaces in the middle of the brain containing cerebrospinal fluid.

This colorless and watery fluid flows in and around the brain and spinal cord. It cushions the brain to help protect against sudden impact and removes waste products.

Based on brain scans of 30 astronauts, the researchers found that it took three years for the ventricles to fully recover after such journeys, suggesting that an interval of at least that duration would be advisable between longer space missions.

"If the ventricles don't have sufficient time to recover between back-to-back missions, this may impact the brain's ability to cope with fluid shifts in microgravity. For example, if the ventricles are already enlarged from a previous mission, they may be less compliant and/or have less space to expand and accommodate fluid shifts during the next mission," said University of Florida neuroscientist Heather McGregor, lead author of the study published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Age-related ventricular enlargement - caused not by microgravity but by brain atrophy - can be associated with cognitive decline.

"The impact of ventricular expansion in space travelers is not currently known. More long-term health follow-up is needed. This ventricular expansion likely compresses the surrounding brain tissue," University of Florida applied physiology and kinesiology professor and study senior author Rachael Seidler said.

The absence of Earth's gravity modifies the brain.

"This seems to be a mechanical effect," Seidler said. "On Earth, our vascular systems have valves that prevent all of our fluids from pooling at our feet due to gravity. In microgravity, the opposite occurs - fluids shift toward the head. This headward fluid shift likely results in ventricular expansion, and the brain sits higher within the skull."

The study involved 23 male and seven female astronauts - average age around 47 - from the U.S., Canadian and European space agencies. Eight traveled on space shuttle missions of about two weeks. Eighteen were on ISS missions of about six months and four on ISS missions of about a year.

Little to no ventricular volume change occurred in astronauts after short missions. Enlargement occurred in astronauts after missions of six months or longer, though there was no difference in those who flew for six months compared to those who did so for a year.

"This suggests that the majority of ventricle enlargement happens during the first six months in space, then begins to taper off around the one-year mark," McGregor said.

The fact that enlargement did not worsen after six months could be good news for future Mars missions on which astronauts may spend two years in microgravity during the journey.

"This preliminary finding is promising for astronaut brain health during long-duration missions, but it's still important that we examine MRI data from a larger group of astronauts and following even longer missions," McGregor said.

The absence of enlargement following short flights was good news for people who may consider short space tourism jaunts, Seidler added, as that industry develops.

Microgravity conditions also cause other physiological effects due to the reduced physical load on the human body. These include bone and muscle atrophy, cardiovascular changes, issues with the balance system in the inner ear and a syndrome involving the eyes. Elevated cancer risk from the greater exposure to solar radiation that astronauts may encounter the further they travel from Earth is another concern.

(Reporting by Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
FILE PHOTO: TD Bank Group president and CEO Bharat Masrani speaks during the bank's annual meeting of shareholders in Toronto, Ontario, March 30, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Power

(Reuters) - TD Bank Group CEO Bharat Masrani said he was confident the bank, Canada's second biggest lender, would resolve issues with regulators that led to the collapse of its planned $13.4 billion acquisition of regional lender First Horizon.

Masrani's comments come after TD last month called off the deal citing lack of clarity on when it would get regulatory approvals, more than a year after it first proposed the deal.

The Wall Street Journal later reported that the bank's handling of "suspicious" customer transactions was behind regulators' refusal to approve the deal.

Masrani, speaking at the bank's annual investor day on Thursday, said the issues had "nothing to do with our good faith dealings with customers."

"We are working with our regulators to put this matter behind us. And I'm confident that in time we will," Masrani said, without elaborating on the issues being discussed.

"And more broadly, we are very well capitalised with strong liquidity - critically important in this period of economic uncertainty and volatility in the banking sector."

He also said its U.S. arm had "substantial growth potential."

Investors had expressed concerns on TD's U.S. growth, which the bank has cited as a key priority as it deals with a saturated market at home. It had been pinning its hopes on First Horizon due to its footprint in the southeastern U.S.

It now plans to grown more organically, with plans to open 150 branches by 2027.

The bank reiterated its medium-term financial target of achieving adjusted earnings growth between 7% and 10%. It also forecast a dividend payout ratio between 40% and 50% and over 16% return on equity growth in the medium term.

TD shares are the worst performer among top Canadian banks, losing more than a tenth of their value in the first six months of the year. They were up about 1.5% in mid-day trading on Thursday.

(Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Toronto, editing by Deepa Babington)
FILE PHOTO: A Tesla logo is seen at Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory in Shanghai, China January 7, 2019. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo

MADRID (Reuters) -U.S. electric car manufacturer Tesla is in talks with the leaders of the regional government of Valencia in Spain to make an automotive investment, a source close to the discussions has told Reuters. A spokesperson for Valencia's regional government told Reuters it had held meetings and conversations with an unidentified company about a "large automotive investment", but declined to give more details, citing the confidentiality of the negotiations.

A separate source confirmed the company concerned was Tesla. Spanish business newspaper Cinco Dias cited sources as saying the investment would be a car factory and its total size could reach 4.5 billion euros ($4.83 billion). Reuters was unable to confirm the likely investment size, nor type of investment.

In a statement, the Valencian government denied that there was an agreement sealed with Tesla. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Spain's central government declined to comment.

Spain is Europe's second-largest car producer, and is using European Union COVID pandemic recovery funds to attract carmakers to invest in the manufacture of both batteries and electric vehicles. The EU plans to phase out thermal cars.

German carmaker Volkswagen said last year it would invest 10 billion euros to build a 40 GWh battery plant in Sagunto, near Valencia, with production to start by 2026.

Valencia, in eastern Spain, is also home to a car manufacturing facility for Ford, which plans to start producing electric vehicles there.

At present Tesla's only European car factory - critical to Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk's stated ambition to vanquish European market leader Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) - is in the German state of Brandenburg.

It was constructed last year and by February this year was producing 4,000 cars a week, the company said.

Musk said in May that the automaker would probably pick a location for a new factory by the end of this year, without being drawn on where.

Also in May, he attended a "Choose France" investment summit in Versailles, near Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and said he was confident Tesla would make "significant investments" in France in the future.

Tesla has made no mention to date of plans to invest in Spain. However last year, Musk suggested in a tweet that Spain should "build a massive solar array... Could power all of Europe".

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez responded - also on Twitter, which Musk owns - "Time is now. Let's get it right. Come and see. We welcome investors in Spain."

($1 = 0.9320 euros)

(Reporting by Inti Landauro, Belen Carreno and Joan Faus, Editing by Aislinn Laing, Jan Harvey and Sharon Singleton)
(Reuters) - Twenty-one teenagers from a church group were injured on Thursday when a section of wooden walkway at a Texas beach park collapsed, officials said.

Five of the injured were taken to hospital by helicopter, six by ambulance and 10 by private vehicle, a Brazoria County statement said.

"No individuals have life-threatening injuries. The cause of the incident is still under investigation," the statement said.

The injured, aged 14 to 18, were visitors from the Houston-area Bayou City Fellowship summer camp, the statement said.

Video of the scene showed a gap in a section of a wooden walkway at the Stahlman Park Event Center in Surfside Beach, about 60 miles (100 km) south of Houston on the Gulf of Mexico.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
FILE PHOTO: Taxi drivers protest against the regulation of VTC cars (Uber and Cabify) in Barcelona, Spain, May 20, 2021. REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo

By Inti Landauro

MADRID (Reuters) - The Court of Justice of the European Union rejected on Thursday rules set by the city of Barcelona that dramatically restrict the number of cars working with ride-hailing apps such as Uber.

Barcelona had introduced a series of rules intended to reduce the number of drivers of private cars transporting passengers hired through mobile platforms and fleet owners to protect the interests of taxi services.

But the EU's top court said the justification for the restrictions is contrary to EU law, according to a document sent by the Court.

Restrictions to such businesses can only be imposed to benefit general interests such as the protection of the environment and avoidance of excessive traffic, and not discriminate against specific providers, the court said.

Catalonia's high court will now need to order the city to comply with the EU's ruling.

The EU's ruling could set a precedent for other areas where restrictions have been applied, Jose Manuel Berzal, the spokesman of UNAUTO-VTC, an association of passenger car owners in Spain who work with Uber, its local competitor Cabify and Bolt.

Other regions of Spain such as Balearic Islands and Valencia have similar restrictions and fleet owners have taken legal action there too, he said.

Janet Sanz, Barcelona's urban policy chief, said the ruling "clarifies" how the city has to regulate the business.

The restrictions in Barcelona set a limit to the number of licenses available to private cars transporting passengers to one-thirtieth of the number of taxis. Regulators will now set the number of licenses according to passenger needs, Berzal said.

Mayor Ada Colau, whose administration set the restrictions, lost her re-election bid on May 28, and a new mayor is still to be picked.

Bolt said the ruling will help end the conflicts that have dogged the business over the past ten years and will provide a fair, stable and transparent legal framework for all parties. Uber and Cabify declined to comment.

The enforcement of the restrictions late last year pushed many self-employed drivers and fleet owners in Barcelona out of business.

"It's a great day for us," said Dayana Barrera, who owns a small fleet of cars in Barcelona and was forced to sell some of her cars. "Thousands of families depend on the business."

(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Emma Pinedo;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday welcomed the Ethiopian government's commitment to investigate the diversion of American food aid away from people who needed it, the State Department said.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said earlier it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia after determining, in coordination with the government there, that a "widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia".

The statement did not say who was behind the campaign or who the aid was being diverted to.

Blinken met with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the margins of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (Islamic State) in Saudi Arabia.

"The secretary welcomed the Ethiopian governments commitment to work together to conduct a full investigation into the diversion of U.S. food assistance and to hold accountable those found responsible," the department said in a statement.

Blinken praised progress that he said had been made in securing a lasting peace after the recently concluded war in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.

He also discussed promoting human rights and a transparent judicial process as well as resolving lingering tensions in Amhara and Oromia, it said.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
FILE PHOTO: The Statue of Liberty is covered in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada, in New York, U.S., June 6, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday called on Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to double the number of U.S. personnel available to help fight wildfires raging in Canada and to mitigate the risk to American air quality.

The chamber's top Democrat said he would send a letter to Vilsack laying out his requests, while calling the wildfires that have led to unhealthy air quality in major U.S. cities the latest example of the global climate crisis.

"The climate crisis is real and it is here to stay. We must take action against the climate crisis, both short-term and long-term," Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor.

"I am calling on Secretary Tom Vilsack to double the number of Forest Service personnel deployed to fight these fires," he added. "I am calling on the secretary of Agriculture to double the number of personnel to mitigate the risk in the air for millions of Americans."

(Reporting by David Morgan, Katharine Jackson and Rami Ayyub; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
A Swiss delegation will visit Lebanon as part of investigations into central bank chief Riad Salameh, a judicial official said Thursday, as European legal pressure mounts on the top banker.

Switzerland was the first European country to open an investigation into Salameh, who is the subject of a series of judicial probes at home and abroad into the fortune he has amassed during some three decades in the job.

In January 2021, Beirut said it had received a Swiss judicial assistance request as part of a probe into more than $300 million in fund movements by the central bank chief, as well as his assistant and his brother.

Lebanon "was informed by the Swiss authorities that a Swiss judicial delegation will visit Lebanon soon" over Salameh's case, the official told AFP on Thursday, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

The delegation will meet a local judge and might seek to question individuals over the wealth of Salameh and his entourage as other European countries have done, the official added.

In March 2022, France, Germany and Luxembourg seized assets worth 120 million euros ($130 million) in a move linked to a probe into Salameh's wealth.

Judicial authorities in France and Munich in Germany last month issued arrest warrants for Salameh over accusations including money laundering and fraud, and Interpol subsequently issued Red Notices targeting him.

An Interpol Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but asks authorities worldwide to provisionally detain people pending possible extradition or other legal action.

European investigators this year have questioned Salameh in Beirut, also hearing from others including his assistant Marianne Hoayek, his brother Raja, a Lebanese minister and central bank audit firms.

Lebanon does not extradite its nationals, but Salameh could go on trial in Lebanon if local judicial authorities decide the accusations against him are founded, an official previously told AFP.

Following the Red Notices, a local judge questioned Salameh, confiscated his French and Lebanese passports, banned him from travelling and released him pending investigation.

In February this year, Lebanon charged Salameh as part of its own investigation, which it opened after the assistance request from Switzerland's public prosecutor.

Salameh, who denies all accusations against him, continues to serve as central bank governor. His mandate ends in July.

Activists say the travel ban helps shield him from being brought to justice abroad -- and from potentially bringing down others in the entrenched political class, which is widely blamed for endemic corruption in the crisis-hit country.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The seal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seen after a news conference in Del Rio, Texas. REUTERS/Marco Bello

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new process on Thursday that will enable Afghan nationals to renew their parole and continue to live and work in the United States.

"The new process is streamlined and will be at no cost, and will provide for a two-year renewal of parole for qualifying individuals," the DHS said in a statement.

Afghan nationals are encouraged to pursue a permanent status in the United States for which they may be eligible, the DHS added.

"The renewal requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons and for a significant public benefit," the DHS said.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. and Chinese flags are seen through broken glass in this illustration taken, January 30, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Legislation to strip China of its status as a "developing nation" at some international organizations was passed by a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday, as members of the U.S. focus on competing with the Asian power.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the "Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act" without dissent. The bill would require the Secretary of State to pursue changing China's status as a developing nation in international organizations.

Proponents of the bill say that status can allow special privileges in some organizations or treaties.

The committee's approval paves the way for the measure to be considered by the full Senate, although there was no immediate indication of when that might take place.

A similar measure passed the House of Representatives in March by 415-0.

The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the perennially divided U.S. Congress, and members of Congress have introduced dozens of bills seeking to address competition with China's communist government.

The Foreign Relations panel also approved the "Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act," which would require reports from government agencies on U.S. options to prepare for and respond to a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has increased military, political and economic pressure to assert those claims.

Taiwan strongly objects to Chinas sovereignty claims and says only the islands people can decide their future.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: A voter is seen exiting a polling station at the Selma Fire Station on Super Tuesday in Selma, Alabama , U.S., March 3, 2020. REUTERS/Michael A. McCoy/File Photo

By John Kruzel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday handed a major victory to Black voters who challenged a Republican-drawn electoral map in Alabama, finding the state violated a landmark law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting and paving the way for a second congressional district with a Black majority or close to it.

The 5-4 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts affirmed a lower court's decision that the map diluted the voting power of Black Alabamians, running afoul of a bedrock federal civil rights law, the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Roberts was joined by fellow conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the court's three liberals, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

With Thursday's ruling, the Supreme Court elected not to further roll back protections contained in the Voting Rights Act as it had done in two major rulings in the past decade. The decision centered upon Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a provision aimed at countering measures that result in racial bias in voting even absent racist intent.

"We find Alabama's new approach to (Section 2) compelling neither in theory nor in practice," Roberts wrote. "We accordingly decline to recast our (Section 2) case law as Alabama requests."

At issue was the map approved in 2021 by the Republican-controlled state legislature setting the boundaries of Alabama's seven U.S. House of Representatives districts. The map featured one majority-Black district, with six majority-white districts, even though Black people comprised 27% of Alabama's population.

The ruling on Thursday affirmed the lower court's order that Alabama configure a second House district where Black voters could hold a "a voting-age majority or something quite close to it." That marked a shift from an emergency 5-4 ruling the court issued last year that let Alabama use the disputed map for the 2022 U.S. congressional elections in which Republicans seized control of the House from Democrats.

The new congressional map, expected to be in place for the 2024 elections, could boost Democratic efforts to regain a majority in the House, which Republicans now control by a narrow 222-212 margin.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland hailed the ruling, saying it "rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections, and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race."

The Voting Rights Act was passed at a time when Southern states including Alabama enforced policies blocking Black people from casting ballots. Nearly six decades later, race remains a contentious issue in American politics and society more broadly.

Conservative states and groups had previously succeeded in prodding the Supreme Court to limit the Voting Rights Act's scope. Its 2013 ruling in another Alabama case struck down a key part that determined which states with histories of racial discrimination needed federal approval to change voting laws. In a 2021 ruling endorsing Republican-backed Arizona voting restrictions, the justices made it harder to prove violations under Section 2.

'TEXTBOOK EXAMPLE'

Black voters and advocacy groups who sued Alabama argued that the state's map reduced the influence of Black voters by concentrating their voting power in one district while distributing the rest of the Black population in other districts at levels too small to form a majority. A three-judge federal court panel last year sided with the challengers.

Abha Khanna, who argued the case on behalf of one set of challengers, said, "Thankfully, the court today identified Alabama's redistricting scheme as a textbook violation of the landmark civil rights law," Khanna said.

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority and, based on the questioning during oral arguments in the case in October, had appeared to lean toward favoring Alabama.

UCLA School of Law election law expert Rick Hasen said that "to have Roberts and Kavanaugh join the liberals in upholding the Voting Rights Act is a big surprise, and a good result for minority voters."

Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito wrote separate dissenting opinions. Thomas wrote that the question before the court was whether Section 2 required Alabama "to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the state's population."

Thomas wrote, "Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it."

Alabama officials argued that drawing a second district to give Black voters a better chance at electing their preferred candidate would itself be racially discriminatory by favoring them at the expense of other voters. If the Voting Rights Act required the state to consider race in such a manner, according to Alabama, the statute would violate the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment guarantee of equal protection under the law.

Electoral districts are redrawn each decade to reflect population changes as measured by a national census, last taken in 2020. In most states, such redistricting is done by the party in power, which can lead to map manipulation for partisan gain.

(Reporting by John Kruzel in Washington; Additional reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits a U.N. Logistics Center Warehouse accompanied by USAID/Ethiopia Mission Director Sean Jones and Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 15, 2023. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri/Pool/Fil

By Giulia Paravicini

NAIROBI (Reuters) -The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Thursday it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being diverted from people in need.

A spokesperson said USAID had determined, in coordination with the Ethiopian government, that a "widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia".

The statement did not say who was behind the campaign.

The United States is by far the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, where more than 20 million people need food aid, most of them due to drought and a recently-concluded war in the northern Tigray region.

According to an internal briefing by a group of foreign donors to Ethiopia seen by Reuters, USAID believes the food has been diverted to Ethiopian military units.

"The scheme appears to be orchestrated by federal and regional government entities, with military units across the country benefiting from humanitarian assistance," said the document from the Humanitarian and Resilience Donor Group (HRDG), which includes USAID.

A spokesperson for the military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"The two governments are conducting investigations so that the perpetrators of such diversion are held to account," USAID and Ethiopia's foreign affairs ministry said in a joint statement.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the issue on Thursday with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the margins of a conference in Saudi Arabia.

The State Department said afterwards that Blinken welcomed a commitment by Ethiopia's government to work with the United States to conduct a full investigation.

The USAID spokesperson said the agency intended to resume food assistance as soon as it was confident in the integrity of the system.

USAID and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) had already suspended food aid to the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray last month in response to information that large amounts of aid there were being diverted.

A two-year war in Tigray between the federal government and forces led by the region's dominant political party ended in a truce in November after killing tens of thousands of people and creating famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands.

In the 2022 fiscal year, USAID disbursed nearly $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia, most of it food aid.

The HRDG briefing document, which was circulated among donors on Wednesday, recommended that Ethiopia's government allow donors to deliver aid through "alternative modalities" like cash transfers.

It also urged donors to call on Ethiopia's government to make a public statement condemning the diversion and demanding that aid workers not be harassed.

Ethiopia's food crisis has deepened in recent years as a result of the war in Tigray and the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades.

The WFP is also investigating "systemic" food diversion across Ethiopia, according to an email sent last week by the agency's deputy director to staff in Ethiopia.

A WFP spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Giulia Paravicini; Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by George Obulutsa, Christina Fincher, Mark Potter and Andrew Heavens)
By Daria Sito-Sucic

JAHORINA MOUNTAIN, Bosnia (Reuters) - Security and migration officials from six Western Balkans countries, all of which aspire to join the European Union, on Thursday pledged to work together with the EU and United Nations agencies to improve sustainable migration governance.

Since 2015, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, as well as Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia have become key transit routes for refugees fleeing conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan, and later for migrants from Asia and Africa searching for a better life in the wealthy 27-member bloc.

"When it comes to the migrant crisis, we from the Western Balkans face not only humanitarian challenges but also security and political challenges," said Bosnia's Security Minister Nenad Nesic, who hosted the meeting at a mountain resort near the capital Sarajevo.

In recent months, Bosnia has seen a rise in the number of illegal migrants returned to the country by Croatia and Slovenia after Croatia joined the EU free-movement Schengen Zone on Jan. 1. Many have complained of violent push-backs by police, which Croatia has denied.

The six countries have agreed to coordinate activities in tackling smuggling of migrants and people trafficking, to increase access to alternative routes for migrants stuck in transit, and also ways to return migrants.

"We are developing new perspectives for common policies because we can have results only if we work together," said North Macedonia's Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski, speaking via a video link.

The migratory trends in the region have returned to the pre-pandemic levels, with 200,000 migrants recorded to have transited the region last year, a 60% increase from the previous year, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

"Trends in migration are very dynamic and the Western Balkans is a major transitory route," Ugochi Florence Daniels, the IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, told Reuters.

She praised the Balkan leaders for choosing to work together.

"The action plan is an opportunity to deal with the immediate issues - trafficking and smuggling and sustainable returns," Daniels said.

"It is also an opportunity to look at the longer-term opportunities that migration is bringing - remittances to the Western Balkans are $10 billion or 10% of GDP - that is a significant contribution to development," she added.

(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
FILE PHOTO: A view of the main entrance of Nexperia owned site of microchip producer Newport Wafer Fab, Newport, Wales, Britain, November 22, 2022. REUTERS/Rebecca Naden

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Computer chip maker Nexperia, which is headquartered in the Netherlands and owned by a Chinese company, has been denied a request for a subsidy in Germany.

A spokesperson for Nexperia, based in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and owned by China's Wingtech, said the company had not been given an explanation for the rejection.

The European Commission earlier on Thursday said it would allow 68 tech projects to receive state aid as part of its push to improve competitiveness in key technologies. Nexperia's project, which involved using semiconductors to help batteries run more efficiently, was not included.

We "are disappointed that our project is not listed, as it meets all conditions and as it has successfully passed previous reviews," Nexperia said.

Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad initially reported the news, citing a European Commission document.

Nexperia has had several plans for projects in Europe disrupted by government concerns in the past year over its Chinese ownership.

The Dutch government this week said it was looking at whether the company's acquisition of a startup in Delft called Nowi will require vetting by the Netherlands' newly established Investment Review Office.

The British government last year ordered the company to sell its stake in a silicon wafer factory in Newport, Wales, following a national security review.

Nexperia is the former Standard Products division of chipmaker NXP, spun off in 2016 and acquired by Wingtech in 2018. It makes basic chips, transistors and diodes.

(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Leslie Adler and Mark Porter)
A view shows a flooded area after the Nova Kakhovka dam breached, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kherson, Ukraine June 8, 2023. REUTERS/Vladyslav Smilianets

By Viktoriia Lakezina and Max Hunder

KHERSON, Ukraine (Reuters) -Hundreds of Ukrainians were rescued from rooftops on Thursday, two days after waters from a huge breached dam submerged villages, fields and roads in the southern region of Kherson, as Kyiv dismissed reports its counteroffensive had begun.

Drone video showed areas where often only the roofs were visible above the flooding. The region's governor said some 600 square kilometres, or 230 square miles, were under water.

The collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam came as Ukraine prepared a counteroffensive, likely the next major phase in the war in which tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions uprooted and entire cities reduced to ruins since Russia's "special military operation" began on Feb. 24 last year.

NBC news, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, said the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited "four individuals" in the armed forces saying the same thing.

Asked about the reports, a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces told Reuters: "We have no such information."

In its daily Ukraine briefing, Britain's defence ministry on Thursday reported heavy fighting along "multiple sectors of the front", adding that Kyiv held the initiative in most areas.

Ukraine's military said the flooding in Kherson had forced Russian troops to retreat by five to 15 km and had "practically halved" Russian shelling.

A senior Russian commander briefed President Vladimir Putin on how his forces had repelled a large-scale Ukrainian attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, the TASS news agency reported.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier on Thursday that Russian forces had withstood fierce overnight attempts by Ukrainian troops to break through the frontline in Zaporizhzhia and had inflicted heavy losses on them.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.

TRADING BLAME

Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for the bursting of the Soviet-era Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which sent waters cascading across the war zone of southern Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday, forcing tens of thousands to flee.

Moscow and Kyiv also accused each other on Thursday of shelling the area as rescue workers in rubber dinghies tried to save people and animals from the still rising flood waters.

Russian shelling wounded at least nine people in Kherson on Thursday as residents were being evacuated, Ukraine's interior ministry said.

The Prosecutor General's office initially said one person had been killed by the shelling but later said no deaths had been reported. A Reuters reporter in Kherson said he could hear what appeared to be artillery fire.

The Kremlin similarly accused Ukraine of shelling Russian rescue workers in the area.

Friends and family of stranded residents posted appeals online with names, photos and GPS locations of residents. The coordinator of a volunteer group on the Telegram messaging app said the appeals were getting more urgent because people were running out of drinking water.

One man, Sergei, told Reuters the last time he spoke with his 83-year-old father-in-law in the Oleshky region was several days before the dam collapse.

"The latest information is that there was a lot of water in the street, as high as a person," he said. "Houses collapsed and went under water."

Ukraine said the floods would leave hundreds of thousands of people without access to drinking water, swamp tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land and turn at least 500,000 hectares deprived of irrigation into "deserts".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has appealed for a "clear and rapid" international effort to help flood victims, held emergency talks with officials in Kherson, one of five Ukrainian regions which Moscow claims to have annexed but only partially controls.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said aid agencies had delivered bottles of drinking water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits and jerrycans.

"Drinking water remains the most pressing need," it said.

MINE HAZARD

The Kremlin said Putin had no plans to visit the region but was monitoring the situation.

Putin, without providing evidence, has accused Ukraine of destroying the Russian-controlled dam at the suggestion of its Western allies.

Kyiv said several months ago the dam had been mined by Russian forces who captured it early in their invasion, and has suggested Moscow blew it up to try to prevent Ukrainian forces crossing the Dnipro river in their counteroffensive.

It is not known how many people may have died as a result of the flooding. The Russian-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, near the dam site, said on Thursday at least five people had died but the total death toll is sure to be much higher.

Kherson's Ukrainian governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said 68% of the flooded territory was on the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River.

The "average level of flooding" in the Kherson region on Thursday morning was 5.61 meters (18.41 ft), he said.

The water level at the Kakhovka reservoir was approaching a dangerous low, the state company overseeing the facility said on Thursday, saying this could affect the nearby Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station and water supply to other regions.

The U.N. atomic watchdog said on Tuesday the plant, Europe's largest, has enough water to cool its reactors for "several months" from a pond located above the reservoir.

Ukrainian and Russian officials have also warned of the danger posed by mines planted during the war and now scattered by the floods.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; writing by Gareth Jones and Nick Macfie; editing by William Maclean and Andrew Heavens)
false 0001579157 0001579157 2023-06-08 2023-06-08

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): (June 7, 2023)

Vince Holding Corp.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware 001-36212 75-3264870 (State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer

Identification No.) 500 5th Avenue 20th Floor New York , New York 10110 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 212 944-2600

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share VNCE The New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 ( 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ( 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On June 8, 2023, Vince Holding Corp. (the Company) announced its financial results for its first quarter ended April 29, 2023. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, which the registrant furnished in this report is not deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. Registration statements or other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) shall not incorporate this information by reference, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.

Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

On June 7, 2023, the Company held its 2023 annual meeting of stockholders (the Annual Meeting). The proposals submitted to a stockholder vote at the Annual Meeting are described in the Companys definitive proxy statement (the Proxy Statement) filed with the SEC on May 5, 2023. The results of such stockholder vote are set forth below:

Proposal No. 1  To elect two Class III directors to serve until the Companys annual meeting of stockholdersto be held in 2026 or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

Nominee For Withheld Broker-Non-Vote Jerome Griffith 9,016,177 263,307 945,023 Jonathan "Jack" Schwefel 9,278,935 549 945,023

Proposal No. 2  Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2024.

For Against Abstain 10,224,486 21 0

Proposal No. 3  Approval of, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the Companys named executive officers.

For Against Abstain Broker Non-Vote 9,181,376 93,003 5,105 945,023

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit 99.1 Press Release of the Company, dated June 8, 2023. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded wtihin the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

VINCE HOLDING CORP. Date: June 8, 2023 By: /s/ Jonathan Schwefel Name: Jonathan Schwefel

Title: Chief Executive Officer

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

EX-99.1

XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT

XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT

IDEA: R1.htm

IDEA: vnce-20230608_htm.xml

IDEA: Financial_Report.xlsx

IDEA: FilingSummary.xml

IDEA: MetaLinks.json
The Navy and Air Force have temporarily stopped personnel moves to new duty stations on Guam as the island continues to piece itself together after a May 24 typhoon.

The Navy has paused permanent change of station, or PCS, moves to Naval Base Guam until June 30, Lt. Cmdr. Katie Koenig, a spokeswoman for Joint Region Marianas, told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday.

The Air Force halted PCS moves to Andersen Air Force Base until July 24, although that date may change, a spokeswoman for the 36th Air Wing said by email Thursday.

The stop movement for inbound PCSers was put into place May 25 following Typhoon Mawar in order to ensure incoming service members and their families have adequate resources available to them when it comes time for them to PCS, said 1st Lt. Jade Watkins. These resources include housing, food, lodging and childcare.

However, airmen already on their way to Andersen should continue their moves and are encouraged to work with their sponsors and chains of command to ensure a smooth PCS, she said.

The storm caused significant damage to Andersens passenger terminal. To remedy the situation, the 734th Air Mobility Squadron turned the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron hangar into a temporary terminal.

The Marine Corps has not stopped PCS moves to Camp Blaz on the island, but it will assess each individual case, Camp Blaz spokeswoman Maj. Diann Rosenfeld said by email Wednesday.

Mawar was the strongest typhoon to hit Guam since Typhoon Pongsona in 2002. Mawars eye brushed Guams northern edge with winds that reached 140 mph. Up to 2 feet of rain fell on parts of the island.

As of Wednesday, more than half the island was still without electricity, according to the Guam governments Joint Information Center. Many parts of the 210-square-mile territory lack access to clean water while island residents collect and dispose of debris left in the typhoons wake.

The U.S. territory has approximately 21,700 military members and their families at Andersen in the north, Blaz in the northwest and at the naval base in the south.

The chief of naval operations paused PCS moves to Guam in a Navy administrative message, NAVADMIN 128/23, on May 23, Koenig said.

Those with orders to Guam and still at their current commands should remain in place or contact their detailers or MyNavy Career Center for further guidance, according to the message.

Commanders on Guam may override the PCS pause for mission-essential personnel on a case-by-case basis, Koenig said.

Sailors on temporary duty to Guam are not affected by the PCS halt but those scheduled for temporary duty there over the next 30 days should contact their chain of command to determine whether they should proceed as scheduled, the NAVADMIN states.
BUSAN, South Korea  A Navy captain whose promotion to rear admiral is blocked in the Senate became the Navys representative to South Korea during a ceremony here Thursday.

Capt. Neil Koprowski relieved Rear Adm. Mark Schafer at South Koreas Naval Fleet Headquarters. Koprowskis promotion to rear admiral is one of about 200 held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who pledged to block the Pentagon's nominations until Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin changes the military's policy on abortions for service members and their families.

Tuberville is using a procedural tactic to slow the Senate votes on promotions until Austin reverses a policy that provides time off and travel expenses for service members and their dependents who travel to obtain an abortion.

Koprowski previously served as branch head for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations programming division in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, he commanded the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge.

Koprowski said he felt welcomed to South Korea during Thursdays ceremony in Busan.

Ive been impressed by the energy and professionalism of our team , he said. This only strengthens my belief in our great alliance.

Schafer, a Navy SEAL, is headed to Qatar for his next assignment as commander of Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central.

Speaking to Stars and Stripes prior to the ceremony, Schafer said he had looked forward to leading U.S. sailors and Marines in South Korea after serving in the special operations community for years.

Since the first day that I showed up in September 2021, working with South Koreas navy definitely delivered on my expectations, he said.

One thing I was excited about was that after a lot of time working with a lot of partners in the U.S. Central Commands special operations environment: coming out here and working with an ally that weve served with for more than 70 years, Schafer added.

Schafers tenure coincided with the resumption of large-scale joint military drills between the United States and South Korea.

Joint drills like the Ssangyong Exercise in April were paused in 2018 as former Presidents Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in negotiated for the denuclearization of North Korea. Those drills were downscaled two years later as COVID-19 cases began to spread through the militarys ranks.

Restarting that training really came easy and the two navies were eager to start working again, Schafer said. He added that the navies aspired to be operationally interchangeable, or able to seamlessly sail in [each others] formations.

That culture of training never ends, he said. For each individual exercise, we look for opportunities to be pleased with incremental progress but never satisfied weve got it just right.

Schafer, a native of New Hartford, N.Y., graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994. He served with SEAL Teams 2 and 4, as well as the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

In a farewell speech to roughly 250 people, Schafer thanked his wife, Anne, as well as the sailors who served under his command.

Im grateful every day to join the hard-working sailors who strive to be smart like a learning organization would be, but also tough like the resilient team that we need to be, Schafer said in his speech. Anne and I have loved every minute of serving with you.
The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade announced on Thursday that Egypt inked deals with India, Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti, and Tanzania to import live and frozen meat as a means of expanding its supply sources.

Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Ali Moselhi, stated that this move would help fulfil citizens' demands at prices below the market rate since local meat prices have been increasing due to the global food crisis.

The scarcity of feed has been blamed for the surge in meat prices in Egypt, causing market issues and concerns for buyers.

As a result, the government is seeking to broaden its meat sources to alleviate supply shortages.

Imports

The supply minister announced that 1,000 tons of frozen meat from India will arrive this month, and Egypt will import 25,000 cattle from the other countries.

Moselhi also mentioned that Sudan and Djibouti will supply Egypt with 5,000 and 10,000 cattle heads, respectively, in the near future.

He added that Egypt is also anticipating the arrival of 5,000 live sheep from Tanzania and 5,000 frozen lambs from Uganda.

Egypt is also set to receive 5,000 tons of frozen meat from Brazil as per previous agreements.

On Monday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation declared that Egypt would import 170,000 cattle to prepare for this year's Eid Al-Adha, which falls at the end of June.

As per Islamic tradition, many Egyptians slaughter sheep, goats, or cows during this holiday to provide food for their families and give to the less fortunate.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


U.S. Army veteran Ramon Green, the owner of a new Jamaican eatery in Kaiserslautern, Germany, used to daydream with his fellow soldiers about opening a restaurant one day.

After leaving the military, Green opened a food truck and for the past three years has served spicy jerk chicken to soldiers at Kleber Kaserne. The smoky aromas from his barbecues each morning attracted long lines of Americans, who became regular customers.

But Greens ultimate culinary dream was delayed until January, when he opened Good Vibes, an eatery in downtown Kaiserslautern next to Stiftsplatz.

The restaurants atmosphere lives up to its name, with soft, yellow lighting and reggae music playing in the background.

Green said about 90% of his customers so far are Americans who know him from his food truck, whose specialty is jerk chicken. And that is the most popular dish at Good Vibes.

Jerk refers to a method of seasoning, smoking and grilling meat, and it has deep ties to Jamaican history.

Slaves who escaped from plantations on the island learned how to smoke meats using local spices from the indigenous Taino people, according to a 2020 article in Smithsonian magazine.

Smoking was important, as an open fire to cook it could reveal an escaped slaves location, the article said.

Green cooked jerk chicken while working at Jamaican eateries in New York. He said Good Vibes draws on that experience as well as his upbringing in a family of people who love to cook.

The family moved from Spanish Town, Jamaica, when he was 17, in search of economic opportunities in the U.S.

Green joined the Army when he was 22, swayed by cool commercials. He said he picked a job that could teach him logistics, as even then he dreamed of his restaurant.

Proper jerk chicken takes time to make, Green said. His recipe involves covering chicken quarters in an overnight marinade of thyme, scallions, garlic, ginger, allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers and a bit of soy sauce and vinegar.

The result is leg and thigh pieces that are smoky yet sweet, with a hint of heat. Jamaican food can be very spicy, but Green said he tones it down to ensure that everyone can enjoy it.

Of course, some like it hot, so there are hot sauces available to add a dash of fire.

Green said one benefit of having a brick-and-mortar location is that his food truck regulars can sample other dishes that he cant make out of a trailer.

These include braised beef oxtail, a dish that proved to be tender and savory, with the stewed meat falling off the bone.

The restaurant also has seafood, such as red snapper, which was well-cooked and covered in a sweet brown sauce, and jerk prawn pasta, in which shrimp is doused in spicy jerk sauce.

The restaurant also features ackee and saltfish, the national dish of Jamaica. Ackee is a fruit thats cooked to be savory. It tastes somewhat like scrambled eggs and has a texture resembling that of canned mushrooms.

The saltfish adds a contrasting flavor to the ackee, which notably is poisonous if eaten while unripe.

A few vegan and vegetarian options are available, too. The ackee can be ordered without saltfish. In addition, the restaurant offers callaloo, a stewed leafy green vegetable, and salads.

During my visit, the fried plantains surprised a few American customers, who didnt expect to like them. Good Vibes also features a bar with Jamaican beers such as Red Stripe and Dragon Stout as well as imported rums.

The restaurant still is experimenting with what works on the menu, Green said. He said hes taking a lot of lessons from his time as a unit supply specialist in the Army.

I just felt like this was the right opportunity, the right time, and this is where preparation met opportunity, Green said.

lawrence.jp@stripes.com Twitter: @jplawrence3

Good Vibes Jamaican Restaurant

Address: Muenchstrasse 12, Kaiserslautern, Germany

Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 2 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Prices: Jerk, curry and stewed chicken main dishes are 14-15 euros and come with two sides. Beef oxtail and seafood dishes are 20 euros or more. Salads are 6-7 euros.

Information: Phone: +49 631 31181937, Online: facebook.com/goodvibeskaiserautern
When flights to Athens get too expensive for U.S. military families stationed in southeastern Germany or time is just too short, a closer option offers architecture like that of ancient Greece as well as dazzling views of Bavarian surroundings.

Walhalla might not date from the 400s B.C. like the Parthenon, but this memorial just outside Regensburg shares some of the beauty of the Athenian wonder while being nestled in the hills above the Danube River.

Finished in 1842, Walhalla derives its name for the resting place of fallen warriors in Norse mythology.

Similar to such other extravagant 19th-century buildings as Neuschwanstein Castle and the palaces of Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, Walhalla started as an idea in the head of King Ludwig l, who is depicted on a colossal statue inside.

Walhalla was designed as a hall of fame to honor German-speaking people who made contributions to society. It is now one of the most recognizable memorials in Bavaria and makes for a breathtaking vantage point.

For those interested in learning more about the history and construction of the monument, English and German virtual tours can be downloaded via the Walhalla app.

It costs nothing to take in the majesty of the place from the outside. An entrance fee is charged only to visitors who want to go inside.

Those who do will find 132 busts and 65 plaques of luminaries of German-speaking lands. This list includes rulers, generals, scientists, politicians, musicians, writers and artists.

The hillside next to the monument is also a popular place for family picnics, and having drinks on the 358-step marble staircase on the front side is also a popular pastime.

It takes less than 45 minutes to walk around the site. There is also a variety of hiking trails and a small kiosk with snacks and refreshments.

A combination ticket allows entrance to the nearby Liberation Hall in Kelheim and Prunn Castle in Schlossprunn.

Address: Walhallastrasse 48, Donaustauf, Germany

Hours: April-October, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., November-March, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.

Cost: 4.50 euros regular, 4 euros for certain groups, 12 euros for combination ticket

Information: Online: schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/walhalla.htm; +49 9403-961-680.
Weller in central Tokyo makes the improbable match of convenience store food with clean eating.

Vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diners can find options  from bento boxes to groceries  just a short walk from the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo.

The entire store is filled with vegan, raw vegan and gluten-free products, including a selection of fresh bentos made daily.

Weller products are free of chemical additives, according to the companys website. The store claims that from production to purchase, we offer plant-based, additive-free and healthier products.

Refrigerated items include onigiri, noodle dishes, soups and salads. A wide selection of drinks is available, and the frozen section has vegan items from American brands such as Amys pizza and burritos.

Shoppers will find soups and baking mixes, as well as staples such as vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. About a third of the items sold are sweets and desserts, and another third can be considered snack foods. Coffee and tea can be ordered at checkout.

The prices for refrigerated items are on par with standard chain stores such as 7-Eleven, and prices for shelved items are slightly higher than average. Food items are roughly 600-900 yen per item. A Wellers point card earns one point for every 500 yen spent, with a free drink at 10 points.

Weller has plenty of options for everyone, from vegan and vegetarian to gluten-free and organic in a Japanese-style convenience store.

Weller is an 80-minute drive or train ride from Yokota Air Base and an hour from Camp Zama or Naval Air Facility Atsugi. And its just 15 minutes by foot or 5 minutes by car from the New Sanno.

Weller

Location: 1154 1F Shibuya City, Ebisu, Tokyo 150-0013

Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; delivery hours are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on those days.

Prices: Most items range from 50 yen to 2,000 yen

Dress: Casual

Directions: A two-minute walk from the east exit of Ebisu Station.

Information: Online: liveweller.jp
ISTANBUL (Tribune News Service)  Turkish President Recep Erdogan was just sworn in for a third term after 20 years in power. And apparently theres nothing quite like an uncontested electoral victory guaranteeing another half-decade in power to rev up the backpedaling by the backstabbers.

Congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye on his re-election. I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO allies on bilateral issues and shared global challenges, President Joe Biden tweeted. But back in early 2020, when he was running for office against then-President Donald Trump, who once told Erdogan that he was a big fan, Biden sang a much different tune to the editors of The New York Times. What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership, Biden said in the interview. He added that the opposition had to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, but by the electoral process. Comments like this dont help to dispel the well-anchored notion in Erdogan's mind that the U.S. would love nothing more than to eject him from power.

Unfortunately for Biden, Trumps former acting national intelligence director, Richard Grenell, has now publicly claimed to have receipts. Instructing Jeff Flake to meet with the opposition candidate in the middle of the election was a terrible mistake  the US must strongly advocate for its policies but must stay away from picking sides in elections, Grenell tweeted, referring to the US Ambassador to Turkey. Erdogan knows what you did. This will not benefit US interests.

Grenell is right in that nothing much seems to escape the attention of the Turkish president when it comes to foreign meddling. Biden gave the order to topple Erdogan, I know this, Erdogan said prior to the first round of voting. All my people know this. Well, if Erdogan didnt already "know what Biden did, then the fella who used to be in charge of all the US intelligence agencies combined has effectively now confirmed it.

At this point, Biden sounds like someone who ended up back with their ex after badmouthing them all over town and who is now hoping that everyone just forgets what he said.

Biden's animosity toward Erdogan pre-vote is easily explained. Had opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu been elected instead, a more concessionary tone would have been struck with the West, largely with an eye on integrating the European Union.

Until now, the collective West, including the EU, have strung Turkey along for decades now under the promise of eventual ascension  and it's not hard to imagine that the will to please would have gone into overdrive, unlike with Erdogan, who seems to understand that playing the field is wiser than sitting around waiting for that call.

Turkey has nonetheless helped the West immeasurably with sticky issues between East and West, including the recent Black Sea Grain deal to get Ukrainian and Russian grain out from the conflict zone to the world, even though once the food entered Europe, incompetence has resulted in much of it being dumped in EU countries to the point of the bloc having to bail out farmers in their own bordering states whose own supply prices plummeted. Turkey also held back the waves of migrants fleeing Africa and the Middle East  many under the pretext of escaping the chaos sown by Western military interventions  that threatened to flood European countries. Trump also dumped the Syrian war in Erdogans lap, allowing the former president to partially fulfill his campaign promise of drawing down foreign wars. A NATO member, Turkey also has the second largest army in the alliance and hosts key operational bases for the alliance. Still, comments like Bidens suggest that the West figures it could do even better with someone more pliable in charge.

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis told Bloomberg earlier this year that despite Turkey being a valuable alliance member, some NATO members are going to begin asking, If it is a choice between Sweden/Finland and Turkey, maybe we should look at our options.  Turkey has stood in the way of Sweden's NATO membership bid (although not Finland), citing Turkish national security concerns. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Erdogan a dear friend after his re-election, which irks the West. Still, that personal friendship doesnt seem to have tempered Erdogans insistence on doing whats best for Turkish interests above all else, which often means playing both sides of the court from the middle. For instance, Erdogan refused to sanction Russia while nonetheless demanding a cease-fire from Putin. He also purchased Russian missile defense systems despite threats from the NATO military industrial racket, which no doubt feared the loss of a business opportunity more than anything else.

Not really being fully in any particular camp  or rather, being a member of all of them  has given Turkey an independence, importance and influence on the world stage that other countries can only dream about. Perhaps thats why some, like Biden, were cheering for a soft, but ultimately failed, regime change.

Rachel Marsden is a columnist, political strategist and host of independently produced talk shows in French and English. Her website can be found at http://www.rachelmarsden.com.

2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
CAIRO  About 300 infants, toddlers and older children have been rescued from an orphanage in Sudan's capital after being trapped there while fighting raged outside, aid officials said Thursday. The evacuation came after 71 children died from hunger and illness in the facility since mid-April.

The tragedy at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage made headlines late last month as fighting raged outside between Sudan's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The deaths have highlighted the heavy toll inflicted on civilians since mid-April when the clashes erupted between forces loyal to Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and RSF forces led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

About 300 children at the Al-Mayqoma orphanage in Khartoum were transferred to a "safer location" elsewhere in the northeastern African nation, said Ricardo Pires, a spokesman for the U.N. children's agency, UNICEF.

Sudan's ministries of social development and health have taken charge of the children, while UNICEF has provided humanitarian support including medical care, food, educational activities and play, Pires said in an email to The Associated Press.

He said the children had received medical checks following their long journey to their new location, adding that "any child requiring hospitalization will have access to healthcare."

The International Committee of The Red Cross, which helped with the evacuation, said the children, aged between 1 month to 15 years, were relocated after securing a safe corridor to Madani, the capital of Jazira province, about 85 miles southeast of Khartoum. Seventy caretakers have been transferred with the children, the ICRC said.

"They (the children) spent incredibly difficult moments in an area where the conflict has been raging for the past 6 weeks without access to proper healthcare, an especially hard situation for children with special needs," said Jean-Christophe Sandoz, the head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan.

Nazim Sirag, an activist who heads the local charity Hadhreen, said in a phone interview that the children were ferried late Tuesday to a newly established facility in Madani.

Sirag, whose charity led humanitarian efforts to help the orphanage and other nursing homes in Khartoum, said at least 71 children died at the Al-Mayqoma since the war in Sudan began on April 15.

Among the dead were babies as young as three months, according to death certificates obtained by the AP. The certificates listed circulatory collapse as a cause of death, but also mentioned other contributing factors such as fever, dehydration, malnutrition, and failure to thrive.

Their relocation followed an online campaign led by local activists and international charities, which intensified after the death of 26 children in two days at the orphanage in late May. The children had been trapped in the fighting for over seven weeks as food and other supplies dwindled. The facility was inaccessible because of the war had turned the capital and other urban areas into battlefields.

"The safe movement of these incredibly vulnerable children to a place of safety offers a ray of light in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Sudan," Mandeep O'Brien, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, said in a statement. "Many millions of children remain at risk across Sudan."

Local volunteers, meanwhile, evacuated 77 other children earlier this week from separate foster homes in the coastal, Sirag of Hadhreen said. The children have temporarily sheltered along with 11 adults in a school in the town of Hasahisa, also in Jazira province, he said.

The fighting has inflicted a heavy toll on civilians, particularly children. More than 860 civilians, including at least 190 children, were killed and thousands of others were wounded since April 15, according to Sudan's Doctors' Syndicate which tracks civilian casualties. The tally is likely to be much higher.

The conflict has forced more than 1.9 million people to flee their homes, including around 477,000 who crossed into neighboring countries, according to the U.N.'s migration agency. Others remain trapped inside their homes, unable to escape as food and water supplies dwindle. The clashes have also disrupted the work of humanitarian groups.

There have been reports of widespread looting and sexual violence, including the rape of women and girls in Khartoum and the western Darfur region, which have seen some of the worst fighting in the conflict. Almost all reported cases of sexual attacks were blamed on the RSF, which didn't respond to repeated requests for comment.
(Tribune News Service)  In a move underscoring its geopolitical ambitions in the Western Hemisphere, China is going to establish an espionage base in Cuba just 90 miles from Florida, for which the Chinese government will reportedly pay billions of dollars to the cash-strapped Caribbean nation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the secret deal citing officials familiar with the classified intelligence, the eavesdropping facility would allow Chinese intelligence agencies to monitor ship traffic and electronic communications throughout the U.S. southeastern region where the Doral-based U.S. Southern Command and other military facilities are located.

China is believed to already have a military presence in Cuba in a listening station in Bejucal, a town south of Havana, where there were reports of a new radar surveillance installation in 2018. It is unclear if the new deal entails expanding this facility or constructing a new one.

The news follows intense speculation that Russia, not China, was planning to reopen its Soviet-era espionage base in Lourdes, a town near Havana, which it shut down in 2002. High-ranking Russian national security officials and diplomats have been traveling to the island recently, and the two governments appear as close as ever, with Cuban leaders offering public support for Russias invasion of Ukraine.

However, when publicly asked about reopening the Lourdes base during his trip to Havana in April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not directly address the question. And despite several economic agreements recently announced by Russian and Cuban authorities, including land-lease deals, the news about a Chinese spy base speaks to the realities on the ground: The island is desperate for cash as its economy continues sinking. Russia had limited resources even before embarking on a war against Ukraine  and China can pay.

On May 20, Cubas interior minister, Gen. Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas, met with Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong.

China stands ready to work with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, especially in law enforcement and security, a Chinese government statement said.

The news about the spy base comes as the Biden administration has been taking steps to improve its strained relationship with China, which is considered the United States primary military and economic rival.

At the same time, State Department officials and members of Congress have been raising concerns about Chinas increased influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. China has become South Americas largest trading partner, exploited the Biden administrations reluctance to new trade deals and inked a free trade agreement with Ecuador, while Uruguay and Panama are in line, U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Miami, said during a congressional hearing she chaired Wednesday.

That is very troublesome, Salazar said, blaming the Biden administration for ignoring the pleas of allies in the region with conservative governments to the benefit of our enemies.

When asked by representative Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, why the U.S. has seemed to become more passive and allowed China to increase its influence in the Western Hemisphere, the State Departments top diplomat for the region acknowledged the administration needs to act with a sense of urgency.

This is the most challenging moment I have seen in 30 years in our hemisphere, and we have to do everything that we can to help our neighbors and our partners around the region to succeed and resist these strategic competitors from outside, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs Brian Nichols said.

The China deal also complicates U.S. policy toward Cuba.

The administration has lifted some restrictions on flights and remittances, resumed the family reunification program for Cubans and reestablished migration and law enforcement talks with the Cuban government. However, it stopped short of easing other embargo restrictions and removing Cuba from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism, which the Cuban government had made a condition to improving relations.

The cozying up to Russia and China indicates the Cuban government has chosen to seek further support from its longtime political and ideological allies rather than pursuing normalization of relations with the U.S. at a time Cuban authorities perceive their grip on power is at risk.

Cuba is facing its worst economic crisis in decades and serious political challenges from a population that has taken to the streets to protest and demand regime change.

Ebrahim Raeisi, the president of Iran, another major U.S. adversary, is set to travel to the island after visiting Venezuela and Nicaragua next week.

The strategy suggests something else: The Cuban military is calling the shots on the island, not the civilian team led by Cubas handpicked president, Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Florida Republicans in Congress quickly reacted to the report on the China espionage base deal to highlight what they said is an increasing national security threat coming from Cuba.

The threat to America from Cuba isnt just real, it is far worse than this, Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted. But to date, not only does the Biden White House not care, they have people who actually want to appease the regime.

The Cuban regime is auctioning off land to the Russians, hosting the Iranians, and letting the Chinese open a base to spy on the U.S., Salazar tweeted. Just 90 miles from our coast, the dictatorship has opened the door to our greatest enemies!

2023 Miami Herald.

Visit at miamiherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
SEOUL, South Korea  Another vestige of the U.S. militarys former headquarters on the Korean Peninsula will disappear next month as part of a decades-long effort to shrink the military footprint in the countrys capital city.

The commissary at Yongsan Garrison will close its doors on July 30 after 35 years in the heart of Seoul, according to an email Wednesday from Kevin Robinson, spokesman for the Defense Commissary Agency. Some commissary employees and equipment will move to Camp Humphreys, roughly 40 miles to the south in Pyeongtaek.

The move appeared imminent on June 2; some commissary shelves were empty as a handful of customers browsed the aisles or proceeded to the one checkout lane still in operation.

Civilian electronics technician John Dehaven, a 25-year Yongsan resident, said he shops at the commissary for its cheaper meat. The stores closure will be a minor inconvenience, Dehaven said. He plans to do his future shopping at nearby South Korean stores or the Osan Air Base commissary about 30 miles away.

I do shopping for myself here, Dehaven told Stars and Stripes near the commissary on June 2. My wife is Korean, and she doesnt like American cuisine. Thats why she shops off-post. We never shop together.

Army spouse Ashley Woods said she shops at the commissary because its easy and its convenient. Woods said she will probably brave Emart, a South Korean retailer, after the closure.

Overcoming the language barrier in South Korean stores will be a challenge, she said.

Going to the commissary has just become kind of our routine, Woods said as she left the building. Definitely going to miss it and the people that work here.

The closure is part of the broader move by U.S. forces to Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base overseas.

In 2002, U.S. Forces Korea and South Koreas government agreed to consolidate most American personnel from Yongsan and other dispersed outposts to Humphreys and return the land to Seoul.

All of the major U.S.-led commands in South Korea  USFK, U.N. Command, 2nd Infantry Division, Eighth Army and the Combined Forces Command  moved from Yongsan to Humphreys as part of the nearly $11 billion relocation project. The Combined Forces Command, the last of the five commands to move, vacated Yongsan in November.

Business at the commissary over the years reflected the falling numbers of customers. Roughly 47,400 transactions took place there in 2021, according to the commissary agency. That number dropped to about 41,300 the following year.

The 113 remaining Defense Department civilian employees and U.S. service members  mostly military police  still living at Yongsan have several options for grocery shopping beyond the base, Yongsan Garrison spokeswoman Laurel Stone said in an email Friday.

Several large South Korean stores that sell the same or similar products are within five miles of the garrison, including Costco Wholesale, Emart and Lotte Mart.

The next closest commissary is about 10 miles away at the U.S. Armys K-16 airfield in Seongnam. Robinson said the hours of operation there will increase and it will remain a fully servicing commissary.
Two U.S. universities that have offered in-person classes for service members in Europe for decades were awarded new five-year contracts from the Defense Department, while two others are bowing out this summer.

The University of Maryland Global Campus announced its deal in a statement Wednesday, and Embry-Riddle spokeswoman Nancy Tran-Horne told Stars and Stripes on Thursday that it also has an agreement with DOD to keep its classroom coursework going.

The University of Oklahoma and Central Texas College, however, did not seek new contracts for providing classroom education, said Ela Karczewska, a spokeswoman for Installation Management Command-Europe.

The University of Maryland Global Campus had its beginnings in 1949, when seven teachers went to war-torn Germany to begin instructing students, according to the statement. It will mark its 75th anniversary in Europe next year.

Our service to the U.S. military has been part of the very foundation of our university and a cornerstone of our global reputation, university President Gregory Fowler said in the statement.

The university offers more than 30 undergraduate degrees and certificates in more than 120 subjects, according to its website.

This new contract adds several certificate and degree program options, including emergency management, environmental management, legal studies, data analytics, and various health-related options, Patricia Coopersmith, vice president and director of the universitys Europe division, said in the statement.

The University of Maryland Global Campus and Embry-Riddle will meet next week to discuss the future of the two programs, Tran-Horne said.

In-person instruction is expected to end at University of Oklahoma and Central Texas College classrooms in Europe on July 31, according to their websites.
MOSCOW  The co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial, Oleg Orlov, went on trial in Moscow Thursday, charged with "discrediting" the Russian military in his criticism of Russia's campaign in Ukraine.

If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

Orlov has been fined twice for anti-war pickets, with the new charges based on an article he wrote denouncing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Discrediting the Russian military is a criminal offense under a law adopted after Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The law is regularly used against Kremlin critics.

Memorial and its supporters have called the trial politically motivated.

"Oleg Orlov was brought to the dock solely because of an anti-war article he wrote, denouncing Putin's Russia as a totalitarian fascist society," Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International's Russia Director, said. "Predictably, the system he described cannot tolerate his need to defend the truth and his refusal to remain silent after Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine."

"In my article I spoke about the terrible role that war plays for the development of the political regime in our country," Orlov told the court, according to a post on Memorial's Telegram channel. "And how can I be judged like this without violating the law?" he added.

The next hearing is set for July 3.

Orlov's defense team included Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.

Memorial, one of the oldest and the most renowned Russian rights organizations, was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, along with imprisoned Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski and the Center for Civil Liberties, a Ukrainian human rights group.

Memorial was founded in the Soviet Union in 1987 to ensure the victims of communist repression would be remembered. It has continued to compile information on human rights abuses and track the fate of political prisoners in Russia while facing a relentless crackdown from the Kremlin in recent years, which has intensified since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The group had been declared a "foreign agent," a designation that brings additional government scrutiny and carries strong pejorative connotations. Over the years it was ordered to pay massive fines for alleged violations of the "foreign agent" law. Russia's Supreme Court ordered Memorial shut down in December 2021, a move that sparked outcry in Russia and abroad.
Kosovo complains of biased western envoys in talks with its former foe Serbia

PRISTINA, Kosovo  Kosovo's prime minister on Thursday complained of bias against his country from the United States and the European Union and tolerance of what he called Serbia's authoritarian regime.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti said his Cabinet took a different stance. "We insist that behaving well with an autocrat doesn't make him behave better. On the contrary," he said.

The U.S. and EU envoys for the Kosovo-Serbia talks  Gabriel Escobar and Miroslav Lajcak respectively  "come to us with demands, with requests of the other side," he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Ethnic Serbs recently clashed with Kosovo police and then the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force, leaving 30 soldiers and over 50 Serbs injured and provoking fears of a renewal of the region's bloody conflicts.

Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, outgoing head of the EU Rule of Law Mission, known as EULEX, said that during last week's violent confrontation "there were very serious injuries sustained by several KFOR soldiers."

"There already was violence of the worst kind of thing. Everyone  says we're lucky that there were no casualties."

After the soldiers were injured last week, NATO said it would send an additional 700 troops to northern Kosovo.

Wigemark said the time would come when EULEX civilian police, who no longer have executive powers but only "monitoring and mentoring Kosovo police," wouldn't be needed in Kosovo.

"But the conditions are not quite there yet," he said.

The European diplomat did not rule out that NATO could decide to deploy "thousands of military troops" in Kosovo.

"If the situation is becoming increasingly unstable, if it starts to escalate again, of course, that is an option."

The clashes grew out of an earlier confrontation after ethnic Albanian candidates who were declared the winners of local elections in northern Kosovo entered municipal buildings to take office and were blocked by Serbs. Ethnic Serbs overwhelmingly boycotted the votes.

Brussels has asked Kosovo to withdraw its special police forces from northern Kosovo, where most of the ethnic Serb minority lives, and to hold fresh elections.

In February and March, Kosovo and Serbia reached a EU-facilitated deal on normalizing relations, with an 11-point plan for implementation. The process remains the focus of the talks mediated by the envoys from Washington and Brussels.

Kurti insisted the special police forces could not be "downsized" until criminal Serb gangs either left the country or were arrested. He said there was peace in Kosovo if there were no "orders for violence from Belgrade."

Western powers should not indulge Belgrade, the root problem of the violence in the Western Balkans, Kurti said.

Kurti complained that even for the April snap election in the four northern municipalities with a Serb majority population, "international mediators, European facilitators failed us."

He said they urged Kosovo to make electoral amendments but did not put pressure on the ethnic Serbs' only political party to take part in the vote.

He said he would need the international community's help to foster political pluralism in the ethnic Serb minority "for a fair competition, for a democratic race for new mayors."

"We cannot afford another process where Serbian candidates boycott it a couple of days before the elections start because that's what Belgrade orders," he said.

Wigemark, who has also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, said it was vital that "these kinds of incidents are not allowed to flare up, to spill over to some sort of armed conflict."

"The ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, that is the venue to sort out most of the outstanding questions," he said.

Serbia and its former province Kosovo have been at odds for decades, with Belgrade refusing to recognize Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence. The violence near their shared border has stirred fear of a renewal of a 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives and resulted in the KFOR peacekeeping mission.
The United Nations said Thursday it would work towards helping Libya's rival factions agree on contested points preventing long-delayed presidential and legislative elections being held in the conflict-scarred nation.

Early Wednesday, envoys of Libya's factions said after more than two weeks of talks in Morocco they had agreed on the legal steps required for new elections.

But they stopped short of signing an agreement, indicating that they had differences that still need to be resolved.

Elections in the North African country had been due in December 2021 but were never organised, as disputes persisted on key issues including who should stand in the polls.

Libya has been torn by more than a decade of stop-start conflict since a 2011 revolt toppled strongman Moamer Kadhafi, with myriad militias forming opposing alliances backed by foreign powers.

The country remains split between a nominally interim government in Tripoli in the west, and another in the east backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

On Thursday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement it "takes note" of the outcome of the Morocco talks.

It said UNSMIL will work "to facilitate a process amongst all actors to address the contested elements of the electoral framework" with the aim of securing "the necessary political agreement on the path to elections".

The UN mission urged everyone involved "in a spirit of compromise, to address all outstanding issues and create a safer and more conducive environment for the holding of elections in 2023".

Among the contested points are the candidacy of dual nationals and soldiers.

Khalifa Haftar who lead Libyan National Army in the east, also hold US citizenship, and his detractors accuse him of seeking to restore military dictatorship in Libya.

The UN envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily did not attend the talks in Morocco, but on Thursday the UNSMIL statement urged "all players to refrain from delay tactics aimed at prolonging the stalemate".

The UN appeal was supported by representatives in Tripoli of both the United States and the European Union.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Fellow NATO members will feel the peer pressure applied by the U.S. to make good on greater defense spending when they convene next month in Vilnius, Lithuania, the American envoy to the alliance said at a conference this week.

NATO funding will be a major topic at the summit July 11-12, Ambassador Julianne Smith and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

The 31 countries in the alliance will be on notice about dedicating 2% of gross domestic product to defense, a commitment known as the Defense Investment Pledge, or DIP.

The pledge is a floor, not a ceiling, and there will be language on this, Smith said, adding that the U.S. is planning to introduce what she called DIP 2.0 at the Lithuania gathering.

Stoltenberg and Smith participated virtually in a conference sponsored by the Center for New American Security.

The 2% threshold was set at a summit in Wales in 2014, following Russias illegal annexation of Crimea, with a target for doing so by 2024.

But Smith said only about seven or eight allies have reached that goal so far, although that number is expected to grow in the next three years.

Were going to increase the level of readiness, were going to have a bigger pool of forces from which to draw, but youre absolutely right, it will require countries to deliver on the 2%, Smith said.

The bloc is committed not only to ensuring that Ukraine is victorious but also that it is equipped to prevent future attacks from Russia, they said.

Stoltenbergs annual report for 2022 showed that the U.S., Greece, Lithuania, Britain, Poland, Estonia and Latvia met that target. NATO allies overall increased defense spending by 2.2% from the previous year, according to the report.

During the Cold War, the average in Europe was about 3% of GDP for defense, Stoltenberg said Wednesday, warning that Russia should not be underestimated.

The Russians have seen big losses for land forces, but they have air and naval forces which have hardly suffered any losses, not to mention cyber and nuclear capabilities.

When the current war ends, the alliance needs to have a framework in place to ensure that Ukraine is not attacked again, Stoltenberg added.

That framework likely will include Ukraine as a future NATO member, given that at the Madrid summit in June 2022, all allies agreed on eventual membership for Kyiv, Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to attend the July summit in person, but he could not say whether a decision on Ukraines membership will come as soon as next month.

Zelenskyy has stepped up demands for the alliance to fast-track Ukraines bid for membership.

All allies agree that NATOs door is open, Stoltenberg said, adding that it is for Ukraine and for the allies to decide when the time is right.

Russian President Vladmir Putin doesnt have a veto over NATO enlargement, he said.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands  Russia urged judges at the United Nations' highest court on Thursday to throw out a case brought by Ukraine against Moscow over the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the arming of rebels in eastern Ukraine before Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"We appear before you today in order to demonstrate that Ukraine's application must be dismissed because it is without any legal foundation. Nor does it have any factual evidence to back it," Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands Alexander Shulgin told judges at the International Court of Justice.

Shulgin also used the hearing to accuse Ukraine of responsibility for the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Ukraine accused Russia of blowing up the facility, which Moscow's forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

"The Kyiv regime not only launched massive artillery attacks against the dam in the night of June 6, but it also deliberately forced the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir to a critical level by opening the valves" of the hydroelectric plant, Shulgin said.

Lawyers for Ukraine said as hearings in the case opened Tuesday that Russia bankrolled a "campaign of intimidation and terror" by rebels in eastern Ukraine starting in 2014 and sought to replace Crimea's multiethnic community with "discriminatory Russian nationalism."

Ukraine filed the case in 2017, asking the world court to order Moscow to pay reparations for attacks and crimes such as the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by a Russian missile fired from territory controlled by Moscow-backed rebels on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The Ukrainian government alleges that Russia breached two treaties: the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Addressing the terrorism funding allegation, Michael Swainston, a British lawyer representing Russia, said Ukraine's legal team failed to establish that actions by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine could be considered terrorism.

"It is imperative to distinguish between terrorists who deliberately target civilians and soldiers who foresee that civilians will be killed as collateral damage while striking a military target," Swainston said. "The former is a war crime, while the latter represents lawful conduct. And of course, soldiers also make mistakes."

He also disputed that the downing of MH17 could be considered an act of terrorism and sought to undermine findings by a Dutch court that last year convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian of multiple murders for their roles in downing the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur flight.

The Hague District Court ruled after months of hearings and years of international investigations that the Boeing 777 was shot down by a Buk surface-to-air missile system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base and later returned to the base.

"There was no Russian Buk. No Buk came from Russia. No crew for a Buk came from Russia," Swainston said, calling evidence that the Dutch court relied on in its verdicts "unsourced digital nonsense."

Another member of the Russian legal team, Kirill Udovichenko, told the court that it was "undisputed" that the conflict in Ukraine had "led to a loss of civilian life. However, none of these tragic events create a plausible case for terrorism or terrorism financing" as defined in the convention.

After the hearings scheduled to wrap up next week, judges will take months to reach a decision in the case. The court's rulings are final and legally binding.

___

Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Has Ukraine's long-awaited spring counteroffensive finally begun? Even now, as the calendar ticks firmly into summer, the answer still very much depends on whom you ask. Russian officials say yes, it has  a view shared by some U.S. officials, too. But the Ukrainians have directly rejected these claims. "When we start the counteroffensive, everyone will know about it, they will see it," Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, told Reuters on Wednesday.

Ultimately, the wins of last year's counteroffensives were easy to spot. After Ukraine stealthily maneuvered its forces to the Kharkiv region in September, they were able to displace invading Russian forces who had been expecting the counteroffensive to begin hundreds of miles south in the Kherson region. The Russians were flummoxed. In the resulting strategic disarray, Moscow's forces were soon also forced to retreat in the south, with Ukraine ultimately liberating the city of Kherson and the surrounding area in November.

However, the landscape of the war has fundamentally changed since last year. There are several reasons that this year's efforts may not prove to be an easy repeat of 2022's counteroffensives for Ukraine  for better or worse.

1. The battle map has been redrawn. Last year, Ukraine was able to retake significant areas of land in the Kherson region, but only on the west bank of the Dnieper. This mighty, sprawling river serves as a dividing line between Ukrainian forces and Russian occupiers, who have destroyed bridges that could be used to cross it. Crossing the Dnieper is possible  small groups of Ukrainian soldiers have already done just that  but it presents a significant tactical problem.

That problem may have been made more severe this week by the collapse of the Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power plant, which resulted in enormous flooding, with thousands of homes caught in rising waters. The flooding has already reshaped the battlefield, cutting off one of the few remaining routes across the river.

In the neighboring Zaporizhzhia region, meanwhile, the relatively flat expanses of mostly agricultural land make for a far riper target. Many expect the counteroffensive to take place in this direction as it could sever the "land bridge" to Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula occupied by Russia since 2014. But Russia knows this too and has spent more than six months heavily fortifying the area with trenches, minefields and antitank obstacles. Getting through those lines will take time, effort and equipment  potentially allowing Russian reserves to regroup and counterstrike before Ukraine's forces can break through.

2. New weapons are on the battlefield. The United States has provided significant amounts of new weapons to Ukrainian forces since last November, including the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, the M1A2 Abrams battle tank and Patriot air defense missile systems. Other allies have filled in the gap, with European allies providing Leopard 2 battle tanks and Britain supplying the Storm Shadow long-range missiles. (The United States also recently gave approval for the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, though like the Abrams tanks, it is likely to be many months before they are used).

Many of these weapons will mark a change for Ukraine, which at the start of the conflict was relying on older machines largely of Soviet-era design. The Bradleys, for example, are generally faster and have better armor than the vehicles they are supplanting, while the addition of long-range missiles like the Storm Shadow could force Russia to move its reserves further from Ukrainian-controlled territory, making them slower to respond.

Just as important, however, are the troops themselves. Units like the newly created 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade are not only armed with Western weapons but trained in Western military tactics, too. They have been trained in offensive maneuvers  remarkably, unusual in Ukraine's military until the invasion  as well as combined-arms warfare, which calls on different types of weapons and units to work together to maximize their impact.

3. Morale could prove to be a big issue for both sides. Russia's military has been beset with problems since the war began  one reason for the hasty retreats seen last year. Russia's planned winter offensive earlier this year never took off, while whatever gains there have been are at best pyrrhic victories. Bakhmut, for example, was taken at the massive cost of both the strategically unimportant city itself and thousands of Russians  many convicts recruited as mercenaries  who died there. Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary chief who placed himself at the center of that battle, is now in a war of words with Russia's military, further evidence of deep and potentially dangerous internal divisions.

By comparison, the fissures in Ukrainian morale are limited. In general, Ukrainian soldiers and officials keep a remarkably consistent patriotic tone, even after the setback in Bakhmut, with few reports of rifts over military strategy or other issues with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership. But this means the weight of expectations bears down on Ukraine's counteroffensive. Last month, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told reporters from The Washington Post that the counteroffensive may be "overestimated" given Ukraine's strength during the last push and its remarkable resilience over 14 months of the war. He warned of "emotional disappointment" if something huge wasn't achieved.

Reznikov may not just have been talking about domestic disappointment in Ukraine, where many are ready for some kind of return to normalcy even if they don't want to give up the fight against Russia. If Ukrainian forces are not able to keep up the momentum seen in previous counteroffensives with all the new military equipment and training they've recently received, some Western allies may begin to push for negotiations as their own morale is sapped. It's one more reason Ukraine has left many waiting for the counteroffensive: They need to get it right.
AUSTIN, Texas  The Texas National Guard will build 1,000 feet of barrier in the Rio Grande using four-foot-tall buoys to deter migrants from crossing into the United States from Mexico between legal ports of entry, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday.

Troops will begin installing the buoys later this month in Eagle Pass, where large groups of people are able to cross shallow water, said Steven McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The buoys will cost nearly $1 million.

The work is part of the state-sponsored mission known as Operation Lone Star, which began more than two years ago to prevent illegal activity such as smuggling drugs and people from Mexico into Texas.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the commander of the Texas National Guard, told state lawmakers that roughly 5,500 troops were deployed to the border for Operation Lone Star, where they work in cooperation with the state police.

The buoys are one piece of a layered barrier approach to prevent and deter people from crossing illegally into Texas, Abbott said. They are in addition to coiled barbed wire that Guard troops have stretched along the border and the patrols conducted by service members on land and water.

When we are dealing with 100 or 1,000 people, one of the goals is to slow down and deter as many of them as possible, Abbott said. Some of them, some, may eventually get to the border where they are going to face that multi-layered razor wire and the full force of National Guard and [state police] officers which they will not be allowed to pass. They both know they have one instruction: do not allow anybody to enter into the state of Texas. Period.

The buoys will have webbing below the surface of the water to prevent people from swimming under them, McCraw said. They can be quickly moved, as needed, and have been tested by other agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, he said.

Crossing the Rio Grande can be dangerous and efforts to do so by migrants have resulted in deaths in some cases, McCraw said.

We dont want people to cross and continue to put themselves at risk, he said.

Abbott made the new barrier announcement during a ceremony to sign six bills into law from the Texas Legislature that relate to border security. Two directly affect the Texas National Guard.

One new law gives Texas military forces the authority to use drones as part of an operation, exercise or mission. It allows the use of drones for search and recovery missions after natural disasters and for monitoring the Texas-Mexico border as part of Operation Lone Star.

The second law authorizes the governor to coordinate and execute an interstate agreement for border security among interested states without congressional approval. The compact will allow participating states to share law enforcement intelligence and resources for heightened detection and deterrence of illegal border activity.

However, the existing Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows states to provide resources to each other during emergencies, has already paved the way for 11 states to send National Guard troops to help the border mission in Texas. States fund the border support that they provide Texas, according to the emergency request.

Those states are Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Iowa, South Carolina, West Virginia, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Texas is no longer ground zero for this crisis. Texas is a stronghold. This is exemplified by 11 states sending their National Guards to the Texas border to help protect the nation, Suelzer said.

Abbott last month called on other states to support Texas, citing a projected surge in illegal activity at the border caused by the May 11 lifting of a public health policy known as Title 42. The policy allowed federal border agents to quickly expel migrants over concern that they would spread the coronavirus.

Those large numbers of migrants have not materialized yet. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that illegal border crossings are down 70% since Title 42 ended.

Operation Lone Star is separate from a federal mission at the border, which has about 1,500 active-duty troops and 2,500 National Guard members authorized to serve across the entire southwest border in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

The 1,500 active-duty troops were sent to border for three months to help with a surge of migrants following the lifting of Title 42. Though the surge has not occurred, a Pentagon spokesman said Wednesday that there are no plans to end the mission early.
A history of service in the U.S. military is the most common attribute among Americans who attempted or carried out acts of mass violence in the country in the last 30 years, according to a study published Thursday.

Researchers with the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, or START, found military affiliation as the most prominent characteristic among thousands of suspects in foiled and successful extremist plots to injure or kill at least four people. Military veterans were more likely to succeed in their plots, though the vast majority of such schemes  more than 70%  were thwarted by law enforcement before anyone was harmed, according to the study, which was led by the University of Maryland.

A record of military service is more reliable for classifying mass casualty offenders  than factors that are more commonly discussed in the literature on mass casualty crimes, such as mental health concerns, offending alone or in a small group, and having a pre-radicalization criminal history, the researchers wrote in the study that looked at thousands of cases of extremism-inspired mass casualty attacks and plots from 1990 to 2022.

Extremists with military backgrounds were 2.41 times more likely to be classified as mass casualty offenders than those who never served, the researchers found. For comparison, those with mental health concerns, the second highest indicator the study found, were 1.5 times more likely to attempt mass casualty attacks.

The study comes as the Pentagon wrestles with how to handle extremism within its ranks.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made the issue a priority within the Defense Department, including efforts to train troops to recognize and report indications of extremism among their fellow service members.

The Pentagon's focus on extremism came largely in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. The attack included a handful of service members and dozens of veterans among the hundreds in the mob that sought to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's election victory. Nonetheless, several Republican lawmakers have pushed back on the Pentagon efforts to address extremism, labeling them overtly political or unnecessary.

Pentagon officials have said they know extremist groups, especially far right and anti-government organizations, seek out military veterans and push their young followers to enlist so they can receive military training.

The study found the vast majority of military-affiliated mass casualty plotters were aligned with far-right domestic extremist groups such as anti-government militia groups and white supremacist organizations. Those groups included the anti-government Boogaloo movement, the Oath Keepers, Ku Klux Klan and the neo-Nazi Atomwaffen Division.

Islamist extremists made up the next highest category with about 15% of military-affiliated offenders, with those pledging support for groups including al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

The study also found those who plotted mass casualty attacks after leaving the military typically did so long after separating from the service. More than 65% of military-affiliated individuals who plotted mass casualty attacks did so six or more years after leaving the service and about half of those did so more than 16 years after separating.

About 22% of military-affiliated mass casualty attack planners were on active-duty or serving in the National Guard or Reserve when they plotted or carried out attacks, the researchers found.

While the START researchers found Americans with a military background are no more likely to be radicalized than civilians, those who have served and were radicalized are more likely to plan for, or commit, mass casualty crimes, thus having an outsized impact on public safety.

The START researchers encouraged better instruction on extremism for the military, writing the Pentagon should educate troops entering the military as part of its curriculum and troops leaving the service through its Transition Assistance Program.

The group also recommended the Pentagon work with elected officials, the Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans services organizations to implement a public health informed strategy to address extremism in the ranks.
Legislation drafted by a group of U.S. senators aims to alleviate the militarys ongoing woes in attracting new members by allowing recruiters greater access to high schools and colleges.

Introduced Wednesday, the Military Service Promotion Act would allow branches of the service to obtain college student dropout data, require the Pentagon to examine ways to prep possible recruits better for physical fitness and aptitude tests and force schools to let recruiters attend career fairs and similar events.

While high schools already must provide access to military recruiters under current law, the new bill also would obligate them to respond to recruiter requests for access within 60 days.

The bill comes amid concerns that the militarys all-volunteer force may be reaching its breaking point.

The Army fell short of its most recent recruiting goal of 60,000 by more than 25%, signing up fewer than 45,000 new soldiers in 2022.

Other services barely met their targets. In March, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said the service was struggling to enlist new airmen and likely would miss its active-duty, reserve and Air National Guard recruiting goals this year.

Our military is facing the largest recruitment crisis in 50 years, which has real impacts on our national security, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, one of the bills sponsors, said in a statement Wednesday.

While the bill is intended to boost enlistee numbers by making more students aware of the opportunities provided by the military, the extent to which its expected to do so is not specified in the text.

The more students we teach about these options, the better we can address the concerning issue of geographic diversity among our troops and the recruiting crisis, said Sen. Angus King, a Maine independent who also sponsored the bill.

He was referring to a decline in the number of new active-duty troops from the Northeast and Midwest.

Last year, only 9% of Americans age 16-21 expressed interested in serving in the military, according to data published by the Army . A separate Pentagon report last year found that most young Americans, 77%, would not qualify for military service without a waiver due to being overweight, using drugs or having mental and physical health problems.

The bill calls for the expansion of the Armys Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which helps those interested in joining the service overcome academic and physical fitness barriers.

In addition, it would require an assessment by the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness to determine whether other branches should create similar programs.

The Department of Defense should be looking at ways to help those who want to serve our country successfully meet the requirements to do so, Romney said.
WASHINGTON  The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dilawar Syed as deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration, ending more than two years of delays after a blockade by Republicans in the last Congress.

Syed will be the highest-ranking Muslim official in the U.S. government.

Republicans on the Small Business Committee had blocked his nomination, citing the agency's payouts to abortion providers and other reasons. President Joe Biden had first nominated the Pakistani-born businessman to the position in March 2021, and he renominated him this year in the new Congress.

Syed was confirmed 54-42.

Sen. Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat who chairs the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, said ahead of the vote that the position of deputy administrator at the SBA has been vacant for nearly five years over two presidential administrations.

"It is about time we get this done," Cardin said.

Syed's nomination stalled in committee last Congress after Republicans repeatedly failed to appear for votes. Republicans, led by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul  then the panel's top Republican  gave several different explanations, including Syed's affiliation with a Muslim advocacy group, small-business loans he received and, finally, the agency's loans to branches of Planned Parenthood.

The stalemate led to Democratic charges of anti-Muslim bias and galvanized some Muslim and Jewish organizations to condemn the delay.

Rabbi Jack Moline, then-president of Interfaith Alliance, argued at the time that the inaction was an "excuse for a lot of issues that have nothing to do with suitability for the position."

With an increased majority this year that gave Democrats an extra vote on the committee, the panel approved Syed's nomination in March, two years after he was first nominated. Five Republicans voted to confirm him in Thursday's final vote.

Republicans on the committee still have objections. Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, the new top Republican on the business committee, said she believes Syed was slow to disclose loans he had received and was not forthcoming enough in questioning as the committee has been concerned about potentially fraudulent pandemic loans.

"I'm not convinced Mr. Syed is ready and willing to change the SBA's culture and bring much-needed accountability to the agency," Ernst said.

Democrats pointed out during Syed's 2021 confirmation hearing that at the time, he was not required to disclose the loans in his nominations paperwork.

Lina Khan, the chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission, is also Muslim.

Associated Press writer Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON  As it pushes to renew a cornerstone law that authorizes major surveillance programs, the Biden administration faces an American public that's broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security.

Congress in the coming months will debate whether to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect large amounts of foreign communications for intelligence purposes ranging from stopping spies to listening in on allies and foes. Those collection programs also sweep up U.S. citizen communications that can then be searched by intelligence and law enforcement officers.

The new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Democrats and Republicans have similar views on surveillance tactics, while Republicans have become substantially less likely over the last decade to say it's at least sometimes necessary to sacrifice freedom in response to threats.

U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 is necessary to protect national security and to counter China, Russia and other adversaries. They credit the program with better informing U.S. diplomats and enabling operations like last year's strike to kill a key plotter of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

But officials will have to overcome sharp divisions in Congress and bipartisan anger at the FBI, though most observers still believe Section 702 will be renewed in some form.

Driving a political shift is increasing skepticism among Republican elected officials of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Conservatives have battered the FBI for misleading the primary surveillance court in its investigation into former President Donald Trump campaign's ties to Russia. Trump and other top Republicans often accuse the so-called government "deep state" of using its powers to target conservatives.

Historically, "the left flank has been the more vocal objector to government surveillance on privacy and civil liberties grounds," said Carter Burwell, who was chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, when the law was last renewed in early 2018.

"Over the past five or 10 years, with the rise of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party, call it the antigovernment wing of the Republican Party, that is an equally vocal and powerful plurality," said Burwell, now a lawyer at the firm Debevoise & Plimpton.

The poll asked U.S. adults whether they support several practices authorized by Section 702. It found that 28% of adults support the government listening to phone calls made outside of the U.S. without a warrant, while 44% oppose the practice. Views are similar about the U.S. reading emails sent between people outside of the U.S. without a warrant.

The public was more receptive to surveillance of activity outside of the U.S. a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. That shifted significantly by the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021.

In the latest poll, 48% of Americans this year said they believed it necessary to sacrifice their rights and freedoms to prevent terrorism, down from 54% in 2021 and nearly two-thirds in 2011. That shift was especially dramatic among Republicans, with just 44% saying that's sometimes necessary compared with 69% in 2011. Among Democrats, 55% still say so, similar to the 59% who said so in 2011.

Sarah Apwisch, a 57-year-old from Three Rivers, Michigan, described herself as somewhat opposed to the monitoring of foreign emails and phone calls. A Democrat, Apwisch said she was "mostly pro-FBI" but concerned after years of negative stories about the bureau.

"Honestly, I don't want to hear anything about the FBI," she said. "I want the FBI to go do their business and not be in the news because they're doing their job well and not doing things that make waves. How they do that, I don't know."

Apwisch also said she supports the FBI and other agencies trying to hunt down enemy spies, but was uncertain about whether the FBI should also use foreign intelligence to investigate other U.S. crimes.

White adults were somewhat more likely to say they were opposed to various forms of surveillance  48% said they opposed the government listening to foreign calls without a warrant  than Black or Hispanic adults, each at 34%.

Rob Redding, a 47-year-old journalist who lives in New York City, said he was neutral about many surveillance practices  but said he felt that way because as a Black man, he didn't expect to have privacy.

Redding mentioned the FBI's spying in the 1960s on Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders as well as officials in Black nationalist movements.

"As a Black man in America, as someone who speaks out about the government all the time, I understand that Black people and especially Black leadership cannot trust America," Redding said.

In Congress, some Democrats and Republicans have found common cause over their complaints about Section 702. Two lawmakers earlier this year issued a statement calling for an end to U.S. surveillance without a warrant. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chairs the liberal Congressional Progressive Caucus, while Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

"We must take this opportunity to reform Section 702 and overhaul privacy protections for Americans so that they truly protect the civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy rights that are foundational to our democracy," Jayapal and Davidson said.

Previous lawmaker efforts to require warrants for searching intelligence databases have failed. Intelligence officials argue they have ramped up training for agents searching the databases and tightened requirements to consult with lawyers on sensitive queries.

Supporters of Section 702 argue most U.S. adults want the government to stop foreign adversaries even if they state misgivings about how American intelligence operates.

Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel at the National Security Agency who is advocating for Section 702 to be extended, noted that while Congress has to be responsive to public opinion, "some of this gets pretty technical and isn't easily understood by the public."

He said he still believed the law would be renewed with some amendments to bolster civil liberties protections and enshrine into law changes that the FBI has made in response to a series of wrongful uses of foreign intelligence.

"At the end of the day, I think most members of Congress understand the value of the statute and understand that when we don't have the statute, there is no substitute," Gerstell said.

Associated Press writer Emily Swanson contributed to this report.

The poll of 1,081 adults was conducted March 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan signed a joint implementation plan in Islamabad on Thursday to execute Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.

The ceremony was witnessed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a delegation of Turkmenistan led by Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma'a.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said TAPI is a very important project for the progress of this entire region. This will help the region secure natural gas with concrete assurances and mutually agreed terms and conditions.

Highlighting the significance of energy for developing countries, Shehbaz Sharif we have to negotiate with this challenge through speedy action.

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the TAPI project will bring an era of regional cooperation and prosperity. He asked the Pakistani team to speed up its planning and then its execution.

Shehbaz Sharif said both Pakistan and Turkmenistan are brotherly countries and are ready to expand their economic cooperation.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday, ahead of the 22nd Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in the Zambian capital Lusaka.





El-Sisis visit to Zambia, which started in the late hours of Wednesday, is the first-of-its-kind visit and the second stop of the Egyptian presidents Africa tour that began with visiting Angola, where he met with President Joao Lourenco on Wednesday,

During the meeting, the Zambian president stressed his country's keenness to develop cooperative relations with Egypt and advance it towards broader horizons of joint action, said a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy.

Hichilema expressed his countrys keenness to continue consultations with Egypt on the issues and challenges facing Africa, especially in light of the pioneering role Egypt plays in Africa under the leadership of El-Sisi. He also praised Egypt's efforts to advance the development process and maintain peace and security in the continent.

For his part, El-Sisi confirmed that Egypt seeks to strengthen the historical relations between the two countries and activate the frameworks of cooperation in various fields, especially increasing trade exchange and exploring opportunities for mutual investment. In addition, the president stated that Egypt will continue to provide different forms of support and capacity-building to our brothers in Zambia.

The volume of trade exchange between Egypt and Zambia increased to $328.9 million in 2022, up from $322.1 million in 2021  a 2.1 percent increase, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

The value of Egyptian exports to Zambia increased by 33 percent, from $ 11.4 million in 2021 to $15.2 million in 2022. On the other hand, the value of Egyptian imports from Zambia increased by 1 percent, from $310.7 million in 2021 to $313.7 million in 2022.

According to Fahmy, the meeting addressed enhancing bilateral relations at various levels. The two leaders agreed on the importance of activating the existing cooperation mechanisms between the two sides and working on developing economic ties and trade exchanges between them.

The two presidents also tackled supporting economic development efforts in Zambia, especially in infrastructure development, highlighting that Zambia could benefit from the expertise of Egyptian companies in this field.

Fahmy said the meeting also addressed increasing cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, livestock, fish farming, and health.

The president will then visit Mozambique on the last leg of his Africa tour.

COMESA 22nd Summit

El-Sisi will participate in the 22nd COMESA Heads of State and Governments Summit in the Zambian capital Lusaka.

During the summit, Egypt  which has chaired the continental bloc since 2021  will hand over the COMESA chairmanship to Zambia, which previously hosted the COMESA summit in 2018.

As the chair of COMESA, Egypt has played a pivotal role in advancing regional integration on the continental level, particularly through the development of intra-regional trade in Africa.

The total volume of trade exchange between Egypt and the COMESA countries amounted to $4.2 billion in 2021, a whopping 100 percent increase over the $2 billion figure recorded in 2020, according to a recent report by Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir.

In 2021, Egypt exported $2.8 billion and imported $1.4 billion in goods within the bloc.

Egypt's trade with COMESA countries constituted 22.5 percent of the total intra-bloc trade volume in 2021, according to Samir.

The Zambian president stated that the COMESA has made many achievements under Egypts presidency. For his part, El-Sisi expressed his sincere wishes to Hichilema to succeed in leading the COMESA and continue working on advancing its frameworks of cooperation.

Twenty-one African leaders  representing the 21 states that are members of the COMESA  will participate in the summit, which focuses on promoting development and economic and trade integration among COMESA members.

The theme of the 22nd Summit is "Economic Integration for a Thriving COMESA Anchored on Green Investment, Value Addition, and Tourism."

According to the COMESA website, the theme reflects the need to address the current regional and global economic and trade dynamics, including the effects of COVID-19 and their adverse impact on tourism-dependent economies.

Moreover, the summit will discuss the current geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Eastern Europe, high debt burdens, and extreme weather conditions, all of which continue to weigh heavily on regional economies and affect global supply chains.

COMESA was founded in December 1994 to replace the former Preferential Trade Area (PTA) organization (established in 1981).

It is an organization of free independent sovereign states that agreed to cooperate in developing their natural and human resources for the good of all their people.

COMESA forms a massive marketplace for both internal and external trading.

The population of the member states exceeds 538 million; they have a total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $ 850 billion.

In addition, the blocs global export and import trade in goods amounts to $ 324 billion.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Valerie McGovern (57) has eight previous convictions including for theft, criminal damage and public order offences

A woman who carried vicious assaults on two friends during two separate incidents has been handed a prison sentence.

Valerie McGovern (57) of Shangan Terrace, Ballymun, Dublin 9 pleaded guilty to two separate counts of causing harm to Patricia Nolan at Shangan Green, Santry on October 13, 2018 and to Aishling Groves at Whiteacre Place, Ballymun on August 29, 2020. She has eight previous convictions including for theft, criminal damage and public order offences.

Imposing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday, Judge Elma Sheahan noted the vicious nature of the attacks carried out by McGovern against both victims. She said the psychological harm caused to the victims is not difficult to understand, given the nature of the physical injuries they sustained.

She handed McGovern a total sentence of four years and four months, with the final eight months suspended on strict conditions.

Garda David Jordan told Fiona Crawford BL, prosecuting, that McGovern and Ms Nolan had had a falling out in the weeks prior to the assault. Ms Nolan heard a knock on her door at 2.30am and saw another friend outside.

When she opened the door, McGovern was also there. She pulled the door open, then headbutted the victim. McGovern grabbed her by the hair, and pulled her to the ground. Ms Nolan's son came downstairs and attempted to pull McGovern off, but she banged the victim's head against the ground. Ms Nolan's thumb was also bit during the attack.

When gardai arrived, McGovern and the other friend had left the scene. Ms Nolan declined to go to hospital as she was afraid of what McGovern might do to her house. Photos and a report from a GP were handed to the court. Ms Nolan sustained multiple cuts to her face and bite marks to her thumb.

A victim impact statement was handed in, but not read aloud in court. Ms Nolan has since moved away from Ballymun.

Gda Jordan agreed with defence counsel that no weapon was used in the attack on Ms Nolan. It was also confirmed that Ms Nolan made a statement later to say she may want to withdraw her complaint.

The Director of Public Prosecutions recommended summary disposal of this indictment, but jurisdiction was refused by the District Court.

In relation to the assault in 2020, the court heard that the victim went to the house of a mutual friend and McGovern was in the kitchen.

Ms Groves asked McGovern if she had a problem with her. The investigating garda said the defendant then attacked Ms Groves like a bleeding mad woman. The court heard that McGovern had a kitchen knife in her hand, which she waved at the victim, who raised her hands to protect herself.

During the assault, McGovern attempted to slice Ms Groves' face, before stabbing her on the right side of her neck. Ms Groves felt blood, then ran from the house and was followed by McGovern.

Ms Groves was taken to hospital and later required surgery. She spent 12 days in hospital, including three in intensive care and received 20 stitches to a cut to the back of her ear. She also sustained cuts to her hands and head.

A medical report and photos were handed to the court. A victim impact statement was also submitted, but not read aloud.

The court heard Ms Groves was fearful following the incident as the defendant lives nearby. Ms Groves was undergoing medical treatment at the time, which had to be paused due to the assault.

McGovern was arrested and during interview, told gardai that she acted in self-defence. An investigating garda said no complaint was made by McGovern at the scene, and there was no blood on her clothing.

McGovern was on bail for the assault in 2018 at the time of this incident.

The investigating garda agreed with Ronan Munro SC, defending, that the women's relationship had deteriorated before this incident. He accepted that they had exchanged words and the owner of the property had left the house, where McGovern was sitting in the kitchen when Ms Groves entered.

He also agreed with Mr Munro that McGovern took hold of the knife in the spur of the moment. He accepted that both women had taken some drink on the day in question, and McGovern was still drinking when gardai arrived. He also confirmed that there had been no contact between the parties since this incident.

Mr Munro told the court that McGovern was previously in a relationship which involved domestic abuse. She has several children and supports her youngest son, who has ADHD and attended a special school.

Mr Munro said his client wished to apologise to the victims and is ashamed of her actions. McGovern had a longstanding issue with alcohol, but has been sober for 14 months. She is engaging with the Star Project and a letter was handed into court.

McGovern left school at 14 and is also engaged in improving her literacy skills. She has never been in custody before and is scared by the prospect.

Judge Sheahan noted the mitigating factors include the guilty pleas, which spared the victims the need to come to court, the efforts made by McGovern to deal with her addiction and the absence of similar previous convictions.

She said that this offending represented a significant escalation in the defendant's history.

Judge Sheahan said it is an aggravating factor in relation to the 2018 attack that it occurred in the victim's home and imposed a two-year sentence.

Judge Sheahan imposed a sentence of two years and four months on the second incident, to run consecutive to the first sentence. She suspended the final eight months of the sentence on strict conditions including that McGovern place herself under the supervision of the Probation Service.
Patrick McCann was jailed for 17 years for shooting and seriously injuring his lifelong friend Luke Wilson

Patrick McCann was jailed for 17 years in 2013

Luke Wilson was shot by his lifelong friend Patrick McCann over a decade ago

A man serving a jail term for the attempted gun murder of a friend has been given an extra month in prison for the unlawful possession of a mobile phone.

Patrick McCann (30) was jailed for 17 years in 2013 for shooting and seriously injuring his lifelong friend Luke Wilson, who lost an eye in the attack in a Dublin park.

Luke Wilson is also currently serving an 11 year prison sentence for the Kinahan-ordered attempted murder of Gary Hanley.

Blanchardstown District Court heard McCann was caught with a mobile phone while he was serving a sentence in Wheatfield prison.

The accused, formerly of Decies Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to the offence.

He had previous convictions for having a mobile phone in prison.

A garda witness gave evidence that McCann was found in possession of a phone in prison without permission from the governor last January 26.

McCanns defence solicitor said that his client was serving a very lengthy sentence.

Patrick McCann was jailed for 17 years in 2013

The lawyer asked Judge David McHugh to be as lenient as possible, saying that McCann had dealt with the matter immediately, which had been helpful to the prosecution.

McCann had been punished in the prison for his behaviour, and lost privileges for 42 days, the lawyer added.

In November 2013, McCann pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the attempted murder of Luke Wilson in Inchicore on January 13 that year.

The pair were in a park when McCann took out a gun and shot Mr Wilson in the arm, neck and face, running off when the weapon jammed on the fourth shot.
Daniel McDonnell is currently serving a mandatory life sentence for the murder of 16-year-old Melanie McCarthy McNamara

Daniel McDonnell was convicted of the murder of Melanie McCarthy McNamara (16)

A man serving a life sentence for murder has received a two-year sentence after he threatened to slit a prison officers throat with a sharpened piece of metal during a routine cell check.

Daniel McDonnell (28), of Brookview Lawn in Tallaght, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a prison officer at Wheatfield Prison, Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, on August 12, 2021.

McDonnell is currently serving a mandatory life sentence for the murder of 16-year-old Melanie McCarthy McNamara eleven years ago.

The teenage girl was shot in the head as she sat in a car with two others at Brookview Way in Tallaght on February 8, 2012.

At a hearing today, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the prison officer was carrying out checks and observations on a number of prisoners on the day in 2021.

Garda Mark Grant told Emmet Nolan BL, prosecuting, that the officer saw the accused carving into the viewing glass of his cell with a sharpened piece of metal.

When asked what he was going, McDonnell replied: Im cutting through both sides of the glass so I can spray piss and shit at whoever scumbag officer that comes near the door.

The court heard that the officer closed the hatch and left for a few minutes in the hopes that McDonnell would calm down.

Daniel McDonnell

However, when the officer returned and opened the hatch again, McDonnell held up the sharpened metal and said: See this? Ill slit your throat with this. If I cant do it, Ill get someone on the outside to do it. I can get that sorted, he added.

The prison officer reported the matter and said he was shocked, worried and concerned over the threat made to him.

McDonnell was arrested the following January and accepted that he had been sharpening up a shiv and had told the prison officer to go away.

McDonnell told gardai that he snapped when the officer said something derogatory about his sentence and responded by calling him a scumbag. I probably did say I would stab him to death. I really cant remember; theres something wrong with my memory, he said.

McDonnell has 36 previous convictions, including two threats to kill in 2020 and the 2012 murder.

Gda Grant agreed with Sarah Jane OCallaghan BL, defending, that the accused had totally apologised for his remarks and his behaviour towards the prison officer.

Counsel told the court her client said the word knacker had been used towards him when derogatory remarks were made about this previous conviction.

The court heard that McDonnells friends had been killed in a car crash the previous week and that a congratulations card had been put under his cell door.

Ms OCallaghan said her client fully accepts his guilt in relation to the murder of an innocent girl in 2012 and is extremely remorseful.

McDonnell was aged 17 at the time he carried out the murder, the court heard.

Counsel said McDonnell has experienced difficulties within the prison system and has also suffered significant mental health issues.

He spent a number of years in solitary confinement and had self-harmed so seriously on one occasion that he required immediate hospitalisation and surgery to his neck, the court heard.

Ms OCallaghan said McDonnell was a vulnerable prisoner but is now receiving psychological and psychiatric help and is in a much better place than when he came into prison.

She said McDonnell was very sorry and knew that the officer was just doing his job.

Judge Orla Crowe noted that the threats made by McDonnell were not idle threats and that the officer had been shocked and worried, although he had declined to make a victim impact statement.

The judge also noted that McDonnell had been issued with a P19 disciplinary report. Judge Crowe said the prison officer had only been doing his duty and that she wished to mark the seriousness of the offence.

She set a headline sentence of three years but reduced this to two years and backdated it to May 2 this year, when McDonnell pleaded guilty.

The judge noted that McDonnell has good family support and finds custody difficult.
Jack Kavanagh was arrested at Malaga Airport while transiting from Dubai to Turkey earlier this week.

THE son of Thomas Bomber Kavanagh has also said he will fight the UK bid to extradite him from Spain  just like his uncle Kinahan Cartel gangster Liam Byrne.

Byrne (42) told a judge he had decided to oppose his forced return to Britain in a court hearing on Monday following his arrest on an international arrest warrant the previous evening at a restaurant in Majorca.

Today, officials confirmed Jack Kavanagh had adopted the same tactic at an earlier hearing following his May 30 arrest on the Costa del Sol.

Britains National Crime Agency revealed on Monday Kavanagh (22) had been held at Malaga Airport while transiting from Dubai to Turkey.

They said he and Byrne had been arrested in relation to alleged serious firearms offences.

Both men were sent to prison after making it clear they did not agree to Britains extradition requests in separate hearings before a judge at Spains Audiencia Nacional court.

The centralised court, which deals with all extradition proceedings, is based in Madrid but can arrange for hearings to take place by videoconference where arrests on international warrants have taken place elsewhere in Spain.

Such hearings always take place in private.

The mens decision to fight extradition means separate hearings will now take place where their defence lawyer will put forward reasons why they should not be made to return to the UK.

It is expected to delay any extradition by several weeks if not months.

No date for the hearings, which would take place separately, has yet been set.

Kay Mellor, Regional Head of Investigations at the NCA, confirmed Kavanagh had been held on an international arrest warrant issued in relation to serious firearms offences following his detention.

She said he and Crumlin mobster Byrne, believed to be facing up to 20 years behind bars if convicted at a UK trial, had been evading justice for a number of years.

Jacks father Thomas was a key figure in the Kinahan Cartel until his recent conviction for drugs and money-laundering offences resulted in him getting a 21-year jail sentence.

Liam Byrne being arrested by police in Spain. Photo: Policia Nacional

Byrne is said to have taken over from Bomber Kavanagh.

He left his Dubai bolthole and jetted to Majorca with his family on May 26.

He is thought to have entered the island on a false passport, although Spanish police found no documentation on him when they arrested him.

The NCA revealed Jack Kavanagh had been held days earlier only when it confirmed Liam Byrne was in custody.

It said in a statement: Two men wanted by the National Crime Agency on suspicion of firearms offences have been arrested in Spain.

Liam Byrne, 42, from Dublin, who is thought to be one of the most trusted members of the Kinahan organised crime group, was arrested on Sunday evening in the Alcudia area of Mallorca while eating in a restaurant with family members.

He had flown into Palma Airport from Dubai, UAE, on the 26 May.

Another suspected member of the crime group, Jack Kavanagh, 22, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, was arrested by officers from the Spanish National Police on Tuesday May 30th at Malaga Airport while transiting from Dubai to Turkey.
Kearney describes himself as a British Fascist

A self described British fascist has admitted that he shared terrorist documents on a Telegram channel and now faces a lengthy jail term.

Gym fanatic Kristopher Kearney was arrested and extradited from Alicante in Spain where he was running the social media channel under the nickname Charlie Big Potatoes.

Kearney had shared the manifestos of mass killers including Norwegian Anders Breivik and also shared posts encouraging violence against black people, Jews and Muslims.

Nicola is joined by journalist Chris Summers who was in the Old Bailey where Kearney pleaded guilty and later took to the stand to defend his beliefs.

Crime World Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud.

MORE EPISODES 
A spokesperson told the Sunday World they would be in touch with Ellens relatives to discuss the case

A newspaper report from the time of the Derry woman's murder in 1954.

Serial killer Peter Manuel is reported to have confessed to Ellen's murder as he awaited execution.

The family of an Irish woman murdered while working as a prostitute in London want the investigation into her killing reopened.

Among the suspects for the murder of Ellen Carlin, who was strangled with her own stockings at a flat in 1954, is one of Britains most notorious serial killers.

Peter Manuel was executed in 1958 for the murders of seven women.

However, police believe he killed many more times and Manuel is claimed to have confessed to other murders  including that of Derry woman Ellen  just hours before his death.

No one has ever been charged with her murder, but Ellens surviving relatives have asked Scotland Yard to review the case in the hope DNA technology could help solve the decades-long mystery of who killed her.

Serial killer Peter Manuel is reported to have confessed to Ellen's murder as he awaited execution.

As well as the potential link to Manuel, there are other theories around who the killer was  including a suggestion 28-year-old Ellen may have been murdered by her own sister in a fight over a man.

At the time of her death, another line of inquiry for investigating officers had been that she was killed by an American serviceman.

Police found two packets of American cigarettes and American whisky bottles in the room where she was murdered, and it was said Ellen had been seen with a US serviceman on the night she died.

It was reported shortly after the murder police had plans to question all American servicemen based in and around London.

Despite all the theories and potential leads, no one was ever brought before a court in connection with Ellens murder. However, her relatives are determined to keep the battle for justice going.

When she died, Ellen had a two-year-old son called Daniel.

Following her murder, he was adopted by a family who changed his name to Martin Matthews. Martin only found out he had been adopted when he was told by his adoptive mother shortly before her death.

A newspaper report from the time of the Derry woman's murder in 1954.

After this, he did some research into his biological mothers tragic death but he died in 2005 without ever having tracked down any surviving members of Ellens family.

However, his daughter, Emma Matthews, and her stepsister, Lisa Dear, have recently managed to speak some of their long-lost relatives about the 1954 murder.

They found out Ellen had a brother called James and a sister called Sophie, both long deceased.

It was during discussions with their descendants the suggestion first emerged that Sophie may have been responsible for her sisters death.

It was claimed the two women had been seeing the same man at the time.

Lisa said they were told Sophie ended up in a psychiatric institution and her children were placed in foster care.

What happened to Ellen is such a tragic story, she told the Sunday World this week.

We have been trying on and off for a few years to find out more about what happened. We have been able to have a look at the police files at Scotland Yard where it is still classed as an unsolved murder.

She said they had asked police to look again at the case.

Im waiting on Scotland Yard to see if Ellens tights are still available as we could try and get DNA from them, but we are still waiting on them to back to us.

We are also waiting on social services on Martins adoption details to see if they give us any more information, but its rather slow as well.

Ellen left Derry in 1946 for a new life in England but fell on tough times and was forced into prostitution to provide for herself and her young son.

My stepfather Martin only found that he was adopted when his adoptive mother told him on her death bed, said Lisa, who added that despite extensive efforts they have been unable to find a photograph of Ellen.

When he found out about Ellen and how she had died he found that difficult to cope with.

He tried to find out as much as he could but did not find out much before he sadly died.

All we really know is that Ellen moved to London from Derry when she was a young woman.

It seems that she left home to find work and send money back home, but we believe that she found it difficult to find work and ended up working as a prostitute.

This was obviously very sad, but it was a situation that many women living in London at that time found themselves in.

Martin Compton played Manuel in ITV drama In Plain Sight.

Shortly after her murder, an inquest into Ellens death was held at Westminster Coroners Court in London.

The report said the victim had been identified as Ellen Carlin, the 28-year-old daughter of James Carlin and the late Mrs Carlin from Rossville Street in Derry.

The newspaper report said Ellens sister, Sylvia McGill, who was described as a canteen assistant from North Kensington in London, told the inquest that her sister had also used the name Helen Kelly and had no occupation.

Mrs McGill, the report said, spoke in a trembling voice and broke down when a pathologist told the inquest that the cause of death had been strangulation.

The report said police were looking to speak to a taxi driver who had picked up a man and woman in the West End of London before driving them to Ellens flat in Pimlico where she was found dead.

The report also stated that the investigating officers had questioned a number of men in connection with the murder but had appealed for help in tracing a baby-faced man who they wished to speak to.

A spokesperson for Scotland Yard this week told the Sunday World they would be in touch with Ellens relatives to discuss the case.

Peter Manuel was executed at Barlinnie prison in Glasgow in 1958 after being convicted of murdering seven women.

Manuel, who was born in the US but moved to England with his family at the age of six, served jail terms for rape and sexual assault before moving to Glasgow in 1953.

Between 1956 and 1958, he was responsible for killing at least seven times, but while awaiting execution in prison, he is said to have admitted killing up to 18 people, including a possible link to Ellen Carlins murder.

Former Line of Duty star, Martin Compton, played Manuel in the 2021 ITV drama In Plain Sight, which told the story of how the Scottish serial killer was finally brought to justice.
The decomposing remains of Sean McCarthy (28) were found hidden in a wardrobe in an apartment on Achill Road, Drumcondra

A young Dublin man whose body was discovered hidden in an apartment in Dublin last year suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head, an inquest has heard.

The decomposing remains of Sean McCarthy (28) were found hidden in a wardrobe in a bedroom of an apartment on Achill Road, Drumcondra, on August 6, 2022.

Mr McCarthy had been reported missing from his home in Poppintree by his family earlier that day.

Relatives said he had not been heard from since August 2, 2022, when he was known to be in the Drumcondra area.

The opening of an inquest into Mr McCarthys death at Dublin District Coroners Court today heard that the deceased had to be formally identified by matching DNA profiles from a relative.

Sergeant Peter Foley gave evidence of taking a DNA sample from the deceaseds mother, Denise Duffy.

Sgt Foley described how he had been appointed as family liaison officer after Mr McCarthy had been reported missing before finding out a few hours later about the discovery of his body in an apartment in Drumcondra.

Coroner Crona Gallagher said an analysis of DNA samples provided strong support that the deceased was a biological child of Ms Duffy.

The coroner also informed the hearing that post-mortem results showed Mr McCarthy had died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.

Dr Gallagher explained that the formal date of Mr McCarthys death was August 7, 2022, which was when he was formally pronounced dead by a medical practitioner shortly after his body was found the previous night.

However, gardai believe he was killed on August 2 last year, five days earlier.

Inspector Jim McDermott applied for an open-ended adjournment of the inquest on the basis that criminal proceedings had been initiated in the case.

Inspector McDermott informed the coroner that the DPP had directed a prosecution in relation to Mr McCarthys death and that an individual was due to go on trial before the Central Criminal Court next year on the matter.

Dr Gallagher granted the application and adjourned the hearing on a date to be fixed following the conclusion of any criminal proceedings in the case.

Dean Caffrey (36), of Beau Court, Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin, was charged at Dublin District Court on August 9 last with Mr McCarthys murder a week earlier.

The court heard that Mr Caffrey made no reply to charge after caution.

A handgun believed to have been used in the fatal shooting of Mr McCarthy was subsequently recovered from the nearby Royal Canal following a major search by the Garda Sub-Aqua Unit.

Media reports at the time of his death suggested gardai believed that the deceased, who was a known low-level drug dealer, may have gone to meet an individual who owed him money in order to settle his own drug debt.
It understood the man was stabbed at at a residence on Castletown Road at around 8.30pm.

A man has been rushed to hospital in Dublin with serious injuries after a stabbing in Dundalk last night.

Gardai said they are investigating an assault on a male aged in his 30s in the town.

It understood the man was stabbed at at a residence on Castletown Road at around 8.30pm.

The man was first removed from the scene by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda with serious injuries.

However, he was later transferred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

Gardai said their investigations were continuing.
The Sunday World understands Price is living just off Belfasts Ravenhill Road and has no intentions of going anywhere quietly.

Goons loyal to deposed UDA boss Adrian Price are stirring the pot to keep the feud alive by goading East Belfast UVF.

Murals and signs belonging to the drug-dealing paramilitary gang have been defaced with graffiti supporting their rivals the Real UFF, while another was damaged by a petrol bomb.

Thats the breakaway group set up by loyalist Price and his supporters after they were kicked out of the South East Antrim UDA in March.

Since then a tit-for-tat feud has engulfed Newtownards, where Price had been living until recently, as well as Bangor and other towns across North Down.

The Sunday World understands Price is living just off Belfasts Ravenhill Road and has no intentions of going anywhere quietly.

Now someone using Prices picture has set up a fake Facebook account under his name and is using it to taunt East Belfast UVF.

Pictures of Real UFF graffiti attacks have been posted on the page along with the names of known UVF and UDA figures.

Last Thursday a direct threat was made to a number of people using their initials and warning them to keep looking over their shoulders as from 12 midnight they are legitimate targets and will be attacked on sight... the gloves are off.

The post was removed on Friday and whoever is running the page also removed Adrian Prices photograph as the profile picture.

The page makes reference to an attack on a shop in Newtownards 10 days ago which is believed to have been carried out by Adrian Prices gang.

It has also posted images of houses damaged during the feud  with the hunt on to identify who set up the account.

East Belfast UVF want to know if Price is involved in anyway or if its just some lone loon with a grudge against them.

A source in east Belfast told the Sunday World: Whoever is doing this is trying to stir up some trouble. There are not many people who have the balls to deface property belonging to East Belfast UVF in their own front yard.

Adrian Price has not taken to his name being used to promote bad feeling and issues threats. Hes nowhere near strong enough to be taking on the UVF and has enough battles to fight within the UDA.

East Belfast UVF wont take attacks like this lying down either because it makes them look weak.
Mitchell Callaway (37) appeared on the Australian version of the show back in 2011.

A former X Factor contestant has been charged with the murder of a nine month old baby five years ago.

Mitchell Callaway (37), who appeared on the Australian version of the singing competition show back in 2011, was arrested at a home in Bowraville, New South Wales on Thursday morning at around 9.45am.

He was then taken to Macksville Police Station where he was charged with murder.

Photos from the arrest show Callaway being led from the house in handcuffs while surrounded by detectives.

His arrest comes five years after the nine-month-old baby girl died Binnaway, in New South Wales central-west, on July 23, 2018.

Emergency services were called to a Binnaway home that morning following reports of an unresponsive child, who was rushed to Coonabarabran Hospital.

Despite efforts from hospital staff and paramedics, the baby died a short time later.

Detectives from Orana Mid-Western Police District launched an investigation into the girls death under Strike Force King.

After receiving new information, police searched a home in Binnaway under warrant on May 31.

Following further inquiries, detectives arrested and charged Callaway with one count of murder on Thursday.

He has been refused bail and appeared before Macksville Local Court on Thursday.

He will next appear at Coffs Harbour local court on Tuesday.

Callaway was a contestant on season three of X Factor Australia in 2011 and finished the competition in seventh place.

He was placed in the Over 25s category and was mentored by Natalie Bassingthwaighte before being booted in week six after losing the sing-off to fellow contestant Johnny Ruffo.

Callaway auditioned for the show with Keith Urban's song Tonight I Wanna Cry.
They had arranged for a hitman disguised as a Tesco delivery driver to carry out a botched 100,000 contract murder

Two men who hired a hitman to kill a man on the orders of a Dubai-based 'Mr Big' drug dealer in a movie-like" assassination attempt have been jailed for life in the UK.

Craig Miller (37) and Connor Palmer (40) were both handed down life sentences on Tuesday after previously being convicted of conspiracy to murder at Birmingham Crown Court.

Palmer was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years, and Miller 30 years, while another gang member Elijah Stokes (38) who the judge described as the pair's "trusted lieutenant", was also jailed for 27 years.

They had arranged for a hitman disguised as a Tesco delivery driver to carry out a botched 100,000 contract murder that left their unnamed victim fighting for his life.

In what was described by cops as a "movie-like" assassination attempt in the Sheldon area of Birmingham, the victim was shot five times when a gunman - who has never been identified - knocked on his door disguised as a Tesco worker.

The victims partner had opened the door in May 2020 to their home to find a man in a Tesco jacket, high-vis vest and black ski mask.

The unidentified attacker asked his partner if she was "expecting a delivery" and said hes here, isnt he, before walking into the house and opening fire at the man.

A young child was in the house at the time but escaped unharmed despite the hail of bullets unleashed during the botched murder attempt. The victim later spent a week in intensive care with life threatening injuries to his face and other parts of his body.

It later emerged that Stokes had arranged for the car and gun to be delivered to the hitman, after the group had set up the hit for a fee of 100,000 on their target who owed money to a high-level UK drug dealer, who is currently living in Dubai.

The court was told the group was caught after police cracked their Encrochat, an encrypted global communication service used exclusively by criminals.

Detectives found the dealer in Dubai had told Miller he wanted another man to be killed in the weeks after the attack.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Pepperall said: "The victim came into view in the hallway and the gunman then pursued his prey as he attempted to escape in the front room. Five bullets hit him.

"I am sure that that you Palmer and Miller were professional hitmen working together with another man.

"You were each prepared to kill to order for a fee of 100,000.

"You went about your business with ruthless efficiency showing no compassion whatsoever to your victim.

"He only survived due to the ineptitude of the gunman and extraordinary good luck.

"You were embarrassed that the hit had been bungled."

The judge described all three as "very dangerous men".

Detective Inspector Gemma Currie said the messages uncovered as part of the investigation make for truly chilling reading and are like something from a movie.

It was a miracle that the victim of the shooting in Sheldon survived, Detective Inspector Currie said.

It was thanks to the EncroChat breakthrough that we were unable to unravel this conspiracy to murder.

The gang thought that they were able to communicate securely about their murderous plans, but thanks to the international law enforcement community, we were able to show exactly what they were planning and how they planned it.
The group, known as NSC-131 or the Nationalist Social Club, had previously attended South Bostons St Patricks Day parade in 2022

The group hung the banner off the overpass in July

A judge in New Hampshire has dismissed trespass complaints against members of a white nationalist group who hung banners displaying the words Keep New England White on a motorway overpass.

The group, known as NSC-131 or the Nationalist Social Club, had previously attended South Bostons St Patricks Day parade in 2022 as spectators where they held up a banner that said Keep Boston Irish.

Investigators say around 10 people were caught hanging a sign from an overpass in Portsmouth, New Hampshire without a permit last July.

The judge agreed with two members of the group who had asked the court to dismiss the trespass complaints, saying prosecutors interpretation of the states Civil Rights Act was unconstitutionally overbroad.

The New Hampshire attorney generals office had said the two men were motivated by race and trespassed on public property when they draped the banners off the highway overpass in Portsmouth.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, NSC-131, a New England-based neo-Nazi group founded in 2019 espouses racism, antisemitism and intolerance and whose membership is a collection of neo-Nazis and racist skinheads, many of whom have previous membership in other white supremacist groups.

Fox23 reports that New Hampshire prosecutors will be filing a motion for reconsideration within the 10-day deadline.

Spokesperson Michael Garrity said: The Attorney General feels this is a critical case, in an email sent on Tuesday. The Nationalist Social Club did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment, the station added.

Portsmouth police received 911 calls about the banners on the overpass on July 30, 2022.

When officers responded, they saw about 10 men on the overpass wearing hats, sunglasses and face coverings emblazoned with NSC-131, or 131.

According to reports, one of the men, who wasnt wearing those items, appeared to be the leader and spoke with police.

The man gave the group instructions to remove the banners after officers said they couldnt hang them from the overpass without a permit.

Some members reportedly continued to display the banners by hand before returning to their vehicles and leaving.

One man was accused of two civil rights violations. Another man who told police Youre not interfering with my friends and interfering with our rights, was also named in the complaints.

In March 2022, about a dozen masked members of NSC-131 attended South Bostons St. Patricks Day parade as spectators, and held up a banner that said Keep Boston Irish which was denounced by the parades organisers and Mayor Michelle Wu.
The model and entrepreneur has teased her Instagram followers over the last few months

Maguire showing off the ring while celebrating the couple's amazing news

Rebecca and Matthew in Santorini where he popped the question

Belfast beauty Rebecca Maguire is officially off the market after she announced her engagement on Instagram today.

The Northern Irish model revealed in an adorable post that she actually said yes back in April, but kept the news to herself until today.

I get to marry my best friend & whats your biggest flex? she gushed.

Probably the worst kept secret ever. You were all on to me and I've eventually give in.

From the moment (well maybe day three) I met you in ibiza I knew that was it.

I wish I could say I had a nice official engagement photobut I don't- I was a mess) Swipe to the end to see my reaction in Santorini which was in April #Offthemarket

Maguire showing off the ring while celebrating the couple's amazing news

The pharmacist won the coveted Miss Ireland title in 2012 and has become a regular on the Dublin and Belfast social scene, which she juggles with a hectic work schedule.

The loved-up pair have only been dating for just over a year but those around the model have believed that they would end up together.

Matthew Nesbitt is a well-known business man in Northern Ireland and is the co-founder of software tech company HALO.
ALONE, the national organisation supporting older people aging at home, is putting pressure on the Department of Health to tackle loneliness across the country.

A charity has called for Government action after Ireland was named the loneliest country in Europe.

ALONE, the national organisation supporting older people aging at home, is putting pressure on the Department of Health to tackle loneliness across the country.

According to the study, more than 20pc of respondents in Ireland reported feeling lonely most or all of the time, a staggering 7pc higher than the European average.

The survey, the first-ever EU-wide survey on loneliness, found that the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Austria each had loneliness levels below 10pc.

The findings shed light on the detrimental impact of loneliness on mental and physical well-being, as well as the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle this issue, according to ALONE.

ALONEs data for the first quarter of 2023 showed that 36pc of older people newly contacting the charity had not been out socially in more than a month, and 9pc had not been out socially in more than a year.

Older people ALONE work with are continuing to isolate themselves, which is partially caused by lingering anxiety relating to the pandemic.

Cost of living increases are also having an impact on peoples ability to socialise while some social activities have never fully returned post-Covid.

Studies have linked loneliness to depression and mental health difficulties and also to diseases such as Parkinsons, diabetes, cancers, strokes, and even early death.

ALONE CEO Sean Moynihan commented: The new numbers from this EU-wide survey do not come as a surprise to us at ALONE.

We know from our own numbers that loneliness consistently ranks as ALONEs number one support issue, and it has a severe impact on our physical and mental health.

Loneliness must now be dealt with as a public health issue with the relevant public health response for all age groups.

We would urge the Department of Health to engage with ALONE and the members of the Loneliness Taskforce so that we can work together towards resolving this challenge in a meaningful way.

If another condition was so strongly associated with mortality and health difficulties, we would work strategically to reduce it across the population  like we do already with smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Why has loneliness not received the same response?
The 4ft 10in imposter, from a prominent Co Derry unionist family, was rumbled when pictures of him wearing medals were published on social media

Terry Robinson admits what he did to our reporter Hugh Jordan

Robinson tells the Sunday World he has left the Royal Artillery Association

Terry Robinson wearing a bonnet and medals which arent his at the Remembrance Day event in Limavady

A fake soldier who falsely passed himself off as a war hero has been booted out of a prestigious military organisation.

British Army top brass moved to oust Terry Robinson from the Royal Artillery Association after learning the pint-sized pensioner publicly pretended hed won a chest-full of military honours.

The 4ft 10in imposter  who is from a prominent unionist family in Co Derry  was rumbled when a picture of him wearing medals he never won was published on social media after Remembrance Sunday.

Last November  as chairman of the local Royal Artillery Association  Robinson laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Limavady town centre.

The 72-year-old father of two was also snapped saluting Ulsters fallen from both world wars.

And as he did so, a cluster of four miniature military medals could clearly be seen pinned on the pretend soldiers left breast.

These included:

The Northern Ireland Medal  awarded for service during Operation Banner during the Troubles;

The UN Medal  awarded for peacekeeping duties around the world;

The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

A fourth medal in the group has yet to be categorised.

And the tiny would-be squaddie was also spotted sporting a chequered Glengarry army bonnet and a blue serge blazer with an embroidered Royal Artillery badge and a regimental tie.

It was the photograph which sparked a high-level probe, led by a retired British Army officer who also heads up the highly respected Royal Artillery Association.

It was soon revealed that the Walter Mitty military man had NO previous connection to the Royal Artillery or any other regiment in the British Army.

In fact, the nearest diminutive Robinson got to any military service was a self-proclaimed short stint in the Coleraine Battery of the TA  and even that has still to be confirmed!

Terry Robinson admits what he did to our reporter Hugh Jordan

Alarm bells began ringing when army veterans attending last years Remembrance Sunday event in Limavady questioned Robinsons publicly-displayed military credentials.

They suspected  correctly as it turned out  Robinson hadnt won ANY of the medals on his chest.

The veterans asked the army to investigate the matter and their false valour fears were proved to be well-founded.

As a result, Robinson was asked to step down immediately as chairman of the Limavady Branch of the prestigious Royal Artillery Association.

Also at the armys request, he disassociated himself from any further connection to the Royal Artillery Association.

When we caught up with the shamed wannabe squaddie this week, Robinson said he readily accepted he was guilty on all charges of misrepresenting a military past.

He asked to be allowed to publicly apologise to the British Army for what he claimed was simply a medal mix-up.

Red-faced Robinson also blamed Covid confusion for his behaviour on the day he pretended to be a soldier as he paid tribute to Ulsters war heroes while wearing medals he never earned.

He said: I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart. And I want to say sorry also to the veterans associations. I dont know why I did it. It was very wrong and I will never do anything like that again.

You see, I had Covid around that time and I wasnt myself, he insisted.

When asked to give a fuller explanation about why he publicly displayed medals he never earned, Robinson said: I found them in the roof space of the house.

Perhaps they belonged to my wifes family? I just dont know. And I dont know why I put them on that day.

The army asked me to resign from the Royal Artillery Association and I have done that. I will never do anything like that ever again, he insisted.

The Sunday World has been told that it was Robinsons public portrayal of past valour which raised eyebrows among army veterans attending last years busy Remembrance Sunday Ceremony in Limavady.

The British Army was forced to act after receiving complaints from concerned army veterans living in the area.

Major Richard Davies (Rtd), Secretary to the Royal Artillery Association who oversaw the investigation into Robinson, said the army likes to act swiftly to stamp out this kind of behaviour.

Essentially this is Walter Mitty-type activity. And it usually starts with people wearing badges they are not entitled to wear and then it escalates, he said.

But unfortunately  as in this case  it can move into complete false representation from people who may never even have served in the army at all, but they may have a little bit of knowledge which they then use to pass themselves off.

It is always most noticeable when the public focus is on the military  and more specifically the veterans  on Remembrance Sunday.

In this incident you are talking about, an individual was displaying insignia which wasnt representational of actual military honours and he was also displaying medallic recognition of tours he hadnt engaged in.

Robinson tells the Sunday World he has left the Royal Artillery Association

To outsiders, it might seem like a small issue, but to those who have earned it legitimately, its a big issue.

As Head of the Royal Artillery Association, I ask members of the public to look out for and send me details of anything that gives concern in this regard.

I prefer it to be backed up by photographic evidence.

It is then easy for me to check service records and I always call out individuals and I ask them to stop and desist.

Usually that is all that is every required, because the embarrassment of being caught is usually enough for them to crawl back under the stone from where they came.

In this case, I got in touch with the regional representative. I presented the evidence and I asked our representative to make direct contact with the individual.

He was asked to confirm what we said he had been doing and he did. He gave an immediate assurance that it wouldnt happen again and as far as Im concerned, thats the end of it.

You appear to be well informed about this particular case and one of the things that stood out, was he was wearing Glengarry headgear which had with all sorts of wrong insignia and medals. It stood out as false, said Major Davies.

He added: I must emphasise though how angry this makes some veterans, who have genuinely received the correct honours and awards, to see someone blatantly taking the adoration, thanks, community wellbeing and kind thoughts for actions they havent undertaken.

Terry Robinson is from a prominent unionist family in Limavady with long-established links to the British Army.

His father Joe served as a British soldier in both World Wars.

Robinsons brother George served in the Assembly at Stormont as DUP member for Limavady.

He had previously represented the party on the local council and had served as mayor.

During his time as mayor, George Robinson welcomed Queen Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, to Limavady.
The EUs voluntary solidarity mechanism (VSM) requires member states to accommodate refugees or pay a financial contribution if they could not.

The Government has to make a financial contribution of 1.5m to the European Union for failing to accommodate 350 refugees in Ireland.

Ireland has signed up to an EU initiative for housing refugees seeking international protection.

The EUs voluntary solidarity mechanism (VSM) requires member states to accommodate refugees or pay a financial contribution if they could not.

The Government agreed to house 350 refugees under the scheme but, due to the war in Ukraine and a spike in asylum seekers from other regions, it has been unable to find the required accommodation.

This means the State will have to make a contribution of 1.5m to the solidarity scheme to assist with the relocation of refugees in other countries.

The scheme was established last year after attempts to introduce an EU-wide immigration pact failed.

Tents used by homeless asylum seekers at Grattan Court, Mount Street, Dublin. Photo: Arthur Carron/Collins

There are more than 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers currently in Ireland.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in tens of thousands of refugees seeking safety in Ireland as Vladimir Putins army attacked their country.

There has also been a spike in people seeking international protection in Ireland.

The Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth is bringing a memo to Cabinet outlining the decision to make the financial contribution to the EU because there is not enough accommodation to house people seeking international protection.

A Department of Integration spokesperson confirmed the State agreed to accept an additional 350 international protection applicants as part of the solidarity agreement at EU level to relocate international protection applicants among member states.

Due to the large unforeseen increase in the number of people fleeing Ukraine and international protection applicants, the State's capacity to provide accommodation to an additional 350 is under severe pressure, the spokesperson said.

Consequently, ministers will recommend to Government that the State opt to instead provide a financial contribution in order to meet its commitments under the voluntary solidarity mechanism, as is provided for under the Solidarity Direction of June 2022, he added.

The Government previously relocated a number of refugees under EU refugee schemes.

There are concerns among politicians about the outbreak of anti-immigration protests across the country when they seek to accommodate refugees.

There has been a huge push by Integration Minister Roderic OGorman to find accommodation to house all those who have sought refuge in Ireland.

Last week, it emerged the ban on nursing homes converting into refugee centres was to be lifted but there would be a two-year cooling-off period for businesses seeking to change their status.
Robert OConnor (34) died from his injuries after he was attacked in a cell in Mountjoy on July 29, 2022

No decision has been made yet by the DPP about any possible criminal prosecutions to follow from the violent death of a prisoner in Mountjoy Prison last year, an inquest has heard.

Robert OConnor (34) from Snowdrop Walk, Darndale, was brought by ambulance to the nearby Mater Misericordiae University Hospital following an incident in which he was attacked in a cell in Mountjoy on July 29, 2022.

He died from his injuries in the hospitals intensive care unit three days later.

Inspector Mary T McCormack told a preliminary hearing of an inquest into Mr OConnors death at Dublin District Coroners Court on Thursday that a Garda file on the case had been prepared and forwarded to the DPP.

However, Insp McCormack said a decision was still awaited from the DPP but she could not provide a timeline for when it would be made.

The deceaseds father, Leo OConnor, gave evidence of formally identifying his sons body to gardai in the Maters ICU on the day after his death.

Coroner Crona Gallagher informed members of Mr OConnors family who were in court that post-mortem results showed he had died from blunt force trauma to his head.

Its a head injury essentially, the coroner remarked.

Dr Gallagher granted an application by Insp McCormack for a three-month adjournment of the case under Section 25 (1) of the Coroners Act on the basis that criminal proceedings in relation to Mr OConnors death are being considered.

A solicitor for Mr OConnors family, Sandra Frayne, said the deceaseds relatives were anxious to get documents relating to his death in due course.

However, the coroner said she would be unable to provide such material until she was informed of the DPPs decision in the case.

Mr OConnor, who had previous convictions for drugs, stealing cars, criminal damage, theft and road traffic offences, had only just begun a six-year jail sentence in Mountjoy Prison for possession of a firearm.

Four other prisoners were subsequently arrested and questioned about the attack which occurred in a cell in the C-wing of the prison.

All four men were identified from CCTV footage within the Mountjoy campus and moved to other prisons around the country following the assault.

Media reports around the time of Mr OConnors death claimed the men who attacked the deceased intended to badly beat him rather than kill him.

It is understood the attack was ordered in revenge for the deceased having targeted another prisoner who had previously assaulted his girlfriend.

Mr OConnor was discovered by prison officers lying on the floor of a cell in a pool of blood with his trousers around his ankles.

He had also been the victim of a separate assault within the prison just two days before the fatal attack when he was struck on the head with a kettle.

The prisoner was subsequently moved to the prisons C wing for his own safety.

At Mr OConnors funeral, his father issued a plea for no further retaliation over his sons death.

Offering her sympathy to Mr OConnor family, Dr Gallagher acknowledged that they had been very traumatised by his death and that the opening of his inquest was also a difficult day.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi urged member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to exert more efforts to achieve regional integration in order to address the current challenges.

El Sisis remarks came at the 22nd COMESA Heads of State and Governments Summit in the Zambian capital Lusaka, held on Thursday.

Egypt handed over the two-year presidency of the continental 21-member-state bloc to Zambia.

It was a great honour for Egypt to take over the leadership of the COMESA over the past two years during a very delicate period that witnessed important developments at the international and regional levels, the president said.

El-Sisi expressed his confidence that the Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema would do all he can to build on the achievements of the Egyptian chairmanship.

El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's priorities during its chairmanship, which focused on advancing economic integration rates to enhance the level of well-being of our people and promote the capabilities of peace and security in our countries.

However, despite the successes that have been achieved, we still have much to do to enable our regional integration to face the current challenges, he said.

President El-Sisi stated that intra-COMESA trade rose to $13 billion in 2022, the highest value since establishing the free trade zone within the framework of the COMESA in 2000.

He also commended the role of the COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA), which is based in Cairo, Egypt.

El-Sisi indicated that Egypt, in its capacity as COMESA chair, has focused on activating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost economic growth, adding that the volume of trade exchange between Egypt and the COMESA countries reached $ 4.3 billion in 2022  the highest amount since Egypt joined the bloc.

The country was also keen on achieving harmony between Egypt and the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area through specific measures to urge member states to implement customs exemptions and facilitate the movement of trade exchange among them, he said.

Furthermore, the president stated that during its presidency Egypt also focused on the infrastructure sector by encouraging interconnection projects between member states. He cited the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP), constructed by Egyptian and Tanzanian hands.

[The JNHPP] represents one of the most important development and integration projects between our [African] countries, El-Sisi said, adding that it generates electric power amounting to 2.5 Gigawatt.

Moreover, he referred to the interconnection project of the naval route between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea.

The theme of the 22nd summit is "Economic Integration for a Thriving COMESA Anchored on Green Investment, Value Addition, and Tourism".

According to the COMESA website, it reflects the need to address the current regional and global economic and trade dynamics, including the effects of COVID-19 and its adverse impacts on tourism-dependent economies.

The summit aims to promote development, economic, and trade integration among COMESA member states.

El-Sisi also referred to Egypt's role as a regional "hub" for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and vaccines, indicating that the country has provided 30 million doses of the Coronavirus vaccine to many African countries.

He added that Egypt also hosted the second edition of the Africa Health ExCon in Cairo, highlighting the country's efforts to localize the pharmaceutical industry.

Egypt wishes to invest in this "vital area" and has submitted a proposal to establish the COMESA Committee on Health, the president went on.

Sudanese crisis

El-Sisi also spoke about the latest developments in the Sudanese crisis, asserting that member states must consolidate to support Sudan's people.

He stressed in his speech that "we are facing a magnitude of challenges that impose on the sustainability of peace and security in our countries."

"I call upon all countries to provide the necessary support for our brothers and sisters in this critical moment of history," the president affirmed.

"Egypt continues to host men, women and children from Sudan and is undertaking its responsibility as an immediate neighbour," El-Sisi resumed.

In May, Egypt became the largest host of Sudanese refugees after allowing 164,00 Sudanese individuals to enter.

The president stated that Egypt has engaged with all existing mechanisms and international partners to bring security and stability to Sudan, asserting that world countries must respect African nations right to life.

Preserving any country's national institutions is paramount as they represent its "backbone of stability and security," El-Sisi added.

In this context, he also announced Egypt's candidacy to the African and Peace Security Council for 2024-2026, highlighting that such candidacy pays tribute to his country's role in supporting peace and security efforts in Africa.

At the end of his speech, El-Sisi reiterated that Egypt would spare no effort in pushing African states towards development and fulfilling its role as the head of the post-conflict reconstruction and development file in the African Union.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


A young man has been killed while cycling in south Dublin late last night.

The teen was seriously injured after his bike hit a pillar in the Fortunestown Lane area of Tallaght, Dublin 24, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at approximately 10.30pm.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and the man, aged in his late teens, was taken to Tallaght University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

A technical examination of the scene was completed by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators yesterday evening.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

A spokesperson said: Anyone who was in the vicinity of Mac Uilliam Heights in Tallaght yesterday evening between 10pm and 10.45pm and who may have camera footage (including mobile phone and dash-cam) is asked to make this footage available to gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
The showbiz couple headed off on a romantic holiday together earlier this week and have been sharing snippets from their trip online over the past few days.

Doireann Garrihy is enamoured with Paris after jetting over to the City of Love with her comedian boyfriend Mark Mehigan.

The showbiz couple headed off on a romantic holiday together earlier this week and have been sharing snippets from their trip online over the past few days.

Doireann showed her Instagram followers what the pair have been up to since their arrival, which included a spot of sightseeing.

The RTE 2fm star and her beau visited the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame before taking a boat ride along the Seine.

After a day of playing tourist, Doireann posted a snap of her posing in front of the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadero at golden hour as many of her pals mused that she looked very Parisian in her black and white striped dress.

The pair also spent some time exploring the Le Marais neighbourhood and later paid a visit to Crazy Horse Paris to watch a cabaret show together.

We had to, Doireann wrote, adding a suggestive smirk emoji as she shared a snap of her wine glass, which had a pair of red lips printed on the front.

While in Paris, Mark and Doireann have enjoyed sampling the citys finest eateries, including Parisian brasserie Chez Francis Paris, Ober Mamma, and health food joint Wild and the Moon.

The 31-year-old was so impressed with her stay in Paris that she even shared a sweet snap with her boyfriend and said: If I say so myself, Paris suits us.

It comes after stand-up comic Mark opened up about his battle with alcohol addiction and shared how he is taking sobriety one day at a time.

Im an alcoholic and Im very, very, very grateful for every day that Im sober, he told Goss.ie recently.

I try to choose my words carefully because Im very nervous when talking about recovery, as you can probably tell, because my life has been saved by other people in addiction, literally, and all I can do is speak for myself and my own experiences.

Everybodys journey of addiction and everybodys journey of recovery is totally different, so Im by no means a spokesperson for addiction or for alcoholism.

But I do think its interesting that this idea of an alcoholic being on a park bench, like a park bench can be anything, and I had f***ing several.

I had several different park benches, the reality is the only thing that was separating me from the literal park bench was privilege.

The Foxrock man celebrated one year of sobriety in October last year and gushed about the inadvertent way Doireann helped him on his addiction journey.

Not to bring everything back to recovery but I texted one of my friends after our first date, and I was around 13 months sober, and I texted one of my friends and was like thats the first time in the last 13 months that I havent felt like an alcoholic, he explained.

But yeah, at the end of the day none of that interferes with just how good things are with Doireann, and she is easily the greatest person that Ive ever met.
Dance music duo BICEP will also host a special performance on June 21

This will be Keliss only Irish performance in 2023, the year that marks the 20th anniversary of the stars iconic hit Milkshake".

American singer Kelis has announced a major concert in the Guinness Storehouse as part of a major series of gigs and events at the iconic Dublin venue.

The Guinness Storehouse has launched its brand new Lovely Day for a Visit seasonal offering, which features a special performance by Kelis on July 4, and an electric DJ set with dance music duo, BICEP, on June 21.

Hot on the heels of Dermot Kennedys recent performance at the venue - the first of its kind on the roof of the Guinness Storehouse - on the June 21, Kelis and BICEP will continue the series of ticketed live music shows taking place across summer in the heart of the Liberties in Dublin 8.

This will be Keliss only Irish performance in 2023, the year that marks the 20th anniversary of the stars iconic hit Milkshake, and BICEPs only planned show in Ireland this Summer.

With years of chart-topping songs, resulting in millions of albums sold and numerous top 10 tracks, Kelis has released six albums, won Brit, Q and NME awards and has been nominated for two Grammys.

I am so excited to return to Ireland, especially as its so well known for art, culture and music  I just love coming here, Kellis said of planned firework performance on the 4th of July at the Guinness Storehouse,

The 43-year-old New Yorker mum of three added: I cant wait to come back and be part of the Guinness Storehouse summer programme and get everyone up on their feet, dancing and celebrating this 4th July.

Having sold out Dublins 3Arena for their St. Patricks Day show earlier this year, BICEP have built a global reputation as one of the biggest names in underground and mainstream dance music with an avid following worldwide.

Speaking about the announcement, BICEP said: Weve never done a show like this before, so the chance to curate this one-off DJ show in Dublin at the Home of Guinness for our Irish fans is really exciting.

The Lovely Day for a Visit summer experience captures the best of the Irish outdoors under one roof.

Everyones favourites, the beach and the park, have been reimagined throughout the Guinness Storehouse by Irish illustrator and Guinness collaborator Fatti Burke and includes an indoor beach installation, the leafy greens of the Irish park and a bespoke busking piano for visitors to enjoy.

Organiser maintain the experience will offer visitors a unique chance to enjoy a day at the beach with friends and family, sampling the stunning panoramic Dublin views over a pint whilst being surrounded by the best of summer under one roof, no matter the weather.

Meanwhile, Irish designer Cyan Ryans work will also be featured throughout the iconic building, reimagining the Guinness archives in a new way. Aches fantastic Well be Dancin in the Sun artwork is also available for everyone to view at the Home of Guinness this summer as the perfect Instagram background.

Fatti Burke, Artist and collaborator, commented: I am delighted to be teaming up with the Home of Guinness to bring the concept of Lovely Day for a Visit to life. The fantastic beach experience, which will live within the building all summer long, promises to capture the fun and joys of spending sunny days at the beach to Dublin 8!"

A Lovely Day for a Visit at the Guinness Storehouse will run from Wednesday June 7, and is open daily from 10am. The exhibition is included in each experience ticket, which starts at 26. The Guinness Storehouse is open seven days a week, with everything included in the ticket price.

Tickets for BICEP at the Guinness Storehouse on the 21st June are priced at 35, inclusive of the Lovely Day for a Visit summer experience, with tickets on sale today (Thursday) June at 2pm at guinness-storehouse.com.

Tickets for Kelis at the Guinness Storehouse on the July 4 are priced at 35, inclusive of the Lovely Day for a Visit summer experience, with tickets on sale on the June 19 at 10am at guinness-storehouse.com.
Lost for words? Brain in a fog? Wondering if you have the same condition as actors Bruce Willis or Emilia Clark? You may be one of thousands of people who live daily with aphasia and dont even realise it.

June is Aphasia Awareness Month and this year AphasiaNZ is spreading awareness about living well with aphasia.

So what is aphasia?

Aphasia is caused by damage to one or more of the language areas of the brain. Most often, the cause of the brain injury is a stroke, which occurs when a blood clot or a leaking or burst vessel cuts off blood flow to part of the brain.

This year the theme of Aphasia Awareness Month is Living well with aphasia. Image: AphasiaNZ.

A Mount Maunganui resident says she has been living with aphasia for much of her life, only realising what the condition was after talking with Aphasia New Zealands Tauranga Community Aphasia Adviser Kate Milford.

I had a serious work-related brain injury when I was 26, while working at Wellington Hospital, says the Mount resident.

A large industrial fire extinguisher fell off a wall directly onto my head while I was packing up blood products.

She fell back onto the floor, and says she saw the stars often shown in cartoons.

It was weird. I was actually okay for the rest of the day and even the next morning thought I was fine and went off to work.

Over the next 48 hours, she realised she was experiencing delayed concussion and found that the language part of her brain had been affected.

On the second day, I was trying to tell my boss about it, and struggled to find the words. I could sort of see a word and knew it was there but I couldnt find it.

She finally managed to get the disjointed words out and he took her across to the hospitals emergency department, leaving her with medical staff where she found she had to attempt to explain what happened all over again.

I just didnt have the words. They sent me home; I got there about two hours later.

Still thinking she just had concussion, she took two weeks leave and returned to work.

But then I found for years afterwards, when I got tired I couldnt find words. Or if there was a lot of noise and crowds around me. I found supermarkets and malls overwhelming with all the distraction of lights and sounds.

"If I was with a lot of people who were all talking rapidly, Id just be silent. Like with my four sisters who I love dearly but when they get together they all talk and it becomes like a blur. They ask me what I think and by the time I form words theyve moved on to the next topic.

She says it can be overwhelming at cafes and other places where a lot of conversations are going on.

I find that I cant hear what Im saying and then start being unable to process words, so start talking louder. Often whoever Im with asks me to speak quieter. Its a weird experience.

Over the years Ive wondered if Im a bit autistic, or just a weird introvert. I often feel lost in a sense of isolation and calmness which doesn't really bother me but just seems unusual when I observe others around me.

"I loved going through lockdown completely alone for 70 days, everything in my mind calmed down. Turns out I have aphasia, who knew?

Kate says staying away from a busy cafe can help.

Most of us talk fast and someone with aphasia cant process it.

This year the theme of Aphasia Awareness Month is Living well with aphasia. Image: AphasiaNZ.

She says we will all know someone who has aphasia.

People can become lost for words. Its like their brain is a library  the words are like books  everything has its place. But then an earthquake goes through the words are still in the library but nothings on the shelf and you cant find it.

She says most people who have aphasia have a sudden onset due to a stroke.

One of my group had her first stroke in her 20s. Shes gone through most of her life with it and it can affect all ages.

Bruce Willis has aphasia and now his family have said he has PPA - primary progressive aphasia - which is a type of aphasia with a gradual onset due to ongoing damage in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Hes lost his words.

She says people taking epilepsy medicines can also have the experience of wading through fog.

Weve all got something that doesnt work quite right and if were a bit more understanding and patient with each other everything can work just fine.

This year the theme of Aphasia Awareness Month is Living well with aphasia. Image: AphasiaNZ.

AphasiaNZ has been going about 16 years since 2007. Kate Milford, a speech language therapist who previously worked for Auckland DHB, helped to launch the organisation while living in Auckland. The national head office moved to her new home city of Tauranga around 6 years ago.

We started very small at the beginning.

As well as being the community aphasia adviser for Tauranga, she also supports the team around New Zealand, with community aphasia advisers (who are all speech therapists) based in Auckland, Waikato, Hauraki/Thames, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, central Otago, Dunedin and Invercargill.

A lot of the work is with adults who have aphasia after they had strokes. But the referrals for people with progressive aphasia are increasing.

Funding for Aphasia NZ is an ongoing focus.

The health system gets stretched but your aphasia doesnt.

The waiting list to see a speech therapist in New Zealand can be around six months once you go home from hospital but the research says you need to see someone within six months of your injury.

Funding comes from sources such as Tauranga City Council, TECT, Bay Trust and Lottery funding.

Kate would like people to be more aware of living well with aphasia.

You will know someone who will have it. You can support people around you. Slow down and take time over conversations. Bruce Willis has helped a lot with raising awareness of aphasia. The more people talk about it the better the community is.

To learn more about aphasia go to Aphasia.org.nz
Attempts on both the mens and womens World eight-hours strongwool lambs shearing records are to be made in New Zealand just eight days apart later this year.

The first will be near Gore on December 15 when Southland shearers Megan Whitehead and cousin Hannah McColl attempt a womens record which will have gone unchallenged for 13 years, and the second will be near Wairarapa rural locality Gladstone on December 23, when Masterton shearers Paerata Abraham and Chris Dickson attempt the mens record which was set just five months ago.

Several possible record bids in Australia, the UK and New Zealand have been rumoured since a spate of 11 successes in 12 attempts in the last year, but World Sheep Shearing Records Society secretary Hugh McCarroll, of Tauranga, says only the two two-stand attempts have been confirmed "at this stage."

Whitehead and McColl will attempt to break a record of 907 which was established by Wairoa mother-and-daughter Marg and Ingrid Baynes at Mangapehi, near Bennydale, in January 2009.

During that day, Ingrid Baynes (now married to champion shearer Rowland Smith) set a womens solo record of 470, a record since bettered three times and now held by King Country shearer Sacha Bond, who shore 601 in Northern Southland on February 4 this year.

Whitehead is already a holder of two nine-hours womens lambs shearinng records, as the fastest in a four-stand record near Turangi in January 2020, and the solo record of 661, shorn in Southland in January 2021.

Abraham and Dickson are targeting a record of 1410 set by Simon Goss, of Mangamahu, and Jamie Skiffington, of Rotorua, at Mangamahu, north east of Whanganui, on January 4 this year.

Goss shore 715 and Skiffington 695, and the solo record is 754 shorn by Te Kuiti shear Jack Fagan at Puketititi, near Piopio, on December 22 last year.

Its a big year for Abraham who with brother-in-law David Gordon, also of Masterton, will be shearing for New Zealand in a series of test matches against Scotland, England and Wales on a UK tour next month.

Best daily shearing tallies had been things made of legends and folklore, sometimes done in the presence of Justices of the Peace, until 1968 when the first rules emerged after an annual meeting of shearers during the Golden Shears in Masterton.

The records society, developed in 1982-1983 and having been recognnosed as the worldwide authority since 2004, appoints judges for each record attempt, with at least one at each attempt not from the country inn which the record is being attempted. In New Zealand there must also be at least one other not from the island in which the record is being attempted.

The records focus on the standard eight-hours or nine-hours working days in the woolshed, and those currently recognised range from the solo records to a nine-hours, six stand strongwoool lambs tally of 4188 shorn in Southland in 2005 and an eight-hours eight-stands merino lambs record of 2939 set in West Australia in 2002.

Under varying rules from 1968 to 1983, the greatest tally was a nine-hours 10-stand perendale lambs record of 5557 shorn at Poronui Station, on the Rangitaiki Plains, between Napier and Taupo, on January 8, 1979.

The oldest on the current books of the society is a nine-hours, three stands strongwool ewes record shorn in Central Otago in 1993.
A plan to price New Zealand's agricultural emissions may be out to pasture before it gets going, as National backs away from supporting He Waka Eke Noa.

The sector-led group was set up in 2019 to work with the government to develop a world-first pricing scheme.

The Opposition has now declared the plan "dead" - a move Climate Change Minister James Shaw says may put the country's climate targets in jeopardy.

"I think it's dead, I think Damien O'Connor and the Labour government have killed it and I think it's all over," National MP Todd McClay says.

National contends the government has gone quiet on good-faith negotiations with the sector; an allegation Federated Farmers acting national president Wayne Langford backs up.

"What we need is government to really come back into the room and continue the discussions that we've been having for quite some time."

Climate Change Minister James Shaw told RNZ discussions have not stopped and National was "speculating into the void" for political gain.

"National are fighting with ACT over votes in the regions and in farming and rural communities and the ACT Party of course don't, as far as we know, even think climate change is real."

Shaw says Federated Farmers might be in the 'He Waka Eke Noa room' but recent events gave an indication of how little they were ever in the tent.

The minister was alluding to Federated Farmers former president Andrew Hoggard quitting his job early in May to announce he was standing for the ACT Party this election.

ACT opposes He Waka Eke Noa and the Zero Carbon Act - the country's legislative framework to curb emissions.

Shaw questioned the political motivations behind National backing down on climate commitments.

"ACT is pushing National very hard and trying to drag them away from the consensus position and unfortunately it looks like the National Party is succumbing to that."

The National Party says it has its own climate change policy it will share in the next few weeks but would not confirm this includes pricing emissions.

It has already committed to the 2050 net zero target and New Zealand's emissions budgets, which include agricultural emissions methane and nitris oxide.

Shaw says targets simply would not be met if the status quo continues.

- Anneke Smith/RNZ.
Some cold overnight temperatures are being forecast for the next few days.

A mostly fine weekend is in store for most of the country, however, heavy rain watches are in place for Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

MetService is monitoring a low-pressure system which is sitting to the country's northeast and currently bringing a few showers to the eastern North Island.

This system is expected to track southwards over Te Ika-a-Maui/North Island this weekend and bring heavy rain to Gisborne/Tairawhiti and Hawke's Bay.

Heavy rain watches are in place for those areas already, starting early Saturday morning through to Sunday morning.

Tairawhiti/Gisborne and Hawke's Bay are both still in recovery mode, so this spell of heavy rain could cause issues. Theres still a bit to happen before the weekend and we will update/upgrade those watches as the event unfolds, so stay current with severe weather information from our team at MetService, says MetService meteorologist Andrew James.

A front down south also brings some rain to Fiordland over the weekend, but other areas of Aotearoa/New Zealand are in for a sunny couple of days  you will need your winter woollies though as temperatures remain chilly.

A high pressure brought clear skies over Te Waipounamu/South Island this week so there was no cloud blanket to keep the country warm overnight, and this certainly dipped the mercury there during the last few nights.

MetService recorded -6.3C at Dunedin Airport on Thursday morning while Wanaka spent the last three days at or below 5C, under a layer of cloud that prevented the sun warming the town.
Storm Oscar will give way to a summer weekend in Malaga province and on the Costa del Sol The last effects will be felt today, especially inland, and starting tomorrow the sun will return with a maximum temperature of almost 30C

Ignacio Lillo Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

Storm Oscar will make its last presence felt in Malaga province today, especially inland, and will give way to a summer weekend starting tomorrow (Friday). That is when the sun will return and temperatures of almost 30C that were the usual trend before this wet three-week spell broke in mid-May.

Oscar began to hit the province during the early hours of Wednesday, with widespread downpours at this atypical start to the meteorological summer (the astronomical one will not arrive until the 21st). The rains, generally light, continued for most of the day but left few noticeable accumulations.

The highest records collected by the Hidrosur network of the Junta were those of Alfarnatejo, with little more than 13mm, followed by Alcaucin, with 11mm; Archidona (almost 10); Villanueva de la Concepcion and the Benamargosa river (almost 7mm) and the Trapiche treatment plant (6.6mm). For the first time in a long time, the La Vinuela reservoir was among the most rain gauges with the highest readings, with 6.5mm; the same level as at the Casasola, Los Montes de Malaga and Colmenar reservoirs.

Once again though, the bad news is that the volumes have been almost imperceptible for the reservoirs, which have not registered any gain, but on the contrary they continue to lose reserves, specifically in the province, two cubic hectometres less than the previous week (197.99 vs. 200.05).

Today it will rain again

This unusual start to June, which has continued the cool and humid trend since mid-May, will continue at least during today, when state weather agency Aemet predicts that the effects of Storm Oscar storm will be felt even more intensely in inland areas of Malaga province.

It is expected that the weather fronts could leave more accumulated water, although there are discrepancies between the models. There are going to be widespread rains, especially in mountain areas, and it is expected throughout the province but without storms. It's going to rain well, but we're going to have to wait and see how much and where it falls," explained the director of the Aemet meteorological centre, Jesus Riesco.

Jose Luis Escudero, head of the SUR weather blog, Tormentas y Rayos (storms and lightning), warns that there is a lot of discrepancy between the models: the latest update of the European one gives the greatest chance of heavy downpours in the northern part of the Antequera region, bordering the province of Seville, where they could deposit about 30mm. "But from there down, on the coast of Malaga, in the Axarquia and the Guadalhorce Valley, it gives very little rain, except in the mountain areas." In this way, it is aligned with the American model, which lowers it to between 5 and 10mm.

The heat returns

On Friday something could still fall during the early morning hours, until noon. But the heat will arrive, and this time to stay, for the weekend, when skies will be cloudy or clear, with temperatures of up to 28C on Saturday (20 degrees minimum at night); while they will reach 31 degrees from Monday. And this time without a hint of clouds.
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.
Update: A man in crisis Thursday who had a gun in a home near a school in Van Buren has come out of his house and turned himself in to deputies, according to Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley.

Ray Middle School on Van Buren Road was safely cleared of students, the sheriff said at a news conference. It was near dismissal time and the students were taken to another school by bus, a school spokesperson said.

At about 12:33 p.m., a person reported to authorities that they had seen a social media post by the man that said he was thinking of hurting himself and showed a rifle, the sheriff said. Deputies responded to the home on Van Buren Road near the middle school, blocking off several roads.

SWAT negotiators talked to another person in the house and convinced that person to come out, Shelley said. Later, they convinced the man to come out. Police negotiated for about 2.5 hours.

A rifle was observed by police, Shelley said. Police are waiting for permission to recover it and to search the home for any other weapons, he said.

The man, who is in his mid-30s, has not been charged at this time, Shelley said.

Earlier today, the mans vehicle was repossessed, the sheriff said.

Original article

Van Buren, N.Y.  The Baldwinsville district middle school had to be cleared of students cleared this afternoon because a man barricaded himself in a nearby home in the town of Van Buren, according to the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office.

The school impacted was Ray Middle School at 7650 Van Buren Road, said Thomas Newton, a spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office. School buses have been brought in to move the students.

Parents in the district received a recorded phone call from the deputy superintendent saying the students would be released one bus at a time. The walkers and kids normally picked up were bused too.

Authorities have also closed a section of Van Buren Road between Ellsworth Road and Caserta Road. Maple Road is also closed at Van Buren Road.

A man was in an emotional crisis in a home, Newton said. Deputies are working to try to make sure he doesnt hurt himself or anyone else, he said.

The call to the Onondaga County 911 Center came in at about 1 p.m.

The district posted this noticed on social media:

All bus runs will be late today due to the dismissal at Ray Middle School. Ray Middle School is currently on a lockout due to an emergency at a nearby residence.

The lockout is a precautionary measure based on recommendations from local law enforcement. All students are safe and the lockout is for precautionary measures. Students at Ray Middle School will be dismissed this afternoon by bus, which will cause the delay.

Ray Middle School students who are walkers or who are normally picked up by a parent or guardian will be bused to C.W. Baker High School for pick up.
DeWitt, N.Y.  A DeWitt postal worker who the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said brought guns to the post office in March is now facing charges, according to court records.

The worker, Bria K. Maraia, brought three guns to the DeWitt post office at 6581 Kinne Road, according to court records.

United States postal investigators found the firearms on March 24, Emily Spera, a Postal Inspection Service spokesperson said.

Maraia was charged with three counts of possession of a firearm on U.S. postal service property, according to court records. This is a petty offense under federal law, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick said.

Maraias attorney, Melissa Swartz-Bragg, declined to comment.

The case will be handled in the central violations bureau of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.

Maraia is scheduled for an appearance on June 30.

It is unknown at this time what firearms Maraia is accused of bringing to the post office or if she is still employed. Syracuse.com | Post-Standard reached out to postal officials who said they do not comment on personnel matters, per postal policy.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Chris Stapleton will no longer be hitting the stage Thursday night because his concert has been postponed due to hazardous air quality levels in Central New York.

The concert was planned to kick off the 2023 St. Josephs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview season.

The announcement came from a St. Joes Amphitheater Instagram post Wednesday evening stating the concert scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday will be held on another date.

Due to the ongoing air conditions in the greater Syracuse area, Chris Stapletons concert scheduled for tomorrow at St. Josephs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview will be rescheduled to a later date, the post read.

The venue said all tickets for the original date will be honored for a new date that will be scheduled in the future. An update is expected to be made by mid-day Friday, according to the post.

More than 17,000 fans were expected to be in attendance to watch the Grammy-winning country star.

Stapleton is scheduled to perform Friday and Saturday at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts, then has five days off before next performing in Spokane, Washington. The next concert at the Lakeview Amphitheater is Luke Bryan on Thursday, June 15.

Air quality worsened in most of Upstate New York Wednesday, reaching hazardous levels in Syracuse due to smoke from out-of-control wildfires in Quebec. The level of tiny smoke particles in the air, called PM 2.5, reached 411 in Central New York as of 12 p.m., according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Hazardous is the worst level on the EPAs index for reporting air quality, showing air pollution between 301 and 500 AQI (air quality index). Everyone in hazardous areas are urged to avoid all physical activity outdoors, while sensitive groups  people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens  should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. If you do have to be outside, health officials recommend wearing high-quality masks such as N95 and KN95 masks.

Air quality updates are available on the EPAs website, airnow.gov. The air quality can change throughout the day.

The Nation Weather Service in Binghamton provided some optimism for Thursday, saying the densest smoke will likely be carried west of Central New York and northeastern Pennsylvania.

MORE:

One chart shows just how badly Canadian wildfire smoke has fouled the air in Syracuse

St. Joes Amp wont allow fans to bring lawn chairs to some concerts this summer

St. Joes Amp 2023 concert lineup: More shows, less diversity than other NY amphitheaters

Syracuse haze. China pollution. What was Rep. Brandon Williams tweeting about?

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Clay, N.Y. -- Clay town officials held their first formal hearing Wednesday on the massive semiconductor plant that Micron Technologys has proposed building at White Pine Commerce Park.

Seventy-eight people attended the hearing at Liverpool High School and 15 of them spoke when the meeting was opened up for public comment.

Several people spoke in favor of the project, which the company says will create up to 9,000 Micron jobs and 41,000 jobs at related supply chain companies over 20 years.

A man who said he was a business owner in the town said the project will raise family income levels in the community.

I am definitely for this project, he said. I feel that this will enhance the town of Clay and the entire Onondaga County community.

A speaker who said he represented Freight Yard Brewing, a beer hall on Route 31 near the proposed Micron site, said he supported the project because of its likely positive impact on his business.

Were really hoping theres lots of stressed out and thirsty construction workers and engineers, he said.

Several speakers expressed concerns about the impact of the project on traffic, especially on Route 31, and questioned whether the community had the sewer and water capacity for such a large development. Others expressed frustration that Micron has not yet submitted its site plans with details about building sizes and heights and traffic flow.

Theyre asking for an open book, said one woman.

The meeting was a joint hearing held by the Clay Town Board and Clay Planning Board on the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agencys request that 862 acres of the 1,200-acre White Pine Commerce Park at Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road be rezoned from residential to industrial. The other nearly 339 acres of the park are already zoned for industrial use.

The development agency owns the land and plans to sell it to Micron.

Jeff Davis, an attorney who represents the development agency, said the town will have an opportunity to review and approve specific details of the Micron project once the company submits its site plan.

County Executive Ryan McMahon has said the company will submit its detailed plans after the site is rezoned and the company submits its application to the U.S. Department of Commerce for financial aid under the CHIPS and Science Act.

The town planning board is scheduled to make a recommendation on the rezoning request at its meeting June 14.

The town board gets the final say on the rezoning. No date is set yet for the town board to vote. Town Supervisor Damian Ulatowski said the board will vote after reviewing the planning boards recommendation and the comments and questions people asked at the hearing.

Attendance at the hearing was far less than the more than 250 people who attended a town hall that McMahon held in Clay in October after Micron announced it had chosen the town for its giant semiconductor plant.

Ulatowski, a strong supporter of the project, said the attendance did not surprise him. Many people left the October meeting viewing the project as a transformative event for not just Clay, but much of Central New York, he said.

A lot of them said, Listen, this is a big break, he said.

Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
The biggest group yet to leave the Upstate New York United Methodist Church officially departed last weekend, the latest repercussion of a nation-wide split in the church centered around the issue of LGBTQ+ marriages and ordinations.

The exodus was just one sign of a shrinking Upstate UMC, which is grappling to remain united under the global churchs binding anti-LGBTQ+ policy and during expensive legal negotiations with people who say they were abused by clergy. In money and members, the church has lost over the past few years.

Our hearts are broken, said Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez, speaking at the Upstate UMC annual meeting in Syracuse last weekend, referring to the departing churches.

Congregations are divided, families are divided, communities are divided, he added. Long-standing relationships are severed.

Thirty-five churches were approved during the conference to leave. In total, 61 Upstate churches have left, or 8% of the 800 or so churches in this region.

The departures are largely conservative, rural congregations dissatisfied with what they view as the liberal leanings of Upstate churches and United Methodists in general, particularly over the issue of gender identity and sexuality.

National and global UMC policy states that homosexuality is incompatible with United Methodism. But that language has been challenged at every global meeting since it was written into church law in 1972, and the Upstate branch has previously denounced the global churchs policy.

Burgos Nunez, Upstate UMCs bishop, implored unity during the three-day conference, but the latest 35 departures mark a clear disillusionment of some conservative churches.

I think there were more disaffiliations than we thought there would be. That was a little surprising, said Pam Klotsbach, president of the Upstate branch board of trustees and reverend at Trinity UMC in Attica.

In retrospect, it shouldnt have been surprising, she said. Different parts of the state are different. Were very, very conservative here in our southwestern (region). Weve lost most of that district. 

At the same time, the Upstate UMC is negotiating cases brought against the church after the 2019 Childhood Victims Act opened a legal window for victims of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits against alleged abusers that previously would have been barred due to statutes of limitations.

Sixty-three civil cases have been brought against the Upstate branch and regional churches, said Peter Abdella, chancellor to the Upstate UMC branch at the Syracuse conference on June 1. (For comparison, 1,420 cases have been brought against the Catholic Church in roughly the same Upstate region, according to an analysis by Jeff Anderson & Associates, a Minnesota-based law firm that is handling some of these cases.)

The Upstate UMC has settled five cases so far, Abdella said. They have spent $2.6 million as of April 2023 on legal fees and settlement money, and will pay another $1.25 million into a national church settlement fund.

Our legal approach, whenever possible, is to work towards a settlement with plaintiffs out of court, rather than attempt to defend the conference before a judge or a jury, Abdella said.

Forty-six of the cases involved UMC church-affiliated Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troops or organizations. Those were were filed primarily against the BSA, with the Upstate UMC included as a defendant. Payment figures will depend on the BSAs bankruptcy plan, which was approved by a U.S. District Court judge in Delaware on May 1.

The Upstate branch will draw money for future payouts from its church-gathered funds, trustee funds, and pension and health funds, according to Upstate branch documents.

On top of those payments, only 79% of total Upstate church dues were collected in 2022, which meant the Upstate church spending was required to be reduced throughout the year, according to a statement by the council on finance and administration in a conference leaflet.

This past year was another challenging year as we continued to cope with the after effects of the COVID pandemic, church disaffiliations, and the costs related to the Child Victims Act, according to the leaflet.

In total membership, the Upstate branch of the UMC has been losing out for years, following the same downward trend as the national church. Upstate membership was 168,000 in 2012, and dropped to 130,000 in 2021, according to UMC data.

Many of the churches that decided to leave are heading to the Global Methodist Church, a new denomination with a conservative stance on LGBTQ+ marriages and ordinations.

The Upstate UMCs former bishop, Mark Webb, helped to establish that new church and was the first bishop north of the Bible Belt to leave for the GMC. The church has 2,600 congregations globally as of June 2023, according to Webb.

Theres one more opportunity for UMC churches to leave before the deadline closes. Those approvals would happen in October.

We are not asking you to leave, said Burgos Nunez at the conference on Thursday.

I hope that we are clear that in this process there are no winners.

Jules Struck writes about life and culture in and around Syracuse. Contact her anytime at jstruck@syracuse.com or on Instagram at julesstruck.journo.

READ MORE:

A Bible Belt rift over gay marriage in the Methodist Church just landed in Upstate New York

Pope, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders denounce anti-gay laws

Syracuse Catholic Diocese to merge 2 schools due to declining enrollment, financial woes

New York lawmakers to pass bill barring discrimination based on religious wear
A man was killed in a red Sea shark attack on Thursday in the popular tourist city of Hurghada, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Environment.

Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad said the authorities formed an investigation team after receiving a report of a shark attack on a beachgoer in Hurghada.

The investigation team confirmed that the victim died after an attack by a Tiger shark, according to the statement.

Minister Fouad then issued directives to local authorities to scan the water perimeter around the location where the incident took place to monitor any movements of the fish that attacked the victim, read the statement.

Spotting then a ban



After authorities spotted the fish in question swimming near the surface in the said perimeter, the environment ministry issued a two-day ban on swimming, snorkelling and all other water sports activities in the area between Gouna to the north of Hurghada and Soma Bay to its south, effective starting Friday morning, according to the statement.

The ban goes in line with the international protocols applied in the event of such incidents, noted the ministry.

The ministry also called on all residents and visitors on the Red Sea coast in Egypt to abide by all instructions and regulations which govern dealing with natural resources in the area in order to ensure their own safety.

Consulate identifies victim



According to a statement by the Russian state-owned news agency TASS on Thursday evening, the Russian consulate in Hurghada confirmed that a 24-year Russian citizen, Popov V.W., who was a permanent resident in Hurghada, died as a result of a shark attack off the coast of the city in the afternoon hours.

In a statement on its official Facebook page, the Russian consulate in Hurghada advised "Russian citizens to remain vigilant when in the water; respect the ban on swimming and diving imposed by the Egyptian authorities; and follow all hotel and coast guard instructions," the consulate statement added.

A 2022 report on shark attacks, which was jointly issued by specialists on Red Sea protectorates and Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association, has cautioned shark attacks take place usually during their mating and egg-laying season, which runs from mid-April to the end of July.

The most recent incident of this kind occurred in July 2022 when two women lost their lives following shark attacks off the coast of Hurghada. In 2020, another unfortunate attack resulted in a Ukrainian boy losing an arm, and an Egyptian tour guide losing a leg and in 2018, a shark killed a Czech tourist off a Red Sea beach.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Summer brings tiny, unwanted guests buzzing about every outdoor party.

Yes, were talking about the mosquito and some states in the U.S. have it worse than others.

A new list has recently ranked the most mosquito-prone states in America, and New York came in at number four.

Insuranks.com compared every state every state across five metrics: average summer temperature, average summertime rainfall, number of mosquito species, West Nile cases in 2022, and Google search data about mosquito prevention per 100,000.

The Empire State came in after Louisiana, Florida, and South Dakota. The report shows a high number of West Nile cases in New York, overall number of mosquito species, along with wet conditions through the average summer rainfall. The perfect recipe for a mosquito hotspot.

The ranking may come as no surprise as in 2021, Syracuse experienced its second-rainiest and second-hottest summer on record, making it the right environment for many of New Yorks 60-plus mosquito species. That year, Onondaga County trapped 25 times more mosquitoes than in the same period the year before.

In Upstate New York also contains freshwater swamps, whose still waters can be a breeding ground for the little buggers, and some in Central New York have been found to carry a rare, potentially deadly EEE virus.

Insuranks.com also analyzed Google search data in the 30 most populated cities in the country related to mosquito prevention. They determined New York City and its concrete jungle to be the least concerned about mosquito prevention.

If youre looking for a place where you can enjoy the outdoors without the blood draw, the list ranked Michigan as the least mosquito-prone state.

READ MORE

Mosquito bites got you down? Try these bug-repelling solutions to make your yard more enjoyable

Black fly season can feel like a horror movie: Heres how to avoid bites, escape swarms

As warm weather emerges in Upstate NY, so do hungry ticks
Gouverneur, N.Y.  An incarcerated man was killed in his prison cell Monday in Upstate New York, troopers said.

Luigi Cappellino was found unresponsive at 9:19 p.m. Monday inside the Gouverneur Correctional Facility, the New York State Police said. Gouverneur is a medium-security prison for men on Scotch Settlement Road in Gouverneur, a North Country town.

Cappellino was transported by Gouverneur Rescue Squad to Gouverneur Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, troopers said. He was 26 years old.
The student loan repayment pause will end August 30 after the White House and Congress reached a deal, according to CNBC.

The deal, which President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) agreed on, marks an official date for the pause on loan repayments.

The debt ceiling bill passed by Congress establishes that the paused student loan payments will restart at the end of August. Interest will also restart at that time.

The Supreme Court must decide on the legal implications of the Biden student loan forgiveness plan, which was not addressed in the debt ceiling bill and would forgive as much as $20,000 for eligible borrowers. The courts decisions are expected sometime this month.

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The air is slowly starting to clear over Central New York this morning, though it is still smoky enough to warrant an unhealthy rating as of 7 a.m., according to federal officials.

Overall, concentrations of Canadian wildfire smoke should continue to fall as the denser haze shifts southwest, according to the National Weather Service.

And a chance of thunderstorms at about 2 p.m. could help further clear the air.

The air quality index in Syracuse was at 164 this morning, which is an unhealthy rating.

But its a significant improvement from 438 early Wednesday afternoon, when the air quality was rated hazardous. That scale ranges from zero to 500.

On Wednesday, the Syracuse zoo closed and Chris Stapletons concert tonight was cancelled.

Still, the states air quality health advisory remains in effect until midnight tonight. That means people should limit strenuous activity outside. People with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease should take extra care.

Today, theres a 50% chance of precipitation, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible during the morning rush hours and again after 2 p.m., according to the weather service. It will remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 64 degrees. The showers are expected to be light. Tonights low is around 49.

26 1 / 26 Hazardous smoke from Canada wildfires continues to choke Upstate New York

Light showers and thunderstorms are possible again on Friday, mainly before 2 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 40%. Fridays low is around 50.

The air will start to warm this weekend. Temperatures could reach 76 on Saturday, according to the weather service. Chance of rain on Saturday is at 30%. Sunday should be sunnier, with a high near 82.

READ MORE

One chart shows just how badly Canadian wildfire smoke has fouled the air in Syracuse

Chris Stapleton concert in Syracuse canceled because of poor air quality

List of Central NY events, groups canceled because of hazy conditions
The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) hosted the last part of the two-day Cultural Property Protection conference in Cairo on Thursday. The event was titled Sustainable Documentation and Inventories Management.

It is funded by the US embassy in Cairo, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA), the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC), and the US Department of State.

Hisham El-Leithy, Director General of Documentation of Egyptian Antiquities (CDEA), stated that the conference covers topics such as challenges, opportunities, sustainable software solutions, and documentation practices for cultural property. This includes public-private partnerships, regional and international cooperation, and legislative frameworks to manage heritage sites effectively and sustainably.

Louise Bertini, Executive Director of ARCE, mentioned that ministry representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and Palestine will gather to discuss the importance of cultural property protection. This comes after the successful virtual conference on Digitization Management held from 10-12 August 2021, and the in-person conference in Jordan on Site Management from 5-8 September 2022.

Government officials and our partner organizations, including UNESCO, ISESCO, ALECSO, and ICOM, will emphasize the crucial role of documentation in preserving cultural heritage.

At the close of the conference, regional experts aim to create a white paper that outlines shared principles for successful site management strategies in the region. The paper will also offer recommendations for sustaining these strategies both regionally and in specific contexts.

Shaaban Abdel Gawad, Supervisor General of Antiquities Repatriation Department at MoTA, stated that the illicit trade of cultural property, particularly antiquities, poses a significant threat to the cultural heritage of the MENA region and generates revenue for radical organizations in the area.

Although bilateral agreements for cultural property protection are crucial in combating this trade, there is a need for stronger collaboration among regional countries to address this issue more effectively.

He also discussed Egypt's efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage and the retrieved objects in recent times.













Search Keywords:

Short link:


The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
USAID halted food aid to Ethiopia Thursday, citing "a widespread and coordinated campaign" to divert donated supplies from the needy.

"We made the difficult but necessary decision that we cannot move forward with distribution of food assistance until reforms are in place," said the US government's main international aid agency.

"Our intention is to immediately resume food assistance once we are confident in the integrity of delivery systems to get assistance to its intended recipients," the statement added.

The decision will affect millions of Ethiopians facing severe food shortages due to a devastating war in the northern region of Tigray as well as a punishing drought in the south and southeast that has also struck Somalia and parts of Kenya.

It comes on the heels of an announcement by USAID and the World Food Programme (WFP) last month to freeze food aid to Tigray after the agencies discovered that shipments were being diverted to local markets.

Neither USAID nor WFP have identified those responsible for taking the aid and reselling it.

The US agency has discussed the matter with Ethiopia's government, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the sidelines of a ministerial gathering in Saudi Arabia.

Famine warnings

Blinken "welcomed the Ethiopian government's commitment to work together to conduct a full investigation into the diversion of US food assistance and to hold accountable those found responsible", State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Thursday.

Nearly 32 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are in the grip of the worst drought in decades, and aid agencies have raised famine warnings unless more funding is made available to help the affected regions.

In addition to the crisis in the drought-hit south, northern Tigray suffered from dire shortages of food, fuel, cash and medicines during the two-year conflict between forces loyal to Ethiopia's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

A peace deal signed on November 2 just passed the seven-month mark, implementation of the accord has progressed slowly without a major return to fighting, and some basic services have resumed to the region of six million people.

But media access remains restricted, and it is impossible to independently verify the situation on the ground.

Michael Ryan, emergencies director at the World Health Organization, told a press briefing in Geneva that although humanitarian access had improved in Tigray and other parts of Ethiopia, "significant gaps" remained.

"There are still some areas that are not accessible," he said, pointing to the contested region of western Tigray, which is controlled by militias from neighbouring Amhara and claimed by Amharas and Tigrayans.

"We estimate that in Ethiopia as a whole, about 17.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance," Ryan added.

According to a USAID statement published in March this year, the US "remains the single largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, providing more than $1.8 billion in lifesaving assistance since fiscal year 2022".

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Teagasc Winner of 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award announced

Teagasc welcomes the announcement by the Royal Dublin Society that the winner of the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Leitrim farmer Sean Creamer. Sean Creamer was presented with his award in Dublin yesterday, Wednesday, 7 June by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett and Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer.

Sean Creamer, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, winner of the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is pictured receiving his award from Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett and Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer. Also pictured is John Dardis, RDS President.

Receiving the Special Commendation Award in the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Category is Westmeath farmer Isabella Donnelly.

Farming full-time on 53 hectares in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, Sean Creamer manages a suckler herd and a young mixed forestry enterprise. In 2016, Sean decided to plant forestry along the recently re-developed Shannon Erne waterway on land, which had become challenging for farming. He identified forestry as a steady and reliable income stream but also an opportunity to grow quality timber and enhance local biodiversity and landscape.

Today, his diverse forest of nine different types of conifer and native broadleaf trees is growing very well on land that he struggled to farm and provides important additional farm income. As a strong advocate of farmers working with the environment, Sean sees the impact of the forest going far beyond the financial gain with real benefits for biodiversity, animal welfare, water quality and carbon storage.

On receiving the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, Sean Creamer said: I am delighted to receive this award. Not only is the forest allowing our farm to be more financially sustainable but is also really helping environmentally which is something I strongly believe in.

The RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award category recognises working farmers who follow a whole farm planning approach to successfully integrate their farm and forestry enterprises and contribute to farming sustainability.

Congratulating Sean Creamer, Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, highlighted how the award acknowledges Seans successful diversification into forestry and the sustainable integration of his forestry and farming enterprises.

Dr Lalor added: With farmers facing many challenges, the need to forward plan and explore possibilities to innovate and diversify is central to a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. Sean is an excellent example of a farmer whose vision and positive actions are contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of Irish Agriculture. Teagasc is delighted to be associated with the RDS Forestry Awards through our sponsorship of the Farm Forestry Award Category.

According to RDS President, John Dardis: It is more important than ever to recognise the work of our farmers, foresters and agri-entrepreneurs, who are contributing to the sustainable development of Irish agriculture, which remains the most important industry in rural Ireland. This years Spring Agriculture and Forestry Award winners have achieved a balance between the economic and environmental needs of the sector and are highlighting what is possible when experience is combined with innovation and dedication.

Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry Advisor said: Seans award is well deserved and his successful diversification into forestry highlights how farms and forests can work so well together with strong economic, practical, social and environmental benefits. His success is a great example for others to aspire to.

For more information on all aspects of forest creation, management and training visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry
RahulNagaraj Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,445 Thanked: 14,572 Times

BMW could soon drop the "i" from nomenclature of its petrol cars (e.g. 330i)



The change, although subtle, is expected to be made across BMW's entire passenger vehicle range. This means that the X3 xDrive20i could soon become X3 xDrive20. While the exact reason for the change in nomenclature is yet to be officially announced, reports state that it could be to reserve the 'i' exclusively for BMW's electric range. BMW's electric range uses the 'i' at the beginning, such as the i4, i5, i7 and iX; among a few others.







Reports also suggest BMW will continue to use the 'd' suffix for its diesel-powered models. Having said that, the carmaker could change the naming format slightly.



The 'i' was first used by BMW in the 1970s as a way to differentiate its fuel-injection models from those using carburettors. However, over time, the 'i' continued and became the norm for its petrol-powered cars.



Source:



Link to Team-BHP news According to media reports, BMW could soon be changing the nomenclature for its petrol-powered cars by dropping the 'i' at the end.The change, although subtle, is expected to be made across BMW's entire passenger vehicle range. This means that the X3 xDrive20i could soon become X3 xDrive20. While the exact reason for the change in nomenclature is yet to be officially announced, reports state that it could be to reserve the 'i' exclusively for BMW's electric range. BMW's electric range uses the 'i' at the beginning, such as the i4, i5, i7 and iX; among a few others.Reports also suggest BMW will continue to use the 'd' suffix for its diesel-powered models. Having said that, the carmaker could change the naming format slightly.The 'i' was first used by BMW in the 1970s as a way to differentiate its fuel-injection models from those using carburettors. However, over time, the 'i' continued and became the norm for its petrol-powered cars.Source: Drive.com.au Last edited by RahulNagaraj : 5th June 2023 at 16:30 .
cefiljoseph BHPian

Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Thrissur Posts: 58 Thanked: 325 Times Infractions: 0/2 (9)

Re: Coco's Adventures: life with a 9th Generation Corolla (E120) Deciding to get a car and choosing the model



Here I am, a twenty year old who just moved to Mumbai for his first job. I always knew that the first thing to do after landing a job would be to get a car.



In my situation, the car was not just for enthusiastic reasons but also to commute to work. My office and apartment being in Thane, the public transport options were limited or difficult to get especially during the monsoons. This was the primary reason to get a car.



My father offered to get a car for me since I had only started earning. He was against getting a two-wheeler because of safety concerns. Since I would be buying the car with my parents money, I did not want to splurge and wanted to stick with the smallest budget possible. However, I didn't have to be conservative with maintenance or mileage as long as it was reasonable. This is because I would be taking care of upkeep and fuel largely.



After some thought, I decided to keep a budget of two lakhs and search for a car. This ensured that I don't end up with the bottom of the market and also get a decent car thanks to the endless options in Mumbai.



Once I decided the budget, it was time to zero in on the models. First rule I knew from years of watching videos and lurking OLX was to never buy the car at the upper end of the budget and to save 20-30 percent of the car's cost in immediate upkeep.



Therefore, I decided to search cars under 1.5 lakhs. The immediate choice that came to my mind was the Suzuki Alto K10. It was pocket friendly, fun and reliable. I thought this was the one to get and I shouldn't look any further.



On a later day, while going through OLX, I searched with a price filter of two lakhs and below. Suddenly, I realised the mistake in my decision when I saw other options like civics and corollas.



Civic was eliminated for two main reasons. One is that contrary to common perception, keeping a Honda running is kind of expensive once the car is of that vintage(~15 years). Second was the notorious bottoming out suspension which would be suicidal in Mumbai where speed breakers are as unscientific as it can get.



Fiesta was also something I liked in that budget. However, I wouldn't be getting the nicest fiesta in that budget needless to mention the worry of having something from a manufacturer who left the country.



The choice was obvious - 9th generation Corolla (E120). Arguably the best mass market corolla ever made.



Press photo of the ninth generation Corolla.







I have a never ending list of great things to tell about the car. I never miss a chance to annoy every person I meet by telling about how good the ninth generation corolla is. In my humble opinion this is the best car someone car buy today with a budget of two lakhs. Give or take a little depending on the year.



Major W's for the E120

1. Toyota reliability - having seen a first gen Innova and a Fortuner perform daily in my home without breaking the banks for over a decade has given me first hand experience of the Toyota reliability and support. Therefore, I have reasonable trust in the brand.



2. After sales support of Toyota - unlike many other brands, Toyota supports and services older vehicles/imports without a fuss. I was partially wrong about this which I will talk about later in the thread.



3. Safety - this was a major win for the corolla against my previous choice, the Alto K10. Right from the base model the cars came with all-wheel disc brakes. From 2005 facelift, they came with ABS as standard right from the base models as well. I wish customers and manufactures today gave more importance like to having safety equipment as standard over gizmos like sunroofs and wireless charging pads.



4. Comfort and Luxury - I found it low key funny that someone shopping with a small budget would be getting a luxurious car with reasonable reliability. Well, that is the beauty of buying used cars. The H5 variant that I eventually got had factory leather seats by Stanley. Even a basic couch from Stanley today costs a bomb so this sweetened the deal.



5. Performance - Toyota generally tunes their engines for good low end torque be it petrol, diesel or whatever. The sweet 1ZZ-FE motor of the ninth generation corolla was no exception to this. I also choose this particular model for the tuning potential of the 1ZZ. Famously, the much loved lotus Elise had this same engine albeit with a supercharger. Some other cool models like the Celica shared this engine too which made it cool in my eyes. To be fair, the engine has mediocre perforce higher up in the rev range and has a diesel like performance. This is why I decided to get the manual so that I can capture most of the torque when driving. Admittedly, Mumbai traffic sometimes makes me question the transmission choice.



6. Practicality - An enormous boot of 430 litres sweetens the deal and makes it a great touring car. It comes handy when I pick someone from airport as it could swallow two check-in and cabin bags each with some small things. The same comes handy during road-trips as well. The back seat is a little compromised to achieve this boot space. In later generations, this has been changed from what I understand. Speaking of back seats, the lack of AC vents is one disadvantages in this generation of the corolla. Since, I mostly don't have people in the back seats, this is hardly a problem. I however, oddly like travelling in the back seat. Due to the lack of insulation and age, I love the sensation of speed and especially torque felt in the backseat. However, I can see someone complaining about the back-seat on longer rides. Speaking of practicality, the more than usual ground clearance of corolla makes it feel like Toyota predicted the future with this car. While it results in an MPVish driving position, I would take the peace of mind of ground clearance any day over a little more handling. It is interesting to see that Toyota tried this with Corolla back then and is now bringing the same feature to the current generation Crown. Truly future-proof.



7. Styling and iconic nature of corolla- Corolla styling has always been evolutionary in nature. While corolla is disregarded as a basic beater car in developed parts of the world, in India corolla it is seen as baller car. Especially someone who bough the ninth generation new back then would know this. It was mostly owned by successful professional like doctors and charted accounts of the day. I considered this to be an advantage since the elderly people who owned these generally took great care of the car. So, it was still possible to find a reasonable example even after 15 years. Also, when a brand name such as corolla survives for multiple decades and sells millions of units, it can't be by luck. There is something truly great about a good old 'rolla.



8. Global car - being a global car, it can be assured the ninth gen corolla has been designed and manufactured to global standards. This gives me peace of mind in the quality of engineering and thought that has gone in the car. Moreover, it also gives me confidence that the team would have spent their dollars in areas that matter like safety.



9. Unbelievable and mind-boggling value - whenever someone gets into the car, they are shocked by how good the car is for the money. They are also thoroughly impressed when I show features like power folding mirrors for a car of this vintage. For the money, like I explained using the above points, you are getting everything you need in a car - performance, practicality, reasonable economy, reliability, luxury, safety, and what not. This sometimes proved to be challenge when I took the car to office and people higher above my grade saw me in a 'better' car. This was also when I realised that cars are primarily positional goods in Mumbai unlike where I am from in Kerala where people have cars to reflect their passion.



Supporting article:



Meh's about the ninth generation corolla



At this price, I can't really say anything as a major negatives about the ninth generation corolla. However, I do have some things that makes the ownership less nice.



1. Driving experience - the shifting of the car is rubbery especially in the first two gears. The clutch is also hard to my liking. The steering wheel is also thinner than I like it to be. Having a higher ground clearance hurts the experience as well. This is no match for an octavia or a civic. It's the price to pay for added reliability and repairability.



2. Expensive running cost relative to the cost of the car - Okay, here comes the catch. The large petrol engine with mediocre mileage, expensive insurance (because engine displacement is greater than 1500cc), high spare costs sometimes even comparable to small germans, green taxes and renewals. All of these add to some effort and cost. However, I was ready to take the hit considering it is worth all this effort.



3. Poor performance of the head-lamps - Lighting is something that shows the age of the car. Often times, I find the need to turn on the brights to have adequate lighting while driving through darker areas. Hence, this is something that I consider should be upgraded. While I like to keep cars as stock as possible, lighting being a safety concern, I want to make it as good as possible.



4. Visibility concerns - The mirrors are small. This often results in poor visibility and blind spots when driving. It's hard to see incoming autos and bikes which hampers with the safety.



5. Aged Audio system - while it had a brilliant audio system at the time, it is no match for a modern one. All the features in the system from the 6-disc CD changer to the cassette player are obsolete today. I don't want to mess with the system baby upgrading it to a newer one. However, in the case of finding a period correct looking system, I am open to exploring options here. However, I would be extremely careful in find a replacement for this.



6. Lack of power in higher end - While the engine is great at lower-end RPMs, the higher end performance is lacklustre. I find myself downshifting or wanting more power as the speed increases. This would be something that's harder to address than other issues and I think I will have to live with it.



7. Sound insulation - The noise isolation is rather poor inside the cabin. The poor NVH levels with a rudimentary engine result in this. While there are fixes to this, I don't want to add more weight and insulation materials by opening the doors and stuff for the sake of it.



8. Fuel Efficiency - Being a large petrol car with a large engine doesn't help here. It gets a reasonable 9-10 kmpl when driven on mixed routes like my office commute. On highways, during long trips it gets better economy upwards of 12 if driven sedately. However, I always end up with a heavy right foot and never been able to get this consistently.



On the whole, I can't really hold up these complaints considering the current price of the car. Nonetheless, these are inconveniences that comes with ninth generation corolla particularly at this vintage. I will detail more about the experience in my initial experience later in the thread. Please do read along Here I am, a twenty year old who just moved to Mumbai for his first job. I always knew that the first thing to do after landing a job would be to get a car.In my situation, the car was not just for enthusiastic reasons but also to commute to work. My office and apartment being in Thane, the public transport options were limited or difficult to get especially during the monsoons. This was the primary reason to get a car.My father offered to get a car for me since I had only started earning. He was against getting a two-wheeler because of safety concerns. Since I would be buying the car with my parents money, I did not want to splurge and wanted to stick with the smallest budget possible. However, I didn't have to be conservative with maintenance or mileage as long as it was reasonable. This is because I would be taking care of upkeep and fuel largely.After some thought, I decided to keep a budget of two lakhs and search for a car. This ensured that I don't end up with the bottom of the market and also get a decent car thanks to the endless options in Mumbai.Once I decided the budget, it was time to zero in on the models. First rule I knew from years of watching videos and lurking OLX was to never buy the car at the upper end of the budget and to save 20-30 percent of the car's cost in immediate upkeep.Therefore, I decided to search cars under 1.5 lakhs. The immediate choice that came to my mind was the Suzuki Alto K10. It was pocket friendly, fun and reliable. I thought this was the one to get and I shouldn't look any further.On a later day, while going through OLX, I searched with a price filter of two lakhs and below. Suddenly, I realised the mistake in my decision when I saw other options like civics and corollas.Civic was eliminated for two main reasons. One is that contrary to common perception, keeping a Honda running is kind of expensive once the car is of that vintage(~15 years). Second was the notorious bottoming out suspension which would be suicidal in Mumbai where speed breakers are as unscientific as it can get.Fiesta was also something I liked in that budget. However, I wouldn't be getting the nicest fiesta in that budget needless to mention the worry of having something from a manufacturer who left the country.The choice was obvious - 9th generation Corolla (E120). Arguably the best mass market corolla ever made.Press photo of the ninth generation Corolla.I have a never ending list of great things to tell about the car. I never miss a chance to annoy every person I meet by telling about how good the ninth generation corolla is. In my humble opinion this is the best car someone car buy today with a budget of two lakhs. Give or take a little depending on the year.1. Toyota reliability - having seen a first gen Innova and a Fortuner perform daily in my home without breaking the banks for over a decade has given me first hand experience of the Toyota reliability and support. Therefore, I have reasonable trust in the brand.2. After sales support of Toyota - unlike many other brands, Toyota supports and services older vehicles/imports without a fuss. I was partially wrong about this which I will talk about later in the thread.3. Safety - this was a major win for the corolla against my previous choice, the Alto K10. Right from the base model the cars came with all-wheel disc brakes. From 2005 facelift, they came with ABS as standard right from the base models as well. I wish customers and manufactures today gave more importance like to having safety equipment as standard over gizmos like sunroofs and wireless charging pads.4. Comfort and Luxury - I found it low key funny that someone shopping with a small budget would be getting a luxurious car with reasonable reliability. Well, that is the beauty of buying used cars. The H5 variant that I eventually got had factory leather seats by Stanley. Even a basic couch from Stanley today costs a bomb so this sweetened the deal.5. Performance - Toyota generally tunes their engines for good low end torque be it petrol, diesel or whatever. The sweet 1ZZ-FE motor of the ninth generation corolla was no exception to this. I also choose this particular model for the tuning potential of the 1ZZ. Famously, the much loved lotus Elise had this same engine albeit with a supercharger. Some other cool models like the Celica shared this engine too which made it cool in my eyes. To be fair, the engine has mediocre perforce higher up in the rev range and has a diesel like performance. This is why I decided to get the manual so that I can capture most of the torque when driving. Admittedly, Mumbai traffic sometimes makes me question the transmission choice.6. Practicality - An enormous boot of 430 litres sweetens the deal and makes it a great touring car. It comes handy when I pick someone from airport as it could swallow two check-in and cabin bags each with some small things. The same comes handy during road-trips as well. The back seat is a little compromised to achieve this boot space. In later generations, this has been changed from what I understand. Speaking of back seats, the lack of AC vents is one disadvantages in this generation of the corolla. Since, I mostly don't have people in the back seats, this is hardly a problem. I however, oddly like travelling in the back seat. Due to the lack of insulation and age, I love the sensation of speed and especially torque felt in the backseat. However, I can see someone complaining about the back-seat on longer rides. Speaking of practicality, the more than usual ground clearance of corolla makes it feel like Toyota predicted the future with this car. While it results in an MPVish driving position, I would take the peace of mind of ground clearance any day over a little more handling. It is interesting to see that Toyota tried this with Corolla back then and is now bringing the same feature to the current generation Crown. Truly future-proof.7. Styling and iconic nature of corolla- Corolla styling has always been evolutionary in nature. While corolla is disregarded as a basic beater car in developed parts of the world, in India corolla it is seen as baller car. Especially someone who bough the ninth generation new back then would know this. It was mostly owned by successful professional like doctors and charted accounts of the day. I considered this to be an advantage since the elderly people who owned these generally took great care of the car. So, it was still possible to find a reasonable example even after 15 years. Also, when a brand name such as corolla survives for multiple decades and sells millions of units, it can't be by luck. There is something truly great about a good old 'rolla.8. Global car - being a global car, it can be assured the ninth gen corolla has been designed and manufactured to global standards. This gives me peace of mind in the quality of engineering and thought that has gone in the car. Moreover, it also gives me confidence that the team would have spent their dollars in areas that matter like safety.9. Unbelievable and mind-boggling value - whenever someone gets into the car, they are shocked by how good the car is for the money. They are also thoroughly impressed when I show features like power folding mirrors for a car of this vintage. For the money, like I explained using the above points, you are getting everything you need in a car - performance, practicality, reasonable economy, reliability, luxury, safety, and what not. This sometimes proved to be challenge when I took the car to office and people higher above my grade saw me in a 'better' car. This was also when I realised that cars are primarily positional goods in Mumbai unlike where I am from in Kerala where people have cars to reflect their passion.Supporting article: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl3MJ0iv7Pw/ At this price, I can't really say anything as a major negatives about the ninth generation corolla. However, I do have some things that makes the ownership less nice.1. Driving experience - the shifting of the car is rubbery especially in the first two gears. The clutch is also hard to my liking. The steering wheel is also thinner than I like it to be. Having a higher ground clearance hurts the experience as well. This is no match for an octavia or a civic. It's the price to pay for added reliability and repairability.2. Expensive running cost relative to the cost of the car - Okay, here comes the catch. The large petrol engine with mediocre mileage, expensive insurance (because engine displacement is greater than 1500cc), high spare costs sometimes even comparable to small germans, green taxes and renewals. All of these add to some effort and cost. However, I was ready to take the hit considering it is worth all this effort.3. Poor performance of the head-lamps - Lighting is something that shows the age of the car. Often times, I find the need to turn on the brights to have adequate lighting while driving through darker areas. Hence, this is something that I consider should be upgraded. While I like to keep cars as stock as possible, lighting being a safety concern, I want to make it as good as possible.4. Visibility concerns - The mirrors are small. This often results in poor visibility and blind spots when driving. It's hard to see incoming autos and bikes which hampers with the safety.5. Aged Audio system - while it had a brilliant audio system at the time, it is no match for a modern one. All the features in the system from the 6-disc CD changer to the cassette player are obsolete today. I don't want to mess with the system baby upgrading it to a newer one. However, in the case of finding a period correct looking system, I am open to exploring options here. However, I would be extremely careful in find a replacement for this.6. Lack of power in higher end - While the engine is great at lower-end RPMs, the higher end performance is lacklustre. I find myself downshifting or wanting more power as the speed increases. This would be something that's harder to address than other issues and I think I will have to live with it.7. Sound insulation - The noise isolation is rather poor inside the cabin. The poor NVH levels with a rudimentary engine result in this. While there are fixes to this, I don't want to add more weight and insulation materials by opening the doors and stuff for the sake of it.8. Fuel Efficiency - Being a large petrol car with a large engine doesn't help here. It gets a reasonable 9-10 kmpl when driven on mixed routes like my office commute. On highways, during long trips it gets better economy upwards of 12 if driven sedately. However, I always end up with a heavy right foot and never been able to get this consistently.On the whole, I can't really hold up these complaints considering the current price of the car. Nonetheless, these are inconveniences that comes with ninth generation corolla particularly at this vintage. I will detail more about the experience in my initial experience later in the thread. Please do read along Last edited by cefiljoseph : 6th June 2023 at 12:51 .
AviC93 Newbie

Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Kolkata Posts: 11 Thanked: 128 Times

Re: Summer Story '23 : Parts of Kumaon, Uttarakhand Day6- Mukteshwar

Hoping against hope I woke up early to check if there is any sight of the Himalayas. To my utter dismay, the weather was in no mood to let me have a glimpse of the mountains. So, we decided to drip our mood in coffee cup and gulp it down to cheer ourselves with some little hearts and cookies. Once it was done, we packed our bags and move towards our last planned destination of Uttarakhand trip. We took the road by 9 AM and moved along the winding roads to reach a narrow corridor of forest area which is 15 to 20kms before Mukteshwar. The road condition was really bad along that narrow corridor with frequent traffic coming from the opposite side. It took us half an hour to cross the stretch before we reached the wider roads connecting Mukteshwar. Upon reaching Mukteshwar, we checked in to the KMVN property. We met a friend of mine from Kolkata along the way, so we came down near Mukteshwar Mahadev temple to spend some time chit chatting among ourselves. Rest of the day was spent lazily in the KMVN property enjoying the view of the lower Himalayan Mountains.















On our way to Mukteshwar!





Foot hills of Himalya!



Day 7- Lucknow



Earlier it was planned, that we will start early in the morning around 4 AM and continue till Varanasi. However, being a lazy soul I decided to take some more time and start by 9 AM and reach Lucknow where we can replenish our sad souls with some biriyanis from Dastarkhwaan. We reached Lucknow at around 6 PM in the evening and we followed the same route that we took to reach Bhimtal from Luvknow. I would like to take a special mention of a roadside dhaba along the way, Dhillon dhaba. It is situated 30kms before Puranpur while coming from Pilbhit. Here, we took some rest and had a belly full of tasty lunch before we continued towards Lucknow. We booked our stay at Hotel Legen Inn at Gomtinagar area, this property is very well maintained with very comfortable room. After taking some rest, we booked an Ola cab as suggested by Samba da and reached Dastarkhwaan at Hazratganj around 8 45 PM. Our order was served in no time and we finished our food in equal time as it was lip smacking.

















Special mention- Chicken lagaan, never did we ever had such a preparation.



Day 8- Varanasi



We bid adieu to Lucknow in the morning by promising that we will return very soon for the foods again and hit the roads again towards Varanasi after refueling our car. It took me around an hour to cross the Purvanchal stretch of 115kms and take the exit towards Sultanpur. We booked our stay at Hotel Rivera Palace which is located near Assi ghat. The road towards the hotel was very congested but they provided a safe parking at the UCO bank campus infornt of the hotel. Soon we finished our lunch and called one local guy who arranges boat ride as suggested by my wife's friend. Afternoon brought in heavy rain at Varanasi and we kept wondering whether we will be able to take the boat ride . There is a rule that boat rides will remain suspended during storm and heavy rainfall. This time around our luck did not fail and we reached the pick-up point at Pandey ghat. The boat ride was designed to take us around 30 or 40 ghats including the famous ones and halt at Dashaswamedha ghat to let us enjoy the famous Ganga arati.













View from the boat ride



I didnot like the place where the boat was halted to let us enjoy the ganga arati , as we were not getting a good view due to congestion created by the local boat vendors who also halted infront of us.We decided to let go of the boat and soon found a good spot from where we thoroughly enjoyed the Ganga arati that day.

















It was a 45 minutes show which started about 7 PM in the evening. After this we took the ghat road to reach the famous Godowlia chowk at Varanasi for some shopping. We entered an age old pan masala shop at the chowk from where we bought some delicious pan masalas.







Anil's zarda



Later on , as suggestes by Anil da the owner of Anil's zarda we took the kashi vishwanath entry gate to reach a local rabri and kheer shop to taste the delicious rabri sweet.







After a lot of walk and shopping we went back to our hotel where we completed our dinner and the food was really good.



We planned to wake up ealry morning and visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and take blessings by offering puja at the temple. As planned we reached the temple sharp at 6 AM for which there was less commotion and we were able to complete all the rituals in no time. Our next stop was the kachori gali which is located near the main gate of the Kashi Vishwanath temple and can be reached by local transport in about 10 to 15 minutes. We visited the Neelu kachori centre first, where we had the khasta kachoris which was really very tasty. Walking down the alleys, in another 10 mintutes we reached the famous Ram Bhandar of Varanasi from where we had another plate of Kachori and Jalebi. After having full breakfast we returned back to our hotel where we contemplated next few hours over staying back in Varanasi for one more day. But due to shortage of rooms at the hotel we decided not to go around and book another hotel but rather leave for home.



Day 9- Asansol



We started around 12 PM in the afternoon and reached Dhanbad around 6PM and decided that we stay at Asansol as it would take some time from Dhanbad to cross the Beliyad toll , also the road construction work will slow us down. By the time we will reach our home it will be around 2 AM or 3 AM. It took one and half hours from Dhanbad to reach Hotel Hindusthan residency at Asansol as there was a queue build up near Beliyad toll. We took a good break and completed our dinner and called it a day.

Next morning we were in no rush to start as it would take another 4 hours before we reach our home.Having completed our breakfast we started at around 9 30 AM in the morning. There was less traffic towards Kolkata this time but saw a large queue buildup from Rennaissance to Palsit toll on the other side of the road. We were able to keep a good pace and reach home at around 1 30 PM.



Day 10- Home sweet home

Although we missed out on the Himalayas this time, from the winding roads and scenic view of the mountains to mouthwatering food of Luckmow to the ghats of Varansi we added 3153 kilometers of memory. Until next time!







Short summary of expense:

Petrol- 22k approx

Hotel accomodation- 42k approx

Toll- 3.5k approx

Food & miscellenous- on actual Hoping against hope I woke up early to check if there is any sight of the Himalayas. To my utter dismay, the weather was in no mood to let me have a glimpse of the mountains. So, we decided to drip our mood in coffee cup and gulp it down to cheer ourselves with some little hearts and cookies. Once it was done, we packed our bags and move towards our last planned destination of Uttarakhand trip. We took the road by 9 AM and moved along the winding roads to reach a narrow corridor of forest area which is 15 to 20kms before Mukteshwar. The road condition was really bad along that narrow corridor with frequent traffic coming from the opposite side. It took us half an hour to cross the stretch before we reached the wider roads connecting Mukteshwar. Upon reaching Mukteshwar, we checked in to the KMVN property. We met a friend of mine from Kolkata along the way, so we came down near Mukteshwar Mahadev temple to spend some time chit chatting among ourselves. Rest of the day was spent lazily in the KMVN property enjoying the view of the lower Himalayan Mountains.Day 7- LucknowEarlier it was planned, that we will start early in the morning around 4 AM and continue till Varanasi. However, being a lazy soul I decided to take some more time and start by 9 AM and reach Lucknow where we can replenish our sad souls with some biriyanis from Dastarkhwaan. We reached Lucknow at around 6 PM in the evening and we followed the same route that we took to reach Bhimtal from Luvknow. I would like to take a special mention of a roadside dhaba along the way, Dhillon dhaba. It is situated 30kms before Puranpur while coming from Pilbhit. Here, we took some rest and had a belly full of tasty lunch before we continued towards Lucknow. We booked our stay at Hotel Legen Inn at Gomtinagar area, this property is very well maintained with very comfortable room. After taking some rest, we booked an Ola cab as suggested by Samba da and reached Dastarkhwaan at Hazratganj around 8 45 PM. Our order was served in no time and we finished our food in equal time as it was lip smacking.Special mention- Chicken lagaan, never did we ever had such a preparation.We bid adieu to Lucknow in the morning by promising that we will return very soon for the foods again and hit the roads again towards Varanasi after refueling our car. It took me around an hour to cross the Purvanchal stretch of 115kms and take the exit towards Sultanpur. We booked our stay at Hotel Rivera Palace which is located near Assi ghat. The road towards the hotel was very congested but they provided a safe parking at the UCO bank campus infornt of the hotel. Soon we finished our lunch and called one local guy who arranges boat ride as suggested by my wife's friend. Afternoon brought in heavy rain at Varanasi and we kept wondering whether we will be able to take the boat ride . There is a rule that boat rides will remain suspended during storm and heavy rainfall. This time around our luck did not fail and we reached the pick-up point at Pandey ghat. The boat ride was designed to take us around 30 or 40 ghats including the famous ones and halt at Dashaswamedha ghat to let us enjoy the famous Ganga arati.I didnot like the place where the boat was halted to let us enjoy the ganga arati , as we were not getting a good view due to congestion created by the local boat vendors who also halted infront of us.We decided to let go of the boat and soon found a good spot from where we thoroughly enjoyed the Ganga arati that day.It was a 45 minutes show which started about 7 PM in the evening. After this we took the ghat road to reach the famous Godowlia chowk at Varanasi for some shopping. We entered an age old pan masala shop at the chowk from where we bought some delicious pan masalas.Later on , as suggestes by Anil da the owner of Anil's zarda we took the kashi vishwanath entry gate to reach a local rabri and kheer shop to taste the delicious rabri sweet.After a lot of walk and shopping we went back to our hotel where we completed our dinner and the food was really good.We planned to wake up ealry morning and visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and take blessings by offering puja at the temple. As planned we reached the temple sharp at 6 AM for which there was less commotion and we were able to complete all the rituals in no time. Our next stop was the kachori gali which is located near the main gate of the Kashi Vishwanath temple and can be reached by local transport in about 10 to 15 minutes. We visited the Neelu kachori centre first, where we had the khasta kachoris which was really very tasty. Walking down the alleys, in another 10 mintutes we reached the famous Ram Bhandar of Varanasi from where we had another plate of Kachori and Jalebi. After having full breakfast we returned back to our hotel where we contemplated next few hours over staying back in Varanasi for one more day. But due to shortage of rooms at the hotel we decided not to go around and book another hotel but rather leave for home.We started around 12 PM in the afternoon and reached Dhanbad around 6PM and decided that we stay at Asansol as it would take some time from Dhanbad to cross the Beliyad toll , also the road construction work will slow us down. By the time we will reach our home it will be around 2 AM or 3 AM. It took one and half hours from Dhanbad to reach Hotel Hindusthan residency at Asansol as there was a queue build up near Beliyad toll. We took a good break and completed our dinner and called it a day.Next morning we were in no rush to start as it would take another 4 hours before we reach our home.Having completed our breakfast we started at around 9 30 AM in the morning. There was less traffic towards Kolkata this time but saw a large queue buildup from Rennaissance to Palsit toll on the other side of the road. We were able to keep a good pace and reach home at around 1 30 PM.Although we missed out on the Himalayas this time, from the winding roads and scenic view of the mountains to mouthwatering food of Luckmow to the ghats of Varansi we added 3153 kilometers of memory. Until next time!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region flooded by the breached Kakhovka dam Thursday, as Moscow-installed authorities said five people had been killed in the disaster.

The dam was breached on Tuesday, forcing thousands to flee their homes as water surged into the Dnipro River, flooding dozens of villages and parts of the regional capital Kherson and sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster.

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of causing the breach, which on Thursday had left 600 square kilometres underwater, according to a regional governor.

Zelensky posted videos on Thursday showing him meeting officials in the Kherson region, as well as footage of people being evacuated at a crossing point.

"I thank the rescuers and volunteers! I thank everyone involved in this work!" he wrote.

Rescuers were using boats and amphibious vehicles to pluck people from flooded areas.

One woman, Tetiana Omelchenko, 65, said she had waited two days for evacuation from her block of flats and had to climb through a broken window to reach a rescue boat.

"In my building, the water has reached the third floor and there are still people in there," she said.

An employee at Kherson's meteorological agency, Lora Musiyan, waded into the water to mark the current level: 5.33 metres above the norm.

"That's the height of two storeys -- you can only survive this on a roof," she said.

Water falling slightly

Musiyan said the level of water "has started falling slightly. If this trend continues, that will be good news for residents."

Officials said 2,629 houses were flooded in the Ukrainian-controlled area.

Some residents pleaded with rescuers to go back to flats to rescue pets left behind.

"My cat has been in the flat for three days without food, she's dying," said Olena, 59, covering her face with her hands. But her block of flats is in an area where the current is too strong for the rescuers' motor boats.

Ukrainian authorities have said 30 settlements have been flooded, 10 of which lie in territory controlled by Russia on the Dnipro's eastern bank.

A total of 600 square kilometres (230 square miles) of the Kherson region is underwater, governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on social media, 68 percent of which is in Russian-controlled territory.

"Despite the danger and heavy Russian shelling, the evacuation from the flooded area continues," the governor said.

The Moscow-backed administration of Nova Kakhovka, where the dam is located, said on social media: "Five people have died as a result of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station disaster. 41 people are in hospital".

Ukraine has so far not given any figure on casualties, with Zelensky saying only that "people and animals have died" in the disaster.

Water levels have also risen by almost a metre in the city of Mykolaiv in the bordering region, its mayor, Oleksandr Sienkevych, said.

Ukraine and Russia have said that they have evacuated more than 6,000 people in total and many more were fleeing by themselves.

Crime of ecocide

Zelensky singled out the United Nations and Red Cross for criticism in an interview with Germany's Bild daily, saying he was "in shock" because "they are not there".

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he would chair a meeting Thursday of an emergency coordination panel on the "outrageous destruction", with Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba set to participate.

France has also said it will send aid to Ukraine.

The Kakhovka dam provided cooling water for Europe's largest nuclear plant, Zaporizhzhia, which is under Russian control. The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has said there was "no short-term risk" to the plant.

The dam's reservoir level has fallen by a metre in the last day as water drains out.

Ukraine accuses Russia, whose forces control the dam area, of blowing up the dam, while Russia accuses Ukraine hitting it with artillery.

Ukraine's Ukrhydroenergo, which manages hydroelectric plants, said that the dam was most likely mined from the inside.

The Soviet-era dam was "designed and built to withstand a nuclear strike from the outside," it said.

The emergency service has warned the flood water has dislodged land mines that pose a threat to civilians.

The government has also sounded the alarm over the environmental impact, calling it "a crime of ecocide".

A Greenpeace campaigner in Kyiv, Denys Tsutsaiev, warned that it could take a decade for some species to recover from the catastrophe and some may not recover at all.

According to the latest information, "at least 500 tonnes of oil was released due to the dam destruction," the campaigner said, posing a threat to sea mammals and birds.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


In brief: Few organizations have been hit with as many sanctions as Huawei, but the Chinese giant could soon face yet another restriction. The EU is considering a mandatory ban on all its member states from using companies that present a security risk for their 5G networks, and that includes Huawei.

It was back in 2019 when Donald Trump declared a national emergency that effectively banned US companies from buying and using telecoms equipment from "foreign adversaries." Following the announcement of the order, the Commerce Department revealed that Huawei and 70 affiliates had been added to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entity List.

Other countries followed suit, but only a third of EU nations have banned Huawei from their 5G communications networks, despite recommendations from the EU Commission for certification requirements, diversification of suppliers, and not to use high-risk companies for critical parts of the infrastructure.

The Commission never brought in an outright ban on Huawei, but the Financial Times reports that one could be introduced on the firm and other companies deemed to be high-risk if member states such as Germany continue to delay implementing the guidelines.

EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton said that a third of the bloc banning Huawei from their 5G communications networks is too few and exposes the union's collective security.

The EU Commission's executive arm is set to publish a second progress report on how member nations are implementing its recommendations in the coming weeks.

If new rules are introduced that force all EU countries to ban Huawei and other high-risk companies, they're unlikely to arrive before next year, which is when the five-year term of the current European Commission ends.

While Germany is one of the countries that hasn't outright banned Huawei from its telecoms network, a government source told Reuters that it is considering the move to address security concerns. Meanwhile, Portugal is preparing to ban Huawei from some 5G equipment.

The most recent headlines made by Huawei came back in April when storage giant Seagate was fined $300 million by the United States Department of Commerce for selling $1.1 billion worth of disk drives to the sanctioned Chinese firm.

Center image: European Parliament
Russia has been jamming Global Positioning System (GPS) signals in some of its regions as part of its defensive measures from unknown attacks, and it also affected areas near its border.

GPS signals across most of Estonia, some parts of the Baltic region, and Finland have reportedly been hit by interference recently.It has affected airlines in the process, resulting in pilots using alternate navigation systems.

Russia Jams GPS Signals Affecting Many Areas

Bloomberg reported that Estonia's consumer protection agency said that only air traffic had been affected, and ground signals were still working despite the jamming on GPS signals, which seemed to come from the Leningrad region of Russia.

The Leningrad region, which surrounds St. Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia, shares a border with Estonia. Estonian officials claimed it had been days since the massive GPS signal disruptions hit them.

Estonia's Defense Ministry told Bloomberg that jamming GPS signals is one of Russia's possible measures "to ensure the protection of important facilities within their country."

"In such cases, situations may arise where the jamming of signals also affects the use of GPS in nearby areas," it added. In Finland, the country's air traffic control told the outlet that commercial flights were unaffected.

Read Also: Red Cat Receives Order for 200 Long-Range, High-Speed Drones for Ukrainian Deployment

Drone Attacks Against Russia

The increased efforts of Russia to jam GPS signals come after a slew of drone attacks in recent weeks. According to NBC News, drone attacks in Moscow last week appeared to target the suspected homes of Russian intelligence officers in Moscow.

Despite Russia pointing fingers at Ukraine, Ukrainian officials have denied involvement in the attacks. The perpetrators remained unidentified. It is also unclear what kind of drones were used in the attacks or how they were obtained. Ukraine was known to have used a variety of homemade and Western-manufactured drones in the war.

Citing intelligence documents leaked to the Discord gaming site this year, a previous NBC News said Ukrainian forces have already pursued drone attacks inside Russia and Belarus, despite the US and Western disapproval. The drone assault was reportedly the first on a residential area in Moscow since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing, with the transcontinental country showing aggression against its neighboring country. It has affected innocent people caught in the middle of the war. The United States has already sanctioned Russia for its actions.

It has limited the technology coming into the country as part of its efforts to prevent the development of tech and weapons that Russia used against Ukraine. Disrupting GPS signals in its regions to prevent another drone attack is another effort made by Russia to protect its country and its people.

Before the drone attack last week, authorities in Russia said two drones flew near the Kremlin, but they were shot down. Officials noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not in the building at the time.

Related Article: Alleged Russian Spy Whale Appears Again! Is Hvaldimir Still Wearing Cameras?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Australian graphic design company Canva is venturing into the European market with a new headquarters in London.

As it faces competition from tech giants like Adobe and Microsoft, Canva believes it is uniquely positioned to overcome industry challenges and attract both individual and enterprise users with its suite of AI-backed tools for creating websites, according to CNBC.

Canva Cites Profitability

In the face of rising borrowing costs and a gloomy economic outlook, many tech firms have been compelled to downsize their workforce over the past year. However, Canva's co-founder and CEO, Melanie Perkins, remains optimistic about the company's prospects, citing its profitability over the last six years and strong cash balance as key factors contributing to its resilience.

Canva's design suite offers a range of free and paid tools for website design, presentations, and social media content creation. Its annualized revenues for the year up to May amounted to $1.5 billion, with a substantial $700 million held in cash reserves.

Europe represents a significant portion of Canva's user base, with 16% of its 135 million global users located in the region. While 15% of users are paid subscribers, including 14 million individuals and 6 million businesses such as WPP, Unilever, and Rolls-Royce, Canva aims to drive growth in both user segments.

Canva's affordability has been crucial in attracting users amid economic uncertainty. Even during periods of economic instability, users have increasingly turned to Canva's platform rather than abandoning it, resulting in steady growth.

Read Also: Canva Introduces Series of New Features, AI Powered-Tools, New Brand Hub, & More!

Canva's Business Expansions in Europe

The company's strategic business expansions in Europe have bolstered its product offerings and enhanced its core product experience. Acquiring London-based Flourish, known for its data visualization capabilities, has provided Canva with a data storytelling product widely adopted by organizations ranging from the BBC to Google and Accenture.

Canva's image and video background removal features and bulk create functionality have been empowered by the Visual AI tool Kaleido. Smartmockups, based in the Czech Republic, has led the development of Canva's product and printing mockup features.

In Europe, Canva has witnessed increased engagement from individual users, with the UK boasting a significantly higher percentage of small businesses utilizing the platform than the global average. Moreover, renowned European companies like BBC, L'Oreal, Unilever, Bosch, and Rolls-Royce have embraced Canva's products.

To strengthen its European presence, Canva has inaugurated its first European Campus in London's vibrant Shoreditch neighborhood. The campus embodies a distinct British ambiance, featuring meeting rooms named after types of biscuits, an office library, locally roasted coffee beans, brewed craft beer, and picturesque views of the leafy square.

Related Article: International Women's Day 2023: These Eight Women Tech Entrepreneurs Made Significant Changes In The Tech Industry

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In an exciting opportunity for educational institutions and space enthusiasts, historic NASA artifacts are now available for eligible schools, universities, libraries, museums, and planetariums that want to use or display them.

Eligible institutions interested in receiving historic NASA objects for their STEM programs have until June 30 to apply for the 60th screening of the NASA Artifacts Module.

Historical Significance

These NASA artifacts hold immense historical significance and may be associated with groundbreaking achievements in technology, advancements in the understanding of the universe, or renowned personalities who have contributed to the space agency's legacy.

From decommissioned programs to science instruments and small hardware flown in space, these artifacts represent the rich history of NASA's scientific and technological endeavors.

Lauren Katz, exhibits and artifacts program manager at NASA, emphasized the importance of the agency's program in inspiring the next generation of STEM students and space enthusiasts.

Katz noted that "NASA's Artifacts program offers an opportunity to encourage the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math students - the Artemis Generation - and many other space enthusiasts, with these priceless artifacts to share the agency's awe-inspiring accomplishments."

Eligible institutions can now apply online through a simple process to secure their chance to participate in this unique event. NASA recognizes its vital role in the nation's history and aims to make these artifacts available for STEM educational outreach activities and displays.

Over the past 12 years, NASA has lent more than 13,000 artifacts from its vast collection to select institutions throughout every state in the United States. This initiative has not only enhanced educational experiences but also nurtured a deep enthusiasm for scientific exploration.

Read Also: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Finds the Early Universe Littered with Bursts of Star Formation

Available NASA Artifacts

To explore the available NASA artifacts and apply for participation, interested institutions can visit the official NASA Artifacts website at https://artifacts.nasa.gov/. The website provides detailed information about the program and an online application process.

To access the screening tool and view the available artifacts, interested parties can navigate to the "Menu" icon at the top left of the website. Following the application period, NASA will notify the selected recipients, referred to as custodians, in July. These custodians will be responsible for covering the costs of packaging, handling, and shipping their chosen artifacts.

The Artifact Module serves as a screening tool, enabling educational programs to incorporate authentic NASA items into their STEM-themed activities. By integrating these artifacts into their curricula, institutions can enhance educational experiences and inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The pre-screening process allows interested parties to review and select artifacts of their choice from the website. NASA will offer a diverse range of artifacts, including the esteemed SOFIA Science Instruments (FORCAST & HAWC+), authentic Space Shuttle tiles, and models of iconic spacecraft such as the Hubble, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Soviet spacecraft SOYUZ.

These artifacts symbolize the remarkable achievements and milestones in the agency's space exploration. These objects will be displayed on the website for a period of 30 days, starting on May 29, 2023, and ending on June 30, 2023. If an artifact is not selected during the pre-screening phase, it will follow its normal process for use and disposition.

Related Article: NASA Successfully Conducts Critical Tests for Artemis V Moon Rocket

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Scientists have revealed alarming findings regarding global warming, stating that greenhouse gas emissions have reached an "all-time high" and are causing an unprecedented rate of climate change.



According to the research, human-induced warming has averaged 1.14C over the past decade, indicating a significant increase in temperature. The emission of greenhouse gases has also hit a record level, equivalent to a staggering 54 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.



These concerning figures have led leading scientists to launch a project aimed at updating key climate indicators annually, ensuring that people stay informed about critical aspects of global warming.

"Unprecedented Rate"

The study emphasizes the urgent need for action, as human-caused global warming continues to rise at an "unprecedented rate."

Climate experts gathered in Bonn to discuss the progress made in addressing climate change, highlighting the importance of up-to-date and robust scientific evidence on policymakers and civil society groups to base their decisions upon.



While the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) remains the authoritative source for climate information, its major assessments have a turnaround time of several years, resulting in an "information gap" when climate indicators are rapidly changing.



To address this issue, scientists from the University of Leeds have developed the Indicators of Global Climate Change project, an open data platform that will provide updated information on key climate indicators every year.



Professor Piers Forster, the project's coordinator, emphasizes the critical nature of the current decade for climate change, as decisions made during this time will significantly impact future temperature rise and the severity of associated impacts.

Long-term warming rates are currently at a high due to unprecedented levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, access to timely and up-to-date information is crucial in informing policy changes and approaches.

The updated indicators reveal that human-induced warming, largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels, has risen to an average of 1.14C above pre-industrial levels over the most recent decade.

Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions have reached an all-time high, with approximately 54 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each year between 2012 and 2021.

Although there has been progress in reducing coal consumption, this has contributed to global warming by reducing particulate pollution, which has a cooling effect.

Read Also: Climate Scientists Abandon Twitter Amid Surge of Climate Change Denialism

Decline in Carbon Budget

The analysis also highlights the decline in the remaining carbon budget, which estimates how much carbon dioxide can be released while maintaining a 50% chance of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C.

The remaining carbon budget, estimated to be around 500 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide in 2020, has now been reduced by half to approximately 250 gigatonnes due to continued emissions and updated estimates of human-induced warming.

This emphasizes the urgent need for global efforts to reduce emissions to prevent the 1.5C goal from becoming unattainable.

The Indicators of Global Climate Change project aims to provide crucial data to help policymakers and key players address the climate crisis effectively. By offering up-to-date information on greenhouse gas emissions, human-induced global warming, and the remaining carbon budget, the project aims to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

The findings of the study were published in the journal Earth System Science Data.

Related Article: Australian Startup Offering AI-Powered Reforestation Drones Lands $200 Million Deal

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The upcoming global summit on AI safety, to be hosted by the UK, has garnered approval and support from major tech companies.

With the rapid advancement of AI presenting both challenges and opportunities, the UK government has taken the initiative to ensure the safe and responsible development and adoption of AI technology.

AI Safety Summit

Recognizing the potential benefits and risks associated with AI, the UK Prime Minister emphasized the need for like-minded allies and companies to collaborate on developing an international framework.

The AI safety summit, scheduled for this autumn, will focus on assessing and mitigating the risks associated with AI, including frontier systems. It will serve as a platform for countries to work together and establish a shared approach to address these risks.

Prior to the announcement, the Prime Minister engaged in discussions with business leaders and world figures, including the CEOs of OpenAI, DeepMind, and Anthropic.

These dialogues have contributed to the development of the summit's agenda and underscored the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the safe and responsible advancement of AI technology.

Tech giants have expressed their support for the UK's efforts. Google DeepMind CEO, Demis Hassabis, emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in developing AI safely and responsibly.

"The Global Summit on AI Safety will play a critical role in bringing together government, industry, academia, and civil society, and we're looking forward to working closely with the UK Government to help make these efforts a success," Hassabis said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Anthropic CEO and Co-Founder, Dario Amodei, commended the Prime Minister for convening the summit and fostering meaningful discussions on AI safety.



In another significant development, US tech giant Palantir announced that it would establish its new European AI development headquarters in the UK. Recognizing the UK's expertise in AI, Palantir aims to harness the country's talent and further contribute to the advancement of ethical AI software solutions.



"The ability of institutions to effectively capture the recent advances of artificial intelligence, and in particular large language models, will determine which organizations succeed and ultimately survive over the longer term," Karp said in a statement

Read Also: Apple Reveals AI-Powered Technology at WWDC 2023

Regulatory Response

The upcoming summit, scheduled for the autumn, will bring together like-minded countries to create a regulatory response based on the discussions and actions taken during the G7 meetings held in Japan last month.

Although some speculate that the summit could serve as a counter-measure to potential authoritarian exploitation of AI by nations like China and Russia, Sunak's spokesperson denied these claims.

Instead, the focus remains on establishing a collaborative approach to AI governance that safeguards against risks while promoting innovation and progress.

While the UK seeks to position itself as a global leader in AI regulation following Brexit, the United States, and the European Union have already initiated their own direct dialogues on AI. That raises questions about the UK's role in shaping international AI governance.

However, Sunak expressed confidence in the UK's capabilities, citing the country's flourishing AI industry, substantial investments, and world-class research. He believes that, after the US, no other democratic nation possesses such strength in AI.

Related Article: Australia Explores Regulatory Framework for AI Following Similar Moves from the US, Europe

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Google has recently announced that it is ending support for its desktop app on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.

Although quietly announced on a support page, this development has important implications for users who rely on Google Drive for syncing their files and folders with the cloud.

Update Outdated Windows System Now

As of August 2023, users still on the outdated Windows 8 and 8.1 operating systems will need to upgrade to Windows 10 to continue using the Google Drive desktop app without any service interruptions.

The Google Drive desktop app keeps users' files and folders synchronized with the cloud storage platform.

With the withdrawal of support for this app, it becomes imperative for Windows 8 and 8.1 users to consider upgrading their operating systems to Windows 10 to maintain the convenience of syncing their data seamlessly.

Take Note

In addition to the termination of support for Windows 8 and 8.1, Google Drive is also discontinuing support for all 32-bit versions of Windows.

This means that even if users opt to upgrade to a 32-bit version of Windows 10, they will still be unable to utilize the Google Drive desktop app.

However, it is worth noting that by 2023, most users with 4GB of RAM or more likely have 64-bit versions of Windows installed and will not be affected by this limitation.

Read Also: Russian Hacker Group Strikes British Firms, Demands Ransom After Breach Affecting Thousands

Shifting Away from Old Operating Systems

Google has been gradually phasing out support for its services on older operating systems, including Google Chrome for Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 7, which saw support termination in February.

The move to discontinue support for legacy operating systems aligns with Google's focus on the most recent and widely used platforms. Therefore, users wishing to continue syncing their files and folders with Google Drive must upgrade to Windows 10.

Windows 8.1 officially reached its end-of-life status earlier this year. With the deprecated status of these operating systems, it is expected that more app makers and developers will cease support for them, as seen in the case of Google Drive.

Manage Drive Updates

To assist users in managing their Drive for desktop updates, Google has provided release notes outlining each version's additions and improvements.

Users are advised to remain on a version released within the last 12 months to avoid compatibility issues and service interruptions. Read this guide for more information.

What's in the news?

If you are a Google Drive user and still rely on Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, it is essential to upgrade your operating system to Windows 10 before August 2023.

Failure to do so may result in service interruptions and the inability to sync your files and folders using the Google Drive desktop app.

While this change may require some adjustments, upgrading to Windows 10 will ensure continued access to Google Drive's cloud storage capabilities, providing a seamless experience for managing and synchronizing your files.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Google, Meta Accused of 'Bullying Tactics' by Canadian PM Over News Publisher Support

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Unprecedented battle footage of a drone dive bomber dumping bombs into Russian trenches recently surfaced in a social media video.

These little First Person View (FPV) drones, first made for drone racing, are now widely used in the current battle for kamikaze strikes. However, this is the first instance the drones have been seen dive bombing.

A representative of a Ukrainian volunteer organization, Steel Hornets, dedicated primarily to creating specialized drone armaments, acknowledged the widespread deployment of FPV dive bomber drones on the front lines, per Popular Mechanics.

At the same time, the footage's integrity is still unknown and unconfirmed, similar to many videos circulating during the Russia-Ukraine War.

How dangerous are FPV Drones?

FPV drones have the potential to become substantially more hazardous because to dive bombing, a strategy that was highly feared during World War II. Small drones in Ukraine have evolved like WWI aircraft, from unarmed scouts through makeshift weaponry, early dogfights, purpose-built bombers, and dive-bombing for accurate targeting.

In Ukraine, multi-copters hovering several hundred feet above a target are often used for drone bombing. Bombing is imprecise. Thus, striking a target in a critical place at this height may take multiple tries.

FPV drones lack the electronics necessary to hover steadily, fly gracefully around obstacles, and prevent crashing. Due to their affordability and easy-to-assemble feat, such kamikaze drones may be built from commercial parts for approximately $500. FPVs may also carry an effective anti-tank warhead because of their strong motors.

#Ukraine: Near Opytne, #Donetsk Oblast, an abandoned Russian BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle was destroyed by the Ukrainian 110th Mechanized Brigade using no less than nine 40x53mm HEDP grenades dropped by drones. pic.twitter.com/E9Mn0FUKGn   Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) May 10, 2023

Read Also: Google Unleashes AI-Powered Search Advantages for Mobile Gmail Users

Ukraine's Drone Development Initiative

To help its military operations and grow the local drone sector, Ukraine has launched a program called "Army of Drones" that lowers import duties and taxes on drone technology.

The Ukrainian government aggressively seeks collaborations with drone manufacturers to satisfy the monthly demand for tens of thousands of FPV drones.

At a recent drone competition, several businesses indicated an interest in modifying their designs to meet military requirements and winning the backing of the Ukrainian government.

The commander of Ukraine's State Service of Special Communications, Brig. Gen. Yuriy Shchyhol stresses the importance of having various drone types and communication channels.

By the end of the year, Kyiv plans to buy up to 200,000 drones, with contracts for 2,000 of them already in place, according to CNN.

Meanwhile, the US firm Red Cat Holdings ordered 200 FPV drones for Ukraine, suggesting worldwide backing for drone development, as reported by Forbes.

Red Cat's spokesperson was unable to provide the new drone's name. The Red Cat FPV is probably going to be weaponized by adding a warhead, even if it does not appear to be characterized as being like the racing drones transformed into kamikazes.

According to the spokesperson, the drone's top range is 10 kilometers, and can function in a GPS-jammed environment. The technology is crucial because, in recent months, a growing number of quadcopters have been brought down by GPS jamming and spoofing.

Dive bombing FPV drones in the Russia-Ukraine War sparks concerns about the advancing military usage of unmanned aircraft technology. Ukraine is increasing drone manufacturing to take advantage of its combat advantages, but it is unclear how this will affect the continuing war.

Related Article: Russia Ramps up GPS Jamming, Hitting Signals in Baltics, Estonia, Finland

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In a bid to strengthen economic ties and advance the clean energy transition, Reuters reports that United States President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have signed the historic "Atlantic Declaration."

This agreement marks a new era of cooperation between the two nations, focusing on critical issues such as artificial intelligence, economic relations, and, most importantly, the urgent need to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Pushing for Clean Energy

During their fourth meeting in as many months, President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak emphasized their commitment to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future.

One of the key highlights of the declaration is the pledge to strengthen critical mineral supply chains.

As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, the demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements has skyrocketed.

By enhancing these supply chains, the United States and the United Kingdom aim to secure a reliable and sustainable source of these crucial minerals.

Both countries' current state of renewable energy played a significant role in shaping their commitment to the clean energy transition.

In 2022, renewable energy accounted for approximately 13.1% of total primary energy consumption in the United States, with utility-scale electricity generation reaching around 21.5%.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom experienced an increase in low-carbon sources, with renewables representing 41.4% of electricity generation and wind generation reaching a record-breaking 24.6% in 2022.

Read Also: Uber Unveils New Product Features to Encourage Environmentally Friendly Choices

Ukraine Conflict

The meeting of the two leaders also addressed pressing geopolitical concerns. In the wake of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak expressed their concern and vowed to support Ukraine.

The heads called for a thorough investigation into the incident, which caused immense damage and displaced thousands. Russia and Ukraine have exchanged blame for the dam's destruction, further escalating tensions.

Strengthening US-UK Relations

The bilateral investment relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is the largest in the world, supporting over 2.7 million jobs and boasting a stock of more than $1.5 trillion.

Recognizing the evolving challenges of the 21st century, both leaders envision an economic partnership that fosters growth, competitiveness, and resilience.

They aim to build a future where workers, businesses, and communities thrive, all while addressing climate change and enhancing national security.

Under the Atlantic Declaration, the leaders have outlined concrete steps across five pillars to deepen this partnership:

Ensuring U.S.-UK leadership in critical and emerging technologies.

Advancing economic security and technology protection toolkits and supply chains.

Partnering on an inclusive and responsible digital transformation.

Building the clean energy economy of the future.

Strengthening the alliance across defense, health security, and space.

Representatives from the White House and Downing Street will convene biannually under the Atlantic Declaration to ensure progress.

President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak's joint commitment to combatting climate change and accelerating the clean energy transition sets a powerful example for other nations.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Adobe Introduces AI Subscription Services, Assures Legal Protection, Content Generation Across Products

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Tesla's highly-anticipated Cybertruck faces grave design problems, according to a leaked report recently published.

In May, German publication Handelsblatt obtained the "Tesla Files," a whistleblower's internal papers that revealed Tesla Cybertruck's issues.

One of these papers was an engineering study from January 25, 2022, which exposed serious problems with the "alpha" prototype Cybertruck, according to Wired, which evaluated the leaked report.

Despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk's praise of driving the most recent Cybertruck prototype in a tweet, the leaked study shows that the vehicle has problems with fundamental mechanical engineering issues. However, the report's findings are manageable for Tesla.

The electric vehicle manufacturer is anticipated to overcome these concerns, given its substantial financial resources. However, experts were surprised and concerned by the degree of the obstacles, believing that these are common concerns that should have been fixed throughout development.

Since 2020, Tesla has yet to introduce a new consumer car, falling behind its rivals, who have sped up their EV development to keep up with rising demand.

The Cybertruck's introduction is crucial to Tesla's image and momentum, but the firm also has to deploy new battery packs, extend Full Self-Driving software, and build an inexpensive EV. Analysts point out that Tesla's continual product delays highlight the necessity for new goods to support its growth story.

The Handelsblatt report also noted that the leaked internal dynamics and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) analysis compared the alpha Cybertruck's performance to CAD simulations and internal benchmarks. Sealing flaws caused leaks and cabin noise, according to the assessment.

Also noted were handling issues such as mid-speed abruptness and structural shaking. The braking performance also failed to hit Tesla's expectations, raising worries about the brake system's design and functioning.

Tesla Engineers Struggle Due To Cybertruck's Design

Former automotive executive Andy Palmer expressed amazement at the report's openness and emphasized that such frankness is unusual in the sector.

According to the report, engineers had difficulties because of the vehicle's distinctive shape and body sealing. It also showed that Cybertruck's braking mechanism was still a prototype, contrary to industry norms.

Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War Sees Rise of Dive Bombing FPV Drones

A vehicle's ride and handling capabilities are assessed during kinematics and compliance (K&C) testing, which was done as part of the report. The alpha Cybertruck's K&C test results revealed a significant disparity compared to the planned targets, pointing out areas needing development.

New shot of Tesla Cybertruck in California. 



The black glass top with black cover looks really good imo. pic.twitter.com/z65vKTm5hJ  WHAT'S INSIDE? (@whatsinside) February 25, 2023

Tesla declined to comment on the leaked information and the Cybertruck's alleged technical issues.

A Tough Situation For Tesla

In February, footage of a Cybertruck prototype cautiously driving a curb near Tesla's Palo Alto worldwide engineering headquarters was reported by Autoevolution.

Discussions about possible issues started when observers saw that the prototype featured spot taillights rather than a light bar. Another video showed that during a drive in a parking lot in California, just the front left headlight was switched on.

In related news, Mustapha El Akkari, Tesla's former commodities group manager, joined Rivian as senior director for structures and materials, which was a blow to Tesla.

El Akkari was crucial in managing the supply chain for Tesla's Cybertruck and other vehicles, per Gizmodo. His departure and those of other Tesla executives hired by Rivian create further obstacles for the Tesla Cybertruck project.

Related Article: Uber Unveils New Product Features to Encourage Environmentally Friendly Choices

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The United Nations will soon launch central archives containing millions of digitized documents that it says provide proof of crimes committed by the Islamic State group in Iraq, an official said Wednesday.

UNITAD, the UN body set up to investigate IS crimes in the country, began its field work five years ago in an effort to bring the jihadists to justice.

"For us, it is absolutely clear that only if we work side by side with Iraqi authorities, in particular with our counterparts in the Iraqi judiciary, UNITAD can be successful," said the UN's chief investigator Christian Ritscher.

The German former prosecutor has been looking into a slew of IS atrocities, from murder, torture and mass rape to slavery and genocide.

He says success would mean that perpetrators of "heinous international crimes" are held accountable "through evidence-based trials and before competent courts."

Among the components needed for success are "admissible and reliable evidence," he added.

"I can assure you that there is no shortage of evidence of ISIL crimes in Iraq," he said, using an alternate acronym for the IS group.

"ISIL was a large-scale bureaucracy that documented and maintained a state-like administrative system."

Because of this, UNITAD launched a huge project to digitize IS documents "to ensure that this evidence is admissible before any competent court, whether in Iraq or in other states."

So far, eight million pages of documents in the possession of Iraqi authorities have already been digitized and are already proving useful in the Iraqi judicial system, he said.

A next step will be "establishing a central archive that will be the unified repository of all digitized evidence," Ritscher added.

In agreement with Iraqi authorities, Ritscher said, the archive will be launched "in the coming days," and will be located at the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq.

The repository, he added "could be a milestone to founding a comprehensive e-justice system in Iraq which can be upheld as a leading example, not only in the region, but also globally."

After their meteoric rise in 2014, IS jihadists briefly controlled a third of Iraqi territory.

In December 2017, Iraq claimed victory against IS, but it wasn't until March 2019 that the radical jihadist group collapsed, losing its last stronghold in neighboring Syria.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Google Home app makes the process of managing Google Home, Google Home mini, Chromecast, Google Nest, and numerous consumer electronics and smart devices that are compatible with Google Home a breeze.

Exclusively, available for Android and iOS the Google Home App can also be installed on a Windows Desktop PC or Laptop.

Even though theres no native Google Home app for Windows 10 or Windows 11 PCs and Laptops. You can still download Google Home on PC by employing an Android Emulator.

In this article, we have shared three different methods following which you will be able to download Google Home app for Windows, connect Google Home to PC, and pair Google Home Mini to a laptop via Bluetooth.

Download Google Home App On PC?

As mentioned earlier, theres no Google Home PC application for Windows 10,11,8,7 in existence.

Thankfully, feature-packed Android Emulators do exist that can help you download Google home app on PC.

For the sake of this tutorial, I will be using the prominent BlueStacks Android Emulator.

So heres how you can install the Google Home app on Windows 10 PC.

Download the Bluestacks emulator and install the .exe file on your computer by following the on-screen instructions.

Once installed sign-in with your Google account on BlueStacks.

Lastly, directly download and install Google Home from Google Play Store.

The same method can also be used to download Google home app for windows 11 PC.

Apart from BlueStacks, you can even use Android emulators such as MEmu Play, KO Player, lDplayer, and Nox App Player to download Google Home for laptops and PC.

Additionally, you can use the Bluetooth connectivity of your PC to pair the Google Home app running on your emulator.

Once connected, any sort of audio playback on your emulator will now be casted to the Google Home speaker.

Update: There are a few issues with Bluetooth on BlueStacks in the recent update, so can you use other Android emulators to connect Google Home to Windows 10 PC.

Minimum system requirements to run Google Home on PC

Intel/ AMD Processor

Windows 7 and above

Minimum 2GB RAM

5GB of free disk space

Hardware Virtualization Technology

How To Connect Google Home With Windows PC Using Chrome browser?

If Google Chrome is your primary web browser then you are in luck. Googles Chrome browser helps users to cast music from PC to Google Home.

Additionally, Chrome can even stream content to Chromecast devices. Chrome can even help you manage Google Home from PC.

Now, if you want to connect Google Home to your Computer via Chrome browser then ensure that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network.

Next, click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of Chrome and select Cast.

Based on your personal preference, you can now Cast Tab, Cast Desktop, and Cast File. A few websites like Soundcloud offer a built-in cast button that comes in handy for establishing google home mini-computer setup.

It is worth noting that, Google Chrome doesnt function as the full-fledged Google Home application and its limited in many ways.

For instance, you cant even set up Google Home Mini from the computer utilizing Chrome.

How To Pair Google Home Mini To Laptop via Bluetooth?

To use Google Home as a computer speaker or to transform Google Home into a Bluetooth speaker without compromising its existing functionality you can shoot the command, Ok Google, Pair Bluetooth.

Once the pairing process starts, open the Bluetooth settings on your Windows 11 PC and connect to the Google Home speaker.

If you are pairing Google Home Mini to Windows 10 PC for the first time then click on the Add Bluetooth or other devices button.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use Google Home as a speaker for my PC?

Your PC needs to have Bluetooth-compatible hardware that can connect to devices using the tech. Once that is out of the way, we put the Google Home in pairing mode by saying OK Google, Bluetooth pairing, which should do the job.

The other way is by manually going to the settings: Google Home > Paired Bluetooth Devices > Enable Pairing Mode. Once this is done, enable Bluetooth on Windows 10 and pair it with your Google Home speaker.

Your PC needs to have Bluetooth-compatible hardware that can connect to devices using the tech. Once that is out of the way, we put the Google Home in pairing mode by saying OK Google, Bluetooth pairing, which should do the job. The other way is by manually going to the settings: Google Home > Paired Bluetooth Devices > Enable Pairing Mode. Once this is done, enable Bluetooth on Windows 10 and pair it with your Google Home speaker. Will there be a Google Home App for Windows 10?

That remains to be seen as the Google Home app is available only for Android and iOS powered devices. The voice-controlled smart speaker is aimed at portable devices around the house. Releasing an app for PC for the untargeted demographic would be a waste of time and resources for the Big G.

CONCLUSION

So this was all about How you can use Google Home On Windows 10 or Windows 11.

If you face any trouble, with the Google Home app for PC then do let us know in the comments section below.

The aforementioned methods of connecting Google Home to a PC can be used on Google Home Max, Google Home, or Google Home Mini.
The Valorant community has been waiting for the community gift codes feature for a long time. Finally, Riot Games has introduced the feature in their FPS eSports title Valorant.

Developed by Riot Games, Valorant is a free-to-play first-person tactical shooter game that is available only on the Windows platform and is soon to come to mobile phones.

Valorant is powered by Unreal Engine 4, and its now the primary competitor of Valves Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Even though the Valorant community gift codes are live, they are only available on USAs Amazon website. You can then redeem code in Valorant. However, these codes can be used in both USA and Canada only.

Riot has confirmed that apart from the USA and Canada, other regions players wont be able to redeem the codes as they are region-locked.

You are advised to buy the gift codes only from Riot-authorized sellers. Dont buy the codes from other sellers as they may not work correctly.

After the completion of the purchase process, dont forget to save the digital copy of your customer receipt. This receipt will help you verify your purchase in case any error occurs.

Lets check out a few Valorant Redeem Codes that work right now.

Valorant Redeem Codes 2022

Sadly, there are currently no valid codes for Valorant.

That said, this space will be updated with working Valorant codes as they come up and you can also check out the latest valorant working codes in the next section as they do work.

Latest Valorant Working Codes

YTILAUD  Duality Player Card

Valorant Expired Codes

PRISMATIC- Rainbow Pride Player Card

Rainbow Pride Player Card PRIMARY  Primary Pride Player Card

Primary Pride Player Card COTTONCANDY- Cotton Candy Pride Player Card

Cotton Candy Pride Player Card GALACTIC- Galactic Pride Player Card

Galactic Pride Player Card SUNSET- Sunset Pride Player Card

Sunset Pride Player Card SHERBERT- Sherbet Pride Player Card

Sherbet Pride Player Card TWILIGHT- Twilight Pride Player Card

Twilight Pride Player Card JUBILANT01- Proud Player Title

Proud Player Title JUBILANT02- Ally Player Title

How To Redeem Codes In Valorant?

Redeeming codes in Valorant gets you Player pride codes.

So, if you have other prepaid card codes or any community gift code, follow the process mentioned below to redeem codes in Valorant:

Launch the Valorant client and log in to your account.

Click on the Valorant icon on the right side of the store tab.

Then select Prepaid Cards & Codes



Enter the code and click on Submit.

The reward will be added to your inventory.

ALSO READ: Best Vandal Skins in Valorant

How To Redeem Player Cards In Valorant?

Player Card in Valorant is an image that is shown as the background image of a players account.

You can get multiple player cards in Valorant.

Redeeming the player cards is relatively straightforward. To do so follow the guide below

Head to the Valorant Redeem page and log in to your Valorant account.

and log in to your Valorant account. Enter a player card code in the blank space.

You will receive the Player Card in your inventory.

How do you get free Valorant card?

Valorant players who have an active Amazon prime subscription can get Up in Arms player card by linking their account to Amazon prime account on prime gaming website and can claim rewards every month from there.

VERDICT

If you are from USA or Canada, you can now gift community gift codes to your friends or teammates.

Moreover, now you know how to redeem a code in Valorant if any of your friends or teammate gifts you a code.
With a vision of Open Source on the Mainframe as the standard for enterprise class systems and applications, the Linux Foundations Open Mainframe Project is continuing to attract community members who share their mission to eliminate barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe.

The project has announced the launch of Call for Proposals (CFPs) for its 4th annual Open Mainframe Summit. This year, the premier mainframe event will be collocated with two industry conferences: IBM TechXchange Conference 2023, hosted in Las Vegas on September 11-14; and Open Source in Finance Forum, hosted in New York City on November 1.

A program committee, which includes active community members and project leaders, will review, and rate the proposals. Open Mainframe Project welcomes Alan Clark, CTO Office and Director for Industry Initiatives, Emerging Standards and Open Source at SUSE, Donna Hudi, Chief Marketing Officer at Phoenix Software International, Elizabeth K. Joseph, Global Head of the OSPO for IBM zSystems at IBM, Rose Sakach, Offering Manager, Mainframe Division at Broadcom, Inc., and Len Santalucia, CTO at Vicom Infinity, A Converge Company.

"As mainframe technology and events evolve and mature, it becomes a more natural evolution to align Open Mainframe Projects and activities with other industry events, said John Mertic, Director of Program Management at the Linux Foundation and Executive Director of the Open Mainframe Project. This year, by partnering with IBM and FINOS, we are offering attendees the opportunity to enhance their experience with unique presentations and targeted conversations with industry experts.

As open source becomes the default development model for many enterprises, mainframe customers are looking to embrace community developed code for their mainframe environments, said Steven Dickens, Vice President and Practice Leader at the Futurum Group. The Open Mainframe Project has established itself as the go-to community for mainframe developers, enterprises and vendors alike. The events announced today are a key part of how the community will gather to advance code on the mainframe.

Open Mainframe Summit aims to connect and inform all those interested in growing the use of mainframes and related technology in dynamic technical and educational sessions. It is open to students, developers, corporate leaders, users, and contributors of projects from around the globe looking to learn, network and collaborate. It will feature content tracks that tackle both business and technical strategies for enterprise development and deployment.

The IBM TechXchange Conference offers technical breakout sessions, hands-on experiences, product demonstrations, instructor-led labs, and certifications, and the Open Mainframe Summit will be featured as part of IBMs TechXchange Community Day on September 11.

The Open Source in Finance Forum is dedicated to driving collaboration and innovation in financial services through open source software and standards. This event brings together experts across financial services, technology, and open source to engage in stimulating and thought-provoking conversations about how to best (and safely) leverage open source software to solve industry challenges. Open Mainframe Summit will be featured as part of a 6-session track and a 10-minute keynote presentation.

The Call for Proposals is now open and will be accepting submissions until Friday, June 30, 2023. Interested speakers for either event can submit proposals with options for 20 minute talks, 30-minute sessions, 60-minute panel discussions or a 60-minute workshops or labs. All topics that benefit the Open Mainframe ecosystem are welcome and can include (but are not limited to) AI, machine learning, building the next workforce, cloud native, COBOL, Java, hybrid cloud, diversity and Inclusion, z/OS and Linux on Z, and security.

Edited by Erik Linask
What happens in the brain of mothers after childbirth

In a scrapyard, a church, a volcano or a train car, these are some of the rarest places in Spain to eat (and very well)

"People acted on the basis of the logic of "good tsar - bad boyars": 375 years ago, the Salt Riot began in Moscow

Finistere: an 11-year-old girl shot dead after the shooting of a neighbor, her father seriously wounded

New games: Come on, we need to talk  or not?

"We entered the XXI century with two suitcases": a Russian astrophysicist on the evolution of scientists' ideas about the Universe

They lost their mother in a fatal plane accident. How did children survive the monsters of Colombia's forests?

After returning to fight again. Will the African Initiative Succeed in Ending the Sudanese Conflict?

A joint study by Oxford University and Peking University found that more than 60 diseases are related to drinking

Many problems need to be solved, where is the way for units to run childcare?

Online dramas such as "Hidden Corner" have taken to the stage, and adapting IP musicals has become popular again

The fury and lead of a superb Roca Rey prevail in the battle of Madrid

About 60,4 poppy flowers are in full bloom and an event is held for the first time in four years Shimane Iinan Town

Can the "20 Articles of Punishment for Online Violence" free the general public from online violence?

Young people read in new ways and write about the lives they love

From his first victory against Nadal in 2015 to his coronation this Sunday, Djokovic's highlights at Roland Garros

After his third title at Roland-Garros, Novak Djokovic wants to "continue to write history"

"Where will it stop?": Ivanisevic, coach of Djokovic, impressed after the coronation of the Serb at Roland Garros

17.9 yuan to solve three meals, are you willing to pay for the "leftover blind box"?

Train and bus operators put on sale this summer tickets with discounts of 90% for young people

The Hainan Free Trade Port operates around the island-wide customs closure operation to promote a higher level of rule of law

Some study groups are not as good as tourist groups and reporters investigate the chaos in the study market

Can one sell for 500 pieces? After the advent of AI painting, AI keywords also became a business

Investigation of chaos in the game companion industry: In the name of "accompanying play", not only games are played

An exciting investigation. Sunday Times: This is what international investigators have revealed about the COVID-19 leak from a Chinese laboratory

On the way to discuss freedom of information. Egyptian Journalists Syndicate criticizes blocking of two news websites

CNEWS: a working group on the "coexistence" of citizens with rats was created at the Paris City Hall

Ukrainian Army's "Recapture of Settlements in the East" and Emphasis on Achievements Will Fierce Offensive and Defense Continue?

The so-called "standard" virtual and real geometry? The safety and effectiveness of Japan's nuclear-contaminated water treatment plants are questionable

"I'm hungry", "Mom is dead": the first words of the children rescued from the Colombian jungle

Jiang Wei, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Almaty: The Chinese and Kazakh media are an important bridge to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries

Snowden said that he did not plan to initially stay in Russia

The wedding of Sol de Medina and Pedro Dominguez-Manjon brings together Spanish and international high society in Seville

They create the first European Sex Championship, in which the actress Selva Lapiedra will represent Spain

Bob Dylan in Madrid: a lot of nostalgia, a lot of squawking and no known song

Against the background of the investigation into the parties scandal. Johnson resigns from British parliament and puts new pressure on Sunak

The first Turkish woman to hold this position. Erdogan appoints Hafiza chief staff of the Central Bank

The AfD faction demands that the German authorities investigate Kiev's involvement in the undermining of the joint venture

Shock in Moralzarzal, the town of the four killed in a traffic accident: "We are in 'shock', it can not be"

Irene Montero breaks her silence to respond to Echenique after denouncing that he was also vetoed by Sumar

The fury and lead of a superb Roca Rey prevail in the battle of Madrid

The army is still looking for the dog Wilson, key in the rescue of children in the Colombian jungle

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Five Arab Israelis were shot dead at a car wash in the north on Thursday, police said, amid the worst crime wave in years to hit the minority sector.

The shooting brought the number of Arabs killed this year to 96.

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet would now help the police to tackle rampant criminal activity in the community.

Police said the shootings took place at Yafia, an Arab town just west of Nazareth, and a statement said forces were searching the area for suspects.

Speaking from the scene of the killings, police spokesman Eli Levy told public broadcaster Kan that "one person or more" opened fire at a group of men at a car wash.

Levy avoided giving more information as the investigation was ongoing.

Experts say Arab gangs have amassed large quantities of illegal weapons over the past two decades and are involved in drugs, arms and human trafficking, prostitution, extortion and money laundering.

Arab-Israelis, descendants of Palestinians who were not expelled by Zionist gangs in 1948, comprise around 20 percent of the country's population.

They have long complained of discrimination and police inaction against violence and crime plaguing their communities.

On May 30, elected officials and representatives of the Arab minority protested in Jerusalem and called on the government to increase security.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu announced a decision to form a steering committee following a meeting with Arab lawmakers to discuss "solutions to the wave of murders in the Arab society".

On Thursday, he said he was "determined to stop this chain of murders" and would see that happen by not only reinforcing police but also "with the help of the Shin Bet".

The internal security agency does not normally investigate criminal activity.

Earlier on Thursday, a 30-year-old man and a three-year-old girl were wounded in a separate shooting in Kafr Kanna, an Arab town north of Nazareth.

Roni Halon, a reporter with Nazareth-based Radio Nas, said the Yafia shooting took place as a police helicopter was above the town searching for those behind the Kafr Kanna attack.

Speaking to AFP from the scene, Halon said two masked men had arrived on motorcycles and used automatic rifles to kill the men in the car wash.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The artist whose portraits of soldier Ben Roberts-Smith have been at the centre of a fierce debate surrounding their placement at the Australian War Memorial believes that the works should stay on display but be given additional context following last weeks federal court judgment.

I think that is always a good policy around contentious works, acclaimed artist Michael Zavros told this masthead, breaking his silence on the growing furore around the War Memorials Roberts-Smith display.

Ben Roberts-Smith in front of his portrait at the Australian War Memorial in 2014, painted by Michael Zavros. Credit: Jay Cronan

Zavros rarely takes on commissions  normally his work is directed by his own ideas and passions  but in 2014 he made a rare exception, producing two portraits of soldier Ben Roberts-Smith for the War Memorial.

At the time the paintings were unveiled the man depicted in them was considered a hero  but last week, in a landmark decision, a federal court judge found that Roberts-Smith murdered four unarmed prisoners while deployed in Afghanistan.
Im back in Targets childrens section, for the first time in decades, this time buying clothes for my two-year-old grandson. How things have changed.

Thirty years ago, it was blue for boys and pink for girls. Now its so different. Its military camouflage for the boys  grey and brown splotches - and sparkly pink princess outfits for the girls.

Thirty years ago, it was blue for boys and pink for girls, but now its different. Credit:

In other words, its more gendered than ever. Its as if people are afraid their two-year-olds might momentarily forget which team theyre supposed to be on.

Flipping through the racks, trying to find something for young Pip, I decide against the desert camouflage. Whatever the ADFs current difficulties with recruitment, Im confident my grandson will be able to avoid deployment overseas until hes at least three.
EU nations offered to send nearly 300 firefighters to help Canada battle blazes that have shrouded US cities in smoke, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday.

Smoke from the wildfires choked New York in a record-breaking apocalyptic smog Wednesday as cities along the US East Coast issued air pollution warnings and thousands evacuated their homes in Canada.

"Canada has requested support from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and we are responding promptly," von der Leyen tweeted.

"France, Portugal and Spain are offering the help of more than 280 firefighters. More will come," she added.

The devastating fires have displaced more than 20,000 people and scorched about 3.8 million hectares of land in Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described this wildfire season as the country's worst ever.

More than 100 million people across the northeastern United States, and extending west to Chicago and south to Atlanta, were under pollution warnings after the smoke drifted hundreds of miles from Canada, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Among that number are suicides, teenage runaways or people suffering from dementia, but a large proportion of them are what the Japanese call jouhatsu, or evaporated people. And they often hire a yonige-ya (fly-by-night shop) to help them pack up their lives and disappear. Id heard about these companies, but as Id never interviewed anyone involved with them, I wondered if they were real, because they seemed like fiction, says Adelstein, who is on the Zoom call from Paris while on a tour for his new book, Tokyo Detective. But then Shoko found this woman, Saita San (Miho Saita), who ran her own company. Once she came on board we realised it was legit and also how surprisingly easy it was to vanish and become someone else in Japan. About 20 years ago Saita escaped a violent marriage by disappearing and starting a new life. She decided to establish her own yonige-ya, assisting people who were in abusive relationships, bad marriages or massive debt (often to loan companies associated with the yakuza). Japan is a high-pressure cooker, and if you dont give people some out from a bad situation, theyre either going to kill themselves or find a way to escape, says Adelstein.

Where I worked at the newspaper (Yomiuri Shimbun, from 1993 to 2005), we had a thing called bonenkai, which translates as forget the year party. It was always a drunken brawl where we all did and said terrible things. Investigative journalist Jake Adelsteins 2009 memoir Tokyo Vice has been adapted into a TV series. Credit: Then the next day no one said anything, as if it never happened. So evaporating is like one big bonenkai. Its basically saying Im gone, Im forgotten. In some ways, Japanese society is set up to assist with the vanishing process, from the countrys strong privacy laws to the lack of reliance on photo ID. In the US you really need photo ID, says Plambeck. But thats not the case in Japan. I found out from multiple sources that you can walk into the so-called slums of Tokyo or Osaka and find people willing to sell their koseki, which is an identity paper with no photo ID, for the equivalent of $US3000. That was pretty shocking to hear.

Throughout the podcast the team dug into different aspects of the evaporated, such as the best-selling manuals on how to vanish and start a new life, and the unsolved 2018 disappearance of Frenchwoman Tiphaine Veron in the popular Japanese tourist spot Nikko. They even attended a three-day course at a detective school in Sapporo to learn the methods gumshoes use to track people down. But what about the fate of Morimoto, the missing accountant? Adelstein and Plambeck tried every way imaginable to find him. They visited his old place of work, talked to other clients, combed through his social media, and even joined a website for sugar daddies where hed registered. Nothing. We were in the final month of making the podcast and I didnt have high hopes of ever finding him, says Plambeck. We didnt know how we were going to wrap things up. Reading between the lines, it sounded to me like hed inherited a terrible client or two at his old company who were involved in criminal activity, says Adelstein. He knew it was illegal, he didnt want to do it and he wanted out. That would be a huge motivating factor for him wanting to disappear. Its like Tom Cruise in The Firm, where he realises hes working for the bad guys and hes becoming a bad guy, so he decides to run away.

Loading The two of them were literally on their way to Morimotos parents house to knock on their door as a last resort when Adelstein got a message from him, finally responding to one of their many attempts to get in touch. Under the pretence that Adelstein needed more accounting work done, Morimoto agreed to meet for dinner. While avoiding the elephant in the room  why and how he disappeared  he told Adelstein and Plambeck he now worked as a corporate planner for an environmentally conscious fruit company, and that he left his former firm when one of his co-workers died of a perforated ulcer due to all the stress. But eventually, Adelstein knew hed have to confront him. He organised another meeting at a bar and finally revealed to Morimoto the true reason for tracking him down was not to ask about doing his taxes, but to talk to him about his disappearance for the podcast. Morimoto got up, politely thanked him for the drink and walked out of the bar. Adelstein never heard from him again. This time, hed evaporated for good.
Advertisement

Eating outJust open Peek inside Andrew McConnells new cocktail bar, The Apollo Inn, before it opens next week Emma Breheny June 8, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

One of Melbournes leading restaurant tastemakers, Andrew McConnell, has today shared the first glimpses inside his latest hospitality project with Jo McGann, The Apollo Inn: a diminutive bar nestled in an austere neo-Renaissance building on a bustling Flinders Lane corner. The Apollo Inn team at the venue: Colin Mainds, Leanne Altmann, Shane Lazzo, Katya Owens, Cameron Parish, Chloe Penn. Simon Schluter Opening on Tuesday, June 13, the 30-seat bar draws on the rich tradition of mid-century cocktail bars while also referencing French brasseries, private members clubs and casual Spanish establishments in its atmosphere and offering. Located just two doors from Gimlet  the restaurant groups most recent opening, which has rocketed to worldwide acclaim  The Apollo Inn might be seen as the bar that Gimlet was supposed to have before its runaway success made spontaneous visits there a slim possibility. The Apollo Inn was, in fact, the original name of Cavendish House, the building that houses Gimlet.

Advertisement

The clubby venue is a hideaway from bustling Flinders Lane. Earl Carter What I love about the restaurant environment is the sense of occasion and ceremony, but it comes with certain parameters, says McConnell. This bar has the same ethos and celebration of hospitality, but it doesnt have the same prescribed routine and formality. The Apollo Inn has more of a lounge vibe than its older sibling, McConnell says, channelling 1950s Europe rather than Gimlets 1920s Chicago. At least half the venue will be kept free for walk-ins, and standing at the bar with a drink will be encouraged. Gimlets new cocktail bar offshoot has a name and an opening date

Advertisement

Despite sitting on the busy corner of Hosier and Flinders Lanes, the venue will be an escape, tucked behind thick concrete walls in the 1924 building and reached via stairs. I want people to feel theyre in a space where theres this welcoming person behind the bar, always good for a conversation, always good for a joke. Andrew McConnell Cloaked in soft light and dark timber panelling, the design by Sydney firm ACME (also responsible for Gimlet) features a large banquette along one wall facing the timber bar, which is topped with inlaid stone. There, bar manager Cameron Parish will prepare eight signature cocktails, including a Stinger with river mint; a Lucien Gaudin (the French cousin of the negroni); and a Chicago Fizz made with agricole rum. Parish has also made his own amaro using Alpine Valley fruits and herbs, which he is showcasing in a Picon Biere, a refreshing French aperitif involving lager poured over a shot of amaro.

Advertisement

A Champagne Royale is one of the classic cocktails on offer. Earl Carter A chef will also be behind the bar preparing simple snacks, such as raw seafood on ice; sliced jamon Iberico presented on silver platters; and Spanish potato chips and dip, starting with buttermilk and dill next week. For me, its really important to have something that I want to eat in a bar, something not too serious, says McConnell. More refined items include raw tuna paired with the Majorcan pork sausage sobrasada; endives, anchovy and mozzarella; or creme caramel later at night. A prawn and spanner crab club sandwich will walk the high-low line. Creme caramel is part of a concise and considered snack menu. Earl Carter

Advertisement

I want people to feel theyre in a space where theres this welcoming person behind the bar, always good for a conversation, always good for a joke. The Apollo Inn marks Andrew McConnells 10th hospitality venue as part of his Trader House group. Reservations open today. Open daily 5pm-1am from June 13. The Apollo Inn, ground floor, 165 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, apolloinn.bar

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a swipe at Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowes pandemic-era promise to keep interest rates low amid consumer and business anger at its aggressive rate hikes, as a former RBA governor said the most recent increase was a mistake.

Economists said the RBA should be prepared to cop criticism for raising the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points this week to 4.1 per cent, but some said the bank was being unfairly targeted for doing its job.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at an economic forum event in Sydney today. Credit: John Feder/The Australian

Asked why the May budget predicted the cash rate would stay at 3.85 per cent, when that turned out to be wrong just a month later, Albanese said the RBA governor had made a worse wrong call on interest rates.

The Reserve Bank, of course, makes these decisions independently of government, as you know. And thats not the only prediction on interest rates that have not been correct, he said at an economics conference.

Its not as incorrect as the one saying thered be no increases till 2024. So these things are all relative.

Read the full story from Rachel Clun here.
Government members tonight were pressing for the imposition of a gaol sentence on the two men. It was claimed that the Commonwealth has power to inflict a prison sentence on a charge of breach of privilege but not a power to inflict a fine. If this is so, the only alternative to a prison sentence would be to admonish the guilty parties and to accept an unqualified apology from them. Government members were adamant tonight that the charges were of so serious a nature that an apology at the Bar of the House would not be sufficient punishment. Writer Frank Browne, returns home to Dover Heights, Sydney, after being jailed for contempt of Parliament Credit: Kerry Redshaw

The Labor party will not make any decision on a penalty until it hears the motion on the sentence to be inflicted put forward by the Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) A number of Labor members tonight were known to favor a heavy fine, 5000 being the sum mentioned in each case, if it could be established that a fine was a permissible alternative. If the Labor party should oppose a prison sentence on principle, it will mean a vote on party lines, something Mr. Menzies is known to be anxious to avoid. It was claimed in the lobbies tonight that the Governments decision would be final and Commonwealth legal authorities were quoted as stating that no appeal would lie from the sentence. However, an effort to test this by moving for an appeal to the High Court is considered certain to follow whatever action is taken, and Messrs. Fitzpatrick and Browne have already briefed Sir Garfield Barwick and Mr. Shand, Q.C.s, to protect their interests. Neither man will be allowed legal representation at the Bar of the House, and if they fail to appear they can be sentenced in their absence.

The Commonwealth Parliament has no precedent of its own to follow in the present case and intends following precedents established by the House of Commons, which it is empowered to do under Section 49 of the Constitution. The deputy director or the Commonwealth Investigation service (Mr J. M. Davis) flew from Canberra to Sydney tonight to serve notices on Messrs. Fitzpatrick and Browne to appear before the Bar of the House at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Mr. Davis left Canberra almost immediately after the Speaker (Mr. Cameron) signed the notices. The notices, which were addressed to Mr. Raymond Edward Fltzpatrick, Chapel Road, Bankstown, and Mr. Frank Courtney Browne, Lancaster Road, Dover Heights, read: Take notice that the House of Representatives this day adopted a resolution in the following terms: That Raymond E. Fitzpatrick and Frank C. Browne be notified that at 10 a.m. tomorrow the House will hear them at the Bar before proceeding to decide what action it will take in respect of their breaches of privilege. First published in The Age on June 11, 1955

LEGAL MOVES TO FREE MEN IMPRISONED BY PARLIAMENT FAIL Habeas Corpus Writ to be Argued Wednesday CANBERRA, Friday. - Legal moves to obtain the immediate release of R. E. Fitzpatrick and F. C. Browne, imprisoned today by resolution of the House of Representatives for a serious breach of privilege, failed early tonight. Mr. Justice Simpson of the A.C.T. Supreme Court refused to grant an immediate writ of Habeas Corpus when application was made by Mr. Shand, Q.C., and Mr. A. F. Mason, legal representatives for the two men, shortly after they had been imprisoned. He granted an order nisi returnable on Wednesday calling on the Acting Commissioner of Police (Inspector Richards) to show cause why he should not release both men.

Loading Fitzpatrick and Browne will remain in Canberra lock-up until Wednesday, but the Government has made arrangements to commit them to a Victorian prison if their sentences of three months have to be served. Mr. Shand and Mr. Mason made their application in chambers. They claimed that Parliament did not have power to inflict the term of imprisonment as there had been no breach of privilege. If their case fails in the A.C.T. Supreme Court, an immediate appeal will be made to the Full High Court. It was stated today that it was intended to take the case to the Privy Council if an appeal to the High Court failed.

The committal to prison of Fitzpatrick and Browne came at the end of a long and tense debate in the House of Representatives following the appearance of the two men before the Bar of the House. While in the Canberra lock-up Fitzpatrick and Browne will eat meals served from the Hotel Civic, which is situated opposite the local police station. Browne telephoned his wife before noon today, informing her of the likelihood of his committal to prison, and she left Sydney by air later and visited her husband at the police station. She will be allowed to visit him for 15 minutes a day while he is in Canberra. Fitzpatrick seemed stunned by his sentence when he was escorted from Parliament House by Commonwealth peace officers and officers of the Commonwealth Investigation Service.

Loading Dramatic Five-hour Debate The decision to imprison Fitzpatrick and Browne was made by the House of Representatives after a debate of extraordinary tenseness and drama lasting almost five hours. Both the appearance of the two men at the Bar of the House and the sentence passed were without precedent in the Federal Parliament. Fitzpatrick, 45 years, contractor, of Bankstown, Sydney, and Browne, 39 years, of Dover Heights, Sydney, were alleged to have attempted to silence Mr. Morgan (Lab., N.S.W.), a Sydney lawyer, by means of articles in the Bankstown Observer, a paper owned by Fitzpatrick and edited by Browne.
If they dont remove them, they will be giving in to the vocal few people who remain wilfully ignorant about what happened in Afghanistan. It will reflect poorly on us as a nation, and it will not be looked upon kindly by history. Defence Minister Richard Marles is considering whether to remove medals from some Afghanistan War veterans. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Crompvoets acknowledged this would require bravery because the prospect of revoking military honours has already attracted a backlash from veterans groups including the Returned and Services League (RSL) and the Australian Special Air Service (SAS) Association. Removing the medals is a courageous thing for the government to do and would draw a line in the sand about what they believe in terms of accountability and ethics, she said.

Explaining why commanders should be held accountable for alleged wrongdoing by more junior soldiers, Crompvoets used the analogy of a relay team that is stripped of its Olympic medals because one member was found to be using performance-enhancing drugs. Loading Australian Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell wrote to several Afghanistan war veterans last month to inform them their honours for distinguished and conspicuous service could soon be cancelled if Marles accepts his recommendation to do so. Veterans groups are aware of at least seven veterans who held command positions in Afghanistan who have received these letters. A spokeswoman for Marles confirmed Campbell had provided him with recommendations on command accountability.

The deputy prime minister in his capacity as minister for defence is considering the recommendations and seeking advice as appropriate, the spokeswoman said. Loading Crompvoets said some soldiers had told her the culture inside the SAS had improved since the Brereton inquiry, but she added: Where is the transparency from Defence about what changes have been made and why? Where is the thought leadership, the speeches and essays on what has been learnt? She said there was still a hypermasculine cult of warrior worship in the military that needed to be questioned. Im not reassured by someone like [Opposition Leader] Peter Dutton coming out and saying the culture of the SAS has changed, she said. We know it takes a lot of time for culture to change.

Crompvoets said her work for the federal government, her main source of income, evaporated after Dutton criticised her type of research in 2021, with the then-defence minister saying he did not want the military to be distracted by things that have happened in the past. . Credit: Illustration by Matt Golding There has been an enormous personal and professional cost because of the backlash I received from my work on this, she said. She added she was the target of misogynist abuse in online veterans groups where her phone number was published. Crompvoets first heard accounts of troubling behaviour by Australian troops in Afghanistan when she was commissioned to write an unrelated report on the role of special forces in responding to domestic terror attacks following the 2014 Sydney Lindt Cafe siege.

In a subsequent report delivered to senior Defence officials in 2016, Crompvoets identified a number of deeply concerning norms within the special forces, including competition killing and blood lust, the inhumane treatment of prisoners and cover-ups of unlawful killings. Her work led to the Brereton inquiry, which found credible evidence to implicate 25 current or former ADF personnel in the alleged unlawful killing of 39 individuals and the cruel treatment of two others. One soldier has since been charged with a war crime offence, and the Office of the Special Investigator has said it is investigating around 40 other matters. Martin Hamilton-Smith, the chair of the SAS Association, said Marles would set an extraordinary precedent if he accepts Campbells recommendation to remove medals.

We strongly disagree with punishment of any kind, including the removal of medals, being administered before the soldier in question is found guilty by a court of law, he said. Loading Hamilton-Smith said there was a risk of an over-reaction to allegations of war crimes and the estimated 30,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan should not be painted as war criminals. Our soldiers are not police officers and the battlefield in Afghanistan is not Kings Cross on a Saturday night, he said. He questioned why high-ranking officers including Campbell  who received a Distinguished Service Cross for overseeing Australian troops in Afghanistan  did not face the prospect of having their medals stripped.
Washington: Federal prosecutors have notified former US President Donald Trumps lawyers he is the target of an investigation into his handling of classified materials, a person familiar with the matter said, adding to his legal troubles as he campaigns for the White House in 2024.

The Justice Department typically notifies people when they become targets of an investigation to give them an opportunity to present their own evidence before a grand jury. The notification does not necessarily mean Trump will be charged.

Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April. Credit: AP

News of the notification to Trumps legal team surfaced just two days after his attorneys met with Justice Department officials to discuss the case.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trumps attorneys in the documents case could not be reached for comment.
Exhibition commemorating the Pony, Korea's first independently developed car, to be held at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul from June 9

Heritage project also heralds the publication of RETRACE , a book and magazine series celebrating the brand's heritage

, a book and magazine series celebrating the brand's heritage Opening celebration took place on June 7 with VIPs and members of Hyundai who enabled the creation of Pony

SEOUL, South Korea, June 7, 2023 -- Hyundai Motor Company today announced its first heritage exhibition 'PONY, the timeless' at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul. The exhibition is presented as part of the newly launched Hyundai Heritage project that reflects on the past and future of the brand, and will open to the general public from June 9. The project also heralds the publication of RETRACE, a collection book and magazine series that celebrates the brand's heritage.

The opening celebration took place on June 7 with VIP guests from various industries, including art, fashion, and architecture. The event included presentations about Hyundai's Heritage project, the exhibition, and the RETRACE Series, and also featured a performance from the band Jannabi.

Joining the event were Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and many former members of Hyundai who enabled the creation of Pony.

The exhibition follows the inaugural Hyundai Reunion event in Lake Como, Italy in May, where the restored Pony Coupe Concept was unveiled nearly 50 years after its debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show.

'PONY, the timeless' emphasizes Hyundai's human-centered philosophy that was established by the company's Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung. The exhibition is an opportunity to see how Hyundai Motor got started and grew over the years alongside the development of the country. Visitors are guided through Pony's timeline from multiple angles in terms of historical background, archiving, design and philosophy.

Hyundai Motor has been actively communicating its brand heritage in various formats, including the Pony documentary film 'The Next Chapter' released earlier this month. The company also newly released the film 'A Pony Tale' about a young man in the Netherlands who still drives the Pony for his daily commutes.

'PONY, the timeless' exhibition will be open to public until August 6 at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul, and tickets can be reserved here.

More information about Hyundai Motor can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2023 -- Eligible schools, universities, museums, libraries, and planetariums interested in receiving historic NASA objects for their STEM programs have until Friday, June 30, to apply for the 60th screening of the NASA Artifacts Module.

Artifacts may also be associated with achievements or improvements in technology; our understanding of the universe; and important or well-known personalities.

To learn more about the program, and apply online, visit:

https://artifacts.nasa.gov/

The agency has thousands of items available ranging from decommissioned programs, science instruments, small hardware flown in space, and other major agency activities for loan through that represent the history behind the science and technology of NASA.

"NASA's Artifacts program offers an opportunity to encourage the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math students  the Artemis Generation  and many other space enthusiasts, with these priceless artifacts to share the agency's awe-inspiring accomplishments," said Lauren Katz, exhibits and artifacts program manager at NASA. "We have a simple process online now for eligible institutions to secure their chance to participate in this unparallel event. We hope many apply!"

Recognizing the important role it has played in our nation's history, NASA makes available artifacts for STEM educational outreach activities and displays for the benefit of all. Since 2009, NASA has loaned more than 13,000 artifacts from its extensive collection to organizations across all 50 U.S. states.

Following their application, the agency anticipates notifying recipients in July. Called custodians, applicants will be required to pay associated packaging, handling, and shipping of any artifact.

For more information about NASA programs, visit the agency's website:

https://www.nasa.gov/

SOURCE NASA
Southeast Asian nations have agreed to hold their first-ever joint military drills in the South China Sea, Indonesian officials said Thursday, as tensions grow over China's increasing assertiveness in the region.

"We will hold joint military drills in the North Natuna Sea," Indonesian military chief Yudo Margono said after a meeting of Southeast Asian defence chiefs in Bali, state news agency Antara reported.

They will take place in September involving all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc and observer member Timor-Leste, he said.

That would include junta-ruled Myanmar, where the military has overthrown a civilian leader and overseen a bloody crackdown on dissent that has resulted in wide-ranging US and EU sanctions.

Margono said the exercises will focus on maritime security and rescue, and will not involve combat operations.

"It is about ASEAN centrality," he said.

The bloc's members have held naval drills with the United States before but never military exercises as a bloc on its own.

The announcement comes after Washington called on Beijing to stop "provocative" behaviour in the disputed waterway after a near-collision with a Philippine vessel and a Chinese fighter pilot's dangerous manoeuvre near an American surveillance aircraft.

Chinese vessels have also occasionally intruded into the Indonesian-claimed waters of North Natuna where the drills will take place, prompting protests in Jakarta.

China says most of the South China Sea is its own despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Beijing's ships have patrolled the area and when confronted have invoked China's so-called nine-dash line -- an area it claims but is contested by its neighbours -- to justify its alleged historic rights to the waters.

At a summit last month, ASEAN leaders discussed "serious incidents" in the South China Sea and ongoing negotiations for a code of conduct aimed at reducing the risk of conflict there.

ASEAN has long been decried by critics as a toothless talking shop, and its charter principles of consensus and non-interference have hamstrung its ability to take action.

The bloc will hold its next leaders' summit in Indonesian capital Jakarta in September.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


At least 11 people were killed by a blast Thursday at a funeral service for an Afghan acting provincial governor whose assassination this week was claimed by Islamic State, the interior ministry said.

Security has improved dramatically since the Taliban stormed back to power in August 2021, ousting the US-backed government and ending their two-decade insurgency, but the Islamic State group remains a threat.

An interior ministry statement said the blast at the funeral for the acting governor of northeastern Badakhshan province also injured more than 30 people as "a great number of compatriots" gathered for a mosque service honouring Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi.

"The Ministry of Interior of the IEA condemns this brutality of the disgraced enemies," a statement said of the explosion in the provincial capital of Faizabad.

"I was standing outside the mosque to receive the guests coming, suddenly a terrible sound shook the mosque," said witness Naseer Ahmad.

"When I entered the mosque, I saw bloodied dead bodies laying on the ground," the 37-year-old told AFP.

An AFP journalist near the scene of the blast said Taliban government security forces had set up checkpoints around the funeral site in the morning.

When the explosion rang out people fled into nearby streets, and shops closed in panic as security forces cordoned off the area.

The AFP reporter saw 10 bodies on stretchers at a local hospital.

IS claimed responsibility for Ahmadi's killing on Tuesday, when a suicide bomber drove a car filled with explosives into his vehicle.

The driver was also killed and six others were wounded in that attack, which also took place in Faizabad.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Twitter it "unequivocally condemns this and a recent spate of appalling and indiscriminate attacks that have shown a total disregard for civilian lives".

The Taliban and IS share an austere Islamist ideology but the latter have a more ambitious goal of establishing a global "caliphate".

IS has emerged as the biggest security threat to the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan, who have pledged to prevent the nation from serving as a staging ground for international attacks.

IS has claimed responsibility for attacks on minority religious groups, foreign embassies as well as Taliban government officials.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Kosovos prime minister on Thursday complained of bias against his country from the United States and the European Union and tolerance of what he called Serbias authoritarian regime.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti said his Cabinet took a different stance. We insist that behaving well with an autocrat doesnt make him behave better. On the contrary, he said.

The U.S. and EU envoys for the Kosovo-Serbia talks  Gabriel Escobar and Miroslav Lajcak respectively  come to us with demands, with requests of the other side, he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Ethnic Serbs recently clashed with Kosovo police and then the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force, leaving 30 soldiers and over 50 Serbs injured and provoking fears of a renewal of the regions bloody conflicts.

After the soldiers were injured last week, NATO said it would send an additional 700 troops to northern Kosovo.

The clashes grew out of an earlier confrontation after ethnic Albanian candidates who were declared the winners of local elections in northern Kosovo entered municipal buildings to take office and were blocked by Serbs. Ethnic Serbs overwhelmingly boycotted the votes.

Brussels has asked Kosovo to withdraw its special police forces from northern Kosovo, where most of the ethnic Serb minority lives, and to hold fresh elections.

In February and March, Kosovo and Serbia reached a EU-facilitated deal on normalizing relations, with an 11-point plan for implementation. The process remains the focus of the talks mediated by the envoys from Washington and Brussels.

Kurti insisted the special police forces could not be downsized until criminal Serb gangs either left the country or were arrested. He said there was peace in Kosovo if there were no orders for violence from Belgrade.

Western powers should not indulge Belgrade, the root problem of the violence in the Western Balkans, Kurti said.

Kurti complained that even for the April snap election in the four northern municipalities with a Serb majority population, international mediators, European facilitators failed us."

He said they urged Kosovo to make electoral amendments but did not put pressure on the ethnic Serbs only political party to take part in the vote.

He said he would need the international communitys help to foster political pluralism in the ethnic Serb minority for a fair competition, for a democratic race for new mayors.

We cannot afford another process where Serbian candidates boycott it a couple of days before the elections start because that's what Belgrade orders, he said.

Serbia and its former province Kosovo have been at odds for decades, with Belgrade refusing to recognize Kosovos 2008 declaration of independence. The violence near their shared border has stirred fear of a renewal of a 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives and resulted in the KFOR peacekeeping mission.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Sudanese army soldiers and paramilitaries fought for control of a military facility Thursday in Khartoum where a fire raged at an oil and gas facility, witnesses said.

The battles came a day after the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced in a statement they had wrestled "full control" of the Yarmouk weapons manufacturing and arms depot complex.

Witnesses speaking to AFP from southern Khartoum said they heard the "sound of gunfire and clashes" around the complex, the most important military industrial facility in the country.

The RSF claimed that soldiers had fled the site, leaving behind large quantities of military equipment and vehicles.

The paramilitaries also posted videos online purportedly showing their fighters inside the facility, celebrating. Weapons, including machine guns, and large quantities of ammunition could be seen in the background.

Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict since mid-April, when fighting erupted between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo -- commonly known as Hemeti -- who commands the RSF.

Violence has spread across the country, most notably in the western region of Darfur, which is home to around a quarter of Sudan's population and has never recovered from a devastating two-decade war that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced.

The fire at the Al-Shajara oil and gas facility near Yarmouk broke out overnight Wednesday to Thursday, witnesses said.

It was not immediately clear what started the fire but residents said they heard a loud explosion at the facility, around which fierce fighting has been underway for the past couple of days.

Plumes of smoke still rose from the site on Thursday morning and could be seen from as far as 10 kilometres (six miles) away.

Since fighting broke out in Sudan on April 15, more than 1,800 people have been killed, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.

Nearly two million people have been displaced by the conflict, according to the latest UN figures, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

Talks mediated by Saudi Arabia and the United States broke down, and multiple ceasefires have failed to take hold.

Last week, Washington slapped sanctions on the warring generals accusing both sides of the "appalling bloodshed" after the latest truce collapsed and the army pulled out of ceasefire talks altogether.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The Board of Directors of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has approved a series of projects, with international partners, in the fields of manufacturing, green hydrogen, and water desalination, according to a statement on Thursday.





The SCZone board of directors approved projects include a $300 million steel complex by China's Cheng Feng Iron Production.

The project, which will be built on 750,000 square metres, is expected to produce 600,000 tons of steel coils annually and create 1,200 jobs.

Another $40 million project by Chinese clothes manufacturer Shanghai Shengda was also approved.

This project will be built in twp phases in West Qantara Industrial Area on 80,000 square metres.

It is expected to produce 43 million pieces annually and create 1,200 jobs.

Additionally, the board approved a $610 million project to build a steel factory in the East Ismailia Industrial Zone on 400,000 square metres.

The factory, which will be built in three phases, is expected to produce 1.8 million tons of steel products annually.

Furthermore, the board approved the construction of a 750 million tyre manufacturing project on 400,000 square metres in Sokhna Industrial Zone, with a production capacity of 2.4 million units annually.

Moreover, the board approved a $ 110 million project by Indian Flex-Egypt to construct a raw materials storage depot along with the Orascom for Industrial parks.

Investments in industrial zones

The SCZone board of directors has approved 46 projects with $ 3.6 billion worth of investments between July 2022 and May 2023 in its industrial zones, said Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the SCZone.

The value of investments in ports affiliated with the SCZone reached $1.3 billion in this same time period, Gamal El-Din added.

He revealed that the board of directors has been considering four projects in East Port Said and Sokhna ports.

Gamal El-Din added that 43 other projects in the industrial zones, with $4.6 billion worth of investments, have also received in-principle approvals.

Green Hydrogen & water desalination

The SCZone's board of directors is studying eight projects for green hydrogen industries and following up on nine projects under the framework agreement signed during the Climate Change Summit (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022.

The board of directors has also approved an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministry of International Cooperation for constructing a water desalination plant.

In May, the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) prequalified 17 consortiums to offer bids to establish water desalination projects, which run on renewable energy, in different locations as part of the first phase of Egypt's water desalination programme.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Free assistance is available to help people re-enroll or find alternative health coverage.

Changes are coming to Wyoming Medicaid that will impact families enrolled in the public health insurance program, the health care providers that serve them, and the community at large. Eligibility requirements have been revised and extra steps will be required to remain in compliance. To make sure families dont lose life-saving coverage, the nonprofit Enroll Wyoming is raising awareness about the new rules and free assistance available to find affordable health insurance.

Medicaid provides health coverage to 83.1 million Americans, or more than 20 percent of the population, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. In Wyoming, there were more than 83,000 people receiving health insurance through Medicaid at the start of 2023. Health coverage helps people fulfill needs that might not otherwise be met. It plays a vital but also complicated role. After all, its difficult to keep up with expectations, especially when the rules are regularly rewritten.

In 2020, eligibility checks were paused. Those who enrolled in Medicaid retained their coverage  no questions asked. The goal was to increase peace of mind and productivity when the time spent reapplying and waiting for a determination could be redirected toward other needs. Earlier this spring, Wyoming Medicaid ended that policy and restarted the annual reviews. The process will stretch into 2024 as 1 in 10 Wyomingites will be evaluated.

To make reviews go smoothly, enrollees should update their contact information by calling 855-294-2127 or visiting www.wesystem.wyo.gov. They should then watch for print, email, or text updates on their status. Eligible families could lose their coverage if they cannot be reached or do not respond to inquiries.

A ripple effect occurs when people struggle without health insurance:

- A familys health declines when it cannot afford preventative check-ups, ongoing treatment or prescriptions, or unexpected care in the case of emergencies. This can impair or even end lives.

- Health care providers lose business when customers can no longer afford their services. Diminishing customers and profits can cause practitioners to leave communities.

- Local governments lose revenue when spending drops, business declines, and fewer laborers are healthy enough to work. Individual conditions may grow more severe and require more expensive, emergency care that may have to be written off by hospitals. This leaves less money for community safety or quality-of-life improvements.

Fortunately, free help is available to help people find health coverage. The skilled team members of Enroll Wyoming provide free information so people can explore their options. We can help families re-enroll in Medicaid or find alternative coverage if they no longer qualify. Those who lose Medicaid benefits qualify for special enrollment in the health insurance marketplace that was created to make policies more affordable. Four out of five applicants qualify for insurance that costs less than $50 a month.

Anyone can connect with Enroll Wyoming for free by calling 211 or visiting enrollwyo.org. Navigators around the state can guide people through the complicated world of health care and identify options that best suit their preferences. We offer an independent eye as a grant-funded nonprofit that doesnt have sales incentives or quotas.

National surveys have found a lot of Medicaid users do not know about the latest program changes. If you or someone you know relies on Medicaid, please spread the word that they need to make sure their contact information is valid and they have a free resource to turn to if they need more assistance to find health insurance. Enroll Wyoming is here to help.

Caleb Michael Smith is the marketing director of the nonprofit Enroll Wyoming. He has spent more than 17 years in Wyoming highlighting community resources and telling local stories.
On Monday, June 5, 2023 Laramie County School District #1's Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the school year. During the meeting, a small group of citizens we're permitted to disrupt the meeting, violate rules of decorum, heckle students, spread misinformation, and spew bigoted hate speech directed at the LGBTQ+ community. Chairman Tim Bolin displayed a total lack of leadership at the meeting, falsely claiming the community is split 50/50 on the issue of banning books, changing policy, and adopting a definition of "sexually explicit" for books that will most certainly lead to lawsuits and book challenges that will cost the district exorbitant amounts of money.

Wyoming Families for Freedom, a coalition of citizens advocating for educators, books, and the First Amendment, asks the Board of Trustees to address the harmful comments and misinformation that was allowed to go unchallenged at Monday's meeting. District staff, and our diverse student body deserve a Board that serves the entire district, not a few dozen agitators pushing political agendas dictated by an out-of-state organization that does not represent Wyoming Values. We ask the board to do their job and present factual information about book policy and community demand to ban or restrict access to books.

Factual Information

Of the a little more than 13,000 students in the district parents or guardians of 41 students have requested to opt out of books. This fraction of less then 1% is demanding an expensive overhaul of Library Policy at the expense of the Laramie County Taxpayer.

Librarians are highly skilled professionals who curate a diverse collection of materials for a diverse student body. Materials in libraries are reviewed to be age appropriate.

The current system already gives every parent or guardian full control to censor books for their own students without infringing on the rights of others. Librarians and District staff have worked hard to create a system that accommodates the needs of all district families.

Examples of Disinformation.

Allegations that sexually explicit books are available to all grades. Materials curated by professional librarians are rated for age appropriateness and only available in the collections available to older students. Book banners rely on bad faith arguments and false information to push their agenda.

Allegations that books are pornographic. Speakers noted purchasing pornography requires an ID, therefore it should not be provided in libraries. This is a misrepresentation of the materials currently in the library. Sexual content, even explicit sexual content, is not pornography when the material is considered in whole to have literary merit. This precedent is codified in Wyoming State Statute 6-4-301

Allegations that the Bible or books about or for people of the Christian faith are banned from school libraries. A simple search of the High Schools' collections shows ample books for any student interested in exploring the Bible or their Christian faith.

Allegations that LGBTQ+ community members are pushing "Queer pornography" on children. The attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and applauded by those who support the banning of books heard at the 6/5 meeting were beyond the bounds of decency and the rules of decorum Chairman Bolin is duty-bound to enforce.

Group organizer, Megan Barr asks the community to support LGBTQ+ students and educators after Monday's hateful display. "Imagine youve been told your whole life that you are a sinful abomination and your world is full of small homophobic encounters- then you show up to a meeting and listen to someone say you are evil and dangerous and recruiting kids for abuse and no one says a word." Said Barr, adding "Trustees have a duty to represent the entire district, Chairman Bolin gave hate speech a public platform, and his silence speaks volumes about his and other trustees political agenda to silence the voices and stories of the LGBTQ+ community."

The full LCSD#1 Board Meeting can be viewed at the following link. Changes to Library Policy are discussed beginning at the 1 hour 28 minute mark. Public comments begin at the 2 hour 45 minute mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfpZxx3e_vo
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International and Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), told Ahram Online that investing more in Africa's digital infrastructure and facilitating funding for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are vital steps for creating a single digital market in Africa in line with the continent's economic sustainability plans by 2030.

Investment in infrastructure is a crucial factor, and it is often cited as one of the primary hurdles, in my opinion, LohMirmand told Ahram Online during GITEX Africa2023.

KAOUN International is a DWTC subsidiary that aims to establish global partnerships in local and international markets and organizes GITEX Global, one of the world's largest annual technology events held annually in Dubai.

In addition to infrastructure, another significant obstacle is obtaining funding, which is challenging due to the vast and diverse landscape of Africa, according to LohMirmand.

She believes that one of the primary objectives of GITEX Africa2023 in its inaugural edition is to connect governments with investors to achieve these objectives.

GITEX Africa2023 aimed to promote and expedite digital transformation in Africa and exhibit the latest technology-based solutions over a three-day period.

LohMirmand stated that the event's purpose is to enhance the continent's digital transition by allowing investors to gain a better understanding of the government's plans and programs for the citizens of the country, instilling confidence in various governments and their commitments.

LohMirmand believes that creating a comprehensive strategy in this area will take several years, but a larger platform like GITEX Africa, as opposed to smaller individual events, will generate more pressure and a stronger desire to expedite progress because more people are involved in the ecosystem.

LohMirmand emphasized that GITEX Africa has effectively integrated the entire African continent into the global innovation ecosystem, providing access to the resources, experts, network of connections, and knowledge necessary to establish a single, unified digital economy.

LohMirmand believes that the presence of numerous African ministers and government departments at the event is a strong indication of their commitment to collaboration to establish a single digital market by 2023.

She emphasized that African leaders are persistent and are working tirelessly with the private sector and among themselves to achieve their goals, making it entirely feasible. Even if they don't accomplish the entire objective, significant progress is still a noteworthy achievement.

LohMirmand expressed that GITEX Africa demonstrates that creating a genuinely pan-African event is achievable.

GITEX Africa is not solely an African event; it's global. Exhibitors from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the United Kingdom participated, and representatives from all over the world attended the event, making it a global event, she explained.

When asked by Ahram Online about the private sector's role in accelerating digital transition in Africa, LohMirmand stated that the private sector must engage in more sharing because technology is advancing rapidly.

LohMirmand also added that continuous engagement and education, training governments about what to anticipate and how to incorporate and utilize different technologies, are critical.

Furthermore, she emphasized the significance of the private sector comprehending that various countries are developing at different rates.

LohMirmand included that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and it is not appropriate to prioritize commercial interests over comprehending a country's required priorities. Some countries may require less sophisticated, traditional services that might not offer many commercial possibilities for businesses.

LohMirmand stated that the private sector has a responsibility to collaborate with governments to provide them with the necessary and essential solutions at that stage and then scale them up.

LohMirmand stated that GITEX Africa's primary goal is to establish connections and bring people together to create an open platform. The event provides governments with critical momentum, which is essential in getting disparate countries to come together, align, and harmonize.

LohMirmand expressed her hope that governments, partners, and communities will utilize this opportunity effectively every year and use it as a foundation to enhance and expand initiatives and programmes that advance the digital transformation process in Africa.

LohMirmand emphasized that the goal is to work towards the 2030 vision of unifying Africa and breaking down barriers. She added that she has been asked many times why Morocco and Marrakech are ideal locations for this event?

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The Daily News will sit down with your top performance player from the Week #1 Batavia Muckdogs games and talk baseball! Keep an eye out for our Week #2 poll, running next week (Tuesday - Friday)!

You voted:
On 30 May, social media was awash with photos and videos showing the storming of the Conference Centre in Nasr City during the counting of votes on a motion withdrawing confidence from Tarek Al-Nabarawi, head of the Egyptian Engineering Syndicate.

Voting started in a normal atmosphere, under the supervision of a judicial committee, but as the process of counting was close to completion, with all the indications pointing to a rejection of the motion to withdraw confidence from the head of the Engineers Syndicate, unknown persons stormed the counting headquarters, said a statement by the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR).

Videos circulating online show counters being assaulted and ballot boxes and papers being destroyed by a cohort of what many called thugs.

MP Alaa Abed, deputy head of the majority Mostaqbal Watan Party, insisted in a TV interview earlier this week that his party had nothing to do with the storming of the vote. He was responding to a question from TV presenter Amr Adib who had asked the reasons why the public is convinced that Mostaqbal Watan was behind the attack on the Voting and Counting Committee in the Conferences Hall at Nasr City.

The prosecutor-general has ordered an investigation after complaints were submitted following the storming of the vote.

MP Maha Abdel-Nasser, the vice president of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, who witnessed the attack and filmed a video, was among the petitioners to submit a complaint to the prosecutor-general.

Posting on her official Facebook page following the incident, Abdel-Nasser said she would submit an official request to the speaker of the House to refer four MPs who appeared among the thugs to investigation by the Ethics Committee.

Other eyewitnesses, backed by people who have viewed videos of the attack, say the four MPs among those who stormed the General Assembly are affiliated with Mostaqbal Watan.

The majority party subsequently issued a statement denying the claims and justifying the presence of a number of party leaders during the attack, claiming that they are engineers and members of the syndicate. Saheeh Masr, a Twitter account that verifies material posted online, questioned the veracity of the majority partys statement, saying three of the MPs identified in videos are neither members of the syndicate nor enlisted in the General Assembly but are members of the party.

Abed went on to claim that the majority party Mostaqbal Watan was being attacked by minority political currents which are making arbitrary accusations at a time when presidential elections are approaching and the National Dialogue is discussing election laws.

Asked if she wanted to respond to Abeds remarks, Abdel-Nasser replied that the whole issue is now in the hands of the prosecutor-general. She told Al-Ahram Weekly that she has been advised that its now the work of the prosecution and nothing else needs to be done on my part.

The ECESR, Court of Cassation attorney Ahmed Fawzi, and attorney at the High Court of Appeal Mohamed Eissa have all submitted complaints to Prosecutor-General Hamada Al-Sawy.

According to the ECESR, its complaint has been submitted on behalf of syndicate members Adel Wasili, Maha Al-Gazzar and Magdi Abdel-Hamid. The petition calls for examination of CCTV footage of the attack to pave the way for legal measures to be taken against those involved.

The result of the voting had not been declared as Al-Ahram Weekly went to press.

In a TV interview, Abdel-Nasser said the reasons why an extraordinary General Assembly was convened to vote on the withdrawal motion date back to March when, during the ordinary General Assembly, the head of the syndicate proposed a number of bylaws that provoked the ire of some members of the syndicate board. The by-laws included one to prevent members of the syndicate board from becoming board members of companies owned by the syndicate, and to prevent the sale of the shares of any of these companies, according to Abdel-Nasser.

When the bylaws were approved by the General Assembly in March, syndicate board members halted their implementation and called for confidence to be withdrawn from the syndicates head.

Though a confidence motion normally includes the board as well as the syndicate head, Al-Nabarawi agreed and called the extraordinary General Assembly which was held on 30 May.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 1 June, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Israel's 50th anniversary celebrations were in full swing last Thursday, the day when, according to the Jewish calendar, the state of Israel was established. The celebrations, held in major Western capitals, were attended by leading public figures and heads of state

From Al-Ahram Weekly archives: Fifty years of dispossession 1948-1998*

Issue: 7 May 1998

In the United States, celebrations of Israel's fifty years as a state have tried to project an image of the country that went out of fashion since the Palestinian Intifada (1987-92): a pioneering state, full of hope and promise for the survivors of the Nazi Holocaust, a haven of enlightened liberalism in a sea of Arab fanaticism and reaction. On 15 April, for instance, CBS broadcast a two hour prime-time program from Hollywood hosted by Michael Douglas and Kevin Costner, featuring movie stars such as Arnol Schwarzenegger, Kathy Bates (who recited passages from Golda Meir minus, of course, her most celebrated remark that there were no Palestinians) and Winona Ryder.

None of these luminaries are particularly known for their Middle Eastern expertise or enthusiasm, although all of them in one way or another praised Israel's greatness and enduring achievements. There was even time for a cameo appearance by President Bill Clinton, who provided perhaps the least edifying, most atavistic note of the evening by complimenting Israel, "a small oasis," for "making a once barren desert bloom," and for " building a thriving democracy in hostile terrain."

Ironically enough, no such encomia were intoned on Israeli television, which has been broadcasting a 22-part series, Tkuma, on the country's history. This series has a decidedly more complicated content. Episodes on the 1948 War, for instance, made use of archival sources unearthed by the new historians (Benny Morris, Ilan Pappe, Avi Schlaim, Tom Segev, et al) to demonstrate that the indigenous Palestinians were forcibly expelled, their villages destroyed, their land taken, their society eradicated. It was as if Israeli audiences had no need of all the palliatives provided for diasporic and international viewers, who still needed to be told that Israel was a cause for uncomplicated rejoicing and not, as it has been for Palestinians, the cause of a protracted, and still continuing dispossession of the country's indigenous people.

That the American celebration simply omitted any mention of the Palestinians indicated also how remorselessly an ideological mind-set can hold on, despite the facts, despite years of news and headlines, despite an extraordinary, if ultimately unsuccessful, effort to keep effacing Palestinians from the picture of Israel's untroubled sublimity. If they're not mentioned, therefore they don't exist.

Even after fifty years of living the Palestinian exile I still find myself astonished at the lengths to which official Israel and its supporters will go to suppress the fact that a half century has gone by without Israeli restitution, recognition, or acknowledgment of Palestinian human rights and without, as the facts undoubtedly show, connecting that suspension of rights to Israel's official policies.

Even when there is a vague buried awareness of the facts, as is the case with a front page New York Times story on April 23 by one Ethan Bronner, the Palestinian Nakba is characterized as a semi-fictional event (dutiful inverted commas around the word "catastrophe" for instance) caused by no one in particular.

When Bronner quotes an uprooted Palestinian who describes his miseries, the man's testimony is qualified by "for most Israelis, the idea of Mr Shikaki staking claim to victimhood is chilling," a reaction made plausible as Bronner blithely leapfrogs over the man's uprooting and systematic deprivations and immediately tells us how his "rage" (for years the approved word for dealing with Palestinian history) has impelled his sons into joining Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Ergo, Palestinians are violent terrorists, whereas Israel can go on being a "vibrant and democratic regional superpower established on the ashes of Nazi genocide." But not on the ashes of Palestine, an obliteration that lingers on in measures taken by Israel to block Palestinian rights, domestically as well as in territories occupied in l967.

Take land and citizenship for instance. Approximately 750,000 Palestinians were expelled in 1948: they are now more than 4 million. Left behind were 120,000 (now one million) who subsequently became Israelis, a minority constituting about 18 per cent of the state's population, but not fully-fledged citizens in anything more than name.

In addition there are now some 2.5 million Palestinians without sovereignty on the West Bank and Gaza. Israel is the only state in the world which is not the state of its actual citizens, but of the whole Jewish people who consequently have rights that non-Jews do not. Without a constitution, Israel is governed by Basic Laws of which one in particular, the Law of Return, makes it possible for any Jew anywhere to emigrate to Israel and become a citizen, at the same time that native-born Palestinians do not have the same right. 93 per cent of the land of the state is characterised as Jewish land, meaning that no non-Jew is allowed to lease, sell or buy it.

Before 1948, the Jewsh community in Palestine owned a little over 6 per cent of the land. A recent case in which a Palestinian Israeli, Adel Kaadan, wished to buy land but was refused because he was a non-Jew has become something of a cause celebre in Israel, and has even made it to the Supreme Court which is supposed to but would prefer not to rule on it. Kaadan's lawyer has said that "as a Jew in Israel, I think that if a Jew somewhere else in the world was prohibited from buying state land, public land, ownedby the federal government, because they're Jews, I believe there would have been an outcry in Israel." (New York Times, 1 March, 1998).

This anomaly about Israeli democracy, not well known and rarely cited, is compounded by the fact that, as I said above Israel's land in the first place was owned by Palestinians expelled in 1948; since their forced exodus their property was legally turned into Jewish land by The Absentees' Property Law, the Law of the State's Property, and the Land Ordinance (the Acquisition of Land for Public Purposes). Now only Jewish citizens have access to that land, a fact that does not corroborate The Economist's extraordinarily sweeping statement on "Israel at 50" (25 April-1 May l998) that since the state's founding Palestinians "have enjoyed full political rights.

What makes it especially galling for Palestinians is that they have been forced to watch the transformation of their own homeland into a Western state, one of whose express purposes is to provide for Jews and not for non-Jews.

Between 1948 and 1966 Palestinian Israelis were ruled by military ordinance. After that, as the state regularised its policies on education, legal practice, religion, social, economic and political participation, a regime evolved to keep the Palestinian minority disadvantaged, segregated and constantly discriminated against.

There is an eye-opening account of this shabby history which is rarely cited and, when it is, elided or explained away by the euphemism (familiar from South African apartheid) that "they" have their own system: it is the Report of March 1998 entitled "Legal Violations of Arab Minority Rights in Israel," published by Adalah (the Arabic word for justice), an Arab-Jewish organization within Israel. Especially telling is the section on the "discriminatory approach of Israeli courts", routinely praised by supporters of Israel for their impartiality and fairness. In fact, the report notes that the courts having delivered progressive and decent-minded decisions on the rights of women, homosexuals, the disabled, etc. have "since 1948 dismissed all cases dealing with equal rights for Arab citizens, and have never included a declamatory statement in decisions regarding the protection of Arab group rights." This is borne out by a survey of criminal and civil cases in which Arabs get no help from the courts and are far more likely to be indicted than Jews in similar circumstances.

It is only in the past year or two that investigations of Israel's political makeup, hitherto assumed to be socialist, egalitarian, pioneering, forward-looking, have turned up a rather unattractive picture.

Zeev Sternhell's book The Founding Myths of Israel (Princeton 1998) is the work of an Israeli historian of twentieth century right-wing European mass-movements who finds a disturbing congruence between those movements and Israel's own brand of what Sternhell rightly calls "nationalist socialism". Far from being socialist, Israel's founders and subsequently the polity they established were profoundly anti-socialist, bent almost entirely upon "conquest of the land" and the creation of "self-realisation" and a new sense of organic peoplehood that moved steadily to the right during the pre-1948 years.

"Neither the Zionist movement abroad," Sternhell says, "nor the pioneers who were beginning to settle the country could frame a policy toward the Palestinian national movement. The real reason for this was not a lack of understanding of the problem but a clear recognition of the insurmountable contradiction between the basic objectives of the two sides." (p.43). After 1948, policy towards the Palestinians clearly envisioned that community's disappearance or its political nullity, since it was clear that the contradiction between the two sides would always remain insurmountable. Israel, in short, could not become a secular liberal state, despite the efforts of two generations of publicists to make it so.

After 1967, the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza produced a military and civil regime for Palestinians whose aim was Palestinian submission and Israeli dominance, an extension of the model on which Israel proper functioned. Settlements were established in the late summer of 1967 (and Jerusalem annexed) not by right-wing parties but by the Labour Party, a member, interestingly enough, of the Socialist International.

The promulgation of literally hundreds of "occupiers' laws" directly contravened not only the tenets of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but the Geneva Conventions as well. These violations ran the gamut from administrative detention, to mass land expropriations, house demolition, forced movement of populations, torture, uprooting of trees, assassination, book banning, closure of schools and universities.

Always, however, the illegal settlements were being expanded as more and more Arab land was ethnically cleansed so that Jewish populations from Russia, Ethiopia, Canada and the United States, among other places, could be accommodated.

After the Oslo Accords were signed in September 1993 conditions for Palestinians steadily worsened. It became impossible for Palestinians to travel freely between one place and another, Jerusalem was declared off limits, and massive building projects transformed the country's geography.

In everything, the distinction between Jew and non-Jew is scrupulously preserved. The most perspicacious analysis of the legal situation obtaining after Oslo is Raja Shehadeh's in his book From Occupation to Interim Accords: Israel and the Palestinian Territories (Kluwer, 1997), an important work that demonstrates the carefully preserved continuity between Israeli negotiating strategy during the Oslo process and its land occupation policy established in the Occupied Territories from the early 1970s.

In addition Shehadeh demonstrates the tragic lack of preparation and understanding in the PLO's strategy during the peace process, with the result that much of the sympathy gained internationally for the Palestinians against Israeli settlement policy and its dismal human rights record was frittered away, unused and unexploited.

"All the support and sympathy," he says, "which it took years for Palestinians to rally, returned home, so to speak, with the mistaken belief that the struggle was over. The Palestinians, as much as the Israelis, helped in giving the false impression through, among other things, the highly publicised media image of the Arafat-Rabin handshake, that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was resolved. No serious attempt was made to remind the world that one of the main causes of the conflict after 1967, the Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory, remained intact. This is not to speak of the other basic unresolved questions of the return of refugees, compensation, and the issue of Jerusalem" (p.131).

Unquestionably the moral dilemma faced by anyone trying to come to terms with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a deep one. Israeli Jews are not white settlers of the stripe that colonised Algeria or South Africa, though similar methods have been used. They are correctly seen as victims of a long history of Western, largely Christian anti-Semitic persecution that culminated in the scarcely comprehensible horrors of the Nazi holocaust.

To Palestinians, however, their role is that of victims of the victims. This is why Western liberals who openly espoused the anti-apartheid movement, or that of the Nicaraguan Sandanistas, or Bosnia, or East Timor, or American civil rights, or Armenian commemoration of the Turkish genocide, or many other political causes of that kind, have shied away from openly endorsing Palestinian self-determination. As for Israel's nuclear policy, or its legally underwritten campaign of torture, or of using civilians as hostages, or of refusing to give Palestinians permits to build on their own land in the West Bank -- the case is never made in the liberal public sphere, partly out of fear, partly out of guilt.

An even greater challenge is the difficulty of separating between Palestinian and Israeli-Jewish populations who are now inextricably linked in all sorts of ways, despite the immense chasm that divides them. Those of us who for years have argued for a Palestinian state have come to the realization that if such a "state" (the inverted commas here are definitely required) is going to appear out of the shambles of Oslo it will be weak, economically dependent on Israel, without real sovereignty or power.

Above all, as the present map of the West Bank amply shows, the Palestinian autonomy zones will be non-contiguous (they now account for only 3 per cent of the West Bank; Netanyahu's government has balked at giving up an additional 13 per cent) and effectively divided into Bantustans controlled from the outside by Israel. The only reasonable course therefore is to recommend that Palestinians and their supporters renew the struggle against the fundamental principle that relegates "non-Jews" to subservience on the land of historical Palestine.

This, it seems to me, is what is entailed by any principled campaign on behalf of justice for Palestinians, and certainly not the enfeebled separatism that movements like Peace Now have fitfully embraced and quickly abandoned. There can be no concept of human rights, no matter how elastic, that accommodates the strictures of Israeli state practice against "non-Jewish" Palestinians in favour of Jewish citizens.

Only if the inherent contradiction is faced between what in effect is a theocratic and ethnic exclusivism on the one hand and genuine democracy on the other, can there be any hope for reconciliation and peace in Israel/Palestine. Fudging, waffling, looking the other way, avoiding the issue entirely, or accepting pabulum definitions of "peace" will bring Palestinians and, in the long run Israelis, nothing but hardship and insecurity.



This article was first published in Al-Ahram Weeklys special pages commemorating 50 years of Al-Nakba, the Palestinian catastrophe when Israel was created on 15 May 1948. These pages, published in 1998, were part of a year-long series of articles documenting the history and nature of the Arab-Israeli struggle, as well as that of Palestinian dispossession and exile.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Buffalo Trace announces launch of Daniel Weller experimental line

Buffalo Trace has announced the launch of Daniel Weller, an experimental line that explores the impact of different wheat strains on its bourbons. The line is named after the trailblazer of the Weller family, the grandfather of William Larue Weller, honouring the family distilling traditions he passed down to generations.

There are plans to release one limited expression from the experimental Daniel Weller line every other year, as and. When master distiller Harlen Wheatley deems the bottle ready.

The inaugural release is made with Emmer wheat, an ancient Egyptian grain mainly used to make beer and bread and rarely seen in modern-day stills. Aged for nearly 12 years, Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat is bottled at 94 proof. The producers have described it as having aromas of orange zest and hazelnut, with notes of sweet honey and orchard fruits on the palate.

Wheatley commented on the new release: We began this experiment to see how one of the original, long-forgotten wheat strains would taste in our wheated bourbon. Weve found it offers just a slightly  yet delightfully  different taste that brings us into a new bourbon territory. It will taste like Weller, but with distinct, unique notes that make it stand apart from the other Weller whiskies weve released to date.

Each release in the series is packaged in a clear 750ml glass bottle with a unique compass stopper. Once opened, coordinates can be found underneath the stopper with the location of Daniel Wellers farm.

The brands global brand director Andrew Duncan added: At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we are appreciative that many of our brands have found a place in whiskey culture and we continue to invest in making more whiskey to meet the demand. However, our motto is Honor Tradition, Embrace Change because we believe the worlds best whiskey has not yet been created. We will continue to experiment with multiple variables that affect the final taste profile  grains, techniques, aging, barrels, and more  in pursuit of that ultimate goal. When an experiment graduates to be released under a beloved brand like Weller, its a reflection of our confidence in the whiskey.

Daniel Weller Emma Wheat will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants across the United States as of June 2023 at an SRRP of $499.99.

8 June 2023 - Bradley Weir
Niall recently spilled that he thought New Zealand was untouchable during the sweetest interview with The Project, and let me tell you, he couldn't believe he was sitting there, chatting it up with some Kiwis.
50 West Virginia State Legislators Endorse Trump for 2024

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a Make America Great Again rally in Manchester, N.H., on April 27, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

Fifty Republican state legislators from West Virginia have jointly signed a letter endorsing former President Donald Trump for president in 2024.

As President, Donald J. Trump fought for conservative Republican principles and delivered responsible America First policies that greatly benefited West Virginia, our nation, and the world, the letter says, according to Politico. President Trump exhibited strength and determination within his service to our country, as he bravely countered unwarranted attacks, never wavering from his commitment to the American people.

According to the outlet, 40 delegates and 10 senators from West Virginas state Legislature signed the letter, which was organized by state House delegate Josh Holstein, who represents Boone County.

In West Virginia, the state Legislature is dominated by Republicans. There are 89 Republicans in the 100-member House of Delegates, and 31 Republicans in the 34-member state Senate.

The endorsement came at a time when Trump is facing more competition in his quest to become the GOPs presidential nominee next year, after former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie joined the race.

Former Vice President Mike Pence meets with guests at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition in Clive, Iowa, on April 22, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Other Republicans who have announced their candidacy for the 2024 race include former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, conservative radio host Larry Elder, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Holstein told the outlet that he worked with the Trump campaign to organize the letter.

For those who didnt sign the letter, Holstein said some wanted to stay neutral, while others feel like they dont want to upset any of their constituents, according to the outlet.

Actually, several folks I talked to told me they were gonna stay neutral, but they support the president and they just wanted to stay neutral, Holstein explained, adding that he was happy with the number of legislators deciding to sign on to the letter. I think thats a great number. And I wouldnt be surprised if, over the next couple of months, we see that number increase to 60 or greater.

The president is extremely popular. Hes absolutely considered to be the leader of the party and in West Virginia and many of us are happy to jump on early and support them on behalf of our constituents, Holstein added, referring to Trump.

For both the 2016 and 2020 presidential races, Trump easily carried the state of West Virginia with more than 68 percent of votes each time.

West Virginia

Apart from the 50 state legislators, several GOP state officials from West Virginia have endorsed Trump for 2024, including the states Gov. Jim Justice.

Others from West Virginia include Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and State Treasurer Riley Moore.

President Trump fought to bring American manufacturing back from China. He defended our jobs and American energy dominance when liberal activists tried to shut down the fossil fuel industry. He secured the border to slow the flood of deadly fentanyl into our country, Moore wrote on Twitter in February. I look forward to electing a President that once again puts America First. President Trump has my full support.

Moore is running in the GOP primary to represent West Virginias 2nd Congressional District.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey speaks during a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington on Feb. 27, 2018. (Toya Sarno Jordan/Getty Images)

West Virginia and America know the great accomplishments of President Trump. Ive been supporting his return to the White House for a long time, Morrisey said in a Twitter video in April. Im proud to say I continue to support his efforts to get to the White House.

Morrisey is currently running to become the next West Virginia governor in 2024.

According to a recent poll from the ECU Center for Survey Research, Trump has a huge lead over other GOP presidential hopefuls in the Mountaineer State. The poll was conducted from May 22 to 23 while surveying 796 registered voters in West Virginia.

Trump picked up 54 percent of support, 45 points up on second-place DeSantis. Pence finished third with 5 percent of support, followed by Scott (4 percent) and Haley (3 percent).

Our poll results make clear that Donald Trump would easily win the West Virginia Republican presidential primary if the election were held now, said Peter Francia, director of the ECU Center for Survey Research, in a statement accompanying the poll.

In the 2016 West Virginia Republican primary, Trump won with 77 percent of the vote.

The West Virginia primary will take place on May 14 next year.
A Psychiatric Patient in Hong Kong Killed Two Pedestrians, Psychotherapist Shares Tips on Self-Defense

The murderer bought the knife from this store on the second floor of the mall . Police officers arrived at the shop to collect evidence on June 2, 2023. (Cheuk Sheung-yu/The Epoch Times)

On June 2, a 39-year-old man with schizophrenia attacked two female passers-by with a 12-inch long knife in Hollywood Square, Diamond Hill, Hong Kong. The two women were sent to the hospital and confirmed to be dead.

The police arrested the murderer on the spot. The murderer was charged with two counts of murder, and the case was brought to court on June 5.

The defendantSzeto Sing-kwong, who claimed to be unemployed, did not plead guilty. The case was adjourned until June 19 for further hearing. Psychiatric reports will be requested for the defendant to determine whether he is fit to plead and if there are any recommendations.

Schizophrenic Background

The suspect became unemployed in 2013. He lived with his parents and played video games at home all day long.

In May 2020, he attacked his family and was diagnosed with delusional schizophrenia. He was detained at Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre and later ordered to receive treatment at Kwai Chung Hospital.

He was discharged at the end of the same year but had to undergo psychiatric follow-up every three months. In 2022, the suspect applied to the hospital for an exemption from follow-up visits but was ultimately rejected.

His parents have reported that he has become emotionally volatile and easily agitated since the beginning of 2023.

The Hong Kong, Social Welfare Department confirmed that the arrested man was a follow-up case of the medical social worker of the department.

According to the Hospital Authority, the last follow-up date with the patient was on March 7, and the subsequent follow-up date was initially scheduled to be June 6.

In addition, on May 29, the patient received community outreach services from a case manager.

Psychotherapists Advice

In an interview with the Epoch Times, Cammy Lee, a Hong Kong psychotherapist, pointed out that most psychiatric patients emotions are inward thinking; therefore, depression and anxiety disorders account for the majority of the patients; schizophrenia, violent tendencies, or mania only account for a small percentage, with an incidence rate of only four percent, while only one percent of them are severe.

She advised the public to pay attention to the following when encountering similar situations:

Not to keep looking at cell phones or talking on the phone while walking, as this could put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Pay attention to the pedestrians around you and be aware if they are holding any dangerous items. For example, after purchasing the knife, this psychiatric patient kept holding it in his hand and did not hide it.

Pay attention to the facial expression of any suspicious pedestrians around you. Chronically psychotic patients who took medication will have dull eyes and little facial expression.

Under similar circumstances, if it is safe, you can find chairs, tables, or boards to shield yourself from the attackers or cover them with blankets to calm them down.

Lee said that many Hong Kong people have different degrees of emotional problems, and some may realize that they are emotionally ill and take the initiative to seek help.

But most people with mood disorders are discovered by family members or friends.

Lee said that counseling services have a controlling effect on psychotic patients. A patient who is very active in treatment may recover after ten years. But there is a chance of relapse, so the patient may have to continue to take medication to control the symptoms.

However, she said that the resources invested by the government in counseling follow-up and mental hospitals are limited.

She has not seen any Hong Kong social worker who has followed up with patients for ten years. In the past, a patient suffered from schizophrenia for 20 years without any social worker following up.

In addition, under the current wave of emigration, some social workers have left the city, and their cases may be transferred to other social workers.

Lee also believes medical social workers have heavy workloads and administrative tasks, leaving no time for emotional support work.

On the other hand, she said there is a lot of support available online or in communities such as Integrated Family Service Centers (IFSC) and Shall we Talk services provided by authorities. The public can also learn about mental illness through information provided by the Department of Health and develop empathy toward patients. The perpetrators are victims too.
Archaeologists Find Remnants of Lost German City Said to Be Destroyed by Divine Retribution

The ruins of Rungholt, known as the 'Atlantis of the North,' are underwater

A group of Wadden Sea walkers makes its way across the Wadden Sea from Hallig Langeness to Dagebuell, northern Germany, on July 22, 2013. (Christian Charisius/DPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Archaeologists have found the remains of a church in a sunken medieval city in Germany, and in the process, mapped out the lost city of Rungholt for the first timea place said to be destroyed through divine intervention because of the moral depravity of its population.

Known as the Atlantis of the North, Rungholt, located off the coast of northern Germany in the North Frisian region, is said to have been a thriving city. The latest research has found remains of the medieval city in the Wadden Sea. According to a May 24 press release by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany, Rungholt was drowned in a storm surge in 1362.

Working with researchers from other universities, the archaeological team found a previously unknown two-kilometer long chain of medieval terps near Sudfall, a small island in the Wadden Sea.

Terps are artificial settlement mounds. One of the terps they found has structures that can undoubtedly be interpreted as foundations of a church with a size of 40 meters to 15 meters.

The find thus joins the ranks of the large churches of North Frisia, said Bente Sven Majchczack, an archaeologist in the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence at Kiel University.

Ruth Blankenfeldt, an archaeologist at the Center for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology, said the special feature of the find is the significance of the church as the center of the settlement structure, and that its size must be interpreted as a parish with superordinate function.

Moral Degradation

According to local legends reported by Insider, Rungholt inhabitants were said to have led immoral lives, primarily a lifestyle of excess, drunkenness and impiety. Around the time of Christmas in 1362, a gang of drunk youngsters is said to have attempted to force a priest to administer last rites to a pig.

The priest is believed to have gone to church and prayed to punish the young men. After he left the town the next day, a great storm hit Rungholt and wiped it from existence.

There have been many people in the creative arts who have taken up the myth of Rungholt through ballads and visual media.

The existence of Rungholt was confirmed scientifically in 1938. Rungholt means low wood and researchers claim the area was flooded mainly because the city dikes were too low, according to the government of Schleswig-Holstein, a northwestern state in Germany.

Since Rungholt was renowned for its wealth, treasure hunters have often searched for lost riches in the region.

Other Structures

In addition to the large main church, the settlement also has two sites of smaller churches, a sea dike with a tidal gate harbor, and systematic drainage systems.

According to Dennis Wilken, a geophysicist at Kiel University, settlements in the region that remain under mudflats are investigated through techniques like electromagnetic induction and magnetic gradiometry.

Based on this data, the team is able to determine information about settlement structures and landscape development.

Archaeological investigations at selected sites provide unique insights into the life of the North Frisian settlers and repeatedly bring to light significant new finds from the tidal flats, the press release states. However, the cultural remains are in extreme endangerment from erosion, it stated.

Sunken Cities

Like Rungholt, there are several coastal cities across the world that have been swallowed by the seas over time, according to ExplorersWeb.

In India, the mythical city of Dwaraka, believed to be the early residence of Hindu deity Krishna, is said to have sunk into the waters thousands of years ago. Since the mid-20th century, archaeologists have been searching for the fabled city.

In the 1980s, researchers finally discovered some potential ruins off the coast of the state of Gujarat, excavating walls, pillars, streets, and pottery.

The city is said to have gone down into the seas due to tsunami or earthquake.

Israel is home to the worlds oldest submerged site at Atlit Yam. The 9,000-year-old Neolithic village was discovered in the 80s, with scientists finding 65 human remains in graves. In addition, remnants of animal bones, plants, tools, and houses were also found.

In the 1990s and 2000s, archaeologists discovered a city dating back to 12th century B.C. in Egypt. Named Thonis-Heracleion, the city, which used to be a port, lies 5 meters below sea level.

Excavators discovered temples to Egyptian gods, complex waterways, amulets, and several tools.
Attack on Russian Pipeline in Kharkiv Puts Black Sea Grain Deal at Risk

Vessels await inspection under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, in the southern anchorage of the Bosphorus in Istanbul on Dec. 11, 2022. (Yoruk Isik/Reuters)

A pipeline in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region for the transport of ammonia, a key fertilizer ingredient, was intentionally breached this week by saboteurs, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

On the evening of June 5, a Ukrainian subversive and reconnaissance group blew up the TogliattiOdesa ammonia pipeline near the settlement of Masiutivka in Kharkiv, the ministry claimed in a June 7 statement.

It asserted that civilianswithout stating how manyhad been injured as a result of this terrorist act.

Oleh Sinehubov, the Kyiv-appointed governor of Kharkiv, blamed the pipeline breach on Russian artillery fire.

There is no risk to peoples lives and health, Sinehubov said on Telegram in reference to the reported breach.

Houses are seen underwater after the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam in the village of Dnipryany on June 7, 2023. (AP Photo)

Before Moscows invasion of Ukraine early last year, the pipeline was used to pump Russian ammonia to the Black Sea through Ukrainian territory.

The pipeline links Russias western city of Togliatti to Ukraines Black Sea port of Pivdennyi near Odesa. At roughly 1,500 miles in length, its the worlds longest ammonia pipeline; it pumped more than 2 million tons of Russian ammonia annually for distribution to global markets.

Notably, the pipeline attack coincided with the partial destruction on June 6 of a critical hydroelectric dam in the southern Kherson region.

Moscow and Kyiv have traded accusations over the cause of the damage to the dam, which has sparked widespread flooding and left thousands of Kherson residents homeless.

Implications for Grain Deal

The damaged pipeline is inextricably linked to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a landmark agreement between Russia and Ukraine brokered last year by Turkey and the United Nations.

Signed last summer, the agreement allows Ukraine to continue exporting grainamid ongoing hostilitiesthrough the Black Sea. Since the deal took effect, Ukraine has shipped more than 30 million tons of corn and wheat to overseas buyers.

However, in addition to grain and related foodstuffs, the initiative also calls for safe navigation for the export of fertilizers, including ammonia.

According to Moscow, this clause implies that the transit of Russian ammoniavia the pipelineshould be resumed. But Kyiv insists that the deal doesnt cover the transit of Russian ammonia through its territory.

Commercial vessels that are part of a Black Sea grain deal wait to pass the Bosphorus strait near Istanbul on Oct. 31, 2022. (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

Following heated talks in Istanbul last month, the deal was extendedfor a third timeto July 17.

Moscows negotiators warned, however, that it wouldnt be extended further until Russian ammonia exports were allowed to resume.

On May 27, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia was ready to reactivate the pipeline within days.

She also accused Kyiv of preventing the move by constantly setting new conditions.

On May 30, Yuriy Vaskov, Ukraines deputy renovation minister, called on the United Nations to clearly say that if the pipeline resumes working, Ukraine will have more opportunities [to export grain].

Other top Ukrainian officials have said that the transit of Russian ammonia would only be permitted if the agreement was modified to let Kyiv export a broader range of commodities.

Turkish Intercession

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the damaged pipeline will take up to three months to repair, provided that the site is accessible.

On June 8, Denis Manturov, Russias industry minister, told the Interfax news agency that Moscow lacks access to the damaged section of the pipeline.

On the same day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the pipeline breach would have a negative effect on the Black Sea initiative.

We dont yet know the scope of the destruction, he told reporters.

The pipeline, he added, was an intrinsic part of the [grain] agreement.

This will further complicate the situation in terms of keeping the deal going, Peskov said.

The issue was broached in two separate phone calls between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts on June 7.

Speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan stressed the Black Sea initiatives vital role in allaying global food shortages.

He also called for continued consultations with the UN to secure the resumption of Russian ammonia exports.

In a call the same day with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Erdogan again stressed the need for further talks to salvage the Black Sea initiative.

In his calls with both leaders, Erdogan, who last month won reelection as Turkeys president, also called for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the June 6 dam breach in Kherson.

A commission should be set up to look into the incident, he said, with the participation of experts from the warring parties, the UN, and the international community, including Turkey.

Despite its membership in the NATO alliance, Turkey maintains good relations with Russia, with which it shares extensive trade ties and a lengthy maritime border.

In addition to brokering the Black Sea initiative, Ankara has hosted Russian and Ukrainian officials on several occasions in an effort to mediate the ongoing conflict.

Reuters contributed to this report.
The Egyptian Ministry of Finance released explanatory rules for the customs tariff tables, according to a statement on Thursday.





The new explanations contribute to mitigating disputes on the definitions of items, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait commented.

Maait added that the new rules improve the work environment in the customs outlets.

Moreover, the finance ministry's statement noted that the new explanations include the Harmonized System Nomenclature 2022 edition, issued by the World Customs Organization.

Egypt making it easy for investors

The Egyptian government has taken several decisions to ensure simplified procedures for investors and businesses.

The government recently approved amendments to the investment law that facilitate issuing licences for private free zone projects.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly issued instructions to establish a permanent cabinet unit in order to propose policies, laws and regulations that ensure the growth and prosperity of startups in Egypt.

In May, Egypt's newly restructured Supreme Council for Investment approved 22 decisions to encourage FDIs and private investments in Egypt.

The decisions include many proposals for legislative amendments, including reducing the cost of establishing companies, simplifying the required approval procedures and their duration, and expanding the issuance of the Golden Licence.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Beijing Fails to Block Tibetan Leader Speaking at Australias National Press Club

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (R), exile Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay (C), and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Penpa Tsering (L) gesture to a banner showing pictures of the Dalai Lama at different ages during his 77th birthday celebrations at the Tsuglakhang Temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, on July 6, 2012. The Tibetan leader, who fled his homeland for northern India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese communist rule, announced in 2011 that he was giving up his political role to focus on spiritual duties. (STRDEL/AFP/GettyImages)

Trying in vain to block a scheduled speech in Canberra by the leader of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Beijing is accused of undermining freedom of expression in Australia.

At the invitation of the National Press Club, Penpa Tsering, the president of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, will deliver a speech titled Resolving Sino-Tibet conflict and securing peace in the region on June 20.

Speeches made at National Press Club are broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and are usually attended by senior members of the federal parliamentary press gallery.

Last week, Chinese embassy officials expressed their displeasure in a meeting with Maurice Reilly, the chief executive of the National Press Club, and demanded to rescind its invitation to the Tibetan leader.

China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Australia, in disregard of Chinas position and concern, allowing him to use the NPC platform to engage in separatist activities, the embassy said in a letter to Reilly seen by Sydney Morning Herald.

People of all ethnic groups in the Xizang [the Chinese communist regimes preferred name of Tibet] Autonomous Region endorse wholeheartedly the policies of Chinas central government and the regional government  It is a fact acknowledged by unbiased people that the human rights situation in Xizang is at its best in history.

This contradicts what Tsering will say in Canberra.

Chinas colonial project in Tibet has entered an alarming new phase, leaving Tibets unique cultural identity, and future, hanging in the balance, reads the introduction of the speech.

Tibetans living in exile gather to observe the Tibetan uprising anniversary in New Delhi on March 10, 2023. (Arun Sankar/AFP via Getty Images)

Reminiscent of Australias Stolen Generations, nearly one million children, comprising 80 percent of children in Tibet, have been reportedly separated from their families and forced into a vast network of Chinese colonial boarding schools, which U.N. rights experts have warned is an effort to assimilate Tibetans into the majority Han culture. Tibetans call it a cultural genocide.

As Australia and China got richer together in the last three decades, human rights in Tibet have continued to worsen.

Also known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan Government-in-Exile is based in India. The position of president, or sikyong, of the government was established in 2011 when the spiritual leader Dalai Lama gave up his political leadership and handed power to a democratically elected leader.

National Press Club Declined Chinese Embassys Request

Reilly said there were no plans to cancel Tserings speech, tickets for which were already on sale on the clubs website.

I explained to them that the board of the National Press Club decides on who speaks at our forum, and its decisions are independent of governments or other stakeholders, he said.

I also explained that speakers can put their views and that our media members can ask questions and challenge those views as they see fit.

Chinas Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, at the National Press Club in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 10, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Both Lobsang Sangay, Tserings predecessor and Chinas ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian spoke at National Press Club before.

In 2013, Sydney University, one of Australias most prestigious universities, cancelled Dalai Lamas visit to avoid damaging ties with Beijing.

Australians Calls on Government to Use Magnitsky-Style Sanctions on China

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s pressuring an iconic Canberra venue has triggered harsh criticism from the local community.

Tsundu Oser, president of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress in Sydney, warned Australian politicians to be wary of the CCPs foreign interference.

If you let them control your rights and power, one day they will control even Australia Parliament house meetings, he told The Epoch Times.

Dont lose your democratic country under CCP rules. CCP is already controlling all mainland cities in Australia, I hope you knew this already.

Dr Zoe Bedford, the executive officer for Australia Tibet Council, joined in condemning.

Its a shame that they [CCP officials] have done that, she said. Were quite sure that the National Press Club wont cancel the address because, of course, they have a commitment to freedom of media, free press, and free speech.

Bedford, an Australian herself, called on the Australian government to use its Magnitsky-style act to sanction CCP officials who are responsible for human rights violations in Tibet, just as the United States has done.

The U.S. last year on human rights days, Dec. 10, they put Magnitsky sanctions on two CCP officials for their human rights violations in Tibet Whereas we dont have any here in Australia yet.

U.S. actor and Chair of the International Campaign for Tibet Richard Gere (C) speaks a bipartisan press conference to highlight the important plight of the Tibetans, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2023. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia passed the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act in December 2021 and first used these sanctions in March 2022 on 14 Russians.

Australia needs to stand up for that and impose Magnitsky sanctions on the acts of the policies of taking children away from their family, Bedford said.

Its just important for countries around the world to put China on notice that they know these plans are in place, its not a secret.

The Australian Government needs to join the U.S. government and make it clear that they will not stand by and let this happen in the future.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the Chinese embassy for comment but has not received a reply at the time of publication.
Lawmakers Warn of New Cold War as China Reportedly Seeks Spy Base in Cuba

Spy base would allow the CCP to spy on Americans and pose a grave threat to national security, Sen. Rick Scott says

Chinese military ships moor at the port of Havana in Cuba on Nov. 10, 2015. (Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images)

The Chinese regimes reported plan to create a secret eavesdropping facility in Cuba should be cause for alarm for everyone in the United States, according to lawmakers.

In its latest challenge to the United States, China has reached a deal with Cuba to install an electronic spy base on the island, just about 100 miles from Florida, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials familiar with highly classified intelligence.

It would be close enough for Chinese intelligence services to garner electronic communications from the southeastern United Stateshome to many military basespotentially including emails, phone calls, and satellite transmission data, the officials have said. They said Beijing agreed to pay Havana billions of dollars for the arrangement.

Revelation of the secret intelligence facility sparked wide concern in Washington.

Any time there is surveillance so close to the United States, there ought to be alarm bells for us, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told The Epoch Times.

According to Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a longtime China critic, the implications of Beijings plan are grim.

This move by Communist China presents grave threats to Americas national security that cannot be ignored. Every American should be up in arms about this. Its not just spying on the government, which is bad enough, its spying on you, seeing your emails and your data, he said in a statement.

Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) described the news as ominous.

I think [its] another indication of how China is pushing the envelope, so I think we all need to be keeping an eye on that one, he told The Epoch Times.

Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), while noting he has yet to look at the details of the proposal, told The Epoch Times: We ought not to be surprised that the Peoples Republic of China is continuing to have aggressive behavior toward the United States, which is why we need a strong stance to push back on it.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (fore, left) standing next to first Cuban Vice President Miguel Diaz Canel (fore, right) at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Jose Marti monument in Revolution Square of Havana on Sept. 24, 2016. (Adalberto Roque/AFP via Getty Images)

New Cold War

Sixty-one years have passed since the United States and the now-collapsed Soviet Union came dangerously close to a nuclear conflict.

In what became known as the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, Moscow placed nuclear weapons in Cuba, prompting the United States to quarantine the island nation. The Soviet Union eventually backed down and removed the installations.

Beijings new Cuban deal, coming amid U.S.China tensions following the incursion of a Chinese surveillance balloon across the United States, is reminiscent of those moments.

It reminds us we are in a New Cold War that, once again, has come to our doorstep, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) said in a statement. Our ardent diplomatic pursuit of the CCP in the aftermath of the spy balloon has only emboldened CCP aggression.

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) speaks at a press conference and rally in front of the America ChangLe Association highlighting Beijings transnational repression, in New York City on Feb. 25, 2023. A now-closed overseas Chinese police station is located inside the association building. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Gallagher, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said the report calls for the United States to take long-overdue actions to counter Beijing, including ending export licenses for chips to blacklisted Chinese telecom provider Huawei, restricting outbound investment in crucial sectors in China, closing trade loopholes that allow Chinese imports to enter the United States tariff-free, enhancing research security, and curbing Chinese land purchases near sensitive military bases.

We must make it clear that, as President [John] Kennedy said over 60 years ago on the eve of a previous crisis in Cuba, one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission, he said.

Declining to comment on the report directly, a spokesperson for the State Department told The Epoch Times that the department is monitoring and working to counter CCP efforts to build up military infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere.

We cannot speak to this specific report, we are well aware ofand have spoken many times tothe Peoples Republic of Chinas efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere, the spokesperson said in an email.

We monitor it closely, take steps to counter it, and remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home, in the region, and around the world.

In a joint statement, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chair Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Vice Chair Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) urged the Biden administration to take steps to stop Chinese intelligence services from establishing such a presence.

The United States must respond to Chinas ongoing and brazen attacks on our nations security. We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles of Florida and the United States, in an area also populated with key military installations and extensive maritime traffic, they said, adding that such a scenario would pose a serious threat to U.S. national security and sovereignty.
Biden Administration Accused in Parliament of Stopping UK Action Against Iran; US Denies

The government must stop listening to the overtures of the Biden administration in fighting the national security threat posed by Iran, parliament was told by a conservative MP.

Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith said Britain should pay no heed to U.S. political pressure over proscribing a military arm of the regime which he says poses immediate threats to domestic security.

Speaking on Wednesday, the MP said: Reports suggest that the UK has come under pressure from the Biden Administration over the question of proscription, which jars with their active decision not to delist the organisation from their own proscription list.

The UK government must pay no heed to these overtures and instead put our national security interests first, he said.

In February the Telegraph reported that U.S. diplomats were pressing the UK government not to formally declare Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group.

The newspaper claimed that the U.S. State Department wants the UK to play a key role as interlocutors with Tehran, which would be undercut by the designation.

The claims were denied by the United States. A spokesperson told The Epoch Times by email: Our views on the IRGC have not changed one iota.

We encourage our allies and partners to use any appropriate tools to pressure the IRGC, the spokesperson said.

MPs are now questioning why the Home Office is reluctant to outlaw the foreign military groupresponsible for multiple kidnap and death plots on British soil5 months after receiving unanimous cross-party backing to proscribe the group.

Grave and Growing Threat

Addressing International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell in the debate, Labour MP John Cryer questioned if senior UK government officials were blocking the proscription of the terrorist-linked organisation.

I have a lot of respect for the minister, but I have heard minister after minister expressing sympathy with full proscription at the dispatch box, and then nothing happens.

That leads me and members on both sides of the House to the conclusion that FCDO [Foreign Office] and Home Office Ministers sympathise with the idea of proscription, but that somebody in Downing Street, the FCDO, or the Home Office is blocking it, he said.

Clarke-Smith, who led the debate, added that the IRGCs charge sheet for attacks on the UK is grave and growing.

He said: Fifteen planned terror assassinations in the UK have been foiled by MI5 since 2022; British civilians have been killed around the world, as have UK armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan; an attempted bomb attack on British MPs in Paris a few years ago; the radicalising of British citizens in the UK using a network of religious centres, one of which is undergoing an active Charity Commission inquiry; the use of British crime gangs to gather information for terror attacks in the UK; attempted attacks on a London-based Iranian news channel, harming freedom of the press in this country; and cyber-attacks against UK critical national infrastructure and this place.

The Tory politician added that the Commons voted unanimously to ban the IRGC over five months ago. So the question now is, what are we waiting for?

Clarke-Smith said during that time, the IRGCs activities have expanded and concerns are growing across the UK.

The Iranian regime is ruthlessly holding the threat of terrorism and its expanding missile capabilities over our heads, he said, adding, There is a real risk that the UK and our western allies will become the agents of Irans deterrence here.

Members of Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) march during the annual military parade in the capital Tehran on Sept. 22, 2018. (Stringer/AFP/Getty Images)

Ban Under Review

Responding to the MPs concerns, the Foreign Office minister once again refused to confirm that the government would proscribe the Iranian military outfit.

Mitchell said that since last October, more than 70 Iran-linked individuals and entities have been sanctioned by Britain for human rights abuses, including Iranian Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri.

He added: Over the past 18 months, we have seen the regime orchestrate multiple credible threats to the lives of those living in the UK, including towards media organisations and journalists.

We will always stand up to such behaviour from foreign nations, because our priority is the safety and security of the UK and those who live here. We have repeatedly made it clear to the Iranian regime that the threats are intolerable and will be met with a significant response, he said.

The minister added that work was being carried out with international partners to identify, deter and respond to the threats.

It is time nowindeed, it is long past timefor the regime to listen, he said, adding, It must stop threatening the lives of ordinary people in Iran and elsewhere, including in this country.

Mitchell said that it was not routine to comment on whether an organisation is under consideration for proscription, but said matters are being kept under a close review.

He concluded: We are working relentlessly across government and with the international community to hold Iran to account for its unacceptable behaviour, its appalling treatment of its own people, its reprehensible support for Russias illegal war, and its escalating nuclear activities.
U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have struck a new economic agreement to strengthen economic ties between their two nations and address the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Today in Washington, weve had important and positive discussions to deepen our bilateral economic relationship and expand our cooperation to shape the challenges and future for the remainder of this century, Biden said on June 8 at a joint press conference with Sunak at the White House.

Touting the special bond between the United States and the UK as a source of strength, Biden said the new agreementdubbed the Atlantic Declarationwould equip our economic partnership for the 21st century.

It outlines how we can enhance our cooperation to accelerate the clean energy transition that must take place and is taking place, lead the development of emerging technologies that are going to shape so much of our future, and protect technologies critical to our national security, he said.

One vital aspect of that plan would be to strengthen critical mineral supply chains to reduce reliance on other countries for materials that are essential to the U.S. economy and national defense, according to Biden.

Sunak, also touching on that threat, said: Countries like China and Russia are willing to manipulate and exploit our openness, steal our intellectual property, use technology for authoritarian ends, or withdraw crucial resources like energy. They will not succeed. Today, we have agreed [to] the Atlantic Declaration, a new economic partnership for a new age of a kind that has never been agreed before.

Key actions the two countries will take to bolster their partnership will include collaborating on emerging technologies, controlling outbound investments and exports to countries of concern, partnering to combat sanctions evasion and supply chain crises, and cooperating on artificial intelligence and data concerns.

Theyll also work together to establish a critical minerals agreement to help build the clean energy economy of the future while strengthening their alliance across defense, health security, and space.

The economic relationship between our two countries has never been stronger.  The relationship is strong, its booming. But our agreement today focuses on the particular challenges and opportunities of the moment were in, and I think thats the right thing for us both to be focused on, Sunak said.

Global Challenges

The leaders announced the new agreement after a bilateral meetingtheir fourth since Sunak took office in October 2022to discuss the challenges their two countries face, including the war in Ukraine.

For the first time in over half a century, we face a war on the European continent, Sunak noted during the meeting. And as weve done before, the U.S. and the UK have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure that they prevail, as I know we will.

Biden, when asked by reporters whether additional funding for Ukraine is forthcoming, said he believes that the United States will continue to provide aid for as long as it takes, despite resistance on Capitol Hill.

Following up on those comments, Sunak said he thought it was totally reasonable for U.S. citizens to expect other countries to help shoulder the burden of support for Ukraine.

The UK is proud to be behind the U.S., the biggest contributor to the military effort in Ukraine, he said. And I think its right that other countries also step up and do their part.

Were lucky to have Americas investment in European security. But we need to share the burden alongside you, which is why defense spending in the UK has always been above the 2 percent NATO benchmark.

NATOs Next Chief?

The question of who will take the helm of NATO this year was also on the agenda of the meeting between Biden and Sunak.

Sunak made it clear before his trip to Washington that he wanted the United States and other NATO allies to back his defense secretary, Ben Wallace, as the next leader of the alliance.

During the joint press conference, Biden responded maybe when a British journalist questioned whether it was time for a British NATO Secretary General.

That remains to be seen, he said. Were going to have to get a consensus within NATO to see that happen. They have a candidate who is a very qualified individual. Were going to have a lot of discussion between us and NATO to determine what the outcome of that will be.

Sunak, during his meeting at the White House, was expected to lobby Biden to support Wallaces nomination.

Ben does a fantastic job. He is a great defense secretary, Sunak told reporters early this week.

Ben is widely respected among his colleagues around the world. Were one of the only countries that participates in every single NATO operation. We are widely perceived as a thought leader in NATO.

Wallace, a former British Army captain, is widely regarded as a leading contender to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general in October.

Other possible candidates include Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Mette Frederiksen, the current Danish prime minister, has also emerged as a serious contender. But during her meeting with Biden at the White House on June 5, Frederiksen told reporters that she wasnt seeking NATOs top job.

NATO is a military alliance made up of 31 member countries. Since the United States is the primary driving force within the alliance, Bidens support is crucial for the UK government.

Indispensable Alliance

Despite the various challenges Biden and Sunak addressed in their meeting on June 8, Biden told reporters that the unique relationship between the United States and the UK is in real good shape.

Echoing that sentiment, Sunak said he was confident that the strength of the special relationship wouldnt change.

Our alliance is so strong because it is not abstract; it is rooted in our people, he said. And its never been about our history alone, but about our ability to grasp the future.

We share the same beliefs, pursue the same purpose, and act according to the same ideals. And thats why today, as we meet the challenges of our time, we can depend on each other with absolute conviction. When the United States and the United Kingdom stand together, the world is a safer, better, and more prosperous place, and thats why ours is the indispensable alliance.
Biden Offers Trudeau Support to Tame Canadian Wildfires as Air Quality Issues Persist

A woman walks her dog along the Ottawa River as smoke from wildfires obscures Gatineau, Que., in the distance on June 6, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

The United States has offered to provide additional support to Canada to help it respond to the devastating wildfires that continue to rage across the country and affect air quality in eastern parts of the United States.

President Joe Biden offered Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the extra support during a phone call between the two leaders on June 7, according to a statement from the White House.

The call, which was on National Clean Air Day in Canada, came as an estimated 414 fires continue to burn in Canada, of which 239 are considered out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

More than 3.8 million hectares (9.39 million acres) have burned across the country so far, including roughly 500,000 acres in Quebec alone, sending thick plumes of smoke into the United States and drastically affecting air quality.

According to Natural Resources Canada, most of the country will likely experience higher-than-normal fire activity through the end of June.

Following his call with Trudeau, Biden directed his administration to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets to help rapidly assist in suppressing the fires, according to the statement.

The United States has already deployed more than 600 firefighters and support personnel and various equipment to help tame the fires in Canada, the White House stated.

A pedestrian walks past the smoke- and haze-shrouded New York Stock Exchange building on June 7, 2023. (J. David Ake/AP Photo)

Air Quality Issues

Biden and Trudeau also discussed continued cooperation to prevent further wildfires and address the health effects that such fires have on communities, according to the readout.

They agreed to stay in close touch on emerging needs, officials said.

Trudeaus office, meanwhile, said he had thanked the U.S. president for his support so far in helping battle the wildfires, which officials believe are likely to have been accidentally sparked by human activity and lightning.

Prime Minister Trudeau noted that this contribution is yet another example of our two countries long-standing cooperation and friendship. The two leaders agreed to remain in close and regular contact, the statement reads.

Taking to Twitter shortly after the call, Trudeau said that a growing number of wildfires were occurring as a result of climate change.

These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality, the Canadian leader wrote. Well keep workinghere at home and with partners around the worldto tackle climate change and address its impacts.

A haze from wildfires in Canada settles over the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington on June 7, 2023. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

New York in Crisis

Wildfire season usually begins in Canada in May, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, but this year, fires broke out in British Columbia and Alberta in late April following record-breaking hot and dry weather.

Other fires then began in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, sending thick clouds of polluted air into several U.S. states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Minnesota, and New York, among others.

On June 7, New York City had more air pollution than almost every other city in the world as smoke from the fires turned the sky a hazy red, leading to decreased visibility and prompting some schools to cancel outdoor activities.

In a statement on June 7, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the substandard air quality across the city a crisis and a dangerous situation.

Weve been monitoring this for well over a week since the fires started in Eastern Canada. And I would say over the last 48 hours, it has gotten significantly worse, Hochul said before urging New Yorkers to stay indoors if possible.

This is detrimental to peoples health. In New York State, we have over 1.4 million people who already have asthma. And when the air quality is bad, its a significant risk for these individuals as well as seniors [and] children.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Britains Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. ET on June 8 at the White House after their meeting.
Blast in Northern Afghanistan Kills 11 During Funeral of Deputy Governor

People run away after a bomb explosion during Fatiha prayers at the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e-Awal area of Fayzabad district, Badakhshan Province on June 8, 2023. (Omer Abrar/AFP via Getty Images)

KABULAn explosion inside a mosque in northern Afghanistan on Thursday killed at least 11 people during the funeral of the Talibans provincial deputy governor, who died in an attack earlier this week, officials said.

The Taliban-run Ministry of Interior said that more than 30 people were also injured in the blast in Badakhshan, a province in the far north that shares borders with China and Tajikistan.

A former police commander of northern Baghlan Province, Safiullah Samim, was among the dead, according to a statement offering condolences from another police chief, Najibullah Badakhshi.

Ashraf Nael, a resident of Faizabad, said he was in a nearby court building when he heard a blast at around 11:00 a.m. (0630 GMT), muffled by the mosque walls, before many ambulances rushed towards the scene.

ISIS terrorist group extremists claimed responsibility for a car bomb on Tuesday that killed Badakhshans deputy governor.

The Taliban administration has been carrying out raids against members of ISIS, which has claimed several major attacks in urban centres.

ISIS has targeted Taliban representatives, and claimed the killing of the governor of northern Balkh Province in an attack in March.
British Child Among Four Stabbed by Syrian Illegal Immigrant in French Playground

Rishi Sunak said it was a 'truly cowardly act'

French forensic police officers work at the scene of a stabbing attack in the 'Jardins de l'Europe' park in Annecy, in the French Alps, on June 8, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP)

A British child was among a number of victims attacked by a knifeman in a playground in the French Alps.

An adult and four children, all under the age of five, were critically injured when a 31-year-old Syrian went on the rampage in the town of Annecy on Thursday morning.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said one of the injured children was British.

French police said the suspect was an illegal immigrant from Syria, who had refugee status in Sweden.

Line Bonnet-Mathis, a local prosecutor, said the man repeatedly stabbed a child in a pushchair as her mother screamed for help.

The injured children, who are aged between 22 months and three years, are in a very severe state, said Bonnet-Mathis.

She said the knifemans motives remain unclear but do not appear to be related to terrorism.

The French authorities said at least two children had life-threatening injuries.

Video of Attack on Social Media

Details are still coming in about the attack but a video circulating on social media appeared to show children being attacked in a playground.

The footage showed a man in dark glasses, with a blue keffiyeh covering his head, brandishing a weapon as people screamed and ran away.

In the video, the man shouted, In name of Jesus Christ as he waved his knife in the air while people around could be heard yelling: Police! Police!

One man, carrying two rucksacks, tried to intervene and stop the attack.

It is understood the man, who has not been named, was eventually shot in the legs by a French police officer.

Cleverly, speaking at an OECD ministerial council press conference in France, said, Our thoughts are with the victims and the families and we stand ready to support the French authorities in whichever way we can.

He said, One of the people, one of the children injured, was a British national.

We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family, Cleverly added.

Solidarity With France

The foreign secretary said, Of course, we stand in strong solidarity with the people of France at this terrible time.

Frances President Emmanuel Macron said the attack was one of absolute cowardice.

He wrote on Twitter, The nation is in shock.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, writing on Twitter said it was a truly cowardly act and added, The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the attacker was a Syrian national who was granted refugee status in Sweden 10 years ago and had no criminal or psychiatric record.

She also said the man had children of the same age as his victims.

Borne said, We are absolutely shaken by all this and we are standing firm by the people of Annecy.

Local politician Antoine Armand told BFMTV the victims included very young children who were savagely attacked.

Politicians interrupted a debate in the National Assembly to hold a moment of silence for the victims.

Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet said, There are some very young children who are in critical condition and I invite you to respect a minute of silence for them, for their families, and so that, we hope, the consequences of this very grave attack do not lead to the nation grieving.

France has in the past suffered terrorist attacks by Islamists, often associated with ISIS, including the November 2015 suicide bombings in Paris which killed 130 people.

In January 2015, jihadist terrorists attacked the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and murdered 12 people.

A lone wolf attacker, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, drove a truck into a crowd of people on the promenade in Nice, southern France on July 14Bastille Day2016, killing 86 people.

Associated Press and PA Media contributed to this report.
Bud Light No Longer the Top-Selling Beer Brand in US Amid Boycott

Bud Light beer cans sit on a table in right field during the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md., on Sept. 19, 2019. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Bud Light is no longer the top-selling beer brand in the United States amid a boycott over the companys decision to produce a promotional beer can for transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

Industry figures provided to Newsweek show that Modelo Especials sales topped $333 million in the four weeks that ended on May 28, compared with Bud Lights $297 million. The Bud Light numbers represent a 22.8 percent drop year-over-year, while Modelos sales are up 15.6 percent in the same time period, figures from Circana and IRI show.

Inside the United States, Modelo is owned by Constellation Brands. Outside, it is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, which also makes Bud Light. Several years ago, U.S. regulators forced AB InBev to sell Modelos American business to preserve competition in the market.

Bill Newlands, the chief executive officer of Constellation Brands, told Newsweek that the four-week spike in sales had happened quicker than we had anticipated.

We thought that would take a little longer, he continued to say. Weve been very fortunate that thats gone a little quicker than we had anticipated. But what a great position to be in on the beer side.

Bud Light is still the No. 1-selling beer in the United States year to date, in spite of the boycott, which started in early April, and consecutive weeks of sales declines. According to Nielsen IQ data that was provided to CNN and other outlets this week, Bud Light made up 35.1 percent of all U.S. beer sales through May 27, beating out Coors Light, which has about 21.6 percent of the market.

In the past week, however, data shows that Bud Lights sales are continuing to slide, while AB InBevs stock is down about 17 percent since the boycott and backlash erupted. In the week ending May 27, Bud Light dropped nearly 24 percent from a year ago, while the week before that saw a decline of 25.7 percent, data from Bump Williams Consulting shows, according to Yahoo.

Another week of very weak trends for Bud Light indicates that tracked channels may be reaching a point of stabilization, albeit at significantly lower levels for Anheuser-Busch InBev than prior to the controversy, analysts with Evercore said, according to Yahoo.

Bottles of Anheuser-Busch Budweiser and Grupo Modelo, Modelo beers are displayed at the Chandi Wines and Spirits store in Miami, Florida, on January 31, 2013. (Photo Illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

It came after Mulvaney, a transgender activist and TikTok influencer, created an Instagram post that endorsed the beer. After an April 3 video from musician Kid Rock that showed him shooting up cases of the beer, a widespread boycott ensued.

During an earnings call with investors, where Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris attempted to distance the brand from Mulvaney and said that one can with Mulvaneys face was created. The company also shook up the marketing leadership at Bud Light in the wake of the backlash.

Doukeris also told the Financial Times in a subsequent interview that he believes social media-driven misinformation and confusion were partly to blame for the sales decline. The company is planning to triple its investment into Bud Light over the summer, he said.

People often talk about this topic in social media like noise, Doukeris told the Financial Times. You have one fact, and every person puts an opinion behind the fact. And then the opinions start to be replicated fast on each and every comment. By the time that 10 or 20 people put a comment out there, the reality is no longer what the fact is, but is more [about] what the comments were.

That hasnt prevented Anheuser-Buschs stock from being downgraded, however. In mid-May, an HSBC analyst revised the stock down to hold and said the company is dealing with a Bud Light crisis and speculated there are deeper problems that the company may not publicly admit.

Is ABIs leadership getting the brand culture transformation right? Its mixed, the analyst wrote last month. At Ambev, we think the answer is yes; in the U.S., we think its no. The way this Bud Light crisis came about a month ago, managements response to it and the loss of unprecedented volume and brand relevance raises many questions.

He also questioned why the firms American leadership  underestimate the risk of pushback given the recent experience of other firms in the wake of the Mulvaney controversy, adding: If Budweiser and Bud Light are iconic American ideas that have long brought consumers together, why did these marketers fail to invite new consumers without alienating the core base of the firms largest brand?

Former Anheuser-Busch executives have also publicly questioned why the company decided to use Mulvaney as part of a promotional deal.

The minute you step into the political or religious spectrum, when you know your target audience is going to have a real issue with this, you know youve alienated at least half of your target audience, Robert Lachky, former chief creative officer at Anheuser-Busch, said in May. In the end, people dont like getting preached to, especially when it comes to drinking beer.

The Epoch Times has contacted Anheuser-Busch for comment.
California Earthquakes Along San Andreas Fault May Be Triggered By Ancient Lakes

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake hit near Kernville, California, on Sept. 28, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (USGS)

Researchers have discovered that ancient rising lakes may trigger California earthquakes along the San Andreas fault line.

The new study, published Wednesday in Nature, investigated earthquake activity along the southern San Andreas fault and found that six significant earthquakes on the fault line occurred when the prehistoric Lake Cahuilla was rising.

Collecting field data from rocks near the fault, Hill and his colleagues found earthquakes occurred about every 180 years, give or take 40 years, and coincided with the high water levels of the nearby ancient Lake Cahuilla.

Data gathered by Ryley Hill, coauthor of the study and graduate student at the University of California San Diego, shows the lack of seismic activity may be due to the drying of the nearby Salton Sea and provides clues on future potential earthquake triggers, including projects aimed to refill the body of water.

This is a typical scene in the aftermath of the great San Francisco earthquake on April 18, 1906. This view is southwest of the corner of Geary and Mason Streets, San Francisco, Ca. (AP Photo/U.S. Geological Survey)

We have found the Southern San Andreas Fault, which poses the largest seismic hazard in all of California, was likely triggered by the filling of an ancient lake called Lake Cahuilla. The lack of this lake since ~1725 might also help explain in part why we have not had a large earthquake on this section of the fault for 300 years, Hill told Newsweek.

The San Andreas Fault is the border section between two massive tectonic plates under the surface of the Earth and stretches for more than 800 miles through California, past San Francisco down to San Diego.

The southern end of the fault lies next to what is now known as the Salton Sea, a remnant of the ancient lake. Lake Cahuilla used to fill periodically over the past thousand years but is now causing a seismic drought, going more than 300 years without a major earthquake.

The San Andreas Fault has been causing concern among experts as multiple segments appear to be significantly stressed. For this reason, they fear that a gigantic earthquake could be imminent.

This fault poses the largest seismic hazard in all of California, Hill explains. The southern San Andreas fault is a locked section, and when this fault ruptures  it would cause significant damage to the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

According to this new study, this earthquake could have been triggered by a rapid filling of the Salton Sea.

This section of the San Andreas Fault has accumulated much tectonic stress. While it is doubtful that Lake Cahuilla will fill again, there is potential that the Salton Sea, the modern-day remnant of Lake Cahuilla, may be filled again, Hill said. There is evidence to suggest that it might not just be the total weight/size of the lake that can trigger an event but the rate at which the lake fills. So if we were to rapidly increase the Salton Sea filling, I would be apprehensive about potentially triggered earthquakes on the [southern fault].

The U.S. Geological Survey has previously predicted that it is very likely that some areas across the San Andreas Fault will experience a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in the next 30 years.

If previous earthquakes on it occurred every 180 years, plus or minus forty years, why is it that we sit on 300 years without an earthquake? Hill questioned. This made a lot of scientists scratch their heads for many years. Understanding the history of this fault and what may have caused ruptures in the past helps us understand what might happen in the future.

Hill says the positives are that the odds of the Salton Sea refilling back to the size of ancient Lake Cahuilla is impossible, thankfully. But warns that he and his colleagues found that its not necessarily the volume that could add stress but the rate at which the lake could be filled. Lake Cahuilla was about 32 times as big as the present-day Salton Sea and fed from the Colorado River. Hill adds that the Colorado River cannot deliver as much water to the Salton Sea because of drought and overallocation. This is problematic because of plans to restore the Salton Sea, which has increasingly been affected by climate change and an area of toxic dust.
Since the Arab Spring wave of popular uprisings in 2011, several key Arab countries have practically disintegrated, with competing governments and armed militias fighting against each other for control.

Initial optimism and hope that a new era was about to dawn in the historically troubled region were replaced by deep pessimism and the sad reality that the world was accustomed to chaos in the region regardless of human loss.

Whether in Syria, Libya, Yemen or Sudan, the world has practically decided to live with the chaotic conditions there, not only doing nothing to help end the conflict, but even fuelling the bloodshed and all kinds of tragedies by backing up different warring sides.

Regional powers that had historic ambitions to expand their influence found in this turbulent situation the perfect opportunity to achieve their goals, making use of the reluctance of key world powers to interfere amid a global trend that sees countries electing populist governments and leaders that place the interests of their nations first.

For decades, especially during the Cold War, it was the worlds superpowers, the United States and the former Soviet Union, that determined how conflicts started and ended. Instead of direct confrontation, the Middle East and several other parts of the world became the playground for proxy wars between the two historic rivals.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, it was the United States that claimed world hegemony, along with key European allies. Yet this era of US dominance was short lived.

The majority of Americans have come to realise that adventurous wars abroad, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, were huge mistakes, if not disasters, which neither served US security interests nor set a good model on how foreign intervention might actually help to build democracy or economic prosperity.

Soon Russia and China emerged as key competing forces seeking to build what they describe as a multipolar world order. This competition among world powers is no longer limited to proxy wars in the Middle East and Africa, but is drawing closer to direct confrontations by the day.

The Russian war in Ukraine is not limited to the two countries, but is rather a direct undeclared war between the United States and Europe, on one hand, and Russia, on the other.

Generous American and European arms supplies to Ukraine and renewed pledges that it will ultimately join NATO are but a few indications that this war will last for years to come.

Making the situation worse is the growing tension in US-Chinese relations, which are the focus of a contest over the future global geopolitical landscape.

On Saturday, the United States Indo-Pacific Command said that an American naval destroyer slowed to avoid a possible collision with a Chinese Navy ship as it passed through the strait between China and Taiwan.

The Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu, told Asias top security summit that conflict with the United States would be an unbearable disaster. Yet he still refused to meet his US counterpart for direct talks.

This complicated and uncertain world order leaves the Arab countries not option but to take the lead in solving their own problems, and not to wait for external world powers to play their traditional roles, simply because they seem too busy with their own conflicts, or no longer see this region as a top priority. There have been several positive signs in this direction in recent weeks.

The recent rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, following rare Chinese mediation in Middle East conflicts, has generated hope that several other regional conflicts might be heading for settlement.

The recent Arab Summit in Jeddah witnessed the readmission of Syria to the Arab League, not necessarily because Arab countries approve the record of its regime in handling the conflict there, but because no solution can be reached to restore the integrity and unity of the Syrian state without the participation of the regime which in recent years has managed to regain control over most of Syria.

The same applies to the conflict in Yemen, which has turned the country into one of the most impoverished in the entire world, inflicting heavy losses on the people. The truce between the legitimate government in Aden and the Houthis in Sanaa continued to hold, even though it was not officially renewed.

Hopefully, this will pave the road for peace talks, mediated by Saudi Arabia, the Arab League and the United Nations, to end the war permanently and restore the unity of Yemen.

Recognition that Arab countries should be the party mainly responsible for solving regional problems can also contribute to reaching settlements for the ongoing, sad war in Sudan, despite continuous disrespect of the truces mediated by Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Lebanon can also benefit tremendously from the renewed positive spirit of reconciliation in the region, and perhaps manage to surpass its long-standing deadlock, which has prevented the election of a president and a permanent government.

The Cairo-based Arab League will certainly have an influential role to play in supporting mediation efforts to end the many regional conflicts that have remained unsettled for years.

Yet, like similar inter-governmental organisations, this will require first strong backing from key Arab regional players, as well as bringing an end to negative intervention by non-Arab regional and international powers.

Arabs need to take their chances resolving their own conflicts now that its been so long since the world decided to let them down.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 1 June, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


California Laws Dont Make Common Sense as Lawmakers Are Cornered by Ideologies: Former State Senator

If [lawmakers] change how they are dealing with these issues, theyll have to admit that they were wrong, said former Republican California State Sen. Melissa Melendez regarding why she thinks the state Legislature keeps passing laws that dont seem to work.

Bills are passed not because they can solve the states issues, but because they fit into the ideology that politicians are pushing forward, according to Melendez.

It is like a religion of sorts to say, This is our stance on public safety. This is our stance on crime and punishment, and we will not waver from that, she said in a recent interview on EpochTVs California Insider program.

Such didnt happen overnight, she said, giving examples of the states decade-long effort in emptying prisons after the inmate population reached its peak in 2006, with over 165,000 people incarcerated due to the tough-on-crime laws passed in the 1990s.

Earlier this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his plan to close five more prisons by 2027.

Theyve been talking about this de-incarceration effort [even since I was in the Legislature], and they would like to close down prisons in the state of California, said Melendez, who served in the Assembly from 2012 to 2020 and the Senate from 2020 to 2022.

According to Melendez, there is a major shift in how lawmakers discuss the issue of fentanyl following its explosive growth in the country, but debates on how to deal with the drug still have a long way to go.

Theyre acknowledging that  people are dying from [fentanyl], and this has become a real issue. But they cant really do anything about it because theyve made this commitment that theyre not going to put people behind bars, she said.

Besides letting inmates out, Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions in 2019three years after voters rejected ending the death penalty in the 2016 general election. Voters also approved speeding up executions in a separate proposition the same year.

Other local leaders that stand by his decision include Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), and recalled San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Melendez said that policies are becoming less about peoples voices and more about politicians agendas.

[The governor] put a moratorium on the death penalty, even though voters very clearly stated that they wanted that to stay in place, she said. It was on the ballot. Voters made it clear how they felt.

Changes Within a Decade

However, 10 years ago the Legislature operated much differently, Melendez said.

I saw dramatic shifts from the time I started until the time I left, she said.

One such change, she said, is that the Legislature has become more divided, and lawmakers vote on bills based on their party affiliation instead of on what the bills do.

In the beginning, legislators from both parties worked together.  If we found an issue that we agreed on, we were able to work together, she said. But now, theres very, very little interest in working across the aisle from the Democrat perspective.

She said that bills that would be killed during committee hearings 10 years ago now move forward because lawmakers agree to pass their colleagues bills in exchange for getting their own passed.

Theres a bit of You scratch my back, Ill scratch yours, she said.

Additionally, she says todays bills are more extreme, like Senate Bill 107, which provides refuge to transgender children and their families if they come to California to receive gender-affirming care and others, she said, like energy or oil drilling-related bills.

[Bills like that] would have never gotten to the Legislature [10 years ago], she said. It has become vastly more extreme and progressive.

California politicians, she says, see getting bills passed as a way to build their resume. But oftentimes, everyday residents are those who suffer the consequences if a bill has issues.

That bill gets challenged in court  but the legislator that ran that bill, theyre gone  because of term limits. So, they suffer no consequences, she said. Meanwhile, the taxpayers are the ones who are paying for the lawsuit.

The consequences of some of these laws have contributed to people leaving the state and moving to places that offer them more safety and freedom, she said.

Over the past two years, more than 700,000 Californians have moved out of the state, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Some of the reasons for the exodus include rising crime, high living costs, education quality, and homelessness, as reported in EpochTVs Leaving California documentary.

We lost a congressional seat because of it, Melendez said. That many people were fed up with California that they said, Im out of here.

Hope for the Future

Regarding how lawmakers need to change, she stressed that the first step should be putting the public first and letting people express their opinions and needs.

Its really terrible how theyve cut the public out, she said. [A lawmakers] job is to listen and contemplate what [others are] saying. Sometimes people arent as kind but theyre angry, so hear them out. You dont become king or queen when you get elected into office, which is how many of them act.

A politicians job is to listen to the peoples needs and work for them, she said, whether it is reversing laws that no longer serve peoples interests or finding solutions to fix the issues that the state faces.

Were sent there not to take up spaces and do press conferences. Youre supposed to actually work, she said.

As for the people, Melendez said that it is important for them to understand that many of the states issues came from bad policies, and the best way to fundamentally make change is to rethink how one vote.

The answer is that the people of California have to get fed up enough to say, Nope, were going to do things differently, she said.
California School Board Faces Backlash for Blocking LGBT Book

A person protests a pride month event featuring drag queen performances outside the old town hall in Fairfax, Va., on Jun. 3, 2023. (Terri Wu/The Epoch Times)

A school board in Southern California is facing backlash for blocking a new social studies textbook containing LGBT issues.

The president of the Temecula Valley School Board, Dr. Joseph Komrosky, called gay rights activist Harvey Milk a pedophile during a school board meeting last month.

My question is, why even mention a pedophile? asked Komrosky, making an unfounded accusation before the vote.

Komrosky objected to an elementary social science curriculum that included Milk, who is the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California.

When meeting attendees protested that Milk was not a pedophile, Komrosky responded: I beg to differ.

Police separate protesters and counter-protesters outside of Glendale Unifieds board meeting, where the school board voted unanimously to proclaim June 2023 as LGBT Pride Month, in Glendale, Calif., on June 6, 2023. (Micaela Ricaforte/The Epoch Times)

Komrosky and other school board members voted 3-2 against the social science curriculum, which now leaves the district without a textbook for the coming year.

I dont want my 3rd grader studying an LGBTQ issue, Jennifer Wiersma, one of the members who voted against the new curriculum, said. I dont want them going into gender ideology.

Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, expressed his frustration over Komroskys belittlement and the school boards decision.

An offensive statement from an ignorant person. This isnt Texas or Florida, Newsom tweeted. In the Golden State, our kids have the freedom to learn. Congrats, Mr. Komrosky, you have our attention. Stay tuned.

The Inland Empire Family political action committee supports the board members who opposed this curriculum in schools.

The Pacs goal is to support conservative candidates who will stand for parental rights.

Weve never experienced this before. Ive never heard of a top performing district or any district say you know what we are going to withhold these materials, Edgar Diaz, president of the Temecula Valley Educators Association, told KABC.

A letter was sent to school leaders across the state last Thursday warning them that attempts to ban books from classrooms and libraries in California could require answering to the attorney general.

As state leaders elected to represent the values of all Californians, we offer our response in one shared voice, read the letter addressing book bans from Newsom, State Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and Attorney General Rob Bonta. Access to booksincluding books that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of Californians, especially those that may challenge us to grapple with uncomfortable truthsis a profound freedom we all must protect and cultivate.

The Temecula Valley Educators Association said the curriculum was accurate, age-appropriate, unbiased and politically neutral and was piloted by 47 teachers in the districts elementary schools.

The Association has scheduled two rallies this month to urge the board to approve a textbook for the coming school year.

After last months meeting, the Temecula Valley unified school district extended the window for parents to view and provide feedback on textbook materials.

Thousands of schools across the U.S. are debating if teaching young students about LGBTQ+ issues is appropriate. Most notably in Florida, as Governor Ron DeSantis and the US. Floridas board of education voted earlier this year to ban discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity across all grade levels, expanding what critics have called the dont say gay law.

Protest over a planned Pride month assembly at a Los Angeles Unified Schools have turned violent as anti-LGBTQ+ protesters have become more outspoken about their childrens educational rights.

LAUSD has shown a united front with LGBTQ+ students, parents, and the community.

Every student deserves to feel safe, cherished, and understood at LAUSDand thats the LAUSD we welcome students into every day, Board President Jackie Goldberg said in a statement. With this resolution, we affirm the value, safety, and worth of our Districts LGBTQ+ students, in part by committing to a strong Out for Safe Schools campaign this October. I draw from my own experience in telling our students: be exactly as you are, be that person with pride and enthusiasm, never let anyone tell you that thats not an option, and treat everyone you come across in your life with respect and dignity.

Donna Kronenfeld, a 5th-grade teacher who ran the pilot program for Temecula Valley schools, says the curriculum was based on educational values, not political agendas.

We pushed aside political views, examined materials thoroughly, taking into account our students, their backgrounds, and what our job is in the classroom to uphold the California social studies curriculum and framework, Kronenfeld said. This is something we went through with a fine-tooth comb.
California Gov. Newsom Proposes 28th Amendment to Limit Gun Rights, Impose Assault Weapons Ban

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to curtail specific aspects of gun rights.

Our ability to make a more perfect union is literally written into the Constitution, Newsom said in a Thursday press statement announcing the proposed amendment. So today, Im proposing the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to do just that. The 28th Amendment will enshrine in the Constitution common sense gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and gun owners overwhelmingly supportwhile leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting Americas gun-owning tradition.

Newsoms proposal would specifically raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21, implement a universal background check process, and bar the civilian ownership of assault weapons. The amendment would also impose a reasonable waiting period for gun purchases.

Constitutional amendments can be proposed either by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention of two-thirds of U.S. states. Any amendment proposed would then have to be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures, or three-fourths of conventions called in each state for ratification.

A man of action, Governor Gavin Newsom has the backbone to actually do something about the gun fetish culture around weapons of war, and tackle the relentless problem of gun violence and mass shootings, Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab said. As someone impacted by gun violence, I have an obligation to elevate the voices of victims and those of us left behind in the wake of tragedy.

Democratic state Assembly member Reggie Jones-Swayer also endorsed Newsoms proposal, saying, This bold but fair resolution calls on other states to join us in protecting some of the most effective ways of reducing gun violence.

Details of the Proposal

In a video accompanying his rollout of the proposed amendment, Newsom included a graphic claiming there is 87 percent support for background checks, 81 percent support for raising minimum age, 77 percent support for waiting period, and 61 percent support to ban assault rifles for civilians. Newsoms video appears to cite an April poll conducted by Fox News, but the news publication has not released the specific wording of the questions it asked in that poll.

While Newsoms proposed amendment calls for banning the civilian ownership of assault weapons, his press release did not specify what he considered to be an assault weapon and he said only that they serve no other purpose than to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time and are weapons of war our nations founders never foresaw.

Numerous state and local rules seeking to ban assault weapons have included bans on numerous models of semi-automatic rifles and handguns. Californias own laws describe assault weapons as semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines and pistol grip, thumbhole stock, flash suppressor, or forward grip; or a semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. A semiautomatic pistol capable of accepting a detachable magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds is also considered an assault weapon, as is a semiautomatic shotgun with a pistol grip or the ability to accept a detachable magazine of any capacity.

Newsoms press release also did not specify what he considered to be a reasonable waiting period for a gun purchase. The April Fox News poll described a 30-day waiting period.

NTD reached out to Newsoms office for comment about the specifics of his proposal but did not receive a response by the time this article was published.

Gun Rights Groups Respond

The National Rifle Association (NRA), one of the most prominent gun rights groups in America, cast Newsoms proposal as a publicity stunt.

Newsoms latest publicly stunt once again shows that his unhinged contempt for the right to self-defense has no bounds, the NRA said. California is a beacon for violence because of Newsoms embrace of policies that champion the criminal and penalize the law-abiding. That is why the majority of Americans rightfully reject his California-style gun control.

The Firearms Policy Coalition, another gun rights group that has challenged the constitutionality of Californias current gun control laws, suggested Newsoms proposed amendment bolsters their arguments.

That Newsom is willing to offer this route to impose his immoral policies on the entire nation is an ironic recognition that the tide of history has turned against him and a genuine admission that his failed policies cannot withstand court scrutiny, FPC said in an emailed statement to NTD.

Gun Owners of America (GOA) was also among the first gun rights groups to criticize Newsoms proposal on Thursday morning, casting it as an attack on the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Weve always warned those who cherish their God-given liberties that the ultimate goal of anti-gunners was the abolishment of the Second Amendment, GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt told Fox News. NTD reached out to the GOA for additional comment but the organization did not respond by the time this article was published.
Can Parents Really Parent When Public Schools Cut Them Out?

Commentary

Is my child going to be OK?

Its one of the most basic, yet crucial questions a parent can ask, and for good reason. After all, parents have the primary responsibility for their childrens mental and physical health. But what are parents supposed to do when public schools, where kids spend almost seven hours each day, hide important information about their childrens wellbeing?

Unfortunately, its become increasingly common for schools across the country to cut parents out of important conversations and usurp their role. Schools are stonewalling parents who want basic information about whats happening to their children. In many cases, those schools are pitting students against their own moms and dads.

This is hurting familiesand it needs to stop.

None of this is hypothetical. Its exactly what happened to Maine mom Amber Lavigne, who demanded answers after discovering that Great Salt Bay Community School officials had kept her 13-year-old daughters gender transition secret and encouraged the student not to tell her parents. She says a school social worker even gave the child a chest binder (an undergarment that transgender people use to flatten their breasts) and told the girl that she need not tell her mother, and that he wasnt going to either. When Lavigne confronted the school about it, she says school officials tried to justify the social workers actions. Lavigne, whom Im representing in her federal lawsuit against the school board, later found out that school personnel had been referring to her daughter by a different name and different pronounsall without her knowledge.

It truly is like the epitome of driving a wedge between a child and their parents, Lavigne said in a recent interview.

Lavigne isnt alone. Parents in California (pdf), Florida (pdf), Massachusetts, and Wyoming (pdf) have all sued school officials for hiding information about the schools use of gender pronouns for their children. Meanwhile, both the St. Paul (pdf) and the Kansas City, Kansas (pdf), public school districts have implemented policies that require school officials to use a students preferred name and pronouns and prohibit officials from telling the parents without consent from the student.

Public school secrets arent limited to matters of gender identity, either. Plenty of parents have asked simple questions about what their children are learningonly to get slapped with thousands of dollars in excessive public records fees.

Activist educators and public school bureaucrats seem to think they know what children need better than those kids own parents. I have a masters degree, one Arizona teacher proclaimed this year while urging state lawmakers not to support parental rights legislation. What do the parents have? And then theres Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, who tweeted, Teachers know what is best for their kids because they are with them every day. We must trust teachers.

Parents may not have the same advanced degrees as teachers and school administrators, and it might be teachers who are with students for a few hours during the day.

But educators arent parents. Its parents who know the things their children love and hate; the foods they will and wont eat; the nightmares that keep them up. Its parents who are charged with feeding their kids, clothing them, putting a roof over their heads, taking them to the doctor when theyre sick, and guiding them throughout their lives. Parentsnot teacherscarry out these responsibilities because thats the very essence of who they are. Yet, for many schools, its not enough that parents entrust them to educate their children. Schools are replacing parents judgment with their ownand theyre doing it in secret. Parents simply cant make informed decisions if schools are hiding important information about their kids.

Put another way, the U.S. Supreme Court has said for over a century that parents have a constitutional right to control and direct the education, upbringing, and health care decisions of their children. But how can parents do those things effectively if schools are keeping secrets from them?

Thats why its so important to equip parents with the tools they need to raise their kids well, especially knowledge.

Its time for public schools to respect parents role and be open with them about whats happening to their kidsso that parents can parent, as is their responsibility, their privilege, and their purpose.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Dr. Aseem Malhotra, Britains high-profile cardiologist and previous supporter of mRNA COVID vaccines, has called on Australias medical regulator to suspend COVID vaccine mandates, saying the evidence against their use has been overwhelming.

This comes as the secretary of the Australian federal Department of Health, Professor Brendan Murphy, called the continuation of COVID vaccine mandates in Australia unjustified.

Speaking to The Epoch Times on June 3 during his nationwide tour hosted by the Australian Medical Professionals Society (AMPS), Malhotra said that, in his opinion, the mRNA vaccine was always going to do more harm than good.

Meanwhile, Australias Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) maintains that the protective benefits of vaccination far outweigh the potential risks.

Currently, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Novavax are provisionally approved for use by the TGA, while Moderna has been fully approved.

During his talk on June 1, Malhotra pointed to health data and related heart complicationssuch as cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, cardiac arrest, myocarditis, and periocarditisthat have seen an uptick since the vaccine rollout.

According to the TGA, myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart or membrane around the heart) have been reported for the mRNA vaccines, with around 1-2 in every 100,000 people getting the condition following the Pfizer shot and 2 in 100,000 getting the condition from the Moderna shot.

Moreover, Malhotra pointed to a 2022 study where a priority list of adverse reactions was found to have been created prior to the 2020 vaccine rollout, on which the aforementioned heart complicationsamong otherswere listed.

But nobody knew about it, doctors didnt know about it, and in medicine, unless youre aware of a potential side effect or a diagnosis, youll always miss it or think it doesnt exist. And thats whats been happening. Thats why a lot of vaccine-injured are getting gaslighted, he said.

Malhotra also pointed to data released by the UK government that compared the benefits of vaccination between 1 million vaccinated people and 1 million unvaccinated people. While he admits the data has healthy user biaswhere people who werent vaccinated were sicker than people who were vaccinated on averagehe said the data shows that many thousands of people need to be vaccinated to prevent a few from being hospitalised.

For example, for a 70-year-old, 2,500 people need to be vaccinated to prevent one person from being hospitalised with COVID, while that figure is 5,700 for 60-year-olds, 53,000 for those under 40, and just under 200,000 for people under the age of 30.

Ive never come across anything in my whole career in medicine, anything Ive heard about any drug, any pharmacological intervention, has efficacy or effectiveness is this poor, he said.

However, a spokesperson for the TGA also told The Epoch Times in an email that it rejects Malhotras safety claims on the COVID-19 vaccines, saying that it has a well-established and effective system in place to detect and investigate potential new safety issues relating to vaccines.

Data from clinical trials and extensive use of the vaccines around the world demonstrates that the benefits of each COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh the known risks, the spokesperson said.

Campaign Despite Being Controversial

Malhotra has emerged as a controversial figure since 2022, when he called for the suspension of Britains vaccine mandates, which was overturned for NHS workers in April 2022. However, Malhotra was a staunch supporter of the vaccine just a year prior.

Yet despite being now labelled an anti-vax leader and spreader of vaccination misinformation, Malhotra said it was the death of his late father, Dr. Kailand Chanda general practitioner and former deputy chair of the British Medical Associationafter having two shots of the Pfizer vaccine and his quest to search for the truth of the vaccine side effects in the form of data that led him on this campaign.

I campaigned heavily on this issue to get the vaccine mandates overturned [in the UK], he said.

[A]nd ultimately, I remember I was getting nurses and doctorspeople I know who were in tearscalling me up, and I said, stand your ground. It was getting passed in Parliament  and only a few weeks later, we got it overturned.

However, Malhotra was criticised by the chair of clinical cardiology at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Marc Dweck, for misguided and dangerous opinions on the COVID vaccines and claimed that the vast majority of cardiologists do not agree with his views and they are not based upon robust science, reported The Guardian.

Malhotras Take on Australias Vaccine Mandates

Malhotra told The Epoch Times that Australia had one of the most draconian COVID measures in the world, including lockdowns, which had a lingering effect that he suspects led to the vaccine mandates.

He added that Australia has had very effective, important, evidence-based, right and democratic public health policies, such as compulsory seat belts in cars and tobacco control.

With that in mind, you can understand a little bit why [policies] may have been draconian in this instance, he said.

However, he emphasised that of all the medical regulators around the world, Australias Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) receives 96 percent of its funding from large pharmaceutical companies, which he also claims has a huge influence over the medical regulator and with some politicians.

Despite almost exclusively relying on the pharmaceutical industry, Australias TGA firmly denies that its funding is a conflict of interest (COI), according to Dr. Maryanne Demasi, a medical investigative journalist.

I think financial interests fuel the problem, but most of it is because people are being given half-truths and misleading information on which theyre making decisions, Malhotra said.

Meanwhile, One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts has called on the federal government to act immediately to end all vaccine mandates that were still in effect at government workplaces and immediately act to pass One Nations vaccine discrimination bill so no further harm is done in the private sector.

Roberts made this comment following Murphys public statement in which he believes COVID vaccine mandates to be unjustified.

Currently, the topic of vaccine injuries has been shrouded in a veil of secrecy and silence, according to legal firm Sydney Criminal Lawyers, who say that the government needs to facilitate more open discussions around the mandates.

This is too little too late for the thousands of people who have suffered life-changing injuries as a result of mandates or lost their livelihoods because of their choice to remain unvaccinated, Roberts said on June 1.

In spite of this, Malhotra sees an opportunity for medicine.

I see this crisis as an opportunity actually to restore trust and rebuild and take medicine back to where it should be, which is to promote practice, very simple. Thats why Im an advocate for ethical, evidence-based medicine.

As of May 28, the total number of adverse events reported to the TGA was 138,730. However, Malhotra believes this figure to be much higher.

Marina Zhang and Victoria Kelly-Clark contributed to this report.
Chinese Navy Cuts Off US Ship, Intending to Test US Bottom Line in Taiwan Strait: Military Expert

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon is observing the Chinese PLA Navy vessel Luyang III (top) while on a transit through the Taiwan Strait with the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Montreal on June 3, 2023. (Andre T. Richard/U.S. Navy/AFP/Getty Images)

A Chinese navy ship recently intercepted a U.S. Navy ship in the Taiwan Strait, escalating U.S.-China tensions over the Taiwan issue. One military expert said the move aligned with the Chinese regimes goal to seize Taiwan and test the bottom line of U.S. defense of freedom of navigation.

On June 3, while the USS Chung-Hoon, a Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Montreal were passing through the Taiwan Strait, Chinas Suzhou navy ship cut off the USS Chung-Hoon and forced it to change course. The two ships were within 150 yards of each other at their closest point and nearly collided.

Carl Schuster, former director of operations for the U.S. Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii, told The Epoch Times on June 4 that the move was a deliberate provocation from China and created a dangerous situation.

Anytime when ships get within 500 meters of each other, its a dangerous situation because it takes about 200 meters to turn a ship, Schuster explained. He believes the operation was ordered by the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) Central Military Commission, given that the Chinese navy would not have acted without orders from the top.

This is not the first time the Chinese military has made a dangerous interception. On May 26, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet intercepted a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace in the South China Sea in an unnecessarily hazardous maneuver, cutting right in front of the reconnaissance aircraft, according to a VOA report.

In 2001, a Chinese aircraft intercepted a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea, resulting in a collision that killed the Chinese crew. The Chinese detained the U.S. pilots after an emergency landing.

Freedom of Navigation

A helicopter stops on the U.S. lead ship USS Blue Ridge in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, on Aug. 5, 2014. (Getty Images)

The U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement following the June 3 incident: Chung-Hoon and Montreals bilateral transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific.  Cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region where aircraft and ships of all nations may fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.

In the 1970s, the former Soviet Union began to make excessive claims to international waters, designating high sea waters as its territorial waters. To preserve freedom of navigation, then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter ordered the U.S. Freedom of Navigation Program in 1979 to exercise and assert its maritime rights and freedoms worldwide in a manner consistent with the balance of interests reflected in the Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Since 2015, U.S. warships have conducted regular freedom-of-navigation missions in the South China Sea. As Chinas military strength increased, the regime actively competed for the South China Sea waters. The CCP had turned some South China Sea islands into artificial islands, which were then converted into military bases equipped with missiles, radar systems, and airstrips. The CCP has also established a large coast guard force to interfere with fishing and offshore oil and gas drilling by Southeast Asian countries, according to Taiwans Institute for National Policy Research.

The Chinese regime has become increasingly bold in expressing its desire to invade and conquer Taiwan by force. In February, CIA Director William Burns noted that U.S. intelligence information indicated that Chinese leader Xi Jinping had ordered the Peoples Liberation Army to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027.

Taiwan Strait

In 2017, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin was willing to admit that the Taiwan Strait was an international waterway shared by both sides of the strait.

However, on June 14 last year, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin claimed that China has sovereign rights over the Taiwan Strait. The waters of the Taiwan Strait extend from the coasts on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to the centerline of the Strait, which are, in order, Chinas internal waters, territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone, Wang said.

The CCP is changing the definition of its territorial waters, Schuster noted. I would not be surprised if it claimed that the waters around Taiwan are Chinese waters. I think they want to claim as much of the first island chain as possible.

CCPs Political Ambition

Schuster said the recent interception by the Chinese navy ship was a military move, but the political intention behind it was to deter foreign ships, especially warships, from crossing the Taiwan Strait.

Their goal is to claim these waters for themselves, Schuster said. If the U.S. stops sending warships across the Taiwan Strait in response to the CCPs tactics, then the Taiwan Strait will become de facto Chinese waters.

Schuster explained that the United States is using freedom of navigation to counter Chinas plan, showing the world that all countries can freely navigate in international waters. He added that the United States would never back down on the issue of freedom of navigation because it is one of the oldest U.S. foreign policies.

CCPs Test on Bottom Line of US

Air Force soldiers stand in front of an armed F-16V fighter jet behind two U.S.-made Harpoon AGM-84 anti-ship missiles during a drill at the Hualien Air Force base in Taiwan on Aug. 17, 2022. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Schuster believes the Taiwan Strait interception was just one of Beijings tests for U.S. political leaders. Other similar acts of aggression include the recent hacking of critical infrastructure in Guam and the incident with Chinese citizens attempting to infiltrate military bases in Alaska posing as tourists. Chinas increased military drills around Taiwan and the Chinese spy balloon incident further showed that the CCP is testing how the United States would react to its aggressive tactics, he said.

According to Schuster, these tests are one of the ways by which the CCP measures the intentions and political will of its adversaries. The opponents reactions give Beijing a glimpse of their political thinking, the actions they are considering, their capabilities, and their beliefs about their responsiveness.

These actions [by the CCP] should be seen as a wake-up call to our leaders and to the American public. The Beijing authorities are hostile to the international order in general and the United States in particular. Our response will not be cheap, but we need to respondeconomically, diplomatically, and militarily, Schuster said.
Quebec Ministers Cancellation of Event Citing Anti-Abortion Stance Discriminatory: Christian Group

Quebec Minister of Tourism Caroline Proulx speaks during question period in the Quebec legislature on March 21, 2023. (Edouard Plante-Frechette/Canadian Press)

A Christian organization is threatening legal action against Quebecs tourism minister for cancelling its event. The minister characterized the event as being against abortion and not in line with Quebecs principles.

B.C.-based Harvest Ministries International says the event does not have a pro-life theme and is an overall religious, cultural, and artistic event.

You attached the label anti-abortion to an event that was nothing of the sort, said a letter the organizations lawyers sent to Minister Caroline Proulx on June 5.

Even if the theme of the Rally were anti-abortion (we deny it), your decision to ban my client from the Convention Centreand from all similar provincial Crown propertieswould be abusive, discriminatory and an attack on the fundamental freedoms of expression and religion, without a shred of reasonable justification.

Harvest Ministries is threatening legal action if the minister does not reinstate by June 8 the contract she told the Quebec City Convention Centre (Centre des Congres de Quebec) to cancel. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) is providing the organizations legal representation.

Proulx and the Quebec City Convention Centre did not reply to Epoch Times inquiries as of publication time.

Our government is resolutely pro-choice. And it is a subject that has a broad consensus in Quebec, Proulx told Radio Canada in French.

Freedom of expression is the rule. In this case, as a Crown corporation, we think it is our role to adhere to certain values that the government promotes, Pierre-Michel Bouchard, CEO of the convention centre, told Radio Canada.

He said contracts have been cancelled at the centre in two other instances. In one case, the client refused to translate documents into French. In the other, the event was related to cannabis.

JCCF said in a June 7 release that Proulx instructed Bouchard on or about June 2 to cancel the rental arranged by Harvest Ministries in February for its event. The event was scheduled for June 23 to July 2.

It is marketed under the banner Battle for Canada and titled Prepare the Way. JCCF said no anti-abortion speeches, performances, screenings or themes were planned for it. The Harvest Ministries website does have a link to another website titled Canadian Firewall 3.0 that mentions abortion under its prayer targets.

It says that since there are no restrictions on abortions in Canadian law, the mothers womb [is] the most unsafe place for a child in Canada. We need to pray for the sanctity of life.

Pastor Art Lucier, leader of Harvest Ministries, said in the JCCF release that the governments actions violate freedom of expression and belief.

Everyone has the right to express their convictions and deeply held values, even if they are in the minority or unpopular. In Quebec, as in the rest of Canada, state arbitrariness, censorship and discrimination have no place, he said.

Lucier estimates the financial losses from cancelling the event at about $450,000.

If the Quebec government does not reverse its decision, we will quickly go to court and seek not only damages, but also punitive damages and constitutional redress, he said.
Researchers have found real-world evidence that cognitive dissonance, or the psychological discomfort or tension we feel when there is an inconsistency between our cognition and our behaviour, can generate pain in the body.

Cognition is the process of acquiring knowledge and wisdom through thought, experience, and the senses.

In a study completed by Ohio State University and the University of Michigan and published in the journal Ergonomics in February, the researchers arranged 17 volunteersnine men and eight women aged 19-44to lift lightweight boxes and presented them with a conflicting situation where first they told them how great of a job they are doing, and then they expressed strong criticism about the quality of their work.

The participants were fitted with wearable sensors and motion-capture technology that detected the peak spinal loads in the neck and low back for both compression of vertebrae and vertebral movementwhich is also known as shear.

The workplace scenario found that even this simple amount of psychological distress generated pressure on the volunteers necks and lower backs, with the peak spinal loads on cervical vertebrae in the neck being 11.1 percent higher in compression, 9.4 percent higher in A/P shear and 19.3 percent higher in lateral shear.

This increased spine loading occurred under just one condition with a fairly light load, William Marras, executive director of the Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University and one of the studys authors, told Ohio State University News.

You can imagine what this would be like with more complex tasks or higher loads.

Mind-Body Link for Pain Long Established

Marras lab has been examining the links between occupational forces on the spine for decades, with his research finding 20 years ago that psychological stress could influence spine biomechanics.

Marras argues there is a link between cognitive dissonance and spinal health, which has significant outcomes for workplace health and safety where the stress factors and the cognitive dissonance can be overwhelming.

We ended up finding that when youre under that kind of psychosocial stress, what you tend to do is what we call co-activate muscles in your torso. It creates this tug of war in the muscles because youre always tense, he said.

Our tolerance to shear is much, much lower than it is to compression, so thats why thats important. A small percentage of load is no big deal for one time. But think about when youre working day in and day out, and youre in a job where youre doing this 40 hours a weekthat could be significant and be the difference between a disorder and not having a disorder.

Additionally, the study also found that your personality type can also increase the pressure placed on the spine.

We found that in certain personality types, the loads in the spine increased by up to 35 percent, Marras said.

The Pains Mind-Body Link

The human body pain perception is the process by which the brain interprets and responds to painful stimuli, which is a complex physiological and psychological phenomenon that involves the transmission and processing of signals from various sensory receptors in the body.

When someone experiences pain, specialized nerve endings called nociceptors detect painful stimuli, such as heat, pressure, or chemical signals. These nociceptors are present throughout the body, including the skin, muscles, organs, and other tissues, and once activated, they send electrical signals through nerve fibres to the spinal cord and to the brain.

The brain plays a crucial role in pain perception. The signals from the nociceptors are processed in several brain regions, including the thalamus, somatosensory cortex, and the limbic system, which is involved in emotions and motivation. The brain then integrates the sensory information and generates a subjective experience of pain.

What Is Cognitive Dissonance and How to Combat It?

Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is an inconsistency between two cognitions or between cognition and behaviour. This concept was first introduced by the psychologist Leon Festinger in the 1950s.

When individuals experience cognitive dissonance, they feel a sense of discomfort, unease, or internal conflict. This discomfort motivates them to reduce the dissonance by resolving the inconsistency and restoring a sense of cognitive harmony. To achieve this, people may employ various cognitive and behavioural strategies.

There are a few ways in which individuals typically reduce cognitive dissonance.

By changing beliefs or attitudespeople may modify their existing beliefs or attitudes to align with their behaviour. For example, if someone smokes even though they know it harms their health, they may convince themselves that smoking has fewer risks or downplay the negative consequences.

Another way is to acquire new information, and individuals may seek out further information or reinterpret existing information to support their beliefs or justify their behaviour. They may selectively focus on information confirming their beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence.

Further, people may alter the importance or value they attribute to certain beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours. For instance, if someone values their social connections but engages in conduct that isolates them socially, they may convince themselves that solitude is more fulfilling or that their social relationships are not as crucial as they previously believed.

Finally, people can seek out activities or information aligning with their beliefs or behaviours, thereby avoiding situations that may trigger cognitive dissonance.
Covenant Shooters Parents Transferring Rights to Daughters Writings Over to Victims Families

Chancellor says open records case is new legal territory.

In this image from video, Audrey Hale points a gun inside the Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., on March 27, 2023. (Nashville Police Department via The Epoch Times)

The parents of the Nashville Covenant School shooter Audrey Hale, through their legal counsel, told a Nashville judge on Thursday, June 8, they are in the process of assigning all ownership of their daughters writings to the children of The Covenant School.

The documents are still in the hands of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) after they were seized from the home of Ronald and Norma Hale and the vehicle of their daughter at the scene of her assault on the school, which left six dead, including three children, not including Hale who was herself killed by police.

The papers that are at issue in this court, by the law of intestate succession, are theirs, the Hales attorney, David Raybin, said. There is no will that I am aware of. This morning, we are in the process of assigning all rights to the written documents to the children of the school, the intervenors.

Raybin spoke to the court in Thursdays hearing, which was originally scheduled for parties to discuss the merits of a public records lawsuit against MNPD. The lawsuits were filed by various parties and later merged into a singular case, all of which are seeking the public release of the shooters writings seized by authorities.

The court instead heard arguments requesting the court to pause proceedings from those suing MNPD, as they filed an appeal to Chancellor IAshea Myles May ruling, which allowed the parents of Covenant students, as well as the school and Covenant Presbyterian Church, to enter the lawsuit as third-party intervenors.

Myles is expected to issue an order soon on whether or not to pause proceedings to allow the appeal to be heard in the higher court regarding the inclusion of the parents, the church and the school in the case. Parties suing MNPD have requested the appeals court to take up the issue on an expedited basis, but a ruling by that court has yet to be made either way.

Hale Familys Surprise Move

Ed Yarbrough, attorney for the parents of the children of The Covenant School, introduced Raybin, saying the court may want to hear information they came into and asked for him to be allowed to make his announcement, which was granted by Myles.

The shooters parents have not spoken publicly following the shooting, aside from a very brief comment from Norma Hale, reportedly obtained in a phone call with ABC News on the day of the shooting.

Aside from those few comments, the Hale family has remained silent and has made no previous interventions or filings in this public records lawsuit until this week.

Raybin, the parents attorney, said he would file with the court the information regarding the transfer of ownership of the writings to the Covenant families and then request to withdraw from the suit. Prior to his comments Thursday, no public filings had been made outlining the actions being taken by his clients.

The home of the Nashville Christian School shooter sits quietly in its south Nashville neighborhood on Thursday, March 31, days after police agencies raided the home following Mondays shooting. (Chase Smith/The Epoch Times)

The ownership of [the documents], we will assign to the children of The Covenant School, he said. The papers at issue were taken from my clients home, they are the owners of this home. The papers were taken from a vehicle, my clients are the owners of this vehicle  and they are the owners of the papers. Therefore, they can assign under the law, intestate succession, to whomever they wish, these papers.

He added the Hales would not make any money out of this but would simply assign the documents for a nominal sum or as a gift in paperwork over the next week.

He did not state in his comments in court whether or not the Hales believe their daughters writings should be released by MNPD but noted that it was an issue the court must decide.

I wanted to advise the court that the papers at issue are my clients, and they are assigning them to the childrenthe intervenors who are here  and no one else, he said. Those papers are in the constructive possession of the police, but whether they should be released or not is something [this court] will decide.

He added it was important for the court to be aware of the actions made by the parents, as the third-party intervenors in the case may now be differently postured because they now have ownership in the papers at discussion.

The comments by Raybin came as a surprise to at least some of the attorneys of those suing for the release of the records, as Myles called for Douglas Pierce, attorney for the National Police Association, to request a sidebar if needed as he was out of his seat discussing the matter audibly with another attorney as an attorney for Covenant parents spoke.

New Legal Questions Arise

Myles, on many occasions Thursday, indicated the legal matters at question in this case are unlike any other case in Tennessee history, thus, precedent has not been set.

She added on various other occasions that no matter her decision, she was confident one of the many parties would appeal her decision, leaving the Court of Appeals and possibly the Tennessee Supreme Court with settling questions not answered currently through precedent.

Pierce said the appeal was filed now instead of at the end of the case due to a new Tennessee rule (pdf) of procedure regarding intervention set forth in 2018. The rule states that when a court makes a decision on intervention, that determination is final, with Pierce arguing the law should be construed as appeals being required now rather than later in the case or risk making the entire case moot.

Our point is, if this proceeding goes forward, it would essentially render our appeal null, he said.

Audrey Hale in an undated image. (Nashville Police Department via The Epoch Times)

Myles said the rule change was very new, and thus, very little jurisprudence in how it should work in application currently exists.

Normally, attorneys and Myles debated, appeals would all be held until the end of the case. However, the rule states orders on intervention are final, and the question remains as to whether it should be appealed upon being made or upon a final determination made in the case at large.

Myles argued the rule change, made in 2018, was really made to protect those who were denied intervention in a case, not necessarily for an original party to object to intervention being granted. She stated she had trouble understanding why those opposed to intervention by Covenant parties have problems with their arguments being heard.

Pierce argued the stay is necessary because if intervention is allowed now in a public records case where a party may or may not have standing, then anyone who wants to shut down public records act proceedings may now have precedent to do so.

Appeal Could Delay Process

Myles said those seeking the documents were essentially stepping in front of themselves, as public records challenges are by Tennessee law to be heard on an expedited basis.

She added with an appeal very likely, it would make sense for the whole case to go up on appeal to a higher court as a whole.

If we have a show cause hearing, you will have an opinion from me in short order she said. Then the whole case can go up on appeal, with a complete record, to the Court of Appeals and perhaps even to the [Tennessee] Supreme Court. Right now, the case is bifurcated, where were asking the Court of Appeals frankly to look at a singular issue while we havent gotten to the main issue of this case.

She also questioned the presumption by the appealing parties that if the Court of Appeals later determined the Covenant intervenors should not have been allowed to intervene, that her court could not follow the higher courts rule to make a decision without the argument of the Covenant parties considered.

Pierce said it was a complicated scenario for the court to be in, and it was hard to tell what the future held for the case.

You would agree, frankly, that there has been no case law really construing the unique facts of this case, Myles said. Because this is really an intersection between an open records request, which is something that is meant to come outside the regular rules of procedure in court, to be heard on an expedited basis. The statute itself says immediately and dealing with a new rule that there really isnt any guidance from the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court on

Myles stated the appeal, which has not yet been approved by the Court of Appeals to be heard on an expedited basis, could go on for months, in direct contrast to the law stating public records cases should be heard quickly.

Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, is seen in a file photo (Google Street View via The Epoch Times)

Any potential delays by filing the appeal, Myles questioned, could essentially mean the appellants are waiving their right to an expedited process.

Pierce said their hope is the higher court would agree to an expedited time frame, but they were not waiving the right to a speedy decision in the lower court by appealing the singular issue of intervention.

He said if the request for an expedited appeal was denied, he was uncertain if the parties would drop their appeal altogether, but it would have to be taken into consideration if necessary.

Uncharted Territory

Pierce noted the appeal was not the only reason the show cause hearing was pushed, as an attorney representing one of the parties suing MNPD withdrew from the case due to a conflict and new counsel needed time to catch up.

This case is getting in its own way to go and get some finality, Myles said. Either way, its going up to the Court of Appeals and probably the [Tennessee] Supreme Court.

An attorney for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, representing MNPD, said they agreed a legal precedent had not been set but also noted a hearing on the merits should happen quickly.

Because this is, frankly, an area of the law that is not clear, Myles explained. I go back to, either side, most likely, is going to go up to the Court of Appeals, to say is this how we should apply this rule. I think thats probably a good thing. You all are asking me to make a decision in uncharted territory with [other cases as precedent], and none of them actually get to the real issue.
Decoupling From Chinas Aircraft Industry

Commentary

Decoupling is the new buzzword these days when it comes to sanctioning communist China for its bad behavior. The argument behind it is that the West should no longer rely so much upon Chinas manufacturing base for essential products and processes but instead work to reduce, even eliminate, Chinas place in global supply chains.

There are obvious candidates for decoupling. Textiles, of course (sorry, no more 12-packs of tube socks for $5.99), but also televisions, smartphones, any kind of consumer product (from toasters to extension cords), integrated circuits, microelectronic assemblies, computersthe list is endless.

Not every kind of decoupling is a good idea, or at least one that should be implemented quickly. Removing China from the global supply chain is risky in the short run, to say the least, although it could pay huge benefits over time. Reestablishing assembly lines in the West is a smart move if it can be done cheaply, but it will take time and planning.

There are, however, areas where decoupling could be pursued quickly and with minimal risk to the West. One of these is microchips, and the other, which is glaringly obvious, is Chinas commercial aircraft industry.

Chinas weaknesses in the semiconductor industry are widely known. A huge gap exists between current Chinese chip technology and global state of the art. China is unable to design and fabricate high-end microchips, particularly when it comes to breaking the seven-nanometer wall of producing semiconductors with processing nodes below seven nanometers.

Taiwan, meanwhile, already builds chips as small as five nanometers, and South Korea will soon be producing three-nanometer chips.

Moreover, most of Chinas indigenous chipmaking technology is old and getting older. Chinas top-down, state-led development model has been unable to deliver on Chinese leader Xi Jinpings ambition of creating a high-end national semiconductor industry.

China aims to produce 70 percent of its own chips by 2025, but its unlikely to meet that target. In fact, China can barely supply more than 15 percent of the semiconductors it needs (and most of them low-end). As a result, Beijing depends heavily on foreign sources for its microchips and chip-manufacturing technology. In 2020 alone, China imported more than $300 billion worth of semiconductors.

Beijings inability to manufacture high-end chips threatens to leave it unable to participate in the so-called fourth industrial revolution (4IR). According to Mathieu Duchatel, director of the Asia Program at Institut Montaigne, without an advanced semiconductor sector, China will find it difficult to dominate the digital revolution enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, 5G wireless infrastructures, and the like. This has implications for Chinas future high-tech commercial economy and its ambitious military modernization plans.

Chinas critical dependencies on imported microchips and microchip technology create a huge chokepoint for Beijings high-technology ambitions. Cutting off China from Western semiconductors, as well as 4IR technologies like AI and advanced computing, could leave Beijing scrambling for years to find domestic solutions to these requirements. The costs to the West, meanwhile, would be minimal.

An even more obvious candidate for decoupling is Chinas civilian airliner industry. China is attempting to build a commercial aircraft business where none hardly existed two decades ago. It launched its first passenger jet, the 70-seat ARJ21 regional jet, in 2002, and its second, the C919 (roughly the same size as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320), in 2008.

A model of the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (Comac) C919 aircraft sits on display at the Singapore Airshow held at the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore on Feb. 6, 2018. The state-owned Chinese company seeks to chase markets in Asia and Africa. (Seong Joon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Both planes have had troubled births, plagued by delays and huge cost overruns. Moreover, neither has yet obtained air-worthiness certifications from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Europes Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA); these are essential if Beijing wishes to sell the airplane overseas.

Whats more, neither the ARJ21 nor the C919 could be called groundbreaking aircraft. Western aerospace analysts have noted that the C919 offers no new technology, dismissing it as a me-too jet.

More importantly, calling a plane like the C919 Chinese is stretching the point. The airliner depends heavily on Western suppliers for critical components and subsystems, including its avionics, landing gear, nacelles, flight controls, andmost importantlyjet engines. General Electric, for example, supplies the LEAP turbofan engine for the aircraft, while Rockwell Collins provides the avionics, and Goodrich and Liebherr (a German-Swiss company) supply the planes landing gear.

Altogether, around 60 percent of these foreign suppliers to the C919 are U.S. companies, including General Electric, Honeywell, and Eaton.

In fact, it is estimated that only 25 percent of the overall value of the C919 is actually Chinese, mainly in the manufacture of the fuselage and wings, as well as final assembly.

The West, particularly the United States, has little to lose by cutting China off from its aerospace supply chain. All it is doing anyway is creating future competitors rather than future partners.

Moreover, the West might soon have a very good reason to decouple Chinas aircraft industry. Russias invasion of Ukraine has been going badly, and it is running out of munitions. Moscow is keen to have Beijing supply it with lethal equipment, as China is about the only country with the stockpiles, industrial capacity, and political likelihood to sell to Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping enter a hall during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. (Alexey Maishev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite Russian President Vladimir Putins persistent wooing, Xi has so far resisted supplying Russia with lethal military equipment. But if Xi should change his mind and start selling arms to Russia, the West could wield a powerful lever against China. Western aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia has made the case that the West should immediately embargo Chinas commercial aircraft industry. Given how uniquely dependent Beijings aerospace future is on Western companies, he argues, U.S. and EU trade sanctions could bring its indigenous aviation sector to a halt.

Cutting off items like jet engines, avionics, landing gear, and the like would deal an immediate blow to Chinas civil airliner business. There are simply no alternative suppliers: Chinas efforts to produce a home-grown engine, the CJ-1000A, is years away from fruition, and it still incorporates a number of imported technologies.

Russia is hardly in a position to replace the West; its own aerospace industry is in shambles. In fact, Moscow and Beijing have a joint passenger jet in the works (the C929), but Russias current economic mess makes it a poor choice for a partner.

On the other hand, decoupling from China has many potential benefits for the Wests aerospace business. Reducing the Wests dependencies on Chinese-built subsystems or components would help Western firms while also impeding the growth of a competing Chinese aerospace sector. This would also undermine Chinese military modernization, limiting its ability to exploit fourth industrial revolution technologies for such tasks as surveillance, intelligence, targeting, and autonomous strike.

More than ever, the West has critical tools for punishing China while suffering minimal cost or pain. If Beijing decides to help Russia kill Ukrainians, the West should kill Chinas aircraft industry.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Korea is well known for its world-leading medical coverage, but the country suffers a shortage of surgeons, obstetricians and pediatricians as many doctors specialize in more lucrative fields like plastic surgery.

Last month a nurse at Asan Medical Center died of a cerebral hemorrhage at work because no surgeon could be found on time. The incident served as a wake-up call revealing a crisis in essential medical services.

One danger area is thoracic surgeons, who specialize in the heart and lungs. From next year their numbers are expected to dwindle dramatically unless something is done. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, only 23 medical residents chose to become thoracic surgeons nationwide, resulting in an acquisition rate of just 35 percent of the needed numbers.

Chung Eui-suk at the Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, said, "Until 1994, there were 57 residents a year who plumbed for thoracic surgery and until 2007 there were 47, but now only five hospitals in the country have managed to fill all resident positions while half of all hospitals have barely managed to fill one position."

"The biggest group of thoracic surgeons are in their 50s at 425, and they will retire in 15 years," Chung said. "But in an aging society we will see an increase in the need for heart and lung cancer surgery, and there are only 312 thoracic surgeons in their 40s and 142 in their 30s, so we don't know when the system will collapse."

Starting next year, retiring thoracic surgeons will outnumber fresh blood.

Pediatrics is suffering from an even more acute shortage. The acquisition rate for pediatricians plummeted from 80 percent as recently as 2019 to 27.5 percent this year. The decline is due to the waning popularity of the discipline as Koreans have fewer children.
DeSantis Launches Coalition of States to Strengthen Border Security

Illegal immigrants gatherafter being flown in from Texas on a flight funded by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantisat Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, Mass., on Sept. 15, 2022. (Vineyard Gazette/Handout via Reuters)

Meeting with sheriffs from four statesincluding several in national leadership positionsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the formation of a coalition of states to fight the border security battle without federal leadership on the cause.

We have a great country. Weve got a proud history, but this country is falling on its face with respect to ensuring the sovereignty of our country, DeSantis said on June 7. And you see the damage thats been done at the southern border.

Weve been hearing about this problem for many, many yearsmany, many decades, he said. And yet its probably as bad [right now] as its ever been. I think that this has been a massive dereliction of duty by the president.

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey, walk to the stage during the Roast and Ride event in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 3, 2023. (Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo)

Joined by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, DeSantis hosted a round table including sheriffs from Florida and across the West to discuss the border problem.

An estimated 5 million people have crossed the Mexican border illegally since Joe Biden became president in 2021.

Also present at the conference were the heads of Floridas Department of Law Enforcement and Highway Patrol, and Arizona legislators, including the states House speaker.

Roundtable sheriffs came from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, and Florida, and at least one sheriff from Georgia attended.

DeSantis hosted the talk at Cochise College in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Thats south of Tucson and just a few miles north of the Mexican border.

One of the reasons why were here today is because we want to forge a formal working relationship so that we can make the most out of all of our resources and efforts, DeSantis said.

We have the will in states like Florida, you have the will in Cochise County. You may not have the will in Washington, DC. So weve got to work together to try to overcome that.

Florida has developed a training program for fighting illegal immigration and human trafficking, and DeSantis invited other states to use it.

DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, laid out the states accomplishments against illegal immigration and related problems, including human trafficking and fentanyl smuggling.

Florida augmented an underfunded Coast Guard to interdict more immigrants attempting to enter illegally by sea.

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels talks about the fentanyl crisis emanating from the southern border in Arizona on Feb. 16, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

It has raised penalties for fentanyl trafficking; a drug dealer spiking candy with fentanyl faces a life prison sentence if a child dies as a result.

The state has instituted sweeping use of the E-Verify system confirming job seekers legal status to work in the United States.

Also, Florida has banned local governments from issuing identity cards to illegal immigrants and doesnt recognize similar documents from other states like California. Sanctuary cities within its borders are prohibited and illegal immigrants are deported to cities elsewhere with that designation.

DeSantis deployed 400 members of the Florida National Guard and 39 FDLE agents and staffers to Texas to help at the border.

The governors office said on June 6 that Floridas law enforcement teams in Texas had dealt with more than 5,800 undocumented migrants and assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in more than 190 arrests.

They included felony charges for human smuggling, drug paraphernalia, weapons charges, and a suspect wanted for capital murder. They also assisted in apprehending an MS-13 gang member on the U.S. Terror Watch List.

Members of the Florida Army National Guard arrive on Oct. 02, 2022, in Pine Island, Florida, after Hurricane Ian passed through the area. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Moody, the attorney general, has won several court victories against the Biden administration in suing to stop its mass-release policies at the border.

She obtained a preliminary injunction in federal court on May 16 blocking the Biden administration from exercising its policy of mass release of immigrants apprehended at the border into the countrys interior.

And on June 5, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals let the preliminary injunction stand, denying federal attempts to stay it.

The court stated that DHSs [the U.S. Department of Homeland Security] claims of irreparable injury ring somewhat hollow on this record, considering the departments track record of overstating similar threats in the underlying proceedings, the attorney generals office said.

A federal judge earlier found the Justice Departments request for a stay borderline frivolous, the attorney generals office said.

Floridas maritime assist to the Coast Guard has resulted in plummeting numbers of boats attempting to enter U.S. waters, DeSantis said.

Coast Guard law enforcement crews aid people from an unsafe and overloaded 40-foot cabin cruiser about 20 miles off Boca Raton, Fla., on Oct. 12, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

They know weve done 12,000 repatriations in the last six to nine months, so they know theyre just not going to be able [to enter]. So why would you want to risk doing this trip  just to get turned back?

Something similar would happen here in the United States if we did a similar policy at the border.

First of all the border just needs to be shut down. We need to be telling people youre not coming illegally. Youre not doing a bogus asylum claim. You know, youre not going to be able to cross the border.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd poses in front of a replica of his 1972 Ford Galaxie; the same model and year of his first police cruiser when he began his career in law enforcement. Aug. 19, 2022. (Courtesy of Polk County Sheriffs Office)

If that happens, those seeking to cross illegally will go down dramatically, he said.

The nation needs to enforce its laws at the border, with immigration judges present there ruling swiftly on asylum claims, DeSantis said.

Im a big believer in constructing a border wall, he said.

DeSantis advocates that frequentlyin part because it contrasts him with the Republican frontrunner former President Donald Trump, who talked up the wall relentlessly in running for office in 2016 but didnt get it done.

DeSantis often notes how the state took over repairing two bridges knocked out by Hurricane Ian last year, isolating two barrier islands. It got one fixed in three days and the other in three weeks, while local authorities had estimated six months.

And he usually follows that with a suggestion that he send the states engineers to build the wall.

The bridge leading from Fort Myers to Pine Island, Fla., on Oct. 1, 2022, is heavily damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. (Gerald Herbert/AP Photo)

He and the sheriffs lamented the cavalcade of crime caused by the open bordertens of thousands of deaths from fentanyl overdoses, murders, and fatal auto accidents for which illegal immigrants are responsible.

Human trafficking often means women smuggled into the country, then forced into prostitution to pay their transportation fees.

Women shouldnt face being held as property, said Grady Judd, sheriff of Polk County, Florida, whose department had rescued 24 women, Cuban nationals, from that circumstance.

And he cited a traffic accident where three people died and a girl about to graduate from high school was crippled for life in a collision with an illegal immigrant driver. He had been released into the country at the border, Judd said.

DC Has Avoided Issue

Judd, who said hed spent his entire adult life in law enforcement and been sheriff for 19 years, called DeSantis the best governor that the state of Florida has had in the last 50 years, specifically for driving the crime rate to its lowest point in that period.

When people are safe, and they feel safe, they thrive.

The federal government has avoided this issue, leaving the states and sheriffs throughout the country and local law enforcement to address it, said Sheriff Mark Dannels of Cochise County, Arizona, site of the roundtable.

So thank you for your leadership, he told DeSantis and Moody. Our sheriffs thank you so much and our sheriffs throughout the country.

Kieran Donahue, president of the National Sheriffs Association and sheriff of Canyon County, Idaho, told DeSantis: I certainly will stand with you. And I want the American people to stand with you.

People in every state represented are dying because of the inaction or even the actions of this presidency and this administration, and Im sick to death of it.

Im sick to death of having to meet with families, including my own, who have been victims of fentanyl. Families like my own have been victims of car crashes by illegal aliens driving semi-tractor trailers drunk.

Over the last few years, weve all become border sheriffs, said Corey Helpon, sheriff of Lea County, New Mexico, and president of the Western States Sheriffs Association.

His organization and others like the National Sheriffs Association and other law enforcement agencies in the Southwest have unified. So to have you on board, I greatly appreciate it.

We want to work with all the other governors, DeSantis said. We want to work with all the sheriffs to be able to help make more progress on this issue.

But I can tell you that the goal for the country nationally should be to bring this issue to a conclusion. It is not that difficult to have a stable border. Other countries do it.
DeSantis Points Finger at Sanctuary Jurisdictions, Defends Immigration Flights to California

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) speaks during a campaign stop at Manchester Community College in Manchester, New Hampshire, on June 1, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) defended his states recent transport of illegal immigrants to Sacramento on Wednesday, arguing that sanctuary jurisdictions like California share the blame for the illegal immigration crisis.

Speaking from Arizona, where he hosted a roundtable on the southern border with sheriffs from various states, DeSantis criticized the lack of federal action in safeguarding U.S. sovereignty and territorial integrity. He specifically targeted sanctuary jurisdictions, suggesting that they should bear the consequences of the ongoing illegal immigration crisis.

As he campaigns for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, the Republican governor highlighted Floridas allocation of resources to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary jurisdictions that have openly welcomed such individuals.

These sanctuary jurisdictions are part of the reason we have this problem because they have endorsed and agitated for these types of open border policies. They have bragged that they are sanctuary jurisdictions, DeSantis said.

Undeterred by criticism over sending the flights to Sacramento, he pointed out that the leaders of these jurisdictions had vehemently criticized the immigration policies of the previous Trump administration. A number of Democrat-led cities declared themselves sanctuary cities in response to former President Donald Trumps immigration policies.

And then what? DeSantis added. When they have to deal with some of the fruits of that, they all of a sudden become very, very upset about that. Well, I dont have sympathy for them.

Since President Joe Biden assumed office, illegal immigration at the U.S.Mexico border has surged. Florida has also witnessed arrivals by boat at its maritime border from countries like Haiti.

However, some of these sanctuary cities, including New York and Chicago, have struggled to manage the influx of illegal immigrants sent by border states via buses and planes.

California: State-Sanctioned Kidnapping

Florida recently admitted to sending two flights carrying illegal immigrants to Sacramento. In response, California Attorney General Rob Bonta characterized the actions as state-sanctioned kidnapping and accused Florida of exploiting vulnerable individuals, suggesting the possibility of criminal charges against the state.

On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, directed a critical Twitter post at DeSantis, calling him a small, pathetic man and questioning the actions as kidnapping. Newsom doubled down on his insults on Wednesday, accusing DeSantis of being desperate for attention.

Lets level set. Heres a governor from the state of Florida that is using taxpayer money and had to go to another state to find people under false pretenses. I dont think this. I know this. I talked to the migrants, Newsom told NBC News on Wednesday.

[He] lied to them. Took them into another state by bus and then took them on a chartered flight to Sacramento, lying to them that they help on the other side, Newsom continued. [They] knocked on the door, and they left these migrants right there on the steps.

When questioned about the possibility of California authorities arresting DeSantis during his upcoming visit to the state for a fundraising event, Newsom dialed back his rhetoric, describing the line of questioning as hyperbolic. The governor emphasized the need for an investigation but claimed that based on conversations with some of the individuals affected, he believed a crime had been committed.

I take this very seriously  Were not backing away and getting the facts and holding those accountable if theyre broke the laws in the state of California, he said.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management stated that the individuals were flown to California as part of a voluntary relocation, with the participants expressing their desire to go to California through verbal and written consent, reported Fox News. A contractor was present to ensure their safe transfer to a third-party NGO, according to an email from the division.

Thousands of illegal immigrants have been transported from southern border states to sanctuary cities and states in protest over what Republican leaders have described as Bidens open border policies.

DeSantis reiterated his support for border closure and the construction of an impenetrable wall on Wednesday. He cited Floridas policy of repatriating individuals attempting to enter the state by boat, which has led to a significant decrease in arrivals from countries like Haiti.

The border needs to be completely shut down, he said, adding that people should be informed that they will not be allowed to make a bogus asylum claim and be released into the country under Bidens catch-and-release policy.
Doctor Sacked Over Refusal to Use Trans Pronouns Did Not Risk Safety Patient, Regulator Rules

Dr. David Mackereth has now taken his case to the European Court of Human Rights

Undated handout photo of Dr. David Mackereth who lost his job with the Department of Work and Pensions after informing managers he would not refer to transgender patients using their preferred pronouns. (Christian Legal Centre)

The General Medical Council (GMC) has said that a doctors refusal to use trans pronouns does not put the safety of patients at risk.

In a letter to Dr. David Mackereth this week, the independent regulator also stated that although his views are considered contentious his fitness to practise is not impaired.

Mackerethfrom Dudley, West Midlandsself-referred himself to the GMC after losing his disability assessor job in a pronoun row with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The 60-year-old had been undergoing DWP training to work as a disability assessor in Birmingham when he indicated to managers he would not refer to transgender patients by their preferred pronouns owing to his religious beliefs.

He later left the post before taking an employment tribunal against the DWP (pdf) for breaching his right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

The tribunal heard that the doctor told a colleague he would refuse to refer to any 6ft-tall bearded man as madam.

Mackereth lost the case and subsequent appeal, with a panel ruling his biblical view of what it is to be male and female was incompatible with human dignity.

It also ruled that the DWP had not breached the Equality Act.

The doctor took the decision to refer himself to the medical regulator, and after being cleared as fit to practice, says he now intends to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

No Regulatory Action

In the letter to Mackereth, the GMC said it had carefully assessed the doctors case including the decisions of the employment tribunal and subsequent appeals.

In doing so we dont believe this is an issue requiring further GMC action being taken with a view to removing or restricting your registration, the regulator stated.

Although your views might be considered contentious, we havent seen evidence to suggest that patient safety is at risk from the information provided nor that your fitness to practise is impaired.

The GMC said it was clear Mackereth held a strong view on the subject deeply rooted in his religion.

The letter added: Doctors are of course entitled to their views and this in itself wouldnt be an issue requiring any regulatory action to be taken by the GMC.

This would only become an issue for us should there be information to indicate that these views impact patient safety and or care.

The GMC went on to state that there is no information to suggest the doctor had been approached by a patient for advice on this subject.

It was also noted that he had never encountered a transgender patient in an emergency setting or that if a patient was, that they would be given inappropriate treatment or advice.

In our view, it would not be proportionate to consider what might happen in a hypothetical situation such as if you were to be approached by a transgender patient for instance and we could not open an investigation on this basis.

It also dismissed a suggestion from the tribunal that the doctors views might contravene GMC guidance, stating again there is no evidence to indicate that you have provided inappropriate advice or care to patients based on your views.

The Christian Legal Centre, which is representing the 60-year-old, said it is thought to be the first time a professional regulator has considered the issue of misgendering and ruled in favour of one of their members.

The inside of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, eastern France, on Feb. 7, 2019. (Frederick Florin/AFP via Getty Images)

ECHR case

In a press statement released on Friday, Mackereth said he was delighted, grateful and encouraged by the GMCs response.

What the conclusion from the GMC exposes is that the DWP and the judiciary sacked and ruled against me based on what I think and believe rather than anything I have ever done in my 30 years as a doctor, he said.

I have been hugely disappointed by the failure of the UK courts to recognise that what happened to me was unlawful.

I am more determined than ever to continue fighting for justice in this case and I hope and pray that the ECHR will take my case forward and take it very seriously.

This would be the first time that the ECHR would scrutinise and rule on a case of this nature, so there is a huge amount at stake.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the doctor have lodged an application with European judges to address questions it has never to date reviewed; that being the Convention implications surrounding compelled speech and forced adherence to gender identity belief as a condition of employment.

His lawyers argue that Mackereths Article 9 rights to freedom of thought, belief and religion were breached by his employer.

They said that his conscientious objection to transgenderism is protected under the ECHR and therefore his dismissal from employment under the circumstances of the case were of a disproportionate measure which cannot be determined necessary in a democratic society.

Mackereth will also argue that his right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights has been violated by the UK courts.

The doctor added: My hope is that it will encourage medics across the profession to speak out more on these issues, especially those who are sitting on the fence out of fear of backlash.

I also hope that it will encourage professionals in other sectors, such as teachers, who are currently facing enormous pressure to go against their conscience and conform to transgender ideology.

Those who refuse to do so, like myself, face severe ramifications, and this must urgently end.

Freedom Unsafe

In a statement released to the media on Thursday, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, Andrea Williams, said the case challenged the sanity of our society, and our society was found wanting.

We welcome the official conclusion by the GMC, but the freedom to hold a belief but not express it is no freedom at all, she said.

More must be done to recognise and protect the freedom of professionals with christian and gender critical beliefs on these issues to use their professional judgment without fear of severe and unjust ramifications.

Williams said Mackereth chose to sacrifice his professional career rather than compromise on the bible and his conscience.

She added: The requirement to use transgender pronouns defies common sense and christian faith.

It serves no useful purpose except filtering out firm Christians and men of principle such as Mackereth.

If we tolerate this as a society, if we give in on the essential freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, no other freedom is safe.

We are determined to fight all the way to secure justice in this case.

The DWP did not respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times.
Eco-Zealots Drive Labours Energy Policy, Says Sunak

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meeting U.S. CEOs, including General Motors boss Mary Barra, at the Business Roundtable during his visit to Washington on June 8, 2023. (Niall Carson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Labours energy policy is written by eco-zealots who are leading Britain into an energy surrender, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.

The Conservative Party leader accused his counterpart Sir Keir Starmer of allowing the Just Stop Oil group, that stages disruptive protests, to affect Labours policies.

Not content with disrupting our summer and cherished sporting events, they [Just Stop Oil] are essentially leading us into an energy surrender. My view is we should focus on energy security, not weakness and dependency which seems to be the Labour Partys policy, Sunak told reporters during his visit in Washington.

They are putting ideology ahead of jobs, ahead of investment, and ahead of our energy security. I think that is wrong, he added.

Sunaks comments come amid media suggestions that Labour would promise to halt new oil and gas production in the North Sea and Starmers statements about a shift from oil and gas to nuclear and renewables.

It is a completely bizarre policy which says, we wont ban oil and gas; we will just ban British oil and gas, Sunak told the press.

Green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince, a major donor to Just Stop Oil, has also given Labour more than 1.4 million.

Labour has called Vince a perfectly legitimate person to take money from, and rejected the suggestion that his donations affect the partys view on Just Stop Oil.

Last week Vince revealed he had a telephone conversation with the Labour leader in May, during which Starmer thanked him for the donation thats not been made yet, but the commitments been made.

Conservative Party Chairman Greg Hands questioned whether Labour remained unaffected by Vinces interests and truly opposed the actions of Just Stop Oil.

So clearly opposed that when Sir Keir phoned Just Stop Oil founder Dale Vince last week to thank him for the donation to Labour, they didnt discuss Sir Keirs opposition to the direct action tactics, Hands wrote on Twitter, following the news of the phone conversation.

Vince, however, told The Guardian that he doesnt want to influence policy by doing the things that I do.

Concerns Over Energy Policy

Labours key economic policy is the Green Prosperity Plan that aims to create jobs in green energy sectors and set up a new, publicly-owned clean energy company called GB Energy.

Sunak said that Starmers energy policy would only be beneficial to dictators and autocrats like [Russian President] Vladimir Putin.

Labour has repeatedly said that oil and gas will be part of the mix for decades to come, into the 2050s.

Speaking to GMB trade union members earlier this week, Starmer vowed to secure jobs as Labour progresses in its mission to decarbonise Britains economy.

Starmer said now is the time to seize the next generation of jobs in nuclear and renewables across the country.

Trade unions, including GMB and Unite, have expressed concerns with the plans to halt new oil and gas production.

Labours policies will create a cliff edge with oil and gas extraction from the North Sea, said GMB leader Gary Smith, arguing against the replacement of domestic production with imports.

Meanwhile, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham asked for clarification on Labours policy.

Labour must now be very clear that they will not let workers pay the price for the transition to renewable energy. When it comes to jobs we cant have jam tomorrow, Graham said last week.

Labour has vowed to make Britain a clean power by 2030 by harnessing renewable energy and ensuring the long-term security of nuclear power. The partys plan, which is expected to include a ban on new oil and gas projects, is set to be unveiled next week in Scotland.
Ex-National Security Advisor Says Hes Not Surprised Intel on Beijing Meddling Didnt Reach Politicians

The Canada flag flies atop the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 5, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

A former top advisor to the prime minister on national security matters says he is not surprised that crucial intelligence about a Beijing threat to MPs did not reach the higher echelons of government.

The July 2021 report on the targeting of Mr. Chong and other individual MPs was produced and distributed after my departure, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) Vincent Rigby told a House of Commons committee on June 8.

But I am not surprised that this intelligence was not raised to the political level. This is where the system is particularly weak.

The report refers to a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) assessment of Beijing threats to MPs, including Conservative Michael Chong, which reached the NSIAs office within the Privy Council Office (PCO) but was never briefed to the prime minister.

The Globe and Mail first reported on the assessment on May 1, setting off a chain of events leading to the Procedure and House Affairs committee being given a mandate by the Commons to investigate the matter.

Rigby said that the intelligence community produces thousands of reports monthly. He estimated having read between five and seven thousand of those during his term.

But the former public servant noted that a formal system to flag important pieces of intelligence to elected officials is absent. What we had was ad hoc, and it wasnt consistent. I knew there was a problem.

Rigby said he subsequently created an intelligence committee for deputy ministers. He told the June 8 committee that this was far from enough to fix the issue, noting a reform was necessary. Some of his recommendations include creating a director of national intelligence position within PCO, separate from the NSIA, to carry functions similar to that of its U.S. counterpart.

Rigby also said there should be a cabinet committee chaired by the prime minister, composed of ministers with intelligence portfolios, to meet regularly and discuss national security matters before they reach a crisis stage and have to be addressed in the Incident Response Group.

We are the only Five Eyes country that doesnt have that type of a body, said Rigby, in reference to Canadas intelligence alliance with Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S.

To me, it is just so logical to create that kind of a body at this time in our history.

PMs Intel Habits

Rigby also provided details on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus intelligence consumption habits during the formers time as NSIA. He said that Trudeau would not typically receive the Daily Foreign Intelligence Briefs (DFIB) produced by the Intelligence Assessment Secretariat (IAS) of PCO, and instead read a weekly briefing package provided to him by IAS.

This clarification came as Conservative MP Michael Cooper asked Rigby whether a February 2020 DFIB was briefed to the prime minister. The aforementioned brief spoke of an active foreign interference network linked to the Chinese regime in the 2019 federal elections.

Rigby said he couldnt recall that specific item, so it would be very difficult to categorically say that it automatically went from the daily to the weekly.

Some of the issues raised by Rigby in committee were noted in Special Rapporteur David Johnstons report tabled on May 23.

Johnston recommended against holding an inquiry into election interference, finding the government was not negligent in dealing with the issue, but he noted serious shortcomings in how intelligence is transferred from security agencies to the political level, with little accountability on who consumes what.
EXCLUSIVE: China Sold Off Millions in Land and Property Ahead of UKs Register of Foreign Entities

The China Investment Corporation logo in an illustrated image, taken on June 7, 2023. (David Tompkins/The Epoch Times)

The Chinese regime disposed of millions of pounds worth of lucrative UK land and property months before a public register of foreign owners came into force.

Beijings main sovereign fundChina Investment Corporation (CIC)sold off over 60 pieces of land, warehouses, and property across England last year ahead of the release of Britains first register of overseas entities.

Recently released Land Registry documents show how the regimes investment division, under the name of an off-shore Luxembourg company, used a government grace period to sell off huge swathes of land across before having to declare its assets under the new Economic Crime Act.

Despite disposing of some of its multi-million-pound portfolio, Companies House filings show that CIC still owns a huge chunk of Britains distribution network.

Experts say the move by Chinawhich saw 63 pieces of land and property sold within 10 monthscould signal that it no longer sees property in Britain as safe money.

The registerwhich previously revealed how Beijings financial arm had bought up properties in Londons financial districtwas brought into force in February to prevent Russian oligarchs and others from laundering money through property investments.

Previous ownership of some of Britains most expensive property purchases was hidden in opaque corporate ownership structures.

However, the new register of over 32,000 foreign entities now aims to show who the real owners behind big buys in Britain are.

20 Million Investment

Documents released this month by Companies House reveal how CIC has been using an off-shore company based in Luxembourg to buy up distribution depots, warehouses, industrial parks, and trading estates across the north and south of England.

Redwood (Light Industrial) Propco S.A.R.L, was registered on the new overseas entity list in December 2022.

By that stage, it had already sold off 63 pieces of land and property including a 3.3 million building on the outskirts of London and nine retail units in one of Redditchs biggest industrial estates.

Official registration documents for the firmwhose British address is listed as a solicitors firm in Ilfordshow that its sole beneficial owner is CIC, which manages the foreign exchange reserves of the Peoples Republic of China.

On June 3, the Register of Overseas Entities (ROE) released its most recently filed entities information, which included Redwood.

It revealed that the Chinese-regime-controlled off-shore company owns almost 200 pieces of land and property across England.

Most are industrial parks and trading centres, including a 7,980,000 leasehold in Croydons Imperial Way.

The companys biggest investment, according to the Land Registry documents, is 20,495,000 in 12 units in Dagenhams prosperous Sterling Industrial Estate,

However, most of Redwoods investments appear to be in the north of England, where it owns an 11,960,000 enterprise park in Crewe, Wigan.

In Warrington, China owns outright, a series of industrial units to the tune of 4.7 million.

In Wigan, it leases the well-known Haslemere Industrial Estate for 5.2 million.

In nearby Bolton, Beijing owns land and buildings to the value of 2.1 million, while down south it ownsoutrighteight industrial units in Swindons Hawksworth Trading Estate.

Pulling in Their Horns

Since company ownership has been brought to light in the UKs ROE, it has revealed the great extent that the Chinese regime has ploughed millions into commercial and residential properties in the UK.

Chinese investment in the UK has been a source of concern and division within the government, with some welcoming the cash flow, while others have raised security concerns.

Previously campaigners, who told The Epoch Times the property information was concerning, have called on politicians to act on the growing influence of the Chinese regime on Britains shores.

Asked about the recent UK property and land disposal and investment by China in the UK, Andrew Colliera longtime scholar and writer on Chinese issuessaid China most likely decided to cut its losses under Britains new economic spotlight.

The managing director at Orient Capital Research told The Epoch Times: Basically they were loading up on alternative assets because it felt that it was safe money.

And now with the UK and its new register, they may feel that is not the case.

The second theory, which I feel is more likely, is that all the senior banks and the fundand you can look at CICs financials although I dont know how transparent they aretheyre pulling in their horns because theyve overextended themselves through lots of BRI loans and investments.

Collier said an important question to ask is, Does the fund need the money for other purposes?

China right now is over lent throughout the system, so they would be interested in probably monetizing their assets.

The second thing is the strategic value of land in the UK is probably minimal.

Speaking in February to The Epoch Times, Benedict Rogers, co-founder and chief executive of Hong Kong Watch, said the British government needs to take the same actions against Chinese officials and entities over UK property investment as it did against those from Russia.

I think its very concerning, although not that surprising because I think China has been using financial influence, economic coercion, and other ways to infiltrate the UKand different sectors and institutions in the UKfor some time, Rogers said.
Far From Familiar Faces: Romanian Human Intelligence Teams

Commentary

I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices. (The Special Forces Creed)

July 2004: Romanian Ministry of Defense, Bucharest, Romania

We have a national treasureour HUMINT teams, said the Romanian chief of military intelligence as we sipped plum brandy with him in his office.

Known for his keen intellect and strategic vision, the Romanian lieutenant general smiled wryly as he waited for his words to sink in. My colleague and I from the defense attache office were intrigued and listened intently. The Romanian general, who had also been an attache in the United States, knew he had piqued our interest.

The general had requested a meeting to discuss an important new phase for the Romanians in the global war against terrorism, one that was critical to the United States: the employment of Romanian tactical human intelligence (HUMINT) collection teams to support the coalition.

As the general laid out his vision, the wheels in our own minds were turning, analyzing the potential of his proposal. The general had two main objectives, to improve the capabilities of his tactical HUMINT teams, and get them deployed into theater. No national caveats; they were at the disposal of the coalition as needed.

The general also made it clear that, as he saw it, Romania had a unique strategic window of opportunity, and he wanted U.S. support. We would advise, assist, and help equip his forces and shape how they would be employed in theater. In exchange, he offered unfettered access to the most sensitive areas of his operation  it was a military attaches dream come true.

A Real Choice Mission

Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission (Captain Willard, Apocalypse Now)

From a professional standpoint, the global war on terrorism seemed far removed from my distant posting in Eastern Europe. But now, this meeting proved to be, in the words of Captain Willard, a real choice mission. It was the catalyst that set into motion a unique opportunity, to capacity build with a key ally and help get that capability into the fight.

Today, when Americans think of the global war on terror, they think mostly of the major actors in that conflict, the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and the American military. But there were many other players, namely our coalition partners: 69 nations, to be exact.

Many of our coalition partners had longstanding relations with the United StatesGreat Britain and Germany for example. But many of our partners were from the former Warsaw Pact, new NATO members, eager to demonstrate their mettle in support of the coalition. Several of these countries had only recently joined the league of Western nations, and lacked military capabilities that allowed them to operate effectively within NATO. Capacity building became the saveur du jour and the United States undertook a concerted effort to assist these new allied nations.

What those nations lacked in capability, they made up in eagerness to contribute to the cause. And allies were crucial, as the United States launched a truly global fight against terrorism.

Life Blood in the Global War on Terrorism

Since September 11, 2001, Romania had emerged as one of those new, steadfast allies. Romanian forces deployed in support of the coalition as early as 2002 and distinguished themselves as being professional, proficient, and willing to provide a myriad of support. One area of support that caught the interest of U.S. operational planners was in the field of tactical HUMINT collection. Actionable intelligence has been described as the lifeblood in the fight against terrorism, and Romania was identified as a partner that could help provide that intelligence through its tactical HUMINT teams.

In 2004, with coalition operations picking up in intensity, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recognized a critical shortage in tactical HUMINT in theater and was interested in leveraging partner capabilities to fill those gaps. An urgent call went out to engage with partner nations and assess their capabilities (and willingness) to commit to combat operations.

With the CENTCOM directive and after our meeting with the Romanian Chief of Military Intelligence, we had our marching orders. Operating in a two-to-four-person team, our mission was to observe Romanian tactical HUMINT teams, assess strengths and weaknesses, provide advice, operational assistance, and equipment to improve their capabilities, and then serve as connective tissue with coalition partners to assist in their employment. It was a daunting task, and we found ourselves embarking on a multi-year mission that would take us from the fringes of Romania to front-line operational bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.

By  With  Through Partner Forces

Since the 1800s, when countries first began exchanging military attaches, observing the host nations military at war was an integral part of the attache mission. Our plan was straightforward. Every six months, corresponding with the Romanians troop rotation cycle, we would deploy with them in theater. We flew in their aircraft, embedded alongside their teams for several days to several weeks at a time, observing and assisting as needed. Upon return, we reported our findings. This included a tete-a-tete meeting with the Romanian chief of military intelligence to back brief him on our mission.

Across these deployments, we would develop more thorough insights into our Romanian counterparts, our close interactions providing awareness at a whole new level. This in turn would help us to understand and better prepare them for their task.

It was through these shared experiences that our respect for their capabilities grew and we began to observe certain operational characteristics that shaped how we sought to accomplish our mission.

Oradea, Romania

Our priority was to better understand how the Romanians trained their tactical HUMINT teams. This took us from Bucharest to the ancient town of Oradea in the far western corner of Romania. One of the most important economic, social, and historical cities in Romania, Oradea was an ideal location as the home base for Romanian HUMINT training.

Arriving in Oradea, we were briefed on their training center and given unrestricted access to their facilities. To our knowledge, we were the first military attaches afforded the opportunity to see these facilities. While observing a team preparing for deployment, it was apparent that the Romanians had developed a unique training approach.

In general terms, Romanian military intelligence views tactical HUMINT as a highly qualified intelligence operation, one that requires highly trained operators. Indeed, from the Romanian perspective, the division between tactical and strategic HUMINT collection is not as distinct as in the United States. Having only a small cadre of soldiers with HUMINT capabilities requires training to be at a level commensurate with all HUMINT collection requirements, be they at the tactical or strategic level.

Because of the level of training received, Romanian HUMINT units are viewed as an elite formation within the Romanian Armed Forces. Their recruits are drawn from all ranks of the Romanian military, but particularly from reconnaissance and airborne units, and they are trained to a high degree of proficiency.

In this somewhat novel approach, each HUMINT operator is trained as a unique, highly skilled asset. Only after a rigorous pre-screening and selection program do candidates attend the Romanian Intelligence Training Center. Operators-in-training first receive entry-level training in the same skills required of other elite soldiers within the Romanian armed forces. After this common core training, the training pipeline bifurcates, soldiers destined for other elite Romanian units attend advanced training in special forces operations, or reconnaissance, while HUMINT operators attend basic and advanced level training in HUMINT operations. HUMINT personnel then receive specialized instruction focusing on language skills, cross-cultural communication, detailed area studies, and advanced skills training.

As we would later observe, having a solid background in airborne operations, reconnaissance, and small unit tactics made the Romanian HUMINT operator a more self-confident and self-reliant soldier, enhancing their operator abilities. From the Romanians optic, viewing tactical HUMINT collection as a special operation, rather than a combat support activity, promoted the development of a certain mindset that made for a more competent and effective capability.

After completing our time at their training facility, our next task took us down range, to observe and work alongside Romanian HUMINT teams in the field.

Iraq

Impressed by what we had seen at their training center, we were anxious to understand how the Romanian teams operated in theater. Our first trip took us to observe operations in Iraq.

We obtained the necessary theater clearances and approvals to travel, and then awaited transport. Once all the preparations were completed, we boarded a Romanian C-130 to begin the hours-long flight to Tallil Airbase, Iraq. As the C-130 lumbered skyward, I recalled that these C-130s were old and had been provided as excess defense articles to the Romanian military. To the credit of the Romanian Air Force, they had managed to not only keep them airworthy but were one of only a handful of coalition Air Forces that self-deployed their forces into theater.

Romanian tactical HUMINT teams were dispersed to several locations throughout Iraq. Getting to our destination to link up with the teams became its own challenge. The Romanians had few resources available to them, so often our movement was by any means available. Sometimes we were fortunate enough to hitch rides on U.S. or coalition aircraft, but often we found ourselves in Romanian vehicles driving in coalition convoys. On one occasion we rode shotgun with the drivers of a private contractor truck convoy as they delivered supplies to a remote base. Getting to these locations was a harrowing experience for our team.

Wherever we arrived in Iraq, the Romanian teams always welcomed us and provided full transparency about their activities. Knowing that we were also a conduit to their own senior military, the teams did not hesitate to share their concerns as well. They knew our advocacy would help them get what they needed, so they were often frank and candid in their discussions.

Over the course of our time in Iraq, we had the opportunity to witness the Romanians in action and observe firsthand their effectiveness. One key characteristic noted was that the individual maturity of the Romanian HUMINT operator factored into their success.

The ability to build rapport and establish close personal relationships, as well as operate with little direct supervision, often depends on the maturity of the individual and those are critical skills when conducting HUMINT. The Romanian military intelligence directorate looked for maturity and life experience when selecting their operators. The average operator was typically in their late 20s or 30s and had been recruited from the noncommissioned or junior officer ranks. Most came from operational units, and many already had an operational tour in a previous unit. While rigorous selection and training gave the Romanian HUMINT operators an advantage, these alone were not the sole factors contributing to their success. Much of the achievement enjoyed by the Romanian HUMINT teams came because of the maturity and experience of their operators, a less tangible, but vitally important attribute when conducting special operations.

After each of our ventures into Iraq, we returned to Bucharest with new insights and new taskings. We began leveraging resources to assist the Romanian teams, which in turn generated more requirements for our team.

Afghanistan

After our visits in Iraq, we next traveled to Afghanistan to observe how Romanian teams operated in a very different clime and climate. Like Iraq, the Romanians had teams in several locations throughout Afghanistan and once again, by hook or by crook, we made our way through the country to spend time with each element.

One key factor noted during our time in Afghanistan was the Romanian teams ability to understand the nuances of their operational environment. The Romanian HUMINT teams appeared adept at building professional and interpersonal relationships, establishing rapport quickly with other coalition partners and the local populace. When queried as to why this was so, many operators attribute it to their being a Latin people.

To better understand this statement, it is necessary to understand a bit of the history and culture of Romania.

Dacia, as the ancient territory of Romania was called, flourished from the first century B.C. to the first century A.D., under the leadership of a series of successful rulers. With the expansion of the Roman Empire, Dacia collided with Rome, engaging it in two fierce wars (101-102 A.D. and 105-106 A.D.), before finally being conquered. Dacia was integrated into the Roman Empire between 106 and 271 A.D. and the Dacian population adopted the vulgate Latin language of the Romans. A Daco-Roman population formed, becoming the basis of the present-day Romanian people. Facing the onslaught of several barbarian invasions, Emperor Aurelian withdrew the Roman military garrisons and civil administration south of the Danube in 271 A.D., leaving the Daco-Roman population to fend for themselves. These communities survived successive invasions and continued organized life during eight centuries of barbarian migrations across their lands.

The assimilation of the Dacians into Roman culture and the subsequent Romanization of the Dacians set Romania apart from its neighbors in Eastern Europe. Often described as a Latin island surrounded by a sea of Slavs, throughout history, Romania has maintained its Latin-based culture.

Social characteristics of any culture are a complex subject. In general, those characteristics are often developed because of larger environmental demands; the nations evolution is determined by both internal as well as external factors. These factors shape, to some degree, the national character of a people, and in Romanias case, some of these factors indirectly contributed to their success in HUMINT collection.

Like Latin peoples around the world, it is this Latin influence that makes the Romanians generally a warm, gregarious, and personable people, a trait that served the Romanian HUMINT teams well. The ability to establish and foster interpersonal relationships with their contacts in the field can, of course, be attributed to their training, but the persuasive influence of Romanias Latin heritage cannot be discounted. Romanian operators quickly adapted to the local style of dress, improved upon their fledgling language capabilities, mingled with the locals as much as possible, and seized every opportunity to establish contact.

Many operators easily blended in, having physical characteristics that allowed them to look like people from the area, no small factor when working to establish rapport. In one instance, a Romanian operator in Afghanistan looked so much like the locals he was mistaken for one of the local cleaning personnel assigned to the base.

The Latin influence in the Romanian culture also made them less averse to certain cultural norms, such as physical contact. The willingness to engage in close physical proximity to their male contacts, in a male-dominated society, helped them to communicate on a social level that many Americans would find uncomfortable. Romanian HUMINT operators often embraced their contacts, reflecting the cultural norms of the region. The ability of Romanian teams to build rapport, win the confidence of their contacts, and convince them to provide information largely resulted from their cultural affinity to building these close personal relationships.

Another factor observed was that the Romanian teams were very adaptive. As mentioned, throughout history Romanians have learned to adapt to the changing forces surrounding them, at times, being both passive and resistant so as to preserve themselves.

This characteristic has become, over time, an integral part of the national psyche. Mental agility, adaptability, and improvisation prevail in the Romanian mindset. In the Romanians, instincts for adaptability, and flexibility were honed by life under the brutal police state of Nicolae Ceausescu. It developed in the people a natural tendency to be observant, to be compliant, to survive under a harsh totalitarian regime.

Romanian HUMINT teams quickly ascertained and exploited the local operational environment to their success. The Romanian teams appeared to quickly comprehend the informal networks that existed, who the key individuals and leaders were, both formal and informal, within a community and then worked to exploit this understanding. This innate ability to understand complex webs of family, tribal, business, and criminal networks, alliances, and associations can be indirectly attributed to their own national experiences under the harsh conditions of Ceausescus regime. For in a totalitarian regime, the ability to understand who has control and influence can mean the difference between life and death. Having historical insights and experiences from living in just such an environment clearly benefited the Romanian teams.

With the success of the teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, the reputation of the capabilities of the Romanian HUMINT teams greatly expanded. As a result, not only were more teams requested in Iraq and Afghanistan, but U.S. European Command (EUCOM) also recognized the need for additional coalition support in Kosovo and the Romanians once again answered the call.

Kosovo

In Afghanistan and Iraq, the Romanians helped fill critical shortages in tactical HUMINT and distinguished themselves as being outstanding in the field, so much so that both U.S. and coalition partners requested additional Romanian HUMINT teams to support operations.

With proven capabilities, EUCOM recognized the value Romanian HUMINT teams brought to the fight, and saw an opportunity to employ them in operations in the Balkans. Indeed, the Romanian teams proved so capable that teams in Kosovo worked directly in support of the U.S.-led task force.

Several factors contributed to this direct support arrangement. Romanian HUMINT teams were always eager for new missions, especially when working alongside Americans. They readily accepted additional taskings, adjusted to the requirements of new assignments, and accepted uncertainty as an inherent part of their work.

Of particular use to the task force was the Romanians ability to work in Serb-dominated areas, locations where few coalition forces, and almost no U.S. teams, had much success. Having had historically positive relations with the Serbs, and their affable Latin character, made the Romanian teams much more welcomed than other coalition members.

It was the Romanians can-do attitude and proven capabilities that made them an invaluable asset to the U.S.-led efforts in Kosovo.

A Center for Excellence

Intelligence training and operations, by their very nature, are sensitive subjects. To go completely open kimono with the United States was a bold and unconventional move by the chief of Romanian military intelligence. This was a fleeting opportunity during war, to not only improve their capabilities but demonstrate their support to the United States at a critical time. That decision, and our mission, were not without their detractors from within the senior Romanian military establishment. But for the chief of Romanian military intelligence, the gains far outweighed the potential risks. It was an audacious move but one that paid great dividends, for Romania, the coalition, and for the United States during the global war on terrorism.

Today, the Romanian armed forces continue to invest in the development and expansion of this niche capability. Romanian HUMINT expertise in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo proved so pervasive that Romania became an internationally recognized leader in the discipline, and hosts the NATO HUMINT Center of Excellence. Established at the training facility first visited by our team, the NATO HUMINT Center of Excellence was founded in Oradea in 2010 and serves as the focal point for NATO HUMINT training.

Romanian HUMINT teams have certainly proven themselves to be a vital asset and a national treasure for Romania. No doubt today they continue to play a pivotal role, supporting Romania and NATO.

This article, by a former special forces officer, first appeared in The Havok Journal.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
FBI Gives House Oversight Committee Access to Biden Document, Averting Contempt Vote

(Left) House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) holds a news conference to present preliminary findings into their investigation into President Joe Biden's family, in Washington on May 10, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images); (Right) FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on the president's 2024 budget request for the agency in Washington on May 10, 2023. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, led by GOP Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), has now scrapped plans to convene a vote to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress.

Comer had been after an unclassified FD-1023 form that the FBI generated, which contained allegations that then-Vice President Joe Biden took a bribe from a foreign national. The committee had issued a subpoena in early May, with a deadline of May 31, requesting all FD-1023 forms containing the name Biden.

The FD-1023 forms are used by FBI agents to collect unverified reports from various confidential human sources. The information on the form represents what was told to an FBI agent.

Comer and other House Republicans had threatened to hold Wray in contempt if he did not produce the documents. Earlier on Wednesday, the committee introduced a 17-page resolution (pdf) doing just that. A business meeting to have the full committee consider the resolution was scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. (EST).

But by late Wednesday, the committee announced that the FBI has decided to provide access to some documents including the FD-1023 form Comer had been afterand that the committees business meeting on Thursday to vote on holding Wray in contempt was now scrapped.

After weeks of refusing to even admit the FD-1023 record exists, the FBI has caved and is now allowing all members of the Oversight and Accountability Committee to review this unclassified record that memorializes a confidential human sources conversations with a foreign national who claimed to have bribed then-Vice President Joe Biden, Comer said in a statement.

Americans have lost trust in the FBIs ability to enforce the law impartially and demand answers, transparency, and accountability. Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people.

Ongoing Investigation

Comer said that the allegations contained within the unclassified record are not closed as the White House and Democrats would have the American people believe.

He noted that other FBI officials have said the record is being used in an ongoing investigation.

We also know the confidential human source who provided this information is highly credible and trusted, has worked with the FBI for over a decade, and has been paid six figures, Comer said of the unclassified FD-1023 form.

The allegations contained within this record track closely with the Oversight Committees investigation of the Biden familys influence peddling schemes. The Oversight Committee will continue to follow the facts and ensure accountability for the American people.

Wray had told Republicans on May 31 that the document exists but the FBI has continued to be reluctant to hand the form over. The FBI previously told Comer in a letter on May 10 that releasing the forms could put their confidential sources at risk.

Confidential human sources often provide information to the FBI at great risk to themselves and their loved ones, the FBI said, in part, in the letter (pdf). Protecting the identities and information provided by confidential human sources from unnecessary disclosure or undue influence is therefore critical not only because of safety concerns but also to avoid chilling their candor or willingness to continue reporting to the FBI.

Ranking Member Asserts Bribery Probe Was Closed

Former Attorney General William Barr earlier on Wednesday told The Epoch Times that the Department of Justice (DOJ) under his watch didnt close an investigation into Biden, and that the FD-1023 form was sent to Delaware for further investigation.

The comments contradict assertions from House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).

On June 4, while appearing on CNNs State of the Union, Raskin dismissed the investigation as politically motivated and contended that Barrs DOJ closed the investigation while President Donald Trump was in office.

Raskin accused the Republican majority of closing out the Democrats and said that, as a result, hes uncertain about the contents of the FD-1023 form. However, from public reporting, he said he understands the form suggests a connection to Hunter Bidens business activities in Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Raskin said in a statement that he was told by the FBI that officials of the DOJ under the Trump administration looked into the allegations in January 2020 but closed the probe by August 2020.

Joseph Lord contributed to this report.

Editors note: This article has been updated for clarity.
Federal Liberals Want to Make Hybrid Work Permanent for Members of Parliament

Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Mark Holland speaks to reporters in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on June 8, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

The federal Liberals want to make virtual participation in the House of Commons a permanent option for members of Parliament and they are vowing to make sure that happens before any can go home for the summer.

All parties agreed to create a hybrid workplace once MPs started returning to the House of Commons after the initial lockdowns at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Voting by app began in 2021.

The hybrid system, designed to be temporary, has been in place ever since, even though public health guidelines are no longer encouraging people to avoid gatherings and work from home whenever possible.

Government House leader Mark Holland said Thursday this has meant MPs can continue their work while also attending important events in their ridings or dealing with personal and family matters.

He argued that making it permanent could help encourage new people to run for public office, such as parents of young children.

Holland was expected to put a motion forward in the House of Commons on Thursday, and he says it will be debated and voted on before June 23. That is the last day a sitting could be scheduled before a summer break.

The current order allowing for a hybrid Parliament expires at the end of the month. Holland said the need to debate the extension of that emergency order at the start of each sitting of Parliament has taken up a great deal of time.

We had three years to try this out, for us all to feel and see how it would function and work, and now I think its time to not do this every time we start a new session of Parliament, he said.

Parties have accused one another of abusing the hybrid voting system throughout the last three years. On Thursday, Holland suggested that Conservative MPs were making up fake technical issues to slow down debate on the Liberal budget bill.

The Conservatives have voted against maintaining hybrid options in the past, saying that members should be in their seats during sittings.

The committee on procedure and House affairs recently recommended the option to take part remotely through video-conferencing permanent. New Democrat and Liberal members voted in favour of the recommendation, but Conservative and Bloc Quebecois opposed it.

In their dissenting report to Parliament, the Tories said the benefits of hybrid proceedings might not be worth the cost in interpreters health, maintenance of bilingualism, government accountability, quality decision-making and political discourse. The Bloc argued that issues with translation are a threat to language rights.

There have been more reports of hearing injuries among federal interpreters since parliamentary work shifted to virtual formats, and in February, a tribunal ruled the government breached the labour code by failing to protect interpreters from workplace injuries.

New rules have been created to standardize the type of headsets and microphones used by committee witnesses and MPs when they are participating remotely.

Holland acknowledged that there have also been issues with virtual interpretation both in the House of Commons and in committees, but said the government is working on solutions.

I want to be absolutely clear: we are not leaving Parliament until we get hybrid adopted.
GOP Bill Would Ban Pentagon Funding Universities Hosting China-Linked Confucius Institute

The Confucius Institute building on the campus of Troy University, in Troy, Ala., on March 16, 2018. (Kreeder13/Wikimedia Commons)

A pair of Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would block the Pentagon from funding universities that host the Confucius Institutes (CIs), a cultural exchange program with ties to the Chinese communist regime.

On Wednesday, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced a bill called the No Federal Funding for CCP Spying and Persuasion In Education Settings (SPIES) Act. The bill (pdf) would expand an existing prohibition on federal funding for CIs.

The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) barred the Department of Defense from providing funds to institutions of higher education that host the CIs. However, the bill did allow the Secretary of Defense to grant waivers. Banks and Rubios bill would close down that waiver process.

Banks had questioned the waiver process in an April 21 letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The Indiana lawmaker said the waiver process leaves open significant loopholes.

There is no situation where we should make it easier for the Chinese Communist Party to spy on our universities. Safeguarding American research by ensuring no DOD funds go to universities with Confucius Institutes is common sense and vital to our national security, Banks said on Tuesday.

Banks serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

CCP Influence

CIs operate as Chinese language, culture, and history centers, but are funded and supervised by the CCP, according to a 2018 report (pdf) by the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission.

These CIs represent an enticing source of funding for many universities and since 2006, over 100 U.S. colleges have received more than $158 million (pdf) through hosting the influence arms of the Chinese state, according to a 2019 report by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

The CIs have been accused of promoting the CCPs propaganda, pushing the Marx-inspired world view of Chinas ruling political party in its single-party state. In 2009, The Economist quoted CCP official Li Changchung describing the CIs as an important part of Chinas overseas propaganda setup.

The Confucius Institute is an appealing brand for extending our culture abroad, Changchun said in another 2011 speech. It has made an important contribution toward improving our soft power. The Confucius brand has a natural attractiveness. Using the excuse of teaching Chinese language, everything looks reasonable and logical.

The CIs are also accused of exerting their influence to prevent universities from hosting speakers and curricula critical of the CCP. North Carolina State University disinvited the Dalai Lama from a 2009 visit after the director of the universitys CI warned that hosting the Tibetan spiritual leader would hurt the universitys relationship with China.

The CIs are further accused of monitoring Chinese citizens and dissidents studying abroad, and facilitating espionage and intellectual property theft.

U.S. taxpayer dollars should not be benefiting the CCP and its murderous regime. Confucius Institutes, which are directed by Beijing, have plagued college campuses in our nation with the CCPs propaganda. There is no reason why the DoD should support these institutes, Rubio said on Tuesday.

Rubio is the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Battle to Close Down Confucius Institutes

With increased scrutiny against the CCP-linked organization, numerous universities in the United States and other western nations have begun closing down their partnerships with CIs.

According to a March report by the National Association of Scholars (NAS), a conservative education research organization, 13 CIs remain open and active in the United States, while 108 CIs have been shut down or are in the process of shutting down.

However, NAS said at least 28 U.S. organizations have replaced their CIs with a similar program, and at least 58 U.S. organizations maintain close ties with their former CI partners.

The Chinese government has executed an end-run of U.S. public policy, Ian Oxnevad, a program research associate at NAS, said in a June 2022 press statement. In the wake of laws targeting Confucius Institutes, the Chinese government has deftly reorganized its program.

From NTD News
Ukrainian authorities rushed drinking water to the southern part of the country on Wednesday to help thousands of people left stranded or fleeing the region a day after the rupture of the Kakhovka dam.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said hundreds of thousands of people were "without normal access to drinking water." He tweeted that the destruction of the dam at the defunct hydroelectric power station was "absolutely deliberate," blaming Russian forces and further accusing Moscow of not acting to help those living in areas under Russian control who are now dealing with the effects of the flooding.

Ukrainian authorities said more than 17,000 people were being evacuated from areas along the Dnipro River with about 40 towns and villages flooded in areas under Ukrainian control. More than 900 people were evacuated from areas occupied by Russia. But the true scope of the disaster for an area with 60,000 residents was not yet known.

Britain's defense ministry said in its daily assessment Wednesday, "The dam's structure is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, causing additional flooding."

Ukraine and Russia blamed each other for the destruction of the dam located about 70 kilometers east of Kherson in a part of Ukraine that Russia has controlled for more than a year. Ukraine controls the western side of the Dnipro, while Russia holds the eastern territory, which is lower and more vulnerable to flooding. In Russian-occupied areas, as the flood waters kept rising, some residents waited on their rooftops to be rescued.

The water in the dam is critical for farming in the region and as a drinking water supply for the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally seized in 2014. It was not clear how the flooding will affect the war, with Ukraine preparing for a major counteroffensive aimed at recapturing territory Russia took in the earliest weeks of the conflict.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington research group, said Russia has "a greater and clearer interest in flooding the lower Dnieper, despite the damage to their own prepared defensive positions." Dnieper is the Russian name for the Dnipro River.

Experts said the 1950s-era dam was believed to be in disrepair and vulnerable to collapse, as water was already brimming over when the wall gave way. It hadn't been producing power since November, according to officials.
Greens Offer Labor Billion Dollar Olive Branch on Housing Fund

The Greens have held out an olive branch to the federal government over the stalled Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) bill offering to halve their demands and pass the bill if the Labor will take an immediate interim freeze on rent increases and provide billions in funding for public, community, and affordable housing.

The $10 billion fund (US$6.7 billion) is the federal governments response to the lack of social and affordable housing across the country, with the government hoping the legislation will allow the building of 30,000 homes over five years.

Under the proposed legislation, the fund will stay in perpetuity, and each year, the government will use its returns to invest in housing across Australia. However, the return amount that can be withdrawn from the fund is capped at $500 million annually.

The Greens say their offer focuses on tackling the housing crisis immediately and would have the support of the country, citing the recent Guardian Essential survey that shows 60 percent of Australians polled supported freezing rental increases.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said that they were willing to shift in their stance and it was time for Labor to do the same.

If Labor backs a rent freeze and guarantees real money for more housing, the Greens will pass Labors bill, Bandt said.

The Greens have shown we can negotiate with Labor and get significant outcomes for people and the climate. We strengthened the Safeguard Mechanism, we secured the Housing Electrification package, and we fast-tracked cheaper Electric Vehicles for the country.

Were now trying to fix the broken HAFF Bill, but Labor has to shift.

Greens leader Adam Bandt speaks at a party room meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 7, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Greens Want to Give States and Territories Billions in Exchange for Rent Freezes

The Greens would like to see the federal government offer the states and territories an incentive fund of $1 billion (US$665 million) a year via the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement in return for imposing a two-year freeze on rent increases, ongoing rent caps and improved renters rights.

The Greens argue the funding could be spent on both purchasing rental homes exiting the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) or otherwise vacant unused housing for public housing.

They also want the government to guarantee to spend at least $2.5 billion a year on public, community, and affordable housing, effective immediately. This amount, they argue, is half of the Greens original proposal and less than one-tenth of the average annual cost of the Stage 3 tax cuts.

Labors plan likely wont see new houses delivered until after the next election, and in the meantime, the problem will get worse with NRAS homes coming out of the system, the Greens said.

Rather than waiting 24 months for the Fund to complete a single new home, the spend must begin this year, with some of the money directed towards immediate interventions, including purchasing affordable rental homes exiting the NRAS scheme, off-the-plan homes or otherwise vacant unused housing.

Greens MP Chandler-Mather speaks during the Greens national campaign in Brisbane, Australia, on May 16, 2022. (Dan Peled/Getty Images)

Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness Max Chandler-Mather said that the Greens are more than willing to negotiate, but they want Labor to understand that the federal government is leaving people behind.

Renters need action now, not after the next election, and we need real cash on the table for public housing, he said.

If Labor can spend over $30 billion a year on Stage 3 tax cuts for the wealthy, they can find $3.5 billion a year to fund a rent freeze and more public and affordable housing.

Chandler-Mather said that currently, it was a good time to kick off the construction of public housing with a decline currently underway in the private construction sector, which is freeing up skills and materials.

Labors plan wont see a single home built until 2025, while it does nothing for the millions of renters about to cop massive rent increases, and certainly does nothing for the 24,000 families about to lose their affordable NRAS homes as a result of Labors cuts, so, of course, the Greens are pushing for action that helps people right now, he said.

With wall to wall Labor governments all across the mainland, theres no reason why National Cabinet cant agree to freeze rent increases immediately and stop the rental crisis in its tracks.

Offer Comes after HAFF Legislation Blocked by Greens and Coalition

The offer from the Greens comes after the Greens sided with the Coalition in the Senate in May to delay the Labor governments push to get the Housing Affordability Future Fund legislation through.

At the time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called out Chandler-Mather for failing to support the Housing Australia Future Fund and also running petitions to block the development of more housing supply in Brisbane.

One of the things that we need to do is to make sure that planning keeps up. And one of the things that I find remarkable is that at the same time as the Greens are blocking additional support for social housing, theyre also running petitions of their housing spokesperson to block any development in medium density and development of more housing supply in Brisbane, the prime minister said.

You cant have it both ways. What the government does is have a plan. We want to work with state and territory governments, work constructively, and that is what we are doing.

Chandler-Mather, who holds the Queensland seat of Griffith in Brisbane, has joined community residents to oppose proposals to build new apartment buildings, including the Bulimba Barracks site.
In a shocking expose of global significance, confidential documents reveal that the chemical industry hid the harmful effects of substances known as forever chemicals.

Investigation by researchers from the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco (UCSF), and the University of Colorado revealed the industrys strategic measures to hinder public knowledge of the toxicity of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Employing similar methods first used by Stan Glantz in his research on the tobacco industry, researchers analyzed documents from chemical companies DuPont and 3M.

Newly published in the Annals of Global Health, The Devil They Knew: Chemical Documents Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science states that these chemical manufacturing giants were privy to the detrimental effects of PFAS as far back as the 1960s. Yet this crucial information remained a secret from the public until the late 1990s.

A statement from the study noted that these companies had deliberately suppressed, distorted, and obfuscated evidence of PFAS harm. The analysis claimed that these corporations withheld crucial health information from employees and regulators.

These documents reveal clear evidence that the chemical industry knew about the dangers of PFAS and failed to let the public, regulators, and even their own employees know the risks, Tracey J. Woodruff, senior author of the paper, said in a news release. Woodruff is a professor at UCSF, the director of the UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, and a former senior scientist and policy adviser at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Decoding the Dangers of Forever Chemicals

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have become deeply embedded in our environment and everyday life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are more than 9,000 types of PFAS substances, including PFOA and PFOS, formerly known as C8.

PFAS toxins not only are present in everyday items such as textiles, nonstick pans, and food packaging, but they also lurk in our drinking water and food, so they affect the human population on a mass scale. According to the CDC, a staggering 97 percent of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.

The persistence and accumulation of these chemicals pose significant health risks. Studies have linked exposure to PFAS with numerous health issues, such as decreased fertility, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Because of their widespread presence and potential for harm, understanding these forever chemicals and their impact on human health and ecosystems is paramount.

One common characteristic of concern of PFAS is that many break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time, the EPA stated.

Behind the Scenes: Industrys Own Studies on PFAS

Very little was known about the toxicity of PFAS for the first half-century of their use. A New England Journal of Medicine paper published in 1962 claimed that Teflon was physiologically inert, insoluble, nonirritating to the skin and nontoxic when taken by mouth.

However, as early as 1959, there were warning signs of the hazards associated with these substances when a report emerged detailing a workers death from Teflon inhalation. According to the study authors, this incident didnt immediately spur broader investigations into PFAS safety. In 1961, DuPont dismissed the workers death as a rumor.

The new study drew from 39 documents obtained through two landmark lawsuits, Tennant v. DuPont in 1998 and Leach v. DuPont in 2002, in which DuPont was charged with contaminating local environments and endangering public health. These documents were donated to UCSF and the filmmakers of the documentary The Devil We Know.

Throughout the paper, researchers highlight several examples of large corporations awareness of the potential dangers. In 1979, DuPonts private study, conducted by Haskell Labs, revealed the alarming toxic effects of the chemical APFO, a variant of PFOA. Exposure in rats caused liver enlargement and eye damage, while inhalation was found to be highly toxic. Two dogs given a single dose died within 48 hours, showing signs of cellular damage.

In 1980, DuPont and 3M surveyed employees pregnancies, identifying three abnormalities among eight pregnancies, including birth defects and detectable PFAS in cord blood. The company later learned that some women suffered miscarriages. However, these findings were neither published nor disclosed to their workforce.

Instead, DuPont decided to remove female employees from PFAS-exposed areas, presenting the move as precautionary rather than reactionary. In a 1981 memo, they denied any evidence of adverse health effects from C8 exposure or congenital disabilities, downplaying its toxicity by comparing it to substances such as table salt and water.

Yet these findings were neither published in the scientific literature nor reported to the EPA as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act. The documents were kept confidential. In certain instances, industry executives called for their destruction.

Same Story, Different Industry

The sway of industry over science and regulatory agencies, predominantly steered by financial interests, has become a formidable factor in molding public health outcomes. This influence isnt unique to the chemical sector. It has been consistently observed across various industries, including tobacco, pharmaceuticals, lead, and polyvinyl chloride, according to studies by researchers such as Bero and White in 2010.

Applying this analysis to the PFAS scandal, DuPont and 3M appear to have engaged in systemic nondisclosure of evidence pointing toward harm, making this an example of science concealed for commercial interests.

This example highlights a troubling industrywide practice. When faced with evidence that may damage their financial standing or reputation, many corporations opt for suppression and silence, undermining the publics trust and potentially putting lives at risk.

Billion-Dollar Settlements in Chemical Pollution Cases

As the dangers of PFAS become increasingly apparent, lawsuits related to PFAS have surged dramatically. At the beginning of June, three large corporations jointly agreed to resolve PFAS-related drinking water claims from a defined class of public water systems serving a significant portion of the U.S. population. Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva collectively agreed to establish a $1.185 billion settlement fund, as announced in a press release.

Earlier this year, the EPA proposed a federal standard to regulate several PFAS substances in drinking water, marking a critical step in public health protection. The EPA stated that it plans to finalize this regulation by the end of 2023.

While some states have established laws to control certain PFAS in drinking water, there is no federal mandate, leading to uneven testing and filtering practices among public water systems. However, according to the National Law Review, eight states have already filed PFAS lawsuits in 2023 alone.

Dupont and 3M respond

3M has largely downplayed the studys revelations.

The paper is largely comprised of previously published documents, they stated, pointing out that the sources cited go as far back as 1962.

3M has previously addressed many of the mischaracterizations of these documents in previous reporting, 3M told The Epoch Times in an email.

The company maintains that they have not withheld information about the toxicity of PFAS, a contention challenged by the UCSF study.

DuPont stated that the papers accusations dont apply to their current operations. In 2019, DuPont de Nemours was established as a specialty products company, separate from the historical operations of E.I. du Pont de Nemours (EID), a commodity conglomerate that spun off its chemical businesses in 2015.

DuPont de Nemours, which inherited specialty products manufacturing from both EID and Dow Chemical, stated that they have never produced harmful substances.

DuPont de Nemours has never manufactured PFOA or PFOS. Safety, health and protecting the planet are core values at DuPont de Nemours. We areand have always beencommitted to upholding the highest standards for the wellbeing of our employees, our customers and the communities in which we operate, Dupont stated .

To implicate DuPont de Nemours in these past issues ignores this corporate evolution, and the movement of product lines and personnel that now exist with entirely different companies.

Pushing for Transparency and Accountability in the Chemical Industry

As the gravity of the PFAS scandal continues to unfold, it has stirred a public demand for transparency and accountability in the chemical industry. Deliberate attempts to obscure the harmful effects of PFAS has provoked both anger and fear, according to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2020.

As many countries pursue legal and legislative action to curb PFAS production, we hope they are aided by the timeline of evidence presented in this paper, Woodruff said. This timeline reveals serious failures in the way the U.S. currently regulates harmful chemicals.

Feeling the increased pressure, some chemical makers have significantly scaled back their use of these toxins. Dupont states on their website that the companys use of PFAS is limited, reporting that they do not make or use PFOA or PFAS in the development or manufacturing of their products.

3M vowed to stop manufacturing PFAS by the end of 2025. We have already reduced our use of PFAS over the past three years through ongoing research and development, and will continue to innovate new solutions for customers, they stated in a December 2022 press release. 3M will discontinue manufacturing all fluoropolymers, fluorinated fluids, and PFAS-based additive products.
This first week of June, a dense, smoky haze blanketed the skies of the Northeast due to wildfires in Canada. The gray skyline, reminiscent of scenes from Star Wars, has raised concerns among medical professionals because poor air quality causes a cascade of health complications.

Health experts warn individuals with asthma or respiratory issues to exercise extreme caution. They also emphasize the importance for everyone, regardless of health status, to avoid densely polluted areas if possible.

Though some people dismiss the seriousness of wildfire smokes impact on physical health, extensive research indicates that wildfire pollution poses serious health risks and can be potentially fatal.

Even Short-Term Exposure Increases Mortality Risk

The tiny particulates we inhale from wildfire pollution can penetrate lung tissue and potentially enter the bloodstream, allowing it to affect our vital organs.

A team of Australian researchers conducted a study published in The Lancets Planetary Health journal to investigate the impact of wildfire smoke on human health. Examining 749 locations worldwide, they discovered that a short-term increase in wildfire-related particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers raises mortality risk.

The effects lasted for three days, one of the studys authors Dr. Yuming Guo, professor of global environmental health and biostatistics at Australias Monash University, told The Epoch Times. For example, todays wildfire-related PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers) can increase the risks of mortality today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, he added.

The study linked wildfire pollution to 33,510 deaths from respiratory and heart attacks, yet it acknowledges that this figure could be underestimated as it did not include countries with a significant number of wildfires.

Another study led by Guo and his team in Brazil revealed that short-term exposure to wildfire pollution disproportionately affects the most vulnerable groups: individuals over 80 and children under 9.

The evidence is clear that short-term exposure to wildfire smoke is harmful to human health, Guo said, noting that short-term exposure can lead to increased risks of respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health issues and adverse maternal health and birth outcomes.

Nice, Big Breaths of  Chemicals?

Manmade chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers pose significant health risks when inhaled from wildfire smoke, according to Josuha Fu, who holds a doctorate in civil engineering and is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Tennessee.

Pollution from power plants and vehicles, pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals in waste can all make their way into trees and plants, Fu told The Epoch Times. When those trees and plants burn, chemicals are released, along with health-harming particulate matter in the smoke, gas, and ash, he added.

These chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, nitrogen cyanide, and mercury, have been linked to cancer and Parkinsons disease.

Individuals with asthma are particularly vulnerable to severe health complications from wildfire pollution. Asthma, being an inflammatory lung condition, is exacerbated by the inflammatory effects of wildfire pollution, which affects everyone by promoting inflammation in the respiratory system.

Lower-Income Communities Hit Harder

Fu emphasized that there is a huge impact on lower-income communities because they do not have highly efficient air conditioning and air filter unit(s) at home.

Lower-income communities often face challenges in accessing quality health care, which can contribute to a disproportionate impact of various illnesses on these families and individuals. Asthma is one such condition that tends to affect lower-income communities more prominently.

Low-income households may face challenges maintaining good indoor air quality due to inadequate ventilation, mold or dampness, and allergens like dust mites or cockroaches. These indoor air pollutants can worsen asthma symptoms and act as triggers.

How to Minimize Health Risks

Experts Fu and Guo provided the following five-step guideline for reducing wildfire pollution exposure.

Keep informed by tracking air quality reports and staying updated on wildfires and wildfire smoke status. You can follow the air quality index of your region here. Reduce outdoor activities. Stay indoors and use air purifiers or air conditioning with a high-efficiency particulate filter. HEPA air purifiers can effectively filter out PM2.5 particles, reducing pollution levels within your home or bedroom. If you go outside, use masks, particularly N95 or P100 respirator masks. Make a plan for evacuation if necessary. For instance, if the forecast indicates that the smoke is expected to persist for an extended period, have a plan to get away for a while, if possible.

Furthermore, the following herbs and supplements have demonstrated their potential in promoting lung and respiratory health through the provision of diverse anti-inflammatory compounds:
Hong Kongs Special Scheme to Import Labor Sparks Concern

It bypasses the supervisory mechanism that has been in place for decades, established under British rule.

Against the backdrop of an aging population and the recent massive emigration, the Hong Kong government is set to significantly increase the number of imported workers. Most of them are expected to come from mainland China through a special scheme that bypasses a long-standing supervisory mechanism on labor relations, thus causing concerns over a further dismantling of the systems established under British rule, as well as the fear of replacing local Hongkongers with mainland Chinese on a large scale.

The Special Scheme will commence on June 19. The plan is to recruit care workers to work for the local residential care homes for the elderly and the disabled. The scheme aims to import an additional 3,000 care workers, on top of the 4,000 who are already working in Hong Kong, that was imported previously with approval from the Labour Advisory Board (LAB), a decades-long statutory body to advise the government on labor relations, with members from the Labour Department, and representatives from employers and employees.

The New Scheme Bypasses the Supervisory Mechanism

Labor importation in Hong Kong can be dated back to the late 1980s and early 1990s when a labor shortage problem emerged as the city was undergoing a transition from an industrial economy to a service one. The British colonial government devised a Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS) to set requirements for employers to fulfill if they needed to import labor. This was to ensure that job opportunities for local workers were not undermined in the face of incoming foreign labor. Under this scheme, the LAB approves applications for labor importation and supervises its operation. As the LAB comprises representatives of employers and employees, it has voices and power from the public. SLS has been in place for over three decades.

The Government Controls the New Scheme.

However, the Special Scheme announced in December 2022 does not involve LABs approval or supervision. While this new scheme carries similar requirements as those of the existing SLS for employers to observe, the applications for labor importation are vetted and approved by a liaison group with all members coming from the government, including heads from the Labour Department and Social Welfare Department, but without public representatives as in the SLS.

The government explained that the Special Scheme provides greater flexibility and more streamlined procedures for importing care workers, addressing the acute labor shortage in the sector. The processing time is estimated to be reduced to two months from five months currently taken in the SLS monitored by the LAB.

The government said, With a rapidly aging population and a decrease in the overall unskilled labor force locally, it is expected that the residential care homes (RCH) sector will need at least 4 500 additional care workers in the next three years and added that on the premise of safeguarding the employment priority for local workers, the Special Scheme allows all RCHs for the elderly, RCHs for persons with disabilities and nursing homes to import care workers on an appropriate scale.

The New Scheme Is Set to Import up to 12,000 Workers

Besides the RCH sector, local media has reported that the government plans to extend the Special Scheme to other industries, including construction, transportation, and logistics. Workers to be imported include bar benders, scaffold erectors, minibus drivers, airport ground crews, and baggage handlers, estimated to be around 10,000 workers.

Together with the care workers imported under the Special Scheme, there could be about 12,000 workers to be imported through the new mechanism.

There is further demand to extend the Special Scheme to more sectors. Jimmy Ng Wing-ka, the Legislative Councilor from the Second Industrial Functional Constituency, asked in a LegCo meeting in May whether the Special Scheme would be extended to the catering, laundry, and retail industries to address the problem of insufficient manpower.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, did not respond directly, only mentioning that the government is reviewing the labor shortage situation in the construction and transport sectors to find relevant solutions.

Labor representatives have expressed discontent with the Special Scheme, which they see as bypassing the long-standing vetting mechanism for labor importation monitored by the LAB.

An employee representative from the LAB, Tam Kam-lin, argued that the existing SLS has successfully imported 3,000 to 5,000 workers for short-term periods to meet the needs of different industries, and this old scheme could motivate employers to improve remuneration to attract local employees as the importation is only temporary.

Thus employers cannot totally rely on labor importation as a solution, and now the government should not start anew another mechanism for the problem. She said the LAB would be pleased to discuss with the government to shorten the processing time for labor importation applications to speed up the labor supply.

Hardline Being Adopted by Government

Employee representatives from the LAB accused the government of setting aside the LAB repeatedly on the issue of labor importation. The government called off the LAB meeting scheduled for May 30.

An employee representative of the LAB spoke to the media anonymously, I feel the hard line adopted by the authority. The conventional tripartite negotiation (involving the government, employers, and employees) has now turned to be a (one-way) notification from the government.

Manpower Shortage Due to Aging Population and Emigration

One major factor in the acute demand for imported workers in Hong Kong is its aging population.

Government figures indicate that Hong Kongs population has been continuously aging for the past 30 years. The portion of those aged 65 and above has increased from 8.9 percent in 1991 to 20.5 percent in 2021. The growing number of old-aged people means not only a larger demand for care workers for the elderly but also a shrinking workforce. Chairman Chau Kwok-keung of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association said that the government once hinted at the intention of importing 500 minibus drivers, a move Chau supports due to the serious aging of taxi and minibus drivers.

Timothy Chui, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, said that insufficient manpower in the tourism sector has already impacted the industrys strength of operation and hospitality capacity and also affects the post-COVID-19 recovery of tourism.

Trade unions from the logistics and construction fields refute the need for labor importation, worrying about the negative impact on the job opportunities of local workers. They see the labor shortage mainly due to low pay and poor working conditions. For example, the monthly wage for a minibus driver on designated routes is only around HK$13,000 to HK$15,000 (approximately US$1,668 to US$1,925), far behind the median income of the transportation industry, HK$20,000 (about US$2,566). They call upon the government to help improve remuneration, working conditions, and the environment of the concerned sectors before moving on to import workers.

Chung: Move Dismantles Established Policy Mechanisms

While employers and employees are constantly at odds when it comes to the issue of workforce importation, the governments recent move to import labor through a new and special scheme that does away with public participation through representation from employers and employees has sparked concerns over a further political deterioration in Hong Kong.

Former Hong Kong professor on social policy and public administration Dr. Chung Kim-wah commented that the governments move to bypass the LAB for consultation and supervision on labor importation matters but to start another mechanism is dismantling decades-long platforms for policy formulation in Hong Kong. Within these platforms, the public is included in the policy-making processes.

Chung said that although there was no democracy in Hong Kong under British colonial rule, the public could be part of the administration through those consultation platforms (such as the LAB) for policy making. Now such platforms are being eliminated after Hongkongers voices and civil society have been suppressed in recent years.

Worries Over Hongkongers Being Replaced by Mainland Chinese

Current affairs commentator Anthony Tso said that the lack of labor in many sectors in Hong Kong would prompt the authority to import labor from mainland China. He said there is now a manpower surplus in mainland China, and the authority of the Guangdong Province (in Southern China) has already demanded 300,000 youngsters to move from the urban areas to the countryside to solve the jobless problem in Chinas cities.

Tso asked satirically, If you were to choose (somewhere to go), would you prefer the mountains and countryside (in mainland China) or Hong Kong?

He thus predicts that Hong Kongs population structure will turn upside down, with many Hongkongers being replaced by mainland Chinese.

For the sectors lacking workers or set to have labor importation, most of their imported workforce is expected to come from mainland China.

RFI reported that The Legislative Council passed a non-binding motion on April 20 to urge the Hong Kong government to replenish the Hong Kong workforce in multiple ways, including allowing mainland China workers to cross the border to Hong Kong for work and return to their China homes after work each day.

The acute manpower shortage is also caused by massive emigration after Hong Kongs freedom and human rights have been significantly undermined following the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020.

It has been reported that there has been an estimated outflow of 140,000 people from the Hong Kong workforce in the past two years amid the emigration wave.
House Cancels Contempt Proceedings Against FBIs Wray

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has canceled contempt of Congress proceedings against FBI Director Christopher Wray following the agencys release of an unclassified document to the entire committee.

In addition to the requested access for the entire committee, the FBI is making two additional documents referenced in the FD-1023 available for House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and ranking Democratic member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).

The change came hours after Comer announced on June 7 that he released a resolution to hold Wray in contempt because of a refusal to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena to view a document believed to pertain to claims that a foreign national bribed then-Vice President Joe Biden.

We have been clear that the FBI must produce the unclassified FD-1023 record to the custody of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Comer said, according to the House Oversight Committees June 7 statement.

Change in Course

The full committee was set to mark up the resolution during a business meeting on June 8, but Comers office announced that the FBI complied with their request late on June 7.

After weeks of refusing to even admit the FD-1023 record exists, the FBI has caved and is now allowing all members of the Oversight and Accountability Committee to review this unclassified record that memorializes a confidential human sources conversations with a foreign national who claimed to have bribed then-Vice President Joe Biden, Comer said.

In the explanation of the resolution to hold Wray in contempt, the Republican lawmaker asserted that the FBIs refusal to cooperate with his committee hindered their ability to investigate accusations of misconduct on the part of Biden.

The report emphasizes the importance of Congress responsibility to perform rigorous oversight of the executive branch, citing the powers granted to Congress by the Constitution.

It highlights the Oversight and Accountability panels jurisdiction over federal government management and reform and its authority to conduct investigations of any matter without limitations.

Americans have lost trust in the FBIs ability to enforce the law impartially and demand answers, transparency, and accountability, Comer said when announcing that the FBI had caved to his committees demands. Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people.

Lets be clear: The allegations contained within this record are not closed as the White House and Democrats would have the American people believe. Former Attorney General [Bill] Barr confirmed this information was sent to the U.S. Attorney in Delaware for further investigation, and the FBI has confirmed it is being used in an ongoing investigation. We also know the confidential human source who provided this information is highly credible and trusted, has worked with the FBI for over a decade, and has been paid six figures.

The allegations contained within this record track closely with the Oversight Committees investigation of the Biden familys influence-peddling schemes. The Oversight Committee will continue to follow the facts and ensure accountability for the American people.

White House and Democrat Response

Following Comers resolution to hold Wray in contempt, Ian Sams, White House spokesperson for oversight and investigations, castigated the House Republican in a statement sent to The Epoch Times.

Instead of spending their time and energy working on the issues that matter most to the American people, like lowering costs, creating jobs, or strengthening health care, congressional Republicans, led by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and his committee, have spent six months wasting taxpayer resources to stage politically motivated stunts disguised as investigations,' Sams said.

In just a few short months, Comer and his MAGA Republican colleagues in Congress have torpedoed their credibility by repeatedly failing to deliver on much-hyped allegations. Their fact-free wild goose chase continues to be a waste of taxpayer resources when House Republicans should instead be focusing on real issues American families care about.

Raskin also called out his Republican counterparts after the committee undertook the contempt proceedings.

He furthered the claim that the whistleblowers allegations were unreliable.

In the spirit of good faith, the FBI has offered Chairman Comer yet further accommodations in response to his subpoena, including to allow all Oversight Committee members to review in camera the secondhand allegations by Ukrainian individuals reported in the tip sheet, Raskin said.

He also said the FBI was accommodating Comer after the lawmaker spent weeks attacking the FBI despite its extraordinary efforts to provide Committee Republicans [with] the information they claim to seek and that the contempt proceedings were a ploy to support Republican presidential candidates.

Holding someone in contempt of Congress is among the most serious actions our committee can take, and it should not be weaponized to undermine the FBI, Raskin said. As Republicans investigation into President Biden has uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing, they continue to attempt to discredit and dismantle the FBI to help prop up Donald Trumps poll numbers.

When questioned whether it was Comers opinion that the full committees viewing of the document constituted full compliance by the FBI with the subpoena, a spokesperson for Comers office referred The Epoch Times to the chairmans previous comments.
House Lawmakers Form Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Chinas Influence in Indo-Pacific

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) joined by members of Congress announces the creation of a task force to address growing Chinese threats in the Indo-Pacific. (Courtesy of the House Committee on Natural Resources)

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has announced the formation of a task force to combat Chinas growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

During a press conference at the House Triangle in Washington, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) announced the creation of the new task force.

Westerman said, There is perhaps no greater threat to Americas national security and future prosperity than the continued growth of the Peoples Republic of China and its influence on the world stage.

The lawmakers said the task force would combat long-term Chinese state strategies to dominate the Indo-Pacific region, which includes several U.S. territories like the American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CMNI), and Guam, as well as Pacific partners including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, which are collectively dubbed the Freely Associated States. The region is also home to international partners like Japan, India, and South Korea.

In a press release, the committee said that communist China, formally known as the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), has increasingly sought to reshape regional political, economic, and strategic alignments.

They said the PRC has sought to take advantage of the relatively weak economies of island nations. Through offerings of economic aid and infrastructure development, the PRC has leveraged its resources to shape political outcomes and perceptions of the U.S. in the region while waging political warfare to gain undue influence and/or destabilize island nations.

As part of its strategy, China has sought to expand its military presence in the region, exploiting commercial agreements with regional neighbors in order to establish new military installations across the Indo-Pacific. China has also long been accused of stealing resources in the South China Sea from others in the area.

Concerns also linger that Chinas ruling communist party (CCP) will put its considerable military might to the test and try to invade Taiwan, a self-governing liberal democratic island nation that the CCP wants to claim as its own. In April, China conducted another series of military drills that commentators say are intended to intimidate its rivals.

As Russia and China grow closer in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, U.S. national security officials and lawmakers alike have become increasingly alarmed by the threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific.

Westerman said, The PRC has built a strategy to dominate the island nations and U.S. territories in the Pacific as a platform for the projection of its power.

This strategy is a direct threat to our influence and economic interests in the region.

To turn a blind eye to the Indo-Pacific at best irresponsible, and at worst, a national security disaster, Westerman said.

He called the creation of the task force an essential step in understanding all the issues at play so we can better curtail the Chinese governments growing influence and strengthen and maintain Americas relationship with the Freely Associated States.

We will not play their game, Westerman said.

We need to prepare ourselves, said Del. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-CNMI), who will co-chair the task force.

Grijalva called the U.S. relationship with the Freely Associated Staes critical to our national security, especially as we face mounting encroachment and aggression by the Peoples Republic of China.

Del. Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) applauded the launch of the task force.

This task force is a strong sign that Congress has focused on this key region and we understand the deep concerns regarding Chinas ambitions in the Pacific Islands, Radewagen said.

The 14 member task force will be equally divided between Democrat and Republican members. Other members of the group will include Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Jim Moylan (R-Guam), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), and Rob Wittman (R-Va.).

The bipartisan action comes as Congress ramps up its focus on China.

In December 2022, the Senate passed a bill banning the use of TikTok, a Chinese-owned app thats prompted fears of data-harvesting Americans, on government devices.

Another bill currently being considered would effectively ban TikTok in the United States over the same concerns.
House Leaders Cancel Votes for Rest of Week After Conservative Mini-Rebellion

U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks to members of the press outside his office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on June 7, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

House leaders on Wednesday canceled scheduled votes for the remainder of the week after a rebellion by around a dozen conservative Republican members jolted party unity.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told reporters on Wednesday evening that his goal is to try to work this out by the end of the night.

The group of 11 hardline conservatives, dissatisfied with the debt limit bill negotiated by McCarthy and signed into law by President Joe Biden, effectively halted voting on the House floor on Tuesday.

They voted against the speaker on a procedural matter, blocking consideration of several bills supported by Republicans, including ones related to gas stoves and regulatory reforms.

House Leadership couldnt Hold the Line. Now we Hold the Floor, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said on Twitter.

Despite efforts to negotiate, House leaders and the conservative members failed to reach a resolution, resulting in an extended recess on Wednesday and the subsequent cancellation of votes.

McCarthy acknowledged the frustration of the conservative members but said that they havent put forward specific requests and are upset about various issues. He also noted that other members have also come forward with separate requests and recognized the temporary chaos but emphasized his focus on serving the American public.

What were going to do is were going to come back on Monday, work through it, and be back open for the American public, McCarthy said.

The final House votes for the week were supposed to take place by 3 p.m. on Thursday. The cancellation of votes, while symbolic due to the bills slim chances of passing in the Senate, effectively caught the speakers attention and prompted meetings to preserve Republican unity.

This is the difficulty. Some of these members, they dont know what to ask for, McCarthy said. There are numerous different things theyre frustrated about.

Theres a little chaos going on, he added. But the focus I always keep is right in front of the windshield of the American public.

GOP Hardliners Grievances

The conservative groups grievances centered around what they claim are forceful tactics by the GOP leadership team and a failure to honor agreements made with them during McCarthys election as speaker.

McCarthy made concessions to the hardliners during his challenging 15-ballot election as speaker. Some of those hardliners later took part in the procedural revolt on Tuesday. They claim that McCarthy reneged on his commitments regarding the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

McCarthy expressed confidence in his speakership on Wednesday night, saying that he expected challenges from a small majority of outspoken members with strong opinions who understand media tactics. He emphasized the need for unity among Republicans while acknowledging the importance of listening to and respecting different perspectives.

I will listen to them. I will respect them all. But at the end of the day, weve got to come together as one, he said.

When questioned about frustrations among other Republican lawmakers regarding the delay caused by the House Freedom Caucus members, McCarthy shifted the focus to his concerns about government interference in dictating Americans use of gas stoves.

He suggested that the situation wouldnt have arisen without the Biden administration, saying, Its weird that you even have to have this [bill].

He also expressed doubt that the 11 members, mostly from the House Freedom Caucus, truly wanted to align themselves with Bidens approach of dictat[ing] to the American public what type of stove they can have.

As previously reported by The Epoch Times, there have been complaints from congressional lawmakers about alleged pressure tactics and threats of retaliation against members who voted against the debt limit bill, known as the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) claimed that GOP House leaders warned him that it would be challenging to advance a bill he sponsored if he voted against the act. However, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) denied that any such threat was made.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) claimed that Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) faced harassment from multiple members in an effort to influence her vote.

A Capitol Hill staffer familiar with GOP leadership stated that no coercive tactics originated from McCarthy.

Jackson Richman and Lawrence Wilson contributed to this report.
How Republicans and Democrats Are Responding to Rumored Trump Indictment

Documents seized during the Aug. 8 raid by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., in a photo released on Aug. 30, 2022. (FBI via The Epoch Times)

With rumors spreading that former President Donald Trump could soon be indicted over his handling of classified documents, neither Republicans nor Democrats appeared surprised by those reports on June 7, though for very different reasons.

Earlier that day, Just the News reported that federal prosecutors had notified Trump he was a criminal target and was likely to be indicted as early as this week. The report, which The Epoch Times has not confirmed, cited anonymous sources who claim to be familiar with the case.

As news of the report spread on Capitol Hill, lawmakers weighed in on the possibility that the 45th president could face federal charges.

Nothing would surprise me from this Justice Department, nothing, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The Epoch Times. I mean, they have proven to be extremely partisan and political  tragic.

Echoing that sentiment, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said he didnt think it was a surprise that the Justice Department was targeting Trump.

It comes down to this fundamental growing distrust in institutions in our country because of how theyve weaponized the criminal justice system, he said. And now, its just in a long line of attempts to go after him, so I think theyre going to find a lot of resistance and a lot of skepticism.

The former president is currently the subject of four criminal probes, including two federal investigations led by special counsel Jack Smith.

Smith was appointed in November by Attorney General Merrick Garland to lead not only the documents probe but also the Justice Departments investigation of whether Trump or others interfered in the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 election.

Trump is also the target of a similar election probe in Georgia and is being prosecuted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on charges alleging the falsification of business records.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), though equally unsurprised by the rumors that Trump might face another indictment, had a different reason from his colleagues as to why.

He needs to be held accountable, Durbin said, assuming guilt. No one is above the law.

Still others, like Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), refused to speculate on the matter, opting to wait and see what the special counsels decision will be.

Whatever the next appropriate steps are should be taken, Hirono said. And if that means an indictment, thats what should happen.

The Report

According to Just the News unnamed sources, Trumps legal team was recently informed that the potential charges against him could include false statements, obstruction of justice, and a violation of 18 U.S. Code Chapter 37 Section 793, which prohibits the gathering, transmitting, or losing of national defense information.

Trump, for his part, has maintained his innocence to all criminal allegations that have been leveled against him.

Additionally, the outlet reported that the Justice Department declined a request from Trumps legal team to delay charges in light of allegations that a top prosecutor on the case engaged in witness tampering.

Allegedly, the prosecutor in question attempted to influence a witness by discussing a judgeship with the witnesss attorney.

That allegation is reportedly pending before Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg.

Trump Denies Claims

In an apparent response to Just the News report, Trump denied on Wednesday that he had been notified of an imminent indictment.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done nothing wrong, he wrote in a Truth Social post.

As for being a criminal target, the former president noted that he had assumed as much for years, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, the No Collusion Mueller Report, Impeachment Hoax #1, Impeachment Hoax #2, the perfect Ukraine phone call, and various other scams & witch hunts.

Decrying the numerous investigations as a travesty of justice and an example of election interference, he called upon congressional Republicans to make rectifying the situation their top priority.

And on the House Judiciary Committee, they appear to be heeding that call.

In recent months, Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has launched inquiries into whether political bias has infected the investigations led by Smith and Bragg.

In a June 1 letter (pdf) to the attorney general, Jordan expressed the concern that Smiths team might include partisan FBI agents who were involved in prior investigations of Trump, like the Russia probe.

It is clear that Congress must consider legislative reforms to the FBI, and the Committee has been engaged in robust oversight to inform those legislative proposals, he wrote. In the interim, however, due to the FBIs documented political bias, the Justice Department must ensure any ongoing investigations are not poisoned by this same politicization.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) suggested that any forthcoming indictment of Trump would likely be a result of Democrats weaponizing the justice system against him.

I would not know why President Trump would be indicted, McCarthy said. Id hope that Democrats would stop playing politics. I know theyre concerned about President Trumps presidency, his ability to run again, how strong he stands in the polls, beating Biden. But for them to continue to use the system against President Trump is wrong.
Human Rights Bill C-281 Passes House Unanimously

Conservative MP Philip Lawrence rises during Question PConservative MP Philip Lawrence rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on May 28, 2021 in Ottawa. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

A private members bill to strengthen Canadas defence of human rights at home and abroad received unanimous support in the House of Commons and will proceed to the Senate.

The International Human Rights Act (Bill C-281), sponsored by Conservative MP Philip Lawrence, completed its third reading on June 7.

I am proud to announce that my Private Members Bill  has passed through the House of Commons with unanimous support! Lawrence said on Twitter after the House vote was passed 322-0.

The bill seeks to amend four separate pieces of legislation, touching on a wide range of issues pertaining to human rights, from curtailing state propaganda to reducing the use of cluster munitions.

Bill C-281 prescribes that the minister of foreign affairs is required to publish an annual report on Canadas actions to improve human rights abroad.

The minister will also be required to publish details about the prisoners of conscience the government is attempting to secure for release, including their names, the detaining authority, and efforts made by Canada to secure their release.

Prisoners of conscience are people around the world who are being detained, who are sitting in prisons right now, simply because of their beliefs or their thoughts; for fighting for such virtuous causes as liberty, or freedom of religion or freedom of expression, and they are in incredible pain and suffering, Lawrence said in the House on June 5 during debate on the bill.

Other Impacts

The bill also seeks to amend the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Law, which allows the government to sanction foreign officials involved in violations of human rights.

If adopted, a House or Senate committee would be able to recommend to the government that sanctions be imposed on an individual, with the foreign affairs minister having to justify its response.

C-281 will also amend the Broadcasting Act to prevent states involved in acts of genocide recognized by Parliament to hold a broadcasting licence in Canada.

Lawrence says the pulling of Russia Todays licence by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission after Russia invaded Ukraine had been done through a hodgepodge process which his bill seeks to amend.

He said the absence of a formal process is an oversight because the idea of a genocidal state broadcasting their hatred, their propaganda, their promotion of genocide on our airwaves, is completely and utterly unacceptable.

NDP MP Heather MacPherson spoke in support of the bill but deplored the Liberals voting against an amendment proposed by her party to have Canada implement a human rights strategy.

Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk spoke of his father being arrested in Poland in 1981 by the communist secret police for his membership in the Solidarity movement. He said it was critical at the time for his familys morale to receive international support.

Kusmierczyk asked Lawrence how the bill may help to mobilize global support for prisoners of conscience and also their families as well, as theyre going through such trials.

Lawrence said that the bill would have the effect of indicating Canadas support for human rights advocates and prisoners of conscience.

Thank you to your father for fighting for the cause of freedom, he said, speaking to Kusmierczyk. We would not be where we are in this country and around the world and many of the liberal democracies we now enjoy without the great service and sacrifice of people like your father.
IN-DEPTH: How Child-Friendly Drag Events Can Expose Children to Sex Offenders

Children cheer as drag performers dance at the Chattanooga Pride parade in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Oct. 2, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times)

Drag events targeting children can be a hunting ground for sexual predators, according to a therapist with a long career in treating sexual predators.

A relatively recent phenomenon Drag Queen Story Hour, which first appeared in San Francisco, now is happening around the nationat public libraries, in eateries, at performance venues, in parades, and even at schools.

These events often include men in womens clothing performing erotic dances, wearing skimpy or suggestive costumes, and telling sexually charged jokes.

These shows sometimes mask sexual predators and facilitate the sexual grooming of children, experts told The Epoch Times.

Significant Risk to Women and Children

Jon Uhler, a therapist who treats sex offenders, says that in his experience if a man feels comfortable performing sexual dance in a skimpy womens outfit for children, hes likely extremely sexually deviant and poses a significant risk to women and children.

Uhler told The Epoch Times that men who want to perform for kids in sexy womens outfits have likely watched hundreds of hours of deviant pornography that reshapes the brain to become a sexual predator.

Men dont become sexual predators all at once, Uhler said.

Sexual deviancy requires a slow descent over time into deeper and deeper levels of evil, he said.

The issue is deviance, Uhler said. It always has been throughout human history.

Uhler draws his experience from 15 years spent treating hundreds of sex offenders, working with more than 4,000 sex offenders in several contexts, and spending more than 13,000 clinical contact hours with sex offenders.

He said he has treated sex offenders both inside and outside of prison.

All the men he has worked with eventually admitted they did porn, he added.

It Starts With Porn

Viewing increasing amounts of deviant pornography supercharges the journey into perversion, Uhler said.

People arent born sexual predators, Uhler said. Instead, they become remorseless abusers through a process that starts with pornography, he asserted.

People on the way to deviance move from simple lust, to objectification, to power and control, to defiling, to increasingly warped behavior.

Every stage of deviance pulls abusers into increasingly warped behavior, he said.

Uhler said that men who enjoy wearing drag tend to get that way because they watch huge amounts of porn, he said.

Anyone can sink down this scale, and sexual deviancy destroys the brains capacity for empathy, Uhler said.

That leads to psychopathy, and psychopaths tend to be callous, detached, manipulative, remorseless, parasitic, sexually promiscuous, and without the capacity for guilt.

A psychopaths brain is very different than a normal persons brain, Uhler said. And theres no going back.

The Epoch Times found no comprehensive list of drag performers in the United States.

Ru Pauls New York DragCon event drew a record 50,000 visitors this year. But not all of these people were drag queens, and some came from outside America, the groups Facebook page shows.

Not all drag queens perform at child-friendly events but verifying the criminal history of a large number of performers would be nearly impossible without a nationwide drag groups cooperation.

Drag performers usually use stage names, wear flamboyant costumes that disguise their identity, and put on heavy makeup that further camouflages their normal appearance. Their real names rarely appear in promotional materials.

The Epoch Times emailed all 28 American chapters of Drag Queen Story Hour and the national hub to ask how many members they have, and whether performers have their backgrounds checked before being scheduled to read with children.

None of them responded to requests for information.

Convicted Sex Offenders

In the past four years, at least eight American drag performers accused of sexual crimes have worked with children, The Epoch Times has found. Seven of these men have been convicted of child sexual abuse, child pornography, and prostitution.

Three of these men participated in Drag Queen Story Hour events for children. Two took part in a reality TV competition. One taught children as a dance instructor. Another mentored young boys wanting to learn how to perform in drag. Yet another performed in all-ages drag shows.

One drag performer was arrested in 2012 for running a child sex-trafficking operation. He became a transgender activist in prison.

A man charged with sexual crimes was president of an activist group that facilitated Drag Queen Story Hours.

Its important to remember that these men are only the ones who got caught, Uhler said.

Sex crimes often require extensive investigation and police lack the resources to complete them successfully, a study by the University of Massachusetts Lowell discovered.

And theres another problemthe investigations inflict hardship on victims. Revisiting traumatic events in testimony often crushes the spirit of abuse survivors, the study noted.

There are a number of cases where active guys that are on the sex offender registry have been part of Drag Queen Story Hour organizations, Uhler said. What has Drag Queen Story Hour done about that?

Statistically, more children face sexual abuse in churches or in childrens clubs, such as scouting organizations, Uhler said.

But parents should beware of trusting their children to any group characterized by the public display of deviant behavior, he said.

Boys and Girls Learning Burlesque

A drag show also creates a perfect environment for sexual grooming, said Amy Sousa, a psychologist specializing in studying the way our senses inform our thinking.

But using that term in relation to childrens exposure to drag or LGBT lifestyle details angers some.

Even the Associated Press (AP), which informs most mainstream media organizations on how to use words consistently across the news industry, has strictly advised journalists not to use the word grooming in reference to interactions between LGBT people and children.

Generally avoid the often false terms groom or groomer, which some people use to stoke fears about LGBT peoples interactions with children, or education about LGBT people, comparing their actions to those of child molesters, the AP guide advises.

But drag absolutely constitutes the normalization of adult sexuality placed in front of kids, Sousa told The Epoch Times.

Grooming is defined as the slow erosion of boundary violations over time, she said. And child-friendly drag events certainly violate sexual boundaries, Sousa said.

In any other case, we wouldnt have pole dancers for kids, or Stripper Story Hour, or even Burlesque Story Hour,' she said.

By watching drag shows, children get comfortable with the idea of receiving money for erotic performances, Sousa said. Then, she added, they may imitate this behavior.

This is teaching them the total objectification of their own bodiesthat their bodies, just like these mens bodies, are commodifiable objects to be bought and sold for money, Sousa said.

Children who see these things start feeling comfortable with doing sexual dance at the request of strangers, Sousa said.

Even if theyre not stripping down to their underwear, even stripping off a coat to reveal an undergarment, thats them practicing stripping behavior, she said.

Its not likely that a child will become a victim of sexual assault at a drag show, Sousa said. But visiting the show can lay the groundwork for child abuse, she said.

Why do adult men who are self-sexualizing as women want to perform for kids? Sousa asked. We have to just look at the most obvious answer, which is that they want access to children.

Furthermore, dramatic public sexual displays often shape children as they grow into adulthood and sexual maturity, Sousa added.

Under normal circumstances, children figure out feelings of sexual desire as they grow up without dramatic adult influence, said Sousa.

The Beatles sang songs like I Want to Hold Your Hand,' said Sousa. This is a very wholesome, natural progression if youre starting to have romantic feelings for someone else.

But introductions to sexuality by scantily-dressed drag performers will leave lasting imprints on children.

As adults, we can see something [sexual] and reject it, said Sousa. But a child doesnt have the cognitive capacity to reject the things that are in front of [him or her], so these images are just living in them.

Yet, despite these dangers, many parents take children to child-friendly drag shows anyway because they see it as a way to put the virtue of their own open-mindedness on display, Sousa said.

Those parents value virtual signaling over common sense, she said.

We have forgotten as a culture that childrens innocence deserves to be protected, Sousa said.

Preventing Pedophilia

Parents should keep children away from drag shows, Uhler advises. And people should boycott companies that support child-friendly drag events, he said.

They also should seek to exert control of local government institutions like libraries.

And parents need not be afraid to speak up if they see behavior that could harm a child or be a gateway to abuse by a possible pedophile, he said.

The toying with the public, seeing how stupid adults arethats half the fun for a psychopath, Uhler said.

Normal people tend to back off rather than call out pedophiles behavior because making accusations feels offensive, said Uhler. But to fight psychopaths, people need to go on the offensive, he said.

Parents shouldnt allow their desire to embrace inclusivity to cloud their judgment in protecting their children, Sousa said. Parents should be completely willing to exclude dangerous men from access to their youngsters.

Inclusivity is a great value set for a third-grade birthday party, she said. But inclusivity is not an appropriate value set when you are trying to create boundaries because boundaries are necessarily exclusive.
Four U.S. senators have launched a bipartisan Korea Caucus in the Senate to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance.

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, one of the founding members, made the announcement on Tuesday. Joining him are Republican Senators Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Todd Young of Indiana and Democrat Brian Schatz of Hawaii.

The caucus "will work across the aisle to advance policies deepening economic, security, cultural, and scientific ties between the two nations," Ossoff said in a press release.

This is the first Korea Caucus in the Senate, but in the House of Representatives a Congressional Korea Caucus kicked off in 2003 and now has about a dozen members.
IN-DEPTH: War in South China Sea Would Devastate Global Economy, Especially Chinas: Experts

The USS Chung-Hoon observes a Chinese navy ship conduct what it called an "unsafe Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait, on June 3, 2023. The Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of the American destroyer, forcing the U.S. ship to slow to avoid a collision. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andre T. Richard/U.S. Navy via AP)

China is building a 400-ship navy in what historians say is the swiftest development of sea power since the United States assembled its armada after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor during World War II.

But warships are just part of the story.

In addition to fielding the worlds largest navy, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has dramatically increased its ship-building capacities, owns or operates more than 90 port operations in 53 nations, has built an 8,000-ship merchant fleet second only to Greece, and has massively invested in oceanographic research, including deep water stations on the sea floor.

With the CCP seemingly steaming for a showdown with the U.S. Navys 7th Fleet in the Taiwan Straits and South China Sea, ship-building capabilities, port capacities, and oceanographic research are suddenly among the Pentagons priorities because, right now, America no longer has the maritime capacity to match China in cargo transport and in laying hulls for new ships.

The short answer is, no we dont, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday, the U.S. Navys commanding officer, admitted June 7 at a Brookings Institute Seas and Strategy presentation, The Stakes At Sea.

But maybe it may never need to since threats posed by Chinas growing navy is not only an American problem, but a global problem that the world and not the United States by itself, must counter, he said.

A new floating production storage and offloading vessel under construction at a shipyard in Nantong, in Chinas eastern Jiangsu province, on April 17, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

US Will Never Regain Maritime Supremacy

Gildayaccompanied on the panel by ocean carrier CMA CGM America/American President Lines (APL) President Peter Levesque and director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Margaret Leinensaid when he joined the Navy in 1985 that the service had 30 industrial private shipyards under contract to build and repair ships.

Now, were down to seven, he said. And I think in the commercial side, its not much different.

The contraction was a result of many economic influences: Congress refusing to subsidize private shipyards and a post-9/11 emphasis on ground wars, Gilday said.

Those factors and the globalization of trade now mean the U.S. is no longer a leader in maritime trade, said Levesque, whose commercial sea transport company CMA, based in Marseille, France, operates 600 merchant ships ferrying cargo to and from more than 160 nations.

The United States lost that maritime supremacy about two decades ago, he said, with the sales of two U.S.-based container shipping companies: APL to interests in Singapore, now based in Japan; and Sealand to Maersk, now based in Germany.

So today, here we are in the United States with a $23 trillion economy that is very much dependent on our relationships with foreign flag carriers like CMA, Levesque said. These big container ships: we dont build them, we dont own them, we dont sail them.

Its doubtful U.S.-based shipyards will ever be competitive builders of container or liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships, he said.

It would be great to bring back U.S. shipbuilding in a big way and be able to build these big container ships in the U.S. But price-wise, its almost three times more expensive to build one of these ships in the United States. Thats just the fact, Levesque said. Its purely a cost situation.

When CMA wants to add to its 600-container ship fleet, the company is not going to go to the most expensive place to do it. Thats just the way it is, he said. It would be great to have it come back. I dont think its possible.

Type 001A, Chinas second aircraft carrier, is transferred from the dry dock into the water during a launch ceremony at Dalian shipyard in Dalian, northeast Chinas Liaoning Province, on April 26, 2017. (AFP via Getty Images)

Allies Key in The Maritime Commons

But theres two sides to this coin: the worlds commercial sea carriers rely on the United States economyand the U.S. Navy, Levesque said.

Were very much dependent on the U.S. economy, that these relationships work. And they do work today, thanks to the Navy and their security, and helping us to have that kind of security in the sea trade lanes, he said.

Those global relationships in the Maritime Commons are the answer to keeping Chinas naval growth and the scale of Chinese dominance of the commercial trade in check, Levesque said.

South Korea and Japan, for instance, both have extensive shipyards, port capacities, and naval expertise. Those are the places that we would look at to build new ships, and [manage] the complexity of the ships now, with the LNG and the methane ships that were building, he said.

Its a similar situation in warship construction, Gilday said, noting that while we dont have here today the shipbuilding capacity to meet the Navys needs, the nations seven shipyards are the worlds best.

There are more than 50 ships in construction and another 70-plus under contract for hull laying in the coming years in the seven shipyards, the Admiral said, and Congress has authorized the U.S. Department of Transportation to offer grants for some 25 or 27 smaller shipyards to keep them viable in this economy.

Perhaps more importantly, unlike the PRC, U.S. allies include the worlds best naval architectural firms and shipbuilders, making it worth examining the market  in terms of in terms of military shipbuilding, Gilday said.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri Marine was awarded $5.5 billion in 2020 to develop the flagship of the Navys newest Constellation class of frigates with an option to build nine more in three Wisconsin shipyards.

So there may be room there for medium-sized shipyards to build those types of ships in the United States in certain areas in the country where perhaps its a bit cheaper with respect to the skilled laborbut thats a challenge in and of itself is having the having the right order the right skill sets and the right numbers, Gilday said.

And the only way to do that is to keep the skilled labor force building ships and honing skills, which the United States has failed to do over the last four decades, he said.

In this March 2021 image provided by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, the research Vessel Sally Ride is seen off the coast of Santa Catalina Island, Calif. (Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego via AP)

The Ocean of Things

Gilday said the growth in the reliance on the Maritime Commons makes such cooperative ventures between allies and trading partners more viable than trying to make up for lost time, especially as competition for maritime resources intensifies.

We talk about the Internet of Things and now were talking about the Ocean of Things, he said, citing examples that include a 100 increase in offshore wind energy by 2030, and increasing reliance on oil exploration further from shore in deeper watersthat trend is increased.

And, again, China is vastly out-investing the United States in oceanographic development. But the United States is not alone, Leinen said.

Although there were lots of players, the U.S. was absolutely dominant in marine science 20 or so years ago, she said. But it is not China that has disrupted that dominance: its been funding for science by the European Union, in addition to the funding of individual nations.

And then theres Chinathe growth of marine science in China is staggering, Leinen said. In just the last 10 years, we have seen them invest in whole new oceanographic institutions, each of which are as big as Scripps or Woods Hole, constructed out of whole cloth.

China has established two new ocean universities since 2010 and has an oceanographic research vessel that is larger than any U.S. ocean research vessel, she said.

Chinese oceanographers are working on a mega project called deep sea stations, Leinen said. Theres not a lot of information on exactly what China considers a deep sea station but you can understand the strategic importance of being able to have a nexus of capabilities in the deep ocean. And so the big challenge for us is not intellectual ability, but the sheer financial tidal wave of funding elsewhere that were up against.

Fortunately, she said, science is a team sport and, again, the United States alone does not have to match China dollar-for-dollar in areas where other nations in the Maritime Commons also have vital interests and do not want to see dominance by the CCP.

A Philippine flag flutters next to navy ships anchored at the Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea, on April 21, 2023. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images)

US, Allies Will Never Cede Sea Lanes

The worlds commercial sea-shippers, like CMA, are wary but resolute that they will not cede sea lanes to Chinas intimidation, Levesque said.

The major challenge for us is obviously what happens in the South China Sea$5 trillion of goods flow through the South China Sea every year, he said. Its a major shipping lane, obviously for CMA and for the other carriers.

Were worried about what everybodys worried aboutthat two planes go bump in the night, or two ships go bump in the night accidentally, and spiral into something bigger. And all of a sudden, we cant use those trade lanes or insurance companies wont insure our ships to go through those trade lines. Its a real concern.

If the South China Sea becomes an unusable space, Levesque said, it would devastate the economies of virtually every nation on Earth, including that of China.

Gilday said the reasons for Chinas building such a large navy is uncertain. But if it uses it to disrupt traffic in the South China Sea, whatever point it was trying to make would be lost.

The lack of transparency concerning their intentions, to how they intend to use their navy, to reach President Xis goals are concerning with respect to military expansion, he said. That said, I go back to allies and partners, to the increasing reliance on those relationships.

Theres not a single thing we do out there on the oceansand we have 100 ships at sea, a third of the fleet out there, any given daythat were not doing without allies and partners being involved.

The best example is how the worlds navies and merchant marines are combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of East Africa, Gilday said.

The Chinese have been involved in that, he said. And theyve been good partners with respect to combating piracy, supporting [the effort], and keeping those sea lanes open and accessible for all. So that should be a model, I think, for the behavior that we should expect from the PRC, and encourage more of that type of collaborative operations that benefit all of us.

Gilday said he is encouraged by the most recent turn in dialogue by senior [Chinese] leaders with respect to toning down what I would say is militaristic tone.

I think thats been helpful, he said, which is good news because the Chinese navy is going to continue to have plenty of company in the South China Sea with the U.S. 7th Fleet and its allies patrolling the sea lanes, he said, noting the Chinese warship that harassed a U.S. destroyer that was accompanied by a Canadian warshipitself a formidable force.

We will continue to operate out there and continue to operate forward. We need to assure allies and partners and, at the same time, we need to deter anybody, any nation, that pretends to challenge those international rules; challenges security interests of not only the United States but our allies and partners and put our economic interests in jeopardy, Gilday said.

And so I think we will be out there, and we need to be in the way. We cant just be milling about. It has to be purposeful. And it has to be non-provocative.
Instagram Algorithms Promote Pedophile Networks, Investigation Finds

A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed Instagram logo in this illustration taken on Feb. 21, 2023. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters)

Instagrams algorithms connect a vast network of pedophiles, an investigation by The Wall Street Journal, Stanford University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered.

An investigation by the Stanford Internet Observatorys chief technologist, David Thiel, research manager Renee DiResta, and director Alex Stamos discovered that a massive network of English-speaking social media accounts buy, sell, and share child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across several social media networks.

Some child pornography is created by children or teenagers trying to earn money, impress a date, or appease a blackmailer. The report calls this content self-generated child sexual abuse material (SG-CSAM).

The pedophile accounts navigate these accounts through hashtags referencing pedophilia, the Stanford report reads. Some of these references are obvious, like hashtags that use variations of words like pedo.

The Meta sign at the companys headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

Other references use emoji, mentions of pedophile code words, or other sly references, the report added.

Social media algorithms effectively served as the pimps that connected pedophiles to children, the reports findings suggest. Their recommendations and suggestions pushed pedophilic content into the hands of those who desired it.

Although Instagram is the most important platform for pedophile networks, other sites, including Twitter, Telegram, Discord, Snapchat, TikTok, Mastodon, and others also connect pedophiles to their victims and each other, the report states.

Social media algorithms have created a system wherein thousands of pedophiles buy pornographic images, pornographic videos, online video meetings, and even in-person meetings with children and teens, the report concludes.

In recent years, the creation and distribution of SG-CSAM has increasingly become a commercial venture. This commercialization often replicates the pattern of legitimate independent adult content production, the report says.

How It Works

According to the report, the social media accounts where children produce porn resembles porn sites like OnlyFans. Victims create menus of sex acts that customers can ask for. Customers pay for the sex acts through gift-card swapping, exchange platforms like G2G and other websites that allow anonymous payment, the report concludes.

On social media, many of the seller accounts tend to claim ages between 13 and 17 years old, the report notes. But often, these children sell sexual pictures of themselves from far younger ages, it adds.

A young girl looking at social media apps, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp, on a smartphone, on Nov. 12, 2019. (Peter Byrne/PA)

Menus can include sexually explicit videos, sexually explicit pictures, videos of self-harm, videos of sex acts with animals, videos of self-harm, video from when children were younger, and paid sexual acts, the report says.

Sellers use simple tricks to outsmart social media algorithms, the report notes. They reverse ages like 16 to 61, partially blot out words about sexual content, and use code words like menu, the report adds.

The report estimates that there are between 500 to 1,000 seller accounts and thousands of followers.

Helpful Algorithms

Pedophiles and sellers didnt have to look hard to find each other because algorithms did the work for them, the report suggests.

Most keywords that involve child porn return results on Instagrams website, the report said.

For some terms, Instagram displays a warning message, the report reads.

These results may contain images of child sexual abuse, the message reads. Child sexual abuse or viewing sexual imagery of children can lead to imprisonment and other severe consequences. This abuse causes extreme harm to children and searching and viewing such materials adds to that harm. To get confidential help or learn how to report any content as inappropriate, visit our Health Center.

At the bottom, Instagrams message offers users two options: Get resources is one. See results anyway is the other.

A grade-school girl takes part in a Manila public forum on child pornography, also attended by UN officials and local movie actors in Manila. on June 5, 2009. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Due to the widespread use of hashtags, relatively long life of seller accounts and, especially, the effective recommendation algorithm, Instagram serves as the key discovery mechanism for this specific community of buyers and sellers, the report states.

Meta owns both Instagram and Facebook.

Companies Respond

A Meta representative told The Epoch Times that the company works aggressively to fight child porn on all its platforms.

Predators constantly change their tactics in their pursuit to harm children, and thats why we have strict policies and technology to prevent them from finding or interacting with teens on our apps, and hire specialist teams who focus on understanding their evolving behaviors so we can eliminate abusive networks, the representative said.

From 2020 to 2022, Metas teams dismantled 27 abusive networks, the Meta representative said. In January 2023, Meta disabled over 490,000 accounts that violated child safety policies, the representative added.

We fixed a technical issue that unexpectedly prevented certain user reports from reaching content reviewers, we provided updated guidance to our content reviewers to more easily identify and remove predatory accounts, and we restricted thousands of additional search terms and hashtags on Instagram. Were committed to continuing our work to protect teens, obstruct criminals, and support law enforcement in bringing them to justice, said the representative.

Twitter also has children creating child porn on its platform, the report adds. Although Twitter does better at taking down child porn, people who view some seller accounts still get recommendations for other seller accounts, the report notes.

Furthermore, Twitter allows nudity, which makes it easier for child porn to appear on the platform, the report says. Sometimes, accounts posted multiple images known to be child porn before Twitter removed them, the report notes.

Since learning about this problem, Twitter has largely fixed the issue, the report says.

When contacted, Twitters press line auto-replied with a poop emoji.

Commercialized child porn groups on communications apps Discord and Telegram had thousands of members, the report noted.

According to the report, Telegrams official policies dont address child porn in private chats, sexualization of children, and grooming. Discords policies dont address the sexualization of children, the report adds.

Telegram spokesman Remi Vaughn told The Epoch Times that the site has worked hard to moderate child abuse content on the public parts of the app.

In the case of child abuse content, we publish daily reports about our efforts at t.me/stopca. At time of writing, nearly 10,000 groups, channels and bots have been removed this month, Vaughn said.

These Telegram and Discord groups had hundreds or thousands of users; some appeared to be managed by individual sellers, though there were also multi-seller groups, the report added.

The Epoch Times reached out to Discord, but received no comment.

On Snapchat, pedophiles can connect directly to children through peer-to-peer communication features, the report notes.

The Epoch Times reached out to Snapchat, but received no comment.

TikTok did a better job of limiting pedophile content, the report noted. But even there, problems existed, the report said.

The fact that TikTok is far more oriented around content recommendations instead of hashtag-based discovery or friend recommendations also makes it harder for users to discover specific types of material intentionally, the report reads.

Mastodon and Facebook also had less of a role in pedophile networks. Mastodon lacks direct messages for user communication, and Facebook has a real name policy that would stop pedophiles from going anonymous, the report notes.

Stop Abusers or Stop Business

According to Jon Uhler, a psychologist with 15 years of experience with over 4,000 sexual predators, this story shows how creatively predators pursue children. Their dark creativity knows no bounds, he said.

He added that society ignores how sexually explicit content leads to sexual predation by lowering childrens defenses.

Jon Uhler. (Courtesy of Jon Uhler)

Anybody dealing with child development understands if you introduce highly sexualized content that is above their ability developmental level to process and understand, then you set them up to be easy prey, Uhler said. Because they dont have the intuitive sense of evil intent.

Furthermore, men become predatory by watching large amounts of porn, Uhler said.

Deviance starts with lust and then objectification. And then it gets into power and control and degradation, and eventually the desire to have a negative effect, Uhler said.

He added that sexual deviance works differently in men than women. Men are far more vulnerable to going down this path, he said.

The female sex offenders and the male sex offenders are different by nature, in terms of the nature of their offense, said Uhler. You will never see any female who has been arrested for a sex offense that used objects on her victims.

Uhler said that social media companies should make stopping predators their priority. He also said the companies are smart enough to stop predators.

You guys are capable, really capable. If you are not dedicated to the protection of children, then close your site down, he said to social media companies. If youre going to build one of these things, you know predators are coming.
IRS Sends Incorrect Payment Due Notices to Taxpayers

The IRS building is seen in Washington, on Sept. 28, 2020. (Erin Scott/Reuters)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has sent out millions of letters demanding payment of taxes owed, with many of them featuring incorrect information.

The IRS said in a statement obtained by The Epoch Times that it had sent taxpayers a number of CP-14 lettersnotices that they owe money on unpaid taxes.

But some of these notices have an incorrect payment date listed, the IRS acknowledged.

The IRS apologizes to taxpayers and tax professionals for any confusion as we continue to review the situation, the agency said in the statement.

The tax agency noted, however, that these letters include a special insert that features the correct payment deadline, which was extended under special tax relief to taxpayers in federally declared disaster zones.

These letters include a special insert that notes the payment date listed in the letter does not apply to those covered by a disaster declaration, and the disaster dates remain in effect, the IRS said.

Disaster-Related Deadline Extensions

Earlier this year, taxpayers in federally declared disaster regionslike one hit by deadly winter stormswere granted tax relief by the IRS in the form of an extension on their deadlines to file their tax returns and pay amounts due.

The IRS issued a series of notices granting such relief to taxpayers affected by severe weather in parts of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, and Tennessee. The deadline extensions varied across different disaster areas, with relevant parts of Florida, for example, getting an extension until Aug. 15, while Tennessee storm victims had theirs extended until July 31.

Disaster-area taxpayers in most of California, as well as parts of Alabama and Georgia, were granted an extension until Oct. 16 to file their tax returns and make tax payments.

Its taxpayers in these areasin particular Californiathat have been bombarded with CP-14 balance due notices with erroneous deadlines, per reports.

One such notice cited by the San Francisco Chronicle was received by Deborah Hill of Oakland, which featured a June 26 due date (rather than the extended Oct. 16 deadline).

If we dont receive a full payment of the amount owed by this date, additional penalties may apply to your account. Penalties can be as high as 50 percent or more of the tax you owe, the notice read, according to the report.

Richard Pon, a San Francisco CPA, told the outlet that he had heard from six clients who received incorrect notices.

One of the clients told Pon that they had contacted an IRS customer service agent and was incorrectly told that they should have waited to file until Oct. 15 to qualify for delayed payment under the disaster tax relief program.

Amid the confusion, the IRS issued a clarifying statement.

The IRS reassures California taxpayers that they continue to have an automatic extension until later this year to file and pay their taxes for those covered by disaster declarations in the state, the IRS said.

The tax agency also said that the current CP-14 mailings being sent out are part of a legal requirement, and even though the notices say taxpayers need to pay within 21 days, the actual deadline for those in disaster zones is in October.

More Details

Many California tax professionals cited by Forbes said that the problem mostly affects taxpayers who filed their taxes before this years April 18 filing deadline.

Normally, extensions give taxpayers more time to file their returns after the deadline, but any taxes owed are still supposed to be made by the original deadline, with late payments subject to interest and penalties.

But in the case of disaster relief extensions, the deadline for paying taxes owed was also pushed back.

However, the IRS by law has 60 days to issue a demand for payment as soon as a balance due tax return has been processed.

It would appear that the IRS systems had trouble dealing with the nuance of the special disaster-related extensions for taxes owed and the statutory balances due notification requirements.

This means that when disaster-relief eligible tax returns were filed before the April 18 deadline and assessed, the IRS started sending balances due notices 60 days after the taxes were assessed without regard for the deadline extension.

The current mailings being received by some taxpayers, the IRS Notice CP-14, are for taxpayers who have a balance due, and they are sent out as a legal requirement, the IRS said in the statement.

The IRS said that the special inserts included with these letters are meant to clarify that the actual taxes owed due date falls later than the date in the notice.

The IRS did not respond to a request for comment and further clarification on the issue from The Epoch Times.

This is not the first time the IRS has sent out CP-14 notices with incorrect information.

In July 2022, for example, the agency said that some payments made on tax returns werent correctly applied to joint taxpayer accounts and so these taxpayers were receiving erroneous balance due notices.
Its Time to End Permanent Normal Trade Relations With China

Commentary

Decoupling. Derisking. Strategic competition. Call it what you will, but politics, public policy, and many private sector actors have shifted decisively away from deepening economic engagement with China.

Weve seen some significant executive actions from the White House, a new Congressional committee, and heaps of rhetoric and analysis from the punditry all directed at reversing Americas jobs and technology giveaways to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that have persisted for over twenty years.

The U.S. House of Representatives has its Select Committee on China that regularly interviews Chinese critics, skeptics, and dissidents. And leadership in the U.S. Senate has announced plans to put together an economic competition bill to build on legislation debated in the last Congress.

This is all valuable work. But while there is no shortage of worthwhile proposals to realign the U.S.-China economic relationship, one in particular would reset our deeply skewed trade arrangement to its rightful place: suspending or revoking Chinas permanent normal trade relations, or PNTR.

This suspension or revocation would allow Congress to once again determine an appropriate tariff rate on all Chinese imports into our country, beyond the sweeping Section 301 tariffs that have been in place since the Trump administration.

PNTR is a U.S. legal designation given to some foreign trading partners, and was granted to China as part of the negotiations heading into its ascension into the World Trade Organization (WTO) more than twenty years ago. This normalcy locked in tariffs for Chinese exports to the United States at a low baseline, removed those tariff rates from an annual congressional review, and created the environment in which Chinese imports saturated the American market. Resultingly, 3.7 million American jobs were lost to the yawning trade deficit with China between 2001 and 2018.

That is imbalanced trade thats tangible. You can see it in erstwhile manufacturing communities in every U.S. state that have unstable economies and underemployed workforces. The corresponding rise in mortality rates and deaths of despair in them are not coincidental.

Revisiting PNTR is one of the recommendations I made to the Houses China committee when I testified at its inaugural hearing this winter. And Im not the only one who has made this argument: A few weeks ago former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer appeared before the committee and was asked bluntly if normalized trade relations with China should be revoked.

His answer was equally blunt: Yes. In my opinion, he said, it would be one of the greatest things you could possibly do for American manufacturing.

Manufacturing in the United States is rebounding, thanks in part to a raft of industrial policies enacted by the last Congress and signed into law by President Biden. But limiting the reach of Chinese imports into the U.S. market would certainly accelerate American manufacturings return and further reduce dangerous American dependencies on China for critical goods.

Congress must accept the reality that the United States faces an authoritarian economic power that is growing increasingly so, and which for decades has employed a form of state-controlled neo-mercantilism to imbalance bilateral trade, steal U.S. intellectual property, and destabilize the jobs of millions of American workers.

In the 34 years since China violently suppressed a pro-democracy movement in the streets of its own capital, the CCP, which controls the Chinese state, has consistently demonstrated that it doesnt deserve the certainty of the same trade status we grant to allies like the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. This is a government that showers its industries with subsidies, directs its military to conduct industrial espionage, has strengthened its state-owned enterprises, and employs forced labor. Its well beyond time that we correct this decades-long mistake.

The United States should revoke Chinas permanent normalized trade relations status.

From RealClearWire

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Jewish Groups Welcome Australian Governments Ban on Nazi Symbols

Weapons and a flag with the German Nazi's swastika are displayed by Italian police after they were seized in a raid on a neo-nazi group in Italy, Nov. 28, 2019. (Polizia di Stato/Handout via REUTERS)

Jewish organisations have applauded a planned nationwide ban on Nazi symbols following a rise in their use amongst far-right groups.

New federal laws will see people displaying Nazi insignia face up to a year in jail.

Selling Nazi memorabilia will also be an offence, and sales banned in retail and online stores.

The Nazi salute will not be banned because it would fall under the jurisdiction of states and territories.

Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the laws followed years of campaigning and were needed more than ever after recent neo-Nazi demonstrations outside Victorias parliament.

The cancer of white supremacism is spreading like wildfire throughout this country, and  these are domestic terrorists in waiting, he said.

These are ticking bombs.

Over the last few years, weve seen a concerted and deliberate effort by white supremacists, by neo-Nazis, by right-wing extremists, to take their online activity in the real world.

The legislation, which will ban the Nazi Hakenkreuz and Schutzstaffel symbols, is slated to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday.

The laws would complement state and territory laws, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said.

Theres no place in Australia for those who are seeking to glorify hatred and violence and anti-Semitism, he told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.

There has been a rise in this kind of activity, its been identified by  the boss of ASIO in each of his annual state-of-the-nation security reports for the last three years.

Displaying symbols for religious, educational or artistic purposes will be among a range of exclusions from the ban.

It will not affect the use of the swastika for people observing Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Dreyfus said the ban on public display would send a clear message to those still using the Nazi symbols.

We fought the Second World War against the horrors of Nazism  the kind of conduct weve seen over the last little while would have been unthinkable in the 1950s or the 1960s or 1970s in Australia, he said.

Its something that we are seeing a little bit of a rise in activity from this small number of Australianslets call it out.

And this law is about, in part, calling it out.

The executive director of the Australia Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, Colin Rubenstein, said the bill was a welcome development.

Nazi symbols are universally recognised messages of hate and genocide, Rubenstein said.

They are used to frighten, intimidate and hurt their targets.

The bill is particularly welcome at a time when anti-Semitism is rising globally and, frighteningly, moving into mainstream discourse in numerous different ways.

But the Executive Council of Australian Jewry is concerned neo-Nazi groups will get around the legislation by using other symbols, including the deaths head and sun wheel.

We have urged the government to review the legislation periodically so that if our concerns are borne out, the prohibitions may in due course be extended to the display of other Nazi symbols, co-CEO Peter Wertheim said.
Majority of Canadians Want Formal Inquiry Into Foreign Interference: Survey

9 in 10 Canadians also in favour of creating a foreign agent registry

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thumbs through the First Report by David Johnston, independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, as he holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 23, 2023. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

As Special Rapporteur David Johnston persists in holding public hearings on allegations of foreign interference in Canadian politics, a new survey shows a majority of Canadians are more supportive of a formal inquiry.

Nine in 10 respondents also showed support for establishing a foreign agent registry for individuals working on behalf of foreign entities.

The Nanos Research survey, published on June 8, gauged the opinions of 1,096 adult Canadians on their views of Beijings interference in Canadian elections and Johnsons May 23 report in which he did not recommend a public inquiry.

The survey found that 59 percent of Canadians said they would prefer having a formal public inquiry headed by a judge with full subpoena powers to probe into foreign interference. A quarter of respondents said they would like the public hearings to shine more light on the problem of foreign interference and the threat it poses.

Asked how significant foreign interference is to Canadian democracy, 56 percent of respondents found it a major threat, while 33 percent saw it as minor. Just 4 percent believed that foreign interference is no threat at all.

Nine in 10 Canadians said they support (72 percent) or somewhat support (19 percent) creating a foreign agent registry, which would require those working on behalf of a foreign state to disclose their ties to that government.

There was also strong support for punishing those guilty of foreign interference in Canada. Almost 90 percent of respondents said that a criminal charge and jail time is the most appropriate punishment for perpetrators. Less than one in ten (7 percent) of Canadians said a fine and a warning would be appropriate. Another 7 percent were unsure of the proper punishment, while less than 1 percent said nothing should be done.

David Johnston, Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, appears as a witness at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on June 6, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Special Rapporteur

Johnston has faced widespread criticism for rejecting a public inquiry, with MPs voting last week in favour of a motion demanding his resignation as special rapporteur. In light of the public outcry, the survey also gauged Canadians view of Johnstons credibility.

Less than four in 10 (38 percent) saw Johnston as credible in terms of expressing opinions on foreign interference, while 30 percent said he was not credible.

The survey came roughly two weeks after Johnston published his first report on foreign interference.

The former governor general was appointed to the role as special rapporteur after a series of media reports alleged that Beijing had meddled in Canadas 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The reports included a November 2022 Global News article alleging that Beijing provided funding to a network of at least 11 Toronto-area candidates running in the 2019 election.

A series of reports from The Globe and Mail published in February cited leaked documents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), alleging how Beijing schemed to interfere in Canadas 2021 federal election. The media outlet also reported in March on how the Chinese consulate in Vancouver allegedly interfered in the 2022 municipal election using proxies in diaspora community groups and grooming certain candidates to run in the race.

The Nanos survey was commissioned by CTV News and the Globe and Mail. The survey was conducted between May 31 to June 3, 2023, as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Isaac Teo and Noe Chartier contributed to this report.
Man, 70, Gets 5 Years to Life for National City Womans 1974 Stabbing Death

SAN DIEGOA 70-year-old man who pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a National City convenience store clerk almost 50 years ago was sentenced June 7 to five years to life in state prison.

Carlin Edward Cornett pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder in the July 31, 1974, killing of 22-year-old Christy Ellen Bryant.

Currently, defendants convicted of second-degree murder face 15 years to life in prison, but Cornett received the sentence of a second-degree murder conviction carried in 1974 under California law.

Bryant was stabbed to death while working alone at a 7-Eleven at 702 Highland Ave., according to National City police.

The case went cold, but police said blood samples belonging to the suspect were collected at the scene. Decades later, technological advancements in DNA testing and genetic genealogy led to Cornetts identification as the suspect.

A motive for the killing was not disclosed. Cornett was arrested in 2021 at his home in Las Vegas.
Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting 2 Teens in Laguna Hills

The Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, Calif., on Oct. 22, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

SANTA ANA, Calif.A 21-year-old man pleaded guilty to shooting two 17-year-old boys in Laguna Hills, leaving one victim in critical condition.

Luis Angel Martinezmondragon of Aliso Viejo pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. He was scheduled to be sentenced April 22, 2025.

As part of the plea deal, two felony counts of assault with a firearm were dismissed.

The shooting occurred about 10:05 p.m. March 23 in the 25000 block of Alicia Parkway near the Laguna Hills Community Center, deputies said.

The victims were rushed to a hospital and survived.

A quinceanera party was occurring at the community center when the shots rang out, deputies said.

Multiple other drug cases pending against him were dismissed, but he pleaded guilty to possessing a deadly weapon in a case dating back to December 2021 and pleaded guilty to felony vandalism in another case dating back to December 2022.
Man Who Killed Irvine Scientist Camping With Daughters in Malibu Gets 119 Years

LOS ANGELESA man convicted of fatally shooting a research scientist as he slept inside a tent with his two young daughters in Malibu Creek State Park in what the judge called a cold-blooded crime was sentenced Wednesday to 119 years to life in prison.

Anthony Rauda, 46, was brought into a downtown Los Angeles courtroom in a restraint chair and wearing a spit-hood over his headthe result of two earlier attacks on sheriffs deputies while hes been in custody.

He was convicted May 26 of second-degree murder for the June 22, 2018, killing of Tristan Beaudette as the victim camped with his daughters.

Jurors also found Rauda guilty of three counts of attempted murder, including two involving Beaudettes daughters, who were not struck by the gunfire, along with five counts of second-degree commercial burglary.

Jurors acquitted Rauda of seven other attempted murder charges involving a series of other early morning shootings in the same area.

In court Wednesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter initially handed down a sentence of 142 years to life for Rauda. But after subsequently meeting with attorneys, she reconvened the hearing and said she had made a miscalculation, and revised the sentence to 119 years to life.

This case was chilling. It was violent. It was cold-blooded, the judge said. Theres absolutely no remorse. Its like somebodys worst nightmare.

Hunter said Rauda was not only cold-blooded but also smart, calling it a dangerous combination. The judge said she had been around a long time and seen many, many dangerous people and told Rauda that he ranks amongst the top with regard to your dangerousness to the community.

Your only motive that day was to kill, your only motive that day was to kill, the judge said, adding that he had earned every single aspect of being restrained in court because he had stabbed one Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy and punched another and keeps spitting at everybody since hes been behind bars.

This case wasnt just a cold-blooded case. Youve continued to act violent, to be aggressive, and thats how you are, Hunter told the defendant. So the thought of endangering the publicyoure like a poster boy for it.

She noted that he was smart enough to waive his presence in front of the jury that heard the murder case against him.

Victims Family

The victims widow, Erica Wu, requested the maximum sentence for Rauda, saying in an emotional statement that she wanted to tell their daughters that the person who had killed their father would be behind bars for life.

That may be an over-simplification, but its the only outcome that makes sense, that they and I are safe and that we never have to worry about him getting out, that this person was never allowed to walk a day free when he robbed Tristan of that very same privilege and robbed everyone Tristan knew of having him in their lives, Beaudettes wife told the judge.

She said she has often heard the word unimaginable used to describe what happened in the tent, but said she has imagined it so many times because she knew them each so well as only a wife and mother could.

Even though I wasnt there, I feel as if I was, she said, adding that her daughtersthen 2 and 4 years old would have been confused and terrified and imagining what it was like for her husband, with whom she was set to celebrate their 10th anniversary two months later.

I hope that he would have died instantly and not had to experience any of it, she said. But did he feel it? Did he know what happened? Were there seconds or minutes where he felt pain, where he could feel his own blood pooling beneath him, where he could see or hear his girls screaming or crying next to him?

Defendants Argument

During the murder trial, Deputy District Attorney Antonella Nistorescu told jurors the evidence against Rauda was overwhelming, while Raudas attorney told the panel that there was reasonable doubt and urged the jury to acquit his client.

The prosecutor said ballistics testing linked a rifle that was found in a backpack Rauda was carrying at the time of his arrest to the bullet that killed Beaudette and a shooting that damaged a white Tesla being driven nearby a few days earlier.

Nistorescu said the defendant finally managed to do what he had persistently been trying to do, when he killed Beaudette as he was sleeping next to his daughters. Beaudettes youngest daughters leggings were covered in her fathers blood when she knelt next to him after the shooting, the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor alleged that Rauda wore a mask and dark clothing and toted a rifle when he committed the burglaries, including two at the Calabasas Community Center and two at the Las Virgenes Water District between July and October 2018, calling him thorough, deliberate, and careful.

After the last break-in, Rauda was tracked down through bootprints and a scent dog to a makeshift encampment on Oct. 10, 2018, Nistorescu said.

Raudas attorney, Nicholas Okorocha, countered that there was reasonable doubt involving the charges against his client.

He told jurors they should watch for an absence of evidence that indicates gaps in the case.

You have these unanswered questions, the defense lawyer said in his closing argument.

He noted that DNA testing done on cigarette butts found near where authorities believe the gunman shot at Beaudettes tent showed that the DNA came from an as-yet unidentified male and that it does not match his clients DNA.

Okorocha said the investigation has gone on for 4 1/2 years and is still ongoing as authorities try to figure out whose DNA was on the cigarette butts.

Theres clearly reasonable doubt, he said, asking jurors to follow the law and find Anthony Rauda not guilty.

In her rebuttal argument, the prosecutor countered that the discussion about the cigarette butts was a red herring, saying they were found in a public campground and had no logical connection to Beaudettes shooting.

Day of the Shooting: Witnesses

During emotional testimony, Beaudettes brother-in-law Scott McCurdy told the downtown Los Angeles jury that he was sleeping in a nearby tent when he was awakened by several loud pops that he initially thought may have been fireworks or something from a nearby fire pit and saw like a flash of light early the morning of June 22, 2018.

He said he heard one of Beaudettes daughters start to cry and waited for his brother-in-law to calm the girl down, then decided to get out of his own tent to see what was going on when he heard the girls older sister talking with her.

I heard the girls crying, he said, telling jurors that Beaudettes youngest daughter said, Wet, wet and that he didnt think anything about it at the time.

McCurdy said he tried to verbally comfort the girls while trying to rouse his brother-in-law from sleep and turned on his brother-in-laws phone after noticing that his own hand felt slippery.

My hand was covered in blood, he said, noting that he turned back to his brother-in-law and saw the girls kneeling in a pool of blood and his brother-in-laws face in a pool of blood.

He said he reached down to try to feel his brother-in-laws neck for a pulse and realized he should get the girls out of the tent and call out to neighboring campers for help. The victims brother-in-law said he held onto the girls until a few neighbors came over and then went back into the tent to check on Beaudette.

I noticed there was nothing in his eyes, he said of the 35-year-old research scientist from Irvine. I realized he was gone and I left.

He said he started to put together what had happened to Beaudette and recalled that he had noticed that there was a small hole in the fairly new tent at the campsite, where toys were strewn about and a childrens bike was on top of one of the vehicles.

The prosecutions first witness, Stacey Sebourn, who was camping nearby, said she was awakened early that day by the sound of gunshots that sounded like they came from a shotgun or rifle. She said she called 911 after hearing a man calling for help and a baby crying.

It was a very mournful cry for daddy over and over againdaddy, daddy, daddy,' she said.

She said she whispered during her 911 call to report the shooting because she didnt want to bring attention to her own tent.

I was petrified, she said, noting that she didnt initially come out of her tent after the shooting.

Rauda was arrested on Oct. 10, 2018.

He was sentenced in December 2018 to six months in jail for gun and ammunition violations, a sentence set to run consecutively with an earlier 160-day sentence for a probation violation.

He was charged in January 2019 with the alleged crime spree and subsequently indicted in October 2019.

Rauda was sentenced last June to three years and eight months in jail after being convicted of attacking the two Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies since hes been in custody. Both of those attacks were caught on surveillance video, and Rauda was subsequently brought into court for further hearings in a chair in which he was confined.
Middletown Passes Resolution in Support of New Forensic Psychiatric Hospital

The Middletown City Council passed a resolution on June 6 to support the construction of a new state forensic psychiatric hospital to replace the old facility on the New Hampton campus.

The new hospital will tap Middletowns water and sewer systems through lines to be constructed along Route 17M, a win-win for both the state and the city, according to Mayor Joseph DeStefano.

It not only saves the state money because they do not have to operate their own costly sewage treatment plant but also gives us opportunities for economic development along 17M, he told The Epoch Times.

The city will also earn extra revenue by providing water and sewer services to the new hospital, he added.

Of the two dozen or so state-owned psychiatric centers in New York, Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center on Route 17M has some of the oldest facilities and needs major updates, according to a presentation to the Middletown City Council by a state official in January.

It currently employs about 550 workers, with most of its patients admitted following court orders of incompetent to stand trial or not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect.

The new hospital, which will be constructed next to the old facility on the existing campus, will house 300 beds with access to evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation services.

Total costs for the development are estimated at $280 million and financed by state bonds.

About 3.5 miles of new lines will be constructed northward along Route 17M to link the new facility to water and sewer systems in the City of Middletown.

An average of 36,000 gallons of potable water are estimated to be consumed by the new facility daily; the same number also applies to wastewater.

The proposed new lines can meet the hospitals needs and accommodate at least 800 additional households, according to the above-mentioned presentation.

But DeStefano has bigger plans. He said he is in talks with county officials to explore the possibility of investing in larger or additional lines simultaneously to accommodate future growth along the state route.

Following the city council resolution, the New York State Dormitory Authority will submit a permit application about the proposed lines to the Department of Environmental Conservation for approval.

Construction is expected to start next year and finish by the end of 2025.

Upon completion, the old buildings will be repurposed for other uses; the onsite water and wastewater treatment plants will be abandoned.

In the early 2010s, New York had planned to close Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center as part of a statewide consolidation plan to save costs in the long run.

However, the plan was later ditched, and a new hospital is now planned to extend the life of the center.
Tesla has set up a public relations team in Korea, which is unprecedented for a company that does not have a PR department even at headquarters and relies on CEO Elon Musk making announcements on Twitter.

Only 424 Teslas were sold here last month, down 77 percent on-year, and cumulative sales from January to May this year totaled 1,841 cars, down 46 percent. Over the same period Tesla's sales in China surged 142 percent.

The main reason is stronger competition from electric-car lineups by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Mercedes sold 2,723 EQE and EQS sedans in Korea in the first five months of the year to top EV sales here. BMW saw better sales than Tesla with the iX3s and i4s, and the i5, the electric version of the BMW 5 Series, is expected to improve sales even further.

Tesla seems to have failed to read the tastes of Korean consumers, who like fresh models. Unlike rival automakers that roll out face-lifted models every three to four years, Tesla has been selling the same models for the last six years except for some software updates.
A pregnant mother decided to give birth to her son three months prematurely after not feeling him move for two days. Her quick decision saved the babys life.

After Jordyn Smith, 30, couldnt feel her baby son, Jay, move inside her over a weekend, she rushed to the Pomona Valley Hospital, California, to get checked out.

Doctors discovered the baby was in distress because his heartbeat was faint and asked Jordyn and her husband, Eric, 32, to make a decision. They said they could perform an emergency C-section, but at 26 weeks, the baby was so small hed only have an eight percent chance of survival, or they could let him grow bigger, which would render his chances of survival even smaller.

The couple opted to give birth immediately. Jay, now 13 months, was born less than 24 hours later, weighing less than one poundjust 14.8 ounces (approx. 419 grams).

Jay defied the odds and spent 173 days in hospital before going home.

However, after just six days at home, he stopped breathing and was blue-lighted to hospital where the doctors discovered he had liver cancer.

This was related to his premature arrival, and he spent a further three weeks in hospital and endured chemotherapy and an operation. Hes now finally cancer-free and home for good.

We were given an impossible decision, said Jordyn, a communications marketing specialist from Inland Empire, California.

I was in survival mode, I didnt know babies that old could survive. I didnt know how dire the situation was until later on when he was given an eight percent chance.

Bringing him home was magical, all I ever wanted was to have my kids together and healthy. For him to be released on such a magical day, Christmas Eve, it was a huge blessing.

Jordyn became pregnant with Jay in November 2021, just one month after she married Eric. At the 20-week scan, Jay was measuring small, but the mom-to-be was told it wasnt anything to worry about because her daughter, Tessa, now 3, was also small as a baby.

Then at 26 weeks, things changed for the worse, and she had to deliver Jay prematurely. Jay was born on March 29, 2022. He was born not breathing and was revived and put in an incubator.

It was a wait-and-see moment to see if he would live or not, Jordyn said.

Jay was on a ventilator for 28 days, during which he had a bleed on the brain and couldnt be held. However, after being at home for nearly a week, Jay stopped breathing and was taken to Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital, California.

He was in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for three weeks, Jordyn said. He was being monitored by doctors when they found a mass in his liver. I was thinking Why him? He had been through so much already and he has had to fight so many battles his entire life. He has just got out of the hospital and is now fighting another battleit doesnt seem fair.

Jay had four rounds of chemotherapy starting in October 2022 to shrink the liver tumor before surgery in December 2022.

Doctors removed 50 percent of his liver, and his gall bladder, and were able to remove the tumor during a four-hour operation. Jay was in recovery for four days and discharged on the 2022 Christmas Eve.

He had one final round of chemotherapy in January 2023 and now he is recovering, Jordyn said. Unfortunately, because of the chemo he now has permanent hearing damage. He is monitored very closely, we are praying that a relapse doesnt happen.

Jordyn described Jay as a social butterfly who is very curious and alert about everything.

He is the happiest, silliest baby, it is amazing after everything he has been through, she said. We had a superhero birthday theme for his first birthday, it was so blissful to celebrate that day when we didnt know we would get it.

His nurse team was there to celebrate it was a very emotional day.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at: https://www.theepochtimes.com/newsletter
More Evacuation Orders to Be Lifted for Halifax-Area Residents Affected by Wildfires

A police officer stands in front of the remains of a home destroyed by a wildfire in Hammond's Plains, N.S., during a media tour, June 6, 2023. (The Canadian Press/POOL, Tim Krochak)

The mayor of Halifax says more evacuation orders will be lifted Friday for residents in subdivisions that sustained the most damage when a fast-moving wildfire broke out May 28 and quickly destroyed 150 homes.

Emergency alerts will be sent Friday explaining how access will be granted to various neighbourhoods in the Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains areas, Mike Savage told reporters.

We remain committed to addressing community safety and to helping people regain what was lost, he said Thursday, describing the disaster as the most devastating fire of our times.

This last 10 days has been remarkably devastating to the whole community in a way that we havent seen in a long time.

In all, more than 16,000 people were forced to flee their homes, but several evacuation orders have since been lifted for other subdivisions northwest of the citys downtown.

Though the fire was largely contained on Saturday, about 4,000 people were still waiting on Thursday to return to their homes. Most of those people were expected to be given approval to return home before Friday afternoon, but another group could expect to wait longer.

The Halifax Regional Municipality said residents who live within three smaller areas where the most damage was reported should be able to return home within the next 10 days. The municipality said it must first complete a review of infrastructure, install traffic controls and place fences around destroyed properties.

Keep in mind, its still early June, Savage said. We need to be vigilant. We need to be careful because, as was seen across the country, wildfires are not going away.

The mayor also encouraged people to attend a benefit concert on Friday night in Halifax that will raise money for disaster relief.

Erica Fleck, division chief of emergency management, said the municipality would set up a so-called community hub for those who have lost their homes to speak with municipal staff. As well, she said the region has hired the humanitarian organization Team Rubicon, which will provide a team of 50 volunteers to help homeowners sift through their destroyed or badly damaged homes.

The Canadian Red Cross announced Thursday that as of 8 p.m. Atlantic time, residents subject to evacuation orders would no longer be able to register online for a one-time $500 emergency grant from the Nova Scotia government.

In southwestern Nova Scotia, the 235-square-kilometre Barrington Lake fire was being held in place Thursday by 170 firefighters and two helicopters. But officials said the fire remained out of control after it destroyed 60 homes and cottages, and another 150 structures.

Although the fire is not yet under control, we continue to work hard and do not expect the fire to spread further, the Shelburne County East Emergency Management Organization said in a statement late Wednesday.

The organization issued a statement Thursday reminding residents that evacuation orders are not just recommendations.

We acknowledge the frustration of community members, especially of those who have not yet been able to return to their properties and homes, the organization said. However, to protect our community members and the wildfire investigation  we need to take a safety-first approach.

The organization said the evacuation zones remained dangerous because of oil spills from furnaces, downed power lines and leaking septic systems.

We have been fortunate to report no fatalities or injuries from the wildfires and we would like to keep it this way, the statement said.

A major highway that runs along the provinces southwest coast was partially reopened to traffic late Wednesday, allowing commercial traffic and health-care workers to use a section of Highway 103 that was closed when the Barrington Lake fire rapidly moved northward last week.

A provincewide ban on open fires remains in place. The fine for violations has been increased to $25,000.

Previously imposed restrictions on travel and activities in the provinces woodlands have been lifted, except in Shelburne County and anywhere evacuation orders remain in place.
Rep. Greene After Reviewing FBI Document Alleging Biden Bribery Scheme: Nothing Short of Deeply Troubling

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) at the Protect Children's Innocence press event outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 20, 2022. (Terri Wu/The Epoch Times)

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said Thursday that she had reviewed the FBIs unclassified document allegedly implicating President Joe Biden in a bribery scheme while disclosing what she believes voters should know about it.

I just read the FBIs FD-1023 form implicating Joe Biden in a political bribery pay-to-play scheme. Heres what the American people deserve to know, Greene said in a post on Twitter.

Greene said in an accompanying video that she had reviewed the documentan FD-1023 format the governments Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility and that she believes the document is very credible.

I just read the FBIs FD-1023 form implicating Joe Biden in a political bribery pay-to-play scheme. Heres what the American people deserve to know. pic.twitter.com/b3X8qh9MPf  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) June 8, 2023

Nothing Short of Deeply Troubling

A whistleblower has alleged in the unclassified document that Joe Biden, while he was vice president, engaged in a $5 million bribery scheme with a foreign national in exchange for certain actions.

Greene, who called the allegations nothing short of deeply troubling, said that the whistleblower is a paid informant by the FBI and the matter is unrelated to allegations brought forward by former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani in 2020.

Giuliani previously alleged that Biden pressured Ukrainian officials to fire top prosecutor Viktor Shokin by withholding millions in guaranteed loans because he was planning to investigate Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company that employed his son, Hunter Biden.

Shokin was fired in April 2016, amid long-standing charges of corruption. About a month prior to his dismissal, Biden threatened to cut off $1 billion in guaranteed loans to Ukraine unless Shokin was fired.

I looked at them and said: Im leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, youre not getting the money, Biden recounted at the Council on Foreign Relations in 2018. Well, son of a [expletive], he got fired. And they put in place someone who was solid at the time.

Shokin told a European court in a sworn affidavit that he was removed because he refused to drop the investigation into Burisma.

Ukrainian prosecutor general Viktor Shokin holds a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Nov. 2, 2015. (Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images)

Definitely Illegal

Greene said that the latest allegations in the FBI document are extremely credible given that the whistleblower was a paid FBI informant.

Citing the FBI document, Greene said the whistleblower indicated that Burisma Holdings had hired Hunter Biden to serve on its board to make the problems go away with Shokins planned investigation.

The informant, who was an adviser to Burisma, advised the company to hire lawyers and try to resolve any potential issues arising from Shokins probe rather than hire Hunter Biden as a way of seeking leverage.

He was trying to tell them to do the right thing, Greene said.

Greene continued by saying that the informant declared in the form that he had paid $5 million to one Biden and he paid $5 million to another Biden and it was all a bribery to get Shokin fired and end the investigation into Burisma.

Greene said that the whistleblower said that bribes are standard fare in doing business and other matters involving officials in Ukraine.

Many businesses they take that into account, they put it in their budgets, she said, adding that it wouldnt be unusual for a company in Ukraine to consider hiring Hunter Biden on the board in order to make their problems go away,' which in this case was prosecutor Shokin, who was investigating Burisma.

This was definitely illegal for the vice president of the United States and their family members, Greene alleged.

The president on Thursday called the allegations malarkey while Hunter Biden earlier denied any wrongdoing in connection with Burisma.

Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden attend the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on April 10, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The Big Guy

Citing the document, Greene said that the whistleblower said that the owner of Burisma said it would take 10 years for the public to find out about the payments made to the Bidens because of how many bank accounts there were, presumably referring to ones to which alleged corrupt money transfers were made.

The whistleblower said that at the time, there were no direct payments made to The Big Guy, Greene continued, referring to the elder Biden.

However, as time went on and the situation around Shokins planned probe became more heated, the Burisma owner said that he had evidence of payments made to both Bidens, Greene said, citing the whistleblower.

He told the informant that he has two pieces of evidence showing proof of payment to Hunter and, specifically, Joe Biden, Greene said.

This owner of Burisma kept a record, especially of the bribes, she said, explaining that this is a way to enforce whatever actions are promised in exchange for the bribes.

The allegations in the FBI form are shocking, Greene concluded, vowing to continue investigating the matter.

She said she hopes the FBI will continue to cooperate with lawmakers in their probe, but she rebuked the agency for not releasing the unclassified information to the public.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has confirmed that the file exists, and after initially refusing to release it to the entire Republican-led House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, he has since released it to the panel.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies at a hearing in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee in Congress in Washington on Jan. 29, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Bunch of Malarkey

At a joint press conference Thursday with the Prime Minister of Britain, a reporter asked Biden about the bribery allegations.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace says theres damning evidence in an FBI file that you sold out the country. Do you have a response? the reporter asked.

Wheres the money? Biden replied, adding, Im joking. Its a bunch of malarkey.

Earlier, Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who viewed the FBI document on June 5, said that document was based on allegations that went nowhere.

The White House has downplayed the panels investigation as a silly charade aimed at hurting Bidens reputation ahead of the 2024 elections.

The FBI told The Epoch Times in response to a previous inquiry that the agency has been cooperating with the Oversight Committees probe while defending not releasing the document to the public.

The FBI has continually demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committees request, including by producing the document in a reading room at the U.S. Capitol, a spokesperson said.

This commonsense safeguard is often employed in response to congressional requests and in court proceedings to protect important concerns, such as the physical safety of sources and the integrity of investigations, the agency added.

Following the closed-door briefing with Wray, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) issued a statement saying that FBI officials confirmed that the unclassified, FBI-generated record has not been disproven.

Comer said that information comes from a trusted, highly credible human informant who has cooperated with the FBI for years.

These are facts and no amount of spin, and frankly lies, from the White House or Congressional Democrats can change this information, he added.

Joseph Lord and Jackson Richman contributed to this report.
New California Bill Would Prohibit Stores From Asking Employees to Stop Shoplifters

A California bill to prohibit businesses from asking employees to confront shoplifters or active shooters has passed the state Senate, in spite of opposition from retailers who say it would add to the states escalating retail theft problem.

With growing awareness of workplace violence, California needs smarter guidelines to keep workers safe in the office or on the job site, said the bills author Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) in a press release.

Under SB 553, employers would be prohibited from forcing their workers to confront active shoplifters and would set standards for companies of all kinds to address workplace violence prevention.

According to Cortese, the bill is focused on protecting employees and does not affect private security guards. In fact, it highlights the need for dedicated safety personnel, according to his office.

The bill does not prohibit employees from stopping theft, but does prohibit employers from having a policy requiring them to confront shoplifters, according to Cortese.

It does prevent employers from asking non-[private] security personnel to confront a person involved in criminal activity, Cortese told The Epoch Times in a statement. We dont want rank and file employees to be forced to place themselves in harms way.

Supporters of the bill argue that worker safety is an emergency.

Assaults at stores have increased in the state faster than the national average, rising 42 percent from 2018 to 2020, with a 63 percent increase at grocery stores and a 75 percent jump at convenience stores, Cortese said in an analysis of the bill.

Over 50 state and national organizations are against the measure, however, including the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and the California Retailers Association, among others representing a wide range of sectors.

Unfortunately, we are creating an environment where I actually think this bill will do the opposite, which is to create more workplace violence, California Retailers Associations President Rachel Michelin told The Epoch Times. I think youd have more people coming in and brazenly stealing from stores because theres nothing anyone can do about it.

The bill additionally eliminates the ability for a stores loss-prevention employees to approach anyone suspected of shoplifting, according to Michelin.

A lot of our stores already have hands-off policies, she said. A lot of companies will fire employees over that.

The legislation would have a huge impact on small businesses, she added.

[This comes] at a time in California when were facing record shoplifting, and organized crime is through the roof, she said.

Crime Crisis

Retail crime in the Golden State has reached a crisis in many cities, experts say. In California, retailers lose more than $7.8 billion a year to theft, credit giant Capital One reported in April.

In San Francisco this year, several major retailers have closed stores citing a rise in crime and a changing environment.

Last month, Nordstrom announced the closing of its two remaining stores in the city because of a deteriorating situation in downtown San Francisco. Before that, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens, Amazon Go, and Anthropologie also closed outlets in downtown.

This week, the citys largest hotelthe 1,921-room San Francisco Hiltonand the 1,024-room Parc 55, stopped making loan payments, electing to walk away, the hotels owner, Park Hotels and Resorts, announced on June 5.

After much thought and consideration, we believe it is in the best interest for Parks stockholders to materially reduce our current exposure to the San Francisco market, said Thomas Baltimore, Jr., chairman and CEO of Park, in a statement. Now more than ever, we believe San Franciscos path to recovery remains clouded and elongated by major challenges  both old and new: record high office vacancy; concerns over street conditions; lower return to office than peer cities; and a weaker than expected citywide convention calendar through 2027

Retailers Campaign for Change

Last year, the California Chamber of Commerce and retailers created Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft, a coalition of chambers of commerce, businesses, and business organizations to raise public awareness of the states growing theft problem.

The states store owners have reported an increase in violence statewide, according to the coalition, and losses have increased nearly 60 percent over the past five years.

SB 553 doesnt address the root cause of the problemretail crime, spokesman Matt Ross told The Epoch Times.

I dont think this bill will do anything to affect the problems with retail crime in any way, shape, or form, he said. What we need to do is get more cops dedicated to retail theft and the violence thats associated with it.

The bill takes the wrong approach and puts the onus on businesses and not on criminals, Ross added.

We need greater enhancements for habitual criminals, and we need to see some revisions to Prop. 47, he said.

Proposition 47

The coalition is advocating for Californias officials to undo Proposition 47, a law passed by voters in 2014 that reduced many felony offenses to misdemeanors, including drug possession.

It also raised the minimum of felony thefts to $950, which many critics say is the main reason shoplifting and theft have risen across the state.

This session, the Legislature has struck down five bills, authored by Democrats and Republicans alike, that would have addressed retail theft, the coalition reported in May.

Crime is on the rise, and the Legislature is doing nothing about it, the organization said in a statement.

Theft is growing faster than sales, the organization added.

Every one of these bills died without a vote on the floor, the coalition stated. These are not victimless crimes. Retail theft puts business owners, customers, and employees personal safety at risk.

Retail theft has become a problem in Californias bigger cities. Last year, stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties were victims of smash-and-grab robberies.

Assemblyman Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) attempted to reduce the felony theft threshold back to $400 in 2022, but his legislation failed in the Assemblys Public Safety Committee after the committees chairman said black and brown communities would be impacted.

The committee also voted down another bill by a Republican lawmaker that would have repealed Prop. 47 in 2022.

Support for the Bill

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council applauded the Senate for passing the legislation on May 31.

Its unacceptable that workers in California wake up each morning afraid that they will be assaulted or killed on the job and wont make it home that night, said Jim Araby, director of strategic campaigns for UFCW Local 5, in a press release.

Araby recounted how a member of his union was shot and killed during an altercation when an assailant was stealing liquor from the store where he worked.

Essential grocery workers are trained to sell food to customers, not to stop shoplifting and prevent active shooter situations. Were glad the Senate stood up for workers and passed SB 553 today, he said.

The State Assembly is now considering SB 553 but has yet to assign it to a committee.

Correction: A previous version of this article failed to convey certain details of the legislation. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
New Cold War: CCP Spy Base Planned for Cuba, US Drones for Taiwan

Chinese soldiers outside the Forbidden City in Beijing on Oct. 1, 2020. (NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinas communist regime is reportedly preparing to establish a spy base in Cuba while the United States seeks to send drones and real-time intelligence to Taiwan. One U.S. lawmaker has described the situation as a new Cold War.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which rules China as a single-party state, has reached a secret deal with Cubas communist regime to establish a spy base there.

As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which cited only anonymous sources, the base will be used by communist authorities and could include activities such as eavesdropping on American phone calls, emails, and satellite communications.

The proposed facility would be built just 100 miles off the coast of Florida, potentially allowing the regime to illicitly collect electronic communications from a vast swath of the southeastern United States, including passing ships and military facilities.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department didnt address the reports allegations directly but told The Epoch Times that the department is monitoring and working to counter CCP efforts to develop military infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere.

We cannot speak to this specific report, we are well aware ofand have spoken many times tothe Peoples Republic of Chinas efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere, the spokesperson said in an email.

We monitor it closely, take steps to counter it, and remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home, in the region, and around the world.

The Journal report cited unnamed officials who said that the CCP had agreed to pay Cuba billions of dollars for the opportunity to build the spy base in Americas backyard.

The move is a direct challenge to U.S. security and is reminiscent of the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. At that time, the Soviet Union deployed nuclear-capable missiles to Cuba. The United States responded by quarantining the island nation.

That crisis was widely seen as the closest the two powers ever came to nuclear war. The two nations eventually backed down, however, with the Soviets removing the missiles from Cuba and the United States removing its missiles from Turkey.

The United States didnt reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba, first severed in 1961, until the Obama administration removed the nation from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list in 2015.

US to Send Drones, Intel to Taiwan



As the CCP moves to directly spy on the U.S. homeland, the United States is positioning new security assets to the Indo-Pacific.

The nation is slated to deliver four drones to Taiwan, according to a new report by the Financial Times, and will facilitate a real-time intelligence-sharing operation between the three powers.

General Atomics, a defense contractor, will deliver four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to Taiwan in 2025. Combined with the intelligence-sharing program, the capability will dramatically improve Taiwans ability to locate, track, and destroy hostile ships in the event of a war with China.

Taiwans forces will be trained on how to use the system alongside their American and Japanese counterparts.

The capability would also give the island a unique insight into the CCPs military maneuvers around the island and throughout the first island chain, which stretches north to south and separates China from the open Pacific.

Directly integrating Taiwan into U.S. and allied capabilities is likely to be seen as an escalatory move by the CCP, which could retaliate with economic and diplomatic measures against the island, the United States, or Japan.

The CCP claims that Taiwan is a rogue province of China, though the regime has never controlled the territory. Communist leaders have vowed to unite the island with the mainland by any means necessary, and have directly threatened war to achieve this goal.

Taiwan boasts a robust democratic government and a thriving market economy.

The United States formally recognizes the CCPs position but doesnt endorse it. Instead, the nation maintains only unofficial relations with Taiwan while simultaneously upholding the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which guarantees it will provide the island with the weapons it needs for self-defense.

The United States has moved closer to Taiwan in recent years and now provides limited numbers of troops to the island to train local forces, even as the CCP increases its efforts to militarily intimidate the island.

Biden Seeks Talks With CCP



While CCP hostility to Taiwans new drones is a given, its unclear how the Biden administration will respond to the development of the CCP spy base in Cuba, if at all.

The administration is currently engaged in a campaign to engage with the CCP diplomatically and has consistently sought talks with the regime, even as CCP aggression against the United States grows. The CCP, meanwhile, has cut virtually all military-to-military communications with the United States.

CIA Director William Burns went to Beijing on a secret trip last month as part of the administrations efforts. The administration also sent Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, to Beijing on June 4, the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Select Committee on the CCP Chair Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) condemned the trip as an outrage and snub to the regimes victims.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also widely expected to make the trip to Beijing soon, fulfilling a Biden administration priority trip that was temporarily canceled when the regime sent a spy balloon over the United States in February.

The Epoch Times requested comment from the White House but didnt receive a response by press time.
NOAA Declares El Nino Conditions Are Present Worldwide, Forecast to Strengthen

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared the arrival of El Nino, an on-and-off-again weather phenomenon that brings warmer sea temperatures near the equator.

The agency noted that El Nino occurs every two to seven years, on average, and it can bring heavier rain to some parts of the world or drought in others. On its website, NOAA said that the weather phenomenon was expected to come, saying that it will be moderate-to-strong by the fall and winter months.

El Ninos influence on the U.S. is weak during the summer and more pronounced starting in the late fall through spring, said NOAA. By the winter, there is a forecast 84 percent chance of greater than a moderate strength El Nino and a 56 percent chance of a strong El Nino, it said.

Typically, moderate to strong El Nino conditions during the fall and winter result in wetter-than-average conditions from southern California to along the Gulf Coast and drier-than-average conditions in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley, according to the agency. El Nino winters also bring better chances for warmer-than-average temperatures across the northern tier of the country.

At the same time, El Nino-caused weather conditions generally help suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin, although it will likely trigger strong cyclonic activity in the central and eastern Pacific basins, the agency said.

Depending on its strength, El Nino can cause a range of impacts, such as increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and droughts in certain locations around the world, said Michelle LHeureux, a researcher at the agencys Climate Prediction Center.

People watch as large surf rolls to the beach past the Ocean Beach Pier which was closed because of the high surf after strong storms in San Diego on Jan. 7. (Bill Wechter/AFP/Getty Images)

El Nino, which means Little Boy in Spanish, is the warm phase of the El NinoSouthern Oscillation. The opposite, La Nina, means Little Girl, and it means that surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean near the equator are lower than the average.

According to NOAAs website (pdf), an El Nino event generally lasts between nine and 12 months. La Nina events, in contrast, can last for years at a time.

During El Nino, unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central/eastern tropical Pacific lead to increased evaporation and cooling of the ocean. At the same time, the increased cloudiness blocks more sunlight from entering the ocean. When water vapor condenses and forms clouds, heat is released into the atmosphere, NOAA wrote in a 2022 ENSO blog.

El Nino strongly tilts Australia toward drier and warmer conditions with northern South AmericaBrazil, Colombia, and Venezuelalikely to be drier and Southeast Argentina and parts of Chile likely to be wetter, she said. India and Indonesia also tend to be dry through August in El Ninos.

El Nino hits hardest in December through February, shifting the winter storm track farther south to the equator. The entire southern third to half of the United States, including California, is likely to be wetter in El Nino. For years, California was looking for El Nino rain relief from a decades-long megadrought, but this winters seemingly endless atmospheric rivers made it no longer needed, officials have said.

A NOAA map, dated June 4, 2023, shows El Ninos effects in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Some economic studies have shown that La Nina causes more damage in the United States and globally than El Nino. One 2017 study in an economic journal found El Nino has a growth-enhancing effect on the economies of the United States and Europe, while it was costly for Australia, Chile, Indonesia, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.

If youve been suffering three years of a profound drought like in South America, then a tilt toward wet might be a welcome development, LHeureux told The Associated Press in a recent interview. You dont want flooding, but certainly there are portions of the world that may benefit from the onset of El Nino.

But a recent study says El Nino is far more expensive globally than previously thought, putting damage estimates in the trillions of dollars. The World Bank estimated that the 19971998 El Nino cost governments $45 billion.

The United States also faces hazards from El Nino despite some benefits. Ehsan noted that the increased rainfall in California, Oregon, and Washington heightens the risk of landslides and flash flooding in these areas. While El Nino brings benefits in terms of water resource recharge, it poses certain hazards that need to be considered and managed, he added.

Recently, La Nina dissipated in March. But since then, U.S. forecasters have issued a watch for El Nino.

In addition to El Nino and La Nina, ocean temperatures are sometimes considered neutral, meaning they are not excessively cold or warm.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum Enters Republican Presidential Primary

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (L) speaks with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (C) before the start of a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and governors visiting from states around the country, in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Feb. 10, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

On the same day that former Vice President Mike Pence entered the 2024 presidential race, a lesser-known Republican also announced his candidacy. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum joined the growing 2024 Republican primary field to challenge former President Donald Trump for the partys nomination.

A North Dakota native who built Great Plains Software into a technology giant that was purchased by Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001, Burgum told a group of enthusiastic supporters in Fargo on June 7 that we need a new leader for a changing economy. Thats why Im announcing my run for president today.

Burgum joins a list of Republican presidential hopefuls that include Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, conservative talk show host Larry Elder, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Pence.

Anger, yelling, infightingthats not going to cut it anymore. Lets get things done, said Burgum, who endorsed Trump in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. In North Dakota, we listened with respect, and we talked things out. Thats how we can get America back on track.

President Donald Trump looks on as he meets with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, on May 13, 2020. (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)

All the engagement right now is occurring on the edge, he told a North Dakota newspaper. Theres definitely a yearning for some alternatives right now.

Burgum grew up in Arthur, North Dakota, a community of 300. He admits he is a long-shot candidate, but he pointed out that he was an underdog when he ran for governor in 2016.

Burgum entered the 2016 gubernatorial race as a political newcomer with 10 percent support in the polls. Wayne Stenehjem, a popular attorney general at the time, held a commanding lead. Over time, Burgums campaign drew attention, and he won the primary by more than 10 percentage points and then won the general election with 77 percent of the vote.

He was reelected in 2020 with almost 66 percent of the vote. North Dakota is a deep red state where Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election since 1988.

Theres a value to being underestimated all the time, Burgum said, recalling that he had no endorsements in his first race. Thats a competitive advantage.

Burgum founded Great Plains Software in 1983. After it was acquired by Microsoft, he remained active as an executive until 2007.

I started a shoeshine business, worked at the grain elevator and as the chimney sweep, paid my way through college, then earned an MBA from Stanford, he said in a campaign video. I literally bet the farm to help turn a small startup into a billion-dollar company in North Dakota. People thought I was crazy. A software company in North Dakota? But we ignored those who said North Dakota was too small, too cold, and too distant to build a world-class software company. We did it anyway.

Burgum launched a real estate development firm and an investment group after his tenure at Great Plains Software and Microsoft.

He believes his blue-collar, technology, and executive background gives him the versatile experience to guide the country.

We need a leader who understands the real work that Americans do every day, Burgum said. Someone whos worked alongside our farmers, our ranchers, and our small business owners; someone whos held jobs where you shower at the end of the day, not at the beginning.

We need a leader whos clearly focused on three things: economy, energy, and national security, he added.

Burgum has a conservative track record as North Dakotas governor. He signed a bill earlier this year that bans gender-affirming care for most minors and legislation that prevents transgenders from participating in womens and girls sports. He enacted a ban on abortions at six weeks in the state.

In 2021, he announced an objective to make North Dakota carbon neutral by 2030. He said he plans to accomplish this by emphasizing research to harness underground geological formations in the state to store carbon, an approach that does not require mandates or regulations.

This year we achieved pension reform, helped pass term limits, and enacted the biggest tax cut in state history, he wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. I can do the same for America. The U.S. has the hardest-working people in the world. But we need new leadership to unleash our potential.

Burgum criticized President Joe Bidens energy policy, saying that it is empowering dictators like [Vladimir] Putin to invade Ukraine. Weaning the country from fossil fuels has been destructive and has created global imbalances.

Were running because we want to unleash the American economy, and we want to improve every American life and the way we do that, of course, is to get our economy really rolling, Burgum said. To get our economy really rolling, weve got to make sure weve got an energy policy thats 180 degrees different than the one we have under the Biden administration. When we fix energy policy, then we have an opportunity to really stabilize the world.

Burgum was asked how much of his own money he would invest in his presidential campaign.

In every other venture that Ive started, Ive been willing to invest in myself, and I wouldnt ask donors to invest in this race if they didnt know that I was investing in myself, he told Fox News Digital.

This is going to take a team effort, and well be fully funded, but were going to do that because well have a broad base of support that want to see this message delivered in this race, he added.
In a major victory for the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court ruled on June 8 that Alabama discriminated against black voters when it drew seven congressional districts last year. The decision means that the state will have to redraw its congressional maps to include two majority black voting districts.

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has canceled contempt of Congress proceedings against FBI Director Christopher Wray following the FBIs release of an unclassified document to the entire committee.

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to curtail specific aspects of gun rights.

Chinas communist regime is reportedly preparing to establish a spy base in Cuba while the United States seeks to send drones and real-time intelligence to Taiwan. One U.S. lawmaker has described the situation as a new Cold War.
The FBI agreed to release an internal document related to President Joe Biden, averting possible contempt charges for FBI Director Christopher Wray.

There are forecast predictions that relief from the smoke due to the Canadian wildfires is in sight, at least for the Northeast, as a low-pressure system is helping blow the smoke to the North.

The first business day after the debt ceiling was suspended, the U.S. national debt spiked up by nearly $360 billion, according to the Treasury Department. The current debt that the U.S. holds is now nearly $32 trillion.

Muslim and immigrant families came together Tuesday in Maryland to protest against mandatory LGBTQ curriculum in schools. The protest was organized by a new parents group called Coalition of Virtue. NTD spoke to a co-founder of the group, Kareem Monib.

Topics in this episode include:

1. NYC: FAA Delays Flights to LaGuardia Airport

2. U.S. Air Quality Warnings Persist

3. CBN Founder Pat Robertson Has Died at 93

4. FBI to Release Biden-Related Document

5. Trump, Lawmakers React to Indictment Rumors

6. RNC Rolls Out Campaign to Push Early Voting

7. NY Counties Cant Ban Illegal Immigrants

8. Cartel-Run Call Center Workers Killed: Report

9. Parents Battle Mandatory Gender Curriculum

10. Okla. Approves 1st Religious Charter School

11. Conservative Chatbot Maker Severs OpenAI Ties

12. Mexico Investigates Execution of 5 Men

13. Trial Date Set for Exiled Chinese Businessman

14. Chinas Wheat Farmers Reel from Heavy Rains

15. Restaurants in Vietnam Struggle with Heatwave

16. France: Children Wounded in Knife Attack

17. Ukraine Floods: Kyiv Calls for Aid

18. FIFA Cup Not Carbon-Neutral: Regulator

19. Australia to Ban Nazi Symbols

20. Cargo Drones Anticipated by End of Year

21. Tokyo Students Take Smile Class Post-Mask Era

22. India to Host Miss World Beauty Pageant

23. 14-Year-Old Grad to Join SpaceX as Engineer

24. Create a Healthy Home to Reduce Anxiety
NYC Sues 30 Counties Over Blocking Illegal Immigrant Relocation Plan

New York City took more than 30 upstate counties and Long Island to court on June 7, accusing them of violating state and federal law by refusing to take in illegal immigrants relocating from the city.

Local officials at these localities issued executive orders and barred hotels in their jurisdictions from accommodating illegal immigrants. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan State Supreme Court, asked the court to strike down all these orders.

These counties have implemented misguided and unlawful executive orders premised on false claims that the prospect of a few hundred asylum seekers sheltered at the citys expense across multiple counties constitute an emergency and imperil public safety, Sylvia Hinds-Radix, a lawyer for the city, said at Wednesdays press conference.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the lawsuit is aimed at bringing an end to xenophobic bigotry.

Counties named in the lawsuit include Rockland, Suffolk, Orange, Dutchess, Onondaga, and Broome. In response, officials from Rockland and Dutchess defended their decisions.

In a statement to The Epoch Times, Dutchess County Executive William ONeil said, While Dutchess County does not comment on pending litigation, I will reiterate that the Countys actions to this point are legitimate and have been made with the best interest of all involved.

Rocklands county executive office also issued a statement on Wednesday, stating the lawsuit shows NYC has no interest in meaningful communication or collaboration with municipalities outside of the city.

When the City of New York declared itself a sanctuary city, it invited these challenges, said Ed Day, the Republican executive of Rockland County, one of the first counties to receive illegal immigrants from New York City. Now Mayor Adams is pouring gasoline on the fire he started while continuing to try to impose his will upon the rest of the state by breaking local building and zoning laws and violating New York State Social Services rules and regulations.

Rockland County services have already been strained to the breaking point through the natural and organic migration of individuals to our county. This new lawsuit does nothing to address the legitimate concerns of my administration and residents of our county, Day added.

Officials in Orange country didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Illegal immigrants arrive at the Port Authority terminal in New York City, on May 3, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The announcement came a day after a federal judge temporarily blocked Rockland and Orange counties from executing their emergency orders that aimed at blocking New York City from sending migrants to hotels in their jurisdictions.

New York City has struggled to accommodate an influx of illegal immigrants. Since last spring, more than 74,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in the city, Deputy Mayor Anne Williams Isom said at the briefing.

Currently, more than 47,200 people remain in the citys care, and with more immigrants arriving every day, the number is expected to increase, according to Williams-Isom.

Since this crisis began, New York City hasvirtually on its ownstepped up to provide shelter, food, clothing, and other services to asylum seekers arriving in our city. We are doing our part and will continue to do our part, but we need every locality across the state to do their part as well, Adams said in a statement.

On May 5, Adam declared a state of emergency and announced a plan to ship illegal immigrants from the city to neighboring communities ahead of the end of Title 42. He said the new, voluntary program would provide up to four months of temporary sheltering in nearby New York counties, outside of New York City, to single-adult men seeking asylum who are already in the citys care.

However, multiple counties across the state pushed against housing immigrants. Some county officials raised fears of crime, while others said they were already struggling with limited resources.

Rockland quickly issued an emergency declaration on May 5, prohibiting hotels and motels from housing immigrants without a license. The order also barred other municipalities from bringing and housing people in the County.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus followed the move by announcing his own emergency declaration on May 8.

In Tuesdays decision (pdf), District Judge Nelson Roman issued a preliminary injunction barring the two counties from enforcing these emergency orders, saying the hotel bans are unconstitutional and discriminatory.

The injunction comes in a suit brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union and does not apply to the efforts to ban immigrants across the state. It also does not impact an existing order by a state judge that temporarily prevents the city from housing illegal immigrants at specific hotels in Orange and Rockland County.

New York City officials said the lawsuit filed Wednesday is seeking to invalidate all executive orders issued by the suburban and rural towns.

We believe the city has acted lawfully and that these localities cannot illegally wall off their borders during this statewide crisis, said Hinds-Radix.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) speak to members of the media at the White House in Washington, on May 16, 2023. (Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)

The lawsuit was announced on the same day that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing $104.6 million in funding for the citys migrant crisis.

At Wednesdays press conference, Williams Isom applauded the funds but added, With us already spending $1.2 billion, were going to continue to need support.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Prince Harry entered a London courtroom on a mission to prove that the publisher of the Daily Mirror tabloid had hacked his phone and unlawfully snooped on his life.

He left the witness box Wednesday having shown that he was highly suspicious of how Mirror Group Newspapers obtained information for stories about him, but without offering phone records or much other evidence to support his hacking claim.

I believe that phone hacking was at an industrial scale across at least three of the papers at the time, the Duke of Sussex asserted in his second day of testimony in Londons High Court. That is beyond any doubt.

Phone hacking is central to his case against Mirror Group and two related lawsuits against other British tabloid publishers that he claims invaded his privacy by eavesdropping on emails and using other illegal methods to report on the smallest details of his life, causing him great emotional turmoil.

Harry is the first senior member of the royal family to testify in court in over 130 years, and his high-stakes gamble in taking his cases to trial is unprecedented in modern times. In addition to a desire to hold the newspapers accountable for a destructive role in his life and what he said was a cover-up of the hacking scandal, the pursuit indicates the seriousness of his larger mission to reform the press.

Finding out about this level of cover up is what makes me want to see my MGN claim through to the end, so people can really understand what happened, he testified.

During cross-examination, Mirror Group attorney Andrew Green pressed the prince to explain which elements of articles had come from hacking and how he could prove it without providing call data.

Harry continued to insist that parts of certain stories were suspicious and said Green should consult the reporters who wrote the articles about what they did. He said reporters had used burner phones and destroyed records.

Green, who has said Harrys phone was not hacked, asked the witness if he would be relieved or upset if the judge reached the same conclusion.

To have a decision against me ... given that Mirror Group have admitted hacking, yes, it would feel like an injustice, Harry responded.

So you want to have been phone hacked? Green said.

Nobody wants to be phone hacked, Harry replied.

Harrys suspicions of the press run deep. He questioned not only whether unnamed sources were real but also whether people quoted by name had actually said the things attributed to them.

More than once, he said that seeing something in print attributed to someone doesnt mean that its true and said false information was added to stories to put people like myself off the scent.

Green asked if he really thought that journalists would be foolish enough to risk getting caught phone hacking after a News of the World reporter and a private investigator went to prison for such activity in 2007.

I believe the risk is worth the reward for them, Harry answered.

Green has apologized for the one instance Mirror Group has admitted to hiring a private investigator to dig up dirt on Harry, though it was not among the claims he has brought. Mirror Group denies or doesnt admit his other allegations.

Harry, the 38-year-old younger son of King Charles III, is the first senior British royal since an ancestor, the future King Edward VII, appeared as a witness in a trial over a gambling scandal in 1891.

Harry has said the royal family avoided legal entanglements to prevent having to be put in the witness box.

His case dates from 1996 to 2011  a period when phone hacking by tabloid journalists was later discovered to have been widespread. The scandal led to revelations of more intrusive means such as phone tapping, home bugging and using deception to obtain flight information and medical records.

Harrys fury at the U.K. press runs through his memoir, Spare. He blames paparazzi for causing the car crash that killed his mother, and said intrusion by the U.K. press, including allegedly racist articles, led him and his wife, Meghan, to flee to the U.S. in 2020 and leave royal life behind.

Mirror Group has paid more than 100 million pounds ($125 million) to settle hundreds of unlawful information-gathering claims, and printed an apology to phone hacking victims in 2015.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Officers Now Attend Every Home Burglary Following Push for Common Sense Policing

Police forces in England and Wales have fulfilled a pledge made last year to attend the scene of every home burglary, according to police chiefs.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said in October that officers would attend all residential thefts, following the UK governments call for a shift of focus from symbolic gestures to common sense policing.

The council confirmed on Thursday that all 43 forces in England and Wales have been implementing the policy since March.

Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith, the NPCCs lead for burglary, described it as a milestone but said it was only the first step in tackling the crime.

He said: We want to be bringing more offenders to justice, we want to be gathering more evidence, and we want to be improving detection rates. We expect to be judged on the results the public see.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman arrives to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, in London, on May 23, 2023. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Home Secretary Suella Braverman welcomed the development.

She said: Burglary is an awful crime which must be tackled, and thats why I am delighted to see that police forces across England and Wales have fulfilled their commitment to attend all domestic burglaries. This will help increase public confidence and see more criminals caught.

Symbolic Gestures

The NPCC made the pledge after Braverman told police chiefs that they should focus on fighting real crimes rather than making symbolic gestures.

In an open letter issued in September, the home secretary said she was dismayed by the perceived deterioration of public confidence in the police and said that culture and standards in the police have to change, particularly in London.

The public have a right to expect that the police get the basics right: driving down anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime which can so easily rip through our communities, she wrote.

Braverman noted that there is a perception that the police have had to spend too much time on symbolic gestures, than actually fighting criminals.

Drugs, vehicle theft, vandalism, and graffiti are not being treated seriously enough, she added.

She said this situation must change, and that initiatives on diversity and inclusion should not take precedence over common sense policing.

Common Sense Policing

In November, Braverman told police bosses they must shift their focus onto common sense policing.

She said that officers should not be facing politically correct distractions in order to ensure that priorities are focused on tackling crime, not debating genders on Twitter.

The way to ensure public confidence in the police is to focus on getting the basics right, she said.

What I call common sense policing. The kind of policing the law-abiding patriotic majority deserves and expects, said Braverman.

Regaining Trust

In a statement on Thursday, Chief Constable Andy Marsh, the College of Policing chief executive, said the police commitment to attend all burglary scenes is a necessary and welcome step towards regaining and improving community trust by returning to the fundamentals of policing.

He added: It will make forces more accountable within their own communities, bring more consistency to our responses to burglary, and help to improve detection rates. Policing should be able to deliver more of what the public rightly expects of it.

NPCCs Franklin-Smith said the number of burglaries is at an all-time low, down more than 50 per cent over the past decade.

But he said the police are not complacent, adding, We will continue to prioritise preventing these offences, targeting repeat offenders and organised crime groups, and solving as many burglaries as we can.

Out of 148,764 residential burglaries recorded by police forces in England and Wales in 2021/22, just 3.5 percent (5,236) resulted in a charge or summons. Almost 72 percent of the investigations were closed with no suspect identified (106,632).

The latest number of reported burglaries is lower than in previous years, probably down to periods of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic when fewer crimes were committed.

John Hayward-Cripps, Neighbourhood Watch Network chief executive, described the news as reassuring but added, This alone will not be enough to deter would-be burglars.

He urged people to make properties less attractive to criminals, to share information about attempted thefts and to look out for those vulnerable residents who are at risk.

PA Media contributed to this report.
Oklahoma Approves the First Religious Charter School in US, Prompting Threats of Litigation

The Oklahoma State Capitol is seen in Oklahoma City on Sept. 30, 2015. (Jon Herskovitz/Reuters)

An Oklahoma school board approved the nations first publicly funded religious charter school.

The Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted 32 on June 5 to approve an application by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa for a new online school, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School.

The fact that religion will be woven into the daily curriculum will likely make it a test case for the legality of taxpayer funding for religious education nationwide.

Social conservatives have long advocated for the expansion of school choice to allow families to have the option for religious education.

This is a win for religious liberty and education freedom in our great state, and I am encouraged by these efforts to give parents more options when it comes to their childs education, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement.

Archdiocese to Receive State Assistance

Religion is baked into everything we do, Brett Farley, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma, told The Washington Post.

Farley called the move a watershed moment in the school-choice movement and said that our aim is to continue doing what were already doing in Catholic schools.

The Catholic Conference of Oklahoma handles public policy and government affairs for the archdiocese.

The new charter school will offer Catholic teachings in its daily curriculum, with plans to start enrolling students in grades K12 by fall 2024.

The archdiocese said the religious school will initially provide a Catholic education to 500 students in inaccessible parts of the state.

Many rural families live too far away from the closest parochial school and lack a proper religious education, say supporters.

In response, the atheist advocacy group Americans United for Separation of Church and State immediately said it would challenge the decision in court.

Its hard to think of a clearer violation of the religious freedom of Oklahoma taxpayers and public-school families than the state establishing the nations first religious public charter school, Rachel Laser, the groups president and CEO, told The Washington Post.

This is a sea change for American democracy, she claimed.

Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, agreed, telling The Washington Post that the Oklahoma school board is in violation of state law and the U.S. Constitution.

She said that all charter schools are public schools, and as such must be nonsectarian, and that the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is trying to make charter schools into something they are not.

School Choice Spreading Across the Nation

Charter schools are publicly funded educational institutions that are privately run, but still must abide by state and federal rules that govern traditional public schools.

So far, they have typically been considered public schools in the eyes of the law, but some are advocating that they be treated more like private schools and given some exemptions.

Every U.S. state except Texas has some form of school choice policy, and the push to expand these choices is growing through the country.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on May 30 signed legislation that implements the states first school choice program, which supporters say will help meet the needs of students.

The Nebraska Legislature passed the bill in a 3311 vote last week.

The new law will take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends around the end of August.

Catholic Educators Challenge Taboo

Catholic educators also hope to force the question of whether a taxpayer funded charter school could have a religious element to it and hope that their efforts will invite litigation.

Stitt, a Republican, signed a bill this year that would give parents in the state a tax incentive to send their children to private schools, including those with a religious background.

He wrote a letter to state Attorney General Gentner Drummond that denying the catholic charter school public funding would constitute religious discrimination (pdf) and backed the schools application.

Drummond, who is also a Republican, has complained that the decision could open the state to costly litigation and strongly opposed the governors opinion.

The approval of any publicly funded religious school is contrary to Oklahoma law and not in the best interest of taxpayers, he said.

Its extremely disappointing that board members violated their oath in order to fund religious schools with our tax dollars.

Stitt responded, the mere fact that charter schools are publicly funded, and designated as public schools by Oklahoma law, does not transform them into state actors.

The governor said that in 1982, the Supreme Court ruled that a privately operated school for special needs students was not a state actor even though virtually all of the schools income was derived from government funding and it was required to comply with a variety of regulations.'

Supreme Court Weakens Restrictions on Religious Education

Restrictions on religious education for publicly funded schools have been in existence since the 19th Century after 32 states passed laws based on the failed Blaine Amendments, which were designed to prevent public funds from being used to run parochial schools.

In recent years, the longstanding prohibition has been eroded by key court challenges.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued three decisions over the past five years, stating that religious institutions could not be excluded from taxpayer-funded programs that were available to other schools.

The 2017 decision for Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer ruled that a church-run preschool in Missouri was entitled to a state grant that paid for playground maintenance on its property.

In 2020, the court ruled in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue that the state of Montana could include religious schools in a program that gave tax incentives to fund private-school tuition scholarships.

Last year, in Carson v. Makin, the court said that a Maine school voucher program, which sent rural students to private high schools, must be open to religious schools.

Challenges to the new law in Oklahoma, may cause the Supreme Court to now decide whether the state can directly fund a religious school.

The burden of proof is on the opponents of this idea, said Farley, who argued that the schools opponents would need to prove why taxpayer funding for a charter school is different from taxpayer funded vouchers that also pay for religious education.

Our contention is its a distinction without a difference, he said.
One Australian State Junks $3000 Electric Car Discount

A general view of the stickers on an EV Automotive E3 Glory crossover SUV is seen at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 25, 2019. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Victorians will soon pay more for electric cars after the state government revealed plans to scrap its $3000 (US$1,999) subsidy for zero-emission vehicles almost one year earlier than planned.

The cost-cutting measure revealed on a government website will put the state behind Queensland, New South Wales (NSW), South Australia and Western Australia in electric vehicle incentives.

It also comes as the Victorian government waits to hear the outcome of a High Court challenge to its tax on electric vehiclesthe first of its kind in Australia.

Industry experts said the cost-cutting measure would put an unfair financial burden on Victorians, which could impact the states efforts to cut transport pollution.

The Victorian government cut financial support for its Zero-Emission Vehicle Subsidy in its May budget, revealing the $3000 rebate on new electric vehicles under $68,740 would end on June 30.

The scheme, launched in 2021, had been designed to subsidise 20,000 electric vehicles and was not due to end until May 2024.

A Victorian government spokeswoman told AAP the subsidy had already helped the state move closer to its emissions reduction goal.

Weve laid the groundwork to achieve our target of 50 percent of all light vehicle sales being (zero-emission vehicles) by 2030, she said.

The government has also committed to spending $19 million on more electric vehicle charging stations in regional areas, she said.

But Victorian Greens transport spokesperson Katherine Copsey said cutting the vehicle subsidy was a backward step that would compound the effect of the states electric vehicle user tax.

Victorian Labors electric vehicle policy was already the worlds worst, and somehow it just got worse, Copsey said.

Its disappointing that this government continues to punish Victorians who want to reduce their emissions and boost climate-friendly transport.

Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said Victorian electric car owners were already paying an average of $1,600 a year as part of the states road user tax, and the new cuts would be a further disincentive to replace a petrol or diesel vehicle.

If youre a Victorian who is looking to decarbonise transport, you must be looking at every other state and territory in the country, knowing that they are better off than you are, he said.

Not only are you not receiving a subsidy, but youre paying a tax that no one else is paying either.

Jafari said the subsidys removal could impact electric vehicle sales in Victoria despite the launch of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy and the federal governments changes to the fringe benefits tax.

The removal of Victorias electric car rebate will put the state behind four major Australian states for incentives, including Queensland, which increased its means-tested subsidy to $6,000, Western Australia, which offers a $3,500 rebate, and NSW and South Australia, which offer $3,000 subsidies.

Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory instead offers zero-interest loans on electric vehicles, Tasmania offers a stamp duty exemption, and the Northern Territory offers discounts on electric vehicle stamp duty and registration.

Despite the rebate removal, Victorian electric vehicle buyers will still be able to claim a $500 registration discount over five years.
Orange County Fair and Event Center to Hire Over 1,000 Seasonal Employees

As the 2023 Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, California, approaches, event organizers are looking to hire over 1,000 seasonal employees to help run the annual festivities, which run from July 14 to mid-August.

The OC Fair and Event Center is seeking individuals ages 16 and up for numerous seasonal and part-time positions including building exhibits, providing customer service, taking tickets, and more. Some year-round jobs are also open for hire.

Other departments including security, janitorial, and parking are also looking to fill their ranks. Jobs come with numerous perks including free admission to the fair, scholarship opportunities, and discounted deals for family and friends.

Teens and college students looking to make extra cash this summer are encouraged to apply, with average wages around $16 an hour and up, according to the centers online job listings on platforms like Zip Recruiter.

According to organizers, no degree is required to apply.

Applicants ages 17 and under will be required to provide a valid work permit available through their schools, unless they have already graduated from high school.

The fair held its last hiring event on June 3, where organizers held in-person interviews and accepted applications. Organizers say, those who have not yet applied need not worry, as there are plenty of positions still available.

Tickets are on sale now for this years fair, as well as the events concerts at the Pacific Amphitheater and The Hangar.

The fair will limit daily attendance and require tickets to be purchased online in advance. Its new Every Day Passport will provide admission for any day of the fair with no restrictions.
Ottawa School Board Tells Teachers to Use They/Them Pronouns for All Students in September

An activist holds pins about gender pronouns on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, Wyo., on Aug. 13, 2022. (Patrick Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Superintendents at an Ottawa school board sent an email to all staff saying they should start the next school year using they/them pronouns for all students until told their preferred pronouns. It also said teachings about LGBTQ identities should be embedded in the overall learning environment and are not open to debate or selective participation.

The intention [of the email was] to suggest some actions that can be taken during Pride Month and beyond to promote inclusivity and belonging in our schools, said Ottawa-Carleton District School Board spokesperson Darcy Knoll in an email to The Epoch Times. June is Pride Month and the email was sent out on May 31.

He did not respond directly to the question as to whether the suggested actions extend to all age groups, including using they/them for kindergarten students. An OCDSB kindergarten teacher told The Epoch Times she received the email but has not yet been instructed in any staff meetings or elsewhere to act on it.

The Epoch Times also reached out to the three superintendents who sent the email, Mary Jane Farrish, Shannon Smith, and Brent Smith, but did not hear back from them directly.

An Ottawa mother whose son recently left the OCDSB told The Epoch Times she does not see such measures as promoting inclusivity.

I was shocked with OCDSBso many newsletters sounded like LGBTQ propaganda as if regular subjects were not important at all but this ideology was, she told The Epoch Times. She preferred not to have her name published to protect her sons privacy. She moved her son to the local Catholic board.

Its not really about diversity and inclusivity, otherwise real discussions could happen instead of the very radical attitude to counter whoever expresses doubts, she said.

LGBTQ in All Subjects, for All Age Groups

The email included direction to staff that LGBTQ identities should be embedded into classroom resources, into various curriculum subjects, and the overall learning environment, from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

The Ministry of Education has provided Ontario parents with an opt-out option for sex education classes after many expressed concerns regarding how and at what age children are taught about various sexuality and gender topics.

The Epoch Times asked Knoll how OCDSB responds to parental concerns about such topics being embedded into the overall learning environment, effectively side-stepping the opt-out option. The Epoch Times also asked whether some children could receive faith-based exemptions from such instruction.

For example, the Thames Valley District School Board in London, Ont., has forged an agreement with the Muslim community to allow faith-based exemption from events and instruction that relate to sexuality and gender. Many Christians have also expressed concern.

As a learning organization, we work to teach and promote kindness and combat hate and discrimination, Knoll said. When providing learning experiences, we do not offer proactive exemptions or excuse students from the learning on the basis that we may be highlighting a particular group of people defined by their race, religion/creed, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity. This would result in sending a message that a group of people in our community is not valued and do not belong.

The email sent to staff says opting out should not be an option.

2SLGBTQ+ learnings should be offered to the school community without the option to opt out. It is essential to understand that human rights are not open to debate or selective participation, it said.

It noted that families may choose to keep their children home during Pride Month learning activities, but the children cannot attend other classes for the day and opt out while at school.

The board saw high levels of absence in some of its schools on June 1, the first day of Pride Month. Knoll said two of the boards schools had absences above 60 percent and nine others had absences above 40 percent.

Some parents indicated they didnt want their children to attend school due to pride events, he said, others kept their children home due to the heat wave and wanting an extra long weekend ahead of the P.A. day on June 2.

Many school walk-outs took place across the country and many parents from various school boards have told The Epoch Times they kept their children home on June 1.

Ongoing Debates

School boards across the country have seen heated debates over the age-appropriateness of discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity. OCDSB has too.

At two of its board meetings in March, the topic of biological male students using the girls washroom and changeroom sparked protest.

The police were called to a meeting on March 7, though the disturbances dissipated before they needed to take action. On March 28, dozens of protesters on both sides of the issue showed up at a meeting.

Parent Nick Morabito started giving a delegation at the March 7 meeting questioning the safety and privacy of his daughters in the girls facilities but was cut short on the grounds he was making LGBTQ students unsafe.

Morabito told The Epoch Times on March 9 that the board created an unsafe environment by making parents feel silenced and thats why many parents present became angry.

Frustration and anger create an unsafe environment, respectful open dialogue creates understanding and progress, he told The Epoch Times via email.

Me being called transphobic, which couldnt be further from the truth, is not going to make matters any better or move us any closer to a solution but instead just create more divisiveness, anger, and frustration, Morabito said.

The mother who moved her son out of OCDSB to the Catholic board expressed similar thoughts.

As parents, we can worry and ask these questions and that does not mean we can be called names, she said. Unfortunately, that happens systematically and that feels very divisive and not inclusive.
Patients, Staff Struggle Over Chronic Issues at Surrey, BC, Hospital: Minister

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix speaks during an announcement about funding coverage of application and assessment fees for internationally trained nurses, at Langara College in Vancouver, on Jan. 9, 2023. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

British Columbias health minister acknowledged that chronic issues of overcrowding and staffing level concerns at one of the provinces largest hospitals are leading to people becoming aggressive over patient care.

Adrian Dix said Wednesday the ongoing issues at Surrey Memorial Hospital have created a stressful atmosphere, prompting the government to implement an immediate and long-term expansion plan.

Dix told a news conference that theyve heard of patients and their families showing aggression because of accumulated stress and frustration over care.

Yet, through it all, health-care workers here at Surrey Memorial Hospital remain fully dedicated to their patients every day, said Dix. They show up every day to give care and they are exceptional. The issues, however, are real and they need real, meaningful solutions.

Dix said after recent meetings with Surrey hospital officials, doctors, nurses and staff workers, he is announcing immediate expansions to emergency and maternity services at the hospital with longer-term expansion of cancer diagnostics and other health services within 18 months.

To bolster Surrey Memorials function as the major hospital in the region, we will be expanding the existing Surrey Memorial by improving and increasing capacity for more in-patient and outpatient care, surgeries and clinical programs, he said.

Last month, Surrey hospital doctors released a series of letters saying management at Fraser Health where the hospital is based and B.C.s Ministry of Health have not provided support for the overstretched emergency room, and lack of staff and hospital capacity have put patients in jeopardy.

Weve heard the impact of dealing with chronic congestion and very high daily volumes at the hospital, Dix said. This is leaving the patients and hospital staff struggling with chronic issues. Hospital workers feel burnt out. It is clear thats the case.

Fraser Health president Dr. Victoria Lee said the recent issues at Surrey Memorial have taken a physical and emotional toll on both patients and staff.

The Green Party said in a statement Dix must introduce an immediate plan that will address the dire conditions at B.C. hospitals.

Doctors and nurses have been sounding the alarm about the situation in hospitals in B.C. for months, said Dr. Sanjiv Ghandi, a Green Party deputy leader. Patients are at risk because the workplace at Surrey Memorial Hospital is not safe, and the healthcare system does little to support healthcare workers.

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon is expected to hold a news conference Thursday following a tour of Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Dix said similar and other pressing health care issues exist at other provincial hospitals, which is why he will spend much of the summer visiting facilities to gather information and look to implement change.

A Ministry of Health statement says about 1,000 people are moving to Surrey each month, part of an annual growth rate of almost 10 percent.

Surreys population is now estimated to be more than 600,000 people, says the ministry.
Pence Wouldnt Pardon Jan. 6 Defendants, Says Trump Indictment Would Send Terrible Message

Former Vice President Mike Pence, joined by his wife Karen, greets supporters after formally announcing his intention to seek the Republican nomination for president in Ankeny, Iowa, on June 7, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Former Vice President Mike Pence told a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa on June 7 that he will not be granting pardons to any of the individuals who have been charged for taking part in the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Pence officially entered the 2024 presidential race on Wednesday with a video announcement on Twitter in which he criticized President Joe Biden and the radical left for weakening the United States both at home and abroad.

Speaking at the town hall in Iowa, the former vice president sought to distance himself from former President Donald Trump on an array of issues including the events of Jan. 6, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and government spending.

Trump announced he is running for president again in November.

Asked on Wednesday whether he would pardon any of the individuals who were arrested and charged over the Jan. 6 breachas Trump has suggested he willPence made it clear he would not.

On the day of Jan. 6, I issued a tweet demanding that people leave the Capitol and end the violence, Pence said. I said that those that failed to do that should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and I continue to believe that today.

We cannot ever allow what happened on January 6 to happen again in the heart of our democracy, he continued. Ill stand by the decisions and the due process of court in our laws. I have no interest or no intention of pardoning those that assaulted police officers or vandalized our Capitol. They need to be answerable to the law.

Trump to Pardon Many

In contrast, Trump said during his own CNN town hall in New Hampshire in May that he would be inclined to pardon many of the individuals charged with crimes during the Jan. 6 breach.

More than 1,000 individuals across nearly all 50 states have been charged in connection with the breach of the Capitol building, according to the Department of Justice, including nearly 350 people who were charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

I cant say for every single one because a couple of them, probably, they got out of control, Trump said. My answer is I am most likelyif I get in, I will most likelyI would say it will be a large portion of them. And itll be very early on. And theyre living in hell right now, he added.

Florida governor and 2024 presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign stop at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, S.C., on June 2, 2023. (Logan Cyrus/AFP via Getty Images)

Trumps plans for many of the Jan. 6 defendants are similar to those of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is also running for president in 2024.

The Republican governor told the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show last month that the DOJ and the FBI have become weaponized.

Some of it is the FBI going after parents, going to school board meetings. Some of its how they treat a pro-life demonstrator, how they dont go after people that are attacking pro-lifers, DeSantis said.

DeSantis Vows to Be Aggressive Issuing Pardons

And so what Im going to do isIm going to do on day oneI will have folks that will get together and look at all these cases, who are people who are victims of weaponization or political targeting, and we will be aggressive at issuing pardons, he said, although he acknowledged that in some cases, some individuals may have a technical violation of the law.

While Pences approach to a number of current issues differed drastically from Trumps, he did throw his support behind the former president when it came to the probe into his alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Pence, who was reportedly cleared of any wrongdoing last week in his own misclassified documents case, noted that while no one is above the law, the DOJ could resolve its probe into Trump without issuing an indictment.

I dont know the facts of the former presidents case but what weve got to have in this country is equal treatment under the law, Pence said. I was very troubled last year when for the first time in history there was a search warrant executed at the home of a former president of the United States.

There had to have been dozens of ways that could have been handled other than that kind of behavior, Pence said, adding that an indictment against Trump would prove to be divisive and would send a terrible message to the wider world.

Pence joins fellow Republicans including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in announcing a 2024 White House bid.

A June 7 poll by FiveThirtyEight shows Trump at 53.8 percent, DeSantis at 21.2 percent, and Pence at 5.4 percent.
Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder briefs the media at 2:30 p.m. Et on June 8, a day after the United States announced its participation in The Air Defender 23, the largest air deployment exercise in NATOs history.
PM Rules Out Referring $3 Million Higgins Compensation Payment to Anti-Corruption Body

Brittany Higgins (with David Sharaz) arrives to give evidence in front of an ACT Supreme Court jury on the third day of the trial of her alleged rapist, Bruce Lehrmann in Canberra, Australia on Oct. 6, 2022. (Martin Ollman/Getty Images)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out referring Senator Katy Gallagher to the anti-corruption commission over a reported $3 million (US$2 million) compensation payment to former political advisor Brittany Higgins.

Higgins received the payment from Gallaghers departmentin her capacity as finance ministerin December after a drawn-out saga involving rape allegations against former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann.

Yet new text messages reveal that Higginss boyfriend, David Sharaz, had enlisted Gallagher and Albanese to leverage the rape claims for political advantage over the former Coalition government.

I dont take advice from anyone  I had not met Brittany Higgins until I met her, publicly, on the same day that she met [former Prime Minister] Scott Morrison, Albanese told reporters on June 8.

He said he would not refer the matter to the Labor-established National Anti-Corruption Commission saying it was independent of parliamentarians.

In fact, it could be regarded as an entirely inappropriate action by the prime minister or any other politician for that matter, to try to direct the anti-corruption commission into what to do, he added.

Text Messages the Smoking Gun to Claims

A tranche of text messages was provided to the Australian Federal Police, the director of public prosecutions in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and the legal defence team of Lehrmann during the course of the investigation into Higgins sexual assault allegations.

Lehrmann was accused of raping Higgins in the office of Senator Linda Reynolds in 2019.

One line of correspondence between Higgins and Sharaz includes a discussion over Senator Gallaghers willingness to assist in the case.

Katy is going to come to me with some questions you need to prepare for, Sharaz wrote on Feb. 11, 2021 in text messages revealed to The Australian newspaper. Shes an old friend. We opened a chair together! So you can trust her.

Australian Finance Minister Katy Gallagher speaks during a budget lockup press conference in Canberra, Australia, on Oct. 25, 2022. (Martin Ollman/Getty Images)

Higgins replied, Going forward pass my details onto Katy. Im happy to talk to her.

Later that day, Sharaz wrote, Katy Gallagher messaged me. Shes angry and wants to help. Shes got the context. Says they knew something was wrong because they fired Bruce and not you. They avoided a scandal.

A set of text messages on March 18, 2021, revealed Higgins asking Sharaz to at least get Katy to ask about it in estimates.

You may as well feed everything you have to Katy, she said. The sooner we can nip it in the bud the better. Especially if we can call them out by name.

Sharaz responded: Ive texted Katy and SHY (Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young).

Later that year, Gallagher and fellow Labor Senator Penny Wong pursued the matter asking 23 questions over three days of Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds in the Senate. This was followed up by a fiery exchange between the three senators during a Senate Estimates hearing.

Reynolds was warned of the tactic by late Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching, who said the issue would be weaponised.

Reynolds was later hospitalised and took a period of leave following the increasing pressure over whether she showed an appropriate duty of care to her former staffer, Brittany Higgins.

Linda Reynolds arrives for a media conference in the press gallery at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Dec. 7, 2020. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

After the election in May 2022 and Gallagher as finance minister, the government would approve the $3 million compensation payment to Higgins after a short mediation processReynolds and fellow minister, Michaelia Cash, were compelled not to take part.

Reynolds is now considering referring the matter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Prime Minister and Environment Minister Also Implicated

The text messages also showed Sharaz claiming he had direct contact with Albanese, who was the then-opposition leader, and Tanya Plibersek, the then-spokesperson for women.

So Albo gave me his numberhe just came in to do the breakfast showand says if you meet with Scomo to let him know, and hell fly to Canberra to be there if you want to meet with him too, Sharaz text on April 16, 2021.

Higgins responded, For sure. I have no qualms meeting with Albo.

On April 22, Sharaz messaged Higgins a confirmation of the meeting, Friday 9 am with Albo locked in at CPO. Details to come.

Tanya too.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek are seen after a swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Canberra, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

The text messages come after it was revealed a five-hour brainstorming session occurred between Higgins, Sharaz, Lisa Wilkinson (TV presenter), and her producer Angus Llewellyn on how they could leverage the matter and find friendly MPs.

Lehrmann was charged in 2021, but his trial was repeatedly postponed until it was dropped altogether in 2022 due to concerns about Higginss mental health.

The director of public prosecutions, Shane Drumgold, was also criticised amid accusations that the willingness to charge Lehrmann may have been influenced by politics and media.
Protests Hit Nairobi as Kenya Debates a Controversial Finance Bill

A Kenyan activist shouts amid teargas during a protest over tax hike plans in Nairobi on June 6, 2023. Kenyan police fired tear gas and arrested 11 protesters during a march in Nairobi on June 6 against a new finance bill that critics say will pile more economic hardship on ordinary people. (Simon Maina/AFP via Getty Images)

A group of activists took to the streets in Nairobi on June 6 to protest a controversial finance bill that Kenyas president is pushing.

The bill, which seeks to introduce more taxes on Kenyans, also proposes a 3 percent housing levy for all workers in the country, to be deducted from their monthly salaries. The government intends to build affordable housing using the funds.

This has led to an uproar among workers in the country, with many arguing that they are already dealing with the high cost of living.

James Kariuki, a clinical officer in Nairobi, participated in the protests and said that the government should not impose affordable housing on Kenyans as most already have houses.

Some of us already have houses. Where will the money that the government wants to deduct go? They say we will take it out after seven years; how about those retiring in a year? Why force this on everyone, even those in the rural parts who already have houses and dont need a second one in Nairobi? Kariuki posted on Twitter.

While addressing the media on June 8, Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance, asked the government to withdraw the bill, as it would only hurt Kenyans should it pass. Odinga further asked President William Ruto to apologize to Kenyans over the anxiety caused by the bill.

We ask Ruto to humble himself, withdraw this bill, apologize, and seek forgiveness from Kenyans for the anxiety caused, then begin afresh, Odinga said.

The controversial Finance Bill 2023 is now in Parliament, waiting for a decision by the House members before it is signed into law by the president.

Kenyans Are Hurting

On June 7, the opposition leader hinted at the return of the weekly protests, saying that the Kenya Kwanza government had failed to listen to the grievances of Kenyans. He said that there was an apparent disregard for the struggles faced by millions of Kenyans by the government.

Kenyans are hurting. They are suffering. They came to power through the backdoor when they were not ready to govern and now want to pour their inefficiency on poor Kenyans, Odinga said.

Odinga said the Kenyan government was imposing an unbearable tax regime on its citizens, and turning a deaf ear to their cries, asking Kenyans to prepare for a possible passing of the bill, which would inflict more pain on them, even as the government refuses to address the high cost of living that has made it impossible for Kenyans to afford basic necessities.

In a more controversial move, Ruto proposed that the voting process in Parliament be made public so that he could monitor those who vote against the bill. While arguing that the bill proposes the creation of work opportunities for the youth who are going to build the houses, Ruto said that members of Parliament who vote against the bill would be denying them these opportunities.

I am waiting for these MPs who will oppose the Housing Fund levy in the Finance Bill 2023, then Kenyans will know he is an enemy of the people against employing jobless youth through the Housing Fund. I am beseeching MPs to pass the Finance Bill 2023 with the Housing Fund levy because it is good for Kenyans, the president added.

As he advocated for the Housing Fund levy under the Affordable Housing Project, Ruto said the program would create millions of jobs for the Kenyan youth.

Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who had been mixed up in controversy for saying the government is run like a company and only stakeholders shall benefit, said that those who do not vote for the bill will not be allocated development money for their constituents.

Some of you leaders are lying to Kenyans, but know that if your MP is opposed to the finance bill, they should not ask for roads. Even if you make noise and put sufurias [cooking pots] on your head, even if you reject the bill, thinking it wont pass, you dont have the numbers, and thats the truth, theres no need, he said.

Bad for the Economy

Odinga said Rutos government had run out of ideas to explain why the Finance Bill 2023 must be passed in Parliament. We have noted that the regime has run out of sound bites and explanations for these proposals and has resorted to threats, he said while speaking with the media on June 8.

He said that his opposition party would not allow the presidents threats to undermine the countrys democracy.

We have agreed with our MPs on what to do; vote against tax rises. Should Ruto overrun the National Assembly, we will regroup and overrun him in the wider National Assembly of the whole people of Kenya, Odinga added.

He also asked the Kenyan citizens to reject the bill, saying it imposed excess taxation that the government would use to finance wasteful expenditures.

It is urgent that we bring Ruto back to Earth because he lives on another planet. We must tell him that when people have to park cars at home because of the cost of fuel, it is bad for the economy. We must tell Ruto that when Kenyans postpone traveling upcountry because they cant afford fuel or fare, it is bad for the economy, he said.
This Wednesday Chile takes an important step in drafting a new constitution to replace the one inherited from the Pinochet dictatorship. The 51 members of the Constitutional Council have been entrusted with creating a constitution that fulfills the aspirations of all Chileans. Its the second attempt after the September 2022 rejection of a proposed constitutional draft in a national referendum. With the stakes so high, a new constitution must be crafted with utmost precision and care to effectively address the needs of the people.

The members of the Constitutional Council were elected in late May to produce a refined version based on a preliminary draft prepared by a group of experts. The Council has approximately three months to complete its mission. The Republican Party, representing the far-right, holds 23 Council seats. Next is the ruling Unity for Chile party with 16 members, and the various traditional right-wing parties won 11 seats. There is a single representative for Chiles indigenous peoples.

Last Sunday, President Gabriel Boric, who had stayed in the margins of the second process after the first one failed, confirmed that he would approve the Councils draft, and promised that he would make no further attempts at changing the constitution if the Chilean people reject it in the December referendum. The president will convene the inaugural Council session in the National Congress building in Santiago. He was also present on June 5 at the election tribunals certification of the vote to elect the Council members.

Ten key people have emerged as potential protagonists of the Council because of the number of votes they garnered, their political ambitions, and their representation of specific communities.

Republican Party

Louis Silva

Luis Silva, constitutional adviser for the Republican Party. SOFIA YANJARI

The top vote-getter is a constitutional lawyer and member of the Opus Dei who immediately sparked controversy with comments after the Council election questioning why the majority had to compromise with the minority. Silva later withdrew his statement. He advocates a smaller government and opposes legalizing abortion and euthanasia in the constitution. Silva and his party wanted to keep the constitution inherited from the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, and he recently praised Pinochets leadership. On the 50th anniversary of the coup detat against socialist President Salvador Allende, he urged the government to adopt a more balanced approach.

Ninoska Payuna

The constitutional adviser for the Republican Party, Ninoska Payauna. Ninoska Payauna (RR SS)

Payauna is of Aymara ancestry and won a majority in Tarapaca's northern region. The 34-year-old English teacher, who is also a radio host, pledged to guarantee freedom of education for Chiles children. Until recently, her party viewed her as a strong candidate for the presidency of the Constitutional Council. However, revelations that she was arrested at 18 for shoplifting tarnished her reputation and forced her to withdraw. Payauna expressed remorse for her past mistakes, which she attributed to a difficult childhood. However, amidst ongoing scrutiny of her integrity and qualifications, she released a video on June 6 announcing withdrawal of her candidacy to become Council president.

Hector Urban

The constitutional counselor of the Republican Party, Hector Urban. Hector Urban Constituyente (RR SS)

Following his win in the conflict-ridden Araucania region, the 51-year-old farmer became the target of violence when gunfire sprayed his fathers truck and his own home, where he and his family were sleeping. The government has failed to uphold its obligation to provide security for its citizens, said the outraged Urban. Boric ordered security forces to protect Urban and his family, who have reported 400 violent incidents against them since 2000. Public security is the primary concern for Urban, who is vice-president of a major agricultural trade association.

Beatriz Hevia

The constitutional adviser for the Republican Party, Beatriz Hevia. Beatriz Hevia Republicana (RR SS)

Hevia is a 30-year-old lawyer from Osorno (south-central Chile), who garnered the highest percentage of votes for a constituency in the Constitutional Council election. Although there was some talk of her presiding over the Council, her candidacy faltered. Hevia advocates preserving 85% to 90% of the existing constitution, which she considers very good. She worked as a youth coordinator during the first presidential campaign of Republican Party candidate Jose Antonio Kast in 2017. From 2018 to 2022, she served as an advisor to the Undersecretary of Economy during President Sebastian Pineras second term. She has previously worked in the international arena for the Ideas Republicanas think tank, which promotes public policies for family values and individual liberties. About the process of drafting a new constitution, Hevia said, The party plans to listen to ideas that build a better country for everyone, without sacrificing its core values.

Social Convergence Party

Aldo Valle

Constitutional counselor for the ruling party, Aldo Valle, in Valparaiso, on May 2. @AldoValleA (RR SS)

The ruling Social Convergence Party has nominated a 61-year-old lawyer, who formerly served as the three-term rector of the Universidad de Valparaiso and vice-president of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), as their candidate for the vice-presidency of the Council. As a young man during the Pinochet dictatorship, Valle was Socialist Youth leader in the port region. He won his first election to public office as an independent with support from the Socialist Party. Public policy decisions cannot be predetermined within a constitution, he stated in an interview. Valle says his party will be loyal, transparent, and influenced only by sound arguments in the Councils work. His political campaigns have focused on promoting economic development and strengthening public education.

Maria Pardo

The constitutional councilor for the ruling party, Maria Pardo, on April 22. Maria Pardo Vergara (RR SS)

Pardo was elected by the Valparaiso Region and is being considered for the vice-presidency of the Council. This would only happen if the Republican Party proposes a candidate for the presidency. A 34-year-old with a PhD in constitutional law, she specializes in gender perspectives and the concept of dignity in constitutional law. An academic at the Catholic University of Valparaiso, Pardo hopes to identify and focus on the issues that all parties can agree on to achieve a broad consensus.

Karen Araya

Constitutional Councilor for the Communist Party Karen Araya, on May 7. Karen Araya Rojas Consejera Constituyente (RR SS)

The 43-year-old communist activist and general education teacher has served as the president of the teachers association in the densely populated municipality of La Florida, southeast of Santiago. In 2015, she switched from the Humanist Party to the Communist Party. During the 2011 student protest movement, Araya worked alongside Camila Vallejo, the current government spokesperson. Araya said her party would not shy away from pursuing the needs of ordinary Chileans in a brand-new constitution that guarantees fundamental rights. She has also said that Chiles Republican Party represents a step backward for the country.

Traditional right-wing parties

Gloria Hutt

Constitutional adviser for the traditional right, Gloria Hutt. Gloria Hutt (RR SS)

The president of the center-right Evopoli party is one of the best-known political figures in the Council. Gloria Hutt was Minister of Transport and Telecommunications in President Sebastian Pineras second term (2018-2022), when a large increase in public transportation fares sparked protests and provoked the countrys biggest social crisis since the Pinochet dictatorship. After 25 years working in transportation engineering, Hutt entered politics in 2010 as Undersecretary of Transport during Pineras first term. She advocates the freedom to live a life without being hindered by prejudices or the government. Hutt seeks to strengthen constitutional guarantees of civil rights such as education, health, housing and pensions.

Edmund Eluchans

The constitutional advisor for the traditional right, last March 18. RR SS

This two-term National Congress representative and former president of the Chamber of Deputies represents the right-wing Independent Democratic Union (UDI) party. The 73-year-old experienced and open-minded legislator is viewed as someone who can bridge the gap between the UDI and other parties. Eluchans said, The principle of subsidiarity [to guarantee independence for a local authority in relation to central government] must coexist with solidarity in the constitution. He has a well-rounded perspective, having served on the board of directors of the countrys central bank. He also supports certain aspects of the reformed constitution that was rejected last year.

Indigenous representative

Alihuen Antileo

The constitutional adviser for the indigenous quota, Alihuen Antileo. Alihuen Antileo Consejero Constitucional (RR SS)

The Mapuche lawyer and academic secured a place in the Council representing indigenous peoples with the minimum national vote threshold of 1.5%. His voters cut across regional boundaries and encompassed the entire political spectrum. As the founder of the Meli Wixan Mapu indigenous alliance, Antileo is a key representative of the Mapuche people in Santiago. Our cause is not political, said Antileo. Rather, we strive for the betterment of Chile and all its citizens. The 58-year-old law graduate and former spokesman for the Arauco-Malleco Coordinating Committee (CAM), says civil rights and democratic government are his top priorities in the Council. He also seeks explicit recognition of indigenous rights and cultural history in the new constitution.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Putins Desperation and Russias Disintegration

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. (Mikhail Tereshchenko/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

Commentary

Vladimir Putin is desperate, which is good and bad. The badthe really badis that cornered animals tend to lash out.

In Putins case, that could include the use of tactical nuclear weapons or a stray artillery shell hitting Europes largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Either act would escalate the war and might draw in the NATO alliance directly.

Apparently willing to risk it, Putin has taken two major steps in the past weeks. He deployed tactical nuclear weapons to his closest ally, Belarus. And he withdrew from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which limits Russian and NATO forces. Putin has already vowed to defend his Ukrainian conquests with nuclear weapons.

On May 26, Moscow hit the Karlivka dam with an S-300 missile.

On June 6, Russian forces apparently blew up the Kakhovka dam. Flooding the Dnipro River makes it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to retake their lost territory to its east.

These are indicators, possibly intended as such by Putin in the game of brinkmanship, to prove that he could resort to tactical nuclear weapons.

But like the blowing of the dam and threat against Zaporizhzhia, they only dig Putin deeper into the hole of his own making. He appears more and more the cornered aggressor and less the winning defender.

Putin, essentially, is down to his nukes in Ukraine. And even he likely knows that they are not a viable or winning option, wrote a former head of the U.S. European Command Intelligence Engagement Division.

As bad as the storm clouds over Ukraine are, there is a silver lining. An autocratic Russian empire is again cracking under its own weight. That would be a welcome geopolitical shift, especially if it put a chill on Chinas invasion plans for Taiwan.

A satellite image shows Nova Khakovka dam in the Kherson region, Ukraine, on June 5, 2023. (Maxar Technologies/Handout via Reuters)

According to a June 6 report, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the exiled Russian oil billionaire, warned that Putins rule will lead to the disintegration of Russia.

Pro-Ukrainian forces, including two Russian rebel groups, are raiding territories in Russia and targeting Moscow with drones and IEDs.

Russias answer to NATO, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), has given next to zero support to Putins war. One member state, Armenia, publicly disavowed support for the war, according to a June 5 article.

This is the greatest weakness of authoritarian powers generally. They have no real friends or allies, just partners of convenience who can stab each other in the back.

China is supposedly pressuring Russia not to use nuclear weapons. However, the language is so general as to be meaningless or, worse, framed to give countries like Russia and China, with large and powerful conventional armies, an edge over smaller nuclear powers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping enter a hall during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. (Alexey Maishev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

The pressure is thus more wishful thinking on the part of Western commentators than real action by Beijing to constrain Putin. Xi Jinping clearly opposes Putins humiliation, the avoidance of which requires the Russian dictator to win at least a bit of territorymost likely a land bridge to Crimea.

This is their version of slicing the salami from both sides, the incrementalist taking of neighboring territories by two allied dictators, one small slice at a time, until the salami of democracy is gone.

Putin follows the Chinese Communist Partys method in Asia, which began with capturing a Chinese province in the 1930s, then expanded to Tibet, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea Islands over the next four decades.

Beijings aspirations of influence, the spearpoint of more permanent conquests, now include parts of what used to be Russiathe Central Asian republics. Russia could also eventually lose parts of its Far East, which is already penetrated by businesses and immigration from China.

The more immediate threats by far are Ukrainian-made drones traveling as far as Moscow and plans by the United States to approve additional F-16 and F/A-18 fighter jets for delivery to Ukraine. These jets could down Russian drones and missiles. But they could also serve the offense.

The Russian foreign minister is worried about the arming of Ukrainian fighter jets with nuclear weapons. The world is not showing much sympathy for Russias concern, however, with a Pentagon spokesman directing a message to him: If youre worried about Ukrainian military capabilities, then you should take your troops and leave Ukraine.

There are also powerful conventional weapons that could be deployed on Ukraines new fighter jets, for example, heat-seeking cluster bombs that open to distribute ordnance to as many as 40 armored vehicles. The United States no longer deploys them, but the technology could be produced in Ukraines own weapons factories.

Some civilians are now worried that Moscow is an unsafe place to live due to potential Ukrainian retaliation. Infighting between the Russian army and the militarized Wagner Group is out of even Putins control, it seems. There is talk of a coup.

By now, Putin must be worried about saving his own neck. Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, two dictators from Iraq and Libya who committed extensive human rights abuse, met their ends at the hands of their countrymen.

That risk makes Putin desperate and unpredictable. Logic and rationality can be difficult for those who fear for their life. They can lash out at their citizens and the citizens of other countries.

This is why the United States and our allies are relatively careful about provoking Putin.

Yet we cant let him slide, either. To do so would be to appease aggression, which would only beget more aggression from Putin, Xi, and other would-be tyrants.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Receding Polar Ice Cap Opens Arctic Trade Routes, Creating New Realm for Naval Conflict

The Royal Navy Type-23 Duke-class frigate HMS Kent (F78), front, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conduct joint operations to ensure maritime security in the Arctic Ocean, May 5, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of the Royal Navy/Dan Rosenbaum/Released)

Military competition in the Arctic has primarily been the province of submarines and air power for almost a century, but with a receding ice cap leaving this previously inaccessible ocean open to surface ships for longer spans, new trade routes are emerging.

These new sea lanes, which directly link three continents, promise to dramatically shorten shipping routes and boost global trade, similar to how the Suez and Panama canals did.

They also promise to be contested in a conflict, opening a new realm of warfare in a forbidding environment that Russia has long dominated by isolated proximity and through strategic investments in its Northern Fleet Joint Strategic Command, which includes a standing fleet of 32 surface ships, 33 submarines, seven ports, numerous air stations, and two infantry bases directly on the Arctic Ocean.

The United States, its NATO allies, and Pacific partners must scale up their combined presence in the Arctic Ocean and better develop its polar war-fighting capacities or risk ceding this increasingly vital realm to Russia, according to U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday, who has been lobbying to establish a regular rotation of joint exercises to practice defending these emerging sea lanes.

Now, with, hopefully, Sweden and Finland joining NATO, eight of the nine nations of the Arctic Council are actually part of NATO. And so I think that thats a force here, he said on June 7 at a Brookings Institution Seas and Strategy presentation, The Stakes at Sea.

Gilday, who was joined on the panel by CMA CGM America/American President Lines (APL) President Peter Levesque and Scripps Institution of Oceanography Director Margaret Leinen, said a massive display of combined arms and naval firepower from nations around the globe is necessary to match the Russiansas well as Chinas growing presencein numbers and Arctic operational proficiency.

So the parallel I would draw is to the Rim of the Pacific exercise, or RIMPAC, that we do every other year in the Pacific that involves about 30 navies and tens of thousands of sailors, he said. RIMPAC has been a catastrophically successful venture for navies, and theyre not just from the AsiaPacific. Theyre from all over the globe.

The Royal Canadian Navys newest Arctic and offshore patrol ship, HMCS Harry DeWolf, approaches port in Victoria, B.C., after arriving from Vancouver on Oct. 3, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

Seeking Polar Consensus

Gilday issued a similar call on May 16, while sharing the stage at the First Sea Lords Sea Power Conference 2023 near London with British Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Sir Ben Key and French Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Pierre Vandier during a discussion about integrating operations in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic theaters.

The obvious natural bridge between the Atlantic and the Pacific  is the Arctic, he told his fellow navy commanding officers. Joint patrols up there are, obviously, increasing. I think [the Arctic] is increasingly going to get more attention as that becomes an area of more intense economic competition.

Gilday further elaborated on his proposed joint exercise during the Brookings Institution presentation, noting that receding polar ice means NATO is no longer just a trans-Atlantic relationship.

I think that over time, well begin to talk more and more about the trans-polar nature and interests involved here, he said. The trade routes between Asia and Europe will fundamentally change in our lifetime due to the erosion of the polar ice cap. The Arctic becomes now an area of competition that we must think more deeply about.

The exercises, as well as regular patrols, dont have to be led by the United States. The United States can be part of it, he added, especially if or when the Scandinavian nations join NATO.

Gildays comments werent issued in a vacuum. The increasing accessibility of the northern polar seas has been increasingly addressed by the Pentagon for nearly two decades, most notably in 2013 when under President Barack Obama, the Department of Defense published an updated Arctic Strategy that called for urgency in addressing challenges that operating in the region poses.

The Pentagons 2013 Arctic Strategy established a three-part policy spanning the near future to 2020, mid-term from 20202030, and long-term beyond 2030 to create realistic goals and expectations for this region and its future.

There have been numerous updates outlined in an April 2018 column, the U.S. Naval Institutes Proceedings magazine, a 14-page January 2019 Strategic Outlook for the Arctic plan outlined by then-CNO Adm. James Richardson, a RAND Corp. February 2022 report, and a White House National Strategy for the Arctic Region October 2022 update.

The U.S. Navy and its allies conduct regular joint operations in the Arctic, including the biennial IceX exercisesthe next one is in 2024but almost exclusively involves submarines.

A top-of-the-globe map of the Arctic Ocean illustrates how a receding polar ice cap is opening sea lanes directly linking three continents. (US Navy 2019 Strategic Outlook for the Arctic)

What Starts in Arctic Doesnt Stay There

Gilday said the time for planning is over, and navies need to gain joint proficiency in operating surface warships in the Arctic Ocean.

Any trade routes that open up, theyre going to allow us to move product from the manufacturer to the store faster, is something that were interested in, he said. We dont have a plan today [to defend] that, but we are watching it.

While protecting the free flow of global trade is the emphasis, there is more at stake on and under the winnowing polar ice cap, Scrippss Leinen said, explaining what starts in the Arctic or happens in the Arctic doesnt stay in the Arctic.

It affects the general circulation of the ocean and so forth, she said. And one of the key things is that this change in the Arctic is going to be something that hasnt happened in millions of years. And we arent really tracking it the way that we should be.

The Arctic Councils Arctic Monitoring & Assessment Program predicts the Arctic Ocean could be virtually ice-free by mid-century, although Leinen said theres no consensus on that.

Climate modelers are sort of in two camps about the Arctic. One of them says, Yes, summer will be ice-free across the entire Arctic. Others say that there are feedback loops that certainly will spin the ice, but it will never be completely ice-free, she said.

The fact that we dont know that when everybody is thinking about how to exploit the Arcticthats a strategic weakness.
China is reportedly constructing an outpost in Cuba to spy on the southeastern United States.

FBI Director Christopher Wray dodged contempt charges Thursday. The House Oversight Committee canceled the hearing, and lawmakers talked about their next steps in the investigation into the Biden family.

The United States and the UK unveiled a new economic agreement and vowed to work together on Ukraine and artificial intelligence.

House committees hold the latest hearing on election confidence. A former chairman of the Federal Election Commission joins us to share what he considers are still some of the biggest issues with the current election system.

CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht was ousted after just a year with the company, and Tucker Carlson launches his new show. Whats the future of the news industry?

A code purple air quality warning was issued for the Washington, D.C., area over the smog from Canadian wildfires. This level of air quality is considered hazardous.
Republican Senators Demand DOD Investigate Alleged Spy Balloon Intel Leak That Blurred Biden Critiques

Dr. Colin Kahl, under secretary of defense for policy, delivers a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, on Oct. 26, 2021. (Senate Committee on Armed Services/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Several Republican senators are urging the Department of Defenses Inspector General to investigate their claims that a DOD official leaked classified information to shield President Joe Biden from criticism for his response to the Chinese high-altitude balloon that flew over the United States in early February.

The Biden administration ordered the suspected spy balloon shot down after it had flown east over the U.S. and crossed out over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Several Republican politicians criticized the Biden administration for not shooting the balloon down earlier. Amid this Republican criticism, an unnamed defense official told news outlets that Chinese balloons had entered U.S. airspace at least three times during the Trump administration without garnering the same public attention.

In March, Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) alleged Defense Undersecretary Colin Kahl was the defense official responsible for revealing Chinese balloons had previously entered U.S. air space. The two Republicans suggested this alleged leak was an attempt to shift blame away from the Biden administrations response to the February balloon incident.

It remains unclear whether this leak was cleared internally through the proper channels. Either way, it was a brazen attempt to shift blame, Rubio and Wicker wrote in a March 8 letter (pdf) to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Most egregiously, Dr. Kahl omitted a key detail in his distribution of this sensitive information to the pressthe prior Chinese balloons were only discovered much later. The Trump administration did not have an opportunity to respond at the time.

On March 23, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Commander Gen. Glen VanHerck testified that he first learned of the Chinese balloon on Jan. 27 and first detected it by radar on Jan. 28 as it passed near St. Matthews Island, an uninhabited island located about 210 miles southwest of the Alaskan mainland.

10 Republican Senators Demand Investigation

On Tuesday, Sens. Wicker, Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called for the DOD Inspector General to formally investigate Kahls handling of classified documents.

Under Secretary Kahl provided reporters with classified information regarding prior Chinese surveillance balloons. The selective leak falsely portrayed prior incursions as similar incidents and suggested that the previous administration was similarly ineffective in responding to known surveillance threats, the 10 senators said in a letter (pdf) to DOD Inspector General Robert Storch on Tuesday.

In fact, it was later revealed that the prior incursions were not discovered at the time, and leaders of the previous administration did not have an opportunity to respond to the threat. Nonetheless, Under Secretary Kahls leak appears intended to distract from the Biden administrations own conduct by attacking political opponents, the Republicans added.

The Republican senators alleged Kahl had been involved in previous leaks of classified information.

Worse, Under Secretary Kahls leak, like his previous leaks, appears to have been made for partisan political purposes, the senators added. Given Under Secretary Kahls repeated and blatant mishandling of classified information for political purposes, we urge you to investigate this conduct.

Intentionally leaking classified documents could run afoul of federal law and nondisclosure agreements officials sign when they obtain security clearances. Those who leak classified documents could lose their security clearances and face up to 10 years in prison.

Kahl was confirmed to his current DOD position without any support from the Republican Senators.

From NTD News
Sadiq Khan Strongly Opposed to London Immigrant Barge Plans

London Mayor Sadiq Khan poses during the "Let's Do London" U.S. tourism campaign launch in Times Square, New York, on May 9, 2022. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Government plans to moor a barge housing illegal immigrants at Londons Royal Docks have been met with strong opposition from Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Khan called the Home Office plans abhorrent, adding that he opposed them in the strongest possible terms.

They fly in the face of Londons proud history of providing sanctuary to people seeking refuge. Im concerned for the safety of vulnerable people forced to flee their homes. The government must rethink and instead treat asylum seekers with humanity & dignity, Khan said on Twitter.

The mayors office was informed about the Home Offices proposals to use the Royal Docks, located in the east London borough of Newham. However, the Royal Docks Management Authority has denied permission to berth a barge at its King George V Dock, Khan told the Home Office in a letter.

I wish first to put on record my support for this decision and secondly to outline my absolute opposition to the Governments policy of housing asylum seekers on vessels, Khan told Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

The governments plan to accommodate illegal immigrants on vessels and in alternative sites is part of its ongoing work to slash the cost of expensive hotels.

On Monday, the Home Office announced that it will utilize vessels and other sites to accommodate more than 5,000 illegal immigrants, including a vessel in Portland Port, new sites at Wethersfield and Scampton, and two new vessels with 1,000 alternative bed spaces.

Proposals to place illegal immigrants on barges raise concerns about the safety, health, and wellbeing of people fleeing appalling circumstances, Khan warned.

London has a proud history of providing sanctuary for those seeking refuge, he added.

The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge arrives into Falmouth docks, Cornwall, to undergo inspection on May 9, 2023. (Matt Keeble/PA Media)

According to the government, accommodation of illegal immigrants at hotels comes at great expense to the taxpayer, and is currently estimated at 6 million a day.

An unacceptable number of people cross into the UK illegally, Braverman said, adding that the government will continue to crack down on the abuse of our asylum system, ultimately saving the British taxpayer money.

Illegal immigrants staying in hotels will roomshare, saving taxpayers 250 million a year, added the home secretary.

In a statement on Monday statement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak argued that this was more than a fair deal.

If youre coming here illegally, claiming sanctuary from death, torture, or persecution then you should be willing to a share a taxpayer-funded hotel room in central London, Sunak said.

Small Boat Crossings

The Illegal Migration Bill, currently in the House of Lords, aims at cracking down on illegal immigrants reaching the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The bill, according to Khan, endangers tens of thousands of already vulnerable people.

It is a cruel and unworkable policy that plays directly into the hands of human traffickers and risks leaving more than 50,000 people, including thousands of children, in London without access to support. Ignoring requests for sanctuary and denying access to services, could cause untold damage  trapping people in a cycle of homelessness, destitution and exploitation, the mayor said in a statement, calling on the government to rethink its policy.

Sunak defended the governments position and argued that Britains asylum system was overwhelmed with people travelling from safe countries.

Since the government launched operations to curb illegal immigration earlier this year, small boat crossings have dropped 20 percent compared to 2022, Sunak said.

Under the provisions of the bill, immigrants who arrive illegally in the UK will be removed to their own country or a safe list country like Rwanda.

The UK government signed an agreement on illegal immigration with Albania at the end of last year. Since then over 1,000 Albanian nationals have been returned to Albania, including failed asylum seekers, foreign national offenders, and voluntary returns.

My policy is very simple: it is this countryand your governmentwho should decide who comes here, not criminal gangs, said Sunak, vowing to keep his promise of stopping small boats from crossing illegally to the UK.
Sharks Almost Always Swimming Near People in Southern California: New Study

Warning signs for shark sightings remain in Long Beach, Calif., on May 16, 2017. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

After two years of drone surveillance, a new study published on June 2 by the California State University Long Beach Shark Lab shows some beaches in San Diego and Santa Barbara almost always have great white sharks swimming near people.

According to the study, those in Carpinteria, of Santa Barbara County, and San Diego Countys Del Mar had the most encounters, where 97 percent of the time people were in the ocean near juvenile great white sharks, with at least five spotted on multiple days surveyed.

Beaches in Solana Beach and Coronado in San Diego County had the second most with at least three seen each survey day.

Researchers told The Epoch Times white sharks in Southern California used to only frequent the beaches during summer when the water was warmer, but that has since changed as water temperatures rise.

One of the cool things about this study was that we saw that it wasnt just a couple of months, it was actually two years that they were at these beaches, said Patrick Rex, a research field technician with the Shark Lab.

Rex said rising water temperatures create ideal living conditions for adolescent white sharks who cant retain their body heat, and the shallow depths help them to avoid large predators.

Born around 5 feet in length, juvenile white sharks first feed on smaller prey such as stingrays, which are abundant along Southern California shores.

According to the study, surfers, swimmers, and paddle boarders past the break of the waves were typically seen closest to the sharks.

Rex said more than 50 percent of the time, sharks were within 100 yards of the wave break.

Thats just the average. Oftentimes they were much closer than that, he said.

Remote-controlled drones make for a perfect tool to study the sharks in their natural habitat, according to Rex.

Drones are a new evolving technology. They allow us to better understand sharks because we can fly really high in the air, and we dont have to disturb the animals to study them, he said.

Although the number of shark encounters has gone up, shark attacks have not, according to researchers.

Typically, researchers say, sharks are not interested in people.

These sharks were not just close to the wave break. They were actually zigzagging between surfers every single day, and we didnt see an increase in bite rates, Rex said.

He additionally said they never saw aggressive behavior from any of the sharks studied.

Studies from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicate shark attacks have not increased in California since the mid to late 1900s.

The agency reported just over 200 such attacks or encounters since the 1950s, with only 15 resulting in fatalities.

But, they report, encounters have gone up by around 10 each decade since the 80s, with 33 in the 2010s and 10 so far since 2020.

One of the labs ongoing hypotheses could be a good sign for Southern California surfers.

According to Rex, since the white sharks are becoming accustomed to humans in the water, theyre more familiar with them as the sharks grow and start to seek larger prey.

People are just another thing in their habitat. Theyre not prey, theyre not a threat. Humans arent on the menu for the sharks, Rex said.

When they do get close to people, theyre usually just checking them out and becoming aware of their environment as they grow up, he said.

Theres no parental care for these white sharks. So, a lot of these animals need to figure out what things are and [whats in] their environment, Rex said.

The sooner white sharks can identify what a surfer is, Rex said, the better, since historically they are attacked the most, because of the amount of time they spend in the ocean and their boardsespecially shortboardsresemble the outline of seals.

As such, he said, theyre sometimes mistaken for similar-sized prey.

However, because they spent so much time around surfers in Southern California when they were growing up, we think it may actually help reduce some of those accidental mistaken identity bites, he said.
Skyscrapers and City Living Confirmed to Increase Stress Levels: Research

A persons stress level can skyrocket because of the hustle and bustle of city living, new research has confirmed.

A study by researchers from Bond University, Australia, has found that concrete jungles make our hearts beat faster, while quiet streets can boost creativity.

The study measured peoples physical reactions to urban environments, like enclosed city streets found in big cities, by tracking their heart rate and brain frequency.

Researchers used portable heart monitors and EEGs to track the responses of the same people living in two different places on the Gold Coast, which is famous for its towering skyscrapers.

The Empire State Building glows blue during dusk in New York, on Nov. 14, 2022. (Julia Nikhinson/AP Photo)

Assistant Professor of Psychology Oliver Baumann and Briana Brooks-Cederqvist found that people felt significantly more stressed in higher-density areas, while those living in lower-density areas felt more comfortable, their heart rates reduced, and their mood increased.

Additionally, measurement of brain activity shows people living in quiet areas have a more contemplative and creative state of mind.

Baumann explained that in more closely built or condensed areas, people can perceive them as more dangerous because there is less open space and more traffic, which can increase their vigilance and fear response.

In a more open area, these feelings are reduced, and thats what we saw in the brain activity measures, he added.

Baumann said that previous studies of how people respond to urban environments have relied largely on self-reporting by the participants and that always leaves room for potential internal biases.

Having this physical evidence alongside the questionnaires meant we could clearly see the impact that the different environments were having on peoples stress and comfort levels in an objective way.

The assistant professor hoped the study would provide suggestions and ideas for urban planners and residential community developers to adopt a human-centred design approach to urban planning.

This has shown really clearly how urban environments can affect peoples health and well-being, and it offers a real opportunity to shape how we design cities, public spaces and residential developments, Baumann added.

Weve seen this used before, mainly in office design. Google is a good example of where they have used this type of information to design workplaces that create certain responses in staff.

Google Canada employees are seen in the lobby as they return to the Google office in Toronto following a walkout in Toronto on Nov. 1, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Cole Burston)

Baumann said the research could help design areas based on how they made people feelultimately adding to a developments value and longevity.

The portable and flexible nature of the equipment we used to gather the data opens up the possibility of doing this at a pretty granular level, too, the researchers said.

Theres no reason it couldnt be used as part of a planning process in the design of a residential development or community.

Creating places that we know people will want to live and then want to stay in can help reduce the risks that come with large financial investments and increase their long-term value.

AAP contributed to this report.
Software VP Fired for Using Assigned by God as Preferred Pronoun Sues Employer

Florida attorney Jennifer Vasquez represents several Christian employees in religious discrimination cases against their companies (Courtesy of Campbell, Trohn, Tamayo & Aranda law firm)

A software engineer fired for putting Assigned By God as the preferred pronoun on his employee profile has filed a civil rights lawsuit against his company.

Chard Scharf was fired by the software company Bitwarden, an online storage service for sensitive information. Scharf served as Vice President of Software Engineering at the Jacksonville, Florida, location.

The lawsuit alleges that Bitwarden violated Scharfs Title VII rights against religious discrimination by allowing other employees to post preferred pronouns on their employee profiles, but prohibiting Scharf from using his preferred pronoun based on his religious beliefs.

Had Chad set aside his religious beliefs and acquiesced to Bitwardens promotion of gender ideology, he would not have been fired, Scharfs attorney Jennifer Vasquez told The Epoch Times, which means his religious beliefs were the cause of his termination. Vasquez is with the Florida law firm Campbell, Trohn, Tamayo & Aranda.

Neither Bitwarden nor its attorney B. Tyler White of Jackson & Lewis, responded to multiple inquiries from The Epoch Times about Scharfs lawsuit. The company has not yet filed a response to the federal complaint.

Bitwarden violated Title VII when it placed Mr. Scharf into a disfavored class by promoting its gender ideology, when it failed to approve his reasonable request for accommodation, and when it terminated his employment, the lawsuit states.

According to the lawsuit, Scharf was repeatedly pressured to add his preferred pronouns to his Slack employee profile under his companys inclusivity initiative. Slack is a platform utilized for intra company communication.

When Scharf added Assigned By God to his employee profile page, he was told to remove it, his complaint alleges.

Scharf, a Catholic, told his company he would not participate in its request to choose preferred pronouns because it was part of a gender ideology that went against his religious beliefs.

He told Bitwarden executives that it was his belief that there are only two sexes and that gender cannot be changed, chosen, or manipulated, and that it was the company discriminating against him for failing to accommodate his beliefs.

Vasquez said correspondence shows that the company pushed the completion of the gender field on his employee profile and not Scharf.

According to the lawsuit, two employees in the companys human resources department complained that they felt harassed by Scharfs religious statements.

Scharf was also reprimanded for not using the preferred pronouns in notes based on an interview he conducted of a job application whose preferred pronouns were different from their biological gender. In the lawsuit, Scharf claims he avoided using any pronouns during the interview and that he only used the applicants biological pronouns in internal notes.

According to the lawsuit, Bitwardens CEO told Scharf he had spoken to three different attorneys and each of them told him he was legally entitled to fire him for refusing to use pronouns that violated his religious beliefs.

Bitwarden violated Title VII when it placed Mr. Scharf into a disfavored class by promoting its gender ideology, when it failed to approve his reasonable request for accommodation, and when it terminated his employment, Vasquez wrote in the lawsuit against Bitwarden.

Scharf also filed a discrimination complaint against Bitwarden with The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). In February, the board ruled in favor of Bitwarden, finding it had not discriminated against Scharf. Vasquez said she is handling an appeal of that decision.

Vasquez, who has successfully argued other Title VII lawsuits against companies for discriminating against an employees religious beliefs, said that the growing drive to use transgender pronouns in the workplace is increasing religious persecution in the workplace.

We have a real growing hate against Christians now, she said, I feel like, for some reason, companies dont think they have rights because of the spirit of the time.

Vasquez said she believes companies like Bitwarden have become more preoccupied with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores than with worker rights and that is why there is such a push for woke ideology in the workplace.

An ESG score ranges from 1 to 100, with 100 being the best. The score shows how much a company is investing in environmental and social issues.

According to a March 2022 investigative article by Harvard Business Review, investors in companies with high ESG scores are not faring that well.

The conclusion to be drawn from this evidence seems pretty clear: funds investing in companies that publicly embrace ESG sacrifice financial returns without gaining much, if anything, in terms of actually furthering ESG interests, the article stated.

In the meantime, Title VII lawsuits are concluding in major court victories. Last year, Liberty Counsel, a national conservative legal organization, won a historic $10.3 million settlement in a Title VII lawsuit against an Illinois hospital chain for refusing to accommodate religious accommodations of healthcare workers who are opposed to the COVID vaccine because aborted fetal cells were used in its development.

Vasquez said companies are inviting such court rulings when they do things like deliberately create a preferred gender pronoun entry and then demand workers with religious beliefs against such ideology to participate in completing it.

COVID kind of woke up this religious right debate in this workplace, she said.
Strategic Ambiguity Approach Towards Taiwan No Longer Relevant: Cybersecurity Expert

A Peoples Liberation Army Navy J-11 fighter pilot performs an unsafe maneuver during an intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, on Dec. 21, 2022, in a still from video. (Courtesy of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

The strategic ambiguity approach towards Taiwan is no longer relevant, according to John Mills, former director of cybersecurity policy, strategy, and international affairs at the Department of Defense.

The Chinese regime considers Taiwan to be part of its territory to be taken by force if necessary. Washington, under a policy known as strategic ambiguity, is deliberately vague on whether it would come to the defense of the island in the event of a Chinese attack. But the United States is bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act.

Mills referred to a recent remark by Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu.

Li said Chinas military will attack without any hesitation any nation that dares to separate it from Taiwan. The comments were made in a speech on Chinas New Security Initiative at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore over the weekend.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command recently accused the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy of engaging in dangerous naval maneuvers on June 3 during an intercept of the American destroyer USS Chung-Hoon in the Taiwan Strait.

According to the U.S. military, the Chung-Hoon was conducting a routine south to north Taiwan Strait transit alongside the Canadian frigate HMCS Montreal when the incident occurred.

It stated that a Chinese warship overtook the Chung-Hoon and crossed its bow at a distance of 150 yards, forcing the U.S. vessel to reduce its speed to avoid a collision.

The [Chinese vessel] LY 132s closest point of approach was 150 yards, and its actions violated the maritime Rules of the Road of safe passage in international waters, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated.

In another incident, a Chinese fighter jet aggressively intercepted a U.S. aircraft last month, risking the lives of its crew and escalating tensions between the two nations.

A J-16 fighter pilot performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver against a U.S. RC-135 reconnaissance plane on May 26, according to a statement released by U.S. military officials on May 30.

Indo-Pacific Command released a video of the incident, in which the Chinese pilot aggressively cuts across the nose of the U.S. aircraft, forcing it to fly through the smaller planes turbulence.

Crystal Clear

According to Mills, with the new moves, China has made clear its intention of using force against Taiwan.

Right now, China is being crystal clear on what they want. The age of strategic ambiguity is over. And it was over a while ago. That only works when you have decisive, overwhelming force. The Chinese know we dont have overwhelming force anymore. So I think its a dangerous game the Biden team plays when they try to be sophisticated and use rote and aged concepts of diplomacy with regards to China and Taiwan, Mills said in an interview with NTD.

The United States needs to start being crystal clear and telling China, No invasion, no coercion. They must respect the sovereignty of Taiwan. Now, that doesnt mean that were declaring Taiwan independent.  We never use the word independence there. But we must be absolutely crystal clear, No forced reunification, no coercion, no influence operations, no funding of the opposition in the upcoming election in Taiwan, none of that, said Mills, who is also a contributor to the Epoch Times.

Military Capabilities

Mills singled out the strong statements of support for Taiwan incorporated in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY23.

The bill authorizes up to $10 billion in security assistance over the next five years to modernize Taiwans security capabilities to deter and, if necessary, defeat aggression by the Peoples Republic of China. The bill also requires a whole-of-government strategy to counter Chinese influence campaigns and economic coercion targeting Taiwan and countries that support Taiwan.

We must be clear and demonstrative about military capabilities, he said.

The expert pointed to the arms deal of 108 General Dynamics M1A2 Abrams tanks, 2 of which were reportedly delivered to the island in mid 2022.

We should be doing joint U.S. training. And we should articulate that all were doing is training the Taiwanese on how to operate the M1 tank. We should be sending U.S. tank teams from U.S. armored units to Taiwan with full media, he said.

The Chinese Communist Party has shown they cannot live in the world without controlling things and without being the premier unchallenged power in the center of the universe. That is the way they are. It is just inescapable, unstoppable, irrefutable. That is how the Chinese Communist Party leads China. They have to be the single unassailable power in the world. And as long as the United States is here, we are in their way, Mills said.

Melanie Sun, Andrew Thornebrooke, and Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.
Strategic Wins for America as Peru Authorizes US Troops and NASA Cooperation

U.S. marines line up on the beach after an amphibious landing exercise during the joint Cobra Gold exercise on March 3, 2023. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images)

When Perus Congress announced on May 19 that U.S. troops would arrive to participate in joint security training exercises, left-wing opposition to interim President Dina Boluarte quickly sounded the cry of coup detat.

The move created a ripple effect in the region as thousands continue expressing anger and concern, including former left-wing Bolivian President Evo Morales.

Perus Congress indicated the arrival of the U.S. military would begin on June 1 and run through Dec. 31 this year. But a termination date for official U.S.-Peruvian security training exercises is scheduled for the end of August.

The series of security-cooperation tasks is part of a joint U.S. Air Force and Southern Command program called Resoute Sentinel 2023.

U.S. Space Force General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, testifies during a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces hearing on March 14, 2023. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

A total of 1,172 members of the U.S. military will participate in the program, according to a Peruvian government press release.

U.S. Southern Command spokesperson, Richard Crusan, told The Epoch Times the U.S. Embassy confirmed the number of troops reported by the Peruvian Congress.

Crusan further noted the deployment was a standard annual exercise.

Three activities that make up the Resolute Sentinel 2023 exercise will be carried out in Lima, Callao, Pucusana, Talara  Chiclayo, and Piura, on various dates between June 1 and Aug. 29, 2023, the Peruvian press release stated.

Supporters of the impeached and jailed former President Pedro Castillo claim the arrival of American troops threatens national sovereignty.

However, Washingtons interests appear to be focused skyward rather than on the Peruvian political strife on the ground.

Of the nearly 1,200 U.S. military personnel heading to Peru, more than 970 are reportedly members of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

Barely two weeks later, another Peruvian official announced the countrys official participation in upcoming Moon missions with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Artemis Program.

The executive president of the Geophysical Institute, Hernando Tavera, confirmed Perus official participation in NASAs Artemis Program during a June 6 press conference.

Cooperation with NASA will be done using the Sicaya Radio Astronomical Observatory, located in the mountainous region of Huancayo in central Peru.

The objective is to use the observatory to monitor trajectory and communicate with spacecraft.

Taverna also noted his countrys cooperation with NASA is part of the U.S. agencys historical objective to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.

NASA admits this much on its website, stating: We will collaborate with commercial and international partners and establish the first long-term presence on the Moon.
The European Union points to Russia as the very probable perpetrator of Tuesdays attack against the Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River, in southern Ukraine, which has caused an unprecedented humanitarian and environmental disaster. Although at this moment the exact person responsible for the destruction of the dam cannot be identified, says an internal document from the EU Foreign Service (EEAS), it is most likely a reaction by Russia as part of its defensive measures against the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The document, which EL PAIS has seen, warns: In light of the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive operations, we cannot rule out that Russia may commit similar acts in other parts of Ukraine.

On Tuesday, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, focused on Russia when they condemned in the strongest terms the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, considered an ecocide for its environmental damage, but also a war crime: attacks on civilian infrastructure are considered as such by international law. Now, the EU foreign service is analyzing the effects of one of the most serious environmental disasters in recent European history.

A view shows a flooded area of Kherson on June 7, after the Nova Kakhovka dam breach. STRINGER (REUTERS)

Water from the dam is flooding areas downstream of the Dnipro, forcing the evacuation of some 16,000 people from the right bank, under Ukrainian control, the EU document says. In addition, there are other areas where the situation can soon become untenable, as residents are left without drinking water and essential supplies. Ukrainian authorities have estimated at around 42,000 the number of people on both sides of the Dnipro, which flows between Kyiv-controlled territory and Russia-occupied territory.

More than 80 settlements, including parts of the city of Kherson, are threatened with flooding, says the EEAS document, which adds that, despite the fact that the dam also serves to cool the nearby Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, at the moment there is no risk as the plants reactors are all turned off.

The flooding is also causing massive environmental damage, notes the internal EU situation analysis document, including the displacement of a large part of the mines that had been placed on the river banks, in particular by Russia, to defend itself from a Ukrainian counter-offensive. The EU warns that the entire flooded area will be contaminated with explosive munitions and affected by displaced mines, which will significantly affect rescue, humanitarian and return operations once the water recedes.

Explosion in the engine room

Volunteers evacuate a dog from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson on June 7. EVGENIY MALOLETKA (AP)

The EU describes the unprecedented attack that destroyed the Nova Kakhovka dam and points out that it was an explosion in the engine room that completely collapsed the dam. The flooding [caused by the destruction of the dam] will prevent any military movement downstream of the dam, significantly reducing the front line (by about 200 km) and allowing Russia to use its forces in other areas, reads the EU internal document.

The destruction of the dam will not prevent the Ukrainian counteroffensive, which was focused on the other side of the southern flank and aiming at places like Berdyansk to try to break up the corridor that, through occupied land, Russia has created between the peninsula of Crimea (occupied since 2014) and the areas of Donbas that it also maintains under its control. However, the dam disaster does divert resources and efforts.

The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and its consequences may also intensify the global food crisis. In addition to the thousands of hectares of flooded farmland, about 94% of irrigation systems in the Kherson region, 74% in Zaporizhzhia and 30% in the Dnipropetrovsk region already have no water source, according to data provided by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
Superman Actor Dean Cain Sells $7.25 Million California Home, Moves to Nevada Citing Terrible Policies

Dean Cain attends the 90th anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade supporting Marine Toys For Tots in Hollywood, Calif., on Nov. 27, 2022. (Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

Superman actor Dean Cain has left his Malibu, California home due to its terrible policies, joining a string of other Hollywood actors fleeing the Golden State.

Cain, best known for his role as Superman/Clark Kent in ABCs Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, which ran from 1993 to 1997, made the comments in an interview with Fox Newss Brian Kilmeade on June 7.

While the actor revealed his love for California, calling it the most beautiful state, Cain explained that the fiscal policies, the soft-on-crime policies, the homelessness policies are just terrible and that he ultimately decided to leave.

As a result, the actor sold his Malibu home in May for a reported $7.25 million and moved to Las Vegas with his family.

The things that our leaders in California have been doing have driven out anybody who can really afford to get out. People are flocking out of there in droves, he said. And when I listed my house, I cannot tell you the number of people who contacted me and said: Man, if I could get out of here right now, I would right now. Smart move.'

Cain said he has been in Las Vegas, a low-tax state, for two weeks so far and firmly believes it was a smart decision.

Asked if the move would impact his career, Cain said that the acting industry had been pushed out of the state due to astronomical prices for filming, and many production companies have moved to states such as Louisiana, Nevada, and Texas instead, where costs are lower.

He said he has only shot one movie there in the last four or five years.

Other Actors Leaving Golden State

Everyone I know that is working there wants to get out as well, he said. My son is ten times happier here in Las Vegas  Im smart with my money  staying in California was anything but a smart move, he added, noting that there is no state income tax in Nevada.

According to NerdWallet, California has a progressive income tax system, with tax rates ranging from 1 percent to 12.3 percent. Income over $1 million is subject to an additional 1 percent tax surcharge.

Cain joins several other high-profile actors leaving California, including Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg, who is best known for his roles in movies such as Boogie Nights, Ted, and The Departed, has credited the move as a bid to seek out a better life.

The actor, who is currently lobbying Nevada state lawmakers to pass a bill that would increase tax credits for film production in an effort to turn the state into Hollywood 2.0, told CNBC on June 1 that he believes there is so much more opportunity to be created here.

Theres so much growth and so much potential, its a wonderful opportunity for everybody to prosper, he said.

Businesses Fleeing California

Cain and Wahlberg are not alone in turning their backs on the Golden State. More than 700,000 people left California from April 2020 to July 2022 to relocate to other U.S. states, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

A string of businesses are also fleeing the state, with the number of departing companies nearly doubling from 2012 to 2019, according to a study commissioned by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

According to the findings of that study, 37,313 business establishments migrated to California between 1990 and 2019, while 54,630 moved out of the state, resulting in a net loss of 17,317 business establishments during that period.

Most businesses cited high taxation, increased regulation, and a non-friendly business environment as reasons for the move.

Despite the apparent mass exodus, Gov. Gavin Newsom has regularly touted California as having the most equitable tax system in the entire country, with his office noting in a May 18 press release that business license applications are up 46.6 percent in the state since this time last year, marking the biggest increase of any state.

Californias economy continues to dominate the nation and the Golden State is poised to soon become the fourth-largest economy on planet Earth, his office said in May.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case of Woman Removed From Organ Transplant List for Refusing COVID Vaccine

The Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the case of a woman removed from a high-priority organ transplant list for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announced on June 8.

Ms. Lewis is deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court of Canada decided not to hear her case, said Allison Pejovic, legal counsel for Sheila Annette Lewis. She had hoped that justice would prevail in the courts for herself and other unvaccinated transplant candidates across Canada. Unfortunately, her constitutional challenge has ended today, while the unscientific COVID-19 vaccine mandate persists with no end in sight.

In 2018, Lewis was diagnosed with a terminal illness and told she would not survive without an organ transplant. She was placed on a waiting list in 2020, but in 2021 she was informed that a COVID-19 vaccine would be required to receive the organ.

In an affidavit previously submitted to the court, Lewis said the decision whether or not to take the vaccine had been agonizing and had resulted in incredible stress and sorrow. Lewis said taking the vaccine goes against her conscience, as there is a lack of long-term safety data.

I am shocked and appalled that my ability to get life-saving surgery depends upon me taking a new drug with Health Canada warning labels that is still in the experimental stage. I am under extreme duress knowing that my choice not to comply will result in the loss of my life. I cannot give informed consent under duress, Lewis wrote.

Life Expectancy Is Not Long

Back in May, Lewis told her story to the National Citizens Inquiry, which examined how the pandemic measures put in place by all levels of government impacted Canadians in the four categories of health, fundamental rights and freedoms, social well-being, and economic prosperity.

Lewis said she was told in 2021 that because her medical records from her childhood could not be located, she needed to get all her childhood vaccinations updated. Lewis said it took over a year to receive all her shots.

Shortly after hearing the news that COVID-19 vaccinations would be required to receive the organ transplant, Lewis asked her doctor how safe the COVID-19 vaccine was, she recounted, and he told her it was 100 percent safe. I said, Theres no data. It hasnt been out there very long, theres nothing on it, we dont know anything about, so how is it 100 percent safe?' she said.

Lewis told the inquiry that if the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear her case, she would be taken off the organ transplant list and would never get back on. Lewis, who is on 25 litres of oxygen per minute, said her life expectancy without the organ transplant is not long.

When you cant breathe, its one of the scariest things in the world.  If you laugh, you lose your oxygen; and if you cry, you lose your oxygen; and if you move, you lose your oxygen, she said. I was hoping to be given the gift of life.

I didnt do anything wrong. I just couldnt take that vaccine because it was going to do a lot more damage.

Lewis recently filed a separate legal action, which is grounded in negligence against the AHS, Alberta hospital, and transplant doctors for their decision to remove her from the list. Lewis is accusing them of medical malpractice and will ask the court to reinstate her to the high-priority transplant list immediately.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Republican-Drawn Election Map for Alabama

Chief Justice John Roberts at the Supreme Court in Washington on Nov. 30, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

The Supreme Court voted 54 on June 8 to strike down Alabamas electoral map for congressional elections, ruling that it was racially discriminatory.

The court narrowly found that the map drafted by Alabama Republicans violated the provisions of the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA), which requires that states not racially gerrymander districts.

Most members of the states delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives are Republicans. The courts ruling, which requires the adoption of a different map before the 2024 elections, may benefit Democrats.

The decision no doubt comes as a relief to left-leaning civil rights activists who were concerned about how the conservative-dominated Supreme Court would interpret Section 2 of the VRA, which prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color, or membership in a large language minority group, according to a summary.

Alabama had asked the Supreme Court to weaken Section 2, arguing the U.S. Constitution required such remedial action.

Oral arguments were heard on Oct. 4, 2022, in what is actually two cases consolidated by the court: Allen v. Milligan and Allen v. Caster.

Representing the Biden administration, U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar weighed in against Alabama.

Voting in Alabama is intensely racially polarized, about as stark as anywhere in the country, she said at the time. The history and effects of racial discrimination in the state are severe. Black voters are significantly underrepresented.

Alabama defended its redrawn electoral map, arguing the law doesnt require the state to redraw districts to assure black representation in the states congressional delegation.

On Jan. 24, 2022, a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama issued a preliminary injunction against Alabamas then-secretary of state, John Merrill, a Republican, temporarily forbidding him from conducting any congressional elections in the state. Merrill has since been succeeded by Wes Allen, also a Republican.

That court found that instead of having one predominantly black congressional district, as it currently has, federal law and existing legal precedents required the state to have two predominantly black districts. Alabama disagreed. The states delegation to the U.S. House currently consists of six Republicans and one Democrat. Both of the states U.S. senators are Republicans.

The lower court found that this was an extreme and atypical case of vote dilution, Prelogar said during oral arguments.

On Feb. 7, 2022, the Supreme Court stayed the lower court ruling over the dissents of Chief Justice John Roberts, Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, and then-Justice Stephen Breyer, who was succeeded on the bench in June 2022 by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a nominee of President Joe Biden.

The new majority opinion (pdf) in the case at hand was written by Roberts, who was joined by the three liberal justices as well as Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

In the ruling, Roberts said the court disagreed with Alabamas position on Section 2.

We are content to reject Alabamas invitation to change existing law, the chief justice wrote.

We find Alabamas new approach to [Section] 2 compelling neither in theory nor in practice. We accordingly decline to recast our [Section] 2 case law as Alabama requests.

Roberts acknowledged the concerns of some that Section 2 may impermissibly elevate race in the allocation of political power within the States.

He quoted an earlier precedent in which the court held that racial gerrymandering, even for remedial purposes, may balkanize us into competing racial factions; it threatens to carry us further from the goal of a political system in which race no longer matters.

But Roberts added that the June 8 opinion does not diminish or disregard these concerns. It simply holds that a faithful application of our precedents and a fair reading of the record before us do not bear them out here.

Alabamas position runs headlong into our precedent, he wrote.

A district is not equally open, in other words, when minority voters faceunlike their majority peersbloc voting along racial lines, arising against the backdrop of substantial racial discrimination within the State, that renders a minority vote unequal to a vote by a nonminority voter. 

Justice Clarence Thomas penned a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Samuel Alito.

The question presented is whether [Section] 2 of the Act, as amended, requires the State of Alabama to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the States population, Thomas wrote.

Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it.

At the outset, I would resolve these cases in a way that would not require the Federal Judiciary to decide the correct racial apportionment of Alabamas congressional seats, Thomas wrote.

The text of the VRA is focused on ballot access and counting, he added.

Alito wrote his own dissenting opinion in the case.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland promptly hailed the new majority opinion.

Todays decision rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race, Garland said in a statement.

The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, the right from which all other rights ultimately flow, he said. Over the past two years, the Justice Department has rededicated its resources to enforcing federal voting rights protections. We will continue to use every authority we have left to defend voting rights. But that is not enough. We urge Congress to act to provide the Department with important authorities it needs to protect the voting rights of every American.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) told The Epoch Times she was glad to see Democrats affirming the legitimacy of the court.

And I am hopeful that [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer will put an end to trying to pack the court and hell bring our Keep Nine bill to the floor next week, Britt said.

Britt was referring to pending legislation sponsored by Senate Republicans that would amend the U.S. Constitution to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

A federal statute, the Judiciary Act of 1869, currently fixes the number of justices at nine.

Jackson Richman contributed to this article.
The Onslaught of Digital Tyranny

The COVID pass, digital surveillance, climate lockdowns, and 15-minute cities

Germany was a highly developed society with lots of smart, well-educated people, says Christine Anderson, but it was possible for this society to turn evil to an extent that is unimaginable. Thats the question we always get asked, How was that even possible? Take a look at the last three years, and you have your answer.

In a recent episode of American Thought Leaders, host Jan Jekielek and Anderson, a member of the European Parliament who represents the Alternative for Germany party, discuss government oppression during the COVID-19 pandemic and the possibilities for a digital dictatorship. Anderson is one of the parliaments most vocal critics of the pandemic policies imposed in Europe and Canada.

Jan Jekielek: Here in the United States and Canada, youre best known for being a harsh critic of vaccine mandate policies, especially the policies around the Freedom Convoy in Canada.

Christine Anderson: Actually, I just did a tour of Canada on the one-year anniversary of the freedom truckers. They invited me over and organized a Freedom Convoy for me, so I got to ride in a truck and participate, which now makes me a freedom trucker, which Im really proud of.

Mr. Jekielek: Your voice is unusual in the European Parliament, and among politicians around the world. How did you come to have these views?

Ms. Anderson: My parents were born and raised in Thuringia, which was formerly in the GDR [German Democratic Republic]. They were born in the 1920s. My dad fought in World War II. He was drafted when he was 16.

When the war was over, he found himself in communism, and that just did not sit well with him. He spoke up against this so-called democratic regime, and it landed him in one of the most horrific prisons you can imagine.

He was sentenced to 25 years of hard labor. Luckily, he only had to serve five years of that sentence and got released in 1955, but he still wouldnt shut up, if you can believe that. In 1959, he was about to be arrested again, but this time he had been warned and he fled the country.

So I was born and raised in Western Germany, but I grew up with this idea that you always question your government. You never take anything theyre telling you for granted. Thats kind of what Ive been doing.

Mr. Jekielek: What prompted you to start saying extremely controversial things?

Ms. Anderson: In the beginning of the pandemic, we didnt know what was coming. On Easter 2020, I completely left that narrative, because the things they were doing didnt add up. There were steps they could have taken but didnt, because they were afraid of being called racist. There is this pandemic raging throughout the world, but the refugees still poured in. We were in the absurd situation that anyone could step foot into my country with no questions asked, but as a German citizen, I was not allowed to enter a restaurant, a shoe store, or a hairdresser without showing a vaccine pass.

Pretty soon, it occurred to me that this had nothing to do with public health. It was always about breaking the people. They wanted to see how far they could go and how far the people would allow them to take away their fundamental rights.

When some people said, No, were not going to mask up, and were not going to get this mRNA shot, they cracked down on these people, threatening them and their livelihoods. They said, Youre no longer allowed to go to work. Youre no longer allowed to ride on a bus.

Thats what Im fighting. I dont want a government to have so much power and control over people that with the flip of a switch, their life is pretty much over.

Ive just seen Vera Sharav. Shes a Holocaust survivor, by the way. She was speaking about the future totalitarian regimes. Theyll no longer require electrified, barbed-wire fences. All they need is a phone, a digital ID, a QR code, and then they can do whatever they want with you.

[In the 1920s,] Germany was a highly developed society with lots of smart, well-educated people, but it was possible for this society to turn evil to an extent that is unimaginable. Thats the question we always get asked, How was that even possible? Take a look at the last three years, and you have your answer.

Theres a lot of people that would like to think that they wouldve been in the resistance back then. Take a look at what you did in the last three years, and you have your answer. Most of the people would not have been in that resistance, because they just went right along with everything the government asked them to do.

This whole fearmongering was going on, which, by the way, is something Im accused of all the time, but it was actually done by governments all around the world.

Mr. Jekielek: What fearmongering are you being accused of?

Ms. Anderson: By outlining the fact that if governments have too much power, eventually we will no longer have a democracy.

Mr. Jekielek: Theres a number of places in the world nownotably in the United Kingdom, as documented by Laura Dodsworthwhere unequivocal evidence shows that the government was involved in sowing fear and had a specific strategy for doing so. Was this the case in Germany as well?

Ms. Anderson: It was supposed to be a documentation only for internal use, but it got leaked. God bless the internet. They were targeting kids, and then, they were also specifically talking about addressing the most rooted fear in people, which is suffocation. They said, You will suffocate, and you will die a horrible death.

Mr. Jekielek: What has to be done at this point? In the United States, a number of congressional members are involved in this subcommittee on COVID, and theres also the weaponization of the federal government. A number of subcommittees are looking at these questions in Congress. But people dont have a lot of faith in Congress right now, and I dont exactly know what the situation is in Germany and in the European Union. What do you see as reasonable for the people to act on?

Ms. Anderson: First of all, what I always say is to turn off your television set. Its dumbing you down. Then, especially in the Western democracies, we need to revisit democracy. What is it, what is it supposed to do, and what is it not supposed to do? The people are the employers of the elected representatives and of the government. The people get to tell the government what to do, not the other way around.

People need to realize once again what we have now. Our freedom had to be wrestled from former elites. Our fathers and forefathers literally spilled blood so that we could live in a free and democratic society. But what we are doing now is just pretty much slandering democracy as though it does not hold any value anymore.

We need to get back to holding elected representatives and the government accountable for what they did. We should never allow them to be able to move democratic processes further and further away from the people. The EU institutions are, by the way, an example of that.

Weve been seeing that. Look at the WHO [World Health Organization]. They were trying to seize executive powers from the member states. Theyre not accountable to us, they werent elected by us, and this is going on everywhere.

Mr. Jekielek: Are you talking about the International Health Regulations and the treaty thats coming?

Ms. Anderson: An example, yes. We see this on so many levels of how theyre trying to actually take away the peoples right to elect their representatives and hold the politicians accountable.

The internet is here. Come up with documentation. Any politician trying to gaslight you into thinking that hes always been on your side, pull it up and say, Oh, excuse me, is that what you said? Did you try to lock me in my home because I was dangerous? Get an archive going so people will not forget what the so-called elected representatives did to the people.

Mr. Jekielek: Ive been thinking about this a lot. How do societies emerge out of communism? How do societies emerge out of totalitarianism? How do they emerge out of a situation where a very significant portion of the population became complicit in something that was bad?

Its very hard for people to admit they were wrong. We dont talk about these genetic vaccines and their impact on society, but a lot of people got involved believing they were doing the right thing and now may have to face the fact that something went horribly wrong, and they were a part of it. Theres resistance to that. How do we get out of this?

Ms. Anderson: What people need to understand is as long as you give the government power over you, meaning as long as you buy into their fear mechanisms and as long as you fear them, they have power over you. Take that away from them. Just make it known. You say, Yes, I understand you have a lot of power over me and you could put me in jail, I get that, but guess what? I dont care. Go ahead and do it.

Because every once in a while, there are things way more important than your fear. Trust me. Once we end up in a totalitarian regime and its full blown, given the technological means they have at their disposal todaywere not talking about 30 years of GDR, 40 years of GDR, or 70 years of the Soviet Union, were talking about a very, very long timethats what you should fear. That and only that. Dont fear your government, is pretty much what Im trying to say.

Mr. Jekielek: That can be hard for people, though.

Ms. Anderson: I understand. I understand that people have a mortgage to pay, and they need to make ends meet every month. I get all of that.

Mr. Jekielek: Its fear of the government, but its also not wanting to go outside of your social group. I wonder if thats not even a stronger mechanism, just having watched what happened over the past few years. Thats extremely difficult to do, to be the person that steps out. Thats why Im so interested in people like yourself, because there werent a lot of people standing up on the floor in the EU talking like you did.

Ms. Anderson: Democracy lives off of debate. If everyone is thinking the same thing, then something has gone horribly wrong. But theres another mechanism that totalitarian regimes and dictatorships always implement. You single out a specific group, you scapegoat them, and the rest will not voice their opinion anymore because they dont want to become those guys. Then you are complicit in what is about to happen, and you are a bystander, and you are not doing anything to keep it from happening.

Mr. Jekielek: Since we mentioned the truckers, what is your reaction to this new Rouleau Commission? This is the commission that was looking at whether the use of the Emergencies Act by the Trudeau government was justified. Im paraphrasing here, but their findings were that it was justified.

Ms. Anderson: Its shocking that they came to that conclusion, because from what I saw, it was nowhere even close to being justified. The government was bashing citizens protests, taking away their rights to freedom of assembly, freezing their bank accounts, and literally labeling them as terrorists, which was the prerequisite for freezing their bank accounts. This is absurd, and now they came to the conclusion this was justified.

This is really a blueprint for all the governments around the world now. Whenever they fear the uprising of opposing citizenswhich is the citizens right, by the waythey just invoke an emergency act. There you go, you no longer have any opposition.

Mr. Jekielek: Im curious about your opinion on 15-minute cities. Its a new idea that were only beginning to hear about. I understand theyre coming to Europe now. There is legislation pushing in that direction already.

Ms. Anderson: Yes, it is. The digital green certificate, the COVID pass, was a test balloon to get people to have to produce some kind of a QR code, getting people used to that. Now, theyre slamming us with these 15-minute cities. Make no mistake, its not about your convenience. With the 15-minute cities, they will have to have those before they can lock you down, and thats what we were talking about here.

In Great Britain, some counties have already passed legislation. They will be able to impose a climate lockdown. Thats the next step. In order to do that, they will have to have these 15-minute cities.

The next step will be [that] you are only allowed to leave your immediate area two or three times a year. But theres other people that may have more money, and they can actually buy your passes off of you. Guess what? The poor people will be left in these 15-minute neighborhoods, while the ones that are better off get to go wherever they want.

It will be a complete impoverishment and enslavement of all the people. Im stating it so clearly because thats what it looks like to me.

Mr. Jekielek: Just briefly explain what 15-minute city means.

Ms. Anderson: A 15-minute city is basically a neighborhood where you can reach everything you need within a 15-minute foot walk: a doctor, grocery store, and so forth. The bare necessities will be provided within a 15-minute foot walk. However, if you fancy another store and it doesnt happen to be in your neighborhood, you wont be going to that store anymore. Like I said, total control is what were talking about. They can decide you are no longer allowed to leave your 15-minute immediate area. They dont have to fence it in or anything. It will be done via digital ID.

Theres pilot projects already going on in Bologna. There, its called the Bologna Wallet. In Vienna, its called the Vienna Token. Its voluntary for now, and if you do this, you get some tickets for a little less, like going to the theater. But soon, there will come a time when you dont have a choice anymore. They will tell you where you can go, what you can do, and what you cannot do.

Mr. Jekielek: Youre a member of the European Parliament. But I get the sense you have suspicions about these larger institutions, like the European Parliament or the European Commission. What are your thoughts here?

Ms. Anderson: If it was up to me, Germany would leave this hellhole today, not tomorrow.

Mr. Jekielek: Why?

Ms. Anderson: Because these institutions are not only undemocratic, theyre anti-democratic. Look at the way the Parliament is elected. Its a gross violation of the principle of one man, one vote. Every German representative in the new Parliament has to get more than 850,000 votes for one seat. But a representative from Malta only needs 64,000 votes.

Then, you look at the institutions and how they work together. We are not a parliament. Its a disgrace to call it a parliament. We dont have budget control, for instance, which actually is a good thing. Because if we had budget control, then the national parliaments would have been stripped of that.

We dont pass any laws. We vote on resolutions, which are like letters we write to the EU Commission, It would be nice if you could do this, that, or the other. Passing laws is done by the Council, which is composed of the members of the National Executive.

If the German government wanted to pass a law and the German Parliament said, No, we are not going there, story over, right? Not in this case. Now the respective minister just travels to Brussels, speaks with his colleagues, passes the law there, which then has to be implemented as an EU law in all of the member states. There goes your rule by the people.

So elected representatives of other countries get to pass legislation that the Germans will have to put into law and adhere to even though they never wanted it. Thats why this entire EU institution is anti-democratic. Its just another step to a more elitist world.

Mr. Jekielek: As we finish up, what are you working on now?

Ms. Anderson: I am trying to expose their lies, whenever they come up with some kind of a legislation program. I just look at what theyre telling the people and what they are actually doing to the people.

Thats the only thing we can really do at this point, just to educate people on the lies. The governments and all of these so-called elected representatives feed them to buy into their sick narratives about some kind of agenda. Whether its climate change, whether its transgender, or whether this whole COVID madness, you see it everywhere.

We are working on this to see what we can do, because the WHO is not done yet with trying to seize these executive powers of the member states. Im working with a few really good lawyers on that. But we need the people to back us up on this, because after all, we only do what the people want us to do. They need to do somethingstand up, take to the streets, and let their governments know they will not put up with this anymorethen, the stronger we will be able to voice our opinion.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
The Silver Lining in the Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

People rally in support of the Biden administration's student debt relief plan in front of the the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC on Feb. 28, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Commentary

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases that will determine whether President Joe Bidens plan to forgive student loan debt will go forward. Despite arguments from the left, its clear that the president lacks the authority to unilaterally cancel almost one-half trillion dollars in debt.

Under our constitutional system, the president can only issue rules having enormous economic and political consequences when Congress has expressly authorized him to do so. This major questions doctrine ensures separation of powers and preserves the legislative authority of Congress. Because Congress never expressly authorized the student loan forgiveness plan, the president acted improperly, and the plan should be declared invalid.

Before the Supreme Court rules on whether the student loan forgiveness plan violates the major questions doctrine, however, it needs to first conclude that the parties challenging the plan have standing. This means that challengers have shown that they have suffered an injury in fact that the Court can redress. The doctrine of standing limits the universe of entities who bring lawsuits. It has three componentsactual harm, traceability to the defendants, and redressability. During oral arguments (pdf) it was clear that at least four justices believe that both the states and the private individuals have serious problems hitting all three marks.

To no ones surprise, Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor were skeptical of the states claims of standing. Missouri believes that it has enough ties to its Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) to argue that a decrease in revenue to MOHELA would injure the state because it would mean less money for financial aid. And this triggered Justice Kagan to simply ask, why hadnt MOHELA brought the challenge? Particularly concerning were questions posed by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who also jumped on the issueif MOHELA was a state entity, then why hadnt Missouri strong-armed it into challenging the plan and avoided any question on standing?

These four also cast doubt on standing for the private individuals who have challenged the plan. According to them, even if the plan were declared invalid, how would such a decision remedy the private individuals claims that their types of loans should have also been forgiven? The Supreme Court doesnt have the power to rewrite the plan or order the Department of Education to include private loan holders only the power to declare the entire program invalid.

If one of the other five justices agrees that the states and the private individuals dont have standing, then questions of whether the plan violates the major questions doctrine wont have to be answered. The plan would be left intact.

But that outcome wouldnt be a complete loss for conservatives. Knowing that he lacks the votes to declare the plan invalid, the Chief Justice could assert his authority and draft a controlling opinion that limits the power of states and private entities to assert standing. This could benefit conservatives (and the country) in the future by curtailing the ability of the left to use its enormous legal resources to advance its agenda via the courts. California wouldnt have carte blanche to launch specious challenges to every action by a Republican president. Massachusetts couldnt launch a challenge under the Clean Air Act to spur climate regulation. And the Sierra Club couldnt assert that its members suffered a cognizable injury because their views of nature were spoiled by construction of a border wall.

A decision upholding the plan because the challengers havent established standing may turn out to be a short-term loss for conservatives because the Court will have failed to stop a shameful abuse of presidential authority. But it may turn out to be a long-term win because the decision can begin to curtail the broad standing jurisprudence that has allowed the left to advance its agenda through the courts.

Well just have to wait a few weeks to find out.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Name Changed for Worlds Biggest Sand Island After Pressure from Indigenous Groups

The worlds largest sand island and the popular tourist destination Fraser Island off the southern-east coast of Queensland, Australia, has reverted to its Indigenous name, Kgari.

The title change comes following a long campaign by Indigenous groups, who argued naming the island Fraser was a disrespect to their people.

As the name was restored, more than 19 hectares of land was also transferred to the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Butchulla people of the island.

Kgari, which is pronounced as gurrie, means paradise in the native tongue of the local Butchulla people. It originates from an Aboriginal Dreamtime story about a goddess named Kgari who was sent from the sky to help make the land and the seas.

In 1836, the island was named Fraser Island after Eliza Fraser, a Scottish woman who was shipwrecked there with her husband, Captain James Fraser and 18 crew and passengers.

Captain Fraser did not survive and was described as dying from spear wounds, starvation or disease. Meanwhile, Eliza managed to return to England and said she was captured by the Butchella people, describing them as savages and cannibals.

But the Butchulla people claimed her version of the story was false and accused the shipwrecked visitors of trying to integrate them into the community.

They also alleged that Elizas stories had contributed to the massacre of the Butchulla people under the hands of British colonisers over the following decades.

It was through disrespect to the Butchulla people that her name, Kgarithe home of the Butchulla peoplewas taken away, said Gayle Minniecon, chair of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, on June 7.

Thankfully, it is now through respect to the Butchulla people that Kgari, her name, has been reclaimed.

Our oral history, our creation history, will now be told and learnt as it should be.

The placename was restored in a ceremony on Wednesday involving generations of Butchulla people and guests with a smoking ceremony, traditional songs and dances.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who attended the ceremony, said the government would continue to recognise Indigenous languages through place names to align with its goals of truth-telling and reconciliation.

While steps like this cant change the wrongs of the past, it goes a long way to building a future where all Queenslanders value, trust, and respect each other, she said.

This always was and always will be Butchulla Country.

Move Criticised As Virtue Signalling

However, some have described the move as virtue signalling and that the name change was undemocratic as the government mainly consulted with Aboriginal activists.

How come we didnt get to vote on this? Relying on memories passed down through generations is not reliable, truth telling is not always the truth, said one Twitter user in a reply to Palaszczuks Twitter post.

You can change it officially in whatever you wish it to be, but for most people on the Fraser Coast, it remains Fraser Island. Except for public servants, nobody really will use this name. Keep virtual signalling, another Twitter user replied

Other people warned that tourists have gotten used to the name Fraser Island, and Kgari would be a harder name to market.

Tourism is everything to that place. Is it the end, another said

Kgari, which is about 123 km long and 22 km wide, is Queenslands largest and Australias sixth-largest island. It is made up of sand that has been accumulating for an estimated 750,000 years on volcanic bedrock and has rainforests, eucalyptus woodland and coastal heaths.

It is also a highly popular destination for domestic and international visitors.

The experience that tourists will have now is something no ones ever experienced on Kgari because no ones ever had the chance to sit down with the Butchulla people and been shown the beauty of Kgari, along with the hidden spiritual belief, Minniecon said.

People around the world will know that the Butchulla people fought and won to have the name of their home, their country, put on the world map as it should be, Kgari.

Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation language and cultural coordinator Aunty Joyce Bonner said Kgari means home for her.

Home amongst my people, the descendants, the ancestors, the Midiru [traditional owners], she said.

Its our place. Its what we call home.

Previous Title Changes Of Australian Landmarks

This is not the first time Australian state or territory governments have returned to using Indigenous names for landmarks or regions.

In 2002, Ayers Rock, a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of Northern Territorys arid Red Centre was renamed Uluru, which means Great Pepple in the Anangu dialect of the Yunkunytjatjara people.

In 2022, Moreland City Council in Melbournes north was renamed Merriebek, meaning rocky country, in the local indigenous language to end its ties with a Jamaican slave estate.

Australian governing authorities have also changed the names of areas to avoid ties to the attacks on aboriginal people by European settlers.

In 2018, the Australian Electoral Commission renamed the division of Batman, in Melbourne, Victoria, to Cooper after Indigenous political activist William Cooper.

It was originally named after John Batman, an Australian explorer, entrepreneur, and one of Melbournes founding fathers.

However, despite reports he was considered sympathetic towards Aboriginal people, he has been accused of killing Aboriginal people in Tasmania during the early 1800s.

Additonally, in 2016, Batman Park in Northcote changed its name to Gumbo Park after Gumbo, the great-niece of an Aboriginal leader.
Trump Reacts to Reports That Feds Will Indict Him, Ally Warns This Would Undo Our Republic

Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a Team Trump volunteer leadership training event held at the Grimes Community Complex in Grimes, Iowa on June 1, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

If a federal indictment of former President Donald Trump was imminent during the afternoon of June 7, he denied being informed about it.

Throughout the day, numerous news reports were circulating that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had alerted Trump or his lawyers that he would be formally charged in connection with the classified documents found at his Florida residence during an FBI raid last August.

In response, Trump posted on his Truth Social network: No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done nothing wrong.

Already facing charges under New York business records laws, Trump faces multiple other state and federal probes, all of which the Republican former president has denounced as persecutions led by his political enemies, mainly Democrats and RINOS, short for Republicans In Name Only.

Trump, in his Truth Social denial of knowledge about a pending Washington indictment, says that he has assumed for years he has been a target of the weaponized DOJ & FBI. He says the agencies are committing a travesty of justice and election interference at a level never seen before.

Trump is urging Republicans in Congress to make this their top concern.

Biden, Trump Both Face Probes

The flurry of reports about a looming federal indictment of Trump comes as House Republicans are accusing the FBI of withholding key information about a purported $5 million foreign bribe of Democrat President Joe Biden during his years as vice president. He served in that role under President Barack Obama from 2009-2017.

Trump and his allies allege that Democrats and bureaucrats have long shielded Biden, a career politician, from meaningful scrutiny. Trump, a political outsider prior to his presidential run in 2015, says he has been targeted because entrenched Washington forces fear he will expose them and dismantle their insider network.

Talk of Trumps possible indictment ramped up after Trumps lawyers were spotted leaving a two-hour June 5 meeting inside the DOJ. His lawyers had sought a meeting with the DOJ to discuss the ongoing injustice that they claim Trump is facing under Special Counsel Jack Smiths probes.

The DOJ appointed Smith in November 2022 after Trump announced his 2024 presidential run. Since then, Smith has been investigating Trump on two fronts.

One probe of Trump focuses on the former presidents actions as he disputed whether Biden legitimately won the 2020 election.

Smith also is focusing on Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents after he left the White House. Trump says that, as president, he had the power to declassify the records.

Last fall, the American Bar Association (ABA) analyzed Trumps claim about that. The ABA wrote: legal guidelines support his [Trumps] contention that presidents have broad authority to formally declassify most documents that are not statutorily protected, while they are in office.

In a memo dated Jan. 19, 2021, the day before his presidency ended, Trump wrote that he was declassifying certain materials related to the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which delved into unproven allegations from political opponents that Trump had ties with Russian officials and spies.

Now, more than two years later, that so-called Russia collusion investigation of Trump was declared baseless in a report issued last month by Special Counsel Robert Durham.

Trump has stated that Biden, as a vice president and U.S. senator, had no similar authority to declassify records.

Yet documents from Bidens pre-presidential years recently turned up in several locations, including in a Delaware garage where he stores his Corvette.

A separate special prosecutor, Robert Hur, started investigating the Biden documents case in January. The White House repeatedly dodged reporters questions about the records but stated that the documents apparently were misplaced unintentionally.

Which Federal Law Applies?

A longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon said on his podcast that he thinks the DOJ is headed for an indictment of Trump. He cited a report from John Solomons Just The News, as well as a lengthy article by the U.K.-based news outlet The Independent. A Washington grand jury could vote to indict Trump as soon as June 8 for violations of The Espionage Act, The Independent said, citing unnamed sources.

A guest on Bannons War Room on June 7, Mike Davis, founder and president of the constitution-defending Article III Project, said he has been arguing since Aug. 8, 2022, the date that the FBI raided Trumps home, Trump is allowed to have his presidential records under the Presidential Records Act.

However, he predicted that the DOJ would ignore the Presidential Records Act, which has no criminal components, and seek an indictment under the Espionage Act. Davis argues that the Espionage Act, however, does not apply to the president.

Davis predicted that the U.S. Supreme Court would ultimately have to resolve the conflict over the applicability of the Espionage Act after a conviction and appeal. You might have a convicted presidential candidate who wins back the White House and this has to get resolved by the Supreme Court, Davis told Bannon.

Grand Jury Witnesses Undaunted

Meanwhile, at least two people disclosed on June 7 that they had testified to a grand jury about Trump. At least two grand juries, one in Miami and one in Washington, are believed to be operating in connection with the Smith probes.

Taylor Budowich, a former Trump aide who continues supporting the former president via a political action committee, confirmed via Twitter that he was compelled to give grand jury testimony about Trump. Budowich didnt reveal anything about his testimony but said the experience strengthened his resolve. He wants to propel Trump back into the White House.

America has become a sick and broken nationa decline led by Joe Biden and power hungry Democrats, Budowich wrote.

I will not be intimidated by this weaponization of government. For me, the need to unite our nation and make America great again has never been more clear than it is today, he said. That starts with re-electing President Donald J. Trump, a purpose I will not be deterred from pursuing.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, an organization known for its dogged pursuit of public records and court fights to obtain them, disclosed that he, too, had been summoned to testify to a grand jury about Trump.

I was called in before the grand jury in retaliation for defending Trump and the rule of law against this abuse by the Biden Justice Department, Fitton said in a video he posted on Twitter.

Fitton said he was commenting about the fake documents scandal that has been used to harass and abuse Trump, to include a raid on his home by the FBI last year.

Judicial Watch has been telling you  in terms of this investigation, theres no good-faith basis to prosecute him, let alone indict him, Fitton said.

Were not going to back down and well continue to investigate and stand against this abuse of power that could undo our republic, Fitton said.

Election Interference Alleged

Fitton also denounced the prosecution of Trump as brazen election interference.

Similarly, Trump posted on Truth Social: Wow, this is turning out to be the greatest [and] most vicious instance of election interference in the history of our country.

He pointed out that he is leading both Biden and his nearest Republican rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in opinion polls among likely voters.

Perhaps most importantly, they are launching all of the many fake investigations against me right smack in the middle of my campaign, something which is unheard of [and is] not supposed to happen, Trump said.

He was referring to federal authorities standard rule of thumb, calling for avoiding investigations or other actions that could influence election campaigns.

Read More FBI Director Agrees to Show Document Alleging Biden Bribery Scheme to House Oversight Leaders

Trump concluded his post by labeling the DOJ, FBI, and other persecutors fascists all!

The former presidents campaign also released a new TV ad, which includes images of wolves and some of the prosecutors and politicians who are targeting him. It then asks:

We all know they hate him for winning the fight to protect life, for exposing their Deep State, for draining their precious swamp, the ad says. And they already know hell crush Biden. So, like a pack of rabid wolves, they attack.

So lets impeach. Lets get tainted radical left prosecutors to charge him. Lets conspire with Hillary and the FBI with fake stories about himall to distract from Bidens incompetence, weakness, and money-grabbing corruption.

But heres the thing. Hell never blink. Thats called having the courage of your convictions. And its why hes our president.
Trump Seeks Probe of DOJ for Alleged Bribe, Misconduct

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, on April 27, 2023. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump made what he described as shocking allegations against the Department of Justice (DOJ) amid reports that a federal prosecutor is poised to indict him for alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform and wrote: Shocking! One of the top prosecutors at the Department of Injustice was reportedly so obsessed with getting Trump that he tried to bribe and intimidate a lawyer. The attorney was representing someone being targeted and harassed to falsely accuse and fabricate a story about President Donald J. Trump and a crime that doesnt exist.

In the message posted just before midnight on June 7, the former president continued: This criminal and salacious act from within the DOJ has brought shame and embarrassment to this once great and respected institution. Trump also asserted that, as a result, there is now extreme turmoil inside the DOJ.

In a second statement posted after midnight on June 8, Trump further alleged that a top overzealous and dishonest DOJ prosecutor offered a witness lawyer an important judgeship in the Biden administration if his client flips on President Trump, who has done nothing wrong!

The highly respected lawyer was incensed and disgusted at this corrupt and illegal offer. The fake case against me must be immediately dropped, Trump continued. And the Inspector General should launch an investigation into this and the many other all-too-obvious wrongdoings and crimes taking place at the DOJ and FBI!

In response to The Epoch Times request for a reaction to Trumps statements, DOJ spokesman Peter Carr wrote in an email: Thank you for reaching out. We will decline to comment. Authorities have repeatedly denied allegations that their investigations of Trump are witch hunts or politically motivated.

2nd Historic Indictment?

In late March, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be indicted on criminal charges in a state case. He has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he violated New Yorks business records law; that case is set for trial in March 2024. In a second state case, Georgia state prosecutors are investigating Trump for election meddling; a decision in that case could come late this summer.

But the peril Trump currently faces is at the federal level. Special Counsel Jack Smith also has been investigating Trump for alleged interference with imposing the 2020 election results.

Trump says he was merely exercising his First Amendment right to speak out against an election that he believes was stolen. The Republican former president has never conceded defeat to Democrat President Joe Biden.

In a second probe, Smith has been investigating Trump, who was president from 2017 to 2021, for his handling of classified documents after he left the White House.

American prosecutor Jack Smith presides during a presentation before a war crimes court in The Hague on Nov. 9, 2020. (Jerry Lampen/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

He has been the target of repeated investigations. His detractors say he has so far evaded true accountability. But Trump and his supporters say political enemies have unfairly singled him out and are seeking to destroy him at all costs.

The status of Smiths probe is unclear, but there have been widespread reports that he is poised to indict Trump in the documents case. Trump has referred to that probe as the boxes hoax.

The anticipated federal indictment of Trump would mark another unprecedented situation in American history; some say it would further deteriorate the fabric of our nation and undermine our republic.

Trump has pointed out that the investigations are occurring in the thick of his 2024 presidential run. He argues that the prosecutions are intended to torpedo his chances of regaining the White House at a time when opinion polls show him to be the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination.

On June 8, Trump was nearly 31 points ahead of his nearest Republican rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to the RealClear Politics average of numerous opinion polls. He also had about a 2 percent edge over Biden.

Disparate Treatment Alleged

Trump claims that fake investigations against him are intended to distract from the scandals simmering around Biden, who is under congressional scrutiny for foreign business dealings that could include bribes. Also, a special counsel has been appointed to investigate Bidens handling of classified documents that were generated either during his tenure as vice president or as a longtime U.S. senator.

Trump alleges that the nation operates under an unfair, two-tiered justice system designed to shield Biden and other career politicians from being held accountable for any wrongdoing. Trump was a New York businessman and had never run for office before beginning his successful presidential campaign in 2015.

Trump was cleared after a lengthy investigation into what he called The Russia Hoax, allegations that he colluded with Russians to undermine U.S. interests. He also decries Impeachment Hoax #1, which alleged that he improperly worked with Ukraine to assist in his 2020 re-election campaign, and Impeachment Hoax #2, accusing him of inciting violence during an uprising among some who were protesting the election results and turned violent at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) displays a signed article of impeachment against President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 13, 2021. (Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

Earlier on June 7, Trump denied being personally notified that he was going to be indicted, despite widespread reports that he had been told that charges arising from Smiths investigation were imminent.

Trumps late-night allegations against the DOJ, however, echo some aspects of a June 7 story by veteran Washington journalist John Solomon. Writing on his Just The News website, Solomon wrote that the DOJ declined to delay charges to give time to investigate allegations of witness tampering submitted by the former presidents legal team.

Solomon said his report was based on information from multiple unnamed people who are familiar with Trumps case.

Anticipating a possible indictment, Trumps lawyers have prepared a robust defense, Solomon wrote, which could include arguments that the Constitution grants presidents broad powers to keep or declassify documents after they leave office.

However, Solomon reported that prosecutors would likely argue that such presidential authority does not extend to documents containing National Defense Information whose retention or release could jeopardize national security.
Tucker Carlsons Lawyer Responds to Fox News Contract Breach Allegations

Some conservatives call for boycott of Fox News after reports surface

A lawyer for Tucker Carlson has issued a response after reports claimed that Fox News sent a letter accusing Carlson of violating his contract by launching his own Twitter show this week.

Fox defends its very existence on freedom of speech grounds. Now they want to take Tucker Carlsons right to speak freely away from him because he took to social media to share his thoughts on current events, Carlsons lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a June 7 statement to Axios, appearing to confirm reports that Fox News notified Carlsons lawyers about a possible contract violation.

A letter was sent by Fox News counsel, Bernard Gugar, to Carlsons attorneys stating that he now is in breach of his contract with Fox News after he premiered the first episode of his new Twitter show, Tucker on Twitter, on June 6. The first installment has generated more than 100 million views on the social media platform.

In connection with such breach and pursuant to the Agreement, Fox expressly reserves all rights and remedies which are available to it at law or equity, the letter from Gugar reads, according to Axios.

The Epoch Times couldnt verify the authenticity of the contents of the letter.

This evening we were made aware of Mr. Tucker Carlsons appearance on Twitter in a video that lasted over 10 minutes  pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Mr. Carlsons services shall be completely exclusive to Fox,' the letter reads, appearing to quote Carlsons contract.

The letter further stipulated that Carlsons contract states that hes prohibited from rendering services of any type whatsoever, whether over the internet via streaming or similar distribution, or other digital distribution whether now known or hereafter devised.'

About a month ago, Fox News issued a statement saying it had parted ways with Carlson for unclear reasons. Neither Fox nor Carlson has publicly commented on the split, although Carlson hinted in a video last month that he may have reported on topics that the companys management disagreed with.

As of June 8, neither Carlson nor Fox News has issued public comments about the letter sent to the former hosts lawyers. Fox News and Freedman didnt respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times about the letter.

In the one month after Carlsons exit, Fox News has seen its primetime ratings slump, according to Nielsen. But Fox is still the No. 1-rated cable news channel overall, a spokesperson for the company recently pointed out in a statement to The Epoch Times.

With the recent drop in ratings, a conservative-led boycott could be devastating for Fox. Multiple major brands targeted for boycotts, including Target and Bud Light maker Anheuser-Busch, have seen their shares plummet in recent weeks.

Targets stock has dropped by about 16 percent in the past month, while sales of Bud Light have posted year-over-year declines for consecutive weeks starting in early April. Target was criticized for selling LGBT products for children, while Bud Light received backlash for its decision to produce a beer can with a transgender influencers face on it.

Representatives for Fox News didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment on the recent calls to boycott the channel.

Calls for Boycott

After the Axios report was published on June 7 about Foxs demand letter, some conservative influencers and journalists issued calls for a boycott while criticizing Fox News.

Longtime journalist Glenn Greenwald, who had frequently appeared on Carlsons former Fox News show, wrote that this is pathetic of Fox, noting that they fired Carlson, and now their position is: hes not allowed to speak.

An advertisement features Fox News personalities, including Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity, in New York on March 13, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

He didnt go to a competing network. He has no contract with Twitter. Hes just speaking on social media. And to Fox, thats cause to threaten to sue him. They want him quiet, Greenwald wrote on Twitter.

Ideology played a big role in Carlsons firing. He was increasingly at odds with GOP establishment dogma. His primary targets, besides CIA/FBI, were the Mitch McConnells and Lindsey Grahams, along with Bidens Ukraine war policy. Fox wants to re-boost the GOP establishment.

Another major conservative account, Rogan OHandley, or DC Draino, suggested that Fox News viewers boycott the channel: They claim its a breach of contract. Maybe we boycott Fox News until they stop trying to silence one of the biggest voices before the 2024 election?

Responding to the development, commentator Jason Whitlock wrote, I have not turned on Fox News since the last day of Tuckers show. I will not turn on Fox News ever again. Channel doesnt exist to me. Its not an option. I dont watch much TV other than live sports. I watch old movies on Amazon Prime. Maybe once a week I turn on CNN. I get my news from Twitter. Im shocked to say that. But this is where I stay up to date.

And Patrick Byrne, founder of Overstock.com, wrote: Boycott Fox News.
Uber to Offer Car Rental Services in US

Ride-hailing service Uber is planning to enter the car rental market in the United States, allowing people to hire cars from owners in select cities.

The Carshare rental program was announced by Uber on Thursday. The program will provide a platform where car owners can list their vehicles and rent them out to borrowers at daily or hourly rates.

For years, Uber has made it effortless to tap a button and get a ride on demand. Now, were taking the same approach with carsharing by making it simple, affordable, and sustainable for you to borrowand listcars in your neighborhood, said Camiel Irving, Ubers general manager of US/C mobility, according to Fox News.

Uber has an unprecedented ability to bring carsharing to the mainstream unlike any other company in the market today, Irving added.

In North America, Uber will initially be available in Boston and Toronto.

In the program, vehicles must meet the companys criterialike age, type, and mileage requirementsbefore Uber allows them to be listed. No advance booking would be required to rent a vehicle.

Uber will suggest pricing to owners, which will include the cost of fuel. Owners will have the ability to set the availability as well as the final pricing of their cars.

US Carsharing: Pros and Cons

At present, the rental car market in the United States is dominated by brands like Alamo, Advantage Rent a Car, Avid Budget Group, Hertz Corporation, and Enterprise Holdings. Hertz leads in market share with 36 percent, followed by Enterprise at 33 percent and Avis at 29.2 percent.

Zipcar, now a unit of Avis, began offering carsharing in the United States in 2000. Ten years later, RelayRides introduced peer-to-peer carsharing, inspired by homesharing options like Airbnb. RelayRides was rebranded in 2015 as Turo.

According to market research firm IBIS World, the car rental industry in the United States had a market size of $71.3 billion in 2022. It grew by 9.6 percent last year and had seen 6.9 percent growth on average annually between 2017 and 2022.

For renters of carsharing options, the service can provide the flexibility of having a personal vehicle that can be driven without having to own it. However, carsharing on a regular basis can turn costly and economically unviable.

For owners lending their vehicles, carsharing offers an opportunity to earn additional income. By sharing their cars, owners can offset some of the costs of investing and maintaining their vehicles. On the flip side, renting out cars will subject vehicles to additional wear and tear, potentially raising maintenance costs.

There can also be insurance risks. Even though insurance is usually offered, there may be loopholes in cases of accidents that can leave the owners with losses. Moreover, owners may potentially have to face legal consequences if a renter were to be involved in an accident.

Uber Carsharing in Australia

Uber already offers carsharing in Australia. The service was launched last year after the company acquired peer-to-peer carsharing platform Car Next Door.

According to Ubers Australian Carshare website, the company has paid out $54 million to car ownerswith more than a million trips taken using the service. On average, a car owner is said to make AUD$3,396 ($2,277) in annual income for casual sharing.

Uber provides an owner guarantee in Australia under which the company will pay for repairing or replacing an owners car if a borrower is responsible for damaging it or the vehicle has been lost. The borrower does not pay what is owed under the member agreement.

However, this is subject to the guarantee terms. Owners will not be paid if the car is damaged under certain circumstances, like wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, deterioration from corrosion, and more.
A customs official during the inspection of the seized drugs at Madrid's Barajas airport. Agencia Tributaria (EFE)

On Tuesday, the Bolivian government acknowledged that drug trafficking has permeated police, customs, airports and the state-owned airline, Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA). Last week, it was revealed that members of these institutions allowed 484 kilograms of cocaine to be transported to Madrid on a commercial flight on February 12 and, subsequently, prevented the incident from being detected by internal security mechanisms. It is believed that the beneficiary of this network of collusion within the State was an international drug trafficking organization with links to Bolivia and Spain.

The three ministers in charge of the state agencies concerned in the narco-flight affair appeared before the press Tuesday to try to quell the barrage of criticism that had begun a few days earlier. The country had spent almost a week talking about a BoA flight last February on which half a ton of drugs had been discovered. The aircraft of the countrys leading commercial airline was parked at Madrids Adolfo Suarez airport. Two former presidents who lead the opposition from opposing sides, Evo Morales and Carlos Mesa, blamed Luis Arces government over the affair. The protection of drug trafficking by Arces ministers is clearly proven, tweeted Morales, who had elevated Arce to the presidency and whom he now accuses of leading the internal right of his party. Mesa demanded the intervention of the entities involved: The enormous cocaine shipment transported with BoA shows the penetration of drug trafficking in the governments [of the Movement for Socialism, Morales and Arces party], and institutional and political complicity, he wrote.

President Arce had also expressed his concern and ordered a thorough investigation into the case. His ministers convened a press conference and announced the suspension of one BoA official and another from the Viru Viru airport, located in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the location from which the drug shipment departed, as well as the rotation of all police officers stationed at the airport. According to the ministers, the Prosecutors Office will be provided with all the information it might require. Nevertheless, it was discovered that some of the images from the airport security cameras had been erased beforehand with the aim of hindering the investigation.

In the images that were obtained, two BoA cargo handlers can be seen breaking the police seal on the container in which the cargo was stored for loading onto the plane and introducing the twelve boxes containing the drugs. These packages accompanied four other boxes containing clothing that had been shipped by a courier company. According to the cargo declaration, the weight of this shipment was supposed to be just over 100 kg, but BoA admitted to the shipment being nearly 500 kg overweight, with no observation. The cargo handlers and the owners of the courier company responsible for the shipment were arrested, all having a history of drug trafficking.

The episode began when Spanish authorities, who were involved in an operation to detect irregular behavior by employees at Barajas airport, discovered the drugs in the hold of an Airbus belonging to Wamos Air, which had operated BoA flight OB776 and landed in Madrid on February 12. According to a report obtained by the Bolivian newspaper El Deber, four days later, information was requested from the Bolivian police, without specifically stating that it was a drug trafficking investigation. The police unit coordinating security at Viru Viru airport was activated and requested the security images from the airport authorities, but the videos they provided were of no use to the investigation. The next day, following a fresh Spanish request, the Viru Viru police asked for images, this time from BoA, only to learn that those from the moment the plane was loaded had been erased. It was the same sroty with the images from the customs cameras, which were destroyed much later, on May 31, when the Bolivian authorities had only just learned of the drug seizure at the Madrid airport.

The airport police failed to take further action to investigate the case, allegedly because they were unaware that drug smuggling was involved. There is some controversy as to why anti-drug bosses did not act before the discovery of the haul was revealed to the public. The police officer in charge of security at Viru Viru on the day of the shipment was arrested. Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo, pledged further arrests would be made.

According to unconfirmed press reports, a criminal group that operates in Bolivia and Spain, allegedly run by a Bolivian drug trafficker nicknamed Colla, was behind the shipment. They also suspect that the narco-flight was preceded and followed by other identical operations, also concealed by the same network of employees at Bolivian institutions.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Ukrainians Face Homelessness, Disease Risk as Floods Crest From Burst Dam

KHERSON, UkraineUkrainians abandoned inundated homes on Wednesday as floods crested across the south after the destruction of a huge hydroelectric dam on front lines between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with their presidents trading blame for the disaster.

Residents slogged through flooded streets carrying children on their shoulders, dogs in their arms, and belongings in plastic bags while rescuers used rubber boats to search areas where the waters reached above head height.

Ukraine said the deluge would leave hundreds of thousands of people without access to drinking water, swamp tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land and turn at least 500,000 hectares deprived of irrigation into deserts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address that it was impossible to predict how many people would die in Russian-occupied areas due to the flooding, urging a clear and rapid reaction from the world to support victims.

The situation in occupied parts of the Kherson region is absolutely catastrophic. The occupiers are simply abandoning people in frightful conditions. No help, without water, left on the roofs of houses in submerged communities, he said.

Visiting the city of Kherson downstream from the dam, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said over 80 settlements had been affected by the disaster, and that the flooding had released chemicals and infectious bacteria into the water.

The Nova Kakhovka dam collapse on Tuesday happened as Ukraine prepares a major counteroffensive against Russias invasion, likely the wars next major phase. Both sides traded blame for continued shelling across the populated flood zone and warned of drifting landmines unearthed by the flooding.

Kyiv said on Wednesday its troops in the east had advanced more than a kilometer around the ruined city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, its most explicit claim of progress since Russia reported the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive earlier this week. Russia said it had fought off the assault.

Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraines national security council, said assaults under way were still localised, and the full-scale offensive had yet to begin.

When we start [it], everyone will know about it, they will see it, he told Reuters.

Kyiv said several months ago the dam had been mined by Russian forces that captured it early in their 15-month-old invasion, and has suggested Moscow blew it up to try to prevent Ukrainian forces crossing the Dnipro in their counteroffensive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of destroying the dam at the suggestion of Western supporters, saying it was a barbaric war crime that escalated the conflict with Moscow. Putin described the incident as an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe, according to a Kremlin read-out.

Neither side has presented public evidence demonstrating who was responsible.

Russia imposed a state of emergency in the areas of Kherson province it controls, where many towns and villages lie in exposed lowlands below the dam.

In the town of Nova Kakhovka next to the dam, brown water submerged main streets largely empty of residents.

Over 30,000 cubic metres of water were gushing out of the dams reservoir every second and the town was at risk of contamination from the torrent, Russias TASS news agency quoted the Russian-installed mayor, Vladimir Leontyev, as saying.

Zelenskiy said he was shocked at what he called the lack of U.N. and Red Cross aid so far for victims of the disaster.

Shortly afterward, President Emmanuel Macron of France said on Twitter that within the next few hours we will send aid to meet immediate needs.

The U.N.s humanitarian affairs office said a team was in Kherson to coordinate relief efforts. Access to drinking water was a major concern and around 12,000 bottles of water and 10,000 purification tablets had been distributed so far.

Ukraine expects the floodwaters will stop rising by the end of Wednesday after reaching around five metres (16.5 feet) overnight, presidential deputy chief Oleksiy Kuleba said.

Two thousand people have been evacuated from the Ukrainian-controlled part of the flood zone and waters had reached their highest level in 17 settlements with a combined 16,000 people.
US, Indo-Pacific Allies in Era of Unprecedented Alignment: Pentagon Official

Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam on patrol off the coast of Japan near Mt. Fuji on Nov. 22, 2014. (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David Flewellyn/U.S. Navy via AP)

The United States coordination with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific is at a historic high, according to a senior Pentagon official.

The nation is making progress in evolving its alliances with nations that include Australia, India, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea, in a bid to stabilize the region and counter Chinese communist aggression, said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner.

This is a moment of unprecedented alignment in our alliances and partnerships in the region, Ratner said during a talk with the Center for a New American Security think tank on June 8.

We have unprecedented engagement and momentum in these relationships, he said.

Ratner also said the department had a staggering number of meetings and engagements with its allies and partners during the defense-oriented Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last week, and during recent visits to Japan and India.

Indo-Pacific Is Bigger Than China

The acknowledgement of those talks came after numerous headlines focused on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins walk across a room to shake the hand of his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, who had refused all requests to arrange a meeting between the two.

Ratner underscored, however, that the meetings with allies went well beyond the United States ongoing competition with China.

Describing the allies as having a shared vision for the future, Ratner said the administration is working with regional partners to develop allied military capabilities, to better distribute security forces, and to create a cohesive network of allies with which to co-produce and co-develop new military technologies.

This is something that think tanks and strategists have been talking about for a long time in Washington, Ratner said. I think its coming together in a way thats more real now than its ever been before.

Those conversations are moving from dialogue to action, he continued. Were not just getting together to share our perspectives on the region.

Allies Seeking Stability



Ratner said that the United States has made significant progress over the past six months in deepening its security relationships in the Indo-Pacific through several initiatives, agreements, and high-level visits.

These include summits at the White House with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in January, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in May.

In the Philippines, he said, the United States secured agreement for military access to 14 Philippine bases. There is no intention to build permanent U.S. bases in the Philippines, Ratner clarified. Such access will allow the two powers to rotate forces and enhance humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, and better deter Chinese communist aggression.

The department is also working with the Philippines on a new security assistance road map to help the nation develop asymmetric capabilities that will help it ensure its own maritime security.

Ratner described the move as an attempt to level up the Philippines alliance with the United States, and better integrate it with more established allies like Australia and Japan.

We are conceiving of the Philippines as one of our most important alliances in the region, Ratner said. The Philippines-U.S. alliance is now rising to be on par with those other major alliances in the region.

Likewise, he said, the alignment of U.S., Japanese, and South Korean strategies were incredibly encouraging.

Ratner said that allies and partners in the region sent a clear message to the administration that they desired the stability afforded by the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific to continue for the long haul.

Theres a very strong demand signal right now for the United States to be playing its traditional, stabilizing role, and countries see their partnership with the United States as part of that, Ratner said. It is my firm belief right now that the forces of stability are outpacing the forces of aggression and coercion.
US Slaps Sanctions on Iranian, Chinese Targets Over Tehrans Missile, Military Programs

A new surface-to-surface ballistic missile called Khaibar with a range of 2,000 km, unveiled by Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on May 25, 2023. (WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)

WASHINGTONThe United States imposed sanctions on Tuesday on more than a dozen people and entities in China, Hong Kong, and Iran, including Irans defense attache in Beijing, over accusations they helped procure parts and technology for key actors in Irans ballistic missile development.

Earlier on Tuesday, the official IRNA news agency reported the Iranian regime had presented what officials described as its first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, an announcement likely to heighten Western concerns about Tehrans missile capabilities.

The United States will continue to target illicit transnational procurement networks that covertly support Irans ballistic missile production and other military programs, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in a statement.

Washington has imposed extensive sanctions on Iran over the years, including over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and accusations of human rights abuse.

The Treasury statement accused Irans defense attache in Beijing, Davoud Damghani, of coordinating military-related procurements from China for Iranian end-users, including subsidiaries of Irans Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).

Washington targeted centrifuge sales to Parchin Chemical Industries (PCI), dual-use metals sales to its intermediary, P.B. Sadr, and MODAFLs electronics procurement in Tuesdays action, according to the statement. Both PCI and P.B. Sadr were previously hit with sanctions by the United States.

The Iranian regimes mission to the United Nations in New York and Chinas embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

China and Iran in March 2021 signed a 25-year cooperation agreement to strengthen their longstanding economic and political alliance. China has been a major buyer of Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions designed to choke off these exports.

Among those targeted were China-based Zhejiang Qingji Ind Co., Ltd, which the Treasury accused of selling centrifuges and other equipment and services worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to PCI with P.B. Sadr as an intermediary.

Also among those sanctioned were Hong Kong Ke. Do International Trade Co., Limited and China-based Qingdao Zhongrongtong Trade Development Co., Ltd, which the Treasury accused of engaging in the sale of tens of millions of dollars worth of dual-use, nonferrous metals to P.B. Sadr.

Zhejiang Qingji did not immediately respond to a request for comment. P.B. Sadr and PCI, as well as the other companies, could not immediately be reached for comment.

By Daphne Psaledakis
Wagner Group Set to Launch Information War to Keep South Africas ANC in Power, Say Analysts

Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin makes a statement on the start of withdrawal of his forces from Bakhmut and handing over their positions to regular Russian troops, in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 25, 2023. (Press service of "Concord"/Handout via Reuters)

Global intelligence analysts, political risk consultants, and members of security establishments are warning of the probability of Russia interfering in South Africas election next year.

The goal of the interference would be to ensure that a pro-Russian government is elected in one of the worlds most resource-rich nations, and that means the Kremlin-funded Internet Research Agency (IRA) could be used to influence voting in South Africa, said Brendan von Essen, an international relations expert and political and security risk analyst based in Johannesburg.

The date for South Africas polls is yet to be confirmed but several government sources told The Epoch Times it would be in April 2024.

Von Essen told The Epoch Times: South Africas very important to Moscow. Its the second-largest economy in Africa, with its gold and platinum mines and lucrative financial sector.

South Africa influences the foreign policies of a lot of other African countries because it has a strong voice in the African Union and beyond.

South Africa is a member of the BRICS bloc of some of the worlds top developing economies, with the organization also including Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

It is the only African member of the G20, which comprises powers such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia.

South Africa is also lobbying intensively for a place on the United Nations Security Council.

But the African National Congress (ANC) government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa is enduring international condemnation for what is seen as its pro-Russian stance in the war in Ukraine, even as it maintains it is non-aligned and neutral.

Make no mistake, Moscow is heavily invested in making sure that South Africa stays firmly in the Russian camp, said Von Essen, who gives advice to multinationals, foreign governments, and others about political and security risks in South Africa.

The ANC government has always been totally uncritical of Russia at the UN, G20, AU, and BRICS. While most of the world is condemning Russia for its brutal assault on Ukraine, the ANC is hosting its navy for training exercises and sending its top army general to Moscow to discuss military cooperation.

This kind of propagandistic support at a time like this, from Africas most technologically advanced economy, is invaluable to Moscow, and given Russias behavior in other countries its fair to say it will do everything it can to hold on to such support.

During the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Cape Town last week, Russias Sergey Lavrov branded South Africa one of Moscows greatest friends and allies in the world.

South Africas Minister of International Affairs, Naledi Pandor, responded in kind, using the phrase our Russian friends several times.

The former Soviet Union, which then included Ukraine, supported the ANCs insurrection against the apartheid government from the 1960s to early 1990s, with weapons and money. Many of the partys top officials went to college and received military training in the USSR.

Since Putins invasion in February 2022, the ANC has moved ever closer to Russia.

It has refused to condemn the war on Ukraine; held joint military exercises with Russia; allowed sanctioned Russian ships and aircraft into South African territory and dispatched its army chief to discuss military cooperation and conflict readiness with his counterpart in the Kremlin.

In recent months ANC ministers have made several unexplained visits to Moscow, and have also been keynote speakers at Russian security conferences.

Ramaphosa is leading a group of six African leaders set to begin brokering peace in Ukraine in mid-June, with analysts convinced it will fail because of South Africas pro-Russian stance.

Ahead of next years polls, the ANC finds itself in crisis.

Decades of corruption, mismanagement, and incompetence have resulted in a breakdown of services in many cities and towns.

Electricity and water outages lasting days, sometimes weeks, are common. Violent crime is rampant, with South Africa now having the third-highest murder rate in the world.

The most developed economy in Africa also has the highest official unemployment rate in the world, at almost 35 percent, a number blamed on the ANCs failed job creation policies and economic mismanagement.

Going into 2024, its clear the ANCs more desperate than its ever been, said Sanusha Naidu, a political analyst at the South African Poverty Network.

The partys previous strongholds are turning against it. Its putting on a brave face, but behind closed doors its terrified of losing power.

If it wasnt scared, it wouldnt be talking with other parties in case it has to form a coalition government to hold on to government. Desperate people do desperate things, she told The Epoch Times.

The latest pre-election survey, completed by one of South Africas most credible think tanks, the Brenthurst Foundation, has the ANC getting 47.6 percent of the vote in 2024.

Other recent polls have the ANC as low as 41 percent, with only a few projecting it will win the 50-plus-one needed for it to form a majority government.

The party captured 57.5 percent of the vote in the last elections in 2019.

But Naidu and other analysts said the 2021 local government elections offered a more credible reflection of where it presently stood in terms of support.

In 2021 the ANC slipped below 50 percent of the national vote for the first time, losing control of several major cities and towns to its main opposition in parliament, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and coalitions of smaller parties.

Von Essen said: Even the slightest indication that the ANCs grip on power will end in 2024 will worry the Russians. They know that an ANC loss will probably result in South Africa adopting stances that are far more pro-Western.

The Russians are already trying to strengthen the ANC, with money the most obvious example.

In September 2021, after the Political Party Funding Act was passed, the ANC was forced to disclose its donors. It then became clear that a company called United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) was funding it with millions of dollars.

UMK was established in 2011 as a joint venture between Russian oligarch and Putin ally Viktor Vekselberg and South African black economic empowerment investors.

These included the ANCs investment vehicle, Chancellor House.

ANC funding reports show that UMK continues to give generously to the ANC.

Russia is already propping up the ANC with cash, DA leader John Steenhuisen told The Epoch Times. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Who knows what else the Russians are prepared to do, to make sure their buddies stay in government?

The United States government sanctioned Vekselberg in 2018 for what the U.S. Treasury described as worldwide malign activity from several oligarchs who benefit from the Putin regime.

Court papers filed against Vekselberg in Washington in 2022 and earlier this year link him to a slew of crimes, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, racketeering, money laundering, and bribery.

The 2022 documents said Vekselberg was accused of using Russian soldiers to gain control of a Siberian oilfield in 2001.

In 2004, he allegedly stole client funds which he used to purchase Faberge eggs.

In 2022, the U.S. Treasury imposed new sanctions on Vekselberg, noting that he was maintaining close ties with Putin and former Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev.

It said Vekselberg had participated in Russian diplomatic and soft power activities on behalf of the Kremlin, accompanying officials on cultural missions abroad, including to South Africa.

Steven Gruzd, who heads the African Governance and Diplomacy Program at the South African Institute of International Affairs, told The Epoch Times: We know Moscows modus operandi: Its agents and agents provocateurs are typically deployed to countries with plenty of natural resources, where dictators or governments or ruling parties are in danger of losing power.

The Russians, using whatever means necessary, even mercenaries, then turn losers into winners, and benefit by way of massive mining concessions, stakes in oil and diamond fields; energy projects, you name it.

Von Essen is convinced the IRA already has a presence in South Africa.

I am strongly inclined to believe, based on what several sources have told me, that the IRA is being prepared to stoke pro-ANC and anti-opposition feelings, he said.

Several intelligence agents told The Epoch Times, Russian businessmen frequently met with ANC officials.

One said: They call themselves businessmen. Everyone calls everyone else a businessman; we dont actually know what kind of business theyre involved in.

Von Essen said the risk of hackers targeting South African political parties in the runup to the 2024 pollssimilar to what occurred in the United States in 2016was very high.

Our internet space is very insecure and unrestricted, he explained.

The U.S. government has sanctioned Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the chief of Wagner PMC, Russias Kremlin-backed mercenary force, for financing the IRA.

On Feb. 16, 2018, the FBI issued a warrant of arrest for Prigozhin for defrauding the United States by allegedly interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, which sent Donald Trump to the White House.

It read: Prigozhin was the primary funder of the St. Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency (IRA).

He allegedly oversaw and approved their political and electoral interference operations in the United States which included the purchase of American computer server space, the creation of hundreds of fictitious online personas, and the use of stolen identities of persons from the United States.

These actions were allegedly taken to reach significant numbers of Americans for the purposes of interfering with the United States political system, including the 2016 presidential election.

In November 2022, Prigozhin posted on Russias Facebook equivalent, VKontakte: We have interfered [in US elections], we are interfering and we will continue to interfere. Carefully, accurately, surgically, and in our own way, as we know how to do.

The stakes are so high in our national elections next year that I dont think its unreasonable to assume that some malign forces will, in some way or the other, use illegal methods to influence the vote, said Emma Powell, the opposition Democratic Alliances representative on international relations.

I dont think the ANC plans to blatantly steal elections, and rig the vote, like we see in a lot of other African countries.

It will be more subtle than that, and part of that could well involve attacking opponents online, to disrupt their campaigning and to use disinformation to undermine their messaging.

The ANC succeeded for many years in keeping its Russian funding secret. What else are they hiding?

ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe, told The Epoch Times the party had no need of any illegal foreign intervention whatsoever to gain outright victory in the 2024 polls.

He denied that the IRA was present in South Africa.

Firstly, we [the ANC] would never dream of using the internet to hack opponents or to harm them in cyberspace or on social media.

They will be allowed to campaign freely. Secondly, we have our own IT specialists; why should we call in Russians or anyone else to do jobs we ourselves are capable of doing?
When China Goes to the Moon, We Will Need Lunar Defense Systems

A screen shows footages of spacecraft for Chang'e-5 Mission during an event on Chinas lunar exploration program at the National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing on Jan. 18, 2021. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

Commentary

Chinas program to put people on the moon is gathering momentum. Still, when they arrive, the United States and its 25 Artemis Accord partner nations may require novel missile defenses on the moon.

Recent statements by Chinese space officials show increasing confidence that China can send people to the moon before 2030.

On April 25, Chinese Lunar Exploration Program Chief Designer Wu Weiren told Chinese state television: By 2030, the Chinese people will definitely be able to set foot on the moon. Thats not a problem.

Then on May 29, just before the launch of the Shenzhou-16 manned spacecraft, China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director Lin Xiqiang stated: Recently, the moon landing phase of Chinas crewed lunar exploration program has started. The main goal is to send Chinese astronauts to land on the moon for the first time by 2030.

That same day, another official was interviewed on Chinese state television outlining the test program for Chinas 27-tons to-the-moon capable Long March-10 space launch vehicle (SLV).

In early November 2022, a Chinese space official noted that the Long March-10 could begin testing in 2027.

The latest information is that China may carry out four unmanned launches of the Long March-10 before the fifth and sixth missions to conduct the first Chinese manned mission to the moon by 2029 or 2030.

The Long March-10 will require the simultaneous launch of two SLVs to put people on the moonone to carry a new generation manned spacecraft and a second to carry a new Chinese moon landing vehicle. They will dock in lunar orbit to transfer the crew to the lander before it descends to the moons surface.

However, Chinas new moon landing vehicle presents a possible hazard to the moon bases of other nations, sufficient to consider the deployment of defensive weapons by the time China begins its moon missions.

A Chinese exhibition in early March in Beijing, which coincided with the annual Two Sessions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), for the first time displayed a model of the Chinese moon landing vehiclewhich for China amounted to a press release confirming previous disclosures about its configuration.

Copying the concept of the former Soviet Unions single-cosmonaut carrying Lunniy korabyl or LK moon lander, the Chinese moon lander consists of two stages.

A crude model of the Soviet-era Lunniy korabyl (LK) moon lander and its expendable Bloc D booster that would crash into the moon is displayed at the Russian Energia Corporation museum in Russia in 2008. (Courtesy of Richard Fisher)

One is a large booster stage that completes the moon landers trip to lunar orbit but then provides most of the fuel and propulsion to decelerate the moon lander down to a low altitude above the moon.

When it reaches that low altitude, the booster detaches and crashes to the moon, while the manned single-stage moon landing vehicle completes its descent to the lunar surface.

It will also have the fuel to ascend back to lunar orbit for crew transfer for the return trip to Earth.

Initially, this two-stage moon landing vehicle will take two Chinese astronauts to the moon for a brief visit. Still, as early as 2018, Chinese briefings also revealed that this Soviet-era two-stage concept will be used to transport large, pressurized moon rovers and large moon habitats to the lunar surface.

Currently, both the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Chinese are interested in the same 10 to 13 or so lunar landing locations on the south pole of the moon.

Both countries view the moons south pole as an early strategic objective, as this location has a higher probability of yielding minable lunar water ice, from which they can eventually process oxygen and rocket fuels.

But as China begins to build its manned moon bases, its method for arriving on the moon will include bombing the moons surface with its expended moon lander boosters, which could threaten the moon settlements of the United States and its now 25 Artemis Accord partner nations.

Even if the expended Chinese boosters miss the U.S. and other Western moon bases, it is likely that potentially toxic propulsion chemicals from the Chinese booster crash will contaminate lunar ice deposits that could be used by all moon-faring nations.

It is reasonable to consider that China has the technical skill to design a two-stage moon lander similar to the Lockheed lunar excursion module (LEM) of the U.S. Apollo Program, which used a first stage to achieve the moon landingwithout crashingand then a second stage for returning to lunar orbit.

Occasional Chinese images of moon landers, some used by Chinese space organizations, suggest interest in a LEM-like two-stage lunar lander. Still, no model of that concept has appeared in Chinese exhibitions.

In contrast, NASA-funded lunar lander concepts from Elon Musks SpaceX Corporation and a team led by Jeff Bezoss Blue Origin are reusable single-stage spacecraft that can descend from lunar orbit to the moons surface and return for crew transfer back to Earth.

Again, like the LEM, there is no intention to crash onto the moons surface.

In an article published in Chinese state media China Daily on May 30, the director of the Laboratory for Space Research of the University of Hong Kong, Jin Ding, wrote: The US should not fear Chinas emergence. Instead, it should cash in on the opportunities and markets that this emergence brings for win-win collaboration, cooperation and competition.

However, a Chinese refusal to change its moon landing systems means the United States will have to consider an early placement of a defensive system to protect U.S. and partner nation astronauts from Chinese bombs.

A missile-based defensive system may achieve the goal of saving lives on moon bases, but a missile impacting the Chinese booster will still create a debris field and may not eliminate contaminant fuels.

Perhaps another solution would be a four- or six-corner adhesive-covered net, fired by four or six missiles with enough thrust to carry the Chinese booster away from the moon.

But the larger issue is that despite self-serving Chinese propaganda, the United States and its Artemis Accord partner nations have real reason to fear Chinas arrival on the moon.

As it pursues military hegemony on Earth, the CCP is also preparing to impose its hegemony on the Earth-moon system, including the militarization of its moon bases.

Chinas use of moon bombing boosters that endanger other countries constitutes the lunar corollary of the CCPs callous disregard for life on Earth.

The United States may be forced to consider the early deployment of lunar defense systems.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Woking Council Effectively Goes Bust With 1.2 Billion Hole in Budget

A council in Surry has effectively declared bankruptcy with a 1.2 billion deficit in its budget owning to debt inherited from previous property sprees.

Woking Borough Council issued a section 114 notice (pdf) on Wednesday, halting all expenditure except essential spending, such as salaries and pensions for existing staff and fundings for delivering a minimum level of statutory services or protecting vulnerable people.

The Liberal Democrat-run council said its core funding in the 2023/24 financial yearconsisted of council tax, retained business rates, and central government grantsonly adds up to 16 million, while its debt portfolio was 1.8 billion as of March 31, 2023.

As a result, the council will not be able to balance its budget for a number of years, it said.

Julie Fisher, Woking Borough Councils Chief Executive, said the issuing of a Section 114 Notice is a very serious matter that rightly reflects the scale and breadth of the acute financial situation facing the council.

She also said the decision was informed by an independent financial review, which gave the council a comprehensive understanding of its severe financial position.

The independent review, commissioned by Levelling up Secretary Michael Gove, found that the scale of the councils financial problem is unprecedented.

The report said there is no realistic means by which the Council can return to financial sustainability on its own and that it will require significant support, including statutory oversight.

According to the report, which was published in May, Woking Borough Council was the most indebted council relative to its size in the UK.

The size of the debt was 1.9 billion at the time. The report said it was the fourth-highest level of debt in the country and the highest level of debt per head (19,000).

Woking Borough Council has been under the control of the Liberal Democrats since May last year. Between 2007 and 2022, the Conservative Party controlled the council for eight years, while no party had overall control for the other four years.

Much of the councils debt is the result of a borrowing spree between 2016 and 2019 to fund property development projects including Victoria Square, which features two skyscrapers with a hotel, two public plazas, and some residential properties.

The council gave 50-year-loans to its wholly owned Thameswey group and Victoria Square Woking Ltd, a joint venture between the council and Northern Irish property firm Moyallen Group, to support the project, and borrowed from the Public Works Loans Board to compensate its operating losses.

Meanwhile, the properties it has built have lost value since the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a charge of over 600 million.

The council has also been under calculating the amount of money it needs to set aside for debt repayment since 2007/08, resulting in an additional charge of 95 million in the 2023/24 financial year and around 75 million each year in the coming years.

The council said if the 75 million was to be paid by cutting services, it could no longer afford to provide any services at all and would still see a net budget shortfall.

Councillor Ann-Marie Barker said her administration has been very clear about the huge financial challenges facing the council due to the legacy of inherited debt.

She said the challenges are so significant that the council cannot simply deal with them on its own and has to work with the central government to deliver an Improvement and Recovery Plan.

The plan may entail a rise in council taxes and some level of central government bailout.

Woking is not the only council to effectively declare bankruptcy in recent years.

South Londons Croydon Council issued a section 114 notice in November 2021 for the third time in two years. A sixth of its annual budget was spent on paying debt.

In November 2021, then-Labour-run London Borough of Croydon issued its third section 114 notice in November 2021, while Thurrock in Essex took the step in December last year after it got into difficulties over borrowing large sums to invest in solar energy.

Conservative-run Thurrock Council and Labour-run Slough Borough Council have also declared effective bankruptcy in the last two years.

Earlier this year, the three councils raised the rates of their council taxes with the central governments permissionCroydon by 15 percent and the other two by 9.99 percent.

Local government minister Lee Rowley also wrote to the councils in March, saying Gove was minded to approve support packages they had requested224.6 million for Croydon (pdf), 632.7 million for Thurrock (pdf), and up to 31.6 million for Slough (pdf).
Ambulance set on fire in Manipur, 3 killed





KOLKATA :

AN INJURED eight-year-old boy was killed along with his mother and another relative when an ambulance with the three on board was waylaid by a mob and set ablaze in Manipurs West Imphal district, officials said. The incident occurred at Iroisemba on Sunday evening when the boy was being taken to a hospital by his mother and their relative in Imphal after he sustained a bullet injury in his head during a shoot-out, they said. Three have been identified as Tonsing Hangsing (8), his 45-year-old mother Meena Hangsing, and Lydia Lourembam, aged 37, the officials said.

A senior Assam Rifles officer confirmed the incident and said security has been beefed up in and around the camp where it happened. Sources said Tonsing, the son of a tribal man, and his Meitei mother, were staying at an Assam Rifles relief camp at Kangchup. On June 4 evening, a gunfight started in the area, and despite being in the camp, he was hit by a bullet. A senior Assam Rifles officer immediately spoke to police in Imphal and arranged for an ambulance. Since the mother was from the majority community, a decision was taken to take the kid to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal by road, sources said. The ambulance was under Assam Rifles escort for a few kilometres, after which the local police took over. Around 6:30 pm, the ambulance was waylaid by civilians at Isoisemba and set ablaze. All three in the vehicle were killed. We still do not know where the bodies are, one of the sources added. The Kangchup area has several Kuki villages and is on Kangpokpi districts border with Imphal West, close to the Meitei village of Phayeng. The area has been seeing heavy exchange of fire in the second wave of violence across the state since May 27.
CBI raids 20 places in WB over municipal jobs scam





NEW DELHI/KOLKATA,

THE CBI has conducted searches at 20 locations in West Bengal in connection with the alleged irregularities in municipal recruitment, officials said on Wednesday. The searches were spread across the offices of 14 municipal corporations, including Dum Dum, Halisahar and Bada Nagar, three premises of FIR named accused Ayan Sil and three other locations, they said. The CBI teams also raided the office of the State Urban Development Department in the Salt Lake area, he said. According to the official, allegations of cash-for-jobs had surfaced over the appointments of personnel in these civic bodies for which the search operations were taking place. State Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim termed the raids part of a conspiracy hatched by the BJP. There are reasons to believe that it is an act of revenge by the BJP, which has been using central agencies against its political opponents. We have nothing against fair investigations, but we believe that such raids are part of a conspiracy. We want the truth to come out, he told reporters.

BJP State spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya claimed that the CBI is investigating the alleged job scam in municipalities on the direction of the Calcutta High Court. Thus, the TMCs claim about conspiracy is baseless. Hakim is aware of the fact that sections of TMC workers are disgruntled for not getting jobs in local civic bodies, and they are happy with the courts order and CBI searches, Bhattacharya said. The CBI has registered an FIR in an alleged scam in the recruitment of various posts in different municipalities of West Bengal on the orders of the Calcutta High Court.

The case was registered against Sil and his company ABS Infozone Pvt Ltd, which was engaged in the printing and evaluation of OMR sheets, for alleged manipulation of the scores of aspirants, officials said. Calcutta High Courts Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay ordered the CBI to probe the municipality recruitment scam case on April 21. Justice Gangopadhyay had instructed West Bengals director general of police and the chief secretary to assist the CBI and ED in their investigation into the alleged scam in municipal recruitment if requested by the central agencies. The ED had stated that a separate FIR would be required to investigate the alleged municipality recruitment scam under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act by the predicate agency -- the CBI. The ED had also shared detailed information with the CBI and requested it to investigate the alleged irregularities in municipal recruitment since the proceeds of crime from the alleged teachers recruitment scam were allegedly intermingled with those from the alleged municipality recruitment scam.
Forest Deptt to recruit 2,138 Forest Guards soon





Staff Reporter

YLP Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Maharashtra Forest Department, released a recruitment notice for filling 2,138 posts of Forest Guards (Group C) in the Department. The recruitment drive will be conducted to directly appoint Forest Guards in service. Candidates who have passed Class 12 in Science or Geography or Economics or Mathematics subjects will be eligible for the post of Forest Guard. Candidates under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category can apply for the post on the basis of Class 10 pass certificate. Similarly, ex-servicemen who have Class 10 certificate can also apply for the post. Candidates must know to write, read and speak Marathi language.

The application process will start on June 10. The last date for submitting the application online is June 30. The appointed Forest Guards will get the pay scale of Rs 21,700 - Rs 69,100 plus various allowances as per the 7th Pay Commission. Candidates can apply online only in the prescribed format on the website, http://www.mahaforest.gov.in through the link available in the Recruitment tab. More details are available in the detailed advertisement on the website. Candidates should submit the application form online only after understanding the complete information carefully.
Gangster Jeeva shot dead in UP court





LUCKNOW :

GANGSTER-POLITICIAN Mukhtar Ansaris aide Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva was shot dead on Lucknow court premises on Wednesday, police said. A policeman and a two-year-old girl were injured. The alleged assailant was caught on the spot after the shooting right outside the courtroom, police said. Eyewitnesses said he was dressed as a lawyer and fired around six shots. The assailant opened fire when Jeeva, who was serving life imprisonment in Lucknow jail, was brought to the court for hearing in a case, police officials said. Jeeva (48) was a resident of Muzaffarnagar district. He was an accused in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai and then State Minister Brahm Dutta Dwivedi as well as 22 other cases, including that of fraud and criminal conspiracy.

The girl and the police constable who sustained gunshot injuries in the shooting were rushed to hospital, the officials said, adding the childs condition was critical while the constable was in a stable state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed to constitute a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident. The SIT, which has been asked to complete the probe within a week, will be headed by ADG (Technical) Mohit Agarwal, Government officials said, adding that other members of the team are IPS officer Neelabja Chowdhary and IG (Ayodhya range) Praveen Kumar. Brahm Dutta Dwivedi, along with his gunner, was killed on February 10, 1997, in Farrukhabad district. A trial court on July 17, 2003, convicted Jeeva for commissioning the killing of Dwivedi and his gunner and also committing a murderous assault on his driver.

The court sentenced Jeeva to life imprisonment in the case. Following the shooting incident on the court premises on Wednesday, advocates staged a protest against the state police, accusing it of failing to ensure law and order and beefing up stricter security arrangements. Jeeva was waiting in the corridor just outside a special ADJ (Additional District Judge) court where he was to appear, when the assailant opened fire, said Additional Director General (Lucknow Zone) Piyush Mordia. The incident comes hardly two months after gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were gunned down by three assailants while being taken in police custody to hospital for a medical examination in Prayagraj on April 15.
The emergency services evacuate citizens in Kherson on Wednesday. Libkos (AP / LaPresse)

In another life, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam would have led to a mass evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. But the villages that have been flooded along the final 60-kilometer (37 miles) stretch of the Dnipro River before it flows into the Black Sea have long since been virtually deserted. Kherson is a ghost town where death lurks on every street corner. Now, in addition to the potholes and ruined buildings caused by artillery fire, there are submerged neighborhoods where the few residents who remain have lost what little they had left.

The Ukrainian government estimates that on both banks of the flooded river, more than 40,000 people will need to be relocated. On the Ukrainian side, Kyiv has reported the evacuation of almost 2,000 residents; in the Russian-occupied areas, the figure rises to 4,000, according to Russian media. These data confirm that this stretch of the Dnipro is largely unpopulated because it has marked a frontline boundary between the two armies for several months.

A soldier turns a blind eye to the handful of citizens who approach the water on Ushakovka Avenue, Khersons main thoroughfare. Officially, it is prohibited for them to be there: just over five kilometers (three miles) away are the new Russian positions. Before the dam was breached, people would not dare to stand there because at that time the enemy was just 1,000 meters away, within sniper range. The bursting of the Dnipros banks after the collapse of the dam early Tuesday morning has widened its course and flooded the alluvial plains where the Russian front line was previously located. On Ushakovka Avenue, the water had penetrated about 200 meters into the city. In other neighborhoods, the flooding was much worse.

Curious onlookers wandered along the flooded urban landscape to take pictures, as souvenirs or to send to relatives and friends who left the city long ago. People are confident and come closer because today they arent shooting at us with artillery; they are too busy with what they themselves have done, said the serviceman stationed at the end of Ushakovka Avenue on Wednesday. In the eyes of Kyiv, the European Union and NATO, there is little doubt that Russian troops destroyed the dam to prevent a large-scale amphibious assault by Ukrainian forces on the eastern bank of the Dnipro.

Volunteers helping residents trapped in a building in Kherson on Wednesday. ABOUTMICHAEL (Getty)

Although the Russian guns were temporarily silent, Ukrainian artillery fire sounded every few minutes. A senior army officer explained to this newspaper, on condition of anonymity, that one of the reasons Russian shells are hitting Kherson so hard is because Ukrainian howitzers are constantly moving around within the city limits. Humanitarian aid is not reaching us because they want us to get the hell out of here, said Vita, a woman who lives near the river with her disabled son. For the Ukrainian Armed Forces  and also for Russian troops on the far bank  the residents who insist on continuing to live at the wars ground zero are a problem because they hinder military operations.

Vita had been given bags of bread and fruit by some volunteers that she will distribute along with eight other residents. Despite the hazards, among the few vehicles circulating in Kherson on Wednesday, many were SUVs and vans belonging to aid and civilian relief organizations that had moved to the area after the floods.

Information blackout

But it is not just the civilian population that is providing a headache for the military authorities: for the press, access to the flooded areas is an odyssey. The Ukrainian Army has established a map of zones in which the media can officially work only after securing express authorization and always accompanied by a military representative. A spokeswoman for the High Command justified these restrictions on access to Kherson because they do not want to double the population of the city.

The military authorities also do not want observers to witness ongoing military operations, nor do they want their soldiers to be put at risk by the presence of the press. Last week, a video released by the Ministry of Defense caused a furor on Ukrainian social networks. In it, soldiers from various units asked the population not to share information that could be detrimental to the counteroffensive. The ministry has also emphasized that both the media and military analysts should not provide any information other than that provided via official channels.

EL PAIS was prevented from entering the municipalities adjacent to the Nova Kakhovka dam by military personnel, who said that their commanding officers were under strict orders not to allow the press to pass. This strategy contrasts with what Lena Kotok, a resident of Kherson, asked journalists: Please tell the world what we are suffering through, of the evil committed by Russia.

Even Ukrainians cant believe what its like to live here, added her sister Lera. On Wednesday, they went to check on the apartment belonging to Leras daughter, who fled Kherson in the spring of 2022 when Russian troops occupied the city. The apartment is in a building where the water had reached the second floor. Lera was crying because they had lost their most precious possession, the dacha, or summer house, that her grandparents built on an island near the Dnipro delta.

The apartment belonging to Yuri and Tanias daughter, who also fled Kherson in 2022 to settle in Ireland, was more fortunate. The water had knocked out electricity in the building, but barely affected the apartment. The adjoining building, an old two-story block, had collapsed under the pressure of the floodwater. The couple check the apartment every few hours and video call their daughter to assure her that everything is more or less all right.

The lives of the Perehorihatenko family, one among many, were turned upside down this week. Their home is underwater and they have been forced to move in with relatives. Sasha, his wife Ana, and their son Ilia went together to the painting and plating shop where Sasha works, which was also swept away. As long as the Russians are still here, the problems will continue, but we will resist, as we resisted the occupation and now the shelling, says Ana.

A resident of the town of Korsunka, Kherson province, on Wednesday. ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO (REUTERS)

Around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kherson, following the Dnipro northeast, Svetlana Denisuk was calculating how many days of water could remain for her two hectares of strawberry fields. Her business depends on water from the Kakhovka reservoir, but authorities have already warned her that, possibly within two weeks, there will be no supply. What to do? Nothing. All of this will die, there is nothing to be done, she said resignedly. The economic disaster for the Ukrainian agricultural sector may be colossal, according to data from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food: 94% of the irrigation network in the Kherson region, 74% in Zaporizhzhia and 30% in Dnipropetrovsk has run dry.

However, life will not get as bad as an outside observer might think, says Denisuk: last year, her crops were a battlefield. At least now they are demined, she adds. She prefers not to think about the future, she admits, as she makes a point of treating journalists to a box of strawberries, adding a request: Tell people whats going on here.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
TiE Nagpur will host a session on June 8 from 3 pm to 4 pm under Business Showcase Series. It is an initiative wherein TiE Members showcase their ventures to know and build a stronger TiE community. It will be an interactive session, where the Moderator - Avigat Ganeriwala (Founder - Ganeriwala & Co) will interact with Mili Juneja, Founder - MJ Services; and Amol Hirkane ( Founder - iLoma Technology Pvt Ltd. For details call on mob -9595568009 or visit [email protected]
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

HARTFORD  A monthly advisory group on office vacancy in greater Hartford has only met once in person since it formed last year, highlighting the main issue confronting the regions cities and towns  the future of in-person work.

When was the last time you heard about a Friday happy hour? asked David Griggs, CEO of MetroHartford Alliance, organizer of the group. The way businesses will operate is changing; were going to see all kinds of changes that we dont even fully realize yet.

Although more employees are returning to the office, willingly or grudgingly, few expect that the changes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic will be undone any time soon. So what do landlords and planners do with the 7 million square feet of office space sitting vacant in greater Hartford as of the end of last year?

And things are getting worse: Real estate company CBRE reported that Greater Hartford added another 675,935 square feet of vacant office space as of the close of the first quarter of this year, with the availability rate hitting 29.9 percent  an all-time high.

MetroHartford Alliances team of local officials, brokers, landlords and nonprofits seek to both assess the problem and find solutions.

We just wanted to have a table where we can sit around, share ideas, understand that this is a regional issue, Griggs said. Included in the group are economic development heads from towns including Farmington and Windsor, representatives of major commercial brokers like CBRA and landlords, and advocates from the MetroHartford Alliance and the Capital Region Development Authority.

What Do We Do With All These Old Buildings? was also the theme of the CT Commercial Real Estate Conference, which took place Wednesday in West Hartford. At that event, organized by the UConn Real Estate Center, a group of local mayors will discuss issues of office and other commercial vacancies with some of the MetroHartford Alliance advisory group members.

Empty office buildings and their negative impact are hardly unique to Hartford, Griggs stressed. San Franciscos vacancy rate of 30 percent represents a staggering total of about 35 million square feet of empty office space, according to CBRE. Officials in Toronto are considering razing several office towers in that Canadian city due to a vacancy rate that rose from 2 percent pre-pandemic to 15 percent in the first quarter of this year.

John McCormick, an executive vice president in CBREs Hartford office, said this is the rare moment that Hartford is tracking national trends: In the past the city has entered downturns early and left them late. He said he was encouraged both by the increase in downtown apartments and the formation of the advisory group.

For the first time in my 30-year career, the fact that MetroHartford Alliance is taking a proactive approach to trying to work through what is a very startlingly high downtown vacancy rate  I was encouraged by that, McCormick said. The fact that were having a thoughtful conversation every month I think is really helpful.

Hartfords office market was stable if not thriving pre-pandemic, and the trend had already started to convert underutilized downtown buildings into apartments. Downtown Hartford outperformed surrounding areas on vacancy in the first quarter of this year, with average asking rent increasing slightly to $22.47 per square foot and positive absorption of 36,000 square feet, for an availability rate of 25.5 percent, according to a CBRE report.

Filling that empty space is not as simple as just finding more companies to lease offices.

If only the world were that easy, Griggs said. Every office user out there is looking at reducing their footprint. Companies seeking offices also have a wealth of choices: In the national marketplace, were competing against every other market that has the exact same problems we do, but potentially more people to give.

So what are some solutions the MetroHartford Alliance group has considered? Co-working space is popular in some cities, but existing co-working spaces in Hartford are often as underutilized as vacant offices.

Student housing is another option, but that would require the recruitment of a major professional school or other institution. The former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute campus at 275 Windsor St. near Dunkin Park has been attracting developer interest, but will likely require expensive abatement and retrofitting for reuse.

Experts on hotel conversions told the MetroHartford Alliance group that many downtown Hartford buildings lack the layout and structural features to be easily converted into lodgings. In a shaky regional market for hotels, expensive retrofits just dont make sense in most cases.

The most attractive solution at present is conversion of empty space to apartments: CBRE boasts in its property listings of Hartfords lease-up rate of at 90 percent or higher within a year for the 3,000 new apartments built in the city in the last decade. For residential developers, the states 2.1 percent apartment vacancy rate is also a selling point  the nations lowest, according to CBRE.

But wholesale conversion of office space to apartments would be short-sighted, said Rose Ponte, Farmingtons economic development director and another member of the MetroHartford Alliance advisory group.

Everybody says they need housing, and while some of that might be a good solution, you know, we have to hold back, Ponte said. Companies are bringing more people back. So its really trying to stay very agile and nimble and really trying to respond.

Ponte added that she has driven around Farmington in recent weeks and seen office-complex parking lots filled with cars again. I think we have to be smart because, as one of our fellow colleagues said in our last discussion, Were going to be in big trouble, folks, if we take all the office space and and turn it into something else.

In addition to changing the character of a city, turning office space into apartments has a major impact on the tax base, said advisory group member Michael Freimuth, executive director of the CRDA.

From a public policy point of view, we want a blend of commercial and residential, otherwise, all the tax burden is going to shift to the residents, Freimuth said. We want to maintain the commercial stock and fight for it.

Also represented in the vacancy group is property owner LAZ Investments, an arm of the parking company, which owns the Gold Building in partnership with Shelbourne Global Solutions and other downtown Hartford real estate. The partners also debuted 97 new apartments late last year at 99 Pratt St. in a renovated office building, reporting strong demand from would-be downtown tenants.

Jane Davey, director of Asset Management & Acquisitions at LAZ Investments, said that the company was pleased with the leasing performance of its new apartments but was also exploring a range of options for its office inventory.

[99 Pratt St.] has been successful, but we still have the existing Class A space that does not in general lend itself well to conversion, Davey said. We believe you need both. You need to have companies locating downtown and we believe strongly in in-person offices, in the value and benefits of that.

Davey said she hoped that more property owners would join the advisory group on office vacancy and add their perspectives.

I think we would benefit from having a little bit broader representation, Davey said of the group. As downtown property owners, we feel strongly that having a strong core downtown is important for the relevance of the region.

Freimuth of the CRDA agreed that the group benefited from a range of views. Anybody whos in the business of commercial real estate would do well to watch this and participate in it, and share with it, he said. Best practices are yet to evolve.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The Wilton Land Trust and ASML employees joined forces on a project to restore native habitat at Schenck's Island as part of National Volunteer Week.

A team of volunteers gathered at the land trust's River Walk at Schenck's Island on April 20.

Together, they tended blueberry fields, removed hundreds of square feet of invasive plants, built stone walls and planted native plants, including blueberries, chokeberry, winterberry and eastern red cedar trees, to support birds and wildlife.

ASML, a manufacturer of lithography machines with over 3,000 employees at its Wilton location, supports the local community in many ways, including corporate-sponsored workdays with the Wilton Land Trust.

"We are proud to partner with ASML to improve our open space amenities, enrich the community, restore biodiversity, and build a community centered around nature," said David McCarthy, executive director of the Wilton Land Trust.

Nonnative invasive plants have damaged the island, "forcing out the native plants as well as the wildlife that depend on them for food and habitat," McCarthy said.

"Schenck's Island is like Wilton's Central Park," said McCarthy, "and we're committed to ensuring it is a healthy, accessible, and biologically diverse nature preserve for wildlife to thrive and the greater Wilton Community to enjoy."

The Wilton Land Trust's grand vision is for a bird sanctuary at the entranceway to its Schenck's Island River Walk.

ASML is committed to environmental sustainability, and our partnership with Wilton Land Conservation Trust helps preserve the natural beauty of Wilton for generations to come, ASML said in a statement.

The Wilton Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space. For more information, visit www.wiltonlandtrust.org/.

Deadline nears for dog licenses in town

The town of Wilton posted a legal notice advising dog owners of the upcoming deadline to obtain dog licenses.

All dogs 6 months of age or older must be licensed on or before June 30, 2023, at the Town Clerks Office at 238 Danbury Road. Licenses may be obtained at any time during the month of June, according to a statement from the town.

The fee for a dog license for a neutered male or a spayed female is $8. The fee for a male or female is $19.

Owners of neutered or spayed dogs must present a certificate from the veterinarian. Also, Connecticut General Statutes requires dog owners to present a certificate showing a current rabies vaccination.

For a dog license application, visit https://www.wiltonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif10026/f/uploads/20210526_dog_license_application_fillable_final.pdf.

To renew a dog license online, visit https://www.invoicecloud.com/portal/(S(kikjnhrl2xrz21wxctxxi2uo))/2/Site.aspx?G=c4d2588e-50a7-4408-86fc-438354dcb34c.

The town said it will begin to impose penalties starting on July 1. After that date, there is a $1 per month penalty added on to the original fee.

School of Dance presents short ballets

To celebrate 25 years in Ridgefield, the Ridgefield School of Dance is presenting three short ballets: one classical, one comedic and one special childrens ballet.

The performances will be part of a dance-filled weekend on June 10 and June 11 at the Clune Arts Center in Wilton.

Instead of our typical spring show, we wanted to do something extra special to celebrate our anniversary and show our thanks to the community for its support all these years, Executive Director Alison Brown said.

The upper level school will present Act II of "Swan Lake" as well as "Carnival of the Animals."

"Swan Lake" features Ridgefield High School senior Sophia Dotterer as Odette dancing opposite SUNY Purchase senior Micah Sell. With original choreography from artistic director Jessica Boelts, "Carnival" is a humorous look at a carnival in which each animal has a human counterpart.

"A Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra" is presented by the schools youngest dancers, ages 3 to 7, dancing with company members Audrey Carr of New Canaan, and Ridgefields Phoebe Levitt, Alice Lombardo and Isabella Raduazzo as they present to the audience the human equivalent of woodwinds, string, brass and percussion instruments.

The jazz department will present Up in the Clouds with choreography by Jamie Rae Walker, Stevi Van Meter and members of the department.

"Swan Lake," "Carnival of the Animals" and "Up in the Clouds" will be presented June 10 with a 6:30 p.m. curtain. The June 11 matinee at 1 p.m. will also include "The Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra."

Tickets may be purchased at www.theridgefieldschoolofdance.com or by calling 203.894.5957.

Humanists host talk on DNA and genetics

The Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County will hold a hybrid meeting on Sunday, June 11, on "Finding Meaning in Our DNA Ancestry Testing" with guest speaker Kostas Kampourakis.

The meeting will begin with a 3:30 p.m. gathering with pizza, and the program to follow at 4 p.m., at the Quaker Meetinghouse at 317 New Canaan Road in Wilton.

To register for the meeting, and also to receive the Zoom link, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtdO2upzMqGtLk7QIGvkz2BJt1G4to_dzF#/registration.

Genealogy research has been given a boost from DNA test kits, which help people trace their roots and find relatives. At HFFC's June program, Kampourakis will discuss DNA ancestry testing and its limits.

He is the author of "Ancestry Reimagined: Dismantling the Myth of Genetic Ethnicities."

This meeting takes the place of the usual meeting on the "evening of the second Monday" of the month.

This meeting is free and open to all. Participants can join in person or enjoy the talk via Zoom. For more information, visit www.hffcct.org/.

Enjoy music, movies in the park

The Parks and Recreation Department will host Family Movie Nights in the Park as well as the Wilton Summer Concert Series this summer.

Bring the kids to family movie nights at Merwin Meadows park. Attendance is free, and residents are encouraged to bring a blanket, chairs and a picnic meal.

The movies will be DC League of Super Pets on June 30 at 8:45 p.m., and The Bad Guys on July 28 at 8:45 p.m.

For the Summer Concert Series, residents can enjoy music in the parks from the following bands.

The Ken Moor Band will perform on June 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Merwin Meadows.

The Russ Davis Band will play on July 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schencks Island.

The Tom Duffy Band will take the stage on July 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schencks Island.

One Bad Oyster will play on Aug. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schencks Island.

Attendance is free. Residents are encouraged to bring a blanket, chairs and a picnic.

Merwin Meadows is located at Lovers Lane and Schencks Island is located on River Road in Wilton Town Center.

For more information, visit www.wiltonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif10026/f/uploads/2023_summer_events_flyer_with_links.pdf.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Tens of thousands of people on Thursday marched in Tel Avivs Pride parade  an annual celebration that turns the citys seaside promenade into a boisterous festival of rainbow flags, pounding music and colorful costumes.

It was the first time that Tel Aviv has held the parade since Israels new far-right government, which is stacked with openly anti-LGBTQ+ members, took office.

Drag queens and shirtless men danced on floats, as excited crowds of onlookers danced and snapped photos. Many of the rainbow flags were emblazoned with the Jewish Star of David.

The festive scenes were a contrast to the tense and tightly secured pride parade held last week in Jerusalem, a conservative city just one hour away.

Im a minority. I want to save my rights. I want to fight for the rights of other minorities. I want equality. Thats about it, said Ohad Huri, an Israeli man who died his long beard in the colors of the rainbow flag.

Israel this year finds itself deeply divided over a contentious government plan to overhaul the countrys judiciary. The plan has torn open longstanding societal divisions between those who want to preserve Israels liberal values and those who seek to shift it toward more religious conservatism.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government is made up of ultranationalist and ultra-religious parties whose leaders openly oppose homosexuality. Netanyahu himself has vowed to protect LGBTQ+ rights, and Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of his party, is openly gay.

Tel Aviv has branded itself a gay-friendly destination, and thousands of tourists flew in for Thursdays parade.

Mike Quidort, of Chicago, said he had come in for an entire week of Pride-related activities. With everything happening in the world right now, I think that its really important that we celebrate Pride, he said. We still have a lot of work to do and I think its important to get together as a community and defend our rights.

Israel is generally tolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community, a rarity in the conservative Middle East, where homosexuality is widely considered taboo and is outlawed in some places. Members of the LGBTQ+ community serve openly in Israels military and parliament, and many popular artists and entertainers are openly gay.

Some critics have accused the country of pink washing, or using its tolerance for liberal LGBTQ+ culture as a branding tool to conceal its violations of Palestinian rights.

Yet activists say there is a long road toward full equality. Jewish ultra-Orthodox parties, which wield significant influence over matters of religion and state, oppose homosexuality as a violation of religious law, as do other religious groups in Israel.

The conservative make-up of Netanyahus government sparked new fears in the LGBTQ+ community that the judicial overhaul could threaten the rights of minorities and marginalized groups.

The government says the judicial plan is meant to rein in what it says is an overly interventionist Supreme Court. Critics say it will grant the government unrestrained power and upend the countrys system of checks and balances.
amphotora/Getty Images

EDWARDSVILLE  An East Alton man is facing up to 60 years in prison after Madison County officials charged him with five Class X felonies on Wednesday.

Nicholas Paynic, 33, of the 100 block of West Rosedale Drive, was charged with armed violence, armed habitual criminal, methamphetamine trafficking, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and aggravated unlawful use of firearms: all Class X felonies.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)  A white Florida woman charged with shooting and killing her Black neighbor told detectives that she called the victims children by racist slurs in the months leading up to the slaying, according to an arrest report released Thursday.

Susan Louise Lorincz, 58, admitted to detectives that she called the children the n-word. One child told deputies that the night of the shooting, Lorincz came out of her house and gave the children the middle finger and also said this: Get away from my house, you Black slave, according to the report.

The report from the Marion County Sheriff's Office came out shortly before Lorincz made her initial appearance in court Thursday by video. She has been charged with the first-degree felony of manslaughter with a firearm, as well as culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault Sheriff Billy Woods said in a statement.

Lorincz appeared wearing a dark protective vest, answered the judge's questions about her finances and her attorney, an assistant public defender appointed by the judge, entered a written plea of not guilty. A bond hearing will be scheduled in the coming days.

Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old Black mother of four, was killed this week in Ocala, about 83 miles (133 kilometers) north of Orlando. Owens mother, Pamela Dias, has said she will now raise her four young grandchildren.

Supporters of Owens family gathered Thursday evening for a vigil outside the Ocala church where the slain womans funeral is scheduled for Monday.

In a statement to investigators after the shooting, Lorincz was quoted saying she had problems for two years with children in the neighborhood not respecting her  including the victim's children, who range in age from 3 to 12 years old.

Lorincz advised that the children of (Owens) have told her in the past they would kill her, the report said.

The day of the shooting, Lorincz told investigators she had a headache and that neighbors were outside screaming and yelling, kids were running around in a grassy area separating two apartment quadruplex buildings, including hers.

That night, while a few children were playing basketball, Lorincz came outside to throw a pair of roller skates at them, hitting one on the feet, according to the report. When Owens then knocked on her door, Lorinz claims that Owens threatened to kill her.

According to the sheriffs timeline, Lorincz called the department at 8:54 p.m. on the night of the shooting to say kids were threatening her and trespassing. She had previously placed No trespassing signs in the grassy areas, despite those being shared areas and not part of her rental. Lorincz said in court she doesn't own the property.

Many details about the case remain unclear, such as the owner of a red T-shirt that says, She Slays This Means War  which was found at the scene, according to the report.

While deputies were on their way, more calls came in to 911 about shots heard in the same area. At 9:04 p.m., one of Owens children called 911 to say his mother had been shot, according to the timeline. Lorincz also called again, saying she had shot a woman through her front door. Deputies arrived about three minutes later to find Owens lying on the ground. She was pronounced dead at a hospital a half hour later.

Lorincz claimed that Owens banged on the door so hard everything started shaking and she thought the door was going to come off, and that she panicked and said to herself 'Oh my god, shes really going to kill me this time.' That's when Lorincz fired a single round from her .380-caliber handgun, the report says, noting that Lorincz also had a second handgun in the home.

Lorincz advised that she purchased the firearm for protection after an altercation with the victim, it says.

During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, the victim's family, friends and community leaders joined civil rights attorney Ben Crump  who became well-known representing Trayvon Martin's family  in thanking the sheriff for making the arrest and calling for justice for Owens.

This is not a difficult case, Crump said. He called on the state attorney's office to zealously prosecute the shooter.

Crump, along with Owens's mother and multiple neighbors noted during the news conference that the feud" the sheriff spoke of was between Lorincz and neighborhood children. Neighbors said Lorincz frequently called the children vile names when they played in the grassy area outside her home.

Authorities had delayed her arrest for several days while looking into a possible  stand your ground  claim. Detectives have since said that Lorinczs actions are not justifiable under Florida law.

The sheriff has said that since January 2021, deputies responded to at least a half-dozen complaints between Owens and Lorincz in Ocala.

___

Associated Press writer Freida Frisaro contributed from Fort Lauderdale.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Connecticuts Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed protections for abortion providers and gave more power to libraries facing book challenges  and they did it with Republican support.

All but 13 Republicans voted for the $51 billion two-year state budget and a handful even voted for a major gun control bill thats already being challenged in court.

Bucking the partisan rancor seen in other legislatures this year, Connecticut lawmakers on Wednesday night wrapped up what's been one of the most bipartisan legislative sessions in recent memory. And they're crediting old fashioned relationship-building, a willingness for compromise, a healthy budget surplus and a strict adjournment deadline.

 Oregon hasnt met in a month because the senators have just left the building. Think about that, Democratic House Speaker Matthew Ritter said hours before Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont addressed lawmakers in a traditional midnight speech, lauding them for a job well done and for working collaboratively.

Weve talked about it. Weve tried to create a culture in the House whereby people have to learn to compromise, not only with Republicans, but with each other in their caucus," Ritter said. We have insisted on people sitting down, working it out."

Ritter, who acknowledged the state's strict session deadline also forces the part-time Legislature to compromise, took a moment during the final hours Tuesday night to praise his members for their collegiality and commitment to public service during a time of strife and division in the country. He credited them for not mirroring the antics, the disagreements, the non-American way of governing that has taken over our land and instead working together even when they didn't agree.

We sent a message that there's a way to do it and we're going to do it again next year, Ritter said to loud cheers and applause.

Besides Oregon, where hundreds of bills are languishing amid a partisan stalemate, there have been examples of discord this year across the country. Lawmakers have expelled colleagues in Tennessee, and barred a representative from the Montana House floor.

In contrast, Connecticut Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday were still celebrating the strong bipartisan support for the budget finalized Tuesday, though there were some disagreements about spending levels for social nonprofit service agencies and how much to cut taxes.

This was probably the most amenable session," said Republican Eric Berthel, who has represented the most conservative Senate district since 2017. The top Senate Republican on the budget-writing and education committees, Berthel said he feels comfortable defending his vote to his constituents, even though they might criticize him for voting for a budget Democrats supported too.

However, Berthel acknowledges if Connecticut didn't have a robust surplus things might be different.

Republican Rep. David Rutigliano, who helped craft a bipartisan bill this year that fixes Connecticut's recreational marijuana law, something he and other GOP lawmakers opposed in 2021, said he's learned from the top Republican and Democratic House leaders, who are on friendly terms, that relationship-building is key, especially for a minority Republican.

They tell us if you want to get anything done, you have to have a relationship. You can't do a lot of gotcha stuff. You can't be kind of a jerk and you have to talk, he said. Listen, (Democrats) are in charge, we get it. But it's better when we're in the room. Our ideas aren't all bad."

Despite talk of bipartisanship this session, there have been mostly partisan votes, including on election-related matters and guns.

And not every advocate is thrilled with this year's political compromises, especially when it comes to the state budget. Groups working on behalf of low-income workers contend the plan, which was limited by a spending cap, shortchanges residents still financially struggling from the pandemic.

Nonpartisanship has its merits, but when it comes at the expense of real hardworking people, from our perspective, it becomes problematic, said Pastor Rodney Wade, a member of Recovery for All, a coalition of unions, religious groups and other community organizations. He points out how striking group home workers, many of them racial minorities working multiple jobs, picketed outside the state Capitol during the final days of the legislative session seeking a living wage" but he believes the issue did not get the attention it deserved.

If the goal is simply to have a budget, then I believe the state of Connecticut missed the mark, he said.

The desire for bipartisanship has watered down some initiatives, said Sarah Ganong, state director of the left-leaning Connecticut Working Families Party. For example, a proposal to raise the age limit for Medicaid health insurance for immigrant children lacking legal status from 12 to 26 was reduced to 15.

On the surface, maybe that seems like a sort of a bipartisan compromise, she said. But to a 17-year-old that doesnt have health care right now, thats not actually a middle ground. Thats clearly picking a side.

___

This story has been corrected to show that Sen. Eric Berthel is serving his fourth term, not his ninth.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin AFP Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Thu, June 8, 2023 15:58 3 d5259e4d93052b0e76bee70b05811a49 2 Regulations Anwar-Ibrahim,Indonesia,Malaysia,palm-oil,discrimination,EU,Jokowi Free

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Thursday called for stronger collaboration with Malaysia to protect palm oil products threatened by a European Union trade law he termed "discrimination".

The European Parliament adopted the new legislation in April that will ban imports deemed to be driving deforestation, throwing the bloc's trade muscle behind a global fight against climate change.

The law, which is awaiting final approval from EU member countries, would restrict imports from around the world on coffee, cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubber.

Imports that come from land deforested after December 31, 2020, will be prohibited in the huge EU market -- the third-largest for both Indonesia and Malaysia.

"Do not let the commodities produced by Malaysia and Indonesia be discriminated by other countries," Jokowi said at a joint press conference alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

"We need to continue to strengthen this collaboration," he said after the two leaders met in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya.

Indonesia accounts for more than half the global supply of the edible oil, used in making foods such as cakes, chocolate, and margarine as well as cosmetics, soap and shampoo.

However, palm oil is a controversial commodity, blamed by environmentalists for fuelling the destruction of rainforests in Malaysia and Indonesia, which together produce 85 percent of global output.

Green groups say the rapid expansion of plantations has destroyed rare animals' habitats, while there have been allegations of foreign workers being abused and mistreated on some estates.

Jokowi said he "deeply appreciated" ongoing cooperation between the two countries, referencing a recent visit by Indonesian and Malaysian officials to Brussels to combat the EU deforestation law.

A joint statement issued after the two leaders met said they had agreed to "cooperate closely to address highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil by the European Union."

"They underlined that the EU needs to promptly address such discriminatory measures and work towards a fair and equitable resolution," it added.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin John Biers (AFP) New York, United States  Thu, June 8, 2023 10:55 3 d5259e4d93052b0e76bee70b05810613 2 Entertainment CNN,news,Donald-Trump,CEO,US,media,politics Free

Chris Licht, the embattled head of CNN, has stepped down "effective immediately," the network's parent company Warner Brothers Discovery announced Wednesday, as the global news outlet struggles to reverse a ratings decline.

After joining CNN last year, Licht came under fire for editorial decisions including a recent town hall meeting with former president Donald Trump that was dominated by cheering from supporters and jeering at moderator Kaitlan Collins.

The shakeup, which comes as major news outlets pivot towards the 2024 US presidential election, highlights the challenges facing those organizations that are aiming to appeal to a broad audience in a deeply divided country in which misinformation is rampant.

During Licht's tenure, CNN saw ratings diminish even as it tried to position itself in the middle between the hard-right Fox News and the progressive MSNBC.

In announcing the change, Warner Brothers Discovery chief David Zaslav said he has "great respect" for Licht, whom he described as passionate about journalism.

"The job of leading CNN was never going to be easy, especially at a time of huge disruption and transformation, and he has poured his heart and soul into it," Zaslav said.

But following last week's publication of a lengthy article in the Atlantic that chronicled numerous interviews with Licht, including in gym workout sessions, his delicate position appeared untenable.

Under the plan announced Wednesday, CNN will undertake an active search for a replacement. In the interim, the network will be led by executive vice presidents Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, and Eric Sherling, as well as Chief Operating Officer David Leavy.

Shares of Warner Brothers Discovery jumped 8.4 percent.

Both sides

In the Atlantic article, Licht had sharply criticized CNN's news coverage of Trump under former news chief Jeff Zucker, but the publication reported uncertainty among CNN journalists on Licht's preferred approach.

The article also characterized Licht as aloof and distrusted among rank-and-file network journalists, who bemoaned his handling of other controversies, such as the firing of former CNN presenter Don Lemon over on-air remarks seen as sexist.

Licht had spoken frequently of his hopes to attract more Republican viewers to CNN after the network became seen as a leading Trump opponent.

Appealing to more Republican viewers has also been a priority for Zaslav, who touted the network's greater ability to attract the party's lawmakers for on-air interviews.

"We need to show both sides of every issue," Zaslav told a Wall Street conference last month.

But the problems with this approach became evident at the May 10 town hall with Trump at which the ex-president frequently spoke over Collins, promoted his false narrative that the 2020 election was stolen from him and said he would pardon many of those convicted over the violent January 6 siege of the US Capitol.

Critics likened the event -- which was held before a live audience dominated by vocal Trump supporters -- to a campaign infomercial for the former president in which Collins' efforts to fact-check Trump were drowned out.

But polling shows a large percentage of Republicans continue to believe Trump's characterization that the 2020 election was compromised -- despite the lack of proof.

Before CNN, Licht had worked as a showrunner for CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and MSNBC's "Morning Joe," hosted by former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough.

Upon taking the helm at CNN, Licht spoke of the need to make CNN a "beacon" of trust for all viewers.

But there were also a number of high-profile departures, including of media reporter Brian Stelter and veteran political journalist John Harwood, who were two of the screen personalities most vocal in calling out Trump.

Washington Post columnist Perry Bacon said Licht's approach to news was emblematic of "an anti-woke centrism" that adopts a skeptical approach to progressive causes frequently lampooned by the political right.

Depauw University communications professor Jeffrey McCall said it remained unclear whether Licht's demise at CNN was due to his management style, or "because he was trying to push the journalistic culture in a way that they weren't willing to go," he told AFP.

"I'm not sure that CNN is going to bounce back very quickly because by now they have alienated more of the centrist and right-of-center viewers. And now it seems they have alienated their left-of-center viewers as well."
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Thu, June 8, 2023 18:15 3 d5259e4d93052b0e76bee70b05816381 1 Archipelago North-Sumatra,drugs,marijuana,death-penalty,Drugs-trafficking Free

The Medan Court in North Sumatra on Tuesday sentenced Mawardi, a 24-year-old man from Gayo Lues, Aceh, to death after being found guilty of carrying 1.3 tonnes of marijuana, fulfilling the demand of the prosecutors.

In the trial, which was held online, presiding judge Yusafrihardi Girsang said in his verdict that the defendant violated several articles of Law No. 35/2009 on narcotics.

Yusafrihardi said the severe sentence was because the defendant had violated the governments attempts to fight against drugs. The judge said he found no mitigating factors for the verdict.

Defendant Mawardi, who was present via teleconference, decided to appeal the verdict.

Mawardi was arrested in Medan on Dec. 12, 2022 carrying 1.3 tonnes of marijuana from Gayo Lues to Medan.

Mawardi said he did the job, which would earn him Rp 2 million (US$134), to pay for his mothers medical treatment.

Last month, the Medan Military Court in North Sumatra sentenced two Army soldiers to life imprisonment for trafficking 40,000 ecstasy pills and 75 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in December.

Yalpin Tarzun and Rian Hermawan were also dishonorably discharged from the military. The prosecutors had previously demanded the death penalty.

Presiding judge Col. Asril Siagian in his verdict cited the defendants' guilty pleas as a mitigating factor.

The two were arrested by the police while carrying the contraband from Tanjung Balai to Medan on Dec. 5, 2022. They were delivering the drugs to dealers Yogi Saputra Dewa and Syahril Bin Syamsudin, who were later arrested at a hotel in Medan. (dre/gev)
After months of preparation, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun in the east of the country, a key front for the Kyiv government. The Ukrainian armed forces have been preparing a large-scale operation aimed at breaking through Russian defenses and reconquering territory lost after the invasion.

Two weeks before the counteroffensive, a team of four journalists from EL PAIS covered the 750-mile (1,200 kilometer) front line that runs between Kharkov to Kherson. It was a journey through the daily life of civilians and soldiers, who shared their fears and hopes after 15 months of a war that has reached a decisive moment.

The team visited cities such as Kupiansk, Izium, Zaporizhzhia, Nikopol and Kherson, where life and death live side by side in this strange conflict, which has shocked all of Europe. Here are more details about the different stops of the trip.

About this project A multimedia team of four journalists from EL PAIS traveled across eastern Ukraine, covering 1,200 kilometers between Kharkiv and Kherson, in the weeks prior to the counter-offensive that will determine how far can the country go in its quest to liberate the territory conquered by Russia. Dozens of testimonies from civilians and soldiers collected along the front line portray the impact that a long-lasting war is having on the day-to-day life of the population: drinking beer in a bar while receiving a Telegram notice that a missile will fall on you shortly; life in a line of towns that have become part of the battle front; what it is like to celebrate your golden anniversary in the middle of a devastated city; the daily life of the soldiers, which also consists of many moments of waiting; the fear of living across from the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, now occupied by Russia, in the middle of a conflict; being a teenager and living 12 kilometers from the dangerous Bakhmut front, confined at home and receiving online classes; and finally Kiyv's search for Russian collaborators. It is a series of seven reports about how life goes on despite everything, in the middle of the violence and destruction of war, at a decisive moment for Ukraine: a counter-offensive where its destiny is at stake.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Nina A. Loasana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 8, 2023

The Lampung Police on Monday rescued 24 victims of human trafficking from a house in Bandar Lampung belonging to an officer at the National Police headquarters.

Lampung Police chief Insp. Gen. Helmy Santika said authorities were currently looking into whether the officer was involved in the crime.

"We're investigating how the victims arrived at the house and whether the human traffickers were borrowing or renting the house," Helmy told a press conference on Wednesday, Antara reported.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Rili Djohani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali  Thu, June 8, 2023 05:30 4 5fceed71997e5776a1634d25dc7fff89 3 Academia ocean,conservation,UN,G20,climate-change,blue-economy,exhibition,illegal-fishing Free

June 8 is World Ocean Day. It is once again that time of year when we celebrate the ocean, the planets life support system that regulates our climate, provides oxygen, food and livelihoods to billions, and connects us across continents.

The next day, we mark Coral Triangle Day, shining the spotlight on the epicenter of marine biodiversity, which is home to 76 percent of the worlds coral species, 37 percent of the worlds reef fish species, and supports millions of people with their food and livelihoods.

The Coral Triangle gathers Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

Despite the extent to which humanity depends on the ocean and marine biodiversity, we must recognize that our oceans' abundance of environmental services is finite. This underlines the urgent need to address the threats facing our seas. Harmful fishing methods, pollution, biodiversity loss and habitat degradation are just a few of the ways that human activities are seriously endangering our marine environment.

This years World Oceans Day theme Planet Ocean: The Tides are Changing aims to highlight the importance of ocean health to our planets survival, galvanize global support for ocean issues, and generate increased investment towards its management and sustainability.

This call comes after a series of inspiring global agreements and commitments for ocean protection. In November last year, under the Indonesian presidency, the Group of 20 paid special attention to the oceans role in addressing climate change and sustainable blue economies.

In December 2022, more than 195 nations agreed to protect a third of the planet for nature by 2030. Called the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreement, the deal is a landmark global pact aimed at safeguarding the earths biodiversity both at land and sea.

In March of this year, United Nations delegates reached a historic agreement on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters after nearly two decades of talks.

In Indonesia, we are moving closer to achieving our vision to designate 32.5 million hectares or 10 percent of our seas as marine protected areas (MPA) by 2030. However, we need to invest in strengthening our capacity to manage these areas to ensure they can meet our conservation targets and provide benefits to local communities.

As we embark on developing strategies to further expand protection and fulfill our international commitment to protect 30 percent of our oceans, our actions should be anchored on sound scientific evidence and are guided by the principles of equity and social inclusion.

We also need to reach out to a wider audience and relay the importance of protecting our seas and how each individual can contribute and take action.

For that reason, we launched Indonesias first ever ocean conservation-themed exhibition hall at our Center for Marine Conservation in Bali last month. Through the exhibition we hope to showcase to the public the beauty and importance of our oceans to our daily life and our future.

Art, science, culture and technology help us visualize the threats and suggest solutions in an interactive way. At the end, we expect the exhibition to inspire visitors and compel them to act and care for our seas and marine life underwater.

Oceans need investment and partnerships to regain their state of health and consequently support prosperity for all. But we need speed, collaboration, transparency, accountability and capacity to turn commitment into action to address the threats in an integrated and inclusive way.

More importantly, protecting our oceans and the Coral Triangle requires us to be in the nexus where coral reef science, conservation and management meet in the middle where values, norms, traditions, inclusiveness and equity become essential guidelines to preserve the most diverse, abundant and resilient coral reefs on the planet.

We need to come up with an enabling environment where the equitable distribution of the benefits from the ocean and its related industries becomes the norm.

Only then, will we stand a real chance to save our planet together.

***

The writer is the executive director of the Coral Triangle Center.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Agence France-Presse (The Jakarta Post) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia  Thu, June 8 2023

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed human rights with Saudi Arabias crown prince on Tuesday during a trip aimed at boosting ties with the longtime ally, which has forged closer relations with Washingtons rivals.

Blinkens three-day visit to the oil-rich kingdom will also focus on efforts to end conflicts in Sudan and Yemen, the joint battle against the Islamic State group (IS) and the Arab worlds relations with Israel.

His trip comes at a time of quickly shifting alliances in the Middle East, centered around a China-brokered rapprochement in March between regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Iran.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Reuters (The Jakarta Post) Kuala Lumpur  Thu, June 8 2023

A Paris court has upheld the Malaysian governments challenge against enforcing a partial award to the heirs of a former sultan who won US$15 billion in an arbitration over a colonial-era land deal, Kuala Lumpur said late on Tuesday.

The win for Malaysia implied that the final award would be annulled and the descendants efforts to seize Malaysian assets would end, the government said.

This decision, which is final and binding, is a decisive victory for Malaysia in its ongoing pursuit of legal remedies, which Malaysia is confident will result in comprehensive defeat for the claimants and their funders, said Law Minister Azalina Othman Said.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Agencies (The Jakarta Post) Berlin  Thu, June 8 2023

NATO would begin the largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliances history next week, German and United States officials said on Wednesday.

The German-led Air Defender 23 will take place over around 10 days starting Monday and include some 220 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries.

Presenting the plans, US Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann said that while the exercise was purely defensive in nature, it was intended to send a message to countries, including Russia.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Yerica Lai (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 8 2023

After outlining an unapproved plan for peace in Ukraine at one of Asias foremost defense summits, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has come under fire from the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) for appearing to undermine the countrys official foreign policy position, as the minister meets with envoys from Russia and Ukraine.

The PDI-P, to which President Joko Jokowi Widodo belongs, took a swipe at Prabowo, a frontrunner for the presidency next year, suggesting that its own presidential nominee Ganjar Pranowo would never propose a peace plan incongruent with the country's diplomatic stance.

On the sidelines of the partys national meeting on Wednesday, secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said Indonesia did not need a leader who made suggestions that strayed from the countrys principle of free and active diplomacy.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Helen Rowe (The Jakarta Post) Agence France-Presse/London  Thu, June 8 2023

Prince Harry on Tuesday testified he had suffered lifelong "press invasion" and that some media had blood on their hands, as he became the first British royal in more than 100 years to give evidence in court.

The younger son of King Charles III accuses Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), publisher of The Mirror, Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People tabloids, of illegal information gathering, including phone hacking.

In a much-anticipated appearance in the witness box at London's High Court, Harry said he had been the victim of relentless and distressing media intrusion "most of my life up until this day."

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Viktoriia Lakezina (The Jakarta Post) Reuters/Kherson  Thu, June 8 2023

Floodwaters in southern Ukraine were expected to crest on Wednesday, with tens of thousands of civilians fleeing in peril from the destruction of a vast dam that both sides called an act of wartime sabotage.

Residents waded through flooded streets carrying children on their shoulders, dogs in their arms and belongings in plastic bags, while rescuers used rubber boats to search areas where the water reached above head height.

Ukraine and Russia both accuse the other of deliberately destroying the Nova Kakhovka dam in desperation at a major turning point in the war.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Brenda Goh and Joe Cash (The Jakarta Post) Reuters/Shangha, China/Beijing  Thu, June 8 2023

A veritable parade of foreign CEOs, including Teslas Elon Musk and Goldman Sachs David Solomon, have made their way to a reopened China in the last few months.

One notable common strand: Theyve not talked much in public about their trips, which have mostly consisted of meetings with government officials, local staff and business partners. Media events and other public engagements, once frequent before the pandemic, are now rare.

Even Musk, known for his unreserved banter on Twitter, was uncharacteristically silent on a whirlwind trip last week.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Agence France-Presse (The Jakarta Post) Oslo, Norway  Thu, June 8 2023

United States special climate envoy John Kerry told AFP that the worlds population would not be tenable in 2050, when it was projected to hit nearly 10 billion, but refrained from asking Americans to give up steaks.

Since November, the global population has officially crossed 8 billion, more than three times the figure in 1950.

This has already stretched food and energy needs and supplies. United Nations projections say the figure will balloon to 9.7 billion in the middle of the century.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Tucker Carlson, during a talk in Washington in March 2019. Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images)

Fox News doesnt want former host Tucker Carlson on the network, but it also doesnt want him on any competing outlet or creating content for social media. The news channel has accused the former star presenter of violating his contract when he launched his own Twitter show, according to the news website Axios.

Axios has had access to a copy of the letter Fox lawyers sent to Tucker. This evening, we were made aware of Mr. Tucker Carlsons appearance on Twitter in a video that lasted over 10 minutes, the letter read. The document continued by stating that under the agreement with Fox, Carlsons services are completely exclusive to the network, which is owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

According to the letter, under the contract, Carlson is prohibited from rendering services of any type whatsoever, whether over the internet via streaming or similar distribution, or other digital distribution whether now known or hereafter devised.

Carlsons lawyers told Axios that any legal action would violate his freedom of expression, adding that Twitter is not a direct competitor of Fox News. Fox defends its very existence on freedom of speech grounds. Now they want to take Tucker Carlsons right to speak freely away from him because he took to social media to share his thoughts on current events, said Carlsons lawyer, Bryan Freedman, in a statement to Axios.

The former Fox News anchor was fired in April following the networks settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over defamation charges. A month ago, Carlson announced in a three-minute Twitter video that he would soon launch a version of his Fox News show on the social network. The first episode of the show was a more than 10-minute long monologue, which was recorded with a wide-shot that showed he was operating his own teleprompter. In the monologue, he invoked conspiracy theories, discussed the war in Ukraine  he accused Kyiv of blowing up the Nova Kakhovka dam and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy  and talked about aliens.

Carlson was one of the Fox News presenters who discussed on air false claims that the 2020 presidential election had been rigged in favor of President Joe Biden. But private messages and group chats made public as part of the Dominion lawsuit showed that the Fox hosts and executives did not believe the lies about voter fraud. Fox News reached a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion to avoid going to trial.

The newspaper The Wall Street Journal  which is also controlled by Rupert Murdoch  reported that Carlson made $20 million a year at Fox News. According to Axios, Carlson accused Fox News of fraud and breach of contract after he was fired. The presenters contract runs until January 2025 and Fox wanted to keep paying him, in order to prevent him working for another channel.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Reuters Jakarta  Thu, June 8, 2023

ASEAN will hold its first-ever joint military exercise in the South China Sea, its chair Indonesia said on Thursday, the latest multilateral security drills at a time of rising tension and uncertainty in the region.

The decision was taken at a meeting of military commanders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bali, which will host the exercise in the North Natuna Sea, the southernmost waters of the South China Sea.

Indonesian Military (TNI) commander, Admiral Yudo Margono, told state-run news agency Antara the exercise would be in September and would not include any combat operations training. The purpose, Yudo said, was strengthening "ASEAN centrality".

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Yvette Tanamal (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 8, 2023

President Joko Jokowi Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated on Thursday their respective countries commitment to protecting their palm oil products, saying that the worlds two largest palm oil producers would continue to cooperate closely to fight the impending European Union deforestation policy.

It was unprecedented, Anwar said after his meeting with Jokowi held behind closed doors at Putrajaya, that the two neighbors were on the same page about defending their palm oil commodity on the world stage.

The call for collaboration is the latest effort by Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta to contest the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which stipulates a ban on imports considered to be driving deforestation. It would be a direct blow to the two Southeast Asian countries, if it were to gain the final approval of EU member states.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 8, 2023

President Joko Jokowi Widodo is in Malaysia on Thursday to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which they will discuss unfinished negotiations, including on land and maritime borders, as well as migrant labor protections.

Jokowi is expected to discuss the issues in a tete-a-tete at Anwars official residence in Putrajaya before witnessing several agreements being signed by ministries and agencies from both countries, according to a press release from Jokowis office.

Anwar is also scheduled to take Jokowi to visit Chow Kit, Malaysias largest wet market and a popular tourist destination located in the bustling heart of old Kuala Lumpur, for a coffee break.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of New Concept Energy (NYSE:GBR  Get Rating) in a research report issued on Wednesday. The firm set a sell rating on the stock.

New Concept Energy Stock Performance

GBR traded up $1.06 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $1.06. 6,500 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 25,713. New Concept Energy has a one year low of $0.91 and a one year high of $2.71.

Get New Concept Energy alerts:

New Concept Energy Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Featured Stories

New Concept Energy, Inc engages in real estate rental business. The company owns approximately 190 acres of land located in Parkersburg West Virginia. It also provides advisory and management services for an independent oil and gas company. The company was formerly known as CabelTel International Corporation and changed its name to New Concept Energy, Inc in May 2008.

Receive News & Ratings for New Concept Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Concept Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
True North Commercial REIT (TSE:TNT.UN  Get Rating)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$2.52 and last traded at C$2.53, with a volume of 248008 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$2.56.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Raymond James lowered their price target on shares of True North Commercial REIT from C$5.50 to C$4.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price target on shares of True North Commercial REIT from C$6.25 to C$5.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. National Bankshares cut their target price on shares of True North Commercial REIT from C$4.50 to C$3.50 in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, CIBC dropped their price target on shares of True North Commercial REIT from C$5.00 to C$4.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 13th.

Get True North Commercial REIT alerts:

True North Commercial REIT Price Performance

The businesss 50 day moving average is C$2.98 and its 200-day moving average is C$4.76. The stock has a market cap of C$237.62 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.67 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 167.35, a quick ratio of 0.06 and a current ratio of 0.41.

True North Commercial REIT Dividend Announcement

About True North Commercial REIT

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 15th were issued a $0.0248 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 27th. This represents a $0.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.53%. True North Commercial REITs payout ratio is currently 333.33%.

(Get Rating)

The REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT currently owns and operates a portfolio of 46 commercial properties consisting of approximately 3.7 million square feet in urban and select strategic secondary markets across Canada focusing on long term leases with government and credit-rated tenants.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for True North Commercial REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for True North Commercial REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of China Pharma (NYSE:CPHI  Get Rating) in a report published on Monday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock.

China Pharma Price Performance

China Pharma stock opened at $0.39 on Monday. China Pharma has a 52 week low of $0.27 and a 52 week high of $4.15. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $0.35.

Get China Pharma alerts:

China Pharma Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Featured Stories

China Pharma Holdings, Inc develops, manufactures, and markets generic and branded pharmaceutical, and biochemical products primarily to hospitals and private retailers in the People's Republic of China. The company offers products in the form of dry powder injectables, liquid injectables, tablets, capsules, and cephalosporin oral solutions.

Receive News & Ratings for China Pharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Pharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FMFG  Get Rating) traded down 0.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $21.00 and last traded at $21.00. 200 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 84% from the average session volume of 1,227 shares. The stock had previously closed at $21.05.

Farmers and Merchants Bancshares Stock Performance

The companys 50 day moving average is $22.11 and its 200-day moving average is $21.75.

About Farmers and Merchants Bancshares

(Get Rating)

Farmers & Merchants Bancshares, Inc (Maryland) is a holding company, which engages in the provision of commercial and retail banking services. It offers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts for local consumers. The firm also provides credit and deposit services for small to medium size businesses and the agricultural community.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Farmers and Merchants Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmers and Merchants Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Citigroup upgraded shares of Ford Motor (NYSE:F  Get Rating) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Monday morning, The Fly reports. Citigroup currently has $16.00 price target on the auto manufacturers stock, up from their prior price target of $12.80.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Daiwa Capital Markets upgraded shares of Ford Motor from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $12.00 target price for the company in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Barclays began coverage on shares of Ford Motor in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. They set an equal weight rating and a $13.00 price objective on the stock. Tudor Pickering lowered shares of Ford Motor from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 15th. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. lowered shares of Ford Motor from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. Finally, Benchmark lifted their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $19.00 to $20.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Ford Motor currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $14.78.

Get Ford Motor alerts:

Ford Motor Price Performance

Shares of Ford Motor stock opened at $13.59 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $54.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.54. Ford Motor has a twelve month low of $10.61 and a twelve month high of $16.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.16, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.20. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $12.11 and its 200-day simple moving average is $12.45.

Ford Motor Dividend Announcement

Ford Motor ( NYSE:F Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.27. The business had revenue of $39.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $37.42 billion. Ford Motor had a net margin of 1.75% and a return on equity of 19.99%. Ford Motors revenue for the quarter was up 21.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.38 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Ford Motor will post 1.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, April 25th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.42%. Ford Motors payout ratio is 84.51%.

Institutional Trading of Ford Motor

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. RB Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Ford Motor by 14.6% in the 1st quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 27,339 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $462,000 after purchasing an additional 3,477 shares in the last quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in shares of Ford Motor during the first quarter worth about $37,000. Synovus Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of Ford Motor by 275.4% in the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 111,481 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,886,000 after acquiring an additional 81,783 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in shares of Ford Motor by 17.3% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 325,778 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $5,509,000 after acquiring an additional 47,959 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its holdings in Ford Motor by 3.0% in the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 564,002 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $9,537,000 after buying an additional 16,498 shares during the last quarter. 49.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Ford Motor

(Get Rating)

Ford Motor Company develops, delivers, and services a range of Ford trucks, commercial cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro; Ford Next; and Ford Credit segments. The company sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
It appears the stage is being set once again for a new indictment against Donald Trump. Court activity is heating up with testimony and new evidence, investigators are moving forward with the probe and former U.S. president Donald Trump is entering battle mode, arguing that any charges against him would be an act of political interference to prevent him from returning to the White House. Its the same buildup that was seen at the end of March, before Trump was indicted in the Stormy Daniels case. Only this time, he may be facing charges in a more serious case: for illegally keeping classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida residence in Palm Beach.

Procedurally, the most recent important advance happened on Wednesday, when prosecutors informed Trumps lawyers that the former president is the target of an investigation into his handling of confidential documents that he took from the White House and kept in his mansion.

Not that there was much doubt that Trump was under investigation: the FBI showed up at Mar-a-Lago with a search warrant in August last year, special counsel Jack Smith was appointed to take over the case and many other procedural steps were taken. But Wednesdays notification is an indication that federal prosecutors are very likely to file charges against the former president and that the investigation is drawing to a close. Whats more, its been revealed that there are two grand juries examining the case, one in Washington and one in Miami.

On Monday, Trumps lawyers met with Justice Department officials for nearly two hours. The lawyers were photographed before and after the meeting, but declined to provide details of the same. A message from Trump on his social media platform, however, provided a hint about what had happened: How can the DOJ [Department of Justice] possibly charge me, who did nothing wrong, when no other presidents [sic] were charged, he posted on his social network Truth Social, in all capital letters. The greatest witch hunt of all time.

More information Recording reveals that Trump took a secret plan to attack Iran from the White House

On Wednesday, Trump went on the attack again. Wow, this is turning out to be the greatest and most vicious instance of election interference in the history of our country, he posted on Truth Social. They are launching all of the many fake investigations against me right smack in the middle of my campaign, something which is unheard of and not supposed to happen. DOJ, FBI, New York A.G., New York D.A., Atlanta D.A. Fascists all!

The former president also denied comments made by John Solomon, a journalist and Trump ally, who said an indictment was imminent and had already been communicated to Trump. No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, he wrote on his social media site.

An indictment would be a big leap forward in the case that led the FBI to search Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. At the time, the content of the search warrant revealed that Trump was being investigated for possible crimes of obstruction of justice, concealment, unauthorized removal and willful retention of public documents and violations of the Espionage Act. These are crimes that can carry fines and jail sentences.

The FBI agents who searched Trumps home found thousands of documents that the former president had kept there, including a hundred papers marked classified with varying degrees of confidentiality. The former president had failed to hand them over, as required by law, which justified the search.

In recent weeks, other information about the investigation has emerged. The Washington Post revealed that two Trump employees moved boxes of documents out of a storage room in Mar-a-Lago just a day before the Justice Department visited the former presidents residence with a request to collect the classified papers, which  in addition to the other evidence the special prosecutor has gathered  could support the charge of obstruction of justice.

Federal prosecutors also obtained a recording of a meeting in the summer of 2021, in which Trump acknowledges that he kept a classified Pentagon document about a possible attack on Iran, according to a CNN report. The recording is incriminating evidence against Donald Trump, who has sometimes claimed that he declassified all the documents that the FBI found during the search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

One of Trumps common tactics is to try to delay and hamper an investigation with continued judicial appeals. Thanks to one of these appeals, a federal judge from Florida, Aileen M. Cannon  appointed by Trump himself shortly before leaving office  ordered the Department of Justice and the FBI to suspend the investigation into the papers found at Mar-a-Lago, until a special master could be appointed to oversee the review.

This call was made on the grounds that some documents could compromise Trumps right to attorney-client privilege, or could be subject to executive privilege  a legal doctrine that shields some White House communications, even though Trump no longer holds public office.

A court, however, overturned the judges decision. Last September, a U.S. federal appeals court provisionally lifted the suspension of the investigation. Then, the three-judge panel halted the suspension entirely. The law is clear, the appeals court wrote in a verdict that reflected badly on Judge Cannon. We cannot write a rule that allows any subject of a search warrant to block government investigations after the execution of the warrant. Nor can we write a rule that allows only former presidents to do so.

Whats more, the court pointed out that Judge Cannon did not have the jurisdiction to rule in the case. She had justified the move on the basis that an FBI search on the house of a former president was extraordinary. It is indeed extraordinary for a warrant to be executed at the home of a former president  but not in a way that affects our legal analysis or otherwise gives the judiciary license to interfere in an ongoing investigation, they countered. To create a special exception here would defy our Nations foundational principle that our law applies to all, without regard to numbers, wealth, or rank.

While the probe into Trump continued, the Justice Department shelved the investigation into classified documents discovered at the home of former vice president Mike Pence after he left office. In a letter dated June 1, the Justice Department informed Pence that no criminal charges would be sought.

At the end of January, it emerged that the assistants of Trumps former vice president discovered a dozen documents marked as classified in his Indiana home. Pence thus joined Trump and U.S. President Joe Biden on the list of officials who improperly took confidential documents to their private homes. In Bidens case, as in Trumps, the Justice Department appointed a special counsel to take over the investigation.

In Pences case, it involved a small number of documents bearing classified markings that were inadvertently boxed and transported to the personal home of the former Vice President at the end of the last administration, Pences attorney wrote in a dated letter sent to the National Archives, the institution that must guard the documents and records when presidents and vice presidents leave office.

Trump, who has been convicted in a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse, is also facing other legal probes. He has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to hush money paid during the 2016 presidential elections, including a payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged extramarital affair. The trial is set to begin in New York on March 25.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is investigating whether Trump illegally interfered in Georgias 2020 election, has said she plans to announce in the coming months whether she will press charges. Willis has hinted that any possible indictments will be made in August. In a recent letter to county Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville, Willis suggested that he plan for staff to work remotely during the first three weeks of August, and asked that judges not schedule trials and in-person hearings during that time period for safety reasons.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition




Great Bear Resources Ltd. (CVE:GBR  Get Rating)s share price dropped 2.3% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$28.15 and last traded at C$28.15. Approximately 1,886,525 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 525% from the average daily volume of 301,841 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$28.80.

Great Bear Resources Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 3.82 and a current ratio of 3.85. The firm has a market cap of C$1.63 billion and a P/E ratio of -153.83. The company has a 50-day moving average of C$28.15 and a 200 day moving average of C$28.15.

About Great Bear Resources

(Get Rating)

Great Bear Resources Ltd. operates as a mineral exploration company in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold. Its flagship property is the Dixie project covering an area of 9,140 hectares located in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The company was formerly known as Great Bear Uranium Corp.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Great Bear Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Bear Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Globalstar, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:GSAT  Get Rating) Director James Monroe III purchased 184,054 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $1.15 per share, with a total value of $211,662.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 6,115,790 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,033,158.50. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

James Monroe III also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Globalstar alerts:

On Thursday, June 1st, James Monroe III purchased 97,338 shares of Globalstar stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of $1.10 per share, for a total transaction of $107,071.80.

On Monday, May 15th, James Monroe III acquired 75,175 shares of Globalstar stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $1.00 per share, for a total transaction of $75,175.00.

On Thursday, May 11th, James Monroe III acquired 708,863 shares of Globalstar stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $0.99 per share, for a total transaction of $701,774.37.

On Tuesday, May 9th, James Monroe III acquired 3,000,000 shares of Globalstar stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $0.97 per share, for a total transaction of $2,910,000.00.

Globalstar Stock Up 1.6 %

Shares of GSAT opened at $1.26 on Thursday. Globalstar, Inc. has a 52-week low of $0.85 and a 52-week high of $2.98. The firm has a market cap of $2.27 billion, a P/E ratio of -10.50 and a beta of 0.59. The business has a fifty day moving average of $1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Globalstar ( NYSEAMERICAN:GSAT Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01) by $0.02. The business had revenue of $58.64 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $48.29 million. Globalstar had a negative return on equity of 84.76% and a negative net margin of 138.36%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Globalstar, Inc. will post -0.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of research analysts have weighed in on GSAT shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Globalstar in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley upgraded Globalstar from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $1.75 to $0.97 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Globalstar

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Evergreen Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Globalstar during the third quarter valued at $29,000. Grant Street Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in Globalstar during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans bought a new position in Globalstar in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in shares of Globalstar by 623.4% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 27,874 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 24,021 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wayfinding Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Globalstar during the first quarter valued at about $35,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 18.13% of the companys stock.

Globalstar Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Globalstar, Inc engages in the provision of mobile satellite services. It offers voice and data communications services to the following markets: recreation and personal, government, public safety and disaster relief, oil and gas, maritime and fishing, natural resources, mining, and forestry, construction, utilities, and transportation.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Globalstar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Globalstar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares IV Public Limited Company  iShares Edge MSCI World Momentum Factor UCITS ETF (OTCMKTS:IEMMF  Get Rating) shares dropped 1.3% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $54.30 and last traded at $54.30. Approximately 1,399 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 37% from the average daily volume of 1,020 shares. The stock had previously closed at $55.03.

iShares IV Public Limited Company  iShares Edge MSCI World Momentum Factor UCITS ETF Price Performance

The businesss 50-day moving average price is $55.03 and its 200 day moving average price is $55.12.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for iShares IV Public Limited Company - iShares Edge MSCI World Momentum Factor UCITS ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares IV Public Limited Company - iShares Edge MSCI World Momentum Factor UCITS ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
J. M. Smucker (NYSE:SJM  Get Rating) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided EPS guidance of $9.20-$9.60 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $9.46. The company issued revenue guidance of $7.59 billion-$7.68 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $7.29 billion.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on SJM shares. StockNews.com started coverage on J. M. Smucker in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Bank of America raised their price objective on J. M. Smucker from $168.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Wednesday. TheStreet lowered shares of J. M. Smucker from an a- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Tuesday. Argus raised shares of J. M. Smucker from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $170.00 target price for the company in a report on Monday, March 27th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on J. M. Smucker from $168.00 to $160.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $153.00.

Get J. M. Smucker alerts:

J. M. Smucker Trading Up 1.5 %

SJM traded up $2.20 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $148.43. 1,346,227 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 938,968. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $153.42 and a 200 day moving average price of $152.96. J. M. Smucker has a 52-week low of $120.51 and a 52-week high of $163.07. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.83 billion, a PE ratio of 22.35, a PEG ratio of 6.38 and a beta of 0.22.

J. M. Smucker Announces Dividend

J. M. Smucker ( NYSE:SJM Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, June 6th. The company reported $2.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.41 by $0.23. J. M. Smucker had a net margin of 8.54% and a return on equity of 11.10%. The company had revenue of $2.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.17 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.23 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that J. M. Smucker will post 8.68 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Investors of record on Friday, May 12th were paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.75%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 11th. J. M. Smuckers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.45%.

Insider Activity at J. M. Smucker

In related news, Director Richard K. Smucker sold 51,373 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $154.27, for a total transaction of $7,925,312.71. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 640,409 shares of the companys stock, valued at $98,795,896.43. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other J. M. Smucker news, Director Richard K. Smucker sold 51,373 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.27, for a total value of $7,925,312.71. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 640,409 shares in the company, valued at $98,795,896.43. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Jeannette L. Knudsen sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, March 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.96, for a total transaction of $1,539,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 17,561 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,703,691.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 96,168 shares of company stock valued at $14,799,601 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 3.70% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Fairfield Bush & CO. raised its holdings in shares of J. M. Smucker by 1.5% during the first quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 30,551 shares of the companys stock worth $4,137,000 after purchasing an additional 461 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its stake in shares of J. M. Smucker by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 14,499 shares of the companys stock worth $1,963,000 after purchasing an additional 898 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH increased its holdings in shares of J. M. Smucker by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 339,555 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,980,000 after purchasing an additional 5,531 shares in the last quarter. National Pension Service lifted its stake in shares of J. M. Smucker by 1,012.2% in the 1st quarter. National Pension Service now owns 192,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,085,000 after purchasing an additional 175,315 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of J. M. Smucker by 1.3% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,721,847 shares of the companys stock worth $1,722,666,000 after acquiring an additional 162,944 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.21% of the companys stock.

About J. M. Smucker

(Get Rating)

The J. M. Smucker Co engages in the manufacture and marketing of food and beverage products. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Retail Coffee, U.S. Retail Consumer Foods, U.S. Retail Pet Foods, and International and Away From Home. The U. S. Retail Coffee segment includes domestic sales of Folgers, Dunkin Donuts, and Cafe Bustelo branded coffee.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for J. M. Smucker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for J. M. Smucker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:PAG  Get Rating) EVP Shane M. Spradlin sold 3,284 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $141.22, for a total value of $463,766.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 40,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,648,800. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

Penske Automotive Group Trading Up 3.0 %

Shares of NYSE PAG opened at $151.37 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a current ratio of 1.01. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $140.66 and its 200-day moving average price is $132.95. Penske Automotive Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $94.49 and a fifty-two week high of $155.36. The company has a market cap of $10.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.38 and a beta of 1.21.

Get Penske Automotive Group alerts:

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE:PAG  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported $4.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.03 by $0.28. Penske Automotive Group had a return on equity of 31.14% and a net margin of 4.65%. The firm had revenue of $7.34 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.02 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $4.76 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Penske Automotive Group, Inc. will post 15.58 earnings per share for the current year.

Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend

Institutional Trading of Penske Automotive Group

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 22nd were issued a dividend of $0.66 per share. This is an increase from Penske Automotive Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 19th. Penske Automotive Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.62%.

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in PAG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 2.4% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 120,271 shares of the companys stock worth $11,272,000 after purchasing an additional 2,842 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 9.7% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 32,424 shares of the companys stock worth $3,039,000 after purchasing an additional 2,877 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 307,996 shares of the companys stock worth $28,864,000 after purchasing an additional 3,730 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 8,367 shares of the companys stock worth $784,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 3.5% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 25,355 shares of the companys stock worth $2,376,000 after purchasing an additional 860 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 32.66% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com lowered Penske Automotive Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Penske Automotive Group from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Finally, Stephens raised their price objective on Penske Automotive Group from $140.00 to $155.00 in a research note on Thursday, February 9th.

Penske Automotive Group Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Penske Automotive Group, Inc, a diversified transportation services company, operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Retail Automotive, Retail Commercial Truck, Other, and Non-Automotive Investments. It operates dealerships under franchise agreements with various automotive manufacturers and distributors.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Penske Automotive Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Penske Automotive Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ternium (NYSE:TX  Get Rating) was downgraded by equities research analysts at StockNews.com from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Tuesday.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on TX. HSBC increased their price objective on shares of Ternium from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 16th. Itau BBA Securities lowered shares of Ternium from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $40.00 to $49.00 in a report on Thursday, March 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised shares of Ternium from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $34.00 to $52.00 in a report on Monday, March 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Ternium presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $46.43.

Get Ternium alerts:

Ternium Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of Ternium stock opened at $41.50 on Tuesday. Ternium has a 52-week low of $26.01 and a 52-week high of $45.81. The company has a current ratio of 4.00, a quick ratio of 2.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $40.18 and its 200-day simple moving average is $37.69.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Ternium ( NYSE:TX Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The basic materials company reported $1.91 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.93. The business had revenue of $3.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.67 billion. Ternium had a net margin of 8.68% and a return on equity of 9.84%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 15.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.95 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Ternium will post 6.87 earnings per share for the current year.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TX. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Ternium by 6,399.5% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,060,919 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $48,429,000 after acquiring an additional 1,044,596 shares during the last quarter. Oldfield Partners LLP bought a new stake in Ternium during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $16,117,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Ternium by 2,454.4% during the 1st quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 489,567 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $20,200,000 after acquiring an additional 470,401 shares in the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. acquired a new stake in shares of Ternium in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $11,976,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Ternium by 590.7% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 407,771 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,463,000 after buying an additional 348,732 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 10.41% of the companys stock.

Ternium Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Ternium SA engages in the production of flat steel. It operates through the Steel and Mining segments. The Steel segment includes the sales of steel products. The Mining segment involves in the sales of mining products, mainly iron ore and pellets. The company was founded in September 1961 and is headquartered in Luxembourg.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Ternium Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ternium and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
You can very well make the argument that the White House chief of staff is the second-most-powerful job in government  James A Baker III, former Chief of Staff to President Reagan and President George HW Bush.

Introduction

The Chief of Staff (CoS) manages the staff of the president. The chief oversees the activities in the office of the president. The chain of access to the Commander-in-Chief is controlled by the chief. That is why the CoS is seen as a gatekeeper. If the president is the chief executive officer then his chief of staff is the chief operating officer.

Background

The office of the CoS is not created by the constitution but it is an important office. The prerogative of appointing a chief of staff lies with the president. The appointee needs not to be elected by the people or screened by the senate. Our democracy is modeled after that of United States of America (USA). The Brownlow Committee formed by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1936 attested that presidents need help. To really ensure that the president gets the help he deserves, President Dwight Eisenhower appointed Sherman Adams as his CoS. Eisenhower prefers that document gets screened by a trusted confidant before he receives it. President Eisenhower was once presented with a letter and he snapped never bring me a sealed envelope.

Eisenhower, a highly-decorated general during World War II, promoted this concept using his military experience. This concept ensures that chain of command and information are properly channeled. But it was during President Nixons regime that his CoS, Harry Haldeman, clearly defined the model for the office. Your chief of staff is your honest broker. As a chief you channel information, shape decisions and broker peace amongst feuding members of the administration. As president, your gatekeeper must ensure that you are well-served by your staff.

President Barack Obama once said that typical breakthroughs are as a result of grunt work - just a whole lot of tackling and blocking. This is what the gatekeeper does: sieving and ensuring that the president gets the right information to make informed decisions. The presidents time is very important and it has to be used wisely. The chief has to make certain that whatever gets to the president is accurate and worthy of presidential attention. Every hour of the day is scheduled for the president and this should not be misused as it will affect governance. As a gatekeeper do not shut your door but shut that of the president to avoid distractions.

An intelligent president without a gatekeeper would have a disorganized and dysfunctional administration. The thread of policy and politics would not converge on the fabric of governance. President Carter was adjudged to be very intelligent but he lost his reelection abysmally. Carter spent his first two years in office marrying presidential duties with gatekeeping. If he had a good CoS he would not have spent a night reading a 150 page memo correcting typos.

Carter would eventually have two gatekeepers: Hamilton Jordan and Jack Watson. President Reagan told Watson that if he had been the gatekeeper from inception then he, Reagan, would not have defeated Carter. In the USA it is argued that the Chiefs of Staff play critical roles to the success or failure of administrations.

Furthermore, choose a consigliere as a gatekeeper. A good adviser that will always tell the truth at all cost. In 2001, the World Trade Center was attacked. Andrew Card as chief of staff to President Bush announced the attack to the president. Card, advised the president not to return to White House immediately sensing it as a target. Bush was not comfortable with a detour but he later succumbed. Card was concerned about his president. This is what a gatekeeper does.

The New CoS

In the fourth republic, from 1999 to date, every president has had a CoS. In Nigeria, usually, the vice president and other appointments are chosen on the basis of political balancing. But the chief should not be selected on this basis. If you get it wrong with the chief then you are doomed. President Tinubu has announced that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, would be his CoS. Hon Gbajabiamila is one of the many proteges of Tinubu and has been a legislator since 2003.

On 14 June 2023 Gbajabiamila will assume office as the CoS to President Tinubu. That day he will walk through the villa with a pleasant feeling of being closer to power -which is natural- and a daunting feeling of the challenges ahead. These challenges were aptly captured in the presidents inaugural speech and they include: security, jobs, monetary/foreign policy, fuel subsidy, economy, infrastructure and agriculture amongst others. Putting Nigeria on the pedestal of peace, growth and progress is a challenge that has to be surmounted if this administration wants to succeed.

The CoS should make sure that policies are driven in an efficient manner for the actualization of the presidents agenda. Also, the chief has to ensure that relevant stakeholders are always consulted before decisions are reached.

Suggestions

In choosing a gatekeeper, choose someone that is unwaveringly loyal and not a saboteur. Get an individual that is conversant with statecraft, public policy, diplomacy and politics and how to apply them at the right time and place. Despite the authority, power and influence of the office the gatekeeper has to know that the first law of power is never outshine the master. The gatekeeper should always serve earnestly and remember that he is not indispensable.

I recommend that we elevate the office of the CoS in Nigeria to attain cabinet status. Already, the office controls access and information to the president. Attaining a cabinet level for the occupant of the office would add more authority to the office. This would make the CoS primus inter pares: first amongst equals.

President Buhari was criticized when he directed his ministers to go through his gatekeeper, the late Abba Kyari, for meetings and matters needing his attention. Probably, there would have been no bashing if the presidents right hand man was constitutionally recognized as a member of the Federal Executive Council.

Finally, our scholars should be encouraged to write books on Nigerias gatekeepers. This will enlighten the general public about the functions of the State House Chief of Staff. The books would serve as source of knowledge for politicians, academics and would-be gatekeepers.

Khalifa Musa Muhammad is a public affairs analyst and writes from Kaduna, Nigeria. Khalifa can be reached at [email protected]
PDP members and leaders have continued with this theory about how Peter Obi was the singular factor that stopped their candidate, Atiku Abubakar from emerging President. This narrative would have borne been ignored but the fact that many people, including Obidients are taking this from the wrong prism. For instance, a former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan and one of the spokespersons of the Atiku Abubakar 2023 campaign took this mischief one notch clearer by calling Peter Obi; "a saboteur who stopped Atiku from becoming President".

To put this in a better light, some backgrounds to the relationship between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, and Obi's political trajectory may bear being re-emphasized.

It is wrong to try to make Atiku Abubakar into any kind of mentor or even boss to Peter Obi. Peter Obi was already a multibillionaire in 2003 when he sought and effectively disrupted the Anambra political landscape as well as setting new precedents in Nigeria's electoral jurisprudence. While Peter Obi's greatest selling point is his performance and governance styles in the highly disruptive eight years he was governor of Anambra State but Atiku is regularly weighed down by numerous corruption allegations surrounding his time as Vice-president.

Peter Obi's alliance with Atiku Abubakar in 2019 happens to be the former Vice-president best outing in the six times he has sought to be Nigerian President. This shows without doubts that the former Anambra governor brought value to the ticket by helping to make the Atiku presidential bid more acceptable to Nigerians.

Atiku Abubakar would have reciprocated Peter Obi's gesture to him 2019 by suspending his presidential ambition in 2023 and throwing his support Peter Obi whom it was obvious, is the most popular politician in Nigeria currently. Supporting Peter Obi would not only have benefited the PDP but also the entire country, as Peter Obi would have won the election with much more margin than he did in 2023. Yes, everyone who is sensible knows that Peter Obi won the 2023 election, clean and fair.

See why many Nigerians voted for Peter Obi; https://youtu.be/jBhRNoMSaHg

Like Reno, any PDP member who continues with the nonsense blame game of Peter Obi causing their failure in the election should advise Atiku to withdraw his petition from the PEPT, because it is clear that the PDP concedes that their candidate lost the election, so there shouldn't be any need for them to continue to waste our time in court. Peter Obi and the LP have shown more seriousness in prosecuting their argument in court by presenting watertight evidence to prove that they were robbed of their victory in the election. This is why you can't see any reasonable person within the Obi team blaming any other person but INEC for robbing them of their well-deserved victory in the election.

There are indications that if the real results of the election were announced, Atiku Abubakar would have actually placed a distant third position while Bola Tinubu would be in second position, as Peter Obi won with over 55% of valid votes cast in that election.

Like I had written somewhere in the past, the best thing Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would do at this point in time is to withdraw his frivolous and unprovable petition and stand as a star witness in support of Peter Obi's petition.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 8, 2023 - 04:11 | All, World

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence formally launched his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday, taking a massive swipe at former President Donald Trump and pledging to turn the United States around by respecting the Constitution and conservative values.

Joining an increasingly crowded field of Republican candidates vying for the party's presidential nomination, Pence declared his challenge against his former boss Trump, the current front-runner, whom he served in the White House for four years through 2021.

Pence has become the first vice president in modern U.S. politics to run against his previous running mate.

"Today our party and our country need a leader that will appeal, as Lincoln said, to 'the better angels of our nature,'" Pence said in a video released in the morning ahead of a kickoff event in Iowa, the earliest U.S. state to vote in the party's nominating process.

In a speech to his supporters at the event, Pence said that Trump had forced him to choose between the then-president and the Constitution in the wake of their 2020 election defeat, and underscored his decision to stand up for the rule of law.

"Anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again," he said.

Since leaving office, Pence, a staunch conservative who also formerly served as an Indiana congressman and then governor, has distanced himself from Trump. In March, he made scathing comments about the former president's role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

Pence, who turned 64 on Wednesday, said at the time that Trump's encouragement of rioters and his reckless words leading up to the attack "endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day," and that history will hold the 76-year-old former president "accountable."

Pence has sought to cast himself as a traditional conservative Republican in the model of former President Ronald Reagan. He is trying to draw support from backers of Trump, but is expected to face an uphill battle.

Among a pack of hopefuls seeking the Republican nomination, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who entered the race on Tuesday, opinion polls have shown that only Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, 44, have managed to reach double-digit support.

On Wednesday, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum also joined the Republican nomination race.

The Democratic Party, meanwhile, has fewer candidates for its nomination and President Joe Biden, who launched his re-election campaign in late April, has no major rivals so far. But polls have indicated that public support for the 80-year-old leader's bid for a second term is tepid, even among Democrats.
African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited, the NNPC Joint Venture Partner has lauded the bold decision to remove the premium motor spirit (PMS) subsidy and seeks support for FGs subsidy removal.

According to a statement, African Refinerys Chief Executive Officer, Omotayo Adebajo, has called on Nigerians to be patient in the face of the immediate hardship caused by the subsidy removal and to support the Presidents strategic announcement, which in his opinion has been long overdue.

He further used the opportunity to call on President Tinubu to treat governance as a continuum by deepening the previous governments commitment to supporting local refinery projects made by Buhari through NNPC Limiteds strategic equity investment in African Refinerys 100kbd project in Port Harcourt and the recently commissioned Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

These projects are critical to Nigerias drive to stop the importation of fuel and guarantee energy security and can only succeed with the continued support of the Federal Government, he also noted.

According to the ARPHLs Chief Executive on his companys refinery project, which is on track to be completed during the tenure of the new administration, said it will significantly increase local production of refined petroleum products whilst safeguarding a more competitive market of multiple producers located in more than one geographical region in the country.

As conclusion, he reaffirmed African Refinerys full support for the Presidents removal of all petroleum subsidies and strongly believes that this bold action is the critical first step towards our nations drive for a brighter and more prosperous future.
Barely few days to the inauguration of the 10th Senate, reports have emerged that some northern blocs including ex-generals from the region, 35 APC Senators among other groups have thrown weight behind former Zamfara governor, Abdulaziz Yari, for the 10th Senate President.

The Nigerian Voice understands that the National Assembly election has been slated for Saturday, June 10, and the inauguration of the 10th Senate penciled for Tuesday 13th June 2023.

Meanwhile, the 9th Senate under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Lawan have adjourned its valedictory session to Saturday.

The Senate President said that the shift in the date for the valedictory session was due to a scheduled meeting of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the lawmakers of the incoming 10th National Assembly today (Tuesday), saying, By the grace of God, we will still hold plenary tomorrow (today) and then our valedictory session will be on Saturday.

It was however reported that the meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the lawmakers rather left all attendees, including 23 Senators of the All Progressives Congress (APC) more confused than ever.

A source disclosed that the lawmakers expected the President to seize the opportunity to publicly re-iterate his support for Senator Godswill Akpabio, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State as his preferred candidate for the seat of Senate President and Tajudeen Abass for Speaker of the House of Representatives, but he failed to do so.

The source further revealed that neither President Tinubu nor the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu whose speeches were both briefs mentioned the names of Akpabio nor Abass in their speeches, even though they were earlier endorsed by the party as candidates for the positions in the 10th National Assembly.

Recall that Senator Akpabio from South-South was endorsed for Senate President, Senator Jubrin Barau from North-west for Deputy Senate President, Honourable Tajudeen Abass, North-west for Speaker, House of Representatives and Hon. Kanu, South-East for Deputy Speaker.

On what President Tinubu said at the meeting, the source said that he told the lawmakers thus, Lets think Nigeria, think about the Nigerian project which is the larger project because its by the Grace of God that brought us all together here.

We are the majority party and we should not allow our internal bickering to erode our chances. Give whatever is needful as concessions to the opposition and hold on to the principal or presiding offices. We have only one seat for Senate President and one seat for speaker. Only one person can be on each. The elephant is big enough, it now depends on how you slice it. Make consensus amongst yourselves and build national cohesion, national consensus.

It was also said that Tinubus speech and body language has plunged most of the lawmakers into a ditch of confusion.

A source who was present at the meeting said, This whole thing has become very confusing to most of us honestly. All the noise about Tinubus endorsement of Abbas and Akpabio we thought was going to be capped this evening when the president met us for the first time since his swearing-in has proven to be only but a hoax.

You can imagine that even that of Representatives speaker that we thought is almost settled for Abbass is still cloudy. We had the feeling that the G-6 has been broken, especially after the president met with the group. What stopped him from announcing that to the Reps, even if ours in the Senate looks dicier?

Mind you, most of us are just following some candidates, they were waiting for the President to say it by himself, but now that he is evasive, it is not clear to us at all.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has so far demonstrated unwavering determination to drive tangible progress and establish fruitful alliances across party lines in just nine days since assuming office. A self-proclaimed talent hunter who is generally regarded as a results-oriented action man, a master negotiator, and a strategist, he already displays an uncanny ability to pursue results in the general interest of all Nigerians regardless of party affiliations. From his deft handling of the fallout of the fuel subsidy removal to dousing the labour union situation and, more recently, his impassioned charge to state governors across party lines, could these early days signpost the direction of the Tinubu Administration  one that will be marked by pragmatic, hands-on leadership, as well as direct consultations with varied interest and political groups? More importantly, do the quality of his first set of state house appointments point toward the future of his government? Some believe this is the kind of leadershipNigeria has needed all along.

With these first state house appointments of Prince Adedamilotun Aderemi as his Personal Assistant, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff, and Victor Adeleke as his State Chief of Protocol, the Tinubu administration seems to have set the stage for a transformative era through the appointment of exceptional individuals who embody brilliance, experience, and a deep sense of patriotism into his statehouse team with his first appointees displaying a blend of youth, political dexterity, and diplomatic experience respectively.

Here are the profiles of President Tinubus first political State House appointees:

Personal Assistant  Prince Adedamilotun Aderemi, Young Commercial Lawyer, Crown prince of Ile-Ife

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR recently appointed 37 year old Prince Adedamilotun Aderemi as the Personal Assistant to the President. Prior to his appointment Damilotun was Personal Assistant to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for 5 years.

Prince Aderemi is a lawyer par excellence, an active distinction student who achieved first class academic results in Sciences and in the Arts; Bsc Chemistry, Imperial College London and LL.B Hons Upper Second Class, University of Buckingham. He earned an LLM in International and Commercial Law, specialising in International Law with distinction) from University of Buckingham and was called to the Nigerian Bar in August 2014.

In practice, Prince Aderemi co-authored a number of practice guides, including A practical guide on the impact of New Anti-Money Laundering Regulations. He advised on a number of unprecedented matters including; aFederal Government $300 million (USD ) diaspora bond, the first US SEC registered bond issued by Nigeria and the most subscribed ( $500million (USD)) Eurobond Issuance in sub-Saharan Africa.

A crown prince of Ife, Damilotun is the grandson of Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, King of the ancient city of Ile-Ife Kingdom from 1930- 1980. He is also the great-grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the great sage.

He is described by many as a level-headed strategist, with a passionate and patriotic heart for all things Nigerian, for which he constantly seeks new ways to make Nigeria better.

Chief of Staff  Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Distinguished Lawyer, Forme Speaker of the House of Representatives

Femi Gbajabiamilas appointment as Chief of Staff further reiterates Presidents Tinubus seriousness about selecting accomplished, long serving technocrats with track

records to key positions.

Elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in June 2019, Gbajabiamila is recognised as one of Nigerias most accomplished law makers. A distinguished lawyer, he graduated at the top of his class at the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. He proceeded to the USA, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude from John Marshall and earned for himself a Juris Doctor degree. He then went on to write and pass the Georgia Bar exams, after which he set up another thriving law office where he practised until his return to Nigeria.

With encouragement and support from President Tinubu, then governor of Lagos, Gbajabiamila delved into partisan politics in 2003 on the platform of the then Alliance for Democracy and thereafter was elected for six consecutive terms to represent the people of Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos in the National Assembly. He served as the Minority Whip of the house, and by the end of his second term in office, Gbajabiamila had sponsored the highest number of Bills in the National Assembly.

State Chief of Protocol  Victor Adeleke, Career Diplomat, Former Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA

President Bola Tinubu State Chief of Protocol (SCOP) appointee, Victor Adeleke is a long serving ( 30 years) diplomat par excellence. Prior to his appointment Adeleke was Ambassador Extraordinary, Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Ethiopia, with concurrent accreditation to Djibouti and Nigerias Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia.

Legally trained, Adeleke graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991, before he proceeded to join the Foreign Service in 1993 where he trained in International Law and Diplomacy at the Foreign Service Academy. He was later deployed as Personal Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1997 before being posted to the Embassy of Nigeria in Beijing, China(1998-2000), where he acted as key representative of NIgeria on political and economic matters. He moved on to the Head Chancery administration in Brasilia, Brazil in 2001 acting as a key political liaison between both countries. Adelekes talent was noted in service, Notably, in 2010 President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2010) requested that he be deployed as Assistant Director of Protocol at State house, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adeleke served exceptionally well, noted for his cool-headedness, excellent management style and well roundedness he was deployed to Warsaw, Poland in 2010 to assist with developing Nigerias relationship with the country. Thereafter in 2017, he proceeded to head the Economic, Trade and Industry section of the Nigeria High Commision in London, whilst concurrently Deputising the Head of Mission at the Nigerian embassy in Ireland.
The Federal Government has banned underage children from participating in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into the Unity Schools across the country. It also directed the National Examination Council (NECO) to put strict measures in place to prevent underage persons from registering for the examination, including making birth certificates compulsory as a registration requirement.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. David Andrew Adejo, gave the directive recently in Abuja while monitoring the conduct of the 2023 Common Entrance Examination into the 110 Federal Government Colleges across the Federation.

In its support with the FG on its decision, A Mothers Love Initiative (AMLi), a non-profit and non-governmental organization in Nigeria with the aim to safeguard the well-being and future of African children by employing research, advocacy, and psychosocial interventions recalled that since inception that it had been carrying out advocacy against admitting under-aged children into schools and by extension against the hurried child syndrome.

The leadership of the organization emphasized that Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic experiences in childhood and are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, andsubstance use problems in adolescence and adulthood. Such traumatic experiences negatively impact education, job opportunities, etc.

It emphasized that The early years of a childs life are very important for their health and development. Hurrying children during this stage can have adverse effects. Against the foregoing backdrop, the Founder/President of AMLi, Barrister Hanatu A. Enwemadu in a media chat with newsmen said, We are thrilled to share an important development in the education sector! The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step towards ensuring the well-being and educational growth of our young learners.

Barrister Enwemadu said that in line with the organizations commitment to nurturing the potential of every child that AMLi is delighted to support the recent decision by the FG of Nigeria to ban underage children from taking the Unity Schools common entrance examination. He stated, We firmly believe that education should be provided in an age-appropriate and conducive environment, thereby promoting optimal learning and personal development.

With this progressive move, we strive to ensure that our young ones embark on their educational journey at the right time, fostering a strong foundation for their future success.

Speaking further, she said that AMLi's recent partnership with, the Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the Lagos State Ministry of Education, and a host of other relevant government agencies on The Hurried Child Syndrome will drive this project deeper, and as well serve as a wake-up call to stakeholders, society, parents, government, schools to kick against the menace of hurried child syndrome in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Eligible citizens from Thailand now qualify for visa-free travel to Canada

BANGKOK: The Embassy of Canada in Bangkok has announced the addition of Thailand to the electronic travel authorisation (eTA) program.

tourism

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 June 2023, 12:34PM

Photo: AFP

Yesterdays (June 7) annoucnement means citizens from Thailand who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA, instead of a visa, when travelling to Canada by air.

Thailand is an important partner for Canada because we share values on a wide range of issues, such as trade, security and defense, education and governance. We also recognize the importance of expanding and simplifying travel between our countries, the official press release from the Candian Embassy said.

Introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier and more affordable for thousands of known travellers from Thailand to visit Canada for up to 6 months for either business or leisure.

It will also help facilitate more travel, tourism and international business between the two countries, and help strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties, it added.

The decision complements Thailands membership in Canadas Transit Without Visa program, which allows eligible Thai nationals to fly through Canada on their way to or from the US without a Canadian visa.

It will also support Canadas Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to strengthen relations and invest in people-to-people ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region, including Thailand.

Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (for example, by car, bus, train and boat- including by cruise ship), will still need a visitor visa.

Travellers can visit Canada.ca/etA to find out if they are eligible for an eTA and how to apply for one.

This exciting development means that more individuals from Thailand can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said in yesterdays press release.

This expansion not only enhances convenience for travellers; it will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen our bond with Thailand, he added.

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Global Affairs, further commented: Canada is a destination of choice for so many around the world. Were making it easier for more people to visit Canada, whether theyre coming to do business, sightsee, or reunite with family and friends.

Expanding the eTA program to include countries like Thailand is also an important part of our Indo-Pacific Strategy, as we look to further engage in the region, build on people-to-people ties, and make travel to Canada easier, faster and safer for everyone.

Quick facts:

- The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need to travel to or transit through Canada by air.

- The eTA application is used by Canadian officials to conduct light-touch, pre-travel screening of air travellers. It costs CAN$7 to apply, and most applications are automatically approved within minutes.

- To apply for an eTA, travellers need only a valid passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the Internet.

- Thailand is one of the 13 additional countries whose eligible citizens may now benefit from visa-free travel.

- Over the last 10 years, Canada issued 101,352 temporary resident visas to citizens from Thailand. These individuals, along with current US non-immigrant visa holders, may now be eligible for visa-free travel.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 8, 2023 - 21:30 | All, Japan

A Japanese court on Thursday found the president of a bus operator and a former operations manager guilty and handed them prison terms in connection with a crash in 2016 that killed 15 people in a mountain resort town in central Japan.

The Nagano District Court gave Misaku Takahashi, president of the Tokyo-based company ESP, a three-year prison sentence and Tsuyoshi Arai, the operations manager at the time of the crash, four years for professional negligence that resulted in death and injury over the accident in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.

In handing down the ruling, the court said Takahashi "neglected his duties" by failing to ensure the bus driver who died had been "trained sufficiently," despite Arai having been "informed that the driver had not operated large buses at a previous company."

Presiding Judge Hiroshi Ono said the accident "was the result of combined negligence" by the two men.

The court also recognized that the two should have been able to foresee that an accident might occur, as both had been aware of the driver's lack of experience driving larger vehicles.

It noted that the accident was brought about by the company's continued prioritization of profits and disregard for safety.

Takahashi, 61, and Arai, 54, were ushered onto the witness stand by the judge where they both apologized.

The point of contention during the trial was whether Takahashi and Arai could have predicted the accident even though they were not present at the crash site.

The two had pleaded not guilty, while prosecutors had demanded five-year prison terms for both men.

In the early hours of Jan. 15, 2016, an ESP ski trip charter bus careened off a road in Karuizawa after hitting a guardrail. Two drivers and 13 university students aboard were killed, while 26 others were injured.

According to the ruling, Hiroshi Tsuchiya, who was driving at the time of the accident, had little experience piloting large buses like the one involved in the crash, and was unable to properly operate the gears or brakes as the bus went down a hill.

The prosecutors said during the trial that the company could have foreseen the accident given the inexperience of Tsuchiya, 65, but still allowed him to work despite him previously expressing concern about driving a vehicle of that size.

The defense counsel said that Tsuchiya did not apply the brake as the bus was going downhill, arguing it was difficult to predict that any certified driver would fail to take such a basic action.
Mission Impossible wannabe attempts burglary in Phuket bank

PHUKET: Two burglaries took place in Phukets Old Town last Sunday (June 4), both featuring a suspect who entered the premises by descending from the ceiling, imitating a famous scene from the Mission Impossible movie.

crimepolice

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 June 2023, 10:30AM

A bank and a bakery were broken into on June 4 night in the sistorical part of Phuket Town. Photo: Phuket City Police

A bank and a bakery were broken into on June 4 night in the sistorical part of Phuket Town. Photo: Phuket City Police

A bank and a bakery were broken into on June 4 night in the sistorical part of Phuket Town. Photo: Phuket City Police

A bank and a bakery were broken into on June 4 night in the sistorical part of Phuket Town. Photo: Phuket City Police

Phuket City Police are currently investigating the incidents, which occurred at the Islam Bank branch on Yaowarat Rd and a nearby bakery.

The staff of the Islam Bank branch reported the break-in to the police on Tuesday (June 6) morning when they returned to work after a three-day weekend and discovered that an unknown culprit had entered the premises during their absence.

According to the police investigation, the suspect accessed the bank at approximately 4am on Sunday (June 4). Using an upper floor entry point, the individual descended from the ceiling using a rope.

Once inside, the suspect targeted a document storage room but left without taking any valuables after triggering a security alarm, which startled them.

The same method was employed in the burglary of a bakery located next to the bank on the same night. However, this time, the suspect managed to escape with B630 in cash and a Bluetooth speaker.

The police are pursuing leads and gathering evidence to identify the individual behind these attempted burglaries.
Prime minister aspirant Pita to visit Phuket

PHUKET: Prime minister hopeful Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat will meet his Phuket supporters on a brief one-day visit to the island this Friday (June 9).

politics

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 June 2023, 05:15PM

The visit was announced by Mr Pita on his Facebook page today (June 8). Similar announcements were made by MFPs elected candidates from Phuket as well as the Phuket Info Center page affiliated with the provincial office of the Ministry of Interior.

Mr Pita provided the following "public gratitude schedule" for the upcoming visit to Phuket in his post:

Noon: Public event at the stadium in front of Kathu District Office on Vichitsongkram Rd.

5pm: Meeting with supporters at Chillva Market on Yaowarat Rd in Samkong.

Phuket Info Center adds that Mr Pita is also planning to meet representatives from local businesses and other sectors at an event at Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong. The specific time for this event was not revealed by the Phuket Info Center, and Mr Pitas publication did not mention this meeting at all.

Supporters of the MFP from all walks of life have been invited to meet their potential prime minister at the public events in Kathu and Samkong. It has not been disclosed how many attendees can be accommodated at either of the locations or if advance registration is required. Nothing has been announced regarding vehicle parking at Kathu Stadium and Chillva Market.

MFPs victory in Phuket

MFP candidates won all three Phuket seats for Members of Parliament during the May 14 elections. Somchart Techathavorncharoen was declared the winning candidate for Constituency 1 with 21,252 votes. Chalermpong Saengdee won Constituency 2 with 21,913 votes. Thitikan Thitipruekthikul won Constituency 3 with 20,421 votes.

The three candidates, who collectively received 63,586 votes, will officially become MPs once they have been sworn in.

At the time of the May 14 election, there were a total of 313,594 eligible voters registered in Phuket, with the number divided almost equally among the three constituencies of the province. The voter turnout was slightly over 75%.
Suspect in Boat Avenue shooting apprehended at Phuket Airport

PHUKET: A man suspected of being the assailant in yesterdays shooting at Boat Avenue has been apprehended at Phuket Internaional Airport and charged for overstaying his visa, authorities confirmed today (June 8).

violencepoliceimmigrationcrime

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 June 2023, 01:07PM

Photo: Phuket Info Center

Police could not unequivocally confirm at time of press that the Kazakh national was the person who shot a Russian citizen four times while he sat in his parked car outside a restaurant in the popular area of Cherng Talay just before noon yesterday.

However, provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Sermpan Sirikong told The Phuket News that the man was intercepted by immigration police this morning and charged for overstay of his visa while attempting to leave the country.

Maj Gen Sermpan added that police are investigating the case further in an attempt to gather evidence related to the shooting and determine whether the man was involved.

He was charged at the airport for overstay and we are keeping him in custody while we are trying to gather evidence to prove that he is guilty of the shooting, said Maj Gen Sermpan.

If he is indeed proven to be the shooter, he will be charged with attempted murder, but for now we are still working on it.

The suspect is currently in custody at Phuket Provincial Police Station.

The incident happened outside the Anise Tapas and Bar restaurant at the entrance to the Boat Avenue complex around 11:30am yesterday.

The attacker had been waiting nearby on his motorbike with his face concealed at all times by his crash helmet, eye witness accounts revealed.

Shortly after a Phuket-registered blue ORA car pulled up and parked, the man alighted his motorbike, walked over to the car and fired four shots from a firearm into the wind shield.

The man inside the car, identified as a 44-year-old Russian citizen but thus far unnamed, was struck in the chest and upper arm.

The attacker then clamly walked back to his bike before fleeing the scene, according to witnesses.

Although bleeding heavily, the victim was still conscious when police and medical workers arrived at the scene before he was taken to Thalang Hospital.

There has been no update on the condition of the vitim thus far from police.
On Demand

We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet.

In-Room VDO
Cambridge will look into dipping its toe into bringing drinking fountains back to the city.

Council voted unanimously June 6 to send Coun. Scott Hamiltons motion of having a drinking fountain installed in a public area of the city  with a possibility of more in the future  back to staff for a report and recommendation.

I think its time the city at least explores having one outdoor public drinking fountain as a prototype, as a pilot project, to see how it works out. They used to be plentiful in the city and now we have absolutely none, Hamilton said.

According to city staff, drinking fountains were taken out of commission around 2006 and later removed after the Walkerton E. coli contamination, in response to the provinces Clean Water Act.

But now that Canada has some of the cleanest and most plentiful water in the world, Hamilton said, he thinks its time to bring back more accessibility for people enjoying the outdoors.

He waxed nostalgically about coming from a small town and living in Europe, where drinking fountains were just yards apart. The loss of fountains locally never seemed to click in until he was biking with his young son.

Anyone whos had a toddler on the back of a bike knows when they want water they want it now, he said.

To find a spot to lock up, pop off, go into a store to buy a bottle of water, which inevitably wed have to throw into a garbage bin, helping to accumulate the over two billion plastic bottles that end up in our landfills in Ontario each year, I think this is something we as a city can improve on.

Hamilton acknowledged there are concerns with the fountains  the worry they may become a germ factory, the possibility of vandalism and costs to implement them.

He countered there are drinking fountain models that wont make it necessary for people to put their mouths on the spout, vandalism can be deterred by having the fountain in a public and well-used space, and high costs can be curbed by installing the fountain on an existing water source.

Its not necessarily a reason to say no to anything; its something to keep in mind and be very cautious and concerned about, he said.

Coun. Corey Kimpson said she was receptive to the idea, and asked staff to also look at maybe linking the drinking fountain project to the Blue W website should it come to fruition. In partnership with the Region of Waterloo, the Blue W website marks restaurants, shops and spaces where public access to tap water is available for the purposes of refilling a water bottle for free.

Kimpson pointed out there are nine spots marked on Blue Ws map within a two-block radius of Cambridge City Hall.

I think it would be another option to help draw people around.

Coun. Nicholas Ermeta said he could get behind investigating the motion, but wanted more information before he could support having a fountain in one of the downtown areas.

Im always cautious when it comes to adding new infrastructure because there is a cost to maintain it.

Mayor Jan Liggett concurred, saying shes also interested in seeing the cost around the possible fountain come budget time.



SHARE:
The City of Cambridge is under a fire ban.

According to the city, taking into account the continuous dry conditions, air quality warnings, active forest fires and no projected significant rainfall forecasted, the city's fire chief has enacted a burn ban.

The city stated all open/active burn permits will be immediately revoked until further notice. The fire chief is acting under the authority of the Ontario Fire Code and City of Cambridge bylaws.

No new permits will be issued or approved until further notice.

Anyone found burning may be subject to fines as per city bylaw and the Ontario Fire Code, the city stated.

SHARE:
Decisions made June 6 by Cambridge city council.

DEVELOPMENT CHANGES GETS THUMBS-UP FROM COUNCIL

Council approved a recommendation on the proposed application for a two-storey, street-facing row house consisting of three dwelling units at 1541 Queenston Rd. in Preston.

This was the second kick at the can for the developers. At a public meeting in January, residents in the area voiced their concerns, including the homeowners directly on either side of the property, opposing the proximity the build would have to the road. Despite developers adhering to the six-metre setback from the curb, residents believed that would obscure their homes and ruin the esthetic of the neighbourhood.

The changes made to the development included moving the proposed front yard setback of six metres to 12 metres to align with adjacent homes; a board fence will be added to rear and side of the property; driveways will be lengthened to allow two cars and one in the garage instead of one car in the driveway and one in the garage; materials will be used to mix with existing homes; and the development will coincide with existing built form and height of the neighbourhood.

The proposed infill development represents an efficient use of existing municipal water and sanitary sewer services, the city stated, and provides more affordable housing options while also supporting the intensification objectives of the Provincial Growth Plan, which directs intensification to the built-up area.

The plan also aligns with provincial, regional and city goals and objectives with respect to residential intensification while respecting the scale, character and context of the surrounding established neighbourhood, according to the city.

CITY SCORES WELL WITH DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT

Council received and endorsed a report that included an update on the status of the citys drinking water system for 2022.

Specific topics reported on included status of action items from the 2021 management review, a list of new action items from the 2022 management review, consumer feedback, a summary of system audits, as well as overviews on maintenance activities, nonrevenue water use and notable future projects.

The citys drinking water system contains roughly 606 km of water main, including approximately 58 km of regional transmission mains, 516 km of city-owned water mains and 32 km of shared ownership mains. The city maintains and operates all mains.

The total asset replacement value of the drinking water network is approximately $792.6 million. City council is considered owner representatives and ultimate decision makers for the citys drinking water system.

The maintenance and operation of the citys drinking water system is a core service. Through the annual external audit, which was conducted in August 2022, zero non-conformances and zero opportunities for improvement were identified.

The citys reaccreditation audit was conducted in September 2022. Through this exercise, two minor non-conformances and five opportunities for improvement were identified. Each nonconformance was resolved immediately, resulting in reaccreditation as an operating authority. All opportunities for improvement were followed up and recorded in the citys work management system.

Inspections were carried out in January 2022 and February 2023, where all required documentation was reviewed and tested for compliance. Through this exercise, one noncompliance and one opportunity for improvement were identified for a final score of 93.91 per cent. The nonconformance was addressed and resolved by environmental services.

GALT AND HESPELER BIAS GRANTED NOISE BYLAW EXEMPTIONS FOR SUMMER

Council approved an exemption to the City of Cambridge noise bylaw for events hosted by the Downtown Cambridge and Hespeler Village Business Improvement Areas (BIA) in 2023.

The Downtown Cambridge and Hespeler Village BIAs programming for 2023 includes events that may exceed the sound and noise regulations set out in the citys noise bylaw. Staff have determined that an exemption to the noise bylaw is warranted to permit the two BIAs to host their events that includes music, dancing and community-building between the months of May and October.

The Preston Town Centre BIA does not have any programming that would meet the criteria for a noise bylaw exemption for 2023.

The exemption would permit BIA-associated events to play music beyond a certain period into the evening, typically after 8 p.m., and would prevent the citys bylaw staff from being called to an event to prohibit the continuation of live performances or other unwanted noise.

Concerns or issues relating to noise or other violations can be directed to the Waterloo Regional Police non-emergency line at 519-570-9777.



SHARE:
KYODO NEWS - Jun 8, 2023 - 18:15 | All, Japan

Toshiba Corp. said Thursday it decided to recommend its shareholders sell their holdings in a 2 trillion yen ($14.3 billion) tender offer by a consortium led by Japan Industrial Partners Inc., a major step toward the planned privatization of the struggling tech giant.

The conglomerate voted at a board meeting in favor of the buyout offer in March but then stopped short of recommending share sales at the offer price of 4,620 yen a share, which the company saw as low.

The offer price by the consortium that includes Tokyo-based JIP, Orix Corp. and Rohm Co. is only 1.8 percent premium to the company's closing stock price Thursday on the Tokyo stock market of 4,540 yen.

Akihiro Watanabe, Toshiba's board chairman, said at a press conference that the worsening business environment for its 40 percent-held chip affiliate Kioxia Holdings Corp. and a lack of any other rival offer are behind the decision.

"We continue to be faced with an uncertain macroeconomic environment," Watanabe said. "Under such circumstances, we thought JIP is unlikely to raise their offer price."

The company is in the midst of restructuring efforts, struggling to recover from a spate of problems over the past decade, including an accounting scandal and massive losses in its U.S. nuclear business.

The fund group plans to launch the tender offer next month, valuing Toshiba at about 2 trillion yen, in a bid to go private and turn around the scandal-stricken conglomerate.

Kioxia fell into the red in the last fiscal year ended March, posting a net loss of 138.1 billion yen, as chip demand for smartphones and PCs dropped.

The chipmaker and its U.S. peer Western Digital Corp. are in talks for a merger, a move that could create a new memory chip company with a global share on par with the leading rival in the industry, people familiar with the matter said last week.

"Kioxia is an importance piece" for the buyout scheme, Watanabe said. "But we think there will probably be no drastic change" in its value around the time the tender offer starts in July, he said.

Toshiba President Taro Shimada said at the press conference that full support for the buyout plan will also ensure all stakeholders, including customers and employees, benefit from the company's restructuring.

"We have received positive response from various stakeholders" since the decision was made to back the plan in March, Shimada said. "We renewed our awareness of the importance of building a stable management base."

Related coverage:

Toshiba OKs 2 tril. yen Japan Industrial Partners-led buyout
KITCHENER  Police say a sexual assault reported in March in Kitchener didnt happen.

Waterloo Regional Police received a report about an unknown male committing the assault on March 11 in the area of Ingleside Drive and Dalegrove Drive.

After an exhaustive investigation by police, investigators have determined that the incident did not take place, a release issued Wednesday said.

A 33-year-old Kitchener woman has been charged with public mischief  intent to cause other person to be suspect.

The woman is scheduled to appear in court later this month.

SHARE:
CAMBRIDGE  Police seized a knife and various drugs in an investigation in Cambridge on Wednesday evening.

Waterloo Regional Police said officers observed a woman breaching terms of her release in the Concession Street area.

She was arrested, and police seized items including suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a variety of unmarked pills.

A 43-year-old North Dumfries woman was charged with two counts of failing to comply with a release order, breach of probation, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, and three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking drugs.

SHARE:
KITCHENER  Concerns about shadow impacts and insufficient parking were among the issues raised as a plan to build the tallest buildings in Kitchener was outlined Tuesday night.

Vive Development and Woodhouse Group have partnered on a proposal to build two mixed-use towers at 50 Borden Ave. S.

At 57 and 51 storeys, the buildings are the tallest that have been proposed or built to date in the city; several other Kitchener projects at various stages would construct buildings in the 40 to 50-storey range.

This development requires official plan and zoning amendments; a staff recommendation will likely come to the citys planning committee in August.

The proposed development at the corner of Charles Street East, across from the Borden LRT station, would include 1,224 one- and two-bedroom apartments plus commercial and institutional space.

Indoor and outdoor amenity spaces include a courtyard atop a podium, and an area at the rear of the site thats largely on a floodplain but can be landscaped and used for recreation.

There is a lot going on, and thats one of the things thats very much exciting about it, architect Matt Bolen of Edge Architects said of the projects mix of uses.

Its too early in the process to provide specifics on potential commercial or institutional uses, Vives Stephen Litt told the online information meeting.

A planning document prepared by the developers says the units are proposed as purpose-built rentals, but Litt said that hasnt been finalized.

Its not a secret that were primarily a midmarket rental housing developer. We dont quite know yet where this fits in the next few years of development pipeline.

The site is currently home to the Grand River Rocks and Go Bananas indoor climbing facilities.

Those businesses announced this week theyll be moving next year to 264 Victoria St. N., where an LA Fitness site closed at the end of May.

Located in a major transit station area, the Borden Avenue site is in an area where growth and development are being directed, said senior city planner Katie Anderl.

While its immediate neighbours are all commercial or industrial uses, the project has generated some concerns from area residents around height and shadows.

The city has also received questions or comments about such things as the inclusion of larger and affordable units, whether water and sewer systems can handle increased density in the area, and whether sustainable construction methods or features will be included, Anderl said.

Obviously when youre dealing with towers of this height, shadows will be a factor. Theres really no way to get around that, Bolen said. So its really about minimizing the impact.

Bolen said the point tower design for this project  tall and slender versus a bulkier slab style  helps to limit shadow impacts for affected properties.

The city has requested an expanded shadow study from the developers to show impacts on the broader neighbourhood, the meeting heard.

RELATED STORIES Waterloo Region Tallest buildings in the region proposed for Kitchener site

Concerns around parking also came up a few times, with area residents expressing fears that this project and other high-density proposals nearby will increase on-street parking and traffic pressures.

The Borden Avenue plan includes 618 parking spaces for residential, commercial and institutional use.

Proximity to the LRT, bicycle parking and other possible measures like car share spaces justify a reduced amount of parking, consultant Victor Labreche of Arcadis Professional Services said.

Litt cited two other Vive buildings constructed with reduced parking in Kitchener that have a surplus of spots.

Anderl said studies related to this proposal are still being reviewed, and transportation staff can also see if theres any way to increase on-street parking in the area.

Were certainly aware of the concerns of residents about impacts to on-street parking, and in some parts of the central city, there isnt a lot of availability of on-street parking on neighbouring roads.

SHARE:
CAMBRIDGE  The cities of Cambridge and Kitchener have joined with Waterloo Regions rural townships in issuing a fire ban, prohibiting any open burning within city limits.

With the continuous dry conditions, air quality warnings, active forest fires and no projected significant rainfall forecasted, the City of Cambridge Fire Chief is enacting a burn ban for the City of Cambridge, said a city news release on Thursday.

All active burn permits have been revoked until further notice, the release said. No new permits will be issued or approved during the ban.

Kitchener announced Thursday afternoon that a temporary burn ban, including backyard fires and open burn permits, is in effect until further notice; no new permits are being issued or approved.

Anyone found burning may be subject to fines under City bylaw and the Ontario Fire Code, it said.

On Tuesday, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich issued a full fire ban to reduce the risk of fire caused by the recent dry and hot weather.

Over the past few days, the eastern half of the province has been dealing with high levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario.

Environment Canada said the poor air quality may persist into the weekend.

SHARE:
KITCHENER  A teenaged cyclist was seriously injured in a crash in Kitchener on Thursday morning.

Waterloo Regional Police said the 18-year-old female was involved in a collision with a sedan at Strasburg Road and Selkirk Drive, near McLennan Park, shortly before 11 a.m.

The cyclist was taken to an out-of-region hospital with possible serious injuries. The 76-year-old man driving the car wasnt hurt.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Traffic Services Unit at 519-570-9777 ext. 8856.

SHARE:
WATERLOO REGION  Local cases of infectious diseases like chickenpox, influenza and hepatitis are now being publicly reported on a new dashboard.

Region of Waterloo Public Health launched the tool on its website this week to share data on more than 60 infectious diseases that the health unit is required to report to the province, showing trends by year as well as age and sex.

It will be up on the dashboard for all to see, said David Aoki, the regions director of infectious diseases and chief nursing officer. It lets people know that these are things that are occurring in our community.

The dashboard could show continuing cases of tuberculosis, for example, which are likely not well known by many who may believe the disease has been eradicated.

Regional staff got the idea for the dashboard from the COVID-19 dashboard, which updated local residents on important pandemic numbers.

The dashboard was such a good tool and was so highly valued by the community for COVID, Aoki said. People were looking daily to find out what was going on.

The plan for now is to annually update the infectious disease dashboard rather than in real time like COVID, but that could change along with the trends reported.

The data has been publicly available through a yearly report to regional council, but that wasnt easy for all to find.

It really had a limited audience before, even though it was public, Aoki said.

The aim of the new dashboard is to make the information more open and accessible.

Trends

Highlights in 2022 trends include four local cases of Mpox, previously known as monkeypox. It was only declared a disease of global public health concern lasts year, and became reportable in Ontario.

The regions most common sexually transmitted infections are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Rates of syphilis are lower than for the province as a whole, but have increased substantially in recent years, particularly among females.

Local rates of vaccine-preventable diseases were similar to those provincially, with the most common being pneumococcal disease and pertussis (whooping cough). In 2022, as COVID restrictions lifted, there was a return of respiratory viruses with rates higher than seen during the first two years of the pandemic.

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Because these diseases can cause serious illness and outbreaks, public health works to prevent or reduce their impact in the community. Those efforts include managing cases and outbreaks, health promotion activities and clinics.

Johanna Weidner is a Waterloo Region-based reporter focusing on health and education for the Record. Reach her via email: jweidner@therecord.com

SHARE:
Women protest

|

IMPHAL, Jun 8 : Women vendors and shop owners of Khwairamband Keithel staged a sit-in protest at the premises of the keithel against the demand of establishing a separate administration in Manipur, today

At least five resolutions were taken during the protest demonstration.

The resolutions contain formation of the Joint Committee for Peace Khwairam- band Keithel Imphal, submission of a memorandum to the United Nations Organization (UNO) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abolish narco-terrorism, punish protesters banning National Highway-2, rehabilitate displaced people, withdraw Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact, launch combing operation in Churachandpur and to remove Assam Rifles from the State.

The gatherings also resolved to undergo various forms of movement by the womenfolk of various ethnic communities to stop the violence, to pressure the MPs and MLAs to persuade the Prime Minister and other Central leaders at Delhi to find a lasting solution for the conflict among others.


KYODO NEWS - Jun 8, 2023 - 19:28 | All, Japan

A Chinese navy survey ship on Thursday entered Japan's territorial waters near islands in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima, the latest sighting of such a vessel in the area since February this year, the Defense Ministry said.

The vessel was spotted crossing into Japanese waters southwest of Yakushima Island at around 10:00 a.m., the ministry said. The latest case marked the eighth entry by a Chinese survey ship into waters off Kagoshima since November 2021.

Japan has protested to China and conveyed its strong concern over the latest intrusion through diplomatic channels, the ministry said.

The vessel was confirmed to have left Japanese territorial waters west of Kuchinoerabu Island and headed toward the East China Sea at around 1 p.m., according to the ministry.

Chinese ships have repeatedly entered Japan's territorial waters or sailed through adjacent areas in recent years, particularly in the vicinity of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

The Japan-controlled, uninhabited islets are claimed by China under the name Diaoyu.

The islets are a continued source of tension between Japan and China, with the Japan Coast Guard separately saying Thursday that two China Coast Guard vessels were spotted in territorial waters near them earlier the same day.

Survey vessels are often used to conduct research, such as determining underwater topography for submarine navigation.

Related coverage:

China, Russia conduct another joint flight, irks Japan

4 Chinese, Russian bombers jointly fly above waters near Japan

Japan, U.S., Philippine coast guards hold 3-way sea drills
Today

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.

Tomorrow

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 72F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
For Sergio Manchia its about giving back to the high school that helped shape him and start him on the path toward success.

The city developer has announced $100,000 in scholarship funding over the next 10 years, for graduating students at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School.

I had the good fortune of experiencing good education, it happened to be good Catholic education at Regina Mundi and St. Thomas More, said the Ancaster resident who spent his youth in the downtown area before moving up to the Mountain.

Manchia, who graduated from More in 1987, is also a former Hamilton Catholic school board trustee.

The son of Italian immigrants, Manchia said scholarships will go to two More students each year, a male and female, who are either new Canadians or who have at least one parent who immigrated to Canada, to help pay the cost of their first-year tuition at college or university.

Manchia said the scholarships are $5,000 each and he will be giving the school $10,000 each year for the next 10 years.

Its not about the perfect student, Manchia said. Its the student thats trying and wants to make a difference, be part of their community, be part of Hamilton.

Manchia said he hopes his gift will encourage other successful More graduates to support the west Mountain school.

Ive been very fortunate to be in business in Hamilton, Manchia said. Hamilton has done me well and I hope I can give a bit back.

More principal Brian Daly said some 250 graduate students could be eligible for the scholarship this year and information about the funding including the eligibility criteria will sent out to the student population.

Its a great gift to our students and its going to help them create a good future for themselves, Daly said. This is a great example of when youre successful, you give back.

Daly said an in-school committee will choose the scholarship recipients.

SHARE:
The pregnancy stories for those who have been living on the street sometimes do not end well.

But we had a birth last week, and that was exciting  a success story, said Christine DeRosa. You have to take the win, and celebrate the heck out of that.

DeRosa was recently hired to work as a doula for a new program at Hamiltons YWCA that designates three emergency reproductive care beds to help those who have no access to safe housing and struggle alone through pregnancy.

They may also be coping with addiction and violence in their lives.

Last month, there was a loss: a woman who had been staying in one of the beds miscarried, nearly halfway through her pregnancy. She is still receiving support in the program.

It is really sad, said DeRosa. She lost her infant and is trying to grieve, and for her, stuck in addiction, its a murky and isolated place to be.

Care for people who lack a stable home and family support, who are at various stages along the pregnancy spectrum  including those who have miscarried or are having an abortion  is a need that has long gone unaddressed, according to Hamilton YWCA CEO Medora Uppal.

We recognized this huge gap in our system that needed to be met, so more women can make good reproductive choices for their own health and well-being, Uppal told The Spectator.

We have a problem of people having nowhere to go after they are pregnant, or have had a baby or terminated a pregnancy.

Some are fleeing violent relationships triggered by their pregnancy, or have gone into labour in homeless shelters because they identified pregnancy too late, said Uppal.

Christine DeRosa, a doula working at the YWCA to help people who face homeless challenges who are also pregnant or who need reproductive care, is pictured here in a room with one of the three beds so far dedicated to the program. Danielle Donville

The infants health is at risk as well. So women need access to prenatal care, food; the basics. And stabilized housing is essential for having a healthy pregnancy.

Uppal believes the social strain of the pandemic perhaps exacerbated the problem.

But we have also heard, in interviewing women who had been homeless, that this was happening before the pandemic.

She said the three beds were set aside from the YWCAs existing Transitional Living Program, but they hope to ultimately add new beds for the initiative.

There is currently a waiting list for people seeking help from the emergency reproductive care program, on a first-come, first-served priority basis.

The beds opened last August but DeRosa started in May, thanks to a $65,000 grant from the Shoppers Foundation for Womens Health, coming over from Birth Mark, a Hamilton doula group that has partnered with the YWCA.

The doulas role is offering emotional and physical support for clients in the program, including attending appointments, helping them access prenatal and postnatal care, and providing support during and after abortion care, adoption, or child welfare intervention, said a YWCA news release.

DeRosa has worked as a doula for 20 years, both helping those who lead precarious lives, and those in stable family situations.

So many people are displaced now, and dont have a mother or auntie to pass down the traditional information on how to care for yourself and your baby, she said. We all need that nurturing, loving, kind support. Once someone shows us how to do it, its like paying it forward constantly.

She said she has been helping a woman who had been living without a home for three years, and also with substance addiction that contributed toward her identifying her pregnancy late.

She has a Cesarian section scheduled for the first week in July.

Her doula is ready.

I will be there for her, for sure, said DeRosa.

SHARE:
A 76-year-old Hamilton man is in critical condition in hospital after suffering a medical episode that caused him to crash into a hydro pole on Upper Gage Avenue.

Around 9 a.m. Tuesday, the man was southbound on Upper Gage at Pemberton Avenue, near Mohawk Road East, when the 2010 Dodge SUV he was driving crossed into the opposing lanes and hit a wooden hydro pole, Hamilton police said.

Part of the pole fell, hitting a parked and unoccupied 2012 Audi and a third vehicle that was northbound on Upper Gage at the time. The driver of the third vehicle, a 62-year-old Hamilton woman, was not hurt.

The 76-year-old was transported to hospital where it was determined he suffered a medical episode before the crash, police said. His condition is now stable, but critical.

The crash remains under investigation by the collision reconstruction unit.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 905-546-4755.

To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole OReilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com

SHARE:
Actor Devery Jacobs sparked a conversation  and lesson  about Indigenous Peoples in North America during a panel discussion released earlier this week.

In a segment from The Hollywood Reporters comedy actress roundtable, the Reservation Dogs star corrected Abbott Elementary actor Sheryl Lee Ralph after Ralph referred to Indigenous Peoples as Indians.

During a discussion about typecasting  the casting of an actor in the same type of role, time after time  and pressures to look a certain way, Jacobs, a Mohawk woman who was born and raised in Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec, said shed felt she had to be thin or be fit to be able to star in a Marvel movie.

Then, when I was cast in one (the upcoming Echo)  not a movie, a show  I was like, OK, now I have all this pressure where I have to be fit. Then I was like, Hang on, Ive already been cast exactly as I am, adding she could have benefitted from seeing someone who looked like her in media when growing up.

Ralph responded saying it was interesting how Jacobs spoke about herself as a Native American.

Through what weve seen in the old Westerns, its always like, Youre supposed to look like Pocahontas because thats their only frame of reference for a Native American.

She went on to say: In so many ways, the history and the way its not being taught  we dont know that its the whole North American continent of Native North Americans. Its from the whole expanse of the country. When I saw you all at Oklahoma, I was like, Indians, in Oklahoma?! DUH, yeah, of course. Indians in Massachusetts! Indian in Vancouver! Its the whole continent. But we always think Pocahontas.

Jacobs quickly jumped in to offer a correction.

I wanna say, respectfully, that for us, we call ourselves Indians. But for other people (who are not Indigenous) I would say Indigenous or Native American.

Ralph nodded, responding that she respects the correction because when discussions like this happen, its better for people who dont understand to learn, adding she relates to Jacobs point because of how labels to describe Black people have changed over the years.

If you dont have the conversation with people, they dont know, she said.

Jacob added its also best to be as specific as possible  if you know the specific group an Indigenous person belongs to, you should refer to them by that. Jacobs used the example that shes a Mohawk woman.

Theres literally over 500 different tribes and nations across North American, Jacobs added.

Still? Ralph asked. Still?!

Oh yeah, of course, said Jacobs, plugging the book Project 562 by Matika Wilbur, who visited every federally-recognized tribe. Were still alive and around.

And another point Jacobs made about the term Indian?

Indian is more like a joke that we kinda reclaimed for ourselves, Jacobs said.

Jacobs and Ralphs exchange begins around 43 minutes into the roundtable, alongside Ayo Edebiri, Elle Fanning, Natasha Lyonne and Jenna Ortega.

SHARE:
Last year, Canadian Music Week presented its first-ever Social Justice Award to Chuck D, the pioneering U.S. hip hop artist, activist and co-founder of Public Enemy.

On Saturday, the 2023 honour will go to Kardinal Offishall, a top-selling Canadian hip hop artist and a local legend who has dedicated his career to lifting up those around him.

The award isnt really about me, said Offishall, with typical modesty. Its for everyone else.

Offishalls career has been defined by a sense of purpose: he uses hip hop as a form of education, empowerment and resistance. He said his focus is clear: How can you provide a good service for what peoples needs are?

As a father of three, uplifting youth is an ongoing passion. Kids are heavily influenced by the arts, he said. Once you make philanthropy cool, you start that ripple effect within their schools, communities, and neighbourhoods.

Last year, Offishall saw the movie The Woman King as an opportunity to empower young Black women. We bought out some theatres, invited different community organizations, and had a communal experience together with dialogue after the movie, said Offishall, who created similar experiences for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and, most recently, The Little Mermaid. The night before our interview, he performed at the Canadian Womens Entrepreneur Gala.

Offishall said that growing up in a community where philanthropy was valued, with a mother who was involved at City Hall, inspired him. I feel blessed to give back by doing what I love, he said.

But, growing up in Rexdale in the 90s, there was no successful template for a hip hop career. Its tough for Black music to exist in Canada; other places didnt think good music could come from Canada, said Offishall, adding that he couldnt afford bus fare before he signed his first deal. Thats how rough it was.

Around that time, Offishall teamed up with Choclair, Socrates and Jully Black to form a mutual motivation society. It worked. Eventually, all the artists found success. Offishall got his start at RCA Records and went on to score international hits like Beautiful and Dangerous with Akon. Hes also collaborated with Rihanna, Daniel Caesar and Drake.

Music video by Kardinal Offishall performing Dangerous. (C) 2008 Kon Live/Geffen Records

Now, as a TV personality on Canadas Got Talent, Offishall is looking forward to finding new ways to reach different communities. Season 3 will have a million dollar prize, which is the largest globally (on the show), he said. Its great to be invited into family homes and to watch the show together.

Next up: Offishall will perform a Def Jam show in Vancouver for Juneteenth, and this fall, hell be involved in a major philanthropy group for artists, as part of TIFF.

As for new music? I need to figure out who I am as a man at this stage of my career, said Offishall. As soon as I figure that piece out, then I can drop some more music.

On Kardinals culture calendar

Top emerging artist: Susan Carol is an artist originally from Texas that I signed; were working on her album. Shes absolutely incredible.

Go-to Toronto restaurant: Pai. The ambience and the food are amazing. They play hip hop and reggae and its 5,000 per cent a vibe.

Top three songs on Spotify right now: Water Get No Enemy: by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Tyrant by Massacre, and any song by Lavish.

Favourite family summer activity: Swimming in our pool. My kids will be in that pool looking at it right now from when they get up in the morning til you have to drag them out at night.

Correction, June 8 2023: This article has been changed to correct an error. The story originally stated that Kardinal Offishall was the only Canadian hip hop artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In fact, Offishall has never reached first place on the charts.

SHARE:
The prime summer months between now and Labour Day are normally a season to shudder for cinephiles. Blockbusters and low-wattage comedies and horrors rule the roost as we await the September arrival of prestige pictures and the start of awards season.

This summer promises something different. Movies that seem on the surface to be product-hustling popcorn amusements  Im looking at you, Barbie  might actually have something deeper going on. Heres hoping.

Theres already serious Oscar talk for at least three films newly arrived in theatres or heading there: animated adventure Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, romantic drama Past Lives and historical epic Oppenheimer, as varied a selection as you could ask for.

The next three months also give us a chance to say goodbye to Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford, 80) and welcome back to Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise, 60), as both of these enduring action heroes set out to save the planet in the marquee-filling Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part One.

All of the above are among my Top 10 picks of films to anticipate this summer, along with another 10 good bets from the dozens of theatre-bound offerings. Five of these films Ive already seen; Ive included star ratings for them. Release dates are subject to change.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (now playing)

Extraordinary animation and muscular transformations make the continuing Spidey saga(s) of Brooklyn teen Miles Morales and his family, friends and foes even more of a marvel. Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson and Kemp Powers approach this first part of a sequel to the 2018 multiverse adventure (Part 2 comes next year) as a series of colliding comic books, with many worlds, moods and characters  there are dozens of Spider-Men and multiple Spider-Women and villains. Pulling the web strands together is the heart and humour of the characters, especially Shameik Moores earnest Miles and his friend and romantic fascination Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), a.k.a. Spider-Woman in another realm.

Past Lives (June 9)

This darling of the winter festival circuit  it garnered raves at Sundance and Berlin  hits theatres with sighs of wistful romance, triangular complications and the promise of a story well told. The feature debut of writer/director Celine Song, a Korean-Canadian playwright drawing in part from her own history, is a what if? tale of life choices that become momentous as years pass. Devoted childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung lose touch when Noras family emigrates from Seoul to Canada. As an adult, played by Greta Lee (Russian Doll), shes a budding writer living in New York with her novelist husband, Arthur (John Magaro, First Cow). Life is good, but Skype sessions with Noras old flame Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) dissolve distance and decades, leading to thoughts about paths taken and forsaken.

The Flash (June 16)

A series of real-life misdeeds has a contrite Ezra Miller looking for reinvention, and this Flash-first contribution to the DC Extended Universe, directed by Andy Muschietti, provides it with heart and humour. Miller ably plays three characters: the title speedster superhero and two squabbling versions of Barry Allen, his nerdy alter-ego. A time-travel mistake, made to undo family tragedy, alters The Flashs world and prompts Krypton villain General Zod (Michael Shannon) to attack. Barry One must convince Barry Two to become The Flash  its sort of a reverse origin saga  while also persuading Michael Keatons Batman to come out of retirement. The story gets messy  multiple cameos and a rushed intro for Sasha Calle as Supergirl  but I like how it follows Keatons war cry: Lets get nuts.

Asteroid City (June 23)

Meticulous madman Wes Anderson hits peak weird with a play within a film, written by a character played by Edward Norton and narrated by a character played by Bryan Cranston, set in an asteroid-struck desert town in 1955. Its about time, grief, love, the meaning of life, the magic of the universe, gawking at atomic bombs and giving a rock back to E.T. The picture is packed with so many ideas and cast members old and new  Tom Hanks joins such Anderson regulars as Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Jeffrey Wright and Steve Carell  its difficult to keep track of where they are, what theyre doing, and whats supposed to be real and whats not. I dig it, as will devoted Anderson fans, but its a far-out trip for newcomers.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (June 30)

Not a classic Indiana Jones movie but not a disaster, either, and lets face it  are you going to bail on the guy now? Set mostly in 1969 (with a 1944 prologue) Harrison Ford's fifth and final Indy romp settles for franchise tropes  MacGuffin, Nazis, tombs, whip cracks and sidekicks  as it labours through a global quest for a compact time machine. The device was constructed by ancient Greek math whiz Archimedes, who of course also broke it in two and designed elaborate hiding places. The film gets by on goodwill, some crackerjack special effects, director James Mangolds relentless propulsion and Phoebe Waller-Bridges comic turn as Indys scheming goddaughter and tomb-raiding rival. Fare thee well, Indy!

Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part One (July 12)

Never bet against a Tom Cruise movie. Last years Top Gun: Maverick is credited with almost single-handedly reviving a pandemic-struck film exhibition industry. Cruise also recently topped a poll of moviegoers who were asked to name the stars most likely to draw them to a cinema. The seventh chapter in his durable Mission: Impossible franchise looks to be another home run for the time-defying action hero, as Cruises Ethan Hunt and his IMF allies  including characters played by Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg  are once again obliged to save the world from a diabolical menace. This time the job may take a bit longer, as per the Part One in the awkward title. So expect an annoying cliffhanger ending, but did I mention the film stars Tom Cruise?

Barbie (July 21)

Cheap laughs or heavy thoughts? An early teaser for Greta Gerwigs live-action Barbie doll movie made it seem more like an Archie comic book film, with Margot Robbie as Betty, Ryan Gosling as Archie, Emma Mackey as Veronica and Simu Liu as Reggie. Another teaser confusingly indicated there are multiple Barbies and Kens. But as fuller plot details have emerged  Barbie No. 1 must leave her Barbie Land fantasy world to solve problems in the real world  so has hope that Gerwig and her co-writer/partner Noah Bambauch have crafted something that is more than just high-concept product hustling. The films full trailer has Barbie stopping a dance number in her dollhouse abode to ask fellow revellers, You guys ever think about dying? I am curious pink.

Oppenheimer (July 21)

With Dunkirk director Christopher Nolan at the helm, this dramatization of atomic bomb father J. Robert Oppenheimer and his Manhattan Project team seems guaranteed to be worth every square inch of the IMAX screens the movie demands. Cue the explosive headlines, and ready the awards campaign for title star Cillian Murphy, whose thousand-yard stare in the trailers suggest hes captured Oppenheimers guilty ambivalence as the man who helped end the Second World War but who also created the tool for a feared Third World War. Murphys co-stars are a roll call of Hollywood A-listers: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Gary Oldman, Rami Malek and more. Will this be the thinking persons blockbuster?

Talk to Me (July 28)

Teens find a spooky embalmed hand that lets them physically commune with the dead  but only for a short while, or else demonic possession takes hold. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything, as the motherless and grieving Mia (Sophie Wild), her kid brother and her rowdy friends are about to discover. This low-budget horror by Danny and Michael Philippou was snapped up by boutique label A24 at Sundance, a testament to the creativity and audience savvy of the twin bros, YouTube stars (RackaRacka comedy channel) making their feature debut. The story has shaky logic but a rock-solid sense of instilling dread with a minimum of special effects and a sound design that turns the chill up to 11.

Strays (Aug. 18)

No other trailer has made me laugh as hard this year as the one for Josh Greenbaums shaggy dog comedy, the tale of how mans best friend plots revenge against his callous owner. Loveable but gullible Reggie, a border terrier voiced by Will Ferrell, cant believe whats happening to him after his scuzzball minder, Doug (Will Forte), abandons him far from home. Reggie soon gets the picture  and hatches a hilarious payback scheme  after meeting a streetwise Boston terrier named Bug, voiced by Jamie Foxx. With a voice cast that also includes Sofia Vergara, Isla Fisher, Josh Gad and Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat), this promises to be a dumb-but-fun diversion to liven up the August movie doldrums.

Other noteworthy movies to add to your summer movie list

20 Days in Mariupol (July 21)

Afire (July 14)

The Blackening (June 16)

Blue Beetle (Aug. 18)

Elemental (June 16)

Gran Turismo (Aug. 11)

The Meg 2: The Trench (Aug. 4)

Something You Said Last Night (July 7)

Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) (June 9)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Aug. 2)

Star contributor Peter Howell is a movie critic in Toronto. Follow on Twitter: @peterhowellfilm

SHARE:
IQALUIT - Court records show defrocked Oblate priest Eric Dejaeger is facing six charges of indecent assault and two charges of sexual assault for crimes he allegedly committed in Nunavut between 1978 and 1982.

The records indicate that five of the complainants are female and one is male. Their identities are protected by a publication ban.

A Nunavut Court of Justice document also says that the alleged crimes took place in Igloolik, an Inuit hamlet in the territorys Qikiqtaaluk Region.

Iqaluit RCMP announced Wednesday that Dejaeger was arrested on a Canada-wide warrant in Kingston, Ont., where he was living. Police gave no details about when and where the alleged assaults occurred, but said the charges stem from investigations conducted between 2011 and 2015.

The former priest has previously been convicted of committing numerous sexual offences when he was working as an Oblate missionary.

He appeared on the charges in Iqaluit on Thursday. His next court appearance is set for June 27.

A court order prohibits him from having contact with the complainants and one additional person.

Dejaeger served part of a five-year sentence beginning in 1990 for sexual crimes against children in Baker Lake, Nvt., committed between 1982 and 1989.

He was then sentenced in 2015 to 19 years in prison for 32 crimes he committed against Inuit children and some adults between 1978 and 1982 in Igloolik. The offences included indecent assault, unlawful confinement and bestiality.

Later that year, he was also sentenced for historical sexual offences against children in Alberta, to be served concurrently with his sentence for the Igloolik charges.

He was given statutory release on May 19, 2022, after serving two-thirds of his sentence.

At the time, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller told reporters people like Dejaeger should rot in jail.

Rev. Ken Thorson, with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Lacombe Canada, said in a statement Wednesday they condemn any acts sexual abuse.

At this point, we have not yet been contacted by police, but we are fully committed to co-operating with authorities as this process continues.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2023.

 By Emily Blake in Yellowknife



This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

SHARE:
HALIFAX - The mayor of Halifax says more evacuation orders will be lifted Friday for residents in subdivisions that sustained the most damage when a fast-moving wildfire broke out May 28 and quickly destroyed 150 homes.

Emergency alerts will be sent Friday explaining how access will be granted to various neighbourhoods in the Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains areas, Mike Savage told reporters.

We remain committed to addressing community safety and to helping people regain what was lost, he said Thursday, describing the disaster as the most devastating fire of our times.

This last 10 days has been remarkably devastating to the whole community in a way that we havent seen in a long time.

In all, more than 16,000 people were forced to flee their homes, but several evacuation orders have since been lifted for other subdivisions northwest of the citys downtown.

Though the fire was largely contained on Saturday, about 4,000 people were still waiting on Thursday to return to their homes. Most of those people were expected to be given approval to return home before Friday afternoon, but another group could expect to wait longer.

The Halifax Regional Municipality said residents who live within three smaller areas where the most damage was reported should be able to return home within the next 10 days. The municipality said it must first complete a review of infrastructure, install traffic controls and place fences around destroyed properties.

Keep in mind, its still early June, Savage said. We need to be vigilant. We need to be careful because, as was seen across the country, wildfires are not going away.

The mayor also encouraged people to attend a benefit concert on Friday night in Halifax that will raise money for disaster relief.

Erica Fleck, division chief of emergency management, said the municipality would set up a so-called community hub for those who have lost their homes to speak with municipal staff. As well, she said the region has hired the humanitarian organization Team Rubicon, which will provide a team of 50 volunteers to help homeowners sift through their destroyed or badly damaged homes.

The Canadian Red Cross announced Thursday that as of 8 p.m. Atlantic time, residents subject to evacuation orders would no longer be able to register online for a one-time $500 emergency grant from the Nova Scotia government.

In southwestern Nova Scotia, the 235-square-kilometre Barrington Lake fire was being held in place Thursday by 170 firefighters and two helicopters. But officials said the fire remained out of control after it destroyed 60 homes and cottages, and another 150 structures.

Although the fire is not yet under control, we continue to work hard and do not expect the fire to spread further, the Shelburne County East Emergency Management Organization said in a statement late Wednesday.

The organization issued a statement Thursday reminding residents that evacuation orders are not just recommendations.

We acknowledge the frustration of community members, especially of those who have not yet been able to return to their properties and homes, the organization said. However, to protect our community members and the wildfire investigation  we need to take a safety-first approach.

The organization said the evacuation zones remained dangerous because of oil spills from furnaces, downed power lines and leaking septic systems.

We have been fortunate to report no fatalities or injuries from the wildfires and we would like to keep it this way, the statement said.

A major highway that runs along the provinces southwest coast was partially reopened to traffic late Wednesday, allowing commercial traffic and health-care workers to use a section of Highway 103 that was closed when the Barrington Lake fire rapidly moved northward last week.

A provincewide ban on open fires remains in place. The fine for violations has been increased to $25,000.

Previously imposed restrictions on travel and activities in the provinces woodlands have been lifted, except in Shelburne County and anywhere evacuation orders remain in place.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2023.

Read more about:

SHARE:
Pediatricians, primary care providers and hospital physicians, including those who work in emergency departments and labour and delivery units, are being asked to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease.

A recent memo from Ontarios Ministry of Health, obtained by the Star, points to an increase in cases of the potentially deadly bacterial infection in the province and requests physicians be on the alert for the disease, which can quickly lead to severe illness.

Though Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS) remains rare, data from Public Health Ontario shows an increase in cases since January, with April having the highest reported monthly case count since the 2014-15 strep season.

And the most recent data from Toronto Public Health shows a higher than expected increase in iGAS cases since November, with cases in May rising to more than twice the pre-pandemic average for that month.

Public Health Ontario data show rates are highest among children and infants four years and under and among adults 65 and older.

Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Ontarios associate chief medical officer of health, requests in the May 23 memo that physicians, primary care providers and midwives be on the alert for signs and symptoms of iGAS in your patients.

While iGAS remains relatively uncommon it can progress quickly and may be associated with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, sepsis  meningitis, pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions resulting in death, Yaffe said.

Dr. Allan Grill, chief of family medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital, a part of Oak Valley Health, said he and his colleagues have seen an increase in non-invasive strep A infections this winter and spring, including strep throat, and welcome the provincial alert on iGAS.

This (memo) puts our radar up a bit, it makes us look for things a little bit more, said Grill, a family physician. The public doesnt need to panic because (iGAS) is still a rare occurrence. But we have to take the infection seriously.

What is invasive group A strep?

Group A strep disease is a common bacterial infection that often leads to mild illnesses that are commonly treated with antibiotics, including strep throat, skin infections such as impetigo, and scarlet fever.

The bacteria, which are typically harmless and are often found in the throat or on the skin, are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or from direct contact with secretions from the nose, throat or wounds.

In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the blood, joints or deep muscle tissue, causing more severe and potentially life-threatening infections. These include pneumonia; meningitis; septicemia, or blood poisoning; and necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease.

Young children, people who are pregnant or who recently gave birth, and adults over 60 are at greater risk of developing iGAS. People who have weakened immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy or who have HIV, as well as people with chronic diseases are also at higher risk.

An increase in iGAS cases

In Ontario, 894 iGAS cases were reported between Oct. 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, with Public Health Ontario noting an increasing trend in cases since January. During that same period, six children under 18 and 113 adults died of the disease.

According to the agencys most recent summary, iGAS cases reported each month between October 2022 to April 2023 exceeded the number of cases for the same months in each of the five pre-pandemic seasons, with the exception of October 2017 and January 2018.

April iGAS cases  close to 180 cases were reported province-wide  added up to the highest monthly total since the 2014-15 season, the data shows.

The rise in iGAS cases is being seen nationally and around the world with health authorities in other jurisdictions, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, posting alerts. Cases of iGAS dropped during the pandemic due to public health measures such as masking and distancing.

Experts say the increase in iGAS cases may be due to the recent spike in circulating respiratory viruses  a triple threat of COVID-19, influenza and RSV hit hospitals hard last winter  alongside the lifting of public health measures. Epidemiological studies suggest a link between iGAS infections and getting sick with respiratory viruses.

Dr. Richard Hamat, a pediatrician at Humber River Hospital, said he is aware of several patients requiring hospitalization for iGAS in the Toronto area this year.

These are very, very severe cases where its become extraordinarily aggressive in certain individuals, said Hamat, also a pediatrician at the Vaughan Pediatric Clinic in Woodbridge. I cant recall any cases of invasive strep in previous years. This is very unusual.

In a statement to the Star, Toronto Public Health said there is a higher than expected increase in iGAS cases in recent months, starting in November, and reaching a peak in March where there were 34 reported cases compared to a pre-pandemic five-year mean of 14 cases for that month.

Toronto data shows there were 124 iGAS cases between January and the end of May  up from 41 cases reported during the same time period the previous year. The five-year average between 2013 and 2018 for January to May was 72 cases.

What are signs and symptoms of invasive strep?

Non-invasive strep, including strep throat, can be easily diagnosed with a rapid swab, and most patients will improve within 24 hours following treatment with antibiotics, said Hamat, who advises patients book a followup appointment if they do not improve after 24 hours.

Parents should call a doctor if their child has a sore throat or rash with a high fever and doesnt perk up or respond to over-the-counter pain and fever medications, he said. They should also quickly seek medical attention if their fevered child has a change in consciousness, such as not appearing responsive or acting more confused, he said.

Grill said its important to keep an eye on rashes and skin infections; a rash that spreads quickly, with the area hot to the touch and painful, could point to a potential invasive strep infection. Another warning sign is an extremely bad headache accompanied by a stiff neck, which could indicate meningitis caused by invasive strep.

And if the infection gets in your blood, leading to sepsis or blood poisoning, people tend to be lethargic, said Grill. Whether its a child or an adult, if you cant wake them up, if theyre so tired that its hard to rouse them, this is a red flag.

While invasive strep infections are rare, Grill said seeking medical care quickly is key because patients can go from feeling pretty good to getting very sick quickly, within 12 to 24 hours.

Patients with iGAS typically require aggressive treatment with intravenous antibiotics, he said.

Are there ways to lower the risk of invasive strep?

Good hand hygiene, including washing hands after coughing and sneezing and before and after eating, can help minimize strep infections, said Grill.

Evidence shows that a previous viral infection puts someone at higher risk of invasive strep, which is why keeping up to date with routine immunizations, such as those for chickenpox and influenza, is important, he said, noting older adults also benefit from pneumococcal vaccines.

Hamat also advises parents about the benefits of vaccines and that having a child vaccinated against chickenpox will help lower the risk of iGAS.

Chickenpox has always been a risk factor for invasive strep but now potentially even more so, he said. We cant vaccinate against strep, but we can have timely doctors visits when youre sick, know the signs and what to look out for and prevent one of the risk factors by keeping up with your usual vaccinations.

Megan Ogilvie is a Toronto-based health reporter for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @megan_ogilvie or reach her via email: mogilvie@thestar.ca

SHARE:
KYODO NEWS - Jun 8, 2023 - 20:58 | World, All, Japan

Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, a key candidate in Taiwan's presidential election next January, called for deeper cooperation with Japan on Thursday in the hope of maintaining regional peace and contributing to global technological and economic development.

Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan during his visit to the country, Ko said Japan is Taiwan's "most important ally in Asia," adding that a mutual bond had developed over the past 100 years through mutual engagement and interaction. The island was under Japanese colonial rule for 50 years until 1945.

The physician-turned-politician and chairman of the opposition Taiwan People's Party, also known as the TPP, said he hopes to re-establish a similar framework to that seen under former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui's administration, which served as a platform for high-level communication between Taiwan, Japan and the United States.

Ko also said Japan is Taiwan's third-largest trading partner, with the two closely collaborating in the semiconductor industry. He expressed hope that Taipei and Tokyo can work together to build a more resilient industrial chain.

Ko, who founded the TPP as a "third force" in 2019, is one of the three key candidates in the presidential election, running against Vice President Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Nationalist Party.

He said that when he founded the party, the Taiwanese people had grown tired of power struggles between the two major parties.

Taiwan should have a coalition government in place, Ko said, calling on the ruling party to take the initiative and share power based on meritocracy, so that each political party can contribute and "unite" the island.

Concerning defense, Ko said he believes Taiwan should maintain a dialogue with China based on well-established national defense capabilities to act as "deterrence."

Communist-led China and Taiwan have been separately governed since they split in 1949 due to a civil war. Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province to be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Related coverage:

New Taipei Mayor Hou nominated as Taiwan opposition presidential candidate
WINNIPEG - The decision to search a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two First Nations women and who will fund it remains up in the air a month after a feasibility study was completed.

The study, conducted by an Indigenous-led committee, estimated it could take up to three years and cost $184 million to search the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, but family members of the two women and Indigenous leaders have said it must go ahead.

Manitobas premier said a potential search of the landfill should be led by the federal government and families.

I know (the family) has been in touch with the federal government  well leave it to them for right now, Premier Heather Stefanson told reporters Thursday.

Stefanson has not read the study but said the province is standing by the families of Harris and Myran. She did not commit to providing provincial money to help fund the search of the landfill.

A study examining whether a successful search is possible looked at the various scenarios and challenges that come with searching a landfill. It concluded a canvass of the Prairie Green Landfill is feasible. The study was obtained by The Canadian Press but wasnt released to the public.

It warned there are risks due to exposure to toxic chemicals, but said forgoing a search could be more harmful for the families.

The office for the minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations said they have received the feasibility study and are reviewing it diligently.

We will provide more comments when it is appropriate to do so, after our review, Marc Millers office said in an email.

We need to make sure our work is done right, in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed manner, and keeping at heart the families, survivors and communities.

Miller has been in contact with the families and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the organization that spearheaded the study, but his office would not disclose the details of those conversations.

The ministers office said if funding is approved, it does not need to be while the House of Commons is sitting, it can be done at any time.

The family of Harris continues to push for all levels of government to support the search. The family plans to rally next week outside the Manitoba Legislative Building to bring attention to what they say is a lack of response from the province.

The family wrote on social media they requested a meeting with the premier, but to date no meeting has been set up.

Stefanson said she had no knowledge of a request made to meet with the families or Long Plain Chief Kyra Wilson. Harris and Myran were both members of the southwestern First Nation.

Ottawa is also reviewing a proposal to search the city-runBrady Road landfill.

Families have been calling for the search of that landfill after Winnipeg police found the partial remains of Rebecca Contois last year.

Jeremy Skibicki has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Contois, Harris, Myran and an unidentified woman Indigenous leaders have named Mashkode Bizhikiikwe, or Buffalo Woman. Police have also not found her remains.

Mayor Scott Gillingham has seen portions of the study. He said the city is supportive of the community, but pointed to the federal government when asked if any city supports or resources would be provided for the search of the privately owned Prairie Green Landfill.

When it comes to the potential search of the Brady landfill, Gillingham said the city does not have the level of funds needed to conduct a search.

The cost estimates are just frankly well beyond what the City of Winnipeg would be able to supply.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2023.

Read more about:

SHARE:
VANCOUVER - An encroaching wildfire set off an immediate evacuation order Thursday for residents of the British Columbia District of Tumbler Ridge, a community of 2,400 people in northeastern B.C.

The district said in a message issued by the B.C. Emergency Alert system that residents needed to leave the area immediately due to the West Kiskatinaw River Wildfires threat to human life.

The wildfire was only discovered on June 6 but has grown to 96 square kilometres in size.

Joline Couture, a Canadian Ranger living in Tumbler Ridge, said in an phone interview that smoke was heavy as she prepared to go door-to-door to ensure people were aware of the alert and had started to leave.

Were remote, surrounded by forests all over. I think the town is well rehearsed on how to take fire orders because theres no chaos, theres no speeding, she said. It seems that everybody is remaining calm.

Couture said the remote community is surrounded by forests so lightning fires are bound to happen, but hopes the wildfire will be suppressed before it reaches infrastructure.

A BC Wildfire Service advisory said the fire near Tumbler Ridge fire was caused by lightning and continues to spread aggressively.

It isnt responding to suppression efforts, the advisory said.

The statement from the District of Tumbler Ridge said the evacuation order includes all residents of the district and those at properties at Bearhole Lake. It said evacuees should leave via Highway 29.

The evacuation order came just as government and BC Wildfire Service officials were holding a news conference about wildfire activity in the province.

Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma said the area burned this year had already exceeded the total amount burned in 16 out of the last 20 wildfire seasons.

She said 382 wildfires have burned a total of 5,205 square kilometres since April 1.

Weve also seen that heat events are becoming more frequent and projected to become more severe due to climate change. Heat is now a part of our reality and it is critical that British Columbians understand what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones if these events happen, Ma said.

Neal McLoughlin, superintendent of predictive services for the BC Wildfire Service, said hes concerned about the start of the fire season.

It is quite alarming to see this amount of area burning this early in the season and it certainly doesnt bode well for the remainder of this summer, he said.

Lightning-caused fires are one of the services biggest concerns this season, he said.

We typically see lightning start in the later part of May and really pick up in the month of June and through the rest of the summer, he said.

We could get scattered lightning and at a slower pace or we could see a big weather system change that brings widespread lightning all at once, and those are very difficult situations to fire agencies where theres more fire than we may be able to respond to.

Matt MacDonald, BC Wildfire Services lead fire weather forecaster, said 16 communities in the province had experienced their hottest and driest May on record. This, he said, caused a fast snowmelt and left more fuels available for ignition.

Weve melted that snow three to four weeks earlier than normal, and again, as we approach the peak of lightning season, those fuels are ready to be ignited.

An unusually warm summer is expected across Canada, MacDonald said, and though some rain is predicted for B.C. next week, forecasters still anticipate a very dry June.

Its not going to be enough rainfall to alleviate these deep, persistent drought conditions right across the province, he said.

McLoughlin said the wildfire service will need to call on all its resources, since help from outside B.C. will likely be limited.

All agencies across Canada are busy this year, and there is a real shortage of resources for sharing, he said. And so, this could be a year where we have to really dig deep and use the resources we have here in B.C. to address our situation.

The Peace River Regional District also expanded its evacuation order for the West Kiskatinaw River wildfire again Thursday. The alert said the order now includes areas north of the Tumbler Ridge municipal boundary, between Highway 29S and Highway 52N, including Moose Lake and Moose Lake Forestry Service Road.

Smoke from wildfires prompted special weather statements about air quality in several areas of the province, including the Nicola, Fraser Canyon, North Columbia, Yellowhead, Williston, Peace River and Fort Nelson regions.

Environment Canada says the smoky skies bulletin will be in place for the next 24 to 48 hours.

An air quality advisory issued Wednesday by the Metro Vancouver Region District has been lifted.

The district said the improvement on Thursday was due to favourable winds and cooler temperatures.

However, it said there was potential for the smoke to return as two out-of-control wildfires burn near Harrison Lake, 150 kilometres east of Vancouver.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2023.

Read more about:

SHARE:
FREDERICTON - New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, facing a revolt from eight members of his caucus over changes made to the provinces policy on sexual orientation in schools, said Thursday he is willing to call an election on the issue.

Higgs told reporters he stands by the changes made to the policy, which he said were taking a strong position for families.

One major change is that students under 16 who identify as trans and nonbinary wont be able to officially change their names or pronouns in school without parental consent. The previous policy said teachers needed a students informed consent before discussing the students preferred name with a parent.

The eight Progressive Conservative dissidents, including six ministers in Higgs 18-member cabinet, sat out question period and other legislative business Thursday in protest against the changes announced by Education Minister Bill Hogan. The changes come into effect July 1.

They said in a statement their absence was a way to express their extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency in the review of the three-year-old guidelines known as Policy 713. The members said they would not comment further, but some of them had called for Policy 713 to be left alone.

The eight dissenting members returned to the legislature Thursday afternoon and helped defeat a Green Party-sponsored bill banning shale gas development.

Earlier in the day, Higgs maintained that the caucus and cabinet had endless meetings before arriving at Thursdays announcement, adding that the disagreement within his party potentially could force an election. The Tories hold a majority with 29 of the legislatures 49 seats, and an election is not due until next year.

Thats a possibility, he said when asked if he was prepared to fight an election over the issue. I believe that strongly in the case of finding a solution here where we do not exclude parents in their childs life.

Hogan defended the changes, which have stirred protests in the province since it was first revealed last month that the policy was under review.

We believe that is fundamentally wrong to not share this information with the parents if we are using (a students preferred name) on a daily basis, Hogan told reporters. If we are using it on a daily basis, it puts teachers in a really challenging position.

The new policy is unclear about gender identity and participation in sports activities. All students will be able to participate in curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities that are safe and welcoming, it reads. The previous version said that student participation could be consistent with their gender identity.

When questioned at the news conference, Hogan said organizations governing sports were doing a wonderful job ensuring that all students can participate in the sport they identify with. We dont intend to interfere with that, he said.

The new policy will also require universal washrooms to be private. Previously it said all students would have access in a non-stigmatizing manner to washroom facilities that align with their gender identity, and that all schools would have at least one universal washroom.

Theres a lot of bullying that occurs in our washrooms, any place where students are out of the sight of our professionals, Hogan said. Then theres things that happen that wed prefer not to happen.

Liberal Leader Susan Holt said her party would support a no-confidence motion against the government. The policy review, she said, rather than reassure the Liberals that the Tories were moving in the right direction, showed the governments inability to lead.

Whether this is time for an election or not is something that bears serious consideration, because it certainly seems like this government is unfit to lead, she said.

Green Leader David Coon said the review had damaged the policy significantly.

He said the change requiring teachers to use the birth names and the genders assigned at birth of students under the age of 16 is damaging the students, that is damaging the young people, and its unacceptable.

He said the premier had lost the confidence of a sizable part of his cabinet.

He needs to go, Coon said of Higgs. He needs to resign and he needs to do it now.

Former Tory education minister Dominic Cardy, who sits as an Independent, disagreed that there was a need for an election. Cardy resigned last year, calling out Higgs leadership and values. He said Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy should refuse to dissolve cabinet and instead ask whether anyone other than Higgs could become premier.

Im saying there are, very clearly, people who could do that job, Cardy said. The premier has shown today he cant even command his own caucus, his own cabinet.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2023.

Read more about:

SHARE:
Toronto Public Health issued five conditional passes to restaurants, cafes, bakeries, bars and grocery stores on June 6.

Chatime at 3401 Dufferin Street received a conditional pass with two major infractions:

Fail to sanitize multi-service articles after use

Use food equipment not in good repair

Janes Bar and Grill at 1735 Eglinton Avenue West received a conditional pass with one major infraction:

Fail to maintain handwashing stations (liquid soap and paper towels)

Kingyo at 537 Parliament Street received a conditional pass with three major infractions:

Fail to maintain handwashing stations (liquid soap and paper towels)

Maintain potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4 C and 60 C

Use food equipment not in good repair

Queen Star Restaurant at 1116 Queen Street West received a conditional pass with three major infractions:

Fail to protect food from contamination or adulteration

Use food equipment not in good repair

Use handwashing station other than for handwashing of employees

Raps at 1541 Eglinton Avenue West received a conditional pass with two major infractions:

Fail to maintain handwashing stations (liquid soap and paper towels)

Fail to provide adequate number of handwashing stations

A conditional pass is issued when at least one infraction presents a significant health risk, and a closure is ordered when at least one infraction presents an immediate health hazard. Both outcomes trigger an additional inspection within 48 hours. Failure to comply with Torontos DineSafe program can result in fines, court summons and other enforcement action.

Miss a DineSafe roundup? Find out which restaurants recently made the list

About this story

This story was automatically generated using open data from the City of Toronto. The Toronto Star has no role in collecting, reviewing or analyzing this data, and makes no representations or endorsements about any food premises, or the products or services offered by a food premise. Readers should review any municipal disclaimers located at the citys open data portal.

SHARE:
Torontos public school board is no longer seeking parental permission for students to attend drag queen storytime events after parents at an elementary school raised concerns that the consent form implied the Pride activity was different from other in-school performances and posed some sort of risk to kids.

The change of direction comes on the heels of escalating tensions over the celebration of Pride in schools, including York Catholic District School Board voting against a motion to fly the flag at headquarters and a call for a provincial anti-Pride walkout on June 1 when schools hoisted the rainbow flag.

Parents of students at Bruce Public School in Leslieville received an email last Friday and a paper form on Monday indicating that their approval was necessary for an upcoming excursion: an afternoon of storytelling in the school gym by Toronto drag queen Gila Munster, a Toronto District School Board-vetted performer who has appeared at other schools.

Excursion forms are usually reserved for field trips off school property. While the schools planned Pride day events include a march around the block and a flag ceremony, permission was sought specifically for the drag queen storytime.

In a followup email Tuesday to the school community, Principal Kristina Wessenger-Macdonald acknowledged many families had expressed concerns with the process but that this was not a personal or school decision. She explained that the area superintendent informed her that a recent board-wide directive required all drag queen appearances be treated as excursions requiring consent.

However, following Toronto Star inquiries to the principal, superintendent Belinda Longe and the TDSB, the school board acknowledged Wednesday that the initial direction suggested permission forms, but that we are no longer using that approach.

At some elementary schools, Drag Queen Storytime events have been organized, said spokesperson Ryan Bird. As we recognize this may be a new experience for some of our younger students, we are making sure that families are aware. Should they have questions or wish to have their children take part in alternate activities during the event, they can contact the school.

Lauren Keegan, queer parent to two children at Bruce, was confused by the original request for permission, noting the school regularly hosts equity and diversity celebrations for Black and Indigenous history, for example, that dont require consent. I could not understand why Pride was being singled out.

The boards decision Wednesday to drop the forms but still allow for accommodation didnt sit well with her.

If they are providing a heads up and an opportunity for parents to opt out, that suggests to me that there might be something objectionable inside of that activity, said Keegan. If we are committed to equity in all measures but we think that parents should be able to pull out of drag queen storytime  with its vetted, age-appropriate materials  that doesnt track to me.

By making it opt-out instead of opt-in, the optics are the same.

Drag queen storytime has become a flashpoint for the far-right in Canada and in the U.S. where protests have targeted mostly library events where drag queens share books and songs with 2SLGBTQIA+ themes.

Bruce parents were initially alerted to the Pride events in the principals regular newsletter last Friday, followed later in the day by an automated email push asking for specific approval for children to attend a 45-minute presentation and Q&A session with Gila Munster. That triggered a flurry of texts and Facebook group postings among parents speculating what constituted the supposed risk, as well as calls to not sign the forms on principle.

Its easy for me to say in my cis, white, very privileged male bubble, that this is dumb, said Joey Herrington, dad to three children, two of whom attend the school which goes from kindergarten to Grade 8. But its awful, hurtful and backward for the queer and trans kids at Bruce.

Herrington said he imagines theres probably more risk of kids being verbally accosted during a Pride march than from an inclusive moment in the gym, inside the school, out of the public eye with a professional drag queen storyteller.

The fact that, in that environment, the kid whos not out yet gets to see someone like them, well I think theres probably more benefit from that then there is risk, frankly.

Last year, Bruce P.S. held a Pride march and gathering, which, according to parents, did not require additional permission. (A blanket consent form is signed at the beginning of the school year for such local outings as walking down the street to the library.)

Amy Clarke recalls someone yelled at the kids and the then-principal turned and said we always look forward to love; we never look backwards to hate.

I remember what that meant to me to hear this straight male principal say this, said Clarke, who is in a two-mom family with two children, one of whom attends Bruce.

Clarke plans to attend the celebration again this year, as do other parents. But the last few days of confusion over the board policy has been exhausting and disappointing.

For whoever the original directive was catering to, theyre going to be upset. And then those who have always seen the school as an inclusive, open and wonderful place, they feel hurt and betrayed. Now everyones upset. So what was the point of it all?

Janet Hurley is a Toronto Star journalist and senior writer covering culture, education and societal trends. She is based in Toronto. Reach her via email: jhurley@thestar.ca

SHARE:
A Brampton man has been arrested in the shooting death of a Montreal woman linked to the Mafia.

Joel Richard Clarke, 28, was arrested Tuesday night in Milton on a charge of first-degree murder for the May 16 shooting of businesswoman Claudia Iacono.

Her murder comes amidst several violent attacks in the Montreal underworld this year involving members of the old Rizzuto crime family.

The murder of a woman in a Mafia struggle is considered extremely rare.

Iacono, 39, was shot several times and killed in her car close to the hair salon she ran on Jean-Talon St. W. in Montreals Cote-des-Neiges district. Police arrived at the scene to find Iacono in her car that collided with a building and was still running.

Iacono was the daughter-in-law of reported Mafia boss Moreno Gallo, who was assassinated in an Acapulco restaurant in Mexico in 2013.

Gallo, received a life sentence for the 1973 killing of a Montreal drug dealer.

Gallo was paroled in and deported to Italy in 2012.

Earlier this week, Montreal Mafia leader Francesco (Chit) Del Balso was shot dead near the Monster Gym Dorval. There had been two earlier attempts this year on Del Balsos life. He was reportedly a suspect in a failed attempt to kill Leonardo Rizzuto, whose father Vito Rizzuto was considered the top figure in Montreals underworld before his death by natural causes a decade ago.

Laval police announced last week that Carlos Pena Torrez, 36, of Toronto faces separate attempted murder charges in the shootings in a 77-year-old man in Laval, Quebec.

The attempted murder charge in Quebec against Torrez comes after the Jan. 29 shooting of the man in broad daylight in a busy Laval parking lot.

That gunman also fired from a moving vehicle, police say.

That victim is also recovering, police say.

A Montreal police press release said the victim is not known to the police community and that an investigation confirms that the wrong victim was shot.

La Presse newspaper reported that the intended target in the Laval murder bid was Del Balso, who was shot dead this week.

Del Balsos criminal record includes convictions for cocaine smuggling, gangsterism, possession of the proceeds of crime, tax evasion and threatening a reporter. He was considered by authorities to be a top member of the Rizzuto crime group, which has come under fire this year.

With files from The Canadian Press.

SHARE:
A woman is dead and several others are injured after an eight-vehicle collision north of Pearson Airport.

Fire crews were dispatched to Derry Road and Redwood Road, in Malton, after a serious motor vehicle collision at around 9:35 a.m. on Thursday.

Peel Regional Police said the incident happened after several vehicles were waiting at the traffic red light on Rexwood Road, when a bus failed to stop and continued through the intersection travelling eastbound on Derry Road, resulting in a chain reaction of events.

Several people had to be extricated from their vehicles. Peel paramedics said nine patients were transported to various hospitals in the region, including a woman with life-threatening injuries, who has since been pronounced dead.

One person remains in serious condition, while seven others endured moderate but non-life-threatening injuries. Police said there were other victims who were treated for minor injuries and released at the scene. No pedestrian were involved in the collision.

No charges or arrests have been made at this time. Police are advising people to use alternate routes.

Read more about:

SHARE:
A Toronto police officer facing a string of criminal charges for allegedly stealing a luxury watch from a dead mans home and a credit card from a deceased woman has been arrested again, charged with breaching his bail conditions.

Toronto police announced Thursday that Const. Boris Borissov was arrested and charged with one count of failing to comply with his release order.

The officer turned himself in to police at Etobicokes 23 Division and appeared in court Thursday, police said. Court documents show he was re-released on bail later Thursday with conditions.

Borissov, an officer with 16 years on the force, is facing nearly a dozen criminal charges including breach of trust, fraud and possession of property obtained by crime after allegedly stealing property while on duty on at least two occasions. The charges have not been proven in court.

According to allegations contained in Toronto police tribunal documents, Borissov stole, then tried to sell, a Tag Heuer watch belonging to a missing man who was later found dead. The brands luxury watches retail from roughly $2,000 to more than $15,000 for high-end models.

Police also allege Borissov stole a BMO Mastercard while involved in a sudden-death investigation into a woman discovered dead in her home in May 2020. Police allege the card was used 16 times after her death.

Police also allege Borissov then gave the card to a man who used it in Mississauga, and that Borissov and that same man had fraudulently obtained motor vehicles.

Borissov is currently suspended with pay from the Toronto police. Ontarios Police Services Act requires all officers suspended from service be paid unless they are sentenced to jail time.

Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis

SHARE:
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP)  A California jury has returned a $63 million verdict against Chevron after finding the oil giant covered up a toxic chemical pit on land purchased by a man who built a house on it and was later diagnosed with a blood cancer.

Kevin Wright, who has multiple myeloma, unknowingly built his home directly over the chemical pit near Santa Barbara in 1985, according to his lawsuit.

Starting in 1974, Chevron subsidiary Union Oil Company of California had operated a sump pit for oil and gas production, a process that left the carcinogenic chemical benzene on the property, court papers said.

Wright bought the land and built the house in 1985. Nearly three decades later, he was diagnosed with the cancer that attacks plasma cells in the blood and can be caused by benzene exposure, court documents said.

The jurors in Santa Barbara on Wednesday returned the $63 million verdict, said Jakob Norman, an attorney for Wright. Norman called the case a blatant example of environmental pollution and corporate malfeasance.

Chevron said Union Oil Company would appeal the judgment.

We strongly disagree with the jurys decisions to award compensatory and punitive damages, Chevron said in a statement Thursday.

Wrights cancer is in remission, his attorneys said, but he regularly undergoes chemotherapy treatments to hold the illness at bay.

They cut corners, and my life was turned upside down as a result, Wright said in a statement provided by his attorneys. Chevrons continued denial of the harm they caused is a shameful reminder that this company values only profits, not people.

SHARE:
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovos prime minister on Thursday complained of bias against his country from the United States and the European Union and tolerance of what he called Serbias authoritarian regime.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti said his Cabinet took a different stance. We insist that behaving well with an autocrat doesnt make him behave better. On the contrary, he said.

The U.S. and EU envoys for the Kosovo-Serbia talks  Gabriel Escobar and Miroslav Lajcak respectively  come to us with demands, with requests of the other side, he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Ethnic Serbs recently clashed with Kosovo police and then the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force, leaving 30 soldiers and over 50 Serbs injured and provoking fears of a renewal of the regions bloody conflicts.

Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, outgoing head of the EU Rule of Law Mission, known as EULEX, said that during last weeks violent confrontation there were very serious injuries sustained by several KFOR soldiers.

There already was violence of the worst kind of thing. Everyone  says were lucky that there were no casualties.

After the soldiers were injured last week, NATO said it would send an additional 700 troops to northern Kosovo.

Wigemark said the time would come when EULEX civilian police, who no longer have executive powers but only monitoring and mentoring Kosovo police, wouldnt be needed in Kosovo.

But the conditions are not quite there yet, he said.

The European diplomat did not rule out that NATO could decide to deploy thousands of military troops in Kosovo.

If the situation is becoming increasingly unstable, if it starts to escalate again, of course, that is an option.

The clashes grew out of an earlier confrontation after ethnic Albanian candidates who were declared the winners of local elections in northern Kosovo entered municipal buildings to take office and were blocked by Serbs. Ethnic Serbs overwhelmingly boycotted the votes.

Brussels has asked Kosovo to withdraw its special police forces from northern Kosovo, where most of the ethnic Serb minority lives, and to hold fresh elections.

In February and March, Kosovo and Serbia reached a EU-facilitated deal on normalizing relations, with an 11-point plan for implementation. The process remains the focus of the talks mediated by the envoys from Washington and Brussels.

Kurti insisted the special police forces could not be downsized until criminal Serb gangs either left the country or were arrested. He said there was peace in Kosovo if there were no orders for violence from Belgrade.

Western powers should not indulge Belgrade, the root problem of the violence in the Western Balkans, Kurti said.

Kurti complained that even for the April snap election in the four northern municipalities with a Serb majority population, international mediators, European facilitators failed us.

He said they urged Kosovo to make electoral amendments but did not put pressure on the ethnic Serbs only political party to take part in the vote.

He said he would need the international communitys help to foster political pluralism in the ethnic Serb minority for a fair competition, for a democratic race for new mayors.

We cannot afford another process where Serbian candidates boycott it a couple of days before the elections start because thats what Belgrade orders, he said.

Wigemark, who has also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, said it was vital that these kinds of incidents are not allowed to flare up, to spill over to some sort of armed conflict.

The ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, that is the venue to sort out most of the outstanding questions, he said.

Serbia and its former province Kosovo have been at odds for decades, with Belgrade refusing to recognize Kosovos 2008 declaration of independence. The violence near their shared border has stirred fear of a renewal of a 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives and resulted in the KFOR peacekeeping mission.

SHARE:
KYODO NEWS - Jun 8, 2023 - 22:11 | All, World, Japan

Two wounded Ukrainian soldiers landed in Japan on Thursday to receive care as part of Tokyo's support for the country in its fight against the Russian invasion, a Ukraine government source said.

The arrival of the pair, who will undergo rehabilitative care at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, comes after Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told the Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky in May that the country will accept its wounded military personnel.

The Defense Ministry said one of the two has lost a leg, while the other has lost both. Their treatment is expected to last one to two months.

The Ukrainian government requested the personnel receive treatment in Japan, the ministry said, and medical costs will be covered by Tokyo.

While Japan Self-Defense Forces hospitals are in principle only intended to treat the country's defense personnel, the defense minister can decide whether to permit care to non-affiliated individuals.

Related coverage:

2 wounded Ukraine army soldiers to be treated in Japan next month

Japan to accept wounded Ukrainian soldiers for treatment

Zelenskyy likens war-torn Ukraine to A-bombed Hiroshima
Ukrainians in flood-devastated Kherson are urging the world to intervene, accusing Russians of shelling and shooting residents while they are being evacuated from their submerged homes.

Shelling has continued every day since the Kakhovka dam broke early Tuesday morning, Irina Alexandrovna, a dog shelter operator in Kherson, said in a video interview Thursday.

The constant shelling is very scary. We cant sleep. And there are few safe places to hide now with all the water.

Loud artillery blasts shuddered behind Irinas voice at 6 p.m. local time on a video sent to the Star from her home on the western bank of the Dnipro river.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the German Bild newspaper that Russians have been shooting at rescuers in flooded areas of the eastern bank of river that remains under Russian occupation following the dam collapse.

Ukrainians on the submerged eastern bank are facing an even greater catastrophe than those on the Ukrainian side, according to Associated Press reports. The Russians pulled out of the flooded east riverbank on Tuesday without extending help to residents, the report said.

People, animals have died. From the roofs of the flooded houses, people can see drowned people drifting by, Zelenskyy told Bild.

When our forces try to get them (the residents) out, they (the rescuers) are shot at by occupiers from a distance, Zelenskyy said.

As soon as our helpers try to rescue them, they are shot at. We wont be able to see all the consequences until a few days from now, when the water has receded.

Videos provided by 43-year-old Alexandrovna and her neighbours show submerged homes and streets, with just the tops of many buildings showing.

Most residents on Khersons western bank had time to flee to safety as the water flowed in gradually, Alexandrovna said.

But the Russians are not letting people evacuate to shelters or areas with clean water, she said. People have to hide where they can.

Ukraine is reporting that at least eight people have been wounded following Russian shelling of Kherson on Thursday.

The shelling began precisely during the evacuation of citizens whose homes were flooded, Ukraines Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Visiting Kherson on Thursday, Zelenskyy appealed for humanitarian assistance from the international community and accused Russia of putting civilian lives at risk.

Russia must be held accountable for everything it does against life and people, Zelenskyy said in a tweet.

Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the dam, which was controlled by Russian forces, while Russia says it was bombed by Ukraine. The Associated Press reports that officials on both sides said least 14 people were killed in the flooding, thousands are homeless and tens of thousands are without drinking water, apart from major damage to agricultural land.

Despite the devastation, Alexandrovna said she has no plans to leave Kherson. She will stay to care for her dogs and her elderly neighbours who depend on her, she said.

About 30 large dogs that Alexandrovna has been caring for since the early days of the war were evacuated from the flooding by humanitarian teams.

The water is still two metres high where they were living, she said.

At least one dog was severely wounded by debris during the escape, Alexandrovna said. About 20 smaller dogs in Alexandrovnas care are safe and dry. But she worries about how long she can keep them alive as the shelling continues.

I pray we will survive all this horror, she said. Please, please help us.

My soul hurts seeing everything floating in the water.

KB Katharine Lake Berz is a frequent contributor to the Toronto Star. She writes about the impact of major national and international issues on individual lives. www.lakeberz.com

Read more about:

SHARE:
JERUSALEM (AP)  Five people were killed in a shooting Thursday in an Arab town in northern Israel, police said, the latest in a wave of criminal violence tearing through the countrys Palestinian communities.

Israels Haaretz newspaper said a gunman arrived at a car wash in the town of Yafa an-Naseriyye, near the city of Nazareth, and opened fire. Police said they believed the shooting was connected to a dispute between organized crime families.

Shortly afterward, a shooting in a nearby Arab town left a 30-year-old man and 3-year-old girl seriously wounded, police said. The circumstances of that shooting and the identities of the two wounded were not immediately known.

Israels Palestinian sector has long suffered from poverty, discrimination, crime and neglect by the national government.

Israels far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, promised to crack down on crime in Israels Palestinian sector when he took office late last year. But the violence has only worsened, with nearly 100 people killed this year.

In a statement at the crime scene, Ben-Gvir said years of neglect had turned Israels Arab sector into the wild west. He also blamed a manpower shortage in the national police force and vowing to halt the crime wave, called for the establishment of a controversial national guard that he has proposed.

Ben-Gvir says the force is meant to fill in gaps in areas where police are spread thin, including in crime-ridden Arab communities. Critics say that Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist with a history of violent rhetoric against Palestinians, will use the force as a personal militia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was shocked by Thursdays killings. We are determined to stop this chain of murders, he said.

He vowed to enlist Israels Shin Bet internal security agency  whose main task is to monitor the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip  in the effort.

Mansour Abbas, leader of the Arab party Raam, accused the government, and especially Ben-Gvir, of failing the countrys Palestinians.

To bring into the ministry of national security (of) Itamar Ben-Gvir, who doesnt know what his powers are, in no normal country would they allow such a minister to continue, he told Israels Army Radio station.

Merav Michaeli, leader of the opposition Labor Party, also blamed Ben-Gvir for the growing violence.

This is exactly the opposite of what the boss promised, she said. The worst police minister in history. A disgraceful government. Go home.

Thursdays shooting is separate from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has seen more than yearlong surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem. That fighting has picked up since Israels new far-right government took office in late December.

Nearly 120 Palestinians have been killed in the two areas this year, with nearly half of them members of armed militant groups, according to an AP tally. The military says the number of militants is much higher. Meanwhile, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis have killed at least 21 people.

Read more about:

SHARE:
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  At least five Africans are dead and dozens believed missing after three boats attempting to carry migrants across the Mediterranean Sea sank in recent days off the coast of the Tunisian city of Sfax, the Tunisian coast guard said Thursday.

Bodies of five people, including one child, were recovered in the area in recent days, Sfax Prosecutor Faouzi Masmoudi said.

Masmoudi told The Associated Press that navy units had rescued 73 migrants after the three shipwrecks, but survivors accounted indicated as many as 47 others were missing. Six of the missing were reported to be children.

Masmoudi said the boats were made of iron and took on water as soon as they reached the open sea.

Most of the growing number of attempts to migrate to Italy by boat from Tunisia leave from the area around Sfax, a port on Tunisias central coast.

Masmoudi said the number of victims buried in Sfaxs cemeteries since January has reached almost 500, a significant increase from the previous two years. In 2022, 355 burials were recorded and 226 in 2021, he said.

Migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, are undertaking the perilous journey from Tunisia in unprecedented numbers. Tunisian authorities say they stopped 13,000 migrants from making the crossing from Sfax in the first three months of this year alone.

Tunisia has seen growing numbers of migrants arriving via neighboring Libya and is facing a financial and political crisis of its own that is driving growing numbers of young Tunisians to seek a better life in Europe.

The leaders of Italy and the Netherlands along with the EU Commission president are traveling to Tunisia on Sunday with a packet of security initiatives to ease the way for a possible international bailout, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni told reporters Thursday.

SHARE:
KINSHASA, Congo (AP)  Extremist rebels in eastern Congos Ituri province killed at least 18 people in several villages, according to a human rights group.

Fighters with the Allied Democratic Forces attacked people in the Irumu territory villages of Mutuyeyi, Bekembele and Bulesi villages last weekend, Christophe Munyanderu, coordinator of the Convention for the Respect of Human Rights, reported Wednesday.

Houses were also looted, he said.

Violence has simmered for decades in eastern Congo, where some 120 armed groups fight over land, resources and power, and some to defend their communities.

Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces, which is believed to be allied with the Islamic State group, have increased recently. In April, more than 30 people were killed in Ituri, and at least 17 people were killed in North Kivu province in May.

The group originally operated in North Kivu province but has expanded to neighboring Ituri, where more then 144,000 people were displaced between January and February, according to the United Nations. Efforts by Congos army and Ugandan forces to push the rebels back have yielded few results.

ADF began expanding into Ituri in 2021 by exploiting existing inter-communal tensions and filling a security vacuum left by the government when it transferred some of its forces to combat another rebel group, M23, in North Kivu, according to analysts.

SHARE:
JERUSALEM (AP) 

The Israeli army said on Thursday that it demolished the West Bank home of a Palestinian involved in twin bombings in Jerusalem that killed two and wounded at least 18 others in November.

Israeli authorities arrested Islam Faroukh in December on suspicion of carrying out the bombings, part of a more than year-long surge in violence in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The army released video footage showing troops closing off the area and carrying out small controlled explosions, destroying an apartment in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah early on Tuesday.

The army said people threw rocks and fire bombs at troops, who returned fire. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported one Palestinian was moderately wounded by Israeli gunfire and treated at a local hospital.

Israel demolishes the homes of attackers in an attempt to deter others, a tactic critics say amounts to collective punishment.

The attack in November came after months of relentless violence in the West Bank, where the Israeli military has been conducting near-nightly raids in response to Palestinian attacks against Israelis.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, along with east Jerusalem and Gaza. The Palestinians seek the territories for their hoped-for independent state.

Read more about:

SHARE:
CAIRO (AP)  A Russian man died after being mauled by a shark on Thursday off one of Egypts Red Sea resorts, Egyptian and Russian authorities said.

Egypts Environment Ministry said the man was killed after being attacked by a tiger shark in the waters near the city of Hurghada. Authorities closed off a 74-kilometer (46-mile) stretch of the coastline, announcing it will remain off-limits until Sunday.

The ministry later said it had caught the shark and was examining it in a laboratory to try and determine the reasons for the rare attack.

The Russian Consulate in Hurghada identified the man as a Russian citizen but did not give his name.

A video circulating online, purportedly of the attack, shows a man thrashing about in the water before being repeatedly attacked by a shark circling around him, then being dragged under.

Shark attacks are rare in the Red Sea coastal regions. However, in 2022, two fatal attacks in Hughada within days, killing an Austrian and a Romanian tourist.

Egypts Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, boast some of the countrys most renowned beach destinations and are popular with European tourists. Divers are attracted by the steep drop-offs of coral reefs just offshore, which offer a rich and colorful sea life.

Egypt has in recent years sought to revive the vital tourism sector, hurt by years of political instability, the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Tiger sharks are large species that reside in tropical and temperate waters and are among sharks most cited by the International Shark Attack File for unprovoked attacks on humans.

Read more about:

SHARE:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Lawmakers this year have kicked rival colleagues out of office in Tennessee and off the chamber floor in Montana. They have staged walkouts in Oregon and filibusters in Nebraska, where interactions are so fraught that some lawmakers say theyre unsure they can work together anymore.

In a year of outsized acrimony at statehouses, it would be wrong to say tensions have never been worse. Legislatures have seen fistfights, unpopular members hounded from office, mass expulsions and even armed confrontations.

Experts say whats different now is that politics can reward sparring and punish bipartisanship, making reelection tougher for those who seek compromise.

Lawmakers recognize that the general electorate would prefer that they compromise, but they think that the primary electorate wants them to oppose it, said Laurel Harbridge-Yong, a Northwestern University political scientist.

Civility can crumble when lawmakers draw gerrymandered districts or make voting rules that pick political winners and losers. It also erodes, Harbridge-Yong said, when lawmakers debate hard-to-compromise identity and morality issues, including abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. But lawmakers in districts dominated by one party need to stave off internal challengers rather than satisfy the broader voting public, she said.

In Tennessee, Republicans flexed their supermajority numbers to expel Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, two young Black lawmakers, for protesting for gun control on the House floor with a bullhorn after a deadly school shooting in Nashville. They were booted for violating decorum. Though protesters didnt enter the House floor, some Republicans, including the House speaker, labeled it an insurrection, akin to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach.

The ouster of the since-reinstated Democrats gave their party more exposure in the state than its had in years. Jones and Pearson, along with Rep. Gloria Johnson, who escaped expulsion by one vote, traveled a national TV circuit, visited the White House, and hauled in donations.

But to political observers the conflict showed further erosion of Tennessees former reputation for conservative compromisers such as former U.S. Sen. Howard Baker  a key figure in holding President Richard Nixon accountable over Watergate.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee, meanwhile, is seeking to keep guns away from people who could harm themselves or others. GOP lawmakers have shown little appetite to consider the plan despite bipartisan appeal in polling.

When majorities grow decisively large, the minority party has no power and can only complain and shout, said John Geer, dean of Vanderbilt Universitys arts and sciences school. Meanwhile, the majority doesnt need to bargain and is drawn to extreme policies as primary elections become the key to winning.

In a supermajority, the majority and minority parties are no longer politicians, they become activists, said Geer, also a political science professor.

Lately, Tennessee legislative districts have rarely been competitive, even as more than one-quarter of House seats have changed hands since 2020. Only four races, of 116 House and Senate seats on the 2022 November ballot, were decided by 10 percentage points or fewer. Conversely, 61 House and Senate seats were uncontested.

Geer said Tennessee is conservative, but the GOP drew districts to widen its partisan advantage further. Democratic lawmakers are almost only elected in major cities.

Division can disrupt an entire legislative session. In Oregon, a Republican Senate walkout began May 3 and could continue through the sessions June 25 end. The boycott has prevented the Senate from reaching its required two-thirds quorum.

Thats preventing a floor vote on a bill to protect abortion rights and transgender health care that GOP senators say is extreme. Its also blocking more than 100 other bills, including a GOP-opposed gun-safety measure that would increase the purchasing age to 21 for semiautomatic rifles.

GOP Minority Leader Sen. Tim Knopp says the boycott will end only on the sessions last day to pass bipartisan legislation and budget bills. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek has failed to break the impasse, and could have to call a special session if lawmakers dont approve budgets covering the next two years.

Senators walked out despite voters in 2022 deciding lawmakers could not be reelected with 10 or more unexcused absences. Republican senators are likely to sue over the measure if theyre not allowed to register as candidates. Republicans also walked out in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

On June 1, Democrats cited a state constitutional provision to fine senators $325 every time their absence denies a quorum.

Senators who do not show up need to start returning the hard-earned tax dollars they do not earn, said Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber.

In Nebraska, a handful of progressive lawmakers filibustered nearly every bill  even ones they supported  to protest legislation targeting transgender minors. The filibuster revealed lawmakers ideological divides, with yelling, name-calling, crying and refusals to even speak to other lawmakers. Nebraskas single-chamber Legislature is officially nonpartisan and had prided itself on avoiding dysfunction.

Following Tennessees expulsions, Montana Republicans voted to bantransgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyrfrom the House floor for the rest of the now-completed session. Zephyr was initially silenced after telling lawmakers looking to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors that they would have blood on their hands and exiled for participating in a protest for her right to debate in the House.

Discord in statehouses is hardly new.

A white supremacist militia in 1874 attempted to overthrow Louisianas Republican government in a New Orleans street battle, retreating only when federal troops arrived. Republicans ejected legislators they claimed werent lawfully elected and Democrats established a competing body. White supremacist Democrats took control when federal troops departed in 1877.

Not all rifts were racial. Kansas Republicans and Populists in 1893 seated rival Houses. After Populists locked themselves in the House chamber, Republicans sledgehammered open the door and chased out the Populists. Kansas Populist governor called up the militia, but mostly Republican militiamen refused to obey. The Kansas Supreme Court eventually sided with the Republicans.

And not all breaches are ancient history. In 1960s Georgia, Civil Rights activist Julian Bond won election to the House three times, but lawmakers refused to seat him, citing Bonds opposition to the Vietnam War. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling let Bond take office in 1967.

Even considering past upheaval, Harbridge-Yong said tensions today are very high and concerning for democracy.

Its both concerning for how our legislatures function, for peoples trust in the government and their view of policies as theyre determined by government as legitimate, she said.

___

Amy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press reporters Andrew Selsky contributed from Salem, Oregon, and John Hanna from Topeka, Kansas.

SHARE:
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  An Oklahoma City man who found a swastika cut into the grass in front of his home said Thursday that he believes it was done by a neighbor with whom he has had a long-running dispute.

Stan Sells said he was mowing when he discovered the swastika Tuesday on the shoulder of the road that passes in front of his home. It is not visible from the road but faces his home and can clearly be seen from his yard.

I think I know who did it, but I aint got no proof, said Sells. Its a neighbor I havent gotten along with for several years.

Sells declined to identify the neighbor, but said the man would yell at him when he saw Sells in his yard.

(I) try to talk with him and hed start yelling at me, calling me names and telling me what hes going to do to me while cursing, said Sells, 67.

Sells said he has a home security camera, but it was no help because it is more than 250 feet away and it was dark when the swastika was cut into the grass.

Sells said he reported the swastika, which he said is cut into the public right-of-way, to both Oklahoma City police and the FBI.

FBI spokesperson Kayla McCleery acknowledged the report, but declined to call the incident a hate crime.

While we feel this is hateful speech, its not something the FBI can investigate because it ... probably falls under First Amendment protected free speech, McCleery said.

Sgt. Dillon Quirk said the Oklahoma City Police are investigating the grass-cutting incident as vandalism.

The swastika symbol, used by Nazi Germany, has served as the most significant and notorious of hate symbols, anti-Semitism and white supremacy for most of the world since 1945, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

Sells, who said he is not Jewish, said the discovery made him mad.

I just couldnt believe anyone would do that, Sells said. He declined to speculate on why anyone would cut a swastika into his grass.

In 2019, vandals spray-painted racist, anti-gay and anti-Semitic remarks, including a swastika, outside the headquarters of the Oklahoma Democratic Party and offices of the Chickasaw Nation.

Mauricio Garcia, the man suspected of killing eight people and wounding several others in a mass shooting in May at a suburban Dallas shopping mall, showed large tattoos on his arm and torso, including a swastika, in a post on a Russian social networking site.

SHARE:
David Johnston, the governments appointed special rapporteur to study and make recommendations about the threat of foreign interference, made his first appearance before a Parliamentary committee this week to discuss his work. Drama was in the air.

Did Johnston survive his three-hour ordeal before the Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee? Thats an eye of the beholder question. Certainly, he changed no minds among opposition parties about his role, independence, integrity or, perhaps most importantly, the value of the public hearings that he plans to begin in July. He gets a complete thumbs down from Conservatives, the Bloc, the NDP alike.

But there is no wavering from Johnson. Nothing he heard at committee, and most of it was predictable, has changed his mind about carrying on his function, despite a parliamentary motion asking him to stand aside. He has a mandate, believes the work is important, and will not bow to attacks on his integrity or independence. The Liberal government backs him and Liberal MPs on the committee are quite prepared to both decry partisanship and attack their opponents.

As Kurt Vonnegut would say  and so it goes.

While the partisan gridlock on display was to be expected, there were some new lows, including a doozy of a suggestion from Conservative MP Larry Brock that someone else wrote Johnstons report for him. Not many highs, though there were some more probing questions from the NDP (who packed the committee meeting with its big guns, including its leader, Jagmeet Singh) about whether Johnston had been critical enough about government attention to foreign interference in his first report, issued on May 23.

The Conservatives asked tough questions about whether public hearings would really serve diaspora communities that are the first line of foreign interference, and whether Johnston had fully grasped the issue of Chinese state-sponsored disinformation campaigns targeting Conservatives politicians.

While all the polarized attention is on Johnston, what seems to unite this committee is a lack of interest in the actual reforms needed to fix what Johnstons report identified as a dysfunctional system of intelligence threat reporting.

Other than questions from Liberal MP Greg Fergus, scant attention was paid to the issues Johnston has highlighted, including changes to key pieces of national security legislation, such as the CSIS Act, the strengthening of review bodies, reforms to the handling and use of intelligence in decision-making, declassification of secret information, changes to the Cabinet committee system.

Perhaps opposition members fear that even to pay attention to such issues somehow validates Johnstons work.

Nor does the word urgency, which Johnston uses often, seem to resonate. Opposition members repeatedly declare their preference for a long-drawn-out judicial inquiry (two to three years, ballpark) as the best fix. That might be preferable for the purposes of talking about the problem; it would simply leave it to government to try to come up with fixes now.

What we should be demanding from political parties are proposals to better secure Canada and its democracy from threats in the future. Some of the Conservatives thunder from their 2021 electoral platform has been stolen by subsequent Liberal action  on banning Huawei, moving to create a foreign influence registry, crafting an Indo-Pacific strategy that names China as an adversary. Time for the Conservatives to come up with something new.

The NDPs 2021 election platform features vague promises to stand up to China, and to provide co-ordinated support for those facing threats by Chinese entities here in Canada. It then pivots to peacekeeping and international development. The NDP needs to come up with a more substantive posture on national security.

The Liberal government, for its part, has to get much better in explaining to Canadians the nature of national security policy changes currently underway; they will also have to respond rapidly and substantively to Johnstons recommendations when they are published in October.

Time to get down to it, on all political sides, offer up your ideas for change, or risk the loss of further trust by Canadians. You dont need a judicial inquiry to put your best national security strategy forward.

Wesley Wark is a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation and author of a substack newsletter on national security and intelligence

SHARE:
The bombing of the Copernic synagogue in France on Oct. 1, 1983 by terrorists was a hate crime that shook the Jewish world to its core. The fact that to this day the only suspect ever targeted for this atrocity, Hassan Diab appears by all rules of justice to be innocent of the crime has confounded and angered generations of Jews around the world.

On Thursday, a letter signed by over 130 members of the Canadian legal community, law professors, practicing and retired lawyers, retired judges, was sent to the prime minister asking him to deny the French request for an unprecedented second extradition.

I was the CEO of Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) during the first arrest and extradition of Diab. I have come full circle since that time studied this case closely. I have come to believe that Diab is innocent and to pin this wicked terrorist act on an innocent man especially with the surfeit of evidence in his favour would be a miscarriage of justice.

And I am not the only Jewish leader to accept this. My successor at CJC, Benjamin Shinewald, who also believed in Diabs guilt upon assuming the position of CEO, has also reflected on his earlier views. Like me, after seeing the evidence and scrutinizing the details, Shinewald, a lawyer himself, offered a full apology in a column he penned for the Canadian Jewish News in 2018 where he wrote, I hereby express my deepest regret to Mr. Diab for my actions.

Nevertheless, France, despite all reasonable evidence to the contrary, has held a trial in absentia. Though a lower court found absolutely no credible evidence to even hold a trial, this higher court found him guilty. France wants Diab extradited, again, to serve a life sentence for a crime much of the rest of the world believes he did not commit.

And disturbingly, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the successor organization to CJC, is advocating that Diab face justice demanding Canada return him to France. I respectfully disagree with CIJA. Suggesting that there has been two trials for Diab belies the facts. There have not been two trials (not a first and a second). Only a trial in absentia relying on intelligence posing as evidence.

CIJA claims that there are swaths of evidence of Diabs guilt. From the very start of the first extradition case, Canadian extradition judge, Robert Maranger, identified it as insufficient, very problematic and convoluted.

Maranger expressed deep concern about the case, even noting the unreliability of the then key piece of evidence, a hotel registration card allegedly signed by Diab, linking Diab to a Paris hotel where the bomber resided. Since that time even France has agreed that the handwriting analysis is untrustworthy.

In a recent interview with Diabs Canadian legal counsel, Don Bayne explained: The current French guilty verdict does not rely on actual evidence that could be tested by a court of law. The evidence in the French conviction is unsourced, intelligence that cannot be tested in court because it is not known from where it comes or in what circumstances (torture?) it was obtained. In Canada such evidence would be inadmissible as being in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In fact, the intelligence used by the recent French court decision was rejected years earlier in the Canadian extradition case because it was so obviously inadmissible. Yet, it was not only used in the latest French verdict but is the actual basis for the guilty finding.

And most striking is that Frances own professional investigative judges Herbaut and Folzer, gave evidence at the trial that there was no valid basis to convict. In fact, they admitted there was not even enough evidence to warrant this trial. The conviction ignores this critical evidence, evidence from France itself.

I am very sympathetic to CIJAs desire to find justice for those murdered in Paris simply because they were Jews. This was a heinous, deplorable crime of hate. However, justice must be true and seen to be true.

When Diab returned from France in 2018 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this never should have happened. The prime minister must now ensure that Canada doesnt send Diab back to France. If not, Canadians must face the real possibility that an innocent man will be torn from his family to spend his remaining days in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Bernie M. Farber is the founding chair of the Canadian Antihate Network and past CEO of Canadian Jewish Congress.

Read more about:

SHARE:
BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- China supports South Africa in hosting a successful BRICS leaders summit this year, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said here on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks at a news briefing in response to a media inquiry that South Africa is allegedly considering switching the venue of the upcoming summit of BRICS leaders to China or Mozambique, in a move that would resolve its dilemma over whether to carry out an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I am not aware of what you said. We have noted that South Africa already issued a notice to grant diplomatic immunities to attendees of the upcoming BRICS Summit," said Wang.

China attaches great importance to the progress of BRICS cooperation and supports this year's host country South Africa in hosting a successful summit and sending a positive message of solidarity and cooperation, Wang added. 
Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence, June 1

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared this past Friday to be Canadas first National Day Against Gun Violence and his timing was no accident.

On Saturday, Canadas firearms community once again celebrated National Range Day during which the general public was invited to visit a gun range. There are some 3,000 of them across the nation, about the same number as there are McDonalds restaurants.

Over the weekend there were eight shootings in Toronto alone, some of them fatal. On National Range Day no one was shot, stabbed, assaulted or abused, and no drugs or adult beverages were consumed at any of the countrys certified gun ranges.

Ironically, the safest places to celebrate our first National Day Against Gun Violence this week end was not in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, or even Fredericton. It was at one of Canadas gun ranges.

Donald Kuehn, Drayton

Read more about:

SHARE:
Shes not flashy or charismatic, but Ana Bailao may well be the only candidate to pose a serious challenge to front-runner Olivia Chow in the Toronto mayoral race.

Indeed, election day is shaping up as a possible Bailao-vs.-Chow showdown.

With just over three weeks left before voters go to the polls on June 26, the latest polls suggest Chow continues to hold a wide lead over all other candidates, including Bailao.

Bailao has placed second to Chow in several polls, with her support as high as 20 per cent of decided voters. However, in other polls she often lands in a tightly packed group with Mark Saunders, Josh Matlow, Mitzie Hunter, Brad Bradford and Anthony Furey.

For her part, Bailao says shes the only alternative to Chow, telling voters shes a pragmatic negotiator, a consensus-builder who can find common ground between residents, labour, business, Queens Park and Ottawa.

Like Chow and the other major candidates, she has detailed proposals on everything from affordable housing to transit, public safety, economic development and more.

Critically, though, of all the candidates in the trailing pack, Bailao appears to have the most room to grow in the closing days of this election. Thats because she has key advantages over her opponents that position her best to break away from the pack and chase down Chow. They include:

Fundraising: Bailao reportedly has raised more money than any other candidate, including Chow. Money is needed for advertising, lawn signs, call centres and campaign staff. In the next few days she will launch a massive advertising blitz, expected to cost some $700,000, aimed at portraying herself as a steady, hard-working politician with rock-steady values.

Endorsements: Bailao has collected an impressive list of endorsements from sitting councillors, former mayors Barbara Hall and Art Eggleton and major labour unions, including CUPE Local 416, which represents some 8,000 city of Toronto outside workers and LiUNA Local 183, a major construction union.

Campaign team: She has an experienced team that has developed a plan to carry her right through to voting day. They include veteran Liberal organizer Tom Allison; Bob Richardson, co-chair of John Torys first campaign; and Patrick Harris, who was Torys 2022 campaign manager. Controversial pollster Nick Kouvalis is also on her team, which distresses some supporters. But insiders claim Kouvalis is primarily involved in get-out-the-vote strategies, not policy development.

John Tory factor: Her campaign team is still hoping Tory will endorse her, which would be a huge boost for her chances. Bailao was deputy mayor to Tory, but hes insisted he will stay out of the election.

Getting out the vote: Bailaos team has prepared an incredible ground-game to get supporters to the polls. Only Chow, with support from NDP volunteers, will be able to match her. Bailao is relying on her trade union and Liberal backers to organize GOTV drives across the city.

Still, Bailao needs two key things to happen to greatly improve her chances of defeating Chow.

First, Chow must start to falter in the polls. Any sign that she may have peaked too soon and that her support is wide, but shallow could result in voters drifting away from her in the final stage of the campaign, much as they did in the 2014 election when Chow finished in third place.

Second, Bradford or Hunter must drop out of the race. Both are competing with Bailao for the centrist, Liberal vote. Having so many candidates fighting for the same type of voter hurts Bailaos chances to break from the pack.

Bradford is seen as more likely to quit, given his poor poll results and the fact his wife gave birth several days ago to their second child. If that happens, much of his support would go to Bailao.

Voters will have lots of options when they cast their ballots. Ana Bailao may be right when she says that, more than any other candidate, she offers voters the best chance of challenging Chow.

Read more about:

SHARE:
Eight months before votes are cast in the race for the Republican nomination for US President, the consensus among the American commentariat is that Mr Donald Trump is a shoo-in. Leading analyst Elaine Kamarck, however, argues that it may not be all smooth sailing for the former President.

Interestingly, Kamarck was, till a few months ago, a key figure in creating the now conventional wisdom which says that a large field of challengers will help Mr Trump because the Republican winner-take-all or winner-take-most delegate selection rules are tailormade for a candidate who holds a solid base among primary voters. But she has now entered a caveat ~ for the billionaire politician to emerge victorious in the Republican primaries, he has to win early, and the field of candidates has to be large and stay large till the final stages of the nomination process.

The race for the US presidential nomination takes place in three stages; currently, stage one or the invisible primary is on and this will last till the first ballots are cast. Candidates raise money, build campaign staffs, and hone their messaging to the party rank-and-file. The candidate with strong name recognition is the winner of this stage and more often than not goes on to secure the nomination.

Mr Trump is winning the invisible primary. But he has also been indicted and may face more indictments before the Republican convention in the summer of 2024  he is a polarising figure who is loved and hated in equal measure even within the Republican Party, not to mention the wider American electorate.

Stage two of the process, or the early Republican primaries, will take place in the first three months of 2024 and ~ Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina. Of the approximately 1,234 delegates needed by a candidate to clinch the nomination, these states account for merely 11 per cent of the total. This is when, it is argued, Mr Trump will be most at risk.

He is certainly the frontrunner, but a rival can take the nomination away from him if he performs below expectations on the campaign trail. Though these early voting states dont send too many delegates to the winners pool, early victories do provide crucial, often unstoppable momentum.

Stage three of the nomination process commences after the early primaries and this 12-week race for delegates in which candidates have to be able to compete in 46 states with different types of electoral systems is the most gruelling. But momentum often trumps money in this stage as past precedent has shown. Candidates criss-cross the country in a manic rush hopping from TV studios to radio stations. If someone other than Mr Trump catches the Republican faithfuls imagination in stage two, and enters stage three in a one-onone race with the former president, all bets are off. With the proviso that the candidates who falter in the early states get out of the race.
Three Balasore train accident survivors taken to a Burdwan nursing home by their family members complained of siphoning of blood by the health care unit, which sparked off tension in the town today.

Three accident survivors, Sabuj Sheikh, Nasrul Sheikh and Sukur Sheikh of Bamsore village in Bhatar PS area in East Burdwan were heading for Tamil Nadu to serve as wage labourers.

They were shifted to Burdwan town on 4 June and due to their minor injuries and panic attack, they were taken to a nursing home by the villagers and their neighbours under the supervision of local MLA Mangobinda Adhikari. They were admitted to the nursing home owned by Dr Somraj Banerjee.

The youth took voluntary discharge from the hospital after they saw stains of blood on their beds and channels planted in their hands. They suspected that the health care unit was siphoning out their blood when they were sleeping for two days.

They lodged a complaint with the chief medical officer of East Burdwan. Dr Banerjee meanwhile said: The accident survivors were panic stricken and were weak. So, they were administered with sedative injections. Now, after the complaint is registered: Channels were planted to push medicines. These are all bogus charges and they are provoked by somebody. I welcome any investigation.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a comprehensive investigation into a multi-crore recruitment scam in the state municipalities. On Wednesday, the CBI conducted simultaneous raids and search operations in various locations across the state.

Accompanied by Central armed forces personnel, the investigation team arrived at the office of the state urban municipal affairs and urban development department, which serves as the central department for all civic bodies, including municipalities and municipal corporations. The CBI conducted raids and searches at the offices of different municipalities in North 24-Parganas, Hooghly and Nadia districts.

Additionally, another team of CBI officers conducted raids at the residence of private real estate promoter Ayan Sil, who is currently in judicial custody for his alleged involvement in the scam. The recruitment scam in municipalities first came to light during raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at Sils residence.

The ED was investigating recruitment cases in schools when they uncovered the alleged irregularities. A total of 14 municipalities in the state are currently under scrutiny by the probe agencies due to significant irregularities in the recruitment process for clerks and workers, involving monetary transactions. CBI officials raided the urban development department in Salt Lake City and conducted searches at municipal offices in Chinsurah, Shantipur and Barrackpore.

The CBI team also searched Ayan Sils house and the offices of Barrackpore, Panihati and South Dum Dum municipalities. CBI sources have stated that the agency requested copies of the resolutions passed prior to the appointments and will collect data on previous examinations, notifications, and lists of candidates.

In response to these developments, Firhad Hakim, the state municipal affairs and urban development minister claimed that unnecessary political interference is hindering the central agencys investigation. The state government is currently involved in a legal battle at the Calcutta High Court in an attempt to halt the CBIs probe into the municipalities recruitment scam.

Initially, a single Bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay at the Calcutta High Court granted permission for a CBI probe. The state government subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, which referred the matter back to the Calcutta High Court. Later, the state government approached Justice Amrita Sinha, who also upheld the order for a CBI probe.

Following this, the state government approached a division bench of the Calcutta High Court. After two successive division benches recused themselves from hearing the case, a new Bench was finally constituted to address the matter on Tuesday.
Though the Bihar government has served notice to a Haryana-based firm, Singhla Construction Company private limited, within 72 hours of the collapse of a four-lane cable bridge on river Ganga, the controversy refuses to die down. In the wake of huge protests over the incident, the state government is contemplating on blacklisting the company.

The million-dollar question here is what will be the fate of some crucial ongoing infrastructure projects in Bihar. According to an official, if the company in question is blacklisted, several projects will be come under cloud.

The government has given 15 days time to the said company to respond failing which it would be blacklisted.

Inquiries revealed that the company, which was incorporated in 1996, has an impressive clientele in Delhi, Gujarat, etc. but has been in controversy over supply of sub standard materials and other anomalies.

The bridge collapse has caused immense damage to the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government and his team of close officials. As a matter of fact, the company is engaged in major road and bridge projects in the state which raises the question mark why the government is doing special favour to it.

The company has been engaged in important projects like the construction of six-lane bridge and its approaches across river Ganga as part of Patna ring road (NH 131G) of nearly 480 km near Dighwara in Bihar, construction of Lohia chakra path on Bailey Road, four-lane high-level bridge on Koshi river and the river bridge on Ganga which collapsed on last Sunday and others.

The ruling RJD MLA Sudhakar Singh held CM Nitish responsible for the collapse. The entire system collapsed in Bihar under the leadership of the CM. He and his team is responsible for the collapse, Singh told media persons on Wednesday.

Without naming anyone, he said that this is the act of an organised loot syndicate in which officials, politicians and contractors are jointly responsible. In previous years similar cases of bridge collapse has also been reported. A thorough inquiry should be done, he said.

Another Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) leader and former MP Pappu Yadav was more scathing in his attack on a coterie of senior IAS officials posted in the Road Construction Department for several years. He called for a thorough inquiry into their collaboration with the construction company, he said.

Hamaam Mein Sab Nange (everyone is exposed in the bathroom), Yadav said hinting at a few journalists, politicians and officers as beneficiaries of the project. The Navratna of CM should be exposed, he said.

The BJP has already demanded a probe by the CBI or by a judge of the Patna High Court into the incident.

The company is headed by Sat Paul Singhla construction, a family run company with its registered offices in Haryana and Delhi.

Meanwhile, a two-member expert team of IIT Roorkee submitted its report on the collapse of the same bridge last year. According to official sources, the report found that the company used sub-standard materials and failed to maintain safety materials. It also said that faulty design has led to the collapse of the river bridge.

A junior executive engineer of the Road Construction Department has been suspended for his negligence. The said engineer was assigned to do the close monitoring of the progress of the construction of the bridge.

A fresh tender will be floated for the construction of this bridge.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Thursday jointly inaugurated the east Delhi campus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) even as AAP and BJP supporters exchanged heated arguments during the inauguration.

The supporters of both the parties exchanged heated arguments as the row over the inauguration of the new campus of the GGSIPU in the National Capital intensified even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed for peace.

Appealing for calm, Kejriwal said, With folded hands, I request you to please listen to me for five minutes.

After the LG secretariat objected to the announcement that Kejriwal would inaugurate a new campus of GGSIPU, the power struggle between the AAP-led Delhi Government and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena reached a new boiling point.

The Lieutenant Governor also arrived at the new campus for its inauguration ceremony on Thursday. BJP supporters raised slogans against Kejriwal outside the new campus.

Earlier, a Rapid Action Force was deployed inside the campus to prevent any untoward incident.

The inauguration of the university campus became a contentious issue between Lieutenant Governor and the AAP-led Delhi government, as both sides asserted their claim to inaugurate the facility.

The AAP on Wednesday had announced that the east Delhi campus of GGSIPU will be inaugurated by Kejriwal on June 8. Meanwhile, the office of L-G said it had already been decided that the inauguration would be done by L-G Saxena.

On L-Gs claims regarding the inauguration, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said: In his hunger to grab credit for the elected governments work, the LG should not forget that education, higher education and technical education are all transferred subjects.

Atishi said: The Kejriwal government has been working on all these three sectors diligently over the last eight years. Today if you go on the streets of Delhi and ask any citizen about who brought the education revolution of Delhi, they will say Arvind Kejriwal, they will not say the BJP-appointed LG worked on education. It is highly unbecoming of an L-G to try to steal credit for the elected governments work, he should not indulge in such petty politics.

The IPU campus is part of the three state university campuses the Kejriwal government is developing in the Jamnapaar/Trans Yamuna region, along with the NSUT East Campus and DTU East Campus. It is public knowledge that this campus was the brainchild and dream project of Manish Sisodia. Right from its planning, supervising its construction and curriculum, Manish Sisodia has been involved in every aspect of the project, well before the present L-G was sent to Delhi, she said.

The east campus of GGSIPU has been constructed in an area of 18.75 acres to provide world-class higher education to the students in Delhi.
In the run-up to the Baal Satra- Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha children session to be organized on 12 June, four contenders are in the race for coveted post of  Baal Mukhyamantri, who would enact as the chief minister

The Chief Minister will be selected based on public votes received on social media and the support of child legislators from amongst Jahanvi, Riza, Tushar Anand, and Kashish.

The Statesman is the media partner in the first of its kind event being held in the hill state.

The initial round witnessed nine children, who came forward as suitable contenders with their impressive manifestos.

However, only four contenders could be chosen for the final phase.

Digital Baal Mela, Founder Janhvi Sharma said,  Whichever claimant among Riza Sheikh, Tushar Anand, Kashish, and Jahanvi will get maximum support on social media and from child legislators, will be declared as the Chief Minister.

While four contenders have put forward their names for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, she added.

The Baal Satra is being organized by Digital Baal Mela and LIC in association with media partner The Statesman, in which 68 children from five states are participating.

On Thursday the participating children also presented their claims for Cabinet Ministers.

Himachal Pradesh Vidhansabha Childrens Session is being organized on World Child Labor Prohibition Day, to ensure the political participation of children.

The purpose of the session is to provide a place for childrens ideas in policy making.

Childrens presentation of issues and topics by them gives room for originality and innovation. In some countries of the world, children have achieved political representation.

In our country too, this Baal Satra is being organized in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha to increase political awareness amongst the new generation, she said.

In India, children have been getting the opportunity to be heard through the Youth Parliament as well.

Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said that the holding of the event shows the commitment to take the views of children seriously.

Vidhan Sabha Baal Satra, will be conducted by Digital Baal Mela under the aegis of Himachal Pradesh Vidhansabha, in an effort to make childrens voices heard.

The Digital Baal Mela is an innovation started during the Corona period, and is being managed by the Future Society, said Janhvi Sharma, adding that the Society has been making small efforts for equal participation of children, youth, and women for the last 16 years.

On 14 November 2021, under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, a Vidhansabha Baal Session was organized in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was the Chief Guest on the occasion, she said.

The children were asked How should the childrens government be which allowed them to give wings to their imagination and come up with incredible ideas and policies for Bachhon Ki Sarkar, said she.

The 68 participating children selected as legislators represent 68 schools out of which 63 children are girls and 28 boys from various 43 assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh, whereas five children selected are from five states.




* Nearly 13 million young adults entered exam rooms across China on Wednesday morning to sit for the college entrance test, or "gaokao," a record high number since matriculation resumed in 1977.



* Gaokao is widely recognized as one of the world's toughest college entrance exams, mainly because admission relies primarily on exam results, rather than an overall estimation of a student's academic performance over a period of time.

* The Ministry of Education incorporated 21 new subjects into the list of undergraduate programs last year, and many universities have subsequently readjusted their curriculums to help this year's new students meet the demands of the job market after four years of study.

BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 13 million young adults entered exam rooms across China on Wednesday morning to sit for the college entrance test, or "gaokao," a record high number since matriculation resumed in 1977.

The exact number of applicants for this year is 12.91 million, an increase of 980,000 from last year, according to the Ministry of Education. Their exams will last from two to four days, depending on their choice of subjects.

Wu Zongxin said he dreams of studying for a fire-science degree and becoming a firefighter. "I know it could be a dangerous job, but I want to do something significant for society, instead of living an ordinary life," he said.

Unlike his peers, Wu needs hearing aids to listen and communicate, the aftermath of a severe infection at childhood. But that never stopped him doing well at school. He is to graduate this summer from Zhizhen High School in Hengshui, a city in north China's Hebei Province known for its students' good performance in the gaokao exams.

Wu likes to think positively about his hearing loss. "At the end of the day, all I need to do is to remove my hearing aids and go to bed," he said. "No one can disturb my sleep."

His teacher Chen Jie described him as "an intelligent young man with a strong character."

"He wants to be treated as a healthy, normal student," Chen added.

Yet Wu is relieved that he is exempt from the English listening test, in line with the Ministry of Education's special policy for hearing-impaired students. "I really worried about this part of the exam," he said. "Now I'm more at ease."

Teachers cheer for examinees outside an exam site in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

STRESS MANAGEMENT

China's college admission rate has seen a significant rise in recent years. Even so, the gaokao is widely recognized as one of the world's toughest college entrance exams, mainly because admission relies primarily on exam results, rather than an overall estimation of a student's academic performance over a period of time.

Fan Xuanzhi, a candidate in Beijing, managed her stress well. She turned down her parents' offer of a hotel room next to the test center, insisting instead on sleeping in her own bed. She also made a short video to thank her parents for their love, which she presented to them on Tuesday night.

Many other students still need a pat on the shoulder from teachers and parents.

A teacher at the Hengshui No. 13 Middle School made a giant piece of wall art out of 2,023 used pen refills collected from his students since they started their final year at high school in September. Chen Chen, a biology teacher, made a sailboat by gluing together the refills and pieces of wood. The project took him three months.

"This represents my best wishes for my students in the class of 2023," Chen said in an interview with Xinhua. "I hope they will all be brave and chase their dreams."

The artwork, 3.5 meters long and 1.8 meters tall, came as a pleasant surprise for the students when it appeared in the common area of the school building on Sunday evening. Many wrote down their names, dream universities and gaokao target scores in the blank space.

"I cannot believe that we used so many pen refills over the past months," said He Yubing, a student in Chen's class. "The hard work will pay off."

A traffic policeman drives an examinee to the exam site in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, June 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

A HELPING HAND

The whole society seems mobilized to give a helping hand to the gaokao candidates.

In Beijing, 58,000 candidates are taking the gaokao exams at 100 test centers from Wednesday to Saturday. City authorities have banned construction sites from working at night, while those within a 500 meter radius of any test center will also suspend operations during the day.

Drivers have been told to refrain from blowing horns near test centers, and approximately 800 traffic police officers patrol the streets on motorcycles carrying an extra helmet, ready to shuttle any test-takers that have been stranded due to traffic jams.

At some secondary schools, when the class of 2023 start the exams, students in the lower years are dismissed, taking their courses online from home or leaving for school trips.

In Wushan, a remote county in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, some 100 students from a rural high school got an unusual bus ride to their test centers in the county seat on Tuesday, a day before the exam started.

It was an unusual ride because for decades, locals chose to travel by boat. A trip to the county seat along the narrow, zigzagging mountain road used to take two hours, whereas a new expressway completed last fall has shortened the travel time to 30 minutes.

In the city of Xingren, southwest China's Guizhou Province, 12 carsick students got a special favor from local police: a ride on an open police jeep. "I felt safe and secure as the wind blew on my face," said Wang Guilan as she arrived at the test center.

In Guizhou's provincial capital Guiyang, a fleet of 500 taxis and private cars offer free rides to gaokao candidates.



Examinees enter an exam site in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

STUDYING FOR A JOB

The Ministry of Education incorporated 21 new subjects into the list of undergraduate programs last year, and many universities have subsequently readjusted their curriculums to help this year's new students meet the demands of the job market after four years of study.

The new subjects include earth system science, AI and robotics, big data and blockchain engineering, agricultural sciences, special education and several multidisciplinary studies degrees.

Xizang Minzu University, a university for Tibetan ethnic studies based in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has added a degree in international journalism and communication for this year's new students.

"We aim to train professionals to tell stories about Tibet's economic and social development, and to share China's experience with the world," said Jin Shi, vice dean of the university's school of journalism.

Nanjing Normal University of Special Education has launched two new programs, including education for autistic children and accessibility studies, as the country increases its awareness of the well-being and experience of people with disabilities.

Earlier this year, Kang Yi, head of the National Bureau of Statistics, said that China's job market expects an influx of 11.58 million graduates from universities and colleges nationwide this year, placing pressure on the job market. However, with the economy recovering and hiring demand rising, job openings are expected to increase, he added. 

(Reporting by Zhou Yan, Yu Xiaohua, Bai Xu, Ren Liying, Zheng Minghong, Zhao Wanwei, Ke Gaoyang, Zhao Jiale; video reporters: Zhu Xiaoguang, Chen Zepeng, Yu Xiaosu, Lin Kai, Tan Yuanbin, Sun Min, Zeng Wei; video editors: Hong Ling, Luo Hui, Wu Yao)


Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday said the state government will provide free legal assistance to about 700 students facing deportation from Canada.

Presiding over a high-level meeting with civil and police officers associated with the NRI (non-resident Indian) Department at Punjab Bhawan, the minister said most of these students belong to Punjab. They will be provided lawyers who are experts in immigration laws in Canada.

Dhaliwal has also written a letter to all the Members of Parliament (MPs) of Punjab origin in Canada to resolve the issue of these students so that the future of the children can be secured.

Dhaliwal issued instructions to all deputy commissioners and district police chiefs to scrutinise the documents of travel agents and immigration agencies and send a report by 10 July. He expressed concern that many travel agents are running immigration agencies illegally.

The minister said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already given clear instructions to improve the system. He said if the system would be transparent and clean, then there will be less scope for human trafficking by illegal travel agencies.

He said a special campaign against fake travel agents and immigration agencies would soon be launched in Punjab so that no one could be involved in human trafficking.

Dhaliwal also said that in the last 10 years, if any Punjabi immigrant has been deliberately implicated in a wrong case, then it should be brought to their attention. Such cases will be investigated and justice will be given to the victim.

Taking an exclusive initiative, this time NRI meetings will be held for the first time in those villages of Punjab whose immigrants have done good work in their villages or earned the name at the national or international level. Dhaliwal informed that NRI meetings will be held at the district level from 15 July to 30 August. Dhaliwal said there is a plan to bring a new NRI policy by 30 September to resolve all kinds of problems and complaints of non-resident Punjabis.
In a remarkable achievement, Garima Lohia, a resident of Buxar, Bihar, has brought honor to her state by securing the second rank in the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) test 2022. The results, which were announced on May 23rd, revealed her outstanding performance, with a total of 1063 marks in the prestigious UPSC civil services examination.

Hailing from a business-oriented family, Garimas journey to success has been nothing short of inspiring. However, her path was not without challenges. Tragically, she lost her father, a wholesale garments dealer in Buxar district, to a heart attack in 2015. Despite this setback, Garimas determination and academic brilliance propelled her forward.

Having been born and raised in Bihars Buxar district, Garima displayed exceptional academic prowess from a young age. She completed her matriculation at the esteemed Woodstock School in Buxar and pursued her higher secondary education at Sunbeam School in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. With a thirst for knowledge and a drive to excel, she went on to enroll in Delhi Universitys Kirori Mal College, North campus, where she pursued a Bachelors degree in Commerce.

Here are a few excerpts from our interview where Garima shares some insights about her journey to success and her aspirations for the future.

Q: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue the CSE, UPSC?

Garima: It was during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 when I made the decision to prepare for civil services. Witnessing the dire state of the health and education sectors in Bihar and various parts of India, I felt a strong urge to contribute to the improvement and upliftment of people and infrastructure. I have always had a desire to make a difference in the lives of those residing in small towns and villages. Seeing the circumstances and challenges, it served as a great source of motivation for me to kickstart my civil services preparation.

Q: When did you make your first attempt at the UPSC exam?

Garima: I took my first shot at the UPSC exam in 2021, but unfortunately, I did not manage to clear the preliminary test.

Q: How did you cope with your failure in your first attempt at the UPSC exam?

Garima: It was not just a setback in the UPSC exam; it marked the first failure in my life. As someone who had been a consistent topper throughout my academic journey, it was a tough pill to swallow when I could not even clear the UPSC prelims. The pressure was not only from my own expectations but also from my family, relatives, and society who anticipated another success story from the girl who had always excelled.

However, life doesnt always work according to expectations. What truly matters is acknowledging your mistakes, weaknesses, and faults while developing a better strategy to bounce back from failure. It was a period of introspection for me, where I evaluated my shortcomings and devised a plan to overcome this setback.

Q: UPSC is known for its low success ratio, making it a risky endeavor. What motivated you to pursue it despite the odds?

Garima: The UPSC examination offers a diverse platform where one can contribute to areas such as education, health, and womens upliftment. It keeps you grounded, encourages you to listen to others, extend a helping hand, and work towards their betterment. It provides an opportunity to utilize all your skills and resources. Throughout my preparations, my mother played a vital role in keeping me motivated. She would stay awake with me during late nights, providing constant support and encouragement.

Q: Did you anticipate securing the All India Rank 2?

Garima: I dedicated myself to diligent preparation and managed to clear the exam in my second attempt. While I had hopes of passing the exam, securing the second rank was beyond my imagination.

Q: How did you go about preparing for the civil services examination, and how many hours did you dedicate to your studies?

Garima: Preparation methods vary from person to person. Personally, I devoted approximately seven hours each day to my studies. I made use of a combination of books and online resources to conduct thorough research and enhance my understanding of the subjects.

Q: What was your optional subject in the UPSC CSE?

Garima: I chose Commerce and Accountancy as my optional subject.

Q: What were your percentages in your 10th and 12th standard, and from which schools did you complete these classes?

Garima: I completed my 10th standard at the Woodstock School in Buxar, where I achieved a perfect 10 CGPA. For my intermediate studies, I attended Sunbeam School in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and secured an impressive 98.2 percentage.

Q: What are your hobbies, and how do you manage stress?

Garima: Besides my studies, I have a keen interest in listening to self-help podcasts and reading self-help books. I enjoy teaching and interacting with young children from my neighborhood during my free time. Engaging in these activities helps me effectively manage stress and find balance in my life.
As Supreme Court on Thursday refused to interfere with 2013 Allahabad High Court order sending one, Virendra Singh, to six months imprisonment, the convict now over 85 years of age will continue to be in jail for now.

Refusing to interfere with the January 30, 2013, high court order sentencing Virendra Singh to undergo six months jail coupled with a fine of Rs 2000, a vacation bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Rajesh Bindal questioned the delay of ten years in approaching the top court against the 2013 high court order.

At the outset of the hearing, the bench asked the lawyer for Virendra Singh, Who much is the delay  you avoided arrest for more than 10 years

Not at this stage, sorry, Justice Bose said as advocate for petitioner Virendra Singh said that he (Virendra Singh) was 90-year-old and he was living in Aligarh and was not aware of the High Court order due to communication gap on account of change in address. The advocate told the court that Virendra Singh was bed ridden as he was ailing from multiple ailments.

Seeking suspension of the sentence, the Virendra Singh had sought that his remaining sentence be substituted by a fine of the reasonable amount on the grounds of his health condition  suffering from lungs, kidney and asthma ailments  and hospitalised ever since he was taken into custody, 42 years have elapsed from the incident and his advanced age.

The matter relates to October 7, 1981, when a food inspector under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act checked the sample of the milk being sold by him. Upon testing they were found to be adulterated and the fatty solids were 28 per cent less than standard and non-fatty solids were 12% less than the standard.

A court of Judicial Magistrate, Khurja by its September 29, 1984, order found him guilty of offence punishable under section 7/16 of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. He was sentenced to one-year rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 2000 under section 16(1)(a)(i) of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act,1954 without compliance of section 13(2) of the PFA Act.

On appeal, Bulandshahar Sessions Court on July 14, 1987 affirmed the conviction and sentence awarded by the Khurja Judicial Magistrate.

However, on January 30, 2013, the Allahabad High Court, while dismissing the challenge to Sessions Courts order, reduced the sentence to six months imprisonment with fine of Rs 2000.

Virendra Singh was arrested last month as he had not surrendered in pursuance to 2013High Court order. He was to surrender within 30 days of the High court judgment delivered in 2013.
Hundreds of Indian students residing in Canada have rallied in protest, expressing their concerns over the looming possibility of deportation. The majority of these students, hailing from Punjab, claim that Canadian authorities have accused them of securing visas through fraudulent admission letters issued by Canadian universities.

The issue flamed after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issued deportation notices to approximately 700 Indian students, as it was discovered that their admission offer letters were falsified. Many of the students involved in the protests contend that they arrived in Canada back in 2018, unaware of the fraudulent nature of their admission letters. It was only when they applied for permanent residency five years later that the discrepancies came to light.

Chamandeep Singh, a student participating in the protests, shared in an conversation with NDTV, Upon our arrival in Canada, our agent informed us that the colleges we had received admission letters for were already filled to capacity. He suggested transferring us to another college, as universities tend to overbook. Wanting to avoid wasting a year, we agreed to the change. Singh further explained, We switched colleges, completed our studies, and now, three to four years later, the CBSA notifies us that the admission letters on which we based our visa applications were fraudulent.

Lovepreet Singh, another protesting student, revealed the devastating toll the threat of deportation has taken on the mental health of the students, with some even contemplating suicide as a result. Lovepreet stated, We implore the Indian government to address this issue with the Canadian government. We are innocent victims of a scam, and our lives hang in the balance. Many of us are on the brink of despair. While the estimated number of affected students is 700, the actual figure is likely higher, as many suffer in silence without coming forward. I have received a deportation notice for June 30. We invested our life savings to come to Canada, only to be asked to leave.

Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Punjabs NRI Minister described this fraudulent scheme as one of the largest immigration scams in recent history. He emphasized the financial sacrifices made by families, including selling their land, to send their children abroad for education.

In response to the situation, Punjabs NRI Affairs Minister has appealed for the intervention of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. In a letter to Mr. Jaishankar, he urged, These students, all 700 of them, are innocent victims who have fallen prey to a group of fraudsters. I kindly request your personal involvement in this matter and your efforts to engage with the relevant authorities, including the High Commission of Canada and the Canadian government, to save these students from deportation.

As the protests persist on the streets, the issue has reached the Canadian Parliament, where Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), questioned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about his stance on halting the deportation of these students.
Rajya Sabha member of Congress Digvijaya Singh said here on Thursday that he had never imagined that Jyotiraditya Scindia would betray the Congress and join the BJP along with his supporters.

Interacting with media persons at Indore, Singh said he was disappointed by Scindia. Nonetheless, he averred that now he would never let Scindia or any of his supporters return to the grand old party even if they wanted to.

The former Congress chief minister accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government in the state of massive corruption at all levels which did not spare even the abode of Lord Shiva at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain. He alleged that the BJP government was being run like a business enterprise with no sensitivity towards the welfare of people.

He said he never uses the slogan Jai Shree Ram. Instead we say Jai Siya Ram, because we respect Lord Ram and Mata Sita equally, Singh pointed out.

Continuing his attack on the Bajrang Dal, Digvijaya Singh said the outfit is a group of people who sell contraband drugs and indulge in antinational activities like espionage for Pakistan and ISI.

In 2020, Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress party and joined BJP along with 22 of his supporter ministers and MLAs in Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the fall of the 15-month-old Congress government of Kamal Nath in the state.

Scindias move had paved the way for the BJP to come to power again and Shivraj Singh Chouhan took oath for the fourth time as CM of MP.
It has been reported that the Election Commission (EC) has started preparations for the by-elections in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, which fell vacant after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the House after his conviction in a defamation case by a Gujarat court.

As part of the preparations for the bypoll, mock polling has started in Kozhikode Collectorate.

The mock polling was conducted under the leadership of the Deputy Collector who is in charge of the elections. The officials at the election wing of the Kozhikode collectorate said that it (mock polling) was a preliminary procedure, conducted as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India(ECI)

Representatives of various political parties have been asked to reach the Collectorate for the mock polling. The deputy collector (elections) has issued the notice.

In the notice, the deputy collector (elections) has said that the mock poll of the first phase of examination of Electronic Voting Machines( EVMs) prior to the by-election in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency will be held on 7 June at Kozhikode Civil Station Relief Center Godown, and he requested the presence of the recognized political parties in the district during the time and till the completion of the mock polling

Meanwhile, Congress and Muslim League have said the Election Commission is acting in haste while the petition related to Rahul Gandhis conviction is pending in the court.

Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP, was disqualified after he was convicted and sentenced by a Gujarat court for two years in connection with a defamation case. He is currently on bail. Though an appeal was filed, the court didnt stay the conviction.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Srishti Kushwaha was declared dead by doctors at a hospital where she was rushed to in an unresponsive condition after rescuers, on Thursday evening, managed to pull her out of a borewell in which she had been stuck for the past three days, said sources.

Immediately after being brought out of the borewell, the baby girl was rushed to the district hospital in an ambulance. However, she was unresponsive when brought out of the borewell and the doctors at the hospital confirmed that she had died, sources said.

Police officials subsequently sent her body for a postmortem.

The rescuers managed to bring her out of the borewell at around 5.30 pm today, after an almost 52-hour-long rescue operation.

Earlier in the day, rescue experts from Delhi using a robot had joined the frantic rescue operation underway to safely bring out Srishti from a 300-feet deep borewell in which she fell at around 1.30 pm on 6 June.

According to information, a three-member team of robotic rescue experts reached the Mungawali village in Sehore district, where the incident occurred. They lowered a robot into the borewell to monitor the babys movements and her physical condition.

The team members said the next course of action to be taken to rescue the child would be decided based on the data received from the robotic examination.

Teams of the army, NDRF, SDERF, police and district administration authorities have been working round the clock for more than 48 hours to rescue the girl.

Srishti Kushwaha had fallen into the open borewell situated in an agricultural field while playing. The police have booked the person in whose agricultural field the open borewell is located.
Several students of the Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School in the downtown Rainawari area of Srinagar on Thursday protested against the school authorities for allegedly not allowing them to enter the premises wearing Abaya.

One of the protesting students claimed that they were not allowed to enter the school premises wearing Abaya following an order from the school principal.

The principal of the Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School, however, denied the allegation saying they were applying a uniform abaya code for the girl students in order to bring some uniformity.

Several political parties have strongly reacted against the decision of the school.

Tanvir Sadiq, chief spokesman of the National Conference sought intervention of the Lt. Governor in the matter saying, Wearing a hijab (headscarf) should be a personal choice, and there should be no interference in matters of religious attire. It is unfortunate to witness such incidents in a Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir.

Mohit Bhan, spokesman of the PDP, tweeted: Order banning ABAYAA reeks of insensitivity & callousness of Vishwa Bharti School Rainawari. Does the school admin want communal tensions or repeat Karnataka here? Order must be retracted without delay to avoid any division in society marred with conflict.

Raqeeq Ahmed Khan, chief spokesman of the Apni Party, strongly condemned the authoritarian directions issued by the school. The ban on hijab is humiliation and interference in the personal and religious beliefs of the people, he added.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said 50 per cent of the to-be-withdrawn Rs 2,000 notes came back to the system.

Totally so far about Rs 180,000 crore of Rs 2000 notes have come back. This is roughly about 50 per cent of the Rs 2000 notes which were in circulation on March 31, RBI Governor Das said at a post-monetary policy meeting press conference. About 85 per cent of those notes, on a provisional basis, have come back as deposits in bank accounts. he added.

Good thing is that there has been no rush in any of the banks, Das said, appealing to people not to rush to banks in panic.

He particularly urged people to avoid the last-minute rush at bank branches.

On May 19, RBI decided to withdraw the Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes from circulation, but said it will continue to remain as legal tender.

However, RBI has advised banks to stop issuing Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes with immediate effect.

People can exchange or deposit their Rs 2,000 notes in bank branches and regional branches of RBI. A non-account holder also can exchange Rs 2000 banknotes up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time at any bank branch.

September 30 has been decided as the last date for the purpose of completing the exercise in a time-bound manner and to provide adequate time to the public. RBI is likely to revisit the September deadline based on the situation going ahead.

The Rs 2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of RBI Act, 1934, primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after the withdrawal of the legal tender status of all Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes in circulation at that time.

The objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities. Therefore, the printing of Rs 2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19.

The total value of these banknotes in circulation had declined from Rs 6.73 lakh crore at its peak as on March 31, 2018 (37.3 per cent of Notes in Circulation) to Rs 3.62 lakh crore constituting only 10.8 per cent of Notes in Circulation on March 31, 2023. It was also observed that this denomination is not commonly used for transactions.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today made it clear that relations with China would remain impaired if the situation on the border did not improve, while asserting that India has delegitimised cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference to highlight the achievements of NDA government during its nine years in office, he said China tried to coerce India in April-May 2020 by its military actions in eastern Ladakh in violation of bilateral agreements.

We want peace with China, but if peace agreements are violated, then what can be done? However, talks happen. We spoke to China just before the Galwan Valley incident (15 June 2020) happened We told them about the movement of their troops. I spoke to them just a day after Galwan. We have to find a way to disengage. Otherwise, relations will remain impaired, he said.

While responding to a series of questions on Rahul Gandhis statements on China capturing Indian territories, Jaishankar said the Congress leader was in the habit of saying so many things.

He (Rahul) referred to a bridge being built by China on Pangong Tso Lake. But that was on territory captured by China in 1962. China has captured territories in India since the 1950s. However, in 2020 we had to do forward deployment, which caused tension, he said.

Describing the situation with China as complicated, the minister said that such issues should not be reduced to a point-scoring exercise but should be debated.

People make it out as if its happened now. Our own borders were neglected for a long time and whenever efforts were made to develop border infrastructure, environmental issues were raised. Till 2014, our border infrastructure budget was Rs 4,000 crore, which has now gone up to Rs 40,000 crore, he said.

On Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which India has opposed on the ground that the project runs through Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir, Jaishankar said India would not get swayed by coercion, inducements and false narratives.

Regarding Indias other adversary Pakistan, Jaishankar made it unequivocally clear that India would not tolerate terrorism.

He rejected that there was any controversy over the Akhand Bharat map in the new Parliament building, saying that it was not a political issue and that friendly nations like Nepal have understood Indias explanation. However, a nation like Pakistan did not have the capability to understand it.

Jaishankar expressed his concern over a parade float in Canadas Brampton City celebrating the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

I think there is a bigger issue involvedFrankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do thisI think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada, he said.
The facility is one of the world's longest pipelines for ammonia transportation.

MOSCOW, June 7 (Xinhua) -- "A Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group" blew up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in Kharkov region on Monday night, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry in a statement called the explosion of the ammonia pipeline "a terrorist act," which has caused civilian victims.

"Currently, ammonia is bleeding from the damaged sections of the pipeline in the Ukrainian territory. There are no casualties among the Russian military personnel," the ministry added.

Several explosions were heard near the ammonia pipeline in Kharkov region's Kupyansk district, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Tuesday.

The facility, running from the Russian city of Togliatti to the Ukrainian port of Odessa, is one of the world's longest pipelines for ammonia transportation. 
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his team left for an eight-day long trip to the United States of America (USA) and Cuba on Thursday morning amid vociferous criticism from Opposition parties.

Chief Minister Vijayan boarded an Emirates flight from Thiruvananthapuram airport at 4.30 am on Thursday. Finance Minister KN Balagopal and Speaker AN Shamsheer have accompanied the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Vijayan will kick-start his US trip from June 9 by paying a visit to the 9/11 memorial in New York, which will be followed by a visit to the United Nations headquarters on the same day.

He will inaugurate the American Regional Conference of the Loka Kerala Sabha on June 10 at the Marriott Marquis in Time Square. Speaker AN Shamseer will preside over the conference which will be attended by Finance Minister KN Balagopal, prominent members of Loka Kerala Sabha, Chief Secretary VP Joy and other senior officials.

Chief Minister Vijayan will inaugurate a business investment meet at Marriott Marquis on 11 June where he will meet with Keralite investors, IT experts, students and women entrepreneurs living in the US.

The Chief Minister will address the expatriate community at New York Times Square on June 11 evening. On 12 June, Chief Minister Vijayan will meet Martin Raiser, Vice-President, South Asia Region, World Bank, in Washington DC. He will visit the Maryland waste management systems on 13 June. The CM will leave New York for Havana on 14 June. He will attend various programmes in Havana on 15 and 16 June, including meetings with various dignitaries.

The Opposition parties have slammed the Chief Ministers decision to visit foreign countries while the state is facing an acute financial crisis. They said the foreign tour of the Chief Minister and his team will add to the burden of the cash-strapped Kerala coffers. Senior Congress leader and Opposition leader in Kerala Assembly VD Satheeshan said that the CMs foreign tours had yielded no tangible benefits for the state.

He said the Chief Minister led a Cabinet delegation to Europe ostensibly to study flood mitigation and primary school education, with no reciprocal benefit for the state. He said the government had made a mockery of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, an elected law-making body, by creating a parallel assembly of expatriates.

The senior Congress leader also accused the government of courting wealthy donors to sponsor the New York event. He said the government had transformed the event into an exclusive fundraiser wherein only wealthy expatriates had an entry. BJP state president K Surendran said the Chief Minister and his team had gone on a junket when the government was facing a financial crisis.

The government had splurged public funds on hosting wealthy expatriates in Kerala and abroad. But the extravagant biennial conclaves have brought no investment to Kerala, Surendran said

Stating that farmers are on the verge of suicide, Surendran said the government had rendered the Kerala Agriculture Debt Commission a paper organisation. Ultimately, the taxpayer would have to pick the tab for the Chief Minister and his teams foreign tours and other extravagances, Surendran said.

The collection of funds in the USA for the purpose of the regional conference of the Lok Kerala Sabha sparked a controversy The conference is mired in controversy with the organisers decided to collect amounts ranging from USD 25,000 to USD 100,000 from US-based Keralite by offering them a chance to sit or stand close to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the regional meeting of the organisation.

The organisers reportedly decided to collect amounts ranging from USD 25,000 to USD 100,000 from US-based Keralite by offering them a chance to sit or stand close to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the regional meeting of the organisation to be held from June 9 to 11.
One of the seven Muslim shopkeepers of Purola town of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand has vacated his shop after he among others was asked by their respective landlords to vacate their shops following protests and demonstrations and ultimatums by right-wing Hindu organisations.

Seven of these shopkeepers and the miniscule minority population of around 40 families had already left the town after threats, demonstrations, and attacks on their premises by the locals led by right-wing organisations. A few Muslims own shops and houses in Purola town but are too scared to return back after protests and threats.

The problem in Purola town of Uttarakashi town started on May 27 after an alleged attempt by two youths who allegedly tried to take away a local Hindu girl. Two boys namely Obaid, a Muslim, and another Jitender Saini were caught by locals with a Grade 9 local girl on May 27. The right-wing Hindu bodies charged the youth with enticing away a minor girl and it was a case of Love Jihad prompting bandhs, demonstrations, and protests in the other towns of the district.

The markets remained closed in Barkot, Naogaon, Purola, and Damta in protest against the incident on a call given by the Yamuna Valley Hindu Jagriti Sangathan for a few days.

Later, posters appeared in the shops owned by minority community members to vacate and leave before June 15, 2023, in Purola. The posters put up on behalf of Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan warned Love Jehadis to vacate their shops by June 15 when a Mahapanchayat on the issue has been called by Hindu outfits.

The shops were also marked with crosses with black paint (a cross marking signifies elimination). The boards of the shops owned by Muslims were also broken.

According to locals, nine shop owners had asked their Muslim tenants to vacate their premises on the reported persuasion of Swami Darshan Bharati, a right-wing Hindu leader who had been vocal against the minority community. Seven of these shopkeepers have packed their goods and awaiting transport.

Meanwhile, the local police have registered a case against unknown persons for trying to disturb social and communal harmony under relevant sections. The shops belonging to the Muslim community are closed since May 28, 2023. A delegation of local Muslim shopkeepers had also met the local Sub-Divisional magistrate and sought protection to open their shops and businesses. But to no avail.

The police and Provincial Armed Constabulary(PAC) have been deployed in the town. Arpan Yaduvanshi, SP, Uttarkashi district has said that the minority Muslims have been assured of safety with the heavy deployment of police.
Dr Suneetha Narreddy has approached the Supreme Court challenging May 31, 2023, Telangana High Court order granting anticipatory bail to YSR Congress Partys Lok Sabha member YS Avinash Reddy, one of the accused in the 2019 murder of her father YS Vivekananda Reddy.

Vivekanand Reddy was the uncle of present Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and brother of late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Challenging the High Court order on various counts, the petitioner Suneetha Narreddy in her interim prayers has sought an ex-parte ad interim stay of May 31 judgment and the order granting anticipatory bail to Avinash Reddy.

She has also sought extension of time to the CBI for completing the investigation. into the larger conspiracy in the alleged murder of Vivekanand Reddy. The top court by its April 24, 2023, order had directed the CBI to conclude the investigation by June 30, 2023.

Assailing the High Court order, the petition has said that the High Court after holding a mini trial and giving findings/making comments on the merits of the prosecution case virtually accepted the entire case of Avinash Reddy, while disregarding the evidence collected by the CBI which is investigating the case.

Alleging non-cooperation by Avinash Reddy in the investigation of the case, the petition says that he did not appear before the investigating agency on the last three occasions despite notices by the CBI asking him to appear before it.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra mentioned the matter for an early listing before a vacation bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Rajesh Bindal, but since it was not a part of the list of the mentioning matters for today, the bench asked him to mention it on Friday (June 9).

The petitioner Suneetha Narreddy has alleged that Avinash Reddy along with other accused has successfully tampered with evidence by destroying the scene of offence in the presence of the state police

and had propagated the story that the deceased had died due to a heart attack.

The petition says that Avinash Reddy had in fact pressurised the police not to register an FIR as a result of which only an inquest under S. 174 Cr.PC was started, in a case of cold blooded murder as is evidenced from photographs of the deceased 

CBI took over the investigation in July 2020 on the direction of Andhra Pradesh High Court. The case was earlier registered at police station Pulivendula in Kadapa district (Andhra Pradesh). Late Vivekanand Reddy had represented Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency.

A month before the general elections in 2019, Vivekananda Reddy, a former MP, was found murdered at his residence at Pulivendula on March 15, 2019.
When youve spent the last 15 years supporting families with seriously ill kids, you learn a few things about helping people deal with challenges. So, when the world saw a spike in mental health incidents recently  by as much as 25 per cent globally, according to the World Health Organization  Chai Lifeline Canada did something about it.

The charity organization launched a unique podcast, called ON AIR with CHAI, to draw on its experiences and bring inspiration, hope, resilience and strength to anyone going through a tough time, no matter what their challenge.

Anxiety and depression are on the rise, with studies pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic, upsurge in social media, and people having less community involvement as the cause, said Mordechai Rothman, executive director of Chai Lifeline Canada and co-host of the podcast. The common theme here is that people have much less human connection than in the past and its affecting their state of mind. Our podcast aims to bring back that connection and instill a sense of positivity and hope by sharing stories and advice from real people who have seen sadness transform into joy even in the most dire circumstances.

With the podcasts pilot season just completed  attracting hundreds of listeners and rave reviews  season two has just begun. Co-hosted by producer Bryan Strasberg, episodes feature one-hour-long interviews with parents of seriously or terminally-ill children, Chai Lifeline therapists and support workers, and leading medical professionals.

We discuss the unthinkable and topics no one wants to face, with the goal of demonstrating that resilience is possible no matter what someones diagnosis or challenge in life, Rothman said, describing the podcast as life-changing. Whether someone is seeking guidance in the face of personal challenges, looking to broaden their understanding of resilience and adversity, or simply yearning for thought-provoking, life-enriching conversations, our podcast offers practical tools, profound perspectives, and a renewed sense of hope.

Rothman explained that the decision to launch the podcast was made because he feels his organization can really make a difference in peoples lives, helping them to weather any storm and emerge stronger.

Chai Lifeline knows intimately about overcoming anxiety and depression in the face of challenges  we have daily proof that its possible and want to share our secrets to success with the world, he said. For the first time, were making public the collective intelligence of our experienced staff, who bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the human condition and navigating difficult circumstances to the table in order to bring about tangible and lasting change.

The ON AIR with CHAI podcast can be accessed on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and online at https://chailifelinecanada.org/on-air-with-chai/

With 535 volunteers helping 400 children and 2,000 family members, Chai Lifeline Canada provides dozens of free initiatives and emotional support to sick kids, their siblings and parents to keep them from feeling alone and devastated, and find hope and joy in their lives.

 Chai Lifeline Canada

 www.chailifelinecanada.org

 AB
Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com.
Luci Baines Johnson watched her father, President Lyndon Johnson, sign the Voting Rights Act in 1965, and she recalls asking him why the ceremony was in the U.S. Capitol instead of the White House
Larry Kessler, a retired Sun Chronicle local news editor, has been a member of the The Relay For Life of Greater Attleboro volunteer organizing committee since 2017. Reach him at larrythek65@gmail.com . He blogs at larrytheklineup.blogspot.com .
This photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the building of Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), some 50 km east of the capital Cairo, Egypt. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Wednesday announced that all ministries will relocate to the New Administrative Capital (NAC) by the end of June.

Several ministries have already moved to the government district in the NAC, which is located some 50 km east of the capital Cairo, according to a government statement.

"All ministries and designated governmental institutions and bodies with their staff will proceed work in the ministries' headquarters since the beginning of July," Madbouly said in a cabinet meeting.

In March, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi ordered intensifying efforts to ensure that the government's transition to the NAC will mirror a real development of the state's administrative structure through modernizing buildings and training employees on modern scientific methods of work.

Al-Sisi affirmed on several occasions that the NAC, which will host more than 50,000 public workers, will constitute the values of modern Egypt.

Egypt's new administrative capital is designed to move major government institutions out of the increasingly congested and overpopulated capital of Cairo, which is home to about one-fifth of the country's more than 100 million population.

The Egyptian government also expects the new capital would create around 2 million jobs. 

This photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the building of Cabinet of Ministers in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), some 50 km east of the capital Cairo, Egypt. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

This photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the building of Ministry of Justice in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), some 50 km east of the capital Cairo, Egypt. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

This photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the building of Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), some 50 km east of the capital Cairo, Egypt. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  A woman whose leg was amputated in order to free her from the rubble of the partially collapsed building in Davenport, Iowa, filed a lawsuit with her wife Wednesday, accusing the city and the buildings owner for willful and wanton disregard for their safety.

Quanishia Peach Berry and her wife, Lexus, were home in their fourth-floor apartment May 28 when the west side of the building crumbled. Lexus Berry was able to evacuate, but it was hours before rescuers found Peach Berry trapped in the debris and determined they would need to amputate one of her legs to pull her free.

My wife is a very strong person, and I am, too, Lexus Berry said at a news conference Wednesday. All that we want is accountability to be able to have closure and to know why this happened, and to be able to move forward with our lives.

We are survivors, she added.

The couple seeks unspecified damages to compensate for the medical bills, emotional distress and lost wages, according to the filing.

The lawsuit is not the first, and likely not the last, to be filed in the days since the buildings May 28 demise, which left three people dead, many injured and dozens displaced.

City documents, released last week and cited in the lawsuits, suggest concerns were conveyed to the city and property owner Andrew Wold over the course of months.

Tenants also complained to the city in recent years about a host of problems they say were ignored by property managers, including no heat or hot water for weeks or even months at a time, as well as mold and water leakage from ceilings and toilets. While city officials tried to address some complaints and gave vacate orders to individual apartments, a broader evacuation was never ordered, records show.

The owner of this building was aware, the city of Davenport was aware, the engineering companies and construction people were aware. This was a completely preventable tragedy, said attorney Andrew M. Stroth, who is representing Peach and Lexus Berry, in an interview with The Associated Press.

Efforts now have shifted to removing debris and dismantling the structure. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday asked the White House for reimbursement for the response and assistance with the demolition of the remaining structure.

The formal request for an emergency declaration comes more than a week after the partial collapse and two days after Reynolds was on the site of the building to tour the damage and receive a briefing from city officials. The governor issued an emergency proclamation on May 29 to deploy state resources to the response.

Reynolds letter to President Joe Biden asserts that the partial collapse is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capability of the State and the affected local governments. The emergency response is estimated to be at least $5 million, according to the governors request.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

There will be no federal investigation of the collapse. The National Institute of Standards and Technology investigates some building collapses, but only when findings could lead to recommendations that would reduce the risk of future disasters. In this case, the Davenport building is more than 100 years old. An initial evaluation by the agency indicated that any formal investigation would have no impact on future building codes, Jennifer Huergo, a spokeswoman for the agency, said in a written statement.

Huergo stressed that the agency was disturbed and is following the situation.

Davenport officials earlier said they were working to ensure that Wold would be billed for demolition costs. City spokeswoman Sarah Ott didnt immediately respond to a message about those efforts in light of the request for federal funding for demolition and cleanup expenses.

Wold released a statement dated May 30 saying, Our thoughts and prayers are with our tenants. He has made no statement since then, and efforts to reach him, his company and a man believed to be his attorney have been unsuccessful.

___

This story was originally published June 7, 2023. It was updated June 8, 2023, to make clear that the National Institute of Standards and Technology did an initial evaluation. The agency only does full investigations when results could lead to recommendations that would prevent disasters. In this case, the building is more than 100 years old so an investigation would not impact future building codes. A full investigation is not being done.

___

Associated Press writers Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa, and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Follow along for live updates on wildfires in Canada creating a haze in parts of the U.S. and Canada and into northern Europe:

___

What to know:

 Air pollution cloaks eastern U.S. for a second day. Heres why there is so much smoke

 MLB, WNBA postpone games due to smoke from Canadian wildfires

 AP PHOTOS: From NYCs skyline to Washington DCs monuments, wildfire haze envelopes familiar sites

 How to stay healthy as smoke spreads from Canada wildfires

 How safe is the air? Heres how to check and what the numbers mean

 Smoke from wildfires, a fact of life in the West, catches outdoor workers off guard in the East

___

BIDEN BLAMES CLIMATE CHANGE, OFFERS HELP TO CANADA

President Joe Biden has called the smoke from Canadian wildfires in the eastern U.S. another stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and said cabinet officials are monitoring the impact on travel and air quality.

More than 600 firefighters and other personnel from the U.S. have been deployed to Canada to respond to the wildfires there, Biden said in a statement Thursday, adding that he offered additional help to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Jeffrey Rupert, director of the Office of Wildland Fire for the Interior Department, told a Senate hearing that the U.S. and Canada have long shared firefighting resources, and that Canada has supported the U.S. during really difficult times.

The U.S. Forest Service has more than 200 people on the ground in Canada, said John Winn, an agency spokesman. An additional 170 personnel from other agencies are also deployed, he said. Since the start of the crisis, 648 wildland fire personnel have mobilized, he said, but around half have finished their assignments and returned home.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, urged Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to double the number of Forest Service personnel deployed to fight the fires in Canada.

___

MORE THAN 12,000 CANADIANS REMAIN DISPLACED

It remains unclear when more than 12,000 Canadians displaced by encroaching flames will be able to return home, Quebec Public Security Minister Francois Bonnardel says.

There have been no reports of injuries or deaths, or damage to homes from the wildfires burning across the province, Bonnardel said Thursday. But no rain is expected until next week and temperatures are expected to rise.

Some fires are under control, some not, Bonnardel said. Weve evacuated 12,600 people all over Quebec, principally in the north of Quebec. Were looking at these fires every hour, were hoping to tell Quebecers they will be able to go back home, but in the short term, it wont be possible.

More than 639,000 hectares (2,467 square miles) have burned in the province, representing the worst fire season in Quebec on record.

___

WHITE HOUSE PRIDE EVENT POSTPONED

President Joe Biden postponed a Pride Month celebration with thousands of guests on the White House lawn because of poor air quality in Washington, D.C., from the wildfires in Canada. The event scheduled for Thursday night will be held Saturday instead. Its intended to be a high-profile show of support for LGBTQ+ people at a time when the community feels under attack and the White House has little recourse to beat back state-level legislation against them.

Washington Pride Parade on Saturday remains scheduled, although organizers said they are monitoring conditions and consulting with city officials.

___

NY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SEES SPIKE IN ASTHMA-RELATED HOSPITAL VISITS

New York City is seeing an higher than usual number of asthma-related visits to the emergency room, according to a Pedro Frisneda, a spokesperson for the citys Health Department. He declined to provide exact figures, but said asthma-related visits were in the low hundreds.

In neighboring Connecticut, officials in Bridgeport activated the citys cooling centers protocol, normally used only on the hottest days, so residents could escape the unhealthy air at designated library branches and senior centers.

Philadelphia suspended garbage pickups and street maintenance work to protect workers from the dirty air.

___

AIR QUALITY STATEMENT ISSUED FOR TORONTO BUT DROPPED IN OTTAWA

Smoke from wildfires in Ontario and Quebec are moving over Toronto, bringing hazy skies and poor air quality to Canadas most populous city and leading Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue a special air quality statement for the city.

Schools in Toronto and the nearby York Region moved recess and other outdoor events indoors. The City of Toronto says it is adjusting programming in response to the air quality, with some city-run outdoor recreation programs being cancelled or moved indoors while outdoor activities at city-run daycares have been suspended.

Environment Canada dropped its special air quality statements for the capital of Ottawa, but residents are still encouraged to limit outdoor activities. Air quality statements remain in effect in parts of six provinces.

___

EASTERN SMOKE REVERBERATES ON WEST COAST

Wildfire smoke has increasingly choked the U.S. West Coast in recent years, blanketing regions in ash, blotting out the sun so much that the temperature dropped, and coloring Seattle, Portland and San Francisco in an apocalyptic white-orange hue. Since 2017, California has seen eight of its 10 largest wildfires and six of the most destructive.

Savannah DEvelyn, a postdoctoral student in the University of Washingtons Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, called the smoke blanketing the northeastern U.S. a wake-up call.

The East Coast does not normally experience smoke events like this, and one of the main reasons that they are is climate change, DEvelyn said. Smoke is going much farther because our wildfires are much more intense, much more severe. Wildfire season is starting a lot earlier and lasting a lot longer than it used to."

___

FAA BRIEFLY STOPS SOME FLIGHTS TO NYC, PHILADELPHIA

The Federal Aviation Administration briefly stopped some flights from heading to New Yorks LaGuardia Airport and Philadelphia International Airport, and slowed traffic there and at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, across the Hudson River from Manhattan.

The FAA planned to accept more planes per hour as Thursday wore on. That kind of metering often occurs during bad weather.

Aviation navigation systems dont work as well in smoke as they do during rain, so smoke increases the need for planes to slow down and be spaced farther apart, according to the FAA.

___

POOR AIR QUALITY CANCELS RACES, GAMES

Poor air quality from wildfires in Canada has led to the cancellation of racing at Belmont Park and the Washington Nationals home game against Arizona.

Thursday is the second straight day the continuing fires north of the border have impacted sports in the Northeastern United States.

Several Major League Baseball games were called off Wednesday. A National Womens Soccer League game in New Jersey and an indoor WNBA game set for Brooklyn were also called off, as was a scheduled practice for the NFLs New York Giants.

___

POOR AIR QUALITY CLOSES ZOOS

Poor air quality has forced zoos in several U.S. cities to close or reduce their hours.

At the National Zoo, a popular tourist attraction in Washington, D.C., officials said Thursday that they are taking the action for the safety of our animals, our staff and our guests. The citys Department of Energy and Environment has said the air quality forecast is in the purple, or very unhealthy, range.

All four of New York Citys zoos will be closed for the day so the animals can stay indoors. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the citys zoos, said no animals were showing adverse effects.

The Toronto Zoo shortened its hours Thursday for the safety of the animals and its guests.

___

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS URGE PRESIDENT TO DECLARE A CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders and other Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to declare a national climate emergency that would unleash federal resources to mitigate the worst impacts of climate-fueled disasters.

Blumenauer, of Oregon, said the haze from the wildfires in Canada is a stark reminder that the climate crisis is here. We ought to treat it like the emergency it is.

___

SPAIN, PORTUGAL, FRANCE SEND FIREFIGHTERS TO CANADA

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Spain, Portugal and France are sending hundreds of firefighters to Canada.

With smoke reaching Europe, the fires are drawing attention from analysts as far afield as Spain, which has wildfires each summer and expects more this year due to a prolonged drought and record-hot spring.

Spain said Thursday that it would send 80 to 100 firefighters to Canada. Neighboring Portugal, which has a record of deadly fires as well, has pledged another 100 firefighters.

Wildfire analyst Jordi Pages for the Barcelona-based Pau Costa Foundation, a global non-profit organization dedicated to wildfire awareness, said climate change is fostering weather conditions that favor wildfires at increasingly higher latitudes.

In the last 10 years we have seen an increase on a global scale of the number of massive fires erupting simultaneously, Pages told The Associated Press by videoconference from his office in rural northeast Spain. There is a fire campaign active in Canada right now, but also in Russia, with important fires in both areas."

___

SMOKE FROM CANADIAN WILDFIRES FORECAST TO REACH NORWAY

Norwegian officials said the smoke from wildfires in Canada that has enveloped parts of the U.S. and Canada in a thick haze is expected to pour into Norway on Thursday.

Atmosphere and climate scientists with the Norwegian Climate and Environmental Research Institute used a forecast model to predict how the smoke would travel through the atmosphere.

The smoke has moved over Greenland and Iceland since June 1st, and observations in southern Norway have recorded increasing concentrations of aerosolized particles, the independent research institution said.
WOOD RIVER  Attorney Thomas Maag of Wood River is seeking to have Illinois' weapons ban declared unconstitutionally vague.

The effort comes as consolidated court challenges against the gun ban are being briefed and will soon be heard in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal. earlier this year Illinois enacted a ban on more than 170 semi-automatic firearms, attachments and magazines over certain capacities.

What's banned under the the law? These rifles are affected by the ban: All AK types, including: AK, AK47, AK47S, AK-74, AKM, AKS, ARM, MAK90, MISR, NHM90, NHM91, SA85, SA93, Vector Arms AK-47, VEPR, WASR-10, and WUM.

IZHMASH Saiga AK.

MAADI AK47 and ARM.

Norinco 56S, 56S2, 84S, and 86S.

Poly Technologies AK47 and AKS.

SKS with a detachable magazine.

all AR types, including:

AR-10.

AR-15.

Alexander Arms Overmatch Plus 16.

Armalite M15 22LR Carbine.

Armalite M15-T.

Barrett REC7.

Beretta AR-70.

Black Rain Ordnance Recon Scout.

Bushmaster ACR.

Bushmaster Carbon 15.

Bushmaster MOE series.

Bushmaster XM15.

Chiappa Firearms MFour rifles.

Colt Match Target rifles.

CORE Rifle Systems CORE15 rifles.

Daniel Defense M4A1 rifles.

Devil Dog Arms 15 Series rifles.

Diamondback DB15 rifles.

DoubleStar AR rifles.

DPMS Tactical rifles.

DSA Inc. ZM-4 Carbine.

Heckler & Koch MR556.

High Standard HSA-15 rifles.

Jesse James Nomad AR-15 rifle.

Knight's Armament SR-15.

Lancer L15 rifles.

MGI Hydra Series rifles.

Mossberg MMR Tactical rifles.

Noreen Firearms BN 36 rifle.

Olympic Arms.

POF USA P415.

Precision Firearms AR rifles.

Remington R-15 rifles.

Rhino Arms AR rifles.

Rock River Arms LAR-15 or Rock River Arms LAR-47.

Sig Sauer SIG516 rifles and MCX rifles.

Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifles.

Stag Arms AR rifles.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. SR556 and AR-556 rifles.

Uselton Arms Air-Lite M-4 rifles.

Windham Weaponry AR rifles.

WMD Guns Big Beast.

Yankee Hill Machine Company, Inc. YHM-15 rifles.

Barrett M107A1.

Barrett M82A1.

Beretta CX4 Storm.

Calico Liberty Series.

CETME Sporter.

Daewoo K-1, K-2, Max 1, Max 2, AR 100, and AR 110C.

Fabrique Nationale/FN Herstal FAL, LAR, 22 FNC, 308 Match, L1A1 Sporter, PS90, SCAR, and FS2000.

Feather Industries AT-9.

Galil Model AR and Model ARM.

Hi-Point Carbine.

HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, HK-PSG-1, and HK USC.

IWI TAVOR, Galil ACE rifle.

Kel-Tec Sub-2000, SU-16, and RFB.

SIG AMT, SIG PE-57, Sig Sauer SG 550, Sig Sauer SG 551, and SIG MCX.

Springfield Armory SAR-48.

Steyr AUG.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. Mini-14 Tactical Rifle M-14/20CF. All Thompson rifles, including: Thompson M1SB.

Thompson T1100D.

Thompson T150D.

Thompson T1B.

Thompson T1B100D.

Thompson T1B50D.

Thompson T1BSB.

Thompson T1-C.

Thompson T1D.

Thompson T1SB.

Thompson T5.

Thompson T5100D.

Thompson TM1.

Thompson TM1C.

UMAREX UZI rifle.

UZI Mini Carbine, UZI Model A Carbine, and UZI Model B Carbine.

Valmet M62S, M71S, and M78.

Vector Arms UZI Type.

Weaver Arms Nighthawk.

Wilkinson Arms Linda Carbine. These pistols are affected by the ban: All AK types, including: Centurion 39 AK pistol.

CZ Scorpion pistol.

Draco AK-47 pistol.

HCR AK-47 pistol.

IO Inc. Hellpup AK-47 pistol.

Krinkov pistol.

Mini Draco AK-47 pistol.

PAP M92 pistol.

Yugo Krebs Krink pistol.

All AR types, including:

American Spirit AR-15 pistol.

Bushmaster Carbon 15 pistol.

Chiappa Firearms M4 Pistol GEN II.

CORE Rifle Systems CORE15 Roscoe pistol.

Daniel Defense MK18 pistol.

DoubleStar Corp. AR pistol.

DPMS AR-15 pistol.

Jesse James Nomad AR-15 pistol.

Olympic Arms AR-15 pistol.

Osprey Armament MK-18 pistol.

POF USA AR pistols.

Rock River Arms LAR 15 pistol.

Uselton Arms Air-Lite M-4 pistol.

Calico pistols.

DSA SA58 PKP FAL pistol.

Encom MP-9 and MP-45.

Heckler & Koch model SP-89 pistol.

Intratec AB-10, TEC-22 Scorpion, TEC-9, and TEC-DC9.

IWI Galil Ace pistol, UZI PRO pistol.

Kel-Tec PLR 16 pistol.

All MAC types, including:

MAC-10.

MAC-11.

Masterpiece Arms MPA A930 Mini Pistol, MPA460 Pistol, MPA Tactical Pistol, and MPA Mini Tactical Pistol.

Military Armament Corp. Ingram M-11.

Velocity Arms VMAC.

Sig Sauer P556 pistol.

Sites Spectre.

All Thompson types, including:

Thompson TA510D.

Thompson TA5. All UZI types, including Micro-UZI. These shotguns are affected by the ban: DERYA Anakon MC-1980, Anakon SD12.

Doruk Lethal shotguns.

Franchi LAW-12 and SPAS 12. All IZHMASH Saiga 12 types, including: IZHMASH Saiga 12.

IZHMASH Saiga 12S.

IZHMASH Saiga 12S EXP-01.

IZHMASH Saiga 12K.

IZHMASH Saiga 12K-030.

IZHMASH Saiga 12K-040 Taktika.

Streetsweeper.

Striker 12. See More Collapse

Supporters of the law say its necessary to limit the proliferation of such firearms. Opponents argue the Second Amendment does not let governments ban commonly owned firearms.

Maag filed the first challenge in state court shortly after it was enacted. That eventually was transferred to federal court and consolidated with three other cases.

Southern District of Illinois federal Judge Stephen McGlynn issued a preliminary injunction against the ban in late April. Six days later, the injunction was stayed by an appellate court and the case was consolidated with similar challenges from the Northern District.

Maag said hes now asking for McGlynn to issue a partial judgment that the law is too vague. Maag said the legislature incorrectly lumped some firearms with AR platform guns.

These people at the legislature have no idea what theyre writing about and theres no objective way to determine what is banned, Maag told The Center Square. If its unconstitutionally vague as alleged, the whole ban should fall.

Maag said there are a couple of different outcomes possible, including dismissing the motion or striking the law down entirely.

Depending on whether or not the state appealed that, it may render whats in the Seventh Circuit now moot, it may not, Maag said. Theres a lot of options there.

He said his latest motion is different from whats in front of the appeals court.

What's in the Seventh Circuit deals only with Second Amendment issues as opposed to due process vagueness issues and whats in the Seventh Circuit also only deals with preliminary injunctions, Maag said.

Maag said the state has until Monday to reply to the motion.
WEST ALTON  Two River Days of Action events are planned in the Riverbend.

More than 30 events are planned June 8-18 for the Mississippi River Network's third annual River Days of Action. All take place both online and in nearly all 10 states that border the Mississippi River.

River Days of Action unites us in support of the health and resilience of our Mississippi River and raises awareness about the issues that impact the River from the Headwaters to the Gulf, said Mississippi River Network Executive Director, Kelly McGinnis. Together, we are showing up for the River by taking action.

Kayaking the Mississippi River is set June 12, 6-9 p.m. The Mississippi River Water Trail Association will be hosting the leadership team from the Saint Louis Aquarium in a discovery paddle on the Mississippi River.

The mevent will feature the flora and fauna of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers which join together just south of the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary at 301 Riverlands Way in West Alton. The event is designed to inform people of educational, recreational and stewardship possibilities on the Mississippi River.

For details, contact Melissa Sauter at board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org.

On June 15, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center invites community members to participate in its "Trash Bash" 9 a.m. to noon at the Jerry F Costello Confluence Field Station at 1 Confluence Way, East Alton.

People can learn about the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative and how to help the community science project tracking trash in the Mississippi River watershed using the Marine Debris Tracker app. The group also will see how many pounds of debris it can clean up from the watershed.

For details contact Julie Jobryce at jjobrynce@lc.edu.

The full calendar of events and registration links for River Days of Action can be found at: https://1mississippi.org/riverdays.

The Mississippi River Network is a coalition of nearly 70 organizations dedicated to creating a healthier Mississippi River by working for the well-being of the people, land, water, and wildlife of Americas largest watershed. For more information visit https://1mississippi.org/riverdays.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

OCALA, Fla. (AP)  A woman accused of shooting and killing a mother in front of her kids last week in a shocking end to an ongoing feud between neighbors has been arrested.

Susan Louise Lorincz, 58, who is white, was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault in the death of Ajike Owens, a Black mother of four, Sheriff Billy Woods said in a statement.

Authorities came under pressure Tuesday to arrest and charge Lorincz, who fired the gun and killed Owens in a case that has put Floridas divisive stand your ground law back into the spotlight.

In a video posted on Facebook late Tuesday night, the sheriff said this was not a stand your ground case but simply a killing.

Now many of you were struggling to understand why there was not an immediate arrest, the sheriff said. The laws here in the state of Florida are clear. Now I may not like them. I may not agree with them. But however, those laws I will follow.

The video shared by the sheriffs office shows two detectives and a deputy leading Lorincz down a hallway with her hands behind her back.

Jail records show she was booked, but did not list a lawyer who could speak on her behalf. Lorincz did not attend the first court hearing on Wednesday since she's undergoing medical testing, sheriffs officials said in a statement.

During a news conference at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday afternoon, the victim's family, friends and community leaders joined civil rights attorney Ben Crump in thanking the sheriff for making the arrest, while calling for justice for Owens.

This is not a difficult case, Crump said. He called on the state attorney's office to zealously prosecute the shooter.

Crump, along with Owens's mother and multiple neighbors noted during the news conference that the feud" the sheriff spoke of was between Lorincz and neighborhood children, who often played in a lot outside her home. Neighbors said Lorincz frequently called the children vile names and antagonized them.

That was the case on Friday night, they said. Sheriff's deputies responded to a trespassing call and found Owens with gunshot wounds.

Before the confrontation, Lorincz had been yelling racial slurs at the children, according to a statement from Crump.

The neighborhood of single-story duplexes and quadruplexes is in the rolling hills outside of Ocala. The area is known for its thoroughbred horse farms, which surround the working-class neighborhood.

Lorincz told investigators that she acted in self-defense, and that Owens, 35, had been trying to break down her door before she fired the gun, the sheriff said. She also told them that Owens had come after her in the past, and had previously attacked her.

Sheriff Woods said the investigation, which included eyewitness statements, established that Lorinczs actions were not justifiable under Florida law.

Earlier the sheriff had said that because of the stand your ground law he couldnt make an arrest unless he could prove the shooter did not act in self-defense.

According to the sheriff's account, Owens was shot moments after going to Lorinczs apartment because she had yelled at Owens children as they played outside. He said Lorincz had thrown a pair of skates that hit one of the children.

The sheriffs office hasnt confirmed there were slurs uttered or said whether race was a factor in the shooting.

Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, said Wednesday that her two young grandsons, ages 12 and 9, are dealing with feelings of guilt  because they were with their mom outside Lorincz's house that evening, and saw her get shot.

Our 12-year-old blames himself for the death of his mother because he couldnt save her. He couldnt give her CPR," Dias said.

Hours before Tuesday's arrest, some three dozen protesters, most of them Black, gathered outside the Marion County Judicial Center, demanding the shooter's arrest. The chief prosecutor, State Attorney William Gladson, met with them and urged patience while the investigation continued.

If we are going to make a case we need as much time and as much evidence as possible, Gladson said. I dont want to compromise any criminal investigation."

In a statement late Tuesday, Crump said while Owens family is relieved that an arrest has been made, they remain concerned it has taken this long because archaic laws like Stand Your Ground exist Crump also represented the family of Trayvon Martin who was fatally shot by George Zimmerman in central Florida in 2012.

Lauren Smith, 40, lives across the street from where the shooting happened. She was on her porch that day and saw one of Owens' young sons pacing, and yelling, They shot my mama, they shot my mama.

She ran toward the house, and started chest compressions until a rescue crew arrived. She said there wasn't an altercation and that Owens didn't have a weapon.

She was angry all the time that the children were playing out there, Smith said. She would say nasty things to them. Just nasty. Smith, who is white, described the neighborhood is family friendly.

The sheriff said that since January 2021, deputies responded at least a half-dozen calls in connection with what police described as feuding between Owens and Lorincz.

There was a lot of aggressiveness from both of them, back and forth, the sheriff said Lorincz told investigators. Whether it be banging on the doors, banging on the walls and threats being made. And then at that moment is when Ms. Owens was shot through the door.

Stand your ground cases are deemed justifiable five times more frequently when a white shooter kills a Black victim, according to Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

In 2017, Florida lawmakers shifted the burden of proof from a person claiming self-defense to prosecutors. Before the change in law, prosecutors could charge someone with a shooting, and then defense attorneys would have to present an affirmative defense for why their client shouldnt be convicted. Now authorities must rule out self-defense before bringing charges.

Stand your ground and castle doctrine" cases  which allow residents to defend themselves either by law or court precedent when threatened  have sparked outrage amid a spate of shootings across the country.

In April, 84-year-old Andrew Lester, a white man, shot and injured 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who rang his doorbell in Kansas City. Yarl mistakenly went to the wrong house to pick up his younger siblings. Lester faces criminal charges. At trial, he may argue that he thought someone was trying to break into his house.

Missouri and Florida are among about 30 states that have stand your ground laws.

The most well-known examples of the stand your ground argument came up in the trial of George Zimmerman, who fatally shot Trayvon Martin in 2012.

Owens' mother said she will now raise her four young grandchildren.

I pray that God gives me the strength, the wisdom and the ability to raise these children as our daughter would have us to do, Dias said, of receiving childcare help from family and friends. I thank God that I dont have to do it alone.

___

Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recruiters set their sights on Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the Texas border city of El Paso in search of asylum-seekers they could take from its bustling migrant shelter to California's capital on taxpayer-funded private jets.

Intentionally or not, envoys for Florida's Catholic governor and Republican presidential candidate infused an element of his own religion into his latest move on immigration, which has drawn sharp criticism from El Pasos Catholic bishop.

Without going into the details of the politics of it, it does seem clear that they were being used not out of concern for the migrants but in an effort to make a political point," Bishop Mark Seitz told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Seitz said many migrants arriving in the U.S. don't know the geography, including how far cities and states are from one another, and are just anxious to move on.

If you're seeking to help a person who needs to get to a certain destination where they have a sponsor, where they have a job or something like that, that is a commendable act," Seitz said. "But if they are being moved simply in order to use them to make a political point, that is reprehensible. It is taking person who already has lost everything  everything. They have nothing, not even a nation they can really call their own because they have had to flee that nation. And then using them for your own purposes: That is not morally acceptable.

DeSantis has acknowledged that Florida paid to transport 36 mostly Venezuelan migrants from Republican-led Texas to Sacramento on charter flights last Friday and on Monday. The first group was dropped off in front of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Sacramento, also the headquarters of Catholic Charities, apparently without warning. Local advocates and officials met the second group at the airport after learning of their arrival.

The governor says they made the trip voluntarily  a claim that some migrant advocates challenge. He also says they signed waivers to that effect and that California effectively invited them with its welcoming policies.

I think the border should be closed. I dont think we should have any of this. But if theres a policy to have an open border, then I think the sanctuary jurisdictions should be the ones that have to bear that, DeSantis said Wednesday at an event for law enforcement officials in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Asked about the bishop's criticism, DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern said the governor's previous comments stand on their own.

In May, DeSantis signed a law allocating up to $12 million for migrant flights, like two that Florida funded last year from San Antonio to the pricey Massachusetts island of Marthas Vineyard.

References to the Marthas Vineyard flights have become a staple in DeSantis presidential stump speech and often draw hearty applause from Republican primary voters. The Sacramento flights are part of a broader effort by certain Republican-led states to send migrants to Democratic-leaning parts of the country, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

President Joe Biden is also Catholic and, like DeSantis, he has clashed with bishops, though in Biden's case over LGBTQ+ rights and abortion. In addition to immigration, DeSantis has split with bishops over the death penalty, which the governor supports and the church doesn't.

Seitz, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops migration committee, has been bishop for a decade in heavily Catholic El Paso, which sits in one of the busiest corridors for illegal border crossings. Sacred Heart is downtown, a few blocks from Mexico.

Two men and a woman working for the Florida government recruited migrants outside Sacred Heart with promises of jobs and housing in California, said Imelda Maynard, director of legal services at Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services Inc., which is part of the Diocese of El Paso.

A Venezuelan man said he was lured to a distant motel with his wife and four children for three days, Maynard said. He became suspicious and pulled out after being told he would have to fly separately and the rest of his family would follow on a different flight because there wasn't enough room for them to go together.

The man didn't know where the motel was, but Maynard suspects it was in Deming, New Mexico, which was where the charter flights departed for Sacramento. The family hitchhiked back to Sacred Heart.

A passenger who was on the first flight called the Venezuelan migrant to say he had been duped, Maynard said.

"Dont come. Its a scam. There are no jobs here, there is no room and board. They just dumped us in the middle of nowhere at this church and no one knows whats going on, the Venezuelan migrant recounted being told.

Sacred Heart is a well-known shelter, particularly among Venezuelans. It is indicative of the many Catholic charities along the southern border from San Diego to Brownsville, Texas, that provide food, showers, housing and transportation to migrants seeking a rest stop before leaving for their final destinations in the United States.

It is unclear if Sacred Heart was the only place that DeSantis' recruiters targeted. Maynard said she didn't know of any others.

Maynard said standing outside a shelter promising jobs that don't exist was gross. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, DeSantis' perennial Democratic rival, has suggested it may be criminal.

Its really dehumanizing to have someone play with you that way because no one took into account these are human beings and they were toyed with, Maynard said.

DeSantis office has emphasized that its contractor safely delivered migrants to Catholic Charities of Sacramento Inc., which is located at the California diocese. The Sacramento charity has not responded to the APs requests for comment.

Seitz applauded Catholic Charities response.

Im inspired by the way I see people received here on the border, and, Im hearing reports, by the way they were received in Sacramento by Catholic Charities, he said. Catholic Charities was not informed, but they stepped up and received them, and thats the good news in all of this.

___

Spagat reported from San Diego.

___

Find more AP coverage of the immigration issue: https://apnews.com/hub/immigration
ROME (AP)  An Italian lawmaker who fought for a rule so that women can be allowed to nurse their babies during a parliamentary session has now become the first woman to do just that.

Bipartisan applause broke out on Wednesday when Gilda Sportiello, a member of the lower Chamber of Deputies, nursed her 2-month-old son during a legislative vote. In the previous legislature, Sportiello had successfully pushed for a rule to be passed by the chambers rules committee to allow women to participate in voting and debates while nursing their children until their babies are 12 months old.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Voters in Kuwait returned most of their lawmakers to parliament in the third election in as many years amid widespread frustration with the ongoing political gridlock, according to results released Wednesday.

Thirty-seven lawmakers kept their seats in the 50-member assembly following Tuesday's election, the state-run KUNA news agency said. Authorities did not release an official turnout figure, which analysts had expected to be low. Politicians belonging to the loosely defined opposition won 29 seats.

Kuwait is alone among Gulf Arab countries in having a democratically elected parliament that exerts some checks on the ruling family  which nevertheless appoints the government and can dissolve the assembly at will.

People voted the same because they feel that the parliament wasnt given enough time to try to effect change, said Courtney Freer, a visiting professor of Middle Eastern studies at Emory University. They feel like theres nothing wrong with the legislature and that what was wrong was its relationship with the unelected cabinet and blame it for more of the gridlock.

In recent years, political stalemate between the appointed government and the assembly has prevented the enactment of even basic reforms in the small, oil-rich country.

The last election, held in September, delivered a mandate for change, with a majority of incumbents exiting the chamber. But in March, the Constitutional Court annulled the decree dissolving the previous assembly, restoring the body that had been elected in 2020. The ruling family then dissolved that chamber a second time, setting up this week's vote.

Only one woman was elected to the 50-member assembly this time around, while the last parliament had two and the one before it was entirely male. Women's rights activists say the country is regressing in part because of the growing power of conservative Islamists and tribal members in parliament.

Marzouq al-Ghanim, an influential politician who served as speaker in the 2020 parliament, could soon return to his office after being re-elected. The scion of a powerful family, seen as representing the country's business community, he has been fiercely critical of Kuwait's incumbent prime minister, who is the son of its octogenarian ruling emir.

Al-Ghanim is likely to face off against Ahmed al-Saadoun, a veteran opposition politician who served as speaker of the 2022 parliament. Al-Saadoun held onto his seat but received less than half the 12,000 votes he secured last September. The support of (al-Saadoun) is very well, this is the return of the 2022 parliament, not the 2020 parliament, and many of the key supporters of Marzouq al-Ghanim lost, said Kristin Diwan, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. But I would never count Marzouq al-Ghanim out of anything, hes very savvy and definitely came out in a top position in this election.

Kuwait's political stalemate worsened after the 2020 death of its ruling emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, a seasoned diplomat who led the country for close to 15 years.

The 91-year-old was succeeded by his ailing half-brother, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, with Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah assuming day to day rule. Both are in their 80s, and the line of succession after Sheikh Meshal is unclear.

Sheikh Nawaf's son, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, was appointed prime minister last year but has lately come under fierce criticism from al-Ghanim and others.

As is the custom after an election, Sheikh Nawaf ordered the Cabinet dissolved ahead of the new parliament taking its seats. The new parliament is set to have its first session on June 20.

Kuwait is one of the worlds wealthiest countries, with the sixth largest oil reserves and cradle-to-grave welfare for its 1.5 million citizens. But many say the government has not properly invested in education, health care, and other services.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  A minibus crash in northern Afghanistan killed 25 people, including nine children and 12 women, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

The accident happened in a mountainous area with half-paved roads in Sar-e-Pul province as the passengers were returning from a wedding. They were traveling from one part of Sayyad district to another.

Din Mohammad Nazari, the spokesman for the local police commander, blamed the minibus driver for the crash. He said the car fell into a deep pit because of his carelessness. Nazari did not say if there were any survivors.

Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, mainly due to poor road conditions and carelessness of drivers on highways.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (front, L) receives the Letter of Credence from the new Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding (front, R) at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, June 7, 2023. Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is willing to deepen cooperation with China in various fields. (Xinhua/Zhang Baoping)

HARARE, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday received the Letter of Credence from the new Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding at State House in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is willing to deepen cooperation with China in various fields.

He said China has provided great support to Zimbabwe's national development, and a series of China-funded projects such as the New Parliament Building, the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station, the renovation and expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, and the National Mobile Broadband phase-three project have played an important role in Zimbabwe's economic and social development.

In addition, Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude to China for assisting Zimbabwe to resist sanctions imposed by Western countries, and the support provided by China to the country's fight against COVID-19.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe attaches great importance to its relations with China and will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle, to work with China to deepen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative.

Zhou said the friendship between China and Zimbabwe has been growing ever strong, and China will continue to promote the in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to better benefit the two peoples.

Zhou arrived in Zimbabwe on June 1. 
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Russia urged judges at the United Nations' highest court on Thursday to throw out a case brought by Ukraine against Moscow over the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the arming of rebels in eastern Ukraine before Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

We appear before you today in order to demonstrate that Ukraines application must be dismissed because it is without any legal foundation. Nor does it have any factual evidence to back it, Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands Alexander Shulgin told judges at the International Court of Justice.

Shulgin also used the hearing to accuse Ukraine of responsibility for the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Ukraine accused Russia of blowing up the facility, which Moscows forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The Kyiv regime not only launched massive artillery attacks against the dam in the night of June 6, but it also deliberately forced the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir to a critical level by opening the valves" of the hydroelectric plant, Shulgin said.

Lawyers for Ukraine said as hearings in the case opened Tuesday that Russia bankrolled a campaign of intimidation and terror by rebels in eastern Ukraine starting in 2014 and sought to replace Crimeas multiethnic community with discriminatory Russian nationalism.

Ukraine filed the case in 2017, asking the world court to order Moscow to pay reparations for attacks and crimes such as the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by a Russian missile fired from territory controlled by Moscow-backed rebels on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The Ukrainian government alleges that Russia breached two treaties: the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Addressing the terrorism funding allegation, Michael Swainston, a British lawyer representing Russia, said Ukraine's legal team failed to establish that actions by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine could be considered terrorism.

It is imperative to distinguish between terrorists who deliberately target civilians and soldiers who foresee that civilians will be killed as collateral damage while striking a military target," Swainston said. "The former is a war crime, while the latter represents lawful conduct. And of course, soldiers also make mistakes.

He also disputed that the downing of MH17 could be considered an act of terrorism and sought to undermine findings by a Dutch court that last year convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian of multiple murders for their roles in downing the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur flight.

The Hague District Court ruled after months of hearings and years of international investigations that the Boeing 777 was shot down by a Buk surface-to-air missile system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base and later returned to the base.

There was no Russian Buk. No Buk came from Russia. No crew for a Buk came from Russia," Swainston said, calling evidence that the Dutch court relied on in its verdicts "unsourced digital nonsense.

Another member of the Russian legal team, Kirill Udovichenko, told the court that it was undisputed that the conflict in Ukraine had "led to a loss of civilian life. However, none of these tragic events create a plausible case for terrorism or terrorism financing as defined in the convention.

After the hearings scheduled to wrap up next week, judges will take months to reach a decision in the case. The court's rulings are final and legally binding.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
What if we valued voting as much as we detest cigarette butts?

Stay with me.

A forgotten or neglected cigarette butt is a lot like an uncast vote for two main reasons: first, both are the result of someone rejecting a relatively easy duty that will not or cannot be performed by someone else. Second, both cause communal harm. Yet, we measure a different degree of response to each.

That's got to change.

In hundreds of communities, theres an affirmative duty for smokers to properly dispose of their butts. We enforce this duty through several sources of pressure because even a few smokers failing to throw out their butts can cause significant communal harm. The selfishness of just one or two smokers can wreck the days of dozens of individuals.

More troublingly, that selfishness can spread. Smokers who see a pile of butts left behind by others may feel free to do so themselves. Soon thereafter, a public space may become unusable because a few individuals opted not to do their dutyyoull rarely find a family picnicking in a lawn littered with butts.

Fear of a collective space being tarnished by poor individual choices has rallied society to mount a three prong campaign against the littering of butts: government sanction  most communities not only mandate smokers pick up after themselves, they also impose a fine on those who fail to do so, government support  those communities try to support individuals fulfilling that duty by providing them with notice of that duty via a myriad of signs and even by supplying them with butt-specific receptacles; and, communal pressurebeyond a societal expectation that folks perform this duty, we have mutually agreed that those who fail to do so deserve general admonishment.

This policy regime is at once comprehensive and, in the parlance of Gen Zers, extra  it doesnt leave performance of such a duty to chance. The community acknowledges the importance of clean public spaces and has proportionately responded. As the risks to communal well-being increase, so do the potential punishments  for instance, smokers face even stiffer penalties depending on the current fire risk on public lands.

Comparatively, despite the importance of a deliberative and diverse public sphere, theres no such proportional response. Theres no government sanction  youre free to forgo your civic duty regardless of the costs it imposes on others. Theres increasingly little governmental support; you can get a receptacle tailored to your cigarette butt, but even the provision of providing water to voters waiting in line is prohibited in some places. Theres insufficient social pressure  even if you were to learn that someone didnt vote (and you likely wont), few would feel empowered to comment on that neglect.

The communal cost of this individual duty being dodged has become increasingly apparent. Despite the majority of Americans indicating their support for gun control, climate change mitigation and adaptation funding, etc., these necessary policies have stalled in a congress selected by a minority of Americans.

The longer individuals neglect their duty, the higher the societal costs. As the disconnect between the majoritys preferences and legislative outcomes grows larger, the rule of law itself may fall into disarray  many will come to doubt and even challenge the institutions we rely on to confront key, modern problems.

Nows the time for a change. As silly as it may sound, our policy response to cigarette butts can provide a template for how to better increase voter turnout. At a minimum, we should provide the same kind of proactive support for would-be voters as we do smokers and actively celebrate those who take individual action for the betterment of the community.

As bad as cigarette butts are, a democracy governed by the few is far worse.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Zhonghuan industrial park in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 7, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in Hohhot, the capital of the autonomous region, on Wednesday and Thursday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

HOHHOT, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called on north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to adhere to its strategic position, pursue green development, and strive to write a new chapter of Chinese modernization.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during an inspection tour in the autonomous region. 

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, hears a work report from the Party committee and government of Inner Mongolia and delivers an important speech in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 8, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in Hohhot, the capital of the autonomous region, on Wednesday and Thursday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Zhonghuan industrial park in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 7, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in Hohhot, the capital of the autonomous region, on Wednesday and Thursday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, hears a work report from the Party committee and government of Inner Mongolia and delivers an important speech in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 8, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in Hohhot, the capital of the autonomous region, on Wednesday and Thursday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
Job Title: Counsellor (3 Fresher Diploma Jobs)

Organisation: Makerere Joint AIDS Program (MJAP)

Project Name: USAID Local Partner Health Service Project East & Central (LPHS-EC)

Duty Station: Uganda

Reports to: District Linkage Officer

About US:

The USAID Local Partner Health Service Project East & Central (LPHS-EC) is a project of Makerere Joint AIDS Program (MJAP) funded by USAID. MJAPs Mission is to build partnerships and strengthen Health Systems to optimally respond to HIV/AIDS, TB and other diseases of public health importance in Africa. MJAP has Integrity, Excellence, Team Spirit, Compassion, and Respect as Core Values. Our Vision is Universal and equitable access to quality health care for healthier populations. At MJAP, we believe that our performance is directly influenced by the set of values and principles by which we live and carry out our daily work. All employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where possible.

Job Summary: The Counsellor will provide comprehensive HIV counselling and psychosocial support to clients, their families, Community members and to mobilize and support communities to respond to the HIV epidemic.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide Quality and Comprehensive Counselling Services to Clients, their partners and other family members (Pre-test, Post-test, Adherence support, Intensive Adherence Counselling).

Conduct assessment of Patients for HTS and provide necessary psychosocial care.

Participate in the process of empowering patients with skills for self-reliance and making appropriate succession plans.

Refer & link Clients to appropriate medical and psychosocial support.

Conduct CMEs at the facility and community based on the assessed training needs.

Provide technical support to facility and community volunteers on HIV/AIDS and TB awareness and document success stories.

Conduct health education talks on HIV prevention and other HIV related issues.

Conduct home visits to clients/patients and their family members.

Offer Index client counselling & testing to house members of facility clients she/he is attached too.

Support linkage Volunteers in linking clients to appropriate Health & Social Services.

Counsel and initiate PrEP to HIV high risk populations at facilities and the communities served.

Document key outputs in the relevant MOH data capture tools.

Compile weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports for the facilities supported on key HIV/AIDS and TB indicators.

Participate in facility and program meetings as may be scheduled by the supervisor.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant must hold a Diploma in Nursing, Counselling from a recognized institution.

One year of experience in HIV counseling in a busy clinical setting.

Mentorship, Counseling, and Communication skills.

Must be willing to travel and provide care services at selected health facilities and outreaches.

Willingness to work and live in rural areas is required.

Special knowledge in the management of adverse events following circumcision and its related complication.

Confidentiality, team player and ability to empathize.

Ability to communicate in the language dialects used in East Central region (Lusoga, Lugweri, Swahili, Samia, Luganda).

How to Apply:

All qualified and interested candidates should apply via the email below and submit their cover letters, a detailed curriculum vita and copies of relevant academic documents to: recruitment@mjap.mak.ac.ug addressed to; The Human Resource Manager, Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), Kampala. Uganda

The Application letter, CV and certificates be attached as one document; and should not exceed 5 MB.

NB: MJAP does not charge a recruitment fee or any other fees at any stage of the recruitment process. MJAP is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We value and seek diversity in our workforce.

Deadline: 16th June 2023 by 5:00pm.

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
He is the frontrunner and Chairman of the multi-thousand crore COGEF Group that, has a presence across eight African countries and still growing.

Isnt it amazing to read more and know about all those people who make sure to give it their all, no matter what and in the process, learn new things every day to implement the same in their daily work? Well, the world has seen the rise of too many such talented beings, but not all have gone ahead in standing distinctive from the rest in their chosen sectors. A handful of professionals have done that and shown their skills and courage in gaining an edge over their contemporaries and competitors, just like multipreneur and visionary business leader Rizwan Adatia did in his life journey.

You can watch inspirational story of Rizwan Adatia available on youtube. Heres the link .

From struggling to meet ends with his humble family in Porbandar making the tough call to move to Africa, under the guidance and motivation of one of his siblings, and starting new journey in the world of business, Rizwan Adatia at every step of the way showed that he was meant for bigger and better things in life. He also proved the same when he became a business magnate and is now the Chairman of the multi-thousand crore COGEF Group, which has a presence across eight countries in Africa.

He has today come forward to speak on long-term goal planning in business, stating that business owners must have the goal of attaining their visions in the next 3-5 years and keep growing from there to expand their businesses and brands worldwide. Wondering why long-term goal planning is essential? Well, Rizwan Adatia says that they provide clarity and help businesses move in a particular direction while guiding their decisions. The concise view of the current state of the organization combined with the clarity of the organizations future state acts as a powerful tool, enabling an accurate gap analysis and grounding of the strategy, states the well-accomplished entrepreneur.

Rizwan Adatia further explains how entrepreneurs can achieve long-term goals in businesses. He says that they must start by writing down their strategic plan, begin from the end and work their way back from their vision toward their current state. They must understand that vision is the destination and their long-term goals are their milestones.

Focusing on all these strategies himself by learning through the process of building and developing businesses in Africa, Rizwan Adatia proved his mettle as a one-of-a-kind business owner who not just believed in gaining all the profits but also in staying consistent in his journey by continuing to expand his businesses all over. All this today has acted as a great source of motivation for many other young business owners out there, who look up to this man who oozes great enthusiasm and energy to make the most of the opportunities and giving his best, no matter what.

This top entrepreneur has spent most of his life in Africa, where everything he has learned in business he attributes to the cities he moved to spread his businesses. He recalls how as the youngest of the six siblings born in India, he faced several challenges on his path. Moving to Africa, he had to start with learning their language, culture, the pulse of the target demographic for the business and much more. However, his strong self-belief and perseverance made everything possible for him.

Besides focusing on long-term goal planning in business, he has also focused on what better way he can give back to communities and societies and those in dire need of the basic necessities of life. This led him to launch RAF Global, his NGO, in 2015, that since then, has remained dedicated to spreading the good among others and providing people with the best of health, education and more.

His ( @rizwanadatia ) prowess and passion as a multipreneur can also be known by the massive success COGEF has achieved so far, expanding to over 25 supermarkets in Mozambique, five factories, 105 shops, 38 warehouses, with over 3,500 employees and still growing.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Thursday that as of now, close to 50 per cent of the Rs 2,000 denomination notes that were in circulation have come back to the banking system.

On May 19 this year, the Reserve Bank of India announced that it was withdrawing Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes from the system. People having these notes could either exchange them in banks or just deposit the notes in their bank accounts till September 30, it had said.

"We had said that as on March 31 this year, totally Rs 3.62 lakh crore (worth) Rs 2,000 notes were in circulation. After the announcement that we made, totally so far, about Rs 1.80 lakh crore (worth) of Rs 2,000 notes have come back. This is roughly about 50 per cent of Rs 2,000 notes which were in circulation on March 31," Das told reporters in a briefing post the monetary policy announcement.

Out of the total Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes that have come back into the system, on a provisional basis, about 85 per cent of them are coming back as deposits into bank accounts, he further added.

The Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes were introduced post demonetisation in November 2016 when Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes were withdrawn as legal tender.

Last month, RBI said it was withdrawing Rs 2,000 currency notes as a part of its "clean note policy" and it also observed that this denomination was not commonly used for transactions. Printing of the said notes was stopped back in 2018-19 once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities.

People can exchange or deposit these notes in bank accounts till September 30. Governor Das appealed to people that they could do such exchange or deposit at their convenience and there was no need to rush or panic as there was enough currency in stock in the system. But, he also advised them to avoid a last minute rush during the last few days of September.

Das also told reporters that RBI had no plan to withdraw Rs 500 denomination notes or re-introduce Rs 1,000 currency notes. He also urged people to not speculate on this.
JERUSALEM, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Israel is trying hard to lure back tourists from China, one of the top 10 origin countries of inbound tourism before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020. Recently, Israel came up with a creative idea to reach more Chinese tourists: inviting online influencers to visit Israel.

"Israel is rich in tourism resources, including the magical Dead Sea and dynamic Tel Aviv. Israel is also a high-tech entrepreneurial country, and we warmly hope Chinese tourists will come to explore Israel," Roy Kriezman, the China-based representative of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, told Xinhua in a video message, speaking in fluent Chinese.

Kriezman was commenting on the tour of Israel by a group of 10 famed Chinese vloggers, who on Wednesday visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv, the last leg of their week-long trip organized by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism.

The center, located on the Mediterranean coast with a breathtaking view of the blue sea, was founded in 1996 by former Israeli President Shimon Peres. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been popular among many Chinese for his peace-making efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian violence and visiting China for several times to promote Israel-China ties.

By displaying Israel's leading technologies and innovations in many fields, the center has also become a window to showcase Israeli culture and innovations to the world.

This could be a strong appeal to Chinese tourists as the two countries established an innovative comprehensive partnership in 2017. The innovation cooperation has become a highlight and a driving force for boosting bilateral ties, as demonstrated by the joint creation of the China-Israel Changzhou Innovation Park and the China-Israel (Shanghai) Innovation Park.

During the tour of the Chinese vloggers, the Peres Center tried by every means to make the Chinese guests feel at home by translating the introductions in each showroom into Chinese.

"Welcome to the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation," read a Chinese message which flashed on a huge screen to greet the Chinese visitors.

Chinese elements were also evident in the office where Peres used to work on the top floor of the center. The Chinese vloggers took photos of themselves sitting on Peres' chair at the office, which is decorated with a red-colored plate from China's famed Tsinghua University and many Chinese books displayed on the bookshelf.

"This is my opportunity to invite all of you, every Chinese tourist, please come visit Israel, visit the innovation center. It will be an amazing experience, I assure you," Tamar Nitzan, the innovation community leader of the Peres Center, told Xinhua as she guided the Chinese vloggers during their visit to the center.

Israel has seen a resurgence in inbound tourism since the start of this year, following the lifting of its COVID-related restrictions on foreign tourists.

It welcomed 1.76 million foreign visitors in the first five months of 2023, a significant bounce back from 791,300 during the same period last year, according to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics.

"This is my second visit to Israel after 13 years, but I was still deeply impressed by the vitality of the ancient civilization," said Wang Xiao, an influencer with more than 3 million followers on Weibo, a Twitter-like social media platform in China.

During the trip, the Chinese online influencers visited major tourist spots across Israel, from the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea to the modern city of Tel Aviv.

"I strongly recommend visiting museums in Israel," Wang offered her advice to potential Chinese visitors to Israel. "Israel boasts a wealth of historical resources, while the latest technologies displayed in the museums also provide an unprecedented experience," she said.

Li Zimu, the China-based media manager of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, told Xinhua that the ministry is cooperating with major Chinese travel agencies and user-generated content sites to promote Israeli tourism in China, and "more influencers will be invited to discover the beauty of Israel."

"The number of fully independent travelers has been resurging gradually since travel restrictions were eased in China earlier this year," Li said.

Currently, there are 14 flights operational every week between Tel Aviv and the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, which can meet the demand of Chinese tourists visiting Israel, she said. 
There is a glimmer of hope for the 700 Indian students in Canada facing the possibility of deportation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in Parliament that authorities will evaluate each case and the victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situation and present evidence to support their case.

Trudeau was responding to a question raised by Sikh-origin NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. An evocative issue, NDP is hoping to move a motion to stop the removal order and help the students get permanent residency. The students have been in Canada since 2018 and 2019.

We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters. To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits not penalising the victims," Trudeau has been quoted as saying. He added that the victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situation and present evidence to support their case. We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country, and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case, he has been quoted as saying.

India, too, has been pushing diplomatically to find a solution. The students were duped by an agent as their letters of admission to the colleges were fake.

At a press conference, Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar said India had been actively involved with the case from the inception. For some time now, there is this case of students, who the Canadians say, did not study in the college in which they should have and when they applied for a work permit, they got into difficulties, he said. From the very start, we have taken up this case and our point is, the students studied in good faith. If there were people who misled them, the culpable parties should be acted against. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook their education in good faith. I think the Canadians also accept that it would be unfair if a student has done no wrong...We will continue to press."

The relationship between the two countries continues to be less than warm. While the frostiness plays out in visa delays and students, it is clear that the ghost of Khalistan continues to loom large over India and Canada. Jaishankar hit out at Canada for the recent incident where a float in a parade in Brampton celebrated the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Pictures of the float went viral on Twitter.

Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this. I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada, Jaishankar said. The past few months has seen a spate of incidents where India has expressed concern over the rising incidents involving Khalistani sympathisers.
Many girl students of the Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School in Srinagar staged a protest against the school authority for allegedly not allowing them to wear abayas in school.

Abaya is cloak or a loose outer garment worn by Muslim women. It has been part of Muslim women's attire for centuries. We are protesting because the school is not allowing us to wear abayas, a student said. We were told we can wear abayas till the school entrance but not inside. There are many male students, so we cannot come to school without abaya, she added.

The students said that they were lauded when they topped the exams, but are now being deprived of their rights. They also said that the school authorities started co-education in the school despite it being a girls-only school.

According to reports, the school principal insisted on a 'proper dress code' for students. She later said that the school will announce a colour and pattern for abayas to be worn by students who want to. The principal clarified that the ban was on colourful abayas.






The severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy, the first storm brewing in the Arabian Sea this year, would intensify further gradually during the next 48hrs and move north-northwestwards during the next three days.

A tweet by the IMD read: "VSCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, lay centred at 0530hrs IST of 08thJune, near lat 13.9N & long 66.0E, about 860km west-southwest of Goa, 910km southwest of Mumbai, would intensify further and move north-northwestwards."



VSCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, lay centered at 0530hrs IST of 08thJune, near lat 13.9N & long 66.0E, about 860km west-southwest of Goa, 910km southwest of Mumbai, would intensify further & move north-northwestwards. pic.twitter.com/6HiSydw2qI  India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 8, 2023

Though the tentative track of the system will be in the northward direction, storms at times defy the predicted track and the intensity, reported PTI quoting experts. Atmospheric conditions and cloud mass indicate that the system is likely to sustain the strength of a very severe cyclone till June 12.



Though a senior IMD scientist said the southern peninsula will get rain under the influence of the cyclonic storm, the agency has not predicted any major impact on countries adjoining the Arabian Sea, including India, Oman, Iran, and Pakistan.



However, fishermen in Gujarat and Karnataka have been warned not to venture into the sea as the cyclone is likely to cause wind gusts of 40 to 50 kmph in coastal districts in the coming days. The cyclone is likely to cause light rains in Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions between June 9 and 11, an IMD official said.



The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also warned that there would likely be high waves in the range of 2.3-3.2 meters along the coast from Mangaluru to Karwar.



Monsoon impacted



According to the weather agency, though conditions are favourable for monsoon onset over Kerala within two days, the cyclone has been impacting the intensity of the monsoon and the onset over Kerala would be "mild".



According to the weather office data, India received 57% lower rainfall than average in the first week of June due to the delay in the onset of the monsoon. While the normal rainfall in the first week of June is 23.1, India only received 9.9 mm rainfall this year, a 57% lower rainfall than average.

The delay in the monsoon poses an unfavourable situation as the monsoon is the lifeline of India's agrarian section as it provides nearly 70% of the rain India needs to water farms and recharge reservoirs.

Though the IMD has predicted below-average rains for June, the monsoon is expected to pick up later. However, the entire four-month season will receive only an average amount of rain despite the formation of a possible El Nino weather phenomenon.
At least 30 fake firms and over 150 entities have been found to be involved in Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud using fake invoices (bills) worth hundreds of crores in about a dozen districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Teams of the Bhopal zonal office of the Director General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) are conducting search and seizure operations in the districts to find out the extent and links of the mega fraud.

The DGGI is involved in collection, collation and dissemination of intelligence relating to evasion of Central Excise Duty, Service Tax and GST, on an all India basis and unearthing modus operandi of evasion among other functions.

The raids are being conducted in districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Rewa and Sidhi, Shahdol, Katni, Sagar, Khandwa and Khargone districts and involves chains of coal suppliers too, sources told THE WEEK. Similar raids are being conducted in other parts of the country, too, by DGGI teams of respective states, they added. The country-wide operations are under the guidance of Surjit Bhujbal, principal director general, DGGI, New Delhi.

The search and seizure operations in Madhya Pradesh started three days ago after inputs from the Noida (Uttar Pradesh) police that on May 1 busted a gang operating the GST fraud network worth over Rs 10,000 crores across India and arrested eight persons from Delhi, Mumbai and different districts of Uttar Pradesh.

This gang operated in two teams  one was involved in forming as many as 2660 fake firms with GST numbers, created through stolen identities (Aadhar card, PAN card), registering them in different states and selling them to another team for high fees (average Rs 80,000-90,000 per firm).

The second team then used fake invoices (bills) made in the name of these fake firms to claim GST input tax credits (refund of GST) without any actual supply/transport of goods or services, thus causing revenue losses worth thousands of crores to the government.

Fake bills worth Rs 2-3 crores were generated per fake firm per month, according to the preliminary probe by the Noida police. The Noida police are now on lookout for seven persons who brought the details of the fake companies created by the team of the eight arrested persons.

Sources told THE WEEK that in Madhya Pradesh, 30 of such fake firms were used by over 150 business entities to commit the fraud. As of now, about Rs 2 crores cash and several incriminating documents have been seized as part of the operations and officials have found evidence of GST fraud worth hundreds of crores. A proper figure of the extent of fraud will be determined only when the operations conclude, sources added. The search and seizure operations, involving over 50 officials of the DGGI, are likely to continue for at least another week.

The team found several offences including that the perpetrators had registered three fake firms at the same address using fake rent agreements. In one case in Sagar district, the fake rent agreement used the name of an owner who died three years ago, sources said.

No names of involved persons have been given out by the DGGI team as deeper links in the fraud are being probed. Since entities in the coal supply chain in Rewa, Katni, Shahdol and Sidhi districts have been found to be involved in the fraud, the implications of the fraud could be high and there might be links to the coal levy scam in Chhattisgarh, sources said.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, the DGGI Bhopal office team had in the wee hours of May 23 arrested a person who was also involved in GST fraud using fake invoice. This arrested person operated a dummy firm as a subcontractor to another sub-contractor of a firm that takes state government contracts on roads and water resources projects. His interrogation is likely to provide links to the actual beneficiaries of the fraud  meaning the persons who used the dummy firm to commit the actual GST fraud (using fake bills to claim input tax credit), sources said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday hit out against the Canadian government with regard to the Khalistani tableau featuring the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating "it is not good for Canada and its relationship with India."

His response came after a float, believed to be from the 5-km long parade taken out by Khalistan supporters on June 4, went viral on social media. It showed bodyguards firing on the former Prime Minister, with signs that read, "revenge for the attack on Shri Darbar Sahib." This referred to the storming of the Golden Temple by Indian troops in 1984.



The parade came days before the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. The video had drawn a huge backlash on social media.



"Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this...I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence," Jaishankar said while addressing the media.



#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on reports of late PM Indira Gandhi's assassination celebration in Canada; says, "...I think there is a bigger issue involved...Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do pic.twitter.com/VsNP82T1Fb  ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

The EAM also responded to Canada's National Security Adviser Jody Thomas's statement that India is among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada. "The phrase which came to my mind was 'Ulta chor kotwal ko daante..." If anyone should complain, it's India," he added.



Meanwhile, the tableau by Khalistani sympathisers has drawn the ire of Congress leaders.



Congress leader Milind Deora tweeted he was appalled by the parade taken out on June 4. "It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. This extremism deserves universal condemnation & a united response," Deora said.



Tableau depicting Indira Gandhi's assassination by Sikh bodyguards part of parade in Canada's Brampton on 4th June. Video Courtesy Balraj Deol #Canada #Brampton #IndiraGandhi #Khalistan pic.twitter.com/rdiNPydkvZ  Namaskar Gujarat Australia (@NamaskarGujarat) June 7, 2023

Jairam Ramesh responded to the tweet, calling it 'despicable'. He also urged the External Affairs Minister to take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities.



Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay too reacted to the statement. "I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," MacKay tweeted.


The tableau featuring the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi taken out by Khalistan sympathisers in the Canadian city of Brampton has drawn the ire of Congress leaders. Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay too reacted, calling it "appalling".

Congress leader Milind Deora tweeted he was appalled by the parade taken out on June 4. "It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Ministers assassination. This extremism deserves universal condemnation & a united response," Deora said.

Jairam Ramesh responded to the tweet, calling it 'despicable'. He also urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar to take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities.

Tableau depicting Indira Gandhi's assassination by Sikh bodyguards part of parade in Canada's Brampton on 4th June. Video Courtesy Balraj Deol #Canada #Brampton #IndiraGandhi #Khalistan pic.twitter.com/rdiNPydkvZ  Namaskar Gujarat Australia (@NamaskarGujarat) June 7, 2023

The incident also saw Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay reacting. "I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities," MacKay tweeted.

I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities.  Cameron MacKay (@HCCanInd) June 7, 2023

The float, believed to be from the 5-km long parade taken out by Khalistan supporters on June 4, days before the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, had gone viral on social media. It showed bodyguards firing on the former Prime Minister, with signs that read, "revenge for the attack on Shri Darbar Sahib." This referred to the storming of the Golden Temple by Indian troops in 1984.

The video had drawn a huge backlash on social media, with some commenting that "celebrating the killing of former Prime Minister of India is not freedom of expression." Another wrote: "Does it help Canada's 'Indo-Pacific strategy'?

In March, the Indian government summoned the Canadian high commissioner to express concern regarding the recent actions of separatist and extremist groups towards its diplomatic mission.

Recently, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was heckled by a group of Khalistan supporters in California after they briefly interrupted his speech during an event.

Rahul was speaking at the Mohabbat Ki Dukaan event organised by Indian Overseas Congress USA in Santa Clara when a few from the audience started raising slogans against him and the Gandhi family in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Gandhi, however, smiled and said: "Welcome, welcome ... nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukan". He then joined his supporters in the audience and responded with 'Bharat Jodo' slogans.
Cuba has reportedly given permission to China to build a secret spy facility in the country to eavesdrop on United States electronic communication.

According to reports, Beijing will pay Havana several billion dollars for eavesdropping facility. CNN reported that the US learned about the plan only recently and it is unclear whether China has already begun building the surveillance facility.

CNN quoting a source reported that the spy base in Cuba would be concerning and China has already established footholds inside the US  like secret police stations, that the Biden administration has begun to crack down on.

However, responding to the reports, the White House said the reports were inaccurate. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby was quoted saying to MSNBC, It's not accurate."

The US recently shot down a Chinese spy balloon which Beijing claimed to be just a weather monitoring device. According to reports, the Chinese balloon that flew across the United States was able to gather intelligence from several US military sites. The intelligence China collected then was mostly from electronic signals, which can be picked up from weapons systems or include communications from base personnel, rather than images, reports said.

The spy balloon which Beijing claimed was being used for weather monitoring flew over the United States and Canada for over a week early in February before being shot down off the Atlantic Coast on President Joe Biden's orders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making his first state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. One of the key areas of discussion between Modi and the US President Joe Biden will be the future of the Indo-Pacific and the role the two democracies can play. On June 8, the White House said the discussions between Modi and Biden would centre around strengthening their commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific.

Last month, as the G7 summit came to an end in Hiroshima, two statements were put out by the group, blaming Chinese policies in the Indo-Pacific, especially on Taiwan. Modi, who attended the summit as a special invitee, also took part in the meeting of leaders of the Quad (India, US, Australia and Japan) held on the sidelines of the G7 summit. While the Quad statement did not name China, it made a thinly-veiled criticism against Beijing, calling for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Free flow of goods, ideas and people in the Indo-Pacific, across land, sea and cyberspace is a key priority for India and the United States. At a recent briefing offered to a panel of journalists from India and Taiwan in Washington, D.C., organised by the East West Center in association with the US embassy in India, US State Department officials explained how democracies like India and Taiwan could join hands to build connectivity within the region and beyond. THE WEEK spoke to experts about China offering an alternative to the democratic form of governance and how it has affected the Indo-Pacific strategy of democracies like India, the US and Taiwan. They agree that maintaining the primacy of democracy in the Indo-Pacific will be a key challenge for members of the Quad, especially as democratic regression is taking place at an alarming rate in the Indo-Pacific.

Edited excerpts from the interviews:

1) How important is democracy as a tool for the Indo-Pacific strategy, especially for India, Taiwan and the US?

Niranjan Sahoo, senior fellow, Observer Research Foundation, Delhi

Defending democracy in Indo-Pacific region, particularly against the growing threats from authoritarian powers like China, is the centrepiece of the Quad and related initiatives led by the US. As the regions biggest democracy and a neighbour to China, Indias geopolitical significance as a countervailing power against Chinas authoritarian interferences is quite significant. Taiwan, meanwhile, remains the lynchpin of the Indo-Pacific democracy project. With Chinese President Xi Jinping constantly issuing threats about forcible reunification, Taiwan remains the first line of defence for democracy in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwans growing clout as a financial/tech powerhouse and as a vibrant liberal democracy next to an authoritarian China, continues to rankle Beijing. Given New Delhis ongoing struggle to keep its borders safe from the Chinese aggression, Taiwan has a major bearing on Indias reaction to the Indo-Pacific initiatives led by the US.

Jabin T. Jacob, associate professor, Shiv Nadar University

The importance of democracy as a tool for the Indo-Pacific strategy varies from country to country. As a concept, it sounds nice and it is certainly used as a rationale for the Quad, but I doubt whether weakening democracy would be a deal-breaker as long as everyone is united on countering a clearly authoritarian China and its influence.

Avinash Godbole, associate professor, O.P. Jindal Global University

Democracy is important, but it will be used in a more subtle manner as things stand, since an alliance based on democracy may be consolidated by the Chinese Communist Party for its domestic purpose to argue that China is being encircled. However, if China were to promote the superiority of the Chinese system, then one might see the idea of democratic cooperation being promoted more vigorously. China did that to some extent during Covid, saying that it had managed the pandemic better than western democracies, before China was hit by the Omicron wave in Fall of 2022, but it was muted.

Joshy M. Paul, research fellow, Centre for Airpower Studies, Delhi

Democracy is a defining factor in bringing 'same-minded' regional countries together to preserve the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. This is very important as the most powerful country in the region wants to change the status quo unilaterally by undermining the democratic norms existing in international politics and establish its domestic order of single party dominance at the regional level. To address China's challenge, former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe propounded the 'Democratic Security Diamond' in 2012, which later took the form of 'Quad'. The US has a security commitment for Taiwan's democracy while India will survive with its democratic principles. However, if China attacks and annexes Taiwan, then the Chinese system could become a role model for many of the democratic elites in Asia, including India.

2) How serious is the threat of democratic regression in the Indo-Pacific? Will it allow China to press forward its alternative model of governance?

Niranjan Sahoo

Democratic regression in the Indo-Pacific is quite alarming. As per the V-Dem report, between 2019 to 2022, the percentage of political regimes experiencing democratic backsliding vastly surpassed those making democratic advancement. Data indicates that democratic recession is much more pronounced in populous democracies such as India and Indonesia among others. Overall, both the number and the percentage of people living under autocratic-leaning regimes and autocratic regimes have reached record high levels. This, in some sense, has revived the old debate of the growing appeal of politico-governance model reliant on authoritarianism/strongman rule. In this regard, Chinas authoritarian-capitalist model of producing breathtaking economic and technological transformations has gained stronger currency among many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. While it is too early to say whether Beijings centralised political model will gain global acceptance, it nonetheless is gaining traction globally. This is a major of concern for the democracy project in the Indo-Pacific.

Jabin T. Jacob

Democratic backsliding is a real threat, including in the world's wealthiest democracy, the US. The more democracies like the US and India are caught not practising what they preach, the lesser credibility they have for their foreign policy approaches and narratives. China will be seen, by comparison, as the less hypocritical power. But this is only part of the advantage accruing to China. Given the economic inefficiencies in India and increasingly poor infrastructure in the US and the crony capitalism in both democracies, China will also look like it is the more efficient economic system as well as one that is able to keep rabid capitalism in check as it has done with the crackdown on the excesses of its tech industry. Such control or regulation over their tech industry and big corporates are practically impossible in democratic US and India.

Avinash Godbole

China already uses gun violence in the US to showcase the faults in the US system. Democratic regression actually means other countries start to look like China where there is development but at the cost of political freedom. If this continues, it may help China justify its model. Even otherwise, China uses inequality, slow pace of development and other issues in democracies to justify its model, but that is more for its own people. Domestic legitimacy is still the primary goal of the Chinese Communist Party.

Joshy M. Paul

China has consistently accused the Indian democracy of being a flawed model. The 'alternative model of governance' by China has been there in the horizon for a long time but as long as the Indian polity is diversified in terms of cast, religion and region, implementing the Han-style Chinese model in India would be a difficult task, although not impossible. If the BJP continues its hold on power for another decade, then it could try and implement the 'one party-one leader' model, although not a replica of the Chinese system.

3) Can India work with Taiwan and the US on countering the anti-democracy narrative?

Niranjan Sahoo

Since Taiwan is a first line of defence for democracy in Indo-Pacific, India has huge stakes in what happens to Taiwan. Preserving Taiwans territorial sovereignty and safeguarding its democracy is of mutual interest to the US, worlds oldest and most powerful democracy and India, worlds largest and geopolitically most significant democracy in Indo-Pacific region. Management of the Taiwan case is a test case for Quad and liberal democratic order.

Jabin T. Jacob

There is a lot that countries can do to shape narratives, but, ultimately, narratives fall apart if there is little substance backing them. So, while India can work with Taiwan and the US to highlight the failings and hypocrisies of China's economic and political systems, the democracies will need to present a better version of themselves to China and the world to be truly successful in countering China's malign influence.

Avinash Godbole

It is possible, but given Indias ongoing problems with China, it may not happen at the official level. Civil society, media and academic dialogues on the vibrancy of Taiwanese democracy and democratic governance, in general, are possible. A meeting of MPs at a neutral location may be a viable idea at this point in time.

Joshy M. Paul

Since India shares a long land boundary with China, the political and strategic community is not supporting an open pro-Taiwan stand allied with the US position on Taiwan. India can work with the US and Taiwan on the technology field, including defence and semiconductors, and make both countries more interdependent than the India-China economic interaction. A Sino-Indian decoupling will help India lean more towards Taiwan, which could herald a new beginning in India-Taiwan relations. Once that happens, then India can join Taiwan and the US to counter the Chinese narrative.

4) What is the impact of the Ukraine war on Indias Taiwan strategy?

Niranjan Sahoo

Given Indias close defence and strategic dependence on Russia, the outcome of Ukraine war has a lot of ramifications on Indias Taiwan strategy. It is largely Russias growing closeness with China owing to Ukraine war that has forced India to be less vocal and somewhat circumspect about Chinas growing interferences in Taiwan. This is something to watch out.

For the US, Chinas forcible seizure of Taiwan can be a big blow to Washingtons ability to defend freedom and democracy across the world. While this will have a chilling effect globally, Taiwan crisis can be a dangerous flashpoint in Indias part of the world, particularly the Indo-Pacific.

Jabin T. Jacob

The Taiwan situation is quite different from that of Ukraine. India is unlikely not to have a position in the eventuality of a Taiwan crisis; it did get involved diplomatically in previous crises in the Taiwan Strait. It is much more economically connected to the region than it was in the past. However, of the four countries of the Quad, India is the least capable currently of making a difference to Taiwan, but this does not mean that India cannot do anything. It could expand political and economic ties, including the quick conclusion of a free trade agreement or its equivalent. It could also build habits of consultation with Quad members on possible contingencies and how it might help prevent them or work at ameliorating them. Meanwhile, a US failure to come to the aid of Taiwan militarily in the case of an attack by China would mean the end of US credibility in the international system and the end of the US-led world order. So there would be no Quad at all if this happens. However, in the meantime, Quad countries could do a lot to signal determination to prevent a similar fate as Ukraine's befalling Taiwan. The war in Ukraine should teach India and other democracies the importance of backing talk of support for democracy with action.

Avinash Godbole

The Ukraine war has made Quad stronger already. Rules-based order, stability and sovereignty are permanent concerns and relate to Chinese unilateral behaviour towards changing the status quo over issues of sovereignty in Asia. Agreements over chip manufacturing and other technological cooperation between India and Taiwan are on the rise and seem to be fast-tracked for investments which is a highly encouraging sign. Chinas response to G20 and its events in Srinagar may be key signs to guess the possible Indian responses.

Joshy M. Paul

India looks at the Ukraine war from an entirely different perspective from that of the US. India thinks it has nothing to do with the democracy versus autocracy narrative, but a fight for preserving a strategic backyard. The Quad is against China's unilateral approach in the Indo-Pacific, and Taiwan's status has not been part of the Quad's agenda so far. But China's actions will surely influence the Quad as to what might be next on Beijing's agenda, will it be the Senkaku Islands? Then Tawang? As of now, Quad has a limited role on the Taiwan issue, but it is a major problem in the Indo-Pacific because China's next action will determine in which way China settles the Taiwan problem, diplomatically or militarily. As of now it seems that China has adopted an 'intimidation' strategy. In this situation, Quad has to become stronger to convey the message to Beijing that Taiwan will not succumb to the 'acquiesce by intimidation' model.
An unidentified suspect with a knife went on a stabbing spree in a square near Annecy town's famous lake, injuring four children and an adult. According to reports, at least three of the victims are in critical condition.

According to authorities, the suspect has been arrested. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the attack took place in a square in the lakeside town of Annecy.

In a short tweet, he said police have detained the attacker. Several people including children have been injured by an individual armed with a knife in a square in Annecy, he tweeted.

The Guardian reported that around 9.45am, a man armed with a knife entered a childrens playground near the towns famous lake and attacked a group of children aged about three years old as they played.

An Interior Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorised to speak about the developing situation, said four children and two adults were wounded.

The official cautioned that the number of wounded could evolve because the full details weren't yet clear. The official said he had no details about the gravity of the injuries.

National police also said that four children were among the wounded and that two of them suffered life-threatening injuries. The other two children were lightly injured, police said.

Police said one adult also suffered life-threatening wounds. Police also cautioned that the injury count was evolving.

A local lawmaker, Antoine Armand, tweeted that children were attacked on a playground. He called the attack abominable. In Paris, lawmakers interrupted a debate to hold a moment of silence for the victims.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne is expected to visit the incident site. French President condoled the incident and said that the nation is in shock. Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are between life and death. The Nation is in shock. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services mobilized, Macron tweeted.

According to reports, the attacker had refugee status and was carrying Syrian identity papers; he was an asylum seeker.

(With PTI inputs.)
New Delhi, June 08, 2023: Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys, one of Indias leading law firms, has launched a report analysing the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST on Online Gaming. The report comes in the backdrop of the Honble Union Finance Ministers remarks at an event in South Korea that the GST Council is deliberating taxation on online gaming and once there is certainty on taxation, the sector is expected to attract more investments.



The GST Council formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) to decide the applicability of GST on the online gaming sector. In June 2022, the report by the GoM recommended taxing the sector at the rate of 28% on the full value of the contest entry amount. In February 2023, the amendment to MeitYs intermediary guidelines and The Income Tax Act, 1961 via Finance Act, 2023 for the online gaming industry, recognised the immense potential of the online gaming industry. The recent judgement of Honble Karnataka High Court in Gameskraft reiterated the above legal position in relation to online games of skill.



According to the analysis in the report, the first GoM Report on Online Gaming appears to be a deviation from the laid down judicial principles and the recognition of legal status of online games approved under the IT Rules. The report highlights the implications of various new developments related to legal status and taxation of Online Gaming in the last six months i.e the IT Rules and changes to TDS on winnings from online gaming.



The report further highlights the difference in legal status between online gaming and betting, gambling, and lottery. Online skill gaming has been held to be legitimate business activity protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the constitution by various courts, whereas betting/ gambling/ lottery are res extra commercium activities. The report suggests that the proposed taxation position must be re-aligned to be based on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) instead of the total amount. The report also highlights global best practices and states that most mature and developed nations have capped the tax rates between 15-20% on GGR as it results in the highest tax revenue generation.



Key recommendations of the report:



 The first GoM report should be re-examined to reflect the legal and factual analysis as per new laws and existing Jurisprudence.



 Taxability on online games of skill may be decided considering the jurisprudence developed since the 1950's wherein these games have been recognized as games of skills distinct from lottery, betting, gambling and wagering.



 Certification of permissible online real money game under the Information Technology Act and Information Technology Rules, provides a clear and distinct legal status to online gaming. Permissible Online Real Money Games under IT rules to be continued to be taxed on Gross Gaming Revenue.



 In order to determine the applicability of GST i.e on Platform Fee (GGR) or on Total amount under the GST law, it has to be factually established whether the online gaming format is a game of skill or game of chance i.e wagering on an outcome. This distinction would be derived from the certification of online games by the Self-Regulatory Body to be recognised by the Government of India.



Commenting on the launch of the report, Mr. L. Badri Narayanan, Executive Partner, LKS said, As per reports, the size of India's gaming market is estimated at around US$ 2.6 billion in FY22. This is expected to reach US$ 8.6 billion by FY27. Realisation of this potential is subject to a fair & certain taxation framework. The GST Council should consider the factual legal position, expectations of the industry and implement global best practices to provide a conducive taxation regime and not levy heavy 28% GST on the total value of consideration.



As our country aims to become a US $ 5 Trillion economy by 2030, driven by digitization, the time is opportune for India to come up with a transparent and viable taxation regime for the online gaming sector which is in tandem with global best practices. This will help in achieving the broad agreement that the mechanism of valuation should be simple and easy to calculate, in conformity with law, and at the same time aid in the progressive growth of the industry.



About Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan



Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS) is a premier full-service Indian law firm specializing in areas such as corporate & M&A/PE, dispute resolution, taxation and intellectual property. The firm, through its 14 offices across India, works closely on litigation and commercial law matters, advising and representing clients both in India and abroad. The firm has handled more than 30,000 litigation cases before various forums including 2,000 cases before the Supreme Court of India. Over the last 37 years, the firm has worked with over 15,500 clients which range from start-ups, small & medium enterprises, to large Indian corporates and multinational companies.



The professionals within the firm bring diverse experience to service clients across sectors such as commodities, automobile, manufacturing, healthcare, IT/ITeS, FMCG, hospitality, real estate, petrochemicals, e-commerce, fintech, big data, renewables, cryptocurrency, gaming and sports. The firm takes pride in the value-based, client-focused approach that combines knowledge of the law with industry experience to design bespoke legal solutions.



The firms driving principles to achieve our vision are integrity, knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.



(Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
LHASA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- At Truzing Palace of Norbulingka, a world heritage site in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, thousands of ancient books featuring various themes are stored on shelves. All the old books are preserved by a unique binding technique using two wooden clamping planks wrapped in pieces of cloth.

Gyumey Tsultrim, 56, with Norbulingka's management office, was busy carefully carrying the unregistered books to the studio of his ancient book survey team nearby. For now, the team's priority is to make an inventory of the ancient books, both manually and digitally, for the specific identification of the documents.

Some of the books are even made of palm leaves.

Gyumey Tsultrim has been engaged in the region's ancient book preservation cause for 25 years and was deeply impressed by the great difficulty of collecting and restoring palm-leaf manuscripts of Buddhist sutras.

The Buddhist sutras written on tailored palm leaves are a primary source for the study of ancient Tibetan culture. Seeming fragile, they are well-preserved in Tibet thanks to the region's dry climate and unique preservation methods.

At present, there are over 1,000 Sanskrit palm-leaf Buddhist sutras, totaling nearly 60,000 leaves in Tibet, which account for 60 to 80 percent of the total surviving palm-leaf manuscripts of Buddhist sutras.

Gyumey Tsultrim, who graduated from the High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China, has studied Sanskrit for years. He began participating specifically in the collection, restoration and protection work of the palm-leaf Buddhist sutras as early as 2006.

In the following six years, the region's palm-leaf Buddhist sutras preservation team traveled a total of 17,000 km across the region, visiting temples, ruins and households for the collection of such ancient books.

Tsewang Junmen, office director of the regional leading group on palm-leaf Buddhist sutras protection, recalled that many temples were tucked away in deep mountains, with bumpy roads that also became muddy when it rained, making their collecting work extremely hard. Once, the survey team ran into a power outage at a temple and the staff could only record the texts by relying on natural light in the daytime.

"The palm-leaf Buddhist sutras, mostly written in Sanskrit, are quite illegible and need cross-reference via other documents to further identify their contents. I have to recognize the characters one by one. One single mistake in characters can totally change the meaning, so it takes a long time to sort out the relics of the texts," said Gyumey Tsultrim.

"Some palm-leaf Buddhist sutras have already become moldy, worm-eaten or even rotten due to considerable age, multiplying the difficulty of their restoration," he added.

The patient craftsman would boil local sesame and flour into a natural adhesive to repair the Buddhist sutras instead of merely relying on sewing. The palm-leaf pages, thus, can be opened again, with some clean water applied to their surfaces, and become less prone to damage after his repair.

Previously, none of Tibet's cultural heritage protection units had any equipment for cultural relics protection and scientific research worth more than 100,000 yuan (about 14,280 U.S. dollars). All the protection units in the whole region shared one tech laboratory and one relics restoration room.

However, in 2013, Tibet launched a project, adopting scientific and technological means, to better preserve its cultural relics. Tibet's majestic Potala Palace, Norbulingka, the regional museum and the like thus began to use tailored storage cabinets and environment monitoring equipment to protect the old texts.

Gyumey Tsultrim now also teaches Tibetan calligraphy and knowledge of the ancient texts for free to more than 600 students across the region. Some of his students have become teachers and new inheritors of local cultures in Tibet.

"Cultural heritages preserved by our ancestors through wisdom, diligence and hard work should be inherited, protected and carried forward in our modern, civilized society," he explained. 
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) The Centre will develop Chhitkul, Pooh, Nako, Leo and Chango villages of Himachal Pradesh under the 'Vibrant Villages Programme'.

Union Minister RK Singh made the announcement during his visit to Chhitkul village in the Kinnaur district of the state, the Ministry of Power said in a statement on Thursday.

"A Central PSU will adopt Chhitkul and assist the state government in developing it as a Vibrant Village," the minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy said.

He was accompanied by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in the interaction programme with local villagers.

Chhitkul, Pooh, Nako, Leo and Chango villages of district Kinnaur will be developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme, Singh said.

Himachal Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage but the cultural heritage of tribal areas has its own distinct identity, which attracts people from all over the world, he said.

"One Mega Watt power plant would be established in Chhitkul. The possibility of setting up micro hydel projects on rivulets of the area would also be explored. To promote tourism activities and the rich cultural heritage of the area, a cultural and tourist centre would also be established at Chhitkul," Singh said.
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Air India on Thursday said it will refund the full amount to all passengers affected by the diversion of its Delhi-San Francisco flight of June 6 owing to mid-air glitch, according to an airline communication.

In the communication by Air India Chief Customer Experience and Ground Handling Officer Rajesh Dogra, the airline told the passengers, who reached their destination after nearly 56 hours of departing from Delhi: "We will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India".

Air India flight AI 173 operating Delhi-SFO on June 6, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew on board, was diverted to the Magadan port city in far east Russia following a mid-air glitch in one of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft engines.

On Wednesday, the airline dispatched a ferry flight to Magadan from Mumbai to fly the stranded passengers and crew from there to San Francisco.

The replacement aircraft, which landed at Magadan at 06.14 am (local time) had got airborne at 1027 hours (local time) on June 8, for San Francisco, where it touched down at 12.07 am on June 8.

Besides expressing "regret" for the disruption and inconvenience, the airline also "sincerely apologised" to the customers for the "extended delay" in bringing them to their destination, as per the communication.

"The aircraft encountered a technical issue whereby the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine. Out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport rather than continue the journey," Air India said.

Maintaining that the safety was the highest priority throughout, it said that "while the facilities in Magadan, a small city, may not have met the standard we would normally aim to provide, we are grateful for your tolerance and understanding that our local agents and crew did their best under the circumstances."

It may be mentioned here that after initially stating that the passengers and crew were accommodated "in hotels locally," Air India later said that the "infrastructure constraints" forced it to lodge them in make-shift accommodations.

Air India in the communication also said that though it dispatched a relief flight at the earliest possible opportunity given the need to obtain insurance and flight plan approvals, clearly, the duration of delay was "long", and the "experience was not what we aspire to offer".

"As such, we will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India," the Tata group airline said.
Washington, Jun 7 (PTI) The upcoming Official State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US will affirm the deep and close partnership between the two countries and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together, the White House said Wednesday.

Prime Minister Modi will embark on his first state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in June. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22.

The upcoming visit we believe will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference.

The Prime Minister and the President will discuss ways to strengthen our two countries, shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership including defence. So that certainly will be talked about in clean energy and space, she said responding to a question on the State Visit.

But I'm just not going to get into details on what the particulars will be. And as we get closer to June 22nd, we certainly have more to share, she said in response to a question.

Modi's visit to the US comes ahead of the G20 Summit being hosted by India in September.

After becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has made more than half a dozen trips to the United States for bilateral and multilateral meetings with all three American presidents, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and now Biden, but this is for the first time he has been invited for an official state visit, a privilege accorded to America's close friends and allies.

His last visit to Washington was in September 2021 at the invitation of President Biden for a bilateral meeting. He had also attended the first in-person Quad Leaders Summit hosted by Biden.
Peshawar, Jun 8 (PTI) Two Pakistani policemen and a bank security guard were killed on Thursday when gunmen of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan opened fire at the security forces in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities said.

The militants shot dead two on-duty police constables at a vegetable market in Mingora city, the capital of Swat district, while the security guard of a private bank, injured in the firing by the gunmen, succumbed to injuries later.

The banned terror outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

A heavy contingent of police rushed to the site and launched a massive search operation to search for the attackers who fled from the scene.

Local communities staged protest demonstrations against the upsurge in militancy in the district and demanded stern action against elements involved in terrorist activities.

Recently, Pakistan has been hit by a wave of terrorist activities orchestrated by the banned terror outfit.

Earlier this week, authorities in Pakistan declined an offer from TTP to resume talks, citing their previous negative experience with dialogue.

In November last year, the TTP called off an indefinite ceasefire agreed with the federal government and ordered its militants to carry out attacks on Pakistan's security forces.

On January 30, a Pakistan Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up during the afternoon prayers in a mosque in Peshawar, killing 101 people and injuring more than 200 others.

In February, heavily-armed TTP militants stormed the Karachi Police chief's office in Pakistan's most populous city, sparking gunfire that killed three rebels and four others, including two police constables.

The TTP was set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007.

The outfit, which is believed to be close to Al-Qaeda, has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.

The TTP has also orchestrated the heinous Army Public School attack in Peshawar in 2014, in which over 130 students were killed.
Lahore, Jun 8 (PTI) Around 170 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrived here in Pakistan on Thursday to attend the festivities of the Jorr Mela, marking the death anniversary of the fifth Sikh Guru Arjun Dev Ji.

Evacuate Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary Shrines Rana Shahid Saleem and Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Pardhan (President) Amir Singh greeted the pilgrims at the Wagah border.

"As many as 170 Indian Sikhs, including women, arrived here via Wagah Border on Thursday to take part in Jorr Mela to be held at Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Hasanabdal," Amir Hashmi, spokesperson of ETPB, which looks after minority worship places in the country, told PTI.

He said the visiting pilgrims were offered langar (food) at Wagah and later transported to Hasanabdal city of the Punjab province for the main event.

Sardar Gaurbachan Singh, leading the visiting Yatrees (pilgrims), expressed his delight in being in the land of the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak.

He said the Yatrees, during their 10-day stay, would also visit some other gurdwaras in the Punjab province. They will also visit the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur town.

Sikhs from across the country and abroad gather at the third holiest site in the Sikh religion- Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasanabdal city, to mark Shaheedi Jorr Mela, the death anniversary of their guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji.
Washington, Jun 8 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, an influential Sikh American leader has said.

Jassee Singh, Chairman of the 'Sikhs of America' oraganisation founded to raise awareness about the community, said the official state visit of Modi to the US later this month is a "historic moment" for India.

Prime Minister Modi will embark on his first state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden this month. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22.

This is a very, very historic moment for India that the Prime Minister is coming, said Singh, who has been a part of all the Sikh delegations that the prime minister has met during his visits to the US since 2015.

Singh said the Sikh delegations have always presented a memorandum to Modi and almost all of their wishes were met by the prime minister. This time again, a delegation of the Sikh community is planning to meet the prime minister to thank him for his contribution to the community, he said.

I think the first time we met with Prime Minister Modi was in 2014. This was the first time after a long time, a Sikh delegation met an Indian Prime Minister. The response that we got was very positive from Prime Minister Modi," Singh told PTI.

"He understood the problems of the Sikhs. He has a genuine heart for the SEC community, which shows when he speaks, talks and meets the Sikh community, he said.

Prime Minister Modi has been instrumental in fulfilling the demands and wishes of the Sikh community from the US, he said.

Singh said in recent times, no other prime minister has done for the Sikh community what Prime Minister Modi did.

He recalled the steps the Modi government has taken for the Sikh community.

Be it celebrating December 26 as the Veer Baal Diwas, Gurunanak Dev Jis 550th birth celebrations, the opening of the SIT for the 1984 riots and putting Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler behind bars, or the repealing of the blacklist of Sikhs living overseas who would not able to go back to India, or repealing the agriculture laws, the prime minister has always been with the Sikhs, he said.

We are very thankful to him. There is still more to be done. We will always reach out to Prime Minister Modi and his government to look after the needs of the Sikh community, Singh said.

He has done a lot. This time, we would like to let him focus on what he's coming for, which is the bilateral talks that are happening. If we get the opportunity, we will thank him for all that he has done. We have other Sikh demands, which we will bring up at a later time, he added.

Singh said when Modi and President Biden meet at the White House, he would like the two leaders among other things to discuss the immigration issue that is impacting the Indian Americans.

The main issue that is affecting the Indian community right now is the immigration, the H-1B visas. There are families, there are people on H-1B visas who've been here for 20 years, their permanent residency has been approved, but their files are not moving, he said.

There are people in India who want to come here to do business and trade, and they have to wait for a year to get an appointment for a visa, he said.

"So, I think, it's mostly on the American side that there's delay and there are issues going on. That should be a big discussion so that the talented Indians who are here on H-1B visas and other visas should be expedited in getting their residency and people in India should be able to get visas a little bit more quickly, Singh said.

Everybody wants to meet Prime Minister Modi. They want it to do a big Howdy Modi-like event or like the one that happened in New York... There are so many cultural programmes that are gonna happen before Prime Minister Modi arrives. We are all very excited, he said.

This time there is a big welcome by President Biden... A lot of people have been invited to that event. They say after Pope, when last time the Pope came to the White House, this is going to be as big, or maybe bigger than that. So, a lot of excitement, Singh said.
London, Jun 8 (The Conversation) As Russias progress in Ukraine has stalled, with enormous losses in material and people, the frustrated head of the Wagner mercenary force Yevgeny Prigozhin has called for Russia to shift to a total war economy:

The Kremlin must declare a new wave of mobilisation to call up more fighters and declare martial law and force everyone possible into the countrys ammunition production efforts. We must stop building new roads and infrastructure facilities and work only for the war.

His words echo similar sentiments expressed by the head of Russias state broadcaster RT, Margarita Simonyan  an influential supporter of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin  who said recently:

Our guys are risking their lives and blood every day. Were sitting here at home. If our industry is not keeping up, lets all get a grip! Ask anyone. Arent we all ready to come help for two hours after work?

Already facing western sanctions since its annexation of Crimea and occupation of territory in Ukraines eastern provinces in 2014, Russia has had to adapt to life under an increasingly harsh series of economic punishments. And, while Putin had apparently planned for a relatively short special military operation, this conflict has become a protracted and expensive war of attrition.

The Economist has estimated Russian military spending at 5 trillion roubles (49 billion) a year, or 3 per cent of its GDP, a figure the magazine describes as a puny amount compared to its spending in the second world war. Other estimates are higher  the German Council on Foreign Relations (GDAP) estimates USD 90 billion (72 billion), or more like 5 per cent of GDP.

But the international sanctions have hit the economy hard. They have affected access to international markets and the ability to access foreign currency and products. And the rate at which the Russian military is getting through equipment and ammunition is putting a strain on the countrys defence industry.

So the Kremlin faces a choice: massively increasing its war efforts to achieve a decisive breakthrough, or continuing its war of attrition. The latter would aim to outlast Ukraine in the hope that international support may waver in the face of a global costs of living crisis.

Equipment shortages

Russia has lost substantial amounts of arms and ammunition. In March 2023, UK armed forces minister James Heappey estimated that Russia had lost 1,900 main battle tanks, 3,300 other armoured combat vehicles, 73 crewed, fixed wing aircraft, several hundred uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) of all types, 78 helicopters, 550 tube artillery systems, 190 rocket artillery systems and eight naval vessels.

Russia has to contend with several important military-industrial challenges. For one, its high technology precision-guided weapons require access to foreign technology.

This is now unavailable  or restricted to sanctions-busting deals which can only supply a fraction of what is needed. Most of the high-tech electronic components used by the Russian military are manufactured by US companies.

So it has to substitute these with lower-grade domestic components, which is probably why the Russian military is using its high-tech weaponry sparingly. But the artillery shells on which it has been relying are running short.

US thinktank the Center for Security and International Studies has reported US intelligence estimates that since February 2022, export controls have degraded Russias ability to replace more than 6,000 pieces of military equipment. Sanctions have also forced key defense industrial facilities to halt production and caused shortages of critical components for tanks and aircraft, among other materiel.

Make do, mend  and spend

There are clear signs of increasing efforts to address the shortages. According to a report in the Economist, Dmitri Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russias security council, has recently announced plans for the production of 1,500 modern tanks in 2023. Russian news agency Tass reported recently Medvedev also plans to oversee a ramping up of mass production of drones.

The government is reported to be providing substantial loans to arms manufacturers and even issuing orders to banks to do the same. Official statistics indicate that the production of finished metal goods in January and February was 20% higher compared to the previous year.

The GDAP reported in February: As of January 2023, several Russian arms plants were working in three shifts, six or seven days a week, and offering competitive salaries. Hence, they can increase production of those weapon systems that Russia is still able to manufacture despite the sanctions.

So it appears the Kremlin is playing a delicate balancing act of redirecting significant resources to the military and related industries while trying to minimise the disruption of the general economy, which would risk losing the support of large sections of the population.

The International Monetary Fund has projected Russias economy to grow by 0.7 per cent this year (which would trump the UKs projected growth of 0.4 per cent). This will largely be underpinned by export revenues for hydrocarbons as well as arms sales to various client countries happy to ignore western sanctions.

Meanwhile diversifying import sources has kept stores stocked. However, Russian public opinion pollster Romir has reported that while most people arent worried about the absence of sanctioned goods, about half complained that the quality of substituted goods had deteriorated.

So ordinary Russians  those who havent lost loved ones on the battlefield or to exile  remain relatively sanguine about everyday life. But a longer, more intense conflict, requiring a shift to a total war economy, could be a different matter altogether. (The Conversation) MRJ

MRJ
Singapore, Jun 8 (PTI) Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin senior minister of Singapore on Thursday announced his intention to run in the city-state's presidential election later this year, stepping aside from active politics after 22 years.

Tharman, 66, also said he intends to resign from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) which has been running the prosperous city-state since the 1960s. He also informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of his decision to retire from politics and all his positions in the government and contest in the presidential election that must be held by September 13.

Tharman was first elected Member of Parliament in 2001, in Jurong Group Representation Constituencies (Jurong GRC) which allows candidates from the minorities to join a group led by members from the city states predominantly Chinese origin population.

"I plan to do so a month from now, on July 7, so that I can first fulfil my immediate official commitments in Singapore and internationally, and ensure that arrangements are fully in place for constituents of Jurong GRC to be well-served for the rest of the electoral term," Channel News Asia quoted Tharman from a letter he wrote to the Prime Minister.

He will also step down as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), deputy chairman of GIC, chairman of the Economic Development Board's International Advisory Council and other responsibilities he has been undertaking in his ministerial capacity.

Tharman said he has been "humbled" by the requests he has received in recent months from Singaporeans who want to see him stand in the presidential election.

"It has been a difficult decision," he said in his letter. "I have consulted my family, and given careful thought to how I can best serve the country in the years ahead."

In his letter to Tharman, Prime Minister Lee said he understands the decision to run for President.

"It is in keeping with the spirit of public service and sense of duty that you have shown all these years," Lee wrote.

Lee said he is confident that Tharman - should he be elected President - will carry out his duties "scrupulously" and with the "independence of mind" he has displayed.

An economics graduate, Tharman has spent most of his earlier professional career at the de facto central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), where he served as chairman from 2011.

Tharman had been Senior Minister since May 2019, after serving for several years as Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Education Minister.

He was the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and also advised the Prime Minister on economic policies.

On the global stage, Tharman is chair of the G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance. He was also the first Asian chairman of the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

Singapore will hold its first Presidential Election since 2011, after President Halimah Yacob announced on May 29 that she will not seek a second term.

Halimah, 68, is the country's eighth president and first female president. Her six-year term ends on September 13 this year.

The 2017 presidential poll was a reserved election, in which only members of the Malay community were allowed to contest. Halimah was named president then as there were no other candidates.
Rome, Jun 8 (AP) Pope Francis' was in good general condition Thursday, alert and breathing on his own following a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall, the Vatican said.

The 86-year-old Francis rested extensively during a peaceful night and was spending his first day after the surgery observing the necessary post-operative rest, the Vatican said in a statement.

The pope is informed of the messages of closeness and affection that have come in the last few hours and expresses his gratitude, while asking for continued prayers for him, the statement said.

Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital Wednesday for his second major abdominal operation in two years, following a 2021 procedure to remove part of his colon.

Doctors revealed that in addition to that 2021 operation, Francis had undergone previous abdominal surgeries sometime before 2013 in his native Argentina, which had also caused intestinal scarring.

During the operation Wednesday, doctors removed adhesions, or internal scarring, on the intestine that had caused a partial blockage. To repair a hernia that had formed over a previous scar, a prosthetic mesh was also placed in the abdominal wall.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences who performed the surgery, said the operation was a success and that Francis was suffering from no other pathologies, that the tissue removed was benign and that after he recovers, he should be fine.

A feared protrusion, or bulging of the intestine through the hernia tear, was apparently not found.

Alfieri, who also removed part of Francis' colon in 2021, told an evening press conference that the pope was awake, alert and even joking.

When will we do the third one? he quoted Francis as saying.

The pontiff was expected to remain in the 10th floor papal suite at Gemelli for several days, and all papal audiences were canceled through June 18.

The operation was scheduled after Francis had complained about increasing bouts of pain and intestinal blockages. After going to Gemelli on Tuesday for checks, Francis was admitted Wednesday following his general audience and underwent the procedure a short time later.

The surgery was likely scheduled now to give Francis plenty of time to recover before embarking on planned travel later this summer: an Aug. 2-6 trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, and an Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to Mongolia and a Sept. 23 day trip to Marseille, France.

It appears they operated on him in a timely fashion with no compromise to his intestine, said Dr. Walter Longo, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, who did not participate in the surgery and commented after consulting the Vatican statement on the procedure.

Francis remained in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while unconscious and in the hospital, according to canon law.

In July 2021, Francis spent 10 days at Gemelli to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine. In an interview with The Associated Press in January, Francis said the diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall, that prompted that surgery had returned.

After that surgery, Francis lamented that he hadn't responded well to the general anesthetic. That reaction in part explained his refusal to have surgery to repair strained knee ligaments that have forced him to use a wheelchair and walker for over a year.

However, Alfieri said Francis had no clinically adverse reactions to the anesthesia in 2021 or Wednesday.

Clearly no one likes to be operated on and put to sleep because the moment we're put under, we lose consciousness, he said. But there was no physiological problem two years ago or today.

Dr. Manish Chand, a professor of surgery at University College London who specializes in colorectal surgery, said the greatest issue going forward will be pain management and making sure the wound heals properly.

In the first six weeks after this type of surgery, you're at risk of getting a recurrence again, he said. To avoid that, patients are advised not to do anything strenuous. (AP) FZH
Toronto, Jun 8 (PTI) A Canadian parliamentary committee has voted unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students who were duped by unscrupulous education consultants in India to enter the country with "fraudulent college admission letters."

The Indian students, mostly from Punjab, face deportation from Canada after the authorities here found their admission offer letters to educational institutions fake. The matter came to light in March when these students applied for permanent residency in Canada.

In a symbolic move, the all-party immigration committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to call on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to waive the inadmissibility of the affected students, The Toronto Star newspaper reported.

The committee also asked the CBSA to provide the students, as many as 700 from India, with an alternative pathway to permanent residence on humanitarian grounds or through a regularisation programme, the report said.

Calling the students victims of fraud, Jenny Kwan, a lawmaker who tabled the motion said, "So as a first step, this is absolutely essential and necessary. The students are victims of fraud and should not be penalised.

These students, Ive met with many of them, now are just in such a terrible state. Theyve lost money, and they are stuck in a terrible situation. And some of them have deportation orders. Others have pending meetings with CBSA, the newspaper quoted Kwan as saying.

We need to have empathy for those students, and we should not exploit the situation and play politics on this issue of those innocent students, Liberal MP Shafqat Ali said.

The MP for Brampton Centre, where many affected students now reside, added that the students have "gone through and are going through a lot".

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser said, "We are actively pursuing a solution for intl students who are facing uncertainty due to having been admitted to Canada with fraudulent college admission letters."

"Those who have taken advantage of people genuinely hoping to study here will face consequences for their actions," he said in a separate tweet, adding that innocent victims would be given every opportunity to have their cases considered fairly.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has taken up the issue with Canadian authorities.

"If there were people, who misled them (the students), the culpable parties should be acted upon. It is unfair to punish a student who undertook education in good faith," he said in New Delhi.

Jaishankar said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also made a statement in the House of Commons on the issue.

"We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said.

Trudeau, responding to a question by Indian-origin MP Jagmeet Singh on the fate of the Indian students, said, "We are deeply aware of cases of international students facing removal orders over fraudulent college acceptance letters."

"To be clear, our focus is on identifying the culprits, not penalising the victims. Victims of fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate their situations and present evidence to support their cases," he said.

"We recognise the immense contributions international students bring to our country and we remain committed to supporting victims of fraud as we evaluate each case," the Canadian prime minister said on Wednesday.

The parliamentary committee also passed a motion to issue a news release to condemn the actions of the fraudulent ghost consultants and also voted to undertake a study over two meetings into the targeted exploitation scheme faced by the Punjabi international students.

The committee has also decided to ask Fraser, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and their staff to appear before the committee to provide a briefing on the situation, the report said.
MOSCOW, June 8 (Xinhua) -- At least five people died and 41 people were injured following the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam, the mayor of the Nova Kakhovka district said on Thursday.

"It is reported today that out of seven people who were grazing cattle, five drowned," RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing the mayor Vladimir Leontiev.

"We are evacuating the remaining two," Leontiev said, adding that the injured were hospitalized.

The United Nations, Russia and Ukraine have condemned the dam's destruction as a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe. 
Kherson, Jun 8 (AP) Russian forces on Thursday shelled a southern Ukrainian city that was inundated in a catastrophic dam collapse, Ukrainian officials said, forcing a suspension of some rescue work hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to the area to assess the damage.

At least five people have died, many are homeless, and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the Kakhovka dam's destruction. Ukraine accused Russia of blowing of the facility, which Moscow's forces controlled, while Russia said Ukraine bombarded it.

The ensuing flooding has ruined crops, displaced land mines, wrought widespread environmental damage, and set the stage for long-term electricity shortages. Exclusive drone footage captured by The Associated Press showed the ruined dam falling into the flooded river and hundreds of submerged homes, greenhouses and even a church.

In Kherson city, the largest municipality affected, repeated Russian shelling echoed overhead in the early afternoon not far from a square where emergency crews and volunteers were dispensing aid. Some evacuation points in the city were hit, wounding eight people, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs.

As shells landed in floodwaters, rescue workers temporarily suspended efforts to retrieve stranded residents and pets in an area that Zelenskyy had visited only hours earlier.

The strikes began during evacuation of the residents, whose houses were flooded, the ministry said. Russia has abandoned people in calamity in the occupied part of the Kherson region. It continues to prevent Ukraine from saving the most valuable  human lives.

The dam lay along Dnieper River, a pivotal waterway that forms part of the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

In recent weeks, Ukraine intensified shelling of Russian positions, signalling a long-expected counteroffensive could finally be getting underway. Kyiv has been silent about the start of any such campaign.

Amid the fighting, both sides were coping with the fallout from the burst dam. On Thursday, Ukrainian rescue workers stepped up efforts to get drinking water, medical care and other support to beleaguered residents.

Zelenskyy travelled to Kherson to see the efforts firsthand. He visited an aid distribution point and a medical facility and ordered Ukrainian officials to provide a fair valuation of the devastation to help compensate residents, his office said in an online update.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans at the current moment to visit the affected Moscow-occupied areas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Five residents of the Russian-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka have died, its Kremlin-appointed mayor said Thursday. Vladimir Leontyev said on Russian state TV that in addition two other people who had gone missing had been found.

The collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam and emptying of its reservoir on the river have added to the misery that the region has suffered for more than a year from artillery and missile attacks. The United Nations and local authorities say access to fresh water and avoidance of contact with water contaminated by explosives, chemicals from industrial sites were among the most immediate concerns.

Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated from dozens of inundated cities, towns and villages on both sides of the river. The true scale of the disaster is yet to emerge in an affected area that was home to more than 60,000 people.

In areas that they administer, Russian-appointed authorities said nearly two dozen people have been hospitalized, 4,280 people have been evacuated and some 14,000 buildings have been flooded.

Russian officials say the destruction of the dam, which created a giant reservoir of water used for irrigation and drinking water, will eventually halt fresh water supplies to Russian-controlled Crimea, even though the peninsula has enough fresh water for now  with its reservoirs 80 per cent full.

Ukrainian authorities cut off fresh water supplies to Crimea after Moscow's illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, and Russian President Vladimir Putin cited the need to restore them among the main reasons for his decision to invade Ukraine.

Regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said the average level of flooding Thursday morning in the region was more than 5.6 metres and roughly 600 square kilometres of the region were submerged  more than two-thirds of that on the Russian-controlled eastern bank.

People are tired ... (they) have no desire to flee to other regions of Ukraine, Prokudin said.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the destruction of the dam was an attack and an atrocious act, without saying who is to blame. Paris said it was rushing aid including water purifiers, 500,000 water purification tablets and hygiene kits to help people displaced by the disaster.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of purposely destroying the dam. President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a key ally of Putin, backed the Russian claim that Ukraine blew up the dam to distract attention from what it described as a botched Ukrainian attempt to launch a counteroffensive.

Ukrainian authorities have largely kept quiet about recent development on the battlefield amid growing reports of intensified fighting that could add up to the long-awaited counteroffensive.

In the eastern region of Donbas, the battle for Bakhmut was continuing with Ukrainian troops advancing on the flanks of the city, which was devastated in months of fighting  one of the epicenters of the war. Ukraine's' 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, in a Telegram post on Thursday, said Ukrainian forces advanced 1.2 kilometres. (AP)



GRS
Beijing, Jun 8 (PTI) China, Pakistan and Iran held their first meeting on counter-terrorism and security here during which they discussed joint efforts to deal with the cross-border movement of terrorists apparently emanating from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

The meeting between the senior security officials of the three countries was held on Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told media here on Thursday.

The first meeting of the three countries which are neighbours of Afghanistan was held in the backdrop of persistent complaints by Pakistan against the periodic terrorist attacks by the militants of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a Pakistani militant group which shares close ties with Taliban as well as Baloch militants from Iran.

China has also been pressing the Taliban interim administration to crack down on the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) which is active in its Uygur Muslim majority Xinjiang province, neighbouring Afghanistan.

Militants of the ETIM, a separatist militant outfit in Xinjiang allegedly have links with radical outfits like Al Qaeda and Islamic State reportedly regrouped in Afghanistan after the Taliban came to power in 2021.

Wang said during the trilateral meeting Three sides held an in-depth exchange of views on the regional counter-terrorism situation and joint efforts to tackle the cross-border movement of terrorists, among other issues, and decided to institutionalise the trilateral consultation on counter-terrorism and security.

The meeting was a successful step taken by the three countries to act on the Global Security Initiative (GSI) initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping and enhance regional security and stability, he said.

Terrorism is a common enemy of humanity. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns terrorism in all its manifestations, he said.

We stand ready to work in close collaboration with Pakistan, Iran and other regional countries to resolutely crack down on terrorist forces that endanger the interests of the three countries and regional security, he said.

Commenting on the trilateral meeting, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the Pakistani delegation held detailed discussions on the regional security situation, particularly the threat of terrorism faced by the region.

Based on the outcome of these consultations, the three sides have decided to institutionalise the Trilateral Consultations on counter-terrorism and security, she said in Islamabad on Thursday.

Pakistan which had celebrated the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan after the sudden pull out of the US troops faced a piquant situation as the Afghan militant group heading the interim administration declined Islamabad repeated pleas to crackdown on TTP whose terrorist attacks were adding to Pakistans economic woes.

China and Pakistan have been vocal in highlighting their security concerns over the militant groups from Afghanistan.

In April, this year Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said at an Afghan neighbouring states conference attended by his counterparts from Russia, Pakistan and Iran in Samarkand that the terrorism went from bad to worse in Afghanistan. The number of Afghan terror groups has increased to more than 20 today.

The Samarkand meeting pointed out that all terrorist groups, namely the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-KP), Al-Qaeda, the ETIM, TTP, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jaish al-Adl etc. based in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security, the joint statement said.

Chinas Director-General of the Department of External Security of Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bai Tian, Seyed Rasoul Mosavi, Assistant to the Foreign Minister and Director General of South Asia of Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Abdul Hameed, Director General on Counter Terrorism of Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the Wednesday meeting.
Washington, Jun 8 (PTI) USAID Administrator Samantha Power has met World Bank President Ajay Banga and discussed a slew of crucial matters, including climate finance, debt sustainability and economic support to Ukraine, according to an official statement.

The meeting happened on Wednesday and the two also discussed about Banga's visiion for the World Bank and the opportunities for more collaborations with United States Agency for International Development (USAID), given the scale of issues the world faces.

"USAID Administrator Samantha Power met World Bank President Ajay Banga on Wednesday to discuss debt sustainability, climate finance, anti-corruption efforts, including how digitisation initiatives can increase accountability, and economic support for Ukraine," the statement said.

According to a readout of the call, the two explored ways to engage the private sector in addressing global challenges, enhance job creation to generate sustainable economic growth, and strengthen internal measurement and evaluations to improve the effectiveness of aid and development efforts.

Power and Banga also discussed access to multilateral finance for countries to build resilience before a disaster, respond effectively during the immediate aftermath, and rebuild post-disaster, said the statement.
Washington, Jun 8 (PTI) Describing India as an important partner wherein people to people relationship plays a significant role, top US lawmakers have urged the Biden Administration to address the visa wait time issue in India on a priority basis.

Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Michael Waltz, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, during two separate Congressional hearings on Consular Affairs Budget asked top State Department officials why people in India were facing visa wait time up to 600 days.

"The United States enjoys strong people to people ties with India. India is now part of the QUAD. We are constantly engaging it in geostrategic interests that we have. New Jersey is home to a great number of Indian Americans and their families. I appreciate and applaud the department's heightened focus towards reducing wait times for first time B1-B2 applicants in India, Menendez said.

"But despite that progress this past year, India continues to face the longest wait times globally with average wait times for an appointment for the first time B1-B2 applicant ranging between 450 and 600 days. Could you please speak to me as to why that is the case? Why does it take up to 600 days for an adjudication? Menendez asked during a hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Menendez said that the Indo-US relationship was one of the most consequential economic diplomatic security relationships we have in the 21st century.

"I'm the co-chair of the US India Caucus. I think it's one of the most consequential economic diplomatic security relationships we have in the 21st century. However, one of the consistent and painful complaints that I receive from Indian Americans and from our Indian colleagues is the wait time, despite the fact that in India, I believe you have the second or third most consular affairs officers, Congressman Waltz said during a hearing by the House Foreign Relations Committee.

"The data that I have is that the average waiting period in Mumbai, India was 587 calendar days. With our trade over USD 150 Billion with the consequential relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming for a state dinner and visit just this month, what are we doing to fix this. Have you looked at any India specific policy fast tracks or issues? he asked.

He said that the delay in visa would impact the business relationship.

"Have you looked at even perhaps a quad umbrella or bubble for some of these critical business relationships. My state just in Florida, it's estimated that USD 8 billion in trade conferences, events and visitors, that's 250,000 jobs are affected by these delays. So what are we doing to fix it? Waltz asked.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter told the lawmakers at the two different Congressional hearings that the State Department is working hard on it and has taken several steps to address this issue.

"India is a place where we have historically had high demand for visas and there's just a tremendous amount of pent up demand. One of the things about India is that every post is unique, but they also had a really devastating bout with Covid 19 quite late and so that their ability to meet the pent up demand lasted quite a bit longer, she said.

The visa wait times has been reduced by about two thirds.

"We have opened appointments for Indian nationals, dedicated appointments in other posts for specific appointments and in all other categories. I'm sure you're aware of this and you've mentioned it, wait times are pre-pandemic levels better? she said.

"We will adjudicate 1 million visas in India this year. Our productivity there is extraordinarily high," Bitter said.

In the House Congressional hearing Bitter said the US has opened appointments for Indian applicants at other posts that are dedicated just to Indians to make sure that they are able to get their travel needs met.

"We surge staff to India. We reduced wait times by about two thirds at the beginning of the year and we'll continue to focus on it. We're very aware of these issues, she said.
Indore, Jun 8 (PTI) Two persons were booked in Indore in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly using bullock carts to ferry iron rods used in house construction and in the process violating a government order prohibiting the deployment of animals to transport people and goods in the summer, an official said on Thursday.

The two have been booked under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of Priyanshu Jain, president of the local unit of the People For Animals, the Banganga police station official said.

Jain said the district administration had issued an order banning anyone from using animals to ferry people and goods between noon to 3 pm from April 20 to June 30 keeping in mind the sweltering heat.

However, despite such an order, the two persons were using bullock carts to ferry material at 2pm in scorching heat, Jain said.
Ahmedabad, Jun 8 (PTI) As cyclone 'Biparjoy' headed northwards and remained centred about 900 km south-southwest of Gujarat's coastal Porbandar district, fishermen have been asked to return to the coast from deep sea areas and ports instructed to hoist Distant Warning signal (DW II), said officials on Thursday.

The first cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year is expected to bring light showers and thunderstorms in coastal regions of the state.

According to the latest weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the "very severe cyclonic storm "Biparjoy" over the east-central Arabian Sea is currently centred at 930 km south-southwest of Porbandar and moving north-northwestward".

"Due to the cyclone, the wind speed may go up to 45 to 55 knots on June 10,11 and 12. The speed may also touch the 65-knot mark. The cyclone would bring light rains and thunderstorms in coastal regions, including south Gujarat and Saurashtra. All ports have been asked to hoist Distant Warning signal," said Director of IMD's Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad, Manorama Mohanty.

In accordance with international procedure, ports are advised to hoist "signals" whenever adverse weather is expected over them in oceanic areas. The step seeks to alert vessels and ensure the safety of maritime activities.

District collectors of the coastal region are geared up to face any eventuality in the coming days.

Jamnagar collector BA Shah said nearly 76,000 people reside in 22 villages situated on the coastline of the district and elaborate plans are in place to shift them to safer places if need arises.

"In view of the formation of a cyclone in the Arabian Sea, all district as well as taluka officials have been asked to remain stationed at their headquarters until further orders. Fishermen registered in the district have already returned to the coast. If need arises, we will shift 76,000 people living near the coast to safer places," said Shah.

Amreli collector Ajay Dahiya said the district administration, if required, will work closely with the Coast Guard to prevent loss of lives.

"A district-level disaster control room has been activated. Officials of two coastal talukas - Rajula and Jafrabad - have been instructed to stay alert. Fishermen have been asked to return to shore as wind speed may reach up to 160 km per hour in the sea on June 11 and 12. In case of an emergency, we will work closely with the Coast Guard to save human lives," Dahiya said.

On Wednesday, Gujarat relief commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey said the state administration was geared up to deal with potential natural calamities during the monsoon season.

The senior bureaucrat had said 15 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 11 of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been put on standby for rain relief operations in Gujarat.
Patna, Jun 8 (PTI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday claimed that the state's ruling 'Mahagathbandhan' led by his boss Nitish Kumar would stop Narendra Modi's chariot like his father Lalu Prasad had halted Advani's rath yatra.

The young RJD leader said opposition parties were coming together to defeat the ruling BJP at the Centre, which he accused of "failing to fulfil promises" made in the past and "raising the Hindu versus Muslim binary whenever its shortcomings were pointed out".

Yadav made the remarks in a hard-hitting speech delivered at a function organised by the state's handloom weavers' cooperative union, where he also underscored "the country belongs to all communities and no social group can be deprived of its rights".

"Be it Hindus, Muslims or any other religious community, all had fought for the country's Independence," said Yadav, adding that "we hear outrageous remarks from some quarters, suggesting that Muslims be deprived of their voting rights".

"But rest assured, as long as leaders like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar are around, nobody can dare do anything of the sort.. The country is not the property of anybody's father," said Yadav, evoking wild applause.

"Lalu had stopped the rath (chariot) of L K Advani. Now, the 'Mahagathbandhan', led by Nitish Kumar, will stop the rath of (Narendra Modi)," said the Bihar deputy CM.

Referring to Kumar's opposition unity drive, as part of which leaders of various parties are scheduled to take part in a conclave here on June 23, Yadav said they were trying to ensure that Congress and regional parties come together.

"If these people (BJP) return to power, this country will be ruined," he said.

Yadav alleged that attempts were being made to rewrite the country's history.

"It seems as if a dictator is in the seat of power and we are compelled to obey his commands. The Constitution is being tinkered with. Nothing worthwhile has been achieved," he claimed.

Promises had been made (by those in power) like two crore jobs, Rs 15 lakh in every bank account, doubling of farmers' incomes by the year 2022.. none of these was fulfilled. When we raise questions on these failed promises, they try to divert public attention by talking about Hindus versus Muslims, temples versus mosques," the RJD leader said.

Later, talking to reporters, he expressed delight over Bihar being all set to play yet another historic role when leaders of different opposition parties will converge here as part of the fight against the BJP in Lok Sabha polls.

"I had accompanied Nitish Kumar when he called on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. She had exhorted us to take the lead, invoking the legacy of Jayaprakash Narayan," he said.

Asked about the BJP's plans to hold a rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar in an apparent bid to neutralise the tempo generated by the opposition conclave, Yadav said, Everybody is free to visit any part of the country. But I wonder when the PM comes here, would he announce grant of special status to the state.

As a matter of fact, the BJP is scared of facing the Lok Sabha polls next year. Not for nothing has Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Bihar so many times ever since his party lost power here," claimed Yadav.

Earlier in the day, while talking to reporters outside the regional passport office which he visited to get travel documents made for his three-month-old daughter, Yadav also predicted a series of defeats for the BJP in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where assembly polls are due later this year.

The deputy CM, who holds the road construction portfolio, bristled when he was asked about the BJP's demand for a CBI inquiry into the recent collapse of a portion of a bridge over the river Ganges.

I do not want to engage in politics over the issue. Appropriate action will be taken. But I would like to know why did the BJP not get a CBI inquiry ordered last year when another portion of the bridge had caved in. The party was then sharing power in the state and one of its leaders was road construction minister," said the RJD leader.
Patna, Jun 8 (PTI) Bihar Chief Secretary Amir Subhani has sent a missive to all departments, flagging concerns over the delay in sending proposals for cabinet clearances, an official said on Thursday.

Subhani also asked all departments to ensure that the cabinet secretariat gets proposals seeking clearance from the council of ministers at least a day in advance of such scheduled meetings.

In a letter sent to all the departments on June 6, the chief secretary said, "It has been noticed in the recent past that departments keep sending their proposals for the cabinet clearances till the last moment or hours before the scheduled cabinet meeting. Departments should send proposals or notes to the cabinet secretariat at least a day before the scheduled meeting. These should be noted for strict compliance."

The move, according to sources, is aimed at smoothening the process of taking critical decisions.

Instructions in this regard were issued by the cabinet secretariat earlier, but this has not been adhered to strictly by the departments, Subhani said.

Adherence to the prescribed procedure aids careful examination of notes at all levels and rectification of inconsistencies in the proposals before they are placed for consideration of the cabinet. Further, it also facilitates timely completion of the consultation process and finalisation of notes," a senior official of the cabinet secretariat said.

The departments should plan their proposals or notes in such a manner as to obviate the necessity for last-minute requests for inclusion of their notes in the agenda of the cabinet meetings, he added.
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Air India ferry flight that departed from here on Wednesday to fly stranded passengers and crew of the airlines Delhi-San Francisco flight to their destination landed at Magadan port city in far east Russia at 06.14 AM local time.

The ferry flight AI-195, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR, carrying food and essentials along with a team of personnel from Air India, took off for Magadan Airport from the citys Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 1521 hours (IST) on Tuesday.

The replacement aircraft is scheduled to fly all 216 passengers and 16 crew to San Francisco in the United States on June 8.

Air India ferry flight AI195 from Mumbai has landed at Magadan Airport in far east Russia at 06.14 am, an Air India official told PTI .

Magadan is located on the shores of the Sea of Okhotsk in north-eastern Russia and falls under the administrative centre of Magadan Oblast. The port town is about 10,167 km from Moscow. It takes around 7 hours and 37 minutes to reach Magadan from Moscow by air.

On Tuesday, Air India's Delhi-San Francisco flight AI 173 carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew on board a Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft was diverted to Magadan Airport, after one of its engines developed a snag mid-air, where it made an emergency landing.

All these 232 people have been put up in make-shift accommodations-- school and dormitory of a medical collegein Magadan.

The replacement aircraft was scheduled to depart at 1300 hours (IST) from on Wednesday but it could take off only at 15.21 owing to regulatory clearances.

Air India in its earlier statement had said that all the passengers and crew were provided "hotel accommodation".

On Wednesday it said that "infrastructure constraints" forced it to lodge them in make-shift accommodations despite "making sincere attempts to lodge them in hotels locally with the help of local government authorities".

It also said that Air India does not have a staff based in the remote town of Magadan or in Russia, and the support that is being provided to the passengers "is the best possible in this unusual circumstance".

This support is being provided through the airline's round-the-clock liaison with the Consulate General of India in Vladivostok, India's Ministry of External Affairs, local ground handlers, and the "Russian authorities", it said.

Air India also said it engaged with the local authorities at Magadan Airport that extended all cooperation and support upon the flight's arrival there.
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) The Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco, which made an emergency landing in Russia's remote town of Magadan after it developed an engine glitch, on Thursday took off for its destination with all the 232 passengers that were on board, according to an official.

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement.

The Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew, landed safely.

Flight AI173 was diverted to Magadan on Tuesday due to an engine glitch in the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft.

On Thursday, a senior official of Air India said that Flight AI173D from Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne for San Francisco (SFO), carrying all passengers and crew.

The flight departed GDX at 1027 Hours on June 8 (local time) and is expected to arrive at SFO at 0015 Hours on June 8 2 (local time), he said.

Air India has mobilised additional on-ground support at SFO to carry out the clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival.

The team at SFO is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including but not limited to medical care, ground transportation, and onward connections in applicable cases.
20 international students held exchange activities with local middle school students in Sandu Shui Autonomous County on Monday.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) India and Bangladesh will hold their bi-annual border-level talks here later this week during which the two sides are expected to discuss a host of issues related to cross-frontier crimes and measures to create better synergy between their security agencies, official sources said on Thursday.

A 15-member delegation of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is expected to land in Delhi on Saturday for the four-day talks to be held between June 11 and 14 with their Indian counterparts, the Border Security Force (BSF).

The BGB side will be led by its director general (DG) Maj Gen AKM Nazmul Hasan while the BSF delegation will be headed by DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen.

Officials from the ministries of home, external affairs and anti-drugs enforcement will also be part of these two delegations.

This will be the 53rd edition of the talks and the last such meeting was held in July last year when the BSF delegation travelled to Dhaka.

Both sides are expected to deliberate on a number of issues related to border management, checking crimes on this front, joint initiatives to implement the coordinated border management plan (CBMP), ways to enhance mutual trust between the BGB and BSF and further strengthen the existing bilateral relations, a senior Union home ministry officer told PTI.

The BSF guards the 4,096 km-long international Indian front with Bangladesh on the country's eastern flank.

These talks were held annually between 1975 and 1992 but they were made bi-annual in 1993 with the either side alternatively travelling to the national capitals of New Delhi and Dhaka.

A senior BSF officer said relations between the two countries and forces are very good and the two sides are working to enhance these ties.

According to official data, the BSF has handed over to the BGB, between mid-June 2022 and April 2023, a total of 407 Bangladeshi nationals in a "goodwill gesture" and without taking any legal action as they were found to have crossed over inadvertently.

The Indian border force will also share data with the BGB about "proactive" measures taken by it to check smuggling of narcotics like Yaba tablets and Phensedyl cough syrups from this side to Bangladesh.

Measures to ensure that no activity takes places within 150 yards of the International Border and that those indulging in smuggling of various goods are stopped at all costs are also expected to be discussed during the meeting which will end with the signing of a 'joint record of discussion' on June 14.
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) The annual Visitor's Awards for top universities and researchers have now been transferred from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Ministry of Education, according to an official notification.

The MoE will take over the Visitor's Awards from now on and only seek final approval on recommended awardee names from the President.

"In her capacity as the Visitor of the Central Universities, the President of India is pleased to approve the transfer of the work related to Visitor's Awards, from 8th Visitor's Awards onwards, to the Ministry of Education. The MoE has to submit the recommended names for final selection of awardees to the President's Secretariat for the consideration and approval of the President of India," read the notification issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Visitor's Awards were instituted in 2014 with the aim to promote healthy competition among central universities and motivate them to adopt best practices from around the world in pursuit of excellence. The first Visitor's Awards were presented during conference of vice chancellors of central universities in February, 2015.

The awards are presented in categories including -- Visitor's Award for Innovation; Visitor's Award for Research in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences; and Visitor's Award for Technology.

The award carries a citation and cash reward of Rs 2.5 lakh.
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) Three BJP MPs on Thursday hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his "mohabbat ki dukan" pitch to target the ruling party, as they accused him of spreading "hate" against India from foreign soil in the name of love and cited riots and alleged mistreatment of leading national leaders by the party since 1947.

Lok Sabha MPs Poonam Mahajan (from Mumbai), Parvesh Sahib Singh (Delhi) and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Rajasthan) penned a nine-page letter, wondering if he was running "mohabbat ki dukan ya nafrat ka mega mall" (shop of love or mega mall of hate).

The Congress leader has spewed a lot of hate against the motherland from the US, they alleged, adding that this is nothing new for his family and the party.

Claiming that maximum riots happened under Congress governments, they highlighted the alleged mistreatment of many Congress leaders by the Nehru-Gandhi family and "inhumane" treatment meted out to some relatives by the family.

Maneka Gandhi, a BJP MP and Rahul Gandhi's aunt, was allegedly forced out of home by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1982 even though her little son in her lap was reeling under a high temperature, they claimed.

His grandmother had treated Maneka Gandhi with so much "mohabbat", they said in a dig at Rahul Gandhi.

They said neither Sonia Gandhi nor him or his sister attended the wedding of Varun Gandhi despite the BJP MP going to their 10 Janpath residence to invite them personally. However, Varun Gandhi attended Priyanka Gandhi's wedding despite the "intolerable insult inflicted on his family by Indira Gandhi", they added.

This shows the meaning of "mohabbat" for him and it is reflected in his personal relations as well, the BJP leaders said.

They said thousands of people were killed in Maharashtra after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 and added that Congress members claiming to give the "message of mohabbat" were behind it. They alleged that the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a speech which incited people instead of giving a message of peace and harmony.

They also cited the death of many saints in a police firing during their protests against cow slaughter in 1966, when Indira Gandhi was at the helm, to target the party.

The three relatively young BJP MPs also recalled the killings of Dalits and massacre of Sikhs in 1984, when Rajiv Gandhi was prime minister, and noted that he had remarked that the earth shakes when a big tree falls, comments seized by critics as justification for the riots.

Leaders accused of fanning violence became close to the Congress leadership, the MPs said in the letter.

"It means you do not merely stoke fires of hate but also enjoy rubbing salt into the wounds," they said.

The BJP leaders cited reports of Nehru's advise to the then president Rajendra Prasad against attending the funeral of Sardar Patel and his opposition to B R Ambedkar in elections to hit out at the Congress. Ambedkar was kept at the margins even though he was more qualified than Nehru in every sense, they claimed.

They also referred to the way the then Congress president Sitaram Kesari was turfed out to install Sonia Gandhi in his place. In this context, they mentioned Ghulam Nabi Azad and claimed he was targeted after he led a group (G-23) of Congress leaders in seeking an overhaul of the party.

Citing these examples of "mohabbat", they said instead of sowing hate in the name of the shop of love, Rahul Gandhi should work to understand the spirit of peace, harmony and unity.
Chandigarh, Jun 8 (PTI) Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have shot down a Pakistani drone near the international border in Amritsar after it sneaked into the Indian territory, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

In a separate development, troops of the border guarding force seized more than two kilograms of heroin airdropped by another Pakistani drone in Tarn Taran district, the official said.

Around 9 pm on Wednesday, BSF personnel heard the buzzing sound of an unmanned aerial vehicle near Bhaini Rajputana village in Amritsar and opened fire on it, the spokesperson of the force said.

A joint search operation by the BSF and the Punjab Police was carried out, during which the drone was found in a damaged condition on a field adjacent to the Rajatal-Bharopal-Daoke tri-junction on the outskirts of the village, he said.

The recovered drone was a quadcopter of model DJI Matrice 300RTK series, the official added.

In Tarn Tara, BSF personnel detected the drone coming from the Pakistani side around the same time on Wednesday near Wan village and intercepted it, the spokesperson said.

After a while, the troops spotted a suspicious motorcycle coming from Wan and signalled it to stop. Its rider, however, sped away towards Mari Kamboke village. The BSF troops chased the bike and found it abandoned in the village, he said.

The village was cordoned off and during a search, a packet wrapped in a yellow adhesive tape was found, the spokesperson added.

The packet was found to be a consignment of heroin weighing around 2.50 kilograms. It is suspected that the bike rider was carrying the packet after it was dropped off by the drone.
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai has sentenced two Bangladeshi nationals to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in the Thane fake currency case.

The accused - Abdullah Shaikdar and Najmul Hasan of Khulna, Bangladesh - have also been fined Rs 10,000 each under sections of the Indian Panel Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a spokesperson of the federal agency said.

The official said high quality counterfeit currency notes with a face value of Rs 4,08,000 were being circulated in Maharashtra after being procured from Bangladesh in the case, originally registered by the Thane City Police in 2015 on the basis of specific intelligence shared by the Anti-Narcotic Cell, Crime Branch, Thane City.

NIA investigations have revealed that Shaikdar, with the help of five other accused (all residents of Khulna), was circulating the high quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) in different parts of Thane district, the spokesperson said.

Two of his accomplices -- Hasan and Mohd Sobuj Motur Khan -- were arrested.

Initially, the police, during personal search of the accused, had seized 40 fake notes of Rs 1,000 denomination. Subsequently, searches of their homes led to the seizure of another 364 fake notes of the same denomination, while four similar notes were seized from three witnesses in the case, the spokesperson said.

In the course of its investigation, the official said the NIA recorded the statements of witnesses, scrutinised mobile records, and collected other pieces of documentary evidence to unearth the full conspiracy.

A chargesheet was filed against the accused, and vigorous pursual of the trial over three years finally resulted in the conviction of the two accused, the spokesperson said.
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on Thursday slammed the Centre over the recently announced MSP for the Kharif Season, and alleged that it is inflicting "huge losses" on farmers.

The Union government on June 7 announced the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the Kharif Season 2023-24.

"The MSP announced is unfair, belies the hopes of the farmers and inflicts huge losses on their incomes. Rather than doubling farmers incomes as claimed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rising input costs coupled with unfair MSP will push large sections of the farmers, especially the small, marginal, middle farmers as well as tenants into indebtedness," the AIKS said in a statement.

AIKS President Ashok Dhawale said the government has not kept its promise that the MSP will be given according to the Swaminathan Commission recommendation of C2 (production cost definition) plus 50 per cent.

"It still remains a 'chunavi jumla' (unfulfilled election promise). Not a single crop has its MSP fixed as per this formula," he said.

The AIKS said loss suffered by paddy farmers because of the government not implementing C2 plus 50 per cent is about Rs 683.5 per quintal.

It added that at an estimate of about 4 tonnes per hectare productivity, the losses suffered will be to the tune of Rs 27,340 per hectare if C2 costs are taken into account.

"In Arhar, Moong, Urad, Sunflower, Sesamum, Nigerseed and Cotton, the losses per quintal range from around Rs 2,000 per quintal to even higher than Rs 3,000 per quintal," said AIKS General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan.

According to calculations by the AIKS, the losses for Jowar crop are to the tune of Rs 1,069 per quintal, for Bajra Rs 216 per quintal, for Arhar Rs 1989 per quintal, and Rs 2,408 for Urad among others.

AIKS added that the estimates of the projected cost of production for paddy by Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal are higher than projections of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

"Similarly, in most crops, the state projections are much higher than the CACP projection. AIKS demands that the Union government led by the BJP revise the MSP and enhance it according to the C2+50 per cent formula and also assure procurement," it said.

The AIKS said Jammu and Kashmir, after the abrogation of Article 370, is no longer being featured in the collection of CS data.

"The BJP government should include J&K and also undertake procurement from farmers there. AIKS calls upon all its units to rise up in protest against the betrayal of farmers by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government and expose their fraudulent claims," it added.

The government on Wednesday announced an increase of Rs 143 in the MSP of paddy to Rs 2,183 per quintal for this year, the second steepest increase in the last decade.

For 2023-24 Kharif crops, the MSP has been increased in the range of 5.3 to 10.35 per cent, and in absolute terms, it has been increased by Rs 128 to Rs 805 per quintal.
Lucknow, Jun 8 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday visited the trauma centre of King George's Medical University (KGMU) and enquired about the health of a one-and-a-half-years-old girl who was injured in a shootout on a court premises here.

Gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari's aide Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva was shot dead and a police constable was also injured in the incident that took place on Wednesday.

Adityanath reached the ward where Lakshmi, who suffered bullet injury, was admitted to and enquired about her health, tried to talk to her even as the girl, who is on oxygen support, gazed at him.

The chief minister also touched her forehead and gave her chocolates.

Chief Medical Superintendent Sandeep Tiwari told PTI that the condition of the girl and the police constable is stable.

"The girl is on oxygen support and her condition is stable. In the next 5-6 hours, we will be operating her to take out the bullet stuck in her body. Free treatment is being provided to the girl. The chief minister has also assured her parents that she would be given best treatment. He has asked the university to inform the government if anything was needed for the treatment," Tiwari said.

Doctors said the bullet entered the girl's body from behind and pierced through skin and was located on the side of the chest.

While gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva was shot dead on the premises of the court in Lucknow, the girl and constable Lal Mohammad suffered bullet injuries.

The assailant, identified as Vijay Yadav (24), a resident of Jaunpur district, was caught on the spot after the shooting took place right outside a courtroom at around 4 pm, police said. Eyewitnesses said the assailant was dressed as a lawyer and fired around six shots.

The accused was beaten by the lawyers and is also undergoing treatment in the hospital and his condition was also stated to be stable.

The chief minister formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.

The assailant opened fire when Jeeva (48), who was serving a life term in a Lucknow jail, was brought to the court for hearing in a case, police officials said.

A resident of Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh, Jeeva is an accused in the murder cases of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Krishnanand Rai and former state minister Brahm Dutta Dwivedi as well as in 22 other cases, including those of fraud and criminal conspiracy.
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) Four independent MLAs from Haryana on Thursday met BJP in-charge for the state Biplab Kumar Deb here, amid signs of differences between the party and its ally Jannayak Janata Party (JJP).

Deb said in a statement that Haryana MLAs Dharam Pal Gonder, Rakesh Daultabad, Randhir Singh and Somveer Sangwan expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in the meeting.

The BJP leader said his party is leaving no stone unturned for the state's progress under the "double engine" government.

The BJP joined hands with the JJP in 2019 to form government in Haryana after failing to get a majority. JJP leader Dushyant Chautala was made deputy chief minister.

However, leaders of the two parties have taken swipe at each other recently with Deb saying that the JJP did no favour to the BJP by supporting it as the regional party also joined the government.

Both the parties have been non-committal on whether they would contest the 2024 assembly polls together.

When Chautala was recently asked for comment on some BJP leaders suggesting the party should fight the next year's polls on its own, he said, "But what lies in the future...I am not an astrologer to predict that."

"Do we have to limit the organisation to ten seats? Not at all. Will BJP fight to limit just 40 seats? Not at all. Both parties are preparing for 90 seats," Chautala had then said.
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea challenging grant of 15-day interim bail to Raghav Magunta, son of YSR Congress Party MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, by the Delhi High Court.

A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal took note of the submission by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing for the ED, who sought an urgent hearing.

The ASG said regular bail has been rejected and interim bail on grounds of wife's sickness has also been denied.

Now suddenly mother-in-law slips in bathroom and she is under observation. There is nothing serious. His father is an MP who can look after her. Three siblings are there to take care and despite that the high court has granted bail, he said while seeking stay of the order.

The top court said it will hear the matter on Friday.

The high court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Magunta after taking note of the submission that his mother-in-law has been hospitalised.

The trial court had earlier refused to grant him interim bail, saying it cannot be ignored that the accused was being prosecuted for money laundering which is a serious economic offence.

The trial court had said it was not satisfied with the claimed history of Magunta's wife's ailment as nothing special or serious was stated about her condition in the documents placed before it.

Other family members of the accused can also take care of his wife, the court had said, adding Magunta has not contended that nobody from the family was available to discharge the liability.

According to the CBI and the ED, which are probing the cases against senior AAP leader and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, Magunta and others, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours were extended to licence holders.

The Delhi government implemented the policy on November 17, 2021 but scrapped it at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption.

Sisodia is also an accused in the cases lodged by both CBI and ED and is currently in jail.
CAMERON CONWAY, Wheeler Golf, Junior; Conway shot an 82 at the ECC golf championships helping the Lions to a third-place finish. Wheeler trailed only Killingly and East Lyme.

STONINGTON BOYS TENNIS; Stonington defeated Nonnewaug, 6-1, to earn the Class S state title, the first boys championship in school history. Stonington (19-1) won 26 of its 28 matches in four state tournament contests.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Girls Track, Senior; Federico scored in two events at the state track championships. She was second in the discus (119-7) and third in the shot put (33-3).

ELI SPOSATO & ERIN VONHOUSEN, Chariho Track, Juniors; Sposato earned the state track title in the 400 with a time of 50.09. VonHousen was the state champion in the 3,000 in 10:05.31. It was the first state championships for both runners.

Vote

View Results




The mashgiach of Emunas Yisroel, Rav Moshe Wolfson, along with the administrators of Boro Park and Williamsburg mosdos, warmly hosted NYC Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday night for a productive meeting regarding various issues pertinent to yeshivos and communities at large.

At the meeting, Mayor Adams was honored with a plaque signed by representatives of more than 50 mosdos expressing appreciation for the distinguished guests efforts and symbolizing their deep appreciation for his unwavering dedication and steadfast support of Orthodox Jewish schools.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Reports have emerged suggesting that federal prosecutors have informed former President Donald Trump about a potential indictment in relation to an ongoing investigation into alleged mishandling of classified documents. The story, published on Wednesday by journalist John Solomon, a known Trump ally, sparked widespread speculation. However, Trump himself refuted the claims, stating in a conversation with The New York Times Maggie Haberman that he had not been informed of any impending indictment. Trump took to his new social media platform, Truth Social, to further deny the allegations and label the investigation as another example of SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS, while rallying Republican lawmakers to prioritize the issue.

The report that Trump was likely to face indictment originated from Just The News, but other news outlets have not independently confirmed the information regarding the notification to Trump by federal prosecutors. Former Attorney General Bill Barr, in an interview on CBS, expressed his belief that the investigation into Trumps conduct posed the most significant legal risk to the former president and speculated that an indictment might be imminent.

I suspect its near, former Attorney General Bill Barr said Tuesday on CBS. Ive said for a while that I think this is the most dangerous legal risk facing the former president. And if I had to bet, I would bet that its near.

The investigation, led by special counsel Jack Smith, has seen recent developments. It was triggered by the Justice Department following the National Archives efforts to retrieve presidential records after Trumps departure from office. Trumps team eventually handed over nearly 200 classified records. This action led to the August 2022 search of the property, during which the FBI discovered over 100 additional classified records. Trump has put forth several defenses, including claiming his right to possess the documents and the ability to unilaterally declassify them without following formal processes.

On Wednesday, Trump denounced the investigation as a travesty of justice & election interference at a level never seen before.

No one has told me Im being indicted, and I shouldnt be because Ive done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI, starting with the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, the No Collusion Mueller Report, Impeachment HOAX #1, Impeachment HOAX #2, the PERFECT Ukraine phone call, and various other SCAMS & WITCH HUNTS. A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!!

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




The fallout from the breach of a dam in southern Ukraine is wreaking havoc on lives, livelihoods and the environment amid the war.

When the Kakhovka dam ruptured on Tuesday, it sent a torrent of water from Ukraines largest reservoir into cities, towns and lowlands downstream on the Dnieper River, where fighting is raging.

Its not clear what caused the breach in the dam, which had already been damaged in the war.

Ukraines government, which controls the rivers western bank and the city of Kherson, accused Moscows forces of blowing up the facility. Russia, which controls the eastern bank for about the last 300 kilometers (about 185 miles) before the river reaches the Black Sea, blames military strikes ordered by Kyiv.

Operational since the mid-1950s under the Soviet Union, the dam and its associated hydroelectric power station sit about 70 kilometers (44 miles) east of Kherson, and supply electricity, irrigation and drinking water to a wide swath of southern Ukraine and its residents.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS?

Authorities and rescue workers on both sides stepped up efforts to move beleaguered residents to higher and drier ground  although some complain of an uneven response.

The U.N.s humanitarian aid agency warned that the disaster will likely get worse in the coming hours. It said access to drinking water and health risks associated with contaminated water were among the most pressing concerns.

About 3,000 people were evacuated from areas on both sides of the river, officials said.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson regional administration, said about 1,700 people had been evacuated in Ukraine-controlled areas as of Wednesday. Hundreds of calls for help were still flooding a government hotline, Prokudin said. The area has a population of about 42,000.

On the Russia-controlled bank, Moscow-appointed regional Gov. Vladimir Saldo said up to 40,000 people remained in flooded areas. His deputy, Tatyana Kuzmich, said 1,274 people had been evacuated, and that the emergency response would last at least 10 days.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said nearly 12,000 bottles of water and 10,000 water purification tablets were distributed to five municipalities in Kherson and in Mykolaiv, where most of evacuees are staying. The U.N. also distributed ready-to-eat meals to about 400 people, he said.

WHAT REMAINS AT RISK?

The office of Ukraines general prosecutor said water levels downstream rose as much as 12 meters (39 feet) above normal.

Vladimir Rogov, an official with the Russia-appointed administration of the Zaporizhzhia region, said the Dnieper had narrowed Wednesday by as much as 65 meters as the reservoir drained.

The head of national hydroelectric company Ukrhydroenergo, Ihor Syrota, said authorities were holding water in upstream reservoirs to compensate in part for the loss of the dam.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram that hundreds of thousands of people were without normal access to drinking water.

Experts warned about an environmental disaster for wildlife and ecosystems. Minefields were inundated, raising the prospect that the explosives could be dislodged.

Ukrainian authorities urged locals to drink only bottled water and avoid eating fish from the river.

HOW HAS RUSSIA RESPONDED?

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call Wednesday with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, blamed Ukraine in his first comments on the incident. He said it was a barbaric action that led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe, a Kremlin account said.

Some residents in Russian-controlled areas criticized the response from the occupying authorities.

Yevhen Ryschuk, the Ukrainian mayor of Oleshky who fled the city after Russian forces occupied it, said locals told him that Russian authorities hadnt mobilized evacuation efforts and had left many people stranded.

Ukrainian forces said they were reaching across the front line to help supply civilians in Russian-controlled areas.

Ukraines Defense Ministry tweeted a video showing a drone  presumably one of its own  dropping a bottle of water to a woman in a rooftop window in Oleshky. The Ukrainian military will never leave civilians behind, it said.

Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram that evacuation efforts in occupied areas had completely failed.

WHAT ABOUT THE IMPACT ON FARMING?

In a blow to one of the worlds biggest breadbaskets, Ukraines agriculture ministry said about 94% of irrigation systems in the Kherson region have been left without a water source, as well as nearly three-quarters of those in neighboring Zaporizhzhia and about 30% in Dnipropetrovsk.

The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric station will lead to the fact that the fields in the south of Ukraine next year can turn into deserts, it said.

Prices for wheat and corn stabilized Wednesday after rising sharply a day earlier over concerns about Ukraines ability to ship its grain supplies to developing nations where people are struggling with hunger and high food prices.

(AP)




Federal prosecutors are using a grand jury in Florida as part of their investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents at former President Donald Trumps Palm Beach property, a person familiar with the matter said Tuesday night.

The grand jury is in addition to a separate panel that has been meeting in Washington for months to consider charges against Trump over the retention of hundreds of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and potential obstruction of the governments efforts to reclaim the records.

It is not clear why prosecutors are using an additional grand jury, which was described to The Associated Press by a person who insisted on anonymity to discuss secret proceedings, or which witnesses might be testifying before it.

A variety of witnesses, including lawyers for Trump, close aides to the former president and officials with the Trump Organization, have appeared over the last year before the grand jury in Washington. But the use of a different grand jury in Florida suggests that prosecutors may also be eyeing at least some potential charges in that state.

The Mar-a-Lago investigation, being led by special counsel Jack Smiths team of prosecutors, is thought to be in its final stages, with a charging decision expected soon. Trumps lawyers met at the Justice Department on Monday with officials including Smith, part of an effort by the legal team to raise concerns about what they say is prosecutorial misconduct and to try to argue against a potential indictment.

The investigation has centered not only on the possession of classified documents, including at the top-secret level, but also on the refusal of Trump to return the records when asked and on possible obstruction. The FBI last year issued a subpoena for classified records at the property, and after coming to suspect that Trump and his representatives had not returned all the documents, returned with a search warrant and recovered an additional 100 documents with classification markings.

Investigators have questioned a Trump associate who was seen on surveillance camera moving boxes of documents at Mar-a-Lago. As part of an obstruction probe centered in part on surveillance footage, they more recently have expressed interest in a workers draining of a pool at the resort last October, an act that caused a flood at the property, according to another person who spoke on condition of anonymity. That area of interest was first reported by CNN.

A spokesman for Smith declined to comment Tuesday night on the existence of another grand jury.

(AP)




Seven people were shot, two fatally, when gunfire rang out Tuesday outside a downtown theater in Richmond, Virginia, where a high school graduation ceremony had just ended, causing hundreds of attendees to flee in panic, weep and clutch their children, authorities and witnesses said.

A 19-year-old suspect tried to escape on foot but was arrested and will be charged with two counts of second-degree murder, Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said during a nighttime news conference at which he confirmed the two fatalities.

Five others were wounded by the gunfire outside the state capitals city-owned Altria Theater, which is across the street from a large, grassy park and in the middle of the Virginia Commonwealth University campus. At least 12 others were injured or treated for anxiety due to the mayhem, according to police.

As they heard the gunfire, it was obviously chaos, Edwards said. We had hundreds of people in Monroe Park, so people scattered. It was very chaotic at the scene.

Edwards said one of the people who was killed was an 18-year-old male student who had just graduated, while the other was a 36-year-old man who was there for the graduation. Their names were not released, but police believe the suspect, who was not immediately identified, knew at least one of the victims.

This should have been a safe space. People should have felt safe at a graduation, Edwards said.

Its just incredibly tragic that someone decided to bring a gun to this incident and rain terror on our community.

Six people were brought to VCU Medical Center and their conditions ranged from serious to critical late Tuesday, VCU Health System spokesperson Mary Kate Brogan said.

Multiple handguns were recovered. Police initially said two suspects were detained, but Edwards said later that they determined one of them was not involved.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney vowed to ensure anyone responsible faces justice.

This should not be happening anywhere, Stoney said.

Officers inside the theater, where the graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School had been taking place, heard gunfire around 5:15 p.m. and radioed to police stationed outside, who found multiple victims, Edwards said.

School board member Jonathan Young told Richmond TV station WWBT that graduates and other attendees were leaving the building when they heard about 20 gunshots in rapid succession.

That prompted, as you would expect, hundreds of persons in an effort to flee the gunfire to return to the building, Young said.

It materialized in a stampede, he said.

Two people were treated for falls; one juvenile was struck by a car and sustained injuries that were not life-threatening; and nine people were treated at the scene for minor injuries or anxiety, according to police spokeswoman Tracy Walker.

Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said the new graduates were outside taking photos with families and friends when the shooting broke out.

I dont have any more words on this, Kamras said. Im just tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot. And I beg of the entire community to stop, to just stop.

As he heard the gunshots and then sirens, neighbor John Willard, 69, stepped onto the balcony of his 18th-floor apartment. Below, he saw students fleeing in their graduation outfits and parents hugging children.

There was one poor woman in front of the apartment block next to ours who was wailing and crying, Willard said, adding that the scene left him deeply saddened.

Edythe Payne was helping her daughter sell flowers outside the theater to students as they left the ceremony. She told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the shooting caused a panic on nearby Main Street, which was packed with people at the time.

I felt bad because some elderly people were at the graduation and they got knocked down to the ground, Payne said.

The school district said a different graduation scheduled for later Tuesday had been canceled out of an abundance of caution and schools would be closed Wednesday.

The mass shooting, the latest in a nation increasingly accustomed to them, prompted calls for reform.

The gun violence epidemic is a public health crisis that we must address, U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, a Democrat whose district includes Richmond, said in a statement. We cannot continue to live in fear. We must address the root causes of gun violence and pass common sense gun safety policies that protect our communities.

Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, an ardent gun-rights advocate, said in remarks to news outlets near the scene that the problem lies not with guns but with criminals.

We have to figure out whats going on in our communities, she said.

(AP)




A former top aide to Donald Trump appeared Wednesday in federal court in Miami for testimony to a grand jury investigating potential classified-document mishandling and obstruction at the ex-presidents Palm Beach property, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Taylor Budowich, who had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency and now runs a pro-Trump super PAC, confirmed his appearance on Twitter, writing: Today, in what can only be described as a bogus and deeply troubling effort to use the power of government to get Trump, I fulfilled a legal obligation to testify in front a federal grand jury and I answered every question honestly.

The Florida grand jury is separate from a panel that had been meeting for months in Washington as a part of a Justice Department special counsel investigation into Trump over the retention of hundreds of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and potential obstruction of the governments efforts to reclaim the records.

The person who initially confirmed Budowichs appearance spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss secretive grand jury proceedings.

The existence of a separate grand jury in Florida, beyond an existing one in Washington, adds a wrinkle to an investigation that has been largely shrouded in mystery and has been thought to be in its end stages. It suggests that prosecutors could bring criminal charges in Florida, where the documents were taken and where multiple acts of alleged obstruction have occurred, instead of in Washington.

I think the signal is increasingly that the charges against the former president will be in Florida, said Brandon Van Grack, a former Justice Department prosecutor and a key lawyer on an earlier special counsel team that investigated ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.

Though the bulk of the investigative work has been done in Washington, prosecutors could simply read key testimony to the Florida grand jury or have a summary witness summarize all the key evidence, Van Grack said.

A variety of witnesses, including lawyers for Trump, close aides to the former president and officials with the Trump Organization, have appeared over the past year before the grand jury in Washington. That Mar-a-Lago investigation, being led by special counsel Jack Smiths team of prosecutors, is thought to be in its final stages, with a charging decision expected soon.

Trumps lawyers met at the Justice Department on Monday with officials including Smith, part of an effort by the legal team to raise concerns about what they say is prosecutorial misconduct and to try to argue against a potential indictment.

The investigation has focused not only on the possession of classified documents, including at the top-secret level, but also on the refusal of Trump to return the records when asked, and on possible obstruction. The FBI last year issued a subpoena for classified records at the property, and after coming to suspect that Trump and his representatives had not returned all the documents, returned with a search warrant and recovered an additional 100 with classification markings.

A spokesman for Smith declined to comment on the existence of another grand jury.

Beyond the Mar-a-Lago investigation, another probe in Washington also conducted by Smith centers on efforts by Trump and his allies to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Among the people who have recently spoken voluntarily to prosecutors in that probe is Alyssa Farah Griffin, who was a press secretary for former Vice President Mike Pence, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive law enforcement matters. CNN earlier reported the interview.

(AP)




The yearslong feud between congressional Republicans and the FBI is reaching a new level of rancor as lawmakers prepare a resolution to hold bureau director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress.

Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has scheduled a committee vote for Thursday morning on the contempt resolution against Wray. He says the FBI has failed to comply with a lawful subpoena for an FBI record that documents an unverified tip about President Joe Biden.

The resolution to hold Wray in contempt  which would have to be approved by the full House  is just the latest broadside from Republicans against the FBI. They accuse the bureau of harboring bias against conservatives dating back to Donald Trumps presidency and allege the bureau is now stonewalling legitimate congressional oversight.

Release of the document in question, FBI officials have warned, would jeopardize the safety of the confidential human source who received the unverified tip.

What to know about the clash between Republicans and the FBI:

___

THE SUBPOENA

Comer issued a subpoena to Wray on May 3 after GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa received a whistleblower complaint. They said they were told the bureau has a document that describes an alleged criminal scheme involving Biden and a foreign national relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions when Biden was vice president.

It has been alleged that the document includes a precise description of how the alleged criminal scheme was employed as well as its purpose, Comer and Grassley wrote in a letter to Wray.

Both men have said they do not know if information is true, but insist the allegations warrant further investigation. The White House has accused Republicans of floating anonymous innuendo.

___

WHAT IS THE DOCUMENT IN QUESTION?

The document Republicans are focused on is what is known as an FD-1023 form, which is used by federal agents to record tips and information they receive from confidential human sources. The FBI says such documents can contain uncorroborated and incomplete information, and that the record of a tip does not validate the information.

The Biden document was written up by a longtime FBI source that both Republicans and Democrats have described as credible. In it, the source details an unverified tip received in 2020 about the business dealings of Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine. Hunter Biden worked on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

At the time, then-Attorney General William Barr told reporters that he was being cautious about information coming out of Ukraine. The House impeached then-President Donald Trump in 2020 over his push for the Ukrainian government to investigate the Bidens.

___

WHY DO REPUBLICANS WANT THE RECORD?

House Republicans have used their power in the majority to aggressively investigate Joe Biden and the business dealings of Hunter Biden, including examining foreign payments and other aspects of the familys finances. Since January, Comer has obtained thousands of pages of financial records from Biden family members through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions

In the contempt resolution against Wray, the Oversight Committee says foreign payments to members of the Biden family could have implications for national security. It said it needs the FBI record as it considers whether legislation is needed to fix deficiencies in the financial disclosure requirements that apply to presidents, vice presidents and their families.

The committee is also demanding the FBI record be provided without redactions. The form that Comer has seen contained a significant amount of highly relevant information to the Committees investigation that was blacked out, the committee said, including the names of individuals who could be called in as witnesses.

___

WHY IS THE FBI REFUSING TO TURN OVER THE DOCUMENT?

The bureau has pushed back Comers threats to hold Wray in contempt and warned of grave risk to confidential human sources and the law enforcement process if the FBI record were released to the public.

Protecting the identities and information provided by confidential human sources from unnecessary disclosure or undue influence is therefore critical not only because of safety concerns but also to avoid chilling their candor or willingness to continue reporting to the FBI, Christopher Dunham, an acting FBI assistant director, wrote to Comer last month.

In an attempt to comply with the subpoena, FBI officials came to the Capitol on Monday to brief Comer and Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the panel, about the document. The briefing, which the bureau described as an extraordinary accommodation, lasted more than an hour and was conducted privately in a secure space because FBI officials said the several-page form contains sensitive information.

Both Raskin and Comer received a slightly redacted copy of the FD-1023 document during the briefing and were allowed to take notes on the substance of the form, though they werent allowed to keep it.

Frank Montoya, a former FBI supervisor who specialized in counterintelligence, said he worried that giving information about law enforcement sources to Congress could set a dangerous precedent and damage the FBIs work.

Whos going to want to come in and tell you things if your identity cant be protected,, especially in high-profile investigations, he said.

Beyond that, Montoya said, distributing to Congress information that could theoretically be relevant in an ongoing investigation risks impeding it. If Im working on a case and youre posting all my information online or in the newspapers or on the evening newsto make a political point  any chance I have of making that case is at risk, Montoya said.

___

WHATS NEXT?

Comer said that the FBI briefing about the record was no substitute for providing a copy to the committee without redactions. He said he will move forward Thursday with holding Wray in contempt of Congress.

The investigation is not dead, Comer told reporters. This is only the beginning.

The first step in the contempt process will be holding a committee vote to send the resolution to the House floor. If the House approves that resolution and holds Wray in contempt, it would be up to the Justice Department  where Wray works  to decide whether to prosecute him.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters he would bring the contempt resolution against Wray to the floor as soon as next week.

Successful prosecutions for contempt of Congress are rare, though not unheard of. Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury on contempt charges last year after a referral from the House Jan. 6 committee.

Theres also precedent for contempt charges against senior Justice Department figures. House Republicans approved a contempt charge against then-Attorney General Eric Holder in 2012, though the U.S. attorneys office in Washington declined to bring a case.

The FBI says the contempt vote is unwarranted considering the bureau had continuously demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committees request, while protecting the safety of sources and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

The White House dismissed Comers contempt push as another fact-free stunt intended to damage the President politically and get himself media attention.

(AP)




Germany is preparing to host the biggest air deployment exercise in NATOs history, a show of force intended to impress allies and potential adversaries such as Russia, German and American officials said Wednesday.

The Air Defender 23 exercise starting next week will see 10,000 participants and 250 aircraft from 25 nations respond to a simulated attack on a NATO member country. The United States alone is sending 2,000 U.S. Air National Guard personnel and about 100 aircraft to take part in the June 12-23 training maneuvers.

This is an exercise that would be absolutely impressive to anybody whos watching, and we dont make anybody watch it, U.S. Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann said.

It will demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force in NATO as a first responder, she told reporters in Berlin.

I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance, Gutmann said.

And that includes Mr. Putin, she added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While the drill was planned for several years, Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 ear has jolted NATO into preparing in earnest for the possibility of an attack on its territory. Sweden, which is hoping to join the alliance, and Japan are also taking part in the exercise.

We are showing that NATO territory is our red line, that we are prepared to defend every centimeter of this territory, said Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz of the German air force, which is coordinating the exercise. But we wont, for example, conduct any flights toward Kalinigrad. So this is intended to be defensive.

Kalinigrad is a Russian exclave located on the Baltic Sea between Poland and Lithuania.

Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director of the U.S. Air National Guard, said the exercise goes beyond deterrence.

Its about the readiness of our force. Its about coordination, not just within NATO, but with our other allies and partners outside of NATO, he said.

Loh said the exercise would be an opportunity for younger U.S. airmen, many of whom have mainly gotten experience serving in the Middle East, to build relationships with allies in Europe and prepare for a different military scenario.

So this is about now establishing what it means to go against a great power, in a great power competition, he said.

Authorities have said the drill will cause some disruption to civilian flights in Europe during the period.

(AP)
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) is our matchmaker, a witness to our love. We care about it like it's an old friend, said Xiao Qin, a teacher of Indonesian at Hefei University of Technology.

She met her husband Li Jinpeng when they worked together on the Jakarta-Bandung HSR project in Indonesia.

They are going to hold a wedding ceremony this July and go back to Indonesia for their honeymoon to remember their unforgettable experiences.




Agudath Israel of America held a productive meeting with New York Attorney General Letitia James to address pressing concerns on important issues affecting the Orthodox Jewish community in New York.

Agudath Israel has had a longstanding relationship with the Attorney General, working together with her for the past 20 years  first as a NYC Councilmember representing a district that includes Crown Heights, then as Public Advocate, and now as Attorney General.

The discussion focused on religious discrimination in zoning matters and the rise in hate crimes targeting those who are visibly Jewish.

The Agudath Israel delegation, led by Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, director of New York government relations for Agudath Israel, raised concerns about discriminatory practices that have impacted the establishment and expansion of religious institutions, particularly shuls and yeshivas, and thanked Attorney General James for her work in combatting such practices.

Addressing the rising trend of antisemitic hate crimes targeting Orthodox Jews in New York, the Attorney General expressed her deep concern and reaffirmed her commitment to protecting the Orthodox Jewish community.

Another critical topic discussed was the ongoing challenge of the prevalence of anti-orthodox sentiments in the media. Agudath Israel presented its KnowUs initiative, aimed at combating misconceptions and biases against the Orthodox Jewish community. The Attorney General expressed her support, emphasizing the need to foster mutual respect and understanding among different religious groups.

During the meeting, Attorney General James expressed her deep concern regarding the recent commencement address given by a graduate of the City University of New York (CUNY) law school. The Attorney General emphasized her commitment to combatting antisemitism in all forms and her determination to ensure that institutions of higher education remain safe and inclusive for Jewish students.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, In the face of rising antisemitism, civic leaders have a responsibility to step up, speak out, and stand united with members of the greater Jewish Community. Agudath Israel has been a leader for New Yorks Orthodox Jewish Community, and has provided essential services and support to thousands of families. I am proud to work with Agudath Israel on the pressing issues impacting our communities, and my office will continue to investigate hate crimes and combat discrimination. I will never allow intolerance, antisemitism, and ignorance to go unchallenged in this state.




Two years after Operation Guardian of the Walls, when widespread riots and violence by Israeli-Arabs took place in Israeli cities, Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai warned that the lack of manpower in Israel Police is catastrophic.

Speaking at a meeting of the Knessets State Audit Committee on Tuesday about the lessons of the incidents during Operation Guardian of the Walls, Shabtai said that although the police are much more prepared than we were in the past to deal with a large number of arenaswe are still not in the optimal situation we should be.

That is, in the case of a multiple arena event in the entire State of Israel, we would not be able to contain it, Shabtai warned. There is the National Guard that is currently being planned and it will respond to most things but theres still a matter of resources, manpower, means, and equipment.

Shabatai said that there is a severe shortage of manpower at all police stations across the country. The station in Lod [where the worst rioting took place during Guardian of the Walls] is short on manpower by 30%. If the salary issue of Israel Police officers is not improved, I dont see how there will be an improvement in the manpower situation.

Superintendent Amir Cohen of the Border Police said in the session: The Guardian of the Walls incidents in May 2021 were a wake-up call to Israeli society, the Israel Police, and certainly the Border Police. It is clear to all of us that we must prepare for the next incidents and we here are all aware that a ticking clock is leading us to the next scenario.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




After Iran on Tuesday unveiled its new Fattah, a hypersonic missile that it claims is capable of traveling at 15 times the speed of sound and breaching Israels Iron Dome [and all anti-missile shields], the Islamic Republic displayed a photo of the missile on a huge billboard on a building in Tehrans Palestine (Felestin) Square.

The billboard says in Farsi, Arabic and Hebrew: 400 seconds to Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, as Iran continues to publicly state its mission to attack Israel, there are reports that the Biden administration has made significant progress in its efforts to reach a renewed nuclear deal with Iran, which would pump significant funds into the Islamic Republic in exchange for some nebulous promises worth less than the paper theyre written on.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and met with met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Wednesday morning.

Among the topics they discussed was the possibility of the normalization of ties with Israel and they agreed to continue discussions on the matter.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening strained ties between the Kingdom and the US.

Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Wednesday. The two discussed a number of topics, including the potential for the normalization of ties between the Kingdom and Israel. The two agreed to continue discussions on the matter.

In a speech at the AIPAC conference on Monday, Blinken said that he would be discussing the normalization of Saudi-Israeli ties while in the Kingdom. The United States has a real national security interest in promoting normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, he said. We believe we can and indeed we must play an integral role in advancing it. Now, we have no illusions that this can be done quickly or easily.

Blinken and the Crown Prince also discussed deepening economic cooperation, especially in the clean energy and technology fields, according to a State Department readout.

The visit also comes days after Riyadh announced it is slashing its oil supply, raising concern about rising gas prices in the US.

However, the most vital point of Blinkens visit may be discouraging Chinas influence in the Kingdom, Richard Goldberg, senior adviser at Washington-based think-tank, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) told Reuters.

[Blinken should explain] why Chinese interests do not align with Saudi Arabia, and why closer relations in a strategic way inhibit closer relations with Washington, he said.

Blinkens visit was preceded by that of National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who traveled to the Kingdom exactly a month ago.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Nearly 5m people in Britain own cryptocurrency despite warnings that they could lose all their money.

As it announced its latest crackdown on what critics have branded a Wild West industry, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) revealed 9pc of UK adults were invested in digital tokens such as bitcoin last year.

That amounts to 4.97m men and women, more than double the 2.3m who had crypto assets in 2021.

With fears mounting that more people are taking undue risks, the FCA announced measures to make the industry safer.

It comes amid a major crackdown in the US where regulators are targeting two of the worlds largest crypto exchanges  Binance and Coinbase.

Gamble: The Financial Conduct Authority has revealed 9% of UK adults were invested in digital tokens such as bitcoin last year

The Securities and Exchange Commission this week filed lawsuits against both, accusing Binance and its boss of an extensive web of deception and calculated evasion of US laws.

Today, the FCA repeats its warning that investors should be prepared to lose all their money.

Its new measures include a compulsory cooling-off period. Under advertising changes coming in from October 8, firms will need to wait 24 hours before letting new customers buy crypto assets  hoping to mitigate the number of impulsive decisions.

It also plans to ban refer a friend bonuses used to lure novices, with the aim of guiding consumers, who may not understand that crypto is not backed by a central bank, away from a rash decision.

The FCA has been on a mission to stamp out get-rich-quick scams for crypto, as well as celebrity endorsements of high-risk and unregulated products on social media.

In a report today, the FCA found over a third of consumers regretted purchasing cryptoassets, while 46 per cent of people said their investments are now worth less than the initial purchase value.

Sheldon Mills, executive director at the FCA, said: Our rules give people the time and the right risk warnings to make an informed choice.

Consumers should still be aware that crypto remains largely unregulated and high risk. Those who invest should be prepared to lose all their money.

Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at AJ Bell, said: The message to crypto firms is that if they want to play in the mass market, theyre going to have to play by the rules.

Rio Stedford, financial planning expert at Quilter, said: While some have made money through crypto, and there is nothing wrong with that, those investing are taking a real gamble as they run the risk of losing everything.

It is particularly concerning where people are inexperienced investors and may be vulnerable to the promotions seen on social media which can be highly misleading, and it is right that those promoting crypto will soon be held accountable.

These rules follow a significant crackdown in the US, and we could see further changes yet in a bid to protect consumers.

But critics said the measures have not gone far enough.

Dame Angela Eagle, a Labour MP who is on the Treasury committee, said although the measures were very welcome she was uncertain whether 24 hours was a long enough cooling-off period.

The FCA crackdown comes as the industry reels from greater scrutiny in the US. Walid Koudmani, at broker XTB, said US regulators hoped to set an example with lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase. Whatever the US does, UK regulators are likely to follow, he said.
FirstGroup delivered strong growth last year despite the impact of strike action, which has seen the RMT and ASLEF unions walk out repeatedly since May 2022.

The travel group, which operates GWR, South Western Railway and Avanti West Coast, posted an adjusted attributable profit of 82.1million for the year to March, up from 36.2million.

On a statutory basis, FirstGroup's revenues came in at 4.8billion, in line with expectations, and the firm told investors it expects to weather macro and consumer headwinds in the current financial year.

Shift: FirstGroup-operated Transpennine Express was brought into government control last month

FirstGroup-operated Transpennine Express was brought into government control last month, following a string of poor performance ratings, impacting overall revenues.

FirstGroup shares surged today and were up 13.48 per cent or 16.00p to 134.70p this morning.

FirstGroup passenger journeys rose to 1.1million a day year-on-year, with volumes climbing 20 per cent on levels seen last year.

It said that the 2 fare cap scheme in England, launched in January and recently extended to November 2024, had helped lift passenger demand.

Passenger revenues rose to 660million from 570m, which the company said 'more than offset' a dip in government funding, which had fallen by 42.8million.

Boss Graham Sutherland, said: 'The past three years have been among the most challenging in the history of the UKs rail industry, with it adapting to post pandemic travel patterns and continued industrial action which has caused significant disruption for rail passengers and businesses across the country.

'We welcomed the recent position articulated by the Secretary of State highlighting that going forward, there will be an enhanced role for the private sector, to reinvigorate the rail industry, drive innovation and attract more customers to the railway and we urge the Government to engage with the industry on the steps that can be taken, without primary legislation, in order to achieve this.'

Passenger numbers: FirstGroup said it saw passenger journeys rise to 1.1m a day year-on-year

Last month, the UK government nationalised the TransPennine Express service in response to months of cancellations and dismal service.

Services now fall under the Department for Transport's Operator of Last Resort measures.

TransPennine Express passengers suffered from widespread delays and cancellations over the past year.

The FirstGroup-owned operator, which covers an area across northern England and into Scotland, has also been affected by drivers who are members of the Aslef union no longer volunteering to work paid overtime shifts.

TransPennine Express repordedly cancelled the equivalent of one in six services across most of March.

'While some improvements have been made over the past few months, it has been decided that to achieve the performance levels passengers deserve, and that the northern economy needs, both the contract and the underlying relationships must be reset,' the DfT said in May.

It added: 'The decision to bring TransPennine Express into the control of the Operator of Last Resort is temporary and it is the government's full intention that it will return to the private sector.'
The boss of drinks giant Diageo Sir Ivan Menezes has died aged 63 following a brief illness.

The businessman, who was chief executive of the company behind brands including Guinness, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker for ten years, was due to retire at the end of the month.

But on Monday Diageo revealed his successor Debra Crew would take over immediately after he suffered complications following emergency surgery on a stomach ulcer.

Sir Ivan Menezes (pictured), who was chief executive of Guinness, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker owner Diageo for ten years, has died aged 63

Yesterday, it said: It is with great sadness that Diageo announces that Sir Ivan Menezes has passed away following a brief illness, with his family at his side.

Chairman Javier Ferran said: Ivan was undoubtedly one of the finest leaders of his generation.

'We are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a thoughtful and passionate colleague and friend. He has built an extraordinary legacy.

Born in India, Menezes was with Diageo when it was formed in 1997 through the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness.

Since he became boss in 2013, the British firms value has grown by around 30billion to 75billion as he led a push into premium brands.

He struck a deal to pay 800million for George Clooneys tequila brand Casamigos in 2017. Although the price raised eyebrows, it has been a roaring success.

During the pandemic, Menezes oversaw the production of more than 10m bottles of hand sanitiser for NHS workers.

He also drove the business into emerging economies like China and India, while the shares soared more than 85 per cent during his tenure.

Menezes said the job had been an enormous honour when he announced his retirement in March.

This year he was knighted for services to business and equality.

Ferran said: I saw first-hand his steadfast commitment to our people and to creating a culture that enabled everyone to thrive.

He invested his time and energy in people at every level of the company and saw potential that others may have overlooked.

Menezes leaves behind his wife Shibani and two children Nikhil and Rohini.
One of central Londons oldest landlords has said that the Governments refusal to ditch the tourist tax clearly risks endangering jobs.

Cadogan Estates, which owns giant swathes of Chelsea and Knightsbridge, said the loss of VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors could cause irreversible damage to the capital.

The landlord was joined by English winemaker Gusbourne where the boss called on ministers to support the amazing success of the industry by getting rid of the 20 per cent levy.

Cadogan and Gusbourne are among more than 200 business to have backed the Mails Scrap the Tourist Tax campaign, alongside household names such as Harrods, Burberry and Marks and Spencer.

Critics of the tax, which stopped visitors being able to claim a VAT refund on goods bought as they left the country, argue it has pushed foreign visitors away from Britain - denting the economy while boosting rivals such as Paris and Milan.

Jobs threat: Cadogan Estates, which owns parts of Chelsea (pictured) and Knightsbridge, said the loss of VAT-free shopping could cause 'irreversible damage' to the capital

Cadogan chief executive Hugh Seaborn told the Mail: It is essential to look at the broader picture and economic implications.

The current position clearly risks endangering jobs within the retail and hospitality industry as well as within cultural institutions, which, once gone, will be hard to replace.

In a separate interview with the Evening Standard, he added: We should incentivise travel and ensure cities remain on a level playing field with their European counterparts which are currently performing significantly better.

The Governments current position on VAT-free shopping is clearly detrimental and needs to be addressed before the impact of this visitor tax causes irreversible damage to London.

The impact of removing tax-free shopping from thousands of businesses when growth is so desperately needed, cannot be underestimated.

Cadogan has a three-century-old history in Chelsea and has launched marketing campaigns to encourage visitors back after the pandemic.

There is growing pressure on Jeremy Hunt to listen to firms who have called for the return of VAT-free shopping after it was scrapped by Rishi Sunak when he was Chancellor in 2021.

Glam: Actress Lily Collins poses for Cartier

Critics say that  far from the Treasurys claim that scrapping the tourist tax would cost 2billion a year  there would be a net gain of around 350million.

A study by advisory firm Oxford Economics suggests the move would bring a 4.1billion boost to GDP and support 78,000 jobs.

Although Londons history and cultural attractions mean it has a unique appeal, Seaborn warned that this alone was not enough to compete with rival hotspots.

He said: More needs to be done to incentivise international travel and ensure London remains on a level playing field with its European counterparts.

'We urge the Government to consider the impact this tax will have on travel and spending.

Charlie Holland, who runs the Kent and Sussex-based wine producer Gusbourne, said English wine was an amazing success story for England and called on the Government to back it.

Tourism and the export market form a huge growth area for his business, which sells wine in 32 markets, mainly the US, Norway and Japan.

But wine fans from overseas would be put off booking trips to visit vineyards in Kent due to shopping being cheaper elsewhere, he said.

Holland said: They want to come and buy our wine and to visit the estate.

We should be encouraging them. We immerse them in everything we do [on vineyard tours].

And then, they are fans for life, they are evangelical about the wine and will order more at home if they come over and have a great time. He said ditching the tax would give the UK a competitive foothold.
The boss of the ailing John Lewis Partnership pledged to return it to profit by 2026  but insisted staff bonuses would only return when affordable.

After three years of losses, chairman Sharon White yesterday said the five-year plan launched in 2021 would get the partnership back to sustainable profit.

And while it insisted it expects to make a profit before then, the outlook for the famous annual bonus for 74,000 staff at its department stores and Waitrose supermarkets remained unclear.

The bonus was scrapped last year for only the second time since 1953 amid losses of 234million.

In a speech to members of the Employee Ownership Association yesterday, White merely said it would be paid when affordable.

Recovery: John Lewis chairman Sharon White said the five-year plan launched in 2021 would 'get the partnership back to sustainable profit'

She said the recovery plan would create a broadly based business with brilliant retail at the core, built on excellent customer service, quality and ethics.

A bonus has always depended on making a sufficient profit, and there was no update at present, the Partnership said.

Whites role was brought into question last month when representatives on the employee-owned partnership council voted against her performance over the past year.

But she won a stay of execution as the council  around 60 members elected by other staff  backed her to continue.

As well as concern over the financial performance, Whites plans to bring in external investment have sparked fears over its treasured staff ownership structure.

She yesterday said the plan could require external investment but again insisted the employee model was not going anywhere, saying: Employee-ownership is a given.

What makes us special is not incidental to being a partnership. Its because were a partnership.

Pointing to link-ups with Ocado, she said: We have for many years found creative ways to partner with other companies using some of their capital and expertise to provide new services and enter new markets.

White added: The tragedy would be to walk past what needs to be done to ensure the Partnership has the fuel it needs to invest, transform and grow.

If the Partnership could not fund all of the plan by itself, the board could look at whether external investment was needed.
A major chemicals producer is set to be the first blockbuster float of the year in London.

In a much-needed vote of confidence in the City, WE Soda said it would seek a stock market listing this year in a deal that could value it at 6billion to 7billion.

The company is the worlds largest producer of natural soda ash which is used to make glass, detergents and soaps and batteries for electric vehicles.

The decision to list in the UK comes after snubs, including by Cambridge chipmaker Arm whose Japanese owner Softbank opted for New York.

Duo: WE Soda, which has headquarters in Lonson is owned by the Turkish billionaire Ciner family, headed by Turgay Ciner, 67. His wife, 43-year-old Didem (pictured)

WE Soda, which has headquarters in London, is owned by the Turkish billionaire Ciner family, headed by Turgay Ciner, 67.

His wife, 43-year-old Didem, is chairman, while City grandee Alasdair Warren is chief executive.

The float would be Londons biggest since GSK demerged its consumer health arm Haleon last year.

The initial public offering expects to raise up to 645million and is one of the first where retail investors may have a chance to buy in before listing, with up to 7million shares sold through the Primary Bid platform.
SHENZHEN, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The first Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength opened in Shenzhen on Wednesday afternoon. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a letter to extend his warm congratulations to the forum on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi noted in the letter that the CPC has been committed to securing new successes in developing socialist culture. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, it has attached great importance to cultural development in national governance, furthered understanding of rules about cultural development, and promoted cultural inheritance and development. Solid progress has been made in building China into a country with a strong socialist culture.

Xi stressed that we must fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, better shoulder new cultural missions, increase confidence in our own culture, adhere to the approach of openness and inclusiveness, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, and inspire the cultural creativity of the whole nation. Standing at a new historical starting point, we will continue to promote cultural prosperity, build a leading country in culture, develop a modern Chinese civilization, keep promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and provide cultural strength for building a stronger country and achieving national rejuvenation.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, read out Xi's letter and delivered a keynote speech at the forum. He said that Xi's letter demonstrated great confidence in and a deep understanding of our culture, pointing the direction for shouldering new cultural missions and developing a modern Chinese civilization. It is imperative to study and put into practice the guiding principles from General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and the important instructions in his congratulatory letter. We should undertake our mission, work diligently, uphold ideological principles, strengthen our spiritual power, root ourselves in cultural traditions, push forward cultural prosperity and development, and promote exchanges and mutual learning.

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended the forum and delivered an address. Tie Ning, vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attended the forum and made a speech.

Hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the first Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength is themed on "Towards Greater Cultural Confidence and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations." Leading officials of central publicity and cultural authorities, publicity branches of provincial-level Party committees and some enterprises and public institutions in the cultural sector and experts and scholars from relevant think tanks were present at the forum. 
The boss of M&G has claimed the investment manager is 'on track' to meet targets under its transformation plan after wholesale inflows ticked higher and headcount was reduced.

The FTSE 100 group reported net client inflows, excluding its heritage business, of about 400milion for the opening three months of 2023, compared to 300million for the 2022 financial year.

This was achieved thanks to net wholesale asset management inflows of 1billion, offsetting 900million of outflows from institutional clients, which the firm blamed on the 'mini-budget crisis' of September last year.

Performance: M&G reported net client inflows, excluding its heritage business, of about 400milion for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 300million for the 2022 financial year

In its full-year results, published in March, M&G set out a transformation plan with the key goals of financial strength through capital discipline, simplification, and profitable growth focused on asset and wealth management.

Chief executive Andrea Rossi said on Thursday that the group had 'made good progress on each of those fronts and are on track to deliver on our ambitious targets'.

Its Solvency II ratio - an important measure of capital strength - tipped up to 200 per cent even after paying a 310million dividend to shareholders, while assets under management rose by 2billion to 344billion.

M&G further announced that more than 200 employees had applied for voluntary redundancy, equivalent to around 4 per cent of its workforce.

These job cuts, most of which are expected to happen during the end of 2023 or early 2024, form part of measures to reduce the firm's costs by 200million in the coming two years.

The company revealed the headcount reduction programme in March after its assets under management slumped by 28billion last year because of 'adverse market movements'.

THIS IS MONEY PODCAST Inflation-busting savings rates of 9% and cash Isas back in the sun

Its adjusted pre-tax operating profits also fell by over a quarter due mainly to a substantial charge from duration mismatching losses in its annuity portfolio and foreign exchange losses on its US dollar-subordinated debt.

M&G shares were 1 per cent lower at 201.9p on Thursday morning, about 20 per cent below its pre-pandemic peak.

Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: 'The sector in which M&G operates is increasingly competitive, and the group has its work cut out to achieve its golden aim of increasing funds under management.'

M&G used to be part of Prudential until the insurer demerged its European and UK business in late 2019 in order to concentrate on growing its Asian operation.
Pearson (LON:PSON  Get Rating)s stock had its overweight rating restated by equities research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They presently have a GBX 1,230 ($15.29) target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price target would suggest a potential upside of 49.31% from the stocks current price.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Pearson in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 1,140 ($14.17) price target on shares of Pearson in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 1,015 ($12.62).

Get Pearson alerts:

Pearson Trading Up 0.7 %

Shares of PSON opened at GBX 823.80 ($10.24) on Tuesday. Pearson has a 52-week low of GBX 722.60 ($8.98) and a 52-week high of GBX 1,006.29 ($12.51). The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.33. The firms fifty day moving average is GBX 829.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 884.12. The stock has a market cap of 5.90 billion, a PE ratio of 2,496.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.26.

Insider Activity at Pearson

Pearson Company Profile

In other Pearson news, insider Graeme Pitkethly bought 257 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 31st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 832 ($10.34) per share, for a total transaction of 2,138.24 ($2,658.18). In other Pearson news, insider Graeme Pitkethly bought 257 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 31st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 832 ($10.34) per share, for a total transaction of 2,138.24 ($2,658.18). Also, insider Sally Johnson sold 65,220 shares of Pearson stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 762 ($9.47), for a total transaction of 496,976.40 ($617,822.48). 0.67% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

(Get Rating)

Pearson plc provides educational courseware, assessments, and services in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Asia Pacific, other European countries, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Higher Education, and Workforce Skills.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Pearson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pearson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) (CVE:SKE  Get Rating) had its price target lowered by analysts at CIBC from C$17.00 to C$16.50 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on SKE. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) from C$16.00 to C$16.50 in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) from C$15.00 to C$16.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$15.83.

Get Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) alerts:

Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) Stock Down 5.4 %

Shares of CVE SKE opened at C$2.62 on Tuesday. Skeena Resources Limited has a 12-month low of C$0.38 and a 12-month high of C$3.12. The company has a market cap of C$431.26 million and a P/E ratio of -9.63. The company has a current ratio of 2.28, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.52. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of C$2.62 and a 200 day moving average price of C$2.62.

Insider Buying and Selling at Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V)

About Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V)

In other Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) news, Director Walter Coles Jr. sold 8,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$10.21, for a total value of C$90,877.90.

(Get Rating)

Skeena Resources Limited, a junior mining exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of base and precious metal properties in Canada. The company holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine covering an area of approximately 1,932 hectares; the Spectrum-GJ copper-gold properties covering an area of 43,500 hectares; and the Porter Idaho silver property that consists of 46 crown-granted mineral claims; and Blackdome gold mine property.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skeena Resources Limited (SKE.V) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shore Capital restated their buy rating on shares of iomart Group (LON:IOM  Get Rating) in a research note released on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports.

iomart Group Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of LON:IOM opened at GBX 165 ($2.05) on Monday. iomart Group has a one year low of GBX 109 ($1.36) and a one year high of GBX 200 ($2.49). The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 147.18 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 131. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 54.97, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The stock has a market cap of 182.19 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,062.50 and a beta of 0.51.

Get iomart Group alerts:

iomart Group Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Featured Stories

iomart Group plc provides managed cloud services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two segments, Cloud Services and Easyspace. The company offers a range of shared hosting and domain registration services to micro and SME companies, as well as managed cloud computing facilities and services.

Receive News & Ratings for iomart Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iomart Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI  Get Rating) (TSE:CNR) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the twenty-two analysts that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $140.00.

Several analysts have recently commented on CNI shares. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Canadian National Railway from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Argus reduced their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from $155.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Citigroup downgraded shares of Canadian National Railway from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $139.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. Desjardins lifted their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$178.00 to C$180.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from $137.00 to $134.00 in a research note on Monday, March 27th.

Get Canadian National Railway alerts:

Canadian National Railway Stock Up 1.5 %

Canadian National Railway stock opened at $116.75 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Canadian National Railway has a 12-month low of $103.79 and a 12-month high of $129.89. The firms fifty day moving average is $118.71 and its 200 day moving average is $119.64. The company has a market capitalization of $77.44 billion, a PE ratio of 19.36, a PEG ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.90.

Canadian National Railway Cuts Dividend

Canadian National Railway ( NYSE:CNI Get Rating ) (TSE:CNR) last released its earnings results on Monday, April 24th. The transportation company reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.09. Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 30.61% and a return on equity of 25.00%. The company had revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.15 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Canadian National Railway will post 5.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, June 9th will be given a dividend of $0.5835 per share. This represents a $2.33 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. Canadian National Railways dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.98%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Canadian National Railway

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ahrens Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Accurate Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the 4th quarter worth approximately $41,000. Institutional investors own 86.96% of the companys stock.

About Canadian National Railway

(Get Rating)

Canadian National Railway Co engages in rail and related transportation business. Its services include rail, intermodal, trucking, supply chain services, business development and maps and network. Its offers their services in automotive, coal, fertilizer, food and beverages, forest products, dimensional loads, grain, metals and minerals and petroleum and chemicals industries.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:BROS  Get Rating) have earned an average recommendation of Hold from the eleven brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $37.73.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BROS shares. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Dutch Bros from $37.00 to $36.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Dutch Bros from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $38.00 to $32.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Wedbush raised Dutch Bros from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $37.00 target price on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. TD Cowen downgraded Dutch Bros from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price target for the stock from $39.00 to $33.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, Guggenheim began coverage on Dutch Bros in a report on Thursday, February 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $37.00 price target on the stock.

Get Dutch Bros alerts:

Institutional Trading of Dutch Bros

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. FMR LLC boosted its position in Dutch Bros by 10.4% during the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 6,849,489 shares of the companys stock valued at $216,649,000 after purchasing an additional 645,576 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP bought a new position in Dutch Bros during the third quarter valued at about $52,319,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in Dutch Bros by 5.0% during the second quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,024,255 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,418,000 after buying an additional 49,097 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its holdings in Dutch Bros by 33.3% during the first quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 800,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,216,000 after buying an additional 200,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Dutch Bros by 8.3% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 594,228 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,795,000 after buying an additional 45,518 shares in the last quarter.

Dutch Bros Stock Performance

Dutch Bros Company Profile

Shares of NYSE:BROS opened at $28.17 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.29 billion, a PE ratio of -402.43 and a beta of 2.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49, a current ratio of 0.32 and a quick ratio of 0.15. The business has a 50-day moving average of $30.09 and a two-hundred day moving average of $32.30. Dutch Bros has a 12 month low of $25.45 and a 12 month high of $54.18.

(Get Rating)

Dutch Bros Inc operates and franchises drive-thru shops. It offers Dutch Bros hot and cold espresso-based beverages, and cold brew coffee products, as well as Blue Rebel energy drinks, tea, lemonade, smoothies, and other beverages through company-operated shops and online channels. As of May 11, 2022, it operated 572 drive-thru coffee locations across 12 states in the United States.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Dutch Bros Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dutch Bros and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Battalion Oil (NYSE:BATL  Get Rating) and Amplify Energy (NYSE:AMPY  Get Rating) are both small-cap oils/energy companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, earnings, risk and institutional ownership.

Volatility & Risk

Battalion Oil has a beta of 0.97, meaning that its share price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Amplify Energy has a beta of 2.4, meaning that its share price is 140% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Get Battalion Oil alerts:

Profitability

This table compares Battalion Oil and Amplify Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Battalion Oil 39.14% 0.80% 0.11% Amplify Energy 103.74% 186.60% 19.94%

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Battalion Oil $359.06 million 0.29 $18.54 million $8.02 0.80 Amplify Energy $458.46 million 0.63 $57.88 million $11.33 0.66

This table compares Battalion Oil and Amplify Energys gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Amplify Energy has higher revenue and earnings than Battalion Oil. Amplify Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Battalion Oil, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

89.0% of Battalion Oil shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 44.4% of Amplify Energy shares are held by institutional investors. 41.5% of Battalion Oil shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 1.4% of Amplify Energy shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Battalion Oil and Amplify Energy, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Battalion Oil 0 2 0 0 2.00 Amplify Energy 0 0 1 0 3.00

Battalion Oil presently has a consensus target price of $28.00, suggesting a potential upside of 336.82%. Amplify Energy has a consensus target price of $12.00, suggesting a potential upside of 61.51%. Given Battalion Oils higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Battalion Oil is more favorable than Amplify Energy.

Summary

Amplify Energy beats Battalion Oil on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Battalion Oil

(Get Rating)

Battalion Oil Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, production, exploration, and development of onshore oil and natural gas assets in the United States. As of December 31, 2021, the company held interests in 40,400 net acres in the Delaware Basin located in the counties of Pecos, Reeves, Ward, and Winkler, Texas. It also had estimated proved reserves of approximately 95.9 million barrels of oil equivalent comprising 58.7 million barrels of crude oil, 16.3 million barrels of natural gas liquids, and 125.0 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The company was formerly known as Halcon Resources Corporation and changed its name to Battalion Oil Corporation in January 2020. Battalion Oil Corporation was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

About Amplify Energy

(Get Rating)

Amplify Energy Corp. is an independent oil and natural gas company, which engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas properties. It focuses on operations in Oklahoma, the Rockies, offshore Southern California, East Texas and North Louisiana, and Eagle Ford. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Houston, TX.

Receive News & Ratings for Battalion Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Battalion Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Banco Itau Chile (NYSE:ITCL  Get Rating) is one of 69 publicly-traded companies in the Commercial banks, not elsewhere classified industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Banco Itau Chile to related companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation, earnings, profitability and risk.

Dividends

Banco Itau Chile pays an annual dividend of $0.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.9%. Banco Itau Chile pays out 24.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Commercial banks, not elsewhere classified companies pay a dividend yield of 2.5% and pay out 16.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Get Banco Itau Chile alerts:

Institutional and Insider Ownership

0.2% of Banco Itau Chile shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 26.0% of shares of all Commercial banks, not elsewhere classified companies are owned by institutional investors. 6.8% of shares of all Commercial banks, not elsewhere classified companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Banco Itau Chile $2.94 billion $487.62 million 4.94 Banco Itau Chile Competitors $541.13 billion $3.12 billion 10.07

This table compares Banco Itau Chile and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Banco Itau Chiles peers have higher revenue and earnings than Banco Itau Chile. Banco Itau Chile is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Banco Itau Chile and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Banco Itau Chile 0 0 0 0 N/A Banco Itau Chile Competitors 634 2242 2273 60 2.34

As a group, Commercial banks, not elsewhere classified companies have a potential upside of 78.93%. Given Banco Itau Chiles peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Banco Itau Chile has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Profitability

This table compares Banco Itau Chile and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Banco Itau Chile 11.23% 13.12% 1.06% Banco Itau Chile Competitors 18.64% 12.05% 0.99%

Risk and Volatility

Banco Itau Chile has a beta of 0.98, suggesting that its stock price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Banco Itau Chiles peers have a beta of 0.96, suggesting that their average stock price is 4% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Banco Itau Chile peers beat Banco Itau Chile on 8 of the 12 factors compared.

Banco Itau Chile Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Banco Itau Chile engages in the provision of banking and financial services. It specializes in banking products such as financing, leasing, loans, insurance and credit cards. It operates through the following geographical segments: Chile and Colombia. The Chile segment consists of commercial and corporate banking, real estate and construction, large companies, retail banking, personal banking, small business, retail companies, Banco Condell consumer banking, international and treasury and other financial services. The Colombia segment offers commercial and retail banking and treasury and international business operations. The company was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Las Condes, Chile.

Receive News & Ratings for Banco Itau Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Itau Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Seeyond grew its holdings in Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW  Get Rating) by 182.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 75,196 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 48,607 shares during the period. Seeyonds holdings in Medical Properties Trust were worth $838,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 0.6% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 87,449,640 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,037,153,000 after buying an additional 550,802 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 11.7% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 36,158,910 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $774,593,000 after acquiring an additional 3,800,294 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 13.2% in the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 20,044,006 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $223,290,000 after purchasing an additional 2,330,812 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 24.5% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 17,071,940 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $202,473,000 after purchasing an additional 3,355,195 shares during the period. Finally, Centersquare Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Medical Properties Trust by 11.1% during the third quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 10,715,044 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $127,081,000 after purchasing an additional 1,074,541 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.31% of the companys stock.

Get Medical Properties Trust alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on Medical Properties Trust from $14.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Credit Suisse Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $11.00 target price on shares of Medical Properties Trust in a research report on Tuesday, March 7th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Medical Properties Trust from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $10.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. StockNews.com began coverage on Medical Properties Trust in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Barclays reduced their target price on Medical Properties Trust from $14.00 to $12.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $13.23.

Medical Properties Trust Stock Up 3.5 %

Medical Properties Trust Announces Dividend

Shares of MPW opened at $9.29 on Thursday. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. has a 52-week low of $7.10 and a 52-week high of $17.36. The company has a quick ratio of 2.15, a current ratio of 2.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.32. The company has a market capitalization of $5.56 billion, a PE ratio of 18.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 0.95.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.49%. Medical Properties Trusts payout ratio is 232.00%.

About Medical Properties Trust

(Get Rating)

Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a self-advised real estate investment trust, engages in the investment, acquisition, and development of net-leased healthcare facilities. Its property portfolio includes rehabilitation hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, hospitals for women and children, regional and community hospitals, medical office buildings, and other single-discipline facilities.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MPW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Medical Properties Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medical Properties Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
This photo taken on May 21, 2023 shows the entrance of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua)

Under the BRI cooperation framework, many Chinese-invested mega-projects have been carried out in Cambodia, including the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, hydropower plants, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, and Morodok Techo National Stadium.

KANDAL, Cambodia, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Wednesday that China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played a crucial role in the development of Cambodia and other member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the past decade.

"Cambodia is one of the countries that has benefited from China's Belt and Road Initiative," Hun Sen said in a speech during the groundbreaking ceremony for Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, the kingdom's second Chinese-invested expressway.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, the kingdom's second Chinese-invested expressway, in Kandal province, Cambodia on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua)

Under the BRI cooperation framework, a number of Chinese-invested mega-projects have been carried out in Cambodia, including the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, hydropower plants, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, and Morodok Techo National Stadium, he said.

"Through the BRI, Cambodia has received a great amount of grant aid, concessional loan and investment from China for infrastructure development," he said.

Staff members monitor traffic on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway at the Monitoring Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Changwei)

The Cambodian prime minister said the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, a BRI flagship project in Cambodia, has become the Southeast Asian nation's largest industrial zone, accommodating up to 175 factories so far.

Hun Sen said that the BRI has also benefited other ASEAN member states and paves the way to world peace and development, adding that the initiative has neither created enmity toward any countries, nor blocked the development of other countries.

Describing the initiative as "global public goods and a major forum for international cooperation," Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian said the BRI has deepened mutually beneficial cooperation for all participating countries including Cambodia.

"The BRI has helped more and more countries accelerate their economic development. This clearly shows that this initiative has provided a broad path to boost common development of all countries," he said in a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony.

This aerial photo taken on June 5, 2023 shows the construction site of Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, the kingdom's second Chinese-invested expressway, in Kandal province, Cambodia. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua)

Neak Chandarith, director of the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center, said BRI projects will continue to help Cambodia and other countries quicken their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I believe that the BRI projects here will support Cambodia to achieve its ambitious goals of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country in 2050," he told Xinhua.

Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said the BRI has complemented the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, and the initiative has provided great benefits to Cambodia, ASEAN and the rest of the world.

"The BRI has become a driving force to continue expanding cooperation among countries in the region and the world at large for the cause of common peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development," he told Xinhua.

Other ASEAN member states, such as Laos, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, have also reaped significant benefits from the BRI, he said.

Matthews said the China-Laos Railway project, which links Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, to the Lao capital Vientiane, is a great boon not only for the two countries, but also for other ASEAN member states.

The first cross-border passenger train departing from the Lao capital Vientiane to Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, runs on the Ganlanba bridge of the China-Laos railway in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, April 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

The BRI, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

According to official statistics, 151 countries and 32 international organizations have signed documents under the BRI framework as of January 6, 2023. 
The Fijian ambassador to China said he is impressed by Guizhou's rapid development and local people's happy life after visiting the mountainous province in SW China.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
BEIRUT, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon on Wednesday made a key legislative move toward the creation of a sovereign wealth fund fed by the country's future offshore oil revenues, the National News Agency reported.

The Lebanese parliament's Finance and Budget Committee passed Wednesday a bill on setting up the fund concerning the oil and gas revenue, in the event the exploration turns out to be profitable.

The bill now awaited the parliament to convene for its enactment.

Under the bill, 80 percent of the sovereign fund's revenues would be placed in savings and investment portfolios according to standards determined by an independent board of directors that employs these funds outside Lebanon, the committee head Ibrahim Kanaan said.

The other 20 percent would be allocated for developing sustainable and investment projects domestically, he added.

"The law is subject to standards of transparency, accountability, and monitoring, and we have adopted the model approved by the International Monetary Fund and globally by sovereign funds similar to this fund," Kanaan said.

Lebanon currently has no offshore oil and gas revenues, but a U.S.-brokered maritime border demarcation deal between Lebanon and Israel, which was finalized last October, brought both countries closer to oil and gas exploration in their waters after years of negotiations.

In late January, Qatar signed an agreement with Lebanon to join the consortium of France's TotalEnergies and Italy's ENI for oil and gas exploration in blocks 4 and 9 in the Lebanese territorial waters.

Earlier this year, TotalEnergies said excavation in Block 9 will begin in September this year.

Lebanon needs revenues from the oil and gas sector as the country reels under an unprecedented financial crisis. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus national security adviser visited Rabat on Wednesday as his government mulls a possible announcement of recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over disputed Western Sahara, officials said.

Morocco considers Western Sahara its own, but the Algeria-backed Polisario front demands an independent state there. In 2020, then-U.S. President Donald Trump recognised Moroccos rule over the territory in return for its partial upgrade of relations with Israel.

A diplomatic source told Reuters such a move by Israel could lead to a full upgrade of bilateral ties, with the countries respective missions, currently designated as liaison offices, becoming economic embassies, and a free-trade pact possible down the line.

Israels foreign ministry declined comment on the issue. But a source in Netanyahus cabinet acknowledged it was being discussed within the countrys National Security Council (NSC).

The NSCs head, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, met Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita on Wednesday, Moroccos foreign ministry said without offering further details.

A statement by Netanyahus office said the officials discussed strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the areas of statecraft and security.

The head of Israels diplomatic mission in Rabat said on Tuesday that the Israeli and Moroccan foreign ministries were discussing Western Sahara and the final decision will be a decision made by both our ministers.

Winning support for its stand on Western Sahara is the ultimate goal of Moroccan diplomacy, which has been emboldened by Trumps recognition and the ensuing support of Western powers, such as former occupier Spain, for its autonomy plan.

NEGEV FORUM

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Wednesday that he and counterparts from Abraham Accords countries would convene in Morocco within weeks.

Speaking on Israels Kan radio, he did not provide a date or venue for the so-called Negev Forum after the Israeli desert where it first convened last year.

At that meeting, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said: I hope we will meet very soon in a different desert but with the same spirit.

Moroccan media reported a possible plan to reconvene in the Western Sahara town of Dakhla. Rabat has yet to provide details on the location or timing of the event.

Holding it in coastal Dakhla could pose a challenge for Washington, which has never followed through on Trumps pledge to open a U.S. consulate in Western Sahara.

Twenty-eight other countries have done so, in Dakhla or the city of Laayoune, in what Morocco sees as tangible support for its Western Saharan rule. Those countries include United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, both Abraham Accords signatories. Other Gulf countries fully back Moroccos sovereignty claim.

SOURCE: REUTERS
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The income of China's basic medical insurance fund reached 1.14 trillion yuan (about 160 billion U.S. dollars) in the first four months of this year, up 8.1 percent year on year, according to data released by the National Healthcare Security Administration on Wednesday.

The income of basic medical insurance covering employees, self-employed people, and retirees exceeded 743.5 billion yuan in the first four months, 13.6 percent more than the figure from the same period last year.

Basic medical insurance covering other residents, including juveniles, college students, and seniors, had a total income of about 396.8 billion yuan during the period, decreasing by 0.9 percent year on year, the data showed.

The basic medical insurance expenditure increased by 23.1 percent year on year to about 795.3 billion yuan in the first four months. 
[June 08, 2023] Activate Welcomes a Record 46 New Activate Fellows Whose Innovations Can Decarbonize Industries and Build a Cleaner, Safer Society

Activate, a nonprofit that helps scientists and engineers bring their innovations to market, is proud to introduce Cohort 2023 of Activate Fellows. These 46 science entrepreneurs are turning their breakthroughs into businesses that could help industries-including manufacturing, energy, chemicals, computing, and agriculture-meet decarbonization and resiliency goals. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005171/en/ Activate Fellows, Cohort 2023 (Photo: Business Wire) Activate welcomes the largest cohort in its almost ten-year history after receiving a record number of applications: 832 individuals across 674 science fellowships. "The Activate Fellows in Cohort 2023 represent our largest cohort so far," says Activate's interim CEO, Todd Johnson. "When we look at the breadth and scope of these brilliant scientific minds, engaging to find solutions in energy, sustainability, chemistry, computing, and more, we can't help but be encouraged and optimistic about the future. And our announcement to launch Activate Houston this year continues our momentum toward helping scientists commercialize their people-positive and planet-positive science while increasing our capacity to support top science innovators in the energy transition capital of the United States." Founded in 2015, the two-year Activate Fellowship clears the path for promising entrepreneurial scientists to move their breakthrough technologies from ideas to scalable solutios. Activate places equal importance on the development of minds as it does on the development of products, with the goal of cultivating the high-impact scientist entrepreneurs America urgently needs and allowing them to think about global challenges in new and innovative ways. Activate provides a living stipend to fellows to enable them to participate.



"I'm proud of the breadth, depth, and diversity represented in this new cohort, which includes 37 percent women and 43 percent founders of color," says Aimee Rose, Activate's executive managing director. "In welcoming our largest cohort ever, I continue to be amazed at the number and quality of talented, accomplished scientists with world-changing technologies that Activate attracts. With these emerging leaders heading the charge, I am filled with optimism for the future of the climate and our country." Cohort 2023 joins a community of Activate Fellows who have raised nearly $1.3B in follow-on funding from leading public and private sources-a nearly 25X leverage for every dollar spent supporting a fellow.

Our dedicated, forward-thinking network of sponsors and partners makes the fellowship possible through direct funding and donations of time, equipment, and services. In addition to generous philanthropic partners, we are supported by the National Science Foundation; the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, including the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office, the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office, and the Buildings Technologies Office; the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; the California Energy Commission; the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Without these collaborations, Activate could not provide fellows such comprehensive financial, community, technical, and career support. ABOUT ACTIVATE: Founded in 2015, Activate empowers scientists to reinvent the world by launching startups to address climate change and other global challenges. Working between government, philanthropy, universities, and the private sector, Activate transforms scientists into high-impact entrepreneurs through the Activate Fellowship, a two-year immersive experience that equips science entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, infrastructure, and funding they need to quickly and effectively bring their groundbreaking research to market. Activate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and does not charge any fee nor equity for fellows to participate. Activate's entrepreneurial fellowship model originated at Cyclotron Road, the first DOE Lab Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) started at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the founding Activate partner. Activate supports fellows in communities across the U.S.: Activate Berkeley, Activate Boston, Activate New York, Activate Houston, and Activate Anywhere. Learn more at Activate.org. NOTES FOR EDITORS: For more information about Activate and details about how to apply for the fellowship, visit Activate.org

For media requests, contact: Chris Thomas, Activate VP, Engagement and Strategic Communications, [email protected]

For occasional updates about Activate, sign up for our newsletter View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005171/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Dowsure and Choco Up team up to provide flexible financing and growth solutions to e-commerce brands in Asia

SHENZHEN, China, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dowsure, a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) for cross-border e-commerce finance, and Choco Up, a revenue-based financing (RBF) and growth solutions platform, are partnering up to supercharge Asia's fastest growing direct-to-consumer brands. As a strategic partner of Amazon, Meta, eBay, and Shopee, Dowsure has a strong e-commerce ecosystem in China, while Choco Up specializes in providing innovative funding solution to e-commerce brands. By combining forces, Dowsure and Choco Up are able to help brands and resellers to grow within the e-commerce network. Keeping up with a trillion-dollar market With the cross-border e-commerce market projected to reach 7.9 trillion US dollars by 2030, many e-commerce sellers are looking for fast, flexible, and founder-friendly access to capital to grow their businesses sustainably. E-commerce sellers are not compensated immediately upon fulfilment of orders. Platforms may take up to 90 days to repay sellers their full receivable revenue. Such delay pressures cash flow and limits their capacity to reinvest capital into inventing new products, purchasing inventory, scaling marketing, and expanding into new markets. Modern financing for modern e-commerce businesses Building upon a series of successful partnerships, Dowsure has established a strong network of more than 10 financial institutions. It has also partnered with platforms, like Meta, that can offer loan services to SME advertisers. However, Dowsure created XFCloud that assist traditional banks and financial institutions in assessing credit granting for the cross-border e-commerce industry. Through XFCloud, Dowsure empowers financial institutions to help them explore more business. As part of this ongoing commitment to empowering e-commerce brands, Dowsure is delighted to introduce Choco Up's revenue-based financing as a valuable addition to its roter of offerings. This innovative funding solution is set to revolutionize the landscape of marketing efforts, providing an accelerated pathway for e-commerce brands looking to scale up their operations.



Choco Up has also partnered with companies such as Stripe and Airwallex, offering integrated payment and finance solution to e-commerce brands across Asia to accelerate business growth. Choco Up's revenue-based financing solution has powerful data integration with various e-commerce platforms. This allows Choco Up to speed up underwriting, automate repayment, and provide fast capital so sellers can take advantage of fast-changing markets and demand. "This partnership brings the best of Dowsure's XFCloud and Choco Up's revenue-based financing to the e-commerce world," shares Ryan Liu, Head of Global Partnership of Dowsure, "With Dowsure patented XF technology. Together we offer independent site sellers financing products to finance their future."

"We're excited to join forces with Dowsure to offer revenue-based financing and growth solutions for e-commerce brands," adds Brian Tsang, Co-founder and COO of Choco Up, "This partnership allows us to support sellers who are looking to expand their business internationally, supercharged by growth capital that's fast, easy, and founder-friendly." As the e-commerce industry continues to thrive and evolve, Dowsure remains committed to championing the aspirations of online merchants by offering them tailored financial solutions. By facilitating access to funding, Dowsure empowers e-commerce brands to achieve their goals, seize new opportunities, and solidify their position within the competitive digital landscape. About Choco Up Choco Up is a global technology and financial services platform that offers revenue-based financing and growth solutions for e-commerce brands. With data analytics and machine learning at its core, Choco Up employs vast integrations to automate fund deployment, providing fast-growing companies with zero-equity funding in a quick and seamless manner. Choco Up has offices in Singapore and Hong Kong and serves e-commerce businesses worldwide, providing smart-growth analytics and global payment solutions to fuel their growth. Learn more at choco-up.com. About Dowsure As the pioneer of digital API platforms for cross-border e-commerce, Dowsure has addressed the difficulty of banks and other financial institutions to obtain store valuation and effectively reduce the NPL risk through its proprietary technology. It has already assisted sellers to raise over 2.5 billion RMB, achieved GMV over 10 billion and cooperated with 10+ financial institutions. Dowsure has invested millions in researching and developing to facilitate financial platforms for the E-commerce supply chain, developing strong partnerships with major industry players such as Amazon, eBay, Shopee and Meta. Learn more at dowsure.com For further information or media inquiries, please contact: For Choco Up: Niki Torres, [email protected]

For Dowsure: Ashow Zow, [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/dowsure-and-choco-up-team-up-to-provide-flexible-financing-and-growth-solutions-to-e-commerce-brands-in-asia-301845863.html SOURCE Dowsure Technology Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] EMRIS Pharma, the Recent Spin-off of Hadasit and Yissum, Launches the Development of a New Innovative topical drug for the Treatment of Skin Toxicities, Improving Treatment and Quality of Life for Cancer Patients

A novel approach to treating skin toxicities caused by EGFRi, based on a decade of research by leading Israeli cancer researchers JERUSALEM, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hadasit, and Yissum, has spun off EMRIS Pharma in collaboration with NGT Healthcare2 VC . EMRIS Pharma is pioneering novel small molecule-based topical compounds that can improve both quality of life and treatment compliance for cancer patients. Based on over ten years of research collaboration by the founders, Dr. Sharon Merims, a senior dermatologist specializing in dermato-oncology at the Hadassah Medical Center, and Professor Ofra Benny from the Institute for Drug Research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and with the support of NGT Healthcare2 VC , the company's first product aims to treat the skin toxicities caused by EGFRi (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor inhibitors). Many of the molecularly targeted agents used in current cancer treatments, particularly those interfering with signal transduction EGFRi and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are associated with papulopustular skin rash. This rash is observed in ~90% of patients receiving EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies, and often impacts the patient's quality of life, and the ability to continue the cancer treatment. Dr. Merims will serve as EMRIS Pharma's Chief Scientific Officer, and Professor Benny as the company's Chief Technology Officer. Emris ,founded by NGT Healthcare2 VC , licensed the technology from Hadasit, the Technology Transfer Company of Hadassah Medical Organization and Yissum, the Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. License terms include various payments such as license fees, milestones payments and royalties. "Current strategies for treating skin toxicities caused by EGFR inhibitors are of limited benefit and there is an urgent need for novel and potent treatment for these skin toxicities," said Dr. Sharon Merims. " Our novel proactive strategy for the management of EGFR therapy-mdiated skin rash may help to maximize the benefit for oncology patients by minimizing the negative effects on quality of life, maintaining an optimal monoclonal antibody dose and thus leading to a better response to the anti-cancer treatment".



"The lead compound developed by EMRIS Pharma has been initially successful in blocking EGFRi monoclonal antibodies from binding to EGFR both in vitro and ex vivo," said Professor Ofra Benny "The delivery system for this treatment is also unique in that it is a slow-release system that penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis where EGFR is most dense." "As a venture capital firm focused on healthcare innovation, we are excited to partner with EMRIS Pharma on their groundbreaking cancer treatment product. Their novel approach to managing skin toxicities caused by EGFR inhibitors has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients and increase treatment compliance. We believe that EMRIS Pharma's innovative research and development will lead to a brighter future for cancer patients, and we look forward to supporting their mission." - Zohar Gendler, Managing Partner &CEO, NGT Healthcare2

About The Hadassah Medical Center

The Hadassah Medical Center was established in 1912 and is a world-class facility. For more than a century, Hadassah has set the standard of excellence for medical care and research in Israel. Every year, Hadassah provides nearly one million people with hospital services, and in keeping with worldwide trends, the Hadassah University Medical Center in Israel is moving toward day care and day hospitalization to reduce costs and risk of infection. Our doctors and scientists are on the frontlines, uniquely positioned to pinpoint ever-evolving medical needs. Their experience and ingenuity have yielded new ideas with huge potential in all areas of medicine, including therapeutics, diagnostic medical devices, and digital health. For more information about Hadassah, please visit-https://www.hadassah.org.il/en/ About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's leading academic and research institution. Serving 24,000 students from 80 countries, it produces a third of Israel's civilian research and is ranked 12th worldwide in biotechnology patent filings and commercial development. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en. About Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development

Hadasit is the technology transfer company and innovation engine of Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Hadasit transforms the cutting-edge research coming out of Hadassah into marketable medical technologies, that can change the world and better humanity. With more than 260 active patent families, which have yielded numerous medical and commercial breakthroughs, Hadasit established companies, licenses technologies, and collaborates with leading international companies and research facilities around the world. To date, Hadasit had spun off over 65 companies, including the publicly traded Hadasit Bio-Holdings (TASE: HDST) in which Hadasit is a major shareholder. Yissum is the technology transfer company of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Founded in 1964, it serves as a bridge between cutting-edge academic research and a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry. Yissum's mission is to benefit society by converting extraordinary innovations and transformational technologies into commercial solutions that address our most urgent global challenges. Yissum has registered over 11,000 patents globally; licensed over 1,140 technologies and has spun out more than 200 companies. Yissum's business partners span the globe and include companies such as Boston Scientific, ICL, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis and many more. Additional information about EMRIS Pharma: [email protected]. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2096937/Hadasit_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emris-pharma-the-recent-spin-off-of-hadasit-and-yissum-launches-the-development-of-a-new-innovative-topical-drug-for-the-treatment-of-skin-toxicities-improving-treatment-and-quality-of-life-for-cancer-patients-301846387.html SOURCE Hadasit

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 07, 2023] AlayaCare Founder and CEO Adrian Schauer Named 2023 Digital Health Executive of the Year

Digital Health Canada announced this year's winnersrecognizing Adrian Schauer for his visionary commitment to revolutionizing home-based care TORONTO, June 7, 2023 /CNW/ - AlayaCare, an end-to-end platform for home-based care, today announced its founder and CEO, Adrian Schauer, was selected as one of the Top Digital Health Executives for 2023. Digital Health Canada annually offers awards in six categories. The Digital Health Executive award is peer reviewed and recognizes three individual executives whose outstanding contributions in 2022 have helped advance digital health or virtual health in Canada in both the public and private sectors. Since launching AlayaCare in 2014, Adrian Schauer recognized the need to move care into the home as hospitals faced staffing shortages and overcrowding, which later intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schauer wanted to transform how Canadian home care operated to better meet the growing needs of an aging Canadian population. Today, AlayaCare is working with provincial health authorities across Canada and with private homecare agencies providing secure data collection, intake and assessments, health monitoring, analytics, and optimized visit scheduling and routing for caregivers via its mobile application.



"I am honored to be recognized by Digital Health Canada as a Digital Health Executive for 2023," said Adrian Schauer, Founder and CEO of AlayaCare. "This award validates and reinforces our mission and commitment to transforming home-based care, helping more Canadians receive care in the place they call home. We create better technology for better outcomes," added Schauer. Through Schauer's vision, AlayaCare continues to innovate with the AlayaLabs group, a dedicated research and development team that applies data intelligence, AI, and advanced algorithms to further optimize and positively impact the way care is delivered for better outcomes. AlayaCare is committed to helping all homecare entities modernize their end-to-end operations to make assessments, intake, data insights, scheduling, and visit and route optimization an easy-to-use automated system.

To learn more about AlayaCare and view a demo of the AlayaCare Cloud platform, visit: https://alayacare.com/. About AlayaCare AlayaCare is an end-to-end software platform for public, private, non-profit and community home-based care organizations that manages the entire client lifecycle, including needs assessments, care plans, scheduling, visit and route optimization, and visit verification. Founded in 2014 with over 680 employees, AlayaCare combines traditional in-home and virtual care solutions that enable care providers to lower the cost of care and achieve better outcomes for their clients. For more information, visit: AlayaCare.com. SOURCE AlayaCare

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Christian Ritscher (Front), head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State (UNITAD), speaks at a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 7, 2023. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Christian Ritscher, head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State, said such a domestic legal framework can be considered the main challenge that needs to be addressed to yield the desired results in Iraq.

UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The head of a UN investigative team on crimes committed by the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq on Wednesday called for the adoption of an appropriate domestic legal framework in Iraq that allows for trials to happen.

Christian Ritscher, head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State (UNITAD), said such a domestic legal framework can be considered the main challenge that needs to be addressed to yield the desired results in Iraq.

His team remains committed to supporting the Iraq-led process for the implementation of a legal framework that enables the prosecution of IS criminal acts as international crimes -- war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide -- before national courts, Ritscher told the UN Security Council in a briefing.

The establishment of a joint working group in March 2023 with the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law, the Iraqi State Council and senior members of the judiciary, as well as key parliamentarians, is an important step forward in this regard, he noted.

UNITAD remains at the disposal of the Iraqi authorities to provide technical support, leverage international expertise and share best practices, said Ritscher.

The other two elements for the success of UNITAD's work are competent courts and admissible and reliable evidence, he said.

The issue of competent courts is the easiest of the three. UNITAD already works closely with competent investigative judges in Iraq, and is enhancing their capacities and ensuring that Iraqi courts are ready to hold IS perpetrators accountable for their international crimes, he said.

On admissible and reliable evidence, Ritscher said there is no shortage of evidence on IS crimes in Iraq, and the main challenge is: what should be done with this evidence; how can the significant volumes of documents and the sheer amount of information be dealt with; and most importantly, how should the integral chain of custody for such evidence be maintained.

"What we aim to do is to ensure that this evidence is admissible before any competent court, whether in Iraq or in other states where prosecutions of IS members for international crimes are taking place," he said.

UNITAD is assisting the Iraqi judiciary to organize and access considerable volumes of IS records and battlefield evidence notably via a mega digitization project. Led by UNITAD, digitization operations have been launched at five courts in Iraq and two further courts will follow in the coming months. Some 8 million pages of IS documents from the holdings of the Iraqi authorities, including Kurdish authorities, have been digitized so far, he said.

As a next step, UNITAD is establishing a central archive that will be the unified repository of all digitized evidence against the IS, he said.

As a perspective for the future, this central repository will play a key role in supporting prosecutions of IS perpetrators for their international crimes in Iraq, and it could be a milestone in founding a comprehensive e-justice system in Iraq, according to Ritscher.

"ISIL's criminality constitutes some of the most gruesome acts we have seen in recent history. Individuals responsible for such acts must be identified, tried and convicted for their crimes," he said, using another acronym for the IS terrorist group. 
[June 07, 2023] Visa study finds younger generation more susceptible to fall prey to scam language

"Free gift" or scam? Learn to spot the language that fraudsters use. SINGAPORE, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital scams are everywhere in our daily lives. Whether at home, the workplace or on the go, we're inundated by phone, text and email with offers for "free gifts" and traps to "act now" to supply personal information before a vital service gets cut off. And this deluge of fraud messaging is working. A new research report out today from Visa and YouGov, "The Language of Fraud," brings to light that when it comes to spotting scams, cybercriminals are finding vulnerabilities among even the most tech-savvy consumers. While nearly half of the population in Asia Pacific are confident they can recognise a scam, 40 percent are likely to miss the requisite red flags in digital communications. From your bank asking you to change your login details, to an email alerting you that you've won products from your favorite store, or even text messages about a job offer at a top-tier company offering a large salary, scammers are using more and more sophisticated tactics to steal our confidential information and our money. Over a period of 12 months ending November 2022, Visa blocked USD7.2 billion worth of attempted fraudulent payments across 122 million transactions globally, stopping fraudsters in their tracks. "Understanding the language of fraud is increasingly essential in our digital-first world. Today it's not nearly so obvious you're dealing with a criminal, and that applies to the language they use in their communications  no one is immune," said Joe Cunningham, Regional Risk Officer, Visa, Asia Pacific. "Education around the language of scams is an integral part of our consumer protection. By highlighting the communicative strategies, words and phrases used by fraudsters, we hope people are able spot the language of fraud as it stands today, which ultimately helps to protect them and the whole region." Exploring the language of fraud: A disconnect between awareness and action Falling victim to cyber fraud is costly. In Asia Pacific, an estimated one in four consumers are online fraud victims[1] and in Singapore alone SGD660.7 million was lost to fraud in 2022 bringing a total of almost SGD1.3 billion lost to fraud in the past two years.[2] According to Visa's new report, which surveyed 15,339 adults across 14 markets in Asia Pacific, scammers appear to be thriving in the gap between consumers' awareness of the language of fraud and their actual behaviour. Among top findings: Confidence is deceiving. Consumers in India and the Philippines feel the most confident of their knowledge of scams, with 63 percent and 56 percent respectively stating that they are "very knowledgeable", as compared to Japan with only 14 percent of consumers indicating the same. However, the findings show that consumers in India and the Philippines more than three times more likely than consumers in Japan to have been a victim of scam.

Consumers in and feel the most confident of their knowledge of scams, with 63 percent and 56 percent respectively stating that they are "very knowledgeable", as compared to with only 14 percent of consumers indicating the same. However, the findings show that consumers in and more than three times more likely than consumers in to have been a victim of scam. Age and awareness. While more than 50 percent of consumers in Asia Pacific assume older adults (aged 35  55+) are more likely to fall victim to online scams than younger adults (aged 18  34), and more younger adults than older adults considered themselves extremely or very knowledgeable about scams, the data suggests quite the opposite: Younger adults are 1.3 times more likely than older adults to have fallen for a scam.

While more than 50 percent of consumers in assume older adults (aged 35  55+) are more likely to fall victim to online scams than younger adults (aged 18  34), and more younger adults than older adults considered themselves extremely or very knowledgeable about scams, the data suggests quite the opposite: adults are 1.3 times more likely than older adults to have fallen for a scam. Suspicious communication. Across Asia Pacific , requests to reset passwords are the top form of communication that people are suspicious of (41%). Notifications of a reward/coupon or gift comes in second (22%). This varies by geography - New Zealand (50%), Japan (50%), and Hong Kong (49%) rank highest in suspicion for password reset requests. India , Vietnam and Indonesia rank the lowest. As compared to other types of communications, Indonesia (32%) and Taiwan (29%) are most suspicious of rewards, coupons, and gift cards, while Japan and Korea are least suspicious. The most enticing clickbait messages that consumers in Asia Pacific would most likely respond to capitalises on consumer excitement, and fraudulently touts "Free Gift," "exclusive deals" or "Giveaway", the survey found. Take a few extra moments to decipher the language of fraud Consumers can better protect themselves by taking a few extra moments before clicking, including taking time to understand the way fraudsters use language. Among simple, but effective best practices: Keep personal information to yourself. Don't click on links before verifying they'll take you where they say they will. Turn on purchase alerts, which provide near real-time notification by text message or email of purchases made with your account. Call the number on corporate websites or the back of your credit and debit cards if you are unsure if a communication is valid  don't just call the number possibly provided by the scammer in their text or email. Protection is Visa's top priority While cybercrime persists in an increasingly digital world, Visa is mission-driven to protect consumers and mitigate fraud. Over the past five years, the company has invested more than USD10 billion in technology, including to reduce fraud and increase network security. More than a thousand dedicated specialists protect Visa's network from malware, zero-day attacks and insider threats 24x7x365. About Visa Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world's leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company's relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit About Visa, visa.com/blog and @VisaNews. CONTACT: Hilary Chee, [email protected]







[1] One in four consumers are online fraud victims in the Asia Pacific, Techwire Asia, June 2022 [2] Scam victims in Singapore lost $660.07m in 2022 more than half were young adults, The Straits Times, Feb 2023

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/visa-study-finds-younger-generation-more-susceptible-to-fall-prey-to-scam-language-301845199.html SOURCE Visa Worldwide Pte. Ltd

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 07, 2023] Frost and Sullivan Institute unveils the 2023 Enlightened Growth Leadership Awards to Celebrate Companies Driving Transformation

SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 7, 2023 /CNW/ -- The Enlightened Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition, 2023 for Emerging Companies* honors emerging companies at the forefront of driving transformation and creating a better world. This award is dedicated to recognizing companies that are revolutionizing industries and making a profound difference through their transformative products and services. "The winners represent a diverse range of industries and geographies, but they all share a deep commitment towards innovating global challenges to zero and leveraging technology and innovation to make a difference through their products and services. This award recognizes the exceptional efforts of emerging companies that are tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges such as improving access to quality healthcare, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing cybersecurity," said Prerna Mohan, Director, Frost & Sullivan Institute. Through an 8-step methodology and thought leadership, it identifies companies that are driving transformation towards a better future. Our global think tank reviews all perspectives on where and how these companies have improved the planet's future. The Enlightened Growth Leadership Awards for Emerging companies serves as a testament to the collective efforts of these visionary companies and their eceptional contributions in addressing challenges such as access to education, inclusion, carbon emissions reduction, better infrastructure, and cybersecurity.



Frost & Sullivan Institute congratulates all recipients of the Enlightened Growth Leadership Awards for Emerging Companies. We will recognize and celebrate the 2023 emerging company award winners at our Virtual Awards Banquet later this year. *For the purpose of this award, we define Emerging Companies as companies that are 3-5 years in the market and have products/services focused on innovating global challenges to zero.

Recipients: Nevel OLA Electric Ommej Partnership Support Group Rightway Healthcare Solum PV Tavotek Biotherapeutics TIER Energy Network TotalEnergies Corbion Trinity3 Technology Ventient Energy Vera Wifly (Wifly mobility) Wiz Xingxing Mobility Zeno Power About Frost & Sullivan Institute The Frost & Sullivan Institute (FSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing business practices to address global priorities. The genesis of the institute goes back to the vision of either creating, or becoming part of, a solution that addresses threats to humanity. The Institute has identified strategic imperatives for transformation and believes that we can truly accelerate innovation to zero. To learn more about FSI, visit www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Media Contact:

Bivechana Gautam

Email: [email protected] Related Links

www.frost.com

www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frost-and-sullivan-institute-unveils-the-2023-enlightened-growth-leadership-awards-to-celebrate-companies-driving-transformation-301845718.html SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Continued strong Cresemba (isavuconazole) sales by Pfizer trigger USD 26 million sales milestone payments to Basilea

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Allschwil, Switzerland, June 08, 2023 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections, reported today that sales of the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) by its license partner Pfizer in Europe and the Asia Pacific and China regions, respectively, exceeded thresholds that triggered two separate milestone payments totaling USD 26.25 million to Basilea. David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer of Basilea, said: These sales milestone events confirm that Cresemba continues to serve a medical need in patients suffering from life-threatening invasive mold infections in many countries across the globe. Based on the license agreement between Basilea and Pfizer, Basilea is entitled to receive milestone payments upon Pfizers cumulative Cresemba sales exceeding certain thresholds, in Europe (excluding the Nordic countries), as well as in China and sixteen countries in the Asia Pacific region. Under the terms of the agreement, Basilea remains eligible for milestone payments of up to approximately CHF 515 million, in addition to receiving mid-teen royalties on net sales. Cresemba has been approved in 73 countries to date and is currently marketed in 67 countries, including the United States, most EU member states and additional countries inside and outside of Europe. In 2022, total global in-market sales of Cresemba amounted to USD 373 million, a 15 percent growth year-on-year.1 About isavuconazole (Cresemba) Isavuconazole is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal, commercialized under the trade name Cresemba. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for isavuconazole covering approximately 115 countries. In the 27 European Union member states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the U.K., isavuconazole is approved for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and for adult patients with mucormycosis for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.2 Isavuconazole is also approved in the United States and several additionalcountries in Europe and beyond, including Japan and China.3 It has orphan drug designation in the US, Europe and Australia for its approved indications.



About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil

Hegenheimermattweg 167b

4123 Allschwil

Switzerland Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail [email protected]

[email protected] This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References IQVIA Analytics Link, December 2022. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in US dollars. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) Cresemba: http://www.ema.europa.eu [Accessed: June 07, 2023] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country. Press release (PDF)



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] NTUC LearningHub and Professional Convention Management Association Partner to Introduce New Training Programmes to Uplift Singapore's MICE Sector

Under the two-year partnership, event professionals in Singapore can expect a range of internationally recognised training programmes for event professionals, contextualised to suit the needs of Singapore's MICE industry

Two new courses will be introduced to kickstart the partnership  (1) Digital Event Strategist certification course, and (2) Technical Meeting & Event Production certificate course  to support event professionals in learning best practices in local event management SINGAPORE, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB), together with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), provider of senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry, will embark on a two-year strategic partnership in Singapore commencing June 2023. The announcement was made today at the "The Future of Work: Impact of AI on the Workforce" event organised by PCMA. Under the partnership, events professionals in Singapore can look forward to a range of internationally recognised PCMA training programmes specifically contextualised for business events held in Singapore. These include courses focusing on technological enablers for events and on the future of work in the MICE sector. The collaboration combines NTUC LHUB's expertise in delivering contextualised training in Singapore with PCMA's strong portfolio of education and training courses for global business events professionals. Two New Courses to Help MICE Professionals Upskill Two new courses will be introduced to kickstart the partnership  (1) Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification course and (2) Technical Meeting & Event Production (TMEP) certificate course. The two internationally recognised professional courses are designed to support event professionals in their upskilling journey and help them acquire the latest innovative practices adopted in the business events industry globally, following the resumption and recovery of events post-pandemic. The DES certification course is developed from the insights and professional experience of international MICE industry experts and is aimed at helping event professionals move away from outdated digital event delivery models. Conducted over three days, the DES certification course will provide learners with the know-how in designing, delivering, and measuring effective and highly interactive online gatherings and applying these approaches by harnessing innovative hybrid experiences such as the metaverse in digital event production. We are also pleased to extend the TMEP certificate course, a new programme offered by PCMA as a result of the acquisition of the Event Leadership Institute in early 2023. To nhance this already robust and long-running certificate course, elements of the Hybrid Event Production course previously offered by PCMA will be incorporated. Conducted over two days, the TMEP certificate course enables learners to acquire the necessary knowledge to successfully produce an event in a cost-effective manner by understanding audio-visual and lighting elements, effective management of both in-person and remote speakers, identifying the right venue and vendors from a technical production point-of-view, and incorporating technical hybrid requirements.



Learners who have successfully completed the DES certification course will be certified by PCMA as a Digital Event Strategist for two years. Recertification requires ten hours of continuing education to maintain their certification. Learners can choose to complete the TMEP certificate course to meet the DES recertification requirements. Internationally Recognised Courses Contextualised for Singapore's Market

To suit the needs of the MICE industry in Singapore, the curriculums of the two courses are contextualised, thereby allowing learners to readily apply key learnings directly to their work. To encourage effective training facilitation and to promote networking among event professionals, both courses will be delivered physically and will be conducted by a diverse panel of overseas and local professionals with extensive experience in cross-region business events. Local experts will be involved in the course customisation to ensure delivery of the curriculum is supported with relevant case studies and examples. The pilot run for both courses will take place in August 2023, starting with an intake of 20 learners for each course. NTUC LHUB will be the programme manager for the courses in Singapore, while the internationally recognised certifications will be issued by PCMA. Ms Florence Chua, PCMA Asia Pacific Managing Director, said, "Digital and hybrid event formats are now widely accepted as mainstay of business events. The event industry landscape is seeing a greater shift towards the use of technology, which presents challenges for event professionals to keep pace with technological changes, as well as opportunities for the MICE industry to enhance the event experience and outcomes. To meet this demand, we are pleased to partner with NTUC LearningHub to bring the Digital Event Strategist certification and the Technical Meeting & Event Production certificate courses to Singapore. Through the two internationally recognised courses that are contextualised for the local market, we aim to empower event professionals to acquire the best industry practices and contribute to the transformation of the events experience." Mr Jeremy Ong, CEO of NTUC LearningHub, said, "The partnership with PCMA signifies our commitment to collaborate with world-class partners to offer high-quality skills training for workers in Singapore. The program will help event professionals build upon their experience through acquiring best practices adopted by other professionals around the world, and most importantly, all learnings can effectively stack up to attain industry-recognised and job-ready qualifications. Not only will the partnership benefit Singapore as a global destination for MICE events, the collaboration with a globally recognised partner can also enhance the career prospects and employability of workers." About NTUC LearningHub NTUC LearningHub is the leading Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore which aims to transform the lifelong employability of working people. Since our corporatisation in 2004, we have been working with employers and individual learners to provide learning solutions in areas such as Cloud, Infocomm Technology, Healthcare, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources and Foreign Worker Training. To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 26,000 organisations and achieved more than 2.6 million training places across more than 2,900 courses with a pool of about 900 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships to offer a wide range of relevant end-to-end training. Besides in-person training, we also offer instructor-led virtual live classes (VLCs) and asynchronous online learning. The NTUC LearningHub Learning eXperience Platform (LXP)  a one-stop online learning mobile application  offers timely, bite-sized and quality content for learners to upskill anytime and anywhere. Beyond learning, LXP also serves as a platform for jobs and skills development for both workers and companies. For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com. About PCMA PCMA, PCMA Foundation, and CEMA educate, inspire, and listen, creating meaningful experiences where passion, purpose, and commerce come together. We are the world's largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Our mission is to drive social and economic progress through business events. Headquartered in Chicago, IL PCMA has 17 North American Chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM, and members in 59 countries. The Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), a PCMA subsidiary, advances strategic event marketing and marketing communications for senior-level event marketers and industry professionals. Visit us at pcma.org. About PCMA Labs PCMA Labs is a sandbox for event organizers, marketers, event managers, and event strategists. Explore business events industry trends and pain points in a safe environment where you will be challenged to think out of the box, where the seemingly impossible may be possible with collective wisdom and action. Build trusted, peer-to-peer relationships and be part of a community that innovates and shapes the future of our industry. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ntuc-learninghub-and-professional-convention-management-association-partner-to-introduce-new-training-programmes-to-uplift-singapores-mice-sector-301845911.html SOURCE NTUC LearningHub

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] BetterPlace collaborates with Microsoft to empower frontline workers across Asia-Pacific

Powered by Microsoft AI, BetterPlace to design enterprise solutions for transforming frontline workforce management across the region SINGAPORE and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BetterPlace, a leading frontline workforce management SaaS company in Asia, announced a collaboration with Microsoft to transform employee experience for frontline workers across Asia-Pacific. The collaboration will build on the respective strengths of both companies and leverage the power of AI to develop industry-first solutions tailored for the frontline workforce, estimated to be approximately 340 million across Asia-Pacific. BetterPlace offers a comprehensive Human Capital SaaS platform in the frontline worker ecosystem to help enterprises reduce inefficiencies in hiring and onboarding of workers, prevent leakages by facial recognition-based attendance management, and reduce the risk of non-compliance through payroll and vendor management. The platform also fosters positive social impact by increasing frontline workers' earnings through workforce fulfillment services, digital upskilling and benefits like credit access. The collaboration will integrate the advanced HCM capabilities of BetterPlace with Microsoft's enterprise Cloud and AI platform, helping enterprises to effectively acquire, employ and upskill their frontline workforce. The integration of BetterPlace's advanced analytics platform with Microsoft 365 and Power BI platform will empower enterprises worldwide with deeper employee insights and improved lifecycle management. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft to provide transformative solutions catered towards frontline workers," said Sandeep Uberoi, Group President of BetterPlace. "Combining Microsoft's technology expertise with BetterPlace's deep understnding of the segment, we're set to reshape the frontline workforce sector, providing innovative solutions that elevate productivity and enrich employee experiences. Our collaboration will immediately impact over 30 million frontline workers across APAC, India, and the GCC, ultimately reducing attrition, increasing compliance, and pioneering groundbreaking solutions for frontline worker productivity."



Sangeeta Bavi, Executive Director, Digital Natives, Microsoft India, said, "In the new world of work, connected and energized employees are a competitive advantage for every organization. We're pleased to collaborate with BetterPlace to reimagine employee experience and empower a very critical segment of the workforce-frontline workers, with the power of AI. Co-innovating with our customers is key to how Microsoft is empowering organizations across Asia-Pacific to do more with less." The collaboration will also include the development of a mobile-first upskilling program, specifically designed for frontline workers. To address the unique challenges faced by this segment, BetterPlace and Microsoft will create innovative, accessible, and engaging upskilling content optimized for mobile devices. These career development programs will empower frontline workers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles, while offering flexibility and convenience to accommodate their work environments. By investing in the professional growth of frontline workers, the organizations aim to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic workforce across Asia Pacific.

The strategic collaboration with Microsoft reaffirms BetterPlace's commitment to empowering frontline workers in the Asia-Pacific region and marks another milestone for the company. In April 2023, BetterPlace acquired TROOPERS, a leading Malaysian flexi-talent solutions technology player, as part of its ongoing efforts to accelerate its expansion in Southeast Asia. BetterPlace also acquired Indonesia's leading blue collar workforce fulfilment platform, MyRobin, earlier this year. About BetterPlace Founded in 2015, BetterPlace is Asia's largest SaaS and frontline workforce management platform. The company has over 30 million workers on the platform and over 1,100 companies as clients. Being a full-stack solution, BetterPlace caters to the entire value chain of frontline workforce management from verification, discovery, hiring, and onboarding to upskilling, productivity management and benefits transfer. BetterPlace has also launched their B2C platform Rocket which partners with enterprises to upskill frontline workers free of cost so that more frontline workers are job ready and enterprises have access to pre-trained frontline workforce. BetterPlace has also been listed in the prestigious 'Forbes Asia 100 to Watch List' in 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.betterplace.co.in/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/betterplace-collaborates-with-microsoft-to-empower-frontline-workers-across-asia-pacific-301845927.html SOURCE BetterPlace

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Embracing Web3, SellOn Revolutionize Hyperlocal Communities and Empowers MSMEs in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SellOn , a community-focused service and online marketplace platform focusing on Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is seeking to revolutionize hyperlocal community engagement with its Web3 and Blockchain-based reward systems. Through the platform, users can share information in their community, engage in the selling and buying of products, join hands for value-added group purchases, and more. SellOn also supports messaging and games within the app while providing an avenue for businesses to advertise simultaneously. All these features come with real-life benefits. By connecting local businesses and communities with nearby consumers, SellOn can leverage its platforms' hyperlocal nature to foster further business opportunities and ensure that each specific community is well-served and linked. Unlike other social media and marketplace platforms, SellOn seeks to reward the contributions of users who create content and generate traffic that keep the community alive through its token system. Integrating Technology for the Future This transformation is possible due to the integration of Web3, leading to the gamification of he platform's processes. Users are rewarded with Sellon Points (SPT) for engaging in activities on the app, which can then be exchanged for vouchers and SELO tokens. Within the app, users can also enjoy a Web3 gaming experience, where battles take place between combatants that can be purchased as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) using SPT.



The inclusion of an in-app wallet which makes it seamless to switch from SPT to SELO Token, also adds another layer of security to put users at ease in keeping all their Web3 Assets. Since the adoption of Web3 technology for the app in December 2022, the number of users has increased substantially, with more than 300,000 active users to date. "With the nature of the economy and the obvious needs of communities in Indonesia, SellOn is well-positioned to bring people and businesses together in a whole new way. By making it easy to connect with each other and to allow businesses to do the same, the hope is to continue driving the economic growth for both users and MSMEs alike," shared John Kim, COO of SellOn.

Building on Economic Growth Without a doubt, MSMEs are a strong pillar of the Indonesian economy, with over 64.2 million MSMEs contributing 61.07%, or IDR 8.573,89 trillion, to the nation's GDP in 2021 alone . The fallout from the pandemic has made it even more pertinent for such businesses to adopt digitization, allowing the economy and the people to benefit further from sustainable development and productivity, built on a strong financial foundation. Increasing digitization can enable easier access to services and increased efficiency, in addition to the above-mentioned boosts to productivity and a general improvement of the socio-economic conditions of all communities. SellOn currently operates out of Indonesia and Singapore, and will soon expand its presence to other markets, including Thailand and Malaysia. For more information on SellOn, visit www.sellon.net, and interested users can download the app from iOS App Store or Google Play Store . About SellOn

Sellon is a hyperlocal community service and online marketplace platform that connects buyers and sellers to sell and buy secondhand or new goods. Community members can share helpful information, such as local businesses and public facilities, or host meetings with common interests. SellOn believes that bringing neighbors together can create a better social community where everyone has an environment they can trust and rely on. Unlike the existing social media and marketplace apps, by embracing Web 3, SellOn rewards users' contributions that keep the community alive through its token system. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/embracing-web3-sellon-revolutionize-hyperlocal-communities-and-empowers-msmes-in-indonesia-301845955.html SOURCE SellOn Indonesia

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] F+L Week 2023 to feature prominent Malaysian fuels and lubricants industry leaders

HONG KONG, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- F+L Week 2023, the premier industry event for the fuels and lubricants industry, is being held for the first time in Malaysia. Organized by Hong Kong-based publishing company F&L Asia Ltd., the event will be held at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and will feature several prominent executives from Malaysia. The theme of this year's conference is Fuels and Lubricants: Navigating the Energy Transition. With a legacy spanning 28 years, the annual F+L Week event provides a platform for industry professionals to network, share knowledge and explore the latest trends and innovations in the fuels and lubricants industries. Ahmad Adly Alias, Vice President Refining, Marketing & Trading, Downstream Business, PETRONAS, will open the conference on June 14 with a presentation on Industry Excellence in Fuels and Lubricants Through Partnership & Collaboration. Ravi Tallamraju, Chief Technology Officer, PETRONAS Lubricants International, will present on e-Transmission Fluid Development Challenges for EV & Hybrid Vehicle Applications. Dr. Takanori Hoshino, Executive Officer & Chief Bio Engineer at Chitose, which recently completed construction on a five-hectare (ha) microalgae production facility in Sarawak, Malaysia, will present on MicroAlgae Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Industry. The company plans to expand production to 2,000 ha, potentially yielding 140,000 dry tons of microalgal dry-biomass per year, towards the end of the decade. A potential expansion to 10 million ha is also possible in the future. "We are excited to announce the inclusion of local Malaysian experts in our program. Their deep understanding of the local Malaysian market, coupled with their extensive industry knowledge, will bring a unique perspective to the event," says Vicky Villena-Denton, CEO of F&L Asia Ltd., which is celebrating its 28th year. F+L Week 2023 commences on June 13 with a dedicated networking day and tabletop exhibition, followed by two days of technical sessions on June 14-15. By fostering collaboration between local and internatonal thought leaders, F+L Week is set to deliver an exceptional and diverse experience that will help shape the future of the industry in the region.



These local business leaders will be complemented by a high-calibre line-up of international speakers that includes Flavio Kliger, Senior Vice President, Lubrizol Corporation; Goh Koon Eng, Vice President of Commercial, Chevron Oronite; Sarah Horne, Vice President for Synthetic Base Stocks, ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company; and Dr. Z. George Zhang, Vice President, International R&D, Valvoline Global Operations. Presentations from leading OEMs including Tesla, Caterpillar, Geely, Mahindra and Toyota will ensure F+L Week 2023 is an unparalleled opportunity for learning and networking. Day two of the technical session culminates in the exquisite F&L Asia Awards Dinner, where attendees will have a special opportunity to join industry representatives to recognise the achievements of outstanding individuals and ground-breaking products  a memorable experience for all participants, highlighted by a Malaysian cultural performance.

Since 2017, F+L Week has honoured outstanding individuals and groundbreaking products with the prestigious F&L Asia Awards. The recipient of this year's F&L Asia Person of the Year Award is Goh Koon Eng. He is currently Vice President of Commercial for Chevron Oronite, based in Singapore. Goh has played a significant role in several key Oronite advancements in Asia, including establishing the company's original presence in Singapore, expanding Oronite's Singapore Manufacturing Plant through multiple large-scale projects, and establishing a manufacturing footprint in Ningbo, China. Goh's willingness to embrace new technologies and his warm and compassionate approach have earned him the respect and support of his colleagues in Asia and beyond. To find out more about F+L Week 2023, visit the conference website . For a quick glimpse of the event schedule, click here . To register, please contact [email protected] . ABOUT F+L WEEK F+L Week 2023 will be held from June 14-16 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event will be co-located with the ALIA Annual Meeting. For full details of the F+L Week 2023 event, click here . The conference theme is "Fuels and Lubricants: Navigating the Energy Transition." Governments, investors, and consumers around the world are signalling plans for a more rapid shift away from fossil fuels. While fossil fuels will continue to play a key role in the decades to come, the pattern of use will change. F+L Week will provide insight into the technical challenges and opportunities that come with the energy transition and the implications for fuels and lubricants of a more sustainable future. The F+L Week 2023 Conference & Exhibition starts on June 13, 2023, with a pre-conference networking day for customers and suppliers to connect over coffee, tea, and lunch. Participants can pre-book their appointments via F+L Connect, our networking website for F+L Week 2023. For inquiries, please contact us at [email protected] . For more information, please, visit the website: https://www.fuelsandlubes.com/fl-week/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/fl-week-2023-to-feature-prominent-malaysian-fuels-and-lubricants-industry-leaders-301845967.html SOURCE F&L Asia Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] COMPLY publishes 2023 CCO Playbook for UK-based financial firms

Annual guide outlines 2023 regulatory expectations, discusses FCA multi-year strategy and provides analyses of functional strategies to address evolving regulatory requirements LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- COMPLY, the leading provider of compliance software, services and education solutions for the financial services sector, published its 2023 UK Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) Playbook. The annual guide explores recent and anticipated regulatory compliance changes and their impact on the United Kingdom's financial services sector. The 2023 UK CCO Playbook draws insights and analyses from market trends and anticipated regulatory action to provide firms with strategic guidance as they seek to create an effective program adaptable to today's compliance demands. The Playbook also features an in-depth review of the upcoming Consumer Duty and the new requirements it will place on firms in an effort to protect both consumers and the UK market at large. "The unique and highly dynamic nature of the UK's financial regulatory environment force chief complianc officers and their teams to constantly review, revise and reconsider their comprehensive regulatory compliance efforts," said Amy Kadomatsu, COMPLY's Chief Executive Officer. "With last year's launch of the FCA's multi-year strategy, as well as the upcoming Consumer Duty deadlines, it is all the more critical for compliance teams to develop flexible programs that serve as a strategic asset to their firms."



Highlights of the 2023 UK CCO Playbook include: A comprehensive review of recent regulatory changes and the impact of the FCA's multi-year strategy announcement.

Discussion of the FCA's 2023 priorities, including reducing and preventing serious harm, setting and testing higher standards and promoting competition and positive change within the industry.

Top trends in regulatory compliance, explicitly addressing Consumer Duty requirements, cryptocurrency, market volatility and ESG.

A step-by-step process to align resources to meet the demands of the compliance landscape. In 2022, the FCA announced a three-year strategy that yielded significant methodology changes with a heightened focus on tactical outcomes. Since the announcement, the local and global markets have faced increased market pressure to comply.

"The changes the FCA put into effect in 2022 lead to significant increases in key penalties and monetary returns to consumers," continued Kadomatsu. "As stated by the FCA, over 8,000 potentially misleading adverts were removed or amended, 201 firm authorisations were cancelled, more than 1,800 warnings were issued regarding potential scam firms and 30 million were returned to consumers from unauthorised businesses last year." Kadomatsu concluded, "Compliance programs must mitigate and address the ever-evolving risks that face our industry  building a program that takes a comprehensive view of the evolving regulatory environment and utilizes a holistic solution set that will position firms for success in the face of near-constant change. COMPLY can empower the UK's CCOs and their teams to develop and deliver a strategically impactful compliance approach to sustain growth and avoid risk." Download the 2023 UK CCO Playbook to learn more about the regulations, risks and strategies shaping today's compliance landscape. About COMPLY

At COMPLY, we pride ourselves on being the champion for compliance professionals. Merging technology, consulting and education, we help clients navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment. Our portfolio of offerings includes ComplySci, RIA in a Box and National Regulatory Services (NRS), whose more than 7,000 clients include some of the world's largest financial institutions. Clients throughout our portfolio enjoy access to our full suite of industry-leading governance, risk and compliance (GRC) consulting, technology, managed services, analytics and outsourcing solutions. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1943528/Comply_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/comply-publishes-2023-cco-playbook-for-uk-based-financial-firms-301845579.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Appier partners with Hearst Taiwan to strengthen its data monetization strategy

Create highly interactive content and foster stronger brand resonance with its readers through AI TAIPEI, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hearst Taiwan boasts numerous media channels that attract over 10 million unique monthly users, solidifying its position as one of Taiwan's leading media websites with a substantial female user base. Previously, Hearst Taiwan utilized data analytics tools in its first phase to help its clients reach a wider female audience by providing them with trendy and diverse content. Today, by leveraging Appier's AI-powered enterprise solutions, Hearst Taiwan can utilize first-party data from its website and social media to create more precise user profiles and develop a keyword database. This enabled Hearst Taiwan's successful upgrade to the next phase with digital user management platform, empowering them to provide better personalized communication and content recommendations. Hearst Taiwan owns a portfolio of globally influential magazines, including the Mandarin editions of ELLE International and ELLE Accessories, Harper's BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan.com, and Women's Health. These esteemed brands provide women with a diverse range of lifestyle perspectives and inspiration. Leveraging Appier's AI engine and comprehensive 360-degree solutions like AIQUA, BotBonnie and AIXON, Hearst Taiwan has enhanced multiple brand campaigns, delivering superior performance for its clients. Furthermore, through OMO marketing activities, personalized communication, and engaging interactive gamification campaigns, Hearst Taiwan has effectively boosted user engagement and article click-through rates. This multifaceted approach has allowed numerous premium brands to maximize their high-value target audiences, resulting in improved conversions and exceptional outcomes. 1. ELLE Casino immersive theater event creates OMO integrated experience, achieving 70% retention rate along the user journey In 2022, ELLE Taiwan celebrated its 31st anniversary, and held a special immersive event called "ELLE Casino" to mark the occasion. In this event, ELLE Taiwan planned online gamification activities with a unique design to encourage participants who experienced the online activities to sign up for the offline event. The online games also attracted participants who were not able to attend the offline event in person to enjoy the immersive experience online. To maximize the impact of the event, ELLE Taiwan meticulously collected and analyzed onsite behavior to identify users with high engagement levels. Subsequently, these targeted users were reached through in-web pop-ups, guiding them toward ELLE Taiwan's Facebook Messenger, LINE, and other social channels. This captivating approach enticed users to actively participate in game challenges, including scratch cards and roulette draws. By doing so, ELLE Taiwan effectively warmed up for the physical event and garnered popularity. Furthermore, the brand created personalized messages for potential readers, along with built-in marketing tool kits and flexible reply mechanisms on conversational marketing platforms, to create more touch points for the "ELLE Casino" online campaign. This immersive online journey yielded impressive results, including a remarkable online user retention rate of over 70% and an outstanding event sign-up rate of 90%, successfully creating a cohesive experience fro online to offline.





2. 360 intelligent user profile enables personalized communication In addition, Hearst Taiwan leveraged Appier's de-identification technology powered by AI and deep learning technologies to extract key attributes and perform probabilistic matching. By using first-party data obtained from onsite users, this approach enabled the establishment of 360-degree intelligent user profiles. Compared to generic notifications, personalized notifications reduced the total message volume by 80%, while simultaneously achieving a remarkable 5.5 times higher click through rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored messages in driving user engagement. Through this approach, Hearst Taiwan gained the flexibility to adapt its communication strategy for special campaigns and festivals. For example, during the transition between seasons, Hearst Taiwan promoted an article featuring a luxury brand's latest fall/winter apparel to a selected user segment who had previously viewed fashion-related articles. By utilizing AI and insights from past engagements, Hearst Taiwan establishes meaningful connections among brand, content, and readers, thereby delivering resonant and impactful content to a wider audience. The AI-powered intelligent data augmentation platform offers a range of marketing applications by automatically generating user tags, expanding keywords, and uncovering new interests. By analyzing the existing reader base of ELLE Taiwan, marketers gained valuable insights to effectively target potential audiences, leading to business expansion and website monetization. Additionally, AI enabled the customization of diverse remarketing activities, such as EDM and SMS campaigns for existing loyal and high-value readers. This tailored approach enhanced the open rate or conversion rate of the brand's own media channels and effectively leveraged AI's predictive capabilities to understand user behavior and expand to new customer segments. 3. Diversified and interactive gamification elements to foster onsite engagement and achieve a positive cross-channel cycle Hearst Taiwan is dedicated to enhancing user interaction quality through creative copywriting and gamification tools. By incorporating a variety of interactive gamification elements, users can sustain their interest in the brand even when transitioning between social channels. The adaptable module settings also allowed Hearst Taiwan to implement out-of-the-box marketing ideas. For instance, the implementation of a conditions module enabled users to take personalized quizzes through chat conversations. Following the quiz, users were directed to the brand's website to access more articles, thereby creating multiple touchpoints with potential readers and amplifying cross-channel engagement. Developing a multifaceted user journey while effectively monetizing data "In addition to fostering meaningful reader engagement through personalized communication, Hearst Taiwan hopes to leverage Appier's expertise in AI and digital marketing to combine a variety of marketing tools to enrich users' online journey and create more touchpoints with potential users. This holistic approach also stimulates website monetization, attracting high-quality brands to collaborate with Hearst Taiwan and further strengthening the platform's local operations and growth momentum," Harry Wen, Group Senior Digital Business Development Director of Hearst Taiwan, said. "This strategic direction will put us in a strong position to lead the trends and lifestyle domain." About Hearst Taiwan Hearst Taiwan is the Taiwanese branch of Hearst Corporation, the largest monthly magazine publishing corporation in the world. Hearst Taiwan owns multiple globally influential magazines, including the Mandarin editions of ELLE International and ELLE Accessories, Harper's BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan.com, and Women's Health. These esteemed brands provide women with a diverse range of lifestyle perspectives and inspiration. Visit www.hearst.com.tw for more information. About Appier Appier (TSE: 4180) is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that uses artificial intelligence to power business decision-making. Founded in 2012 with a vision of democratizing AI, Appier now has 17 offices across APAC, Europe and the US, and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Visit www.appier.com for more company information and visit www.appier.com/en/success-stories for more case study information. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/appier-partners-with-hearst-taiwan-to-strengthen-its-data-monetization-strategy-301846019.html SOURCE Appier

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Canadian Bank and Credit Card Apps Slow to Include Personal Financial Management Tools, J.D. Power Finds

While the major U.S. retail banks and credit card providers have trained their sights on a new generation of personal financial management "super tools" as the next frontier of mobile app and website development, Canadian banks have been slower to adopt these features. According to a series of recent studies of bank and credit card mobile app and online users in Canada, released today by J.D. Power, these digital features that are focused on personal financial management have become the keys to standout customer engagement and customer satisfaction for the handful of banks that have embraced them. However, they have also introduced challenges. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005072/en/ J.D. Power 2023 Canada Banking and Credit Card Mobile App Satisfaction Study The studies-J.D. Power 2023 Canada Banking Mobile App Satisfaction Study;SM 2023 Canada Online Banking Satisfaction Study;SM 2023 Canada Credit Card Mobile App Satisfaction Study;SM and 2023 Canada Online Credit Card Satisfaction StudySM-track overall customer satisfaction with banking and credit card providers' digital offerings. "The trendline is clear," said Jennifer White, senior director of banking and payments intelligence at J.D. Power. "Banks and credit card providers that position themselves as the hub of their customers' financial lives-and give them the tools they need to manage everything from a single, easy-to-use interface-are gaining a huge lead in customer satisfaction and customer engagement vs. institutions that have not invested in these tools. Across J.D. Power studies, the gap is widening between the top- and bottom-performing apps and websites as organizations work to find digital solutions that make their customers' lives easier." Following are some key findings of the 2023 studies: Basic transactional tools consistently perform better than more advanced features: Banks and credit card mobile apps and websites are receiving substantially higher overall satisfaction scores for basic transactional tools such as account transfer, bill pay, mobile check deposit and person-to-person payments. When it comes to more advanced personal financial manageent tools such as spending analysis and budgeting tools, many providers struggle to connect with customers.

Banks and credit card mobile apps and websites are receiving substantially higher overall satisfaction scores for basic transactional tools such as account transfer, bill pay, mobile check deposit and person-to-person payments. When it comes to more advanced personal financial manageent tools such as spending analysis and budgeting tools, many providers struggle to connect with customers. Personal financial management tools drive satisfaction-when they are used: When banking app customers actively engage with three or more personal financial management tools, such as credit score monitoring, spending analysis and budgeting tools, overall satisfaction scores rise 114 points (on a 1,000-point scale) vs. when these tools are not offered. The first hurdle to lifting satisfaction with these tools is promoting wider tool use.

When banking app customers actively engage with three or more personal financial management tools, such as credit score monitoring, spending analysis and budgeting tools, overall satisfaction scores rise 114 points (on a 1,000-point scale) vs. when these tools are not offered. The first hurdle to lifting satisfaction with these tools is promoting wider tool use. Virtual assistants do heavy lifting on adoption: Customers who use a virtual assistant provided on their banking app are four times more likely to use personal financial management tools.

Customers who use a virtual assistant provided on their banking app are four times more likely to use personal financial management tools. Alerts play important role in influencing financial health: Among financially unhealthy1 customers, account alerts drive a 33-point increase in customer satisfaction with banking mobile apps. Among financially healthy customers, use of account alerts is consistent with a 29-point increase in customer satisfaction.



Study Rankings CIBC and TD Canada Trust rank highest in a tie in banking mobile app satisfaction, each with a score of 641. BMO Bank of Montreal (638) ranks third.

BMO Bank of Montreal ranks highest in online banking satisfaction with a score of 628. Scotiabank (614) ranks second and RBC Royal Bank (613) ranks third. American Express ranks highest in credit card mobile app satisfaction with a score of 687. Tangerine Bank (672) ranks second and Canadian Tire (651) ranks third. American Express and National Bank of Canada rank highest in a tie in online credit card satisfaction, each with a score of 667. Desjardins (652) ranks third. The Canada Banking Mobile App Satisfaction Study; Canada Online Banking Satisfaction Study; Canada Credit Card Mobile App Satisfaction Study; and Canada Online Credit Card Satisfaction Study were redesigned for 2023. The studies measure overall satisfaction with banking and credit card digital channels based on four factors: navigation; speed; visual appeal; and information/content. The studies are based on responses from 8,242 retail bank and credit card customers and were fielded in February-March 2023. To learn more about these studies, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/digital-banking-and-credit-card-studies-platform. See the online press release at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2023057. About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info 1 J.D. Power measures the financial health of any consumer as a metric combining their spending/savings ratio, creditworthiness, and safety net items like insurance coverage. Consumers are placed on a continuum from healthy to vulnerable. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005072/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
This aerial photo taken on May 18, 2023 shows a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing)

Wang Fengguo works underwater at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, March 28, 2020. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Wang Fengguo gets out of the water after work at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, March 27, 2020. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

This aerial photo taken on May 18, 2023 shows a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing)

Wang Fengguo prepares to work underwater at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2023. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing)

Wang Fengguo (R) transplants corals at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2023. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Wang Fengguo gets out of the water after coral transplantation at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2023. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing)

Wang Fengguo works underwater at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 12, 2020. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Wang Fengguo (C) talks with his colleague at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2023. Wang Fengguo is a staff member of the Wuzhizhou Island tourist resort in Sanya, whose main job responsibilities include removing marine waste and coral predators, carrying out artificial reef installation and coral transplantation, and helping with scientific researches at the marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island.

As a front-line worker committed to marine environmental protection for over ten years, Wang has witnessed significant progress of marine ecosystem restoration at this China's first tropical marine ranch. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)
[June 08, 2023] Geochemical Services Market Likely to Reach $1.5 billion by 2030 at 13.5% CAGR Globally - Delvens

New York, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delvens published a report, titled,  Geochemical Services Market by Type (Laboratory-based, and Infilled-based), By Service Type (Sample Preparation, Mixed Acid Digest, Hydro geochemistry, Fire Assay, X-ray Fluorescence, Aqua Regia Digest, and Others), By End-user (Mineral & Mining, Oil & Gas, Archaeological Survey, and Others) and region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2030. According to the report, the Global Geochemical Services Market is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030 from $952 million in 2022, registering impressive expansion at a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period. Some of the major players are Bureau Veritas SA, Intertek Group plc, SGS SA, ALS Limited, Shiva Analyticals & Testing Laboratories India, Geochemic Ltd., Activation Laboratories Ltd., ACZ Laboratories, Inc., Alex Stewart International, and AGAT Laboratories Ltd. among others. Download Sample Copy: https://www.delvens.com/get-free-sample/geochemical-services-market-trends-forecast-till-2030 Geochemical is a study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of various chemical elements on Earth that are contained in rock-forming minerals. These services help to analyze where petroleum, metals, water, and commercially valuable minerals are located. It is also being used to trace leaks from waste disposal sites and track and understand fluctuations in the earths climate. Report Scope Report Feature Descriptions Growth Rate CAGR of 13.5% during the forecasting period, 2023-2030 Historical Data 2019-2021 Forecast Years 2023-2030 Base Year 2022 Units Considered Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2023 to 2030 Report Segmentation Type, End-User, Service Type and Region. Report Attribute Market Revenue Sizing (Global, Regional and Country Level) Company Share Analysis, Market Dynamics, Company Profiling Regional Level Scope North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa Country Level Scope U.S., Japan, Germany, U.K., China, India, Brazil, UAE, South Africa (50+ Countries Across the Globe) Companies Profiled Bureau Veritas SA, Intertek Group plc, SGS SA, ALS Limited, Shiva Analyticals & Testing Laboratories India, Geochemic Ltd., Activation Laboratories Ltd., ACZ Laboratories, Inc., Alex Stewart International, and AGAT Laboratories Ltd. Among others. Available Customization In addition to the market data for the Geochemical Services Market, Delvens offers client-centric reports customized according to the companys specific demand and requirements. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.delvens.com/Inquire-before-buying/geochemical-services-market-trends-forecast-till-2030 Geochemical Services Market Segmentation Analysis The type segment is further bifurcated into Laboratory-based and Infilled-based. The laboratory-based segment accounted for the major market share and is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period. In geochemical services, laboratory analysis is performed on the collected samples of minerals and soil to determine the presence, absence, or concentration of various substances on the earths crust. Laboratory analysis consists of the collection of samples, chemical analysis of samples, and interpretation of analytical results. The service type segment is further fragmented into Sample Preparation, Mixed Acid Digest, Hydro geochemistry, Fire Assay, X-ray Fluorescence, Aqua Regia Digest, and Others. The sample preparation segment accounted for the major share of the market and is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period. In sample preparation, microwave digestions are used for preparing the samples for instrumental analysis. These techniques accurately hold temperatures to +/- 0.5 degrees to ensure quality digestion. The end-user segment is further segregated into oil & gas, mineral & mining, archaeological survey, and others. The mineral & mining segment accounted for the leading share of the market. Geochemical services for the mining industry consist of a collection of samples, chemical analysis of samples, and interpretation of analytical results. This type of analysis is expected to identify the ore deposits that are buried underneath the earths surface. It is done through the examination and analysis of the type and scale of metals discovered in various geographical materials. Regional Insights Asia Pacific to Dominate the Market The market is also divided into various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market in 2021. The region is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period, owing to the government regulations that support the oil and gas and mining sectors with renewable resources. China, India, and Southeast Asian countries are poised to be potential markets. Purchase This Report: https://www.delvens.com/checkout/geochemical-services-market-trends-forecast-till-2030



Geochemical Services Market Outlook The cost of geochemical instrumentation and monitoring equipment rises in direct proportion to range, resolution, accuracy, precision, and repeatability. Geochemical services become more expensive as advanced sensors, software, and complex data acquisition systems are used. Furthermore, the cost of geochemical instrumentation and monitoring solutions, as well as associated services, is primarily determined by the complexity of structures. As a result, the high cost of these services acts as a barrier to market growth.

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe has severely affected this industry. Regulatory bodies of several countries have deployed strict norms to cope up with the new normal. They are also trying to mitigate operational risks and maximize efficiency by integrating geotechnical services. Key Companies & Market Share Insights Some of the key players operating in the global Geochemical Services market are Bureau Veritas SA, Intertek Group plc, SGS SA, ALS Limited, Shiva Analyticals & Testing Laboratories India, Geochemic Ltd., Activation Laboratories Ltd., ACZ Laboratories, Inc., Alex Stewart International, and AGAT Laboratories Ltd. among others. Recent Developments March 2021 - Fugro has opened new state-of-the-art marine chemistry and biology laboratories within the Heriot-Watt University Research Park in Edinburgh, the U.K. These newly developed laboratories would analyze a wider range of environmental contaminants in marine sediments, biota, and water, from background trace levels to more contaminated sources.

July 2020 - SGS SA opened its new state-of-the-art commercial geochemistry laboratory in Tarkwa, Ghana. The new laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited, and it provides atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), microwave plasma emission spectrophotometry (MP-AES), and portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF). Delvens Industry Expert's Standpoint Analytical and consulting services for the geological and environmental sample are crucially provided by the geochemistry services sector. The market is fueled by the rising need for site cleanup, environmental monitoring, and mineral and oil exploration. Both big and little businesses are major players in this fiercely competitive sector. The market is anticipated to expand over the next few years as a result of the rising demand for minerals, oil and gas, and services for environmental monitoring and cleanup. Regulatory restrictions, fluctuating commodity costs, and competition from alternative analytical techniques are just a few of the difficulties the industry must deal with. Despite these difficulties, it is anticipated that the market for geochemical services will continue to rise strongly because of the growing need for sustainable development and environmental protection. Read More: https://www.delvens.com/report/geochemical-services-market-trends-forecast-till-2030 Related Reports: Graphene Nanocomposites Market : The global Graphene Nanocomposites Market size is projected to reach a CAGR of 30.2% from 2023-2030. Prefabricated Building and Modular Construction Market : The global Prefabricated Building and Modular Construction Market size is expected to reach USD 120.4 billion and is projected to reach a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023-2030. Fiberglass Market : The global Fiberglass Market size is projected to reach a CAGR of 6.50% from 2023-2030. Construction Market : The Global Construction Market size is expected to reach USD 14.6 trillion and is projected to reach a CAGR of 11.9% from 2023-2030. Temperature-Controlled Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market : The Temperature-Controlled Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market size is projected to reach a CAGR of 19.5% from 2022 to 2028. Leather Chemicals Market : The Leather Chemicals market size is projected to reach a CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2028. About Delvens Delvens is a strategic advisory and consulting company headquartered in New Delhi, India. The company holds expertise in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Delvens qualitative and quantitative data is highly utilized by each level from niche to major markets, serving more than 1K prominent companies by assuring to provide information on the country, regional, and global business environment. We have a database for more than 45 industries in more than 115+ major countries globally. We use AI and machine learning to make existing offerings quicker and cheaper, as well as to offer new services which couldnt have been dreamt of a few years ago. From creating concepts to implementing them, we have the best-proven strategies that will help the organization and are assisting the organization to overcome the prevailing challenges and recognize recent opportunities before their competitors. We are capable of providing tailor-made research services keeping because of your specific requirements. We assure to provide the best possible services for all our clients. Our analysts are available for your assistance and will perfectly understand your needs and demand. Delvens database assists clients by providing in-depth information on crucial business decisions. Delvens offers significant facts and figures across various industries namely Healthcare, IT & Telecom, Chemicals & Materials, Semiconductor & Electronics, Energy, Pharmaceutical, Consumer Goods & Services, and Food & Beverages. Our company provides an exhaustive and comprehensive understanding of the business environment. To find out more, visit https://www.delvens.com/ or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact Us: Varsha Chaudhari

Delvens Private Limited

Unit No. 2126, Tower B, 21st Floor

Alphathum, Sector 90 Noida 201305, IN

D: +44 20 8638 5055 | C: +91 9561827515 | P: +0120 4569 248 [email protected] | [email protected] Website: https://www.delvens.com/



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] J.D. Power ranks TD #1 in Banking Mobile App customer satisfaction

TD earns top marks for speed and information/content TORONTO, June 8, 2023 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group (TD) was recognized by J.D. Power as "Highest in Customer Satisfaction" for its Canadian mobile banking app1, moving up one spot in the ranking since 2022. The recognition comes from the J.D. Power 2023 Canada Banking Mobile App Satisfaction Study which includes feedback from more than 1,500 banking customers surveyed across Canada. "We are proud to be recognized by J.D. Power for our innovative Canadian banking mobile app," says Rizwan Khalfan, Chief Digital and Payments Officer, TD Bank Group. "At TD, personalization is key to delivering legendary customer experiences across all our interactions. Through the use of data and AI, we are empowering our customers with insights to best meet their financial needs." The J.D. Power 2023 Canada Banking Mobile App Satisfaction Study measures overall customer satisfaction based on performance across four study factors, including Navigation, Speed, Visual Appeal, and Information/Content. TD achieved particularly high scores in Speed and Information/Content. The TD Canadian mobile app enables access to banking, rewards, and trading2 through a single sign-on within the app. TD has the largest number of monthly active mobile users among Canadian banks for the past nine consecutive years3. About TD Bank Group The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank"). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by assets and serves over 27.5 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in The Charles Schwab Corporation; Wealth Management and Insurance, including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 16 million active online and mobile customers. TD had $1.9 trillion in assets on April 30, 2023. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modelling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business.







________________________________ 1 Tied in 2023. For J.D. Power 2023 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards 2 Trading in a TD Direct Investing account, an offering of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. Trading is not available in the TD app for TD EasyTrade accounts. 3 Source: Data.ai. Based on Big 5 Canadian Banks (i.e., TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC) for the period ending December 31, 2022.

SOURCE TD Bank Group

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Lifestyle Service Tech Company Spruce Expands Into Boston

AUSTIN, Texas, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Spruce , the national leader in lifestyle services for the multifamily industry, has now officially launched operations in Boston, Massachusetts as part of its ongoing cross country expansion to service apartment communities. This launch will provide access to Spruce's Housekeeping and Chores to 42 new communities and over 11,800 apartment homes in the Greater Boston area. Customers can download the Spruce App and start booking today to receive services from June 20th onward. "The northeast and specifically New England has the potential to become one of our biggest markets. We've been looking forward to launching there for a longtime and are delighted to be working with some of our closest multifamily housing partners to make this happen," said Steven Pho, CEO of Spruce. "Bostonians expect a high level of quality and reliability from service businesses, regardless of weather conditions. We're looking forward to taking on the challenges that operating in Boston can bring and to giving residents the chance to experience apartment life with Spruce as an invaluable amenity offering."



Spruce's Boston operations will benefit multiple local service providers by opening up new and efficient housekeeping opportunities for them, and assist property managers to hit and maintain their occupancy goals. Recent research from the lifestyle services provider showed that 55% of Spruce customers consider a home cleaning service to be a "must-have" convenience. This was second only to Cable/TV Streaming Service (68%) and far ahead of Food Delivery Services (29%) such as DoorDash or UberEats . Jeff Duerstock, Head of Sales at Spruce said, "The Boston launch marks our 21st market in the US, and takes us even further beyond the million multifamily units that we already serve." Deona James, National Director of Sales at Spruce added, "We know how important resident satisfaction is to ensuring strong occupancy for our clients so we're looking forward to showing these multifamily communities how we can make theirs and their residents' lives easier."

About Spruce

Spruce is the comprehensive provider of lifestyle services to the multifamily industry. The company currently offers Housekeeping & Chores to residents at more than 3,500 select apartment communities throughout the country. Through the Spruce app, customers can quickly book high-quality services from insured, and background-checked professionals. Venture-backed and headquartered in Austin, the company has close to 100 employees and is growing rapidly. Follow us on LinkedIn . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lifestyle-service-tech-company-spruce-expands-into-boston-301845677.html SOURCE Spruce Services, Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] JumpCloud Wins 2023 Globee Awards for Information Technology

LOUISVILLE, Colo., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JumpCloud Inc. today announced that JumpCloud has been honored as a winner in the 18th Annual 2023 Globee Awards for Information Technology in the category of Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS). These esteemed global awards celebrate outstanding achievements in information technology and cybersecurity. They acknowledge vendors who demonstrate excellence through their advanced, groundbreaking products, solutions, and services, thereby raising the industry standards in all aspects of technology and cybersecurity. This recognition highlights the remarkable contributions made by the JumpCloud team and their commitment to driving innovation in the field.

JumpCloud offers an open directory platform with a breadth of technical features that can be easily and centrally managed all while keeping users, their activity, and their devices secure. The JumpCloud platform offers enterprise-level functionality for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This includes identity and access management, empowering organizations to pursue a Zero Trust security approach by establishing trusted identities, trusted networks, trusted devices, and conditional access control policies to manage how and what resources users can access. Centralizing single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), directory services, device management, password management, remote assist, and more, JumpClouds directory platform offers flexibility and cost-savings for IT admins looking to migrate from closed, aging, and poorly patched legacy IT infrastructure that fails to meet modern IT needs.

I am honored to congratulate the remarkable winners of the 2023 Globee Awards for Information Technology, said San Madan, president, Globee Awards. Your dedication, innovation, and impactful contributions have set new standards of excellence in the IT industry. Your accomplishments inspire us all and reinforce the transformative power of technology. I commend each winner for their relentless pursuit of excellence and their unwavering commitment to driving progress in the digital era. May your success continue to propel the IT industry forward ad inspire future generations of innovators. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition.



This achievement underscores our dedication to delivering positive impact through product innovations and a steadfast focus on our customers and their security needs, said Eric Brown, vice president of corporate marketing, JumpCloud. We extend our gratitude to the Globee Awards for this recognition that further validates how we prioritize our customers and the trust they place in our platform. The judging process for the 2023 Globee Awards for Information Technology involved the active participation of over 600 judges from diverse corners of the globe, representing a broad spectrum of industry experts. These esteemed judges contributed their expertise to evaluate and assess the submissions received. The Information Technology World Awards welcomes participation from organizations in the Information Technology and Cybersecurity sectors, as well as their end users worldwide.

About the Globee Awards

The term Globee'' is a combination of the words global and business. The Globee Awards were formed to honor organizations of all types and sizes from around the world for their achievements in various business and technology-related categories. The awards were created to provide a platform for recognizing and promoting excellence in industries and sectors that are shaping the future of business. The Globee Awards presents recognition in nine programs and competitions, including Globee Awards for American Business, Globee Business Awards, Globee Awards for Cybersecurity, Globee Disruptor Awards, Golden Bridge Awards, Globee Awards for Information Technology, Globee Awards for Leadership, Globee Awards for Sales, Marketing, Service, & Operations, and Globee Awards for Women in Business. For more information on the Globee Awards, visit https://globeeawards.com . Twitter @globeeawards #globeeawards #ITWorldAwards #globeeawardscybersecurity #cybersecurity #globalexcellenceawards



#InformationTechnologyGlobee is a registered service mark. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. About JumpCloud JumpCloud helps IT teams Make Work Happen by centralizing management of user identities and devices, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt Zero Trust security models. JumpCloud has a global user base of more than 200,000 organizations, with more than 5,000 paying customers including Cars.com, GoFundMe, Grab, ClassPass, Uplight, Beyond Finance, and Foursquare. JumpCloud has raised over $400M from world-class investors including Sapphire Ventures, General Atlantic, Sands Capital, Atlassian, and CrowdStrike. Learn more: https://www.jumpcloud.com/

Follow us: Blog | Community | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Resources Click here to try JumpCloud for free

For JumpCloud Contact Josie Judy Corporate Marketing Manager [email protected]

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure Announces Partnership with Bandwidth IG to Deliver New Dark Fiber Connectivity to 72MW Silicon Valley Campus

Multiple unique fiber routes ensure diversity and avoid network crossings DENVER, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure , a wholesale data center developer, owner and operator, today announced an agreement with Bandwidth Infrastructure Group ( Bandwidth IG ), one of the fastest-growing pure-play dark fiber providers, to connect EdgeCore's Silicon Valley data center campus in Santa Clara to Bandwidth IG's San Francisco Bay Area network with up to five distinct points of connection. The addition of new and unique fiber routes and conduits provides EdgeCore's customers with diverse connectivity options and can mitigate the need to cross existing networks. "Network diversity and reliability are critical requirements for cloud and technology companies searching for available data center space and power in Silicon Valley," said Lee Kestler, CEO, EdgeCore. "We are pleased to partner with Bandwidth IG to provide EdgeCore customers in Santa Clara with highly diverse, fully underground fiber infrastructure that enables near-term connectivity as well as the capability for future expansion." The unique routes at the EdgeCore facility connect into Bandwidth IG's San Francisco Bay Area network that spans more than 200 route miles from San Jose to Milpitas. The company has plans to build another 90 route miles in the area, providing critical infrastructure for a market where demand is high. To ensure netwrk diversity and resiliency, several construction methods are utilized by Bandwidth IG during installationsbore to depth, buried fiber and cement and steel encased fiber.



"EdgeCore is a natural partner as we continue to expand our presence in the Silicon Valley market," said Bruce Garrison, CEO, Bandwidth IG. "We recognize the importance of creating new fiber infrastructure for data center providers, like EdgeCore, so they can provide mission-critical services to their customers. We look forward to growing our relationship with EdgeCore by delivering purpose-built fiber infrastructure to our mutual customers." Today's announcement is the latest in a busy year of growth and development for EdgeCore, the first of which was the groundbreaking of EdgeCore's Silicon Valley data center campus in January. Upon completion, the LEED designed campus will support 72 MW of critical load across 540,000 square feet of space.

In November 2022, EdgeCore was acquired by Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, acting on behalf of its clients. Partners Group will invest up to USD $1.2 billion to fund the acquisition and buildout of existing and future data center sites. About EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure serves the world's largest cloud, internet, and technology companies with both ready-for-occupancy and build-to-suit data center capacity supported by best-in-class service-delivery capabilities. Privately held and supported by committed equity to fund an initial aggregate amount of over USD $4 billion in development, EdgeCore supports customer requirements by proactively investing in land, power, and vertical development in key data center locations, with building designs that meet key performance specifications, safety metrics, and sustainability objectives. EdgeCore has four markets with power and shovel ready campuses, operational data center buildings, and the ability to expand investment into new markets. For more information, please visit edgecore.com. About Bandwidth IG Bandwidth Infrastructure Group (Bandwidth IG) is a metro dark fiber provider that offers high capacity, strategic, dark fiber networks to mission critical data centers, hyperscalers and enterprises throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Portland and Greater Atlanta areas. Bandwidth IG's 100% underground network meets critical data needs for enterprises and data centers who require quality, new connectivity options. Bandwidth IG's San Francisco Bay Area network offers more than 200 route miles and 65 data centers. The Greater Portland network has more than 15 route miles and 13 data centers, and the Greater Atlanta network has more than 80 route miles and 15 data centers. Bandwidth IG was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Visit www.BandwidthIG.com to learn more. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/edgecore-digital-infrastructure-announces-partnership-with-bandwidth-ig-to-deliver-new-dark-fiber-connectivity-to-72mw-silicon-valley-campus-301845706.html SOURCE EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Sensedia's APIX 2023 Offers Expert Insights on API Trends, Strategies and Technology

Later this month, Sensedia, the global leader in delivering API and microservice solutions, will present APIX 2023 - Beyond Open Business to Business Agility. LATAM's largest API business event provides an immersive experience with leaders and world-renowned experts in the API industry, sharing eight hours of content and more than 20 presentations. A free online component is offered for those unable to attend the sold-out event in person at the World Trade Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 22, 8 am - 7 pm Brasilia Time. The agenda and online journey can be viewed at https://www.sensedia.com/apix. More than 1,000 people, including C-Levels and key leaders in innovation, are expected to attend the main event to gain insight from high-level discussions on digital transformation, innovation, business strategies, technology and trends in APIs. APIX 2023 focuses on three pillars: Open - a chance for attendees to explore case studies and trends in open initiatives for finance, banking, insurance and other industries beyond regulatory framework

Tech - provides opportunities to learn about technical visions and trends from best-in-class technology development and architecture teams

Business - illustrates how APIs can increase and ehance companies' business earnings based on global case studies



David Mooter, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research - Developing a Customer-centric API Strategy to Drive Digital Transformation

Renata Marques, CIO at Natura - Afternoon Keynote Global Stage Presenters include: Scott Sandland, CEO, Cyrano - "The Intersection of APIs and LLMs: Customization Unlocking New Risks and Possibilities" Don Cardinal, Managing Director, FDX, Edwin Zacipa, Founder, LATAM FinTech Hub, Leandro Nobrega, Head of Product, Chicago Advisory Partners - Open Banking around the world: What do Colombia, Brazil and the US have in common?

Paolo Maliverno, Growth Advisor, the Business of Technology For a complete list of event speakers and topics, please visit the APIX website. Some companies participating are Natura, Rede D'Or, Sompo, Rodobens, Cielo, Sicredi, Remessa Online, Builders, Zappts, and Alura. APIX is sponsored by Builders, AWS, Remessa Online, Zappts, V8, Salt, and Midas Solutions. About APIX The API Experience (APIX) is one of the first events in the world to bring APIs as a central theme of technology, innovation, and business together. The first event took place in Brazil in 2015, idealized and organized by Sensedia, a Brazilian multinational specializing in APIs and microservices. With more than 3,000 participants in past years, the event reaches business leaders in more than 40 countries. APIX intends to unite the technical and business worlds in the same ecosystem. APIX 2023 gathers the biggest names in the industry worldwide. The event brings compelling content to the audience, featuring leading-edge executives, managers, and developers who offer knowledge in modern digital strategies that enable digitally connected and open businesses through APIs. More at www.sensedia.com/apix. About Sensedia Sensedia supports companies to become more digital, connected and open through a technology platform and expertise in APIs and Microservices. Whether aiming to integrate channels, enable partner ecosystems or create modern multi-cloud/hybrid architectures, innovative enterprises rely on Sensedia as a partner in API Management, Microservices, Service-Mesh, Open Banking and enabling rapid legacy integration. More at www.sensedia.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005288/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Wallbox Announces ENERGY STAR Certification for Pulsar Plus

Wallbox (NYSE: WBX), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management solutions worldwide, today announced that Pulsar Plus has achieved ENERGY STAR Certification, highlighting the energy efficiency of Wallbox's flagship device in the United States. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005406/en/ Wallbox Announces ENERGY STAR Certification for Pulsar Plus UL (Photo: Business Wire) Developed and administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGY STAR is a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. The blue ENERGY STAR label provides simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers, businesses, and government agencies rely on to make informed decisions when purchasing applances and electronics. The certification will provide added brand confidence to Wallbox, with recent data showing that 68% of consumers knowingly purchased an ENERGY STAR certified product this past year.



"We are thrilled to attain ENERGY STAR certification for Pulsar Plus in the United States as it opens new market opportunities for us," said Douglas Alfaro, Chief Business Officer at Wallbox. "74% of the US is currently covered by EV charger rebates and incentive programs, and we only expect the demand for energy-efficiency standards to increase. This certification represents another achievement for Wallbox and gives consumers further assurance in Pulsar Plus as a best-in-class, climate-friendly solution to their charging needs." Pulsar Plus, Wallbox's global best-selling smart home EV charger, which is compatible with all EVs, is now produced entirely in the U.S at Wallbox's North-American manufacturing facility in Arlington, Texas.

ENERGY STAR certified chargers are eligible for a number of residential and commercial incentive programs across the US. Users can find an outline of current EV incentives through the Wallbox EV Incentive finder and Wallbox recommends users reach out to their local utility provider for more detailed guidance on rebates. About Wallbox Wallbox is a global technology company, dedicated to changing the way the world uses energy. Wallbox creates advanced electric vehicle charging and energy management systems that redefine users' relationship to the grid. Wallbox goes beyond electric vehicle charging to give users the power to control their consumption, save money, and live more sustainably. Wallbox offers a complete portfolio of charging and energy management solutions for residential, semi-public and public use in more than 113 countries. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Barcelona, the company now employs more than 1,250 people in its offices in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. For additional information, please visit www.wallbox.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005406/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] NTT Research and NCVC to Form Bio Digital Twin Center

NTT Research, Inc., (NTTR) a division of NTT (TYO:9432), and the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (NCVC) today announced an agreement to jointly launch a Bio Digital Twin Center in Suita, Japan. This initiative extends and expands the scope of a joint agreement on cardiovascular bio digital twin (CV BioDT) research between the two organizations reached in 2020. At NTT Research, this work has involved its Medical & Health Informatics (MEI) Lab. Scientists at the NTTR-NCVC Bio Digital Twin Center intend to create applications by integrating mathematical models, co-developed by the MEI Lab and NCVC, onto the CV BioDT platform advanced by the MEI Lab. Drs. Kazunori Uemura and Keita Saku (M.D., Ph.D.s) will lead the NTTR-NCVC Bio Digital Twin Center, respectively, as laboratory chief and acting director. Dr. Uemura was previously laboratory chief at the NCVC Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics, where Dr. Saku remains laboratory chief and acting director. They will conduct research and development with MEI Lab Director Dr. Joe Alexander (M.D., Ph.D.) and team. This is the NCVC's first such collaboration with a company partner. The NTT Research MEI Lab, which aspires to build highly complex digital assets essential to patient care and wellbeing, aims first to realize precision cardiology through development of an organ systems-level CV BioDT. Its work with the NCVC so far has centered on integrated computational models that support multimodal closed-loop interventions for acute myocardial infarction and acute heart failure, as well as the implementation of these models on a CV BioDT platform. Founded in 1977, the NCVC is a semi-independent national institution located in Osaka Prefecture and comprised of one of the best specialized hospitals in the world, (#15 in this ranking, up from #22 last year), an Open Innovation Center and a research institute with more than a dozen departments. The NTTR-NCVC Bio Digital Twin Center will focus on developing applications that support clinical decision making and patient self-care. It notably will provide access to clinical data that will help translate to humans the mathematical models that have been derived and validated using animal experiments.



"This is an exciting expansion of our relationship with the NCVC," MEI Lab Director Alexander said. "In many ways we've accomplished more than we could have foreseen at the start. And while innovation is not something one can prescribe or predict, we anticipate that this new venture will continue to accelerate progress toward our goal of precision medicine, beginning with the cardiovascular bio digital twin." Overall progress to date includes development of a mechanistic model of cardiovascular physiology, with interconnected layers for the autonomic nervous systems, kidneys and lungs. Tuning that generic model to create an individual digital twin involves data and mathematics, as MEI Lab Research Scientist Iris Shelly explains in this Upgrade 2023 talk, titled "Probabilistic Estimation of CV Bio DT Parameters." The two organizations also have delivered an academic paper, "Acute effects of empagliflozin on open-loop baroreflex function and urine glucose excretion in Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rats." The MEI Lab achieved accepted papers, "Analytical Representation of Four-dimensional Hemodynamics for Drug Therapy Simulation in Acute Heart Failure Treatment" and "Inverse ESPVR Estimation with Singularity Avoidance via Constrained EDPVR Parameter Optimization," which were co-authored by Dr. Kenji Sunagawa (M.D., Ph.D.), Professor Emeritus in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Kyushu University and ex-director of the Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics at the NCVC Research Institute. Dr. Sunagawa was co-author with MEI Lab scientists of another published paper, "System Design for Optimizing Drug Infusions Using Cardiovascular Space Mapping for Acute Heart Failure," and he will continue to be engaged with the MEI Lab-NCVC collaboration going forward.

In addition to its work with the NCVC, the MEI Lab has undertaken joint research with the Disease Biophysics Group at the Harvard University John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to engineer a model of the human heart, elucidate fundamental laws of muscular pumps and apply lessons-learned to a CV Bio DT model; and with the Neuroelectrical Group at the Technical University of Munich to work on three-dimensionally transformable and implantable electrodes. About NTT Research NTT Research opened its offices in July 2019 as a new Silicon Valley startup to conduct basic research and advance technologies that promote positive change for humankind. Currently, three labs are housed at NTT Research facilities in Sunnyvale: the Physics and Informatics (PHI) Lab, the Cryptography and Information Security (CIS) Lab and the Medical and Health Informatics (MEI) Lab. The organization aims to upgrade reality in three areas: 1) quantum information, neuroscience and photonics; 2) cryptographic and information security; and 3) medical and health informatics. NTT Research is part of NTT, a global technology and business solutions provider with an annual R&D budget of $3.6 billion. About the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center The National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (NCVC) in Japan is a medical center with a hospital and an institute for research and medical training. It is operated under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. It is a part of the National Center for Advanced and Specialized Medical Care (National Center) and is one of the six specialized hospitals in Japan. The NCVC is well known as Japan's most advanced medical institution specializing in cardiovascular diseases; it is one of Japan's leading heart transplantation facilities. The Center has three divisions: the Hospital, the Research Institute and the Research and Technology Development Center, called the Open Innovation Center. NTT and the NTT logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION and/or its affiliates. All other referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.  2023 NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005221/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023]

Local Marketing Agency Engineers Bandwidth to Grow Internationally

Under the Hood of Podiatry Content Connection's Grayfish Software

METUCHEN, N.J., June 8, 2023 /CNW/ -- Podiatry Content Connection, the #1 Podiatry marketing agency serving Podiatrists in the U.S., is now also serving Canada, and the U.K. Originally created to streamline blog publishing, the company's Grayfish Software is a big reason why PCC has been able to handle its unprecedented growth.

Podiatry Content Connection is the #1 Podiatry marketing agency in U.S., now serving Canada and the U.K.

Grayfish is now a proven client content and management system with a 24-hour online activity dashboard for each client.

Thisproprietary software tracks







Weekly blog distribution

The effectiveness of marketing spot campaigns, Google Ads & Search optimization

Reputation management programs

Appointment requests

Form submission

It also improves communication between Podiatry practice staff and PCC account managers.

Prior to Grayfish, our expert authors' weekly blogs were manually published on each client's website. Today, this is done automatically, without having to log into each client's website, or worry about whether clients in the same state were receiving the same blogs, or had already received a blog with that topic for the month. This bit of automation frees up PCC staff to concentrate on strategic and creative services, and makes PCC's Six-Sigma philosophy of delivering the highest quality service at a lowered cost possible.

Podiatry Content Connection is the country's #1 marketing agency serving Podiatrists only, specializing in building a comprehensive, content-infused web presence to grow both practice and profits.

PCC Clients Earn More Than DPMs Using Other Marketing Companies

According to Customer Insights provided by Chase Bank, 56% of PCC clients are high earners. Only 37% of competitors' clients are considered high earners.

"We focus on one market and know it well," according to CEO Jeff Hartman. "With our experience, and through innovations like Grayfish, we deliver new patients and drive significant increases in practice revenue."

Successful PCC digital strategies to attract new and ideal patients include

Fresh weekly content

Reputation management

Directory optimization

Website design

Sponsored Ads on Google

Social media

Call-to-action spot campaigns

Innovative new programs

Register to learn more and receive a $125 Visa gift card at PodiatryPatients.com.

SOURCE Podiatry Content Connection
[June 08, 2023] The Alliance and Code Fellows Team Up to Expand Tech Education and Career Opportunities for Underserved Communities

OKLAHOMA CITY, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City is providing financial support at no-cost for software and cybersecurity training through Code Fellows, a leading tech education provider of software and cybersecurity engineering programs. The partnership aims to provide access to education and career opportunities in the tech industry for underserved communities in Oklahoma City. Applicants who wish to pursue training in Software Development or Cybersecurity Engineering can apply at no cost on the Code Fellow website . The courses are taught online with live instruction and vary in length from one day to six months. To qualify, individuals must live in Oklahoma City since March 3, 2021 and meet on of four criteria related to income, employment status, federal benefits or living in a Qualified Census Tract. Those guidelines are outlined on the Alliance website .



"We identified workforce needs in several industries as being key to helping people in Oklahoma City gain in-demand career training to advance their career or find a new job opportunity," said Kenton Tsoodle, president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City. "The investment in our workforce, and this partnership with Code Fellows, fosters a culture of learning and also helps to maintain and grow our small business economy, the backbone of Oklahoma City's economy." One of the key strengths of the Code Fellows Program is its dedication to keeping pace with the rapidly evolving tech industry. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest coding fundamentals and advanced cybersecurity concepts. By offering cutting-edge instruction, the program equips students with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly changing landscape of technology.

"I firmly believe that true transformation and empowerment come when organizations join forces with a common purpose. Partnering together with The Alliance allows us to extend our reach and impact, bringing education and skills training to underserved populations in Oklahoma City," said Mitch Robertson, SVP of Business Development and Growth for Code Fellows. "We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Together, we can unlock the untapped potential within these communities, empowering individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. By combining our expertise and resources, we can make a lasting difference and create a ripple effect of positive change that will be felt for generations to come." About The Alliance:

The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City is the economic development entity that coordinates land, incentives and economic tools that help Oklahoma City prosper. In addition to managing several economic entities such as the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority and Oklahoma City Redevelopment Authority, The Alliance works in collaboration with public and private entities to begin or invigorate development projects. Since 2020, The Alliance has coordinated COVID relief programs for small businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and individuals looking to improve their career options. The programs are funded through federal ARPA allocations to the City of Oklahoma City. The OKC Rescue Program, developed by The Alliance in 2022, underwrites training and education opportunities for qualifying individuals through established training partners such as Code Fellows. About Code Fellows:

Code Fellows is a premier technical skills training academy, delivering high-quality live instruction both online and in person to people from all backgrounds. Learners are guided toward vocational change and life transformation through software development, technical operations, cybersecurity and career training. They guide people from all backgrounds to change their lives through fast-paced, career-focused education. They shape passionate learners with immersive training to meet industry needs and improve diversity. Code Fellows has taught thousands of graduates and iterated on their curriculum and format to ensure students receive the most industry-relevant training as effectively and efficiently as possible. Students are immersed in their learning with daily lectures, pair programming, weekly presentations from full-time instructional staff who are seasoned industry professionals, one-week project sprints, and more. Code Fellows graduates work at Amazon, Microsoft, Zillow, Expedia, XBOX, NIKE, Starbucks, Nordstrom, and over 800 other companies. CONTACT

Mitch Robertson

[email protected]

206-681-9318 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-alliance-and-code-fellows-team-up-to-expand-tech-education-and-career-opportunities-for-underserved-communities-301846140.html SOURCE Code Fellows

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
DAMASCUS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. forces on Thursday carried out a live fire exercise at a gas field it controls in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour, a war monitor reported.

The military exercise was conducted in the Koniko gas field in the countryside of Deir al-Zour, involving helicopters and warplanes firing live ammunition and carrying out airstrikes in the vicinity of the field, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The UK-based watchdog group said the move comes as part of the U.S. forces' efforts to fortify its positions in eastern Syria, particularly after Iranian-backed pro-Syrian government fighters had carried out several drone attacks against U.S. positions in that part of Syria.

The current military exercise came in tandem with arrangements by the U.S. forces to fortify their positions inside the gas field, said the observatory.

The Syrian government has long regarded the presence of U.S. troops in Syria as illegal, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the U.S. from Syria and blaming it for the deteriorating living conditions in Syria given the fact that the U.S. and its allied Kurdish groups control key gas and oil fields in eastern Syria. 
[June 08, 2023] BastionZero Introduces New Innovation for Passwordless Access to Databases

BOSTON, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BastionZero today announced SplitCert, an innovation in zero trust access to databases that reduces the probability and impact of compromise. It leverages Mutual TLS (mTLS) and cryptographic multi-party computation (MPC) to support ephemeral password-free authentication to databases, without storing any database passwords at all.

The release of SplitCert demonstrates BastionZeros commitment to innovation in zero trust infrastructure access, says Sharon Goldberg, PhD, CEO and co-founder of BastionZero. With SplitCert, weve leveraged modern cryptographic techniques to ensure that our customers dont need to trust anyone with their database credentials, not even us. SplitCert eliminates single points of compromise and provides true zero trust database access without the hassle of distributing and maintaining credentials. BastionZeros SplitCert generates one-time mTLS client certificates from two key shards that are stored in two independent locations. Cryptographic multi-party computation is then used to generate one-time mTLS client certificates, on the fly, from the two independently stored shards. By storing the shards in independent locations, SplitCert eliminates the single point of compromise associated with the storage and maintenance of atabase passwords. SplitCert is invisible to end users, and supports database access via popular existing database clients and workflows. The companys initial release of SplitCert supports access to two popular databases: self-hosted Postgres and MongoDB.



The BastionZero Desktop App and Microsoft Windows Support The latest release of the BastionZero platform includes passwordless access to GCP Cloud SQL and AWS RDS through BastionZeros newly released Desktop App. BastionZeros Desktop App creates a simple, point-and-click path for users to access Windows, Linux, database and Kubernetes targets, making BastionZero-secured infrastructure easily approachable for all levels of users.

The release also introduces support for access to Microsoft Windows servers with RDP. This feature supports locking down infrastructure access with RDP, which is one of the most popular attack vectors for infiltrating and compromising production environments. For more information about SplitCert, the BastionZero Desktop App and Windows support, visit the BastionZero blog . About BastionZero

BastionZero provides simple passwordless access to Kubernetes, server, web and database infrastructure. It pairs with your IdP to quickly grant access with policy controls and observability  without a mess of passwords, VPNs and SSH keys. Learn more about BastionZero at bastionzero.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest innovations in zero trust. Media Contact:

Liesse Jayalath

Look Left Marketing

[email protected]



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Puritan Medical Products Will Be Exhibiting at 2023 ASM Microbe, AACC Annual Scientific Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo This Summer

Maine-based company plans to introduce business lines, product offerings to global experts and potential customers GUILFORD, Maine, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Puritan Medical Productsthe world's most trusted manufacturer of swabsannounced that the company will attend two international trade shows this summer, exhibiting its world-renowned swabs and other products. Puritan will also demonstrate its expertise in topics like automation, pandemic response, and virus protection, participating in panel discussions, joining in-depth symposiums, and introducing its various experts to their global counterparts. We are America's swab experts, and we look forward to discussing it at two pivotal trade shows this summer From June 15th to 19th, Puritan will attend ASM Microbe 2023, hosted by the American Society for Microbiology in Houston, Texas. The company will be at Booth #1125 during the event, which is the largest microbial sciences gathering in the world. Puritan will highlight Puritan's key business linesand core product offeringsto thousands of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals who are on the forefront of medical advancement. Event information can be accessed here. In the following moth, Puritan will attend the 2023 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo, hosted by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. The company will exhibit at Booth #4115, with the event being held in Anaheim, California from July 23rd to the 27th. Puritan will play a pivotal part in exploring the cutting-edge science and technology that are shaping the future of laboratory medicine, with the event featuring more than 800 exhibitors and over 200 new products and services. More information can be found here.



"We are America's swab experts, and we look forward to discussing it at two pivotal trade shows this summer," said Bob Shultz, President and CFO at Puritan. "Puritan has a unique opportunity to expand its international presence while also connecting with existing customers, explaining why our unique approach to customization is applicable to a wide range of industries. From California to Texas and other countries, Puritan changes the world for the better on a daily basis, and we couldn't be prouder to share that story with others." To schedule an interview, please contact Virginia Templet at

[email protected].

Editor's Note:

Click the image above or the link below to access a downloadable version. https://s3.amazonaws.com/NMC-Clients/Puritan/IMG_8783.jpg About Puritan Medical Products:

Puritan was founded in 1919 as a toothpick manufacturer with the goal of producing a quality product that people needed and delivering it with superior customer service. Family owned and operated, Puritan is proud of the families and the rural, small-town work ethic that make the company what they are today: a world-class manufacturer with customers on seven continents. With an ever-expanding line of medical products made of the most up-to-date materials and manufacturing processes, Puritan delivers innovative solutions for even the most demanding application. For more information go to www.puritanmedproducts.com. Media Contact:

Virginia Templet, Marketing Director

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/puritan-medical-products-will-be-exhibiting-at-2023-asm-microbe-aacc-annual-scientific-meeting-and-clinical-lab-expo-this-summer-301846198.html SOURCE Puritan Medical Products Company LLC

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] PLANETEERS ARE TURNING THE TIDE ON PLASTIC IN COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD

ATLANTA, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Planeteers around the world are responding to the UN World Environment Day and World Ocean Day call to ACTION -- to turn the tide on plastic! With support from Captain Planet Foundation, young people (ages 10-25) are hosting Planeteer WIND Summits in more than 20 locations around the world the last week of July. These Summits will engage passionate young people who want to tackle plastic pollution and build more resilient, circular economies in their communities. PLANETEERS ARE TURNING THE TIDE ON PLASTIC IN COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD Planeteer WIND Summits are taking place in-person in communities across Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Ecuador, The Gambia, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Somalia, Thailand, Tunisia, UK, and the USA, with a global virtual option as well. They are an initiative of the Planeteer Alliance, a program of the Captain Planet Foundatin that supports a global community of young people taking action to implement solutions that will create a climate positive future for all.



WIND represents cycles and circularity for Planeteers who are working to stop the flow of plastics and build circular economies in their communities. WIND Summit hosts will engage with local leaders in science, advocacy, and industry to empower participants with the skills and information they need to lobby their governments, engage corporations, compile research for media, and more. Following the Summits, participants will continue building community support by leading their own climate solution campaign or contributing their skill set to an existing climate solutions team. "Global cooperation is essential to turn the tide on plastic pollution and end the climate crisis we're currently facing," says Diego Arreola Fernandez, a Planeteer from Mexico City and founder of Green Speaking. "Through the Planeteer Alliance and Summits, my team and I have been able to connect and work with other young advocates in places like Mexico, Kenya, India, Korea, and Thailand to create campaigns that address plastic pollution in different ways, and join together in the global youth-led effort for climate action!"

To learn more about Planeteer Alliance and the WIND Summit Series, click here . ABOUT CAPTAIN PLANET FOUNDATION Now in its 32nd year, this US-based NGO works collaboratively to engage and empower young people to be problem solvers for the planet. More than 1.7 million children have directly participated in CPF's programs, which have funded 3,600+ projects, impacting 11.4 million youth. www.captainplanetfdn.org View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/planeteers-are-turning-the-tide-on-plastic-in-communities-around-the-world-301845689.html SOURCE Captain Planet Foundation

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Fisher & Paykel Introduces Industry-Leading Triple Zone Cooling Technology for Unparalleled Food Care

Fisher & Paykel is pleased to announce the debut of its revolutionary new cooling product, the Series 9 74" Integrated Triple Zone Refrigerator. This innovative system expands on Fisher & Paykel's existing refrigeration technology by introducing three independent cooling zones for optimal temperature control and flexibility. Offered in both refrigerator and freezer models as well as stainless steel and integrated panel configurations, the brand's Integrated Triple Zone Refrigerator showcases new levels of innovation and performance for the market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005251/en/ Featuring three independent cooling zones, Fisher & Paykel's Series 9 74" Integrated Triple Zone Refrigeration offers industry-leading temperature control for optimal food care to reduce waste, save resources and ensure perfect results. Visit fisherpaykel.com/us to learn more. (Photo: Business Wire) "At Fisher & Paykel, we've been mastering the art of temperature for decades," says Jennifer Bradley, Vice President of ProductManagement, Fisher & Paykel USA. "With the launch of our Triple Zone cooling technology, the brand continues to set industry standards across innovative food care and preservation to reduce waste, save resources and ensure perfect results. This exciting introduction is poised to have a significant impact on how people care for a variety of foods, tailoring cooling solutions to their precise needs and preferences."



Engineered to provide exceptional temperature control, the Integrated Triple Zone Refrigerator expands standard market cooling capabilities by applying three evaporators to independently control three different areas of cool storage. Each zone can be configured to best match the ingredients on hand, offering the perfect storage environment with optimal temperature and humidity settings. Users can choose from the three refrigeration modes including Chill (from 29 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit), Fridge (from 34 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit) and Pantry (from 52 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit). For extra flexibility and storage, the Triple Zone Freezer modes include Freezer (from -6 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit), Soft Freeze (from 14 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit) and Chill (from 29 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). This new solution also complements the brand's ActiveSmart technology which adapts to users' daily habits by automatically adjusting temperatures within 2 degrees Fahrenheit to further optimize cooling and preserve energy. Fisher & Paykel strives to create products that have a minimal impact on the environment. Based on extensive market research, precise temperature control has a significant impact on the food care cycle as well as overall energy consumption. The Integrated Triple Zone Refrigerator's variable temperature zones help reduce food waste by extending the overall shelf life. For example, Chill mode can extend the shelf life of red meat nearly three times longer than regular refrigerator settings while Pantry mode provides a cool, dark place for foods that perish quickly at room temperature but are too sensitive for standard refrigeration temperatures such as nuts and avocados. Users can easily control preset temperature modes with the brand's intuitive high-resolution LCD touchscreen or through the SmartHQ Application which will recommend ideal temperature settings. With up to 9 different configurations, the flexibility of triple zone cooling technology helps reduce energy consumption by creating the optimal environments for the food care system, rather than keeping all food types at the coolest setting.

Measuring at 74 inches in height, this cooling series is ideal for kitchens with smaller footprints or secondary refrigeration areas, affording flexibility in placement. Made from durable materials, the refrigerator and freezer are offered in premium stainless steel or outfitted to match existing cabinetry. In addition to its exterior aesthetics, the Triple Zone Refrigerator offers cantilevered shelves for highly adaptive storage capabilities, beautiful LED lighting strips on the top and side of the appliance, full extension slide bins with humidity control, glass bottomed shelves for visibility, Wi-Fi compatible, soft-close hinges as well as optional water and ice dispensers. About Fisher & Paykel Appliances Fisher & Paykel, New Zealand's award-winning appliance brand, has been selling products to change the way people live since 1934. Over time the company has grown into a global organization, now operating in 30 countries with over 4,000 employees and manufacturing in Italy, Thailand, and Mexico. Fisher & Paykel's design heritage is founded on a pioneering spirit and a culture of curiosity that has challenged conventional appliance design to consistently deliver products tailored to human needs. The company is committed to ongoing research and development with a culture of open innovation, which allows people to work collaboratively to find insights and ideas that connect with customers and respect the planet. Fisher & Paykel believes everybody deserves good design, because good design is all about making life better. It has built its success on understanding its consumers and designing innovative products such as the award-winning DishDrawer Dishwasher - the world's first dishwasher in a drawer and the class-leading CoolDrawer multi-temperature drawer. A part of the wider Haier Group since 2012, Fisher & Paykel has strengthened its presence as a premium home appliance brand. Fisher & Paykel's New Zealand Design Centre, based at two locations in Auckland and Dunedin, has been recognized as one of the wider Haier Group's five global research and development centers of excellence. www.fisherpaykel.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005251/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] GEICAM Selects TransPerfect's Trial Interactive eTMF and TMF Management Solutions

NEW YORK and MADRID, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TransPerfect Life Sciences , a leading provider of services and technologies to support global clinical trials and product development for the biopharmaceutical industry, today announced that GEICAM has selected Trial Interactive's eTMF and supporting TMF services to streamline operations for current and future studies. Based in Madrid, Spain, GEICAM is a not-for-profit organization leading academic breast cancer research. Founded nearly 30 years ago, GEICAM has conducted more than 148 studies and is now comprised of more than 900 experts across 200 Spanish hospitals. Its mission is to promote independent clinical, epidemiological, and translational research in oncology as well as to improve health outcomes, prevention, and medical education for professionals, patients, and the general population. To meet the needs of its growing organization, GEICAM is implementing Trial Interactive's eTMF to scale its TMF management capabilities while improving speed, quality, and compliance. The Trial Interactive eClinical platform was designed by clinical professionals for clinical professionals. It is used by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO companies to streamline product development lifecycles in a secure, 21 CFR Part 11-compliant environment. By offering a fully integrated experience, Trial Interactive improves speed and quality across site identification, site selection, personnel training, study start-up, and site activation through eTMF management and closeout. The Trial Interactive platform comprises clinical research-focused products that simplify tasks, oversight, compliance, and audits/inspections. "The growth of our organization requires a partner who can not only provide essential technology but also the services to help us scale," said Gema Sanz, Head of Clinical Operations for GEICAM. "We chose Trial Interactive because they offer the best of both." TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe commnted, "TransPerfect is a longtime supporter of breast cancer research, and it is our privilege to assist GEICAM in its mission."



About GEICAM

Founded in 1995, GEICAM is a non-profit organization leading academic breast cancer research in Spain. Today, GEICAM is comprised of more than 900 experts based in over 200 Spanish hospitals, and has carried out over 100 studies involving more than 66,000 women and men. GEICAM's mission is to promote independent clinical, epidemiological, and translational research in oncology, with a multidisciplinary approach and under quality criteria, to improve health outcomes, as well as prevention, medical education, and the dissemination of the knowledge of breast cancer to patients and general society. More information about GEICAM is available at www.geicam.org.

About Trial Interactive

TransPerfect's Trial Interactive is an industry leader in practical eClinical innovation that simplifies and automates clinical processes for sponsors, CROs, and sites around the world. The 21 CFR Part 11-compliant unified platform delivers an author-to-archive collaboration experience with solutions for clinical document management, site selection, site activation, e-learning, compliance training, quality, and more with seamless solution interoperability and indexing to the eTMF. Trial Interactive is consistently selected by clinical professionals for providing the most comprehensive yet intuitive experience with the most complete offering of technology and expert TMF services. Trial Interactive helps study teams streamline their operations by cutting unnecessary expenses, expediting timelines, reducing compliance risks, and improving operational excellence. For more information on Trial Interactive, please contact [email protected] or +1 212.400.8848, or visit www.trialinteractive.com . About TransPerfect Life Sciences

TransPerfect Life Sciences specializes in supporting global development and commercialization of drugs, treatments, and devices designed to improve and save lives. Our comprehensive solutions include eTMF and eClinical technologies, paper TMF migration, pharmacovigilance and safety solutions, translation and language services, and call center support. With offices in more than 100 cities worldwide, TransPerfect is the ideal partner to ensure that your global launch makes a global impact. For more information, please visit our website at https://lifesciences.transperfect.com/. About TransPerfect

TransPerfect is the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business. From offices in more than 100 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 200+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 6,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect's GlobalLink technology to simplify the management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/geicam-selects-transperfects-trial-interactive-etmf-and-tmf-management-solutions-301846227.html SOURCE TransPerfect

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Accredible Wins EdTech Breakthrough Award for Social Recruitment Solution Provider of the Year

Accredible, the world's leading digital credentialing platform, today announced it has won a 2023 EdTech Breakthrough Award for "??Social Recruitment Solution Provider of the Year." The award recognizes Accredible for its verifiable digital credential solutions, which have proven to be a powerful learner recruitment and engagement tool for universities, associations and other educational institutions across the globe. Accredible - which has issued, managed and secured over 65 million credentials to date - provides full-service digital credential services to over 2,000 partner organizations worldwide. In this era of rapid technological change, where skills-based learning is becoming increasingly important, Accredible works with their partners to offer a wide range of digital badges and certificates that allow learners to showcase verifiable proof of their skills to advance their careers. "Accredible's mission as an EdTech company is to democratize education by expanding access to powerful digital credentials. We are immensely proud to receive the EdTech Breakthrough Award for 'Social Recruitment Solution Provider of the Year' as it recognizes such a crucial part of the value we offer: connecting eager learners to potentially life-changing opportunities," said Danny King, CEO of Accredible. "We are honored to be recognized not only as a leader in education technology, but also as an empowering partner to our customers." This prestigious honor is just the latest milestone in Accredible's breakneck awards momentum. Over the past year, Accredible has also been named to the GSV 150, a selection of the leading private companies in digital learning and workforce skilling, as well as the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a list of the fastest-growing companies in the tech industry. In May, Inc. magazine also named Accredible to its hyper-competitive Best Workplaces list, recognizing the company for its positive and productive culture, modern benefits package and cutting-edge workplace technology.



Launched in 2019, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards are conducted annually by EdTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market. The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the creativity, hard work and success of companies, technologies and products in the field of educational technology around the world. The awards cover a range of educational technology categories, including Student Engagement, School Administration, Adaptive Learning, STEM Education, e-Learning, Career Preparation and many more. To lean more about Accredible's trusted digital credential platform, please visit accredible.com

About Accredible Accredible is the industry-leading digital credentialing platform that securely issues, manages, tracks, and verifies millions of high-stakes credentials across the globe. Accredible integrates with leading learning software including Canvas, D2L Brightspace, Kajabi, Kryterion Webassessor, Moodle, Thinkific, and more. Over 2,000 leading universities, associations, and technology companies such as Google, Skillsoft, Slack, the Association of Corporate Treasurers, Chartered Banker Institute, University of Cambridge, AMPP, Hootsuite, IEEE, Cengage, MIT, Rutgers, INSEAD, IAPP, UC Berkeley, AMBA, and The Digital Marketing Institute rely on Accredible to create, deliver and manage digital certificates and open badges. Learn more at accredible.com. About EdTech Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, school administration, career preparation, language learning, STEM and more. For more information, visit EdTechBreakthrough.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005087/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Terran Orbital and ImageSat International (ISI) Prepare for the Launch of the RUNNER-1 Earth Observation Satellite

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) ("Terran Orbital" or "the Company"), a global leader in satellite-based solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, today announced final launch preparations for the RUNNER-1 satellite. The satellite will be launched aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-8 rideshare mission scheduled from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005362/en/ Terran Orbital and ImageSat International (ISI) Prepare for the Launch of the RUNNER-1 Earth Observation Satellite (Image Credit: Terran Orbital) RUNNER-1, developed jointly by Terran Orbital and ImageSat International Ltd. (TASE: ISI) ("ImageSat International" or "ISI"), Israel's largest space company and a world leader in space-based intelligence solutions, is multi-purpose remote sensing satellite capable of sub-meter high-resolution multi-spectral imaging and color video.



The satellite is slated to join ISI's constellation of satellites and provide services to the Chilean Government as part of the contract awarded to ISI to build out the country's national space program. The RUNNER-1 satellite is based on Terran Orbital's advanced avionics platform and a unique electro-optical mission system developed by ISI. Along with a ground control system and advanced AI capabilities, the RUNNER-1 system enables effective collection and analysis of information and provides a rapid response for various scenarios, including infrastructure monitoring, natural disasters, security events, climate change, and more.

RUNNER-1 will also serve the Chilean government in its national space development program, which was awarded to ISI following an extensive international tender process. The satellite, domestically called FASat Delta, is a key component of the Chilean national space program vision. Chile's national space program ("Sistema Nacional Espacial") is a holistic program for the construction of a future space-based ecosystem, created to generate public value, social development, and increased wealth for the country, as part of which ISI will provide an extensive national infrastructure, including geo-location data management systems, development, science, education, a provisional for AI capabilities, and advanced space-based technology solutions. "Terran Orbital is ecstatic to announce Runner-1's upcoming launch," said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell. "RUNNER-1's rapid response capabilities will change the world. Working with ISI and the Chilean Space program to develop this revolutionary satellite has been an absolute joy. We look forward to continuing to work with ISI and the Chilean Space Program in the future." About Terran Orbital Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com. About ISI ImageSat International (ISI), controlled by private equity fund FIMI, is Israel's largest space company, providing its international customers with imagery intelligence based, among other things, on earth observation satellites from the EROS family and New Space satellites that it has developed. The solutions provided by the company combine very high-resolution observation satellites and a variety of sensors, command and control systems as well as analytics systems and AI-based civilian applications for processing satellite images and other intelligence products. Learn more at www.imagesatintl.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005362/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Immersive, Interactive Exhibit, A.I. VERSUS HUMANITY launches at and in partnership with London Design Biennale for A.I. thought-leadership Forum at Somerset House

Life Calling and its founder, John Mack, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the U.S. Embassy, to present a Forum on June 13, 2023 | 13:00-17:30 pm LONDON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the initial launch of Life Calling's immersive exhibition, A Species Between Worlds: Our Nature Our Screens at London Design Biennale, Founder and artist, provocateur and global lecturer, John Mack will host The Global Game: Remapping our Nature in the Digital Age at London Design Biennale for A.I. thought-leadership Forum at Somerset House on June 13, at blank time. This afternoon Forum of thought-leadership programming is focused on the rising tide of AI and the urgent need to empower what it means to be human. Following his recent US address at Stanford University's Institute for Human-Centred AI in California, John Mack and his non-profit, Life Calling, will take the London stage with lectures and discussion exploring the human relationship with existing and emerging digital technologies. Themed "AI will never surpass our humanity", Mack will extend his unique stance on such complex issues on humanity and psychology vis a vis the digital age. Says Mack, "We need to pivot the conversation around AI. The question is not whether AI will learn compassion or realize consciousness, but rather will humanity learn compassion and realize consciousness. The rise of AI is prompting us to take a deeper look into the digital mirror to better reflect on what it means to be human. The threat is not AI per se, but rather the failure to empower our humanity during such times. Today's global community shares a massive opportunity, one we can all take advantage of in order to prevent AI from taking advantage of us." Mack will join other panel discussion leaders also at the event including Edgar Meij (Head of AI - Search & Discovery, Bloomberg), Chloe Westly (Mental Health Campaigner, Speaker & Former Advisor to the Prime Minister). Juan Jose Lopez Murphy (Head of Data Science & AI, Globant), Ai-Da (humanoid artist robot), Stella Win-yan Long (Head of Learning, The Design Museum), Andy Haldane (CEO, Royal Society of Arts), Lucy Kennedy (Chief Executive, National Saturday Club), among others. Bringing together over 45 exhibition teams from across the world, London Design Biennale, now open at Somerset House, demonstrates the ability of design to bring people together and enact change. Exhibitors have tackled a range of pressing global issues, including conversations around the future of AI. "We are so pleased to host John Mack, who will discuss these important questions and what they mean for our own humanity." -Victoria Broakes. Adds Mack: "Life Calling has shown up to London Design Biennale with a twist on how we think of design. Our inner design is what shapes all outer design. You can't separate the design from th designer, the creation from the creator. So the question is, Given the rise of AI, how can we position ourselves deeper in our humanity in order to ensure that our designs of the future support human thriving rather than undermine it?"



"As artificial intelligence becomes entangled with society and billions of lives around the globe," says Tristan Harris, Co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, "it is absolutely essential that we call on a collective of organizations to collaborate in bold and innovative ways to increase awareness on AI issues. We must meet this moment in rallying the general population to unite around both the challenges and opportunities AI is posing for humanity. John Mack's nonprofit, Life Calling, is entering the field as a leader and convener on this front, and we are delighted to be partners in this movement." - Tristan Harris, Co-founder, Center for Humane Technology Director, London Design Biennale. Founded only in 2001 by Mack, Life Calling has emerged as a leading convener for the empowerment of humanity vis a vis the increasing rise of digital dependence. Its signature programme, A Species Between Worlds: Our Nature, Our Screens, is currently housed in the USA Pavilion of London Design Biennale for the month of June. A Species Between Worlds is an immersive art experience and awareness-raising forum which debuted in NYC in September 2022, supported in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Visitors to a boutique version of the installation at London Design Biennale can be immersed in various worlds, where Mack's real-world images from over 45 US National Parks are juxtaposed with a custom augmented reality (AR) app, exploring who we are in relation to our environment in light of the encroaching digital landscape.

For press inquiries, please contact Lauren Adair on [email protected] or 07790 358 683 Forum Information Open and free to the public, The Global Game: Remapping our Nature in the Digital Age will run from 13:00  17:30 on 13th June. Free tickets can be reserved at: https://www.aspeciesbetweenworlds.com/ldb-forum/ Media Interviews Available Contact: Kathryn Morrissey, Managing Director, Life Calling +1 917 226 8267 | [email protected] About John Mack John Mack is an artist, photographer, author, lecturer and the founder of the non-profit Life Calling. Mack is a 2022 honouree of The Explorer's Club 50: Fifty people changing the world who the world needs to know about. Mack also serves as a board member of Fairplay, an organisation that strives to create a world where kids can be kids, free from the false promises of marketers and the manipulations of Big Tech. He currently lives between London and New York. About Life Calling Founded in 2021, Life Calling responds to the increasingly eroding boundaries between humanity and technology. Its fundamental mission is to preserve our humanity in the Digital Age. These digital times call us to meet the rising digital tide in a shared vision of our humanity and its future. Life Calling assists in answering this call through expanding self-awareness. This is achieved through educational programming rooted in immersive experiences across the arts, culture, and nature, inclusive of publications and self-learning toolseach fostering and catalysing a more balanced, nuanced and thoughtful perspective as we navigate the Digital Age. life-calling. About London Design Biennale Established in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, London Design Biennale promotes international collaboration and the global role of design. Since its inception the Biennale welcomes the world's most exciting and ambitious designers, innovators and cultural bodies to the capital. The fourth edition of London Design Biennale will take place from 1 to 25 June 2023, artistically directed by the Nieuwe Instituutthe Dutch national museum and institute for architecture, design and digital culture. Taking over the entirety of Somerset House, including the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and River Terrace, participants from across the globe will be invited to imagine and enact new forms of international cooperation and participationincluding with each otherthrough the medium of design. London Design Biennale's International Advisory Committee and Jury includes: Paola Antonelli, Victoria Broackes, Aric Chen, Es Devlin OBE, Nipa Doshi, Ben Evans CBE, Marva Griffin Willshire, Suhair Khan, James Lingwood MBE, Prof. Jeremy Myerson, Tosin Oshinowo, Jonathan Reekie CBE, Rashid and Ahmed bin Shabib, Sir John Sorrell CBE, Dr. Christopher Turner. londondesignbiennale.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/immersive-interactive-exhibit-ai-versus-humanity-launches-at-and-in-partnership-with-london-design-biennale-for-ai-thought-leadership-forum-at-somerset-house-301846287.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Capella Space Awarded Multi-Year Blanket Purchase Agreement by NASA

Capella will provide high resolution commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery for evaluation in support of Earth Science Research. SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Capella Space, an American space tech company and the world's leading provider of commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery for a wide range of government, commercial and scientific applications, today announced it has been awarded a five year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) by NASA's Earth Science Division for the purchase of its high resolution SAR imagery and data for evaluation to determine their suitability for advancing NASA's science and application goals. Capella Space awarded five year blanket purchase agreement by NASA for the purchase of its high resolution SAR data Under this sole-source agreement, NASA will have access to Capella's commercial SAR image products, which range from 0.5 to 1.2 meter ground resolution and represent one of the highest resolution imagery capabilities offered by any SAR provider. The agreement will facilitate fixed price call-off contracts valued up to $7 million per call, effective for five yeas from the date of the agreement.



This BPA is funded by the Earth Science Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in support of NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. Imagery procured under this agreement will provide NASA's Earth Science Division with additional perspective for scientific research of Earth's interconnected systems, enhancing existing NASA datasets. "As the first operator of an American commercial SAR constellation, we are thrilled to support NASA's research efforts," said Payam Banazadeh, CEO and founder of Capella Space. "The BPA Framework allows NASA's Earth Science Division to take advantage of our growing constellation of commercial SAR satellites across a wide diversity of orbits. We look forward to supporting this highly valuable scientific research effort."

"NASA is excited for the opportunity to evaluate high resolution SAR data from Capella Space in the context of our Earth Science research, analysis and applications portfolios," said Dr. Will McCarty, NASA CSDA Program Scientist. "With the advent of SAR from commercial sources like Capella Space, we are interested how these small satellite constellations can supplement our existing NASA datasets and capabilities. Ultimately, we aim to leverage these data to provide new perspectives on the scientific priorities of the Earth Science Division." This award builds on the strong partnerships Capella Space has developed with other US government agencies including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO), U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the U.S. Space Force. To learn more about Capella Space's high-resolution data and offerings, please visit the Capella website. About Capella Space

Capella Space is an American space tech company with data and satellite solutions for government and commercial use. A pioneer in the Earth observation industry, Capella is the first U.S. company with a constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, delivering high quality and resolution SAR imagery commercially available. Capella provides easy access to frequent and timely information affecting dozens of industries worldwide, including defense and intelligence, supply chain, insurance, maritime and others. Its market-leading SAR satellites are matched with unparalleled data infrastructure to quickly deliver reliable global insights that sharpen our understanding of the changing world  improving decisions about commerce, conservation, and security on Earth. Headquartered in San Francisco, California with additional locations in Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C., Capella's satellites are operated, designed, and manufactured in the USA. Learn more at www.capellaspace.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capella-space-awarded-multi-year-blanket-purchase-agreement-by-nasa-301844429.html SOURCE Capella Space

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Cambiar Investors Shortlisted for Three Awards

Cambiar Investors, a leading global relative value manager, today announced that it has been shortlisted for three awards: With Intelligence shortlisted the Cambiar SMID Fund (CAMMX) in the Active Equities Mutual Fund of the Year category

With Intelligence also included Director of Marketing John Le for Fund Marketer of the Year.

Director of Marketing John Le was also listed as a finalist for WealthManagement.com's Chief Marketing Officer of the Year. Now in its 30th year, the With Intelligence Mutual Fund and ETF Awards 2023 recognize the best business leaders, innovators, product development experts, fund directors and fund performers. The shortlisted finalists are evaluated through a number of factors including performance, innovation, and fund objectives. The winners will be announced June 15. The WealthManagement.com Industry Awards, also known as the "Wealthies," are chosen by an independent panel of judges from more than 400 finalists. The winners will be announced at an evening gala on Sept. 7. "The inclusion of the Cambiar SMID Fund is a testament to the hard work and dedication of portfolio managers Colin Dunn and Andy Baumbusch," said Cambiar President and CIO Brian Barish. "We are also proud of John Le's inclusion on the Fund Marketer of the Year shortlist and as a finalist for the Chief Marketing Officer of the Year award." The Cambiar SMID Fund -which invests in35-45 stocks with a starting universe that includes any company with a market cap primarily between $2-$12 billion-is also accessible to institutional investors via the Cambiar SMID Fund (CAMUX).



The full shortlist, as well as information about With Intelligence's criteria, can be accessed on the With Intelligence Mutual Fund and ETF Awards 2023 website. The complete list of Wealthies finalists can be found on the WealthManagement.com 2023 Industry Awards website. About Cambiar Investors

Cambiar Investors is a Denver-based investment management firm, founded in 1973. Cambiar utilizes a Quality | Price | Discipline investment philosophy that seeks to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns over a market cycle. Cambiar's longstanding investment approach, coupled with an independent employee ownership structure, has helped to foster a corporate culture that shares a common pursuit of excellence with clients. Disclosure: The mutual fund performance awards are judged based on 2022 performance and flows. Fund must have at least $50 million in assets under management. Mutual fund investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its stated objectives. To determine if a Fund is an appropriate investment for you, carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risk factors and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's summary or statutory prospectus which can be obtained by clicking here or calling 1-866-777-8227. Please read it carefully before investing. Cambiar Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co., 1 Freedom Valley Dr. Oaks, PA 19456, which is not affiliated with the Advisor. Cambiar Funds are available to US investors only. Strategies included within the Separate Account section are not mutual funds and are not affiliated with SEI Investments Distribution Co. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005558/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Photo taken on Sept. 14, 2020 shows the outside view of the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

Representatives from UN agencies in Ukraine "tell us that the disaster will likely get worse in the coming hours, as water levels are still rising, and more villages and towns are being flooded. This will impact people's access to essential services and seriously raise health risks," a UN spokesman said.

UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from various UN agencies in Ukraine were in Kherson on Wednesday to assess the impact of the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam and coordinate the humanitarian response.

Representatives from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as well as five UN agencies and some nongovernmental organizations, were on the ground to conduct the assessment, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"They tell us that the disaster will likely get worse in the coming hours, as water levels are still rising, and more villages and towns are being flooded. This will impact people's access to essential services and seriously raise health risks," he said.

On Tuesday, about 1,500 people left their flooded homes, according to the International Organization for Migration, and more people were evacuated on Wednesday. Most of them are staying in Mykolaiv city, which is close to their homes, said the spokesman.

Access to water is a main concern. Hundreds of thousands of people depend on the reservoir, formed by the dam, for drinking water, and the levels are dropping rapidly. In addition, flooding can also lead to contamination of water sources, increasing health risks, he told a daily press briefing.

The Food and Agriculture Organization warns that the destruction of the dam will likely impact food security, as thousands of hectares of agricultural land have now been flooded, destroying recently planted crops. Authorities said that the destruction of the dam decimated the irrigation systems in the Dnipro, Kherson and Zaporizhizia regions, he said.

On the response side, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are working nonstop to provide affected communities with the assistance they urgently need. On Tuesday, they distributed nearly 12,000 bottles of water, more than 1,700 kits with essential supplies for children on the move, and 10,000 water purification tablets to five municipalities in Kherson and the city of Mykolaiv, said the spokesman.

Humanitarian organizations are supporting authorities in the evacuations and helping coordinate the accommodation of people arriving from Kherson in transit centers. They are also delivering hygiene supplies and other basic items to Mykolaiv and Odessa for the evacuees there, he said.

Cash, psychosocial and health support and recreational activities for children at the Kherson train station are also part of the ongoing response. The work will continue in the coming days, he said. 
[June 08, 2023] Carahsoft Announces Launch of Salesforce AppExchange Public Sector Self-Guided Tour Site

RESTON, Va., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, today announced the launch of the Carahsoft AppExchange Public Sector Guided Tour Site. This innovative resource is tailored to Public Sector customers and partners to provide agencies with a comprehensive platform to explore and demo solutions. Carahsofts vendor partners featured on the site support Federal, State and Local, Education and Healthcare customers with unique procurement, security and regulatory needs.

Salesforce AppExchange, the largest enterprise cloud marketplace, hosts more than 7,000 ISV applications and certified consulting organizations. Recognizing the need for a specialized platform for Public Sector customers, Carahsoft has joined forces with Salesforce ISV Partners to create the AppExchange Public Sector Guided Tour Site. The site enables Government Cloud Platform users to discover and explore specialized solutions at their own pace, across one intuitive self-guided tour site. Carahsoft and our partners commitment to the Public Sector motivates us to continuously innovate and address their specific needs, said Craig P. Abod, Carahsoft President. The launch of our site is a significant step towards empowering Government customers with tailored Salesforce solutions that meet their specific requirements. We are excited to work with our vendor and reseller partners to provide a dedicated resource that delivers advanced efficiency, security and cost savings to our customers. By utilizing this resource, customers can enhance and ustomize their Salesforce experience while significantly reducing the cost of developing customer solutions from scratch. Customers can have peace of mind knowing their cloud is secure, as many of the solutions featured on the site are specifically designed for and Native within Salesforce. Key features of the Carahsoft AppExchange Public Sector Guided Tour Site include:



Demo and discovery: Customers can learn how to leverage ISVs to enhance their existing Cloud environment by exploring pre-built demo sites, and browsing solutions on their own terms. When ready, customers can take the next step by requesting a live demo, appointment, or quote all from one convenient site.

Customers can learn how to leverage ISVs to enhance their existing Cloud environment by exploring pre-built demo sites, and browsing solutions on their own terms. When ready, customers can take the next step by requesting a live demo, appointment, or quote all from one convenient site. Seamless procurement options : Once the customer has identified solutions they are interested in, the Carahsoft AppExchange Public Sector Guided Tours site offers a streamlined procurement process. With just a click of a button, users can access procurement options and detailed contract information for a quick and compliant procurement. The AppExchange enables Salesforce customers to focus on the services and delivering the services theyre responsible for delivering, not developing, maintaining and operating a stack on their own, said Tom Guido, Vice President of Customer Success, U.S. Federal and Canada Public Sector at Salesforce. The platform showcases a range of solutions from Carahsofts vendor partners available on the Salesforce AppExchange. Government agencies can leverage additional tools and integrations through Carahsofts technology partners to further enhance their Salesforce deployments.

To explore the Salesforce AppExchange Public Sector Guided Tour Site and learn more about the available Salesforce solutions, visit https://www.carahsoft.com/appexchange-public-sector-guided-tours or contact [email protected] or (833) 478-1740. About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source, Customer Experience and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com. Contact

Mary Lange

(703) 230-7434

[email protected]



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] VieCure Platform Live with Oncology Care Partners in Miami, Florida to Accelerate the Adoption of Value-Based Cancer Care

VieCure today announced the go-live of OCP Miami as a part of VieCure's strategic partnership with value-based care organization, Oncology Care Partners ("OCP"). The extension of this collaboration will assist OCP in its provision of world-class care to patients across its growing U.S. network, by supporting OCP's providers in creating personalized treatment plans using VieCure's Halo Intelligence Platform and helping OCP advance its commitment to overall health equity for its patients. This partnership is impactful as both companies are dedicated to revolutionizing the way that cancer patients are treated. OCP is committed to a new generation of cancer care, ensuring that patients are treated with "whole-person care," giving them the opportunity to ensure the patient and family is supported and engaged throughout the entire care process. OCP has already opened its initial practice in Phoenix, Arizona, and is caring for Medicare Advantage patients in the surrounding area. It has also recently started offering care to patients in Miami, where it brings its value-based care model to patients. OCP is in the process of expanding to deliver world-class, community-based care throughout the country while striving for more efficient and individualized treatment options, and VieCure is proud to power all practices in its growing network. OCP is working to reduce unnecessary services which can in turn lower costs and reduce the burden placed on patients. Value-based care will ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive and efficient care, and in turn, improve the overall quality of life for patients and their families. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005137/en/ "We view VieCure as an important strategic partner, we share a mission: to make cancer care better for patients. As this partnership grows, we have the opportunity to accelerate growth for both companies and, by extension, the positive impact on cancer patients," Joe Pietrzak, Oncology Care Partners CFO, and head of development. VieCure has developed a proprietary artificial intelligence informatics software platform and combined it with a clinical inference engine, a codified content library, a patient mobile app, a physician mobile app, integrated tele-oncology, and a fulsome data and analytics solution. This comprehensive suite, all tethered to the A.I. clinical inference engine, is the market-leading point-of-care clinical decision support system in oncology. VieCure is also in the process of codifying the New Century Pathways in algorithms for use by clinicians at OCP practices. "VieCure's AI-based decision support platform with its world-leading knowledge library, including standard of care and precision medicine, will enable OCP's clinicians to give their patients the most appropriate, cost-effective care tailored to their unique circumstances," Dr. red Ashbury, VieCure's Chief Scientific Officer.



About VieCure VieCure has developed a proprietary artificial intelligence informatics software platform in conjunction with a clinical inference engine and point-of-care decision support system in oncology. The VieCure platform combines the latest in clinical knowledge with patient data to assist clinicians in generating personalized treatment plans and better managing a patient's treatment throughout diagnosis, cancer therapy, and ongoing follow-up care. For more information, please visit viecure.com and connect with VieCure on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Oncology Care Partners Oncology Care Partners (OCP) is an oncology provider built solely to provide value-based care serving Medicare Advantage patients. OCP's community-based physicians serve every patient with high-touch, whole-person care that includes more time with a doctor, a dedicated advocate, clear and open communication, and 24/7 connectivity. OCP was launched by Valtruis, a WCAS company that provides a unique platform to transform healthcare through what is truly value-based care, and partners with New Century Health, a national pioneer in oncology and cardiology care management. OCP's innovative model of care reduces unnecessary services, lowers costs, and adds value for patients, doctors, and providers. For more information, visit OncologyCarePartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005137/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Mountain View Selected as Host Site for Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ThoughtSpot, the AI-Powered analytics company, will host a Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp for high school students at No-Cost for a 3rd time in the Fall of 2023. The AI Bootcamp in Mountain View will be targeted at underserved high school students (9th-12th grade) and will introduce these high school students to basic AI concepts and skills.

ThoughtSpot is one of 28+ host companies selected to host camps across the US in Fall 2023. The ThoughtSpot Bootcamp will be held over four consecutive Saturdays starting on October 14th and ending on November 4th .The bootcamp will run each Saturday from 11-3pm PT and if accepted, high school students must commit to attending all 4 sessions. The student and parent application are now open at markcubanai.org/thoughtspotpr. Students do not need any prior experience with computer science, programming, or robotics to apply and attend. With AI being a relevant topic on many news sources, students will learn what artificial intelligence is and is not, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, and the ethical implications of AI systems including but not limited to TikTok recommendations, smart home assistants, facial recognitin, and self-driving cars to name a few. Participants will also learn how Large Language Models like ChatGPT are changing life as we know it by answering questions, telling original stories, and even writing computer code.



Students will benefit from volunteer corporate mentor instructors who are knowledgeable about AI, ML and data science and able to help students quickly understand material normally taught at a collegiate level. As part of the 4-hour curriculum, students will work with open source tools each day to build their own AI applications related to Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Generative AI. The Mark Cuban Foundation provides the bootcamps curriculum materials, trains corporate volunteer mentors, and recruits and scores applications for local student selected to attend camp. In addition, the Mark Cuban Foundation and ThoughtSpot work together to provide food, transportation, and access to laptops for students at no-cost throughout the duration of Bootcamp.

It was a lot of fun, I learned things I didn't even know were possible with A.I. and their real-world applications showed me just how much it will change our world." - Brandon B., 10th Grade, 2022 AI Bootcamp Participant Founded by Mark Cuban in 2019, the AI Bootcamp initiative has hosted no-cost AI bootcamps for students across several US cities, including Dallas, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Atlantic City to name a few. The Mark Cuban Foundation has impacted 900+ students to date and has a goal to increase that number year over year. Students interested in applying to the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp should do so before Friday, September 8th, 2023 at markcubanai.org/thoughtspotpr. To see our 2023 camp locations and to learn more about the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamps, please visit markcubanai.org/faq . Contact: Carli Lidiak, Mark Cuban Foundation Phone: 309-840-0348 Email: [email protected]



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] McKesson Canada Opens New State-of-the Art Distribution Centre in Surrey British Columbia

Supporting British Columbia's Future Health New 233,000 square-foot facility ensures expanded capacity to support provincial medication delivery needs long-term and strengthens medication delivery infrastructure

McKesson Canada's new distribution centre features industry-leading automation to accelerate fulfillment and increase efficiency and productivity

Integration of on-site Specialty Pharmacy campus ensures support in rise of complex therapies SURREY, BC, June 8, 2023 /CNW/ - To support British Columbia's rising healthcare needs, McKesson Canada opens a new state-of-the-art, 233,000 square-foot facility in Surrey, British Columbia (BC). The new distribution centre (DC) delivers pharmaceutical medications, vaccines, specialty pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter products to over 1,300 hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across BC. McKesson Specialty Pharmacy on site manages complex specialty medications, providing quality care for patients across the province. As part of McKesson Canada's distribution modernization plan, $175 million dollars was invested in the development and design of the Surrey DC to integrate industry-leading automation technology and strengthen efficiency and productivity. The DC uses best-in-class technology and processes to increase accuracy, protect against volume fluctuations and doubles potential capacity to over 235,000 units shipped daily. This investment ensures McKesson Canada can meet Canada's rising need for complex specialized medications and respond to BC's future healthcare demands, particularly the expected 63 per centi rise in seniors over the next 20 years, who typically have more complex conditions. "Today, we are showcasing our unwavering dedication to improve health outcomes of Canadians. From strategic concept to operations, McKesson Canada's Surrey distribution centre is a showcase of innovation that blends the state-of-the-art technology and optimized processes that secure our capacity to support the growing healthcare needs of British Columbians for the long term," said Joan Eliasek, President, McKesson Canada. "We take great pride in our investment in British Columbia and in our responsibility to deliver lifesaving medications reliably and safely across the province for many years to come." State-of-the-Art Technology, Processes and Automation

State-of-the-art automation technology enables more efficient and accurate product picking. The new DC utilizes a system that picks products from over 22,000 storage containers, delivering them directly to the operators who ensure quality and accuracy. The automation process allows for vast quantities of product to flow through the distribution system, with real-time monitoring and forecasting of required product volume levels. Picked products are released and sequenced according to delivery route, all through automation to ensure the right product gets to the right destination for precise just-in-time delivery. Significant investment has also been made in cold chain storage to support Canada's rising need for more complex medications that require fridge and freezer storage, such as COVID-19 vaccinations. The Surrey DC is the last of McKesson Canada's transformation and modernization initiatives in Western Canada, including building new Edmonton and Winnipeg DCs. Reaching this milestone means that McKesson Canada is prepared to support and react quickly in times of environmental crisis or emergencies like wildfires or flooding. Each McKesson Canada DC in Western Canada has contingency planning to be able to support provinces in the event of a disruption or crisis. Bedrock of Community and Independent Pharmacy

Just-in-time delivery is a hallmark of the McKesson Canada distribution system, creating an infrastructure that allows for continual flow of goods into the community and reliable access to medication. McKesson Canada's distribution system has been a key enabler for independent pharmacy. The modernization of the Surrey DC processes, tools and equipment support operational excellence and enhances our customer offering. "The complexity of just-in-time delivery within an ecosystem that delivers much needed medication to every community in Canada, the next day, every day is extraordinary," says Jean-Philippe Blouin, Senior Vice-President Pharmaceutical Distribution & Operations, McKesson Canada. "The value and enhanced features of our new Surrey distribution centre ensures that we provide reliable service and further demonstrates our commitment to our patients and our customers in BC." The Rise of Specialized Medication Needs

The use of specialty medications and therapeutic treatments for both acute and chronic care patients continues to rise in Canada. In 2021, specialty drugs had a 9.5 per cent growth rate compared to traditional drugs at 2.9 per cent.ii The innovative McKesson Specialty Pharmacy provides care to patients from a wide range of therapeutic specialties such as neurology, oncology, immunology and ophthalmology. Molecules are compounded on site in state-of-the-art cleanrooms where hazardous and non-hazardous medications are handled in sterile environments. The integration of the McKesson Specialty Pharmacy in the Surrey DC allows for more efficient access and delivery to patient's homes, hospitals, and infusion clinics. Environmental Focus

Situated on 14 acres of land, the new DC office space was designed with consideration for environmental sustainability. The new DC features LED low energy lighting, low flow water fixtures, underground rainwater collection, native landscaping to support local birds and insects and electric vehicle charging stations. The Surrey DC employs 180 people and supports additional jobs in partner businesses including transportation. About McKesson Canada

McKesson Canada is a diversified healthcare services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients everywhere. Our teams partner with pharmaceutical companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments, and others to deliver insights, products and services to help make quality care more accessible and affordable. Learn more about how McKesson Canada is impacting virtually every aspect of healthcare at www.McKesson.ca







_____________________________________ i Ip, Frank and Lavoie, Sebastien. "PEOPLE 2020: BC Sub-Provincial Population Projections." Government of British Columbia, BC Stats.,https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/data/statistics/people-population-community/population/people_population_projections_highlights.pdf ii"2022 Drug Data Trends & National Benchmarks." TELUS Health. Pg. 12, https://plus.telushealth.co/blogs/health-benefits/wp-content/uploads/TELUS-Health-Drug-Data-Trends-Report-2022.pdf

SOURCE MCKESSON CANADA

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Ricardo Penfold Joins Seaport Global

Seaport Global announced that Ricardo Penfold has joined the firm as Managing Director, Sovereign Analyst with the firm's Emerging Markets team. The addition of Mr. Penfold strengthens Seaport Global's international presence. Last year, Seaport Global merged with Liquidity Finance, the premier Emerging Markets specialist. Since 2008, Liquidity Finance's team of highly skilled professionals has focused on brokering and trading of Emerging Market securities across CEE, LATAM, MENA and ASIA sovereign and corporate issuers. Together, Seaport Global and Liquidity now have offices not only in London, but also in Dubai-Liquidity Finance (DIFC) Limited, Hong Kong-Liquidity Finance (Hong Kong) Limited, and Singapore-Liquidity APAC PTE LTD. Mr. Penfold has over three decades of professional experience. Most recently, Mr. Penfold was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management in New York where he ran Macro Analysis and Portfolio Management, generating and managing investments for global Fixed Income currency portfolios. Previously, Mr. Penfold was a Vice President and Chief Economist at Santander Investment in Caracas, Venezuela where he ran Fixed Income and Equity Research. Mr. Penfold's experience includes Advisor and Strategic Planing roles for the Venezuelan Ministry of Finance, Corporacion Andina de Fomento and Petroleos de Venezuela. He holds a B.S. degree from Boston University and a Master's degree from University of Pennsylvania, where he also pursued PhD studies.



Faisal Mian, Seaport Global Partner and Global Head of Emerging Markets, said, "We are delighted to welcome Ricardo Penfold to Seaport Global. We are confident his decades of interaction with Emerging Markets sovereign issuers will bring an informational and analytical edge to our client base, especially with so many restructurings likely in the near term. Seaport will be in a strong position to help their clients make more informed investment decisions." Michael Meyer, Seaport Global Partner and Head of Global Sales and Trading noted, "Seaport Global is committed to providing clients with the highest caliber resources. While we adjust our tactics based on each market, what remains unchanged is our approach. Our seasoned professionals provide clients with bold, forward-thinking investment strategies and are relentless in pursuit of their objectives." He continued, "The addition of Ricardo Penfold is indicative of our best-in-class approach; hire and retain the top talent in order to ensure continued growth."

About Seaport Global Seaport Global Holdings LLC is a leading capital markets firm, providing robust sales, trading and research services and the resources of a full-service investment bank. Seaport Global combines its extensive knowledge, solid relationships, and deep distribution platform to serve its clients' most unique business requirements. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices across the US and Europe. Visit www.seaportglobal.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005663/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[June 08, 2023] Human Powered AI Meromai Launches, Bringing Crowdsourced Human Curation to Artificial Intelligence while Rewarding Contributors

George Town, Cayman Islands, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meromai, the decentralized human-powered AI platform, launches today, promising to change the way people work, shop, play, and interact with the world - and each other. By crowdsourcing the curation of Open Source AI data sets for applications across a broad range of topics, Meromai provides a powerful alternative to corporate offerings. Unlike most AI platforms, Meromai is trained using Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), where users are recognized and valued for their contributions. The platform incentivizes AI curation with a points based rewards system, creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. Points are rewarded for prompts, responses, curation and overall quality, ensuring more accurate and diverse results that can be used across a broad range of applications. Meromai is built on a distributed GPU network, enabling the platform to process large volumes of data quickly and efficiently. This allows users to generate insights and predictions in real-time, without the need for expensive hardware investments. "Artificial intelligence will transform so many aspects of our lives, but it requires high-quality data and human epertise to be useful," said a Meromai spokesperson. "By including human contributions, Meromai democratizes AI and makes it accessible to everyone. We believe this is the future of AI, and we're excited to be at the forefront of this movement."



Meromai users will curate hundreds of topics, starting with food, writing and travel. The curated topics will then be used to train multiple Open Source AI models, empowering companies and individuals with more accurate AI results to make better decisions. The Meromai platform is live and can be found at https://merom.ai, where users can contribute prompts and responses to earn points. Points will later be convertible to rewards, including cryptocurrency, when the Meromai ecosystem can support it. A roadmap will be released in a future phase.

Were looking forward to having people help to build high quality, Open Source AI, said the Meromai spokesperson. We arent asking for your money. Were asking for your time to build a truly useful Human Powered AI platform. About Meromai

Merom.ai is a groundbreaking Open Source AI platform designed to encourage and reward human participation. For more information about Meromai and its ecosystem, please visit the Meromai website and follow MeromaiOfficial on Twitter and Discord.

Matt Wilson Social Media Manager Meromai pr-news(at)merom.ai

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
As more violence takes hold in Kansas City we share all manner of crime reporting and follow-up to ongoing investigations.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Jackson County Detention Center employee among 4 indicted for smuggling K2-laced paper to inmates A Jackson County Detention Center employee was among four individuals indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to smuggle papers laced with K2. Aaron D. Copes, 42, of Grandview, Mo., was a case manager at the Jackson County Detention Center.

14-year-old Kansas City teen shot and killed on the front porch of his family's home The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is working to determine what led up to a shooting that claimed the life of a teenager early Wednesday.Officers were called to a home near East 83rd Street and Wayne Avenue around 5:30 a.m.

Family loses two in one month after woman found shot on I-670 in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City police say one woman has died after she was found shot on Interstate 670 on Wednesday morning.

Two dead in Wednesday morning KCMO shootings, WB I-670 traffic shut down KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A teenager and a woman died from shootings Wednesday morning. The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department stated that at 5:37 a.m., officers learned of a shooting outdoors in the 8200 block of Wayne Avenue. When first responders arrived, they found a teen dead.

Clay County deputies find passports, drugs and more in stolen vehicle following chase According to law enforcement, an overnight police pursuit in Clay County, Missouri, became a big bust for the sheriff's deputies.Drugs, money, stolen identification documents and a weapon were all found in a car that fled from officers and crashed along the northeast Antioch Road exit of I-35.Police say 49-year-old Michael Bennett now faces multiple charges from the incident.

Kansas man charged with killing sons in 2020 could face death penalty LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - A Leavenworth, Kansas man charged in the killing of his two sons appeared in court Wednesday where it was announced the state intends to pursue the death penalty. Donald Ray Jackson Jr., 43, was charged in 2020 with one count of capital murder .

California man pleads guilty to smuggling over 33,000 fentanyl pills in metro area A California man pleaded guilty in court Wednesday, admitting to smuggling over 33,000 counterfeit pills that contained four kilograms of fentanyl. Matthew J. Gomez, 28, pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. On March 16, 2023, Gomez was observed by members of the Missouri Western Interdiction Task Force at a bus stop in Kansas City.

Kansas City organization fighting violence by helping others fight addiction KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The year to date total of homicides in Kansas City, Missouri, has now risen to 80. It puts 2023 on-pace be the deadliest year on record in KCMO. Many of those cases can can be linked back to drugs.

Developing . . .
As we approach election season there have been a litany of ideas to curb the current spate of violence endured by local residents.

Mayor & his council allies are in the midst of yet another fight for power & control of police funding.

And then . . .

There's also 30 MILLION BUCKS worth of no-show jobs offered to anti-crime groups.

And, of course . . .

The newspaper is working to lock up cops and denounce public safety efforts because of (you guessed it) . . . RACISM!!!



However . . .

VERY FEW PEOPLE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT HIRING MORE KANSAS CITY POLICE!!!

This is a fact of life that sparks countless complaints but very little action.

More evidence of the tragic trend . . .



"According to Fraternal Order of Police President Brad Lemon, there are currently 284 unfilled police officer positions for KCPD."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

As homicide numbers increase, staffing for the Kansas City Police Department is at a historic low With Kansas City, Missouri on pace to potentially set a new homicide record, the Kansas City Police Department is at its lowest force strength in fifty years.According to Fraternal Order of Police President Brad Lemon, there are currently 284 unfilled police officer positions for KCPD.Additionally, half of homicide cases so

Developing . . .
Pandemic lockdown forced Anishinaabe visual artist from Rama First Nation to experience "reconnection with my homelands, that deepened and changed my life."
'It is essential for Canada to acknowledge and address the systemic barriers and discriminatory practices that hinder the safety and well-being of our citizens'
A contestant attends the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2023. The award ceremony of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held at the University of Tehran here in the Iranian capital on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shadati)

TEHRAN, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The award ceremony of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held at the University of Tehran here in the Iranian capital on Wednesday.

The ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Iran Chang Hua and the university's Vice President Mohammad Marandi, as well as a number of scholars and hundreds of college students.

In remarks at the ceremony, Chang said more than half a century has passed since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Iran, and during this period, the two countries have had close and win-win cooperation, which is an example of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Chang said language is the crystallization of human wisdom and serves as a bridge for improving mutual understanding among nations and peoples.

The ambassador expressed hopes that contestants and Chinese language lovers in Iran could use language as a channel to know better about China, so as to better promote bilateral exchanges in various fields.

Speaking to Xinhua during the ceremony, Marandi said the enthusiasm seen in the event says enough about how students feel about learning the Chinese language, expressing hope to see more Iranian colleges opening Chinese language courses with enhanced bilateral educational cooperation.

This year's competition, themed "One World, One Family," saw a total of 16 contestants rival in Chinese speech, talent show, and other rounds, with a student from the University of Tehran taking the champion of the regional final.

Winners of country and regional races will be invited to the semi-final and final contests in China. The champion will be awarded a scholarship to study in China. 

A contestant attends the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2023. The award ceremony of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held at the University of Tehran here in the Iranian capital on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A contestant shows her work at the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2023. The award ceremony of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held at the University of Tehran here in the Iranian capital on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A contestant attends the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2023. The award ceremony of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held at the University of Tehran here in the Iranian capital on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A contestant attends the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2023. The award ceremony of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held at the University of Tehran here in the Iranian capital on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A contestant attends the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2023. The award ceremony of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held at the University of Tehran here in the Iranian capital on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shadati)
Augustine Tours, an African touring company, has announced an addition of a travel itinerary to its packages, the Rwanda Burundi Overland Tour.



(TRAVPR.COM) RWANDA - June 8th, 2023 - Augustine Tours, an African touring company, has announced an addition of a travel itinerary to its packages, the Rwanda Burundi Overland Tour. These East African countries are beauties to set one's eyes upon. The Rwanda Burundi Overland Tour is designed to take those looking to explore Rwanda and Burundi through their spectacular cultures and natural landscapes.

The Rwanda Burundi tour itinerary is customizable to meet the needs of the company's clients. One can travel through these countries solo or in group. In addition, the packages are affordable.

"We focus on creating and promoting tailor-made tours offering authentic and unique travel experiences benefiting visitors and local employment while preserving the cultural heritage, wildlife, and nature," said Augustin Ndikuriyo, founder of Augustine Tours.

The Rwanda Burundi tour takes tourists to multiple sites with cultural and historical significance. There is the 2-day gorilla trek trip in Bwindi National Park from Kigali, Calm Tanganyika beaches, Rwanda Ethnographic Museum, Burundi drummers, Karera waterfalls, the Source of Nile, Rusizi National Park, and Lake Tanganyika.

The staff speak different languages such as English and French to ensure there is no language barrier between them and clients. In addition, they have lots of knowledge about the historical sites, as well as the cultural heritages of Rwanda and Burundi. Their wealth of knowledge also allows them to design custom itinerary services.

"Our wealth of local knowledge allows our team to design a custom tour itinerary. In our 13 years of experience, we have successfully met our guests' expectations from all around the world, considering their lifestyles, age groups, and travel preferences,", says Augustin.

Augustine Tours through its Rwanda Burundi Overland Touring service guarantees tourists an enjoyable experience taking in the wonderful works of mother nature in these East African countries.

About Augustine Tours

Augustine Tours is a touring and travel operator in East Africa. It was founded in 2010, by Augustin Ndikuriyo, to offer touring services that will enable adventure enthusiasts to experience the epic wildlife, cultures, and landscapes in East Africa. The establishment is inspired by a quote from Saint Augustine" The world is a book, and those who don't travel only read one page."

They aim to promote the culture of this region while preserving its wildlife, nature, and cultural heritage.

Notes to Editors

To find more about Augustine Tours and whats included in the itinerary, visit the website, here: https://augustinetours.com/tour/rwanda-burundi-tour-itinerary/

For more information or images, please email: info@augustinetours.com

###
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- At a meeting on cultural inheritance and development last Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for efforts to build a modern Chinese civilization, emphasizing inclusiveness as one of the five prominent features of Chinese civilization besides continuity, innovativeness, unity, and peaceful nature.

"Chinese civilization is inclusive, which fundamentally determines the historical orientation of the Chinese nation featuring exchanges and integration, the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in China, and the openness of Chinese culture to world civilizations," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Over thousands of years of ethnic integration, China has developed into a united multiethnic country with harmonious relationships between 56 diverse but closely interwoven ethnic groups.

Exchanges and interactions between different ethnic groups are a vivid embodiment of the inclusiveness of Chinese civilization and a means by which contemporary Chinese civilization has become what it is today.

At Shanxi Museum in Taiyuan, the capital of north China's Shanxi Province, one of the iconic items on display is a terra-cotta figurine featuring a nomadic traveler seated on a camel chewing on pancake.

The figurine was unearthed from a tomb dating back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The tomb owner is believed to be an official of nomadic descent, his family assimilating into the central plains of China -- also known as Zhongyuan -- over several generations.

Zhang Qingjie, a researcher at the Shanxi institute of archaeology, believes the figurine reflects trade and exchanges between people from the central plain area and other ethnic groups. "Traveling merchants brought goods and life customs from different places, which later gradually integrated into local people's lives and became part of Chinese culture," Zhang said.

Over the past decades, archaeologists have explored various cultural relics as evidence of ethnic integration across China. In 2022, Xi visited the Museum of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region during an inspection tour. He was impressed by the collections that demonstrate close exchanges between different ethnic groups in the region in ancient times.

"Chinese civilization is extensive and profound, has a long history stretching back to antiquity, and is composed of outstanding cultures of all its ethnic groups," Xi said at the exhibition hall.

"Our country is a unified multiethnic country, with the Chinese people of all ethnic groups united in diversity being a salient feature," Xi said during the tour.

Also, Chinese indigenous religious beliefs and those that came from overseas have coexisted peacefully over the course of the nation's history. It was the outstanding affinity and cohesion of the Chinese civilization that brought about its outstanding inclusiveness and openness, and ultimately contributed to the harmonious coexistence of religions.

Moreover, the Chinese civilization was formed through the process of exchanges and mutual learning with other civilizations. The ancient Silk Road linking the East and the West served as a carrier for the exchanges between Chinese civilization and other Eurasian civilizations.

In May, the China-Central Asia Summit was held in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Known as Chang'an in ancient times, Xi'an is an important cradle of Chinese civilization and also the starting point of the ancient Silk Road on the eastern end.

"With their joint endeavor of hundreds of years, Chinese and Central Asian peoples made the Silk Road expand and prosper, a historic contribution to the interaction, integration, enrichment and development of world civilizations," Xi said in a speech at the summit, stressing the need to strengthen dialogue between civilizations to promote China-Central Asia cooperation.

From ancient times to the present, the Chinese civilization has been constantly exchanging with other civilizations and thus stayed vigorous all along.

At the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting held in March, Xi stressed the significance of the respect for diversity of civilizations and put forward the Global Civilization Initiative.

"Countries need to uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, and let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority," Xi said in a keynote speech at the meeting.

In February, the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations was inaugurated in Athens. In a letter replying to several Greek scholars, Xi said that civilizations are the rich accumulation of historical exploration and also an underlying guide to the survival and development of nations.

In order to promote the development of human society and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind, we must deeply understand and grasp the age-old origins and rich contents of different civilizations and let the essence of all civilizations benefit the present generation and all mankind, Xi said. 
The Netherlands and Ukraine are putting pressure on Spain to join the Patriot Coalition and transfer its missile defense battery to Kyiv for protection.

This was reported by El Pais, according to Ukrinform.

It is noted that the Netherlands and Ukraine are pressuring Spain to join the "Patriot Coalition" and supply Kyiv with missile defense systems to protect it from Moscow's attacks.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed his request to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the European Political Community (CPE) summit in the Moldovan capital.

This issue was also the subject of consultations with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as Spain has deployed one of its own Patriot batteries in Turkey.

However, the Turkish president opposes the withdrawal of the Patriot missile system from his country before the expiration of the contract, which expires at the end of this year.

As reported, on June 1, the second meeting of the European Political Community took place in Chisinau, where 47 heads of state and government discussed joint efforts for peace in the context of the war in Ukraine and related crises, the protection of democracy, strengthening energy security and the resilience of European states.
Ukraine has sent a note to the European Commission over possible intensification of nuclear cooperation with Russia.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"Rosatom is part of Putin's regime, which supports terrorist activities and endangers nuclear facilities. We expect that the preliminary decision on Rosatom's implementation of the project to build nuclear reactors in Hungary will be revised," the head of government said.

According to Shmyhal, he raised this issue at a session dedicated to Ukraine as part of the meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level.

"Amid the disaster at the Kakhovka HPP and the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, such steps look surreal," Shmyhal stressed.

The Prime Minister is convinced that sanctions against Russia should be strengthened, in particular in the nuclear industry.

"We must do everything to make business as usual with a terrorist country impossible and no longer support the Russian war machine," he said.

As reported by Ukrinform, Hungary got the European Commissions approval to amend the contract for the construction of two power units of Paks II nuclear power plant concluded with Rosatom.

Ukraine at all levels calls on international partners to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation in order to weaken the Russian war machine.

On June 6, the Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka HPP. As a result of detonation of the engine room from the inside, the station was completely destroyed. About 80 settlements are now flooded, the population is being evacuated.

Photo: Denys Shmyhal, Telegram
HOHHOT, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Standing in a sprawling crop field in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, farmer Wang Chenglin sees a bumper harvest on the horizon. A once-barren field under saline-alkali stress is now teeming with life.

Wang hails from Wuyuan County in the city of Bayannur. Situated at the northernmost end of the Yellow River, Wuyuan is home to 1.23 million mu (82,000 hectares) of saline-alkali fields, accounting for over half of its total arable land.

"There was nothing we could do but to leave the land lying wasted in the past," Wang recalled. "Thanks to soil improvement techniques and irrigation technologies, the land is now able to support the growth of multiple crops such as sunflowers and corn. And our wallets have been fattened."

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made an inspection tour from Monday to Tuesday in Wang's hometown Bayannur.

At a modern agricultural demonstration park, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, watched displays of soil and seed samples and commended local practices of putting idled saline-alkali lands and desertified lands into good use, as well as advancing scientific irrigation methods and promoting modern agriculture.

In fact, this is not the first time Xi has focused his attention on saline-alkali land.

Less than one month ago, Xi arrived in Cangzhou City, north China's Hebei Province. On a plot of saline-alkali wheat land, he learned about how saline-alkali land has been harnessed, how wheat is planted in saline-alkali land and how the agriculture there has been industrialized.

He stressed the need to prioritize the comprehensive use of saline-alkali land, leverage the key role of scientific and technological innovation, expand the cultivation area of suitable crops and develop the intensive processing of farm products.

In October 2021, when visiting the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta during an inspection tour in east China's Shandong Province, Xi said the comprehensive use of saline-alkali soil is of strategic importance to national food security.

Saline and alkaline soil is notoriously difficult to farm, producing low crop yields. China has about 1.5 billion mu of saline-alkali land, of which around 500 million mu is available for utilization.

To restore and harness these lands, localities across the country have been dedicating themselves to working out innovative solutions with respect to soil, fertilizer, irrigation and seedlings.

Like many other farmers, Wang Chenglin benefited from a saline-alkali soil restoration project launched by Inner Mongolia from 2020 to 2022. It was aimed at turning 122,000 mu of saline-alkali fields into arable land in six banners and counties.

Through measures such as leveling soil and building underground pipes to drain salt, the overall soil salinity has been reduced and crop yields have increased by around 25 percent during the period, according to the regional agriculture and animal husbandry department.

Scientists and technicians are also screening and nurturing crop seeds that can withstand saline-alkali stress. In the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta which Xi visited in 2021, wheat crops labeled "Jimai60" registered a record yield of 460.98 kilograms per mu on average in the summer harvest of 2022 in a field with high salinity and alkalinity.

The progress was made possible by both technical breakthroughs in seed breeding and the utilization of saline-alkali tolerant germplasm resources. Several research institutes have collected and stored a total of 21,000 germplasm resources with such properties in the demonstration area. 
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva discussed strengthening Ukraine's cooperation with the states of Central and South America with Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica Manuel Tovar Rivera.

Zhovkva thanked for the important signals in support of Ukraine during the participation of Manuel Tovar Rivera in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ministerial meeting in Paris the day before, in particular for the Costa Rican government's strong condemnation of Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine and the Russian attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, the Presidents Office informs.

"This criminal Russian attack on a critical infrastructure facility is an act of ecocide that requires the most severe response from the international community," Zhovkva emphasized.

He also thanked for Costa Rica's readiness to assist Ukraine in its approach to OECD membership and noted the importance of using the experience of this country, which in May 2021 became the 38th member of the Organization.

The interlocutors discussed ways to strengthen Ukraine's cooperation with the countries of Central and South America, in particular, the involvement of the countries of the region in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, as well as international efforts to bring Russia to justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the importance of Costa Rica's decision to join the Core Group for the establishment of a special tribunal was emphasized.

In addition, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in exploring the possibility of intensifying trade between the two countries.

The parties also discussed further bilateral contacts at the highest level. The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office invited the Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica to visit Ukraine in the near future.
06/07/2023

By Ed Brennen

I finished my application literally five minutes before it was due, says Pagsuyoin, who was really lucky to receive 11th-hour confirmation from institutions in Belgium and South Korea that they could host her as a Fulbright Scholar.

Its such an honor to be part of the Fulbright group, Pagsuyoin says. I wasnt expecting to receive the Fulbright, but I am very excited.

Established in 1946, the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program offers over 400 awards annually to U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects in more than 135 countries. Selected by the Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the awards support faculty with exemplary records of academic and professional achievement, service and leadership potential.

Since 1964, more than two dozen UML faculty members have received Fulbright awards to study in countries such as Armenia, Brazil, Greece, South Africa and Thailand. Seventeen international scholars, meanwhile, have come to UML through the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.

It is great to be awarded for a project that I am very interested in and passionate about. -MEI Prof. M. Berk Talay on Fulbright Award Talay, an authority on the development and launch of new products and services, has been invited to the Ecole Superieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales Business School in Cergy, France. He will study how luxury products can help foster sustainable innovations, especially in the automotive industry. Starting this year, for instance, all BMW and MINI models are being produced with completely vegan interiors, which generate 80% less carbon emissions when made compared to leather, Talay says. Talay, an authority on the development and launch of new products and services, has been invited to the Ecole Superieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales Business School in Cergy, France. He will study how luxury products can help foster sustainable innovations, especially in the automotive industry. Starting this year, for instance, all BMW and MINI models are being produced with completely vegan interiors, which generate 80% less carbon emissions when made compared to leather, Talay says.

With brands like Renault, Peugeot and Citroen, France has a formidable auto industry, says Talay, who will serve as a visiting professor in a research center established by Peugeot. I am honored to be selected. It is great to be awarded for a project that I am very interested in and passionate about.

Ross, an expert in digital marketing, social media branding and consumer engagement, will study coffee production and marketing in Colombia at the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota.

I've long been a coffee enthusiast as a consumer, identifying where my coffee comes from, who farmed it, how it was grown and how it tastes. As a scholar, though, I've never had the opportunity to marry that personal coffee expertise with my academic research in marketplace ethics and well-being, Ross says.

With the Fulbright scholarship, he will have access to resources and people involved in the coffee industry in Colombia, one of the world's leading coffee producers.

Pagsuyoin, meanwhile, received a Fulbright Global Scholar Award , which will enable her to study the feasibility of analyzing wastewater to monitor drug use in the population in more than one country. In August, she will travel to Busan, South Korea, for one month; in January, she plans to spend three months in Manila, the Philippines; and next spring she will be in Antwerp, Belgium, for two months.

Pagsuyoin notes that European countries are most advanced when it comes to analyzing wastewater for indicators of diseases such as the coronavirus, while it is rarely done in Asian countries.

Being able to see how they do it in Europe  the extent of how they progress toward implementing wastewater-based epidemiology for surveillance  Id like to learn more about it and see how we can do something like that for Manila, she says.

Not only can my research benefit, she adds, but I can promote the graduate program here at UML as well.

Chancellor Julie Chen says the selection of Pagsuyoin, Ross and Talay as Fulbright Scholars reflects the significance of their research and work as educators.

The opportunities that come with these awards, she says, will allow them to grow their expertise in international settings, forge partnerships with scholars from across the globe and return to UMass Lowell to share their expanded knowledge with our students.
TAIPEI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Foundation announced on Thursday that it is planning to invite 50 college students from the mainland to visit the island in mid-July.

According to the planned schedule released at a press conference, the mainland students from five universities, including Hunan University which Ma Ying-jeou visited in April, will be led to several Taiwan universities and engage in dialogue with their peers.

The trip is estimated to last for nine days and will include stops at some well-known scenic spots and relic sites on the island, said the foundation.

The executive director of the foundation Hsiao Hsu-tsen said he had called on the island's mainland-affairs authority to prudently consider the plan and resume normal exchanges across the Taiwan Strait as soon as possible.

From late March to early April, Taiwan former leader Ma Ying-jeou led a group of Taiwan students visiting several cities on the mainland, such as Shanghai, Wuhan and Changsha, during which the delegation had exchanges with mainland college students.

During the exchanges, Ma personally invited mainland students to visit Taiwan, said Hsiao, adding that since May, the foundation has been working on the invitation, and the mainland has been actively responding to these efforts.

"This shows that it is the common aspiration of both sides of the Strait to have exchanges with each other," said Hsiao.

He added that the invitation is conducive to conveying more kindness and message of peace and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. 


(Photo : Kelcy Warren Revealed as the Source of the Largest Single Donation in UTA History)

Dallas billionaire Kelcy Warren has always been known for many things - including his philanthropic spirit and his desire to give back to the communities and institutions he loves in any way possible. Since his career began and up through his founding of the Dallas, Texas-based oil company Energy Transfer, he has seen first-hand what a positive impact hard work and perseverance can make. He's also seen the positive change that can be empowered when those who have achieved success look outward to help make sure that as many people as possible have access to the same resources they did.

That is a large part of what inspired him to not just donate to the University of Texas-Arlington. Recently, he made the biggest single donation ever to the school, coming in at a massive $12 million.

For Kelcy Warren, the goal of this is simple: he wants to help elevate not only the school itself to "the forefront of the growing resource and energy field," but the engineering department. Warren indicated that he wanted to help empower faculty and research excellence, something that most people can agree should always be a top priority.

Fueling Research and Excellence Moving Forward

Kelcy Warren himself graduated from the University of Texas-Arlington back in 1978. He's always considered the institution an important one in his life, having played a crucial role in both his education and his larger career to date.

As a direct result of the donation, UT-Arlington will name three endowed academic positions all in Kelcy Warren's honor. Additionally, the money will be used to help build a laboratory, to create a "career experience center," and to help make sure that future scholarship and fellowship recipients will have access to the funds they need to succeed on their own terms, just as Warren did.

All told, the $12 million from the Kelcy Warren donation will allow UT-Arlington to accomplish a number of important things. Perhaps the most important is that the school will be able to create the Kelcy Warren Endowed Professorship in Resource and Energy Engineering. This will allow the school to recruit, compensate, and retain one of the brightest minds in the world to help lead the program, which directly speaks to what Mr. Warren was talking about in his announcement.

The money will also help support research experiences for engineering undergraduates in the name of preparing them for their future careers in the energy industry. The aforementioned Kelcy Warren Career Experience Center will also be used to create new and exciting opportunities for undergraduate engineering students, allowing them to engage in new learning experiences like internships, co-ops, and more.

As the youngest of four children, Kelcy Warren had the values of both money and hard work instilled within him from an early age. Even though his parents were doing "fine" in a technical sense, they were always very worried about having enough income to provide for the family. Because of that, both parents would regularly take jobs to supplement their primary ones to help generate as much extra money as possible.

Warren's father, for example, took on a paper route at one point. He would get up at 2:30am to roll papers for his customers and put rubber bands around them for their convenience. Kelcy Warren regularly had to get up just as early to help with the actual delivery process.

All this is so critical because of the increased role that the energy industry plays in our lives. The energy industry in the United States has long been considered to be one of the major drivers of the country's economy, for example. Without a consistent energy supply, the welfare and health of every person who lives within our borders is threatened. At a certain point, the country would be unable to function. This is an idea that is only going to get more important as the quest for a truly renewable energy source continues well into the next decade and beyond.

In the end, this is just one of the many examples of the philanthropic efforts that Kelcy Warren regularly engages in. In recent memory, he's also been lauded for donating money that directly helped to fund the Klyde Warren Park, which itself is located in downtown Dallas. If the name sounds familiar, it should - it's named after Kelcy's own son, Klyde.

See more recent news here.
For information only - not an official document

UNIS/OS/587

8 June 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Report on European Union Space contribution to the "Space2030" Agenda launched

VIENNA, 8 June 2023 (United Nations Information Service) - The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in partnership with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) are launching the report "Contribution to the "Space2030 Agenda" - The European Union Space Programme "EU Space" Supporting a world with a global population of 8 Billion people".

The report supports the implementation of the "Space2030" Agenda by raising awareness about the contribution of the European Union Space Programme components, such as Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS and GOVSATCOM, to the achievement of global agendas and to addressing long-term sustainable development concerns of humankind.

Linking to the 'Day of Eight Billion' milestone, the report identifies eight challenges related to global population growth and demographical trends and provides an overview of space applications that tackle these challenges. It highlights specific EU-related case studies and issues, such as food security, water management, climate change and environmental impacts.

The report will inform decision-makers about the benefits of Earth observation, GNSS and satellite communications using concrete examples from the field to provide an overview of the capabilities of current technologies.

Acting Director of UNOOSA Niklas Hedman said: "This new report provides decision-makers and policymakers with a very practical overview of what space can do in relation to the selected challenges. It raises awareness about different solutions and stresses the importance of space in a world with an increasing population. We are grateful for the fruitful collaboration with EUSPA on advancing the recognition of the transformative power of space for our society through the lens of the "Space2030" Agenda, the only United Nations agenda providing a roadmap for the use of space as a driver for sustainable development."

EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa said: "The EU Space Programme components, such as Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, and GOVSATCOM, have a significant role in addressing the sustainability challenges of an 8 billion world. This report shows specific examples where EU Space and its synergies actively contribute to tackling some of them. These initiatives align with UN global agendas and EU frameworks, supporting sustainable development. Following its mission on market intelligence, EUSPA together with UNOOSA provides this valuable resource, which serves as a reference for policymakers, stakeholders, and those interested in leveraging space technology for a sustainable future amidst a projected population of 9 billion by 2037."

The report is available here: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/oosadoc/data/documents/2023/stspace/stspace85_0.html

* *** *

For more information, please contact:

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Email: unoosa@un.org



European Union Agency for the Space Programme

Email: com@euspa.europa.eu
(@FahadShabbir)

The Swiss parliament has agreed to set up a parliamentary commission to investigate the circumstances that led to the crisis at Credit Suisse and its takeover by the UBS financial group, the legislative body said on Thursday

ZURICH (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th June, 2023) The Swiss parliament has agreed to set up a parliamentary commission to investigate the circumstances that led to the crisis at Credit Suisse and its takeover by the UBS financial group, the legislative body said on Thursday.

According to a statement released by the parliament, the Council of States has supported the creation of a parliamentary commission to "comprehensively investigate the emergency takeover of major bank Credit Suisse (CS) by its rival UBS."

The creation of such a commission was previously supported by the National Council.

"Thirty-seven votes to five, the lower house followed the recommendation of its Business Audit Commission (GPK-S) and its apparatus.

Last week, the Federal Council already declared its full support to Parliament. On Wednesday, the National Council unanimously decided to establish a commission," the statement said.

The commission will investigate the actions of responsible officials in relation to Credit Suisse in recent years and also look into the circumstances that led to the emergency takeover of the bank.

In mid-March, Credit Suisse's share price plunged nearly 30%, sparking fears of a liquidity crunch. The incident followed the collapse of several US financial institutions, including Silicon Valley Bank. Later in the month, the Swiss National Bank announced the acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS.
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 08th Jun, 2023) The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) recently launched a unique initiative aimed at raising and enhancing legal awareness among health professionals working across private health facilities in the emirate.

The initiative, which includes a series of awareness roadshows, started at Fakeeh University Hospital and will continue until the end of this year. The aim of the initiative is to help healthcare professionals comply with the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern healthcare practice in Dubai and the UAE.

This is the first phase of the initiative that aims to enhance compliance with health laws, regulations and legislation in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, to help further enhance the competitiveness of the health system in the Emirate.

The initiative aims to educate healthcare professionals on the most recent developments in legislation in the health sector in Dubai, and the importance of keeping up with those legislations. It discusses systems, policies and procedures that regulate the health sector in Dubai and ensures competitiveness and operational efficiency.

Dr. Ahmad Sulaiman, Director of Legal Affairs department at the DHA, highlighted the importance of the initiative, which reflects the authority's keenness to assist private health facilities in Dubai to provide an optimal healthy work environment that is compatible with all applicable laws and regulations, and ensures the preservation of the rights and privacy of patients as well as the rights of health professionals.

He said the awareness campaign aims at further improving the quality of health services and patients' experience.

Dr. Sulaiman said that the initiative, which is being implemented through a series of field visits, comprises of officials from the DHAs Department of Legal Affairs and is taking place in coordination with the DHAs Health Regulation Sector and private health facilities in the Emirate.

The team will carry out a series of visits across healthcare facilities to listen to the queries of health professionals, introduce them to the procedures that must be followed to avoid legal violations, discuss medical cases and complaints as well as clarify legal policies and processes.

By attending the legal training, healthcare professionals can ensure that they understand their legal obligations and can continue to provide safe and effective care to their patients with complete knowledge of healthcare policies and regulations in the country.
UNITED NATIONS, Jun 06 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jun, 2023 ) :Two UN specialized agencies drew attention to global food safety concerns on World Food Safety Day, which is being observed Wednesday.

Every day, some 1.6 million people worldwide fall ill from eating contaminated food, which kills 420,000 people each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported.

This year, focus is on the role of established food safety practices and standards which ensure that what we eat, is safe to consume.

"Food safety has a direct impact on our health," Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Assistant Director-General, said in a statement.

Over 200 diseases, from diarrhea to cancer, are caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals, she said.

We tend to think about food safety only when we get sick, and we should think (about it) more often because foodborne diseases are entirely preventable, Dr. Neira said in a video message.

Safe food allows the uptake of nutrients and promotes human development. Nobody should die from eating food. These are preventable deaths. WHO has called for action from various sectors, including policy makers, who are urged to establish robust national food safety systems that comply with established standards.

Food businesses are encouraged to work with their employees, suppliers and other stakeholders to develop a food safety culture, while educational institutions and workplaces should promote safe food handling.

Consumers are also asked to do their part, for example, by practicing safe food handling at home and following WHO recommendations, which include washing hands before preparing meals and using separate equipment and utensils, such as knives and cutting boards, when handling raw foods.

Meanwhile, FAO will launch a website to help the food sector adhere to international food hygiene standards.

Described as a toolbox, the site aims to both protect consumer health and promote fair practices in the food trade.

Special focus has been given to small businesses and farmers in developing countries, as the website can be accessed on handheld mobile devices, which are far more widespread in these nations than laptops or other computers.

The website includes guides to personal hygiene, such as how to educate visitors entering a food production site, the correct procedure and frequency for hand washing, and suggestions for appropriate clothing.

The technical content was developed and reviewed jointly by FAO Food Safety Officers and a team from the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph in Canada.

"Going forward, the plan is to collect feedback and possibly expand the toolbox to provide more in-depth guidance for other sectors of the agrifood system, such as fisheries," the UN agency said.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Zahara de los Atunes, Spain, June 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jun, 2023 ) :As the sun rises in the Gulf of Cadiz on Spain's southern tip, a team of fishermen lifts the tip of a vast system of nets with bluefin tuna trapped inside.

"Hoist!" they cry before men in wetsuits jump into the water to deliver a final blow to the fish captured using this 3,000-year-old netting tradition.

Dubbed an "almadraba", the system of nets is designed to catch large bluefin tuna during their annual migration from the Atlantic into the warmer Mediterranean to lay their eggs.

The nets form a series of chambers that trap only the biggest of the migrating tuna.

The tuna are "practically like bulls" and their blows are like "the kick from a horse," said the captain of the fishing boat, 61-year-old Antonio Ponce.

Tuna have been caught in this stretch of water using this method since the Phoenicians ruled the Mediterranean from around 1,200 BC.

Use of the technique in Spain almost disappeared in the 1970s due to a lack of profitability but demand for quality tuna from Japan breathed new life into the sector.

Over 1,600 tonnes of bluefin tuna are caught annually off the coast of Spain's southern province of Cadiz using the "almadraba" technique.

Around 500 fishermen in Cadiz use the system, according to the Almadraba Producers' and Fishermen's Organisation (OPP51).

Aside from Spain, the technique is only found in Italy, Morocco and Portugal.

Because the nets only catch the biggest tuna, it is a "sustainable technique," said Jose Luis Garcia Varas of the Spanish branch of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

In the early 2000s, the global popularity of sushi put bluefin tuna in danger but the establishment of regional fishing quotas allowed the species to recover.

In 2021, Atlantic bluefin tuna was moved from the category of "endangered" to that of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

In Spain, the Japanese taught local fishermen to minimise the stress endured by the tuna to improve the taste of the meat.

Fishermen now use a sawn-off shotgun called a "lupara" to kill the tuna instantly.

While the structure of the nets "has remained more or less the same for many years," what has changed is "the way of treating the fish to achieve quality, to take away their suffering," said Ponce.

The Japanese also taught locals how to consume parts of the tuna which were previously thrown away -- and got them to eat raw fish.

Bluefin tuna "has 25 parts, 25 textures, 25 tastes. They were not known before," said Julio Vazquez, the 43-year-old head chef at the El Campero restaurant in the coast town of Barbate.

His menu includes 32 different dishes using bluefin tuna.

"When my mother or my grandmother cooked, there was not so much diversity," he added.

Vazquez recalled that the bestselling Spanish cookbook "1080 Recipes" by the late culinary author Simone Ortega had only one tuna recipe -- for a gratin using tinned tuna.

While 80 percent of the tuna caught in Cadiz used to go to Japan, now 70 percent is sold in Spain and just 30 percent heads to Asia, according to OPP51.

Thousands of people head to Cadiz -- a region of whitewashed houses and sandy beaches -- to eat bluefin tuna caught using the "almadraba" technique.

The tiny resort town of Zahara de los Atunes -- named after the tuna -- holds an annual festival dedicated to the fish. Last year its bars and restaurants served 105,000 tapas during the four days of the event, according to the town hall.

"Here is all about freshness," said Noah G. White, a 23-year-old chef visiting from Sweden, who asked for Vazquez's autograph after eating at his restaurant.

"You can eat it raw and that is for me a delicacy in itself," he added.
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The recent attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant in Ukraine has caused a catastrophic dam burst, which holds back the country's largest reservoir, releasing a torrent of contaminated water into cities and towns downstream.

As Russia and Ukraine have been trading accusations over the attack, the dam collapse continues to inflict humanitarian, environmental and agricultural costs upon the flooded zone, with a potential impact that is likely to ripple across the world in the years to come.

HUMANITARIAN COST

A humanitarian crisis triggered by the disaster is already playing out. As water gushes out, more than 4,000 people had been evacuated from the flooded areas in the Kherson region, acting governor of the Kherson region Vladimir Saldo said on Wednesday.

Statements from the Ukrainian side said that "about 80 settlements in the flood zone" and more than 40,000 people have been affected, as homes and infrastructure have been destroyed.

Media reported that the flood is disturbing mines laid earlier, posing further dangers to the displaced people and those coming to help.

The United Nations has warned of "grave and far-reaching consequences" following the dam breach, as representatives from various UN agencies in Ukraine were in Kherson to assess the impact and coordinate the humanitarian response.

"They tell us that the disaster will likely get worse ... as water levels are still rising, and more villages and towns are being flooded. This will impact people's access to essential services and seriously raise health risks," said Stephane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's spokesman.

Access to water is another concern. Hundreds of thousands of people depend on the reservoir formed by the dam for drinking water, and the levels are dropping rapidly.

ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER

Experts have been warning of the environmental cost of the dam failure, calling it an "ecological catastrophe."

Damaged equipment at the power plant could be leaking oil. According to the Ukrainian government, the river has been contaminated with 150 tonnes of industrial lubricant, and another 300 tonnes were at risk of leaking.

Environmentalists have said that pollutants from industries clustered along the banks of the Dnieper River, downstream from the dam, can be swept into the Black Sea, affecting the marine ecosystem.

"There are catastrophic consequences for the environment," Ukrainian Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strilets told reporters Tuesday.

Video clips posted online showed that large quantities of beached fish lie on the depleted shoreline as the water level falls.

The summer temperatures worsen the health risks from the dam breach, with living matter breaking down faster and further contaminating water supplies, said Yevhen Korzhov, a hydrologist from Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University.

"In the coming months, we will observe the deterioration of the quality of drinking water and the infection of fish, birds, and aquatic animals," Korzhov told the media.

AGRICULTURAL CONSEQUENCE

The incident's rippling effect has been felt worldwide as Ukraine has long been the leading supplier of corn and wheat in the global market. Water from the Kakhovka reservoir irrigated the farming region of southern Ukraine, which produces much of the country's significant agricultural exports.

After the dam's breach, agricultural land in the region has been washed away. Agricultural fallout could far surpass the immediate destruction caused by flooding and is likely to be felt worldwide for years.

The Kakhovka disaster will stop the water supplies to about 30 irrigation systems, which irrigated about 1 million hectares of agricultural fields, according to Oleksii Kushch, an economist at "United Ukraine," a think-tank.

"Ukraine may lose 10-15 percent of its agricultural potential due to indirect or direct influence (of the Kakhovka incident). The damage is estimated to reach millions of tons of agricultural products," Kushch told Xinhua.

The Ukrainian government has warned that the country's grain fields "may turn into deserts as early as next year," and damage to the reservoir could affect global food supplies.

Due to fears that the dam attack could disrupt Ukraine's exports of agricultural products, global prices for wheat and corn have soared since Tuesday when the dam collapsed.

The attack on the dam is possibly the most significant damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of the Ukraine crisis in February 2022, according to UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths.

"The sheer magnitude of the catastrophe will only become fully realized in the coming days. But it is already clear that it will have grave and far-reaching consequences for thousands of people in southern Ukraine," he said. 
Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Thursday signed a Joint Implementation Plan (JIP) in a bid to expedite work on the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and complete the feasibility of the project at the earliest

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jun, 2023 ) :Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Thursday signed a Joint Implementation Plan (JIP) in a bid to expedite work on the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and complete the feasibility of the project at the earliest.

The JIP was signed by Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik and State Minister and Head of TurkmenGaz, Maksat Babayev, said a press release.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by PM Shehbaz Sharif, senior cabinet functionaries, representatives from Petroleum Division and Inter State Gas Systems Pvt. Ltd.

The accord was signed at the end of two-day visit to Pakistan by a high-ranking Turkmenistan delegation headed by Maksat Babayev, State Minister and Head of TurkmenGaz, Deputy Minister of Energy Annageldi Saparov, CEO and Chairman of BOD, TPCL, Muhammetmyrat Amanov.

It said that the JIP would envisage the constitution of a Senior Coordination Committee (SCC) to expedite and oversee the project activities.

The Prime Minister nominated Special Assistant to Prime Minister Dr Jehanzeb Khan to work as a focal person from the Pakistan side as the head of the Senior Coordination Committee.

Govt of Pakistan also invited Turkmenistan to explore gas connectivity from the Chaman border to Gawadar and building LNG terminals at Gawadar, which would expand supplies to Europe and global LNG markets.

The TAPI gas pipeline project aims to bring natural gas from the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan.

The pipeline will transport up to 33 billion cubic metres (bcm) (average 3.2 BCFD) of natural gas per year over a 30-year period. The supply source is the Galkynysh gas field in the eastern region of Turkmenistan whereas Pakistan's off-take will be 1.3 BCFD with a pipeline dia of 56 inches.

The proposed route is Supply source  Herat  Kandahar  Chamman  Zhob  DG Khan  Multan  Fazilika with a pipeline length of 1849 KMs.

The engagements/interactions of the Turkmen delegation were characterised by mutual goodwill in a spirit of understanding, cooperation, and amity.

The Turkmen delegation offered its profound gratitude to its Pakistani "brothers" for their "traditional hospitality" and remained optimistic that bilateral ties between the two friendly countries would continue to expand in all spheres.

The TAPI project will be transformative towards the energy security of Pakistan. Low-cost gas supplies will make Pakistan's industrial sector competitive worldwide and lead to far-reaching employment opportunities for the youth.

Pakistan continues to attach great importance to the TAPI gas pipeline project to meet emerging energy challenges for the country and as a manifestation of meaningful commercial, energy cooperation between Pakistan and Central Asia.
Pakistan was Thursday elected to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the economic arm of the United Nations, for a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2024

UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jun, 2023 ) :Pakistan was Thursday elected to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the economic arm of the United Nations, for a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2024.

In balloting in the 193-member General Assembly, Pakistan received 129 votes.

Pakistan was contesting one of three Asian seats - also being contested by Iraq, Japan, Nepal and Tajikistan.

A two-third majority - 124 votes - was required for election.

"We hope to play yet once again our active role in the forum of ECOSOC by fostering agreement on the structure and content of new, more dynamic and equitable structure of international economic cooperation," Ambassador Munir Akram said in an interview with APP after the election victory.

Pakistan, he said, would also help develop consensus on the measures for recovery from the current crises and revive the prospects of achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

"I also appreciate my team at the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations for their hard work and dedication in securing this election," Ambassador Akram said.

"I feel privileged to play my role in representing Pakistan as an advocate of strengthening the development pillar of the UN and attaches great importance to the work of ECOSOC.

" Others elected on the Asian seats are: Japan (127 votes); and Nepal (145 votes). Iraq, with 50 votes, and Tajikistan, with 120 votes, did not make it.

Pakistan has in the past served on the ECOSOC for 10 times, and in the capacity as the 54-member body's President for six times-- 1952, 1957, 1975, 1995, 2005 and 2020.

The ECOSOC, a principal UN organ, coordinates economic, social, and related work of the 14 UN specialized agencies, functional commissions and five regional commissions. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to member states and the United Nations system.

ECOSOC is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress; identifying solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The next round of talks between the top diplomats of Armenia and Azerbaijan that were scheduled for next week in Washington has been postponed at Baku's request, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday

YEREVAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th June, 2023) The next round of talks between the top diplomats of Armenia and Azerbaijan that were scheduled for next week in Washington has been postponed at Baku's request, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Earlier in the month, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that talks between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov will be held in Washington on June 12.

"At the request of the Azerbaijani side, the next round of talks scheduled for next week in Washington has been postponed," the statement said.
USM to Celebrate World Ocean Day June 8 with Call to Action

Thu, 06/08/2023 - 10:20am | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8 by highlighting important ways for Gulf Coast residents to love and protect our oceans.

World Ocean Day is a global collaboration among leaders, museums, aquariums, and other organizations to stay informed about creating a stable climate through shared oceans. According to the World Ocean Day organization, world leaders also made a global commitment to protect 30 percent of our oceans by 2030 by creating abundant oceans while stabilizing our ever-changing climate.

Kara Davis, project manager at the Marine Education Center (MEC) at USMs Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) has a maritime and underwater archaeology background. Her dedication to ocean life is reflected in her work through ocean sustainability.

Everything we do at the MEC is centered around the essence of World Ocean Day, said Davis. From celebrating diverse maritime heritage, to promoting environmental stewardship, to advancing understanding of ocean sciences and technology  we strive to raise awareness and foster connection between the public and the ocean.

Davis says coastal residents can engage in the initiative in a variety of ways, including doing something as simple as walking barefoot in the sand, or walking on the grass in your backyard; getting involved in programs with GCRL; volunteering time in protecting the ocean through beach clean-up crews; or taking tours of the MEC and exploring the facilities to become more aware of our connection to the Gulf of Mexico.

Everyone has a part to play in World Ocean Day, Davis further explained. One of the main objectives is to stay connected with the waters along our coastline, even throughout our complex ecosystem.

The MEC is dedicated to promoting ocean sustainability through an array of interactive, hands-on programs that cater to both informal and formal learning settings. From workshops and summer camps to volunteer opportunities and citizen science projects, MEC offers coastal residents a diverse range of avenues to get involved and actively participate in ocean conservation.

The GCRL is one of the largest marine laboratories in the southeastern United States and has committed its research to provide scientific research to the broader Gulf of Mexico through marine aquaculture, conservation, restoration and coastal ecology. Please visit the USM GCRL website to learn more.
From left, Sara Wood, of Wyoming Heritage Grains; Mindy Meuli, director of UWs Cent$ible Nutrition Program; Megan McGuffey Skinner, assistant director of the Cent$ible Nutrition Program; Caitlin Youngquist, UW Extension educator; and Kali McCrackin Goodenough, Cent$ible Nutrition program manager, finish packing boxes of spelt flour for pickup by Food Bank of Wyoming. (UW Extension Photo)

A new partnership among Wyoming Heritage Grains, Food Bank of Wyoming and University of Wyoming Extension is bringing Wyoming-grown whole grains to food pantries across the state.

The initiative connects Wyoming producers and processors, such as Wyoming Heritage Grains, with anti-hunger organizations, including Food Bank of Wyoming, and nutrition education programs, such as UW Extensions Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP). Together, these partners will enable statewide distribution of wheat berries and spelt flour, increasing access to and knowledge of how to use whole grains.

The donation of whole grains has a double benefit, says CNP Director Mindy Meuli. Not only does it increase food access, but it also addresses nutrition security, which provides nutritious and healthy food options to people who are food insecure.

The project started with a heritage grains study led by Caitlin Youngquist, a UW Extension educator. In addition to conducting field research, Youngquist facilitated the donation of surplus grains to local food pantries. Through her efforts, the donation program grew to include Wyoming producers and CNP.

I think its really important for people to eat real, whole food and, so, I was all about this project, says Sara Wood, owner of Wyoming Heritage Grains. She grew Red Spring wheat berries for the first round of 2023 donations and donated her time to mill Wyoming-grown spelt into flour.

With the help of Food Bank of Wyoming, the spelt flour and wheat berries are being distributed to food pantries across the state this month, starting in Fremont County June 6-8.

Supporting local producers and food initiatives is part of the future of feeding our Wyoming neighbors, says Rachel Bailey, director of Food Bank of Wyoming. With our large presence and distribution capabilities, Food Bank of Wyoming has the ability to transport these grains to our community partners across the state, who can ensure that this nutritious food is going to neighbors facing food insecurity.

To support the effort, CNP educators across the state will work with local food pantries to provide educational materials and cooking demonstrations focused on these whole-grain foods.

It is really fun to work on these collaborative projects that get Wyoming-grown food to Wyoming residents, Youngquist says. CNP has been a great partner, and Wyoming Heritage Grains provided the milling and packaging services we needed to get this done.

To learn more about the project, call CNP at (307) 766-5375 or email cnp-info@uwyo.edu.

About the Cent$ible Nutrition Program

UW Extensions CNP serves people with limited resources through nutrition education and local partnerships that help make the healthy choice the easy choice. CNP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. CNP is available in every Wyoming county as well as the Wind River Indian Reservation, offering both in-person and online classes. Programming is free to those whose incomes qualify. For more information, visit www.uwyocnp.org.
A senior petroleum geologist with the University of Wyomings Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute (EORI) will discuss some new geologic interpretations that may have an impact on improving oil production from the Muddy Formation in the Powder River Basin Tuesday, June 20, in Casper.

Stephen Whitaker will speak on New Thoughts on the Muddy at Kitty Field: Ramifications for Regional Interpretations from 7-8:30 a.m. in IMPACT 307s Room 113 at 2435 King Blvd. The talk is part of EORIs Enhanced Oil Recovery Insights series, focused on minimizing stranded oil in Wyoming reservoirs.

Coffee and breakfast snacks will be provided. Remote attendance also is available. The event is free, but registration is required by going to www.eoriwyoming.org/events/eori-events/eor-insights-1.

Whitaker is a highly experienced geologist who has worked with both major and independent oil companies involving numerous aspects of the oil industry. He operated his own oil company for 16 years, conducting exploration and enhanced oil recovery programs. He has written several publications related to oil exploration and development and has received awards for his presentations at regional, national and international technical conferences.

For more information, call Lon Whitman at (307) 315-6450.
VLADIVOSTOK, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Russia has called on Japan to be more transparent regarding its plans to discharge radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Zakharova expressed concerns about Tokyo's plans and urged Japan to inform neighboring countries about its actions to address a potential radiation threat, emphasizing the importance of transparency and requesting access to information and water samples if necessary.

Japan claims that the planned discharge of radioactive water poses no significant threat to the region's environment or people's health. However, Zakharova highlighted certain alarming factors that require further clarification, noting that Russia has stressed the need for complete transparency from Japan and have called for full access to relevant information.

Zakharova said that Japan has yet to demonstrate the desired level of openness in addressing these concerns, noting that Russia has sent lists of questions to Japan seeking clarification on the water discharge plans. Although some answers were received, specific questions were met with a defensive response, raising doubts about the transparency of Japan's intentions.

Given Japan's history in nuclear safety, Russia could not allow the situation to develop without proper scrutiny. The concerns Russia expresses are shared within Japan, particularly among environmental organizations and workers in the fishing industry, she said.

Tokyo Electric Power Company, which operates the No. 1 reactor of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, has been found to have concealed information about safety issues and incidents at nuclear power plants for at least 15 years, she said. 
Transcript:

The Inside Story: A Free Press Matters

Episode 95  June 8, 2023

Show Open:





This week on the inside story... A Free Press Matters.

From a massacre at a local newspaper to surging disinformation in Kenya and Ukraine, journalists around the world are under fire with violence on the rise.

How are they coping? And what could this mean for local and international reporting?

Now... The Inside Story... A Free Press Matters.

The Inside Story:

JESSICA JERREAT, VOA Press Freedom Editor:

As journalists we try to avoid being the story, but increasingly hostility and attacks mean media have to speak out.

The news we cover and events in communities, or even in our own newsrooms, can leave a permanent mark, which is why we are coming to you from Annapolis, Maryland, home of the U.S. Naval Academy and just 50 miles from Washington, D.C.

I'm Jessica Jerreat. Welcome to The Inside Story.

On June 28, 2018, a gunman entered the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, killing five and injuring two others. The incident was one of the worst attacks on media in the United States.

As the fifth anniversary approaches, VOAs Cristina Caicedo Smit spoke with journalists from the Gazette about how that day has shaped their lives.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

It was an act of violence that took the lives of five staff at Annapolis newspaper, the Capital Gazette, and changed the lives of those who survived.

Including photojournalist Paul W. Gillespie.

Paul W. Gillespie, Photojournalist, Capital Gazette:

I was sitting at my computer and I heard a loud crash, a loud shot and it was him shooting from the front door.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

Amid the chaos, emergency lights, the yellow tape and the influx off first responders

Journalists from the Gazette gathered in the back of a colleagues truck and started writing.

In July 2021, the shooter who said he was upset at the newspapers coverage of him was found criminally responsible. He will serve life in prison for the murders.

But for Gillespie, the memories of that day are still vivid.

Paul W. Gillespie, Photojournalist, Capital Gazette:

And when I'm feeling really bad, it feels like I'm just waiting to die, waiting for, you know,

waiting for what should have happened to me that day to catch up to me.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at New Yorks Columbia University says that 80% of reporters have been exposed to work-related traumatic events.

And groups like the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker record hundreds of assaults and threats against media.

For Gillespie, the shooting marked a before and after in his personal life and his career.

Paul W. Gillespie, Photojournalist, Capital Gazette:

I do get nervous about going to things and for a while after the, the shootings, even, even now, like they think twice about sending me to a vigil or something for somebody who's been shot, because around here, whenever somebody mentions gun violence, they all talk about the Capital Gazette.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

His former colleague Rachel Pacella is another survivor.

A reporter, Pacella covered the Anne Arundel County school system, public land access and obituaries for children.

Rachel Pacella, Journalist:

I was just very naturally curious as a child. I loved reading the paper, and once I tried it out in high school, interning at my local paper, you know, I really didn't see myself doing anything else. I loved going and telling stories.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

The day of the shooting, Pacella was inside the newsroom.

That event changed her life, but it also taught her something about herself.

Rachel Pacella, Journalist:

I guess I would say, you know, it really taught me perseverance, you know, to continue after that.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

Pacella only recently stopped working at the Annapolis newspaper to pursue a career in communications. But the experience made her reflect on the security of journalists in the U.S.

Rachel Pacella, Journalist:

As work went remote, I suppose there's no longer like a central target, but I, I do worry about how a journalist would keep themselves safe, you know, in their own home without any kind of support or resources from other people.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

In Annapolis, the Guardians of the First Amendment Memorial honors the five lives lost: Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, and Wendi Winters.

Gillespie too is honoring his Capital Gazette family through an exhibition.

Paul W. Gillespie, Photojournalist, Capital Gazette:

What was great about my project here that is all around us is I got to talk to every one of these people making these pictures. Like they would come to my studio and for an hour, hour, and a half, we would have like, what I considered to be like mini therapy sessions between us.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

The idea for the exhibition came when Gillespie was struggling. But a documentary on a photographer he admired brought inspiration.

Paul W. Gillespie, Photojournalist, Capital Gazette:

I was like, I want to try that, you know, so I cleared out space in my basement and I made a studio. And I was like, Who can I photograph? And I said, Well my Capital Gazette family.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

Gillespie is the last photojournalist at the Gazette from that 2018 newsroom. He still goes out on assignments and is committed to local journalism.

Paul W. Gillespie, Photojournalist, Capital Gazette:

We are not the enemy of the people. We are your neighbors. We're your sons, your daughters, your, you know, your parents out there.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

Cristina Caicedo Smit, VOA News Annapolis.

JESSICA JERREAT:

As we just saw, the journalists here are still healing from that day.

The physical dangers for journalists out on assignment are well documented. But increasingly, the media community is looking at the emotional toll of covering violence and tragic events 

We take you now to VOAs New York Bureau, where Cristina Caicedo Smit spoke with Hannah Storm.

Shes the co-founder of the Headlines Network and a specialist in mental health and media safety.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

Specifically talking about mental health and you know, how journalists cope with you know, violence and being victims sometimes of a violent crime. What is the conversation that media managers are having?

Hannah Storm, Headlines Network Co-founder:

I think we've seen the conversation around mental health and journalism change quite significantly in the last couple of decades. We went from a situation where there were very many taboos, a lot of stigma around an admissions of vulnerability. This idea that we had to be really macho we had to an admission of vulnerability was an admission of failure, which is obviously wrong. So we've seen this change in conversation over the past decade. couple of decades, really, to the point where there's more of a realization in newsrooms that we need to address and acknowledge and normalize conversations around mental health and the impact of our work on us. And that can be across a whole spectrum from witnessing and take and experiencing really violence, experiences or trauma, through to conversations about the other impacts of our work and our profession and our personal lives, our mental health.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

When you have a reporter covering, you know, a war, or covering a very violent city. How did you address that, you know, mental health at the same time balancing your work?

Hannah Storm, Headlines Network Co-founder:

I think it's really important to acknowledge actually that mental health and mental safety and wellbeing is the other side of the coin from physical safety and physical health. We can't have one without the other. So this is about helping journalists feel more empowered, I suppose to do their jobs. Because they're recognized that the mental health is important. There are a few different things and I'd acknowledge that I'm a journalist by background and not a clinician, though from speaking with hundreds of journalists the past few years and having had my own experience of post traumatic stress. There are certain things that I think are as we call them protective. I think one is a sense of understanding why we're doing our job. We're bearing witness, you know, we're holding power to account we're striving to, to end injustice, so that bearing witness is important.

The other thing I'd say is that connecting with people who we trust, having a community around us who we can speak with about our mental health is super important to from the newsroom lead aside, I'd say that we need to kind of see this as holistic conversation around physical safety and mental health, but also conversation around what do we do to support our journalists in advance.

So, what's the risk assessment like? How might they be impacted from mental health side? What are we doing to support them during the coverage of the story or during the situation? And what are we doing afterwards? Critically kind of understanding what are we doing in terms of a debriefing and what support we got in place because the impact of trauma may not come about for quite a long time. And I think there's two more things that you're really important to say is, one is, it's normal for us to have a reaction to a difficult situation. It's our body and brain kind of going. This is weird, this is unacceptable, and dealing with that. So that's important to note. And it's also important to know that journalists are resilient. Data Research shows that journalists are resilient. That doesn't mean that journalists are immune.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

I had the opportunity to talk to some of the survivors of the capital Gazette shooting these years going to be five years since that incident occurred. And one of the things that one of the reporters mentioned was that he initially tried to block it, you know, it was when he was going out to cover stories or to take photos and you know, he had to go out and cover a crime scene or you know, this type of incident he usually try to block it. Is that a good strategy or not?

Hannah Storm, Headlines Network Co-founder:

I think everybody has different coping strategies, like everybody has mental health but has it in different ways, right? I think it's, I would strongly encourage people to seek help if they feel they need to. I've been through therapy. I've been in therapy for many, many years. And I think being able to speak with somebody who's a clinician is super important.

I would say that some news organizations are doing great stuff, fantastic stuff. They've got peer support networks, employee assistance programs, they offer therapy, they'll offer webinars and conversations, effective communication. But but there's two other things I'd say is one is that I feel like, you know, what makes journalism great is the sense of connection and sense of empathy. We connect with our sources and our stories we amplify their experiences. Those same soft skills can be used within our newsrooms. We should have empathy and connection around our colleagues to simply ask them, how are you? Are you okay? Are you really okay?

What worries me is we're losing people who are burnt out. We're losing people, diverse people, you know, people from diverse backgrounds, who we need in our newsrooms, because they feel unheard, and they feel marginalized and they feel unable to share their experiences. So I think we can certainly be doing more.

There's a lot of burnout happening. There's a lot of anxiety, there's a lot of depression, but this is not a kind of negative thing that we need to be. So, what I'm saying is, I guess journalism is a fantastic profession. We are resilient. We do have the tools to support us. We do have that kind of protective step back in terms of saying that, why are we doing this? We're doing this to bear witness. So I think that if we will remind ourselves that, you know, things are positive, but I do still think there's more work to be done in the mental health space.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Threats to journalists are a global issue. In Kenya, acts of violence and intimidation are on the rise gainst media members.

The number of attacks went up during their last election cycle and continues to place journalists at risk.

For VOA from Nairobi, Saida Swaleh spoke with media experts about how attackson and offlineput journalism at risk.

SAIDA SWALEH, Reporting for VOA:

Eric Ininta scrolls through images. They show a protest the NTV video journalist had been assigned to cover in late March.

Organized by Kenyas opposition leader Raila Odinga, protesters rallied against the cost of living. But what started as a peaceful event soon turned chaotic.

Eric Isinta, Video Journalist, NTV Kenya:

The teargas was actually thrown on us. We were coughing at that moment, I remember telling my crew members[there] were actually 4 of us up there-- so I was telling my

fellow cameraperson that, Please lets just go down because it has never been this way.

SAIDA SWALEH, Reporting for VOA:

The journalists had their equipment on top of a vehicle, searching for the perfect shot when police approached and fired tear gas in their direction.

Eric Isinta, Video Journalist, NTV Kenya:

The moment I just turned this side to pick my camera because it was hanging, then I was hit by this teargas  Then I didnt know what happened from there. I just found myself on the tarmac in a pool of water, then there was more teargas. The first thing I saw when I gained consciousness was my 4-month-old child and my wife.

SAIDA SWALEH, Reporting for VOA:

The Media Council of Kenya took up his case--and others.

David Omwoyo, Media Council of Kenya:

We have written to the inspector general of police, we have documented the cases and following the cases one by one.

SAIDA SWALEH, Reporting for VOA:

Kenyas Inspector General of Police apologized after the protests and said any malpractice will be dealt with.

The Media Council is also working to ensure journalists have access to newsworthy events, including the exhumation of members of a cult found in a mass grave. Authorities tried to restrict access for the press, says Omwoyo.

David Omwoyo, Media Council of Kenya:

I told the government that the approach is unacceptable, but I told them that we understand what you are going through but put up a media center and organize regular briefings. Whenever you shut down the media you open the flood gates of rumors and rumors can kill a country because people now lack verification and legitimacy.

SAIDA SWALEH, Reporting for VOA:

Kenya is seeing the same surge in dis and misinformation witnessed globally, say media experts.

Nancy Booker, Aga Khan University School of Media:

Theres been a lot of misinformation. A lot of it exacerbated at the height of the pandemic. And we see the effects of that even to date.

SAIDA SWALEH, Reporting for VOA:

For Isinta, the scars from his protest assignment are a reminder of a narrow escape.

Eric Isinta, Video Journalist, NTV Kenya:

You see this is the eye that I use, every cameraperson uses this eye that I use for my daily activities, so when it is hit. My only gratitude is that I am alive and that I can see my family. Thats the only important thing in my life.

SAIDA SWALEH, Reporting for VOA:

The experience underscores too the dangers media confront on a regular basis.

For VOA, Saida Swaleh in Nairobi, Kenya.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Its not just threats from attacks and disinformation. Globally, we are also witnessing the steady decline of civil liberties and democracies, which affect press freedom.

Even here in the United States, the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, is not immune.

Eileen OReilly, President of the National Press Club and managing editor of Standards and Training at Axios, spoke with VOA about her views on press freedom here in the United States.

Eileen OReilly, National Press Club President:

I do worry about the state of press freedom in the United States. It is such a pillar of our democracy and I feel is being eroded by these cases and being chipped away by people trying to restrict the rights to freedom of information. So that is definitely a concern that we are constantly amplifying that you know, what a danger that is for democracy.

I still believe that most of the American people understand how important journalism is to their democracy, that they rely on journalists to bring them the news and what's happening and why it matters to them. I'm hopeful.

There's always been cases where people either dismiss the importance of journalists or they actually take violent actions against them because they're trying to repress that information and they want to control the message. But that is something that I'm hopeful that most Americans will understand should never be supported.

America is very fortunate to have that first amendment rights and we sometimes I think we take it for granted but we shouldn't. If you look overseas, a lot of other countries do not have that type of protection.

Without having journalists who can tell you what's happening then who's going to hold our leaders or business people or landowners or our regulators accountable for what they're supposed to be doing, to what our taxpayer money is going towards them doing? And towards you know, what is best for the community.

Everyone needs to know what's happening so they can make their own decision and take part in their society.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Earlier, we saw the violence Kenyan journalists confront for doing little more than their jobs.

But what happens when journalists switch from media to military and take up arms in a conflict they once covered?

Thats exactly whats happening in Ukraine following Russias invasion last year 

We head now to Ukraines capital, Kyiv, where Anna Chernikova and U.S.-based Veronica Balderas Iglesias bring us this story of an American reporter turned soldier.

VERONICA BALDERAS IGLESIAS:

With Russias war in Ukraine waged in the information space as well as on the ground, some journalists have gone from reporting about the front lines to literally defending them.

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo is a U.S. journalist who reported for LGBTQ-plus media before signing up to Ukraines military.

The turning point for Ashton-Cirillo: evidence of war crimes in the city of Kharkiv.

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, Armed Forces of Ukraine:

I said, Am I better serving democracy as a journalist? Or can I do more as a soldier for the armed forces of Ukraine? And after much deliberation, discussions with my senior officers, other journalists, I felt that being in the army suited the service to freedom better than remaining as a journalist.

VERONICA BALDERAS IGLESIAS:

Its a decision many Ukrainian journalists grapple with. Several have swapped newsrooms for the front line, says Sergiy Tomilenko, president of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine.

Covering the war as a journalist is risky enough. At least 14 lost their lives on assignment in Ukraine, including AFP photojournalist Arman Soldin, killed in May near the city of Bakhmut, a center of intense fighting.

But fighting the war is much riskier. Around 40 journalists who left the media for the Ukranian military have been killed on the battlefield, says Tomilenko.

Sergiy Tomilenko, National Union of Journalists of Ukraine:

For us, every death of every media worker  whether during the performance of their professional duties or when our colleagues die as civilian victims or as mobilized heroes  is a tragedy for us.

VERONICA BALDERAS IGLESIAS:

Whether as a journalist or a junior sergeant in Ukraines armed forces, Ashton-Cirillo says she wants to defend freedom.

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, Armed Forces of Ukraine:

It wasn't so much that I moved from fighting for freedom as a journalist to fighting for freedom as a soldier, as a journalist truly engaged in making certain that the world is a free place.

VERONICA BALDERAS IGLESIAS:

Alongside her military role, Ashton-Cirillo is active on social media, where Russian propaganda is rife. But, she says, artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT offer a way to counter that disinformation.

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, Armed, Armed Forces of Ukraine:

We're able to help counter the Russian propaganda, help counter the Russian narratives, because we have fact-based information arriving into our hands in a much quicker way. Ultimately, AI will never replace the human being.

VERONICA BALDERAS IGLESIAS:

For Tomilenko, the priority is ensuring media have access.

Sergiy Tomilenko, National Union of Journalists of Ukraine:

There are indeed certain limitations when covering military events. There are certain press services that call on not covering something, expecting official speakers to comment later. But in general, we do not see such a global atmosphere of censorship and restrictions In most Ukrainian and international media, we see the same truth of the war. Cruel, scary, but still a picture of reality.

VERONICA BALDERAS IGLESIAS:

Ashton-Cirillo says Ukraine has a large, vocal group of LGBTQ plus fighters.

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, Armed Forces of Ukraine:

In the case of myself and the other out trans women who are fighting, we happen to be on the front; we happen to be a bit more visible. But ultimately, everyone can take their level of visibility and use it to strengthen democracy and to strengthen LGBTQ rights.

VERONICA BALDERAS IGLESIAS:

And in Tomilenko's view, whether in the media or the military, Ukrainian journalists are fulfilling their duty.

With reporting from Anna Chernikova in Kyiv, Veronica Balderas Iglesias, VOA News.

JESSICA JERREAT:

The Ukraine war continues altering the landscape of that country.

But other places are no stranger to violence against journalists.

Take Afghanistan, where following the Talibans takeover just two years ago, women journalists have quite literally run for their lives.

Lima Spesali had a long career in media, including as an anchor hosting current affairs programs.

But that all changed after the collapse of Kabul.

She fled to neighboring Pakistan late last year and tells us, in her own words, what life is like for female journalists under a repressive regime.

Lima Spesali, Journalist:

In Afghanistan, the main challenge for media is that they are under complete control and censorship. Media have no freedom; there is no freedom of expression. The current rulers of Afghanistan somehow control all the media, and they do not allow reports about what is happening in the country or what people want aired. The current rulers use media as a loudspeaker for their propaganda.

In Afghanistan, what the people want [covered] is how the [Taliban] treat people, what the facts are and how people live. These are what the people want the media to air.

Unfortunately, media neither have the right nor the permission to broadcast what the people want. They cannot air reports that are based on fact or that reflect peoples lives. Unfortunately, no media [in Afghanistan] can air what the people want.

Freedom of the media means building a bridge between the people and the government. Free media can prevent corruption in the government and society [and] reflect the truth.

They can make reports and have programs on it. Unfortunately, under the current government, the media do not have freedom.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Thats all for now. I am Jessica Jerreat in Annapolis, Maryland.

As we close out this weeks episode, we want

to highlight the plight of two fellow American journalists.

Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, who is being detained in Russia, and freelance journalist, Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria back in 2012 and has been missing for over a decade.

As we leave you, we honor the five members of the Capital Gazette who lost their lives here in Annapolis in 2018.

I am Jessica Jerreat.

See you next week on The Inside Story.

###
New legislation is set to be introduced next week in the Australian parliament that will ban the public display of Nazi symbols. Under the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill, offenders could face up to a year in prison.

Among other things, the proposed bill will ban flags, T-shirts, armbands and other symbols related to the Nazis, an extremist German 20th century political party led by Adolf Hitler, and the Schutzstaffel, or SS, which was a major paramilitary organization. The symbols publication online will also be proscribed. The maximum penalty for breaching the ban would be 12 months' imprisonment.

The ban will not include the Nazi salute or the swastika, a symbol that has religious significance in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Australias chief law officer, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, said tackling far-right extremism was a priority for the government and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The Albanese government will introduce legislation next week to criminalize public displays of the Nazi Hakenkreuz and Schutzstaffel, or SS hate symbols and ban the trade in these items, he said. Lets be clear, the Nazi salute is an offensive gesture. It has no place in Australian society, but we think that the banning of these gestures is a matter for state and territory laws.

Experts have welcomed the proposed new laws. They believe that Nazi symbols are weapons of intimidation and can help radical groups recruit new members, especially online.

In April, Australias intelligence agency told a parliamentary inquiry in Canberra that racist groups were using extremist symbols to raise their profile.

Jewish groups in Australia also support the legislation. They have insisted the public display of Nazi symbols has been distressing for survivors of the Holocaust. Far right extremists recently stood on the steps of the Victorian state Parliament House displaying the Nazi salute. Analysts have said it was evidence of a resurgence of Australias white supremacist movement.

Laws that criminalize the public display of Nazi symbols came into force in Victoria in late December 2022.

New South Wales, Australias most populous state, also banned the display of Nazi flags or memorabilia showing swastikas in 2022.
TEHRAN, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran officially reopened its consulate general and representative office to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after seven years of closure, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its website on Thursday.

The reopening ceremony, which was held on Wednesday evening, was attended by, among others, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli, the caretaker of the Iranian Embassy in Riyadh Hassan Zarnegar, head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Abbas Hosseini, and head of the Saudi Foreign Ministry Office in Jeddah Mazen bin Hamad al-Hamoudi, said the statement.

Iran's representative office to the OIC began its operations in 2022 following several rounds of talks between Tehran and Riyadh on the normalization of ties hosted by Baghdad, and the country's consulate general also started operations earlier this year to facilitate Iranians' Hajj pilgrimage, according to the statement.

On Tuesday, Iran reopened its embassy in Riyadh nearly three months after the two countries agreed to restore bilateral ties under a Chinese-brokered deal.

In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached in Beijing, China a groundbreaking agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions. The two countries in April announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 in response to the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed a Shiite cleric. 
The timing of new U.S.-sponsored peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which had been expected to start Monday, is now uncertain despite the U.S. administration's conviction that direct dialogue between the two nations is key to any stable peace agreement.

"At the request of the Azerbaijani side, the next round of discussions planned to take place next week in Washington D.C. is postponed," Armenia's foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan said in a statement Thursday on social media. "The public will be duly informed on the new timeframes of the meeting."

Badalyan had previously stated that foreign ministerial talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan scheduled for June 12 would be aimed at stabilizing relations between the neighboring rivals and reaching a peace treaty.

The countries have had a decades-long conflict involving the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is inside Azerbaijan but populated predominantly by ethnic Armenians.

When asked Thursday whether the talks have been postponed, a State Department spokesman told VOA, "Regarding the date of the next round of talks, we don't have any specific dates to announce at this time."

Experts predict difficult talks whenever they begin, saying there are many obstacles to a durable peace deal between the two countries.

"Even though the [Nagorno-Karabakh] region is recognized as a part of Azerbaijan, the Armenia government will likely not sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan unless the Azerbaijan government provides assurances about the security and safety of the Karabakh Armenians," said Heather Ashby, acting director for U.S. Institute of Peace's Center for Russia and Europe program.

"Azerbaijan's plan for incorporating Karabakh Armenians into Azerbaijan will play an important role in the peace talks," Ashby told VOA on Thursday.

Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 6 tweeted that Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and the State Department's principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian affairs, Dereck Hogan, had "discussed key issues of normalization process" of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations ahead of the talks.

They discussed "border delimitation and security" as well as the "rights and security" of people living in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the ministry tweeted.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov had acknowledged the coming meetings and the need to prepare an agreement to normalize relations with Armenia, while expressing uncertainty about the duration of the peace process, according to VOA's Azerbaijani service.

At the State Department, deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters during a briefing this week that the United States looks "forward to hosting another round of talks in Washington as the parties continue to pursue a peaceful future in the South Caucasus region."

"We continue to believe that direct dialogue is key towards reaching a durable and dignified peace," said Patel, while declining to confirm the date that Secretary of State Antony Blinken would host the peace talks.

If the meetings take place next week, they will follow peace talks hosted by the State Department in early May, when Blinken said "tangible progress" had been made toward an agreement.

The top U.S. diplomat said he believed a peace deal was "within sight, within reach" at that time.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high between the two former Soviet republics over Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor, which is the only land route giving Armenia direct access to Nagorno-Karabakh.

"As a starting point for improving security, we call on Azerbaijan to take steps to ensure constant gas and electricity supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as to ensure the free flow and movement of goods and people, including through the Lachin Corridor," said Ambassador Michael Carpenter, the U.S. envoy to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, on June 6.

He urged all sides to "refrain from provocative, threatening, or hostile actions or rhetoric," while pledging Washington's support for "a durable and sustainable peace agreement."

The Lachin Corridor allows supplies from Armenia to reach the 120,000 ethnic Armenians in the mountainous enclave. The corridor has been policed by Russian peacekeepers since December 2020.

The blockade has left those ethnic Armenian residents in Nagorno-Karabakh without access to essential goods and services, including life-saving medication and health care, according to Amnesty International.

The rights group said Azerbaijan's government has failed its human rights obligations by taking no action to lift the blockade.

Azerbaijan maintains the land route is open for humanitarian deliveries, emergency services and peacekeepers.

In November 2022, Blinken hosted foreign ministers from Armenia and Azerbaijan for peace negotiations at Blair House in Washington.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held face-to-face meetings hosted by Blinken on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in February.

"For any sustainable peace, the populations of Armenia and Azerbaijan also need to see the value of peace," USIP's Heather Ashby told VOA.

"For 30 years, they have lived through violence and conflict between the two countries. A peace agreement will have a significant impact on the populations of both countries and it is important not to lose sight on how they may respond and accept a treaty."

VOA Armenian and Azerbaijan services contributed to this report.
U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced Thursday the Atlantic Declaration, a narrow economic partnership focusing on energy transition and emerging technologies considered critical to national security.

The deal will help the U.S. and U.K. "remain at the cutting edge of a rapidly changing world," Biden said.

However, the two sidestepped questions about progress toward a broader U.S.-U.K. free-trade agreement that the British Conservative Party promised in 2019 to negotiate within three years of governing.

Thursdays announcement, covering technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, followed talks at the White House addressing economic ties and support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.

Pillars of the Atlantic Declaration include ensuring U.S.-U.K. leadership in critical and emerging technologies, economic security, digital transformation and clean energy transition.

According to the White House, the agreement will deepen trade and investment ties, diversify supply chains and reduce strategic dependencies on adversarial powers.

China and Russia are willing to manipulate and exploit our openness, steal our intellectual property, use technology for authoritarian ends or withdraw crucial resources like energy, Sunak said during a joint press conference following his talks with Biden.

Free-trade pact

A comprehensive free-trade agreement was once promised in the U.K. as a post-Brexit goal. However, with little appetite for new free-trade agreements in the U.S. Congress, there's real pragmatism from the British side, said Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the U.S. and the Americas program at Chatham House, a London think tank.

She told VOA that Britain is going for selected wins that don't have to go through Capitol Hill to get traction and can move forward on leading-edge technology issues, especially AI.

AI, which Biden said presents a staggering potential for technological changes, is a key area of concern as both capitals work toward formulating regulations that address key risks without constricting innovation.

Theyre looking at each other's models to see how they can do that better, said Joshua Meltzer, a senior fellow on global economy and development at the Brookings Institution.

Biden and Sunak are aware that rival China, also a top AI player, has an advantage in that it can ignore privacy issues such as using AI for surveillance and facial recognition, and it really wants to put its foot on the innovation accelerator, Meltzer told VOA.

Regulations that balance values and innovation will ensure that the U.S. and the UK. remain leaders in AI, he said, and determine where China is going to end up as well.

As part of the deal, the two countries will begin talks on U.K.-produced critical minerals used in electric vehicles and batteries that would be eligible for U.S. tax credits. Similar negotiations are ongoing with the European Union, modeled after a deal signed with Japan allowing certain critical raw materials for electric vehicles to be treated as if they were sourced in the U.S.

Ukraine and NATO

Biden underscored transatlantic unity, saying: "There's no issue of global importance, none, that our nations are not leading together."

He downplayed growing Republican skepticism about increasing defense spending for Kyiv.

I believe we'll have the funding to support Ukraine as long as it takes, the president said.

He declined to say whether Kyiv has initiated its long-anticipated counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces in southeast Ukraine, as some media outlets have reported.

Thursdays meeting brought together the leaders of the top two military donors to Ukraine, sending a signal ahead of a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, next month that the allies are committed and unified behind Kyiv.

U.S -U.K. alignment on Ukraine has become even more synergized under the new prime minister, said Andrew Hyde, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center.

The U.K. feels under Sunak it could go further, in terms of supplying weapons and support for Ukraine in ways that the U.S. as the leader of the alliance really can't, he told VOA, noting Britains push to supply Kyiv with tanks, long-range missiles and F-16 fighter jets.

They've cleared the ground a little bit for Western assistance, giving the U.S. a degree of distance, plausible deniability, he said, eventually opening up the field for more allies to supply at that level of quality of weapons.

Stoltenberg successor

Biden declined to respond to a question on whether he would support Ben Wallace, the British defense minister, whom Sunak is pushing to be the next NATO secretary-general.

That remains to be seen, he said. We're going to have to get a consensus within NATO.

Biden is meeting with outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday.

Biden and Sunaks meeting happened on the heels of an attack on the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine. Neither Washington nor London has officially accused Russia of blowing up the hydroelectric dam. But Sunak said, If it does prove to be intentional, it will represent a new low  an appalling barbarism on Russias part.

Before meeting with Biden, Sunak held talks with congressional leaders and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. He appeared Wednesday evening at the Washington Nationals baseball game, where the team was honoring U.S.-U.K. Friendship Day.

Its the British prime ministers first visit to the United States since taking office in October, but he and Biden have already met three times this year. During the two-day trip, Sunak stayed at Blair House, the presidents official guesthouse, near the White House.

Anita Powell and Katherine Gypson contributed to this report.
The U.S. is not asking anyone to choose between the United States and China, but it is demonstrating the benefits of partnership, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday while visiting Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, the Saudi foreign minister, said his countrys partnership with China is likely to grow.

The United States remains the number one partner of choice for most countries in the Persian Gulf region, Blinken said during a joint press conference in Riyadh.

Prince Faisal said that while China is his nations largest trading partner, his countrys security partnership with the U.S. is refreshed on an almost daily basis.

Blinkens remarks came as Washington and Beijing are preparing for the top U.S. diplomats upcoming trip to China. The trip was rescheduled from February after the U.S. military shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that had drifted over the continental United States.

In a tweet this week, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns cited White House national security adviser Jake Sullivans remarks that the U.S. hopes Beijing will be willing to include substantive engagement on strategic nuclear issues.

Burns has postponed in-person events previously scheduled to be hosted by the Washington-based Hudson Institute on June 12 and the Center for Strategic and International Studies on June 16.

A U.S. official declined to say whether the postponement was related to Blinkens expected trip to Beijing.

During a press briefing earlier this week, VOA asked State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel whether Washington views Beijing as ready to stabilize bilateral ties.

The international community expects us to manage our relationship with the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] responsibly, he said, regardless of whether it is addressing the climate crisis, a significant portion of the worlds trade flows through the Taiwan Strait, or addressing fentanyl precursors.

Chilly reception

In Beijing, China responded with a cold shoulder.

The U.S. needs to respect Chinas core interests and major concerns, said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin during a briefing on Wednesday, urging Washington to stop calling for communication on the one hand and making provocations on the other.

Ties between the worlds two largest economies have been increasingly strained in recent months over issues including trade, technology and regional security. But U.S. agricultural exports to China continue to grow. China is the largest export market for U.S. agricultural products, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Its an indication of what trade associations such as the U.S.-China Business Council said both economies should take into account - namely, the stabilizing and beneficial role of trade.

But critics are skeptical that Blinkens trip can fundamentally change fraught relations over differences such as human rights.

How [do U.S. President Joe Biden and Blinken] plan to thaw with a [Chinese government] they have accused of committing genocide, #crimesagainsthumanity? tweeted Human Rights Watch China Director Sophie Richardson. What kind of cooperation can they expect?

Some in Congress say Washington is acceding to Beijings demands.

The Biden administration so desperately wants to meet with top Chinese officials that it is complying with Beijing's demand to bury an FBI report on the suspected Chinese spy balloon, tweeted Republican Senator Bill Hagerty, who is ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee panel on national security and international trade and finance.

The State Department's Patel on Monday told reporters there was no public update on Blinken's China trip but that the United States looked forward to rescheduling that visit "when conditions allow."

The Financial Times reported the visit could come this month.

'Candid, constructive and fruitful'

The State Department's top official for East Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, and the National Security Council's senior director for China, Sarah Beran, were in China earlier this week for what Patel described as "candid and productive discussions" with Chinese officials.

China's foreign ministry called those talks "candid, constructive and fruitful communication on promoting the improvement of China-U.S. relations and properly managing differences."

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed the need for major powers to have open lines of communication last week ahead of a security conference in Singapore. His Chinese counterpart, General Li Shangfu, declined to meet with Austin on the sidelines of the conference, and while the two did shake hands at the forum, Austin said that was "no substitute for a substantive engagement."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that when it comes to defeating the Islamic State militant group, the fight is not yet done.

Speaking in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the start of a ministerial meeting of the 80-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Blinken said the group has achieved territorial defeat of the group in Iraq and Syria, taken out its leaders and prevent large-scale attacks.

But Blinken highlighted several areas of focus to achieve what he called the enduring end of the Islamic State group.

He announced a goal for commitments of $600 million to help with programs in Iraq and Syria to address areas that militants exploit to recruit fighters, including funding for social services and ensuring accountability for crimes.

Blinken also discussed repatriations from the region, saying it is particularly important for countries to take back their nationals who traveled to Iraq and Syria to fight with the Islamic State group and are now in detention centers. Not doing so, he said, risked those fighters one day being freed and returning to militant activities.

He also said civilians, especially children, need to be taken back to their home countries in order to have hope and opportunities.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi foreign minister, told the meeting that while it is admirable that many countries, including smaller nations, have stepped forward and carried out repatriations, a number of wealthy countries he did not name have not done so. He called that lack of action unacceptable and said that being part of a coalition means you must take your responsibility.

Blinken also discussed the threat of Islamic State affiliates, including those in the Sahel region in Africa and in Afghanistan. He said there is a need to keep up with evolving threats and to also remain vigilant and ensure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorists.
As the worlds three superpowers jostle for influence in Central Asia, residents of the region are looking at the competition among Russia, China and the United States not as a choice but as a buffet table from which they hope to choose the most appealing entrees.

My husband and his brothers have been migrant workers in Russia for years. We live in Chinese-built apartments bought with the money they sent us. Our children learn English and dream of studying in America, said Muqaddas, an Uzbek mother who asked that only her first name be used.

We are grateful for any opportunity, she added in an interview during last winters energy shortages, when millions of Uzbeks suffered through freezing temperatures amid suspicions that Tashkents backroom dealing with Moscow and export of natural gas to China may have fueled the crisis.

Food producers and medical providers in Kazakhstan also relish strong sales to their two near neighbors while hoping for more American investment.

Do we have the luxury to choose? Can we say no to Russia and China, especially commerce or business? one asked rhetorically.

Migrants crossing the Uzbek-Tajik border told VOA they were determined to work in Russia despite the uncertainties and economic slowdown caused by Moscows invasion of Ukraine.

Russia is vast, said Nurali, 37, a trucker. It is never easy, but once you obtain the required documents, you want to make money and provide your family with a decent life. Im not thinking of leaving my job in Russia.

For many, Russia still dominant

Tajik researcher and artist Loli Sanam told VOA that perceptions vary based on the knowledge and experience of each individual, but for many, Russia is still the dominant power it was when the region was part of the Soviet Union.

There is a large segment that does not believe in anything that is not in the Russian language, she said. There is a collective memory about Russia as a big brother and indispensable influencer.

But Sanam noted the growing number of English-language information consumers. It is still a minority who values democracy, especially the freedom of expression, she said.

Sanam said she sees the population becoming polarized between those who favor Russia and those who like America, while Chinese cultural influence seems limited, at least for now. There are few people who speak Chinese in the region.

Tajikistans reliance on Chinese financing and its growing debt to Beijing are seen as an immense burden on the next generation, she added.

In Kyrgyzstan, which shares over 1,000 kilometers of border with China, the public has expressed more anti-Chinese sentiment through protests and petitions over the years, but local observer Saida Sayip defines the mood toward China as relatively neutral.

"Our country wants to be the gateway for Chinese products, Sayip said.

Uzbek specialist Husanjon Ganiev, who was educated in Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia but does business in the U.S., sees the regions future as tightly connected with Asia.

"More deals with the West, for sure. But realistically speaking, the regions focus will continue to shift towards the east and south, Ganiev predicted. Unless Russia dramatically changes, its influence will only plunge.

America will always be a beacon of innovation and inspiration. It does not have to invest billions to be relevant, he continued. People understand that prime partners are those geographically close, yet they want to learn from the U.S. experience and count on its technical support.

Gallups 2022 Central Asia findings

Ganievs forecast of declining Russian influence is borne out in polling by the Gallup Organization, which surveyed residents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan about their views of the three competing powers in 2021 and 2022.

In Kazakhstan, approval of the leadership in Moscow declined from 55% to 29% between the two polls, likely driven by unhappiness over the invasion of Ukraine. Approval of Russia dropped from 76% to 63% in Kyrgyzstan and from 69% to 63% in Uzbekistan.

For the first time since we began collecting data in Kazakhstan in 2007, more Kazakhstanis, about 50%, disapproved of the Russian leadership, Zacc Ritter of Gallup said in an interview.

In 2014, when Russia invaded Crimea and pro-Moscow separatists waged war in eastern Ukraine, 72% of Kazakhs favored the Kremlin, while only 6% condemned it.

Ritter told VOA that those who self-identify as Russian in Kazakhstan still mostly approve of the Russian leadership. However, that gap has narrowed dramatically: 47% approve, 37% disapprove.

In Kyrgyzstan, 30% said they disapproved of Russian leadership last year, while the figure stood at just 18% in Uzbekistan.

Attitudes toward Washington and Beijing changed little between the two surveys. In Kyrgyzstan, 28% approved of U.S. leadership and 35% approved of the Chinese. In Uzbekistan, it was 29% for America and 31% for China. In Kazakhstan, support for the U.S. was 31% and for China 35%.

More folks in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan approved of Russias leadership than the U.S. or Chinese. In contrast, slightly more in Kazakhstan approved of Chinese and U.S. than the Russian, Ritter said.

American observations

Laura Kennedy, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkmenistan and deputy assistant secretary of state who recently toured the region, told VOA that socioeconomic and political factors are often overlooked by just focusing on international jostling for position by Russia, China and the U.S.

Kennedy assessed that the older generations reliance on Russian television clearly affects their views of America, but the younger generation is learning English and wants more access to all things Western.

They also have a much greater tendency to view Russias legacy more critically in terms of colonialism. But I met countless folks in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with at least one relative who works in Russia. So, the economic pull of ruble remittances is still strong, she said.

Kennedy detected some resentment toward China. She said she heard Tajiks and Kyrgyz complaining about the costs of doing business and the unwillingness of governments to speak out against Chinese persecution of Uyghurs, a fellow Turkic-Muslim people.

Many believe that China wants market dominance. I also encountered cynicism about Chinese money going into elite pockets, she said.

The U.S. is not a statist economy like China nor suited as a government to build big physical projects a la the Belt and Road Initiative, Kennedy said. However, we still dominate the international market for smart power, so we need to showcase that.
A bomb blast ripped through a mosque in Afghanistan's northeastern Badakhshan province during a memorial ceremony Thursday for the Taliban provincial deputy governor who was assassinated in an Islamic State group attack this week.

The explosion in the provincial capital of Faizabad killed at least 11 worshipers and wounded more than 30 others, the Taliban-led Afghan interior ministry said on Twitter. Moazuddin Ahmadi, the head of the area information office, told VOA by phone that a former Taliban police chief of the nearby northern Baghlan province was also among the dead.



Witnesses reported that the powerful blast had inflicted many casualties on the worshipers inside the packed mosque, fearing a much higher death toll.

A mainstream Afghan news channel, TOLO news, reported that at least 15 bodies and about 50 wounded were brought to the main hospital in Faizabad.



On Tuesday, Badakhshan's deputy governor, Molvi Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, was being driven to work in Faizabad when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden car into his vehicle. The ensuing blast killed Ahmadi and his driver, while 10 people were injured.



The Islamic State group claimed the car bomb attack was carried out by its Afghan affiliate, Islamic State Khorasan. The mountainous Afghan province borders China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.



Several top Taliban leaders have been killed in IS Khorasan-claimed attacks since the hardline group retook control of Afghanistan nearly two years ago.



A car bombing last December, claimed by IS Khorasan, killed the Taliban police chief of Badakhshan.



In March, a suicide bomber assassinated the governor of northern Balkh province, Mohammad Dawood Muzammil. IS Khorasan took credit for killing one of the most senior Taliban leaders.



The Taliban are sworn enemies of IS Khorasan and have routinely conducted operations against its hideouts in Afghanistan, killing high-profile operatives of the terror group.



Islamic State launched its operations in the conflict-torn South Asian nation in 2015 from bases in eastern Nangarhar province, which borders Pakistan. It has since expanded the violence to other parts of Afghanistan.
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Wednesday that the island nation was reviewing an agreement on police cooperation it signed with China in 2011 that has allowed Chinese police officers to be stationed in Fiji.

Rabuka, speaking at a news conference in New Zealand where he was discussing a defense pact with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, referred to Fijis willingness to walk away from the agreement, The Associated Press reported.

If our systems and our values differ, what cooperation can we get from them? Rabuka said, referring to China. We need to look at that again before we decide whether we go back to it, or if we continue the way that we have in the past by cooperating with those who have similar democratic values and systems.

Fiji has become increasingly important in the growing U.S.-China competition for influence and access to strategic waters in the Indo-Pacific region. In the past month, the U.S., India and South Korea have reached out to island nation leaders.

Rabukas remarks were the latest in a series expressing unease with the memorandum of understanding that called for Fijian police officers to undergo training in China and for Chinese officers to be deployed to Fiji.

One of Rabukas first acts after his narrow election victory late last year was to suspend the police commissioner and raise doubts about the deal, which had been negotiated by the former government led by Frank Bainimarama.

Theres no need for us to continue. Our systems are different, Rabuka told The Fiji Times in January. Our system of democracy and justice systems are different, so we will go back to those that have similar systems with us.

At the time, Rabuka said officers from other countries like Australia and New Zealand could stay because their systems were similar to Fijis. At the Wednesday press conference, he said that New Zealand and Fiji were poised to sign an agreement next week to increase military cooperation.

Fijian Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who is in charge of Fijis defense, went further while speaking Sunday on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore.

"Termination [of the police agreement] is one outcome that could be possible," Nikkei Asia quoted him as saying.

Tikoduadua said he had given China six months' notice of Fiji's intention to reappraise the deal in light of current geopolitical trends and how Fiji wants to realign national security.

"We are a newly elected government and our [police] agreement was made by the previous government," he said, according to the Nikkei report. "We want to go back and talk to the People's Republic of China about how we view our relationship going forward."

'Whirlpool of disputes'

VOA Mandarin contacted the Chinese Embassy for a response to Rabukas remarks but has not received a response. However, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu criticized U.S. efforts to restore alliances in the region at the same Singapore forum, which U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also attended.

Li warned that the American effort would plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts.

Under Bainimarama, Fiji adopted a "Look North" policy that focused on developing relations with China at the expense of its traditional bonds with Australia and New Zealand.

Huang Enhao, an associate researcher at the Taiwan National Defense Security Research Institute, told VOA Mandarin that China's biggest advantage is that it provides economic aid to island countries with no strings attached. If some local governments feel that Western aid comes with human rights and anti-corruption requirements, they may turn to China, he said.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Several challengers this week have jumped into the race to try to thwart former U.S. president Donald Trump from capturing the Republican Party's presidential nomination for a third consecutive time. Most notable among the new entrants: Trumps longtime vice president, Mike Pence. VOAs chief national correspondent Steve Herman at the White House explains Pence wasted no time doing what he previously hesitated to  forcefully criticize his former boss conduct in office.
Nearly a year since being sworn in as president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is getting mixed reviews from political analysts.

We have really yet to see any major achievements, especially for the lives of the ordinary people, said Cleve Arguelles, chief executive of WR Numero Research, a polling firm in the Philippines.

Although much has been said about bringing down the prices of rice and other agricultural products, we really have yet to see significant improvements in these areas. So, I would say that in terms of the expectation to make Filipino families food-secure  especially access to rice  he wasnt really able to gain some ground on that.

Despite this, Marcos remains popular in public opinion polls, including a Pulse Asia survey released in April that reported 78% of Filipinos approved of his performance.

One explanation for this is that traditionally, Filipinos do give their presidents a honeymoon period during the first year in power, Arguelles said.

When it comes to foreign policy and national defense, the Philippines is caught in the middle of a geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China.

Marcos has been strengthening ties with the U.S. after they were strained by his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who for most of his six-year term leaned significantly closer to China.

"Under Duterte, billions [of dollars in investment was] promised, [but] nothing came from the Chinese, as far as Im concerned, said political analyst Richard Heydarian, a senior lecturer at the Asian Center of the University of the Philippines. Philippines never had debt trap. We had pledge trap.

During the final year of Dutertes term, he added, the administration started mending ties with the U.S.

What Marcos did was just continue the late-Duterte reversion and push it to its logical conclusion, which is a new era of a revitalized alliance, said Heydarian, author of the book "The Indo-Pacific: Trump, China and the New Struggle for Global Mastery."

This comes as tensions rise between the Philippines and China due to overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. In February, the Philippine Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of directing a military-grade laser at one of its ships, temporarily blinding some of its crew.

In an April maritime incident witnessed by several journalists, a Chinese Coast Guard ship cut off a Philippines Coast Guard boat in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Last year, the Philippines filed almost 200 diplomatic protest notes with Beijing over its tactics in the South China Sea.

Earlier this year, the Philippines agreed to give the U.S. access to more military bases, but Marcos has said these sites are not intended to be used as staging grounds for offensive action against any country.

Critics of the agreement have said the Philippines could become a military target if the U.S. responds to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by using these bases to launch attacks against China. Taiwan lies some 190 kilometers from Luzon, the largest and most populous Philippine island.

Heydarian said Marcos is faced with the difficult task of trying to stand up to Chinas military when it comes to their competing claims in the South China Sea without unduly antagonizing Beijing. Allowing the U.S. greater access to military bases, he said, is being done to prevent war.

If allies have integrated deterrence  collective deterrence capability  China will not even think of invading Taiwan, he said. All bets are off if a war happens. Japan is going to be involved. Philippines is going to be involved. Australia is going to be involved.

However, Marcos first state visit to China in January generated $22.8 billion worth of investment pledges. Manila had billed the visit as an attempt to strengthen ties with Beijing and establish direct communication over South China Sea issues.

Marcos' office said thefinancial commitments secured from Chinese investors include $13.76 billion in renewable energy, $7.32 billion for electric vehicles and mineral processing, and $1.72 billion for agriculture, according to Nikkei Asia.

What [Marcos] wants ... is to have the cake of stronger security cooperation with America but also eat more investment and trade relations with China, said Heydarian. Lets not forget, Marcos Jr. is still saying very nice things about China.
Zeinab was fleeing war-torn Sudan's capital to seek safety when she found herself pinned to the ground, a rifle to her chest, as a paramilitary fighter raped her.

"I was sure we were about to die," she told AFP, recounting how she, her younger sister and two other women, one with an infant daughter, were all sexually violated.

Dozens of women have reported similar attacks  in their homes, by the roadside and in commandeered hotels  since the war erupted in mid-April between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

A month into the war, said Zeinab, the women were fleeing Khartoum when their minibus was stopped at an RSF checkpoint.

Terrified, they were marched into a warehouse where a man "in civilian clothes who seemed to be their commander" ordered Zeinab to the ground, she said.

"I was pinned down by one man while the other raped me," she told AFP. "When he was done, they switched. They wanted to keep my sister with them. I begged them on my hands and knees to let her go."

The women were eventually allowed to leave and escaped to Madani, 200 kilometers away, where they reported the attack to police and went to a hospital.

When Zeinab later recounted their ordeal, she had found refuge in another country.

"We're not the first people this has happened to, or the last," she said.

Sudan's war has claimed at least 1,800 lives and displaced more than 1.5 million people.

The horrors of the conflict have been compounded by a wave of sexual violence, say survivors, medics and activists who spoke to AFP.

Most have requested anonymity or, like Zeinab, used a pseudonym for fear of reprisals against them and others.

Both Sudan's army chief, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, have accused their enemies of such attacks.

And human rights lawyer Jehanne Henry said that indeed both sides have committed "notorious acts of sexual violence" in the past.

The governmental Combating Violence Against Women and Children Unit documented 49 assaults in the first two weeks of the war.

In all but six cases, survivors identified perpetrators "in RSF uniform," said unit chief Sulaima Ishaq al-Khalifa, adding that there are "new reports night and day."

"There is not a single woman in Khartoum now who feels safe, not even in her own home, al-Khalifa said.

The worst fighting has raged in Khartoum and the Darfur region, where former dictator Omar al-Bashir once unleashed the notorious Janjaweed militia from which the RSF emerged.

In their scorched-earth campaign since 2003, they committed genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, including rape, according to the International Criminal Court.

Now mass rapes are again being reported in Darfur, said Adjaratou Ndiaye, the U.N. Women representative in Sudan.

Documented cases, like wider casualty counts, are likely "the tip of the iceberg," said a Sudanese Women Rights Action group researcher.

Medics say many victims receive no care as hospitals have been ransacked or destroyed.

Many cases have been reported by civil society groups known as resistance committees, which long campaigned for democracy.

A lawyer who has long documented sexual assaults by security forces, said the scourge now impacts "every segment of Sudanese society."

"We have seen the rape of young girls and old women, mothers with their children," she said, adding that to the perpetrators "it doesn't matter."

Amid dire shortages, health workers have struggled to provide HIV medication or emergency contraceptives.

"The situation is catastrophic," said a member of the Central Committee of Sudanese Pharmacists.

Activists and medics are trying to document every attack. The aim, said the lawyer, is "to ensure there is no impunity."

Zeinab hopes the rapists will one day face justice but voices resignation.

"I shared my testimony to try and stop this happening to others, to tell them the road isn't safe," she said. "But even when I filed the police report, I knew nothing would come of it. They're never going to get the men who did this."
RAMALLAH, June 8 (Xinhua) -- At least six Palestinians were injured Wednesday night during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Ramallah, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.

The ministry said that among the six, two were moderately injured after being shot by live ammunition and the others were injured by rubber bullets.

Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said that dozens of Israeli military jeeps and armored vehicles stormed several neighborhoods in the city of Ramallah and located snipers on the roofs of several buildings.

Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli army forces surrounded the home of Islam Al-Faroukh, a Palestinian charged with involvement in the double remote bombing attack in Jerusalem in 2022 and imprisoned in an Israeli jail.

They said that fierce clashes broke out in the area between dozens of Palestinian stone throwers and the Israeli soldiers, who fired teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse the Palestinian protestors.

West Bank tension has been flaring since early January. The Israeli army has been carrying out daily raids on Palestinian towns and cities in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians. 
Despite Western attempts to stifle Russias economy through sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine last year, Russian trade volumes with dozens of countries have actually increased since the war began  with NATO member Turkey providing a critical economic lifeline for Moscow, according to an analysis by the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

The countries that have increased trade since the February 2022 invasion include several European Union and NATO members, according to the analysis.

Such surges in trade, however, are not necessarily an indicator of support for the war launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the report says. Instead, it is more likely they are predominantly the result of companies  and countries  pursuing legal opportunities for cheaper exports and new gaps in the Russian market.

China

It notes that Chinas trade with Russia had already been increasing at an average annual rate of 23% over the past five years, excluding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It said Chinas trade with Russia has jumped by another 27% since the Ukraine invasion.

Other countries have seen a far greater increase in trade with Russia since February 2022.

We see increases of trade across a range of different countries, with places like India and Greece, for example, importing cheap Russian oil at below market prices. And this is what's causing the surge of trade there, said Niels Graham, a co-author of the Atlantic Council report, in an interview this week with VOA.

But we also see other countries like Turkey, for example, exporting a lot of electronics as well as chemical industrial goods to Russia to take advantage of the holes in the Russian market that have been caused by the sort of G7 statecraft response, he said.

He said that Beijing is actually showing signs of restraint since Moscows invasion of Ukraine.

China is certainly engaging with Russia, certainly increasing its trade overall, but doing so very much in line overwhelmingly with the red lines the West has drawn  for fear of Western retaliation against China, cutting it off from a much more important Western market, Graham told VOA.

Russian Oil

Indias trade with Russia has soared by 250% since 2021, the biggest increase by far among Russias trading partners.

China and India imported record volumes of Russian oil in May, according to Reuters, totaling about 110 million barrels for the month. Analysts say the worlds two biggest buyers of Russian oil are capitalizing on discounted prices after the G7 group of rich nations imposed a price cap of $60 per barrel in December.

Washington has warned that Moscow is seeking to circumvent the price cap by using the Eastern Siberia Pacific Ocean pipeline along with ports in eastern Russia, where there may be less Western oversight of trading activities.

The West never intended to completely block Russia oil sales, said Graham.

Doing so against an oil producer as large as Russia would have skyrocketed global oil prices, would have likely tipped the global economy into recession, and would have made a lot of countries angry against Western actions, he said.

Turkish lifeline

The Atlantic Council report says NATO member Turkey also provides a vital lifeline for Russias economy, with trade volumes increasing by some 93% since the invasion.

It said Turkey has sold Russia sensitive material like integrated circuits and semiconductors which could be used in weapons systems.

Although Turkish exports of electronic machinery, including critical integrated circuits, fell in the immediate aftermath of Russias full-scale invasion, they have since recovered and grown well beyond the pre-invasion average. From March 2022 to March 2023, Turkish electronic exports to Russia jumped by about 85%, the Atlantic Council report said.

To Ankaras credit, following pressure from the Group of Seven [G7], Turkey has agreed to halt its transit of sanctioned goods to Russia, the report added. However, its trade with Russia remains a vital economic lifeline for its businesses as the country recovers and reconstructs from a devastating earthquake earlier this year.

Turkey assured the European Union in March that it would no longer ship or transit goods to Russia that are subject to sanctions or export controls, according to an EU official quoted by Reuters.

Ankara has denied exporting goods to Russia that could have military applications.
After a series of renewed talks between the U.S. and China leading up to Secretary of State Antony Blinken's expected visit to Beijing in coming weeks, experts said the two rivals need to come up with a plan to avoid conflict.

The talks had been stalled since February over a suspected Chinese spy balloon flying across the U.S.

The two countries agreed to "open lines of communications," said a statement released after Dan Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, held talks with his Chinese counterparts on Monday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters on Tuesday that the two countries held talks "on improving bilateral relations and managing differences."

The talks followed CIA Director William Burns' apparent secret trip to Beijing in May, first reported by the Financial Times on June 2, and national security adviser Jake Sullivan's meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Vienna on May 10-11.

"The United States and China are moving slowly and cautiously to restore normal dialogue channels between them with the goal being able to establish so-called guardrails to prevent bilateral relations from careening off track and leading to confrontation," said Evans Revere, who served as acting assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs during the George W. Bush administration.

"It's extremely important for Washington and Beijing to find a way to manage bilateral relations in a way that prevents misunderstanding, misperception and strategic competition from leading to conflict," he told VOA via email.

The two nations are at odds over a range of issues, each seeing the other's demands as attempts to undermine its national interests.

Washington has been vocal about China's disregard for the rule of law, human rights and fair-trade practices. The U.S. has especially been keen on defending the right of passage in the Taiwan Strait against growing Chinese aggression.

Beijing says it has been respecting international law and accuses the U.S. of using the rule of law to undermine its sovereignty and advocating for human rights as a way to interfere in its domestic affairs. China claims Taiwan, a self-governing island, as its own and takes Washington's military presence in the region as a provocation.

Standing their ground

Hal Brands, professor of global affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, said neither of them wants their differences to drive them toward conflict, but both are unwilling to relent.

"Both sides have reasons to keep the competition within bounds," said Brands. "Neither side really wants a war, for instance. But neither side is willing to retreat on issues it cares most about."

He added, "There is virtually no [chance] of a substantive improvement in U.S.-China relations in the coming year or so because differences on the key issues driving the competition  technology, Taiwan, trade, the balance of power in the Western Pacific and beyond  are nowhere near a resolution."

Despite renewed talks between diplomatic and intelligence officials, military talks have not resumed, even as the two nations' defense chiefs believe conflict would be catastrophic.

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu said at the Shangri-La security forum in Singapore on Sunday that "a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the U.S. will be an unbearable disaster" and proposed "seeking common ground."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, while also stressing that "conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating," told the forum a day earlier that he was "deeply concerned" that China has been "unwilling to engage" in talks "for crisis management between our two militaries."

While the top military chiefs were at the Shangri-La forum on Saturday, a Chinese navy ship made an "unsafe" move on a U.S. destroyer navigating the Taiwan Strait with a Canadian frigate to demonstrate their right to navigate, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Monday.

Differences over fundamental values such as democracy and the rule of law have prevented the two countries from seeing eye to eye, according to experts.

"The ideological and value gap between Beijing and Washington is large and growing," said Revere via email. "Under [President] Xi Jinping, China has taken an historic turn toward authoritarianism, illiberalism and strict centralization under Communist Party control."

He added, "At the same time, China's unprecedented military buildup and desire to become the dominant actor in the Western Pacific is clashing with the United States' long-term role as the major power in the region."

Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former deputy national security adviser at the White House National Security Council, said via email, "The two sides have fundamentally different views that aren't easily bridged."

"Both the United States and China are pessimistic about the likelihood of making progress bilaterally but feel that it is necessary to show third parties that they are trying."
Federal prosecutors have notified former U.S. President Donald Trump's attorneys that he is the target of an investigation into his handling of classified materials, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, adding to his legal troubles as he campaigns for the White House in 2024.

The Justice Department typically notifies people when they become targets of an investigation to give them an opportunity to present their own evidence before a grand jury. The notification does not necessarily mean Trump will be charged.

News of the notification to Trump's legal team surfaced just two days after his attorneys met with Justice Department officials to discuss the case.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump's attorneys in the documents case could not be reached for comment.

Trump's legal team was notified on Monday, the person said. Although there are some signs that the documents investigation is coming to a close, the timing of when a person is told they are a target cannot necessarily be used as a predictor of when charges might be brought, said David Schoen, an attorney who represented Trump ally Steve Bannon during his criminal trial on contempt of Congress charges.

"Sometimes they are issued at the beginning of a long investigation and sometimes at the conclusion of an investigation," he said.

Trump, the front-runner in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has repeatedly described the multiple investigations as politically motivated.

A federal grand jury has been investigating Trump's retention of classified materials after leaving the White House in 2021.

A second criminal investigation is looking into alleged efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

A spokesperson for Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the probes, declined to comment.

Thousands of documents

Investigators in August 2022 seized roughly 13,000 documents from Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. One hundred of these were marked as classified, even though one of Trump's lawyers had previously said that all records with classified markings had been returned.

Trump has defended his retention of documents, suggesting that he declassified them while he was president. However, Trump has not provided evidence of this, and his attorneys have not made that argument in court filings.

Trump handed over 15 boxes of records in January 2022, a year after leaving office, but federal officials came to believe he had not returned all the documents.

The Justice Department issued Trump a grand jury subpoena in May 2022 asking him to return any other records bearing classified markings, and top officials traveled to Mar-a-Lago to retrieve the materials.

Trump's attorneys turned over 38 pages marked as classified to FBI and Justice Department officials and showed them a storage room at Mar-a-Lago but did not permit the agents to open any of the boxes.

One of Trump's lawyers also signed a document attesting that all records with classified markings had been returned to the government, a claim later proven false after the FBI searched his home.

Trump's legal woes are growing.

A jury in federal court in Manhattan in May decided in a civil lawsuit that Trump must pay $5 million in damages for sexually abusing former Elle magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll and then defaming her by branding her a liar.

Trump also faces a criminal investigation by a county prosecutor in Georgia relating to his efforts to undo his 2020 election loss in that state.

Trump's legal woes are growing.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday that talks about resolving the conflict with Russia could not start with a mere cessation of hostilities.

If anyone thinks they should freeze the conflict and then see how to solve it, they dont understand it, he said in an online briefing aimed at African journalists, following a tour of African countries.

More than 100 rounds of consultation and attempts at a cease-fire since Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 only led to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he said.

A delegation of African heads of state is expected to visit Ukraine and Russia in the next few days, hoping to persuade them to cease hostilities, a spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told Reuters last month.

He said on Wednesday that no date had been set for the mission.

Such a proposal means that Russian troops would remain on Ukrainian soil even as peace talks start. Ukraine previously said Russian forces should withdraw before such negotiations could start, while Moscow wants Kyiv to recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea as a precondition for negotiations.

President Macky Sall of Senegal, last years African Union chairman, whose country was not present at the latest U.N. vote condemning Russia in February, leads the initiative. The current African Union chairman, Comoros Islands President Othman Ghazali, was recently added to the delegation.

It also includes Presidents Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia  which both voted for the resolution  and Congo Republic's Denis Sassou Nguesso and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, which both abstained, as did South Africa.

Kuleba has been on a charm offensive in Africa to win support on a continent where 30 of the 54 African U.N. member states voted in favor of the U.N. resolution condemning Russias invasion.

What we see in our relations with the continent right now is fair to call a Ukrainian-African renaissance, Kuleba said.

He had no details on what the African peace mission entailed, but he welcomed it.

We are looking forward to hosting these presidents in Kyiv, he said.
U.S. officials tasked with tracking Islamic State are seeing worrisome signs that the terror groups core leadership is strengthening control over its global network of affiliates despite a series of key losses.

Specifically, the United States is raising concerns about the groups General Directorate of Provinces, a series of nine regional offices set up over the past several years to sustain the groups reputation and global capabilities.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday highlighted the threat posed by these regional offices, designating the leaders of the offices in Iraq and in Africas Sahel region as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

'Not yet done'

We remain focused on cutting off ISISs ability to raise and move funds across multiple jurisdictions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, speaking to a meeting in Riyadh of the global coalition that has been working to defeat Islamic State, also known as ISIS, IS or Daesh.

For all our progress, the fight is not yet done, Blinken added.

A separate State Department statement Thursday noted the terror group maintains connections to the global financial system and that ISs core leadership has relied on its regional General Directorate of Provinces offices to provide operational guidance and funding around the world.

The new designations specifically name Abdallah Makki Muslih al-RufayI, the former emir of ISs Iraq province, as the leader of the Iraq-based Bilad al-Rafidayn Office, and Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki as the leader of the al-Furqan office, which oversees operations in the Sahel.

Concern about the regional offices has been growing for more than a year, with a U.N. report warning in July 2022 that the offices were key to the terror groups plans for reviving its external operational capability."

The U.N. report cited the al-Furqan office, located in the Lake Chad Basin and charged with overseeing the terror groups efforts in and around Nigeria and the western Sahel, as one of the most vigorous and best-established [ISIS] regional networks.

The report further warned that the Al-Siddiq office in Afghanistan and the Al-Karrar office in Somalia were likewise playing critical roles in Islamic States expansion.

Intelligence shared by U.N. member states at the time, however, suggested some of the other regional offices, including those in Turkey, Libya, Yemen and Egypts Sinai Peninsula, were struggling, and in some cases nonfunctional.

And despite a series of high-profile leadership losses, including the deaths or captures of at least 13 senior officials since early 2022, time seems to have worked in the terror groups favor.

The regional office model, answering to the groups core leadership, has really enabled a lot of these groups to rapidly gain capability, said Anand Arun, a U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency senior officer and analyst.

They're pooling resources. They're sharing TTP [tactics, techniques and procedures]. They're sharing guidance, Arun told a forum hosted by George Washington Universitys Program on Extremism on Wednesday. We're seeing ISISs local and regional attack capabilities in Africa increase.

Enhanced internet ties

Others are also seeing IS affiliates, like IS West Africa Province, maximize these connections by using enhanced internet connections for what one expert described as real-time communication.

We also saw conference calls, sometimes conference calls between ISIS central and African groups but also amongst African groups, said Bulama Bukarti, a researcher and vice president at the Bridgeway Foundation, a charity that aims to prevent mass atrocities.

They also share intelligence information, best practices, he said, speaking at the same forum as Arun. So, for example, if one affiliate looted a particular weapon they don't know how to operate, they just would take a photo of it, put it in the group [chat], and then someone would send them instructions, would send them a YouTube link with instructions on how to operate it.

Bukarti also warned that ISs adoption of advanced technologies has extended to other areas, with IS West Africa Province conducting trials on how to arm commercial drones to be used in attacks.

U.S. officials share the concern.

I'm very much concerned about that and kind of the trajectory, said the DIAs Arun, calling the possibilities exponential.

I think there's a lot of ways that they can harness what's coming with AI [artificial intelligence] and drones and other things, he said.

Already, the United States has been leading efforts to crack down on these networks.

Last November, the Treasury Department sanctioned a smuggling network in Somalia that may have been linked to ISs Al-Karrar regional office.

And in January, U.S. special operations forces killed Bilal al-Sudani, a key IS financial facilitator, during a raid on a mountainous cave complex in a remote part of northern Somalia.

But some of the information turned up during that operation has given U.S. officials cause to worry about ISs growing technological prowess.

If Bilal al-Sudani can access the internet from a cave in the Puntland of Somalia, I think they can figure it out, Arun said.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced Thursday that the U.S. is investing more than $100 million in the Caribbean region to crack down on weapons trafficking, help alleviate Haiti's humanitarian crisis and support climate change initiatives.

The announcement was made ahead of an official trip to the Bahamas for a meeting of Caribbean and U.S. leaders hosted by Harris and Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis.

As part of the initiatives, the U.S. Justice Department expects to appoint a coordinator to oversee cases involving illegal weapons smuggling in the Caribbean as island nations report a rise in violent crimes. In addition, the State Department vowed to help improve forensic work in the region, help strengthen local police departments and support a unit based in Trinidad and Tobago aimed at helping islands solve gun-related cases and provide training for the collection and analysis of related intelligence.

The U.S., with help from the U.K., also will establish a program in the eastern Caribbean to mentor local judges and prosecutors in a bid to improve prosecutions of gun-related crimes as island nations struggle with a backlog of cases.

The State Department also expects to work with Haiti's National Police, a severely underfunded and understaffed agency struggling to quell a surge in gang violence, to help investigate and prosecute crimes with U.S. ties that involve gangs, weapons smuggling and human trafficking.

That initiative is considered key given that gangs are estimated to control up to 80% of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince as killings and kidnappings soar across the metropolitan area and beyond.

Harris announced that the U.S. Agency for International Development will invest nearly $54 million in Haiti to help fight a sharp rise in starvation and provide access to potable water and healthcare. Almost half of Haiti's more than 11 million people are facing acute food insecurity, and 19,000 are in catastrophic famine conditions.

Another $10.5 million will go toward supporting Haiti's agricultural sector as poverty deepens.

USAID also expects to invest $20 million to help Caribbean businesses that use technologies related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Another nearly $15 million will be used to boost emergency response and preparedness across the region.

Additional funds will help low-lying island nations whose economies largely depend on tourism prepare and adapt to climate change.
Nearly two years after the United States evacuated approximately 124,000 people from Afghanistan, tens of thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government remain inside the country, facing fear of Taliban persecution.

Over 152,000 Afghans who say they have worked for the U.S. military in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban's return to power in August 2021 have applied for the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program. As of May, some 17,000 principal SIVs remained in the congressionally authorized program.

"Every day that our allies spend in Afghanistan is a day they remain in extreme peril," said Andrew Sullivan, director of advocacy at No One Left Behind, a charitable organization supporting Afghans and Iraqis who worked for the U.S. military during the past two decades.

Sullivan said his organization has documented and will soon release a report about "shocking cases of systematic, retaliatory violence committed by the Taliban against SIV" applicants in Afghanistan.

To tackle the challenges confronting the SIV program, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Roger Wicker have introduced legislation called the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023. The act aims to authorize 20,000 additional principal SIVs through 2029, along with other administrative reforms.

Arash Azizzada, co-founder of Afghans for a Better Tomorrow, a U.S.-based nongovernmental organization, said his organization currently supports about 200 Afghan asylum-seekers in the U.S., and among them are SIV applicants whose applications were either delayed or rejected, prompting them to take a long and perilous journey from Afghanistan to the United States through South America.

More than half of SIV applications are unsuccessful for various reasons, including failure to provide acceptable documentation to prove they worked for the U.S. for at least a year.

The program is also plagued by administrative delays. Through the end of 2022, SIV application processing by U.S. government agencies on average took 628 days, according to the Department of State.

Enhanced efforts

"At the president's direction, we have undertaken substantial efforts to improve the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program to streamline the application and adjudication processes, while safeguarding our national security," said a State Department spokesperson.

As a result, the spokesperson said, over 27,000 SIVs have been issued since January 2021  significantly more than in previous years  and the application processing time has been reduced to 314 calendar days this year.

U.S. officials say many aspects of the SIV program, including approval from the chief of mission, are mandated by law.

While the U.S. has no diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, SIV applications have been processed at 57 U.S. embassies and consulates in different parts of the world since September 2021, the spokesperson said.

"What is needed is a permanent and sustainable solution," said Helal Massomi, a policy adviser with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a refugee support organization that has assisted thousands of SIV beneficiaries in the United States.

Since its inception in 2009, more than 101,000 Afghans have benefited from the SIV program, with Congress authorizing a specific number of visas annually.

A comprehensive solution, Massomi told VOA, should also include settlement pathways for the tens of thousands of Afghans who were evacuated in 2021 and then brought to the U.S. and offered temporary parole.

Unlike SIV beneficiaries who qualify for permanent residence (green card) after arriving in the U.S., the parolees have no such option.

The Afghan Adjustment Act, proposed legislation that offers a legal pathway for the permanent settlement of Afghan parolees, has been stalled in Congress for almost a year, despite widespread support from veteran, refugee and human rights groups.

Expand the SIV

While the Afghan Allies Protection Act seeks 20,000 additional SIVs for Afghans who worked for the U.S. military, there are calls for an expansion of the SIV program to include other vulnerable groups.

In March, Representative John Garamendi introduced a bill that seeks to offer SIVs for Afghan Fulbright students.

From 2003 to 2021, more than 900 Afghans received Fulbright scholarships, and most of them were required to return to Afghanistan at the end of their studies in the United States.

Afghanistan has been characterized as a gender-apartheid regime under Taliban rule, with women being denied basic rights to work and education and excluded from public spaces.

Despite strong condemnation of the Taliban's misogynistic policies, the United States has not established a special visa program for Afghan women suffering from Taliban repression.

U.S. officials say Afghan women and other persecuted individuals can seek consideration under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which takes referrals from the U.N. refugee agency.

Another program, called P2, offers immigration opportunities for Afghans who previously worked for civilian U.S. projects in Afghanistan.

"We have seen very small numbers of P2-referred Afghans arrive in the U.S.," Cinthya Hagemeier, a communications expert with the International Rescue Committee, told VOA.

"In addition to general USRAP processing backlogs, delays have also occurred due to P2 designation requirements, where individuals must be processed outside their country of origin. That requirement particularly impacts Afghan women who are not able to travel without a male chaperone," Hagemeier said.
In a good month, Celina Chanthanouvong has about $200 left after rent, groceries and car insurance. That doesn't factor in her student loans, which have been on hold since the start of the pandemic and are estimated to cost $300 a month. The pause in repayment has been a lifeline keeping the 25-year-old afloat.

"I don't even know where I would begin to budget that money," said Chanthanouvong, who works in marketing in San Francisco.

Now, after more than three years, the lifeline is being pulled away.

More than 40 million Americans will be on the hook for federal student loan payments starting in late August under the terms of a debt ceiling deal approved by Congress last week. The Biden administration has been targeting that timeline for months, but the deal ends any hope of a further extension of the pause, which has been prolonged while the Supreme Court decides the president's debt cancellation.

Without cancellation, the Education Department predicts borrowers will fall behind on their loans at historic rates. Among the most vulnerable are those who finished college during the pandemic. Millions have never had to make a loan payment, and their bills will soon come amid soaring inflation and forecasts of economic recession.

Advocates fear it will add a financial burden that younger borrowers can't afford.

"I worry that we're going to see levels of default of new graduates that we've never seen before," said Natalia Abrams, president of the nonprofit Student Debt Crisis Center.

Chanthanouvong earned a bachelor's in sociology from the University of California-Merced in 2019. She couldn't find a job for a year, leaving her to rely on odd jobs for income. She found a full-time job last year, but at $70,000, her salary barely covers the cost of living in the Bay Area.

"I'm not going out. I don't buy Starbucks every day. I'm cooking at home," she said. "And sometimes, I don't even have $100 after everything."

Under President Joe Biden's cancellation plan, Chanthanouvong would be eligible to get $20,000 of her debt erased, leaving her owing $5,000. But she isn't banking on the relief. Instead, she invited her partner to move in and split rent. The financial pinch has them postponing or rethinking major life milestones.

"My partner and I agreed, maybe we don't want kids," she said. "Not because we don't want them, but because it would be financially irresponsible for us to bring a human being into this world."

Out of the more than 44 million federal student loan borrowers, about 7 million are below the age of 25, according to data from the Education Department. Their average loan balance is less than $14,000, lower than any other age group.

Yet borrowers with lower balances are the most likely to default. It's fueled by millions who drop out before graduating, along with others who graduate but struggle to find good jobs. Among those who defaulted in 2021, the median loan balance was $15,300, and the vast majority had balances under $40,000, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Resuming student loan payments will cost U.S. consumers $18 billion a month, the investment firm Jefferies has estimated. The hit to household budgets is ill-timed for the overall economy, Jefferies says, because the United States is widely believed to be on the brink of a recession.

Despite the student loan moratorium, Americans mostly didn't bank their savings, according to Jefferies economist Thomas Simons. So they'll likely have to cut back on other things  travel, restaurants  to fit resumed loan payments into their budgets. Belt-tightening could hurt an economy that relies heavily on consumer spending.

Noshin Hoque graduated from Stony Brook University early in the pandemic with about $20,000 in federal student loans. Instead of testing the 2020 job market, she enrolled at a master's program in social work at Columbia University, borrowing $34,000 more.

With the payments paused, she felt a new level of financial security. She cut costs by living with her parents in New York City and her job at a nonprofit paid enough to save money and help her parents.

She recalls splurging on a $110 polo shirt as a Father's Day gift for her dad.

"Being able to do stuff for my parents and having them experience that luxury with me has just been such a plus," said Hoque, who works for Young Invincibles, a nonprofit that supports student debt cancellation.

It gave her the comfort to enter a new stage of life. She got married to a recent medical school graduate, and they're expecting their first child in November. At the same time, they're bracing for the crush of loan payments, which will cost at least $400 a month combined. They hope to pay more to avoid interest, which is prohibited for them as practicing Muslims.

To prepare, they stopped eating at restaurants. They canceled a vacation to Italy. Money they wanted to put toward their child's education fund will go to their loans instead.

"We're back to square one of planning our finances," she said. "I feel that so deeply."

Even the logistics of making payments will be a hurdle for newer borrowers, said Rachel Rotunda, director of government relations at National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. They'll need to find out who their loan servicers are, choose a repayment plan and learn to navigate the payment system.

"The volume of borrowers going back on the system at the same time  this has never happened before," Rotunda said. "It's fair to say it's going to be bumpy."

The Education Department has promised to make the restart of payments as smooth as possible. In a statement, the agency said it will continue to push for Biden's debt cancellation as a way to reduce borrowers' debt load and ease the transition.

For Beka Favela, 30, the payment pause provided independence. She earned a master's in counseling last year, and her job as a therapist allowed her to move out of her parents' house.

Without making payments on her $80,000 in student loans, she started saving. She bought furniture. She chipped away at credit card debt. But once the pause ends, she expects to pay about $500 a month. It will consume most of her disposable income, leaving little for surprise costs. If finances get tighter, she wonders if she'll have to move back home.

"I don't want to feel like I'm regressing in order to make ends meet," said Favela, of Westmont, Illinois. "I just want to keep moving forward. I'm worried, is that going to be possible?"
Latest developments:

Ukrainian officials said Friday the countrys military shot down four Russian missiles and 10 drones overnight in central Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden to host NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg for talks Monday with support for Ukraine at the top of the agenda ahead of next month's NATO summit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said Thursday he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the upcoming visits to Russia and Ukraine by a delegation of African leaders who are seeking to help resolve the conflict.

Ukraine on Thursday appeared to be launching its long-anticipated counteroffensive to try to recapture land in the eastern and southern parts of the country that Russia seized in the earliest weeks of the war more than a year ago.

The Kyiv government made no announcement of its battlefield movements but its forces mounted a major attack with tanks and armored vehicles in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. Russia said it thwarted Ukraine's initial advance, maintaining the territorial status quo.

Ukrainian officials have for months talked about a counteroffensive as they mobilized units trained by the West and collected new weaponry from the United States and European allies. Russia has said that in recent days Ukraine has attacked front lines held by Moscow's troops in the east and south in intensified fighting.

Ukraine could be involved in a monthslong effort to recapture the 20% of its country controlled by Russia.

It appears one direction of the attacks is southward toward the Sea of Azov, an effort to knock out a bridge that links mainland Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized in 2014 and is a critical base for its ongoing military operations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday he visited the Kherson region, where thousands of people are coping with flooding following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.

The hydroelectric dam collapsed Tuesday, with Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for the destruction.

Zelenskyy shared a video on Telegram of him meeting with officials and said they discussed evacuations, restoring the region's ecosystem and the military situation in the area.

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a statement that the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant near the destroyed dam "is continuing to pump cooling water from the Kakhovka reservoir even though the water level has reached the point at which it was previously estimated that the pumps could no longer operate."

"This is providing some more time before possibly switching to alternative water supplies" located near the plant, Grossi said. He said the alternative supplies of water "can provide required cooling water for the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant for several months." He added, however, that, "The general nuclear safety and security situation remains very precarious and potentially dangerous."

The French Institute of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety gave a similar assessment of the damage to the dam and the consequences to the Zaporizhzhya plant, saying in a statement that there is currently no short-term risk to the nuclear power plant.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
SYDNEY, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Thursday that two men were arrested and charged in connection with the seizure of about 30 kg of methylamphetamine powder, 600 g of crystal methylamphetamine and 1,500 ml of liquid methylamphetamine.

According to the state police, the seized drugs have an estimated street value of approximately 12 million Australian dollars (about 8 million U.S. dollars).

Police seized the drugs in a search operation targeting a property at Kirrawee in Sydney's south on Tuesday.

Two men, aged 24 and 29, were arrested nearby after fleeing the scene on foot. While conducting the search, officers located a clandestine lab containing the illegal drugs. The lab was dismantled by specialist officers.

The two men were charged with counts regarding the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs in large commercial quantities. 
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says accidental calls jumped nearly 300 percent. Officials say they are concerned about the sudden rise in non-emergency calls. They say they want residents to help curb them.
Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM

News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.



Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.

Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.

Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens.
(The Center Square)  After signing six border bills into law on Thursday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new tactic Operation Lone Star officers were deploying on the Rio Grande River: a 1,000 mile floating barrier to block illegal entry.

What we are doing now is securing the border at the border, Abbott said, but officials wanted to prevent illegal foreign nationals from getting to the border between ports of entry. The new marine barriers are being deployed immediately, he said.

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said no one needs to come through illegally between the ports of entry. Its dangerous. Those who do are risking themselves and putting themselves in harms way, he said. The only one it enriches is the Mexican cartels.

The new marine barrier can be quickly deployed and moved at any time, he said. The idea was created by Border Patrol, which had already designed and tested it, he said. The Texas Military Department and Department of Public Safety also looked at risk mitigation to ensure people wouldnt get hurt or drown. He said it was a proactive way to prevent illegal entry.

The first section of the marine barrier is being deployed in Eagle Pass, Texas, in Maverick County where cartel smuggling is rampant.

We dont want people to come across who put themselves at risk, McCraw said.

Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer said, Texas is no longer ground zero for this crisis. Texas is a stronghold as exemplified by 11 states so far sending national guard to Texas to secure border.

Texas purchased the buoys from Cochrane USA, which specializes in creating marine barriers. The 1,000 mile barrier is comprised of large, round, red rotating buoys that are held together with thick steel cables. They are being laid out on the water along a heavily trafficked area of the Rio Grande River between Piedras Negras, Mexico, and Eagle Pass, Texas.

What law enforcement officials have found, and told The Center Square, is that foreign nationals who are encouraged to use the Department of Homeland Securitys CBP One App to apply for entry to the U.S., are frustrated by the length of time it takes to get an appointment. When they see that people ahead of them are just being released into the U.S. anyway, instead of waiting in line, they cross the river in whatever way they can, using flotation devices, rope or swimming.

Many are smuggled across by coyotes, cartel guides, through a marshy area of the river.

There are also islands in the middle of the river and law enforcement officials have observed people setting up tents and staying on the islands in limbo between Texas and Mexico.

Because of the vegetation, river flow and topography in this area, boats that might be used for interdiction along other parts of the river cant be used in the Eagle Pass area. Because the buoys rotate, it makes it harder for people to climb over them or swim under them while blocking any attempt to cross the river.

In addition to the buoys, National Guardsmen from Florida and Tennessee are in the Eagle Pass area. Florida and Texas engineers have laid a quarter mile of triple strand concertina wire every day in the Eagle Pass area of operation, the TXMD said in an announcement.

As a result of their efforts, the number of illegal immigrants attempting to come across has dropped drastically, TXMD said. The efforts of the Guardsmen standing the line, engineers clearing the land and laying down c-wire and the additional troopers from law enforcement partners from the Department of Public Safety have made an impact.

The additional eyes and ears of Tennessee and Florida Guardsmen have helped make a difference already in detection and deterrence.

Florida National Guard engineer, Staff Sgt. Miguel Cabrera, said what they are working on lets us do what we are called for as National Guardsmen, helping our state of Florida but also helping Texas. The experience here on the ground is helping our Soldiers with their careers. The gained experience of doing engineer work improves their engineering skills and doing a mission like this helps their Soldiering and leadership skills.

Texas National Guard First Lt. Chris Daniel with the 176th Engineer Brigade said his teams made a huge impact in Brownsville, and they are replicating that effort in Eagle Pass. The last 45 days have been very aggressive, he said. His teams in Brownsville saw a lot of traffic. I witnessed first-hand with my team upwards of 1,000 crossings a day trickle down to a handful a day. He said it was the combination of the wire and DPS troopers providing additional support that stemmed the flow.

By adding layers of concertina wire along the riverbank, TXMD argues, its nearly impossible to enter the state of Texas without crossing through the designated points of entry.
Photo: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Welcome to Vultures Strike Recap, or Strike-cap, if you will, a regular rundown of all the biggest news from the WGA picket lines.

This week, New York City got smoked out  in a very bad, extremely toxic way by Canada of all places. This cloud of Canadian crud descended on the city in full force on June 7, shutting down Broadway shows, office buildings, and the WGA-East picket lines. Luckily, there were also some bright spots in the literal and metaphorical dark cloud that descended briefly upon the strike this week, so put on your needed-now-more-than-ever N95 mask and lets peer through the haze at whats going on with the WGA strike this week.

SAG Said Yes

It was pretty much expected, but after the DGA agreed to a deal with the studios in the middle of the night over the weekend, a pall was cast over the SAG strike-authorization vote. Would the members who had yet to vote change their minds when they saw the Directors Guild shaking hands with the studios? But the Screen Actors Guild voted 97.91 percent in favor of authorizing a strike. This means the option is now on the table should negotiations with the studio fall apart. The tension, its palpable!

SAG-AFTRA Members Approve Strike Authorization with 97.91% Yes Vote https://t.co/hPCphXSMF9  SAG-AFTRA NEWS (@sagaftranews) June 6, 2023

Ohhshit.



This has never happened this way in the history of SAG.



This is a strike authorization, allowing SAG to enter into negotiations while flashing their weapon.



This is a part of the biggest strike wave the US has seen in half a century.



We can shape the world around us https://t.co/eXcQOmK70S  Boots Riley (@BootsRiley) June 6, 2023

Together we lock elbows and in unity we build a new contract that honors our contributions in this remarkable industry, reflects the new digital and streaming business model and brings ALL our concerns for protections and benefits into the now!" - @SAGAFTRA #1u https://t.co/1WfQc959Qb  Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) June 6, 2023

The Strike Main Character Award (Bad)

NYCs bad air has made being outside dangerous, so all WGA-East pickets are canceled for the rest of the week. While the fact of the smoke isnt inherently anti-labor, the forces of global industry that created the conditions for it definitely are!

 Picket updates for June 8th & 9th 



Due to the ongoing air quality concerns in the NYC area we are cancelling pickets for the remainder of the week (Thursday, June 8 & Friday, June 9). Stay safe and take care of yourselves!#WGAStrike #WGAStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/JfrU1g4vPQ  Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) June 7, 2023

Im at the labor action.

Im at the climate crisis.

Im at the combination labor action climate crisis! https://t.co/FzN5GnMFmH  John Bickerstaff  (@Bitterstaff) June 7, 2023

Spotted: Native and Indigenous Writers Picketing on the West Coast

While New Yorkers sheltered from the plumes of smoke being spewed forth by our angry, dying planet, WGA members on the West Coast picketed, specifically highlighting Native and Indigenous writers. It looked nice!

Today's Native and Indigenous Writers Takeover at Disney was super dope! #WritersStrike pic.twitter.com/jWkfoOQvFR  Joey Clift (@joeytainment) June 8, 2023

Photos from our NAIWC Native Picket today #WGAStrike pic.twitter.com/icuAFsVoTg  Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) June 8, 2023

The Strike Main Character Award (Good)

For once, an older man is complaining about how things were better back in his day, but get this! Hes directing his anger at the source of the problem rather than the kids today. Norman Lear tweeted a thread explaining the deterioration of writers status, compensation, and respect in Hollywood over his 101 years of life. I wrote in the very first year of television, when writers were revered. I now watch talented writers struggle to earn a living wage without the path to a career like mine, he wrote. I stand with writers and with the Writers Guild of America, my union. The industry is stronger when we stand together to protect our collective community. Not a surprise that Mr. Issue-Laden-Comedy is pro-labor, but still lovely to see.

In my almost 101 years, while I have served other posts, I have been, at my core, a writer.



A writer who struggled and anguished to put words to paper that would provoke, create conversation, humanize us, help us see each other -- words that would matter. 1/4  Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) June 6, 2023

I wrote in the very first year of television, when writers were revered. I now watch talented writers struggle to earn a living wage without the path to a career like mine. 2/4  Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) June 6, 2023

The stories we tell, the stories I can now watch on any device, are the stories that connect us, engage us, make us laugh and cry together, and inspire understanding and compassion. That is something to be protected and cherished. 3/4  Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) June 6, 2023

I stand with writers and with the Writers Guild of America, my union. The industry is stronger when we stand together to protect our collective community. #WGAStrong 4/4 pic.twitter.com/tDfwxoUeP8  Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) June 6, 2023

Pro-SAG Memes

This is what every tweet on my timeline looks like right now pic.twitter.com/52FA1q7mHA  ali golub  (@alibrooke4ever) June 6, 2023

WGA and SAG striking together pic.twitter.com/Ty9IUCuvdV  Brittani Nichols *Strike Version* (@BisHilarious) May 20, 2023

WGA and SAG serving up a strike summer to the AMPTP like

pic.twitter.com/dwjKuWMvb9  mariam girgis (: (@mariamaquarium) June 6, 2023

SAG roommate kicked in my bedroom door to tell me they authorized the strike. summer is about to be nightmare for the third roommate who has nothing to do with any of this  Taylor (@taylorberger69) June 6, 2023

Directors on set with both WGA and SAG on strike pic.twitter.com/W4QKDWBCxc  Jordan Maison (@JordanMaison) June 6, 2023

Genuinely can't imagine what will happen to LA if we hit a period where WGA, SAG, and the Teamsters are all on strike at the same time. Lol. Lmao, even.  Carter Moon (@CarterDMoon) June 1, 2023

Strike Veterans Offer Perspective

In between picketing and negotiations, a few industry voices told us how the strike feels now compared to the one-month mark during 2007s strike.

Billy Ray

Screenwriter and WGA member since 1988

Hows the turnout on the picket lines one month in?

I only picket at the Fox lot because it has the best parking. These things matter in L.A. Thats where I picketed in 07 and 08 as well. The turnout feels the same, but the picketers this time around seem to have a much better grasp of what the strike is about and why it is so urgently necessary. Sixteen years ago, everyone knew we had to have jurisdiction over streaming, but no one had any idea what that meant. Now, EVERYONE knows whats at stake: Our very existence as a profession.

Damon Lindelof

Showrunner and WGA member since 1998

Is there more a feeling of unity now than in 2007 with SAG and DGA?

I am feeling unity with SAG and IATSE as their members are regularly on the sidelines. It feels like their support is authentic  and I hope they have more leverage for a fair deal based on our collective power. Its swell that DGA is happy with the deal they got, and I hope they remain true to their word that they support our efforts to get a fair deal for our members as well.

Rob LaZebnik

Writer, producer, and WGA member since 1984

How has social media impacted organizing for the 2023 strike? What other changes have felt significant between 2007 and now?

You cant overstate the impact social media has had on this strike. My feed is filled with stories and pictures from the picketing that day, including themed pickets like Pride, Latinx, veterans, Greta Gerwig Appreciation Day, etc. Twitter and Instagram are also where writers are telling their tales of terrible gig-economy treatment by the studios. Its all been bonding and inspirational. Most important, its how we find out what food will be at the sites. Right now, Im off to Fox, where someone has paid for a poutine truck.

Another Strike Missed Connection

The strike stays horny. Despite the WGA Strike Missed Connections account almost immediately tripping into transphobia, people are still looking for love (and solidarity) on the picket lines. If you have any information connecting this neutral gate observer and their workout pal, let everybody know!

PICKETERS AT PARAMOUNT TODAY: My friend (F) had a missed connection. You (M) were manning the neutral gate. You recognized her from a certain workout class but didnt exchange names. Is this you? If youd like to be connected, DM me the workout place and Ill put you in touch!   Amanda Barnes (@ItsAmandaBarnes) June 6, 2023

Do you have a story tip or interesting bit of writers-strike updates to share? Drop us a line at tips@vulture.com.
A staff member displays the World University Games flame before boarding the plane at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 8, 2023. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

CHENGDU, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The name of the torch "Ronghuo" is taken from Chengdu's abbreviation "Rong," which also implies "integration" and "inclusiveness" in Chinese.

The front side of the torch features a giant panda, with its top incorporating Chengdu's city image of "Sun and Immortal Birds" and its side looking like the Bronze Standing Figure from the Sanxingdui Ruins.

The flame had arrived in Chengdu after being collected in Turin, Italy, host city of the first FISU World University Games. 

Photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the plane carrying the World University Games flame at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Staff members carry the World University Games flame to the plane at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 8, 2023. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Staff members hold the World University Games flame at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 8, 2023. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Staff members hold the World University Games flame at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 8, 2023. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Staff members carry the World University Games flame to the plane at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 8, 2023. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Staff members carry the World University Games flame to the plane at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 8, 2023. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the World University Games flame at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The launch ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday.

Under an escort of 21 members, the flame was transferred by the aircraft to Beijing where the torch relay officially starts on Saturday. The torch relay is scheduled to run until July 28, when the Universiade opens in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
This is not monologue weather. Photo: Helen Murray

In the Vulture review of the new Broadway production Prima Facie, Jackson McHenry describes the play as essentially one long run-on sentence, a feature-length feat for solo performer Jodie Comer. Alone onstage, she talks for 100 minutes straight, delivering dense writing replete with legal jargon at a breakneck pace. This is impressive enough under the best conditions, and it is apparently impossible under the worst conditions. During the June 7 matinee of the play, with Canadian wildfire smoke blanketing New York City, Comer halted her performance minutes into the show, saying, I cant breathe in this air. According to one audience member, coincidentally a meteorologist, she said, Im sorry guys, and a stagehand escorted her offstage. A representative for Prima Facie confirmed to Vulture that the show was halted ten minutes into the performance and started again from the top with understudy Dani Arlington filling in for Comer.

At the time of this writing, the official Air Quality Index in the Broadway area of midtown Manhattan is at 413, which places it in the hazardous zone, begetting a health warning of emergency conditions, (although apparently, this health warning doesnt apply to understudies performing 100-minute monologues).

On Twitter, others in the Broadway community expressed their concerns with the poor air quality in their theaters. One Wicked performer tweeted, The dressing rooms and backstage areas today smell like smoke, everyone is having trouble breathing. A Broadway usher tweeted, Im currently in the middle of an ushering shift and have had to use my inhaler 4 times  I could barely hold a conversation during intermission because I couldnt breathe. A performer in Parade tweeted at Actors Equity, everyone in our Broadway show has headaches and sore throats and trouble breathing to sing. Were on a smoky stage and not in our dressing rooms where our air purifiers are. HELP US!!!!!

No announcement has been made about tonights scheduled 8 p.m. Prima Facie performance.
Photo: Bravo/YouTube

The fate of our nation hangs in the balance: None of the stars of Vanderpump Rules have signed contracts for season 11. Executive producer Alex Baskin told Variety that he believes the cast will need a minute before they resume filming. No ones saying no, Ill say that  but I think its hard for anybody to say yes right now, because they feel like they havent gotten any reprieve. This months reunion episodes brought revelations that the cast may need time to process before they decide to re-up with Bravo.

Know who cares deeply about this news? The celebs. Scandoval has shocked every level of society, including the famouses. Im so interested in Vanderpump Rules, and I dreamt about Ariana last night, Molly Shannon told Jimmy Kimmel in March. I had a dream that I was like, Itll be okay, just last night. Shannon is far from the only real celeb who is transfixed by the reality stars and their big breakup. Jennifer Lopez cares, Michael Rapaport wont shut up about it, and Roy Wood Jr. is  at least aware of whats going on. Amy Schumer compared part 3 of the reunion to the end of Schindlers List, it was that devastating for her. Below is a mere smattering of all the celebs who have weighed in on Scandoval.

Amy Schumer Feels Vindicated for Being a Sandoval Anti

Ziwe Wants to Confront Tom Sandoval

Chris Pratt Knows Katie Maloney

Kristin Chenoweth Loves Feminism

Karen Gillan Is Invested

Jennifer Lopez Would Just Walk Out

Molly Shannon Dreamed a Dream

Roy Wood Jr. Brings Scandoval to the White House

Chrissy Teigen Finds Sadness Beautiful

Leslie Bibb Is a Schwartz Anti

Annaleigh Ashford Cringes Watching Confessionals

Gillian Jacobs Doesnt Think Tom and Raquel Will Last

Cecily Strong Found the Silver Lining

Liev Schreiber Doesnt Care

Jennifer Lawrence Is Sick to Her Stomach
Stream Solidarity from Billy Elliot. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

At the 2023 Tony Awards, the drama is offstage. The awards show was almost canceled amid the WGA strike, but on May 15, the guild granted a waiver allowing Broadways big show to go on (the picket line would have required that writers not work if an unsanctioned show were aired). That means shows like Kimberly Akimbo, Sweeney Todd, Some Like It Hot, and all the other nominees slated to perform will still get their big night June 11. So the only question left, as Rachel Bloom well knows, is can we watch?

Are the Tonys happening?

The 76th annual Tony Awards will be televised on June 11, per a statement obtained by Vulture, now that the temporary halt by the writers strike has been lifted. As they have stood by us, we stand with our fellow workers on Broadway who are impacted by our strike, the Writers Guild of America announced in a statement. Tony Awards Productions (a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theater Wing) has communicated with us that they are altering this years show to conform with specific requests from the W.G.A., and therefore the W.G.A. will not be picketing the show. The main change comes down to the fact that the show is no longer using the previously written script, nor is it putting on the rap number that Lin-Manuel Miranda was set to write for host Ariana DeBose, according to the New York Times. Without a script, the show may be a little rickety, but it must go on.

Adding another wrinkle to an already fraught situation, the Hollywood Reporter alleges that the WGA recently asked Tony-nominated members of the guild to not attend the Tony Awards ceremony. Instead, the guild suggested in their email to members, members can pre-tape an acceptance speech or have a non-WGA-member accept the award on their behalf. The real question is, will Sara Bareilles (WGA member and Tony nominee for Into the Woods) be there?

How did the Tonys get back on?

Along with agreeing to make those changes, the main reason the Tonys are back on is because the playwrights (many of whom are in the WGA), advocated for the Tonys within their writing communities, according to the Times. Well-known playwrights like Tony Kushner, Jeremy O. Harris, David Henry Hwang, Lynn Nottage, and Martyna Majok, among many others, all advocated, getting the union to let the Tonys air without picketing owing to the impact the awards have on the theater community. Maybe now the Tonys will deign to give an award for playwriting.

Who is performing?

Obviously, host Ariana DeBose is on the list. Because of the writers strike, shes expected to do an opening number and nothing else, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But the real meat of the night is the performances of the musical and musical revivals, which will determine our YouTube habits for the next year. The performing shows are Camelot, Into the Woods, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, New York, New York, Parade, Shucked, Some Like It Hot, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, according to a press release, a list that includes all the nominees for Best Musical and Best Musical Revival. The show will also include a performance from A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical that was shut out of the nominations; the cast of Funny Girl (congrats to Lea Michele); a performance for the Special Tony Award winners of the year, Joel Grey and John Kander; and a performance by 2022s Best Actress in a Musical winner, Joaquina Kalukango. It isnt confirmed what Kalukango is performing, but our bet is that its for the In Memoriam segment. And nothing for the plays, bye!

Where can I watch the Tonys?

Theres two answers to that question. The Tonys will take place at United Palace, a departure from its typical location of Radio City Music Hall, where its been held since 2013. Most people, of course, will not be watching the show in the theater but at home. And for the dozens of us across the country who wait all year for the Tonys, we can find the awards either on CBS or streaming live on Paramount+, a streaming service that, if general trends are any indication, may just be called + by the time the awards actually roll around. Ariana DeBoses improv show The Tony Awards will be held on June 11 at 8 p.m. ET.

This post has been updated.
SHANGHAI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday officially launched an international board for reinsurance trading in Shanghai and rolled out implementation rules for building the city into a global reinsurance center, according to the National Financial Regulatory Administration and Shanghai municipal government.

The rules mark an important step toward the construction of a global reinsurance center in Shanghai.

A total of 22 policy measures are detailed in the rules, focused on areas such as improving the infrastructure and institutional system of the reinsurance market, enhancing the supply and innovation of products, and promoting the high-level institutional opening up of the sector.

Measures will be taken to facilitate cross-border settlement of domestic reinsurance payments, reduce cross-border transaction costs and shorten the settlement cycle.

The country will participate deeply in global reinsurance industry cooperation and provide Chinese solutions for global risk protection and financial governance systems, according to the rules. 
Bulgari Hotel overlooks Mausoleum of Augustus.

Luxury jeweller Bulgari inaugurated a five-star hotel facing the newly restored Mausoleum of Augustus in the historic centre of Rome on Thursday night, following several years of works.

600 special guests attended the hotel launch in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, including Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Bulgari brand ambassadors Zendaya and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

"The opening of the Bulgari Hotel Rome represents a real milestone for us" - CEO Jean-Christophe Babin told Italian media - "It will allow us to welcome our guests in the maison's home town which has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for all our magnificent jewellery creations."

Bulgari Hotel Roma is housed in a rationalist-style building dating from the fascist era, built between 1936 and 1938.

Designed by Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo, the building was once the headquarters of Italy's social security agency INPS.

All roads lead back to Rome as we introduce a new hotel in the Eternal City. Built with our values in mind, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between timeless traditions and contemporary Italian design.

Stay tuned for an exciting reveal on June 9th. #BulgariHotelRoma pic.twitter.com/spY9P8iJke  Bulgari (@Bulgariofficial) June 7, 2023

The hotel building is characterised by travertine marble and is decorated with a 70-sqm mosaic by Ferruccio Ferrazzi interpreting the legendary founding of Rome.

The luxury hotel boasts 114 rooms, many of them suites, with prices reportedly ranging from 1,500 to 38,000 a night, and its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city.

There will also be a restaurant run by star chef Niko Romito, as well as the Bulgari Bar, a 20-sqm swimming pool inspired by Roman baths, and a library dedicated to the history of jewellery.

The new hotel will have views over the Mausoleum of Augustus which opened partially to the public in 2021 following a major restoration funded by Italian telecommunications company TIM.

In addition to the mausoleum, the piazza is home to two Baroque churches and the Ara Pacis Museum designed by American architect Richard Meier in 2006.

Restyling works in the area around the archaeological site are ongoing.

Meet us in the Eternal City for an exciting reveal. Stay tuned for an exciting reveal on June 9th. #BulgariHotels #BulgariHotelRoma pic.twitter.com/ISZJrvlruL  Bulgari (@Bulgariofficial) June 7, 2023

Bulgari's new hotel is situated near its flagship store on the luxury shopping street Via Condotti and not far from the Spanish Steps whose restoration was financed by Bulgari in 2016.

The Rome hotel is the ninth to carry the Bulgari signature, following Milan, London, Paris, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, Bali and Tokyo, while the company plans to open new hotels in the Maldives and in Miami in 2025 and in Los Angeles in 2026.

The Bulgari brand has funded several major restorations in the Italian capital including the archaeological site at Largo di Torre Argentina whose works are nearing completion.

For more details about the hotel see the Bulgari website.
Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share

With three Republicans formally declaring their candidacies for president this week and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez moving closer to his own announcement, its increasingly clear that despite his status as the partys standard-bearer and his sizable lead, former President Donald Trump isnt scaring anyone off from challenging him. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Neither is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who while trailing Trump by double-digits is still far ahead of any other contenders in both polling and endorsements.

Trump is regularly polling at slightly higher than 50% in national primary trial heats, and has the overwhelming bulk of high-profile endorsements. No wonder smart pundits are calling it a two-man race between Trump and the Florida governor, with Trump holding an overwhelming advantage.

And yet former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum all jumped in this week and are among 10 major GOP candidates in the race so far  eight of whom hold conventional credentials for the job.(1)In this century, only the 2016 Republicans and the 2020 Democrats had more serious candidates.(2)Suarez would make 11, and theres still a possibility that others, such as South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, might join the group.

Advertisement

Why all these candidates? Presumably because they believe they have a chance to win.(3)

We cant know what candidates are hearing as they compete in the invisible primary, the months of seeking support from party actors that precede the involvement of voters beginning (for Republicans this cycle) in Iowa in January 2024. Surely what theyre hearing isnt entirely discouraging, however.

And it isnt hard to see Trumps weaknesses. Hes already been indicted once in New York, is by all accounts about to be indicted in the Mar-A-Lago secret documents case, is likely to be indicted a third time in Georgia for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, and could still be indicted a fourth time by the Justice Department in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection. The original New York indictment, in which he was charged with 34 counts in a hush-money scheme, didnt hurt him in polling. But its hard to predict how the party and its voters will react should additional indictments happen, especially if they lead to Trump falling behind in general election polls. GOP candidates appear to think theres a good chance that more legal troubles will be a serious problem for Trumps candidacy, creating opportunity for them.

Advertisement

Beyond that, Trump is averaging about 54% in national nomination polling, according to FiveThirtyEight. If even a bit of that is simply name recognition then he may not really have half the Republican vote. Hes not in as strong a position in early polls as Hillary Clinton was in 2016. Its certainly plausible that those open to voting for Trump in a competitive primary against a mainstream conservative are already with him, while at least some of those who say theyll vote for him might flip to a different candidate once they learn more about the alternatives. For what its worth, Trumps polling is somewhat worse (in very limited data) in the early-voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina than he is nationally.

And while Trump does have a substantial lead in high-profile endorsements, over the last six weeks hes actually added fewer than DeSantis and Senator Tim Scott. It could just be a pause, but it may be an indication that Trumps support among party actors is more limited than it seemed earlier in the spring.

In other words, its not a huge stretch to believe that Trump could be weaker than he seems. And most presidential campaigns are premised on wishful thinking.

Advertisement

One thing I wouldnt worry too much about is the possibility that New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu raised: that a large, split field will deliver the nomination to Trump. The history of the sequential nomination process is that winnowing works. Candidates drop out once they have no realistic chance at winning. It doesnt matter how many candidates formally announce, or show up at the first debate. What matters is whether they drop out later.

Indeed, recent history suggests that several declared candidates will drop out before the Iowa caucuses. More will exit after Iowa and New Hampshire. Its worth noting, as nomination rules maven Josh Putnam points out, that candidates only split the delegates if they achieve certain thresholds. And while its possible that several anti-Trump (or at least non-Trump) candidates could split votes so that none of them reaches delegate thresholds in Iowa and New Hampshire, after that most of them will have dropped out, so it wont be an issue later in delegate-rich contests.

To be clear, Trump holds a large lead. Those who think hell collapse are probably fooling themselves, and if he does its likely DeSantis will win anyway. But theres enough uncertainty here that its not crazy for other candidates to enter and odds are that one or more of them will have a significant surge in popularity  and polling numbers  between now and March 2024.(4)

Advertisement

Crazier things have happened. Just look at the last time Republicans had an open nomination.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 Chris Christie Will Play the Role of Trump Spoiler: Jonathan Bernstein

 New Yorks New Climate Hazard Is Wildfire Smoke: Mark Gongloff

 Who Deserves Welfare? Thats the Wrong Question: Kathryn A. Edwards

(1) This count does include former talk show host Larry Elder and business executive Vivek Ramaswamy, but not a few other somewhat lesser known minor candidates. Exact counts of presidential candidates always require some judgement calls, since dozens of Americans (at least!) do something that could count as running for president every four years, and many obscure citizens file the proper paperwork despite not having any sort of real campaign.

(2) All of this only counts those candidates who make it to the official declaration stage; quite a few candidates run real campaigns and drop out before announcing their candidacies, but its harder to get a real count of those. Democrats in 2008 also had 8 candidates with conventional credentials - but only if the count includes Evan Bayh, whose official campaign only lasted two weeks.

Advertisement

(3) Yes, there are other theories about why people run for president, from enhancing their personal brand to wanting a shot at a cabinet post. None of these - except for running as a protest candidate focused on a specific policy issue or ideology - really holds up.

(4) Which one? I have no idea. But I will suggest that Pence is better positioned than many realize to take advantage of a surge if he does get one; vice-presidents and former vice-presidents are systematically underrated, Pence included, and if the party and its voters do turn against Trump, hell be a logical candidate to inherit a lot of support. Which, of course, doesnt necessarily mean it will happen.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. A former professor of political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University, he wrote A Plain Blog About Politics.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Listen 6 min Gift Article Share

For 10 years, police investigating the disappearance of Unique Harris slowly assembled scraps of evidence. DNA from a couch. Stories from a companion of the victim that didnt add up. A jailhouse informant who heard talk of a missing girl. The fuzzy recollections of a child. Fast, informative and written just for locals. Get The 7 DMV newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. ArrowRight For detectives who had chased a slew of false sightings and leads, including someone who claimed to have kidnapped Harris and demanded a ransom for her return, those scraps finally came together into a cohesive, tragic story.

This past weekend, police arrested the companion they had long suspected, accusing Isaac Moye of killing the 24-year-old mother of two who vanished from her apartment in Southeast Washington in 2010, leaving her children and a 9-year-old relative alone inside. Her body has not been found.

Police charged Moye, 43, with second-degree murder while armed. He was released from prison last month after serving nearly five years for assaulting a woman with a knife. On Monday, a D.C. Superior Court judge ordered him detained on the murder charge.

Advertisement

Harriss mother, Valencia Harris, who became an advocate for missing people and domestic violence victims, took to Facebook after the arrest to remind others in similar situations to NEVER GIVE UP fighting for your loved one. NEVER! She added: I hope & pray EVERY parent out there can rest a little bit easier.

Joel Maupin, who commanded the D.C. police 7th District station in 2010, recalled Monday that when Harriss missing person report came across his desk, he immediately thought the worst. He assigned the case to the criminal division instead of to missing persons.

It was very much a mystery how she would just disappear in the middle of the night with her kids still in the apartment, said Maupin, who is now chief of the Districts Housing Authority police. We always wondered what had happened to her.

Advertisement

Of the arrest, Maupin said, It took a long time. Thank God its done.

Moye pleaded not guilty at his initial hearing Monday in D.C. Superior Court. His attorney with the Public Defender Service, Jason Tulley, argued the charging document prepared by police failed to present enough evidence to sustain a second-degree murder charge. He questioned whether there is sufficient evidence to conclude Harris is dead, and he said the affidavit cites a plethora of alternative suspects.

Tulley told the judge: I think it all accumulates to show the weakness of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vinet Bryant said the affidavit established probable cause to believe Moye committed a crime.

Associate Superior Court Judge James A. Crowell IV ruled the murder charge could stand, though he said, There are, in the courts view, some challenges in the probable cause statement. He set a hearing for Jan. 11.

Advertisement

This is the second time this year that D.C. police arrested a suspect in a killing in which a body is missing. A second-degree murder charge is pending against a man in the presumed death of 34-year-old Olga Ooro, who disappeared from her apartment in Northwest Washington in July and has not been found.

D.C. police struggled for years to find out what happened to Harris.

Investigators chased purported sightings, false leads and a bogus extortion scheme that police said was under investigation by the FBI and targeted other families searching for missing relatives. Harriss mother got a call from one person telling her, You will never see your daughter again, the arrest affidavit says.

According to the affidavit, police ruled out as suspects a boyfriend who lived in Virginia, a maintenance man with a murder conviction fired for improperly entering apartments in Harriss building and an ice cream truck driver with whom she had argued. Tipsters told police they saw her in Detroit using the name Hollywood and in Georgia under the name Lexis. Police said none of these leads panned out.

Advertisement

But in 2017, some leads began to show promise.

Harris had disappeared hours after she and her two children, then ages 4 and 5, and a 9-year-old relative had watched a movie. She sent them to bed, and she was gone when her children woke in the morning.

In 2010, the children said they recalled nothing suspicious.

But seven years later, one of the children told police he had gotten out of bed and opened his door. He reported seeing a man enter, whom he later recognized as Iceberg, which police say is Moyes nickname. The boy reported he closed his door and later reported hearing his mother yell, Get out, get out followed by muffled screams. Three years later, the same boy told police he didnt recall Iceberg having ever visited his mothers apartment.

In 2017, police said they linked DNA from bodily fluids found on the living room couch to Moye. The hit from a database came after Moye went to prison on the assault charge in 2016. Police said in the affidavit that someone had cut off a piece of fabric from a couch cushion, but some genetic material remained on the couch.

Advertisement

In 2020, police said in the affidavit, an informant locked up with Moye told detectives he heard the suspect talk about a missing girl and recalled Moye saying that they will never find him because he did it the right way so they will never figure it out.

Police said they interviewed Moye several times over the years. The affidavit says he told contradictory stories about when he visited Harriss apartment and about the nature of their relationship. At one point, he told police he was one of the last people to talk to her before she disappeared, according to the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, Moye told police he didnt hurt or kidnap Harris. Police said he told them he believes Harris is alive and decided to walk away from her life because of all the stress she was under.

Police say Moye was wearing a GPS tracker at the time of Harriss disappearance, and the data shows he was at Harriss apartment complex the night of Oct. 9 and departed the morning of Oct. 10. Police say in the affidavit that they believe Harris was killed in her apartment and her body was carried out.

Alice Crites and Magda Jean-Louis contributed to this report.

correction An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the number of Unique Harris's children, as well as the age of one of the children in her home when it was discovered she had disappeared. This version has been corrected.

GiftOutline Gift Article
WASHINGTON, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said here Wednesday that China is a source of rare stability and much-needed certainty in this chaotic world, and Beijing is always open to dialogue with Washington.

Xie made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech at an event hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council to welcome him as China's new ambassador to the United States.

He said that China's policy is open and transparent, and its pathway clear. "It is not in our DNA to invade others or seek hegemony. Nor do we have the intention to dominate the world, or challenge anyone else," he added.

Xie also said that China's economic recovery is robust, with bright prospects. China's huge market, well-functioning industrial system, high-quality workforce, and predictable business environment make it irreplaceable, he noted, adding that Airbus recently announced its plan to build a second production line in Tianjin; Tesla is to build a Megafactory in Shanghai.

China's commitment to opening-up is firm, which will bring unprecedented opportunities, Xie stressed, adding China is at the same time the world's largest trader of goods, the top destination for foreign direct investment, and a global manufacturing center.

As the primary export market of over 50 countries and regions and a major trading partner of over 140, China is deeply integrated into the international industrial and supply chains, he said, highlighting that China simply has no reason whatsoever to close its doors.

Noting that China keeps to a path of peaceful development, and has played a key role in the world, Xie said China continues to pursue an independent foreign policy for peace, adding that China is dedicated to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

He also mentioned that President Xi visited Russia and spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone, and Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui visited Ukraine and four other countries.

China is glad to have played a part in the restoration of the Saudi-Iran relationship. The first China-Central Asia Summit was a success, he said, adding the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative are well received.

When it comes to China-U.S. bilateral relations, the Chinese ambassador said that Beijing has always been open to dialogue with Washington, adding what is essential is a whole-process management of the bilateral relationship.

Xie noted that China and the United States once had 100-plus dialogue mechanisms, but they have been shelved for reasons known to all. The United States has recently expressed its intention to increase high-level contact and return to the Bali agenda. It has also expressed the hope to find a way to lower risk and stabilize and improve the relationship, he added.

Noting that the Chinese side takes these statements seriously and has made a positive response, Xie said that Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo respectively, adding that each of these meetings was candid, in-depth, substantive, and constructive.

Xie stressed that dialogue should be based on mutual respect and aim at real results. It surely is not the right way to seek dialogue and cooperation while putting the other on the sanction list. Dialogue conducted only for its own sake will not work either, he added. 
Commonwealth Bank will limit customers from sending money to certain cryptocurrency exchanges and implement monthly limits on crypto purchases in an effort to crack down on scams and fraud.

On Thursday, the big four bank introduced a raft of new scam prevention methods, including bans or 24-hour holds on payments to certain crypto exchanges, becoming the second major bank to do so after Westpac took similar action last month.

CBA would not identify the exchanges that would be banned under the new system. However, its likely Binance  one of the worlds largest and most popular cryptocurrency exchanges  will be included.

This week, US regulators took action against Binance and Coinbase, another major exchange, accusing them of violating US securities regulations by operating as unregistered exchanges.
Annastacia Palaszczuk has divulged her personal trauma of suffering a miscarriage as another womans harrowing experience sparks an internal review of hospital services.

The Queensland premiers emotional confession came during questioning about allegations a woman was traumatised by the hospital treatment she received after a painful miscarriage.

Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed that she had a miscarriage many, many years ago, before she became a politician, and understood the trauma involved. Credit: James Brickwood

I have also had a miscarriage, Palaszczuk told Nines Today program.

I do know exactly what its like.
Every element of Banksia Hill Detention Centre was failing and the facility had descended into an emergency situation before a major riot last month, with a depleted, demoralised and traumatised workforce leading to poor hygiene, living conditions and incessant lockdowns.

Those are the damning findings of the Inspector of Custodial Services Eamon Ryan in his latest report, made public on Thursday, examining the centre and a separate facility for high-risk juvenile detainees at the adult Casuarina Prison, known as Unit 18.

The report painted a bleak picture for the workforce at the centre who Ryan said felt unsafe and were suffering from compassion fatigue. At the time of writing the report, 50 of the centres 240 staff were on workers compensation leave.

Ryans findings will heap pressure on new Premier Roger Cook and new Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia, who are both officially just one day into their jobs, to properly address the crisis at the facility.
Washington: Australia will have a capability gap of 10 years without any submarines unless the US Congress swiftly passes legislation authorising the transfer of Virginia-class ships promised under the AUKUS pact, the Albanese government has warned.

Three months after the pathway for AUKUS was unveiled in San Diego, Australia now faces the critical hurdle of a volatile Congress getting the necessary laws in place to ensure the nation is not left exposed in the Indo-Pacific.

Anthony Albanese, Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak at the AUKUS announcement in San Diego in March. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

This is going to be a very choppy year-and-a-half [before the next US election], said Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney, who discussed the issue with Australias ambassador Kevin Rudd and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy over dinner in Washington on Wednesday.

The surest, least risky route is to get this package enacted now and just avoid any unexpected surprises with an election process.
Founded in 1853, Neiliansheng Shoes keeps up with the times by offering coffee, photo studio, and co-branding products. Follow Mali student Mayentao to explore more.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
by Martina Fuchs

GENEVA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has urged governments and the private sector to take urgent actions to protect the world's oceans while praising China's leadership in promoting the protection of global biodiversity.

It is high time that the world preserved and safeguarded the oceans and our entire blue planet, Pepe Clarke, oceans practice leader at WWF, told Xinhua in an interview as the United Nations marks World Oceans Day Thursday.

PROTECTING OUR OCEANS

"Over the past 50 years, our oceans have been profoundly affected by overfishing, by pollution and by climate change. We've lost 90 percent of large predatory fish and more than 50 percent of the world's coral reefs, and at least one-third of the world's fisheries are overfished," Clarke said.

"By restoring the health and abundance of life in our oceans, we can deliver important benefits for people, particularly vulnerable communities, coastal communities who rely on the health of coastal fisheries and ecosystems and also to enhance the resilience of those coastal communities, of marine species and fisheries to the impacts of climate change," he added.

Falling on June 8 every year, World Oceans Day aims to raise awareness about ending overfishing and protecting the oceans. This year's theme is "Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing."

Clarke explained that the ocean is the planet's largest biosphere covering 70 percent of the planet and produces at least 50 percent of the oxygen that we breathe.

It also absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 percent of the additional heat generated from those emissions.

According to WWF, 500 million people worldwide depend on coastal resources for food, and 90 percent of the world's seafood comes from small-scale fisheries.

THREE KEY ACTIONS

However, the oceans are now in crisis, threatened by pollution, overfishing, bycatch and the impact of climate change.

"Populations of large predatory fish have declined by more than 90 percent, and we've lost more than half of the world's coral reefs due to climate change, pollution and unsustainable fishing. Our oceans are in trouble," Clarke warned.

He listed three key actions needed to restore the health of the oceans.

"Firstly, we need to end overfishing and to rebuild wild fish populations. We need to protect 30 percent of the world's oceans by 2030. We need to eliminate illegal fishing, and we need to take action to redirect harmful fisheries subsidies towards more beneficial uses that will benefit people in nature of the long term," he said.

Secondly, he called on establishing, expanding and effectively managing national and regional networks of marine protected areas and to work together to better protect the high seas.

Lastly, Clarke said that more urgent actions to address climate change must be taken. "We need to phase out fossil fuels to improve energy efficiency and rapidly but sustainably develop renewable energy sources. We need to take urgent action to address climate change, which poses an existential threat to the health of our oceans."

CHINA'S LEADERSHIP ROLE

In 2021, China successfully organized the first part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, known as COP15, in Kunming in southwest China's Yunnan Province, and the second part of COP15 in 2022 in Montreal, Canada.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted in December 2022 and consists of global targets to be achieved by 2030 to safeguard biodiversity and set the world on a path of recovery.

"The global biodiversity framework sets up a number of targets that are relevant to oceans and life on the land, protecting 30 percent of the oceans by 2030, restoring 30 percent of degraded coastal and marine ecosystems," said Clarke.

"This action plan for nature was developed under China's leadership at the Conference of the Parties, and it sets out a really powerful agenda for governments around the world to halt and reverse the loss of nature over the course of this decade and into the future," he added.

Last year, members of the World Trade Organization also reached a deal to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. It aims to ban subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or fishing of an overfished stock. It could have the potential to reverse collapsing fish stocks.

Clarke also mentioned that the long-awaited United Nations High Seas Treaty was due to be formally adopted later this month.

"These new policy frameworks provide a really clear pathway for action not only by China, but by governments all around the world. If we're able to, if we're able to urgently pursue the delivery of these commitments, then our oceans will be in a much better state by the end of this decade and into the future."

Based in Gland, Switzerland, WWF is an independent conservation organization with a global network active in over 100 countries. 
A passenger walks past a poster of China Southern Airlines at Heathrow Airport in London, Britain, June 7, 2023. China Southern Airlines on Wednesday inaugurated a new direct flight service linking London and Beijing. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China Southern Airlines on Wednesday inaugurated a new direct flight service linking London and Beijing.

The newly opened route operates one flight daily, departing from Heathrow Airport at 10:30 p.m. local time and landing at the Beijing Daxing International Airport after approximately 10 hours of flying.

Upon arrival at the Daxing airport, passengers can connect with flights to various cities in China, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Chongqing and Changsha, as well as international destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Tashkent and more.

"We have never landed at the Daxing airport because it was built only a few years ago, and we are looking forward to the experience there," said a passenger surnamed Niu while waiting for check-in.

The new air service is operated by the Airbus A350 aircraft and is expected to transport more than 600 passengers each day between the two cities, according to the airline.

The launch of this air route will hopefully bring new vitality to connections and cooperation between Britain and China, as well as promote exchanges between the people of the two countries, said Chen Ke, general manager of the airline's London office. 

Passengers taking China Southern Airlines' first flight from Beijing to London arrive at Heathrow Airport in London, Britain, June 7, 2023. China Southern Airlines on Wednesday inaugurated a new direct flight service linking London and Beijing. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Guests cut the ribbon at the inaugural ceremony of China Southern Airlines' new direct flight service linking London and Beijing in London, Britain, June 7, 2023. China Southern Airlines on Wednesday inaugurated a new direct flight service linking London and Beijing. (Xinhua)

A staff member is seen at the inaugural ceremony of China Southern Airlines' new direct flight service linking London and Beijing in London, Britain, June 7, 2023. China Southern Airlines on Wednesday inaugurated a new direct flight service linking London and Beijing. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here.

PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

- Air Products & Chemicals Inc. plans to invest a half-billion dollars to produce environmentally friendly hydrogen in New York state.

- The Trexlertown Chick-Fil-A plans to add a second drive-thru lane as part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion.

- The Harrisburg-based Mid Penn bank has opened its first full-service branch in the Lehigh Valley in South Whitehall.

- The Allentown Planning Commission put off a decision on a new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at the site of the former Nostos Greek restaurant.

- The former Star Crete concrete plant at the intersection of Farmersville Road and Easton Avenue has been sold for $1.58 million, and that may clear the way for a medical office building.

- The local business SuperSets Gym will open its third location in Allentown's South Mall, with no opening date set yet.

- The jewelry boutique Versant will close later this year, but the business will be consolidated at Gary Werkheiser's other location in Saucon Valley Square.

- The DSW Woodmill Commons has moved to Berkshire West, 1101 Woodland Road in Wyomissing.

- Trainer Michael Melendez has opened his new Reading Extreme Boxing Club where PacSun used to operate in the Berkshire Mall.

- Frackville NAPA Auto Parts held a grand opening with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Frackville Business & Professional Association.

- Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers in North Manheim Township held a grand opening, in conjunction with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Pottsville Business Association.

- PDC Machines, a maker of hydrogen compressors, showed off a new plant in Lower Salford.

- Maya Capital Partners has acquired Amwell Valley Self Storage, a 265-unit storage business on Route 31 in Ringoes, New Jersey.

- Norwescap is buying the former Sullivan's on the Main restaurant in Phillipsburg to renovate the building and then use it for programs to help educate and feed people.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly sunny and much warmer but not all that humid. .

Tonight

Increasing clouds and rather mild. There might be a shower, especially west, very late at night.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Against all odds, the remaining handful of Mexicos endangered vaquita porpoises are holding on in their only habitat in the Gulf of California, according to a new research expedition report released Wednesday.

Experts on the expedition estimate they saw from 10 to 13 of the tiny, shy, elusive porpoises during nearly two weeks of sailing in the gulf last month.

That is a similar number to those seen in the last such expedition in 2021. Because they are so small and elusive, many of the sightings through powerful binoculars are categorized as probable or likely. The animals also emit clicks that can be heard through acoustic monitoring devices.

Experts from Mexico, the conservation group Sea Shepherd and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said they sighted at least one and probably two calves, as immature vaquitas are known, raising hopes for the survival of the worlds most endangered marine mammal.

They said there may be more vaquitas out there, since the voyage covered only part of the creatures habitat in the gulf, also known as the Sea of Cortez. It lives nowhere else, and the species cannot be captured, held or bred in captivity.

But it is far too soon to celebrate. Illegal gillnets have trapped and killed vaquitas for decades; the population has declined from nearly 600 vaquitas in 1997.

Fishermen set the nets to catch totoaba, a fish whose swim bladder is considered a delicacy in China and can fetch thousands of dollars per pound (kilogram).

While the Mexican government has made some efforts to stop the net fishing  like sinking concrete blocks with hooks to snag nets  the fishermen still appear to have the upper hand, entering the protected are to fish on a daily basis and even sabotaging monitoring efforts.

According to the report, fishermen have begun removing the acoustic devices (CPODs) used to record vaquita clicks. The data recorded on each device is lost, and it is expensive to replace the stolen CPODs.

Unless enforcement of the fishing ban is effective and the theft of equipment is stopped, acoustic monitoring cannot collect data as it has in the past, the report stated.

Researcher Barbara Taylor called on Mexico to sink more concrete blocks to snag nets, because some of the vaquitas were seen outside the protected area.

The expedition took place May 10-26, and crisscrossed a corner of the gulf where the few remaining vaquitas had last been seen.

Alex Olivera, the Mexico representative for the Center for Biological Diversity, said this is encouraging news and it shows that vaquita are survivors. But we still need urgent conservation efforts to save these tiny porpoises from extinction.

Olivera, who was not part of the expedition, estimated that even in a gillnet-free habitat, it will take about 50 years for the population to return to where it was 15 years ago, adding "we need Mexico to urgently comply with existing regulations to prevent the vaquita from disappearing forever.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors administration has largely declined to spend money to compensate fishermen for staying out of the vaquita refuge and stop using gillnets, or monitor their presence or the areas they launch from.

Sea Shepherd has been working in the Gulf alongside the Mexican Navy to discourage illegal fishing in the area known as the zero tolerance zone, and no fishing is supposedly allowed there. However, illegal fishing boats are regularly seen there, and so Mexico has been unable to completely stop them.

Pritam Singh, Sea Shepherds chairman, said that patrols with the Mexican Navy has reduced the number of hours that fishing boats spend in the restricted zone by 79% in 2022, compared to the previous year.

The last vaquita sighting expedition in 2021 yielded probable sightings of 5 to 13 vaquitas, a decline from the previous survey in 2019.

Illegal fishing itself has impeded population calculations in the past.

According to a report by experts published in 2022, both the 2019 and 2021 surveys were hindered by the presence of many illegal fishing boats with gillnets in the water. Some areas could not be surveyed at all on some days due to the density of illegal fishing.

The governments protection efforts have been uneven, at best, and also often face violent opposition from local fishermen.
READING, Pa. - The board of directors for Berks Catholic High School has selected a new principal for the upcoming school year.

In a statement posted to social media, the school announced that John Petruzzelli, former principal at Bethlehem Catholic High School, will be stepping into the role of principal the high school.

Berks Catholic officials describe Petruzzelli as a "lifelong educator" and made note of his previous positions running St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Kolbe Academy and, most recently, as interim principal of St. Elizabeth High School Wilmington, Delaware.

Petruzzelli will serve in the role effective July 1.
READING, Pa. - The Berks County district attorney has dismissed the arrest of a man charged with disrupting a Pride flag-raising at City Hall.

A video shows Damon Atkins on the other side of the street the event on Saturday at Reading City Hall.

Atkins is heard talking with a police officer, saying he is on public property.

Moments later he begins quoting scripture in a raised voice and is immediately handcuffed.

Reading Police Chief Richard Tornielli said Atkins was being disruptive to the event and being disorderly. He said Atkins was not taken into custody because of what he was saying.

"Our officers gave him warnings to cease that behavior as it was disrupting the event that was taking place," said Tornielli.

69 News spoke with Atkins, who said he preaches in the city and that he was not targeting any certain group of people. He tells us he targets sin. Atkins said he could have handled things better.

"I come to the event because the Bible says going to all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. No one is exempt," said Atkins.

On Wednesday, the Berks County District Attorney's Office said after reviewing videos of the incident, the charges of disorderly conduct against Atkins have been withdrawn.

"After review of the video of the incident, including body-worn cameras, and a review of the case law, we did not believe we could prove a criminal case of disorderly conduct," the Berks County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township is appealing a judge's ruling that halted the landfill's plan to expand.

The appeal comes after a judge threw out a rezoning ordinance that would have allowed the landfill to grow.

The judge said the township didn't properly notify the public before it rezoned the landfill's property.

Opponents of the expansion have repeatedly said it will harm the environment and quality of life.

An attorney for the landfill says the company operates with "integrity and the highest standards for over the past three decades."
It's all around us and hard to avoid. That smokey air we've been breathing in, caused by wildfires in Quebec, Canada, got worse on Wednesday, before it's forecasted to get better.

The Code Red air quality alert let us know that breathing this air is hazardous to our health right now.

The Air Quality Index on Wednesday is marked as "unhealthy," whereas the upcoming Thursday forecast is a Code Orange, marked as "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

People spoke with 69 News about the impact it's been having on them.

Avid Trexler Park-goers say you almost never see the parking lots as empty as they were Wednesday evening around 6 p.m.

"Even in the coldest day in December, or the hottest day in July, you'll see still see five, 10, 15 cars," Uday Parekh, who lives right by the park in Allentown, said. "At least five to 10."

But a smoky night as bad as it was on Wednesday seems to have done just that.

Priyanka Parekh is visiting her dad, Uday, and other family from Denver, Colorado.

"I'm kind of used to bad air, especially in the summer, but I haven't seen anything quite like this," she said.

Priyanka says she's spent a good amount of time in both Denver and Salt Lake City, where she normally experiences more air quality issues than when she's back in her hometown in Allentown.

"My eyes kind of are tearing up here," she said. "I have a little bit of a headache. And those aren't the kinds of things I necessarily just notice at home when I'm in Denver or Salt Lake. So this is a new experience."

"I've traveled a bit around the world, but I've never seen anything like this," her dad, Uday, added.

Health officials say people should stay indoors whenever possible. And if you must be out, you should wear an N-95 mask.

"We both wore masks, you know, just because it's quite bad," Uday said.

Even so, the dogs still have to go, when they have to go. 69 News caught up with Dominick Howard, who lives right by Trexler Park, taking his dogs outside for a quick bathroom break.

"It kind of affects my lungs a little bit," he said. "But I kind of get used to it a little bit. But I still don't believe this is like, safe for kids to be out."

Allentown resident Dixie Reichard also tells 69 News her dogs don't understand why they can't stay out for longer.

"They got to go potty," she said. "And then they come back in because it's not safe for them."

Reichard was out shopping at Weis in Allentown; it appeared shoppers were out and about there, more so than at the park, with the promise of refuge inside the store.

"I'm stocking up just so I can stay inside," Reichard said. "I have some COVID complications, and I shouldn't be out. So I'm just going to stay in the house, me and my dogs."

People speaking with 69 News say they're all just trying to wait it out, and make the most of their time.

Priyanka and Uday Parekh hope they'll get a little more father-daughter time in, out in the great outdoors before she heads back out west.

"Obviously for different people with different health conditions, this affects us differently," she said. "It's a lot bigger of an inconvenience for other people. So kind of just rolling with it."
All the smoke in the Lehigh Valley stems from the latest batch of Canadian wildfires.

As of Tuesday, there were over 400 fires burning throughout Canada. 240 of them were said to be burning out of control. The previous batch of wildfires in Nova Scotia have finally been brought under control.

The fires bringing hazardous air to our area this week are happening in Quebec, with over 160 of those wildfires happening in that province.

The smoke from those fires made its way down the East Coast and into the Midwest. That includes the Lehigh Valley, over 1600 miles away.

On the East Coast, New York City has seen some of the worst of it. In fact, a time lapse over a 3-hour period on Wednesday showed just how thick that smoke developed.

More than 20,000 people in Canada are displaced. Elected officials say they're doing what they can to help.

'Our team here at the White House is in touch with the government of Canada," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

"We have already deployed over 600 firefighters and personnel as well as water bombers to help Canada battle the fires."

And Quebec is finally seeing some rain, which will hopefully help crews battling the blazes there.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - PPL Corporation announced Thursday that it will relocate its corporate headquarters to Two City Center in downtown Allentown.

PPL expects to move this fall to Two City Center, which is located at 645 Hamilton St., and will occupy about 107,000 square feet of space in the new location, according to a news release from the company.

PPLs current headquarters complex is located at 2 North Ninth St., Allentown, and includes the iconic 24-story PPL Tower Building. The company says it will initiate a process to sell and repurpose the current complex.

We have been proud to call Allentown home for a century and, with the signing of a 20-year lease, plan to remain part of the citys growth story for years to come, said PPL President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Sorgi.

As we look to the future, weve decided to move from our current location to optimize our use of real estate and to reduce overall costs for our customers, said Sorgi. While the PPL Building and surrounding office complex have served our needs well for decades, we believe Two City Center is better suited to support our current and future workforce needs.

The company says the move will coincide with its plans to bring over 400 headquarters employees back to the office.

With this move, we remain as committed as ever to downtown Allentown, and were excited about our employees supporting downtown businesses, said Sorgi. We look forward to remaining a steady presence in the city, to engaging as we have for years to build a stronger community, and to keeping our corporate headquarters here as we create the utilities of the future in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia and Rhode Island.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk says he's happy the company remains committed to Hamilton Street.

"Knowing that we're going to see 400 PPL employees back to Allentown very soon is going to increase that level of vibrancy," Tuerk said.

In a statement to 69 News, City Center President J.B. Reilly said "We are pleased that Two City Center meets PPL's requirements to maintain its headquarters in downtown Allentown."

Designed by architect Harvey Corbett, the PPL Tower building was made with Bethlehem Steel and includes facade reliefs from Ukrainian sculptor Alexander Archipenko. It remains one of the tallest buildings in the state outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

As for whether it might meet the wrecking ball, "I'm not necessarily going to chain myself to the building to prevent that from happening, but I'm gonna do everything up to that point. I think that the building is iconic, it's part of our skyline," Tuerk said.
ADEN, Yemen, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) said on Thursday that it conducted a successful test landing of a helicopter at the Hodeidah International Airport in Yemen after an eight-year suspension.

In a brief press statement, the UNMHA, responsible for monitoring the cease-fire agreement in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, said the test landing was done on Wednesday as part of its ongoing efforts to improve its operations.

It called the success a positive step toward enhancing the mission's access and ensuring the effective implementation of its mandate.

The Hodeidah International Airport, under the control of the Houthi rebels since late 2014, has remained non-operational since the start of military operations by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government in March 2015.

The restoration of the Hodeidah airport holds the potential to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid, bringing relief to the suffering population in Yemen.

The UNMHA was established following an agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group under the auspices of the United Nations in Stockholm, Sweden, in December 2018 to oversee the cessation of military activities in the Hodeidah region. 
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners adopted a traffic calming policy Wednesday night at the Administration Building.

By definition, traffic calming is a combination of mainly physical measures designed to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle usage, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non-motorized users of public streets. The policy will provide framework for traffic calming devices in South Whitehall Township.

The policy contains potential traffic calming devices. They include curb extensions, chicanes, gateways, on-street parking, traffic circles, speed humps, speed cushions or pillows, raised intersections, raised crosswalks, raised median islands, semi-diverters, and diagonal diverters.

The document also provides various pedestrian safety enhancement devices. They include rectangular rapid flashing beacons and intersection control beacons.

The document provides also a process the township will follow when implementing any traffic calming measures. The township will utilize a point system to determine priorities and deal with requests. Finally, the policy has a section on removal of a traffic calming device.

In other news, the board accepted an addendum to an existing construction agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company. The work involves the Eck Road and Crackersport Road warehouses project, in addition to the widening of Eck Road and construction of a new retaining wall and sidewalk on Eck Road's west side. The addendum was created because "the project has the potential to foul the railroad's track or operations."

In other business, the board granted a three-month extension to complete the work to bring proposed parking lot improvements to fruition. The site, located at 798 Hausman Road, involves the installation of a specific water valve to meet a township requirement. The owner of the property is the Lehigh Valley Health Network.

In other news, commissioners authorized sending a proposed zoning ordinance amendment governing height exceptions to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for review. The township administration maintains the current requirements governing features typically located on a building's roof or attached to the side of a building to exceed the maximum allowable height premitted withing a particular zoning district is ambiguous. The revision would clarify the ordinance's actual intention.

Finally, commissioners OK'd a township grant submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to upgrade and modernize a signaled intersection at Hamilton Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Increasing clouds and rather mild. There might be a shower, especially west, very late at night..

Tonight

Increasing clouds and rather mild. There might be a shower, especially west, very late at night.
The Lehigh Valley had the worst air quality in the world Wednesday, according to the website that monitors the United States Air Quality Index.

So, what is it about the smoke coming down from the Canada wildfires that makes the air hazardous to breathe?

"Fine particulate matter" is what the experts call it, and it's what is creating that haze we're all seeing and experiencing. If you've had a cough or sore throat Wednesday, we know a lot of people have. It's not abnormal.

According to a pulmonologist we spoke with, the particles are tiny and irritate.

"If you can smell the smoke, you're probably breathing in the particulate matter," said Dr. Jennifer Logan, pediatric pulmonologist at Reilly Children's Hospital.

Dr. Logan says that matter is a tiny irritant that can reach the furthest parts of the lungs, so if you're coughing or feeling a sore throat, that could be why.

"It's on the order of less than two and a half microns, so that those small particles will reach the alveoli," added Logan. "Whether or not you're going to have a severe reaction or not probably depends on your underlying condition. Someone with asthma, though, that could trigger an asthma attack, and they could start wheezing."

She says people with allergies, asthma and other breathing conditions could be experiencing harsher symptoms.

When you need to call the doctor or make an ER trip depends.

"It would be a cough, and perhaps a cough that doesn't go away," explained the doctor. "Or audible wheezing, like you're actually hearing a sound coming from your chest."

Air quality charts as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday show the Lehigh Valley's air quality as being the worst in the world - worse than New York City, which has also been dealing with smoke from Canada.

According to the website IQ-Air.com, as of 5 p.m., Allentown's Air Quality Index sat at 458, and at 7 p.m., Bethlehem's AQI was an equally hazardous 424.

Both are much higher than even Delhi, India, which is notorious for its poor air quality.

What does it mean to breathe that in? Could it have long-term health effects?

"Probably not. No," answered Dr. Logan. "Your lungs are actually really great at cleaning up things, you have a lot of little cells in your limbs called macrophages that are kind of like dumpster trucks that just go around and eat everything around them, so those cells are going to be eating up all of this particular matter."

Things change when someone has a defect in their immune system or their lungs' ability to clear is hindered.

"For example, a patient with cystic fibrosis who might have more trouble clearing particulate matter from their lungs," said Logan.

So, when you should go inside? Dr. Logan says as soon as you experience any symptoms.

She's reminding people that N95 masks work best to ensure you're breathing clean air; she says smoke can actually accumulate on the cloth ones.

As far as medications go, Logan says people should contact their health providers.

Saline and artificial tears can be helpful for dry eyes, but over-the-counter allergy medicine may not help with smoke inhalation.

People who would like air purifiers should try to find HEPA filters, according to Logan, because they will trap out the smallest particulate matter in the air.
For a third straight day, southeastern Pennsylvania has some of the worst air quality in the country.

Most people are able to escape the hazardous conditions by staying indoors, but that's not an option for some communities.

"I wouldn't want to be out in the stuff," said Christopher Schwenk, vicar of St. John's Episcopal Church. "So I would never want anyone else to be out there breathing it, just trying to get their sleep in for the night."

On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Health and Human Services Department reached out to Schwenk asking if St. John's Episcopal Church in Norristown could accommodate a smoke shelter last night.

They had been monitoring air quality conditions all day, and determined there was a need for a shelter for the homeless.

"It is an extremely unique situation," said Kayleigh Silver, Montgomery County Housing and Community Development. "Montgomery County has never before had to set up any sort of shelter or emergency housing response due to a smoke level or air quality concern."

Schwenk says when they got the call about a smoke shelter, they were able to make it happen within an hour. They turned the Cecil and Grace Bean's soup kitchen into a shelter with cots for people to sleep on and blankets to keep warm.

"We've never done anything like this, but when the call came, we were happy to open the doors to show hospitality to our neighbors," Schwenk said.

The county provided 40 cots and nine people stayed the night.

Silver says they're still monitoring Thursday's conditions to decide if a smoke shelter is needed for a second night in a row. If they decide it's necessary, Schwenk says they'll be ready.

"I think it's something we'd be willing to respond to again. It's great to get a roof over folks head when something hazardous like this is literally in the air we breathe."
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Joran van der Sloot, the chief suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway, arrived in the United States from Peru on Thursday to face charges that he attempted to extort money from the missing teen's mother.

An FBI-operated plane carrying van der Sloot landed at Birmingham's Shuttlesworth Airport about 2:30 p.m.  just hours after Peruvian authorities handed him over temporarily to U.S. custody  and the suspect was escorted down the steps into a black SUV, which brought him to a local jail.

Van der Sloot is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Birmingham at 11 a.m. Friday, according to court records. Kevin Butler, an attorney listed as van der Sloot's public defender, did not return an email seeking comment on the case.

The suspect has been serving a 28-year sentence in Peru after confessing to killing a Peruvian woman. He is wanted in the U.S. on one count each of extortion and wire fraud  the only charges to have ever linked the Dutch citizen to Holloways disappearance on the Caribbean island of Aruba. He was handed over to the U.S. roughly a month after both countries agreed on his extradition.

Holloways mother, Beth Holloway, said she was overcome with mixed emotions.

As a mother who has tirelessly pursued justice for the abduction and murder of my precious daughter, I stand before you today with a heart both heavy with sorrow and yet lifted by a glimmer of hope, she said in a written statement. For 18 years, I have lived with the unbearable pain of Natalees loss. Each day has been filled with unanswered questions and a longing for justice that has eluded us at every turn. But today ... I am hopeful that some small semblance of justice may finally be realized.

Natalee Holloway, 18, was on a high school graduation trip with classmates in Aruba when she vanished in 2005. She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island. Van der Sloot was identified as a main suspect and detained weeks later for questioning, along with two Surinamese brothers, but no charges were filed in the case.

A judge declared Holloway dead, but her body has never been found.

U.S. prosecutors said that in 2010, van der Sloot reached out to Beth Holloway, seeking $250,000 to disclose the location of the young womans body. A grand jury indicted him that year on one count each of wire fraud and extortion.

Video and photos released by Peruvian authorities Thursday showed van der Sloot wearing jeans and a black puffer jacket, shaking his shoulders and grimacing as officers adjusted his handcuffs and removed an Interpol-marked vest. Footage and images also showed van der Sloot in a conference room with law enforcement officers from Peru, the FBI and Interpol, and a health care professional.

Holloways mysterious disappearance sparked years of news coverage and countless true-crime podcasts.

In 2012, van der Sloot pleaded guilty in Peru to killing 21-year-old Stephany Flores, a business student from a prominent Peruvian family. She was killed in 2010 five years to the day after Holloways disappearance.

Van der Sloot married a Peruvian woman in July 2014 in a ceremony at a maximum-security prison. He was transferred among Peruvian prisons in response to reports that he enjoyed privileges such as television, internet access and a cellphone, and accusations that he had threatened to kill a warden.

A 2001 treaty between Peru and the U.S. allows a suspect to be temporarily extradited to face trial in the other country. Van der Sloots attorney, Maximo Altez, initially indicated his client would not challenge his extradition but that changed Monday when he filed a writ of habeas corpus. A judge ruled against van der Sloot the following day.

The time that van der Sloot ends up spending in the U.S. will be extended until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, including the appeal process, should there be one, according to a resolution published in Perus federal register. The resolution also states that U.S. authorities agree to return van der Sloot to the custody of Peru afterward.

Joyce Vance, a federal prosecutor in Alabama when van der Sloot was charged, said his arrival in the Southern U.S. state is a long-awaited opportunity for justice.

We always say that justice delayed is justice denied, and theres a certain simple truth to that," said Vance, the former U.S. attorney for the northern district of Alabama, which includes Birmingham. But this case makes me think sometimes justice delayed is actually worth it. Its not optimal. Its not what anybody would have wanted at the outset, but justice delayed is better than justice never delivered.

This story has been edited to correct that van der Sloot was taken to a jail, not a courthouse.

Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. Associated Press journalists Mauricio Munoz in Lima, Peru, and Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington contributed to this report.
Students collect trash at a beach in Suva, Fiji, June 7, 2023. (Photo by Sang Qinlong/Xinhua)

"Many of the challenges we face extend beyond the confines of a single country and cannot be addressed by a single country but through multi-lateral environmental agreements and cross-border cooperation," Maltese marine biologist Alan Deidun said.



VALLETTA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8, Maltese marine biologist Alan Deidun stressed the need for international cooperation to tackle the pressing challenges faced by the world's oceans.

"Many of the challenges we face extend beyond the confines of a single country and cannot be addressed by a single country but through multi-lateral environmental agreements and cross-border cooperation," Deidun, professor at the University of Malta, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Deidun, who is also director of the International Ocean Institute (IOI) Malta Training Center, highlighted the interconnectedness of marine issues and called for collaborative efforts and cross-border cooperation to tackle transboundary problems, such as oil spills, plastic pollution, invasive alien species, sea warming, eutrophication and ocean acidification.

"The marine domain is characterized by a high degree of connectivity, and it is crucial to understand that there is just 'One Ocean'," he said.

Headquartered in Malta, the IOI has also established a training center in north China's Tianjin Municipality. China has hosted a lot of IOI meetings and sponsored Chinese students' participation in IOI courses on ocean governance in Malta.

A volunteer collects trash on a beach in Pattaya, Thailand, May 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

"On ocean governance, we have a very tight relationship with China through the IOI," Deidun said.

He said he appreciated China's active role in ocean governance and commended China's efforts in marine spatial planning, which he described as a vital tool for balancing the economy and the environment. China has published marine spatial plans for its coastal cities demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development, which is "very important," he said.

Deidun acknowledged China's active engagement in multilateral environmental agreements and meetings, including the Conference of the Parties (COP). He emphasized China's role as a mediator in addressing significant challenges like climate change, stating that "China's participation is essential to reach a common stance and agreement on such important issues."

According to Deidun, the European Union and China have developed close ties in sharing satellite data and monitoring the state of water quality in the oceans through satellites.

This photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows corals in the waters of Fenjiezhou Island of Hainan Province, south China. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

Highlighting China's global significance, Deidun emphasized the crucial role the country plays in protecting the marine environment. With its long coastline, large population and position as a major trade partner, Deidun said, "No agreement obviously can be robust without having China on board."

Talking about the Mediterranean Sea, Deidun highlighted the region's vulnerability to warming, urbanization, invasion of alien species and oil pollution due to heavy shipping traffic.

Deidun also drew attention to the high degree of coastal urbanization in the Mediterranean Sea, with over half of its 46,000-kilometer coastline already under concrete, resulting in the loss of numerous coastal habitats.

"We forget about what there is in the ocean, but it is very important to create awareness if we expect people to respect the ocean and take action," Deidun said, underscoring the immense diversity in the oceans and the importance of raising awareness about marine biodiversity and habitats.

People swim at the Red Sea in the southernmost Israeli city of Eilat, on June 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Zhuolun) 
Williamson, WV (25661)

Today

Mostly cloudy...isolated thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High 81F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Williamson, WV (25661)

Today

Showers and thundershowers this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
UNITED NATIONS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Almost 300 children were evacuated from Sudan's capital of Khartoum to a safer, undisclosed location in the country, a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

"The International Committee for the Red Cross facilitated the evacuation of the children and dozens of caretakers," said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. They were staying in the Mygoma orphanage in Khartoum.

At least 70 children reportedly died in Mygoma since the conflict in Sudan began on April 15.

The spokesman said the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) supports the orphan's medical care, feeding and other needs while they are under the care of the social welfare and health ministries. The fund is working with authorities to identify foster families for the children.

UNICEF said it supports rehabilitating and preparing the transit center where the red cross relocated the orphans.

"The safe movement of these incredibly vulnerable children to a place of safety offers a ray of light in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Sudan," said Mandeep O'Brien, UNICEF representative in Sudan.

The fund said that more than 13.6 million children urgently need lifesaving humanitarian support, the highest number ever recorded in the country. The impact of violence continues to threaten the futures of families and children, leaving essential services cut off and many health facilities closed, damaged, or destroyed.

The UNICEF is calling for 838 million U.S. dollars to address the crisis, an increase of 253 million.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that since May 21, at least 188 trucks carrying relief reached states across Sudan, including Khartoum, Aj Jazirah, Red Sea, Kassala, Gedaref, Sennar, River Nile, Blue Nile and Northern states.

The world body and its humanitarian partners are planning for an additional 41 truck movements. 
BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF (BATS:NEAR  Get Rating)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $49.53 and last traded at $49.56, with a volume of 346793 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $49.52.

BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF Trading Down 0.0 %

The firm has a fifty day moving average of $49.60 and a 200-day moving average of $49.48.

Get BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF alerts:

Institutional Trading of BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Tsfg LLC raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF by 912.4% in the 4th quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 2,774 shares of the companys stock valued at $137,000 after purchasing an additional 2,500 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF by 17.7% in the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 920,572 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,347,000 after buying an additional 138,544 shares during the last quarter. Laffer Tengler Investments boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Laffer Tengler Investments now owns 14,476 shares of the companys stock worth $713,000 after acquiring an additional 598 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. raised its stake in BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF by 8.9% in the 3rd quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 112,552 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,544,000 after acquiring an additional 9,223 shares during the period. Finally, Heritage Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF by 94.5% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 61,210 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,016,000 after acquiring an additional 29,746 shares during the period.

About BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF

The iShares Short Maturity Bond ETF (NEAR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund aims to maximize income and preserve capital using very short maturity, USD-denominated global fixed income securities in an actively-managed fund. NEAR was launched on Sep 25, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Short Maturity Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
KIGALI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwandans have expressed dissatisfaction over a ruling of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) in The Hague which said Felicien Kabuga, a Rwandan genocide suspect, is unfit to stand trial.

The trial of the 88-year-old suspect opened in September last year, following his arrest in France in 2020. Judges on Wednesday ruled that based on a report of three court-appointed medical experts, "Mr. Felicien Kabuga is unfit to participate meaningfully in his trial and is very unlikely to regain fitness in the future."

Tom Ndahiro, a Rwandan scholar on the study of genocide said the court "fell for Kabuga's tactics to evade justice."

"I think Kabuga is playing usual games; he evaded justice for many years. After being arrested, this is the only tactic he can now use to evade justice," Ndahiro said. "Since he can hide for years without being arrested, how can he fail to participate in a court proceeding?"

The medical experts noted that Kabuga's cognitive and physical functions have progressively and significantly deteriorated since the pre-trial stage due to "severe dementia."

The judges agreed with the experts that participation in a complex proceeding, such as the present trial, requires, at a minimum, a functioning memory, including the ability to retain information over a period of time, as well as the ability to process and express a view about that information.

Janvier Bayingana, commissioner of justice of IBUKA, an umbrella organization for genocide survivor associations in Rwanda, said survivors are not satisfied with the court's decision.

"With the court's decision, as survivors, we are not happy because justice was half rendered. During the opening of the trial, Kabuga pleaded guilty to the charges ... this shows that he has the capacity to understand the charges, he also has defense lawyers. The court should have continued with his trial to its conclusion," Bayingana said.

He said IBUKA's wish is that courts expedite the trial of genocide cases in view of the fact that some suspects are in advanced ages.

The Rwandan genocide occurred in 1994 when about one million people were killed, most of whom were from the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus.

The IRMCT said it would "adopt an alternative finding procedure that resembles a trial as closely as possible, but without the possibility of a conviction."

This was important to victims, survivors, and the international community to see the genocide crimes against Kabuga still addressed in court, according to the judges.

Kabuga, who was arrested in Paris in May 2020 after 26 years of hiding, would not be required to attend the alternative legal process. He was charged with genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, persecution on political grounds, extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity, committed in Rwanda in 1994. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Kabuga was indicted by the Tanzania-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in August 1998, and an international arrest warrant was issued for him the next year.

Clementine Turayisenga, a resident living in the capital Kigali whose family members were killed in the genocide, said she was "disturbed by the court's ruling."

"We all know the central role Kabuga played in provoking hatred of Tutsis and dehumanizing innocent people, which paved the way for genocide," she said. 
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK  Get Rating) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $40.25 and last traded at $40.02, with a volume of 1953172 shares. The stock had previously closed at $40.17.

iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF Stock Down 2.1 %

The company has a market cap of $1.50 billion, a PE ratio of 5.48 and a beta of 1.18. The businesss fifty day moving average is $40.91 and its 200-day moving average is $42.32.

Get iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF alerts:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PICK. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $3,462,000. Credit Suisse AG lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 138.1% during the second quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 25,256 shares of the companys stock valued at $899,000 after purchasing an additional 14,650 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $252,000. Family Firm Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 2.0% during the third quarter. Family Firm Inc. now owns 34,152 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,162,000 after purchasing an additional 675 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Greenline Partners LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 69.4% during the third quarter. Greenline Partners LLC now owns 1,680 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 688 shares in the last quarter.

iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in materials equity. The fund tracks a market-cap-weighted index of global metals mining, extraction or production firms, excluding gold and silver mining firms. PICK was launched on Jan 31, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (OTCMKTS:ASUUY  Get Rating) shares were up 11.1% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $50.00 and last traded at $50.00. Approximately 240 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 12% from the average daily volume of 273 shares. The stock had previously closed at $45.00.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Morgan Stanley raised ASUSTeK Computer from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Get ASUSTeK Computer alerts:

ASUSTeK Computer Stock Up 11.1 %

The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $42.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $48.28.

ASUSTeK Computer Company Profile

ASUSTeK Computer Inc researches and develops, designs, manufactures, sells, and repairs computers, communications, and consumer electronic products in Taiwan, China, Singapore, Europe, the United States, and internationally. The company offers Internet information services; maintenance and operating services for information hardware; services information technology and communication products; and leases real estate property.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for ASUSTeK Computer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASUSTeK Computer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated their neutral rating on shares of Auto Trader Group (LON:AUTO  Get Rating) in a research report released on Monday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has a GBX 630 ($7.83) target price on the stock.

Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on AUTO. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and set a GBX 725 ($9.01) price objective on shares of Auto Trader Group in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Auto Trader Group in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 624.86 ($7.77).

Get Auto Trader Group alerts:

Auto Trader Group Price Performance

AUTO opened at GBX 619 ($7.70) on Monday. Auto Trader Group has a 1 year low of GBX 479.80 ($5.96) and a 1 year high of GBX 681 ($8.47). The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 623.26 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 592.54. The stock has a market cap of 5.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,380.77, a PEG ratio of 3.99 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a current ratio of 1.61, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.76.

Auto Trader Group Increases Dividend

Auto Trader Group Company Profile

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 24th will be issued a GBX 5.60 ($0.07) dividend. This is a boost from Auto Trader Groups previous dividend of $2.80. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 24th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.89%. Auto Trader Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 3,076.92%.

(Get Rating)

Auto Trader Group plc operates in the digital automotive marketplace in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company provides vehicle advertisement on its websites for private sellers, as well as insurance and loan financing products to consumers; and display advertising on its websites for manufacturers and their advertising agencies.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Auto Trader Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Auto Trader Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. (NYSE:BLX  Get Rating)s share price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $17.33 and traded as high as $20.39. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. shares last traded at $20.01, with a volume of 128,642 shares trading hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock.

Get Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S. A. alerts:

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $749.12 million, a PE ratio of 6.36 and a beta of 1.15. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $18.52 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.38.

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 17th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 4th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.85%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 3rd. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.86%.

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of BLX. Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 42,209 shares of the banks stock worth $734,000 after buying an additional 957 shares during the last quarter. Uniplan Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,630,000. Thomas White International Ltd. raised its position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Thomas White International Ltd. now owns 353,718 shares of the banks stock worth $5,510,000 after buying an additional 1,021 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LSV Asset Management raised its position in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 972,198 shares of the banks stock worth $15,750,000 after buying an additional 15,990 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 7.19% of the companys stock.

About Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A.

(Get Rating)

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A., a multinational bank, primarily engages in the financing of foreign trade in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company operates through two segments, Commercial and Treasury. It offers short and medium-term bilateral loans, structured and syndicated credits, and loan commitments; financial guarantee contracts, such as issued and confirmed letters of credit, and stand-by letters of credit; and guarantees covering commercial risk and other assets, as well as co-financing arrangements, underwriting of syndicated credit facilities, structured trade financing in the form of factoring and vendor financing, and financial leasing.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S. A. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S. A. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Basilea Pharmaceutica AG (OTCMKTS:BPMUF  Get Rating) shares reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $50.00 and last traded at $50.00, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $50.00.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Stock Performance

The firm has a 50-day moving average of $51.36 and a 200-day moving average of $51.65.

About Basilea Pharmaceutica

(Get Rating)

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG engages in the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Its products include Cresemba, Zevtera, Derazantinib, BAL101553, and BAL3833. The company was founded on October 17, 2000 and is headquartered in Allschwil, Switzerland.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Basilea Pharmaceutica Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Basilea Pharmaceutica and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Boston Sand & Gravel Co. (OTC:BSND  Get Rating)s share price was down 3.6% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $800.00 and last traded at $800.00. Approximately 1 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $830.00.

Boston Sand & Gravel Stock Performance

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $828.80 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $821.89.

Boston Sand & Gravel Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Boston Sand & Gravel Co provides ready mixed concrete and aggregate products to the construction and landscaping industries in southeastern New England. The company offers ready mix concrete that include specialty mixes for winter concrete, slurry walls, and drilled shafts, as well as sand and aggregate, concrete blocks, and green products.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Boston Sand & Gravel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Sand & Gravel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (NYSE:BAMR  Get Rating) dropped 0.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $30.87 and last traded at $31.23. Approximately 12,480 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 41% from the average daily volume of 20,993 shares. The stock had previously closed at $31.25.

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The stocks 50-day moving average is $31.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $34.15.

Get Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners alerts:

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 35.2% in the 1st quarter. Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. now owns 101,407 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,800,000 after acquiring an additional 26,407 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 10.2% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 58,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,334,000 after purchasing an additional 5,400 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 53,097 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,036,000 after purchasing an additional 1,285 shares during the last quarter. Swiss National Bank raised its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 5.5% during the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 21,000 shares of the companys stock worth $1,198,000 after buying an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners by 17.3% during the 3rd quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 15,201 shares of the companys stock worth $622,000 after buying an additional 2,245 shares in the last quarter. 39.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Company Profile

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides annuity-based reinsurance products to insurance and reinsurance companies. The company operates in two segments, Reinsurance and Pension Risk Transfer. It also acts as a direct issuer of pension risk transfer products for pension plan sponsors.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Campbell Soup (NYSE:CPB  Get Rating) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $2.95-$3.00 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $3.01. The company issued revenue guidance of $9.29 billion-$9.42 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $9.37 billion. Campbell Soup also updated its FY23 guidance to $2.95-3.00 EPS.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on CPB. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Campbell Soup from $50.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $50.00 price objective on shares of Campbell Soup in a report on Thursday, March 9th. Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on shares of Campbell Soup in a report on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a hold rating and a $55.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Campbell Soup in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Campbell Soup from $53.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, March 9th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Campbell Soup currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $51.92.

Get Campbell Soup alerts:

Campbell Soup Stock Performance

CPB stock traded down $4.50 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $46.09. The stock had a trading volume of 10,931,154 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,409,021. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.80 billion, a PE ratio of 17.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.47 and a beta of 0.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.31. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $53.74 and a 200 day simple moving average of $53.77. Campbell Soup has a fifty-two week low of $44.37 and a fifty-two week high of $57.78.

Campbell Soup Announces Dividend

Campbell Soup ( NYSE:CPB Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.65 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.23 billion. Campbell Soup had a net margin of 8.86% and a return on equity of 26.97%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.70 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Campbell Soup will post 3.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 6th will be paid a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 5th. Campbell Soups dividend payout ratio is currently 54.82%.

Institutional Trading of Campbell Soup

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pathstone Family Office LLC boosted its stake in Campbell Soup by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC now owns 25,351 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,439,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares during the period. Stifel Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Campbell Soup by 0.4% during the first quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 54,220 shares of the companys stock worth $2,981,000 after buying an additional 216 shares in the last quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Campbell Soup by 0.7% in the third quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 38,244 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,802,000 after acquiring an additional 268 shares during the period. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund grew its stake in shares of Campbell Soup by 4.5% in the third quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund now owns 7,217 shares of the companys stock valued at $340,000 after acquiring an additional 311 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in Campbell Soup by 149.8% during the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 597 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 358 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.39% of the companys stock.

Campbell Soup Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Campbell Soup Co engages in the business of manufacturing and marketing food and beverage products. It operates under the Meals and Beverages, and Snacks segments. The Meals and Beverages segment includes soup, meals, and beverage products in retail and foodservice. The Snacks segment offers cookies, crackers, bakery, and frozen products.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Campbell Soup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Campbell Soup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC trimmed its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Get Rating) by 2.3% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 109,381 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,619 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF comprises about 1.8% of CFS Investment Advisory Services LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $7,886,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of USMV. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,253 shares of the companys stock worth $646,000 after acquiring an additional 594 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.7% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 95,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,417,000 after purchasing an additional 1,612 shares during the period. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.4% in the first quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 1,348,690 shares of the companys stock worth $104,618,000 after purchasing an additional 57,434 shares during the last quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 27.0% in the 1st quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 88,779 shares of the companys stock worth $6,887,000 after buying an additional 18,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,575 shares of the companys stock valued at $975,000 after purchasing an additional 719 shares during the last quarter.

Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Up 0.1 %

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF stock traded up $0.09 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $71.89. The stock had a trading volume of 2,050,348 shares. The firms fifty day moving average is $73.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $72.60. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 52-week low of $47.44 and a 52-week high of $55.45. The company has a market capitalization of $28.54 billion, a PE ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75.

About iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chicos FAS (NYSE:CHS  Get Rating) announced its earnings results on Tuesday. The specialty retailer reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.04, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The company had revenue of $534.74 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $541.95 million. Chicos FAS had a net margin of 5.34% and a return on equity of 34.78%. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.28 earnings per share.

Chicos FAS Stock Performance

Chicos FAS stock traded up $0.06 on Thursday, hitting $5.69. The companys stock had a trading volume of 426,369 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,161,902. The firm has a market cap of $702.83 million, a P/E ratio of 6.12 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $5.17 and a 200-day moving average price of $5.30. Chicos FAS has a one year low of $4.33 and a one year high of $7.30.

Get Chico's FAS alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Chicos FAS

In other news, Director Bonnie R. Brooks sold 69,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.28, for a total value of $437,088.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 704,640 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,425,139.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Bonnie R. Brooks sold 30,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.15, for a total transaction of $186,960.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 774,240 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,761,576. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Bonnie R. Brooks sold 69,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.28, for a total transaction of $437,088.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 704,640 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,425,139.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 3.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Sei Investments Co. lifted its position in Chicos FAS by 20.6% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 14,093 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 2,404 shares in the last quarter. Mariner LLC lifted its position in Chicos FAS by 22.5% during the 4th quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 13,488 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 2,479 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Chicos FAS by 5.1% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 55,600 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $274,000 after buying an additional 2,676 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in Chicos FAS by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 34,843 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $172,000 after buying an additional 2,784 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in Chicos FAS by 54.9% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 8,655 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 3,067 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.59% of the companys stock.

A number of research firms have issued reports on CHS. B. Riley reiterated a buy rating on shares of Chicos FAS in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Chicos FAS from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Tuesday. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Chicos FAS in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $6.00 target price on shares of Chicos FAS in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th.

Chicos FAS Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Chicos FAS, Inc engages in the retail of womens private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy apparel, intimates, and complementary accessories. It operates through the following segments: Chicos, White House Black Market, and Soma. The Chicos segment sells exclusively designed, private branded clothing focusing on women with moderate-to-high household income levels.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Chico's FAS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chico's FAS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
China CITIC Bank Co. Limited (OTCMKTS:CHCJY  Get Rating)s stock price fell 2.7% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $10.48 and last traded at $10.48. 121 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 90% from the average session volume of 1,237 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.77.

China CITIC Bank Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $10.41 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $9.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.85.

Get China CITIC Bank alerts:

China CITIC Bank (OTCMKTS:CHCJY  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 23rd. The company reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $7.16 billion for the quarter.

About China CITIC Bank

China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited provides various banking products and services in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company operates in segments, such as Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, and Financial Market business. It accepts deposits; offers corporate and personal loans; and provides securities agency, remittance and settlement, and guarantee services, as well as investment banking and international services.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for China CITIC Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China CITIC Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chinook Tyee Industry Ltd (CVE:XCX  Get Rating) shares traded up 21.6% on Monday . The company traded as high as C$0.53 and last traded at C$0.45. 203,469 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 356% from the average session volume of 44,615 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.37.

Chinook Tyee Industry Stock Up 21.6 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.15, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a current ratio of 1.55. The company has a market cap of C$9.10 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.60. The stocks fifty day moving average is C$0.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$0.45.

About Chinook Tyee Industry

(Get Rating)

Chinook Tyee Industry Limited operates as a financial service company in Canada. The company was formerly known as Global Railway Industries Ltd. and changed its name to Chinook Tyee Industry Limited in August 2013. Chinook Tyee Industry Limited is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Chinook Tyee Industry Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chinook Tyee Industry and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Get Rating) had its target price lifted by research analysts at CIBC from C$20.00 to C$21.00 in a research report issued on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs price objective suggests a potential upside of 27.27% from the companys current price.

A number of other research firms have also weighed in on LUG. National Bankshares reduced their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$21.00 to C$20.50 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Scotiabank raised their target price on shares of Lundin Gold from C$15.00 to C$16.50 in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Haywood Securities cut shares of Lundin Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, April 10th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Lundin Gold from C$20.00 to C$21.00 in a report on Thursday, April 6th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$20.00 to C$21.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$18.00.

Get Lundin Gold alerts:

Lundin Gold Stock Performance

Shares of LUG remained flat at C$16.50 during midday trading on Thursday. 226,958 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 477,080. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$17.27 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$15.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.02, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 2.13. The stock has a market cap of C$3.91 billion, a PE ratio of 28.43 and a beta of 1.12. Lundin Gold has a twelve month low of C$7.80 and a twelve month high of C$19.42.

Lundin Gold Company Profile

Lundin Gold ( TSE:LUG Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported C$0.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.34 by C$0.04. Lundin Gold had a net margin of 11.90% and a return on equity of 11.76%. The firm had revenue of C$347.17 million for the quarter. Sell-side analysts predict that Lundin Gold will post 1.3248062 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

(Get Rating)

Lundin Gold Inc operates as a mining company in Canada. The company holds interests in 27 metallic mineral concessions and three construction material concessions covering an area of approximately 64,270 hectares located in Southeast Ecuador. It primary holds interests in the Fruta del Norte gold project comprising seven concessions covering an area of approximately 5,566 hectares located near the city of Loja in Ecuador.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Lundin Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lundin Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gabelli Funds LLC cut its holdings in CIRCOR International, Inc. (NYSE:CIR  Get Rating) by 0.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 665,083 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 4,804 shares during the quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC owned about 3.27% of CIRCOR International worth $15,935,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL grew its stake in CIRCOR International by 24.1% during the 3rd quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 1,419,333 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $23,405,000 after acquiring an additional 275,749 shares in the last quarter. Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC grew its position in CIRCOR International by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC now owns 1,370,392 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $22,603,000 after purchasing an additional 46,697 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in CIRCOR International by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 351,963 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $8,433,000 after purchasing an additional 14,377 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC boosted its position in shares of CIRCOR International by 2,620.3% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 233,644 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,829,000 after acquiring an additional 225,055 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in shares of CIRCOR International by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 185,617 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,061,000 after acquiring an additional 1,372 shares in the last quarter. 94.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get CIRCOR International alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CIR has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com downgraded shares of CIRCOR International from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 12th. TheStreet raised shares of CIRCOR International from a d+ rating to a c rating in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut shares of CIRCOR International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.33.

CIRCOR International Stock Down 0.2 %

CIRCOR International stock opened at $47.67 on Thursday. CIRCOR International, Inc. has a twelve month low of $13.26 and a twelve month high of $48.13. The company has a 50 day moving average of $30.11 and a 200-day moving average of $27.79. The stock has a market capitalization of $971.89 million, a PE ratio of 24.07 and a beta of 2.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.48, a current ratio of 2.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10.

CIRCOR International (NYSE:CIR  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, March 15th. The industrial products company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.37. CIRCOR International had a net margin of 5.03% and a return on equity of 34.61%. The business had revenue of $214.53 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $204.00 million. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that CIRCOR International, Inc. will post 2.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

CIRCOR International Company Profile

(Get Rating)

CIRCOR International, Inc engages in the business of designing, manufacturing, and marketing differentiated technology products and sub-systems for the defense markets. It operates under the Aerospace and Defense, and Industrial segments. The Aerospace and Defense segment is involved in the production of valves, pumps, electric motors, kinetic switches, high pressure pneumatic regulators and subsystems, and electromechanical assemblies.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for CIRCOR International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CIRCOR International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Clear Street Markets LLC reduced its position in Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Get Rating) by 17.6% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 9,525 shares of the airlines stock after selling 2,032 shares during the period. Clear Street Markets LLCs holdings in Southwest Airlines were worth $321,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Southwest Airlines by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 64,861,508 shares of the airlines stock worth $2,000,330,000 after acquiring an additional 638,015 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Southwest Airlines by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 11,892,153 shares of the airlines stock worth $399,914,000 after acquiring an additional 285,836 shares during the period. U S Global Investors Inc. grew its stake in Southwest Airlines by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. now owns 6,044,770 shares of the airlines stock worth $203,527,000 after acquiring an additional 68,199 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in Southwest Airlines by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 4,854,746 shares of the airlines stock worth $222,347,000 after acquiring an additional 104,191 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of Southwest Airlines by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,503,131 shares of the airlines stock valued at $138,912,000 after purchasing an additional 105,574 shares during the last quarter. 74.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Southwest Airlines alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Southwest Airlines

In other Southwest Airlines news, EVP Ryan C. Green sold 4,936 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.94, for a total value of $147,783.84. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 26,361 shares in the company, valued at approximately $789,248.34. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

Southwest Airlines Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:LUV traded down $0.06 during trading on Thursday, reaching $30.73. 1,147,102 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,810,982. Southwest Airlines Co. has a 12 month low of $28.40 and a 12 month high of $43.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 1.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $18.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a 50 day moving average of $30.58 and a 200-day moving average of $33.58.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The airline reported ($0.27) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.21) by ($0.06). Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 2.65% and a return on equity of 6.99%. The firm had revenue of $5.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.73 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($0.32) EPS. Southwest Airliness revenue for the quarter was up 21.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Southwest Airlines Co. will post 2.62 EPS for the current year.

Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 21st will be paid a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.34%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 20th. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio is 72.00%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have weighed in on LUV. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Southwest Airlines in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Melius lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $39.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, February 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the company from $64.00 to $39.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Redburn Partners lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $40.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, Barclays lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and reduced their target price for the company from $42.00 to $38.00 in a report on Friday, March 10th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Southwest Airlines currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $44.71.

Southwest Airlines Profile

(Get Rating)

Southwest Airlines Co engages in the operation and management of a passenger airline. The firm also offers ancillary services such as early bird check-in, upgraded boarding, and transportation of pets and unaccompanied minors. It operates in the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LUV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Baird Financial Group Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ  Get Rating) by 59.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 163,323 shares of the companys stock after selling 239,185 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. owned 0.09% of Constellation Brands worth $37,850,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of STZ. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 53.3% in the 4th quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 4,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,066,000 after purchasing an additional 1,600 shares during the last quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 6.0% in the 4th quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 2,416 shares of the companys stock valued at $560,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. BOKF NA lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 14.7% in the 4th quarter. BOKF NA now owns 51,676 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,976,000 after purchasing an additional 6,617 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,411,000 after purchasing an additional 520 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 20.9% in the 4th quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 7,087 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,642,000 after purchasing an additional 1,226 shares during the last quarter. 84.87% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Constellation Brands alerts:

Constellation Brands Stock Up 0.3 %

Constellation Brands stock opened at $243.32 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $44.59 billion, a P/E ratio of -477.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 1.03. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a 1-year low of $208.12 and a 1-year high of $261.32. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $229.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $229.63. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29.

Constellation Brands Increases Dividend

Constellation Brands ( NYSE:STZ Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, April 6th. The company reported $1.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $2 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.02 billion. Constellation Brands had a negative net margin of 0.70% and a positive return on equity of 20.48%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.37 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 11.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 18th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 4th were given a $0.89 dividend. This represents a $3.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.46%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 3rd. This is an increase from Constellation Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -698.03%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have weighed in on STZ shares. Citigroup started coverage on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Thursday, February 16th. They set a buy rating and a $265.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $210.00 to $218.00 in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $295.00 price objective on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $215.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $256.45.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Richard Sands sold 3,858,476 shares of Constellation Brands stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total value of $862,485,140.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 20,488,818 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,579,865,487.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Richard Sands sold 3,858,476 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total transaction of $862,485,140.28. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 20,488,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,579,865,487.54. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, major shareholder Business Holdings Lp Ajb sold 650,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total transaction of $145,294,500.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 3,365,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $752,338,273.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 16.19% of the companys stock.

About Constellation Brands

(Get Rating)

Constellation Brands, Inc engages in the production, marketing, and distribution of beer, wine, and spirits. It operates through the following segments: Beer, Wine and Spirits, Corporate Operations and Other, and Canopy. The Beer segment includes imported and craft beer brands. The Wine and Spirits segment sells wine brands across all categories-table wine, sparkling wine, and dessert wine-and across all price points.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Genus (OTCMKTS:GENSF  Get Rating) is one of 365 publicly-traded companies in the Biotechnology industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Genus to related companies based on the strength of its risk, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends and analyst recommendations.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Genus and its peers revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Get Genus alerts:

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Genus N/A N/A 73.80 Genus Competitors $143.80 million -$14.25 million 86.50

Genus peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Genus. Genus is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Analyst Ratings

29.7% of Genus shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 28.7% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are owned by institutional investors. 24.6% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Genus and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Genus 0 0 1 0 3.00 Genus Competitors 226 1390 4113 52 2.69

As a group, Biotechnology companies have a potential upside of 79.41%. Given Genus peers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Genus has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Profitability

This table compares Genus and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Genus N/A N/A N/A Genus Competitors -341.38% -69.23% -14.68%

Dividends

Genus pays an annual dividend of $0.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. Genus pays out 34.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Biotechnology companies pay a dividend yield of 2.7% and pay out 1,850.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Summary

Genus beats its peers on 7 of the 13 factors compared.

About Genus

(Get Rating)

Genus Plc engages in the provision of genetic livestock services to produce meat and milk. It operates through the following segments: Genus PIC, Genus ABS and Research and Development. The Genus PIC segment focuses on global porcine sales business. The Genus ABS segment includes global bovine sales business. The Research and Development segment involves in global spend on research and development. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Basingstoke, the United Kingdom.

Receive News & Ratings for Genus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Genus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Fury Gold Mines Limited (NYSEAMERICAN:FURY  Get Rating) shares fell 2.8% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $0.43 and last traded at $0.43. 59,901 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 57% from the average session volume of 140,011 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.44.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, HC Wainwright increased their price target on shares of Fury Gold Mines from $1.40 to $1.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, March 24th.

Get Fury Gold Mines alerts:

Fury Gold Mines Stock Up 3.5 %

Fury Gold Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:FURY  Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Friday, March 24th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter. Analysts predict that Fury Gold Mines Limited will post -0.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Fury Gold Mines

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. bought a new position in Fury Gold Mines in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. FMR LLC boosted its holdings in Fury Gold Mines by 8.0% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 10,800,000 shares of the companys stock worth $5,834,000 after buying an additional 800,000 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in Fury Gold Mines by 100.5% in the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 122,724 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after buying an additional 61,500 shares during the period. Finally, Ashford Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Fury Gold Mines by 6.9% in the 3rd quarter. Ashford Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,550,000 shares of the companys stock worth $620,000 after buying an additional 100,000 shares during the period. 11.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

(Get Rating)

Fury Gold Mines Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. It operates the Committee Bay, Eau Claire, Eleonore South JV, and Eau Claire projects. The company was founded on June 9, 2008 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Fury Gold Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fury Gold Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gabelli Funds LLC boosted its stake in Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO  Get Rating) by 41.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 502,900 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 147,400 shares during the period. Gabelli Funds LLCs holdings in Perrigo were worth $17,144,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its position in Perrigo by 1,364.4% in the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,274 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 1,187 shares during the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its position in Perrigo by 70.9% in the 3rd quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 1,282 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 532 shares during the last quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. increased its position in shares of Perrigo by 122.8% during the 4th quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 1,435 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 791 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd increased its position in shares of Perrigo by 5,903.6% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,681 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,000 after purchasing an additional 1,653 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Eagle Bay Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Perrigo by 47.7% during the 4th quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 1,898 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,000 after purchasing an additional 613 shares during the last quarter. 94.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Perrigo alerts:

Perrigo Stock Performance

Shares of PRGO opened at $33.72 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 2.52, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $35.10 and a 200-day moving average price of $34.98. Perrigo Company plc has a 12-month low of $30.78 and a 12-month high of $43.90.

Perrigo Announces Dividend

Perrigo ( NYSE:PRGO Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.42 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.17 billion. Perrigo had a positive return on equity of 6.21% and a negative net margin of 2.85%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.33 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Perrigo Company plc will post 2.58 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 20th. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.273 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a $1.09 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.24%. Perrigos dividend payout ratio is -113.54%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on PRGO. StockNews.com began coverage on Perrigo in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Raymond James increased their price target on Perrigo from $42.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Sunday, March 5th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group started coverage on Perrigo in a research note on Tuesday, March 7th. They set a buy rating and a $49.00 price target for the company. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $48.00.

Insider Activity at Perrigo

In related news, CEO Murray S. Kessler sold 197,646 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.75, for a total transaction of $7,065,844.50. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,668 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $95,381. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Perrigo news, EVP James E. Dillard III sold 9,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.70, for a total value of $321,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 25,130 shares in the company, valued at $897,141. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Murray S. Kessler sold 197,646 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.75, for a total value of $7,065,844.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 2,668 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $95,381. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 210,369 shares of company stock valued at $7,519,572. Corporate insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock.

About Perrigo

(Get Rating)

Perrigo Company plc provides over-the-counter health and wellness solutions to enhance individual well-being in Ireland, the United States, France, Belgium, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Australia, Greece, and Spain. It operates through Consumer Self-Care Americas and Consumer Self-Care International segments.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PRGO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for Perrigo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Perrigo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF (BATS:IVRA  Get Rating)s share price was down 0.4% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $12.98 and last traded at $12.98. Approximately 22 shares were traded during trading, The stock had previously closed at $13.03.

Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF Trading Up 2.1 %

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $13.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $13.59. The company has a market capitalization of $3.06 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.45 and a beta of 0.95.

Get Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF alerts:

Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 23rd were issued a $0.0246 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 22nd.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. UBS Group AG increased its position in Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF by 267.8% during the second quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,078 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 1,513 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI acquired a new stake in Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF in the 1st quarter worth $190,000. First Republic Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $208,000. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its position in shares of Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF by 7.1% during the 4th quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 22,184 shares of the companys stock valued at $296,000 after acquiring an additional 1,461 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 26,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $414,000 after acquiring an additional 2,135 shares in the last quarter.

(Get Rating)

The Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF (IVRA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is an actively managed, non-transparent fund of North American real assets companies screened for both environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and fundamental factors. The fund utilizes the Fidelity non-transparent model.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
YAOUNDE, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Chadian army said on Wednesday, its forces have killed 23 rebels in week-long violent clashes in Tibesti region (north) of the Central African nation.

Army spokesman Azem Bermandoa Agouna told local media that eight government forces were wounded, and six rebel vehicles recovered during the clashes with National Front for Democracy and Justice in Chad (FNDJT) and Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic (CCMSR) that began on May 31.

He did not give further details.

On Monday, rebel group FNDJT claimed in a statement that 15 government forces were killed during the clashes.

Chad's two main rebel groups FNDJT and CCMSR have remained active mainly in the northern part of the country since former President Idriss Deby Itno was killed during fighting with the rebels in 2021. 
Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Rating) had its price target increased by Jefferies Financial Group from $61.00 to $64.00 in a research note released on Monday, The Fly reports.

SCHW has been the subject of a number of other research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $98.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, March 14th. Redburn Partners downgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $89.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 6th. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $65.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, Raymond James upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $63.00 target price for the company in a report on Monday, May 15th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $67.04.

Get Charles Schwab alerts:

Charles Schwab Stock Up 1.9 %

Shares of Charles Schwab stock opened at $55.63 on Monday. Charles Schwab has a 52-week low of $45.00 and a 52-week high of $86.63. The company has a 50 day moving average of $51.59 and a 200 day moving average of $67.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The company has a market capitalization of $98.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.20, a P/E/G ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.88.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.93 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $5.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.13 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 34.82% and a return on equity of 27.83%. Charles Schwabs revenue for the quarter was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.77 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Charles Schwab will post 3.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 12th were issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.80%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 27.32%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, President Richard A. Wurster purchased 2,000 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of $54.39 per share, with a total value of $108,780.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the president now owns 101,391 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,514,656.49. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, President Richard A. Wurster acquired 2,000 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 17th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $54.39 per share, with a total value of $108,780.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the president now directly owns 101,391 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,514,656.49. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Walter W. Bettinger purchased 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 14th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $59.31 per share, for a total transaction of $2,965,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 656,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,937,074.31. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders acquired a total of 81,000 shares of company stock valued at $4,706,960 over the last 90 days. 6.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Charles Schwab

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SCHW. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 7.5% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 20,822 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,847,000 after buying an additional 1,452 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 4.3% during the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 6,263 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $528,000 after purchasing an additional 259 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 25.4% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 13,064 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,101,000 after acquiring an additional 2,648 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 7.5% in the first quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,807 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $321,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 16.6% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,239 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $104,000 after buying an additional 176 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.49% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Company Profile

(Get Rating)

The Charles Schwab Corp. is a savings and loan holding company, which engages in the provision of wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. It operates through the Investor Services and Advisor Services segments. The Investor Services segment includes retail brokerage and banking services to individual investors, and retirement plan services, as well as other corporate brokerage services, to businesses and their employees.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY  Get Rating)s share price fell 4.7% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $6.02 and last traded at $6.05. 1,682,627 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 49% from the average session volume of 3,270,649 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.35.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

JOBY has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered Joby Aviation from a hold rating to a sell rating and lowered their target price for the company from $6.00 to $4.00 in a research note on Tuesday, March 7th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Joby Aviation from $11.00 to $10.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Joby Aviation currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $6.13.

Get Joby Aviation alerts:

Joby Aviation Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $3.91 billion, a PE ratio of -11.57 and a beta of 1.58. The business has a 50 day moving average of $4.67 and a 200 day moving average of $4.23.

Insider Transactions at Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation ( NYSE:JOBY Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.16) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.15) by ($0.01). Sell-side analysts forecast that Joby Aviation, Inc. will post -0.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, insider Eric Allison sold 18,801 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.12, for a total transaction of $77,460.12. Following the sale, the insider now owns 303,569 shares in the company, valued at $1,250,704.28. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, insider Eric Allison sold 18,801 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.12, for a total transaction of $77,460.12. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 303,569 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,250,704.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Bonny W. Simi sold 129,047 shares of Joby Aviation stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.40, for a total value of $696,853.80. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 77,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at $420,422.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 218,922 shares of company stock worth $1,132,320. Corporate insiders own 49.50% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Joby Aviation

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Joby Aviation by 40.5% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 44,453 shares of the companys stock worth $295,000 after purchasing an additional 12,810 shares during the period. Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in shares of Joby Aviation by 47.0% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 84,841 shares of the companys stock valued at $562,000 after buying an additional 27,114 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Joby Aviation during the 1st quarter valued at $108,000. Citigroup Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Joby Aviation by 281.9% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 55,694 shares of the companys stock valued at $369,000 after buying an additional 41,110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Joby Aviation by 368.2% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 50,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $332,000 after buying an additional 39,400 shares in the last quarter. 29.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Joby Aviation Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Joby Aviation, Inc, a vertically integrated air mobility company, engages in building an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft optimized to deliver air transportation as a service. It intends to build an aerial ridesharing service. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Joby Aviation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Joby Aviation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Smith Moore & CO. lessened its holdings in shares of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU  Get Rating) by 1.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 29,920 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 500 shares during the quarter. Smith Moore & CO.s holdings in MDU Resources Group were worth $908,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in shares of MDU Resources Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $124,000. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in MDU Resources Group by 21.3% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 20,101 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $536,000 after buying an additional 3,523 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in MDU Resources Group by 119.7% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 67,933 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,811,000 after buying an additional 37,018 shares during the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in MDU Resources Group in the first quarter valued at about $771,000. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its position in MDU Resources Group by 33.4% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 131,476 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,504,000 after buying an additional 32,930 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.83% of the companys stock.

Get MDU Resources Group alerts:

MDU Resources Group Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of MDU stock traded down $0.20 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $20.84. 282,176 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,059,579. The businesss fifty day moving average is $28.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is $29.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 1.03. MDU Resources Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $19.40 and a 12-month high of $32.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.43, a P/E/G ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.75.

MDU Resources Group Announces Dividend

MDU Resources Group ( NYSE:MDU Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.38 billion. MDU Resources Group had a net margin of 5.13% and a return on equity of 11.25%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 22.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.16 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that MDU Resources Group, Inc. will post 1.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, July 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 13th will be paid a $0.2225 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 12th. This represents a $0.89 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.27%. MDU Resources Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 48.37%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have commented on MDU. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of MDU Resources Group in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Bank of America upgraded shares of MDU Resources Group from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 1st.

MDU Resources Group Company Profile

(Get Rating)

MDU Resources Group, Inc engages in the regulated energy delivery, and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. It operates through five segments: Electric, Natural Gas Distribution, Pipeline, Construction Materials and Contracting, and Construction Services. The Electric segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and operates 3,400 miles of transmission lines, 4,800 miles of distribution lines, and 84 transmission and 294 distribution substations.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MDU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU  Get Rating).

Receive News & Ratings for MDU Resources Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MDU Resources Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:PZG  Get Rating) was down 2.9% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $0.28 and last traded at $0.28. Approximately 25,142 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 90% from the average daily volume of 241,957 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.29.

Paramount Gold Nevada Stock Down 3.1 %

The stock has a market cap of $14.03 million, a PE ratio of -2.01 and a beta of 1.75.

Get Paramount Gold Nevada alerts:

Paramount Gold Nevada (NYSEAMERICAN:PZG  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 12th. The basic materials company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of ($0.03). Equities analysts predict that Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. will post -0.11 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Paramount Gold Nevada

In related news, major shareholder Parent Co. Fcmi acquired 4,300,000 shares of Paramount Gold Nevada stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $0.32 per share, for a total transaction of $1,376,000.00. Following the purchase, the insider now owns 9,276,310 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,968,419.20. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . 4.79% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Millennium Management LLC acquired a new stake in Paramount Gold Nevada in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Paramount Gold Nevada by 52.4% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 104,974 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $69,000 after purchasing an additional 36,074 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Paramount Gold Nevada by 91.7% during the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 125,595 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 60,095 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Paramount Gold Nevada during the 1st quarter worth approximately $49,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Paramount Gold Nevada by 218.5% during the 1st quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 142,589 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $93,000 after purchasing an additional 97,824 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 6.83% of the companys stock.

About Paramount Gold Nevada

(Get Rating)

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. Its projects include Sleeper Gold, Frost, and Grassy Mountain. The company was founded on June 15, 1992 and is headquartered in Winnemucca, NV.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Paramount Gold Nevada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Paramount Gold Nevada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Central Asia Metals (LON:CAML  Get Rating) was upgraded by Royal Bank of Canada to an outperform rating in a report issued on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a GBX 245 ($3.05) target price on the mining companys stock. Royal Bank of Canadas target price would suggest a potential upside of 22.75% from the stocks current price.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on CAML. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 265 ($3.29) price target on shares of Central Asia Metals in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 320 ($3.98) price target on shares of Central Asia Metals in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th.

Get Central Asia Metals alerts:

Central Asia Metals Trading Up 3.4 %

LON:CAML opened at GBX 199.60 ($2.48) on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of 362.53 million, a P/E ratio of 1,330.67 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a current ratio of 4.17, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is GBX 211.59 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 244.29. Central Asia Metals has a 12-month low of GBX 181.40 ($2.26) and a 12-month high of GBX 299 ($3.72).

Insider Activity at Central Asia Metals

About Central Asia Metals

In related news, insider Mike Prentis acquired 5,000 shares of Central Asia Metals stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 27th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 216 ($2.69) per share, for a total transaction of 10,800 ($13,426.16). In other news, insider Gillian Davidson acquired 10,119 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 198 ($2.46) per share, with a total value of 20,035.62 ($24,907.53). Also, insider Mike Prentis acquired 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 27th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 216 ($2.69) per share, with a total value of 10,800 ($13,426.16). Insiders have acquired a total of 28,453 shares of company stock worth $6,088,722 over the last three months. 7.12% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

(Get Rating)

Central Asia Metals plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a base metals producer. The company produces copper, zinc, silver, and lead. It owns a 100% interest in the Kounrad solvent extraction- electrowinning operation located near the city of Balkhash in central Kazakhstan; and a 100% interest in the Sasa mine located in north eastern Macedonia.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Central Asia Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Central Asia Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Silicon Hills Wealth Management LLC reduced its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Get Rating) by 10.8% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,751 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 573 shares during the period. Silicon Hills Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $450,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of IJR. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 67.4% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 15,171,621 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,322,814,000 after acquiring an additional 6,110,963 shares in the last quarter. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $309,689,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 9,021.6% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 2,119,864 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,795,000 after buying an additional 2,096,624 shares in the last quarter. Cowa LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 5,333.8% during the 1st quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 1,283,582 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,670,000 after buying an additional 1,259,960 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 6,349,891 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $685,026,000 after buying an additional 990,861 shares in the last quarter.

Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts:

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Down 0.6 %

NYSEARCA:IJR traded down $0.59 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $99.22. 1,855,941 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,119,750. The companys 50 day moving average is $94.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $97.53. The company has a market capitalization of $68.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a twelve month low of $86.40 and a twelve month high of $108.24.

About iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR  Get Rating) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $0.37-$0.44 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.35. The company issued revenue guidance of $943.00 million-$948.00 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $945.92 million. Smartsheet also updated its FY24 guidance to $0.37-0.44 EPS.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on SMAR. Oppenheimer boosted their price target on shares of Smartsheet from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. DA Davidson upped their target price on shares of Smartsheet from $54.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. KeyCorp upped their target price on shares of Smartsheet from $48.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and set a $40.00 target price on shares of Smartsheet in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Smartsheet from $41.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Smartsheet has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $49.06.

Get Smartsheet alerts:

Smartsheet Price Performance

Shares of NYSE SMAR traded down $2.67 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $48.99. 4,044,172 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,310,075. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $44.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $42.26. The firm has a market cap of $6.49 billion, a P/E ratio of -30.44 and a beta of 1.04. Smartsheet has a twelve month low of $25.09 and a twelve month high of $52.81.

Insider Buying and Selling at Smartsheet

Smartsheet ( NYSE:SMAR Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $219.89 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $214.12 million. Smartsheet had a negative return on equity of 43.31% and a negative net margin of 28.12%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 30.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.53) earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Smartsheet will post -1.27 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Smartsheet news, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 1,051 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.31, for a total transaction of $46,569.81. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 6,585 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $291,781.35. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CRO Michael Arntz sold 7,961 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, March 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.72, for a total value of $379,898.92. Following the transaction, the executive now directly owns 10,522 shares of the companys stock, valued at $502,109.84. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 1,051 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.31, for a total transaction of $46,569.81. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 6,585 shares of the companys stock, valued at $291,781.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 23,430 shares of company stock valued at $1,115,359. Corporate insiders own 4.71% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Smartsheet

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Capital World Investors lifted its stake in shares of Smartsheet by 11.2% in the first quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 15,316,599 shares of the companys stock valued at $839,084,000 after buying an additional 1,542,891 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Smartsheet by 2.8% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,759,643 shares of the companys stock worth $404,061,000 after purchasing an additional 319,641 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Smartsheet by 2.6% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,914,151 shares of the companys stock worth $330,496,000 after purchasing an additional 173,683 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in Smartsheet by 81.6% in the second quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,808,651 shares of the companys stock worth $88,276,000 after purchasing an additional 1,262,177 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp raised its position in Smartsheet by 3.9% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,103,608 shares of the companys stock worth $100,552,000 after purchasing an additional 78,375 shares in the last quarter. 89.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Smartsheet Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Smartsheet, Inc engages in managing and automating collaborative work. Its platform provides solutions that eliminate the obstacles to capturing information, including a familiar and intuitive spreadsheet interface as well as easily customizable forms. The company was founded by W. Eric Browne, Maria Colacurcio, John D.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Smartsheet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smartsheet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Smith Moore & CO. boosted its holdings in Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NYSE:NUV  Get Rating) by 14.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 111,643 shares of the closed-end funds stock after purchasing an additional 14,033 shares during the quarter. Smith Moore & CO. owned 0.05% of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund worth $960,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of NUV. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in Nuveen Municipal Value Fund by 98.7% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 2,981 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 1,481 shares in the last quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Nuveen Municipal Value Fund in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Nuveen Municipal Value Fund in the 4th quarter worth about $38,000. Romano Brothers AND Company acquired a new stake in Nuveen Municipal Value Fund in the 4th quarter worth about $42,000. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $54,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.32% of the companys stock.

Get Nuveen Municipal Value Fund alerts:

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:NUV traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $8.84. The stock had a trading volume of 70,190 shares, compared to its average volume of 337,427. The companys 50-day moving average price is $8.81 and its 200-day moving average price is $8.81. Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $8.25 and a fifty-two week high of $9.39.

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Dividend Announcement

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Company Profile

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a $0.028 dividend. This represents a $0.34 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.80%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th.

(Get Rating)

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc is a closed-end diversified management investment fund. Its objective is current income exempt from federal income taxes and its secondary objective is the enhancement of portfolio value through selection of tax-exempt bonds and municipal market sectors. The company was founded on April 8, 1987 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Municipal Value Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp. (OTCMKTS:TCYMF  Get Rating) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $1.57 and last traded at $1.57, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $1.57.

Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Stock Performance

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $1.68 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1.70.

About Tingyi (Cayman Islands)

(Get Rating)

Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp., an investment holding company, manufactures and sells instant noodles, beverages, and instant food products in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Instant Noodles, Beverages, and Others segments. It offers ready-to-drink teas, juices, milk tea, bottled water, and carbonated soft drinks, as well as coffee drinks/functional drinks/probiotics.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tingyi (Cayman Islands) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Investment analysts at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSE:WYY  Get Rating) in a report released on Thursday. The firm set a sell rating on the stock.

WidePoint Price Performance

NYSE WYY traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $1.78. 1,301 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 22,761. WidePoint has a 52 week low of $1.70 and a 52 week high of $3.06.

Get WidePoint alerts:

About WidePoint

(Get Rating)

Recommended Stories

WidePoint Corporation provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe. The company offers TMaaS solutions through a secure federal government certified proprietary portal and secure enterprise portal that provides ability to manage, analyze, and protect communications assets, as well as deploy identity management solutions that provide secured virtual and physical access to restricted environments.

Receive News & Ratings for WidePoint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WidePoint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (C), Cambodian Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak (R, front) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi (L, front) attend the signing ceremony of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Cambodia and the UAE in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 8, 2023. Cambodia and the UAE on Thursday signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement aiming at boosting their bilateral trade and investment relations. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement aiming at boosting their bilateral trade and investment relations.

The pact was inked in Phnom Penh between Cambodian Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi under the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

Hun Sen said the free trade deal would provide Cambodia with larger market access to the UAE.

"The United Arab Emirates has a small population, but the country is a global trade and logistics hub," he said.

The Cambodian leader expressed his confidence that through the agreement, UAE investors will come to set up factories in Cambodia and export finished products back to their country with preferential tariffs.

Cambodia is supportive of globalization and free trade. To date, the Southeast Asian nation has achieved bilateral FTAs with China, South Korea, and the UAE, as well as mega FTAs under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). 
Shares of Yellow Cake plc (LON:YCA  Get Rating) were up 1.6% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 426.20 ($5.30) and last traded at GBX 424.60 ($5.28). Approximately 691,268 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 22% from the average daily volume of 886,557 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 418 ($5.20).

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 552 ($6.86) target price on shares of Yellow Cake in a report on Wednesday, April 26th.

Get Yellow Cake alerts:

Yellow Cake Stock Up 1.6 %

The company has a market capitalization of 841.13 million, a PE ratio of 866.53 and a beta of 0.38. The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 385.08 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 387.37.

About Yellow Cake

Yellow Cake plc, a specialist company, operates in the uranium sector. It is involved in the purchase and holding of uranium oxide concentrates; and exploitation of other uranium-related opportunities. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Saint Helier, Jersey.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Yellow Cake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yellow Cake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
York Traditions Bank (OTCMKTS:YRKB  Get Rating)s share price was down 2.8% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $17.03 and last traded at $17.30. Approximately 563 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 61% from the average daily volume of 1,450 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.80.

York Traditions Bank Trading Up 0.2 %

The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $17.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $18.32.

York Traditions Bank Company Profile

(Get Rating)

York Traditions Bank, a community bank, provides commercial and consumer banking services in the Central Pennsylvania market. The company offers personal banking products and services, such as checking, savings/money market, and individual retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; and loans and lines of credits, including personal, home equity, auto, and swing loans.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for York Traditions Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for York Traditions Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Justice Clarence Thomas didnt release his financial disclosure forms Wednesday when the majority of his Supreme Court colleagues did so, further blocking transparency amid a torrent of criticism over his failure to disclose years of lavish trips and a private real estate transaction with a GOP megadonor.
Weather Alert

...LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON CDT /1 PM EDT/ TODAY TO 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West to northwest winds around 15 to 20 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon CDT /1 PM EDT/ today to 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon. These storms will produce dangerous lightning and locally higher wind gusts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds and rough waves can overturn small craft. If lightning is sighted or skies turn threatening, head to shore immediately and seek shelter indoors until conditions improve. &&
PHNOM PENH, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia exported 118,041 tons of milled rice to China in the first five months of 2023, earning 77.4 million U.S. dollars in revenue, said the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF)'s press release on Thursday.

"China is the main export market for Cambodian milled rice, which accounted for 42.43 percent of Cambodia's total rice export volume (during the January-May period of 2023)," the press release said.

CRF President Chan Sokheang said that China is a huge market for the commodity.

"The federation will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce to ensure that annual milled-rice sales to China top 400,000 tons each year," he said.

According to the press release, Cambodia exported 278,184 tons of milled rice to 50 countries and regions during the first five months of this year, generating 191.6 million dollars in revenue.

Milled rice varieties included premium aromatic rice, fragrant rice, long grain white rice, parboiled rice, and organic rice, it added.

The news release said the Philippines is a new market for Cambodia's milled rice, and the kingdom exported its first-ever big volume of 2,575 tons to the Philippines in May. 
YANGON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Three million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines provided by China arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

China has directly or indirectly supplied 64 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and a large amount of anti-pandemic supplies to Myanmar since the start of the pandemic, the statement said.

It helped Myanmar reduce the rate of COVID-19 infection, severe disease and mortality, the embassy said, adding that it has also played an active role in building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.

The new batch of COVID-19 vaccines was delivered after the Myanmar government recently requested China for additional assistance of COVID-19 vaccines, it said. The Chinese vaccines are likely to be used for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, it said.

China's vaccine assistance this time is a positive response to Myanmar's needs, the embassy said in the statement.

In Myanmar, over 38.5 million people across the Southeast Asian country have been fully vaccinated as of May 2 this year. Among them, over 31.65 million were adults aged 18 and above, while more than 6.84 million were under the age of 18, the health ministry's figures showed.

As of June 7, Myanmar has recorded a total of 639,379 COVID-19 infections with 19,494 deaths and 618,363 recoveries since the beginning of the pandemic in the country in March 2020, the ministry's figures showed. 
Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), often referred to as Long COVID, has had a substantial and growing impact on the global population. Recent prevalence studies from the United States and the United Kingdom found that the complication has affected, on average, around 45 percent of survivors, regardless of hospitalization status.

No accurate tally of the number of people affected and its real global impact has yet been made, but conservative estimates of several hundred million and trillions in economic devastation would hardly be an exaggeration. Even in China, after the lifting of the Zero COVID policy late last fall and the tsunami of infections that followed, social media threads are now widespread with people complaining of chronic debilitating fatigue, heart palpitations and brain fog.

Yet, more than three years into the forever COVID pandemic, with Long COVID producing more than 200 symptoms, impacting nearly every organ system and causing such vast health problems for a significant population across the globe, it remains undefined and somewhat arbitrary in the clinical diagnosis. Additionally, the assurances given to study potential therapeutic agents have remained unfulfilled.

In this regard, a new Long COVID observational study called the RECOVER [ re searching COV ID to e nhance r ecovery] initiative, was published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, with almost 10,000 participants across the US. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it attempts to provide a working definition for Long COVID (PASC).

While the study represents an advance from the standpoint of assessing the impact of Long COVID, and has been celebrated in media coverage, it must be viewed with several reservations and caveats. It is exclusively focused on describing the disease, rather than supporting efforts to alleviate its impact, let alone find a cure. And its definition, however preliminary, could well be misused by insurance companies and other profit-driven entities in the healthcare system to restrict diagnosis and care.

Comments by Dr. Leora Horwitz, one of the study authors and director of the Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science at New York University, give some sense of the misgivings felt by serious scientists. Horwitz stated, This study is an important step toward defining Long COVID beyond any one individual symptom. This definitionwhich may evolve over timewill serve as a critical foundation for scientific discovery and treatment design.

Certainly, a working definition that medical communities can agree on is critical. But after three years and nearly all the $1.2 billion given to the NIH already spent, one must ask how much another observational study contributes to answering pressing questions affecting patients that have not already been addressed in more than 13,000 previous reports, as tallied by the LitCOVID search engine?

Why have there been so many delays in conducting clinical trials studying potential treatments and preventative strategies in the acute phase of infection that could reduce or eliminate the post-acute sequelae? Where is the urgency at the NIH and in the Biden administration to expand funding and initiate an all-out drive to develop treatments for Long COVID like the $12.4 billion spent on the COVID vaccines?

Photo of an 8-year-old child who has suffered from Long COVID for over one year. Submitted to the Long Covid Kids case studies page. [Photo: Long COVID Kids]

Scoring post-acute symptoms

The findings in the recent study, published on May 25, 2023, in JAMA, titled, Development of a Definition of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, are somewhat limited and problematic in their current formulation. The authors have identified 12 primary symptoms that distinguish COVID survivors with Long COVID from those without those aftereffects. These include loss of smell or taste (8 points), post-exertional malaise (7 points), chronic cough (4 points), brain fog (3 points), thirst, (3 points), heart palpitations (2 points), chest pain (2 points), fatigue (1 point), dizziness (1 point), gastrointestinal symptoms (1 point), issues with sexual desire or capacity (1 point), and abnormal movements (1 point).

Assigning points to each of the 12 symptoms and adding them up gives a cumulative total for each patient. Anyone scoring 12 or higher would be diagnosed as afflicted with PASC, accounting for 23 percent of the total. In general, the higher the score, the greater the disability in performing daily activities.

The researchers also noted that certain symptom combinations occurred at higher rates in certain groups, leading to identifying four clusters of Long COVID based on symptomology patterns, ranging from least severe to most severe in terms of impact on quality of life. Why such clusters were seen remains uncertain.

Some symptoms were more common than others, and this did not correspond to the severity of the symptoms as measured approximately by the points. Symptoms of post-exertional malaise (87 percent), brain fog (64 percent), palpitations (57 percent), fatigue (85 percent), dizziness (62 percent), and gastrointestinal disturbances (59 percent) were most common.

The studys lead author, Tanayott Thaweethai from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explained, This offers a unifying framework for thinking about Long COVID, and it gives us a quantitative score we can use to understand whether people get better or worse over time.

Andrea Foulkes, the corresponding author and principal investigator of the RECOVER Data Resource Core and professor at Harvard Medical School, said, Now that were able to identify people with Long COVID, we can begin doing more in-depth studies to understand the mechanisms at play. These findings set the stage for identifying effective treatment strategies for people with Long COVIDunderstanding the biological underpinnings is going to be critical to that endeavor.

The currently evolving definition could have significant implications, and not just medically. For instance, if people suffer only brain fog and post-exertional malaise and score less than 12 on their symptomology, they would not be construed as having PASC. Under such a construct, the definition could be used by employers and health insurers to deny compensation or treatment by telling people they dont have a recognized Long COVID complication. Additionally, it is not clear how long these symptoms have to be present before the diagnosis is accepted.

Lisa McCorkell, one of the authors of the study, explained on her social media account, If people didnt meet the scoring threshold for PASC+, that doesnt mean they dont have PASC! It means they are unspecified. Unspecified includes people with Long COVID. Future iterations of the model will aim to refine thisthat will include doing analysis using the updated RECOVER symptoms survey, adding in tests/clinical features and ultimately biomarkers. That is also why this isnt meant to be an official prevalence study. The sample is not fully representative, but also, we know that there are people in the unspecified groups that have PASC.

She continued, It is very clear throughout the paper that in order for this to be actionable at all, iterative refinement is needed. In presenting this to NIH leadership, they are fully aware of that. But the press is not fully understanding the paper which could have dangerous downstream effects. Since the beginning of working on this paper Ive done everything I could to ensure the model presented in this paper is not used clinically.

Unfortunately, in the world of capitalism, such things take on a life of their own. The definitions will influence how health systems will choose to view these patients and demand their clinicians abide by prescribed diagnostic codes. This has the potential to dismiss millions with Long COVID symptoms and deny them access to potential treatments if and when they materialize.

The concerns of Elisa Perego

Dr. Elisa Perego, who suffers from Long COVID and coined the term, offered the following important observations.

In response to the publication, she wrote, Presenting a salad of 12 symptoms, (many of which many patients might not even experience) as the most significant in #LongCOVID is also detrimental to new patients, who might be joining the community now, and might not recognize themselves in the symptom list.

She added, We are also in 2023. There are thousands and thousands of publications from across the world that discuss imaging, tests, clinical signs (=objective measurements), biomarkers, etc. related to acute and #LongCOVID. We have many insights into the pathophysiology already. The #LongCOVID and chronic illness community deserve more. Other diseases, including diseases linked to infections, have sadly been reduced to a checklist of symptoms in the past. This has made research, recognition, and a quest for treatment much more difficult.

There are additional findings in the report worth underscoring as they provide a glimpse into the ever-growing crisis caused by forcing the worlds population to live with the virus.

Hannah Davis, a Long COVID advocate and researcher, with Dr. Eric Topol, Lisa McCorkell, and Julia Moore Vogel, wrote an important review on Long COVID in March, which was published in Nature. She said of the RECOVER study, The overall prevalence of #LongCOVID is ten percent at six months. The prevalence for those who got Omicron (or later) AND were vaccinated is also ten percent  [However] reinfections had significantly higher levels of #LongCOVID. Even in those who had Omicron (or later) as their first infection, 9.7 percent with those infected once, but 20 percent of those who were reinfected had Long COVID at six months after infection.

Furthermore, she said, Reinfections also increased the severity of #LongCOVID. Twenty-seven percent of first infections were in cluster four (worst) versus 31 percent of reinfections. These facts have considerable implications.

Immunologist and COVID advocate Dr. Anthony Leonardi wrote on these findings, If Omicron reinfections average six months [based on current global patterns of infection], and Long COVID rates for reinfection remain 10 to 20 percent, the rate of long COVID in the USA per lifetime will be over 99.9 percent. In fact, the average person would have different manifestations of Long COVID at different times many times over. Some things reverselike anosmia [loss of smell]. Others, like [lung] fibrosis dont reverse so well.

The work done by these authors deserves credit and support. Every effort to bring answers to these critical questions is vital. The criticism to be made is not directed at the researchers who work diligently putting in overtime to see the research is conducted with the utmost care and obligation it merits. Rather, it should be directed at the very institutions that have adopted living with the virus as a positive good for of public health.

The Biden administration neglects Long COVID

In a recent scathing critique of the Biden administration and the NIH by STAT News, Rachel Cohrs and Betsy Ladyzhets place the issue front and center. In their opening remarks, they write, The federal government has burned through more than $1 billion to study Long COVID, an effort to help the millions of Americans who experience brain fog, fatigue, and other symptoms after recovering from a coronavirus infection. Theres basically nothing to show for it.

They continue, The NIH hasnt signed up a single patient to test any potential treatmentsdespite a clear mandate from Congress to study them. And the few trials it is planning have already drawn a firestorm of criticism, especially one intervention that experts and advocates say may actually make some patients Long COVID symptoms worse. This is in reference to a planned study where Long COVID patients would be asked to exercise as much as possible, when it has clearly been shown that such activities have exacerbated the symptoms of Long COVID patients.

As the report in STAT News explains, there has been a complete lack of accountability in how the NIH funds were used. Much of the work to run the RECOVER trial has been outsourced to major universities.

Michael Sieverts, a member of the Long COVID Patient-led Research Collaborative with expertise in federal budgeting for scientific research, told STAT, Many of the research projects associated with RECOVER have been funded through these organizations rather than directly from the NIH. This process makes it hard to track how decisions are made or how money is spent through public databases.

In April the Biden administration announced they were launching Project Next Gen, which is like the Trump-era COVID vaccine Warp Speed Operation. It has promised $5 billion to fund the development of the next iteration of vaccines through partnership with private-sector companies, monies freed up from prior coronavirus aid packages. Incredibly, it has left Long COVID out of the plan.

Indeed, this diverting of money back into the hands of the pharmaceuticals and selling it as the Biden administrations continued proactive response to the ongoing pandemic, while divesting all interest in preventing or curing Long COVID, is on par with every effort the administration has made to peddle the myth that the pandemic is really over. Long COVID is one of the central elements of the worst public health threat in a century, in a pandemic that is far from ended.
The recent crisis over the US debt limit has exposed the contradictions tearing apart the US state. Currently at stake is one of the Biden administrations flagship pieces of legislation, the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to shift the vast semiconductor supply chain back inside the US in preparation for war with China.

The CHIPS Act provides roughly $280 billion in funding to create a domestic manufacturing capability for semiconductors, a crucial component in nearly every facet of the economy. However, $170 billion of that funding requires yearly appropriation by Congress and is thus subject to the new spending limits agreed upon by the Democrats and Republicans.

This money is split between the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, and is intended to fund workforce development, STEM education, and research and development over the next three years. Already funded is $52 billion in direct subsidies to chip manufacturers in exchange for beginning work on US-based foundries.

Even before the theater surrounding the debt ceiling, Congress had already declined to provide the full funding authorized by the CHIPS Act. For the 2023 fiscal year the NSF received $9.87 billion out of a maximum $11.9 billion, and the DoE received $8.1 billion out of a maximum $8.9 billion. With the new spending limits agreed to by the Democrats and Republicans, this shortfall is likely only to grow in the coming years.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, right, speak to reporters after a bill designed to encourage more semiconductor companies to build chip plants in the United States passed the Senate, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 27, 2022. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]

While semiconductors are vitally important to the economy as a whole and the money authorized by the CHIPS Act is officially non-defense spending and thus subject to the new spending limits, the law is at its core a foreign policy measure aimed at China. The US ruling elite reacted with trade war measures to the CCPs Made in China 2025 program, which aims to make China a center for manufacturing semiconductors and most other advanced technology products.

The US is also concerned that the dominance of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, which produces the bulk of the most advanced chips, poses an obstacle to its efforts to provoke a war with China. Almost any open military conflict in or around Taiwan would end the production of semiconductors on the island, with massive ramifications for the global economy. Washington is hoping to induce TSMC to move much of its production to the US, so it has a freer hand in turning Taiwan into a battlefield.

However, subsidies and tax breaks alone cannot run a factory, especially one working at the extreme levels of precision necessary to produce modern semiconductors. Washington and the chip companies confront a massive shortage of skilled labor as they attempt to create new production facilities. The obstacles to training enough workers to staff the facilities being planned already cast doubt on the effectiveness of the CHIPS Act. The unwillingness of Congress to fully fund the act only makes this problem nearly insurmountable.

Some members of Congress have called for the CHIPS Act to be fully funded, but they do so from the perspective of economic nationalism. The New York Times cites comments from Democratic California Representative Ro Khanna, who said, To make America a manufacturing superpower, we have to have advances in technology. Technology has to be the driver of that because it requires massive increases in productivity. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-California) explicitly stated the act needed to be fully funded in order not to cede the future to China.

The support of the Democratic Party, along with anti-China hawks in the Republican Party, for the CHIPS Act is an expression of the two parties joint support for US militarism and trade war. Economic nationalism, which is shared by all sections of the capitalist class, is a key component of the preparation for military conflict with China.

Khanna, who was Bernie Sanders 2020 campaign co-chair and who has the support of the Democratic Socialists of America, shows that this right-wing nationalism is also a central plank of the American pseudo-left and the trade unions. The latter have been engaged by the Biden administration as its instruments to keep workers in line behind its economic and foreign policy agenda.

The inability of the US to fund its scientific aspirations, even in service of key national security imperatives, is deeply rooted in its economic decline. The initial development of semiconductors as well as related technologies like lasers owed much to the large amounts of money the US government was able to pour into scientific research in the aftermath of World War II.

The importance of nuclear weapons to war planning led to massive investments in engineering and technology as well as basic research. Money was poured into not just particle physics, with the hope of creating more powerful bombs, but into guidance and delivery systems, command and control networks, and computer modeling of many natural phenomena including the weather.

Workers at the Micron Technology automotive chip manufacturing plant February 11, 2022, in Manassas, Virginia. [AP Photo/Steve Helber]

This massive investment in science and technology had follow-on effects in the rest of society. Companies were eager to commercialize their research however they could, but it could not escape the broader dynamics of capitalist development. The economic crises of the 1970s led semiconductor manufacturing to move offshore in search of cheaper labor. The erosion of the vast economic trade and balance of payments surplus, its weakening global position, and the decline in funding for science and technology all played a part.

This new attitude toward science and research was epitomized by the 1993 cancellation of the Superconducting Super Collider, four years and $2 billion into construction. The SSC would have been a massive step forward in experimental particle physics, even compared to the Large Hadron Collider which came a decade later.

The cancellation came shortly after George H. W. Bush had promised that a so-called peace dividend resulting from the freeing up of vast sums that had previously been spent on military preparations against the Soviet Union would make such investments in science and infrastructure possible. Instead, the ensuing decade would see the dismantling of domestic programs, including spending on scientific research and education.

This decline has found its sharpest expression in the explosion of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments throughout the world spent years ignoring the warnings of scientists while cutting funding for medical research and letting stockpiles of medical equipment run dry. The ignorance championed by the ruling elite has found noxious expression in agitation against necessary public health measures and the anti-vax movement.

The further development of semiconductors and computing technology more generally is critical for the advancement of society, but it cannot be carried forward under the nationalist framework of capitalism without the impetus of massive geopolitical conflict and imperialist war. Long gone are the days where investments in military preparedness would trickle down and benefit the rest of society (at an unconscionable cost). The development of science and technology can only be advanced by an internationally united working class which puts it to use for the good of all of humanity and not for the defense of the national capitalist state and the obscene privileges of a wealthy few.
The Conservative government is intensifying its war on refugees and asylum seekers, with the announcement this week by Downing Street that two more barges will be leased for their detention.

In March the government announced plans to house 500 isolated and vulnerable male asylum seekers in a 47-year-old hotel barge, the Bibby Stockholm. Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks announcement Monday brings the potential detainees to at least 1,500. But this is only the start of a system of many such offshore prison camps with migrants stuffed into what have been described as a shoebox-sized space. The Guardian reported it is understood that the two vessels announced by Sunak are expected to be moored in Teesport, near Middlesbrough, and in docks near Liverpool. It added that sources have said that discussions over the acquisition of further barges and disused cruise ships so they can house asylum seekers in Tyneside, Essex, Suffolk and near City Airport were already taking place.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gives a press conference after visiting a Border Force cutter boat in the Dover Strait, June 5, 2023 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY 2.0

Once onboard the ships, migrants will only be allowed to leave at specific times and be provided only a few pounds a week to spend.

Two former military bases in Wethersfield, Essex, and Scampton, Lincolnshire will also take in migrants this summer, with the number of occupants rising to about 3,000 by the autumn, according to the Daily Mail.

The government chose Dover on the south coast as the location for Sunak to make his announcement. At the invitation of the pro-Tory Telegraph, he boarded HMC Seeker, one of the Border Force vessels tasked with stopping boats in the Channel.

Sunak spoke at Western Jet Foil, an asylum seeker processing centre in Dover, and behind a podium emblazoned with the slogan Stop the Boats, one of his five promises for 2023, made to satisfy the most rabidly anti-immigration of his parliamentary party and wider Tory constituency. Sunak declared in Dover that the introduction of the barges was really important to reduce the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, which is costing 6 million a day. He promised that the Bibby Stockholm barge would arrive to dock at Portland Port in Dorset in the next fortnight.

As well as clearing hotels being used by thousands of asylum seekers as a precursor to many being expelled from the country and never allowed to return, another sadistic plan has been devised to cut the number of hotel rooms being used in the immediate period ahead. The prime minister said, My basic point of view is if youve come here illegally and youre here because you fear persecution, death, torture, any of these things, in the place that youre coming from, then I think its entirely reasonable to ask you to share a room in a taxpayer-funded hotel room in central London. And by doing that, we think we will free up over 10,000 places over the next few months, which will save the taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds.

Sunak made his statement after around 40 asylum seekers were told last week to stay in a hotel in Pimlico, London, which they refused to enter after being asked to sleep four people per room. The refugees mounted a protest outside the hotel, with their sleeping bags and suitcases strewn across the pavement, holding signs reading, Help us, and This is a prison, not a hotel. The government refused to resolve the crisis, with Westminster Councils rough sleeping teams instead intervening to support the refugees.

Throwing more red meat to the Tory hyenas, Sunak boasted that arrests in places where migrants were employed illegally had doubled. He announced that measures put in place had reduced small boat crossings of the English Channel by refugees by almost a fifth this year, pledging, We will not rest until the boats are stopped and with grit and determination we will stop this.

Sunak announced that since signing an anti-immigration deal, 40 percent more small boats were being stopped by France than last year. Last year a third of crossings came from Albania, but since signing a deal with the Albanian government last December, Channel crossings by Albanians had fallen by 90 percent.

Sunak stated, The message is if you come here illegally you cant stay. You will be detained and removed to your own country or a safe country such as Rwanda.

Under the Illegal Migration Bill, a duty will be placed on ministers to remove refugees as soon as reasonably practicable to a third country. A deal has already been signed with the Rwanda government to facilitate the mass deportation to that poverty-stricken country where desperate refugees will be forced into hovels. Last October, Home Secretary Suella Braverman made a speech to the Torys annual conference declaring it her dream and obsession to see asylum seekers put on deportation flights to Rwanda.

Her predecessor Priti Patel began the Rwanda deportation policy, and went as far as to organise flights. But last-minute legal challenges stopped the plane on the runway last year. The government has been involved in legal challenges and talks with the European Union ever since to modify Rule 39 of the European Court of Human Rights Rules of Court, which were the basis for the UK having to halt the flights to Rwanda.

According to a Sun newspaper report Tuesday, The Home Office is secretly preparing for a controversial Rwanda deportation flight as soon as late September Hopes are growing in Government they will win in the Court of Appealand avoid a Supreme Court showdown on the small Channel boats deterrent scheme.

Ministers believe if judges throw out the appeal lodged by unions and human rights groups, it is unlikely that there will then be a legal justification for sending the case to the highest court in the land.

The Illegal Migration Bill, dubbed by Downing Street as the Stop the Boats Bill passed its readings in the House of Commons where the Tories have a working majority of over 60 seats, but is now being scrutinised in the House of Lords, where the government doesnt have an overall majority. The Telegraph noted that asked twice [by the newspaper] if he is prepared to use the Parliament Act to force through the Bill should the Lords vote it down, Mr Sunak indicated willingness to do just that.

The 1911 Parliament Act removed the power for the Lords to veto a bill proposed by the Commons. In the more than 90 years since the Act was legislated it only been used seven times.

Nothing announced by the government in its crackdown can ever be enough for the most right-wing sections of the political elite and their media echo chamber. Their ravings invariably provide the government with justifications to deepen their offensive against immigrants and asylum seekers. This was the case when Braverman engineered a rebellion by the most right-wing sections of the party in order to then proceed with toughening the already vicious Illegal Immigration Bill

Following Sunaks visit, Tory MP for Dover Natalie Elphicke, who was at the Jet Foil listening to Sunaks speech, said, The prime minister specifically commented about the impact of the small boats crossings on our area, referencing my meetings with him and other Ministers to highlight pressures on local services and our community Its good news that overall numbers of arrivals are down 20 percent so far this year, and Albanian numbers 90 percent down. However, its early days and too many boats are still making the dangerous crossing and it is costing too much.

Such is the acceptance of the media and the opposition Labour Party of the necessity to fight off what is regularly described by the Tories as an invasion of the UK that the only questioning Sunak faced from reporters in Dover was on where exactly the new offshore vessels would be moored. A reporter from ITV Meridian asked if the reduction in the number of crossings able to reach Britain was not due to government policies, but recent windy conditions in the Channel making small boat sailings more difficult.
The United Conservative Party (UCP), led by far-right ideologue Danielle Smith, secured a comfortable victory in last weeks Alberta election, winning 49 out of the 87 seats in the provincial legislature.

The election result was a damning indictment of the trade union-sponsored New Democrats right-wing, pro-corporate record, and of the unions role in suppressing the class struggle during the four years of UCP rule.

Smiths victory in no way expresses mass support for her partys Alberta First, COVID-denying, far-right program, which aims to eviscerate all regulatory restraints on capital. The UCP took 52 percent of the vote on a turnout of just 62 percent, meaning that the incoming Smith government secured the support of less than a third of the electorate. Her government will have the slimmest parliamentary majority of any Alberta government in history, controlling just 10 seats more than the NDP once the speaker is appointed.

The UCP's Danielle Smith (right) and NDP leader Rachel Notley at the Alberta leaders' debate, May 18, 2023. [Photo: CBC News]

Smith came to prominence as a right-wing media commentator and subsequently led the right-wing populist Wildrose Party. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she promoted anti-vaccine positions and COVID conspiracy theories associated with fascistic groups. She was an outspoken supporter of the far-right Freedom Convoy, which menacingly occupied downtown Ottawa for three weeks in early 2022 with the support of important sections of the ruling elite. The Convoy, whose initiators and leaders called for the replacement of Canadas elected government by an authoritarian junta, were used by corporate Canada as a battering-ram to overcome popular resistance to the elimination of all remaining anti-COVID protections. After becoming premier last October, Smith intervened in the justice system to press for the dropping of charges against participants in the Convoys illegal blockade of the Coutts border crossing between Alberta and the United States. This included weapons and conspiracy-to-murder charges laid by the RCMP against far-right Convoy supporters from whom they had seized a cache of weapons.

Underscoring the extent to which far-right politics and ties to fascists have become entirely acceptable within Canadian bourgeois politics, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and current Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre issued statements in the days before the Alberta vote urging the re-election of the Smith-led government.

NDP leader Rachel Notley, federal leader Jagmeet Singh, and other top officials in the party made much of the social democrats gains in Albertas May 29 election. The NDP picked up 15 seats in the legislature compared with their 2019 result, when Albertas first-ever NDP government went down to defeat after just one-term in office. At 44 percent, the NDPs share of the popular vote in 2023 was its highest ever, with votes polarized between the two main parties, which between them captured all but 3.4 percent of all votes cast.

However, in the face of the UCPs record in governmentausterity, public service privatization, a rollback in the minimum wage, attacks on the right-to-strike, and its ruinous profits before life pandemic responsethe NDPs election result was an abysmal failure. The partys gains came almost entirely in Edmonton and Calgary, where it won 34 seats to the UCPs 12. Outside Albertas major urban centres, the Conservatives won 90 percent of the seats.

The NDPs miserable showing is above all due to the fact that workers and young people do not consider it an alternative to the openly right-wing and even far-right forces who are now poised to dominate Alberta politics for the next four years. When Notley was Premier between 2015 and 2019, the NDP imposed public spending austerity and wage restraint. Notleys headline campaign pledge was a tiny increase in the taxation of large and medium-sized corporations to 11 percent, which was meant to ensure that Alberta retained the countrys lowest corporate tax rate.

Throughout the campaign, Notley focused her efforts on convincing big business that the NDP would better serve its interests than the unpredictable Smith, who spent much of the campaign trying to walk-back some of the more outrageousand candidof her far-right pronouncements, including her advocacy of for-profit health-care.

Notley and her NDP hailed the support they received from former Progressive Conservative government ministers, including former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk, Attorney-General Jim Foster, and Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths. In 2017, the PCs united with the far-right Wildrose to create the UCP. Summing up the close relationship between Albertas two main parties, no sooner was the outcome of the election apparent than Notley pledged her partys readiness to collaborate with the Smith government.

At the federal level, the NDP is associated with the Trudeau governments ruthless class-war agenda of waging imperialist war against Russia abroad and taking the axe to public spending at home. The Singh-led NDP has secured Trudeaus minority Liberals a parliamentary majority since 2019. Canadas social-democrats entered a formal parliamentary and governmental alliance with the Liberals in March 2022, under which they committed to prop up the government for the next three years.

The election campaign unfolded after four years in which working class opposition to the UCPs onslaught on public spending, slashing of public sector jobs, and privatization of services was suppressed by the trade unions. After the UCP tabled sweeping cuts in 2019 under former Premier Jason Kenney, including plans to lay off over 7,000 public sector workers and gut spending, Alberta Federation of Labour leaders blustered about the possibility of a general strike at a series of public meetings in December 2019.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted at the time, such rhetorical flourishes were nothing more than hot air aimed at containing the palpable anger among workers across the province over the destruction of their jobs, conditions, and public services. This assessment was confirmed by the unions response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They collaborated with the provinces powerful energy sector, other sections of big business, and the government to force workers back into unsafe workplaces. At meatpacking plants where massive COVID outbreaks had deadly consequences, union leaders arrogantly informed workers that they had no right under the collective bargaining system to strike or take other job action to oppose being exposed to a potentially fatal and debilitating virus.

Any mass protests that did break out against the UCP over the past four years did so in direct opposition to the union bureaucracy. In October 2020, health care workers across the province launched a wildcat strike to protest miserable pay and conditions. The unions dutifully submitted without a fight to a labour board ruling that criminalized the job action, clearing the way for Alberta Health Services to discipline the workers. After Kenney made Alberta a pandemic hotspot by abolishing all COVID public health measures in the summer of 2021, protests erupted under the leadership of doctors and other health care professionals, not the trade unions.

Across Canada, the unions were no less brutal in the enforcement of the ruling elites dictates. Opposition by workers to the deadly back-to-work campaign was strangled everywhere. Then, as the far-right Convoy occupied downtown Ottawa to demand the scrapping of all remaining pandemic restrictions, the unions sabotaged all mass working-class protests against the fascist mob. Just over a month later, the countrys senior-most union bureaucrats helped broker the confidence-and-supply deal between the Trudeau Liberal government and the federal New Democrats so as to ensure that the minority government would have political stability to wage war abroad and impose austerity at home through June 2025.

It is a measure of how far to the right official politics has moved that in the aftermath of the Convoy, UCP members deemed Kenney too moderate to continue as Alberta premier. A senior minister in Harpers hard-right Tory government notorious for his social conservatism and hostility to socialism, Kenney was unceremoniously ousted and replaced by the far-right Smith last fall.

The Alberta NDP is a close ally of the Trudeau Liberal government, although during the election campaign it joined with Smith in opposing any cap on Big Oil carbon emissions. The NDPs opposition to Smiths Alberta First regionalism is not from the standpoint of opposing the far-right and unifying workers in struggle regardless of their regional or ethnic origin, but from their desire to uphold the power and integrity of the Canadian ruling class federal state. The NDP has denounced the Alberta Sovereignty ActSmith-authored legislation that unconstitutionally claims the provincial government has the power to refuse to enforce any federal law it deems hurts Albertas interestsas bad for investment because it creates uncertainty and undermines the rule of law.

Sections of the ruling elite who fear a Smith-led UCP government will stoke regional tensions within the Canadian ruling class that could quickly spin out of control as the world capitalist crisis deepens threw their support behind the NDP in the May 29 election. This fear, together with the concern that Smith could serve as a lightning rod for popular opposition due to her explicitly far-right politics, helps to explain why the Globe and Mail, the mouthpiece of the Bay Street elite, declined to explicitly endorse the UCP. The more conservative National Post and Post Media network were less circumspect. They called for and warmly applauded the UCPs victory.
Smoke haze outside of the Mack Trucks facility on Wednesday [Photo: UAW Local 677 (Facebook)]

Workers can contact the Mack Workers Rank-and-File Committee by texting 717-739-9517 or emailing MackWRFC@gmail.com.

After multiple call-outs, Mack Trucks management in Macungie, Pennsylvania, was forced to shut down operations on Wednesday at its Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO). The company sent a mass text in the afternoon informing second shift workers that their shift had been canceled due to ongoing concerns about air quality stemming from the wildfires in Canada.

At around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region surrounding Allentown, the largest city in Pennsylvanias Lehigh Valley, stood at 451. This is far above 300, after which air conditions are considered to be hazardous, the highest danger level. Outdoor events, waste collection and city hall office hours were canceled throughout the day in the Allentown area.

The warehouse was full of smoke. I could taste it in my mouth and back of my nose and feel it in my lungs some, a Mack Trucks worker reported about the situation inside the plant in the morning. He added that it smells like a not-so-good campfire outside.

Its definitely not a good thing to be breathing the smoke, a second shift worker said. I believe they should shut down until the smoke clears. That way all the people with different conditions will not be affected directly.

In its message to the workforce, the company gave the impression that it was shutting down the facility out of concern for their health. Smoke from the wildfires in Canada is having a serious impact on our region, it said. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a widespread Code Red air quality alert which includes our area on Wednesday, June 7, meaning the air quality is unhealthy.

The claim that management was concerned about workers for safety reasons is a lie. Throughout the day leading up to the announcement, the companys representatives were asking everyone on the morning shift to work a double shift. Management then went back through a second time and asked how much overtime everyone would be willing to work. Only when they could not get workers to agree to stay did they cancel the second shift.

The last possible time for workers to call out was 2:15 p.m. Around 10 minutes after 2:15, workers began reporting that they had been told overtime was canceled, and second shift production would not be running. Only after 3:15 p.m., the scheduled start time for LVOs second shift, did the mass text go out, with Mack Trucks trying to save face and pretend it was acting with the well-being of the workers in mind.

Moreover, sequencing workers at the neighboring LVLC building were able to go home early on second shift, with no pay and no points, but inbound and outbound workers did not receive that same message immediately. If Mack was concerned solely about worker health, why wasnt LVLC shut down entirely?

The conditions inside LVLC during the day were extremely smoky, according to a worker at the facility. I cant believe they didnt do anything for us. Guys were saying their eyes were burning.

Workers at LVO expressed frustration knowing that their co-workers had been kept on the job. Its wrong, said a second shift worker at the LVO facility. Same with [LVLC] materials. It should all be one when it comes to workers getting time off.

Despite the fact that bad air quality is predicted to persist until Friday, first shift production at LVO is scheduled to resume Thursday morning. This is an outrage!

The Mack Workers Rank-and-File Committee (MWRFC) demands that production be shut down at Mack locations in the region and workers sent home with pay until conditions are deemed safe by rank-and-file workers and health experts.

While management has sought to project an image of paternal concern for its workers, it has forced workers to work without ventilation or other protection throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is despite the fact that several workers at Mack Trucks have caught the virus and died.

The United Auto Workers apparatus, for its part, instead of ensuring the safety of members, deferred to management to do the right thing throughout the crisis. It offered little resistance to the company and dutifully enforced its decisions, with company messages sent out with the UAW logo seal of approval.

The UAW is also overseeing continued production at other factories in the region where air quality is no better than in Lehigh Valley.

The Mack Workers RFC appeals to workers throughout the region and in all areas affected by the air quality crisis to form rank-and-file committees to demand that non-essential work be shut down until air quality is deemed safe.

Workers can contact the Mack Workers Rank-and-File Committee by texting 717-739-9517 or emailing MackWRFC@gmail.com.
The slanders against Roger Waters are pouring down like Niagara. The musician-activist has come under attack because of his opposition to the US-led war in Ukraine, his criticism of the Israeli governments treatment of the Palestinians and his staunchly anti-establishment political views as a whole. The ruling elites through their corrupt media outlets are attempting to destroy Waters and intimidate other artists, performers and intellectuals from speaking out. This is a desperate and systematic attack on freedom of speech and artistic expression.

The Biden administration weighed in on Tuesday. The US State Department asserted in an unsigned email that Waters had a long track record of using antisemitic tropes and that a recent concert in Germany contained imagery that is deeply offensive to Jewish people and minimized the Holocaust.

Standing ovation for Waters in Frankfurt, Germany

The email was a written follow-up to pointed questions posed Monday at a State Department briefing. A journalist asked a befuddled and unprepared State Department spokesman whether the Biden administration concurred with the incredible distortion involved in comments made about Waters by Deborah Lipstadt, the US special envoy to combat antisemitism.

Lipstadt, for her part, had expressed agreement with the remark of the European Commissions Katharina von Schnurbein, who claimed there was nothing more antisemitic than using Anne Frank as a prop on a German stage while prancing around in a Nazi uniform attacking Jews. Lipstadt ignorantly condemned Waters and his despicable Holocaust distortion.

Of course, as any honest personor anyone who cares to find outknows, Waters has been performing a version of his anti-authoritarian The Wall for 40 years, including a portion where he impersonates a fascistic type who attacks queers and reds and Jews and threatens to kill them all. The theatrical work is a ferocious, satirical attack on bigotry, racism, antisemitism and anticommunism.

In the effort to destroy Waters, however, no distortion or lie is too base or absurd.

The mud-slinging performs an important political function and needs to be examined and countered.

The US State Department, with all its vast resources and deadly power, has now given its official seal of approval to the claims of antisemitism against Waters. This a most serious warning. The example of Julian Assange should not be lost on anyone.

The hypocrisy stinks to high heaven. It is impossible here to go through the history of this executive agency and its friendly relations with military dictatorships, fascist and semi-fascist regimes, many of them officially associated with antisemitism or racism, including that of Franco in Spain and Salazar in Portugal, apartheid South Africa, white terror governments in Taiwan and South Korea, innumerable homicidal regimes in South and Central Americathe list is too extensive.

Simply focusing on the present, the Biden administration is financing and directing a war against Russia in alliance with the fascist-infested Ukrainian state and military. It is not even entirely appropriate to speak of neo-Nazisin many cases, these are people who see an unbroken line of continuity between themselves and the Nazi accomplices of Stepan Banderas Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and its ilk.

Lipstadt earned respect and fame by opposing Holocaust deniers such as David Irving, defeating his libel suit in an English court in 2000. Moreover, Lipstadt condemned German historian and Hitler apologist Ernst Nolte, who first attempted to rehabilitate Nazism during the 1980s, claiming that its historic crimes were an understandable response to the barbarism of Bolshevism in the USSR.

But today Lipstadt is a wholehearted supporter of the US-NATO war against Russia.

Her evolution exemplifies the foul betrayal by an entire social layer of their previous scholarship and principles. They are all engaged in the trivialization and legitimization of the fascists who perpetrated the Holocaust.

Lipstadt finds herself in alliance with figures defending the Ukraine war, which Waters opposes, who use Noltes arguments, couched a little more carefully. For example, Paul Krugman of the New York Times, who, as the WSWS put it yesterday, now argues that anything that the OUN did in World War II was the entirely understandable response of Ukrainian freedom fighters to Soviet oppression. Krugman resurrects the historical falsifications of the right-wing apologists of German Nazism.

Logic flies out the window, because as Leon Trotsky argued, when people seek long, especially if they are armed with power, they find something in the end.  When it comes to a threat against their material interests, the educated classes set in motion all the prejudices and confusion which humanity is dragging in its wagon-train behind it.

Roger Waters has become the victim of a media lynching because his hostility to the powers that be resonates with millions of people, especially young people. He is one of the few of his generation who has not betrayed, in the words of American Trotskyist leader James P. Cannon, the artists sacred duty to hold the mirror up to life and reflect it truly.

Waters refers in a recent video statement to the scum who are trying to get his upcoming concerts in Britain banned. Its insane, Waters explains. If we shout the lie loud enough, Roger Waters is an antisemite, well be all right. Well get people to believe it. Vilify him destroy him.  Repeat your lie, it remains a vicious lie. The musician acknowledges, however, that Im really upset  beyond all measure by the smears, which are deeply, deeply insulting.

He notes that the attacks, not just from a personal perspective, are an outrage. It denies everything that British society claims to be about, democracy, fair play. He bristles, as well he should, at the idea that I should not be allowed to speak.

The famed musician describes how he refers in all his concerts to victims of oppression in the given locality. Thus, in America, he pointed to victims of police murder like George Floyd. In Germany, he paid tribute to Anne Frank, young victim of the Nazis, along with Sophie and Hans Scholl, guillotined in 1943 by the Hitler regime for their anti-fascist activity.

As we noted in July 2022, during the North American leg of Waters current tour, the vast majority of the performers of his age lost their anger decades ago. They made their social and artistic peace with society. They have to continue performing their original material because they have nothing new and important to say. Worst of all, they may even have a Kennedy Center Honor, that wide rainbow-colored ribbon of shame, hung around their necks by US presidents whose hands are drenched with blood.

Waters remains a living, working, thinking artist. He is still engaged, still pressing forward. His work is a response of a serious artist to the conditions of his time.

The slander campaign against a single musician reflects the intense nervousness of the US government and its allies. The ruling class is terrified that anti-war views may catch on, become contagious. Waters concert tour has been attended by hundreds of thousands of people and his condemnations of the present system and its crimes received with standing ovations, including in Germany where the authorities unsuccessfully sought to shut down his concerts.

Waters has millions of followers. What if other artists and intellectuals follow suit? The establishment feels the ground crumbling beneath its feet. Of course, it lashes out, tries to trample whatever is progressive in society in blood and filth.

The official narrative is already being questioned and opposed by masses of working people all over the world. Support for the war is concentrated in a small upper-middle class social layer, whose rabid hatred of Russia is historically rooted in Cold War anti-communism. Despite the restoration of capitalism, Russia will not be forgiven for its historical association with the October Revolution, Bolshevism and socialism.

Political slander of this sort ultimately undermines and undoes the slanderer. It is a double-edged sword. Workers and young people will begin to ask themselves: What does it mean that the claims about Waters come from the same sources that are most hostile and hateful to us? Governments that preside over poverty and social inequality, that allow a pandemic to kill millions, that pursue endless wars, that threaten to destroy every democratic right. A media that denounces workers as lazy, the youth as irresponsible, strikers as dangerous to the economy, the poor as responsible for their own misery.

Waters is a courageous, principled opponent of imperialist war and oppression. It is the job of the working class, and only the working class can do this, to adopt him as its ally and defend him.
DHAKA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government and the World Bank signed two financing deals totaling 858 million U.S. dollars on Wednesday to enhance climate-resilient agricultural growth, food security, and road safety improvement.

The agreements were signed by Sharifa Khan, the secretary of Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division, and Abdoulaye Seck, the World Bank country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

One agreement concerns a program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience that will help transform Bangladesh's agriculture sector by promoting crop diversification, food safety and climate resilience, the world bank said in a statement.

It said the program will support sustainable and nutritious food production through greater efficiency in input use, good agriculture practices, and the promotion of stress-tolerant and nutrient-dense varieties.

The Washington-based lender said the other agreement on Road Safety Project, the first dedicated road safety project in South Asia supported by the World Bank, will help the country improve road safety in selected high-risk highways and district roads. 
This statement was distributed by members of the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES-Socialist Equality Party) at demonstrations in Paris, Marseille and Amiens on June 6 on the 14th day of action against French President Macrons pension cut.

Today, workers and young people across France will march against Emmanuel Macrons illegitimate pension reform. The desperate attempt by the union bureaucracies to move on from the struggle against Macron and against the capitalist state, by suspending the mobilizations between May 1 and June 6, has not succeeded. Despite this delay of several weeks between the days of action, the fight against Macron continues.

Protesters march during a rally in Bayonne, southwestern France, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Bob Edme]

A wave of strikes is shaking not only France but all of Europe. Workers in Italy are demonstrating against Melonis far-right government and its austerity and war policies, and strikes are rocking the UK, Portugal, Belgium and Germany. In France, the workers of Vertbaudet, Disney, transport, and at the Post Office carried out strikes against the social cuts and for better wages.

However, after a truce with Macron imposed by the union bureaucracies, the questions of political perspective and organization are urgently facing the workers. To lead the fight against Macron, the banks and their policy of wage austerity, workers must organize independently of the bureaucracies which demobilize the movement, and fight to bring down Macron through a general strike.

As a Ukrainian offensive causes thousands of deaths and injuries in a fratricidal war between Russians and Ukrainians armed by NATO, the French National Assembly has voted the Military Programming Law (LPM). It increases the military budget by 40 percent, from 297 billion to 413 billion between 2024 and 2030. It spends billions on cyber warfare, nuclear weapons and ammunition stockpiles in order to build the economy of European war wanted by Macron.

The LPM is an illegitimate law: its funding is based on the pension reform forcefully imposed by the ruling elite on the French people, the overwhelming majority of whom are hostile to the reform. The LPM refutes the argument that this reform, which cuts pensions by 13 billion per year, was essential to save the financing of the pension system. In reality, there is more than enough money for pensions, but Macron and the ruling elite want to spend it on war.

To stop Macrons pension reform and looting of workers, the NATO-Russia war in Ukraine must be opposed. It threatens to trigger a third world war, which would end in a generalized use of nuclear weapons that would destroy humanity. The working class in France and internationally is the decisive force that must be mobilized to stop this war and the social attacks it rains down on the masses.

Two-thirds of French people want to block the economy with a general strike in order to stop the pension reform. This would also act to block the financing of the militarist offensive by France and NATO. But it is impossible to mobilize the enormous force of workers in such a struggle without throwing off the shackles that the union bureaucracy and its pseudo-left political allies impose on workers struggles.

For this, workers must break free from the diktat of the union bureaucrats bankrupt negotiations with Macron, create their own grassroots organizations of struggle, and turn to their class brothers and sisters internationally who are also fighting against austerity and militarized police states.

The union bureaucracies and the pseudo-left did not seek to mobilize the workers against the LPM. They remain silent on the link between pension reform and the war. Financially dependent on the state, these bureaucracies are run by representatives of the wealthy middle classes hostile to a working class struggle for power.

The Parti de legalite socialiste has warned workers that the fight against austerity and the looming world war requires bringing down Macron through a general strike. It explained that the struggle against reform was a struggle between the working class and the capitalist state, which has plunged France and Europe into an objectively revolutionary situation. Workers must form action committees capable of waging a struggle to bring down Macron and prepare for a struggle for power.

This warning contrasted not only with the CGT or CFDT union bureaucracies that are now negotiating with Macron, but also with the pseudo-left parties that defend these bureaucracies and support, openly or by their inaction, the NATO war in Ukraine.

During March-April, when millions of workers took to the streets facing Article 49.3 and wanted a general strike that would have brought down Macron, the union bureaucracies called for mediation. Thus, they tried to preserve the reign of a president who governs against the people. They then suspended strike days for several weeks, resuming their routine of social dialogue, which imposes the destruction of social gains and layoffs.

The Unsubmissive France of Jean-Luc Melenchon is doing everything to strangle the workers by a prospect of alliance with the bourgeoisie, putting forward illusions that the right-wing parliamentary group LIOT will lead a victorious struggle to repeal the pension reform in the Assembly. The Morenoite Permanent Revolution group, formerly a fraction of the pro-war New Anti-Capitalist Party, claimed that the situation was not revolutionary. They insisted that the French must first experiment with bourgeois democracy, that is, with the police state.

Likewise, these organizations have not waged any struggle against the NATO war against Russia, waged in conjunction with neo-Nazi organizations in Ukraine and which threatens to set Europe ablaze. Thus they made themselves accomplices of Macrons militarist and austerity campaign, through their support for the existing order.

The Socialist Equality Party (PES) has explained that the only way out for workers is to build an international mobilization against austerity and against imperialist war. It calls for the formation of independent action committees and building the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), to equip workers with organizations capable of foiling attempts at political sabotage by the pro-Macron bureaucracies. Workers in favor of this perspective should give their support to the PES, the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International.
On Sunday, residents in the Washington, D.C. region were alerted by a loud sonic boom overhead as military jets sped to intercept a private aircraft flying over the nations capital. The jet, a Cessna Citation carrying several passengers, later crashed in the Northern Virginia wilderness as it ran out of fuel at around 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

The plane was registered to Florida businessman John Rumpel and had reportedly been carrying members of his family, including his adopted daughter Adina Azarian, 2-year-old granddaughter Aria, and their live-in nanny when it went down. The pilot was identified as Jeff Hefner, a retired Southwest Airlines pilot who had been flying planes for Rumpel on and off for five years, reports the Washington Post.

The Cessna had gone out of radio contact as it departed from an airport in Elizabethton, Tennessee on the way to an airstrip in New York State. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials state all passengers died under unknown circumstances.

According to press reports the plane made a U-turn after reaching New York and flew back to the southwest, passing directly over the District of Columbia, where it was intercepted by the military. The Post cites former Federal Aviation Administration officials who state flight-tracking data suggests that long before the plane reached New York, the pilot was not in control.

The aircraft was intercepted by six F-16 fighter jets from air bases nearby. The sonic boom they created could be heard from Springfield, Va., to Bowie, Md. as the jets broke the sound barrier to quickly intercept the aircraft and determine if the situation represented a threat.

F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conduct aerial operations in the US Air Forces Central area of responsibility May 8, 2022. [Photo: US Department of Defense/Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Plew]

On Monday, the Post cited two people familiar with the investigation being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the crash who said that the responding fighter pilots had seen the Cessna pilot sitting in the left seat and slumped toward the right, a sign that the cabin had lost air pressure mid flight, resulting in those on board losing consciousness.

After determining that the private jet was not a threat, the fighter jets flew alongside it in order to assure that it did not do any harm to the region. The NTSB plans to survey the crash site and could release a report in several months. According to Adam Gerhardt, lead NTSB investigator, the wreckage is highly fragmented and will take days to locate and survey.

In addition to the cause of the crash, there are differing explanations of how the plane could have performed a 180-degree turn in midair after reaching Long Island MacArthur Airport, its destination in New York, without the pilot being conscious.

NPR cites Michael J. McCormick, a former Federal Aviation Administration official, who believes the plane must have been programmed in the autopilot flight control system for the next leg of flight to be from New York back to Tennessee or down to the southwest.

This claim is contradicted by Hassan Shahidi, president of the Flight Safety Foundation. Shahidi told the Post, Its very unclear why it made this maneuver so close to its intended destination The aircraft, especially the Cessna airplane has to be directed by the pilot to take a certain flight path and altitude.

It is possible that an autopilot system may have lined the plane up for landing in New York only to return south again after failing to receive input from the pilot. This and other questions will be the focus of the NTSBs investigation.

There is no denying the devastating personal loss the event represents for those involved. According to statements provided by Rumpel to the Post, he has lost his entire family in the incident. However, the official response to the aircraft raises many questions.

There was apparent panic in the area where the sonic boom could be heard, an expression of the public anxiety in a population that includes tens of thousands of families connected to the national security apparatus. The story was greatly amplified by the national broadcast media, with the television networks making it their top story on the Sunday evening news. The Posts front page led with the story Monday morning. The publication reported that the sonic boom startled residents across the District, Maryland and Virginia around 3:10 p.m and left people searching for the source of the sound.

An editorial in the Post Tuesday assures readers, Sundays sonic boom was the sound of a system thats working. The editorial gives a window into the sort of thinking within official Washington, home to dozens of branches and agencies of the federal government and military, which are currently preoccupied with the conduct of a war against nuclear-armed Russia while preparing for an even larger conflict with nuclear-armed China.

The editorial states, This was a rare boom that counted as good newsevidence of the militarys 24/7 readiness to defend against the kind of attack from the sky that hit the Pentagon and World Trade Center two decades ago, a reference to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It states this is especially welcome after the Chinese spy balloon debacle earlier this year highlighted vulnerabilities and gaps in the air defense system with regard to high-altitude surveillance.

There was a devastating loss of life on 9/11 when several commercial airliners were hijacked and aimed directly at high visibility targets, the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon, killing more than 3,000. Despite the targeting of the headquarters of the US military, fighter jets were not called in at the time to respond.

In contrast, the off-course Cessna provoked the arrival of six fully-equipped fighter jets within minutes. This occurred despite the fact that the private plane was flying at an altitude not deemed a direct threat to the capital, reports NPR. According to McCormick, the former FAA official interviewed, If the aircraft had sped up and started to descend toward Washington, then it would actually change that calculus given the many sensitive potential targets in the D.C. region.
An aerial view shows New York City in a haze-filled sky from the Empire State Building observatory, Wednesday, June. 7, 2023, in New York. [AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura]

More than 115 million people across the eastern United States and Canada were under extreme air quality warnings Wednesday as choking smoke from massive wildfires burning in northern Quebec made its way as far south as Texas and Florida.

Extremely dry conditions and record-breaking heat driven by capitalist-induced climate change have resulted in the eruption of massive wildfires across Canada since early May. This has now developed into a public health crisis on an enormous scale.

The fires in Quebec have forced more than 11,400 people to flee their homes, with entire communities evacuated, including all 7,500 residents of Chibougamau. Over 460,000 hectares have already burned, breaking a more than 30-year-old fire season record, with many weeks yet to go.

The areas most impacted by the smoke include Canadas main population centers of Montreal in Quebec and Ottawa and Toronto in southern Ontario, upstate New York and New York City, as well as Philadelphia in eastern Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh in the west.

In New York City, the center of Wall Street and world finance capital, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared well above 400, giving it the worst air quality of any major city in the world and the highest level since 1999, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began recording measurements.

A hazardous air quality warning, the highest possible warning, was issued for Central New York and Eastern Pennsylvania from Syracuse to Allentown, with the AQI exceeding 400 Wednesday afternoon. All the major urban centers of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut reported extreme AQIs above 150, which the federal government deems unhealthy.

Photos and videos showed the skyline of Manhattan obscured by heavy smoke and the sky tinted deep orange. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for flights into LaGuardia International Airport and slowed flights into Newark Liberty International Airport due to significantly reduced visibility. A Code Red Air Quality Action was issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the entire state Wednesday.

The inhalation of fine particulate smoke from wildfires can trigger asthma attacks and heart attacks and contributes to longer-term health issues, including lung cancer. It can also exacerbate conditions for those who recently suffered pneumonia or myocarditis, common conditions for those infected by COVID-19. Poor air quality is responsible for over six million fatalities per year globally, making it among the leading causes of death.

Health experts have made urgent warnings about avoiding any work and exercise outside, and that those who have to go out should, at a minimum, wear N95 respirators.

Despite the nature of the threat, however, no recommendations have come from the federal, state or provincial governments that people wear N95 masks when outside in the smoke-affected regions. In New York City and across the affected region, children were still sent to school, even as buildings filled up with smoke. And even though the immediate impact of toxic smoke on those who work in agriculture, landscaping, construction and in factories is well known, there were no stay-at-home orders issued.

The WSWS received reports from workers Tuesday night and Wednesday at the Mack Trucks plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania, just outside Allentown, that workers were passing out on the line and suffering from nausea and headaches due to the smoke, but production continued. Under conditions of terrible air quality and heat, no efforts were made to ventilate the plant or provide workers with high quality masks. The second shift was finally canceled Wednesday as conditions continued to deteriorate and workers called out sick.

In New York City, workers at a Trader Joes walked out over unsafe conditions, declaring that the air was so bad that they had trouble breathing.

These horrors were repeated in countless workplaces across the affected regions of the US and Canada, with tens of millions forced to labor in unsafe and potentially deadly conditions.

As with every weather disaster or public health crisis, the capitalist ruling elites and their political representatives are totally indifferent to the suffering of the population. Their only concern is to keep production going and maintain profits in the face of mass suffering and death.

The apparatus of the trade unions, predictably, have done nothing to safeguard workers lives. The union bureaucracy has kept workers on the job throughout the affected region, with production halted only when workers took action themselves.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 20 million people globally and more than one million in the United States alone, has further inured the bourgeoisie to the misery they inflict on the working class. The dropping of all pretense to even mitigate the spread of COVID-19, allowing the virus to evolve into new and potentially more dangerous variants, signals the abandonment of the most basic principles of public health. Whether in response to the emergence of a new pandemic, or to what is in effect the mass poisoning of millions of people from smoke inhalation, the ruling class is determined that nothing will be done.

The widespread air pollution across Canada and the US is a graphic demonstration of the impacts of the deepening climate crisis, which scientists have repeatedly warned is fueling worse droughts, floods, wildfires, hurricanes and other devastating weather events. The consequences of unchecked global warming are not in the future, they are already happening and being borne by workers around the world.

Last year saw the worst flooding in Pakistans history, inundating one third of the country in water, killing more than 1,700 people and leaving over 2 million homeless. Australia witnessed one of its worst ever bushfire seasons in 2019-20, in which thousands of homes were destroyed and 34 people directly killed. An estimated 445 people died as the result of smoke inhalation. Meanwhile, extreme heat records have been repeatedly broken around the world, from China and India to the Arctic, which is one of the fastest warming regions of the planet. Last year was the fifth warmest on record globally and the last nine years were all in the top ten.

The poisoning of millions in the US has produced shock and concern among workers globally. In contrast to the indifference of the ruling elites, workers want to fight to defend their health and their lives. This requires the development of organizations, rank-and-file committees, comprised and controlled by the workers to enforce safe working conditions.

And it requires the development of a political movement directed at the ruling class and the capitalist system. While endless resources are devoted to war, social infrastructure is decimated and public health neglected.

Immediate global action is required to combat climate change and its most devastating effects, which have no national solution. Only an international movement of the working class, without regard for national boundaries or linguistic or ethnic divisions, and guided by the latest scientific knowledge, will be able to stop and ultimately reverse global warming. This will require the socialist transformation of society to sweep away the capitalist financial oligarchy who are destroying the planet for their own private interests and to place power in the hands of the international working class.
A soldier with the US Armys 2nd Cavalry Regiment cleans his rifle following a day of combat drills during Exercise Griffin Shock in Bemowo Piskie, Poland. [Photo: NATO]

On Wednesday, the Guardian published an article in which former NATO Secretary-General Anders Rasmussen raised the prospect that NATO members would deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine.

The Guardian described his words as a striking suggestion that some states may regard the stakes as momentous enough to use their own troops in the conflict.

Rasmussen was speaking ahead of next months NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, where it is expected that NATO will move to adopt some sort of formal military alliance with Ukraine, including potential moves toward NATO membership.

If Ukrainea country currently at war with Russiawere given formal military guarantees, it would effectively mean that the NATO alliance was formally at war with Russia.

Rasmussen said that if such formal military ties were not established, individual NATO member states would individually expand their own involvement in the war. He said:

If NATO cannot agree on a clear path forward for Ukraine, there is a clear possibility that some countries individually might take action. We know that Poland is very engaged in providing concrete assistance to Ukraine. And I wouldnt exclude the possibility that Poland would engage even stronger in this context on a national basis and be followed by the Baltic states, maybe including the possibility of troops on the ground.

He continued:

I think the Poles would seriously consider going in and assemble a coalition of the willing if Ukraine doesnt get anything in Vilnius. We shouldnt underestimate the Polish feelings, the Poles feel that for too long Western Europe did not listen to their warnings against the true Russian mentality.

In what can only be read as an endorsement of this possibility, the Guardian paraphrased Rasmussen as saying it would be entirely legal for Ukraine to seek such military assistance.

Rasmussen added, Ive spoken with several eastern European leaders, and there is a group of hardcore, eastern central European allies that want at least a clear path for Ukraine towards NATO membership.

Earlier this week NATO foreign ministers met in Oslo, Norway to discuss formalizing their alliance with Ukraine. At the press conference following the conclusion of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declared, Our focus today was on how we can bring Ukraine closer to NATO, where it belongs.

He continued, All Allies agree that NATOs door remains open. ... Allies agree that Ukraine will become a member of NATO.

Stoltenberg made clear that formalizing NATOs alliance structure with Ukraine will be a major focus of the summit.

Possibly responding to Rasmussens remarks, US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith, told the Guardian: We are looking at an array of options to signal that Ukraine is advancing in its relationship with Nato.

These statements come as NATO is carrying out a massive series of military exercises near the Russian border.

Next week, it will launch the largest aerial war games in its history with the Air Defender 23 exercise, in which NATO will fight a simulated war with Russia.

The exercises will involve 250 aircraft, including F-35 fighters and B1 bombers, together with 10,000 troops.

The exercises will take place from the United States to the Baltics and the Black Sea, with Germany playing a leading role.

German Gen. Ingo Gerhartz told the Wall Street Journal, Germany needs to take much more responsibility and sometimes take the lead among the NATO nations here in Europe  and we prove that we are capable of that in this exercise.

The presentation of the war games in the Wall Street Journal is chilling:

The Air Defender exercise will practice the mass deployment of troops and hardware from the U.S. to Europe in response to various scenarios involving Russian attacks on NATO members. The baseline scenario involves the enemy capturing the German port of Rostock in an attack that would trigger NATOs common defense clause, known as Article 5. The response will include recapturing the port and other infrastructure, as well as defending cities and moving into offensive action. Parts of Germanys airspace will be closed for civilian flights for short intervals. The exercise will also extend into NATOs eastern flank in the skies over countries such as Lithuania and Romania, as well as Poland and the Czech Republic. The joint air forces will also practice filling a gap in European security caused by a lack of aerial defense. It will simulate Russian missile and drone attacks and deploy jet fighters to fend them off.

The escalations come amid a deepening humanitarian crisis caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which has caused widespread flooding throughout southern Ukraine and worsened an already disastrous humanitarian situation.

Although it is unclear who was responsible for the attack, last year, Ukrainian troops fired on the dam in an attempt to raise water levels downstream, and the military leadership had publicly contemplated destroying it altogether.

In an article published last year profiling Ukraines offensive in the Kherson region, the Washington Post reported that Maj. Gen. Andriy Kovalchuk, the leader of Ukraines Kherson counteroffensive, considered flooding the river.

The Washington Post continued:

The Ukrainians, he said, even conducted a test strike with a HIMARS launcher on one of the floodgates at the Nova Kakhovka dam, making three holes in the metal to see if the Dniepers water could be raised enough to stymie Russian crossings but not flood nearby villages. The test was a success, Kovalchuk said, but the step remained a last resort. He held off.

On Tuesday, the Post published an article claiming that Ukraine was responsible for the destruction of the Nordstream pipelines in the Baltic Sea on September 26, 2022, and alleging that the United States had advance knowledge of the attack and did nothing to stop it.

Whether as the Post claims, Ukraine carried out the Nordstream bombing with US support, or, as claimed by veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, the United States carried out the attacks directly, it is clear that the United States was involved in the planning of a terrorist attack on its NATO ally, Germany.

It also shows to be completely false the declaration by Secretary of State Antony Blinken that I really have nothing to say to the absurd allegation from President Putin that we or other partners or allies are somehow responsible for the Nordstream bombing.
Under the guise of addressing climate change, US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a deal last month aimed at undermining Chinas domination of the global production of critical minerals. The agreement, known misleadingly as the Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact, is above all to ensure the US has access to key minerals vital for a broad range of applications, including military, as Washington intensifies its war drive against Beijing.

President Joe Biden, right, with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after signing agreement on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, Saturday, May 20, 2023. [AP Photo]

The document focusses exclusively on the climate crisis. The Compact, it declares, is a framework which is designed to advance ambitious climate and clean energy action this decade [and] to support the expansion and diversification of responsible clean energy and critical minerals supply chains.

Critical minerals that include lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, magnesium, manganese and rare earths are certainly essential to the burgeoning markets in technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles being implemented to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The current availability of these minerals is not in question. However, what Washington is determined to end is Chinas virtual monopoly, in many cases, of their production.

The US is certainly committed to ensuring that it is able to out-compete China in clean energy technologies and develop alternative supplies of solar panels and battery storage. But the chief motivation for the US pressing for the accelerated mining and production of critical minerals in Australia is strategic. In the event of war with China, it is critical for the US military and arms industry to have reliable access to supplies.

For more than a decade, the US, under Obama, Trump and now Biden, has been engaged in an intensifying confrontation with China on all frontsdiplomatic, economic and military. Biden has maintained and extended the economic sanctions and tariffs imposed by Trump as well as the US military build-up throughout the Indo-Pacific. He has deepened quasi-military pacts directed against China such as AUKUS with Australia and Britain, and the Quad with Australia, Japan and India.

As the timeframe for war has shortened, so the discussion in US strategic circles and the Pentagon on securing supply chains has become more urgent. It is no accident that the Compact establishes a US taskforce on critical minerals led by the US National Security Council, rather than agencies concerned with the economy or environment, in conjunction with Australias Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Moreover, Biden has undertaken to ask the US Congress to designate Australia as a domestic source. Under Americas Defence Production Act that would reduce any obstacles not only to acquiring Australian critical minerals but to the US funding mining and production in Australia. In other words, critical mineral production in Australia is to be boosted and directly linked into the Pentagons war planning. Canada, with its huge mineral reserves, already has that status.

The military significance of the Compact is underscored by the comments of analysts cited by Australias Saturday Paper in its May 27 article Pentagon to secure Australian minerals in green dealvirtually the only article to examine the implications of the agreement.

The US Council on Foreign Relations recently noted that Chinese companies own or finance many of the mines around the world and dominate the refining of critical minerals, including 65 percent of cobalt refining, nearly 60 percent of lithium refining, and as much as 95 percent of manganese refining.

Tim Buckley, resources analyst and director of Climate Energy Finance, told the Saturday Paper:

China is not just the worlds No. 1 in rare earths processing. In some cases there is no one else. You cannot run an Abrams tank, you cant run the air force, you cant do your satellites, you cant do your semiconductor chips without rare earths.

Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia is to acquire Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarines from the United Stateslong-range submarines that can operate for lengthy times in waters close to the Chinese mainland. As James Bowen, policy fellow at the Perth USAsia Centre, told the newspaper, about four tonnes of rare earths are required to build a Virginia class submarine.

The Defence Production Act, Bowen explained, would enable the Pentagon to finance key areas that are considered critical to US national security to basically have the US Defense Department fund mines and probably processing in Australia as well.

In signing the Compact, Biden and Albanese declared cooperation on critical minerals to be the third pillar of the alliance, alongside our defence and economic cooperation. In other words, while nominally to address the climate crisis, the real purpose of the agreement is seen in strategic terms, as a fundamental component of the US-Australia military alliance.

The vast Australian continent has large quantities of critical minerals, including 29 percent of the worlds lithium reserves, 23 percent of nickel, and 20 percent of cobalt as well as 11 percent of copper and manganese. It also has abundant reserves of rare earths. At present, Australia accounts for more than half of the worlds production of lithium, but the vast bulk is exported to China.

However, the restructuring of Australias critical minerals industry is already underwayto expand domestic production and to limit or even block Chinese investment. Last November, Treasurer Jim Chalmers signalled greater scrutiny of foreign investment in critical minerals projects on the grounds of national security. In February, he blocked a proposal by the Singapore-registered Yuxiao Fund, owned by a Chinese national, to nearly double its shareholding in rare-earths miner Northern Minerals.

The Compact signed by Biden and Albanese is part of the Biden administrations broader strategy to de-couple, de-link or de-risk its economic relations with China. Last year, the US signed an agreement with a long list of allies in Europe and Asia for a Minerals Security Partnership to bolster robust, responsible critical mineral supply chains to support economic prosperity and climate objectives.

The latest agreement with Australia and the speed of its envisaged implementation is another warning of the accelerating US drive to war with China. As it states, an action plan will be developed by the end of 2023 and both countries are determined to, within 12 months, identify concrete actions toward the objectives laid out in this Compact.

Australian imperialism is already tied into US war plans and preparations through the close collaboration of their militaries, including large-scale joint war games and the expanding use of Australian military bases by US warships, warplanes and Marines. Politically, the Australian Labor government is functioning as Washingtons point man in the region, cajoling and bullying governments to line up with the US.

The Compact makes clear that vital aspects of the Australian economy will be integrated into Washingtons war economy as it hurtles towards a catastrophic conflict with China in a desperate bid to maintain its global dominion.
This past weekend in Austin, the Republican-dominated state Senate passed two bills that would allow the state to invalidate election results in Harris County, home to Houston, the fourth largest city in the country, and the largest county in Texas.



The vote in the state senate took place at the same time as Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on charges of corruption and abuse of power.



If any complaints were made about how an election was conducted, which almost certainly would happen, under one of the bills, SB 1933, the Texas secretary of state, appointed by the Governor, would have the authority to order administrative oversight of the county elections office. The other bill, SB 1750, would eliminate the position of Elections Administrator. SB 1933 would only apply to counties with a population over four million, while SB 1750 would only apply to counties with a population over 3.5 million. Harris County is the only county in the state with that large of a population.

The bills are now headed to Republican Governor Greg Abbott to sign into law.

In an obvious understatement, County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the countys chief executive, tweeted, They remove Harris Countys nonpartisan Election Administrator and empower a Republican state official to micromanage elections in Texas largest (Democratic) County. This is a shameless power grab and dangerous precedent. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee called the bills clearly unconstitutional and said the county would take the state to court to decide the bills.

Harris County is a Democratic stronghold in a state controlled by the Republican Party. Joe Biden won the nearly 56% of the county vote in the 2020 election, to Trumps 43%. In the 2022 gubernatorial election, incumbent Abbott won nearly 55% of the statewide vote to Beto ORourkes 44%, but ORourke won Harris County with 54% of the vote.

The bills were written by Republican state senator Paul Bettencourt of Houston. Bettencourt represents District 7, which includes part of Harris County and Montgomery County, a county with suburban and rural areas. Montgomery County went for Trump in 2020, with 71% of the vote going to him. Bettencourt holds the seat formerly occupied by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a powerful Republican.

Following the primary elections in Harris County in March 2022, in which the final tally was delayed by days due to problems counting absentee ballots, county election administrator Isabel Longoria resigned her position. The position of election administrator was created in July 2020 by the Harris County Elections Commission, controlled by the Democrats. Previously, voter registration was the responsibility of the county tax assessorcollector, a position previously held by Bettencourtwhile election management was the responsibility of the county clerk.

The vote within Harris County was ultimately counted, and there were no indications that the counts were incorrect. The problems with the 2022 vote count are simply an excuse for the Republicans to exert control over a heavily working-class area.

A man wears a mask while voting, Monday, June 29, 2020, in Houston. [AP Photo/David J. Phillip]

Harris County has a population of over 4.7 million people, over 15% of the 30 million people within Texas. While the rural and suburban parts of the state heavily support Republican candidates, the large cities, which in addition to Houston include Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso, tend to support Democratic candidates.

This was not the first move that Texas Republicans have made against local Democratic officials. In response to efforts by Hidalgo to curb the impact of COVID-19 by ordering the wearing of masks and the closing of bars and restaurants, Abbott issued executive orders countermanding the authority of local officials.
KAMPONG CHHNANG, Cambodia, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Labor Minister Ith Samheng said here on Thursday that some 1.3 million Cambodians have been working abroad, sending some 2.7 billion U.S. dollars in remittance back to their families in 2022.

The minister disclosed the figures during a get-together with more than 18,000 garment factory workers in central Kampong Chhnang province.

He said that about 1.2 million migrant laborers have been working in Thailand, 49,000 in South Korea, 22,000 in Malaysia, 19,000 in Japan, and some others in Singapore, China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Saudi Arabia.

"Migrant workers have brought not only remittances to their family members, but also expertise and experience for national development when they return home," Samheng said.

Cambodian workers in Thailand and Malaysia make a monthly minimum wage of 400 dollars and 300 dollars, respectively, he said, adding that those in South Korea and Japan earn 1,500 dollars and 1,400 dollars per month, respectively. 
UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is continuing to engage with the parties on the export of ammonia from Russia despite the latest sabotage of the ammonia pipeline via Ukraine, said a UN spokesman on Wednesday.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that "a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group" blew up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in Ukraine's Kharkov region on Monday night.

"We're continuing to engage with the parties on the ammonia exports, regardless of what may have happened," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in response to a question on the impact of the sabotage.

"And I would just add that this is yet another reminder for the need of all parties involved in this conflict to respect international humanitarian law, especially as it relates to civilian infrastructure," he told a daily press briefing.

The spokesman said he has seen the reports as well as the counterclaims as to what happened to the pipeline.

"I think any threat to this pipeline is indeed of concern, in addition to the harm they may present for civilians and the environment in the surrounding area -- though we've seen public statements saying that there's been very little risk following what happened to the pipeline," he said.

He reiterated the importance of the resumption of Russian ammonia exports through the Odessa port under the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the broader importance of ammonia supplies in addressing food and security, especially in the developing world.

The pipeline running from the Russian city of Togliatti to the Ukrainian port of Odessa is one of the world's longest pipelines for ammonia transportation. 
VLADIVOSTOK, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud discussed ensuring the stability of the global energy market during a phone conversation, according to a statement by the Kremlin's press service on Wednesday.

"Both sides highly appreciated the level of cooperation within the framework of the OPEC+ (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies), which allows for timely and effective measures to maintain the balance of oil supply and demand," the statement said.

It added that the two leaders also discussed measures for enhancing trade and economic ties and implementing promising joint projects in investment, transport logistics and energy. 
UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from various UN agencies in Ukraine were in Kherson on Wednesday to assess the impact of the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam and coordinate the humanitarian response.

Representatives from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as well as five UN agencies and some nongovernmental organizations, were on the ground to conduct the assessment, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"They tell us that the disaster will likely get worse in the coming hours, as water levels are still rising, and more villages and towns are being flooded. This will impact people's access to essential services and seriously raise health risks," he said.

On Tuesday, about 1,500 people left their flooded homes, according to the International Organization for Migration, and more people were evacuated on Wednesday. Most of them are staying in Mykolaiv city, which is close to their homes, said the spokesman.

Access to water is a main concern. Hundreds of thousands of people depend on the reservoir, formed by the dam, for drinking water, and the levels are dropping rapidly. In addition, flooding can also lead to contamination of water sources, increasing health risks, he told a daily press briefing.

The Food and Agriculture Organization warns that the destruction of the dam will likely impact food security, as thousands of hectares of agricultural land have now been flooded, destroying recently planted crops. Authorities said that the destruction of the dam decimated the irrigation systems in the Dnipro, Kherson and Zaporizhizia regions, he said.

On the response side, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are working nonstop to provide affected communities with the assistance they urgently need. On Tuesday, they distributed nearly 12,000 bottles of water, more than 1,700 kits with essential supplies for children on the move, and 10,000 water purification tablets to five municipalities in Kherson and the city of Mykolaiv, said the spokesman.

Humanitarian organizations are supporting authorities in the evacuations and helping coordinate the accommodation of people arriving from Kherson in transit centers. They are also delivering hygiene supplies and other basic items to Mykolaiv and Odessa for the evacuees there, he said.

Cash, psychosocial and health support and recreational activities for children at the Kherson train station are also part of the ongoing response. The work will continue in the coming days, he said. 
PARIS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- A man on Thursday stabbed people with a knife in a park in the city of Annecy, southeast France, injuring several people, including nursery children, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed.

While speaking to the press with French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, the Annecy prosecutor said there was no "apparent terrorist motive" at the current stage of investigation.

"The motive remains to be determined," the prosecutor said, adding that investigation was opened for "attempted murder."

The prosecutor confirmed that six people were severely injured and at present, three victims are in life-threatening condition.

Among the injured were four children and two of them were foreign nationals, one Dutch and one British, according to the prosecutor.

The suspect, homeless, has refugee status obtained in Sweden ten years ago, the prosecutor noted.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the suspect had no criminal record and was not on the surveillance list of the intelligence service.

In a press release, the Prefecture of Haute-Savoie said the attack, which took place Thursday morning, injured a total of six people, including two adults and four nursery children.

A police source told French news channel BFMTV that the victims were all severely injured, while two children and one adult were in life-threatening condition.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the act an "attack of absolute cowardice."

"Children and one adult are between life and death. The nation is in shock," he added on his social media. 
Between why they're happening and when they will end, here's what to know about the devastating Canadian wildfires

Xinhua/Shutterstock

Canada is experiencing some devastating wildfires, a shocking amount that's atypical from years past.

Based on official data, Reuters reported more than 3.3 million hectares (8.2 million acres) burned so far this year. According to officials, Canada is currently "on course for its worst-ever wildfire season on record."

United States northern neighbor is known for some of the worlds densest forests, so wildfires aren't anything new to the area since they've historically happened annually. But this year, the blaze is more intense than ever before, spreading wide and burning at an increased rate.

"This is a scary time for a lot of people," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference in Ottawa. Wildfires are Canada's second most expensive disaster (behind flooding)  negatively impacting oil and gas production, in addition to the destruction of homes.

Related: Why Is the Sun Red? All About the Air Quality Index and What It Means for Your Health

Air quality is also being affected, with plumes of smoke blanketing the skies and creating thick sheets of haze across the country. In recent weeks, the plumes have been so bad that parts of the United States have felt its effects.

Public health alerts have issued public health alerts in states ranging from New York to Minnesota, urging residents to stay indoors and wear masks to avoid inhaling potentially toxic fine particles in the air. New York City experienced the highest pollution level in the world on June 6.



The city's air quality index was labeled "very unhealthy" at over 200 per IQair, as CNN noted  the worst air quality of any major metropolitan city at 10 p.m. ET. The next morning, the Big Apple had slipped into third after Delhi, India topped the list, with Detroit coming in second.



Story continues

Read on to learn more about the 2023 Canada wildfires, including why they are happening and how long they are expected to last.



Where are the 2023 Central Canada wildfires happening?

James MacDonald/Bloomberg via Getty

Wildfires are a common natural occurrence in Canada and have historically taken place around the same time each year. However, the annual fires have primarily blazed in the country's western provinces.

This year, the wildfires are more widespread, impacting the eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, Quebec and parts of Ontario. Also feeling the effects are British Columbia and Alberta, with government officials declaring a provincial state of emergency in the latter on May 6.

Quebec is Canada's biggest province by area, and as of June 5, was reportedly the "the worst impacted." As of June 6, Quebec was battling around 160 forest fires, displacing some 10,000 people, per Reuters. Ontario is the second-biggest by land area and largest by population, seeing a similar impact.

Related: Wildfires in Central Canada Create Air Quality Alert in Eastern U.S. (Live Updates)

What caused the wildfires in Central Canada?

Various factors can ignite a wildfire, typically starting with either lightning or human activity (like throwing a burning cigarette on the ground in a forest). The fires are most likely to catch when the ground is dry and the air is hot, which is why wildfire season typically lasts through summer.

Climate change also plays a role by causing high-pressure zones, which bring elongated periods of sunny, hot conditions and exacerbate drought. "The rash of blazes, intensified by record heat in many areas, is an ominous sign of the ill effects of climate change, which are not confined to Canada," per The Washington Post.



When did the 2023 Central Canada wildfires start?

Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

According to the Canadian Red Cross, most wildfires annually occur between April and September. This year, they began in late April in British Columbia and Alberta, and soon after, thousands have been forced to evacuate parts of the Nova Scotia region as wildfires raged east.

As of June 7, roughly 150 fires were active in Quebec alone, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.



Are the 2023 Central Canada wildfires still active?

There are 423 active fires across Canada  246 of them out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre on June 7. Quebec still stands as the worst-affect province, with 154 fires recorded to date.

Alberta currently has 70 active fires, "which is at the highest level of preparedness," per The Washington Post. British Columbia has 68. According to the center's statistics, 20 of the 45 new wildland fires recorded on June 6 were in Ontario.



Due to the intensity of the fires and their out-of-control nature, parts of Canada have looked for international support for help. With more than 480 wilderness firefighters on the ground, Quebec can fight around 30 fires, Quebec Premier Francois Legault told reporters on June 5, adding that normally firefighters would come from other provinces to help.

The situation remains serious, Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said. The images that we have seen so far this season are some of the most severe we have we have ever witnessed in Canada and the current forecast for the next few months indicates the potential for continued higher-than-normal fire activity.

Legault said an additional 200 firefighters are coming from France and the United States, and Quebec is also in talks with Costa Rica, Portugal and Chile as it searches for additional resources, reported AP.

With the given projections, it is expected that we have enough resources to cover the summer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. If things get worse, were developing contingency plans.





Related: New York City Recorded Worlds Worst Air Pollution on Tuesday Thanks to Canada Wildfires Smoke

How are the 2023 Central Canada wildfires affecting the United States?

Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

According to the New York Times, a storm system swirling off the coast of Nova Scotia in recent days forced the smoke from these fires south into the United States, and then east  toward some of the most densely populated areas in the country.

New York City has an air quality alert in effect for the five boroughs as well as Long Island, the Hudson Valley and parts of Connecticut. Plus, a "red flag warning" has been issued for much of New Jersey because of an elevated fire risk.

Residents in the mid-west, stretching from Ohio Valley to as far south as the Carolinas, have also been impacted. Air quality advisories were put into effect on June 5 in southeastern Minnesota and parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as in more than 60 counties in Wisconsin.

While various states in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Northeast are currently being affected, be sure to check your local news outlets and listen to NOAA Weather Radio  per the National Weather Service's suggestion  to stay informed on the air quality in your area, while also learning how to stay healthy and safe as the fires continue to rage.



When are the 2023 Central Canada wildfires expected to end?

Due to the unpredictability of the wildfires, in part due to natural causes, it is hard to put a timeframe on their duration. However, Canadian government officials have created a plan amid the ongoing situation.

"Our modeling shows this may be an especially severe wildfire season throughout this summer," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, at a news conference. "This is a scary time for a lot of people, not just in Alberta, but right across the country, including in the Atlantic, the North and Quebec, too."

Despite the uncertainty, Trudeau said Canada should have sufficient resources to get through the summer. He mentioned the sign-off on aid requests from Alberta, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Plus, he agreed to sending Canadian Armed Forces troops.

"If things get worse, we are developing contingency plans and we will of course make sure that we are there, whether it's leaning more on international support, whether it's standing up other resources," Trudeau continued. "We will be there to ensure all Canadians are protected right through this summer."



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
The long-awaited remodel of Georgia Brown Elementary School in Paso Robles will likely be delayed after surveys of the ground found an anomalous feature beneath the campus.

Its unclear exactly what the issue is, but its throwing a wrench in the districts plans and likely means students will return to the campus in the fall rather than move to a temporary location as part of a campus swap involving Glen Speck Elementary School.

The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District originally expected to completely remodel the 1950s-era Georgia Brown campus during the summer so students could learn next school year in an environment free of leaky ceilings, constant cockroach threats, cracked pavement and fenced-off playgrounds.

But a state-required investigation of the ground under the campus  called a geotechnical survey  found something that requires further investigation, according to Brad Pawlowski, the assistant superintendent of business services at the district. The district must get permission from the school board to do that.

The unexpected underground feature could be a fault line or remnants of the Salinas riverbed from long ago, Pawlowski said.

It does not pose any immediate threat to the staff or students at the school, he clarified.

In medical terms, the first geotechnical survey could be considered an ultrasound of the underground features beneath the elementary school campus. Now, the district must perform a biopsy of the ground to determine what the unusual feature is.

That will require the school district to hire a consultant to dig up the ground and analyze the soil so it can identify whether the feature is a fault line, old riverbed or something else, Pawlowski said.

Georgia Brown Elementary School in Paso Robles is one of two dual-language immersion schools in San Luis Obispo County. The other is Pacheco Elementary in San Luis Obispo.

Ground study will likely pause renovation plans

Because of the additional investigation required, the school district must likely hit pause on its plans to move the Spanish-English dual-immersion program at Georgia Brown to the recently remodeled Glen Speck Elementary School campus, while relocating Glen Speck students to Georgia Brown.

Story continues

The plan calls for remodeling Georgia Brown, located at 36th and Vine streets, into a smaller campus that would be suitable for about 317 students.

The campus is then expected to be renamed Glen Speck Elementary School once those students move there.

While the remodel of the 36th Street campus was underway, the district intended to move current Georgia Brown students and teachers into a temporary campus at nearby Flamson Middle School campus.

The current Glen Speck Elementary School, located at 17th and Vine streets and which has been remodeled to fit about 642 students, was expected to host the popular dual-immersion program this fall. That campus was then supposed to be renamed Georgia Brown Elementary School.

But the anomalous feature under the current Georgia Brown campus on 36th Street has upended that plan for the moment.

This obviously makes the scheduled move to the temporary site ill-advised until we know more, so I am recommending to the Board next Tuesday night that the move to the temp campus be postponed, Paso Robles school district Superintendent Curt Dubost wrote in a note to parents on Monday. This delay will give us time to determine if there are any further cost-effective options to move forward with the existing plan.

Should the school board agree with the superintendent during a vote expected to be held during its board meeting on May 23, the dual-immersion Georgia Brown Elementary School will start the next school year at the current site on 36th Street, Dubost wrote in his note.
The post Bassist Bryce Paul Parts Ways with In Flames as Dillinger Escape Plans Liam Wilson Steps In appeared first on Consequence.

In Flames have announced the departure of bassist Bryce Paul as well as his immediate replacement: Liam Wilson of The Dillinger Escape Plan.

Wilson made his live debut with the Swedish melodic death metal outfit on Wednesday night (June 7th) at the Release Athens 2023 festival in Greece. Following Dillinger Escape Plans disbandment in 2017, Wilson had been playing in various heavy projects (Azusa, Pallid Veil). As of now, it is undetermined if he will be the permanent bassist for In Flames.

The band shared the news of the lineup change on Twitter: Jesterheads, Our brother Bryce Paul has decided to step away from the band. We wish him well on his future endeavors and thank him for everything he put into the band the last several years. Our friend Liam Wilson will be stepping in to help us out!

The split with Paul sounds amicable, with the bassist apparently exiting on his own accord after a nearly five-year stint. He joined the band in 2018  replacing longtime bassist Peter Iwers  and played on two studio albums: 2019s I, the Mask and the 2023 offering Foregone.

Its In Flames second major lineup change in recent years, with former Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick officially joining the band last year in place of longtime member Niclas Engelin.

Foregone dropped back in February via Nuclear Blast, and is available on vinyl here. Watch footage of Liam Wilsons In Flames debut and view the bands statement on Bryce Pauls departure below. Pick up tickets to In Flames summer European tour dates here.

Jesterheads,

Our brother Bryce Paul has decided to step away from the band. We wish him well on his future endeavors and thank him for everything he put into the band the last several years. Our friend Liam Wilson (The Dillinger Escape Plan) will be stepping in to help us out! pic.twitter.com/imr8mnKK34  In Flames (@InFlames_SWE) June 8, 2023

Bassist Bryce Paul Parts Ways with In Flames as Dillinger Escape Plans Liam Wilson Steps In

Jon Hadusek

Story continues

Popular Posts

Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Willard Bill L. Meader a decorated flight surgeon who capped a 30-year military career by moving to the Tri-Cities in 1989 to lead the Hanford Environmental Health Foundation has died.

He was 89.

Meader of Richland had a big impact on the community where he chose to retire, according to the Kadlec Regional Medical Center Foundation, where he previously served on the board.

Dr. Meaders impact on the Tri-Cities medical community was profound, and we send our deepest condolences to the Meader family, the foundation said in a statement released by Jim Hall, chief philanthropy officer.

Meader was born in 1933 in La Porte, Indiana, the eldest of five siblings. His father, Paul Meader, was a physician.

Brig. Gen. Willard Bill L. Meader, U.S.A.F.

He earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, in 1959 and went on to serve at Air Force posts throughout the U.S. and world, including the Republic of Vietnam in 1967.

Meader completed his medical internship at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., and was commissioned as a captain in August 1959, according to an extensive military biography on the Air Force website.

He began is his residency at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, and completed it at the Office of the Surgeon, Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

He met and married his wife, Sharon, while serving as a general medical officer at Goose Air Base in Canada in the early 1960s, according to an obituary posted by Einans at Sunset.

The couple were married for 62 years. Survivors include his son, Richard, daughter, Dana, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a sister.

Following a short assignment at SAC, Meader transferred to Tan Son Nhut Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam in November 1967, where he served as commander of the 377th U.S. Air Force Dispensary and 21st Casualty Staging Flight.

He held leadership posts at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, the 20th Tactical Hospital, Royal Air Force Station, Wethersfield, England, and Headquarters 2nd Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

Story continues

After graduating from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1975, he was assigned as general of biotechnology and deputy surgeon at Headquarters Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.. He held additional posts at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

He was promoted to brigadier general in December 1983.

Meaders military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, and Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.

After leaving the Hanford Environmental Health Foundation, he served as regional vice president of Group Health Northwest. He retired in 1997.

In retirement, he was known for his support of various civic organizations, including the Blue Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America, United Way of Benton Franklin Counties, the Lewis & Clark chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, Richland Rotary and the Kadlec Regional Medical Center Foundation board.

He supported work to recruit physicians to the Tri-Cities and served on the chronic pain committee of the former Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.

Services are pending.
East-Coast-Smoke-Conspiracy-Theories East-Coast-Smoke-Conspiracy-Theories.jpg - Credit: Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Wildfire smoke from Canada is now blanketing the East Coast, creating some of the worst air quality in the world. The official explanation for these strange conflagrations  lightning strikes across unusually dry forests, igniting more than 100 out-of-control blazes in Quebec alone  hits many smooth-brained denizens of the internet as a LiTTle. tOo. CoNVenIEnT.

Indeed, the tinfoil-hat brigade has already ginned up myriad conspiracy theories to cast this disaster, not as an act of God, but part of a nefarious plot  or two, or three. So what really caused those fires? Was it space lasers? Antifa arsonists? The deep-state cabal? Aliens?!

More from Rolling Stone

Below we break down the latest FUBAR theories about why Canadian forests are ablaze, Americans are hunkered down in their houses, and the smoke has blotted out the sun.

The Directed Energy Weapons Theory

Why buy into lightning strikes when you can believe in directed energy weapons? Stew Peters is a far-right media host and conspiracy monger, infamous for his unhinged film claiming Covid-19 is caused by synthetic snake venom. Peters used his Telegram account on June 5 to blame the wildfires on government weaponry.

Watch ALL of SE Quebec catch on fire at the EXACT SAME TIME, Peters wrote, linking to a viral TikTok video of satellite imagery. Statistically impossible to happen by accident, Peters claimed without evidence. Clearly our governments are targeting us with Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).

Were not sure if DEWs are related to the infamous Jewish Space Laser that Congress resident Q-Anon queen, Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously implicated in a wildfire outbreak. But its clear this theory has juice. On Twitter, users are blaming an evil ruling class known as the cabal for deploying DEWs both from planes and high-altitude satellites.

Story continues

Looks like the storm has arrived, wrote one user invoking a QAnon trope about a coming battle with the powerful forces of the Deep State. Cabal is going scorched earth.

The Flame Thrower Drone Theory

Consistency is the hobgoblin of little conspiracy theorists, but big players like Peters are ever eager to embrace the newest insanity. On June 6, Peters posted a new video, of what looks like a remote-controlled helicopter drizzling napalm on a forest. It seems Canada isnt sophisticated enough to use Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), Peters wrote. Looks like they opted for a drone with a flamethrower instead.

Normies replying to the post tried to offer a reality check, that the video actually depicted a fire-fighting drone engaged in back burning  common practice to control/manage forest fires. (For more on the reality of fighting fire with fire read here.)

But other conspiratorial commenters were undeterred. That is Terrorism on our own soil, insisted one. These fsuks [sic] need to be arrested. Any helicopter with this equipment needs to be destroyed and the pilot hung.

The Antifa Arsonist Theory

Probably the laziest misinformation collected here holds that antifascists are setting the fires. Why? Because theyre antifa, stupid. Anything can be blamed on those who would oppose militant far-right ideology, so may as well try it. Antifa pyromaniacs are getting started early this year, one user commented as the fires started to burn in May, in a typical post on the QAnon forum Great Awakening. As this thing unwinds, look for wildfires to increase exponentially as the cabal burns everything down.

The Wildfires Are the New Covid Theory

A variety of conspiracy theorists see the fires as part of a plot to limit freedom anew, now that the restrictions of the Covid pandemic have been largely eliminated. A Telegram account calling itself GreatAwakening.World  Q + Trump posted conspiratorially that: They sets [sic] the Quebec and Ontario on fire as part of a globalist climate change scam. The account warned: Climate change lockdowns are starting.

As anyone with lungs in an affected area can already tell you, smoke from the fires poses an obvious health risk. And N95 face masks  originally designed for people working in proximity to noxious particulate matter  are helpful safeguards for those who need to venture out into the choking haze.

N95s  hmm, where have we heard about those? Oh, right, we were supposed to wear them to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. And, just as in the early days of the pandemic, officials have warned people to stay home if possible. Coincidence? No such thing to the paranoid cranks among us.

As many of us have noticed from the start, many of the covid zealots also push climate crisis shit, a redditor wrote Wednesday on r/CoronavirusCirclejerk, criticizing people who recommended masking up until the air has cleared. A member of r/conspiracy was more explicit: Wildfires are the new Covid, they declared. Stay indoors, wear a mask, fear pushed by the news, it will only be two weeks Is anyone else felling [sic] deja vu? Commenters agreed, saying, Climate lockdowns are coming and the hype is starting, NYC mayor just recommended masks lmao.

Exactly what the new world order hopes to achieve by keeping us masked and mostly inside by torching vast swaths of wilderness is not so clear. But perhaps, as another redditor hypothesized, this latest disaster  if it was indeed coordinated  is a small test run for other climate events.

Places like New York are advising [people] to stay inside, go outside for only essential errands and to wear a N95 mask if they go outside, they wrote. Are they seeing how many people will follow their recommendations voluntarily? Ah, yes. Naked authoritarianism for its own sake. A perfect reason to poison the atmosphere.

The We Are About to Be Hit on Several Fronts Theory

If theres not a UFO angle, is it really even a conspiracy?

For some on the fringes of the internet, the notion that climate lockdowns are the new Covid lockdowns is directionally correct  but misses the big picture. A Gab user known as RusticMan thinks hes got the real intel, that the fires are just the beginning of a cascade of unnatural disasters. We are about to be hit on several fronts. Anther plandemic [sic], climate emergency, illegal invasion, and UFO invasion, he wrote. Sound crazy? Get ready. Its coming. Its happening NOW!

Others have been quick to embrace extraterrestrial explanations. They blame the raging infernos on space debris or to connect the fires to the path of the notorious surveillance balloon and other unidentified aerial phenomena. Are we being firebombed by Chinese spycraft, lit ablaze by crashing UFOs, or is someone creating a massive smokescreen so that we cant find out the truth about whats in the skies? Finding answers, it seems, is a lot less entertaining for these folks than tossing out the craziest of questions.

The Forced Migration to 15-Minute Cities Theory

Urban planners trying to improve quality of life with 15-minute city designs  reducing car use by ensuring people are just 15 minutes walking or biking distance to anything they might need  have been bedeviled by conspiracy theorists who claim they want to imprison people in tiny residential districts. Now it appears that a few of those alarmists are drawing baseless connections between the concept and the Canadian fires, suggesting that they are a pretext for forced migration to (where else!) these dystopian citadels.

A number of Facebook posts advances this narrative. One man in Quebec said the forest fires were intentionally set as the perfect prelude to 15-minute cities, while an Ontario woman who bought into the idea that the fires were all begun simultaneously argued that they were meant to assist in destroying rural homesteaders and prove that those 15-minute cities will help save the world. On Truth Social, David Nino Rodriguez, a former heavyweight boxer at one point ranked among the top in the world, amplified similar claims to 33,000 followers. The fires in Canada are being used for nothing more than to displace families, ruin homes and migrate people into 15-minute cities, he warned. Just one example of the kind of thing you might say after being punched in the head too many times.

The Blotting Out the Sun Theory

Fans of The Simpsons will never forget the time Mr. Burns built a giant mechanical shade that plunged the town of Springfield into eternal darkness, making the citizenry all the more dependent on electricity from his nuclear power plant. It was a pretty convoluted plan when you consider that he could have simply set fire to a nearby national forest so that smoke blanketed the town, achieving the same effect.

Yes, a solar blackout is the goal of whichever nefarious organization kicked off this disaster, according to a handful of true wackos. Does anyone else have a sneaking suspicion that these Canadian fires are meant to blot out the sun and kill crops? asked a QAnon believer who shared an air quality map on the Telegram QAnon channel, Great Awakening. This fear was of course immediately confirmed by a fellow traveler: The main thing that comes to mind is cloud seeding with smoke particles, the commenter wrote. It could possibly keep people from planting or make seeds too wet to germinate. So yes same goal, kill the crop production.

On Telegram, the QAnon channel GreatAwakening.World  which boasts nearly a quarter million followers  has labeled the wildfires a psyop and man-made apocalypse. Multiple posts suggest this operation is in part an effort to block the sun. BREAKING: The Sun is no longer visible in Binghamton, New York, read the caption on one picture of orange haze hanging over the upstate city. They just did it. They covered up the sun. No more vitamins. You know what? Maybe its a good thing the sun is hidden for now  otherwise these dopes would probably be staring right into it.

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Maltese marine biologist Alan Deidun, professor at the University of Malta and director of the International Ocean Institute (IOI) Malta Training Center speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Msida, Malta, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

VALLETTA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8, Maltese marine biologist Alan Deidun stressed the need for international cooperation to tackle the pressing challenges faced by the world's oceans.

"Many of the challenges we face extend beyond the confines of a single country and cannot be addressed by a single country but through multi-lateral environmental agreements and cross-border cooperation," Deidun, professor at the University of Malta, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Deidun, who is also director of the International Ocean Institute (IOI) Malta Training Center, highlighted the interconnectedness of marine issues and called for collaborative efforts and cross-border cooperation to tackle transboundary problems, such as oil spills, plastic pollution, invasive alien species, sea warming, eutrophication and ocean acidification.

"The marine domain is characterized by a high degree of connectivity, and it is crucial to understand that there is just 'One Ocean'," he said.

Headquartered in Malta, the IOI has also established a training center in north China's Tianjin Municipality. China has hosted a lot of IOI meetings and sponsored Chinese students' participation in IOI courses on ocean governance in Malta.

"On ocean governance, we have a very tight relationship with China through the IOI," Deidun said.

He said he appreciated China's active role in ocean governance and commended China's efforts in marine spatial planning, which he described as a vital tool for balancing the economy and the environment. China has published marine spatial plans for its coastal cities demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development, which is "very important," he said.

Deidun acknowledged China's active engagement in multilateral environmental agreements and meetings, including the Conference of the Parties (COP). He emphasized China's role as a mediator in addressing significant challenges like climate change, stating that "China's participation is essential to reach a common stance and agreement on such important issues."

According to Deidun, the European Union and China have developed close ties in sharing satellite data and monitoring the state of water quality in the oceans through satellites.

Highlighting China's global significance, Deidun emphasized the crucial role the country plays in protecting the marine environment. With its long coastline, large population and position as a major trade partner, Deidun said, "No agreement obviously can be robust without having China on board."

Talking about the Mediterranean Sea, Deidun highlighted the region's vulnerability to warming, urbanization, invasion of alien species and oil pollution due to heavy shipping traffic.

Deidun also drew attention to the high degree of coastal urbanization in the Mediterranean Sea, with over half of its 46,000-kilometer coastline already under concrete, resulting in the loss of numerous coastal habitats.

"We forget about what there is in the ocean, but it is very important to create awareness if we expect people to respect the ocean and take action," Deidun said, underscoring the immense diversity in the oceans and the importance of raising awareness about marine biodiversity and habitats. 
An investigation has determined the cause of the fire that led to the death of Irmo firefighter James Michael Muller.

The devastating 3-Alarm fire that happened May 26 at Tropical Ridge Apartments was caused by unattended cooking materials and was ruled an accident, the Columbia Fire Department said Tuesday night.

The Irmo Fire District was assisting Columbia firefighters at the apartment complex on Stoneridge Drive in the St. Andrews area.

In addition to the death of the 25-year-old Muller, six other firefighters had to be hospitalized after a structure collapsed as they battled the blaze, which an investigation showed had started around a stove in the kitchen area of one of the apartments. The five injured members of the Columbia Fire Department and a second Irmo Fire District firefighter were all released from area hospitals by May 27, officials said.

Irmo firefighter James Michael Muller was killed on May 26, 2023, while battling an apartment fire in Columbia.

Two residents of the apartment building were rescued and 19 were displaced, according to the Columbia Fire Department.

The Columbia Fire Department said an investigation began immediately after the fire, and several other agencies assisted in the investigation. They include the Columbia Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina State Fire and its partner the State Fire Marshals Office, as well as South Carolina Task Force 1 and the ATF National Response Team.

Given the tremendous impact of the fire, the injuries that several firefighters suffered and the loss of Irmo Firefighter James Mullers life  our department wanted to have the most resources available to us as we conducted the investigation, the Columbia Fire Department said. This included resources that were used to sustain the structural integrity of the building where the fire took place so the investigation could be performed thoroughly and safely. Through our federal partners, several cranes and other tools were brought onto the site to accomplish this objective.

An Irmo firefighter was killed Friday, May 26, while battling an apartment fire on Stoneridge Drive in Columbia. Six other firefighters were injured.

While the cause and origin of the fire were determined, the Columbia Fire Department said it will continue to provide resources, information and support to other agencies (including OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) that will investigate circumstances surrounding the fatal fire and Mullers death. Investigations like this are common following the death of a firefighter in the line of duty, according to the Columbia Fire Department.

Story continues

While it has been determined that this fire was accidental in nature, the impact it caused is no less deep and tragic, Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said in a news release. Our hearts continue to be with Firefighter Mullers family and friends, our partners at Irmo Fire District and all who continue to mourn during this difficult time.

A seven-year veteran firefighter, Muller was a highly respected firefighter that had a love and passion for the job, the Irmo Fire District said in a statement after his death.

Funeral services were held May 31 for Muller, who is survived by his wife and young son along with his parents and a sister.
Photo Credit: New Photography Studios / @NewPhotography

Charli Evans takes pride in the Violence Artist nickname.

At just the age of 26, Charli Evans remains one of the most traveled and fearless competitors in the entire wrestling world. During her 9-year career, Evans has ventured into the scenes of Australia (her home country), Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. As she continues to evolve, Evans recently adopted a new nickname  the Violence Artist.

To many fans, this moniker fit Evans quite naturally, as her resume reflects a deep history of death and hardcore matches, which have an inherent affiliation with violence. Professional wrestling itself is also widely considered to be a performance art. Speaking with WrestleZones own Ella Jay, Evans further explained the origin story of her nickname.

Honestly, I just thought it sounded cool, she said. Around the time when I started going as that, I was like, Im creating like a body of work and both my parents are artists. Im very artistic. So, if I could bring that into wrestling, and just, Violence Artist sounded cool.

Evans continued on to discuss her parents background in art. So, my mom is a scrapbooker. She did scrap-booking for a very long time and has more moved into art journaling and mixed media art. And she has, honestly, I think more followers than me on Instagram. So, you can check her out if you want, Scrap Witch, shes on there. I share her all the time. Shes so good.

And then my dad used to be a signwriter when he was younger. Then he also makes things from old, recycled skateboards. Go and follow him as well. Theyre sitting in my [house], I can literally get some, but theyre amazing. Theyre like hundreds of different skateboards layered together to make things, so, they rock.

In evaluating the violence aspect of her moniker, Evans revealed the wildest thing she did in a wrestling ring. Obviously, I feel like the death matches are [violent]. Getting glass broken in your mouth is pretty crazy. Thats scary, she said. [It was] a light tube. Ive had it done twice to me by Rickey Shane Page and Cole Radrick, and they put the tube in your mouth and they snap it.

Story continues

I cant think of anything worse than chomping down on some glass because it would just suck.

RELATED: Womens Wrestling Wrap-Up: WWE MITB Qualifiers, Deonna vs Trinity Set For Slammiversary, Charli Evans Interview

The post Charli Evans Discusses Origins Of The Violence Artist Nickname, Getting Glass Broken Into Her Mouth appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Republican presidential candidate and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie addresses a gathering, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. Christie filed paperwork Tuesday formally launching his bid for the Republican nomination for president after casting himself as the only candidate willing to directly take on former President Donald Trump. | Charles Krupa, Associated Press

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced hes running for president Tuesday at a town hall in Manchester, New Hampshire.

I intend to seek the Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2024 and I want your support, Christie said during remarks at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

Christie, who also ran for president in 2016, said he wasnt a perfect candidate but argued that voters shouldnt want a candidate who pretends to be perfect.

If you are in search of the perfect candidate, it is time to leave. I am not it, he said. I think what true leaders do is not try to pretend to you that were perfect, because were human just like you.

Christie called out former President Donald Trump by name during his remarks and criticized Trump for saying the U.S. should default on its debt and for idolizing Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Beware of the leader in this country who you have handed leadership to who has never made a mistake, who has never done anything wrong, who when something goes wrong its always someone elses fault, and who has never lost, he said. A leader like that thinks Americas greatness resides in the mirror hes looking at.

I believe that Americas greatness resides out there, among all of you, and that any of us who get the opportunity to serve are merely temporary stewards of that greatness, Christie said.

He also criticized pretenders who he said want to tell you pick me cause Im kind of like what you picked before but not quite as crazy and said President Joe Biden is out of his depth because hes not the guy he used to be.

Related

Christie doesnt appear on the national polling average from FiveThirtyEight, which doesnt include candidates with insufficient polling data. In New Hampshire, Christie is polling at 1%, according to a March survey of registered voters in the state from Saint Anselm College.

Story continues

Christie is the ninth major Republican candidate to announce so far with two more candidates, former Vice President Mike Pence and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, expected to announce their campaigns on Wednesday.

Christie tweeted that hes running because the truth still matters.

We need leaders that are willing to stand up and tell it like it is, he wrote. Thats what this campaign is about.

Related

Christie focused his 2016 campaign on New Hampshire, where he finished in sixth before dropping out. When asked by a town hall attendee what he had learned since his last run, Christie said, motion isnt progress

Im much more experienced about how to do this now and what really matters is to get the job done, he said. Every endorsement doesnt matter. Last time I was obsessed with endorsements.

He said his last campaign he chose to announce at a town hall meeting while speaking to and answering questions from voters rather than a rally because, If I want to win, this is the best way to do it, to find out what you care about.
Chris Christie is punching back at Donald Trump after the former president responded to his campaign announcement with a juvenile video edit making fun of Mr Christies weight.

The former New Jersey governor appeared on CNN on Wednesday after launching his campaign with a town hall event at St Anselm College a night earlier in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Its so juvenile. He is such a spoiled baby, Mr Christie said.

This is the second time Mr Christie has made a bid for the White House, the first being in 2016 when he lost to former president Donald Trump.

Though Mr Christie lent his support to Mr Trump in 2016 when he dropped out of the race, he has since changed his opinion of the former president and become a vocal critic.

That was evident on Tuesday, as he denounced his former ally as a corrupt narcissist and vowed to draw blood in his quest for the Republican nomination. He did so several times during the town hall event, notably by tearing into the former presidents family for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift, which he said had followed them through the White House and beyond.

Key Points

Chris Christie files paperwork to launch long-shot 2024 bid

Christie tears into Trumps: The grift from this family is breathtaking

Candidate sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

Christies feud with Kushner family explained

Chris Christie: From Trump-ally to challenger

Trump has never faced attacks like this, at least not from someone who knows how to deliver them

21:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted on Wednesday that Chris Christie brings a fascinating dynamic to the 2024 race.

For all of their attributes, neither DeSantis, Scott, Haley or Pence can go after Trump like this, he added in reference to Mr Christie calling Mr Trump a spoiled baby on CNN.

More importantly, Trump has never faced attacks like this (at least not from someone who knows how to deliver them.) Should make the debates must-see-TV. That is, if Trump isnt too afraid to be on stage with Christie, Mr Mulvaney said.

Story continues

It sounds like they have evidence that he knew he had classified documents'

20:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie appeared on CNN on Wednesday afternoon, commenting on Donald Trumps possible indictment for his handling of classified documents.

Being under indictment is not good for a political candidate. And the fact is, with this one, well see what the evidence turned out to be. But some of the reporting that Ive read leads you to conclude that they have some very substantial evidence about his state of mind. Thats always one of the difficult things when you prosecute one of these cases, he said.

It sounds like they have evidence that he knew he had classified documents, and that he wasnt permitted to show them to people. That undercuts the argument hes made, that everything was declassified, as soon as he walked out the door because he said so, he added, saying that the classified documents that he had, that we now know he had, were things that shouldve never left the White House.

If he, in fact, knew that he had these documents, was looking at them, utilizing them in some way after he left office, and it looks like maybe even two years after he left office, its a big problem, he said.

Christie, like Clinton, says Trump is Putins puppet'

20:00 , Gustaf Kilander

During his recent CNN appearance, Mr Christie employed similar to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 campaign.

The ex-governor said that Mr Trump has been a puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin from the time he was president.

Chris Christie: Trump has "been a puppet of Putin from the time he was president." pic.twitter.com/8A6MRYdAnB  Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 7, 2023

Ms Clinton, a former first lady, senator, and secretary of state, seemingly got under Mr Trumps skin in 2016 during one of their debates.

Mr Trump slammed Ms Clinton saying that Mr Putin had no respect for her or then-President Barack Obama.

Well, thats because hed rather have a puppet as president of the United States, Ms Clinton said.

No puppet. No puppet, a seemingly rattled Mr Trump responded at the time. Youre the puppet. No, youre the puppet.

Christie says he thought he could make Trump a better president: I was wrong'

19:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Christie: I thought as a long-time friend I could make Trump a better candidate and a better president. I was wrong. pic.twitter.com/2WC2RQ7KC2  Acyn (@Acyn) June 7, 2023

Christie to appear at CNN townhall with Anderson Cooper on 12 June

19:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Inbox: Anderson Cooper is hosting a town hall with Chris Christie on CNN next week pic.twitter.com/w5eoW0YUvi  Max Tani (@maxwelltani) June 6, 2023

Christie says only way to beat Trump is by going straight at him and through him'

18:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Anyone who thinks they can win this thing by going around Trump is a fool. You can only win by going straight at him and through him.



Join us: https://t.co/15ZXLOZjYh pic.twitter.com/eftn5JXcdh  Chris Christie (@GovChristie) June 7, 2023

Ethics expert says Christie must explain how he secured Trump pardon for New Jersey Republican

18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

An ethics expert has said that Chris Christie must explain how he secured a pardon for a fellow New Jersey Republican from Mr Trump during his last day in the White House.

While Mr Christie has claimed that he hasnt spoken to Mr Trump since before the January 6, 2021 insurrection  a name backed by Mr Christie was included on a list of 143 pardons from Mr Trump two weeks later.

Attorney George Gilmore, the chair of the Republican Party in Ocean County, New Jersey was included on the list.

In January 2020, he was indicted on federal tax charges. He rejected all allegations of wrongdoing and his lawyer argued that his purchases of collectables stemmed from a hoarding disorder.

After being sentenced to a year and a day behind bars and three years of supervised release, Mr Gilmore still managed to avoid spending any time in prison with the Trump White House lauding his important civic contributions over his career in New Jersey.

Listed as his supporters were Mr Christie and Trump 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien. He previously worked for Mr Christie in New Jersey.

The president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Noah Bookbinder, told The Guardian that I think its a good thing that Christie is calling out Donald Trump on his role in inciting an insurrection and on his undercutting of democracy. For that to be coming from people who were insiders is powerful.

That said, I think Chris Christie needs to answer for his [having been] someone who was close to Trump when Trumps abuses were very much apparent, really from the beginning, and from before Donald Trump became president, and in carrying through to the end of the presidency, he added.

We dont know when Christie made [or supported the pardon] request [for Gilmore]. It certainly may be that all contacts were before January 6, when Christie at least says that he cut off Trump completely. But we just dont know the answer to that, Mr Bookbinder said.

And I think we should, because to the extent that he is saying he was outraged by Trumps anti-democratic abuses and had nothing to do with them, that would not be consistent with continuing to ask for favours that might seem to go around the normal pardon process. And thats something that I think its appropriate for the public to have answers to, he told the paper.

Christie slams Trump on classified files: Return the documents and stop doing this!'

17:30 , Gustaf Kilander

During his Fox News appearance on Thursday, Mr Christie was asked about the investigation into Mr Trumps handling of classified documents and the documents found at the home and office of President Joe Biden.

As Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade attempted to suggest there was a double standard, Mr Christie pushed back.

Mr Kilmeade said that the one thing that looms over are these court cases, the ridiculous one with Alvin Bragg in New York City and now Trump attorneys have been notified that the former president is a target of a criminal investigation over his handling of those classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

We know William Barr thinks this is a strong case. I also see a huge double standard. You got classified documents all over Joe Bidens house, offices ... garage. Do you believe that what Donald Trump has done, from what you know, is criminal? the host asked, according to Mediaite.

The problem with all of this is that its self-inflicted, Mr Christie said. I dont know that the government even knew that Joe Biden had those documents or not.

But they did know Donald Trump did, he added, saying that they requested that Mr Trump voluntarily hand them over for over a year and a quarter, and got them back in dribs and drabs.

If in fact, youre keeping those things knowingly, even after the government has asked for you to bring them back, the excuses about, oh, they were classified, declassified automatically when I left the office. Well, thats just wrong! I mean, I know that as a legal matter, the ex-governor said.

These are all self-inflicted wounds. Return the documents and stop doing this! he added.

Why do you have to be the centre of negative attention all the time? Why do you have to be angry all the time? he asked in reference to Mr Trump.

Mr Christie said Mr Trump would have to carry the weight of his indictments into a general election if he ends up being the GOP nominee. Why do we want to take that risk?

Im not trying to save the party, Christie

17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie was asked if hes trying to save the GOP during his Fox News appearance on Thursday morning.

If the person at the top gets all the credit when things go well, they must also be accountable for what happens when things go badly. And the fact is that Donald Trump, the candidates he picked in these individual states and endorsed all lost. And lost big races, he said in reference to the GOPs lacklustre performance in recent elections.

Im not trying to save the party, the former governor added. What I want the party to get back to doing is what we do best, which is to win and then implement smart, conservative policies for the entire country.

Christie and his fellow Trump-challengers push message of being tired of losing

16:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie appeared on Fox & Friends on Thursday, slamming the political losses for the GOP under the leadership of Mr Trrump.

I believe the Republican Party has been losing now for nearly seven years. After Donald Trumps win in 2016  which I was a large part of  we havent been able to win anything since then, the former governor said.

Lost the House in 2018, lost the Senate and the White House in 2020, those Georgia senate seats in early 2021, and we horribly underperformed in 2022. Lost governorships, lost a senate seat and barely won the House of Representatives when everyone thought we would be at 240 or 250 seats. So were tired of losing! he added.

Its a similar message put forward by other Republicans in the race, such as Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, who are trying to win over Trump voters without, unlike Mr Christie, criticising Mr Trump too harshly.

But it may be a difficult message to send as many Trump voters believe his lies about the 2020 election being fraudulent and that he didnt really lose.

There is one lane to the Republican nomination and hes in front of it'

16:00 , Steve Peoples, AP

Christie may be the most vocal Trump critic in the race, although he hasnt held office in more than five years.

Im going out there to take out Donald Trump, the former New Jersey governor told New Hampshire voters this week. But heres why: I want to win, and I dont want him to win. ... There is one lane to the Republican nomination and hes in front of it.

Christie calls Trump a spoiled baby after ex-president mocks his weight

15:30 , Gustaf Kilander

On Wednesday night, Mr Christie responded to Mr Trumps mockery regarding his weight.

Breaking news... I have struggled with my weight for 20 years. What I havent struggled with is my character. Ill put that up against Donald Trumps any day. If thats the best hes got, then hes lost his fastball, Mr Christie tweeted.

Further slamming the ex-president, the former New Jersey governor wrote: When a spoiled baby misbehaves, you send them to their room, not the White House. At his advanced age, it is time to give up hope that Trump will ever grow up. We need a leader, not a child.

Mr Christie shared footage of his appearance on CNN where he responded to Mr Trump mocking his weight.

When a spoiled baby misbehaves, you send them to their room, not the White House. At his advanced age, it is time to give up hope that Trump will ever grow up. We need a leader, not a child. pic.twitter.com/IayYMRSujI  Chris Christie (@GovChristie) June 7, 2023

The Republican presidential field is largely set. Here are takeaways on where the contest stands.

15:00 , Steve Peoples, AP

After a trio of new announcements this week, the Republican Partys 2024 presidential field is all but set.

A handful of stragglers may jump in later, but as of now there are at least 10 high-profile Republican candidates officially seeking their partys nomination. And with the announcement phase of the primary campaign largely over, several leading Republican contenders will gather in North Carolina this weekend to begin a more aggressive sorting period.

It will be a long road to the GOPs national convention in Milwaukee next summer when Republican delegates across the country gather to finalize their nominee to run against President Joe Biden. Surprises are guaranteed. Fortunes will change. But as of now, every Republican White House hopeful is looking up at former President Donald Trump, who is the undisputed frontrunner in the crowded contest.

Here are some takeaways on where the Republican contest stands:

The Republican presidential field is largely set. Here are takeaways on where the contest stands.

Christie blasted for past comments about Trump as he campaigns on taking down ex-president

14:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Chris Christie is running for the GOP nomination as the anti-Trump candidate. He may want us all to forget the years of fawning praise he heaped on Trump, but we remember. pic.twitter.com/F5rFXmdLBP  The Mehdi Hasan Show (@MehdiHasanShow) June 7, 2023

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

14:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump fired off a nasty buffet video of Chris Christie after the former governor attacked Ivanka Trump at his 2024 campaign launch.

The former president shared a video created by Twitter users @NautPoso and @drefanzor which was crudely edited to make it appear as if the ex-New Jersey governor was starting his campaign at an all-you-can-buffet holding a plate of food.

Mr Trump shared the video not long after taking another shot at Mr Christies weight.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different!

Mr Christe has faced a litany of jokes about his weight in the last few weeks from outlets such as Newsmax and Fox News. Fox host Greg Gutfeld took part in the mockery, as did network anchor John Roberts who said the former governor could drink a lot the milkshake if he wanted to because of his physical stature.

Read more:

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Christie sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

13:00 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination is now a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: Get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

Read more:

Chris Christie targets his former friend Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

Christie has not held a position for years in a radically changed GOP

12:00 , Eric Garcia

Mr Christie has announced another quixotic White House run. As an elected official who left his office in disgrace and who has not held a position for years in a radically changed GOP, Mr Christie is unlikely to win. But most observers see his run as an attempt to stop Mr Trump from winning again.

Republicans are about as likely to receive his message warning about the perils of another Trump presidency as they would be likely to receive the message from Liz Cheney.

Indeed, many other Republican presidential candidates face the very same problem. As McKay Coppins at The Atlantic has noted, former vice president Mike Pence spent years convincing evangelical Christian voters that they could support Mr Trump despite his character shortcomings. Mr Trumps conduct would be immaterial as long as he enacted an agenda they wanted and he would nominate the right judges, which he did when he picked the Supreme Court jurists who helped overturn Roe v Wade. But now Mr Pence finds himself in a bind because personal decency isnt seen as a reason hed be a better option than Mr Trump.

Christie gave Republicans permission to support Donald Trump

11:00 , Eric Garcia

Mr Christie entered the 2016 Republican primary badly bruised from the George Washington Bridge scandal. He left the contest after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary, but not before infamously performing a kamikaze mission on Sen Marco Rubio (R-FL) in one of the debates that made the one-time conservative phenom seem rehearsed and someone who could not deviate from his prepared lines.

In the following days, Mr Christie endorsed Donald Trump, rarely leaving his side at one point was considered to be a potential running-mate or attorney general in a Trump administration, an idea vetoed by Jared Kushner. Nonetheless, Mr Christies endorsement of the future president lent him credibility and gave Republicans something they needed to cast their ballot for the reality television star who had never held public office before  permission.

Christie in 2011: Now is not my time'

10:00 , Eric Garcia

Mr Christie notably passed on running for the nomination to challenge Mr Obama, saying in 2011, Now is not my time.

At the time, the move seemed prudent. In the weeks before the 2012 election, he led the state during Hurricane Sandy and while images of him hugging Mr Obama angered conservatives in the weeks before voters cast their ballots, it led to him winning re-election in 2013 by overwhelming margins.

Revelations that members of Mr Christies team ordered two of the three lanes on the George Washington Bridge to be closed, which caused a massive traffic jam, cratered the governors numbers.

VOICES: Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

09:00 , Eric Garcia

Running for president is as much about timing as anything else. When Barack Obama ran, Ted Kennedy, the patriarch of the Kennedy clan who had a failed White House run under his belt, notably told the would-be president: You dont choose the time. The time chooses you.

The 2012 presidential race was likely Chris Christies time. In 2009, he won the governorship in staunchly Democratic New Jersey and had become a favorite of conservatives for his willingness to combat teachers unions and other Democratic groups in moments that went viral in the right-wing media ecosystem. It was owning the libs before owning the libs was a thing.

Read more:

Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

Don Jr joins father in mocking Christies weight

08:00 , Gustaf Kilander

New Chris Christie for President logo just dropped  pic.twitter.com/v1hc5d51TP  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 7, 2023

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

California Democrat says out of GOP primary field, he prefers retweeting Chris Christie

07:00 , Gustaf Kilander

I dont always retweet GOP Presidential candidates. But when I do, I prefer retweeting Chris Christie. https://t.co/AZTdhVXYWE  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) June 7, 2023

Chris Christie is in the GOP primary to win it all

06:00 , John Bowden

If there was one takeaway from Tuesday nights event, it was this: Chris Christie is in the GOP primary to win it all, and he plans to do so by setting himself apart from his fellows as a bold, unflinching truthteller  ironically, the same reputation that Donald Trump constructed for himself in 2016.

Whether his newfound courage will be enough to convince his potential voters to break away from the man whom the governor admitted tonight to supporting in two presidential elections? Thats another story.

Trump and Rubio respond to Christie launch

05:00 , John Bowden

Despite his insistence on Truth Social that he was not worried about the entrance of his former ally into the race, Donald Trump clearly had Chris Christie on his mind Tuesday evening as he blasted out commentary from his social media platform.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different! Mr Trump wrote.

So too did Marco Rubio, Christies unfortunate victim in 2016, who lamely insisted in his own tweet that the New Jersey governors onstage humiliation of him had not contributed to his downfall.

Any political reporter/commentator claiming Christie ended my campaign in 2016 is lazy or dumb



NH debate sucked because instead of hitting back when attacked like I wanted to, I listened to advice about pivoting & not punching down on a CC who was at 7% & about to drop  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 6, 2023

Joe Biden never beat anybody outside the state of Delaware in 45 years except for one guy  Donald J Trump

04:00 , John Bowden

For the most part, Mr Christie focused on his real advantages as a candidate: The fiery personality that won him both praise and criticism in New Jersey, and a willingness to spar with his opponents at a surgical level. He laid the blame for Joe Bidens 2020 victory at his opponents feet, calling the now-president a weak politician who had gone up against a hopelessly-damaged candidate.

He wouldnt be in office if it wasnt for Trump. Joe Biden never beat anybody outside the state of Delaware in 45 years except for one guy Donald J. Trump...not once, until he ran up against the guy who the American people knew in their heart was full of it, said the ex-governor.

Christie eager to get into a brawl with his opponents

03:00 , John Bowden

Whether Mr Christies fiery comments will translate into votes for his candidacy, rather than just the destruction of his foes, is not yet evident. But what is evident is the eagerness of Mr Christie to get into a brawl with his opponents, a trait so far only shared by Mr Trump himself.

That similarity was picked up on by one questioner, who identified herself as a clinical psychologist concerned about a nation traumatised by constant anger and divisiveness. Mr Christie responded that his brash nature and willingness to throw punches at his opponents was a strength only because it was supposedly paired with a humility and willingness to admit his own mistakes that made him a good leader.

It was at least the outline of an effective campaign, if one light on actual policy. The governor did touch on a few national issues, such as when he expressed his opposition to federal efforts to ban abortion  unless, he conceded, there was real support in Congress for it  as well as when he touched on the issue of Ukraine, and labeled Republican rivals Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis the Neville Chamberlains of the 2024 race for their supposed willingness to give endless concessions to a dictator.

Christie blasts rivals unwilling to slam Trump

02:00 , John Bowden

Mr Christie made clear during his launch that he has little patience for his other rivals, those like Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott, who have thus far played coy with their thoughts regarding the former president and his legacy.

He even torched Trump family members Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump for receiving a $2bn investment from a Saudi firm into one controlled by Mr Kushner just a short time after they left the White House, deriding it as evidence of a corrupt relationship.

The grift from this family is breathtaking. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House, and months later, it turns out, they get $2bn from the Saudis? said Mr Christie.

That makes us a banana republic, he added.

It was comments like that  plus his effortless deconstruction of calls from his rivals to ignore leaders who dont look forward, and their calls for generational change  that outlined Mr Christies strengths as a politician and in-person campaigner.

Trump is a self-consumed, self-serving, mirror hog, Christie says

01:00 , John Bowden

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

He called the man he twice supported for the White House a self-consumed, self-serving, mirror hog, and said that Americans now had four years worth of a record with which to judge the former president.

Chris Christie calls Trump, "A lonely self-consumed, self-serving, mirror hog." pic.twitter.com/utR0rbbsxA  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) June 7, 2023

Chris Christie targets his divisive former friend Donald Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

Thursday 8 June 2023 00:00 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination just got a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Read more:

Chris Christie targets his former friend Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

VIDEO: Chris Christie launches presidential campaign

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Christie argues 2024 is different from 2016

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:30 , Gustaf Kilander

The whole atmosphere is different, Jake. In 2015 and 2016 ... Donald Trump had no record to speak of. There was no way to really make the case against him.



 2024 presidential candidate Chris Christie (R) theorizes why facing Trump in the primaries will be different this time pic.twitter.com/HjBSATXhRI  The Recount (@therecount) June 7, 2023

Christies chances of winning the GOP nomination are slim

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:00 , John Bowden

Matching Mr Trumps energy both onstage and off has turned into a major challenge for Republicans, including both those who seek to end his dominance of the GOP and those who wish to emulate his style for their own gain.

Though Mr Christie is a veteran of the presidential campaign universe, his chances of winning the GOP nomination are slim. He is currently polling around 1 percent in surveys of the Republican field which include him; the vast majority of voters are currently aligned behind Mr Trump and his second-place challenger, Floridas Ron DeSantis.

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:30 , Graeme Massie

A Fox News host has apologised after making a barbed remark about Chris Christies weight and his ability to down a milkshake.

John Roberts mocked the former New Jersey governor as he discussed his entry into the 2024 presidential race on the right-wing channels show America Reports.

Roberts made the comment as he compared the fight for the Republican nomination to two milkshakes, one being drunk by Donald Trump and the other by the remaining candidates.

The other milkshake, which represents the non-Donald Trump part of the Republican Party, has how many straws in it now? And now were gonna have Chris Christies straw in there, and judging by Chris Christies physical stature, he could drink a lot of the milkshake if he wanted to. But youre not affecting the Donald Trump milkshake, he said.

Read more:

Fox News host apologises for milkshake Chris Christie comment

You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco'

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:00 , John Bowden

Just as recently as March, the ex-governor was laying out what he believed was necessary to stop Mr Trump from attaining the GOP nomination, something many in the partys donor class are hoping to avoid given the presidents performance in 2020 and the woeful showing by the Republican Party in the 2022 midterms.

You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco [Rubio], because thats the only thing thats gonna defeat Donald Trump, he said at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. And that means you have to be fearless, because he will come back, and right at you.

His comments referred to the infamous moment during a February 2016 Republican debate wherein Mr Christie battled a then-surging Senator Marco Rubio onstage  in a series of brutal takedowns, the governor deconstructed his opponents debating approach and eviscerated it, leaving the crowd jeering as the senator attempted to respond.

It was a moment that quickly cemented itself in political debating history, but ultimately proved next to meaningless given that both men would be utterly overwhelmed in the contest by another man on the stage that night: Donald Trump.

And it remains unclear whether that same mastery of the debate stage demonstrated by Mr Christie will serve him well against Mr Trump. In one famous instance from the 2020 contests, Mr Trump bullied his way through an initial debate with now-President Joe Biden, talking over his opponent and ignoring the rules and moderator.

Christie appeared to be in the running for an administration post in Trumps government

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:00 , John Bowden

At one point, Mr Christie appeared to be in the running for an administration post in Mr Trumps government, rumoured to be a top contender for the positions of attorney general or potentially secretary of state. But the former governor has since become a vocal critic of the former president, who faces criminal charges in New York City and the prospect of additional charges at the federal level and in Georgia.

In the days immediately following January 6, he urged his fellow Republicans to impeach the president for whom he had once considered working, on the grounds of inciting an insurrection  a highly serious charge that ended up going further than even the select committee formed to investigate the attack would later recommend in its referral to the Department of Justice.

Chris Christie files paperwork to launch long-shot 2024 bid

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:00 , John Bowden

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has filed paperwork to launch his 2024 presidential bid.

Mr Christie, who faces long odds in the competition for the GOP nomination, is expected to formally kick off his campaign during a town hall in New Hampshire.

Mr Christie plans to focus on the Granite State, an early primary state that he hopes will help give his campaign momentum. Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, leads the increasingly crowded GOP field. But Mr Christie will look to position himself as a more moderate alternative to Mr Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently launched his own GOP presidential bid.

Read more:

Chris Christie files paperwork to launch long-shot 2024 bid

The grift from this family is breathtaking

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Calling Mr Trump a self-serving mirror hog during his 2024 campaign launch, Mr Christie went on to say that the grift from this family is breathtaking.

Christie hits Jared and Ivanka: the grift from this family is breathtaking pic.twitter.com/LkOriXZgN2  Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) June 7, 2023

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House and months later get $2bn from the Saudis. $2bn from the Saudis, he added. You think its because hes some kind of investing genius? Or do you think its because he was sitting next to the President of the United States for four years doing favours for the Saudis?

The investment fund of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman entered a deal with Mr Kushners Affinity Partners six months after Mr Kushner left the White House, prompting ethics concerns, according to The New York Times.

Thats your money, Mr Christie told the audience in New Hampshire. Thats your money he stole and gave it to his family. You know what that makes us? A banana republic. Thats what it makes us.

Christies feud with Kushner family

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Trumps meme-sharing comes after Mr Christie went after Ms Trump and Mr Kushner.

The Kushner family has been in a decades-long feud with Mr Christie. When he was serving as a US Attorney in New Jersey in 2004, Mr Christie prosecuted Mr Kushners father, Charles Kushner, who ended up pleading guilty to 16 counts of assisting in the filing of false tax returns, one count of retaliating against a cooperating witness and one count of making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.

Mr Trump pardoned Charles Kushner in 2020.

From Trump-ally to challenger

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Mr Christie became the first establishment Republican to endorse Mr Trump after dropping out of the 2016 primary. He was for a time in charge of Mr Trumps presidential transition and was also considered for roles such as vice president and attorney general, ideas which were vetoed by Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.

After being an ally of the president and supporting him in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, Mr Christie has now become one of his harshest critics. Last year, Mr Trump posted an image of Mr Christie at a buffet with the caption Chris Christie at a Roy Rogers at 11 PM in the evening trying to console himself.

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump fired off a nasty buffet video of Chris Christie after the former governor attacked Ivanka Trump at his 2024 campaign launch.

The former president shared a video created by Twitter users @NautPoso and @drefanzor which was crudely edited to make it appear as if the ex-New Jersey governor was starting his campaign at an all-you-can-buffet holding a plate of food.

Mr Trump shared the video not long after taking another shot at Mr Christies weight.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different!

Mr Christe has faced a litany of jokes about his weight in the last few weeks from outlets such as Newsmax and Fox News. Fox host Greg Gutfeld took part in the mockery, as did network anchor John Roberts who said the former governor could drink a lot the milkshake if he wanted to because of his physical stature.

Read more:

Trump ridicules Chris Christies weight in edited 2024 campaign launch video

Christie sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:15 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination just got a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: Get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

Read more:

Chris Christie targets his former friend Trump as he sets up bitter 2024 battle

VOICES: Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:15 , John Bowden

Chris Christie is officially running for president. But out of office for several years, and having suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2016 primary, The Independents Eric Garcia asks: Is his time of relevance over?

Read more:

Chris Christie gave Trump legitimacy. Now he cant stop Trump in 2024

Christie: Trump would give Ukraine to Russia to end war

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:15 , John Bowden

Mr Christie explained on Tuesday what he said was the true meaning behind Donald Trumps boasting of his supposed ability to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, were the latter to be elected president again.

Speaking to voters, he argued: "Let me tell you how he would. He'd give Ukraine to Russia.

Chris Christie slams Trump for claiming he would settle the war in Ukraine in 24 hours:



"Let me tell you how he would. He'd give Ukraine to Russia...He'd call Zelenskyy and say, 'Hey, guess what? Time to raise the Russian flag up on the poll. We're out of here.'" pic.twitter.com/zwRTKnEfSb  Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) June 7, 2023

Trump lashes out at Chris Christie

Wednesday 7 June 2023 11:15 , Joe Sommerlad

As you might have expected, Donald Trump was hardly likely to let Christies attacks on his grifter family unchallenged.

Heres what he had to say in his latest feverish post to Truth Social:

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different!

Christie wins praise from Democrats for Trump attacks

Wednesday 7 June 2023 10:15 , John Bowden

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had at least a few fans on social media Tuesday evening as he laid into Donald Trump: Democrats.

I dont always retweet GOP Presidential candidates. But when I do, I prefer retweeting Chris Christie, wrote Rep Ted Lieu, a California lawmaker.

I dont always retweet GOP Presidential candidates. But when I do, I prefer retweeting Chris Christie. https://t.co/AZTdhVXYWE  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) June 7, 2023

Medhi Hasan, a left-leaning commentator on MSNBC, added: Christies a hypocrite on Trump but, I wont lie, Im still enjoying this. Not sure his audience is, but I am.

Chris Christie fires back at Marco Rubio after town hall

Wednesday 7 June 2023 08:15 , John Bowden

After Senator Marco Rubio complained on Twitter that journalists were labeling Mr Christie responsible for the downfall of his 2016 campaign, the governor was ready with a response.

We didnt bring it up, but we know exactly what we are doing. Donate at http://chrischristie.com to give me a chance to do this to Trump on the debate stage, wrote the ex-governor.

We didnt bring it up, but we know exactly what we are doing.



Donate at https://t.co/sweh6vUZn3 to give me a chance to do this to Trump on the debate stage. https://t.co/wBZcU0f5Pe  Chris Christie (@GovChristie) June 7, 2023

Christie hits Trump for adding to debt  but so did congressional Republicans

Wednesday 7 June 2023 06:15 , John Bowden

One of Chris Christies attacks aimed at Donald Trump Tuesday evening hinged on the issue of the debt, which jumped under the Trump administration in large part due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a major tax cut passed in 2017.

Chris Christie criticizes Donald Trump's record: "He left with the biggest deficit of any president in American history. He said he was going to eliminate the national debt in 8 years. He added $3 trillion to the national debt in 4 years." pic.twitter.com/993gv3boMe  Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) June 7, 2023

The problem? While Mr Trump certainly was the one who signed that bill into law, it was Republicans in Congress  the same ones who he hopes will be his allies during a 2024 run  who voted for it.

Next big Christie event: A CNN town hall

Wednesday 7 June 2023 04:15 , John Bowden

Chris Christie will return for another town hall event next week  this time moderated by CNN, which has hosted both Donald Trump and Nikki Haley for similar events in recent days.

Inbox: Anderson Cooper is hosting a town hall with Chris Christie on CNN next week pic.twitter.com/w5eoW0YUvi  Max Tani (@maxwelltani) June 6, 2023

Christie rips into Trump family

Wednesday 7 June 2023 03:17 , John Bowden

Speaking about Donald Trumps tenure in the White House, Mr Christies most scathing remark of the night was aimed at the entire Trump family as a whole.

"The grift from this family is breathtaking. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House, and months later, it turns out, they get $2 billion from the Saudis? Mr Christie asked.

That makes us a banana republic, he added.

Christie hits Jared and Ivanka: the grift from this family is breathtaking pic.twitter.com/LkOriXZgN2  Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) June 7, 2023

Christie wraps up first 2024 event

Wednesday 7 June 2023 01:54 , John Bowden

Chris Christies first 2024 presidential campaign event has ended, following a whirlwind two hours of remarks and questions with the former New Jersey governor.

Follow all of The Independents live coverage of the 2024 race here, and be sure to join us again later in the week as the contest heats up with more appearances from GOP candidate including Ron DeSantis.

Christie sets up bitter 2024 battle with Trump

Wednesday 7 June 2023 01:26 , John Bowden

The battle for the Republican nomination just got a whole lot messier.

That was the defining message of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christies campaign launch on Tuesday: Get ready for blood.

Calling out his opponents by name, deconstructing their campaign slogans and clever quips  Chris Christie was in prime form on Tuesday evening at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he addressed a small crowd of voters in a town hall-style event and put his sights clear on his top rival, Donald Trump.

Mr Christie spoke at length before taking questions from his guests. In his remarks throughout the event, he remained plain-spoken and sharp-tongued while denouncing the four years of his rivals presidency as an utter failure and little more than an opportunity for breathtaking levels of corruption and grift carried out by the Trump family.

Read more:

Chris Christie lashes out at Trump familys breathtaking grift  live

A look back on Chris Christies 2016 campaign

Wednesday 7 June 2023 01:00 , John Bowden

As former governor Chris Christie prepares to launch his 2024 presidential campaign in New Hampshire on Tuesday, many are reminded of his first go at the White House in 2015.

America has been a nation that has always controlled events and yet today events control us. Why? Because leadership matters, Mr Christie wrote in a post on his Facebook wall in 2015 . It matters if we want to restore Americas role in the world, find the political will to take on the entrenched special interests that continually stand in the way of fundamental change, reform entitlement spending at every level of government, and ensure that every child, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education.

Here is a look back at Mr Christies campaign for president from The Independent:

Jeb Bush, Sarah Palin, Donald Trump... and now we have another possible candidate for presidential nominee

Trump lashes out on Truth Social

Wednesday 7 June 2023 00:31 , John Bowden

Donald Trump attacked his newest primary rival as Chris Christies town hall campaign launch unfolded Tuesday evening.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about, he wrote on Truth Social.

Hard to watch, boring, but thats what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it wont be any different! Mr Trump added.

Christie attacks Donald Trump, and those who won't

Wednesday 7 June 2023 00:03 , John Bowden

Calling him a man obsessed with the mirror and unwilling to admit his own mistakes, Mr Christie entered into the conclusion of his remarks on Tuesday with a pointed attack aimed at Donald Trump.

Mr Christie also lashed out at Republicans like Ron DeSantis and his other rivals for the 2024 nomination, who he said were afraid to name their enemy as if he was Voldemort from the Harry Potter franchise.

Beware of the leader in this country who has never made a mistake. Who has never done anything wrong. Who when something goes wrong its someone elses fault, said Mr Christie.

Ex-governor references BridgeGate scandal in remarks

Wednesday 7 June 2023 00:00 , John Bowden

Speaking to voters in New Hampshire, Chris Christie made it clear he was not shying away from questions about the BridgeGate scandal that consumed the final months of his tenure in office.

Explaining that he trusted people whom he should not have, the governor explained: It resulted in me being at one point in my career admitting that I was publicly embarrassed and humiliated by the things that had happened on my watch.

Christie: Obama, Biden and Trump made America smaller

Tuesday 6 June 2023 23:43 , John Bowden

Chris Christie lashed out at the past three presidents of the United States in his campaign launch Monday evening, blaming the men for making the United States smaller and dividing Americans into groups.

Barack Obama, he said, divided America. Donald Trump divided the country even further. And Joe Biden ran on bringing the country together, before according to Mr Christie pitting his party against Republicans and painting the GOP with one brush.

Chris Christie takes the stage at campaign launch event

Tuesday 6 June 2023 23:36 , John Bowden

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has just taken the stage at St Anselm college, where he is launching his 2024 campaign for president with a town hall event.

Watch along here:

Chris Christie polling around 1 per cent

Tuesday 6 June 2023 22:30 , Ariana Baio

National polls have former New Jersey governor and recent GOP candidate Chris Christie polling around one per cent.

A Fox News poll from May showed current frontrunner Donald Trump received 53 per cent of support and Ron DeSantis 20 per cent. Mr Christie had about one per cent along with Larry Elder.

Similarly, a CNN poll from late May showed Mr Christie holding one or less than one per cent.

The polling numbers will likely change after Mr Christie formally announces his campaign, though some are not convinced it will be enough for Mr Christie to earn a place in the White House.

Who is running for president in 2024?

Tuesday 6 June 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

As former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie enters the race for president, heres who else has thrown their hat in the ring.

Andrew Feinberg and Ariana Baio report:

Who is running for president in 2024?
This is the first known instance of a crocodile virgin birth, but virgin births have been recorded in fish, birds, lizards, and snakes

Getty Images Crocodile

Scientists have discovered the first-known case of virgin birth by a crocodile.

Per a study in the journal Biology Letters published Wednesday, the female crocodile had been living in isolation for 16 years at a Costa Rican zoo. In 2018, the reptile laid a clutch of eggs, a common practice among captive reptiles, even those without mates. After three months of incubation, one egg contained "a fully formed stillborn baby crocodile," scientists found.

The study noted that scientists examined the crocodile fetus' genetic makeup. During this research, the experts discovered DNA sequences in the fetus that resulted from reproduction without the help of a male crocodile.

This isn't the first time there has been a virgin birth  also known as parthenogenesis, a birth without fertilization  in the animal kingdom. Scientists also cited similar situations with fish, birds, lizards, and snakes. However, this is the first-known instance with a crocodile.

Related: Zebra Shark at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium Had Pups Through Virgin Birth

Based on this new study, scientists are reexamining reproduction in crocodiles and related animals. Warren Booth, an author of the study with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, opened up to Newsweek about the insight.

"What this also tells us is that as crocodiles and birds use the same mechanism, their extinct relativesdinosaurs and pterosaursare also likely to have been capable of parthenogenetic production. The idea that life finds a wayas in Jurassic Parkis not science fiction at all," Booth said.

Getty Images Crocodile

Related: Scientists Uncover First Known Cases of California Condors Born Through Asexual Reproduction



Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Booth continued, "We have numerous records in birds, snakes, and lizards that record parthenogens being born and surviving. As such, with this new record, we are just starting to scratch the surface in understanding the long-term ecological and evolutionary significance of this trait."



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Robert Remus Jr. enters the courtroom, Friday, June 2, 2023, as he goes on trial for killing his father, Robert Remus Sr., in 2012 while on a boat on the St. Johns River.

A jury deliberated for just over an hour before finding a DeBary man guilty of killing his father more than a decade ago.

Robert Remus Jr. strangled his father, tied his body to a barbecue grill, and tossed him from a pontoon boat into the St. Johns River.

Remus Jr., 54, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder in the killing of his 67-year-old father, Robert Remus Sr., in 2012. The conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

A jury of 10 women and two men began deliberations just before 4 p.m. in Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburns courtroom at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

Prosecutors: Remus killed to gain control of father's land

Assistant State Attorneys Andrew Urbanak and Joe LeDonne argued that Remus Jr. killed Remus Sr. to gain control of his father's land in Costa Rica.

The father said the land was worth between $4 million and $5 million. The son said it was worth $2 million and he wanted his father to sell it.

Urbanak said in his closing argument that the pair went for a ride on the fathers pontoon boat on Sept. 8, 2012. They left from a slip at the High Banks Marina. The marina was part of a trailer park where the father was living.

Son on trial in father's murder: DeBary man goes on trial accused of killing father to gain control of valuable land

Urbanak said the last time the father was seen alive was before the boat ride.

The case had gone cold until Volusia Sheriffs Office Sgt. Seth Amrhine took another look in 2019 and noticed that the fathers cellphone and the sons cellphone seemed to be moving together in southern Volusia County on the days following the boat ride.

In his closing argument, Assistant Public Defender John Selden, who along with Assistant Public Defender Courtney Davison, was defending Remus, said that there was no motive for Remus to kill his father.

He said that a will left by the father, which was not valid, split the fathers assets equally among his four children. And since the will was not valid, the assets would have been split equally anyway.

Story continues

Remus takes the stand

Remus took the stand and testified for more than two hours Wednesday.

He said his father, who liked to travel, was getting ready to go on another trip. He said they went on the boat ride and returned to the marina about two to two-and-a-half hours later.

He said as the pontoon boat pulled away from the High Banks Marina, they noticed people gathering for a bonfire. He said when they returned the bonfire was still going and the crowd had grown larger.

He said he and his father went to his trailer on lot 123. They talked some business and the father instructed him on what he needed while he was traveling.

Then Remus said he left.

He said early the next week he returned to High Banks and noticed that the pontoon boat was not in the same slip where it had been left on Saturday after the boat ride.

Remus testified he didnt notice whether the barbecue grill was still on the boat or not.

Remus also admitted that he did not provide the Volusia Sheriffs Office with his fathers 305 cell number. He said that was a business number that he needed to service coin-pushing machines for his father.

Deleted information

Remus also said he deleted some information from some cellphones he did turn over because his father was sometimes involved in shady deals. Remus said he was afraid he might somehow be found criminally responsible for some of his fathers dealings.

Urbanak said Wednesday was the first time Remus had admitted to having the cellphone with the 305 number.

Urbanak placed his cellphone on the podium as he questioned why Remus did not give everything to the sheriffs office during the murder investigation.

Urbanak also noted Remus admission that he had deleted some of the information on the phones.

As Remus was led away to be returned to the Volusia County Jail to await sentencing, a woman in the gallery cried. She was among a half-dozen of his supporters. One of them said "Love you" and another said "We'll see you back here."

Outside the courtroom, one of Remus' sisters, Kim Kuybus, 59, said her brother was innocent.

"I'm sorry but my brother didn't do it," she said. "My brother has a good heart."

Remus' sentencing is scheduled for July 21.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DeBary man convicted of first-degree murder in father's 2012 killing
Welcome to NC Voices, where leaders, readers and experts from across North Carolina can speak on issues affecting our communities. Send submissions of 350 words or fewer to opinion@charlotteobserver.com.

NC can learn from MN lawmakers

As a resident of Minneapolis and a future part-year resident of Cary, I applaud Ned Barnetts May 26 column highlighting recent accomplishments of the Minnesota legislature. (Minnesotas progressive session could be NCs story.)

He wrote of Minnesota leaders working symbiotically with Gov. Tim Walz to enact important and significant laws and programs that are expected to make big positive differences in the lives of average Minnesotans, regardless of political preference.

There are real political differences between the major parties in Minnesota, but unlike in North Carolina we dont have the rampant mean-spiritedness exhibited by some N.C. Republican legislators, elected officials and members of the state Supreme Court. Minnesota Democratic officials and office holders and their Republican counterparts behave respectfully toward one another despite sincere disagreements over political philosophies and proposals.

Another important factor is that Minnesotans consistently demonstrate one of the nations highest rates of voter engagement. There arent nearly as many non-voters.

While it likely wont happen in just one or two election cycles, North Carolina could reasonably achieve the type of good-functioning state government demonstrated in Minnesota if even a small majority of Democratic-leaning N.C. voters voted to elect Democrats and like-minded Independents to offices at all levels.

There also must be active contests for all elected offices  city, county, state and federal. Currently, way too many N.C. offices go unopposed with no real choices available to voters.

I am hopeful that the new energetic chairman of the N.C. Democratic Party, Anderson Clayton, and her lieutenants across the state can successfully invigorate the party to get more Democratic candidates on the ballot and get Democratic-leaning voters duly engaged.

Story continues

North Carolina used to be justifiably proud of being a beacon of better sense among the states of the old Confederacy. In the last dozen or so years, it has regrettably demonstrated an aspiration to be more like the most regressive states. Its no badge of honor to emulate states like Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas. That trend needs to end.

James Utt, Minneapolis

NC needs better bail bond reform

The writer is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP president.

When a person is accused of a serious violent offense, what is the appropriate bond amount to keep the community safe from further harm? A current N.C. legislative proposal seeks to give judges more power to answer that question. But its the wrong question.

No money can guarantee that a potentially dangerous person will remain behind bars while their case progresses or that theyll return to court and remain arrest-free if they bond out.

Our courts must navigate an arbitrary (and ineffective) system that gambles on whether high bonds will keep dangerous people in custody while also trying  and too often failing  to ensure that low-risk people are not detained simply because they cant pay a financial bond.

We need a rational, informed process for pretrial release and detention decisions that reduces the reliance on money and balances constitutional rights with the legitimate duty to enhance safety. The current proposal, House Bill 813, falls short.

National and local data show that most people are successful while living in the community before charges are resolved. They attend court hearings and remain law-abiding. For the smaller number of people who pose a danger, we need a process where judges consider the nature of the charge, the evidence, a persons criminal history, the arresting officers input, a pretrial background report, and prosecutor and defense counsel arguments.

Then, after considering whether any release conditions could mitigate the danger of harming others, judges decide whether detention is appropriate and justified without relying on a financial bond. This approach ensures that potentially dangerous people stay in jail, something money cannot do.

When people remain in jail simply because they cant pay, it is unfair and un-American. It is a direct assault on their right to liberty and to be treated equally by the law.

Corine Mack, Charlotte
JetBlue is launching a new flight to Belize from New York's JFK Airport in December.

Getty Images

JetBlue will launch flights from New York to Belize in December, bringing nonstop flights from the Big Apple to the Central American country.

The new flights, which will launch on Dec. 6, will mark the first-ever nonstop flight from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport to Belizes Phillip S.W. Goldson Airport, the Belize Tourism Board shared with Travel + Leisure. They will operate year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

This is a huge win for our ongoing efforts to make Belize accessible to more U.S. visitors, with JFK being one of the biggest air travel hubs for tens of millions of travelers, Anthony Mahler, Belizes minister of tourism and diaspora relations, said in a statement shared with T+L. Were excited for JetBlue to join the family of airline partners offering nonstop flight options to Belize and we invite everyone to visit and discover the beauty of this enchanting country and all that it has to offer.

The new flight will be JetBlues first to Belize. It will also be the second flight from the New York area to the country, joining United Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International Airport.

With the new flight, there will be 11 cities in the United States that offer nonstop service to Belize.

JetBlue is committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences to our customers and our expansion to Belize reflects our dedication to connecting customers to the most popular and unique destinations, David Jehn, the vice president of network planning and partnerships at JetBlue, said in the statement. We look forward to not only introducing our low fares and great service to Belize customers but also providing access to all the cities we serve from New York.

JetBlues decision to start flights to Belize comes on the heels of further expansion plans. Last month, the airline launched a brand-new flight to Bermuda and this summer, JetBlue will expand its transatlantic options with new flights to both Paris and Amsterdam. And in November, JetBlue will launch a flight from Los Angeles to Nassau, Bahamas, the first-ever nonstop flight from the city to the Caribbean island.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento is seen in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, June 5, 2023. Sixteen migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were brought to the dioceses offices on June 2, 2023, after being flown from Texas to Sacramento. | Tran Nguyen, Associated Press

Two charter flights arrived in California earlier this week carrying migrants from New Mexico, and initially, it wasnt immediately clear who orchestrated the flights. On Tuesday, the administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed it was responsible for the charters.

California officials argued that the migrants had been deceived into boarding the planes, and promised to initiate criminal and civil investigations, The New York Times reported.

Gov. Gavin Newsom accused the administration of kidnapping, tweeting the definition of what kidnapping means.

What did Florida say about the planes with migrants sent to California?

Alecia Collins, the communications director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said in a statement released Tuesday that the relocation was voluntary.

Through verbal and written consent, these volunteers indicated they wanted to go to California, Collins wrote, per the Times. A contractor was present and ensured they made it safely to a third party N.G.O. The specific N.G.O., Catholic Charities, is used and funded by the federal government.

Last September, DeSantis sent a plane with dozens of migrants from San Antonio, Texas, to Marthas Vineyard, Massschusetts, as part of a purported migration relocation effort, according to The Hill.

Since the move, multiple GOP governors have proposed bussing migrants north to Democrat-led cities in protest of federal immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico border, per The Hill.

Story continues

In the month following the expiration of Title 42, arrests along the southern border have dropped by about 70%, defying forecasts of a migrant surge at the border  predictions made by Republican lawmakers and the Biden administration alike, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Part of the unexpected drop in arrests comes down to immigration policies that were in place before Title 42 was enacted.

What is Title 42?

Title 42 is part of the Public Health Service Act of 1944, which allows border patrol to turn away immigrants at the border who get arrested without processing their paperwork or fingerprinting them. As reported by the Deseret News, it expedited the process when people were caught at the border and immediately released them back into Mexico.

Because the people arrested at the border werent required to be recorded and their cases processed, it allowed for the possibility of individuals to try crossing again after their release, sometimes multiple times.

Under Title 8, which is what current immigration policy falls under and what the government used before deploying Title 42, requires a full process of fingerprinting, record keeping and paperwork for each individual detained at the border.

According to the Journal, Migrants and smugglers they hire to help them reach the border appear to have interpreted these rules as tougher than Title 42, and rather than waiting for the policys end to come to the U.S., they rushed to reach the country before it did.
Randy Frederick and Randy Rasmussen will be appointed to serve on the South Dakota Board of Regents, according to the Governor's Office in a press release sent Tuesday afternoon.

The Board of Regents must revitalize the institutions under its control and to lead the nation by example. Together, we will work to provide an education that truly prepares our kids for the world they are entering without indoctrinating them with harmful, divisive ideologies, Gov. Kristi Noem stated in the release. I look forward to working with these folks to set an example to the nation of what strong higher education can look like.

The SDBOR governs Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, South Dakota Mines, South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, South Dakota Services for the Deaf, BHSU-Rapid City and USD-Sioux Falls.

Randy Frederick will be appointed to the South Dakota Board of Regents, according to Gov. Kristi Noem's office.

Frederick served in the South Dakota Legislature for 12 years. During his time in the Legislature, was on the Appropriations Committee.

More: Noem appoints Sioux Falls School District administrator to South Dakota Board of Regents

The Hayti Republican's occupation was listed as farming, according to the South Dakota Legislature's lawmaker archives.

"Free speech has been under attack at too many universities across the nation. I am dedicated to preserving American values at South Dakotas higher education institutions, Frederick said in the release.

Rasmussen, a Vermillion resident who works for HoChunk Inc. as a payroll supervisor, "has had the pleasure of interacting with employees, students and family members of the University of South Dakota community," according to the release.

Randy Rasmussen will be appointed to the South Dakota Board of Regents, according to Gov. Kristi Noem's office.

Rasmussen graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelors degree in accounting and from Grand Canyon University with a masters degree in business administration, according to the release.

Higher education should teach students to think critically, independently, and form their own conclusions," according to Rasmussen in the release. "Students need a curriculum that not only prepares them for a career, but gives them solid understanding of civic virtue that allows them to contribute to their community in a representative republic.

Story continues

Neither Frederick or Rasmussen were listed on the South Dakota Department of Education educator's look up tool.

More: Noem to South Dakota universities: raise graduation rates, end drag shows, and more

Randy Frederick will replace Jim Thares. Randy Rasmussen will serve out the remainder of the term for the seat that John Bastian, according to the release.

The newcomers join Tim Rave, Jeff Partridge, Pam Roberts, student regent Brock Brown, Douglas Morrison, James Lochner and CEO Brian L. Maher, who will leave later this month to take on a new role in Nebraska as the state's education commissioner.

Noem recently sent a letter to the BOR challenging them to tackle a wide range of issues.

The letter tasks the SDBOR with the following:

Raise graduation rates to 65% by 2028; Take more steps to partner with businesses on registered apprenticeship programs and offer the lowest possible credit rates; Remove all references to preferred pronouns in all school materials and any enforcement of such; Remove any policy or procedure that prohibits students from exercising their right to free speech; Prohibit drag shows from taking place on university campuses; Find ways to cut costs to ensure the affordability of college; Require a course in American government and a course in American history as part of the general education graduation requirements; and, Review all funding sources of university centers and all donations to ensure there is no money coming into our educational system from China.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Two new members to join the SD Board of Regents
BELGRADE, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Serbia and India will expand their cooperation in sectors of defense, pharmaceutical industries, information and communication technologies, the presidents of the two countries, Aleksandar Vucic and Droupadi Murmu, said after their meeting in Belgrade on Thursday.

For Murmu, the meeting marks her first visit to Europe since her election as the president of India last July. Vucic, on the other hand, first visited India in 2017, which he said had paved the way for an ever-expanding bilateral partnership, according to a press release issued by the office of the Serb president.

"We have firmly decided to develop bilateral relations, to promote contacts between our peoples and to strengthen cooperation in the United Nations," Murmu was quoted as saying in the press release.

Vucic announced the establishment of joint bodies that would help enhance bilateral cooperation.

He also said the two sides would work together in the coming days on the "simplification of their (bilateral) visa regime" to facilitate the exchange of tourists and business people. Launching direct flights between New Delhi and Belgrade is also on the cards, the press release said.

Murmu also had a meeting here with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. During her three-day visit, which started on Wednesday, she attended the India-Serbia business forum in Belgrade, which brought over 150 companies from the two countries. 
Harrison Ford takes one last ride as Indiana Jones in the new movie 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,' in theaters June 30

Paramount/Getty ; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Harrison Ford has starred in some of the world's most popular movies  and yet he's said he never set out to be a movie star.

I dont want to be a movie star, Ford, now 80, told PEOPLE in 1981. I want to be in movies that are stars.



Ford, a Park Ridge, Il., native, dropped out of Wisconsin's Ripon College to move to Los Angeles in 1964, though it took him close to a decade to break through in the film industry.

PEOPLE's new special edition, Harrison Ford: America's Greatest Movie Hero, is available now wherever magazines are sold.

After working for a number of years as a carpenter to supplement income earned from a contract with Columbia Pictures, the actor met eventual Star Wars creator George Lucas when he was cast in Lucas's 1973 movie American Graffiti.



Though Ford and Lucas had already worked together before Star Wars began searching for its Han Solo, Ford only got the part by happenstance: he was doing carpentry work for Francis Ford Coppola when Lucas and Richard Dreyfuss arrived to read for Solo. Eventually, Lucas asked Ford to read for the part  launching his career to new heights in a galaxy far, far away.



Related: Anthony Mackie Shares First Photo from Marvel Set with Harrison Ford: 'How Kicking Ass Should Look'

Ford went on to play Han Solo in all three original Star Wars movies, shocking fans when his character was indefinitely frozen in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back before his rescue in Return of the Jedi's opening sequence three years later. He also reprised the role in 2015's The Force Awakens, which made good on the actor's long-held desire to give Solo a tragic death.

Notably, the actor improvised perhaps the most memorable line of Star Wars' original trilogy: he decided to say "I know," in response to Princess Leia's (Carrie Fisher) declaration of love, though the movie's original script called for a longer line and its director Irvin Kershner simply wanted Han to say "I love you" back.



Story continues

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Star Wars spawned a creative partnership between Lucas and Ford that was fastened further when the filmmaker teamed up with Steven Spielberg for what became the first Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Surprisingly, Ford was not their first choice for the role: the two visionary filmmakers wanted to cast Tom Selleck, but when Selleck committed to film Magnum, P.I., instead, they turned to Ford, who helped spawn a second iconic Hollywood franchise. Ford reprises the role one last time in his new movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Related: Harrison Ford Says He'd 'Probably Be a Better Parent' If He Was 'Less Successful'

Jonathan Olley / Lucasfilm Ltd.

Spielberg's desire to collaborate with Ford did not end with Indiana Jones' adventures. The director filmed a cameo with Ford for his 1982 classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, in which Ford played Elliott's (Henry Thomas) school principal Harold Solo.



In the final cut of the film, the actor's face is obscured from full view, but a sequence was originally filmed that would have shown Ford in full view for a scene with Elliott and E.T. himself.

Ford debuted Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at the Cannes Film Festival in May, with some critics calling it his "most emotional" performance as the character.

In September 2022, Ford himself got emotional while speaking at the D23 Expo and showcasing footage from the sequel to fans. "Thank you for making these films such an incredible experience for all of us. I'm very proud to say that this one is fantastic," he said.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny opens in theaters June 30.

For more about Ford, pick up PEOPLE's new special edition, Harrison Ford: America's Greatest Movie Hero, available now.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Wildfires across Canada are again causing Michigan residents to experience hazardous air quality and hazy, smoke-filled skies this week.

It started with wildfires in Alberta, Canada, which brought high-altitude smoke and filtered views of the sun to the Great Lakes region in late May. Now, wildfires in eastern Canada and northern Michigan have sent more smoke and haze to the state's skies, the National Weather Service said Monday.

Southeast Michigan is facing dangerous air quality levels, including around 167 parts per million (ppm, the number of pollutants per square meter of air) Wednesday morning at a monitoring station in Tecumseh, 173 ppm in Detroit and over 171 ppm in Ann Arbor. West Michigan also saw hazardous levels, including near 130 ppm in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

Multiple waves of smoke and haze are impacting Michigan, thanks to wildfires in eastern Canada. A small smoke plume from the fire near Grayling is also barely visible. 9:36 am pic.twitter.com/PpIoZBHDc7  NWS Gaylord (@NWSGaylord) June 4, 2023

On the scale of air quality ratings, 101-150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and 151-200 is unhealthy for the general public, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index. Sensitive groups impacted could include those with asthma or other health conditions.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy declared Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, to be an Action Day for elevated levels of fine particulate in southeast Michigan counties. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range with some hourly concentrations reaching the "unhealthy level," the National Weather Service said in an air quality alert issued Wednesday morning.

"It is recommended that active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, limit prolonged outdoor exertion," the alert said.

Story continues

"Relatively light but persistent (north-northeast) winds will continue to push wildfire smoke from Canadian fires into our area for the coming days," EGLE's air quality forecast said Wednesday morning. "A high-pressure system is dominating the area and is currently expected to stay over the Wisconsin/Upper Peninsula border until Friday which will continue the NNE winds."

More: Dry conditions, no rain in sight have Michigan at 'unprecedented' wildfire danger levels

The air conditions began to change in late May, bringing clouds of smoke and haze. This came from 108 wildfires burning in Alberta, causing more than 25,000 residents to evacuate from the affected region.

See the map: Accuweather's map of air quality conditions for Michigan

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Michigan sees hazardous air, hazy skies amid Canadian wildfires
Up to 30 members of Springfield's radio industry will be signing books and answering questions about their work at the Historic Fox Theatre this weekend.

The History Museum on the Square is hosting a book signing event for "The History of Radio in Springfield, Missouri," on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the theatre located at 157 Park Central Square. Springfield radio personalities, writers, executives, engineers and others will be present.

Edited by Malcolm Hukriede and Dan ODay, who worked in Springfield's radio industry for many years, "The History of Radio in Springfield, Missouri" features a total of 49 authors who share their experience and favorite memories from working in radio.

O'Day, who has 50 years of experience in the radio industry, from hosting to production to sales, said he and Hukriede began brainstorming an idea about a book in 2016. The book's 49 individual stories were collected between 2017 and 2021. O'Day said this process included folks being interviewed and others writing their stories out themselves.

"History of Radio in Springfield, Missouri" includes over 45 stories of broadcast professionals from Springfield. A book signing event is being held by the History Museum on the Square on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. at the historic Fox Theatre.

"The History of Radio in Springfield, Missouri" includes nearly 70 years worth of information. In addition to the book's historical perspective, it includes a good deal of "reminiscing" by its authors, O'Day said.

"There are stories in there that made me weep," he added.

Among those featured in the book include the late Jim Bohannon, a national radio host, and late Father Harry, host of "The God Squad." Those attending this weekend's book signing include Dan Shelley, Woody Snow, Janet Lane, Cedric Randle, Wayne Glenn, Don and Chris Louzader, Summer Stevens, John Kimmons, "Miss Kitty" Ledbetter, "Curly" Clark, Mike The Intern and Ned Reynolds, according to a news release.

John Sellars, executive director emeritus of the history museum and host of "Sharing Stories of the Crossroads" on KICK 92.3 FM, will also be in attendance. In partnership with the history museum, "Sharing Stories of the Crossroads" airs every Tuesday at 4 p.m. and explores the history of the Ozarks.

Story continues

Reminiscent of a jukebox, the historic building at 605 N. Boonville Ave. in Springfield once housed the KGBX radio station.

"Springfield has such a rich radio history," Sellars said. "The KBGX radio building over on Boonville (Avenue) was the first building west of the Mississippi (River) constructed as a radio station. Everything about it, the engineering of that building is for it to be a successful radio station: the sound-proof walls, double-thick doors." Formerly, the KGBX radio station was located at 605 N. Boonville Ave.

Sean FitzGibbons, executive director of the History Museum on the Square, said he anticipates the book signing to feature "great storytelling" as folks enjoy one-on-one conversations with the book's authors.

"Unless you go out and are like some radio enthusiast, you're not going to be able to find all these little stories that make up Springfield's history," FitzGibbons said. "This book is a great way to have that access to that information."

"The History of Radio in Springfield, Missouri" is available for sale at the History Museum on the Square and on Amazon for $25. If purchased at the history museum, a portion of the book's proceeds will be donated to the museum.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: History Museum on the Square hosts book signing with radio experts
Getty Images

On June 6, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei attended a ceremony to unveil a new Fattah medium-range ballistic missile that can allegedly strike targets up to 870 miles awayfar enough to hit targets in Israel from Western Iran.

The spiky, black missile is billed, somewhat misleadingly (see below), as Irans first hypersonic missile, allegedly boasting a peak velocity of 1315 times the speed of sound, or around three miles per second. As if to eliminate any doubts as to the weapons purpose, a multi-story billboard set up in downtown Tehran boasts that the new weapon will be able to strike Israel within 400 seconds (67 minutes) from launch.

Getty Images

Hajizadeh first announced that a hypersonic weapon was under development last November during an event commemorating the accidental (per Irans government, though some Western sources say it was an Israeli hit) death of an influential Iranian rocket scientist. Its name, Fattahwhich means victor or openerwas supposedly chosen by President Raisi himself, and shouldnt be confused with multiple Iranian weapons named Fateh, or conqueror, such as the shorter-range Fateh-313 missile.

Fattah reportedly uses a solid-fuel rocket which, unlike a liquid-fuel rocket, means it can be pre-loaded and kept on standby for launch at short notice. It also means that the missile is potentially more mobile, as it doesnt need to be gassed up prior to launch, which could aid in survivability. Photos show that the missile has two sets of four maneuvering fins, and uses a spherical rocket booster similar to the Arash-24 that Irans satellite launch vehicle uses.

Getty Images

Tehrans propagandists have long emphasized panache for music videos about missiles, and the unveiling of Fattah was no exception.

Here's the video of the presentation displayed at the unveilling of the Fattah hypersonic missile today. Much of it is computer animation, aside from a few parts at the beginning. pic.twitter.com/ArH4QwuPjZ  Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) June 6, 2023

The video showcased some launch footage recorded both from the ground and from a downward-looking camera on the missiles fuselage. It also includes footage of a ground test of the Fattahs second stage thrust-vectoring engine nozzle, which can pivot to allow the missiles maneuverable reentry vehicle (MARV) to, well, maneuver.

Story continues

However, most of the video was comprised of computer animation, showing the missiles conical MARV separating from the rocket, using thrust vectoring to weave evasively so as to avoid air-defense fire, and ultimately plunging down to a nondescript point target in the desert below.

Is It Actually Hypersonic?

Hajizadeh claimed in his speech that this weapon cannot be destroyed by any other missile due to how it moves in different directions and at different altitudes.

Its always appropriate to take Irans technological claims with more than a few grains of salt, as the country hason multiple occasionsbuilt mockups of stealth fighters and straight-facedly presented them to the public as actual flying aircraft, complete with Photoshopped images of the fighters in flight.

That said, Iran has made verifiable progress in developing a variety of ballistic missiles that are some combination of faster, longer-range, and more precise than their predecessors. These new missiles have been used for attacks on ISIS and Israeli, Kurdish, and U.S. forces, alongside some predecessors like the Emad, Ghadr-110, and Khorammshar and Qasem Soleimani MRBMswhich already equal or exceed Fattah in sheer range, but have their own comparative downsides.

Getty Images

Irans missile forcecontrolled by the IRGC praetorian guard/expeditionary forcethus play an important strategic role in the countrys use of conventional military power. They also implicitly underpin Irans ability to employ any nuclear weapons it might eventually develop.

Thats of particular concern to IsraelIrans self-appointed nemesis. Ashtiani mentioned the Fattahs capacity to utilize various warheads for different missionsalmost certainly an oblique reference to a dual-role conventional/nuclear capability, despite Irans claims that the weapons-grade plutonium its been refining to higher and higher standards is not intended for weaponization.

Now that Iran is boasting that Fattah is a hypersonic missile, its jumping on a fashionable weapons-development bandwagon kickstarted by Russia and China.

Unfortunately, the hypersonic term is often used deceptively to imply more advanced technology than what is actually present. By definition, hypersonic describes a missile/aircraft traveling at or over five times the speed of sound, or a mile per second. Thats certainly fast, but ballistic missiles have been rocket-boosting themselves up to hypersonic speeds since the 1950s and 60s.

However, the modern usage of hypersonic weapons refers to weapons that can sustain and maneuver at hypersonic speeds. One method of achieving this is to have a ballistic missile launch whats called a hypersonic glide vehicle into the exospherea vehicle thats then able to skip-glide just over the atmosphere, repeatedly bouncing off the dense air molecules below. The other method is to develop a cruise missile with an air-breathing ramjet motor that can sustain hypersonic speeds while within the atmosphere.

Getty Images

The big deal with these weapons is not their maximum speed. Rather, the appeal comes from their sustainable speed, flatterand thus stealthiertrajectory, and ability to maneuver and avoid entering the optimal engagement radius of air defenses. Those all significantly complicate hitting them with interceptor missiles.

However, Russia has capitalized on hypersonic hype by describing its Iskander and Kinzhal ballistic missiles as hypersonic weapons. Sure, thats true in a strictly definitional senseground-launched Iskanders can attain Mach 6, and the air-launched Kinzhal can allegedly achieve speeds up to Mach 10 or higher. And, to be fair, the reentry vehicles of these two related weapons possess limited maneuverability that they can use to improve precision, and potentially dodge air-defense firean advancement over earlier ballistic missiles.

However, they do not qualify as glided vehicles, as they cannot sustain anywhere near their peak velocity and are not as maneuverable.

The new Fattah missile appears to be more of an Iskander-style weapona ballistic missile with a partially maneuverable reentry vehiclerather than a hypersonic glide vehicle weapon.

Israeli media has also speculated that Fattah could be modified for air launchmuch as Russia air launches the Kinzhal missile from MiG-31 jetsfrom the two dozen Su-35S twin-engine fighters that Iran is apparently negotiating to buy from Russia. In theory, a carrying fighter could effectively give the missile a big altitude and speed boost, allowing it to travel faster, further, and from vectors that would be impossible using a ground-based system.

Is Fattah Unstoppable?

Iranian officials have claimed that the new Fattah missile cant be stopped by existing air defenses, and even suggest that it could be used to target and destroy such missile defenses to kick in the door for subsequent volleys of less advanced missiles.

Unstoppable certainly isnt a literally truth, even if this weapon would pose significant challenges for interception. Recall that Russias Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were also billed as unstoppable. When Russia began lobbing those missiles at Ukraine in 2022, that reputation seem deserved, as Ukraines 1980s-era Soviet air defenses were incapable of stopping Kinzhals, despite otherwise shooting down a majority of incoming Russian cruise and ballistic missiles.

But that all changed dramatically this spring, when Ukraine deployed its first U.S.-built Patriot batteries with PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles in the Kyiv region. In short order, these systemsusing 21st-century missiles with built-in radar seekers designed for low-tier missile defensebegan shooting down Kinzhal after Kinzhal, which were actually attempting to strike the Patriot system itself.

Getty Images

That should not provide confidence that Fattah by itself is guaranteed to penetrate Israeli defenses. And boasts from Iranian officials that Israels Iron Dome defense system will be ineffective against Fattah missiles arent actually that impressive, as Iron Dome is designed to shoot down crude unguided rockets, not ballistic missiles.

In truth, Iron Dome is a lower-level layer of Israels multi-layer air defenses. Those also include Patriot batteries and several equivalent, or even more potent, air-defense systemsnotably, the Davids Sling (which is replacing the Patriot), naval Barak-8 missile, and Arrow 2 and hit-to-kill Arrow 3 missile interceptors.

Getty Images

Furthermore, since 2017, Israel has been developing an Arrow 4 missile defense system, which is explicitly billed as optimized to defeat advanced hypersonic weapons and missiles that release multiple warheads.

Iranian defense minister Gen. Mohammad Rez Ashtiani also claimed that the Fattah has a reduced radar cross-section (RCS). While even modest RCS reduction can theoretically help delay radar detection time, high-arching ballistic missiles tend to be pretty visible to ground-based radars overall.

Launching a ballistic missile also creates a big launch flash, detectable on the infrared sensors of orbiting early warning satellites. This means that Israeli defenses would be aware of an incoming Fattah attack, regardless of when the incoming missile becomes visible on radar.

Fattahs usefulness for conventional strike missions will also depend on the accuracy of its guidance system, which has not been addressed in detail yet in Irans statements.

Nonetheless, Fattah appears to herald an upgraded regional-level missile threat from Iran that will require better regionally integrated air defenses to manage than before. Recall that U.S. forces in Iraq were not protected by any Patriot or THAADS air defenses to shoot down the more pedestrian Iranian ballistic missiles that struck two U.S. bases in January of 2020, though they did receive enough early warning to seek cover in shelters and prevent deaths from the attack. That warning time could be cut much shorter in the future if Fattah is as fast as Iran boasts.

You Might Also Like
Vice President Kamala Harris will renew the Biden administrations push for an international force to assist Haiti in its ongoing security crisis when she meets with Caribbean leaders in the Bahamas on Thursday.

U.S. officials told McClatchy and the Miami Herald that the multilateral force could provide near-term support for the Haitian National Police by securing a limited number of critical infrastructure sites in Port-au-Prince, such as the airport and ports, relieving the burden on the local police to focus resources on its battle with gangs.

The Biden administration has pushed for a multinational force to be deployed to Haiti since October. But the plan has faltered due to the lack of any nation  including the United States  willing to step up to lead the force, and has run into opposition at the United Nations Security Council, with Russia and China expressing skepticism over the plan.

In Nassau, the vice president will reiterate our administrations support for a multinational force in Haiti, a senior administration official said. Weve made it clear that we believe the security and humanitarian situation in Haiti is worsening and the situation on the ground will not improve without armed security assistance from international partners.

CARICOM leaders arrived in Nassau through the day, June 7, 2023, for meetings on June 8 with US Vice-President Kamala Harris. Pictured is the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. Vice-President Harris will meet with CARICOM leaders at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Any decisions about such a security force would be done in consultation with the Haitian government as well as the UN. Those discussions are still ongoing, the official added. We will remain in coordination with partners on next steps to address urgent security needs.

More than 165,000 people are internally displaced in Haiti due to gang violence, the International Organization for Migration said on Thursday, hindering their efforts to distribute aid. The agency said that severe floods caused by torrential rains are affecting over 46,000 people and displacing another 13,000 others, and that an earthquake that hit the country on June 6 is further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MAY 18: Lala Kent attends the 5th Annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on May 18, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)

Lala Kent has never been known to hold her tongue. The Vanderpump Rules cast member has been all bark, no bite since she joined the show in Season 4. The thing about Lauren from Utah is that most of the time, shes wrong (aside from her judgment on Scandoval). However, her delivery makes it so entertaining that its hard not to love her.

Lala and those Pump Rules stars on the right side of history have been riding the Scandoval wave. The only good thing about Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss blowing up Ariana Madixs life is that shes made a profit off of it. Many of her friends can say the same, including Lala who has been podcasting, posting, and packing the most of out Scandoval.

One of Lalas money moves during Scandoval has been her Send it to Darrell merch. The shirt came to be after Lala hopped on Instagram to rant about Raquel sending her a cease and desist. Lala, adorned in a bathrobe, screamed for Raquel to send the letter to Darrell, her attorney. The viral moment turned into a business opportunity for Miss Lala, who apparently earned a small fortune from the random moment.

Lala Kent is her own sugar daddy

WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN  Pictured (l-r): Lala Kent and Ariana Madix  (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Lala spoke to Page Six about the success of her Send it to Darrell merch. Thanks to her lightning speed, and the company getting shirts up for sale in an astounding four hours, Lala made enough money to put a down payment on a $1.35 million home. Props to the manufacturing company too, for turning around enough Darrell merch fast enough for Lala to wear while filming.

Its not atypical for reality stars to make merch out of quotable moments. However, it is abnormal for someone to make this much money off of a $50 sweatshirt. Lala likely had to put close to $250,000 down on the home to cover 20 percent, thats a lot of hoodies. Hopefully, she gave Darrell a nice gift too for profiting off of his name, aside from his billed hourly rate. I go back and watch [the video of the rant] because it is surreal for me to take out the amount of money I took out to purchase a home for me and my family in Palm Springs, knowing you know its gonna take some time to make this back, Lala explained. Good for her, and Baby Ocean.

Story continues

Lala gushed about her entrepreneurial genius when it comes to the shirts. However, she even admitted she saw other Bravo accounts starting to make merch with the same quote and took it over. It was Lalas candid tongue that resulted in the quote, Ill give her that. I just want to go back and kind of appreciate my mouth, she added. Honestly, I doubt that Lala has ever been able to utter those words before.

TELL US  ARE YOU SHOCKED THAT LALA KENT MADE SO MUCH MONEY OFF OF SCANDOVAL MERCH? DO YOU THINK SHE DESERVED TO MAKE THAT MUCH MONEY OFF OF THE VANDERPUMP RULES CHEATING SCANDAL?

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:600px;} /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */

Subscribe to Reality Tea

* indicates required Email Address * First Name Last Name

The post Lala Kent Earned Enough Money From Scandoval Merch to Make a Down Payment on Home appeared first on Reality Tea.
Clinton County authorities have released the identity of the man found shot to death early Wednesday, and said they have charged someone with his slaying.

Gordon McClellan, 54, of Missouri was identified as the deceased man, Clinton County Coroner Phillip Moss said Thursday.

There is no formal address for him and his family did not know, either. We just know hes from the St. Louis area, Moss said.

Also on Thursday, the Clinton County Sheriffs Department said Benjamin J. Bush, 52, of Jamestown, has been charged by States Attorney J.D. Brandmeyer with four counts of first-degree murder. Bush is being held in the Clinton County Jail.

This was not a random attack. It is believed the victim and suspect were acquaintances of some kind, Sheriff Dan Travous said in a release Wednesday.

At 1:11 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, the Sheriffs Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting at 610 Main St., Jamestown.

Deputies and emergency personnel were sent to the scene and located the deceased victim, along with a person arrested by deputies. Travous said the two were acquainted.

Jamestown is about 9 miles due north of Breese and 9 miles due east of Highland.

The Clinton County Sheriffs Department continues to investigate.
An amusement park in the Ozark Mountains near Branson, Missouri, is investigating a report that a guest was told he couldnt enter the park with an LGBTQ+ Pride bag.

A mother said on Facebook that her son was told Tuesday he couldnt bring the rainbow-hued bag into Silver Dollar City, an 1880s theme park featuring rides and other attractions.

The woman wrote in a now-deleted Facebook post Wednesday that her son wasnt allowed to bring the tote bag, which said BE POWERFUL, HUMAN, LOVING, UNIQUE, INSPIRING & DESERVING in various colors, into the amusement park.

She said someone at the gate told her son that people dont agree with that here, and that he needed to turn the tote inside out or put it in his vehicle if he wanted to enter the park, she said. If he unfolded it later to display the message, the person at the gate allegedly said other staff would be alerted to kick him out.

In a statement, Silver Dollar City said it was aware of the post and investigated the incident by identifying and contacting the guest, reviewing entry security footage and interviewing team members who were working that day.

Its important to us that every team member and guest is treated with love and respect, regardless of their beliefs, values, sexual orientation, age, or background, the park wrote.

The park stated the actions described in the post do not align with the companys values, policies or team member training.

Park officials later said they found security footage of the individuals holding the bag right-side-out as they walked through the park. Security officials told investigators that the individuals were, in fact, asked to cover t-shirts that violated the parks dress code. However, the park did not provide specific details about those alleged violations.

The group complied with the request to cover their t-shirts and continued into the park, officials said. Following their investigation, park officials maintained no guest was asked to leave the premises or turn a bag inside out.

Story continues

According to its dress code, the park does not allow clothing that may be offensive or inappropriate, including anything with profanity or suggestive material.

The park does not make specific references to LGBTQ+-related apparel in its policy.

I think its pretty outrageous, said Lynne Jaben Bratcher, a discrimination and civil rights attorney in Independence, in reference to the alleged incident.

The Missouri Human Rights Act isnt clear about whether or not it protects gay and transgender rights, but if the family took the case to court, they could have a good chance of winning, she said.

Likely, the incident at Silver Dollar City would count as discrimination in a public accommodation against a protected class, as described in the states human rights act.

Under the current state law, race, religion, national origin, ancestry and sex are considered protected statuses. Advocates have tried to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the discrimination law for more than a decade, to no avail.
In this weeks issue of PEOPLE, the 90-year-old civil rights icon opens up about her life-changing loss in June of 1963  and the incredible journey she's taken since

Tamika Moore Myrlie Evers-Williams

At age 90, Myrlie Evers-Williams has dedicated her life to the Civil Rights Movement in America, and along the way, she made the ultimate sacrifice: losing her husband, famed activist Medgar Evers, who was assassinated in June of 1963. Now, exactly 60 years later, the widow, mother and fearless freedom fighter opens up to PEOPLE in this week's issue, reflecting on her incredible journey.

Myrlie Evers-Williams gazes wistfully at a photograph of Medgar Evers, the decorated Army veteran she married in 1951, when, at just 26, he was already a pioneering activist who would go on to challenge segregation and fight for the rights of Black Americans. The best way I can describe it is he was the love of my life, says Myrlie, now 90.

The photo is in a display case in a dimly lit basement room at Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., where Myrlie's personal archives are stored. I think I kept every scrap of paper, she says. I knew deep in my heart that everything my husband was doing and working for could be of use years later. He said, Keep a record, Myrlie. History is one of the most important things we are going to have in life.

Mississippi Department of Archives and History Medgar Evers, Myrlie Evers and their children

The couple themselves would soon become a key part of history, but not without devastating personal cost.

In the early morning of June 12, 1963, after years of working tirelessly as the NAACPs first field secretary in Jackson, Miss., where he organized boycotts and protests alongside his wife to help expand the rights of Black Americans, Medgar was gunned down by a member of the Klu Klux Klan as he stood in the driveway outside his home. He was 37. Myrlie and their three young children were just inside.

Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Medgar Evers funeral pamphlet

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Medgar's assassination, one that helped crystallize the deadly toxicity of racism in this country and the desperate need for progress  and this month, the Everses are being honored in a Jackson celebration.

Story continues

But for Myrlie  who's spent the better part of her life taking up her husbands torch and keeping his murder case in the forefront (Medgars murderer wasnt convicted until 1994)  the painful memory of his assassination is still fresh. If I couldve taken those bullets that night, I wouldve, she says. I would have gladly given my life for his at any time, because I believed in him. Medgar taught me to be brave.

Related: 27 Years Later, New Evidence Reopens the Medgar Evers Murder Case

Tamika Moore Myrlie Evers-Williams

Raised in Mississippi, Myrlie was taught early on that courage could come at the ultimate price. I was very familiar with all of the ills there, she says. You kept your mouth shut. I had no idea of what helping my people was before I met Medgar.

The couple met while attending what is now Alcorn State University. He was eight years older than me and a veteran. I was a sweet little 17-year-old. I was fascinated by his authority and the depth of his feeling.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

A friend of Martin Luther King Jr.s, Medgar put himself on the line when not many people did, she says, and it was frightening to me. Still, she married and marched alongside him.

Medgar and Myrlie both knew the risk of the work they were doing in the Jim Crow South. Wed receive threats all the time. There was one conversation where both of us were crying, and I told him, I cant make it alone. He said, Youre stronger than you think. He finished by saying, You take care of my children. It was an understanding we had.

Corbis/Getty Myrlie Evers, her children, Pres. John F Kennedy and her brother-in-law Charles Evers

Following her husbands murder, Myrlie and their children  Darrell, who died in 2001 at age 47; Reena, 68; and James, 63  were thrust into the spotlight.

We were poor; we didnt have anything, but people would bring meals, clothes for my children, she recalls. I found myself so thankful for those who supported me.



She was also furious. Asked how she continued her activism after such a heinous act of violence was carried out on her family, she answers quickly: Hate. I was full of it. I was determined to make whoever was responsible for my husbands death pay.



AP Myrlie Evers

Its a truth she admits shes not proud of, especially after dedicating her life to stamping out that very feeling. I have been filled with so much anger in my life, Im almost ashamed, she says. But I also realize Im human.

To get through, she says, I repeated something on a regular basis that my grandmother used to say: Baby, let go and let God. Without my faith, I dont know who or where I would be.

Tamika Moore Myrlie Evers

Myrlie relocated the family to California, where she resumed her studies at Pomona College. Thats where I found myself again, says Myrlie, whod only completed two years of courses when Medgar was killed. I knew it was necessary for me to have a degree to do a decent job supporting our kids.

After earning a bachelors in sociology, she went on to become a journalist, businesswoman, author and two-time congressional candidate. But of all her jobs, one of the toughest things I had to do was reinvigorate the NAACP."



Getty Myrlie Evers speaks at a NAACP Freedom Rally in August 1963

In the 1990s she became the preeminent voice of the organization, which was then in dire straits because of scandal and economic issues.

At the time, The men [of the NAACP] said, She cant do anything, shes just Medgars wife, Myrlie recalls. I smiled and said, Watch me.

Serving as chairperson, she helped reinstate the NAACPs prestige and stability. And once again she found love amid the struggle. My second husband was a prayer, she says of Walter Edward Williams, an activist and one of the nations first Black longshoremen, whom she married in 1976.



John Storey/Getty Myrlie Evers-Williams and Walter Williams

Williams was by her side on Feb. 5, 1994, when Byron De La Beckwith, who had evaded prison for decades after hung juries in two previous trials, was finally convicted and sentenced to life in prison for Medgar's murder. (He died while still incarcerated at age 80 in 2001.)

In marriage Ive been twice blessed, she says. It was Williams who encouraged her to keep fighting for justice when almost everybody told me it would never happen.

Williams died of prostate cancer one year after the verdict.

Tamika Moore Myrlie Evers

Now entering her 10th decade, Myrlie says, Im just beginning to feel a release from all the weight thats been over me. And yet there is more work to be done.

When I look at the race situation today, I know that I have to keep going, she says. Im tired, but Im pretty strong. I can still kick.

For more on Myrlie Evers' inspiring life as a civil rights activist, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Republican lawmakers in North Carolina voted to override the governors veto of a bill that outlaws abortion at 12 weeks of pregnancy, restricting abortion access in a state that has been a haven for abortion care in the year after the US Supreme Courts decision to reverse Roe v Wade.

In neighbouring South Carolina, lawmakers have continued debate before voting on a more-restrictive measure that would ban nearly all abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, before many people know they are pregnant, adding to a streak of abortion restrictions across the US South.

More than a dozen states, mostly in the South, have outlawed most abortions or severely restricted access within the year after the Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization, which revoked a constitutional right to abortion care that was affirmed for nearly half a century.

Abortion rights restrictions in North Carolina and a six-week ban in South Carolina would dramatically change the map for abortion access in the US, where abortions are banned in most cases from Texas to West Virginia and along the Gulf Coast.

In the more than a dozen states with bans, women have been turned away from emergency rooms, left with no choice but to travel hundreds of miles for the care they need, and faced complications that put their lives and health at risk. Like those laws, the North Carolina ban will harm patients and threaten doctors for providing essential care, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on 17 May.

She called the North Carolina measure a dangerous bill that is out of touch with the majority of North Carolinians and will make it even more difficult for women to get the reproductive health care they need.

Weve already seen the devastating impacts that state abortion bans have had on the health and lives of Americans living under these draconian laws, she added.

(REUTERS)

Health workers joined protesters at the North Carolina Capitol in Raleigh on 17 May as lawmakers in the Republican-controlled state legislature convened to override a veto from Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who has spent the last several days campaigning for GOP lawmakers to break from the party and drop the challenge to his veto.

Story continues

In a video posted online, the governor named four Republican lawmakers who he said made campaign promises to protect access to abortion.

They say this is a reasonable 12-week ban. Its not, he said in the video. The fine print requirements and restrictions will shut down clinics and make abortion completely unavailable to many women at any time, causing desperation and death.

Much of the coverage surrounding the North Carolina legislation has centred around a now-Republican lawmaker who previously campaigned against abortion restrictions when she was a Democrat, up until April.

State Rep Tricia Cotham joined the Republican Party last month after campaigning for her seat as a Democratic candidate and earning the endorsement of EMILYs List, an influential abortion rights organisation. Her party switch delivered Republicans a veto-proof majority in the House.

(ERIN SIEGAL MCINTYRE)

Ms Cotham has spent years campaigning against abortion restrictions, with powerful testimony about abortion rights and her own medically necessary abortion experience, saying in one widely shared 2015 speech that my womb and my uterus is not up for your political grab.

In a statement following the vote, the governor said that North Carolinians now understand that Republicans are unified in their assault on womens reproductive freedom, and we are energized to fight back on this and other critical issues facing our state.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate voted on party lines to reverse the governors veto.

The bill includes exceptions for pregnancies from rape or incest or if there is a life-limiting anomaly in the fetus. It also will require in-person physician visits at least 72 hours before a procedural abortion, and doctors must also make real-time views of fetuses available and allow patients to listen to embryonic cardiac activity.

North Carolina lawmakers approved the anti-abortion law while lawmakers in Nebraska debated a measure that coupled a 10-week abortion ban with a bill targeting gender-affirming care for trans youth, a proposal that inspired a nearly three-month-long filibuster in an effort to block it. Republican lawmakers ultimately broke through the filibuster on Tuesday night and voted in favour of the combined bill, which will head to a final round of votes before it heads to the desk of Republican Governor Jim Pillen, who intends to sign it into law.

Meanwhile, in Louisiana, lawmakers recently refused to add rape and incest exceptions to its anti-abortion law, one of the most restrictive in the country. State lawmakers also overwhelmingly rejected attempts to clarify medical exceptions in the law, including a measure that would specifically allow providers to remove an ectopic or molar pregnancy, which cannot result in a successful birth.
An airplane flies over New York, the United States, on June 7, 2023. Central and eastern areas of New York state will come under an air quality health advisory on Wednesday as air quality worsens amid wildfires in Canada, according to the New York state government. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

NEW YORK, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

The air quality index in New York City reached "hazardous" levels Wednesday afternoon. By 3 p.m. local time, it was above 300, according to U.S. government online platform AirNow, an air quality data site, which warned that at that level, "everyone should stay indoors and reduce activity levels."

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has extended its citywide air quality health advisory through midnight Wednesday, and those who have underlying health conditions are advised to avoid outdoor activity as much as possible.

The state's Long Island and Hudson Valley are under the air quality advisory as well. A number of cities and municipalities around the area also issued individual air quality alerts, urging residents to take precautions while cancelling some outdoor events.

In New York City and several large cities across the state, public schools cancelled outdoor activities on Wednesday.

FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

"The effects of hundreds of wildfires burning across the western provinces to Quebec could be felt as far away as the greater New York City metropolitan area," NBC News reported.

Due to the air quality, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has paused and delayed flights at certain area airports to mitigate the reduced visibility the region is experiencing.

"The FAA has taken steps to manage the flow of traffic into the New York City area due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke," said the agency in a statement.

"Flights from the Upper Midwest and East Coast bound for LaGuardia International Airport have been paused," it noted. "Flights to Newark Liberty International Airport have been slowed."

LIBRARY CLOSURES

New York City's three library systems closed their doors at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a few hours earlier than normal, because of deteriorating air quality conditions, according to spokeswomen for the agencies. The three systems have hundreds of combined locations and normally stay open until at least 6 p.m. on weekdays. Many unhoused people spend time at the city's libraries during the day.

"New Yorkers tried to cope as the miasma of 150 wildfires burning 500 miles away in Quebec blanketed the city for a second day," The New York Times reported.

In Brooklyn, some commuters appeared to repurpose pandemic-era masks for the walk to the subway, then removed them once they packed into air-conditioned trains. In the Bronx, playgrounds were empty, their jungle gyms nearly obscured by the haze. In Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty was barely visible.

LASTING HAZARD

The worst period of hazy, unhealthy air in New York City would last from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, according to a New York Times analysis of computer forecast models. The haze would likely vary in thickness through the overnight hours and could last through the day Thursday.

According to Basil Seggos, the commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the hazy conditions in New York are likely to continue on Thursday and Friday, and potentially extend into the weekend. "Ultimately," Seggos was quoted as saying, "this is going to continue for the next few days and likely into the weekend. We'll pray for rains up north and for winds to shift."

Hospitals in New York City and elsewhere across the state said they had not seen a major uptick in emergency room visits related to the hazardous air quality conditions yet, but warned that people should continue to take precautions to avoid breathing in too many contaminants.

The fine particulate matter in the air can "get into people's lungs, cause inflammation and worsen conditions like asthma, chronic lung disease or underlying heart conditions," New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said at a press conference Wednesday morning.

Older adults and children are particularly vulnerable, and people should limit their time outdoors and wear a high quality mask if they did go out, he added. 

The combo photo shows wildfire smoke from Canada shrouding New York, the United States, on June 7, 2023 (Top) and the Manhattan skyline at sunset in New York, on May 21, 2023 (Bottom). Central and eastern areas of New York state will come under an air quality health advisory on June 7 as air quality worsens amid wildfires in Canada, according to the New York state government. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

This photo taken on June 7, 2023 shows smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouding New York, the United States. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

Pedestrians wearing face masks walk on a street in New York, the United States, June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

A pedestrian walks along the East River in New York, the United States on June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 7, 2023 shows smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouding New York, the United States. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 7, 2023 shows smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouding New York, the United States. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks on a street in New York, the United States, June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

Pedestrians covering their faces walk on a street in New York, the United States on June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

Pedestrians wearing face masks walk on a street in New York, the United States, June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

Passengers ride a ferry along the East River in New York, the United States, June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

A cyclist wearing a face mask rides a bike on a street in New York, the United States on June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 7, 2023 shows smoke from wildfires in Canada shrouding New York, the United States. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

A cyclist rides a bike passing an air quality alert sign in New York, the United States on June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks on a street in New York, the United States, June 7, 2023. Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of U.S. states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening Wednesday afternoon and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the worsening air quality "an emergency crisis."

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)
Pat Robertson, the controversial religious television personality and former 700 Club host who influenced a generation of conservative politics, has died at age 93.

The Christian Broadcasting Network  which Robertson founded in 1960  announced that the TV figure died Thursday morning at his Virginia Beach home, though no cause of death was revealed.

"With great sadness, we announce that Dr. M.G. 'Pat' Robertson has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior today, June 8, 2023," a CBN social media post read. "Thank you for your prayers for the Robertson family and the ministry of CBN at this time."

Though his reach impacted many in both positive and negative ways, Robertson is perhaps best known as the face of CBN's The 700 Club talk show, which allowed him to build an audience around the nation. Before Robertson's exit from the series in 2021, the show became so popular that he was able to welcome guests like Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump.

In addition to his work in Christian-based programming, Robertson also launched the Christian Coalition and sought the Republican nomination for the United States presidency in the late '80s.

Pat Robertson dead at 93

Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Getty Pat Robertson

Since then, the Christian Coalition mobilized religiously-inclined voters to support politicians who aligned with their ideals.

Though he was popular with his religious base, Robertson drew heavy criticism during his life for his radical views, including blaming natural disasters on non-scientific factors, such as when he linked the 2010 Haiti earthquake to a "pact with the devil." In 2002, he called Islam a violent religion that wants to "dominate" and "destroy." Robertson often spoke out against abortion, feminism, and homosexuality, saying in 2013 that the thought of seeing two men kissing made him want to "vomit."

Robertson's divisive views polarized social media amid news of his death. While many of his followers paid tribute to him under CBN News' tweet announcing his death, queer activist and Drag Me to Dinner star Marti Gould Cummings slammed Robertson on Twitter, writing: "Pat Robertson is dead! Enjoy hell bitch."

Story continues

Subscribe to EW's Quick Drag podcast for recaps of RuPaul's Drag Race, including reactions with the cast, special guests, and more.

Related content:
Prince Harry's first love was longtime girlfriend Chelsy Davy, whom he dated from 2004 through 2010. Keep reading for details about her net worth, family life and what she is doing today.

Where Is Chelsy Davy From?

She was born in Bulawayo in southwest Zimbabwe, Africa, to prominent businessman Charles Davy and Beverley Davy, a former Miss Rhodesia.

What Does Chelsy Davy Do for a Living?

The blonde beauty studied law at the University of Leeds in England, graduating in 2009. In September 2011, Chelsy joined the London law firm Allen and Overy as a trainee solicitor.

Chelsy decided to make a major career change in 2014, leaving her legal career behind. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America and went on to launch her jewelry brand, AYA, in July 2016.

According to the company's website, "AYA was born out of a love for Africa. Chelsy has always had a great affinity for the continent of her birth. Having travelled extensively through Africa, immersing herself in the different cultures of many countries like Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania, she has been deeply inspired by its beauty; both in the land, and in its people."

The designs feature "rare and precious gemstones and exquisite African craftsmanship so that each piece of AYA jewelry embodies the unique charm of Africa."

Chelsy expanded AYA to include luxury African travel adventures in 2021. She then branched out into fashion, decor and art with her company AYA Africa.

Who Is Prince Harry's Ex Chelsea Davy?

What Is Chelsy Davy's Net Worth

According to multiple websites, she has a fortune near $40 million.

Who Is Chelsy Davy's Husband?

The entrepreneur quietly married hotelier Sam Cutmore-Scott in May 2022. Five months before their wedding, the couple welcomed their first child, son Leo.

How Long Did Prince Harry Date Chelsy Davy?

The pair met in 2004 while she was studying to get her economics degree at the University of Cape Town and Harry was spending time in South Africa during his gap year.

Story continues

Harry was impressed by how Chelsy had no interest in his title or royal connections. Unlike so many girls I met, she wasnt visibly fitting herself for a crown the moment she shook my hand. She seemed immune to that common affliction sometimes called throne syndrome, he wrote in his January 2023 memoir Spare.

Id always wanted to know what it might be like to meet a woman and not have her eyes widen at the mention of my title but instead to widen them myself, using my mind, my heart. With Chelsy, that seemed a real possibility. Not only was she uninterested in my title, she seemed bored by it. Oh, youre a prince? Yawn, he continued.

The couple attended concerts and other public events together before Chelsy made her debut at a royal function in 2008, joining Harry as his plus one for cousin Peter Phillips wedding to Autumn Kelly.

Harry and Chelsy split in 2010 after she concluded she didn't want to live her life as a royal wife and hated being in the public eye. I completely understood her desire for freedom. If I had a choice, I wouldnt want this life either. I would miss her very much, but I understood she put her freedom first, he wrote in Spare. "If I had the choice, Id want to live like that as well.

The pair remained close though, as Chelsy was Harry's date for brother Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011. She attended Harry's wedding as a guest when he married actress Meghan Markle in 2018.
El Movimiento Sigue stakeholders and supporters including Jose Ortega (middle), and Kat Matthews (right), hold signs during a protest outside of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation office on Tuesday. The group of around 20 were protesting a potential governor's veto to a bill that would restrict state and local government participation in civil immigration detention.

Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill earlier this week that El Movimiento Sigue, a Pueblo social justice nonprofit, anticipated he might veto.

The bill, which was signed by Polis on Tuesday, prevents state and local governments from entering or renewing agreements to detain people at immigration detention facilities owned or managed by private entities. It becomes effective Jan. 1, 2024.

The bill also prohibits state and local entities from conducting similar actions to solely detain people suspected of violating civil immigration policy or selling government-owned property to establish a privately managed or owned immigration detention facility. They also cant offer payment to construct one or receive payment from a private entity operating that type of facility.

El Movimiento Sigue late last month staged a protest outside of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation office, where Polis was signing another bill, after its members heard rumors Polis might veto the bill.

Denise Torrez, board president for El Movimiento Sigue, said the nonprofit plans to celebrate the signing during its monthly meeting next week. She said the group pushed for Polis to sign the bill because it aligns with its advocacy efforts to reallocate law enforcement resources toward community support services rather than detention.

We dont believe local law enforcement resources should be used to support this broken immigration system, especially because a lot of times, the people who are being detained are detained for a civil matter, not a criminal matter, Torrez said.

Polis, in a statement released Tuesday evening, reiterated his stance that Colorado should not be a sanctuary state and that the bill merely prohibits local governments and the state from contracting directly with ICE for civil immigration enforcement.

More: Pueblo group rallies behind bill seeking to restrict Colorado, local contracts with ICE

Polis in the statement said that the bill doesnt prevent ICE from enforcing federal immigration law, nor impact ICE's ability to detain people who violate that law, and that local governments can still cooperate with ICE on enforcement actions.

Story continues

ICE can also continue to open or operate detention facilities in Colorado or contract with a private entity to do so, Polis said.

According to some of the bills language, local governments can continue to provide health and safety resources to people who are detained for immigration purposes and sanitation services to immigration detention facilities.

Polis in his statement also said its his hope that the federal government views his signing of this bill as a manifestation of our frustration in Colorado with our broken immigration system and that it pushes them to take responsibility on the issue.

I am committed to working with and continuing to call on Congress and the federal government to finally take action on comprehensive immigration reform, Polis said. State and local governments simply cannot solve our nations immigration crisis.

Polis also mentioned that he has concerns the bill will cause financial hardship for Teller County, which has an intergovernmental service agreement with ICE, but that he would work with officials in that county to address any potential negative financial impact it may face from the bill.

Moffat County also has an IGSA with ICE, and there is an ICE detention facility in Aurora run by the GEO Group that would not be affected by the bill.

Chieftain reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @josuepwrites.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Bill restricting immigration detention agreements signed by Polis
Gov. Dan McKees three picks for the new Cannabis Control Commission each pledged to regulate Rhode Islands nascent adult-use marijuana industry equitably and evenly on Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-to-0 to send their nominations on to the full Senate for consideration.

Who are the nominees?

Layi Oduyingbo

Two of the nominees, Kimberly Ahern, McKees deputy chief of staff, and Robert Jacquard, a former longtime Cranston representative, were familiar to lawmakers. The third nominee, Layi Oduyingbo, a lawyer like the other two nominees, seemed less so, but received the same encouragement and support from the committee.

Oduyingbo described himself as the son of Nigerian parents who came to the Ocean State with nothing in order to provide excellent opportunities for their future children. That is exactly what we have received.

He thanked his mother for her unlimited sacrifices, and my wife who has always supported me. She is an excellent wife, mother, motivator ... and a speech language pathologist if anyone is looking for one, he said, drawing chuckles from committee members.

A billboard that a marijuana dispensary put up on its Pawtucket building last month in protest of a state rule that bans outdoor advertising by Rhode Island  but not Massachusetts  cannabis companies.

Oduyingbo received an accounting degree from Providence College before changing gears and earning a law degree from Roger Williams University.

As a student lawyer for Rhode Island Legal Services, he said he worked with clients with open cases in the Department of Children, Youth & Families and in that role witnessed how socio-economic factors like race and income played a factor in them ending up before the court.

He also worked as a corporate lawyer for a world company that has its headquarters in Providence," advising various divisions on ethics and compliance matters before eventually starting his own law firm in Cranston, where he helps victims of employment discrimination.

As a person of color, he said, I must say that historically, the policing of drugs has disproportionately affected Black and brown communities. Noting that the Rhode Island law legalizing recreational use of marijuana includes social equity provisions for these communities, he said, it is up to the commission to carry out its duties in a way that is equitable and just.

Story continues

More on retail pot: Under threat of a $10K-per-day fine, RI retail pot company takes down billboards

Kimberly Ahern

Ahern, who would serve as the commissions chair, has worked for two governors, McKee and Gina Raimondo, and before that worked for nine years as a special assistant attorney general under three attorneys general.

If confirmed, she said, she would implement policies of the marijuana legalization act that are safe, transparent and equitable in the years to come.

She said her previous work on criminal-justice groups focused on breaking down barriers to the social reentry of formerly imprisoned people will inform my awareness on social equity moving forward ... Im eager to get started on those aspects as well.

Like Oduyingbo, Ahern is also a parent, of two young children, and said health and safety standards will be a top priority" for her.

In congratulating Ahern on her nomination, Sen. Matthew La Mountain, who worked with her in the attorney generals office, said, I dont think the governor could have picked anyone better to chair this commission ... I have no reservations you will continue to do great work for this commission.

Robert Jacquard

Robert Jacquard worked as a police officer for 23 years in Cranston, and also represented his home city as a state representative from 1993 to 2021, and is now in private law practice.

Testifying in his behalf, fellow Cranston state Sen. Hanna Gallo came with a basket of adjectives to describe him: The most genuine, patient, kind, ethical  he has excellent judgment  intelligent, hardworking, team person, people skills,  who will go to the ends of the earth for anybody.

Jacquard told the committee he had been married for 20 years and was the proud father of one daughter who had done five tours of duty in the military and is now an air-traffic controller working for the Federal Aviation Administration.

He said he attained his law degree after years of night school and had a diverse clientele from which he had learned much.

More on legal pot: Marijuana growers plead with RI regulators to move faster. Here's what they say is at stake

He said the legalization law, which among other things gives the commission the power to dispense licenses for more marijuana stores, is pro-business, maximizes revenue to the state, protects the public and it also implements a lot of social equity mandates.

And I think that, if the commission works within the framework of the act, we are going to be very successful in the state with this nascent industry.

Jacquard said the public will be looking to see that the commission makes its decisions "fairly and evenly."

"And I pledge to work with the members of the commission, if appointed, to do just that," he said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Retail marijuana in RI: Cannabis Commission nominees move forward
Wikimedia Commons

A Russian motorist near Ryazan (southeast of Moscow) recorded a video earlier this year of an unusually large, low-flying drone with a V-shaped tail and wings spanning a whopping 23 meters from tip to tip.

Somewhere in Russia earlier this year - Kronshtadts Sirius UCAV during a (possible) test flight. pic.twitter.com/upriQXsYtA  Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) June 1, 2023

This was a rare sighting of a heavy attack drone that was developed by Russian drone-maker Kronshtadt prior to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Its called the Sirius, named after the brightest start in the sky. Sirius was intended as a higher-performance, twin-engine successor to the single-engine the Orion UCAV, which saw combat use earlier during the invasion.

Samuel Bendett, an expert on Russian uncrewed systems and AI at the Center for Naval Analyses and the CNAS think tank, wrote to Pop Mech:

Sirius is a pre-war legacy system, along with Helios long-range ISR drone and other Kronstadt projects. This is supposed to be one of the flagship projects to propel Russia into the rank of drone superpowers on the air with the US, Israel and China. Sirius is supposed to be a significant upgrade of Orion in practically all capabilities.

Wikimedia Commons

Russias first missile-armed combat drone to enter service, the Inkhodets (Orion) medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) drone began production in 2021, just a year before Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine. Thats somewhat shocking, given that the U.S. began using large combat drones (or UCAVs) two decades earlier in Afghanistan. Russias long lack of similar capability allowed China, Israel, Turkey, and even Iran to capture most of the killer drone market for years, at least with regards to countries without access to U.S. exports.

However, following embarrassing military setbacks during Russias invasion of Georgia in 2008, Moscow purchased drone technology from Israel, giving domestic firms the tech injection needed to develop and finally combat test Orion UCAV and KYB kamikaze drone prototypes over Syria in 2018. Those trials, in turn, allowed Russia the operational drone capabilities with which it began the war in Ukraine.

Story continues

But waiting in the wings (and with bigger wings) were many new UCAV designs at various stages of development. One of them, Helios (or Orion-2) was for a higher altitude (HALE) drone. Meanwhile, Kronshtadts Siriusalso sometimes dubbed the Inkhodets-RUwas basically a twin-engine variant of the Orion: still a MALE drone, but with greatly improved performance.

A mockup of Sirius was displayed at the 2019 MAKS airshow, while construction of a flying prototype began November of 2021. While originally planned to enter service in 2023, it instead made its first flight on February 27, according to a leaked Pentagon report.

Wikimedia Commons

Key changes include much greater range, and support for a satellite communications (SATCOM) antenna that will allow for remote control over huge distances.

It also can carry heavier, harder-hitting bombs and missiles ordinarily reserved for manned warplanes. That supposedly includes 1,100-pound class RBK-500U cluster bomblet dispensers and destructive ODAB-500PMV fuel air explosives. The drone also benefits from a ground-mapping Synthetic Aperture Radar that can help generate terrain maps, as well locate ground-vehicle and artillery targets.

Kronstadt's Sergei Bogatikov said the Sirius UCAV would conduct its first flight in May and should begin serial deliveries next year. 2/https://t.co/JFJquev0Oihttps://t.co/DzioyFRMxmhttps://t.co/ttGHWXy77O pic.twitter.com/C9FSVnIPuc  Rob Lee (@RALee85) January 28, 2022

Sirius will supposedly come in three variantsone for attack, one for reconnaissance only, and one for maritime patrol. The last submodel, operated by Russias navy, is intended to have payloads for anti-submarine ops, search-and-rescue, maritime reconnaissance, and signal-repeater duties. Production will begin at a facility in Dubna (55 miles north of Moscow).

Russias war has drained away much R&D funding, but according to Bendett, service entry may not be that distant now. At the moment, he said, work is ongoing given all the resources invested on this project which is also supposed to be mostly domestically sourced. As far as public resources go, Russia is on track to start mass production sometime this year.

Asked if Sirius was likely to come standard with satellite communication antennas, Bendett said that he believed it was likely, but unclear to what extent.

However, others are skeptical that Russias GLONASS navigational satellites are in sufficiently good state for Russia to depend on them for long-range drone flights. Though, it is worth bearing in mind that the drone may still access GPS or other satellite-navigation systems instead.

Useful Over Ukraine?

Early in the war, a spate of videos showed missile strikes by Orion UCAVs, which can be used to confirm the destruction of five trucks, a couple towed howitzers, and three tanks. Forepost-R dronesa modification of a reverse-engineered Israeli reconnaissance droneclaimed six more vehicles.

Clearly, then, Russias UCAVs achieved some results, but on a vastly more limited scale than the killing sprees of Bayraktars drones over Libya, Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh. By contrast, there are many more successful attacks recorded on video of Russias Lancet kamikaze drones.

Video : Russian Orion UCAV strikes on reportedly an Ukrainian AFVs in Mariupol city.#Russia #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/hWOR6k4OR2  BlueSauron (@Blue_Sauron) March 16, 2022

Furthermore, footage of Orion strikes petered out almost entirely after the Fall of 2022.

Experts are pretty sure they know why. In the wars first weeks, both sides ground-based air defense coverage was spotty, giving UCAV drones a window of viability. But once ground-based air defense coverage was fully active, neither sides UCAVs had acceptable survivable odds.

A May report penned by Bendett on Russian uncrewed systems by the Center of Naval Analysis concluded:

although [Orion] worked well for the Russian military against antigovernment forces in Syria, they are not equipped with robust defenses, making them vulnerable to Ukraines counter-drone and air defense systems. After some initial combat sorties, the Forpost-R and Orion drones now seem confined to ISR missions because of their initial low numbers and concerns over further UAV losses if used on attack missions, according to a Russian MOD broadcast.

Essentially, while medium-altitude combat drones can safely attack insurgents or poorer armies from outside the range of their flak guns and portable anti-air missiles, a wealthier, state-level opponent fielding many medium- and high-altitude air defense systemssuch as the Buk, the S-300, and even fighter planes or shorter-range defenses like the 9K33 Osacan still easily engage slow-moving, high-flying MALE drones.

And costing multiple millions of dollars each, UCAVs are too valuable at to treat as being entirely expendable. By June 2, 2023 photos have confirmed that Ukraine has lost at least 19 Bayraktars, while Russia has lost four Orions and several additional UCAV types.

While Sirius improves on the Orion with greater range and payload capacity, it seems likely to run into the same survivability problems limiting use of other UCAVs over Ukraine.

Still, Sirius may provide Russia some additional capabilities at a standoff distance, whether for reconnaissance/surveillance or for serving as a launch platform for heavier, longer-range weapons. It could also be used for rear-area security in areas removed from Ukrainian air defense coverage, or provide ISR capabilities in conjunction with strikes by Russian fighters.

Other functions may indeed be considered like maritime capacity or a drone carrier platform, but its real usefulness can only be confirmed once its operational, Bendett wrote.

Scourge Over the Black Sea?

One arena where Siriuss expanded range and weapons payload capability seem most applicable is over the Black Sea, where ground-based air defenses will be a smaller factorespecially as Ukraines Navy lacks warships with high-altitude air defenses.

The viability of UCAVs in this environment was demonstrated last Spring, when Ukraine's Bayraktar drones managed to devastate Russias Snake Island garrison (and the boats dispatched to relieve it) until the survivors were forced to evacuate.

Russia might, therefore, attempt to use Sirius for maritime domain awareness over the Black Seaperhaps most importantly attempting to detect and potentially destroy Ukraines uncrewed kamikaze boats harrying Crimea, as well as hunting its manned patrol boats. Further afield, it could monitor Ukrainian commercial shipping activities, or shadow NATO ships in the Baltic or Sea of Japan.

Such maritime ops, though potentially useful, would remain a sideshow to Russias bigger military challenges in Ukraine, which the Sirius probably can do little to change.

You Might Also Like
Sebastian Silvas Mexico-set meta-comedy Rotting in the Sun has finally found a home in the U.S. and elsewhere after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023.

IndieWire exclusively shares that MUBI has acquired the rights to the latest button-pushing work from the filmmaker behind The Maid, Nasty Baby, and Crystal Fairy. The Park City premiere stars Silva as a version of himself, here a filmmaker staring down an existential crisis while adrift over his busted latest project, and comedian and social media sensation Jordan Firstman also as a version of himself, an outspokenly gay influencer who blows up the fictional Silvas life.

More from IndieWire

This raunchy, sexually explicit satire of gay millennial life amused and provoked Sundance audiences with its graphic content, unapologetic drug use, and a narrative hairpin turn typical of Silvas low-budget, genre-mixing indies. In a quote shared by MUBI, Bret Easton Ellis said the film is like if Alfonso Cuarons Roma were made by Female Trouble-era John Waters.

The Chilean filmmaker based Rotting in the Sun on his own experience vacating Brooklyn for Mexico City, where he lived in an architectural studio hoping to restart his career as a painter. I just wanted to paint and chill, Silva told IndieWire in an interview out of Sundance. But I cant escape the movies. Wherever I go, I see things that are cinematic.

It was there he met social media star Jordan Firstman at the Plaza Rio de Janeiro, where Firstman told him hed just rewatched Crystal Fairy the night before. The encounter makes it into Rotting in the Sun, though reset on a nude beach and after Silvas character tries to drown himself. In the film, the pair start up a collaboration, only for Silva to go missing, setting Firstman on a quasi-detective journey to find him. Meanwhile, Silvas housekeeper (The Maid star Catalina Saavedra) may have something to do with his disappearance  though Rotting has plenty more Ketamine-addled tricks in its arsenal.

Story continues

I found him hilarious and exhausting, Silva said of meeting Firstman, whos had roles in series including Search Party and Ms. Marvel and also works as a TV writer. It was very much something I wanted to make fun of.

MUBI acquired rights for Rotting in the Sun in North America, Latin America, UK/Ireland, Germany/Austria, France, Benelux, Italy, and Spain. The film will open theatrically in the U.S. on September 8 and stream on MUBI globally September 15.

Rotting in the Sun, produced by Jacob Wasserman, Hidden Content, and The Lift, in association with Robert Pattinsons production company Icki Eneo Arlo, Spacemaker Productions and Caffeine Post, marked Silvas fifth time back at Sundance, where hes previously won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize and Directing Award.

Check out an exclusive clip from the film below.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Last Thursday, Taika Waititi addressed Hollywood's misconception of diversity and how the industry should actually be going about diversification in a humorously disarming, 13-minute speech at a luncheon hosted by The Hollywood Reporter.

While I'd love to just drop a full transcript here for you and jot a little read time estimate ("13 min read") at the top of this, it'd be a disservice to Taika's speech because  well  you should go listen to it directly. But since you're here, here's the SparkNotes version. Steve Granitz / FilmMagic

Beginning his speech with an acknowledgment of the WGAs writers strike , Taika joked that he hadn't written anything in advance for his keynote  though he later 'fessed up to some notes ("Is it breaking the rules if I wrote bullet points?")  and instead asked ChatGPT: "Hello. Can you please explain to me how Hollywood is failing to address and remedy the issue of diversity and inclusivity in film and television?"

The Hollywood Reporter / Via youtube.com

Immediately, the artificial intelligence chatbot responded with several key points: Lack of representation, whitewashing and stereotyping, limited opportunities, pay and compensation disparities, tokenism, performative activism, lack of authentic representation, and gatekeeping and industry practices  or, as Taika called them, the obvious ones. "If AI can do that in eight seconds," Taika then posed, "what's taking so long?"

He went on to discuss Hollywood's idea of diversification and why it's both wrong and confusing. "We're mistaking [diversification] for we have to include a person from every single race, and every single background, and every single part of the human experience in every show or everything that we make," he said. "That's not reality, and it's not authentic. I never grew up with a group of friends where there was someone who represented every ethnic group in my group of friends. I don't know who the hell grew up like that."

"It's like, 'I have to wait for my Chinese mate to turn up, and then my Black mate, and then' I mean, it just didn't exist, you know?" Taika, who grew up in New Zealand, joked. "And it's cool when you see it once or twice, but that's just not reflective of how people grow up." The Hollywood Reporter / Via youtube.com

Rather than focus on diversification, Taika explained that Hollywood should strive to "decolonize the screen," a term coined by his mentor, Merata Mita , a trailblazing Maori filmmaker and activist who spearheaded the growth of Maori filmmaking. ("I'm blaze-trailing her," he quipped.) Merata is both the first woman and the first indigenous woman to solely direct and write a dramatic feature film in New Zealand.

Merata's son, Hepi Mita, directed Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen: A Commentary (2018), a documentary exploring Merata's life and the impact of her filmmaking and activism. You can see Taika pictured above with Hepi and producers Chelsea Winstanley and Cliff Curtis at the film's screening and Q&A panel in 2019. Ray Tamarra / Getty Images

Subsequently, Taika said it's not necessary or sensible to include a character of color in a story out of obligation. "It has to make sense," he stressed, otherwise, it becomes tokenism. More broadly, he discussed the need to decolonize Hollywood beyond the characters on-screen and emphasized the need for diverse showrunners.

The Hollywood Reporter / Via youtube.com

"I don't want to see one token Polynesian character in your show. What I want to see is a fully Polynesian-controlled, Polynesian story that's written by and show run by [Polynesian people]. Don't give us a white showrunner to tell us the rules and tell us how to do things. Let us figure it out," he said. "And by decolonizing the screen, what I mean is just don't make it so white."

The Hollywood Reporter / Via youtube.com

To illustrate his point, Taika called out different shows that predominantly feature casts of one race or culture and focus on specific stories, such as Beef, Atlanta, and Reservation Dogs (which Taika co-created). Taika, who is Maori and Jewish, expressed that he could see himself in these stories because of the shared experience of being minorities  "people who have been fighting and having to raise our voices for hundreds of years."

FX / Hulu / Via youtube.com

Reinforcing this point, Taika continued, "Another colonial trick is to pit us against each other. Who had it worse, you know? 'Oh, yeah, but you didn't have it bad until 1759.' 'Well, you didn't have it bad until 1492.' It doesn't matter. We all had it bad. And the trick that they like to do is be like, 'Well, you fight it out amongst yourselves who had it worse, and then you get in line for who gets to have representation.'"

If you're so inclined, let's pause for a quick history brief: Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492. Most of us probably vaguely remember, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," from school. In 1759, Great Britain won the Seven Years' War, fundamentally changing the balance of power in Europe. Great Britain became a world power, and France ceded nearly all of its land claims in North America and trading interests in India. After managing India through the British East India Company and exploiting its trade with Asia, Great Britain officially subjected India to British Crown rule in 1858  a period known as the "British Raj" or the British Indian Empire. This lasted until 1947 when the Brits haphazardly left, but not before partitioning India into two independent dominions: a Hindu-majority India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan. The partition resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in human history and the death of 500,000 to 2 million people. (Queen Elizabeth II's dad, King George VI, was actually the last Emperor of India.) Ten years later, in 1769, British explorer James Cook arrived in Aotearoa (already named Nova Zeelandia on Dutch maps). In 1841, after decades of colonization and Christian missions, New Zealand became an official Crown colony within the British Empire (though it was previously administered as part of the colony of New South Wales in Australia). By then, the Maori population had declined to less than 50% of its pre-colonial level. The Hollywood Reporter / Via youtube.com

Taika then confronted Hollywood's expectation for people of color to "fix things" and constantly engage in conversations about diversity and inclusion when the responsibility lies with white Hollywood and those in power. Cheekily breaking the fourth wall, he added, "All of us want to be working and not having to come and do fucking panels and speeches in the middle of our day."

The Hollywood Reporter / Via youtube.com

"It's like someone coming into your house, stealing all your shit and burning your house down, and then saying, 'Okay, we need to have a talk about this,' and, 'Now, you're going to rebuild your house,' and, 'What can we give you to help you rebuild your house that we burned down?'" he compared. "You build the fucking house, you burned it down. I'll come back, and, hopefully, you get it right. If you don't get it right, then we'll try again."

The Hollywood Reporter / Via youtube.com

Building off of his analogy, Taika acknowledged that fixing diversity in Hollywood won't happen overnight and that Hollywood won't always get it right  but that's okay and to be expected so long as the industry strives to make authentic efforts until it succeeds.

("If you're in a long-term relationship, it takes half the time you're in that relationship for you to get over that person," he likened it.) Michael Kovac / The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

On a final note, Taika shared that Succession  a story about "rich white people"  is one of his favorite shows before tying it back to his original point about Hollywood's misconception of diversity. "I don't want to see other people from every other culture in this show," he concluded. "[Succession] works because it's that. You can have a white show, great, but have other shows as well, not just those ones."
TikTok reportedly wants to "more than quadruple" the size of its ecommerce business. TikTok, Tyler Le/Insider

TikTok reportedly wants to "more than quadruple" the size of its ecommerce business.

It seeks to grow TikTok Shop from $4.4 billion in sales last year to up to $20 billion this year, Bloomberg reports.

It faces big challenges in the US market where livestream shopping hasn't caught on.

TikTok wants to "more than quadruple" the size of its ecommerce business to as much as $20 billion in sales this year, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

That would be a huge increase from the $4.4 billion in sales TikTok Shop did last year, and the bulk of the growth would come from markets in Southeast Asia like Indonesia, where livestream shopping is very popular, according to Bloomberg.

TikTok Shop is available in seven regions in Asia. It launched in the UK in 2021 and is in "beta" in the US. TikTok has been trying to ramp up its US offering by giving merchants discounts to try out the product.

TikTok is looking to increase sales in the US and Europe and have consumers see it as an alternative to Amazon, but the realities of the current market mean those places would make up a much smaller slice of this year's $20 billion goal, Bloomberg reported.

The global roll-out of TikTok Shop has faced some setbacks, however. The Information reported in April that product had struggled to attract merchants. Some of TikTok's expansion plans in markets like the US were also slowed in May, The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times reported.

Patrick Nommensen, the GM of UK ecommerce at TikTok, recently told Insider's Marta Biino that TikTok Shop had seen success with small and mid-sized merchants and that his team had been working to onboard larger brands like L'Oreal.

He said US expansion was "completely on track."

Read more about TikTok's vision of global expansion for its shopping feature

While TikTok Shop has been a bonanza in Southeast Asia, the lack of enthusiasm for the livestream shopping model in the US and Europe has hindered its efforts there.

Story continues

Nommensen told Insider that while short-form video was still the primary ecommerce driver for TikTok, he thought livestream shopping would pick up steam over time.

There certainly hasn't been much evidence of that so far. The major social platforms like Instagram and YouTube have struggled to make livestream shopping a habit among US consumers. Instagram killed its live shopping feature in March, for example.

If TikTok hopes to ride the livestream shopping wave to go head-to-head with Amazon, something will have to change drastically in the way Americans shop.

TikTok did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment ahead of publication.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Greek Village is home to 20 fraternities and sororities and more than 700 students at the University of South Carolina. If the university can get its hands on several adjacent properties, it could be expanding.

The university is eyeing more than 3 acres of property located at the south end of campus. Sandwiched between the Greek Village and the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, four parcels of land between Assembly and Lincoln streets are owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway. Currently, they are being used as recreational fields or for parking.

USC already leases these properties, according to USC documents presented to the S.C. Commission on Higher Education, but the university is looking to do a land appraisal and an environmental study ahead of a potential purchase. USC has allocated $20,000 to do so, and plans to use a combination of institutional funds and Wellness Center reserve funds to further finance the project. The commission granted its recommendation for this plan last week.

While the owners may be interested in selling the property, according to USC documents, they have yet to agree on a price for the four parcels.

Concrete plans for an expansion of the Greek Village have yet to be seen  for the time being, USC is mostly concerned with the consolidation of university property in the area, according to USC documents. And university spokesman Jeff Stensland said the land will remain recreational fields for the foreseeable future.

But the universitys latest campus master plan update designated the area for future Greek Village development, and it would be an optimal location if the Greek Village were to expand, documents show. The plan proposes three mansion-style houses and three to four townhouse-style residences on the Norfolk Southern Railway property.

Greek Villages 20 housing facilities accommodate less than half of USCs 47 Greek life organizations. While these houses sit on university property, they are owned and managed by USCs fraternities and sororities.

Two more fraternities, Sigma Chi and Sigma Phi Epsilon, will return to campus this fall following suspensions. The two fraternities Greek Village houses have been leased by two sororities, who are now in limbo, according to The Daily Gamecock, USCs student-run newspaper. The sororities, Pi Beta Phi and Alpha Gamma Delta, had to move out for good at the end of the spring semester.
EXCLUSIVE: Viaplay has merged its in-house Swedish and Norwegian studios, leading to several layoffs.

The group stressed that the move, which has led to the creation of the newly-titled Viaplay Studios Nordics, is unrelated to the shock news that emerged earlier this week when Group CEO Anders Jensen resigned with immediate effect amidst poorer-than expected financials and a rapidly deteriorating ad market.

More from Deadline

Viaplay Studios Sweden and Norway produced numerous in-house shows and movies for the Nordic streamer such as Oscar-winner Lasse Hallstroms Hilma biopic and upcoming feature Stockholm Bloodbath.

The newly-combined outfit will be led by former Viaplay Studios Norway boss rjan Karlsen, who reports into Azra Osmancevic, VP Operations Nordics. Alexander Tanno, who ran Viaplay Studios Sweden, is one of several layoffs. Viaplay continues to run CEE-based indie Paprika Studios.

The plan had been in the offing for some time, a spokesman stressed, becoming effective June 1, a few days prior to Jensens decision and the groups negative trading update.

Extremely ambitious

Delivered in the early hours of Monday morning, the update was the talk of the NEM market in Dubrovnik earlier this week. The news was grave, with Viaplay posting expected negative Q2 EBIT of between 250M ($20M) Swedish Krona and 300M ($27M) Swedish Krona. The group blamed lower demand in the Nordic and international streaming markets, accelerated deterioration of the Scandinavian TV and radio advertising markets and the slower delivery of cost savings programs. A further update will come on July 20 but the groups long term operational and financial guidance has been scotched.

Story continues

After five years in post during which he instituted rapid change, launched in multiple markets including the U.S. and greenlit dozens of original shows, Jensen has already been replaced by Jorgen Madsen Lindemann, the ex-CEO of former Viaplay parent MTG.

Speaking at NEM, Viaplay EVP North America Vanda Rapti said Jensen had been extremely ambitious, while appealing for calm.

We have adjusted to market conditions as everyone else has done, she added. Our strategy remains the same and we are working with our new CEO to see how best to deliver that.

A Viaplay spokesman said of the studios merger: The production industry is continuously changing and as a major player, we always need to adjust to market developments and the needs of our customers. We wish the employees affected by this change all the best and thank them for their contributions to Viaplay Group. The change does not affect any of our ongoing productions or our content offering.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Days before Viaplay issued a warning over its second-quarter results, the listed Scandinavian streaming giant told employees on June 1 in an internal memo that it would merge the Swedish and Norwegian units of its production arm, Viaplay Studios, into a new entity, effective immediately.

The new umbrella, named Viaplay Studios Nordics, is headed by rjan Karlsen, the producer of The Wave, who was previously CEO of Viaplay Studios Norway. Under the strategic move, Alexander Tanno, who headed Viaplay Studios Sweden, has left the company, Variety has confirmed. The company also proceeded with layoffs, representing a single-digit cut, according to a source close to the company.

More from Variety

On June 8, Viaplay announced that its short-term outlook for 2023 was down. Viaplay said it expects to close the second quarter with 7.7 million subscribers, with sales between $414 million and $395 million; and a negative EBIT between $23 million and $27 million. Advertising revenues are expected to be down between 12% and 16% on an organic basis during the second quarter, due to the rapid deterioration in the TV and radio advertising markets.

Along with the financial news, Viaplay also announced that CEO Anders Jensen was stepping down from his position, and was replaced by Jorgen Madsen Lindemann. Jensen had been credited for spearheading the streamers global roll-out, including in the U.S., and ramped up the output of scripted and unscripted originals.



While the company anticipates an economic downturn, it has not canceled shows or announced that it was pulling out of originals. Viaplay Studios recently announced a first raft of deals for its ambitious action drama film Stockholm Bloodbath directed by Mikael Hafstrom. The movie marks the streamers second English-language production, following Lasse Hallstroms Hilma.

Story continues

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is working on developing a new, warmer fiber for use in military grade uniforms that will keep people posted in Arctic regions warmer and dryer than they are currently while stationed in the worlds most challenging, frigid conditions.

Working with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Cornell University, Ohio-based contractor UES, Inc. and the Palmer Muskox Farm, Palmer, Alaska, the AFRL is exploring the development of synthetic musk ox wool keratin fibers that mimic the properties of raw musk ox wool fibers, prized for their enhanced thermal-insulating properties.

More from Sourcing Journal

Musk ox are hoofed mammals more closely related to goats and sheep than oxen, although they have their own genus, Ovibos.

Based on initial research by AFRLs Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and the 711th Human Performance Wing, the idea is to use qivuit, the indigenous term for the musk ox wool, combined with other natural or synthetic polymers such as nylon using electrospinning, to create a textile that is lighter, stronger and more environmentally sustainable than the merino wool cold weather garments traditionally worn by military members in the Arctic.

According to Dr. Nancy Kelley-Loughnane, research team lead in the biomaterials branch of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, there is room for improvement in materials currently being used.

When pilots conduct cold-climate missions in Arctic spaces such as Alaska, they might need to land in water, on frozen tundra, on ice, she said. We need a textile that has multiple properties, something that does more than just keep us warm in the event of unplanned isolation.

Researchers agree that a new cold weather textile would offer thermal insulation and moisture-wicking properties. It would also be lightweight if it got wet, said Dr. Mark Tyler Nelson, research biomedical engineer in the 711th Human Performance Wing.

Story continues

Traditionally, merino wool and goose down have been used to insulate cold weather garments but these raise concerns about practicality and sustainability, Nelson said. Goose down is problematic if it gets wet, and merino, while common, gets too heavy when moisture creeps in. There are also ethical issues surrounding the use of goose down and the cost of merino is becoming prohibitive. Some 81 percent of it is imported to the U.S. from Australia.

Coming up with a military-grade textile that balances all the desired properties is tricky business.

It also has to be sourced and made in the United States to comply with the Berry Amendment, a provision passed by Congress in 1941 as part of the Appropriations Act which requires the Department of Defense to give priority to items produced in the United States, particularly clothing and textiles.

To use genuine musk ox wool and comply with Berry would require starting a massive farm operation to breed the animals on U.S. territory, where most of the climactically correct terrain is frozen solid most of the year.

Synthetic fiber, or a combination, is the answer and there are multiple ways to achieve it. With biology as the inspiration, researchers can recombinantly express musk ox fiber proteins in E. coli bacteria where they would ferment, then be purified and made into fiber using the electrospinning process. Fiddling with different existing polymers would bring researchers to the right pairing for the musk ox fiber.

Keratin proteins are currently being produced on a small scale in a lab but the operation is close to being broadened to industrial scale. Once that happens, the team will engage an industrial partner to produce it at scale and do so in an environmentally beneficial way.

The way we obtain textiles, and the ways in which we currently make clothes, arent always very sustainable, Kelley-Loughnane noted. Current practices require the use of excess chemicals and petroleum-based products. We are working to find a way to change that.

Like that of polar bears, musk ox hair is medullated, or hollow, which plays a role in keeping the animals warm. Studying polar bears has led to developments in synthetic fleece, a breakthrough scientists hope to mimic with musk ox hair.

Click here to read the full article.
A 16-year-old Georgia girl has died after she and her 9-year-old brother were pulled from an apartment complex swimming pool on Monday, according to local law enforcement.

The children had been playing in the pool Monday afternoon at an apartment complex in Johns Creek, a city in Fulton County located just under 30 miles northeast of Atlanta. A witness who noticed that both of the siblings had been underwater for too long ran to get help from the apartment's offices, the Johns Creek Police Department said in a news release posted on Facebook Monday.

Three men rushed to their aid, pulling both the children from the pool, police said.

'Number one killer in my backyard': What a mom whose son drowned wishes she knew

The boy was resuscitated at the scene and is expected to fully recover, while the girl was taken by helicopter to Children's Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta, police said.

Johns Creek Police Lt. Deb Coble confirmed to USA TODAY on Wednesday that the girl died Tuesday from her injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the girl's death while awaiting autopsy results, Coble said.

"Though it appears it's a tragic accident, they're still investigating," Coble said.

Drownings peak in the summer: What experts say about pool safety  and how to keep your child safe

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @EricLagatta.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia girl dies after being pulled from apartment pool
Former President Donald Trump's political rivals and allies alike are weighing in as he faces a potential second indictment.

With Trump on notice that he is facing the prospect of indictment in connection to a special counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents while out of office, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to ABC News, politicians have offered a range of responses, from more cautious refrains of "wait and see" to calls for him to suspend his campaign. Heres what theyve had to say so far.

2024 rivals

Mike Pence, Trump's vice-president-turned-2024-opponent, said Thursday he hopes another indictment is not imminent.

"I would hope the Department of Justice did not move forward. Not because I know the facts, but simply because I think after years where we've seen a politicization of the Justice Department is to undermine confidence in equal treatment of the law," Pence told reporters as he campaigned in Iowa.

But Pence issued somewhat contradictory statements on a possible Trump indictment, stressing that "no ones above the law."

"The unprecedented action of a federal indictment of a former president of the United States I think it would be extraordinarily divisive in our country, and I think it would send a terrible message to the wider world," he said. "But again, let me be very clear: No one's above the law. And if the Department of Justice chooses to move forward with an indictment, I would hope that it would meet the very high threshold for the unprecedented action of a federal indictment against the former president."

PHOTO: Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks about 'Saving America from the Woke Left,' at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, N.C., on April 26, 2023. (Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said he believed "the determining factor for the 2024 election should be the voters" and accused the Department of Justice of weaponization.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has stood out as an anti-Trump voice in the GOP primary, said he would wait "to make a judgment" until charges are or are not announced while noting it would be a "weight" Trump has to carry throughout the race.

Story continues

PHOTO: Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie speaks at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas, on Nov. 19, 2022. (Wade Vandervort/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson took a more forceful tone as he called on Trump to "step aside."

"The [Republican National Committee] should clarify that there is no pledge to support a nominee if they are found guilty of espionage or a serious felony," Hutchinson tweeted. "Donald Trump is the target of an ongoing criminal investigation and he should step aside & put the good of the country above his candidacy."

Senate Republicans

Many Republicans said Thursday that it's essential to let the process play out before judgements are passed.

"I don't really know anything about the details of it other than that the investigation is ongoing and that his lawyers met with the Department of Justice and I've seen various reports, but rather than get ahead of the DOJ, I'm going to wait and see what happens next," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., took a similar approach.

"I think probably first off we have to let the process go through," Tillis said. "We have to wait and see what the indictment is, if there is an indictment, what it entails and then ask me questions when we've got a real situation vs. a hypothetical. We really don't know if there is an indictment what the scope is going to be."

Even Trump's closest allies held off on offering a full-throated defense of the former president.

"I'm not going to speculate," South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a long-time Trump ally, said. "If he gets indicted, I'll comment."

PHOTO: Senator Lindsey Graham speaks during an interview with media in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 26, 2023. (Alina Smutko/Reuters, FILE)

"I just think that there's no sense in commenting on anything dealing with the judicial branch and executive branch of government in regard to any of our candidates," Sen. Chuck Grassley said.

Republican Whip John Thune, who has been critical of Trump and endorsed Scott in the Republican primary race, also said he'd wait to comment but predicted that Trump may try to use any future indictment to his advantage.

"My assumption is that most people in in the former president's base of support that's kind of baked in with him and that he will, as he has, at least in the past, probably attempt to use it to his advantage," Thune said.

Senate Democrats

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee also said it was important to preserve the presumption of innocence until indictments are handed up and a jury, if convened, does its work.

But Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a former prosecutor, said that if an indictment is issued, it'd likely be a "bombshell."

"If the indictment is brought -- if is still the right word -- the standard will be proof beyond a reasonable doubt. That's what the Justice Department has to decide before it brings the indictment because it cannot lose, and the standard has to be no indictment unless there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. That's why these indictments, if they occur, will be so powerful in the facts they reveal," Blumenthal said.

MORE: Trump informed that he is target of special counsel investigation over classified docs: Sources

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, March 4, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (Alex Brandon/AP, FILE)

Trump was informed in recent weeks that he is the target of an ongoing investigation by special counsel Jack Smith related to his handling of classified documents while out of office. Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Smith is also investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Congressional Republicans quickly came to Trump's defense when in March he became the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to an alleged hush money scheme to suppress negative stories that threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign.

Trump's 2024 rivals, Republicans weigh in on another possible indictment originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Hearst Owned



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



During a rager of a party at the Bushmills Distillery, master distiller Colum Egan was in fine form. He had plenty of reason to be, because he and his entire team were celebrating the opening of the brand-new Causeway Distillery which has doubled production capacity at Bushmills, putting it on par with the biggest single malt distilleries in Scotland. Also, Egan was leading a tasting of a few unreleased single malts, including one that he enthusiastically described as being a whiskey interpretation of rum raisin ice cream.

Bushmills, located in Northern Ireland, is known as being the oldest licensed distillery in the world. That license dates back to 1608, but the actual distillery wasnt built until 1784, which still makes it pretty damn old. Bushmills is owned by Proximo Spirits, the same company behind the boozy juggernaut Jose Cuervo, along with smaller brands like Stranahans and The Kraken Spiced Rum. Bushmills does one thing and one thing only: It makes single malt Irish whiskey, meaning whiskey made at one distillery from a mashbill of 100 percent malted barley. The core expression from Bushmills is a blend, however, so the grain whiskey used in that comes from Midleton in the Republic of Ireland (the distillery where brands like Jameson and Redbreast are made).

These days, most people associate single malt whiskey (the Irish spell it with the e like we do) with Scotland, but that is changing. The new Causeway Distillery cost Proximo 60 million to build, so this nearly 40,000 square foot distillery is a huge bet on the future of Irish single malt. Indeed, Bushmills cites double digit growth in sales of its single malt whiskeys, a portfolio that includes 10, 12, 16, and 21-year-old expressions which are some of the best you can find. Expensive 25 and 30-year-old whiskeys were recently added to the lineup, and there are also annual limited-edition releases in the Rare Cask series. These vintage whiskeys are aged for three decades or more and get a secondary maturation in different types of fortified wine casks.

Story continues

There are very few, if any other, distilleries in Ireland or Scotland that can claim the amount of aged whiskeys that Bushmills has, said master blender Alex Thomas at a tasting of the Bushmills portfolio. She has been with the distillery since 2004, and was appointed to her current role in November of 2021. We have over 460,000 casks, which is over 65 million liters of alcohol in our warehouses, and the majority of them are our single malts We care for every single drop of whiskey we have. According to Thomas, expanding annual production capacity at the distillery from five million to 11 million liters was a dream come true. The new distillery is designed so we can stand in one place and see every single part of the processthe mill, the lauter tun, the washbacks, the distillation, she said. It was all about looking to the future, but also ensuring our whiskey doesnt change.

Bushmills is a leader in Irish single malt, but of course its not the only player in the category. Weve put together a list of 11 of the best Irish single malts to try, including some fantastic whiskeys from Bushmills and some other brands.

Bushmills

Bushmills 16

The 16-year-old single malt expression from Bushmills sits in that Goldilocks zone of maturationnot too old, not too young, just right. Its aged for about 16 years in sherry and bourbon barrels before being put into port wine pipes for close to another year. The whiskey is sweet and rich with a bit of spice on the palate, a perfect after-dinner dram and a great introduction into the Irish single malt category.

Shop Now Shop Now

Bushmills

Bushmills 30

The new 25 and 30-year-old expressions from Bushmills are both great, but the latter is perhaps the better of the two. This ultra-aged single malt spent 14 years in bourbon and sherry barrels, then another 16 years in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. For those who are unfamiliar, thats a rich, sweet sherry from Spain, and that lengthy secondary maturation has imbued this whiskey with wonderful notes of dried fruit, fig, raisin, sweet toffee, and vanilla. This is a special occasion whiskey that's as good as any similarly aged scotch.

Shop Now

Waterford

Waterford Whisky The Cuvee

Waterford is something of a disrupter in the Irish whiskey industry, a distillery that is focused on the effects of terroir on whiskey in a way that no others are. The Cuvee is the flagship release, a blend of about 25 of the distillerys single farm origin whiskeys that was aged in several different types of oak. Visit the website and enter the code on the back of the bottle to dive deep into details about maturation and barley variety, but rest assured that this whiskey will please your palate with notes of berry, orange, baking spice, and bright apple.

Shop Now Shop Now

Knappogue

Knappogue Castle 12

This Irish whiskey brand does not have its own distillery, so its sourced from other established operations. The 12-year-old single malt is the anchor of the range, triple distilled and aged entirely in bourbon barrels. This is a classic Irish single maltwith a palate full of fruit, biscuit, and vanilla notes, with some black pepper and nutmeg on the finish.

Shop Now Shop Now

Tyrconnell

The Tyrconnell Madeira Cask Finish

This brand is owned by drinks giant Beam Suntory, and the whiskey is produced at the Cooley distillery. There are several single malts to try, but this 10-year-old whiskey finished in Madeira casks stands out. Madeira is a fortified wine from Portugal, and this finish after a decade of maturation complements the whiskeys bright, fruity palate with dark berry, spice, and citrus notes.

Shop Now Shop Now

Teeling

Teeling Blackpitts

When Teeling opened in 2015, it was the first distillery to operate in Dublin in over a century. The distillery both sources and produces its own whiskey, while using a variety of barrels to finish it. Blackpitts stands out in that its a peated single malt, which is unusual but not unheard of in Irish whiskey. Its mostly aged in bourbon barrels, with some sauternes white wine casks in the mix as well. Dont expect an Islay scotch level of smoke herethis is a bit more subtle, with notes of tropical fruit and honey on the palate.

Shop Now Shop Now

Limavady

Limavady

This is a newer brand, founded by ex-Bushmills master distiller Darryl McNally. Its owned by WhistlePig, the Vermont distillery known for its high-end rye whiskeys. The whiskey is sourced and aged in bourbon barrels for about five years before getting a finish in PX sherry casks. What makes it unique, aside from being a very high quality single malt, is that its a single barrel releasemeaning each bottle comes from just one barrel instead of a marriage of many. That means the flavor will vary depending on the cask, so try a few different ones side-by-side to see if you can find the flavor differences.

Shop Now Shop Now

The Quiet Man

The Quiet Man 8 Year Old

The Quiet Man distillery wont open for a few more years, so for now the whiskey is sourced for this Northern Ireland brand. The single malt is an eight-year-old whiskey matured in bourbon barrels, and its bottled in Derry. Its not as old as some other Irish single malts, but the flavor is rich with oak, honey, spice, and fruit nonetheless.

Shop Now Shop Now

Writers' Tears

Writers Tears Red Head

This is the sister brand to The Irishman, both of which fall under the Walsh Whiskey umbrella. Most Writers Tears whiskeys are blends of single pot still and single malt whiskeys, but Red Head is a single malt aged entirely in Oloroso sherry casks. Its non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, and has a complex palate of fig, orange, nut, and raisin flavors.

Shop Now

Glendalough

Glendalough 7 Year Old Mizunara Finish

Glendalough has a wide range of Irish whiskeys in its core lineup, ranging from blends to this seven-year-old single malt. The twist is that its finished in a mizunara cask. This rare Japanese oak has been used for whiskey maturation in Japan for decades, and it's been gaining in popularity stateside over the past few years. The whiskey has the trademark spice and incense notes that mizunara famously adds, along with a healthy amount of fruit and vanilla.

Shop Now

West Cork Distillers

West Cork Virgin Oak Cask

This distillery produces many different Irish whiskeys, including several single malts that are given various cask finishes. One of the most intriguing of the bunch is the Virgin Oak finish, which consists of single malt initially aged in bourbon barrels and then matured in virgin oak casks. This new wood treatment gives the whiskey an intensity of flavor with vanilla, caramel, and apple notes on the palate, and a burst of spice on the finish.

Shop CaskCartel

You Might Also Like
President Biden departed Wednesday for the Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Hiroshima, Japan, with plenty on his plate domestically and internationally.

Biden and other world leaders are set to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and major global issues such as climate change. But the trip comes at a precarious time for Biden, with talks intensifying over the need to raise the debt limit before the U.S. defaults.

Here are five things to watch for.

Debt talks loom over trip

Biden left for Japan at a pivotal moment in negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling.

The Treasury Department has signaled the U.S. could default as early as June 1 if Congress does not act, putting negotiators in a time crunch to find a deal. Biden is expected to remain in touch with congressional leaders during his overseas travel.

In a sign of the seriousness of talks, the White House scrapped Bidens planned travel to Australia and Papua New Guinea after the G-7. Administration officials say allies understand the importance of negotiations over the debt ceiling.

They know that our ability to pay our debts is a key part of U.S. credibility and leadership around the world. And so they understand that the president also has to focus on making sure that we dont default, and on having these conversations with congressional leaders, John Kirby, a White House spokesperson on national security issues, told reporters.

Meanwhile, the issue might be a topic of conversation in Japan. Biden has warned that it could be a concern internationally if the U.S. were to default on its debt, adding that world leaders have been wondering recently about the looming risk.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said earlier this month that Beijing and Moscow would use a potential default for propaganda purposes through information operations, using a default as evidence that the U.S. political system is chaotic.

Story continues

Focus on climate during G-7

Climate is expected to be a major focus of the summit, which also includes leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. They will work to align approaches on clean energy and deploying capital to ensure new technologies are built out in the seven countries and globally, national security adviser Jake Sullivan previewed Wednesday.

Ahead of the summit, energy and environment officials from each country, including Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and special envoy for climate John Kerry, made commitments to shift toward clean renewable energy and phase out coal.

The leaders are expected to highlight that goal, which includes accelerating the clean energy transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Kirby said leaders will rally around the need for bold action to accelerate the clean energy transition, including by making President Bidens economic agenda a blueprint for G-7 action to address the climate crisis and create good jobs.

President Joe Biden gestures as he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, May 17, 2023, as he heads to Hiroshima, Japan to attend the G-7. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

United front against China

With world leaders converging on the Pacific for this weeks meetings, it will be an opportunity for Biden and allies to project a clear message about confronting the economic and military threats posed by China in the region.

G-7 leaders will demonstrate that we share a common approach to the challenges posed by [the Peoples Republic of China], an approach that is grounded in common values, Kirby said Tuesday.

Bidens domestic agenda has been partly aimed at reducing reliance on China by boosting semiconductor manufacturing within the United States. And there are broader concerns about potential Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan, as well as the possibility of Beijing aiding Russia in its war in Ukraine.

I think there is a broad sense of converging threat perceptions related to China between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, said Chris Johnstone, a senior adviser and Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), who added that this weeks summit would be a chance for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to capitalize on the large platform to discuss the threat posed by Beijing.

Before he left Wednesday, Biden pushed back on questions about whether his early return to Washington and scuttled trip to Australia and Papua New Guinea is almost a win for China.

No, because were still meeting. Were still formidable allies, the president said.

Sullivan later called it a remarkable extrapolation to suggest that Biden not going to two countries meant the U.S. isnt showing up in the region.

Talks about war in Ukraine with allies

A major focus for the G-7 over the past year has been on shoring up support for Ukraine after Russia launched an unprovoked invasion in February 2022.

That solidarity with Ukraine is even stronger now than it was last year, and youll see concrete action to further isolate Russia and weaken its ability to wage its brutal war, Kirby told reporters.

Members of the G-7 have coordinated on sanctions against Russia, military and economic support for Ukraine and other measures to try to squeeze Moscow over the invasion. That is likely to be at the top of the agenda in Hiroshima.

Sullivan said Wednesday that the U.S. will announce a package of new sanctions to align with the summit, and it will be centered on enforcement, such as closing loopholes and shutting down Russian evasion networks.

Given the setting of the meeting, experts said there is also an added sense of urgency around supporting Ukraine to show China that it would not be able to take aggressive action in the region without consequences.

I think to me, the headline is that after, you know, many years of drift, the G-7 has found renewed common purpose in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine last February, said Matthew Goodman, senior vice president for economics at CSIS.

Could Biden apologize for Hiroshima?

The G-7 will be held in Hiroshima, a name engraved in history because the U.S. dropped a bomb on the Japanese city on Aug. 6, 1945. The bombing is estimated to have killed anywhere between 70,000 and 125,000 civilians. Combined with the bombing of Nagasaki three days later, it brought the end of World War II.

Kishidas family has roots in the city. It is his political base and anchors his constituency in the nations house of representatives.

There have been some calls in Japan  and some speculation in the U.S.  that Biden could even apologize for the bombing of Hiroshima. But White House officials have been noncommittal on the topic.

Sullivan said Wednesday that Biden wont be making a statement at the memorial but will participate in a wreath laying with other G-7 leaders.

This is him as one of the G-7 leaders coming to pay respects and respects both for history but also respects to Prime Minister Kishida, who is from Hiroshima, Sullivan said.

An apology, even if Biden wished to make one, could be politically tricky. While he was vice president, then-President Obama was accused by Republicans of making an apology tour by acknowledging past American misdeeds.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
With the Bangladesh wage board committee due to make its recommendations this month, worker leaders and organizations arent taking their foot off the gas.

As it stands, the current wage structure in Bangladeshs garment industry is unsustainable. Increasing the minimum wage is a crucial step towards ensuring that workers and their families have the basic resources to survive, said Arifur Rahman, country coordinator, Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) in webinar on Tuesday, organized by AFWA in collaboration with Remake, a global advocacy organization supporting workers rights.

More from Sourcing Journal

The labor law stipulates a minimum wage increase every five years.

The last increase was in 2018, so this time in 2023 is being looked at as a pivotal time, after some difficult years of change, post pandemic, he said.

Worker leaders and organizations in the garment industry which employs more than 4.4 million workers, are calling to triple the present minimum wage of 8,000 taka, or approximately $74 a month at the present exchange rate, to 22,000-24,000 taka or up to $222.30.

We strongly support the trade unions demand for minimum wage increase as it is an important step towards ensuring that garment workers and their families have the basic resources to endure crises, including the impending economic recession, Rahman said.

Sirajul Islam Rony, president, Bangladesh National Garments Workers Employees League, who is also a representative of the workers on the Minimum Wage Board committee, said negotiations will continue until everyone agrees on 24,000 taka.

We present all these arguments and after repeated negotiations will reach a decision. I hope at the end of this month we will have a proposal paper so the workers can get a good wage, he said.

Story continues

It was crucial that brands and buyers support the workers, he said.

However, with the depleting foreign exchange reserves and tough austerity measures being called for by the International Monetary Fund for its loan granted earlier this year, high energy costs, and a cutback in the global orders, industry analysts told Sourcing Journal that it was likely to be a very tough call.

Speaking unofficially, members of the Bangladesh Manufacturers and Garment Exporters Association (BGMEA) make it clear that it wasnt for the sake of argument, but layoffs should not be an option, and increasing costs would cause shutdowns and job cuts, which would be the worst possible outcome for workers.

The garment industry accounts for more than 80 percent of Bangladesh export earnings and is expected to earn more than $40 billion in the financial year ending June 30.

With the election looming around December or January, the ruling government would be expected to cater to the voting populace, which means rank-and-file garment workers.

But industry analysts say this is not going to be an easy solution this year, and they dont know what the minimum-wage outcome will be.

Taking into account various factors such as housing, food, healthcare, transport, education, and other essential needs, the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) calculated the living wage requirement which is 51,000 takafive times the minimum wage, said Rahman.

This is not an exaggeration, it is the real cost of living in this country.

A study launched on Tuesday with the discussion, titled Towards a Woman-Centred Living Wage Beyond Borders, outlined various factors affecting women workers across Asia.

Among the comparisons across countries was that of the living wage, in comparison to the minimum wage, which the report said has declined to 15 percent in 2022, from 19 percent from 2014. Meanwhile, this has gone up to 57 percent in Indonesia, and 50 percent in India.

AFWAs survey found that most Bangladesh families spend more than they earn in income, even when there are two earners working in the garment industry. On average, the total monthly expenditure of a family was 24,373 taka or $225.77, with food accounting for around 44 percent of spending, and non-food costsrent, medical expenses, transportation, education, clothing, etc.for 56 percent. In comparison, the combined actual income of two workers was 21,642 taka or $200.48, highlighting the persistent debt cycle trapping workers.

Comparing statistics across several Asian countries for garment workers, including in Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, the report said that the composition of the garment labor force exhibits similarity across Asia, including a high share of temporary, casual, or irregular employment, a predominance of women in the workforce ranging between 70 percent-85 percent, large family sizes or number of dependents, and a lack or inadequacy of social security benefits. It pointed to a continued deprivation of garment workers in terms of sustainable wages, economic or social mobility.

Nutritional statistics were also taken into account. In terms of Bangladesh, nutrition for women workers was also a concern, as they consume fewer calories than the poverty-level calorie standard set by the government at 1,950 calories at 120 daily instead of the national standard of 2,122 calories per capita, the report stated.

Minimum wage negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming months.

As analysts in Dhaka noted, the minimum wage negotiation falls on the tenth anniversary of the collapse of Rana Plaza, making the fight for higher minimum wage more meaningful than ever.

Click here to read the full article.
The Colorado Republican Party is urging President Biden not to take abortion access into consideration if he decides to base the Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs  a move that would reverse former President Trumps selection of Huntsville, Ala., as the prime location.

Instead, Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams wrote in a letter shared with The Hill, Biden should make that decision based on merit.

As a political organization that is unwavering in its support for the pro-life movement, the Colorado Republican Party, and its leaders, implore you to ensure that the decision to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs be made solely on merit, rather than being entangled with the issue of abortion access, Williams wrote.

The letter comes as Republicans  especially those from Alabama  have objected to the delay in relocating Space Command from its temporary location in Colorado Springs to its new permanent location in Huntsville.

Reports have indicated the Biden administration might be reconsidering the move to Alabama after the state passed some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, though the Biden administration and the Pentagon have reportedly denied a link between the two.

Just last week, the U.S. Air Force announced the permanent location of four Spacecom units in Colorado Springs.

The letter notably did not urge Biden to stand by Trumps decision to relocate the headquarters to Alabama; however, it made the case that the location provided a strategic advantage.

The basing of Space Command in Colorado Springs should be evaluated exclusively on its merits and strategic value. The locations proximity to key resources, infrastructure, and expertise should guide this decision, Williams wrote in the letter. Our nations space capabilities are critical for national security and technological advancement, and it is of utmost importance that we make this decision based on the strengths and advantages that the city of Colorado Springs has to offer.

Story continues

Trumps selection of Huntsville ignored the stated preference of the U.S. Air Force, which houses the U.S. Space Force. The Air Force is located nearby Spacecoms temporary location.

Williams nonetheless defended Trumps decision in the letter, writing that he was falsely accused of making an unfair political decision that jeopardized national security with the determination that Space Command be headquartered in Alabama.

If the main driving force to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs is Colorados unfettered abortion laws that provide no restrictions whatsoever, then we strongly affirm that Space Command should stay located in Alabama, Williams wrote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
DOVER  A tractor-trailer carrying 60,000 pounds of garbage rolled over at the intersection of the Spaulding Turnpike and Knox Marsh Road Wednesday morning, snarling traffic for hours on the busy roadway, according to New Hampshire State Police.

Police said the driver was attempting to merge westbound onto Knox Marsh Road from the northbound Exit 8W off ramp, but instead drove over the granite curbing, made an overcorrection and overturned the fully loaded trailer on its side about 10:15 a.m.

More local news: Fire burns Days Inn in Kittery, shuts down Route 1 Bypass traffic

A tractor-trailer rolled over on the Spaulding Turnpike in Dover Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

The driver, who is from Lynn, Massachusetts, reported minor injuries and was medically cleared, police said. Police said negligent driving appeared to be a factor in the accident, adding it remained under investigation.

Police said the roadway closure was due to the hours it took to load the garbage into separate containers before the tractor-trailer could be lifted back onto its wheels.

Never miss a story: Follow local news on the Seacoastonline mobile app or the Fosters.com mobile app

State Police said they were assisted by Dover Fire and Rescue, Dover police and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Police at mid-afternoon said the Exit 8W off ramp remained closed and there were significant traffic backups on Knox Marsh Road. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dover tractor-trailer rollover by Exit 8 on Spaulding Turnpike
After an especially dry May, northeastern Pennsylvania is at an increased wildfire risk, Delaware River reservoirs are low and farmers face a challenging season.

Mount Pocono had the driest May on record with just three-quarters of an inch of rain, according to meteorologist and Pocono weather expert Ben Gelber. Stroudsburg had its fourth-driest May with .95 inches.

The primary reason for moisture being deflected away from Pennsylvania, with notably dry midsummer and winter patterns in recent years, is a rare triple dip La Nina, an oceanic climate system featuring persistent cooler-than-normal water in the eastern tropical Pacific. The jet stream shifts north, including the storm track in response to the widespread sea surface temperature anomaly, Gelber said.

The dry weather has cut hay production to down to almost half what it was other years, according to Dave Williams, a longtime farmer and agriculture broadcaster in Wayne County. Vegetable growers are watering all the time and local products will cost more this season.

No matter what grows in the ground, a drought affects it, Williams said.

"Regarding gardening in dry weather, we have been telling people that it is critical to water new plants every day," said Susan Detrick, Penn State Extension Master Gardener coordinator for Monroe and Pike counties. "Also, we have been getting inquiries about plants not growing well. That could be not only lack of water, but also because for some summer vegetables, they won't grow well until the soil temperature is above 60 degrees. The cool nights haven't been conducive for the soil to warm up."

The fire danger was very high on Thursday, April 13, 2023, as shown on the Smokey the Bear sign on Route 209 in Bushkill entering Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Elsewhere in Pa.: Is York County headed for a drought? This month will go down as the driest May on record.

Moderate fire risk as Pennsylvania dries out

On the U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday, June 1 (reflecting data through 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 30), nearly all of Pennsylvania was at least abnormally dry, and about 5.4% was in a moderate drought, including part of Carbon County.

Story continues

The week before, less than 8% of the state was abnormally dry, and none was in drought.

All of Pennsylvania was at moderate fire danger on Monday, June 5, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Much of it was forecast to be at high risk on Tuesday, including the Poconos.

The moderate category means "Wildfires may be expected. Wildfires will ignite and spread but are usually not difficult to contain. Outdoor burning should be restricted to early morning and late evening while avoiding windy conditions."

High risk is considered "dangerous conditions" in which "Wildfires ignite easily. Fires spread rapidly and are difficult to control under windy conditions. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged."

A red flag warning was in effect across eastern Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The combination of very dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds will result in favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.

Southbound Route 33 was closed Monday afternoon in the Snydersville/Wind Gap area as fire departments from Monroe and Northampton counties responded to brush fires.

Over 30 fire responder vehicles lined up along Southbound Route 33 near the Monroe/Northampton County line in response to brush fire around mile marker 17 on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Related: Brushfires along Route 33 between Snydersville and Wind Gap back up traffic

Monitor wildfires in your area: See our brushfire and wildfire database

Upper Delaware Council discusses weather impacts

At the June 1 Upper Delaware Council meeting, Timothy Dugan, district forester for the Bureau of Forestry, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) in Pike and Monroe counties, cautioned that the dry spell has heightened the danger of wildfires.

Dugan said that the weather has been dry for six to eight weeks with only a one-week break. These conditions have moved the region from the spring fire season right into the summer fire season. Adjacent areas of New York and New Jersey are also dry, he said.

Dry weather, as well as an unusual freeze in mid-May, has curtailed the number of spongy moths  formerly known as gypsy moths  in the state, Dugan said.

Just before Memorial Day, DCNR completed spraying trees for spongy moths on state forest land, totaling around 19,000 acres in Pike and Monroe Counties and approximately 280,000 statewide.

"We're not seeing a lot of active caterpillars," Dugan said, which has been attributed to warm weather in March and April that encouraged their egg masses to hatch early. Dry weather then delayed leaf growth and the unusual spring frost limited the amount of leaf material to feed the caterpillars.

Fred Peckham, UDC's representative for Hancock, New York, at the tailwaters of the Delaware, commented that the frost killed off a lot of Japanese knotweed, and the dry weather has sent rattlesnakes slithering towards the Delaware River in search of water.

The knotweed was expected to grow back, though Peckham suspected it would be stunted. As for snakes, Peckham said he has not seen rattlesnakes at the river for years. The creeks are so dry the snakes have had to search for a drink.

Dugan agreed with both observations. He said that knotweed was killed off but will grow back. The frost affected both knotweed and mugwort, another invasive plant. The public visiting state forest lands, he added, have been saying they have seen lots of snakes in general.

The weekly Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) reservoir storage reports show that starting around May 15, the combined storage level of Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs feeding the Upper Delaware has dropped below the long-term median. By May 30, the storage had dropped to 10.2 billion gallons (bg) below the median, which was still above DRBC's Drought Watch, by 66.0 bg. A year ago, however, the storage level was only 0.3 bg below median.

Another DRBC chart available on the agency's website and provided to the UDC shows how fast the Delaware River water flows in cubic feet per second (cfs). That rate is higher in times of rainy weather. As measured by the Montague gage at Milford Beach, near the tri-state point, the flow plummeted from a recent peak of around 35,000 cfs on May 3 to an average of 2,571 cfs in the last week of May.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Pocono weather: Why La Nina may to be to blame for drier conditions
Brazilian farmers have begun harvesting the second crop of corn  known as safrinha  and expect production to reach 4 billion bushels (102 million metric tons), which would be a record and should drive the recovery of world ending stocks. The record crop, combined with price declines in the international market, has resulted in a 30% decline in the price of corn in the Brazilian market in recent months. Crop sales, for both the 2022/23 soybean and corn crops, have occurred at a relatively slow pace, lagging historical levels for the same time period. The combination of lower corn prices and a shortage of storage capacity in Brazil will be issues to monitor closely as the harvest continues to advance into June and July.

Record Second Crop Corn Production

Brazils second-crop corn production for the current season is projected to be 4,030 million bushels, an 11% increase over the previous year, according to data from Agroconsult, a private Brazilian consultancy. In the last estimate made in March, the projection was for a harvest of 3,826 million bushels. The higher projection has resulted from favorable weather. The area in Brazil planted to corn remained the same as last year  about 41 million acres (see Figure 1)  but expected corn yields have increased.

Good weather has fostered high yields, which are expected to reach 97.6 bushels per acre, 11% higher than last crop season. Although the second corn crop has become Brazils primary corn crop and an increasing share of world corn production, safrinha yields are more variable than Brazils first crop. Yields for the last five harvested crops (2017/18  2021/22), for example, averaged 92 bushels per acre in the first crop and 80 bushels per acre in the second crop, according to data from Conab.

As of June 3rd, about 1% of the second corn crop was harvested in Brazil, according to the National Supply Company (Conab), Brazils food supply and statistics agency. Six percent of the safrinha corn in Mato Grosso, the countrys largest corn-producing state, had been harvested by June 2nd, according to the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea). The harvest should begin in earnest across Brazil by mid-June.

Declining Domestic Corn Prices

Corn prices have fallen by nearly one-third in Brazil since April, as the country expects to harvest a record crop this season and markets seemingly have adjusted to the Ukraine-Russia war. In Campinas, Sao Paulo state, corn cash prices are below $5 per bushel, well below the highs of more than $8 per bushel in March 2022, according to data from the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics of Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (Cepea/Esalq) at the University of Sao Paulo (see Figure 2).

In Mato Grosso, responsible for almost half of the countrys second season corn production, the average cash price for corn was $3.11 per bushel on June 2nd, the lowest level since July 2020. From January to May 2023, the cash price fell 40% in Mato Grosso, according to data from the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics. With the advance of the harvest in June and July, it is expected prices will fall even further. The U.S. corn crop is also expected to be a record in 2023 with projections of a harvest of 15,265 million bushels, an increase of 1,535 million bushels from the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The cash price for corn has fallen significantly from its high in March 2022 but remains above price levels in the first half of 2020. In other words, corn prices have declined from recent market highs to levels that would be considered more typical averages. Fertilizer prices have also trended downward since reaching record highs in 2022. Some relative stability in fertilizer markets may have also been achieved as the Ukraine-Russia war continues (see farmdoc daily, February 28, 2023).

Large Soybean Stocks

Brazilian farmers in various states plant corn immediately after the soybean harvest, typically in February. Brazilian farmers have been slow to sell the 2023 soybean crop amid decreasing prices. Brazils 2023 soybean harvest, estimated by Conab at 5,688 million bushels (155 million tons), topped the prior record by 11%. As of June 2nd, about 57% of the soybeans produced in the 2022/23 crop season had been sold in Brazil, compared with the five-year average of 73% for that same time period, according to Safras & Mercado, a private Brazilian consultancy (see Figure 3). This means that almost 2,572 million bushels of soybeans (equivalent to 70 million tons) are stored in warehouses in Brazil, while a record safrinha harvest is underway.

Sales of the second corn crop have also lagged historical pace. As of June 2nd, 27.5% of the safrinha crop had been sold in Brazil, compared with the five-year average of 39% for that same time, according to Safras & Mercado. In other words, almost 3,000 million bushels of corn (75 million tons) have yet to be sold and will need space to store once harvested.

In the current crop season, the storage deficit is expected to reach more than 100 million tons in Brazil, according to data from Conab. The grain storage deficit in Brazil is concentrated in the Center-West states and the Matopiba region, northern agricultural frontier. Matopiba is formed by the Brazilian state of Tocantins and parts of the states of Maranhao, Piaui, and Bahia. In Brazil, only 15% of farms have warehouses or silos (see farmdoc daily, November 23, 2022).

In Mato Grosso, for example, the storage capacity is 1,617 million bushels (44 million tons), while grain production for the 2022/23 crop season is estimated at 3,344 million bushels (91 million tons), more than double the storage capacity, according to Imea. The lack of storage capacity and record production suggest even more downward pressure on corn prices.

Summary

Brazil is set for another record-breaking corn crop. The safrinha corn harvest is in its initial stages and will be in full swing by mid-June. Corn prices have fallen by 30% in the domestic market since April. Sales of the 2022/23 soybean and corn crops have been slow because of declining prices in the last months. Storage capacity is expected to be a limiting issue with the acceleration of the harvest in June and July. Thus, corn prices are expected to fall even further in the Brazilian market. The situation highlights Brazils historical logistical bottlenecks.

Data Source and References

Agroconsult. Rally da Safra. Perspectivas para a 2 Safra de Milho 2022/23. May 23, 2023. https://rallydasafra.com.br/e-book-perspectivas-2a-safra-de-milho-2022-23/

Colussi, J., G. Schnitkey and N. Paulson. Crop Production in Brazil Outpaces Storage Capacity. farmdoc daily (12):178, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, November 23, 2022.

Cepea/USP. Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics of Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at University of Sao Paulo. Survey of Agricultural Prices. 2023 https://www.cepea.esalq.usp.br/br/consultas-ao-banco-de-dados-do-site.aspx

Schnitkey, G., N. Paulson, C. Zulauf and J. Baltz. Fertilizer Prices and Company Profits Going into Spring 2023. farmdoc daily (13):36, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, February 28, 2023.
Gal Gadot is starting off Pride Month on the right foot.

The Wonder Woman star took to social media this week to share a glimpse at the joyous celebrations going on in Tel Aviv, Israel, in support of the LGBTQ+ Pride Month, which takes place every June.

In her latest Instagram post, Gadot, 38, shared a series of photos and videos to capture the crowds of people lined up in the streets to witness the Tel Aviv Pride Paradeand there was definitely no shortage of rainbow pride flags and dancing, smiling people feeling free to express themselves.

One of the photos showcased the scenic sunset in the background, of a pride flag raised high, making for the ultimate snapshot. Another pic showed a man wearing a colorful Kippah made up of the pride flag's rainbow pattern.

Video footage from the event also gave Gadot's followers a look at one of the parade floats, featuring a fierce array of drag queens dancing their way down the street while exuding nothing but pride and happiness.

View the original article to see embedded media.

The Israeli actress voiced her support for the community in her caption, which read, "Love is love ."

"And TLV pride parade is celebrating it beautifully," she added.

"!!" The Flash actress Sasha Calle wrote in solidarity in Gadot's comment section.

Gadot has long been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality, often using her platform to lobby for all types of human rights and important causes.

Back in 2018, the Red Notice star praised an article about a mother who was worried her son Isaac would be bullied at school for having a "girly" Wonder Woman backpack. In response, Gadot replied to the article with a message on Twitter, writing, "Just read this article about breaking gender stereotypes by Katie Alicea. Such an important topic and something I believe in so strongly."

"I hope Issac wore the crown and his WW backpack proudly to school," she wrote at the time, receiving over 24.7 thousand likes on the tweet.

Next: Gal Gadot Shines Bright in All Yellow Ensemble For Joyful Video
COPENHAGEN  At just 30 years old, Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen, the grandson of Menu founder Simon Hansen and son of Bjarne Hansen (who turned Menu into a lifestyle brand) finds himself at the forefront of Denmarks ongoing design heritage. The father of three small children is now at the creative helm of Design Holdings fortified Danish luxury brand Audo Copenhagen, the result of merging By Lassen and Menu.

At the Audo Copenhagen party during Copenhagens annual design festival, 3daysofdesign, which closes Friday, the newly named brand showcased designs by famed 20th century Danish modernists: the Kubus collection by architect Mogens Lassen, the Tired Man by his brother Flemming Lassen and Joachims first designs as Audo Copenhagens design and brand director.

More from WWD

The Audo Copenhagen party at the Audo House.

The event was set inside the citys Audo House, which was conceived by Bjarne in collaboration with Norm Architects, who have served as creative directors and designers of several Menu designs. Inside a sunlit red-brick courtyard, an international design crowd sipped on fruity cocktails and pondered the direction of Scandinavian design  which across the board, was notably more colorful this season than ever. Audo Copenhagen, whose collection was full of cozy earth tones, was no exception.

New designs at the Audo House complemented by Durup textiles.

On the Audo Houses first floor, New York-based interior stylist and creative director Colin King designed an installation set inside the penthouse of the multifunctional space. Pieces from Kings latest collection will be displayed among an immersive floral installation in collaboration with Alex Crowder of Field Studies Flora; the new space swathed in an eclectic mix of upholstery fabrics by Italian fabric and wall-coverings maker Dedar, Christian Lacroix (by Designers Guild) and Kelly Wearstler, among others. WWD caught up with Kornbek Engell-Hansen at Audo Copenhagen.

WWD: How does it feel to take over the design strategy for the two brands and continue your familys legacy on a more global scale?



Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen: My grandfather started Menu and I have been at the company for the past 12 years working with the creatives in design. About six or seven years back, I fully took over the creative direction of Menu. When we sold the company, we acquired By Lassen, and it has since been centered around Menu. At the time, we didnt necessarily know we wanted to merge the products, but we knew they should be speaking to each other.

We have been working on the merge intensively for the past six months and now for 3daysofdesign its all coming alive. Im extremely proud of where we are now with Audo Copenhagen and I look forward to telling the story to the world.

What do you have in common with your grandfather?

J.K.E.H.: My grandfather founded, but to be fair, my dad was leading the brand direction and hes been in the company since he was 18 years old and has been the designing force of Menu. With him, we realized we understand creatives really well. We also realized we need people around us.

My dad was the driving force that led us to really understand creatives. He acknowledged the fact that we need good people to both work and collaborate with us. His goal, and now mine, has been to work externally with extraordinary designers, partner with the best photographers and understand that the commercial side of business is essential.

What will the Audo Copenhagen aesthetic be going forward?

J.K.E.H.: We are building on the foundation of what we already created for Menu; actually the transformation started 10 years ago when we went from a kitchen accessory brand to a lifestyle brand with a minimalist approach to design. What we do is take away unnecessary ornaments [accents] and strip the product down to the core. We focus on the subject of matter and there is a cleanness to the design that is very interesting. When we re-branded Menu, everything was white and black steel, but right now we are in a phase where we are adding a lot of warmth from the interior in general.

The art direction for Audo Copenhagen was created in close collaboration with Christian Mller Andersen (photographer & art director at Kinfolk). He played a central role in the design process of our new concept store at the Audo House. We have added more colors to the space both in terms of new upholstery and wall paint.

How does it feel to take over your familys legacy post-merger?

J.K.E.H.: Sometimes when you talk about a big change, like renaming our brand, it can sound really big, but after being a part of it for so many years, it just wound up naturally evolving. There was definitely an incredible urge to do it well and enter into a new phase, so Im happy were here. For my father, its been a dream for him to establish Audo and we talked a lot about changing the name. We wanted to take the time to do it well and create a house where everyone can come in to see what our brand is doing while enjoying the open spaces, such as the shop and restaurant.





How do you manage a restaurant and a store as well?

Audo Copenhagens new look under the creative direction of Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen.

J.K.E.H.: The restaurant is managed by an external partner. It was important for us to team up with a restaurant partner who understood the concept, idea and feeling of Audo Copenhagen. We both intend to be a house for the local community as well as a destination for design lovers visiting from all over the globe. Entering our house should feel like a home away from home and the restaurant partner might be the first friendly face you meet, meaning that they should be brand ambassadors in the same way as if they were employed by us.

What is your first memory working in the family business?

J.K.E.H. There are many memories as Menu was always part of my life. From joining a lot of meetings with my father when I was just a kid to exciting new launches, the best memories have been when we have something new to share with the world. I remember the light in my fathers eyes when he got a new idea for the brand; thats something that has always been a huge inspiration to me.

I never got to work with my grandfather. Growing up, I was traveling with him to production sites, growing up, sitting in hour-long meetings during my teenage years, and it wasnt the most interesting thing in the world, but it was essential.



What will you take from By Lassen?

J.K.E.H.: We are proud to now have iconic pieces, such as the Tired Man chair and Kubus Candleholder from the By Lassen collection in the Audo portfolio.

We hold very iconic pieces  Tired Man, Kubus; [you can] see it in three out of four windows in Copenhagen  The upholstery products, you can see them on the website as well; they are voluminous and elegant, like the Kubus. All made very simple and you can see the product geometry of square design.

What sort of consumer will this new brand appeal to?

J.K.E.H.: With an extensive variety of products, we offer options that are both heritage-driven and that are easily accessible and appeal to a broad consumer base. Most recently we collaborated with contemporary designer Colin King, who we worked with to create accessories that have consistently been purchased by a range of consumers around the world.

We are working from very heritage-driven products that are priced at a high price and, of course, higher consumer with a strong buying power. We did a collaboration with Colin King and centered around art pieces that he found. They [accessories] are reasonable to buy into as well. We dont want to just segment in one place; its a modern way of broad span in a consumer reach where they buy into the same universe with a broad range of products.



What is your e-commerce business like in the U.S.?



J.K.E.H. The U.S. e-commerce site is managed by Audo, we have a warehouse in the U.S., and we have a local setup over there. We are doing upholstery out of Mexico to facilitate U.S. business.

Would you like your children to follow in your footsteps?

J.K.E.H.: We would be happy with whatever career they choose when theyre older. My wife is very musical and I have a feeling they inherited those abilities.



A room with a view inside Audo House.

Best of WWD

Click here to read the full article.
Courtesy of Lara-Maria Kullak-Ublick

Lara-Maria Kullak-Ublick is a 35-year-old mother of two living in Portugal.

While having two young children, she decided to reskill as a product designer.

She found aspects of reskilling with two young children challenging, yet she'd do it all over again.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lara-Maria Kullak-Ublick. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

After I had my second child in November 2020, my husband and I traveled from where we were living in Germany to live in the Bahamas for six months. I left behind my job in sales, instead just focusing on my freelance work in social media marketing. It was a dream. I worked flexibly around the schedules of my young kids and got to be close to the sea so I could chase the waves on my surfboard.

During those months, I was living my dream, and it made me want to continue having the right work-life balance in the future.

When our visas were due to expire, we moved to Portugal, where a couple of life changes made me rethink what I wanted out of a career. My husband got a job in Germany, where he was going to work for seven months while the kids and I stayed in Portugal. Just like that, I effectively became a single parent. Around the same time, I lost one of my biggest clients.

At this point, all I wanted was a stable job where I could be creative and develop professionally. When I started looking at jobs in the field I had left before the Bahamas, I could feel my confidence drop. I just didn't feel I could perform like I used to after such a long break.

It was time for a career change

I felt like it was time for a change in my professional career. And that felt scary. Change is always intimidating  especially when two little lives are depending on you. I didn't have any family and had only a few friends around me to help, because we just moved to a new place. My husband was working away. But after having two children, the need for a fulfilling job and a desire to advance my career was brewing inside me.

Story continues

A friend told me he reskilled to be a data analyst. It's what made me think I wanted to totally change careers. I decided I wanted to get into the tech industry, thinking that with the way the world was going, I'd have my choice of flexible working jobs. Tech is innovative, and constantly evolving. It was the direction I wanted to go in.

After looking around, I enrolled in a flexible asynchronous UX Design Program with CareerFoundry. I wanted to be a UX Designer. This was a big decision for me, though. I wouldn't be able to work during the course, which would last nearly a year over three parts, so would have to use my savings to pay my way. Even though my husband was working, I wanted to remain the independent woman I am even through the training, and because of CareerFoundry's job guarantee, I could get a full refund on my course if I didn't find a job within six months of graduating  it felt like a safety net. This was going to be an investment in myself  it was worth it.

It was a hard balance studying and being a mom

But the training was certainly challenging. It demanded countless hours of dedication and continuous learning. Getting the balance right as a mom of two young children was a huge challenge. I studied in the daytime when they were in nursery and school, collected them from school and did evening routines, and then studied again till 1 am once I put them to bed. I didn't get very much sleep.

I kept reminding myself I was doing this for me but also for my children. I wanted both my son and daughter to know that they could do anything as they get older. I wanted them to see me reskilling to have my dream job eventually.

Although the first two parts of the course are meant to last for a little over nine months, I completed them in five. I knew if I finished earlier, I could get a job while continuing with the final part of the course.

One of my biggest motivators was my mentor who closely supported me throughout the program. We spoke every week and he encouraged me to start applying early as the job search after the course can often take several months. To my total surprise, when I applied for a job as a UX designer in March 2023, I got it. I landed my dream job. I felt so proud of myself. Incredibly happy and thankful for the privilege to reskill and for the new job opportunity.

I'm now working a fulltime remote job I really love, but still able to see my kids. I drop them at nursery and school, pick them up, and spend time with them in the evening. Anything I didn't finish up in the day, I work on once they have gone to sleep. I feel fulfilled. Reskilling, even as a mom, was definitely the right choice.

Read the original article on Insider
Justin Long has subtly confirmed that he and Kate Bosworth are officially married, one month after they announced their engagement.

The 44-year-old actor spoke about his relationship status during an episode of his podcast Life is Short, which aired on 9 May. While speaking with guest Kyra Sedgwick, he referred to Bosworth as his spouse for the first time. He also recalled how he first fell for the actor when they were in Bulgaria to film their movie, Barbarian.

I was there while I was like really falling in love with my now-wife, Long explained. She came to visit, and I had never been comfortable with set visits, I was never crazy about [them]. I like to separate the relationship.

But still, he said that he enjoyed having Bosworth around on set.

Yeah, I loved having her there and we just had the most magical time, the Tusk star said. It helped me having her there. Shed help me with scenes. It was the best.

The married couple also took part in an Amazon Live segment on 15 May, in which Bosworth appeared to be wearing a silver wedding band on her ring finger, along with her engagement ring.

Longs comments about his new wife come one month after he announced that he was engaged. During an episode of his podcast, which aired on 4 April, the couple spoke about the organic way in which Long proposed to Bosworth.

I remember waking up, not so many mornings after that therapy session, and I looked at JustinI smiled at you, and I said, What do you need? The Locksmith star explained. And he, like, really looked at me and he said, To spend my life with you. And I smiled and I said, Well, yeah, you have that. Oh my gosh, you have that, and he said, No, I mean I really want to spend my life with you.

Long, who confirmed his relationship with Bosworth in May 2022, added: It felt connected to something very, very deeply, profoundly personal that we were going through, like, a real life change. As all of these moments with you havethe asking of it was easy.

Story continues

These comments also came weeks after they first sparked engagement rumours at Vanity Fairs Oscar Party, when the actress was spotted with a ring on her finger.

After confirming his engagement on his podcast, Long also took to Instagram to share the news. In his post, he shared pictures of himself and Bosworth, as she showed off her ring. He also explained why he chose to publicly open up about the engagement.

It felt like a leap to talk about something so personal so publicly but Ive found that the scary things become much easier when you commit to the truth and to a partner as loving and safe as Catherine Ann Bosworth, he wrote in the caption.

Long added: I feel eternally grateful that I found a partner who makes each day SO full, whose mere presence IS a reminder of the beauty and brevity of life, and who makes me laugh from the minute we wake up til the one I begrudgingly fall asleep. I cherish the days weve had and the ones to come.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Bosworth and Long for comment.
Eight-year-olds in Tennessee take a state assessment that determines their summer plans: regular summer time off from school or intensive summer camp to earn their promotion to fourth grade.

The new law has been a huge source of concern for families and schools as administrators expected a flood of students to be required by law to repeat third grade.

The Tennessee Legislature offered some clarity and relief, but that doesn't help the kids in school right now. As test scores come in soon, here's what families need to need to know about the new law and how students' promotion is handled.

How did the Tennessee third-grade retention law come to be?

Tennessee third-grade reading law: What parents need to know about tests, appeals

In January 2021, Tennessee legislators passed a law requiring third graders who do not score met or exceeded expectations on TN Ready tests to attend a summer reading camp or tutoring program, or to repeat the grade.

English language learners and those who have already been held back a grade are exempt.

Students at the end of third grade right now are facing this issue.

After pushback, the law was tweaked. Next year, third graders won't have to face the worry of one test determining their fate. Gov. Bill Lee signed a law that will go into effect for the 2023-24 school year altering how third- to fourth-grade promotions are handled.

The new law takes another benchmark test into account when considering whether kids get held back, streamlines the retention appeals process and tracks summer school, tutoring and retention data to allow the state to measure the policys success.

What determines who gets promoted to fourth grade?

Students must receive adequate growth scores to qualify for promotion to fourth grade.

Beginning this upcoming year, a student in the third grade will not be promoted to the next grade level unless the student is determined to be proficient in reading.

More: Update to third grade retention law approved but changes won't take effect until 2023-2024

Story continues

What is the the TCAP exam?

The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program is taken by students in grades 3-8.

Students are tested in four subject areas: English language, math, social studies and science. But for third graders, promotion to fourth grade is dependent solely on their English language scores.

When does the assessment happen?

For grades 3-5, the assessment period in the 2022-23 school year was April 17-May 2. Test scores are expected back by May 19. Students who score below or approaching proficiency can take a retest between May 22 and June 5.

What options do students have to move on to fourth grade?

Children who score as approaching proficiency must complete one of the following to move on to fourth grade:

Retest and score on grade level during the May 22-June 5 retest window.

Enroll in summer school, meet 90% attendance and show adequate growth (a term the state board of education is still working to define), or students can have a free state-provided tutor for the entirety of fourth grade.

Third graders who score below proficiency have the following options to move on:

Retest and score on grade level, with a retest window of May 22-June 5.

Enroll in summer school with 90% attendance rate and have a free state-provided tutor for the entirety of fourth grade.

Specific retesting and summer school dates vary.

What about students in special education?

Students with special education accommodations and those whose second language is English are exempt from being held back. Additionally, students who have already repeated third grade once will not be made to repeat again.

If my child attends summer school, does that mean he or she automatically gets promoted to fourth grade?

No, the student must have at least 90% attendance in summer school to qualify for promotion to fourth grade.

Can I appeal?

Parents of children who score as approaching proficiency can file an appeal to the state by June 30. It is not clear when appeal decisions will be made. Additionally, parents of children who scored in the 40th percentile or higher on a spring reading screening assessment or who faced hardships during the days leading up to the TCAP can appeal.

Retention decision appeals can be found at tn.gov/education/top-links/learning-acceleration.

What's new from next year onward?

While only parents can appeal assessment decisions, from next year onward, parents can seek the support of the school district to appeal on their child's behalf.

How many students might be held back?

The impact of the law could be enormous.

Last year, around 65% of third graders statewide did not meet the threshold during TCAP testing. Additionally, this year's class of third graders were in the final months of kindergarten in March 2020 when schools shut down as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe. Parents and advocates alike have cited pandemic learning loss among their concerns over the new requirements.

The Tennessean contributed to this story.

Areena Arora, data and investigative reporter for Knox News, can be reached by email at areena.arora@knoxnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AreenaArora.

Support our newsroom's exclusive, in-depth local coverage by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee third graders face summer school if tests are below average
(Wellington City Council)

At least six people have died and 11 more remained missing on Tuesday after a fire broke out at a four-storey hostel housing vulnerable people in New Zealand.

Emergency services were called to the Loafers Lodge hostel in the capital city of Wellington just after midnight local time on Tuesday 16 May.

Though dozens escaped safely from the building, with some having to be rescued from the roof, officials said there were still 11 people unaccounted for as well as six confirmed dead.

I understand six confirmed previously, and it looks like there are likely to be more," prime minister Chris Hipkins said.

A local charity said that many of the hostel's residents had been vulnerable people under its care, describing the fire as "an absolute disaster".

The rescue was impeded by safety concerns about firefighters entering the flame-gutted and partially collapsed building, which reportedly had no sprinkler system.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins arrives at the scene after a fire at Loafers Lodge (Getty Images)

Officials said that the hostel was full nearly to capacity when the fire broke out, with only a small number of its 92 rooms not booked.

"It doesnt get worse than this," said Nick Pyatt, district manager for New Zealand's national fire and emergency agency FENZ.

"This is a once-in-a-decade fire for Wellington. Its the worst nightmare for us... my heartfelt condolences go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives."

Burnt windows can be seen on the second floor of the lodge (Getty Images)

FENZ deputy national commander Brendan Nally said many residents had not had a clear exit path from the building.

"They had difficulty getting out, and unfortunately and tragically quite a few haven't got out," he said, according to Radio New Zealand.

As of Tuesday evening local time, 52 people had been taken out of the building and five had been rescued from the roof, while 11 others were unaccounted for.

The survivors were being treated at local hospitals and those left without a roof over their heads were being cared for by local agencies.

Fire engines gather outside the Loafers Lodge hostel in Wellington, New Zealand on Tuesday 16 May 2023 (NewsHub via AP)

One resident told New Zealand broadcaster 1Newz that some residents were 80 or 90 years old, and that he was concerned about whether they got out.

Story continues

"I grabbed my hat on the way and just started crawling," said the man, who asked to be named only as Chris.

"It was hard to crawl because there was only that much airspace on the ground. For me, it was hard, just that little distance  it was a struggle."

Tala Sili, a resident of the lodge, told news outlet RNZ that he saw smoke pouring through under his door and opened it to find the hallway pitch black.

I was on the top floor and I couldnt go through the hallway because there was just too much smoke, so I jumped out the window, Mr Sili said. It was just scary, it was really scary, but I knew I had to jump out the window or just burn inside the building.

He said he fell onto a roof two floors below.

It was just scary, it was really scary, but I knew I had to jump out the window or just burn inside the building.

Tala Sili, a resident of the lodge, told news outlet RNZ

Other residents told Radio New Zealand that the fire alarms would often sound without explanation, meaning many residents learned to ignore them. On Tuesday morning, they said, no alarm went off.

Mr Hipkins said the toll was especially heavy given Wellington's relatively small population of 212,000.

"This is a major event. Weve not seen something on this scale in recent times," he said.

"Wellington is a small community and... its a very tight-knit community. People will be feeling this today."

The prime minister told news reporters that a number of investigations will be carried out but the focus currently remains on dealing with the situation.

The Loafers Lodge hostel in Wellington, New Zealand on the morning of 16 May 2023 (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

It is an absolute tragedy. It is a horrific situation, he told reporters.

In the fullness of time, of course, there will be a number of investigations about what has happened and why it happened. But for now, the focus clearly has to be on dealing with the situation.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese told reporters he had spoken with his New Zealand counterpart and offered Australian assistance.

This is a dreadful human tragedy, Mr Albanese said. I expressed my condolences on behalf of Australia to our friends in New Zealand at this very difficult time.
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy knows how to support his constituents.

For the 10th year, the politician and physician  along with 12 other members of the Congress and more than 130 staffers  donned their seersucker jackets and pants in Washington, D.C., to celebrate National Seersucker Day.

More from WWD

Joseph Haspel Sr., of New Orleans, is credited with creating the first seersucker suit for the U.S. market in 1909. His great-granddaughter, Laurie Haspel Aronson, runs the Haspel company today.

Today, we celebrate National Seersucker Day. Seersucker is a New Orleans invention and fashionable warm weather staple, Cassidy said. Its an honor to have carried on this tradition for the past 10 years alongside my colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein. I look forward to many more.

Former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott brought Seersucker Thursday to Congress in 1996, but it eventually fizzled out. Cassidy revived it in 2014 when he was in the House of Representatives and then brought it to the Senate when he assumed that role in 2015.

Some 130 sfaffers joined the senator for an official photo wearing seersucker.

On Wednesday, Cassidy and Feinstein passed a resolution in the Senate to establish Thursday, June 8, as National Seersucker Day.

In a video posted to Twitter on Thursday, Cassidy donned a seersucker jacket and invited people to visit his office in Washington to see the seersucker wallpaper he uses. National Seersucker Day, he said in the video, a day in which we bring a little bit of the culture of Louisiana to Washington, D.C. I hope you enjoy seersucker on a warm Louisiana day, which makes it feel like it is a cool Louisiana day.

Best of WWD

Click here to read the full article.
The White House and Senate Democrats are refocusing their efforts on Julie Sus nomination to become Labor secretary and are pushing for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to break party lines and support her as they struggle to win over a group of Democratic moderates.

For months, Su and Democrats have been unable to win over the requisite support from a trio of senators  Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.)  leaving her nomination in limbo and forcing them to look elsewhere to get her over the finish line.

According to one Senate Republican, Democrats are attempting to woo Murkowski to back the Labor nominee amid continued uncertainty on their side.

The Alaska Republican told The Hill that she has had discussions with people on both sides of her nomination and indicated she is undecided on Su. She added that she has been in touch with the administration recently to discuss Labor-related issues, headlined by the H2B visa program for seafood processors in her home state.

I dont even know if Su is coming up, Murkowski said. Its kind of been kind of silent here for a while.  Im not sure theyve got all the Democrats.

Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, declined to say whether the party is trying to win over the Alaska centrist.

I cant tell you that, Durbin said. I dont know.

However, top Democrats maintain they still believe theres an avenue to usher Su through to win the needed number of votes. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters on Wednesday that Democrats are working very, very hard to get her confirmed.

The troubles surrounding her nomination burst into view last week when Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) complained about the administrations inclusion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in the debt ceiling deal, saying that he didnt get a heads up despite the White Houses repeated calls for his help in cajoling moderate Democrats to support Su.

Story continues

Im hopeful, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), the No. 3 Senate Democrat, told The Hill. I cant say that I know for sure but I think shes terrific and I hope so. It would be a real loss.  I would say its close right now.

However, the struggle to win over the Democratic moderates and Sinema is evident. Manchin told Politico on Wednesday that has no firm timeline to make a decision. Sinema has a policy of not previewing her votes and a spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

As for Tester, he told The Hill that he is continuing to weigh a decision and added that if Su lacks the votes, the White House should yank her nomination.

Im still looking. Still taking input, Tester said before wondering if a vote will ever take place. Are we ever going to vote on her?  I dont know. I have no idea. I have not been playing in that sandbox at all. Im just taking input from Montanans.

The White House launched into high gear this week with their lobbying efforts for Su, but havent confirmed which senators they are specifically talking to.

Chief of staff Jeff Zients and director of legislative affairs Louisa Terrell have been leading the charge out of the White House and speaking regularly with Schumer, as well as other senators multiple times a week, according to a White House official.

Zients has also been speaking regularly to Su and is in touch with outside groups and stakeholders about her nomination. Additionally, Terrell has been working closely with Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to push support for Su.

Su attended a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday as acting secretary and ahead of it, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stressed that Biden has confidence that she will get through.

Were going to do everything that we can to make sure that she actually becomes secretary, she added.

Su would be the first Asian American member of Bidens Cabinet at the secretary level, if confirmed. The administration is the first in more than 20 years not to have an Asian American Cabinet secretary.

Biden nominated Su in February to replace former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who is the first Cabinet secretary in the line of succession to leave his post since the start of the administration. Su was confirmed as deputy Labor secretary in July 2021 with no GOP votes.

In their opposition, Republicans have pointed to her stance on independent contractors and the gig economy and her handling of Californias unemployment insurance program when the state paid out billions in fraudulent claims.

Its going to be tough and Ive talked of the moderate Dems. I cant believe we cant get a couple of Republicans, Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, told The Hill. There is no one like Julie Su Ive met anywhere in the bureaucracy that understands apprenticeships and how skills training can occur, how we can do it at scale.

Maybe she tweeted sometime and it wasnt the perfect tweet. Alright! Maybe its the age of partisanship where you dont want to be approving an appointee of this president at this moment, he said.

Hickenlooper added that he has not discussed Sus nomination with Murkowski in roughly a month, but intends to do so in the near future.

Shes on my list, Hickenlooper added.

Outside groups, particularly the AFL-CIO, also stepped up their efforts to help Su recently and have been pushing Democrats to get her nomination across the line.

AFL-CIO sent a letter to Democratic senators on Wednesday that included other union presidents, all voicing their unanimous support for Su. When Biden first announced her nomination, the AFL-CIO launched a six-figure digital ad buy to back Su and the ad has been playing in the Washington, D.C., area and in Sinemas home state of Arizona.

Also this week, AFL-CIO representatives have been calling Democratic senators to persuade them to vote for Su.

Additionally, diverse groups around Capitol Hill have also been pushing for Su.

The chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Democratic Womens Caucus sent a letter on Wednesday with six Senators and 61 Members of Congress, urging Senate leadership to get her confirmed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
OCONTO - The Oconto County Board will be asked to declare the county a "Second Amendment Preservation County" when it next meets on Thursday.

The Public Safety Committee on May 10 forwarded a resolution that would declare the board "opposes the enactment of any legislation unlawfully infringing on our rights under the Second Amendment."

The Second Amendment, ratified in 1791, is one of 10 amendments that form the Bill of Rights. It generally involves gun regulation.

The proposed resolution also says "all lawmakers are hereby urged to honor the Second Amendment, as well as Article 1, Section 25 of the Wisconsin Constitution, and be vigilant in their duty to avoid improperly or unconstitutionally abridging a citizen's right thereunder to keep and bear arms."

Text of the proposed resolution to make Oconto County a "Second Amendment Preservation County."

The five-member Public Safety Committee approved advancing the resolution unanimously to the full County Board when it meets at 9 a.m. Thursday in the County Board Room on the third floor of the Oconto County Courthouse, 301 Washington St. It would need a simple majority to pass, meaning 16 votes if all 31 supervisors attend the meeting.

The Public Safety Committee had two possible resolutions to choose from. The other, which didn't advance, would have stated the Board was against any legislation that would infringe upon any right or protection granted in the entire Constitution.

Chair Dennis Kroll said he preferred the wording on the one that focused on the Second Amendment.

"Its just the education behind the whole thing," Kroll said why he supported the resolution. "I think thats what made me decide thats the route we should go."

The resolution contains a paragraph saying the board and sheriff "feel now is the time to discuss violence in its totality, not simply as an issue of gun violence."

It continues, "Violence is a result of a breakdown on many fronts. The lack of faith, the eroding of family values, the involvement in gangs, sex trafficking, the abuse and sale of illegal drugs, the lack of proper mental health treatment, the lack of education and guidance within our educational system as it relates to safe firearm use, storage and handling. The discussions must continue in our community from all disciplines who are dedicated to addressing the complex issues related to our safety."

Story continues

Supervisor Jolene Barkhaus originally urged the committee to create a resolution making Oconto County a Second Amendment sanctuary, but the word sanctuary is not in the recommended resolution.

Typically speaking, a Second Amendment sanctuary is a jurisdiction that's adopted a resolution declaring gun control laws passed by a higher legislative body, such as the federal government or a state legislature, violate the Constitution and won't be enforced in that jurisdiction.

At least 21 of Wisconsin's 72 counties consider themselves as Second Amendment sanctuaries. Florence County was the first, approving a resolution in 2019 while Lincoln County was the latest on Dec. 20. The others are Dodge, Grant, Kenosha, Lafayette, Langlade, Marquette, Monroe, Oneida, Ozaukee, Polk, Portage, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, Vilas, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha and Wood.

The Public Safety Committee received written comments from county residents about the resolution discussion. Fifteen messages were in favor, with two against. The comments mostly focused around a "sanctuary" status.

The Oconto County Board will still have a chance to amend the resolution as it sees fit before voting on the final wording.

"The committee engaged in discussion, they heard from some interested citizens who were present who wanted to speak, so they gave people who wanted to speak for a few minutes on the topic," County Administrator Erik Pritzl said. "So I think they took their time with it."

Contact Kevin Dittman at 920-431-8416 or kdittman@gannett.com.

.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Oconto County Board to vote on 'Second Amendment Preservation County'
Sail the Greek Islands or explore the world's largest cave in Vietnam on VistaJet's new Private World tours.

Courtesy of VistaJet

If you still haven't made travel plans for this summer because the mental image of busy airports and tourist-filled European hot spots gives you a headache, then VistaJet's newest offerings are for you.

The private jet company, known for organizing epic adventures for its members, has added five bespoke experiences to its Private World collection. From sailing the Aegean Sea to gorilla trekking in Rwanda to eating and drinking along Italy's Amalfi Coast, the private jet company, in collaboration with its travel advisors, has curated several itineraries that will truly immerse travelers in these destinations.

In Italy, for example, which is one of the most searched-for vacation destinations this summer, travelers can explore an 11th-century castle in the Umbrian countryside and go truffle hunting before jetting off to the Amalfi Coast to soak up some vitamin D at an exclusive clifftop estate with private beach access. Cooking classes, limoncello tastings, and sailing along Italy's famously picturesque coast are also included in this epic itinerary. Prices for this package start at 26,000 (or about $32,623) per person and don't include flights to Rome.

PHILIP VILE/Courtesy of Hotel Castello di Reschio

And if you have Greece on your mind, you can sail the Greek islands on the 114-foot luxury Milos at Sea yacht, exploring archaeological sites, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean, and wandering through the ancient streets of the country's most beautiful islands. This experience starts from $65,000 per week for up to 10 people, and you will be paying separately for the private jet flights to and from Athens.

If you'd like to channel your inner Indiana Jones, jet off to southeast Asia for a three-week trip of a lifetime that will take you through Indonesia, Cambodia, and, finally, Vietnam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. You'll trek through the park with a team of experts through Hang Son Doong, the largest cave passage on Earth filled with underground rivers, dolines, and even a forest. In true Indiana Jones fashion, you'll end this adventure sailing toward the sunset in a luxury yacht off Vietnam. This experience comes with a price tag of $500,000 for a group of up to four people.

Story continues

Driven by a strong currency, the demand for intercontinental travel is growing. This is the perfect time to discover hidden gems of the world and spend time immersing in culturally enriching trips, and choosing among a portfolio of different atmospheres," Matteo Atti, chief marketing officer at VistaJet, told Travel + Leisure. "Allowing our guests to enjoy the trips with their chosen companions was key for our latest collection."

You can read more about VistaJet's Private World collection and itineraries here.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
19 states have gone to court to block the EPA waiver granted to the California Advanced Clean Trucks rule. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Nineteen states have sought appellate court review in a challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency waiver granted to Californias Advanced Clean Trucks Rule.

The petition was filed Monday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

The relatively short filing challenges the waiver that was granted by the EPA and posted to the Federal Register April 6. That waiver was the latest in a long history of the EPA granting California waivers to pursue its own emissions and pollution standards, which is permitted under federal law dating back to the 60s.

The filing states that federal law establishes the D.C. Court of Appeals as an exclusive venue for challenges to agency actions that could be deemed nationally applicable or if an action has nationwide scope or effect. There is little else in the filing beyond an attachment of the Federal Register publication of the waiver decision.

Ultimately at issue in the filing by the states is a major question: With some other states having vowed to follow Californias lead on clean vehicles and other emission rules, does California effectively set the standard for the entire country? Original equipment manufacturers are generally loath to run two separate production lines: one for California and its followers and the other for the rest of the nation.

Fourteen other states, California and the District of Columbia in 2020 signed a memorandum of understanding that pledged a pathway to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2050, though Californias rules call for the transition to be completed prior to that. For example, the Milestones that govern the transition in the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule  the partner legislation to the ACT  call for 100% ZEVs in the affected fleets by 2042.





The states in the legal action against the EPA are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. While some of those states have Democratic governors  Louisiana, Kansas and Kentucky  all have Republican attorneys general.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird referred indirectly in a statement on the filing to the possibility of the California rule becoming a de facto national standard. The EPA and California have no right or legal justification to force truckers to follow their radical climate agenda, Bird said. The Biden administration is forcing truckers to drive electric trucks for his radical climate change agenda. Iowa isnt going to take a backseat as the EPA and California try to regulate truckers out of business. Were pushing back.

The Advanced Clean Trucks rule goes hand in hand with Californias recently approved Advanced Clean Fleets rule. The ACT governs the types of trucks that OEMs must supply to the state; the ACF rule lays out a pathway for fleets to phase out internal combustion engine trucks in favor of zero-emission vehicles, either through direct mandates or by setting a timetable for trucks useful life, after which they must be removed from the road.

California has not requested a waiver for the Clean Fleets rule, and there is no consensus among observers of the process whether the state needs one for the ACF.

The action taken by the states also targets the EPA waiver granted to the warranty extension rule adopted by the California Air Resources Board in 2018. That rule mandates longer warranty periods on truck engines. CARB, in a statement on its website from January 2022, said of the rule that the purpose of longer warranty periods for emission control-related equipment on heavy duty trucks is to better ensure they perform as intended for the hundreds of thousands of miles trucks are typically driven.

More articles by John Kingston

Fifteen states jump into Californias ongoing AB5 legal battle

New trucking trade group has 1 focus: DOLs independent contractor rule

Californias Prop 22 survives; appellate court reverses lower court filing

The post 19 states target EPA waiver for Californias Advanced Clean Trucks rule appeared first on FreightWaves.
Sen. Mitt Romney has renewed his call for a passport processing center in Utah, citing delays in Utahns obtaining passports and renewals. Other members of the Utah delegation have voiced similar concerns. | Business Wire via Associated Press

At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Wednesday, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, criticized the State Department over the time it is taking for Americans to get their passports, and renewed his call for in-person passport services in Salt Lake City.

According to the Salt Lake County Clerks office, it is taking up to 13 weeks to get a passport through a routine application, and up to nine weeks for an expedited request.

Given the updates in technology available, Romney said the amount of time it takes to get a passport is unreasonable.

Romney said Utah was a passport service desert with few nearby options for in-person services, even though it is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and despite the need because of thousands of missionaries traveling abroad every year from Salt Lake City.

We have 200 people right now that are working through my office for emergency help, he said. We have four people in our office that are doing nothing besides emergency passport requests.

Passport demand in Utah is enormous, due in part to our robust global commerce & the thousands of missionaries leaving from SLC every year. Yet our state is a passport service desert with no feasible options for in-person services. @StateDept must open a passport agency in Utah. pic.twitter.com/lNsQNazRWV  Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) June 7, 2023

Rena Bitter, assistant secretary for consular affairs at the State Department, told Romney her department was working on hiring more employees who could help process passport applications.

Every passports a national security decision, and bringing folks on in these positions  hiring, training, clearing, and making sure that they are suitable to have this really challenging job with a great deal of responsibility does take time, she said.

Story continues

Romney has raised the issue of the need for additional passport services in Utah several times, including through legislation signed in December and through a letter sent in April to the State Department signed by the entire Utah congressional delegation.

Related

At the hearing Wednesday, Romney also raised the issue of countries who deny entry to U.S. citizens whose passports expire in six months.

I think every American I know is shocked to find out that when your passport expires in six months, that you cant leave, that you cant leave the country, he said.

He asked Bitter to do more to make Americans aware of these travel restrictions.
Surfing on the Amazon River, as weird as it sounds, is nothing new.

People have been riding the tidal bore, dubbed the "Pororoca," for years now; and yet, any time this natural phenomenon comes to life, its worth a watch.

Hence below, when hordes of surfers flocked to the Pororoca during a recent full moon.

Per the Associated Press, who published the video:

Surfers from across Brazil gathered to surf the Pororoca tidal bore at the mouth of the Amazon River in the state of Para.

The natural event occurs during a full or new moon when the incoming ocean tide reverses the river flow, creating a wide and long-lasting wave.

Riding the Pororoca can be very dangerous due to the abundant presence of debris and the mere power of the tide.

Pororoca in Tupi Guarani dialect means destructor, big roar.

And its exactly what it does.

According to Noelio Sobrinho, President of the Brazilian Pororoca Surfing Association:

You have to throw yourself into that vibe and integrate yourself with naturenever to conquer it, because its impossible.

Per some surfers of the wave:

This is the longest wave in the world. And its in Brazil, in the worlds forest. Every surfer has to come and see.

Pretty neat.

***

Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.

Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.
Getty Images

The fallout from Canadian wildfires burning in Quebec began to hit the northeastern United States on Tuesday, filling the skies of cities like New York and Washington D.C. with smoke and all the colors of the apocalypse. Meteorologists say the smoky skies should dissipate by the end of the week, but in the meantime, according to The New York Times health alerts were issued from New York to the Carolinas, and as far west as Minnesota.

According to the Times more than 400 wildfires were once burning, with a majority of effects being seen in Quebec and Ontario. At a press conference, Bill Blair, Canada's minister of public safety said The images that we have seen so far this season are some of the most severe ever witnessed in Canada."

In Canada, more than 26,000 people have now been evacuated, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling it "a scary time for a lot of people." One researcher called this an "exceptional situation," stating the ground covered by these recent fires was equal to about the amount of the past decade combined.



Here in the States, the environmental disaster is making for skies that mirror those of end-of-days movies. Images show the White House, the New York City Skyline, and Toronto's CN Tower surrounded by hues of grey and orange. Fiery orange sunrises became the backdrop for outgoing flights and high-rise buildings. Here's what the northeast looked like well into Wednesday.

An empty paddock belonging to BJ Fuchs, a farmer who has lost some land and had to move his cattle due to the wildifires, is seen filled with smoke and fog in Shining Bank, Alberta, Canada, on May 11,

Getty Images

BJ Fuchs, a farmer who has lost some land and had to move his cattle due to the wildifires, stands for a photo in Shining Bank, Alberta, Canada, on May 11. Many ranchers stayed behind to care for livestock as neighbours fled wildfires that ravaged Canada's Alberta province this week, others tearfully telling AFP all they could do was open corral gates and hope their abandoned cows found their own way to safety.

Story continues

Getty Images

A plane is seen crossing in front of the sun's silhouette as wildfires in eastern Canada blows haze over New York City, United States and creates redder sunset on May 31, 2023.

Getty Images

Smoke from forest fires in Northern Ontario and in Quebec contribute to pink hazy sunset in the city from the Cherry Beach over Toronto on June 6.

Getty Images

A view of Toronto's skyline, featuring the CN Tower, on June 6.

Getty Images

A plane flies over Toronto on June 6.

Getty Images

A look at the Statue of Liberty in New York City on June 6 as smoke fills the sky.

Getty Images

The scene above the Yankees-White Sox game at Yankee Stadium on June 6.

Getty Images

Smoky skies extended to Washington D.C., as seen here above The White House

Getty Images

The entire NYC skyline sits below a smoke-filled sky.

Getty Images

New Yorkers gather in front of the NYC skyline on June 6.

Getty Images

Smoke continues to shroud the sun as it rises behind the skyline of Manhattan in New York City on June 7.

Getty Images

You Might Also Like
The closely watched presidential election in Turkey is headed toward a runoff as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tries for reelection.

Erdogan was leading with 49.49 percent of the vote against his top challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, with 44.79 percent, according to CNN, with 91.93 percent of the votes tallied. If neither candidate clinches the majority, the countrys race will go into a runoff.

A runoff would take place in two weeks to determine whether Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey for two decades, or Kilicdaroglu, who has promised a more democratic vision for the country, takes the leadership seat.

We dont yet know if the elections ended in the first round.  If our nation has chosen for a second round, that is also welcome, Erdogan said early Monday, noting that votes from Turkish citizens living abroad still need to be tallied. He garnered 60% of the overseas vote in 2018.

The outcome of the election will determine who leads the key NATO ally that straddles Europe and Asia, bordering Syria and Iran.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jonas Vingegaard in action in the Criterium du Dauphine time trial

Jonas Vingegaard endured a day of mixed emotions during the 31km Criterium du Dauphine time trial on Wednesday, missing out on the stage victory and race leader's yellow jersey but gaining significant time on most of his overall rivals.

The 2022 Tour de France winner finished 12 seconds down on stage winner Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates) and will head into the mountain stages of the weeklong race with the same 12-second deficit.

Remi Cavagna (Soudal-QuickStep) was third on the stage at 27 seconds, while Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious) was fourth at 34 seconds, just 22 seconds slower than Vingegaard.

Vingegaard looked set to win the stage when he set the fastest time at the first intermediate checkpoint after 10.5km, but then he faded in the rising final third of the course and struggled as the line approached and the gradient touched 6%.

"I hoped to win the stage and take the yellow jersey but Mikkel did a really good time trial today. I think I also did a good time trial but it was really impressive by Mikkel," Vingegaard said, revealing how he miss-timed his effort.

Read more

Criterium du Dauphine: Mikkel Bjerg takes stage 4 time trial win, GC lead



New Ridley time trial bike spotted at Dauphine TT



Tour de France Netflix series release time confirmed as details of first episodes emerge

"It was the plan to go off hard, but maybe I went a bit too hard," he admitted.

"I tried to save a bit in the middle, then go again for the last part, but when I had to go, there was nothing to go with Maybe I should have been going a little bit easier in the start, then I'd have more in the end maybe."

Defeat did offer some consolation for Vinegaard and his Jumbo-Visma team.

"We don't have to pull tomorrow," he said of Thursday's 191 km stage from Cormoranche-sur-Saone to Salins-les-Bains in the northeastern Jura department of France, north of Geneva.

"[Bjerg] will take the jersey but hopefully I can take it in the next few days."

Story continues

Despite the loss on the stage, Vingegaard gained important chunks of time on all his general classification rivals.

Australian Ben O'Connor (AG2R Citroen) was the best at limiting his losses. He finished third overall last year behind Vingegaard and set himself up for another podium, finishing just 29 seconds down on Vingegaard on Wednesday.

Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) limited his losses to 45 seconds, while Dani Martinez (Ineos Grenadiers) conceded 55 seconds and Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) lost 56 seconds.

The damage was much more considerable for the other riders, virtually ending their overall hopes for the Criterium du Dauphine and serving as a warning for the rapidly approaching Tour de France.

David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) lost 2:10, Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) 2:27, Mikel Landa (Bahrain Victorious) 2:37 and Enric Mas (Movistar) 2:38.

The USA's Matteo Jorgenson finished 18th at 1:25, more than a minute quicker than his Movistar team leader despite crashing during stage 3.

Egan Bernal is not targeting the overall classification of the Criterium du Dauphine and lost 2:25.

Stage 2 winner Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-QuickStep), who was close to taking the race lead before an untimely puncture on stage 3, lost 1:00 and slipped to eighth overall, falling further away from the maillot jaune.

Bjerg and UAE Team Emirates will ride Thursday's fifth stage as race leaders, with Vingegaard at 12 seconds, Wright third at 34 seconds and O'Connor fourth at 41 seconds.
Candalyn Winder Mettmann and her daughter, Adair, 10, are photographed at their Murray home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

When Candalyn Winder Mettmanns first husband Isaac Winder died their daughter Adair was just 2 years old.

Given her age, she didnt quite grasp that he was gravely ill but she understood something was amiss as her father lay in a coma in a hospital in Changchun, China, connected to wires and tubes. The small family had recently relocated so Candalyn could accepted a teaching job. Isaac was a stay-at-home dad.

Soon after the move, Isaac, 28, became fatally ill after contracting food poisoning and becoming dehydrated, his condition exacerbated by medication he has been taking for unrelated medical issues.

Adair was very verbal for her age but she never asked me where her dad was. I think she just got it on some level, Candalyn said.

The toddlers grief manifested in horrific separation anxiety, her mother said.

I tried to put her in preschool 10 months later, and for two weeks. I couldnt leave without her sobbing for the entire time I was gone, she said.

Candalyn moved into her parents basement so she could stay home with Adair, seek out a therapist to help her address her own grief and start an online masters degree program so she could better support her family as a single mom. Candalyn, who has bachelor degree in early childhood and elementary education, sought other resources to help Adair.

At the time, Adair was too young for programs offered by the Utah nonprofit The Sharing Place, which offers grief support for children. But once she was able to enroll in its programs, it immediately started getting better.

Candalyn said she has a lot of support, privilege and advanced education and yet, she struggled to connect to resources to help her and her daughter.

I just think about parents who dont have the same level of privilege trying to navigate that, she said.

Adair Winder hugs her mother, Candalyn Winder Mettmann, at their Murray home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

On Thursday, the state of Utah took a significant step forward to assist children who have lost a parent or caregiver in announcing an initiative that builds on community partnerships to identify and support bereaved children.

Story continues

The Utah Childrens Collaborative will be supported by a $1 million grant by New York Life Foundation, bringing its total investment for both the COVID and childrens collaboratives to $2.25 million.

The New York Life Foundation has invested more than $70 million to support bereaved children in the last 12 years, according to Heather Nesle, foundation president.

The collaborative will work with University of Utahs Gardner Policy Institute to match birth records with death records of those who have children under 18 years old and then offer resources to families.

The Childrens Collaborative will also work with Granite School District, which starting in the 2023-24 school year, will add an entry to its school enrollment forms that allows families to voluntarily share that a caregiver or parent has passed away and to opt-in to being linked to resources.

Granite District teachers and administrators will also participate in the New York Lifes Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative, which will help prepare them to help bereaved kids and families.

Once Utah children who have experienced the death a parent or other caregiver are identified and their remaining caregivers opt-in, the collaboratives partner organizations will reach out to connect families with an array of supports that they can elect to seek such as Social Security Death and Survivor Benefits, funeral reimbursements or public assistance nutrition benefits.

Case managers will also inform families aware of other supports such as grief camps, local support groups, therapeutic services and mentoring.

Related

John Bridgeland is co-founder and CEO of the Childrens Collaborative for Healing and Support, which initially focused on the 340,000 children nationwide who lost a parent or caregiver to COVID-19, as part of the long-established COVID Collaborative. It is now expanding to support all grieving children, no matter the cause of death.

Bridgeland says Utah is ideal for launching the pilot program because of already existing support services, its demonstrated capacity to collaborate and use data for sound decision-making.

While the country has moved on from the pandemic, there is an urgent need to address the crisis of children left behind. Supporting these children in the years ahead is a moral imperative. The Childrens Collaborative seeks to build sustainable, scalable systems to help these children navigate their new reality, said Bridgeland in a statement.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox noted that 1 in 15 Utah children will experience the death of a parent before they reach 18 years old.

Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at the announcement of a new initiative that supports grieving children and boosts access to services at the Gardner Policy Institute in Salt Lake City on Thursday, May 25, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

We cant let these families suffer alone. We have the resources already available and we need to use them. Not only do children suffer the emotional pain of losing a caregiver, they often experience trauma and when not provided support, they have long-term consequences like low self-esteem, depression and poor performance in school, Cox said.

He added, We talk a lot in this state about being trauma informed. We talk about adverse childhood experiences and the loss of a caregiver is at the very top of that.

Cox said the Childrens Collaborative recognizes Utahs unique qualities that makes us the right place to pilot this program ... Im very excited. Im very hopeful. I believe that we can do this here in Utah, and then we can get 49 other states to follow our lead.

Fast forward to 2023 and Candalyn Winder Mettmann is remarried and has earned her masters degree in education leadership. She and her husband, Jason Mettmann, have a 3-year-old son, Ellington.

Candalyn said she believes she and Adair are in a good place but occasionally struggle in their season of grief around the anniversary of Isaac Winders death in 2014.

But Candalyn said she is hopeful about the new initiative announced Thursday.

Every grieving child deserves to have what my daughter has, long-term financial stability, community support and professionals who understand them. They deserve to have loved ones with the time and resources to show up. They deserve a safe place to land. They deserve a chance to rebuild a beautiful life after their loss, she said.

Jason Mettmann and Adair share a somewhat similar history. Each lost their father during childhood, she at age 2 and he at age 16.

Mettmanns father died of cancer just as he was becoming a young man and he looked to his father for guidance.

The thing that I miss most as I get older is, I want to ask him how to be a better dad, he said.

I hope that I make her grandpa and their first daddy proud, right? We get to be a part of his (Isaacs) family as well. His siblings have taken me in as one of their brothers and we all are still a family.
Lale chats with Kris Tompkins, an American conservationist who is the subject of a new National Geographic documentary, Wild Life, about her work restoring the wild beauty of Patagonia by protecting and creating nearly 15 million acres of parkland. Her philosophy? "If you buy a Picasso and you hang it in your living room, you and your family can enjoy it. But if you take that same Picasso and you donate it to MoMA or any place really around the world, millions of people will see that every year and be informed by it, entertained by it." The same applies to nature, says Kris.

Lale Arikoglu: Hi, and welcome to a new episode of Women Who Travel. I'm Lale Arikoglu, and today I'm taking us to one of my favorite places in the world and somewhere that I've spoken about on this podcast before. It's wild. It's remote, with spectacular landscapes and some of the world's most unpredictable weather. It's Patagonia, home to glaciers and the Andes, deserts and rainforests, almost all of which has been protected by the creation of national parks in huge areas of Chile and Argentina.

Kris Tompkins: If you buy a Picasso and you hang it in your living room, you and your family can enjoy it. But if you take that same Picasso and you donate it to MoMA or any place, really, around the world, millions of people will see that every year and be informed by it, entertained by it. Doug and I decided that whatever land we bought, we would return it to the country in the form of a new national park for exactly that reason.

LA: That's how Kris Tompkins, an American conservationist who is the subject of a new National Geographic documentary, describes her philosophy when it comes to restoring the wild beauty of Patagonia and beyond. For three decades, her foundation, Tompkins Conservation, has been protecting and creating nearly 15 million acres of park land. Last year, I saw some of this work firsthand when I went to part of Northern Patagonia in Chile, only 10 kilometers from the Argentine border. My destination? A village that's known for its adventure tourism, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Here's a recorded clip of my own journey to and across a section of this giant region, a story that we covered in our show last fall.

Story continues

I got on a domestic flight to a small city called Puerto Montt, which is perhaps best known for a volcano that erupted several years ago, and I can't really tell you much else. I got on a 10-seater propeller plane which flew me to the tiny village of Chaiten. And, from there, a very generous and kind older couple who didn't speak a lick of English, and I didn't speak a lick of Spanish, drove me for three hours through gorges and past glaciers and into the mountains to my final destination, outside of the village of Futaleufu.

On my first morning waking up in the Andes, the owner of the lodge that I was staying at, Marcelo, decided to take me out for a hike with him and his two dogs, Baloo and Poncho. It was misty. It was drizzly. I had my rain jacket zipped up and my hiking boots on. And the only sound other than the dogs sniffing in the grass was the sound of the mud squelching beneath our hiking boots. We talked about everything, from Pearl Jam, to psychedelic mushrooms, to Tokyo, to where the color of the river in Futaleufu was such a brilliant, iridescent blue. It was one of the best days I've ever had. It was one of the best travel experiences I've ever had.

Marcelo: Sometimes you can spot some condors over there.

LA: Mm-hmm. We didn't see any condors, but I spotted myriad birds and even an otter searching for its dinner along the coast. And on that journey, two names kept coming up in conversations I had with people who call Patagonia home, Kris and her husband, Doug Tompkins. So when I discovered that there's a new documentary film about their work, asking Kris to be a guest felt like a way to travel back to that beautiful place.

It's funny. When I was in Patagonia, which is a line I love to trot out-

KT: Yes. [laughs]

LA: ... at a bar ... [laughs]

KT: When I was in Patagonia-

LA [laughs] Exactly. I mean, what a treat to get to say that. I heard both of your names constantly.

KT: Oh, you did?

LA: Within ... I had got a l-, lift from the airport in Puerto Montt to take me to, like, another small plane, and even the woman driving me, when she asked me why I was there and I said I was there for a story, she immediately was like, "Oh, well, you have to read about the Tompkins." And so before we get into all the work you've done to protect that land, I'd actually love to start by talking about the time when you were just exploring and discovering it and what wild beauty you saw.

KT: I think my first trip to, to the Patagonia region was on the Argentine side, and even though I grew up in a rural area and never had really had a seriously urban life, I couldn't believe the expansive territory. It's like being in Tibet. For a Western modern mind, the scale and the emptiness and the harshness, really, I found transformative.

LA: The air was very striking to me in that it was so clean.

KT: Yeah. It reminds some ancient part of you what life was like for 99.9% of human life on this Earth. And so I think you, you begin to relax. You begin to imagine yourself in another lifetime or in another life. That's what happened to me anyway.

LA: Kris, who was always interested in the outdoors, was running the clothing company Patagonia at the time when she met Doug. The feature-length film Wild Life captures the moment in 1993 when she decided to move to Chile.

KT: Doug would call me from time to time, and one night, I said, "Well, I'm gonna go to Paris to work out of the Paris office." And he goes, "Great. I'll see you over there." And, true to his form, he's in Paris. We go out to dinner at his favorite restaurant in Paris, and we're walking around, walk a-, all around Paris. He said, "Come see me in Chile." I said, "No. Absolutely not. You're a world-famous sandbagger." And he stopped and looked down at, at his feet and then looked backed up, back up at me, and said, "I will never let anything happen to you."

It was one of those moments that you see somebody transform even in their own mind. I mean, much later, he said he knew exactly. That was it. And so did I. I thought to myself, "That's the man I'm supposed to marry." But it's, it was crazy, really crazy. I was engaged to another person. So I ended up leaving that fiance. Then I went down to Chile to visit with Doug for 10 days, and I stayed five weeks. It was chemistry. When, um, you get hit by lightning.

I'm going to leave my role as CEO, and we are currently looking for someone to replace me. My hope is to have someone in place by October, train them, have them shadow me day to day for three months, and then January 1st, I plug out, and, uh, likely go to Chile, which is where I'm thinking that my home will be.

I mean, I blew up my whole ... [laughs] It was scandalous. I just blew up my personal life. But I was right. It turned out to be the great thing, and it was a big leap of faith. I mean, it was, could easily have gone either way. This was insane, what we were doing.

LA: The documentary is, at its heart, it's a love story both for that part of the world a-, but also for you and Doug. How did the two of you fall in love with that land together?

KT: Well, Doug really fell in love with the Patagonian region on either side of the border with climbing in 1968. And Doug had already bought one piece of property when I, uh, once I retired and moved to Chile. And I don't think we knew exactly what we were going to do with these territories at first. And then we realized these, these should be national parks. And that's when we really started meeting with governments and, and people throughout the country, talking about the possibility of protecting the jewels of this country in that form, so all are welcome and that every hectare of these territories belongs to every citizen.

LA: What was that process like in terms of working with these governments and a-, and, I guess, like, creating that accessibility?

KT: Well, it's a process because when we, in the early years, in the early '90s, of course, there was great suspicion about what we were doing. We were buying up large tracks of forest and not cutting them down, and that was highly suspicious, uh, irregular. So it was kind of rough at the beginning.

LA: Do you think part of it was to do with the fact that it was, you were two non-Chileans coming in and with this radical idea?

KT: When I look back 25 years, 28 years, and I see the tremendous suspiciousness surrounding us, we were known as the couple who cut Chile in half. Um, people thought we were looking to create a new Jewish state, even though we were raised as Anglicans, and all these outrageous things said about it. Today when I look at it, I think things like that, the country, it was new to the country, and I think these things would happen anywhere, frankly.

There's always a first, and the first is usually the one who has to tackle these suspicions and, and, and kind of ride it out because I think that culture is so strong that when, as it begins to evolve, even in a small direction, you have to be prepared for a reaction that won't always be positive. And we, boy, did we learn that with great humility, honestly. Um, and now, everybody takes our work for granted. And, um, what people really forget, oftentimes, Tompkins Conservation is the Doug and Kris Show. There are hundreds of Chileans who worked on the Chilean National Parks, and Argentines on the other side of the border. So these parks were never just created by Doug and Kris.

LA: After the break, how Kris and her team have been releasing jaguars back into the wild after a 70-year absence.

Conde Nast Traveler writer Alex Postman, who I think you maybe crossed paths with-

KT: Yes.

LA: ... when she was reporting this story, um, wrote a feature for us last year about rewilding in Argentina, and she opens with this beautiful description of seeing a very faint, but very much there, paw print of a jaguar in the Earth.

KT: Yes. Well, you know, I'm very spoiled in this regard [laughs] because I get out there quite a bit. I mean, it brings tears to your eyes the first time you see jaguars out free after 70 years gone missing. It can be the small mammals. It ... I get to see a lot of it, and it's something you never take for granted because they're free, but you're always vigilant. Did we really take care of the reasons they went extinct in the first place? So the work we have come to learn is actually never over. And, um, you know, it's emotional when you're talking about rewilding and local communities. Top predators such as the jaguar are not easy to bring back socially, generally. In Corrientes, Argentina, they couldn't wait for the jaguars to come back because those cats represent the way they see themselves, the Correntino, the, the valiance of, o-, of a Correntino. So, in that way, you have the whole province protecting them now when, in fact, that was utterly missing when they'd gone extinct in the first place. So you, you're watching yourselves and everything around you evolve as these species come back.

LA: In the documentary, there's wonderful footage of this elusive big cat, the largest in the Americas.

KT: There was so much more to do than just protect the land. You can't call any of these places restored or healthy until everybody's back.

Speaker 4: Kris helped with the reintroductions of over a dozen species at this point, uh, ultimately including the jaguar, which nobody's ever done before.

KT: It was Doug's idea to do whatever we could to bring jaguars back. The jaguar is emblematic. It's, it's the top of the food chain there. It was one of his dreams.

So we have nine to release, and that's assuming that both the cubs, who are now both females, [laughs] have two cubs, maybe. Maybe one.

LA: When you walk through these parks now and on this land, what difference do you see now compared to before the rewilding efforts? I mean, it comes to these ecosystems being rebuilt and reintroduced.

KT: Well, let me start with a description of our reaction as people who are working on the ground. In both Chile and Argentina, you actually have to pay attention now. Where are you? What are you listening to? Are you going out in a sector where maybe you should retrace your steps? In terms of the landscape itself, certain grasslands are starting to be modified, especially in the Patagonian grasslands, where pumas are back now in, in, in really healthy numbers. That is the extraordinary nature of rewilding, um, species who are at the top of the triangle, who ... It's like the wolves in Yellowstone. There's nothing in Yellowstone that behaves the way it did before the wolves came back. And that's how I feel.

A, a good example of this around the Ibera Wetlands, which is roughly two million acres, there are 10 communities, communities that have been largely forgotten, even by the provincial government. It's, it was, uh, a territory in the p-, in the province that nobody really had mapped. Nobody really understood what was out there. It's flat. It's just water. That has completely changed today. Every one of those communities has economic activities that are born out of Ibera, jobs and all sorts of things, and they have the jaguars back. And they have giant anteaters, and they have these points of pride that they needed and wanted to get back, and they're back.

LA: Do you think these rewilded areas can ever feel whole again? Or do you think they've experienced so much loss to their ecosystems, even as they, these animals and this nature returns, do you think it, it can feel complete?

KT: Oh, I think yes, but in some areas, even down in the Patagonia grasslands, where you, where you have these arid conditions, and in some areas, I wonder, "Even with the livestock taking off, a lot of care being put into it, I know that there will be some areas that probably don't come back to their original richness and diversity." That said, maybe even the majority of it will. Of course, they're, they're influenced by this, these 200 years that they've gone through, with pretty rapacious use and extractive economies. But yes, as they say, "Mother Earth bats last." [laughs]

LA: I love that. I love that phrase. Terrifying phrase. Hopeful phrase.

KT: Yeah. [laughs] It's both hopeful and terrifying. [laughs]

LA: Yeah. Um, and also quite, quite a good ego reset-

KT: Yeah.

LA: ... I think.

KT: Indeed.

LA: Coming up, how Kris kept going after insurmountable loss and what she still hopes to achieve.

KT: This was an amputation for me. It wasn't just a loss.

LA: In 2015, Doug Tompkins died unexpectedly of hypothermia after his kayak capsized while he was crossing Lago General Carrera in Southern Chile.

After it being the two of you, how did you figure out to carry on and, kind of, in short, how did you keep going?

KT: I certainly was asking myself that question right after he died. And I struggled. I knew I could survive it. I just wasn't sure that it was a life that I'm was interested in. And then for a few reasons, I, I first of all said, "Sit up. Sit upright. [laughs] Um, we have to finish this stuff. We have families. We have loved ones. We have ... What am I thinking?" And the minute I made that decision, not to set aside grief, but wrap yourself up in it in a way that it's not choking you to death, which it was, and then I just kicked in, uh, probably a lot of my business years. [laughs] Everything was so clear to me. It was very, very black and white. We are going to the end and do it all.

LA: What, what ... You know, you said, "I have to finish this." What was finishing it?

KT: In our case, at that point, we had a lot of parks in Chile and in, in Argentina, which we'd been working on, and I wanted them to be donated as fast as possible, get them finished and get them donated back to the countries. So in, in the case of Chile, we put together ... I think it's still the largest donation in history, donating the last million acres we had in the country and working very closely with the national government to add in nine million additional acres from the government. And we, at one signing, we created five new national parks for Chile and enlarged three others. And at the same time, a, well, a little earlier, on the Argentine side, we worked with the standing government to do the same thing in, in, in Argentina.

LA: What do you think, especially in the last eight years, the wilderness has, has given you, just on a personal level?

KT: It has accompanied me in loss, not just of Doug, but in many things. And I feel best when I feel really small. And, uh, the only way I can feel really tiny and part of something much greater than myself is when I'm out in nature. It doesn't have to be so far out. It doesn't have to be down in Patagonia. But then I understand my place in the order of things. And struggling with whatever it is, if you make yourself small, at least, the way I see it, I find contentment and almost joy, I would say, in being a part of something that its heart is so beautiful and so powerful. And that, for me, it can ... My cathedral is in nature.

When we think about the local communities whom we've been neighbors to over the last 30 years, um, I think it's always important to remind ourselves that any conversation about conservation has to begin with the people who have been there all along, the local communities. And Doug always called it consulting the geniuses of the place, and he was very serious about that. And in the film, you'll see that a lot of, most of our wildlife work, uh, teams are all local people, and the reason for that is they know how to track pumas. They know how to work with the nearly extinct huemul deer. There are all these people locally that have knowledge. Doug always, he is, he was the most straightforward person in the world. But the, the conversations have always been direct and honest and, from our side, completely open. And they do, those conversations do influence our thinking.

I'm going to do this until I physically, mentally, you have to put me in the, in the ground. Um, but I will say that it is a kind of legacy point for, for me, for Tompkins Conservation, because when Doug died, and coming out of the business world, immediately, I started a very serious succession plan because with only one of us left, I had to decide, "What, what is the value here?" I mean, this is a revolution, and we wanna be on the front lines of this revolution.

LA: Patagonia has long captured the imaginations of writers and adventurers, and I was no different. Its landscape left me breathless from the first morning I woke up there, yes, because of its beauty, but even more so because of its exquisite emptiness.

Wild Life, chronicling the highs and lows of Kris Tompkins' journey, is made by National Geographic. Next week, I talk to actor Gabrielle Union about taking her extended family and many friends on a trip to Zanzibar, Ghana, Namibia, and South Africa in honor of her 50th birthday, as part of a new docuseries on BET+. I'm Lale Arikoglu, and you can find me on Instagram at @lalehannah. Our engineers are Jake Lummus and Gabe Quiroga. The show is mixed by Amar Lal. Jude Kampfner from Corporation for Independent Media is our producer. See you next week.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler
Delegates voted May 6, 2022 in Avon, Indiana on a series of resolutions to form the Global Methodist Church, a breakaway denomination from the United Methodist Church.

Forty-three Wisconsin churches could see their wishes come true Friday to leave the United Methodist Church, the latest local development in a denomination-wide schism.

More than 4,000 congregations have disaffiliated, or broken away, from the United Methodist Church since 2019 over disagreements on LGBTQ rights and other theological and church policy issues. Congregations are leaving for the more traditionalist, or conservative, new Global Methodist Church, arguing the United Methodist Church has become too progressive.

Around the country, regional governing bodies called annual conferences have voted to grant congregations who want to leave the permission to break away. As many as a few hundred in each region have departed. In Wisconsin, only one congregation disaffiliated so far, in 2021.

Last year the Wisconsin conference set a 17-step process for more congregations to disaffiliate, and 43 congregations voted among their own members to leave the United Methodist Church. It all comes to a head Friday when conference delegates meet in Green Bay to vote on approving those requests.

More: With a historic number of churches leaving, why 2022 was so dramatic for United Methodists

What is the United Methodist Church?

Often referred to as UMC, it is one of the country's largest mainline Protestant denominations, with about 5.7 million members and 30,000 churches in the U.S. It is splintering in part over disagreements on LGBTQ issues such as conducting same-sex marriages and ordaining gay clergy.

There were 445 United Methodist Church congregations in Wisconsin with about 50,000 members in 2021, according to church data.

Light shines from a stained glass window depicting Jesus and two children during a Palm Sunday service at First United Methodist Church in Parsons, Tenn., Sunday, April 10, 2022.

Why are churches disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church?

LGBTQ rights are a key driving factor for congregations asking to leave the United Methodist Church, although both sides say the debate goes deeper, with disagreements on how the Bible and Methodist doctrine are interpreted at the heart of it.

Current UMC leaders aren't following church doctrine on gender and sexuality, said the Rev. Mao Her, the pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Greenfield. She is also the president of the Wisconsin chapter of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, the advocacy organization that helped launched the new traditionalist Global Methodist Church, which disaffiliated churches are joining.

Story continues

"We still believe in traditional marriage. We still believe that the practice of homosexuality is a sin, according to the scripture, and that is stated in our book of doctrines," Her said, referring to the UMC's "Book of Discipline."

"If we can't trust our leaders, our bishop, to uphold the Book of Discipline, we believe that then, they can do whatever they want," Her said. "We want to have integrity in the scripture."

Her's Greenfield church is among the 43 in Wisconsin who voted to disaffiliate. Of the 25 members of the Greenfield church who voted, 20 cast a ballot in favor of leaving the denomination.

Debate over LGBTQ rights intensified in 2016 after some United Methodist clergy came out as LGBTQ and the first lesbian bishop, Karen Oliveto, was elected.

The church allowed congregations to break away starting in 2019, but each regional conference created its own process for leaving.

In this Feb. 26, 2019, file photo, Ed Rowe, left, Rebecca Wilson, Robin Hager and Jill Zundel, react to the defeat of a proposal that would allow LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage within the United Methodist Church at the denominations 2019 Special Session of the General Conference in St. Louis.

How many churches in Wisconsin have voted to disaffiliate, or leave?

Forty-three congregations in Wisconsin voted to disaffiliate, including five in southeast Wisconsin. Delegates will meet Friday to vote on approving those requests to disaffiliate. The measures are expected to pass.

But, according to Her, more congregations could petition to leave before the end of 2023, the deadline the church has set for disaffiliating.

The Wisconsin conference could decide on allowing those additional requests at the weekend meeting.

More: Splinter explainer: Why church property plays major role in split of United Methodist Church

Where will disaffiliated congregations go?

If they are allowed to leave, most of the congregations quitting the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin will turn to its new, conservative alternative, the Global Methodist Church, Her said.

The Global Methodist Church's doctrine says that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

A handful of other Wisconsin churches may go the independent route, Her said.

How many churches have left the United Methodist Church around the U.S.?

More than 4,000 congregations have disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church since 2019. The greatest number of churches that have left are in southern states, according to data compiled by The Tennessean.

In Alabama, for example, over 500 congregations have left. In Texas, more than 600 have left.

In the Midwest, Iowa has seen 84 congregations disaffiliate. In Michigan, 68 have left.

Which Wisconsin churches have voted to disaffiliate?

Southeast district:

Cambridge: Willerup UMC in Cambridge

Greenfield: Christ UMC in Greenfield

Racine: Faithbridge UMC in Racine

Union Grove UMC in Union Grove

Waterford: Community UMC in Waterford

Southwest district:

Arthur UMC in Livingston

Baraboo: Emanuel UMC in Baraboo

Belmont UMC in Belmont

Benton UMC in Benton

Blackhawk: Bethlehem UMC in Sauk City

Bloomington UMC in Bloomington

Boscobel UMC in Boscobel

Gays Mills UMC in Gays Mills

Juda: Zion UMC in Juda

Liberty Pole UMC in Viroqua

Madison: Asbury UMC in Madison

Mount Hope UMC in Mount Hope

Mt. Zion UMC in Boscobel

New Hope UMC in DeSoto

North Clayton UMC in Soldiers Grove

Retreat UMC in DeSoto

Rewey UMC in Rewey

Soldiers Grove UMC in Soldiers Grove

Wauzeka: St. Pauls UMC in Wauzeka

Whig UMC in Platteville

Wisconsin Dells-Delton UMC in Wisconsin Dells

North central district:

Borth UMC in Poy Sippi

Marshfield: Zion UMC in Marshfield

Mauston UMC in Mauston

Poy Sippi UMC in Poy Sippi

Spencer UMC in Spencer

Stoddard UMC in Stoddard

Wonewoc UMC in Wonewoc

Northeast district:

Argonne UMC in Crandon

Eden: Tabor UMC in Eden

Eldorado: Salem,

Forest Junction: Zion UMC in Forest Junction

Greenville: Faith UMC in Greenville

Lomira: Trinity UMC in Lomira

Neenah: Faith UMC in Neenah

Oakfield UMC in Oakfield

Sheboygan: Fountain Park in Sheboygan

Waukau/Eureka in Waukau

Liam Adams of the Tennessean contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 43 Wisconsin churches ask to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church
The Panama City Beach Aquatic Center is looking to hire almost 20 more lifeguard.

PANAMA CITY BEACH  While beach safety has plenty of lifeguards this peak season, the city's Aquatic Center is struggling to fill many positions.

As of Tuesday morning, the center had only 15 lifeguards on staff with room to hire 17 more, according to Marydale Moore, aquatics manager of Panama City Beach. This shortage is not unique to the city, as Moore said pools across the country have struggled to fill lifeguard positions since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

"We're on our way, but it's not there yet, and it's not just us  it really is throughout the whole U.S.," she said. "Nationwide, the beach is not having as much trouble as pools are, and there are pools all over the country that have closed for the entire season because they cannot staff them.

"The fact that we are open and we are still able to offer as much programming as we (do is) very fortunate."

Beach comparison: 'It's a cool job': Panama City Beach doubles number of lifeguards in the past few weeks

Staying active: Summertime blues? Panama City Beach offers 30 summer camps for a variety of interests

Because of this shortage, Panama City Beach has cut aquatic center programs every year for the past three years, Moore said. However, she does not plan to do the same in 2023.

"We have not had to cut programs (this year), and I don't anticipate having to cut programs," she said. "Rather, we adjusted accordingly and even conservatively to what we offered from the beginning. ... All of our programming and our operational hours here at the aquatic center for this year, and for the last several years, have been 100% dictated by the staff that we have."

To incentivize more people to apply for the positions, the aquatic center has increased lifeguard pay every year for the past three years. The starting hourly rate has jumped from about $10 to $14.99 during that time.

On top of competitive rates, the aquatic center also offers flexible schedules for its lifeguards, making a great job for local students on summer break, Moore said.

Story continues

Located at Frank Brown Park, the center boasts full-time seasonal positions and part-time positions for those who want to work as a lifeguard year round. Either type can fill any of the 17 open positions. Lifeguards also are able to use the center's pool for free.

"We really could do any combination," Moore said. "If you're qualified, you're ready to start and you're ready to go, then we will make it work. We'll figure out which position is best for you and put you there."

To be hired as a aquatic center lifeguard, applicants must have a current lifeguard certification through the American Red Cross. There will be two upcoming certification courses held at the Aquatic Center  one July 22-23 and another Aug. 19-20. Both cost $150, and those interested should register 10 days before start dates.

Applicants must have the certification to begin working at the center, but they don't need it to interview for the positions. Some of the physical requirements to receive the certification are swimming 300 yards in under 10 minutes and retrieving a brick from the bottom of the pool's 12-foot deep end.

"When college admission specialists, potential employers and intern scouts look at your resume and they see that you have been a lifeguard, then that tells them more than you have skills," Moore said. "It tells them that you're willing to take the risk to be a first responder. It tells them that you have the discipline to complete a class that is not physically feeble. It tells them that you are dedicated to service.

"Lifeguarding is so much more than just being a lifeguard."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach needs more lifeguards for Aquatic Center
The wildfire smoke blanketing the Capitol is giving Democrats a fresh opportunity to lambaste the GOP for its opposition to taking action on climate change  including steps that Republicans were taking as the wall of haze descended.

In Congress, Republicans railed this week against climate rules for power plants and attempted to kneecap future regulations on indoor air pollution from gas stoves. In Virginia, meanwhile, state regulators appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin voted Wednesday to pull their state out of a regional program meant to slash power companies greenhouse gas pollution.

Democrats say those actions fly in the face of a wealth of science, including research backed by the U.S. government, showing that the planets warming is worsening wildfires and other disasters around the globe. That reality is now creating milky smog and orange skies for tens of millions of Americans because of smoke from hundreds of fires in Canada, while schools cancel recess and flight delays hamper passengers throughout the East Coast. And it's literally hitting Washington leaders where they live and breathe.

Imagine being a Republican climate change denier in Congress  you show up to work at the Capitol today, see the skies filled with smoke  and you still dont get that we need bold and immediate action to save our planet? Ridiculous, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, tweeted on Wednesday.

Republicans accused Democrats of overplaying the public health risks. And some said the Canadian blazes are giving East Coast residents a taste of life out West, where destructive wildfires have become the norm.





Im guessing people in most Western states would laugh at this being called poor air quality, House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) said Wednesday during an interview outside the Capitol under a haze-obscured sun.

During a Senate hearing on federal wildfire response Thursday, lawmakers of both parties from Western states emphasized that the smoky conditions D.C. is experiencing have been common in their home states.

Story continues

My guess is that folks on the East Coast are already sick of the smoke, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said, referencing travel disruptions the wildfires have caused in cities such as Philadelphia. Look, this is what we deal with out West frankly every summer.

Democrats have largely echoed a message that President Joe Biden repeated in a statement Thursday  that the Canadian wildfires and the resulting cascade of smoke are another stark reminder of the impacts of climate change.

It would be irresponsible to have this hearing and not consider the role that climate change is playing in the fires that were experiencing in the West in particular, and now in Canada as well, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said during Thursdays hearing.

Climate scientists say the hotter temperatures caused by climate change have dried out forests and trees, making them more susceptible to blazes. Drought has also fed more intense blazes and fueled longer wildfire seasons. In the global record wildfire year of 2020, California registered five of its 10 largest blazes on record, according to NASA.

Some Republicans  including former President Donald Trump  have argued instead for more effective forest management to prevent wildfires from happening. Democrats and climate scientists acknowledge forest health plays a role, but that Republicans are missing the point by minimizing how a hotter world is fueling longer, more intense fire seasons.

Westerman, who notes he is the only professional forester in Congress, said better management is the best way to tame wildfires while ensuring carbon-sucking forests stay standing.

We're not going to change global carbon emissions in a short enough time to get near the benefits we would get from actually going in and making our forests healthy, he said.

For the most part, GOP lawmakers no longer dispute that climate change is occurring  even if Trump, their leading White House contender, has dismissed climate change as a hoax created by and for the Chinese. (At a wildfire briefing three years ago, Trump assured Californias natural resources chief that itll start getting cooler, just watch.)

Instead, the main Republican attack on Bidens climate policy is that a quick transition away from fossil fuels would make the United States dependent on countries such as China. They have also questioned whether specific disasters, like the wildfire smoke now coursing down the coast, are directly linked to a hotter world.

Weve had wildfires forever, and Im sure this is not the first time that this has ever happened, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), who in the past two congressional sessions sat on the now-defunct House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, told POLITICO. We have to work toward getting us to less carbon emissions, but I dont know how much of this is really due to climate change.

But the causes of climate change are well known: Burning fossil fuels has created most of the warming the world has experienced, multiple studies endorsed by bodies such as the federal governments 13-agency National Climate Assessment have found, and climate scientists say restricting their use would curtail the damage.

The two parties are also at odds on the larger role of federal regulations in protecting the environment  including by lessening air pollution, which was a much bigger problem before Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970.

Independent studies have shown that that law has led to fewer premature deaths and illnesses, as well as other benefits such as improved productivity and lower medical expenses. Federal agencies also banned leaded gasoline for cars starting in the mid-1970s, while state and local rules helped drive cigarette smoking out of workplaces and public establishments.

The Biden administrations efforts to build on those rules are getting a sharp response from the GOP.

This week, Republicans on the House and Commerce Committee criticized a proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule that would require many fossil fuel power plants to slash their greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 90 percent by 2040.

House Republicans also attempted to schedule votes on bills that would prevent the Energy Department and the Consumer Product Safety Commission from tightening regulations on gas-fired stoves, whose emissions have drawn concern for their effects on both human health and the climate.

At the state level, Virginia regulators voted Wednesday to leave a regional carbon market known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, in which 11 Northeast and mid-Atlantic states use economic leverage to reduce climate pollution from power plants. Youngkin has vowed to leave the compact, which he called a "failed program," while critics have questioned whether he can legally withdraw the state without the legislatures approval.

Beyond those details, the wildfire disaster gave supporters of climate action a fresh example to point to for the urgent need to lessen fossil fuel use.

About 71 percent of Americans experienced extreme weather like floods or wildfires in the past year, with nearly 80 percent of those people linking it to climate change, according to aPew Research Center survey released in April. With places such as Long Island likely experiencing wildfire smoke for the first time in recent memory, its possible some Republican representatives will have to respond to climate concerns in new ways, said Elizabeth Gore, senior vice president for political affairs with the Environmental Defense Fund.

It might not happen this week, but I do think that it is a contributing factor to the effort to accelerate activity on Capitol Hill, she said.

Swiftly addressing the root causes of climate change such as fossil fuel consumption would help minimize destructive events, said Noah Diffenbaugh, a climate scientist at Stanford University.

I really thought wed be able to adapt to the changes if we made the investments in economic and human capital, he said. And that was clearly wrong. Were clearly not keeping up  were getting further and further behind.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who during the previous Congress led investigations into what oil companies knew about climate change while they lobbied against environmental policies, said some GOP lawmakers are heeding the message  he praised the dozens of Republicans who have joined the Conservative Climate Caucus led by Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah). Still, he said the party overall still hasn't made enough progress on accepting the reality of climate change.

"I believe until you have people running and winning in the Republicans on a climate agenda, it's not going to move, he said. And unfortunately they have so politicized a green agenda, a clean tech agenda, that it makes it hard for them to be for any sense of the policies."

Irie Sentner contributed to this report.
In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 best imported beers in USA in 2023. You can skip our detailed analysis of the size of the U.S. import beer industry, the rise of Mexican beer brands and their dominance in the U.S. beer market and a comparison of sales volume data of some industry giants and go directly to 5 Best Imported Beers in USA in 2023.

The United States of America is the largest importer of beer in the world. According to the Beer Institute, imported beers comprise nearly 18% of the overall beer market in the country. You can check out more on that in 22 Cheap Imported Beer Brands Targeting Budweiser's Market. In 2021, the U.S. imported around $6.21 billion worth of beer, accounting for 2 out of every 5 cross-border beer dollars. Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, were all big sources of these imports but the lions share of the overall U.S. beer imports came from one country, Mexico.

After the Great Recession, the Dutch had solid control on the global beer market, led by the industry giant, Heineken. But within a decade, the Netherlands, along with other European brewing powerhouses, were overtaken by Mexico. According to the Geneva-based statistics provider Trade Data Monitor, today, Mexico ships out more beer than any other country, accounting for around 30% of the global beer exports.

Some of the best and most popular imported beers in America come from Mexico and the country accounts for nearly 80% of the overall U.S. beer imports, up from a mere 17% in the 1990s. In the recent months, nearly 97% of the total Mexican beer exports flowed to its northern next-door neighbor. According to data from the Beer Institute, the U.S. imported around 98.7 million gallons of beer from Mexico in just March 2023, a 12% increase from March 2022. The Netherlands was next on the list, with around 8.19 million gallons, a decrease of 19.7% from the same period the previous year.

This is also reflected in the overall sales volume data of the beer industry giants in the U.S. According to a report by the Brewers Association, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD), a juggernaut in the global beer industry and the owner of many popular beer domestic brands, including Budweiser, Busch, Michelob Ultra and even import beers, such as the Belgian Stella Artois, witnessed a steep decline in its sales volume in the U.S. The company reported an overall dip of 4.5% in its total shipments to wholesalers in 2022, compared to 2021.

Similarly, the Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP), which owns brands such as Carling, Miller Lite, Blue Moon etc, witnessed an even steeper decline of 5.1% in its shipments to U.S. wholesalers, including an unprecedented 11% drop in Q4, 2022.

On the other hand, the total sales volume of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), which owns some of the best selling imported beers in America, including Mexican beer brands like Modello, Corona and Pacifico etc., grew 9%, from 25.85 million barrels in 2021 to 28.2 million barrels in 2022. To put that into perspective, the next-largest volume gain from any beer supplier was 120,000 barrels, from Kirin-Lion (New Belgium and Bells). Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) is single-handedly fueling the growth in the import beer industry in the U.S., through its highly sought-after Mexican brews.

The operating income of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), up 6% to $2.86 billion in its fiscal year, has been second behind only Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) for several years now. Although a recent change in the companys ownership structure sparked plenty of debate about its potential sale, Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) keeps turning up with the best results in beer all the same, coming off the companys 13th consecutive year of beer volume growth.

With that said, here are the Best Imported Beers in America in 2023:

20 Best Imported Beers in USA in 2023

Pixabay/Public Domain

Methodology

Americas imported beer category is as vast in brands as it is in geographic origins. To collect data for this article, we have searched through a multitude of sources such as BeerAdvocate, RateBeer, Drizly, and Zippia, among others, looking for indexes of the best and most popular imported beers available to Americans in 2023.

For our list, we have only selected beers that appeared at least twice in the above-mentioned indexes. We then gave them scores based on the number of times that they appeared in these lists and ranked them accordingly. The respective scores have been granted from a total score of 6.

Although the American import beer market is dominated by Mexican brands, we have tried to include the best beers from different corners of the world, to keep our list diversified.

Another thing that must be kept in mind is that imported beers dont always require consumers to splurge huge amounts of cash. Sometimes, these foreign brands can be quite economical and even compete with domestic beers, such as Budweiser.

20. Carlsberg

Insider Monkey Score: 2

Carlsberg is a trend-setting Danish beer that has been enjoyed for decades in bars, homes and restaurants around the world. The 5% ABV pale lager is made with a proprietary hop blend, known as Carlsberg Aroma Hope Extract, which grants the beer its hoppy and bready flavor. First brewed in Copenhagen in 1847, the iconic Danish lager is now available in over 140 countries worldwide. Carlsberg A/S had an annual revenue of $9.95 billion in 2022, a 6.15% decline from 2021.

19. Sapporo Premium

Insider Monkey Score: 2

First introduced in the U.S. in 1964, this iconic Japanese beer has grown to become the #1 top-selling Asian beer brand in America. The 4.9% ABV lager has a crisp and perfectly blended taste, with a refreshing flavor and clean finish. Sapporo also plans on starting production in the U.S. in the fall of this year. Sapporo Holdings Ltd. announced a revenue of $3.44 billion in 2022, up 9.4% from the previous year.

18. Hoegaarden

Insider Monkey Score: 2

This 4.9% ABV Belgian beer dates back to the 15th century, when a group of monks decided to experiment with their brewing process by adding a dash of botanicals. The result was the Hoegaarden White Beer that we know today. Hoegaarden is owned by the industry giant Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD). The reported revenue of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) for 2022 was $57.8 billion.

17. Tecate

Insider Monkey Score: 2

Brewed in the town of Tecate in Baja California, this 4.5% ABV Mexican golden beer has been using the same recipe since 1944. It is a full-bodied lager with a malt and crisp flavor. Although the beer is brewed in Mexico, it is owned by Heineken N.V. Tecate is one of the top imported beers in the U.S. with total dollar sales of $125.3 million in 2022, according to IRI.

16. Skol

Insider Monkey Score: 2

This 5% ABV lager is brewed according to the lager bottom fermenting tradition, using the finest natural ingredients to produce the optimum lager with a light and crisp taste. The beer is recognized as a Brazilian brand, but it was, in fact, first produced in Scotland. Skol is owned by the Carlsberg group and is currently the 5th top-selling beer brand in the world. The brand value of Skol grew to approximately $3.83 billion in 2022.

15. Red Stripe

Insider Monkey Score: 2

Brewed in Jamaica, Red Stripe has a tagline of Jamaican Pride in a Bottle. The 4.7% ABV amber lager is made with pilsen malt, cassava starch and hops. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) acquired Red Stripe in 1993 and then in 2015, Heineken N.V. bought the brand from Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), reportedly for $421 million, and is now also brewing the iconic Jamaican beer in the Netherlands. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) owns a multitude of alcohol brands around the world and has a current market cap of $93.9 billion.

14. Unibroue La Fin Du Monde

Insider Monkey Score: 2

Serving as the brewerys flagship beer since 1994, this Belgian tripel from Quebec is a 9% ABV heavy-hitter that is particularly popular among craft beer lovers. Its alcohol content may sound high, but its well-hidden because of its fusion of coriander and banana flavors with warm spice and a hint of yeast. Unibroue is also owned by Sapporo Holdings.

13. Dieu du Ciel! Peche Mortel

Insider Monkey Score: 2

French for mortal sin, this imperial coffee stout from a microbrewery in Quebec has a high ABV of 9.5%. It is an intensely black and dense beer with pronounced roasted flavors. Fair trade coffee is infused during the brewing process, intensifying the bitterness of the beer and giving it a powerful coffee taste.

12. Tsingtao

Insider Monkey Score: 2

Produced in Qingdao, Tsingtao can trace its origins back to the brief German occupation of the northern Chinese city. This 4% ABV beer has a high-malty and wellhopped character. Tsingtao is produced with spring water for Laoshan and the domestically grown hops are so good that they are even exported to European breweries. In 2022, the beer sales of Tsingtao Brewery amounted to around 8.07 million kilolitres, with a revenue of around $4.52 billion.

11. Pilsner Urquell

Insider Monkey Score: 3

First brewed in 1842, this Czech beer is generally considered to be the main reason why most of the worlds best-selling beers are pilsner-style lagers to this day. This 4.4% beer, with its clean, refreshing and crisp taste, has been brewed with the same recipe since it was first produced. In 2016, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) agreed to sell Pilsner Urquell and four other Eastern European brands to Asahi for 7.3 billion, to help get clearance from competition regulators for its $100 billion takeover of SABMiller.

10. Dos Equis XX

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Popular for its commercials featuring The Most Interesting Man in the World, Dos Equis is a 4.2% ABV, crisp, refreshing and light bodied amber lager, made from pure spring water. Dos Equis XX had total dollar sales of $430.68 million in the U.S. multi-outlets in 2022. This Mexican brand is also owned by Heineken N.V.

9. Leffe Blonde

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Also owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD), this 6.6% ABV Belgian blonde is no longer brewed in Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe, but at the Stella Artois brewery, and the abbey earns royalties from its sales. However, its still crafted with an authentic Abbey ale recipe, serving up a flavor that blends sweetness with spice, plus a marked yeastiness.

8. Franziskaner Premium Weissbier

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Brewed following the tradition of the German purity law of 1516, this 5% ABV wheat beer dates back to the oldest privately-owned brewery in Munich in 1363. The Spaten-Lowenbrau-Gruppe, which owns the brand, was sold to Interbrew in 2003 for 530 million. Interbrew is a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD), based in the Netherlands. The beer with its natural cloudiness and its spicy and fruity flavor is among the best imported wheat beers in the U.S. in 2023.

7. Pacifico Clara

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Brewed in the Pacific ocean port city of Mazatlan, this 4.5% ABV pilsner-style beer is hearty and crisp, with a touch of grass-citrus and ocean mist flavor. The Pacifico brand family is owned by Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) and had total dollar sales of $271.48 million in U.S. multi-outlets in 2022.

6. Modelo Especial

Insider Monkey Score: 4

This 4.4% ABV light pilsner is the second most popular import beer in America, right after Corona Extra. However, the Modelo brand family had the highest dollar sales among imported beers in U.S. multi-outlets in 2022, with $3.97 billion. Modelo is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) everywhere, except in the U.S., where it is owned by Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ).

Click to continue and see the 5 Best Imported Beers in USA in 2023.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 20 Best Imported Beers in USA in 2023 is originally published on Insider Monkey.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer is scrapping his plans to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress after the two sides reached an agreement over an FBI document that includes an unverified allegation that Joe Biden, while vice president, was involved in a bribery scheme involving a foreign national.

Comer, a Kentucky Republican, accepted the FBIs offer to allow all members on the House Oversight panel to view the internal law enforcement document he initially subpoenaed, known as an FD-1023, in exchange for halting contempt proceedings. The FBI will also make two additional documents available to Comer and the top Democrat on the panel, Rep. Jamie Raskin, according to Comers statement announcing the agreement. As a result of the deal, Comer removed Thursdays scheduled committee meeting to refer Wray for contempt from the schedule.

Allowing all Oversight Committee members to review this record is an important step toward conducting oversight of the FBI and holding it accountable to the American people, Comer said in a statement.

Oversight Committee members can begin viewing the FBI document starting Thursday, a source familiar told CNN. Lawmakers on the panel will have multiple opportunities to view the document, the source added.

In response to the deal, Raskin said Wednesday night in a statement, Chairman Comers acceptance of these further accommodations comes after he has spent weeks attacking the FBI despite its extraordinary efforts to provide Committee Republicans the information they claim to seek.

CNN first reported the FBIs offer earlier Wednesday.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had said earlier in the day that Comer and Wray were planning to speak Wednesday night to negotiate, and signaled that he would accept the FBIs offer and cease contempt efforts if all committee members could view the document in question.

He needs to show it to every Republican and every Democrat on the committee. If he is willing to do that, then theres not a need to have contempt. But if he doesnt follow through with that, then there would be a need for contempt, McCarthy said of Wray.

Story continues

Earlier this week, senior FBI officials briefed Comer and Raskin. Previously, Comer had said he wanted the FBI to actually turn the document over to him.

While the FBI had previously declined to hand over a hard copy of the document, noting it contains unverified information from a confidential human source, the bureau said it was willing to hold a briefing with members of the panel and allow them to view the document as early as Wednesday, sources told CNN, in an effort to stave off contempt of Congress proceedings.

The alleged bribery claims documented in the 1023 form surfaced years ago under the Trump administration and eventually became part of Delaware US Attorney David Weiss investigation of Hunter Biden, which remains ongoing, people briefed on the matter said. The 1023 includes allegations related to Hunter Biden, as well as Joe Biden, according to people familiar with matter.

The FBI interviewed the informant, who was known to the bureau and had considered him a trusted source based on interactions in a previous investigation. Investigators were unable to corroborate the claims, but Pittsburgh US Attorney Scott Brady, who then-Attorney General William Barr had appointed to review allegations brought to the Justice Department by Rudy Giuliani, decided to send the informants allegations to Weiss, who was already leading the Hunter Biden probe.

Its unclear what additional steps the FBI took to investigate the claims, but Weiss investigation of Hunter Biden has since narrowed in scope to focus on alleged tax violations and a possible false statement.

The White House has denied the allegation and dismissed the GOP probe as a political stunt.

The decision to halt contempt proceedings comes as a number of House Republicans have been pushing to hold Wray in contempt.

GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, a member of the Oversight Committee, told CNN she plans to vote in favor of contempt.

I voted to hold people in contempt up here before. If you dont follow through with the subpoena, there are consequences to it, she said. Theyve stonewalled, theyve obfuscated, theyve bullshitted, you know what I mean? Its like, just follow the law.

GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, also a member of the Oversight panel, told CNN, Its an unclassified form. Just showing it to our chairman and to the ranking member, Congressman Raskin, thats not enough. We subpoenaed the form. And so, the form needs to be handed over. This is his job  Chris Wrays job.

If the director of the FBI is flouting subpoenas from Congress, Im fully supportive of every effort to enforce the subpoena, GOP Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina, who serves on the House Judiciary Committee told CNN.

This story and headline have been updated to reflect additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Parts of Amarillo were flooded even more after Wednesday's storms brought more rainfall. More than 200 residents were evacuated near the area of Lawrence Lake, which has overflowed its banks since last week.

Around 205 people and 47 animals had been evacuated as of Thursday afternoon in Amarillo, after heavy rainfall overnight flooded roads and yards, with the Lawrence Lake already over capacity, according to the Amarillo Fire Department. Multiple roads in the area were also blocked off.

Police updated that number to 245 people rescued and 57 pets in a Facebook post at 4 p.m. Thursday.

With heavy rain hitting already flooded areas Wednesday, officers from AFD and the Amarillo Police Department assisted other agencies with evacuations and rescues in the Western Plaza, Lawrence Park and Paramount areas of Amarillo. The nearby Lawrence Lake overflowed its banks days ago, causing several road closures before the evacuations.

At about 3 a.m. Thursday, AFD said the area of 2727 S. Virginia was being evacuated due to the flooding resulting from that night's rain, with local and state resources working together to assist and rescue invididuals impacted by the most recent storm. The public was asked to avoid the area.

First responders and state agencies set up near flood-impacted areas in Amarillo.

AFD said four inviduals were taken to the hospital for non-critical chronic conditions. According to APD, the nearby Market Street grocery store opened early to provide those displaced by the storm with a dry and safe place to go. The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at Austin Middle School for displaced residents, according to AFD. Multiple apartments and houses in the area were impacted, officials said.

"The overnight rain has continued flooding in some areas and brought new flooding to others," APD said via Twitter. "The area between Georgia Street and Paramount Boulevard and from the Duniven Circle area to Duncan Street area seeing standing water in multiple places. Please avoid the area if you can. As always, the Amarillo Police Department urges everyone to avoid driving through or entering into standing water."

Flood rescues and relief efforts were underway early Thursday after heavy rains caused more flooding overnight in Amarillo.

Xcel Energy shut down power in the area as a precaution, with between 1,700 and 2,400 customers impacted at one point in the neighborhood area between Western and Georgia and from Mockingbird to I-40 while contractors assessed the situation. The number of customers who remained without power around 1:30 p.m. was in the Lawrence Park area at a total of 1,095. Xcel said the incident commander requested they "deenergize three circuits feeding that area." The utility company was able to restore power to some customers who weren't directly affected by flooding.

Story continues

The city said a new shelter was being set up at the Amarillo Civic Center, and they are bussing people from the area of Lawrence Lake to get help either to the civic center or the Randall County Fire Station from that region. The Salvation Army of Amarillo said 75 people were currently located at the civic center shelter.

Flooding is seen Thursday on Georgia and 26th streets near Lawrence Lake in Amarillo after heavy rain overnight Wednesday. Emergency personnel were on hand to help those impacted in the area.

National Weather Service meteorologists warned of flash flooding being possible with even a half-inch of rain, and the Amarillo area received about .68 inches, according to the National Weather Service Amarillo office. The Palo Duro Canyon floor recieved an additional 1.53 inches of rain, according to NWS Amarillo.

The Amarillo Office of Emergency Management discouraged people from coming to the Market Street location if there were people they were looking for and said to contact the resource centers for more information.

As previously reported, a multi-agency resource center (MARC) was set up at the Randall County Fire Station Event Center, located at 1111 S. Loop 335, with multiple assistance agencies available to Amarillo area residents who were displaced and affected by recent flooding, similar to the one recently held in Hereford. The Amarillo area center was open on Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and will open Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Resources and agency officials were available to help residents get information and assistance.

Future hours of operation will be determined based on community need, according to the city. As many as 16 agencies, including the Red Cross and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), will be available to provide information and help the victims of recent flooding in the Amarillo area. There will be several organizations available at one location to help the residents of our community who are dealing with the impact of the recent rain and flooding, said OEM Director Max Dunlap. The MARC will be a convenient and valuable resource for residents. For more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager David Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.

Flooding is seen Thursday on Mockingbird Lane near Lawrence Lake in Amarillo after heavy rain overnight Wednesday. Emergency personnel were on hand to help those impacted in the area.

Disaster relief fund established; supplies run low

The Amarillo Area Foundation has created the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be used to help and aid victims of the recent flooding in the Amarillo area. For more information and to donate, contact the Amarillo Area Foundation at: https://amarilloareafoundation.org/disaster/ .

Gifts by mail may be designated to the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund, Amarillo Area Foundation, 801 S. Fillmore, Suite 700, Amarillo, Texas, 79101.

In addition, the city said Thursday morning that the supply of sandbags for the city of Amarillo sandbag distribution at the Amarillo Civic Center has been used. There were no more sandbags available; if and when additional supplies arrive, the city will send out notification through its usual communication outlets. "Almost 6,000 sandbags were distributed to the public as of Wednesday. Final numbers are not yet available," the city said.

Amarillo police give update on road closures

As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, these are the most up-to-date road closures in the Western Plaza-Paramount area, according to APD: "There are blockades or some kind of barrier at these intersections. Please do not drive through or around these. They are there for everyones safety. #turnarounddontdrown"

26/Georgia

28/Mockingbird

Paramount/Mockingbird

Lynette/Mockingbird

Lometa/Mockingbird

Janet/Mockingbird

Hobbs/Mockingbird

Fleetwood/Mockingbird

Hobbs/Olsen

Hobbs/Western Plaza

I-40/Western Plaza

I-40/Paramount

Wolflin/Virginia

Duniven/Church

Civic/Blackburn

Duniven/Blackburn

Virginia/Kentucky

Curtis/Britain

The following intersections need to be blocked and will be once the equipment is obtained, APD added in a Thursday update. "If you are near these intersections, go around, the water is deep and you could end up being stranded."

27/Georgia

Westhaven/Patterson

Westhaven/Lenwood

I-40/Lakeview

"We cannot stress strongly enough that we need citizens to avoid these areas for your safety," APD said. "Please dont come into these areas unless it is an emergency and please dont drive around the barriers or barricades."

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo residents evacuated after storm brings more rain, flooding
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Reuters/Instagram

Two Russian citizens accused by the U.S. of plotting to destabilize the Moldovan government this week are artists who claimed to hold anti-war views as recently as last yearand who appeared to be growing frustrated with how the invasion of Ukraine was hurting their business.

The couple, 37-year-old Aleksey Losev and 33-year-old Anna Travnikova, were sanctioned by the U.S. government on Tuesday for their role in the government of the Russian Federations destabilization campaign and continued malign influence campaigns in Moldova, along with five other Russian nationals, a press release from the U.S. Treasurys office said.

Russias Covert Operation for the Next Ukraine Has Already Begun

According to the announcement, the freshly sanctioned Russians operated as malign influence agents in a large global information operation connected to the Russian Federation that targets Ukraine, countries bordering Ukraine including Moldova, Balkan countries, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They are accused of provoking, training, and overseeing anti-government activities in Moldova while maintaining ties to Russian intelligence services.

Social media posts reviewed by The Daily Beast, however, paint a vastly different picture of the duo as peace-loving, free-spirited, and struggling artists who oppose the war in Ukraine.

The couplewhose wedding was in August 2019, according to a Facebook post from Losevis behind Julleuchter by Perko, a workshop that offers exclusive pagan home decor and specializes in Yule lanterns, according to its website and social media pages, where the pair are featured in whimsical photographs on horseback and in pagan costumes, wandering in the Russian wilderness and promoting their art.

The company, which is owned by Losev, was also listed in the new round of sanctions announced by the U.S. this week.

Story continues

In 2016 I met my wife Anna, who became my inspiration and best support, and together we created the workshop that you see now, Losev wrote in a social media post about the company. Now me, Anna and our three cats live in a small green city in Russia and here is located our workshop.

The day after Russia invaded Ukraine, Losev posted a heartfelt message on his companys Facebook page appearing to condemn the war.

In all my life I have not met a single person who would want war. And despite this, wars in our world continue to occur with enviable regularity. I feel pain and powerlessness, he said. All I can do right now is keep making art, hoping that beauty will save the world. But in the current situation art is not able to change anything and no one needs it.

In subsequent posts, the artist appears to be growing increasingly concerned about Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine impacting their business, fearing their social media accounts would be blocked.

Hey. There is a possibility that instagram and facebook will soon be closed for us. I dont know if its true or not, but Anna and I have spent a lot of time here and met so many great people, and we really don't want to lose connection with you, Losev wrote. In addition to instagram, we have a tik tok account, which I hope is not going to be closed yet. So if you also have a tik tok, please follow us.

I understand that not everyone likes [Tiktok], he added. To be honest, we dont really like it either, but we are trying to save the workshop by all available means right now.

On March 5, 2022, his nightmare scenario apparently came true.

Were a russian family workshop and we have to temporarily suspend our stores, Losev announced the companys accounts. We still can send parcels worldwide with our postal services, but on March 5 PayPal and eBay stopped working in our country. This means that we no longer able to accept your payments neither through Etsy nor eBay. We sincerely hope that this is a temporary restriction and well be back as soon as this hell is over.

Just days later, Losev shared that he and his wife were distraught and contemplating leaving Russia altogether.

Last few days Anna and I have been discussing options for moving to another country. There are several paths for us, but for various reasons each of them isnt very good, he said, mentioning Georgia and other European countries as options, lamenting the costs of such a move and concerns that they dont have enough grounds to get asylum.

The Big Pivot

How and when the pair went from preaching peace to allegedly attempting to destabilize a neighboring country is unclear. Although the exact timeframe of the malign influence campaign was not specified by the U.S. government, the Russian operatives were actively targeting Moldova in 2022 and early 2023, the Treasury department said.

Losevs role in the alleged scheme was to conduct reconnaissance in Moldova for the plot to destabilize the government of Moldova, according to the sanctions memo. Travnikova, for her part, is accused of targeting foreign audiencesincluding Americanswith operations designed to sway public opinion abroad in favor of Russia in the context of Russias ongoing war against Ukraine.

The couple did not respond to comment requests from The Daily Beast by time of publication.

Others sanctioned over the scheme include Yury Makolov, Gleb Khloponin, Svetlana Boyko, Vasily Gromovikov, and Konstantin Sapozhnikov, the alleged leader of the group.

The announcement is just the latest in several rounds of sanctions targeting alleged Kremlin agents for influence campaigns in Moldova, a former Soviet country of 2.6 million people wedged between Romania and Ukraine that is often caught in the crossfire between Moscow, Kyiv, and the West. Russia maintains a military presence in a Russian-backed breakaway region along the border with Ukraine.

Thousands marched in anti-government protests in Moldovas capital city of Chisinau, and across the country, earlier this year, The protests erupted a month after Russias top diplomat threatened that Western support for Maia Sandu, Moldovas pro-NATO president, could turn the country into the next Ukraine.

Sandus administrationalong with the U.S. and other western officialshas accused pro-Russia actors of planning a coup in the country that was allegedly thwarted in February. Fugitive oligarch and notorious Kremlin puppet Ilan Shor, who organized the 2023 protests with his political party, was sanctioned by the U.S. in October 2022 for conspiring with Russian officials to destabilize Moldova. The Moldovan businessman now lives in Israel after fleeing corruption charges in 2019.

The fresh wave of sanctions shine a light on Russias ongoing covert efforts to destabilize democratic nations, said Brian Nelson, the top U.S. sanctions official, in the announcement on Tuesday. Russias attempted influence operations exploit the concerns of the citizens of these countries, to destabilize legitimately elected governments for Moscows own interests.

Social media pages for Julleuchter by Perko, Losevs company, have not been updated since the couples names were posted in bolded font on the U.S. Treasury Departments website.

In his last Instagram post, dated May 29, Losev is pictured sitting in the wilderness with his back against a giant rock, holding an ax in one hand and throwing up a peace sign with the other. In the accompanying caption, he delivers some somber news:

Hi guys! Im Perko, the founder of the Jullichter workshop, in case you forgot. I missed. I hope you do too. Our family ceased to exist. [Anna] and I are getting divorced. Its a mutual decision, but its still very painful. At the moment I need a vacation and a change of activity. There are a lot of projects, but now I need a reboot, he said.

I wish you all a peaceful sky above your head, love and understanding and strength. God bless you.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Four New England states rank in the top 10 in the nation as far as being the best places for LGBTQ+ community members to retire, according to research done by Retirement Living magazine.

In a nod to Pride Month, magazine editors said that in compiling the list, they put an emphasis on how friendly local laws were to the LGBTQ+ community, but also considered the percentage of the population over age 65; the percentage of the population identifying as LGBTQ+; average home price; and cost of living.

LGBTQ+ advocates in Massachusetts credit the state's high ranking to its history of legal protections for their community. In 2004, the Bay State became the first to legalize gay marriage; it also has laws against discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation and HIV status, as well as prohibitions against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Preparing to fly Pride colors on Beacon Hill at the Massachusetts State House, June 7, 2023.

State is a 'pioneer in equal rights'

"Massachusetts has a very proud history of being a pioneer in equal rights" said Gretchen Van Ness, executive director of LGBTQ Senior Housing, a nonprofit that began in 2015 as a task force to look for ways to address the need for safe and inclusive affordable housing for LGBTQ+ seniors. "Massachusetts has that history of strong anti-discrimination laws... history makes Massachusetts great because the LGBT community has been out and proud demanding rights for so long."

State Rep. Jack Lewis, D-Framingham, agreed.

"Massachusetts has a lot to offer its residents of all ages," he said in an emailed statement. "With a strong record of advancing and protecting LGBTQ+ rights, our ranking as one of the best states for LGBTQ+ seniors is well earned."

Performers gather on the State House steps before the raising of the Pride flag, June 7, 2023.

'Vogue Hour': Boston GLASS project provides a safe haven for LGTBQ+ youth

Paul Duffy, president of Project Q, a project that is in development that aims to provide housing and services for older LGBTQ+ adults in Boston, also agreed with Massachusetts being ranked among the best places for LGBT seniors to live.

Story continues

"LGBT decision makers are at the table and are represented," Duffy said. He added that Massachusetts is densely and largely populated, making services for older LGBTQ+ adults easier to come by. Duffy also said a sense of community adds to the appeal for Bay State seniors.

What states ranked better than Massachusetts?

Massachusetts ranked fourth, trailing only Maine, Vermont and Nevada. New Hampshire was 10th.

Van Ness pointed to other activities that make Massachusetts attractive to retirees.

"The music, from classical to modern day musicians performing in the subway stations and in Harvard Square, Tanglewood, Symphony Hall, the Boston Pops and Berkeley School of Music," she said.

GSA Link Inc.: Northborough mother and son duo create nonprofit helping LGBTQ+ youth

Van Ness also mentioned the arts scene, the state's progressive politics and its top-notch medical care.

Retirement Living reported that seniors make up about 17.5% of Massachusetts' population of approximately 7 million, and that the state has a high LGBT-identifying population, at 4.2%. The report does acknowledge that the state is not the most affordable, but is "relatively tax-friendly for seniors," as Social Security benefits and public pensions are not taxed.

"Massachusetts and New England are great for retirees because everything is here," Van Ness said.

Advocates create solutions for LGBTQ+ seniors

Van Ness said there remain challenges that older LGBTQ+ residents face, as they're more likely to be facing financial difficulties. She called these people "brave" because "they've lost jobs, their homes, they've been assaulted, they survived the AIDS crisis."

Even now, some LGBTQ+ people face challenges living in retirement communities, according to Van Ness.

"I've heard stories of elders where they can't be out and they're living among people who hated them," she said, adding that some people are "forced back into the closet as they age."

In his emailed statement, Lewis stressed that "no senior should be forced to go back 'into the closet' or experience discrimination or disrespect at long-term care facilities."

State Rep. Jack Lewis, D-Framingham, shown speaking at City Hall, last December, is co-sponsoring legislation that is designed to protect LGBTQ+ people who are living in Massachusetts retirement communities.

Lewis, along with state Rep. Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown, introduced two bills designed to protect LGBTQ+ people living in Massachusetts retirement facilities. According to Lewis, the bills are "to further ensure that LGBTQ+ seniors in our Commonwealth are supported and celebrated... We can do more, and I will continue to make this a priority."

LGBTQ Senior Housing and Project Q are each planning to open LGBTQ+ retirement communities in Massachusetts. LGBTQ Senior Housing is constructing The Pryde, a mixed-income community for LGBT seniors over age 62 in Hyde Park.

Construction is ongoing and LGBTQ Senior Housing expects The Pryde to open early next year.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Massachusetts ranks highly for LGBTQ+ retirement spots in the U.S.
The GOP presidential primary is looking more and more like 2016  a rerun that plenty of Hill Republicans are watching with heartburn.

Among the many Hill Republicans who want to see someone other than Donald Trump atop the ticket, theres clear concern that the surge of candidates entering the 2024 fray could make it harder to defeat President Joe Biden next year. Three more candidates jumped in this week alone.

I'm worried about it, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said of the early presidential field. He wants the GOP to do better than Trump and fears the former president "hasn't figured out how to expand beyond his base."

Could the GOP field narrow before primary voters go to the polls? Cornyn replied: I can dream, cant I?

By contrast, the contingent of Capitol Hill Trump backers like what they see so far  the former president going after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a crowded field splits the anti-Trump vote.



While congressional endorsements dont anoint primary winners, the views of lawmakers on their parties presidential contenders can serve as a barometer of the mood inside the party, and especially of the GOP establishment. In the 2020 Democratic primary, the coalescing support of Black lawmakers and a handful of Senate allies proved essential for Biden.

Ten GOP senators officially endorsed Trump, with several others leaning that way and several dozen House members also on board. DeSantis has no Senate endorsements and just a handful of House Republicans backing him. And as Trump and DeSantis savage each other over covid and entitlements, a number of congressional Republicans pine for another outcome: That the two-man clash might create an opening for another candidate.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said that the candidate onrush shows Republicans think these top two guys may be paper tigers. He backs Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), an optimist straight out of the pre-Trump GOP playbook.

Iowa GOP Rep. Zach Nunn, whos neutral in the primary, suggested that his early-state voters might tune out the Trump-DeSantis showdown in favor of somebody else.

Story continues

We'll see if the two titans punching each other fires up the base, or if six months from now people are tired of both and ready for a third way, Nunn said.

When you talk to Iowans, shit-talking other candidates will not get you success, he added. Alluding to his states farmer-heavy electorate, Nunn said: We don't necessarily pick the winner, but we're pretty good at smelling bullshit.

The current field beyond Trump and DeSantis includes Scott, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder.



The numbers haven't yet reached the chaos of the 2016 primary, when Trump dispatched more than a dozen rivals. But its getting close. Which explains why Trumps backers argue that every new candidate only makes his path to victory that much easier.

There's a core constituency that will only vote for the [former] president, said Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), a Trump backer. As you have more, they start to break up those percentages amongst themselves, that core will always stay with the [former] president.

The former president was feeling good enough about his standing to skip Sen. Joni Ernsts (R-Iowa) Roast and Ride event over the weekend. Some Iowa lawmakers took notice.

Nunn said in response that You don't win new folks by not showing up. Ernst, who is neutral, noted that there was positive energy at the Trump-less event.

For some Republicans who havent yet endorsed, the Trump-DeSantis tussling amounts to a potential strategic error because it focuses the primary on red-meat, base-pleasing topics  from the pandemic to purported woke culture. Meanwhile, the sort of kitchen-table issues that tend to dominate general elections are getting more focus from the underdogs.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), a centrist from a battleground district, is one of those warning candidates need to have a broader appeal in the primary.

You run the risk of hurting yourself in a general election if you keep it that narrow. Because general election voters are watching, she said.

Mace hasnt yet endorsed, with both Scott and Haley hailing from her early-voting state, though she has spoken favorably about having a woman on the ticket.

Another GOP lawmaker whos not yet backed his home-state contender, Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), similarly praised Burgum as not to be underestimated.

Perhaps more importantly, Armstrong also conceded that a big primary field may hurt the GOPs chances of defeating Biden.

"The longer the field stays huge, the more money that's being invested in those races is not being invested into winning in November," Armstrong said.



Of course, DeSantis backers insist that this time will end differently  that their candidate will learn from the experiences of Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) during the 2016 GOP primary, when both struggled with how to handle Trump.

People have to be challenged. And obviously DeSantis is challenging him, said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who hasnt yet endorsed.

Though Trumps the obvious front-runner," she added, I think [DeSantis is using] a technique to draw him out.

Pro-DeSantis Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said he's happy to have Trump duke it out with DeSantis, predicting that the former president would falter the more he reminds voters of his personality.

I wish Trump were on Twitter. He's in an echo chamber right now. And people don't know how far he's spun out from where he was, Massie said in an interview on Tuesday.

The more visibility that we can help Trump get  when he attacks [his former White House press secretary] Kayleigh McEnany, for instance  the better, Massie added.

Trump eventually claimed the nomination in 2016 as he won over the vast majority of GOP elected officials during his presidency  including many of those who now want him out of the picture. That includes Cornyn, who identified what he sees as a silver lining.



Chris Christie's in. And I think he's focused like a laser on the former president, Cornyn said. The former New Jersey governor, he added, doesnt fight by the Marquess of Queensbury rules.
Jeisaac Rodriguez-Garcia testifies on Feb. 28 during a jury trial for Pedro Santiago-Marquez, who was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating a corpse, both as party to a crime, in Green Bay. Rodriguez-Garcia was convicted of mutilating a corpse in connection to the incident.

GREEN BAY  A Green Bay man will be sentenced Friday for burning the body of a man his boss is convicted of murdering.

Jeisaac Rodriguez-Garcia, 30, was convicted of mutilating a corpse, as party to a crime, after he pleaded guilty to the charge April 17.

After a three-day jury trial, Pedro Santiago-Marquez was convicted March 2 of killing, or ordering the killing of, Jason Mendez-Ramos, 36, of Ashwaubenon. He was sentenced May 30 to life in prison with no parole eligibility for more than 40 years.

Rodriguez-Garcia worked as a painter for Santiago-Marquez, who owned Empire Painting and a towing company, which both operated out of a shop located at 1638 E. Mason St. in Green Bay. He is one of two men who were convicted of helping Santiago-Marquez get rid of evidence of the homicide.

When was body discovered?

In the early morning hours of Sept. 28, 2021, police found Mendez-Ramos' body at the the northeast corner of Cofrin Memorial Arboretum, after a person at a nearby residence reported a grass fire. Mendez-Ramos died of gunshot wounds and his body had been set on fire.

The arboretum is 290 acres of natural area and walking trails that surrounds the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus. It has over 6 miles of trails open to the public.

The body was found near an entrance to the arboretum at Champeau and Sussex roads in the town of Scott.

Pedro Santiago-Marquez, who is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating a corpse, both as party to a crime, looks back in the courtroom during his jury trial at the Brown County Courthouse on Feb. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis.

What happened leading up to Mendez-Ramos' death?

Prosecutors argued that Santiago-Marquez killed Mendez-Ramos after being confronted about money Mendez-Ramos was owed. Prior to the trial, they had said the debt was related to drug trafficking, but Brown County Circuit Court Reserve Judge William Atkinson made rulings limiting discussion of that during the trial.

Mendez-Ramos' girlfriend, Gabriela Garcia, testified at the trial that the last time she spoke to the victim was around noon Sept. 27 over Facetime as he was headed to Santiago-Marquez's shop. She testified that Santiago-Marquez had called Mendez-Ramos and said he had the money, so Mendez-Ramos went to Green Bay.

Story continues

Mendez-Ramos' phone data showed no more outgoing texts or calls after 12:27 p.m. that day, Green Bay Police Department Detective David Graf testified at Santiago-Marquez's trial. Prosecutors said this was around the time he was killed.

Santiago-Marquez has continued to maintain his innocence at sentencing.

What did Rodriguez-Garcia testify about at Santiago-Marquez's trial?

Rodriguez-Garcia took the witness stand Feb. 28 during the first full day of testimony at Santiago-Marquez's trial.

Outside the presence of the jury that day, he acknowledged that his testimony may implicate him, but elected to testify anyway.

Rodriguez-Garcia said that on Sept. 27, Santiago-Marquez called him twice. "Something was kind of urgent. He needed a favor with urgency," Rodriguez-Garcia testified through a Spanish-to-English translator.

Rodriguez-Garcia said Santiago-Marquez asked him to pick up a work van, dispose of "garbage in the backseat" by setting it on fire, and then clean the van and park it in his garage. He said he was told Santiago-Marquez would pay him for the favor.

He testified that he went to Santiago-Marquez's house that night, where Santiago-Marquez gave him a gallon of gasoline and keys to the van.

Rodriguez-Garcia then returned to his home, had his girlfriend drive him to Santiago-Marquez's paint shop on East Mason Street, and took the van.

He drove to UW-Green Bay, where he found a spot by Cofrin Memorial Arboretum that he believed was secluded enough to set a fire without drawing attention.

Rodriguez-Garcia said inside the van were black plastic bags covered by a blue tarp, about 5 to 6 feet long. He said the "garbage" was heavy, and he struggled to get it out of the van. It was later confirmed by police to be Mendez-Ramos' body

Rodriguez-Garcia poured gasoline on the tarp and set it on fire with a piece of paper, he testified. In total, he said, he was at the site of the fire only for "minutes."

Rodriguez-Garcia said he cleaned the van the following day, at Santiago-Marquez's request.

Rodriguez-Garcia claimed he did not know what was under the tarp and garbage bags. However, he testified that about a day later he asked Santiago-Marquez about what happened. When they were alone, Santiago-Marquez said he and Mendez-Ramos got into an argument about Mendez-Ramos "doing business under the table" and "cutting him out," Rodriguez-Garcia testified. Santiago-Marquez said he invited Mendez-Ramos to the shop to pay him, and when Mendez-Ramos arrived, there was a physical altercation and Santiago-Marquez shot Mendez-Ramos twice, Rodriguez-Garcia said.

Investigators tied Rodriguez-Garcia to the crime using cellphone data and DNA samples from a sock found on the trial near the body. Police arrested Rodriguez-Garcia in January 2022. He has been booked in Brown County Jail since.

RELATED: 2 men convicted in connection with 2021 homicide of Ashwaubenon man

What were the other sentences in connection with this case?

Santiago-Marquez was sentenced to life in prison, with a parole eligibility date of July 19, 2064.

Alex Burgos-Mojica, who worked for Santiago-Marquez, was convicted of harboring or aiding a felon after he pleaded no contest March 30. He was sentenced to one year in prison followed by 5 years of extended supervision.

Under Wisconsin law for a Class F felony, Rodriguez-Garcia faces a maximum sentence of 12.5 years in prison, $25,000 in fines, or both.

Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli.

CONTINUE YOUR SUPPORT: Thanks to our subscribers for making this coverage possible. Be sure to download our app on the App Store or Google Play. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletters

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay man convicted of burning body in 2021 to be sentenced Friday
One of the worlds wealthiest oil states is engaged in a wide-ranging public relations and lobbying campaign to cast itself as an environmental leader before it hosts the United Nations next climate talks in November.

But the United Arab Emirates efforts are colliding with a barrage of criticism from lawmakers and environmentalists in both the U.S. and Europe, who scoff at the idea that the oil-flush nation is committed to helping shift the world off planet-heating fossil fuels.

Amid the negative headlines, the UAEs government has signed  and abruptly terminated  long-term contracts with at least two strategic communications firms, even as it offers fat pay packages to veteran PR executives to assist with the effort, according to interviews and Justice Department documents.

The communications offensive, which began as far back as 2019, seeks to persuade U.S. officials and the American public that the Persian Gulf state's plan to expand oil and gas drilling is compatible with international efforts to slash the use of fossil fuels  the main cause of rising temperatures worldwide.

During the past decade, the UAE has spent more than $1 million on direct climate-focused advocacy and paid millions more to advisory firms and think tanks helping to polish its green credentials, an analysis by POLITICOs E&E News of federal disclosure filings found. No other host nation has invested as much time and money to shape its image ahead of the annual climate negotiations.

In contrast, the United Kingdom didnt disclose hiring any American PR or lobbying firms for climate advocacy the year it hosted the 2021 U.N. summit in Glasgow, Scotland, according to past filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. During that gathering  when UAE won the right to host this year's talks  the Emiratis paid two firms more than $314,000 for their U.S.-focused climate influence efforts.

Much of the criticism of the UAEs role this year has focused on Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, the Emiratis climate envoy and CEO of its state-owned oil company, who will serve as the summits president. In that position, he will take a lead role crafting the initial negotiating text and guide a final deal with top diplomats at the gathering, known as COP 28.

Story continues

"To have the COP be basically run by the fossil fuel industry sets the bar very, very high for accomplishments," Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said in an interview earlier this year. "The people running the UAE COP need to do something to show that this is going to be different."

While the UAE has pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by midcentury and to help raise $20 billion for renewable energy projects by 2035, it's also investing more than $100 billion to increase its oil production by nearly 1 million barrels per day over the next four years. Thirty percent of UAE's economy is directly based on the oil and gas industry, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data.



A spokesperson for al-Jaber rejected attacks on his governments commitment to climate action.

"COP 28 has assembled a diverse team of UAE and global experts  in climate policy, technology, communications and other fields  to develop, advance and advocate for greater climate ambition," said the spokesperson, who under UAE policy was not authorized to be named in public.

"As a nation with scarce water and food resources, in one of the hottest places on the planet, the UAE is deeply committed to the urgency of the climate crisis and the immediate need for meaningful climate action," the spokesperson added in a statement.

Al-Jabers role has come under new scrutiny this week as climate negotiators gathered in Bonn, Germany, for preliminary discussions leading up to the November-December summit.

We have a president who has significant experience in the oil and gas sector in an oil-and-gas-producing nation, Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the U.N.s climate body, told reporters Monday. It provides an opportunity to ask some very difficult questions, but also to seek some very difficult but needed answers.

A river of PR contracts

The UAE spends tens of millions of dollars annually on U.S. lobbying and PR, more than most other nations, according to data compiled by the watchdog group OpenSecrets. And while much of the Emiratis recent U.S. advocacy has focused on their military priorities, there has been a steady uptick in the nation's climate-related messaging as it sought to land and prepare for the global climate negotiations, federal filings show.

Part of that strategy in recent months included deals with top global public relations firms to work on COP 28. Yet two of the agreements abruptly ended months before they were scheduled to conclude, a fact that has not been previously reported.

In September 2022, the UAEs state-owned renewables company Masdar hired BCW Global to provide "strategic communications activities to support the UAE in its role as host country in 2023 for COP28," a contract agreement filed with the Justice Department says. Al-Jaber founded Masdar in 2006 and chairs its board of directors.

The deal was set to run through November 2024 and would have paid BCW the equivalent of more than $750,000. But federal filings show the firm's work for the UAE ended on Dec. 23, 2022  less than three months into the two-year agreement.

BCW confirmed in a statement to POLITICO that the deal had ended but did not respond to questions about why or at whose request the UAE contract was terminated.

In January, the Emiratis made two climate-focused deals with Edelman, the world's largest public relations firm.

One agreement sought to position al-Jaber and other executives with Masdar "as sustainability leaders with key stakeholders in the U.S.," according to a contract filed with the U.S. government. The Edelman deal with the UAE began in January and is set to run until the beginning of the climate conference, netting the firm about $500,000. Its the largest climate-focused agreement by any COP host country in the past decade, according to POLITICO's analysis.

The only comparable contracts were a $99,000 consulting deal that Fiji made with Qorvis Communications LLC three months before its COP presidency in 2019. Peru signed a five-month deal worth $200,000 with Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in 2014.

Another Edelman deal, which had no defined end date in the filings, focused on "outreach to key stakeholders and media as well as the development of digital and social content for COP28 assets ahead of, and during" the climate conference, a preliminary agreement says. As part of that work, the firm helped draft speeches and run the conference's social media accounts, filings show.

That latter Edelman deal concluded in April, after just four months.

"Edelman supported the announcement of the COP28 presidency and initial rollout; however, this engagement has concluded," Edelman spokesperson Michael Bush said in a statement. Bush did not respond to follow-up questions about the intended duration of the contractscope of work, why the work ended or which party scrapped the agreement.

The contracts with BCW and Edelman ended "amicably," the COP 28 spokesperson said.



Meanwhile, the UAE has enticed seasoned PR executives to join the conference's communications operation as the host country and al-Jaber face continued attacks.

Alan VanderMolen, the conference's Abu Dhabi-based communications director, was previously the top spokesperson for the multinational manufacturer S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. The UAE has also brought on David Canzini, who as an aide to then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson opposed windfall oil taxes. He was hired through the Anglo-Australian consultancy the CT Group, which didn't respond to a request for comment. Canzini's role was first reported by the Financial Times.

One communications strategist said they turned down a nearly $1 million salary, which would have required moving to the UAE. The person said they were uncomfortable with the concept of the role.

Its life-altering amounts of money, said the person, who was granted anonymity to speak freely to discuss a field of international diplomacy in which they continue to work.

When asked whether such salary offers were common, the COP 28 spokesperson said the team does not comment on personnel matters.

An honest broker?

The UAE's surge in climate advocacy comes at an important time for the global U.N. talks. The Paris climate agreement that has guided the negotiations since 2016 will require countries for the first time to formally share the progress they have made toward meeting their national commitments to slash emissions.

That reckoning will show that the world is far off track from the agreement's goal to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial times.

But supporters of climate action are divided on whether they see the UAE is a genuine climate broker. The negotiation host typically wields significant influence over final agreements, which require unanimity. In past conferences, oil- and gas-rich nations have weakened language calling for an end to fossil fuels  as seen during last years climate talks in Egypt, which produced a final statement with unexpected language welcoming more natural gas production.

Skeptics said they wonder how ambitious the UAE will be when dialogue reaches inevitable standstills.

The UAE has tried hard to position itself as a country that is transitioning to a future economy that is not dependent on fossil fuels, said Nigel Purvis, a former State Department official who now runs the consulting firm Climate Advisers. But whether that transition can be made real and whether it can occur on a timeframe that is consistent with climate science, that is what this COP is going to test.



Since at least 2019, lobbyists and PR officials hired by the UAE have worked to introduce Emirati climate officials and present talking points to U.S. policymakers and journalists, according to a review of documents that U.S. public relations and lobbying firms must file on behalf of overseas clients under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Over the same period, the country has inked five climate-focused advocacy deals, the POLITICO analysis found. They are cumulatively worth more than $1 million.

Climate messaging has also become an increasing priority for the UAE's broader advocacy efforts.

One example was a $5.5-million-per-year general communications deal that the Emiratis signed in April 2022 with the strategic advisory firm now known as FGS Global. The firm has declined to comment to POLITICO.

FGS officials have taken part in meetings with top U.S. climate officials on behalf of the UAE, according to documents and interviews. On Jan. 14, two days after al-Jabers appointment prompted international criticism, a top FGS executive attended a briefing with al-Jaber and Amos Hochstein, President Joe Biden's coordinator for global infrastructure and energy security. Hochstein and U.S. climate envoy John Kerry also appeared alongside al-Jaber at an energy forum in Abu Dhabi that day.

Later that week, Kerry told The Associated Press that al-Jaber "is a terrific choice" to lead the U.N. climate conference, citing his work on renewable energy projects. Kerry has said solving climate change requires countries like the UAE, which World Bank data shows has the worlds fourth-highest per capita rate of greenhouse gas emissions, seeing a future for themselves.

In contrast, Whitehouse and 131 other members of Congress and the European Parliament have called for ousting al-Jaber from his leadership of the climate summit, pointing to what they call his potential conflicts of interest.

The State Department described the U.S. officials' meetings with al-Jaber and UAE operatives as routine diplomatic engagement and emphasized that the U.S. government had arranged them.

"As Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Secretary Kerry engages frequently with the COP28 President-Designate, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, to articulate U.S. views, including on how to ensure that COP28 delivers credible, necessary action in this decisive decade to keep 1.5C within reach," wrote a spokesperson, who asked not to be named to comply with State Department policy.

Outreach to think tanks and lawmakers

In addition to hiring dozens of lobbyists and public relations executives, the UAE also gives millions of dollars annually to Washington think tanks like the Atlantic Council. Its scholars have praised the Emiratis actions on climate change while providing access to U.S. officials.

Al-Jaber is "an ideal choice" to lead COP 28 because of his "rich background in both renewables and fossil fuels," Atlantic Council CEO Fredrick Kempe said in a January opinion piece for CNBC. Al-Jaber made his first speech as COP 28 president-designate at an Abu Dhabi event the think tank hosted in January, which federal filings show lobbyists for the UAE heavily promoted.

But Kempe did not disclose in his op-ed that the Atlantic Council has received more than $3 million from the UAE since 2019 and hundreds of thousands of dollars from energy firms al-Jaber oversees, financial entanglements that the Washington Free Beacon first reported. Atlantic Council spokesperson Richard Davidson called that "an oversight that we regret" but told POLITICO that the "funding didn't influence" Kempe's views. CNBC has since attached an editor's note to the piece.



The Atlantic Council also organized a weeklong trip to Abu Dhabi for senior staffers from the offices of Republican Reps. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, Ken Calvert of California and then-Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas. Lucas and Westerman now chair two committees that oversee climate and environment policy.

The trip included sessions on climate finance, the UAE's efforts to reduce carbon pollution and its plans for the climate conference. The Atlantic Council's Davidson said the trip intended to help Republican aides "devise pragmatic solutions" to energy and climate challenges. A Lucas spokesperson declined to comment. Aides of Westerman and Calvert didn't respond to questions about the trip or the UAE's climate work.

People who have studied the UAE's approach to climate advocacy called the campaign a reflection of its foreign influence efforts.

"It kind of creates this echo chamber where you have an article from a media outlet that's very favorable to them that's echoed in a think tank panel and then that's echoed by somebody giving a speech on the floor of the House," said Ben Freeman, a research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, who in December authored a comprehensive review of Emirati lobbying efforts in the United States.

"You start to have that type of drumbeat go over and over and over," he said. "Even if it's not outright lies, it's changing the narrative that would otherwise be there if the scales weren't tipped so heavily towards the UAE."

Reporter Sara Schonhardt contributed to this report.
Between his feud with Trump, then Disney and now California Governor Gavin Newsom, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis hasnt made many friends since he officially launched his presidential bid during a turbulent announcement on Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk at the end of May.

DeSantis has struggled to gain ground among voters, trailing behind former President Donald Trump by about 32 points, according to the latest poll analysis from FiveThirtyEight.

The Florida governors latest feud comes after Newsom accused DeSantis of flying more than a dozen migrants to Sacramento, California, after traveling from Texas to New Mexico after they had already been processed by officials and received court dates for their asylum cases.

Heres a running list of everyone DeSantis is currently beefing with.

DeSantis' split with Donald Trump

Trump and DeSantis, once close allies, now find themselves political rivals as they vie to become the 47th U.S. president. It was DeSantis who regularly came to Trumps defense during investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump touted himself as the driving force behind DeSantis popularity during his gubernatorial bid in 2018, and DeSantis thanked Trump during his victory speech, saying I think we have a great partnership.

That partnership remained intact, even after Trump lost the 2020 presidential election as Trump floated the idea of having DeSantis as his running mate in 2024, something that is likely unconstitutional.

It wasnt until 2022  as DeSantis popularity rose among Republican ranks and it became more and more clear that he would become a presidential contender  that Trump began tooting a different horn. Ron DeSanctimonious was the new moniker Trump used to describe the Florida governor days before the 2022 midterm election.

Trump in Iowa: Donald Trump's Iowa town hall: Attacks on Ron DeSantis, Joe Biden and criminal charges

After DeSantis won his reelection in 2022, Trump called him an average Republican and lambasted him for not ruling out a 2024 presidential bid. Trumps attacks against DeSantis have only escalated since.

Story continues

DeSantis got elected because of me. You remember he had nothing. He was dead. He was leaving the race. He came over and he begged me, begged me for an endorsement, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in February. He said, If you endorse me, Ill win. And there were tears coming down from his eyes.

And when DeSantis presidential announcement on Twitter, which was plagued by an assortment of technical issues, Trump posted a video on Truth Social of a Ron rocket falling over and exploding.

DeSantis has been reluctant to engage with Trump. The governor has criticized investigations against the former president but has thrown subtle jabs over his hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and indirectly criticized Trump by saying Republicans need to end the culture of losing the party has seen in recent years.

DeSantis vs. Disney

DeSantis fight with Disney is perhaps his most infamous and controversial. Disney World is Floridas largest single-site employer, having more than 75,000 cast members and paying $1.146 billion in state and local taxes, according to its website.

Last year, DeSantis declared war on the Magic Kingdom after then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek called DeSantis urging him to veto Floridas Dont Say Gay law, a controversial bill passed in 2022 that prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms.

After the call, Disney pledged to work toward repealing the law, which incited DeSantis. I think they crossed the line, DeSantis said about Disney during a press conference at the state Capitol. Were going to make sure were fighting back when people are threatening our parents and threatening our kids.

The feud quickly escalated after DeSantis expanded a special session on redistricting to look into repealing Disneys five-decade-old special district. Florida lawmakers quickly wrote, debated and approved Senate Bill 4, which dissolved the district on June 1.

Disney vs. DeSantis timeline: What happened when Florida's governor took on the Mouse

DeSantis then announced that the state would take control of the district, renaming it the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and putting the board appointments under his control. The plan also would shield local taxpayers by putting the $700 million in outstanding debts onto Walt Disney Co.

On the day before the Florida House voted to establish the new board, Reedy Creek and Disney quietly but publicly discussed and approved two contractual agreements that put control over a lot of what Reedy Creek used to handle under Disney's control for the next 30 years. The new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District didn't discover this until the end of March.

Disney filed a lawsuit in April, saying that Florida's governor led a "targeted campaign of government retaliation" against the company. The lawsuit alleges five different violations of Disneys constitutional rights by DeSantis, including two free speech violations, a property rights violation, a due process violation and a violation of the contracts clause.

Gavin Newsom pipes up about New College takeover, then migrants arrive in California

The feud between governors might seem like something new, but the migrant flights is only the latest incident in a series of incidents involving each other over the years that mostly involve criticism regarding how the states are run, hitting on everything from book bans and guns.

In April, Newsom made a surprise visit to meet with students from the New College of Florida at the North Sarasota Public Library where he blasted DeSantis policies.

Fifty years of progress," Newsom said. "Fifty years on voting rights, on civil rights, LGBTQ rights, abortion rights, contraceptive rights, all of that at threat, state after state, led by your state and your governor with a zest for demonization and othering people.

Who is Gavin Newsom? California governor throwing verbal jabs at Ron DeSantis. Who is Gavin Newsom?

Now Newsom is recommending criminal charges be brought against DeSantis around the same time Bexar County Sheriffs Office filed criminal charges over the Marthas Vineyard flight last September when the Florida governor had 49 migrants from San Antonio flown to Massachusetts.

While Florida officials say that the migrants were willingly flown to California, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is investigating the case, says the migrants were approached by two women who spoke broken English promising them jobs, according to the Associated Press.

Newsom lashed out at DeSantis after the flight, calling him a small, pathetic man.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: DeSantis' feuds include Trump, Disney and now Gavin Newsom
Another round of thunderstorms plowed through downtown Boise on Wednesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after storms caused heavy flooding throughout the city.

The problem this time around wasnt heavy rain, but rather strong winds that have caused widespread power outages in Boise and beyond.

Idaho Power posted a note on its power outage map page at 7 p.m. that read crews were working as quickly as possible to restore electricity to thousands of customers around Boise. Many of the outages were small, but some, such as along State Street and in the East End and downtown, affected more than 1,500 customers.

There were at least a dozen outages across the city, stretching from the Boise Bench all the way out to near Eagle, and in the Highlands and North End.

The National Weather Service in Boise tracked a storm northeast of the city in the Boise Foothills that slowly approached downtown. A second storm and accompanying outflow boundary, which prompted the Weather Service to issue a special weather statement, headed toward Mountain Home.

The storm heading toward Boise arrived in the city right around 5 p.m., Weather Service meteorologist Sophia Adams told the Idaho Statesman, just in time to affect the afternoon commute. She said the hills would likely slow the storm down, meaning it could mostly dissipate before reaching the city.

But the storm persisted over the Foothills, bringing wind gusts up to 40 mph and some hail, causing power problems.

Adams said the Weather Service also was tracking the potential for the storm to train  a phenomenon in which storms behind the original storm continue to form because of outflow boundaries. A similar system occurred during Tuesday nights storms, dropping nearly 2 inches of rain in Boise and wreaking havoc on roads, garages, buildings and the like.

As of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Adams said there was about a 50% chance of the storms training again. But by 7 p.m., the skies had lightened greatly and the wind had died down.
Odu Mazza / Getty Images/iStockphoto

You probably know the $100 bill is the largest note currently produced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You're also likely aware of which Founding Father is on the $100 bill -- politician and inventor Benjamin Franklin. There's a lot more history behind this bill, however.

More: Check Your $2 Bills -- They Could Be Worth Upwards of $4,500

Here: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

The $100 bill is more than just a way to pay for bigger purchases -- it contains a great deal of fascinating American history. Take a few minutes to discover these interesting facts about your money.

DR Travel Photo and Video / Shutterstock.com

It's the Highest-Circulated Bill

The $100 bill is the most circulated form of U.S. currency. As of Dec. 31, 2022, there were 18.5 billion Benjamins currently in circulation, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. The $1 bill is second with 14.3 billion, followed by the $20 bill with 11.5 billion. In 2017, there were only 12.7 billion $100 notes in circulation.

$2,000 Quarter? Check Your Pockets Before You Use This 2004 Coin

Cash App Borrow: How To Borrow Money on Cash App

Chan2545 / iStock.com

It's the Second-Most Printed Currency ...

The Federal Reserve gave approval to print up to 8.7 billion currency notes in 2023. Nearly 1.5 billion of them will be $100 bills, second only to the $1 denomination.

I'm a Financial Planning Expert: Here Are 5 Things You Should Never Spend Money on If You Want To Be Rich

Elena Crk / Shutterstock.com

... But Most $100 Bills Aren't in America

Our $100 bills are very popular internationally. In 2018, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago issued a paper that estimated that as many as 80% of the $100s in circulation were being held outside the country. The report attributed that to "economic and political instability" abroad.

baona / iStock.com

The International Popularity Benefits the Economy

Thanks to that, up to 80% of the $100 bills being circulated reside overseas. They act almost like an interest-free loan for the economy since most of that currency won't return stateside.

Kuzmik_A / iStock.com

It Costs 8.6 Cents to Produce

Every $100 bill comes with a production cost of 8.6 cents, according to the Federal Reserve. Print costs cover essentials such as paper, ink, labor and overhead costs to print.

The $100 bill is the most expensive U.S. currency to print because of its security features. Printing cost of a $1 bill is just 2.8 cents each. The $100 bill includes components such as a 3-D security ribbon that changes from bells to 100s when moved, and a bell that seems to appear and disappear within the inkwell.

Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution / Wikimedia Commons

The First $100 Bill Was Printed in 1914

Even though the first $100 "Interest-Bearing Notes" were issued in 1861, the first $100 Federal Reserve Notes -- aka money as it's currently known -- were printed with Benjamin Franklin gracing the front, just like it is today.

Check Out: 9 Bills You Should Never Put on Autopay

Galushko Sergey / Shutterstock.com

Benjamin Franklin Has Been on It for Over 100 Years

Although many people think there is a $100 bill with a president's face, the truth is that Benjamin Franklin's face graces this note -- and has since 1914. Since then, the currency has gone through several re-issues, but it has remained the Benjamin Franklin $100 bill.

Artography / Shutterstock.com

The Franklin Association Is Uncertain

If you're like many Americans, you might be wondering, "Why is Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill?" After all, he was never president like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln.

The truth is, there's a lack of credible information for the reason his portrait graces the currency. It likely has something to do with Franklin being one of the Founding Fathers, alongside Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and James Monroe.

Kativ / Getty Images

It's Had Three Major Redesigns

The $100 has featured Benjamin Franklin since its inception over a century ago, and there have been tweaks through the years. The note has had three major redesigns to incorporate updated security features, however, coming in 1990, 1996 and 2013.

omersukrugoksu / iStock.com

"In God We Trust" Started Appearing in 1966

The phase "In God We Trust" was adopted as the official motto of the United States back in 1956 -- beating out "E Pluribus Unum" -- but it wasn't always featured prominently on currency. The first record of the phrase appearing on paper currency (the one-dollar silver certificate to be exact) was in 1957, making its debut on the $100 bill nine years later.

See: 6 Richest People in the World You've Never Heard Of

Wikimedia Commons

The 1996 $100 Bill Was the First to Get a General Seal

Before new release of the $100 in 1996, each bill contained the seal of a specific Federal Reserve Bank. In 1996, individual seals were replaced with a general seal denoting the entire Federal Reserve System.

Scanrail1 / Shutterstock.com

The 2013 Version Was Two Years Late

The most recent release of the $100 bill was originally planned for 2011 but was delayed two years because of new security features that caused the notes to crease during printing. The end result was that some of the bills were filled with blank spaces.

BanksPhotos / iStock.com

The Ink in the New $100 Can Change Color

Your mind isn't playing tricks on you -- the newest (2013) redesign of the $100 does, in fact, change color. The lower right corner has the capability to shift between copper tones to traditional green when in the light. According to Esquire, this is thanks to the ink containing microscopic metallic flakes that reflect various wavelengths of light.

Olha Solodenko / Shutterstock.com

The Time on the Clock Was Changed on the New Bill

If you have an eye for detail, you might have noticed that the time on Independence Hall's bell tower clock on the back of the old $100 bill read 4:10. It was changed to 10:30, however, on the newer ones.

No one seems to know why either of these times was chosen, but both images -- the north and south views -- were engraved by J.C. Benzing in the 1920s. It is assumed that he took pictures of the building at different times of day, which would explain the clock discrepancy.

More: Here's How Much Money Experts Say You Should Have in Your Savings Account If You're in Your 50s

alfexe / iStock.com

The Paper Is Unique

Though it might seem like it, our money isn't printed on paper at all -- at least not in the traditional sense. Whereas books and newspaper use wood pulp for their pages, Federal Reserve note paper is composed of 25 percent linen and 75 percent cotton, which gives it its trademark rich texture. It also has red and blue security fibers built in.

Steve Collender / Shutterstock.com

Crane & Co. Has Made the Paper Since 1879

Crane & Co., which got its start in Massachusetts, has been producing the paper for the $100 bill and all other American notes since 1879. In 1844, the company became the first to embed silk threads in banknote paper, according to its website.

Crane & Co. has also created several anti-counterfeit measures, including advanced security threads, watermarks, planchettes, security fibers, special additives and fluorescent and phosphorescent elements. Spotting the fakes in distribution is a huge problem, but sometimes keeping your money away from criminals is just as hard.

Artography / Shutterstock.com

It Has a Cue for the Visually Impaired

Chances are, you've noticed the large gold 100 on the back of the $100 bill, but it's not a flashy design touch. The 100 was put in place to help people with visual impairments distinguish the bill from other denominations.

atdr / Shutterstock.com

Benjamin Franklin's Shoulder Is Rough to the Touch

If you've ever run your finger over Benjamin Franklin's shoulder on the $100 bill, you might have noticed it's rough to the touch on the left side. This is not a flaw unique to your particular bill; it's actually caused by the enhanced intaglio printing process used to produce the portrait.

Find Out: 10 Best Cash Advance Apps That Cover You Until Payday

Rrraum / Shutterstock.com

It Has a Longer Lifespan Than All Other American Bills

The $100 bill has an average lifespan of 15 years, according to the U.S. Currency Education Program. In comparison, the $1 bill lasts an average of 6.6 years, the $5 bill averages 4.7 years of use, the $10 bill gets 5.3 years, the $20 bill lasts 7.8 years and the $50 stays strong for about 12.2 years. The $100 bill is held more by its owners than lower-denomination bills, which pass from one hand to another frequently. Therefore, it will last longer before wearing out, per the program.

choness / iStock.com

The Portrait of Ben Franklin is Off-Center

After the latest redesign of the currency in 2013, Benjamin Franklin was removed from his portrait frame and placed off to the side for the first time in the bill's history.

JTSorrell / iStock.com

There's Two Ben Franklins (If You Look Hard Enough)

The 2013 redesign of the bill featured a plethora of new security features -- one of which was a second portrait of Ben Franklin when held up to the light. The watermark of Franklin looks fuzzy, thanks to the linen content featured in American currency. If money was printed on all cotton, there wouldn't be a bleed.

zennie / iStock.com

Same Building, New View

The $100 bill has long featured a depiction of Independence Hall, which is a huge factor in Franklin's lore. The newest 2013 redesign also features a new engraving that shows the back of Independence Hall instead of the iconic front.

Learn More: Why Stealth Wealth Is the Best Way To Handle Your Money

BanksPhotos / iStock.com

It Features a Top-Secret Ribbon

To improve security, the U.S. Department of Treasury rolled out new plastic ribbons as part of larger currency to help deter counterfeiting. Even though the most recent $100 bills look as though the plastic ribbon was interwoven into the very fabric of the bill, it wasn't -- according to Esquire, the bill is actually created around the ribbon itself in a top-secret process.

iiievgeniy / iStock.com

Be Sure to Check the Extremely Fine Print

If you check near Franklin's collar, you'll find an engraving present on the latest edition of the bill -- and it harkens back to an original portrait painted of the Founding Father by Joseph Siffred Duplessis in the 1780s.

Ahlapot / iStock.com

The 2013 Design Uses a Feather to Draw It Together

The newest redesign also features another icon that is integral to Franklin's tale -- a feather quill. The quill, along with its companion the inkwell, were drawn by artist Brian Thompson.

More From GOBankingRates

Rachel Farrow, Krista Baum, and Jami Farkas contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 25 Things You Never Knew About the $100 Bill
Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam during a live People's Action Party webcast during the General Election. (PHOTO: PAP)

SINGAPORE  Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has announced that he intends to run for candidacy for the upcoming Singapore presidential election, declaring his retirement from politics and all government positions.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (8 June), Tharman, 66, stated, "I wish to inform you that I have decided to put myself forward as a candidate in the forthcoming presidential election. I hence wish to retire from politics and all my positions in government."

Tharman, who holds the position of Co-ordinating Minister for Social Policies and is also Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC, outlined his plan to resign one month from now, on 7 July.

He said that this decision stems from his desire to prioritise his ongoing official obligations, both domestically and internationally, before his departure. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place to guarantee effective service to the constituents of Jurong GRC throughout the remainder of the electoral term.

PM Lee extended his well wishes to Tharman for his new journey.

Upcoming presidential election in Singapore

The next presidential election in Singapore is scheduled to take place by mid-September, and will be an open election, allowing candidates of all races to participate.

Tharman's career has been diverse, initially focusing on his work at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, where he held various roles including a two-year term as managing director.

He entered politics during the 2001 Singapore general election as a candidate for Jurong GRC, and has since been re-elected to Parliament four times.

He has served in significant ministerial positions, being appointed as Minister for Education from 2003 to 2008, followed by a nine-year tenure as Minister for Finance from 2007 to 2015. He also held the position of Minister for Manpower between 2011 and 2012.

President Halimah Yacob, who is currently serving as the country's eighth president, announced on 29 May stating that she will not be seeking a second term. The 68-year-old's six-year term will come to an end on 13 September.

Story continues

PM Lee expresses gratitude for Tharman's service

In his Facebook post on Thursday, PM Lee highlighted the close working relationship he had with Tharman over the past 27 years.

He emphasised Tharman's significant contributions in strengthening social mobility and creating a robust social safety net.

"He has also done much to promote the growth and resilience of Singapore's economy, and to manage our nation's finances prudently. Internationally, he has flown the Singapore flag high and gained respect as a thought leader, especially in the social and economic domains," PM Lee said in his Facebook post.

While expressing regret at the loss of Tharman's leadership, insights, and wise counsel, PM Lee understood Tharman's decision to run for President.

"It is in keeping with the spirit of public service and sense of duty that he has shown all these years," he said.

PM Lee added that, should Tharman be elected as the next President, he will transition to a different role with new responsibilities independent of the executive branch. He expressed confidence that Tharman would carry out these duties diligently and with the independence of mind.

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks in front of a depiction of Smokey Bear during a press conference in North Salt Lake warning residents about wildfire risks on Monday. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox couldn't help but notice how green southern Utah has gotten on his last several trips to the region, which he finds both awe-inspiring and potentially dangerous.

"The St. George area looks like northern Utah. I've never seen it so green," he said, as he stood on the luscious green foothills by Tunnel Springs Park in Utah's northern half Monday morning. (It's) great until it's not, right? Because that just means there's so much more to burn."

Meteorologists with the Great Basin Coordination Center agree, asserting that Utah's "epic" snow season could give way to a "mixed bag" regarding the state's summer fire danger. The agency's Great Basin Predictive Services issued an updated wildfire danger outlook on Thursday. It calls for below-normal fire conditions this month before moving into more normal conditions through September.

That said, it all depends on when vegetation begins to dry out, particularly in nonmountainous parts of the state, says Basil Newmerzhycky, a fire meteorologist for the federal agency. He explains that "very busy" fire seasons are possible after wet winters, which is the primary concern by the end of this summer if the summer monsoons don't deliver relief.

"We're calling for normal conditions through Utah but ... toward the latter half of July, we do have significant concerns," he said. "Our prognosis, if I had to sum it up in one or two sentences, is a cooler and less-active start to the fire season in June through early July, and then a rapid transition in the lower elevations to increased fire activity for the latter half (of the summer)."

How this winter influenced Utah's fire forecast

Utah's wildfire season is off to a very slow start mainly because of how much moisture the state has received this water year. The Utah Wildfire Dashboard, operated by state and federal land managers, notes that there have only been 99 wildfire starts this year, less than half of where things were at the same point two years ago.

Story continues

The state collected 11.7 inches of precipitation between October 2022 and April, its fifth-highest total during the seven-month stretch since statewide data collection began in 1895, according to National Centers for Environmental Information data. The agency is expected to add May data later this week.

Nevertheless, it's a much different situation than the past three years, where the state averaged almost 6.5 inches of precipitation during the same period of time. The 30-year normal between October and April is 8.37 inches, which just goes to show how much precipitation Utah has received over the past few months.

The fire risks in Utah's higher elevation areas are currently "better at this point than they have in many, many years" as a result, Newmerzhycky said. Some of these areas are still melting off the state's record 30-inch snowpack, too.

Charts depict wildfire risk during a press conference in North Salt Lake on Monday. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

But all the precipitation also led to lots of new vegetation growth in lower elevation areas. Gina McGuire Palma, a fire meteorologist with the Great Basin Coordination Center, explained in a video the agency posted last week that high soil moistures in parts of Utah, Idaho and Nevada are causing more cheatgrass to grow, which is an invasive species in the region.

"We are seeing second crops of cheatgrass already popping up over the northern half of the Great Basin with this recent moisture over the last few weeks. As those soil moistures remain high, that will continue with the growing season," she said.

Newmerzhycky adds there are also more weeds and brush, too. And while it's green now, he said those and other vegetation can quickly dry out. In fact, he said some of it is already "starting to cure out" in parts of the state after a "relatively dry" May.

Meanwhile, experts say an El Nino pattern is emerging after three-straight La Nina winters. This switch in oceanic patterns has the potential to delay or suppress the normal monsoonal patterns that typically develop in mid-July and linger into August and September, based on past trends, Newmerzhycky said.

Yet the forecast currently calls for normal fire conditions during the second half of summer because the agency can't confirm what will happen just yet. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's long-range outlook currently lists most of Utah as in "equal chances" through August, meaning there's no clear signal as to whether it will be a dry or wet summer overall.

"Our big concern is when will (the vegetation) really start yellowing out, curing out?" he said. "What is likely to happen is that we will probably not see the moisture effects of the monsoon, at least not like it has been the last several years."

The agency issues updated outlooks at the beginning of every month. Southern Utah would likely be at the highest risk if the normal monsoonal pattern doesn't emerge, officials said.

McGuire Palma points out that Utah, Nevada and parts of Idaho typically do have their largest fire seasons between drought periods because of the new growth and dry-out, at least based on the past decade of drought cycles. However, with the uncertainty in fire risk this year, she said this year could also be a "transition year" before fire risks increase next year.

The forecast seems to be less of a question mark for the Pacific Northwest, which may have ramifications for Utah. The National Geographic Area Coordination Center lists eastern Washington and Central Oregon as already having above-normal fire danger this month.

The forecast calls for that to extend through most of the Pacific Northwest and into parts of Nevada by August before subsiding some in September. Even then, a large chunk of the region is expected to remain in above-normal fire danger. Newmerzhycky said this could lead to more events where unhealthy wildfire smoke wafts into Utah, much like what happened with Canadian wildfires for a weekend in May.

"The bad part is that a lot of times the steering flow is that northwesterly flow," he said. "We could be in a situation where we get a lot of smoke coming from those fires as we go through the summer months."

Preparing for the fire risks

Cox says he does worry that this year's precipitation could lead to "complacency" when it comes to fire safety this summer. It's why the state plans to continue with its "Fire Sense" campaign that launched in 2021, during the middle of the state's most recent drought. It aims to continue to educate Utahns about the risks outdoors.

"When you see this green all around, you think, 'Oh, I don't have to worry about it this year' but oftentimes these grasses will dry out," the governor said, motioning to the green foothills behind him. "Before they even turn yellow they are dry enough to burn."

Gov. Spencer Cox speaks to reporters at a press conference in North Salt Lake warning residents about wildfire risks on Monday. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Tips to avoid starting fires include:

Review fire conditions in an area before doing anything that can start a fire.

Check with fire authorities and weather forecasts before burning any debris and have resources on-hand to stop any out-of-control fires.

Extinguish campfires completely before leaving a site, pouring water and stirring ashes until it's no longer warm.

Don't drive on dry grass and make sure your vehicle isn't dragging chains.

Don't target shoot near dry grass or vegetation. Avoid shooting rocks or metal containers, and use soft targets instead. Exploding targets and tracer ammunition are not allowed on public lands.

Only launch fireworks when and where they are legal. The legal launching period is July 2-5 and July 22-25, and they are also not allowed on public lands.

Cox also said Monday that he believes there is enough state funding set aside for wildfire suppression costs this summer without making adjustments to the budget as the state Legislature did for flooding and landslide issues last month.

"Nobody knows exactly what it'll be like in July and August," he said, "but right now we feel very good about where we are."
RFA/Health Care Access Reporter

Santiago Ochoa is a bilingual journalist covering health care access at the Yakima Herald-Republic in Yakima, Washington. Before joining the Herald, Ochoa reported for Flint Beat in Flint, Michigan, covering the citys Latino populationhealth care, education, community building and more, and winning top honors in the Michigan Press Associations feature category. He served as photographer and later editor for his college newspaper, The Michigan Times. When hes not working, Ochoa enjoys cross-country trips on his motorcycle, going to the movies, reading and skiing.
RFA/Latino Community and Lower Valley Reporter

Heyo, Im Jasper. Nice to meet you. I cover a wide variety of news, but I try to focus on the Latino community and the Lower Yakima Valley. I want to sharestories and perspectives from the Yakima Valley. Im interested in economics, labor, geography and the environment, but the most important issues will always be the ones the community cares about. If you have something worth saying, Ill listen and try to write it down. Im a gosei from Northeast Los Angeles and I got my start as a student journalist and editor covering sports in the Bay Area. Im a massive soccer fan and I still love to play. I also love water in all its forms, the word copacetic and trying new things. I want to read more, and I like to cook, but Im not great at either. Have fun out there!
Main suspect in 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway arrives in US from Peru to face charges

The main suspect in the 2005 disappearance of U.S. student Natalee Holloway has landed in the U.S. after being handed over to U.S. custody
FILE - Dr. Caitlin Bernard, a reproductive healthcare provider, speaks during an abortion rights rally on June 25, 2022, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. An Indiana board is set to hear allegations Thursday, May 25, 2023, that Bernard, an Indianapolis doctor should face disciplinary action after she spoke publicly about providing an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim from neighboring Ohio.
If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules:

Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy.

The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party.

We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste.

Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters.

Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month.
There are 5 reasons why Nvidia stock is a top pick even after its monster AI-fueled rally, according to Bank of America

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Rick Wilking/Reuters

Nvidia stock remains a "top pick" at Bank of America even after its AI-fueled, year-to-date rally of 163%.

After meeting with Nvidia's CFO, one the bank's main takeaways was that demand for the company's AI chips appears "sustainable."

These are five reasons why Bank of America has confidence in its $500 price target on Nvidia.

Even after Nvidia's AI-fueled, year-to-date rally of more than 160%, Bank of America still calls it a "top pick" and believes there's more room for the stock to run.

The bank rates Nvidia stock at a "Buy" with a $500 price target, representing potential upside of 29% from current levels. BofA has called Nvidia the "picks and shovels leader in the AI gold rush" as the company virtually controls the market for high-performance GPU chips that help enable generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard.

After an investor meeting with Nvidia's CFO and senior vice president of gaming, Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya concluded that demand for the semiconductor company's AI chips like the H100 appears sustainable, which is an encouraging sign for investors who are betting generative AI has more lasting power than Web 3.0 or the metaverse.

These are the five reasons why Arya is staying bullish on Nvidia, according to a Wednesday note.

1. "Reassured that Nvidia's recent surge of demand in data center is unique and sustainable with no evidence of pull-ins or customer/regional concentration risk."

2. "Mix tailwinds in second half as more customers move to latest-gen/transformer optimized H100 (2-3x average selling price of prior-gen A100)."

3. "Nvidia's market share in AI inference has solid headroom as compute requirements in large language models are well above what traditional CPU can handle (currently 90%+ share of legacy inference)."

4. "Underappreciated opportunities for Nvidia to expand its market from just AI accelerators (GPU) into high-performance CPU (Grace), data processing (Bluefield DPU) and Mellanox infiniband + Ethernet networking."

5. "Gaming (25% of sales) could be on verge of a sustained recovery in second half with solid adoption of new Ada 4060 and with 80%+ of Nvidia's 200+ million deployed base of gamers using 3060 and older gaming GPU."

The bullish prospects for Nvidia could translate into big profits, according to the note.

"Net-net, we gain more confidence Nvidia can support long-term earnings per share above $20, based on 65% accelerator market share," Arya said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A24 and German mini-major Leonine Studios have set up a joint venture, originally named A24 | Leonine Studios, to release films in Germany and Austria. The first films to go out under the new banner will be David Michods Wizards! starring Orlando Bloom, Naomi Scott and Pete Davidson and The Iron Claw, Sean Durkins wrestling biopic of starring Zac Efron, Lily James, Harris Dickinson and Jeremy Allen White.

Wizards! follows two hapless pothead beach-bar operators who run into trouble when they stumble across stolen loot that they really should have just left alone. Iron Claw is centered around the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers from the 1960s onwards that had enormous success and greatly influenced the sport.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Leonine has had success with A24 titles in the German-speaking market, including Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All At Once, which sold more than 380,000 tickets in Germany and Austria, grossing more than $3.2 million.

A24s bold storytelling and their passion for outstanding high-quality content that is never conventional and always unique is spectacular, said Leonine boss Fred Kogel in a statement. They successfully drew a new audience to theaters, which is a great achievement. This partnership is a perfect match for our vision and commitment to distributing and licensing premium content in every shape and form and were very proud to continue working closely with the great team at A24.

Leonine and A24 will also work closely together to create special benefits for A24 members in Germany.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Click here to read the full article.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Eveniment important pentru Martorii lui Iehova din judetul Mures

Sala de congrese din Turda, judetul Cluj, va gazdui primul congres regional al Martorilor lui Iehova, dupa o pauza de trei ani, in care congresele s-au tinut doar in mediul online din cauza pandemiei. Martorii lui Iehova din judetul Mures vor fi prezenti intre 16 si 18 [citeste mai departe]
Key Insights

Aeon (M) Bhd's significant public companies ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public

52% of the company is held by a single shareholder (Aeon Co., Ltd.)

Institutional ownership in Aeon (M) Bhd is 35%

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Aeon Co. (M) Bhd. (KLSE:AEON), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. With 52% stake, public companies possess the maximum shares in the company. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Meanwhile, institutions make up 35% of the companys shareholders. Large companies usually have institutions as shareholders, and we usually see insiders owning shares in smaller companies.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Aeon (M) Bhd.

View our latest analysis for Aeon (M) Bhd

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Aeon (M) Bhd?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Aeon (M) Bhd. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Aeon (M) Bhd, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Aeon (M) Bhd. Aeon Co., Ltd. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 52% of shares outstanding. With such a huge stake in the ownership, we infer that they have significant control of the future of the company. With 11% and 4.9% of the shares outstanding respectively, Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia and Permodalan Nasional Berhad are the second and third largest shareholders.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Aeon (M) Bhd

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

We can report that insiders do own shares in Aeon Co. (M) Bhd.. As individuals, the insiders collectively own RM18m worth of the RM1.8b company. This shows at least some alignment. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 13% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Public Company Ownership

Public companies currently own 52% of Aeon (M) Bhd stock. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Aeon (M) Bhd better, we need to consider many other factors. Take risks for example - Aeon (M) Bhd has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Dobos torte, Gerbeaud slice, Esterhazy cake... These classic cakes are an important part of the culinary traditions of Hungary, and it's not extraordinary to find a confectioneries in the capital which can boast with a century-old history, or family businesses where several generations continue traditions.

After taking a quick course in the most popular cakes of Hungary, let's now check out which are the best places to find them.



1. Ruszwurm



Located in the beautiful Castle District, just a few steps from Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, Ruszwurm is a must-visit part of any excursions to this area  enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then have a rest in Ruszwurm and taste kremes, their most famous product.



Located in a tipical small historic building of Buda Castle, the confectionery has exquisite antique furnishings. Ruszwurm is the oldest family-run business, beginning of it dating back to 1927 when they opened their first confectioneries.



Entering the Ruszwurm confectionery in the Castle, you will feel as if you stepped back to the 19th century. Their pogacsa (salt puffs, a type of small, round salt cake) and retes (strudel) is also worth tasting!



2. Gerbeaud

Perhaps the most well-known of such Budapest institutions, Gerbeaud got it's name from a Swiss-born confectioner, moving to Budapest in the 19th century. Found in an elegant building at Vorosmarty Square, the Gerbeaud House preserves the spirit of the ambitious gastronomy of Emil Gerbeaud up to the present.



Our task is to introduce new flavours and textures to those who are enthusiastic about gourmet foods, and to assist them in their discovery of good, quality products. We strive to resurrect flavours from the rich past of Hungarian confectionery, and to recreate them in forms appropriate to modern tastes and ingredients"



 this is the motto of Gerbeaud today. Gerbeaud slice, invented in the 19th century and becoming one of the most popular Hugnarian desserts also originates from here.



3. Auguszt



Five generations of skilled confectioners: this is the history of Auguszt confectionery, having two shops in downtown Budapest, one in Buda (near market of Feny Street) and the other in Pest (in Kossuth Lajos Street). Elek Auguszt, the founder of the dinasty opened his first shop in 1870.



Sweet and salty pastres, cakes and ice creams await visitors, among them some cake specialities (E80 and XC cakes) created to commemorate of the anniversary of the birth of famous confectioner and great-grandfather of today august family generation, Elek Auguszt.



4. Daubner

Founded in 1901, more than 110 years old Daubner confectionery is located outside downtown Budapest, in the Buda side of the city. It is such a famous institution that it's vicinity is advertised as an attraction even by estate agents.



Founder of Daubner was Bela Daubner, who opened his forst confectionery at Oroshaza, which moved to the capital in the 1950's to Szepvolgyi Street, where it operates today. Sweet and salty pastries and cakes include traditional classics and new innovative ones too.



5. Nandori

A little bit younger than the previous ones, Nandori Confectionery in 9th District of Budapest, in Radai Street was opened in the 1950's.



Also operating as a family business, one of it's main success is that they won Cake of Hungary competition (birthday cake of Hungary created every year for 20 August celebrations) in the sugar-free category. Strudels, cakes and many other sweet and salt pastries can be tasted in the deservedly popular confectionery.



6. Jegbufe

Also founded in the 1950's, Jegbufe (the name menaning 'Ice Buffet') was inseperable part of the very heart of Budapest, Ferenciek (former Felszabadulas) Square.



With it's huga panorama window it was a perfect spot to enjoy some sweets while amusing ourselves with the sight of people going by. Because of the renovation of the building, however, it had to move, just to be opened a few meters further in Petofi Sandor Street. Getting a complete facelift, it is offering pastry and cakes with a refreshed design.



There are three Jegbufe today: on near the iconic ancestor in Petofi Sandor Street, the other in Buda and the third was opened in Jozsef korut in 8th district Budapest.



7. Szalai

Szalai Confectionery is just next to the Hungarian Parliament. This small confectionery is also operated by a multy-generational confectioner family, opened in 1917, originally on Grand Boulevard of Budapest.



Because of political turbulences of the post-war period of Hungary, this had to be closed, and founder Istvan Szalay could open a new confectionery only in the 1950's in Balassa Balint Street. His son, grandson and great-grandson all take on the family tradition, all becoming confetcioners too. Specialities of Szalai Confectionery include coffee doughnut.



+1 Szamos Gourmet Palace



Chocolate tree and life-size marzipan girl figure: these are just a few of the attractions of Szamos Gourmet House, located in a beautiful building of Vaci Street 1, the former Stock Exchange Palace of Budapest.



Szamos marzipan company and chocolatier was founded in 1935, and today the company has several confectioneries and shops, with a wide range of products. Szamos Gourmet House is their flagship store. In addition to the classical choice, the sweet-shop also offers sweets and plated desserts that are French-like or typical of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy.



Source: gotohungary.com

Republished with permission
Frances Framatome is set to take over the role of Germanys Siemens Energy in the supply of the operational control system for the two new blocks of Hungarys Paks nuclear power plant, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Paris.

The expansion of nuclear energy production is the best way to guarantee Hungarys long-term energy security and sustain the achievements of the scheme capping household energy prices, Szijjarto said after talks with the CEO of Frances EDF electric utility company, according to a ministry statement.



Szijjarto said the European Commissions recent approval of the modifications to the contracts of the Paks plants upgrade could now accelerate the expansion, adding that the Hungarian government now expected a greater French presence in the project.



Hungary had intended for the control system to be supplied by a German-French consortium, but the German government is not allowing the German company to participate, the minister said. Therefore, their role will most likely be taken over by the French, he added.



The minister noted that US engineering giant GE, which has been contracted to manufacture and supply the turbines for the new blocks, has been acquired by a French company.



And this means that French value added, French participation and French contributions to Hungarys nuclear industry will increase significantly, he said.



Szijjarto said this was in line with Hungarys interests, arguing that Budapest and Paris were in agreement on the strategic importance of protecting nuclear energy.



Certain European political players and Brussels bureaucrats are trying to push nuclear energy out of the European energy market, the minister said. But, he added, France had organised a coalition of 12 European countries that firmly support the use of nuclear energy.



We dont accept negative discrimination against nuclear energy, he said. Nuclear energy is indeed a clean, cheap and safe way of producing electricity.



Szijjarto on Wednesday morning also held talks with the director general of the European Space Agency as well as leaders of Thales Alenia Space and Servier.



Hungary is intensifying its cooperation with the ESA after having shortlisted the final four candidates to become the countrys next astronaut to participate in a mission on the International Space Station, he said, adding that the contract on the mission will be signed with US-based Axiom Space in September.



MTI Photo: Tamas Soki
The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.
Sam Chui, left, in the cockpit with Chang Kuo-wei (Twitter/SamChuiPhotos)

The head of an Asian airline could be a hit with a large fine after he allowed a YouTuber into his planes cockpit following the first flight of a new route.

Chang Kuo-wei, who founded Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines and is also a pilot, flew the firms inaugural flight from Taipei to Los Angeles, US, at the end of April 2023.

Members of the press and influencers were also on board, with Australian Sam Chui, who has over three million subscribers to his aviation and experience YouTube channel, travelling in first class, reports Taiwan News.

Mr Chui wrote on Facebook: Not every day the chairman of an airline flies his passengers personally.

The internet personality also shared a video of his trip on Twitter, even going as far as describing his meal on the plane as the best steak Ive ever had.

But its the picture of Mr Chui in the cockpit alongside Mr Kuo-wei that has attracted the attention of aviation authorities.

According to Article 194 of Taiwans Aircraft Flight Operation Regulations: No person may be admitted into the flight crew compartment of an aircraft except for the authorised personnel and flight dispatchers of the operator.

The case is being investigated by the countrys Civil Aeronautics Administration, with the organisations director-general, Lin Kuo-shian, reportedly summoning Starluxs director of flight operations for an explanation.

If authorities decide that Mr Kuo-wei violated the regulations, he could face a fine of around NT$60,000 (1,552), according to Simple Flying. A second offence could see a fine of almost 16,000.

The Independent has contacted Starlux Airlines for comment.

The cockpit is a heavily restricted area, and with good reason. Late last year, crew and passengers were forced to restrain a passenger after he stormed the cockpit on a flight from Poland to the US.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban and members of his cabinet on Wednesday participated in a meeting to prepare the ministers for chairing the configurations under Hungarys presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024, Orbans press chief told MTI.

Hungary has started preparations for the presidency, the prime minister announced.



Hungary has sufficient experience and is well-prepared with the government preparing to hold the presidency for the second time, which is unparalleled in Europe, he said.



We are ready to tackle the challenges faced by Europe in a coordinated and effective manner, Orban said.



The prime minister thanked officials of the Councils General Secretariat, Director-General for General and Institutional Policy Didier Seeuws and Director-General for Communication and Information Agnieszka Bartol for accepting the invitation to attend the two-day meeting and share their experiences with the Hungarian ministers.



Hungary held its first EU presidency in January-June 2011.
The Hungarian government requests that the OECD take action to ensure that Ukraine removes Hungary's OTP Bank from its list of international sponsors of war, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Paris.

The inclusion of OTP Bank on the list is absolutely unfair and has nothing to do with reality, Szijjarto told an OECD ministerial council meeting, according to a ministry statement, adding that OTP had not violated any regulations either in Ukraine or internationally.



He asked the OECD to intervene with a view to getting Ukraine to remove OTP from the list.



He warned that keeping the bank on the list would raise obstacles and challenges to continued enhanced cooperation with Ukraine.



The war in Ukraine is having an absolutely serious impact in neighbouring countries, Szijjarto said, adding that Hungarians were also dying in the fighting.



Hungary therefore has a vested interest in the war ending as soon as possible, he said.



Szijjarto said Hungary was undertaking the largest humanitarian aid operation in its history in connection with the war.



The government backs the OECDs support schemes in Ukraine, supports the reconstruction of hospitals and schools and contributes financially to the operation of key institutions on a bilateral basis, he added.



MTI Photo: Zoltan Balogh
To tell you frankly, I have no idea of this  I am unaware of this, I certainly did not issue such instructions, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on ATV in answer to a question from host Egon Ronai on what happened to the documents of the overpriced Malaysian ventilator procurements, which according to data obtained by Transparency International, had been destroyed.

Szijjarto promised to look into the matter, and claimed he did not know the reason for the disappearance of the documents. However, he said, he is sorry that the governments ventilator procurement scheme has been hurt so much, because they tried, on the basis of mathematical models, to procure as many ventilators as they thought would be needed.



Transparency reported that some documents related to suspicious ventilator procurement deals were destroyed at the Foreign Ministry in November, 2021, 20 months after the procurements.



These documents reportedly included papers verifying the transparency of GR Technologies, a suspect supplier. These documents will never become known.



This emerged after the Foreign Ministry refused to release information about the contract. Transparency eventually won access to those documents in a lawsuit.



Ultimately the Kuria ruled that the documents must be released, only for the Foreign Ministry to tell the NGO that these documents are no longer available.



MTI Photo: Marton Monus
Teachers are so poorly paid in Hungary that some educators in Bekes county commute to Romania to teach, newly elected Teachers Union president Tamas Totyik told the website Penzcentrum.

He said the salary of Romanian career-starting teachers is a net 50 more than that of their Hungarian counterparts and they have to teach only 18 hours a week.



The government promises to make the profession more attractive to starting teachers by giving them a 10% pay raise, but Totyik said this is inadequate, as the average salary of career-starting teachers is just 55% of the average salary of career starters with a degree.



Totyik said the power of the private sphere to lure teachers away is considerable, as, for example, nobody will work for a gross monthly salary of Ft 390,000 as an IT teacher, if they can get Ft 1 million at an IT company.



MTI Photo: Janos Nemes
YORK  Its that time of year when the county assessors office sends out valuation notices. Only owners whose property valuations changed since last year will receive notices.

York County Assessor Kurt Bulgrin says, If you dont receive a valuation notice, that means your valuation stayed the same as it was last year. If it went up or down, you will receive a valuation notice.

The valuation notices will be going out around June 1.

What follows, then, in the month of June, is the opportunity to question and even protest valuations if a property owner so chooses.

If someone files a protest, it will be heard by the county commissioners sometime in early July. They make the decision as to whether the assessors valuation is correct . . . if the property owner wants to appeal that decision they can go to the Nebraska Tax Equalization and Review Commission.

Anyone who has questions about valuations should contact the office of Assessor Bulgrin. They can stop in, call . . . if they have concerns or want to provide additional information or clarify information.

If someone wants to protest their valuation, they have until the end of the business day on July 1.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen learned the hard way how vulnerable modern agriculture can be to those with malicious intent.

One week before COVID reached Nebraska in 2020, a hacker knocked out the computers at Pillen Farms. The attack shut down the entire genetic database, kept workers from being able to make feed, and affected pretty much all activity at agribusiness operation.

You talk about sobering, the governor said Tuesday, while kicking off a two-day symposium focused on threats to agriculture.

The event, held at the Nebraska Innovation Campus, was hosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and brought together more than 400 people from some 19 states, representing a variety of agriculture entities and law enforcement.

Gene Kowel, special agent in charge of the FBIs Omaha Field Office, said the FBI is concerned about agriculture because it is one of the nations 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Those are sectors whose incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on national security, economic security or public health.

He said that agricultures growing use of technology has increased the risks to that sector, whether from criminals, terrorists or hostile foreign countries.

We know that the cyber-risk to our farms, our ranches, our food processing facilities is growing exponentially every day, every year, he said. Cyber risk is business risk and cyber security is national security.

Kowel described four main threats. The first is malicious cyber activity that can shut down agricultural operations. This can include ransomware attacks or other malware, which can be especially harmful during planting and harvesting time.

The theft of data or technology is the second threat. He said China, in particular, has set out to build its technological abilities by stealing from other countries.

A third threat comes from countries, criminals or terrorists trying to take control of agricultural processes, whether to stop production, alter production, manipulate markets or to have an ecological effect.

Finally, he said, there is a risk of bioterrorism or bio-warfare, in which diseases or toxic agents are used to target food production.

Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, said farmers and ranchers have been able to do more with less by adopting precision agriculture, which depends on using detailed data to direct sophisticated equipment or tailor the care of livestock. Theres also new technologies such as laser-equipped weed-killing robots or drones for spraying crops.

But those technologies all come with their share of risk. He said people in agriculture need to be aware of the potential and to develop a plan to prepare for and prevent problems. He also said he hopes the conference will result in a coalition of agricultural producers and food processers who can collaborate on deciding how best to protect the food supply system.

McHargue and Kowel said that people can find resources through websites for the FBI, Farm Bureau or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

Counties with the most farmland in Nebraska Counties with the most farmland in Nebraska #25. Valley #24. South Sioux #23. Chase #22. Boone #21. Rock #20. Antelope #19. Dundy #18. Garden #17. Buffalo #16. Brown #15. Dawson #14. Perkins #13. Keith #12. Knox #11. Red Willow #10. Kimball #9. Cheyenne #8. Morrill #7. Box Butte #6. Sheridan #5. Dawes, North Sioux #4. Holt #3. Custer #2. Lincoln #1. Cherry
The roar of race cars is something Bryan Post has grown accustomed to hearing every June.

Although the 14-year-old is a few years out from getting his driver's license, hes spent much of the past few summers working with pit crews and watching from the grandstands.

While a spinal cord injury unfortunately took that off the table for Post this year, a joint effort by the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital staff and Nebraska racing community brought the thrill of the race to him and other patients Tuesday afternoon, as racers from across the state brought out their vehicles, from battle-scarred stock cars to gleaming vintage autos.

Although the Post family was not available for comment, many other patients, families and friends came out to marvel at the cars under the sweltering June sun.

Despite only learning about the show a few hours before it began, Robby Juarez, an adult patient at Madonna recovering from a leg amputation and an avowed NASCAR fan, said he was immediately thrilled.

Just getting up close to (the cars) and seeing inside of them, its pretty neat, he said.

The cars werent the only spectacle on Tuesday afternoon. Although many of the drivers who came out were grizzled veterans of the scene, one driver stood out from the rest.

Cade Richards, an 18-year-old incoming freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been racing since he was 4 years old and confined to go-karts. He said it was an easy decision to drop by with his father after hearing about the meet-up on Facebook.

Were taking a little bit of our time, a little bit of our day and hopefully making somebody elses day or week, Richards said. So its not that big of a deal to bring a car out here and help somebody else out.

Richards' father, Matt, said his sons presence was all the more inspiring to younger patients because of his youth.

Its kind of hard sometimes to relate to an old guy or something like that, he said, recalling a memory of about 100 children swarming his son at the end of a race he won in Kansas.

Beyond the excitement of the car display, the event is part of a broader initiative by the hospital. Madonna pediatric program manager Jeff Stec said events like the car show allow patients to get out of their rooms and practice navigating some of the basics of everyday life that they will face once sent home.

The heat, figuring out sunscreen, figuring out all the water and the accommodations," Stec said. Giving people and families the opportunity to kind of practice all that stuff and figure that out is what we like this stuff for.

Juarez, the adult patient, said Tuesdays car show served as a reminder to appreciate the present, especially as he looks toward his discharge from the facility and his life afterward.

Enjoy every day you have, no matter what is in front of you, Juarez said. Just enjoy it.

Top Journal Star photos for May 2023
New Delhi: Young, talented performers who are mesmerizing audiences with their extraordinary talent and variety of performances are in demand of the growing Indian film industry. One such name is Abhishek Banerjee, who needs no introduction. Abhishek is one of those artistic talents who has been everyone's favorite and the talk of the town due to his extraordinary performances, the actor became a household celebrity and has attracted recognition for his performances both online and theatrically. He still stands out as the most promising performer in the field. The actor has captured people's hearts with his performances in every film he has appeared in, from 'Stree' to the most recent release of 'Bhediyaa', demonstrating his status as a major player in Indian cinema.

Abhishek Banerjee continued to be the audience's favorite. He came to attention with the film 'Stree', in which he gave an impressive performance in the comic genre. Following this, he appeared in 'Dream Girl' and in blockbuster web-shows like 'Pitchers', 'Mirzapur', 'Pataal Lok', and 'Rana Naidu', which rose him to prominence. The actor never typecast him in a specific genre and gave splendid performances in every genre of film and show.

The reputable website IMDB recently published a list of the top 50 Indian web shows, which included four shows featuring Abhishek Banerjee name as 'Pataal Lok', 'Rana Naidu', 'Mirzapur' and 'Pitchers'.

The actor felt honoured by this and said, "I am very happy to see four of my much loved shows featured in the list. This is an incredibly proud moment for me. The characters I portrayed in these four series were very different from one another, and it was the toughest task to play them but I enjoyed playing them as they explored me as an actor. And I'd like to thank my audiences ,they watched these performances and adored my character, because I am what I am is because of my fans and audiences and without their support, this journey would have not been possible."

Sharing a interesting fact about his much acclaimed performance as 'Hathoda' in 'Pataal Lok' he says, "My mom didn't like my role as 'Hathoda Tyagi' in the show, but she loved my role in 'Bhediyaa'."
New Delhi: In an interim relief to AAP MP Raghav Chadha, a Delhi court has directed the Rajya Sabha secretariat to not dispossess him of a Type-7 bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi, which is usually allotted to lawmakers who are former ministers, chief ministers or governors, till the pendency of his application and without following the due process of law. The court will now decide the maintainability of Chadha's application against the March 3, 2023 order of the Rajya Sabha secretariat cancelling the allotment of the bungalow to him on July 10. Nobody from the Rajya Sabha secretariat was immediately available for comments on the judicial order and the MP's petition.

During the proceedings, the counsel for the RS secretariat objected to the maintainability of the application. Additional District Judge Sudhanshu Kaushik had on June 1, after hearing the arguments from both sides on the issue of maintainability, fixed the matter for July 10 for order. The court had in April directed the secretariat not to dispossess Chadha of the bungalow till the pendency of the application without due process of law.

At this stage, I do not deem it expedient to comment on the arguments raised by the plaintiff that the allotment once made by the secretariat cannot be cancelled under any circumstances during the entire tenure of a Member of Parliament, the judge had said. However, I do find force in the second limb of the argument advanced on behalf of the plaintiff that a person cannot be dispossessed except by following the due process of law, the judge said.

Also Read: Modi, Modi' Slogans Interrupt Kejriwal's IP University Speech, He Hits Back With '70 Years' Jibe

"Since, the plaintiff (Chadha) is occupying an accommodation, which falls under the category of public premises, the defendant (Rajya Sabha Secretariat) is obligated to follow the due process of law, he said. The judge noted Chadha's submission that the secretariat was acting in haste and there was a strong likelihood that he might be dispossessed without following the due process of law.

"In view of these circumstances, a prima-facie case is made out for issuing directions to the effect that the plaintiff shall not be dispossessed from the bungalow without due process of law, the judge said. He observed that the balance of convenience also was in favour of Chadha as he was residing in the accommodation along with his parents.

Plaintiff would indeed suffer irreparable injury, in case he is dispossessed without the due process of law. Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, the defendant is directed not to dispossess the plaintiff from bungalow without due process of law, the judge said.

Chadha's counsel had urged the court to grant an ex-parte ad-interim injunction against the secretariat, claiming it was hell bent to evict Chadha from the allotted accommodation. He contended Chadha will suffer irreparable injury, in case the injunction was not granted.

No orders have been passed by the estate officer and eviction proceedings have not been initiated, the court noted. Chadha was on July 6 last year allotted a 'Type 6' bungalow at Pandara Park but he made a representation to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha on August 29 requesting for a 'Type 7' accommodation.

He was then allotted another bungalow on Pandara Road from the Rajya Sabha pool. However, in March this year, the allotment was cancelled. Chadha sought an injunction to the effect that the secretariat be restrained from taking any further action in consequence of the March 3 letter and be restrained from allotting the bungalow to some other person.

The AAP MP also sought Rs 5.5 lakh in damages from the secretariat for causing him mental agony and harassment. As a first-time MP, Chadha is entitled to a Type-5 accommodation in the normal course, according to the Rajya Sabha Members Handbook released in April 2022.

The handbook says MPs who are former Union Cabinet Ministers, former Governors or former Chief Ministers and former Lok Sabha Speakers, are entitled to Type-7 bungalows, the second largest category available to Rajya Sabha MPs
New Delhi: Former Delhi Deputy chief minister and jailed AAP leader Manish Sisodia's ailing wife Seema Sisodia met her husband "after a gap of 103 days" and later posted an emotional note in which she revealed how their well-wishers had warned them that world of politics would only lead to trouble." Seema Sisodia wrote the letter after a seven-hour interaction with her husband - that was allowed due to her deteriorating health condition  revealing her harrowing experience in the world of politics as the jailed AAP leaders spouse.

Seema Sisodia mentioned how the police was stationed outside their bedroom and continuously watched and listened to every word of the conversation the two were having. In a message posted on her Twitter handle, Seema mentioned how the policemen were stationed outside their bedroom to watch the two and listen to every word they uttered during their seven-hour interaction.

She also spoke about the challenges and sacrifices that come with the realm of politics, labelling it a "dirty game".

Delhi Excise Policy Case

Manish Sisodia, the former Delhi deputy chief minister, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the excise policy scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is currently in judicial custody.

'Steer Clear Of Politics'

Recalling the initial warnings received from well-wishers advising them to steer clear of politics, Seema Sisodia emphasised on how her husband remained resolute in his decision to join forces with (AAP supremo) Arvind Kejriwal and other like-minded individuals.

Back when these people were in the process of forming the party, we received numerous warnings from well-wishers advising us to steer clear of politics. They cautioned us that while journalism and activism were good pursuits, getting entangled in the world of politics would only lead to trouble. Those in power would do everything in their capacity to obstruct our work and torment our family, she wrote.

 103              ,            ,   



      ,                       pic.twitter.com/qCnFDQRtYY  Seema (@seema_meer) June 7, 2023

"However, Manish was resolute. He joined forces with Arvind Ji and other like-minded individuals, and together, they proved that they could make a difference. Their political endeavours forced influential figures to address critical issues such as education, healthcare, electricity and water, she said in her message in Hindi.

Seema, who is suffering from autoimmune disorder 'multiple sclerosis', said she witnessed her husband's unwavering determination and dedication during the meeting. Today, I witnessed that same unwavering determination etched on Manish's face and evident in his words. Despite enduring 103 days of sleeping on the floor, plagued by mosquitoes, ants, insects, and scorching heat, he remains undeterred with the dream gleaming in his eyes to uplift society through education and champion honest politics alongside Arvind Kejriwal. Regardless of the hardships and conspiracies that may arise, his commitment remains unshakable, she said.

Politics Of Education Would Win: Seema

She also mentioned how over the past three months, Manish has immersed himself in studying the history of education worldwide. He has delved into the stories of leaders from various nations who have dedicated themselves to the cause of education, examining how their efforts have propelled their countries forward. Japan, China, Singapore, Israel, America... He delved into these topics during our meeting today, alongside discussing my health," she shared.

Those who conspire against Arvind and Manish may rejoice in having imprisoned one of Arvind's soldiers. However, what they fail to see is that within the confines of Tihar Jail, the vision of an educated and prosperous India in 2047 is being woven with unwavering strength in a corner. Honesty and a commitment to educational reform will undoubtedly triumph over falsehoods and conspiracies," her message added.

The Delhi High Court had last week allowed the jailed AAP leader to meet his ailing wife at his residence. The court had also made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access his phone or the internet.

Hope Sisodia Wil Get Bail Soon: Kejriwal

Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal turned emotional as he remembered his former deputy while inaugurating a new branch of the B R Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence in Bawana.

"I am missing Manish Sisodia today. Manish had started this aiming to provide quality education to one and all. They framed false charges against him and jailed him in an unjust manner," Kejriwal said. He said Sisodia will be granted bail very soon.
One simple way to benefit from the stock market is to buy an index fund. But if you buy good businesses at attractive prices, your portfolio returns could exceed the average market return. For example, Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) shareholders have seen the share price rise 87% over three years, well in excess of the market return (30%, not including dividends). On the other hand, the returns haven't been quite so good recently, with shareholders up just 9.7%.

Since it's been a strong week for Arrow Electronics shareholders, let's have a look at trend of the longer term fundamentals.

View our latest analysis for Arrow Electronics

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

Arrow Electronics became profitable within the last three years. That would generally be considered a positive, so we'd expect the share price to be up.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

It is of course excellent to see how Arrow Electronics has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. If you are thinking of buying or selling Arrow Electronics stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet.

A Different Perspective

It's good to see that Arrow Electronics has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 9.7% in the last twelve months. Having said that, the five-year TSR of 11% a year, is even better. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Arrow Electronics (at least 2 which can't be ignored) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Success Story: Today, we're going to talk about Sanjita Mohapatra, who achieved the 10th rank in the UPSC CSE 2019 exam. Success requires consistency, especially when attempting one of India's toughest exams. Often, it takes multiple failures before achieving success. The key to success is perseverance and not giving up on your goals. Sanjita Mohapatra's success story is similar in that she achieved her life goals despite the obstacles.

Sanjita Mohapatra - Background

Sanjita was born in Sundargarh and raised in Rourkela. She excelled academically and completed Mechanical Engineering at CET Bhubaneswar. Sanjita always dreamed of becoming an IAS officer and a collector. After completing her degree, she worked as a Trainee (Technical) at SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant, until 2018 when she resigned to focus on the civil services exam. Sanjita married Biswaranjan Mundari, a manager at RBI in Mumbai, in 2017 and moved to Mumbai after leaving her job.

Also Read: Meet Abdul Aziz Kozgar Of Srinagar, One Of The Last Threads To Kashmir's 400-Years-Old Tradition Of Making Rosewater

High Time In Life

Sanjita also passed the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) exam and ranked second in the state of Odisha. She also qualified for the Odisha Public Service Commission but did not accept the job offer to concentrate on her UPSC preparation. Sanjita's family supported her during her UPSC preparation, and that motivated her to keep trying even after failing several times.

Setbacks In Life

Success is not just about achieving results; it's about the journey that leads to your goal. Sanjita worked as a junior manager at SAIL RSP when she was 22. Her job included field maintenance, managing people twice her age, and working in shifts. Sanjita resigned in 2018 to prepare for the civil services exam. Sanjita's preparation for the UPSC exam began while she was in college. She failed the preliminary exam in her first three attempts due to a lack of preparation and revision. In her fourth attempt, she resigned from her job but could not pass the mains exam.

Also Read: Meet Abhishek Kumar, A Patna Student Who Bagged INR 1.8 Crore Salary Package Job Offer From Amazon

Sanjita Mohapatra: Success Story

Sanjita passed the UPSC CSE exam on her fifth attempt. She attributes her success to self-study, a weekly schedule, and achieving targets on time. Sanjita chose Sociology as her optional subject and took a three-month crash course to master it. She made notes from NCERT books and short key points and relied on newspapers for current affairs. Sanjita did not follow a daily timetable but set monthly targets for all subjects and evaluated her progress every night. She believes in quality study time, not the number of hours spent studying. Sanjita wants to contribute to the development of the KBK region and tribal hinterlands.
New Delhi: Gitanjali Aiyar, who was one of India's first English female news presenters on national broadcaster Doordarshan, passed away on Wednesday. The renowned anchor was suffering from Parkinson's disease and collapsed after returning home from a walk, sources close to the family said. She reportedly died aged 71.

Several political leaders including Union Minister Anurag Thakur and other noted personalities took to Twitter to condole the demise of the eminent anchor.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gitanjali Aiyar, one of the first and finest English news anchors on Doordarshan and All India Radio," Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, said in a tweet.

He added that Aiyar was a 'trailblazer and pioneer', who brought 'credibility, professionalism, and a distinct voice' to every news report.

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gitanjali Aiyar, one of the first and finest English news anchors on Doordarshan and All India Radio.



A trailblazer & pioneer, she brought credibility, professionalism, and a distinct voice to every news report, leaving an indelible pic.twitter.com/MvaR7kgLmB  Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) June 7, 2023

Gitanjali Aiyar graduated from Kolkata's Loreto College

Gitanjali Aiyar graduated from Kolkata's Loreto College. The prime-time English news anchor also held a diploma degree from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi.

After her graduation, she joined All India Radio (AIR) and presented a show -- A Date With You -- in which she used to take English song requests on Friday nights.

Gitanjali Aiyar joined Doordarshan in 1971

Gitanjali Aiyar rose to fame when she joined the national broadcaster Doordarshan in 1971 and started presenting prime-time news.

She was awarded the best anchor four times and also won the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989.

After her illustrious stint at the national television organisation, she left Doordarshan in August 2002.

Gitanjali Aiyar also acted in a TV drama

Besides presenting news programmes, Gitanjali Aiyar had also been a popular face in several print advertisements and even acted in Sridhar Kshirsagar's TV drama 'Khandaan'.

In her decades-long illustrious career, she was associated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Mumbai: In a shocking case, the Mumbai Police have detained a 56-year-old man who allegedly murdered his live-in partner and chopped her body into pieces. The suspect has been identified as Manoj Sane. He had been staying with victim Saraswati Vaidya in the rental flat in the Akashganga building in the Mira Road area over the past three years.

The shocking case came to light after the Nayanagar police station received a call from residents of the building, complaining about a foul odour emanating from the couple's flat.

As per the police, a preliminary investigation revealed that the woman had been brutally killed. The accused Manoj Sane allegedly killed Saraswati Vaidya 3-4 days back and after that, he purchased a tree-cutter to chop her into pieces, said police. The accused then boiled pieces of her body in a pressure cooker and later filled them into plastic bags to dispose of them.

Police said that over 12-13 pieces of the woman's body have been recovered from the site.

"Police have found a body of a woman who had been cut into pieces, from a society in the Mira Road area. Here a couple was living in a live-in relationship. A preliminary investigation revealed that the woman was hacked to death.," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Mumbai Jayant Bajbale said. The suspect was detained on Wednesday evening.

The horrific case has brought back the memories of the Shraddha Walkar murder case that stunned the country last year. Mumbai girl Shraddha Walkar was a 27-year-old call centre employee who was strangled by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala, who then chopped her body into 35 pieces and disposed of them in a forest over 18 days. He also stored some of the body parts in a fridge and charred her face to hide her identity.

The case came to light only six months later, when Walkar's father filed a missing person complaint after failing to contact her for months. Aaftab Poonawala was arrested by the Delhi police and charged with murder and destruction of evidence.
Mumbai: Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said cooperative lenders will soon be able to do technical write-offs and execute compromise settlements with defaulting borrowers.

RBI has decided to widen the scope of the framework for resolution of stressed assets, under which all the regulated entities including cooperative lenders will now be able to execute "compromise settlements and technical write-offs" to resolve non-performing assets, Das said.

Till now, this avenue for dud asset resolutions was available only with scheduled commercial banks and select non-bank finance companies, Das said, adding that comprehensive guidelines on the same will be released soon.

It can be noted that the cooperative lending sector frequently makes headlines for lack of governance practices and conflicts of interest.

Das also said that it is proposed to rationalise the extant prudential norms on restructuring of borrower accounts affected by natural calamities.

The Governor also acknowledged that a need has arisen to ease the implementation challenges faced by other UCB (urban cooperative banks) on the priority sector lending targets, and announced to extend the timelines for achieving the targets by two more years up to March 2026.

Lenders which have met the targets as on March 31, 2023 shall be suitably incentivized, he added.

To further facilitate orderly development of the digital lending ecosystem and enhance credit penetration in the economy, the RBI has decided to introduce default loss guarantee arrangements in digital lending.

"With a view to further promoting responsible innovation and prudent risk management, it has been decided to issue guidelines on Default Loss Guarantee arrangements in Digital Lending," Das said.

RBI has decided to rationalise and simplify the licensing framework for authorized persons under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, to improve the efficiency in the delivery of foreign exchange facilities to various segments of users including common persons, tourists and businesses, Das said.

To further enhance the efficiency of the Bharat Bill Payment System and to encourage greater participation, RBI has proposed to streamline the process flow of transactions and membership criteria for operating units, Das said.

With a view to providing greater flexibility for managing liquidity, it has been decided that scheduled commercial banks excluding Small Finance Banks can set their own limits for borrowing in Call and Notice Money Markets within the prescribed prudential limits for inter-bank liabilities, Das said.
Traveling by train is a common occurrence for many people in India, be it for a vacation or business trip. With Indian Railways being the largest rail network in Asia and the second largest in the world, it has become a reliable and affordable mode of transportation for passengers from various backgrounds and classes. However, along with its benefits, there are also drawbacks such as unexpected delays and accidents. The recent Odisha train accident serves as a tragic reminder of how such incidents can result in the loss of hundreds of lives and leave many others injured.

In response to such unfortunate events, the government has taken action to compensate the victims and their families. Additionally, passengers have the option to avail themselves of the IRCTC travel insurance policy.

This insurance policy, available at a minimal premium of just 35 paise, offers uniform coverage to all classes of passengers, with a sum insured of up to Rs 10 lakhs in case of death or permanent disabilities.

While selecting the insurance option is not mandatory for every passenger during ticket booking, it is still a worthy consideration for times of need. By opting for this insurance policy, passengers can have peace of mind knowing that they have an additional layer of protection. To learn more about the details of IRCTC's travel insurance policy, continue reading below.

What is the premium for IRCTC's travel insurance policy?

According to IRCTC, the travel insurance policy will need a premium of 35 paise per passenger, inclusive of all taxes.

What benefits do passengers receive in case of death?

If the insured passenger suffers an accidental physical injury while traveling that results in death within 12 months from the date of the accident or untoward incident, they will receive 100% of the sum insured, which is Rs 10,00,000.

What benefits do passengers receive in case of permanent total disability?

If the insured passenger suffers an accidental physical injury while traveling that results in permanent total disability within 12 months from the date of the accident or untoward incident, they will receive 100% of the sum insured, which is Rs 10,00,000.

What benefits do passengers receive in case of permanent partial disability?

If the insured passenger suffers an accidental physical injury while traveling that results in permanent partial disability within 12 months from the date of the accident or untoward incident, they will receive 75% of the sum insured, which is Rs 7,50,000. However, the amount may vary in different cases.

What benefits do passengers receive for hospitalisation expenses?

In case the insured passenger requires hospitalization for injuries, they will be eligible to receive up to Rs 2,00,000 for hospitalization and medical treatment.

What benefits do passengers receive for the transportation of mortal remains?

If the insured passenger dies due to certain conditions directly related to any accident or untoward incidents while traveling, the insurance company will pay an amount of up to Rs 10,000 for the transportation of their mortal remains to their residence or the cremation ground.
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the firing incident inside the Lucknow Civil Court in which a close aide of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari was killed. Gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva was fatally shot inside the court premises after being brought in for a hearing. Later, the police confirmed that the gangster succumbed to his injuries.

"A three-member SIT, including Mohit Agarwal, ADG Technical; Joint CP, Lucknow, Nilabja Chaudhary and Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar, has been constituted to investigate the incident," read an official statement from CMO.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Lucknow, Rahul Raj said, "Sanjeev Jeeva was shot at and succumbed to his injuries. Two of our constables also sustained injuries but are out of danger. They are currently under treatment. I've been told that the assailant has been arrested."

Meanwhile, lawyers staged a protest outside Lucknow Civil Court in the wake of the firing incident. "A child was also injured in the incident and was admitted to a trauma centre," said Agarwal.

"A criminal, identified as Sanjeev Jeeva, was shot today. Two police officials, who were escorting him to the court, also sustained injuries. A child was also injured in the incident and was admitted to a trauma centre," Upendra Kumar Agarwal, joint commissioner of police, Law and Order, Lucknow, said.

Lucknow District Magistrate, Surya Pal Gangwar informed that the girl, who was injured in the incident, was stable and undergoing treatment.

"Sanjeev alias Jeeva was shot dead at Lucknow civil court. The accused was arrested. A girl was also injured in the incident. Her condition is stable and she is receiving treatment. The investigation is underway," said Surya Pal Gangwar.

The gangster was accused in the murder of BJP leader Brahm Dutt and was being brought to court for a hearing. "DCP West and DCP Central reached the court premises after receiving word of the incident," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Sunil Kumar Mishra.
Indian cuisine offers a diverse range of flavours and cooking techniques, making it highly popular worldwide. No matter where you go, you're bound to encounter an Indian restaurant that serves delicious food. Among the various regional cuisines in India, Hyderabadi cuisine stands out. Recently, Eric Garcetti, the American ambassador to India, had the opportunity to savour the exquisite creations of the top chef at a renowned hotel in Hyderabad. In a video shared by the US Consulate General in Hyderabad (@USAndHyderabad), Garcetti and his guests can be seen relishing Hyderabadi delicacies like kachhe ghost ki biryani and kubani ka meetha.

I can't travel to a new place without trying some of the local fare! Big thanks to Chef Shivneet Pohoja from the ITC Kohenur's Dum Pukht restaurant for a delicious sampling of dakhni chowgra, Hyderabadi gosht biryani, and khubani ka meetha. Yum! https://t.co/6jJUG30X80  U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) June 6, 2023

The dish "kubani ka meetha," which is made of apricots that have been dried, is described by Garcetti as "simple but complicated." It is both sweet and wonderfully cooling. Saffron threads added a touch of sophistication to it. This dessert is stunning and wonderful.

"I cant travel to a new place without trying some of the local fare! Big thanks to Chef Shivneet Pohoja from the ITC Kohenurs Dum Pukht restaurant for a delicious sampling of dakhni chowgra, Hyderabadi gosht biryani, and khubani ka meetha. Yum!" Garcetti tweeted in response to a recording of his fancy dining experience.

One Twitter user left a comment on the video, expressing their opinion, saying, "This seems tasty, but why stick to posh 5-star hotels, Ambassador? On the streets and in the smaller dhabas, you may find the actual delicacy and flavour. Attempt it once.

Another individual chimed in, suggesting, "Visit one of the hotels in Chanakya Puri, dear Ambassador, if you want to sample Indian food. Assam House, Tripura Bhawan, Odisha Bhawan, etc. In Chanakya Puri, there is a restaurant called Yashwant Palace where you can get Indo-Chinese food. It's fantastic, @USAmbIndia.

Garcetti had previously shared a video of himself and some members of the embassy enjoying delicious food in Hyderabad.

"India, you've already won my affection! Along with colleagues from the Embassy, I'm here anxious to experience Hyderabad's intriguing culinary culture and curious palate, he said.
Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes in Canada due to the devastating wildfires that have been raging across the country. As a result, the George Washington Bridge, which connects New Jersey and New York City, became shrouded in thick, toxic smoke. This catastrophic event has led to New York City being labeled as the most polluted city in the world. New York Mayor Eric Adams, recognising the detrimental air and smoke conditions, urged residents with heart or respiratory conditions to limit their outdoor activities to only the most essential tasks.

The city's boroughs were placed under a high air quality alert as the winds carried the smoke southward. The situation has worsened as over 110 of the 150 forest fires in Quebec have spiraled out of control, resulting in additional evacuations.

Watch:

#BREAKING: New footage from the George Washington Bridge (connecting New Jersey and New York City) of the toxic smoke now enveloping the northeast, as dozens of wildfires burn uncontrolled across Canada. #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/7HjdJwMaEG  Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) June 7, 2023

IQAir has reported that the air quality in the city has reached hazardous levels, scoring 342 and surpassing the pollution levels of New Delhi. This figure exceeds New Delhi's score of 190 and the normal average of 100 on the air quality scale, which ranges from 0 to 500, with higher scores indicating poorer air quality. Forecasters said the orange haze was worse than 9/11.

Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index categorises Ottawa's air pollution as high risk, placing it in category 10+. As a result of the wildfire smoke, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily suspended flights to LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Sporting events in Manhattan have been postponed due to the yellowish glow caused by the smoke, including the cancellation of Corinne Bailey Rae's opening night concert of a Brooklyn series.

However, the forecast predicts that once a storm system from the west begins to move in, the wind direction will change. This shift will prevent the smoke from reaching certain parts of the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, providing some relief.

U.S. President Joe Biden took to Twitter to announce that over 600 American firefighters, along with equipment, have been dispatched to Canada to assist in fighting the wildfires. These devastating fires have led to the displacement of over 20,000 individuals in Canada and the destruction of more than 3.8 million hectares of land. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared this wildfire season as the most destructive in history.
The mid-size SUV soup is boiling hot with strong competition. Soon, it will be joined by Honda Elevate - the Japanese carmakers first-ever attempt in this segment. The Elevate made its global debut in India, and the SUV will be launched by the festive season this year. Honda has confirmed that the order book will open soon. The Honda Elevate will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor and others. Undoubtedly, the Elevate certainly has been assigned an important task. But will it succeed? Well, heres what we feel about it in our first-ever static interaction with the Elevate.

Watch Video: Honda Elevate First Look Review

Honda Elevate - Segment-Defying Looks?

The Honda Elevate is designed with the notion of keeping things subtle and classy. The design is understated for the most part. The nose is flat, and the bonnet is high-set. The front end comprises a large-squared-off radiator grille, finished in piano black. The bumper features triangular fog lamp housings, along with a slim scuff plate. Notably, theres some unwanted visual bulk on the front. The full-LED headlamp cluster is slender-looking with whiskers for LED DRLs. It adds a premium touch to the front end.

The black cladding, squared-off wheel arches, 220 mm ground clearance, chunky silver-finished roof rails, and a flat profile for the roof give it a distinctive stance. The Elevates side profile is appealing, but chrome-finished door handles get rubberised buttons for request sensors. No, it keeps away from proximity sensors. Also, the Elevate is 4,312 mm long and 1,650 mm tall. All of this bulk is certainly visible in its design. The absence of a quarter glass in the super-thick pillar, however, makes it look small. The design for the 17-inch diamond-cut rims is rather plain, and there's a huge gap left between the arches.

The 1,790 mm width is apparent around the tail section. The L-shaped wraparound tail lamps look classy and feature a reflector to mimic a connected-style setup. In comparison to the front fascia, the rear facet looks more imposing. In fact, it features more cuts and creases than both the front and side profiles of the Elevate. The road presence of the Elevate could play an important role in its demand, however, the styling lacks sharpness.

Honda Elevate - Posh Inside?

The doors on the Honda Elevate close with a solid thud, reaffirming that build quality is up to the mark. The cabin too has the Honda flavour in plenty. Although the dashboard layout is new, it still feels familiar. Thereby, inviting mixed opinions. The steering wheel is a direct lift from the City, and so is the climate control panel. In fact, layers are used on the dashboard are City-inspired. The 7-inch TFT LCD for the instrument cluster comes from Hondas C-segment saloon. While it might not spread the air of innovation, all of it will help in keeping the costs in check.

In comparison to the City, the Elevate gets a new larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless connectivity options. It gets an L2 ADAS kit like the City, which comprises lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more. Safety features are kept in check, but convenience is kept aside. The Elevate gets a rather small sunroof, and the equipment skips out on ventilated and power-adjustable seats, a 360-degree parking camera, a rear centre headrest and more.

Space on the Elevate is in abundance, and it feels very much comfortable. Thanks to the seats used here. They felt comfortable and supportive. Also, theres enough legroom, headroom, and knee room for four occupants to travel comfortably on a long haul. The boot space too is best-in-class at 458 litres.

Honda Elevate - Whats Under The Hood?

To propel the Honda Elevate, there is a 1.5L 4-cylinder NA petrol power plant that is borrowed from the City itself. It churns out a peak power output of 121 PS against a peak torque of 145 Nm. There are two transmission choices on offer - 6-speed MT and CVT. The strong-hybrid powertrain is not a part of the package for the Elevate. At the moment, Honda is looking forward to introducing an all-electric version of the Elevate in the near future. In comparison to the segment best-sellers, this type of powertrain brings volume, but those looking to buy powerful turbo-petrol motors, oil burners, or strong-hybrid setups, will have to look elsewhere.

Honda Elevate - Price & Launch Date

The Elevate is expected to hit the market at a starting price of around Rs 11 lakh and top out at Rs 17 lakh. Honda has the potential to price it aggressively. If they do so or not, well know by Diwali this year, when the Honda Elevate officially goes on sale in the Indian market.
Air India has said that it will refund journey fare and provide a voucher for future travel to passengers who were stranded for nearly two days in Magadan after their New Delhi-San Francisco flight was diverted to the Russian city following a technical snag in one of its engines. Air India had sent a ferry flight to Magadan and it landed with the passengers in San Francisco on Thursday. In a letter to the passengers, the airline said that the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine and out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport.

"Please allow me to sincerely apologise, on behalf of Air India, for the extended delay in bringing you to San Francisco. As you are all too aware, the aircraft encountered a technical issue whereby the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine. Out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport rather than continue the journey," the letter said.

It said the safety of passengers was the highest priority.

"While the facilities in Magadan, a small city, may not have met the standard we would normally aim to provide, we are grateful for your tolerance and understanding that our local agents and crew did their best under the circumstances. We are also grateful to the residents and business of Magadan for the assistance they provided to a plane full of unexpected visitors at short notice," the letter added.

Also read - Indian Airlines Reduced Airfares By 61 Percent After Govt Intervention: Aviation Minister Scindia

"As such, we will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India. Although we cannot change the past, I trust that this gesture conveys our sincere regrets for the disruption and inconvenience," it added.

The Air India flight, headed to San Francisco from New Delhi with 216 passengers and 16 crew members was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday after a technical issue with one of its engines.

As per the airline, Flight AI173D landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 0007 hours on June 8, 2023 (local time).

In a statement on Thursday morning, the airline said it had mobilised additional on-ground support at the destination to carry out the smooth clearance formalities for all passengers upon arrival.
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden vetoed a bill designed to kill the administrations sweeping student-debt relief plan on Wednesday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The legislation, initiated by congressional Republicans, would have thwarted the presidents executive action to cancel billions of dollars in student debt and eliminate the governments restructured repayment program.

The bill passed with support from a small contingent of Democrats earlier this month, undermining support for the policy within the presidents own party.

Two moderate Democratic senators, Joe Manchin of West Virgina and Jon Tester of Montana, casted votes in favor of the measure as did Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a once-Democrat-turned independent.

The passage of the bill in the Democratic-controlled Senate delivered a blow to the president who made student-debt cancellation a key presidential campaign promise. The reality highlights mixed attitudes regarding Bidens plan to forgive as much as $20,000 in federal student loans for eligible borrowers.

The program is broadly popular with progressives, young voters and people of color.

Two Democratic lawmakers in the House  Representatives Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington State  also broke from a coalition united against the legislation by voting in favor.

Biden did not address the Democrats who supported the bill in a video address announcing the veto. Im going to keep fighting to make sure college is cheaper, make student-loan systems more manageable for borrowers, he said.

The measure still faces obstacles that cannot be overcome by the stroke of a pen. Proponents of the plan have more to worry about in the US Supreme Court, where justices expressed skepticism of its merits during oral arguments in February. Some legal experts predict the courts conservative majority will strike down the plan.

Justices are expected to issue an opinion on the legality of the program before late June. The executive action has been caught in legal battles since its release last August.

Im never going to apologize for helping working- and middle-class Americans as they recover from this pandemic. Never, Biden added in the video, a reference to the administrations legal argument, which relies on a 2003 law giving the Education Department broad authority to manage federal-student loans in a national emergency.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday said that BJP, which was allegedly, one time, seek to strip minorities of the right to vote, would not succeed as long as Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav are there in the state. "People of every religion have contributed to the freedom struggle of the country. This country belongs to Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs, Christian and others... 'Ye desh kisi ke baap ka nahi hai' (it doesn't belong to someone's father). There was a buzz earlier to take the voting rights of Muslim community. How it is possible until we are here? "We have different states, different religions, different people, different cultures, different foods, different styles of clothing but we are living together. It is our diversity of the country that people of different communities are living together," Yadav said while addressing a gathering of Bunkar community in Gyan Bhawan here.

"Hence, if anyone would think of throwing someone out of the country or taking back their voting rights, it would not be possible until Nitish ji and Lalu ji are here," he added. "We are watching how they (the BJP) are conspiring in the country to communalise the society. Lalu ji had stopped the Rath of (veteran BJP leader L.K.) Advani ji and our Mahagathbandhan government under the leadership of Nitish Kumar will stop the rath of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji in Bihar. Hence, every opposition party including Congress, regional parties are assembling here in Patna for the meeting," he said, adding that if the BJP comes into power again, "the country and its Constitution would not survive".
A Delhi court on Thursday convicted a police sub-inspector, who was posted at Lodhi Colony police station, in a bribery case, observing that power cannot be enjoyed simply for its privileges alone, but it necessarily makes its holders morally responsible. SI Gopal Singh was held guilty by Special Judge Namrita Aggarwal, who said that being public servants having so much power, police officers are expected to set a standard for the society by being available to the public when in need.

As per the prosecution, the accused asked for a bribe of Rs 2 lakh from the complainant named Anita. The demand was made in exchange for removing Anita and her husband`s names from a complaint filed against them regarding a dispute that the accused was investigating. Quoting a famous maxim by `Marvel` comics and films' movie Spiderman, the judge said: "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility` is an adage which though popularised by Marvel comics and films, became an arduous code of conduct, especially for public servants. It means that power cannot be enjoyed simply for its privileges alone, but necessarily makes its holders morally responsible both for what they choose to do with it and what they fail to do with it."

She stated that it is crucial for individuals in positions of authority to approach power with humility and skepticism, recognising that they do not inherently deserve that authority and that it becomes their responsibility to treat those under their authority with dignity. She also emphasised that the police force has a pervasive presence within the society, serving as a visible representation of the government.

As public servants entrusted with significant powers, police officers are expected to establish a societal benchmark by being readily available to the public in times of necessity, she said. "They play a vital role in the protection of Right to Life, Liberty, Security etc. enshrined in the Constitution of India. Thus, the need for police accountability is made evident by the great powers that police forces wield," she said.

"It can be safely inferred that the complete chain of circumstances was established beyond reasonable doubt and without a snap, thus proving the guilt of the accused. Thus, accused Gopal Singh is convicted for offence under Section 7 (bribery) of Prevention of Corruption Act," she added. Arguments on the quantum of sentence will be heard on June 9.
New Delhi: In a major boost to national capital Delhi's night-time economy, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday granted approval to 155 shops and commercial establishments to operate 24X7, news agency PTI reported. The approval has been given by the chief minister and the file has been forwarded to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena for his opinion on whether he disagrees with the elected governments decision, PTI quoted Delhi Chief Ministers Office (CMO) as saying on Tuesday.

The statement said that the Delhi government aims to create more employment opportunities, protect the rights of workers, and boost the local economy by approving 24X7 operations for a new group of commercial applicants. It also said that the extended operational hours will ensure that Delhi residents have access to essential goods and services at any time of the day or night.

This decision comes as part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote a business environment in the capital city. A total of 523 shops have been granted permission to operate round-the-clock in the last two years. This marks a significant departure from the previous trend, where only 269 establishments were allowed such exemptions in the 68 year long period spanning from 1954 to 2022.

Also Read: Court Stays AAP MP Raghav Chadha's Eviction From Bungalow Above His Grade

Whereas, in the year 2022, 313 numbers of applications were approved. And in the year 2023 to date, 55 numbers of applications have already been approved.

The government has granted the applicants exemptions from sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954. These three sections collectively put restrictions on hiring night-shift employees and impose related rules upon opening and closing times and holidays for commercial establishments, the statement said.

Also Read:'Modi, Modi' Slogans Interrupt Kejriwal's IP University Speech, He Hits Back With '70 Years' Jibe

The Delhi government has completely digitised the application process, bringing an end to "inspector raj", the statement said.

Traders will not need to go to government offices and their applications will be processed within four weeks of submission along with verification and on-site inspection.

In case an application fails to get approval, the government gives the applicant an opportunity to rectify their shortcomings as per the set parameters and seek approval again.
Kashmir Valley woke up to a new controversy this morning after several female students were seen protesting against a Hijab Ban outside their college in Srinagar. The female students of the Vishwa Bharti Womens College at Rainawari area of Srinagar alleged that their entry into the school premises was denied for wearing Hijab. The ban and subsequent protests within no time took a political turn. From political leaders to religious clerics, the controversy snowballed and was condemned by one and all. "Why should we take off the Abaya ? I don't love this school more than my God that I will take off this Abaya. I will never take my Abaya off, there are so many boys in the college and there is so much immorality going on which is invisible to their eyes and asking us to take off the Abaya," a student said while speaking to Zee Media.

"Who is she (administration official) to tell us to take the Abaya off? She asked us to go to a Dargah (Religious School) if we wish to wear an Abaya. Don't the girls who wear Abayas get the same education as everyone else?" she added. However, the school administration has stated that there has been some miscommunication on the issue, as the students were "only asked to wear the cover as per recommended norms." The school authorities said that the students are wearing multicoloured Abaya and this is not as per uniform of the college. "Even though the school has its own dress code, and some girls also wear Abaya, they have never been stopped," said InCharge principal of the school, Memroz Shafi.

Yesterday, I informed teachers to ask those students not to wear Abaya in the school premises, but they can come in Abaya until they reach school premises in order to maintain decorum," Shafi added. There is no higher authority involved in it but I believe a proper dress code which is being followed shall be followed here as well. We will announce a proper colour and pattern of Abaya for all those students who want to come to school wearing the same,. We are not allowing colourful Abayas to be followed in the institution," Shafi said further. The Political leadership in the Kashmir Valley has criticised the move as well. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti said that dictates like these won't be tolerated and there would be repercussions to it.

"They want to change Gandhi's India into Godse's India. Jammu Kashmir has become a laboratory for them, and every experimentation is being done from here. What had started in Karnataka is now being implemented in Kashmir as well. We will not accept this, and it will have severe reactions and repercussions. It's a personal choice to wear what we want, and you cannot force us to change that. They are attacking our religion and our religious leaders, the NIA calling summoning our religious leaders is an example. We won't tolerate all this. They have dispossessed us and now they are attacking our religion," said Mehbooba Mufti. The Grand Mufti of Kashmir Valley Mufti Nasir Ul Islam has said the institution was only for women and now recently been converted into a co-education institute, so the female students should be allowed to wear burqa and abaya as their choice to protect their modesty.
Cyclone Biparjoy Live Updates: The 'Biparjoy' cyclone over the Arabian Sea has rapidly intensified into a very strong cyclonic storm. The monsoon in Kerala is expected to begin rather gradually, with just a weak spread of its influence beyond the southern peninsula, according to meteorologists. The Kerala monsoon is expected to arrive within the next two days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which made this announcement on Wednesday morning.

The IMD has issued a warning for fishermen on Karnataka's coast not to venture into the Arabian Sea citing dangerous weather conditions and rough seas until further notice.

Cyclone Biparjoy: Gujarat Govt Fully Prepared

The Gujarat government on Wednesday said that it is fully prepared to tackle with possible natural calamities. Fishermen in Gujarat have been warned not to venture into the Arabian sea till June 14.
Eight cheetahs were transported in from Namibia, signaling the big cat's long-awaited comeback, seven decades after the Asiatic cheetah was listed as extinct in India. During his birthday celebration in 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight African cheetahs into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala, 84, was another individual who was maybe even more delighted on that day than the Prime Minister. Ranjitsinh, a former Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer from the 1961 batch, was one of the architects of the 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Act and had a childhood dream of reintroducing cheetahs to the nation. Even though the cheetah was extinct, the former director of Wildlife Preservation included it as a protected species when writing the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

M.K. Ranjitsinh - The Superhero

If the conservation community in India had to choose a superhero, M.K. Ranjitsinh would undoubtedly be the man of steel. This intellectual genius has spent more than 50 years exploring India's wilderness, developing ground-breaking legislation, inspiring action for lesser-known endangered species, and starting ground-breaking conservation initiatives. Ranjitsinh, a descendant of the former Wankaner royal dynasty of Saurashtra, Gujarat, joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1961. As they say, the rest is history.

Also Read: Meet IAS Officer Govind Jaiswal, The Son Of A Rickshaw Puller Who Cleared UPSC In His First Attempt

M.K. Ranjitsinh - Notable Works

He was in charge of the initial efforts to conserve the highly endangered barasingha deer, Rucervus duvaucelii, from central India. He also made it possible for the first hamlet to be relocated outside of a national park, opening the door for future rehabilitations. He wrote the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 while serving as the Government of India's Deputy Secretary for Forests and Wildlife. This piece of law continues to be India's only hope for wildlife. He created plans to give states financial support from the central government to establish national parks and sanctuaries. He was the first Director of Wildlife Preservation in India under this Act. Later, he contributed to the identification of India's first tiger reserves while serving as the member secretary of the task team that developed Project Tiger, one of the most effective conservation initiatives in the world. Then, from 1975 to 1980, this one-man army provided priceless services to nations in the Asia-Pacific Region while serving as the Nature Conservation Adviser in the UNEP's Bangkok Regional Office. Upon his return to India, he oversaw the notification of 11 sanctuaries and up to eight national parks. While serving as the state's Forest Secretary, he went on to expand the boundaries of three more national parks in Madhya Pradesh.

M.K. Ranjitsinh - Awards And Recognitions

He previously received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 for his work in wildlife protection. He has also held positions as the director of wildlife preservation, chairman of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), director general of the WWF Tiger Conservation Programme (TCP), former secretary for forests and tourism in Madhya Pradesh, and regional adviser for nature conservation (Asia & Pacific) for UNEP. He was also in charge of preventing the extinction of the Barasingha in central India. In Madhya Pradesh, Ransitsinh also created eight national parks and fourteen sanctuaries.

Also Read: Meet Sanjita Mohapatra, An IAS Officer Who Faced Four Failed Attempts Before Cracking The UPSC With An Impressive AIR 10

M.K. Ranjitsinh - The Protector

It was M.K. Ranjitsinh's tireless efforts that resulted in a ban on the export of snake skins, crocodile skins and furs from the nation. He is as intimidating in the boardroom as he is in the field. He started successful captive breeding and release projects for all three species of Indian crocodilians, being equally fascinated by all wild animals.

M.K. Ranjitsinh - Love For Cheetahs

Early in the 1970s, India made its first attempt to reintroduce the carnivore. Even then, Ranjitsingh was the one who spoke with Iran, but once the emergency was declared in 1975 and the Shah of Iran was overthrown in 1979, no further progress could be made in the negotiations. Since that time, Ranjitsinh and Divyabhanusinh Chavda, a wildlife conservationist, have worked on the rules and strategy for reintroducing cheetahs. The 'African Cheetah Introduction Project in India' was established in 2009, but it wasn't until 2020 that the Supreme Court gave its ultimate clearance. Ranjitsinh was chosen by the SC to lead the expert group formed for the relocation.

There was once a healthy cheetah population throughout India, but according to stories, Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo of Koriya killed the last three huge cats in 1947. The Government of India formally proclaimed the cheetah extinct in 1952 due to overhunting, a lack of available prey, and habitat destruction.
New Delhi: Senior IPS officer Amit Lodha, who inspired the famous Netflix thriller-drama series 'Khakee: The Bihar Chapter', is currently facing the heat of the Nitish Kumar-led government. The 1998-batch officer of the Bihar Cadre was last year booked for allegedly 'misusing' his official position for financial benefits.

"While serving as an IPS officer, Lodha signed an agreement with a private firm that caused him financial gains. He allegedly agreed to a deal with a firm that produced web series on his book. Lodha is not an established story writer nor was he authorised to write a book and use it for commercial purposes," the Special Vigilance Unit of Bihar said in a statement in December 2022, days after the Netflix series, which was based on his book 'Bihar Diaries', released. The show was created by Neeraj Pandey, directed by Bhav Dhulia and starred actors Karan Tacker and Avinash Tiwary.

Lodha has been accused of signing a contract for financial gain while still working for the government. He has been booked under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code. He, however, has denied any wrongdoing.

Amit Lodha was born in Rajasthan

Amit Lodha was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan on February 22, 1974.

He reportedly did his schooling at the St Xavier's School in Jaipur.

Amit Lodha is an IIT graduate

Before he rose to the ranks in the service, Amit Lodha was an IIT graduate. He is a 1995 alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and joined the IPS in 1998.

The IPS officer began his career in Bihar's Sheikhpura district.

He has also written several books including the 'Bihar Diaries'.



ALSO READ | Meet IAS Officer Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, The Engineer Who Cleared UPSC CSE In Her First Attempt
NEW DELHI: Popularly known as 'Lady Singham' in police circles, Manzil Saini is a 2005 batch Indian Police Services (IPS) officer. She also holds the unique distinction of being the first woman officer in the history of the state to take charge as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Lucknow. Before being posted as the SSP of Lucknow, Saini was posted in Etawah, the hometown of Samajwadi Party supremo, Mulayam Singh Yadav. She was appointed the new Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Lucknow, replacing Rajesh Pandey in 2016.

Manzil Saini was pregnant when she cracked the UPSC Civil Services examinations. Saini's earlier posting was in Etawah, the hometown of Mulayam Singh Yadav. The upright police officer has earlier been posted in Badayun, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura.

IPS Manzil Saini, who was posted as DIG, NHRC, was appointed DIG, National Security Guard (NSG), under the Ministry Of Home Affairs in the year 2021.

A Gold Medallist

A bright student from the beginning, she studied physics at St. Stephen's College. She won a gold medal while she was studying at the Delhi School of Economics. After passing out from the DSE, she took up a job in the corporate world and worked in a private firm for nearly 3 years. It was during this time that she started preparing for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination. Saini cracked the UPSC exams in her very first attempt in 2005.

Unearthed Several High-Profile Cases

As a super cop, she is known to have unearthed several high-profile cases, including the multi-million dollar Amit Kumar kidney racket case after which shot to fame. Within months of her first posting as SP Moradabad in 2008, she received a complaint from a labourer about his stolen kidney. She and her team followed the case closely for several weeks and busted the kidney racket and arrested Dr Amit Kumar - the alleged masterminded.

Married To College Sweetheart

Saini married Jaspal Dehal  her college-time sweetheart. They got married in 2000, five years before Manzil became an IPS Officer. Interestingly, both went to D-School. She has two children  a daughter and a son.

During her tenure as an SSP of Etawah, Saini launched a major crackdown against unauthorized usage of party flags by Samajwadi Party workers in four-wheelers and penalised them for bearing tinted windows.

While reviewing security arrangements in Etawah, she once found ten constables of the Quick Response Team napping inside the police van. These cops were punished by the SSP and made to jog inside a playground.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's address at the inauguration of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's new campus on Thursday was interrupted by chants of 'Modi, Modi'. During his address, which was also live-streamed on Aam Aadmi Party's social media platforms, Kejriwal was speaking about the Delhi government's school education model when a section of the audience started chanting 'Modi, Modi' slogans. In a swipe at those who interrupted him, the AAP supremo said if the education system could improve through 'such sloganeering', it would have in the last 70 years.

"Please let me speak for five minutes. I urge people from this party and the other party to let me speak... You can raise your slogans if you don't like what I say" Arvind Kejriwal said. He also told them that they might not like his ideas and thoughts and can make comments but what they were doing was 'not right'.

"Everyone has the right to speak in this democracy," he added upon being interrupted again.

The ruling AAP alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers created a 'ruckus' during the programme but Kejriwal silenced them through his 'brilliant reply'.

While the inauguration event was underway, there was reportedly sloganeering outside the campus as well between AAP and BJP workers.

IP University's new campus latest flashpoint between AAP and BJP

The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's east Delhi campus has become the latest flashpoint between the AAP-led city government and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, with both sides claiming that they would inaugurate the newly built campus. Both parties have accused one another of trying to take undue credit for the new campus.

However, Kejriwal and LG Saxena jointly inaugurated the campus on Thursday in the presence of Delhi Education Minister and senior AAP leader Atishi.

The IPU campus is part of the three state university campuses the Kejriwal-led government is developing in the Jamnapaar/Trans Yamuna region, along with the Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) East Campus and Delhi Technological University (DTU) East Campus, Atishi said.

"It is public knowledge that this campus was the brainchild and dream project of Manish Sisodia. Right from its planning, supervising its construction and curriculum, Manish Sisodia has been involved in every aspect of the project, well before the present L-G was sent to Delhi," she said on Delhi LG's claims regarding the IP University's new campus inauguration.
(Bloomberg) -- Crypto exchange Binance and related entities shuttled some $70 billion through accounts at now-defunct Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank from 2019 up until this year, including large amounts of money flowing in and out within days, according to new details revealed in a filing Wednesday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Silvergate facilitated more than $50 billion in deposits for Binance-related parties, while Signature handled more than $19 billion, the 27-page document, which was filed Wednesday in US District Court in Washington, shows. Some of the funds flowed out to foreign entities, according to the filing, which cited a review of financial records including bank statements, deposits, canceled checks and wire transfers.

The SEC this week sued Binance, its co-founder Changpeng CZ Zhao and Binance.US for blatant disregard of US securities laws, including mishandling customer funds and misleading investors and regulators, part of a widening crypto crackdown following a wave of blowups last year including the collapse of Sam Bankman-Frieds FTX exchange. On Tuesday, the agency filed an emergency action application for a temporary restraining order to freeze Binance.USs assets in attempt to protect customer funds, including through the repatriation of client investments held abroad.

Read the SECs complaint here

While the SECs case against Binance includes allegations it mishandled client funds, the provenance of the money and the purpose of the transfers described in the Wednesday document werent specified. The filing was in support of the motion to freeze assets of Binance.US, and didnt include any fresh charges. A company spokesman told the New York Times the transfers didnt involve client funds and were done in the normal course of business.

Red Flag

Banks generally are expected to monitor money flow for unusual transactions including large transfers, according to John Popeo, partner at the Gallatin Group, which advises banks and other firms on regulatory issues. Its unclear whether Silvergate or Signature Bank did so in the instances detailed in the filing, or whether they needed to.

If theres a frequent large cash movement  it could be extraterritorial or it could be domestic  that to me is a red flag, Popeo said.

Binance didnt respond to a request for comment. A representative for Binance.US declined to comment to Bloomberg. Silvergate and New York Community Bancorp, which bought Signature, didnt respond to requests for comment outside of usual work hours.

Many of the Binance and related accounts participated in Silvergates SEN network and Signatures Signet platform. The electronic-payments systems allowed users to transfer funds seamlessly and instantaneously, 24 hours a day, before they were shuttered earlier this year when their parent companies ran into trouble. Signature was shut down by regulators in March after a run on deposits. Silvergate announced it would voluntarily shut down the same month.

Big Flows

Often, amounts in the accounts would be relatively small at the beginning and the end of the month, but have huge inflows and outflows in between.

At times the amounts being credited and debited during a single month amounts to movement of more than a billion dollars, the filing said. For example, in July 2021, one Signature Bank Binance Holdings account shows a starting balance of $468 million, deposits of $1 billion, withdrawals of $1.3 billion, and an ending balance of $179 million.

Accounts at the two banks paid out funds to a yacht seller, and for insured aircraft title service, the filing said.

Zhao was also the beneficial owner of numerous other foreign companies with accounts at Signature Bank, the filing said, including those domiciled in Canada, the UAE, Seychelles, Singapore, Lithuania and Kazakhstan. Some of the money eventually ended up in Zhaos personal account, per the filing. Some flowed to Amazon Web Services, and some to Stifel Bank, the filing said. Representatives for AWS and Stifel didnt respond to a request for comment.

Merit Peak

At Silvergate, in 2020 and 2021, one Binance entity alone, called Key Vision, had deposits and withdrawals of more than $13 billion, the filing shows, with nearly all deposits transfered to another entity named Merit Peak, identified in the SECs suit as being controlled by Zhao. Between 2019 and 2021, Merit Peak accounts received $22 billion, including about $11 billion from Key Vision, $7.2 billion from other Binance-related parties, and $1.2 billion from BAM Trading, one of the corporate entities of Binance.US, per the filing.

Merit Peak paid most of that money  $21.6 billion  to a foreign affiliate of Paxos, which stopped issuing Binance-branded BUSD stablecoin under regulatory pressure earlier this year. Binance entities commingled funds at Merit Peak, according to the filing.

A spokesperson for Paxos said the company is closely following the allegations against Binance.

In February 2023, Paxos announced its decision to end its relationship with Binance and has since been successfully winding down all business relationships with the company, the Paxos spokesperson said in a statement. The complaint against Binance does not allege any wrongdoing by Paxos. We will continue working with all government efforts to bring bad actors to justice.

Silvergate directed for Binance-related accounts to be closed in December, and their account balances were zero by the end of March, the filing said.

--With assistance from Max Reyes.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Bihar government today honoured renowned paper mache artiste Subhadra Devi at Delhi's Bihar Bhawan. The Government of Bihar, represented by Resident Commissioner IAS Kundan Kumar, honoured Subhadra Devi with a memento, a letter of appreciation, a shawl, and a generous cheque of Rs 2 lakh.

Subhadra Devi: Padma Shri Awardee

Subhadra Devi was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the art of paper mache. Her remarkable skills and artistic brilliance captivated the attention of the nation, earning her this distinguished honor in 2023. Originally scheduled to receive the award from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Bihar Diwas, unforeseen circumstances prevented her from being available to receive the award from the CM. During the event, Padma Shri Subhadra Devi conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for bestowing upon her the prestigious award and recognizing her talents with great generosity. She expressed gratitude to the people of Bihar for acknowledging her contributions and extended a special thank you to CM Nitish Kumar for the generous rewards bestowed upon her.

Subhadra Devi - Madhubani's Popular Personality

Hailing from Salempur village in Pandaul Block of Madhubani district, Subhadra Devi has been deeply connected to the art of paper mache since 1980 when she received recognition from the state government's Industry Department. In 1991, the central government also acknowledged her immense talent and dedication. Subhadra Devi's commitment to the art of paper mache is unwavering. Not only has she enriched the field of art, but she has also empowered over a hundred women by providing them with training, making them self-reliant through her efforts.

Born to parents Mata Maheshwari Devi and Rudra Narayan Das, Subhadra Devi has been involved in the art of paper mache since the age of 15. Her relentless pursuit of excellence in this art form has earned her recognition at the national and international levels. This momentous event serves as a testament to the rich artistic heritage and talent that thrives in the state of Bihar. Subhadra Devi's contributions to the field of paper mache art will continue to inspire and empower future generations of artists.
New Delhi: Avani Chaturvedi, a name that marks the milestone of the Indian Air Force's work towards gender equality and resounds the meaning of women empowerment. In June 2016, Avani Chaturvedi became India's one of the first female fighter pilots along with Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh.

The feat of the most recognizable woman of the Indian Ari Force did not stop at being the first female fighter pilot, on February 19, 2018, Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly the MiG 21 Bison, solo.

Avani Chaturvedi's Education

Squadron leader Avani Chaturvedi was born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh and did her schooling there. She did Bachelor's degree in Technology from Vidyapith, a university in rural Rajasthans Tonk district, that is providing the most advanced programs to its students. While pursuing her B.Tech degree, Chaturvedi learned aviation as an additional discipline at the campus aviation school.

Avani Chaturvedi's Family Background

Chaturvedi aspired to be a fighter pilot in times when there was still a reservation among the many people of IAF about having female air force personnel let alone fighter pilots. However, the defence family of Avani's provided her unconditional support to achieve the ambitious feat that now inspires hundreds of thousands of young girls to fly high in the sky leaving behind the prejudice that combat is a male space.

Avani Chaturvedi's Training

Chaturvedi underwent six months of intensive training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, before she was inducted into the IAF fighter squadron.

Chaturvedi Continues To Achieve

In January 2023, Squadron leader Avani Chaturvedi became the first female IAF pilot to be part of wargames abroad after she participated in Veer Guardian 2023 which was carried out from January 16 to January 26 at the Hyakuri Air Base and its surrounding airspace in Omitama, and the Iruma Air Base in Sayama in Japan.

Exercise Veer Guardian 2023



Su30MKI of #IAF and F2 of #JASDF posing together for 1st bilateral exercise between the two nations.#IADN pic.twitter.com/8BZF11ZQO7  Indian Aerospace Defence News - IADN (@NewsIADN) January 13, 2023

Avani Chaturvedi, IAF's first woman fighter jet pilot to fly Su-30MKI in aerial wargame abroad.#exveerguardian2023 #IADN pic.twitter.com/aGebEqPrn9 February 8, 2023

Avani Chaturvedi Received Nari Shakti Puraskar

In 2020, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded Avani Chaturvedi Nari Shakti Puraskar along with Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh after they became the first Indian women fighter pilots to fly a MIG-21 Bison.

The flier of Su-30MKI fighter jet, Avani Chaturvedi says it is one of the best and most lethal platforms armed with indigenous weapon systems. Talking to the news agency ANI, Avani Chaturvedi once said, " The best part of being a pilot is that you are flying an aircraft - it is a machine. The aircraft does not know who is sitting behind it, so the machine will behave in the same way it would behave with a male pilot,"
Chennai: Officers from the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) searched the residence in Chennai of senior IAS officer S Malarvizhi, who is suspected of misappropriating public funds. During the time she served as the district collector of Dharmapuri, from February 2018 to October 2020, a FIR was lodged against the officer for printing receipts worth Rs. 1.8 crore through private printers at outrageous costs and in high quantities. Malarvizhi is charged with misappropriating Rs. 1.3 crore in the case. The FIR also names two independent printers who owned printing businesses as defendants. IAS officer S Malarvizhi's Chennai home was searched on Tuesday by members of the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC). The top IAS officer is charged with embezzling public monies by paying private printers exorbitant fees for large quantities of tax receipt books that may last another 15 years.

S Malarvizhi: Why Is She In The news?

During the previous AIADMK administration in Tamil Nadu, from February 2018 to October 2020, she served as the district collector of Dharmapuri. On June 5, a FIR was lodged against the IAS officer under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on the claim that he printed 125,500 receipt booklets for 251 panchayats, totaling 1.8 crore in home tax, professional tax, water tax, and miscellaneous tax revenues. She is being charged by the DVAC with misappropriating Rs. 1.3 crore in this case. According to Jayaram Venkatesan, founder of the anti-corruption campaign Arappor Iyakkam in Chennai, the cost of printing a book in government society is Rs. 40; however, the IAS paid the printers Rs. 135 per book.

S Malarvizhi: Background

S. Malarvizhi, who began her career as an IAS officer in 2009, served as Sivaganga Collector from 201517 and Dharmapuri Collector from 28.02.201829.10.2020. Through the Group-I exam, S. Malarvizhi was enrolled in government service in 2001. In Chennai, she was a joint commissioner in the commercial tax department. Before being named the Collector of the Sivaganga District, she was employed as the District Revenue Officer of the Virudhunagar District. Currently, Malarvizhi serves as Science City's vice chairman.

In connection with charges that Malarvizhi, a female IAS officer, had corrupted the government to the tune of Rs. 1.31 crore, anti-bribery police searched ten locations in Chennai yesterday, including her home. The homes of IAS officers Tagir Hussain and Veeraiya Palanivelu in Chennai, as well as her home in Virugambakkam, were also raided.
'In the Name of the Goddess: The Durga Pujas of Contemporary Kolkata', written by historian Tapati Guha Thakurta in 2015, traces the development of traditional pujo to its contemporary manifestations. She intended to draw attention to the major festival's artistic, cultural, and social, economic aspects, in addition to its religious features. In December 2021, UNESCO included the Durga Puja on its list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' in recognition of this. The historian behind this prized designation was Guha-Thakurta, who was picked by the Ministry of Culture to highlight how important a role the 10-day festival plays in Kolkata's socio-cultural and political scene.

Tapati Guha Thakurta: Background

She studied history at Presidency College in Calcutta and Calcutta University before earning her D.Phil. from the University of Oxford's History Faculty. Her work falls within the categories of cultural history, art history, and visual studies. Her research interests include art, nationalism, and modernity, institutional practices and political contexts of art history and archaeology; the lives of monuments and museum items; and popular urban visual culture in modern and contemporary India. Her three main publications are The Making of a New 'Indian' Art: Artists, Aesthetics and Nationalism in Bengal (1992), Monuments, Objects, Histories: Institutions of Art in Colonial and Postcolonial India (2004), and In the Name of the Goddess: The Durga Pujas of Contemporary Kolkata (2015).

Early Research Days

How can Durga Puja change our concept of who an artist is and what defines art? This was the issue Guha-Thakurta set out to address when she started her research in 20022003. Guha-Thakurta started looking into the characteristics of the modern festival with coworker Anjun Ghosh and a group from the Centre for Studies and Social Sciences, Kolkata, where she has served as a professor and director of history. She claims that the pair had a committed team of researchers and that their work was seasonal, usually starting a few months before each year's celebrations. Unfortunately, Anjun passed away unexpectedly from cancer in 2015.

Durga Puja: A Festival Beyond Simple Worship

Guha Thakurata claims that going around the city and observing how the pandals and artistic displays take you through many eras of time as well as different geographic locations is an essential component of pujo. She also discussed how street-level productions blend with the Bonedi Barir Pujo, the festival's most traditional celebration that primarily takes place within homes. Guha-Thakurta highlights that her work was a study of Durga Puja's noveltythe sponsorship, awards, marketing, and commercialization that have inextricably linked the phenomenonrather than a history of the festival. She refers to it as a present history. Durga is always welcomed with open arms at home, and everyone's participation in the festivities goes beyond simple worship. Through advertisements and images, she contributes to the commercialization as well.

The Big Challenge

The Ministry of Culture encouraged Guha-Thakurta to compile a thorough dossier to send to UNESCO based on her decades-long research. Previous attempts by the government to achieve this recognition had not taken the necessary form. She claimed it was difficult to convey the depth and breadth of the significance of Durga Puja. Each question was brief, and replies could only be between 150 and 300 words. According to her, she succeeded to some extent by taking a close look at the Durga Puja laws that deal with issues like tree damage, water and sound pollution, road safety, electricity theft, and other issues. She claims that the police and municipal authorities have been collaborating for many years to moderately control the celebrations. She claims that the government has also attempted to control immersion by building distinct immersion waterbodies called devi ghats so that the Hooghly River won't take the brunt of it all.

Guha Thakurta claimed that the importance of Durga Puja in the city of Kolkata was less important to the government of India than its inclusion as a national phenomenon. She points out that UNESCO showed interest in the festival's gendered aspect as well. After some questions were answered regarding the final dossier, which was presented in March 2019, the candidature for the UNESCO Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage came in 2021. However, Guha Thakurta further points out that the UNESCO designation is reviewed every five years.
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has registered an FIR against the management of Ganga Jamuna School in Damoh district where a controversy had erupted over allegations that female students were being forced to wear a headscarf. According to reports, the school management has been booked under Sections 295 (Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class), 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, and also under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Damoh SP Rakesh Singh said the FIR was lodged on the basis of the statements of two students who have made allegations against the school management.

What Is the Damoh Hijab Row?

The controversy surrounding the Damoh school erupted after purported posters showing a few Hindu girls allegedly wearing hijab went viral on social media.

MP CM Orders High-Level Probe

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a high-level inquiry into a recent hijab controversy, involving a private school in Damoh district. CM Shivraj said that the state government will not allow the conspiracies of religious conversion to succeed. Reacting to the concerns raised by the right-wing organisations, the Chief Minister said, "Religious conversion conspiracies are going on at some places in the state and we will not let them succeed. We have also given instructions to investigate in the entire state, especially the educational institutions, whether it is madrassas or if education is being imparted in a wrong way."

"In the Damoh case, we are now getting the report and I have been told that the daughters who gave their statements have been forced. This is a very serious matter. First, we are registering an FIR into the matter. Strict action will be taken," he added.

The CM said the state government would not tolerate any kind of effort of religious conversion made in the name of education. "Those who have such intentions will get severe punishment," Chouhan said.

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar alleged that Damoh collector's role in the investigation of the whole matter was suspicious and the collector was trying to save the school director.

"The collector is making statements in defence again and again. I think that the role of the collector is suspicious. The Collector is also trying to save the school director. But the true facts will be revealed in the investigation and I think that the Chief Minister is active in such issues and will take strict action," Parmar said.

NCPCR Takes Note Of Damoh Hijab Row

Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Priyank Kanoongo, in a tweet on Wednesday, said that sections of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, tampering with the map of the nation and violation of constitutional provisions, have been added in the FIR against the school management.

The NCPCR Chairperson added that instructions have been given to the district administration to take action to suspend the recognition of the school permanently.

Ever since the controversy broke out, the ruling BJP has been accusing the school management of being "involved in religious conversion". Chief Minister Chouhan and state BJP president V. D. Sharma have been claiming that the authorities at the Ganga Jamna School were running a nexus of "Love Jihad" and converting Hindu girls to Islam.

It has come to fore that the Damoh school management allegedly forced the Hindu students to wear hijab.

On Tuesday, a video showing some people throwing ink on the face of Damoh district education officer SK Mishra in his office premises while he was leaving in his car went viral.
New Delhi: Filmmaker Om Raut, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming pan-India project 'Adipurush' and he has been travelling across the country along with the cast - Prabhas and Kriti Sanon to promote the film. However, the filmmaker started trending on the internet after a video of him planting a peck on Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon's cheek during their visit to Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati surfaced on social media. In the now viral video, Raut was seen kissing Kriti outside the temple premises. The video has created a stir online and left netizens divided.

The video showed Raut giving Kriti a goodbye kiss on her cheek as she leaves in her car. This didn't go well with some of the social media users who began trolling the duo. For the unversed, the team of 'Adipurush', starring Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan, launched the final trailer of the film at a pre-release event which took place at Sri Venkateswara University Stadium in Tirupati. The event was attended by 'Adipurush' lead actors Prabhas and Kriti Sanon.

Team 'Adipurush' on June 6 unveiled the trailer of the film in Tirumala and it turned out to be a spectacular show. Helmed by Om Raut, 'Adipurush' is a mythological drama based on the epic Ramayana. The film stars Prabhas as Lord Ram, Kriti Sanon as Sita, and Sunny Singh as Lakshman. In the movie, Saif Ali Khan will be essaying the role of Ravan, the mythological demon king. The film is all set to hit the theatres on June 16 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. The final trailer is high on VFX and promises a visual spectacle.

At the first trailer launch of the movie, Kriti narrated how happy she felt about getting an opportunity that not many performers get. She said, "I am very emotional today, I had goosebumps while watching the trailer because this is not just a movie but much more than that. What we experienced while making this film was special."Sanon also thanked her director Om Raut for getting the chance.

Also Read: World's Most Deadliest Fish In The World

"I want to thank Om for believing in me as Janaki. You had faith in me that I could play that role because there are very few actors who get such a role in their lifetime. I feel very, very blessed."To describe how special the character of Sita is for her, she added, "I have poured my heart and soul into Janaki. I had complete faith in the role but while shooting for the movie I started learning more and more about this character. She is very pure, has a kind soul, a loving heart and a strong mind. In my poster as well you will see, there is pain, but there is no fear in it. It was a huge emotion for me. We are mere humans, forgive us if we have faltered."

Apart from 'Adipurush', Kriti will be seen in 'The Crew', which also stars Kareena Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh and Tabu in lead roles. 'The Crew' is a story of three women and is touted as a laugh-riot, set against the backdrop of the struggling airline industry. However, their destinies lead to some unwarranted situations and they get caught in a web of lies. The film, produced by Rhea Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor, will be directed by Rajesh Krishnan.
Actor Arshad Warsi, riding high on the success of his latest OTT release Asur 2, has exciting news to share with his fans. The actor just confirmed the third instalment of the successful franchise, Jolly LLB. While Arshad Warsi alongside Saurabh Shukla featured in the first instalment, which was released in 2013, the second part had Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi in lead roles. Both films were successful and received a lot of appreciation from audiences. Now, six years after Akshay Kumar's Jolly LLB 2, Arshad Warsi has confirmed that Jolly LLB 3 is happening.

In an exclusive interview with TellyChakkar, the actor revealed that he will be uniting with Akshay Kumar for the third instalment, who is expected to reprise his role of Jagdishwar Mishra a.k.a Jolly.

While the development indeed came as big news for the eager fans, the actor also spoke about some of his other projects including Munna Bhai 3 and Golmaal 5.

During an exclusive interview with TellyChakkar, the actor said that he will join forces with Akshay Kumar in the third installment. Jolly LLB 3 with Akshay is happening, Arshad Warsi said, adding that the film's shooting will commence in 2024.

While this news has delighted fans, the actor also shared updates on some of his other projects, such as Munna Bhai 3 and Golmaal 5.

Arshad Warsis Update On Munna Bhai 3, Golmaal 5

Arshad Warsi also provided some interesting insights into Munna Bhai 3, Golmaal 5, and Dhamaal 4. Although he revealed that Munna Bhai 3 is currently not in the works, he shared that everyone, including himself, actor Sanjay Dutt, and makers Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra want it to happen.

Arshad Warsi also added that he has received a call from the writer of Dhamaal and will be working on it next. Speaking on the fifth installment of Rohit Shetty's popular franchise Golmaal, he said, I believe one day, Rohit will just call us to shoot the film in Goa. He can actually do that.

Arshad Warsi will soon join forces with Sanjay Dutt once again for an untitled film. Excited about this collaboration, he shared the film's poster on Instagram.

The Asur actor also has Ghamasaan and Banda Singh lined up.
New Delhi: Actor Aayush Sharma loves posting pictures of his fam-jam on social media. Recently, he posted a video of his three-year-old daughter Ayat as she watched him on the sets of his movie. Aayush is seen rehearsing for a song from his upcoming film 'Ruslaan'.

Aayush accompanied his post with a very cute caption reading: "They are right when they say a daughter makes her father dance to her tunes. Welcoming Bollywood's New Dance Master/Dance Critic, Little Ayat .. @rajitdev make sure I don't let my baby down. She has high hopes from #ruslaan "

The teaser for Ruslaan was released some time back and Aayush was seen performing high-octane and stylised action in the short video. The film is shot in picturesque locations across India and Azerbaijan.

Beaming with his innate swag, suave personality and infectious charm, Aayush has left us excited with just a glimpse into the adrenaline rush the film has to offer.

Produced by KK Radhamohan, under the banner of Srisathyasai Arts, Ruslaan stars Aayush Sharma as the lead, co-starring debutante Sushrii Mishraa along with Jagapathi Babu and Vidya Malavade in pivotal roles. Directed by Katyayan Shivpuri, the film is slated for release in 2023.
Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra rang in her 48th birthday on June 8. Known for her dedication to fitness and impeccable fashion sense, Shilpa is currently in London, celebrating her special day with her family. Her husband, Raj Kundra, and sister, Shamita Shetty, took to social media to express their heartfelt wishes for Shilpa. Raj Kundra shared a montage of candid pictures, showcasing their bond, while Shamita shared an adorable video filled with cherished moments of the two sisters.

Raj captioned the post, To my soulmate, we have really seen some highs & lows recently. Thank you for your implicit trust & faith in me. You are my rock of Gibraltar I love you & wish you only the best my Angel @TheShilpaShetty here to creating better memories. Happy Birthday yummy mummy..my Cookie.

In the clip, Raj included adorable family pictures including their kids, son Viaan and daughter Samisha, with an interesting message that also has a Deepika Padukone connection. The video has a picture of the couple posing with the Pathaan actress, to which he mentioned that Not even Deepu can come between them.

Take a look:

To my soulmate we have really seen some highs & lows recently. Thank you for your implicit trust & faith in me. You are my rock of Gibraltar I love you & wish you only the best my Angel @TheShilpaShetty here to creating better memories _ Happy Birthday yummy mummy..my Cookie __ pic.twitter.com/RgfttzaKTr  Raj Kundra (@TheRajKundra) June 8, 2023

Shamita also shared a cute video with a sweet message that reads, Happy birthday my Munki. My strength , my weakness .. my core !! U've been such an integral part of my journey .. through all my ups n downs.. thankyou for inspiring me n giving me strength n protecting me fiercely always! The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was each other. Love you loads. keep smiling always.. I wish u eternal peace, unconditional love, more success always..

Shilpa, too, shared a picture of her vacation on Instagram. "Blooming in London," she wrote.

Work Front

Shilpa Shetty, who was last seen in the 2022 action-comedy film Nikamma, is set to make her OTT debut soon. She will be next seen in Rohit Shetty's upcoming web series, Indian Police Force and has two films in the pipeline.
Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, right at lecturn, is surrounded by fellow Republican lawmakers in the Assembly chamber, as he discusses details of a funding plan to save Milwaukee from bankruptcy, increase funding for local governments and bolster spending on K-12 schools, Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin has handed cash-strapped Milwaukee a lifeline to stave off bankruptcy, allowing the city to raise sales taxes without voter approval as part of a larger local government and K-12 schools funding plan, according to a bipartisan deal announced Thursday Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers.

Evers called it a transformative deal that will rescue Milwaukee from the threat of bankruptcy, something that would have devastating consequences for communities in every corner of our state and our state economy as a whole.

As part of the deal, the GOP-controlled Legislature agreed to spending an additional $1 billion on K-12 schools, along with increasing payments to families whose children attend taxpayer-funded private voucher schools. Evers, a former state superintendent of education in the first year of his second term as governor, has made spending more on education a cornerstone of his time in office.

The much-discussed local government funding plan has taken on urgency in the Legislature this year. Milwaukee officials have warned about dire consequences and deep cuts as the city faces bankruptcy by 2025. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson warned lawmakers of catastrophic budget cuts" if a deal for more funding wasn't reached.

Milwaukee, the states largest city and a Democratic stronghold, faces an underfunded pension system. Milwaukee has increasingly become reliant on federal pandemic aid to fund its essential services, which city leaders have said cost $150 million more per year to maintain.

The largest sticking point in reaching a new funding deal had been who would determine whether Milwaukee city and county can raise the local sales tax to pay for pension costs and emergency services.

Milwaukee officials, Senate Republicans and Evers wanted the decision to rest with local governing boards. But Assembly Republicans passed a bill last month that would require voters to decide whether to raise sales taxes.

Under the deal announced Thursday, local governing boards in the city and county could approve raising the sales tax with a two-thirds majority vote. Milwaukee is the only city of its size in the country that is not allowed to have its own sales tax.

Roughly $1.6 billion in aid to local governments known as shared revenue  would be paid for by tapping 20% of the states 5-cent sales tax. Aid would then grow along with sales tax revenue.

The plan would increase funding to counties, cities, towns and villages with under 110,000 population by at least 20%. That could only be spent on police and fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency response communications, public works and transportation. The city and county of Milwaukee would see a 10% increase, but could ask voters to raise the local sales tax for more money.

Shared revenue to local governments has remained nearly unchanged for almost 30 years and was cut in 2004, 2010 and 2012.

The bill would also cut aid to communities that reduce the number of police officers and firefighters and ban public health officials from ordering businesses closed for more than 30 days, with the local governing body able to extend that once for another 30 days.

It would also ban local advisory referenda questions on everything except those for certain projects that would be funded with property tax money. The bill would not allow questions on hot-button issues like whether voters support abortion rights or legalizing marijuana.

Democrats, health leaders and others have criticized those provisions, which have long been a part of the plan. But with Evers on board, the proposal was likely to speed through the Legislature on Wednesday and be signed into law.

The agreement also calls for spending $50 million more on reading and literacy programs in schools, increasing special education funding by 33% and spending $30 million on mental health in schools. It also eliminates a tax on business equipment and furnishings known as the personal property tax.

The deal was announced a month before the 10th anniversary of Detroit's filing for bankruptcy, the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history. Detroit emerged from bankruptcy in December 2014, having restructured or wiped out $7 billion in debt. The city was forced to follow a state-monitored spending plan and has been able to build cash surpluses.

Wisconsin state law does not allow for cities to declare bankruptcy, which means the Legislature would have to vote to allow Milwaukee to take that step if the city were to run out of money.

____

Associated Press writer Corey Williams contributed to this report from Detroit.
The devastating train tragedy in Balasore, Odisha, captured the nation's attention as three trains crashed, resulting in the demise of over 250 people and causing injuries to more than 1,000 people. This incident, considered one of the worst rail accidents in India, has also got political leaders and famous celebrities talking, who have expressed their condolences for the loss of lives. In response to the calamity, various state governments have pledged financial aid for the victims. Additionally, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has launched a dedicated helpline number to provide support to those affected.

Sonu Sood shared a video on Instagram, where he disclosed the details of his initiative through his non-governmental organisation (NGO) aimed at assisting the affected families.

"Were helping rebuild the lives of the victims of #OdishaTrainTragedy & their families. Drop us an SMS on +91 9967567520 to reach out for help," he wrote.

Helpline Number For Odisha Train Accident Victims

In the video, Sonu Sood expressed his commitment to aiding the victims of the accident by assisting them in rebuilding their lives. He emphasised his efforts to help them establish sustainable businesses and provide educational support. Additionally, Sood mentioned that his team is actively working to secure employment opportunities for the affected families.

Sonu Sood shared a dedicated helpline number  99675 67520  and encouraged affected individuals to reach out to his team via SMS. He assured that his team would promptly respond and offer the necessary support.

His recent initiative has gained a lot of praise from fans and well-wishers who took to the comment section and lauded the actor.

One user wrote, "Lots of love sir u r great", while another one called him a "Real life hero."

An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the train accident, and restoration efforts have been promptly initiated.

Sonu Sood is known for his unwavering dedication to numerous social causes such as healthcare, education, and career opportunities. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to the present day, the actor-turned-philanthropist has been actively involved in various charitable endeavours through his NGO, the Sood Charity Foundation, which aims to assist people across the nation.
NEW DELHI: Days after the sensational killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in the presence of policemen in Allahabad, dreaded gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva was shot dead inside the Lucknow Civil Court premises on Wednesday.

Jeeva, the dreaded sharp-shooter of the Mukhtar Ansari-led gang, was killed by a man posing as a lawyer. The accused was later overpowered by the locals and roughed up before being handed over to the police. This notorious gangster from western UP was facing several cases related to murder, fraud and criminal conspiracy. He was lodged in a jail in Lucknow.

Two persons, including a child, were also injured in the shooting. The broad daylight killing of the gangster has once again highlighted concerns regarding the safety of courts.

Who Was Sanjeev Jeeva?

According to Muzaffarnagar residents, Sanjeev Jeeva was an ordinary family man, who worked as a compounder at a local clinic in the city before his foray into the world of crime. Jeeva, according to a retired IPS officer Akhilesh Mehrotr, was a man with a criminal mind. He had once kidnaped the owner of the clinic in which he worked. Jeeva went a step ahead and allegedly kidnapped the son of a Kolkata businessman and demanded a ransom of Rs 2 crore.

Links With Mukhtar Ansari, Munna Bajrangi Gangs

The slain dreaded gangster had close links with gangsters Munna Bajrangi and Mukhtar Ansari. According to the information, he had over three dozen criminal cases registered against him. After Munna Bajrangi was shot dead in 2018 in the Baghpat jail, Jeeva became a close aide of Mukhtar Ansari.

Accused In Krishnanand Rai, Brahma Dutt Dwivedi Murders

Jeeva made headlines for his alleged role in the murder of BJP stalwart Brahm Dutt Dwivedi on February 10, 1997. His mafia boss, Mukhtar Ansari, is also a co-accused in this case. Jeeva was sentenced to life imprisonment in this case. He again grabbed eyeballs after his name cropped up in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai. He was arrested in connection with the case. However, Jeeva continued his criminal activities in prison.

Interestingly, Jeeva's wife, Payal, contested the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election on an RJD ticket but lost in the polls. In 2021, Payal had written a letter to the then Chief Justice of India saying that Jeeva's life was in danger. Jeeva's property worth Rs 4 crore in Muzaffarnagar was recently attached by the Muzaffarnagar district administration.

Section 144 Imposed In Kanpur

Section 144 has been imposed in Kanpur in the wake of gangster Sanjeev alias Jeeva's murder ahead of a hearing. "Section 144 has been implemented in Kanpur city whose objective is to maintain law and order," Kanpur Additional Commissioner of Police Anand Prakash Tiwari said.

Uttar Pradesh Special DG (law and order) Prashant Kumar issued an order directing all district superintendents of police to immediately increase security in all district courts after the firing incident.
Space Launch System - Joe Skipper/Reuters

Boeing has been accused of brazenly stealing the ideas of a supplier for its work on Nasas International Space Station and its Space Launch Systems moon rocket.

The US aerospace giant allegedly adapted tools developed by Wilson Aerospace, a Colorado-based company, when developing systems for docking space crafts.

Boeing insists that the lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions, and that the aerospace company will vigorously defend itself in court.

Wilson worked with Boeing over a period of years. However, Boeing is accused of then taking the companys technology for its own use and adapting it.

Wilson has also accused Boeing of putting lives at risk after its adapted technology led to leaks on the International Space Station.

Wilsons products include the Fluid Fitting Torque Device for use on the space station, which it alleges Boeing adapted and stole. Various parts were overtightened in Boeings adaptation, the lawsuit alleges.

The mismatched tools then led to fluid leaks and delays for launches related to the Space Launch System rocket, which cost Nasa hundreds of millions of dollars.

The allegation is included in a lawsuit against Boeing field by Wilson Aerospace.

David Wilson, founder of Wilson Aerospace, said: Boeing has not only stolen our intellectual property and damaged our companys reputation but has used the technology incorrectly and at the expense of astronauts safety, which is beyond despicable.

I hope that this lawsuit will put a stop to Boeings repeated practice of prioritising its own profits over safety.

The lawsuit claims: Although Boeing paid Wilson for some of its work over the years, Boeings primary approach was to steal Wilsons intellectual property through deception and other illegal means, rather than to compensate.

Boeing has been accused of stealing intellectual property before. In support of its claim, Wilson pointed to allegations from 2006 when Boeing was implicated in stealing thousands of pages of Lockeed Martin documents.

The company ultimately agreed to pay a $615m (493m) fine to end a three-year probe into the matter.

Wilson Aerospace claims it has lost hundreds of millions of dollars, the companys lawyers, Pete Flowers, told CNBC. Wilson has made 10 claims including misappropriation and theft of trade secrets, fraud and copyright infringement relating to work done between 2014 and 2016.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
rishi sunak, british prime minister - Rob Carr/Getty Images North America

US data giant Palantir has said Britain is a better place to develop artificial intelligence (AI) than the EU thanks to more pragmatic privacy laws, in a boost to Rishi Sunak.

Chief executive Alex Karp said a draconian data protection regime in Brussels meant youre going to be able to do things in the UK that you cant do on the continent.

Mr Karps comments come as the Prime Minister is set to meet President Joe Biden to pitch Britain as the home of a proposed new global AI regulator.

Mr Sunak is seeking to position the country as a world leader in the nascent technology. Mr Karp told the BBC that the UK was in a position to be a leader in Europe, perhaps globally.

The Palantir chief executive said: Theres a general understanding in the UK that you need data, you need to be able to understand the data, to actually do important things in the government and private sector.

Palantirs technology is used by Western militaries and intelligence agencies, including in Ukraine, and was widely used in the NHS to help manage the vaccine rollout.

The company has deployed large-language model (LLM) chatbots similar to ChatGPT or Google Bard, which allow its customers to quickly and easily query massive amounts of data. It is unclear whether LLMs are compatible with Europes strict GDPR data laws.

Italys data regulator briefly banned ChatGPT earlier this year on privacy grounds. Sam Altman, the chief executive of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, has said it may have to shut down in Europe, although he later retracted the comments.

Palantir boss Alex Karp - Eddie Mulholland

While the UK has imported GDPR protections from the EU post-Brexit, it has proposed relaxing some of the rules and the Information Commissioners Office has said it will take a common sense approach to enforcing the laws.

Mr Karp said: The UK, as opposed to many places in the world, has a pragmatic understanding of data protection. Its going to be much harder for the continent of Europe to come to terms with LLMs, the culture of privacy in the UK is really built around fairness and understanding and less around GDPR data protection.

If youre a pharmaceutical company and you want to do research on a medicine youre going to be able to do things you can do in the UK that you cant do on the continent, you have a pragmatism about technology.

Mr Karp also dismissed calls from Elon Musk and others for a pause in AI development, saying many were asking for a pause because they have no product.

The praise from Palantir comes amid fears in London that the US and the EU may strike an AI regulation deal over Britains head, resulting in the UK becoming a rule-taker instead of a rule-maker.

Downing Street wants to create a global forum to shape global norms of AI, including countries such as Japan and South Korea. A Government spokesman said: AI has an incredible potential to transform our lives for the better. But we need to make sure it is developed and used in a way that is safe and secure.

Earlier in May the Prime Minister met the bosses of leading AI companies including OpenAI, Google Deepmind and Anthropic as he urged them to think carefully about risks posed by the technology.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet the President on Thursday after announcing that the UK will host a global summit on artificial intelligence safety in September.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Britain, U.S. to work together on AI safety, says Sunak

U.S. President Biden and British Prime Minister Sunak hold joint news conference at the White House in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Britain and the United States have agreed to work together on artificial intelligence safety, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Thursday.

"Today, the President and I agreed to work together on AI safety," Sunak said at a joint press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden.

"The UK looks forward to hosting the first global summit on AI safety later this year, so that we can seize the extraordinary possibilities of this new technological age, and do so with confidence."

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William Schomberg)
(Bloomberg) -- Holders of Byjus $1.2 billion term loan and their advisers are weighing options including negotiating with the company for an amendment, litigating or attempting to seize collateral after the company missed an interest payment on the debt, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The group mulled options on a call held late Wednesday, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. The company earlier reached out to a broad group of lenders and scheduled a call on Monday to discuss a loan amendment proposal, Bloomberg previously reported.

The company and lenders advisers Houlihan Lokey Inc. and Kirkland & Ellis didnt immediately respond to requests for comment outside of normal US business hours.

The Indian education-technology company and its lenders are mired in a fight over the term loan after the firm breached terms of its debt agreement. On Monday, it elected to skip an interest payment on the loan and filed a lawsuit in New York alleging a group of investors manufactured a fake debt crisis to extort money from the firm.

The lender group called the lawsuit meritless and simply an effort to avoid complying with its obligations, including making contractually required payments, in a news release issued Thursday. The group said it has sought to work constructively with Byjus to cure numerous defaults and will continue to do so, but the group reserves all rights available to enforce the credit agreement.

Advisers asked the lender group this week to extend a cooperation agreement set to expire next month by an additional six months, the people said. Such a pact binds the lenders to act together in negotiations.

Byjus had been trying to strike a deal with creditors to restructure the loan after the pandemic-era online tutoring boom tapered off, crimping its finances. But negotiations fell apart when creditors demanded an accelerated repayment.

The companys loan is now quoted at around 64.5 cents, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

(Updates with lender statement in fifth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Key Insights

Spark New Zealand's estimated fair value is NZ$4.30 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of NZ$5.15 suggests Spark New Zealand is potentially trading close to its fair value

Analyst price target for SPK is NZ$5.18, which is 20% above our fair value estimate

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Spark New Zealand Limited (NZSE:SPK) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Spark New Zealand

The Calculation

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (NZ$, Millions) NZ$432.0m NZ$544.0m NZ$448.0m NZ$437.0m NZ$457.0m NZ$441.6m NZ$434.1m NZ$431.9m NZ$433.2m NZ$437.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -3.37% Est @ -1.69% Est @ -0.51% Est @ 0.31% Est @ 0.88% Present Value (NZ$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.0% NZ$404 NZ$475 NZ$366 NZ$334 NZ$326 NZ$295 NZ$271 NZ$252 NZ$236 NZ$223

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = NZ$3.2b

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = NZ$437m (1 + 2.2%)  (7.0% 2.2%) = NZ$9.4b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$9.4b ( 1 + 7.0%)10= NZ$4.8b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is NZ$8.0b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of NZ$5.1, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Spark New Zealand as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Spark New Zealand

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Telecom market.

Current share price is above our estimate of fair value.

Opportunity

SPK's financial characteristics indicate limited near-term opportunities for shareholders.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 3 years.

Looking Ahead:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Spark New Zealand, we've put together three relevant factors you should further research:

Risks: You should be aware of the 3 warning signs for Spark New Zealand (2 make us uncomfortable!) we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for SPK's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every New Zealander stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Key Insights

ST Group Food Industries Holdings' estimated fair value is S$0.18 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

With S$0.17 share price, ST Group Food Industries Holdings appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

ST Group Food Industries Holdings' peers are currently trading at a premium of 3.7% on average

Does the June share price for ST Group Food Industries Holdings Limited (Catalist:DRX) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for ST Group Food Industries Holdings

The Calculation

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$3.26m AU$3.48m AU$3.66m AU$3.81m AU$3.95m AU$4.07m AU$4.18m AU$4.29m AU$4.39m AU$4.48m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 8.59% Est @ 6.60% Est @ 5.21% Est @ 4.23% Est @ 3.55% Est @ 3.07% Est @ 2.74% Est @ 2.51% Est @ 2.34% Est @ 2.23% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 9.5% AU$3.0 AU$2.9 AU$2.8 AU$2.7 AU$2.5 AU$2.4 AU$2.2 AU$2.1 AU$1.9 AU$1.8

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$24m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.0%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.5%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = AU$4.5m (1 + 2.0%)  (9.5% 2.0%) = AU$61m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$61m ( 1 + 9.5%)10= AU$24m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$49m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of S$0.2, the company appears about fair value at a 2.5% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at ST Group Food Industries Holdings as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.269. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for ST Group Food Industries Holdings

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Hospitality market.

Opportunity

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine DRX's earnings prospects.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for DRX.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For ST Group Food Industries Holdings, we've compiled three pertinent elements you should consider:

Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for ST Group Food Industries Holdings (of which 2 are significant!) you should know about. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in Canadian National Railway implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

The top 24 shareholders own 50% of the company

Insiders have been buying lately

If you want to know who really controls Canadian National Railway Company (TSE:CNR), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 68% to be precise, is institutions. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Canadian National Railway.

See our latest analysis for Canadian National Railway

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Canadian National Railway?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that Canadian National Railway does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Canadian National Railway, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. It would appear that 5.5% of Canadian National Railway shares are controlled by hedge funds. That's interesting, because hedge funds can be quite active and activist. Many look for medium term catalysts that will drive the share price higher. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Asset Trust is currently the largest shareholder, with 8.5% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 5.5% and 3.3% of the stock.

After doing some more digging, we found that the top 24 have the combined ownership of 50% in the company, suggesting that no single shareholder has significant control over the company.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Canadian National Railway

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in Canadian National Railway Company. It is a very large company, and board members collectively own CA$1.6b worth of shares (at current prices). Most would say this shows a good alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. Still, it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 25% stake in Canadian National Railway. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Canadian National Railway .

Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Vanessa Carvalho/Shutterstock / Vanessa Carvalho/Shutterstock

As unhealthy levels of smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada continue to seriously affect air quality in the Northeastern United States, the New York Attorney General has issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout for price gouging on essential goods, such as masks, air filters and air purifiers.

Card-Not-Present Fraud: How To Protect Your Information

Learn: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

In a statement issued yesterday, New York Attorney General Letitia James said, The poor air quality impacting our state should not be an excuse for companies to increase profits on essential items.

My office has zero tolerance for price gouging of any kind, and if New Yorkers notice abnormally high prices for essential items, I urge them to report it immediately, she added. I also urge New Yorkers to follow local health guidance to protect their health and stay safe.

Most states have mandates against unfair or deceptive trade practices law. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 37 American states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia have statutes or regulations that define price gouging during a time of disaster or emergency.

New York statute prohibits state vendors, retailers and suppliers from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies, per Attorney General James statement. This includes goods and services like food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging and related transportation services.

States that do not carry price gouging statutes include Alaska, Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Some states have provisions in statutes against specific product gouging (e.g., fuel and petroleum or rent).

Widespread smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to bring hazardous air quality levels across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic United States and Great Lakes/Ohio Valley area, including major metro areas along the I-95 corridor (main north-south land-based transportation corridor for the east coast of the United States), per the National Weather Service (NWS). The dangerous air quality levels should be decreasing over Alabama and Georgia on Thursday.

As USA Today reports, an air quality health advisory has been extended through Thursday night by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The citys air quality index on Wednesday climbed up to 484 out of a scale of 500, doubling the index level reached Tuesday night.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that approximately one million high-quality N95-style masks will be made available to state residents as the smoke and haze from the Canadian wildfires continue to impact air quality.

Take Our Poll: Are You Concerned About the Safety of Your Money in Your Bank Accounts?

Discover: 9 Things You Should Never Buy at Thrift Stores

According to Attorney General James, victims of price gouging incidents should report the specific increased prices, dates, and places where they saw the increases, and provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available, to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

New Yorkers can report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filling out a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Canadian Wildfire: New York Attorney General Warns Of Price Gouging Amidst Air Quality Alerts
ChatGPT parent OpenAI doesn't want to go public because CEO Sam Altman wants freedom to make 'very strange' decisions

JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images

ChatGPT parent OpenAI doesn't want to go public, according to CEO Sam Altman.

At an event in Abu Dhabi, he said he wants to retain full control of the AI startup's technology.

Altman said, "I think the chance that we have to make a very strange decision someday is non-trivial."

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he doesn't want the startup behind ChatGPT to go public as he anticipates eventually doing things that may puzzle Wall Street.

At an event in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, he said he wants to hold on to complete control of OpenAI's technology, according to Bloomberg.

"When we develop superintelligence, we're likely to make some decisions that public market investors would view very strangely," Altman said.

And when asked about not having equity in his own company, he replied that he likes being "non-conflicted," adding that "I think the chance that we have to make a very strange decision someday is non-trivial."

OpenAI is likely in no hurry to raise more money in the capital markets anyway after Microsoft announced plans in January to invest $10 billion into the startup after putting in $1 billion in 2019.

The latest investment is estimated to have valued OpenAI at $29 billion, up from about $14 billion in 2021, Semafor reported in January.

Meanwhile, OpenAI has been advancing its AI technology. After introducing ChatGPT in November, the company unveiled the GPT-4 model in March.

At the time, Altman described GPT-4 as an improved model that is "more creative" and "less biased" than earlier versions, and said it was capable of passing the bar exam for lawyers, and that it "could score a 5 on several AP exams."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- China asked fund vendors and asset managers to stop displaying real-time estimates of their mutual funds net value by mid-June, according to a person familiar with the discussions, though some flexibility will be allowed over the timeline for the rollout.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Some of the countrys mutual fund companies and third-party data providers will cease to offer such information by June 16, said the person, who has direct knowledge of the matter and asked not to be identified as they arent authorized to speak to the media. A rolling deadline would be adopted for those with larger client bases. The move, which had been planned for months, is intended to guide investors toward long-term investment and protect their interests by reducing speculative day-trading, the person said.

The change was first reported by the Securities Times, which stated that real-time display of estimated fund values could lead to irrational buying and selloff.

The decision comes as Chinese stocks have slumped in recent months after signs of a faltering economic recovery and unabated geopolitical tensions ended an impressive reopening rally. It also underscores authorities long-held concerns about the risk of wild swings in a market dominated by individual investors that often use mutual funds for speculation.

This will help smooth market fluctuations as some funds may have been seeking arbitrage versus these real time calculations, said Wu Xuan, chief market analyst at Tebon Fund Management Co. I think the measure, rolled out at this point in time, may also be related to the markets recent weakness.

The provision of real-time estimates for fund values can prove problematic. The figures may be distorted, for example, by large redemptions or purchases toward the end of a trading day. Such inaccuracies have been an issue leading to investor complaints, the person said.

Currently, funds-tracking websites such as East Money Information Co., as well as third-party fund vendors like Ant Group Co., provide calculations of changes in funds value throughout the trading day. Some mutual fund firms, including Penghua Fund Management Co., also supply real-time updates on their apps.

The service was originally introduced as a gimmick to boost sales, catering to the needs of mom and pop investors and allowing them to chase rallies and offload during selloffs, the Securities Times report said.

These value estimates may exacerbate investors mood swings within the day, and if the move does not meet expectations, it could lead to irrational selling on a whim, said Yang Ruyi, fund manager at Shanghai Prospect Investment Management Co. This will lessen losses and help enforce a longer-term investment perspective.

--With assistance from Mengchen Lu.

(Updates with details throughout)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Chinese regulators try to assure sceptical foreign financiers NFRA director Li Yunze speaks at Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai

By Jason Xue and Joe Cash

SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) - China is open for investment, the country's top financial regulators told foreign financiers at a high-profile forum in Shanghai on Thursday, as concerns mount among foreign firms that they may no longer be welcome.

The world's second-largest economy, keen for foreign investment to support its reopening after three years of COVID-19 restrictions, has played host in recent months to high-profile overseas CEOs including Goldman Sachs Group's David Solomon and Tesla's Elon Musk.

But scepticism runs deep, as Sino-U.S. tensions intensify around flashpoints from Ukraine and the South China Sea to U.S. semiconductor export curbs and data security, while President Xi Jinping's focus on national security brought a recent crackdown on foreign consultancies and due diligence firms.

"We warmly welcome foreign-funded institutions with sound operations and excellent qualifications to expand their business in China," Li Yunze, head of China's National Financial Regulatory Administration, said in his first public remarks since his appointment at the newly established agency.

"Opening up is China's long-term national policy, and the door of China's financial industry will only be opened wider and wider."

He was speaking at the annual Lujiazui Forum, where senior representatives from HSBC , Credit Agricole , Merrill Lynch, Mizuho Financial , Schroders and Paypal are also scheduled to speak.

China's top financial regulators have consistently stressed how open their markets are. Li told Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser exactly that in Beijing on Monday.

Yi Huiman, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, told forum participants that China will "adamantly" push for deregulation in terms of market access, institution qualification and products.

But staff at foreign chambers of commerce and trade associations in China complain of "promise fatigue" among their membership.

"There's a charm offensive, but are they backing it up with any actual black-and-white meaningful policy changes?" said Noah Fraser, managing director of the Canada China Business Council.

"No."

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Echoing the message of openness in Shanghai, Xi told local officials at an industrial park in China's northern region of Inner Mongolia to cooperate with the outside world for "mutual benefits," state media reported, telling them to implement a high level of openness.

Drawing attention to the region's proximity to Russia and Mongolia, Xi instructed officials to "play a greater role in connecting the domestic and international links in the 'dual circulation' strategy," an initiative to reduce China's dependence on overseas markets and technologies in its long-term development.

First put forward by Xi in 2020, the "dual circulation" strategy would see China rely mainly on "internal circulation" - the domestic cycle of production, distribution, and consumption - for its development.

Internal circulation will be supported by "external circulation," as in foreign financing and China's interactions with the global economy.

"We will make all the efforts to give investors access to truthful and transparent listed companies (in China)," said Yi in Shanghai.

Yet, China's industries must ultimately be self-sufficient in their scientific and technological capabilities, Yi said.

(Reporting by Shanghai newsroom; Writing by Joe Cash; Editing by Shri Navaratnam,Edmund Klamann and Kim Coghill)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (7437206b) Crispin Odey Crispin Odey at his office in London, UK - 03 Nov 2016 Crispin Odey is a London-based hedge fund manager and the founding partner of Odey Asset Management. - Shutterstock

The City of London was tonight turning its back on Crispin Odey following a raft of fresh sexual assault allegations made against the hedge fund tycoon.

Morgan Stanley moved to cut ties with Odey Asset Management on Thursday, while JP Morgan was said to be reviewing its relationship with the company in light of the claims.

It comes after the Financial Times published an investigation into Mr Odeys treatment of women over a 25-year period that included multiple new allegations of sexual harassment or assault.

A law firm representing Mr Odey said he strenuously disputed the allegations.

Mr Odey told The Telegraph late on Thursday that Morgan Stanley was having to pedal back hard owing to regulatory requirements after the bank began the process of terminating its prime broking relationship with the company.

Mr Odey added: We have been with Morgan Stanley for 30 years and this was done at 11am this morning after the article was published at 5am.

It was also reported that the City watchdog is in the midst of a two-year investigation into the asset manager.

A spokesman for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said: We take allegations of non-financial misconduct seriously and expect firms to have adequate governance procedures in place that ensures allegations of misconduct are properly investigated.

The allegations are the latest in a series of claims made against one of Britains best known hedge fund bosses in recent years.

In 2021, a judge acquitted the multimillionaire of indecent assault. Mr Odey himself admitted he was ashamed by his actions but insisted he merely propositioned a woman after they ate Chinese takeaway at his marital home. He denied claims that he lunged at her.

The allegation related to an encounter in 1998 in which a woman claimed Mr Odey put his hands on her breast and up her skirt before she wrestled herself free and left. The judge ultimately ruled in his favour.

Last year, the news website Tortoise reported that it was aware of a fresh misconduct allegation made by a woman against Mr Odey since the end of the trial.

Mr Odey told Tortoise that the claims it had put to him contained very many falsehoods and inaccuracies.

The former son-in-law of Rupert Murdoch, Mr Odey has run Odey Asset Management, one of Londons best-known hedge funds, since 1991.

He was also among the City financiers who backed Boris Johnsons leadership campaign and has previously supported former Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

Despite being a prominent supporter of Brexit, the hedge fund manager made 220m by betting against the pound during the EU referendum in 2016.

Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan declined to comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A haze from the wildfires settles in Toronto. (Photo: Shutterstock/Mariana Topfstedt)

Canadian railway CN is keeping an eye on the wildfires occurring across several provinces and it is adjusting operations as needed, the railway told FreightWaves Wednesday.

According to Natural Resources Canada, opportunities for intense wildfires are high in both eastern and western Canada. Meanwhile, Reuters reported Monday that Canadian officials are bracing for a potentially destructive fire season amid warm and dry weather.

Concerns about this summer come as news reports have noted that ongoing, fierce wildfires in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec have resulted in poor air quality across portions of eastern Canada, the U.S. Midwest and mid-Atlantic.

CN is monitoring the current wildfire situation along our network. We are making real-time adjustments to operations based on the latest information available on both the winds and wildfires in the different areas. We are in contact with our customers regarding any impacts to their shipments, CN (NYSE: CNI) said in a statement to FreightWaves.

Above all, we are focused on ensuring the safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate. CN would like to thank all emergency responders for their continued work and support across the country.





A map indicating fire intensity serves as a general index of fire danger throughout the forested areas of Canada. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada)

Wildfires or the imminent threat of them might cause shippers to temporarily consider other alternatives to moving goods, according to John Schmitter, chief commercial officer for RailState, a technology provider for rail car visibility.

RailState recently published a blog post on the impact that May wildfires in the Canadian province of Alberta had on freight rail volumes.

Depending on the commodities, shippers might hold shipments until things are safer or prioritize shipments to locations where the route is not impacted by fire. Intermodal shippers could divert from CN to [Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)] or vice versa if one railway is impacted more than the other or use truck, Schmitter told FreightWaves. Shippers of forest products might use trucks to the most impacted lanes. Our customers use the data that RailState provides on current conditions on each route to help inform these decisions.

According to British Columbias government website, wildfires occurring within the province are generally caused by lightning about 60% of the time and by human activity about 40% of the time.

Subscribe to FreightWaves e-newsletters and get the latest insights on freight right in your inbox

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Joanna Marsh.

Related links:

The post CN adjusting rail operations amid fierce Canada wildfires appeared first on FreightWaves.
With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 1.3x in the Healthcare industry in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Concord Medical Services Holdings Limited's (NYSE:CCM) P/S ratio of 0.9x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/S ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.

View our latest analysis for Concord Medical Services Holdings

How Concord Medical Services Holdings Has Been Performing

As an illustration, revenue has deteriorated at Concord Medical Services Holdings over the last year, which is not ideal at all. Perhaps investors believe the recent revenue performance is enough to keep in line with the industry, which is keeping the P/S from dropping off. If you like the company, you'd at least be hoping this is the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's not quite in favour.

Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Concord Medical Services Holdings will help you shine a light on its historical performance.

How Is Concord Medical Services Holdings' Revenue Growth Trending?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Concord Medical Services Holdings' is when the company's growth is tracking the industry closely.

Taking a look back first, the company's revenue growth last year wasn't something to get excited about as it posted a disappointing decline of 2.8%. However, a few very strong years before that means that it was still able to grow revenue by an impressive 138% in total over the last three years. Although it's been a bumpy ride, it's still fair to say the revenue growth recently has been more than adequate for the company.

Comparing that to the industry, which is only predicted to deliver 8.7% growth in the next 12 months, the company's momentum is stronger based on recent medium-term annualised revenue results.

With this information, we find it interesting that Concord Medical Services Holdings is trading at a fairly similar P/S compared to the industry. It may be that most investors are not convinced the company can maintain its recent growth rates.

The Bottom Line On Concord Medical Services Holdings' P/S

We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

To our surprise, Concord Medical Services Holdings revealed its three-year revenue trends aren't contributing to its P/S as much as we would have predicted, given they look better than current industry expectations. There could be some unobserved threats to revenue preventing the P/S ratio from matching this positive performance. While recent revenue trends over the past medium-term suggest that the risk of a price decline is low, investors appear to see the likelihood of revenue fluctuations in the future.

And what about other risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Concord Medical Services Holdings (of which 2 are a bit concerning!) you should know about.

Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
A Canadian Pacific train at a rail yard. (Photo: Shutterstock/Wirestock Creators)

A court in Canada has held Canadian Pacific in contempt for not following a federal provision governing the hours that train crews work.

The decision, rendered Tuesday by Judge Ann Marie McDonald, found that CP  now CPKC (NYSE: CP)  didnt sufficiently limit the number of hours that train crew members can work in 22 out of 38 incidents occurring in 2018 and 2019. As a result, CP failed to abide by two collective agreements with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), and it didnt fully follow Transport Canada regulations.

According to TCRC, Transport Canada regulations dictate that rail employees may work a maximum of 12 hours, or they may work a maximum of 10 hours under certain provisions of the collective agreement.

Violating these rules and guidelines may result in crew fatigue, TCRC said, which in turn can be a factor in train derailments. At least 32 train derailments from the early 1990s to mid-2022 had crew fatigue as a factor, according to TCRC, quoting a statistic from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

Canadian Pacific recklessly puts lives on the line in forcing so many train crews to work longer than allowed. They do this because they operate under the dangerous delusion that they are above the law, and that its OK to ignore the court orders on safety issues. This company needs to smarten up and stop putting profits over people before another tragedy occurs, Francois Laporte, national president of Teamsters Canada, said in a Wednesday release.

The penalties are still to be determined, although CPKC said in a statement that it was disappointed by yesterdays decision by the Federal Court. We respectfully disagree with the Courts decision and will be filing an appeal.

According to the decision, CP had argued before the court that reaching 100% compliance with the current mandate is not possible because train operations can be highly complex and there are circumstances beyond CPs control. These two factors can prevent CP from fully complying with the mandate.

But the judge said the issue was not whether it is impossible for CP to comply with the mandate, since those discussions should be made in another forum, such as the collective bargaining process.

In agreeing to comply with the mandate, CP assumed the contractual obligation to comply with the terms of the Consolidated Collective Agreement or face the consequences of non-compliance, McDonald said in her decision. It is not a persuasive defense to the allegation of contempt of Court that CP, by its own conduct, essentially concedes it has not strictly complied.

The judge also said an arbitrator in the proceeding between CP and the TCRC noted that violations number in the thousands, but that the court case focuses on 38 instances between June 2018 and April 2019.

Subscribe to FreightWaves e-newsletters and get the latest insights on freight right in your inbox

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Joanna Marsh.

Related links:

The post Court finds Canadian Pacific didnt provide adequate rest time appeared first on FreightWaves.
Dave Ramsey

The average cost of college in the United States is now $35,551 per year, including books, supplies and daily living expenses, according to the Education Data Initiative. Of course, that cost can vary greatly depending on whether the student attends a private university or a community college and whether or not they live at home while theyre in school. But no matter which way you slice it, college is often a major expense.

See: All of the States That Will Pay Off Your Student Loans

Find Out: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

Whether your child is years away from college or theyll be heading off soon, figuring out how to pay for higher education can be daunting. Financial expert Dave Ramsey has shared several methods that he swears by to make college more affordable  here are his tops ways to save.

Save in an ESA or 529 Plan

Ramseys favorite methods for saving money for college are Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and 529 plans, as they allow your funds to grow tax-free.

Theyre basically a Roth IRA, he said on an episode of The Dave Ramsey Show.

Just as with a Roth IRA, money in these accounts compounds over time, so starting to save when your child is still young is the best way to maximize your money.

If you put in $2,000 a year for 18 years  you put in $36,000  if that grows at a typical mutual fund rate, 18 years later that $36,000 will have grown to over $128,000, Ramsey said. So you have roughly $100,000 worth of growth in that account that is going to be taxable if its in a different kind of account, and so this is a $25,000 or $30,000 discussion were having.

Although the money in an ESA or 529 can only be used for educational purposes, Ramsey said that its rare youll end up over-saving in these accounts.

Most people do not get enough into their 529 to pay for college, he said on another episode of The Dave Ramsey Show. You should [put money into a 529] until you have enough that it starts to be an issue. If you get up to $100,000 or something in a 529, after that you can start talking about putting some of it somewhere else.

Student Loan Forgiveness: 10 Expenses To Cut From Your Budget When Payments Resume

Choose an Affordable College

Ramsey does not believe that anyone should take out student loans, so its best to choose a school based on what you actually can afford.

The No. 1 cause of student loan debt is college choice, he said on another episode of The Dave Ramsey Show. If you participate in the decision for [your child] to go to a $45,000-a-year school, you are pretty much ensuring your child is going to hate you when theyre 30 because theyre going to be looking down the nose of about $100,000 in student loan debt. Where you go to school matters.

Have Your Child Contribute To the Cost

The burden of paying for college shouldnt fall entirely on the parents. Ramsey said its important for children to earn money to contribute to their education costs.

They are going to be working while theyre in school and before they get to school, he said on the show.

Invest In ACT and SAT Tutoring

While it may seem counterintuitive to spend more money than is absolutely necessary when it comes to college costs, Ramsey believes that investing in taking multiple college admissions tests and paying for tutoring is well worth it.

[Your high school students] job right now is to start taking the ACT, and take it again and take it again, Ramsey said on the show. Most schools are now super scoring the ACT, which means if you take it three times, they take the best of [your scores]. Every time you take it, you take mentoring and tutoring in between  thats a good thing to spend money on  on how to take the test so that next time you take it, your score goes up.

Higher test scores can lead to more college options as well as scholarships.

Apply For Scholarships

Having a high test score isnt the only way to qualify for scholarships. There are many scholarships available to college students, and Ramsey said students should apply for as many as possible.

They are now in the I want a scholarship business, he said on the show. It can be based on their Christian faith and the mission work that theyve done, it can be based on academics, but its usually just based on somebodys giving away a scholarship and the kid that has the best essay gets it. There are millions of dollars that go unclaimed every year in scholarships.

Ramsey said to search online databases such as MyScholly.com to find scholarships to apply for.

Your child needs to fill out 1,000 scholarship applications between now and the time they go to school  literally, he said on the show. Theyre going to get turned down for 900 or 950 of them, but if they get 50 scholarships that average $1,000 a piece, they just went to school.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramseys Top 5 Ways To Save For College
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. However, after briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think Deutsche Telekom (ETR:DTE) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be.

What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Deutsche Telekom:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.061 = 16b  (304b - 40b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

So, Deutsche Telekom has an ROCE of 6.1%. In absolute terms, that's a low return but it's around the Telecom industry average of 5.2%.

Check out our latest analysis for Deutsche Telekom

roce

In the above chart we have measured Deutsche Telekom's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

The Trend Of ROCE

On the surface, the trend of ROCE at Deutsche Telekom doesn't inspire confidence. To be more specific, ROCE has fallen from 8.1% over the last five years. However it looks like Deutsche Telekom might be reinvesting for long term growth because while capital employed has increased, the company's sales haven't changed much in the last 12 months. It's worth keeping an eye on the company's earnings from here on to see if these investments do end up contributing to the bottom line.

In Conclusion...

In summary, Deutsche Telekom is reinvesting funds back into the business for growth but unfortunately it looks like sales haven't increased much just yet. Although the market must be expecting these trends to improve because the stock has gained 69% over the last five years. Ultimately, if the underlying trends persist, we wouldn't hold our breath on it being a multi-bagger going forward.

One more thing, we've spotted 2 warning signs facing Deutsche Telekom that you might find interesting.

If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has gone after two of the worlds biggest crypto brands this week, suing Binance and Coinbase and making very serious allegations about both companies.

In his ongoing onslaught against the industry, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on Monday alleged that Binance, the worlds biggest digital asset exchange by volume, was run through a web of deception by CEO Changpeng Zhao and commingled customer funds.

The regulator on Tuesday then claimed that Americas biggest crypto exchange Coinbase operated for years as an unlicensed securities exchange and elevated its interest in increasing its profits over investors interests.

But the lawsuits are different. Though the allegations against Coinbase are serious, the complaint against Binance is more damning: It directly mentions the companys CEO and is significantly longer, with heavier allegations.

According to Federica Pantana, an attorney in Davidoff Hutcher & Citrons Corporate Law practice, who specializes in securities law compliance, Binance may be in bigger trouble, because a company may never recover from fraud or similar claims.

Commingling Funds vs. Businesses

The SEC claims digital asset behemoth Binance moved around customers fiat and crypto as defendants pleasedan allegation reminiscent of those against its disgraced former competitor, FTX. Although its worth pointing out that unlike FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who is facing 13 criminal charges, the U.S. has not yet leveled criminal charges against Binance or Zhao.

While against Coinbase, the SEC alleges that the San Francisco-based company for years operated as an unregistered national securities exchange, broker and clearing agency. It also alleges that Coinbase offered and sold unregistered securities via its staking service.

Binance Downplays Canadian Securities Regulator Investigation After Leaving Country

And though the complaint claims Coinbase is guilty of commingling, it doesnt allege the commingling of fundsrather, functions.

In other parts of our securities markets, these functions are separate, the SEC said, referring to the functions of a securities exchange, broker and clearing agency.

No Fraud Allegations for Coinbase

According to former CFTC trial attorney Braden Perry, the Coinbase complaint is much different.

He said: It alleges no fraudulent activity, only that Coinbase merged three functions that are typically separated in traditional securities marketsthose of brokers, exchanges, and clearing agenciesbut has never registered as any of these things, violating securities law.

But he added that it was striking that the SEC ostensibly approved the business model under its IPO diligence.

Through thirteen charges, we allege that Zhao and Binance entities engaged in an extensive web of deception, conflicts of interest, lack of disclosure, and calculated evasion of the law. https://t.co/E06hVOaYby  Gary Gensler (@GaryGensler) June 5, 2023

Binance CEO Also a Defendant

The SEC further alleges that Binances wrongdoings took place under Zhaos control. As the main defendant, the SEC mentions the companys CEO and the richest man in crypto nearly 200 times in the 136-page complaint.

In the Coinbase lawsuit, CEO Brian Armstrong is just mentioned once.

Perhaps most alarmingly are the allegations that billions of dollars of customer funds went to a bank account for an entity controlled by Zhao.

For example, through accounts owned and controlled by Zhao and Binance, billions of U.S. dollars of customer funds from both Binance Platforms were commingled in an account held by a Zhao-controlled entity (called Merit Peak Limited), which funds were subsequently transferred to a third party apparently in connection with the purchase and sale of crypto assets, the complaint added.

SEC Alleges Binance.com Welcomed US Customers

The SEC also alleges that despite Zhao and Binance claiming that American customers were restricted from using Binances biggest platform, behind the scenes they secretly allowed big U.S. customers to trade on the crypto exchangean alleged evasion of securities laws.

Binance.US is an American exchange for American citizens that uses the Binance logo but is run independently, according to Binance. But it has always done far less volume than the main exchange at Binance.com.

In Coinbase's complaint, on the other hand, the SEC does not allege that the exchange unlawfully offered services to customers it wasnt meant to do business with. But it's worth pointing out that one of the penalties the SEC is seeking in the Coinbase lawsuit would enjoinor banthe company from operating as an exchange or broker in the U.S..
Dril-Quip, Inc.'s (NYSE:DRQ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 2.3x may not look like an appealing investment opportunity when you consider close to half the companies in the Energy Services industry in the United States have P/S ratios below 0.9x. However, the P/S might be high for a reason and it requires further investigation to determine if it's justified.

View our latest analysis for Dril-Quip

How Has Dril-Quip Performed Recently?

Recent times haven't been great for Dril-Quip as its revenue has been rising slower than most other companies. It might be that many expect the uninspiring revenue performance to recover significantly, which has kept the P/S ratio from collapsing. However, if this isn't the case, investors might get caught out paying too much for the stock.

Keen to find out how analysts think Dril-Quip's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The High P/S Ratio?

The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as high as Dril-Quip's is when the company's growth is on track to outshine the industry.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a decent 14% gain to the company's revenues. Still, lamentably revenue has fallen 11% in aggregate from three years ago, which is disappointing. Accordingly, shareholders would have felt downbeat about the medium-term rates of revenue growth.

Looking ahead now, revenue is anticipated to climb by 11% per year during the coming three years according to the dual analysts following the company. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to expand by 9.7% per annum, which is not materially different.

With this information, we find it interesting that Dril-Quip is trading at a high P/S compared to the industry. Apparently many investors in the company are more bullish than analysts indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. Although, additional gains will be difficult to achieve as this level of revenue growth is likely to weigh down the share price eventually.

What Does Dril-Quip's P/S Mean For Investors?

Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-sales ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.

Seeing as its revenues are forecast to grow in line with the wider industry, it would appear that Dril-Quip currently trades on a higher than expected P/S. The fact that the revenue figures aren't setting the world alight has us doubtful that the company's elevated P/S can be sustainable for the long term. This places shareholders' investments at risk and potential investors in danger of paying an unnecessary premium.

And what about other risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Dril-Quip you should know about.

If companies with solid past earnings growth is up your alley, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Fortune Business Insights

Key companies covered in Duty Free Retail Market are China Duty Free Group (China), Lotte Duty Free (South Korea), The Shilla Duty Free (South Korea), Dufry AG (Switzerland), DFS Group (China), Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG (Germany), Shinsegae Duty Free Inc. (South Korea), The King Power International Group (Thailand), Lagardere Group (France), Dubai Duty Free (UAE), and more.

Pune, India, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global duty free retail market size was valued at USD 39.08 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 42.65 billion in 2023 to USD 70.75 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.50% during the forecast period. The rising demand for alcohol in several economies especially in Asia owing to the increasing spending capacity of middle-class people, changing consumer habits, and growing international tourist arrivals has elevated the demand for premium duty-free liquor worldwide. Strategic developments and innovations in the sector will further propel duty-free alcohol sales, thus aiding market expansion. This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights, in its report titled, Duty-Free Retail Market, 2023-2030.

Get a Free Sample Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/duty-free-retail-market-106652

List of Key Players Profiled in the Duty Free Retail Market Report:

China Duty Free Group (China)

Lotte Duty Free (South Korea)

The Shilla Duty Free (South Korea)

Dufry AG (Switzerland)

DFS Group (China)

Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG (Germany)

Shinsegae Duty Free Inc. (South Korea)

The King Power International Group (Thailand)

Lagardere Group (France)

Dubai Duty Free (UAE)

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-20230 Forecast CAGR 7.50% 2030 Value Projection USD 70.75 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 39.08 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 186 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type

By Sales Channel

By Region Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa Duty Free Retail Market Growth Drivers Rapidly Expanding International Tourism Market to Favor Market Expansion Increasing Number of New Air Routes in Asian Countries to Encourage Entry of New Players





Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/duty-free-retail-market-106652

Segments:

Perfumes Segment to Lead Owing to Availability of Variety of Internationally Reputed Brands

As per type, the market is split into perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, and others. Among these, the perfumes segment captured the largest market share in 2022. Affluent global travelers usually visit retail chains that offer perfumes of internationally reputed brands, including Hugo Boss, Prada, Gucci, Al Haramain Dazzle Intense, Giorgio Armani, Belle, Signature Silver, Signature Rose, and Khulasat Al Oud. They offer several types of perfumes, including Eau De Perfume (EDP), Perfume or De Perfume, Eau De Toilette (EDT), and Eau De Cologne (EDC) in one place, which is contributing to segment growth.

Airports Segment to Capture Significant Share Due to Rising Number of Duty Free Retail Stores

According to sales channel, the market is divided into airports, onboard aircraft, seaports, train stations, and others. Among these, the airports segment dominated the global market in 2022. The growing number of international and domestic airports in several economies is attributed to segment expansion. The increasing number of duty free retail stores across airports worldwide will further drive segment growth in the coming years.

Geographically, the market is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

COVID-19 Impacts:

Decline in Air Travel and fall of Tourism Industry Inhibited Market Expansion amid the Pandemic

The sudden fall in air traffic owing to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and imposition of travel restrictions severely impacted the duty free retail market growth. Airlines were cutting down on operations as individuals preferred to stay at home to stay safe from the virus. As per the Airports Council International (ACI), a Canada-based international platform for representing industry practices and airport standards, total airport sales dropped by 35% in the first quarter of 2020 and by 90% in the second quarter of 2020. The substantial decline in the tourism industry hindered the demand for duty free retail, thus affecting market expansion negatively.

Get a Quote Now:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/duty-free-retail-market-106652

Report Coverage:

The report includes:

Drivers, restraints, opportunities and threats influencing market dynamics in the coming years.

List of key market players along with strategic developments undertaken in the past five years.

Market share, growth rate, and valuation projections for each region and segment.

Impact of COVID-19 on the global economy.

Drivers & Restraints:

Rising Number of Airports in Several Countries to Aid Market Expansion

The construction of new airports in several economies and rising investments to expand existing ones will generate many opportunities for market growth. For example, in February 2021, the Airport Authority of India (AAI), an Indian governmental body that operates 125 airports, issued a construction permit worth USD 135.07 million (INR 987 crore) for the first phase of an international airport named Dholera in Gujarat. According to Global Aviation Summit 2019, the Civil Aviation Ministry of India aims to have 190-200 operational airports by 2040 under the Indian Aviation Vision 2040. Mumbai and Delhi will each have three international airports, while the top 31 Indian cities will have two operating airports.

On the other hand, fluctuations in currency exchange rates will hinder market augmentation in the forthcoming years.

Regional Insights:

Asia Pacific to Capture Significant Share Stoked by Innovative Product Launches

Asia Pacific held majority of the duty free retail market share in 2022 backed by strategic developments in Asian economies, which will facilitate the launch of innovative products in the region. For example, in its master plan dated June 1st, 2020, Chinas central government announced various policies aimed at establishing the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP) on the countrys southern coast. The government also announced its plan to make Hainan FTP an internationally renowned free trade port by 2050. This strategic move will elevate the expansion of domestic retail chains that offer a wide variety of retail products in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the Europe market is slated to grow substantially over the forecast period due to rising expenditure on luxury goods by tourists. After the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, airports in European countries have taken measures to attract tourists/passengers to retail stores that are duty free. This, in turn, will boost sales and aid regional market expansion.

The North America market is driven by travel spending in the U.S. and the growing number of tourists. Canada is one of the key contributors to the North America market. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), duty free stores operate in approximately 53 locations across Canada, including land border locations and international airports.

Competitive Landscape:

Launch of New Duty Free Stores by New Entrants and Existing Players to Drive Market Proliferation

Industry leaders are launching new duty free retail stores or investing funds in expanding existing ones to strengthen their position in the global market. For instance, in June 2022, Mumbai Travel Retail Pvt Ltd. ((MTRPL), an Indian private travel retailer, unveiled its new outlet at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India. The new store is a part of the company's Duty Free (TDF) stores covering approximately 2,450 sq ft. These travel retail stores offer a broad spectrum of products, from branded perfumes, travel accessories to imported confectionery. This strategic move opens up new business opportunities for prospective travel retail operators across Indian states, including Kerala and Karnataka.

Ask for Customization:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/duty-free-retail-market-106652

Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Overview of the Parent Market Industry SWOT Analysis Supply Chain and Regulatory Landscape Market Analysis and Insights (in Relation with COVID-19) Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges due to the Pandemic Potential Opportunities to Support the Market

Global Duty Free Retail Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Type Perfumes Cosmetics Alcohol Cigarettes Others By Sales Channel Airports Onboard Aircraft Seaports Train Stations Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa



TOC Continued...!

Key Industry Development:

January 2023: Foreo, a Sweden-based connected beauty brand, launched a new store in Manila, Philippines, in collaboration with Duty Free Philippines. The new store (Luxe Duty Free) contributed to Duty Free Philippines' expansion strategies within the country.

Read Related Insights:

Camping Equipment Market Size to Hit USD 133.05 Billion by 2030 | At a 6.9% CAGR

Refillable Deodorants Market to Hit USD 272.50 Billion by 2030 | With a CAGR 5.57%

About Us:

Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

Address:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner,

Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045,

Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter




BOGOTA, Colombia, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that the International Chamber of Commerce decided in favor of Refineria de Cartagena S.A.S ("Reficar"), a subsidiary company of Ecopetrol S.A., in the framework of an arbitration proceeding against Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., CB&I (UK) Limited and CBI Colombiana S.A. (collectively "CB&I"), in connection with the arbitration proceedings against Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., CB&I (UK) Limited and CBI Colombiana S.A. (collectively "CB&I"), in connection with the execution and performance of the EPC Contract (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contract) entered into between the two companies for the expansion and modernization of the refinery located in the city of Cartagena.

Ecopetrol Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Ecopetrol S.A.)

The arbitration process was initiated through a request filed by Reficar in March 2016 as a result of CB&I's conduct in the planning and execution of the EPC Contract.

The unanimous decision of this Arbitral Tribunal confirmed the liability of the contractor CB&I for breaching its obligations under the EPC Contract.

The Arbitral Tribunal sentenced CB&I to the payment of more than one (1) billion dollars in favor of Reficar plus the interests caused since December 31, 2015. Additionally, the tribunal dismissed CB&I's claims for approximately US$400 million and ordered the liquidation of the EPC Contract, as requested by Reficar.

The decision of the Arbitral Tribunal may be subject to formal corrections and clarifications at the request of the parties.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets (a)

Carolina Tovar Aragon

Email: investors@ecopetrol.com.co

Head of Corporate Communications (a)

Juan Guillermo Londono

Correo electronico: juan.londono@ecopetrol.com.co

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ecopetrol-informs-about-an-arbitration-decision-issued-in-favor-of-reficar-sas-301846122.html

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
There wouldn't be many who think Enzo Biochem, Inc.'s (NYSE:ENZ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 1.3x is worth a mention when the median P/S for the Healthcare industry in the United States is very similar. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

View our latest analysis for Enzo Biochem

How Enzo Biochem Has Been Performing

For instance, Enzo Biochem's receding revenue in recent times would have to be some food for thought. Perhaps investors believe the recent revenue performance is enough to keep in line with the industry, which is keeping the P/S from dropping off. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

We don't have analyst forecasts, but you can see how recent trends are setting up the company for the future by checking out our free report on Enzo Biochem's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The P/S Ratio?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Enzo Biochem's is when the company's growth is tracking the industry closely.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 31% decrease to the company's top line. Unfortunately, that's brought it right back to where it started three years ago with revenue growth being virtually non-existent overall during that time. Accordingly, shareholders probably wouldn't have been overly satisfied with the unstable medium-term growth rates.

Comparing the recent medium-term revenue trends against the industry's one-year growth forecast of 8.7% shows it's noticeably less attractive.

With this information, we find it interesting that Enzo Biochem is trading at a fairly similar P/S compared to the industry. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. They may be setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

What Does Enzo Biochem's P/S Mean For Investors?

While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.

Our examination of Enzo Biochem revealed its poor three-year revenue trends aren't resulting in a lower P/S as per our expectations, given they look worse than current industry outlook. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/S as this revenue performance isn't likely to support a more positive sentiment for long. Unless there is a significant improvement in the company's medium-term performance, it will be difficult to prevent the P/S ratio from declining to a more reasonable level.

It's always necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Enzo Biochem (at least 3 which are concerning), and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If strong companies turning a profit tickle your fancy, then you'll want to check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings).

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Financial trading platform eToro told Decrypt Wednesday it's committed to crypto and working with regulators in the wake of two high-profile lawsuits from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Binance and Coinbase.

We remain a supporter of crypto and believe in the importance of offering our users access to a diversified range of asset classes, an eToro spokesperson told Decrypt. This means working closely with regulators globally to shape the future of the crypto industry and champion access for the ordinary investor.

eToro currently offers 80 cryptocurrencies on its platform, including several alleged to be unregistered securities this week by the SEC, such as Cardano (ADA), Polygon (MATIC), Solana (SOL), Alogrand (ALGO), Filecoin (FIL), Decntraland (MANA), and the Sandbox (SAND).

eToro Announces Crypto, Stock Trading Integration With Twitter

Founded in Israel in 2007 as an FX trading platform that later supported stocks, eToros crypto platform for U.S. customers went live in 2018. Drawing closer to crypto over time, eToro also announced a partnership with Twitter this April, which lets users on the social media app invest in cryptocurrencies through eToro and view real-time prices.

Concerning the tokens it lists, the eToro spokesperson told Decrypt the firm has a framework in place that enables it to review what digital assets it offers in light of the fact that the regulatory landscape around crypto activities is evolving rapidly.

eToro isnt alone in bridging the gap between trading stocks and crypto assets. In 2018, its stock trading competitor Robinhood introduced Robinhood Crypto, which initially offered users access to Bitcoin and Ethereum. But today, Robinhoods crypto arm offers 18 different tokens, including ADA, MATIC, and SOL.

Binance.US Pulls Several Trading Pairs in Wake of SEC Lawsuit

On Tuesday, Robinhoods Chief Legal Officer Dan Gallagher signaled during testimony before Congress the firm is assessing which assets are listed on Robinhood Crypto in light of the SECs lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance.

There are a few coins that have been noted in recent SEC complaints that we do trade on our platform, Gallagher said. We are actively reviewing the SEC analysis to determine what, if any, actions to take in that regard.

Meanwhile, Binance.US said on Wednesday that the exchange was changing elements of its business after careful consideration in a press release.

The exchange said it will remove over 100 Advanced Trading pairs from its platform, effective June 8. Several of the trading pairs impacted include tokens dubbed unregistered securities by the SEC: Axie Infinity (AXS), Cosmos Hub (ATOM), COTI (COTI), and MANA.

Additionally, Binance.US said it is modifying its Buy, Sell & Convert offering, limiting trade amounts to $10,000 for tokens like MATIC, SOL, and ADA.

Binance.US did not provide an explanation for the shift, but the measure follows an emergency motion filed by the SEC on Tuesday that seeks in part to freeze corporate assets belonging to the exchange.

Binance.US did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Decrypt.
Even though Harmony Gold Mining (JSE:HAR) has lost R2.0b market cap in last 7 days, shareholders are still up 363% over 5 years

Buying shares in the best businesses can build meaningful wealth for you and your family. And we've seen some truly amazing gains over the years. To wit, the Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (JSE:HAR) share price has soared 348% over five years. This just goes to show the value creation that some businesses can achieve. On top of that, the share price is up 63% in about a quarter.

Since the long term performance has been good but there's been a recent pullback of 3.5%, let's check if the fundamentals match the share price.

See our latest analysis for Harmony Gold Mining

Harmony Gold Mining isn't currently profitable, so most analysts would look to revenue growth to get an idea of how fast the underlying business is growing. Shareholders of unprofitable companies usually expect strong revenue growth. Some companies are willing to postpone profitability to grow revenue faster, but in that case one does expect good top-line growth.

For the last half decade, Harmony Gold Mining can boast revenue growth at a rate of 17% per year. That's well above most pre-profit companies. Arguably, this is well and truly reflected in the strong share price gain of 35%(per year) over the same period. It's never too late to start following a top notch stock like Harmony Gold Mining, since some long term winners go on winning for decades. On the face of it, this looks lke a good opportunity, although we note sentiment seems very positive already.

The graphic below depicts how earnings and revenue have changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

Balance sheet strength is crucial. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on how its financial position has changed over time.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Harmony Gold Mining's TSR for the last 5 years was 363%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Harmony Gold Mining shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 81% over one year. Of course, that includes the dividend. That gain is better than the annual TSR over five years, which is 36%. Therefore it seems like sentiment around the company has been positive lately. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Harmony Gold Mining better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Harmony Gold Mining , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on South African exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Vadym Pastukh / iStock.com

The future of Social Security could be a big campaign issue during the 2024 presidential elections, as candidates offer up reform proposals to a program that will lose a major funding source within the next decade.

See: 10 States To Avoid If Youre Living on Just a Social Security Check

Find: 3 Ways to Recession Proof Your Retirement

That funding source is the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which will become depleted as early as 2032 or 2033. When the fund runs dry, Social Security benefits would have to be funded solely through payroll taxes, which cover only about 77% of current benefits.

Most reform proposals focus on a few key areas, according to a blog on the website of Clark Schaefer Hackett, an advisory and accounting firm. These include raising the retirement age, increasing the Social Security payroll tax, changing the benefits formula and implementing means testing that would reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for wealthy and/or high-income retirees.

No matter what form the changes take, many experts say something must be done to either bolster or pare down Social Security for future generations.

The longer we push this out, it becomes more difficult to try to protect everyone that receives the benefits, Tax Foundation economist Alex Durante told CNBC. Its important that we tackle this sooner rather than later.

But this is tricky ground for presidential candidates because Social Security reform is an unpopular idea among U.S. seniors  and they carry a lot of weight in elections. As CNBC reported, the two leading Republican candidates  former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  have said they have no plans to touch Social Security.

Under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security to help pay for Joe Bidens reckless spending spree, Trump wrote in a January post on his Truth Social platform.

A couple of months later, DeSantis told Fox News: Were not going to mess with Social Security as Republicans.

But other candidates take a different stance. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who formally entered the race on Wednesday, said earlier this year that he supports instituting private savings accounts for Social Security recipients. In doing so, he revived a privatization idea that was trotted out during the Bush II administration  and was quickly shot down.

If Bush couldnt do it then, despite a great effort, thats not happening now, former Bush II White House advisor Andrew Biggs, who is now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told CNBC.

Another GOP presidential candidate, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, has proposed changing the retirement age for Americans currently in their 20s and limiting benefits for wealthier seniors, CNN reported.

What you would do is, for those in their 20s coming into the system, we would change the retirement age so that it matches life expectancy, Haley told Fox News in March.

President Joe Biden, the heavy favorite to once again win the Democratic nomination, has unveiled a four-point plan for reforming Social Security that is heavily geared toward bolstering the program, Motley Fool reported.

Take Our Poll: Do You Think AI Will Replace Your Job?

Among Bidens proposals: increase payroll taxes on high earnings; change the way annual cost-of-living adjustments are calculated; gradually increase the primary insurance amount for older beneficiaries; and increase the special minimum benefit.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Experts Warn Social Security Reform Needed Sooner Rather Than Later  What Top Presidential Candidates Are Proposing
FTXs US Judge Vows to Keep Control of Crypto in Blow to Bahamas

(Bloomberg) -- The federal judge overseeing the bankrupt crypto firm FTX vowed to retain control over $7.3 billion in disputed assets, a potential setback for liquidators in the Bahamas seeking to claim to some of the money as part of a separate insolvency case on the island nation.

Most Read from Bloomberg

US Bankruptcy Judge John Dorsey sided with the restructuring advisers who took over FTX from its co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who faces federal fraud charges. A central question in the US bankruptcy is who has a claim on billions of dollars in cash and crypto coins, Dorsey said.

Under no circumstances would I ever defer a core issue in the bankruptcy case to a foreign court, Dorsey said. Only I have access to the assets.

A liquidator in the Bahamas has asked Dorsey for permission to bring certain legal issues before a Bahamian judge who is overseeing the insolvency case of one small unit of the FTX empire. Advisers to FTX claim that is a back-door attempt to grab assets in the US and move the reorganization out of a federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.

Dorsey said he would make a final ruling on the liquidators request on June 9, when the company returns to court.

Liquidators for the Bahamas division  which is known as FTX Digital Markets  have argued that the unit owns FTX.coms property, the company said in court papers.

The case is FTX Trading Ltd., 22-11068, US. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
We are at a dangerous point, worries Arndt Kirchhoff, boss of the employers association in North Rhine-Westphalia and one of three brothers who run Kirchhoff, a maker of car components. Germany recently slipped into a technical recession. Many companies are investing abroad rather than at home. Chinese consumers are importing less after the lifting of pandemic restrictions than German manufacturers had been hoping. And Ukraines counter-offensive against Russian invaders is injecting uncertainty into Germanys backyard.

In May an index of business confidence from the Ifo Institute, a think-tank, fell for the first time in seven months (see chart). On June 5th manufacturers gloomy mood became darker still when the vDMA, the main lobby group for machinery-makers, announced that orders for engineering companies fell by 20% last month, year on year. A small contraction in GDP (German output fell by 0.3% in the first quarter) can have a big effect on orders for makers of machinery. Yet the fall in orders also reflects the recent deterioration of the mood of the economy, laments Olaf Wortmann of the vDMA. Having promised a new German speed in business and economic matters, the governing coalition of Social Democrats, Greens and Free Democrats is delivering what to disillusioned German bosses looks increasingly like a crawl.

Employers most pressing worries are, according to a recent survey of industrial firms, the prices of raw material and energy (both of which remain high); availability of skilled labour (which is in short supply); and rising wages (which push up costs further). And dont even get bosses started on red tape. Bureaucratic approvals still take too long. A finicky new law requires companies with more than 3,000 staff in Germany to monitor whether their suppliers around the world meet human-rights and environmental standards. It has taken ten years to build the wind farm that Robert Habeck, the economy minister, inaugurated in Bad Berleburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, on June 6th. We have to speed up approval processes, Mr Habeck conceded during the inauguration. He insisted that Germany will manage to double its windpower capacity by 2030. But this would, by his own admission, require tripling the pace of wind-farm development.

German firms are increasingly reluctant to make the effort to invest and expand. Their country ranks a dismal 18th out of 21 industrialised countries as a place for family companies to do business, according to the ZEW Mannheim, an economic-research institute (America, Canada and Sweden are the top three). We have been on the wrong path for the last 20 years, laments Natalie Mekelburger, chief executive of Coroplast, a leading maker of adhesive tape. The states dirigiste intervention in business is indirectly destroying entrepreneurial forces, says Ms Mekelburger, who accuses the Greens in particular of a planned-economy approach.

Almost one-third of German medium-sized Mittelstand firms are thinking about transferring production and jobs abroad; one in six is already doing it. BioNTech, a pioneering biotechnology company that helped develop a covid-19 vaccine, is building its cancer-research centre in Britain. Viessmann, a manufacturer of heating equipment, is selling its core heat-pump business to Americas Carrier. We are running the danger of creeping deindustrialisation, warns Nikolas Stihl, head of the supervisory board of Stihl, a leading maker of chainsaws.

Mr Stihls firm is not planning to move production somewhere else. But he hopes that BioNTechs and Viessmanns decisions will serve as a wake-up call for the government. Neither move would have happened, he says, if Germany were as business-friendly as it used to be.

To stay on top of the biggest stories in business and technology, sign up to the Bottom Line, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.

 2023 The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on https://www.economist.com/business/2023/06/08/german-bosses-are-depressed
When you see that almost half of the companies in the Food industry in Malaysia have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") below 1.1x, HB Global Limited (KLSE:HBGLOB) looks to be giving off some sell signals with its 2.2x P/S ratio. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/S at face value as there may be an explanation why it's as high as it is.

See our latest analysis for HB Global

How Has HB Global Performed Recently?

For instance, HB Global's receding revenue in recent times would have to be some food for thought. Perhaps the market believes the company can do enough to outperform the rest of the industry in the near future, which is keeping the P/S ratio high. If not, then existing shareholders may be quite nervous about the viability of the share price.

Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on HB Global will help you shine a light on its historical performance.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The High P/S?

The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as high as HB Global's is when the company's growth is on track to outshine the industry.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 40% decrease to the company's top line. This means it has also seen a slide in revenue over the longer-term as revenue is down 44% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been undesirable for the company.

This is in contrast to the rest of the industry, which is expected to decline by 2.6% over the next year, or less than the company's recent medium-term annualised revenue decline.

With this in mind, we find it intriguing that HB Global's P/S exceeds that of its industry peers. With revenue going quickly in reverse, it's not guaranteed that the P/S has found a floor yet. Maintaining these prices will be extremely difficult to achieve as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.

What Does HB Global's P/S Mean For Investors?

Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-sales ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.

We've established that HB Global currently trades on a much higher than expected P/S since its recent three-year revenues are even worse than the forecasts for a struggling industry. Right now we aren't comfortable with the high P/S as this revenue performance is unlikely to support such positive sentiment for long. We're also cautious about the company's ability to stay its recent medium-term course and resist even greater pain to its business from the broader industry turmoil. This would place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium.

Plus, you should also learn about these 3 warning signs we've spotted with HB Global (including 2 which shouldn't be ignored).

If you're unsure about the strength of HB Global's business, why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals for some other companies you may have missed.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
When you see that almost half of the companies in the Machinery industry in Singapore have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") below 0.6x, Mooreast Holdings Ltd. (Catalist:1V3) looks to be giving off some sell signals with its 1.4x P/S ratio. However, the P/S might be high for a reason and it requires further investigation to determine if it's justified.

See our latest analysis for Mooreast Holdings

How Has Mooreast Holdings Performed Recently?

With revenue growth that's exceedingly strong of late, Mooreast Holdings has been doing very well. It seems that many are expecting the strong revenue performance to beat most other companies over the coming period, which has increased investors willingness to pay up for the stock. If not, then existing shareholders might be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Mooreast Holdings will help you shine a light on its historical performance.

Is There Enough Revenue Growth Forecasted For Mooreast Holdings?

In order to justify its P/S ratio, Mooreast Holdings would need to produce impressive growth in excess of the industry.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered an exceptional 96% gain to the company's top line. Pleasingly, revenue has also lifted 71% in aggregate from three years ago, thanks to the last 12 months of growth. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a great job of growing revenue over that time.

This is in contrast to the rest of the industry, which is expected to grow by 106% over the next year, materially higher than the company's recent medium-term annualised growth rates.

In light of this, it's alarming that Mooreast Holdings' P/S sits above the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are ignoring the fairly limited recent growth rates and are hoping for a turnaround in the company's business prospects. There's a good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

What We Can Learn From Mooreast Holdings' P/S?

Typically, we'd caution against reading too much into price-to-sales ratios when settling on investment decisions, though it can reveal plenty about what other market participants think about the company.

Our examination of Mooreast Holdings revealed its poor three-year revenue trends aren't detracting from the P/S as much as we though, given they look worse than current industry expectations. Right now we aren't comfortable with the high P/S as this revenue performance isn't likely to support such positive sentiment for long. Unless there is a significant improvement in the company's medium-term performance, it will be difficult to prevent the P/S ratio from declining to a more reasonable level.

There are also other vital risk factors to consider and we've discovered 5 warning signs for Mooreast Holdings (3 are a bit unpleasant!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on Mooreast Holdings, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Giyani Metals Corp.

Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

TORONTO, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giyani Metals Corp. (TSXV: EMM, GR: A2DUU8) ("Giyani" or the "Company"), the developer of the K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana (K.Hill or the Project), is pleased to provide a progress update on the construction of the K.Hill demonstration plant (Demo Plant) in Johannesburg.



Highlights

Key plant components continue to be delivered to the Demo Plant site, including the ball mill, classification screens, filter presses, boiler, compressors and vessels.

The fully fabricated 15 meter ( m ) tall crystallization unit is due for installation in the coming weeks.

The Company recently hosted a site visit by several financial institutions to the Demo Plant.



Demo Plant Update

Throughout May, several key elements of the Demo Plant were delivered to the site, including the ball mill, classification screens, four specialist filter presses, the product dryer and the boiler. Civil works at the Demo Plant facility are near completion to allow delivery and erection of the crystallization unit, which is fully fabricated and packed for transport along with all its ancillary equipment. As the crystallizer is a modular design, most of the internal equipment such as the vessels, piping and valves are integral to the structural units, facilitating rapid reassembly on site.

The crystallization unit stands at over 15 m tall and will allow the Demo Plant to produce up to 600 kg of dry high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) crystals per day depending on feedstock characteristics. The scale of crystallization unit is a critical element of the Demo Plant design, which is tailored to produce HPMSM crystals meeting the rigorous product specification set by potential customers, as part of steady state operations.

Recently, the Company and its specialist hydrometallurgical consultants, MET63 (Pty) Limited, hosted a select group of financial institutions at the Demo Plant site to review progress.

Danny Keating, CEO of the Company, commented:

We are pleased to provide an update on the ongoing progress that the Company is making in the development of our Demo Plant in Johannesburg. The Demo Plant is an ambitious undertaking in terms of the size and scale of the facility and is a critical step in de-risking the commercial & technical development of the Project. The product from the Demo Plant will also pave the way for off-take contracts with battery and original equipment manufacturers.

We were also delighted to welcome a group of financial institutions to the site in Johannesburg and highlight the significance of the work to date.

About Giyani

Giyanis mission is to become a sustainable, low carbon producer of battery materials for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The Company has developed a hydrometallurgical process to produce high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate, a lithium-ion battery cathode precursor material critical for EVs, directly from ore from its manganese oxide deposits in Botswana, wholly-owned by its Botswana subsidiary Menzi Battery Metals (Pty) Limited. The Companys assets include K.Hill and the Otse and Lobatse manganese prospects, each of which has seen historical mining activities.

Qualified Persons / NI 43-101 Disclosures

Mr. Jacques du Toit CEng. PrEng. MscEng. PMP is a qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. du Toit is the Companys VP, Technical Services and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content contained in this press release but is not independent for the purposes of NI 43-101.



On behalf of the Board of Directors of Giyani Metals Corp.

Danny Keating, President & Chief Executive Officer

Contact:

Danny Keating

President & Chief Executive Officer

dkeating@giyanimetals.com

George Donne

VP Business Development

+44 7866 591 897

gdonne@giyanimetals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, 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 promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act ("U.S. Persons"), except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities to, or for the account of benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons.

Forward Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Giyani expects to occur, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "does not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur.

All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of the relevant management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to certain assumptions, important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Giyani's ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements 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 to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In the case of Giyani, these facts include their anticipated operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, and plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. This information relates to analyses and other information that is based on expectations of future performance and planned work programs.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation: inherent exploration hazards and risks; risks related to exploration and development of natural resource properties; uncertainty in Giyani's ability to obtain funding; commodity price fluctuations; recent market events and conditions; risks related to the uncertainty of mineral resource calculations and the inclusion of inferred mineral resources in economic estimation; risks in how the world-wide economic and social impact of COVID-19, or a similar public health threat is managed; risks related to governmental regulations; risks related to obtaining necessary licences and permits; risks related to their business being subject to environmental laws and regulations; risks related to their mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, or claims and other defects in title; risks relating to competition from larger companies with greater financial and technical resources; risks relating to the inability to meet financial obligations under agreements to which they are a party; ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; and risks related to their directors and officers becoming associated with other natural resource companies which may give rise to conflicts of interests. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Giyani's forward-looking information. 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 the forward-looking information or statements.

Giyani's forward-looking information is based on the reasonable beliefs, expectations and opinions of their respective management on the date the statements are made, and Giyani does not assume any obligation to update forward looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For a complete discussion with respect to Giyani and risks associated with forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, please refer to Giyani's Annual Information Form, which is filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.




Gloucester City Council had to rebuild all of its servers after the cyber attack

Russian hackers were behind the "sophisticated cyber-attack" which knocked out council services, it has been confirmed.

Gloucester City Council has now concluded its investigation into the attack which saw their IT systems compromised in 2021.

It caused damage to the council's network and online services, with a number of systems taken offline.

The city council has been working with cyber incident response experts.

While some information the city council holds about residents may have been accessed during the cyber attack, to date nothing taken has been published online.

They believe it is now unlikely that any information will be published based on advice the council has received from law enforcement agencies.

'Challenging period'

Jon McGinty, the council's managing director, said: "This has been a challenging period and I want to thank our residents for their patience and understanding.

"This criminal group targeted our council to disrupt our public services in an attempt to extort a ransom payment from the council."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has previously reported that cyber criminals linked to Russia were behind the attack it is the first time this has been officially acknowledged by the authority.

The council worked with the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, as well as informing the Information Commissioner's Office to minimise any further risks.

Earlier this year, the government sanctioned seven individuals associated with Conti, the criminal group thought to be involved in this incident.

This group has also been behind attacks which targeted several other organisations including hospitals, schools, businesses and other local authorities.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk
FILE - The General Motors logo is displayed at the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Hamtramck, Mich., Jan. 27, 2020. General Motors said Thursday, June 8, 2023, that it will sink more than $500 million into its Arlington, Texas, assembly plant to get ready for the next generation of big SUVs with internal combustion engines. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DETROIT (AP)  General Motors said Thursday that it will sink more than $500 million into its Arlington, Texas, assembly plant to get ready for the next generation of big SUVs with internal-combustion engines.

The company said the plant will get new equipment for metal stamping, the body shop and general assembly.

No new jobs will be created by the investment at the plant, but GM said it expects to keep the current workforce of over 5,200 people. They make the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

GM wouldn't say when the next generation of the SUVs will go on sale. The company said the investment is contingent on reaching incentive agreements with local governments.

The company has pledged to sell only electric passenger vehicles by 2035, but it also plans to keep making internal combustion vehicles as long as they're selling.

Earlier this week the company said it would invest nearly $1 billion at two plants in Flint, Michigan, which make GM's heavy duty pickup trucks.
Gogoro and Far EasTone Telecom's Smart Traffic Signal UPS to be rolled out in Taipei City's busiest intersections.

Smart Traffic Signal UPS to utilize Gogoro Smart Batteries to enhance traffic safety by enabling continuous operation of traffic lights during power outages.

TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gogoro Inc. (Nasdaq: GGR), a global technology leader in battery swapping ecosystems that enable sustainable mobility solutions for cities and Far EasTone Telecom, today announced they were deploying their jointly-developed Smart Traffic Signal Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) to nearly 200 of Taipei City's busiest intersections utilizing Gogoro Smart Batteries. The commercial rollout follows the completion of a successful pilot program in 2022.

Gogoro Continues Smart City Commercialization with Deployment of Smart Traffic Signals in Partnership with Taipei City

"We are seeing growing demand for our smart city energy solutions beyond just battery swapping for vehicles. Customers across the region are looking for time-shifted energy for services like our new Smart Traffic Signal UPS in Taipei City, our Virtual Power Plant with Enel X or a variety of other unique energy needs," said Horace Luke, founder, and CEO of Gogoro. "We have always believed that time-shifting energy was key to enabling the sustainable transformation, not just for transportation, but across a variety of industries that need to transition from fossil fuels to electric, or for new industries that fossil fuels can't address. We are utilizing the second life of our Smart Batteries, beyond two-wheel vehicles, to address a variety of these smart city energy needs that are generating new revenue streams."

Smart Traffic Signal UPS

The Smart Traffic Signal UPS was designed for densely populated cities, like Taipei City, that rely on continuous operation of traffic intersections and want to ensure 24/7 operations during severe weather, natural disasters, or power grid outages. The Smart Traffic Signal UPS provides long term supplemental energy using two Gogoro Smart Batteries that can be swapped without disruption to maintain continuous operation as long as necessary. The system is a box-mounted design, which is integrated with the existing traffic signal box. The system has already been deployed to 25 of Taipei City's busiest intersections and will roll out to nearly 200 intersections by the end of the year.

Award-Winning Taipei City Pilot

The commercial launch follows a successful pilot in Taipei City that demonstrated its ability to maintain normal traffic signal operations when experiencing power abnormalities, eliminating the traffic accidents that would have been caused if the signals were inoperable. Following the pilot, the Taipei City government honored the Smart Traffic Signal UPS with the city's "2022 Smart Taipei Innovation Award."

Gogoro Battery Swapping

With more locations than gas stations in Taiwan's cities, the Gogoro Network is a new generation of swappable battery refueling that is smart, safe, and continually optimizing itself to be dynamic and versatile for riders, businesses and communities. The Gogoro Network supports nearly 550,000 riders and has more than 1.1 million smart batteries in circulation through its network of 12,000 battery swapping stations at over 2,500 locations. With more than 400,000 daily battery swaps and more than 470 million total battery swaps to date, Gogoro Network battery swapping has saved more than 700,000 tons of CO2 since it launched.

About Gogoro

Founded in 2011 to rethink urban energy and inspire the world to move through cities in smarter and more sustainable ways, Gogoro leverages the power of innovation to change the way urban energy is distributed and consumed. Recognized and awarded by Frost & Sullivan as the "2023 Global Company of the Year for battery swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles", Gogoro's battery swapping and vehicle platforms offer a smart, proven, and sustainable long-term ecosystem for delivering a new approach to urban mobility. Gogoro has quickly become an innovation leader in vehicle design and electric propulsion, smart battery design, battery swapping, and advanced cloud services that utilize artificial intelligence to manage battery availability and safety. The challenge is massive, but the opportunity to disrupt the status quo, establish new standards, and achieve new levels of sustainable transportation growth in densely populated cities is even greater. For more information, visit https://www.gogoro.com/news and follow Gogoro on Twitter: @wearegogoro .

Smart Traffic Signal UPS to utilize Gogoro Smart Batteries to enhance traffic safety by enabling continuous operation of traffic lights during power outages.

Gogoro Logo

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gogoro-continues-smart-city-commercialization-with-deployment-of-smart-traffic-signals-in-partnership-with-taipei-city-301845465.html

SOURCE Gogoro
Android 9.0 "Pie" is the newest version of the Android mobile OS; - Sundry Photography/iStock Editorial

A year ago, Google greeted staff members coming back to the office for the first time with a lavish party.

Headlining the bash at the companys Mountain View headquarters in California was pop star Lizzo. Its so incredible to see how connected we are right now, the Grammy-winner told the crowd of Googlers.

Twelve months on, Google has had enough of hand holding and perks to try and coax reluctant tech workers back to its campuses.

Instead, the $1.5 trillion company has threatened to clamp down on staff who fail to come in, warning attendance will be included as part of their performance reviews.

Badge attendance will be logged when employees come into the office each morning, although this data will be kept aggregated, a spokesman told CNBC.

Tech companies including Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon have all been getting tougher on staff in recent months in an effort to get people back to the office. Executives believe collaborative, in-person working is crucial to boosting productivity.

In an email to staff this week, Fiona Cicconi, Googles chief people officer, said: Theres just no substitute for coming together in person.

Ms Cicconi added it would now begin including compliance coming back to the office at least three days per week as part of its staff reviews, and send warnings to workers who are consistently absent from the office, CNBC reported.

The companys HR chief also asked those staff who had been approved for full remote work to reconsider returning part time to the companys offices.

Fiona Cicconi - LinkedIn

She wrote to staff: For those who are remote and who live near a Google office, we hope youll consider switching to a hybrid work schedule.

The executive added in future full remote working would be granted to staff by exception only.

However, the push has sparked disquiet and protests from some in their workforce.

Chris Schmidt, a software engineer at Google and member of the Alphabet Workers Union, says: We have maintained quality performance with flexible office attendance.

Overnight, workers professionalism has been disregarded in favour of ambiguous attendance tracking practices tied to our performance evaluations.

He adds: Currently, New York City workers do not even have enough desks and conference rooms for workers to use comfortably. A one size fits all policy does not address these circumstances.

Google, which employs 190,000 people, already has a policy that staff should come into the office at least three days per week, but like many tech companies it has struggled to encourage staff back to the office after eagerly embracing remote working.

Having sent staff home to protect them at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Sundar Pichai, Googles chief executive, announced in April 2021 that the company would embrace hybrid work.

He said he still expected up to 20pc of staff to work fully remotely, but gradually staff would be asked to come in three days per week. The future of work is flexibility, Pichai said at the time.

However, attempts to rollback remote working policies have resulted in bitterness, division and protest in the tech sector. Last year, contractors for Google Maps threatened to go on strike over demands they come back to the office. Contractors working for Googles YouTube Music division based in Austin downed tools in protest at similar demands.

Googles corporate offices have also struggled to encourage staff back in, presenting a challenge to the companys plans to spend $7bn on its real estate this year. One Google employee joked on Twitter that on Fridays every Googler gets their own office  as in an entire building.

In her note to Google staff, HR chief Ms Cicconi said while not everyone believes in magical hallway conversations theres no question that working together in the same room makes a positive difference.

It is not just Google that is getting tough on home working. Elon Musk, a professed remote work sceptic, has scrapped it almost entirely since taking charge at Twitter and has ordered staff to work from the office for at least 40 hours per week.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, had been one of the strongest proponents of remote work, championing the prospect of a digital metaverse where people would meet colleagues in virtual reality forever.

But last week, it was reported that Mark Zuckerberg had changed tack. Staff will be expected in the office three days per week.

Tech staff now feel the writing is on the wall when it comes to the end of remote working, says Glenn Murphy, European head at technology executive search company Riviera Partners.

It presents a challenge for many who embrace remote work by moving away from the cities where their office was based.

Murphy says: We get candidates who have moved away during this period and now cannot go back, are they going to get punished by being forced back to the office?

Meta Platforms Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg leaves federal court after attending the Facebook parent company's defense of its acquisition of virtual reality app developer Within Inc., in San Jose, California, U.S. December 20, 2022. REUTERS/Laure Andrillon - REUTERS/Laure Andrillon

Octavious Black, chief executive of behavioural science consultants MindGym, says it was often good for employees to come back to the office a few days each week, for socialising and career progression.

But he added companies risked alienating workers by forcing them to return using hard power, rather than convincing them of office works benefits. Instead, he said companies needed to impress upon staff that seeing colleagues in person could benefit them as leaders, mentors or help them learn.

While some Silicon Valley companies have laid down clear mandates to get workers to return, others have taken a different approach altogether.

Seattle software giant Salesforce, under boss Marc Benioff, has offered to donate up to $10 to local charities for each day a worker comes into the office between June 12 and June 23, giving away up to $2.5m.

Whatever the strategy, it seems ever more tech companies are reigning in post pandemic flexible working, whether by using the carrot of the stick.

On the anonymous tech worker forum Blind, one Google staff member wrote: [Return to the office] is a reality I bet it will eventually get back to a full week.

A Google spokesman said: Our hybrid approach is designed to incorporate the best of being together in person with the benefits of working from home for part of the week. Now that were more than a year into this way of working, were formally integrating this approach into all of our workplace policies.

A Meta spokesman said: Were committed to distributed work, and were confident people can make a meaningful impact both from the office and at home.

Do you think office attendance should be included as part of employees performance reviews? Share your thoughts in the comments section below

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
(Bloomberg) -- A group of Alphabet Inc. contract workers are launching a unionization campaign, saying they need a greater voice at the company that has tasked them with work on its most high-profile products, including training generative AI answers in Googles search engine and chatbot.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The workers, who are employed via the vendor Accenture Plc, are seeking to negotiate directly with Alphabet, which they argue is legally also their boss.

The group is organizing with the Alphabet Workers Union, and said it has signed up the vast majority of its proposed bargaining unit, which includes about 120 writers, graphic designers and launch coordinators who create internal and external Google content, including all of the materials for Google Help support pages. Theyve also recently helped to review AI-generated content.

The workers said they hope to bargain for changes including increased paid time off, control over accepting assignments outside the scope of their usual work and competitive pay that reflects their skill sets. The employees are asking management to voluntarily recognize and negotiate with the union. The workers contend Alphabet is a joint employer  a company with enough control over a group of employees to be liable for their treatment and obligated to negotiate if they unionize, even if it doesnt sign their paychecks.

Weve spent two years organizing and are trying to get a fair shake, said Laura Greene, a multimedia team leader with Accenture. Basically, we decided that the only way to get real, lasting change is to formally unionize and, ideally, negotiate at the bargaining table.Accenture acknowledged that it received a letter from workers requesting that the company recognize its union. We always value the ability to listen directly to our people and respond to their concerns, Rachel Frey, an Accenture spokesperson, said in a statement.

Google said it expected all of its vendor workers to be treated fairly, in compliance with its supplier code of conduct. We, of course, respect these workers right to join a union or not, but this is a matter between them and their employer, Accenture, said Courtenay Mencini, a Google spokesperson. Google does not control their employment terms or working conditions.

In a letter sent to management Wednesday afternoon, workers said that over the four-year life of their contract, they had consistently requested that Google and Accenture consider their expertise and experience in executing their work, but were routinely disregarded. Instead of recognizing us as highly specialized workers worthy of respect, we are treated as resources for Google to exhaust, despite our expertise and how much genuine care we put into this complex work, they wrote.

In January, the workers said, they were recruited for a top secret project  working on the companys then-unannounced chatbot, Bard. They were told to answer theoretical prompts and fact-check Bards responses, a job that required research and creativity. For a brief period on the Bard project, Accenture workers were also asked to handle obscene, graphic and offensive prompts, they said. Though the workers were told they could skip certain tasks, they also risked getting penalized in other ways for passing on the work.

At least one person filed a complaint with human resources at Accenture. In February, the work they had been doing was transferred over to their Accenture counterparts based in Manila, the workers said. The change raised concerns among the US staffers that the work they are assigned could be taken away at any point and offloaded to cheaper labor elsewhere.

The Accenture labor struggle is one of several partially motivated by AI concerns. TV and film writers have been on strike for a month, demanding protections including restrictions on the use of computer-generated manuscripts; some picket lines have featured the chant AI? Bye-Bye. In May, journalists at CNET announced a unionization campaign, saying they wanted a voice in workplace decision-making especially as automated technology threatens our jobs and reputations.

The outcome of the Google workers organizing effort may not be immediately clear. When a majority of employees at a work site sign up to unionize in the US, a company can voluntarily recognize and negotiate with the labor group or refuse to do so unless the union first prevails in a government-run election. The process of determining who should be eligible to vote in an election can take weeks or months, and companies often use that time to fight organizing efforts by using tactics such as mandatory anti-union meetings.

And even after securing union recognition, progress can be slow. YouTube Music workers hired via the staffing agency Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. voted to unionize in April, but Alphabet is appealing a US National Labor Relations Board officials decision deeming it a joint employer of the workers. The legal battle could drag on for years, as could also end up happening with the Accenture staff.

The Accenture workers said theyre undeterred by the prospect of a long campaign. What we really want is longevity in the job, and more respect and autonomy from Google, said Tahlia Kirk, a writer and team trainer with Accenture.

(Updates with Google comment.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Google employees are pushing back against the tech giants mandate that staffers spend at least three days a week in the office.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Overnight, workers professionalism has been disregarded in favor of ambiguous attendance tracking practices tied to our performance evaluations, Chris Schmidt, a Google software engineer, said Thursday in a statement released by the Alphabet Workers Union, which represents some contract and direct employees at Google.

Alphabet Inc.s Google sent an email to employees Wednesday saying the company expected most staffers to return to the office regularly.

Not everyone believes in magical hallway conversations, but theres no question that working together in the same room makes a positive difference, Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi wrote in the email, which was reviewed by Bloomberg. Cicconi said many of the products unveiled in May at Google I/O, the tech companys annual developer conference, and at its Google Marketing Live event were conceived, developed and built by teams working side by side.

Attendance will now be a factor in employees performance reviews, Cicconi said, and teams will start sending reminders to workers who are consistently absent from the office  barring special circumstances like the air-quality-control warning in Canada and the US East Coast this week. Moving forward, Google will consider new remote requests by exception only, she said.

The Alphabet Workers Union says it has 1,400-plus members. Google employed more than 190,000 people at year-end, along with contract staffers.

Google previously planned to bring employees back to the office three days a week in April of last year. In 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company had said that about 20% of employees would be able to work remotely full time.

In January, Alphabet enacted the largest job cuts in its history, slashing more than 6% of its workforce, or about 12,000 staffers. The company has also worked to reduce its real estate footprint after announcing a plan to spend $7 billion on new offices and data centers in 2021. In its first-quarter earnings report in April, Alphabet said it spent $564 million related to office-space reductions.

Our hybrid approach is designed to incorporate the best of being together in person with the benefits of working from home for part of the week, Ryan Lamont, a Google spokesperson, said in a statement. Now that were more than a year into this way of working, were formally integrating this approach into all of our workplace policies.

Schmidt, the Google software engineer, said that a one size fits all return-to-office policy ignores workers life circumstances.

We deserve a voice in shaping the policies that impact our lives to establish clear, transparent and fair working conditions for all of us, Schmidt said.

(Updates with Googles total employment fifth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The simplest way to benefit from a rising market is to buy an index fund. When you buy individual stocks, you can make higher profits, but you also face the risk of under-performance. For example, the Harworth Group plc (LON:HWG) share price is down 26% in the last year. That contrasts poorly with the market decline of 0.1%. On the other hand, the stock is actually up 12% over three years.

With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies.

See our latest analysis for Harworth Group

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

Unhappily, Harworth Group had to report a 70% decline in EPS over the last year. This fall in the EPS is significantly worse than the 26% the share price fall. It may have been that the weak EPS was not as bad as some had feared.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. Dive deeper into the earnings by checking this interactive graph of Harworth Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 0.1% in the last year, Harworth Group shareholders lost 25% (even including dividends). Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 0.4% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Harworth Group that you should be aware of.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on British exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Hong Kong's IPO market set for slow recovery, with 2023 fundraising seen surpassing 2022 but falling well short of 2021

Hong Kong's sluggish initial public offering (IPO) market will see a slow recovery in the second half of the year, according to a PwC forecast, as interest-rate increases draw to a close, capital markets stabilise and more companies pursue spin-offs.

PwC Hong Kong estimates that around 100 companies will list in Hong Kong in 2023, with total funds raised between HK$150 billion and HK$170 billion (US$19.1 billion and US$21.7 billion).

Hong Kong saw 30 IPOs in the first six months of 2023, an increase of 11 per cent compared to the first half of 2022. But funds raised dropped by 14 per cent to HK$17 billion compared with HK$19.7 billion in 2022's first half, PwC said.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

"The full resumption of travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China helped capital markets to rebound," said Benson Wong, entrepreneur group leader at PwC Hong Kong. "However, strengthening inflation prompted many countries to raise interest rates, which has affected investor sentiment."

Executives pose at the listing ceremony for CALB, a Chinese battery supplier for electric cars, at the Hong Kong stock exchange in Hong Kong on October 6, 2022. Photo: Bloomberg alt=Executives pose at the listing ceremony for CALB, a Chinese battery supplier for electric cars, at the Hong Kong stock exchange in Hong Kong on October 6, 2022. Photo: Bloomberg>

Hong Kong clawed its way back to third spot among the world's largest fundraising destinations in 2022, as 75 IPOs brought the year's total funds raised to US$12.69 billion. But that represented a 70.5 per cent drop compared to the US$42.96 billion raised in 2021, Refinitiv data showed.

Investors are still adopting a wait-and-see approach, which is slowing the recovery of the IPO market, according to Wong, as companies wait for the market to improve before going public.

The main sectors that generated listings in the first half of the year were industrial and materials; retail; consumer goods and services; and financial services. PwC expects spin-off businesses to feature prominently in the second half of the year as companies seek to realise value and maintain competitiveness.

On the IPO horizon, Alibaba Group Holding said in mid-May that it expects to spin off two business units: Freshippo, its supermarket chain, in the next six to 12 months, and Cainiao, its logistics arm, in 12 to 18 months. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

Biopharmaceutical manufacturer HighTide Therapeutics and artificial-intelligence and electronics company Mobvoi are also expected to launch IPOs in Hong Kong, with estimated fundraising to total up to US$500 million.

Government policies to support local innovation and technology, coupled with the new Chapter 18C of the listings regime, which eases listing requirements for specialist technology companies, should lead more technology companies to set up or expand in Hong Kong, said Eddie Wong, partner of capital markets services at PwC Hong Kong.

In the second half of 2023, new economy businesses including biotechnology and specialist technology companies, will continue to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Wong added.

"We hope the governments of Hong Kong and Mainland China will expand the scope of Stock Connect, thus providing more opportunities for businesses and investors," said Benson Wong.

Mainland China exchanges also saw a smaller number of A-share IPOs in the first half of the year, according to PwC. A projected 160 IPOs by the end of June would represent a 5 per cent year-on-year drop in the number of IPOs, while total funds raised in the first six months are forecast to drop 38 per cent to around 190 billion yuan (US$26.6 billion).

While A-share IPOs and financing decreased year-on-year, the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges still rank first and second in the world, respectively, in terms of fundraising.

PwC predicts up to 330 A-share IPOs on mainland China exchanges for the full year, with funds raised reaching 500 billion yuan, preserving China's hold on the top ranking among global IPO venues.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
When close to half the companies operating in the Commercial Services industry in Malaysia have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") above 1.1x, you may consider CWG Holdings Berhad (KLSE:CWG) as an attractive investment with its 0.6x P/S ratio. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the reduced P/S.

Check out our latest analysis for CWG Holdings Berhad

What Does CWG Holdings Berhad's Recent Performance Look Like?

With revenue growth that's superior to most other companies of late, CWG Holdings Berhad has been doing relatively well. It might be that many expect the strong revenue performance to degrade substantially, which has repressed the share price, and thus the P/S ratio. If you like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's out of favour.

Keen to find out how analysts think CWG Holdings Berhad's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The Low P/S?

The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as low as CWG Holdings Berhad's is when the company's growth is on track to lag the industry.

If we review the last year of revenue growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 38%. Still, revenue has fallen 4.2% in total from three years ago, which is quite disappointing. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing revenues over that time.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the sole analyst covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 8.4% over the next year. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to expand by 22%, which is noticeably more attractive.

In light of this, it's understandable that CWG Holdings Berhad's P/S sits below the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are expecting to see limited future growth and are only willing to pay a reduced amount for the stock.

The Bottom Line On CWG Holdings Berhad's P/S

It's argued the price-to-sales ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator.

As expected, our analysis of CWG Holdings Berhad's analyst forecasts confirms that the company's underwhelming revenue outlook is a major contributor to its low P/S. At this stage investors feel the potential for an improvement in revenue isn't great enough to justify a higher P/S ratio. It's hard to see the share price rising strongly in the near future under these circumstances.

It is also worth noting that we have found 1 warning sign for CWG Holdings Berhad that you need to take into consideration.

If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on CWG Holdings Berhad, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
It hasn't been the best quarter for Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited (NYSE:TNP) shareholders, since the share price has fallen 24% in that time. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last year have been pleasing. In that time we've seen the stock easily surpass the market return, with a gain of 63%.

So let's investigate and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

View our latest analysis for Tsakos Energy Navigation

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

Tsakos Energy Navigation went from making a loss to reporting a profit, in the last year.

We think the growth looks very prospective, so we're not surprised the market liked it too. Inflection points like this can be a great time to take a closer look at a company.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

It is of course excellent to see how Tsakos Energy Navigation has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. If you are thinking of buying or selling Tsakos Energy Navigation stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Tsakos Energy Navigation, it has a TSR of 69% for the last 1 year. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Tsakos Energy Navigation shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 69% over one year. That's including the dividend. That gain is better than the annual TSR over five years, which is 3%. Therefore it seems like sentiment around the company has been positive lately. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 4 warning signs for Tsakos Energy Navigation (1 is a bit concerning) that you should be aware of.

But note: Tsakos Energy Navigation may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
For many, the main point of investing is to generate higher returns than the overall market. But in any portfolio, there will be mixed results between individual stocks. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in LEWAG Holding Aktiengesellschaft (FRA:KGR), since the last five years saw the share price fall 25%.

So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

Check out our latest analysis for LEWAG Holding

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

In the last half decade LEWAG Holding saw its share price fall as its EPS declined below zero. At present it's hard to make valid comparisons between EPS and the share price. But we would generally expect a lower price, given the situation.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

Dive deeper into LEWAG Holding's key metrics by checking this interactive graph of LEWAG Holding's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. We note that for LEWAG Holding the TSR over the last 5 years was -17%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

A Different Perspective

We regret to report that LEWAG Holding shareholders are down 16% for the year (even including dividends). Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 3.4%. However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 3% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand LEWAG Holding better, we need to consider many other factors. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for LEWAG Holding (1 can't be ignored) that you should be aware of.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on German exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
PHX Minerals Inc. (NYSE:PHX) shareholders should be happy to see the share price up 16% in the last month. But will that repair the damage for the weary investors who have owned this stock as it declined over half a decade? Probably not. In fact, the share price has tumbled down a mountain to land 84% lower after that period. It's true that the recent bounce could signal the company is turning over a new leaf, but we are not so sure. The important question is if the business itself justifies a higher share price in the long term. We really feel for shareholders in this scenario. It's a good reminder of the importance of diversification, and it's worth keeping in mind there's more to life than money, anyway.

Since shareholders are down over the longer term, lets look at the underlying fundamentals over the that time and see if they've been consistent with returns.

Check out our latest analysis for PHX Minerals

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

PHX Minerals became profitable within the last five years. Most would consider that to be a good thing, so it's counter-intuitive to see the share price declining. Other metrics may better explain the share price move.

In contrast to the share price, revenue has actually increased by 3.3% a year in the five year period. A more detailed examination of the revenue and earnings may or may not explain why the share price languishes; there could be an opportunity.

The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. So it makes a lot of sense to check out what analysts think PHX Minerals will earn in the future (free profit forecasts).

A Different Perspective

PHX Minerals shareholders are down 30% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 3.9%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 13% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 4 warning signs for PHX Minerals (2 are a bit concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

PHX Minerals is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
We're definitely into long term investing, but some companies are simply bad investments over any time frame. We really hate to see fellow investors lose their hard-earned money. Anyone who held Pos Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:POS) for five years would be nursing their metaphorical wounds since the share price dropped 87% in that time. We really hope anyone holding through that price crash has a diversified portfolio. Even when you lose money, you don't have to lose the lesson.

Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

View our latest analysis for Pos Malaysia Berhad

Because Pos Malaysia Berhad made a loss in the last twelve months, we think the market is probably more focussed on revenue and revenue growth, at least for now. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. That's because it's hard to be confident a company will be sustainable if revenue growth is negligible, and it never makes a profit.

Over half a decade Pos Malaysia Berhad reduced its trailing twelve month revenue by 4.1% for each year. While far from catastrophic that is not good. If a business loses money, you want it to grow, so no surprises that the share price has dropped 13% each year in that time. We're generally averse to companies with declining revenues, but we're not alone in that. That is not really what the successful investors we know aim for.

You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic.

A Different Perspective

While the broader market lost about 2.7% in the twelve months, Pos Malaysia Berhad shareholders did even worse, losing 14%. Having said that, it's inevitable that some stocks will be oversold in a falling market. The key is to keep your eyes on the fundamental developments. Unfortunately, longer term shareholders are suffering worse, given the loss of 13% doled out over the last five years. We'd need to see some sustained improvements in the key metrics before we could muster much enthusiasm. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Pos Malaysia Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Pos Malaysia Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here.

Of course Pos Malaysia Berhad may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
(Bloomberg) -- A lawyer representing Charlie Javice accused the US government of deploying hide-the-ball legal tactics in an effort to gain an advantage in its criminal prosecution of the Frank founder.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Javice is simultaneously fighting fraud cases brought by JPMorgan Chase & Co., federal prosecutors and the US Securities and Exchange Commission alleging she falsified data to vastly inflate the number of Frank users during negotiations over the banks $175 million acquisition of her college loan planning site.

Her lawyer on Wednesday accused the government of gamesmanship, saying the Justice Department has strategically asked the court to pause the SECs civil suit to allow the criminal case to advance first.

The move is designed to gain advantage in the criminal action, attorney Alex Spiro argued in a court filing. It enables the SEC and prosecutors to play hide-the-ball with Ms. Javice as she fights for her liberty and livelihood, and deprives her of a level playing field to timely defend herself in both cases, he said.

Read More: Frank Founder Javice Says JPMorgan Papers Will Exonerate Her

While the SEC has said it takes no position on the pause request, the agency has asked the court to give it more time to turn over documents Javice asked for that she claims are critical to her defense, Spiro said in the filing. He urged the court not to allow the SEC case to be put on hold.

The US Attorneys Office in Manhattan didnt respond to a phone call seeking comment on the filing.

The SEC said in a letter to the court on Thursday that Javices contention that it is attempting to hide exculpatory evidence is meritless. The regulator said it wouldnt be appropriate for it to respond to civil discovery requests while the bid to pause the case is pending.

In any event, the Commission has undertaken to produce to the USAO, pursuant to its access request, all documents in the Commissions possession provided by third parties during the Commissions investigation as to Javice, with the understanding that the USAO may produce these documents to Javice to the extent required in the parallel criminal case, the SEC said in a filing. Accordingly, Javices assertion that the Commission is colluding to deprive Ms. Javice of access to documents produced by third parties is baseless.

JPMorgan sued Javice and another Frank executive, Olivier Amar, in December, alleging they used fake customer accounts to exaggerate the number of people using the Frank site in a scheme to dupe the bank. She allegedly engaged an outside data scientist to create fake user data when Franks own engineering director refused to do it.

Lawyers for Javice have called the suit nothing but a cover and said JPMorgan was just trying to retrade the deal. She is also countersuing JPMorgan.

She faces criminal charges including conspiracy, wire fraud affecting a financial institution and bank fraud. Javice has pleaded not guilty and is free on $2 million bond.

The case is US v. Javice, 23-cr-251, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

--With assistance from Chris Dolmetsch.

(Updates with response from SEC filing.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Ministers are facing a backlash over pointless changes made to the oil and gas windfall tax, with North Sea firms warning jobs and investment are still at risk.

Oil producer Apache on Friday revealed plans to layoff British workers and suspend drilling in the North Sea, blaming the challenging UK macro environment with its increasingly costly and burdensome tax and regulatory regime.

The announcement came hours after the Treasury confirmed it would add a floor to the energy profits levy, triggered when oil and gas prices dip below certain levels for at least six months.

This would take the effective tax rate on oil and gas production  which North Sea companies say is killing off investment  down from the current 75pc level, to 40pc.

Gareth Davies, the Exchequer Secretary, claimed the changes would give the industry certainty to invest in domestic energy.

But the shake-up was met with a backlash from industry bosses, who said it would make no difference.

One oil executive, asked about the changes announced on Friday, replied: You dont print expletives do you?

Whats the point of it? [It] wont encourage banks to finance or companies to invest.

Ryan Crighton, policy director at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: The introduction of a price floor is a welcome step in the right direction, but if the UK Government is serious about unlocking the investment trapped by its current fiscal regime, then the finish line is still some way off.

We urge the Government to work with the industry and re-think the terms of the changes being made, as in their current form they will make no material difference.

However, a Treasury source pushed back against suggestions the policy would be changed again, arguing that the taxs floor had been set at a fair level.

As long as there are windfall profits, there will be a windfall tax, the source added. We think we have got the balance right.

Under the changes, the windfall tax will be eased if oil and gas prices fall below their 20-year average for at least two consecutive quarters.

The thresholds will be set at $71.40 for crude oil and 54 pence per therm for gas.

However, both price thresholds need to be triggered at the same time for the tax rate to drop, while the Treasury said it did not expect the requirements to be met before the tax is phased out in 2028 anyway.

Brent crude oil was trading at $76 per barrel on Friday, while UK natural gas was priced at 60 pence per therm.

Analysts at Stifel said that while the oil price was expected to dip below the Treasurys new threshold in 2024, according to market predictions, natural gas was not expected to do so at any point.

They said it was therefore hard to see the price floor trigger conditions being met.

Oil and gas companies have previously warned that without significant change, the windfall tax will cause job losses and stunt investment.

Harbour Energy, the biggest North Sea producer, blamed the windfall tax for its decision to axe 350 jobs in April, while French giant TotalEnergies responded by vowing to slash investment in the North Sea by 25pc this year.

A particular problem industry lobbyists have pointed to is the taxs impact on oil and gas financing, particularly for smaller, independent producers.

Banks offer loans to North Sea firms based on the value of their discovered reserves, which are directly affected by higher levels of tax.

In a note to clients, analysts at Stifel said the changes to the windfall tax would improve the situation  but only slightly, with lending capacity falling by 30-40pc instead of 50pc.

We also note that this is now the tenth change to UK energy industry taxation since 2002, which underlines the complete lack of stability and certainty that is required for investment, they added.

Industry insiders said they would now lobby for the taxs floor level to be raised, or for the oil and gas thresholds to be made separate.

Mr Crighton said prices had already returned to historically normal levels, so there are no windfall profits to tax, adding that it was unlikely the oil price would dip below $72 per barrel for six months any time soon.

He added: A punitive tax rate of 75pc  one of the highest in the world  remains an ongoing threat to a world leading sector that was once the jewel in the UKs industrial crown.

That rate needs to be revised downwards urgently.

Gareth Davies MP - Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury

We need to be realistic about oil and gas. The transition to net zero cannot happen overnight, and we will need North Sea oil and gas for years to come. We cant just turn off the taps like some are suggesting and hope for the best.



Labours ill-conceived proposal to ban new licences for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea puts our energy security at risk.

It also puts hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk, with Offshore Energies UK estimating there are around 215,000 UK jobs that are reliant on the oil and gas sector.

And our forecasts suggest that blocking North Sea oil and gas investment would mean the UKs dependence on imports would rise from 50 per cent today to 80 per cent by 2033.

Given the painful lessons we learnt last winter about the importance of domestic energy supply, these are chilling figures which hammer home just how vital investment in domestic energy supplies are.

This governments view is we should focus on energy resilience, not weakness and dependency which seems to be the Labour Partys policy  putting ideology ahead of jobs, investment, and our national security.

Thats why I announced the Energy Security Investment Mechanism to give the oil and gas sector certainty to invest in domestic energy, while protecting some of the hundreds of thousands of British jobs the sector supports.

Back in May 2022, we introduced the Energy Profits Levy, a windfall tax which brings the headline tax rate on profits from North Sea oil and gas firms UK production to 75pc  one of the highest tax rates for oil and gas production globally  helping to cut the typical household energy bill by around half this winter.

The levy has raised around 2.8bn to date and is expected to raise almost 26bn by March 2028  helping to fund the measures to help with the cost of living, such as the Energy Price Guarantee.

While the levy included an investment allowance to encourage firms to continue to invest in oil and gas extraction in the UK, we have heard from industry that companies are cutting back on investment.

This puts the long-term future of the UKs domestic supply at risk. That could force us to import more from foreign countries  and precious British jobs would be lost.

But this change will give the oil and gas sector certainty to raise capital and invest in new and existing projects, securing affordable and reliable domestic energy supply.

It will mean the levy will remain in place for the next five years as planned while oil and gas prices remain higher than historic norms  but if prices fall to historically normal levels, the tax rate for oil and gas companies will return to 40pc, the rate before the Energy Profits Levy was introduced.

That rate is still significantly higher than the main rate of corporation tax at 25pc which is paid by every other UK business.

Meeting oil and gas firms yesterday in Aberdeen, I was clear this will only happen if both average oil and gas prices fall to, or below, $71.40 per barrel for oil and 0.54 per therm for gas, for two consecutive quarters.

Based on the independent OBRs forecast the Energy Security Investment Mechanism wont be triggered until before the taxs planned end date in March 2028.

We will continue ensuring that oil and gas companies pay their fair share, but its also important that the Government supports jobs, supply chains and the countrys energy security.

The Energy Security Investment Mechanism does just that.

It should give operators and lenders the confidence they need to keep investing in the UKs domestic energy reserves, whilst being clear that while prices remain high, we will continue to tax extraordinary profits.

But we will not leave British oil and gas workers behind in our transition to clean, cheap, home-grown energy.

We will harness the skills, capabilities and pent-up private investment potential of the oil and gas sector to power new clean technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture  key to growing our economy  not take Britains oil and gas industry out at the knees.

Because at the end of the day, the only people that benefit from Keir Starmers energy policy are dictators and petrostate autocrats like Vladimir Putin.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
(Bloomberg) -- The company at the center of Swedens property crisis was sent even further into junk territory by S&P Global Ratings, a move that will worsen the already severe funding crunch for the troubled landlord.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Samhallsbyggnadsbolaget i Norden AB  or SBB, as its more commonly known  was cut in a double downgrade to BB- and placed on negative watch. A lower credit rating translates into higher borrowing costs and moves the company even further from the high-grade investors that helped finance an $8 billion debt pile.

We see an elevated refinancing and liquidity risk, with investor confidence declining further in the past couple of weeks, S&P said in a statement, adding that the rating could be lowered again if the firm fails to sell assets and is unable to restore market confidence.

SBBs shares are down more than 90% from its peak in late 2021 as a result of higher funding costs, which have put pressure on its business model. While many companies took on a lot of debt during the years of ultra-low interest rates, SBB has become a closely watched bellwether for property firms in Sweden and beyond.

Swedens central bank has called on the countrys property firms to strengthen their balance sheets as they have some $6.9 billion of bond debt maturing this year. It also warned that financial stability could be threated if property values were pushed lower by vulnerable landlords selling large volumes of stock quickly.

The downgrade comes just days after SBB replaced Chief Executive Officer Ilija Batljan with Leiv Synnes, previously the chief financial officer of rival property firm Akelius Residential Property AB. While Synnes has pledged to not sell off SBBs assets at a discount and ruled out another rights issue, his hand may be forced if he is to avert a further ratings slide. On Friday, Bloomberg News reported that Brookfield Asset Management was in early talks with the landlord.

As interest rates have soared, sales volumes in Swedens commercial property market have hit the lowest point in a decade, with transactions down 65% this year as sellers and buyers struggle to agree on fair prices.

Despite the downgrade not coming as a surprise in our view, we regard it credit negative, Danske Bank A/Ss credit analyst Marcus Gustavsson said in a note. He added that further negative rating actions from both S&P and Fitch Ratings cant be ruled out.

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says:

SBB valuations may not have reflected its ratings for some time but recent price action shows downgrades matter. S&Ps double downgrade shows the CEO change and statements about the broader strategic review havent been enough to avert cuts.

 Tolu M Alamutu, BI credit analyst (Click here for full report)

SBB, which must roll over $1.6 billion of maturing bonds within the next three years, was first cut to junk by S&P a month ago  a move followed by Fitch. Shares dropped as much as 9.8% in Stockholm.

The companys senior unsecured bonds due in 2029 fell 0.9 cents on the euro to a bid price of 60.5, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. With a corresponding yield of 9.6%, the notes were trading at distressed levels even before this latest downgrade.

(Updates with paragraph on central bank, bonds, shares from fifth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.'s (NYSE:LVS) high institutional ownership speaks for itself as stock continues to impress, up 6.1% over last week

Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies Las Vegas Sands' stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

The top 4 shareholders own 53% of the company

Recent sales by insiders

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. With 41% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

And as as result, institutional investors reaped the most rewards after the company's stock price gained 6.1% last week. The gains from last week would have further boosted the one-year return to shareholders which currently stand at 56%.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Las Vegas Sands, beginning with the chart below.

See our latest analysis for Las Vegas Sands

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Las Vegas Sands?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Las Vegas Sands. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Las Vegas Sands' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

Hedge funds don't have many shares in Las Vegas Sands. Miriam Adelson is currently the largest shareholder, with 27% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 18% and 4.3% of the stock.

Our research also brought to light the fact that roughly 53% of the company is controlled by the top 4 shareholders suggesting that these owners wield significant influence on the business.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Las Vegas Sands

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

It seems insiders own a significant proportion of Las Vegas Sands Corp.. Insiders own US$12b worth of shares in the US$45b company. That's quite meaningful. It is good to see this level of investment. You can check here to see if those insiders have been buying recently.

General Public Ownership

With a 13% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Las Vegas Sands. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Company Ownership

We can see that Private Companies own 20%, of the shares on issue. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Las Vegas Sands that you should be aware of.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
By Anna Tong

Legal AI company EvenUp has raised an additional $50.5 million in Series B funding from new investors including Bessemer Venture Partners and Bain Capital Ventures, the San Francisco-based company said Thursday, valuing the company at $325 million.

Participants in the latest round included existing investors SignalFire, NFX and DCM, bringing the companys total funding to $65 million.

EvenUp provides a product to personal injury law firms that automates the workflow for demand letters, using generative AI and a proprietary legal dataset. Its customers have seen a 30% increase in payouts, in addition to time savings from drafting legal claims, CEO Rami Karabibar told Reuters.

These have been boom times for the legal AI market, as legal firms have lined up to embrace generative AI. Researchers used GPT-4 to pass the bar exam in March.

Law is an ideal use case for generative AI because what lawyers do  analyze content and then synthesize it in prose  is exactly what generative AI products like OpenAIs ChatGPT, which was trained on reams of text, do best, said Bessemer partner Sameer Dholakia.

EvenUp currently has over 300 customers, who pay annual subscription prices in the thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and has already exceeded $10 million in recurring revenue this year, Karabibar told Reuters. He estimated there are about 300,000 personal injury attorneys and 20 million personal injury cases per year.

(Reporting by Anna Tong in San Francisco; Editing by David Gregorio)
Lithium Batteries Are the New Oil, According to Elon Musk  Here Are 2 Stocks to Take Advantage

Last summer, Elon Musk went on record describing lithium as the new oil, pointing out that the light metallic element now forms a vital link in the automotive industry and supply chain. Lithium is an essential component of modern rechargeable battery technology and is found in everything from smartphones and tablets to laptop computers to electric-powered bicycles and automobiles.

Most of the worlds lithium is mined in Australia, Chile, and China. China is also the dominant player in the production of lithium-ion batteries, with a market share of approximately 80%. These are the facts behind Musks more recent comments on the subject, who points out the need for more of the element. As we look ahead a few years, a fundamental choke point in the advancement of electric vehicles is the availability of battery-grade lithium, he said.

Musk is not just talking about the issue; Tesla has also gone all-in on a new lithium refinery in Texas, a project that is estimated to cost $375 million and targeted to come online in 2025. The refinery will make Tesla the largest lithium refiner in North America.

You dont have to be the richest man in the world, however, to take part in the coming lithium boom. As the metal faces more and more demand, lithium producers everywhere should benefit  and Wall Streets analysts are pointing out stocks for investors to consider.

Against this backdrop, weve used the TipRanks database to locate two Buy-rated stocks that are heavily involved in the production of lithium-ion batteries, and are well-positioned to benefit from a continued boom in lithium demand. Lets take a closer look.

Amprius Technologies (AMPX)

Well start with Amprius Technologies, a company that went public last year through a SPAC transaction. Amprius realized $87 million, and the ticker started trading on September 15. The company is putting its capital to work developing and producing high-end technology in lithium-ion batteries. Specifically, the company is focused on making and marketing silicon anode batteries, a lithium-ion battery technology with a higher energy density than traditional graphite anode batteries.

Amprius is developing its new batteries at a variety of sizes, to work in a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, aviation tech, and wearable electronics. The company has begun construction of a new industrial-scale production facility in Brighton, Colorado, with a projected opening in 2025. The facility will total 775,000 square feet, and will have capacity to build up to 500 megawatt-hours at the opening. Full capacity is planned for 5 gigawatt-hours. Amprius factory will be the largest battery production floor in Colorado.

While Amprius is still in the gearing up stages, it has shipped out more than 10,000 batteries to a select number of customers. The companys products are listed under 10 sku numbers, and Amprius has more than 80 patents on file to protect its intellectual property.

Covering this stock for Northland Capital, analyst Abhishek Sinha sees some healthy growth ahead. He writes, We believe AMPX is about to reach an inflection point with solid revenue growth in 2024 and breakeven gross margin in 2025. We see a clear path to profitability for this high growth company that has very differentiated and proven technology. We expect AMPX to achieve an EBITDA breakeven in late 2026.

We expect AMPXs products revenue to grow 6-7x by the end of next year and much higher after that as the CO factory ramps up. AMPX has 80% repeat customers, which is a good indication of the sustainability of the demand, Sinha went on to add.

Looking forward, Sinha quantifies this stance with an Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating on AMPX shares, and a target price of $16 that suggests a 91% upside on the one-year time frame. (To watch Sinhas track record, click here)

Overall, all four of the recent analyst reviews on this stock are positive, showing that the Street is bullish  and giving AMPX a Strong Buy consensus rating. The shares are selling for $8.39, and their $14.50 average price target implies a gain of ~73% in the next 12 months. (See AMPX stock forecast)

Albemarle Corporation (ALB)

Well now shift gears and turn our attention to Albemarle, a North Carolina-based firm with a focus on specialty chemical products primarily based on lithium and bromine. The company refines both elements, and is particularly known for producing battery-grade lithium. Albemarle is a major supplier of lithium to the EV battery segment, and has a global reach, sourcing its lithium from mines in Australia, Chile, and Nevada.

Albemarle has recently restructured its MARBL Lithium Joint Venture, an Australian project, bringing MinRes onboard to improve the value given to customers. MinRes will also take on a 50% stake in Albemarles Chinese lithium plants. Rising prices for lithium in the global markets have been a boon for Albemarle, which has seen its earnings go steadily up in the past several quarters.

In Albemarles most recent quarterly results, for 1Q23, non-GAAP EPS reached $10.32, beating the forecast by $3.26 and expanding by a whopping 333% from the prior year. On the top-line, the company generated $2.6 billion in net sales, coming in $158 million less than expected despite 128% year-over-year growth. The companys guidance for the rest of 2023 calls for revenue in the range between $9.8 billion to $11.5 billion, at the midpoint, a little under the $10.9 billion consensus figure.

In the eyes of Bairds 5-star analyst Ben Kallo, this is a company with real potential for investors. Kallo writes of Albemarle: We believe that clarity on the impact of pricing, a reset of guidance, and ALBs vertically integrated system position it as a leader for the near and longer term. ALBs diversity and quality of resources give it a competitive advantage on cost and ability to service several end markets. We see upside to estimates from any increase in lithium pricing, potential tailwinds from the IRA, and the growing demand for lithium.

The analyst goes on to give ALB shares an Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating and a price target of $288, implying a one-year upside of 32%. (To watch Kallos track record, click here)

Overall, Albemarle has picked up 17 analyst reviews recently, with a breakdown of 13 Buys, 3 Holds, and 1 Sell, giving the stock a Moderate Buy consensus rating. Albemarle shares are trading for $217.48 and their current average price target of $261.88 suggests ~20% upside potential in the year ahead. (See ALB stock forecast)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
(Bloomberg) -- Lyft Inc.s founding mission hinged on making transportation more environmentally friendly. But the ride-hailing companys sustainability efforts have been dealt a setback as new Chief Executive Officer David Risher prioritizes slashing costs in a bid to keep up with Uber Technologies Inc.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Within a week of Rishers arrival in April, he let go of about a quarter of the staff, including head of sustainability Paul Augustine. A month later, Lyft said it was officially discontinuing pooled rides, one of its hallmark features, opting to focus on making rides cheaper with other features instead.

The paring back of Lyfts green efforts coincides with an even bigger push toward sustainability by Uber, which pledged on Thursday to eliminate emissions and unnecessary plastic waste from its delivery business by 2040, bringing it in line with its ride-hailing arm.

For years, Lyft was considered the greener, more socially conscious alternative to its crosstown rival.

When co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer pioneered the concept of shared rides in 2014 the service was key to their strategy to take more cars off the road and reduce carbon emissions. Uber quickly followed with Uber Pool and soon the carpool services became a defining feature of the ride-hailing industry. In June 2020, Lyft was the first ride-hailing company to commit to reaching zero emissions with a 100% electric fleet by 2030. Uber followed with its own pledge a few months later.

But the recent upheaval at Lyft threatens to undercut its green goals.

Augustine, among the roughly 1,000 employees who were let go in April, was the architect of Lyfts strategy to transition to electric vehicles, which included deals for EV rentals, charging infrastructure and driver incentives. His departure was unexpected, according to people familiar with the matter, and came just a week after Augustine met with lawmakers in Washington about climate policy initiatives. His team was effectively disbanded thereafter.

Augustine posted his departure on his LinkedIn page this week. He declined to comment on the terms of his exit. A Lyft spokesman said the company doesnt plan to replace Augustines role but will distribute his responsibilities across other teams.

Risher took over Lyft as the company is struggling to reclaim market share against Uber, which has recovered and even thrived since the pandemic. Lyft meanwhile was hit hard by the driver shortage as the economy reopened and has had to keep spending in check to stay competitive with Uber on pricing. After less than two months at the helm, Risher slashed headcount, rolled back Lyfts fully flexible work policy, and hired a new chief financial officer. Since his appointment, Green and Zimmer have stepped away from daily operations but remain on Lyfts board.

Internally, the co-founders were known for being steadfast evangelists of the importance of reaching climate goals  at times to a fault  even as they fielded financial challenges during the pandemic, four current and former employees said, asking to remain anonymous discussing internal company matters. With Zimmer and Green taking a back seat and Augustines role eliminated, its not clear who will shepherd Lyft to its goal to become 100% electric. Some employees doubt the company will be able to follow through on its net zero pledge.

Our team is continuing the work to help pass smart policies in cities and states across the country that will enable us to achieve 100% EVs on the platform by the end of 2030, a Lyft spokesman said in a statement. The company pointed to initiatives including expanding its green mode feature, a sustainability dashboard for corporate partners, and a suite of EV rental partnerships. Lyft declined to specify what proportion of its fleet is electric but said the number of monthly active EVs on the platform nearly tripled in the past year.

In an interview with Bloomberg Quicktake, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company plans to bear the financial cost of getting drivers to make the switch to EVs. Weve got to make it economically sensible for drivers. Uber does not disclose the proportion of vehicles that are electric, but Khosrowshahi said 5% of the miles driven globally on the platform are in EVs.

Uber and Lyfts climate goals are more than good corporate citizenship; they have a regulatory imperative, too. In California, the companies must ensure that at least 90% of all the miles driven in the state are done by electric vehicles by 2030.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
percy pigs vs swizzels

Marks & Spencer has agreed to end a dispute with the confectionery company Swizzels after accusing it of copying its Percy Pig sweets.

Swizzels, which makes Drumstick lollies and Parma Violets, said it would redesign its Pig Mugs sweets which it has been making since 1996, following a six-month battle with M&S.

The high street retailer said it had reached an amicable solution with Swizzels, but refused to provide further details of the settlement.

A spokesman for M&S said: M&S has a proud history as a leading innovator and for almost 140 years customers have turned to M&S for unique, original, quality products  conceived, created and developed alongside trusted suppliers and produced to the highest standards.

M&S has made a significant investment in building a strong Percy Pig brand over the past 30 years and believe it is important to protect the registered trademarks relating to Percy Pigs appearance.

Lawyers for M&S said in November last year that the Pigs Mugs sweets were so similar to Percy Pigs that shoppers may buy the Swizzels brand by accident.

In a 37-page document filed at the High Court, the retailers lawyers said that its sweets were so popular that one customer had got a tattoo of Percys face. M&S estimates that it sells around 270 bags of its sweets per minute.

Meanwhile, Swizzels had argued that the trademark registered by M&S was such poor quality that the face looks more like a teddy bear than a pig.

Swizzels, which is based in Derbyshire, has been making sweets since 1928, and also makes lines including Refreshers and Parma Violets.

The settlement marks the latest legal battle M&S has embarked on in recent years.

In February 2022 the company settled a copyright row with Aldi over its Colin the Caterpillar cake after the German discounter altered the appearance of its lookalike version, Cuthbert the Caterpillar. In February, Aldi lost a year-long court battle with Marks & Spencer over copycat gin bottles that featured LED lights.

Swizzels declined to comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Some investors rely on dividends for growing their wealth, and if you're one of those dividend sleuths, you might be intrigued to know that Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad (KLSE:MSC) is about to go ex-dividend in just 4 days. The ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date, which is the cut-off date for shareholders to be present on the company's books to be eligible for a dividend payment. The ex-dividend date is important as the process of settlement involves two full business days. So if you miss that date, you would not show up on the company's books on the record date. Accordingly, Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad investors that purchase the stock on or after the 13th of June will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 27th of June.

The company's next dividend payment will be RM0.07 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of RM0.07 per share. Based on the last year's worth of payments, Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad stock has a trailing yield of around 3.4% on the current share price of MYR2.04. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad's dividend is reliable and sustainable. So we need to check whether the dividend payments are covered, and if earnings are growing.

See our latest analysis for Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad

Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned in profit, then the dividend could be unsustainable. Fortunately Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad's payout ratio is modest, at just 42% of profit. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. It paid out 13% of its free cash flow as dividends last year, which is conservatively low.

It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Stocks in companies that generate sustainable earnings growth often make the best dividend prospects, as it is easier to lift the dividend when earnings are rising. If earnings decline and the company is forced to cut its dividend, investors could watch the value of their investment go up in smoke. That's why it's comforting to see Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad's earnings have been skyrocketing, up 33% per annum for the past five years. Earnings per share have been growing very quickly, and the company is paying out a relatively low percentage of its profit and cash flow. Companies with growing earnings and low payout ratios are often the best long-term dividend stocks, as the company can both grow its earnings and increase the percentage of earnings that it pays out, essentially multiplying the dividend.

Many investors will assess a company's dividend performance by evaluating how much the dividend payments have changed over time. Since the start of our data, six years ago, Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad has lifted its dividend by approximately 23% a year on average. Both per-share earnings and dividends have both been growing rapidly in recent times, which is great to see.

Final Takeaway

Has Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? It's great that Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad is growing earnings per share while simultaneously paying out a low percentage of both its earnings and cash flow. It's disappointing to see the dividend has been cut at least once in the past, but as things stand now, the low payout ratio suggests a conservative approach to dividends, which we like. It's a promising combination that should mark this company worthy of closer attention.

With that in mind, a critical part of thorough stock research is being aware of any risks that stock currently faces. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad you should know about.

If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
(Bloomberg) -- Meta Platforms Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg sought to reassure employees about the companys strategy, especially its emphasis on artificial intelligence, just two weeks after it finished the latest round of job cuts.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The CEO told workers at an all-hands meeting Thursday that the companys two priorities are incorporating AI into its varied products and the metaverse  the virtual reality platform that Zuckerberg believes is the far-off future of how people will connect online, according to a Meta spokesperson.

Its a fraught time at Meta. Management jettisoned 10,000 employees in a drawn-out firing process that left the Menlo Park, California-based company without a tech road map and shook employee confidence in the direction for the business, people familiar with the matter have said. Since announcing spending cuts and its AI focus in recent months, investors have flocked to the stock, which has more than doubled this year, closing at $264.58 Thursday in New York.

Zuckerberg and other executives at the meeting walked through specific AI products the company is working on, according to the spokesperson, including:

AI Agents: Chatbots for Messenger and WhatsApp with different personas and usefulness.

AI Media Editing: A tool for Instagram stories for people to edit or change their photos with text-based prompts.

Internal tools like AI chatbots that employees can message and suggest feedback and a productivity assistant called Metamate that can perform tasks.

Zuckerberg also encouraged employees to try new ideas at a generative AI hackathon the company is planning for July. Generative AI, technology that creates text and images based on users prompts, has caught the attention of businesses across industries after the popular reaction to the wide release of OpenAIs ChatGPT chatbot.

Read More: Metas Efficiency Layoffs Take a Toll on Employee Productivity

Metas internal meeting was reported earlier by the New York Times.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
It's not a stretch to say that Tortilla Mexican Grill plc's (LON:MEX) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.6x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" for companies in the Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom, where the median P/S ratio is around 1x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/S ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.

See our latest analysis for Tortilla Mexican Grill

How Tortilla Mexican Grill Has Been Performing

Recent times haven't been great for Tortilla Mexican Grill as its revenue has been rising slower than most other companies. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is moderate because investors think this lacklustre revenue performance will turn around. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

Keen to find out how analysts think Tortilla Mexican Grill's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.

How Is Tortilla Mexican Grill's Revenue Growth Trending?

Tortilla Mexican Grill's P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver moderate growth, and importantly, perform in line with the industry.

Taking a look back first, we see that the company grew revenue by an impressive 20% last year. Pleasingly, revenue has also lifted 63% in aggregate from three years ago, thanks to the last 12 months of growth. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been superb for the company.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the three analysts covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 25% over the next year. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to only expand by 14%, which is noticeably less attractive.

In light of this, it's curious that Tortilla Mexican Grill's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. It may be that most investors aren't convinced the company can achieve future growth expectations.

The Key Takeaway

Using the price-to-sales ratio alone to determine if you should sell your stock isn't sensible, however it can be a practical guide to the company's future prospects.

We've established that Tortilla Mexican Grill currently trades on a lower than expected P/S since its forecasted revenue growth is higher than the wider industry. Perhaps uncertainty in the revenue forecasts are what's keeping the P/S ratio consistent with the rest of the industry. This uncertainty seems to be reflected in the share price which, while stable, could be higher given the revenue forecasts.

Plus, you should also learn about this 1 warning sign we've spotted with Tortilla Mexican Grill.

It's important to make sure you look for a great company, not just the first idea you come across. So if growing profitability aligns with your idea of a great company, take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a low P/E).

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
FILE PHOTO: A sign is pictured outside the Bank of Canada building in Ottawa

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Ankur Banerjee

Another day, another surprise hike. After the Reserve Bank of Australia's surprise earlier this week, it was the Bank of Canada's turn to stun markets with a 25 basis-point hike that led traders to dial back expectations of the U.S. Federal Reserve standing pat next week and sweat over the policy outlook.

Broader consensus is that the Fed will do at least one more hike. The question is whether it comes next week or in July. The CME FedWatch tool showed the probability of the Fed hiking by 25 bps next week is 36%, it was 22% a day earlier.

More than 90% of economists, 78 of 86, polled by Reuters said the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee would hold its federal funds rate at 5.00% to 5.25% next week. More than a third though expect the Fed to raise rates at least once more this year.

And so, investors are in a tetchy mood, with the MSCI Asia ex-Japan a bit lower, the U.S. dollar index flattish and U.S. Treasuries holding on to gains in Asian trade.

With a light data calendar and futures pointing to a mixed open in Europe, markets could drift on Thursday. Next week's series of central bank meetings will remain at the forefront of market minds.

Meanwhile, revised data showed Japan's economy grew more than initially thought in January-March, helping the yen strengthen.

In the corporate world, GameStop ousted its CEO and made Ryan Cohen, the billionaire investor whose bet on the video retailer made him popular among meme stock traders, its executive chairman.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong hit back at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler over the agency's lawsuit against the crypto exchange, calling him an "outlier" while reassuring customers their funds were safe.

Key developments that could influence markets on Thursday:

Economic events: euro zone Q1 GDP and employment data

(Reporting by Ankur Banerjee in Singapore; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
(Bloomberg) -- For several weeks, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy couldnt find a microphone he didnt like. But, faced with a revolt on his right flank, the California Republican is suddenly silent.

Most Read from Bloomberg

On Thursday afternoon, McCarthy gave the slip to reporters, who have been hanging on every turn in his fight with ultra-conservatives over his deal with President Joe Biden to avert a US debt default.

An aide told the assembled reporters on the Capitols second floor that the speaker had left and wasnt coming back. The crowd dispersed, only for McCarthy to emerge from a downstairs exit several minutes later.

I think were making a lot of progress, McCarthy said as he brusquely walked away from two reporters who spotted him.

The camera-friendly speakers attempt at a stealth getaway is the latest sign of trouble for McCarthy, who won the gavel in January after 15 rounds of voting.

Eleven dissident Republicans on Tuesday used a procedural vote on a GOP-backed bill to blockade the House floor. By Wednesday night, McCarthy, unable to quell the rebellion, dismissed lawmakers for the week.

The embarrassing episode raises questions about the fate of an expected Ukraine aid package later this year and spending bills to keep the government running past Sept. 30  all of which will require compromise with Democrats that will further divide his party.

House leadership couldnt hold the line. Now we hold the floor, tweeted one of the defiant rebels, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, on Wednesday.

Gaetz and other conservatives have said McCarthy abandoned many of their demands in the debt deal. Some have accused leadership of strong-arming Republicans into voting for the deal, and McCarthy of backtracking on promises he made to win the gavel in January.

Talks between McCarthy, who said he was blindsided, and the dissidents continued into Thursday with no resolution.

House Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry, who has been involved in the discussions, had little to say on Thursday.

Different members have different concerns, Perry said, as he left the speakers suite of offices. Perry wasnt one of the 11 dissidents, but most are members of his caucus.

Shutdown Fears

Tuesday marked the first time in more than two decades that a speaker couldnt muster the votes to begin debate on a bill, according to C-SPAN.

House Rules Chairman Tom Cole, a McCarthy ally, smiled Thursday when asked if the legislative blockade will emerge as some sort of House variation of the Senate filibuster.

I wouldnt put it that way, Cole said. I dont think this is going to stay long-term. This is the result of a very narrow caucus majority and people that are upset.

The Oklahoma Republican, a cigar-smoking bulwark of the old-school party establishment, predicted they would be back on track next week. McCarthy has said the same.

Not everyone is so sure. The ultra-conservatives effective maneuver is already stoking bipartisan worries of a government shutdown this fall.

Youve got the tail wagging the dog, complained Republican Steve Womack of Arkansas, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Womack said he has serious concerns about how antics could affect passage of spending bills later this year. Funding the government is already going to be a pretty heavy lift, he said.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that Republicans, as the majority party, have the responsibility for managing the floor.

The New York Democrat wouldnt commit to Democrats bailing Republicans out on future procedural votes but he said hes hopeful it gets worked out before we return next week. He also said hes hopeful MAGA Republicans wont force a government shutdown.

That could prove difficult.

Even some of McCarthys allies, like Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have demands for spending bills  such as cuts to domestic spending  that wont fly with Democrats. McCarthy himself this week wobbled on funding Ukraine, which sharply divides the defense hawks and fiscal conservatives in his party.

So far the mutinous group hasnt pursued the nuclear option: an outright motion to remove McCarthy as speaker. But its a threat that lingers over these discussions. Some of the rebels acknowledge that, for now, they do not have the support from GOP colleagues that would be required take his gavel. But even a failed no-confidence vote would be yet another embarrassment.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
JUAREZ, Mexico  This country's top immigration official said Mexico is closing migrant detention centers in the wake of a deadly fire and plans to open humanitarian shelters instead.

Francisco Garduno faces criminal charges in Mexico that he failed to protect migrants in his custody after a March 27 fire killed 40 migrants from Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela and other countries. The National Immigration Institute commissioner has remained in his post as he awaits trial.

On Tuesday, Garduno gave reporters a tour of empty offices on the Mexican side of the Ysleta-Zaragoza international bridge that would soon be turned into an albergue provisional, "a temporary shelter," he said, "to replace the one where the accident occurred."

The "accident" was a horrific fire that spun out of control after migrant men  being held behind bars  allegedly lit foam mattresses to protest their detention. Prosecutors claim an immigration official or private security guard sold the men cigarettes and a lighter.

Migrants hold a vigil at the gate of the Mexican migrant facility, where 40 migrants lost their lives after the facility where they were being detained caught fire.

As black smoke bellowed the night of the fire, security camera footage appeared to capture officials and guards walking by the men's cell block door nonchalantly, without attempting to unlock the padlock or rescue the migrants.

Since the fire, inquiries have revealed that officials and guards could not find the keys to unlock the cells in time to free the men.

Francisco Garduno, Mexico's top immigration official, visits the Zaragoza international bridge in Ciudad Juarez on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, as part of a tour with members of the media of the installations that will be accommodated to 'shelter' migrants that are expelled from the U.S. Behind Garduno is Manuel Alfonso Marin Salazar, the top immigration official for the state of Chihuahua who accompanied Garduno.

'All the conditions of security'

Garduno walked through a series of small offices looking over the bridge traffic. The remodeling was in the early stages: broken blinds hung over tinted floor-to-ceiling windows; piles of junk waited to be hauled away.

The new shelter will have space for 80 people, he said, "with all the conditions of security and civil protection." He didn't give a date for its opening.

"I have closed 33 installations, or provisional shelters, or migratory stations," he told reporters. "But we still have 17 more with capacity for nearly 5,000 people. So we aren't left without shelters. But the goal is that no one is held more than 36 hours, as the law requires."

More: Mexican president faces protest in Juarez over deadly fire at immigration center

Mexican officials have often used euphemisms to describe their immigration stations.

The federal government operates two migrant shelters  in the traditional context of the term  at its northern border, one in Tijuana and another in Juarez.

A Mexican immigration official accompanies Francisco Garduno, Mexicos top immigration official, during a visit to the Zaragoza international bridge in Ciudad Juarez on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, as part of a tour with members of the media of the installations that will be accommodated to shelter migrants that are expelled from the U.S.

The Leona Vicario shelter in central Juarez is in an old maquila assembly plant and with a capacity to house 1,500 people. Although they are required to respect a curfew, migrants are allowed to leave the shelter for work or medical appointments.

But the station that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called a "shelter" in the wake of the fire consisted of cells where migrant men and women were locked, in separate blocks, behind bars.

The new shelter won't keep migrants behind bars or locked in, Garduno said.

"We changed the model, immediately after the incident," he said.

Mexico "has always sheltered migrants, because (irregular) migration in Mexico is an administrative offense and we have to have a place to register them, to find out their nationality," he said.

Dig Deeper 'They couldn't find the keys': How 40 migrants died in Juarez fire

Number of migrants at border declines

Several dozen migrants picked up cardboard beds from the walkway outside the INM offices, as an entourage of immigration officials and reporters followed Garduno on his tour.

Some of the migrants said they had spent the night there; a Honduran mother said she hoped to be able to get an appointment through the CBP One app for her family.

"We heard that it worked better at the border," she said.

Migrants are photographed as Francisco Garduno, MexicoOs top immigration official, visits the Zaragoza international bridge in Ciudad Juarez on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, The top official was visiting what will be renovated installations to OshelterO migrants expelled from the U.S. from El Paso, Texas.

Last week, Department of Homeland Security officials said the number of appointments available via the cellphone app were up to 1,000 per day. The app has frequently been overwhelmed by demand, as migrants seek an appointment to make a claim for asylum or another other lawful immigration pathway.

The number of migrants crossing into the U.S. between ports of entry dropped dramatically in the days after border authorities stopped expelling migrants Thursday under the pandemic-era Title 42 rule.

Border authorities in El Paso reported 626 encounters Monday, according to the city's dashboard, after months of reporting over 1,000 migrant encounters nearly every day. The number of non-Mexican migrants returned to Mexico dropped, as well, Garduno said.

Garduno, who resides in Mexico City, is required to sign in at the federal tribunal in Juarez every other Tuesday while he awaits trial.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: After deadly Juarez fire, Mexico shuts some migrant detention centers
The former Vice President says entitlement costs, if not addressed, could "crush the future of the American economy"

New presidential candidate Mike Pence wasn't afraid to talk this week about the politically perilous choices that loom right around the corner for Social Security and Medicare.

But the former Vice President may face an uphill battle in bringing the rest of the field into that conversation.

In a kickoff speech Wednesday that largely focused on things like his faith and his role on Jan. 6, Pence also took significant time to tell Iowans that if the growing entitlement program costs are not addressed, it could crush the future of the American economy and opportunities for our children.

He has also declined to rule out politically unpopular options to solve the problem like raising the retirement age.

The blunt foray into the so-called "third rail of American politics" was notable because of how scarce a policy-focused discussion of the issue has been on the 2024 campaign trail so far.

Pence himself said as much this week. He named both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as candidates who won't talk about the issue and whose policy is insolvency. He charges that both figures have calculated that a reform debate is apparently less important than their short-term political fortunes.

Former Vice President and 2024 Presidential hopeful Mike Pence after his campaign launch event in Ankeny, Iowa on June 7. (STEPHEN MATUREN/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden and Trump may be right on the politics of the moment but experts warn that entitlement reform is an issue that will likely be inescapable during the next presidential term.

As a statement of reality [Pence] is 100% correct, said Mark Warshawsky, a former deputy commissioner at the Social Security Administration who is now at the American Enterprise Institute, while quickly noting that the politics are a little more complex.

He added in an interview Thursday that Pences challenge ahead is to convince the public of the seriousness of the problem and translate the issue from something abstract into the way people live right now.

The most recent government report on the programs found that Social Security only has the funds to continue paying out 100% of benefits through 2034. After that, benefits could be decreased by over 20%. Meanwhile, a key Medicare trust fund could run low on funds by the final year of the next presidential term, in 2028.

A race where most candidate say were not going to mess with Social Security

Pence begins his campaign mired near the bottom of the 2024 GOP field in spite of his near universal name recognition. Whether or not he can shift the conversation on this issue remains to be seen but experts say the issue will be on the president's desk in coming years no matter what.

Marc Goldwein is senior VP at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and noted in an interview Thursday that a key headline measure tracked by the trustees of Social Security and Medicare is whether the programs will be solvent over the coming decade.

He says its more likely than not that, for the first time, the first trustee's report of the next president or the next administration is gonna fail that test with flying colors.

He compared the situation to a car. Now, "the check engine light is on he says, but the situation in coming years will be more akin to one where the alarm that your car may not make it another 50 miles is on.

But for the moment, the leading candidates appear more focused on using the issue as a political weapon.

Former President Trump does bring the issue up with some frequency but almost exclusively to attack fellow candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for ever being open to reform. Thats a bad one, the former president has taken to saying.

DeSantis, meanwhile, has distanced himself from his time in Congress when he did look at options to raise the retirement age and slow Social Securitys spending growth. He offers little on the topic these days beyond saying were not going to mess with Social Security as Republicans, as he told Fox News recently.

Another candidate who, like Pence, has weighed in on the challenges in some detail is former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley. She has directly discussed the need to change the retirement age for younger Americans.

Pence has been a bit more vague about what reforms he has in mind, but said in a CNN town hall Thursday that the reforms needed could be a change in the age of eligibility, but it also could include letting younger Americans invest a portion of their payroll taxes in a mutual fund.

He added in a Fox News interview Thursday that "we can replace these New Deal programs with a better deal for every American."

On the Democratic side, President Biden has focused more on increasing taxes to cover the shortfall and repeatedly criticized any Republican who discusses reform. He had a memorable moment in his State of the Union address when he baited Republicans to promise to take entitlement programs off the table and stand up for seniors.

President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address on Feb. 7 as Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy look on. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

In the weeks since, the White House has been happy to use the issue as a political weapon, with Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates recently charging that Republicans still plan to undermine the programs. Democrats have also critiqued Nikki Haley for her comments on entitlement reforms.

For budget hawks like Goldwein and Warshawsky, there may be little optimism that the issue will get the debate it deserves in the months ahead. But there is at least hope that the groundwork can be laid for real reforms in the coming years  given Pence's prominence and focus on the issue  even if he doesn't emerge victorious.

If Pence can get others in the field "to be a little more serious in their discussion of it, then thats a sign of success, Warshawsky says.

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for politics news related to business and money

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 1.4x in the Oil and Gas industry in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Nordic American Tankers Limited's (NYSE:NAT) P/S ratio of 1.9x. Although, it's not wise to simply ignore the P/S without explanation as investors may be disregarding a distinct opportunity or a costly mistake.

View our latest analysis for Nordic American Tankers

What Does Nordic American Tankers' Recent Performance Look Like?

Recent times have been advantageous for Nordic American Tankers as its revenues have been rising faster than most other companies. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is moderate because investors think this strong revenue performance might be about to tail off. If not, then existing shareholders have reason to be feeling optimistic about the future direction of the share price.

If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report on Nordic American Tankers.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The P/S?

In order to justify its P/S ratio, Nordic American Tankers would need to produce growth that's similar to the industry.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered an exceptional 119% gain to the company's top line. The latest three year period has also seen a 17% overall rise in revenue, aided extensively by its short-term performance. Accordingly, shareholders would have probably been satisfied with the medium-term rates of revenue growth.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the three analysts covering the company are not good at all, suggesting revenue should decline by 29% over the next year. With the rest of the industry predicted to shrink by 9.8%, it's a sub-optimal result.

With this in mind, we find it intriguing that Nordic American Tankers' P/S is similar to its industry peers. With revenue going quickly in reverse, it's not guaranteed that the P/S has found a floor yet. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as the weak outlook is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.

The Bottom Line On Nordic American Tankers' P/S

Using the price-to-sales ratio alone to determine if you should sell your stock isn't sensible, however it can be a practical guide to the company's future prospects.

Nordic American Tankers currently trades on a higher P/S than expected based on revenue decline, even more so since its revenue forecast is even worse than the struggling industry. It's not unusual in cases where revenue growth is poor, that the share price declines, sending the moderate P/S lower relative to the industry. In addition, we would be concerned whether the company can even maintain this level of performance under these tough industry conditions. A positive change is needed in order to justify the current price-to-sales ratio.

It is also worth noting that we have found 3 warning signs for Nordic American Tankers that you need to take into consideration.

If companies with solid past earnings growth is up your alley, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
This week on Taking the Hire Road, Jeremy Reymer, founder and CEO of DriverReach, is joined by a fellow Jeremy, Nussbaum Transportation Chief Administrative Officer Jeremy Stickling.

I would have a hard time seeing myself do anything different or be in a different industry at this point. It really does get in your blood, Stickling said of his experience in trucking.

Though the industry wasnt where Stickling expected to end up, since getting his start with Illinois-based truckload carrier Nussbaum in 2007, he hasnt looked back.

Stickling said Nussbaums purpose-driven mission to create a positive impact in every interaction sets the business apart.

We think business gives us a platform, gives us a sphere of influence. Yeah, we got the business excellence thing down; it enables your platform, but its how we use that platform. Are we making a difference? Are we being a blessing? Thats really what gets a lot of us up in the morning and draws a lot of people, Stickling said.

Stickling has witnessed Nussbaum grow over the past 16 years from roughly 130 employees to over 700. For many businesses, with such growth comes the challenge of maintaining the right culture, but this is an area where Nussbaum has excelled.

Take [CEO] Brent Nussbaum  he touched everything. [CFO] Bill Wettstein  he touched everything. Were now the size where you cant do that. How do you keep the culture in place, how do you retain that as you grow? What weve doubled down on with this, Jeremy, is that youre only as good as your next level of leaders and your mid-managers, Stickling said.

Nussbaums leadership invests a lot of time in its next-level managers, focused on finding the right individuals who are good at getting things done  and more importantly, excited to see their teams succeed.

The companys mission carries over into how it recruits drivers and all of its employees. This allows it to be intentional about selling prospective drivers and other workers based on reality, not shying away from presenting both the good and the bad to ensure there are no surprises.

Today, it just takes an internet search to see what other drivers are saying about a potential employer. Nussbaum stays mindful of its digital reputation as a means to attract new drivers and takes ownership when it falls short.

You dont win with everybody, and those reviews are out there too, Stickling said. That helps keep it real. Id be worried if it was all positive about a company  not that were proud of our bad reviews. Sometimes they might be earned, unfortunately. We let people down. Part of the way to be successful is to realize that you do that sometimes, and figure out how to learn from that.

When it comes to retention, Nussbaum sets its drivers up with tools to help them learn and advance their skills through its Certified RED program. The academy allows drivers to take on extra assignments and hands-on training sessions to grow their knowledge. Stickling said there is a lower turnover rate among Certified RED drivers compared to companywide.

Many of Nussbaums drivers are over the road for a week at a time, and Stickling said the company is willing to keep wrestling with the tough aspects of long-haul trucking, especially in regard to home time and accommodating drivers preferences when possible.

To keep a pulse on driver satisfaction, the business utilizes a third party to field an annual engagement survey, which produces a high participation rate across the company.

The Nussbaum reputation isnt how someone like me says it should be, its how the people are experiencing each other. Its how drivers are experiencing driver managers, how safety had that awkward call, Stickling said.

In 2018, Nussbaum became employee-owned through an employee stock ownership plan, allowing the company to create an ownership culture. Stickling believes that a companys culture starts from the top but is not sustained by just a select few good leaders.

It becomes real from the next level and the next level and the next level buying in and living it and breathing it, too, he said.

To learn more about Nussbaum Transportation, visit its website.

More from Taking The Hire Road:

Staffing solutions for success

Leading a legacy in trucking with Eli McCormick

Health over haul: Empowering truckers for life

The post Youre only as good as your next-level managers  Taking The Hire Road appeared first on FreightWaves.
It's not a stretch to say that Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad's (KLSE:PMCORP) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.6x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" for companies in the Food industry in Malaysia, where the median P/S ratio is around 1.1x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

View our latest analysis for Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad

How Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad Has Been Performing

With revenue growth that's exceedingly strong of late, Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad has been doing very well. It might be that many expect the strong revenue performance to wane, which has kept the share price, and thus the P/S ratio, from rising. If you like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's not quite in favour.

Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad will help you shine a light on its historical performance.

Is There Some Revenue Growth Forecasted For Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad?

In order to justify its P/S ratio, Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad would need to produce growth that's similar to the industry.

If we review the last year of revenue growth, we see the company's revenues grew exponentially. Spectacularly, three year revenue growth has also set the world alight, thanks to the last 12 months of incredible growth. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a tremendous job of growing revenue over that time.

In contrast to the company, the rest of the industry is expected to decline by 2.6% over the next year, which puts the company's recent medium-term positive growth rates in a good light for now.

With this in mind, we find it intriguing that Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad's P/S matches its industry peers. Apparently some shareholders believe the recent performance is at its limits and have been accepting lower selling prices.

What Does Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad's P/S Mean For Investors?

Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-sales ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.

Our examination of Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad revealed its growing revenue over the medium-term hasn't helped elevate its P/S above that of the industry, which is surprising given the industry is set to shrink. There could be some unobserved threats to revenue preventing the P/S ratio from outpacing the industry much like its revenue performance. Perhaps there is some hesitation about the company's ability to stay its recent course and swim against the current of the broader industry turmoil. At least the risk of a price drop looks to be subdued, but investors seem to think future revenue could see some volatility.

Before you settle on your opinion, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Pan Malaysia Corporation Berhad that you should be aware of.

Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Springfield Properties Plc (LON:SPR), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

View our latest analysis for Springfield Properties

Springfield Properties Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Part Time Executive Chairman Alexander Adam for UK173k worth of shares, at about UK0.78 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of UK0.83. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. While we always like to see insider buying, it's less meaningful if the purchases were made at much lower prices, as the opportunity they saw may have passed. Happily, the Springfield Properties insiders decided to buy shares at close to current prices.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid UK354k for 435.21k shares. On the other hand they divested 109.00k shares, for UK88k. In total, Springfield Properties insiders bought more than they sold over the last year. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insiders At Springfield Properties Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen a bit of insider buying at Springfield Properties. CEO & Executive Director Innes Smith bought UK62k worth of shares in that time. But CEO & Executive Director Innes Smith sold UK50k worth. While it's good to see the insider buying, the net amount bought isn't enough for us to gain much confidence from it.

Insider Ownership Of Springfield Properties

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Springfield Properties insiders own about UK40m worth of shares (which is 41% of the company). Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Springfield Properties Insiders?

Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Springfield Properties insiders think the business has merit. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 1 warning sign with Springfield Properties and understanding it should be part of your investment process.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies TPG RE Finance Trust's stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

A total of 7 investors have a majority stake in the company with 54% ownership

Ownership research along with analyst forecasts data help provide a good understanding of opportunities in a stock

To get a sense of who is truly in control of TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE:TRTX), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 65% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Institutional investors would probably welcome last week's 16% increase in share prices after a year of 19% losses as a sign that returns are likely to begin trending higher.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about TPG RE Finance Trust.

Check out our latest analysis for TPG RE Finance Trust

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About TPG RE Finance Trust?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

We can see that TPG RE Finance Trust does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at TPG RE Finance Trust's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. TPG RE Finance Trust is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec with 9.3% of shares outstanding. The second and third largest shareholders are China Investment Corporation and TPG Capital, L.P., with an equal amount of shares to their name at 9.2%.

We also observed that the top 7 shareholders account for more than half of the share register, with a few smaller shareholders to balance the interests of the larger ones to a certain extent.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of TPG RE Finance Trust

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.. As individuals, the insiders collectively own US$19m worth of the US$559m company. This shows at least some alignment. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 13% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Equity Ownership

With a stake of 9.2%, private equity firms could influence the TPG RE Finance Trust board. Some investors might be encouraged by this, since private equity are sometimes able to encourage strategies that help the market see the value in the company. Alternatively, those holders might be exiting the investment after taking it public.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for TPG RE Finance Trust (2 make us uncomfortable) that you should be aware of.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Generally speaking the aim of active stock picking is to find companies that provide returns that are superior to the market average. Buying under-rated businesses is one path to excess returns. To wit, the Primerica share price has climbed 91% in five years, easily topping the market return of 46% (ignoring dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 56% , including dividends .

On the back of a solid 7-day performance, let's check what role the company's fundamentals have played in driving long term shareholder returns.

View our latest analysis for Primerica

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

During five years of share price growth, Primerica achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 5.7% per year. This EPS growth is slower than the share price growth of 14% per year, over the same period. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did five years ago. And that's hardly shocking given the track record of growth.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

We're pleased to report that the CEO is remunerated more modestly than most CEOs at similarly capitalized companies. It's always worth keeping an eye on CEO pay, but a more important question is whether the company will grow earnings throughout the years. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here..

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Primerica, it has a TSR of 104% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Primerica shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 56% over one year. That's including the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 15% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Primerica that you should be aware of before investing here.

But note: Primerica may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. offers the worlds oldest cup of coffee in Hilliard

Local coffee lovers can now enjoy coffee as it was originally brewed over 500 years ago.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., 3221 Hilliard Rome Road, Hilliard, sources its beans from Yemen and brews them in the countrys traditional style  said to be the worlds first coffee recipe. A Michigan-based brand, the local Qamaria franchise also offers modern favorites like cappuccinos, lattes and a variety of pastries. Since opening in February, it has racked up a 4.9 star-rating with more than 200 reviews on Google.

Yemeni coffee has a fruity and earthy flavor to it. It's grown in high altitude  over 3,000 meters, and its sun dried for 30 to 45 days, on top of the roofs, said Adam Ahmed, 30, of Hilliard, one of the local franchises co-owners.

The coffee tree, Coffea arabica, originated in East Africa, but its beans were first roasted in Yemen in the 14th century, according to food writer Harold McGhees book, "On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen."

Ahmed and his partners  Najme Gabbar, 40, of Westerville, and Abdul Nagi, of Detroit  were all born in Yemen but immigrated to the U.S. at young ages.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. owners, Abdul Nagi, right, and, Najme Gabbar, left.

Almost every house (in Yemen) has a coffee tree.  We grew up picking coffee from the backyard, roasting it at home, said Gabbar, who came to the U.S. at age 8.

Gabbar said his family moved from Yemen to Dearborn, Michigan, where there is a large community of Yemenis, many of whom worked in the automotive industry. He said he opened Yemeni Restaurant on Columbus Northeast Side in 2018, after starting other restaurants in Michigan and New York.

He recommended new customers try "mufawaar," which is coffee boiled with cardamom. Each cup comes with a sludge of fine grounds at the bottom.

Other coffees are blended with spices like cinnamon, cloves and ginger.

Coffee beans and husks on display at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., a new Yemeni-American business in Hilliard featuring coffee and pastries from Yemen, said to be the location of the first cup of coffee. Some of their coffees are blended with spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger.

Gabbar also recommended Adeni tea, made in the style of the port city of Aden. Honeycomb pastries, which are filled with cheese and sweetened with honey, are also a favorite.

Roasted coffee is available to take home.

The walls of Qamaria (pronounced kah-mah-REE-yah) are decorated with murals of Yemeni people and the flat-roofed architecture of Sanaa, the nations capital. The coffee shop is named after the arched, stained-glass windows that are common in many of the citys homes.

From left,sisters Mariam Jaser, Yesmeen Jaser, and Baheejah Jabri, at Qamaria coffee co., a new Yemeni-American business in Hilliard featuring coffee and pastries from the country.

Yemen may have been the first country to roast coffee, but today it is a relatively small player in the world market, as countries like Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia dominate production. Yemen was responsible for less than a quarter of a percent of coffee exports in 2022-23, according to the International Coffee Organization.

A civil war has ravaged parts of Yemen since 2014, but Gabbar said the coffee trade has continued.

We have good relationships with the farmers, he said.

He feels that cup by cup, he hopes to share Yemeni culture with the Hilliard community  and eventually expand into Dublin, Westerville, and downtown Columbus.

I feel like now, everybody knows about Yemen. Now were known for authentic food and authentic coffee," Gabbar said.

This story is part of the Dispatch's Mobile Newsroom initiative. Read our reporters' work at dispatch.com/mobilenewsroom.

Peter Gill covers immigration, New American communities and religion for the Dispatch in partnership with Report for America. You can support work like his with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America at: bit.ly/3fNsGaZ.

pgill@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Qamaria Yemeni Coffee in Hilliard offers a historical cup of coffee
(Bloomberg) -- Quebec, whose wildfires have darkened the New York skyline and spread an orange haze from Massachusetts to South Carolina, sold green bonds back at home.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The French-speaking province raised C$600 million ($449 million) by tapping its green bonds maturing in November 2032 at a spread of 68 basis points over Canadas government bonds, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The notes were earlier marketed at a spread of around 68.5 basis points.

Proceeds from the bond sale are expected to be mostly used to finance clean transportation projects, including a light rail system for Quebec City, the province said in a June 8 presentation on its website. The issuers green bond program allows it to allocate resources in four categories including climate change adaptation.

The provinces bond arrangers priced the transaction as Canada leads the world right now in the number of powerful blazes over the past 24 hours, data from NASA satellites show, with more than 400 forest fires active across the country and many of them raging out of control. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blamed climate change for exacerbating the problem and said that hundreds of US firefighters have arrived in Canada.

Inbound flights to New Yorks LaGuardia Airport were grounded for a second day due to low visibility, while the Federal Aviation Administration warned that flights could also be halted at JFK, Newark and Teterboro.

Given the wildfire crisis in Quebec and across Canada, every investment should help cut emissions and build climate resilience, said Julie Segal, senior program manager for climate finance at Environmental Defence Canada, a nonprofit policy advocacy organization. Quebec is right to continue investing in solutions that reduce emissions, like through this green bond for public transportation.

A representative for Quebecs Ministry of Finance didnt respond to a request for comment.

--With assistance from Mathieu Dion and Christine Buurma.

(Adds pricing terms of the deal and advocacy group comment in first, second and sixth paragraphs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
TransPennine Express train - Danny Lawson/PA

The former operator of the TransPennine Express is to bank a taxpayer-funded performance bonus despite the operator being nationalised after months of disruption and regular cancellations.

FirstGroup, which operated the troubled train line between April 2022 and May 2023, confirmed it would receive the payout as it announced a jump in profits at its train and bus division.

The payout is thought to be in the multi-millions, though FirstGroup chief executive Graham Sutherland declined to say how big the performance fee would be.

Louise Haigh, shadow transport secretary, said the reward was beyond belief.

Mr Sutherland defended the award despite the poor performance on the TransPennine line, saying: We still expect, obviously, to receive what we think we are due.

Ministers seized control of TransPennine Express in May after bosses failed to turn around the fortunes of one of Britains biggest train operators. During March, TransPennine Express cancelled the equivalent of one in six services.

Mark Harper, Transport Secretary, said the nationalisation decision was taken after commuters and northern businesses bore the brunt of continuous cancellations for months.

In annual results published on Thursday, FirstGroup said that management and performance fees would be paid in the coming year.

Louise Haigh Shadow Transport Secretary. - Eddie Mulholland

Mr Sutherland said: The fees for running the train operating companies come effectively six to 12 months in arrears. They are independently assessed with the DfT [Department for Transport].

Some of that performance fee is based on delivering the operating plan and budget. Some of it is service levels [and] customer satisfaction. So there is a mixture of components to the piece. Obviously we expect some scores to be impacted clearly by the challenges of last year.

Ms Haigh told The Telegraph: Transpennine Express have failed passengers so catastrophically across the North that the Tory government were forced to strip them of their contract.

It is beyond belief that they will receive a performance fee for delivering record cancellations and delays, causing misery for so many. This is just the latest proof that our railways are fundamentally broken and the Tories have no plan to fix them.

Shares in FirstGroup rose 14pc as multimillion-pound performance fees on the railways contributed to the company beating City annual result expectations.

FirstGroup posted a 97m pre-tax profit on 4.8bn of revenue. Last year the company returned an 18m pre-tax loss.

The primary drivers of profitability were a better-than-expected performance by new London to Edinburgh rail operator Lumo, and bus travel edging back towards pre-pandemic levels.

Bus use has been boosted by the Governments 2 passenger fare cap that means companies like FirstGroup are entitled to large subsidies by claiming any amount above the maximum price from the taxpayer.

Mr Sutherland said: We are seeing the benefits of actions we have taken to transform the business.

Shareholders will receive 2.9p-a-share final dividend and 115m is to be invested in a new buyback scheme.

Union leaders representing bus workers in Manchester attacked the results after recently rejecting a 7.4pc pay rise.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: First Manchester pays its workers the worst rates in the region, yet profits continue to soar. Not only are the drivers struggling with rising living costs, the low wages paid by First Manchester are causing staffing shortages its workers are bearing the brunt of. Its deplorable.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
When it comes to investing, there are some useful financial metrics that can warn us when a business is potentially in trouble. More often than not, we'll see a declining return on capital employed (ROCE) and a declining amount of capital employed. Ultimately this means that the company is earning less per dollar invested and on top of that, it's shrinking its base of capital employed. So after we looked into Boeing (NYSE:BA), the trends above didn't look too great.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. To calculate this metric for Boeing, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.0022 = US$95m  (US$136b - US$94b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

Thus, Boeing has an ROCE of 0.2%. Ultimately, that's a low return and it under-performs the Aerospace & Defense industry average of 9.9%.

View our latest analysis for Boeing

roce

In the above chart we have measured Boeing's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Boeing here for free.

How Are Returns Trending?

There is reason to be cautious about Boeing, given the returns are trending downwards. To be more specific, the ROCE was 28% five years ago, but since then it has dropped noticeably. And on the capital employed front, the business is utilizing roughly the same amount of capital as it was back then. Companies that exhibit these attributes tend to not be shrinking, but they can be mature and facing pressure on their margins from competition. So because these trends aren't typically conducive to creating a multi-bagger, we wouldn't hold our breath on Boeing becoming one if things continue as they have.

On a side note, Boeing's current liabilities are still rather high at 69% of total assets. This can bring about some risks because the company is basically operating with a rather large reliance on its suppliers or other sorts of short-term creditors. Ideally we'd like to see this reduce as that would mean fewer obligations bearing risks.

Our Take On Boeing's ROCE

In summary, it's unfortunate that Boeing is generating lower returns from the same amount of capital. Investors haven't taken kindly to these developments, since the stock has declined 39% from where it was five years ago. That being the case, unless the underlying trends revert to a more positive trajectory, we'd consider looking elsewhere.

One more thing, we've spotted 1 warning sign facing Boeing that you might find interesting.

For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Robinhood Joins Coinbase in Saying It Tried to 'Come In and Register' Like SEC Wanted

With Coinbase (COIN) and Binance accused of running illegal exchanges by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the latest industry testimony in the U.S. House of Representatives this week revealed that companies had desperately sought the agencys help to properly register but were turned away.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler has a go-to crypto invitation to the firms that are operating without the agencys approval and oversight, which hes repeated so often its become a messaging mantra: They just need to come in and register.

Robinhood Markets' chief compliance lawyer told lawmakers that the popular trading firm was trying to register as a special-purpose broker for digital assets. Dan Gallagher, a former SEC commissioner who has spent a career in securities and corporate law, couldnt get the agency to guide Robinhood into crypto compliance, though he said the staff seemed to want to help.

When Chair Gensler at the SEC in 2021 said, Come in and register, we did, Gallagher said in his testimony. We went through a 16-month process with the SEC staff trying to register a special purpose broker dealer. And then we were pretty summarily told in March that that process was over and we would not see any fruits of that effort.

His story echoes longstanding complaints from Coinbase, whose top lawyer was also present at the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday and is now facing an SEC lawsuit alleging his company offered unregistered securities and didnt get approval as an exchange.

When Coinbase has attempted to do just that, to talk about how we could register as a broker-dealer or an [alternative trading system] or even as a [national securities exchange] after months and months of discussion, were simply dismissed with no response or any counter proposal or ideas coming back from the SEC, said Paul Grewal, Coinbases chief legal officer.

Gallagher said one of the regulators final sticking points for Robinhood was the lack of registration and disclosures from issuers of tokens that trade on the platform, and Gallagher argued theres no way for his company to insist that outside issuers meet SEC demands.

Sen. Cynthia Lummnis (R-Wyo.) jumped into the debate with a tweet this week promoting her crypto bill: The SEC has failed to provide a path for digital asset exchanges to register.

The possible counterweight to this argument is the series of approvals of digital-assets broker-dealers by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), an industry-funded oversight arm created by the SEC. The brokerages, including Prometheum Ember Capital LLC, Bosonic Securities and OTC Markets Group, are officially approved to trade crypto securities, a category of assets whose borders arent yet well defined. Meanwhile, the companies trying to navigate a path as compliant crypto firms havent yet demonstrated a fully formed business model.

In comments after his agencys enforcement actions, Gensler now seems to suggest the U.S. doesnt need more digital currency, and that the industry must fix its compliance problems or he foresees a possibility of it collapsing like a house of cards.

However, this compliance dispute is no longer in the hands of the industry or the SEC but will be decided in the courts.

"We have to go to court and really see, otherwise this industry is just not going to exist in the United States," Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said in a CNBC interview on Wednesday.
With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 1.4x in the Oil and Gas industry in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Scorpio Tankers Inc.'s (NYSE:STNG) P/S ratio, which comes in at about the same. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

See our latest analysis for Scorpio Tankers

How Has Scorpio Tankers Performed Recently?

With revenue growth that's superior to most other companies of late, Scorpio Tankers has been doing relatively well. It might be that many expect the strong revenue performance to wane, which has kept the P/S ratio from rising. If not, then existing shareholders have reason to be feeling optimistic about the future direction of the share price.

Want the full picture on analyst estimates for the company? Then our free report on Scorpio Tankers will help you uncover what's on the horizon.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The P/S?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should be matching the industry for P/S ratios like Scorpio Tankers' to be considered reasonable.

If we review the last year of revenue growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 205%. The latest three year period has also seen an excellent 133% overall rise in revenue, aided by its short-term performance. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been superb for the company.

Looking ahead now, revenue is anticipated to plummet, contracting by 23% during the coming year according to the eleven analysts following the company. With the rest of the industry predicted to shrink by 9.8%, it's a sub-optimal result.

In light of this, it's somewhat peculiar that Scorpio Tankers' P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. With revenue going quickly in reverse, it's not guaranteed that the P/S has found a floor yet. There's potential for the P/S to fall to lower levels if the company doesn't improve its top-line growth.

The Final Word

We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

Scorpio Tankers currently trades on a higher P/S than expected based on revenue decline, even more so since its revenue forecast is even worse than the struggling industry. It's not unusual in cases where revenue growth is poor, that the share price declines, sending the moderate P/S lower relative to the industry. In addition, we would be concerned whether the company can even maintain this level of performance under these tough industry conditions. This presents a risk to investors if the P/S were to decline to a level that more accurately reflects the company's revenue prospects.

And what about other risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Scorpio Tankers (of which 1 is significant!) you should know about.

If you're unsure about the strength of Scorpio Tankers' business, why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals for some other companies you may have missed.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
SEC Chair Gary Gensler offered his services as an advisor to Binance in 2019, according to the crypto exchanges lawyers. They allege that Gensler had several conversations with Binance executives and founder Changpeng Zhao prior to taking up his post at the SEC, and met Zhao in Japan for lunch.

The report of Gensler and Zhaos prior encounters comes amid an ongoing court battle between the SEC and Binance over alleged U.S. securities violations.

It emerged after the SEC filed documents, this Wednesday, in which attorneys from Gibson Dunn and Latham & Watkinstwo of Binances law firmsalleged that Gensler offered to act as an advisor to the crypto exchange.

When Gensler made the alleged offer in March 2019, he was working as a professor of Practice of Global Economics and Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Sloan School of Management.

SEC vs Binance

Since Genslers 2021 appointment as Chair of the SEC by President Biden, the regulator has cracked down on the crypto industrywith the SEC pursuing court cases against crypto exchanges Coinbase, Bittrex, and Kraken. Only days ago, Gensler said that, "We dont need more digital currency", claiming that the crypto business model is "built on non-compliance".

The recently filed documents suggest Zhao stayed in touch with Gensler after their March 2019 encounter, with the Binance founder recording an interview with Gensler as part of the MIT cryptocurrency course that he was teaching at the time.

Later that year, in July 2019, Gensler testified in front of the House Financial Services Committee over Facebook's proposed cryptocurrency and wallet, both of which were later canceled. Before the hearing, the letter said, Gensler sent Zhao a copy of his testimony in which he said, "I do not advise any financial, technology, blockchain or other companies, nor do I own any cryptocurrencies."

SEC Chair Gary Gensler: The US Doesn't Need Cryptocurrency

His sentiment in that hearing doesnt appear to differ substantially from his current position on cryptocurrency. "We must guard against illicit activities, such as tax evasion, money laundering, terrorist financing and avoiding sanctions, he told lawmakers. We must protect individuals privacy."

He also stated that rules must be put in place to guard against Calibras [Facebook's crypto wallet] use or potential abuse of such customer funds.

Binance's lawyers have requested that the SEC Chair recuse himself from actions regarding the company, citing his alleged ties to Zhao, and claim that the SEC has yet to acknowledge their request. The SEC, for its part, claimed in a statement that Gensler is very familiar with and in full compliance with his ethical obligations including any recusal obligations.
The day before Securities and Exchange Commissions Gary Gensler cracked down on Binance Holdings Ltd. with a new lawsuit, lawyers for the cryptocurrency exchange argued the SEC chair should be recused from any action against the company.

The reason? Gensler offered to be an adviser to Binance during March 2019 conversations with Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao, according to the lawyers.

Binance made this June 4 recusal request public in court documents filed Wednesday, part of the companys response to a SEC lawsuit alleging the worlds largest crypto exchange violated securities laws, misled investors and mishandled customer funds.

The disclosure is a sign of how central a figure Gensler has become as the SEC pursues a series of aggressive actions against the crypto world. The SEC chair has made it clear that he wants to force the industry to comply with US securities laws.

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Binance, he said Monday, "engaged in an extensive web of deception, conflicts of interest, lack of disclosure, and calculated evasion of the law."

The SEC has asked a US District Court in Washington to approve a temporary restraining order that would freeze the assets of Binances US entity Binance.US and preserve its documents.

A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for Monday.

'Remained in touch'

The interactions between Gensler and Binance, according to the lawyers, date back to a time before Gensler was chair of the SEC. At the time he was a teacher at Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Sloan School of Management.

During "several discussions" with Zhao and other people from Binances parent company in 2019, Gensler acknowledged the regulatory uncertainty for crypto and offered to serve as an "informal advisor" to Binance, the lawyers said in their letter to the SEC on June 4.

Gensler, they said, met with Zhao for lunch in Japan in March 2019 "during which they discussed the BNB token and the prospect of BHL establishing a U.S.-based exchange."

Changpeng Zhao, Binance CEO. (Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile for Web Summit via Getty Images)

Zhao and Gensler "remained in touch after that meeting," and Zhao "understood" that Gensler was comfortable serving as an informal advisor."

Later in 2019, Gensler also asked Zhao to be interviewed for a cryptocurrency course he taught at MIT and sent Zhao his written testimony the day before he appeared as a witness in a US House Financial Services Committee hearing where he testified on cryptocurrency subjects.

"The Staff has never addressed or even acknowledgedregarding Chairman Genslers personal history with BHL and Mr. Zhao," lawyers representing Binance told the SEC in their Sunday letter.

The SEC declined to comment on these claims.

'Odd timing'

The Wall Street Journal has reported that internal Binance chat logs indicated that Binance courted Gensler as part of a larger strategy to prevent the "nuclear fall out" of a lawsuit from US regulators as far back as 2018.

The Journal also reported that Gensler was approached by multiple private firms, including Binance, to be an adviser while teaching at MIT from 2018 to 2021. He declined to do so, the Journal reported.

The lawyers cited that Journal story in their June 4 letter but didnt address the reporting specifically.

They instead noted the "odd timing" of the article, which appeared days after Zhao responded to a SEC Wells Notice informing him of a likely enforcement action.

Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
SECs Gensler goes on the offensive after Binance and Coinbase lawsuits

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler Thursday went on the offensive Thursday, saying the giant cryptocurrency exchanges targeted by the SEC had "fair notice" before being sued this week.

"When crypto asset market participants go on Twitter or TV and say they lacked 'fair notice' that their conduct could be illegal, dont believe it," Gensler said in a speech at the Piper Sandler Global Exchange & Fintech Conference.

"They may have made a calculated economic decision to take the risk of enforcement as the cost of doing business."

On Monday the SEC sued the world's largest crypto exchange, Binance, for violating securities laws, mishandling customer funds and misleading investors. On Tuesday it sued Coinbase Global (COIN), the largest US crypto exchange, alleging it also violated securities laws by acting as an exchange, a broker and a clearing agency without registering with the agency.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong pushed back publicly against the SEC, saying the regulator didn't respond to attempts to register with the SEC, work through concerns and get clarity about the rules.

The companys chief public policy officer, Faryar Shirzad, made the same argument to Yahoo Finance back in March.

There's no path to registering," he said during the March interview. "We've tried, and there's just no way to do it. And in fact, we've submitted a petition with the SEC [last] June where we enumerated the specific issues that the agency would have to resolve for crypto platforms to be able to come in and register.

The basis for the SECs complaints is that certain crypto assets Binance and Coinbase offered to customers were securities, and therefore under the SEC's jurisdiction.

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

On Thursday Gensler said the SEC provided years of guidance to markets on what constitutes a crypto asset security, pointing to a 2017 report as well as the SEC staffs Framework for Investment Contract Analysis of Digital Assets in 2019.

He also said crypto security issuers could file for an exemption from rules, noting that the agency has had rules for decades governing how issuers could do that.

Coinbase has asked for the US to come up with clear rules customized to the crypto industry, but Gensler said Thursday the SEC has already done so.

Existing SEC rules, he said, have been applied to platforms that trade crypto asset securities, including so-called DeFi computer systems. He also cited a proposed rule updating the SECs investment adviser custody rule to cover all crypto assets and enhance protections.

Gensler also reiterated that the vast majority of crypto tokens already meet the investment contract test, pointing to securities laws enacted by Congress that define a security as well as the so-called Howey Test that emerged from a 1946 Supreme Court case.

Again, these crypto entities know the rules, said Gensler. As Binances chief compliance officer put it bluntly to a colleague in 2018, [w]e are operating as a f-ing unlicensed securities exchange in the USA bro.

Gensler added that not liking the message isnt the same thing as not receiving itmore than 100 Commission orders, settled actions, and court decisions also have made clear when the offer and sale of a token is a security.

Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
If we're looking to avoid a business that is in decline, what are the trends that can warn us ahead of time? Typically, we'll see the trend of both return on capital employed (ROCE) declining and this usually coincides with a decreasing amount of capital employed. This indicates to us that the business is not only shrinking the size of its net assets, but its returns are falling as well. So after we looked into Singapore Post (SGX:S08), the trends above didn't look too great.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for Singapore Post, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.044 = S$93m  (S$2.8b - S$720m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

So, Singapore Post has an ROCE of 4.4%. In absolute terms, that's a low return but it's around the Logistics industry average of 4.6%.

Check out our latest analysis for Singapore Post

roce

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Singapore Post compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Singapore Post here for free.

What Can We Tell From Singapore Post's ROCE Trend?

In terms of Singapore Post's historical ROCE movements, the trend doesn't inspire confidence. About five years ago, returns on capital were 7.0%, however they're now substantially lower than that as we saw above. And on the capital employed front, the business is utilizing roughly the same amount of capital as it was back then. Since returns are falling and the business has the same amount of assets employed, this can suggest it's a mature business that hasn't had much growth in the last five years. If these trends continue, we wouldn't expect Singapore Post to turn into a multi-bagger.

The Bottom Line

In the end, the trend of lower returns on the same amount of capital isn't typically an indication that we're looking at a growth stock. Investors haven't taken kindly to these developments, since the stock has declined 64% from where it was five years ago. That being the case, unless the underlying trends revert to a more positive trajectory, we'd consider looking elsewhere.

If you'd like to know about the risks facing Singapore Post, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should be aware of.

If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
SOMERSET  The company behind a wind turbine project that would connect to Brayton Point plans to withdraw from its contracts with Massachusetts utility companies, casting uncertainty over the projects future even as SouthCoast Wind says it still plans to move ahead.

Im very disappointed, said state Senator Michael Rodrigues, whose district includes Fall River and Somerset. I was very outspoken when Avangrid did the same thing and I was very public in my opinion that if a developer non-performs in a contract, they should not be able to bid into the next contract.

Avangrid, the developer behind the wind turbine project Commonwealth Wind, said at the end of last year that their previous plans were economically unviable and that they would leave their contracts to provide the state with wind energy and rebid for the project.

Now SouthCoast Wind, a developer planning to build a wind turbine farm about 30 miles south of Marthas Vineyard, is looking to do the same thing. The company revealed in a filing submitted to the Rhode Island Energy Facility Board last week that it plans to terminate its contracts with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide the state with wind-generated electricity. It now wants to rebid its contracts with the state under new terms.

In the filing, SouthCoast said economic factors make it unrealistic for the project to continue as planned, citing material and unforeseen supply chain and financing cost increases affecting the whole offshore wind industry.

What SouthCoast Wind says about the project

The company is still committed to the project, the company said in the filing.

Commonwealth Wind filed a motion the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities in December asking to discard existing power purchase agreements between them and utility companies in the state. SouthCoast Wind has not made any similar filings with DPU as of Tuesday evening.

Companies looking to develop wind turbine projects must negotiate contracts with utilities companies to provide them with power. Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and the state's electrical companies announced the next round of soliciting potential bids for wind projects. Bids are due on Jan. 31 of next year.

Talking about the plans: SouthCoast Wind lays out plan for Brayton Point substation

"We encourage all parties to find clarity on the next steps before the fourth offshore wind solicitation becomes active," Maria Hardiman, spokesperson for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, said Tuesday in response to the news of SouthCoast's plans to withdraw from their contracts and rebid.

What does this mean for Brayton Point?

SouthCoast Wind has a strong connection to the Fall River area. It plans to construct a substation on Brayton Point in Somerset to connect some of the power generated by the offshore turbines to the regional power grid. The company also has an office on South Main Street in Fall River and plans to operate a maintenance port on Fall Rivers waterfront on the Taunton River.

At a public meeting in Somerset in April, representatives for SouthCoast acknowledged that the wind industry has been hit with economic challenges, but said they intended to move forward with the project as planned.

Renamed: Former Mayflower Wind renames itself after the SouthCoast

Were having conversations. Things could shake out differently, but were looking to bring solutions to the table, Kelsey Perry, community liaison coordinator for SouthCoast Wind, said at the time.

What SouthCoast Wind is proposing now

SouthCoast has said previously that construction on the Brayton Point substation will likely start in two years.

On Monday, SouthCoast CEO Francis Slingsby reiterated in an emailed statement to The Herald News that they still plan to build the turbines and related infrastructure.

What is going on: New Bedford Port Authority weighs in on fisheries mitigation for offshore wind

We continue to move our project through federal and state permitting and have the grid connections necessary (including Brayton Point) to ensure delivery of 2,400MW of power, the full capacity of our lease area. We remain steadfast that SouthCoast Wind is a much needed and viable project, he said.

Can SouthCoast Wind rebid contracts with Massachusetts?

But it is not guaranteed that the company will be able to successfully rebid its contracts with the state.

Rodrigues said it would be unfair for SouthCoast to enter new contracts without facing any penalties, although he acknowledged the state might not have many other options if it wants to forge ahead with plans to transition to renewable energy sources.

I think the integrity of contracts should be maintained. Either you perform or you dont perform, he said. The problem is that there just arent that many offshore wind developers.

SouthCoast selected Brayton Point as the site for one of its substations in large part because its history as the former home to a coal-fired power station means it already has a hook-up in place to National Grids regional energy grid. Rodrigues said the areas geography, including its deep-water port and existing grid connections, make it an obvious choice for future wind development, regardless of whether SouthCoast Wind is involved.

Brayton Points gonna be fine. My concern is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts being able to meet its climate goals with these projects being delayed, he said.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: SouthCoast Wind wants to rebidding contracts with Massachusetts
(Reuters) -Standard Chartered is starting to lay off employees across Singapore, London, and Hong Kong hubs as part of an existing plan to cut costs by more than $1 billion through 2024, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.

The British bank had previously said that it aims savings of $1.3 billion under a cost-efficiency program.

The total reductions could be more than 100, although a final number has yet to be decided, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

"It is part of normal business activity to review our role requirements on an ongoing basis across the bank," a spokesperson for the British lender told Reuters in an emailed statement.

The London-listed bank's move is the latest among big banks cutting jobs.

Goldman Sachs is expected to reduce just under 250 jobs in the coming weeks, while JPMorgan Chase & Co is cutting about 500 employees, Reuters reported in May.

Separately, Standard Chartered earlier this year sold its Jordanian business to Arab Jordan Investment Bank (AJIB) as the lender pressed ahead with plans to exit seven markets in Africa and the Middle East.

(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey and Jose Joseph in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Dhanya Ann Thoppil)
In order to justify the effort of selecting individual stocks, it's worth striving to beat the returns from a market index fund. But even the best stock picker will only win with some selections. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Stingray Group Inc. (TSE:RAY.A), since the last five years saw the share price fall 40%. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 12% in the last 90 days. We note that the company has reported results fairly recently; and the market is hardly delighted. You can check out the latest numbers in our company report.

Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

See our latest analysis for Stingray Group

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

While the share price declined over five years, Stingray Group actually managed to increase EPS by an average of 59% per year. Given the share price reaction, one might suspect that EPS is not a good guide to the business performance during the period (perhaps due to a one-off loss or gain). Alternatively, growth expectations may have been unreasonable in the past.

Because of the sharp contrast between the EPS growth rate and the share price growth, we're inclined to look to other metrics to understand the changing market sentiment around the stock.

The steady dividend doesn't really explain why the share price is down. It's not immediately clear to us why the stock price is down but further research might provide some answers.

The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. So we recommend checking out this free report showing consensus forecasts

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, Stingray Group's TSR for the last 5 years was -25%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

A Different Perspective

We regret to report that Stingray Group shareholders are down 8.6% for the year (even including dividends). Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 2.9%. Having said that, it's inevitable that some stocks will be oversold in a falling market. The key is to keep your eyes on the fundamental developments. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 4% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Take risks, for example - Stingray Group has 2 warning signs (and 1 which is potentially serious) we think you should know about.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Canadian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
It's not a stretch to say that Irish Continental Group plc's (LON:ICGC) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 1.4x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" for companies in the Shipping industry in the United Kingdom, where the median P/S ratio is around 0.9x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

See our latest analysis for Irish Continental Group

How Irish Continental Group Has Been Performing

Irish Continental Group certainly has been doing a good job lately as it's been growing revenue more than most other companies. It might be that many expect the strong revenue performance to wane, which has kept the P/S ratio from rising. If the company manages to stay the course, then investors should be rewarded with a share price that matches its revenue figures.

If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report on Irish Continental Group.

How Is Irish Continental Group's Revenue Growth Trending?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should be matching the industry for P/S ratios like Irish Continental Group's to be considered reasonable.

If we review the last year of revenue growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 75%. The latest three year period has also seen an excellent 64% overall rise in revenue, aided by its short-term performance. Accordingly, shareholders would have definitely welcomed those medium-term rates of revenue growth.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the dual analysts covering the company suggest revenue growth will show minor resilience over the next year growing only by 4.0%. Meanwhile, the broader industry is forecast to contract by 29%, which would indicate the company is doing better than the majority of its peers.

Despite the marginal growth, we find it odd that Irish Continental Group is trading at a fairly similar P/S to the industry. It looks like most investors aren't convinced the company can achieve positive future growth in the face of a shrinking broader industry.

What We Can Learn From Irish Continental Group's P/S?

While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.

Our examination of Irish Continental Group's analyst forecasts revealed that its superior revenue outlook against a shaky industry isn't resulting in the company trading at a higher P/S, as per our expectations. There could be some unobserved threats to revenue preventing the P/S ratio from matching the positive outlook. The market could be pricing in the event that tough industry conditions will impact future revenues. However, if you agree with the analysts' forecasts, you may be able to pick up the stock at an attractive price.

Plus, you should also learn about these 3 warning signs we've spotted with Irish Continental Group (including 1 which is potentially serious).

If strong companies turning a profit tickle your fancy, then you'll want to check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings).

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
President Joe Biden on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have repealed months of student loan payment forbearance and banned his up to $20,000 in debt forgiveness  regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on the legality of the program this month.

The resolution, called House Joint Resolution 45, passed the House in May and the Senate last week, with support from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and two Democrats, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), in the higher chamber.

If Biden had not vetoed the measure, borrower advocates worried that 40 million student loan borrowers could have faced backpay for those paused payments and had new interest charges added to their debt. They also raised concerns that debt cancellation borrowers recently received would be reversed.

"It is a shame for working families across the country that lawmakers continue to pursue this unprecedented attempt to deny critical relief to millions of their own constituents," President Biden said after vetoing the resolution. "I remain committed to continuing to make college affordable and providing this critical relief to borrowers as they work to recover from a once-in-a-century pandemic."

Student loan borrowers stage a Sit-In on Capitol Hill at the office of U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to urge him to stop trying to block student debt cancellation on May 09, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for We, The 45 Million )

What now?

The measure is likely dead now.

It did not pass the House and Senate with enough votes to override a presidential veto, so borrowers do not need to worry about it, Mark Kantrowitz, author and student loans expert, told Yahoo Finance. This was motivated by political posturing, as the people behind it knew that it would not survive a veto.

Still, the Senates passage shocked borrower advocates after the White House agreed to not extend forbearance and that paused student payments would restart in September in a debt ceiling deal with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Borrower advocates hoped the ability to extend the forbearance pause was a plan B if the Supreme Court rules against student loan cancellation. However, the debt ceiling agreement takes that option off the table.

In the meantime, borrowers should prepare for repayments to begin in September by making sure their information is updated with the Federal Student Aid (FSA), using studentaid.gov.

The most important thing borrowers can do right now is certify our income, so that we are enrolled in [an] income-driven repayment plan, Katherine Lucas McKay, associate director of insights and evidence of the Financial Security Program at The Aspen Institute, told Yahoo Finance. That should be a top priority for anyone who is worried about restarting their payments.

Ronda is a personal finance senior reporter for Yahoo Finance and attorney with experience in law, insurance, education, and government.

Click here for politics news related to business and money

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled for the family of a nursing home resident with dementia that had sued over his care, declining to use the case to broadly limit the right to sue government workers.

The man's family went to court alleging that he was given drugs to keep him easier to manage in violation of his rights. The justices had been asked to use his case to limit the ability of people to use a federal law to sue for civil rights violations. That outcome could have left tens of millions of people participating in federal programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, without an avenue to go to court to enforce their rights.

The Supreme Court has previously said that a section of federal law  Section 1983  broadly gives people the right to sue state and local governments when their employees violate rights created by any federal statute.

The court by a 7-2 vote reiterated that Thursday, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson writing that Section 1983 can presumptively be used to enforce unambiguously conferred federal individual rights." Both liberal and conservative justices joined her majority opinion while conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.

The court had been asked to say that when Congress creates a federal spending program  giving states money to provide services such as Medicare and Medicaid  they shouldnt face lawsuits from individuals under Section 1983. The court rejected that invitation.

The specific case the justices heard involves the interaction of Section 1983 and the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act, a 1987 law that outlines requirements for nursing homes that accept federal Medicare and Medicaid funds. The court was being asked to answer whether a person can use Section 1983 to go to court with claims their rights under the nursing home act are violated. The answer is yes, the court said.

The Biden administration had argued to the high court that Congress did not intend to allow Section 1983 lawsuits when it enacted the nursing home legislation.

The case in front of the court involved Gorgi Talevski, who was a resident of Valparaiso Care and Rehabilitation, a government nursing home in Indiana. His family said the nursing home found it difficult to care for Talevski, and so gave him powerful drugs to restrain him, then involuntarily transferred him to another facility. The facility says Talevski repeatedly acted violently and in a sexually aggressive manner and that drugs were prescribed by doctors.

Talevskis family sued under Section 1983, saying his rights had been violated. A trial court dismissed the case, but a federal court of appeals said it could proceed. Talevski died in 2021.

The opinion was one of four the court issued Thursday, including a 5-4 ruling in favor of Black voters in Alabama in a congressional redistricting case. That case had been closely watched for its potential to weaken the landmark Voting Rights Act.
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas tech-heavy ChiNext gauge fell 1.6% on Wednesday to a three-year low, with euphoric bets on everything from health care to renewables unwinding since a peak in August 2021.

Most Read from Bloomberg

With health care, a national bulk buying program meant to lower prices of medical products for the consumer has damped sentiment and damaged margins. Concerns about heightened price competition and export controls amid a China-US decoupling have hurt renewables. The Federal Reserves interest-rate hikes havent helped. Now, concerns about Chinas economic situation are depressing equity sentiment in the country. And a three-day, 9.3% drop in Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.  which has the biggest weighting in the ChiNext at 10.6%  helped push it over the edge.

At the same time, there are some hints a turnaround may be near. The E Fund ChiNext ETF has been the most popular onshore China-focused exchange traded fund of 2023, even trouncing money market products. Inflows have reached $2.62 billion this year, on track for a annual record since the funds inception in 2013.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
In this in-depth article, we'll research the top 20 largest cobalt producing countries to see where is cobalt found in the world and which nations own the biggest chunk of the international cobalt market. If you want to skim through and find the main global cobalt producers, go to Top 5 Largest Cobalt Producing Countries.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) overshadows other cobalt-producing nations. According to data extending from 2010 onwards, the DRC's contribution to global cobalt output has been substantial. In 2022, DRC produced 68% share of worldwide cobalt production and also has the largest cobalt reserves in the world, amounting to 4 million metric tons.

Russia, Australia, the Philippines, and Cuba represent the second tier of the largest cobalt producing countries, albeit at a markedly lower production scale compared to Congo. However, their consistent efforts in cobalt mining contribute a considerable portion to the world's cobalt supply and play an indispensable role in maintaining the balance of the metal's availability.

According to The Faraday Institution (an independent research institute in the UK), Australia, currently a comparatively minor cobalt producer, is set to experience substantial growth in cobalt production, anticipated to contribute 14% of global demand by 2030.

Europe is projected to increase its cobalt production output to a noteworthy 15% of global demand by 2030, a figure particularly striking Europe's low current cobalt production levels. The projected increase is mostly attributed to heightened efforts in cobalt recycling, alongside prospective growth in mining activities.

How Long Will Cobalt Reserves Last?

As the global community transitions towards the adoption of fully electric vehicles (EVs), there is an irrefutable necessity to address the predicted surge in demand for cobalt. As per The Faraday Institution, this transition is projected to reach an annual procurement of 0.52 million metric tons of cobalt to manufacture EV batteries and other products by 2040 ( a marked increase from 170,000 metric tons per annum in 2021).

Therefore, to prolong how long will cobalt reserves last, countries need a twofold proposition: an unbroken security of the cobalt supply chain and resolving the existing issues in ethical cobalt sourcing.

Recent years have seen a marked growth in research focused on improving cobalt supply chain transparency, environmental sustainability, and how is cobalt mined, and human rights practices. The Democratic Republic of Congo, having the largest cobalt production by country, is the main stakeholder in implementing environmental sustainability regarding cobalt mining.

Moving forward, it will be essential to further develop cobalt recycling and recovery processes, as well as to explore alternative, less cobalt-intensive battery technologies. The latter has already gained traction, with companies like Tesla opting for nickel-based cathodes in their new battery cells, thereby reducing their reliance on cobalt.

Prominent Cobalt Mining Companies

BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) is a mining giant that has boosted its nickel mining to stand solid in the boom of electric vehicles. Since NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) batteries employ nickel and cobalt harmoniously, BHP Group (NYSE:BHP), being the mining giant, has built a self-sufficient nickel-sulfate plant in Perth, Australia. BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) also partnered with a Silicon Valley-based AI startup to explore battery minerals (mainly cobalt), so it can stay abreast in the electrical vehicle market.

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYSE:WPM), based in Canada, is another top cobalt streamer and producer of precious metals. In 2021, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYSE:WPM) finalized an agreement with Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) to acquire a cobalt steam from Voisey's Bay, a nickel-cobalt-copper mine in Eastern Canada. Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE: WPM) has also issued a 2021-2025 guidance for palladium and cobalt that averages at 810,000 GEOs. If you want more insights on WPM's mine expansion moves and buyouts, read a detailed report we did on it here.

Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) is a prominent company focusing on sustainable copper mining and responsible extraction so the reserves don't deplete in the near future. Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) is also deploying efforts in its cobalt streaming projects to de-risk this metal's future exploration.

If you want to know which mining stocks are doing well financially, take a look at 11 Best Coal Mining Stocks to Buy Today to shape your investment profile.

What Is Cobalt Used For?

Cobalt is a strategic metal, primarily bifurcated into two sectors: metallurgical and chemical. The metallurgical segment of Cobalt consumption is found in high-temperature alloys for sophisticated weaponry and military hardware.

Cobalt's principal use in the chemical sector resides in the sphere of rechargeable battery production. It is paramount in manufacturing batteries for portable electronic devices, including but not limited to, mobile phones and laptop computers. Cobalt for metallurgical use is primarily in high-temperature alloys, such as aerospace rotators, defense, power generation, and steel, carbide, and diamond-based tools and magnets.

Cobalt for chemical applications is predominately used for rechargeable battery production. It serves as a significant material in batteries for mobile phones, laptop computers, and electric vehicles. Cobalt has two properties that make it ideal for battery applications. 1st, this metal has thermal stability, which is important for battery safety). Moreover, it has a high energy density that allows energy to be stored and transferred at a scale suitable for vehicle applications.

Top 20 Largest Cobalt Producing Countries

Image by Tshekiso Tebalo from Pixabay

Methodology

In developing our list of the top 20 largest cobalt producing countries, we adopted a comprehensive approach based on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data in its Mineral Commodity Summaries. USGS maintains the most extensive mineral databases and insights on global mine production.

The most recent data, pulled from the 2023 summary, is the cornerstone of our analysis that helped us furnish up-to-date figures to understand where is cobalt found in the world. However, for a few countries, recent data was unavailable in the 2023 summary, so the 2018 summary filled the void for these countries.

We took special care to ensure that the data from different years was made comparable and easy to refer back to.

Based on our rigorous, data-centric research, here are the top 20 largest cobalt producing countries:

20. Brazil

Cobalt Mine Production in 2019: 30 metric tons

Brazil contributed a humble amount of 30 metric tons to global cobalt production in 2019 and secured its place as the 20th largest cobalt producer worldwide. Although we don't have documented data to show Brazil's cobalt yield in 2022, this figure indicates that it has the capacity to mine more cobalt in the foreseeable future.

19. Zimbabwe

Cobalt Mine Production in 2019: 400 metric tons

Zimbabwe churned out 400 metric tons of cobalt in 2019 and ranked 19th among the largest cobalt producers globally. Such contribution to the cobalt market highlights the nation's pivotal role in supplying this strategic mineral widely used in batteries for electric vehicles and other high-tech industries.

18. United States

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 800 metric tons

The lowest cobalt production, as per the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023, was in the US. Its cobalt mining production was 800 metric tons in 2022, ranking it as the 18th largest producer. The nation also maintains substantial cobalt reserves, estimated at 69,000 metric tons, that indicate better yield in the future.

17. Mexico

Cobalt Mine Production in 2019: 1,100 metric tons

According to data, Mexico's cobalt production in 2019 reached 1100 metric tons. This cobalt mine throughput places Mexico as the 17th largest global producer of this critical mineral and gives the country a stable position in the global cobalt market.

16. Finland

Cobalt Mine Production in 2019: 1,454 metric tons

Finland demonstrated substantial cobalt production capabilities in 2019 by generating an output of 1,454 metric tons. This quantity was extracted primarily from cobalt-rich nickel ores and affirmed Finland's position as a noteworthy player in the mining sector.

15. New Caledonia

Cobalt Mine Production in 2019: 1,600 metric tons

New Caledonia produced approximately 1,600 metric tons of cobalt in 2019 from its rich lateritic nickel ore deposits, which are noteworthy for their cobalt byproduct. This output also reflects New Caledonia's importance in supporting the escalating demand for cobalt as it's being excessively used in EVs.

14. China

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 2,200 metric tons

Despite being a mining giant in most metals, China's cobalt footprint is heavily overshadowed. It produced 2,200 metric tons of cobalt in 2022 and proved to be the 14th largest cobalt production by country. China's cobalt reserves also stand at a significant 0.14 million metric tons, which illustrates its role within the broader context of international cobalt production.

13. Morocco

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 2,300 metric tons

Owing to its resource-intensive mining operations, Morocco ranked 13th among the largest cobalt producing countries. Its notable mining output reached 2,300 metric tons in 2022. Such throughout is surely supported by substantial cobalt reserves of 13,000 metric tons. But based on these stats, it's evident that the nation's mining industry is fast-tracking its exploitation efforts.

12. South Africa

Cobalt Mine Production in 2019: 2,400 metric tons

Another major cobalt mining country we don't see in the USGS 2023 summary is South Africa. But as per the USGS 2020 report, South Africa yielded 2,400 metric tons of cobalt in 2019. The country is the 12th largest global cobalt producer because of its substantial cache of cobalt reserves, estimated at 50,000 metric tons.

11. Turkey

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 2,700 metric tons

Turkey bolstered its global cobalt footprint by producing 2,700 metric tons in 2022 and earned 11th rank amongst top cobalt producers. Backed by substantial reserves approximating 36,000 metric tons, Turkey's vigorous cobalt mining industry forms an integral part of this metal's market.

10. Zambia

Cobalt Mine Production in 2017: 2,900 metric tons

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) 2018 data, Zambia yielded 2,900 metric tons of cobalt in 2017. This number amounts to the 10th-highest yield in cobalt mining. The country also holds cobalt reserves estimated at 0.27 million metric tons that will increase its mining yield in the near future.

9. Papua New Guinea

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 3,000 metric tons

Papua New Guinea has claimed a consistent share in cobalt production for the past decade. In 2022, it was the 9th largest global cobalt producer because of the 3000 metric tons of cobalt yield. Papua New Guinea's cobalt reserves are 47,000 metric tons, which will impact this metal's escalating demand.

8. Madagascar

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 3,000 metric tons

Madagascar yielded 3,000 metric tons of cobalt in 2022, owing to its detailed mining operations. But despite having the same cobalt throughput as Papua New Guinea, it's ranked 8th amongst the largest cobalt producing countries because of its reserves. According to USGS, Madagascar has 0.1 million metric tons of cobalt reserves, which makes it a more stable player in this race.

7. Philippines

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 3,800 metric tons

The Philippines is the world's seventh-largest cobalt producer based on its cobalt mine production of 3,800 metric tons in 2022. USGS report indicates that the country holds reserves estimated at 0.26 million metric tons that reinforce its key role in the broader spectrum.

6. Cuba

Cobalt Mine Production in 2022: 3,800 metric tons

Cuba produced 3,800 metric tons of cobalt in 2022 and reached the rank of the 6th largest global producer. It has been established through rigorous analysis that Cuba hosts significant cobalt reserves estimated at 0.5 million metric tons, indicative of its potential for future production.

Click to continue reading Top 5 Largest Cobalt Producing Countries.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. Top 20 Largest Cobalt Producing Countries is originally published on Insider Monkey.
CORRECTING and REPLACING Trigon Confirms 76m at 1.48%Cu and 8.9g/t Ag  22 metres from the planned East 600 pit at its Kombat Mine, Namibia

TORONTO, June 09, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Please replace the release dated June 8, 2023 with the following corrected version to update the Table of Drilling Highlights.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005520/en/

Figure 1: Map of the Kavango Program Area Showing the Location of Holes 2, 3 and 4 in the Kavango East Area The holes 2, 3 and 4 are located the heart of the Kavango Trend in the East 600 (Ore Cap) Pit. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The updated release reads:

Trigon Metals Inc. (TSX-V: TM; OTCQB: PNTZF) ("Trigon" or the "Company") announces drill results from the East 600 planned open pit, at the Kombat mine in Namibia (the "Project"). These holes were drilled to confirm known historical mineral resources drilled previously by the prior owner from the underground. These results are new to the East 600 area and represent some of the longest mineralized intercepts drilled from surface. East 600, also referred to as the ore capping zone, is located 400m east of the main pit and has been incorporated into our resource plan and mine plan.

Highlights of the Drill Results

Hole 2

Intersected 4.34m, 1.56% Cu, from 37m

Hole 3

Intersected 10m, 1.14% Cu, from 40m

Hole 4

Intersected 76m at 1.48%Cu, 8.9g/t Ag from 22m, including:

- 13m, 1.46% Cu, 5.7g/t Ag, from 3m, and

- 21m, 3.54%Cu, 17.9g/t Ag from 49m, and

- 11m, 1.39%Cu, 5.61g/t Ag from 87m.

Mining Update

Trigon has now completed one full month of mining at Kombat, and the ramp-up to full mining production is going well. The goal for May was 120,000t of mined rock, and 124,000t were mined. May was strictly waste tonnes, but high-grade mineralization has been exposed in several areas of the pit. The first ore tonnes are scheduled to be mined towards the end of June.

Blasts have occurred on schedule once a week, this schedule will be maintained until the mill starts at the end of July, whereupon blasts are scheduled twice a week. We anticipate mining rates will average 8,000 tpd when the mine is in full operation. However, in start-up mode mining rates have reached up to 10,000t on days when the team has pushed to test capacity.

Jed Richardson, Trigons President and CEO, commented, "Current drilling at East 600 is increasing our confidence of adding more hig-grade ore and reducing our overall strip ratio. We will continue to test areas around the planned open pits; East 400, East 600, and East 900 as potential sources for adding near surface high-grade ore. In addition, drilling is planned for the Otavi area, 12km west of the Kombat mining permit to test the limbs of our 35km of mineralized strike-length corridor."

The assays have been prepared and classified by Trigon Mining (Namibia)(Pty) Ltd in accordance with the reporting guidelines as set out in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") as required by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Table of Drilling Highlights

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu% Pb% Zn% Ag (ppm) OC0002 37.00 38.00 1.00 2.81 0.36 0.01 2.50 OC0002 38.00 39.00 1.00 2.75 0.44 0.01 2.50 OC0002 39.00 40.00 1.00 2.76 2.9 0.01 9.32 OC0002 40.00 41.34 1.34 2.71 2.3 0.01 6.73 OC0003 40.00 41.00 1.00 2.81 3.21 0.01 9.37 OC0003 41.00 42.00 1.00 2.80 0.24 0.01 2.50 OC0003 42.00 43.00 1.00 2.77 0.15 0.01 2.50 OC0003 43.00 44.00 1.00 2.84 3.07 0.01 2.50 OC0003 44.00 45.00 1.00 2.83 1.45 0.01 2.50 OC0003 45.00 46.00 1.00 2.81 0.73 0.01 2.50 OC0003 46.00 47.00 1.00 2.80 0.34 0.01 2.50 OC0003 47.00 48.00 1.00 2.80 0.16 0.01 2.50 OC0003 48.00 49.00 1.00 2.84 0.42 0.01 2.50 OC0003 49.00 50.00 1.00 2.84 1.58 0.01 12.62 OC0004 22.00 23.00 1.00 2.85 0.81 0.92 2.50 OC0004 23.00 24.00 1.00 2.79 0.25 0.005 2.50 OC0004 24.00 25.00 1.00 2.87 2.97 0.01 12.47 OC0004 25.00 26.00 1.00 2.82 2.26 0.005 2.50 OC0004 26.00 28.00 2.00 2.80 2.47 0.005 2.50 OC0004 28.00 29.00 1.00 2.85 2.9 0.02 18.05 OC0004 29.00 30.00 1.00 2.77 0.57 0.005 5.68 OC0004 30.00 31.00 1.00 2.78 0.2 0.005 2.50 OC0004 31.00 32.00 1.00 2.78 0.65 0.005 2.50 OC0004 32.00 33.00 1.00 2.79 2.2 0.005 15.67 OC0004 33.00 34.00 1.00 2.75 0.64 0.005 2.50 OC0004 34.00 35.00 1.00 2.74 0.64 0.005 2.50 OC0004 35.00 37.00 2.00 2.81 0.53 0.005 2.50 OC0004 37.00 39.00 2.00 2.77 0.03 0.005 2.50 OC0004 39.00 41.00 2.00 2.76 0.03 0.005 2.50 OC0004 41.00 42.00 1.00 2.81 0.005 0.005 2.50 OC0004 42.00 43.00 1.00 2.79 0.06 0.005 2.50 OC0004 43.00 44.00 1.00 2.76 0.28 0.005 2.50 OC0004 44.00 47.00 3.00 2.78 0.005 0.005 2.50 OC0004 47.00 49.00 2.00 2.77 0.17 0.005 2.50 OC0004 49.00 51.00 2.00 2.70 0.65 0.005 2.50 OC0004 51.00 52.00 1.00 2.74 2.65 0.005 7.44 OC0004 52.00 53.00 1.00 2.58 2.08 0.005 6.40 OC0004 53.00 54.00 1.00 2.86 8.33 0.02 31.23 OC0004 54.00 55.00 1.00 2.81 5.44 0.005 19.03 OC0004 55.00 57.00 2.00 2.70 1.08 0.005 2.50 OC0004 57.00 59.00 2.00 2.77 0.67 0.005 2.50 OC0004 59.00 61.00 2.00 2.69 0.3 0.005 2.50 OC0004 61.00 62.00 1.00 2.93 0.6 0.005 2.50 OC0004 62.00 63.00 1.00 2.67 12.01 0.005 74.67 OC0004 63.00 65.00 2.00 2.94 6.75 0.005 41.50 OC0004 65.00 66.00 1.00 2.68 1.11 0.005 6.17 OC0004 66.00 68.00 2.00 2.88 6.78 0.01 46.80 OC0004 68.00 69.00 1.00 2.94 8.41 0.01 29.72 OC0004 69.00 70.00 1.00 2.72 1.34 0.01 2.50 OC0004 70.00 71.00 1.00 2.69 0.39 0.09 2.50 OC0004 71.00 72.00 1.00 2.81 0.04 1.56 2.50 OC0004 72.00 73.00 1.00 2.75 0.02 0.11 2.50 OC0004 73.00 75.00 2.00 2.74 0.005 0.005 2.50 OC0004 75.00 77.00 2.00 2.80 0.005 0.08 2.50 OC0004 77.00 78.00 1.00 3.40 0.15 0.2 74.48 OC0004 78.00 79.00 1.00 2.97 0.11 0.07 23.00 OC0004 79.00 80.00 1.00 2.80 0.27 0.08 2.50 OC0004 80.00 81.00 1.00 2.74 0.07 0.72 2.50 OC0004 81.00 82.00 1.00 2.79 0.18 0.38 2.50 OC0004 82.00 83.00 1.00 2.75 0.15 0.39 2.50 OC0004 83.00 84.00 1.00 2.76 0.02 0.23 2.50 OC0004 84.00 85.00 1.00 2.73 0.04 0.5 2.50 OC0004 85.00 86.00 1.00 2.78 0.05 0.05 2.50 OC0004 86.00 87.00 1.00 2.86 0.12 0.005 2.50 OC0004 87.00 88.00 1.00 2.85 1.48 0.02 2.50 OC0004 88.00 89.00 1.00 2.80 1.63 0.005 2.50 OC0004 89.00 90.00 1.00 2.80 0.87 0.005 2.50 OC0004 90.00 91.00 1.00 2.78 1.00 0.005 2.50 OC0004 91.00 92.00 1.00 2.77 1.07 0.01 2.50 OC0004 92.00 93.00 1.00 2.79 1.03 0.005 2.50 OC0004 93.00 94.00 1.00 2.91 4.04 0.01 29.71

Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC):

All sample assay results have been monitored through the Company's quality assurance/quality control (QA / QC) program following E2941  21 Standard Practices for Extraction of Elements from Ores and Related Metallurgical Materials by 4 acid Digestion with ICPOES finish. Drill core was sent to an independent laboratory, African Laboratory Specialists Namibia ("ALS"), for analysis. ALS is an independent laboratory, located in Kombat, Namibia. Core samples were prepared using the ASTM procedures. Sample size: 3 kg, crushed split to 250g weighed sample (+/- 0.5000g).

Qualified Person

The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Fanie Muller, P.Eng, VP Operations of Trigon, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Renmark Financial to Host Virtual Non-Deal Roadshows Next Month

Trigon will be participating in a live Virtual Non-Deal Roadshow session on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Trigon welcomes stakeholders, investors, and other individual followers to register and attend this live event.

Jed Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Aidan Sullivan, Vice-President, Investor Relations will walk viewers through the latest investor presentation followed by a live Q&A. Investors interested in participating in this event will need to register using the link below. As a reminder, registration for the live event may be limited but access to the replay after the event will be on the Trigon website.

REGISTER HERE:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET:

https://www.renmarkfinancial.com/events/renmark-virtual-non-deal-roadshow-tsx-v-tm-otcqb-pntzf-2023-06-14-120000

Please access this link using the latest version of Google Chrome to ensure smooth connectivity.

Trigon Metals Inc.

Trigon is a publicly traded Canadian exploration and development company with its core business focused on copper and silver holdings in mine-friendly African jurisdictions. Currently, the company has operations in Namibia and Morocco. In Namibia, the Company holds an 80% interest in five mining licences in the Otavi Mountainlands, an area of Namibia widely recognized for its high-grade copper deposits, where the Company is focused on exploration and re-development of the previously producing Kombat Mine. In Morocco, the Company is the holder of the Silver Hill project, a highly prospective copper and silver exploration project.

Cautionary Notes

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.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the Project, the mineralization of the Project, the Companys exploration plans and results thereof, the prospectivity of the Project, the economic viability of the Project, the Companys ability to restart operations and the Companys future plans and objectives. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Neither 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230608005520/en/

Contacts

For further information, contact:

Jed Richardson

+1 647 276 6002

jed.richardson@trigonmetals.com

Website: www.trigonmetals.com
Firms marketing cryptoassets to British investors will be required to introduce a 24-hour cooling-off period for first-time buyers, under new advertising rules announced by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The UK regulator announced new rules to regulate crypto asset marketing Thursday morning, which will come into effect from October 8, 2023. Under the new rules, first-time investors will be subject to a 24-hour delay between requesting to purchase cryptocurrency and completing the purchase.

During that period, they will be unable to receive direct offers of a financial promotion until confirming they wish to proceed with the purchase after 24 hours.

In a press release accompanying the announcement, FCA executive director Sheldon Mills noted that people have freedom to buy crypto but should be protected from making a hasty decision.

Our new rules mean #crypto firms must ensure that people have the appropriate knowledge and experience to #invest. Firms that promote #cryptoassets will need to include clear risk warnings and ensure adverts are clear, fair and not misleading. https://t.co/lzThyUU1Y1  Financial Conduct Authority (@TheFCA) June 8, 2023

Under the new order, marketing schemes such as "refer a friend" will be banned. Crypto firms will need to ensure that people have the appropriate knowledge and experience to invest in crypto, usually implemented via a preliminary test for new investors.

Firms promoting crypto assets would also be required to place appropriate risk warnings and ensure adverts are clear, fair and not misleading. Mills added, Our rules give people the time and the right risk warnings to make an informed choice.

Firms Unlawfully Advertising Crypto in UK Could Face Jail Time: FCA

Growing interest among U.K. investors in crypto assets prompted the new rulemaking, according to the FCA. The government agency estimates that the number of Britons holding crypto doubled between 2021 and 2022.

Bitstamp global CEO JB Graftieaux told Decrypt that the new regulations provide "valuable breathing space for firms to engage with first time crypto investors," adding that since the effect of the regulations will mainly be on new investors who want to invest large sums very quickly, the company doesn't believe there will be a "material impact" on crypto investment trends in the UK.

The FCA and crypto

The FCA has repeatedly voiced the opinion that it considers crypto assets high risk, and that investors should be prepared to lose all of their money.

Earlier this year it issued a statement that firms must follow one of four mandated routes for promoting cryptocurrencies or face criminal punishment, including up to two years imprisonment.

Lane Kasselman, President of Blockchain.com told Decrypt that while it's "encouraging" that the FCA is taking steps to create a permanent regulatory footprint for digital assets, it remains unclear whether the draft implementation will have a "chilling effect" on the industry. "We're hopeful the FCA, PM and Parliament will work together to ensure the UK remains a global leader for all financial services," he added.
(Bloomberg) -- The value of US semiconductor imports fell 16% in April from the month prior, but manufacturers in Asia, Americas main supplier, still have reasons to be optimistic.

Most Read from Bloomberg

This year through April, chip imports in the worlds largest economy have grown by more than 10% from a year earlier, as Asia continues to benefit from past US decisions to outsource chip production to cheaper locales. While the total value of US semiconductor imports fell to $4.7 billion, the lowest since July, Asia retained an 85% share of shipments.

The leaderboard in Asia continues to shift as companies have relocated factories across borders to address Western concerns over cost and the security of semiconductor supply chains given geopolitical tensions between the US and China. The US is also trying attract chipmakers to set up more facilities on American soil.

The top exporter, Malaysia, continued to lose share to regional competitors with a 20% drop from the previous month. It accounted for just a fifth of Americas imports through April, down from a third at this time last year. The total value of shipments from the Southeast Asian nation has dropped 30% year-to-date.

Indias year-to-date 37-fold jump in US semiconductor imports remains a focal point of how supply lines have shifted in the regions chip trade with the US. Its year-to-date shipments are at two-thirds of what China is now sending, compared with less than 2% last year.

US imports from second-place Taiwan have increased 5% this year. South Korea has grown its shipments at 7.5%, with China and Japan both dropping.

Third- and fourth-place exporters, Vietnam and Thailand, have registered growth of 52% and 80% respectively. Upstart Cambodia continued its upward climb and was the only country on the leaderboard to see positive month-on-month growth in April, with a 5.6% increase.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ideally, your overall portfolio should beat the market average. But every investor is virtually certain to have both over-performing and under-performing stocks. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Von Roll Holding AG (VTX:ROL), since the last five years saw the share price fall 42%. The falls have accelerated recently, with the share price down 10% in the last three months.

With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies.

Check out our latest analysis for Von Roll Holding

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During five years of share price growth, Von Roll Holding moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

It could be that the revenue decline of 11% per year is viewed as evidence that Von Roll Holding is shrinking. That could explain the weak share price.

You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

This free interactive report on Von Roll Holding's balance sheet strength is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 1.8% in the last year, Von Roll Holding shareholders lost 13%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 7% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Von Roll Holding that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Swiss exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
anyaberkut / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Travelers love Paris, Rio and Rome because they're tried and true. It's hard to go wrong vacationing with the classics, and it's difficult to deny that they're all worth the cash. But at its core, a vacation is meant to offer a departure from the norm -- and you can't get much further from the norm than underwater museums or islands full of cats.

More: Don't Buy Airline Tickets on This Day of the Week

Here: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

To help you plan your trip, GOBankingRates sourced round-trip flights from New York City and nightly hotel rates for late September into early October. If you're seeking a truly unforgettable vacation worth the money, click through to discover the best offbeat destinations around the world.

sido kagawa / Shutterstock.com

The 'Cat Island' of Aoshima, Japan

Flight: About $1100 to Matsuyama, Japan

Lodging: $30 to $100 nightly

Japan is known around the world for being a little quirky, and it has not just one but about a dozen "cat islands." Among them, the fishing village of Aoshima offers a weird combo of abandoned buildings and an abundance of felines.

If your idea of a good time is a world in which cats outnumber humans, this is your spot. With about 100 fluffballs, the cats on Aoshima outnumber the island's human population six-to-one -- and the tourists outnumber the citizens, too. Even better, Japan is a great place to visit while the U.S. dollar is strong.

See: Why Nobody Is Buying Vacation Homes Anymore

Check Here: 10 Small Towns Where You Should Buy Vacation Property

schlyx / Shutterstock.com

Edward James' Surrealist Wonderland in Xilitla, Mexico

Flight: About $500 to Tampico, Mexico

Lodging: $30 to $80 nightly

If you want to see something weird or unusual, look no further than the property that belonged to English poet, artist and patron of surrealist art, Edward James. After fleeing metropolitan life -- including a 300-room mansion in England -- for the jungle, James constructed more than 36 surrealist statues over the course of 20 years, starting in the 1960s.

"This offbeat masterpiece will leave you awe-inspired and wondering about the boundless possibilities of art," says Yash Giri, travel expert at Corwol.

He called his "Surrealist Xanadu," which ended up costing him millions of dollars, Las Pozas. Today, you'll still find the wonderfully bizarre fruits of his labor spread across 20 acres of verdant jungle. Flights and lodging costs are similar to that of a vacation in the states, and tours of Las Pozas in English cost just under $8.

More: 5 Affordable Up-and-Coming US Locations To Buy Vacation Property in 2023

Frazier Nivens / Jules' Undersea Lodge

Jules' Undersea Lodge of Key Largo, Fla.

Flight: About $150 to Miami

Lodging: $1,125 nightly, all-inclusive

Jules' Undersea Lodge might be one of the pricier destinations on the list, but it's also one of the most unique. For two guests, $1,125 per night scores you meals and lodging in an unexpected place: underwater. To get to your room, you'll have to dive 21 feet down through the tropical mangroves of the Emerald Lagoon.

Once at your digs, you'll find a clubhouse-like enclosure complete with hot showers, a media library, sea-life viewing windows and even -- wait for it -- underwater pizza delivery. The catch: To stay, you must be a certified scuba diver, or take the on-site Discover scuba crash course for an additional $161.25.

Isabelle OHara / Shutterstock.com

The Giant's Causeway in Bushmills, Ireland

Flight: About $1,000 to Islay, Scotland

Lodging: $80 to $410 nightly

Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway -- a massive rock formation of 40,000 natural columns shaped into strangely perfect hexagons -- is a wild attraction millions of years in the making. Volcanic eruptions formed layers of basalt that cooled in the water and cracked in regular patterns. Over time, the rocks were meticulously smoothed by glaciers and the ocean, and the iconic Causeway was born.

"This marvel of nature, shaped over millions of years, will transport you to a world of wonder and geological splendor," says Giri.

Gaze at the site's uncanny majesty, where you'll see formations like the Giant's Boot and the 167 rock stairs of the Shepherd's Steps. You can also enjoy the modern and sustainable award-winning architecture at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, which opened in 2012.

ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

Akihabara District, Tokyo's Electric Town

Flight: About $1,100 to Tokyo

Lodging: $80 to $200 nightly

The Akihabara District of Tokyo is one of the best nerdy destinations on earth. CNET called this destination a "mecca of cheap electronics and gadget goodness." The eight-story Yodobashi Camera, which blares its own poppy theme song from its loudspeakers, is the largest electronics store in the world.

But it's the otaku culture that's the heartbeat of modern Akihabara Denki Gai. Otaku translates to "fanboy" or "fangirl," and that's just what you'll be on vacation here, surrounded by massive artworks of anime characters, tons of manga shops, bins of video games and thousands of DVDs to sort through. Not to mention, there's lots and lots of cosplay. Basically, it's an overwhelmingly colorful slice of Tokyo where every day is Comic Con.

"It's an exhilarating adventure for nerdy enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados," says Giri.

See Here: Don't Book a Vacation on This Day of the Week

Rodrigo Friscione / Getty Images

Cancun's Underwater Museum

Flight: About $300 to Cancun, Mexico

Lodging: $80 to $250 nightly

You know all about some of the world's most famous museums, like the Louvre and the MOCA -- but what about the MUSA? At the Cancun Underwater Museum, 475 statues await you. But you'll have to snorkel to see them.

As the vast collection of wonderfully weird artwork is already hosting algae and coral growth, the eerie submerged museum is also the world's largest artificial reef. Alongside the sculptures, you'll witness schools of fish, rays, turtles and other marine life, meaning that $15 ticket packs in quite a lot of value. As a major tourist hotspot, Cancun's hotels also cater to just about every price range, from value-minded to ready-to-splurge.

Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock.com

Salvation Mountain in Imperial County, Calif.

Flight: About $250 to $650 to El Centro, Calif.

Lodging: $80 to $250 nightly

Nobody's ever accused Imperial County of being a U.S. tourist hotspot, but it does have one incredibly recognizable and photogenic destination that welcomes all comers. Created by artist Leonard Knight, Imperial County's Salvation Mountain is a celebration of love.

Standing at 50 feet high and 150 feet wide, this massive technicolor-painted rock formation boasts more than just its famous "God is Love" proclamation. Explore a bit, and you'll find hand-painted depictions of nature, an inscription of the Sinner's Prayer and a wild recreation of the Sea of Galilee at the bottom.

Travelers can sleep cheap at hotels in nearby El Centro, while experienced vagabonds with a sense of adventure might consider camping in the adjacent hippie colony of East Jesus. Either way, it's a vibrantly weird slice of Americana.

Oscity / Shutterstock.com

Copenhagen's Hippie District: Freetown Christiania

Flight: About $800 to $1,000 to Copenhagen, Denmark

Lodging: $130 to $240 nightly

Here's one for the freewheelers and wild at heart. Founded by hardcore hippies occupying abandoned military barracks in 1971, Freetown Christiania is a majorly eco-friendly and totally car-free colony completely outside of the jurisdiction of the Danish government.

There, you'll find lots of cheap and fresh-picked health food, homemade living spaces, stalls selling illegal hash and heaps of crafts. There's also a local blacksmith, bike rentals and a bastion of the LGBTQ community known as Gay House. Enjoy live music at local venues like The Grey Hall, Loppen and Nemoland. If counterculture is your culture, Christiania might just be your jam.

Discover: 6 Vacation Splurges You'll Almost Always Regret

Milind Arvind Ketkar / Shutterstock.com

Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

Flight: About $1,200 to Kiruna, Sweden

Lodging: $180 nightly for a regular room for two at Icehotel

Icehotel is exactly what it sounds like: a hotel made entirely of ice. If that's somehow not weird enough for you, this Jukkasjarvi destination has a few more tricks up its sleeve. It's also a full-on art exhibition, and every year the Icehotel -- created from the waters of the river Torne -- completely changes its design.

If you happen to get bored of the chilly galleries, bars and restaurants carved from ice, you can pop out of your snow palace to feed local reindeer, petting zoo-style, or even check out the northern lights.

Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Flight: About $1,000 to Ljubljana, Slovenia

Lodging: $25 to $125 at the hostel

For another outside-the-box art adventure, the uber-hip Hostel Celica in Ljubljana offers a vacation spot in a place you'd least expect: the reformed interior of a military prison. Today, Celica is a self-described "funky youth hostel" with a big emphasis on sustainability and socializing. Each of the 20 rooms is entirely unique, and each is surrounded by distinct art.

There's no curfew here, and activities like exhibitions, workshops, performances, mixers, barbecues and cocktail parties go down on the regular.

"Slovenia promises a unique food adventure, where you can dive into the country's culinary traditions and explore charming towns," says Sarah-Jane Begonja, owner of Chasing the Donkey.

Lonely Planet once named Celica the No. 1 hippest hostel in the world. With rates starting at just $25 nightly, its worldly weirdness is more than worth your cash.

Ship Graveyard in Muynaq, Uzbekistan

Flight: About $1,800 to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Lodging: $15 to $50 nightly

Simon Zhelyazkov, founder of Backpack Moments, recommends this trip: "The Aral Sea was the fourth-biggest lake in the world in the 1950s, but today is just 10% of what it once was. Back then it had a thriving fishing industry, fertile land, and prosperous communities. After decades of exploitation and neglect, today the sea is a desert and the towns around it look post-apocalyptic. Muynaq was one such prosperous fishing village. Today it stands 100 miles away from the sea and the 50 or so ships marking its former glory stay stranded in the sand, rusting away. It's a bizarre sight, but also a sobering reminder of the dangers of ecological collapse. Visitors can climb the ships, learn more about history at the Museum of the Aral Sea or venture out into the desert in search of the new coast."

Learn: 5 Best US Locations To Travel To on a $2,000 Budget

Treehouse Lodge in Iquitos, Peru

Flight: About $400 to $800 to Lima and an internal flight to Iquitos

Lodging: $350 per night, all-inclusive

"Imagine spending the night high up in a treehouse amidst the cacophony of the Amazon Rainforest," says Shelley Marmor, founder of Travel Mexico Solo. "At Treehouse Lodge, you can do just that. These eco-friendly, luxury treehouses offer an unforgettable immersive experience in the heart of the rainforest. During my stay, the sounds of the jungle at night were just mesmerizing."

More From GOBankingRates

Laura Beck contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Weird and Unusual Destinations That Are Worth the Money
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM), is not the largest company out there, but it saw significant share price movement during recent months on the NYSE, rising to highs of US$343 and falling to the lows of US$304. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether Boston Beer Company's current trading price of US$332 reflective of the actual value of the mid-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at Boston Beer Companys outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change.

See our latest analysis for Boston Beer Company

Is Boston Beer Company Still Cheap?

Good news, investors! Boston Beer Company is still a bargain right now. My valuation model shows that the intrinsic value for the stock is $428.72, which is above what the market is valuing the company at the moment. This indicates a potential opportunity to buy low. However, given that Boston Beer Companys share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us another chance to buy in the future. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility.

What does the future of Boston Beer Company look like?

Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. Boston Beer Company's earnings over the next few years are expected to double, indicating a very optimistic future ahead. This should lead to stronger cash flows, feeding into a higher share value.

What This Means For You

Are you a shareholder? Since SAM is currently undervalued, it may be a great time to accumulate more of your holdings in the stock. With an optimistic outlook on the horizon, it seems like this growth has not yet been fully factored into the share price. However, there are also other factors such as financial health to consider, which could explain the current undervaluation.

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on SAM for a while, now might be the time to enter the stock. Its prosperous future outlook isnt fully reflected in the current share price yet, which means its not too late to buy SAM. But before you make any investment decisions, consider other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to make a well-informed buy.

So while earnings quality is important, it's equally important to consider the risks facing Boston Beer Company at this point in time. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of Boston Beer Company.

If you are no longer interested in Boston Beer Company, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
London, England --News Direct-- Chainwire

Decentralized wireless network operator World Mobile has announced the successful completion of field tests of its DeWi technology in three African countries. The tests conducted in Kenya, Mozambique, and Nigeria demonstrate the scalability of World Mobiles hybrid-connectivity solution and pave the way for a rollout across the African continent.

World Mobiles decentralized wireless network provides affordable and reliable internet access to rural areas that are traditionally underserved. In Kenya and Mozambique, World Mobile has completed tests using TV White Space equipment, harnessing unused spectrum in the TV broadcast band to deliver mobile network services.

In Nigeria, the field test utilized Starlink, the satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, as a backhaul solution. Both TV White Space and Starlink are complementary technologies that enable World Mobile to leverage existing infrastructure and spectrum resources to extend its network coverage.

World Mobile CEO Micky Watkins said: We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of field tests in Kenya, Mozambique, and Nigeria, which mark a significant milestone in World Mobiles mission to connect the unconnected. These tests validate the feasibility and scalability of our DeWi technology, bringing us one step closer to providing affordable and reliable internet access to both rural and underserved areas worldwide.

The successful field tests follow the launch of World Mobiles commercial network in Zanzibar, where over 300 AirNodes provide wireless connectivity to more than 16,000 users a day. World Mobile plans to expand its network to more countries in Africa and further afield, with the vision of creating a global community-owned wireless network that can bridge the digital divide and foster social and economic inclusion.

World Mobile is on a mission to create a sharing economy that will fund the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in rural Africa and beyond. Its decentralized wireless (DeWi) solution provides connectivity at a cost multiples lower than traditional mobile network operators.

About World Mobile

World Mobile was founded with a far-reaching goal: to connect everyone, everywhere while advocating for economic freedom and dignity. Unlike traditional mobile networks, World Mobile is based on blockchain and incentivizes people to be part of a sharing economy that taps into the trillion dollar global telecom market. Individuals and business owners around the world can operate nodes on its network and bring their community online while earning revenue.

Learn more: https://worldmobile.io/

Contact Details

Dan Edelstein

Pr@marketacross.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/world-mobile-to-launch-african-expansion-following-successful-field-tests-of-dewi-technology-273863362
Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). To keep the lesson grounded in practicality, we'll use ROE to better understand AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE:AER).

Return on Equity or ROE is a test of how effectively a company is growing its value and managing investors money. Put another way, it reveals the company's success at turning shareholder investments into profits.

Check out our latest analysis for AerCap Holdings

How Is ROE Calculated?

Return on equity can be calculated by using the formula:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for AerCap Holdings is:

11% = US$1.7b  US$16b (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

The 'return' is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. That means that for every $1 worth of shareholders' equity, the company generated $0.11 in profit.

Does AerCap Holdings Have A Good ROE?

Arguably the easiest way to assess company's ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. As is clear from the image below, AerCap Holdings has a lower ROE than the average (17%) in the Trade Distributors industry.

roe

Unfortunately, that's sub-optimal. That being said, a low ROE is not always a bad thing, especially if the company has low leverage as this still leaves room for improvement if the company were to take on more debt. When a company has low ROE but high debt levels, we would be cautious as the risk involved is too high. To know the 2 risks we have identified for AerCap Holdings visit our risks dashboard for free.

The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity

Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. That cash can come from retained earnings, issuing new shares (equity), or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same.

Combining AerCap Holdings' Debt And Its 11% Return On Equity

AerCap Holdings clearly uses a high amount of debt to boost returns, as it has a debt to equity ratio of 2.87. Its ROE is quite low, even with the use of significant debt; that's not a good result, in our opinion. Investors should think carefully about how a company might perform if it was unable to borrow so easily, because credit markets do change over time.

Summary

Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have the same ROE, then I would generally prefer the one with less debt.

Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, you'll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. The rate at which profits are likely to grow, relative to the expectations of profit growth reflected in the current price, must be considered, too. So I think it may be worth checking this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

Of course AerCap Holdings may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have high ROE and low debt.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
The worst liquidity crunch since the Lehman Brothers crisis will be the stock market's biggest obstacle this summer, JPMorgan's chief equity strategist says

Traders work the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on May 05, 2022 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty

The worst liquidity crunch since the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse will be a big headwind for the stock market this summer, according to JPMorgan.

The bank's chief market strategist Marko Kolanovic warned that the expected liquidity decline could add to recession fears.

"Broad liquidity in the US... will contract by another $1.1 trillion from here till year-end," Kolanovic said.

The biggest liquidity crunch since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 could serve as the most serious obstacle for the stock market this summer, according to JPMorgan.

The bank's chief global markets strategist, Marko Kolanovic, warned investors in a Wednesday note that a multitude of factors could spark a more than $1 trillion decline in liquidity and add to fears of an imminent recession.

"Broad liquidity in the US, which we define as M2 + institutional money market fund assets, will contract by another $1.1 trillion from here till year-end bringing the total decline for 2023 to $1.7 trillion. In year-over-year terms, this would represent the worst US broad liquidity contraction since that seen after the Lehman crisis," Kolanovic said.

The driving forces behind the expected liquidity crunch include the Fed's ongoing reduction of its balance sheet at a pace of nearly $100 billion per month, the US Treasury building up its general account through the issuance of a flood of bonds this summer following the debt ceiling agreement, and the continued shift from US bank deposits into money market funds.

A sharp liquidity decline in the US is unlikely to be offset by the rest of the world, Kolanovic said. He highlighted the fact that banking system liquidity in the euro area has declined by 1 trillion since November 2022, and an expected 477 billion in upcoming loans is maturing by the end of June, which should further hurt liquidity conditions.

Meanwhile, it's Kolanovic's belief that some frothiness has returned to tech stocks in recent months, driven by the huge hype in artificial intelligence stocks, and that it appears to be bubble-like. That, combined with falling liquidity, means stocks are more at risk of falling than rising, according to Kolanovic.

"The consensus view that the worst of pressures is behind us will likely be proven wrong as the impact of monetary tightening worked historically with a lag, and certain growth supports are waning, such as excess savings and strong margins. In our view, stocks are set to face an increasingly challenging growth-policy tradeoff in 2H," Kolanovic said.

"This severe deposit contraction would not mean that there would be less liquidity or cash to be invested in financial assets, but it would put more strain in the US banking system if these deposit outflows end up hitting vulnerable regional banks. To us this is another justification for a cautious stance on risk assets," Kolanovic said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The National Building Museum has unveiled its most recent exhibit, Brick City, which will transport its guests around the world and back through time. This jaw-dropping show features 37 recreations of iconic buildings and architectural styles from all seven continents. Remarkably, the entire exhibit was created solely from LEGO bricks and piecesas well as a generous dose of the skill, acumen, determination and patience of UK-based artist Warren Elsmore and the assistance of his wife, Teresa.

In all, Elsmore spent approximately 1,200 hours creating the models for Brick City and used 250,000 LEGOS in this exhibit. Some models recreate an actual building while others evoke the spirit of the place and may elicit memories of folks who visited them. Part of the mission of the National Building Museum is to inspire curiosity and wonder about the world that we design and build. What better way to do that than with LEGO bricks? Especially if the models are representing iconic buildings and architecture, said exhibition developer Caitlin Bristol. They are a wonderful, multigenerational medium that will have something for everybody.

As visitors enter the exhibit, they can peruse a giant mural wall that features a fascinating time-lapse video of Warren building models, a map to show guests where all of them are in the world, and some photos of the actual structures. The rapid-fire video of Elsmores creative process reveals the precision involved in the design of the structures, guided by sketches made through Computer-Aided Design, which is similar to the method employed by many architects today.

In addition, the introductory mural includes a panel with points to ponder. For example, long before Napoleon commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in 1806, a French architect proposed a design for structure shaped like a giant elephant to be built on the site. The design for the three-story animal, which was ultimately rejected by the French government, included ballrooms and a spiral staircase.

One section of the exhibition displays models of the Roman Colosseum and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, architectural icons that shared common features, though the two structures were created thousands of miles and thousands of years apart. Visitors may wonder how Elsmore recreated the circular structures of the amphitheaters from LEGO bricks. The secret lies in a technique dubbed Studs Not On Top, which involves using parts with studs on the side and figuring out how they could work together to create more complex structures such as a curve.

Another challenge that Elsmore successfully met was creating the massive Forbidden City of Beijing. The solution was to build on a microscale, given that the palace site was so large that representing even a portion of it would have made each of the 980 buildings very small.

Bristol has a hands-on approach to her role as exhibit designer and, rather than grouping the building models by geographic location, she opted to arrange them by types of buildings. For example, places of worship are displayed together, including St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow, the Great Mosque in Mali, and the Golden Temple in India. The recreation of the most sacred site for those of the Sikh religion had the special challenge of gathering a sufficient number of gold LEGOs. Neoclassical buildings include the Reichstag in Berlin, Buckingham Palace and the Lincoln Memorial, which, in the absence of LEGO eagles for its frieze, features owls.

Bristol also created a section that she refers to as neighborhood vibes with depictions of the Mardi Gras in New Orleans and a lively streetscape of Cartagena, Colombia, and depictions of marketplaces include a Floating Market in Thailand and the Borough Market of London. The awe-inspiring centerpiece of Brick City exhibit is Londons St. Pancras Station, which measures 13 feet in length and comprises more than 180,000 LEGO bricks.

Though the other 36 models travel to the exhibitions various locations as glued, intact structures, St. Pancras Station was completed before Elsmore turned pro and the vision of touring the world was not yet a reality, so it makes its journeys in the form of several modules.

The National Building Museum foresaw that the exhibit would inspire visitors of all ages to try their hand at creating with LEGOs, thus a third of its space is devoted interactive stations. There are two tables with a map of D.C. divided in half. Visitors are prompted to build places of their own or to think of where they would place their dream home in the city or what they would build in their neighborhood that would benefit their community, said Bristol. Its sort of an urban planning exercise where they can let their imagination run wild. The interactive section also includes a Graffiti Wall, where guests can build out from a base mounted on a wall. Visitors are invited to snap a photo of their creations to preserve and share through #BrickCityNBM.

Whether you want to participate and be creative and build your own structure or just marvel at what Warren Elsmore has been able to create with LEGO bricks, the experience of Brick City will be unforgettable, said Bristol. Depending on ones level of engagement, there is something for everyone. We are seeing a lot of excitement and theres also a lot of skillful building!

The presenting sponsor of Brick City is General Shale.
The City of Fremont is being sued in Dodge County Court by a Michigan-based construction company, which alleges that the city breached a 2018 contract related to a construction contract for the expansion of the citys Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Weiss Construction Co., LLC, of Michigan, is seeking more than $6.5 million in assorted damages in the lawsuit, according to court documents filed in Dodge County Court on May 15. The company was hired in May 2018 to lead an expansion project of the citys wastewater treatment facility in anticipation of the increased wastewater flows into the facility and at the time, new requirements regarding ammonia levels.

The new lagoons where wastewater is stored to be treated were completed in 2020, according to a Fremont Tribune article from September 2020. Three new lagoons were designed to take in waste from Lincoln Premium Poultry and WholeStone Farms.

The expansion of the citys wastewater treatment plant was not solely due to the two slaughterhouses, but was also needed, according to the plants superintendent, Keith Kontor, due to new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements on ammonia limits.

Construction on the lagoons started in May 2018, but was paused after plans for Costco and Lincoln Premium Poultry to bring a processing plant to Fremont became more realized. City officials recognized the need for pretreatment for the industrial areas in town, including WholeStone Farms, and decided to upsize it to fit the new facility. The flooding of spring 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic also led to hiccups in the project.

Weiss Construction, which also goes by the name Public Works Constructors, had done previous similar projects in the Detroit region.

The Fremont City Council was briefed on the lawsuit during a closed executive session of the council at the end of the May 30 council meeting. The discussion was not on the original council agenda, and was added during the meeting via an announcement made by Mayor Joey Spellerberg.

On May 31, Fremont City Attorney Travis Jacott declined to comment on the lawsuit, noting the litigation was pending.

Attempts to contact the law firm representing Weiss Construction  Woods Aitken LLP, of Lincoln  have been unsuccessful.

The lawsuit stems from an April 2018 contract approved by the Fremont City Council for $14.9 million, of which $10 million was going to be funded by, industries that flow to the lagoons, stated Troy Schaben, then assistant city administrator for utilities.

Anaerobic Lagoons and Gas Conditioning System are part of the upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. Anaerobic Lagoons will help treat high loading effluent and can also be used to equalize wastewater flow, Schaben wrote in a staff report to the city council in 2018. Gas conditioning system will capture methane from WWTP operations and convert it to natural gas which will be injected in the Citys natural gas system. $10 million of the cost will be paid by industries that flow to the lagoons.

As part of the contract agreement, Weiss Construction would work in conjunction with a second company subcontractor chosen by the city to do some of the projects more specific construction elements. That firm  DMT Clear Gas Solutions, LLC.  was expected to do work valued within the overall contract at $2.5 million.

In 2018, Kontor included a letter to the city council during the discussion of the contract bid award in which he expressed concern about the two firms and their being new to the state.

It should be noted that the contractor, Weiss is new to Nebraska and the major equipment supplier, DMT is emerging in the US marketplace. This could result in additional effort being expended by the City in executing the project and additional Engineering time related to coordination of the work, Kontor wrote. HDR advises that the City be prepared for potential additional costs to account for modifications; anticipating that change orders may be more aggressively pursued given the bidding prices that were well below estimates and the level of familiarity both HDR and the City have with these two entities.

In the lawsuit from Weiss Construction, attorneys claim that Weiss officials, did not select DMT as a partner and that after their company was awarded the project, DMT could not or would not complete the required scope of work, would not complete the work in a good and workmanlike manner, would not complete the work within budget, and would not complete the work on time.

Attorneys for Weiss claim that officials from the Michigan construction firm repeatedly informed officials at the City of Fremont of the alleged lack of progress and foregoing failures of the firm DMT. Those failures, they claim, led to delays to the project progress as well as Weiss doing the work that had been tasked to DMT, at a great and unanticipated expense to their firm.

Also detailed in the lawsuit are several pages of claims regarding the impact of the spring 2019 flooding on the project; as well as the, delays and impact caused by COVID-19. The firms lawyers also claim city officials directed Weiss to do additional construction on the project which was not covered in the original contract nor the costs of which were ever paid to the company.

The lawsuit cites three claims for relief, with attorneys alleging the City of Fremont breached the contract with the company; that the city benefitted from unjust enrichment; and that the city allegedly violated the Nebraska Construction Prompt Pay Act.

There is no court date set yet for the lawsuit, but attorneys for Weiss Construction state in the lawsuit that they are willing to enter into arbitration with the city in regard to the claims.
With her wild hair, peekaboo sweater and extraordinary claim that then-presidential candidate Joe Biden had sexually assaulted her, Tara Reade merited considerable skepticism. Any such accusation deserved a hearing, of course, but Reade was an obvious nutjob and Putin shill. Why did she have to be "believed" right off the bat?

Nonetheless, The New York Times opinion pages flogged this unlikely story to the point of imbecility -- thus jeopardizing the candidacy of perhaps the only Democrat who could defeat Donald Trump in the 2020 election. The Times is not the only newspaper in America, but it was considered one of the more reliable sources back then. And it set much of the national conversation.

The writers repeated with utmost seriousness Reade's charge that "Biden pinned her against a wall, shoved his fingers up her skirt and digitally penetrated her." Biden completely denied the story. He was known at the time to affectionately nuzzle the backs of women's heads, but nothing in his long history suggested anything approaching violent behavior.

In a Times column titled "Will Biden play by the rules?" Jennifer Senior wrote that, whatever the truth in this story, "It's going to be a fiery orange asterisk next to his name." After all, Reade's mother confirmed it.

In another Times essay, Elizabeth Bruenig cast some doubt on Reade's account but seemed to regard it as a reason to drop Biden as a presidential candidate. She speculated that "it will demoralize voters and place Mr. Biden at a disadvantage against Mr. Trump in the general election."

Left unsaid was that both Bruenig and her husband Matt Bruenig were prominent supporters of Bernie Sanders, then Biden's rival for the Democratic nomination. How interesting that the column's headline read "Democrats, it's time to consider a Plan B."

Another vertigo-inducing piece, by Linda Hirshman, was titled "I believe Tara Reade. I'm voting for Joe Biden anyway."

A Times editorial called for opening Biden's then-closed Senate record for possible evidence of a sexual crime. Gobsmacked by that insane coverage, Biden asked the Senate secretary to do an extensive search for "any and all other documents in the records that relate to the allegation."

"This is a start," the editorial declared, "but it does not go far enough." Any serious inquiry had to include opening closed records from Biden's Senate career.

Then there was the piece by media writer Ben Smith, accusatorily titled "Why won't TV news book Tara Reade?"

Perhaps it was because her story was increasingly looking like 100% wrong. Perhaps it was all the lies popping out of her biography. Perhaps it was her gushing over the magnificent virility of Vladimir Putin, his love of animals, his gentleness combined with strength.

It was no secret that Putin wanted the malleable Donald Trump as president. Biden was the strongest candidate to beat his boy.

The children at the left-wing site The Intercept were totally in the bag for Sanders. They thus found use for the Reade story and, who knows, may have actually believed it. Ryan Grim went so far as to call out The Times for treating questions about Reade's phony academic claims with inadequate sensitivity.

"The documents do make it clear," Grim wrote, "that the story Reade told of her graduation -- that it was handled in a unique, private way due to her domestic violence-related legal name change -- is consistent with the records in her file."

Fox News picked up on it all. Why wouldn't they?

Russian spy Maria Butina is now helping Reade obtain Russian citizenship. "When I got off the plane in Moscow," Reade said, "for the first time in a very long time I felt safe, and I felt heard, and I felt respected."

Lordy.
ANKENY, Iowa (AP)  Former Vice President Mike Pence opened his bid for the Republican nomination for president Wednesday with a firm denunciation of former President Donald Trump, accusing his two-time running mate of abandoning conservative principles and being guilty of dereliction of duty on Jan. 6, 2021.

On that perilous day, Pence said, as Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol and the president falsely insisted his vice president could overturn the election results, Trump demanded I choose between him and our Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice.

Pence, launching his campaign at a community college in a suburb of Des Moines, is the first vice president in modern history to challenge the president under whom he served. While he spent much of his speech criticizing Democratic President Joe Biden and the direction he has taken the country, he also addressed Jan. 6 head-on, saying Trump had disqualified himself when he declared falsely that Pence had the power to keep him in office.

Trumps statements about mass voting fraud led a mob of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, sending Pence and his family scrambling for safety as some in the crowd chanted, Hang Mike Pence!

I believe anyone that puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United Sates again, the former vice president said.

Yet he did not rule out anyone when asked on Fox News Channel if he would support Trump if the former president wins the GOP nomination.

I will absolutely support the Republican nominee in 2024, especially if its me, Pence said, I think weve got a great group of men and women running for this nomination, and I do believe weve got better choices in the days ahead.

Pence has spent much of the past two-and-a-half-years grappling with fallout from that day as he has tried to chart a political future in a party that remains deeply loyal to Trump and filled with many who still believe Trumps lies that the 2020 election was stolen and that Pence somehow could reject the results.

While Pence has criticized Trump, working to step out of the former presidents shadow while laying the groundwork for his own run, he has generally done so obliquely, reflecting Trumps continued popularity in the party. But Wednesday, as Pence made his pitch to voters for the first time as a declared candidate, he did not hold his tongue.

He accused the former president of abandoning the conservative values he ran on, including on abortion.

Pence, who supports a national ban on the procedure, said, After leading the most pro-life administration in American history, Donald Trump and others in this race are retreating from the cause of the unborn. The sanctity of life has been our partys calling for half a century  long before Donald Trump was a part of it. Now he treats it as an inconvenience, even blaming our election losses in 2022 on overturning Roe v. Wade.

Trump has declined to say what limits he supports nationally and has blamed some midterm candidates strong rhetoric for their losses last November.

Pence also bemoaned the current politics of grudges and grievances, saying the country needs leaders who know the difference between the politics of outrage and standing firm.

We will restore a threshold of civility in public life, he pledged

Trump did not immediately respond to the speech, but his supporters shot back.

The question most GOP voters are asking themselves about Pences candidacy is Why? said Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for a Trump-backing super PAC.

With Pences entry into the race, on his 64th birthday, the GOP field is largely set. It includes Trump, whos leading in early polls, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who remains in second, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Pences campaign will test the partys appetite for a socially conservative, mild-mannered and deeply religious candidate who has criticized the populist tide that has swept through his party under Trump. Pence, in many ways, represents a throwback to a party from days past. Unlike Trump and DeSantis, he argues cuts to Social Security and Medicare must be on the table and has blasted those who have questioned why the U.S. should continue to send aid to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.

Pence and his advisers see Iowa  the state that will cast the first votes of the GOP nominating calendar  as key to his pathway to the nomination. Its caucusgoers include a large portion of evangelical Christian voters, whom they see as a natural constituency for Pence, a social conservative who often talks about his faith.

But Pence faces steep challenges. Despite being one of the best-known Republican candidates in the crowded field, he is viewed skeptically by voters on both the center and the right. Trump critics consider him complicit in the former presidents most indefensible actions, while many Trump loyalists have maligned him as a traitor, partly to blame for denying the president a second term.

A CNN poll conducted last month found 45% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they would not support Pence under any circumstance. And in Iowa, a March Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found Pence with higher unfavorable ratings than all of the other candidates it asked about, including Trump and DeSantis.

But Pence, who has visited Iowa more than a dozen times since leaving office, has been warmly welcomed by voters during his trips.

His Wednesday audience in an auditorium decorated with red, white and blue balloons included a number of Iowa Republican officials, including former Iowa Rep. Greg Ganske, whose time in Congress overlapped briefly with Pences.

Im here because were friends, said Ganske who represented the Des Moines area in the House. Still, he said he hadnt figured out who he was going to support in the caucuses. We have a lot of good candidates, he said.

John Steuterman, a 44-year-old insurance executive, said he was drawn to Pences experience in the White House and was tired of the negativity another Trump term would bring.

Mike Pence is a decent man. He seems like a regular guy, as much of a regular guy who has been at the center of the executive decision-making of the most powerful country in the world, he said.

But asked whether Steuterman was locked in for Pence in the leadoff caucuses, he said, Im not married to the idea, but Im going to watch and listen and Im going to follow this guy.

It was the same for Dave Bubeck, who lives in Grimes and praised Pence as a super professional guy, statesmanlike, and a man of high character  with the capacity to serve as president. But I think theres other good candidates, too, he said, adding he would wait and see how it all shakes out.

Asked why he wasnt sold on Pence, Bubeck said, Maybe hes a little too nice. ... I dont know if hes tough enough for what we need right now. That would be my hesitancy.

Pences decision to focus on Jan. 6 reflects his advisers strategy that the Capitol attack has to be confronted directly.

His argument resonated with Ruth Ehler, a retired teacher from West Des Moines who attended the speech.

The Constitution is the document of our country and I stood by him on Jan. 6 when he followed the Constitution. If thats where he feels he differs from our past president, its a great point for him to make, Ehler said.

And yet, Ehler could not say whether she was leaning toward supporting Pence in the caucuses.
Attorneys looking to squeeze a Colorado county out of millions of dollars in a quick settlement over yet another high-profile, threatened and specious lawsuit against a law enforcement agency have shown up in El Paso County. At first blush, the claims appear to be unprecedented, contrary to our statutes and case law, and frivolous. Let me be clear: the innocent victims of the Club Q massacre deserve justice. These lawsuits are not about justice or affixing accountability on the evil wrongdoer who came to Club Q to murder them.

These lawsuits are about money for lawyers. Their websites boast of the millions of dollars they have recovered suing individuals and entities. Given customary attorneys fees  one-third to 40% of the ultimate settlement amount  after deducting expenses  these lawyers $20 million claims would net them $7 million or more. That is more than double what I earned over my entire career as a prosecutor. As I reread that, I suddenly find myself questioning my vocational choices.

The lawsuits against the El Paso County sheriff claim his failure to seek an extreme protection order (ERPO) against the Club Q shooter after a 2021 standoff with deputies allowed the killer to obtain the weapons he used to commit mass murder. It is nonsense. Nonsense.

A lawsuit predicated on the claim that the sheriffs failure to fulfill a duty that caused certain damages must fail. Here, the sheriff had no duty to seek a Red Flag order, and his decision not to seek one did not allow the killer to arm himself.

Colorados red flag law permits the sheriff (and others) to file a petition seeking an ERPO. It does not create an obligation. The very first sentence of the statute states that a law enforcement officer may request an ERPO. That is the language of discretion, not duty. Moreover, there is crystal clear language in the Red Flag law that it does not impose civilliability for acts or omissions made in good faith related to obtaining [an ERPO] including  declining to file a petition [seeking an ERPO]. I am just a simple caveman lawyer who barely reads English, but that statutory language seems super on point.

Another thing that seems on point is the holding in Castle Rock v. Gonzales (2005), in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a plaintiff who sued the police department for failing to enforce an active protection order against the murderer of her children, despite the language of the order to law enforcement that they shall enforce it. Again, simple Rocky Mountain lawyer here, but if law enforcement is not liable for failing to enforce a protection order they are ordered to enforce, what argument could succeed in court that they should be liable for failing to seek a protection order they have the discretion not to seek?

Even if the rich lawyers can magic their way out of the statute and the case law, there is the issue of causation. Even had an ERPO been sought immediately after the standoff arrest, it would have made no difference to the killer obtaining the weapons he used at Club Q.

Remember, the sheriff seized the killers weapons after the 2021 standoff. Despite the judges dismissal of the case against the future murderer on mere procedural grounds, the sheriff refused to return the guns to the evil doer. Additionally, after the killers arrest, the judge imposed a bond and a protection order against him  each of which would have been entered into the same database an ERPO would have been. Those orders disappeared when the judge dumped the case.

Also, the murderers unserialized firearms were not obtained from someone who ran a background check on him. That is the great weakness of our ERPO law; the existence of an ERPO on that unsearched database is irrelevant.

So, why the lawsuit? Money. Ours.

The out-of-town personal injury lawyers pushing these unprecedented and unsupportable claims include a firm from crime-ridden Chicago. It is unclear from that firms Windy/Murder City website if they have pursued similar claims for inaction against the Chicago PD, mayor or any other city officials for inactions leading to 695 murders in 2022 alone.

Here is how you know it is about money:

They will not sue the killer, even though he is the one who went outside of the law to obtain weapons to put his murderous plan in motion, because he has no money for the attorneys to recover.

They will not sue the murderers mother despite her role in failing to seek a red flag order against her killer son. Under our red flag law, she had the same ability to seek an ERPO as the sheriff. But she did not. And yet, no money for the attorneys means no lawsuit.

They will not sue the judge, who  as a matter of discretion, not legal compulsion  dismissed the case against the mass murderer, which resulted in the evaporation of all bond conditions and protection order, because the judge enjoys immunity from civil suits for all of his decisions, good and bad. No money can come from there.

That leaves the sheriff and El Paso Countys coffers. That is where the money is, so that is where the lawsuit is targeted.

If the attorneys are working pro bono on behalf of the innocent victims, I will return to these pages to make a full apology. My Spidey-sense tells me I will be using that future column space to write about the judge granting a motion for summary judgment against the lawyers.

Do not be surprised if they try to flee to federal court in Denver or some another county where they will not face a jury of El Paso County taxpayers. This is a lawsuit worth fighting to the end, wherever the fight takes place. The Club Q victims deserve justice. The lawyers deserve nothing.

George Brauchler is the former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District. He also is an Owens Early Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute and president of the Advance Colorado Academy, which identifies, trains and connects conservative leaders in Colorado. He hosts The George Brauchler Show on 710KNUS Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter: @GeorgeBrauchler.
In 2019, politicians referred a ballot measure to Colorado voters to permanently end TABOR tax refunds. Despite fluffy ballot language and a $5M campaign budget, the measure failed by a significant margin.

In 2022, these same politicians decided to shift course and rebrand our constitutionally protected TABOR tax refunds as the Colorado Cash Back  and send a $750 check to every taxpayer. It seemed like they finally caught on to the fact that TABOR is more popular than any elected official in the state.

That assumption was short-lived, however. This year, Coloradans were notified that their property taxes are about to skyrocket  with most families facing an increase of 30%-70%.

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel once said, You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. Taking this to heart, legislators at the Capitol decided to pass a bill in the last week of session that they claimed would address the property tax crisis. Instead, its just another attempt to keep and spend our TABOR tax refunds. They cant do it, however, without the courts allowing their referred measure, Proposition HH, to be on the ballot  and voters deciding to approve it this November.

Prop HH is unconstitutional, plain and simple. The sponsors of this measure decided to attempt to skirt the laws and rules that average citizens must follow on ballot measures simply because they didnt think anybody would try to stop them. Thats where Advance Colorado has come in. Weve filed a lawsuit against the state regarding Prop HH, and I want to explain why:

First, Prop HH violates our state constitutions single subject guidelines. Ballot measures, and bills passed by our legislature, are restricted to covering a single subject. This prevents deceptive tactics such as combining a popular idea with an unpopular one, which is precisely what Prop HH does. This unconstitutional logroll pairs a very slight property tax deduction (from 6.76% to 6.7%) with a gradual elimination of our TABOR tax refunds. In fact, it is projected that this measure would cost Colorado taxpayers $10 billion in TABOR tax refunds over the next decade. As you can imagine, reducing property taxes is popular. Eliminating TABOR refunds is not.

Even the measures sponsor, Representative Chris DeGruy Kennedy, admitted that the measure would tackle several problems at the same time in his final end-of-session legislative updates. The Colorado Constitution is clear on this in Article V, Section 21, stating that, No bill, except general appropriation bills, shall be passed containing more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title In total, Prop HH covers five subjects.

When our organization, and others, have brought ballot measures to the Colorado Title Board, that rule has been enforced without fail. But, rules for thee and not for me, says the legislature.

Secondly, Prop HHs ballot language is deliberately misleading in its effect on property taxes and TABOR refunds. A clear example is that the measure fails to tell you by what percentage your property taxes will decline, which is a mere 0.06%. Precedent shows us that ballot measures that either increase or decrease tax rates always tell the voters by what exact percentage. Additionally, whenever the state wants to keep more of our TABOR tax refunds, the ballot language has always clearly indicated that the money would be retained beyond the current constitutional limits. Not so with Prop HH.

Thus far, 12 counties across Colorado have joined Advance Colorados lawsuit to strike Prop HH from the ballot or at least be significantly rewritten to provide clarity to voters.

El Paso County Commissioner Carrie Getiner said it well: This bill is a sloppy bait and switch  a tiny tax decrease is the bait, but Coloradans will be worse off if they are tricked into giving up the TABOR refunds they are owed.

We are optimistic that the courts will recognize this deviation from written law and precedent for what it is, but if not, the fight will continue past the courtroom and to the ballot box.

Lets be clear, the Legislature can decrease property taxes without voter approval. At any point this year, the governor could call a special session and address this problem. The only reason Prop HH is going to voters is to take away our TABOR tax refunds. If Prop HH passes, Coloradans would still get almost $4 billion in increased property taxes. They would also have to give up billions of dollars in TABOR tax refunds.

That is a deal that Coloradans are smart enough to reject.

Michael Fields is the president of Advance Colorado Institute.

Michael Fields is the president of Advance Colorado Institute.
Police announced Wednesday the identities of two men killed in a shooting south of downtown Colorado Springs on Friday.

CSPD said the two men who died in the shooting at 1500 S. Nevada Ave. were identified Monday by the El Paso County Coroner's Office as Qualin Campbell, 31, and David Karels, 44.

The news release issued by CSPD states that both men were shot to death, but only Campbell's death is being investigated by police as a homicide. The news release states that the death of Karels, who was found dead in the same car as Campbell, is being investigated as a suicide.

Earlier this week, attorneys representing Campbell's wife, Talija Campbell, issued a news release claiming that she had called 911 nearly an hour before her husband was found dead to report that he had been taken hostage.

The news release includes text messages between the Campbells in which Qualin Campbell allegedly sends his wife a picture of the man sitting next to him, presumed to be Karels, along with the messages "911. Send please!"

The release states that Talija Campbell provided police with Qualin Campbell's location and the picture of the person whom she alleged took him hostage.

In the release a picture of a cellphone that had made an outgoing 911 call at 1:13 p.m. for nine minutes is shown. According to previous reporting from The Gazette, the police did not respond to the shooting in which Qualin Campbell was killed in until 2:10 p.m. that day.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

CSPD denied a public records request from The Gazette for recordings and transcripts of the alleged phone call between Talija Campbell and dispatchers, stating they could not be released as the investigation is still active.

A picture of two dead men, one appearing to be Qualin Campbell and the other appearing to be Karels, sitting in the car with copious amounts of blood surrounding them is included in the initial news release. When speaking with The Gazette, attorney Harry Daniels confirmed that Qualin Campbell's wife took the picture of the two dead men, and claims that she arrived at the scene before law enforcement did that day.

"I just don't get it... What could be more important than a hostage situation," Daniels said, referencing why no CSPD officers responded to Talija Campbell's call for service. "But we will find out."

Daniels scheduled a news conference to be held outside the CSPD headquarters near downtown Colorado Springs, and less than a mile from where Qualin Campbell's body was found, on Tuesday, but postponed it to 11 a.m. Thursday because of a meeting with the District Attorney's Office.

Howard Black, a spokesperson for the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office declined to comment on the specifics of the meeting.

CSPD spokesperson Robert Tornabene declined a request for comment from The Gazette for this story.

The news release states that this remains an active investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
On Thursday morning, TaliJa Campbell and her attorneys held a press conference outside the Colorado Springs police headquarters to discuss the shooting death of Campbell's husband, and how CSPD allegedly ignored a call for service from Campbell claiming her husband had been taken hostage.

- Qualin Campbell, TaliJa Campbells husband, was shot and killed on Friday in a parking lot on 1500 S. Nevada Ave., less than a mile from Colorado Springs polices downtown headquarters.

- TaliJa Campbell claimed that an hour before her husbands body was discovered she called 911 to report that her husband had been taken hostage. During the press conference, TaliJa Campbell stated that she provided police with her husbands exact location and a picture of the man who allegedly took him hostage.

- TaliJa Campbell stated she was the first person to find her husbands body, and that she attempted to perform CPR when she arrived. TaliJa Campbell stated that it took her an hour to drive from her El Paso County home to downtown Colorado Springs.

- Attorney Harry Daniels, a civil rights lawyer based out of Georgia representing TaliJa Campbell, said that he intends to find out how this happened, and that CSPD confirmed to him that the 911 call from TaliJa Campbell was received. Kevin Mehr, another attorney working with the family, stated that CSPD has yet to provide the family with an answer as to why Tali'Ja Campbell's call for service was ignored.

No one should ever call law enforcement with a hostage situation, and have them take over an hour to respond, Harry Daniels, the lead attorney on the case said, they didnt respond to an active hostage, they responded after shots have been fired @csgazette @ZachNDupont pic.twitter.com/TvM0m1DHhs  Abbey Soukup (@AbbeySoukup2) June 8, 2023

- Daniels went on to talk about how CSPDs lack of a response was inexcusable and that his office had filed an open records request to get more information.

- Daniels stated that he has serious concerns about CSPD and how it operates, as this is now the third case he has taken in the past eight months involving alleged misconduct by CSPD.

- Daniels claimed that Qualin Campbell did not know the person who allegedly took him hostage, David Karels, 44, before the incident and that Qualin Campbell was working at the time he was killed.

- Karels death has been ruled a suicide by the El Paso County Coroner's Office while Qualin Campbell's death was ruled a homicide; they were found dead together in the same car.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

- The press conference was highly emotional, with many members of Qualin Campbells family crying and yelling as the shooting was discussed by Daniels and Mehr.

- Qualin and TaliJa Campbell were married for seven years, and the couple have two daughters together. TaliJa Campbell described her husband as selfless, gentle and kind-hearted.

- On Thursday morning, shortly after the news conference ended, CSPD emailed a statement on the shooting and the claims by TaliJa Campbell.

In the statement, Community Relations Sgt. Jason Newton said: We know a number of outlets have reached out to us regarding the homicide of Qualin Campbell. I wanted to provide you all with an updated statement, which is below.

"The loss of Qualin Campbell is a tragedy. Our condolences go out to Mr. Campbells family, who we know are suffering greatly. Our top priority is to provide them with answers. We are aware there is information circulating about this case, and we understand the concerns and questions that arise as a result. We will continue to gather all relevant details about Mr. Campbell's death and ensure the accuracy of our findings. While we recognize that many members of the community are eager for immediate information, it is our duty to provide the victims family with support and share the details of what we have learned with them before making any public announcement. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who was sworn in and took the oath of office Tuesday, also responded via an emailed statement.

The loss of Qualin Campbell is a devastating tragedy for our community. We hold his family in our prayers during this unimaginably difficult time. I also recognize that there are questions and concerns surrounding the situation that resulted in Qualins death. I ran for mayor to ensure that we have an open and transparent government focused on the public safety of Colorado Springs residents and for that reason it is critical that the Colorado Springs Police Department take the proper time to fully investigate this homicide to provide accurate answers to Qualins family and the public. We must not forget that a loved member of our community was murdered, and we all take very seriously the responsibility to bring justice to him and his family.

- CSPD denied a public records request from The Gazette for recordings and transcripts of the alleged phone call between Talija Campbell and dispatchers, stating they could not be released as the investigation is still active.

Click or tap here for the press conference video from Gazette news partner KKTV.
President Joe Biden laughed off a question Thursday regarding claims from House Republicans that the FBI has "damning evidence" that the president has "sold out the country."

Biden fielded questions from reporters during a joint press conference with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House Thursday afternoon.

LIV GOLF MERGER: SEVEN QUESTIONS EVERYONE IS ASKING AFTER BLOCKBUSTER DEAL

House Republicans, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), were preparing a contempt vote for FBI Director Christopher Wray over claims the bureau is covering up "explosive allegations" regarding a Biden family bribery scheme, but Wray allowed the full House Oversight Committee to view the document in question starting Thursday.

"Where's the money? I'm joking," Biden responded when asked about Mace's claims Thursday. "It's a bunch of malarkey."

The White House has largely avoided commenting on House Republicans' investigations into the president, his son Hunter, and the Biden family's business dealings carried out by GOP lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre frequently refers those questions back to the Justice Department and legal counsel for Hunter Biden.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

You can watch Biden's press conference in full below.

Original Location: Biden laughs off 'damning evidence' in House GOP investigation: 'Where's the money?'

Washington Examiner Videos
As special counsel Jack Smith reportedly wraps up his investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents, people are speculating what charges the Justice Department could bring forward.

Trump could be facing an indictment on federal criminal charges as early as next week. There are multiple avenues Smith could take when it comes to determining charges  most likely to come under the Espionage Act.

CONSERVATIVE GROUP TARGETS BANK OF AMERICA IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN OVER ESG

The charges could relate to 18 USC 793, a federal law that deals with the illegal "retention" of classified information or "dissemination" of national security secrets  both of which are violations under the Espionage Act. Trump could also be charged under 18 USC 2071, which involves the illegal removal of government records from United States custody.

It is possible Smith could decide to forgo retention or dissemination charges and only indict Trump on obstruction of justice.

Andrew Weissmann, former general counsel for the FBI and senior prosecutor in the Russia-Trump investigation, and Ryan Goodman, former special counsel at the Defense Department, pointed to several pieces of evidence that could lead to obstruction charges in a Washington Post opinion piece on Wednesday.

"If the Justice Department alleges that Trump or his aides were involved in tampering with Mar-a-Lago video surveillance footage, that is as acute a form of obstruction of justice as the allegedly false June certification that represented that a diligent search for responsive documents had been performed and all such documents returned," Weissmann and Goodman wrote.

The "June certification" refers to a letter signed by Christina Bobb, Trump's lawyer, on June 3 attesting that all classified material holed up in Mar-a-Lago had been returned to the government. The FBI raided Trump's home in Mar-a-Lago in August and discovered hundreds of additional classified documents in the former president's possession. Bobb reportedly met with federal investigators in October 2022.

If prosecutors conclude that Trump or any of his aides intentionally attempted to hide documents or impede the DOJ's inquiry, that could lead to obstruction charges.

Mishandling of classified government materials is a felony crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Obstruction of justice is also a felony, with a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

If Trump is charged, it will mark the first federal prosecution of a former president in U.S. history. It could also have major implications for his 2024 campaign for president. However, even if he is convicted, it will not disqualify him from the presidency under the Constitution, according to Time.

Federal sources confirmed to multiple outlets on Wednesday that Trump received a letter from Smith in recent weeks that informed him he was the target of a DOJ investigation. However, Trump adamantly denied the reports the Department of Justice informed him of the case, slamming it as a "witch hunt" and declaring his innocence.

"No one has told me I'm being indicted, and I shouldn't be because I've done NOTHING wrong, but I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI," Trump wrote. "A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & ELECTION INTERFERENCE AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!!"

On Wednesday morning, Taylor Budowich, who previously worked as a spokesman for the former president, appeared before a grand jury in Florida that has been examining evidence and gathering testimony in the classified documents case.

Budowich leads MAGA Inc., the super PAC aligned with Trump, and he was the first person to be publicly named as a witness who provided testimony before the Florida grand jury.

Smith will have to determine where he wants to file charges, most likely in Florida or Washington, D.C.  the former is expected to provide a jury pool more favorable to Trump.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Smith is also serving as special counsel to another DOJ investigation into Trump's actions during and after the 2020 election that led to the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump could be looking at possible conspiracy charges in this investigation.

Former Trump White House official Steve Bannon was reportedly subpoenaed for documents and testimony by the Washington federal grand jury connected to the Jan. 6 investigation. Bannon was previously charged with contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with two subpoenas issued by the select House Jan. 6 committee. He was sentenced to four months in jail and a $6,500 fine.

Original Location: Donald Trump investigation: What charges could former president face if special counsel indicts?

Washington Examiner Videos
By Viktoriia Lakezina and Max Hunder

KHERSON, Ukraine (Reuters) -Hundreds of Ukrainians were rescued from rooftops on Thursday, two days after waters from a huge breached dam submerged villages, fields and roads in the southern region of Kherson, as Kyiv dismissed reports its counteroffensive had begun.

Drone video showed areas where often only the roofs were visible above the flooding. The region's governor said some 600 square kilometres, or 230 square miles, were under water.

The collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam came as Ukraine prepared a counteroffensive, likely the next major phase in the war in which tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions uprooted and entire cities reduced to ruins since Russia's "special military operation" began on Feb. 24 last year.

NBC news, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, said the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited "four individuals" in the armed forces saying the same thing.

Asked about the reports, a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces told Reuters: "We have no such information."

In its daily Ukraine briefing, Britain's defence ministry on Thursday reported heavy fighting along "multiple sectors of the front", adding that Kyiv held the initiative in most areas.

Ukraine's military said the flooding in Kherson had forced Russian troops to retreat by five to 15 km and had "practically halved" Russian shelling.

A senior Russian commander briefed President Vladimir Putin on how his forces had repelled a large-scale Ukrainian attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, the TASS news agency reported.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier on Thursday that Russian forces had withstood fierce overnight attempts by Ukrainian troops to break through the frontline in Zaporizhzhia and had inflicted heavy losses on them.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.

TRADING BLAME

Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for the bursting of the Soviet-era Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which sent waters cascading across the war zone of southern Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday, forcing tens of thousands to flee.

Moscow and Kyiv also accused each other on Thursday of shelling the area as rescue workers in rubber dinghies tried to save people and animals from the still rising flood waters.

Russian shelling wounded at least nine people in Kherson on Thursday as residents were being evacuated, Ukraine's interior ministry said.

The Prosecutor General's office initially said one person had been killed by the shelling but later said no deaths had been reported. A Reuters reporter in Kherson said he could hear what appeared to be artillery fire.

The Kremlin similarly accused Ukraine of shelling Russian rescue workers in the area.

Friends and family of stranded residents posted appeals online with names, photos and GPS locations of residents. The coordinator of a volunteer group on the Telegram messaging app said the appeals were getting more urgent because people were running out of drinking water.

One man, Sergei, told Reuters the last time he spoke with his 83-year-old father-in-law in the Oleshky region was several days before the dam collapse.

"The latest information is that there was a lot of water in the street, as high as a person," he said. "Houses collapsed and went under water."

Ukraine said the floods would leave hundreds of thousands of people without access to drinking water, swamp tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land and turn at least 500,000 hectares deprived of irrigation into "deserts".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has appealed for a "clear and rapid" international effort to help flood victims, held emergency talks with officials in Kherson, one of five Ukrainian regions which Moscow claims to have annexed but only partially controls.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said aid agencies had delivered bottles of drinking water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits and jerrycans.

"Drinking water remains the most pressing need," it said.

MINE HAZARD

The Kremlin said Putin had no plans to visit the region but was monitoring the situation.

Putin, without providing evidence, has accused Ukraine of destroying the Russian-controlled dam at the suggestion of its Western allies.

Kyiv said several months ago the dam had been mined by Russian forces who captured it early in their invasion, and has suggested Moscow blew it up to try to prevent Ukrainian forces crossing the Dnipro river in their counteroffensive.

It is not known how many people may have died as a result of the flooding. The Russian-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, near the dam site, said on Thursday at least five people had died but the total death toll is sure to be much higher.

Kherson's Ukrainian governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said 68% of the flooded territory was on the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River.

The "average level of flooding" in the Kherson region on Thursday morning was 5.61 meters (18.41 ft), he said.

The water level at the Kakhovka reservoir was approaching a dangerous low, the state company overseeing the facility said on Thursday, saying this could affect the nearby Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station and water supply to other regions.

The U.N. atomic watchdog said on Tuesday the plant, Europe's largest, has enough water to cool its reactors for "several months" from a pond located above the reservoir.

Ukrainian and Russian officials have also warned of the danger posed by mines planted during the war and now scattered by the floods.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; writing by Gareth Jones and Nick Macfie; editing by William Maclean and Andrew Heavens)
A man suspected of running onto a playground in France and stabbing at least six children on Thursday was shot and apprehended by police responding to the scene.

The attack occurred at the Jardins de l'Europe in Annecy, France, Le Dauphine reported, adding that emergency responders, police, and the military are on the site to secure its safety and care for the victims, some of which are three years old.

GAS PRICES TODAY: WHERE TO FIND THE CHEAPEST FUEL ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Three victims are reportedly in critical condition. The suspect is believed to be about 32 years old and of Syrian origin.

Witnesses told the news outlet that the attack took place at about 9:45 a.m. local time. Another group of children from a kindergarten class were also in the park at the time of the stabbing.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed that the suspect was arrested, while also suggesting at least one adult was also injured in the attack.

"Several people including children were injured by an individual armed with a knife in a square in Annecy. The individual was arrested thanks to the very rapid intervention of the police," Darmanin tweeted.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

This is a developing news story. Check back here for updates.

Original Location: Man suspected of stabbing at least 6 children at French playground apprehended

Washington Examiner Videos
Former Vice President Mike Pence responded in a town hall Wednesday to reports that former President Donald Trump is the subject of a criminal investigation but advocated "equal treatment under the law."

Pence, who officially entered the race on Wednesday for the Republican nomination for president in 2024, refused to answer whether he would pardon his former boss if he was elected president and Trump was convicted of a crime related to classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago resort last August.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS PUT STRAIN ON BLUE-CITY RESOURCES AMID BORDER CRISIS

Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence greets audience members at a campaign event, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Charlie Neibergall/AP

"Let me say the handling of classified materials is a very serious matter," Pence told CNN host Dana Bash. "I don't know the facts of the former president's case. But what we've got to have in this country is equal treatment under the law. And Dana, you may not know, I was very troubled last summer when for the first time in history, there was a search warrant executed at the home of a former president of the United States."

Federal prosecutors reportedly notified Trump's legal team that Trump was the subject of a criminal investigation on Wednesday, but Trump has denied any knowledge of it. The notification is the latest signal that special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the investigation, is close to bringing charges against the former president.

Pence said he hoped the Justice Department would not indict Trump on charges related to the classified documents because it would be divisive to the country.

"We're the symbol of justice in the world. And the serious matter, which has already happened once in New York, of indicting a former president in the United States sends a terrible message to the world," Pence said. "I think it would be terribly divisive to the country. This kind of action by the Department of Justice, I think, would only fuel further division in the country."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The former president was indicted in Manhattan earlier this year, charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. He has pleaded "not guilty" to all charges.

If Trump is indicted on charges of allegedly mishandling classified documents, the indictment could come as early as next week.

Original Location: Pence addresses reports of Trump being notified of investigation and advocates for 'equal treatment'

Washington Examiner Videos
By Dan Peleschuk

POLTAVA, Ukraine (Reuters) -In peacetime, Viktor Tkachenko tracks local tenders, court registries and other open sources for a news outlet in central Ukraine.

These days, the reserved 33-year-old fills a spreadsheet with the names of Ukrainian soldiers from Poltava region killed since Russia's full-scale invasion began  1,072 at last count  which is used in regular round-ups that typically contain between 10 and 40 names.

"It's a frightening system, but it's a system," Tkachenko said of the grim task of cataloguing the fallen and informing readers of Poltavshchyna, an online outlet of local news covering everything from political intrigue to power outages.

"It's clear this won't end soon."

Poltava, which borders the war-scarred Sumy and Kharkiv regions but has been largely spared fighting, had a pre-war population of around 1.3 million people out of a national total of around 43 million.

Ukraine has not disclosed the number of casualties it has sustained from Russia's invasion, launched in February 2022, saying such information could help the enemy.

A recent U.S. intelligence estimate from the Discord leaks in April put Kyiv's dead at 15,000-17,500. Reuters has not been able to independently verify widely varying claims of battlefield losses on both sides of the conflict.

In a rare private initiative, Tkachenko and his colleagues trawl open sources such as Facebook, where relatives and local officials often post individual death announcements - an imperfect method that may under-report the true toll of war.

But the spreadsheet offers a glimpse into the human cost of the war in one of Ukraine's 27 regions.

Inside his cramped office in part of a former accordion factory, festooned with old campaign posters and political jokes, Tkachenko described his work as an "emotional seesaw".

Most entries in his Google spreadsheet, which he edits from research collected by staff members, are accompanied by dates and locations of a soldier's birth and death.

A separate, smaller section - titled "No confirmation" - is dedicated to missing troops.

The published roundups on Poltavshchyna feature photos of those killed in action and short biographies of around one to three paragraphs - a format, Tkachenko said, that seems to strike a dignified balance and of which most readers approve.

A press officer for Poltava's regional military recruiting centre would not comment on the accuracy of Tkachenko's figure. But he said his office takes seriously its task of notifying family members and honouring each of Poltava's killed at their funerals.

"If you take every fallen soldier as a personal loss, then I think you wouldn't last very long," said Roman Istomin, the press officer. "You need to accept it as an unfortunately natural process. And for this, Russia is to blame."

Ukraine's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Ukraine's losses.

ROWS OF DEAD

Soldiers, some of them visibly wounded, criss-cross the tree-lined streets of Poltava city, the regional capital of around 280,000, known for its doughy dumplings and rich Cossack history.

On the city's eastern outskirts, tucked away behind railroad tracks, at least 134 soldiers connected to Poltava and killed in Russia's full-scale invasion are buried in a separate section of the Zaturyne cemetery reserved mostly for recent military deaths.

Ukrainian flags flutter in the wind above three long rows of graves. The near-silence is occasionally pierced by small-arms fire from a nearby military training ground.

A sprawling adjacent plot of untouched grass, which city council head Andriy Karpov told Reuters could be used if necessary, is a macabre reminder of the deaths still likely to come.

"There isn't a single stranger among them," said Tetiana Vatsenko-Bondareva, who was visiting her husband's grave on the one-year anniversary of his burial, of the connection she feels with the fallen.

Poltava-born Denys Bondarev, a 38-year-old movie stuntman in Kyiv who joined an airborne assault unit after Russia's invasion, was killed on May 21, 2022, according to the wooden cross that marks his grave.

His commander, who died two months later, is buried in the same row, Vatsenko-Bondareva said.

January was a particularly brutal month for the region, said Tkachenko, because a local unit had suffered heavy losses in the eastern town of Soledar, near Bakhmut.

According to his spreadsheet, at least 25 soldiers from the 116th Territorial Defence Brigade were killed there that month.

Neither the unit nor the defence ministry immediately responded to a request for comment.

"The entire region felt these losses," Tkachenko said. "You didn't even need a statistic for it."

PSYCHOLOGICAL TOLL

As the war drags on, the psychological toll on Ukrainians is increasing.

In Poltava, the rush of eager volunteers at the beginning of the war has since given way to a campaign of mobilising the less enthusiastic, said Istomin, the military press officer.

Disinformation on social media depicting alleged run-ins with recruiters, or unfairly casting them as coming after everyone, has also soured public opinion against those service members, he added.

"It's not about losses, but more about the awareness of the population," Istomin said.

After her husband's death, Vatsenko-Bondareva, 35, co-founded a Facebook support group for war widows which now includes more than 1,200 members.

She said the women searched for comfort among one another partly because they often struggled to find enough sympathy from others.

"They understand that they won't be judged, that they won't be told banal things like 'You need to live on for the sake of your child'," said Vatsenko-Bondareva.

She added that she sometimes fields phone calls in the middle of the night from widows with fraying nerves.

Officials hope a much-anticipated counteroffensive to reclaim more Russian-occupied territory will yield results.

For Tkachenko, the assault means there is likely no end in sight to his morbid data entry, which he considers crucial for the historical record.

"But you just can't avoid it," he said.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Alex Richardson)
By Aziz El Yaakoubi and Humeyra Pamuk

RIYADH (Reuters) -Washington will press ahead with efforts to normalize diplomatic ties between its main Middle East allies Saudi Arabia and Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

But he declined to say whether the United States would back Riyadh's nuclear ambitions.

At a joint news conference, Blinken's Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said he hoped an agreement could be reached for the United States to aid his country's bid to generate nuclear power.

Neither addressed whether U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program could be given in exchange for normalization with Israel, a deal that has been floated by Riyadh.

Blinken, who was in the kingdom as part of a U.S. push to defuse rows that have touched on oil prices, human rights and Riyadh's opening to Iran, said normalizing relations between Israel and its neighbors to make way for a more integrated Middle East was a priority for the United States.

"We discussed it here, and we will continue to work at it, to advance it, in the days, weeks and months ahead," he said as he concluded his three-day visit.

Saudi Arabia, a Middle East powerhouse and home to Islam's two holiest shrines, has resisted heavy U.S. pressure to end generations-old non-recognition of Israel as have Gulf Arab neighbors the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Speaking alongside Blinken, Prince Faisal agreed that normalization would bring benefits, but said those would be limited if there was not a pathway toward a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.

A source familiar with the matter said Riyadh wants U.S. support for its civilian nuclear program in exchange for normalization with Israel. The Wall Street Journal reported in March that the nuclear help, as well as security guarantees, were among the concessions sought by Riyadh.

Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia would prefer to have the U.S. as a bidder for the program, although he did not say if the nuclear ambitions were a precondition for normalization.

Talks on civilian nuclear cooperation have stalled with Riyadh refusing to agree to limits on nuclear enrichment and reprocessing designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

"We have differences of opinion but we are working on finding mechanisms for us to be able to work together," Prince Faisal said, adding that there were other bidders and the kingdom intended to move forward with the program.

NO 'GIFT'

Blinken was the second top U.S. official to visit Saudi Arabia in less than a month, following a May 7 trip by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

However, Blinken's meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, and Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers were relegated to the inside pages of Al-Watan and Okaz, the two major newspapers in Saudi Arabia.

Blinken and the crown prince, widely known as MbS, had "open, candid" talks for an hour and 40 minutes, a U.S. official said, covering topics including the conflict in neighboring Yemen, the war in Sudan, Israel, and human rights.

Aziz Alghashian, a Saudi analyst specializing in Gulf-Israel ties, said Riyadh would not budge on normalization for reasons including Israel's hardline nationalist-religious government and displeasure with U.S. President Joe Biden's administration.

"This is not the American administration that Saudis would want to gift a Saudi-Israeli normalization to," Alghashian said.

"It's going to be a massive achievement, it's going to be under an American umbrella, and they don't want the Biden administration to take any credit for that," he said.

Riyadh has also leveraged its growing relationships with Russia and China as the Biden administration has pushed back against some Saudi demands including lifting restrictions on arms sales and help with sensitive high-tech industries.

U.S.-Saudi relations have deteriorated since the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. resident, inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

They worsened after the Biden administration took office in early 2021 and released a U.S. intelligence assessment that MbS approved Khashoggi's killing, which the crown prince denied.

Other rows have simmered over the Saudi intervention in Yemen's devastating conflict, China ties and oil prices.

(Reporting by Aziz El Yaakoubi, Humeyra Pamuk, Maha El Dahan and Simon Lewis; editing by Mark Heinrich and Angus MacSwan)
Amid his lambasting of the international community for a perceived lack of aid in the wake of the Kakhovka dam collapse, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian soldiers have shot at rescuers trying to help civilians in heavily flooded areas.

"When our forces try to get them [civilians] out, they are shot at by occupiers from a distance," Zelensky told the German newspaper Bild. "As soon as our helpers try to rescue them, they are shot at. We won't be able to see all the consequences until a few days from now, when the water has trickled down a bit."

INCREASING BIG BANK CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS WOULD BE ECONOMIC FOLLY

Streets are flooded in Kherson, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 7, 2023 after the walls of the Kakhovka dam collapsed. Residents of southern Ukraine, some who spent the night on rooftops, braced for a second day of swelling floodwaters on Wednesday as authorities warned that a Dnieper River dam breach would continue to unleash pent-up waters from a giant reservoir. (AP Photo/Libkos) Libkos/AP

"People, animals have died. From the roofs of the flooded houses, people see drowned people floating by. You can see that on the other side. It is very difficult to get people out of the occupied part of Kherson region," Zelensky added.

The destruction of the dam in Russian-occupied territory on Tuesday was the latest event in the war that caught analysts, officials, and even world leaders off guard. Both Russia and Ukraine have pointed fingers at each other for the damage, but it is unclear how the inundation of dozens of towns and cities would benefit Ukraine.

Thousands of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes. Satellite photos illustrate the extent of the flooding in some parts of southern Ukraine.

This image provided by Maxar Technologies, shows Krinky, Ukraine after flooding, on June 7, 2023. (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP) AP

Neither country has provided concrete proof that the other was responsible for the dam's destruction, and it remains possible that the dam collapsed due to a structural failure, possibly exacerbated by fighting since the war began in February 2022.

For Zelensky, it appears too soon to completely assess how the dam's destruction will affect the Ukrainian counteroffensive, and even if he did know, he has already stated that he could not say in too much detail. But much like the insurgencies by self-proclaimed Russian separatists in Belgorod, Russia, distracted Russian resources from Ukraine, the dam's crumbling appears to be diverting attention away from Ukraine's priority: retaking the land seized by Russia.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

As rescue efforts continue, it will likely be weeks, if not longer, before the full effects of the Kakhovka dam's destruction are known, and longer still as to how the humanitarian and ecological disaster affects Ukraine's counteroffensive.

Original Location: Zelensky says Russians are shooting at rescuers in areas flooded by dam collapse

Washington Examiner Videos
After 17 months of intense investigation, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office Thursday announced the Marshall fire was actually two separate fires started by two separate causes within 2,000 feet and an hour apart.

The first: Human caused by a fire at property owned by Twelve Tribes that was left to smolder six days earlier. Investigators said the fire had been covered in dirt, but on Dec. 30, 2021, the high-wind event uncovered and reignited the smoldering fire at about 11 a.m., Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson said.

The second: An unmoored Xcel Energy power line near the Marshall Mesa Trailhead sparked at around noon, Johnson said.

Johnson referenced a map that showed the second fire started 2,000 feet away from the first one an hour later and said the two fires were not related.

The cause of the Marshall fire was assessed by Colorado-based investigators from the U.S. Forest Service and and an electrical engineer who is an authority on wildfires.

Investigators looked into the possibility the second fire was caused by embers from the first fire at the Twelve Tribes property, but Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty explained that investigators ruled that out.

"Embers would have had to travel 2,000 feet to the south west to reach the trailhead site," said Dougherty.

The wind was blowing the fire to east where it roared into the heavily populated areas of Superior and Louisville.

The wind was blowing with sustained speeds of 50-60 mile per hour and clocked with gusts of up to 100 mph with the strongest push at 150 mph.

Dougherty said no charges will be filed related to the cause and origin of the Marshall fire due to insufficient evidence.

"We make our charges based on evidence, not emotion," Dougherty said.

After sheriff and DA investigators interviewed the 40 people, including children, who were there at Twelve Tribes, Dougherty said there is no indication that residents of 5325 [Eldorado Springs Dr.] set a fire on Dec. 30."

Johnson, the sheriff, noted that the Twelve Tribes property holds a "significant water source that could have been used to put that fire to rest," referring to the fire at their property, but added that no one could have predicted on Dec. 24 that the winds would have uncovered the fire six days later.

As for the power line, Dougherty said there was no evidence that it had been recklessly or negligently kept prior to it becoming unmoored, but he added that, based on the information they obtained, he did not rule out the possibility that civil suits could be filed.

Dougherty said that video taken from a Colorado State Patrol car showed that the power line "swung like a jump rope," but, during the press conference, both Dougherty and Johnson stressed that Xcel Energy classifies a downed power line as a line that actually hits the ground.

Xcel officials quickly released a statement on Thursday disputing the damaged powerline accusation from investigators, saying the analysis is flawed.

"We strongly disagree with any suggestion that Xcel Energys powerlines caused the second ignition, which according to the report started 80 to 110 feet away from Xcel Energys powerlines in an area with underground coal fire activity," the company stated. "Xcel Energy did not have the opportunity to review and comment on the analyses relied on by the Sheriffs Office and believes those analyses are flawed and their conclusions are incorrect."

Xcel officials instead put the blame squarely on Twelve Tribes.

Our thoughts are with the families and communities impacted by the devastating wildfire in Boulder County," the company stated. "We agree with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office report that the Marshall fire started as a result of an ignition on a property (5325 Eldorado Springs Drive) previously reported to be affiliated with an entity called the Twelve Tribes, and that this ignition had nothing to do with Xcel Energys powerlines."

The company added: "We have reviewed our maintenance records and believe the system was properly maintained. We operate and maintain our electric system consistent with leading energy service practices and were proud of our employees and the work they do to deliver safe, reliable and clean energy to our communities. As members of the Boulder community, we will continue to support our neighbors in this recovery.

A third possible cause of the Marshall fire  coal mine fires, which have been burning beneath the ground, caused a fire in 2005. During that time, temperatures on those coal seams were measured at 373 degrees. Dougherty explained that after 275 tons of material were dumped into the seams, temperatures decreased to below 90 degrees. He said there was never a high enough temperature to start a fire, but that investigators did not entirely rule out the possibility.

The Marshall fire's causes were determined using 266 body worn camera recordings and 450 photos captured by the body worn camera system. The Sheriffs Office also reviewed drone footage, and interviewed hundreds of witnesses.

Two people died in the Marshall fire and a third person died later while rebuilding a home destroyed in the blaze.

Robert Sharpe, 69, and Edna Turnbull, 91, died in the fire. Turnbull was evacuating her Superior home but turned around and went back inside to rescue her dogs. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office announced that investigators found small bone fragments in the area and she is presumed dead.

In March of this year, Eli Gabriella died while in the process of rebuilding a home, which was destroyed in the fire.

Gabriella's home was one of the first to be destroyed as it was located near Marshall Road and Colorado Highway 93. His death was the third associated with the 2021 blaze.

The Marshall fire was Colorado's most devastating fire in state history, destroying 1,084 homes, and damaging 149 more in Superior, Louisville and unincorporated Boulder County. It destroyed seven businesses and is estimated to have caused more than $2 billion in damages.

Johnson, a division chief at the time of the fire, lost his home, along with 139 other people who live in Louisville's Coal Creek Canyon subdivision. He worked all night and his wife found out their home was gone from watching news footage. Because she started calling insurance companies on the day of the fire, they were in an apartment the next day.

Johnson had a pair of gym shorts, a couple pairs of socks and no underwear to his name. The Marshall fire changed the way he looks at life, he said.

"Before, if someone gave me a nice bottle of bourbon, I'd keep it on a shelf," Johnson said. "Now, stuff doesn't matter. I don't need 22 polo shirts."

Brigitte Towo, who lives near the Twelve Tribe property, is angry about the fact that the devastating fire she called "an inferno" started on their property.

"I'm upset because we'll never really find the truth. I guess we will have to accept that nature played a bad trick on us that day," she said.

Johnson acknowledged that Marshall fire victims will be all over the spectrum when it comes to their reaction to the cause of the blaze. He and his wife have made the choice to look to the future.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"Im moving forward because for me its important to reclaim my life after the fire. I'm going to plant my flag and get back in my neighborhood," he said.

Boulder County Commissioners released a statement thanking investigators and urging those affected by the Marshall fire to take care if their mental health.

"The Boulder County Commissioners are grateful to the detectives and many experts who worked diligently to determine the origin of this devasting fire and to Sheriff Curtis Johnson, DA Michael Dougherty, and former Sheriff Joe Pelle for their leadership," the commissioners said. "Our community has suffered deep trauma from the Marshall fire, which will take many years to heal from, and we recognize that todays announcement may very well not bring about the closure that many community members are looking for."

View body worn cameras of Boulder County Sheriff deputies from Dec. 30. 2021, the day of the fire here.

Listen to audio from various law enforcement entities from Dec. 30, 2021 here.

Chronology of the morning of Dec. 30, according to dispatch reports

Dec. 30, 2021

11:08 a.m.

Dispatcher sends fire personnel to Marshall Road and Highway 93 on a report of a possible downed power line. There is a possibility of smoke in the area and of a possible power line down.

11:09 a.m.

Kelly McBride with Boulder County Open Space tells dispatch she is in the area.

11:19 a.m.

Smoke is seen coming from land owned by The Twelve Tribes at Eldorado Road and Marshall Road.

11:20 a.m.

McBride and firefighters arrive at the Twelve Tribes property where a fire is burning.

11:23-11:24 a.m.

McBride calls for additional units as the fire on the TT property is getting worse. Dispatch is now calling it a wildland fire.

First house is evacuated.

Smoke is pushing east

11:27 a.m.

Fire at 12 Tribes grows

11:31 a.m.

We have structures involved. Im gonna need additional engines for this fire, reported McBride.

Flames have now set a shed on fire on the 12 Tribes property

11:31 a.m.

Meanwhile, winds are intense and smoke is getting worse at Marshall Mesa Trailhead.

11:42 a.m.

Shed is going up in flames

11:51 a.m.

Shed is burnt to the ground.

Noon

McBride notes a new smoke plume near Marshall Trailhead.
To understand the culture wars and the dangerous political chasms that divide us, we can realize that its too early to tell if the experiment called America will be successful. We sincerely believe in the idea, but E Pluribus Unum is not yet a reality. We have made positive gains but we have not yet completely surmounted the challenges presented by social and economic inequality, represented by that overlooked reality of social classes, the composition of which is usually determined by ethnicity and race. This should compel us to focus on the attachment to ethnic identities, another overlooked characteristic that we think is not important anymore. But it is.

Ethnicity is complicated enough. It is made even more so by the color line, the separation between Whites, Blacks, Latinos, and other so-called people of color. As I tell my students, even a cursory reading of the daily news reveals that we lag in the struggle to resolve the conflict posed by race, the biggest obstacle to American unity. Together, race and ethnicity are the subjects of the discipline called American Ethnic Studies.

Ethnicity is about a peoples shared culture, language, struggles, accomplishments, history and identity. Race is about phenotypes, the physical characteristics exhibited by, for instance, sub-Saharan Africans and Europeans. But lest we become too fixated on racial differences, anthropologists now insist that genetic differences among humans are so slight that the whole concept of race has been called into question.

Reflecting this distinction, I teach Ethnic Studies in two phases: first, as a definition of the many ethnic groups that have made us a nation of immigrants, and after that an analysis of American race relations. Whats important to know is that along with racism against people of color, there has also been blatant discrimination against certain groups of white Europeans. The secret of American Ethnic Studies is the story of that injustice.

So much of American history is about Euro-American assimilation, or in more realistic terms, their acculturation. Acculturation denotes some significant retention of ethnic identities separate from that of the host ethnic group, the English Americans. The English Americans are an ethnic group, but we dont think of them that way because they are the dominant group.

The English language and the customs and traditions of English forebears define American identity. What is not English is seen as ethnic. There has been terrible injustice inflicted against those deemed inferior to the Anglo Saxons, as the English Americans identified themselves. The histories of two Euro-American groups, the Irish and the Italians bear this out. A brief summary can illustrate this.

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Ireland was oppressively ruled by the English for hundreds of years. The Protestant English looked at the Celtic Catholic Irish as an inferior species. This was a racist attitude. The famous ironic satire, A Modest Proposal, by the Anglican cleric, Jonathan Swift, in which he shockingly proposed raising Irish babies for slaughter to feed the starving masses, was a revealing insight into the attitudes of the English overlords. Swift was a good man and he wanted to shock people out of their racist attitudes. But injustices continued. In 1845-1846, Ireland was devastated by the potato famine.

Out of a population of 8 million, 2 million starved to death and another 2 million immigrated to the U.S. and Australia. The British government could have fed the Irish but chose not to.

In the last decades of the 19th century, hundreds of thousands of impoverished Italians and Sicilians fled poverty and feudal peonage and came to America.

For decades they occupied the low rungs on the economic ladder now held by Mexicans and other Latinos. Italians were considered to be genetically prone to crime. The mafiosi stereotype still persists. Again, this is racism directed by Whites against other Whites. It was not until WWII and the heroic record of patriotic Italian American soldiers that Italians were judged good enough to be full-fledged Americans. Parts of the country have vestiges of White-on-White racism persist. In Colorado, we might not see it, but in East Coast cities traces of it linger in ethnic segregation.

Joe Barrera, Ph.D., is the former director of the Ethnic Studies Program at UCCS. In addition to American Ethnic Studies, he teaches Mexico-U.S. Border Studies and U.S. Military History.
Wednesdays deadline for Gov. Jared Polis to sign or veto the bevy of bills sent his way by the now-adjourned 2023 General Assembly had him working overtime to make or break the legislative agenda of ruling Democrats. It was a reckless agenda that tried to outflank the governor  well to his left  and he deserves credit for swatting down at least some of it.

Polis, a Democrat of course, doesnt wield his veto pen very often against his party  certainly not as often as he should. So heres kudos for a couple of well-placed vetoes as well as an imminent executive order, all of which push back at a Legislature increasingly bent on lawmaking from the political fringe.

This years irresponsible and, often enough, irrational legislation needs reining in, and its refreshing to see Polis put his foot down. He vetoed:

House Bill 23-1190. It would have given any Colorado municipality the right of first refusal in purchasing any apartment complex. A building owner who put their property up for sale would have been required to sell to city hall regardless of other offers. Cities would take title to those properties and run them  or, thats how it was supposed to work. In reality, picture dilapidated rentals where no one could be evicted. Think of the housing projects in inner-city New York or Chicago. The bill would have undermined Colorado's rental market and set off an alarm for investors nationwide to avoid building more rentals in Colorado.

It would have given any Colorado municipality the right of first refusal in purchasing any apartment complex. A building owner who put their property up for sale would have been required to sell to city hall regardless of other offers. Cities would take title to those properties and run them  or, thats how it was supposed to work. In reality, picture dilapidated rentals where no one could be evicted. Think of the housing projects in inner-city New York or Chicago. The bill would have undermined Colorado's rental market and set off an alarm for investors nationwide to avoid building more rentals in Colorado. House Bill 23-1258. It would have created the Evaluating the Costs Associated with Enforcement of Drug Laws and Incarceration for Drug Crimes Task Force, which would submit a report to the Legislature. The task forces mandate stacked the deck. It aimed to calculate the costs associated with enforcement of drug laws  but not the costs of decriminalization. So, the task forces work would have been a foregone conclusion. The governors veto letter acknowledged as much, noting widespread, concerns that the bill is designed to produce recommendations solely on reducing drug crime enforcement, without evaluating any savings or benefits associated with drug crime enforcement.

Our third cheer for the governor recognizes his pledge in that same veto letter to issue an executive order resuscitating some version of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. The commission was an obscure but influential panel of experts from Colorados legal and criminal justice communities who reviewed proposed legislation to assess its strengths and weaknesses.

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

The commission also could vote to endorse legislation. Until, that is, just before the end of the session. Thats when radical justice reform Democrats in charge of the House Judiciary Committee voted at the eleventh hour to kill the commission, when no one was looking.

The Judiciary Committee majority apparently viewed the commission as a hurdle to their most outlandish justice-reform bills. As Gazette columnist and former 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler wrote after the committees sly and move, Gone is the last impediment to the introduction of even more bonkers legislation.

This week, the governor came to the rescue. He stated in his veto letter on HB 23-1258 that, The work that this legislation aims to achieve underscores the importance of the state having a multidisciplinary commission with broad representation from across the spectrum such as the CCJJ. Shortly I will be taking executive action to continue some of the work of the CCJJ 

Take that, House Judiciary. And good for you, Gov. Polis.
Vapes are tobacco products

Dancing bears, cartoons, and flashing lights describe a device for adults but its designed to hook our children.

Twenty-one is the legal age to purchase any tobacco products, yet schools are filled with youths sneaking around campus, passing off vapes to each other to get a hit. Extra measures are a necessity today to protect and prevent students from filling school airways with the poisonous vapors.

Cigarettes and tobacco products are heavily legislated. Why arent vapes?

I dont see the Marlboro Man busting a move in front of a fast-food place geared towards kids. But I saw a cute, furry, dancing bear one day in front of a family restaurant. Why isnt the imitation Care Bear restricted to being in front of the store he actually represents? Why is he allowed at all?

Candy cigarettes are mostly banned all over the globe. In the U.S., theyve been rebranded as candy sticks and, in some parts, banned.

Why arent vapes being treated like the rest of the tobacco industry? Theyre tobacco products. And THC vapes are making their way to our kids, then theres the added fruity ingredients that attract our kids, causing more damage.

Ive seen nasal damage to a teen from vaping that only surgery can correct.

The temptation our kids face is real. Its in front of them every day from their peers, TV, social media, and more.

More taxes wont work. When was the last time you heard a teen complain about taxes?

Vapes need to be regulated as heavily as all tobacco products. Get them out of the hands of our kids! Hold stores accountable  card for both alcohol and all tobacco productsalways!

Theres no reason to package vapes with cartoons and flashing colored lights. Theres no reason for dancing bears on street corners.

Jodi Artzberger

Colorado Springs

The intolerance seed

Remembering another outrageous Colorado College graduation, this time in 1986. I was invited and attended when U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo.) was the invited speaker. The students and the faculty on stage showed their disrespect by wearing black arm bands. Simpson had relatives who attended CC, as did Liz Cheney. To me this seemed a turning point and the beginning of rude and undisciplined behavior by the students and faculty toward speakers that were invited by the college.

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Over the years, the college has become very liberal, an embarrassment to alumni and to the city. The intolerance seed was planted and continues to grow with seeming acceptance by CC.

Barbara Kendall, CC Class of 1962

Monument

Environmental problems are real

Actually, the kids are right. Stephen Moores disparagement of our younger generation is totally misplaced. The data and the science clearly show that emissions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) into the atmosphere are changing the climate at a rate that is thousands of times faster than normal geological changes. These changes are having major impacts on human society with higher temperatures, wild fires and more dramatic swings in weather that result in crop loss due to greater droughts in dry areas and bigger floods in wet areas.

At the start of the industrial revolution, there were 1 billion people. This year we will reach 8 billion people. Mechanization of farming with new crop varieties, synthetic fertilizers, and chemicals to control insects and weeds has enabled feeding them. The standard of living for billions of people has been greatly increased while other billions have not experienced such luxuries. This has not happened without costs.

Climate change is one side effect, as are toxic chemicals in our water and air, huge piles of solid waste, and continuing depletion of aquifers. People can deal with environmental issues when we put our minds to it. Control of DDT, lead, ozone, and toxic air pollution have made notable progress.

Environmental problems are real, and it is time we address them. The solutions are neither as easy as some advocates imply, nor as impossible as Moore and others suggest. We are not going back to hunter-gatherer days nor the 1800 agrarian economy. We must stop the denial of environmental problems.

Perhaps we should think of the natural world as our largest capital asset. This asset is the family business of humans, and we should run this business as an ongoing operation that we can hand down to future generations.

Robert Jones

Colorado Springs

Where is the money going?

This spring, I have had the opportunity to travel in and out of Colorado. I want to commend Gov. Jared Polis and the CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. Colorado highways and secondary highways are in the worst condition I have seen! Where is the money going? Surely not into road maintenance or repair. We have hundreds of miles of well-maintained bike trails. The Colorado taxpayers should know who Lew is. Her father was the U.S. secretary of the treasury. Lew is a career government bureaucrat.

She received her masters in history and worked in the Obama administration. That should tell it all. There is more to the story Polis appointed her to the directors position at CDOT in 2019. She is also a liberal progressive environmentalist. This goes right along with all of Polis accomplishments.

Trig Travis

Aurora
The snowfall and spring rains of 2023 have provided a temporary sigh of relief for the situation on the Colorado River.

It allowed the three lower basin states on the Colorado River to submit a plan to the Bureau of Reclamation for water reductions of three million acre-feet over three years, instead of the four million acre-feet per year called for a year ago by bureau Commissioner Camille Touton. That means Lake Powell, currently at 3,568 feet, will likely increase by 70 feet this summer.

That's the good news.

But don't get used to it, according to Brad Udall, senior water and climate research scientist at Colorado State University's Colorado Water Center.

Udall set the scene for the 43rd annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources at CU-Boulder. This year's conference, focusing on Colorado River "short-term solutions to long-term sustainability," brought together a who's who of western water, law, tribal representatives, and federal officials. That includes Touton and Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Denver.

Udall blames some of the enthusiasm over this year's snowpack to amnesia.

"We've had good years since 2000, but we just don't have them in the frequency we need," he said.

People remember what they're experienced, he said, but memories of the bad years in the historic drought along the Colorado should be a better guide to the future.

Udall said in order to refill Lake Powell and Lake Mead, both of which are around 25% capacity and nearing a crisis point where the dams will struggle to produce hydropower, it would take about six consecutive years just 2023.

Since climate change means that's highly unlikely, Udall said the solution needs to include permanent reductions.

And as good as 2023 snowpack has been  levels in the lower basin states are at 250% of average, and 170% of average in the upper basin states  he said hydrology from the last 23 years indicates one bad year will return the nation's two largest reservoirs to 25% capacity.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Climate change will continue to contribute to the problems, Udall explained. That's resulted in a 1.1-degree Celsius increase and headed to 2.7 degrees warmer by 2100.

Part of the solution is to get emissions down as fast possible, he said.

On the precipitation side, the period from 2000-2022 is the worst 23-year running average since record-keeping started in 1893. Udall said he believes that decline is also human-caused, and more worrisome than the impact on temperature.

Udall called for Powell and Mead to be managed as one reservoir instead of two, and permanently remove at least 1.5 million acre-feet of demand from the system, every year.

Such a proposal would require efforts to maintain the Grand Canyon between them in a healthy way, as well as taking into account lower basin needs versus the total content of both.

Udall said it means saying: "Here's what we've got and how do we spend it, rather than the upper basin safeguarding its supply and hold back its water and the lower basin states using as much of their water as they possibly can."

That's a solution already agreed to by the six states in January and by California in a separate decision.

To stabilize the basin, it needs consistent upper basin demands, and 3 million acre-feet lower basin reductions when reservoirs drop below 15 million acre-feet, he said.

That 15 million represents the volume of water in the two reservoirs, Udall explained.

"2023 buys us time but expect large future warming to cause additional and substantial future flow declines," he added.

"Don't be lulled by this delightful year were having in the West. It's not likely in the future...We have to remember what were up against."
OSAGE  The First United Methodist Church in Osage will say goodbye to its historic building later this year and move to the former Masonic Lodge after the building is remodeled.

A special worship and fellowship time will be held in the church on June 25, although the congregation will not move from the building until this fall.

The move comes when church leaders recognized the growing challenges of keeping the 153-year-old building operating. A smaller congregation and high costs of maintenance prompted the decision, leaders say.

The church property has been sold and the building will be demolished within the year. The church membership approved the sale and move, as well as the purchase of the Masonic building, a more accessible and efficient space. Interim services will be held in another location, yet to be decided, beginning in the fall. The church parsonage has been sold and will be moved.

We are trying to keep as many of the church artifacts as we can, including the stained glass windows, said Administrative Council Chair Cal Nicklay.

Church members struggled over the decision, knowing the church building  the oldest in Osage  was not only a beloved site for the church, but for the community as well, said longtime member Penney Morse. We realized we could better serve our mission in a smaller space.

The first Methodist class was held in Osage in 1856, organized by the Rev. W. P. Holbrook. During the early years, members met in homes or schoolhouses and services were led by circuit riders  traveling pastors who traveled, often on horseback, to several churches within a district on a rotating basis.

A portion of the First Methodist Episcopal Church  called then the church lecture room in the basement of the church -- was built in 1870. The entire church was completed and its dedication was held on Sunday, March 29, 1874. Built at a cost of $13,500, it was announced on the day of its dedication that the church still owed $2,500 on its debt. The hat was passed and the entire sum was secured by the end of the day.

The original church looked much different than the one familiar to us today. The church was smaller and had a narrow spire. In the late 1890s, under the direction of the Rev. Bourland Smith, the church was enlarged, with the spire being replaced by the bell tower we know today.

A parsonage was built in 1875, and a new one was constructed on the same site east of the church in 1912. The church was later remodeled about the same time, giving it much of the look it has today. Later, an education and office wing was added to the north end of the building.

Thomas Atherton, in the Mitchell County Press, wrote that the new church is one of the best and most commodious in Northern Iowa, and stands as a befitting monument to the liberality, Christian spirit and enterprise of our citizens.

Invitation

Members of the First United Methodist Church are inviting the public to celebrate the churchs history and bid farewell to the historic building during special events on Sunday, June 25.

Worship with the Rev. Steve Hansen will be held at 10:45 a.m., followed by a pork sandwich meal at noon. There is no charge, but a free will offering will be donated to United Methodist Council on Relief (UMCOR) and the local food bank.

The day will end with a 1 p.m. program in the sanctuary. There will be a musical piece written for the 150th anniversary of the church performed by members of the high school band, a brief slideshow, and recognition ministers and the milestone events that occurred in the church for members of the audience.

The First UMC is located at 819 Main Street in Osage. For more information, call 641-732-4850 or email, fumcosage@hotmail.com.
On this set of episodes from Late Edition Crime Beat Chronicles, we sift through many details of the 2012 disappearance and death of 6-year-old Isabel Celis and 2014 kidnapping and murder of 13-year-old Maribel Gonzalez.

Youll be hearing from Arizona Daily Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt. But first, we travel back to April 25, 2012, shortly after Isabel first went missing.

Isabel was last seen by her parents at 11 p.m. on April 21 when she was put to bed. Her father discovered she was missing the next morning, police said. Police completed a search of the Celis home in the 5600 block of East 12th Street, near East Broadway and South Craycroft Road, at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday but would not comment on what was found.

Thousands of fliers were passed out. Landfills were searched as well as lakes and basins. Isabels parents Sergio and Becky Celis had come under some criticism for not speaking to the media or the public in the effort to find their daughter. More money poured into the search effort, but no more leads for years.

Then on June 3, 2014  two years after Isabel Celis first went missing  another young girl, Maribel Gonzalez, 13, told her mother she was going to a friends house. Three days later her body was found near West Avra Valley Road by a Pima County sheriffs deputy responding to a call about suspicious activity. A few days after her body was discovered, a Pima County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by unspecified means.

In March 2017, Isabels body was in a rural area of Pima County nearly five years after she disappeared. Police Chief Chris Magnus said it wasnt happenstance. An autopsy later that year confirmed it was a homicide. The bones that were recovered were redacted from the report, but an included chart of a human skeleton show part of a pelvis and several skull bones that are a darker color than the rest of the body.

Next time on Late Edition Crime Beat Chronicles, we go deeper into the connection between these two young girls cases and the man on trial for their murders. If you like what we do here at Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles, please be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Read more about the case
The Benelux delegation continued the second part of its joint mission to Africa with a working visit to Kenya on 7 June 2023.

MAEE (from l. to r.) Wopke Hoekstra, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs; William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs; Jeroen Cooreman, Director General for Bilateral Affairs, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. MAEE (from l. to r.) William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs MAEE (from l. to r.) Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs; Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, French Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships.

Following the working visit to Ghana, the Benelux Ministers travelled to Kenya, which plays a key role within the East African Community as the largest economy in East Africa and the third largest in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In Nairobi, the Benelux delegation opened the day with a working meeting with the EU Ambassadors to Kenya together with Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, the French Minister of State to the Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Development, the Francophonie and International Partnerships.

Minister Asselborn and his Dutch and Belgian colleagues were then received by the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, for a bilateral meeting. President Ruto was accompanied by his Minister for Defence, Aden Duale.

On the agenda were relations between the European Union and Africa, Benelux cooperation with Kenya, the situation in the Horn of Africa and the war in Ukraine.

Minister Asselborn and his Dutch counterpart, Wopke Hoekstra, discussed the partnership between the EU and Kenya, particularly in the areas of climate, sustainable development and trade.

The Benelux delegation and President Ruto then had an in-depth exchange of views on the security situation in the Horn of Africa region. Minister Asselborn praised Kenya's stabilising role in the whole region and the fact that Kenya has been hosting many refugees from the region for many years. The situation in Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia were particularly discussed in this context.

The meeting with the President was also an opportunity to raise the issue of the war in the Ukraine. The Benelux countries welcome Kenya's commitment to the United Nations Charter and its condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Minister Asselborn stressed that the war in Ukraine should not be seen as a purely European war, just as the conflict in Sudan should not be seen as a purely African conflict, since in each case universal values and respect for international law are being challenged, and the conflicts affect their region, but also the whole world.

Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
REIDSVILLE  Carl Lawrence McKinney, born on Flag Day in 1920, was his parents last child born and the first to die.

Newly married, the young Reidsville farmer had yet to start a family with his bride, Earline Parks, when he penned his deliberate signature on his draft card on June 30, 1942.

In fact, the couple had rushed to wed just before McKinney headed out to train for the U.S. Army and earn the rank of private first class.

Reidsville registrar G.C. Roberts of the local Draft Board checked off boxes that summer day, describing McKinneys physical characteristics  the kind of sobering details military personnel use to identify soldiers who perish on battlefields.

Complexion: Ruddy, Hair: Brown: Eyes: Blue. Height 61 Weight: 160 pounds.

Along with one other Rockingham County resident, Pvt. Francis McKinney, 19, of Reidsville, and 37 other North Carolinians, Carl McKinney died on the sands of Normandy on D-Day, roughly two years after he enlisted.

The McKinneys, who are believed to be cousins, likely traveled along the English Channel toward Normandy by boat, riding 6-foot waves and enduring winds of 35 mph that drove rain horizontally.

Francis McKinney was the son of Z.J. McKinney of Reidsville and enlisted in the US Army in February 1942 and was ranked as a private, according the North Carolina State Archives.

Relatives say they wonder how the young men felt that day.

After Allied soldiers like the McKinneys waded through the waist-high surf to the shores in the largest seaborne invasion in history, they faced harrowing obstacles  mines, barbed wire, and tripods placed in the sand by the Germans to impede them.

And thousands were casualties of heavy enemy gunfire from emplacements overlooking the beaches.

Carls body was returned to his parents, said Shirley McKinney of Reidsville, the wife of James Garland McKinney, who is Carls nephew and remembers his funeral.

His body was at his parents house, she said of the Route 1 Reidsville farmhouse where Lula and Joe Bush McKinney raised at least five children. My husband remembers the casket.

Carl McKinney, 23 when he died, is buried at the Thompsonville Baptist Church Cemetery in Reidsville. The burial place for Francis McKinney was not immediately available.

When Carl McKinneys widow reached old age, she gave her husbands Purple Heart and other medals for valor to his nephew, James Garland McKinney, to treasure.

He has since passed the keepsakes to his own grandson, a history buff who will likely keep the story of Carl alive for generations to come, his grandmother said.

We are free today because of the sacrifice made by our men and women on D-Day, said Boyd Bennett, a distant cousin of Carl McKinney and likely a distant relative of Francis McKinney, who calls Madison and Raleigh home.

I have been fortunate to visit the Normandy beaches and the American Cemetery there. It was a humbling experience, Bennett said. I am so proud of the McKinney(s) and their contribution to the security of our country.

For Rockingham County native Brad Bennett, a first cousin, twice-removed of Carl McKinney, his kinsmans sacrifice is exemplary of a time when duty to country was paramount to soldiers, he said.

My great-grandfather and Carls father were brothers, Brad Bennett said. I am proud he did his duty.... I just wish everyone understood what that generation sacrificed so we could all enjoy the life we now have.

A family dedicated to service, many McKinneys fought in WWII and returned home after the war. A photograph of Brad Bennetts grandfather James Ellison McKinney Sr., shows the farmer flanked by sons Francis Marion McKinney and James E. McKinney Jr. while home on leave.

The bravery of the McKinney men who died at Normandy is a reminder of hard-earned freedoms Americans must treasure, said Janelle Johnson, a member of the James Hunter Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a Rockingham County group.

She researched the men tirelessly, producing copies of their draft cards and photos of the men in uniform.

From the time of the American Revolution down to the present, men and women have made sacrifices, some even giving their lives, so that we may all enjoy the freedom that we do today, Johnson said. We must honor those sacrifices by forever remembering and honoring those individuals across our nation, and right here in Rockingham County, to whom we owe so much!
GREENSBORO  A Guilford County Superior Court judge agreed Monday to lift a five-year-old gag order on city council members that prevented them from commenting on police bodycam footage from a 2016 arrest.

Its been nearly seven years since the four men were arrested after they reportedly were kicked out of a McGee Street bar.

Zared Jones of Greensboro had alleged that Greensboro police officers harassed him and his friends during the incident, escalating tension and leading to their arrests in September 2016.

A 1-minute, 45-second video of the arrests posted on YouTube gained public attention in 2017. Court documents indicate there are about four hours of police bodycam footage from the incident.

Various groups, including the City of Greensboro, petitioned the Guilford County Superior Court for permission to release the bodycam footage. Such a petition is required under state law.

The citys petition, however, did not include allowing the public to see the video. City Attorney Chuck Watts said Tuesday that the City Council would have to request this in a new petition if it wants it publicly released.

In her 2018 order, Superior Court Judge Susan Bray  who has since retired from the bench  gave permission for the City Council, along with the citys Police Community Review Board and two of those arrested in the incident to review the bodycam footage. However, she also issued a gag order preventing them from publicly discussing it. Violation of the order carried up to a $500 fine and up to 30 days in prison, Bray ruled.

The city appealed the gag order up to the state Supreme Court, which found Bray had abused her discretion in the matter.

The matter was reheard by Judge Vance Bradford Long in Superior Court on Monday.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan said she watched the video years ago and that she didnt think Jones had a case.

As far as publicly releasing it, Vaughan expressed concerns that other people shown in the video may not want it released.

I am all for transparency and releasing videos, she said, but we also have to balance peoples right to privacy.

Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson said she hasnt watched the video. However, she said she will ask that the city file a petition to make them public.

I think people have a right to see it, she said. Part of their tax money is paying for the cameras.
Tuesday night, Greensboros City Council chamber was a sea of green and black, with some rainbow mixed in.

The room was so crowded that a TV and chairs were set up for an overflow audience, and the colorful display of T-shirts continued out there. Guilford for All in green, the NAACP in black, other local citizens turning out in Pride shirts and regular streetwear.

All of this color overshadowed Dustin Jones small group of backers who were wearing matching blue-gray shirts imprinted with phrases demonstrating their support for Jones. Jones was fired as a captain in the Greensboro Fire Department after apparent repeated warnings to cease posting homophobic, transphobic and racist content to social media. His doing so, the city argued, not only violated departmental policy but also compromised his ability to create a safe and open work environment for his department. The crowd gathered on Tuesday night agreed: Of the 28 speaking on the subject, 22 supported Jones termination.

Thats not remarkable; thats common sense. What is remarkable is that only days earlier Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson had launched a call to action, in an attempt to mobilize support around Jones. Robinson said in a radio interview: Its time for normal people to take a stand and absolutely flood this hall, encouraging his supporters to attend Greensboros City Council meeting. So, where were they?

Robinson announced his bid for governor just two months ago to a small crowd at Ace Speedway  an Alamance County haunt known for its Confederate flag-flying crowds and defiance of COVID-19 health ordinances. He made clear that day and all the days since that he plans on running his campaign in the same way he launched his political career: with fiery attacks and extremist talking points. Because of his refusal to back down from his most hateful comments and his insistence on owning the libs, Mark Robinson has become a darling of the far right. He regularly appears on MAGA talk shows across the country and shows up as a keynote speaker at Moms for Liberty events, Trump rallies and similar ilk.

Despite all his talk, however, Robinson didnt show up to support Dustin Jones last Tuesday night. Jones sat at the City Council meeting with his wife and a handful of supporters, arms crossed, looking dejected in the back of the room.

Robinson did, of course, show up on stage at the North Carolina GOP Convention this weekend here alongside Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, grandstanding, working the crowd and expressing outrage over his regular litany of complaints.

With such a big platform why cant Mark Robinson mobilize his supporters to a simple City Council meeting? Robinson has a huge megaphone as an elected official and as a candidate, but the people who actually mobilized their neighbors to City Council this week just have their cellphones and Facebook pages. How was his call to action so dramatically outplayed by regular old local Greensboro people?

The truth is, Robinson is wildly unpopular here in his hometown. When he made a fiery, angry pro-gun speech a few years back (in the City Council chamber, in fact), no one knew who Mark Robinson was. He hadnt been active in the community, he hadnt been a staple at church dinners or charity events, he wasnt known to be a do-gooder or volunteer, and he wasnt a familiar face to the civically involved.

But his speech used all the right angry buzzwords that the right wing media snatched it up, catapulting Robinson into echo-chamber fame and launching his political career. But the people in Greensboro werent impressed by what they saw. We knew that if Mark Robinson wasnt loud and mean, hed still be a regular Greensboro nobody.

Since then, Mark Robinson has only continued to alienate his hometown  and most of the state. Robinson actively degrades and dismisses women. He says that we are called to be led by men and not women. He has said that when a woman becomes pregnant her body is not her own, has called a woman who had an abortion a heffer, and said that feminism is the work of the devil and his minions. Greensboro is 54% female (U.S. Census 2022).

Robinson famously rails against the LGBTQIA+ community, calling it filth. He has characterized transgender rights as demonic. He has said loving God and being an LGBTQIA+ ally are incompatible. More than half of Greensboros population considers themselves religious, Greensboro ranks fourth in the nation for the number of churches per capita, and the HRC has rated Greensboro as the most LGBTQ-friendly city in North Carolina.

Those offenses cut deep anywhere, not just in Greensboro. But Robinsons attacks on the Black community and the civil rights movement are particularly cruel in his hometown, given our citys proud history. Robinson has frequently referred to the civil rights era as the so-called civil rights movement and has criticized the Greensboro lunch counter protests as a ridiculous premise designed to pull the rug out from underneath capitalism and free choice and the free market. He has attacked the entire freedom movement, saying so many freedoms were lost.

There is a reason the normal people for Dustin Jones didnt flood city hall at Robinsons command: Greensboros normal people are nothing like Robinson or Jones. Normal people here are compassionate, diverse, welcoming and kind. They invest in this city, not through hate or grandstanding, but through engagement and community.

Neither Dustin Jones nor Mark Robinson will be Greensboros favorite son. Thankfully, we have hundreds of thousands of others to choose from.
"Carmen" (R)

At the Myrna Loy

Grade: B+

Fans of Bizets opera Carmen are advised not to belt out the aria Habanera before heading out to see the movie Carmen at the Myrna.

I made that mistake before discovering the movie bears only a loose poetic resemblance to the opera.

The Bizet music is missing. Yes, there is dancing and a lush score  and the tempting Carmen is the flame that draws moths to the fire.

One critic who revisited the 150 film adaptations concluded this was the worst adaptation of the story in nearly 150 years of filmmakers global fixation on the classic.

Well, pardon me for living, but I enjoyed Carmen as a surreal cinematic poem.

The creative team includes a choreographer with the New York City Ballet, a cinematographer who worked with Terrence Mallick, and a composer who wrote the score for Succession.

These artists led the dance, and invited actors to follow  politely requesting they dont step on toes.

This film is designed to be absorbed with the heart and the soul, while leaving our rational minds at home in a locked box.

The story? Yes, I suppose. Its been transported to the Americas.

Carmens mom is cruelly killed so Carmen seeks safety in America. During a border-crossing-gone bad, a soldier saves her life. They take flight together.

Director Benjamin Millepied was a dancer and choreographer, and the movements in Carmen are often the narrative. The characters will be walking one moment, sliding, twirling and leaping the next. The flamenco interludes do not interrupt, they deepen.

The score is written by Benjamin Millepied, whose notes combining choral with instrumental seem celestial at times.

Cinematographer Jorg Widmer, who contributed to the Mallicks surreal Tree of Life, has talked in interviews of how lighting actually directs actors.

Brightness and light determined the space of the actors, basically co-directing the shots and the scenes.

Thats how I felt about the entire film. The mystical choral sounds, the cloud-like movements and the four-seasons lighting are the foreground, faintly visible in the background.

At the center of course, is Carmen, the elusive siren who, yes, looks good in red. Her love for the awkward vet evolves from reluctant to passionate.

All other characters, including soldier boy, are quiet, but there are good Samaritans who risk their lives to help the fleeing souls. Love for immigrants forms the films spiritual underscore.

If we engage our minds to decode the story, magic of this poem dissolves.

But if we simply let the sounds and sights pour over us, and invite them to sink deep, the journey to freedom is mesmerizing, hypnotic.
By Thursday morning, a handful of bills  including some major policies passed by lawmakers in the recently adjourned legislative session and the $14.4 billion state budget bill  were still waiting to be signed by the state Senate president.

Bills are being transmitted to the governor in an orderly fashion instead of all at once following the surprise end to the legislative session that the Democrats engineered. The remaining bills will be transmitted to the governor before they need to go into effect, meaning soon at this point, Senate GOP spokesperson Kyle Schmauch said in a text message Thursday.

Last week, legislative Democrats in the House and Senate sent a letter to Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, imploring him to move the legislation along.

"Over 20 working days have passed since we adjourned. One legislator should not be able to unduly delay or otherwise obstruct a bill passed by a majority of the Legislature," the letter read.

The minority legislators had not yet received a response to the letter, but a spokesperson for minority leadership said Ellsworth had indicated he would sign the bills soon.

Legislative records show five bills have been sent to Gianforte since May 26; all have been acted on.

"The governor has no bills in his possession, and recently signed SB 19 and SB 351 into law. He looks forward to reviewing the remaining bills when they reach his desk," a spokesperson for Gianforte said Thursday.

The states budget is among those that still need to be moved to Gov. Greg Gianforte. The budget would kick in July 1.

Senate Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, sent a letter to Gianforte on May 18 making suggestions for several line-item vetoes to the state budget, House Bill 2, the most significant of which relate to increases approved by lawmakers to the rates paid Medicaid care providers in the state.

Lawmakers increased the rates beyond what Gianforte proposed in his budget, and later changes in the Senate before the end of the session boosted rates even higher, to nearly 100% of the benchmark suggested in a recent study.

It is my understanding the benchmarks are calculated as an average cost and are not weighted by utilization, Fitzpatrick wrote. In addition, the benchmark numbers may include providers which do not operate efficiently and thus have higher operating costs than necessary.

Fitzpatrick wrote that by funding rates at 100% of benchmark, the state of Montana could actually be overpaying for services. He also said nothing in the state budget requires that providers who get paid more in turn pass that along to their employees through raises or better benefits.

Fitzpatrick asked Gianforte to strike the Senates late changes  a $15 million addition  but preserve the Legislature's previous ones, leaving the rates at 97% of the benchmark.

Other bills in limbo include a housing bill from Rep. Paul Green, R-Hardin. House Bill 819 was one of the biggest bills in play at the finale of the legislative session, and ended up being the vehicle that retained parts of Gianfortes major housing proposal that legislators scrapped during the session.

The bill was called a "conglomeration" of other proposals. Gianforte initially wanted a $200 million revolving loan fund to help communities pay for some infrastructure projects such as expanding water, wastewater, stormwater, streets, roads, curbs, gutters and more for new and rehabilitated areas. Green's bill ended up with $107 million for that, along with a $50 million revolving loan fund to buy down mortgages for eligible households and $50 million from coal severance tax dollars for loans for affordable housing.

Green said he was in Helena in part on Thursday to discuss the status of the bill.

It sounds like theyre kind of walking through these bills in a fairly structured order and staff want to make sure they understand, Green said, adding hed been discussing details of the legislation with the governors staff so they could better communicate its contents to the governor.

Green said he was aware of recent travel by the governor and Ellsworth that may also have played a role in the timing of legislation not yet advancing to Gianforte, but said hed been told to expect a bill signing ceremony with the governor.

He added that the legislation contains a part of the governors original request of legislators and got bipartisan support in the Legislature, along with strong backing from the public and private sector.

"Everybody looks at this as a beta test because its so completely different, but they think its a unique idea that could be replicated in different places, Green said of the bill.

Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, is another legislator with a bill still awaiting Ellsworths signature. His House Bill 332 would create a $40 million trust fund for schools to help pay for health insurance coverage for employees.

I have seen no indication that House Bill 332 is going to be vetoed or subject to veto at this point, Bedey said. Its my take that this is just the long process necessary to clean the abrupt ending of the session.

Bedeys reference was to the motion to adjourn the session made by Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, which passed the Senate with support from Republicans and Democrats, before the House had finished their work.

The abrupt end of the session has made it difficult, Bedey said.

Gianforte has vetoed 25 bills so far from this legislative session, according to the Legislature's bill tracking website. Last session, his first, he vetoed 15.

State Rep. John Fitzpatrick's House Bill 355, which would move $267 million from the state general fund to the Department of Commerce to administer grants for local infrastructure projects, is also in limbo.

Via text message on Thursday, Fitzpatrick said there is nothing to talk about. It gets there when it gets there of the status of the bill.

Another bill in the mix is $7 million for the state's Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship, which would lower co-pays for the program and increase eligibility.

The other bill awaiting Ellsworth's signature, according the Legislature's bill tracking website, is House Bill 587 to revise school finance laws related to property taxes.
The question of whether a controversial Montana law banning vaccine discrimination can be enforced on Native American reservations will remain unanswered after the Blackfeet Nation and a local economic development council said in May they would drop their lawsuit on the issue.

The Blackfeet and the Glacier County Regional Port Authority said in federal court filings that the case is moot after a state hearings panel earlier in May dismissed a Cut Bank mans complaint against the port authority. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris had not ordered the federal case closed as of June 7, but the plaintiffs in the case said they expected him to do so.

J.R. Myers, a Glacier County resident who is not a Blackfeet tribal member, lodged his complaint with the state over a November 2021 port authority meeting on tribal land that required attendees to be vaccinated against covid-19, in compliance with a tribal ordinance in effect at the time. Myers alleged the vaccination requirement violated the state law passed six months earlier that bans public and private organizations from discriminating against people based on their vaccination status.

In response, the port authority filed its lawsuit against the state in U.S. District Court. The Blackfeet later joined the case. The plaintiffs sought a ruling that said the state does not have jurisdiction to enforce the law on tribal land, even though the port authority that hosted the meeting is not a tribal entity.

In May, the state Department of Labor & Industry dismissed Myers complaint because Myers did not try to go to the meeting.

Myers cannot claim damages or injury when he did not even attempt to attend this meeting, and cannot show that he was refused from attending due to his vaccination status, wrote hearing officer Jeffrey Doud in his dismissal of Myers complaint.

As a result, the Blackfeet and the port authority asked Morris to dismiss their federal lawsuit, as well. That means the dispute over enforcing the state law on tribal land will go unresolved for now, according to Mark Carter, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund who represented the Blackfeet.

This case did not create any precedent on the issue, but it is clear from the states briefs that it believes it has the authority to sanction non-state entities that are complying with tribal law but may be in conflict with state law, Carter said.

The tribe considers that an infringement on its sovereignty, Carter added, particularly as it relates to an ordinance passed "to protect the health and welfare of its citizens and all those within the boundaries of Blackfeet Nation lands."

The state labor department, the agency that dismissed the complaint against Myers and whose head is named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, declined to comment.
BRISTOL, Va.  Southwest Virginia rolled out the red carpet Wednesday for a delegation of officials from various struggling U.S. coal communities eager to learn more about economic diversification efforts.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum hosted a reception for the Coal Communities Commitment Coalition, a leadership and peer-learning network of 20 local leaders who come to learn about different economic diversification strategies.

Several Virginia state officials were also on hand, eager to show off some Southwest Virginia success stories.

The coalition is part of the National Association of Counties Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities initiative and supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Will Payne, the director of InvestSWVA and a member of the coalition, said this was the first outing for the group and a great opportunity to showcase this region.

There will be four site visits in the next two years and Virginia was selected to go first, Payne said. I think its because of the creative strategies that were using to diversify the economy. Were going to focus on areas weve had success. Thats clean energy deployment, tech company recruitment in rural areas and our efforts to create a specialty grain resurgence.

Were proud of all the strategies weve employed in the last few years and this is our opportunity to showcase to economic development leaders around the country that we have some creative strategies that can be taken and tried elsewhere, he said.

Toni Brown, with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, said the agency is happy to support efforts to assist communities.

Were thrilled to have invested in NACos work and what theyre doing to bring together groups like this to learn, to see whats working and to inspire new ideas across the country, Brown said.

Ten states were represented including Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia, as well as Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, Utah and Wyoming.

Marc Kiehna, a County Commissioner from Randolph County, Ill., said his community  located along the Mississippi River south of St. Louis  is still reeling because of the shrinking market for the coal historically mined and used at a major power plant there.

We still have some coal mines operating but the sulfur content forced us to quit burning that so many of our miners moved to West Virginia to find work, Kiehna said. Seven or eight years ago, the county used to get close to $2 million from coal, property tax and sales. Now we get about $300,000.

He said hes anxious to learn more about what is working in this region.

Kiehna said his home county is marketing its assets including historic sites, water recreation and tourism. He estimated the county of 32,000 people makes about $35 million annually from tourism.

Dan Mosley, the judge executive from Harlan County, Kentucky, said coal mining is currently enjoying a resurgence there but they continue deploying multiple diversification strategies.

We have as many people mining coal now as we did in 2012, which was one of our peaks. It fell off through about 2019 but, during COVID, the coal business picked back up, Mosley said. During the bust we focused on technology diversification. There are so many jobs in this country where people can work remotely from home as long as they have good Internet service so expanding broadband has been a big key for us.

The county created a tele-work hub where people could be trained to work remotely for a major company, get an interview, get the job and go home and work, he said.

Tourism is also prominent there, with a 15,000 acre park where people can spend the weekend and ride ATVs on trails or visit a theme park-style ride called Portal 31 which reflects the history of the coal industry.

Sandi Curd, Promise Zone Coordinator for Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation serves an eight-county region in that states southeast corner.

Weve had a real loss of population. People think about workforce but it destabilizes your community civic organizations, local government, payroll taxes, she said. Weve been working on diversification of the economy. Coal can play a part but not 100%. We were the number one area most dependent on coal.

Broadband and working remotely is also a key part of their strategy, she said.

The group is scheduled to visit the Delta Lab, a previously mined site in Wise County, see a program on tele-work in Big Stone Gap and visit the Appalachian Grains site in Norton on Thursday and then have attend a program on tourism recreation and community revitalization Friday in Bristol.
ST. PAUL, VA  The Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority recently received a grant worth up to $50,000 to help market Southwest Virginia.

The grant, from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA), is a tourism capital improvement matching fund grant, according to a written statement.

The Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority (HOA) was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1993 to promote, expand and develop the tourism industries of this coal-producing region as a whole. It covers the same eight localities as VCEDA.

The Heart of Appalachia has been an integral part of the marketing of the region as a tourism destination and that has also served to support smaller tourism-related businesses throughout the region, said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. VCEDA is pleased to assist in the continued marketing efforts of the authority as it promotes the region as a travel destination.

Tourism is an important part of economic development statewide, including in our region, as it both directly and indirectly assists venues in the region to continue to thrive and grow. HOA projects employing one additional full-time and one additional part-time employee within four years, Belcher said.

Virginia tourism supported a total of 255,764 jobs statewide when indirect and induced impacts are considered. The tourism sector, it noted, represents 5 % of all jobs in Virginia, according to a 2020 study released by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Among the planned uses for the grant includes printing of tourism marketing materials including the Appalachian Backroads map and Heart of Appalachia travel guide. The funds will also be used to develop and revive the Heart of Appalachia Scenic Drive and Bike Route, which was established more than 20 years ago and stretches more than 100 miles though Tazewell, Russell and Wise counties, according to the statement.

With these funds, we will update and redesign our print marketing materials, which serve as windows into the beauty and cultural heritage of our region, said Kim Smith, Heart of Appalachia interim director. These materials are requested daily by potential tourists from all over the U.S. and as far away as Iceland and are distributed across multiple states through our partners, Print Distribution and Virginia Tourism.

Since 2001, not including the current grant, the authority has received multiple grants totaling $310,000 from VCEDA which have been utilized for operational and marketing costs as well as for equipment and for the destination center project in St. Paul.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  After 46 years of working for the Sullivan County school system, Evelyn Rafalowski said goodbye to the Sullivan County School Board at Mondays meeting.

Ill miss being a part of this board and a part of Sullivan County schools, Rafalowski said. This has been my life for 46 years, as an employee and then for 12 years as a student. So, Ive spent my life here in Sullivan County schools.

It was an emotional night.

Thank you for the friendship all these years Evelyn, said Sullivan County School board member Mary Rouse as she fought back tears.

In his remarks Sullivan County, Tenn. Schools Vice-chairman Michael Hughes emphasized what an honor it has been to work alongside Rafalowski, who always led by example.

Youre the one person that always said its about the kids, and in every single thing you ever did, you reflected that, Hughes said. Its been an honor, and just because youre retiring doesnt mean you have to be a stranger.

This is not the first time that Rafalowski has said her goodbyes to the Sullivan County school system. She served as Sullivan Countys director of schools from 2015 to 2019. In 2021 Rafalowski took over the reins once more after former superintendent David Cox retired.

Sullivan County School Board member Mark Ireson highlighted that he did not fully appreciate all the work Rafalowski did for the school system until she left the first time.

I said it before, and Ill say it now openly and publicly to anybody listening. I didnt realize the job that she did until she left the first time, Ireson said. Thank you so much for all you did.

Looking back, Rafalowski is proud of what the school board has achieved under her guidance.

I would never have dreamt where my career would have landed me, and I certainly hope that Ive never been a disappointment, Rafalowski said. I think weve accomplished a lot of great things together as a team.

As Rafalowski moves on to the next phase of her life, she highlighted that she would continue to be a cheerleader for Sullivan County schools and emphasized that she will miss everything to do with the kids.

I will miss any and everything to do with the kids because thats what its always been about for me, Rafalowski said. Ill be a cheerleader for this team, a cheerleader for this school district. Im heavily invested in my love, and what I think of the school district will never diminish.

A graduate of East Tennessee State University, she began her career as a physical education teacher at Colonial Heights Junior High.

Career stops included the former Lynn View High School, Sullivan North, Sullivan Central and then into administration. She became the countys first female director of schools in 2015.

Rafalowski is looking forward to picking up quilting again, as well as working on her yard and spending time with her family.

Chuck Carter is set to take over as the Sullivan County Schools Director of Schools starting in July.

On Monday, the Sullivan County School board also announced the resignation of their longtime attorney Pat Hull.
BRISTOL, Va.  The Bristol Virginia School Board is expected to meet later this month to finalize lingering details about its 2023-24 operating budget.

While the proposed $41.2 million operating budget document was approved weeks ago, two major questions remain. What level raise will employees receive once the new fiscal year begins July 1 and what about a $500,000 funding gap? A difference sparked when the City Council adjusted its funding, providing a $500,000 increase, half of what was included in the boards draft budget.

The primary holdup is the state budget, which remains in limbo as budget negotiators wait out June 20 primary elections and remain divided over tax cuts proposed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin the appropriate level of new funding for education.

The present House budget included more spending on K-12 public education, including a 5% pay increase for Standards of Quality-funded teaching positions, plus invest more in higher education. The Senate plan would increase K-12 spending proposed by the governor by about $600,000 and features a proposed 7% pay hike for teachers.

Were prepared for a 5% raise and were prepared for a 7% raise. So long as they dont surprise us, we should be good, Perrigan told the board at its Monday meeting.

Board members agreed to be on standby, once the state completes its budget  potentially the last week of this month  to come in to approve the spending plan. A quorum of three of the five members would have to participate in the meeting  either in person or virtually by phone or zoom. The budget would take effect when the new fiscal year begins July 1.

The question that remains is it a 5% raise? Is it a 7% raise? What is the states share of that and how does that effect required local effort?, according to Superintendent Keith Perrigan. Either way Bristol is going to be better off than most folks because we did the 10% increase last year so our folks are going to, at least, get a 15% raise over the biennium.

School officials have resolved that funding gap.

We are going to reimburse ourselves some ESSER funds and some local contingency [money] we have put into this. Well fill that gap with the $500,000 that were getting reimbursed because of money weve spent on the new school project that is eligible for reimbursement, Perrigan said.
The owner of Amos Essential Oils and a Newton man were both sentenced to more than eight years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine.

Shawn Lamont Hickman, 32, of Newton, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Amos Lamont Bruen, 47, of Valdese, was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison on a charge of distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Dena King said.

Both men pleaded guilty. Bruen entered his plea on Nov. 22, 2022. Hickman entered his plea on Feb. 14, 2023, King said.

In addition to the prison terms, Hickman and Bruen were each ordered to serve four years of supervised release after they are released from prison. The men were sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell, King said.

Beginning in December 2021, law enforcement became aware that Bruen was dealing narcotics out of a business he owned in Hickory called Amos Essential Oils, according to documents and information presented in court, King said.

An undercover officer visited Bruens business and arranged to purchase narcotics from Bruen, King said. Between December 2021 and February 2022, the undercover officer met several times with Bruen at his store and conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine totaling more than 1.5 kilograms. Court records show that Hickman was present on several occasions while the undercover officer was conducting the controlled purchases, often armed with a firearm, King said.

Amos Essential Oils was located at 322 U.S. Highway 70 SW.

On Feb. 26, 2022, law enforcement observed Hickman engage in narcotics transactions in the parking lot of a pool hall, formerly known as the Corner Pocket II Bar and Grill.

Hickman was arrested and officers recovered a firearm and methamphetamine from Hickmans vehicle, King said.

The Corner Pocket II is now named The Gateway Pub & Grill. The restaurant is located at 534 U.S. Highway 70 SW.

On March 1, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bruens residence. During the search of Bruens home and vehicle, officers seized marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and a firearm. An additional firearm and ammunition were also seized from Bruens business, King said.

The defendants are currently in federal custody. The two men will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility, King said.

King said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hickory Police Department were part of the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Boykin of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case, King said.
A Catawba County woman and a Tennessee man are charged in connection to an overdose death in Watauga County.

William Michael Oxentine, 49, of Johnson County, Tennessee, and Angelina Miller, 30, of Catawba County, are both charged with death by distribution, the Watauga County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

The Watauga County Sheriffs Office, Boone Fire Department and Watauga medics responded to 1571 Little Laurel Road in Boone in reference to a drug overdose on March 14 at 9:30 a.m.

The victim, Karma Lea Greenlee, was transported to Watauga Medical Center and later died due to overdose complications. The overdose was linked to fentanyl, the sheriffs office said.

Two suspects were identified in connection to selling and distributing the fentanyl that killed Greenlee, the sheriffs office said. The sheriffs office named Oxentine and Miller as the suspects.

Miller was arrested by the Alexander County Sheriffs Office, the Watauga County Sheriffs Office said.

Miller is facing charges of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, controlled substance on jail premise and possession of drug paraphernalia in Alexander County, according to the online Alexander County Detention Center inmate list.

Oxentine is being held in the Carter County Tennessee Detention Facility on unrelated charges. Oxentine will be served with the death by distribution charge once he has served his current time on the unrelated charges in Tennessee, the Watauga County Sheriffs Office said.

The Boone Police Department, Johnson County Sheriffs Office, Alexander County Sheriffs Office and the Hickory Police Department assisted in the investigation, the Watauga County Sheriffs Office said.

Oxentine and Miller are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hill County Grand Jury Returns Indictments

A Hill County Grand Jury that convened Friday, June 2 returned the following indictments:



Jeremy Randolph Black, 24, of Hillsboro, unlawful restraint less than 17 years of age; assault of a family or household member, impeding breath or circulation; three counts of indecency with a child, sexual contact



Robert Lee Boyd, 39, of Italy, assault of a family or household member, impeding breath or circulation



Amanda Elizabeth Davis, 30, of Hillsboro, assault of a public servant



Richard Scott Denton, 59, of Austin, possession of methamphetamine between one and four grams



Jose Flores-Agua, 26, of Hillsboro, possession of cocaine between one and four grams.



For the complete story, see the Thursday, June 8, edition of The Reporter Newspaper.




Itasca ISD Suspends Stevens, Selects Interim Superintendent

The Itasca Independent School District Board of Trustees suspended Superintendent Michael Stevens during a special session held Monday morning, June 5. The board's action came after Stevens was arrested for online solicitation of a minor in an online sting carried out by Harris County authorities Thursday, June 1.



The majority of the meeting consisted of a closed session in which the board consulted with its legal counsel.



After open session resumed, the board suspended Stevens with pay in accordance with Texas Education Agency policy and said that it would initiate the termination process.



For the complete story, see the Thursday, June 8, edition of The Reporter Newspaper.




TDCJ Sentences Handed Down In 66th Judicial District Court The office of District Attorney Mark Pratt prosecuted felony criminal cases in the 66th Judicial District Court of Hill County in May. Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) sentences included:



Toni Nicole Williams - unauthorized use of a vehicle, 12 months state jail; abandon/endanger child criminal negligence, 12 months state jail; harassment of a public servant, six years prison; assault of a public servant (two counts), six years prison



Jose Luis Ramirez-Martinez - driving while intoxicated with child under 15 years of age, 15 months state jail



Lee Edward McClendon II - possession of cocaine between one and four grams, 20 years prison



Clifford Craig Wilson Jr. - possession of methamphetamine under one gram, four years prison.



For the complete story, see the Thursday, June 8, edition of The Reporter Newspaper.


If it doesnt affect you directly, drugs such as opioids can seem like a far-off problem that only show up in a few highly populated areas of the country  and that was largely the case for the early part of this century. Before 2015, there were just a handful of opioid hotspots, said Yngvild Olson at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit. But that has changed.

Consider that in 2003, seven people per 100,000 died of drug overdoses in the U.S. By 2021, that number had more than quadrupled to 34 people. That dramatic jump is because the problem has become more widespread around the country, said Olson, the director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). A serious part of the rise of overdose deaths has been the proliferation of opioids and other drugs in rural communities, which might often lack access to treatment and intervention compared to more urban areas.

These numbers arent just numbers. They are people, continued Olson in explaining the need for attention to and solutions for this national issue.

In speaking to a room of those who work with people with a substance abuse problem, Olson emphasized just how important intervention is, particularly when the majority of those individuals dont get help because they dont feel they need treatment.

Much of this is because substance abuse disorders still carry a high burden of stigma. When people do get treatment, it is often with one of two medications, methadone or buprenophrine, and people are quick to say this is trading one addiction for another. Olson pushes back on that, though, because the treatments have been shown to be effective in reducing misuse, overdose, mortality, and more.

There are more than 2,000 opioid treatment facilities across the country, with 25 added just since December, she said. Other options for limiting overdose include administering naloxone, which reverses the effects of an overdose, and test strips that can identify if a substance has been laced with fentanyl, an increasingly prevalent and dangerous drug.

Reducing overdoses and substance abuse takes more than just professionals, though. There is a place for communities to take action to support their neighbors, described Rose Baier. She leads the anti-meth campaign in Chippewa County, Wis., and said their community has been very interested and active in supporting their program.

They began their program in 2019 when court cases related to meth were skyrocketing in the county. Baier, the countys criminal justice services director, and her team recruited individuals from different backgrounds including the faith community, businesses, and law enforcement to serve on taskforces that would develop ideas to help solve the issue. They quickly had over 100 volunteers, Baier said.

Those taskforces and other members of the community came out to town hall meetings to discuss ideas. The groups came up with ways to make reporting easier and anonymous, prevention programs for youth, support for landlords and businesses to host recovery meetings, and more that have made a difference in how the county approaches this concern.

The community wants to help, Baier summarized. When facing a substance abuse problem, partner with those groups and other stakeholders, she advised. Prevention efforts as well as recovery support will be what drives down drug issues in communities in all parts of the country and contributes to a population that is physically and mentally healthier.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023

June 1, 2023
TODAY;

Russia; Hungary; Ukraine; sanctions;

2023-06-08 13:52:00

According to the news, Germany and France are also cautious for the time being.

Hungary and Greece continued to block the 11th EU anti-Russian sanctions package at Wednesdays meeting of EU ambassadors, the Belgian RTBF TV channel learned, Portfolio was the first to notice the news.

According to the Russian TASSSZ, the two countries still blocked the revised 11th sanctions package because Hungarian and Greek companies were added to the list of sponsors of the war in Ukraine and they want to remove them.

In its Thursday morning newsletter, Politico wrote, based on information received from four diplomats, that these two countries continued to block the adoption of the sanctions package, although Germany and France are also cautious, even after seeing the newly revised sanctions package by the European Commission, because the new mechanism will affect countries and it would also target their companies that help circumvent anti-Russian sanctions outside the EU, and this blow could backfire in the world of diplomacy. According to the article, for the time being the EU member states have agreed that they will renegotiate the sanctions package at the meeting next Wednesday, June 14, but it may be brought to the EU summit on June 29-30, i.e. at the level of the heads of state and government the case.

As our paper also wrote, one day before the start of the war, the European Union introduced the first package of sanctions against Russia, which invaded Ukraine. The characteristic of sanctions is that they do not bring an immediate solution, that is, using a military example, they are not lethal, since then even one of them would be enough. However, they undoubtedly suck the air around the aggressor. Those lobbying for exemptions, including Fidesz, which dismantles the unity of the European Union, as well as the Asian states reduce the effectiveness of the suppression with their arms shipments. In the 10th February package, the EU introduced new reporting obligations to combat the evasion of the rules, so that the asset freeze would be effective.

Nepszava also reported that the Orban government had repeatedly demanded the removal of a number of Russian persons from the sanctions list. For this reason, American Ambassador David Pressman asked how it serves Hungarys interests to protect Russian oligarchs from sanctions.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in May that the government will not approve the next installment of the European Peace Framework until Ukraine removes the OTP from the list of international sponsors of the war, and does not support new sanctions, partly because of this and partly because of restrictions on Chinese companies . According to him, the planned eleventh sanctions package goes completely against common sense, as the previous ten also failed. At the same time, he welcomed the fact that, although some people have not given up yet, it has been possible to prevent restrictions on the nuclear industry for the time being. He also expressed serious concern that the EU would implement measures against eight Chinese companies, which, in his words, would certainly poison, perhaps even make impossible the relationship with China, and a kind of negative spiral could develop from the responses.
Buoyed by dramatic changes in the way consumers pay for goods and services, Australias payments processing ecosystem will be overhauled based on a new strategic plan that includes the phasing out of cheques and full transition to the New Payments Platform (NPP).

The newly launched Strategic Plan for Australias Payments System  developed through consultation with regulators, industry, consumers and business representatives and feedback to a previous consultation paper  outlines the governments vision for the sector, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in laying out a broad reform agenda built around the key principles of trustworthiness, accessibility, innovation, and efficiency.

The strategy is built on five key pillars including improving resilience against scams, fraud, and cyber attacks; promoting industry collaboration and competition to reduce small business transaction costs; supporting broader use of Digital ID and the Consumer Data Right (CDR) framework; and embracing fintech innovations such as seamless cross-border payments and a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

It also includes a seven-year plan to phase out cheques, which now comprise just 0.2 per cent of non-cash payments and are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift from in-person shopping and physical forms of payment to online shopping and digital payments using a broad range of cards and devices.

New digital products are changing the way we make payments and the way businesses provide payment services, Chalmers said.

The Government is acting to ensure Australias payments system remains fit-for-purpose now and into the future.

Among the many changes outlined in the new strategy are the complete transition away from longstanding batch-based payment clearing systems  which could take hours or days to process some transactions  to the NPP, which was introduced in 2018 to provide near real-time settlement through services such as PayID and 24/7 funds transfer service Osko.

Chalmers also issued a new Statement of Expectations  which updates the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) mission statement with measures including increased transparency and adoption of climate reporting standards  and invited feedback on proposed regulatory reforms and the licensing of payment service providers.

Mobile payments exploded during the pandemic

Reform is long overdue, said Airwallex director of strategy Amelia Hamer, who warned that Australia is already as much as 10 years behind the United Kingdom and Singapore in delivering a fit-for-purpose regulation system for payments businesses.

Australia needs a regulatory regime for the payments sector that works for small and medium businesses and consumers, not just the big banks, she said, calling the current system an anti-competitive and outdated service that has entrenched the power of the banks to continue excessive charging and under-servicing Australian businesses and consumers.

Australian Banking Association (ABA) CEO Anna Bligh called the reform a long overdue overhaul of the payment arteries that drive the Australian economy.

Payments are the lifeblood of our economy, but Australia is currently using a 60-year-old system for many everyday consumer and business payments, she said.

The changes come as figures show Australians are ditching conventional payments in droves, with 38 per cent of Australians reportedly leaving wallets at home last year  twice the percentage in 2019  and paying with smartphones or smartwatches.

With 15 million registrations as of 1 May, PayID has grown dramatically and now accounts for 20 per cent of all payments.

A newly released ABA-Accenture report showed that cards are now being used for 75 per cent of payments  up from just 26 per cent back in 2007.

Use of mobile wallet apps, in particular, has exploded in recent years with 15.3 million cards registered to mobile wallets last year  up from around 2 million cards five years ago.

Consumers used mobile wallets for 2.4 billion purchases worth $93 billion last year, up from 29.2 million transactions worth $746 million five years ago.

With an average of nearly 500 cashless payments per person each year, Australia has witnessed a phenomenal shift in customer banking and payment preferences in recent years, said Bligh, with Australians at the forefront of adopting cashless payment methods.

As customers increasingly shop, pay, or are paid digitally, they also expect their banking and payment services to be available digitally in a format that is convenient, fast, cost-effective and secure. Its clear these recent technology leaps are now permanent consumer preferences.
It was a busy time for Mykayla OBrien a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The public health educator with the Cabarrus Health Alliance helped organize large-scale vaccine clinics and COVID testing along with providing health education for several communities, including schools, daycares and long-term care facilities.

OBrien learned about challenges these various groups were dealing with, which the pandemic only exacerbated.

I think the pandemic honestly highlighted the gaps in care, she said.

OBrien started thinking about more substantive ways CHA could not only engage with the public but actually bring key services to the diverse communities the organization serves.

This eventually led to the formation of CHAs first community mobile clinic, through a partnership with Mission Mobile Medical, a mobile health clinic manufacturer based in Greensboro.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new mobile unit, a 38-foot repurposed RV, was held Tuesday morning at CHAs headquarters in Kannapolis.

This has been a labor of love over the last year and a half, said CHA Public Health Director Erin Shoe.

We have learned so much over the last few years due to the pandemic and we really used those lessons learned to build not only a unit but a program that will meet so many needs in our community, Shoe said.

The mobile unit, which cost about $375,000 including renovations, was built to be flexible, Shoe said, noting the clinic could provide immunizations one week and physical and wellness exams the next.

CHA received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help with the cost, along with several grants.

The unit, which is ADA-compatible, includes two clinical rooms and lab space with an immunization refrigerator.

That was the whole point: How do we build something so that it can be used and really beneficial to the entire community, Shoe added.

The unit will be deployed later this month for the start of back-to-school immunizations, OBrien, the mobile clinic program manager, told the crowd.

It can be used for many other purposes including providing access to healthy and nutritious foods, dental services, and screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol.

CHA is still figuring all the various ways the clinic can be utilized to best serve the public. OBrien noted the organization is building the plane while were flying it  and were really excited for everyone to be on that ride with us and help us make it successful.

OBrien spent several months last summer traveling throughout the county, meeting with different groups to understand their needs and how a mobile clinic could best serve them.

I spent a lot of time just hearing from them and hearing their struggles and what their barriers are, OBrien said.

With Cabarrus having a large population of people who are either uninsured or underinsured, Were really trying to structure it so services arent going to have an associated cost. Were meeting them where they are, OBrien added.

Mission Mobile Medical, which started right before the pandemic in early 2020, renovated the RV to CHAs specifications. It has built 130 units across the country and Canada.

Weve checked every nook and cranny of this thing probably 15 to 20 times before it arrived here last week, said MMMs Rett Haigler.

Even though it has been a lot of work, I wouldnt have it any other way, OBrien said.
Mackenzie Reedybacon is used to people underestimating her.

As a 25-year-old involved in local politics, where many of the people in her orbit are often twice her age, she understands she is often overlooked.

For a long time, getting started here, I was the youngest person, and most of the time, I still am the youngest person in most rooms, she said.

Rather than viewing her youth as a weakness, Reedybacon embraces it and sees it as a strength, saying she can catch people by surprise, like a stealth, sneak attack.

When I get my mind set on something, Im going to do it, she said. Im very stubborn. So if you tell me I cant do something, let me show you what I can do.

Her political resume is already pretty extensive: She has played key roles on several recent campaigns, including serving as campaign manager for Diamond Staton-Williams, who won election to the N.C. House last year, becoming the first person of color to represent Cabarrus in the North Carolina General Assembly.

She also was elected as the youngest chair of the Cabarrus County Democrats in April and is active within the Young Democrats of Rowan-Cabarrus.

I was just really grateful that they looked at me as someone that they could trust to do the job, she said of the delegates choosing her for the top spot.

Reedybacon is part of a broader movement of young Democrats across North Carolina who have taken on key leadership roles. Anderson Clayton, another 25-year-old political activist and friend of Reedybacons, was elected chairperson of the state party earlier this year.

Across the state were seeing more young Dems getting more involved, Reedybacon said. I think were really in this to show people that the party itself has bite. Were here, were reenergizing folks, the torch is being passed.

We can do this; we really can, she added.

Getting involved in politics

Reedybacon has been interested in politics ever since she was a young child. One of her earliest memories was watching a Barack Obama speech during the runup to the 2008 election with her great-grandmother back in her native Arkansas.

I just remember watching him on television  and I just remember looking at my grandmother and she was so excited about him, Reedybacon said. Thats a really special thing because a lot of folks from the area I grew up in, especially that generation of people, maybe had a different opinion of him (Obama).

As excited and hopeful as she was about the 2008 presidential election, it was the disappointment surrounding the election eight years later, when Donald Trump took office, that motivated her to get involved within her community.

Reedybacon, who had already moved to Concord, began networking with several progressive groups, allowing her to form key connections with other like-minded individuals.

One of those individuals was Doshia James, who invited Reedybacon to help with the campaign of Gail Young, who was running for N.C. House District 83 against longtime Republican incumbent Larry Pittman. James was Youngs campaign manager.

A natural introvert, Reedybacon had to overcome some initial anxieties in speaking with voters about Young. She soon found herself regularly making phone calls and knocking on doors in neighborhoods throughout the county.

You could see it from just a couple of meetings with her, she had a lot of energy, she was incredibly intelligent and she had a lot of motivation, James said.

Young lost a close election in 2018 (she actually garnered more votes in Cabarrus, but Pittman won more support in Rowan), but decided to run again in 2020.

This time, Reedybacon served as deputy campaign manager, where she took on a more active role, running phone banks, training volunteers and working with Youngs field director.

When Gail was going to run again in 2020, we immediately brought her in to say, OK, wed love for you to play a big role in this campaign, and lets map out what this is going to look like, James said.

Reedybacon recalls talking with a new volunteer on Zoom who was apprehensive about making phone calls. After calmly walking her in detail through the training, the womans outlooked changed and she was excited to get to work.

I looked at our field director and he was like, Youre really good at this, and I was like, I think I may be, she said.

Young lost another close election, though Reedybacon gained more valuable experience.

Working on campaigns is hard work, she said, noting she took a short break after the 2020 election to recharge. It can be very, very demanding, but I have the best memories.

Finally breaking through

One of the people Reedybacon spoke with while making phone calls during Youngs second campaign was Diamond Staton-Williams, who at the time was a Harrisburg town councilwoman.

She had met Staton-Williams in passing several more times, before Staton-Williams reached out to Reedybacon to see if she would help with her reelection campaign.

She had such good vibes immediately, Reedybacon said. I was just a fan of what she was doing and a fan of her in general.

The feeling was mutual.

In an interview with the Independent Tribune, Staton-Williams said she was impressed with Reedybacons strong sense of community and ability to pull people together.

Aware that North Carolina was set to have its political maps redrawn, Reedybacon encouraged Staton-Williams numerous times to run for statewide office in 2022, even texting her a screenshot of the new district.

I said, Hey, this would be your district if you ran, she said. This would be difficult, but I think we have something here.

Each time, though, Staton-Williams declined the offer.

Finally, late at night last February, right before the filing deadline to run for office, Staton-Williams sent Reedybacon a short text. Are you ready? it said.

I was over the moon, so excited, Reedybacon said about Staton-Williams agreeing to run for District 73, which was slightly more advantageous for Democrats than when Young was running.

I felt so hopeful in that moment because there was no doubt in my mind that she was the person for this, Reedybacon said.

Staton-Williams credits Reedybacons tenacity and perseverance with helping to change her mind.

I was absolutely a no, but sometimes you have to be outside of yourself and see what other people see in you, Staton-Williams said.

Thinking she would be one of many volunteers to help with the campaign, Reedybacon was taken aback when Staton-Williams asked her to serve as campaign manager.

Not sure what to do, she called her mentor, Doshia James, Gail Youngs campaign manager, who told her to accept the position. It was a challenge, but one she had been preparing for.

Staton-Williams won the race last November by fewer than 700 votes.

Flipping District 73 (which had been Pittmans seat, though he decided not to seek reelection) from red to blue helped Democrats stave off a GOP supermajority in the N.C. House by one seat. That was short-lived, though, after Rep. Tricia Cotham switched to the Republican Party earlier this year.

Neither of us planned on losing on election night, but I dont think that we were adequately prepared for winning, Reedybacon said. It was so surreal.

Reedybacon credits much of the campaigns success to the mobilization and outreach efforts that took place during Youngs runs for office.

If we hadnt done everything we did to organize for Gail in 2018 and 2020, I really do not think we would have been able to successfully send Diamond to Raleigh, she said.

Reedybacons youth was never an issue for Staton-Williams, who is one of the younger members of the N.C. House.

If you see someone thats younger than you, thats passionate about something, such as politics, you should empower them to do it and give them the opportunity and skills that they need to be successful, Staton-Williams said

Running for office herself

Having worked with both Young and Staton-Williams, Reedybacon became familiar with Democratic parties political infrastructure within Cabarrus County. At times last year, she even had fleeting thoughts about running for a leadership position.

Things changed in early 2023, when Anderson Clayton took over the North Carolina Democratic Party, becoming the youngest state party leader in the country.

Clayton told the paper that after her victory, she encouraged Reedybacon to run for office.

She is actually someone that deeply cares about people at the end of the day, Clayton said.

Feeling inspired by Claytons win, Reedybacon posted on social media in March that she was running for chair of the Cabarrus County Democrats.

I promise that I will meet this moment with open ears and bold action, she wrote on Facebook. I will leverage the relationships Ive built to ensure we get the resources we need as a county party and fight for the folks who feel like they havent had a seat at the table.

During the county convention at Concord High School on April 15, when the results were made official, Reedybacon took over as the new leader of the county party.

In that moment, I allowed myself to be fully present in the room with all those folks, she said.

Clayton is proud of all that her friend has accomplished.

I would want 100 Mackenzie Reedybacons running around all over North Carolina representing the Democratic Party because I know its going to be a good representation of what a party that cares about people really should be, she said.

We are lucky as a party to have her, Clayton added.

Looking to the future, Reedybacon is optimistic that Cabarrus can produce a healthy pipeline of quality Democratic candidates along with dedicated volunteers to help with critical outreach efforts.

She feels the party has to do a better job of investing in rural areas if it hopes to erode Republicans grip on local power.

We cannot even think about becoming more blue without the rural parts of the county, she said. We cant do it without them.

She knows it will not be easy, and people will likely continue to doubt her, which she said is fine. Reedybacon is up to the challenge.

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me last year that Diamond winning was just impossible and it wasnt going to happen, I would be able to retire comfortably, she said.
Ann Street United Methodist Church335 Ann St., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Randy L. Wall. In person and Facebook Live worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: When You Feel Like the Only Christian Around. Scripture: I Kings 19:1-18.

Bethpage United Methodist Church109 Fellowship Ave. at West C St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Gary McDonald. Christian Education at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. Guest Preacher: Rev. Don Shuman. Sermon: What Have You Done for Me Lately? Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9.

Bogers Chapel United Methodist Church1775 Flowes Store Road East, Concord. Pastor: Pastor Eric Shaver. Sunday school at 9 a.m. Worship in-person or Facebook at 10 a.m. Opening Reading: Psalm 33:1-12. Sermon: Your Path. Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9. Childrens Sermon: Faith.

Calvary Lutheran Church950 Bradley St., Concord. 704-782-6923. Pastor: Rev. Debbie Frye. In-person worship at 8:30 a.m. (Casual Worship) and 11 a.m. (Traditional Worship with Childrens Church). Coffee/Cookie Social 9:30-11 a.m. Adult Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Childrens Area and Nursery available all times. All services live-streamed and available anytime on the Calvary Lutheran Concord YouTube channel  easy access through our website http://www.clconcord.org or church app Calvary Lutheran Church  NC. All are welcome.

Center United Methodist Church1119 Union St. S, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Tony Allen. Sunday School for In Betweens and young adults at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. Nursery is provided during the worship service. Website is www.centerumcconcord.org. Look forward to you joining us for our service! Sermon: Somebody Out of Nobody. Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.

Crossroads Church220 George W. Liles Parkway, Concord. Pastor: Lowell McNaney. Live worship streamed on Facebook, Crossroads Concord Church app or mycrossroads.co website at 9:30 a.m. and 11:11 a.m.

Crown Pointe Baptist Church703 Tennessee St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Doug Crawley. Sunday School at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, or view online at our Facebook page. Series: Return of the King. Sermon: A Timeline of the Tribulation. Scripture: Revelation 1-19 ESV.

Eastside Missionary Baptist Church199 Elgin Drive, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Stephen Burrow. In person services: Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship services 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Recorded worship services and other information at EastsideMissionaryBaptist.org. You will be welcomed. Practice social distancing.

Epworth United Methodist Church1030 Burrage Road NE, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Bill Roberts. Sunday School at 9 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m. We welcome all to join us in person, or you may livestream or watch the recorded service at our website at www.epworthnc.com. Sermon: He Said to Him, Follow Me. Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.

Forest Hill United Methodist Church265 Union St. N., Concord. Senior Pastor: Rev. Mandy Jones. Associate Pastor: Rev. Wes Judy. We are open for in-person worship. Contemporary worship, 9 a.m. Sunday School/small groups, 10 a.m. Traditional worship, 11 a.m. Both the contemporary and the traditional worship services will also be livestreamed at foresthillumc.org or facebook.com/foresthillumc, in case you dont feel like being here in person.

Harmony United Methodist Church101 White St., NW, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Thad Brown. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. followed by our worship service in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Bringing the message this week will be fellow member, Rosemary Winecoff. Sermon: Hope?? Scripture: Psalm 42:11, Psalm 130:7, Proverbs 23:17-18, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 62:5-6, John 14:7-9, Romans 8:23-25. We welcome you to join us in worship. Service is live on Facebook.com/HarmonyUnitedMethodistChurch. We welcome all who are unable to join us in person to worship with us online. For more information, you can call the pastors phone 704-791-2883 or the churchs phone 704-782-8237.

Jackson Park United Methodist Church715 Mable Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor Laurie Knoespel. Adult Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery will be provided during worship service.

Kirkwood Presbyterian Church900 Klondale Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Dennis B. Craft. Worship at 11 a.m. in church sanctuary on Sundays. No mask restrictions.

McGill Baptist Church5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, in-person services. Pastor: Rev. Steve Ayers. If you have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, please wear a mask. McGill will stream a worship service Sunday at 10 a.m. on www.facebook.com/mcgillbaptistchurch/ and on YouTube. The services will be live and also available on recording afterwards. Second Sunday after Pentecost. Sermon: Ric Durham. Scripture: Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.

Midway United Methodist Church108 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Craig Allen. Come join us on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for Sunday School and 10:30 a.m. for worship. Our service is also livestreamed on the web at midwayunitedmethodistchurch.org or facebook.com/midwayUMC. Sermon: Connect with God.

Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Joel Locklear. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. (Adult and Children classes.) Worship at 11 a.m. in person or Facebook. Sermon: If I Can Only Get To Jesus (Searching for a Miracle). Scripture: Mark 5:21-43.

Multiply Church Concord150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Douglas Witherup. 8:30 a.m. service held at 280 Concord Parkway S, Suite 15, Concord. Services at 150 Warren C Coleman Blvd. N, are Worship and Sermon at 9:30 a.m. and Worship and Sermon at 11:15 a.m.

New Gilead Reformed Church, ECO2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Road. 9:40 a.m.  Adult Bible Study. 10 a.m.  Sunday School. 11 a.m.  Worship in the Sanctuary, also live on Facebook.

Oak Grove Baptist Church200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. Pastor: Rev. Franklin D. Watkins. 10 a.m. In-Person Worship Service and Facebook Live and YouTube Live. Sermon: Called Out For Greatness. Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9.

Second Presbyterian Church1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Pastor Sue Black, Minister. Rev. Aaron Price, assistant pastor. Sunday school at 10 a.m. (A Study of Peter). Worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: Worship Only Me. Scripture: Exodus 20:1-6.

St. Johns Reformed Church901 N. Main St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Chris King. Sunday school for all ages  9:30 a.m. Worship Service  10:30 a.m. Website  www.ourstjohns.org. Email/Phone- ourstjohns@gmail.com / 704-932-3656. Sermon: Can a Christian Truly be an Inactive Member of Christs Church? Scripture: I Corinthians 12.
SecureRhythm will take place on 29th June 2023, at Tobacco Dock, London with its attendees gaining access to the best practices and connections from technical LogRhythm experts.

LogRhythm the company helping security teams stop breaches by turning disconnected data and signals into trustworthy insights, is holding its first cybersecurity summit in the UK, SecureRhythm. SecureRhythm will bring together organizations across all industries to elevate their knowledge of the cybersecurity landscape.

The summit will bring together organisations across all industries to elevate their knowledge of the cybersecurity landscape and enhance Security Operations Centre (SOC) efficiency with confidence. SecureRhythm will take place on 29th June 2023, at Tobacco Dock, London.

Attendees gain access to best practices, connections to technical LogRhythm experts, and engage in interactive peer-to-peer learning. They ultimately gain comprehensive knowledge to achieve the optimal level of effectiveness and performance within their SOC.

As cyberthreats continue to outnumber the skilled professionals qualified to combat them, its time to take action. Efficiency is a crucial part of defending against advanced threats and SecureRhythm is all about helping overburdened security teams to achieve the best outcomes, said Andrew Hollister, chief information security officer (CISO) at LogRhythm.

The value in coming together to overcome these challenges has never been greater. I am looking forward to sharing my insights at the summit and helping more organisations to safely secure their network against digital weaponization.

The event will be attended by other LogRhythm high-level executives including VP of Product, Jonathan Zulberg. Also joining them will be industry speaker and author Geoff White who will be talking for LogRhythm during keynote sessions. His work has been featured by the BBC, Sky News and the Sunday Times. With further additional speakers in discussions such as:

Cloud-Native Security  Introducing LogRhythm Axon

Cybersecurity Landscape -A Day in the Life of a Security Analyst

LogRhythm Platform - Ready to Defend

Ensuring the Best of Your security platform Investment



We are always looking to help businesses bolster their defenses against malicious attacks. SecureRhythm provides a collaborative experience where organisations can come together with industry peers and LogRhythms team of experts to strengthen their security operations, said Hollister. Together, we will explore current security trends and learn best practices to detect and neutralize threats.

LogRhythm strives to empower busy and lean security teams to proactively detect threats, effectively investigate incidents and keep their organisations safe, day after day.
The Australia Communications and Media Authority has fined the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) a record of $3.55 million after it sent more than 65 million emails that did not comply with Australias spam laws.

An investigation found CBA sent more than 61 million marketing emails to customers that unlawfully required them to log-in to unsubscribe. CBA sent further four million marketing emails that did not have a functioning unsubscribe button.

CBA also sent more than 5,000 marketing emails to customers who had asked to unsubscribe from these messages.

ACMA chair Nerida OLoughlin noted companies must give people the option to unsubscribe from marketing messages and must make it easy to do so when consumers want to exercise their rights.

The scale and duration of the breaches by the CBA is alarming, especially when the ACMA gave it early warnings it might have some issues and the steps it took were ineffective. The failure to fix the issues shows a complete disregard for the spam rules and the rights of its customers, said OLoughlin.

Consumers are frustrated by marketing intrusions on their privacy, especially when there is no option, or it is difficult, to unsubscribe, OLoughlin said.

CBAs spam breach is the largest penalty imposed by the ACMA.

CBA will enter a three-year court-enforceable undertaking from ACMA and will commit an independent review of its e-marketing practices to implement improvements.

CBA must also give regular compliance reports to the ACMA and train its staff on Australias spam laws.

The Spam Act 2003 requires marketing messages to contain working unsubscribe facilities. Making consumers log-in or provide personal details to unsubscribe is also generally prohibited.

Once a message recipient has unsubscribed, sending further marketing messages is also against the law.

We continue to see large and well-known businesses who should know better than breaching the spam laws. This action is a further warning to all businesses that non-compliance with Australias spam laws will not be tolerated, O'Loughlin said.

We will be closely monitoring the Commonwealth Banks compliance and the commitments it has made to review its practices. If we find future non-compliance, we will not hesitate to take further action.

Over the past 18 months, businesses have paid $11 million in penalties for breaching spam and telemarketing laws. The ACMA has also accepted 12 court-enforceable undertakings and given one formal warning.
COMPANY NEWS: Delinea, a leading provider of solutions that seamlessly extend Privileged Access Management (PAM), today announced a series of award wins recognising the company's significant contribution to the cybersecurity industry through meaningful thought leadership, and the translation of its vision for extended PAM into impactful technological advancement in the marketplace.

Delinea was awarded Evolutionary Security Solution for the launch of the Delinea Platform in the Future Security Awards 2023, presented at the GCC Security Symposium held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in May 2023. The Delinea Platform, launched in March, provides seamless authorisation for all identities, controlling access to an organisation's most critical hybrid cloud infrastructure and sensitive data to help reduce risk, ensure compliance, and simplify security.

Delinea chief security scientist and advisory CISO Joseph Carson also received two recent honours. Carson was awarded the Qubit Visionary Award at the 10th Annual Qubit Conference, held in Prague, Czech Republic, for his significant contributions to the Qubit community over the years. The Qubit Conference brings together the global cybersecurity community to network, share best practices, and equip professionals with meaningful insight. Carson was also named a Top Security Expert in Cyber Defense Magazines Global InfoSec Awards presented at the 2023 RSA Conference in April, one of only two cybersecurity professionals to receive this prestigious recognition this year.

It is an honour to receive accolades from the Qubit Conference and Cyber Defense Magazine for my contributions to the cybersecurity community, and to have Delinea recognised as an industry trailblazer in the Future Security Awards, said Carson. As cyber attackers become more tactical with their approach and continue to leverage credentials as a means to gain entry, Delinea remains committed to sharing best practices for mitigating such threats and delivering top-of-the-line innovation to make privileged access more accessible to the people who need it.

These latest honours come on the heels of several additional award wins secured by Delinea in the first half of 2023. This includes two additional product award wins in Cyber Defense Magazine's Global InfoSec Awards, a fifth consecutive NorthFace ScoreBoard Award for Excellence in Customer Service, as well as collecting five award wins for cyber security excellence across both the 2023 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards and the 19th Annual Globee Cybersecurity Awards.

For more information about Delinea visit delinea.com.

About Delinea

Delinea is a leading provider of Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions for the modern, hybrid enterprise. The Delinea Platform seamlessly extends PAM by providing authorisation for all identities, granting access to an organisation's most critical hybrid cloud infrastructure and sensitive data to help reduce risk, ensure compliance, and simplify security. Delinea removes complexity and defines the boundaries of access for thousands of customers worldwide. Our customers range from small businesses to the world's largest financial institutions, intelligence agencies, and critical infrastructure companies. Learn more about Delinea on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Youtube.
New study by Perkbox reveals misalignment in recognition and reward in the workplace. Workers are generally unhappy with rewards while senior managers believing staff are well-rewarded.

Australian workers feel theres very little incentive to go the extra mile in the workplace, with one third (33%) saying organisation does not reward hard work, or they are unsure if it does. Meanwhile a majority (57%) believe that any incentives they do receive are not very meaningful. However, senior managers seem highly disconnected from the views of their employees, with over 90% believing the work of their staff is rewarded, and 66% saying that the reward is meaningful to their team.

Both employees and managers were aligned on the importance of rewards in the workplace. Roughly two thirds of both employees (67%) and managers (62%) say an effective rewards program would encourage them to go above and beyond in their work responsibilities. Additionally, over half of both employees (55%) and employers (51%) said it would encourage them to stay longer at their organisation.

The findings come from a new study by Perkbox Australia and YouGov examining reward, recognition and motivation in the workplace, surveying over 1,026 employees and 512 managers in Australia, stratified to the population.

This study shows that Australia is fast becoming a country of thankless work, said Ross McDonald, country manager of Perkbox Australia.

Theres a pervasive culture that simply ticking a box is enough, and thats short-changing both employees and employers. For employers, it's creating a culture of mediocrity but also eroding workplace loyalty among their staff. For employees, on the other hand, its giving them little incentive to do their best work and excel in their career.

Rewarding your team and recognising milestones should be a key component of any companys retention toolkit. Were genuinely surprised by the result of this study, as in a market where unemployment is at a near-generational low, companies should be pulling out all the stops to keep their team motivated and engaged.

Mona Akiki, chief people officer at Perkbox added: "While these results are focused on the Australian market, we have also observed a shift in employee mindsets globally over the last few years. Another one of our recent global surveys not only showed that rewards were more important to employees, but that 87% of them said they wanted the ability to choose their own rewards.

At Perkbox, we work with over 4,000 companies worldwide, and many of them realize the growing importance of recognising and rewarding their people in a consistent, meaningful and personal way. While companies want to do well by their people, they are also quickly realising that achieving their purpose and vision requires specific employee behaviours, which can be celebrated and ultimately influenced by a proper rewards strategy.

This has a positive impact on all of the key organizational goals  whether it's attraction, retention, driving revenue, or ensuring employees are motivated to go the extra mile.

Those companies who have a well-planned reward and recognition program are the ones who'll win the hearts and minds of top talent."

The study also examined other factors that motivate employees. In the midst of sharp increases in the cost of living, salary and remuneration ranked as the most important factor for employees in the workplace. In addition, both employees (74%) and managers (63%) said a higher salary would be the most motivating factor for them changing.

For employees, this was followed by flexible work hours (45%), career development (40%), and then reward and recognition for good performance (34%).

Perkbox helps organisations establish a culture of recognition by providing an easy-to-implement, currency-agnostic rewards solution with over 2,500 items for managers and teams to choose from globally.
Fixed wireless and wholesale network infrastructure provider Swoop has appointed Natasa Matic to the role of head of channel.

"The appointment of Natasa comes at a very exciting time for the Swoop business following our strongest quarterly results since listing in May 2021," said Swoop chief revenue officer Sean Clarke.

"Natasa brings nearly two decades of extensive experience in the telecommunications industry and has a proven track record of consistently delivering successful results.

"Her appointment will further bolster the strength of our leadership team as we continue to ramp up our expansion across Australia and open up opportunities to further service more customers particularly in regional areas.

"As we focus on evolving and streamlining the business to integrate our acquired companies and consolidate our systems, Natasa's experience in strategically managing a diverse portfolio of partners is going to be vital to enable us to maximise growth opportunities."

Matic joins Swoop from Uniti, where she worked as head of wholesale.

She previously worked for Vocus in various roles culminating in that of head of channel partner programs, for Motorola Solutions (most recently as channel sales manager for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland), and as director of sales at Optus Business Centre South East.

Earlier in her career Matic was general manager of Aventra, senior manager of indirect sales at du, and had a previous stint at Optus in a variety of sales-related roles.

She holds a bachelor's degree in education from the Australian Catholic University.

"I'm thrilled to join Swoop at this pivotal and exciting phase of growth," said Matic.

"The role has offered me a unique and fresh opportunity to synthesise my skills and experience to continue building value for our channel partners by delivering channel differently.

"It's a privilege to be working alongside Alex West, Sean Clarke and the executive leadership team to contribute to the success story of the business and work towards some incredibly exciting goals for the year ahead to ultimately cement Swoop as an Australian household name."
100 years ago,

June 8, 1923

CHARLESTON  Earl Willingham, aged 16 years, was arrested yesterday on a charge of passing worthless checks, and placed in the county jail until some disposition of his troubles is made.

It is reported that there are between twenty and thirty checks, of between $2 and $3, in the hands of local merchants which were given by the young man. The checks were issues against the account of Ed Willingham, father of the accused youth...CHARLESTON  Mrs. Charles Bails was seriously injured late Wednesday afternoon when a horse she was driving ran away after a shaft broke while going down the Kickapoo hill, south of Charleston. Mrs. Bails was injured about the head, being thrown from the buggy when the horse bolted. She was accompanied by her two children, Ralph and Frances, who escaped uninjured...CHARLESTON  The court troubles of Theodore Hartmann, well known farmer residing in the northeast part of Coles County, started anew in the county court when Hartmann was arraigned on a petition alleging insanity.

50 years ago, 1973

CHARLESTON  An Effingham firm has submitted a low base bid of $70,300 to air-condition the Coles County Courthouse. Boos Plumbing and Heating Co. also submitted the low alternate bid calling for the installation of a combined air conditioning-heating system for the courthouse in Charleston. Last fall, the county board budgeted $60,000 for air conditioning of the courthouse. Lee Gatewood, Mattoon architect who designed the system, recommended during the last board meeting that the county accept bids for both air conditioning and heating. The "chill-water" air conditioning system that Gatewood designed for the courthouse can easily be converted so that it can be used in the winter to heat the courthouse. The system calls for the installation of small pipes throughout the building. A coil unit with a thermostat would be located in each room. Water would be chilled in the coil units. A central water pump would be located in the basement and "chiller" unit would be located outside the building...MATTOON  The Ozark Air Lines strike will be discussed at noon Monday in the Holiday Inn. Capt. Joe Barker of the Air Line Pilot Association will conduct the meeting, which is designed to determine what effect the strike has had on the local economy. The 560-member Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association has paralyzed Ozark operations in 62 cities and 15 states since the walkout began April 19. Ozark Airlines' resumption of limited service does not include Coles County Airport. The airline will provide service to nine cities in Missouri and Illinois beginning June 21.

25 years ago, 1998

SPRINGFIELD  Doctors determined Sunday a tiny blood vessel in Gov. Jim Edgar's heart was largely blocked, causing pain that sent him to the hospital but not inflicting permanent damage. The problem involves a vessel one-twentyfifth of an inch in diameter and will be treated with medicine rather than surgery, said Dr. James Dove, president of the Prairie Heart Institute at St. John's Hospital. Edgar, who first suffered the chest pains while lifting weights Saturday, is being given blood thinner to help prevent blood clots and medication to prevent spasms in his blood vessels, Dove said...MATTOON  A Windsor man was arrested for aggravated robbery after an incident late Saturday at Angelo's restaurant. Luke Travis Irving, 30, was taken into custody in the 1000 block of Lake Land Boulevard at 11:17 p.m., shortly after a robbery at the restaurant. He is accused of entering the restaurant, demanding and receiving cash. Police Chief Dave O'Dell commended the quick action of the restaurant employees in reporting the matter, police K-9 dog Baron and third shift officers for their response.

Top 10 hidden gems in American
The owners of the Paintball Center property in Greensboro has purchased a Greensboro property for $1.13 million, according to a Guilford County Register of Deeds filing Thursday.

The buyer is Staudinger Properties LLC. The seller is the McLean Family LLC.

The property is at 2631 Huffine Mill Road.

"Our plan is to build a big paintball and family adventure facility at this location," said Tyler Humphrey, the company's chief executive.

The company currently leases a location at 3400-D W. Wendover Ave. in Wendover Business Park.

"The West Wendover Ave location will remain open during our construction process," Humphrey said.
Toyota Motor North America Inc.s product electrification manufacturing initiative now includes a $50 million electric battery laboratory facility that will benefit its planned $5.9 billion production plant in Liberty.

Toyota unveiled plans Thursday for a North American research and development headquarters in York Township, Mich. Operations are expected to begin in 2025.

As part of its evaluation process, the new Michigan battery laboratory will ensure that Toyotas batteries meet North American customer requirements by confirming performance, quality and durability, the manufacturer said.

Over the last two years, Toyota has invested more than $8 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations, primarily to support its product electrification efforts.

This new investment in our North American R&D operation, which has been a key pillar of the Michigan automotive industry for more than 50 years, shows Toyotas directional shift toward electrification for all, said Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president of research and development for Toyota Motor North America.

By adding these critical evaluation capabilities around automotive batteries, our team is positioned to better serve the needs of our customers, including Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the latter of which will soon be assembling the recently announced all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV.

A key element of the battery research and development facilitys missions is finding ways to incorporate locally produced battery parts and materials.

That goal is to support Toyotas multi-pathway approach to reducing carbon emissions through its portfolio of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and battery electric product offerings.

Other laboratory activities at the York Township facility are expected to include evaluations using Level 2 and Level 3 charging, as well as connectivity to power sources and infrastructure.

Lab engineers also will explore new battery configurations for future products. Their research may also contribute to Toyotas development of new electrified vehicle architectures. Toyota will explore further expansion of the labs capabilities and opportunities for supporting the needs of the battery and BEV ecosystem.

The company currently offers 22 electrified vehicle options in the U.S. across the Toyota and Lexus brands, the most among any automaker. By 2025, the company plans to have an electrified option available for every Toyota and Lexus model globally.

At $5.9 billion in capital investment, the planned manufacturing plant in Liberty represents the largest single economic-development project commitment in North Carolina history even though the first battery wont be available until 2025.

Toyota has pledged to have at least 2,100 jobs at full production.

Toyota has been made eligible for up to $271.4 million in state incentives, while the Randolph County government is providing $167.3 million in local incentives.

Production is expected to begin in 2025 at what will be 2 million square feet of space spread over three buildings. Two 500,000-square-foot buildings are dedicated to hybrid electric vehicle battery production, while a 1-million-square-foot building will be focused on electric vehicle battery production.

There will be initially six battery production lines  four for hybrid electric vehicles and two for battery electric vehicles.

The $2.1 billion expansion will feature two additional production buildings of an undetermined square footage size.
A Puerto Rican food truck is gaining traction across the Triad with its empanadillas, mofongo and other Puerto Rican favorites.

Arturo Vega started Agueybano El Bravo is 2021 as a part-time food truck. It has had a few fits and starts  notably a dormant stretch from last fall to this spring while Vega searched for a new truck. But now Agueybana is doing steady business pretty much every weekend.

Though Vega is the owner, Agueybano is very much a family affair. This is a family business. My wife and daughters all help out, Vega said.

His wife, Alia Andujar, does much of the advance prep work. She gets help from daughters Yari Rodriguez, 18; Leila Vega, 15; and Kayla Vega, 14. All of them also help out on the truck itself while it is out and about on weekends.

The family lives in Greensboro, where Vega, who is trained as a diesel mechanic, is now maintenance manager for PART, the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation.

Vega was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in both Puerto Rico and Florida. He moved up here from Kissimmee, Fla., in 2015 to be closer to his mother and to look for better job opportunities.

Not long after moving here, he realized that Puerto Rican food was hard to find in the Triad.

Coming from Florida, the food trucks are just easy to find. Here, it was hard to find Puerto Rican food, Vega said.

Fortunately, his family loved to cook.

Weve always cooked at the house, Vega said. It was always kind of a joint effort for me and my wife. Everyone would come to our house for birthdays and gatherings. People would say, This is good. You should sell this.

The idea of the truck further evolved as a family project. I didnt like the idea of my daughters always going to McDonalds. I figured we could do something family-related with Puerto Rican food, and something where they could take the reins eventually.

For the name of the truck, they borrowed the name of a famous Puerto Rican warrior  and also a nickname for Vegas brother. Agueybana was a famous chief of the Taino people in Puerto Rico who died in a battle with Ponce de Leons Spanish soldiers in 1511. The name is typically translated as the great sun, with el bravo meaning the brave.

Since starting the business, Puerto Rican food has gotten easier to find, but Vega said that Agueybana was the first Puerto Rican truck in the Triad.

Agueybana has been making appearances in such Winston-Salem spots as Buies Market, Radar Brewing and Wise Man Brewing. In Greensboro, it has visited Joymongers Brewing. It also has had gigs at such places as Bull City Ciderworks in Lexington, Four Saints Brewing in Asheboro and Paddled South Brewing in High Point.

The family has gradually honed the menu to a steady group of offerings.

Agueybanas empanadillas ($4) are empanadas about six inches long, made with a wheat-flour dough and deep-fried. Fillings include ground beef, chicken, mozzarella and pizza sauce, and guava.

Mofongo is smashed green plantains, flavored with chicken broth, garlic and pork cracklings, served with a side salad. You can order a plate of just that for $8, or you can get mofongo with shredded chicken, fried chicken chunks or fried pork chunks for $15.

Those same three meats are on the combo plates with a choice of two sides for $17. Sides include rice with pigeon peas, French fries, tostones (fried green plantains), and maduros (fried sweet plantains).

Agueybana also sells loaded fries or plantains ($12) topped with a choice of meat, cheddar and mayo-ketchup sauce.

For families, Agueybanas offers a Taste of Puerto Rico box ($35) with three empanadillas, two meats and two sides.

Vega said that the running the truck was hard at the start. It was a struggle we started from nothing. We had to explain the food to people. And we were starting during COVID - maybe that was a crazy idea, he said.

But, now, he said, he sees more and more repeat customers who are familiar with Puerto Rican food.

For now, Agueybana will remain a part-time business, operating mostly on weekends, Vega said, but he dreams of seeing it do more.

In my mind, I would like the food truck to take off, go full time, and then have a brick and mortar, he said. Thats my ultimate goal.
A Winston-Salem man has been sentenced to prison after he pleaded guilty last week of robbing and killing another man, authorities said Thursday.

Damond Craig Roosevelt Hudson, 22, was convicted last Friday of second-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Blake Louis Warren in November 2021, the Forsyth County District Attorneys Office said.

Judge Richard Gottlieb of Forsyth Superior Court sentenced Hudson to serve 13 years and one month to 16 years and nine months in prison, the district attorneys office said.

Gottlieb imposed Hudsons sentence after Warrens parents shared their pain and grief for the loss of their son in Hudsons court hearing, the district attorneys office said.

On Nov. 1, 2021, Hudson scheduled a meeting with Warren to buy marijuana from him, the district attorneys office said. Hudson directed Warren to a vacant apartment and told him what time to arrive at that location.

When Warren got there, he was shot three times in the back, and had his phone stolen from him, the district attorneys office said. Emergency medical technicians pronounced Warren dead at the scene.

Neighbors heard gunshots, but no one saw the shooting.

Warren, who lived on Winster Drive off University Parkway, was found dead Nov. 2 outside an apartment complex off Griffith Road, Winston-Salem police said.

Hudson was accused of stealing an Apple iPhone 12 and car keys valued at $1,100 from Warren after threatening Warren with a handgun and then killing him, according to arrest warrants.

An investigator determined that Hudson changed his phone number shortly before the shooting, the district attorneys office said. Hudson deleted Warrens contact information from his phone.

Cell phone records show that Hudson made several phone calls to Warren two hours before the shooting, the district attorneys office said. Records also show that Hudson was present at the apartment complex during the time of the shooting.

Ring doorbell camera footage showed Hudson arriving at a nearby apartment a few minutes later, the district attorneys office said. The week before the shooting, Hudson had set up a meeting to buy a gun from Warren, but Hudson never showed up.

Hudson admitted to investigators he had made the plans to meet Warren and that Hudson was present at the shooting, the district attorneys office said.
Derwin Montgomery, a former member of the N.C. House and the Winston-Salem City Council, will be sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court, a federal court record says.

Montgomerys sentencing hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. in a courtroom in the Ward Federal Building on North Main Street.

In November, Montgomery, who is also the pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church, pleaded guilty to one count of program fraud out of a 15-count indictment that alleges that he misappropriated $26,299 from Bethesda Center for the Homeless.

Montgomery is accused of charging the nonprofit for things such as a trip to Cancun, Mexico, a lease on a nearly $55,000 vehicle, expenses incurred at a strip club and stays at luxury hotels in various cities.

Montgomery served as executive director of Bethesda Center for the Homeless for six years before resigning in January 2021, according to court documents.

The charge that Montgomery pleaded guilty to has a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine, as well as three years of supervised release.

Montgomery couldnt be reached for comment Wednesday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joanna McFadden and Montgomerys attorneys, Michael Grace and Chris Clifton, reached a plea agreement that recommends that Montgomery get five years of probation.

Judge Loretta C. Biggs of U.S. District Court will have the final say on Montgomerys sentence. In November, Biggs didnt immediately accept Montgomerys guilty plea.

At that time, Biggs said she needed to review a document prosecutors filed that summarized the evidence in the case as well as a pre-sentence report. She said she was obligated to consider sentencing guidelines and other factors before handing down a sentence.

Biggs told Montgomery told that she had the discretion to impose a harsher sentence with active time in federal prison.

He (Montgomery) is ready to get this behind him and hope that the judge will accept the plea agreement, Clifton said Wednesday. We appreciate the cooperative spirit (that) weve worked with the prosecutors in this matter, and we hope it will be resolved tomorrow and Mr. Montgomery can serve his probationary sentence on go with the rest of his life.

Montgomery is out of federal custody on a $10,000 unsecured bond. Biggs granted a motion allowing him to travel to his native state of South Carolina where he was seeking employment opportunities.

After leaving Bethesda, Montgomery worked as the government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Last November, he was on an unpaid administrative leave from that job.

A 15-count indictment alleges Montgomery charged the homeless shelter for a trip to Cancun, Mexico with an unidentified romantic partner; stays at luxury hotels in Los Angeles; Charleston, South Carolina; Washington, D.C. and other cities; and $260 in expenses at a strip club in Las Vegas.

Federal prosecutors allege in court documents that Montgomery used the homeless shelter to pay $5,118.73 for personal travel in 2018 and 2019 and charged the shelter $6,549.57 for the lease of a GMC Yukon Denali SUV valued at nearly $55,000.

The indictment charged Montgomery with 14 counts of wire fraud and one count of program fraud. It said Montgomery violated Bethesdas policies that required expenses over $5,000 to be approved by a board member. He avoided the requirement by charging less than $5,000.

Prosecutors said he charged Bethesda for expenses that were either associated with his work as a member of Winston-Salem City Council or for personal reasons. He is accused of justifying the expenses as being for staff training. He also said that the lease for the SUV was for shelter operations.

Additionally, federal prosecutors allege that Montgomery violated Bethesda policies prohibiting employees from hiring their own company.

Montgomery, prosecutors allege, charged Bethesda about $23,000 for the services of his own company, Uplift Media Inc., which was defunct between 2018 and 2020. The indictment said Bethesda was charged for services Uplift Media never performed or was charged exorbitant fees for Uplifts services.

Federal prosecutors also allege that Montgomery charged Bethesda nearly $4,000 to help one of his businessesthe Winston-Salem Chronicle, a weekly newspaper that serves the Black community.

In 2017, while he was still a member of the Winston-Salem City Council, Montgomery and another council member, James Taylor, bought the Winston-Salem Chronicle through a company called Chronicle Media LLC. The Chronicle was founded in 1974 by Ernie Pitt.

In a court document, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joanna McFadden said Montgomery charged $3,950 in media subscription services and/or direct payments that benefitted the Chronicle. The total of money Montgomery is alleged to have embezzled came to $26,299.57.

Montgomery was 21 and a senior at Winston-Salem State University when he was elected to the city council in 2009. Montgomery was re-elected in 2013 and won a third term in 2016.

When State Rep. Ed Hanes, D-Forsyth, resigned from the N.C. House in 2018, Montgomery was picked as Hanes replacement. Montgomery then defeated Republican Reginald Reid in November 2018 election.

Montgomery ran for his partys nomination for the 6th Congressional District in 2020. Montgomery finished in fourth place with 12% of the vote in a contest that was won by now-U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning of Greensboro.
Tucked inside the annual N.C. Farm Act bill that cleared the legislature Thursday is language that would encourage  but not mandate  that muscadine grape juice be available in all public K-12 schools, colleges and universities.

The Senate agreed Thursday to several changes made by the House to Senate Bill 582.

The bill goes to Gov. Roy Cooper, who has 10 days to sign SB582, veto it or let it become law without his signature.

SB582 includes much of the language from House Bill 67, which focused on muscadine grape juice and passed the House by a 107-8 vote on March 15.

HB67 was not addressed in a Senate committee, which was the same fate as another muscadine grape juice bill, House Bill 136, during the 2021 session.

HB67 would have mandated that the State Board of Education shall ensure that 100% muscadine grape juice is made available ... as part of the schools nutrition program or through the operation of the schools vending facilities.

The Farm bill changes the language to read shall strive to ensure.

The muscadine grape juice language in SB582 applies to the State Board of Education, local boards of education and charter schools. Muscadine grape juice availability would begin at the start of the 2023-24 school year if SB582 is signed into law.

Not only would the schools nutrition and lunch programs have to offer muscadine grape juice, but also school vending machines.

Community colleges and public universities would be required to offer the juice in vending machines.

Yet, the outstanding question remains  will kids pick muscadine juice over apple or orange juice?

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools said in a statement that it is always looking for ways to include new trends and fresh local items into our student nutritional options.

However, at this point, the district has not made any decisions on whether muscadine grape juice will be included in our menus and offerings for the 2023-2024 school year.

Rep. Julia Howard, R-Davie, is the primary sponsor of both bills.

Howard could not be immediately reached for comment on the muscadine grape juice language being in the Farm Act bill or the change from mandate to encourage.

Davie is the home of Mighty Muscadine of Advance, which is affiliated with Le Bleu bottled water, and Vine Life Products of Bermuda Run, both of which promote muscadine grapes for food, health and wellness purposes.

Mighty Muscadine is owned by Jerry Smith. Smith gave Howard a $2,700 political donation in 2016, according to opensecrets.org.

During the March 15 House floor debate on HB67, Howard expressed confidence that there would be a better reception in the Senate this session for the legislation.

The Farm bill does not include a provision contained in HB67 that provided a buyback clause in case students are not interested in the juice.

In HB67, the Food Distribution Division of the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would be required to include in contracts or purchasing agreements for packaged fruit products that the supplier will buy back from the (state) Farm to School program unopened and unexpired products returned by school nutrition programs.

The school nutrition programs would have been credited for the returns.
Triad Cultural Arts Inc. has taken a significant step toward creating a new center in the Happy Hill neighborhood through purchasing three lots from the city of Winston-Salem.

The property sale was completed May 18, according to a Forsyth County Register of Deeds filing.

The nonprofit organization acquired a 0.27-acre tract at 716 Humphrey St., a 0.21-acre tract at 726 Humphrey St., and a 0.04-acre tract at what is listed as 0 Free St.

The sale represents the latest progression in an eight-year initiative by the nonprofit.

It also kicked off a three-phase initiative lasting through 2025 that involves additional capital fundraising, restoration of the shotgun houses in 2024, and construction of a multi-use center and completion of the legacy site in 2025.

Councilwoman Annette Scippio, whose East Ward contains the Happy Hill neighborhood, said the property sale will allow TCA to transform the Humphrey Street properties into a cultural center that showcases the history of the Happy Hill community for the enrichment of all residents in Winston-Salem.

This will be a lasting treasure within the East Ward.

Aaron King, an assistant city manager, said the sale was initiated by TCA to preserve the two shotgun houses that date to the early 20th century.

A shotgun house refers to the notion that one could fire a gun through the front entrance of the dwelling and have the round exit through the back without hitting anything.

King said the council determined that selling the lots to the nonprofit was a better option than direct city funding.

Background

The Happy Hill neighborhood was founded in 1872 on the site of what had been a plantation where Moravian doctor Friedrich Schumann lived.

It was the citys first planned Black neighborhood, and had originally been known as Liberia, named after the West African republic founded by formerly enslaved people.

According to a February 2020 profile in Winston-Salem Monthly, the land was a flood plain. It had a lot of mosquitos; they had to petition the city to try to get rid of the mosquitoes. You had community leaders rising up to try to get necessities for people.

Scippio cited three historic activities that occur on the Humphrey lots. They are:

* The first emancipation of enslaved persons in the local community occurred in 1836 when Salem physician Schumann liberated 17 of his enslaved people and paid their way to Liberia;

* In 1866, the Freedmens School for Black children was founded.

* The Salem Congregation deeded land to former enslaved people for the creation of the first owner-occupied Black community.

In this neighborhood, the seeds of profound actions of liberation, freedom and social equity were planted, Scippio said.

Now, 187 years since the liberation of the 17 slaves, we begin an era of profound actions that will rekindle community investment and fortify the spirit of liberty on the sacred soil of Happy Hill.

The homes

The two homes at Humphrey are rectangular in shape and measure roughly 700 square feet. They have three rooms stacked back to back  a living room, bedroom, and kitchen.

One home has experienced noticeable wear, possibly from the move in the early 1990s.

The front porch stoop is missing, as are the supports for the roof over the front door. The roof along the rest of the house is sagging, and the rear room has suffered from severe water damage, according to the report.

Of the two houses on the Humphrey Street site, one sits on its original foundation and local preservationists first proposed trying to restore it in 1999.

The other dwelling is believed to have originally been located on Alder Street, but moved in the early 1990s to a site on Humphrey Street where an electrical substation now sits.

Their intent is to rehabilitate one of the structures for use as museum facility that accommodates various community activities for the benefit of the public, King said.

The second structure will be thoughtfully salvaged and the land used for a multi-use center.

TCA involvement

TCA was founded in 2007 with the focus of bringing recognition to Black-American history and culture through presenting programming that contributes to a culturally competent community.

That programming includes festivals, heritage and special events, such as the Juneteenth festival that will be held June 17 in downtown Winston-Salems Innovation Quarter, and annual Kwanzaa celebrations.

Cheryl Harry, TCAs executive director and president. said preservation of the shotgun homes is important for telling the story of the historically Black neighborhood.

But out of these tiny vessels of memory, you have people who emerged as doctors, lawyers, supervisors, said Harry said.

So many of our historical buildings have been torn down, but its important to have African-American history in the landscape.

Harry said that although the COVID-19 pandemic put things on hold, we had never given up hope, Henry said.

Once we reached a time in the pandemic where projects became feasible again, we revived the effort and this purchase represents the next step in the process, Harry said.

We discussed moving the houses again after the park was completed, for the houses to serve as a gateway into the Happy Hill community.

However, that plan was derailed because of the level of underground water with the spring at the proposed moving site.

Scippio reviewed the city-owned properties in the community, but the decision was made to keep the houses where they were on Humphrey.

Next steps

Scippio cautioned that the nonprofit will need a lot of financial support to bring their vision to reality. I hope our community will provide those resources.

A February 2020 Winston-Salem Monthly feature on the shotgun houses preservation project indicated that restoration is projected at about $200,000 per house.

The nonprofit is pursuing private donations and hosting some fundraisers, while the city is applying for grant funding.

We just got the land surveyed and were looking at other aspects before we get a contractor involved to give a firm estimate on what the cost will be, Harry said.
A low crime rate is an indispensable prerequisite for any kind of serious, compassionate criminal justice reform. If you doubt this, just watch the videos of a town hall that took place in Oakland, Calif., last week.

Oakland is not exactly known for its rock-ribbed conservatism or its tough-on crime credentials. In State Assembly District 18, where Oakland is located, Joe Biden won almost 10 times as many votes as Donald Trump in 2020. The city government was among those that became enamored of "defund the police" initiatives in the wake of George Floyd's murder (though as in many such cases, the execution of the initiative was not as dramatic as the idea).

And like many cities, Oakland has endured a crime wave over the past few years. Retail business owners complain that it's open season and are removing tempting targets such as cigarettes, cash drawers and ATMs. Residents complain about brazen robberies and senseless assaults. Many of them packed a community meeting, carrying signs reading "Do More" and accusing the city of "coddling" criminals. They booed the interim head of violence-prevention services when he said, "I see individuals who are hurting. I see individuals who are struggling and need a different outlet."

Oakland is not the only place where crime is becoming an explosive issue. The same is happening in many other cities. And not for the first time. The crime wave that started in the 1960s and peaked in the 1990s devastated urban cores and ended what had been a liberalizing trend in the mid-century criminal justice system.

Fortunately, American cities are nowhere near the brutal highs of those years. While not yet dire, today's problem is serious  and exacerbated by an officer-recruiting crisis across the country that stems in part from the extra hostility and scrutiny police have faced since the 2020 murder of Floyd. Those of us who remain committed to the ideals of mass decarceration need to fi nd creative ways to take the problem of crime as seriously as the problem of police abuse. So here's my first attempt: America should create a West Point for cops.

The reason the United States ended up with mass incarceration is that good logic created bad policy. The logic was that criminals respond to incentives. The policy was to tweak the incentives by issuing ever-harsher criminal sentences. Unfortunately, criminals tend to be impetuous and present-oriented, which means the best way to deter them isn't to increase the severity of punishment, but to make punishment more likely.

That's why "Defund the Police" was such a wrongheaded slogan. Fewer police make it less likely any individual crime will be solved, meaning crime rises  which makes overburdened cops even less likely to apprehend any particular off ender. The fewer the crimes, the more will be solved and the more effective the deterrent, which is why we need more police who are better paid to attract and retain top-quality candidates and better trained to reduce the kinds of incidents that destroy community trust.

A West Point for cops could serve as a research center for learning what works in policing, and as a place to transmit that information to new generations of officers, who can be attracted to the profession through a combination of free, high-quality education and opportunities for elite public service.

As a condition of receiving this education, recruits would promise to serve for eight years  as West Point officers do  on a major urban police force. The federal government could pay their salaries during that time, possibly including hazard pay for more difficult assignments. This would inject more federal money into policing and spread the lessons graduates have learned into police departments across the country.

A graduate program, something like the War Colleges, could also be established for mid-career and senior police officers. This would not only improve training but also create a new national network of elite officers through which best practices could be shared.

Obviously, a zillion details would have to be worked out: Where would this school be? What would it teach? Who would staff it? How would it combine academics and hands-on police training? How could it create the kind of culture  the professionalism, the loyalty, the esprit de corps  that military academies such as West Point and Annapolis have spent centuries cultivating? Such questions will have to be answered by professionals, not columnists. But debating these kinds of questions would be a lot more fruitful, for police and reformers, than arguing over whether to battle police abuses, or crime. Megan McArdle writes for the Washington Post.
Barely a week after Nebraska's Legislature voted 41-0 to repeal the state's motorcycle helmet mandate, local law enforcement agencies are already reporting an uptick in helmetless riders.

Though neither agency offered concrete data, officials with the Lincoln Police Department and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office each reported Wednesday that street officers have observed a noticeable increase in the practice.

The problem: Nebraska's helmet mandate, which has been in place since 1989, won't expire until Jan. 1.

"From now until then, you still need to wear a helmet," Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Houchin said during a media briefing Wednesday morning, where he and Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian both reminded residents of the nearly seven-month gap between now and when the law takes effect.

Until then, helmetless riders risk a $50 fine  though Houchin said the Sheriff's Office hasn't ticketed any riders for violating the helmet mandate in the eight days since LB138 passed.

When it becomes law in January, the bill will allow any motorcyclist or passenger 21 or older to ride without a helmet  as long as they have completed a basic motorcycle safety course and, for state residents, submitted proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Helmetless riders also have to wear eye protection, be it glasses, goggles or a face shield, unless their motorcycle or moped's windshield protects the rider's line of vision "in all operating positions."

Riders from other states could also ride without a helmet in Nebraska if they have taken an equivalent course and carry proof of completion.

The bill will make violations of the new set of rules governing helmet and eye protection use secondary offenses, meaning that law enforcement will only be able to ticket riders for helmet violations if they are stopped for some other traffic offense.

For some motorcyclists, LB138's safety course requirement  and the still-evolving logistics surrounding collection of course completion data  may serve as a roadblock in the route to legal helmetless riding, said Rhonda Lahm, the director of Nebraska's DMV.

Lahm said many motorcyclists complete such courses before they ever become licensed motorcycle operators in the state, since applicants can have both their written and driving tests waived if they show proof of completion to the DMV.

But those who took the other route to licensing  opting instead to take the written and driving tests through the DMV  will have to complete a basic motorcycle safety course before they're legally allowed to ride without a helmet.

Lahm said members of both camps will have to carry proof of completion of such a course with them when they ride or provide proof to the DMV to have it noted on their driver record  though there isn't yet a mechanism in place for motorcyclists to do so.

"The legislation just passed, and that amendment got amended on in  literally  the very last couple days of the session," she said. "And we had no indication that that bill was gonna get included or passed this year, so we are just in the preliminary stages of talking about what that's gonna look like."

Lahm said the DMV will develop and publicize a process to collect motorcycle safety course data from licensees before the end of the year.

More than 86% of motorcyclists killed in Nebraska crashes over the last nine years were wearing helmets when they crashed, according to data compiled by the state Department of Transportation in January.

From 2014 to 2022, 195 of the 226 motorcyclists killed in crashes in Nebraska were wearing helmets, according to the report, while the state's helmet use rate has hovered near 85% and the number of basic rider course training certificates issued has fallen by nearly 50%.

In Missouri, where lawmakers passed a similar repeal that took affect in August 2020, motorcycle fatalities increased by 35% in 2021 over the prior year  while overall traffic fatalities increased by only 2%.

More than half of the record 159 motorcyclists killed on Missouri roadways in 2021 were not wearing a helmet, according to Missouri Department of Transportation data, which Nebraska officials included in their January report.

In Nebraska, Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair initially proposed the newly passed repeal through a separate bill but later added it as an amendment to LB138 with two weeks left in the legislative session, which ended June 1.

Amid Hansen's bid to attach the amended to LB138 in late May, several of his colleagues expressed support, even as they recounted personal experiences with motorcycle crashes.

Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner said two of her nephews died while riding motorcycles, one who was wearing a helmet and one who was not. Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil said a motorcycle helmet saved his life as a young man.

And Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington signaled support for the bill for the sake of motorcyclists' personal freedom, saying the Legislature should not be involved in these personal decisions, even though I know more people will die."

But other lawmakers pushed back against that suggestion, including Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus, who said the government tells people what to do in many situations, including wearing seat belts, putting children in car seats and obeying speed limits.

Moser voted against Hansen's bid to have the helmet mandate repeal added amendment an amended to LB138, but the adoption passed 30-5, with 12 senators present not voting.

A week later, all four senators  Ibach, Murman, DeBoer and Moser  voted in support of the bill, which Gov. Jim Pillen signed June 1.

Photos: Last day of the 108th Nebraska Legislature
Rick Moeller has his grandson's second birthday party to attend on Saturday in Orlando, Florida.

It worked out perfectly that Red Way, "Lincoln's airline," according to its CEO Nick Wangler, began flying out of Lincoln Airport on Thursday.

"This just coincided with my schedule," said Moeller, a Nebraska native who retired after a long warehouse management career in Los Angeles and was back in town to visit some family.

Every traveler has a story, a reason for boarding an airplane, and Thursday was no exception as the Lincoln Airport's new terminal was bustling with activity  most of it having everything to do with Red Way's first day of operation.

"Not everyone is going to Disney World," said Nick Cusick, a member of the Lincoln Airport Authority Board of Directors who was flying to Orlando on Red Way's maiden voyage.

Make no mistake, there were families in Lincoln Airport's fancy new terminal dressed for a day or two with Mickey. Others were ready for some sunshine with an ocean view. And there were a few businessmen in the mix as well.

And then there were officials like Cusick, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and David Haring, the executive director of Lincoln Airport, who were showing support to the city's newest air endeavor.

There was a festive mood with snacks and swag. Heck, even the flight crew members were treated like rock stars as they posed for photos and chatted with passengers.

"This is a big day for the Lincoln Airport," Gaylor Baird said. "We're so excited to have expanded air service for our community. So many families and travelers are headed to Orlando and all the wonderful things to do there.

"It's exciting for Lincoln."

For the mayor, it was a day trip. She flew to central Florida and made the return flight later in the day.

Red Way will fly there  and to Las Vegas  twice a week, meaning the next flight back to the Lincoln Airport is Sunday.

That works perfectly for Moeller, who plans to spend a couple of weeks with his daughter in Orlando before returning to Lincoln.

"It's good for Lincoln the way it's set up," he said.

Thursday's flight was sold out, while the afternoon flight to Las Vegas was about 70% full  a good sign, Wangler said.

Over the next two weeks, Red Way will start flying twice a week to Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Dallas; Minneapolis; and Nashville, Tennessee.

The flights are three and four days apart to mirror the average stay at a destination, Haring said.

Lincoln's dive into the leisure travel industry was a creative approach to landing another air carrier  something that's been a need for all of Cusick's 11 years on the board.

"This is a very entrepreneurial sort of arrangement," said Cusick, CEO of Bison Inc. "It's not the norm, so absolutely, we'd love to see American, United and Delta service, but this model will work. The flight is full. That shows there is a big pent-up demand. I think it will satisfy that need."

But there will be some necessary traveler adjustments, Haring said. He made the trip to help fliers navigate the return flight. For example, before boarding Thursday's flight, he perused the Red Way website and found a tab for the airport in Orlando and determined the gate out of which Red Way will operate.

"That was one of the questions that I had about it," Haring said. "When we're coming back, and I've got to tell my Uber driver where to drop me off, that's helpful."

These are uncharted waters, Haring said, but the more people who use the leisure travel carrier, the more comfortable they will become with the concept.

And having more direct flight choices is a big thing, the mayor said.

"Now we have even more affordable flights to desirable destinations for our community," Gaylor Baird said. "That's good for families. That's good for our businesses. We want people to be able to connect to places they want to go and we want to bring new people to our community."

Top 10 safest airlines to fly on right now Top 10 safest airlines to fly on right now Hawaiian Airlines Delta Airlines Alaska Airlines American Airlines United Airlines International: Qatar Airways International: Qantas Airways International: Etihad Airways International: Air New Zealand International: Singapore Airlines Safest low-cost airlines in 2023
For the first time since Pinnacle Bank Arena opened a decade ago, the cost to rent the suites and loge boxes is going up, a move city officials said will standardize the prices and put them more in line with other regional arenas.

The West Haymarket Joint Public Agency  the entity that manages finances of the arena and redevelopment of the surrounding area  on Wednesday approved increases in the base rates for the arenas 36 suites and 20 loge boxes.

The increases will be phased in over up to four years of the contracts, which can be seven or 10 years. In the last three years of the contract, the price will increase 4% each year, an effort to avoid more big increases at the end of the new contracts, said City Attorney Yohance Christie.

The base price increases range from 10% to more than 30%, and some of the increases are larger because similar suites have been priced differently. City officials standardized the pricing so similarly located suites would be the same price, which means price increases will vary.

The suite prices are divided into three tiers. Tier 1 suites will increase from $65,000 to $72,000; Tier 2 suites from $45,000 to $60,000 and Tier 3 will now cost $55,000. City Finance Director Lyn Heaton said the current price of Tier 3 is hard to determine because they're different prices based on when the contracts began.

The loge box prices will increase from $26,996 to $28,000.

Heaton said the vast majority of suite contracts will come up for renewal at the end of August, though some have already been renewed at higher prices and some are not yet up for renewal.

About half of the loge boxes will come up for renewal at the end of August.

The JPA hired a consulting firm to do a market analysis of arenas in the area and based the increases on its analysis, Heaton said.

Last year the suites and loge boxes generated $1.95 million in revenue, money Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said was important to maintain the arena and keep it a positive experience for guests, performers and athletes.

Gaylor Baird and City Councilman Tom Beckius both voted to approve the increases. University of Nebraska Regent Tim Clare abstained.

In other action Wednesday, the three-member board unanimously approved a five-year, $2.3 million agreement with First Data Merchant for a new point of sale system for food and drink sales at the arena. The current system, Christie said, is outdated and slow.

The board also approved an agreement with DLR Group of up to $17,500 to do a structural assessment of the pedestrian ramp that runs between the arena and the post office.

Staff pointed out some cracks and exposed rebar along the ramp, which arena officials decided should be evaluated. Once DLR is done with the evaluation, the arena will bid the project and get the ramp fixed, officials said.

The board also agreed to let contractors use JPA land to store their equipment while it rehabs about a mile of an old sewer line installed in 1936. The $2.6 million project, which will come out of city wastewater coffers, is part of a larger effort to rehab the entire length of the old line.

Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
Opportunity is ripe for Republicans to win back the Senate next year  if they can land the candidates to pull it off.

The GOP needs a net gain of one or two seats to flip the chamber, depending on which party wins the White House in 2024, and it's Democrats who are defending the tougher seats. Democrats hold seven of the 10 seats that CNN ranks as most likely to flip party control next year  and the top three are all in states former President Donald Trump carried twice.

But this spring's recruitment season, coming on the heels of a midterm cycle marred by problematic GOP candidates, will likely go a long way toward determining how competitive the Senate map is next year.

National Republicans got a top pick last week, with Gov. Jim Justice announcing his Senate bid in West Virginia  the seat most likely to flip party control in 2024. (Rankings are based on CNN's reporting, fundraising figures and historical data about how states and candidates have performed.) But Justice appears headed for a contentious and expensive primary. And in many other top races, the GOP hasn't yet landed any major candidates.

Democrats, meanwhile, are thankful that most of their vulnerable incumbents are running for reelection, while a high-profile House member has largely cleared the field for one of their open Senate seats.

The unknown remains West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin. Responding to Justice's candidacy, Manchin  who has said he'll decide about running by the end of the year  had this to say to CNN about a potentially messy GOP primary: "Let the games begin."

The anti-tax Club for Growth's political arm has already committed to spending $10 million to back West Virginia Rep. Alex Mooney in the GOP primary. And tensions between the club, which has turned against Trump, and more establishment Republicans could become a feature of several top Senate races this cycle, especially with the National Republican Senatorial Committee weighing more aggressive involvement in primaries to weed out candidates it doesn't think can win general elections.

In the 2022 cycle, most of Trump's handpicked candidates in swing states stumbled in the general election. But the former president picked up a key endorsement this week from NRSC Chair Steve Daines. The Montana Republican has stayed close with Trump, CNN has previously reported, in a bid to ensure he's aligned with leadership.

Democrats defending tough seats have previously used GOP primaries to their advantage. Manchin survived in 2018 in part because his opponent was state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. That wasn't an accident. Democrats had spent big attacking one of his primary opponents to keep him out of the general election.

Last year's midterms underscored that candidates really do matter after Republicans failed to harness favorable national winds in some key races. In a presidential year, the national environment is likely to loom large, especially with battleground states hosting key Senate races. It will also test whether some of the last remaining senators who represent states that back the opposite parties' presidential nominees can hold on.

President Joe Biden, who carried half of the states on this list in 2020, made official last week that he's running for reelection. The GOP presidential field is slowly growing, with Trump still dominating most primary polling. It's too early to know, however, what next year's race for the White House will look like or which issues, whether it's abortion or crime or the economy, will resonate.

So for now, the parties are focused on what they can control: candidates. Even though the 2024 map is stacked in their favor, Republicans can't win with nobody. But there's plenty of time for would-be senators to get into these races. Some filing deadlines  in Arizona, for example  aren't for nearly another year. And there's an argument to be made that well-funded or high-profile names have no reason to get in early.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen learned the hard way how vulnerable modern agriculture can be to those with malicious intent.

One week before COVID-19 reached Nebraska in 2020, a hacker knocked out the computers at Pillen Farms. The attack shut down the entire genetic database, kept workers from being able to make feed and affected pretty much all activity at agribusiness operation.

You talk about sobering, the governor said Tuesday while kicking off a two-day symposium focused on threats to agriculture.

The event, hosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation at the Nebraska Innovation Campus, brought together more than 400 people from 19 states, representing a variety of agriculture entities and law enforcement.

Gene Kowel, special agent in charge of the FBIs Omaha Field Office, said the FBI is concerned about agriculture because it is one of the nations 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Those are sectors whose incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on national security, economic security or public health.

He said that agricultures growing use of technology has increased the risks to that sector, whether from criminals, terrorists or hostile foreign countries.

We know that the cyber risk to our farms, our ranches, our food processing facilities is growing exponentially every day, every year, he said. Cyber risk is business risk and cyber security is national security.

Kowel described four main threats. The first is malicious cyber activity that can shut down agricultural operations. This can include ransomware attacks or other malware, which can be especially harmful during planting and harvesting time.

The theft of data or technology is the second threat. He said China, in particular, has set out to build its technological abilities by stealing from other countries.

A third threat comes from countries, criminals or terrorists trying to take control of agricultural processes, whether to stop production, alter production, manipulate markets or to have an ecological effect.

Finally, he said, there is a risk of bioterrorism or bio-warfare, in which diseases or toxic agents are used to target food production.

Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, said farmers and ranchers have been able to do more with less by adopting precision agriculture, which depends on using detailed data to direct sophisticated equipment or tailor the care of livestock. There are also new technologies such as laser-equipped weed-killing robots or drones for spraying crops.

But those technologies all come with their share of risk. He said people in agriculture need to be aware of the potential and to develop a plan to prepare for and prevent problems. He also said he hopes the conference will result in a coalition of agricultural producers and food processors who can collaborate on deciding how best to protect the food supply system.

McHargue and Kowel said that people can find resources through websites for the FBI, Farm Bureau or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

Counties with the most farmland in Nebraska Counties with the most farmland in Nebraska #25. Valley #24. South Sioux #23. Chase #22. Boone #21. Rock #20. Antelope #19. Dundy #18. Garden #17. Buffalo #16. Brown #15. Dawson #14. Perkins #13. Keith #12. Knox #11. Red Willow #10. Kimball #9. Cheyenne #8. Morrill #7. Box Butte #6. Sheridan #5. Dawes, North Sioux #4. Holt #3. Custer #2. Lincoln #1. Cherry
In April 2021, Jared Hall wanted to do something completely different, so the North Omaha native and University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate turned to fashion.

Now, in just a little over two years, Hall has reached some of the biggest stages in the fashion world with his product line, 3am Luxury.

Designing and selling a combination of leather handbags, backpacks, wallets and other accessories, Halls products have been  or will be  displayed at various fashion shows including Los Angeles and Paris.

The 33-year-old Halls rise has been swift. Hall began 3am Luxury after seeing a local void for luxury apparel.

We have fashion here, but were not known for being a fashion capital city, he said.

Hall also was inspired to enter the fashion world after experiencing a low-quality designer bag he had received as a gift.

I was traveling from Arizona back to Omaha, and my bag broke, he said. That, ultimately, is what inspired me to want to create something that was of the highest quality.

Hall began looking at national and international luxury brands and came across a Brazilian brand that uses full-grain leather that is durable, customizable and fashionable.

Using the same type of leather, Hall comes up with the designs inspired by nature and architecture. He partners with a California manufacturer to refine his designs and produce his products.

The 3am moniker has significant philosophical meaning to Hall: The 3 represents a persons pineal gland, which symbolizes free thinking and creativity. The A symbolizes the angle in which a person views their reality from. The M is made up of two pyramids: the first pyramid symbolizes mental growth and the second pyramid symbolizes manifestation.

All in all, one of my missions is to inspire people to believe in themselves, trust their vision and challenge the very best version of yourself, to inspire growth and manifest the life you desire, Hall said.

Wanting 3am Luxury to be a global brand, Hall has put his primary retail focus on the online realm.

I knew that if I started from a brick-and-mortar position, I would limit my chances of being global, he said, although he added that he is interested in working with local retailers.

Halls big break into the international scene came when he caught the notice of Paris fashion designer Tiffany McCall through Instagram. McCall was struck by Halls designs and now features his work in her fashion shows in Paris, Monaco and Cannes in France; and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

His brand is really different and unique, McCall said.

A woman of color, McCall said shes interested in helping Hall, who is Black, succeed in the fashion world. Halls association with McCall helped land him a spot in the Paris Fashion Week event that will be held in September.

Hes going to learn and discover on his own as well. But we all need help. We all need someone to give us that push and boost, McCall said. He has a big future.

Just as McCall has done for him, Hall wants to pay it forward. Although 3am Luxury is a one-person company for now, Hall envisions helping other people and giving them opportunities to grow.

Being a Black business owner is something very unique and special to me, he said. I want to inspire not only African Americans, but also other young men and women to embark on their dreams. In Omaha, Nebraska, we have a lot of resources and a lot of talent that I think deserves to be on the world platform.

Top Journal Star photos for May 2023
One man was shot, two police officers were placed on administrative leave and three arrests were made following an apparent gunfight in broad daylight in Omaha on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident is being investigated as a police shooting, though it's currently unclear if the injured man was shot by officers or by another party returning fire.

At about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Omaha police officers were leaving a community meeting at a bank near 31st and Ames avenues when they heard gunshots. The officers saw a man, later identified as 26-year-old Jahari Love, standing outside of a vehicle in a strip mall parking lot with a long gun, shooting into a nearby home.

Three officers ran across Ames Avenue toward Love, and two of them fired their service weapons as they approached. Police have not determined if Love was shot by responding officers or by someone inside of the home returning fire.

Deputy Omaha Police Chief Thomas Schaffer said on Tuesday that officers appeared to have "stumbled onto an active gunbattle between the two groups."

"Immediately upon getting (Love) in custody, he and some of the witnesses nearby gave indications the house across the street was actually shooting at them, and that's what started it," Schaffer said.

Love was shot in his right wrist and was taken to Nebraska Medical Center. He has since been booked at the Douglas County Jail on suspicion of attempted first-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony.

Two other people were arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of various charges related to the incident. Brandi Walker, 28, was arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree assault, terroristic threats, evidence tampering and shooting at an occupied vehicle. Matthew Berg, 37, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault and gun use.

The two officers who fired at Love, who have not been identified, were placed on paid administrative leave. Their identities will be released after they are interviewed, according to Omaha Police Public Information Officer Michael Pecha.

Along with the Omaha Police Department's Officer Involved Investigations Team, the Nebraska State Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office are assisting in the investigation.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
Gov. Jim Pillen on Thursday welcomed Israeli Consul General Yinam Cohen to Nebraska with a proclamation celebrating the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel and pointing to "common strategic and economic interests" that the United States and Israel share.

"It's a special relationship," Pillen said, which spreads into tourism and trade as well as common strategic interests.

"We hope to welcome you to Jerusalem," Cohen said.

Bryan Slone of Omaha, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Nebraska businesses want to "expand commercial relationships" with Israel along with cultural bonds.

Jewish community roots in Nebraska stretch back to 1855, Mike Siegel, president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, said.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and executive vice president and provost of the University of Nebraska, also welcomed Cohen to Nebraska during a brief ceremony in the Governor's Hearing Room.

Cohen represents the Israeli consulate in Chicago.

Israel's 75th anniversary was celebrated May 14.

Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
The Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command has turned over responsibility for providing missile defense for the United States and its allies to the U.S. Space Command, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

President Joe Biden made the change April 25 as part of the governments adoption of a new Unified Command Plan that assigns missions to the U.S. militarys major combatant commands, including Stratcom and SpaceCom as well as regional commands such as Northern Command, European Command, and Indo-Pacific Command.

However, the missile defense change was not announced until last week, in a press release from Space Command.

In the release, Spacecom's commander, Army Gen. James Dickinson, described the transfer as the culmination of a comprehensive study on the roles, responsibilities and authorities associated with the Missile Defense enterprise.

He said the change will bring missile warning, missile defense and space domain awareness under one command.

Stratcoms commander, Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, said he backs the realignment, which he said better supports our integrated deterrence framework in safeguarding our nation.

No military or civilian jobs are expected to be lost at Stratcoms Offutt Air Force Base headquarters because much of the missile defense work has already been taking place in Colorado Springs, said Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Kelsey, a Stratcom spokesman.

It doesnt change a whole lot, Kelsey said. Instead of Stratcom overseeing it, its Spacecom.

Stratcom is best-known as the keeper of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, but it has also carried out other duties under its broader mission of strategic deterrence.

The missile defense element has its roots in the early-warning system set up across Canada and the northern tier of the United States by the Strategic Air Command in the 1950s and '60s, said retired Lt. Gen. Bob Hinson, Stratcoms deputy commander from 2000 to 2002.

It devolved into a mixture of ground-based radars and space-based systems, said Hinson, who also commanded the 14th Air Force, which is responsible for space-related activities.

SAC stood down after the Cold War, and the expanding work of missile defense moved to other commands, including the Missile Defense Agency (created as part of the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative, commonly known as Star Wars) and a former version of U.S. Space Command that was established in 1985.

Stratcom took over missile defense after the original Spacecom was inactivated in 2002, and three years later it became part of Stratcoms Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense. The commands work has included missile defense planning, operations and advocacy.

In 2019, U.S. Space Command was re-established by an act of Congress, and Dickinson became its commander the following year. He has supported the integration of space and missile defense operations.

Its evolving back to where it should be, Hinson said.

Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
I have worked in the agriculture industry for many years and witnessed firsthand the importance of resilience and innovation to meet market demand. While we all hold different views, nobody can argue that our country has begun to focus on ways to decarbonize key industries.

This push does include the fuel and agriculture industries, meaning that we should embrace projects that will enable us to stay profitable and sustain our way of life.

Everyone has been talking about the carbon pipelines on the horizon for the last two years. For many of us, we have chosen to support this to preserve the strength of agriculture and ethanol in Nebraska and the Midwest. This technology will allow ethanol plants to sell their fuel on the low-carbon fuel market, ensuring profit margins remain high and stable.

What CO2 pipelines will do is bring about increased profits via the premium price producers will receive for their low-carbon ethanol. A more robust and resilient ethanol industry will directly benefit all aspects of the agriculture industry. Cattlemen like me will benefit from a consistent supply of local dried distiller grains, while corn crop farmers will benefit from high corn demand from their local ethanol plants.

Pipelines are a highly regulated and safe way to keep commerce moving in this country and bolster the economy in many ways. This technology, safer and more efficient than truck or rail, will benefit communities across Nebraska.

Support innovation and a path forward for our state by backing pipelines.

Brock Elsen, Miller
After four months of political wrangling, eyeball-to-eye-ball negotiations and mounting anxiety in both parties about the "debt ceiling," Congress finally found enough common ground to pay its bills. But how long will these good tidings last?

First, it helps to understand just what the debt ceiling is. In mid-April House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, explained it like this: "You know, if you gave your child a credit card, and they kept maxing it out to the limit, you wouldn't blindly just raise the limit. You'd change their behavior. The exact same thing is true with our national debt."

That's not quite right. The debt ceiling isn't about putting a limit on your future spending. It's about paying bills you already owe, such as your credit card statement lists the purchases you have made.

Refusal by McCarthy and his House GOP Republican colleagues in recent months to raise the federal debt ceiling on spending the government already has incurred would be like refusing to pay for what you already owe. If you persisted in this refusal, you'd end up in bankruptcy, or perhaps in jail for fraud.

The debt ceiling has become a pointless and dangerous exercise, as spending constantly exceeds incoming revenue, and the ceiling repeatedly must be raised to avoid the government going into default. That would lead to a worldwide financial crisis.

But, as our politics have become more fractious, the looming debt ceiling has climbed to $31.4 trillion and poses a threat to our national well-being and the global economy.

Fortunately, with just days to go before the big collapse, the Republican-controlled House overwhelmingly passed a debt ceiling deal forged by McCarthy and President Joe Biden.

The House sent the legislation to the waiting hands of the Democratic-controlled Senate, which gave final approval Thursday and then sent it to Biden to be signed into law.

That was close. But with dedicated lawmakers and their hardworking staffers, agreement came together in the way such polarized opposites almost always come together, through compromise.

McCarthy and other Republicans were not willing to destroy the economy by forcing a default or imposing job-killing spending cuts. But they were willing in the end to rally the moderates and leave the furthest-right extremists on the sidelines just enough to get the job done.

After months of drama, it appears that not much of substance has changed. There's no default, no cuts in Social Security or Medicare, two of the government's most popular programs, and no huge cuts in Medicaid, a health care program for low-income folks.

There was no dethroning of McCarthy, who, as part of his deal with his party colleagues to win his leadership post, could be vulnerable to any one of his House GOP colleagues, particularly more extreme die-hard conservatives.

Of course, taking the longer view, it is easy to see that the debt ceiling bill should never have been necessary. Congress should be able to, as a routine matter, authorize the borrowing of money it had already told the Treasury to spend.

The U.S. and global economies should have been spared the anxieties inflamed by tension over a possibly disastrous default that resulted from the legislation's delay.

It also is wrong as a matter of principle for the House Republican majority to use must-pass legislation such as the debt limit law as leverage to extract spending reductions from the White House. In practice, that strategy has produced a modest increase in fiscal responsibility.

Yet, in view of the long-running dysfunction brought on by the hyperpartisan political environment, the passage of the debt ceiling measure represents a major achievement. It shouldn't be so hard for such valuable agreements to be reached.

Clarence Page writes for the Chicago Tribune.
RACINE  The City of Racine was selected for a three-year, $1.5 million grant program from the Wisconsin Community Safety Fund to reduce violence that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1.5 million will help the city establish an Office of Violence Prevention. The city also plans to use the money to contract with national violence reduction partners, engage local stakeholders, and develop a gun violence intervention program based on local needs.

The City of Racine is strongly committed to a safe and healthy community. This grant will give us resources to establish an Office of Violence Prevention, collaborate more with community partners, and use evidence-based approaches to prevent crimes before they happen, Mayor Cory Mason said in a press release.

Gov. Tony Evers allocated part of money received by the state from the American Rescue Plan Act to fund the grants. State and local governments were encouraged to use some of the ARPA money for violence prevention, in response to increased violence and mental health concerns since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Racine is one of 10 communities and organizations across the state to receive the grant from the Wisconsin Community Safety Fund, which is run by the Comprehensive Injury Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The COVID-19 pandemic surfaced disparities confirming what we know to be true  that violence is a public health problem. Implementing innovative approaches that foster community safety and prevent violence to others and oneself is possible with the right investment of resources, said Reggie Moore, director of violence prevention at the Medical College of Wisconsin said in a press release.

The 10 communities that received the grant funds will have a platform where they can communicate with each other and share ideas related to community safety. All of the communities will also receive support and assistance from the Medical College of Wisconsin for data, evaluation, training and approaches to violence prevention.

Seven photos of Park HS students making rings to raise awareness about gun violence Julissa Gentry Sage Hansen Ari Vaughn Coloring a ring Quirke Rings Legend
While Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin strives to have a three-day supply of available blood for local hospitals, the organization currently has less than a one-day supply  prompting an emergency plea for donations.

Versiti has seen a drastic drop in scheduled appointments, with nearly 2,500 available during the next week, according to a news release from the organization.

All blood types are needed, but types O-positive and O-negative are most in demand.

O-positive is the most common blood type, while O-negative blood is the universal type that can be received safely by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is unknown.

Not only does the shortage put peoples lives at risk, but it also limits the ability to respond to an unexpected need.

About 25% of blood collections come from high school and college partners, so when its summer vacation, those blood drives arent happening.

While we anticipate this dip every year, we are also seeing fewer first-time donors walking through our doors, which is adding to an already dangerous situation, stated Dr. Alcinda Flowers, associate medical director at Versiti, in the release.

Versiti estimates that about 20% of its donors are first-time donors, but more than 50% of those donors only donate once.

With an aging donor base and increased need, first-time blood donors are needed.

The younger generation has not been as motivated to donate blood as the older generations, said Kristin Paltzer, Versitis public relations manager. Were trying to engage those who are donors to encourage them to come back, and engage those who are new donors to make a commitment to come in and donate once or twice this year.

Paltzer said the organization typically sees dips in donations around major holidays, such as Memorial Day weekend, when people are more likely to be traveling.

Our donations are going to kind of hit a cliff, that is something that happens every summer, she said.

Flowers called summer trauma season in the medical world.

Summer brings vacations and festivals, and a higher possibility for accidents and gun violence  which may require blood to be available.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood to survive, and one donation can save up to three lives.

About 40% of Americans can donate blood, but only about 3% do.

Blood donations are used to help victims of traumatic accidents, patients who have received organ transplants or those fighting diseases like cancer.

How to help

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 877-BE-A-HERO (877-232-4376) or visit versiti.org. Walk-in donors are also welcome.

Versiti locations in southeastern Wisconsin include:

Mount Pleasant: 1120 S. Sunnyslope Drive

Kenosha: 8064 39th Ave.

Greenfield: 7210 W. Edgerton Ave.

Milwaukee: 638 North 18th St.

Waukesha: 2111 Springdale Road

Wauwatosa: 8733 Watertown Plank Road

Anyone 17 or older who is in good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors who are 16.

Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

The donation process, including registration and testing, takes about an hour.

Our loyal donors continue to hear our pleas and roll up their sleeves, for which we are extremely grateful, Flowers said. However, if every eligible donor could pledge to donate at least twice by the end of the year and encourage a friend or family member to give blood donation a try as well, the impact on the local blood supply would be significant.
Photo: B.C. government With only one wild-born nothern spotted owl left, the Wilderness Committee says the federal government's delay is threatening the survival of the species.

An environmental group is taking the federal government to court over what it says is a failure to enact a protection order meant to safeguard habitat for the last northern spotted owl still living in the wild.

In February, Canada's Minister of Environment Steven Guilbeault said he would issue an emergency order to protect 2,500 hectares critical spotted owl habitat his ministry deemed at risk from logging in B.C.s Fraser Canyon.

Notwithstanding these findings, the minister has failed to make an emergency order recommendation to cabinet, as he is required to by law. Nor has he committed to any timeline for doing so, the law firm Ecojustice said in a statement.

Lawyers from the firm filed an application for judicial review on behalf of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee at a Vancouver federal court on Wednesday. The court action asks the judge to declare the delay unlawful and to compel the minister to follow through on his obligations under the Species at Risk Act within 15 days of the court's judgment.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has not responded for a request to comment on the case.

Recovery efforts face setbacks after two deaths

The B.C. government recently extended a halt on logging in Spuzzum and Utzlius creek areas until early 2025  two watersheds where the last wild-born owl now lives.

Recovery of the spotted owl has faced significant setbacks in recent months. In May, two owls bred in captivity and released into the Fraser canyon watersheds were found dead.

Its not clear what killed them, though Spo'zem First Nation Chief Joe Hobart said they were found outside of their designated habitat and suspects they succumbed to starvation.

The two owls flew out of the protected area, Hobart said.

So the government is saying one thing about what they're doing to protect the spotted owl, but the spotted owls aren't reading those maps, they're flying right out of that area.

The northern spotted owl's core habitat in B.C. extends throughout the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky corridor and Fraser Canyon. Wilderness Committee

?Scientists estimate there were once 500 pairs of spotted owls living in southwest British Columbias old-growth forests. Core critical habitat for the northern spotted owl stretches from the Lower Mainland, through the Squamish Valley to Whistler, Pemberton, down the Fraser Canyon and south into Manning Park.

As those forests have shrunk or been degraded, so too has their range. Competition from other invasive owls, like the barred owl, has added to the spotted owl's struggle to survive, said Hobart.

Today, a single wild-born owl occupies two patches of forest near Spuzzum and Utzlius creeks in the Fraser Canyon.

Fraser canyon logging threatens critical spotted owl habitat

The status of the species prompted the federal government to release a draft recovery plan for the spotted owl earlier this year. Among other things, the plan presents a series of maps outlining what forests need to be protected in order to save the species in Canada. But logging outside of the protected areas continues, the Wilderness Committee says.

Joe Joy, the Wilderness Committee's protected areas campaigner, said his group took those federal maps and then overlaid them with provincial maps showing pending and approved forest cut blocks in B.C. When Joy and some of his colleagues visited the Fraser Canyon forest sites at the end of last month, he said they found logging had already started in places where critical spotted owl habitat was meant to be protected.

Logging is nailing these areas under permit from the province of B.C., he said. It freaked us out. It goes against what the federal government has been telling us since February.

These really important areas are being hauled down the road on logging trucks. Thats why were going to court.
BURLINGTON  After students exceeded a fundraising goal, a Burlington principal spent a night on a school roof last week.

Ann Phillips, Waller Elementary School principal, slept in a tent Friday night atop the school at 195 Gardner Ave.

Phillips camped out after students raised nearly $9,000 as part of the sixth annual Waller Parent Teacher Organization Walk-a-thon. The money will be used to purchase playground equipment, including equipment that is accessible for people with disabilities.

The goal was to raise $5,000, and students surpassed that total in a just few days.

Phillips was shocked to hear the goal was exceeded so quickly. She thinks it was a combination of compassionate kids wanting to help buy equipment and their desire to see her on the school roof.

On Friday night, Phillips had dinner delivered by colleagues, family and friends. She called the support absolutely overwhelming.

She also read a book to students on the PTOs Facebook page before saying goodnight, according to a BASD news release.

It was unfortunately not a restful night for Phillips, who had only camped once when she was a Girl Scout.

I am not a camper by any stretch of the imagination, Phillips said.

Phillips came down from the roof Saturday morning, and The Coffee House at Chestnut and Pine delivered breakfast around 7:30 a.m. She went home, took a shower, ate breakfast and napped.

Phillips eventually hopes to raise enough money to construct a new playground for students and the community.

She has other ideas to encourage more fundraising next year.

It likely will not involve her camping on the roof again but might entail a similarly quirky event.

Any way that I can embarrass myself to get more money for kids to do great things is worth it, Phillips said.

Twelve photos of Burlington HS seniors returning to Waller Elementary Students walking into school Lisa Schue and Utopia Pasika Lucy Busse and Angela Bies Easton Schue hugs Angela Bies Adalie Rauch smiles Class of 2023 Reese Schuls Lucy Busse High-five High-fives from elementary schoolers Students in gym Lucy high-fives
The Rainbow flag is not being flown outside Kenosha County buildings after an executive order regarding flags was issued by County Executive Samantha Kerkman just days before the start of Pride Month.

The Rainbow Flag had previously been flown at the Kenosha County Courthouse during the month of June observance of Pride Month, dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

In 2021, previous County Executive Jim Kreuser, a former Democratic state representative, ordered a Rainbow flag donated by the Kenosha Pride organization to be displayed among the other flags in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse throughout June of that year.

Kerkmans recent executive order changes that.

Effective immediately, the United States flag, the flag of the State of Wisconsin, and the flag of the County of Kenosha shall fly on any stationary outdoor flag poles located on County property; the flags of the United States branches of military service and the POW-MIA flag may also be flown, the executive order signed May 26 reads.

This Executive Order does not abridge, restrict, interfere with, or limit in any way the ability of a business or other entity that leases County-owned property, or otherwise operates under such a lease, from displaying a flag pursuant to and consistent with the terms and conditions of the mutually negotiated and agreed upon lease. Any prior Executive Orders inconsistent with or expanding upon such usage are hereby rescinded.

The order is to remain in effect unless revoked by the county executive.

Kerkmans office sent a statement to the Kenosha News regarding the matter. Kerkman, a former Republican state representative, allowed the Rainbow Flag last year.

The purpose and goal of this order is to create a clear and consistent policy across county facilities. The aim of the policy is to ensure there is no ambiguity with regard to the flags Kenosha County is obliged to keep, maintain and display on its permanent, outdoor flag poles, regardless of location, Kerkman said.

This decision was made in advance of Memorial Day, reflecting on the meaning of the flags that the county flies year-round. The objective is not to distract from that basic message, honoring our country, our state, our county, and those who have served our nation.

Word of Kerkmans decision spread Thursday on social media when some noticed the Rainbow Flag missing.

The City of Kenosha installed a Rainbow Pride Flag behind the Municipal Building at Navy Memorial Park alongside other flags. That park is owned by the city, not the county.

On Thursday state workers in Madison raised a pride flag over the Wisconsin Capitol in a sign of support of the LGBTQ+ community on order of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

It has become commonplace for the Pride flag to be flown outside government buildings in a show of solidarity for our LGBTQ+ communities. Kenosha Mayor (John) Antaramian decreed in 2021 that the Pride flag be flown at Navy Memorial Park for the month of June and that Kenosha recognizes Pride Month, said Lori Hawkins, chair of the Kenosha County Democratic Party in a statement. The number of communities flying the Pride flag at official buildings is growing, and that gesture of support, though a small step, shows a community is making steps toward inclusivity.

Hawkins said Kerkmans order has taken our county backward on addressing issues of equality and inclusion.

The fact that this is taking place during a time when people within the LGBTQ+ community are experiencing a sharp rise in public attacks through legislation and extremist groups is reprehensible, Hawkins said, adding she believes the flag should immediately be flown.

Kenosha Pride responds

Dan Seaver, Kenosha Pride's president and chairman of its board of directors, said the organization was simiarly "disheartened" by Kerkman's actions rescinding the order by Kreuser allowing the flying of the Pride Flag.

Seaver said Kenosha County has a very diverse population with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, but the despite that, it has ranked last in the state on the Municipal Equality Index, he said in a statement.

"Actions like this show the LGBTQ+ community that Kenosha does not welcome them," he said.

He urged the community to contact Kerkman and County Board supervisors to express their feelings on the matter "especially the ones who supported and sponsored the Pride Month Proclamation in 2020."

"We want to remind everyone that their voice has power and that together we can make a difference," he said.
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
1. Yes. Larger buses are seldom full. Driving them around is a waste of money and fuel.

2. Yes. Fixed routes are often cumbersome and inflexible. They dont work for some riders.

3. No. Using small vans to transport riders on demand would not be very efficient.

4. No. If the city cant have an actual bus service, riders may as well call a cab or an Uber.

5. Unsure. The transit business model is changing, but it could prove to be problematic.

Vote

View Results
1. Yes. The traditional date is July 4. The posts celebration should observe that tradition.

2. Yes. Having the celebration 11 days before July 4 likely will diminish the experience.

3. No. The date is not so important, as long as the post honors the spirit of the holiday.

4. No. It gives soldiers and their families the opportunity to take part in multiple celebrations.

5. Unsure. The tradition surrounding July 4 is important, but other factors are involved.

Vote

View Results
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - This screengrab shows the arrest in Raleigh, N.C., of Darryl Tyree Williams, who died after being stunned repeatedly with stun guns on Jan. 17, 2023. Williams died from "sudden cardiac arrest" related to cocaine intoxication and the police confrontation, according to the state's autopsy released on Wednesday, June 7. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also labeled Williams' death a homicide. (City of Raleigh via AP, File)

A man who died after police officers in North Carolina's capital city repeatedly used stun guns on him died from "sudden cardiac arrest" related to cocaine intoxication and the police confrontation, according to the state's autopsy report released Wednesday.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also labeled the Jan. 17 death of 32-year-old Darryl Tyree Williams a homicide.

The autopsy report listed the cause of Williams death as sudden cardiac arrest in the setting of cocaine intoxication, physical exertion, conducted energy weapon use, and physical restraint. A toxicology analysis in part detected cocaine and a chemical that's contained in marijuana in his blood, the report said.

The Raleigh Police Department said its officers were trying to arrest Williams around 2 a.m. for possession of a controlled substance.

Several officers were placed on administrative leave, and the State Bureau of Investigation conducted a probe into what happened. The SBI has submitted its case file to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman, who will determine whether criminal charges are appropriate, SBI spokesperson Angie Grube said.

Williams family has called on officials to fire officers and charge them in his death. In a news release, attorneys for the family said that the autopsy confirms that Darryls death was a direct result of excessive and unreasonable police force.

We will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this senseless loss of life are held accountable" and that there are meaningful changes" implemented to prevent similar future deaths, the release said.

Raleigh Police Lt. Jason Borneo said late Wednesday the autopsy report will be reviewed by Freeman, and officers involved in the matter are on leave. He declined additional comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Police have said they were trying to arrest Williams after they found a folded dollar bill with white powder in his pocket.

Police said two officers stunned Williams with a Taser a total of three times as they tried to take him into custody. The autopsy found injuries on his back consistent with stun gun use.

Williams, a Black man, can be heard in body and dashboard camera videos released by police in February protesting that he didnt do anything and warning that he had a heart problem. Medical records showed he had a history of an unspecified irregular heartbeat, Wednesday's report said.

Obesity and hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease also contributed to his death, the report said, adding that Williams also had a known medical history of obesity and substance (tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine) abuse."
Twilight Jazz returns to the Anderson Arts Center grounds, 6603 Third Ave., for another season of free outdoor performances on Kenosha's lakefront.

The 2023 20th anniversary season starts June 13 and continues every other Tuesday through Aug. 22.

This year's lineup features:

June 13: John Crawford Band

June 27: Street Jaxson Band

July 11: Kal Bergendahl Project

July 25: Ivy Ford Band

Aug. 8: Dave Braun Trio

Aug. 22: Deeppockets

For two decades, the Twilight Jazz Summer Concert Series has established itself as one of Kenoshas signature events, drawing crowds throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Funds raised during the concert series support and sustain the Anderson Arts Center and the Kemper Center and help to promote the arts and art education in the community.

Grounds open at 6 p.m. for the concerts, which are 7 to 9 p.m. Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. No seating is provided.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. No carry-ins of alcohol are allowed. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets.

For more details, go to andersonartscenter.com or call 262-925-8040.

New this year: Audience members are asked to bring new pillows to be donated to local families at Women & Childrens Horizons. Donations of new pillows will be collected during each of the Twilight Jazz concerts this summer. Spectrum Wealth, Tax & Accounting is hosting this pillow drive.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken walks with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the GCC Secretariat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, June 7. AP-Yonhap



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had an "open, candid" conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the early hours of Wednesday about a wide range of bilateral issues, a U.S. official said.



The top U.S. diplomat arrived in Saudi Arabia late on Tuesday for a much anticipated visit amid frayed ties due to deepening disagreements on everything from Iran policy to regional security issues, oil prices and human rights.



Washington has struggled to steady the relationship with Riyadh, where the de facto ruler Prince Mohammed has dominated the decision-making, and as the traditional oil-for-security alliance crumbled under the emergence of the United States as a major oil producer.



Blinken's visit came days after top crude exporter Saudi Arabia pledged to deepen oil output cuts on top of a broader OPEC+ deal to limit supply, as it seeks to boost flagging oil prices despite opposition from the U.S. administration.



Blinken and the crown prince, known as MbS, met for an hour and 40 minutes, a U.S. official said, covering topics including Israel, the conflict in Yemen, unrest in Sudan as well as human rights.



"There was a good degree of convergence on potential initiatives where we share the same interests, while also recognising where we have differences," the U.S. official said.



A good part of the discussion was expected to be dominated by the possible normalisation of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, even though officials had played down the likelihood of any immediate or major progress on the issue.



"They discussed the potential for normalization of relations with Israel and agreed to continued dialogue on the issue," the U.S. official said, without providing further details.



In a speech in Washington on Monday before departing for Jeddah, Blinken cautioned that any breakthrough on the issue would not be immediate. "We have no illusions that this can be done quickly or easily," he said.



Saudi Arabia, a Middle East powerhouse and home to Islam's two holiest shrines, gave its blessing to Gulf neighbours United Arab Emirates and Bahrain establishing relations with Israel in 2020 under the previous U.S. administration of Donald Trump.



Riyadh has not followed suit, saying Palestinian statehood goals should be addressed first. In April, Saudi Arabia restored ties with Iran, a regional rival and Israel's arch-foe.





In this photo made available by Saudi Press Agency, SPA, Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, shakes hands with Saudi King Salman, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. AP-Yonhap



Nuclear technology



Developing a civilian nuclear programme is among Riyadh's conditions for normalising ties with Israel, a source familiar with the discussions said, confirming a New York Times report from March.

Saudi or U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed that.



However, U.S. officials have said in the past they would share nuclear power technology only if the agreement prevents enrichment of uranium or reprocessing of plutonium made in reactors - two routes to making nuclear weapons.



Riyadh has also leveraged its growing relationship with China as Washington pushed back against some of its demands including lifting restrictions on arms sales and help with sensitive high-tech industries.



Two days after Blinken's visit, Riyadh will host a major Arab-Chinese investment conference.



Jonathan Fulton, non-resident senior fellow at Atlantic Council, said China would help the Saudis in sectors where the United States won't but the relationship between Riyadh and Beijing did not have the same depth as with Washington.



"At this point I'd still characterize the U.S.-Saudi relationship as strategic and the China-Saudi relationship as transactional," Fulton said.



In brief remarks before a meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, Blinken sought to reassure them of Washington's focus in the region.



"The United States is in this region to stay and we remain deeply invested in partnering with all of you," he said.



MbS and Blinken also discussed Yemen and potential ways to resolve remaining issues, while Blinken thanked the crown prince for the kingdom's role in pushing for a ceasefire in Sudan and helping evacuate U.S. citizens.



Blinken also raised human rights issues with MbS, the U.S. official said, both on a broad level and relating to specific cases, although did not say which cases.



The kingdom has been pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into transforming and opening its economy to reduce dependence on crude oil. The reforms have been accompanied by a raft of arrests of critics of MbS, as well as of businessmen, clerics and rights activists.



Most recently in March, Saudi authorities released a U.S. citizen jailed for 19 years for posting criticism of the government on Twitter but he has remained banned from travelling. (Reuters)




Sister Rita Mae Fischer, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 94, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. She was in the 74th year of religious profession.

Rita Mary Fischer was born to Cyril and Mary (Heim) Fischer on Dec. 11, 1928, in West Allis, Wisconsin. She was the second oldest of seven children, with four brothers and two sisters. She professed her first vows as an FSPA on Aug. 12, 1949.

Sister Rita Mae taught primary grades for 33 years in Wisconsin (Wausau, Menomonie, Stanley, Pewaukee, Durand, Superior), in Washington (Spokane) and in Mississippi (Canton). In 1974, Sister Rita Mae was selected as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America. During the course of her teaching, Sister Rita Mae earned a B.A. in elementary education from Viterbo College (University) and an M.S. in education with a minor in theology from Creighton University. She later earned a minor in library science. She ministered as religious education director in Edgar, Wisconsin, and as an elementary school librarian at Holy Spirit School in Carroll, Iowa, and high school librarian at Marquette in West Point, Iowa. After a years sabbatical in 1994, Sister Rita Mae assisted with sister services at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse for three years before moving to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where she cared for her mother and ministered as media specialist at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School for two years. She then volunteered as librarian at Immaculate Conception School in Eau Claire for a year before moving to St. Paul, Minnesota, as a CCD teacher for seven years at St. Jerome Parish. In 2008, Sister Rita Mae moved to St. Rose Convent, where she volunteered in the media center for 11 years, while being very involved in prayer and hospitality.

Sister Rita Mae is survived by her Franciscan Community, her brothers: Eugene (Joanne) Fischer of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Mark (Fidelina) Fischer of Shoreview, Minnesota, her sisters: Margaret (Bernie) Kersting of St. Cloud and Mary Therese (Joseph) Terwey of Long Prairie, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Donald A. Fischer and James C. Fischer.

A prayer service was held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Mary of the Angels Chapel. There will be a live-streamed sharing at 6:30 p.m. that evening. The Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse. Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market St., La Crosse, WI 54601-4728.
The Amara Rose Foundation is a non-profit organization whose main mission is to educate the public about the dangers of using drugs, especially fentanyl. It was started following the death of Amara from and accidental overdose. Their full story can be found on their website, amararosefoundation.org.
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The Vernon County Department of Human Services encourages all individuals and organizations to support elder abuse awareness and prevention efforts in Wisconsin. We believe that every older adult deserves to be protected from abuse, whether financial, emotional, physical, or sexual. Older adults are vital, contributing members of American society and their maltreatment diminishes all of us. We strive to build a stronger, safer, and healthier community where we can work together to prevent elder abuse.

In 2022, the Vernon County Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services unit received a total of 70 reports of elder abuse and/or neglect. Of those reports, 27 of them met the states criteria to investigate to ensure the safety of the older adult. Of those investigations 13 cases of abuse were substantiated. Services and support are offered and explored in every report.

In addition, in 2022, the Vernon County Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services unit served 17 individuals with state elder abuse funding and six additional individuals were served with our Alzheimers funds. The Vernon County Department of Human Services was able to use these funds to provide supportive services, guardianship, protective placement, and educational material depending on the need of each victim.

The Vernon County Department of Human Services asks community members to wear purple on June 15 to support the importance of Elder Abuse Awareness. Please share your photos of you wearing purple with our Facebook site to show community support for the elderly in our county. To participate in the national challenge, use #WEAAD615 in your post! Together we can inform, educate, and empower others to be part of the solution to end Elder Abuse.

There are many ways to get involved in strengthening our communities and preventing elder abuse:

 It is up to everyone to prevent and address elder abuse. Talk about it  to your leaders, and to your neighbors.

- Advocate for elder abuse prevention and intervention programs.

- Raise public awareness by conducting friendly calls, virtual presentations and distributing materials via mail and email about elder abuse through networks of senior centers, places of worship, medical networks, etc.

- Educate yourself and enable others to better recognize the warning signs.

 Lend strength to existing social support structures.

- Volunteer to be a friendly visitor and either call, mail or email an older person living in the community.

- Suggest telephone helpline programs or assist in arranging meal or grocery delivery services for someone who is a caregiver.

- Dont tolerate ageism  this begins with not making fun of older adults.

 Contribute to building new social support structures:

- Report concerns to your local Adult Protective Services program or law enforcement.

- Get involved with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in your state, working to resolve problems related to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of persons who live in long-term care facilities (e.g., nursing homes, assisted living).

To learn more about elder abuse and for more ideas on how to become involved, visit:

 Vernon County Department of Human Services: vernoncounty.org

 National Center on Elder Abuse: https://ncea.acl.gov or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116

 Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resource, Inc.: gwaar.org
The national COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially ended May 11, three years after the pandemic changed  and cost  lives around the world.

Since the nation went into lockdown in March 2020, Wisconsin has confirmed over 1.78 million cases of the coronavirus, including over 44,100 in La Crosse County, with 14,544 state and 226 county deaths. Chippewa County has experienced at least 221 deaths, with some 22,300 cases reported.

Minnesota infections have surpassed 1.79 million, with 14,814 fatalities. In Winona County, over 16,000 cases have been confirmed, along with at least 86 deaths.

At the height of the pandemic, Gundersen Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System and Winona Health found their facilities maxed out with severely ill patients, some requiring ventilators and unable to see or speak to loved ones. Health Departments in La Crosse, Winona and Chippewa County worked around the clock to formulate and execute a response to the health crisis. Small businesses suffered, employees lost their jobs and parents scrambled to balance virtual learning, child care and work as schools and daycares closed their doors.

The rollout of safe, effective vaccines was monumental, yet the shots also proved divisive for society, with even some health care workers protesting required inoculation. The overwhelming majority of those in medicine chose to be vaccinated, but the general public was more resistant, which heightened frustrations and fears about the prolonging of the pandemic.

No one was left untouched by the coronavirus, but for infection control experts and hospital staff and leaders there was little, if any, reprieve from the health crisis. Now that they have caught their breath and moved back to a normal pace, a few health officials who were on the front lines of the COVID battle reflect on the pandemic.

Dr. Todd Kowalski, Gundersen Health System

For Gundersen La Crosse infectious disease expert Dr. Todd Kowalski, the pandemic has been the most challenging time in his career.

"Did I grasp early on what the trials and tribulations and twists and turns of COVID would be? Absolutely not," said Kowalski.

Kowalski was among the leaders of Gundersen's COVID response, with the goal of controlling what would prove a highly unpredictable disease. As hospital beds filled up with infectious patients, swift decisions had to be made about how to protect those on the premises and balance resources to ensure other urgent care could be performed. Many preventative and elective appointments and procedures had to be paused, and some employees were delegated to new roles or areas of the hospital to address the heavy burden.

"Expectations are challenging, and it is important to be humble about how much you know, how much you can really predict, how much you can really control," said Kowalski. "But while one's humble they must also be nimble so that when the course changes trajectory quickly, in a way that maybe you didn't have on your radar, you can react to make sure we can deliver care in what other way, shape or fashion that has to be for our patient."

The toll on the health care team, which was stretched even thinner when employees themselves contracted COVID or had to quarantine due to exposure, was acute, said Kowalski. But every day, they stepped up.

"We've learned what an amazing group of care providers that we have in our community, that we have here at Gundersen  their commitment to going above and beyond and finding a way to care for patients," said Kowalski. "And we've learned how incredibly important it is to care for those caregivers. The burden of this pandemic upon those who deliver health care  mentally, emotionally, physically  probably can't be overstated. And we certainly have seen the effect of that across the country in terms of the the challenges that presented. Our people are our most precious resource."

Pandemics, Kowalski noted, have "been said to shine a mirror on society, and we've certainly seen that to be true" with COVID.

"We've learned a lot about some of our fragilities and opportunities in health care to be better, whether it be from supply chain to how we can connect with patients in ways that are nontraditional. And there are inequities that have really been exposed by the pandemic in terms of how people receive information and receive care," said Kowalski.

Much turmoil and stress came from the pandemic, but it also brought about in health care "a power of purpose," Kowalski said.

"When it is crystal clear what you're trying to accomplish, why you're doing what you're doing, you can really see where that service can have an impact upon people's lives," said Kowalski. "The toll can be hard, but like all of health care the rewards can be so fulfilling. Making a difference in someone's life really is what drives, I think, so many of the people who deliver health care."

Though COVID continues to circulate, the virus has been on a downward trend over the past year. The majority of Wisconsin and Minnesota counties have maintained low levels of transmission, and this spring Mayo, Gundersen and Winona Health dropped their mask requirements for most patients and staff. The pandemic has reached a relative period of calm, but challenges lie ahead.

"History teaches us that pandemics will (last) a few years before they burn themselves out. And history also teaches us that even when it feels like the disease process has (entered) a new steady state, there's still lots of changes that society is going to undergo as a result of of all of the learnings and upheaval of the last three years," said Kowalski. "The virus may not be wreaking havoc like it was three years ago, but it still leaves a wake and a lot of changes that are going to continue to happen both in health care and society in the next five or 10 years."

Kowalski began to feel more hopeful about the state of the pandemic in spring 2022, when the worst of omicron had passed. But, he noted, "I had felt that before, in spring 2021, when we had vaccines (for adults)."

Said Kowalski, "I was breathing a lot of relief that at least our hospital would be better protected from being overwhelmed because of the ability of vaccines to help people from getting hospitalized. And that was true  it did make a big difference, a huge difference in terms of hospitalization."

But the highly contagious omicron strain, coupled with lower than desired vaccination rates and lagging community compliance with masking and distancing recommendations, caused a spike in cases and, largely among the uninoculated, inpatient stays and deaths. At present, 61.8% of Wisconsinites and 68.1% of Minnesotans have completed the initial vaccine series.

Following the wane in omicron infections, the practice of medicine entered a new era, Kowalski said, one in which the coronavirus no longer dominated his workload and hospitals were able to start "peeling back" pandemic protocols like visitor restrictions and masking. Now able to pause and reflect, Kowalski is grateful for the commitment of Gundersen staff and the collaboration in the community.

"People showed up and helped out by by donating goods, media partnered with us and public health to try to get the message out," said Kowalski. "I have gratitude for the way that this region came together to take on this challenge."

Dr. Raj Palraj, Mayo Clinic Health System

"It's kind of hard to imagine now that three years have passed since the beginning of the pandemic," said Mayo Clinic Health System infectious disease specialist Dr. Raj Palraj. "I think there are many lessons to be learned. This is the first worldwide pandemic in our lifetime. I didn't know how significantly it would affect all our lives. I didn't realize that we would have to shut down. I didn't realize that it would cause so much disruption. It was a huge surprise."

Palraj helped formulate Mayo La Crosses response to the pandemic in addition to providing public awareness via multiple web forums, the last held in March 2022, two years after lockdown. Just two months prior, La Crosse County had experienced a 123% increase in weekly COVID-19 cases, with the state reporting 13,000-plus new infections per day. After mid-January 2022, infections took a nose dive before leveling out at a lower rate, an encouraging trend that was sustained.

Throughout the crisis the country proved resilient, Palraj said, and the partnerships, research and vaccine technology that emerged have enduring benefits.

"A great outcome I've witness is the new mRNA vaccine technology that provided us a very safe and effective vaccine in record time," said Palraj. "There are reports that the vaccine alone prevented 18 million hospitalizations in the U.S. and potentially prevented 3 million deaths, which is a great success story."

The CDC, Palraj said, has strengthened its data collection capabilities and surveillance infrastructure, learning to predict case surges based on wastewater studies and using genomic sequencing to track viruses. The new bivalent COVID vaccines offer enhanced protection from variants, and treatments such as Paxlovid have shown success in addressing symptoms.

"It's very unfortunate that COVID took so many lives both in the U.S. and all over the world, but we are in a better place," said Palraj. "We are not seeing high numbers of hospitalizations and high numbers of death as we previously saw."

Taking account of the last three years, Palraj is "happy that despite all the differences, society came together." But while the end of the public health emergency is positive, "There are still people who are suffering from long COVID and we need to be mindful there are still people living with severe medical conditions who are at risk of severe disease."

An estimated 10% to 25% of those who contract the virus will have extended symptoms, anywhere from months to years from onset of infection, and there is currently no proven treatment.

"We still have to worry about people with chronic infection or chronic health conditions, and people need to get vaccines and have access to treatment and testing," said Palraj. "We need to take care of each other."

Rachelle Schultz, Winona Health

When lockdown started in March 2020, Winona Health president and CEO Rachelle Schultz didn't anticipate the pandemic would stretch over multiple years.

"I think we were all trying to figure out, how fast is this going to move through? And I think we had these assumptions that maybe it's a few months or until the end of the year, because nobody really knew anything about the virus or the spread," said Schultz. "We were learning every day how this thing was unfolding. So when we sit here three years later, did we think it would be three years? No, that was a long time and a very intense time as well."

The "sustained intensity" of the pandemic was like nothing Schultz had encountered before in her health care career, with new variants around every corner. As a hospital leader, Schultz understood the importance of "robust communication" among staff, board members, public health, nursing homes and the community at large, with that connection key to ensuring access to vaccines, availability of inpatient beds and adequate PPE and supplies.

"Every hospital was on board. Every hospital did their part," said Schultz. "And then internally we did the same thing. We really didn't know what was coming. It was all hands on deck and everybody stepped up. Everybody was willing to cross train or volunteer to do whatever they can to be part of being prepared. I think the big lesson is, when it really kind of comes down to it we can all pull together. We can accomplish pretty significant things. It was really a pretty amazing experience."

The pandemic has entered a new phase, where COVID is being treated as a virus much like the flu  concerning and potentially dangerous but not cause for panic. But, said Schultz, "I don't know that we've taken a complete breath of relief."

"The whole experience changed everything in health care," said Schultz. "It changed how we saw patients and how we interacted. I think even as we come out of the pandemic and we look at the public health emergency ending, there were so many waivers that were put in place and now we're having to unwind it now. We're still having to recover from all of that."

Though it "may seem everything is back to normal, it really isn't," said Schultz. The wave of people leaving the health care workforce, whether retiring early or changing careers, continues to impact the industry.

"I think we're all trying to get our heads wrapped around, what does that mean?" said Schultz. "And I don't think all of (the staffing challenges) are from pandemic but it's certainly showing up after COVID. So we're at the beginning of this recovery/redesign phase and don't really know what it looks like. We're going to be (addressing) this as we go."

Moving forward will be a team effort for Winona Health, just as navigating the pandemic was.

"I am so incredibly proud of the health care folks who stepped up and were very courageous through all of this," said Schultz. "And the community was, behind us and supporting us. I think everybody should really feel good about how we came together in a very challenging situation and did a really great job."

Allie Isaacson, Chippewa County Department of Public Health

When the pandemic began, the Chippewa County Department of Public Health immediately zeroed in on "flattening the curve" to help mitigate the spread and "reduce the consequences" of what proved to be a daunting, devastating virus. The team was hopeful, said Allie Isaacson, registered nurse and Community Health Division Manager, that disease could be contained, but "I think it quickly became evident that COVID-19 would have a prolonged and severe impact with an unknown duration."

Viruses, Isaacson said, mutate and evolve and it can be a few years before a disease decreases from pandemic status to endemic. On the way to reaching a manageable level of COVID  it has not yet been labeled endemic  more than 1.13 million deaths were recorded in the U.S. and hundreds of millions of hospitalizations.

"Our healthcare systems have definitely felt the strain on their capacity and resources over the past several years," said Isaacson.

The Health Department "experienced moments of 'relief' at different time points throughout the pandemic," Isaacson said, as the disease moved through phases. "Various factors contributed to declining cases and hospitalization rates, influencing the perception of relief from the pandemic."

The advancement of treatment options, the availability and "relative adoption" of clinic and at home COVID tests for those exposed or symptomatic and some degree of collective immunity, along with a better understanding of risk factors and effective mitigation measures, helped reign in the disease.

"I think the most significant contribution was when vaccines became available to all," Isaacson said. "Data continues to show that vaccines are protective against severe disease and death."

The world continues to experience the adverse effects of the pandemic, with Post-Acute COVID Syndrome causing prolonged and potentially debilitating symptoms and many struggling with their mental health following isolation, loss and a significant change to their lives.

"The pandemic significantly impacted mental health, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and providing access to mental health services and support systems during challenging times," said Isaacson. "Concurrently, individuals, communities and businesses demonstrated resilience and adaptability in unprecedented challenges."

The pandemic highlighted existing disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic conditions and marginalized communities, Isaacson noted, "Emphasizing the need for equitable and inclusive responses in future health crises." It also underscored the "critical need for robust public health systems and preparedness measures starting at the local level."

"Effective communication and coordinated responses are essential to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases," said Isaacson. "Moving forward, there is a need to better educate the community on the role and scope of public health actions. Public health does not intend to threaten personal liberties or community health but rather to build trust so every layer of the community feels engaged in public health's collective good."

Reflecting on the three-year roller coaster of crisis and calm, "Overall, the pandemic offered an opportunity to reflect, learn and make positive changes to build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable systems for the future," Isaacson said.
Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area is seeking volunteers to spend a Saturday helping a new neighbor.

A friends and family build for future homeowner Stephanie Whitman will be held Saturday, June 24, on 25th Street on La Crosses South Side.

Habitat requires homeowners to contribute 350 sweat equity hours before buying their house, either onsite or at the ReStore. Up to 100 of those hours can be donated by friends, family and community members.

Whitman has already spent many hours working on the 1940s building that she will soon call home, adding fresh paint and making other updates.

Participants in the build will get a first-hand look at the Habitat process and make a significant difference in the lives of Whitman and her sons, Donati and Dvontai.

I took a chance to try and change my boys life, Whitman said. They have grown up with me, they have gone through the good and the bad times with me. And I have fought so hard to maintain and succeed so that my kids can have a better life.

Habitat for Humanity selected Whitman for the program last fall.

After her 350 hours of sweat equity are complete, with the communitys help Whitman will purchase her home from Habitat using a 0% interest mortgage. Like all Habitat homeowners, she will pay property taxes and home insurance in full.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Canadas agricultural land is under increasing pressure to produce more food as demand grows domestically and internationally, while the industry grapples with limited resources and environmental constraints, a new report found.

We need to grow more food on less land and in a volatile climate, said Tyler McCann, managing director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

The report by the institute released Thursday looks at the pressures on Canadas agricultural land to produce more food while also mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change, said McCann.

Despite Canada being a big country, it doesnt have as much agricultural land as people might think, said McCann, with the report noting that agricultural land makes up only around seven per cent of the country.

Because of that, we cant take what we do have for granted, he said. We need to be really thoughtful about how we are using our agricultural land.

In 2020, Canada was the eighth largest country in terms of cropland area, the report said, with that cropland decreasing by seven per cent over the previous two decades.

Canada is a major producer and net exporter of agriculture and agri-food products, the report said, exporting $91 billion in products in 2022, and one of the top 10 exporters of wheat, canola, pulses, pork and beef.

In the coming years, Canada will face increased demand from countries whose populations are growing, the report said.

"With population growth on one side and climate change on the other, Canada will be amongst an increasingly smaller number of countries that is a net exporter, said McCann, noting that Canada's own population is growing, and farmland also needs to be protected against urban sprawl.

The wildfires clouding Canadian skies this week are a vivid reminder of the pressure that extreme weather and the changing climate are putting on the agricultural sector, said McCann.

We need to clearly mitigate ... agricultures impact on climate change. But we also need to make sure agriculture is adapting to climate changes impacts, he said.

One of the ways the world has responded to demand for increased agricultural production over time is to create more agricultural land, in some cases by cutting down forests, said McCann. But thats not a viable option for Canada, which doesnt have a lot of land that can be sustainably converted into farmland -- and even if it could, doing so could have a variety of adverse environmental effects, he said.

Some of the practices used to reduce emissions and sequester carbon in agriculture can also improve production output on existing farmland, the report found, such as precision agriculture and no-till practices.

However, intensifying the production of current agricultural land also comes with potential environmental downsides, the report said.

For example, McCann said fertilizer is an important part of sustainable agriculture, but theres a balance to be struck because excessive use of fertilizer can quickly turn food production unsustainable.

We need to be a lot more thoughtful about the inputs that were using, he said, adding the same can be said about the use of technology in agriculture and the policies and programs put in place to encourage sustainable intensification of Canadian agriculture.

The report recommends that Canada adopt policies that provide financial incentives and technical assistance to farmers and develop regulatory frameworks promoting sustainable land use, as well as promoting education and awareness campaigns, so that the country can ensure the long-term sustainability of its agricultural sector while protecting the environment.
Rescuers in Washington state are praising the resourcefulness of a 10-year-old girl who survived on her own for more than 24 hours in the rugged terrain of the Cascade mountains after getting lost while out with her family.

Shunghla Mashwani was at a gathering with her extended family in the Cle Elum River Valley on Sunday when she became separated from the group as they crossed a pedestrian bridge over the river to eat lunch near the Cathedral Pass Trailhead, the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. Kittitas County is about 85 miles east of Seattle.

The girl and her family arrived in the U.S. two years ago from Afghanistan and like to spend time in the high backcountry because it reminds them of home, the sheriffs office said.

Shunghla told her family and rescuers she found herself suddenly separated and alone when the family was travelling back toward the footbridge and couldnt find the bridge on her own, the sheriffs office said.

When the family noticed Shunghla hadnt crossed the bridge with them, about 20 adults in the group went back and started searching, the post said.

There is no cell service in the area and the family had been looking for Shunghla for about two hours when a passerby offered to call police from a satellite phone at their nearby cabin around 2 p.m.

Deputies, volunteer ground search teams and crews from nearby law enforcement agencies swarmed the area. Drones, helicopters and K9s were also brought in to help find Shunghla.

The sheriffs office had the girls father record a message of reassurance in their native language that was broadcast over the search area, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office told CNN. The message told Shunghla that there were people looking for her and trying to help.

The search area was steep, rugged, and remote, with dense trees and undergrowth cut through by the fast-running Cle Elum River, the sheriffs office said.

She was spotted around 3 p.m. Monday by two ground search volunteers about 1.5 miles south of where she was last seen, the sheriffs office said. She had only minor scrapes.

I was trying to go to sleep in the night and then wake up early in the morning, and then Ill find my dad and mom in the forest, Shunghla told CNN affiliate KING of her night in the wilderness.

She hiked downstream through the dense forest and spent the cold night between some trees. She said she knew it was the right thing to follow the river. She proved an extraordinarily resourceful and resilient 10-year-old, the sheriffs office said.

Rescuers loaded Shunghla into an inflatable rescue boat and brought her across the river to be reunited with her father.

Family travel 5: Ultimate hiking adventures Natchez Trace Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Babcock State Park, Cliftop, West Virginia The Kekekabic, Ely, Minnesota Sioux Charley Lake, Nye, Montana
The Kenosha County Sheriffs Department said it arrested a person Sunday afternoon who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of a 1-year-old Milwaukee girl.

The department said it performed a traffic stop of a vehicle containing the suspect near I-94/41 at Highway E before 3 p.m. Sunday.

The department said everyone in the vehicle was arrested without incident including the wanted person, but did not say how many people were arrested.

No names were released.

Kenosha County Sheriffs Department spokesperson Sgt. Colin Coultrip said the arrest was related to the shooting death of 1-year-old ZyAire Nevels in Milwaukee.

Nevels was shot inside a car at about 8 p.m. Saturday, reportedly during an argument between two adults. She was taken to Childrens Wisconsin Hospital, where she died.

Coultrip said the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department was working with Milwaukee law enforcement and had sent the suspect to Milwaukee.
Adam Fravel, ex-boyfriend of Madeline Kingsbury and biological father to Kingsburys two children, has been arrested for second-degree murder.

The 29-year old was placed under arrest on probable cause in connection to Kingsburys disappearance after a Fillmore County deputy found human remains Wednesday afternoon north of Mabel.

In a Facebook statement, the Winona Police Department said a body was found in some brush off Highway 43 and located using information generated during the Kingsbury investigation.

Members of the Winona Police Department, the Winona County Sheriffs Office, the Fillmore County Sheriffs Office, the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension - including agents and crime scene personnel, and the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Officer are working to positively identify the remains.

Fravel was arrested Wednesday and is being held in the Winona County Detention Center. No court appearances have been scheduled yet in the case. Law enforcement has asked community members to respect the familys privacy.

The Winona Police Department said it would provide updates as information becomes available and scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Winona City Council Chambers.

Kingsbury was last seen March 31 when she and Fravel took their two kids to daycare shortly after 8 a.m.

After returning to her Kerry Drive residence in Winona around 8:15 a.m., she did not show up to work at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, authorities said.
Human remains found Wednesday north of Mabel have been confirmed to be those of missing Winona woman Madeline Kingsbury.

Winona Police Chief Tom Williams broke the news at a press conference Thursday afternoon after the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office performed an autopsy in the morning.

The announcement was met with cries and tears in the audience.

Unfortunately, while this discovery is not what we were hoping for, were thankful to be able to bring Maddi home to her family, Williams said.

The faces of those who gathered in the crowd had somber, tearful frowns or resembled a stern and strong resilience as they received the news from law enforcement.

A Fillmore County Sheriffs Deputy found Kingsburys body off a low-maintenance public roadway while investigating a tip at about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The body was covered and concealed in a manner that she was not visible.

To say the least, the last 69 days have been frustrating, full of heartache and pain for the family, law enforcement, and the community, Williams said. But during this time, the family never gave up, law enforcement never gave up, the community never gave up.

Father arrested

Police said Adam Fravel, the father of Kingsburys two children, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday at a residence in Mabel and booked into the Winona County Detention Center.

We felt we had enough evidence to make a probable cause referral, Williams said.

Fravels family owns property near Mabel. Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge said the Fravel property is in the same area of Fillmore County and within several minutes of the bodys location.

Kingsburys body was concealed and found in a wooded area off the low maintenance road.

We are grateful to help bring the search for Madeline to a close, DeGeorge said.

The location where Kingsburys body was found had previously been searched by law enforcement and volunteer teams.

Special Agent Michelle Frascone, of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said over 450 tips were sent in and considered over the course of the search.

Every homicide agent throughout the state has helped investigate this case, Frascone said.

Digital evidence, including phone and computer data, was instrumental in finding Kingsburys body, Williams said.

At Thursday afternoons press conference, law enforcement did not answer questions about pending charges against Fravel and said theyll be discussed at a later date.

Missing 2 months

Kingsbury was last seen March 31 when she and Fravel took their two kids to daycare shortly after 8 a.m.

After returning to Kerry Drive residence in Winona around 8:15 a.m., she did not show up to work at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, authorities said.

Just over a week after Kingsburys disappearance, large-scale searches were organized in Winona and Rushford with about 2,600 volunteers turning up in two days.

Previously, Fravel has said he had nothing to do with Kingsburys disappearance. On April 4, Kingsburys children were located at Fravels parents house in Mabel when law enforcement and social workers enacted a 72-hour hold on the children.

The children, ages 5 and 2, have been in custody of Winona County Health and Human Services and, as recently as Monday, Fravel and Kingsburys parents reached an agreement in the Children in Need of Protection or Services case. The children will remain with their grandparents while the custody case plays out in family court.

The Winona County Attorney, Karin Sonneman, hired an additional attorney in May to aid her office in its work related to Kingsburys disappearance.

Many community members in Winona, and across the state, have stood in solidarity for Kingsbury since she was last seen March 31.

In early May, around 300 community members gathered in prayer for a candle-lit vigil in Winona for Kingsbury. And on what would have been Kingsburys June 1 birthday, many Winona residents had blue lights shining from their homes for Kingsbury.
After almost 12 years of service to the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools, Shelley Milek will step down as executive director, effective Aug. 31. Milek will pass the baton to current Foundation for WAPS board president and retired educator Luke Merchlewitz, who will serve as interim executive director effective Sept. 1.

Under Mileks leadership, over 100 funds were created and numerous scholarships were awarded to fulfill the foundations mission of enriching and expanding educational opportunities at Winona Area Public Schools.

While working alongside community volunteers and business partners, Milek helped to establish new programs and grant opportunities, leaving a legacy that will last for years to come. The Foundation for WAPS board of directors would like to thank Milek for her leadership and dedication.

Merchlewitz is completing his 40th year in education, with 36 years dedicated to Washington-Kosciusko Elementary School as an elementary teacher. His wife, Brenda, also experienced a lengthy and respectful teaching career with WAPS. Merchlewitz and his children are proud Winona Senior High School alumni. He has been involved and dedicated to the foundation since joining the board in 2011.

The Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools is an independent, nonprofit, 5013 organization established in 1991 and funded entirely by community and business supporters of education in Winona. The Leave a Legacy program allows donors to support the foundations mission by honoring a program or individual. To create your legacy and help pass the baton by making a donation in honor of Milek or Merchlewitz, visit FoundationWAPS.org or contact the foundation at Support@FoundationWAPS.org or 507-494-1004.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Lewiston Wastewater Treatment Plant has been discharging higher levels of chloride than is permissible.

MPCA states that high levels of chloride that is discharged into our streams from sewer effluents harms fish, insects and plant life. MPCA states there are multiple sources that contribute to chloride in sewer effluents with in-home water softeners being the greatest source. MPCA did not directly state that this caused the Rush Creek fish kill but did acknowledge that Lewiston sewer effluents is discharged into Rush Creek.

For the past several years, environmentalists have lashed out at farmers, especially factory farmers about any environmental issues. They vehemently shout out from their orifice between their cheeks without facts and proof that anything and everything is the fault of the modern farmer.

Since the majority of the environmentalist live in cities with wastewater plants that discharge sewer affluents into our streams, I find it very ironic that this environmental issue may have been caused by their other orifice between their other cheeks.

Dean Nuszloch

Utica
CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1-7. More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, with 70% happening in homes. About 40 people each hour have a cardiac arrest while not in a hospital, and 9 of 10 do not survive.

CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double, or triple a cardiac arrest victims chance of survival. If you ever need to give CPR in an emergency, you will likely be trying to save the life of someone you care about: a spouse, parent, child, friend, colleague, or neighbor.

In one minute, you can learn the two simple steps of hands-only CPR. Most people say they feel helpless to act because they do not know how to administer CPR, or it has been too long since they learned.

The truth is, when you see a teen or an adult collapse, it only takes two steps to save a life:

1. Call 911.

2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, to the beat of the disco classic, Stayin Alive. The 120 beats per minute are the perfect rhythm for chest compressions.

If you want to learn and practice hands-only CPR, I am providing free training in person at 9 a.m. and again at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24 at Winona Health, 855 Mankato Ave., Winona.

I have manikins, an AED trainer, disco music, and I promise you some fun. RSVP to reserve your spot at www.winonahealth.org/cpr.

Helen Bagshaw

Winona
Milwaukee-based traveling theatre company Summit Players Theatre is returning to live, outdoor performances and will be performing Shakespeares 'Macbeth' from June 9 to Aug. 19 in 22 different Wisconsin State Parks.

All performances will be free and preceded by a 45-minute educational workshop.

Locally, the company will offer its workshop and performance at Richard Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Rd. at Brighton in Kenosha County, on Friday, June 9. This is the eighth time the company has started its tour at Richard Bong. The workshop will be at 5:30 p.m., and the show will be at 7 p.m.

"We're bringing something a little different to the parks for our eighth tour," stated Executive Director A.J. Magoon, a founding member of the organization. "Rest assured  our 'Macbeth' will be spooky, but not scary. Were committed to making all of our plays accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the family  get ready for plenty of action and fun alongside the drama.

Each 'Macbeth' show will be 75 minutes long and completely free, in accordance with the companys mission of creating Shakespeare anyone can afford, attend and understand. Through a collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Summit Players are also able to introduce audiences around the state to their local parks.

The groups educational workshop, Inside Shakespeare's Story: Macbeth is new this year and offered before every show. The workshop may help kids and parents alleviate concerns about "Macbeths" more serious or tragic aspects. It serves as a way for kids and fun adults to get comfortable with the play, Shakespeares language and the way nature played into his works. Participants take part in Shakespeare games and exercises culminating in performing a short scene.

This year, the Summit Players team boasts two new members  actor Matthew Torkilsen, who will also serve as a teaching artist for the company, as well as Tour Manager Natasha Goeller.

"The workshop is a great way to learn about the play and how plays like this can still be exciting and interesting, even if theyre more serious," said Caroline Norton, education director and six-year alumna of the company's tours. "Plus, the workshop content changes and the play changes, which means that people who have seen our shows for years will enjoy everything just as much as people who have never seen us before.

Summit Players Theatres 2023 season is supported in part by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Wisconsin Humanities, with funds from the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities.